FIRST BANCORP /NC/

Previous wording

In addition to other information contained in this Report that may affect us, the risk factors described below, as well as any cautionary language in this Report, provide examples of risks, uncertainties, and events that could have a material adverse effect on our business, including our operating results and financial condition. In addition to the risks and uncertainties described below, other risks and uncertainties not currently known to us, or that we currently deem to be immaterial, also may materially or adversely affect our business, financial condition, and results of operations. The value or market price of our common stock could decline due to any of these identified or other unidentified risks.

Current wording

In addition to other information contained in this Report that may affect us, the risk factors summarized below, as well as any cautionary language in this Report, provide examples of the most significant risks, uncertainties, and events that could have a material adverse effect on our business, including our operating results and financial condition. In addition to the risks and uncertainties described below, other risks and uncertainties not currently known to us, or that we currently deem to be immaterial, also may materially or adversely affect our business, financial condition, and results of operations. The value or market price of our common stock could decline due to any of these identified or other unidentified risks.

Previous wording

Our success is impacted, to a certain extent by global, domestic and local economic and political conditions, as well as governmental monetary policies. More specifically, the local economic conditions of the Carolinas and the specific markets in which we operate have a significant impact on the demand for our products and services, as well as the ability of our customers to repay loans to us. Conditions such as changes in interest rates, money supply, levels of employment and other factors beyond our control may have a negative impact on economic activity. A deterioration in economic conditions, including an economic recession, may adversely affect our asset quality, deposit levels and loan demand and, therefore, our earnings. In particular, interest rates are highly sensitive to many factors that are beyond our control, including global, domestic and local economic conditions and the policies of various governmental and regulatory agencies and, specifically, the Federal Reserve. Throughout 2022 and 2023, the FOMC raised the target range for the federal funds rate on eleven separate occasions. Beginning in September 2024, the FOMC began to lower the target range for the federal funds rate. As of December 31, 2024, the target range was 4.25% to 4.50%. In January 2025, the FOMC maintained the target range for the federal funds rate. Although economic forecasts vary, the FOMC has indicated an expectation of two 25 basis point rate cuts during 2025. Some economists are projecting that, due to changes in fiscal and economic policies, including tariffs, US economic activity may slow or decrease in 2025. Economic weakness or persistent inflation could lead to decreased business and consumer confidence and weaker-than-anticipated spending, thereby leading to possible adverse impacts to our business including asset quality, deposit levels, loan demand and results of operations.

Current wording

Our success is impacted, to a certain extent by global, domestic and local economic and political conditions, as well as governmental monetary policies. More specifically, the local economic conditions of the Carolinas and the specific markets in which we operate have a significant impact on the demand for our products and services, as well as the ability of our customers to repay loans to us. Conditions such as changes in interest rates, money supply, levels of employment and other factors beyond our control may have a negative impact on economic activity. A deterioration in economic conditions, including an economic recession, may adversely affect our asset quality, deposit levels and loan demand and, therefore, our earnings. In particular, interest rates are highly sensitive to many factors that are beyond our control, including global, domestic and local economic conditions and the policies of various governmental and regulatory agencies and, specifically, the Federal Reserve. Throughout 2022 and 2023, the FOMC raised the target range for the federal funds rate. During 2024 and 2025, the FOMC lowered the target range for the federal funds rate. As of December 31, 2025, the target range was 3.50% to 3.75%. Although economic forecasts vary, the FOMC has indicated an expectation of one 25 basis point rate cut during 2026. Economic forecasts include a mix of positive and negative factors concerning unemployment, inflation, real estate values and other components. Economic weakness, increased unemployment, or persistent inflation could lead to decreased business and consumer confidence and weaker-than-anticipated spending, thereby leading to possible adverse impacts to our business including asset quality, deposit levels, loan demand and results of operations.

Previous wording

We also face credit risk arising from economic and geopolitical conditions, among other forms of risk. As we have a significant amount of real estate loans, decreases in real estate values could adversely affect the value of property used as collateral, which, in turn, can adversely affect the value of our loan and investment portfolios. CRE values continue to fluctuate and the outlook for CRE remains dependent on the broader economic environment and, specifically, how major subsectors respond to ongoing economic and behavioral developments. Some economic indicators suggest that CRE prices remain high relative to fundamentals and US market delinquency rates are elevated. Credit performance over is susceptible to economic and market forces. Instability and uncertainty in the commercial and residential real estate markets, as well as in the broader commercial and retail credit markets, could have a material adverse effect on our financial condition and results of operations. Additionally, inflation risk can have an adverse impact on our customers ability to repay their loans. Our customers may be affected by inflation pressures and the rising costs of goods and services used in their households and businesses, which could have a negative impact on their cash flows and their ability to repay their loans to us.

Current wording

We also face credit risk arising from economic and geopolitical conditions, among other forms of risk, that our customers will not repay their loans. As we have a significant amount of real estate loans, decreases in real estate values could adversely affect the value of property used as collateral, which, in turn, can adversely affect the value of our loan and investment portfolios. CRE values continue to fluctuate and the outlook for CRE remains dependent on the broader economic environment and, specifically, how major subsectors respond to ongoing economic and behavioral developments. Some economic indicators suggest that CRE prices remain high relative to fundamentals and US market delinquency rates are elevated. Credit performance is susceptible to economic and market forces. Instability and uncertainty in the commercial and residential real estate markets, as well as in the broader commercial and retail credit markets, could have a material adverse effect on our financial condition and results of operations. Additionally, inflation risk can have an adverse impact on our customers ability to repay their loans. Our customers may be affected by inflation pressures and the rising costs of goods and services used in their households and businesses, which could have a negative impact on their cash flows and their ability to repay their loans to us.

Previous wording

We offer a variety of loan products, including residential mortgage, consumer, construction, and commercial loans, with a majority of our portfolio consisting of commercial and industrial loans and commercial loans secured by commercial real estate. Most of our commercial business and commercial real estate loans are made to small business or middle-market customers. These businesses generally have fewer financial resources in terms of capital or borrowing capacity than larger entities and have a heightened vulnerability to economic conditions. Additionally, these loans may increase concentration risk as to industry or collateral securing our loans. Future growth or acquisitions of banks with a portfolio composition different from ours could cause our portfolio mix to change.

Current wording

We offer a variety of loan products, including residential mortgage, consumer, construction, and commercial loans, with a majority of our portfolio consisting of commercial and industrial loans and commercial loans secured by commercial real estate. Most of our commercial business and CRE loans are made to small business or middle-market customers. These businesses generally have fewer financial resources in terms of capital or borrowing capacity than larger entities and have a heightened vulnerability to economic conditions. Additionally, these loans may increase concentration risk as to industry or collateral securing our loans. Future growth or acquisitions of banks with a portfolio composition different from ours could cause our portfolio mix to change.

Previous wording

Lending generally involves various degrees of risk pending on the facts and circumstances of the loan and borrower. If general economic conditions in the market areas in which we operate negatively impact this customer sector, our results of operations and financial condition may be adversely affected. Further, the deterioration of borrowers' businesses may hinder their ability to repay their loans with the Company, which could have a material adverse effect on our financial condition and results of operations. Risk of loan defaults is unavoidable in the banking industry. We attempt to limit exposure to this risk by monitoring carefully the amount of loans in specific industries and by exercising prudent lending practices. However, the risk that substantial credit losses could result in reduced earnings or losses cannot be eliminated.

Current wording

Lending generally involves various degrees of risk depending on the facts and circumstances of the loan and borrower. If general economic conditions in the market areas in which we operate negatively impact our customers, our results of operations and financial condition may be adversely affected. Further, the deterioration of borrowers' businesses (from a variety of factors including, but not limited to: tariff impact, government policy change, change in end customer behavior, etc.) may hinder their ability to repay their loans with the Company, which could have a material adverse effect on our financial condition and results of operations. Risk of loan defaults is unavoidable in the banking industry. We attempt to limit exposure to this risk by monitoring carefully the amount of loans in specific industries and by exercising prudent lending practices. However, the risk that substantial credit losses could result in reduced earnings or losses cannot be eliminated.

Previous wording

CECL requires that credit deterioration is reflected in the income statement in the period of origination or acquisition of a loan, with changes in expected credit losses due to further credit deterioration or improvement reflected in the periods in which the expectation changes. CECL also requires significant management judgment that is supported by models, assumptions, and data elements which may be subjective in nature or, as in the case of macroeconomic forecasts, be volatile from period to period. These factors involve model risk and are complex and could impact the Company's results of operations and capital levels, particularly in times of economic uncertainty or other unforeseen circumstances.

Current wording

CECL requires that estimated credit losses are reflected in the income statement in the period of origination or acquisition of a loan, with changes in expected credit losses due to further credit deterioration or improvement reflected in the periods in which the expectation changes. CECL also requires significant management judgment that is supported by models, assumptions, and data elements which may be subjective in nature or, as in the case of macroeconomic forecasts, be volatile from period to period. These factors involve model risk and are complex and could impact the Company's results of operations and capital levels, particularly in times of economic uncertainty or other unforeseen circumstances.

Previous wording

Interest rates are highly sensitive to many factors that are beyond our control, including general economic conditions and policies of various governmental and regulatory agencies and, in particular, the Federal Reserve. Changes in monetary policy, including changes in interest rates, influence not only the interest we receive on loans and investments and the amount of interest we pay on deposits and borrowings, but such changes could also affect (i) our ability to originate loans and obtain deposits; (ii) the fair value of our financial assets and liabilities; and (iii) the average duration of our mortgage portfolio and other interest-earning assets. In January 2022, due to elevated levels of inflation and corresponding pressure to raise interest rates, the Federal Reserve announced after several periods of historically low federal funds rates and yields on Treasury notes that it would be slowing the pace of its bond purchasing and increasing the target range for the federal funds rate over time. Therefore, the FOMC increased the target range eleven times throughout 2022 and 2023. In the latter months of 2024, due to lower, more consistent inflation levels, the Federal Reserve lowered its federal funds target rate by 100 basis points. As of

Current wording

Interest rates are highly sensitive to many factors that are beyond our control, including general economic conditions and policies of various governmental and regulatory agencies and, in particular, the Federal Reserve. Changes in monetary policy, including changes in interest rates, influence not only the interest we receive on loans and investments and the amount of interest we pay on deposits and borrowings, but such changes could also affect (i) our ability to originate loans and obtain deposits; (ii) the fair value of our financial assets and liabilities; and (iii) the average duration of our mortgage portfolio and other interest-earning assets. Throughout 2022 and 2023, the FOMC raised the target range for the federal funds rate. During 2024 and 2025, the FOMC lowered the target range for the federal funds rate. As of December 31, 2025, the target range was 3.50% to 3.75%. It remains uncertain whether then FOMC will further decrease the federal funds rate to attain a monetary policy appropriate to keep inflation at normalized levels, leave the rate at its current level for a lengthy period of time or if it will instead increase the target range. Additionally, other interest rates may not move in a consistent manner with the federal funds rate.

Previous wording

Cybersecurity incidents or other disruptions of communications or information systems could disrupt business operations, result in the loss of critical and confidential information, and adversely impact our reputation and results of operations.

Current wording

A failure in or breach of our operational or security systems, or those of our vendors, could disrupt business operations, result in the loss of critical and confidential information, and adversely impact our reputation and results of operations.

Previous wording

We rely heavily on communications and information systems to conduct our business. Our daily operations depend on the operational effectiveness of our technology. Any failure, interruption, or breach in security of our computer systems or outside vendor technology could result in failures or disruptions in general ledger, deposit, loan, customer relationship management, and other systems leading to inaccurate financial records. While we have disaster recovery and other policies and procedures designed to prevent or limit the effect of any failure, interruption, or security breach of our information systems, there can be no assurance that any such failures, interruptions, or security breaches will not occur or, if they do occur, that they will be adequately addressed. The occurrence of any failures, interruptions, or security breaches of our information systems could damage our reputation, result in a loss of customer business, subject us to additional regulatory scrutiny, or expose us to civil litigation and possible financial liability, any of which could have a material adverse effect on our results of operations.

Current wording

As a financial institution, our operations rely heavily on the secure data processing, storage and transmission of confidential and other information to conduct our business. Our daily operations depend on the operational effectiveness of our technology. Any failure, interruption, or breach in security of our computer systems or outside vendor technology could result in failures or disruptions in general ledger, deposit, loan, customer relationship management, and other systems leading to inaccurate financial records. While we have disaster recovery and other policies and procedures designed to prevent or limit the effect of any failure, interruption, or security breach of our information systems, there can be no assurance that any such failures, interruptions, or security breaches will not occur or, if they do occur, that they will be adequately addressed. The occurrence of any failures, interruptions, or security breaches of our information systems could damage our reputation, result in a loss of customer business, subject us to additional regulatory scrutiny, or expose us to civil litigation and possible financial liability, any of which could have a material adverse effect on our results of operations.

Previous wording

We are reliant upon certain external vendors to provide products and services necessary to maintain our day-to-day operations. We outsource the processing of our core data system, as well as other systems such as online banking, to third party vendors. Accordingly, our operations are exposed to risk that these vendors will not perform in accordance with applicable contractual arrangements or service level agreements. We maintain a system of policies and procedures designed to monitor vendor risks including, among other things, changes in the vendor’s organizational structure, financial condition, and support for existing products and services. While we believe these policies and procedures help to mitigate risk, and our vendors are not the sole source of service, the failure of an external vendor to perform in accordance with applicable contractual arrangements or the service level agreements could be disruptive to our operations, which could have a material adverse impact on our business and its financial condition and results of operations. Additionally, if our third party vendors encounter difficulties or if we have difficulty in communicating with such third party, it will significantly affect our ability to adequately process and account for customer transactions, which would significantly affect our business operations.

Current wording

We are reliant upon certain external vendors to provide products and services necessary to facilitate our day-to-day operations, including core data processing and other systems such as online banking. Accordingly, our operations are exposed to risk that these vendors will not perform in accordance with applicable contractual arrangements or service level agreements. Our vendors could also be the source of an attack on, or breach of, our operational systems. Any failures, interruptions, or security breaches, or any perception that our security measures are deficient, could negatively impact our operations. We maintain a system of policies and procedures designed to monitor vendor risks including, among other things, changes in the vendor’s organizational structure, financial condition, and support for existing products and services. While we believe these policies and procedures help to mitigate risk, and our vendors are not the sole source of service, the failure of an external vendor to perform in accordance with applicable contractual arrangements or the service level agreements could be disruptive to our operations, which could have a material adverse impact on our business and its financial condition and results of operations. Additionally, if our third party vendors encounter difficulties or if we have difficulty in communicating with such third parties, it will significantly affect our ability to adequately process and account for customer transactions, which would significantly affect our business operations, damage our reputation, result in a loss of customer business, result in a violation of privacy or other laws, and expose us to civil litigation, enforcement actions by governmental agencies, regulatory fine or other damages or losses, including those not covered by insurance.

Previous wording

The Bank is subject to extensive regulation and supervision by the Commissioner and the Federal Reserve. This regulation and supervision is intended primarily to enhance the safe and sound operation of the Bank and for the protection of the DIF and our depositors and borrowers, rather than for holders of our equity securities and creditors. In the past, our business has been materially affected by these regulations. This trend is likely to continue in the future.

Current wording

The Bank is subject to extensive regulation, examination, and supervision by various federal and state regulatory agencies, including the Commissioner and the Federal Reserve. This regulation, examination, and supervision is intended primarily to enhance the safe and sound operation of the Bank and for the protection of the DIF and our depositors and borrowers, rather than for holders of our equity securities and creditors. In the past, our business has been materially affected by these regulations and our compliance with these regulations is costly. Should we fail to comply with our regulatory requirements, federal and state regulators could impose restrictions on our activities, which could materially and adversely affect our operations and financial condition. This trend is likely to continue in the future.

Previous wording

Regulatory authorities have extensive discretion in their supervisory and enforcement activities, including the imposition of restrictions on operations, the classification of our assets, and the determination of the level of ACL. Changes in the regulations that apply to us, or changes in our compliance with regulations, could have a material impact on our operations.

Current wording

Laws and regulations applicable to the banking industry change frequently and may continue to change, and we cannot predict the effects of any such changes. Regulatory authorities have extensive discretion in their supervisory and enforcement activities, including the imposition of restrictions on operations, the classification of our assets, and the determination of the level of ACL. Changes in the regulations that apply to us, or changes in our compliance with regulations, could have a material impact on our operations.

Previous wording

Technology and other changes are allowing parties to complete financial transactions through alternative methods that historically have involved banks. For example, consumers can now maintain funds that would have historically been held as bank deposits in brokerage accounts, mutual funds, or general-purpose reloadable prepaid cards. Consumers can also complete transactions such as paying bills and/or transferring funds directly without the assistance of banks. The process of eliminating banks as intermediaries, known as “disintermediation,” could result in the loss of fee income, as well as the loss of customer deposits and the related income generated from those deposits. The loss of these revenue streams and the lower cost of deposits as a source of funds could have a material adverse effect on our financial condition and results of operations.

Current wording

Consumers can also complete transactions such as paying bills and/or transferring funds directly without the assistance of banks. The process of eliminating banks as intermediaries, known as “disintermediation,” could result in the loss of fee income, as well as the loss of customer deposits and the related income generated from those deposits. To the extent that other banks offer products or services that facilitate the minting or issuance of stablecoins backed by customer deposits, customers may convert bank deposits into stablecoins, which could accelerate deposit outflows, increase deposit volatility and heighten liquidity risk, particularly during periods of market stress. The loss of these revenue streams and the lower cost of deposits as a source of funds could have a material adverse effect on our financial condition and results of operations.

Previous wording

Additionally, we face substantial competition in all areas of our operations from a variety of different competitors, both within and beyond our principal markets, many of which are larger and may have more financial resources. Such competitors primarily include national, regional, and internet banks within the various markets in which we operate. We also face competition from many other types of financial institutions, including, without limitation, thrifts, credit unions, finance companies, brokerage firms, insurance companies, and other financial intermediaries, such as online lenders and banks.

Current wording

Additionally, we face substantial competition in all areas of our operations from a variety of different competitors, both within and beyond our principal markets, many of which are larger and may have more financial resources. Such competitors primarily include national, regional, and online banks within the various markets in which we operate. We also face competition from many other types of financial institutions, including, without limitation, thrifts, credit unions, finance companies, brokerage firms, insurance companies, and other financial intermediaries, such as online lenders and banks.

Previous wording

As customer preferences and expectations continue to evolve, technology has lowered barriers to entry and made it possible for non-banks to offer products and services traditionally provided by banks, such as automatic transfer and automatic payment systems. Banks, securities firms, and insurance companies can merge under the umbrella of a financial holding company, which can offer virtually any type of financial service, including banking, securities underwriting, insurance (both agency and underwriting), and merchant banking. Many of our competitors have fewer regulatory constraints and may have lower cost structures. Additionally, due to their size, many competitors may be able to achieve economies of scale and, as a result, may offer a broader range of products and services as well as better pricing for those products and services than we can.

Current wording

As customer preferences and expectations continue to evolve, technology has lowered barriers to entry and made it possible for non-banks to offer products and services traditionally provided by banks, such as automatic transfer and automatic payment systems. Banks, securities firms, and insurance companies can merge under the umbrella of a financial holding company, which can offer virtually any type of financial service, including banking, securities underwriting, insurance (both agency and underwriting), and merchant banking. Many of our non-bank competitors have fewer regulatory constraints and may have lower cost structures. Additionally, due to their size, many competitors may be able to achieve economies of scale and, as a result, may offer a broader range of products and services as well as better pricing for those products and services than we can.

Previous wording

•the ability to develop, maintain, and build upon long-term customer relationships based on top quality service, high ethical standards, and safe, sound assets;

Current wording

•our ability to develop, maintain, and build upon long-term customer relationships based on top quality service, high ethical standards, and safe, sound assets;

Previous wording

•the ability to expand our market position;

Current wording

•our ability to expand our market position;

Previous wording

•industry and general economic trends.

Current wording

•industry and general economic trends; and

Previous wording

Failure to keep pace with technological change could adversely affect our business.

Current wording

•the ability to keep pace with technological change and to invest in technological improvements to meet customer demand and create operational efficiencies.

Previous wording

We may be adversely affected by risks associated with potential and completed acquisitions.

Current wording

We may be adversely affected by risks associated with potential or completed acquisitions.

Previous wording

•Acquisitions may also be subject to various regulatory approvals. If we fail to receive the appropriate regulatory approvals, we will not be able to consummate acquisitions that we believe are in our best interests;

Current wording

•Acquisitions typically are subject to various regulatory approvals. If we fail to receive the appropriate regulatory approvals, we will not be able to consummate acquisitions that we believe are in our best interests;

Previous wording

•Payment of a premium over book and market values that may dilute our tangible book value and earnings per share in the short and long term;

Current wording

•Payment of a premium over tangible book and market values that may dilute our tangible book value and earnings per share in the short and long term;

Previous wording

•Potential exposure to unknown or contingent liabilities of the target company, including, without limitation, liabilities for regulatory and compliance issues;

Current wording

•Potential exposure to unknown or contingent liabilities of the target company, including, without limitation, liabilities for regulatory and compliance issues and from potential litigation;

Previous wording

Subject to applicable NASDAQ rules, our Board generally has the authority, without action by or vote of the shareholders, to issue all or part of any authorized but unissued shares of stock for any corporate purpose, including issuances of equity-based incentives under or outside of our equity compensation plans, issuances of equity in business combination transactions, and issuances of equity to raise additional capital to support growth or to otherwise strengthen our balance sheet. Any issuance of additional shares of stock or equity derivative securities will dilute the percentage ownership interest of our shareholders and may dilute the book value per share of our common stock.

Current wording

Subject to applicable NASDAQ rules, our Board generally has the authority, without action by or vote of the shareholders, to issue all or part of any authorized but unissued shares of stock for any corporate purpose, including issuances of equity-based incentives under or outside of our Capital compensation plans, issuances of equity in business combination transactions, and issuances of equity to raise additional capital to support growth or to otherwise strengthen our balance sheet. Any issuance of additional shares of stock or equity derivative securities will dilute the percentage ownership interest of our shareholders and may dilute the tangible book value per share of our common stock.