# EDGAR Filing Document

**Accession Number:** 0001629019
**File Stem:** 0001104659-26-021549
**Filing Date:** 2026-2
**Character Count:** 608716
**Document Hash:** 74889fe7142da9098c7b831fd0f637a7
**Contains OCR:** False
**Source Format:** 

## Filing Content

## Filing Summary
**0001104659-26-021549.hdr.sgml**: 20260227

**ACCESSION NUMBER**: 0001104659-26-021549

**CONFORMED SUBMISSION TYPE**: 10-K

**PUBLIC DOCUMENT COUNT**: 154

**CONFORMED PERIOD OF REPORT**: 20251231

**FILED AS OF DATE**: 20260227

**DATE AS OF CHANGE**: 20260227

**FILER**: 

**COMPANY DATA:**
- **COMPANY CONFORMED NAME:** Merchants Bancorp
- **CENTRAL INDEX KEY:** 0001629019
- **STANDARD INDUSTRIAL CLASSIFICATION:** STATE COMMERCIAL BANKS [6022]
- **ORGANIZATION NAME:** 02 Finance
- **EIN:** 205747400
- **STATE OF INCORPORATION:** IN
- **FISCAL YEAR END:** 1231

**FILING VALUES:**
- **FORM TYPE:** 10-K
- **SEC ACT:** 1934 Act
- **SEC FILE NUMBER:** 001-38258
- **FILM NUMBER:** 26699721

**BUSINESS ADDRESS:**
- **STREET 1:** 410 MONON BLVD
- **CITY:** CARMEL
- **STATE:** IN
- **ZIP:** 46032
- **BUSINESS PHONE:** 3175697420

**MAIL ADDRESS:**
- **STREET 1:** 410 MONON BLVD
- **CITY:** CARMEL
- **STATE:** IN
- **ZIP:** 46032

?xml version='1.0' encoding='ASCII'? MERCHANTS BANCORP_December 31, 2025

[**Table of Contents**](#TOC)

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**UNITED STATES**

**SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION**

**Washington, D.C. 20549**

**FORM 10-K**

**[Mark One]**

**☒ ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934**

**For the fiscal year ended December 31, 2025**

**OR**

**☐ TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934**

**For the transition period from _______ to _______**

**Commission file number 001-38258**

**MERCHANTS BANCORP**

(Exact name of Registrant as specified in its charter)

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| | |
|:---|:---|
| **INDIANA** | **20-5747400** |
| (State or other jurisdiction of | (I.R.S. Employer |
| incorporation or organization) | Identification No.) |

---

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| | |
|:---|:---|
| **410 Monon Blvd. Carmel, Indiana** | **46032** |
| (Address of principal executive offices) | (Zip Code) |

---

Registrant's telephone number, including area code: **(317) 569-7420**

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:

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| | | |
|:---|:---|:---|
| Title of each class | Trading Symbol(s) | Name of each exchange on which registered |
| Common Stock, without par value<br>Depositary Shares, each representing a 1/40th interest in a share of Series C Preferred Stock, without par value | MBIN<br>MBINN | NASDAQ<br> NASDAQ |
| Depositary Shares, each representing a 1/40th interest in a share of Series D Preferred Stock, without par value | MBINM | NASDAQ |
| Depositary Shares, each representing a 1/40th interest in a share of Series E Preferred Stock, without par value<br>| MBINL | NASDAQ |

---

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act: **None**

Indicate by check mark if the registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act. Yes ◻ No ⌧

Indicate by check mark if the registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or Section 15(d) of the Act. Yes ◻ No ⌧

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant: (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports) and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days. Yes ⌧ No ◻

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§ 232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit such files). Yes ⌧ No ◻

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, a smaller reporting company, or an emerging growth company. See the definitions of "large accelerated filer," "accelerated filer," "smaller reporting company," or "emerging growth company" in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act. (Check one):

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| | |
|:---|:---|
| Large accelerated filer ⌧ | Smaller reporting company ☐ |
| Accelerated filer ◻ | Emerging growth company ☐ |
| Non-accelerated filer ◻ |  |

---

If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act. ☐

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has filed a report on and attestation to its management's assessment of the effectiveness of its internal control over financial reporting under Section 404(b) of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act (15 U.S.C. 7262(b)) by the registered public accounting firm that prepared or issued its audit report. **☒**

If securities are registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act, indicate by check mark whether the financial statements of the registrant included in the filing reflect the correction of an error to previously issued financial statements. ☐

Indicate by check mark whether any of those error corrections are restatements that required a recovery analysis of incentive-based compensation received by any of the registrant's executive officers during the relevant recovery period pursuant to §240.10D-1(b). ☐

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Act). Yes ☐ No ⌧

At June 30, 2025, the aggregate market value of the voting and non-voting common equity held by non-affiliates of the registrant (assuming solely for the purposes of this calculation that all Directors and executive officers of the registrant are "affiliates") was $990.6 million.

As of February 18, 2026, the Registrant had 45,962,065 shares of Common Stock outstanding.

**DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE** 

Portions of the Registrant's proxy statement, for its 2026 annual meeting of shareholders to be held May 21, 2026, to be filed within 120 days after December 31, 2025, are incorporated by reference into Part III of this Form 10-K.

------

[**Table of Contents**](#TOC)

#### MERCHANTS BANCORP
**Annual Report on Form 10-K**

**For Year Ended December 31, 2025**

**Table of Contents**

---

| | | |
|:---|:---|:---|
| [**PART I**](#PARTI_932048) |  |  |
| [Item 1](#Item_1_Business). | [Business](#Item_1_Business) | 6 |
| [Item 1A.](#Item1ARiskFactors_625233) | [Risk Factors](#Item1ARiskFactors_625233) | 20 |
| [Item 1B.](#Item1BUnresolvedStaffComments_638546) | [Unresolved Staff Comments](#Item1BUnresolvedStaffComments_638546) | 34 |
| [Item 1C.](#Item1Ccybersecurity) | [Cybersecurity](#Item1Ccybersecurity) | 34 |
| [Item 2.](#Item2Properties_83533) | [Properties](#Item2Properties_83533) | 36 |
| [Item 3](#Item_3_Legal_Proceedings). | [Legal Proceedings](#Item_3_Legal_Proceedings) | 36 |
| [Item 4.](#Item4MineSafetyDisclosures_789469) | [Mine Safety Disclosures](#Item4MineSafetyDisclosures_789469) | 36 |
| [**PART II**](#PARTII_593883) |  |  |
| [Item 5.](#Item5MarketforRegistrantsCommonEquity_72) | [Market for Registrant's Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities](#Item5MarketforRegistrantsCommonEquity_72) | 37 |
| [Item 6.](#Item6SelectedFinancialData_406303) | [\[Reserved\]](#Item6SelectedFinancialData_406303) | 38 |
| [Item 7.](#Item7ManagementsDiscussionandAnalysisofF) | [Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations](#Item7ManagementsDiscussionandAnalysisofF) | 39 |
| [Item 7A.](#Item7AQuantitativeandQualitativeDisclosu) | [Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk](#Item7AQuantitativeandQualitativeDisclosu) | 69 |
| [Item 8.](#Item8FinancialStaementsandSupplementaryD) | [Financial Statements and Supplementary Data](#Item8FinancialStaementsandSupplementaryD) | 72 |
| [Item 9.](#Item9ChangesinandDisagreementsWithAccoun) | [Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure](#Item9ChangesinandDisagreementsWithAccoun) | 142 |
| [Item 9A](#Item9AControlsandProcedures). | [Controls and Procedures](#Item9AControlsandProcedures) | 142 |
| [Item 9B.](#Item9BOtherInformation_911919) | [Other Information](#Item9BOtherInformation_911919) | 144 |
| <br>[Item 9C.](#Item9ChangesinandDisagreementsWithAccoun) | [Disclosure Regarding Foreign Jurisdictions that Prevent Inspections](#Item9ChangesinandDisagreementsWithAccoun) | 144 |
| [**PART III**](#PARTIII_881890) |  |  |
| [Item 10.](#Item10DirectorsExecutiveOfficersandCorpo) | [Directors, Executive Officers, and Corporate Governance](#Item10DirectorsExecutiveOfficersandCorpo) | 145 |
| [Item 11.](#Item11ExecutiveCompensation_153002) | [Executive Compensation](#Item11ExecutiveCompensation_153002) | 145 |
| [Item 12.](#Item12SecurityOwnershipofCertainBenefici) | [Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stockholder Matters](#Item12SecurityOwnershipofCertainBenefici) | 145 |
| [Item 13.](#Item13CertainRelationshipsandRelatedTran) | [Certain Relationships and Related Transactions, and Director Independence](#Item13CertainRelationshipsandRelatedTran) | 145 |
| [Item 14.](#Item14PrincipalAccountingFeesandServices) | [Principal Accountant Fees and Services](#Item14PrincipalAccountingFeesandServices) | 145 |
| [**PART IV**](#PARTIV_98003) |  |  |
| [Item 15.](#Item15Exhibits) | [Exhibits, Financial Statement Schedules](#Item15Exhibits) | 146 |
| [Item 16.](#Item16Form10KSummary) | [Form 10-K Summary](#Item16Form10KSummary) | 147 |
| <br>[SIGNATURES](#SIGNATURES_97203) | <br>[SIGNATURES](#SIGNATURES_97203) | 148 |

---

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#### Glossary of Defined Terms
As used in this report, references to "Merchants" "the Company," "we," "our," "us," and similar terms refer to the consolidated entity consisting of Merchants Bancorp and its wholly owned subsidiaries. Merchants Bancorp refers solely to the parent holding company, and Merchants Bank refers to Merchants Bancorp's bank subsidiary, Merchants Bank of Indiana.

The acronyms and abbreviations identified below are used throughout this report, including the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

ACL: allowance for credit losses

ACL-Guarantees: allowance for credit losses on guarantees

ACL-Loans: allowance for credit losses on loans

ACL-OBCE: allowance for credit losses on off-balance sheet credit exposures

AFX: American Financial Exchange

Agency: government sponsored entities, including Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac, Ginnie Mae, FHLB, and FCB

ALCO: Asset-Liability Committee

AI: Artificial Intelligence

AOCL: accumulated other comprehensive loss

ARM: adjustable-rate mortgage

ASC: FASB's Accounting Standards Codification

ASU: FASB Accounting Standards Update

BHC: bank holding company

BHC Act: Bank Holding Company Act of 1956

Board: Board of Directors of Merchants Bancorp

BSA: Bank Secrecy Act

CBLR: community bank leverage ratio

CCO: Chief Credit Officer

COO: Chief Operating Officer

CDS: Credit Default Swap

CFPB: Consumer Financial Protection Bureau

CECL: FASB Accounting Standards Update (ASU) No. 2016-13, Financial Instruments - Credit Losses (Topic 326): Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial Instruments adopted by the Corporation on January 1, 2022, as amended

CISSP: Certified Information Systems Security Professional

CMT: constant maturity rate

CODM: chief operating decision maker

CRA: Community Reinvestment Act

DIF: Deposit Insurance Fund

Dodd-Frank Act: Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act

DRR: Designated Reserve Ratio

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ESG: Environment, Social, and Governance

ESOP: Employee Stock Ownership Plan

Farmer Mac: Federal Agricultural Mortgage Corporation

Fannie Mae: Federal National Mortgage Association

FASB: Financial Accounting Standards Board

FCB: Federal Farm Credit Bank

FDIC: Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation

FDICIA: Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation Improvement Act of 1991

Federal Reserve: Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System

FHA: Federal Housing Authority

FHLB: Federal Home Loan Bank

FinCEN: Financial Crimes Enforcement Network

FMBI: Farmers-Merchants Bank of Illinois, a wholly owned subsidiary of Merchants Bancorp until all branches were sold and the charter collapsed into Merchants Bank in January 2024

Freddie Mac: Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation

GAAP: United States generally accepted accounting principles

GIAC: Global Information Assurance Certifications

Ginnie Mae: Government National Mortgage Association

GSE: government sponsored entities, including Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac

GSE Patch: a loan eligible for purchase by Fannie Mae or Freddie Mac while they operate under federal conservatorship or receivership

HELOC: home equity line of credit

HUD: Department of Housing and Urban Development

IDFI: Indiana Department of Financial Institutions

IDFPR: Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation

ISC2: International Information System Security Certification Consortium

ISP: Information Security Program

IT: information technology

LIHTC: low-income housing tax credits

LLC: limited liability companies

MBA: Mortgage Bankers Association

MCC: Merchants Capital Corporation, a wholly owned subsidiary of Merchants Bank

MCI: Merchants Capital Investments, LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Merchants Bank

MCS: Merchants Capital Servicing, LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Merchants Bank

Merchants Bank: Merchants Bank of Indiana

MIP: Merchants Investment Partners, LLC, formerly known as Merchants Asset Management, LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Merchants Bancorp

MOU: Memorandum of Understanding

N/A: not applicable

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NASDAQ: NASDAQ Capital Market

OCC: Office of the Comptroller of the Currency

Patriot Act: Uniting and Strengthening America by Providing Appropriate Tools Required to Intercept and Obstruct Terrorism Act of 2001

PCAOB: Public Company Accounting Oversight Board

REMIC: real estate mortgage investment conduit

ROU: right of use

SBA: Small Business Administration

SEC: Securities and Exchange Commission

SOFR: Secured Overnight Financing Rate

SPE: special purpose entity

Treasury: US Department of the Treasury

USDA: United States Department of Agriculture

VA: Veterans Affairs

VIE: variable interest entity

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*Information included in or incorporated by reference in this Annual Report on Form 10-K, our other filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, and our press releases or other public statements, contain or may contain "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Please refer to a discussion of our forward-looking statements and associated risks in Item 1, "Special Note Regarding Forward-Looking statements" and our discussion of risk factors in Item 1A, "Risk Factors" in this Annual Report on Form 10-K.*

**PART I**

**Item 1. Business.**

**Company Overview** 

Merchants Bancorp (the "Company," "Merchants," "we," "our," or "us"), an Indiana corporation formed in 2006, is a diversified bank holding company headquartered in Carmel, Indiana and registered under the Bank Holding Company Act of 1956, as amended. We currently operate in multiple business segments, including Multi-family Mortgage Banking that offers multi-family housing and healthcare facility financing and servicing (through this segment we also serve as a syndicator of low-income housing tax credit and debt funds); Mortgage Warehousing that offers mortgage warehouse financing, commercial loans, and deposit services; and Banking that offers portfolio lending for multi-family and healthcare facility loans, retail and correspondent residential mortgage banking, agricultural lending, SBA lending, and traditional community banking. As of December 31, 2025, we had $19.4 billion in assets, $13.0 billion of deposits and $2.3 billion of shareholders' equity.

We were founded in 1990 as a mortgage banking company, providing financing for multi-family housing and senior living properties. The shared vision of our founders, Michael Petrie and Randall Rogers, was to create a diversified financial services company, which efficiently operates both nationally through mortgage banking and related services, and locally through a community bank. We have primarily grown organically and strategically built our business model in a way that we believe offers insulation from cyclical economic and credit swings and provides synergies across our lines of business.

Merchants Bank, our wholly owned banking subsidiary, operates under an Indiana charter and provides national and traditional community banking services, as well as portfolio lending for multi-family and healthcare facility loans, retail and correspondent residential mortgage banking, warehouse lending, SBA lending, and agricultural lending. Merchants Bank has seven depository branches located in Carmel, Indianapolis, Lynn, Spartanburg, and Richmond, Indiana.

Our business consists primarily of funding fixed rate, low risk loans meeting underwriting standards of government programs, under an originate-to-sell model, while retaining adjustable-rate loans as held for investment to reduce interest rate risk. Loans are funded primarily from mortgage custodial, municipal, retail, commercial, and brokered deposits, as well as short-term borrowings. The gain on sale of loans and servicing fees generated from the multi-family rental real estate, residential, and SBA loans, as well as fees and fair market value adjustments to servicing related assets, contribute to noninterest income. Tax syndication and asset management fees have also become a growing source of noninterest income. We believe that the combination of net interest income based on short duration assets and liabilities and noninterest income from the sale of low risk profile assets has traditionally resulted in lower than industry charge-offs and a lower expense base, which serves to maximize net income and higher than industry shareholder return.

**Our Business Segments** 

We have several lines of business and provide various banking and financial services through our subsidiaries. Our business segments are defined as Multi-family Mortgage Banking, Mortgage Warehousing, and Banking.

***Multi-family Mortgage Banking***

MCC and MCS, subsidiaries of Merchants Bank, are primarily engaged in mortgage banking, specializing in originating and servicing loans for affordable multi-family rental housing and healthcare facility financing. Our mortgage servicing portfolio consists primarily of Merchants Bank's balance sheet loans, referred to as bridge financing, FHA loans, and affordable Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac loans. Our origination platform and servicing portfolio are

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significant sources of our noninterest income and deposits. Other originations are referred to the Banking segment, including bridge financing products to refinance, acquire, or reposition multi-family housing projects, as well as construction lending for market rate and affordable housing developments, and financing of need-based healthcare facilities. The originations referred to the Banking segment can represent a significant portion of the Multi-family Mortgage Banking total origination volume.

Consistently one of the top ranked agency affordable lenders in the nation, our licenses with FHA, Fannie Mae, and Freddie Mac, coupled with our bank financing products, and tax credit syndication platform, provide sponsors custom beginning-to-end financing solutions that adapt to an ever-changing market. We are also an approved USDA Rural Housing 538 lender. This cost-effective, reliable funding source for borrowers is a powerful tool in expanding the availability of affordable housing in rural markets that often have the greatest need. We also offer customized loan products for need-based skilled nursing facilities, including independent living, assisted living, and memory care. A variety of loan products are available to accommodate acquisition, rehabilitation, and refinancing of healthcare properties throughout the country. These loans are underwritten with the intent to convert to FHA permanent loans within three years.

In addition to the loans originated directly through our Multi-family Mortgage Banking segment, we also fund loans brought to us by non-affiliated entities and service or sub-service loans for a fee.

MCC is also a fully integrated tax credit equity syndicator. Our syndication platform, paired with our comprehensive suite of debt offerings, allows us to deliver financing on all aspects of affordable housing transactions. The tax credit equity team specializes in tax-advantaged affordable housing projects with Section 42 LIHTC, Historic Rehabilitation Tax Credits, and State tax credits. The investors in MCC's syndicated funds are institutional investors comprised of banks, insurance companies, and large publicly traded corporations. All funds are underwritten and serviced in-house.

Additionally, through MIP, we serve as a registered investment advisor that deploys third party investor capital into high quality assets originated by MCC. These debt investment vehicles exist to serve a global institutional investor base – including university endowments, private charitable foundations, pensions, insurance companies and sovereign wealth funds. MIP, operating as a subsidiary but with its own distinct investment criteria, ultimately supports the mission of MCC by creating additional lending capacity and competitive loan terms for clients. MIP also serves as a facilitator of various capital markets transactions to optimize our capital position and manage our balance sheet through credit risk transfer vehicles and securitizations.

Through the Multi-family Mortgage Banking segment, many of our fixed rate originated loans are sold to government agencies as mortgage-backed securities within approximately 30 days. As these loans are sold, servicing rights are traditionally retained. MCC is one of the largest government agency servicers in the country based on aggregate loan principal balance. Our capital markets team also has expertise in facilitating larger scale securitization initiatives, both privately and with government agencies, to successfully manage our capital efficiency, maximize liquidity, and minimize credit risk on our balance sheet.

One of the segment's primary sources of funding is the national secondary mortgage market of federally chartered agencies and the federal government. Another primary source of funding is our Banking segment. Investors in the secondary market are primarily large financial institutions, brokerage companies, insurance companies, real estate investment trusts, private equity, and debt funds. These programs facilitate secondary market activities in order to provide funding for the multi-family mortgage market.

***Mortgage Warehousing***

We started the warehouse lending business in 2009 because of dislocation in the market. Merchants Bank currently has warehouse repurchase agreements, loan participations, operating lines of credit collateralized by servicing rights, and custodial deposits with some of the largest Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac Seller/Servicers as well as Ginnie Mae Issuer/Servicers in the country. In addition, it provides financing to small to medium sized independent mortgage bankers engaged primarily in the origination of Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac, FHA and VA eligible loans. Merchants is one of the largest warehouse lenders in the country.

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Our Mortgage Warehousing segment provides asset-based financing in the form of warehouse facilities to eligible non-depository financial institutions and mortgage bankers, which enables them to fund and inventory residential and multi-family mortgage loans until they are sold and purchased in the secondary market by an approved investor. The warehouse financing facilities are secured by residential and multi-family mortgage loans underwritten to standards approved by Merchants Bank and those established by Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac, FHA and VA.

Mortgage Warehousing funded $66.3 billion of loan principal in 2025, $45.6 billion in 2024, and $33.0 billion in 2023. The primary source of liquidity is provided by custodial and corporate deposits of its customers.

***Banking***

The Banking segment includes retail banking, commercial lending, agricultural lending, retail and correspondent residential mortgage banking, and SBA lending. Retail banking operates primarily in central Indiana and Richmond but has grown its national footprint through online and mobile banking. Our correspondent mortgage banking business, like Multi-family Mortgage Banking and Mortgage Warehousing, is a national business. Our SBA lending is currently a regional business with offices in four states. The Banking segment has a well-diversified customer and borrower base and has experienced significant growth over the past three years.

*Commercial Lending and Retail Banking*

Merchants Bank holds loans in its portfolio comprised of multi-family and healthcare bridge loans and multi-family construction loans referred to it by MCC, owner occupied commercial real estate loans, commercial and industrial loans, agricultural loans, residential mortgage loans and consumer loans. Merchants Bank receives deposits from customers located primarily in Hamilton, Marion, Randolph and surrounding counties in Indiana and from the escrows generated by the servicing activities of MCC and MCS. Until its branches were sold in January 2024, FMBI received deposits from and made loans to customers located through multiple branches in Illinois.

*Agricultural Lending*

Merchants Bank's Lynn and Richmond, Indiana offices primarily offer agricultural loans within its designated CRA assessment area of Randolph and Wayne counties in Eastern Indiana and nearby Darke County, Ohio. The Company expanded its agricultural business in 2024 with the addition of an office in Carmel, Indiana. Merchants Bank offers operating lines of credit for crop and livestock production, intermediate term financing to purchase agricultural equipment and breeding livestock and long-term financing to purchase agricultural real estate. Merchants Bank is approved to sell agricultural loans in the secondary market through Farmer Mac and uses this relationship to manage interest rate risk within the agricultural loan portfolio. Merchants Bank is also a Certified Preferred Lender with the Farm Service Agency, allowing us to offer lower risk loans for the agriculture loan portfolio.

*Single-Family Mortgage Lending, Correspondent Lending and Servicing*

Merchants Mortgage is the branded division of Merchants Bank that is a single-family mortgage origination and servicing platform. Merchants Mortgage is both a retail and correspondent mortgage lender. Merchants Mortgage is an approved originator of FHA, VA, and USDA loans and an approved Seller/Servicer by Ginnie Mae, Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, as well as a Fitch rated servicer. Merchants Mortgage offers agency eligible, jumbo fixed and hybrid adjustable-rate mortgages for purchase or refinancing of single-family residences. Other products include construction, bridge and lot financing, and first-lien HELOC. Loans held for sale generate revenues from fees charged to borrowers, interest income during the warehouse period, gain on sale of loans to investors, and servicing fee income. There are multiple investor outlets, including direct sale capability to Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac, FHLB, and other third-party investors to allow Merchants Mortgage a best execution at sale. Merchants Mortgage also originates loans held for investment and earns interest income over the life of the loan.

*SBA Lending*

Merchants Bank participates in the SBA's 7(a), 504 and Express programs to meet the needs of our small business communities and help diversify our retail revenue stream. Merchants Bank has Preferred Lender Program status, the SBA's highest level of approval that a lender can hold. This designation provides us delegated loan approval,

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closing and servicing authority that enables loan decisions to be made more rapidly. The Company has originators located in Illinois, Indiana, Ohio, and Texas to help serve small business owners in and around these states.

***Strategy for Complementary Segments***

Our segments diversify the net income of Merchants Bank and provide synergies across the segments. Strategic opportunities come from MCC and MCS, where loans are funded by the Banking segment and the Banking segment provides Ginnie Mae custodial services to MCC and MCS. LIHTC syndication and debt fund offerings complement the lending activities of new and existing multi-family mortgage customers. The securities available for sale and held to maturity funded by MCC custodial deposits or purchases of securitized loans originated by MCC are pledged to FHLB to provide advance capacity during periods of high residential loan volume for Mortgage Warehousing. Mortgage Warehousing provides leads to Correspondent Lending in the Banking segment. Retail and commercial customers provide cross selling opportunities within the Banking segment. Merchants Mortgage is a risk mitigant to Mortgage Warehousing because it provides us with a ready platform to sell the underlying collateral to secure repayment. These and other synergies form a part of our strategic plan.

See *Item 7:* "*Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations - Operating Segment Analysis for the years ended December 31, 2025 and 2024"* and *Note 23: Segment Information* for further information about our segments. 

**Competition**

We compete in several areas, including commercial and retail banking, SBA, residential mortgages, warehouse lending, and multi-family FHA, Fannie Mae, and Freddie Mac affordable loan originations in the multi-family and healthcare sectors. These industries are highly competitive, and the Company faces strong direct competition for deposits, loans, loan originations, and other financial-related services. We compete with other non-depository financial institutions and community banks, thrifts and credit unions. Although some of these competitors are situated locally, others have statewide or regional presence. In addition, we compete with large banks and other financial intermediaries, such as consumer finance companies, brokerage firms, mortgage banking companies, business leasing and finance companies, insurance companies, multi-family loan origination businesses, securities firms, mutual funds and certain government agencies as well as major retailers, all actively engaged in providing various types of loans and other financial services. Additionally, we face growing competition from online businesses with few or no physical locations, including online banks, lenders and consumer and commercial lending platforms, as well as automated retirement and investment service providers. We believe that the range and quality of products that we offer, the knowledge of our personnel, and our emphasis on building long-lasting relationships, along with our diversified business model, sets us apart from our competitors.

**Human Capital**

As of December 31, 2025, we had approximately 735 employees located in multiple states, including 424 employees in central Indiana. None of our employees are represented by any collective bargaining unit or are parties to a collective bargaining agreement.

We regularly solicit feedback from our employees to gain a better understanding of why they may enjoy working at Merchants and what areas of improvement there may be. Feedback from such surveys is reviewed by senior management, including our Chief Executive Officer and the leader of each of our business units, and is generally used to develop ways in which our employees' experiences can be improved and/or work can become more efficient. We believe that our relations with employees are positive. For example, we were named to the list of "Best Places to Work in Indiana" by the Indiana Chamber of Commerce every year from 2016 to 2022, Top Workplaces USA in 2024-2026, and were named as a "Top Workplace" by *The Indianapolis Star* in 2023 to 2026. Our employee turnover rate in 2025 was only 8%. Additionally, in order to reward employees for their contributions towards our success and to help ensure that our employees are more aligned with our shareholders, in 2020 we established an ESOP. Under the ESOP, from time to time we may make a contribution of newly issued shares of our common stock or cash to purchase shares of our common stock, which is then allocated to eligible employees. The ESOP contribution is completely funded by the Company and is in addition to all other wages, incentives, and benefits, and requires nothing from our employees other than their ongoing hard work and dedication. We make a discretionary contribution equal to 3% of an employee's

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eligible compensation under our 401(k) plan each pay period regardless of whether such employee also contributed. Our contribution is in the form of cash and is invested according to the employee's current investment allocation.

Additionally, while the health and safety of our employees is always the highest priority, we continuously evaluate our efforts, and we make changes or accommodations to help ensure employees remain healthy, safe, and productive.

**ESG Activities**

As a mission-driven company committed to incorporating ESG into its business framework, we manage with a strong focus on sustainable, long-term growth and value creation. We believe our ESG approach underscores this commitment and provides tangible benefits for our customers, employees, and shareholders.

As one of the largest GSE multi-family lenders in the country, a significant portion of our business has been centered on supporting the financing needs of affordable housing projects as well as need-based skilled nursing for seniors and related healthcare facilities.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; To further demonstrate our ESG commitment to sustainable cities and communities, Merchants Bank has acquired private equity interests in affordable housing projects that generate low-income housing tax credits through its tax credit equity funds. The affordable housing projects target low-income individuals. MCC has a commitment to environmental and social risk mitigation, disclosures around project selection and evaluation, management of proceeds, and reporting on allocation and impact metrics. In 2022, the Company received a second-party opinion from Sustainalytics stating that our ESG focused Tax Credit Equity Fund framework is credible, impactful and will deliver overall positive social impacts.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; A foundation of our culture is our approach to employee engagement. We embrace inclusion and opportunity ("IO") initiatives, which we believe fosters creativity, innovation and thought leadership through the infusion of new ideas and perspectives. Our commitment to IO also led to the creation of an employee level committee focused on IO and our hiring of an individual who leads our IO efforts, including chairing such committee. Some activities that have been launched include regular educational events for all employees and an open forum for IO topics of discussion. We are committed to providing opportunities to all of our employees, such as career advancement, and equipping our employees, including through education and training, to seize upon those opportunities. We also have highly engaged leadership in our Board that is made up of diverse members and demonstrates our dedication to this area of focus in our company.

**Corporate Information**

Our principal executive offices are located at 410 Monon Blvd., Carmel, Indiana 46032, and our telephone number at that address is (317) 569-7420. Through our website at www.bankmerchants.com under "Investors," we make available, free of charge, our annual reports on Form 10-K, quarterly reports on Form 10-Q, current reports on Form 8-K, and amendments to those reports filed or furnished pursuant to Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the "Exchange Act"), as well as proxy statements, as soon as reasonably practicable after we electronically file such material with, or furnish it to, the SEC. Those filings can also be obtained on the SEC's website at www.sec.gov. Additionally, from time to time we may post other press releases, news, investor presentations and stories regarding our business on the News and Presentation sections of our website's Investor page. The information contained on our website is not a part of, or incorporated by reference into, this report.

**SUPERVISION AND REGULATION**

**General**

Insured banks, their holding companies and their affiliates are extensively regulated under federal and state law. As a result, our growth and earnings performance may be affected not only by management decisions and general economic conditions, but also by the requirements of federal and state statutes and by the regulations and policies of various bank regulatory agencies, including the IDFI, Federal Reserve, FDIC, and CFPB. Furthermore, tax laws administered by the Internal Revenue Service and state taxing authorities, accounting rules developed by the FASB,

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anti-money laundering laws enforced by the Treasury and mortgage related rules, including with respect to loan securitization and servicing by HUD and agencies such as Ginnie Mae, Fannie Mae, and Freddie Mac, have an impact on our business. The effect of these statutes, regulations, regulatory policies and rules are significant to our operations and results, and the nature and extent of future legislative, regulatory or other changes affecting financial institutions are impossible to predict with any certainty.

Federal and state banking laws impose a comprehensive system of supervision, regulation and enforcement on the operations of financial institutions, their holding companies and affiliates that is intended primarily for the protection of the FDIC-insured deposits and depositors of banks, rather than their shareholders. These federal and state laws, and the regulations of the bank regulatory agencies issued under them, affect, among other things, the scope of business, the kinds and amounts of investments banks may make, reserve requirements, capital levels relative to operations, the nature and amount of collateral for loans, the establishment of branches, the ability to merge, consolidate and acquire, dealings with insiders and affiliates and the payment of dividends. The Company has been subject to continuous monitoring since 2021.

This supervisory and regulatory framework subjects banks and bank holding companies to regular examination by their respective regulatory agencies, which results in examination reports and ratings that, while not publicly available, can impact the conduct and growth of their businesses. These examinations consider not only compliance with applicable laws and regulations, but also capital levels, asset quality and risk, management ability and performance, earnings, liquidity, interest rate sensitivity, and various other factors. The regulatory agencies generally have broad discretion to impose restrictions and limitations on the operations of a regulated entity where the agencies determine, among other things, that such operations are unsafe or unsound, fail to comply with applicable law or are otherwise inconsistent with laws and regulations or with the supervisory policies of these agencies.

The following is a summary of the material elements of the supervisory and regulatory framework applicable to us. It does not describe all of the statutes, regulations and regulatory policies that apply, nor does it restate all of the requirements of those that are described. The descriptions are qualified in their entirety by reference to the particular statutory and regulatory provision.

**Merchants Bancorp**

***Bank Holding Company Act of 1956, as amended***

We, as the sole shareholder of Merchants Bank, are a BHC within the meaning of the BHC Act, as amended. As a BHC, we are subject to the supervision, examination and reporting requirements of the BHC Act and the regulations of Federal Reserve. The BHC Act requires a BHC to file an annual report of its operations and such additional information as the Federal Reserve may require.

*Acquisition of Banks*

Generally, the BHC Act governs the acquisition and control of banks and nonbanking companies by BHCs.

A BHC's acquisition of 5% or more of the voting shares of any other bank or BHC generally requires the prior approval of the Federal Reserve and is subject to applicable federal and state law. The Federal Reserve evaluates acquisition applications based on, among other things, competitive factors, supervisory factors, adequacy of financial and managerial resources, and banking and community needs considerations.

The BHC Act also prohibits, with certain exceptions, a BHC from acquiring direct or indirect ownership or control of more than 5% of the voting shares of any "nonbanking" company unless the Federal Reserve finds the nonbanking activities be "so closely related to banking . . . as to be a proper incident thereto" or another exception applies. The BHC Act does not place territorial restrictions on the activities of a BHC or its nonbank subsidiaries.

The BHC Act and Change in Bank Control Act, together with related regulations, prohibit acquisition of "control" of a bank or BHC without prior notice to certain federal bank regulators. The BHC Act defines "control," in certain cases, as the acquisition of as little as 10% of the outstanding shares of any class of voting stock. Furthermore, under certain circumstances, a BHC may not be able to purchase its own shares where the gross consideration will equal 10% or more of the Company's net worth, without obtaining approval of the Federal Reserve.

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The Federal Reserve Act subjects banks and their affiliates to certain requirements and restrictions when dealing with each other (affiliate transactions include transactions between a bank and its BHC).

*Permitted Activities*

Under the BHC Act, a BHC and its nonbank subsidiaries are generally permitted to engage in, or acquire direct or indirect control of the voting shares of companies engaged in, a wider range of nonbanking activities that the Federal Reserve determines to be so closely related to banking as to be a proper incident to the business of banking, including:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• factoring accounts receivable;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• making, acquiring, brokering or servicing loans and usual related activities in connection with the foregoing;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• leasing personal or real property under certain conditions;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• operating a non-bank depository institution, such as a savings association;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• engaging in trust company functions in a manner authorized by state law;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• financial and investment advisory activities;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• discount securities brokerage activities;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• underwriting and dealing in government obligations and money market instruments;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• providing specified management consulting and counseling activities;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• performing selected data processing services and support services;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• acting as an agent or broker in selling credit life insurance and other types of insurance in connection with credit transactions; and

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• performing selected insurance underwriting activities.

The Federal Reserve may order a BHC or its subsidiaries to terminate any of these activities or to terminate its ownership or control of any subsidiary when it has reasonable cause to believe that the BHC's continued ownership, activity or control constitutes a serious risk to the financial safety, soundness, or stability of it or any of its bank subsidiaries. A qualifying BHC that elects to be treated as a financial holding company may also engage in, or acquire direct or indirect control of the voting shares of companies engaged in activities that are financial in nature or incidental to such financial activity or are complementary to a financial activity and do not pose a substantial risk to the safety and soundness of the institution or the financial system generally. We have not elected, and presently do not intend to elect, to be treated as a financial holding company.

*Support of Subsidiary Institutions*

The Federal Reserve has issued regulations under the BHC Act requiring a BHC to serve as a source of financial and managerial strength to its subsidiary banks. Pursuant to such regulations a BHC should stand ready to use its resources to provide adequate capital funds to its subsidiary banks during periods of financial stress or adversity.

*Repurchase or Redemption of Shares*

A BHC is generally required to give the Federal Reserve prior written notice of any purchase or redemption of its own then outstanding equity securities if the gross consideration for the purchase or redemption, when combined with the net consideration paid for all such purchases or redemptions during the preceding 12 months, is equal to 10% or more of the Company's consolidated net worth. Additionally, under the Federal Reserve's Regulation Q, a BHC is required to obtain the Federal Reserve's approval prior to the repurchase or redemption of any shares of its preferred

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stock. The Federal Reserve may disapprove such a purchase or redemption if it determines that the proposal would constitute an unsafe and unsound practice, or would violate any law, regulation, Federal Reserve order or directive, or any condition imposed by, or written agreement with, the Federal Reserve. The Federal Reserve has adopted an exception to this approval requirement for repurchase or redemptions of common stock for well-capitalized BHCs that meet certain conditions.

If the Company elects to repurchase or redeem its equity securities, it will generally incur a 1% excise tax on the fair market value of any stock of the corporation that is repurchased, as required in the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022. However, the Company may not be subject to such excise tax to the extent it issues an equal to or greater than amount of stock (based on fair market value) in the same calendar year. Additionally, in 2025 the IRS enacted regulations that clarify that the excise tax does not apply to the redemption of preferred stock that qualifies as additional Tier 1 capital under bank capital rules. The Company's currently outstanding and previously redeemed classes of preferred stock qualified as additional Tier 1 capital.

**Merchants Bank**

Merchants Bank is an Indiana chartered, non-Federal Reserve member bank subject to supervision and regulation by the FDIC and IDFI.

***Bank Secrecy Act and USA Patriot Act***

The BSA, enacted as the Currency and Foreign Transactions Reporting Act, requires financial institutions to maintain records of certain customers and currency transactions and to report certain domestic and foreign currency transactions, which may have a high degree of usefulness in criminal, tax, or regulatory investigations or proceedings. This law requires financial institutions to develop a BSA compliance program.

The Patriot Act is comprehensive anti-terrorism legislation. Title III of the Patriot Act requires financial institutions to help prevent and detect international money laundering and the financing of terrorism and prosecute those involved in such activities. The Treasury has adopted additional requirements to further implement Title III.

These regulations have established a mechanism for law enforcement officials to communicate names of suspected terrorists and money launderers to financial institutions, enabling financial institutions to promptly locate accounts and transactions involving those suspects. Financial institutions receiving names of suspects must search their account and transaction records for potential matches and report positive results to the Treasury's FinCEN. Each financial institution must designate a point of contact to receive information requests. These regulations outline how financial institutions can share information concerning suspected terrorist and money laundering activity with other financial institutions under the protection of a statutory safe harbor if each financial institution notifies FinCEN of its intent to share information. The Treasury has also adopted regulations to prevent money laundering and terrorist financing through correspondent accounts that U.S. financial institutions maintain on behalf of foreign banks. These regulations also require financial institutions to take reasonable steps to ensure that they are not providing banking services directly or indirectly to foreign shell banks. In addition, banks must have procedures to verify the identity of their customers.

Merchants Bank established an anti-money laundering program pursuant to the BSA and a customer identification program pursuant to the Patriot Act. Merchants Bank also maintains records of cash purchases of negotiable instruments, files reports of certain cash transactions exceeding $10,000 (daily aggregate amount), and reports suspicious activity that might signify money laundering, tax evasion, or other criminal activities pursuant to the BSA. Merchants Bank otherwise has implemented policies and procedures to comply with the foregoing requirements.

***FDIC Improvement Act of 1991***

The FDICIA amended the Federal Deposit Insurance Act to require, among other things, federal bank regulatory authorities to take "prompt corrective action" with respect to banks which do not meet minimum capital requirements. FDICIA established five capital tiers: well capitalized, adequately capitalized, undercapitalized, significantly undercapitalized and critically undercapitalized. The FDIC has adopted regulations to implement the prompt corrective action provisions of FDICIA.

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"Undercapitalized" banks are subject to growth limitations and are required to submit a capital restoration plan. Merchants Bank's BHC would be required to guarantee that Merchants Bank would comply with such a plan and provide appropriate assurances of performance. If an "undercapitalized" bank fails to submit an acceptable plan, it is treated as if it is significantly undercapitalized. "Significantly undercapitalized" banks are subject to one or more restrictions, including an order by the FDIC to sell sufficient voting stock to become adequately capitalized, requirements to reduce total assets and cease receipt of deposits from correspondent banks, and restrictions on compensation of executive officers. "Critically undercapitalized" institutions may not, beginning 60 days after becoming "critically undercapitalized," make any payment of principal or interest on certain subordinated debt or extend credit for a highly leveraged transaction or enter into any transaction outside the ordinary course of business. In addition, "critically undercapitalized" institutions are subject to appointment of a receiver or conservator. Any bank that is not "well capitalized" is subject to limitations, and a prohibition in the case of any bank that is "undercapitalized," on the acceptance, renewal, or roll over of any brokered deposit.

Currently, a "well capitalized" institution is one that has a total risk-based capital ratio of at least 10%, a Tier 1 risk-based capital ratio of at least 8%, a Tier 1 leverage ratio of at least 5%, a common equity Tier 1 risk-based capital ratio of at least 6.5%, and is not subject to regulatory direction to maintain a specific level for any capital measure.

Currently, a "well capitalized with Basel III capital conservation buffer" institution is one that has a total risk-based capital ratio of at least 10.5%, a Tier 1 risk-based capital ratio of at least 8.5%, a Tier 1 leverage ratio of at least 5%, a common equity Tier 1 risk-based capital ratio of at least 7%, and is not subject to regulatory direction to maintain a specific level for any capital measure.

At December 31, 2025, Merchants Bank was well capitalized, and also well capitalized with the Basel III capital conservation buffer, as defined by applicable regulations.

***Capital Requirements and Basel III***

Apart from the capital levels for insured depository institutions that were established by FDICIA for the prompt corrective action regime discussed above, the federal regulators have issued rules that impose minimum capital requirements on both insured depository institutions and their holding companies. Although the rules contain certain standards applicable only to large, internationally active banks, many of them apply to all banking organizations, including Merchants Bank. The institutions and companies subject to the rules are referred to collectively herein as "covered" banking organizations. By virtue of a provision in the Dodd-Frank Act known as the Collins Amendment, the requirements must be the same at both the institution level and the holding company level. The minimum capital rules have undergone several revisions over the years. The current requirements are based on the international Basel III capital framework and apply to all covered banking organizations (including us). In 2023, the federal banking regulators proposed material revisions to their capital requirements and associated regulations (commonly referred to as Basel III Endgame). However, the Basel III Endgame regulations have not be finalized and the current administration announced in 2025 that it expects to propose revisions to Basel III Endgame at some point in 2026.

As of December 31, 2025, the most recent notifications from the Federal Reserve categorized the Company as well capitalized and most recent notifications from the FDIC categorized Merchants Bank as well capitalized under the regulatory framework for prompt corrective action. There are no conditions or events since that notification that management believes have changed the Company's or Merchants Bank's category and as of December 31, 2025, Merchants Bank's capital exceeded the levels agreed to in its MOU. See *Part 7 – "Management's Discussion and Analysis – "Recent Developments and Material Trends – Memorandum of Understanding" and "Liquidity and Capital Resources - Capital Adequacy."*

***Deposit Insurance Fund and Financing Corporation Assessments***

The FDIC insures the deposits of Merchants Bank up to $250,000 per depositor, qualifying joint accounts, and certain other accounts. The FDIC funds its DIF by assessing depository institutions an insurance premium. The FDIC's risk-based assessment system requires insured institutions to pay deposit insurance premiums based on the risk that each institution poses to the DIF. The rate is applied to the institution's total average consolidated assets during the assessment period less average tangible equity (i.e., Tier 1 capital).

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In 2022, the FDIC adopted a final rule, applicable to all insured depository institutions, to increase initial base deposit insurance assessment rate schedules uniformly by two basis points, beginning in the first quarterly assessment period of 2023. The FDIC maintained the DRR for the DIF at 2% for 2025. The increase in assessment rate schedules is intended to increase the likelihood that the reserve ratio of the DIF reaches the statutory minimum of 1.35% by the statutory deadline of September 30, 2028. The new assessment rate schedules will remain in effect unless and until the reserve ratio meets or exceeds 2% in order to support growth in the DIF in progressing toward the FDIC's long-term goal of a 2% DRR. Progressively lower assessment rate schedules will take effect when the reserve ratio reaches 2%, and again when it reaches 2.5%.

Large banks (generally, those with $10 billion or more in assets, and including Merchants Bank) are assigned an individual rate based on a scorecard. The scorecard combines the following measures to produce a score that is converted to an assessment rate:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• CAMELS component ratings that evaluate six critical elements of Merchants Bank's operations: (C)apital adequacy, (A)sset quality, (M)anagement capabilities, (E)arnings sufficiency, (L)iquidity position, and (S)ensitivity to market risk,

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• financial measures used to measure Merchants Bank's ability to withstand asset-related and funding-related stress, and

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• a measure of loss severity that estimates the relative magnitude of potential losses to the DIF in the event of the Merchants Bank's failure.

In December 2023, the FDIC also imposed a special assessment on banks with assets over $5 billion to replenish the DIF, which was depleted with the collapses of several banks in March 2023. Merchants Bank has not been subject to this special assessment, as it has less than $5 billion in uninsured deposits.

***Dividends***

We are a legal entity separate and distinct from Merchants Bank. There are various legal limitations on the extent to which Merchants Bank can supply funds to us. Our principal source of funds consists of dividends from Merchants Bank. State and federal law restrict the amount of dividends that a bank may pay to its shareholders or BHC. The specific limits depend on a number of factors, including the bank's type of charter, recent earnings, recent dividends, level of capital and liquidity, and regulatory status. The regulators are authorized, and under certain circumstances are required, to prohibit the payment of dividends or other distributions if the regulators determine that making such payments would be an unsafe or unsound practice. For example, a bank is generally prohibited from making any capital distribution (including payment of a dividend) to its BHC if the distribution would cause the bank to become undercapitalized.

In addition, under Indiana law, Merchants Bank must obtain the approval of the IDFI prior to the payment of any dividend if the total of all dividends declared by Merchants Bank during the calendar year, including any proposed dividend, would exceed the sum of its net income for the year to date combined with its retained net income for the previous two years. Additionally, under its MOU, if Merchants Bank's capital ratios fall below certain minimums Merchants Bank may not pay dividends without the FDIC and IDFI's prior consent. See *Part 7 – "Management's Discussion and Analysis – "Recent Developments and Material Trends – Memorandum of Understanding" and "Liquidity and Capital Resources - Capital Adequacy."*

Capital regulations also limit a depository institution's ability to make capital distributions if it does not hold capital conservation buffer of 2.5% above the required minimum risk-based capital ratios. Regulators also review and limit proposed dividend payments as part of the supervisory process and review of an institution's capital planning. In addition to dividend limitations, Merchants Bank is subject to certain restrictions on extensions of credit to us, on investments in our shares or other securities and in taking such shares or securities as collateral for loans.

***Community Reinvestment Act***

The CRA requires that the federal banking regulators evaluate the record of a financial institution in meeting the credit needs of its local community, including low and moderate income neighborhoods. Regulators also consider

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these factors in evaluating mergers, acquisitions, and applications to open a branch or facility. Failure to adequately meet these criteria could result in the imposition of additional requirements and limitations on Merchants Bank. The Company is currently operating under an approved CRA strategic plan through 2028.

***The Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act***

Upon enactment, the Dodd-Frank Act represented a sweeping reform of the U.S. supervisory and regulatory framework applicable to financial institutions and capital markets in the wake of the global financial crisis, certain aspects of which are described below in more detail. In particular, and among other things, the Dodd-Frank Act: (i) created a Financial Stability Oversight Council as part of a regulatory structure for identifying emerging systemic risks and improving interagency cooperation; (ii) created the CFPB, which is authorized to regulate providers of consumer credit, savings, payment and other consumer financial products and services; (iii) narrowed the scope of federal preemption of state consumer laws enjoyed by national banks and federal savings associations and expanded the authority of state attorneys general to bring actions to enforce federal consumer protection legislation; (iv) imposed more stringent capital requirements on bank holding companies and subjected certain activities, including interstate mergers and acquisitions, to heightened capital conditions; (v) with respect to mortgage lending, (a) significantly expanded requirements applicable to loans secured by one-to-four family residential real property, (b) imposed strict rules on mortgage servicing, and (c) required the originator of a securitized loan, or the sponsor of a securitization, to retain at least 5% of the credit risk of securitized exposures unless the underlying exposures are qualified residential mortgages or meet certain underwriting standards; (vi) repealed the prohibition on the payment of interest on business checking accounts; (vii) restricted the interchange fees payable on debit card transactions for issuers with $10 billion in assets or greater; (viii) in the so-called "Volcker Rule," subject to numerous exceptions, prohibited depository institutions and affiliates from certain investments in, and sponsorship of, hedge funds and private equity funds and from engaging in proprietary trading; (ix) provided for enhanced regulation of advisers to private funds and of the derivatives markets; (x) enhanced oversight of credit rating agencies; and (xi) prohibited banking agency requirements tied to credit ratings. These statutory changes shifted the regulatory framework for financial institutions, impacted the way in which they do business and have the potential to constrain revenues. Although the reforms primarily targeted systemically important financial service providers, their influence filtered down in varying degrees to smaller institutions over time.

***Privacy and Cybersecurity***

Merchants Bank is subject to numerous U.S. federal and state laws and regulations governing requirements for maintaining policies and procedures to protect non-public confidential customer information. These laws require banks to periodically disclose their privacy policies and practices regarding the sharing of such information and allow customers to opt out of sharing information with unaffiliated third parties under specific circumstances. They also impact a bank's ability to share certain information with affiliates and non-affiliates for marketing and/or non-marketing purposes, or to contact customers with marketing offers. Furthermore, banks are required to implement a comprehensive information security program, encompassing administrative, technical, and physical safeguards to ensure the security and confidentiality of customer records and information.

To combat the ever-present cyber risks, the Company maintains a comprehensive ISP, which includes annual risk assessments, an Incident Response Plan, and a layered control environment meant to protect, detect, respond, and limit unauthorized or harmful actions across our IT environment. Standards over information security are Board-approved and various types of control testing is conducted throughout the year, by internal and external parties. Recommendations are implemented and reported to various committees. These security and privacy policies and procedures, for the protection of personal and confidential information, are in effect across all businesses and geographic locations.

***Consumer Financial Services***

The CFPB is authorized to oversee and enforce consumer protection laws. The CFPB has broad rulemaking authority for a wide range of consumer protection laws that apply to all providers of consumer products and services, including Merchants Bank, as well as the authority to prohibit "unfair, deceptive or abusive" acts and practices. The CFPB has examination and enforcement authority over insured depository institutions and their holding companies that have more than $10 billion in assets for at least four consecutive quarters. Merchants Bank became subject to the CFPB's oversight in 2023.

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Since its creation, and as required by the Dodd-Frank Act, the CFPB has issued rules to address mortgage and mortgage-related products, their underwriting, origination, servicing and sales. The Dodd-Frank Act imposes significant underwriting and disclosure requirements for loans secured by one-to-four family residential real property and supplements and enhances other laws combating predatory lending practices and its standards strongly encourage lenders to verify a borrower's ability to repay, establishing a presumption of compliance for certain "qualified mortgages." In addition, the Dodd-Frank Act generally requires lenders or securitizers to retain an economic interest in the credit risk relating to loans that the lender sells, and other asset-backed securities that the securitizer issues, if the loans do not comply with the "ability to pay" rule described below. The risk retention requirement generally is 5%, but could be increased or decreased by regulation. Merchants Bank does not currently expect the CFPB's rules to have a significant impact on its operations, except for higher compliance costs.

***S.A.F.E. Act***

***Mortgage Origination***

The CFPB's "ability to repay" rule, among other things, requires lenders to consider a consumer's ability to repay a mortgage loan before extending credit to the consumer, and limits prepayment penalties. The rule also establishes certain protections from liability for mortgage lenders with regard to the "qualified mortgages" they originate. This rule includes within the definition of a "qualified mortgage" a loan having a rate under a CFPB established limit, but still generally requires consideration of the debt to income ratio. Additionally, a qualified mortgage may not: (i) contain excess upfront points and fees; (ii) have a term greater than 30 years; or (iii) include interest-only or negative amortization payments. The rule has not had a significant impact on our mortgage production operations since most of the loans Merchants Bank currently originates would constitute "qualified mortgages" under the rule.

***Mortgage Servicing***

Additionally, since its creation, the CFPB has issued a series of final rules as part of an ongoing effort to address mortgage servicing reforms and create uniform standards for the mortgage servicing industry. The rules increase requirements for communications with borrowers, address requirements around the maintenance of customer account records, govern procedural requirements for responding to written borrower requests and complaints of errors, and provide guidance around servicing of delinquent loans, foreclosure proceedings and loss mitigation efforts, among other measures. Since becoming effective in 2014, these rules have increased the costs to service loans across the mortgage industry, including our mortgage servicing operations.

Several state agencies overseeing the mortgage industry have entered into settlements and enforcement consent orders with mortgage servicers regarding certain foreclosure practices. These settlements and orders generally require servicers, among other things, to: (i) modify their servicing and foreclosure practices, for example, by improving communications with borrowers and prohibiting dual-tracking, which occurs when servicers continue to pursue foreclosure during the loan modification process; (ii) establish a single point of contact for borrowers throughout the loan modification and foreclosure processes; and (iii) establish robust oversight and controls of third party vendors, including outside legal counsel, that provide default management or foreclosure services. Although we are not a party to any of these settlements or consent orders, we, like many mortgage servicers, have voluntarily adopted many of these servicing and foreclosure standards due to competitive pressures.

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***Consumer Laws***

Merchants Bank must comply with a number of federal consumer protection laws, including, among others:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• the Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act, which requires a bank to maintain privacy with respect to certain consumer data in its possession and to periodically communicate with consumers on privacy matters;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• the Right to Financial Privacy Act, which imposed a duty to maintain confidentiality of consumer financial records and prescribes procedures for complying with administrative subpoenas of financial records;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act, which regulates the timing and content of debt collection communications;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• the Truth in Lending Act and Regulation Z thereunder, which requires certain disclosures to consumer borrowers regarding the terms of their loans;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• the Fair Credit Reporting Act, which regulates the use and reporting of information related to the credit history of consumers;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• the Equal Credit Opportunity Act and Regulation B thereunder, which prohibits discrimination on the basis of age, race and certain other characteristics, in the extension of credit;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• the Homeowners Equity Protection Act, which requires, among other things, the cancellation of mortgage insurance once certain equity levels are reached;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• the Home Mortgage Disclosure Act and Regulation C thereunder, which require mortgage lenders to report certain public loan data;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• the Fair Housing Act, which prohibits discrimination in housing on the basis of race, sex, national origin, and certain other characteristics;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• the Real Estate Settlement Procedures Act and Regulation X thereunder, which imposes conditions on the consummation and servicing of mortgage loans;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• the Truth in Savings Act and Regulation DD thereunder, which requires certain disclosures to depositors concerning the terms of their deposit accounts; and

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• the Electronic Funds Transfer Act and Regulation E thereunder, which governs various forms of electronic banking. This statute and regulation often interact with Regulation CC of the Federal Reserve Board, which governs the settlement of checks and other payment system issues.

***Future Legislation and Executive Orders***

In addition to the specific legislation described above, the administration may sign executive orders or memoranda that could directly impact the regulation of the banking industry. The current administration is considering, among other things, reforms to certain GSEs, including ending the federal government's conservatorship of Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, making significant changes in the size and operation of the federal government, including reductions in certain agencies' staffing levels and budgets, and modifying the applicability of certain banking regulations, including modifying the total asset thresholds for certain regulations and changing the way certain examinations of financing institutions are conducted. The orders and legislation may change banking statutes and our operating environment in substantial and unpredictable ways by increasing or decreasing the cost of doing business, limiting or expanding permissible activities, or affecting the competitive balance among banks, savings associations, credit unions, and other financial institutions.

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**SPECIAL NOTE REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS**

This Annual Report on Form 10-K contains certain "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of and are intended to be covered by the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These forward-looking statements reflect our current views with respect to, among other things, future events and our financial performance. These statements are often, but not always, made through the use of words or phrases such as "may," "might," "should," "could," "predict," "potential," "believe," "expect," "continue," "will," "anticipate," "seek," "estimate," "intend," "plan," "projection," "goal," "target," "outlook," "aim," "would," "annualized" and "outlook," 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 not historical facts, and are based on current expectations, estimates and projections about our industry, management's beliefs and certain assumptions made by management, many of which, by their nature, are inherently uncertain and beyond our control. Accordingly, we caution that any such forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance and are subject to risks, assumptions, estimates and uncertainties that are difficult to predict. Although we believe that the expectations reflected in these forward-looking statements are reasonable as of the date made, actual results may prove to be materially different from the results expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements.

A number of important factors could cause our actual results to differ materially from those indicated in these forward-looking statements, including the following:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• business and economic conditions, particularly those affecting the financial services industry and our primary market areas;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• our ability to successfully manage our credit risk and the sufficiency of our allowance for credit losses on loans;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• factors that can impact the performance of our loan portfolio, including real estate values and liquidity in our primary market areas, the financial health of our commercial borrowers and the success of construction projects that we finance, including any loans acquired in acquisition transactions;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• liquidity issues, including fluctuations in the fair value and liquidity of the securities we hold for sale and our ability to raise additional capital, if necessary;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• compliance with governmental and regulatory requirements, relating to banking, consumer protection, securities and tax matters;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• our ability to maintain licenses required in connection with residential and multi-family mortgage origination, sale and servicing operations;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• our ability to identify and address cybersecurity risks, fraud and systems errors;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• our ability to effectively execute our strategic plan and manage our growth;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• changes in our senior management team and our ability to attract, motivate and retain qualified personnel;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• governmental monetary and fiscal policies, and changes in market interest rates;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• effects of competition from a wide variety of local, regional, national and other providers of financial, investment and insurance services;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• the impact of any claims or legal actions to which we may be subject, including any effect on our reputation; and

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• changes in federal tax law or policy.

The foregoing factors should not be construed as exhaustive and should be read together with the other cautionary statements included in this report. Any forward-looking statement speaks only as of the date on which it is

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made, and we do not undertake any obligation to update or review any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future developments or otherwise.

#### Item 1A. Risk Factor s
*The risks described below, together with all other information included in this report should be carefully considered. Any of the following risks, as well as risks that we do not know or currently deem immaterial, could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, results of operations and growth prospects.* 

#### Risks Related to Our Business
**Mortgage Banking and Community Banking Risks**

#### Decreased residential and multi-family mortgage origination, volume and pricing decisions of competitors, and changes in interest rates, may adversely affect our profitability.
We currently operate a residential and multi-family mortgage origination, warehouse financing, and servicing business. Changes in interest rates and pricing decisions by our loan competitors may adversely affect demand for our mortgage loan products, the revenue realized on the sale or portfolio of loans, revenues received from servicing such loans and the valuation of our servicing rights.

#### Our mortgage banking profitability could significantly decline if we are not able to originate and resell a high volume of mortgage loans.
Mortgage production, especially refinancing activity, declines in rising interest rate environments. Interest rates had been historically low in recent years, but the market experienced interest rate increases throughout 2023 and most of 2024 but began to decrease or stabilize during 2025. If interest rates increase, there can be no assurance that our mortgage production will continue at current levels. Because we sell a substantial portion of the mortgage loans we originate and purchase, the profitability of our mortgage banking business also depends in large part on our ability to aggregate a high volume of loans and sell them at a gain in the secondary market. 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. If our level of mortgage production declines, the profitability will depend upon our ability to reduce our costs commensurate with the reduction of revenue from our mortgage operations. The Company also maintains a servicing rights asset for which changes in valuation serve as a natural hedge against the impact that rates have on production volume.

In addition, our ability to sell mortgage loans readily is dependent upon our ability to remain eligible for the programs offered by the agency, such as Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac, and Ginnie Mae, and other institutional and non-institutional investors. Any significant impairment of our eligibility with any of the agencies or significant change to the structure of or programs offered by those agencies could materially and adversely affect our operations. Further, the criteria for loans to be accepted under such programs may be changed from time to time by the sponsoring entity, which could result in a lower volume of corresponding loan originations. The profitability of participating in specific programs may vary depending on a number of factors, including our administrative costs of originating and purchasing qualifying loans and our costs of meeting such criteria.

The ability for us and our warehouse financing customers to originate and sell residential mortgage loans readily is dependent upon the availability of an active secondary market for single-family mortgage loans, which in turn depends in part upon the continuation of programs currently offered by agencies and other institutional and non-institutional investors. These entities account for a substantial portion of the secondary market in residential mortgage loans. Because the largest participants in the secondary market are agencies whose activities are governed by federal law, any future changes in laws that significantly affect the activity of these agencies could, in turn, adversely affect our operations. In September 2008, Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac were placed into conservatorship by the U.S. government. The federal government has for many years considered proposals to reform Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, but the results of any such reform, and their impact on us, are difficult to predict. To date, no reform proposal has been enacted.

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#### If we violate HUD requirements, our multi-family FHA origination and servicing business could be adversely affected.
We originate, sell and service loans under HUD programs, and make certifications regarding compliance with applicable requirements and guidelines. If we were to violate these requirements and guidelines, or other applicable laws, or if the FHA loans we originate show a high frequency of loan defaults, we could be subject to monetary penalties and indemnification claims and could be declared ineligible for FHA programs. Any inability to engage in our multi-family FHA origination and servicing business would lead to a decrease in our net income.

***Real estate construction loans are based upon estimates of costs and values associated with the complete project. These estimates may be inaccurate, and we may be exposed to significant losses on loans for these projects.***

Real estate construction loans involve additional risks because funds are advanced upon 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.

***We face strong competition from financial services companies and other companies that offer banking, mortgage, leasing, and providers of multi-family agency financing and servicing, which could harm our business.***

The banking business is highly competitive, and we experience competition in our market from many other financial institutions. Our operations consist of offering banking and residential mortgage services, and we also offer multi-family agency financing 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 community banks, as well as many other types of financial institutions, including savings and loan institutions, finance companies, 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 online businesses with few or no physical locations, including online banks, lenders and consumer and commercial lending platforms. 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. There has also been a rise in financial technology companies that develop new technology to compete with traditional financial methods in the delivery of financial services. Ultimately, we may not be able to compete successfully against current and future competitors. If we are unable to attract and retain banking and mortgage customers, we may be unable to continue to grow our business, and our financial condition and results of operations may be adversely affected.

Many of our non-bank competitors are not subject to the same extensive regulations that govern our activities and may have greater flexibility in competing for business. The financial services industry could become even more competitive as a result of legislative, regulatory and technological changes and continued consolidation. In addition, some of our current commercial banking customers may seek alternative banking sources as they develop needs for credit facilities larger than we may be able to accommodate. Our inability to compete successfully in the markets in which we operate could have an adverse effect on our business, financial condition or results of operations.

***If the federal government shuts down or otherwise fails to fully fund the federal budget, or makes material changes to the federal government's budget or staffing, our multi-family FHA origination business could be adversely affected.***

Disagreement over the federal budget has caused the U.S. federal government to shut down for periods of time in recent years. Additionally, the current administration is considering significant changes in the size and operation of

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the federal government, including material reductions in certain agencies' staffing levels and budgets. Federal governmental entities, such as HUD, that rely on funding from the federal budget, could be adversely affected in the event of a government shut-down, or a reduction of their staffing or budget, which could have a material adverse effect on our multi-family FHA origination business and our results of operations.

***Our ability to maintain our reputation is critical to the success of our business, and the failure to do so may materially adversely affect our business and the value of our stock.***

We are a community bank and known nationally for multi-family and warehouse financing, as well as correspondent mortgage banking, and our reputation is one of the most valuable components of our business. As such, we strive to conduct our business in a manner that enhances our reputation. This is done, in part, by recruiting, hiring and retaining employees who share our core values of being an integral part of the communities we serve, delivering superior service to our customers and caring about our customers and associates. If our reputation is negatively affected, by the actions of our employees or otherwise, our business and, therefore, our operating results and the value of our stock may be materially adversely affected.

**Credit and Financial Risks**

***A decline in general business and economic conditions and any regulatory responses to such conditions could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial position, results of operations and growth prospects.***

Our business and operations are sensitive to general business and economic conditions in the United States. If the national, regional or local economies experience worsening economic conditions, including high levels of unemployment, our growth and profitability could be constrained. Additionally, our ability to assess the credit worthiness of our customers is made more complex by uncertain business and economic conditions. Weak economic conditions are characterized by, among other indicators, deflation, 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, increases in nonperforming assets and foreclosures, lower home sales and commercial activity, and fluctuations in the multi-family FHA financing sector. Interest rates had been historically low in recent years, but the market experienced interest rate increases throughout 2023 and most of 2024 but began to decrease or stabilize during 2025. If inflation and interest rates increase, it could also cause increased volatility and uncertainty in the business environment, which could adversely affect loan demand and our clients' ability to repay indebtedness. 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.

***If we do not effectively manage our credit risk, we may experience increased levels of delinquencies, nonperforming loans and charge-offs, which could require increases in our provision for credit losses.***

There are risks inherent in making any loan, including risks inherent in dealing with individual borrowers, risks of nonpayment, risks resulting from uncertainties as to the future value of collateral and cash flows available to service debt and risks resulting from changes in economic and market conditions. We cannot guarantee that our credit underwriting, credit monitoring, and risk management procedures will adequately reduce these credit risks, and they cannot be expected to completely eliminate our credit risks. If the overall economic climate in the United States, generally, or our market areas, specifically, declines, our borrowers may experience difficulties in repaying their loans, and the level of nonperforming loans, charge-offs and delinquencies could rise and require further increases in the provision for credit losses, which would cause our net income, return on equity and capital to decrease.

***Nonperforming assets take significant time to resolve and adversely affect our results of operations and financial condition, and could result in further losses in the future.***

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 loans are delinquent more than ninety days, classified as substandard, or when we take collateral in foreclosure and similar proceedings, we order

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an appraisal and mark the collateral to its then fair market value on an as-is basis, 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.

#### Our ACL-Loans may prove to be insufficient to absorb potential losses in our loan portfolio.
We establish our ACL-Loans and maintain it at a level that management considers adequate to absorb probable loan losses based on an analysis of our portfolio, the underlying health of our borrowers, and general economic conditions. The ACL-Loans represents our estimate of probable losses in the portfolio at each balance sheet date and is based upon relevant information available to us. The ACL-Loans and maintain it at a level that management considers adequate to absorb probable loan losses based on an analysis contains provisions for probable losses that have been identified relating to specific borrowing relationships, as well as probable losses inherent in the loan portfolio and credit undertakings that are not specifically identified. Additions to the ACL-Loans, which are charged to earnings through the provision for credit losses, are determined based on a variety of factors, including an analysis of the loan portfolio, historical loss experience and an evaluation of current economic conditions in our market areas. The determination of the appropriate level of the ACL-Loans is inherently subjective and requires us to make significant estimates and assumptions regarding current credit risks and future trends, all of which may undergo material changes. The actual amount of loan losses is affected by changes in economic, operating and other conditions within our markets, which may be beyond our control, and such losses may exceed current estimates.

Although management believes that the ACL-Loans is adequate to absorb losses on any existing loans that may become uncollectible, we may be required to take additional provisions for credit losses in the future to further supplement the ACL-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 ACL-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.

***The small to midsized businesses that we lend to may have fewer resources to weather adverse business developments, which may impair a borrower's ability to repay a loan, and such impairment could adversely affect our results of operations and financial condition.***

We serve the banking and financial service needs of small to midsized businesses. These businesses generally have fewer financial resources in terms of capital or borrowing capacity than larger entities, frequently have smaller market shares than their competition, may be more vulnerable to economic downturns, often need substantial additional capital to expand or compete and may experience substantial volatility in operating results, any of which may impair a borrower's ability to repay a loan. In addition, the success of a small or medium-sized business often depends on the management talents and efforts of one or two people or a small group of people, and the death, disability or resignation of one or more of these people could have a material adverse impact on the business and its ability to repay its loan. If general economic conditions negatively impact the markets in which we operate and small to medium-sized businesses are adversely affected or our borrowers are otherwise affected by adverse business developments, our business, financial condition and results of operations may be adversely affected.

#### We depend on the accuracy and completeness of information provided by customers and counterparties.
In deciding whether to extend credit or enter into other transactions with customers and counterparties, we may rely on information furnished to us by or on behalf of customers and counterparties, including financial statements and other financial information. We also may rely on representations of customers and counterparties as to the accuracy and completeness of that information. In deciding whether to extend credit, we may rely upon our customers' representations that their financial statements conform to GAAP and present fairly, in all material respects, the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the customer. We also may rely on customer representations and certifications, or other audit or accountants' reports, with respect to the business and financial condition of our clients. Our financial condition, results of operations, financial reporting and reputation could be negatively affected if we rely on materially misleading, false, inaccurate or fraudulent information.

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#### If the goodwill that we have recorded or may record in connection with a business acquisition becomes impaired, it could require charges to earnings.
Goodwill represents the amount by which the cost of an acquisition exceeded the fair value of net assets we acquired in connection with the purchase of another financial institution. We review goodwill for impairment at least annually, or more frequently if a triggering event occurs which indicates that the carrying value of the asset might be impaired.

If the carrying amount of the reporting unit goodwill exceeds the implied fair value of that goodwill, an impairment loss is recognized in an amount equal to that excess. Any such adjustments are reflected in our results of operations in the periods in which they become known. As of December 31, 2025, our goodwill totaled $8.0 million. While we have not recorded any impairment charges since we initially recorded the goodwill, 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 findings of impairment and related write-downs, which could adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations.

#### Changes in accounting standards could materially impact our financial statements.
From time to time, FASB or the SEC may change the financial accounting and reporting standards that govern the preparation of our financial statements. Such changes may result in us being subject to new or changing accounting and reporting standards. In addition, the bodies that interpret the accounting standards (such as banking regulators or outside auditors) may change their interpretations or positions on how these standards should be applied. These changes may be beyond our control, can be hard to predict and can materially impact how we record and report our financial condition and results of operations. In some cases, we could be required to apply a new or revised standard retrospectively, or apply an existing standard differently, also retrospectively, in each case resulting in our needing to revise or restate prior period financial statements.

***Failure to maintain effective internal controls over financial reporting could have a material adverse effect on our business and stock price.***

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We are required to comply with the SEC's rules implementing Sections 302 and 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act, which require management to certify financial and other information in our quarterly and annual reports and provide an annual management report on the effectiveness of internal controls over financial reporting.

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If we identify any material weaknesses in our internal control over financial reporting or are unable to comply with the requirements of Section 404 in a timely manner or assert that our internal control over financial reporting is effective, or if our independent registered public accounting firm is unable to express an opinion as to the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting, investors, counterparties and customers may lose confidence in the accuracy and completeness of our financial statements and reports; our liquidity, access to capital markets and perceptions of our creditworthiness could be adversely affected; and the market price of our common stock could decline. In addition, we could become subject to investigations by the stock exchange on which our securities are listed, the SEC, Federal Reserve, FDIC, IDFI, CFPB or other regulatory authorities, which could require additional financial and management resources. These events could have an adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.

***The accuracy of our financial statements and related disclosures could be affected if the judgments, assumptions or estimates used in our critical accounting policies are inaccurate.***

The preparation of financial statements and related disclosures in conformity with GAAP requires us to make judgments, assumptions and estimates that affect the amounts reported in our consolidated financial statements and accompanying notes. Our critical accounting policies, which are included in the section captioned *"Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations"* in this report, describe those significant accounting policies and methods used in the preparation of our consolidated financial statements that we consider "critical" because they require judgments, assumptions and estimates that materially affect our consolidated financial statements and related disclosures. As a result, if future events or regulatory views concerning such analysis differ significantly from the judgments, assumptions and estimates in our critical accounting policies, those events or assumptions could have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements and related disclosures, in each case

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resulting in our needing to revise or restate prior period financial statements, cause damage to our reputation and the price of our common stock, and adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations.

***Downgrades to the credit rating of the U.S. government or of its securities or any of its agencies by one or more of the credit ratings agencies could have a material adverse effect on general economic conditions, as well as our business.***

Downgrades of the U.S. federal government's sovereign credit rating, and the perceived creditworthiness of U.S. government-backed obligations, could affect our ability to obtain funding that is collateralized by affected instruments and our ability to access capital markets on favorable terms. Such downgrades could also affect the pricing of funding, when funding is available. A downgrade of the credit rating of the U.S. government, or of its agencies or related institutions or instrumentalities, may also adversely affect the market value of such instruments and, further, exacerbate the other risks to which we are subject and any related adverse effects on our business, financial condition or results of operations.

***Downgrades to the credit rating of the Company or its subsidiaries by one or more of the credit rating agencies could have a material adverse effect on the cost of or our ability to raise additional capital for future growth.***

Downgrades of the Company's, or its subsidiaries' credit rating, and its perceived creditworthiness, could affect our ability to borrow funds and/or access capital markets on favorable terms. Such downgrades could adversely affect the future borrowings or capital raised, including substantially raising the costs and could cause creditors and business counterparties to raise collateral requirements. A downgrade of the credit rating may also adversely affect the market value of such instruments and, further, exacerbate the other risks to which we are subject and any related adverse effects on our business, financial condition, or results of operations. Downgrades could result from general industry-wide or regulatory factors not solely related to the Company, including conditions and factors caused by events that the Company has little or no control over.

#### Operational Risks

#### Our risk management framework may not be effective in mitigating risks and/or losses to us.
Our risk management framework is comprised of various processes, systems and strategies, and is designed to manage the types of risk to which we are subject, including, among others, credit, market, liquidity, interest rate and compliance. Our framework also includes financial or other modeling methodologies that involve management assumptions and judgment. Our risk management framework may not be effective under all circumstances and may not adequately mitigate any risk or loss to us. If our framework is not effective, we could suffer unexpected losses and our business, financial condition, results of operations or growth prospects could be materially and adversely affected. We may also be subject to potentially adverse regulatory consequences.

***We are highly dependent on our management team, and the loss of our senior executive officers or other key employees could harm our ability to implement our strategic plan, impair our relationships with customers and adversely affect our business, results of operations and growth prospects.***

Our success is dependent, to a large degree, upon the continued service and skills of our executive management team, particularly Michael Petrie, our Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, and Michael Dunlap, our President and Chief Operating Officer. Mr. Dunlap also serves as our Chief Executive Officer and President of Merchants Bank and Chairman of MCC.

Our business and growth strategies are built primarily upon our ability to retain employees with experience and business relationships within their respective market areas. We seek to manage the continuity of our executive management team through regular succession planning. As part of such succession planning, other executives and high performing individuals have been identified and are provided certain training in order to be prepared to assume particular management roles and responsibilities in the event of the departure of a member of our executive management team. However, the loss of Mr. Petrie or Mr. Dunlap, 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, and knowledge of our market areas, our failure to develop and implement a viable succession plan, the difficulty of finding qualified replacement personnel, or any difficulties associated with transitioning of responsibilities to any new members of the executive management team. While certain executive officers (other than Mr. Petrie) are subject to non-competition and non-solicitation provisions as

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part of change in control agreements entered into with them and many of our multi-family mortgage originators and loan officers are 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 and/or non-solicitation agreements could have a material adverse impact on our business, results of operations and growth prospects.

***Our management depends on the use of data and modeling in decision-making, and faulty data or modeling approaches could negatively impact decision-making or possibly subject us to regulatory scrutiny in the future.***

The use of statistical and quantitative models and other quantitative analyses is endemic to bank decision-making, and the employment of such analyses is becoming increasingly widespread in our operations. Liquidity stress testing, interest rate sensitivity analysis, allowance for credit losses computations, servicing rights valuations, and the identification of possible violations of anti-money laundering regulations are all examples of areas in which we are dependent on models and the data that underlies them. The use of statistical and quantitative models is also becoming more prevalent in regulatory compliance. While we are not currently subject to annual Dodd-Frank Act stress testing (DFAST) and the Comprehensive Capital Analysis and Review (CCAR) submissions, we anticipate that model-derived testing may become more extensively implemented by regulators in the future. We anticipate data-based modeling will penetrate further into bank decision-making, particularly risk management efforts, as the capacities developed to meet rigorous stress testing requirements are able to be employed more widely and in differing applications. While we believe these quantitative techniques and approaches improve our decision-making, they also create the possibility that faulty data or flawed quantitative approaches could negatively impact our decision-making ability or, if we become subject to regulatory stress-testing in the future, adverse regulatory scrutiny. Secondarily, because of the complexity inherent in these approaches, misunderstanding or misuse of their outputs could similarly result in suboptimal decision-making.

#### System failure or breaches of our network security could subject us to increased operating costs as well as litigation and other liabilities.
The computer systems and network infrastructure we use could be vulnerable to hardware and cybersecurity issues. Our operations are dependent upon our ability to protect our computer equipment against damage from fire, power loss, telecommunications failure, or a similar catastrophic event. We could also experience a breach by intentional or negligent conduct on the part of employees or other internal or external sources, including our third-party vendors. Any damage or failure that causes an interruption in our operations could have an adverse effect on our financial condition and results of operations. In addition, our operations are dependent upon our ability to protect the computer systems and network infrastructure utilized by us, including our internet banking activities, against damage from physical break-ins, cybersecurity breaches and other disruptive problems caused by the internet or other users. Such computer break-ins and other disruptions would jeopardize the security of information stored in and transmitted through our computer systems and network infrastructure, which may result in significant liability, damage our reputation and inhibit the use of our mobile and internet banking services by current and potential customers. We regularly add additional security measures to our computer systems and network infrastructure to mitigate the possibility of cybersecurity breaches, including firewalls and penetration testing.

The Company maintains a comprehensive Information Security Program, which includes annual risk assessments, an Incident Response Plan, and a layered control environment meant to detect, prevent, and limit unauthorized or harmful actions across our information technology environment. However, it is difficult or impossible to defend against every risk being posed by changing technologies as well as criminal intent on committing cyber-crime. Increasing sophistication of criminal organizations and advanced persistent threats make keeping up with new threats difficult and could result in a breach. Controls employed by our information technology department and cloud vendors could prove inadequate. A breach of our security that results in unauthorized access to our data could expose us to a disruption or challenges relating to our daily operations, as well as to data loss, litigation, damages, fines and penalties, significant increases in compliance costs and reputational damage, any of which could have an adverse effect on our business, financial condition, and results of operations.

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***Adoption of AI may present significant challenges relating to compliance risk, credit risk, reputation risk, and operational risk.***

Advances in computing capacity, combined with greater availability of data and improvements in analytical techniques, continue to expand opportunities for banks to leverage AI for various risk management and operational purposes. AI use cases have varied widely and include customer chatbots, fraud detection, and credit scoring. Generative AI in particular has garnered significant attention recently, following the commercial availability of large language model tools that have made the use of generative AI more widely accessible.

The potential for further benefits and risks as AI gains more widespread adoption could be significant. Developments in the technology may reduce costs and increase efficiencies; improve products, services, and performance; strengthen risk management and controls; and expand access to credit and other banking services. Many risks can arise from all types of AI, such as lack of accountability and explainability, reliance on large volumes of data, potential bias, privacy concerns, third-party risk, cybersecurity risks, and consumer protection concerns.

#### Our operations could be interrupted if our third-party service providers experience difficulty, terminate their services or fail to comply with banking regulations.
We depend to a significant extent on a number of relationships with third-party service providers. Specifically, we receive core systems processing, mortgage servicing, online wire processing, mobile and online banking, essential web hosting and other internet systems, deposit processing and other processing services from third-party service providers. If these third-party service providers experience difficulties or terminate their services and we are unable to replace them with other service providers, our operations could be interrupted. If an interruption were to continue for a significant period of time, our business, financial condition and results of operations could be adversely affected, perhaps materially. Even if we are able to replace them, it may be at a higher cost to us, which could adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations.

***We have a continuing need for technological change, and we may not have the resources to effectively implement new technology or we may experience operational challenges when implementing new technology.***

The financial services industry is undergoing rapid technological changes with frequent introductions of new technology-driven products and services. In addition to better serving customers, the effective use of technology increases efficiency and enables financial institutions to reduce costs. Our future success will depend in part upon our ability to address the needs of our customers by using technology to provide products and services that will satisfy customer demands for convenience as well as to create additional efficiencies in our operations as we continue to grow and expand our market area. We may experience operational challenges as we implement these new technology enhancements, or seek to implement them across all of our offices and business units, which could result in us not fully realizing the anticipated benefits from such new technology or require us to incur significant costs to remedy any such challenges in a timely manner.

Many of our larger competitors have substantially greater resources to invest in technological improvements. As a result, they may be able to offer additional or superior products to those that we will be able to offer, which would put us at a competitive disadvantage. Accordingly, a risk exists that we will not be able to effectively implement new technology-driven products and services or be successful in marketing such products and services to our customers.

#### We are subject to certain operational risks, including customer or employee fraud and data processing system failures and errors.
Employee errors and employee and/or customer misconduct could subject us to financial losses or regulatory sanctions and seriously harm our reputation or financial performance. Misconduct by our employees could include, but is not limited to, hiding unauthorized activities from us, improper or unauthorized activities on behalf of our customers or improper use of confidential information. It is not always possible to prevent employee errors and misconduct, and the precautions we take to prevent and detect this activity may not be effective in all cases. Employee errors could also subject us to financial claims for negligence.

We maintain a system of internal controls and insurance coverage to mitigate against operational risks, including data processing system failures and errors and customer or employee fraud. If our internal controls fail to

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prevent or detect an occurrence, or if any resulting loss is not insured or exceeds applicable insurance limits, it could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.

***We may not be able to overcome the integration and other risks associated with acquisitions, which could have an adverse effect on our ability to implement our business strategy.***

Although we plan to continue to grow our business organically, we also intend to pursue acquisition opportunities that we believe complement our activities and have the ability to enhance our profitability and provide attractive risk-adjusted returns. Our future acquisition activities could be material to our business and involve a number of risks, including the following:

● intense competition from other banking organizations and other acquirers for potential merger candidates;

● market pricing for desirable acquisitions resulting in returns that are less attractive than we have traditionally sought to achieve;

● incurring time and expense associated with identifying and evaluating potential acquisitions and negotiating potential transactions, resulting in our attention being diverted from the operation of our existing business;

● using inaccurate estimates and judgments to evaluate credit, operations, management and market risks with respect to the target institution or assets;

● potential exposure to unknown or contingent liabilities of banks and businesses we acquire, including consumer compliance issues;

● the time and expense required to integrate the operations and personnel of the combined businesses;

● experiencing higher operating expenses relative to operating income from the new operations;

● losing key employees and customers;

● reputational issues if the target's management does not align with our culture and values;

● significant problems relating to the conversion of the financial and customer data of the target;

● integration of acquired customers into our financial and customer product systems; or

● regulatory timeframes for review of applications may limit the number and frequency of transactions we may be able to consummate.

Depending on the condition of any institution or assets or liabilities that we may acquire, that acquisition may, at least in the near term, adversely affect our capital and earnings and, if not successfully integrated with our organization, may continue to have such effects over a longer period. We may not be successful in overcoming these risks or any other problems encountered in connection with pending or potential acquisitions, and any acquisition we may consider will be subject to prior regulatory approval. Our inability to overcome these risks could have an adverse effect on our ability to implement our business strategy, which, in turn, could have an adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.

***Certain of our directors and executive officers and their immediate families beneficially own approximately 57% of our outstanding shares of common stock which allows them the ability to substantially influence the outcome of matters requiring shareholder approval.***

Messrs. Petrie and Rogers and their immediate families, collectively owned approximately 57% of our outstanding common stock as of December 31, 2025. Therefore Messrs. Petrie and Rogers, together with their immediate families, have the ability to substantially influence the outcome of matters submitted to our shareholders for approval, and this position may conflict with the interests of some or all of our other shareholders.

#### Our operations could be adversely affected by extraordinary events beyond our control.
We cannot predict the occurrence and potential impact of power or utility failures or loss of access to technology and operational systems; natural disasters, effects of climate change, or severe weather; pandemics or health

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crises; shutdowns of mass transit; physical security incidents; damage to or loss of property or collateral; key personnel unavailability; civil or political unrest; international hostilities; terrorist acts; or other extraordinary events beyond our control. These events may impair our ability to serve customers, transact with counterparties, or access market infrastructure, may require significant resources to remediate, may result in losses or liabilities, expose us to litigation, regulatory actions, or penalties, and may harm our reputation.

We maintain a business continuity plan designed to mitigate the impact of these unexpected incidents and to ensure limited reputational and financial losses. However, not every disruption can be anticipated or mitigated, and there can be no assurance our measures will be effective, particularly during simultaneous, prolonged, or widespread events, or where response is hindered by the dispersion or concentration of our workforce, assets, or vendors, or by the preparedness of public and private parties. Indirect effects could increase delinquencies, bankruptcies, defaults, charge-offs, and required credit loss provisions, reduce demand for our products and services, and otherwise adversely affect our business, financial condition, and results of operations.

**Market, Interest Rate, and Liquidity Risks**

#### Fluctuations in interest rates may reduce net interest income and otherwise negatively impact our financial condition and results of operations.
Net interest income is the difference between the amounts received by us on our interest-earning assets and the interest paid by us on our interest-bearing liabilities. When interest rates rise, the rate of interest we pay on our liabilities, such as deposits, could rise more quickly than the rate of interest that we receive on our interest-bearing assets, such as loans, which may cause our profits to decrease. The impact on earnings is more adverse when short-term interest rates increase more than long-term interest rates or when long-term interest rates decrease more than short-term interest rates, leading to similar yields between short-term and long-term rates. Many factors impact interest rates, including governmental monetary policies, inflation, recession, changes in unemployment, the money supply and international economic weaknesses and disorder and instability in domestic and foreign financial markets.

Interest rate increases often result in larger payment requirements for our borrowers, which increases the potential for default. At the same time, the marketability of the underlying property may be adversely affected by any reduced demand resulting from higher interest rates. In a declining interest rate environment, there may be an increase in prepayments on loans as borrowers refinance their mortgages and other indebtedness at lower rates.

Our multi-family servicing rights assets typically have a ten-year call protection, but as interest rates decrease, the potential for prepayment increases and the fair market value of our servicing rights assets may decrease. Our ability to mitigate this decrease in value is largely dependent on our ability to refinance the loan and retain servicing rights. While we have previously been successful in our servicing retention, we may not be able to achieve the same level of retention in the future.

Changes in interest rates also can affect the value of loans, securities and other assets. An increase in interest rates that adversely affects the ability of borrowers to pay the principal or interest on loans may lead to an increase in nonperforming assets and a reduction of income recognized, which could have a material adverse effect on our results of operations and cash flows. Further, when we place a loan on nonaccrual status, we reverse any accrued but unpaid interest receivable, which decreases interest income. Subsequently, we continue to have a cost to fund the loan, which is reflected as interest expense, without any interest income to offset the associated funding expense. Thus, an increase in the amount of nonperforming assets would have an adverse impact on net interest income.

Rising interest rates will result in a decline in value of the fixed-rate debt securities we hold in our investment securities portfolio. The unrealized losses resulting from holding securities available for sale would be recognized in other comprehensive income (loss) and reduce total shareholders' equity. Unrealized losses do not negatively impact our regulatory capital ratios; however, tangible common equity and the associated ratios would be reduced. If debt securities in an unrealized loss position are sold, such losses become realized and will reduce our regulatory capital ratios. Alternatively, certain securities, for which a fair value option has been elected, will require the company to recognize gains or losses into income currently as there are changes in value.

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The slope of the yield curve affects our net interest income and we could experience net interest margin compression if our interest earning assets reprice downward while our interest-bearing liability rates fail to decline in tandem. This would have a material adverse effect on our net interest income and our results of operations.

***Negative changes in the economy affecting real estate values and liquidity could impair the value of collateral securing our real estate loans and result in loan and other losses.***

A significant portion of our loan portfolio is 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 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 would have a material adverse impact on our business, results of operations and growth prospects. In addition, if hazardous or toxic substances are found on properties pledged as collateral, the value of the real estate could be impaired. If we foreclose on and take title to such properties, we may be liable for remediation costs, as well as for personal injury and property damage. Environmental laws may require us to incur substantial expenses to address unknown liabilities and may materially reduce the affected property's value or limit our ability to use or sell the affected property.

#### Liquidity risks could affect operations and jeopardize our business, financial condition, and results of operations.
Liquidity is essential to our business. An inability to raise funds through deposits, borrowings, the sale of loans and/or investment securities and from other sources could have a substantial negative effect on our liquidity. A source of our funds consists of our customer deposits, including escrow deposits held in connection with our multi-family mortgage servicing business. These deposits are subject to potentially dramatic fluctuations in availability or price due to certain factors that may be outside of our control, such as a loss of confidence by customers in us or the banking sector generally, customer perceptions of our financial health and general reputation, increasing competitive pressures from other financial services firms for consumer or corporate customer deposits, changes in interest rates and returns on other investment classes. If customers move money out of bank deposits and into other investments, we could lose a relatively low cost source of funds, which would require us to seek wholesale funding alternatives in order to continue to grow, thereby increasing our funding costs and reducing our net interest income and net income.

A significant portion of our total deposits are concentrated in large mortgage non-depository financial institutions. These concentration levels expose us to the risk that one of these depositors will experience financial difficulties, withdraw its deposits after providing Merchants Bank with any contractually required prior notice (typically 180 days), or otherwise lose the ability to generate custodial funds due to business or regulatory realities. However, these institutions also have warehouse funding arrangements, providing us the opportunity to mitigate this risk by electing not to participate or fund an institution's loans in the event such institution removes its deposits. Nonetheless, failure to effectively manage this risk and subsequent reduction in the deposits of our customers could have a material impact on our ability to fund lending commitments or increase cost of funds, thereby decreasing our revenues.

Additional liquidity is provided by brokered deposits and our ability to pledge and borrow from the FHLB and Federal Reserve. Brokered deposits may be more rate sensitive than other sources of funding. In the future, those depositors may not replace their brokered deposits with us as they mature, or we may have to pay a higher rate of interest to keep those deposits or to replace them with other deposits or other sources of funds. Not being able to maintain or replace those deposits as they mature would adversely affect our liquidity. Additionally, if Merchants Bank does not maintain its well-capitalized position, it may not accept or renew any brokered deposits without a waiver granted by the FDIC. We also may borrow from third-party lenders from time to time. Our access to funding sources in amounts adequate to finance or capitalize our activities or on terms that are acceptable to us could be impaired by factors that affect us directly or the financial services industry or economy in general, such as disruptions in the financial markets or negative views and expectations about the prospects for the financial services industry.

Additionally, as a BHC we are dependent on dividends from our subsidiaries as our primary source of income. Our subsidiaries are subject to certain legal and regulatory limitations on their ability to pay us dividends. Any reduction

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or limitation on our subsidiaries abilities to pay us dividends could have a material adverse effect on our liquidity and in particular, affect our ability to repay our borrowings.

Any decline in available funding, including a decrease in brokered deposits, could adversely impact our ability to continue to implement our strategic plan, including our ability to originate loans, fund warehouse financing commitments, meet our expenses, declare and pay dividends to our shareholders or to fulfill obligations such as repaying our borrowings or meeting deposit withdrawal demands, any of which could have a material adverse impact on our liquidity, business, financial condition and results of operations.

***If we breach any of the representations or warranties we make to a purchaser of our mortgage loans, we may be liable to the purchaser for certain costs and damages.***

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.

#### We may be adversely affected by the soundness of other financial institutions.
Our ability to engage in routine funding transactions could be adversely affected by the actions and commercial soundness of other financial institutions. Financial services companies are interrelated as a result of trading, clearing, counterparty, and other relationships. We have exposure to different industries and counterparties, and through transactions with counterparties in the financial services industry, including brokers and dealers, commercial banks, investment banks, and other institutional clients. As a result, defaults by, or even rumors or questions about, one or more financial services companies, or the financial services industry generally, have led to market-wide liquidity problems and could lead to losses or defaults by us or by other institutions. These losses or defaults could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, results of operations and growth prospects. Additionally, if our competitors were extending credit on terms we found to pose excessive risks, or at interest rates which we believed did not warrant the credit exposure, we may not be able to maintain our business volume and could experience deteriorating financial performance.

**Legal, Regulatory, and Compliance Risks**

***We may need to raise additional capital in the future, and if we fail to maintain sufficient capital, whether due to losses, an inability to raise additional capital or otherwise, our financial condition, liquidity and results of operations, ability to grow, as well as our ability to maintain regulatory compliance, would be adversely affected.***

We face significant capital and other regulatory requirements as a financial institution. Although we raised significant funds through our October 2017 initial public offering, our secondary offering in May 2024, and through several preferred stock offerings between 2019 and 2024, we may need to raise additional capital in the future to provide us with sufficient capital resources and liquidity to meet our commitments and business needs, which could include the possibility of financing acquisitions. In addition, we, on a consolidated basis, and Merchants 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 provide assurances 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.

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***Legislative and regulatory actions taken now or in the future may increase our costs and impact our business, governance structure, financial condition or results of operations.***

The Dodd-Frank Act, among other things, imposed new capital requirements on bank holding companies; changed the base for the FDIC insurance assessments to a bank's average consolidated total assets minus average tangible equity, rather than upon its deposit base; permanently raised the current standard deposit insurance limit to $250,000; and expanded the FDIC's authority to raise insurance premiums. The Dodd-Frank Act established the CFPB as an independent entity within the Federal Reserve, which has broad rulemaking, supervisory and enforcement authority over consumer financial products and services, including deposit products, residential mortgages, home-equity loans and credit cards and contains provisions on mortgage-related matters, such as steering incentives, determinations as to a borrower's ability to repay and prepayment penalties. Certain elements of the Dodd-Frank Act are required for institutions with more than $10 billion in assets, such as Merchants Bank.

Compliance with the Dodd-Frank Act and its implementing regulations has and will continue to result in additional operating and compliance costs that could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, results of operations and growth prospects.

In addition, new proposals for legislation may be introduced in the U.S. Congress that could further substantially increase regulation of the bank and non-bank financial services industries and impose restrictions on the operations and general ability of firms within the industry to conduct business consistent with historical practices. Federal and state regulatory agencies also frequently adopt changes to their regulations or change the manner in which existing regulations are applied. Certain aspects of current or proposed regulatory or legislative changes to laws applicable to the financial industry, if enacted or adopted, may impact the profitability of our business activities, require more oversight or change certain of our business practices, including the ability to offer new products, obtain financing, attract deposits, make loans and achieve satisfactory interest spreads and could expose us to additional costs, including increased compliance costs. These changes also may require us to invest significant management attention and resources to make any necessary changes to operations to comply and could have an adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.

New regulations, increased regulatory reviews, and/or changes in the structure of the secondary mortgage markets which we would utilize to sell mortgage loans may be introduced and may increase costs and make it more difficult to operate a residential and multi-family mortgage origination and servicing business.

***We are subject to heightened regulatory requirements because we exceed $10 billion in assets***.

As a financial institution over $10 billion in total assets, we are subject to increased regulatory scrutiny and expectations imposed by the Dodd-Frank Act, including the direct oversight and examination authority of the CFPB. Compliance with the standards imposed by our regulators because of such scrutiny and expectations could increase our operational costs. Our regulators may also consider our compliance with their standards when examining our operations generally or considering any request for regulatory approval we may make.

We cannot be certain how such direct examination will continue to impact us. Additionally, institutions over $10 billion are also subject to limits on interchange fees paid by merchants when debit cards are used as payment. However, any such limitation would have a minimal effect on us because interchange fees are not a material portion of our fee income.

#### We are subject to stringent capital requirements and failure to meet such requirements could limit our activities.
The federal banking regulations impose certain minimum capital requirements on financial institutions, including definitions of what capital constitutes Tier 1 and Tier 2 capital and establish a capital conservation buffer, and categorize financial institutions based on the institution's capital levels in comparison to such minimum and buffer. In order to be categorized as "well-capitalized" under such regulations, an institution must maintain a common equity Tier 1 capital ratio of 6.5% or more; a Tier 1 capital ratio of 8% or more; a total capital ratio of 10% or more; and a leverage ratio of 5% or more. Institutions must also maintain a capital conservation buffer consisting of common equity Tier 1 capital.

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The failure to meet applicable regulatory capital requirements could result in one or more of our regulators placing limitations or conditions on our activities, including our growth initiatives, or restricting the commencement of new activities, and could affect customer and investor confidence, our costs of funds and FDIC insurance costs, our ability to pay dividends on our common stock, our ability to make acquisitions, our ability to hold certain types of deposits, such as brokered deposits, and our business, results of operations and financial conditions, generally.

#### Monetary policies and regulations of the Federal Reserve could adversely affect our business, financial condition, and results of operations.
In addition to being affected by general economic conditions, our earnings and growth are affected by the policies of the Federal Reserve. An important function of the Federal Reserve is to regulate the money supply and credit conditions. Among the instruments used by the Federal Reserve to implement these objectives are open market purchases and sales of U.S. government securities, adjustments of the discount rate and changes in banks' reserve requirements against bank deposits. These instruments are used in varying combinations to influence overall economic growth and the distribution of credit, bank loans, investments and deposits. Their use also affects interest rates charged on loans or paid on deposits.

The monetary policies and regulations of the Federal Reserve have had a significant effect on the operating results of commercial banks in the past and are expected to continue to do so in the future. The effects of such policies upon our business, financial condition and results of operations cannot be predicted.

The Federal Reserve, FDIC, IDFI, Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac, FHA, USDA, and Ginnie Mae periodically examine our business, including our compliance with laws and regulations. If, as a result of an examination, a banking agency were to determine that our financial condition, capital resources, asset quality, earnings prospects, management, liquidity or other aspects of any of our operations had become unsatisfactory, or that we were in violation of any law or regulation, they may take a number of different remedial actions as they deem appropriate. These actions include the power to enjoin "unsafe or unsound" practices, to require affirmative action to correct any conditions resulting from any violation or practice, to issue an administrative order that can be judicially enforced, to direct an increase in our capital, to restrict our growth, to assess civil money penalties, to fine or remove officers and directors and, if it is concluded that such conditions cannot be corrected or there is an imminent risk of loss to depositors, to terminate our deposit insurance and place us into receivership or conservatorship. Any regulatory action against us could have an adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.

***We are subject to numerous laws designed to protect consumers, including the CRA and fair lending laws, and failure to comply with these laws could lead to a wide variety of sanctions.***

The CRA, the Equal Credit Opportunity Act, the Fair Housing Act and other fair lending laws and regulations prohibit discriminatory lending practices by financial institutions. The U.S. Department of Justice, federal banking agencies, and other federal agencies are responsible for enforcing these laws and regulations. A challenge to an institution's compliance with fair lending laws and regulations could result in a wide variety of sanctions and/or directives, including damages and civil money penalties, injunctive relief, restrictions on mergers and acquisitions activity, restrictions on expansion, restrictions on entering new business lines, and to make certain community investments or other costly expenditures, such as opening new branch offices. Private parties may also challenge an institution's performance under fair lending laws in private class action litigation. Such actions could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, results of operations and growth prospects.

Additionally, the CFPB was created to centralize responsibility for consumer financial protection and has broad rulemaking authority to administer and carry out the purposes and objectives of federal consumer financial laws with respect to all financial institutions that offer financial products and services to consumers. The CFPB is also authorized to prescribe rules applicable to any covered person or service provider, identifying and prohibiting acts or practices that are "unfair, deceptive, or abusive" in connection with any transaction with a consumer for a consumer financial product or service, or the offering of a consumer financial product or service. The ongoing broad rulemaking powers of the CFPB have potential to have a significant impact on the operations of financial institutions offering consumer financial products or services. The CFPB may propose new rules on consumer financial products or services, which could have an adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations if any such rules limit our ability to provide such financial products or services. The Company currently has an approved CRA strategic plan.

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#### We are subject to a complex set of laws relating to our processing and safeguarding of personal information.
***As a financial institution, we necessarily collect, use, store, and share substantial amounts of personal data belonging to our customers, prospective customers, employees, job applicants, and other individuals. Many U.S. federal and state governmental authorities have adopted and are considering adopting legislative and regulatory initiatives relating to data privacy. These evolving requirements increase the complexity and cost of compliance, may limit our ability to develop or offer certain products or services, require changes to our business practices or system architecture, and may demand ongoing management attention. In addition, we depend on third-party vendors and other external parties to maintain appropriate safeguards when exchanging information, and deficiencies in their controls could expose us to additional risk. Failure to comply with these requirements, or litigation and enforcement actions relating to them, could result in financial losses, remediation costs, heightened regulatory scrutiny, loss of customers or employees, and reputational harm.***

#### We face a risk of noncompliance and enforcement action with the Bank Secrecy Act and other anti-money laundering statutes and regulations.
The BSA, the Patriot Act and other laws and regulations require financial institutions, among other duties, to institute and maintain an effective anti-money laundering program and to file reports such as suspicious activity reports and currency transaction reports. We are required to comply with these and other anti-money laundering requirements. The federal banking agencies and FinCEN are authorized to impose significant civil money penalties for violations of those requirements and have recently engaged in coordinated enforcement efforts against banks and other financial services providers with the U.S. Department of Justice, Drug Enforcement Administration and Internal Revenue Service. We are also subject to increased scrutiny of compliance with the rules enforced by the Office of Foreign Assets Control. If our policies, procedures and systems are deemed deficient, we would be subject to liability, including fines and regulatory actions, which may include restrictions on our ability to pay dividends and the necessity to obtain regulatory approvals to proceed with certain aspects of our business plan, including our acquisition plans.

Failure to maintain and implement adequate programs to combat money laundering and terrorist financing could also have serious reputational consequences for us. Any of these results could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, results of operations and growth prospects.

#### The Federal Reserve may require us to commit capital resources to support Merchants Bank.
A BHC is required to act as a source of financial and managerial strength to a subsidiary bank and to commit resources to support such subsidiary bank. Under the "source of strength" doctrine, the Federal Reserve may require a BHC to make capital injections into a troubled subsidiary bank and may charge the BHC with engaging in unsafe and unsound practices for failure to commit resources to a subsidiary bank. A capital injection may be required at times when the BHC may not have the resources to provide it and therefore may be required to borrow the funds or raise capital. Any loans by a BHC to its subsidiary banks are subordinate in right of payment to deposits and to certain other indebtedness of such subsidiary bank. In the event of a BHC bankruptcy, the bankruptcy trustee will assume any commitment by the holding company to a federal bank regulatory agency to maintain the capital of a subsidiary bank. Moreover, bankruptcy law provides that claims based on any such commitment will be entitled to a priority of payment over the claims of the BHC's general unsecured creditors, including the holders of its note obligations. Thus, any borrowing that must be done by us to make a required capital injection becomes more difficult and expensive and could have an adverse effect on our business, financial condition, and results of operations.

#### Item 1B. Unresolved Staff Comments.

#### None.

#### Item 1C. Cybersecurity.
**Privacy and Cybersecurity**

Merchants Bank is subject to many U.S. federal and state laws and regulations governing requirements for maintaining policies and procedures to protect non-public confidential information of their customers. These laws require banks to periodically disclose their privacy policies and practices relating to sharing such information and

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permitting customers to opt out of their ability to share information with unaffiliated third parties under certain circumstances. They also impact a bank's ability to share certain information with affiliates and non-affiliates for marketing and/or non-marketing purposes, or to contact customers with marketing offers. In addition, banks are required to implement a comprehensive information security program that includes administrative, technical, and physical safeguards to ensure the security and confidentiality of customer records and information.

**Risk Management and Strategy**

To combat the ever-present cyber risks, the Company maintains a comprehensive ISP, which includes continuous risk assessments, an Incident Response Plan, and a multilayered control environment meant to protect, detect, respond to, and limit unauthorized or harmful actions across our information environment. The control environment is based off industry leading recommendations, including the Center for Internet Security (CIS) Critical Security Controls and the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) Cybersecurity Framework (CSF). Our Information Security Officer (ISO) is primarily responsible for coordinating the various aspects of the ISP with cross-functional support teams across various teams within the Company.

Standards over information security are Board-approved and various types of control testing is conducted throughout the year, by internal and external parties. Recommendations are implemented and reported to various committees. These security and privacy policies and procedures, aimed at protecting personal and confidential information, are in effect across all businesses and geographic locations. Board-approved policies are in place to effectively mitigate risks linked to third-party service providers, encompassing factors such as availability, confidentiality, governance and compliance. As part of this risk mitigation, the Company actively monitors vendors' cybersecurity practices through periodic assessments and contractual security requirements. This ensures that vendors adhere to our security standards and promptly address emerging threats or vulnerabilities.

The Company employs a defense in depth posture, designed to safeguard information, prevent unauthorized access, detect, and respond to threats, and maintain the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of data. The ISP establishes controls across many domains, including but not limited to: information security governance, inventory and control of enterprise assets and software, data protection, secure configuration of enterprise assets and software, account and access control management, continuous vulnerability management, audit log management, email and web browser protections, malware defenses, data recovery, network infrastructure management, network monitoring and defense, security awareness and skills training, service provider management, application software security, incident response management, and penetration testing.

Recognizing people as a key component of an effective information security program, the Merchants Information Security Program strives to enhance education and awareness at all levels of the Company. One critical component of education and awareness is an internal Cyber Champions program, comprised of employees from all levels and departments, who act as embedded security representatives for their business units.

However, it is difficult or impossible to defend against every risk being posed by evolving technologies as well as criminal intent on committing cyber-crime. Increasing sophistication of criminal organizations and advanced persistent threats makes staying ahead of new dangers difficult and could result in a security breach. Controls employed by our information technology department and cloud vendors could prove inadequate. A breach of our security that results in unauthorized access to our data could expose us to a disruption or challenges relating to our daily operations, as well as to data loss, litigation, damages, fines and penalties, significant increases in compliance costs and reputational damage, any of which could have an adverse effect on our business, financial condition, and results of operations. The Company has established conditions to quickly respond to a cyber incident, ensuring a resilient, information environment.

**Governance**

The Board established an IT Committee to assist executive management and the board of Merchants Bank in fulfilling their oversight responsibilities related to information security for all Merchants Bancorp entities. The IT committee membership includes the President & COO and senior management from business units, as well as information security risk experts such as the Information Security Officer, experts from Enterprise Risk Management, Internal Audit, and Information Technology Leaders. At the quarterly IT Committee meetings, security-related policies and standards are reviewed and approved, annual risk assessment results and action plans are noted, annual penetration

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test reports shared, current security incidents discussed, emerging threats reported on, and relevant cyber risks and trends are presented. The IT Committee is responsible for governing the assessment and treatment of cyber risks. The Committee reports its activities, key conclusions, and recommendations to Merchants Bank's board on a quarterly basis.

The Chief Administrative Officer is responsible for the appointment of the Information Security Officer. The Information Security Officer serves as the focal point for the information security program and is responsible and accountable for its implementation and monitoring, and management of the Information Security team. The current Information Security Officer has over a decade of experience in the cyber security field, including critical roles in security operations, security governance, risk, and compliance, and cyber threat intelligence. They have multiple industry leading certifications, including eleven GIAC certifications and the CISSP from the ISC2 and a Master of Engineering in Cybersecurity Policy and Compliance.

The Information Security Officer presents an Annual Information Security Review to Merchants Bank's

board which summarizes the previous year's threat landscape, risk assessment, service provider, and audit testing activities, results of security incidents, information security program changes, and future strategies and recommendations.

#### Item 2. Properties.
**The Company owns its headquarters building, which includes a Bank branch at 410 Monon Blvd. in Carmel, Indiana. Employees of all three of our segments have operations in these locations. There are also several other branches and small offices in Indiana and other states. We believe that our facilities are in good condition and are adequate to meet our operating needs for the foreseeable future.** 

The Company also owns the Merchants Capital headquarters, opened in 2025, at 420 3<sup>rd</sup> Ave. SW in Carmel, Indiana.

#### Item 3. Legal Proceedings .
There are no material pending legal proceedings other than ordinary routine litigation incidental to the business which we operate.

#### Item 4. Mine Safety Disclosures.

#### Not applicable.

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#### PART II

#### Item 5. Market for Registrant's Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities.
Our common stock is traded on the Nasdaq under the symbol "MBIN". On February 18, 2026, the closing price of our common stock was $46.45. As of February 18, 2026, there were 45,962,065 shares of our common stock outstanding and 33 shareholders of record. A substantially greater number of holders of our common stock are "street name" or beneficial holders, whose shares are held by banks, brokers and other financial institutions.

#### Dividend Policy
It has been our policy to pay quarterly dividends to holders of our common stock, and we intend to continue paying dividends. Our dividend policy and practice may change in the future, however, and our Board may change or eliminate the payment of future dividends at its discretion, without notice to our shareholders. Any future determination to pay dividends to holders of our common stock will depend on our results of operations, financial condition, capital requirements, banking regulations, payment of dividends on our preferred stock, contractual restrictions and any other factors that our Board may deem relevant.

#### Dividend Restrictions
Under the terms of each class of our preferred stock, we are not permitted to declare or pay any dividends on our common stock unless the dividends have been declared and paid on the shares of all our classes of preferred stock for the period since the last payment of dividends.

As a BHC, our ability to pay dividends is affected by the policies and enforcement powers of the Federal Reserve. In addition, because we are a BHC, we are dependent upon the payment of dividends by subsidiaries, and primarily Merchants Bank, to us as our principal source of funds to pay dividends in the future, if any, and to make other payments. Merchants Bank is also subject to various legal, regulatory and other restrictions on its ability to pay dividends and make other distributions and payments to us. Additionally, under its MOU, if Merchants Bank's capital ratios fall below certain minimum levels, Merchants Bank may not pay dividends without the FDIC and IDFI's prior consent. See *Part I, Item 1 - "Supervision and Regulation—Merchants Bank – Dividends* and *Part 7 – "Management's Discussion and Analysis – "Recent Developments and Material Trends – Memorandum of Understanding" and "Liquidity and Capital Resources - Capital Adequacy."*

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#### Stock Performance Graph
The following graph compares the cumulative total shareholder return on our common stock from December 31, 2020 through December 31, 2025. The graph compares our common stock with the Nasdaq Composite Index and the Nasdaq Bank Index. The graph assumes an investment of $100.00 in our common stock and each index on December 31, 2020 and reinvestment of all quarterly dividends. Measurement points are December 31, 2020 and the last trading day of each subsequent quarter through December 31, 2025. There is no assurance that our common stock performance will continue in the future with the same or similar results as shown in the graph.

#### Securities Authorized for Issuance Under Equity Compensation Plans
See *Item 12* of this report for disclosure regarding securities authorized for issuance and equity compensation plans required by Item 201(d) of Regulation S-K.

#### Unregistered Sales and Repurchases of Equity Securities
None.

#### Item 6. [Reserved]

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#### Item 7. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and the Results of Operations.
*The following discussion and analysis of our financial condition and results of operations should be read in conjunction with "Selected Consolidated Financial Data" and our audited consolidated financial statements and the accompanying notes included elsewhere in this report.* 

*Discussion and Analysis of the Company's financial condition and the results of operations for the year ended December 31, 2024 compared to the year ended December 31, 2023 is contained in Item 7 of Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2024 filed with the SEC on February 28, 2025.*

*This discussion and analysis contains forward-looking statements that are subject to known and unknown risks and uncertainties that could cause our results to differ materially from our expectations. Actual results and the timing of events may differ significantly from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements due to a number of factors, including those set forth under Item 1 - " Special Note Regarding Forward Looking Statements," Item 1A - "Risk Factors," and elsewhere in this report. We assume no obligation to update any of these forward-looking statements.*

**Financial Highlights for the Year Ended December 31, 2025**

● Total assets of $19.4 billion increased $643.2 million, or 3%, compared to December 31, 2024, setting a new Company milestone.

● Tangible book value per common share of $37.51 increased 10% compared to $34.15 at December 31, 2024.

● Asset quality improved meaningfully, as criticized loans receivable of $508.2 million decreased by 27% compared to December 31, 2024.

● As of December 31, 2025, the Company had $5.3 billion in unused borrowing capacity with the Federal Home Loan Bank and Federal Reserve Discount Window, based on available collateral, an increase of 23%, compared to $4.3 billion at December 31, 2024.

● Loans receivable of $11.0 billion, net of allowance for credit losses on loans, increased $597.4 million, or 6%, compared to December 31, 2024.

● As of December 31, 2025, approximately 96% of loans reprice within three months, which reduces the risk of market rate increases.

● Core deposits of $11.3 billion increased $1.9 billion, or 20%, compared to December 31, 2024, and now represent 87% of total deposits.

● Brokered deposits of $1.8 billion decreased $776.8 million, or 31%, compared to December 31, 2024.

● Net income of $218.8 million decreased $101.6 million, or 32%, compared to December 31, 2024.

● Diluted earnings per share of $3.78 decreased 40% compared to December 31, 2024.

● The $101.6 million, or 32% decrease in net income compared to the year ended December 31, 2024 was primarily driven by a $93.5 million, or 385%, increase in provision for credit losses, a $76.1 million, or 34%, increase in noninterest expense, and a $5.6 million, or 1%, decrease in net interest income, partially offset by a $57.2 million decrease in provision for income taxes and a $16.3 million, or 11% increase in noninterest income.

● Gain on sale of $85.4 million increased $23.1 million, or 37%, compared to December 31, 2024.

● Net interest margin was 2.86% compared to 3.03% at December 31, 2024. Factors impacting net interest margin were the decline in interest rate spread, along with shifts in balance sheet mix.

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● Efficiency ratio of 44.01% increased compared to 33.37% at December 31, 2024. Expenses associated with credit default swap premiums, the collateral preservation of nonperforming loans, and the addition of production staff had a 680 basis point negative impact on the efficiency ratio for the year ended December 31, 2025.

● Our LIHTC syndications business raised $700.7 million in equity, closing six new multi-investor and proprietary funds during 2025. A total of $2.8 billion in equity has been raised since its inception in 2020.

● We redeemed all outstanding shares of the Series B Preferred Stock for approximately $125.0 million on January 2, 2025, at the liquidation preference of $1,000 per share (equivalent to $25 per depositary share).

● In June 2025, the Company completed a $373.3 million securitization of 18 multi-family mortgage loans through a Freddie Mac-sponsored Q-Series transaction.

● In July 2025, the Company completed a $237.0 million securitization of one multi-family mortgage loan through a Freddie Mac-sponsored Q-Series transaction.

● In September 2025, the Company executed a credit default swap on a $557.1 million pool of healthcare mortgage loans, to provide credit protection for the loan pool and reduce risk-based capital requirements.

● In December 2025, the Company fully repaid its credit-linked notes issued in March 2023, resulting in a release of $33.5 million of restricted cash collateral and reducing borrowing balances of $87.6 million compared to December 31, 2024.

● In December 2025, the Company completed a $172.8 million securitization of five multi-family mortgage loans through a Freddie Mac-sponsored Q-Series transaction.

● The volume of warehouse loans funded during the year ended December 31, 2025, amounted to $66.3 billion, an increase of $20.7 billion, or 46%, compared to the same period in 2024. This compared to the 22% industry increase in single-family residential loan volumes from the year ended December 31, 2025 compared to the same period in 2024, according to an estimate of industry volume by the Mortgage Bankers Association.

● The total volume of loans originated and acquired through our multi-family business was $6.5 billion, an increase of $272.9 million, or 4%, compared to the year ended December 31, 2024. It included construction loans coupled with agreements for future permanent loan refinancing, as well as bridge loans housed in our Banking segment, while borrowers awaited conversion to permanent financing. It also included loans originated and acquired for sale in the secondary market.

**Company and Business Segment Overview**

We are a diversified bank holding company headquartered in Carmel, Indiana and registered under the Bank Holding Company Act of 1956, as amended. We currently operate in multiple business segments, including Multi-family Mortgage Banking that offers multi-family housing and healthcare facility financing and servicing, as well as syndicated low-income housing tax credit and debt funds; Mortgage Warehousing that offers mortgage warehouse financing, commercial loans, and deposit services; and Banking that offers portfolio lending for multi-family and healthcare facility loans, retail and correspondent residential mortgage banking, jumbo lending, agricultural lending, SBA lending, and traditional community banking.

Our business consists of funding low risk, multi-family, residential, and SBA loans meeting underwriting standards of government programs under an originate-to-sell model, and retaining adjustable-rate loans as held for investment to reduce interest rate risk. The gain on sale of these loans and servicing fees contribute to noninterest income. The funding source is primarily from mortgage custodial, retail, commercial and brokered deposits, as well as short-term borrowing. We believe that the combination of net interest income and noninterest income from the sale of low risk profile assets has traditionally resulted in lower than industry charge-offs and a lower expense base, which serves to maximize net income and higher than industry shareholder return.

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*See "Company Overview and Our Business Segments," in Item 1 "Business", "Operating Segment Analysis for the Years Ended December 31, 2025 and 2024" in Item 7 "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and the Results of Operations", and "Segment Information," in Note 23: Segment Information for further information about our segments.* 

**Primary Factors We Use to Evaluate Our Business**

As a financial institution, we manage and evaluate various aspects of both our results of operations and our financial condition. We evaluate the comparative levels and trends of the line items on our consolidated balance sheets and statements of income, as well as various financial ratios that are commonly used in our industry. We analyze these ratios and financial trends against our own historical performance, our budgeted performance, and the financial condition and performance of comparable financial institutions in our region.

**Results of operations**

In addition to net income, the primary factors we use to evaluate and manage our results of operations include net interest income, noninterest income, noninterest expense, and return on average equity.

***Net interest income.*** Net interest income represents interest income less interest expense. We generate interest income from interest (net of deferred origination fees received and costs paid, which are amortized over the expected life of the loans) and fees received on interest-earning assets, including loans, investment securities, cash, and dividends on FHLB stock and other equity securities we own. We incur interest expense from interest paid on interest-bearing liabilities, including interest-bearing deposits and borrowings. Net interest income is the most significant contributor to our revenues and net income. To evaluate net interest income, we measure and monitor: (a) yields on our loans and other interest-earning assets; (b) duration on our loans, deposits, and borrowings; (c) the costs of our deposits and other funding sources; (d) our net interest margin; and (e) the regulatory risk weighting associated with the assets. Net interest margin is calculated as the annualized net interest income divided by average interest-earning assets. Because noninterest-bearing sources of funds, such as noninterest-bearing deposits and shareholders' equity, also fund interest-earning assets, net interest margin includes the benefit of these noninterest-bearing sources.

Changes in market interest rates, the slope of the yield curve, and interest we earn on interest-earning assets or pay on interest-bearing liabilities, as well as the volume and types of interest-earning assets, interest-bearing and noninterest-bearing liabilities and shareholders' equity, usually have the largest impact on changes in our net interest spread, net interest margin, and net interest income during a reporting period.

***Noninterest Income.*** Noninterest income consists of, among other things: (a) gain on sale of loans; (b) loan servicing fees; (c) fair value adjustments to the value of servicing rights, derivatives, and certain loans; (d) mortgage warehouse fees; and (e) syndication and asset management fees; and (f) other noninterest income.

Gain on sale of loans includes origination fees, capitalized servicing rights, trading gains and losses, exit and extension fees, gains and losses on certain derivatives and other related income. Loan servicing fees are collected as payments are received for loans in the servicing portfolio and reduced by amortization on servicing rights. Fair value adjustments to the value of servicing rights are also included in noninterest income. Mortgage warehouse fees are accrued at the time of funding. Syndication fee income is generally recognized at the point in time when investor equity capital is obtained primarily to acquire qualifying investments in LIHTC projects for its funds. Related asset management fees for syndicated LIHTC or debt funds are recognized over time. Other noninterest income includes the recognition and changes in value to protective derivatives associated with certain investment securities and certain loans, as well as income earned on joint ventures.

***Noninterest expense.*** Noninterest expense includes, among other things: (a) salaries and employee benefits, including commissions; (b) loan origination and servicing expenses; (c) occupancy and equipment expense; (d) professional fees; (e) FDIC insurance expense; (f) technology expense; (g) credit risk transfer premium expense; and (h) other general and administrative expenses.

Salaries and employee benefits includes commissions, other compensation, employee benefits, and employer tax expenses for our personnel.

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Loan origination and servicing expenses include third party processing for financing activities and loan-related origination expenses. Occupancy expense includes depreciation expense on our owned properties, lease expense on our leased properties and other occupancy-related expenses. Equipment expense includes furniture, fixtures and equipment related expenses. Professional fees include legal, accounting, consulting and other outsourcing arrangements. FDIC insurance expense represents the assessments that we pay to the FDIC for deposit insurance. Technology expense includes data processing fees paid to our third-party data processing system provider, cybersecurity fees, and other data service providers. Credit risk transfer premium expense includes premiums paid for our credit default swap arrangements. Other general and administrative expenses include those associated with collateral preservation activities associated with nonperforming loans, servicing, advertising, marketing, sponsorships, insurance, certain derivatives, travel, meals, training, supplies, and postage, among other miscellaneous fees and costs.

Noninterest expenses generally increase as we grow our business. Noninterest expenses have increased significantly over the past few years as we have grown organically and also experienced challenges with nonperforming loans. Additionally, we have built out and modernized our operational infrastructure and implemented our plan to build an efficient, technology-driven mortgage banking operation with significant operational capacity for growth.

***Return on Average Equity.*** Return on average equity is the measure of annual net income divided by the value of our total shareholders' equity, expressed as a percentage. It reflects how efficiently equity investments are turned into profits. Changes in profitability and the ability to effectively manage levels of capital can influence this measure. The higher the ratio, the more profitable our Company becomes.

**Financial Condition**

The primary factors we use to evaluate and manage our financial condition are asset levels, liquidity, capital and asset quality.

***Asset Levels.*** We manage our asset levels based upon forecasted closings within our business segments to ensure we have the necessary liquidity and capital to meet the required regulatory capital ratios. Each segment evaluates its funding needs by forecasting the fundings and sales of loans, communicating with customers on their projected funding needs, and reviewing its opportunities to add new customers.

***Liquidity.*** We manage our liquidity based upon factors that include: (a) the amount of custodial and brokered deposits as a percentage of total deposits (b) the level of diversification of our funding sources (c) the allocation and amount of our deposits among deposit types (d) the short-term funding sources used to fund assets (e) the amount of non-deposit funding used to fund assets (f) the availability of unused funding sources; (g) off-balance sheet obligations; (h) the availability of assets to be readily converted into cash without a material loss on the investment; (i) the amount of cash and cash equivalents; (j) the repricing characteristics of our assets; (k) maturity and duration of our assets when compared to the repricing characteristics of our liabilities; (l) costs of available funding options; and (m) other factors.

***Capital.*** We manage our regulatory capital based upon factors that include: (a) the level and quality of capital and our overall financial condition; (b) risk weighting of our assets; (c) the trend and volume of problem assets; (d) the dollar amount of servicing rights as a percentage of capital; (e) the level and quality of earnings; (f) the risk exposures on our balance sheet as well as off-balance sheet exposures; and (g) other factors. In addition, we have continually increased our capital through net income less dividends and equity issuances. Our regulatory capital ratios can be influenced by various factors including levels of delinquency on loans.

***Asset Quality.*** We manage the diversification and quality of our assets based upon factors that include: (a) the level, distribution, severity and trend of problem, classified, delinquent, nonaccrual, nonperforming and restructured assets; (b) the adequacy of our ACL-Loans; (c) the diversification and quality of loan and investment portfolios; (d) the extent of counterparty risks; (e) credit risk concentrations; (f) the liquidity of our assets; and (g) other factors.

**Recent Developments and Material Trends** 

***Economic and Interest Rate Environment.*** Our operating results remain highly dependent on economic conditions, mortgage volumes, market interest rates, and the credit parameters set by government agencies such as Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac, and Ginnie Mae, as these factors directly influence borrower demand, housing affordability, warehouse line utilization, and the performance of our retail mortgage, multifamily and other lending activities.

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From 2023 through 2025, the mortgage and housing markets experienced substantial rate volatility driven by shifts in Federal Reserve policy. After aggressive tightening pushed the federal funds rate to a 5.25%-5.50% peak in 2023, which contributed to 30-year mortgage rates exceeding 7%, the Federal Reserve began easing in late 2024 and continued rate cuts throughout 2025, lowering the target range to 3.50%-3.75% by year-end. As monetary policy shifted, long-term yields stabilized, with the 10-year Treasury at approximately 4.18% on December 31, 2025, and mortgage pricing improved as the Freddie Mac PMMS 30-year rate averaged 6.10% in January 2026. Inflation also moderated during this period, with the Consumer Price Index rising 2.7% year-over-year in December 2025.

These moderating interest rates have strengthened warehouse line utilization, as single-family lenders have experienced improved origination and refinance volumes, while retail mortgage demand has begun to recover and multi-family borrowers benefit from a more stable rate environment that supports clearer underwriting economics. Nonetheless, regional supply constraints, elevated home prices, and shifting agency credit parameters continue to influence transaction activity and demand.

Looking forward, the MBA projects a gradual rebound in single-family residential mortgage activity, a key driver for our warehouse and retail mortgage businesses. The MBA forecasts total single-family purchase and refinance originations to increase approximately 7% in 2026, rising from about $2.050 trillion in 2025 to roughly $2.203 trillion in 2026, reflecting stable refinancing activity and modest growth. These totals correspond to approximately 6% purchase growth and approximately 10% refinance growth in 2026. The MBA also expects 30-year mortgage rates to remain in the 6%-6.5% range and the 10-year Treasury, which is a key benchmark for permanent multi-family mortgages, to stay above 4% through 2026. While these trends support improving volume expectations across our lending platforms, risks tied to inflation, global market uncertainty, mortgage-backed securities spread volatility, and evolving GSE credit parameters remain important considerations.

***Regulatory Environment.*** During 2025, the federal regulatory environment shifted toward a more pro-banking posture, with newly appointed leadership at the FDIC, the OCC, and the CFPB withdrawing or reconsidering several prior-era regulatory proposals and signaling a broader easing of supervisory and compliance burdens for financial institutions. In parallel, the Trump-appointed leaders of federal banking agencies have advanced efforts to reduce capital requirements for larger institutions, including proposals to relax the supplementary leverage ratio, representing a material recalibration of post-crisis prudential standards. Consistent with this deregulatory trend, the Federal Housing Finance Agency significantly expanded the government-sponsored enterprises' footprint by increasing the 2026 multifamily loan-purchase caps to a combined $176 billion, the largest infusion of GSE purchasing authority in recent years, while maintaining exemptions that allow additional volumes for workforce housing transactions. These actions collectively indicate a regulatory environment that is generally more supportive of credit availability and liquidity across mortgage markets than in prior years.

***Memorandum of Understanding.*** On June 30, 2025, Merchants Bank entered into a confidential MOU with the FDIC and IDFI. While the contents of the MOU are confidential under IDFI and FDIC regulations, certain provisions, with the authorization of the IDFI and FDIC, are summarized below. The MOU is an informal administrative agreement among Merchants Bank, FDIC, and IDFI pursuant to which Merchants Bank has agreed to take various actions and enhance specific areas of Merchants Bank's operations. In particular, Merchants Bank has agreed to maintain certain capital thresholds, manage asset concentrations, and implement certain plans regarding Merchants Bank's operations and strategy to mitigate risk of certain assets, which it has already implemented. As of December 31, 2025, and as of each of the reporting periods beginning on or after December 31, 2024, Merchants Bank's capital exceeded the levels agreed to in the MOU and Merchants Bank was within the asset concentration limits agreed to in the MOU. The MOU will remain in effect until modified or terminated by the FDIC and IDFI.

The Company's principal source of funds for dividend payments to shareholders is dividends received from Merchants Bank. Banking statutes and regulations limit the maximum amount of dividends that a bank may pay without requesting prior approval of regulatory agencies. Under Indiana law, Merchants Bank may not pay a dividend if such dividend would be greater than retained net income (as defined) for the current year plus those for the previous two years. Additionally, under its MOU, if Merchants Bank's capital ratios fall below the minimums agreed to, Merchants Bank may not pay dividends without the FDIC and IDFI's prior consent.

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Management does not expect the actions called for by these regulatory actions to have a material adverse impact on the Company's financial performance or Merchants Bank's ongoing day-to-day operations, although they may have the effect of limiting or delaying the Company's or Merchants Bank's ability or plans to expand.

***ACL-Loans.*** One of our key operating objectives has been, and continues to be, maintenance of an appropriate level of ACL-Loans for our loan portfolio. The provision for credit losses recorded in prior years was primarily due to growth in our loan portfolio, as our historical loss rates were very low. The provision for credit losses recorded in 2025 was significantly affected by increases in specific reserves associated with certain multi-family loans impacted by declines in property values and the ongoing investigation of borrowers involved in mortgage fraud or suspected fraud. We expect loan growth to continue in 2026; however, we anticipate lower overall provision for credit losses due to a reduction in identified impairments on problem loans. Future provision levels may vary based on the emergence of any new problem loans, changes in our portfolio composition, or shifts in external market conditions, including interest rates and broader economic environment. Additional details are provided in the ACL-Loans portion of the Comparison of Financial Condition at December 31, 2025 and 2024. Because there could be unforeseen future losses, the Company continues to monitor the situation and may need to adjust future expectations as developments occur.

***Issuance and Redemption of Preferred Stock.*** On April 1, 2024, the Company redeemed all outstanding shares of the 7.00% Fixed-to-Floating Rate Series A Non-Cumulative Perpetual Preferred Stock at a price equal to the liquidation preference of $25 per share, or $52.0 million, using cash on hand. The $1.8 million of expenses associated with the original issuance, which were capitalized in 2019, were recognized through retained earnings upon redemption, thus reducing net income available to common shareholders.

As of October 1, 2024, the dividends on the 6.00% Fixed-to-Floating Rate Series B Non-Cumulative Perpetual Preferred Stock started to accrue at a floating rate of 3-month SOFR plus 4.831% and were to reset quarterly. The rate was 9.42% for the three months ended December 31, 2024. On January 2, 2025, the Company redeemed all outstanding shares of the Series B Preferred Stock at a price equal to the liquidation preference of $1,000 per share (equivalent to $25 per depositary share), or $125.0 million, using cash on hand. The $4.2 million of expenses associated with the original issuance, which were capitalized in 2019, were recognized through retained earnings upon redemption, thus reducing net income available to common shareholders. Cash to redeem the shares was delivered to the Company's transfer agent on December 31, 2024, resulting in a prepaid asset reported in other assets. As of the redemption date, the Series B Preferred Stock did not have any accrued, but unpaid dividends. *See "Capital Resources" section of "Liquidity", later in this Item 7 for more information.*

On November 25, 2024, the Company issued 9,200,000 depositary shares, each representing a 1/40<sup>th</sup> interest in a share of its 7.625% Fixed Rate Series E Non-Cumulative Perpetual Preferred Stock, without par value, and with a liquidation preference of $1,000 per share (equivalent to $25 per depositary share). The aggregate gross offering proceeds for the shares issued by the Company was $230.0 million, and after deducting underwriting discounts and commissions and offering expenses of approximately $7.3 million paid to third parties, the Company received total net proceeds of $222.7 million.

***Issuance of Common Stock.*** On May 16, 2024, the Company issued 2.4 million shares of the Company's common stock, without par value, at a public offering price of $43.00 per share in an underwritten public offering. The aggregate gross offering proceeds for the shares issued by the Company was $103.2 million, and after deducting underwriting discounts, commissions, and offering expenses of $5.5 million paid to third parties, the Company received total net proceeds of $97.7 million.

***Credit Risk Transfers, Loan Sales and Securitizations.*** Growth in the loan origination pipeline has prompted the Company to seek additional avenues to effectively manage regulatory capital levels and reduce credit risk, in addition to issuing preferred and common stock. Accordingly, we have completed several loan sale and securitization transactions, as well as credit default swaps and credit-linked notes. In doing so, the Company has been able to effectively reduce its risk-weighted assets and maintain well-capitalized capital ratios. In December 2025, the Company fully repaid its credit-linked notes. Also see *Note 5: Loans and Allowance for Credit Losses on Loans.* 

***General and Administrative Expenses.*** We expect to continue incurring increased noninterest expense attributable to general and administrative expenses related to building out and modernizing our operational infrastructure, marketing, and other administrative expenses to execute our strategic initiatives, as well as expenses to hire additional personnel and other costs required to continue our growth.

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**Comparison of Operating Results for the Years Ended December 31, 2025 and 2024**

***General.*** Net income of $218.8 million for the year ended December 31, 2025 decreased by $101.6 million, or 32%, compared to net income of $320.4 million for the year ended December 31, 2024. The decrease was primarily driven by a $93.5 million, or 385%, increase in provision for credit losses, a $76.1 million, or 34%, increase in noninterest expense, and a $5.6 million, or 1%, decrease in net interest income, partially offset by a $57.2 million decrease in provision for income taxes and a $16.3 million, or 11%, increase in noninterest income.

The following table presents, for the periods indicated, information about (i) average balances, the total dollar amount of interest income from interest-earning assets and the resultant average yields; (ii) average balances, the total dollar amount of interest expense on interest-bearing liabilities and the resultant average rates; (iii) net interest income; (iv) the interest rate spread; and (v) the net interest margin. Yields have been calculated on a pre-tax basis. Nonaccrual loans are included in loans and loans held for sale.

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| | | | | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|
|  | **Year Ended December 31,**  | **Year Ended December 31,**  | **Year Ended December 31,**  | **Year Ended December 31,**  | **Year Ended December 31,**  | **Year Ended December 31,**  |
|  | **2025** | **2025** | **2025** | **2024** | **2024** | **2024** |
|  | <br>**Average**<br>**Balance**<sup>(1)</sup> | <br>**Interest**<br>**Inc / Exp** | **Average**<br>**Yield /**<br>**Rate** | <br>**Average**<br>**Balance**<sup>(1)</sup> | <br>**Interest**<br>**Inc / Exp** | **Average**<br>**Yield /**<br>**Rate** |
|  | (Dollars in thousands) | (Dollars in thousands) | (Dollars in thousands) | (Dollars in thousands) | (Dollars in thousands) | (Dollars in thousands) |
| **Assets:** |  |  |  |  |  |  |
| Interest-earning deposits, and other interest or dividends | $541113 | $32021 | 5.92% | $442426 | $27280 | 6.17% |
| Securities available for sale | 927443 | 47511 | 5.12% | 1030254 | 57480 | 5.58% |
| Securities held to maturity | 1588264 | 93133 | 5.86% | 1337581 | 90075 | 6.73% |
| Mortgage loans in process of securitization | 389751 | 21074 | 5.41% | 274439 | 14488 | 5.28% |
| Loans and loans held for sale | 14654594 | 1007112 | 6.87% | 14184363 | 1113397 | 7.85% |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Total interest-earning assets | 18101165 | 1200851 | 6.63% | 17269063 | 1302720 | 7.54% |
| Allowance for credit losses on loans | (95628) |  |  | (78764) |  |  |
| Noninterest-earning assets | 861261 |  |  | 670488 |  |  |
| Total assets | $18866798 |  |  | $17860787 |  |  |
| **Liabilities/Equity:** |  |  |  |  |  |  |
| Interest-bearing checking | $6599331 | 258467 | 3.92% | $5222451 | 240200 | 4.60% |
| Money market/savings deposits | 3681726 | 143956 | 3.91% | 3005158 | 134266 | 4.47% |
| Certificates of deposit | 2623674 | 118925 | 4.53% | 5340340 | 285891 | 5.35% |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Total interest-bearing deposits | 12904731 | 521348 | 4.04% | 13567949 | 660357 | 4.87% |
| Borrowings | 3139762 | 162444 | 5.17% | 1833722 | 119743 | 6.53% |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Total interest-bearing liabilities | 16044493 | 683792 | 4.26% | 15401671 | 780100 | 5.07% |
| Noninterest-bearing deposits | 389475 |  |  | 335954 |  |  |
| Noninterest-bearing liabilities | 219381 |  |  | 223032 |  |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Total liabilities | 16653349 |  |  | 15960657 |  |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Shareholders' equity | 2213449 |  |  | 1900130 |  |  |
| Total liabilities and shareholders' equity | $18866798 |  |  | $17860787 |  |  |
| Net interest income |  |  |  |  |  |  |
| Interest rate spread<sup>(2)</sup>  |  |  | 2.37% |  |  | 2.47% |
| Net interest-earning assets | $2056672 |  |  | $1867392 |  |  |
| Net interest margin<sup>(3)</sup>  |  | $517059 | 2.86% |  | $522620 | 3.03% |
| Average interest-earning assets to average interest-bearing liabilities |  |  | 112.82% |  |  | 112.12% |

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&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(1) Average balances are average daily balances.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(2) Represents the average rate earned on interest-earning assets minus the average rate paid on interest-bearing liabilities.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(3) Represents net interest income (annualized) divided by total average earning assets.

Increases and decreases in interest income and interest expense result from changes in average balances (volume) of interest-earning assets and interest-bearing liabilities, as well as changes in weighted average interest rates. The following table sets forth the effects of changing rates and volumes on our net interest income during the periods shown. Information is provided with respect to (i) effects on interest income attributable to changes in volume (changes

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in volume multiplied by prior rate) and (ii) effects on interest income attributable to changes in rate (changes in rate multiplied by prior volume). Yields have been calculated on a pre-tax basis.

The following table summarizes the increases and decreases in interest income and interest expense resulting from changes in average balances (volume) and changes in average interest rates:

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| | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|
|  | **Year ended December 31, 2025** | **Year ended December 31, 2025** | **Year ended December 31, 2025** |
|  | **Compared to Year ended** | **Compared to Year ended** | **Compared to Year ended** |
|  | **December 31, 2024** | **December 31, 2024** | **December 31, 2024** |
|  | **Increase (Decrease)** | **Increase (Decrease)** |  |
|  | **Due to** | **Due to** |  |
|  | **Volume** | **Rate** | **Total** |
|  | (In thousands) | (In thousands) | (In thousands) |
| Interest income |  |  |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Interest-earning deposits, and other interest or dividends | $6085 | $(1344) | $4741 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Securities available for sale | (5736) | (4233) | (9969) |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Securities held to maturity | 16881 | (13823) | 3058 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Mortgage loans in process of securitization | 6087 | 499 | 6586 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Loans and loans held for sale | 36911 | (143196) | (106285) |
| Total interest income | 60228 | (162097) | (101869) |
| Interest expense |  |  |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Deposits |  |  |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Interest-bearing checking | 63328 | (45061) | 18267 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Money market/savings deposits | 30228 | (20538) | 9690 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Certificates of deposit | (145435) | (21531) | (166966) |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Total Deposits | (51879) | (87130) | (139009) |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Borrowings | 85285 | (42584) | 42701 |
| Total interest expense | 33406 | (129714) | (96308) |
| Net interest income | $26822 | $(32383) | $(5561) |

---

***Net Interest Income.*** Net interest income of $517.1 million for the year ended December 31, 2025 decreased $5.6 million, or 1%, compared to the year ended December 31, 2024. The 1% decrease reflected a $101.9 million, or 8% decrease in interest income from lower average yields on higher average balances on loans and loans held for sale. The decrease in interest income was partially offset by a $96.3 million, or 12%, decrease in interest expense, primarily due to lower average balances on certificates of deposit at lower rates, as well as higher average balances at lower rates on borrowings.

The interest rate spread of 2.37% for the year ended December 31, 2025, decreased 10 basis points compared to 2.47% for the year ended December 31, 2024. Our net interest margin decreased 17 basis points, to 2.86%, for the year ended December 31, 2025 from 3.03% for the year ended December 31, 2024. Factors impacting net interest margin were the decline in interest rate spread, along with shifts in balance sheet mix.

***Interest Income.*** Interest income of $1.2 billion for the year ended December 31, 2025 decreased $101.9 million, or 8%, compared to $1.3 billion for the year ended December 31, 2024. This decrease was primarily attributable to lower yields on higher average balances for loans and loans held for sale. The lower yields were in response to lower interest rates set by the Federal Reserve and changes in balance sheet mix.

Interest income of $1.0 billion for loans and loans held for sale decreased $106.3 million, or 10%, during 2025. The average balance of loans, including loans held for sale, during the year ended December 31, 2025 increased $470.2 million, or 3%, to $14.7 billion compared to $14.2 billion for the year ended December 31, 2024. The average yield on loans decreased 98 basis points, to 6.87% for the year ended December 31, 2025, compared to 7.85% for the year ended December 31, 2024. The lower average yield reflected the impact of the Federal Reserve decrease in short-term market rates and changes in balance sheet mix. The increase in average balances of loans and loans held for sale was primarily due to increases in the mortgage warehouse and multi-family portfolios, including those held for sale and held for investment, partially offset by a decrease in the residential real estate portfolio.

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Interest income of $47.5 million on securities available for sale decreased $10.0 million, or 17%, during 2025. The average balance of securities available for sale decreased $102.8 million, or 10%, to $927.4 million for the year ended December 31, 2025, from $1.0 billion for the year ended December 31, 2024. The average yield decreased 46 basis points, to 5.12% for the year ended December 31, 2025, compared to 5.58% for the year ended December 31, 2024. The decrease in average balances of securities available for sale was primarily associated with proceeds from calls, maturities and paydowns, partially offset by purchases of new securities.

Interest income of $21.1 million for mortgage loans in process or securitization increased $6.6 million, or 45%, during 2025. The average balance of mortgage loans in process of securitization increased $115.3 million, or 42%, to $389.8 million for the year ended December 31, 2025 compared to the year ended December 31, 2024. The average yield increased 13 basis points, to 5.41% for the year ended December 31, 2025, compared to 5.28% for the year ended December 31, 2024. The increase in average balances was primarily due to a higher origination volume of loans pending settlement for sale on the secondary market.

Interest income of $32.0 million on interest-earning deposits, and other interest or dividends increased $4.7 million, or 17%, during 2025. The average balance of interest-earning deposits, and other interest or dividends increased $98.7 million, or 22%, to $541.1 million for the year ended December 31, 2025, from $442.4 million for the year ended December 31, 2024. The average yield decreased 25 basis points, to 5.92% for the year ended December 31, 2025, compared to 6.17% for the year ended December 31, 2024. The increase in average balances reflected the purchase of other equity securities and the purchase of FHLB stock.

Interest income of $93.1 million for securities held to maturity increased $3.1 million, or 3%, during 2025. The average balance of securities held to maturity, during the year ended December 31, 2025 increased $250.7 million, to $1.6 billion compared to $1.3 billion for the year ended December 31, 2024. The average yield on securities held to maturity decreased 87 basis points, to 5.86% for the year ended December 31, 2025, compared to 6.73% for the year ended December 31, 2024. The increase in average balance of securities held to maturity was primarily related to held to maturity securities acquired as part of loan securitizations that the Company originated.

***Interest Expense.*** Total interest expense of $683.8 million for the year ended December 31, 2025 decreased $96.3 million, or 12%, compared to $780.1 million for the year ended December 31, 2024.

Interest expense on deposits decreased $139.0 million, or 21%, to $521.3 million for the year ended December 31, 2025 compared to the year ended December 31, 2024. The decrease was primarily due to lower average balances at lower rates on certificates of deposit, partially offset by higher average balances at lower rates on interest bearing checking. The higher rates on our deposits were primarily due to the change in market rates.

Interest expense of $118.9 million for certificate of deposit accounts decreased $167.0 million, or 58%, during 2025. The average balance of certificates of deposit of $2.6 billion for the year ended December 31, 2025 decreased $2.7 billion, or 51%, compared to $5.3 billion for the year ended December 31, 2024. The average rate on certificates of deposit was 4.53% for the year ended December 31, 2025, which was an 82 basis point decrease compared to 5.35% for year ended December 31, 2024. The decrease in certificates of deposit is primarily due to the decrease in use of brokered deposits.

Interest expense of $258.5 million for interest-bearing checking accounts increased $18.3 million, or 8%, during 2025. The average balance of interest-bearing checking accounts of $6.6 billion for the year ended December 31, 2025 increased $1.4 billion, or 26%, compared to $5.2 billion for the year ended December 31, 2024. The average rate on interest-bearing checking accounts was 3.92% for the year ended December 31, 2025, which was a 68 basis point decrease compared to 4.60% for year ended December 31, 2024.

Interest expense of $144.0 million for money market/savings accounts increased $9.7 million, or 7%, during 2025. The average balance of money market/savings accounts of $3.7 billion for the year ended December 31, 2025 increased $676.6 million, or 23%, compared to $3.0 billion for the year ended December 31, 2024. The average rate on money market accounts was 3.91% for the year ended December 31, 2025, which was a 56 basis point decrease compared to 4.47% for year ended December 31, 2024.

Interest expense on borrowings increased $42.7 million, or 36%, to $162.4 million for the year ended December 31, 2025 from $119.7 million for the year ended December 31, 2024. The increase in interest was primarily

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due to an increase of $1.3 billion, or 71%, in the average balance of borrowings of $3.1 billion compared to $1.8 billion for the year ended December 31, 2024. There was also a 136 basis point decrease in the average cost of borrowings to 5.17%, compared to 6.53% for the year ended December 31, 2024. The higher level of collateralized borrowing, largely from the FHLB, was primarily to fund asset growth.

Included in interest expense on borrowings, our warehouse structured financing agreements provide for an additional interest payment for a portion of the earnings generated from the interest-earning assets. As a result, the cost of borrowings increased from a base rate of 4.93% and 6.25%, to an effective rate of 5.17% and 6.53% for the year ended December 31, 2025 and 2024, respectively.

***Provision for Credit Losses.*** We recorded a provision for credit losses of $117.8 million for the year ended December 31, 2025, an increase of $93.5 million, compared to the year ended December 31, 2024. The increases in provision expense was primarily associated with declines on certain multi-family property values, after receiving new appraisals, and the ongoing investigation of borrowers involved in mortgage fraud or suspected fraud, as well as portfolio growth and mix. The 2025 increase was also attributable to certain types of subordinated loans that the Company generally no longer offers to borrowers. Losses on underperforming loans have been largely identified and have either been included in ACL-Loans as specific reserves or charged-off.

The $117.8 million provision for credit losses consisted of $122.9 million for the ACL-Loans, net of a $4.7 million release for the ACL-OBCEs, and net of a $0.4 million release for the ACL-Guarantees related to a loan securitization.

The ACL-Loans was $83.3 million, or 0.75% of total loans, at December 31, 2025, compared to $84.4 million, or 0.81% of loans receivable at December 31, 2024. Although only a slight decrease compared to prior year, the balance reflects higher charge-offs, increases to provision expense, and loan growth. Additional details are provided in the ACL-Loans portion of the *Comparison of Financial Condition at December 31, 2025 and 2024*, and in *Note 1: Nature of Operations and Significant Accounting Policies* and *Note 5: Loans and Allowance for Credit Losses.* 

***Noninterest Income.***

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| | | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|
|  | **Year Ended December 31,**  | **Year Ended December 31,**  | **Year Ended December 31,**  | **Year Ended December 31,**  |
|  | **2025** | **2024** | **Change Amount** | **Change %** |
|  | (Dollars in thousands) | (Dollars in thousands) | (Dollars in thousands) | (Dollars in thousands) |
| Noninterest income: |  |  |  |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Gain on sale of loans | $85362 | $62275 | $23087 | 37% |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Loan servicing fees, net | 22369 | 43673 | (21304) | (49)% |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Mortgage warehouse fees | 7089 | 5539 | 1550 | 28% |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Loss on sale of investments available for sale | - | (108) | 108 | 100% |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Syndication and asset management fees | 23640 | 19693 | 3947 | 20% |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Other income | 25928 | 17040 | 8888 | 52% |
| Total noninterest income | $164388 | $148112 | $16276 | 11% |

---

Noninterest income of $164.4 million for the year ended December 31, 2025 increased $16.3 million, or 11%, compared to $148.1 million for the year ended December 31, 2024. The increase was primarily due to higher gain on sale of loans, other noninterest income, and syndication and asset management fees. The increases were partially offset by a decrease in loan servicing fees.

Gain on sale of loans of $85.4 million for the year ended December 31, 2025 increased $23.1 million, or 37%, compared to $62.3 million for the year ended December 31, 2024. The increase in gain on sale of loans reflects the successful execution of the Company's strategy to grow the multi-family business segment and highlights the strength of underlying earnings in our core business.

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A summary of the gain on sale of loans for the years ended December 31, 2025 and 2024 is below:

---

| | | |
|:---|:---|:---|
|  | **Gain on Sale of Loans** | **Gain on Sale of Loans** |
|  | **Year Ended** | **Year Ended** |
|  | **December 31,**  | **December 31,**  |
|  | **2025** | **2024** |
| **Loan Type:** | (In thousands) | (In thousands) |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Multi-family | $77221 | $56834 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Single-family | 3081 | 1907 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;SBA | 5060 | 3534 |
| Total | $85362 | $62275 |

---

Other noninterest income of $25.9 million for the year ended December 31, 2025 increased $8.9 million, or 52%, compared to $17.0 million for the year ended December 31, 2024. Other noninterest income included a $5.5 million positive adjustment to the fair value of floor derivatives for the year ended December 31, 2025 compared to a $2.5 million negative fair value adjustment for the year ended December 31, 2024. The floor derivatives are associated with arrangements whereby there is a guaranteed minimum interest rate the Company will receive on certain assets bearing variable interest rates. The change in value was driven largely by the change in market interest rates during the period.

Also included in other noninterest income were changes in fair value on certain securities available for sale that the Company elected to account for under the fair value option, with changes in fair value reflected in earnings. The Company also has put options associated with these securities that provide protection against any change in value. By design, the fair value adjustments of the securities and the put options should be substantially equal and offsetting. For the year ended December 31, 2025 there was a $6.2 million positive fair value adjustment on the securities that were offset by a $6.2 million negative fair value adjustment on the put options, hence having no net gain or loss recognized. Similarly, for the year ended December 31, 2024 there was $17.9 million negative fair value adjustment on the securities that were offset by a $17.9 million positive fair value adjustment on the put options, hence having no net gain or loss recognized. Also see *Note 3: Investment Securities, Note 15: Derivative Financial Instruments*, and *Note 16: Disclosures about Fair Value of Assets and Liabilities.*

Syndication and asset management fees of $23.6 million for the year ended December 31, 2025 increased $3.9 million, or 20%, for the year ended December 31, 2025 compared to $19.7 million the year ended December 31, 2024. The increase was attributable to an increase in the amount of projects and funds managed in combination with new equity raises by our LIHTC syndication platform during 2025.

Loan servicing fees of $22.4 million for the year ended December 31, 2025 decreased $21.3 million, or 49%, compared to $43.7 million for the year ended December 31, 2024. Loan servicing fees included a $1.4 million positive adjustment to the fair value of servicing rights for the year ended December 31, 2025, compared to a $22.7 million positive adjustment to the fair value of servicing rights for the year ended December 31, 2024.

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***Noninterest Expense.***

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| | | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|
|  | **Year Ended December 31,**  | **Year Ended December 31,**  | **Year Ended December 31,**  | **Year Ended December 31,**  |
|  | **2025** | **2024** | **Change Amount** | **Change %** |
|  | (Dollars in thousands) | (Dollars in thousands) | (Dollars in thousands) | (Dollars in thousands) |
| Noninterest expense: |  |  |  |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Salaries and employee benefits | $166512 | $130723 | $35789 | 27% |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Loan expense | 4207 | 3767 | 440 | 12% |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Occupancy and equipment | 10680 | 8991 | 1689 | 19% |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Professional fees | 12860 | 16229 | (3369) | (21)% |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Deposit insurance expense | 31796 | 26158 | 5638 | 22% |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Technology expense | 10039 | 7819 | 2220 | 28% |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Credit risk transfer premium expense | 21021 | 6320 | 14701 | 233% |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Other expense | 42778 | 23805 | 18973 | 80% |
| Total noninterest expense | $299893 | $223812 | $76081 | 34% |

---

Noninterest expense of $299.9 million for the year ended December 31, 2025 increased $76.1 million, or 34%, compared to $223.8 million for the year ended December 31, 2024. The increase was due primarily to a $35.8 million, or 27%, increase in salaries and employee benefits to support business growth, including $11.3 million for expenses associated with the addition of production staff that are expected to continue to elevate volume, and higher commissions on higher production volume. Other noninterest expense rose by $19.0 million, driven mainly by collateral preservation expenses of $14.0 million, which included taxes, insurance, receiver expenses, and legal fees tied to preserving collateral for nonperforming loans. The rise also reflects a $14.7 million increase in credit risk transfer premium expense associated with ongoing credit default swaps and a $5.6 million, or 22% increase in FDIC deposit insurance expenses. These increases were partially offset by a decrease of $3.4 million in professional fees.

The efficiency ratio was at 44.01% for the year ended December 31, 2025, compared with 33.37% for the year ended December 31, 2024. The $46.4 million in total expenses associated with credit default swap premiums, the collateral preservation of nonperforming loans, and the addition of production staff had a negative 680 basis point impact on the efficiency ratio for the year ended December 31, 2025 compared to 94 basis points for the year ended December 31, 2024.

***Income Taxes.*** Provision for income tax of $45.0 million for the year ended December 31, 2025 decreased 56%, compared to $102.3 million for the year ended December 31, 2024. The decrease reflected lower pre-tax net income and the utilization of originated and purchased tax credits. The effective tax rate was 17.1% for the year ended December 31, 2025 and 24.2% for the year ended December 31, 2024.

**Asset Quality** 

Loans are generally underwritten to strict Freddie Mac, Fannie Mae, HUD, or other agency guidelines. We continually strive to strengthen our various levels of credit and risk management.

The allowance for credit losses on loans of $83.3 million, as of December 31, 2025, decreased by $1.1 million, or 1%, compared to $84.4 million as of December 31, 2024. The $1.1 million decrease compared to December 31, 2024 was driven by $124.1 million in charge-offs, partially offset by $122.9 million in provision expense. These changes were primarily associated with declines on certain multi-family property values, after receiving new appraisals, and the ongoing investigation of borrowers involved in mortgage fraud or suspected fraud. Additionally, the changes were attributable to certain types of subordinated loans that the Company no longer offers to borrowers. These underperforming loans have been largely identified and evaluated for potential losses that have either been included in the ACL-Loans as specific reserves or charged-off.

For the year ended December 31, 2025, there were $124.1 million of charge-offs and $127,000 of recoveries compared to $10.6 million of charge-offs and $136,000 of recoveries during the year ended December 31, 2024. In 2025, approximately 70% of the charge-offs were associated with five relationships.

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Overall, criticized loans receivable of $508.2 million declined by $189.1 million, or 27%, compared to December 31, 2024. This decline reinforces the view that the frequency of migration to criticized status would subside, driven by favorable market conditions and our efforts with proactive portfolio management.

Loans receivable classified as Special Mention totaled $204.9 million at December 31, 2025 compared to $380.0 million at December 31, 2024. Loans receivable classified as Substandard totaled $303.3 million at December 31, 2025, compared to $317.3 million at December 31, 2024.

As of December 31, 2025, all Substandard loans have been evaluated for impairment and these loans have specific reserves of $16.0 million. The Company believes that the remaining loans are well collateralized

Total nonperforming loans (nonaccrual and greater than 90 days late but still accruing) decreased 29%, to $197.8 million, or 1.79% of total loans receivable, at December 31, 2025, compared to $279.7 million, or 2.68% of total loans receivable, at December 31, 2024.

Loans receivable greater than 30 days past due were $206.6 million at December 31, 2025 compared to $292.3 million at December 31, 2024.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;As a percentage of nonperforming loans, the ACL-Loans was 42% at December 31, 2025 compared to 30% at December 31, 2024. The increase in percentage was due to an decrease in nonperforming loans.

The Company continues to reduce its credit risk through loan sale and securitization activities. Since 2023, the Company has strategically executed credit protection arrangements through credit default swaps and credit-linked notes to reduce risk of losses, with coverage ranging from 13-17% of the unpaid principal balances for each arrangement. Despite having credit protection on these loans, the Company is required to carry an allowance for credit losses on loans receivable. As of December 31, 2025, the credit-linked note was repaid in full and the remaining balance of loans protected by credit default swaps was $2.8 billion, compared to $2.3 billion as of December 31, 2024. For additional information see *Note 15: Derivative Financial Instruments.* 

The percentage of commercial real estate loans as a percentage of total Tier I risk-based capital, including the ACL-Loans, has declined from 348% to 324% for the years ended December 31, 2024 and 2025, respectively.

#### Operating Segment Analysis Comparing the Years Ended December 31, 2025 and 2024
We operate in three primary segments: Multi-family Mortgage Banking, Mortgage Warehousing, and Banking, as discussed in *"Our Business Segments" of Item 1* and *Note 23: Segment Information*. The reportable segments are consistent with the internal reporting and evaluation of the principal lines of business of the Company.

Our segment financial information was compiled utilizing the policies described in *Note 1: Nature of Operations and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies*, and *Note 23: Segment Information*, included elsewhere in this report. As a result, reported segments and the financial information of the reported segments are not necessarily comparable with similar information reported by other financial institutions. Furthermore, changes, if any, in management structure or allocation methodologies and procedures may result in future changes to previously reported segment financial data. Transactions between segments consist primarily of borrowed funds and overhead expense sharing. Intersegment interest expense is allocated to the Mortgage Warehousing and Banking segments based on Merchants Bank's cost of funds. The provision for credit losses is allocated based on information included in our ACL-Loans analysis and specific loan data for each segment.

Our segments diversify the net income of Merchants Bank and provide synergies across the segments. Strategic opportunities come from MCC and MCS, where loans are funded by the Banking segment and the Banking segment provides Ginnie Mae custodial services to MCC and MCS. Low-income tax credit syndication and debt fund offerings complement the lending activities of new and existing multi-family mortgage customers. The securities available for sale and held to maturity funded by MCC custodial deposits or purchases of securitized loans originated by MCC are pledged to FHLB to provide advance capacity during periods of high residential loan volume for Mortgage Warehousing. Mortgage Warehousing provides leads to Correspondent Lending in the Banking segment. Retail and commercial customers provide cross selling opportunities within the Banking segment. Merchants Mortgage is a risk mitigant to

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Mortgage Warehousing because it provides us with a ready platform to sell the underlying collateral to secure repayment. These and other synergies form a part of our strategic plan.

The Other segment presented below, in *Note 23: Segment Information,* and elsewhere in this report includes general and administrative expenses for provision of services to all segments, internal funds transfer pricing offsets resulting from allocations to or from the other segments, certain elimination entries, and investments in low-income housing tax credit limited partnerships or LLC.

The following table presents our primary operating results for our operating segments for the years ended December 31, 2025 and 2024.

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| | | | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|
|  | **Multi-family**<br>**Mortgage**<br>**Banking** | <br>**Mortgage**<br>**Warehousing** | <br><br>**Banking** | <br><br>**Other** | <br><br>**Total** |
|  | (In thousands) | (In thousands) | (In thousands) | (In thousands) | (In thousands) |
| **Year Ended December 31, 2025** |  |  |  |  |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Interest income | $4613 | $413656 | $767786 | $14796 | $1200851 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Interest expense | 80 | 274031 | 412964 | (3283) | 683792 |
| **Net interest income** | 4533 | 139625 | 354822 | 18079 | 517059 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Provision for credit losses | (403) | 3020 | 115137 |  | 117754 |
| **Net interest income after provision for credit losses** | 4936 | 136605 | 239685 | 18079 | 399305 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Noninterest income | 168874 | 12596 | 933 | (18015) | 164388 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Noninterest expense |  |  |  |  |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Salaries and employee benefits | 103504 | 8107 | 24765 | 30136 | 166512 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Other noninterest expense | 18314 | 24661 | 69589 | 20817 | 133381 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Total noninterest expense | 121818 | 32768 | 94354 | 50953 | 299893 |
| **Income (loss) before income taxes** | 51992 | 116433 | 146264 | (50889) | 263800 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Income taxes | 11837 | 19489 | 24259 | (10555) | 45030 |
| **Net income (loss)** | $40155 | $96944 | $122005 | $(40334) | $218770 |
| **Total assets** | $526423 | $7251653 | $11307401 | $363466 | $19448943 |

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| | | | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|
|  | **Multi-family**<br>**Mortgage**<br>**Banking** | <br>**Mortgage**<br>**Warehousing** | <br><br>**Banking** | <br><br>**Other** | <br><br>**Total** |
|  | (In thousands) | (In thousands) | (In thousands) | (In thousands) | (In thousands) |
| **Year Ended December 31, 2024** |  |  |  |  |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Interest income | $5239 | $391743 | $891490 | $14248 | $1302720 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Interest expense | 80 | 262149 | 521030 | (3159) | 780100 |
| **Net interest income** | 5159 | 129594 | 370460 | 17407 | 522620 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Provision for credit losses | (1003) | 1466 | 23815 |  | 24278 |
| **Net interest income after provision for credit losses** | 6162 | 128128 | 346645 | 17407 | 498342 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Noninterest income | 168028 | 3016 | (8523) | (14409) | 148112 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Noninterest expense |  |  |  |  |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Salaries and employee benefits | 77685 | 8115 | 19437 | 25486 | 130723 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Other noninterest expense | 20228 | 13818 | 43230 | 15813 | 93089 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Total noninterest expense | 97913 | 21933 | 62667 | 41299 | 223812 |
| **Income (loss) before income taxes** | 76277 | 109211 | 275455 | (38301) | 422642 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Income taxes | 20380 | 26409 | 65382 | (9915) | 102256 |
| **Net income (loss)** | $55897 | $82802 | $210073 | $(28386) | $320386 |
| **Total assets** | $479099 | $6000624 | $11761202 | $564807 | $18805732 |

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***Multi-family Mortgage Banking.*** The Multi-family Mortgage Banking segment reported net income of $40.2 million for the year ended December 31, 2025, a decrease of $15.7 million, or 28%, compared to $55.9 million reported

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for the year ended December 31, 2024. The decrease was primarily due to higher salaries and employee benefits, associated with the addition of production staff that are expected to continue to elevate volume, and lower loan servicing fees associated with fair value adjustments to servicing rights. These were partially offset by lower provision for income taxes, reflecting lower pre-tax income and benefits from tax credits.

Noninterest income reflected a $9.1 million increase in gain on sale of loans, as sales to the secondary market increased, a $4.9 million increase in syndication and asset management fees, and a $4.2 million increase in other noninterest income, primarily from investments in joint ventures, partially offset by a $17.3 million decrease in loan servicing fees.

The $9.1 million increase in gain on sale of loans reflects the successful execution of the Company's strategy to grow the business segment and to increase non-interest income.

Loan servicing fees reflected a positive fair market value adjustment of $3.8 million on servicing rights for the year ended December 31, 2025 compared to a positive fair market value adjustment of $20.5 million for the year ended December 31, 2024.

The $8.5 million decrease in provision for income tax expense reflected lower pre-tax income as well as the benefits of originated and purchased tax credits in 2025 compared to 2024.

The total volume of loans originated and acquired through our Multi-family business was $6.5 billion for the year ended December 31, 2025, an increase of $272.9 million, or 4%, compared to the year ended December 31, 2024. It included construction loans coupled with agreements for future permanent loan refinancing, as well as bridge loans housed in our Banking segment, while borrowers awaited conversion to permanent financing. It also included loans originated and acquired for sale in the secondary market.

Total assets in the Multi-family segment increased $47.3 million, or 10%, to $526.4 million at December 31, 2025, compared to $479.1 million at December 31, 2024.

***Mortgage Warehousing.*** The Mortgage Warehousing segment reported net income of $96.9 million for the year ended December 31, 2025, an increase of $14.1 million, or 17%, compared to $82.8 million for the year ended December 31, 2024. The increase in net income was primarily due to an increase in net interest income and other noninterest income, as well as a decrease in provision for income taxes, reflecting the benefits of tax credits. These were partially offset by an increase in noninterest expense related to premiums for credit risk transfers from higher loan balances.

Noninterest income for the year ended December 31, 2025 included a positive fair market value adjustment to floor derivatives of $5.5 million compared to a negative fair market value adjustment of $2.5 million for the year ended December 31, 2024.

The volume of loans funded during the year ended December 31, 2025 amounted to $66.3 billion, an increase of $20.7 billion, or 46%, compared to $45.6 billion for the same period in 2024. This compared to the 22% industry increase in single-family residential loan volumes from the year ended December 31, 2025 to the year ended December 31, 2024, according to the Mortgage Bankers Association.

Total assets in the Mortgage Warehousing segment increased $1.3 billion, or 21%, to $7.3 billion at December 31, 2025, compared to $6.0 billion at December 31, 2024.

***Banking.*** The Banking segment reported net income for the year ended December 31, 2025 of $122.0 million, a decrease of $88.1 million, or 42%, compared to $210.1 million for the year ended December 31, 2024. The decrease was due to a $91.3 million increase in provision for credit losses, a $15.6 million decrease in net interest income, and a $31.7 million rise in noninterest expense. The increase in noninterest expense was primarily due to collateral preservation expenses associated with taxes, insurance, property expenses, and legal fees related to nonperforming assets, as well as increased deposit insurance expense and credit risk transfer premium expenses. These were partially offset by a $41.1 million decrease in provision for income taxes, resulting from lower pre-tax income and benefits from tax credits, and a $9.5 million increase in other noninterest income, that reflected an increase in gain on sale of loans.

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Noninterest income for the year ended December 31, 2025 included a negative fair market value adjustment of $2.4 million on single-family servicing rights compared to a positive fair market value adjustment of $2.2 million for the year ended December 31, 2024.

Total assets in the Banking segment decreased $453.8 million, or 4%, to $11.3 billion at December 31, 2025, compared to $11.8 billion at December 31, 2024.

*See Item 1 "Business – Our Business Segments", and Note 23: Segment Information, for further information about our segments.*

#### Financial Condition
As of December 31, 2025, we had approximately $19.4 billion in total assets, $13.0 billion in deposits, $3.8 billion in borrowings and $2.3 billion in total shareholders' equity. Total assets as of December 31, 2025 included approximately $11.0 billion of loans receivable, net of ACL-Loans and $3.9 billion of loans held for sale. There were also $1.5 billion in securities classified as held to maturity. Assets also included $865.1 million in securities available for sale, the majority of which were acquired from a warehouse customer. There are some restrictions on the types of securities we hold, particularly for those that are funded by certain multi-family custodial deposits where we set the cost of deposits based on the yield of the related security. We had other assets of $713.2 million, which primarily related to low-income housing tax credits, and $620.1 million of mortgage loans in process of securitization that represent pre-sold multi-family rental real estate loan originations primarily Ginnie Mae, Fannie Mae, and Freddie Mac mortgage backed securities pending settlements that typically occur within 30 days. FHLB and other equity securities totaled $227.6 million and servicing rights were $217.3 million based on the fair value of the loan servicing, which primarily includes Ginnie Mae multi-family servicing rights with 10-year call protection. Additionally, we had $212.2 million of cash and cash equivalents at December 31, 2025.

#### Comparison of Financial Condition at December 31, 2025 and 2024
***Total Assets.*** Total assets of $19.4 billion at December 31, 2025 increased $643.2 million, or 3%, compared to $18.8 billion at December 31, 2024. The increase was due primarily to growth in loans and loans held for sale, specifically in the warehouse and multi-family loan portfolios, which were partially offset by lower balances in the residential loan portfolio. Warehouse loans, including loans held for sale and loans receivable, are exclusively made up of loans to residential and multi-family mortgage bankers that are funding agency-eligible mortgages and commercial loans, which represent all of the Company's loans to non-depository institutions.

***Cash and Cash Equivalents.*** Cash and cash equivalents of $212.2 million at December 31, 2025 decreased $264.4 million, or 55%, compared to $476.6 million at December 31, 2024. The decrease reflected intentional cash management.

***Mortgage Loans in Process of Securitization.*** Mortgage loans in process of securitization of $620.1 million at December 31, 2025 increased $191.9 million, or 45%, compared to $428.2 million at December 31, 2024. These represent loans that our banking subsidiary, Merchants Bank, has originated or funded and are held in the loan portfolio pending settlement, primarily as Ginnie Mae, Fannie Mae, and Freddie Mac mortgage-backed securities with a firm investor commitment to purchase the securities.

***Securities Available for Sale.*** Securities available for sale of $865.1 million at December 31, 2025 decreased $115.0 million, or 12%, compared to $980.1 million at December 31, 2024. The decrease in securities available for sale was primarily due to $862.3 million in calls, maturities, repayments and other adjustments, partially offset by purchases of $747.3 million during the period.

Included in securities available for sale were $571.3 million and $635.9 million of investment at December 31, 2025 and 2024, respectively, for which a fair value option was elected. Fair value option securities represent securities which the Company has elected to carry at fair value and are separately identified on the consolidated balance sheets with changes in the fair value recognized in earnings as they occur.

As of December 31, 2025, AOCL of $33,000, related to securities available for sale, decreased $100,000, or 75%, compared to accumulated losses of $133,000 at December 31, 2024. The $33,000 of AOCL as of

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December 31, 2025 represented less than 0.001% of total equity and total securities available for sale, reflecting our interest rate risk policy of maintaining short duration on assets and liabilities.

***Securities Held to Maturity.*** Securities held to maturity of $1.5 billion at December 31, 2025 decreased $121.0 million, or 7%, compared to $1.7 billion at December 31, 2024. The decrease was due to $380.6 million in repayments and amortization, net of $259.6 million in purchases, during the period.

The following table provides the weighted-average yield securities by maturity as of December 31, 2025.

---

| | | | | | | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| | **Due within one year** | **Due within one year** | **Due after one but within five years** | **Due after one but within five years** | **Due after five but within ten years** | **Due after five but within ten years** | **Due after ten years** | **Due after ten years** |
| <br>**December 31, 2025** | **Amount** | **Yield** | **Amount** | **Yield** | **Amount** | **Yield** | **Amount** | **Yield** |
|  | (Dollars in thousands) | (Dollars in thousands) | (Dollars in thousands) | (Dollars in thousands) | (Dollars in thousands) | (Dollars in thousands) | (Dollars in thousands) | (Dollars in thousands) |
| **Securities available for sale:** |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
| Treasury notes | $30680 | 3.96% | $— | —% | $— | —% | $— | —% |
| Federal agencies | 54612 | 3.99% | 204896 | 3.99% |  | —% |  | —% |
| Mortgage-backed - Government Agency <sup>(1)</sup> - multi-family |  | —% |  | —% |  | —% | 3556 | 7.25% |
| Mortgage-backed - Non-Agency residential - fair value option |  | —% |  | —% |  | —% | 385460 | 5.18% |
| Mortgage-backed - Agency - residential - fair value option |  | —% |  | —% |  | —% | 185854 | 4.42% |
| Total securities available for sale | $85292 | 3.98% | $204896 | 3.99% | $— | —% | $574870 | 4.95% |
| **Securities held to maturity:** |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
| Mortgage-backed - Non-Agency - multi-family | $— | —% | $— | —% | $438430 | 5.76% | $— | —% |
| Mortgage-backed - Non-Agency - residential |  | —% |  | —% |  | —% | 699957 | 5.62% |
| Mortgage-backed - Non-Agency - healthcare |  | —% |  | —% | 393588 | 5.42% |  |  |
| Mortgage-backed - Agency - multi-family |  | —% |  | —% |  | —% | 11684 | 3.81% |
| Total securities held to maturity | $— | —% | $— | —% | $832018 | 5.60% | $711641 | 5.59% |

---

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(1) Agency includes government sponsored entities, such as Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac, Ginnie Mae, FHLB, and FCB.

***Loans Held for Sale.*** Loans held for sale of $3.9 billion at December 31, 2025 increased $101.5 million, or 3%, compared to $3.8 billion at December 31, 2024. The increase in loans held for sale was due primarily to a significant increase in single-family warehouse participations, as we experienced higher volume which was nearly offset by a decline in multi-family loans. Loans held for sale are comprised primarily of single-family residential real estate loan participations that meet Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac, or Ginnie Mae eligibility. It also includes multi-family loans that are expected to be sold or securitized in the future.

***Loans Receivable, Net.*** The following table shows our allocation of loans receivable as of the dates presented:

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| | | | | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|
|  | **December 31, 2025** | **December 31, 2025** | **December 31, 2024** | **December 31, 2024** | **December 31, 2023** | **December 31, 2023** |
|  | <br>**Amount** | **% of**<br>**Total** | <br>**Amount** | **% of**<br>**Total** | <br>**Amount** | **% of**<br>**Total** |
|  | (Dollars in thousands) | (Dollars in thousands) | (Dollars in thousands) | (Dollars in thousands) | (Dollars in thousands) | (Dollars in thousands) |
| Mortgage warehouse repurchase agreements<sup>(4)</sup> | $1600285 | 14% | $1446068 | 14% | $752468 | 7% |
| Residential real estate<sup>(1)</sup>  | 1018780 | 9% | 1322853 | 13% | 1324305 | 13% |
| Multi-family financing | 5332680 | 48% | 4624299 | 44% | 4006160 | 40% |
| Healthcare financing | 1385359 | 13% | 1484483 | 14% | 2356689 | 23% |
| Commercial and commercial real estate<sup>(2)(3)(4)</sup> | 1603551 | 15% | 1476211 | 14% | 1643081 | 16% |
| Agricultural production and real estate | 92077 | 1% | 77631 | 1% | 103150 | 1% |
| Consumer and margin | 1950 | —% | 6843 | —% | 13700 | —% |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Loans receivable | 11034682 |  | 10438388 |  | 10199553 |  |
| ACL-Loans | (83301) |  | (84386) |  | (71752) |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Loans receivable, net | $10951381 | 100% | $10354002 | 100% | $10127801 | 100% |

---

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(1) Includes $832.2 million, $1.2 billion, and $1.2 billion of All-in-One© first-lien home equity lines of credit at December 31, 2025, 2024, and 2023, respectively.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(2) Includes $944.3 million, $908.9 million, and $1.1 billion of revolving lines of credit collateralized primarily by servicing rights as of December 31, 2025, 2024, and 2023, respectively.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(3) Includes only $19.5 million, $18.7 million, and $8.4 million of non-owner occupied commercial real estate as of December 31, 2025, 2024, and 2023, respectively.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(4) The warehouse portfolio is exclusively made up of loans to residential and multi-family mortgage bankers that are funding agency-eligible mortgages and commercial loans, which represent all of the Company's loans to non-depository institutions.

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Loans receivable, net of ACL-Loans, of $11.0 billion at December 31, 2025, increased $597.4 million, or 6%, compared to $10.4 billion at December 31, 2024. The increase was comprised primarily of:

● an increase of $708.4 million, or 15%, in multi-family financing loans, to $5.3 billion at December 31, 2025, reflecting higher origination volume for loans generated through multi-family segment that will remain on our balance sheet until they convert to permanent financing or are otherwise paid off over an average of one to three years.

● an increase of $154.2 million, or 11%, in mortgage warehouse repurchase agreements, to $1.6 billion at December 31, 2025, reflecting higher loan volume from increased sales efforts and market exits or reductions of competitors.

● an increase of $127.3 million, or 9%, in commercial and commercial real estate loans, to $1.6 billion at December 31, 2025.

● a decrease of $304.1 million, or 23%, in residential real estate loans, to $1.0 billion at December 31, 2025, primarily driven by the sale of loans into third-party securitizations, with the Company acquiring a security issued by the securitization trust reflected in securities held to maturity.

● a decrease of $99.1 million, or 7%, in healthcare financing loans, to $1.4 billion at December 31, 2025.

As of December 31, 2025, approximately 96% of the total net loans reprice within three months, which reduces the risk of market rate fluctuations.

The Company is a nationwide lender, especially in our largest portfolios of multi-family and healthcare financing. The tables below provide loans receivable for these two portfolios, including the five highest geographic concentrations.

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| | | | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| | **December 31, 2025** | **December 31, 2025** | **December 31, 2025** | **December 31, 2025** | **December 31, 2025** |
| | **Multi-family** | **Multi-family** | | **Healthcare** | **Healthcare** |
| <br>**State** | **Amount** | **% of Total** | <br>**State** | **Amount** | **% of Total** |
|  | (Dollars in thousands) | (Dollars in thousands) |  | (Dollars in thousands) | (Dollars in thousands) |
| Indiana | $1563073 | 29% | Michigan | $343872 | 25% |
| New York | 778137 | 15% | Ohio | 205880 | 15% |
| Texas | 286403 | 5% | Texas | 108626 | 8% |
| California | 238116 | 4% | South Carolina | 102500 | 7% |
| Georgia | 189404 | 4% | Pennsylvania | 96537 | 7% |
| Other states <sup>(1)</sup> | 2277547 | 43% | Other states <sup>(1)</sup> | 527944 | 38% |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Total | $5332680 | 100% |  | $1385359 | 100% |

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&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(1) No state included in the "Other states" group has an individual percentage more than the next highest concentration percentage for the specific portfolio of loans.

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| | | | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| | **December 31, 2024** | **December 31, 2024** | **December 31, 2024** | **December 31, 2024** | **December 31, 2024** |
| | **Multi-family** | **Multi-family** | | **Healthcare** | **Healthcare** |
| <br>**State** | **Amount** | **% of Total** | <br>**State** | **Amount** | **% of Total** |
|  | (Dollars in thousands) | (Dollars in thousands) |  | (Dollars in thousands) | (Dollars in thousands) |
| Indiana | $1446658 | 31% | Michigan | $395867 | 27% |
| New York | 482873 | 10% | Ohio | 314475 | 21% |
| Ohio | 274738 | 6% | South Carolina | 102500 | 7% |
| California | 215134 | 5% | Indiana | 102338 | 7% |
| Texas | 185133 | 4% | New Jersey | 89793 | 6% |
| Other states <sup>(1)</sup> | 2019763 | 44% | Other states <sup>(1)</sup> | 479510 | 32% |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Total | $4624299 | 100% |  | $1484483 | 100% |

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&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(1) No state included in the "Other states" group has an individual percentage more than the next highest concentration percentage for the specific portfolio of loans.

[**Table of Contents**](#TOC)

The following table presents the contractual maturity distribution of loans receivable at December 31, 2025 and an analysis of these loans that have fixed and floating interest rates. The table does not take into account repricing or other forecast assumptions.

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| | | | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|
|  | **Maturing**<br>**Within 1 Year** | **Maturing**<br>**1 to 5 Years** | **Maturing**<br>**After 5 to 15 Years** | **Maturing**<br>**After 15 Years** | <br>**Total** |
|  | **Amount** | **Amount** | **Amount** | **Amount** | **Amount** |
|  | (In thousands) | (In thousands) | (In thousands) | (In thousands) | (In thousands) |
| Mortgage warehouse repurchase agreements |  |  |  |  |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Interest rates: |  |  |  |  |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Fixed | $— | $— | $— | $— | $— |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Floating | 1575535 | 24750 |  |  | 1600285 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Total | $1575535 | $24750 | $— | $— | $1600285 |
| Residential real estate |  |  |  |  |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Interest rates: |  |  |  |  |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Fixed | $225 | $— | $— | $191533 | $191758 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Floating | 2873 | 14705 | 11319 | 798125 | 827022 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Total | $3098 | $14705 | $11319 | $989658 | $1018780 |
| Multi-family financing |  |  |  |  |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Interest rates: |  |  |  |  |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Fixed | $56880 | $4139 | $88961 | $1417 | $151397 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Floating | 2669203 | 2404886 | 107194 |  | 5181283 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Total | $2726083 | $2409025 | $196155 | $1417 | $5332680 |
| Healthcare financing |  |  |  |  |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Interest rates: |  |  |  |  |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Fixed | $43553 | $— | $— | $— | $43553 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Floating | 735974 | 605832 |  |  | 1341806 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Total | $779527 | $605832 | $— | $— | $1385359 |
| Commercial and commercial real estate |  |  |  |  |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Interest rates: |  |  |  |  |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Fixed | $13260 | $3835 | $533 | $1710 | $19338 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Floating | 785469 | 626022 | 124897 | 47825 | 1584213 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Total | $798729 | $629857 | $125430 | $49535 | $1603551 |
| Agricultural production and real estate |  |  |  |  |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Interest rates: |  |  |  |  |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Fixed | $8961 | $12405 | $730 | $659 | $22755 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Floating | 10542 | 2268 | 12732 | 43780 | 69322 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Total | $19503 | $14673 | $13462 | $44439 | $92077 |
| Consumer and margin |  |  |  |  |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Interest rates: |  |  |  |  |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Fixed | $18 | $147 | $— | $— | $165 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Floating | 1694 | 91 |  |  | 1785 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Total | $1712 | $238 | $— | $— | $1950 |
| Total |  |  |  |  |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Interest rates: |  |  |  |  |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Fixed | $122897 | $20526 | $90224 | $195319 | $428966 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Floating | 5781290 | 3678554 | 256142 | 889730 | 10605716 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Total loans receivable | $5904187 | $3699080 | $346366 | $1085049 | $11034682 |

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***ACL-Loans.*** The following table presents an analysis of the ACL-Loans for the periods presented:

---

| | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|
|  | **As of or For the Year** | **As of or For the Year** | **As of or For the Year** |
|  | **Ended December 31,** | **Ended December 31,** | **Ended December 31,** |
|  | **2025** | **2024** | **2023** |
|  | (Dollars in thousands) | (Dollars in thousands) | (Dollars in thousands) |
| Balance at beginning of period | $84386 | $71752 | $44014 |
| Less charge-offs: |  |  |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Residential real estate |  |  | (34) |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Multi-family financing | (114281) | (5282) | (8400) |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Healthcare financing | (7497) | (3095) |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Commercial and commercial real estate | (2338) | (2210) | (1356) |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Consumer and margin |  |  | (1) |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Total charge-offs | (124116) | (10587) | (9791) |
| Plus recoveries: |  |  |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Residential real estate |  | 14 |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Multi-family financing | 49 | 46 |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Commercial and commercial real estate | 78 | 76 | 41 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Total recoveries | 127 | 136 | 41 |
| Net (charge-offs) recoveries | (123989) | (10451) | (9750) |
| Transfers out: |  |  |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;FMBI's ACL for loans sold |  | (593) |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Provision for credit losses | 122904 | 23678 | 37488 |
| Balance at end of period | $83301 | $84386 | $71752 |
| Ratios: |  |  |  |
| Total net charge-offs to total average loans and loans held for sale | (0.85)% | (0.07)% | (0.08)% |
| Net charge-offs to average loans outstanding: |  |  |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Multi-family financing | (2.29)% | (0.12)% | (0.24)% |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Healthcare financing | (0.52)% | (0.16)% | —% |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Commercial and commercial real estate | (0.15)% | (0.14)% | (0.10)% |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Consumer and margin | —% | —% | (0.01)% |
| Allowance for credit losses to nonperforming loans at end of period | 42.11% | 30.17% | 87.49% |
| Allowance for credit losses to total loans receivable at end of period | 0.75% | 0.81% | 0.70% |

---

The following table presents an analysis of the ACL-Loans for the periods presented:

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| | | | | | | | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|
|  | **December 31,**  | **December 31,**  | **December 31,**  | **December 31,**  | **December 31,**  | **December 31,**  | **December 31,**  | **December 31,**  | **December 31,**  |
|  | **2025** | **2025** | **2025** | **2024** | **2024** | **2024** | **2023** | **2023** | **2023** |
|  | <br><br><br>**Amount** | <br>**Percent**<br>**of Allowance**<br>**by Loan**<br>**Type** | **Percent of**<br>**Loans in**<br>**Category**<br>**to Loans**<br>**Receivable** | <br><br><br>**Amount** | <br>**Percent**<br>**of Allowance**<br>**by Loan**<br>**Type** | **Percent of**<br>**Loans in**<br>**Category**<br>**to Loans**<br>**Receivable** | <br><br><br>**Amount** | <br>**Percent**<br>**of Allowance**<br>**by Loan**<br>**Type** | **Percent of**<br>**Loans in**<br>**Category**<br>**to Loans**<br>**Receivable** |
|  | (Dollars in thousands) | (Dollars in thousands) | (Dollars in thousands) | (Dollars in thousands) | (Dollars in thousands) | (Dollars in thousands) | (Dollars in thousands) | (Dollars in thousands) | (Dollars in thousands) |
| Mortgage warehouse repurchase agreements | $4269 | 5% | 14% | $3816 | 5% | 14% | $2070 | 3% | 7% |
| Residential real estate | 4672 | 6% | 9% | 5942 | 7% | 13% | 7323 | 10% | 13% |
| Multi-family financing | 43041 | 52% | 48% | 55126 | 65% | 44% | 26874 | 38% | 40% |
| Healthcare financing | 18595 | 22% | 13% | 8562 | 10% | 14% | 22454 | 31% | 23% |
| Commercial and commercial real estate | 11998 | 14% | 15% | 10293 | 12% | 14% | 12243 | 17% | 16% |
| Agricultural production and real estate | 697 | 1% | 1% | 539 | 1% | 1% | 619 | 1% | 1% |
| Consumer and margin | 29 | -% | -% | 108 | -% | -% | 169 | -% | -% |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Total allowance for credit losses | $83301 | 100% | 100% | $84386 | 100% | 100% | $71752 | 100% | 100% |

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[**Table of Contents**](#TOC)

The following table sets forth the amounts of nonperforming loans and nonperforming assets at the dates indicated:

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| | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|
|  | **December 31,**  | **December 31,**  | **December 31,**  |
|  | **2025** | **2024** | **2023** |
|  | (Dollars in thousands) | (Dollars in thousands) | (Dollars in thousands) |
| Nonaccrual loans: |  |  |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Residential real estate | $7680 | $6154 | $1486 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Multi-family financing | 128241 | 201508 | 39608 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Healthcare financing | 59574 | 69001 | 28783 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Commercial and commercial real estate | 2313 | 3047 | 3820 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Agricultural production and real estate | 4 | 6 | 147 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Consumer and margin |  |  | 3 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Total | 197812 | 279716 | 73847 |
| Accruing loans 90 days or more past due: |  |  |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Residential real estate |  |  | 894 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Healthcare financing |  |  | 7216 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Commercial and commercial real estate |  |  | 43 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Agricultural production and real estate |  | 6 |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Consumer and margin |  |  | 15 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Total |  | 6 | 8168 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Total nonperforming loans | $197812 | $279722 | $82015 |
| Real estate owned | 60145 | 8209 |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Total nonperforming assets | $257957 | $287931 | $82015 |
| Modifications: |  |  |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Multi-family financing | $113469 | $92184 | $— |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Healthcare financing | 74299 | 13961 |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Commercial and commercial real estate | 945 |  | 3533 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Total | $188713 | $106145 | $3533 |
| Ratios: |  |  |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Total nonperforming loans to total loans receivable | 1.79% | 2.68% | 0.80% |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Total nonperforming loans to total assets | 1.02% | 1.49% | 0.48% |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Total nonperforming assets to total assets | 1.33% | 1.53% | 0.48% |

---

The ACL-Loans of $83.3 million at December 31, 2025 decreased $1.1 million, or 1%, compared to $84.4 million at December 31, 2024. The decrease compared to December 31, 2024 was driven by $124.1 million in charge-offs, partially offset by $122.9 million in provision expense, primarily related to the multi-family portfolio. These changes were primarily associated with declines on certain multi-family property values, after receiving new appraisals, and the ongoing investigation of borrowers involved in mortgage fraud or suspected fraud, and loan growth. Additionally, the charge-offs were attributable to certain types of subordinated loans that the Company no longer offers to borrowers. Losses on underperforming loans have been largely identified and have either been included in ACL-Loans as specific reserves or charged-off.

***Premises and Equipment, Net.*** Premises and equipment, net, of $73.9 million at December 31, 2025 increased $15.3 million, or 26%, compared to $58.6 million at December 31, 2024. The increase was primarily due construction of the new headquarters for MCC to support business growth.

***Goodwill.*** Goodwill of $8.0 million at December 31, 2025 was unchanged compared to December 31, 2024.

***Servicing Rights.*** Servicing rights of $217.3 million at December 31, 2025 increased $27.4 million, or 14%, compared to $189.9 million at December 31, 2024. During the year ended December 31, 2025, originated and purchased servicing of $38.1 million and a positive fair market value adjustment of $1.4 million were partially offset by paydowns of $12.2 million. The $1.4 million positive fair market value adjustment consisted of a positive fair market value adjustment of $3.8 million for multi-family and healthcare mortgages and a negative fair market value adjustment of $2.4 million for single-family mortgages and SBA loans during the year ended December 31, 2025 compared to a $22.7 million positive fair market value adjustment which consisted of a positive fair market value adjustment of $20.5 million

[**Table of Contents**](#TOC)

for multi-family and healthcare mortgages and a positive fair market value adjustment of $2.2 million for single-family mortgages and SBA loans during the year ended December 31, 2024 .

Servicing rights are recognized in connection with sales of loans when we retain servicing of the sold loans. The servicing rights are recorded and carried at fair value based on the expected future cash flows. The fair value increase recorded during the year ended December 31, 2025 was driven by higher escrow earnings rates in multi-family servicing, which was partially offset by lower interest rates that impacted single-family servicing. The value of servicing rights generally increases in rising interest rate environments and declines in falling interest rate environments due to expected prepayments.

***Other Real Estate Owned.*** Other real estate owned of $60.1 million at December 31, 2025 increased $51.9 million compared to $8.2 million at December 31, 2024. The increase was primarily due to progress with one multi-family property that moved to other real estate owned in December 2025.

***Other Assets and Receivables.*** Other assets and receivables of $713.2 million at December 31, 2025 increased $150.1 million, or 27%, compared to $563.1 million at December 31, 2024. The 27% increase was primarily due to a $179.0 million increase in income tax receivable related to tax credits purchased during the year, and a $91.7 million increase in investments in LIHTC funds, partially offset by a decrease of $125.0 million in prepaid assets associated with the redemption of Series B Preferred Stock in January 2025.

***Deposits.*** Deposits of $13.0 billion at December 31, 2025 increased $1.1 billion, or 9%, compared to $11.9 billion at December 31, 2024. The 9% increase in total deposits, which outpaced the 6% growth in loans receivable, was primarily due to a $2.9 billion increase in demand deposits, and a $324.6 million increase in money market/savings accounts, partially offset by a $2.1 billion decrease in certificates of deposit. As of December 31, 2025, approximately 83% of the total deposits reprice within three months.

---

| | | | | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|
|  | **December 31, 2025** | **December 31, 2025** | **December 31, 2024** | **December 31, 2024** | **December 31, 2023** | **December 31, 2023** |
|  | **Amount** | **%** | **Amount** | **%** | **Amount** | **%** |
|  | (Dollars in thousands) | (Dollars in thousands) | (Dollars in thousands) | (Dollars in thousands) | (Dollars in thousands) | (Dollars in thousands) |
| Brokered deposits | $1757326 | 13% | $2534078 | 21% | $5970644 | 42% |
| Core deposits | 11283866 | 87% | 9385898 | 79% | 8090816 | 58% |
| Total | $13041192 | 100% | $11919976 | 100% | $14061460 | 100% |

---

Core deposits increased by $1.9 billion, or 20%, to $11.3 billion at December 31, 2025 compared to December 31, 2024. Core deposits represented 87% of total deposits at December 31, 2025 compared to 79% of total deposits at December 31, 2024. The increases were attributable primarily to growth in custodial deposits from warehouse customers as well as strategic initiatives focused on delivering innovative liquidity solutions in expanded markets.

We have decreased our use of brokered deposits by 31%, which totaled $1.8 billion at December 31, 2025 compared to $2.5 billion at December 31, 2024. Brokered deposits represented 13% of total deposits at December 31, 2025 compared to 21% of total deposits at December 31, 2024. As of December 31, 2025, brokered certificates of deposit had a weighted average remaining duration of 59 days.

Interest-bearing deposits increased $756.1 million, or 6%, to $12.4 billion at December 31, 2025 compared to December 31, 2024, and noninterest-bearing deposits increased $365.1 million, or 153%, to $604.1 million at December 31, 2025 compared to December 31, 2024.

Uninsured deposits totaled approximately $3.1 billion as of December 31, 2025, representing 23.3% of total deposits. Since 2018, the Company has offered its customers an opportunity to insure balances in excess of $250,000 through our insured cash sweep program that extends FDIC protection up to $100 million. The balance of deposits in this program was $1.4 billion and $1.6 billion as of December 31, 2025 and 2024, respectively.

[**Table of Contents**](#TOC)

The following tables show the average balance amounts and the average contractual rates paid on our deposits for the periods indicated:

---

| | | | | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|
|  | **December 31, 2025** | **December 31, 2025** | **December 31, 2024** | **December 31, 2024** | **December 31, 2023** | **December 31, 2023** |
|  | **Average**<br>**Balance** | **Average**<br>**Rate** | **Average**<br>**Balance** | **Average**<br>**Rate** | **Average**<br>**Balance** | **Average**<br>**Rate** |
|  | (Dollars in thousands) | (Dollars in thousands) | (Dollars in thousands) | (Dollars in thousands) | (Dollars in thousands) | (Dollars in thousands) |
| Noninterest-bearing demand | $389475 | —% | $335954 | —% | $337723 | —% |
| Interest-bearing demand | 6599331 | 3.92% | 5222451 | 4.60% | 4717300 | 4.59% |
| Money market/savings | 3681726 | 3.91% | 3005158 | 4.47% | 3044793 | 4.19% |
| Certificates of deposit | 2623674 | 4.53% | 5340340 | 5.35% | 4589312 | 5.08% |
| Total | $13294206 | 3.92% | $13903903 | 4.75% | $12689128 | 4.55% |

---

The following table shows time deposits of $250,000 or more by time remaining until maturity:

---

| | |
|:---|:---|
|  | **December 31, 2025** |
|  | (In thousands) |
| Three months or less | $161424 |
| Over three months through six months | 166686 |
| Over six months through one year | 122791 |
| Over one year to three years | 46553 |
| Over three years |  |
| Total | $497454 |

---

***Borrowings.*** Borrowings of $3.8 billion at December 31, 2025 decreased $543.5 million, or 12%, compared to $4.4 billion at December 31, 2024. The lower level of collateralized borrowing was primarily due to less borrowings at FHLB as well as the repayment of the credit-linked notes that were issued in March 2023. The higher levels of core deposits at lower rates reduced the need for borrowing. The Company primarily utilizes borrowing facilities from the FHLB, the Federal Reserve's discount window, AFX, and Federal Funds, using the most cost-effective options available. See *Note 14: Borrowings* for further information.

The Company continues to have significant borrowing capacity based on available collateral. As of December 31, 2025, unused lines of credit totaled $5.3 billion, compared to $4.3 billion at December 31, 2024. The Company's ratio of total collateralized borrowing capacity to total assets increased from 46% as of December 31, 2024 compared to 47% as of December 31, 2025.

The following table sets forth certain information regarding our borrowings at the dates and for the periods indicated:

---

| | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|
|  | **As of and For the Year Ended** | **As of and For the Year Ended** | **As of and For the Year Ended** |
|  | **December 31,**  | **December 31,**  | **December 31,**  |
|  | **2025** | **2024** | **2023** |
|  | (Dollars in thousands) | (Dollars in thousands) | (Dollars in thousands) |
| Balance at end of period | $3842592 | $4386122 | $964127 |
| Average balance during period | 3139762 | 1833722 | 627516 |
| Maximum outstanding at any month end | 4558254 | 4386122 | 1654075 |
| Weighted average interest rate at end of period<sup>(1)</sup> | 3.84% | 4.82% | 7.51% |
| Average interest rate during period | 5.17% | 6.53% | 8.37% |

---

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(1) The weighted-average interest rate at the end of the period reflects the stated interest rates on the borrowings.

***Other Liabilities.*** Other liabilities of $250.5 million at December 31, 2025 increased $19.5 million, or 8%, compared to $231.0 million at December 31, 2024. The 8% increase in other liabilities was primarily due to higher funding commitments for LIHTC investments.

***Total Shareholders' Equity.*** Shareholders' equity was $2.3 billion as of December 31, 2025, compared to $2.2 billion as of December 31, 2024. The $37.4 million, or 2%, increase resulted primarily from net income of $218.8 million, partially offset by the redemption of 6% Series B Preferred Stock for $125.0 million and dividends paid on common and preferred shares of $59.4 million during the period. See *Note 18: Preferred Stock* for more details on the Series B redemption.

[**Table of Contents**](#TOC)

**Supplemental Trend Information**

---

| | | | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|
|  | **As of and For the Year Ended December 31,**  | **As of and For the Year Ended December 31,**  | **As of and For the Year Ended December 31,**  | **As of and For the Year Ended December 31,**  | **As of and For the Year Ended December 31,**  |
|  | **2025** | **2024** | **2023** | **2022** | **2021** |
|  | (Dollars in thousands, except per share data) | (Dollars in thousands, except per share data) | (Dollars in thousands, except per share data) | (Dollars in thousands, except per share data) | (Dollars in thousands, except per share data) |
| **Balance Sheet Data:**  |  |  |  |  |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Total Assets | $19448943 | $18805732 | $16952516 | $12615227 | $11278638 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Loans receivable | 11034682 | 10438388 | 10199553 | 7470872 | 5782663 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Allowance for credit losses <sup>(1)</sup>  | (83301) | (84386) | (71752) | (44014) | (31344) |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Loans held for sale | 3873012 | 3771510 | 3144756 | 2910576 | 3303199 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Deposits | 13041192 | 11919976 | 14061460 | 10071345 | 8982613 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Total liabilities | 17168184 | 16562422 | 15251432 | 11155488 | 10123229 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Total shareholders' equity | 2280759 | 2243310 | 1701084 | 1459739 | 1155409 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Tangible common shareholders' equity (non-GAAP) | 1721417 | 1563102 | 1184889 | 943100 | 775708 |
| **Statement of Income Data:** |  |  |  |  |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Interest Income | $1200851 | $1302720 | $1077798 | $480833 | $311886 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Interest Expense | 683792 | 780100 | 629727 | 162282 | 33892 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Net interest income | 517059 | 522620 | 448071 | 318551 | 277994 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Provision for credit losses | 117754 | 24278 | 40231 | 17295 | 5012 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Noninterest income | 164388 | 148112 | 114668 | 125936 | 157333 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Noninterest expense | 299893 | 223812 | 174601 | 136050 | 125385 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Income before taxes | 263800 | 422642 | 347907 | 291142 | 304930 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Provision for income taxes | 45030 | 102256 | 68673 | 71421 | 77826 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Net income | 218770 | 320386 | 279234 | 219721 | 227104 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Preferred stock dividends | 41062 | 34909 | 34670 | 25983 | 20873 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Impact of preferred stock redemption | 4156 | 1823 |  |  |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Net income available to common shareholders | $173552 | $283654 | $244564 | $193738 | $206231 |
| **Credit Quality Data:** |  |  |  |  |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Nonperforming loans | $197812 | $279722 | $82015 | $26683 | $761 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Nonperforming loans to total loans receivable | 1.79% | 2.68% | 0.80% | 0.36% | 0.01% |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Nonperforming assets | $257957 | $287931 | $82015 | $26683 | $761 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Nonperforming assets to total assets | 1.33% | 1.53% | 0.48% | 0.21% | 0.01% |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Allowance for credit losses to total loans receivable | 0.75% | 0.81% | 0.70% | 0.59% | 0.54% |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Allowance for credit losses to nonperforming loans | 42.11% | 30.17% | 87.49% | 164.95% | 4118.79% |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Net charge-offs to average loans and loans held for sale | 0.85% | 0.07% | 0.08% | 0.01% | 0.01% |
| **Per Share Data (Common Stock):** |  |  |  |  |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Diluted earnings per share | $3.78 | $6.30 | $5.64 | $4.47 | $4.76 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Dividends declared | $0.40 | $0.36 | $0.32 | $0.28 | $0.24 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Tangible book value (non-GAAP) | $37.51 | $34.15 | $27.40 | $21.88 | $17.96 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Weighted average shares outstanding |  |  |  |  |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Basic | 45871698 | 44855100 | 43224042 | 43164477 | 43172078 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Diluted | 45942730 | 45004786 | 43345799 | 43316904 | 43325303 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Shares outstanding at period end | 45893172 | 45767166 | 43242928 | 43113127 | 43180079 |
| **Performance Metrics:** |  |  |  |  |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Return on average assets | 1.16% | 1.79% | 1.85% | 1.99% | 2.23% |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Return on average equity | 9.88% | 16.86% | 17.63% | 17.21% | 22.07% |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Return on average tangible common equity (non-GAAP) | 10.49% | 20.16% | 22.92% | 22.50% | 30.10% |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Net interest margin | 2.86% | 3.03% | 3.06% | 2.97% | 2.79% |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Efficiency ratio (non-GAAP) | 44.01% | 33.37% | 31.03% | 30.61% | 28.80% |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Loans and loans held for sale to deposits | 114.31% | 119.21% | 94.90% | 103.08% | 101.15% |
| **Capital Ratios—Merchants Bancorp:** |  |  |  |  |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Tangible common equity to tangible assets (non-GAAP) | 8.9% | 8.3% | 7.0% | 7.5% | 6.9% |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Tier 1 common equity to risk-weighted assets | 9.9% | 9.3% | 7.8% | 7.7% | n/a% |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Tier 1 leverage ratio/CBLR | 11.5% | 12.1% | 10.1% | 11.7% | 10.4% |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Tier 1 capital to risk-weighted assets | 13.1% | 13.3% | 11.1% | 11.7% | n/a% |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Total capital to risk-weighted assets | 13.6% | 13.9% | 11.6% | 12.2% | n/a% |
| **Capital Ratios—Merchants Bank Only:** |  |  |  |  |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Tier 1 common equity to risk-weighted assets | 12.8% | 12.3% | 10.9% | 11.3% | n/a% |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Tier 1 capital to average assets/CBLR | 11.3% | 11.2% | 10.1% | 11.3% | 10.3% |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Tier 1 capital to risk-weighted assets | 12.8% | 12.3% | 10.9% | 11.3% | n/a% |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Total capital to risk-weighted assets | 13.4% | 12.9% | 11.5% | 11.7% | n/a% |

---

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(1) The Company adopted FASB ASU 2016-13, *Financial Instruments—Credit Losses (Topic 326): Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial Instruments* ("CECL") on January 1, 2022. ASU 2016-13 replaces the allowance for loan losses that used incurred loss impairment methodology in 2021 with an allowance based on expected losses.

**Non-GAAP Financial Measures**

The Company's accounting and reporting policies conform to GAAP and general practices within the banking industry. As a supplement to GAAP, the Company provides non-GAAP performance results, which the Company believes are useful because they assist users of the financial information in assessing the Company's operating

[**Table of Contents**](#TOC)

performance. Where non-GAAP financial measures are used, the comparable GAAP financial measure, as well as the reconciliation to the comparable GAAP financial measure, can be found.

These non-GAAP financial measures include presentation of tangible common shareholders' equity, average tangible common shareholders' equity, tangible assets, tangible book value per share, return on average tangible common equity, and tangible common equity to tangible assets.

The reconciliation from shareholders' equity per GAAP to tangible common shareholders' equity is comprised of goodwill and intangibles, and preferred stock.

The reconciliation from consolidated assets per GAAP to tangible assets is comprised solely of consolidated assets less goodwill and intangibles.

Tangible book value per common share represents tangible common shareholders' equity divided by ending common shares.

Return on average tangible common equity represents net income available to common shareholders divided by average shareholders' equity, less average goodwill, average intangibles, and average preferred stock.

Although intended to enhance understanding of the Company's business and performance, these non-GAAP financial measures should not be considered an alternative to GAAP. In addition, these non-GAAP financial measures may differ from those used by other financial institutions to assess their business and performance.

A reconciliation of GAAP to non-GAAP financial measures is as follows:

---

| | | | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|
|  | **As of and For the Year Ended December 31,**  | **As of and For the Year Ended December 31,**  | **As of and For the Year Ended December 31,**  | **As of and For the Year Ended December 31,**  | **As of and For the Year Ended December 31,**  |
|  | **2025** | **2024** | **2023** | **2022** | **2021** |
|  | (Dollars in thousands, except per share data) | (Dollars in thousands, except per share data) | (Dollars in thousands, except per share data) | (Dollars in thousands, except per share data) | (Dollars in thousands, except per share data) |
| **Tangible common shareholders' equity:** |  |  |  |  |  |
| Shareholders' equity per GAAP | $2280759 | $2243310 | $1701084 | $1459739 | $1155409 |
| Less: goodwill & intangibles | (8051) | (8073) | (16587) | (17031) | (17552) |
| Tangible shareholders' equity | 2272708 | 2235237 | 1684497 | 1442708 | 1137857 |
| Less: preferred stock | (551291) | (672135) | (499608) | (499608) | (362149) |
| **Tangible common shareholders' equity** | $**1721417** | $**1563102** | $**1184889** | $**943100** | $**775708** |
| **Average tangible common shareholders' equity:** |  |  |  |  |  |
| Average shareholders' equity per GAAP | $2213449 | $1900130 | $1583485 | $1276443 | $1028834 |
| Less: average goodwill & intangibles | (8062) | (8697) | (16801) | (17293) | (17841) |
| Less: average preferred stock | (551622) | (484391) | (499608) | (398182) | (325904) |
| Average tangible common shareholders' equity | $1653765 | $1407042 | $1067076 | $860968 | $685089 |
| **Tangible assets:** |  |  |  |  |  |
| Assets per GAAP | $19448943 | $18805732 | $16952516 | $12615227 | $11278638 |
| Less: goodwill & intangibles | (8051) | (8073) | (16587) | (17031) | (17552) |
| Tangible assets | $19440892 | $18797659 | $16935929 | $12598196 | $11261086 |
| **Ending Common Shares** | 45893172 | 45767166 | 43242928 | 43113127 | 43180079 |
| **Tangible book value per common share** | $**37.51** | $**34.15** | $**27.40** | $**21.88** | $**17.96** |
| **Return on average tangible common equity** | **10.49%**  | **20.16%**  | **22.92%**  | **22.50%**  | **30.10**% |
| **Tangible common equity to tangible assets** | **8.9%**  | **8.3%**  | **7.0%**  | **7.5%**  | **6.9**% |

---

**Liquidity and Capital Resources** 

***Liquidity***

Our primary sources of funds are business and consumer deposits, escrow and custodial deposits, borrowings, brokered deposits, principal and interest payments on loans, principal and interest on investment securities, and proceeds

[**Table of Contents**](#TOC)

from sale of loans. While maturities and scheduled amortization of loans are predictable sources of funds, deposit flows and mortgage prepayments are greatly influenced by market interest rates, economic conditions, and competition.

At December 31, 2025, based on pledged collateral, we had $5.3 billion in available unused borrowing capacity with the FHLB and the Federal Reserve discount window, an increase of 23%, compared to $4.3 billion at December 31, 2024. While the amounts available fluctuate daily, we also had available capacity lines through our membership in the AFX and US Bank Federal Funds. This liquidity enhances the ability to effectively manage interest expense and asset levels in the future.

The Company's most liquid assets are in cash, short-term investments, including interest-bearing demand deposits, mortgage loans in process of securitization, loans held for sale, and warehouse lines of credit included in loans receivable. Taken together with its unused borrowing capacity of $5.3 billion described above, these totaled $11.6 billion, or 60%, of its $19.4 billion total assets at December 31, 2025. The levels of these assets are dependent on our operating, financing, lending, and investing activities during any given period.

The Company's investment portfolio has minimal levels of unrealized losses and management does not anticipate a need to sell securities for liquidity purposes at a loss. As of December 31, 2025, AOCL of $33,000, related to securities available for sale, decreased $100,000, or 75%, compared to AOCL of $133,000 as of December 31, 2024. The $33,000 of AOCL as of December 31, 2025 represented less than 0.001% of total equity and total securities available for sale, reflecting our interest rate risk policy of maintaining short duration on assets and liabilities.

Our cash flows are comprised of three primary classifications: cash flows from operating activities, investing activities, and financing activities. Net cash used in operating activities was $341.2 million and $835.3 million for the years ended December 31, 2025 and 2024, respectively. Net cash used in investing activities, which consists primarily of net change in loans receivable and purchases, sales and maturities of investment securities and loans, was $195.7 million and $874.3 million for the years ended December 31, 2025 and 2024, respectively. Net cash provided by financing activities, which is comprised primarily of net change in borrowing and deposits was $272.5 million and $1.6 billion for the years ended December 31, 2025 and 2024, respectively. Most variability within our cash flows comes from loan growth and sale activity. As discussed in detail throughout this section and *Capital Resources*, the Company has numerous funding sources to cover volatility in cash flows for operating and financing needs through our cash, investments, borrowing capacity, deposit base and capital resources.

Certificates of deposit that are scheduled to mature in less than one year from December 31, 2025 totaled $1.8 billion, or 97%, of total certificates of deposit. Of the $1.9 billion in total, including those that will mature in more than one year, there were $905.4 million classified as core deposits. Management expects that a substantial portion of the maturing core certificates of deposit will be renewed. However, if a substantial portion of these deposits is not retained, we may decide to utilize FHLB advances, the Federal Reserve discount window, brokered deposits, or raise interest rates on deposits to attract new accounts, which may result in higher levels of interest expense.

#### Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements
In the normal course of operations, we engage in a variety of financial transactions that, in accordance with GAAP, are not recorded in our financial statements. These transactions involve, to varying degrees, elements of credit, interest rate and liquidity risk. Such transactions are used primarily to manage customers' requests for funding and take the form of loan commitments, lines of credit and standby letters of credit.

At December 31, 2025, we had $4.0 billion in outstanding commitments to extend credit that are subject to credit risk and $1.2 billion in outstanding commitments subject to certain performance criteria and cancellation by the Company, including loans pending closing, and unfunded construction draws. We anticipate that we will have sufficient funds available to meet our current loan origination commitments. Additionally, the Company's business model is designed to continuously sell a significant portion of its loans, which provides flexibility in managing its liquidity.

For more information about our loan commitments, unused lines of credit and standby letters of credit, see *Note 26: Commitments, Credit Risk, and Contingencies*.

[**Table of Contents**](#TOC)

***Capital Resources***

The access to and cost of funding new business initiatives, the ability to engage in expanded business activities, the ability to pay dividends, the level of deposit insurance costs, and the level and nature of regulatory oversight depend, in part, on our capital position. The Company filed a shelf registration statement on Form S-3 with the SEC on May 23, 2025, which was declared effective on June 4, 2025, under which we can issue up to $500 million aggregate offering amount of registered securities to finance our growth objectives. The Company has demonstrated its ability to raise capital or utilize securitization transactions to free up capital as needed.

The assessment of capital adequacy depends on a number of factors, including asset quality, liquidity, earnings performance, changing competitive conditions and economic forces. We seek to maintain a strong capital base to support our growth and expansion activities, to provide stability to our current operations and to promote public confidence in our Company.

*Preferred Stock/Dividends.*

*7% Series A Preferred Stock.* The Company redeemed all outstanding shares of the Series A Preferred Stock on April 1, 2024 for $52.0 million at a price equal to the liquidation preference of $25 per share, using cash on hand. The $1.8 million of expenses associated with the original issuance, which were capitalized in 2019, were recognized through retained earnings upon redemption, thus reducing net income available to common shareholders.

*6% Series B Preferred Stock.* The Company redeemed all outstanding shares of the Series B Preferred Stock on January 2, 2025, at a price equal to the liquidation preference of $1,000 per share (equivalent to $25 per depositary share), or $125.0 million. The $4.2 million of expenses associated with the original issuance, which were capitalized in 2019, were recognized through retained earnings upon redemption, thus reducing net income available to common shareholders.

Cash to redeem the shares was delivered to the Company's transfer agent on December 31, 2024, resulting in a prepaid asset reported in other assets that was subsequently reversed on its redemption date of January 2, 2025. As of the redemption date, the Series B Preferred Stock did not have any accrued, but unpaid dividends.

*6% Series C Preferred Stock*. Dividends on the Series C Preferred Stock, to the extent declared by the Board, are payable quarterly. The Company may redeem the Series C Preferred Stock, in whole or in part, at our option, on any dividend payment date on or after April 1, 2026, subject to the approval of the appropriate federal banking agency, at the liquidation preference, plus any declared and unpaid dividends (without regard to any undeclared dividends) to, but excluding, the date of redemption.

*8.25% Series D Preferred Stock*. Dividends on the Series D Preferred Stock, to the extent declared by the Board, are payable quarterly. The Company may redeem the Series D Preferred Stock, in whole or in part, at our option, on any dividend payment date on or after October 1, 2027, subject to the approval of the appropriate federal banking agency, at the liquidation preference, plus any declared and unpaid dividends (without regard to any undeclared dividends) to, but excluding, the date of redemption. If the Series D Preferred Stock remains outstanding on October 1, 2027, its dividend rate would reset to the 5-year Treasury rate, plus 4.34% and would remain at that level for an additional 5 years.

*7.625% Series E Preferred Stock.* On November 25, 2024, the Company issued 9,200,000 depositary shares, each representing a 1/40<sup>th</sup> interest in a share of its 7.625% Fixed Rate Series E Non-Cumulative Perpetual Preferred Stock, without par value, and with a liquidation preference of $1,000 per share (equivalent to $25 per depositary share). The aggregate gross offering proceeds for the shares issued by the Company was $230.0 million, and after deducting underwriting discounts and commissions and offering expenses of approximately $7.3 million paid to third parties, the Company received total net proceeds of $222.7 million.

The Series E Preferred Stock have no voting rights with respect to matters that generally require the approval of our common shareholders. Dividends on the Series E Preferred Stock, to the extent declared by the Board, are payable quarterly. The Company may redeem the Series E Preferred Stock, in whole or in part, at its option, on any dividend payment date on or after January 1, 2030, subject to the approval of the appropriate federal banking agency, at the

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liquidation preference, plus any declared and unpaid dividends (without regard to any undeclared dividends) to, but excluding, the date of redemption.

Dividends declared for preferred shareholders in 2025 totaled $41.1 million. The Company anticipates dividends will be the same in 2026. For more information, see *Note 18: Preferred Stock*.

*Common Shares/Dividends*. On May 16, 2024, the Company issued 2.4 million shares of the Company's common stock, without par value, at a public offering price of $43.00 per share in an underwritten public offering. The aggregate gross offering proceeds for the shares issued by the Company was $103.2 million, and after deducting underwriting discounts, commissions, and offering expenses of $5.5 million paid to third parties, the Company received total net proceeds of $97.7 million.

As of December 31, 2025, the Company had 45,893,172 common shares issued and outstanding. The Board declared a quarterly dividend of $0.10 per share in each quarter of 2025 and expects to raise its dividend in 2026. The Board declared a quarterly dividend of $0.11 per share for the first quarter of 2026.

*Capital Adequacy*.

The following tables present the Company's capital ratios at December 31, 2025 and 2024.

---

| | | | | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|
|  |  |  | **Minimum** | **Minimum** |  |  |
|  |  |  | **Amount to be Well** | **Amount to be Well** | **Minimum Amount** | **Minimum Amount** |
|  |  |  | **Capitalized with** | **Capitalized with** | **To Be Well** | **To Be Well** |
|  | **Actual** | **Actual** | **Basel III Buffer**<sup>(1)</sup> | **Basel III Buffer**<sup>(1)</sup> | **Capitalized**<sup>(1)</sup> | **Capitalized**<sup>(1)</sup> |
|  | **Amount** | **Ratio** | **Amount** | **Ratio** | **Amount** | **Ratio** |
|  | (Dollars in thousands) | (Dollars in thousands) | (Dollars in thousands) | (Dollars in thousands) | (Dollars in thousands) | (Dollars in thousands) |
| **December 31, 2025** |  |  |  |  |  |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Total capital<sup>(1)</sup> (to risk-weighted assets) |  |  |  |  |  |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Company | $2365600 | 13.6% | $1822759 | 10.5% | $— | N/A% |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Merchants Bank | 2320227 | 13.4% | 1821535 | 10.5% | 1734795 | 10.0% |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Tier I capital<sup>(1)</sup> (to risk-weighted assets) |  |  |  |  |  |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Company | 2272014 | 13.1% | 1475567 | 8.5% |  | N/A% |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Merchants Bank | 2226641 | 12.8% | 1474576 | 8.5% | 1387836 | 8.0% |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Common Equity Tier I capital<sup>(1)</sup> (to risk-weighted assets) |  |  |  |  |  |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Company | 1720724 | 9.9% | 1215172 | 7.0% |  | N/A% |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Merchants Bank | 2226641 | 12.8% | 1214357 | 7.0% | 1127617 | 6.5% |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Tier I capital<sup>(1)</sup> (to average assets) |  |  |  |  |  |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Company | 2272014 | 11.5% | 990358 | 5.0% |  | N/A% |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Merchants Bank | 2226641 | 11.3% | 987284 | 5.0% | 987284 | 5.0% |

---

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(1) As defined by regulatory agencies.

[**Table of Contents**](#TOC)

---

| | | | | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|
|  |  |  | **Minimum** | **Minimum** |  |  |
|  |  |  | **Amount to be Well** | **Amount to be Well** | **Minimum Amount** | **Minimum Amount** |
|  |  |  | **Capitalized with** | **Capitalized with** | **To Be Well** | **To Be Well** |
|  | **Actual** | **Actual** | **Basel III Buffer**<sup>(1)</sup> | **Basel III Buffer**<sup>(1)</sup> | **Capitalized**<sup>(1)</sup> | **Capitalized**<sup>(1)</sup> |
|  | **Amount** | **Ratio** | **Amount** | **Ratio** | **Amount** | **Ratio** |
|  | (Dollars in thousands) | (Dollars in thousands) | (Dollars in thousands) | (Dollars in thousands) | (Dollars in thousands) | (Dollars in thousands) |
| **December 31, 2024** |  |  |  |  |  |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Total capital<sup>(1)</sup> (to risk-weighted assets) |  |  |  |  |  |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Company | $2334479 | 13.9% | $1767835 | 10.5% | $— | N/A% |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Merchants Bank | 2165193 | 12.9% | 1763982 | 10.5% | 1679983 | 10.0% |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Tier I capital<sup>(1)</sup> (to risk-weighted assets) |  |  |  |  |  |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Company | 2234658 | 13.3% | 1431105 | 8.5% |  | N/A% |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Merchants Bank | 2065372 | 12.3% | 1427985 | 8.5% | 1343986 | 8.0% |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Common Equity Tier I capital<sup>(1)</sup> (to risk-weighted assets) |  |  |  |  |  |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Company | 1562524 | 9.3% | 1178557 | 7.0% |  | N/A% |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Merchants Bank | 2065372 | 12.3% | 1175988 | 7.0% | 1091989 | 6.5% |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Tier I capital<sup>(1)</sup> (to average assets) |  |  |  |  |  |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Company | 2234658 | 12.1% | 925180 | 5.0% |  | N/A% |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Merchants Bank | 2065372 | 11.2% | 922006 | 5.0% | 922006 | 5.0% |

---

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(1) As defined by regulatory agencies.

Quantitative measures established by regulation to ensure capital adequacy require the Company and Merchants Bank to maintain minimum amounts and ratios (set forth in the table above). Management believes, as of December 31, 2025 and 2024, that the Company and Merchants Bank met all capital adequacy requirements to which they were subject.

As of December 31, 2025 and 2024, the most recent notifications from the Federal Reserve categorized the Company as well capitalized and most recent notifications from the FDIC categorized Merchants Bank as well capitalized under the regulatory framework for prompt corrective action. There are no conditions or events since that notification that management believes have changed the Company's or Merchants Bank's category and as of December 31, 2025, Merchants Bank's capital exceeded the levels agreed to in its MOU. See *Part 7 – "Management's Discussion and Analysis – "Recent Developments and Material Trends – Memorandum of Understanding" and "Liquidity and Capital Resources - Capital Adequacy."*

Additionally, Merchants Bank has established a minimum leverage ratio of 9.0% and a minimum total capital ratio of 12.5%.

The Company's principal source of funds for dividend payments to shareholders is dividends received from Merchants Bank. Banking statutes and regulations limit the maximum amount of dividends that a bank may pay without requesting prior approval of regulatory agencies. Under Indiana law, Merchants Bank may not pay a dividend if such dividend would be greater than retained net income (as defined) for the current year plus those for the previous two years. Additionally, under its MOU, if Merchants Bank's capital ratios fall below the minimums described above, Merchants Bank may not pay dividends without the FDIC and IDFI's prior consent.

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#### Contractual obligations
The following table summarizes aggregated information about our outstanding contractual obligations and other long-term liabilities as of December 31, 2025. The payment amounts represent those amounts contractually due to the recipients.

---

| | | | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|
|  | **Payments Due by Period** | **Payments Due by Period** | **Payments Due by Period** | **Payments Due by Period** | **Payments Due by Period** |
|  | <br>**Total** | <br>**Less Than**<br>**One Year** | <br>**One to Three**<br>**Years** | **Three to**<br>**Five**<br>**Years** | **More**<br>**than**<br>**Five Years** |
|  | (In thousands) | (In thousands) | (In thousands) | (In thousands) | (In thousands) |
| Deposits without a stated maturity | $11179428 | $11179428 | $— | $— | $— |
| Time deposits | 1861764 | 1800531 | 61233 |  |  |
| Borrowings | 3842592 | 3760026 | 71921 | 2711 | 7934 |
| Operating lease obligations | 7741 | 2293 | 3800 | 1520 | 128 |
| Total | $16891525 | $16742278 | $136954 | $4231 | $8062 |

---

Also see *Note 1: Nature of Operations and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies, Note 10: Leases, Note 13: Deposits, Note 14: Borrowings,* and *Note 26: Commitments, Credit Risk, and Contingencies* as of December 31, 2025.

**Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates**

The discussion and analysis of the financial condition and results of operations are based on our financial statements, which are prepared in conformity with GAAP. The preparation of these financial statements requires management to make estimates and judgements that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities, disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities, and the reported amounts of income and expenses. We consider the accounting policies discussed below to be critical accounting policies. The estimates and assumptions that we use are based on historical experience and various other factors and are believed to be reasonable under the circumstances. Actual results may differ from these estimates under different assumptions or conditions, resulting in a change that could have a material impact on the carrying value of our assets and liabilities and our results of operations.

The following represent our critical accounting policies:

***ACL-Loans.*** The ACL-Loans is the Company's estimate of current expected life of loan credit losses. Loans receivable is presented net of the allowance to reflect the principal balance expected to be collected over the contractual term of the loans. This life of loan allowance is established through a provision for credit losses included in net interest income after provision for credit losses as loans are recorded in the financial statements. The provision for a reporting period also reflects increases or decreases in the allowance related to changes in credit loss expectations. Actual credit losses are charged against the allowance when management believes the loan balance, or a portion thereof, is uncollectible. Subsequent recoveries, if any, are credited to the allowance.

The ACL-Loans is evaluated on a regular basis by management and is based upon management's periodic review of the collectability of the loans considering relevant available information from internal and external sources, including historical experience, the nature and volume of the loan portfolio, adverse situations that may affect the borrower's ability to repay, estimated value of any underlying collateral and prevailing economic conditions. The allowance also incorporates reasonable and supportable forecasts. This evaluation is inherently subjective as it requires estimates that are susceptible to significant revision as more information becomes available. The level of the ACL-Loans is believed to be adequate to absorb expected future losses in the loan portfolio as of the measurement date.

The ACL-Loans consists of individually evaluated loans and pooled loan components. The Company's primary portfolio segmentation is by segmenting loans with similar risk characteristics. For individually evaluated loans that are collateral dependent, the Company may use the fair value of the collateral, less estimated costs to sell, as a practical expedient as of the reporting date to determine the carrying amount of an asset and the allowance for credit losses, as applicable. A loan is considered to be collateral dependent when repayment is expected to be provided substantially through the operation or the sale of the collateral when the borrower is experiencing financial difficulty as of the reporting date.

[**Table of Contents**](#TOC)

Additional information regarding ACL-Loans estimates can be found in *Note 1: Nature of Operations and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies and Note 5: Loans and Allowance for Credit Losses on Loans.*

***Servicing Rights.*** Servicing assets are recognized separately when rights are acquired through purchase or through sale of financial assets. Servicing rights resulting from the sale or securitization of loans originated by us are initially measured at fair value at the date of transfer. We have elected to initially and subsequently measure the servicing rights for mortgage loans using the fair value method. Under the fair value method, the servicing rights are carried on the balance sheet at fair value and the changes in fair value are reported in earnings in the period in which the changes occur.

Fair value is based on market prices for comparable mortgage servicing contracts, when available, or alternatively, is based on a valuation model that calculates the present value of estimated future net servicing income. The valuation model is from an independent third party and it incorporates assumptions that market participants would use in estimating future net servicing cash flows, such as the cost to service, the discount rate, the escrow earnings rate, an inflation rate, ancillary income, prepayment speeds, prepayment penalties, and default rates and losses. We review the reasonableness of the assumptions and the methodology to ensure the estimated fair value complies with GAAP. These variables change from quarter to quarter as market conditions and projected interest rates change and may have an adverse impact on the value of the mortgage-servicing right and may result in a reduction to noninterest income.

***Fair Value of Financial Instruments.*** The fair value measurement of a financial instrument is defined as the amount at which the instrument could be exchanged in a current transaction between willing parties, other than in a forced or liquidation sale. We estimate the fair value of a financial instrument and any related asset impairment using a variety of valuation methods. Where financial instruments are actively traded and have quoted market prices, quoted market prices are used for fair value. When the financial instruments are not actively traded, other observable market inputs, such as quoted prices of securities with similar characteristics, may be used, if available, to determine fair value. When observable market prices do not exist, we estimate fair value. These estimates are subjective in nature and imprecision in estimating these factors can impact the amount of gain or loss recorded. A more detailed description of the fair values measured at each level of the fair value hierarchy and the methodology utilized by us can be found in *Note 16: Disclosures About Fair Value of Assets and Liabilities*.

#### Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements
For a discussion of the expected impact of accounting pronouncements recently issued but not adopted by us as of December 31, 2025, see *Note 1: Nature of Operations and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies*.

#### Item 7A. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk .
*Market Risk.* Market risk represents the risk of loss due to changes in market values of assets and liabilities. We incur market risk in the normal course of business through exposures to market interest rates, equity prices, and credit spreads. We have identified two primary sources of market risk: interest rate risk and price risk related to market demand.

#### Interest Rate Risk
*Overview*. Interest rate risk is the risk to earnings and value arising from changes in market interest rates. Interest rate risk arises from timing differences in the repricings and maturities of interest-earning assets and interest-bearing liabilities (reprice risk), changes in the expected maturities of assets and liabilities arising from embedded options, such as borrowers' ability to prepay residential mortgage loans at any time and depositors' ability to redeem certificates of deposit before maturity (option risk), changes in the shape of the yield curve where interest rates increase or decrease in a nonparallel fashion (yield curve risk), and changes in spread relationships between different yield curves, such as U.S. Treasuries or SOFR.

Our business consists of funding low risk, multi-family, residential, and SBA loans, as well as warehouse repurchase agreements, meeting underwriting standards of government programs under an originate-to-sell model, and retaining adjustable-rate loans as held for investment to reduce interest rate risk.

[**Table of Contents**](#TOC)

Our Asset-Liability Committee, or ALCO, is a management committee that manages our interest rate risk within policy limits established by our Board. In general, we seek to minimize the impact of changing interest rates on net interest income and the economic values of assets and liabilities. Our ALCO meets quarterly, at a minimum, to monitor the level of interest rate risk sensitivity to ensure compliance with the Board's approved risk limits. Additionally, the Risk Committee of our Board meets quarterly, in conjunction with Board meetings, to assess risks associated with interest rate sensitivity.

Interest rate risk management is an active process that encompasses monitoring loan and deposit flows complemented by investment and funding activities. Effective management of interest rate risk begins with understanding the dynamic characteristics of assets and liabilities and determining the appropriate interest rate risk posture given business forecasts, management objectives, market expectations, and policy constraints.

An asset sensitive position refers to a balance sheet position in which an increase in short-term interest rates is expected to generate higher net interest income, as rates earned on our interest-earning assets would reprice upward more quickly than rates paid on our interest-bearing liabilities, thus expanding our net interest margin. Conversely, a liability sensitive position refers to a balance sheet position in which an increase in short-term interest rates is expected to generate lower net interest income, as rates paid on our interest-bearing liabilities would reprice upward more quickly than rates earned on our interest-earning assets, thus compressing our net interest margin.

*Income Simulation and Economic Value Analysis.* Interest rate risk measurement is calculated and reported to the ALCO at least quarterly. The information reported includes period-end results and identifies any policy limits exceeded, along with an assessment of the policy limit breach and the action plan and timeline for resolution, mitigation, or assumption of the risk.

We use two approaches to model interest rate risk: Net Interest Income at Risk (NII at Risk) and Economic Value of Equity ("EVE"). Under NII at Risk, net interest income is modeled for a twelve month period utilizing various assumptions for assets, liabilities, and derivatives and excludes non-interest income. EVE measures the period end market value of assets minus the market value of liabilities and the change in this value as rates change. EVE is a period end measurement.

We report NII at Risk to isolate the change in income related solely to interest-earning assets and interest-bearing liabilities. The NII at Risk results reflect the analysis used quarterly by management. It models gradual -200, -100, +100 and +200 basis point parallel shifts in market interest rates, implied by the forward yield curve over the next one-year period.

The following table presents NII at Risk for Merchants Bank as of December 31, 2025, 2024, and 2023:

---

| | | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|
|  | **Net Interest Income Sensitivity** | **Net Interest Income Sensitivity** | **Net Interest Income Sensitivity** | **Net Interest Income Sensitivity** |
|  | **Twelve Months Forward** | **Twelve Months Forward** | **Twelve Months Forward** | **Twelve Months Forward** |
|  | **- 200** | **- 100** | **+ 100** | **+ 200** |
|  | (Dollars in thousands) | (Dollars in thousands) | (Dollars in thousands) | (Dollars in thousands) |
| **December 31, 2025:** |  |  |  |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Dollar change | $(86677) | $(45885) | $39011 | $78102 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Percent change | (14.7)% | (7.8)% | 6.6% | 13.2% |
| **December 31, 2024:** |  |  |  |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Dollar change | $(63859) | $(34202) | $34088 | $68263 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Percent change | (12.2)% | (6.5)% | 6.5% | 13.1% |
| **December 31, 2023:** |  |  |  |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Dollar change | $(73311) | $(36576) | $29601 | $57294 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Percent change | (15.0)% | (7.5)% | 6.0% | 11.7% |

---

Our interest rate risk management policy objective is to limit the change in our net interest income to 20% for a +/- 100 basis point move in interest rates, and 30% for a +/- 200 basis point move in rates. At the years ended December 31, 2025, 2024, and 2023 were within policy limits set by our Board for the -200, -100, +100, and +200 basis point scenarios.

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The EVE results for Merchants Bank included in the following table reflect the analysis used quarterly by management. It models immediate -200, -100, +100, and +200 basis point parallel shifts in market interest rates.

---

| | | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|
|  | **Economic Value of Equity** | **Economic Value of Equity** | **Economic Value of Equity** | **Economic Value of Equity** |
|  | **Sensitivity (Shock)** | **Sensitivity (Shock)** | **Sensitivity (Shock)** | **Sensitivity (Shock)** |
|  | **Immediate Change in Rates** | **Immediate Change in Rates** | **Immediate Change in Rates** | **Immediate Change in Rates** |
|  | **- 200** | **- 100** | **+ 100** | **+ 200** |
|  | (Dollars in thousands) | (Dollars in thousands) | (Dollars in thousands) | (Dollars in thousands) |
| **December 31, 2025:** |  |  |  |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Dollar change | $62263 | $37217 | $(4649) | $(8900) |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Percent change | 2.8% | 1.7% | (0.2)% | (0.4)% |
| **December 31, 2024:** |  |  |  |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Dollar change | $12188 | $14762 | $(1118) | $(2990) |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Percent change | 0.6% | 0.7% | (0.1)% | (0.1)% |
| **December 31, 2023:** |  |  |  |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Dollar change | $180864 | $92793 | $(34800) | $(79455) |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Percent change | 10.8% | 5.5% | (2.1)% | (4.7)% |

---

Our interest rate risk management policy objective is to limit the change in our EVE to 15% for a +/- 100 basis point move in interest rates, and 20% for a +/- 200 basis point move in rates. We are within policy limits set by our Board for the -200, -100, +100, and +200 basis point scenarios. The EVE reported at December 31, 2025 projects that as interest rates increase (decrease) immediately, the economic value of equity position will be expected to decrease (increase). When interest rates rise, fixed rate assets generally lose economic value; the longer the duration, the greater the value lost. The opposite is true when interest rates fall.

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#### Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data.
**Index to Consolidated Financial Statements of**

**Merchants Bancorp** 

---

| | |
|:---|:---|
| [Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm](#ReportIndAcct) (Forvis Mazars, LLP, Indianapolis, Indiana, PCAOB ID 686) | 73 |
| **Consolidated Financial Statements** |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;[Balance Sheets as of December 31, 2025 and 2024](#ConsolidatedBalanceSheets_962810) | 75 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;[Statements of Income for the years ended December 31, 2025, 2024, and 2023](#ConsolidatedStatementsofIncome_173286) | 76 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;[Statements of Comprehensive Income for the years ended December 31, 2025, 2024, and 2023](#ConsolidatedStatementsofComprehensiveInc) | 77 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;[Statements of Shareholders' Equity for the years ended December 31, 2025, 2024, and 2023](#ConsolidatedStatementsofShareholdersEqui) | 78 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;[Statements of Cash Flows for the years ended December 31, 2025, 2024, and 2023](#ConsolidatedStatementsofCashFlows_839545) | 79 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;[Notes to Financial Statements](#Note1NatureofOperationsandSummaryofSigni) | 80 |

---

\*\*\*

All financial statement schedules have been omitted as the required information either is not applicable or is included in the financial statements or related notes.

[**Table of Contents**](#TOC)

**Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm** 

To the Shareholders, Board of Directors and Audit Committee

Merchants Bancorp

Carmel, Indiana

***Opinion on the Consolidated Financial Statements***

We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Merchants Bancorp (the "Company") as of December 31, 2025 and 2024, the related consolidated statements of income, comprehensive income, shareholders' equity, and cash flows for each of the years in the three-year period ended December 31, 2025, and the related notes (collectively referred to as the "financial statements"). In our opinion, the financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of the Company as of December 31, 2025 and 2024, and the results of its operations and its cash flows for each of the years in the three-year period ended December 31, 2025, in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.

We also have audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) ("PCAOB"), the Company's internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2025, based on criteria established in *Internal Control – Integrated Framework: (2013)* issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission and our report dated February 27, 2026, expressed an unqualified opinion thereon.

***Basis for Opinion***

These financial statements are the responsibility of the Company's management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the Company's financial statements based on our audits.

We are a public accounting firm registered with the PCAOB and are required to be independent with respect to the Company in accordance with the U.S. federal securities laws and the applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the PCAOB.

We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audits to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement, whether due to error or fraud.

Our audits included performing procedures to assess the risks of material misstatement of the financial statements, whether due to error or fraud, and performing procedures that respond to those risks. Such procedures include examining, on a test basis, evidence regarding the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. Our audits also included evaluating the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall presentation of the financial statements. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.

***Critical Audit Matter***

The critical audit matter communicated below is a matter arising from the current-period audit of the financial statements that was communicated or required to be communicated to the audit committee and that: (1) relates to accounts or disclosures that are material to the financial statements and (2) involved our especially challenging, subjective, or complex judgments. The communication of a critical audit matter does not alter in any way our opinion on the financial statements, taken as a whole, and we are not, by communicating the critical audit matter below, providing a separate opinion on the critical audit matter or on the accounts or disclosures to which it relates.

***Allowance for Credit Losses on Loans***

The Company's loan receivable portfolio totaled $11.0 billion as of December 31, 2025, and the associated allowance for credit losses (ACL) on loans was $83.3 million. As discussed in Notes 1 and 5 to the financial statements, loans receivable is presented net of the ACL to reflect the principal balance expected to be collected over the contractual term of the loans.

[**Table of Contents**](#TOC)

The amount of the ACL represents management's best estimate of current expected life of loan credit losses considering all relevant available information from internal and external sources.

The ACL consists of components for individually-evaluated loans and pooled loans. The Company's primary portfolio segmentation is by loans with similar risk characteristics. Loan characteristics used in determining the segmentation include the underlying collateral, type or purpose of the loan, and expected credit loss patterns. The initial estimate of expected credit losses for each segment in the pooled loan component is based on historical credit loss experience and management's judgement. Given the Company's modest historical credit loss experience, peer and industry data is incorporated into the measurement. Expected life of loan credit losses are quantified using discounted cash flows and remaining life methodologies. Model results are supplemented by qualitative adjustments for risk factors relevant in assessing the expected credit losses within the portfolio segments. These adjustments may increase or decrease the estimate of expected credit losses based upon the assessed level of risk for each qualitative factor.

We identified the ACL, and more specifically the qualitative adjustments, as a critical audit matter. The principal consideration for our determination of the qualitative adjustments as a critical audit matter was the complexity, particularly as it related to qualitative factor framework, and subjectivity in evaluating the qualitative adjustment in total, included in the ACL, and therefore, applying audit procedures required a higher degree of auditor judgment and subjectivity.

*How We Addressed the Matter in Our Audit*

The primary procedures we performed related to this critical audit matter included:

● Obtained an understanding of the Company's process for establishing the qualitative adjustment estimation process used in the ACL, including the key assumptions used to develop the qualitative adjustment framework and the qualitative adjustment in total

● Evaluated the design and operating effectiveness of the Company's controls over the key assumptions and data used to develop the qualitative adjustment framework and the qualitative adjustment in total

● Evaluated the reasonableness of the key assumptions and data used to develop the qualitative adjustment framework, including considering the key data's completeness and accuracy within the model

● Evaluated the mathematical accuracy of the ACL models used, as well as the method for developing the qualitative adjustments

● Evaluated the reasonableness of the overall ACL amount, including model estimates and qualitative adjustments, and whether the recorded ACL appropriately reflects expected credit losses on the loan portfolio, by reviewing historical loss statistics and peer-bank information and considering whether they corroborated or contradicted the Company's measurement of the ACL

/s/ Forvis Mazars, LLP

We have served as the Company's auditor since 2014.

Indianapolis, Indiana

February 27, 2026

[**Table of Contents**](#TOC)

**Merchants Bancorp**

**Consolidated Balance Sheets**

**December 31, 2025 and 2024**

(In thousands, except share data)

---

| | | |
|:---|:---|:---|
|  | **December 31,** <br>**2025** | **December 31,** <br>**2024** |
| **Assets** |  |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Cash and due from banks | $15844 | $10989 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Interest-earning demand accounts | 196358 | 465621 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Cash and cash equivalents | 212202 | 476610 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Securities purchased under agreements to resell | 1520 | 1559 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Mortgage loans in process of securitization | 620094 | 428206 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Securities available for sale (includes $571,314 and $635,946 at fair value) | 865058 | 980050 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Securities held to maturity (fair value of $1,543,554 and $1,664,674) | 1543659 | 1664686 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Federal Home Loan Bank (FHLB) stock and other equity securities | 227589 | 217804 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Loans held for sale (includes $76,980 and $78,170 at fair value) | 3873012 | 3771510 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Loans receivable (includes $47,318 and $0 at fair value), net of allowance for credit losses on loans of $83,301 and $84,386 | 10951381 | 10354002 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Premises and equipment, net | 73929 | 58617 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Servicing rights | 217296 | 189935 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Interest receivable | 81807 | 83409 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Goodwill | 8014 | 8014 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Other real estate owned | 60145 | 8209 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Other assets and receivables | 713237 | 563121 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Total assets | $19448943 | $18805732 |
| **Liabilities and Shareholders' Equity** |  |  |
| **Liabilities** |  |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Deposits |  |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Noninterest-bearing | $604081 | $239005 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Interest-bearing | 12437111 | 11680971 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Total deposits | 13041192 | 11919976 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Borrowings | 3842592 | 4386122 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Deferred and current tax liabilities, net | 33900 | 25289 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Other liabilities | 250500 | 231035 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Total liabilities | 17168184 | 16562422 |
| **Commitments and Contingencies** |  |  |
| **Shareholders' Equity** |  |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Common stock, without par value |  |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Authorized - 75,000,000 shares |  |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Issued and outstanding - 45,893,172 and 45,767,166 shares | 243310 | 240313 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Preferred stock, without par value - 5,000,000 total shares authorized |  |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;6% Series B Preferred stock - $1,000 per share liquidation preference |  |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Authorized - 0 and 125,000 shares |  |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Issued and outstanding - 0 and 125,000 shares (equivalent to 5,000,000 depositary shares) |  | 120844 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;6% Series C Preferred stock - $1,000 per share liquidation preference |  |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Authorized - 200,000 shares |  |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Issued and outstanding - 196,181 shares (equivalent to 7,847,233 depositary shares)  | 191084 | 191084 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;8.25% Series D Preferred stock - $1,000 per share liquidation preference |  |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Authorized - 300,000 shares |  |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Issued and outstanding - 142,500 shares (equivalent to 5,700,000 depositary shares)  | 137459 | 137459 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;7.625% Series E Preferred stock - $1,000 per share liquidation preference |  |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Authorized - 230,000 shares |  |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Issued and outstanding - 230,000 shares (equivalent to 9,200,000 depositary shares)  | 222748 | 222748 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Retained earnings | 1486191 | 1330995 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Accumulated other comprehensive loss | (33) | (133) |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Total shareholders' equity | 2280759 | 2243310 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Total liabilities and shareholders' equity | $19448943 | $18805732 |

---

*See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements*

[**Table of Contents**](#TOC)

**Merchants Bancorp**

**Consolidated Statements of Income**

**Years Ended December 31, 2025, 2024 and 2023**

(In thousands, except share data)

---

| | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|
|  | **Year Ended December 31,**  | **Year Ended December 31,**  | **Year Ended December 31,**  |
|  | **2025** | **2024** | **2023** |
| **Interest Income** |  |  |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Loans | $1007112 | $1113397 | $959714 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Mortgage loans in process of securitization | 21074 | 14488 | 12652 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Investment securities: |  |  |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Available for sale  | 47511 | 57480 | 21621 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Held to maturity | 93133 | 90075 | 69983 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;FHLB stock and other equity securities (dividends) | 18001 | 9372 | 2205 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Other | 14020 | 17908 | 11623 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Total interest income | 1200851 | 1302720 | 1077798 |
| **Interest Expense** |  |  |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Deposits | 521348 | 660357 | 577210 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Short-term borrowings | 130554 | 84698 | 23726 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Long-term borrowings | 31890 | 35045 | 28791 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Total interest expense | 683792 | 780100 | 629727 |
| **Net Interest Income** | 517059 | 522620 | 448071 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Provision for credit losses | 117754 | 24278 | 40231 |
| **Net Interest Income After Provision for Credit Losses** | 399305 | 498342 | 407840 |
| **Noninterest Income** |  |  |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Gain on sale of loans | 85362 | 62275 | 48183 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Loan servicing fees, net | 22369 | 43673 | 26198 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Mortgage warehouse fees | 7089 | 5539 | 7701 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Losses on sale of investments available for sale (includes $0, $(108) and $0 related to accumulated other comprehensive loss reclassifications) |  | (108) |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Syndication and asset management fees | 23640 | 19693 | 12355 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Other income | 25928 | 17040 | 20231 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Total noninterest income | 164388 | 148112 | 114668 |
| **Noninterest Expense** |  |  |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Salaries and employee benefits | 166512 | 130723 | 108181 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Loan expense | 4207 | 3767 | 3409 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Occupancy and equipment | 10680 | 8991 | 9220 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Professional fees | 12860 | 16229 | 12704 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Deposit insurance expense | 31796 | 26158 | 13582 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Technology expense | 10039 | 7819 | 6515 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Credit risk transfer premium expense | 21021 | 6320 |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Other expense | 42778 | 23805 | 20990 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Total noninterest expense | 299893 | 223812 | 174601 |
| **Income Before Income Taxes** | 263800 | 422642 | 347907 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Provision for income taxes (includes $0, $26 and $0 of income tax benefit related to accumulated other comprehensive loss reclassifications) | 45030 | 102256 | 68673 |
| **Net Income** | $218770 | $320386 | $279234 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Dividends on preferred stock | (41062) | (34909) | (34670) |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Impact of preferred stock redemption | (4156) | (1823) |  |
| **Net Income Allocated to Common Shareholders** | 173552 | 283654 | 244564 |
| **Basic Earnings Per Share** | $3.78 | $6.32 | $5.66 |
| **Diluted Earnings Per Share** | $3.78 | $6.30 | $5.64 |
| **Weighted-Average Shares Outstanding** |  |  |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Basic | 45871698 | 44855100 | 43224042 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Diluted | 45942730 | 45004786 | 43345799 |

---

*See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements*

[**Table of Contents**](#TOC)

**Merchants Bancorp**

**Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income**

**Years Ended December 31, 2025, 2024 and 2023**

(In thousands)

---

| | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|
|  | **Year Ended December 31,** | **Year Ended December 31,** | **Year Ended December 31,** |
|  | **2025** | **2024** | **2023** |
| **Net Income** | $218770 | $320386 | $279234 |
| **Other Comprehensive Income:** |  |  |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Net unrealized gains on investment securities available for sale, net of tax expense of $30, $712 and $2,750 | 100 | 2273 | 8033 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Add: Reclassification adjustment for losses included in net income, net of tax benefit of $0, $26 and $0 |  | 82 |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Other comprehensive income for the period | 100 | 2355 | 8033 |
| **Comprehensive Income** | $218870 | $322741 | $287267 |

---

*See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements*

[**Table of Contents**](#TOC)

**Merchants Bancorp**

**Consolidated Statements of Shareholders' Equity**

**Years Ended December 31, 2025, 2024 and 2023**

(In thousands, except share data)

---

| | | | | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|
|  | **Year Ended December 31,** | **Year Ended December 31,** | **Year Ended December 31,** | **Year Ended December 31,** | **Year Ended December 31,** | **Year Ended December 31,** |
|  | **2025** | **2025** | **2024** | **2024** | **2023** | **2023** |
|  | **Shares** | **Amount** | **Shares** | **Amount** | **Shares** | **Amount** |
| **Common Stock** |  |  |  |  |  |  |
| Balance beginning of period | 45767166 | $240313 | 43242928 | $140365 | 43113127 | $137781 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Distribution to employee stock ownership plan | 30802 | 1124 | 23414 | 997 | 33293 | 810 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Issuance of common stock, net of $5.5 million in offering expenses | - | - | 2400000 | 97655 | - | - |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Shares issued for stock compensation plans, net of taxes withheld to satisfy tax obligations | 95204 | 1873 | 100824 | 1296 | 96508 | 1774 |
| Balance end of period | 45893172 | 243310 | 45767166 | 240313 | 43242928 | 140365 |
| **7% Series A Preferred Stock** |  |  |  |  |  |  |
| Balance beginning of period | - | - | 2081800 | 50221 | 2081800 | 50221 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Redemption of 7% Series A preferred stock | - | - | (2081800) | (50221) | - | - |
| Balance end of period | - | - | - | - | 2081800 | 50221 |
| **6% Series B Preferred Stock** |  |  |  |  |  |  |
| Balance beginning of period | 125000 | 120844 | 125000 | 120844 | 125000 | 120844 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Redemption of 6% Series B preferred stock | (125000) | (120844) | - | - | - | - |
| Balance end of period | - | - | 125000 | 120844 | 125000 | 120844 |
| **6% Series C Preferred Stock** |  |  |  |  |  |  |
| Balance at beginning and end of period | 196181 | 191084 | 196181 | 191084 | 196181 | 191084 |
| **8.25% Series D Preferred Stock** |  |  |  |  |  |  |
| Balance at beginning and end of period | 142500 | 137459 | 142500 | 137459 | 142500 | 137459 |
| **7.625% Series E Preferred Stock** |  |  |  |  |  |  |
| Balance beginning of period | 230000 | 222748 | - | - | - | - |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Issuance of 7.625% Series E preferred stock, net of $7.3 million in offering expenses | - | - | 230000 | 222748 | - | - |
| Balance end of period | 230000 | 222748 | 230000 | 222748 | - | - |
| **Retained Earnings** |  |  |  |  |  |  |
| Balance beginning of period |  | 1330995 |  | 1063599 |  | 832871 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Net income |  | 218770 |  | 320386 |  | 279234 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Dividends on 7% Series A preferred stock, $1.75 per share, annually |  | - |  | (910) |  | (3643) |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Dividends on 6% Series B preferred stock, $60.00 per share, annually |  | - |  | (8669) |  | (7500) |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Dividends on 6% Series C preferred stock, $60.00 per share, annually |  | (11771) |  | (11772) |  | (11771) |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Dividends on 8.25% Series D preferred stock, $82.50 per share, annually |  | (11756) |  | (11756) |  | (11756) |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Dividends on 7.625% Series E preferred stock, $76.25 per share, annually |  | (17535) |  | (1802) |  | - |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Dividends on common stock,$0.40 per share, annually in 2025, $0.36 per share, annually in 2024 and $0.32 per share, annually in 2023 |  | (18356) |  | (16258) |  | (13836) |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Impact of 7% Series A preferred stock redemption |  | - |  | (1823) |  | - |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Impact of 6% Series B preferred stock redemption |  | (4156) |  | - |  | - |
| Balance end of period |  | 1486191 |  | 1330995 |  | 1063599 |
| **Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss** |  |  |  |  |  |  |
| Balance beginning of period |  | (133) |  | (2488) |  | (10521) |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Other comprehensive income |  | 100 |  | 2355 |  | 8033 |
| Balance end of period |  | (33) |  | (133) |  | (2488) |
| **Total shareholders' equity** |  | $2280759 |  | $2243310 |  | $1701084 |

---

*See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements*

[**Table of Contents**](#TOC)

**Merchants Bancorp**

**Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows**

**Years Ended December 31, 2025, 2024 and 2023**

(In thousands)

---

| | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|
|  | **Year Ended December 31,** | **Year Ended December 31,** | **Year Ended December 31,** |
|  | **2025** | **2024** | **2023** |
| **Operating activities:** |  |  |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Net income | $218770 | $320386 | $279234 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by (used in) operating activities: |  |  |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Depreciation | 3465 | 3014 | 2852 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Provision for credit losses | 117754 | 24278 | 40231 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Deferred income tax, net | 7778 | 4630 | (2442) |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Loss on sale of securities |  | 108 |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Gain on sale of loans | (85362) | (62275) | (48183) |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Proceeds from sales of loans held for sale | 45074426 | 29369459 | 22136235 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Loans and participations originated and purchased for sale | (45314197) | (30067696) | (22713037) |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Proceeds from sale of low-income housing tax credits | 17880 | 25767 | 9334 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Purchases of low-income housing tax credits for sale | (59761) | (96017) | (67683) |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Purchases of other tax credits | (142754) |  |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Change in servicing rights for paydowns and fair value adjustments | 10775 | (12808) | 3059 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Net change in: |  |  |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Mortgage loans in process of securitization | (191888) | (317607) | 43595 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Other assets and receivables | (31667) | (20781) | (85181) |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Other liabilities | 3007 | (12981) | 41516 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Other | 30526 | 7245 | 4068 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Net cash used in operating activities | (341248) | (835278) | (356402) |
| **Investing activities:** |  |  |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Net change in securities purchased under agreements to resell | 39 | 1790 | 115 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Purchases of securities available for sale | (743739) | (784238) | (1291874) |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Purchases of securities held to maturity | (259580) | (155268) | (293268) |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Purchases of servicing rights | (14482) |  |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Purchases of other equity securities | (1198) | (30000) |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Proceeds from the sale of securities available for sale |  | 9983 | 1516 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Proceeds from calls, maturities and paydowns of securities available for sale | 870940 | 897336 | 489602 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Proceeds from calls, maturities and paydowns of securities held to maturity | 380785 | 229451 | 208129 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Purchases of loans | (67455) | (108620) | (358462) |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Net change in loans receivable | (742487) | (671367) | (2047806) |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Proceeds from loans held for sale previously classified as loans receivable  | 431520 | 77931 | 65768 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Purchase of FHLB stock | (8587) | (139620) | (9448) |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Proceeds from sale of FHLB stock |  | 394 |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Purchases of premises and equipment | (20941) | (18391) | (7528) |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Purchase of limited partnership interests | (28389) | (23301) | (18762) |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Net cash paid on sale of branches |  | (170594) |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Other investing activities | 7903 | 10239 | 1937 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Net cash used in investing activities | (195671) | (874275) | (3260081) |
| **Financing activities:** |  |  |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Net change in deposits | 878651 | (1911648) | 3990115 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Proceeds from borrowings | 323574587 | 166316878 | 95570319 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Repayment of borrowings | (324033758) | (162866240) | (95700385) |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Proceeds from notes payable |  | 6878 | 64922 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Repayments on notes payable |  |  | (21000) |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Proceeds from credit-linked notes |  |  | 153546 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Repayment of credit-linked notes | (87551) | (36319) | (34270) |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Proceeds from issuance of common stock |  | 97655 |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Proceeds from issuance of preferred stock |  | 222748 |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Repurchase of preferred stock |  | (52044) |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Funds disbursed for future repurchase of Series B preferred stock |  | (125000) |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Dividends | (59418) | (51167) | (48506) |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Net cash provided by financing activities | 272511 | 1601741 | 3974741 |
| **Net Change in Cash and Cash Equivalents** | (264408) | (107812) | 358258 |
| **Cash and Cash Equivalents, Beginning of Period** | 476610 | 584422 | 226164 |
| **Cash and Cash Equivalents, End of Period** | $212202 | $476610 | $584422 |
| **Supplemental Cash Flows Information:** |  |  |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Interest paid | $692922 | $789047 | $609689 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Income taxes paid, net of refunds | 47636 | 79578 | 67388 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Reduction in commitment payable for limited partnership interest of LLCs | 3154 |  |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Liabilities accrued for additions in premises and equipment | 185 | 2421 |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Change in prepaid assets for preferred stock repurchase | 125000 |  |  |

---

*See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements*

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**Merchants Bancorp**

**Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements**

**Note 1: Nature of Operations and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies** 

#### Nature of Operations
The accompanying consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Merchants Bancorp, a registered bank holding company (the "Company") and its wholly owned subsidiaries, Merchants Bank, FMBI (whose branches were sold to unaffiliated third parties and its remaining charter collapsed into Merchants Bank on January 26, 2024), and MIP. Merchants Bank's primary operating subsidiaries include MCC, MCS, and MCI. All directly and indirectly owned subsidiaries owned by Merchants Bancorp are collectively referred to as the "Company."

Merchants Bank operates under an Indiana state bank charter and provides full banking services. As a state bank and non-Federal Reserve member, it is subject to the regulation of the IDFI and the FDIC. The Company is further subject to regulations of the Federal Reserve governing bank holding companies. Merchants Bank operates nationally through online banking and from seven depository branches in Indiana, including Lynn, Spartanburg, Richmond, Carmel, and Indianapolis. Merchants Bank generates multi-family, commercial, mortgage and consumer loans and also receives deposits from warehouse custodial customers nationally and from retail customers located primarily in Hamilton, Marion, Wayne, Randolph and surrounding counties in Indiana. Merchants Bank's loans are generally secured by specific items of collateral, including real property, consumer assets, and business assets. Merchants Bank's Mortgage Warehousing segment funds and participates in single-family and multi-family, agency eligible loans across the nation.

Prior to the sale of its branches, and merger of its remaining charter into Merchants Bank, on January 26, 2024, FMBI operated under an Illinois state bank charter and provided full banking services. As a state bank and non-Federal Reserve member, it was subject to the regulation of the IDFPR and the FDIC. FMBI operated from four offices located in Joy, Paxton, Melvin, and Piper City, Illinois.

MCC is primarily engaged in mortgage banking, specializing in lending for multi-family rental properties and healthcare facilities. It is an FHA approved mortgagee and a Ginnie Mae, Fannie Mae Affordable, and Freddie Mac issuer. It is also a fully integrated syndicator of low-income housing tax credit and debt funds.

***Sale of Farmers-Merchants Bank of Illinois branches***

On September 7, 2023, the Company entered into an agreement with Bank of Pontiac to sell its FMBI branch locations in Paxton, Melvin, and Piper City, Illinois, and into an agreement with CBI Bank & Trust, to sell its FMBI branch located in Joy, Illinois.

This transaction enhanced the Company's ability to focus on its core business of single and multi-family mortgage lending and strategically aligned the branches with institutions that share a similar business model and allowed them to provide additional products to their customers.

On January 26, 2024, the transaction was completed after having met customary closing conditions, including regulatory approval.

In addition to the branches, Bank of Pontiac acquired approximately $164.8 million in deposits and $19.2 million in loans, and CBI Bank & Trust acquired approximately $65.1 million in deposits and $28.6 million in loans.

Total assets and liabilities of approximately $60.8 million and $230.6 million, respectively, were sold. A net gain of $715,000 was recognized from the transaction, which included a $10.1 million deposit premium and the extinguishment of $7.8 million in goodwill and $0.5 million in intangibles in 2024.

***Principles of Consolidation***

The consolidated financial statements as of and for the years ended December 31, 2025, 2024, and 2023 include results from the Company, and its wholly owned subsidiaries, Merchants Bank, FMBI (until its branches were sold and its bank charter merged into Merchants Bank on January 26, 2024), and MIP. Also included are Merchants Bank's

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**Merchants Bancorp**

**Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements**

primary operating subsidiaries, MCC, MCS and MCI, as well as all directly and indirectly owned subsidiaries owned by Merchants Bancorp.

The results of Merchants Foundation, Inc., a nonprofit corporation, are consolidated with the Company's consolidated financial statements in all periods presented.

In addition, when the Company makes an equity investment in or has a relationship with an entity for which it holds a variable interest, it is evaluated for consolidation requirements under ASC Topic 810. Accordingly, the Company assesses the entities for potential consolidation as a VIE and would only consolidate those entities for which it is the primary beneficiary. A primary beneficiary is defined as the party that has both the power to direct the activities that most significantly impact the entity, and an interest with significant exposure to the entity's economics. To determine if an interest could be significant to the entity, both qualitative and quantitative factors regarding the nature, size and form of the Company's involvement with the entity are evaluated. Alternatively, under the voting interest model, it would only consolidate those entities for which it has a controlling interest.

The Company holds a variable interest in an investment for which it is the primary beneficiary, and its results have been consolidated in all periods presented. The investment is recorded on the consolidated balance sheets in other assets and its significant liabilities in borrowings. Additionally, the Company has certain variable interest investments that it was deemed not to be a primary beneficiary as of December 31, 2025 and 2024. These VIEs are not consolidated and the equity method or proportional amortization method of accounting has been applied. The Company will analyze whether the primary beneficiary designation has changed through triggering events on a prospective basis. Changes in facts and circumstances occurring since the previous primary beneficiary determination will be considered as part of this ongoing assessment. See *Note 12: Variable Interest Entities (VIEs)* for additional information about VIEs.

All significant intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.

***Use of Estimates***

The preparation of consolidated financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires management to make estimates and judgement that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenues and expenses. These estimates are based upon historical experience and on various other assumptions that management believes are reasonable under the current circumstances. These estimates form the basis for making judgements about the carrying value of certain assets and liabilities that are not readily available from other sources. Actual results could differ from those estimates under different assumptions or conditions.

Material estimates that are particularly susceptible to significant change relate to the determination of the allowance for credit losses on loans and fair values of servicing rights and financial instruments.

***Reclassifications***

Certain reclassifications have been made to the 2024 consolidated financial statements to conform to the audited consolidated financial statement presentation as of and for the year ended December 31, 2025. These reclassifications had no effect on net income.

***Significant Accounting Policies***

#### Cash and Cash Equivalents
The Company considers all liquid investments with original maturities of three months or less to be cash equivalents. Cash equivalents consist primarily of cash amounts due from depository institutions, interest-bearing deposits in other banks, money market accounts, and federal funds sold. For information on restricted cash see *Note 2: Restriction on Cash and Due from Banks.*

At December 31, 2025, the Company's cash accounts exceeded federally insured limits by approximately $197.1 million. Included in this amount is approximately $176.0 million with the Federal Reserve and $5.7 million with the FHLB (Indianapolis), and $2.4 million with the FHLB (Chicago).

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**Merchants Bancorp**

**Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements**

At December 31, 2024, the Company's cash accounts exceeded federally insured limits by approximately $461.7 million. Included in this amount is approximately $324.6 million with the Federal Reserve and $93.4 million with the FHLB (Indianapolis), and $1.8 million with the FHLB (Chicago).

#### Securities Purchased Under Agreements to Resell
Securities purchased pursuant to a simultaneous Reverse Repurchase Agreement to resell the same securities at a specified price and date generally have maturity dates of 90 days or less and are carried at cost. Every 90 days the Reverse Repurchase Agreements rollover.

#### Mortgage Loans in Process of Securitization
Mortgage loans in process of securitization are recorded at fair value with changes in fair value recorded in earnings. These include multi-family rental real estate loan originations to be sold as Ginnie Mae mortgage-backed securities and Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac participation certificates, all of which are pending settlement with firm investor commitments to purchase the securities, typically occurring within 30 days.

#### Investment Securities
Securities classified as "held to maturity" are carried at amortized cost when the Company has the positive intent and ability to hold to maturity. Securities not classified as held to maturity or trading are classified as "available for sale" and recorded at fair value. If fair value option is not elected, unrealized gains and losses are excluded from earnings and reported in other comprehensive income. For securities available for sale utilizing the fair value option, the Company measures the securities at fair value and changes are recognized in current period income. The securities are held with the intent that the gains or losses will offset changes in the fair value of other financial instruments. Purchase premiums and discounts are recognized in interest income using the interest method over the terms of the securities. Gains and losses on the sale of securities are recorded on the trade date and are determined using the specific identification method.

Regular assessments are performed on securities available for sale to confirm there are no expected credit losses that would require an allowance for credit losses to be established. Securities held to maturity generally require an allowance for lifetime expected credit losses when the security is purchased. Management considers several factors when making such estimates, including issuer bond ratings, historical loss rates for given bond ratings, the financial condition of the issuer, and whether issuers continue to make timely principal and interest payments under the contractual terms of the securities, among others.

For securities available for sale with an unrealized loss position, the Company evaluates the securities to determine whether the decline in the fair value below the amortized cost basis is due to credit-related factors or non-credit related factors. Any expected loss that is not credit-related is recognized in AOCL, net of tax. Credit-related expected losses are recognized as an ACL for securities available for sale on the consolidated balance sheets, limited to the amount by which the amortized cost basis exceeds the fair value, with a corresponding adjustment to earnings. Accrued interest receivable is excluded from the estimate of credit losses. Both the ACL and the adjustment to net income may be reversed if conditions change. However, if the Company expects, or is required, to sell a security available for sale before recovering its amortized cost basis, the entire expected credit loss amount would be recognized in earnings with a corresponding adjustment to the security's amortized cost basis. Because the security's amortized cost basis is adjusted to fair value, there is no ACL in this situation.

In evaluating securities available for sale in unrealized loss positions for credit losses and the criteria regarding its intent or requirement to sell such securities, the Company considers the extent to which fair value is less than amortized cost, whether the securities are issued by the federal government or its agencies, whether downgrades by bond rating agencies have occurred, and the results of reviews of the issuers' financial condition, among other factors.

For other equity securities, the Company reports the carrying value utilizing the measurement alternative election, reflecting any expected losses or other adjustments if observable price changes occur for identical or similar investments of the same issuer.

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**Merchants Bancorp**

**Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements**

#### Loans Held for Sale and Loans at Fair Value
The Company uses participation agreements to fund certain mortgage loans held for sale from closing or purchase until sold to an investor. Under a participation agreement the Company elects to purchase a participation interest of up to 100% in individual loans. The Company shares proportionately in the interest income and the credit risk until the loan is sold to an investor. The Company holds the participating interest as the collateral until it is sent under a bailee arrangement to the investor. Typical investors are large financial institutions or government agencies.

Loans held for sale are typically carried at the lower of cost or fair value in the aggregate. Net unrealized losses, if any, are recognized through a valuation allowance and included in noninterest income.

For all loans held for sale, interest earned from the time of funding to the time of sale is accrued on the unpaid principal balance and recognized as interest income.

Gain on loan sales are recorded in noninterest income. The gain on sale of loans in the statements of income may include origination fees, capitalized servicing rights, trading gains and losses, derivative gains and losses, and other related income or expense.

As a result of changes in events and circumstances or developments regarding management's view of the foreseeable future, loans not originated or purchased with the intent to sell may subsequently be transferred to held for sale. At the date of transfer to held for sale, any ACL-Loans is reversed into earnings and the loans to be sold are transferred to the held for sale portfolio at the new amortized cost basis and accounted for at the lower of amortized cost or fair value. Any subsequent lower of cost or fair value adjustments are recognized in non-interest income as a valuation allowance adjustment. Similarly, if it is determined that a loan should be transferred from held for sale to loans receivable, the valuation allowance (net of any write downs), is reversed into earnings and the loan is transferred at the amortized cost basis on the transfer date, which coincides with the date of change in management's intent. An ACL-Loans, excluding the amounts already charged off, is also established for the loan at the date of transfer to loans receivable, if it is held at amortized cost.

An ACL-Loans is not maintained on any loans held for sale or reported at fair value.

#### Loans Receivable
Loans that management has the intent and ability to hold for the foreseeable future or until maturity or payoff are reported at amortized cost at their outstanding principal balances, adjusted for charge-offs, the ACL-Loans, and deferred fees or costs, including premiums or discounts on purchased loans.

For loans receivable held at amortized cost or fair value, interest income is accrued based on the unpaid principal balance.

The Company has made a policy election to exclude accrued interest from the amortized cost basis of loans and reports accrued interest separately from the related loan balance in the consolidated balance sheets. Accrued interest on loans totaled $51.4 million and $51.9 million at December 31, 2025 and 2024, respectively.

The Company also elected not to measure an allowance for credit losses for accrued interest receivables. The accrual of interest on loans is discontinued at the time the loan is 90 days past due unless the credit is well-secured and in process of collection. Past-due status is based on contractual terms of the loan. Loans may be placed on nonaccrual or charged off at an earlier date if collection of principal or interest is considered doubtful.

All interest accrued but not collected for loans that are placed on nonaccrual or charged off is reversed against interest income. The interest subsequently collected on these loans is applied to the principal balance until the loan can be returned to an accrual status, which is no less than six months. Loans are returned to accrual status when all the principal and interest amounts contractually due are brought current and future payments are reasonably assured.

For all loan portfolio segments, the Company charges off loans, or portions thereof, when available information confirms that specific loans are uncollectable based on information that includes, but is not limited to, (1) the

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**Merchants Bancorp**

**Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements**

deteriorating financial condition of the borrower, (2) declining collateral values, and/or (3) legal action, including bankruptcy, that impairs the borrower's ability to adequately meet its obligations.

For loan modifications, interest income is recognized on an accrual basis at the renegotiated rate if the loan is in compliance with the modified terms.

The Company offers mortgage warehouse repurchase agreements to third parties to fund mortgage loans held for sale from closing until sale to an investor. Under a warehousing arrangement, the Company funds a mortgage loan as secured financing. The warehousing arrangement is secured by the underlying mortgages and a combination of deposits, personal guarantees, and advance rates, and may be cross-collateralized with other loans. The Company typically holds the collateral until it is sent under a bailee arrangement instructing the investor to send proceeds to the Company. Typical investors are large financial institutions or government agencies. Interest earned from the time of funding to the time of sale is recognized as interest income as accrued. Warehouse fees are accrued as noninterest income.

***ACL-Loans***

The ACL-Loans is the Company's estimate of current expected life of loan credit losses. Loans receivable is presented net of the allowance to reflect the principal balance expected to be collected over the contractual term of the loans. This life of loan allowance is established through a provision for credit losses included in net interest income after provision for credit losses as loans are recorded in the consolidated financial statements. The provision for a reporting period also reflects increases or decreases in the allowance related to changes in credit loss expectations. Actual credit losses are charged against the allowance when management believes the loan balance, or a portion thereof, is uncollectible. Subsequent recoveries, if any, are credited to the allowance.

The ACL-Loans is evaluated on a regular basis by management and is based upon management's periodic review of the collectability of the loans considering relevant available information from internal and external sources, including historical experience, the nature and volume of the loan portfolio, adverse situations that may affect the borrower's ability to repay, estimated value of any underlying collateral, and prevailing economic conditions. The allowance also incorporates reasonable and supportable forecasts. This evaluation is inherently subjective, as it requires estimates that are susceptible to significant revision as more information becomes available. The level of the ACL-Loans is believed to be adequate to absorb expected future losses in the loan portfolio as of the measurement date.

The ACL-Loans consists of individually evaluated loans and pooled loan components. The Company's primary portfolio segmentation is by loans with similar risk characteristics. Loans risk graded substandard and worse are individually evaluated for expected credit losses. For individually-evaluated loans that are collateral dependent, the Company may use the fair value of the collateral, less estimated costs to sell, as a practical expedient as of the reporting date to determine the carrying amount of an asset and the allowance for credit losses, as applicable. A loan is considered to be collateral dependent when repayment is expected to be provided substantially through the operation or the sale of the collateral when the borrower is experiencing financial difficulty as of the reporting date.

To calculate the ACL-Loans, the portfolio is segmented by loans with similar risk characteristics.

---

| | |
|:---|:---|
| **Loan Portfolio Segment** | **ACL-Loans Methodology** |
| Mortgage warehouse repurchase agreements | Remaining Life Method |
| Residential real estate loans | Discounted Cash Flow |
| Multi-family financing | Discounted Cash Flow |
| Healthcare financing | Discounted Cash Flow |
| Commercial and commercial real estate | Discounted Cash Flow |
| Agricultural production and real estate | Remaining Life Method |
| Consumer and margin loans | Remaining Life Method |

---

Loan characteristics used in determining the segmentation include the underlying collateral, type or purpose of the loan, and expected credit loss patterns. The initial estimation of expected credit losses for each segment is based on historical credit loss experience and management's judgement. Given the Company's modest historical credit loss experience, peer and industry data is incorporated into the measurement. Expected life of loan credit losses are quantified using discounted cash flows and remaining life methodologies.

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**Merchants Bancorp**

**Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements**

Model results are supplemented by qualitative adjustments for risk factors relevant in assessing the expected credit losses within the portfolio segments. These adjustments may increase or decrease the estimate of expected credit losses based upon the assessed level of risk for each qualitative factor.

The models utilized and the applicable qualitative adjustments require assumptions and management judgement that can be subjective in nature. The above measurement approach is also used to estimate the expected credit losses associated with unfunded loan commitments, which also incorporates expected utilization rates.

***ACL-OBCEs***

The allowance for credit losses on OBCEs is a liability account representing expected credit losses over the contractual period for which the Company is exposed to credit risk resulting from a contractual obligation to extend credit. It is reported in other liabilities on the consolidated balance sheets. No allowance is recognized if the Company has the unconditional right to cancel the obligation. OBCEs primarily consist of amounts available under outstanding lines of credit and letters of credit. For the period of exposure, the estimate of expected credit losses considers both the likelihood that funding will occur, and the amount expected to be funded over the estimated remaining life of the commitment or other off-balance sheet exposure. The likelihood and expected amount of funding are based on historical utilization rates. The amount of the allowance represents management's best estimate of expected credit losses on commitments expected to be funded over the contractual life of the commitment. The allowance for OBCEs is adjusted through the statements of income as a component of provision for credit loss.

#### Premises and Equipment
Depreciable assets are stated at cost less accumulated depreciation. Depreciation is charged to expense using the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of the assets.

The estimated useful lives for premises and equipment are as follows:

---

| | | |
|:---|:---|:---|
| Buildings | 5 to 40 | years |
| Leasehold improvements | 2 to 10 | years |
| Software and intangible assets | 4 to 10 | years |
| Furniture, fixtures, and equipment | 3 to 15 | years |
| Vehicles | 5 | years |

---

Expenditures for property and equipment and for renewals or betterments that extend the originally estimated economic life of the assets are capitalized. Expenditures for maintenance and repairs are charged to expense. When an asset is retired or otherwise disposed of, the cost and accumulated depreciation are removed from the accounts and any gain or loss is included in the statements of income.

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**Merchants Bancorp**

**Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements**

***Leases***

The Company has operating leases for various locations with terms ranging from one to six years. Operating leases are included in other assets and other liabilities on the consolidated balance sheets and lease expense for lease payments is recognized on a straight-line basis over the lease term. ROU assets and liabilities are recognized at the lease commencement date based on the present value of lease payments over the term. An ROU asset represents the right to use the underlying asset for the lease term and also includes any direct costs and payments made prior to lease commencement and excludes lease incentives. When an implicit rate is not available, an incremental borrowing rate based on the information available at commencement date is used in determining the present value of the lease payments. The Company elected not to separate non-lease components from lease components for its operating leases. A lease term may include an option to extend or terminate the lease when it is reasonably certain the option will be exercised. Renewal and termination options are considered when determining short-term leases. Leases are accounted for at the individual level.

#### FHLB Stock and Other Equity Securities
FHLB stock is a required investment for institutions that are members of a FHLB. Merchants Bank is a member of the FHLB of Indianapolis. The required investment in the common stock is based on a predetermined formula, carried at cost and evaluated for expected losses. Both cash and stock dividends are reported as interest income.

The Company reports the carrying value of other equity securities utilizing the measurement alternative election, reflecting any expected losses or other adjustments if observable price changes occur for identical or similar investments of the same issuer.

#### Other Real Estate Owned
Assets acquired through, or in lieu of, loan foreclosure are classified as other assets and are initially recorded at fair value less cost to sell at the date of foreclosure, establishing a new cost basis. After foreclosure, valuations are periodically performed by management and the assets are carried at the lower of carrying amount or fair value less cost to sell. Revenue and expenses from operations and changes in the valuation allowance are included in other noninterest income or expense.

#### Servicing Rights
Servicing assets are recognized separately when rights are acquired through purchase or retained in a sale of financial assets. Under the servicing assets and liabilities accounting guidance (ASC 860-50), servicing rights resulting from the sale or securitization of loans originated by the Company are initially measured at fair value at the date of transfer. The Company has elected to initially and subsequently measure the servicing rights for loans using the fair value method. Under the fair value method, the servicing rights are carried on the balance sheet at fair value and the changes in fair value are reported in earnings in the period in which the changes occur.

Fair value is based on market prices for comparable mortgage servicing contracts, when available, or alternatively, is based on a valuation model that calculates the present value of estimated future net servicing income. The valuation model is from an independent third party and it incorporates assumptions that market participants would use in estimating future net servicing income, such as the cost to service, the discount rate, the escrow earnings rate, an inflation rate, ancillary income, prepayment speeds, prepayment penalties, and default rates and losses. These variables change from quarter to quarter as market conditions and projected interest rates change, and any change in fair values is recorded to noninterest income.

Servicing fee income is recorded when fees are earned for servicing loans. The fees are based on a contractual percentage of the outstanding principal or a fixed amount per loan and are recorded as income. The change in the fair value of the mortgage-servicing rights is netted against loan servicing fee income.

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**Merchants Bancorp**

**Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements**

#### Goodwill
Goodwill is tested annually, on December 31, for impairment or more frequently if impairment indicators are present. If the implied fair value of goodwill is lower than its carrying amount, a goodwill impairment is indicated and goodwill is written down to its implied fair value. Subsequent increases in goodwill value are not recognized in the financial statements.

***Other Assets***

#### Investment in Low-Income Housing Tax Credit Limited Partnerships or LLC
The Company accounts for its investment in affordable housing tax credit limited partnerships or LLCs using the proportional amortization method. Under the proportional amortization method, an investor amortizes the initial cost of the investment to income tax expense in proportion to the tax credits and other tax benefits received and recognizes the net investment performance in the statements of income as a component of income tax expense. The investment in the limited partnerships or LLCs are included in other assets and unfunded commitments are grossed up in other liabilities in the consolidated balance sheets. During the years ended December 31, 2025, 2024, and 2023, the Company sold some of these assets to funds in which it is a general partner and, in some cases, holds a minority interest in the limited partnership or LLC.

***Joint Ventures and Equity Method Accounting***

The Company accounts for its investments in joint ventures using the equity method or proportional amortization method as appropriate. The investments in the limited partnerships or LLCs are included in other assets on the consolidated balance sheets.

***Intangible Assets***

Until the sale of its FMBI branches in January 2024, intangible assets, which included licenses and trade names, were amortized over a period ranging from 84 to 120 months using a straight-line method of amortization. Customer list intangible assets were amortized over 21 months using a straight-line method of amortization. Also included were core deposit intangibles that were amortized over a 10-year period using the accelerated sum of the years digits method of amortization. The only intangible asset remaining as of December 31, 2025 is a trade name that is being amortized over 120 months using a straight-line method of amortization. The balance of intangible assets are no longer material and therefore included in other assets. On a periodic basis, the Company evaluates events and circumstances that may indicate a change in the recoverability of the carrying value.

***Freestanding Credit Enhancements***

Freestanding credit enhancements, such as credit default swaps that qualify for a derivative scope exception, are used to mitigate credit risk on certain loans included in identified reference pools. These instruments are accounted for separately from the loans they protect. The Company does not offset its estimate of expected credit losses with potential recoveries from these enhancements. This ensures that the ACL-Loans reflects the Company's own credit risk exposure. Instead, any expected recoveries are recognized as separate assets and measured using assumptions consistent with the loss estimate for the protected loans. These enhancements are recognized in other assets and other noninterest income when the criteria for recognition are met. The nature, terms, and additional details on these enhancements are described in *Note 11: Other Assets and Receivables.* 

#### Income Taxes
The Company accounts for income taxes in accordance with income tax accounting guidance. The income tax accounting guidance results in two components of income tax expense: current and deferred. Current income tax expense reflects taxes to be paid or refunded for the current period by applying the provisions of the enacted tax law to the taxable income or excess of deductions over revenues. The Company determines deferred income taxes using the liability (or balance sheet) method. Under this method, the net deferred tax asset or liability is based on the tax effects of the differences between the book and tax bases of assets and liabilities, and changes in tax rates and laws are recognized

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**Merchants Bancorp**

**Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements**

in the period in which they are enacted. Deferred income tax expense results from changes in deferred tax assets and liabilities between periods. Deferred tax assets are reduced by a valuation allowance if, based on the weight of evidence available, it is more likely than not that some portion or all of a deferred tax asset will not be realized.

Uncertain tax positions are recognized if it is more likely than not, based on the technical merits, that the tax position will be realized or sustained upon examination. The term more likely than not means a likelihood of more than 50 percent; the terms examined and upon examination also include resolution of the related appeals or litigation processes, if any. A tax position that meets the more-likely-than-not recognition threshold is initially and subsequently measured as the largest amount of tax benefit that has a greater than 50 percent likelihood of being realized upon settlement with a taxing authority that has full knowledge of all relevant information. The determination of whether or not a tax position has met the more-likely-than-not recognition threshold considers the facts, circumstances and information available at the reporting date and is subject to management's judgment. With a few exceptions, the Company is no longer subject to U.S. federal, state and local or non-U.S. income tax examinations by tax authorities for years before 2022.

The Company recognizes interest and penalties, if any, as other noninterest expense.

The Company files consolidated income tax returns, including its subsidiaries.

#### Earnings Per Share
Basic earnings per share is the Company's net income available to common shareholders, which represents net income less dividends paid or payable to preferred stock shareholders and previously capitalized issuance expenses related to preferred share redemptions, if any, divided by the weighted-average number of common shares outstanding during each period. Diluted earnings per share is calculated in the same manner as basic earnings per share, but also reflects the issuance of additional common shares that would have been dilutive if such shares had been outstanding, as well as any adjustment to income that would result from the assumed issuance.

#### Share-based Compensation Plans
The Company has an equity incentive plan that provides for annual awards of shares to certain members of senior management based upon the Company's performance and attainment of certain performance goals established by the Board. Share awards are valued at the estimated fair value on the date of the award and generally vest over three years. Compensation expense for the awards is recognized in the consolidated financial statements ratably over the vesting period.

In 2018, the Compensation Committee of the Board also approved a plan for non-executive directors to receive a portion of their annual fees in the form of restricted common stock, which has been issued once per year, subsequent to the annual meeting of shareholders. This plan was amended to issue allocated shares on a quarterly basis, beginning after the Company's 2021 annual meeting of shareholders.

In 2020, the Company established an ESOP to provide certain benefits for all employees who meet certain requirements.

***Revenue Recognition***

The Company's principal source of revenue is interest income from loans, investment securities and other financial instruments that are not within the scope of the revenue accounting guidance. For other revenue sources, the Company has evaluated the nature of its contracts with customers and determined that further disaggregation of revenue from contracts with customers into more granular categories beyond what is presented in the consolidated statements of income was not necessary. Because performance obligations are satisfied as services are rendered and the transaction prices are fixed, there is little judgment involved in applying the revenue guidance that significantly affects the determination of the amount and timing of revenue from contracts with customers.

The Company recognizes revenues as they are earned based on contractual terms, as transactions occur, or as services are provided and collectability is reasonably assured.

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**Merchants Bancorp**

**Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements**

Interest income on loans is accrued as earned using the interest method based on unpaid principal balances, except for interest on loans in nonaccrual status. Interest on loans in nonaccrual status is recorded as a reduction of loan principal when received.

The Company also earns other noninterest income through a variety of financial and transaction services provided to corporate and consumer clients such as deposit service charges, debit card network fees, safe deposit box rental fees, LIHTC syndication fees, asset management fees, and derivatives. Revenue is recorded for noninterest income based on the contractual terms for the service or transaction performed.

***Comprehensive Income (Loss)***

Comprehensive income consists of net income and other comprehensive income (loss), net of applicable income taxes. Other comprehensive income (loss) and accumulated other comprehensive loss consist of unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on available for sale investment securities and reclassification adjustments for investment gains/(losses) on the sale of available for sale investment securities.

#### Derivative Financial Instruments
The Company enters into non-hedging designated derivative financial instruments as part of its interest rate and credit risk management strategies. These derivative financial instruments consist primarily of interest rate locks, forward sale commitments, interest rate swaps, caps, put options, interest rate floor contracts, and credit default swaps not receiving a scope exception. These derivative instruments are recorded on the consolidated balance sheets, as either an asset or liability, at their fair value. Typically, changes in fair value of derivatives are recognized in noninterest income on the consolidated statements of income. The Company also offers interest rate swaps to some customers and enters an offsetting contract with a third-party dealer. These derivatives generally work together as an economically neutral interest rate position to assist the customer, but the Company does not designate them for hedge accounting treatment. Consequently, changes in fair value of the corresponding derivative financial asset or liability are recorded as either a charge or credit to current earnings during the period in which the changes occurred, typically resulting in no net earnings impact.

***New Accounting Pronouncements Not Yet Adopted***

The Company continually monitors potential FASB accounting pronouncement and SEC release changes. The following pronouncements and releases have been deemed to have the most applicability to the Company's consolidated financial statements:

***FASB ASU 2024-03 - Income Statement – Reporting Comprehensive Income – Expense Disaggregation Disclosures (Subtopic 220-40): Disaggregation of Income Statement Expenses***

In November 2024, the FASB issued an ASU update which is intended to provide more detailed information about specified categories of expenses (purchases of inventory, employee compensation, depreciation and amortization) included in certain expense captions presented on the face of our consolidated statements of income.

The updates in ASU 2024-03 are effective for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2026, and interim reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2027. An entity shall apply the ASU on a prospective basis to financial statements for annual periods beginning after the effective date. The Company is continuing to evaluate the impact of adopting this new guidance.

[**Table of Contents**](#TOC)

**Merchants Bancorp**

**Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements**

***FASB ASU 2025-08 – Financial Instruments – Credit Losses – Purchased Loans***

In November 2025, the FASB issued an ASU update to simplify and enhance comparability in the accounting for purchased loans under CECL. The update will require updates to CECL models and accounting processes for the new category of certain acquired loans.

The updates in ASU 2025-08 are effective for fiscal periods beginning after December 15, 2026, including interim periods. An entity shall apply the ASU on a prospective basis to financial statements for annual periods beginning after the effective date. Early adoption is permitted. The Company is continuing to evaluate the impact of adopting this new guidance.

#### Note 2: Restriction on Cash and Due From Banks
The Federal Reserve's bank reserve requirements were 0%. The effective reserve requirement has remained at 0% as of December 31, 2025 and 2024.

Included in cash equivalents at December 31, 2024 was an account restricted as collateral for the potential risk of loss on senior credit-linked notes issued by the Company in March 2023. The balance of the notes as of December 31, 2024 was $87.6 million. As of December 31, 2024, there was $33.5 million in restricted cash held in a separate account included in the total of interest-earning demand accounts on the consolidated balance sheets. In December 2025, the note was paid in full and the cash restrictions lifted. Also see *Note 14: Borrowings.*

#### Note 3: Investment Securities
The amortized cost and approximate fair values, together with gross unrealized gains and losses, of securities available for sale and held to maturity were as follows:

---

| | | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|
|  | **December 31, 2025** | **December 31, 2025** | **December 31, 2025** | **December 31, 2025** |
|  | <br>**Amortized**<br>**Cost** | **Gross**<br>**Unrealized**<br>**Gains** | **Gross**<br>**Unrealized**<br>**Losses** | <br>**Fair**<br>**Value** |
|  | (In thousands) | (In thousands) | (In thousands) | (In thousands) |
| **Securities available for sale:** |  |  |  |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Treasury notes | $30635 | $45 | $— | $30680 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Federal agencies | 259591 | 21 | 104 | 259508 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Mortgage-backed - Government Agency <sup>(1)</sup> - multi-family | 3562 |  | 6 | 3556 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Mortgage-backed - Non-Agency - residential - fair value option <sup>(2)</sup> | 385460 |  |  | 385460 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Mortgage-backed - Agency - residential - fair value option <sup>(2)</sup> | 185854 |  |  | 185854 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Total securities available for sale | $865102 | $66 | $110 | $865058 |
| **Securities held to maturity:** |  |  |  |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Mortgage-backed - Non-Agency - multi-family | $438430 | $— | $950 | $437480 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Mortgage-backed - Non-Agency - residential | 699957 | 1655 | 127 | 701485 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Mortgage-backed - Non-Agency - healthcare | 393588 |  | 4 | 393584 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Mortgage-backed - Agency - multi-family | 11684 |  | 679 | 11005 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Total securities held to maturity | $1543659 | $1655 | $1760 | $1543554 |
| **FHLB and other equity securities** <sup>(3)</sup> | $227589 |  |  |  |

---

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(1) Agency includes government sponsored entities, such as Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac, Ginnie Mae, FHLB, and FCB.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(2) Fair value option securities represent securities which the Company has elected to carry at fair value with changes in the fair value recognized in earnings as they occur.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(3) The Company reports the carrying value utilizing the measurement alternative election, reflecting any impairments or other adjustments if observable price changes occur for identical or similar investments of the same issuer.

[**Table of Contents**](#TOC)

**Merchants Bancorp**

**Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements**

---

| | | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|
|  | **December 31, 2024** | **December 31, 2024** | **December 31, 2024** | **December 31, 2024** |
|  | <br>**Amortized**<br>**Cost** | **Gross**<br>**Unrealized**<br>**Gains** | **Gross**<br>**Unrealized**<br>**Losses** | <br>**Fair**<br>**Value** |
|  | (In thousands) | (In thousands) | (In thousands) | (In thousands) |
| **Securities available for sale:** |  |  |  |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Treasury notes | $89898 | $108 | $— | $90006 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Federal agencies | 253218 |  | 282 | 252936 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Mortgage-backed - Government Agency <sup>(1)</sup> - multi-family | 1162 |  |  | 1162 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Mortgage-backed - Non-Agency - residential - fair value option <sup>(2)</sup> | 430779 |  |  | 430779 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Mortgage-backed - Agency - residential - fair value option <sup>(2)</sup> | 205167 |  |  | 205167 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Total securities available for sale | $980224 | $108 | $282 | $980050 |
| **Securities held to maturity:** |  |  |  |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Mortgage-backed - Non-Agency - multi-family | $592053 | $— | $1162 | $590891 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Mortgage-backed - Non-Agency - residential | 526242 | 1871 | 75 | 528038 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Mortgage-backed - Non-Agency - healthcare | 534538 | 374 |  | 534912 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Mortgage-backed - Agency - multi-family | 11853 |  | 1020 | 10833 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Total securities held to maturity | $1664686 | $2245 | $2257 | $1664674 |
| **FHLB and other equity securities** <sup>(3)</sup> | $217804 |  |  |  |

---

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(1) Agency includes government sponsored entities, such as Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac, Ginnie Mae, FHLB, and FCB.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(2) Fair value option securities represent securities which the Company has elected to carry at fair value with changes in the fair value recognized in earnings as they occur.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(3) The Company reports the carrying value utilizing the measurement alternative election, reflecting any impairments or other adjustments if observable price changes occur for identical or similar investments of the same issuer.

Accrued interest on securities available for sale totaled $3.8 million at December 31, 2025 and $4.9 million at December 31, 2024, respectively, and is excluded from the estimate of credit losses.

Accrued interest on securities held to maturity totaled $5.0 million at December 31, 2025 and $5.8 million at December 31, 2024, respectively, and is excluded from the estimate of credit losses.

The amortized cost and fair value of securities available for sale at December 31, 2025 and 2024, by contractual maturity, are shown below. Expected maturities will differ from contractual maturities because issuers may have the right to call or prepay obligations with or without call or prepayment penalties. Securities not due at a single maturity date are shown separately.

---

| | | |
|:---|:---|:---|
|  | **December 31, 2025** | **December 31, 2025** |
|  | **Amortized**<br>**Cost** | **Fair**<br>**Value** |
|  | (In thousands) | (In thousands) |
| **Securities available for sale:** |  |  |
| Within one year | $85226 | $85292 |
| After one through five years | 205000 | 204896 |
|  | 290226 | 290188 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Mortgage-backed - Agency - multi-family | 3562 | 3556 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Mortgage-backed - Non-Agency - residential - fair value option | 385460 | 385460 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Mortgage-backed - Agency - residential - fair value option | 185854 | 185854 |
|  | $865102 | $865058 |
| **Securities held to maturity:** |  |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Mortgage-backed - Non-Agency - multi-family | $438430 | $437480 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Mortgage-backed - Non-Agency - residential | 699957 | 701485 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Mortgage-backed - Non-Agency - healthcare | 393588 | 393584 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Mortgage-backed - Agency - multi-family | 11684 | 11005 |
|  | $1543659 | $1543554 |

---

[**Table of Contents**](#TOC)

**Merchants Bancorp**

**Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements**

During the year ended December 31, 2025, no securities available for sale were sold. During the year ended December 31, 2024, the Company received proceeds of $10.0 million and recognized a net loss of $108,000 from sales of securities available for sale. The $108,000 net loss consisted of $10,000 in gains and $118,000 of losses.

The carrying value of securities pledged as collateral, to secure borrowings, public deposits and for other purposes, was $1.6 billion and $1.5 billion at December 31, 2025 and 2024, respectively.

Investments in securities available for sale are reported in the consolidated financial statements at an amount less than their historical cost. The total fair value of these investments at December 31, 2025 and 2024 was $208.5 million (eight positions) and $252.9 million (nine positions) respectively, which is approximately 24%, and 26%, respectively, of the Company's available for sale investment portfolio.

Certain investments in securities held to maturity are reported in the consolidated financial statements at amortized cost. The amortized cost of these investments that were reported at more than their fair value at December 31, 2025 and 2024 totaled $966.9 million (eight positions) and $642.6 million (eight positions), respectively, which is approximately 63% and 39%, respectively, of the Company's held to maturity investment portfolio.

The following tables show the Company's gross unrealized losses and fair value of the Company's investment securities with unrealized losses for which an ACL has not been recorded, aggregated by investment class and length of time that individual securities have been in a continuous unrealized loss position at December 31, 2025 and 2024:

---

| | | | | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|
|  | **December 31, 2025** | **December 31, 2025** | **December 31, 2025** | **December 31, 2025** | **December 31, 2025** | **December 31, 2025** |
|  |  |  | **12 Months or** | **12 Months or** |  |  |
|  | **Less than 12 Months** | **Less than 12 Months** | **Longer** | **Longer** | **Total** | **Total** |
|  | <br>**Fair**<br>**Value** | **Gross**<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**Unrealized** <br>**Losses** | <br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; **Fair&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;** <br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; **Value&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**  | **Gross**<br>**Unrealized**<br>**Losses** | <br>**Fair**<br>**Value** | **Gross**<br>**Unrealized**<br>**Losses** |
|  | (In thousands) | (In thousands) | (In thousands) | (In thousands) | (In thousands) | (In thousands) |
| **Securities available for sale:** |  |  |  |  |  |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Federal agencies | $204896 | $104 | $— | $— | $204896 | $104 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Mortgage-backed - Government Agency - multi-family | 3556 | 6 |  |  | 3556 | 6 |
|  | $208452 | $110 | $— | $— | $208452 | $110 |

---

---

| | | | | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|
|  | **December 31, 2024** | **December 31, 2024** | **December 31, 2024** | **December 31, 2024** | **December 31, 2024** | **December 31, 2024** |
|  |  |  | **12 Months or** | **12 Months or** |  |  |
|  | **Less than 12 Months** | **Less than 12 Months** | **Longer** | **Longer** | **Total** | **Total** |
|  | <br>**Fair**<br>**Value** | **Gross**<br>**Unrealized**<br>**Losses** | <br>**Fair**<br>**Value** | **Gross**<br>**Unrealized**<br>**Losses** | <br>**Fair**<br>**Value** | **Gross**<br>**Unrealized**<br>**Losses** |
|  | (In thousands) | (In thousands) | (In thousands) | (In thousands) | (In thousands) | (In thousands) |
| **Securities available for sale:** |  |  |  |  |  |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Federal agencies | $252936 | $282 | $— | $— | $252936 | $282 |

---

***Allowance for Credit Losses***

There were no credit-related factors underlying unrealized losses on available for sale securities at December 31, 2025 and 2024, accordingly no allowance for credit losses has been recorded. Furthermore, unrealized losses on the Company's investment securities portfolio have not been recognized as an expense because the securities are of high credit quality, and the decline in fair values is attributable to changes in the prevailing interest rate environment since the purchase date. Fair value is expected to recover as securities reach maturity and/or the interest rate environment returns to conditions similar to when these securities were purchased.

Securities held to maturity are primarily comprised of non-Agency mortgage-backed senior securities secured by multi-family, single-family or healthcare properties, and Agency mortgage-backed securities secured by multi-family properties. The Agency securities held to maturity are Ginnie Mae mortgage-backed securities and backed by the full

[**Table of Contents**](#TOC)

**Merchants Bancorp**

**Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements**

faith and credit of the U.S. government and have an implicit or explicit government guarantee. Accordingly, no allowance for credit losses has been recorded for these securities.

For non-Agency mortgage-backed senior securities, qualitative factors are evaluated, including the timeliness of principal and interest payments under the contractual terms of the securities, as well as the investment ratings assigned to the securities by third parties and their qualification to be pledged to FHLB as collateral. In the event credit stress in the underlying loans is identified in any single security, risk grades and collateral values are evaluated to determine whether Merchants Bank has exposure to credit losses.

The Company has a held to maturity, non-Agency, mortgage-backed security with an amortized cost value of $438.4 million and fair value of $437.5 million at December 31, 2025, acquired via a mortgage securitization transaction facilitated by the Company, which has experienced delinquencies in some of the underlying loans. As of December 31, 2025, 35% of the portfolio was delinquent. The underlying loans in the securitization have an average loan-to-value ratio of 67%. Additionally, the security is a senior tranche that has credit protection from the first 17.1% of losses. The Company continues to receive timely interest payments on this security, which was current as of December 31, 2025. The Company is not expected to have credit losses based on the loan-to-value of the underlying loans, its credit protection and expected cash flows. However, given the delinquencies on some of the underlying loans, the Company has classified the security as Special Mention as of December 31, 2025. All other securities held to maturity were classified as Pass as of December 31, 2025. All securities held to maturity were classified as Pass as of December 31, 2024. No allowance for credit losses were recorded for this, or any other non-agency security, as of December 31, 2025 and 2024. See *Note 5: Loans and Allowance for Credit Losses on Loans* for more information on the definitions of risk classifications for both loans and securities.

#### Note 4: Mortgage Loans in Process of Securitization
Mortgage loans in process of securitization are recorded at fair value with changes in fair value recorded in earnings. These include multi-family rental real estate loan originations to be sold as Ginnie Mae mortgage-backed securities and Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac participation certificates, all of which are pending settlement with firm investor commitments to purchase the securities, typically occurring within 30 days. The aggregate positive fair value adjustment recorded in mortgage loans in process of securitization was $5.2 million and $4.1 million as of December 31, 2025 and 2024, respectively.

[**Table of Contents**](#TOC)

**Merchants Bancorp**

**Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements**

#### Note 5: Loans and Allowance for Credit Losses on Loans
***Loan Portfolio Summary***

Loans receivable at December 31, 2025 and 2024, include:

---

| | | |
|:---|:---|:---|
|  | **December 31,** <br>**2025** | **December 31,** <br>**2024** |
|  | (In thousands) | (In thousands) |
| Mortgage warehouse repurchase agreements<sup>(1)</sup> | $1600285 | $1446068 |
| Residential real estate<sup>(2)</sup> | 1018780 | 1322853 |
| Multi-family financing | 5332680 | 4624299 |
| Healthcare financing | 1385359 | 1484483 |
| Commercial and commercial real estate<sup>(1)(3)(4)</sup> | 1603551 | 1476211 |
| Agricultural production and real estate | 92077 | 77631 |
| Consumer and margin loans | 1950 | 6843 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Loans Receivable | 11034682 | 10438388 |
| **Less:** |  |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;ACL - Loans | 83301 | 84386 |
| **Loans Receivable, net** | $10951381 | $10354002 |

---

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(1) The warehouse portfolio is exclusively made up of loans to residential and multi-family mortgage bankers that are funding agency-eligible mortgages and commercial loans, which represent all of the Company's loans to non-depository institutions.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(2) Includes $832.2 million and $1.2 billion of All-in-One <sup>©</sup> first-lien home equity lines of credit at December 31, 2025 and 2024, respectively.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(3) Includes $944.3 million and $908.9 million of revolving lines of credit collateralized primarily by servicing rights as of December 31, 2025 and 2024, respectively.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(4) Includes only $19.5 million and $18.7 million of non-owner occupied commercial real estate as of December 31, 2025 and 2024, respectively.

Risk characteristics applicable to each segment of the loan portfolio are described as follows.

**Mortgage Warehouse Repurchase Agreements (MTG WHRA):** Under its warehouse program, the Company provides warehouse financing arrangements to approved mortgage companies for their origination and sale of residential mortgage and multi-family loans. Loans secured by mortgages placed on existing one-to-four family dwellings may be originated or purchased and placed through each mortgage warehouse facility.

As a secured repurchase agreement, collateral pledged to the Company secures each individual mortgage until the mortgage company sells the loan in the secondary market. Traditional secured warehouse repurchase agreements and participation agreements typically carry a base interest rate of SOFR plus a margin, or the mortgage note rate.

Risk is evident if there is a change in the fair value of mortgage loans originated by mortgage companies in warehouse, the sale of which is the expected source of repayment under a warehouse facility. However, the warehouse customers are required to hedge the change in value of these loans to mitigate the risk, typically through forward sales contracts.

**Residential Real Estate Loans (RES RE):** Real estate loans are secured by owner-occupied one-to-four family residences. Repayment of residential real estate loans is primarily dependent on the personal income and assets of the borrowers. Credit risk for these loans is driven by those factors, as well as the credit rating of the borrowers and property values. In addition to loans originated for sale, and some loans receivable, included in this segment are All-in-One© first-lien HELOC products that integrate a borrower's mortgage and deposit account into a single facility and have typically carried a base interest rate of One-Year CMT, plus a margin. New originations are tied to 30-day SOFR, plus a margin.

**Multi-family Financing (MF FIN):** The Company specializes in originating multi-family financing that can be Market Rate or Affordable. The portfolio includes loans for construction, acquisition, refinance, or permanent financing. Loans are typically secured by real estate mortgages, assignment of LIHTCs, and/or equity interest in the underlying

[**Table of Contents**](#TOC)

**Merchants Bancorp**

**Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements**

properties. All loans are assessed and reviewed at a minimum based on borrower strength/experience, historical property performance, market trends, projected financial performance with regards to intended strategy, and source of repayment. Independent third-party reports are used to ensure legal conformity and support valuations of the assets. Exit strategies and sources of repayment are provided through the secondary market via governmental programs, strategic refinances, LIHTC equity installments, and cashflow from the properties. Repayment of these loans may include refinancing to a permanent loan or sale of the property, as well as successful operation of a business or property and the borrower's cash flows. Credit risk in these loans may be impacted by the creditworthiness of a borrower, property values and the local economy in the related market area. Interest rate risk is mitigated by borrower purchased rate caps, interest reserves, liquidity covenants, and forward commitments from GSEs. These loans are well-collateralized and underwritten to agency guidelines. Loans included in this segment typically carry a base rate of 30-day SOFR that adjusts on a monthly basis, and a margin. The Company focuses on loan classes that are government backed or can be sold in the secondary market.

**Healthcare Financing (HC FIN):** The healthcare financing portfolio includes customized loan products for need-based, independent living, assisted living, memory care and skilled nursing projects. A variety of loan products are available to accommodate rehabilitation, acquisition, and refinancing of healthcare properties. Credit risk in these loans is primarily driven by local demographics and the expertise of the operators of the facilities. Repayment of these loans may include refinancing to a permanent loan or sale of the property, as well as successful operation of a business or property and the borrower's cash flows. These loans are well-collateralized and underwritten to agency guidelines. Loans included in this segment typically carry a base rate of 30-day SOFR that adjusts on a monthly basis, plus a margin. The Company focuses on loan classes that are government backed or can be sold in the secondary market.

**Commercial Lending and Commercial Real Estate Loans (CML & CRE):** The commercial lending and commercial real estate portfolio includes loans to commercial customers for use in financing working capital needs, equipment purchases and expansions, as well as loans to commercial customers to finance land and improvements. It also includes lines of credit collateralized by servicing rights that are assessed for fair value quarterly at the Company's request. The loans in this category are repaid primarily from the cash flow of a borrower's principal business operation. Credit risk in these loans is driven by creditworthiness of a borrower and the economic conditions that impact the cash flow stability from business operations. SBA loans are included in this category. An immaterial portion of commercial and commercial real estate loans are typically made up of non-owner occupied commercial real estate loans.

**Agricultural Production and Real Estate Loans (AG & AGRE):** Agricultural production loans are generally comprised of seasonal operating lines of credit to grain farmers to plant and harvest corn and soybeans and term loans to fund the purchase of equipment. The Company also offers long-term financing to purchase agricultural real estate. Specific underwriting standards have been established for agricultural-related loans including the establishment of projections for each operating-year based on industry-developed estimates of farm input costs and expected commodity yields and prices. Operating lines are typically written for one year and secured by the crop and other farm assets as considered necessary. The Company is approved to sell agricultural loans in the secondary market through Farmer Mac and uses this relationship to manage interest rate risk within the portfolio. Agricultural real estate loans included in this segment are typically structured with a one-year ARM, three-year ARM or five-year ARM indexed to CMT, plus a margin. Agriculture production, livestock, and equipment loans are structured with variable rates that are indexed to prime or fixed for terms not exceeding five years.

**Consumer and Margin Loans (CON & MAR):** Consumer loans are those loans secured by household assets. Margin loans are those loans secured by marketable securities. The term and maximum amount for these loans are determined by considering the purpose of the loan, the margin (advance percentage against value) in all collateral, the primary source of repayment, and the borrower's other related cash flow.

[**Table of Contents**](#TOC)

**Merchants Bancorp**

**Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements**

The following tables present, by loan portfolio segment, the activity in the ACL-Loans during the years ended December 31, 2025, 2024, and 2023:

---

| | | | | | | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|
|  | **Year Ended December 31, 2025** | **Year Ended December 31, 2025** | **Year Ended December 31, 2025** | **Year Ended December 31, 2025** | **Year Ended December 31, 2025** | **Year Ended December 31, 2025** | **Year Ended December 31, 2025** | **Year Ended December 31, 2025** |
|  | **MTG WHRA** | **RES RE** | **MF FIN** | **HC FIN** | **CML & CRE** | **AG & AGRE** | **CON & MAR** | **TOTAL** |
|  | (In thousands) | (In thousands) | (In thousands) | (In thousands) | (In thousands) | (In thousands) | (In thousands) | (In thousands) |
| **ACL - Loans** |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Balance, beginning of period | $3816 | $5942 | $55126 | $8562 | $10293 | $539 | $108 | $84386 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Provision for credit losses | 453 | (1270) | 102147 | 17530 | 3965 | 158 | (79) | 122904 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Loans charged to the allowance |  |  | (114281) | (7497) | (2338) |  |  | (124116) |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Recoveries of loans previously charged-off |  |  | 49 |  | 78 |  |  | 127 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Balance, end of period | $4269 | $4672 | $43041 | $18595 | $11998 | $697 | $29 | $83301 |

---

The Company recorded a total provision for credit losses of $117.8 million for the year ended December 31, 2025. The $117.8 million provision for credit losses consisted of $122.9 million for the ACL-Loans as shown above, net of a $4.7 million release for the ACL-OBCEs, and net of a $0.4 million release for the ACL-Guarantees, related to a loan securitization.

---

| | | | | | | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|
|  | **Year Ended December 31, 2024** | **Year Ended December 31, 2024** | **Year Ended December 31, 2024** | **Year Ended December 31, 2024** | **Year Ended December 31, 2024** | **Year Ended December 31, 2024** | **Year Ended December 31, 2024** | **Year Ended December 31, 2024** |
|  | **MTG WHRA** | **RES RE** | **MF FIN** | **HC FIN** | **CML & CRE** | **AG & AGRE** | **CON & MAR** | **TOTAL** |
|  | (In thousands) | (In thousands) | (In thousands) | (In thousands) | (In thousands) | (In thousands) | (In thousands) | (In thousands) |
| **ACL - Loans** |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Balance, beginning of period | $2070 | $7323 | $26874 | $22454 | $12243 | $619 | $169 | $71752 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;FMBI's ACL for loans sold |  | (55) | (186) | (2) | (92) | (246) | (12) | (593) |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Provision for credit losses | 1746 | (1340) | 33674 | (10795) | 276 | 166 | (49) | 23678 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Loans charged to the allowance |  |  | (5282) | (3095) | (2210) |  |  | (10587) |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Recoveries of loans previously charged-off |  | 14 | 46 |  | 76 |  |  | 136 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Balance, end of period | $3816 | $5942 | $55126 | $8562 | $10293 | $539 | $108 | $84386 |

---

The Company recorded a total provision for credit losses of $24.3 million for the year ended December 31, 2024. The $24.3 million provision for credit losses consisted of $23.7 million for the ACL-Loans as shown above, $2.2 million for the ACL-OBCEs, net of $1.0 million for the release of reserves on the ACL-Guarantees, related to a loan securitization, and $0.6 million for the release of FMBI's ACL-Loans for loans sold.

---

| | | | | | | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|
|  | **Year Ended December 31, 2023** | **Year Ended December 31, 2023** | **Year Ended December 31, 2023** | **Year Ended December 31, 2023** | **Year Ended December 31, 2023** | **Year Ended December 31, 2023** | **Year Ended December 31, 2023** | **Year Ended December 31, 2023** |
|  | **MTG WHRA** | **RES RE** | **MF FIN** | **HC FIN** | **CML & CRE** | **AG & AGRE** | **CON & MAR** | **TOTAL** |
|  | (In thousands) | (In thousands) | (In thousands) | (In thousands) | (In thousands) | (In thousands) | (In thousands) | (In thousands) |
| **ACL - Loans** |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Balance, beginning of year | $1249 | $7029 | $16781 | $9882 | $8326 | $565 | $182 | $44014 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Provision for credit losses | 821 | 328 | 18493 | 12572 | 5232 | 54 | (12) | 37488 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Loans charged to the allowance |  | (34) | (8400) |  | (1356) |  | (1) | (9791) |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Recoveries of loans previously charged off |  |  |  |  | 41 |  |  | 41 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Balance, end of year | $2070 | $7323 | $26874 | $22454 | $12243 | $619 | $169 | $71752 |

---

The Company recorded a total provision for credit losses of $40.2 million for the year ended December 31, 2023. The $40.2 million provision for credit losses consisted of $37.5 million for the ACL-Loans as shown above and $2.7 million for the ACL-OBCEs.

The below tables present the amortized cost basis and ACL-Loans allocated for collateral dependent loans, which are individually evaluated to determine expected credit losses as of December 31, 2025 and 2024:

---

| | | | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|
|  | **December 31, 2025** | **December 31, 2025** | **December 31, 2025** | **December 31, 2025** | **December 31, 2025** |
|  | **Real Estate** | **Accounts Receivable / Equipment** | **Other** | **Total** | **ACL-Loans Allocation** |
|  | (In thousands) | (In thousands) | (In thousands) | (In thousands) | (In thousands) |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;RES RE | $7681 | $— | $— | $7681 | $39 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;MF FIN | 213289 |  |  | 213289 | 5618 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;HC FIN | 72825 |  |  | 72825 | 12515 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;CML & CRE | 8725 |  | 566 | 9291 | 270 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;AG & AGRE | 181 | 4 |  | 185 | 2 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Total collateral dependent loans | $302701 | $4 | $566 | $303271 | $18444 |

---

[**Table of Contents**](#TOC)

**Merchants Bancorp**

**Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements**

There were no significant changes in the types of collateral securing the Company's collateral dependent loans compared to December 31, 2024.

---

| | | | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|
|  | **December 31, 2024** | **December 31, 2024** | **December 31, 2024** | **December 31, 2024** | **December 31, 2024** |
|  | **Real Estate** | **Accounts Receivable / Equipment** | **Other** | **Total** | **ACL-Loans Allocation** |
|  | (In thousands) | (In thousands) | (In thousands) | (In thousands) | (In thousands) |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;RES RE | $6153 | $— | $— | $6153 | $31 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;MF FIN | 227054 |  | 693 | 227747 | 22265 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;HC FIN | 73225 |  |  | 73225 | 2569 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;CML & CRE | 8125 | 1447 | 629 | 10201 | 358 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;AG & AGRE |  | 6 |  | 6 | 1 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Total collateral dependent loans | $314557 | $1453 | $1322 | $317332 | $25224 |

---

#### Internal Risk Categories
The Company evaluates the loan risk grading system definitions and ACL-Loans methodology on an ongoing basis. In adherence with policy, the Company uses the following internal risk grading categories and definitions for loans:

**Pass** - Loans that are considered to be of acceptable credit quality, and not classified as Special Mention, Substandard, or Doubtful. Also included are loans classified as Watch loans, which represent loans that remain sound and collectible but exhibit characteristics that warrant closer ongoing monitoring by management.

**Special Mention** – Loans classified as Special Mention have potential weaknesses that deserve management's attention. If left uncorrected, these potential weaknesses may result in deterioration of the repayment prospects for the asset or in the Company's credit position at some future date. Special Mention loans are not adversely classified and do not warrant adverse classification. Loans with questions or concerns regarding collateral, adverse market conditions impacting future performance, and declining financial trends would be considered for Special Mention.

**Substandard** - Loans classified as Substandard are inadequately protected by the current net worth and paying capacity of the borrower or of the collateral pledged, if any. Loans so classified must have a well-defined weakness or weaknesses that jeopardize the liquidation of the debt. They are characterized by the distinct possibility that the institution will sustain some loss if the deficiencies are not corrected. When a loan in the form of a line of credit is downgraded to Substandard, it is evaluated for impairment and future draws under the line of credit require the approval of an officer of Senior Credit Officer or above.

**Doubtful** - Loans classified as Doubtful have all the weaknesses inherent in those classified as Substandard, with the added characteristic that the weaknesses make collection or liquidation in full, on the basis of currently existing facts, conditions, and values, highly questionable and improbable.

[**Table of Contents**](#TOC)

**Merchants Bancorp**

**Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements**

The following tables present the credit risk profile of the Company's loans receivable portfolio based on internal risk rating category and origination or extension year as of December 31, 2025 and 2024:

---

| | | | | | | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|
|  | **December 31, 2025** | **December 31, 2025** | **December 31, 2025** | **December 31, 2025** | **December 31, 2025** | **December 31, 2025** | **December 31, 2025** | **December 31, 2025** |
|  | **2025** | **2024** | **2023** | **2022** | **2021** | **Prior** | **Revolving Loans** | **Total** |
|  | (In thousands) | (In thousands) | (In thousands) | (In thousands) | (In thousands) | (In thousands) | (In thousands) | (In thousands) |
| **MTG WHRA** |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Pass | $— | $— | $— | $— | $— | $— | $1600285 | $1600285 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Total | $— | $— | $— | $— | $— | $— | $1600285 | $1600285 |
| **RES RE** |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Pass | $66511 | $33386 | $21645 | $6378 | $4608 | $21283 | $857288 | $1011099 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Substandard |  |  | 431 | 22 |  | 129 | 7099 | 7681 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Total | $66511 | $33386 | $22076 | $6400 | $4608 | $21412 | $864387 | $1018780 |
| **MF FIN** |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Pass | $1193011 | $650672 | $348888 | $189881 | $22868 | $9291 | $2539144 | $4953755 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Special Mention | 70127 | 71723 |  | 21924 |  | 232 | 1630 | 165636 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Substandard | 39936 | 8302 | 79463 | 74992 |  |  | 10596 | 213289 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Total | $1303074 | $730697 | $428351 | $286797 | $22868 | $9523 | $2551370 | $5332680 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Charge-offs | $— | $— | $42884 | $65405 | $— | $5992 | $— | $114281 |
| **HC FIN** |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Pass | $693986 | $6922 | $32305 | $— | $— | $— | $548130 | $1281343 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Special Mention | 13503 | 17688 |  |  |  |  |  | 31191 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Substandard | 21967 |  | 24691 |  | 20317 |  | 5850 | 72825 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Total | $729456 | $24610 | $56996 | $— | $20317 | $— | $553980 | $1385359 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Charge-offs | $— | $— | $— | $— | $5296 | $2201 | $— | $7497 |
| **CML & CRE** |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Pass | $65578 | $48115 | $43092 | $59178 | $35950 | $30767 | $1303578 | $1586258 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Special Mention | 5123 | 116 | 561 | 502 | 883 | 142 | 675 | 8002 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Substandard |  | 213 | 128 | 600 | 8330 | 20 |  | 9291 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Total | $70701 | $48444 | $43781 | $60280 | $45163 | $30929 | $1304253 | $1603551 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Charge-offs | $— | $302 | $316 | $160 | $1560 | $— | $— | $2338 |
| **AG & AGRE** |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Pass | $14702 | $15457 | $7007 | $4386 | $2807 | $19840 | $27604 | $91803 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Special Mention | 89 |  |  |  |  |  |  | 89 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Substandard |  |  | 4 | 181 |  |  |  | 185 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Total | $14791 | $15457 | $7011 | $4567 | $2807 | $19840 | $27604 | $92077 |
| **CON & MAR** |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Pass | $133 | $108 | $15 | $2 | $— | $— | $1692 | $1950 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Special Mention |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Substandard |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Total | $133 | $108 | $15 | $2 | $— | $— | $1692 | $1950 |
| **Total Pass** | $2033921 | $754660 | $452952 | $259825 | $66233 | $81181 | $6877721 | $10526493 |
| **Total Special Mention** | $88842 | $89527 | $561 | $22426 | $883 | $374 | $2305 | $204918 |
| **Total Substandard** | $61903 | $8515 | $104717 | $75795 | $28647 | $149 | $23545 | $303271 |
| **Total Loans** | $2184666 | $852702 | $558230 | $358046 | $95763 | $81704 | $6903571 | $11034682 |
| **Total Charge-offs** | $— | $302 | $43200 | $65565 | $6856 | $8193 | $— | $124116 |

---

All loans held for sale were pass grade as of December 31, 2025 and are not included in the table above. The Company did not have any material revolving loans convert to term loans that were not re-underwritten at December 31, 2025.

[**Table of Contents**](#TOC)

**Merchants Bancorp**

**Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements**

---

| | | | | | | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|
|  | **December 31, 2024** | **December 31, 2024** | **December 31, 2024** | **December 31, 2024** | **December 31, 2024** | **December 31, 2024** | **December 31, 2024** | **December 31, 2024** |
|  | **2024** | **2023** | **2022** | **2021** | **2020** | **Prior** | **Revolving Loans** | **Total** |
|  | (In thousands) | (In thousands) | (In thousands) | (In thousands) | (In thousands) | (In thousands) | (In thousands) | (In thousands) |
| **MTG WHRA** |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Pass | $— | $— | $— | $— | $— | $— | $1446068 | $1446068 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Total | $— | $— | $— | $— | $— | $— | $1446068 | $1446068 |
| **RES RE** |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Pass | $40363 | $30750 | $8212 | $6181 | $18712 | $6210 | $1206272 | $1316700 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Substandard |  |  | 22 |  |  | 203 | 5928 | 6153 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Total | $40363 | $30750 | $8234 | $6181 | $18712 | $6413 | $1212200 | $1322853 |
| **MF FIN** |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Pass | $1028288 | $518320 | $419723 | $66787 | $5460 | $10456 | $2109707 | $4158741 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Special Mention | 88337 | 77700 | 57679 |  |  | 238 | 13857 | 237811 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Substandard | 18884 | 105553 | 76093 | 2550 |  |  | 24667 | 227747 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Total | $1135509 | $701573 | $553495 | $69337 | $5460 | $10694 | $2148231 | $4624299 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Charge-offs | $— | $870 | $4412 | $— | $— | $— | $— | $5282 |
| **HC FIN** |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Pass | $460259 | $112223 | $466393 | $— | $— | $— | $234316 | $1273191 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Special Mention | 32547 |  | 8900 |  |  |  | 96620 | 138067 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Substandard | 13961 | 25600 |  | 25363 |  |  | 8301 | 73225 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Total | $506767 | $137823 | $475293 | $25363 | $— | $— | $339237 | $1484483 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Charge-offs | $— | $— | $— | $3095 | $— | $— | $— | $3095 |
| **CML & CRE** |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Pass | $52323 | $45999 | $107451 | $48903 | $16264 | $18216 | $1172763 | $1461919 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Special Mention |  |  | 2331 | 1633 |  | 52 | 75 | 4091 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Substandard | 40 | 150 | 110 | 8835 |  | 41 | 1025 | 10201 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Total | $52363 | $46149 | $109892 | $59371 | $16264 | $18309 | $1173863 | $1476211 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Charge-offs | $— | $— | $253 | $982 | $— | $975 | $— | $2210 |
| **AG & AGRE** |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Pass | $17328 | $7373 | $4676 | $3170 | $8790 | $13705 | $22583 | $77625 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Substandard |  | 6 |  |  |  |  |  | 6 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Total | $17328 | $7379 | $4676 | $3170 | $8790 | $13705 | $22583 | $77631 |
| **CON & MAR** |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Pass | $326 | $75 | $18 | $9 | $— | $4151 | $2264 | $6843 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Total | $326 | $75 | $18 | $9 | $— | $4151 | $2264 | $6843 |
| **Total Pass** | $1598887 | $714740 | $1006473 | $125050 | $49226 | $52738 | $6193973 | $9741087 |
| **Total Special Mention** | $120884 | $77700 | $68910 | $1633 | $— | $290 | $110552 | $379969 |
| **Total Substandard** | $32885 | $131309 | $76225 | $36748 | $— | $244 | $39921 | $317332 |
| **Total Loans** | $1752656 | $923749 | $1151608 | $163431 | $49226 | $53272 | $6344446 | $10438388 |
| **Total Charge-offs** | $— | $870 | $4665 | $4077 | $— | $975 | $— | $10587 |

---

The table above does not include one multi-family loan, rated as Special Mention, totaling $17.4 million and classified as held for sale at December 31, 2024. The Company did not have any material revolving loans convert to term loans that were not re-underwritten at December 31, 2024.

[**Table of Contents**](#TOC)

**Merchants Bancorp**

**Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements**

***Delinquent Loans***

The following tables present the Company's loan portfolio aging analysis of the recorded investment in loans receivable as of December 31, 2025 and 2024.

---

| | | | | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|
|  | **December 31, 2025** | **December 31, 2025** | **December 31, 2025** | **December 31, 2025** | **December 31, 2025** | **December 31, 2025** |
|  | **30-59 Days**<br>**Past Due** | **60-89 Days**<br>**Past Due** | **90+ Days**<br>**Past Due** | **Total**<br>**Past Due** | <br>**Current** | **Total**<br>**Loans** |
|  | (In thousands) | (In thousands) | (In thousands) | (In thousands) | (In thousands) | (In thousands) |
| MTG WHRA | $— | $— | $— | $— | $1600285 | $1600285 |
| RES RE | 5077 | 2430 | 3479 | 10986 | 1007794 | 1018780 |
| MF FIN |  | 47475 | 111348 | 158823 | 5173857 | 5332680 |
| HC FIN |  |  | 26167 | 26167 | 1359192 | 1385359 |
| CML & CRE | 7517 | 659 | 2280 | 10456 | 1593095 | 1603551 |
| AG & AGRE |  | 125 | 4 | 129 | 91948 | 92077 |
| CON & MAR |  |  |  |  | 1950 | 1950 |
|  | $12594 | $50689 | $143278 | $206561 | $10828121 | $11034682 |
|  | —% | —% | 1% | 2% | 98% | 100% |

---

The table above excludes one multi-family loan of $0.3 million, 30-59 days past due, classified as held for sale that was past due as of December 31, 2025.

---

| | | | | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|
|  | **December 31, 2024** | **December 31, 2024** | **December 31, 2024** | **December 31, 2024** | **December 31, 2024** | **December 31, 2024** |
|  | **30-59 Days**<br>**Past Due** | **60-89 Days**<br>**Past Due** | **90+ Days**<br>**Past Due** | **Total**<br>**Past Due** | <br>**Current** | **Total**<br>**Loans** |
|  | (In thousands) | (In thousands) | (In thousands) | (In thousands) | (In thousands) | (In thousands) |
| MTG WHRA | $— | $— | $— | $— | $1446068 | $1446068 |
| RES RE | 1294 | 3797 | 2339 | 7430 | 1315423 | 1322853 |
| MF FIN | 8497 | 11148 | 201508 | 221153 | 4403146 | 4624299 |
| HC FIN |  |  | 59264 | 59264 | 1425219 | 1484483 |
| CML & CRE | 596 | 688 | 3047 | 4331 | 1471880 | 1476211 |
| AG & AGRE | 73 |  | 12 | 85 | 77546 | 77631 |
| CON & MAR |  |  |  |  | 6843 | 6843 |
|  | $10460 | $15633 | $266170 | $292263 | $10146125 | $10438388 |
|  | —% | —% | 3% | 3% | 97% | 100% |

---

The table above excludes one multi-family loan of $30.1 million and two residential real estate loans totaling $2.1 million, 30-59 days past due, and one residential real estate loan of $0.1 million, 90+ days past due, classified as held for sale at December 31, 2024.

***Nonperforming Loans***

Nonaccrual loans, including modified loans to borrowers experiencing financial difficulty that have not met the six-month minimum performance criterion, are reported as nonperforming loans. For all loan classes, it is the Company's policy to have any modified loans which are on nonaccrual status prior to being modified, remain on nonaccrual status until six months of satisfactory borrower performance, at which time management would consider its return to accrual status. A loan is generally classified as nonaccrual when the Company believes that receipt of principal and interest is doubtful under the terms of the loan agreement. Generally, this is at 90 days or more past due. The amount of interest income recognized on nonaccrual financial assets was inconsequential during the years ended December 31, 2025 and 2024.

[**Table of Contents**](#TOC)

**Merchants Bancorp**

**Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements**

The following table presents the Company's nonperforming loans at December 31, 2025 and 2024.

---

| | | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|
|  | **December 31,**  | **December 31,**  | **December 31,**  | **December 31,**  |
|  | **2025** | **2025** | **2024** | **2024** |
|  | <br>**Nonaccrual** | **Total Loans >**<br>**90 Days &**<br>**Accruing** | <br>**Nonaccrual** | **Total Loans >**<br>**90 Days &**<br>**Accruing** |
|  | (In thousands) | (In thousands) | (In thousands) | (In thousands) |
| RES RE | $7680 | $— | $6154 | $— |
| MF FIN | 128241 |  | 201508 |  |
| HC FIN | 59574 |  | 69001 |  |
| CML & CRE | 2313 |  | 3047 |  |
| AG & AGRE | 4 |  | 6 | 6 |
|  | $197812 | $— | $279716 | $6 |

---

The Company did not have any loans classified as held for sale on nonaccrual or 90 days past due and accruing as of December 31, 2025. Similar amounts at December 31, 2024 were inconsequential.

The Company did not have any nonperforming loans without an estimated ACL at December 31, 2025 and 2024.

***Modifications to Borrowers Experiencing Financial Difficulty***

Occasionally, the Company modifies loans to borrowers in financial difficulty by providing principal forgiveness, term extension, an other-than-insignificant payment delay, or interest rate reduction. In some cases, the Company provides multiple types of modifications on one loan. Typically, one type of modification, such as a term extension, is granted initially. If the borrower continues to experience financial difficulty, another modification, such as principal forgiveness, may be granted, but is rare.

The following table presents the amortized cost basis of loans at December 31, 2025 and 2024 that were both experiencing financial difficulty and modified during the years ended December 31, 2025 and 2024, by class and by type of modification. The percentage of the amortized cost basis of loans that were modified to borrowers in financial distress as compared to the total amortized cost basis of each class of financing receivable is also presented below.

---

| | | | | | | | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|
|  | **December 31, 2025** | **December 31, 2025** | **December 31, 2025** | **December 31, 2025** | **December 31, 2025** | **December 31, 2024** | **December 31, 2024** | **December 31, 2024** | **December 31, 2024** |
|  | **Payment Delay** | **Term Extension** | **Combination - Term Extension and Payment Delay** | **Total Class of Financing Receivable** | **% of Total Class of Financing Receivable** | **Payment Delay** | **Term Extension** | **Total Class of Financing Receivable** | **% of Total Class of Financing Receivable** |
|  | (In thousands) | (In thousands) | (In thousands) | (In thousands) | (In thousands) | (In thousands) | (In thousands) | (In thousands) | (In thousands) |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;MF FIN | $— | $80932 | $32537 | $113469 | 2% | $40398 | $51786 | $92184 | 2% |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;HC FIN | 24691 | 40892 | 8716 | 74299 | 5% | 9737 | 4224 | 13961 | 1% |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;CML & CRE |  | 768 | 177 | 945 | —% |  |  |  | —% |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Total | $24691 | $122592 | $41430 | $188713 | 2% | $50135 | $56010 | $106145 | 1% |

---

[**Table of Contents**](#TOC)

**Merchants Bancorp**

**Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements**

The following table describes the financial effect of the modifications made to borrowers experiencing financial difficulty. Loans with risk classifications of Pass and Special Mention were part of the pooled loan ACL analysis. Loans classified as Substandard or worse were individually evaluated for impairment and specific reserves were established, if applicable. As of December 31, 2025, there were no specific reserves recorded on troubled loan modifications disclosed herein. The Company had a commitment to lend $3.0 million and $0 as of December 31, 2025 and 2024, respectively, to the borrowers included in the tables above.

---

| | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| | **December 31, 2025** | **December 31, 2025** | **December 31, 2025** |
| | **Payment Delay** | **Term Extension** | **Combination - Term Extension and Payment Delay** |
| <br>**Loan Type** | **Financial Effect** | **Financial Effect** | **Financial Effect** |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;MF FIN |  | Added a weighted average 7 months. | Term extension and forbearance added a weighted average of 6 months. |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;HC FIN | Forbearance average of 9 months. | Added a weighted average 8 months. | Term extension added a weighted average of 14 months and forbearance average of 6 months. |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;CML & CRE |  | Added a weighted average 74 months. | Term extension added a weighted average of 60 months and forbearance average of 12 months. |

---

---

| | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| | **December 31, 2024** | **December 31, 2024** | **December 31, 2024** |
| | **Payment Delay** | **Term Extension** | **Combination - Term Extension and Payment Delay** |
| <br>**Loan Type** | **Financial Effect** | **Financial Effect** | **Financial Effect** |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;MF FIN | Forbearance average of 7 months. | Added a weighted average 23 months. |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;HC FIN | Forbearance average of 6 months. | Added a weighted average 12 months. |  |

---

The Company closely monitors the performance of loans that are modified to borrowers experiencing financial difficulty to understand the effectiveness of its modification efforts. The following table presents the performance of such loans that were modified in the twelve months following modification:

---

| | | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|
|  | **December 31, 2025** | **December 31, 2025** | **December 31, 2025** | **December 31, 2025** |
|  | <br>**Current** | **30 - 89 Days**<br>**Past Due** | **90+ Days**<br>**Past Due** | **Total**<br>**Loans** |
|  | (In thousands) | (In thousands) | (In thousands) | (In thousands) |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;MF FIN | $101929 | $11540 | $— | $113469 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;HC FIN | 65584 | 8715 |  | 74299 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;CML & CRE | 945 |  |  | 945 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Total | $168458 | $20255 | $— | $188713 |

---

---

| | | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|
|  | **December 31, 2024** | **December 31, 2024** | **December 31, 2024** | **December 31, 2024** |
|  | <br>**Current** | **30 - 89 Days**<br>**Past Due** | **90+ Days**<br>**Past Due** | **Total**<br>**Loans** |
|  | (In thousands) | (In thousands) | (In thousands) | (In thousands) |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;MF FIN | $78519 | $13665 | $— | $92184 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;HC FIN |  | 13961 |  | 13961 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Total | $78519 | $27626 | $— | $106145 |

---

During the year ended December 31, 2025, there was a default on an $11.5 million loan to a borrower whose loan was modified due to financial difficulties within the previous twelve months. During the year ended December 31, 2024, there were defaults on loans totaling $23.4 million for borrowers whose loans were modified due to financial difficulties within the previous twelve months.

***Foreclosures***

There were $3.5 million and $1.9 million in residential loans in process of foreclosure as of December 31, 2025 and 2024, respectively.

[**Table of Contents**](#TOC)

**Merchants Bancorp**

**Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements**

***Significant Loan Sales***

**Loan Sale and Securitization - 2025 Activity**

On June 27, 2025, the Company completed a $312.1 million sale of All-in-One<sup>©</sup>, first-lien home equity lines of credit through a sale to a related third party. The transfer of these loans was accounted for as a sale for financial reporting purposes, and a $2.2 million gain on sale was recognized. The Company was retained as the mortgage sub-servicer on the entire $312.1 million pool of loans. Beyond sub-servicing the loans, the Company's ongoing involvement in this transaction is limited to customary obligations of loan sales, including any material breach in representation. No mortgage servicing right was established in connection with this transaction.

**Freddie Mac Q Series Securitizations –2025 Activity** 

On June 5, 2025, the Company completed a $373.3 million securitization of 18 multi-family mortgage loans through a Freddie Mac-sponsored Q-Series transaction. The transfer of these loans was accounted for as a sale for financial reporting purposes, and a $5.9 million gain on sale was recognized. The Company was retained as the mortgage sub-servicer for Freddie Mac on the entire $373.3 million pool of loans. Beyond sub-servicing the loans, the Company's ongoing involvement in this transaction is limited to customary obligations of loan sales, including any material breach in representation. In connection with this transaction, a mortgage servicing right of $1.6 million was established.

On July 31, 2025, the Company completed a $237.0 million securitization of one multi-family mortgage loan through a Freddie Mac-sponsored Q-Series transaction. The transfer of this loan was accounted for as a sale for financial reporting purposes, and a $300,000 gain on sale was recognized. The Company was retained as the mortgage sub-servicer for Freddie Mac for the single loan. Beyond sub-servicing the loan, the Company's ongoing involvement in this transaction is limited to customary obligations of loan sales, including any material breach in representation. In connection with this transaction, a mortgage servicing right of $497,000 was established.

On December 11, 2025, the Company completed a $172.8 million securitization of five multi-family mortgage loans through a Freddie Mac-sponsored Q-Series transaction. The transfer of this loan was accounted for as a sale for financial reporting purposes, and a $597,000 gain on sale was recognized. The Company was retained as the mortgage sub-servicer for Freddie Mac for the single loan. Beyond sub-servicing the loan, the Company's ongoing involvement in this transaction is limited to customary obligations of loan sales, including any material breach in representation. In connection with this transaction, a mortgage servicing right of $636,000 was established.

**Loan Sale and Securitization - 2024 Activity**

On September 26, 2024, the Company completed a private securitization by which a $628.9 million portfolio of healthcare bridge loans were sold into a real estate mortgage investment conduit ("REMIC") and ultimately sold to investors as securities. The Company retained a senior security for a total of $534.5 million and classified it as a security held to maturity. An unaffiliated, third-party institutional investor purchased the remaining subordinate interests and maintains the first-loss position on 15.0% of the losses in the loan portfolio. This transaction provided the Company an avenue to enhance capital efficiency and minimize credit risk on the balance sheet.

As part of the securitization transaction, the Company will be both Master Servicer and Special Servicer of the loans. As Master Servicer and Special Servicer, the Company will have obligations to collect and remit payments of principal and interest, manage payments of taxes and insurance, and otherwise administer the underlying loans.

Beyond servicing the loans, the Company's ongoing involvement in this transaction is limited to customary obligations of loan sales, including any material breach in representation. In connection with the securitization, the Company received proceeds on loans, net of the acquired securities, of $94.0 million. No allowance for credit losses was recognized in connection with purchase of the security, in accordance with ASC 326. However, the $4.4 million allowance for credit losses associated with the loans sold was released through the provision for credit losses.

The transfer of these loans was accounted for as a sale for financial reporting purposes, in accordance with ASC 860, and a $0.6 million net loss on sale was recognized.

[**Table of Contents**](#TOC)

**Merchants Bancorp**

**Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements**

**Freddie Mac Q Series Securitization - 2024 Activity**

On April 30, 2024, the Company completed a $324.6 million securitization of 13 multi-family mortgage loans through a Freddie Mac-sponsored Q-Series transaction. The transfer of these loans was accounted for as a sale for financial reporting purposes, in accordance with ASC 860, and a $1.4 million gain on sale was recognized. The Company was retained as the mortgage sub-servicer for Freddie Mac on the entire $324.6 million pool of loans. Beyond sub-servicing the loans, the Company's ongoing involvement in this transaction is limited to customary obligations of loan sales, including any material breach in representation. In connection with this transaction, a mortgage servicing right of $1.3 million was established.

***Loans Purchased***

The Company purchased $67.5 million and $108.6 million of loans during the years ended December 31, 2025 and 2024, respectively.

***Standby Letters of Credit***

The Company issues instruments, in the normal course of business with customers, that are considered financial guarantees. Standby letters of credit guarantees are issued in connection with agreements made by customers to counterparties. Standby letters of credit are contingent upon failure of the customer to perform the terms of the underlying contract. Although, credit risk associated with the standby letters of credit is essentially the same as that associated with extending loans to customers and is subject to normal credit policies, the Company has never had to fund a standby letter of credit. The terms of these standby letters of credit range from less than one to eight years. These commitments are not recorded in the consolidated financial statements. The total for these guarantees at December 31, 2025 and 2024 was $186.5 million and $204.7 million, respectively.

***Supplemental Cash Flow Information***

Supplemental cash flow information related to loans is presented in the table below.

---

| | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|
|  | **Year Ended December 31,**  | **Year Ended December 31,**  | **Year Ended December 31,**  |
|  | **2025** | **2024** | **2023** |
|  | (In thousands) | (In thousands) | (In thousands) |
| **Cash Flow Statement** |  |  |  |
| Supplemental cash flow information: |  |  |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Transfer of loans to other real estate owned | $55798 | $6285 | $— |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Investments received in securitization of loans sold | 3583 | 534538 |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Deposits received upon loan origination | 189206 |  |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Transfer of loans from loans held for sale to loans receivable | 390728 | 118000 | 377460 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Transfer of loans from loans receivable to loans held for sale | 431520 | 612469 | 65768 |

---

[**Table of Contents**](#TOC)

**Merchants Bancorp**

**Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements**

#### Note 6: Premises and Equipment
Major classifications of premises and equipment, stated at cost, are as follows:

---

| | | |
|:---|:---|:---|
|  | **December 31,**  | **December 31,**  |
|  | **2025** | **2024** |
|  | (In thousands) | (In thousands) |
| Land | $8016 | $8016 |
| Buildings | 58295 | 28200 |
| Building and remodeling in progress | 3731 | 20453 |
| Leasehold improvements | 1084 | 1017 |
| Furniture, fixtures, equipment and software | 19152 | 14335 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Total cost | 90278 | 72021 |
| Accumulated depreciation | (16349) | (13404) |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Net premises and equipment | $73929 | $58617 |

---

Depreciation expense of $3.5 million, $3.0 million and $2.9 million was recorded for the years ended December 31, 2025, 2024, and 2023, respectively.

#### Note 7: Loan Servicing
Mortgage and SBA loans serviced for others are not included on the accompanying consolidated balance sheets and include multi-family, single-family, and SBA loans sold in the secondary market. The risks inherent in servicing assets relate primarily to changes in prepayments that result from shifts in interest rates. Call protection is in place on certain multi-family loans to deter from prepayments on a 10-year sliding scale. As of December 31, 2025 and 2024, the Company's servicing portfolio included unpaid principal balances of loans serviced for others of $21.3 billion and $17.6 billion, loans sub-serviced for others of $3.7 billion and $3.0 billion, and other servicing balances of $680.6 million and $784.8 million, respectively. The servicing portfolio is primarily Ginnie Mae, Fannie Mae, and Freddie Mac loans and is a significant source of our noninterest income and deposits.

The following summarizes the activity in servicing rights measured using the fair value method for the years ended December 31, 2025, 2024, and 2023:

---

| | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|
|  | **Year Ended December 31,**  | **Year Ended December 31,**  | **Year Ended December 31,**  |
|  | **2025** | **2024** | **2023** |
|  | (In thousands) | (In thousands) | (In thousands) |
| Balance, beginning of period | $189935 | $158457 | $146248 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Purchased servicing | 14482 |  | 513 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Originated servicing | 23654 | 18670 | 14755 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Paydowns | (12223) | (9901) | (7621) |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Changes in fair value due to changes in valuation inputs <br>or assumptions used in the valuation model | 1448 | 22709 | 4562 |
| Balance, end of period | $217296 | $189935 | $158457 |

---

Contractually specified servicing fees for retained, purchased and sub-serviced loans were $33.1 million, $30.9 million, and $29.3 million for years ended December 31, 2025, 2024, and 2023, respectively.

In connection with certain loan servicing and sub-servicing agreements, the Company is to reconcile the payments received monthly on these loans, for principal and interest, taxes, insurance, and replacement reserves. The funds are required to be maintained in separate trust accounts and not commingled with the Company's general operating funds. At December 31, 2025 and 2024, the Company held restricted escrow funds for these loans at Merchants Bank or other financial institution, amounting to $2.1 billion and $1.5 billion, respectively.

[**Table of Contents**](#TOC)

**Merchants Bancorp**

**Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements**

#### Note 8: Goodwill
Goodwill was $8.0 million as of December 31, 2025 and 2024. The Company sold its FMBI branches in January 2024, resulting in the extinguishment of associated goodwill. Goodwill represents the amount by which the cost of an acquisition exceeded the fair value of net assets acquired. Goodwill is tested for impairment annually, as of December 31, or more frequently if events and circumstances exist that indicate a goodwill impairment test should be performed.

In performing the impairment assessment, the Company evaluated the favorable business and political environment, high demand for affordable housing, improvement in quarterly operating results, macroeconomic factors, its forecasted expectations for long-term growth, and the results of prior quantitative impairment tests that indicated substantial excess fair value. Based upon management's assessment and evaluation of goodwill at year-end, the likelihood that an impairment of the current carrying amount of goodwill has occurred is considered remote.

.

---

| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|
|  | **2025** | **2025** | **2025** | **2025** | **2024** | **2024** | **2024** | **2024** | **2023** | **2023** | **2023** | **2023** |
|  | **Multi-family** | **Banking** | **Warehouse** | **Total** | **Multi-family** | **Banking** | **Warehouse** | **Total** | **Multi-family** | **Banking** | **Warehouse** | **Total** |
|  | (In thousands) | (In thousands) | (In thousands) | (In thousands) | (In thousands) | (In thousands) | (In thousands) | (In thousands) | (In thousands) | (In thousands) | (In thousands) | (In thousands) |
| Balance, beginning of period | $3791 | $522 | $3701 | $8014 | $3791 | $8353 | $3701 | $15845 | $3791 | $8353 | $3701 | $15845 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Sale of FMBI branches |  |  |  |  |  | (7831) |  | (7831) |  |  |  |  |
| Balance, end of period | $3791 | $522 | $3701 | $8014 | $3791 | $522 | $3701 | $8014 | $3791 | $8353 | $3701 | $15845 |

---

#### Note 9: Qualified Affordable Housing and Other Tax Credits
The Company invests in LIHTC limited liability partnerships and LLCs. The primary purpose of these investments is to earn an adequate return on capital through the receipt of low-income housing tax credits. Those investments are recorded at cost and then amortized using the proportional amortization method. The investments are included in other assets on the consolidated balance sheets, with any unfunded commitments included in other liabilities. The investments are amortized as a component of income tax expense.

The Company also has a pool of investments that are held for sale and are accounted for at the lower of cost or market. These investments include projects that are awaiting syndication in LIHTC funds through the MCI subsidiary. The investments are included in other assets on the consolidated balance sheets.

The Company is the primary beneficiary in one of its joint venture investments, therefore the results of this entity are consolidated and the benefits of the new market fund are recognized through tax credits as a component of income tax expense.

---

| | | | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| | | **December 31, 2025** | **December 31, 2025** | **December 31, 2024** | **December 31, 2024** |
| | | (In thousands) | (In thousands) | (In thousands) | (In thousands) |
| <br>**Investment** | <br>**Accounting Method** | **Investment** | **Unfunded Commitments** | **Investment** | **Unfunded Commitments** |
| LIHTC | Proportional amortization | $218110 | $118043 | $123574 | $93929 |
| LIHTC <sup>(1)</sup> | Lower of cost or market | 49725 |  | 56533 |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;LIHTC subtotal |  | $267835 | $118043 | $180107 | $93929 |
| Joint Venture | Consolidated | 10903 |  | 10937 |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Total |  | $278738 | $118043 | $191044 | $93929 |

---

<sup>(1)</sup> LIHTC projects held for future syndication.

[**Table of Contents**](#TOC)

**Merchants Bancorp**

**Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements**

The following table summarizes the amortization expense and tax credits recognized for the Company's low-income housing investments for the years ended December 31, 2025, 2024, and 2023.

---

| | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|
|  | **December 31,**  | **December 31,**  | **December 31,**  |
|  | **2025** | **2024** | **2023** |
|  | (In thousands) | (In thousands) | (In thousands) |
| Amortization expense | $24892 | $10430 | $7949 |
| Expected tax credits | 27532 | 12114 | 8416 |

---

The Company serves as a general partner for several syndicated low-income housing tax credit funds that are owned by one investor, holding 85.00-99.99% of the funds, as a limited partner. The Company, as general partner, provided services during 2025 and prior years, such as formation of the funds and identifying or acquiring tax credit investments, for which it expects to receive fees in the future, up to approximately $32.9 million. The amount of payments to be received by the general partner is contingent upon achieving certain performance obligations, including the stabilization of the properties and delivery of tax credits to the limited partner in the future, which could extend out until 2043. Due to the long-term nature of the agreement, amounts to be received, and the uncertainty of achieving the performance obligation, variable consideration and revenue recognition has been 100% constrained as of December 31, 2025 and 2024. Revenue recognition is continuously evaluated as facts and circumstances evolve. The Company has also advanced these LIHTC funds $102.7 million and $98.8 million as of December 31, 2025 and 2024, respectively, to acquire its LIHTC investment projects, for which it expects repayment over a similar period. These advances have been recorded in other assets on the consolidated balance sheets.

***Supplemental Cash Flow Information***

Supplemental cash flow information related to loans is presented in the table below.

---

| | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|
|  | **Year Ended December 31,**  | **Year Ended December 31,**  | **Year Ended December 31,**  |
|  | **2025** | **2024** | **2023** |
|  | (In thousands) | (In thousands) | (In thousands) |
| **Cash Flow Statement** |  |  |  |
| Supplemental cash flow information: |  |  |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Qualified affordable housing investments obtained in exchange for funding commitments | $66307 | $— | $— |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Deposits received upon reduction of funding commitments | 42193 |  |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Deposits received upon purchase of LIHTCs | 11166 |  |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Beneficial interests received in exchange for LIHTC's sold | 14637 | 38793 |  |

---

***Transferable Energy Production Tax Credits***

In 2025, the Company acquired $151.3 million in transferable tax credits for $142.8 million. The benefits of the tax credits were recognized immediately as a reduction to current income tax expense in the amount of $8.5 million.

#### Note 10: Leases
The Company has operating leases for various locations with terms ranging from one to six years. Some operating leases include options to extend. The extensions were included in the ROU asset if the likelihood of extension was reasonably certain. The Company elected not to separate non-lease components from lease components for its operating leases.

[**Table of Contents**](#TOC)

**Merchants Bancorp**

**Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements**

Supplemental balance sheet information related to leases is presented in the table below as of December 31, 2025 and 2024:

---

| | | |
|:---|:---|:---|
|  | **December 31, 2025** | **December 31, 2024** |
|  | (In thousands) | (In thousands) |
| **Balance Sheet** |  |  |
| Operating lease ROU asset (in other assets) | $6006 | $8332 |
| Operating lease liability (in other liabilities) | 7264 | 9303 |
| Weighted average remaining lease term (years) | 3.7 | 4.6 |
| Weighted average discount rate | 3.44% | 3.43% |

---

The table below presents the components of lease expenses for the years ended December 31, 2025, 2024, and 2023. Operating lease expenses are included in occupancy and equipment expense on the consolidated income statements.

---

| | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|
|  | **Year Ended December 31,** | **Year Ended December 31,** | **Year Ended December 31,** |
|  | **2025** | **2024** | **2023** |
|  | (In thousands) | (In thousands) | (In thousands) |
| **Statement of Income** |  |  |  |
| Components of lease expense: |  |  |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Operating lease cost | $3402 | $2692 | $2438 |

---

As of December 31, 2025, the Company has forward-starting leases with total net future minimum lease payments of $10.7 million. These leases commence on dates ranging between March 1, and April 1, 2026, and obligate the Company to use and pay for space over seven to ten years upon commencement. No ROU asset or lease liability has been recorded at year-end because the leases have not commenced.

Supplemental cash flow information related to leases is presented in the tables below.

---

| | |
|:---|:---|
|  | **December 31, 2025** |
|  | (In thousands) |
| **Maturities of operating lease liabilities:** |  |
| One year or less | $2293 |
| Year two | 2203 |
| Year three | 1597 |
| Year four | 1101 |
| Year five | 419 |
| Thereafter | 128 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Total future minimum lease payments | $7741 |
| Less: imputed interest | 477 |
| Total | $7264 |

---

---

| | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|
|  | **Year Ended December 31,** | **Year Ended December 31,** | **Year Ended December 31,** |
|  | **2025** | **2024** | **2023** |
|  | (In thousands) | (In thousands) | (In thousands) |
| **Statement of Cash Flow** |  |  |  |
| Supplemental cash flow information: |  |  |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Operating cash flows from operating leases | $2325 | $2505 | $2129 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Change in ROU assets due to lease renegotiation |  | (1063) |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;ROU assets obtained in exchange for new operating lease liabilities |  | 1337 | 1113 |

---

[**Table of Contents**](#TOC)

**Merchants Bancorp**

**Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements**

#### Note 11: Other Assets and Receivables
The following items are included in other assets and receivables on the consolidated balance sheets.

#### Qualified Affordable Housing
See *Note 9: Qualified Affordable Housing and Other Tax Credits* for further information.

#### Federal Income Tax Receivable
The Company had a federal income tax receivable of $181.5 million and $2.6 million as of December 31, 2025 and 2024, respectively. This receivable was related to the acquisition of $151.3 million of transferable tax credits by the Company this year and the amounts due from the Internal Revenue Service claimed on federal income tax returns for which refunds had not been received as of the respective balance sheet dates. The Company evaluates the collectability of the federal income tax receivable at each reporting date. Based on management's assessment, including consideration of amounts, and applicable statutory refund provisions, the Company believes the receivable is collectible. The balance will be reduced upon receipt of the related cash refunds.

#### Joint Ventures
The Company has investments in various joint ventures totaling $47.0 million and $42.2 million at December 31, 2025 and 2024, respectively. These investments are primarily made of up of investments in debt funds totaling $32.0 million and $31.8 million at December 31, 2025 and 2024, respectively. The Company was not a primary beneficiary in any of these joint venture investments. Results from the entities are not required to be consolidated and are accounted for under the equity method of accounting. The Company is obligated to make additional investments over the next several years. There was an obligation of $8.4 million and $3.8 million as of December 31, 2025 and 2024, respectively. See *Note 12: Variable Interest Entities (VIEs)* for additional information about VIE's.

#### Other Prepaid Expense
The Company had $5.6 million at December 31, 2025, a decrease of $125.2 million, compared to December 31, 2024. The Company had to pay $125.0 million to its transfer agent in December 2024 as part of the Series B preferred stock redemption transaction. This resulted in a prepaid asset that was reduced when the preferred shares were redeemed on January 2, 2025.

#### Intangibles
Core deposit and other intangibles are recorded on the acquisition date of an entity. The Company has one year after the acquisition date to record subsequent adjustments for provisional amounts recorded at the acquisition date. The carrying basis and accumulated amortization of recognized trade names and other intangibles are noted below.

---

| | | | | | | | | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|
|  | **2025** | **2025** | **2025** | **2024** | **2024** | **2024** | **2024** | **2023** | **2023** | **2023** |
|  | **Gross** <br>**Carrying**<br>**Amount** | <br>**Accumulated**<br>**Amortization** | <br>**Total** | **Gross** <br>**Carrying**<br>**Amount** | <br>**Accumulated**<br>**Amortization** | **Sale of** <br>**FMBI** <br>**branches** | <br>**Total** | **Gross** <br>**Carrying**<br>**Amount** | <br>**Accumulated**<br>**Amortization** | <br>**Total** |
|  | (In thousands) | (In thousands) | (In thousands) | (In thousands) | (In thousands) | (In thousands) | (In thousands) | (In thousands) | (In thousands) | (In thousands) |
| Licenses | $— | $— | $— | $1370 | $(1370) | $— | $— | $1370 | $(1247) | $123 |
| Trade names | 224 | (188) | 36 | 224 | (165) |  | 59 | 224 | (143) | 81 |
| Core deposit intangible |  |  |  | 2417 | (1879) | (538) |  | 2417 | (1879) | 538 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Total intangible assets | $224 | $(188) | $36 | $4011 | $(3414) | $(538) | $59 | $4011 | $(3269) | $742 |

---

[**Table of Contents**](#TOC)

**Merchants Bancorp**

**Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements**

Estimated amortization expense for future years is as follows (in thousands):

---

| | |
|:---|:---|
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Year ending December 31, |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;2026 | $22 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;2027 | 14 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Total | $36 |

---

#### Freestanding Credit Enhancements
In December 2024, the Company executed a CDS on a reference pool of warehouse loans with an initial principal balance of $1.2 billion. The initial pool consisted of warehouse participation certificates classified as loans held for sale, but could in the future also include warehouse repurchase agreements classified as loans receivable. The CDS covers a protected tranche of the first 12.5% of losses on the notional amount. Annual CDS premium payments equal 0.8% of the portfolio notional amount and is recorded as noninterest expense. Merchants will continually replenish maturing or non-renewing loans with substantially similar loans subject to mutual agreement with the CDS seller during a replenishment period, subject to a minimum balance of $1.2 billion and a maximum balance of $2.0 billion. The risk transfer agreement has a replenishment period of 36 months but can be extended to a maximum of 48 months.

The CDS is not accounted for as a derivative. The derivative scope exception for certain financial guarantees is utilized, as recovery payments are contingent on the failure of the debtor to pay their past due obligations, which are preconditions to the guarantee. Accordingly, the CDS has been accounted for as a freestanding credit enhancement and does not offset the Company's estimate of expected credit losses. Therefore, the ACL-loans will continue to be recorded without considering potential recoveries from freestanding credit enhancement contracts. Upon initial execution, there was no CDS recovery asset established because the loans in the pool were participation certificates that were classified as loans held for sale and carry no ACL-loans. When repurchase agreements are in the pool, they are classified as loans receivable, and a CDS recovery asset would be established in other assets, with an equal benefit to CDS recovery income in other noninterest income.

As of December 31, 2025 and 2024, there were no CDS recovery assets established. The total loan pool balance was $2.0 billion and $1.2 billion as of December 31, 2025 and 2024, respectively.

**Leases and Other Items**

Other items included in other assets and receivables on the consolidated balance sheets are disclosed elsewhere or are not individually significant. See *Note 15: Derivative Financial Instruments* and *Note 10: Leases* for further information.

#### Note 12: Variable Interest Entities (VIEs)
A VIE is a corporation, partnership, limited liability company, or any other legal structure used to conduct activities or hold assets generally that either:

● Does not have equity investors with voting rights that can directly or indirectly make decisions about the entity's activities through those voting rights or similar rights; or

● Has equity investors that do not provide sufficient equity for the entity to finance its activities without additional subordinated financial support.

The Company has invested in single-family, multi-family, and healthcare debt financing entities, as well as low-income housing syndicated funds that are deemed to be VIEs. The Company also has deemed certain mortgage backed securitizations (REMIC trusts) as VIEs that were established in conjunction with multi-family and healthcare loan sales and securitization transactions. Accordingly, the entities were assessed for potential consolidation under the VIE model that requires primary beneficiaries to consolidate the entity's results. A primary beneficiary is defined as the party that has both the power to direct the activities that most significantly impact the entity, and an interest that could be

[**Table of Contents**](#TOC)

**Merchants Bancorp**

**Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements**

significant to the entity. To determine if an interest has significant exposure to the entity's economics, both qualitative and quantitative factors regarding the nature, size and form of involvement with the entity are evaluated.

At December 31, 2025 the Company determined it was not the primary beneficiary for most of its VIEs, primarily because the Company did not have control or the obligation to absorb losses or the rights to receive benefits from the VIE that could potentially be significant to the VIE. Evaluation and assessment of VIEs for consolidation is performed on an ongoing basis by management. Any changes in facts and circumstances occurring since the previous primary beneficiary determination will be considered as part of this ongoing assessment.

The table below reflects the investments in the VIEs, as well as the maximum exposure to loss in connection with unconsolidated VIEs, and liabilities for binding, unfunded commitments at December 31, 2025 and 2024. The Company's maximum exposure to loss associated with its unconsolidated VIEs consists of the capital invested plus any unfunded equity commitments. These investments and unfunded liabilities for VIEs are recorded in other assets and other liabilities, respectively, on the consolidated balance sheets. Also included in the maximum loss exposure are loans to VIEs that are included in loans receivable. Although the REMIC trusts are not recognized on the balance sheet, the maximum exposure to loss is the carrying value of the securities acquired as part of the securitization transactions.

---

| | | | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| <br>**Assets** | **Investments**<br>**in VIEs** | **Loans**<br>**to VIEs** | **Securities**<br>**of VIEs** | **Maximum**<br>**Exposure to Loss** | **Liabilities**<br>**for VIEs** |
|  | (In thousands) | (In thousands) | (In thousands) | (In thousands) | (In thousands) |
| **December 31, 2025** |  |  |  |  |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Low-income housing tax credit investments | $239698 | $284391 | $— | $524089 | $88708 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Debt funds | 32038 | 82955 |  | 114993 |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Mortgage-backed securitizations <sup>(1)</sup> |  | 24750 | 1531975 | 1556725 |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Total Unconsolidated VIEs | $271736 | $392096 | $1531975 | $2195807 | $88708 |
| **December 31, 2024** |  |  |  |  |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Low-income housing tax credit investments | $225727 | $282584 | $— | $508311 | $89956 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Debt funds | 31772 | 109480 |  | 141252 | 2752 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Mortgage-backed securitizations <sup>(1)</sup> |  | 23564 | 1652833 | 1676397 |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Total Unconsolidated VIEs | $257499 | $415628 | $1652833 | $2325960 | $92708 |

---

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(1) Amounts include involvement with securitization SPEs where the Company transferred to and/or service loans for an SPE and hold securities issued by that SPE. Values disclosed in the table above represent the Company's maximum exposure to loss for those securities' holdings.

[**Table of Contents**](#TOC)

**Merchants Bancorp**

**Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements**

#### Note 13: Deposits
Deposits were comprised of the following at and December 31, 2025 and 2024:

---

| | | |
|:---|:---|:---|
|  | **December 31,**  | **December 31,**  |
|  | **2025** | **2024** |
|  | (In thousands) | (In thousands) |
| Noninterest-bearing deposits |  |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Core demand deposits | $604081 | $239005 |
| Interest-bearing deposits |  |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Demand deposits: |  |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Core demand deposits | $6207814 | $4319512 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Brokered demand deposits | 600000 |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Total interest-earning demand deposits | 6807814 | 4319512 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Money market/savings deposits: |  |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Core money market/savings deposits | 3566523 | 3442111 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Brokered money market/savings deposits | 201010 | 859 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Total money market/savings deposits | 3767533 | 3442970 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Certificates of deposit: |  |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Core certificates of deposits | 905448 | 1385270 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Brokered certificates of deposits | 956316 | 2533219 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Total certificates of deposits | 1861764 | 3918489 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Total interest-bearing deposits | 12437111 | 11680971 |
| Total deposits | $13041192 | $11919976 |
| Total core deposits | $11283866 | $9385898 |
| Total brokered deposits | 1757326 | 2534078 |
| Total deposits | $13041192 | $11919976 |

---

Maturities for certificates of deposit are as follows:

---

| | |
|:---|:---|
|  | **December 31, 2025** |
|  | (In thousands) |
| Due within one year | $1800531 |
| Due in one year to two years | 49338 |
| Due in two years to three years | 11895 |
| Due in three years to four years |  |
| Due in four years to five years |  |
| Due in five years to six years |  |
|  | $1861764 |

---

Certificates of deposit of $250,000 or more totaled $497.5 million and $694.8 million at December 31, 2025 and 2024, respectively.

[**Table of Contents**](#TOC)

**Merchants Bancorp**

**Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements**

#### Note 14: Borrowings
Borrowings were comprised of the following at December 31, 2025 and 2024:

---

| | | |
|:---|:---|:---|
|  | **December 31,**  | **December 31,**  |
|  | **2025** | **2024** |
|  | (In thousands) | (In thousands) |
| Federal Reserve discount window borrowings | $— | $50000 |
| Subordinated debt | 71800 | 71800 |
| FHLB advances | 3762858 | 4172030 |
| Credit-linked notes, net of debt discount |  | 84358 |
| Other borrowings | 7934 | 7934 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Total borrowings | $3842592 | $4386122 |

---

***Federal Reserve Discount Window Borrowings***

Federal Reserve discount window borrowings are secured by the collateral value of commercial, agricultural, construction and one-to-four family residential real estate loans totaling $3.4 billion and $3.1 billion as of December 31, 2025 and 2024, respectively. This arrangement has a maximum borrowing limit of collateral pledged multiplied by an advance rate. Borrowing maturities can range from 24 hours to up to a term of 90 days. Life to date, all Company borrowings were for a 24-hour period. As of December 31, 2025 and 2024, the outstanding balance was $0 and $50.0 million, respectively.

***Subordinated Debt***

The Company entered into a warehouse financing arrangement in April 24, 2018, which was revised in December 2023, whereby a customer agreed to invest up to $60.0 million in the Company's subordinated debt. The subordinated debt balance as of both December 31, 2025 and 2024 was $41.8 million. As of December 31, 2025, interest on the debt is paid monthly by the Company at a rate equal to SOFR, plus 300 basis points, plus additional interest equal to 50% of the earnings generated. There is also a guaranteed interest rate floor associated with these earnings. The agreement is automatically renewed annually on June 30<sup>th</sup> for one or more terms of two years each unless either party notifies the other party at least 180 days prior to its renewable date, of its desire not to continue the relationship. As of December 31, 2025, neither party had made a notification of its intent to cancel this arrangement.

Additionally, the Company entered into another warehouse financing agreement on April 14, 2023, which was revised on July 20, 2023, whereby a customer agreed to invest up to $30.0 million in the Company's subordinated debt. The subordinated debt balance as of both December 31, 2025 and 2024 was $30.0 million. As of December 31, 2025, interest on the debt is paid monthly by the Company at a rate equal to SOFR, plus 300 basis points, plus additional interest equal to 50% of the earnings generated. The agreement is automatically renewed annually on June 30<sup>th</sup> for one or more terms of two years each unless either party notifies the other party at least 180 days prior to its renewable date, of its desire not to continue the relationship. As of December 31, 2025, neither party had made a notification of its intent to cancel this arrangement.

***FHLB Advances***

FHLB advances are secured by the collateral value of mortgage loans totaling $4.4 billion and $4.2 billion at December 31, 2025 and 2024, respectively. In addition, securities available for sale, securities held to maturity, and securities purchased under agreements to resell with a carrying value of $1.5 billion and $1.4 billion were pledged as of December 31, 2025 and 2024, respectively. As of December 31, 2025 and 2024, the outstanding balances were $3.8 billion and $4.2 billion, respectively. At December 31, 2025 the FHLB advances had interest rates ranging from 0.00% to 3.97% and ranged from 2.78% to 4.48% at December 31, 2024. These rates were subject to restrictions or penalties in the event of prepayment.

On May 27, 2025, the Company entered into an interest free, fixed-rate community development advance debt agreement with the FHLB. The balance of the advance was $2.5 million as of December 31, 2025, and the full principal balance matures on May 24, 2030.

[**Table of Contents**](#TOC)

**Merchants Bancorp**

**Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements**

On December 16, 2025, the Company entered into a new variable-rate debt agreement with the FHLB for an advance that has put and call options. The balance of the advance was $2.0 billion as of December 31, 2025, and matures on March 16, 2026. The variable interest rate is based on the Federal Funds effective rate, plus 15 basis points, which was 3.79% on December 31, 2025. The FHLB has a put option to cancel the agreement 60 days after the initial execution date and the Company has a call option to cancel the agreement at any time, with one day's notice.

On December 31, 2025, the Company entered into a new variable-rate debt agreement with the FHLB for an advance that has put and call options. The balance of the advance was $1.8 billion as of December 31, 2025, and matures on March 31, 2026. The variable interest rate is based on the Federal Funds effective rate, plus 15 basis points, which was 3.79% on December 31, 2025. The FHLB has a put option to cancel the agreement 60 days after the initial execution date and the Company has a call option to cancel the agreement at any time, with one day's notice.

***Credit-Linked Notes***

On March 30, 2023, the Company issued and sold $158.1 million senior credit-linked notes, due May 26, 2028. The net proceeds of the offering were approximately $153.5 million. The repayment of principal on the notes was initially linked to an approximately $1.1 billion reference pool of loans originated under Merchants Bank's healthcare commercial real estate lending program, but the notes were not secured by the loans. The notes provided periodic payments of interest in addition to payment of principal over the life of the note and these values were tied to the performance of the loans. Therefore, the notes effectively transferred credit risk in excess of the first 1% of losses on the reference pool of loans. The reduction in risk weighted assets provided additional balance sheet capacity and benefited capital ratios for additional growth in the existing loan pipeline.

The notes accrued interest at a rate equal to SOFR plus 15.50% and interest was paid monthly.

The notes were secured by a restricted collateral account which the Company was required to maintain with a third-party financial institution. The collateral account maintained an amount equal to at least the aggregate unpaid principal of the notes.

In December 2025, the Company fully repaid the credit-linked notes issued, also releasing all restricted cash collateral.

***Other Borrowings***

On May 4, 2023, the Company entered into a debt agreement that was ultimately funded from a Sponsor Improvement Contribution as part of a low-income tax credit syndication transaction. The debt balance as of December 31, 2025 and 2024 was $7.9 million and $7.9 million, respectively. As of December 31, 2025, interest on the debt is paid by the Company at a rate equal to 1%. The agreement has a maturity date of December 31, 2047.

***Maturities***

Maturities of borrowings were as follows at December 31, 2025:

---

| | | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|
|  | **Subordinated**<br>**Debt** | **FHLB** <br>**Advances** | **Other** <br>**Borrowings** | **Borrowings**<br>**Total** |
| Due within one year | $— | $3760026 | $— | $3760026 |
| Due in one year to two years | 71800 | 62 |  | 71862 |
| Due in two years to three years |  | 59 |  | 59 |
| Due in three years to four years |  | 211 |  | 211 |
| Due in four years to five years |  | 2500 |  | 2500 |
| Thereafter |  |  | 7934 | 7934 |
|  | $71800 | $3762858 | $7934 | $3842592 |

---

[**Table of Contents**](#TOC)

**Merchants Bancorp**

**Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements**

At December 31, 2025, the Company had excess borrowing capacity of approximately $5.3 billion with the FHLB and the Federal Reserve discount window, based on available collateral.

**Note 15: Derivative Financial Instruments** 

The Company uses non-hedging designated derivative financial instruments to help manage exposure to interest rate risk and the effects that changes in interest rates may have on net income and the fair value of assets and liabilities.

***Internal Interest Rate Risk Management***

The Company enters into interest rate lock commitments with potential borrowers to fund specific mortgage loans that will be sold into the secondary market and enters into forward contracts for the future delivery of mortgage loans to third party investors. The forward contracts are entered into in order to economically hedge the effect of changes in interest rates resulting from the Company's commitment to fund the loans. Forward contracts and interest rate lock agreements are accounted for as derivatives at fair value with changes in fair value reflected in other noninterest income on the consolidated statements of income.

Interest rate swaps are also used by the Company to reduce the risk that significant increases in interest rates may have on the value of certain fixed-rate loans held for sale and the respective loan payments received from borrowers. All changes in the fair market value of these interest rate swaps and associated loans held for sale have been included in gain on sale of loans. Any difference between the fixed and floating interest rate components of these transactions have also been included in gain on sale.

The Company entered into a contract containing put options and interest rate floors on securities it acquired from a warehouse customer. These provide protection and offset losses in value of certain securities accounted for under the fair value option. The gain (loss) on the put options is substantially equal and offsetting to the fair market value adjustment of securities available for sale, resulting in an inconsequential net gain or loss in other noninterest income. This helps mitigate interest rate risk and minimizes impacts of market fluctuations on the securities available for sale that the Company elected to account for under the fair value option with changes in fair value reflected in earnings. The Company also entered into interest rate floor contracts with two warehouse loan customers to minimize interest rate risk. All changes in the fair market value of these options and floors have been included in other noninterest income.

***Credit Risk Management***

In 2025 and 2024, the Company entered into contracts as the buyer of credit protection through the credit derivative markets. These contracts were purchased to manage credit risk associated with specific multi-family and healthcare mortgage loans. Under the terms of the contract, the Company will be compensated for certain credit-related losses on pools of covered loans. As of December 31, 2025, the protection sellers have posted aggregate collateral of $134.2 million related to their obligations under the contracts. The collateral is not included on the Company's consolidated balance sheets. There were no gains or losses associated with the credit default swap valuation as of December 31, 2025 and 2024. Any future changes in the fair market value of these instruments will be included in other noninterest expense.

A CDS is considered a derivative, but is not designated as an accounting hedge, and is recorded at fair value, with changes in fair value reflected in noninterest income on the consolidated statements of income. The fair value of derivative instruments with a positive fair value are reported in other assets while derivative instruments with a negative fair value are reported in other liabilities on the consolidated balance sheets.

[**Table of Contents**](#TOC)

**Merchants Bancorp**

**Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements**

The following tables present the notional amount and fair value of interest rate locks, forward contracts, interest rate swaps, put options, interest rate floors, and credit derivatives utilized by the Company at December 31, 2025 and 2024. These tables exclude the fair market value adjustment on loans economically hedged with these derivatives.

---

| | | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|
|  | | | **Fair Value** | **Fair Value** |
|  | **Notional**<br>**Amount** | <br>**Balance Sheet Location** | **Asset** | **Liability** |
| **December 31, 2025** | (In thousands) | (In thousands) | (In thousands) | (In thousands) |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Interest rate lock commitments | $142540 | Other assets/liabilities | $227 | $107 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Forward contracts | 146452 | Other assets/liabilities | 2 | 467 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Interest rate swaps | 49480 | Other assets | 2354 |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Put options | 608885 | Other assets | 37570 |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Interest rate floors | 1089679 | Other assets | 9540 |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Credit derivatives | 123222 |  |  |  |
|  |  |  | $49693 | $574 |

---

---

| | | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|
|  | | | **Fair Value** | **Fair Value** |
|  | **Notional**<br>**Amount** | <br>**Balance Sheet Location** | **Asset** | **Liability** |
| **December 31, 2024** | (In thousands) | (In thousands) | (In thousands) | (In thousands) |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Interest rate lock commitments | $24609 | Other assets/liabilities | $30 | $176 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Forward contracts | 33000 | Other assets/liabilities | 229 | 1 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Interest rate swaps | 49891 | Other assets | 4199 |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Put options | 680354 | Other assets | 43777 |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Interest rate floors | 1228274 | Other assets | 4043 |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Credit derivatives | 58526 |  |  |  |
|  |  |  | $52278 | $177 |

---

The following table summarizes the periodic changes in the fair value of the above derivative financial instruments on the consolidated statements of income for the years ended December 31, 2025, 2024, and 2023.

---

| | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|
|  | **Year Ended December 31,**  | **Year Ended December 31,**  | **Year Ended December 31,**  |
|  | **2025** | **2024** | **2023** |
|  | (In thousands) | (In thousands) | (In thousands) |
| Derivative (loss) gain included in gain on sale of loans: |  |  |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Interest rate lock commitments | $266 | $(282) | $130 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Forward contracts (includes pair-off settlements) | (1621) | 338 | 201 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Interest rate swaps | (1166) | 2282 | (420) |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Net (loss) gain | $(2521) | $2338 | $(89) |
| Derivative (loss) gain included in other income: |  |  |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Put options <sup>(1)</sup> | $(6207) | $17901 | $5629 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Interest rate floors | 5496 | (2533) | 6575 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Net (loss) gain | $(711) | $15368 | $12204 |

---

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(1) The put option gain (loss) reflects an adjustment to the fair value of the derivative that is substantially equal and offset by an adjustment to the fair value of its related securities available for sale for which the Company elected to account for under the fair value option with changes in fair value reflected in earnings. The combination of these adjustments is designed to result in an inconsequential net gain or loss in other noninterest income.

***Derivatives on Behalf of Customers***

The Company offers derivative contracts to some customers in connection with their Interest Rate Risk Management ("IRRM") needs. These derivatives include back-to-back interest rate swap, cap, and floor arrangements.

[**Table of Contents**](#TOC)

**Merchants Bancorp**

**Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements**

The Company manages the risk associated with these contracts by entering into an equal and offsetting derivative with a third-party dealer. These derivatives generally work together as an economically neutral interest rate position to assist the customer, but the Company does not designate them for hedge accounting treatment. Consequently, changes in fair value of the corresponding derivative financial asset or liability were recorded as either a charge or credit to current earnings during the period in which the changes occurred, typically resulting in no net earnings impact.

The fair values of IRRM derivative assets and liabilities related to back-to-back derivatives on behalf of customers with back-to-back interest rate swap, cap or floor arrangements were recorded on the consolidated balance sheets as follows:

---

| | | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|
|  | | | **Fair Value** | **Fair Value** |
|  | **Notional**<br>**Amount** | <br>**Balance Sheet Location** | **Asset** | **Liability** |
|  | (In thousands) | (In thousands) | (In thousands) | (In thousands) |
| December 31, 2025 | $1178034 | Other assets/liabilities | $7289 | $7289 |
| December 31, 2024 | $724224 | Other assets/liabilities | $309 | $309 |

---

The gross gains and losses on these derivative assets and liabilities were recorded in other noninterest income and other noninterest expense in the consolidated statements of income as follows:

---

| | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|
|  | **Year Ended December 31,**  | **Year Ended December 31,**  | **Year Ended December 31,**  |
|  | **2025** | **2024** | **2023** |
|  | (In thousands) | (In thousands) | (In thousands) |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Gross IRRM derivative gains | $6980 | $12117 | $9385 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Gross IRRM derivative losses | 6980 | 12117 | 9385 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Net IRRM derivative gains | $— | $— | $— |

---

The Company pledged $10.0 million and $263,000 in collateral to secure its obligations under IRRM contracts at December 31, 2025 and 2024, respectively.

#### Note 16: Disclosures About Fair Value of Assets and Liabilities
Fair value is the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. Fair value measurements must maximize the use of observable inputs and minimize the use of unobservable inputs. There is a hierarchy of three levels of inputs that may be used to measure fair value:

---

| | |
|:---|:---|
| **Level 1** | Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities<br>|
| **Level 2** | Observable inputs other than Level 1 prices, such as quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities; quoted prices in markets that are not active; or other inputs that are observable or can be corroborated by observable market data for substantially the full term of the assets or liabilities<br>|
| **Level 3** | Unobservable inputs supported by little or no market activity and are significant to the fair value of the assets or liabilities |

---

[**Table of Contents**](#TOC)

**Merchants Bancorp**

**Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements**

#### Recurring Measurements
The following tables present the fair value measurements of assets and liabilities recognized on the accompanying consolidated balance sheets measured at fair value on a recurring basis and the level within the fair value hierarchy in which the fair value measurements fall at December 31, 2025 and 2024:

---

| | | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|
|  | **Fair Value Measurements Using** | **Fair Value Measurements Using** | **Fair Value Measurements Using** | **Fair Value Measurements Using** |
|  | <br>**Fair**<br>**Value** | **Quoted Prices in**<br>**Active Markets** <br>**for Identical**<br>**Assets**<br>**(Level 1)** | **Significant**<br>**Other**<br>**Observable**<br>**Inputs**<br>**(Level 2)** | <br>**Significant**<br>**Unobservable** <br>**Inputs**<br>**(Level 3)** |
|  | (In thousands) | (In thousands) | (In thousands) | (In thousands) |
| **December 31, 2025** |  |  |  |  |
| Mortgage loans in process of securitization | $620094 | $— | $620094 | $— |
| Securities available for sale: |  |  |  |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Treasury notes | 30680 | 30680 |  |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Federal agencies | 259508 |  | 259508 |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Mortgage-backed - Agency | 3556 |  | 3556 |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Mortgage-backed - Non-Agency residential - fair value option | 385460 |  | 385460 |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Mortgage-backed - Agency - fair value option | 185854 |  | 185854 |  |
| Loans held for sale | 76980 |  | 76980 |  |
| Loans receivable | 47318 |  | 47318 |  |
| Servicing rights | 217296 |  |  | 217296 |
| Derivative assets: |  |  |  |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Interest rate lock commitments | 227 |  |  | 227 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Forward contracts | 2 |  | 2 |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Interest rate swaps | 2354 |  | 2354 |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Interest rate swaps, caps and floors (back-to-back) | 7289 |  | 7289 |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Put options | 37570 |  | 5640 | 31930 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Interest rate floors | 9540 |  |  | 9540 |
| Derivative liabilities: |  |  |  |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Interest rate lock commitments | 107 |  |  | 107 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Forward contracts | 467 |  | 467 |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Interest rate swaps, caps and floors (back-to-back) | 7289 |  | 7289 |  |
| **December 31, 2024** |  |  |  |  |
| Mortgage loans in process of securitization | $428206 | $— | $428206 | $— |
| Securities available for sale: |  |  |  |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Treasury notes | 90006 | 90006 |  |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Federal agencies | 252936 |  | 252936 |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Mortgage-backed - Agency | 1162 |  | 1162 |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Mortgage-backed - Non-Agency residential - fair value option | 430779 |  | 430779 |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Mortgage-backed - Agency - fair value option | 205167 |  | 205167 |  |
| Loans held for sale | 78170 |  | 78170 |  |
| Servicing rights | 189935 |  |  | 189935 |
| Derivative assets: |  |  |  |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Interest rate lock commitments | 30 |  |  | 30 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Forward contracts | 229 |  | 229 |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Interest rate swaps | 4199 |  | 4199 |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Interest rate swaps, caps and floors (back-to-back) | 309 |  | 309 |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Put options | 43777 |  | 12481 | 31296 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Interest rate floors | 4043 |  |  | 4043 |
| Derivative liabilities: |  |  |  |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Interest rate lock commitments | 176 |  |  | 176 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Forward contracts | 1 |  | 1 |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Interest rate swaps, caps and floors (back-to-back) | 309 |  | 309 |  |

---

Following is a description of the valuation methodologies and inputs used for assets measured at fair value on a recurring basis and recognized on the accompanying consolidated balance sheets, as well as the general classification of such assets pursuant to the valuation hierarchy. There have been no significant changes in the valuation techniques

[**Table of Contents**](#TOC)

**Merchants Bancorp**

**Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements**

during the years ended December 31, 2025 and 2024. For assets classified within Level 3 of the fair value hierarchy, the process used to develop the reported fair value is described below.

The Company values its assets and liabilities in the principal market where it sells the particular asset or transfers the liability with the greatest volume and level of activity. In the absence of an active market, the value is based on the most advantageous market for the asset or liability.

#### Mortgage Loans in Process of Securitization, Securities Available for Sale, and Securities with a Fair Value Option Election
Where quoted market prices are available in an active market, securities such as U.S. Treasuries are classified within Level 1 of the valuation hierarchy. If quoted market prices are not available, then fair values are estimated by using quoted prices of securities with similar characteristics or independent asset pricing services and pricing models, the inputs of which are market-based or independently sourced market parameters, including, but not limited to, yield curves, interest rates, volatilities, prepayments, defaults, cumulative loss projections and cash flows. Such securities are classified in Level 2 of the valuation hierarchy including Federal agencies, mortgage-backed securities, municipal securities and Federal Housing Administration participation certificates. In certain cases, if Level 1 or Level 2 inputs are not available, securities would be classified within Level 3 of the hierarchy.

#### Loans Held for Sale
Certain loans held for sale at fair value are saleable into the secondary mortgage markets and their fair values are estimated using observable quoted market or contracted prices, or market price equivalents, which would be used by other market participants. These saleable loans are considered Level 2.

#### Servicing Rights
Servicing rights do not trade in an active, open market with readily observable prices. Accordingly, fair value is estimated using discounted cash flow models having significant inputs of discount rate, prepayment speed, cost of servicing, interest rates, and default rate. Due to the nature of the valuation inputs, servicing rights are classified within Level 3 of the hierarchy.

The Chief Financial Officer's (CFO) office contracts with an independent pricing specialist to generate fair value estimates on a quarterly basis. The CFO's office challenges the reasonableness of the assumptions used and reviews the methodology to ensure the estimated fair value complies with GAAP.

#### Derivative Financial Instruments
Interest rate lock commitments - The Company estimates the fair value of interest rate lock commitments based on the value of the underlying mortgage loan, quoted mortgage-backed security prices, estimates of the fair value of the servicing rights, and an estimate of the probability that the mortgage loan will fund within the terms of the interest rate lock commitment, net of expenses. With respect to its interest rate lock commitments, management determined that a Level 3 classification was most appropriate based on the various significant unobservable inputs utilized in estimating the fair value of its interest rate lock commitments.

Forward contracts - The Company estimates the fair value of forward sales commitments based on market quotes of mortgage-backed security prices for securities similar to the ones used, which are considered Level 2.

Interest rate swaps – The Company estimates the fair value of interest rate swaps based on prices that are obtained from a third party that uses observable market inputs, thereby supporting a Level 2 classification.

Interest rate swaps, caps, and floors (back-to-back) – The Company estimates the fair value of these derivatives made in relation to specific contracts with customers based on prices that are obtained from a third party that uses observable market inputs, thereby supporting a Level 2 classification.

[**Table of Contents**](#TOC)

**Merchants Bancorp**

**Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements**

Put options - The fair value of put options is linked to securities available for sale that are accounted for using the fair value option and are classified as either Level 2 or Level 3 on the hierarchy. The put options are classified as Level 2 or Level 3 in the hierarchy, depending upon the magnitude of observable inputs in the valuation of the securities. These valuations are estimated by a third party.

Interest rate floors - The fair value of certain interest rate floors is linked to securities available for sale that are accounted for using the fair value option. Other interest rate floors are linked to loans with warehouse customers. The value of the interest rate floors is based on estimated discounted cash flows that are based on inputs that are not readily observable and, thus, are classified as Level 3 on the hierarchy. These valuations are estimated by a third party.

Credit default swap – The fair value of CDSs is linked to the value of its underlying mortgage loans. The Company estimates the fair value based on estimated discounted cash flows that are derived from inputs, including credit spreads that are not readily observable and, thus, are classified as Level 3 on the hierarchy. These valuations are estimated by a third party.

[**Table of Contents**](#TOC)

**Merchants Bancorp**

**Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements**

***Level 3 Reconciliation***

The following is a reconciliation of the beginning and ending balances of recurring fair value measurements recognized on the accompanying consolidated balance sheets using significant unobservable (Level 3) inputs:

---

| | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|
|  | **Year Ended December 31,**  | **Year Ended December 31,**  | **Year Ended December 31,**  |
|  | **2025** | **2024** | **2023** |
|  | (In thousands) | (In thousands) | (In thousands) |
| **Servicing rights** |  |  |  |
| Balance, beginning of period | $189935 | $158457 | $146248 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Purchased servicing | 14482 |  | 513 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Originated servicing | 23654 | 18670 | 14755 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Paydowns | (12223) | (9901) | (7621) |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Changes in fair value | 1448 | 22709 | 4562 |
| Balance, end of period | $217296 | $189935 | $158457 |
| **Securities available for sale - Mortgage-backed - Non-Agency residential - fair value option** |  |  |  |
| Balance, beginning of period | $— | $485500 | $— |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Purchases |  |  | 483906 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Paydowns |  | (42079) |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Changes in fair value |  | (12642) | 1594 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Transfers out of Level 3 |  | (430779) |  |
| Balance, end of period | $— | $— | $485500 |
| **Derivative assets - put options** |  |  |  |
| Balance, beginning of period | $31296 | $18654 | $— |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Purchases |  |  | 20248 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Changes in fair value | 634 | 12642 | (1594) |
| Balance, end of period | $31930 | $31296 | $18654 |
| **Derivative assets - interest rate floors** |  |  |  |
| Balance, beginning of period | $4043 | $6576 | $— |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Purchases |  |  | 6576 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Changes in fair value | 5497 | (2533) |  |
| Balance, end of period | $9540 | $4043 | $6576 |
| **Derivative assets - interest rate lock commitments** |  |  |  |
| Balance, beginning of period | $30 | $140 | $28 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Gain (loss) recognized | 197 | (110) | 112 |
| Balance, end of period | $227 | $30 | $140 |
| **Derivative liabilities - interest rate lock commitments** |  |  |  |
| Balance, beginning of period | $176 | $4 | $23 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Gain (loss) recognized | (69) | 172 | (19) |
| Balance, end of period | $107 | 176 | $4 |

---

Two residential mortgage-backed, non-Agency securities with a fair value of $430.8 million as of December 31, 2024 were transferred from Level 3 to Level 2 because the valuation technique utilized contained more observable market data for the security.

[**Table of Contents**](#TOC)

**Merchants Bancorp**

**Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements**

#### Nonrecurring Measurements
The following table presents the fair value measurement of assets measured at fair value on a nonrecurring basis and the level within the fair value hierarchy in which the fair value measurements fall at December 31, 2025 and 2024:

---

| | | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| | **Fair Value Measurements Using** | **Fair Value Measurements Using** | **Fair Value Measurements Using** | **Fair Value Measurements Using** |
| <br>**Assets** | <br>**Fair**<br>**Value** | **Quoted Prices in**<br>**Active Markets** <br>**for Identical**<br>**Assets**<br>**(Level 1)** | **Significant**<br>**Other**<br>**Observable**<br>**Inputs**<br>**(Level 2)** | <br>**Significant**<br>**Unobservable** <br>**Inputs**<br>**(Level 3)** |
|  | (In thousands) | (In thousands) | (In thousands) | (In thousands) |
| **December 31, 2025** |  |  |  |  |
| Collateral dependent loans | $143771 | $— | $— | $143771 |
| Other real estate owned | 60145 |  |  | 60145 |
| **December 31, 2024** |  |  |  |  |
| Collateral dependent loans | $59915 | $— | $— | $59915 |
| Other real estate owned | 7313 |  |  | 7313 |

---

Following is a description of the valuation methodologies and inputs used for assets measured at fair value on a nonrecurring basis and recognized on the accompanying consolidated balance sheets, as well as the general classification of such assets pursuant to the valuation hierarchy. For assets classified within Level 3 of the fair value hierarchy, the process used to develop the reported fair value is described below.

#### Collateral Dependent Loans, Net of ACL-Loans
The estimated fair value of collateral dependent loans is based on the appraised fair value of the collateral, less estimated cost to sell. Collateral dependent loans are classified within Level 3 of the fair value hierarchy.

The Company considers the appraisal or evaluation as the starting point for determining fair value and then considers other factors and events in the environment that may affect the fair value. Appraisals of the collateral underlying collateral-dependent loans are obtained when the loan is determined to be classified as substandard, collateral-dependent and subsequently as deemed necessary by the CCO's office. Appraisals and evaluations are reviewed for accuracy and consistency by the CCO's office. Appraisers are selected from the list of approved appraisers maintained by management. The appraised values are reduced by discounts to consider lack of marketability and estimated cost to sell if repayment or satisfaction of the loan is dependent on the sale of the collateral. These discounts and estimates are developed by the CCO's office by comparison to historical results.

***Other Real Estate Owned***

The estimated fair value of other real estate owned is usually based on the appraised fair value of the collateral or in certain circumstances on sales agreements, and in all cases net of estimated cost to sell. Other real estate owned is classified within Level 3 of the fair value hierarchy.

The Company considers the appraisal or evaluation as the starting point for determining fair value and then considers other factors and events in the environment that may affect the fair value. Appraisals of the collateral underlying other real estate owned are obtained when the loan is in the process of foreclosure and subsequently as deemed necessary by the CCO's office. Appraisals and evaluations are reviewed for accuracy and consistency by the CCO's office. Appraisers are selected from the list of approved appraisers maintained by management. The appraised values are reduced by discounts to consider lack of marketability and estimated cost to sell if repayment or satisfaction of the loan is dependent on the sale of the collateral. These discounts and estimates are developed by the CCO's office by comparison to historical results.

[**Table of Contents**](#TOC)

**Merchants Bancorp**

**Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements**

***Unobservable (Level 3) Inputs:***

The following table presents quantitative information about unobservable inputs used in recurring and nonrecurring Level 3 fair value measurements other than goodwill.

---

| | | | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|
|  | <br>**Fair Value** | **Valuation**<br>**Technique** | <br>**Unobservable Inputs** | <br>**Range** | **Weighted**<br>**Average** |
|  | (In thousands) | (In thousands) | (In thousands) | (In thousands) | (In thousands) |
| **December 31, 2025:** |  |  |  |  |  |
| Collateral dependent loans | $143771 | Market comparable properties | Marketability discount and costs to sell | 12% - 70% | 31% |
| Other real estate owned | 60145 | Market comparable properties | Marketability discount and costs to sell | 6% - 9% | 9% |
| Servicing rights - Multi-family | 164224 | Discounted cash flow | Discount rate | 8% - 15% | 9% |
|  |  |  | Constant prepayment rate | 0% - 100% | 8% |
|  |  |  | Earnings rate on escrows | 3% | 3% |
| Servicing rights - Single-family | 33151 | Discounted cash flow | Discount rate | 9% - 12% | 9% |
|  |  |  | Constant prepayment rate | 3% - 53% | 9% |
| Servicing rights - Healthcare | 15105 | Discounted cash flow | Discount rate | 8% - 13% | 11% |
|  |  |  | Constant prepayment rate | 1% - 100% | 7% |
|  |  |  | Earnings rate on escrows | 3% | 3% |
| Servicing rights - SBA | 4816 | Discounted cash flow | Discount rate | 16% | 16% |
|  |  |  | Constant prepayment rate | 10% - 31% | 16% |
| Derivative assets: |  |  |  |  |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Interest rate lock commitments | 227 | Discounted cash flow | Loan closing rates | 45% - 99% | 99% |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Put options | 31930 | Intrinsic value | Market credit spread | 4% | 4% |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Interest rate floors | 9540 | Discounted cash flow | Discount rate | 5% - 7% | 6% |
| Derivative liabilities - interest rate lock commitments | 107 | Discounted cash flow | Loan closing rates | 45% - 99% | 99% |
| **December 31, 2024:** |  |  |  |  |  |
| Collateral dependent loans | $59915 | Market comparable properties | Marketability discount and costs to sell | 0% - 90% | 29% |
| Other real estate owned | 7313 | Market comparable properties | Marketability discount and costs to sell | 2% - 8% | 5% |
| Servicing rights - Multi-family | 146483 | Discounted cash flow | Discount rate | 8% - 15% | 9% |
|  |  |  | Constant prepayment rate | 0% - 100% | 7% |
|  |  |  | Earnings rate on escrows | 3% | 3% |
| Servicing rights - Single-family | 34986 | Discounted cash flow | Discount rate | 10% - 11% | 10% |
|  |  |  | Constant prepayment rate | 6% - 14% | 7% |
| Servicing rights - Healthcare | 4207 | Discounted cash flow | Discount rate | 13% | 13% |
|  |  |  | Constant prepayment rate | 1% - 2% | 1% |
|  |  |  | Earnings rate on escrows | 3% | 3% |
| Servicing rights - SBA | 4259 | Discounted cash flow | Discount rate | 16% | 16% |
|  |  |  | Constant prepayment rate | 4% - 24% | 14% |
| Derivative assets: |  |  |  |  |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Interest rate lock commitments | 30 | Discounted cash flow | Loan closing rates | 71% - 99% | 87% |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Put options | 31296 | Intrinsic value | Market credit spread | 4% | 4% |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Interest rate floors | 4043 | Discounted cash flow | Discount rate | 6% - 8% | 7% |
| Derivative liabilities - interest rate lock commitments | 176 | Discounted cash flow | Loan closing rates | 71% - 99% | 87% |

---

#### Sensitivity of Significant Unobservable Inputs
The following is a discussion of the sensitivity of significant unobservable inputs, the interrelationships between those inputs and other unobservable inputs used in recurring fair value measurement, and of how those inputs might magnify or mitigate the effect of changes in the unobservable inputs on the fair value measurement.

***Collateral Dependent Loans and Other Real Estate Owned***

The significant unobservable inputs used in the fair value measurement of the Company's collateral dependent loans and other real estate owned is based on liquidation amounts of the underlying collateral using the most recently available appraisals with adjustments made for a marketability discount and costs to sell.

[**Table of Contents**](#TOC)

**Merchants Bancorp**

**Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements**

***Servicing Rights***

The significant unobservable inputs used in the fair value measurement of the Company's servicing rights are discount rates and constant prepayment rates. These two inputs can drive a significant amount of a market participant's valuation of servicing rights. Significant increases (decreases) in the discount rate or assumed constant prepayment rates used to value servicing rights would decrease (increase) the value derived. Additionally, the earnings rate on escrow balances can influence the fair value of servicing rights because higher (lower) expected interest income earned on custodial escrow deposits increases (decreases) the net economic benefit a market participant would attribute to the servicing asset.

***Derivative Financial Instruments***

The significant unobservable input used in the fair value measurement of certain put options include market credit spreads that can be impacted by market conditions and drive a significant amount of a market participant's valuation of the put option and its related security. The impact of changes to the unobservable inputs for the put option is mitigated by changes to the observable inputs for the related security, which are valued in opposite directions, so as to minimize the financial impact to the Company.

The significant unobservable input used in the fair value measurement of interest rate floor derivatives associated with certain securities available for sale and loans include the discount rate that can have a significant impact on the value of the derivative. Another variable that affects the floor value is the forward interest curve, which is observable, but changes with market conditions as interest rates and future interest rate expectations change.

For interest rate lock commitments, the loan closing rate represents a significant unobservable input, as higher (lower) expected pull-through or closing probabilities increase (decrease) the likelihood that the commitment will convert into a funded loan, thereby impacting the fair value attributed to the derivative.

[**Table of Contents**](#TOC)

**Merchants Bancorp**

**Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements**

#### Fair Value of Financial Instruments
The following table presents the carrying amount and estimated fair values of the Company's financial instruments not carried at fair value and the level within the fair value hierarchy in which the fair value measurements fall at December 31, 2025 and 2024.

---

| | | | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|
|  | | **Fair Value Measurements Using** | **Fair Value Measurements Using** | **Fair Value Measurements Using** | **Fair Value Measurements Using** |
|  | <br>**Carrying**<br>**Value** | <br>**Fair**<br>**Value** | **Quoted Prices in**<br>**Active Markets** <br>**for Identical**<br>**Assets**<br>**(Level 1)** | **Significant**<br>**Other**<br>**Observable**<br>**Inputs**<br>**(Level 2)** | <br>**Significant**<br>**Unobservable** <br>**Inputs**<br>**(Level 3)** |
|  | (In thousands) | (In thousands) | (In thousands) | (In thousands) | (In thousands) |
| **December 31, 2025** |  |  |  |  |  |
| Financial assets: |  |  |  |  |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Cash and cash equivalents | $212202 | $212202 | $212202 | $— | $— |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Securities purchased under agreements to resell | 1520 | 1520 |  | 1520 |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Securities held to maturity | 1543659 | 1543554 |  | 712490 | 831064 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;FHLB stock and other equity securities | 227589 | 227589 |  | 196391 | 31198 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Loans held for sale | 3796032 | 3796032 |  | 3796032 |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Loans receivable, net | 10904063 | 10950634 |  |  | 10950634 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Interest receivable | 81807 | 81807 |  | 81807 |  |
| Financial liabilities: |  |  |  |  |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Deposits | 13041192 | 13041901 | 11179428 | 1862473 |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Subordinated debt | 71800 | 71800 |  | 71800 |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;FHLB advances | 3762858 | 3762110 |  | 3762110 |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Other borrowing | 7934 | 7934 |  | 7934 |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Interest payable | 25345 | 25345 |  | 25345 |  |
| **December 31, 2024** |  |  |  |  |  |
| Financial assets: |  |  |  |  |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Cash and cash equivalents | $476610 | $476610 | $476610 | $— | $— |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Securities purchased under agreements to resell | 1559 | 1559 |  | 1559 |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Securities held to maturity | 1664686 | 1664674 |  | 538871 | 1125803 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;FHLB stock and other equity securities | 217804 | 217804 |  | 187804 | 30000 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Loans held for sale | 3693340 | 3693340 |  | 3693340 |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Loans receivable, net | 10354002 | 10297439 |  |  | 10297439 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Interest receivable | 83409 | 83409 |  | 83409 |  |
| Financial liabilities: |  |  |  |  |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Deposits | 11919976 | 11923961 | 8001487 | 3922474 |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Subordinated debt | 71800 | 71800 |  | 71800 |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;FHLB advances | 4172030 | 4171843 |  | 4171843 |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Other borrowing | 57934 | 57934 |  | 57934 |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Credit-linked notes | 84358 | 84357 |  | 84357 |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Interest payable | 34475 | 34475 |  | 34475 |  |

---

#### Note 17: Common Stock

#### Public Offerings of Common Stock:
On May 16, 2024, the Company issued 2,400,000 shares of the Company's common stock, without par value, at a public offering price of $43.00 per share in an underwritten public offering. The aggregate gross offering proceeds for the shares issued by the Company was $103.2 million, and after deducting underwriting discounts, commissions, and offering expenses of $5.5 million paid to third parties, the Company received total net proceeds of $97.7 million.

[**Table of Contents**](#TOC)

**Merchants Bancorp**

**Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements**

#### Note 18: Preferred Stock

#### Public Offerings of Preferred Stock:
Series A Preferred Stock – On March 28, 2019, the Company issued 2,000,000 shares of 7.00% Fixed-to-Floating Rate Series A Non-Cumulative Perpetual Preferred Stock, without par value, and with a liquidation preference of $25 per share. The aggregate gross offering proceeds for the shares issued by the Company was $50.0 million, and after deducting underwriting discounts and commissions and offering expenses of approximately $1.7 million paid to third parties, the Company received total net proceeds of $48.3 million. On April 12, 2019, the Company issued an additional 81,800 shares of Series A Preferred Stock to the underwriters related to their exercise of an option to purchase additional shares under the associated underwriting agreement, resulting in an additional $2.0 million in net proceeds, after deducting $41,000 in underwriting discounts.

The Company redeemed all outstanding shares of the Series A Preferred Stock on April 1, 2024 at a price equal to the liquidation preference of $25 per share, or $52.0 million, using cash on hand. The $1.8 million of expenses associated with the original issuance, which were capitalized in 2019, were recognized through retained earnings upon redemption, thus reducing net income available to common shareholders.

Series B Preferred Stock – On August 19, 2019, the Company issued 5,000,000 depositary shares, each representing a 1/40<sup>th</sup> interest in a share of its 6.00% Fixed-to-Floating Rate Series B Non-Cumulative Perpetual Preferred Stock, without par value, and with a liquidation preference of $1,000 per share (equivalent to $25 per depositary share). The aggregate gross offering proceeds for the shares issued by the Company was $125.0 million, and after deducting underwriting discounts and commissions and offering expenses of approximately $4.2 million paid to third parties, the Company received total net proceeds of $120.8 million.

The Company redeemed all outstanding shares of the Series B Preferred Stock on January 2, 2025, at a price equal to the liquidation preference of $1,000 per share (equivalent to $25 per depositary share), or $125.0 million. The cash to redeem the shares was delivered to the Company's transfer agent on December 31, 2024, resulting in a prepaid asset reported in other assets that was reversed upon redemption. As of the redemption date, the Series B Preferred Stock did not have any accrued, but unpaid dividends. The $4.2 million of expenses associated with the original issuance, which were capitalized in 2019, were recognized through retained earnings upon redemption, thus reducing net income available to common shareholders.

Series C Preferred Stock – On March 23, 2021, the Company issued 6,000,000 depositary shares, each representing a 1/40th interest in a share of its 6.00% Fixed Rate Series C Non-Cumulative Perpetual Preferred Stock, without par value, and with a liquidation preference of $1,000 per share (equivalent to $25 per depositary share). The aggregate gross offering proceeds for the shares issued by the Company was $150.0 million, and after deducting underwriting discounts and commissions and offering expenses of approximately $5.1 million paid to third parties, the Company received total net proceeds of $144.9 million.

On May 6, 2021, the Company completed a private offering of 46,181 shares (1,847,233 depositary shares), which were also issued at a price of $25 per depositary share. The total capital raised from the private offering was $46.2 million, net of $23,000 in expenses.

The Series C Preferred Stock has no voting rights with respect to matters that generally require the approval of common shareholders. Dividends on the Series C Preferred Stock, to the extent declared by the Board, are payable quarterly. The Company may redeem the Series C Preferred Stock, in whole or in part, at its option, on any dividend payment date on or after April 1, 2026, subject to the approval of the appropriate federal banking agency, at the liquidation preference, plus any declared and unpaid dividends (without regard to any undeclared dividends) to, but excluding, the date of redemption.

Series D Preferred Stock – On September 27, 2022, the Company issued 5,200,000 depositary shares, each representing a 1/40<sup>th</sup> interest in a share of its 8.25% Fixed Rate Reset Series D Non-Cumulative Perpetual Preferred Stock, without par value, and with a liquidation preference of $1,000 per share (equivalent to $25 per depositary share). The aggregate gross offering proceeds for the shares issued by the Company was $130.0 million, and after deducting underwriting discounts and commissions and offering expenses of approximately $4.6 million paid to third parties, the

[**Table of Contents**](#TOC)

**Merchants Bancorp**

**Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements**

Company received total net proceeds of $125.4 million. On September 30, 2022, the Company issued an additional 500,000 depositary shares of Series D Preferred Stock to the underwriters related to their exercise of an option to purchase additional shares under the associated underwriting agreement, resulting in an additional $12.1 million in net proceeds, after deducting $0.4 million in underwriting discounts.

The Series D Preferred Stock has no voting rights with respect to matters that generally require the approval of common shareholders. Dividends on the Series D Preferred Stock, to the extent declared by the Board, are payable quarterly. The Company may redeem the Series D Preferred Stock, in whole or in part, at its option, on any dividend payment date on or after October 1, 2027, subject to the approval of the appropriate federal banking agency, at the liquidation preference, plus any declared and unpaid dividends (without regard to any undeclared dividends) to, but excluding, the date of redemption.

Series E Preferred Stock – On November 25, 2024, the Company issued 9,200,000 depositary shares, each representing a 1/40<sup>th</sup> interest in a share of its 7.625% Fixed Rate Series E Non-Cumulative Perpetual Preferred Stock, without par value, and with a liquidation preference of $1,000 per share (equivalent to $25 per depositary share). The aggregate gross offering proceeds for the shares issued by the Company was $230.0 million, and after deducting underwriting discounts and commissions and offering expenses of approximately $7.3 million paid to third parties, the Company received total net proceeds of $222.7 million.

The Series E Preferred Stock has no voting rights with respect to matters that generally require the approval of common shareholders. Dividends on the Series E Preferred Stock, to the extent declared by the Board, are payable quarterly. The Company may redeem the Series E Preferred Stock, in whole or in part, at its option, on any dividend payment date on or after January 1, 2030, subject to the approval of the appropriate federal banking agency, at the liquidation preference, plus any declared and unpaid dividends (without regard to any undeclared dividends) to, but excluding, the date of redemption.

#### Note 19: Employee Benefits
The Company offers employees a 401(k) plan. Pursuant to the plan agreement, matching contributions were made equal to 100% of the employees' elective deferrals, which did not exceed 3% of the employees' compensation. In 2022, the Company began providing contributions to employee 401(k) plans, regardless of their participation levels. Employees generally receive 3% of their salary, with some executives subject to certain limitations. Employer contributions to the plans were $2.9 million, $2.0 million, and $1.9 million for the years ended December 31, 2025, 2024, and 2023, respectively.

The Company also established an ESOP in 2020 to provide shares of stock for all employees who meet certain requirements. Expenses recognized for the contribution to the ESOP totaled $1.5 million, $1.2 million and $1.0 million for the years ended December 31, 2025, 2024, and 2023, respectively. The Company contributed 30,802 shares, 23,414 shares, and 33,293 shares to the ESOP for the years ended December 31, 2025, 2024, and 2023, respectively.

#### Note 20: Share-Based Payment Plans
Equity-based incentive awards for Company officers are currently issued pursuant to the 2017 Equity Incentive Plan. Additionally, the Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors approved a plan for non-executive directors to receive a portion of their annual retainer fees in the form of shares of common stock. As of January 1, 2024, they are to receive a portion of their annual fees, issued quarterly, in the form of restricted common stock equal to $70,000 per member, rounded up to the nearest whole share.

[**Table of Contents**](#TOC)

**Merchants Bancorp**

**Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements**

The following chart provides equity-based incentive awards and Board fees paid in shares for the years ended December 31, 2025, 2024, and 2023.

---

| | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|
|  | **Year Ended December 31,**  | **Year Ended December 31,**  | **Year Ended December 31,**  |
|  | **2025** | **2024** | **2023** |
|  | (In thousands, except share data) | (In thousands, except share data) | (In thousands, except share data) |
| **Equity-based incentive awards to Company officers:** |  |  |  |
| Shares issued | 80875 | 88658 | 84335 |
| Expenses recognized | $3312 | $3274 | $2671 |
| Unvested shares awarded | 209597 | 253816 | 256192 |
| Unrecognized compensation costs | $6461 | $7122 | $6801 |
| **Equity-based retainer fees to non-executive Board members:** |  |  |  |
| Shares issued | 14329 | 12166 | 12173 |
| Expenses recognized | $490 | $491 | $351 |

---

The Company established an ESOP in 2020 to provide shares of stock for all employees who meet certain requirements. Additional details on these benefits were provided in *Note 19: Employee Benefits*.

#### Note 21: Income Taxes
For the year ended December 31, 2025, the Company adopted ASU 2023-09 – *Improvements to Income Tax Disclosures (Topic 740)* that requires public business entities to provide additional disclosures to enhance transparency and increase usefulness of the disclosures. The update requires a tabular tax rate reconciliation, disclosure of income tax expense and taxes paid broken down by federal, state, and foreign with a disaggregation for jurisdictions that exceed 5% of income for taxes, and additional other information. The Company chose to apply the update on a retrospective basis as allowed per the amendment. The update did not have a material impact on the Company's financial position or results of operations but did require expansion of the income tax disclosures below.

The data presented below is disaggregated as required by GAAP for each table presented. The Company's income is derived from United States operations only.

[**Table of Contents**](#TOC)

**Merchants Bancorp**

**Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements**

The Company's effective tax rate reconciliation for the years ended December 31, 2025, 2024, and 2023, is shown below:

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| | | | | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|
|  | **Year Ended December 31,**  | **Year Ended December 31,**  | **Year Ended December 31,**  | **Year Ended December 31,**  | **Year Ended December 31,**  | **Year Ended December 31,**  |
|  | **2025** | **2025** | **2024** | **2024** | **2023** | **2023** |
|  | (In thousands) | (In thousands) | (In thousands) | (In thousands) | (In thousands) | (In thousands) |
|  | **Amount** | **Percent** | **Amount** | **Percent** | **Amount** | **Percent** |
| US federal statutory income tax rate | $55398 | 21.0% | $88755 | 21.0% | $73061 | 21.0% |
| State and local income taxes - net of federal income tax effect <sup>(1)</sup> | 7345 | 2.8% | 15960 | 3.8% | (2655) | (0.8)% |
| Tax credits |  |  |  |  |  |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Production tax credits | (8461) | (3.2)% |  |  |  |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Credits and benefits on investments using proportional amortization <sup>(2)</sup> | (7317) | (2.8)% | (2774) | (0.6)% | (2136) | (0.6)% |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Other | (550) | (0.2)% | (1100) | (0.3)% |  |  |
| Nontaxable and nondeductible items |  |  |  |  |  |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Tax-exempt interest income net of disallowed interest expense | (2819) | (1.1)% | (2783) | (0.7)% | (1759) | (0.5)% |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Other | 4434 | 1.7% | 4198 | 1.0% | 2162 | 0.6% |
| Other adjustments |  |  |  |  |  |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Return-to-provision adjustments <sup>(3)</sup> | (3000) | (1.1)% |  |  |  |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Effective tax rate | $45030 | 17.1% | $102256 | 24.2% | $68673 | 19.7% |

---

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(1) In 2025, state and local income taxes in New York state, New York City, and California account for the majority of the domestic state and local income taxes, net of federal tax effect category. In 2024, state and local income taxes in New York state, New York City, New Jersey, Florida, California, and Illinois account for the majority of the domestic state and local income taxes, net of federal tax effect category. In 2023, state and local income taxes in New York state, New York City, Illinois, and Florida account for the majority of the domestic state and local income taxes, net of federal tax effect category.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(2) This line item includes the effects of Low-Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC) credits, related amortization, and permanent difference adjustments associated with LIHTC investments. These items are aggregated as they are not individually significant.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(3) The return-to-provision adjustment for 2025 is a result of changes in accounting estimates used on the income tax provision compared to actual amounts on the entity's filed income tax return.

The following table provides the amount of income taxes paid (net of refunds received), disaggregated as appropriate, for the years ended December 31, 2025, 2024, and 2023:

---

| | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|
|  | **Year Ended December 31,**  | **Year Ended December 31,**  | **Year Ended December 31,**  |
|  | **2025** | **2024** | **2023** |
|  | (In thousands) | (In thousands) | (In thousands) |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;United States federal | $32500 | $69750 | $58250 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;United States state and local |  |  |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Indiana |  | (5687) | (2563) |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;New York state | 2012 | 5077 | 2789 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;New York City | 9161 |  | 5 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Other | 3963 | 10438 | 8907 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Total United States state and local | 15136 | 9828 | 9138 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Total income taxes paid, net | $47636 | $79578 | $67388 |

---

[**Table of Contents**](#TOC)

**Merchants Bancorp**

**Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements**

The following table includes the components of pretax income and expense, disaggregated by foreign and state jurisdictions for the years ended December 31, 2025, 2024, and 2023:

---

| | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|
|  | **Year Ended December 31,**  | **Year Ended December 31,**  | **Year Ended December 31,**  |
|  | **2025** | **2024** | **2023** |
|  | (In thousands) | (In thousands) | (In thousands) |
| Income from continuing operations before income tax expense (benefit) |  |  |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;United States federal | $263800 | $422642 | $347907 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Total | $263800 | $422642 | $347907 |
| Income tax expense (benefit) from continuing operations |  |  |  |
| Current tax expense (benefit) |  |  |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;United States federal | $29060 | $78386 | $72537 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;United States state and local | 8192 | 19240 | (1422) |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Total current tax expense (benefit) | 37252 | 97626 | 71115 |
| Deferred tax expense (benefit) |  |  |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;United States federal | 6672 | 3666 | (503) |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;United States state and local | 1106 | 964 | (1939) |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Total deferred tax expense (benefit) | 7778 | 4630 | (2442) |
| Total income tax expense (benefit) |  |  |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;United States federal | 35732 | 82052 | 72034 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;United States state and local | 9298 | 20204 | (3361) |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Total income tax expense (benefit) | $45030 | $102256 | $68673 |

---

The tax effects of temporary differences related to deferred taxes shown on the balance sheet were:

---

| | | |
|:---|:---|:---|
|  | **December 31,**  | **December 31,**  |
|  | **2025** | **2024** |
|  | (In thousands) | (In thousands) |
| **Deferred tax assets** |  |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Allowance for credit losses on loans | $22389 | $23880 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Unrealized loss on securities available for sale | 10 | 42 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Other | 6513 | 5532 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Total assets | 28912 | 29454 |
| **Deferred tax liabilities** |  |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Depreciation | (2910) | (2532) |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Intangible assets | (556) | (391) |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Servicing rights | (49394) | (44854) |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Limited partnership investments | (5177) | (4575) |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;State tax receivable | (734) | (110) |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Derivative assets | (1870) | (967) |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Other | (1370) | (1314) |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Total liabilities | (62011) | (54743) |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Net deferred tax liability | $(33099) | $(25289) |

---

[**Table of Contents**](#TOC)

**Merchants Bancorp**

**Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements**

#### Note 22: Earnings Per Share
Earnings per share were computed as follows for years ended December 31, 2025, 2024, and 2023.

---

| | | | | | | | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|
|  | **Year Ended December 31,**  | **Year Ended December 31,**  | **Year Ended December 31,**  | **Year Ended December 31,**  | **Year Ended December 31,**  | **Year Ended December 31,**  | **Year Ended December 31,**  | **Year Ended December 31,**  | **Year Ended December 31,**  |
|  | **2025** | **2025** | **2025** | **2024** | **2024** | **2024** | **2023** | **2023** | **2023** |
|  | <br>**Net**<br>**Income** | **Weighted-**<br>**Average**<br>**Shares** | **Per**<br>**Share**<br>**Amount** | <br>**Net**<br>**Income** | **Weighted-**<br>**Average**<br>**Shares** | **Per**<br>**Share**<br>**Amount** | <br>**Net**<br>**Income** | **Weighted-**<br>**Average**<br>**Shares** | **Per**<br>**Share**<br>**Amount** |
|  | (In thousands, except share data) | (In thousands, except share data) | (In thousands, except share data) | (In thousands, except share data) | (In thousands, except share data) | (In thousands, except share data) | (In thousands, except share data) | (In thousands, except share data) | (In thousands, except share data) |
| Net income | $218770 |  |  | $320386 |  |  | $279234 |  |  |
| Dividends on preferred stock | (41062) |  |  | (34909) |  |  | (34670) |  |  |
| Preferred stock redemption | (4156) |  |  | (1823) |  |  |  |  |  |
| Net income allocated to common shareholders | $173552 |  |  | $283654 |  |  | $244564 |  |  |
| Basic earnings per share |  | 45871698 | $3.78 |  | 44855100 | $6.32 |  | 43224042 | $5.66 |
| Effect of dilutive securities—restricted stock awards |  | 71032 |  |  | 149686 |  |  | 121757 |  |
| Diluted earnings per share |  | 45942730 | $3.78 |  | 45004786 | $6.30 |  | 43345799 | $5.64 |

---

#### Note 23: Segment Information
For the year ended December 31, 2024, the Company adopted ASU 2023-07 - *Segment Reporting (Topic 280): Improvements to Reportable Segment Disclosures* that required disclosures to include additional details on reportable segments so financial statement users may better understand an entity's overall performance and assist in assessing potential future cash flows. The new guidance required public entities to present information regarding significant segment expenses that are regularly provided to the CODM as well as details regarding segment's profit and loss. The update did not have a material impact on the Company's financial position or results of operations but did require the expansion of the segment disclosures below.

The Company's three reportable business segments are defined as Multi-family Mortgage Banking, Mortgage Warehousing, and Banking. The reportable business segments are consistent with the internal reporting and evaluation of the principal lines of business of the Company. The Multi-family Mortgage Banking segment originates and services government sponsored mortgages for multi-family and healthcare facilities. It is also a fully integrated syndicator of low-income housing tax credit and debt funds. The Mortgage Warehousing segment funds agency eligible residential loans from the date of origination or purchase, until the date of sale in the secondary market, as well as commercial loans to non-depository financial institutions. The Banking segment provides a wide range of financial products and services to consumers and businesses, including retail banking, commercial lending, agricultural lending, retail and correspondent residential mortgage banking, and SBA lending. The Other segment includes general and administrative expenses that provide services to all segments; internal funds transfer pricing offsets resulting from allocations to/from the other segments, certain elimination entries and investments in qualified affordable housing limited partnerships or LLCs and certain debt funds. All operations are domestic.

The Company's segments diversify the net income of Merchants Bank and provide synergies across the segments. Strategic opportunities come from MCC and MCS, where loans are funded by the Banking segment and the Banking segment provides Ginnie Mae custodial services to MCC and MCS. Low-income tax credit syndication and debt fund offerings complement the lending activities of new and existing multi-family mortgage customers. The securities available for sale and held to maturity funded by MCC custodial deposits or purchases of securitized loans originated by MCC are pledged to the FHLB to provide borrowing capacity during periods of high residential loan volume for Mortgage Warehousing. Mortgage Warehousing provides leads to Correspondent Lending in the Banking segment. Retail and commercial customers provide cross selling opportunities within the Banking segment. Merchants Mortgage is a risk mitigant to Mortgage Warehousing because it provides the Company with a ready platform to sell or refinance the underlying collateral to secure repayment. These and other synergies form a part of the Company's strategic plan.

The reportable business segments are strategic business units that offer distinct, but complimentary, products and services. Due to the specialized nature of each segment and different resource requirements, they are managed

[**Table of Contents**](#TOC)

**Merchants Bancorp**

**Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements**

separately. The accounting policies of the segments are the same as those described in the summary of significant accounting policies. See *Note 1: Nature of Operations and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies* for more details.

The Company's CODM is the president and chief operating officer. The CODM evaluates performance for all reportable segments based on net interest income, noninterest income, noninterest expense, salary and employee benefits, and net income (loss). The CODM uses the above-mentioned metrics, along with total assets, in deciding how to allocate capital and both human and financial resources among the segments. Major decisions are also made with input from segment leadership, the Board, and various management committees, as appropriate.

The tables below present selected business segment financial information for the years ended December 31, 2025, 2024, and 2023.

---

| | | | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|
|  | **Multi-family**<br>**Mortgage** <br>**Banking** | <br>**Mortgage**<br>**Warehousing** | <br>**Banking** | <br>**Other** | <br>**Total** |
|  | (In thousands) | (In thousands) | (In thousands) | (In thousands) | (In thousands) |
| **Year Ended December 31, 2025** |  |  |  |  |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Interest income | $4613 | $413656 | $767786 | $14796 | $1200851 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Interest expense | 80 | 274031 | 412964 | (3283) | 683792 |
| **Net interest income** | 4533 | 139625 | 354822 | 18079 | 517059 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Provision for credit losses | (403) | 3020 | 115137 |  | 117754 |
| **Net interest income after provision for credit losses** | 4936 | 136605 | 239685 | 18079 | 399305 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Noninterest income | 168874 | 12596 | 933 | (18015) | 164388 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Noninterest expense |  |  |  |  |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Salaries and employee benefits | 103504 | 8107 | 24765 | 30136 | 166512 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Other noninterest expense | 18314 | 24661 | 69589 | 20817 | 133381 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Total noninterest expense | 121818 | 32768 | 94354 | 50953 | 299893 |
| **Income (loss) before income taxes** | 51992 | 116433 | 146264 | (50889) | 263800 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Income tax expense (benefit) | 11837 | 19489 | 24259 | (10555) | 45030 |
| **Net income (loss)** | $40155 | $96944 | $122005 | $(40334) | $218770 |
| **Total assets** | $526423 | $7251653 | $11307401 | $363466 | $19448943 |
| **Significant non-cash items:** |  |  |  |  |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Included in other noninterest income: |  |  |  |  |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Servicing rights fair value adjustments | $3807 | $— | $(2359) | $— | $1448 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Derivative fair value adjustments  |  | 5496 |  |  | 5496 |

---

[**Table of Contents**](#TOC)

**Merchants Bancorp**

**Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements**

---

| | | | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|
|  | **Multi-family**<br>**Mortgage** <br>**Banking** | <br>**Mortgage**<br>**Warehousing** | <br>**Banking** | <br>**Other** | <br>**Total** |
|  | (In thousands) | (In thousands) | (In thousands) | (In thousands) | (In thousands) |
| **Year Ended December 31, 2024** |  |  |  |  |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Interest income | $5239 | $391743 | $891490 | $14248 | $1302720 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Interest expense | 80 | 262149 | 521030 | (3159) | 780100 |
| **Net interest income** | 5159 | 129594 | 370460 | 17407 | 522620 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Provision for credit losses | (1003) | 1466 | 23815 |  | 24278 |
| **Net interest income after provision for credit losses** | 6162 | 128128 | 346645 | 17407 | 498342 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Noninterest income | 168028 | 3016 | (8523) | (14409) | 148112 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Noninterest expense |  |  |  |  |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Salaries and employee benefits | 77685 | 8115 | 19437 | 25486 | 130723 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Other noninterest expense | 20228 | 13818 | 43230 | 15813 | 93089 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Total noninterest expense | 97913 | 21933 | 62667 | 41299 | 223812 |
| **Income (loss) before income taxes** | 76277 | 109211 | 275455 | (38301) | 422642 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Income tax expense (benefit) | 20380 | 26409 | 65382 | (9915) | 102256 |
| **Net income (loss)** | $55897 | $82802 | $210073 | $(28386) | $320386 |
| **Total assets** | $479099 | $6000624 | $11761202 | $564807 | $18805732 |
| **Significant non-cash items:** |  |  |  |  |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Included in other noninterest income: |  |  |  |  |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Servicing rights fair value adjustments | $20487 | $— | $2222 | $— | $22709 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Derivative fair value adjustments  |  | (2533) |  |  | (2533) |

---

---

| | | | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|
|  | **Multi-family**<br>**Mortgage** <br>**Banking** | <br>**Mortgage**<br>**Warehousing** | <br>**Banking** | <br>**Other** | <br>**Total** |
|  | (In thousands) | (In thousands) | (In thousands) | (In thousands) | (In thousands) |
| **Year Ended December 31, 2023** |  |  |  |  |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Interest income | $5718 | $276366 | $789399 | $6315 | $1077798 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Interest expense | 52 | 184486 | 451952 | (6763) | 629727 |
| **Net interest income** | 5666 | 91880 | 337447 | 13078 | 448071 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Provision for credit losses |  | 2782 | 37449 |  | 40231 |
| **Net interest income after provision for credit losses** | 5666 | 89098 | 299998 | 13078 | 407840 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Noninterest income | 123980 | 14315 | (12527) | (11100) | 114668 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Noninterest expense |  |  |  |  |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Salaries and employee benefits | 64453 | 6026 | 16192 | 21510 | 108181 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Other noninterest expense | 19409 | 7977 | 26619 | 12415 | 66420 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Total noninterest expense | 83862 | 14003 | 42811 | 33925 | 174601 |
| **Income (loss) before income taxes** | 45784 | 89410 | 244660 | (31947) | 347907 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Income tax expense (benefit) | 9311 | 15885 | 50262 | (6785) | 68673 |
| **Net income (loss)** | $36473 | $73525 | $194398 | $(25162) | $279234 |
| **Total assets** | $411097 | $4522175 | $11760943 | $258301 | $16952516 |
| **Significant non-cash items:** |  |  |  |  |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Included in other noninterest income: |  |  |  |  |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Servicing rights fair value adjustments | $3874 | $— | $688 | $— | $4562 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Derivative fair value adjustments  |  | 6576 |  |  | 6576 |

---

[**Table of Contents**](#TOC)

**Merchants Bancorp**

**Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements**

#### Note 24: Condensed Financial Information (Parent Company Only)
Presented below is condensed financial information of the Company as to financial position as of December 31, 2025 and 2024, and results of operations and cash flows for the years ended December 31, 2025, 2024, and 2023.

**Condensed Balance Sheets**

---

| | | |
|:---|:---|:---|
|  | **December 31,**  | **December 31,**  |
|  | **2025** | **2024** |
|  | (In thousands) | (In thousands) |
| **Assets** |  |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Cash and cash equivalents | $55240 | $55829 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Other equity securities | 30000 | 30000 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Investment in joint ventures | 27290 | 27638 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Investment in subsidiaries | 2239777 | 2077085 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Other assets | 749 | 128591 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Total assets | $2353056 | $2319143 |
| **Liabilities** |  |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Subordinated debt | $71800 | $71800 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Unfunded commitments to joint ventures |  | 2752 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Other liabilities | 497 | 1281 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Total liabilities | 72297 | 75833 |
| **Shareholders' Equity** | 2280759 | 2243310 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Total liabilities and shareholders' equity | $2353056 | $2319143 |

---

**Condensed Statements of Income and Comprehensive Income**

---

| | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|
|  | **Year Ended December 31,**  | **Year Ended December 31,**  | **Year Ended December 31,**  |
|  | **2025** | **2024** | **2023** |
|  | (In thousands) | (In thousands) | (In thousands) |
| **Income** |  |  |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Dividends and return of capital from subsidiaries | $66313 | $124864 | $53006 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Other Income | 2683 | 3956 | 3488 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Total income | 68996 | 128820 | 56494 |
| **Expenses** |  |  |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Interest expense | 12956 | 10849 | 4323 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Salaries and employee benefits | 410 | 410 | 1012 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Professional fees | 862 | 681 | 481 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Other | 1204 | 1223 | 898 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Total expense | 15432 | 13163 | 6714 |
| **Income Before Income Tax and Equity in Undistributed Income of Subsidiaries** | 53564 | 115657 | 49780 |
| **Income Tax Benefit** | (2614) | (2277) | (582) |
| **Income Before Equity in Undistributed Income of Subsidiaries** | 56178 | 117934 | 50362 |
| **Equity in Undistributed Income of Subsidiaries** | 162592 | 202452 | 228872 |
| **Net Income** | $218770 | $320386 | $279234 |
| **Comprehensive Income** | $218870 | $322741 | $287267 |

---

[**Table of Contents**](#TOC)

**Merchants Bancorp**

**Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements**

**Condensed Statements of Cash Flows**

---

| | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|
|  | **Year Ended December 31,**  | **Year Ended December 31,**  | **Year Ended December 31,**  |
|  | **2025** | **2024** | **2023** |
|  | (In thousands) | (In thousands) | (In thousands) |
| **Operating Activities** |  |  |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Net income | $218770 | $320386 | $279234 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash used in operating activities: |  |  |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Equity in undistributed earnings from subsidiaries and other operating activities | (157048) | (205422) | (229428) |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Net cash provided by operating activities | 61722 | 114964 | 49806 |
| **Investing Activities** |  |  |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Contributed capital to subsidiaries |  | (225295) | (43922) |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Purchase of equity securities |  | (30000) |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Purchase of limited partnership interests or LLC's | (3576) | (3038) | (769) |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Return of capital from subsidiaries |  | 49017 |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Other investing activity | 683 | 8301 | 554 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Net cash used in investing activities | (2893) | (201015) | (44137) |
| **Financing Activities** |  |  |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Proceeds from notes payable |  | 6878 | 64922 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Repayment of notes payable |  |  | (21000) |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Dividends paid | (59418) | (51167) | (48506) |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Proceeds from issuance of common stock |  | 97655 |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Proceeds from issuance of preferred stock |  | 222748 |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Redemption of preferred stock |  | (52044) |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Funds disbursed for future redemption of Series B preferred stock |  | (125000) |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities | (59418) | 99070 | (4584) |
| **Net Change in Cash and Due From Banks** | (589) | 13019 | 1085 |
| **Cash and Due From Banks at Beginning of Year** | 55829 | 42810 | 41725 |
| **Cash and Due From Banks at End of Year** | $55240 | $55829 | $42810 |
| **Additional Cash Flows Information:** |  |  |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Interest paid | $12960 | $— | $— |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Reduction in commitment payable for limited partnership interest of LLCs | (2752) |  | 2752 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Change in prepaid assets for preferred stock repurchase | 125000 |  |  |

---

#### Note 25: Regulatory Matters
The Company and Merchants Bank are subject to various regulatory capital requirements administered by the federal banking agencies. Failure to meet minimum capital requirements can initiate certain mandatory, and possibly additional discretionary, actions by federal and state banking regulators that, if undertaken, could have a direct material effect on the Company's financial statements. Under capital adequacy guidelines and the regulatory framework for prompt corrective action, the Company and Merchants Bank must meet specific capital guidelines that involve quantitative measures of the Company's and Merchants Bank's assets, liabilities and certain off-balance-sheet items as calculated under regulatory accounting practices. The Company's and Merchants Bank's capital amounts and classification are also subject to qualitative judgments by the regulators about components, and other factors. Furthermore, the Company's and Merchants Bank's regulators could require adjustments to regulatory capital not reflected in these consolidated financial statements.

Quantitative measures established by regulation to ensure capital adequacy require the Company and Merchants Bank to maintain minimum amounts and ratios (set forth in the table below). Management believes that, as of December 31, 2025 and 2024, the Company and Merchants Bank met all capital adequacy requirements.

As of December 31, 2025 and 2024, the most recent notifications from the Federal Reserve categorized the Company as well capitalized and most recent notifications from the FDIC categorized Merchants Bank as well capitalized under the regulatory framework for prompt corrective action. There are no conditions or events since that

[**Table of Contents**](#TOC)

**Merchants Bancorp**

**Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements**

notification that management believes have changed the Company's or Merchants Bank's category and as of December 31, 2025, Merchants Bank's capital exceeded the levels agreed to in its MOU described below.

The Company's and Merchants Bank's actual capital amounts and ratios are presented in the following tables.

---

| | | | | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|
|  |  |  | **Minimum** | **Minimum** |  |  |
|  |  |  | **Amount to be Well** | **Amount to be Well** | **Minimum Amount** | **Minimum Amount** |
|  |  |  | **Capitalized with** | **Capitalized with** | **To Be Well** | **To Be Well** |
|  | **Actual** | **Actual** | **Basel III Buffer**<sup>(1)</sup> | **Basel III Buffer**<sup>(1)</sup> | **Capitalized**<sup>(1)</sup> | **Capitalized**<sup>(1)</sup> |
|  | **Amount** | **Ratio** | **Amount** | **Ratio** | **Amount** | **Ratio** |
|  | (Dollars in thousands) | (Dollars in thousands) | (Dollars in thousands) | (Dollars in thousands) | (Dollars in thousands) | (Dollars in thousands) |
| **December 31, 2025** |  |  |  |  |  |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Total capital<sup>(1)</sup> (to risk-weighted assets) |  |  |  |  |  |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Company | $2365600 | 13.6% | $1822759 | 10.5% | $— | N/A% |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Merchants Bank | 2320227 | 13.4% | 1821535 | 10.5% | 1734795 | 10.0% |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Tier I capital<sup>(1)</sup> (to risk-weighted assets) |  |  |  |  |  |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Company | 2272014 | 13.1% | 1475567 | 8.5% |  | N/A% |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Merchants Bank | 2226641 | 12.8% | 1474576 | 8.5% | 1387836 | 8.0% |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Common Equity Tier I capital<sup>(1)</sup> (to risk-weighted assets) |  |  |  |  |  |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Company | 1720724 | 9.9% | 1215172 | 7.0% |  | N/A% |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Merchants Bank | 2226641 | 12.8% | 1214357 | 7.0% | 1127617 | 6.5% |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Tier I capital<sup>(1)</sup> (to average assets) |  |  |  |  |  |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Company | 2272014 | 11.5% | 990358 | 5.0% |  | N/A% |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Merchants Bank | 2226641 | 11.3% | 987284 | 5.0% | 987284 | 5.0% |

---

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(1) As defined by regulatory agencies.

---

| | | | | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|
|  |  |  | **Minimum** | **Minimum** |  |  |
|  |  |  | **Amount to be Well** | **Amount to be Well** | **Minimum Amount** | **Minimum Amount** |
|  |  |  | **Capitalized with** | **Capitalized with** | **To Be Well** | **To Be Well** |
|  | **Actual** | **Actual** | **Basel III Buffer**<sup>(1)</sup> | **Basel III Buffer**<sup>(1)</sup> | **Capitalized**<sup>(1)</sup> | **Capitalized**<sup>(1)</sup> |
|  | **Amount** | **Ratio** | **Amount** | **Ratio** | **Amount** | **Ratio** |
|  | (Dollars in thousands) | (Dollars in thousands) | (Dollars in thousands) | (Dollars in thousands) | (Dollars in thousands) | (Dollars in thousands) |
| **December 31, 2024** |  |  |  |  |  |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Total capital<sup>(1)</sup> (to risk-weighted assets) |  |  |  |  |  |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Company | $2334479 | 13.9% | $1767835 | 10.5% | $— | N/A% |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Merchants Bank | 2165193 | 12.9% | 1763982 | 10.5% | 1679983 | 10.0% |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Tier I capital<sup>(1)</sup> (to risk-weighted assets) |  |  |  |  |  |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Company | 2234658 | 13.3% | 1431105 | 8.5% |  | N/A% |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Merchants Bank | 2065372 | 12.3% | 1427985 | 8.5% | 1343986 | 8.0% |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Common Equity Tier I capital<sup>(1)</sup> (to risk-weighted assets) |  |  |  |  |  |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Company | 1562524 | 9.3% | 1178557 | 7.0% |  | N/A% |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Merchants Bank | 2065372 | 12.3% | 1175988 | 7.0% | 1091989 | 6.5% |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Tier I capital<sup>(1)</sup> (to average assets) |  |  |  |  |  |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Company | 2234658 | 12.1% | 925180 | 5.0% |  | N/A% |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Merchants Bank | 2065372 | 11.2% | 922006 | 5.0% | 922006 | 5.0% |

---

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(1) As defined by regulatory agencies.

The Company's principal source of funds for dividend payments to shareholders is dividends received from Merchants Bank. Banking statutes and regulations limit the maximum amount of dividends that a bank may pay without requesting prior approval of regulatory agencies. Under Indiana law, Merchants Bank may not pay a dividend if such dividend would be greater than retained net income (as defined) for the current year plus those for the previous two years, subject to the capital requirements described above. At December 31, 2025, the amount available, without prior regulatory approval, for dividends which could be paid by Merchants Bank to the Company was $583.9 million.

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**Merchants Bancorp**

**Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements**

***Memorandum of Understanding***

On June 30, 2025, Merchants Bank entered into a confidential MOU with the FDIC and IDFI. While the contents of the MOU are confidential under IDFI and FDIC regulations, certain provisions, with the authorization of the IDFI and FDIC, are summarized below. The MOU is an informal administrative agreement among Merchants Bank, FDIC, and IDFI pursuant to which Merchants Bank has agreed to take various actions and enhance specific areas of Merchants Bank's operations. In particular, Merchants Bank has agreed to maintain certain capital thresholds, manage asset concentrations, and implement certain plans regarding Merchants Bank's operations and strategy to mitigate risk of certain assets, which it has already implemented. As of December 31, 2025, and as of each of the reporting periods beginning on or after December 31, 2024, Merchants Bank's capital exceeded the levels agreed to in its MOU and Merchants Bank was within the asset concentration limits agreed to in the MOU. The MOU will remain in effect until modified or terminated by the FDIC and IDFI.

Additionally, under its MOU, if Merchants Bank's capital ratios fall below the minimums agreed to, Merchants Bank may not pay dividends without the FDIC and IDFI's prior consent. Merchants Bank has established an internal minimum leverage ratio of 9.0% and a minimum total capital ratio of 12.5%.

Management does not expect the actions called for by these regulatory actions to have a material adverse impact on the Company's financial performance or Merchants Bank's ongoing day-to-day operations, although they may have the effect of limiting or delaying the Company's or Merchants Bank's ability or plans to expand.

#### Note 26: Commitments, Credit Risk, and Contingencies
***Financial Instruments***

Merchants offers certain financial instruments, including commitments with contracts that contain credit risk to the Company and others that are subject to certain performance criteria by the client and or cancellation by the Company. Such commitments were as follows at December 31, 2025 and 2024:

---

| | | |
|:---|:---|:---|
|  | **December 31,**  | **December 31,**  |
|  | **2025** | **2024** |
|  | (In thousands) | (In thousands) |
| Commitments subject to credit risk: |  |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Commitments to extend credit | $3608270 | $4348628 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Standby letters of credit | 186509 | 204745 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Unfunded warehouse repurchase agreements and other (not cancellable) | 184144 | 108532 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Total commitments subject to credit risk | $3978923 | $4661905 |
| Commitments subject to certain performance criteria and cancellation: |  |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Outstanding commitments to originate loans | $734216 | $740886 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Unfunded construction draws | 228972 | 281152 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Unfunded warehouse repurchase agreements and other (cancellable) | 250891 | 2681313 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Total commitments subject to certain performance criteria and cancellation | $1214079 | $3703351 |

---

Included in the chart above are the following commitments that are subject to credit risk:

**Commitments to extend credit**. These are agreements to lend to a customer as long as there is no violation of any condition established in the contract. Commitments generally have fixed expiration dates or other termination clauses and may require payment of a fee. Since many of the commitments are expected to expire without being drawn upon, the total commitment amounts do not necessarily represent future cash requirements. The Company evaluates each customer's credit worthiness on a case-by-case basis. The amount of collateral obtained, if deemed necessary by the Company upon extension of credit, is based on management's credit evaluation. Collateral held varies but may include accounts receivable, inventory, property and equipment, and income-producing commercial properties.

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**Merchants Bancorp**

**Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements**

**Standby letters of credit.** These instruments are irrevocable, conditional commitments issued by the Company or by another party on behalf of the Company, for a fee, to guarantee the performance of a customer to a third party and they generally have fixed expiration dates or other termination clauses. The credit risk involved in issuing letters of credit is essentially the same as that involved in extending loan commitments to customers. The Company's policy for obtaining collateral and/or guarantees and the nature thereof is generally the same as that involved extending commitments to its customers. The Company has not been required to fund nor has it incurred any losses on any standby letter of credit commitment during the years ended December 31, 2025, 2024, and 2023.

**Unfunded warehouse repurchase agreements and other lines of credit**. Through the Mortgage Warehousing segment, the Company has repurchase agreements with certain non-depository financial institution customers engaged in mortgage lending. Funds drawn on the warehouse repurchase agreements are used by the borrowers to fund the loans they originate. The customers' loans must meet certain credit and underwriting criteria before the Company will fund the draw requests on the repurchase agreements, and the draw requests can typically be denied by the Company. The majority of the warehouse repurchase agreements are unconditionally cancellable by the Company, but some are not subject to cancellation.

Included in the chart above are the following commitments that are subject to certain performance criteria and can be denied by the Company:

**Outstanding commitments to originate loans.** The Company has entered into lending commitments with customers who have applied for loans that are awaiting closing. The customers must meet certain credit and underwriting criteria before the Company is required to fund the loans. Closing and funding of the majority of these loans is contingent upon various performance criteria by the potential borrower and the commitment may be rescinded by the Company. In many cases, the Company enters into a corresponding sales commitment if it is the Company's intent to close the loan and to sell the loan after closing.

**Unfunded construction draws.** Through the Multi-family Mortgage Banking segment, the Company has made commitments to fund certain FHA insured construction loans that are drawn upon throughout the construction period. These commitments are subject to certain performance criteria and inspections throughout the project, and funding can be denied by the Company. As construction draws are disbursed, the amounts are securitized and sold to Ginnie Mae, and the Company continues to service the loans.

***Allowance for credit losses – off-balance sheet credit exposures (ACL-OBCE)***

The ACL-OBCE is a liability account representing expected credit losses over the contractual period for which the Company is exposed to credit risk resulting from contractual obligations to extend credit such as those included in the categories above. No allowance is recognized if there is an unconditional right to cancel the obligation. The amount of the allowance represents management's best estimate of expected credit losses on unfunded commitments expect to be funded over the contractual life of the commitment. The allowance was $8.0 million and $12.8 million as of December 31, 2025 and 2024, respectively. The ACL-OBCE is adjusted through the statements of income as a component of provision for credit loss.

***Risk-Sharing Arrangements***

As a Fannie Mae multi-family lender, the Company assumes a limited portion of the risk of loss during the remaining term on each commercial mortgage loan that is sold to Fannie Mae. Under this loss sharing agreement, Merchants bears a risk of up to one-third of incurred losses resulting from borrower defaults. Accordingly, Merchants maintained a reserve liability for this risk-sharing obligation of $2.9 million and $1.5 million at December 31, 2025 and 2024, respectively. There have been no loans in default during the years ended December 31, 2025, 2024, and 2023.

***Repurchase Obligations***

Certain single-family loans sold to Fannie Mae or Freddie Mac may require the Company to repurchase loans if it is determined that the Company did not adhere to underwriting guidelines required by these government-sponsored entities. There was a reserve for potential obligations in other liabilities on the balance sheet for $1.2 million and $1.1 million at December 2025 and 2024, respectively.

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**Merchants Bancorp**

**Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements**

***Indemnification Agreements***

As part of a Freddie Mac Q-Series Securitization transaction occurring in 2022, the Company established reserve liabilities in other liabilities on the balance sheet related to an indemnification agreement for potential loan losses. The Company established a reserve for contingent financial guarantees, which had a balance of $0.7 million and $0.8 million for December 31, 2025 and 2024, respectively. The Company also established a non-contingent stand-by reserve, which had a balance of $1.5 million and $1.8 million for December 31, 2025 and 2024, respectively. See *Note 5: Loans and Allowance for Credit Losses on Loans* for additional information on this transaction.

***Unconditional Investment Obligations***

The Company is contractually obligated to provide additional capital funding to certain investments in LIHTC limited partnerships and LLCs. There was an unfunded liability for these investments of $118.0 million and $93.9 million at December 31, 2025 and 2024, respectively. Additionally, the Company had an obligation to invest in joint ventures for $8.4 million and $3.8 million at December 31, 2025 and 2024, respectively. See *Note 9: Qualified Affordable Housing and Other Tax Credits* and *Note 11: Other Assets and Receivables* for additional information on these investments and joint ventures.

***Tax Credits***

The Company periodically enters into transactions to acquire certain tax credits as part of its overall tax planning strategy. As of December 31, 2025, the Company had commitment to purchase $19.7 million in credits in the first quarter of 2026. The Company had no such commitments as of December 31, 2024.

***Other***

The Company and its subsidiaries can be parties to various claims and proceedings arising in the normal course of business. Management, after consultation with legal counsel, believes that the liabilities, if any, arising from such proceedings and claims will not be material to the Company's consolidated financial position or results of operations.

#### Note 27: Related Party Transactions
The Company has entered into transactions with certain directors, executive officers, and their affiliates or associates (related parties). Such transactions were made in the ordinary course of business on substantially the same terms and conditions, including interest rates and collateral, as those prevailing at the same time for comparable transactions with other customers, and did not, in the opinion of management, involve more than normal credit risk or present other unfavorable features. The aggregate amount of loans to directors, executive officers and their affiliates was not greater than 5% of the Company's shareholders' equity at December 31, 2025 and 2024.

**Legal Services**

The Company retained a law firm of which a Board member is a partner. Services rendered are primarily related to documentation of current loan originations, and loan collections from Merchants Bank's borrowers. Fees paid to the law firm, both directly and indirectly, totaled $9.7 million, $4.0 million, and $9.4 million for the years ended December 31, 2025, 2024, and 2023 respectively.

**Speaking Engagements**

The Company made payments to a Board member during 2023 for speaking engagements at corporate events. Fees paid to the Board member totaled $0, $0, and $30,000 for the years ended December 31, 2025, 2024, and 2023, respectively.

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**Merchants Bancorp**

**Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements**

**Corporate Travel**

The Company made payments to a company that is owned by the Company's Chairman and Chief Executive Officer. Payments were made for charter flights taken during 2025, 2024 and 2023 as part of corporate travel expenses. Payments made to the company totaled $25,000, $104,000, and $62,000 for the years ended December 31, 2025, 2024, and 2023, respectively.

**Land Sale**

During 2025, the Company sold certain land to an entity owned by the Company's Chairman and Chief Executive Officer. The transaction was effective on December 30, 2025, and the land was sold for $2.2 million, which was paid in cash at closing. The carrying value of the land sold approximated the sales price, and accordingly, no gain or loss was recognized on the transaction. There were no amounts due to or from either party related to this transaction as of December 31, 2025.

**Investments**

***Investments in a Senior Housing and Healthcare Entity***

The Company holds a 30% ownership in an LLC that provides funding to the senior housing and healthcare sectors that is accounted for using the equity method of accounting. Transactions with this entity are included in the chart below. As of December 31, 2025, there was an unfunded commitment of $1.5 million for a standby letter of credit issued on behalf of this entity.

***Investments in Low-Income Housing Tax Credit Syndications***

The Company has a low-income housing tax credit syndication business through one of its subsidiaries and serves as a general partner, limited partner, or managing member. This business is generally funded through capital investments from external investors and in some cases by Merchants Bank, in the form of limited partnership or managing member interests, and bridge loans. Merchants Bank also serves as a warehouse to fund certain low-income housing tax credit projects until they are sold into the syndicated funds. Due to the short time between purchase and sale, no gains or losses were recognized on the sales during 2025, 2024 or 2023. Transactions with these entities are included in the chart below.

***Investments in Debt Financing Entities***

The Company has invested in single-family, multi-family, and healthcare debt financing entities (debt funds) through its subsidiaries. This business is funded through capital investments from external investors and by the Company, in the form of limited partnership interests. The Company also serves as a warehouse to acquire certain loans until they are sold into the debt funds. Transactions with these entities are included in the chart below. As of December 31, 2025 and 2024, there was an unfunded commitment of $20.0 million for a standby letter of credit issued on behalf of this entity.

See *Note 26: Commitments and Credit Risk, and Contingencies* for information on commitments for standby letters of credit.

[**Table of Contents**](#TOC)

**Merchants Bancorp**

**Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements**

The table below provides a summary of the transactions with related entities for which the Company holds an ownership investment. Additional information regarding these investments is provided in *Note 12: Variable Interest Entities.* 

---

| | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|
|  | **Year Ended December 31,**  | **Year Ended December 31,**  | **Year Ended December 31,**  |
|  | **2025** | **2024** | **2023** |
|  | (In thousands) | (In thousands) | (In thousands) |
| **Investments in Senior Housing and Healthcare Entity** |  |  |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Origination fees received from borrowers referred by the LLC | $45801 | $26287 | $12669 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Fees paid to LLC for loans referred and originated | (41835) | (20882) | (9866) |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Servicing income received for loans referred by the LLC | 1515 | 841 | 561 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Servicing income participation paid to LLC | (884) | (428) | (281) |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Income from investment in LLC | 7063 | 3536 | 1612 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Distributions received from LLC | 4221 | 1153 | 993 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Interest income paid to LLC for loans originated and referred by the LLC | (1075) | (2158) | (3587) |
| **Investments in LIHTC Syndications** |  |  |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Interest income, financing <sup>(1)</sup> and other fees received from syndicated funds | $35461 | $31683 | $16592 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Loans and other receivables outstanding, net of participations sold, to syndicated funds | 323300 | 334536 | 127449 |
| **Investments in Debt Financing Entities** |  |  |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Income from investments, servicing, interest income, and management of debt funds | $52176 | $53274 | $29992 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Distributions received from debt funds | 1184 | 8871 | 890 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Loans outstanding, net of participations sold, to debt funds | 107705 | 133044 | 108055 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Loans sold to debt funds | 513015 | 98184 | 102336 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Gains (losses) recognized on loans sold to debt funds | 2075 |  | (263) |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Carrying value, at year-end, of securities held-to-maturity purchased from debt funds | 699957 | 526242 | 472539 |

---

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(1) Financing fees, net of costs to originate, are deferred and recognized in income over the life of the loan.

#### Note 28: Subsequent Events
None.

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#### Item 9. Changes in and Disagreements With Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure.
None.

**Item 9A. Controls and Procedures.** 

**Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures**

The Company maintains disclosure controls and procedures designed to ensure that it is able to collect the information it is required to disclose in the reports it files with the SEC, and to record, process, summarize and disclose this information within the time periods specified in the rules of the SEC. Based on their evaluation of the Company's disclosure controls and procedures which took place as of December 31, 2025, the Chairman/CEO and CFO believe that these controls and procedures are effective to ensure that the Company is able to collect, process and disclose the information it is required to disclose in the reports it files with the SEC within the required time periods.

Based on the evaluation of the Company's disclosure controls and procedures by the Chairman/CEO and CFO; no changes occurred during the fiscal quarter ended December 31, 2025 in the Company's internal control over financial reporting that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the Company's internal control over financial reporting.

**Management's Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting**

The management of Merchants Bancorp (the "Company") is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting. The Company's internal control over financial reporting is a process designed under the supervision of the Company's Chairman/CEO and CFO, and effected by the Company's Board of Directors, management and other personnel, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with GAAP. This process includes those policies and procedures that:

● Pertain to the maintenance of records, that in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of the Company;

● Provide reasonable assurance that the transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with GAAP, and that transactions of the Company are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors of the Company; and

● Provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use or disposition of the Company's assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements.

All internal control systems, no matter how well designed, have inherent limitations, including the possibility of human error and the circumvention of overriding controls. Accordingly, even effective internal control can provide reasonable assurance with respect to financial statement preparation. Further, because of changes in conditions, the effectiveness of internal control may vary over time.

Because of the inherent limitations, any system of internal control over financial reporting, no matter how well designed, may not prevent or detect misstatements. Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with policies or procedures may deteriorate.

Management has evaluated the effectiveness of its internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2025, based on the control criteria established in a report entitled *Internal Control – Integrated Framework (2013),* issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO). Based on such evaluation, we have concluded that the Company's internal control over financial reporting is effective as of December 31, 2025.

Forvis Mazars, LLP, the independent registered public accounting firm that audited the consolidated financial statements of the Company included in this Annual Report on Form 10-K, has also audited the Company's internal

[**Table of Contents**](#TOC)

control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2025. Their report expressed an unqualified opinion on the effectiveness of the Company's internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2025.

**Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm**

To the Shareholders, Board of Directors and Audit Committee

Merchants Bancorp

Carmel, Indiana

***Opinion on the Internal Control over Financial Reporting***

We have audited Merchants Bancorp's (the "Company") internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2025, based on criteria established in *Internal Control – Integrated Framework: (2013)* issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO). In our opinion, the Company maintained, in all material respects, effective internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2025, based on criteria established in *Internal Control – Integrated Framework: (2013)* issued by COSO.

We also have audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) ("PCAOB"), the consolidated financial statements of the Company as of December 31, 2025 and 2024, and for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2025, and our report dated February 27, 2026, expressed an unqualified opinion on those financial statements.

***Basis for Opinion***

The Company's management is responsible for maintaining effective internal control over financial reporting and for its assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting, included in the accompanying Management's Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the Company's internal control over financial reporting based on our audit.

We are a public accounting firm registered with the PCAOB and are required to be independent with respect to the Company in accordance with the U.S. federal securities laws and the applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the PCAOB.

We conducted our audit in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether effective internal control over financial reporting was maintained in all material respects. Our audit included obtaining an understanding of internal control over financial reporting, assessing the risk that a material weakness exists, and testing and evaluating the design and operating effectiveness of internal control based on the assessed risk. Our audit also included performing such other procedures as we considered necessary in the circumstances. We believe that our audit provides a reasonable basis for our opinion.

***Definitions and Limitations of Internal Control over Financial Reporting***

A company's internal control over financial reporting is a process designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of reliable financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. A company's internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that (1) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of the company; (2) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and that receipts and expenditures of the company are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors of the company; and (3) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use, or disposition of the company's assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements.

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Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.

/s/ Forvis Mazars, LLP

Indianapolis, Indiana

February 27, 2026

#### Item 9B. Other Information.
None.

#### Item 9C. Disclosure Regarding Foreign Jurisdictions that Prevent Inspections.
Not Applicable.

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#### PART III

#### Item 10. Directors, Executive Officers and Corporate Governance.
The information required by Item 10 will be in the proxy statement for the 2026 annual meeting of shareholders (the "2026 Proxy Statement") that will be filed within 120 days after December 31, 2025, which is incorporated by reference.

We have adopted a Code of Conduct that applies to directors, officers, and all other employees including our principal executive officer, principal financial officer and principal accounting officer. The text of the Code of Conduct is available on our website at www.bankmerchants.com, under the "Corporate Profile" section, or in print to any shareholder who requests it. We intend to post information regarding any amendments to, or waivers from, our Code of Conduct on our website.

We have adopted an Insider Trading Policy applicable to us and our directors, officers, and employees governing the purchase, sale, and other dispositions of our securities. We believe that the Insider Trading Policy is reasonably designed to promote compliance with the insider trading laws, rules and regulations, and listing standards applicable to us. The Insider Trading Policy is filed as Exhibit 19 to this Annual Report on Form 10-K.

#### Item 11. Executive Compensation .
The information required by Item 11 will be in the 2026 Proxy Statement, which is incorporated by reference.

#### Item 12. Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management.
The information required by Item 12 will be in the 2026 Proxy Statement, which is incorporated by reference.

#### Item 13. Certain Relationships and Related Transactions, and Director Independence.
The information required by Item 13 will be in the 2026 Proxy Statement, which is incorporated by reference.

#### Item 14. Principal Accountant Fees and Services.
The information required by Item 14 will be in the 2026 Proxy Statement, which is incorporated by reference.

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**PART IV**

**Item 15. Exhibits, Financial Statement Schedules.** 

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(a) (1) and (2) Financial Statements and Financial Statement Schedules.

The consolidated financial statements and financial statement schedules required to be filed in this Form 10-K are included in Part II, Item 8.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(a) (3) Exhibits Required by Item 601 of Regulation S-K.

---

| | |
|:---|:---|
| **ExhibitNumber** | **Description** |
| 3.1 | [Second Amended and Restated Articles of Incorporation of Merchants Bancorp (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 of Form 8-K, filed on May 24, 2022).](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1629019/000110465922064223/tm2216698d1_ex3-1.htm) |
| 3.2 | [Articles of Amendment to the Second Amended and Restated Articles of Incorporation dated September 27, 2022 designating the 8.25% Fixed Rate Reset Series D Non-Cumulative Perpetual Preferred Stock (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.2 of Form 8-A filed on September 27, 2022).](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1629019/000110465924122393/tm2429247d1_ex3-2.htm) |
| 3.3 | [Articles of Amendment to the Second Amended and Restated Articles of Incorporation dated November 25, 2024 designating the 7.625% Fixed Rate Series E Non-Cumulative Perpetual Preferred Stock (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.2 of Form 8-A filed on November 25, 2024).](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1629019/000110465924122393/tm2429247d1_ex3-2.htm) |
| 3.4 | [Second Amended and Restated By-Laws of Merchants Bancorp (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 of Form 8-K, filed on November 20, 2017).](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1629019/000110465917069651/a17-27359_1ex3d1.htm) |
| 4 | [Description of Registered Securities of Merchants Bancorp (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4 of Form 10-K, filed on February 28, 2025).](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1629019/000155837025001941/mbin-20241231x10k.htm) |
| 10.1\* | [Description of Incentive Plans for Michael F. Petrie, Chairman and CEO of Merchants Bancorp, Michael Dury, CEO of Merchants Capital Corp., and Michael J. Dunlap, Director, President and Chief Operating Officer of Merchants Bancorp and CEO of Merchants Bank (incorporated by reference to Item 5.02 of Form 8-K, filed on January 23, 2020).](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1629019/000110465920006076/tm205534d1_ex10-1.htm) |
| 10.2\* | [Description of Incentive Plan for Scott A. Evans, Director of Merchants Bancorp, and President and Co-Chief Operating Officer of Merchants Bank (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 of Form 10-K, filed on March 16, 2020).](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1629019/000155837020002771/mbin-20191231ex102dcd514.htm) |
| 10.3\* | [First Amended and Restated Employment Agreement by and between Merchants Capital Corp. and Michael R. Dury dated as of January 1, 2021 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 of Form 8-K filed on January 22, 2021).](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1629019/000110465921006662/tm213888d1_ex10-1.htm) |
| 10.4\* | [Merchants Bancorp 2017 Equity Incentive Plan (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.16 of Form S-1, filed on September 25, 2017)](http://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1629019/000104746917006058/a2233387zex-10_16.htm). |
|  | [(a) Form of Award Agreement for Non-Qualified Stock Options under the 2017 Equity Incentive Plan (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 of Form 8-K, filed on February 22, 2018).](http://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1629019/000110465918011357/a18-6657_1ex10d1.htm) |
|  | [(b) Form of Award Agreement for Incentive Stock Options under the 2017 Equity Incentive Plan (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 of Form 8-K, filed on February 22, 2018).](http://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1629019/000110465918011357/a18-6657_1ex10d2.htm) |
|  | [(c) Form of Award Agreement for Restricted Stock Unit Awards under the 2017 Equity Incentive Plan (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.3 of Form 8-K, filed on February 22, 2018).](http://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1629019/000110465918011357/a18-6657_1ex10d3.htm) |
|  | [(d) Form of Award Agreement for Restricted Stock Awards under the 2017 Equity Incentive Plan (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.4 of Form 8-K, filed on February 22, 2018).](http://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1629019/000110465918011357/a18-6657_1ex10d4.htm) |
| 10.5\* | [Form of Change of Control Agreement entered into by Merchants Bancorp and each of Michael J. Dunlap, Scott A. Evans, and Michael R. Dury (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 of Form 8-K filed on January 23, 2020).](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1629019/000110465920006076/tm205534d1_ex10-1.htm)  |
| 19 | [Merchants Bancorp Insider Trading Policy (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 19 of Form 10-K, filed on February 28, 2025).](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1629019/000155837025001941/mbin-20241231x10k.htm) |
| 21 | [Subsidiaries of Merchants Bancorp.](mbin-20251231xex21.htm) |
| 23 | [Consent of Forvis Mazars, LLP.](mbin-20251231xex23.htm) |

---

[**Table of Contents**](#TOC)

---

| | |
|:---|:---|
| 31.1 | [Certification of Principal Executive Officer Pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002](mbin-20251231xex31d1.htm). |
| 31.2 | [Certification of Principal Financial Officer Pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002](mbin-20251231xex31d2.htm). |
| 32 | [Certification Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002](mbin-20251231xex32.htm). |
| 97 | [Merchants Bancorp Clawback Policy (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 97 of Form 10-K, filed on February 28, 2025).](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1629019/000155837025001941/mbin-20241231x10k.htm) |
| 101.INS<br>101.SCH<br>101.CAL<br>101.DEF<br>101.LAB<br>101.PRE<br>104 | XBRL Instance Document – the instance document does not appear in the Interactive Data File because its XBRL tags are embedded within the Inline XBRL document<br>XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Document<br>XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase Document<br>XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase Document<br>XBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase Document<br>XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase Document<br>Cover Page Interactive Data File – The cover page interactive data file does not appear in the Interactive Data File because its XBRL tags are embedded within the Inline XBRL document<br>|

---

\* Management contract or compensatory plan or arrangement.

**Item 16. Form 10-K Summary** 

None.

[**Table of Contents**](#TOC)

#### SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.

---

| |
|:---|
| **MERCHANTS BANCORP** |
| By: /s/ Michael F. Petrie |
| Michael F. Petrie |
| *Chairman and Chief Executive Officer* |

---

Date: February 27, 2026

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this report has been signed below by the following persons on behalf of the registrant and in the capacities and on the dates indicated.

---

| | | |
|:---|:---|:---|
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Signature | &nbsp;&nbsp;Title | &nbsp;&nbsp;Date |
| &nbsp;&nbsp; <br>/s/ Michael F. Petrie |  |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Michael F. Petrie | &nbsp;&nbsp;Director (Chairman); Chief Executive Officer<br>(Principal Executive Officer) | &nbsp;&nbsp; February 27, 2026 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;/s/ Sean A. Sievers |  |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Sean A. Sievers | &nbsp;&nbsp;Chief Financial Officer <br>(Principal Financial and Accounting Officer) | &nbsp;&nbsp;February 27, 2026 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;<br>/s/ Randall D. Rogers |  |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Randall D. Rogers | &nbsp;&nbsp;Director | &nbsp;&nbsp;February 27, 2026 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;<br>/s/ Michael J. Dunlap |  |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Michael J. Dunlap | &nbsp;&nbsp;Director | &nbsp;&nbsp;February 27, 2026 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;<br>/s/ Scott A. Evans |  |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Scott A. Evans | &nbsp;&nbsp;Director | &nbsp;&nbsp;February 27, 2026 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;<br>/s/ Sue Anne Gilroy |  |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Sue Anne Gilroy | &nbsp;&nbsp;Director | &nbsp;&nbsp;February 27, 2026 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;<br>/s/ Andrew A. Juster |  |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Andrew A. Juster | &nbsp;&nbsp;Director | &nbsp;&nbsp;February 27, 2026 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;/s/ Patrick D. O'Brien |  |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Patrick D. O'Brien | &nbsp;&nbsp;Director | &nbsp;&nbsp;February 27, 2026 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;<br>/s/ Anne E. Sellers |  |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Anne E. Sellers | &nbsp;&nbsp;Director | &nbsp;&nbsp;February 27, 2026 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;<br>/s/ David N. Shane |  |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;David N. Shane | &nbsp;&nbsp;Director | &nbsp;&nbsp;February 27, 2026 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;<br>/s/ Tamika D. Catchings |  |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Tamika D. Catchings | &nbsp;&nbsp;Director | &nbsp;&nbsp;February 27, 2026 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;<br>/s/ Thomas W. Dinwiddie |  |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Thomas W. Dinwiddie | &nbsp;&nbsp;Director | &nbsp;&nbsp;February 27, 2026 |

---

## Ex-21

---

| | |
|:---|:---|
| &nbsp;&nbsp;**Exhibit 21**<br>**List of Subsidiaries of Merchants Bancorp**<br>**As of December 31, 2025** | &nbsp;&nbsp;**Exhibit 21**<br>**List of Subsidiaries of Merchants Bancorp**<br>**As of December 31, 2025** |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Subsidiary | &nbsp;&nbsp;Organized Under the Laws of: |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Merchants Investment Partners, LLC | &nbsp;&nbsp;Delaware |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Merchants Capital 2021-FLI GP, LLC | &nbsp;&nbsp;Indiana |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Merchants Capital 2021-FLI LP, LLC | &nbsp;&nbsp;Indiana |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Merchants Bank of Indiana (also d/b/a Merchants Mortgage) | &nbsp;&nbsp;Indiana |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;-MBI Midtown West, LLC | &nbsp;&nbsp;Indiana |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;-MBI Midtown West II, LLC | &nbsp;&nbsp;Indiana |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;-MBI Michigan 441, LLC | &nbsp;&nbsp;Indiana |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;-OneTrust Funding, Inc. | &nbsp;&nbsp;Indiana |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;-Ash Realty Holdings, LLC | &nbsp;&nbsp;Indiana |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;-CMG Funding, LLC | &nbsp;&nbsp;Indiana |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;-MCI PCR NMTC, LLC | &nbsp;&nbsp;Indiana |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;-Merchants Capital Corp | &nbsp;&nbsp;Indiana |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;--Merchants Capital Servicing, LLC | &nbsp;&nbsp;Delaware |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;--RMF Holdings, LLC | &nbsp;&nbsp;Indiana |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;--Merchants Healthcare Fund I GP, LLC | &nbsp;&nbsp;Indiana |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;--Merchants Healthcare Fund I Offshore GP, LLC | &nbsp;&nbsp;Delaware |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;--Merchants Capital Investments, LLC | &nbsp;&nbsp;Indiana |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;--MCI MTE GP, LLC | &nbsp;&nbsp;Indiana |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;--MCI SLP, LLC  | &nbsp;&nbsp;Indiana |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;--MCI Social Impact GP, LLC  | &nbsp;&nbsp;Indiana |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;--MCI GP, LLC  | &nbsp;&nbsp;Indiana |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;--MCI Fund IV GP, LLC | &nbsp;&nbsp;Indiana |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;--MCI Fund V GP, LLC | &nbsp;&nbsp;Indiana |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;--MCI Fund VI GP, LLC<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;--MCI Fund VII GP, LLC<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;--MCI Fund VIII GP, LLC<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;--MCI Fund IX GP, LLC<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;--MCI Fund X GP, LLC | &nbsp;&nbsp;Indiana<br>Indiana<br>Indiana<br>Indiana<br>Indiana |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;--MCI Fund 11 Manager, LLC | &nbsp;&nbsp;Indiana |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;--MCI Fund 12 GP, LLC | &nbsp;&nbsp;Indiana |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;--MCI Fund 13 GP, LLC | &nbsp;&nbsp;Indiana |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;--MCI Fund 14 GP, LLC | &nbsp;&nbsp;Indiana |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;--MCI Fund 15 GP, LLC | &nbsp;&nbsp;Indiana |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;--MCI Fund 16 Manager, LLC | &nbsp;&nbsp;Indiana |

---

------

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

---

| | |
|:---|:---|
| &nbsp;&nbsp;--MCI Fund 18 GP, LLC | &nbsp;&nbsp;Indiana |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;--MCI Fund 19 GP, LLC | &nbsp;&nbsp;Indiana |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;--MCI Fund 20 Manager, LLC | &nbsp;&nbsp;Indiana |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;--MCI Fund 21 Manager, LLC | &nbsp;&nbsp;Indiana |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;--MCI Fund 22 GP, LLC | &nbsp;&nbsp;Indiana |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;--MCI Fund 23 GP, LLC | &nbsp;&nbsp;Indiana |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;--MCI Fund 24 GP, LLC | &nbsp;&nbsp;Indiana |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;--MCI Fund 25 Manager, LLC | &nbsp;&nbsp;Indiana |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;--MCI Fund 26 GP, LLC | &nbsp;&nbsp;Indiana |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;--MCI Fund 27 GP, LLC | &nbsp;&nbsp;Indiana |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;--MCI Fund 30 GP, LLC | &nbsp;&nbsp;Indiana |

---

------

## Ex-23

**Exhibit 23**

**Consent of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm**

We consent to the incorporation by reference in the Registration Statements on Form S-3 (File No. 333-287555) and Form S-8 (File No. 333-222191) of Merchants Bancorp of our reports dated February 27, 2026, with respect to the consolidated financial statements of Merchants Bancorp and the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting, included in this Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2025.

/s/ Forvis Mazars, LLP

**Forvis Mazars, LLP**

Indianapolis, Indiana

February 27, 2026

------

## Exhibit 31.1

**Exhibit 31.1**

**Certification of the PRINCIPAL EXECUTIVE Officer**

**Pursuant to Section 302 of the sarbanes-oxley act of 2002**

I, Michael F. Petrie, certify that:

1. I have reviewed this annual report on Form 10-K of Merchants Bancorp;

2. Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report;

3. Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this report;

4. The registrant's other certifying officer and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)) for the registrant and have:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(a)Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(b)Designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to be designed under our supervision, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(c)Evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant's disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(d)Disclosed in this report any change in the registrant's internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the registrant's most recent fiscal quarter (the registrant's fourth fiscal quarter in the case of an annual report) that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant's internal control over financial reporting; and

------

**Certification of the PRINCIPAL EXECUTIVE Officer**

**Pursuant to Section 302 of the sarbanes-oxley act of 2002**

5. The registrant's other certifying officer and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the registrant's auditors and the audit committee of the registrant's board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions):

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(a)All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrant's ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(b)Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant's internal control over financial reporting.

---

| | |
|:---|:---|
| Date: February 27, 2026 | /s/ Michael F. Petrie |
|  | Michael F. Petrie |
|  | Chief Executive Officer |
|  | (principal executive officer) |

---

------

## Exhibit 31.2

**Exhibit 31.2**

**Certification of the PRINCIPAL FINANCIAL Officer**

**Pursuant to Section 302 of the sarbanes-oxley act of 2002**

I, Sean A. Sievers, certify that:

1. I have reviewed this annual report on Form 10-K of Merchants Bancorp;

2. Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report;

3. Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this report;

4. The registrant's other certifying officer and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)) for the registrant and have:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(a)Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(b)Designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to be designed under our supervision, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(c)Evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant's disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(d)Disclosed in this report any change in the registrant's internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the registrant's most recent fiscal quarter (the registrant's fourth fiscal quarter in the case of an annual report) that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant's internal control over financial reporting; and

------

**Certification of the PRINCIPAL FINANCIAL Officer**

**Pursuant to Section 302 of the sarbanes-oxley act of 2002**

5. The registrant's other certifying officer and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the registrant's auditors and the audit committee of the registrant's board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions):

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(a)All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrant's ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(b)Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant's internal control over financial reporting.

---

| | |
|:---|:---|
| Date: February 27, 2026 | /s/ Sean A. Sievers |
|  | Sean A. Sievers |
|  | Chief Financial Officer |
|  | (principal financial officer) |

---

------

## Ex-32

**Exhibit 32**

**CERTIFICATION PURSUANT TO**

**18 U.S.C. SECTION 1350, AS ADOPTED PURSUANT TO**

**SECTION 906 OF THE SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002** 

In connection with the annual report on Form 10-K of Merchants Bancorp (the "Registrant") for the year ending December 31, 2025 as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on the date hereof (the "Report"), Michael F. Petrie, as Chief Executive Officer of the Registrant, and Sean A. Sievers, as Chief Financial Officer of the Registrant, each herby certifies, pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, that:

(1)&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The Report fully complies with the requirements of Sections 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934; and

(2)&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The information contained in the Report fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and results of operations of the Registrant.

---

| | |
|:---|:---|
| February 27, 2026 | /s/Michael F. Petrie |
| Date | Michael F. Petrie |
|  | Chief Executive Officer |
| February 27, 2026 | /s/Sean A. Sievers |
| Date | Sean A. Sievers |
|  | Chief Financial Officer |

---

This certification accompanies the Report and shall not be deemed "filed" for purposes of Section 18 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, or otherwise subject to the liability of that Section.

A signed original of this written statement required by Section 906 has been provided to, and will be retained by, the Registrant and furnished to the Securities and Exchange Commission or its staff upon request.

------