Note 1: Nature of Operations and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

Nature of Operations

PFS Bancorp, Inc, a Maryland corporation (the “Company”), is the savings and loan holding company for Peru Federal Savings Bank (“Bank”). Upon completion of the Bank’s mutual-to-stock conversion, which occurred on October 17, 2023, the Company became 100% owner of the Bank. 100% of the common stock of PFS Bancorp, Inc is held by the public. The cost of conversion and the issuing of common stock totaling $1.6 million were deferred and deducted from the sales proceeds of the offering.

The Bank is a federal chartered stock savings bank. The Bank is primarily engaged in providing a full range of banking and financial services to individual and corporate customers in northern Illinois, primarily LaSalle County, from its two facilities located in Peru, Illinois. The Bank is subject to competition from other financial institutions. The Bank is subject to the regulation of the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (“OCC”) and undergoes periodic examinations by the OCC. The Bank has a wholly owned subsidiary, PFSB Financial Services Inc., which is inactive.

Jumpstart Our Business Startups Act

The Jumpstart Our Business Act (the JOBS Act), which was signed into law on April 5, 2012, has made numerous changes to the federal securities laws to facilitate access to capital markets. Under the JOBS Act, a company with total annual gross revenues of less than $1.235 billion (adjusted for inflation) during the most recently completed fiscal year qualifies as an “emerging growth company”. The Company qualifies as an “emerging growth company” and expects to continue to qualify as an “emerging growth company” until December 31, 2028.

As an “emerging growth company” the Company has elected to use the extended transition period to delay adoption of new or revised accounting pronouncements applicable to public companies until such pronouncements are made applicable to private companies. Accordingly, the Company’s consolidated financial statements may not be comparable to the financial statements of companies that comply with such new or revised accounting standards.

Use of Estimates

The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the consolidated financial statements 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 relate to the determination of the allowance for credit losses, mortgage servicing rights, and fair values of financial instruments.

In the opinion of Company management, the accompanying unaudited consolidated financial statements at June 30, 2025 and for the periods ended June 30, 2025 and June 30, 2024 include all adjustments, consisting of only normal recurring entries, necessary for a fair presentation of the consolidated balance sheet at June 30, 2025 and the consolidated statements of income for the interim periods ended June 30, 2025 and 2024. The consolidated statement of income for the interim period ended June 30, 2025 is not necessarily indicative of the results of operations for the full year. This information should be read in conjunction with the Company’s audited consolidated financial statements for the years ended December 31, 2024 and 2023 contained in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2024.

Cash Equivalents

The Company considers all liquid investments with original maturities of three months or less to be cash equivalents. At June 30, 2025 and December 31, 2024, cash equivalents consisted of due from bank accounts.

At June 30, 2025 and December 31, 2024, the Company’s cash accounts exceeded federally insured limits by $2,880 and $4,270, respectively.

Debt Securities

Certain debt securities that management has the positive intent and ability to hold to maturity are classified as “held to maturity” and recorded at amortized cost. Securities not classified as held to maturity are classified as “available for sale” and 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 are recorded on the trade date and are determined using the specific identification method.

For available-for-sale debt securities in an unrealized loss position, the Company first assesses whether it intends to sell, or it is more likely than not that it will be required to sell the security before recovery of its amortized cost basis. If either of the criteria regarding intent or requirement to sell is met, the security’s amortized cost basis is written down to fair value through income. For debt securities available-for-sale that do not meet the aforementioned criteria, the Company evaluates whether the decline in fair value has resulted from credit losses or other factors. In making this assessment, management considers the extent to which fair value is less than amortized cost, any changes to the rating of the security by a rating agency, and adverse conditions specifically related to the 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 security are compared to the amortized cost basis of the security. If the present value of cash flows expected to be collected is less than the amortized cost basis, a credit loss exists and the allowance for credit losses is recorded for the credit loss, limited by the amount that the fair value is less than the amortized cost basis. Any impairment that has not been recorded through an allowance for credit losses is recognized in other comprehensive income.

Changes in the allowance for credit losses are recorded as credit loss expense (or reversal). Losses are charged against the allowance when management believes the uncollectibility of an available-for-sale security is confirmed or when either of the criteria regarding intent or requirement to sell is met.

Accrued interest receivable on available-for-sale debt securities totaled $376 and $378 at June 30, 2025 and December 31, 2024 respectively and is excluded from the estimate of credit losses.

The Company uses the current expected credit loss (“CECL”) model to estimate the allowance for credit losses on securities held to maturity. The CECL model considers historical loss rates and other qualitative adjustments, as well as a forward-looking component that considers reasonable and supportable forecasts over the expected life of each security.

Management believes the Company will collect all amounts owed on securities held to maturity issued by the U.S. government or a U.S. government-sponsored agency since these securities are either explicitly or implicitly guaranteed by the U.S. government, and have a long history of no credit losses. Management evaluates all other securities held to maturity using a probability of default method. The probability of default method estimates the probability a security with a certain credit rating will default during its remaining contractual term (probability of default) and how much loss is expected to be incurred if a security defaults (loss give default rate). The Company obtains information from third parties (e.g., Moody’s) to estimate the probability of default for each credit rating based on the remaining term of the security and the loss given default rate.

Accrued interest receivable on held-to-maturity debt securities totaled $26 and $31 at June 30, 2025 and December 31, 2024 respectively and is excluded from the estimate of credit losses.

Equity Securities

The Company measures equity securities at fair value with changes in fair value recognized in net income. Gains and losses on the sale of equity securities are recorded on the trade date and are determined using the specific identification method.

Loans Held for Sale

Mortgage loans originated and intended for sale in the secondary market are carried at the lower of cost or fair value in the aggregate. Net unrealized losses, if any, are recognized through a valuation allowance by charges to noninterest income. Gains and losses on loan sales are recorded on the consolidated statements of income.

Loans

Loans that management has the intent and ability to hold for the foreseeable future or until maturity or payoffs are reported at their outstanding principal balances adjusted for unearned income, charge-offs, the allowance for credit losses, and for loans amortized at cost, interest income is accrued based on the unpaid principal balance. Loan origination fees, net of direct origination costs are deferred over the life of the loan.

The accrual of interest on mortgage and commercial loans is discontinued at the time the loan is 90 days past due unless the credit is well-secured and in process of collection. Past due status is based on contractual terms of the loan. In all cases, loans are placed on nonaccrual or charged off at an earlier date if collection of principal or interest is considered doubtful.

All interest accrued but not collected for loans that are placed on nonaccrual or charged off are reversed against interest income. The interest on these loans is accounted for on the cash-basis or cost-recovery method, until qualifying for return to accrual status. Loans are returned to accrual status when all the principal and interest amounts contractually due are brought current and future payments are reasonably assured.

The Company maintains lending policies and procedures designed to focus lending efforts on the type, location, and duration of loans most appropriate for its business model and markets. The Company’s principal lending activity is the origination of residential and commercial real estate loans, commercial loans, and consumer loans. The primary lending market is in LaSalle County, Illinois. Generally, loans are collateralized by assets of the borrower and guaranteed by the principals of the borrowing entity.

The Board of Directors reviews and approves the Company’s lending policy on an annual basis. Quarterly, the Board Loan Committee reviews the allowance for credit losses and reports related to loan production, loan quality, concentrations of credit, loan delinquencies and non-performing and potential problem loans.

Allowance for Credit Losses on Loans and Unfunded Commitments

The allowance for credit losses on loans and unfunded commitments (“allowance”) represents management’s estimate of the reserve necessary to adequately account for probable losses that could ultimately be realized from current loan exposures. In determining the adequacy of the allowance, management relies predominately on a disciplined credit review and approval process. The review process is directed by overall lending policy and is intended to identify, at the earliest possible stage, borrowers who might be facing financial difficulty.

The allowance for credit losses is established as losses are estimated to have occurred through a provision for credit losses charged to income. Credit losses are charged against the allowance when management believes the uncollectability of a loan balance is confirmed. Subsequent recoveries, if any, are credited to the allowance.

The allowance for credit losses is evaluated on a regular basis by management and is based upon management’s periodic review of the collectability of the loans in light of historical experience, the nature and volume of the loan portfolio, adverse

situations that may affect the borrower’s ability to repay, estimated value of any underlying collateral and prevailing economic conditions. This evaluation is inherently subjective as it requires estimates that are susceptible to significant revision as more information becomes available.

The allowance consists of allocated and general components. The allocated component relates to loans that are individually evaluated. For those loans that are individually evaluated, an allowance is established when the discounted cash flows (or collateral value or observable market price) of the individually evaluated loan is lower than the carrying value of that loan. The general component covers non-classified loans and is based on historical charge-off experience and expected loss given default derived from the Company’s internal risk rating process. Other adjustments may be made to the allowance for pools of loans after an assessment of internal or external influences on credit quality that are not fully reflected in the historical loss or risk rating data.

The Company uses the CECL model to estimate the allowance for credit losses on loans. The CECL model considers historical loss rates and other qualitative adjustments, as well as forward-looking component that considers reasonable and supportable forecasts over the expected life of each loan. To develop the allowance for credit losses on loans estimate under the CECL model, the Company segments the loan portfolio into loan pools based on loan type and similar credit risk elements, performs an individual evaluation of certain collateral dependent and other credit-deteriorated loans, calculates the historical loss rates for the segmented loan pools, applies the loss rates over the calculated life of the collectively evaluated loan pools; adjusts for forecasted macro-level economic conditions and other anticipated changes in credit quality; and determines qualitative adjustments based on factors and conditions unique to the Company’s loan portfolio.

Under the CECL model, loans that do not share similar risk characteristics with the loans in their respective pools are individually evaluated for expected credit losses and are excluded from the collectively evaluated loan credit loss estimates. Management evaluates nonaccrual loans, and other loans with evidence of credit deterioration. For loans individually evaluated, a specific reserve is estimated based on either the fair value of collateral or the discounted value of expected future cash flows.

Management evaluates all collectively evaluated loan pools using the weighted average remaining life (“remaining life”) methodology. The remining life methodology applies calculated quarterly net loss rates to collectively evaluated loan pools on a periodic basis based on the estimated remining life of each pool. The estimated losses under the remaining life methodology are then adjusted for qualitative factors deemed appropriate by management.

The estimated remining life of each pool is determined using quarterly, pool-based attrition measurements using the Company’s loan-level historical data. The Company’s historical call report data is utilized for historical loss rate calculations, and the lookback period for each collectively evaluated loan pool is determined by management based upon the estimated remaining life of the pool. Forecasted historical loss rates are calculated using the Company’s historical data based on the lookback, forecast, and reversion period inputs by management. Management elected to utilize a 2-year forecast period, with immediate reversion to historical losses after the forecast period.

The quantitative analysis described above is supplemented with other qualitative factors based on the risks presented for each collectively evaluated loan pool. These qualitative factors include: past due loan trends; collateral value trends, changes to lending policies, quality of loan review, expertise of management, regulatory environment, micro and macro-economic conditions, and effects of changes in credit concentrations.

Unfunded commitments are evaluated using the same pool methodology and assumptions as the allowance for credit losses on collectively evaluated loans, adjusted for estimated funding rates based on historical rates. A reserve is maintained for these unfunded commitments to absorb estimated probable credit losses over noncancelable loan commitments. The allowance for losses on unfunded commitments is included in other liabilities on the balance sheet.

The Company may modify loans to borrowers experiencing financial difficulty and grant concessions that could include principal loan forgiveness, maturity date extension, interest rate, interest-only period, and payment deferral.

The Company excludes accrued interest receivable from the amortized cost basis of loans when estimating credit losses and when presenting required disclosures in the consolidated financial statements. Accrued interest on loans totaling $376 and $324 at June 30, 2025 and December 31, 2024, respectively, was excluded from the amortized cost basis of loans. Accrued interest is written off at the same time as when a loan is moved to non-accrual status.

Risk characteristics applicable to each segment of the loan portfolio are described as follows.

Residential 1-4 Family Real Estate: The residential 1-4 family real estate are generally secured by owner-occupied 1-4 family residences. Repayment of these loans is primarily dependent on the personal income and credit rating of the borrowers. Credit risk in these loans can be impacted by economic conditions within the Company’s market areas that might impact either property values or a borrower’s personal income. Risk is mitigated by the fact that the loans are of smaller individual amounts and spread over a large number of borrowers.

Commercial Real Estate: Commercial real estate loans typically involve larger principal amounts, and repayment of these loans is generally dependent on the successful operations of the property securing the loan or the business conducted on the property securing the loan. These loans are viewed primarily as cash flow loans and secondarily as loans secured by real estate. Credit risk in these loans may be impacted by the creditworthiness of a borrower, property values and the local economies in the Company’s market areas.

Construction and Land Development Real Estate: Construction and land development real estate loans are usually based upon estimates of costs and estimated value of the completed project and include independent appraisal reviews and a financial analysis of the developers and property owners. Sources of repayment of these loans may include permanent loans, sales of developed property or an interim loan commitment from the Company until permanent financing is obtained. These loans are considered to be higher risk than other real estate loans due to their ultimate repayment being sensitive to interest rate changes, general economic conditions, and the availability of long-term financing. Credit risk in these loans may be impacted by the creditworthiness of a borrower, property values and the local economies in the Company’s market areas.

Commercial: The commercial portfolio includes loans to commercial customers for use in financing working capital needs, equipment purchases and expansions. The loans in this category are repaid primarily from the cash flow of a borrower’s principal business operation. Credit risk in these loans is driven by creditworthiness of a borrower and the economic conditions that impact the cash flow stability from business operations.

Consumer: The consumer loan portfolio consists of various term and line of credit loans such as automobile loans and loans for other personal purposes. Repayment for these types of loans will come from a borrower’s income sources that are typically independent of the loan purpose. Credit risk is driven by consumer economic factors (such as unemployment and general economic conditions in the Company’s market area) and the creditworthiness of a borrower.

Premises and Equipment

Land is carried at cost. Depreciable assets are stated at cost less accumulated depreciation. Depreciation is charged to expense using the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of the assets.

The estimated useful lives for each major depreciable classification of premises and equipment are as follows:

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Federal Home Loan Bank Stock

Federal Home Loan Bank stock is a required investment for institutions that are members of the Federal Home Loan Bank system. The required investment in the common stock is based on a predetermined formula, carried at cost and evaluated for impairment.

Bank-owned Life Insurance

The Company has purchased life insurance policies on certain key executives. Bank-owned life insurance is recorded at the amount that can be realized under the insurance contract at the balance sheet date, which is the cash surrender value adjusted for other charges or other amounts due that are probable at settlement.

Mortgage Servicing Rights

Mortgage servicing assets are recognized separately when rights are acquired through purchase or through sale of financial assets. Under the servicing assets and liabilities accounting guidance (ASC 860-50), servicing rights resulting from the sale or securitization of loans originated by the Company are initially measured at fair value at the date of transfer. The Company has elected to initially and subsequently measure the mortgage servicing rights for consumer mortgage loans using the fair value method. Under the fair value method, the servicing rights are carried in the balance sheet at fair value and the changes in fair value are reported in earnings in the period in which the changes occur.

Fair value is based on market prices for comparable mortgage servicing contracts, when available, or alternatively, is based on a valuation model that calculates the present value of estimated future net servicing income. The valuation model incorporates assumptions that market participants would use in estimating future net servicing income, such as the cost to service, the discount rate, the custodial earnings rate, an inflation rate, ancillary income, prepayment speeds and default rates and losses. These variables change from quarter to quarter as market conditions and projected interest rates change and may have an adverse impact on the value of the mortgage servicing right and may result in a reduction to noninterest income.

Servicing fee income is recorded for fees earned for servicing loans. The fees are based on a contractual percentage of the outstanding principal or a fixed amount per loan and are recorded as income when earned in loan servicing fees in non-interest income.

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.

Income Taxes

The Company accounts for income taxes in accordance with income tax accounting guidance (ASC 740, Income Taxes). The 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 reduced by 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.

Tax positions 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 the management’s judgment. With a few exceptions, the Company is no longer subject to U.S. federal and state income tax examinations by tax authorities for years before 2019.

The Company recognizes interest and penalties on income taxes as a component of income tax expense.

The Company files consolidated income tax returns with its subsidiary.

Comprehensive Income (Loss)

Comprehensive income (loss) consists of net income and other comprehensive income (loss), net of applicable income taxes. Other comprehensive income (loss) includes unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on available-for-sale securities and reclassification adjustment for realized losses included in net income.

Revenue Recognition

The majority of the Company’s revenues come from interest income and other sources, including loans and securities, which are outside the scope of Financial Accounting Standards Board Accounting Standards Update 2014-09, Revenues from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606). The Company’s services that fall within the scope of Topic 606 are presented within noninterest income in the accompanying consolidated statements of income and are recognized as revenue as the Company satisfies its obligation to the customer.

A description of the Company’s revenue streams accounted for under Topic 606 is as follows:

Customer Service Fees. The Company generates revenues through fees charged to depositors related to deposit account maintenance fees, overdrafts, interchange income, wire transfers and additional miscellaneous services provided at the request of the depositor. For deposit-related services, revenue is recognized when performance obligations are satisfied, which is, generally, at a point in time.

Commission Income. Brokerage commissions and fees primarily relate to investment advisory and brokerage activities as well as the sale of other non-deposit investment products to customers of the Company. The Company’s performance obligation for investment advisory services is generally satisfied, and related revenue recognized, over the period in which the services are provided. Fees earned for brokerage activities, such as facilitating securities transactions, are generally recognized at the time of transaction execution. Commissions or fees earned on the sale of other non-deposit investment products are primarily recognized on a monthly basis based on the executed sales dates. Payment for these services is generally received shortly after month end.

Gains/Losses on Sales of Foreclosed Assets. The Company records a gain or loss from the sale of foreclosed assets when control of the property transfers to the buyer, which generally occurs at the time of an executed deed. When the Company finances the sale of foreclosed assets to the buyer, the Company assesses whether the buyer is committed to perform their obligations under the contract and whether collectability of the transaction price is probable. Once these criteria are met, the

foreclosed asset is derecognized and the gain or loss on sale is recorded upon the transfer of control of the property to the buyer. In determining the gain or loss on the sale, the Company adjusts the transaction price and related gain (loss) on sale if a significant financing component is present.

Rate Lock Commitments

The Company enters into commitments to originate loans whereby the interest rate on the loan is determined prior to funding (rate lock commitment). Rate lock commitments on mortgage loans that are intended to be sold are considered to be derivatives. Rate lock commitments are recorded only to the extent of fees received since recording the estimated fair value of these commitments would not have a significant impact on the consolidated financial statements.

Off-Balance-Sheet Instruments

In the ordinary course of business, the Company has entered into off-balance-sheet financial instruments, including commitments to extend credit, unfunded commitments under lines of credit, and standby letters of credit. Such financial instruments are recorded in the consolidated financial statements when they become payable.

Legal Contingencies

Various legal claims arise from time to time in the normal course of business. In the opinion of management, any liability resulting from such proceedings would not have a material impact on the consolidated financial statements of the Company.

Advertising

Advertising costs are expensed as incurred.

Stock-based Compensation

Stock-based payments to employees, including grants of restricted stock or stock options, are valued at fair value of the award on the date of grant and expensed on a straight-line basis as compenstion expense over the applicable vesting period. A Black-Scholes model is utilized to estimate the fair value of stock options and the quoted market price of the Company’s stock at the date of grant is used to estimate the fair value of restricted stock awards.

Earnings per Common Share

Basic earnings per common share are calculated by dividing net income available to common shareholders by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during the period. Diluted earnings per common share includes the dilutive effect of outstanding common stock awards unless the impact is anti-dilutive, by application of the treasury stock method.