Carter Bankshares, Inc.

NOTE 1 –BASIS OF PRESENTATION

Principles of Consolidation: The interim Consolidated Financial Statements include the accounts of Carter Banks hares, Inc. (the “Company”) and its wholly owned subsidiary, Carter Bank & Trust (the “Bank”). CB&T Investment Company (the “Investment Company”) is a subsidiary of the Bank. All significant intercompany transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.

Basis of Presentation: The accompanying unaudited Consolidated Financial Statements have been prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”) in the United States for interim financial information and with the instructions to Form 10-Q and Article 10 of Regulation S-X. Accordingly, they do not include all of the information and footnotes required by GAAP for complete financial statements and should be read in conjunction with the audited Consolidated Financial Statements included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2024, filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”), on March 7, 2025. In management’s opinion, the accompanying interim financial information reflects all adjustments, consisting of normal recurring adjustments, necessary to present fairly our financial position and the results of operations for each of the interim periods presented. Results of operations for interim periods are not necessarily indicative to the results of operations that may be expected for a full year or any future period.

Reclassification: Amounts in prior periods financial statements and footnotes are reclassified whenever necessary to conform to the current period presentation. Reclassifications had no material effect on prior periods net income or shareholders’ equity.

Use of Estimates: To prepare financial statements in conformity with GAAP, management makes estimates and assumptions based on available information. These estimates and assumptions affect the amounts reported in the Consolidated Financial Statements and the disclosures provided, and actual results could differ from those estimates. Information available which could affect these judgments include, but are not limited to, changes in interest rates, changes in the performance of the economy, and changes in the financial condition of borrowers.

Accounting Standard Adopted in 2025

On March 29, 2024 the Financial Accounting Standards Board, (“FASB”) issued Accounting Standards Update, (“ASU”) 2024-02, Codification Improvements— Amendments to Remove References to the Concepts Statements, which amends the Codification to remove references to various concepts statements and impacts a variety of topics in the Codification. The amendments apply to all reporting entities within the scope of the affected accounting guidance, but in most instances the references removed are extraneous and not required to understand or apply the guidance. Generally, the amendments in ASU 2024-02 are not intended to result in significant accounting changes for most entities. The adoption of this ASU 2024-02 was effective January 1, 2025 and did not have a material impact to the Company’s Consolidated Financial Statements.

Accounting Standards Issued but Not Yet Adopted

ASU 2023-09 – Income Taxes — (Topic 740) Improvements to Income Tax Disclosures

On December 14, 2023, the FASB issued ASU 2023-09, Income Taxes (Topic 740): Improvements to Income Tax Disclosures, which enhances the required disclosures primarily related to the income tax rate reconciliation and income taxes paid. The ASU requires an entity’s income tax rate reconciliation to provide additional information for reconciling items meeting a quantitative threshold, and to disclose certain selected categories within the income tax rate reconciliation. The ASU also requires entities to disclose the amount of income taxes paid, disaggregated by federal, state and foreign taxes. The ASU is effective in the annual period beginning on January 1, 2025, though early adoption is permitted. The Company is currently evaluating the impact of this guidance on its Consolidated Financial Statements.

ASU 2024-04 – Debt — Debt with Conversion and Other Options (Subtopic 470-20) Induced Conversions of Convertible Debt Instruments

Accounting Standards Update 2024-04 “Debt - Debt with Conversion and Other Options (Subtopic 470-20)” (“ASU 2024-04”) clarifies wither the settlement of convertible debt, including debt containing cash conversion features at terms that are different from the terms included in the existing debt instrument, should be accounted for as an induced conversion or a debt extinguishment. Updates permit an entity to apply the new guidance on either a prospective or a retrospective basis. ASU 2024-04 is effective for public business entities January 1, 2026 and is not expected to have a significant impact on the Company’s financial statements.

ASU 2025-01 & 2024-03 – Income Statement — Reporting Comprehensive Income –Expense Disaggregation Disclosures (Subtopic 220-40)

In November 2024, the FASB issued ASU 2024-03, “Income Statement—Reporting Comprehensive Income—Expense Disaggregation Disclosures” (“ASU 2024-03”). The amendments in ASU 2024-03 improve financial reporting by requiring that public business entities disclose additional information about specific expense categories in the notes to the financial statements at interim and annual reporting periods. This information is generally not presented in the financial statements today. In January 2025, the FASB issued ASU 2025-01, “Income Statement — Reporting Comprehensive Income – Expense Disaggregation Disclosures (Subtopic 220-40).” The amendment in this Update amends the effective date of ASU 2024-03 to clarify that all public business entities are required to adopt the guidance in annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2026, and interim periods within annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2027. Early adoption is permitted. The adoption of this pronouncement is not expected to have a material impact on the Consolidated Financial Statements, but is expected to result in additional disclosures and potential changes to the line items on the Consolidated Statement of Income.

Acquisitions

On May 23, 2025, Carter Bankshares, Inc. the holding company for Carter Bank (“the Bank”) completed the acquisition oftwo leased branch facilities and the deposits associated therewith, located in Mooresville, North Carolina and Winston-Salem, North Carolina from First Reliance Bankshares, Inc., the holding company for First Reliance Bank (the “Branch Purchase”). The Branch Purchase included approximately $57 thousand in premises and equipment, $517 thousand in cash and other assets, as well as approximately $55.9 million in deposits. The Branch Purchase did not include any loans. This expansion is part of our strategy to expand our footprint in growth markets throughout North Carolina.

The following table summarizes the estimated fair value of the assets acquired, liabilities assumed and consideration transferred in connection with the acquisition:

Acquired Deposits

The fair values of core deposits, such as noninterest and interest-bearing transaction accounts, savings and money market accounts approximated their carrying value at the acquisition date. For certificates of deposit, the fair values were estimated based on discounted cash flows, using interest rates that were being offered at the time of acquisition compared to the contractual interest rates.

Core Deposit Intangible

The Company believes that the customer relationships with the deposits acquired have an intangible value. In connection with the acquisition, the Company recorded a core deposit intangible asset of $1.1 million, with a carrying value of $1.0 million as of September 30, 2025. The core deposit intangible asset represents the value that the Bank’s core deposits had with their deposit customers. The fair value was estimated based on a discounted cash flow methodology based on assumptions that considered the type of deposit, deposit retention and the cost of the deposit base. The core deposit intangible is being amortized overten years on an accelerated basis.

Goodwill

Goodwill is the excess of the consideration transferred over the fair value of the identifiable net assets acquired and liabilities assumed and is the result of the expected operation synergies and other factors. Goodwill of $1.2 million has been recorded. The Bank will monitor valuation inputs for up to one year after the acquisition date according to GAAP. Adjustments will be made to provisional amounts if new information becomes available about facts and circumstances that existed as of the acquisition date.

Merger Related Costs

During the nine months ended September 30, 2025, the Company incurred $419 thousand of merger-related costs in connection with the Branch Purchase, primarily for professional fees. These expenses are recorded in professional and legal fees on the Consolidated Statements of Income.

NOTE 2 –EARNINGS PER COMMON SHARE

Basic earnings per common share is calculated by dividing net income allocated to common shareholders by the weighted average number of shares of common stock outstanding, less average participating shares during the period. Diluted earnings per common share reflects the potential dilution that could occur if securities or other contracts to issue common stock were exercised or converted into common stock or resulted in the issuance of common stock that then shared in the earnings of the entity.

The following table reconciles the numerators and denominators of basic and diluted earnings per common share calculations for the periods presented:

NOTE 3 -INVESTMENT SECURITIES

The following tables present the amortized cost and fair value of available-for-sale securities at the dates presented:

The Company didnot have securities classified as held-to-maturity at September 30, 2025 or December 31, 2024.

The following table shows the composition of gross and net realized gains and losses for the periods presented:

For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2025, the Company hadno gross or net realized gains and losses. Gains or losses are recognized in earnings on the trade date using the amortized cost of the specific security sold. The net realized gains reflect reclassification adjustments in the calculation of Other Comprehensive Income. The net realized gains are included in noninterest income as gains on sales of securities, net in the Consolidated Statements of Income. The tax impact is included in income tax provision in the Consolidated Statements of Income.

The amortized cost and fair value of available-for-sale debt securities are shown below by contractual maturity at the date presented. Expected maturities may differ from contractual maturities if borrowers have the right to call or prepay obligations with or without call or prepayment penalties. Securities not due at a single maturity date are shown separately.

At September 30, 2025 and December 31, 2024, there were no holdings of securities of any one issuer, other than those securities issued by or collateralized by the U.S. Government and its Agencies, in an amount greater than 10% of shareholders’ equity. The carrying value of securities pledged for various regulatory and legal requirements was $311.8 million at September 30, 2025 and $300.1 million at December 31, 2024.

Available-for-sale securities with unrealized losses at September 30, 2025 and December 31, 2024, aggregated by investment category and length of time the individual securities have been in a continuous unrealized loss position, were as follows:

The Company didnot record an allowance for credit losses, (“ACL”), on its investment securities during the three or nine months ended September 30, 2025 or the year ended December 31, 2024 as the Company didnot have any related impairment. The Company regularly reviews debt securities for expected credit loss using both qualitative and quantitative criteria, as necessary, based on the composition of the portfolio at period end.

As of September 30, 2025, management does not intend to sell any security in an unrealized loss position and it is not more than likely that it will be required to sell any such security before the recovery of its amortized cost basis. The unrealized losses on debt securities are primarily the result of interest rate changes, credit spread fluctuations, general financial market uncertainty and market volatility. These conditions should not prohibit the Company from receiving its contractual principal and interest payments on its debt securities. The fair value is expected to recover as the securities approach their maturity date or repricing date. It should be noted that we may occasionally sell securities to take advantage of market opportunities or as part of a strategic initiative.

The Company determined the unrealized losses detailed in the table above are not related to credit; therefore, no ACL has been recognized on the Company’s investment securities. Should the impairment of any of these securities become credit related, the impairment will be recognized by establishing an ACL through provision (recovery) for credit losses in the period the credit related impairment is identified, while any non-credit loss will be recognized in accumulated other comprehensive loss, net of applicable taxes. During the three and nine months ended September 30, 2025 and September 30, 2024, the Company had no credit related net investment impairment losses.

Equity Securities

During 2024, the Company purchased $10.0 million of equity securities. These securities are separately reported as “equity securities” on the Company’s Consolidated Balance Sheets. The equity securities consist of our investment in a market-rate, NASDAQ listed mutual fund that invests in high quality fixed income bonds, mainly government agency securities whose proceeds are designed to positively impact community development throughout the United States. The mutual fund mainly focuses on providing affordable housing to low-income and moderate-income borrowers and renters, including those in Majority Minority Census Tracts. The fund invests nationally, but individual bonds are designated to our bank that align with our current footprint. The Company’s investment in the mutual fund is eligible for investment credit under the Community Reinvestment Act.

During the three and nine months ended September 30, 2025, the Company recognized an unrealized fair value gain of $69 thousand and $228 thousand on these equity securities. During the three and nine months ended September 30, 2024 the Company purchased $5.0 million of equity securities with a carrying value totaling $5.2 million and recognized an unrealized fair value gain of $181.5 thousand and $207.1 thousand, respectively, on these equity securities. This unrealized fair value gain is recorded in other noninterest income on the Consolidated Statements of Income.

NOTE 4 –LOANS AND LOANS HELD-FOR-SALE

The composition of the loan portfolio by dollar amount is shown in the table below at the dates presented:

Loan Restructurings

The following table shows the amortized cost basis as of September 30, 2025 and September 30, 2024 for the loans restructured during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2025 and September 30, 2024 to borrowers experiencing financial difficulty, disaggregated by portfolio segment. The Company had no restructured loans to borrowers experiencing financial difficulty during the three months ended September 30, 2025:

The Bank closely monitors the performance of the loans that are modified to borrowers experiencing financial difficulty to understand the effectiveness of its modification efforts. The following table shows the performance of loans that were modified during the nine months ended September 30, 2025 and 2024:

The following table presents the amortized cost of modified loans to borrowers experiencing financial difficulty by portfolio segment and type of modification during the periods presented. The Company had no restructured loans to borrowers experiencing financial difficulty during the three months ended September 30, 2025.

The following table describes the effect of loan modifications made to borrowers experiencing financial difficulty during the periods presented:

Commitments to lend additional funds onone restructured loan as of September 30, 2025 totaled $4.1 million. As of December 31, 2024, the Bank hadno commitments to lend any additional funds on restructured loans. As of September 30, 2025 and September 30, 2024 the Bank had no loans that defaulted during the period and had been modified preceding the payment default when the borrower was experiencing financial difficulty at the time of modification. For purposes of this disclosure, a default occurs when, within 12 months of the original modification, either a full or partial charge-off occurs or the loan becomes 90 days or more past due.

As of September 30, 2025 and December 31, 2024, the Company had $2.0 million and $0.4 million, respectively, of residential real estate in the process of foreclosure. We hadno residential real estate included in other real estate owned (“OREO”) at September 30, 2025 or at December 31, 2024, respectively.

NOTE 5 -ALLOWANCE FOR CREDIT LOSSES

The Company maintains an ACL at a level determined to be adequate to absorb expected credit losses associated with the Company’s financial instruments over the life of those instruments as of the balance sheet date. The Company develops and documents a systematic ACL methodology based on the following portfolio segments: 1) Commercial Real Estate (“CRE”), 2) Commercial and Industrial, (“C&I”), 3) Residential Mortgages, 4) Other Consumer, 5) Construction and 6) Other. The Company’s loan portfolio is segmented by homogeneous loan types that behave similarly to economic cycles. The following is a discussion of the key risks by portfolio segment that management assesses in preparing the ACL.

CREloans are secured by commercial purpose real estate, including both owner occupied properties and investment properties, for various purposes such as hotels, strip malls and apartments. Operations of the individual projects as well as global cash flows of the debtors are the primary sources of repayment for these loans. The condition of the local economy is an important indicator of risk, but there are also more specific risks depending on the collateral type as well as the business.

C&I loans are made to operating companies or manufacturers for the purpose of production, operating capacity, accounts receivable, inventory or equipment financing. Cash flow from the operations of the borrower is the primary source of repayment for these loans. The condition of the local economy is an important indicator of risk, but there are also more specific risks depending on the industry of the borrower. Collateral for these types of loans often do not have sufficient value in a distressed or liquidation scenario to satisfy the outstanding debt. These loans are also made to local and state municipalities for various purposes including refinancing existing obligations, infrastructure up-fit and expansion, or to purchase new equipment. These loans may be secured by general obligations from the municipal authority or revenues generated by infrastructure and equipment financed by the Company. The primary repayment sources for these loans include the tax base of the municipality, specific revenue streams related to the infrastructure financed, and other business operations of the municipal authority. The health and stability of state and local economies directly impact each municipality’s tax basis and are important indicators of risk for this segment. The ability of each municipality to increase taxes and fees to offset debt service requirements give this type of loan a very low risk profile in the continuum of the Company’s loan portfolio.

Residential Mortgages are loans secured by first and second liens such as home equity loans, home equity lines of credit and 1-4 family residential mortgages, including purchased money mortgages. The primary source of repayment for these loans is the income of the borrower. The condition of the local economy, in particular the unemployment rate, is an important indicator of risk for this segment. The state of the local housing market can also have a significant impact on this segment because low demand and/or declining home values can limit the ability of borrowers to sell a property and satisfy the debt.

Other Consumer loans are made to individuals and may be either secured by assets other than 1-4 family residences or unsecured. This segment includes auto loans and unsecured loans and lines. The primary source of repayment for these loans is the income and assets of the borrower. The condition of the local economy, in particular the unemployment rate, is an important indicator of risk for this segment. The value of the collateral, if there is any, is less likely to be a source of repayment due to less certain collateral values.

Construction loans include both commercial and consumer. Commercial loans are made to finance construction of buildings or other structures, as well as to finance the acquisition and development of raw land for various purposes. While the risk of these loans is generally confined to the construction period, if there are problems, the project may not be completed, and as such, may not provide sufficient cash flow on its own to service the debt or have sufficient value in a liquidation to cover the outstanding principal. The condition of the local economy is an important indicator of risk, but there are also more specific risks depending on the type of project and the experience and resources of the developer. Consumer loans are made for the construction of residential homes for which a binding sales contract exists and generally are for a period of time sufficient to complete construction. Residential construction loans to individuals generally provide for the payment of interest only during the construction phase. Credit risk for residential real estate construction loans can arise from construction delays, cost overruns, failure of the contractor to complete the project to specifications and economic conditions that could impact demand for or supply of the property being constructed.

Other loans, which includes the Company’s largest lending relationship, has unique risk attributes considered inconsistent with our current underwriting standards. The ACL reserve for the Other segment is based on models based on projected discounted cash flows and supportable loan amount and reserves will fluctuate based on expected cash flow changes and curtailments in the future. These inconsistencies may include, but are not limited to i) transaction and/or relationship sizes that exceed limits established in 2018, ii) overreliance on secondary, tertiary or guarantor cash flow, iii) land acquisition loans without a defined source of amortization, iv) loan structures on operating lines of credit dependent on the value of real estate rather than trading assets, and v) indirect liabilities of certain guarantees resulting from the nonpayment of financial obligations. Management continuously assesses underwriting standards, but significantly enhanced these standards in 2018.

Current Expected Credit Losses (“CECL”) Model

The CECL model is based on our best estimate of facts known with the most current information. Certain portions of the CECL model are inherently subjective and include, but are not limited to estimates with respect to: prepayment speeds, the timing of prepayments, potential losses given default, discount rates and the timing of future cash flows. Management utilizes widely published economic forecasts as the basis for the regression analysis used to estimate the probability of default in the baseline model. The peaks and troughs of these forecasts serve as guardrails for potential subjective adjustments. In addition to considering the outcomes based on the range of forecasts, management recognizes that the assumptions used in economic forecasts may not perfectly align with our market area, risk profile or unique attributes of our portfolio along with other important considerations. Severe changes in forecasts can also create significant variability and management must assess not only the absolute balance of reserves but also consider the appropriateness of the velocity of change. Therefore, management developed a framework to assess the tolerance and reasonableness of the CECL modeling process by challenging certain elements of the forecasts, when appropriate. These outcomes, known as “challenger models,” provide opportunities to examine and subjectively adjust the CECL model output and are designed to be counter cyclical, thereby reducing variability.

Credit Quality Indicators:

The Company’s portfolio grading analysis estimates the capability of the borrower to repay the contractual obligations of the loan agreements as scheduled or at all. The Company’s internal credit risk grading system is based on debt service coverage, collateral values and other subjective factors. Mortgage and consumer loans are defaulted to a pass grade until a loan migrates to past due status.

The Company has a loan review policy and annual scope report that details the level of loan review for loans in a given year. The annual loan review provides the Credit Risk Committee with an independent analysis of the following: 1) credit quality of the loan portfolio, 2) compliance with the loan policy, 3) adequacy of documentation in credit files and 4) validity of risk ratings. Since 2020 and continuing through 2025, the Company used a four step approach for loan review in the following categories:

•Individual reviews of the toptwenty large loan relationships (“LLRs”), which are defined as any individual commercial loan or aggregate commercial relationship totaling $2.0 million or more;

•A sampling of small LLRs, which are defined as individual commercial loans or relationships with aggregate exposure of $2.0 million or more but not included in the toptwenty LLRs;

•A sampling review of commercial loans up to $10 million in commitment; and

•Focus reviews of micro commercial loans defined as $2.0 million or less, to evaluate emerging risk rather than individual loan risk. Focus reviews are performed annually on a rotational basis.

The Company’s internally assigned grades are as follows:

Pass – The Company uses six grades of pass, including its watch rating. Generally, a pass rating indicates that the loan is currently performing and is of high quality.

Special Mention – Assets with potential weaknesses that warrant management’s close attention and if left uncorrected, these potential weaknesses may result in deterioration of the repayment prospects for the asset or in the institution’s credit position at some future date.

Substandard – Assets that are inadequately protected by the current sound worth and paying capacity of the obligor or by the collateral pledged, if any. Assets so classified have a well-defined weakness, or weaknesses that jeopardize the liquidation of the debt. Such assets are characterized by the distinct possibility that the institution will sustain some loss if the deficiencies are not corrected.

Doubtful – Assets with all the weaknesses inherent in one classified substandard with the added characteristic that the weaknesses make collection or liquidation in full, on the basis of currently known facts, conditions, and values, highly questionable and improbable.

Loss – Assets considered of such little value that its continuance on the books is not warranted. This classification does not mean that the asset has absolutely no recovery or salvage value, but rather it is not practical or desirable to defer writing off this basically worthless asset even though partial recovery may be affected in the future.

The ability of borrowers to repay commercial loans is dependent upon the success of their business and general economic conditions. Due to the greater potential for loss within our commercial portfolio, we monitor the commercial loan portfolio through an internal risk rating system. Loan risk ratings are assigned based upon the creditworthiness of the borrower and are reviewed on an ongoing basis according to our internal policies. Loans rated special mention or substandard have potential or well-defined weaknesses not generally found in high quality, performing loans, and require attention from management to limit loss. The loan portfolio has not yet been significantly impacted by tariffs or other actual or potential changes in trade policies, but potential supply chain disruption and commodity price volatility present addition risk to the loan portfolio.

The following table presents loan balances by year of origination and internally assigned risk rating for our portfolio segments as of September 30:

The following table presents loan balances by year of origination and internally assigned risk rating for our portfolio segments as of December 31:

The Bank’s largest credit relationship was nonperforming and rated as substandard at September 30, 2025 and December 31, 2024 with an aggregate principal balance of $228.6 million and $252.0 million at September 30, 2025 and December 31, 2024, respectively.

The following table presents loan balances by year of origination and performing and nonperforming status for our portfolio segments as of September 30:

The following table presents loan balances by year of origination and performing and nonperforming status for our portfolio segments as of December 31:

Age Analysis of Past-Due Loans by Class

The following tables include an aging analysis of the recorded investment of past-due portfolio loans at the dates presented:

Loans past due 90 days or more and still accruing are automatically transferred to nonaccrual status and were zero at September 30, 2025 and December 31, 2024, respectively.

There wereno nonaccrual or past due loans related to loans held-for-sale as of September 30, 2025 and December 31, 2024, respectively.

The following table presents loans on nonaccrual status by portfolio segment at the dates presented. There were no loans at the dates presented that were past due more than 90 days and still accruing.

A loan is considered nonperforming when we transfer the interest methodology from accrual to nonaccrual. Nonaccrual status recognizes that the collection in full of both principal and interest is unlikely. Without applying additional scrutiny at a granular level, management believes delinquency to be a leading indicator with respect to the likelihood of collection in full of both principal and interest. Accordingly, management automatically transfers loans to nonaccrual status if they are 90 or more days’ delinquent. Management reserves the right to exercise discretion at the individual loan level. For example, we may elect to transfer a loan to nonaccrual regardless of the delinquency status if we believe the collection in full of both principal and interest to be unlikely. We may also elect to retain a loan that is 90 or more days’ delinquent in accrual status if we believe the loan is well secured and in the process of collection. Nonaccrual loans and loans that have been characterized as restructured loans may be individually evaluated for credit losses in the Allowance for Credit Losses model if the loan commitment is

$1.0 million or greater and/or based on management’s discretion, unless we elect to maintain the loan in the general pool. During the three and nine months ended September 30, 2025 and September 30, 2024, respectively, no material amount of interest income was recognized on nonperforming loans subsequent to their classification as nonperforming loans.

The following tables present the amortized cost basis of individually evaluated loans at the dates presented. Changes in the fair value of the types of collateral and discounted cash flow modeling for individually evaluated loans are reported in the provision (recovery) for credit losses on loans in the period of change.

The following tables present activity in the ACL for the periods presented:

NOTE 6 -FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS

The Company uses fair value measurements when recording and disclosing certain financial assets and liabilities. Securities available-for-sale, equity securities, loans and derivative financial instruments are recorded at fair value on a recurring basis. Additionally, from time to time, we may be required to record other assets at fair value on a nonrecurring basis, such as loans held-for-sale, individually evaluated loans, OREO, and certain other assets.

Fair value is the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in the principal or most advantageous market in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. An orderly transaction is a transaction that assumes exposure to the market for a period prior to the measurement date to allow for marketing activities that are usual and customary for transactions involving such assets or liabilities; it is not a forced transaction. In determining fair value, we use various valuation approaches, including market, income and cost approaches. The fair value standard establishes a hierarchy for inputs used in measuring fair value that maximizes the use of observable inputs and minimizes the use of unobservable inputs by requiring that observable inputs be used when available. Observable inputs are inputs that market participants would use in pricing an asset or liability, which are developed based on market data we have obtained from independent sources. Unobservable inputs reflect our estimates of assumptions that market participants would use in pricing an asset or liability, which are developed based on the best information available in the circumstances.

The fair value hierarchy gives the highest priority to unadjusted quoted market prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities (Level 1 measurement) and the lowest priority to unobservable inputs (Level 3 measurement). There are three levels of inputs that may be used to measure fair values:

Level 1: Quoted prices (unadjusted) for identical assets or liabilities in active markets that an entity has the ability to access as of the measurement date, or observable inputs.

Level 2: Significant other observable inputs other than Level 1 prices, such as quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities, quoted prices in markets that are not active, and other inputs that are observable or can be corroborated by observable market data.

Level 3: Significant unobservable inputs that reflect an entity’s own assumptions about the assumptions that market participants would use in pricing an asset or liability.

A financial instrument’s level within the fair value hierarchy is based on the lowest level of input that is significant to the fair value measurement. We recognize transfers between any of the fair value hierarchy levels at the end of the reporting period in which the transfer occurred.

The following are descriptions of the valuation methodologies that the Company uses for financial instruments recorded at fair value on either a recurring or nonrecurring basis.

Recurring Basis

Securities Available-for-Sale: The fair values of securities available-for-sale are determined by obtaining quoted prices on nationally recognized securities exchanges, if available. This valuation method is classified as Level 1 in the fair value hierarchy. For securities where quoted prices are not available, fair values are calculated based on market prices of similar securities, or matrix pricing, which is a mathematical technique, used widely in the industry to value debt securities without relying exclusively on quoted prices for the specific securities but rather by relying on the securities’ relationship to other benchmark quoted securities. Matrix pricing relies on the securities’ relationship to similarly traded securities, benchmark curves, and the benchmarking of like securities. Matrix pricing utilizes observable market inputs such as benchmark yields, reported trades, broker/dealer quotes, issuer spreads, two-sided markets, benchmark securities, bids, offers, reference data, and industry and economic events. In instances where broker quotes are used, these quotes are obtained from market makers or broker-dealers recognized to be market participants. This valuation method is classified as Level 2 in the fair value hierarchy. For securities where quoted prices or market prices of similar securities are not available, fair values are calculated using discounted cash flows or other market indicators. This valuation method is classified as Level 3 in the fair value hierarchy.

Equity Securities: The fair values of equity securities are determined by obtaining quoted prices on nationally recognized or foreign securities exchanges, if available. This valuation method is classified as Level 1 in the fair value hierarchy. As of September 30, 2025 and December 31, 2024, Level 1 fair values are available for each of the Company’s equity securities.

Derivative Financial Instruments and Hedging Activities: The Company uses derivative instruments such as interest rate swaps for commercial loans with our customers. Upon entering into swaps with the borrower, the Company entered into offsetting positions with counterparties to minimize risk to the Company. The back-to-back swaps qualify as derivatives, but are not designated as hedging instruments. Interest rate swap contracts involve the risk of dealing with borrower and counterparties and their ability to meet contractual terms. We calculate the fair value for derivatives using accepted valuation techniques, including discounted cash flow analysis on the expected cash flows of each derivative. Each valuation considers the contractual terms of the derivative, including the period to maturity, and uses observable market-based inputs, such as interest rate curves and implied volatilities. When the fair value of a derivative instrument contract is positive, this generally indicates that the counterparty or customer owes the Company, and results in credit risk to the Company. When the fair value of a derivative instrument contract is negative, the Company owes the customer or counterparty, and, therefore, has no risk. Accordingly, interest rate swaps for commercial loans are classified as Level 2.

The Company previously used pay-fixed/receive-floating interest rate swaps (the “Pay-Fixed Swap Agreements”). The Pay-Fixed Swap Agreements were designated as fair value hedges in order to hedge the risk of changes in the fair value of the fixed rate loans included in the amortizing single-family mortgages and CRE loans. These fair value hedges were utilized to convert the hedged loans from a fixed rate to a synthetic floating Secured Overnight Financing Rate (“SOFR”). As long as a hedging instrument was designated and the results of the effectiveness testing supported that the instrument qualified for hedge accounting treatment, 100% of the periodic changes in fair value of the hedging instrument were accounted for in net interest income. The fair value of the hedge was recorded in either other assets or in other liabilities depending on the position of the hedge, and the offset was recorded in loans. This was the case whether or not economic mismatches existed in the hedging relationship. As a result, there was no periodic measurement or recognition of ineffectiveness. Rather, the full impact of hedge gains and losses was recognized in the period in which the hedged transactions had an impact to earnings. As of September 30, 2025, the Company had terminated all its Pay-Fixed Swap Agreements.

The Company also enters into commitments to originate mortgage loans whereby the interest rate on the loan is determined prior to funding (“rate lock commitments”). Rate lock commitments on mortgage loans to be held-for-sale are considered to be derivatives. The period of time between issuance of a loan commitment and closing and sale of the loan generally ranges from

15 to 90 days. The Company protects itself from changes in interest rates through the use of best-efforts forward delivery commitments, whereby the Company commits to sell a loan at the time the borrower commits to an interest rate with the intent that the buyer has assumed interest rate risk on rate lock commitments due to changes in interest rates.

Nonrecurring Basis

Individually Evaluated Loans: Individually evaluated loans with commitments of $1.0 million or greater and/or based on management’s discretion are evaluated for potential specific reserves and adjusted, if a shortfall exists, to fair value less costs to sell. Fair value is measured based on the value of the underlying collateral securing the loan if repayment is expected solely from the sale or operation of the collateral or present value of estimated future cash flows discounted at the loan’s contractual interest rate if the loan is not determined to be collateral dependent. All loans with a specific reserve are classified as Level 3 in the fair value hierarchy.

Fair value for individually evaluated loans is determined using several methods. Generally, the fair value of real estate is determined based on appraisals by qualified licensed appraisers. These appraisals may utilize a single valuation approach or a combination of approaches including comparable sales and the income approach. Adjustments are routinely made in the appraisal process by the appraisers to adjust for differences between the comparable sales and income data available. These routine adjustments are made to adjust the value of a specific property relative to comparable properties for variations in qualities such as location, size, and income production capacity relative to the subject property of the appraisal. Such adjustments are typically significant and result in a Level 3 classification of the inputs for determining fair value.

Subsequent to the initial impairment date, existing individually evaluated loans are reevaluated quarterly for additional impairment and adjustments to fair value less costs to sell are made, where appropriate. For individually evaluated loans, the first stage of our impairment analysis involves inspection of the property in question to affirm the condition has not deteriorated since the previous impairment analysis date. Management also engages in conversations with local real estate professionals and market participants to determine the likely marketing time and value range for the property. The second stage involves an assessment of current trends in the regional market. After thorough consideration of these factors, management will order a new appraisal.

OREO is evaluated at the time of acquisition and is recorded at fair value as determined by an appraisal or evaluation, less costs to sell. After acquisition, most OREO assets are revalued every twelve months, or more frequently when deemed necessary by management based upon changes in market or collateral conditions. For smaller OREO assets with existing carrying values less than $0.5 million, management may elect to re-value the assets, at minimum, once every twenty-four months based on the size of the exposure. Fair value, when recorded, is generally based upon appraisals by approved, independent state certified appraisers. Appraisals on OREO may be discounted based on our historical knowledge, changes in market conditions from the time of appraisal or other information available to us. OREO and other repossessed assets marked to fair value are classified as Level 3. At September 30, 2025 OREO assets were in compliance with the OREO policy as set forth above, and substantially all of the assets were listed for sale with credible third-party real estate brokers.

The following tables present the Company’s financial assets and liabilities that are measured at fair value on a recurring basis by fair value hierarchy level at the dates presented:

We have invested in subordinated debt of other financial institutions. We havetwo securities totaling $8.3 million that are considered to be Level 3 securities at September 30, 2025 andtwo totaling $7.8 million at December 31, 2024, attributable to the calculated change in fair value of $0.5 million. The Level 3 fair value is benchmarked to other securities that have observable market values in Level 2 using comparable financial ratio analysis specific to the industry in which the underlying company operates. The underwriting includes considerations of capital adequacy, asset quality trends, management’s ability to continue efficient and profitable operations, the institution’s core earnings ability, liquidity management platform and current on and off-balance sheet interest rate risk exposures.

Financial assets measured at fair value on a nonrecurring basis at the dates presented are summarized below:

The Company hadtwo loan relationships totaling $8.8 million and andone relationship of $0.6 million measured at fair value on a nonrecurring basis as of September 30, 2025 and at December 31, 2024, respectively. The increase in individually evaluated loans measured at fair value from December 31, 2024, was primarily related to one loan relationship. The Company’s largest credit relationship is classified as an individually evaluated loan with a net carrying amount totaling $206.9 million at September 30, 2025 and $221.7 million at December 31, 2024. The Company utilized various cash flow and discounting assumptions in the alternative modeling, instead of fair value, which resulted in a valuation allowance of $21.7 million at September 30, 2025 and $30.3 million at December 31, 2024. When evaluating the net carrying value of this credit relationship at September 30, 2025, the Company utilized discounted cash flow valuation techniques to estimate the timing and magnitude of potential recoveries resulting from various collection processes.

OREO, which is measured at the lower of carrying or fair value less costs to sell, had a net carrying amount of $0.3 million as of September 30, 2025, compared with $0.7 million at December 31, 2024. This decrease was primarily due tothree closed branches being transferred to OREO and sold during the nine months ending September 30, 2025 in addition to the sale of another closed branch previously added to OREO. The Company hadzero and $0.5 million write-downs recorded on OREO for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2025 and hadzero write-downs recorded on OREO for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2024. These write-downs are recorded in other noninterest expense on the Consolidated Statements of Income.

The following tables summarize the Company’s assets that were measured at fair value on a nonrecurring basis at the dates presented:

A baseline discount rate has been established for impairment measurement. This baseline discount rate was back tested against historical OREO sales, and therefore, represents an average recovery rate based on the transaction sizes and asset types in the population examined. Management considers the unique attributes and characteristics of each specific individually evaluated loan and may use judgment to adjust the baseline discount rate when appropriate.

The carrying values and estimated fair values of our financial instruments at September 30, 2025 and December 31, 2024 are presented in the following tables. Fair values for September 30, 2025 and December 31, 2024 are estimated under the exit price notion in accordance with ASU 2016-01, “Recognition and Measurement of Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities.”

GAAP requires disclosure of fair value information about financial instruments carried at book value on the Consolidated Balance Sheets. In cases where quoted market prices are not available, fair values are based on estimates using present value or other valuation techniques. Those techniques are significantly affected by the assumptions used, including the discount rate and estimates of future cash flows. In that regard, the derived fair value estimates cannot be substantiated by comparison to independent markets and, in many cases, could not be realized in immediate settlement of the instruments. Accordingly, the aggregate fair value amounts presented do not represent the underlying value of the Company.

NOTE 7 –DERIVATIVE INSTRUMENTS AND HEDGING ACTIVITIES

In accordance with applicable accounting guidance for derivatives and hedging, all derivatives are recognized as either assets or liabilities on the Consolidated Balance Sheets at fair value. Interest rate swaps are contracts in which a series of interest rate flows (fixed and variable) are exchanged over a prescribed period. The notional amounts on which the interest payments are based are not exchanged. These derivative positions relate to transactions in which the Company enters into an interest rate swap with a commercial customer while at the same time entering into an offsetting interest rate swap with another financial institution, or counterparty. In connection with each transaction, the Company originates a floating rate loan to the customer at a notional amount. In turn, the customer contracts with the counterparty to swap the stream of cash flows associated with the floating interest rate loan with the Company for a stream of fixed interest rate cash flows based on the same notional amount as the Company’s loan. The transaction allows the customer to effectively convert a variable rate loan to a fixed rate loan with the Company receiving a variable rate. These agreements could have floors or caps on the contracted interest rates.

The Company also has the ability to execute on balance sheet hedges. On July 11, 2024, the Company entered intotwo related Pay-Fixed Swap Agreements for a combined notional amount of $300.0 million. The Pay-Fixed Swap Agreements were designated as fair value hedges in order to hedge the risk of changes in the fair value of the fixed rate loans included in amortizing single-family mortgages and CRE loans. These fair value hedges were utilized to convert the hedged loans from a fixed rate to a synthetic floating SOFR. On December 19, 2024, the Company terminated the first Pay-Fixed Swap Agreement with an original notional value of $175.0 million that would have matured on July 11, 2029. Negative interest income adjustments related to the termination of this hedge was $154 thousand. On January 13, 2025, the Company terminated the remaining Pay-Fixed Swap Agreement with an original notional value of $125.0 million that would have matured on July 11, 2027. The negative interest income adjustment for the termination of this hedge was $110 thousand. While thesetwo Pay-Fixed Swap Agreements were effective, the Company recognized interest income of $1.2 million related to these agreements.

As long as a hedging instrument is designated and the results of the effectiveness testing support that the instrument qualifies for hedge accounting treatment, 100% of the periodic changes in fair value of the hedging instrument are accounted for in net interest income. The fair value of the hedge is recorded in either other assets or in other liabilities depending on the position of the hedge, and the offset is recorded in loans. This is the case whether or not economic mismatches exist in the hedging relationship. As a result, there is no periodic measurement or recognition of ineffectiveness. Rather, the full impact of hedge gains and losses is recognized in the period in which the hedged transactions impact earnings.

Pursuant to agreements with various financial institutions, the Company may receive collateral or may be required to post collateral based upon mark-to-market positions. Beyond unsecured threshold levels, collateral in the form of cash or securities may be made available to counterparties of interest rate swap transactions. Based upon current positions and related future collateral requirements relating to them, management believes any effect on our cash flow or liquidity position to be immaterial.

Derivatives contain an element of credit risk, the possibility that the Company will incur a loss because a counterparty, which may be a financial institution or a customer, fails to meet its contractual obligations. All derivative contracts with financial institutions may be executed only with counterparties approved by the Asset and Liability Committee (“ALCO”) and all derivatives with customers are approved by a team of members from senior management who have been trained to understand the risk associated with interest rate swaps and have past industry experience. Interest rate swaps are considered derivatives but are not accounted for using hedge accounting. As such, changes in the estimated fair value of the derivatives are recorded in current earnings in the Consolidated Statements of Income.

The following tables indicate the amounts representing the fair value of derivative assets and derivative liabilities at the dates presented:

The following table indicates the loss recognized within “other noninterest income or expense” for derivatives not designated as hedging instruments and the income (loss) within “interest income on taxable loans” for derivatives designated as hedging instruments in the Consolidated Statements of Income as of the periods presented:

Presenting offsetting derivatives that are subject to legally enforceable netting arrangements with the same party is permitted. For example, we may have a derivative asset and a derivative liability with the same counterparty to a swap transaction and are permitted to offset the asset position and the liability position resulting in a net presentation.

The following table indicates the gross amounts of derivative assets and derivative liabilities designated as hedging instruments and not designated as hedging instruments, the amounts offset and the carrying values included in the Consolidated Balance Sheets at the dates presented:

NOTE 8 –DEPOSITS

The following table presents the composition of deposits at the dates presented:

All deposit accounts arei nsured bythe Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (“FDIC”)uptothe maximum amount allowed bylaw. Certificates of deposits that exceed the FDIC Insurance limit of $250,000 at September 30, 2025 and December 31, 2024 were $308.3 million and $297.9 million, respectively.

At both September 30, 2025 and December 31, 2024, total brokered deposits (excluding the Certificate of Deposit Account Registry Services (“CDARS”) and ICS two-way) were $196.1 million, which are included within the “certificates of deposit” line item in the Consolidated Balance Sheets.

Certificates of Deposit maturing as of the date presented:

Overdrafts reclassified to loans were $0.3 million at both September 30, 2025 and December 31, 2024.

NOTE 9 –FEDERAL HOME LOAN BANK BORROWINGS AND FEDERAL FUNDS PURCHASED

Borrowings serve as an additional source of liquidity for the Company. The Company had $175.5 million of Federal Home Loan Bank (“FHLB”) borrowings at September 30, 2025 and $70.0 million at December 31, 2024. The increase of $105.5 million is due to additional FHLB borrowings to fund loan growth. FHLB borrowings are fixed and variable rate advances for various terms and are secured by a blanket lien on select residential mortgages, select multifamily loans, and select commercial real estate loans. Variable rate FHLB borrowings were 51.6% and 0.0% of total borrowings at September 30, 2025 or December 31, 2024, respectively. The FHLB charges prepayment fees for advances that are repaid before maturity, which is the net present value between current market rates and the fixed rate on each borrowing. Total loans pledged as collateral were $1.3 billion at September 30, 2025 and $1.6 billion at December 31, 2024. There wereno securities available-for-sale pledged as collateral at September 30, 2025 or December 31, 2024.

At September 30, 2025, funding sources accessible to the Company include borrowing availability at the FHLB, equal to 25% of the Company’s assets or approximately $1.2 billion, subject to the amount of eligible collateral pledged, of which the Company is eligible to borrow up to an additional $544.0 million. The Company had the capacity to borrow up to an additional $735.3 million from the FHLB at December 31, 2024. At September 30, 2025 and at December 31, 2024, the Company had $30.0 million unsecured facilities with three other correspondent financial institutions, as well as, a $45.0 million fully secured facility withone other correspondent financial institution. The Company did not have outstanding borrowings on these facilities as of September 30, 2025 or December 31, 2024. The Company also has access to the institutional certificate of deposit (“CD”) and brokered deposit markets.

The following table represents the balance of FHLB borrowings, the weighted average interest rate and the borrowing availability at the dates presented:

The following table represents the balance of federal funds purchased, the weighted average interest rate and the borrowing availability at the dates presented:

Scheduled annual maturities and weighted average interest rates for FHLB borrowings for each of the five years subsequent to September 30, 2025 and thereafter are as follows:

NOTE 10 –COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES

Commitments to extend credit, which amounted to $782.6 million at September 30, 2025 and $833.6 million at December 31, 2024, represent agreements to lend to customers with fixed expiration dates or other termination clauses. The Company provides lines of credit to our clients to finance the completion of construction projects and revolving lines of credit to operating companies to finance their working capital needs. Lines of credit for construction projects represented $449.4 million, or 57.4%, and $445.3 million, or 53.4%, of the commitments to extend credit at September 30, 2025 and December 31, 2024, respectively. Standby letters of credit are conditional commitments issued by the Company guaranteeing the performance of a customer to a third-party. Those guarantees are primarily issued to support public and private borrowing arrangements. The Company had outstanding letters of credit totaling $17.4 million at September 30, 2025 and $16.7 million at December 31, 2024.

Our exposure to credit loss in the event of nonperformance by the other party to the financial instrument for commitments to extend credit and standby letters of credit is represented by the contractual amount of those instruments. The Company uses the same credit policies in making commitments and unconditional obligations as it does for on-balance sheet instruments. Unless noted otherwise, collateral or other security is required to support financial instruments with credit risk.

Life-of-Loss Reserve on Unfunded Loan Commitments

We maintain a life-of-loss reserve on unfunded commercial lending commitments and letters of credit to provide for the risk of loss inherent in these arrangements. The life-of-loss reserve is computed using a methodology similar to that used to determine the ACL for loans, modified to take into account the probability of a draw-down on the commitment. The life-of-loan reserve for unfunded loan commitments is included on our Consolidated Balance Sheets.

The following table presents activity in the life-of-loss reserve for unfunded loan commitments as of and for the dates presented:

Amounts are added to or subtracted from the reserve for unfunded commitments through a credit or charge to current earnings in the provision (recovery) for unfunded commitments. The reserve for unfunded commitments fluctuates primarily based upon levels of construction commitments in the comparative periods.

Legal Proceedings

In the normal course of business, the Company is subject to various legal and administrative proceedings and claims. Legal and administrative proceedings are subject to inherent uncertainties and unfavorable rulings could occur, and although the timing and outcome of any legal or administrative proceeding cannot be predicted with certainty, the Company believes, based on current knowledge, that the resolution of any such matters will not have a material adverse effect on the Company.

NOTE 11 –TAX EFFECTS ON OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME

The following tables present the change in components of other comprehensive income for the periods presented, net of tax effects:

NOTE 12 -PROVISION FOR INCOME TAXES

The following is a reconciliation of the differences between income tax provision and the amount computed by applying the statutory federal income tax rate to income before taxes for the periods presented:

The income tax provision differs from the amount computed by applying the statutory federal income tax rate to income before taxes. The Company ordinarily generates an annual effective tax rate that is less than the statutory rate of 21% due to benefits resulting from tax-exempt interest, tax-exempt income from bank owned life insurance (“BOLI”), and tax benefits resulting from certain partnership investments.

During the nine months ended September 30, 2025, tax-exempt bank owned life insurance income increased primarily due to a $1.9 million tax-free BOLI death benefit recorded in the first quarter of 2025. In addition, the increase in Other primarily related to a $1.2 million taxable gain on a surrender of BOLI policies and a resulting $0.1 million Modified Endowment Contract (“MEC”) penalty.

The Company elected to adopt the proportional amortization method of accounting for all qualifying equity investments within the historic tax credits (“HTC”) program. The Company makes equity investments as a limited partner in various partnerships that sponsor HTC as a strategic tax initiative designed to receive income tax credits and other income tax benefits, such as deductible flow-through losses. As of September 30, 2025 and December 31, 2024, the Company recognized $0.6 million and

$1.1 million, respectively, in HTC equity investments recorded as a component of other assets on the Consolidated Balance Sheets.

The Company records income tax credits and other income tax benefits received from its HTC investments as a component of the income tax provision on the Consolidated Statements of Income and as a component of operating activities on the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows.

Investments accounted for using the proportional amortization method are amortized and recorded as a component of the income tax provision on the Consolidated Statements of Income.

The Company records non-income-tax-related activity and other returns received from its HTC investments as a component of other noninterest income on the Consolidated Statements of Income and as a component of operating activities on the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows. As of September 30, 2025 and September 30, 2024, the Company has not recognized any non-income-tax-related activity from its HTC investments.

On July 4, 2025, the President signed H.R. 1, the “One Big Beautiful Bill Act,” into law. The legislation includes several changes to federal tax law that generally allow for more favorable deductibility of certain business expenses beginning in 2025, including, reinstatement of 100% bonus depreciation, and more favorable rules for determining the limitation on business interest expense. The Company is currently evaluating the impact on future periods.

NOTE 13 –STOCK REPURCHASE PLAN

On May 20, 2025, the Company announced that its Board authorized a repurchase program to purchase up to $20.0 million of the Company’s common stock in the aggregate through May 14, 2026. The program authorizes the purchase of the Company’s common stock in open market transactions or privately negotiated transactions, including pursuant to a trading plan in accordance with Rule 10b5-1 and/or Rule 10b-18 promulgated under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. The authorization permits management to repurchase shares of the Company’s common stock from time to time at management’s discretion. The actual means and timing of any shares purchased under the program, and the number of shares actually purchased under the program, will depend on a variety of factors, including the market price of the Company’s common stock, general market and economic conditions, management’s evaluation of the Company’s financial condition and liquidity position and applicable legal and regulatory requirements. The repurchase program may be modified or terminated by the Board at any time. The repurchase program does not obligate the Company to purchase any particular number of shares.

During the three and nine months ended September 30, 2025, the Company repurchased 262,269 and 809,601 shares of its common stock at a total cost of $4.9 million and $14.0 million, respectively, and at a weighted average cost per share of $18.70 and $17.35, respectively.

NOTE 14 -SEGMENT REPORTING

The Company is a holding company and the parent company to the Bank and conducts its business solely through the Bank. As a state-chartered commercial bank, the Bank earns revenue primarily from interest on loans and securities and fees charged for financial services provided to customers. The Company operates through a single operating and reporting segment, Community Banking that offers services which include accepting a full range of deposit products and originating commercial and consumer loans. All financial information is reported on a consolidated basis and is evaluated regularly by the Chief Executive Officer, the Company’s Chief Operating Decision Maker (“CODM”) in allocating resources and assessing performance. The CODM uses the consolidated net income to benchmark the Company against it competitors. The benchmarking analysis in conjunction with monitoring of actual to budget results are used in assessment of performance and in establishing compensation. Loans, investments and deposits provide the revenues, net in the community bank’s operation. Interest expense, provision (recovery) for credit losses and salaries and benefits provide the significant expenses in the community bank’s operation. The results of operations for the Company’s single reporting segment are shown within the Consolidated Statements of Income and Consolidated Balance Sheets.