First Guaranty Bancshares Inc

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Note 1. Business and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

First Guaranty Bancshares, Inc. ("First Guaranty") is a Louisiana corporation and a financial holding company headquartered in Hammond, LA. First Guaranty owns all of the outstanding shares of common stock of First Guaranty Bank. First Guaranty Bank (the "Bank") is a Louisiana-chartered commercial bank that offers a wide range of financial services and focuses on building client relationships and providing exceptional customer service. These services include consumer and commercial lending, mortgage loan origination, the issuance of credit cards and retail banking services. The Bank also maintains an investment portfolio comprised of government, government agency, corporate, and municipal securities. The Bank hasthirty-six banking facilities andforty-nine automated teller machines (ATMs) in Southeast, Southwest, Central and North Louisiana, North Central Texas, Kentucky and West Virginia.

Summary of significant accounting policies

The accounting and reporting policies of First Guaranty conform to generally accepted accounting principles and to predominant accounting practices within the banking industry. The more significant accounting and reporting policies are as follows:

Consolidation

The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of First Guaranty Bancshares, Inc., and its wholly owned subsidiary, First Guaranty Bank. All significant intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.

Use of estimates

The preparation of financial statements in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles requires Management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the dates of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenue and expense during the reporting periods. Actual results could differ from those estimates. Material estimates that are particularly susceptible to significant change in the near-term relate to the determination of the allowance for loan and lease losses, the valuation of real estate acquired in connection with foreclosures or in satisfaction of loans, and the valuation of investment securities. In connection with the determination of the allowance for loan and lease losses and real estate owned, First Guaranty obtains independent appraisals for significant properties.

Cash and cash equivalents

For purposes of reporting cash flows, cash and cash equivalents are defined as cash, due from banks, interest-bearing demand deposits with banks and federal funds sold with maturities of three months or less.

Securities

First Guaranty reviews its financial position, liquidity and future plans in evaluating the criteria for classifying investment securities. Debt securities that Management has the ability and intent to hold to maturity are classified as held to maturity and carried at cost, adjusted for amortization of premiums and accretion of discounts using methods approximating the interest method. Securities available for sale are stated at fair value. The unrealized difference, if any, between amortized cost and fair value of these AFS securities is excluded from income and is reported, net of deferred taxes, in accumulated other comprehensive income as a part of shareholders' equity. Details of other comprehensive income are reported in the consolidated statements of comprehensive income. Realized gains and losses on securities are computed based on the specific identification method and are reported as a separate component of other income. Amortization of premiums and discounts is included in interest income. Discounts and premiums related to debt securities are amortized using the effective interest rate method.

On January 1, 2023 the Bank adopted ASC 326, which requires expected credit related losses on available for sale debt securities to be recorded through an allowance for credit losses, while non-credit related losses or declines in fair value continue to be recognized through other comprehensive income. Under the new guidance, First Guaranty is also required to evaluate held to maturity debt securities for expected credit losses.

Management evaluates securities for impairment at least on a quarterly basis, and more frequently when economic or market conditions warrant such an evaluation. In estimating losses, management considers the extent that fair value has been less than cost and the financial condition and near term prospects of the issuer. Management also assesses whether it intends to sell, or it is more likely than not that it will be required to sell, a security in an unrealized loss position before recovery of its amortized cost basis. If either of the criteria regarding intent or requirement to sell is met, the entire difference between amortized cost and fair value is recognized as impairment through an allowance for credit losses. For debt securities that do not meet the aforementioned criteria, the amount of impairment is split into two components as follows: 1) impairment related to credit loss, which must be recognized in the income statement and 2) impairment related to other factors, which is recognized in other comprehensive income. The credit loss is defined as the difference between the present value of the cash flows expected to be collected and the amortized cost basis but cannot be more than the difference between amortized cost and the fair value of the security.

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Loans held for sale

Mortgage loans originated and intended for sale in the secondary market are carried at the lower of cost or estimated fair value in the aggregate. Net unrealized losses, if any, are recognized through a valuation allowance by charges to income. Loans held for sale have primarily been fixed rate single-family residential mortgage loans under contract to be sold in the secondary market. In most cases, loans in this category are sold within thirty days. Buyers generally have recourse to return a purchased loan under limited circumstances. Recourse conditions may include early payment default, breach of representations or warranties and documentation deficiencies. Mortgage loans held for sale are generally sold with the mortgage servicing rights released. Gains or losses on sales of mortgage loans are recognized based on the differences between the selling price and the carrying value of the related mortgage loans sold.

Loans

Loans are stated at the principal amounts outstanding, net of unearned income and deferred loan fees. In addition to loans issued in the normal course of business, overdrafts on customer deposit accounts are considered to be loans and reclassified as such. Interest income on all classifications of loans is calculated using the simple interest method on daily balances of the principal amount outstanding.

Accrual of interest is discontinued on a loan when Management believes, after considering economic and business conditions and collection efforts, the borrower's financial condition is such that reasonable doubt exists as to the full and timely collection of principal and interest. This evaluation is made for all loans that are 90 days or more contractually past due. When a loan is placed in nonaccrual status, all interest previously accrued but not collected is reversed against current period interest income. Income on such loans is then recognized only to the extent that cash is received and where the future collection of interest and principal is probable. Loans are returned to accrual status when, in the judgment of Management, all principal and interest amounts contractually due are reasonably assured to be collected within a reasonable time frame and when the borrower has demonstrated payment performance of cash or cash equivalents; generally for a period of 6 months. All loans, except mortgage loans, are considered past due if they are past due 30 days. Mortgage loans are considered past due whentwo consecutive payments have been missed. Loans that are past due 90-120 days and deemed uncollectible are charged-off. The loan charge off is a reduction of the allowance for credit losses.

Troubled Debt Restructurings (TDRs)

TDRs are loans in which the borrower is experiencing financial difficulty at the time of restructuring, and the Bank has granted a concession to the borrower. TDRs are undertaken in order to improve the likelihood of recovery on the loan and may take the form of modifications made with the stated interest rate lower than the current market rate for new debt with similar risk, other modifications to the structure of the loan that fall outside of normal underwriting policies and procedures, or in limited circumstances forgiveness of principal and / or interest. TDRs can involve loans remaining on non-accrual, moving to nonaccrual, or continuing on accrual status, depending on the individual facts and circumstances of the borrower. TDRs are subject to policies governing accrual and nonaccrual evaluation consistent with all other loans as discussed in the "Loans" section above. All loans with the TDR designation are considered to be impaired, even if they are accruing.

First Guaranty's policy is to evaluate TDRs that have subsequently been restructured and returned to market terms after 6 months of performance. The evaluation includes a review of the loan file and analysis of the credit to assess the loan terms, including interest rate to insure such terms are consistent with market terms. The loan terms are compared to a sampling of loans with similar terms and risk characteristics, including loans originated by First Guaranty and loans lost to a competitor. The sample provides a guide to determine market terms pursuant to ASC 310-40-50-2. The loan is also evaluated at that time for impairment. A loan determined to be restructured to market terms and not considered impaired will no longer be disclosed as a TDR in the years following the restructuring. These loans will continue to be individually evaluated for impairment. A loan determined to either be restructured to below market terms or to be impaired will remain a TDR.

The TDR requirements became inapplicable to First Guaranty upon our adoption of CECL on January 1, 2023.

Credit Quality

First Guaranty's credit quality indicators are pass, special mention, substandard, and doubtful.

Loans included in the pass category are performing loans with satisfactory debt coverage ratios, collateral, payment history, and documentation requirements.

Special mention loans have potential weaknesses that deserve close attention. If left uncorrected, these potential weaknesses may result in deterioration of the repayment prospects. Borrowers may be experiencing adverse operating trends (declining revenues or margins) or an ill proportioned balance sheet (e.g., increasing inventory without an increase in sales, high leverage, tight liquidity). Adverse economic or market conditions, such as interest rate increases or the entry of a new competitor, may also support a special mention rating. Nonfinancial reasons include management problems, pending litigation, an ineffective loan agreement or other material structural weakness, and any other significant deviation from prudent lending practices.

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A substandard loan is inadequately protected by the paying capacity of the obligor or of the collateral pledged, if any. Loans classified as substandard have a well-defined weakness. They are characterized by the distinct possibility that First Guaranty will sustain some loss if the deficiencies are not corrected. These loans require more intensive supervision. Substandard loans are generally characterized by current or expected unprofitable operations, inadequate debt service coverage, inadequate liquidity, or marginal capitalization. Repayment may depend on collateral or other credit risk mitigates. For some substandard loans, the likelihood of full collection of interest and principal may be in doubt and interest is no longer accrued. Consumer loans that are 90 days or more past due or that are nonaccrual are considered substandard.

Doubtful loans have the weaknesses of substandard loans with the additional characteristic that the weaknesses make collection or liquidation in full questionable and there is a high probability of loss based on currently existing facts, conditions and values.

Loan fees and costs

Nonrefundable loan origination and commitment fees and direct costs associated with originating loans are deferred and recognized over the lives of the related loans as an adjustment to the loans' yield using the level yield method.

Allowance for credit losses

The allowance for credit losses is established through a provision for loan losses charged to expense. Loans are charged against the allowance for credit losses when management believes that the collectability of the principal is unlikely. The allowance is based on management’s evaluation of expected credit losses over the life of the loans in the portfolio, in accordance with ASC 326. The loan portfolio is divided into segments to evaluate expected losses. Loans that do not share risk characteristics with a segment are evaluated individually. Management estimates the allowance balance using available information such as past events, current conditions and reasonable forecasts. Adjustments to historical information are made using qualitative and qualitative factors developed by management.

The following are general credit risk factors that affect our loan portfolio segments. These factors do not encompass all risks associated with each loan category. Construction and land development loans have risks associated with interim construction prior to permanent financing and repayment risks due to the future sale of developed property. Farmland and agricultural loans have risks such as weather, government agricultural policies, fuel and fertilizer costs, and market price volatility. One- to four-family residential, multifamily, and consumer credits are strongly influenced by employment levels, consumer debt loads and the general economy. Non-farm non-residential loans include both owner-occupied real estate and non-owner occupied real estate. Common risks associated with these properties is the ability to maintain tenant leases and keep lease income at a level able to service required debt and operating expenses. Commercial and industrial loans generally have non-real estate secured collateral which requires closer monitoring than real estate collateral.

The allowance consists of specific, general, and unallocated components. The specific component relates to loans that are classified as doubtful, substandard, and individually evaluated for impairment. For such loans that are also classified as individually evaluated for impairment, an allowance is established when the discounted cash flows (or collateral value or observable market price) of the loan is lower than the carrying value of that loan. The general component covers non-classified loans and special mention loans and is based on historical loss experience adjusted for qualitative factors. Qualitative factors include analysis of levels and trends in delinquencies, nonaccrual loans, charge-offs and recoveries, loan risk ratings, trends in volume and terms of loans, changes in lending policy, credit concentrations, portfolio stress test results, national and local economic trends, industry conditions, and other relevant factors. An unallocated component is maintained to cover uncertainties that could affect the estimate of probable losses.

The allowance for credit losses on unfunded commitments represents expected credit losses over the contractual period for which First Guaranty is exposed to credit risk from a contractual obligation to extend credit. No allowance is recorded if there is an unconditional right to cancel the obligation. The allowance is reported as a component of Other Liabilities on the Consolidated Balance Sheets. Adjustments to the allowance for unfunded commitments are included in the provision for credit losses on the Consolidated Statements of Income.

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Goodwill and intangible assets

Goodwill and intangible assets deemed to have indefinite lives are subject to annual impairment tests. Goodwill represents the excess of the purchase price over the fair value of the net identifiable assets acquired in an acquisition. First Guaranty's goodwill is tested for impairment on an annual basis, or more often if events or circumstances indicate that there may be impairment in accordance with ASC Topic 350.

Identifiable intangible assets are acquired assets that lack physical substance but can be distinguished from goodwill because of contractual or legal rights or because the assets are capable of being sold or exchanged either on their own or in combination with the related contract, asset or liability. First Guaranty's intangible assets primarily relate to core deposits and loan servicing assets related to the SBA portfolio. These core deposit intangibles are amortized on a straight-line basis over terms ranging from seven tofifteen years. Management periodically evaluates whether events or circumstances have occurred that impair this deposit intangible.

Premises and equipment

Premises and equipment are stated at cost, less accumulated depreciation. Depreciation is computed for financial reporting purposes using the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of the respective assets as follows:

Buildings and improvements 10-40 years

Equipment, fixtures and automobiles 3-10 years

Expenditures for renewals and betterments are capitalized and depreciated over their estimated useful lives. Repairs, maintenance and minor improvements are charged to operating expense as incurred. Gains or losses on disposition, if any, are recorded as a separate line item in noninterest income on the Statements of Income.

Other real estate

Other real estate includes properties acquired through foreclosure or acceptance of deeds in lieu of foreclosure. These properties are recorded at the lower of the recorded investment in the property or its fair value less the estimated cost of disposition. Any valuation adjustments required prior to foreclosure are charged to the allowance for loan and lease losses. Subsequent to foreclosure, losses on the periodic revaluation of the property are charged to current period earnings as other real estate expense or to the allowance for other real estate. Costs of operating and maintaining the properties are charged to other real estate expense as incurred. Any subsequent gains or losses on dispositions are credited or charged to income in the period of disposition.

Off-balance sheet financial instruments

In the ordinary course of business, First Guaranty has entered into commitments to extend credit, including commitments under credit card arrangements, commitments to fund commercial real estate, construction and land development loans secured by real estate, and performance standby letters of credit. Such financial instruments are recorded when they are funded.

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Income taxes

First Guaranty and its subsidiary file a consolidated federal income tax return on a calendar year basis. In lieu of Louisiana state income tax, the Bank is subject to the Louisiana bank shares tax, which is included in noninterest expense in First Guaranty's consolidated financial statements. With few exceptions, First Guaranty is no longer subject to U.S. federal, state or local income tax examinations for years before 2019. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized for the future tax consequences attributable to differences between the financial statement carrying amounts of existing assets and liabilities and their respective tax basis. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured using enacted tax rates expected to apply to taxable income in the years in which the deferred tax assets or liabilities are expected to be settled or realized. Valuation allowances are established when necessary to reduce deferred tax assets to the amount expected to be utilized.

Comprehensive income

Accounting principles generally require that recognized revenue, expenses, gains and losses be included in net income. Although certain changes in assets and liabilities, such as unrealized gains and losses on available for sale securities, are reported as a separate component of the equity section of the balance sheet, such items along with net income, are components of comprehensive income. The components of other comprehensive income and related tax effects are presented in the Statements of Comprehensive Income.

Fair Value Measurements

The fair value of a financial instrument is the current amount that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants. A fair value measurement assumes that the transaction to sell the asset or transfer the liability occurs in the principal market for the asset or liability or, in the absence of a principal market, the most advantageous market for the asset or liability. Valuation techniques use certain inputs to arrive at fair value. Inputs to valuation techniques are the assumptions that market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability. They may be observable or unobservable. First Guaranty uses a fair value hierarchy for valuation inputs that gives the highest priority to quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities and the lowest priority to unobservable inputs. See Note 19 for a detailed description of fair value measurements.

Transfers of Financial Assets

Transfers of financial assets are accounted for as sales, when control over the assets has been surrendered. Control over transferred assets is deemed to be surrendered when (i) the assets have been isolated from First Guaranty, (ii) the transferee obtains the right (free of conditions that constrain it from taking advantage of that right) to pledge or exchange the transferred assets, and (iii) First Guaranty does not maintain effective control over the transferred assets through an agreement to repurchase them before their maturity.

Earnings per common share

Earnings per share represents income available to common shareholders divided by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during the period. In December of 2021, First Guaranty issued a pro rata,10% common stock dividend. The shares issued for the stock dividend have been retrospectively factored into the calculation of earnings per share as well as cash dividends paid on common stock and represented on the face of the financial statements. No convertible shares of First Guaranty's stock are outstanding.

Operating Segments

All of First Guaranty's operations are considered by management to be aggregated intoone reportable operating segment. While the chief decision-makers monitor the revenue streams of the various products and services, the identifiable segments are not material. Operations are managed and financial performance is evaluated on a Company-wide basis.

Reclassifications

Certain reclassifications have been made to prior year end financial statements in order to conform to the classification adopted for reporting in 2023.

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Note 2. Recent Accounting Pronouncements

Accounting Standards Adopted in 2023

First Guaranty adopted FASB ASC Topic 326 “Financial Instruments – Credit Losses: Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial Instruments” Update No. 2016-13 (“ASU 2016-13”). ASU 2016-13 on January 1, 2023. ASU 2016-13, referred to as the Current Expected Credit Loss (“CECL”) standard, requires financial assets measured on an amortized cost basis, including loans and held-to-maturity debt securities, to be presented at an amount net of an allowance for credit losses, which reflects expected losses for the full life of the financial asset. Unfunded lending commitments are also within the scope of this topic. Under prior GAAP losses were not recognized until the occurrence of the loss was probable.

CECL requires the measurement of all expected credit losses for financial assets held at the reporting date based on historical experience, current conditions, and reasonable and supportable forecasts and requires enhanced disclosures related to the significant estimates and judgments used in estimating credit losses, as well as the credit quality and underwriting standards of an organization’s portfolio. The CECL methodology requires that lifetime expected credit losses be recorded at the time the financial asset is originated or acquired, and be adjusted each period as a provision for credit losses for changes in expected lifetime credit losses. ASU 2016-13 does not specify the method for measuring expected credit losses, and an entity is allowed to apply methods that reasonably reflect its expectations of the lifetime credit loss estimate. First Guaranty developed a CECL model methodology that calculates expected credit losses over the life of the portfolio by analyzing the composition, characteristics and quality of the loan and securities portfolios, as well as prevailing economic conditions and forecasts. First Guaranty’s CECL calculation estimates loan losses using a combination of discounted cash flow and remaining life analyses.

First Guaranty adopted ASU 2016-13 using the modified retrospective approach for all loans and off-balance sheet credit exposures measured at amortized cost, other than purchased credit deteriorated (“PCD”) financial assets. Results for reporting periods beginning after December 31, 2022 are presented in accordance with ASU 2016-13 while prior period amounts continue to be reported in accordance with previously applicable GAAP.

ASU 2016-13 also amended the accounting model for purchased financial assets and replaced the guidance for purchased credit impaired (“PCI”) financial assets with the concept of PCDs. For PCD assets, the CECL estimate is recognized through the allowance for credit losses with an offset to the amortized cost basis of the PCD asset at the date of acquisition. Subsequent changes in the allowance for credit losses for PCD assets are recognized through a provision for credit losses on loans. First Guaranty used the prospective transition approach for PCD loans that were previously classified as PCI and accounted for under ASC 310-30, “Loans and Debt Securities Acquired with Deteriorated Credit Quality” (“ASC 310-30”). First Guaranty determined that certain PCI assets no longer met meet the criteria of PCD assets as of the date of adoption.

First Guaranty adopted ASU 2016-13 on January 1, 2023, and recorded a one-time, cumulative effect adjustment as shown in the table below (dollars in thousands).

In addition, ASU 2016-13 amends the accounting for credit losses on available for sale (“AFS”) securities, requiring expected credit losses on AFS securities to be recorded in an allowance for credit losses rather than as a write-down of the securities’ amortized cost. Declines in the fair value of AFS securities that are not considered credit related are recognized in accumulated other comprehensive income. In addition, expected credit losses on held to maturity (“HTM”) securities are required to be recorded in an allowance for credit losses rather than as a write-down of the securities’ amortized cost basis. First Guaranty’s AFS securities portfolio was not materially impacted by the adoption of ASC 326. A $100,000 allowance for HTM securities was recorded at the adoption of ASC 326.

The allowance for credit losses is measured on a pool basis when similar risk characteristics exist and is maintained at an amount which management believes is a current estimate of the expected credit losses for the full life of the relevant pool of loans and related unfunded lending commitments. For modeling purposes, loan pools include: Real Estate based pools for construction and land development, farmland, 1-4 family residential, multifamily, and non-farm non-residential and non-real-estate pools for agricultural, commercial and industrial, commercial leases and consumer and other. Management periodically reassesses each pool to confirm the loans within the pool continue to share similar characteristics and risk profiles and to determine whether further segmentation is necessary. The loss rates computed for each pool and expected pool-level funding rates are applied to the related unfunded lending commitments to calculate an allowance for credit losses.

Loans that do not share similar risk characteristics with other loans are excluded from the loan pools and individually evaluated for impairment. Individually evaluated loans are loans for which it is probable that all the amounts due under the contractual terms of the loan will not be collected.

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FASB ASC Topic 326 “Financial Instruments – Credit Losses, Troubled Debt Restructurings and Vintage Disclosures” Update No. 2022-02 (“ASU 2022-02”). ASU 2022-02 became effective for First Guaranty on January 1, 2023 and is applied prospectively. ASU 2022-02 amends Topic 326 to eliminate the accounting guidance for troubled debt restructurings (“TDRs”) by creditors that have adopted ASU 2016-13 and, instead, requires that an entity evaluate whether the modification represents a new loan or a continuation of an existing loan. The amendment also requires that public business entities disclose current-period gross charge-offs by year of origination for financing receivables and net investments in leases. The adoption of ASU 2022-02 did not have a material impact on First Guaranty’s consolidated financial statements.

Accounting Pronouncements Not Yet Adopted

ASU No. 2023-09,"Improvements to Tax Disclosures" ("ASU 2023-09") is intended to enhance the transparency and decision usefulness of income tax disclosures primarily through changes to the rate reconciliation and income taxes paid information. This update is effective for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2024, though early adoption is permitted. We do not expect it to have a material effect on First Guaranty's consolidated financial statements.

Note 3. Cash and Due from Banks

Certain reserves are required to be maintained at the Federal Reserve Bank. There wasno reserve requirement as of December 31, 2023 and 2022. At December 31, 2023 First Guaranty hadthree accounts at correspondent banks, excluding the Federal Reserve Bank, that exceeded the FDIC insurable limit of $250,000. These accounts were over the insurable limit by $1.2 million. At December 31, 2022 First Guaranty hadthree accounts at correspondent banks, excluding the Federal Reserve Bank, that exceeded the FDIC insurable limit of $250,000. These accounts were over the insurable limit by $4.6 million.

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Note 4. Securities

A summary comparison of securities by type at December 31, 2023 and 2022 is shown below.

The scheduled maturities of securities at December 31, 2023, by contractual maturity, are shown below. Actual maturities may differ from contractual maturities due to call or prepayments. Mortgage-backed securities are not due at a single maturity because of amortization and potential prepayment of the underlying mortgages. For this reason they are presented separately in the maturity table below.

At December 31, 2023 and 2022 the carrying value of pledged securities totaled $192.2 million and $260.8 million, respectively.

Accrued interest receivable on First Guaranty's investment securities was $1.8 million and $2.0 million at December 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively, and was included in accrued interest receivable on the consolidated balance sheet. First Guaranty had a $0.1 million allowance for credit losses related to the held to maturity portfolio at December 31, 2023.

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The following is a summary of the fair value of securities with gross unrealized losses and an aging of those gross unrealized losses at December 31, 2023.

The following is a summary of the fair value of securities with gross unrealized losses and an aging of those gross unrealized losses at December 31, 2022.

As of December 31, 2023,164 of First Guaranty's debt securities had gross unrealized losses totaling 17.2% of the individual securities' amortized cost basis and 17.0% of First Guaranty's total amortized cost basis of the investment securities portfolio.150 of the 164 securities had been in a continuous loss position for over 12 months at such date. The 150 securities had an aggregate amortized cost basis of $395.3 million and an unrealized loss of $69.1 million at December 31, 2023. Management has the intent and ability to hold these debt securities until maturity or until anticipated recovery.

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Securities are evaluated for impairment from credit losses at least quarterly and more frequently when economic or market conditions warrant such evaluation. Consideration is given to (i) the extent to which the fair value has been less than cost, (ii) the financial condition and near-term prospects of the issuer, (iii) the recovery of contractual principal and interest and (iv) the intent and ability of First Guaranty to retain its investment in the issuer for a period of time sufficient to allow for any anticipated recovery in fair value.

Investment securities issued by the U.S. Government and Government sponsored enterprises with unrealized losses and the amount of unrealized losses on those investment securities that are the result of changes in market interest rates will not be credit impaired. First Guaranty has the ability and intent to hold these securities until recovery, which may not be until maturity.

There wasone charge-off, net of recovery, of $0.1 million recognized on a corporate security during the year ended December 31, 2023. There was a $0.1 million provision for credit losses recognized on securities during the year ended December 31, 2023.

Gross realized gains on sales of securities were $0 and $0.1 million for the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively. Gross realized losses were $0 and $0.1 million for the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022. The tax applicable to these transactions amounted to $0 and $3,000 for 2023 and 2022, respectively. Proceeds from sales of securities classified as available for sale amounted to $0 and $3.1 million for the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively.

Net unrealized losses on available for sale securities included in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) ("AOCI"), net of applicable income taxes, totaled $13.0 million and $15.2 million at December 31, 2023 and 2022. During 2023 net gains, net of tax, reclassified out of AOCI into earnings totaled $0. During 2022 net gains, net of tax, reclassified out of AOCI into earnings totaled $13,000.

At December 31, 2023, First Guaranty's exposure to investment securities issuers that exceeded 10% of shareholders' equity was as follows:

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Note 5. Loans

The following table summarizes the components of First Guaranty's loan portfolio as of December 31, 2023 and December 31, 2022:

(1) Includes PPP loans fully guaranteed by the SBA of $2.8 million and $5.9 million at December 31, 2023 and December 31, 2022, respectively.

Accrued interest receivable on First Guaranty's loans totaled $13.9 million and $11.0 million at December 31, 2023 and December 31, 2022, respectively, and is included in accrued interest receivable on the consolidated balance sheet. Accrued interest receivable is excluded from First Guaranty's estimate of the allowance for credit losses.

The following table summarizes fixed and floating rate loans by contractual maturity, excluding nonaccrual loans, as of December 31, 2023 and December 31, 2022 unadjusted for scheduled principal payments, prepayments, or repricing opportunities. The average life of the loan portfolio may be substantially less than the contractual terms when these adjustments are considered.

Included in floating rate loans are loans that adjust to a floating rate following an initial fixed rate period. The initial fixed rate periods are typicallyone, three, orfive years.

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The following tables present the age analysis of past due loans at December 31, 2023 and December 31, 2022:

The tables above include $25.2 million and $13.6 million of nonaccrual loans for December 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively. See the tables below for more detail on nonaccrual loans.

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The following is a summary of nonaccrual loans by class at the dates indicated:

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The following table presents First Guaranty's loan portfolio by credit quality classification and origination year as of the date indicated:

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The following table identifies the credit exposure of the loan portfolio, including loans acquired with deteriorated credit quality, by specific credit ratings as of the date indicated:

Purchased Credit Deteriorated Loans

As part of the acquisition of Union Bancshares, Inc. on November 7, 2019 and Premier Bancshares, Inc. on June 16, 2017, First Guaranty purchased credit impaired loans for which there was, at acquisition, evidence of deterioration of credit quality since their origination and it was probable, at acquisition, that all contractually required payments would not be collected. The carrying amount of those loans is as follows at December 31, 2022.

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Note 6. Allowance for Credit Losses on Loans

A summary of changes in the allowance for credit losses, by portfolio type, for the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022 are as follows:

Negative provisions are caused by changes in the composition and credit quality of the loan portfolio and by recoveries. The result is an allocation of the credit loss reserve from one category to another.

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A summary of the allowance along with loans and leases individually and collectively evaluated are as follows:

All loans individually evaluated for impairment as of December 31, 2023 were considered collateral dependent loans.

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As of December 31, 2023 and 2022, First Guaranty had loans totaling $25.2 million and $13.6 million, respectively, not accruing interest. As of December 31, 2023, and 2022, First Guaranty had loans past due 90 days or more and still accruing interest totaling $15.3 million and $1.1 million, respectively. The average outstanding balance of nonaccrual loans in 2023 was $22.5 million compared to $12.8 million in 2022.

A loan is considered impaired when, based on current information and events, it is probable that First Guaranty will be unable to collect the scheduled payments of principal or interest when due according to the contractual terms of the loan agreement. Payment status, collateral value and the probability of collecting scheduled principal and interest payments when due are considered in evaluating loan impairment. Loans that experience insignificant payment delays and payment shortfalls generally are not classified as impaired.

The following is a summary of impaired loans, excluding loans acquired with deteriorated credit quality, by class as of the date indicated:

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Note 7. Premises and Equipment

The components of premises and equipment at December 31, 2023 and 2022 are as follows:

Depreciation expense amounted to $3.0 million and $3.1 million for 2023 and 2022, respectively. Interest cost capitalized as a construction cost was $0 for 2023 and 2022, respectively.

Note 8. Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets

Goodwill and intangible assets deemed to have indefinite lives are no longer amortized, but are subject to impairment testing. Other intangible assets, such as core deposit intangibles and loan servicing assets, continue to be amortized over their useful lives. Goodwill represents the purchase price over the fair value of net assets acquired from the Homestead Bancorp in 2007, Premier Bancshares, Inc. in 2017 and Union Bancshares, Incorporated in 2019. No impairment charges have been recognized since acquisition. Goodwill totaled $12.9 million at December 31, 2023 and 2022. Other intangible assets not subject to amortization totaled $0.1 million and $0 at December 31, 2023 and 2022.

The following table summarizes intangible assets subject to amortization.

The core deposits intangible reflect the value of deposit relationships, including the beneficial rates, which arose from acquisitions. The weighted-average amortization period remaining for the core deposit intangibles is 5.3 years.

Amortization expense relating to purchase accounting intangibles totaled $0.7 million for the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively.

Amortization expense of the core deposit intangible assets for the next five years is as follows:

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Note 9. Other Real Estate

Other real estate owned consists of the following at the dates indicated:

Loans secured by one-to-four family residential properties in the process of foreclosure totaled $1.3 million as of December 31, 2023.

Note 10. Deposits

A schedule of maturities of all time deposits are as follows:

The table above includes $175.1 million in brokered deposits for December 31, 2023. The aggregate amount of jumbo time deposits, each with a minimum denomination of $250,000 totaled $196.9 million and $155.0 million at December 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively.

Note 11. Borrowings

Short-term borrowings are summarized as follows:

First Guaranty maintains borrowing relationships with other financial institutions as well as the Federal Home Loan Bank on a short and long-term basis to meet liquidity needs. First Guaranty had $66.3 million in short-term borrowings outstanding at December 31, 2023 compared to $146.4 million outstanding at December 31, 2022. First Guaranty has available lines of credit of $20.0 million, with $10.0 million outstanding balance at December 31, 2023.

Available lines of credit totaled $589.2 million at December 31, 2023 and $505.5 million at December 31, 2022.

The following schedule provides certain information about First Guaranty's short-term borrowings for the periods indicated:

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Long-term debt is summarized as follows:

Senior long-term debt with a commercial bank, priced at floating Wall Street Journal Prime less 70 basis points (6.80%), totaled $21.9 million at December 31, 2022. First Guaranty refinanced this note in October of 2023.

Senior long-term debt with a commercial bank, priced at floating Wall Street Journal Prime less 50 basis points (currently 8.00%), totaled $39.1 million at December 31, 2023 and $0 at December 31, 2022. First Guaranty refinanced this note on October 2023. First Guaranty pays $1.0 million principal plus interest quarterly. First Guaranty refinanced this note on October 2023. This loan has a contractual maturity date of October 5, 2033. This long-term debt is secured by a pledge of 86.77% (4,823,899 shares) of First Guaranty's interest in First Guaranty Bank (a wholly owned subsidiary).

Junior subordinated debt, priced at Wall Street Journal Prime plus 75 basis points (9.25% as of December 31, 2023), totaled 15.0 million at December 31, 2023 and December 31, 2022. First Guaranty pays interest quarterly. The Note is unsecured and ranks junior in right of payment to any senior indebtedness and obligations to general and secured creditors. The current Note is scheduled to mature on June 21, 2032. The Note qualifies for treatment as Tier 2 capital for regulatory capital purposes.

First Guaranty maintainsone revolving line of credit. A $20.0 million line of credit with an availability of $10.0 million at December 31, 2023. This line of credit is secured by a pledge of 86.77% (4,823,899 shares) of First Guaranty's interest in First Guaranty Bank (a wholly owned subsidiary) and is priced at 8.50%.

At December 31, 2023, letters of credit issued by the FHLB totaling $513.3 million were outstanding and carried as off-balance sheet items, all of which expire by 2024. At December 31, 2022, letters of credit issued by the FHLB totaling $388.6 million were outstanding and carried as off-balance sheet items, all of which expire by 2024. The letters of credit are solely used for pledging towards public fund deposits. The FHLB has a blanket lien on substantially all of the loans in First Guaranty's portfolio which is used to secure borrowing availability from the FHLB. First Guaranty has obtained a subordination agreement from the FHLB on First Guaranty's farmland, agricultural, and commercial and industrial loans. These loans are available to be pledged for additional reserve liquidity.

As of December 31, 2023 obligations on long-term advances from FHLB, senior long-term debt and junior subordinated debentures totaled $209.1 million.

The scheduled payments are as follows:

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Note 12. Capital Requirements

First Guaranty Bank is subject to various regulatory capital requirements administered by federal and state banking agencies. Failure to meet minimum capital requirements can initiate certain mandatory and possibly additional discretionary actions that, if undertaken, could have a direct material effect on First Guaranty's financial statements. Under capital adequacy guidelines and the regulatory framework for prompt corrective action, the Bank must meet specific capital guidelines that involve quantitative measures of their assets, liabilities and certain off-balance sheet items as calculated under regulatory accounting practices. The capital amounts and classification are also subject to qualitative judgments by the regulators about components, risk weightings and other factors.

Quantitative measures established by regulation to ensure capital adequacy require the Bank to maintain minimum amounts and ratios of total and Tier 1 capital to risk-weighted assets and of Tier 1 capital to average assets. Management believes, as of December 31, 2023 and 2022, that the Bank met all capital adequacy requirements.

In addition to establishing the minimum regulatory capital requirements, the regulations limit capital distributions and certain discretionary bonus payments to management if the institution does not hold a "capital conservation buffer" consisting of 2.5% of common equity Tier 1 capital to risk-weighted assets above the amount necessary to meet its minimum risk-based capital requirements. First Guaranty Bank's capital conservation buffer was 3.20% at December 31, 2023.

In addition, as a result of the legislation, the federal banking agencies have developed a "Community Bank Leverage Ratio" (the ratio of a bank's Tier 1 capital to average total consolidated assets) for financial institutions with assets of less than $10 billion. A "qualifying community bank" that exceeds this ratio will be deemed to be in compliance with all other capital and leverage requirements, including the capital requirements to be considered "well capitalized" under Prompt Corrective Action statutes. The federal banking agencies may consider a financial institution's risk profile when evaluating whether it qualifies as a community bank for purposes of the capital ratio requirement. The federal banking agencies set the new Community Bank Leverage Ratio at 9%. Pursuant to the CARES Act, the federal banking agencies set the Community Bank Leverage Ratio at 8% beginning in the second quarter of 2020 through the end of 2020. Beginning in 2021, the Community Bank Leverage Ratio increased to 8.5% for the calendar year. Community banks will have until Jan. 1, 2022, before the Community Bank Leverage Ratio requirement will return to 9%. A financial institution can elect to be subject to this new definition. The new rule took effect on January 1, 2020. The Bank has not elected to follow the Community Bank Leverage Ratio.

As of December 31, 2023, the most recent notification from the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation categorized the Bank as well capitalized under the regulatory framework for prompt corrective action. To be categorized as well capitalized, an institution must maintain minimum total risk-based, Tier 1 risk-based and Tier 1 leverage ratios as set forth in the following table. There are no conditions or events since the notification that Management believes have changed the Bank's category. First Guaranty Bank's actual capital amounts and ratios as of December 31, 2023 and 2022 are presented in the following table.

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Note 13. Dividend Restrictions

The Federal Reserve Bank ("FRB") has stated that, generally, a bank holding company should not maintain a rate of distributions to shareholders unless its available net income has been sufficient to fully fund the distributions, and the prospective rate of earnings retention appears consistent with the bank holding company's capital needs, asset quality and overall financial condition. As a Louisiana corporation, First Guaranty is restricted under the Louisiana corporate law from paying dividends under certain conditions.

First Guaranty Bank may not pay dividends or distribute capital assets if it is in default on any assessment due to the FDIC. First Guaranty Bank is also subject to regulations that impose minimum regulatory capital and minimum state law earnings requirements that affect the amount of cash available for distribution. In addition, under the Louisiana Banking Law, dividends may not be paid if it would reduce the unimpaired surplus below 50% of outstanding capital stock in any year.

The Bank is restricted under applicable laws in the payment of dividends to an amount equal to current year earnings plus undistributed earnings for the immediately preceding year, unless prior permission is received from the Commissioner of Financial Institutions for the State of Louisiana. Dividends payable by the Bank in 2024 without permission will be limited to 2024 earnings plus the undistributed earnings of $3.9 million from 2023.

Accordingly, at January 1, 2024, $298.4 million of First Guaranty's equity in the net assets of the Bank was restricted. In addition, dividends paid by the Bank to First Guaranty would be prohibited if the effect thereof would cause the Bank's capital to be reduced below applicable minimum capital requirements.

Note 14. Related Party Transactions

In the normal course of business, First Guaranty and its subsidiary, First Guaranty Bank, have loans, deposits and other transactions with its executive officers, directors, affiliates and certain business organizations and individuals with which such persons are associated. These transactions are completed with terms no less favorable than current market rates. An analysis of the activity of loans made to such borrowers during the year ended December 31, 2023 and 2022 follows:

Unfunded commitments to First Guaranty and Bank directors and executive officers totaled $19.6 million and $45.6 million at December 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively. At December 31, 2023 First Guaranty and the Bank had deposits from directors and executives totaling $54.8 million. There were no participations in loans purchased from affiliated financial institutions included in First Guaranty's loan portfolio in 2023 or 2022.

During the years ended 2023 and 2022, First Guaranty paid approximately $0.3 million, respectively, for printing services and supplies and office furniture and equipment to Champion Industries, Inc., of which Mr. Marshall T. Reynolds, the Chairman of First Guaranty's Board of Directors, is President, Chief Executive Officer, Chairman of the Board of Directors and a major shareholder of Champion.

On December 21, 2015, First Guaranty issued a $15.0 million subordinated note (the "2015 Note") to Edgar Ray Smith III, a director of First Guaranty. The 2015 Note had aten-year term (non-callable for first five years) and bore interest at a fixed annual rate of 4.0% for the first five years of the term and then adjusted to a floating rate based on the Prime Rate as reported by the Wall Street Journal plus 75 basis points for the period of time after the fifth year until redemption or maturity. On June 21, 2022, First Guaranty issued a $15.0 million subordinated note (the “2022 Note”) to Mr. Smith, and used the proceeds of such issuance to redeem the 2015 Note in full. The 2022 Note has aten-year term, maturing on June 21, 2032, is non-callable for the first five years, and bears interest at a floating rate based on the Prime Rate as reported by the Wall Street Journal plus 75 basis points. During the years ended 2023 and 2022, First Guaranty paid interest of $1.2 million and $0.7 million, respectively, under the 2015 Note and the 2022 Note.

During the years ended 2023 and 2022, First Guaranty paid approximately $0.1 million and $0.1 million, respectively, for the purchase and maintenance of First Guaranty's automobiles to subsidiaries of Hood Automotive Group, of which William K. Hood, a director of First Guaranty, is President.

During the years ended 2023 and 2022, First Guaranty paid approximately $0.7 million and $58,000, respectively, for architectural services in relation to bank branches to Gasaway Gasaway Bankston Architects, of which bank subsidiary board member Andrew B. Gasaway is part owner.

During the years ended 2023 and 2022, First Guaranty paid approximately $0.8 million and $0.7 million, respectively, to Centurion Insurance, an insurance brokerage agency, to bind coverage at market terms for property casualty insurance and health insurance. First Guaranty owns a 50% interest in Centurion and accounts for this investment under the equity method.

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Note 15. Employee Benefit Plans

First Guaranty has an employee savings plan to which employees, who meet certain service requirements, may defer 1% up to the IRS legal limit of their base salaries,6% of which may be matched up to 100%, at its sole discretion. Contributions to the savings plan were $80,000 and $440,000 in 2023 and 2022, respectively. First Guaranty has an Employee Stock Ownership Plan ("ESOP") which was frozen in 2010. No contributions were made to the ESOP for the years 2023 or 2022. As of December 31, 2023, the ESOP held 1,003 shares. First Guaranty is in the process of terminating the plan.

On May 19, 2022 the shareholders of First Guaranty adopted the First Guaranty Bank Equity Bonus Plan. The plan established an equity bonus pool of 80,000 shares. All full time employees of First Guaranty are eligible to participate. In December 31, 2023,44,341 shares were distributed to a total of 311 employees. Grant date fair market value of the shares issued was $750,000. All shares were vested on the date of issuance.

Note 16. Other Expenses

The following is a summary of the significant components of other noninterest expense:

First Guaranty does not capitalize advertising costs. They are expensed as incurred and are included in other noninterest expense on the Consolidated Statements of Income. Advertising expense was $1.0 million for 2023 and 2022.

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Note 17. Income Taxes

The following is a summary of the provision for income taxes included in the Consolidated Statements of Income:

The difference between income taxes computed by applying the statutory federal income tax rate and the provision for income taxes in the financial statements is reconciled as follows:

Deferred taxes are recorded based upon differences between the financial statement and tax basis of assets and liabilities, and available tax credit carry forwards. Temporary differences between the financial statement and tax values of assets and liabilities give rise to deferred taxes. The significant components of deferred taxes classified in First Guaranty's Consolidated Balance Sheets at December 31, 2023 and 2022 are as follows:

First Guaranty determined that the net deferred tax asset at December 31, 2023 and 2022 was more likely than not to be realized based on an assessment of all available positive and negative evidence, and therefore no valuation allowance was recorded.

Net operating loss carryforwards for income tax purposes were $4.4 million as of December 31, 2023 and $4.8 million in 2022. The carryforwards were acquired in 2017 in the Premier acquisition and expire from 2027 to 2034, and will be utilized subject to annual Internal Revenue Code Section 382 limitations.

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ASC 740-10, Income Taxes, clarifies the accounting for uncertainty in income taxes and prescribes a recognition threshold and measurement attribute for the consolidated financial statements recognition and measurement of a tax position taken or expected to be taken in a tax return. First Guaranty does not believe it has any unrecognized tax benefits included in its consolidated financial statements. First Guaranty has not had any settlements in the current period with taxing authorities, nor has it recognized tax benefits as a result of a lapse of the applicable statute of limitations. First Guaranty recognizes interest and penalties accrued related to unrecognized tax benefits, if applicable, in noninterest expense. During the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022, First Guaranty didnot recognize any interest or penalties in its consolidated financial statements, nor has it recorded an accrued liability for interest or penalty payments.

Note 18. Commitments and Contingencies

Off-balance sheet commitments

First Guaranty is a party to financial instruments with off-balance sheet risk in the normal course of business to meet the financing needs of its customers and to reduce its own exposure to fluctuations in interest rates. These financial instruments include commitments to extend credit and standby and commercial letters of credit. Those instruments involve, to varying degrees, elements of credit and interest rate risk in excess of the amount recognized in the consolidated balance sheets. The contract or notional amounts of those instruments reflect the extent of the involvement in particular classes of financial instruments.

The exposure to credit loss in the event of nonperformance by the other party to the financial instrument for commitments to extend credit and standby and commercial letters of credit is represented by the contractual notional amount of those instruments. The same credit policies are used in making commitments and conditional obligations as it does for balance sheet instruments. Unless otherwise noted, collateral or other security is not required to support financial instruments with credit risk.

Set forth below is a summary of the notional amounts of the financial instruments with off-balance sheet risk at December 31, 2023 and December 31, 2022.

Commitments to extend credit 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 commitments may expire without being drawn upon, the total commitment amounts do not necessarily represent future cash requirements. Each customer's creditworthiness is evaluated on a case-by-case basis. The amount of collateral obtained, if deemed necessary upon extension of credit, is based on Management's credit evaluation of the counterpart. Collateral requirements vary but may include accounts receivable, inventory, property, plant and equipment, residential real estate and commercial properties.

Standby and commercial letters of credit are conditional commitments to guarantee the performance of a customer to a third party. These guarantees are primarily issued to support public and private borrowing arrangements, including commercial paper, bond financing and similar transactions. The majority of these guarantees are short-term, one year or less; however, some guarantees extend for up tothree years. The credit risk involved in issuing letters of credit is essentially the same as that involved in extending loan facilities. Collateral requirements are the same as on-balance sheet instruments and commitments to extend credit.

There wereno losses incurred on off-balance sheet commitments in 2023 or 2022.

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Note 19. Fair Value Measurements

The fair value of a financial instrument is the current amount that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants. A fair value measurement assumes that the transaction to sell the asset or transfer the liability occurs in the principal market for the asset or liability or, in the absence of a principal market, the most advantageous market for the asset or liability. Valuation techniques use certain inputs to arrive at fair value. Inputs to valuation techniques are the assumptions that market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability. They may be observable or unobservable. First Guaranty uses a fair value hierarchy for valuation inputs that gives the highest priority to quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities and the lowest priority to unobservable inputs. The fair value hierarchy is as follows:

Level 1 Inputs – Unadjusted quoted market prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities that the reporting entity has the ability to access at the measurement date.

Level 2 Inputs – Inputs other than quoted prices included in Level 1 that are observable for the asset or liability, either directly or indirectly. These might include quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities in active markets, quoted prices for identical or similar assets or liabilities in markets that are not active, inputs other than quoted prices that are observable for the asset or liability (such as interest rates, volatilities, prepayment speeds or credit risks) or inputs that are derived principally from or corroborated by market data by correlation or other means.

Level 3 Inputs – Unobservable inputs for determining the fair values of assets or liabilities that reflect an entity's own assumptions about the assumptions that market participants would use in pricing the assets or liabilities.

A description of the valuation methodologies used for instruments measured at fair value follows, as well as the classification of such instruments within the valuation hierarchy.

Securities available for sale. Securities are classified within Level 1 where quoted market prices are available in an active market. Inputs include securities that have quoted prices in active markets for identical assets. If quoted market prices are unavailable, fair value is estimated using quoted prices of securities with similar characteristics, at which point the securities would be classified within Level 2 of the hierarchy. Securities classified Level 3 as of December 31, 2023 includes corporate debt and municipal securities.

Impaired loans. Loans are measured for impairment using the methods permitted by ASC Topic 310. Fair value of impaired loans is measured by either the fair value of the collateral if the loan is collateral dependent (Level 2 or Level 3), or the present value of expected future cash flows, discounted at the loan's effective interest rate (Level 3). Fair value of the collateral is determined by appraisals or by independent valuation.

Other real estate owned. Properties are recorded at the balance of the loan or at estimated fair value less estimated selling costs, whichever is less, at the date acquired. Fair values of other real estate owned ("OREO") at December 31, 2023 and 2022 are determined by sales agreement or appraisal, and costs to sell are based on estimation per the terms and conditions of the sales agreement or amounts commonly used in real estate transactions. Inputs include appraisal values or recent sales activity for similar assets in the property's market; thus OREO measured at fair value would be classified within either Level 2 or Level 3 of the hierarchy.

Certain non-financial assets and non-financial liabilities are measured at fair value on a non-recurring basis including assets and liabilities related to reporting units measured at fair value in the testing of goodwill impairment, as well as intangible assets and other non-financial long-lived assets measured at fair value for impairment assessment.

The following table summarizes financial assets measured at fair value on a recurring basis as of December 31, 2023 and 2022, segregated by the level of the valuation inputs within the fair value hierarchy utilized to measure fair value:

First Guaranty's valuation methodologies may produce a fair value calculation that may not be indicative of net realizable value or reflective of future fair values. While Management believes the methodologies used are appropriate and consistent with other market participants, the use of different methodologies or assumptions to determine the fair value of certain financial instruments could result in a different estimate of fair value.

The change in Level 1 securities available for sale from December 31, 2022 to December 31, 2023 was due to a net decrease in Treasury bills of $48.6 million. There were no transfers between Level 1 and 2 securities available for sale from December 31, 2022 to December 31, 2023. There were no transfers between Level 2 and Level 3 from December 31, 2022 to December 31, 2023.

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The following table reconciles assets measured at fair value on a recurring basis using unobservable inputs (Level 3):

There were no gains or losses for the period included in earnings attributable to the change in unrealized gains or losses relating to assets still held as of December 31, 2023.

The following table measures financial assets and financial liabilities measured at fair value on a non-recurring basis as of December 31, 2023 and December 31, 2022, segregated by the level of valuation inputs within the fair value hierarchy utilized to measure fair value:

ASC 825-10 provides First Guaranty with an option to report selected financial assets and liabilities at fair value. The fair value option established by this statement permits First Guaranty to choose to measure eligible items at fair value at specified election dates and report unrealized gains and losses on items for which the fair value option has been elected in earnings at each reporting date subsequent to implementation.

First Guaranty has chosen not to elect the fair value option for any items that are not already required to be measured at fair value in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States.

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Note 20. Financial Instruments

Fair value estimates are generally subjective in nature and are dependent upon a number of significant assumptions associated with each instrument or group of similar instruments, including estimates of discount rates, risks associated with specific financial instruments, estimates of future cash flows and relevant available market information. Fair value information is intended to represent an estimate of an amount at which a financial instrument could be exchanged in a current transaction between a willing buyer and seller engaging in an exchange transaction. However, since there are no established trading markets for a significant portion of First Guaranty's financial instruments, First Guaranty may not be able to immediately settle financial instruments; as such, the fair values are not necessarily indicative of the amounts that could be realized through immediate settlement. In addition, the majority of the financial instruments, such as loans and deposits, are held to maturity and are realized or paid according to the contractual agreement with the customer.

Quoted market prices are used to estimate fair values when available. However, due to the nature of the financial instruments, in many instances quoted market prices are not available. Accordingly, estimated fair values have been estimated based on other valuation techniques, such as discounting estimated future cash flows using a rate commensurate with the risks involved or other acceptable methods. Fair values are estimated without regard to any premium or discount that may result from concentrations of ownership of financial instruments, possible income tax ramifications or estimated transaction costs. The fair value estimates are subjective in nature and involve matters of significant judgment and, therefore, cannot be determined with precision. Fair values are also estimated at a specific point in time and are based on interest rates and other assumptions at that date. As events change the assumptions underlying these estimates, the fair values of financial instruments will change.

Disclosure of fair values is not required for certain items such as lease financing, investments accounted for under the equity method of accounting, obligations of pension and other postretirement benefits, premises and equipment, other real estate, prepaid expenses, the value of long-term relationships with depositors (core deposit intangibles) and other customer relationships, other intangible assets and income tax assets and liabilities. Fair value estimates are presented for existing on- and off-balance sheet financial instruments without attempting to estimate the value of anticipated future business and the value of assets and liabilities that are not considered financial instruments. In addition, the tax ramifications related to the realization of the unrealized gains and losses have not been considered in the estimates. Accordingly, the aggregate fair value amounts presented do not purport to represent and should not be considered representative of the underlying market or franchise value of First Guaranty.

Because the standard permits many alternative calculation techniques and because numerous assumptions have been used to estimate the fair values, reasonable comparison of the fair value information with other financial institutions' fair value information cannot necessarily be made. The methods and assumptions used to estimate the fair values of financial instruments are as follows:

Cash and due from banks, interest-bearing deposits with banks, federal funds sold and federal funds purchased.

These items are generally short-term and the carrying amounts reported in the consolidated balance sheets are a reasonable estimation of the fair values.

Investment Securities.

Fair values are principally based on quoted market prices. If quoted market prices are not available, fair values are based on quoted market prices of comparable instruments or the use of discounted cash flow analyses.

Loans Held for Sale.

Fair values of mortgage loans held for sale are based on commitments on hand from investors or prevailing market prices. These loans are classified within level 3 of the fair value hierarchy.

Loans, net.

Market values are computed present values using net present value formulas. The present value is the sum of the present value of all projected cash flows on an item at a specified discount rate. The discount rate is set as an appropriate rate index, plus or minus an appropriate spread. These loans are classified within level 3 of the fair value hierarchy.

Loan individually evaluated for impairment.

Fair value is measured by either the fair value of the collateral if the loan is collateral dependent (Level 2 or Level 3), or the present value of expected future cash flows, discounted at the loan's effective interest rate (Level 3). Fair value of the collateral is determined by appraisals or by independent valuation.

Cash Surrender of BOLI.

The cash surrender value of BOLI approximates fair value.

Accrued interest receivable.

The carrying amount of accrued interest receivable approximates its fair value.

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Deposits.

The fair value of customer deposits, excluding certificates of deposit, is the amount payable on demand. Market values of certificates of deposit are actually computed present values using net present value formulas. The present value is the sum of the present value of all projected cash flows on an item at a specified discount rate. The discount rate is set as an appropriate rate index, plus or minus an appropriate spread. Deposits are classified within level 3 of the fair value hierarchy.

Accrued interest payable.

The carrying amount of accrued interest payable approximates its fair value.

Borrowings.

The carrying amount of federal funds purchased and other short-term borrowings approximate their fair values. The fair value of First Guaranty's long-term borrowings is computed using net present value formulas. The present value is the sum of the present value of all projected cash flows on an item at a specified discount rate. The discount rate is set as an appropriate rate index, plus or minus an appropriate spread. Borrowings are classified within level 3 of the fair value hierarchy.

Other Unrecognized Financial Instruments.

The fair value of commitments to extend credit is estimated using the fees charged to enter into similar legally binding agreements, taking into account the remaining terms of the agreements and customers' credit ratings. For fixed-rate loan commitments, fair value also considers the difference between current levels of interest rates and the committed rates. The fair values of letters of credit are based on fees charged for similar agreements or on estimated cost to terminate them or otherwise settle the obligations with the counterparties at the reporting date. At December 31, 2023 and 2022 the fair value of guarantees under commercial and standby letters of credit was not material.

The carrying amounts and estimated fair values of financial instruments at December 31, 2023 were as follows:

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The carrying amounts and estimated fair values of financial instruments at December 31, 2022 were as follows:

There is no material difference between the contract amount and the estimated fair value of off-balance sheet items that are primarily comprised of short-term unfunded loan commitments that are generally at market prices.

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Note 21. Concentrations of Credit and Other Risks

First Guaranty monitors loan portfolio concentrations by region, collateral type, loan type, and industry on a monthly basis and has established maximum thresholds as a percentage of its capital to ensure that the desired mix and diversification of its loan portfolio is achieved. First Guaranty is compliant with the established thresholds as of December 31, 2023. Personal, commercial and residential loans are granted to customers, most of who reside in northern and southern areas of Louisiana. Although First Guaranty has a diversified loan portfolio, significant portions of the loans are collateralized by real estate located in Tangipahoa Parish and surrounding parishes in Southeast Louisiana. Declines in the Louisiana economy could result in lower real estate values which could, under certain circumstances, result in losses to First Guaranty.

The distribution of commitments to extend credit approximates the distribution of loans outstanding. Commercial and standby letters of credit were granted primarily to commercial borrowers.

Approximately 39.7% of First Guaranty's deposits are derived from local governmental agencies at December 31, 2023. These governmental depositing authorities are generally long-term customers. A number of the depositing authorities are under contractual obligation to maintain their operating funds exclusively with First Guaranty. In most cases, First Guaranty is required to pledge securities or letters of credit issued by the Federal Home Loan Bank to the depositing authorities to collateralize their deposits. Under certain circumstances, the withdrawal of all of, or a significant portion of, the deposits ofone or more of the depositing authorities may result in a temporary reduction in liquidity, depending primarily on the maturities and/or classifications of the securities pledged against such deposits and the ability to replace such deposits with either new deposits or other borrowings. Public fund deposits totaled $1.2 billion at December 31, 2023.

Note 22. Litigation

First Guaranty is subject to various legal proceedings in the normal course of its business. First Guaranty assesses its liabilities and contingencies in connection with outstanding legal proceedings. Where it is probable that First Guaranty will incur a loss and the amount of the loss can be reasonably estimated, First Guaranty records a liability in its consolidated financial statements. First Guaranty does not record a loss if the loss is not probable or the amount of the loss is not estimable. First Guaranty Bank is a defendant in a lawsuit alleging fault for a loss of funds by a customer related to fraud by a third party with a possible loss range of $0.0 million to $1.5 million. The Bank denies the allegations and intends to vigorously defend against this lawsuit, which is in early stages and no trial date has been set. No accrued liability has been recorded related to this lawsuit. First Guaranty settled a case in the third quarter of 2021 for $1.1 million. A receivable for $0.9 million has been recorded for recovery by a claim against First Guaranty's insurer. In the opinion of management, neither First Guaranty nor First Guaranty Bank is currently involved in such legal proceedings, either individually or in the aggregate, that the resolution is expected to have a material adverse effect on First Guaranty’s consolidated results of operations, financial condition, or cash flows. However, one or more unfavorable outcomes in these ordinary claims or litigation against First Guaranty or First Guaranty Bank could have a material adverse effect for the period in which they are resolved. In addition, regardless of their merits or ultimate outcomes, such matters are costly, divert management’s attention, and may materially and adversely affect the reputation of First Guaranty and First Guaranty Bank, even if resolved favorably.

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Note 23. Condensed Parent Company Information

The following condensed financial information reflects the accounts and transactions of First Guaranty Bancshares, Inc. for the dates indicated:

Condensed Balance Sheets

Condensed Statements of Income

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Condensed Statements of Cash Flows

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