NOTE 4 — LOANS AND ALLOWANCE FOR CREDIT LOSSES

Loans

Net loans are stated at their outstanding recorded investment, net of deferred fees and costs, unearned income and the allowance for credit losses. Interest on loans is recognized as income over the term of each loan, generally, by the accrual method. Loan origination fees and certain direct loan origination costs have been deferred with the net amount amortized using the straight line method or the interest method over the contractual life of the related loans as an interest yield adjustment.

The loans held for investment portfolio is segmented into the following segments: Real Estate (including both commercial and residential loans), Agricultural, Commercial and Industrial, Consumer, and State and Political Subdivisions.

Real Estate Lending

The Company engages in real estate lending to commercial borrowers in its primary market area and surrounding areas. The commercial component of the Company’s Real Estate portfolio is secured primarily by commercial retail space, commercial office buildings, residential housing and hotels. Generally, these loans have terms that do not exceed twenty years, have loan-to-value ratios of up to eighty percent of the value of the collateral property, and are typically supported by personal guarantees of the borrowers.

In underwriting these loans, the Company performs a thorough analysis of the financial condition of the borrower, the borrower’s credit history, and the reliability and predictability of the cash flow generated by the property securing the loan. The value of the property is determined by either independent appraisers or internal evaluations performed by Bank officers.

Real estate loans secured by commercial properties generally present a higher level of risk than loans secured by residential real estate. Repayment of loans secured by commercial real estate is typically dependent upon the successful operation of the related real estate project and/or the effect of the general economic conditions on income producing properties.

The residential component of the Company’s Real Estate portfolio is comprised of one-to-four family residential mortgage loan originations, home equity term loans and home equity lines of credit. These loans are generated by the Company’s marketing efforts, its present customers, walk-in customers and referrals. These loans are originated primarily with customers from the Company’s market area.

The Company’s one-to-four family residential mortgage originations are secured principally by properties located in its primary market area and surrounding areas. The Company offers fixed-rate mortgage loans with terms up to a maximum of thirty years for both permanent structures and those under construction. Loans with terms of thirty years are normally held for sale and sold without recourse; most of the residential mortgages held in the Company’s residential real estate portfolio have maximum terms of twenty years. Generally, the majority of the Company’s residential mortgage loans originate with a loan-to-value of eighty percent or less, or those with private mortgage insurance at ninety-five percent or less. Home equity term loans are secured by the borrower’s primary residence and typically have a maximum loan-to-value of eighty percent and a maximum term of fifteen years. In general, home equity lines of credit are secured by the borrower’s primary residence with a maximum loan-to-value of eighty percent and a maximum term of twenty years.

In underwriting one-to-four family residential mortgage loans, the Company evaluates the borrower’s ability to make monthly payments, the borrower’s prior loan repayment history and the value of the property securing the loan. The ability and willingness to repay is assessed based upon the borrower’s employment history, current financial conditions and credit background. A majority of the properties securing residential real estate loans made by the

Company are appraised by independent appraisers. The Company generally requires mortgage loan borrowers to obtain an attorney’s title opinion or title insurance and fire and property insurance, including flood insurance, if applicable.

Residential mortgage loans, home equity term loans and home equity lines of credit generally present a lower level of risk than consumer loans because they are secured by the borrower’s primary residence. Risk is increased when the Company is in a subordinate position, especially to another lender, for the loan collateral.

Residential mortgage loans held for sale are carried at the lower of cost or market on an aggregate basis determined by independent pricing from appropriate federal or state agency investors. These loans are sold without recourse. Loans held for sale amounted to $104,000 and $737,000 at June 30, 2025 and December 31, 2024, respectively.

Agricultural Lending

The Company originates agricultural loans to individuals in the farming industry for funding the production of crops or to purchase or refinance capital assets such as farmland, livestock, machinery, equipment, and farm real estate improvements. Agricultural loans are typically secured by collateral related to the farming activities. These loans originate from customers within the Company’s primary market area or the surrounding areas.

In underwriting agricultural loans, an analysis is performed regarding the borrower’s ability to repay the loan, the borrower’s capital and collateral, and the past, present, and future cash flows of the borrower, as well as the agricultural industry as a whole. In general, these loans would be secured by cropland, pastureland, orchardland, or timberland that is committed to ongoing management and agricultural production, with a maximum loan-to-value ratio of seventy percent and a maximum term of ten years.

Commercial and Industrial Lending

The Company originates commercial and industrial loans principally to businesses located in its primary market area and surrounding areas. These loans are used for various business purposes, which include short-term loans and lines of credit to finance machinery and equipment, inventory and accounts receivable. Generally, the maximum term for loans extended on machinery and equipment is based on the projected useful life of such machinery and equipment. Most business lines of credit are written on demand and are reviewed annually.

Commercial and industrial loans are generally secured with short-term assets; however, in many cases, additional collateral such as real estate is provided as additional security for the loan. Loan-to-value maximum thresholds have been established by the Company and are specific to the type of collateral. Collateral values may be determined using invoices, inventory reports, accounts receivable aging reports, business financial statements, collateral appraisals or internal evaluations, etc. Commercial and industrial loans are typically supported by personal guarantees of the borrower.

In underwriting commercial and industrial loans, an analysis is performed to evaluate the borrower’s character and capacity to repay the loan, the adequacy of the borrower’s capital and collateral, as well as the conditions affecting the borrower. Evaluation of the borrower’s past, present and future cash flows is also an important aspect of the Company’s analysis of the borrower’s ability to repay.

Commercial and industrial loans generally present a higher level of risk than other types of loans due primarily to the effect of general economic conditions. Commercial and industrial loans are typically made on the basis of the borrower’s ability to make repayment from cash flows from the borrower’s primary business activities. As a result, the availability of funds for the repayment of commercial and industrial loans is dependent on the success of the business itself, which in turn, is likely to be dependent upon the general economic environment.

As an addition to the commercial loans held for investment portfolio, the Company may purchase the guaranteed portion of loans secured by the U.S. Government. The originating bank retains the unguaranteed portion of the loan. The loans are sponsored by one of the various government agencies including the SBA, United States

Department of Agriculture (“USDA”), and the Farm Service Agency (“FSA”). Government Guaranteed Loans ("GGLs") carry no credit risk due to an unconditional and irrevocable guarantee (which is supported by the full faith and credit of the U.S. Government) on all principal and the balance of interest accruing through ninety days beyond the date that demand is made to the originating bank for repurchase of the loan. As of June 30, 2025, the Company's balance of GGLs was $3,974,000, compared to $4,306,000 at December 31, 2024.

Consumer Lending

The Company offers a variety of secured and unsecured consumer loans, including vehicle loans, stock secured loans and loans secured by financial institution deposits. These loans originate primarily with customers from the Company’s market area.

Consumer loan terms vary according to the type and value of collateral and creditworthiness of the borrower. In underwriting personal loans, a thorough analysis is performed regarding the borrower’s willingness and financial ability to repay the loan as agreed. The ability and willingness to repay is assessed based upon the borrower’s employment history, current financial condition and credit background.

Consumer loans may entail greater credit risk than residential real estate loans, particularly in the case of personal loans which are unsecured or are secured by rapidly depreciable assets, such as automobiles or recreational equipment. In such cases, repossessed collateral for a defaulted personal loan may not provide an adequate source of repayment of the outstanding loan balance as a result of the greater likelihood of damage, loss or depreciation. In addition, personal loan collections are dependent on the borrower’s continuing financial stability and therefore, are more likely to be affected by adverse personal circumstances. Furthermore, the application of various federal and state laws, including bankruptcy and insolvency laws, may limit the amount which can be recovered on such loans.

State and Political Subdivisions Lending

The Company, from time to time, may originate loans to state and political subdivisions that are within the Company’s primary market area or surrounding areas. These loans may be either taxable or tax-free. These loans may be issued for the purpose of land improvement, infrastructure changes, bond refinances, or the purchase of equipment. State and political loans are typically secured by the taxing power of the borrowing entity. In some cases, the loans may also be secured by the property/item being purchased. Audited financial statements are required as part of the underwriting for all state and political loans and a full analysis of all components of the audited statements is performed. If the loan is to be classified as tax-free, a letter from the entity’s solicitor stating such is required, as well.

The risk associated with these types of loans is considerably less than commercial loan transactions. Repayment is based on the full faith, credit, and ability of the borrowing entity to tax and then collect the payments. Delinquency or loss on these types of loans is de minimus.

Delinquent Loans

Generally, a loan is considered to be past-due when scheduled loan payments are in arrears 10 days or more. Delinquent notices are generated automatically when a loan is 10 or 15 days past-due, depending on loan type. Collection efforts continue on past-due loans that have not been brought current, when it is believed that some chance exists for improvement in the status of the loan. Past-due loans are continually evaluated with the determination for charge-off being made when no reasonable chance remains that the status of the loan can be improved.

Commercial and industrial loans and real estate loans issued for commercial purpose are charged off in whole or in part when they become sufficiently delinquent based upon the terms of the underlying loan contract and when a collateral deficiency exists. Because all or part of the contractual cash flows are not expected to be collected, the loan is designated for individual evaluation to determine expected credit losses based on an analysis of the cash flows or collateral estimated at fair value less cost to sell. Should a GGL default, demand is made to the originating bank for repurchase of the loan. If the originating bank does not repurchase the loan, demand for repurchase is then made to the appropriate government agency which has provided the guarantee for the loan.

Real estate loans issued for residential purposes and consumer loans are charged off when they become sufficiently delinquent based upon the terms of the underlying loan contract and when the value of the underlying collateral is not sufficient to support the loan balance and a loss is expected. At that time, the amount of estimated collateral deficiency, if any, is charged off for loans secured by collateral, and all other loans are charged off in full. Loans with collateral are written down to the estimated fair value of the collateral less cost to sell.

Existing loans in which the borrower has declared bankruptcy are considered on a case by case basis to determine whether repayment is likely to occur (e.g. reaffirmation by the borrower with demonstrated repayment ability). Otherwise, loans are charged off in full or written down to the estimated fair value of collateral less cost to sell.

Generally, a loan is classified as non-accrual and the accrual of interest on such a loan is discontinued when the contractual payment of principal or interest has become 90 days past due or management has serious doubts about further collectability of principal or interest. A loan may remain on accrual status if it is well secured (or supported by a strong guarantee) and in the process of collection. When a loan is placed on non-accrual status, unpaid interest credited to income in the current year is reversed and unpaid interest accrued in prior years is charged against interest income. Certain non-accrual loans may continue to perform; that is, payments are still being received. Generally, the payments are applied to principal. These loans remain under constant scrutiny, and if performance continues, interest income may be recorded on a cash basis based on management's judgment regarding the collectability of principal.

Allowance for Credit Losses - Loans

The allowance for credit losses (“ACL”) is an estimate of losses arising from borrowers’ inability to make loan payments as required, which is calculated via a valuation account that is deducted from the amortized cost basis to present the net amount expected to be collected on the loan portfolio. All adjustments will be established through provisions for credit losses charged against income. Loans deemed to be uncollectible are charged against the ACL and subsequent recoveries, if any, are credited to the allowance.

The ACL is maintained at a level estimated by management to be adequate to absorb potential loan losses. Management’s periodic evaluation of the adequacy of the ACL is based on specific expectations for the future economic environment that are incorporated in the projection, with loss expectations to revert to the long-run historical mean after such time as management can make or obtain a reasonable and supportable forecast. Management also considers the Company’s past loan loss experience, known and inherent risks in the portfolio, adverse situations that may impact the borrower’s ability to repay (including the timing of future payments), the estimated value of any underlying collateral (if the loan is collateral dependent), composition of the loan portfolio, and other relevant factors. This evaluation is inherently subjective as it requires material estimates based on management’s judgment regarding the projection of expected credit losses over the contractual lifetime of the loans.

Modeling of the ACL uses sophisticated statistical techniques to arrive at reasonable and supportable forecasts of expected losses. The Company has contracted with a third-party vendor to assist in developing models for the ACL related to the Company’s loan portfolio under ASC 326. The Company has opted to utilize the Weighted Average Remaining Maturity (“WARM”) method to calculate the ACL which uses an average annual charge-off rate. This average annual charge-off rate contains loss content over several vintages and is used as a foundation for estimating the credit loss content for loans by segmented pools at the balance sheet date and is used to determine a historical charge-off rate. When estimating expected credit losses, the Company considers forward-looking information that is reasonable, supportable, and relevant to assessing the collectability of cash flows. Reasonable and supportable forecasts may extend over the entire contractual term of a loan or a period shorter than the contractual term. Reasonable and supportable forecasts may vary by portfolio segment or individual forecast input. These forecasts may include data from internal sources, external sources, or a combination of both.

When the contractual term of a loan extends beyond the reasonable and supportable period, ASC Topic 326 requires reverting to historical loss information, or an appropriate proxy, for those periods beyond the reasonable and supportable forecast period (often referred to as the reversion period). The Company may revert to historical loss information for each individual forecast input or based on the entire estimate of loss. Reversion to historical loss

information may be immediate, occur on a straight-line basis, or use any systematic/rational method. Management may apply different reversion techniques depending on the economic environment or applicable loan portfolio.

The methodology used to determine the ACL also includes a qualitative component in which the Company adjusts expected credit loss estimates for information not already captured in the loss estimation process. These qualitative factor adjustments may increase or decrease management’s estimate of expected credit losses. Changes in the level of the Company’s ACL may not always be directionally consistent with changes in the level of qualitative factor adjustments due to the incorporation of reasonable and supportable forecasts in estimating expected losses. Management considers qualitative factors that are relevant to the Company as of the reporting date, which may include but are not limited to: 1) changes in lending policies and procedures, including changes in underwriting standards and collection, charge-off, and recovery practices not considered elsewhere; 2) changes in international, national, regional, and local economic and business conditions and developments that affect the collectability of the loan portfolio, including the condition of various market segments; 3) changes in the nature and volume of the loan portfolio; 4) changes in the experience, ability, and depth of management and other relevant staff; 5) changes in the volume and severity of past due loans, the volume of non-accrual loans, and the volume and severity of adversely classified or graded loans; 6) changes in the quality of the Company’s loan review system; 7) changes in the value of underlying collateral for collateral dependent loans; 8) the existence and effect of any concentrations of credit and changes in the level of such concentrations; and 9) the effect of other external factors such as competition and legal and regulatory requirements on the level of estimated credit losses in the Company’s existing loan portfolio.

The Company’s ACL is calculated by collectively evaluating and individually evaluating loans. The Company collectively evaluates applicable loans based on segments according to their homogeneous characteristics, aligned with the segmentation of the FDIC Bank Call Report. The Company collectively evaluates loans and determines applicable loss rates based on the following segments/classes:

Real Estate

Agricultural

Commercial and Industrial

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Consumer

State and Political Subdivisions

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In accordance with ASC 326-20-30-2, the Company will evaluate individual loans for expected credit losses when the loans do not share similar risk characteristics with loans evaluated using the collective method. Management may evaluate loans on an individual basis even when no specific expectation of collectability is in place. Loans for which individual evaluation has been deemed necessary are then analyzed to determine if a reserve is required for the loan. A loan would be individually evaluated under the following circumstances (a) if it is on non-accrual status, (b) if a distressed loan is determined to be collateral dependent, or (c) if the Company has other concerns regarding the viability of the loan. Management determines the significance of payment delays and payment shortfalls on a case-by-case basis, taking into consideration all of the circumstances surrounding the loan and the borrower, including the length of the delay, the reasons for the delay, the borrower’s prior payment record, and the amount of the shortfall in relation to the principal and interest owed. Once identified as a loan requiring individual evaluation, the loan is analyzed based on the fair market value of the underlying collateral.

Loans that have been individually evaluated for expected credit losses may have a portion of the reserve allocated to cover the calculated collateral deficiency or the amount of the collateral deficiency may be charged off. Loans individually evaluated for expected credit losses may have zero specific allocation if the evaluation/analysis shows that no collateral deficiency exists for the loan and no loss is expected.

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ASC 326-20, Loan Modifications Experiencing Financial Difficulty, eliminated the accounting guidance for Troubled Debt Restructurings (“TDRs”) while enhancing disclosure requirements for certain loan refinancing and restructurings by creditors when a borrower is experiencing financial difficulty. In accordance with the new guidance, the Company no longer evaluates loans with modifications made to borrowers experiencing financial difficulty individually for impairment, nor establishes a related specific reserve for such loans, but rather these loans are included in their respective portfolio segment and evaluated collectively for impairment to establish an allowance for credit losses. Any modifications of loans to borrowers experiencing financial difficulty that are classified as non-accrual or are otherwise designated as collateral dependent are individually evaluated for determination of expected credit losses.

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The most common types of concessions granted upon modification of a loan to a borrower experiencing financial difficulties include: (a) a reduction in the interest rate for the remaining life of the debt, (b) an extension of the maturity date at an interest rate lower than the current market rate for new debt with similar risk, (c) a temporary period of interest-only payments, and (d) a reduction in the contractual payment amount for either a short period or for the remaining term of the loan. A less common concession would be forgiveness of a portion of the loan’s principal. Loans so modified remain collectively evaluated for determination of expected credit losses, unless, during the process of evaluation, it is determined that the loan should be placed on non-accrual status until the Company determines that future collection of principal and interest is reasonably assured or the loan is otherwise deemed to be collateral dependent.

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There may be certain types of loans for which the expectation of credit loss is zero after evaluating historical loss information, making necessary adjustments for current conditions and reasonable and supportable forecasts, and considering any collateral or guarantee arrangements that are not free-standing contracts. Factors considered by management when evaluating whether expectations of zero credit loss are appropriate may include, but are not limited to: 1) a long history of zero credit loss; 2) full securitization by cash or cash equivalents; 3) high credit ratings from rating agencies with no expected future downgrade; 4) principal and interest payments that are guaranteed by the U.S. government; 5) the issuer, guarantor, or sponsor can print its own currency and the currency is held by other central banks as reserve currency; and 6) the interest rate on the security is recognized as a risk-free rate.

A loan that is fully secured by cash or cash equivalents, such as a certificate of deposit issued by the lending institution, would likely have zero credit loss expectations. Similarly, the guaranteed portion of an SBA loan purchased on the secondary market through the SBA’s fiscal and transfer agent would likely have zero credit loss expectations because these financial assets are unconditionally guaranteed by the U.S. government.

A reserve for unfunded lending commitments is provided for possible credit losses on off-balance sheet credit exposures. Off-balance sheet credit exposures primarily include undrawn portions of revolving lines of credit and standby letters of credit. The reserve for unfunded lending commitments represents management’s estimate of losses inherent in its unfunded loan commitments and, if necessary, is recorded in other liabilities on the consolidated balance sheets. As of June 30, 2025 and December 31, 2024, the amount of the reserve for unfunded lending commitments was $97,000 and $102,000, respectively.

The Company made a policy election to exclude accrued interest receivable from the amortized cost basis of loans. Accrued interest receivable on loans is reported as a component of accrued interest receivable on the Company’s consolidated balance sheets and totaled $2,589,000 as of June 30, 2025 compared to $2,575,000 at December 31, 2024. Accrued interest receivable on loans is excluded from the estimate of credit losses.

The Company is subject to periodic examination by its federal and state examiners, and may be required by such regulators to recognize additions to the ACL based on their assessment of credit information available to them at the time of their examinations.

The Company utilizes a risk grading matrix as a tool for managing credit risk in the loan portfolio and assigns an asset quality rating (risk grade) to all loans. An asset quality rating is assigned using the guidance provided in the Company’s loan policy. Primary responsibility for assigning the asset quality rating rests with the credit department. The asset quality rating is validated periodically by both an internal and external loan review process.

The commercial loan grading system focuses on a borrower’s financial strength and performance, experience and depth of management, primary and secondary sources of repayment, the nature of the business and the outlook for the particular industry. Primary emphasis is placed on financial condition and trends. The grade also reflects current economic and industry conditions; as well as other variables such as liquidity, cash flow, revenue/earnings trends, management strengths or weaknesses, quality of financial information, and credit history.

The loan grading system for residential real estate secured and consumer loans focuses on the borrower’s credit score and credit history, debt-to-income ratio and income sources, collateral position and loan-to-value ratio.

Risk grade characteristics are as follows:

Risk Grade 1 – MINIMAL RISK through Risk Grade 6 – MANAGEMENT ATTENTION (Pass Grade Categories)

Risk is evaluated via examination of several attributes including but not limited to financial trends, strengths and weaknesses, likelihood of repayment when considering both cash flow and collateral, sources of repayment, leverage position, management expertise, and repayment history.

At the low-risk end of the rating scale, a risk grade of 1 – Minimal Risk is the grade reserved for loans with exceptional credit fundamentals and virtually no risk of default or loss. Loan grades then progress through escalating ratings of 2 through 6 based upon risk. Risk Grade 2 – Modest Risk are loans with sufficient cash flows; Risk Grade 3 – Average Risk are loans with key balance sheet ratios slightly above the borrower’s peers; Risk Grade 4 – Acceptable Risk are loans with key balance sheet ratios usually near the borrower’s peers, but one or more ratios may be higher; and Risk Grade 5 – Marginally Acceptable are loans with strained cash flow, increasing leverage and/or weakening markets. Risk Grade 6 – Management Attention are loans with weaknesses resulting from declining performance trends and the borrower’s cash flows may be temporarily strained. Loans in this category are performing according to terms, but present some type of potential concern.

Risk Grade 7 − SPECIAL MENTION (Non-Pass Category)

Assets in this category are adequately collateralized but have potential weakness which may, if not checked or corrected, weaken the asset or inadequately protect the Company’s credit position at some future date. The loans may constitute increased credit risk, but not to the point of justifying a classification of substandard. No loss of principal or interest is envisioned, but risk is increasing beyond that at which the loan originally would have been granted. Historically, cash flows are inconsistent; financial trends show some deterioration. Liquidity and leverage are above industry averages. Financial information could be incomplete or inadequate. A Special Mention asset has potential weaknesses that deserve management’s close attention.

Risk Grade 8 − SUBSTANDARD (Non-Pass Category)

Generally, these assets are inadequately protected by the current sound worth and paying capacity of the obligor or of the collateral pledged, if any. Assets so classified must have “well-defined” weaknesses that jeopardize the full liquidation of the debt.

These loans are characterized by the distinct possibility that the Company will sustain some loss if the aggregate amount of substandard assets is not fully covered by the liquidation of the collateral used as security. Substandard loans have a high probability of payment default and require more intensive supervision by Company management.

Risk Grade 9 − DOUBTFUL (Non-Pass Category)

Generally, loans graded doubtful have all the weaknesses inherent in a substandard loan with the added factor that the weaknesses are pronounced to a point whereby the basis of current information, conditions, and values, collection or liquidation in full is deemed to be highly improbable. The possibility of loss is extremely high, but because of certain important and reasonably specific pending factors that may work to strengthen the asset, its classification is deferred until, for example, a proposed merger, acquisition, liquidation procedure, capital injection, perfection of liens on additional collateral and/or refinancing plan is completed. Loans are graded doubtful if they contain weaknesses so serious that collection or liquidation in full is questionable.

The following table presents outstanding loan balances by loan class prior to allocation of net deferred fees and costs, as well as the balance of total loans held for investment after allocation of net deferred fees and costs and net loans after allocation of the allowance for credit losses as of June 30, 2025 and December 31, 2024.

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The following tables present the classes of the loan portfolio summarized by risk rating and year of origination and year-to-date gross charge-offs by loan portfolio summarized by year of origination as of June 30, 2025 and December 31, 2024.

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State and Political Subdivision Loans include loans categorized as tax-free in the amount of $22,016,000 at June 30, 2025 and $22,138,000 at December 31, 2024. Commercial and Industrial Loans include $3,974,000 of GGLs as of June 30, 2025 and $4,306,000 of GGLs as of December 31, 2024.

The activity in the allowance for credit losses by loan class is summarized below for the three and six months ended June 30, 2025 and 2024 and the year ended December 31, 2024.

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