Norwood Financial Corp: Form 10-Q for the period ended Sep 30, 2025

Forward-Looking Statements

This Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q may include certain forward-looking statements based on current management expectations. Such forward-looking statements may be identified by reference to a future period or periods or by the use of forward-looking terminology, such as “may”, “will”, “believe”, “expect”, “estimate”, “anticipate”, “continue”, or similar terms or variations on those terms, or the negative of those terms. The actual results of the Company could differ materially from those management expectations. This includes statements regarding general economic conditions, legislative and regulatory changes, monetary, trade, tariff and fiscal policies of the federal government, changes in tax policies, rates and regulations of federal, state and local tax authorities and failure to integrate or profitably operate acquired businesses. Additional potential factors include changes in interest rates, the rate of inflation, deposit flows, cost of funds, demand for loan products and financial services, competition and changes in the quality or composition of loan and investment portfolios of the Company. Other factors that could cause future results to vary from current management expectations include changes in accounting principles, policies or guidelines, and other economic, competitive, governmental and technological factors affecting the Company’s operations, markets, products, services and prices, instability in the banking system, and the potential for a recessionary economy. Further description of the risks and uncertainties to the business are included in the Company’s other filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

The majority of the assets and liabilities of a financial institution are monetary in nature, and therefore, differ greatly from most commercial and industrial companies that have significant investments in fixed assets or inventories. However, inflation does have an impact on the Company, particularly with respect to the growth of total assets and noninterest expenses, which tend to rise during periods of general inflation. Risks also exist due to supply and demand imbalances, employment shortages, the interest rate environment, and geopolitical tensions. It is reasonably foreseeable that estimates made in the financial statements could be materially and adversely impacted in the near term as a result of these conditions, including expected credit losses on loans and the fair value of financial instruments that are carried at fair value.

Our operations are subject to risks and uncertainties surrounding our exposure to changes in the interest rate environment. Earnings and liquidity depend to a great extent on our interest rates. Interest rates are highly sensitive to many factors beyond our control, including competition, general economic conditions, geopolitical tensions and conflicts and monetary and fiscal policies of various governmental and regulatory authorities, including the Federal Reserve. Conditions such as inflation, deflation, recession, unemployment and other factors beyond our control may also affect interest rates. The nature and timing of any changes in interest rates or general economic conditions and their effect on us cannot be controlled and are difficult to predict. If the rate of interest we pay on our interest-bearing liabilities increases more than the rate of interest we receive on our interest-earning assets, our net interest income, and therefore our earnings, could contract and be materially adversely affected. Our earnings could also be materially adversely affected if the rates on interest-earning assets fall more quickly than those on our interest-bearing liabilities. Changes in interest rates could also create competitive pressures, which could impact our liquidity position. See “Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk – Asset/Liability Management.”

Except as required by applicable law or regulation, the Company does not undertake, and specifically disclaims any obligation, to release publicly the result of any revisions that may be made to any forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances after the date of the statements or to reflect the occurrence of anticipated or unanticipated events.

Critical Accounting Policies

Note 2 to the Company’s consolidated financial statements for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2024 (included in Item 8 of the Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2024) lists significant accounting policies used in the development and presentation of its financial statements. This discussion and analysis, the significant accounting policies, and other financial statement disclosures identify and address key variables and other qualitative and quantitative factors that are necessary for an understanding and evaluation of the Company and its results of operations.

Material estimates that are particularly susceptible to significant change in the near term relate to the determination of the allowance for credit losses, and the determination of goodwill impairment. Please refer to the discussion of the allowance for credit losses calculation under “Changes in Financial Condition - Loans” below.

In connection with the acquisition of North Penn in 2011, we recorded goodwill in the amount of $9.7 million, representing the excess of amounts paid over the fair value of the net assets of the institution acquired at the date of acquisition. In connection with the acquisition of Delaware in 2016, we recorded goodwill in the amount of $1.6 million, representing the excess of amounts paid over the fair value of the net assets of the institution acquired at the date of acquisition. In connection with the acquisition of UpState New York

Bancorp, Inc. in July 2020, we recorded goodwill in the amount of $17.9 million, representing the excess of amounts paid over the fair value of the net assets of the institution acquired at the date of acquisition. Goodwill is tested annually and deemed impaired when the carrying value of goodwill exceeds its implied fair value.

Changes in Financial Condition

General

Total assets as of September 30, 2025 were $2.412 billion compared to $2.317 billion as of December 31, 2024. The increase was due primarily to a $101.0 million increase in gross loans outstanding.

Other Assets

Other assets as of September 30, 2025 were $9.6 million compared to $18.2 million as of December 31, 2024. The decrease was primarily due to the movement of $7.2 million in prepaid dealer fees from other assets to loans receivable.

Securities

The fair value of securities available for sale as of September 30, 2025 was $404.0 million compared to $397.8 million as of December 31, 2024.

The Company has securities in an unrealized loss position. In Management’s opinion the unrealized losses reflect changes in interest rates subsequent to the acquisition of specific securities. The Company did not recognize any credit losses on these available for sale debt securities for the nine months ended September 30, 2025. The Company does not intend to sell the securities and it is more likely than not that it will not have to sell the securities before recovery of its cost basis.

Loans

Loans receivable totaled $1.795 billion at September 30, 2025 compared to $1.694 billion as of December 31, 2024, due primarily to organic growth. The $101.0 million increase in net loans receivable during the nine months ended September 30, 2025, was due primarily to a $20.7 million increase in commercial real estate loans, a $11.5 million increase in commercial loans, a $39.1 million increase in consumer loans, a $27.2 million increase in construction loans, and a $3.2 million increase in residential loans, and agricultural loans, net.

The allowance for credit losses totaled $19.9 million as of September 30, 2025, and represented 1.10% of total loans outstanding, compared to $19.8 million, or 1.16% of total loans outstanding, at December 31, 2024. The Company had net charge-offs for the nine months ended September 30, 2025 of $1.3 million, compared to $1.2 million in the corresponding period in 2024. The Company’s management assesses the adequacy of the allowance for credit losses on a quarterly basis. Based on management’s best judgement, the qualitative factors are applied to the final adjusted loss rate each quarter. Management considers the allowance for credit losses adequate at September 30, 2025 based on the Company’s criteria. However, there can be no assurance that the allowance for credit losses will be adequate to cover significant losses, if any, which might be incurred in the future.

As of September 30, 2025, non-performing loans totaled $6.6 million or 0.36% of total loans compared to $7.9 million, or 0.46%, of total loans at December 31, 2024. At September 30, 2025, non-performing assets totaled $7.4 million, or 0.31%, of total assets, compared to $7.9 million, or 0.34%, of total assets at December 31, 2024.

The following table sets forth information regarding non-performing loans and foreclosed real estate at the dates indicated:

(dollars in thousands)

Deposits

During the nine-months ended September 30, 2025, total deposits increased $214.8 million due primarily to a $105.3 million increase in interest-bearing demand deposits, a $69.4 million increase in certificates of deposit, and a $40.0 million increase in all other deposit categories, net.

The following table sets forth deposit balances as of the dates indicated:

(dollars in thousands)

Borrowings

The Company had no short-term borrowings at September 30, 2025, compared to $113.1 million at December 31, 2024, due primarily to a decrease in overnight borrowings, which was a result of the overall growth in deposits.

Other borrowings as of September 30, 2025, were $72.1 million compared to $101.8 million as of December 31, 2024. Federal Reserve Bank borrowings decreased $20.0 million during nine-months ended September 30, 2025, while Federal Home Loan Bank borrowings decreased $9.7 million during the nine-months ended September 30, 2025.

Other borrowings consisted of the following:

(dollars in thousands)

Stockholders’ Equity and Capital Ratios

As of September 30, 2025, total stockholders’ equity was $234.9 million, compared to $213.5 million as of December 31, 2024. Total stockholders’ equity increased $20.3 million as of September 30, 2025, due to net income for the nine months ended September 30, 2025, of $20.3 million and a $9.4 million increase in the fair value of securities in the available-for-sale portfolio, offset partially by $8.6 million of dividends declared, net of tax. Because of interest rate volatility, the Company’s accumulated other comprehensive income could materially fluctuate for each interim and year-end period.

Regulatory Capital Requirements. The Federal Reserve has adopted regulatory capital rules pursuant to which it assesses the adequacy of capital in examining and supervising a bank holding company and in analyzing applications to it under the Bank Holding Company Act (“BHCA”). The Federal Reserve’s capital rules are similar to those imposed on the Bank by the FDIC. The Federal Reserve’s Small Bank Holding Company Policy Statement, however, exempts from the regulatory capital requirements bank holding companies with less than $3.0 billion in consolidated assets that are not engaged in significant non-banking or off-balance sheet activities and that do not have a material amount of debt or equity securities registered with the SEC. As long as their bank subsidiaries are well capitalized, such bank holding companies need only maintain a pro forma debt to equity ratio of less than 1.0 in order to pay dividends and repurchase stock and to be eligible for expedited treatment on applications.

A comparison of the Company’s consolidated regulatory capital ratios is as follows:

The Bank is required to comply with applicable capital adequacy rules adopted by the FDIC and other federal bank regulatory agencies (the “Basel III Capital Rules”). The Basel III Capital Rules apply to all depository institutions as well as to all top-tier bank and savings and loan holding companies that are not subject to the Federal Reserve Small Bank Holding Company Policy Statement.

Under the Basel III Capital Rules, banks are required to meet four minimum capital standards: (1) a “Tier 1” or “core” capital leverage ratio equal to at least 4% of total adjusted assets; (2) a common equity Tier 1 capital ratio equal to 4.5% of risk-weighted assets; (3) a Tier 1 risk-based ratio equal to 6% of risk-weighted assets; and (4) a total capital ratio equal to 8% of total risk-weighted assets. Common equity Tier 1 capital is defined as common stock instruments, retained earnings, any common equity Tier 1 minority interest and, unless the bank has made an “opt-out” election, accumulated other comprehensive income, net of goodwill and certain other intangible assets. Tier 1 or core capital is defined as common equity Tier 1 capital plus certain qualifying subordinated interests and grandfathered capital instruments. Total capital consists of Tier 1 capital plus Tier 2 or supplementary capital items, which include allowances for loan losses in an amount of up to 1.25% of risk-weighted assets, qualifying subordinated instruments and certain grandfathered capital instruments. An institution’s risk-based capital requirements are measured against risk-weighted assets, which equal the sum of each on-balance-sheet asset and the credit-equivalent amount of each off-balance-sheet item after being multiplied by an assigned risk weight. Risk weightings range from 0% for cash to 100% for property acquired through foreclosure, commercial loans, and certain other assets to 150% for exposures that are more than 90 days past due or are on nonaccrual status and certain commercial real estate facilities that finance the acquisition, development or construction of real property.

In addition to the above minimum requirements, the Basel III Capital Rules require banks and covered financial institution holding companies to maintain a capital conservation buffer of at least 2.5% of risk-weighted assets over and above the minimum risk-based capital requirements. Institutions that do not maintain the required capital buffer will become subject to progressively more stringent limitations on the percentage of earnings that can be paid out in dividends or used for stock repurchases and on the payment of discretionary bonuses to senior executive management. The capital buffer requirement effectively raises the minimum required risk-based capital ratios to 7% for Common Equity Tier 1 Capital, 8.5% for Tier 1 Capital and 10.5% for Total Capital on a fully phased-in basis. The Company and the Bank were in compliance with all applicable regulatory capital requirements as of September 30, 2025.

Liquidity

As of September 30, 2025, the Company had cash and cash equivalents of $74.7 million in the form of cash, due from banks and short-term deposits with other institutions. In addition, the Company had total non-pledged securities available for sale of $141.7 million which could be used for liquidity needs. Total liquidity of $216.4 million as of September 30, 2025, represents 8.97% of total assets, compared to $161.5 million and 6.97% of total assets as of December 31, 2024. The Company also monitors other liquidity measures, all of which were within the Company’s policy guidelines as of September 30, 2025 and December 31, 2024. Based upon these measures, the Company believes its liquidity is adequate.

Capital Resources

The Company has a line of credit commitment from Atlantic Community Bankers Bank for $7.0 million which expires June 30, 2026. There were no borrowings under this line as of September 30, 2025 and December 31, 2024.

The Company has a line of credit commitment available which has no stated expiration date from PNC Bank for $10.0 million. There were no borrowings under this line as of September 30, 2025 and December 31, 2024.

The Bank’s maximum borrowing capacity with the Federal Home Loan Bank was approximately $673.7 million as of September 30, 2025, of which $72.1 million was outstanding in the form of borrowings as of September 30, 2025. As of December 31, 2024, the maximum borrowing capacity was $654.8 million, of which $158.5 million of borrowings was outstanding as of December 31, 2024. Additionally, as of September 30, 2025, the Bank had secured Letters of Credit from the Federal Home Loan Bank in the amount of $139.7 million as collateral for specific municipal deposits. These Letters of Credit reduce the availability under the maximum borrowing capacity. As of December 31, 2024, there was $147.0 million outstanding in the form of Letters of Credit. Advances and Letters of Credit from the Federal Home Loan Bank are secured by qualifying assets of the Bank.

Non-GAAP Financial Measures

This report contains or references fully taxable-equivalent (fte) interest income and net interest income, which are non-GAAP financial measures. Interest income (fte) and net interest income (fte) are derived from GAAP interest income and net interest income using an assumed tax rate of 21%. We believe the presentation of interest income (fte) and net interest income (fte) ensures comparability of interest income and net interest income arising from both taxable and tax-exempt sources and is consistent with industry practice. Interest income (fte) and Net interest income (fte) is reconciled to GAAP interest income and net interest income on pages 41 and 45. Fully taxable equivalent interest income and net interest income is also reflected in the table on pages 42 and 46. Although the Company believes that these non-GAAP financial measures enhance investors’ understanding of our business and performance, these non-GAAP financial measures should not be considered as an alternative to GAAP measures.

Results of Operations

Consolidated Average Balance Sheets with Resultant Interest and Rates

dollars in thousands)

(1) Interest and yields are presented on a tax-equivalent basis using a marginal tax rate of 21%.

(2) Average balances have been calculated based on daily balances.

(3) Annualized

(4) Loan balances include non-accrual loans and are net of unearned income.

(5) Loan yields include the effect of amortization of deferred fees, net of costs.

Rate/Volume Analysis. The following table shows the fully taxable equivalent effect of changes in volumes and rates on interest income and interest expense. Changes in net interest income that could not be specifically identified as either a rate or volume change were allocated proportionately to changes in volume and changes in rate.

(dollars in thousands)

Comparison of Operating Results for the Three Months Ended September 30, 2025 to September 30, 2024

General

For the three months ended September 30, 2025, net income totaled $8.3 million compared to net income of $3.8 million for the three months ended September 30, 2024. The increase in net income for the three months ended September 30, 2025, was due primarily to a $4.5 million increase in net interest income and a $1.8 million release of provision for credit losses, offset by a $457,000 increase in salaries and benefits, a $392,000 increase in professional fees, and a $1.2 million increase in income taxes. Earnings per share for the three-months ended September 30, 2025 were $0.89 per share for basic shares and fully diluted shares, compared to $0.48 per share for basic shares and for fully diluted shares for the three months ended September 30, 2024. The resulting annualized return on average assets and annualized return on average equity for the three months ended September 30, 2025 were 1.40% and 14.58%, respectively, compared to 0.68% and 8.09%, respectively, for the same period in 2024.

The following table sets forth changes in net income:

(dollars in thousands)

Net Interest Income

Net interest income on a fully taxable equivalent basis (fte) for the three months ended September 30, 2025 totaled $20.7 million which was $4.5 million higher than the comparable period in 2024. The increase in net interest income was due primarily to a $3.7 million increase in total interest income. The (fte) net interest spread and net interest margin were 2.94% and 3.63%, respectively, for the three months ended September 30, 2025 compared to 2.23% and 2.99%, respectively, for the same period in 2024. See “Non-GAAP Financial Measures” described above beginning on page 40.

For the three-months ended September 30, 2025, interest income (fte) totaled $32.4 million, with a yield on average earning assets of 5.69% compared to $28.7 million and 5.31% for the three months ended September 30, 2024. Average loans increased $150.1 million during the three-months ended September 30, 2025, over the comparable period of 2024, while average securities decreased $16.6 million compared to the three months ended September 30, 2024. Average earning assets totaled $2.258 billion for the three months ended September 30, 2025, an increase of $109.8 million, over average earning assets for the same period in 2024. See “Non-GAAP Financial Measures” described above beginning on page 40.

Interest expense for the three months ended September 30, 2025 totaled $11.7 million, at an average cost of 2.75%, compared to $12.6 million, at an average cost of 3.09% for the same period in 2024. The decrease in interest expense during the three-months ended September 30, 2025 reflects the overall lower level of market interest rates. During the three months ended September 30, 2025, the average cost of time deposits, which is the most significant component of funding costs, decreased 48 basis points compared to the same three-month period of last year. The average cost of interest-bearing demand and money market decrease 41 basis points during the three months ended September 30, 2025, while savings deposit costs increased 20 basis points and short-term borrowing costs increased 237 basis points compared to the same three-month period of 2024.

Provision for Credit Losses

The Company had a release of provision for credit losses of $502,000 during the three months ended September 30, 2025, compared to a provision for credit losses of $1.3 million for the three months ended September 30, 2024. The Company makes provisions for, or releases of, credit loss expense in an amount necessary to maintain the allowance for credit losses at an acceptable level under the current expected credit loss methodology analysis. The Company recorded a net charge-off of $605,000 for the quarter ended September 30, 2025, compared to a net charge-off of $323,000 for the similar period in 2024. At September 30, 2025, the allowance for credit losses related to loans receivable was 1.10% of loans receivable, compared to 1.12% at September 30, 2024. Additionally, at September 30, 2025, the allowance for credit losses related to loans receivable represented 302% of non-performing loans, compared to 237% at September 30, 2024.

Other Income

Other income totaled $2.5 million for the three months ended September 30, 2025, compared to $2.3 million, for the same period in 2024. The increase was due primarily to an increase in service charges and fees of $143,000. All other categories of other income increased $67,000, net, during the three months ended September 30, 2025.

Other Expense

Other expense for the three months ended September 30, 2025 totaled $12.9 million, which was $903,000 higher than the same period of 2024, due primarily to a $457,000 increase in salaries and employee benefits, a $392,000 increase in professional fees. All other categories of other expense increased $54,000, net, during the three months ended September 30, 2025.

Income Tax Expense

Income tax expense totaled $2.2 million for an effective tax rate of 20.9% for the three months ended September 30, 2025 compared to $1.0 million for an effective tax rate of 20.6% for the three months ended September 30, 2024.

Results of Operations

Consolidated Average Balance Sheets with Resultant Interest and Rates

dollars in thousands)

(1) Interest and yields are presented on a tax-equivalent basis using a marginal tax rate of 21%.

(2) Average balances have been calculated based on daily balances.

(3) Annualized

(4) Loan balances include non-accrual loans and are net of unearned income.

(5) Loan yields include the effect of amortization of deferred fees, net of costs.

Rate/Volume Analysis. The following table shows the fully taxable equivalent effect of changes in volumes and rates on interest income and interest expense.

(dollars in thousands)

Comparison of Operating Results for the Nine Months Ended September 30, 2025 to September 30, 2024

General

For the nine months ended September 30, 2025, net income totaled $20.3 million compared to net income of $12.5 million in the nine months ended September 30, 2024. The increase in net income for the nine months ended September 30, 2025 was due primarily to a $11.8 million increase in net interest income, offset by a $1.4 million increase in salaries and benefits, and an increase of $2.0 million in income tax expense. Earnings per share for the nine months ended September 30, 2025 were $2.22 per share for basic shares and fully diluted shares, compared to $1.55 per share for basic shares and fully diluted shares for the nine months ended September 30, 2024. The resulting annualized return on average assets and annualized return on average equity for the nine months ended September 30, 2025 were 1.16% and 12.19%, respectively, compared to 0.75% and 9.09%, respectively, for the same period in 2024.

The following table sets forth changes in net income:

(dollars in thousands)

Net Interest Income

Net interest income on a fully taxable equivalent basis (fte) for the nine months ended September 30, 2025 totaled $58.0 million which was $11.8 million higher than the comparable period in 2024. The increase in net interest income was due primarily to a $10.4 million increase in total interest income. The (fte) net interest spread and net interest margin were 2.77% and 3.46%, respectively, for the nine months ended September 30, 2025 compared to 2.12% and 2.87%, respectively, for the same period in 2024. See “Non-GAAP Financial Measures” described above beginning on page 40.

For the nine months ended September 30, 2025, interest income (fte) totaled $94.1 million, with a yield on average earning assets of 5.61% compared to $83.7 million and 5.20% for the nine months ended September 30, 2024. Average loans increased $145.5 million during the nine months ended September 30, 2025, over the comparable period of 2024, while average securities decreased $19.2 million compared to the nine months ended September 30, 2024. Average earning assets totaled $2.242 billion for the nine months ended September 30, 2025, an increase of $90.6 million, over average earning assets for the same period in 2024. See “Non-GAAP Financial Measures” described above beginning on page 40.

Interest expense for the nine months ended September 30, 2025, totaled $36.1 million, at an average cost of 2.84%, compared to $37.5 million, at an average cost of 3.07% for the same period in 2024. The decrease in interest expense during the nine months ended September 30, 2025 reflects the overall lower level of market interest rates, along with the decrease in our short-term borrowings of $34.3 million. During the nine months ended September 30, 2025, the average cost of time deposits, which is the most significant component of funding costs, decreased 37 basis points compared to the same nine month period of last year, while short-term borrowing costs increased 206 basis points compared to the same nine month period of 2024.

Provision for Credit Losses

The Company had a provision for credit loss expense of $1.3 million during the nine months ended September 30, 2025, compared to $1.1 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2024. The Company makes provisions for, or releases of credit loss expense in an amount necessary to maintain the allowance for credit losses at an acceptable level under the current expected credit loss methodology analysis. The Company had net charge-offs for the nine months ended September 30, 2025, of $1.3 million, compared to $1.2 million in the corresponding period in 2024. At September 30, 2025, the allowance for credit losses related to loans receivable was 1.10% of loans receivable, compared to 1.12% at September 30, 2024. Additionally, at September 30, 2025, the allowance for credit losses related to loans receivable represented 302% of non-performing loans, compared to 237% at September 30, 2024..

Other Income

Other income totaled $7.1 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2025, compared to $6.5 million for the same period in 2024. The increase was due primarily to an increased level of service charges and fees of $323,000. All other categories of other income increased $274,000, net, during the nine months ended September 30, 2025.

Other Expense

Other expense for the nine months ended September 30, 2025 totaled $37.5 million, which was $2.3 million or 6.60%, higher than the same period of 2024, due primarily to a $1.4 million increase in salaries and employee benefits, a $581,000 increase in professional fees, a $330,000 increase in occupancy, furniture and equipment, and a $153,000 increase in data processing expenses. All other categories of other expense decreased $186,000, net, during the nine months ended September 30, 2025.

Income Tax Expense

Income tax expense totaled $5.3 million for an effective tax rate of 20.8% for the nine months ended September 30, 2025 compared to $3.3 million for an effective tax rate of 20.9% for the nine months ended September 30, 2024.

Asset/Liability Management

Management considers interest rate risk to be our most significant market risk. Market risk is the risk of loss from adverse changes in market prices and rates. Interest rate risk is the exposure to adverse changes in our net income as a result of changes in interest rates.

Our primary earnings source is net interest income, which is affected by changes in the level of interest rates, the relationship between rates, the impact of interest rate fluctuations on asset prepayments, the level and composition of deposits and liabilities, and the credit quality of earning assets. Our asset and liability management objectives are to maintain a strong, stable net interest margin, to utilize our capital effectively without taking undue risks, to maintain adequate liquidity, and to reduce vulnerability of our operations to changes in interest rates.

Our Asset and Liability Committee evaluates periodically, but at least four times a year, the impact of changes in market interest rates on assets and liabilities, net interest margin, capital and liquidity. Risk assessments are governed by policies and limits established by senior management, which are reviewed and approved by the full Board of Directors at least annually. The economic environment continually presents uncertainties as to future interest rate trends. The Asset and Liability Committee regularly utilizes a model that projects net interest income based on increasing or decreasing interest rates, in order to be better able to respond to changes in interest rates.

Changes in interest rates affect the value of our interest-earning assets and, in particular, our securities portfolio. Generally, the value of securities fluctuates inversely with changes in interest rates. Increases in interest rates could result in decreases in the market value of interest-earning assets, which could adversely affect our stockholders' equity and results of operations if sold. We are also subject to reinvestment risk associated with changes in interest rates. Changes in market interest rates also could affect the type (fixed-rate or adjustable-rate) and amount of loans we originate and the average life of loans and securities, which can impact the yields earned on our loans and securities. In periods of decreasing interest rates, the average life of loans and securities we hold may be shortened to the extent increased prepayment activity occurs during such periods which, in turn, may result in the investment of funds from such prepayments in lower yielding assets. Under these circumstances, we are subject to reinvestment risk to the extent that we are unable to reinvest the cash received from such prepayments at rates that are comparable to the rates on existing loans and securities. Additionally, increases in interest rates may result in decreasing loan prepayments with respect to fixed rate loans (and therefore an increase in the average life of such loans), may result in a decrease in loan demand, and may make it more difficult for borrowers to repay adjustable rate loans.

We utilize the results of a detailed and dynamic simulation model to quantify the estimated exposure of net interest income to sustained interest rate changes. Management routinely monitors simulated net interest income sensitivity over a rolling two-year horizon. The simulation model captures the impact of changing interest rates on the interest income received and the interest expense paid on all assets and liabilities reflected on our consolidated balance sheet. This sensitivity analysis is compared to the asset and liability policy limits that specify a maximum tolerance level for net interest income exposure over a one-year horizon given 100 through 300-basis point upward and 100 through 200 downward shifts in interest rates. A parallel and pro-rata shift in rates over a twelve-month period is assumed.

In addition to the above scenarios, we consider other non-parallel rate shifts that would also exert pressure on earnings. During the three months ended September 30, 2025, the U.S. Treasury yield curve has flattened slightly. During the nine months ended September 30, 2025, the yield on U.S. Treasury 5-year notes decreased 64 basis points from 4.38% to 3.74%, while the yield on 3-month Treasury bills decreased 51 basis points from 4.37% to 3.86%. The 3-month/5-year Treasury spread increased from a positive 1 basis point at December 31, 2024 to a negative 18 basis points at September 30, 2025. A continued flattening or inversion in the yield curve may adversely affect net interest income as reinvestment of cash flows may be at lower rates. However, there is no certainty on the direction of interest rates. The Federal Reserve Open Market Committee has indicated that it will take a measured stance toward further lowering short-term rates.

The following reflects our net interest income sensitivity analysis at September 30, 2025 and December 31, 2024:

(Dollars in thousands)

As noted in the table above, a 200-basis point increase in interest rates is projected to decrease net interest income by 3.6% in year 1 and increase net interest income by 0.5% in year 2. Our balance sheet sensitivity to such a move in interest rates at September 30, 2025 decreased as compared to December 31, 2024 (which was a decrease of 5.1% in net interest income over a twelve-month period). This decrease in sensitivity is the result of a decrease in the balance of borrowed funds over the nine month period. Overall, our strategy has been to proactively take advantage of the drop in short-term rates by aggressively lowering deposit and borrowing costs, ultimately dampening the effect of variable and adjustable-rate loan repricing and additional fixed rate loan refinancing. Over the intervening year, the effective duration (a measure of price sensitivity to interest rates) of the bond portfolio declined to 4.7 years at September 30, 2025 from 5.6 at December 31, 2024.

The preceding sensitivity analysis does not represent a Company forecast and should not be relied on as being indicative of expected operating results. These hypothetical estimates are based on numerous assumptions including, but not limited to, the nature and timing of interest rate levels and yield curve shapes, prepayments on loans and securities, deposit decay rates, pricing decisions on loans and deposits, and reinvestment and replacement of asset and liability cash flows. While assumptions are developed based on perceived current economic and local market conditions, we cannot make any assurances as to the predictive nature of these assumptions including how customer preferences or competitor influences may change. Also, as market conditions vary from those assumed in the sensitivity analysis, actual results will also differ due to prepayment and refinancing levels likely deviating from those assumed, the varying impact of interest rate change caps or floors on adjustable rate assets, the potential effect of changing debt service levels on customers with adjustable rate loans, depositor early withdrawals, prepayment penalties and product preference changes and other internal and external variables. Furthermore, the sensitivity analysis does not reflect actions that management might take in responding to, or anticipating, changes in interest rates and market conditions.

The Company’s management evaluated, with the participation of the Company’s Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, the effectiveness of the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report. Based on that evaluation, the Chief Executive Officer and the Chief Financial Officer concluded that the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures are effective to ensure that information required to be disclosed by the Company in the reports that it files or submits under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the Securities and Exchange Commission’s (the “Commission”) rules and forms.

There were no changes in the Company’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the Company’s last fiscal quarter that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, the Company’s internal control over financial reporting.