Exhibit 99.2

REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

To the Board of Directors and Stockholders

Southern States Bancshares, Inc. and Subsidiary

Anniston, Alabama

Opinion on the Financial Statements

We have audited the accompanying consolidated statements of financial position of Southern States Bancshares, Inc. and Subsidiary (the “Company”) as of December 31, 2024 and 2023, and the related consolidated statements of income, comprehensive income, changes in stockholders’ equity, and cash flows for each of the years in the two-year period ended December 31, 2024, and the related notes (collectively referred to as the financial statements). In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of the Company as of December 31, 2024 and 2023, and the results of its operations and its cash flows for each of the years in the two-year period ended December 31, 2024, in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.

Basis for Opinion

These financial statements are the responsibility of the Company’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the Company’s financial statements based on our audits. We are a public accounting firm registered with the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) (PCAOB) and are required to be independent with respect to the Company in accordance with the U.S. federal securities laws and the applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the PCAOB.

We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement, whether due to error or fraud. The Company is not required to have, nor were we engaged to perform, an audit of its internal control over financial reporting. As part of our audits, we are required to obtain an understanding of internal control over financial reporting, but not for the purpose of expressing an opinion on the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting. Accordingly, we express no such opinion.

Our audits included performing procedures to assess the risks of material misstatement of the financial statements, whether due to error or fraud, and performing procedures that respond to those risks. Such procedures included examining, on a test basis, evidence regarding the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. Our audits also included evaluating the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall presentation of the financial statements. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.

We have served as the Company’s auditor since 2007.

Birmingham, Alabama

March 14, 2025

SOUTHERN STATES BANCSHARES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARY

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION

(In thousands, except share amounts)

See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

SOUTHERN STATES BANCSHARES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARY

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME (In thousands, except per share amounts)

See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

SOUTHERN STATES BANCSHARES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARY

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME

(In thousands)

See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

SOUTHERN STATES BANCSHARES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARY

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY

(In thousands, except share amounts)

SOUTHERN STATES BANCSHARES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARY

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

(In thousands)

See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

SOUTHERN STATES BANCSHARES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARY

NOTES TO AUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(in thousands, except per share amounts)

NOTE 1. SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

Nature of Business

Southern States Bancshares, Inc. (the “Company”) is a bank holding company whose principal activity is the ownership and management of its wholly owned subsidiary, Southern States Bank (the “Bank”). The Bank is a commercial bank headquartered in Anniston, Calhoun County, Alabama. As of December 31, 2024, the Bank also operates branch offices in Birmingham, Opelika, Auburn, Huntsville, Sylacauga, Wedowee, and Roanoke, Alabama as well as Columbus, Carrollton, Cartersville, Dallas, Newnan and Rockmart, Georgia. The Bank also has two loan production offices (LPO) located in Atlanta, Georgia. The Bank provides a full range of banking services in its primary market areas and the surrounding areas.

Basis of Presentation and Accounting Estimates

The audited consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Company and its subsidiary. Significant intercompany transactions and balances have been eliminated in consolidation.

In preparing the audited consolidated financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America, management is required to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities as of the balance sheet date and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates.

Material estimates that are particularly susceptible to significant change in the near term relate to the determination of the allowance for credit losses, the valuation of foreclosed assets, financial instruments, deferred taxes and investment securities. In connection with the determination of the estimated losses on loans and the valuation of foreclosed assets, management obtains independent appraisals for significant collateral.

The determination of the adequacy of the allowance for credit losses is based on estimates that are particularly susceptible to significant changes in the economic environment and market conditions.

The Company’s loans are generally secured by specific items of collateral including real property, consumer assets, and business assets. Although the Company has a diversified loan portfolio, a substantial portion of its borrowers’ ability to honor their contracts is dependent on local economic conditions.

While management uses available information to recognize losses on loans, further reductions in the carrying amounts of loans may be necessary based on changes in local economic conditions.

In addition, regulatory agencies, as an integral part of their examination process, periodically review the estimated losses on loans. Such agencies may require the Company to recognize additional losses based on their judgments about information available to them at the time of their examination. Because of these factors, it is reasonably possible that the estimated losses on loans may change materially in the near term. However, the amount of the change that is reasonably possible cannot be estimated.

Cash, Cash Equivalents and Cash Flows

For purposes of reporting cash flows, cash and cash equivalents includes cash on hand, cash items in process of collection, amounts due from banks, interest-bearing deposits in banks and federal funds sold. Cash flows from loans held for sale, loans, restricted equity securities, and deposits are reported net.

The Company maintains amounts due from banks which, at times, may exceed federally insured limits. The Company has not experienced any losses in such accounts.

The Bank is required to maintain reserve balances in cash or on deposit with the Federal Reserve Bank. On March 15, 2020, the Federal Reserve System Board announced an interim final rule amending Regulation D to lower all transaction account reserve requirement ratios to zero percent, thereby eliminating all reserve requirements as of December 31, 2024 and 2023.

SOUTHERN STATES BANCSHARES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARY

NOTES TO AUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(in thousands, except per share amounts)

NOTE 1. SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Continued)

Securities

The Company classifies its debt securities into one of two categories based upon management’s intent and ability to hold the securities: (i) securities held to maturity or (ii) securities available for sale. Securities classified as held to maturity are stated at cost adjusted for amortization of premiums and accretion of discounts. Purchase premiums and discounts are recognized in interest income using the interest method over the terms of the securities. The Company has the ability, and it is management’s intention, to hold such securities to maturity. Securities classified as available for sale are recorded at fair value, with unrealized gains and losses excluded from earnings and reported in other comprehensive income (loss). Purchase premiums and discounts are recognized in interest income using the interest method over the terms of the securities. Gains and losses on the sale of securities available for sale are recorded on the trade date and are determined using the specific identification method.

Management uses a systematic methodology to determine its allowance for credit losses for held to maturity debt securities. The allowance for credit losses is a valuation account that is deducted from the amortized cost basis to present the net amount expected to be collected on the held to maturity portfolio. Management considers the effects of past events, current conditions, and reasonable and supportable forecasts on the collectability of the portfolio. The Company’s estimate of its allowance for credit losses involves a high degree of judgment; therefore, management’s process for determining expected credit losses may result in a range of expected credit losses. Management monitors the held to maturity portfolio to determine whether a valuation account would need to be recorded. As of December 31, 2024, the Company had $19,611 of held to maturity securities and no related valuation account.

For available for sale debt securities in an unrealized loss position, the Company will first assess whether (i) it intends to sell or (ii) it is more likely than not that it will be required to sell the debt security before recovery of its amortized cost basis. If either case is applicable, any previously recognized allowances are charged off and the debt security’s amortized cost is written down to fair value through income. If neither case is applicable, the debt security is evaluated to determine whether the decline in fair value has resulted from credit losses or other factors. In making this assessment, the Company considers the extent to which fair value is less than amortized cost, any changes to the rating of the debt security by a rating agency and any adverse conditions specifically related to the debt security, among other factors. If this assessment indicates that a credit loss exists, the present value of cash flows expected to be collected from the debt security are compared to the amortized cost basis of the debt security. If the present value of cash flows expected to be collected is less than the amortized cost basis, a credit loss exists and an allowance for credit losses is recorded for the credit loss, limited by the amount by which the fair value is less than the amortized cost basis. Any impairment that has not been recorded through allowance for credit losses is recognized in other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax. Adjustments to the allowance are reported in the income statement as a component of credit loss expense. Available for sale debt securities are charged off against the allowance or, in the absence of any allowance, written down through income when deemed uncollectible by the Company or when either of the aforementioned criteria regarding intent or requirement to sell is met.

The Company excludes the accrued interest receivable balance from the amortized cost basis in measuring expected credit losses on debt securities and does not record an allowance for credit losses on accrued interest receivable. The accrued interest receivable on securities was $1,194 and $1,147 at December 31, 2024 and 2023, respectively.

Other Equity Securities

The mutual funds owned by the Company are classified as equity securities and are carried at fair value with any periodic changes in value recorded through the statement of income.

Restricted Equity Securities

Restricted equity securities are investments that are restricted in marketability. The Company, as a member of the Federal Home Loan Bank (FHLB) system, is required to maintain an investment in capital stock of the FHLB based upon its assets or outstanding advances. The Company has also purchased stock in First National Banker’s Bankshares, Inc. (FNBB), and Pacific Coast Banker’s Bank (PCBB), both correspondent banks. These securities are carried at cost and periodically evaluated for impairment based on ultimate recoverability of par value.

SOUTHERN STATES BANCSHARES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARY

NOTES TO AUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(in thousands, except per share amounts)

NOTE 1. SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Continued)

Loans Held For Sale

Loans originated and intended for sale in the secondary market are carried at the lower of cost or fair value (LOCOM). For loans carried at LOCOM, gains and losses on loan sales (sales proceeds minus carrying value) are recorded in noninterest income, and direct loan origination costs and fees are deferred at origination of the loan and are recognized in noninterest income upon sale of the loan. The estimated fair value of loans held for sale is based on independent third party quoted prices.

Loans

Loans that management has the intent and ability to hold for the foreseeable future or until maturity or pay-off are reported at their outstanding principal balances less deferred fees and costs on originated loans and the allowance for credit losses. Interest income is accrued on the outstanding principal balance. Loan origination fees, net of certain direct origination costs, are deferred and recognized as an adjustment of the related loan yield over the life of the loan, using the straight-line method without anticipating prepayments.

The accrual of interest on loans is discontinued when, in management’s opinion, the borrower may be unable to meet payments as they become due, or at the time the loan is 90 days past due, unless the loan is well-secured and in the process of collection. In all cases, loans are placed on nonaccrual or charged off at an earlier date if collection of principal and interest is considered doubtful. All interest accrued but not collected for loans that are placed on nonaccrual or charged off is reversed against interest income or charged to the allowance; unless management believes that the accrual of interest is recoverable through the liquidation of collateral. Interest income on nonaccrual loans is recognized on the cash basis, until the loans are returned to accrual status. Loans are returned to accrual status when all the principal and interest amounts contractually due are brought current and the loan has been performing according to the contractual terms generally for a period of not less than six months.

Allowance for Credit Losses

As described below under Recent Accounting Pronouncements, the Company adopted Accounting Standards Update (ASU) 2016-13, Financial Instruments - Credit Losses (Topic 326): Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial Instruments (CECL) effective January 1, 2023.

The allowance for credit losses is based on the Company’s evaluation of the loan portfolios, past loan loss experience, current asset quality trends, known and inherent risks in the portfolio, adverse situations that may affect the borrower’s ability to repay (including the timing of future payment), the estimated value of any underlying collateral, composition of the loan portfolio, economic conditions, industry and peer bank loan quality indications and other pertinent factors, including regulatory recommendations. The process is inherently subjective and subject to significant change as it requires material estimates. The allowance is increased by a provision for credit losses, which is charged to expense, and reduced by charge offs, net of recoveries. In addition, various regulatory agencies, as an integral part of their examination process, periodically review the allowance for credit losses. Such agencies may require the Company to recognize adjustments to the allowance based on their judgments about information available to them at the time of their examination.

Loans with similar risk characteristics are evaluated in pools and, depending on the nature of each identified pool, the Company utilizes a discounted cash flow, probability of default / loss given default, or remaining life method. The historical loss experience estimate by pool is then adjusted by forecast factors that are quantitatively related to the Company’s historical credit loss experience, such as national unemployment rates and gross domestic product. Losses are predicted over a period of time determined to be reasonable and supportable, and at the end of the reasonable and supportable period losses are reverted to long term historical averages. The reasonable and supportable period and reversion period are re-evaluated each quarter by the Company and are dependent on the current economic environment among other factors.

The estimated credit losses for each loan pool are then adjusted for changes in qualitative factors not inherently considered in the quantitative analyses. The qualitative adjustments either increase or decrease the quantitative model estimation. The Company considers factors that are relevant within the qualitative framework which include the following: changes in lending policies and quality of loan reviews, changes in nature and volume of loans, changes in volume and trends of problem loans, changes in concentration risk, trends in underlying collateral values, changes in competition, legal and regulatory environment and changes in economic conditions.

SOUTHERN STATES BANCSHARES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARY

NOTES TO AUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(in thousands, except per share amounts)

NOTE 1. SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Continued)

Allowance for Credit Losses (Continued)

Credit losses for loans that no longer share similar risk characteristics with the collectively evaluated pools are excluded from the collective evaluation and estimated on an individual basis. Specific allowances are estimated based on one of several methods, including the estimated fair value of the underlying collateral, observable market value of similar debt or the present value of expected cash flows.

The Company measures expected credit losses over the contractual term of a loan, adjusted for estimated prepayments. The contractual term excludes expected extensions, renewals and modifications unless there is a reasonable expectation that a loan modification will be executed. Credit losses are estimated on the amortized cost basis of loans. Accrued interest receivable on loans is excluded from the estimate of credit losses. The accrued interest receivable on loans was $8,786 and $7,377 at December 31, 2024 and 2023, respectively.

Off-Balance Sheet Credit Exposure

The Company also has off-balance sheet financial instruments, which include unfunded loan commitments and letters of credit. The Company minimizes these risks through underwriting guidelines and prudent risk management techniques. For off-balance sheet instruments, the allowance for credit losses is calculated in accordance with Topic 326, representing expected credit losses over the contractual period for which the Company is exposed to credit risk resulting from a contractual obligation to extend credit. No allowance is recognized if the Company has the unconditional right to cancel the obligation. The allowance is reported as a component of other liabilities within the consolidated balance sheets. Adjustments to the allowance for credit losses for unfunded commitments are reported in the income statement as a component of other operating expense. The allowance for credit losses on off-balance sheet financial instruments was $1,405 and $1,239 at December 31, 2024 and 2023, respectively.

Modifications to Borrowers Experiencing Financial Difficulty

The Company periodically provides modifications to borrowers experiencing financial difficulty. These modifications include either payment deferrals, term extensions, interest rate reductions, principal forgiveness or combinations of modification types. The determination of whether the borrower is experiencing financial difficulty is made on the date of the modification. When principal forgiveness is provided, the amount of principal forgiveness is charged off against the allowance for credit losses with a corresponding reduction in the amortized cost basis of the loan. A modified loan is tracked for at least 12 months following the modifications granted.

Premises and Equipment

Land is carried at cost. Premises and equipment are carried at cost less accumulated depreciation computed on the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of the assets or the expected terms of the leases, if shorter. Expected terms include lease option periods to the extent that the exercise of such options is reasonably assured. Maintenance and repairs are expensed as incurred while major additions and improvements are capitalized. Gains and losses on dispositions are reflected in income. The estimated useful lives are as follows:

SOUTHERN STATES BANCSHARES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARY

NOTES TO AUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(in thousands, except per share amounts)

NOTE 1. SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Continued)

Leases

The Bank leases various premises and equipment. At the inception of the contract, the Bank determines if an arrangement is or contains a lease and will recognize on the balance sheet a lease asset for its right to use the underlying asset (“ROU”) and a lease liability for the corresponding lease obligation for contracts longer than a year. Both the asset and liability are initially measured at the present value of the future minimum lease payments over the lease term. In determining the present value of lease payments, the Bank uses our incremental borrowing rate as the discount rate for the leases.

Transfers of Financial Assets

Transfers of financial assets are accounted for as sales, when control over the assets has been surrendered. Control over transferred assets is deemed to be surrendered when (1) the assets have been isolated from the Company - put presumptively beyond the reach of the transferor and its creditors, even in bankruptcy or other receivership, (2) the transferee obtains the right (free of conditions that constrain it from taking advantage of that right) to pledge or exchange the transferred assets, and (3) the Company does not maintain effective control over the transferred assets through an agreement to repurchase them before their maturity or the ability to unilaterally cause the holder to return specific assets.

Foreclosed Assets

Assets acquired through, or in lieu of, loan foreclosure are held for sale and are initially recorded at fair value less estimated selling costs. Any write-down to fair value at the time of transfer to foreclosed assets is charged to the allowance for credit losses. Subsequent to foreclosure, valuations are periodically performed by management and the assets are carried at the lower of carrying amount or fair value less estimated costs to sell. Costs of improvements are capitalized, whereas costs related to holding foreclosed assets and subsequent write-downs to the value are expensed. Any gains and losses realized at the time of disposal are reflected in income.

Goodwill

Goodwill represents the excess of the amount paid over the fair value of the net assets at the date of acquisition. Goodwill is subject to an annual evaluation of impairment. If desired, the Company can assess qualitative factors to determine if comparing the carrying value of the reporting unit to its fair value is necessary. Should the fair value be less than the carrying value, an impairment write-down would be taken. Based on its assessment of qualitative factors, the Company determined that no impairment exists at December 31, 2024.

Goodwill is not amortized but is evaluated for impairment on a quarterly basis or whenever an event occurs or circumstances change to indicate that it is more likely than not that an impairment loss has been incurred (i.e., a triggering event). The Company performed a goodwill impairment test in December 2024. The qualitative factors considered in determining if fair value of the unit was less than the carrying amount were economic conditions related to the change in the interest rate environment. A quantitative assessment of goodwill impairment included determining the estimated fair value of Company using a market-based approach. It was determined there was no impairment.

Core Deposit Intangible

A core deposit intangible is initially recognized based on a valuation, of acquired deposits, performed as of the acquisition date. The core deposit intangible is amortized over the average remaining life of the acquired customer deposits, or approximately 7 years. The intangible asset is reviewed annually for events or circumstances that could negatively impact the recoverability of the intangible. These events could include loss of core deposits, increased competition, or adverse changes in the economy. To the extent this intangible asset is deemed unrecoverable, an impairment charge would be recorded. The Company maintains steady deposit growth across our markets and continues to attract new customer deposits. The intangible asset was evaluated for impairment as of December 31, 2024 and based on that evaluation there was no impairment.

SOUTHERN STATES BANCSHARES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARY

NOTES TO AUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(in thousands, except per share amounts)

NOTE 1. SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Continued)

Accounting Policy for Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities

Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) ASC 815, Derivatives and Hedging (ASC 815), provides the disclosure requirements for derivatives and hedging activities with the intent to provide users of financial statements with an enhanced understanding of: (a) how and why an entity uses derivative instruments, (b) how the entity accounts for derivative instruments and related hedged items, and (c) how derivative instruments and related hedged items affect an entity’s financial position, financial performance, and cash flows. Further, qualitative disclosures are required that explain the Company’s objectives and strategies for using derivatives, as well as quantitative disclosures about the fair value of and gains and losses on derivative instruments, and disclosures about credit-risk-related contingent features in derivative instruments.

As required by ASC 815, the Company records all derivatives on the balance sheet at fair value. The accounting for changes in the fair value of derivatives depends on the intended use of the derivative, whether the Company has elected to designate a derivative in a hedging relationship and apply hedge accounting and whether the hedging relationship has satisfied the criteria necessary to apply hedge accounting. Derivatives designated and qualifying as a hedge of the exposure to changes in the fair value of an asset, liability, or firm commitment attributable to a particular risk, such as interest rate risk, are considered fair value hedges. Derivatives designated and qualifying as a hedge of the exposure to variability in expected future cash flows, or other types of forecasted transactions, are considered cash flow hedges. Derivatives may also be designated as hedges of the foreign currency exposure of a net investment in a foreign operation. Hedge accounting generally provides for the matching of the timing of the hedged asset or liability that are attributable to the hedged risk in a fair value hedge or the earnings effect of the hedged forecasted transactions in a cash flow hedge. The Company may enter into derivative contracts that are intended to economically hedge certain of its risks, even though hedge accounting does not apply or the Company elects not to apply hedge accounting.

In accordance with the FASB’s fair value measurement guidance in ASU 2011-04, the Company made an accounting policy election to measure the credit risk of its derivative financial instruments that are subject to master netting agreements on a net basis by counterparty portfolio.

Income Taxes

Income tax accounting guidance results in two components of income tax expense: current and deferred. Current income tax expense reflects taxes to be paid or refunded for the current period by applying the provisions of the enacted tax law to the taxable income or excess of deductions over revenues. The Company determines deferred income taxes using the liability (or balance sheet) method. Under this method, the net deferred tax asset or liability is based on the tax effects of the differences between the book and tax bases of assets and liabilities, and enacted changes in tax rates and laws are recognized in the period in which they occur.

Deferred income tax expense results from changes in deferred tax assets and liabilities between periods. Deferred tax assets are recognized if it is more likely than not, based on the technical merits, that the tax position will be realized or sustained upon examination. The term more likely than not means a likelihood of more than 50 percent; the terms examined and upon examination also include resolution of the related appeals or litigation processes, if any. A tax position that meets the more likely than not recognition threshold is initially and subsequently measured as the largest amount of tax benefit that has a greater than 50 percent likelihood of being realized upon settlement with a taxing authority that has full knowledge of all relevant information. The determination of whether or not a tax position has met the more likely than not recognition threshold considers the facts, circumstances, and information available at the reporting date and is subject to management’s judgment. Deferred tax assets may be reduced by deferred tax liabilities and a valuation allowance if, based on the weight of evidence available, it is more likely than not that some portion or all of a deferred tax asset will not be realized. Management believes that the Company will generate sufficient operating earnings to realize the deferred tax benefits.

Stock Compensation Plans

Stock compensation accounting guidance requires that the compensation cost relating to share-based payment transactions be recognized in financial statements. That cost will be measured based on the grant date fair value of the equity or liability instruments issued. The stock compensation accounting guidance covers a wide range of share-based compensation arrangements including stock options and warrants, restricted stock plans, performance-based awards, share appreciation rights, and employee share purchase plans.

SOUTHERN STATES BANCSHARES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARY

NOTES TO AUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(in thousands, except per share amounts)

NOTE 1. SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Continued)

Stock Compensation Plans (Continued)

The stock compensation accounting guidance requires that compensation cost for all stock awards be calculated and recognized over the employees’ service period, generally defined as the vesting period. For awards with graded-vesting, compensation cost is recognized on a straight-line basis over the requisite service period for the entire award. A Black-Scholes model is used to estimate the fair value of stock options, while the estimated market price of the Company’s common stock at the date of grant is used for restricted stock awards, restricted stock units and stock grants.

Comprehensive Income (Loss)

Accounting principles generally require that recognized revenue, expenses, gains and losses be included in net income. Although certain changes in assets and liabilities, such as unrealized gains and losses on available for sale securities, are reported as a separate component of the equity section of the balance sheet, such items, along with net income, are components of comprehensive income (loss).

Fair Value of Financial Instruments

Fair values of financial instruments are estimates using relevant market information and other assumptions, as more fully disclosed in Note 18. Fair value estimates involve uncertainties and matters of significant judgment. Changes in assumptions or in market conditions could significantly affect the estimates.

Revenue Recognition

On January 1, 2019, the Company adopted ASC 606 and all subsequent amendments (collectively ASC 606) which (1) creates a single framework for recognizing revenue from contracts with customers that fall within its scope and (2) revises when it is appropriate to recognize a gain (loss) from the transfer of nonfinancial assets, such as foreclosed assets. The majority of the Company’s revenues come from interest income and other sources, including loans and securities that are outside the scope of ASC 606. With the exception of gains/losses on sale of foreclosed assets, the Company’s services that fall within the scope of ASC 606 are presented within noninterest income and are recognized as revenue as the Company satisfies its obligations to the customer. Services within the scope of ASC 606 reported in noninterest income include service charges on deposit accounts, bank card services and interchange fees, and ATM fees.

Recent Accounting Pronouncements

On January 1, 2023, the Company adopted ASU 2022-02, “Financial Instruments - Credit Losses (Topic 326): Troubled Debt Restructurings and Vintage Disclosures”, this standard eliminated the previous accounting guidance for troubled debt restructurings and added additional disclosure requirements for gross charge offs by year of origination. It also prescribes guidance for reporting modifications of loans to borrowers experiencing financial difficulty. The Company adopted these standards as required on January 1, 2023 using the modified retrospective method for all financial assets measured at amortized cost and off-balance sheet credit exposures.

In June 2016, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update (ASU) No. 2016-13, Financial Instruments - Credit Losses (Topic 326): Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial Instruments. The ASU introduces a new credit loss methodology, Current Expected Credit Losses (CECL), which requires earlier recognition of credit losses, while also providing additional transparency about credit risk. Since its original issuance in 2016, the FASB has issued several updates to the original ASU. The CECL methodology utilizes a lifetime “expected credit loss” measurement objective for the recognition of credit losses for loans, off-balance sheet credit exposures, and other receivables at the time the financial asset is originated or acquired. The expected credit losses are adjusted each period for changes in expected lifetime credit losses. The methodology replaces the multiple existing impairment methods in current GAAP, which generally require that a loss be incurred before it is recognized. For available for sale securities where fair value is less than cost, credit-related impairment, if any, is recognized through an allowance for credit losses and adjusted each period for changes in credit risk. The Company adopted ASU 2016-13 on January 1, 2023 with no material impact on the consolidated financial statements.

SOUTHERN STATES BANCSHARES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARY

NOTES TO AUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(in thousands, except per share amounts)

NOTE 2. ACQUISITION ACTIVITY

On July 31, 2024 (the “Effective Date”), the Company closed the transactions pursuant to the terms of the Agreement and Plan of Merger (the “Merger Agreement”), by and between us, the Bank, and CBB Bancorp (“CBB Bancorp”), the parent company of Century Bank of Georgia (“Century Bank”). On the Effective Date, (i) CBB Bancorp merged with and into us (the “Corporate Merger”), and we were the surviving corporation in the Corporate Merger and (ii) subsequent to the Corporate Merger, Century Bank merged with and into the Bank (the “Bank Merger”) with the Bank as the surviving banking corporation in the Bank Merger.

The Company issued 961,920 shares of its common stock valued at $31,474 as of July 31, 2024, plus $3,150 in cash, in exchange for all outstanding shares of CBB Bancorp common stock.

Prior to the acquisition, Century Bank operated branch offices in Cartersville and Rockmart, Georgia and provided a full range of banking services. Including the effects of the purchase method of accounting adjustments, the Company acquired $334,622 in assets, including $127,871 in loans, and $308,747 in deposits. The merger expanded and strengthened the Company’s footprint in the Georgia market.

The fair value of consideration paid exceeded the net assets acquired and resulted in goodwill of $16,313. The Company performs a quarterly and annual impairment test on goodwill and no impairment was recorded as of December 31, 2024.

The acquired assets and assumed liabilities as of July 31, 2024, as well as the adjustments to record the assets and liabilities at fair value, are presented in the following table:

The following is a description of the methods used to determine the fair values of significant assets and liabilities presented in the acquisition above.

SOUTHERN STATES BANCSHARES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARY

NOTES TO AUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(in thousands, except per share amounts)

NOTE 2. ACQUISITION ACTIVITY

Cash and Cash Equivalents: The carrying amounts of cash and due from banks, interest-bearing deposits in banks, and federal funds sold make up cash and cash equivalents. The carrying amount of these short-term instruments approximate fair value.

Securities Available for Sale: Securities available for sale were acquired with an adjustment to fair value based upon pricing models and discounted cash flows that consider standard input factors such as observable market data, benchmark yields, interest rate volatilities, broker/dealer quotes, and credit spreads.

Restricted Equity Securities: The carrying amount of restricted equity securities with no readily determinable fair value approximates fair value based on the redemption provisions of the issuers, which is cost.

Time Deposits Held as Investments: Fair values for fixed rate certificates of deposit are estimated using a discounted cash flow calculation that applies market interest rates on comparable instruments to a schedule of aggregated expected monthly maturities on time deposits.

Loans: The carrying amount of variable-rate loans that reprice frequently and have no significant change in credit risk approximates fair value. The fair values of fixed rate loans is estimated based on discounted contractual cash flows using interest rates currently being offered for loans with similar terms to borrowers with similar credit quality. Loans were acquired with an adjustment to fair value based upon these factors.

Core Deposit Intangible: The core deposit intangible represents the value of the relationship that the acquired bank had with its deposit customers. The fair value of this asset was estimated based on a discounted cash flow methodology that gave consideration to expected customer attrition rates, cost of the deposit base and the net maintenance cost attributable to customer deposits.

Premises and Equipment: Premises and equipment were acquired with an adjustment to fair value, which represents the difference between the Company’s current analysis of property and equipment values completed in connection with the acquisition and book value acquired.

Other Assets: The carrying value of other assets approximate fair value.

Deposits: The fair values disclosed for transaction deposits are, by definition, equal to the amount payable on demand at the reporting date (that is, their carrying amounts). Fair values for fixed rate certificates of deposit are estimated using a discounted cash flow calculation that applies market interest rates on comparable instruments to a schedule of aggregated expected monthly maturities on time deposits.

Subordinated Notes: Subordinated notes were acquired with an adjustment to fair value based on a discounted cash flow calculation using the estimated market interest rate of similar instruments.

Accrued Interest and Other Liabilities: The carrying amounts of accrued interest and other liabilities approximate fair value.

The following table presents pro-forma financial information as if the acquisition of CBB Bancorp had occurred on January 1, 2023. The results of operations of CBB Bancorp and Century Bank were included in the Company’s results beginning on August 1, 2024. The pro-forma financial information is not necessarily indicative of the results of operations had the acquisition been effective as of January 1, 2023. No assumptions have been applied to the pro-forma results of operations regarding revenue enhancements, expense efficiencies or asset dispositions. The pro-forma financials below excludes merger-related third party expenses, the accretion of fair value marks on securities available for sale, time deposits held as investments, acquired loans, deposits, as well as the amortization of fair value marks on core deposit intangible and subordinated notes.

SOUTHERN STATES BANCSHARES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARY

NOTES TO AUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(in thousands, except per share amounts)

NOTE 3. EARNINGS PER SHARE

Basic earnings per share is calculated by dividing net income available to common shareholders by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding. Diluted earnings per share reflect additional potential common shares that would have been outstanding if dilutive potential common shares had been issued, as well as any adjustment to income that would result from the assumed issuance. Potential common shares that may be issued by the Company relate to outstanding stock options issued and the vesting of restricted stock units, as well as any adjustment to income that would result from the assumed issuance. Potential common shares that may be issued by the Company relate to outstanding stock options and restricted stock units.

NOTE 4. SECURITIES

The amortized cost and fair value of securities at December 31, 2024 and December 31, 2023 are summarized as follows:

SOUTHERN STATES BANCSHARES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARY

NOTES TO AUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(in thousands, except per share amounts)

NOTE 4. SECURITIES (Continued)

Securities with a carrying value of $19,529 and $27,477 at December 31, 2024 and 2023, respectively, were pledged to secure public deposits and for other purposes as required or permitted by law.

The amortized cost and fair value of securities available for sale and securities held to maturity as of December 31, 2024 and 2023 by contractual maturity are shown below. Actual maturities may differ from contractual maturities in mortgage-backed securities because the mortgages underlying the securities may be called or repaid with or without penalty. Therefore, these securities are not included by maturity in the following summary:

SOUTHERN STATES BANCSHARES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARY

NOTES TO AUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(in thousands, except per share amounts)

NOTE 4. SECURITIES (Continued)

Gains and losses on sales and change in value of securities available for sale and other equity securities held at fair value for the years ended December 31, 2024 and 2023 consist of the following:

Restricted equity securities as of December 31, 2024 and 2023 consist of the following:

The following table shows the gross unrealized losses and fair value of securities, aggregated by category and length of time that securities have been in a continuous unrealized loss position at December 31, 2024 and 2023.

SOUTHERN STATES BANCSHARES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARY

NOTES TO AUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(in thousands, except per share amounts)

NOTE 4. SECURITIES (Continued)

The unrealized losses on 233 securities at December 31, 2024 were caused by interest rate changes. Because the Company does not intend to sell the securities and it is not more likely than not that the Company will be required to sell the securities before recovery of the amortized cost bases, at maturity, the Company does not consider these securities to be credit impaired at December 31, 2024.

At December 31, 2024, no allowance for credit losses has been recognized on available for sale debt securities in an unrealized loss position as the Company does not believe any of the debt securities are credit impaired. This is based on the Company’s analysis of the risk characteristics, including credit ratings, and other qualitative factors related to available for sale debt securities. The issuers of these debt securities continue to make timely principal and interest payments under the contractual terms of the securities. The Company does not intend to sell these debt securities and it is more likely than not that the Company will not be required to sell the debt securities before recovery of their amortized cost, which may be at maturity. The unrealized losses are due to increases in market interest rates over the yields available at the time the debt securities were purchased. Management measures expected credit losses on held to maturity securities on a collective basis by major security type with each type sharing similar risk characteristics and considers historical credit loss information that is adjusted for current conditions and reasonable and supportable forecasts. With regard to securities issued by states and political subdivisions, management considers (i) issuer bond ratings, (ii) historical loss rates for given bond ratings, (iii) whether issuers continue to make timely principal and interest payments under the contractual terms of the securities, and (iv) internal forecasts. Historical loss rates associated with securities having similar grades as those in our portfolio have generally not been significant. Furthermore, as of December 31, 2024, there were no past due principal or interest payments associated with these securities. Based upon (i) the issuer’s strong bond ratings and (ii) a zero historical loss rate, no allowance for credit losses has been recorded for held to maturity state and municipal securities as such amount is not material at December 31, 2024. All debt securities in an unrealized loss position as of December 31, 2024 continue to perform as scheduled and the Company does not believe there is a possible credit loss or that an allowance for credit loss on these debt securities is necessary.

SOUTHERN STATES BANCSHARES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARY

NOTES TO AUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(in thousands, except per share amounts)

NOTE 5. LOANS

Portfolio Segments and Classes

The composition of loans, excluding loans held for sale, is summarized as follows:

For purposes of the disclosures required pursuant to ASC 310, the loan portfolio was disaggregated into segments and then further disaggregated into classes for certain disclosures. A portfolio segment is defined as the level at which an entity develops and documents a systematic method for determining its allowance for credit losses. There are three loan portfolio segments that include real estate, commercial and industrial, and consumer and other. A class is generally determined based on the initial measurement attribute, risk characteristic of the loan, and an entity’s method for monitoring and assessing credit risk. Commercial and industrial is a separate commercial loan class. Classes within the real estate portfolio segment include construction and development, residential mortgages, and commercial mortgages. Consumer loans and other are a class in itself.

SOUTHERN STATES BANCSHARES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARY

NOTES TO AUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(in thousands, except per share amounts)

NOTE 5. LOANS (Continued)

Portfolio Segments and Classes (Continued)

The following describe risk characteristics relevant to each of the portfolio segments and classes:

Real estate - As discussed below, the Company offers various types of real estate loan products. All loans within this portfolio segment are particularly sensitive to the valuation of real estate:

Commercial and industrial - The commercial loan portfolio segment includes commercial and industrial loans. These loans include those loans to commercial customers for use in normal business operations to finance working capital needs, equipment purchases, leases, or expansion projects. Loans are repaid by business cash flows. Collection risk in this portfolio is driven by the creditworthiness of the underlying borrower, particularly cash flows from the borrowers’ business operations.

Consumer and other - The consumer loan portfolio segment includes direct consumer installment loans, overdrafts and other revolving credit loans. Loans in this portfolio are sensitive to unemployment and other key consumer economic measures which affects borrowers’ incomes and cash for repayment.

Credit Risk Management

The Chief Credit Officer, Officers Loan Committee and Directors Loan Committee are each involved in the credit risk management process and assess the accuracy of risk ratings, the quality of the portfolio and the estimation of inherent credit losses in the loan portfolio. This comprehensive process also assists in the prompt identification of problem credits. The Company has taken a number of measures to manage the portfolios and reduce risk, particularly in the more problematic portfolios.

The Company employs a credit risk management process with defined policies, accountability and routine reporting to manage credit risk in the loan portfolio segments. Credit risk management is guided by a comprehensive Loan Policy that provides for a consistent and prudent approach to underwriting and approvals of credits. Within the Board approved Loan Policy, procedures exist that elevate the approval requirements as credits become larger and more complex. All loans are individually underwritten, risk-rated, approved, and monitored.

Responsibility and accountability for adherence to underwriting policies and accurate risk ratings lies in each portfolio segment. For the consumer portfolio segment, the risk management process focuses on managing customers who become delinquent in their payments. For the commercial and real estate portfolio segments, the risk management process focuses on underwriting new business and, on an ongoing basis, monitoring the credit of the portfolios. To ensure problem credits are identified on a timely basis, several specific portfolio reviews occur each year to assess the larger adversely rated credits for proper risk rating and accrual status.

Credit quality and trends in the loan portfolio segments are measured and monitored regularly. Detailed reports, by product, collateral, accrual status, etc., are reviewed by the Chief Credit Officer and reported to the Board of Directors.

SOUTHERN STATES BANCSHARES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARY

NOTES TO AUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(in thousands, except per share amounts)

NOTE 5. LOANS (Continued)

Credit Risk Management (Continued)

A description of the general characteristics of the risk categories used by the Company is as follows:

SOUTHERN STATES BANCSHARES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARY

NOTES TO AUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(in thousands, except per share amounts)

NOTE 5. LOANS (Continued)

Credit Risk Management (Continued)

The following table summarizes the risk category of the Company’s loan portfolio based upon the most recent analysis on the year of origination as of December 31, 2024: