SOUTH PLAINS FINANCIAL, INC.

Previous wording

Our business and operations, which primarily consist of lending money to customers in the form of loans, borrowing money from customers in the form of deposits and investing in securities, are sensitive to general business and economic conditions in the U.S. Uncertainty about the federal fiscal policymaking process, and the medium and long-term fiscal outlook of the federal government and U.S. economy, is a concern for businesses, consumers and investors in the U.S. Our business is also significantly affected by monetary and related policies of the U.S. government and its agencies. In 2022 and 2023, the Federal Open Market Committee (“FOMC”) of the Federal Reserve repeatedly raised their target benchmark interest rate in response to the ongoing inflationary environment in the United States, resulting in subsequent prime rate increases of 525 basis points between March of 2022 and July of 2023. While the target benchmark rate and the prime rate were decreased by 75 basis points in 2024, sustained levels or future increases in market interest rates may have an adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations as it could reduce the demand for loans and affect the ability of our borrowers to repay their indebtedness subjecting us to potential credit losses. Changes in any of these policies are beyond our control. Adverse economic conditions and government policy responses to such conditions could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, results of operations and prospects. All of these factors are detrimental to our business, and the interplay between these factors can be complex and unpredictable.

Current wording

Our business and operations, which primarily consist of lending money to customers in the form of loans, borrowing money from customers in the form of deposits and investing in securities, are sensitive to general business and economic conditions in the U.S. Uncertainty about the federal fiscal policymaking process, and the medium and long-term fiscal outlook of the federal government and U.S. economy, is a concern for businesses, consumers and investors in the U.S. Our business is also significantly affected by monetary and related policies of the U.S. government and its agencies. In 2022 and 2023, the Federal Open Market Committee (“FOMC”) of the Federal Reserve repeatedly raised their target benchmark interest rate in response to the ongoing inflationary environment in the United States, resulting in subsequent prime rate increases of 525 basis points between March of 2022 and July of 2023. While the FOMC target benchmark rate and the prime rate were decreased by 100 basis points in 2024 and another 75 basis points in 2025, sustained levels or future increases in market interest rates may have an adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations as it could reduce the demand for loans and affect the ability of our borrowers to repay their indebtedness subjecting us to potential credit losses. Changes in any of these policies are beyond our control. Adverse economic conditions and government policy responses to such conditions could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, results of operations and prospects. All of these factors are detrimental to our business, and the interplay between these factors can be complex and unpredictable.

Previous wording

In addition, the inflationary outlook in the United States remains uncertain. Inflationary pressures remain atrelatively elevated anda persistent inflationary environment could result in sustained higher interest rates for a prolonged period of time, which may expose the Company to interest rate risk. In addition, higher interest rates could slow economic growth and lead to a recessionary environment, which could negatively impact the Company’s growth, credit quality, net interest margin and its financial results. The risks to our business from inflation depends on the durability of the current inflationary pressures in our markets. Transitory increases in inflation are unlikely to have a material impact on our business or earnings. However, more persistent inflation could lead to tighter-than-expected monetary policy which could, in turn, increase the borrowings costs of our customers, making it more difficult for them to repay their loans or other obligations. Higher interest rates may be needed to tame persistent inflationary price pressures, which could also push down asset prices and weaken economic activity. A deterioration in economic conditions in the United States and our markets could result in an increase in loan delinquencies and non-performing assets, decreases in loan collateral values and a decrease in demand for our products and services, all of which, in turn, would adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations.

Current wording

In addition, the inflationary outlook in the United States remains uncertain. Inflationary pressures remain at relatively elevated and a persistent inflationary environment could result in sustained higher interest rates for a prolonged period of time, which may expose the Company to interest rate risk. In addition, higher interest rates could slow economic growth and lead to a recessionary environment, which could negatively impact the Company’s growth, credit quality, net interest margin and its financial results. The risks to our business from inflation depends on the durability of the current inflationary pressures in our markets. Transitory increases in inflation are unlikely to have a material impact on our business or earnings. However, more persistent inflation could lead to tighter-than-expected monetary policy which could, in turn, increase the borrowings costs of our customers, making it more difficult for them to repay their loans or other obligations. Higher interest rates may be needed to tame persistent inflationary price pressures, which could also push down asset prices and weaken economic activity. A deterioration in economic conditions in the United States and our markets could result in an increase in loan delinquencies and non-performing assets, decreases in loan collateral values and a decrease in demand for our products and services, all of which, in turn, would adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations.

Previous wording

As of December 31, 2024, approximately 73.7% of our loan portfolio was comprised of loans with real estate as a primary component of collateral. Adverse developments affecting real estate values, particularly in our markets, could increase the credit risk associated with our real estate loan portfolio. Negative changes in the economy affecting real estate values and liquidity in our market areas could 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. Collateral may have to be sold for less than the outstanding balance of the loan, which could result in losses on such loans. Such declines and losses could have a material adverse impact on our business, results of operations and growth prospects. If real estate values decline, it is also more likely that we would be required to increase our allowance for credit losses, which could adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations.

Current wording

As of December 31, 2025, approximately 71.6% of our loan portfolio was comprised of loans with real estate as a primary component of collateral. Adverse developments affecting real estate values, particularly in our markets, could increase the credit risk associated with our real estate loan portfolio. Negative changes in the economy affecting real estate values and liquidity in our market areas could 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. Collateral may have to be sold for less than the outstanding balance of the loan, which could result in losses on such loans. Such declines and losses could have a material adverse impact on our business, results of operations and growth prospects. If real estate values decline, it is also more likely that we would be required to increase our allowance for credit losses, which could adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations.

Previous wording

Our loan portfolio includes non-owner-occupied commercial real estate loans for individuals and businesses for various purposes, which are secured by commercial properties, as well as real estate construction and development loans. As of December 31, 2024, our non-owner-occupied commercial real estate loans totaled approximately 40.1% of our total loan portfolio. These loans typically involve repayment dependent upon income generated, or expected to be generated, by the property securing the loan in amounts sufficient to cover operating expenses and debt service, which may be adversely affected by changes in the economy or local market conditions. These loans expose us to greater credit risk than loans secured by residential real estate because the collateral securing these loans typically cannot be liquidated as easily as residential real estate because there are fewer potential purchasers of the collateral. Additionally, non-owner-occupied commercial real estate loans generally involve relatively large balances to single borrowers or related groups of borrowers. Accordingly, charge-offs on non-owner-occupied commercial real estate loans may be larger on a per loan basis than those incurred with our residential or consumer loan portfolios. Unexpected deterioration in the credit quality of our commercial real estate loan portfolio would require us to increase our provision for credit losses, which would reduce our profitability, and could materially adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations.

Current wording

Our loan portfolio includes non-owner-occupied commercial real estate loans for individuals and businesses for various purposes, which are secured by commercial properties, as well as real estate construction and development loans. As of December 31, 2025, our non-owner-occupied commercial real estate loans totaled approximately 37.0% of our total loan portfolio. These loans typically involve repayment dependent upon income generated, or expected to be generated, by the property securing the loan in amounts sufficient to cover operating expenses and debt service, which may be adversely affected by changes in the economy or local market conditions. These loans expose us to greater credit risk than loans secured by residential real estate because the collateral securing these loans typically cannot be liquidated as easily as residential real estate because there are fewer potential purchasers of the collateral. Additionally, non-owner-occupied commercial real estate loans generally involve relatively large balances to single borrowers or related groups of borrowers. Accordingly, charge-offs on non-owner-occupied commercial real estate loans may be larger on a per loan basis than those incurred with our residential or consumer loan portfolios. Unexpected deterioration in the credit quality of our commercial real estate loan portfolio would require us to increase our provision for credit losses, which would reduce our profitability, and could materially adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations.

Previous wording

At December 31, 2024, agricultural loans were approximately 3.1% of our total loan portfolio. Agricultural lending involves a greater degree of risk and typically involves higher principal amounts than many other types of loans. Repayment is dependent upon the successful operation of the business, which is greatly dependent on many things outside the control of either us or the borrowers. These factors include adverse weather conditions that prevent the planting of a crops or limit crop yields (such as hail, drought, fires and floods), loss of livestock due to disease or other factors, declines in market prices for agricultural products (both domestically and internationally) and the impact of government regulations (including changes in price supports, subsidies and environmental regulations). Volatility in commodity prices could adversely impact the ability of borrowers in these industries to perform under the terms of their borrowing arrangements with us, and as a result, a severe and prolonged decline in commodity prices may have a material adverse effect our financial condition and results of operations. It is also difficult to project future commodity prices as they are dependent upon many different factors beyond our control. In addition, many farms are dependent on a limited number of key individuals whose injury or death may significantly affect the successful operation of the farm. Consequently, agricultural loans may involve a greater degree of risk than other types of loans, particularly in the case of loans that are unsecured or secured by rapidly depreciating assets such as farm equipment (some of which is highly specialized with a limited or no market for resale), or assets such as livestock or crops. In such cases, any repossessed collateral for a defaulted agricultural operating loan my not provide an adequate source of repayment of the outstanding loan balance as a result of the greater likelihood of damage, loss or depreciation or because the assessed value of the collateral exceeds the eventual realization value.

Current wording

At December 31, 2025, agricultural loans were approximately 2.4% of our total loan portfolio. Agricultural lending involves a greater degree of risk and typically involves higher principal amounts than many other types of loans. Repayment is dependent upon the successful operation of the business, which is greatly dependent on many things outside the control of either us or the borrowers. These factors include adverse weather conditions that prevent the planting of a crops or limit crop yields (such as hail, drought, fires and floods), loss of livestock due to disease or other factors, declines in market prices for agricultural products (both domestically and internationally) and the impact of government regulations (including changes in price supports, subsidies and environmental regulations). Volatility in commodity prices could adversely impact the ability of borrowers in these industries to perform under the terms of their borrowing arrangements with us, and as a result, a severe and prolonged decline in commodity prices may have a material adverse effect our financial condition and results of operations. It is also difficult to project future commodity prices as they are dependent upon many different factors beyond our control. In addition, many farms are dependent on a limited number of key individuals whose injury or death may significantly affect the successful operation of the farm. Consequently, agricultural loans may involve a greater degree of risk than other types of loans, particularly in the case of loans that are unsecured or secured by rapidly depreciating assets such as farm equipment (some of which is highly specialized with a limited or no market for resale), or assets such as livestock or crops. In such cases, any repossessed collateral for a defaulted agricultural operating loan my not provide an adequate source of repayment of the outstanding loan balance as a result of the greater likelihood of damage, loss or depreciation or because the assessed value of the collateral exceeds the eventual realization value.

Previous wording

Climate change andgovernment action and societal responses may materially affect the Company’s business and results of operations.

Current wording

Climate change and government action and societal responses may materially affect the Company’s business and results of operations.

Previous wording

Moreover, as the effects of climate change continue to create a level of concern for the state of the global environment, companies are facing increasing scrutiny from customers, regulators, investors and other stakeholders related to their environmental, social and governance (“ESG”) practices and disclosure. New government regulations could result in more stringent forms of ESG oversight and reporting and diligence and disclosure requirements. Increased ESG related compliance costs, in turn, could result in increases to our overall operational costs. Conversely, there has been increasing anti-ESG sentiment in the U.S., which has led and is likely to continue to lead to new anti-ESG policies and legislative and regulatory requirements discouraging or preventing ESG-related initiatives. As a result, we may face heightened and potentially conflicting regulatory and legal requirements, as well as reputational scrutiny. Failure to adapt to or comply with regulatory requirements or investor or stakeholder expectations and standards, including with respect to the Company’s involvement in certain industries or projects associated with causing or exacerbating climate change, may negatively affect the Company’s reputation and commercial relationships, which could adversely affect our business.

Current wording

Moreover, as the effects of climate change continue to create a level of concern for the state of the global environment, companies are facing increasing scrutiny from customers, regulators, investors and other stakeholders related to their environmental, social and governance (“ESG”) practices and disclosure. Increased ESG related compliance costs, in turn, could result in increases to our overall operational costs. Conversely, there has been increasing anti-ESG sentiment in the U.S., which has led and is likely to continue to lead to new anti-ESG policies and legislative and regulatory requirements discouraging or preventing ESG-related initiatives. As a result, we may face heightened and potentially conflicting regulatory and legal requirements, as well as reputational scrutiny. Failure to adapt to or comply with regulatory requirements or investor or stakeholder expectations and standards, including with respect to the Company’s involvement in certain industries or projects associated with causing or exacerbating climate change, may negatively affect the Company’s reputation and commercial relationships, which could adversely affect our business.

Previous wording

We have extended significant amounts of credit to a limited number of borrowers. As of December 31, 2024, our 20 largest borrowing relationships ranged from approximately $26.3 million to $53.9 million (including unfunded commitments), totaling approximately 19.4% of our outstanding commitments. If any of these relationships become delinquent or suffer default, we could be exposed to material losses which may have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.

Current wording

We have extended significant amounts of credit to a limited number of borrowers. As of December 31, 2025, our 20 largest borrowing relationships ranged from approximately $26.7 million to $57.5 million (including unfunded commitments), totaling approximately 21.0% of our outstanding commitments. If any of these relationships become delinquent or suffer default, we could be exposed to material losses which may have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.

Previous wording

At December 31, 2024, our 20 largest deposit relationships accounted for approximately 21.7% of our total deposits. Withdrawals of deposits by any one of our largest depositors or by one of our related customer groups could force us to rely more heavily on other potentially more expensive and less stable sources of funding for our business and withdrawal demands, adversely affecting our net interest margin and results of operations. Additionally, such circumstances could require us to raise deposit rates in an attempt to attract new deposits, which could adversely affect our results of operations. Under applicable regulations, if the Bank were no longer “well capitalized,” the Bank would not be able to accept brokered deposits without the approval of the FDIC.

Current wording

At December 31, 2025, our 20 largest deposit relationships accounted for approximately 22.3% of our total deposits. Withdrawals of deposits by any one of our largest depositors or by one of our related customer groups could force us to rely more heavily on other potentially more expensive and less stable sources of funding for our business and withdrawal demands, adversely affecting our net interest margin and results of operations. Additionally, such circumstances could require us to raise deposit rates in an attempt to attract new deposits, which could adversely affect our results of operations. Under applicable regulations, if the Bank were no longer “well capitalized,” the Bank would not be able to accept brokered deposits without the approval of the FDIC.

Previous wording

Mortgage revenues, which are primarily recognized from the sale of mortgage loans in the secondary market, are a source of noninterest income for the Bank and a contributor to the Bank’s net income. Mortgage revenues for the year ended December 31, 2024 were $14.2 million. As market interest rates have increased from the prior low rate environment, there may be fewer opportunities for financial institutions to originate loans to refinance existing mortgages. If mortgage originations continue to decrease, projected mortgage revenues and noninterest income will decrease.

Current wording

Mortgage revenues, which are primarily recognized from the sale of mortgage loans in the secondary market, are a source of noninterest income for the Bank and a contributor to the Bank’s net income. Mortgage revenues for the year ended December 31, 2025 were $10.7 million. As market interest rates have increased from the prior low rate environment, there may be fewer opportunities for financial institutions to originate loans to refinance existing mortgages. If mortgage originations continue to decrease, projected mortgage revenues and noninterest income will decrease.

Previous wording

Changes in interest rates may impact our mortgage servicing revenues, which could negatively impact our noninterest income. When rates rise, net revenue from our mortgage servicing activities can increase due to slower prepayments. When rates fall, the value of our mortgage servicing rights usually tends to decline as a result of a higher volume of prepayments, resulting in a decline in our net revenue. It is possible that, because of economic conditions and/or a weak or deteriorating housing market, even if interest rates were to fall or remain low, mortgage originations may also fall or any increase in mortgage originations may not be enough to offset the decrease in the mortgage servicing rights value caused by the lower rates. Because the value of our mortgage servicing rights is capitalized on our balance sheet and evaluated on a quarterly basis, any significant decline in value could adversely affect our income, our capital ratios or require us to raise additional capital, which may not be available on favorable terms. We had $26.3 million of mortgage servicing rights as of December 31, 2024.

Current wording

Changes in interest rates may impact our mortgage servicing revenues, which could negatively impact our noninterest income. When rates rise, net revenue from our mortgage servicing activities can increase due to slower prepayments. When rates fall, the value of our mortgage servicing rights usually tends to decline as a result of a higher volume of prepayments, resulting in a decline in our net revenue. It is possible that, because of economic conditions and/or a weak or deteriorating housing market, even if interest rates were to fall or remain low, mortgage originations may also fall or any increase in mortgage originations may not be enough to offset the decrease in the mortgage servicing rights value caused by the lower rates. Because the value of our mortgage servicing rights is capitalized on our balance sheet and evaluated on a quarterly basis, any significant decline in value could adversely affect our income, our capital ratios or require us to raise additional capital, which may not be available on favorable terms. We had $24.0 million of mortgage servicing rights as of December 31, 2025.

Previous wording

Reputation risk, or the risk to our business, earnings and capital from negative public opinion is inherent in our business. Negative public opinion can result from our actual or alleged conduct in any number of activities, including lending practices, corporate governance and acquisitions, and from actions taken by government regulators and community organizations in response to those activities. Negative public opinion can adversely affect our ability to keep and attract customers and employees and can expose us to litigation and regulatory action and adversely affect our results of operations. Although we take steps to minimize reputational risk in dealing with our customers and communities, this risk will always be present given the nature of our business. In addition, companies are facing increased scrutiny from customers, regulators, investors, and other stakeholders related to their environmental, social and governance (“ESG”) practices and disclosure. Investor advocacy groups, investment funds and influential investors are also increasingly focused on these practices, especially as they relate to the environment, health and safety, diversity, labor conditions and human rights. For example, certain investors are beginning to incorporate the business risks of climate change and the adequacy of companies’ responses to climate change and other ESG matters as part of their investment theses. These shifts in investing priorities may result in adverse effects on the trading price of the Company’s common stock if investors determine that the Company has not made sufficient progress on ESG matters. In addition, new government regulations could also result in new or more stringent forms of ESG oversight and expanding mandatory and voluntary reporting, diligence, and disclosure. Increased ESG-related compliance costs could result in increases to our overall operational costs.

Current wording

Reputation risk, or the risk to our business, earnings and capital from negative public opinion is inherent in our business. Negative public opinion can result from our actual or alleged conduct in any number of activities, including lending practices, corporate governance and acquisitions, and from actions taken by government regulators and community organizations in response to those activities. Negative public opinion can adversely affect our ability to keep and attract customers and employees and can expose us to litigation and regulatory action and adversely affect our results of operations. Although we take steps to minimize reputational risk in dealing with our customers and communities, this risk will always be present given the nature of our business. In addition, investor advocacy groups, investment funds and influential investors are also increasingly focused on ESG practices, especially as they relate to the environment, health and safety, diversity, labor conditions and human rights. For example, certain investors are beginning to incorporate the business risks of climate change and the adequacy of companies’ responses to climate change and other ESG matters as part of their investment theses. These shifts in investing priorities may result in adverse effects on the trading price of the Company’s common stock if investors determine that the Company has not made sufficient progress on ESG matters. In addition, future government regulations could also result in new or more stringent forms of ESG oversight and expanding mandatory and voluntary reporting, diligence, and disclosure. Increased ESG-related compliance costs could result in increases to our overall operational costs.

Previous wording

Our bylaws have an exclusive forum provision providing that, unless we consent in writing to an alternative forum, the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Texas, Lubbock Division, or in the event that such court lacks jurisdiction to hear the action, the District Courts of the County of Lubbock, Texas, are the sole and exclusive forum for certain causes of action, which may limit a shareholder’s ability to bring a claim in a judicial forum that it finds favorable for disputes with us or our directors, officers or other employees, which may discourage such lawsuits. Alternatively, if a court were to find the exclusive forum provision to be inapplicable or unenforceable in an action, we may incur additional costs associated with resolving such action in other jurisdictions, which could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, results of operations and growth prospects.

Current wording

Our bylaws have an exclusive forum provision providing that, unless we consent in writing to an alternative forum, the Business Court in the Ninth Business Court Division (the “Business Court”) of the State of Texas, or in the event that such court lacks jurisdiction to hear the action, the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Texas, Lubbock Division, or in the event that such court lacks jurisdiction to hear the action, the District Courts of the County of Lubbock, Texas, are the sole and exclusive forum and venue for certain causes of action, which may limit a shareholder’s ability to bring a claim in a judicial forum that it finds favorable for disputes with us or our directors, officers or other employees, which may discourage such lawsuits. Alternatively, if a court were to find the exclusive forum provision to be inapplicable or unenforceable in an action, we may incur additional costs associated with resolving such action in other jurisdictions, which could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, results of operations and growth prospects.