FIRST NORTHERN COMMUNITY BANCORP

Previous wording

As noted previously, the Trump Administration recently imposed increased tariffs on goods imported to the U.S. from other countries. As a consequence, other countries, in retaliation to the U.S.’s tariff measures, announced the imposition of increased levels of tariffs on goods exported to such countries by companies in the U.S. The Administration subsequently announced a delay of 90 days in the implementation of those increased tariffs for most other countries, leaving in place, however, a 10% baseline tariff that went into effect on April 5 and that applies to nearly all imports from all countries. The 90-day pause on the implementation of nearly all of the country-specific tariffs was initially set to expire on July 8, 2025, but was extended to August 1, 2025, to provide additional time to negotiate and finalize bilateral trade agreements with key countries. On July 31, 2025, the Trump Administration issued an Executive Order further adjusting the tariff rates to be applied against nearly 70 countries, effective August 7, 2025. The Trump Administration has announced agreements in principle regarding tariffs with certain significant trading partners of the United States, including the European Union and South Korea. It remains uncertain whether such agreements in principle will lead to definitive agreements with such trading partners and, if so, on what terms and whether agreements with other trading partners will eventually be consummated. Such tariffs could be of particular concern to U.S. companies operating in the agricultural sector who export agricultural goods to other countries. The Company’s customers include a number of agricultural businesses, which could be negatively affected. See “Changes in U.S. and Foreign Government Policies, Including the Imposition of or Further Increases in Tariffs and Changes to Existing Trade Agreements, Could Have a Material Adverse Effect on the Bank’s Customers, Which, in Turn, Could Adversely Affect Our Business, Financial Condition and Results of Operations,” above in these “Risk Factors” in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q.

Current wording

In February 2025, the new Trump Administration announced that it would be imposing increases in tariffs on goods imported to the U.S. from Canada, Mexico, and China, and, in April 2025, the Administration announced the imposition of increased tariffs on goods imported to the U.S. from other countries. As a consequence, other countries, in retaliation to the U.S.’s tariff measures, announced the imposition of increased levels of tariffs on goods exported to such countries by companies in the U.S. The Administration subsequently announced a delay of 90 days in the implementation of those increased tariffs for most other countries, leaving in place, however, a 10% baseline tariff that went into effect on April 5 and that applies to nearly all imports from all countries. The 90-day pause on the implementation of nearly all of the country-specific tariffs was initially set to expire on July 8, 2025, but was extended to August 1, 2025, to provide additional time to negotiate and finalize bilateral trade agreements with key countries. On July 31, 2025, the Trump Administration issued an Executive Order further adjusting the tariff rates to be applied against nearly 70 countries, effective August 7, 2025. The Trump Administration has announced agreements in principle regarding tariffs with certain significant trading partners of the United States, including (among others) the European Union, the United Kingdom, Japan and South Korea. It remains uncertain whether such agreements in principle will lead to definitive agreements with such trading partners and, if so, on what terms and whether agreements with other trading partners will eventually be consummated. More recently, the U.S. government has introduced new tariffs and tariff-related measures and has indicated that other potential tariff measures and modifications to existing tariffs continue to be under consideration. The tariff environment continues to remain highly dynamic, and the specific tariffs applicable to goods imported into the U.S. continue to evolve, as do import tariffs charged by other countries. These tariffs could be of particular concern to U.S. companies operating in the agricultural sector who export agricultural goods to other countries. The Company’s customers include a number of agricultural businesses, which could be negatively affected.

Previous wording

As a result of these changes to U.S. and foreign government trade policies, there may be changes to existing trade agreements, greater restrictions on free trade generally, the imposition of or significant further increases in tariffs on goods imported into the U.S., and adverse responses by foreign governments to U.S. trade policies, among other possible changes. While the Administration has announced a delay in the implementation of those increased tariffs for most countries until August 1, 2025, the 10% baseline tariff that applies to nearly all imports from all countries remains in effect, country-specific bilateral trade negotiations are ongoing, and it remains unclear what the Administration or foreign governments will or will not do with respect to tariffs or trade agreements and policies. The extent and duration of any tariffs, and the resulting impact on economic conditions generally and on our customers’ businesses in particular are uncertain and depend on various factors, such as negotiations between the U.S. and other countries, the responses of such countries, and exemptions or exclusions that may be granted. A significant trade disruption or the establishment or further increase of any tariffs, trade protection measures or restrictions could result in lost sales, adversely impacting our banking customers and their businesses, including our agricultural business customers. In addition, international trade disputes, including those related to tariffs, could result in inflationary pressures and/or adversely impact global supply chains, which could increase the costs of doing business for our banking customers. Changes in U.S. social, political, regulatory and economic conditions or in laws and policies governing foreign trade, manufacturing, development and investment in the countries where our banking customers currently sell products, including agricultural products, and any resulting negative sentiments towards the U.S. and U.S. businesses as a result of such changes, could also have a material adverse effect on our banking customers’ business, financial condition, results of operations and cash flows. If these events negatively affect our banking clients, or general economic conditions nationally, in California, or in our local markets, our business, financial condition and results of operations could be adversely affected.

Current wording

As a result of these changes to U.S. and foreign government trade policies, there may be changes to existing trade agreements, greater restrictions on free trade generally, the imposition of or significant further increases in tariffs on goods imported into the U.S., and adverse responses by foreign governments to U.S. trade policies, among other possible changes. The extent and duration of any tariffs, and the resulting impact on economic conditions generally and on our customers’ businesses in particular are uncertain and depend on various factors, such as negotiations between the U.S. and other countries, the responses of such countries, and exemptions or exclusions that may be granted. A significant trade disruption or the establishment or further increase of any tariffs, trade protection measures or restrictions could result in lost sales, adversely impacting our banking customers and their businesses, including our agricultural business customers. In addition, international trade disputes, including those related to tariffs, could result in inflationary pressures and/or adversely impact global supply chains, which could increase the costs of doing business for our banking customers. Changes in U.S. social, political, regulatory and economic conditions or in laws and policies governing foreign trade, manufacturing, development and investment in the countries where our banking customers currently sell products, including agricultural products, and any resulting negative sentiments towards the U.S. and U.S. businesses as a result of such changes, could also have a material adverse effect on our banking customers’ business, financial condition, results of operations and cash flows. If these events negatively affect our banking clients, or general economic conditions nationally, in California, or in the markets we serve, our business, financial condition and results of operations could be adversely affected.

Previous wording

These bank failures may also result in potentially adverse changes to laws or regulations governing banks and bank holding companies, enhanced regulatory supervision and examination policies and priorities, and/or the imposition of restrictions through regulatory supervisory or enforcement activities, including higher capital requirements and/or an increase in the Bank’s deposit insurance assessments. The FDIC has proposed that Congress consider various changes in the FDIC insurance program, including possible increases in the deposit insurance limit for certain types of accounts, such as business payment accounts. Although these legislative and regulatory actions cannot be predicted with certainty, any of these potential legislative or regulatory actions could, among other things, subject us to additional costs, limit the types of financial services and products we may offer, and reduce our profitability, any of which could materially and adversely affect our business, results of operations or financial condition.

Current wording

These bank failures may also result in potentially adverse changes to laws or regulations governing banks and bank holding companies, enhanced regulatory supervision and examination policies and priorities, and/or the imposition of restrictions through regulatory supervisory or enforcement activities, including higher capital requirements and/or an increase in the Bank’s deposit insurance assessments. The FDIC has proposed that Congress consider, and legislation has been introduced in Congress proposing, various changes in the FDIC insurance program, including possible increases in the deposit insurance limit for certain types of accounts, such as business payment accounts. Although these legislative and regulatory actions cannot be predicted with certainty, any of these potential legislative or regulatory actions could, among other things, subject us to additional costs, limit the types of financial services and products we may offer, and reduce our profitability, any of which could materially and adversely affect our business, results of operations or financial condition.

Previous wording

Following the financial crisis of 2008, adverse financial and economic developments impacted U.S. and global economies and financial markets and presented challenges for the banking and financial services industry and for us. These developments included a general recession both globally and in the U.S. accompanied by substantial volatility in the financial markets.

Current wording

Following the financial crisis of 2008, adverse financial and economic developments impacted U.S. and global economies and financial markets and presented challenges for the banking and financial services industry and for us. These developments included a general recession both globally and in the U.S. accompanied by substantial volatility in the financial markets. In response, various significant economic and monetary stimulus measures were implemented by the U.S. government. The FRB also pursued a highly accommodative monetary policy aimed at keeping interest rates at historically low levels, In January 2022, due to elevated levels of inflation and corresponding pressure to raise interest rates, the FRB began slowing the pace of its bond purchasing and increasing the target range for the federal funds rate over time, before beginning to reduce interest rates in 2024, which reductions have continued in 2025. Monetary policy has contributed to and may continue to result in elevated market interest rates and a flat and/or inverted yield curve. Changes to monetary policy may adversely impact U.S. economic activity and have adverse consequences on our customers’ and our earnings and operations. A prolonged federal government shutdown, as well as broader issues surrounding the federal budgeting process and governance, may also contribute to market volatility and disruptions and recessionary risk.

Previous wording

As noted previously, the Trump Administration recently imposed increased tariffs on goods imported to the U.S. from other countries. As a consequence, other countries, in retaliation to the U.S.’s tariff measures, announced the imposition of increased levels of tariffs on goods exported to such countries by companies in the U.S. The Administration subsequently announced a delay of 90 days in the implementation of those increased tariffs for most other countries, leaving in place, however, a 10% baseline tariff that went into effect on April 5 and that applies to nearly all imports from all countries. The 90-day pause on the implementation of nearly all of the country-specific tariffs was initially set to expire on July 8, 2025, but was extended to August 1, 2025, to provide additional time to negotiate and finalize bilateral trade agreements with key countries. On July 31, 2025, the Trump Administration issued an Executive Order further adjusting the tariff rates to be applied against nearly 70 countries, effective August 7, 2025. The Trump Administration has announced agreements in principle regarding tariffs with certain significant trading partners of the United States, including the European Union and South Korea. It remains uncertain whether such agreements in principle will lead to definitive agreements with such trading partners and, if so, on what terms and whether agreements with other trading partners will eventually be consummated. It remains unclear what the Administration or foreign governments will or will not do with respect to tariffs or trade agreements and policies. International trade disputes, including those related to tariffs, could result in inflationary pressures and/or adversely impact global supply chains, which could increase the costs of doing business for our banking customers. Political tensions as a result of trade policies could reduce trade volume, investment, technological exchange, and other economic activities between major international economies, resulting in a material adverse effect on global economic conditions and the stability of global financial markets, which could have resulting material adverse effects on general economic conditions nationally, in California, or in our local markets. Some economists have predicted that the Administration’s steep new tariffs could curtail growth and result in price increases for American consumers, ultimately increasing the likelihood of a U.S. recession. Any of these developments could adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations.

Current wording

As noted previously, the Trump Administration recently imposed increased tariffs on goods imported to the U.S. from other countries. As a consequence, other countries, in retaliation to the U.S.’s tariff measures, announced the imposition of increased levels of tariffs on goods exported to such countries by companies in the U.S. More recently, the U.S. government has introduced agreements in principle regarding tariffs with certain trading partners of the United States, new tariffs and tariff-related measures and has indicated that other potential tariff measures and modifications to existing tariffs continue to be under consideration. The tariff environment continues to remain highly dynamic, and the specific tariffs applicable to goods imported into the U.S. continue to evolve, as do import tariffs charged by other countries. See “Changes in U.S. and Foreign Government Policies, Including the Imposition of or Further Increases in Tariffs and Changes to Existing Trade Agreements, Could Have a Material Adverse Effect on the Bank’s Customers, Which, in Turn, Could Adversely Affect Our Business, Financial Condition and Results of Operations,” above in these “Risk Factors” in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q. International trade disputes, including those related to tariffs, could result in inflationary pressures and/or adversely impact global supply chains, which could increase the costs of doing business for our banking customers. Political tensions as a result of trade policies could reduce trade volume, investment, technological exchange, and other economic activities between major international economies, resulting in a material adverse effect on global economic conditions and the stability of global financial markets, which could have resulting material adverse effects on general economic conditions nationally, in California, or in our local markets. Some economists have predicted that the Administration’s steep new tariffs could curtail growth and result in price increases for American consumers, ultimately increasing the likelihood of a U.S. recession. Any of these developments could adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations.

Previous wording

If substantial federal budget deficits were to continue or increase in the years ahead, further downgrades by the credit rating agencies with respect to the obligations of the U.S. federal government could occur. Any such further downgrades could increase over time the U.S. federal government’s cost of borrowing, which may worsen its fiscal challenges, as well as generate further upward pressure on interest rates generally in the U.S. which could, in turn, have adverse consequences for borrowers and the level of business activity. The long-term impact of this situation, including the impact to the Bank's investment securities portfolio and other assets, cannot be predicted.

Current wording

If substantial federal budget deficits were to continue or increase in the years ahead, further downgrades by the credit rating agencies with respect to the obligations of the U.S. federal government could occur. A prolonged federal government shutdown, as well as broader issues surrounding the federal budgeting process and governance, may further contribute to the possibility of a downgrade of the U.S. sovereign credit rating. Any such further downgrades could increase over time the U.S. federal government’s cost of borrowing, which may worsen its fiscal challenges, as well as generate further upward pressure on interest rates generally in the U.S. which could, in turn, have adverse consequences for borrowers and the level of business activity. The long-term impact of this situation, including the impact on the Bank's investment securities portfolio and other assets, cannot be predicted.

Previous wording

The Bank is subject to certain industry-specific economic factors. For example, a portion of the Bank’s total loan portfolio is related to residential and commercial real estate, especially in California. Increases in residential mortgage loan interest rates could have an adverse effect on the Bank’s operations by depressing new mortgage loan originations, which in turn could negatively impact the Bank’s title and escrow deposit levels. Additionally, a downturn in the residential real estate and housing industries in California could have an adverse effect on the Bank’s operations and the quality of its real estate and construction loan portfolio. Although the Bank does not engage in subprime or negative amortization lending, we are not immune to volatility in the real estate market. Real estate valuations are influenced by demand, and demand is driven by economic factors such as employment rates and interest rates, which have been, and may continue to be, affected by the pandemic. These factors could adversely impact the quality of the Bank’s residential construction, residential mortgage and construction related commercial portfolios in various ways, including by decreasing the value of the collateral for our loans, and thereby negatively affecting the Bank’s overall loan portfolio.

Current wording

The Bank is subject to certain industry-specific economic factors. For example, a portion of the Bank’s total loan portfolio is related to residential and commercial real estate, especially in California. Increases in residential mortgage loan interest rates could have an adverse effect on the Bank’s operations by depressing new mortgage loan originations, which in turn could negatively impact the Bank’s title and escrow deposit levels. Additionally, a downturn in the residential real estate and housing industries in California could have an adverse effect on the Bank’s operations and the quality of its real estate and construction loan portfolio. Although the Bank does not engage in subprime or negative amortization lending, we are not immune to volatility in the real estate market. Real estate valuations are influenced by demand, and demand is driven by economic factors such as employment rates and interest rates. These factors could adversely impact the quality of the Bank’s residential construction, residential mortgage and construction related commercial portfolios in various ways, including by decreasing the value of the collateral for our loans, and thereby negatively affecting the Bank’s overall loan portfolio.

Previous wording

Fluctuations in market rates and other market disruptions are neither predictable nor controllable and may adversely affect our financial condition and earnings. Since 2022, inflationary pressures have affected many aspects of the U.S. economy, including gasoline and fuel prices, and global and domestic supply-chain issues have also had a disruptive effect on many industries, including the agricultural industry. In January 2022, due to elevated levels of inflation and corresponding pressure to raise interest rates, the FRB announced after several periods of historically low federal funds rates and yields on Treasury notes that it would be slowing the pace of its bond purchasing and increasing the target range for the federal funds rate over time. The FOMC increased the target range 525 basis points from March 2022 through July 2023. The target range remained unchanged through much of 2024 until the FOMC decreased the rate 100 basis points during the last four months of the year. As of December 31, 2024, the target range for the federal funds rate had been decreased to 4.25% to 4.50%. It remains uncertain whether the FOMC will further decrease the target range for the federal funds rate to attain a monetary policy sufficiently restrictive to return inflation to more normalized levels, further reduce the federal funds rate or leave the rate at its current elevated level for a lengthy period of time. As noted previously, the Trump Administration recently imposed increased tariffs on goods imported to the U.S. from other countries. As a consequence, other countries, in retaliation to the U.S.’s tariff measures, announced the imposition of increased levels of tariffs on goods exported to such countries by companies in the U.S. The Administration subsequently announced a delay of 90 days in the implementation of those increased tariffs for most other countries, leaving in place, however, a 10% baseline tariff that went into effect on April 5 and that applies to nearly all imports from all countries. The 90-day pause on the implementation of nearly all of the country-specific tariffs was initially set to expire on July 8, 2025, but was extended to August 1, 2025, to provide additional time to negotiate and finalize bilateral trade agreements with key countries. On July 31, 2025, the Trump Administration issued an Executive Order further adjusting the tariff rates to be applied against nearly 70 countries, effective August 7, 2025. The Trump Administration has announced agreements in principle regarding tariffs with certain significant trading partners of the United States, including the European Union and South Korea. It remains uncertain whether such agreements in principle will lead to definitive agreements with such trading partners and, if so, on what terms and whether agreements with other trading partners will eventually be consummated. Such tariffs could result in increased inflationary pressures on the U.S. economy. These developments could adve…

Excerpt shortened here; the source contains the full paragraph.

Current wording

Fluctuations in market rates and other market disruptions are neither predictable nor controllable and may adversely affect our financial condition and earnings. Since 2022, inflationary pressures have affected many aspects of the U.S. economy, including gasoline and fuel prices, and global and domestic supply-chain issues have also had a disruptive effect on many industries, including the agricultural industry. In January 2022, due to elevated levels of inflation and corresponding pressure to raise interest rates, the FRB announced after several periods of historically low federal funds rates and yields on Treasury notes that it would be slowing the pace of its bond purchasing and increasing the target range for the federal funds rate over time. The FOMC increased the target range 525 basis points from March 2022 through July 2023. The target range remained unchanged through much of 2024 until the FOMC decreased the rate 100 basis points, to a target range of 4.25% to 4.50%, during the last four months of the year. The FOMC further decreased the Federal Reserve's benchmark rate by 25 basis points to a range of 4.00% to 4.25% during the nine months ended September 30, 2025, and, on October 29, 2025, the FOMC announced a further 25 basis point decrease in the benchmark rate. It remains uncertain whether the FOMC will further decrease the target range for the federal funds rate to attain a monetary policy sufficiently restrictive to return inflation to more normalized levels, begin to increase the federal funds rate or leave the rate at its current elevated level for a lengthy period of time. Factors such as inflation, productivity, oil prices, unemployment rates, and global demand play a role in the FOMC's consideration of future rate adjustments. As noted previously, the Trump Administration recently imposed increased tariffs on goods imported to the U.S. from other countries. As a consequence, other countries, in retaliation to the U.S.’s tariff measures, announced the imposition of increased levels of tariffs on goods exported to such countries by companies in the U.S. More recently, the U.S. government has introduced agreements in principle regarding tariffs with certain trading partners of the United States, new tariffs and tariff-related measures and has indicated that other potential tariff measures and modifications to existing tariffs continue to be under consideration. The tariff environment continues to remain highly dynamic, and the specific tariffs applicable to goods imported into the U.S. continue to evolve, as do import tariffs charged by other countries. Such tariffs could result in increased inflationary pressures on the U.S. economy. These developments could adversely affect our banking customers’ businesses, which, in turn, could adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations. See “Economic Conditions in the U.S. May Soften or Become Recessionary with Resultant Adverse Consequences for the U.S. Fin…

Excerpt shortened here; the source contains the full paragraph.

Previous wording

In addition, the war between Russia and Ukraine and global reactions thereto have increased U.S. domestic and global energy prices. Oil supply disruptions related to the Russia-Ukraine conflict, and sanctions and other measures taken by the U.S. or its allies, could lead to higher costs for gas, food and goods in the U.S. and exacerbate the inflationary pressures on the economy. As noted previously, the Trump Administration recently imposed increased tariffs on goods imported to the U.S. from other countries. As a consequence, other countries, in retaliation to the U.S.’s tariff measures, announced the imposition of increased levels of tariffs on goods exported to such countries by companies in the U.S. The Administration subsequently announced a delay of 90 days in the implementation of those increased tariffs for most other countries, leaving in place, however, a 10% baseline tariff that went into effect on April 5 and that applies to nearly all imports from all countries. The 90-day pause on the implementation of nearly all of the country-specific tariffs was initially set to expire on July 8, 2025, but was extended to August 1, 2025, to provide additional time to negotiate and finalize bilateral trade agreements with key countries. On July 31, 2025, the Trump Administration issued an Executive Order further adjusting the tariff rates to be applied against nearly 70 countries, effective August 7, 2025. The Trump Administration has announced agreements in principle regarding tariffs with certain significant trading partners of the United States, including the European Union and South Korea. It remains uncertain whether such agreements in principle will lead to definitive agreements with such trading partners and, if so, on what terms and whether agreements with other trading partners will eventually be consummated. Such tariffs could result in increased inflationary pressures on the U.S. economy. These developments could adversely affect our

Current wording

In addition, the war between Russia and Ukraine and global reactions thereto have increased U.S. domestic and global energy prices. Oil supply disruptions related to the Russia-Ukraine conflict, and sanctions and other measures taken by the U.S. or its allies, could lead to higher costs for gas, food and goods in the U.S. and exacerbate the inflationary pressures on the economy. As noted previously, the Trump Administration recently imposed increased tariffs on goods imported to the U.S. from other countries. As a consequence, other countries, in retaliation to the U.S.’s tariff measures, announced the imposition of increased levels of tariffs on goods exported to such countries by companies in the U.S. More recently, the U.S. government has introduced agreements in principle regarding tariffs with certain trading partners of the United States, new tariffs and tariff-related measures and has indicated that other potential tariff measures and modifications to existing tariffs continue to be under consideration. The tariff environment continues to remain highly dynamic, and the specific tariffs applicable to goods imported into the U.S. continue to evolve, as do import tariffs charged by other countries. Such tariffs could result in increased inflationary pressures on the U.S. economy. These developments could adversely affect our banking customers’ businesses, which, in turn, could adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations. See “Economic Conditions in the U.S. May Soften or Become Recessionary with Resultant Adverse Consequences for the U.S. Financial Services Industry and for the Bank,” above in these “Risk Factors” in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q.