First Guaranty Bancshares, Inc. 10-K

Item 1 – Business Our Company First Guaranty Bancshares, Inc. ("First Guaranty") is a Louisiana corporation, and financial holding company headquartered in Hammond, Louisiana. Our wholly owned subsidiary, First Guaranty Bank (the "Bank"), a Louisiana state-chartered commercial bank, provides personalized commercial banking services mainly to Louisiana and Texas customers through 35 banking facilities primarily located in the metropolitan/micropolitan statistical areas ("MSAs"), of Hammond, Baton Rouge, Lafayette, Shreveport-Bossier City, Lake Charles, Alexandria, Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington, Waco, Texas. First Guaranty expanded into Kentucky and West Virginia, our Mideast markets, in 2021 with loan and deposit production offices. First Guaranty now has branches in Vanceburg, Kentucky and Bridgeport, West Virginia. Our principal business consists of attracting deposits from the general public and local municipalities in our market areas and then investing those deposits. We also generate funds from operations, borrowings in lending and investing in securities. We serve the credit needs of our customer base, including commercial real estate loans, commercial and industrial loans, commercial leases, one-to-four-family residential real estate loans, construction and land development loans, agricultural and farmland loans, and to a lesser extent, consumer and multifamily loans. We also participate in certain syndicated loans, including shared national credits, with other financial institutions. We offer a variety of deposit accounts to consumers, small businesses and municipalities, including personal and business checking and savings accounts, time deposits and money market accounts. In addition, we offer a broad range of consumer services, including credit cards, mobile deposit capture, safe deposit boxes, official checks and automated teller machines. For our business customers we are pleased to offer additional solutions such as credit cards, merchant services, remote deposit capture, ACH origination, and lockbox services. First Guaranty continues to expand our digital services through an enhanced online banking system (including mobile app) which includes bill pay, budgeting tools, Biller Direct, Credit Aware powered by Savvy Money, and Card Swap. For our micro and small businesses, we offer Autobooks via our online banking channel. We remain committed to embracing new technology and strive to offer our customers new digital offerings as they are developed. We invest a portion of our assets in securities issued by the United States Government and its agencies, state and municipal obligations, corporate debt securities, mutual funds, and equity securities. We also invest in mortgage-backed securities primarily issued or guaranteed by United States Government agencies or enterprises. At December 31, 2024, we had consolidated total assets of $4.0 billion, total deposits of $3.5 billion and total shareholders' equity of $255.0 million. -4- Our History and Growth First Guaranty Bank was founded in Amite, Louisiana on March 12, 1934. While the origins of First Guaranty Bank go back 90 years, we began our modern history in 1993 when an investor group, led by Marshall T. Reynolds, our Chairman, invested $3.6 million in First Guaranty Bank as part of a recapitalization plan with the objective of building a community-focused commercial bank in our Louisiana markets. Since the implementation of that recapitalization plan, we have grown from six branches and $159 million in assets at the end of 1993 to 35 locations currently and $4.0 billion in assets at December 31, 2024. We have also paid a quarterly dividend on our common stock for 126 consecutive quarters as of December 31, 2024. On July 27, 2007, we formed First Guaranty Bancshares and completed a one-for-one share exchange that resulted in First Guaranty Bank becoming the wholly-owned subsidiary of First Guaranty Bancshares (the "Share Exchange") and First Guaranty Bancshares becoming an SEC reporting public company. In November 2015, First Guaranty completed a public stock offering selling 626,560 shares and raising $9.3 million in net proceeds. In connection with the completion of the stock offering, First Guaranty's common shares began trading on the Nasdaq Global Market. In 2021 we issued $34.5 million of preferred stock and depositary shares that trades on the Nasdaq Global Market. In 2023 we issued $20.0 million of common stock through two separate private placements. Since our Share Exchange, we have supplemented our organic growth with four acquisitions, which added stable deposits that provided funding for our lending business and extended our geographic footprint in the Baton Rouge, Hammond, Alexandria, Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington, and Waco MSAs. The following table summarizes the four acquisitions: Acquired Institution/Market Date of Acquisition Deal Value (dollars in thousands) Fair Value of Total Assets Acquired (dollars in thousands) Union Bancshares, Incorporated November 7, 2019 $ 43,383 $ 275,159 Alexandria MSA Premier Bancshares, Inc. June 16, 2017 $ 20,954 $ 158,313 Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington and Waco MSA Greensburg Bancshares, Inc. July 1, 2011 $ 5,308 $ 89,386 Baton Rouge MSA Homestead Bancorp, Inc. July 30, 2007 $ 12,140 $ 129,606 Hammond MSA -5- Our Markets Our primary market areas include the Louisiana MSAs of Hammond, Baton Rouge, Lafayette, Shreveport-Bossier City, Lake Charles and Alexandria along with the Texas MSAs of Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington and Waco. Most of our branches are located along the major Louisiana interstates of I-12, I-55, I-10, I-49 and I-20. We have four branches in the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex and one branch in Waco, Texas. We have a loan production office in Lake Charles, Louisiana. In 2021, First Guaranty expanded into Kentucky and West Virginia, and we now have branches located in Vanceburg, Kentucky and Bridgeport, West Virginia that are not in MSAs. We refer to this region as our Mideast market. Hammond MSA. We are headquartered in Hammond, Louisiana and approximately 50% of our deposits are in the Hammond MSA, our largest deposit concentration market. We had a deposit market share of 46.5% (at June 30, 2024) in the Hammond MSA, placing us first overall. Hammond is the principal city of the Hammond MSA, which includes all of Tangipahoa Parish, and is located approximately 50 miles north of New Orleans and 30 miles east of Baton Rouge. The Hammond MSA has a population of approximately 138,000. Hammond is intersected by I-55 and I-12, which are two heavily traveled interstate highways. As a result of Hammond's close proximity to New Orleans and Baton Rouge, Hammond and Tangipahoa Parish are among the fastest growing cities and Parishes in Louisiana. There is an abundance of new development, both commercial and residential, as well as numerous hotels which absorb overflowing demand for rooms near major events in New Orleans. Hammond is also the home of the main campus of Southeastern Louisiana University, with an enrollment of approximately 14,000 students. The Hammond Northshore Regional Airport is a backup landing site for the Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport. The Louisiana National Guard maintains a 56-acre campus at the airport, which is home to the 1/244 th Air Assault Helicopter Battalion. Port Manchac, which provides egress via Lake Pontchartrain with the Gulf of Mexico, is located 15 miles south of Hammond. The Hammond Amtrak Station located in downtown Hammond is on Amtrak's City of New Orleans route, which runs from New Orleans to Chicago, Illinois. The combination of highway, air, sea and rail transportation has made Hammond a major transportation and commercial hub of Louisiana. Hammond hosts numerous warehouses and distribution centers, and is a major distribution point for Wal-Mart and Winn Dixie. Baton Rouge MSA. Baton Rouge is the capital of Louisiana and the MSA has a population of approximately 874,000. As the capital city, Baton Rouge is the political hub for Louisiana. The state government is the largest employer in Baton Rouge. Baton Rouge is the farthest inland port on the Mississippi River that can accommodate ocean-going tankers and cargo carriers. As a result, Baton Rouge's largest industry is petrochemical production and manufacturing. The ExxonMobil facility in Baton Rouge is one of the largest oil refineries in the country. Baton Rouge also has a diverse economy comprised of healthcare, education, finance and motion pictures. The main campus of Louisiana State University, with an enrollment of approximately 39,000 students, and Southern University, with an enrollment of approximately 8,000 students, are located in Baton Rouge. Our market areas in the Baton Rouge MSA also include the Livingston and St. Helena Parishes. Livingston Parish's growth is tied to Baton Rouge as it is a suburban community with many of its residents commuting to Baton Rouge for employment. The economy for St. Helena Parish is comprised primarily of forestry operations, construction, manufacturing, educational services, health care, and social assistance. Lafayette MSA. Lafayette is Louisiana's fourth largest city and deposit market, and is located in the Lafayette-Acadiana region. The Lafayette MSA has a population of approximately 478,000. Its major industries include oil and gas, healthcare, construction, manufacturing and agriculture. With respect to agriculture, sugarcane and rice are the leaders among the plant producers within the area, with approximately 30,000 acres of sugarcane and 51,000 acres of rice plantings. Lafayette also has numerous beef producers and fisheries. We finance agricultural loans, predominately out of our Abbeville and Jennings branches, in Southwest Louisiana. Lafayette is home to the University of Louisiana at Lafayette, with an enrollment of approximately 16,000 students. Shreveport-Bossier City MSA . Our primary market areas in northwest Louisiana are in the Bossier and Caddo Parishes, which are a part of the Shreveport-Bossier City MSA. The Shreveport and Bossier City MSA has a population of approximately 383,000. Shreveport and Bossier City are located in northern Louisiana on I-20, approximately 15 miles from the Texas state border and 185 miles east of Dallas, Texas. Our primary market area has a diversified economy with employment in services, government and wholesale/retail trade constituting the basis of the local economy, with service jobs being the largest component. The majority of the services are health care related as Shreveport has become a regional hub for health care. The casino gaming industry, with its Las Vegas-style gaming, year-round festivals and local dining, also supports a significant number of service jobs. The energy sector has a prominent role in the regional economy, resulting from oil and gas exploration and drilling. Bossier Parish is also the home to the Barksdale Air Force Base, which has 15,000 employees. Lake Charles MSA . First Guaranty established a loan production office in Lake Charles, LA in 2018. Lake Charles is the sixth largest city in Louisiana. The Lake Charles MSA has a population of approximately 240,000. Its major industries include petrochemical, gambling, aircraft repair, and education. Lake Charles has been the fastest growing MSA in Louisiana. Alexandria MSA. The Union acquisition expanded First Guaranty into the Alexandria MSA with branches in Rapides and Avoyelles parishes. Alexandria is the tenth largest city in Louisiana with a population of approximately 48,000 and is located along Interstate I-49. The Alexandria MSA has an overall population of approximately 148,000. Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington MSA. The Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington MSA has a population of approximately 8.1 million people and is located in the heart of North Texas. The metroplex has a thriving economy that is well diversified. There are currently approximately 40 colleges and universities in the Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington MSA. Also, DFW International Airport is perfect for international commerce with its size and central location. We currently are operating four branches located in Fort Worth (Tarrant County), Denton (Denton County), McKinney (Collin County), and Garland (Dallas County). -6- Waco MSA. The Waco MSA is located between the Dallas Forth Worth MSA and Austin, Texas with a population of approximately 305,000. The economy in the Waco MSA is also well diversified and has a small airport with regional service, although it is located around 100 miles from DFW International and Austin International Airports. Waco is the home of Baylor University with approximately 21,000 students. Mideast Market . First Guaranty's branch in Vanceburg, Kentucky is located approximately 90 miles from Cincinnati, Ohio and 95 miles from Lexington, Kentucky. First Guaranty's branch in Bridgeport, West Virginia is located approximately 35 miles from Morgantown, West Virginia and 105 miles from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. -7- Our Strategy Our mission is to increase shareholder value while providing financial services for and contributing to the growth and welfare of the communities that we serve. We aim to become the preferred bank for small businesses and consumers in both metropolitan and rural markets. Our goal is to expand our market share along Louisiana's key interstate corridors, including I-12, I-55, I-10, I-49, and I-20, and to continue our growth in the Texas markets of Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington and Waco. Additionally, we seek to strengthen our relationships in Kentucky and West Virginia. This mission encompasses not only expanding our geographical footprint but also transforming lives by imparting personal finance skills and staying relevant through innovative banking solutions. First Guaranty modified its business strategy in mid-2024. Our new business strategy focuses on controlled asset growth, measured expense reductions, expanded balance sheet risk management, and enhanced credit risk management. Controlled Asset Growth First Guaranty successfully grew its loan portfolio and total assets during the last several years. We plan to moderate future growth as we manage our current loan portfolio and capital levels. We plan to reduce our exposure to commercial real estate loans particularly construction loans and non-owner occupied loans. We will continue to pursue residential mortgage lending, consumer lending, owner occupied commercial real estate, commercial and industrial loans, and guaranteed lending. We will continue to be a leading agricultural lender and grow our Farm Service Agency lending. We will continue with our commercial leasing business. Measured Expense Reduction We initiated a series of cost reduction measures during the third quarter of 2024. These included planned reduction in staffing that has resulted in approximately 20 percent, or almost 100 fewer full time equivalent employees at the end of 2024 compared to the end of 2023. We reduced discretionary expenses such as travel, training and advertising, and director fees, and modified our health care plan. We are working to replace external third party service providers with lower cost providers or with internally generated solutions. We are evaluating our internal functions to create more efficiency and reduce redundant processes in order to achieve more productively with less expense. Expanded Balance Sheet Risk Management We increased on balance sheet liquidity during 2024 which lowered our loan to deposit ratio and improved First Guaranty's sensitivity to changes in market interest rates. First Guaranty's balance sheet position has historically been liability sensitive which resulted in a reduction in net interest income and net interest margin during the significant rise in market interest rates in 2022 and 2023. Our strategy during the last year has been to take measures to reduce First Guaranty's liability sensitivity position and move the balance sheet towards a more market neutral position over time. Our deposit strategy continues to focus on expanding our individual and business deposit bases while maintaining our public funds deposit program. During 2023 and 2024 we also expanded our use of select wholesale or brokered deposits in order to increase liquidity and manage sensitivity to market risk. Our deposit strategy leverages off the market share dominance that we have in several of our markets, such as the Hammond MSA where we had a 46.5% deposit market share at June 30, 2024, placing us first overall. Our commercial and consumer lending teams focus on building business and individual deposits concurrent with loans. Our public funds department is dedicated to maintaining strong relationships with our well diversified base of public entities. We provide a variety of services to our public funds clients. Our public funds deposit program has provided us with a stable source of funding. We will continue to concentrate on keeping many of these funds under contract as we are often the fiscal agent for these governmental agencies which helps maintain this funding. Enhanced Credit Risk Management First Guaranty's non-performing assets increased during 2024. We have taken proactive measures to address these non-performing assets and to reduce the level of non-performing assets. We have increased our allowance for credit losses. We expanded our internal annual loan review function and engaged additional external loan review during 2024. We increased internal credit standards and slowed the origination of new loans. We increased the risk weighted capital ratios during 2024 through growth in retained earnings and the allowance for credit losses, reduction in commitments for construction loans and by reducing total loan balances. We plan to continue increasing capital and increasing the risk weighted capital ratio. -8- Lending Activities We offer a broad range of loan and lease products with a variety of rates and terms throughout our market areas, including business loans to primarily small to medium-sized businesses and professionals, as well as loans to individuals. Our lending operations consist of the following major segments: non-farm, non-residential loans secured by real estate, commercial and industrial loans, one- to four-family residential loans, construction and land development loans, agricultural loans, farmland loans, commercial leases, consumer and other loans, and multifamily loans. Non-Farm Non-Residential Loans . Non-farm non-residential loans are an integral part of our operating strategy. We expect to continue to emphasize this business line in the future with loans to small businesses and real estate projects in our market area. At December 31, 2024 loans secured by non-farm non-residential properties totaled $1.2 billion, or 42.9% of our total loan portfolio. Our non-farm non-residential loans are secured by commercial real estate generally located in our market area, which may be owner-occupied or non-owner occupied. We may originate, participate in, or purchase real estate loans outside of our market area in order to diversify our portfolio. Our owner-occupied commercial real estate loans totaled $389.4 million, or 33.6% of total non-farm non-residential loans at December 31, 2024. Permanent loans on non-farm non-residential properties are generally originated in amounts up to 85% of the appraised value of the property for owner-occupied commercial real estate properties and up to 80% of the appraised value of the property for non- owner-occupied commercial real estate properties. We consider a number of factors in originating non-farm non-residential loans. We evaluate the qualifications and financial condition of the borrower (including credit history), profitability and expertise, as well as the value and condition of the mortgaged property securing the loan. We consider the financial resources of the borrower, the borrower's experience in owning or managing similar property and the borrower's payment history with us and other financial institutions. In evaluating the property securing the loan, the factors we consider include the net operating income of the mortgaged property before debt service and depreciation, the debt service coverage ratio (the ratio of net operating income to debt service) to ensure that the borrower's net operating income together with the borrower's other sources of income is at least 125% of the annual debt service and the ratio of the loan amount to the appraised value of the mortgaged property. We generally obtain personal guarantees from the borrower or a third party as a condition to originating commercial real estate loans. All non-farm non-residential loans are appraised by outside independent appraisers approved by the board of directors. Our non-farm non-residential loans are diversified by borrower and industry group, and generally secured by improved property such as hotels, office buildings, healthcare facilities including assisted living centers, retail stores, gaming facilities, warehouses, manufacturing facilities, church buildings and other non-residential buildings. Non-farm non-residential loans are generally made at rates that adjust at or above the prime rate as reported in the Wall Street Journal , that mature in three to five years and with principal amortization for a period of up to 20 years. We will also originate fixed-rate, non-farm non-residential loans that mature in three to five years with principal amortization of up to 20 years. We have recently developed a fully amortizing loan product that will have periodic interest rate price resets which now represents the majority of our new origination and renewed loans. Our largest concentration of non-farm non-residential loans is secured by hotels, and such loans are generally made only to hotel operators known to management. Loans secured by non-farm non-residential real estate are generally larger and involve a greater degree of risk than residential real estate loans. The borrower's creditworthiness and the feasibility and cash flow potential of the project is of primary concern in non-farm non-residential real estate lending. Loans secured by income properties are generally larger and involve greater risks than residential mortgage loans, because payments on loans secured by income properties are often dependent on the successful operation or management of the properties. As a result, repayment of such loans may be subject to a greater extent than residential real estate loans to adverse conditions in the real estate market or the economy. Commercial and Industrial Loans. Commercial and industrial loans totaled $257.5 million, or 9.5% of our total loan portfolio at December 31, 2024. Commercial and industrial loans (excluding syndicated loans) are generally made to small and mid-sized companies located within Louisiana and Texas. We also participate in government programs which guarantee portions of commercial and industrial loans such as the SBA and USDA. In most cases, we require collateral of equipment, accounts receivable, inventory, chattel or other assets before making a commercial business loan. We have a dedicated staff within our credit department that monitors asset-based lending and regularly conducts reviews of borrowing based certificates, aging and inventory reports, and on-site audits. Our commercial term loans totaled $102.4 million at December 31, 2024, or 39.8% of total commercial and industrial loans. Our commercial and industrial maximum loan to value limit is 80%. Our commercial term loans are generally fixed interest rate loans, indexed to the prime rate, with terms of up to five years, depending on the needs of the borrower and the useful life of the underlying collateral. Our commercial lines of credit totaled $127.1 million at December 31, 2024, or 49.4% of total commercial and industrial loans. Typically, our commercial lines of credit are adjustable rate lines, indexed to the prime interest rate, which generally mature yearly or within three years. Our underwriting standards for commercial and industrial loans include a review of the applicant's tax returns, financial statements, credit history, the underlying collateral and an assessment of the applicant's ability to meet existing obligations and payments on the proposed loan based on cash flow generated by the applicant's business. We generally obtain personal guarantees from the borrower or a third party as a condition to originating commercial and industrial loans. -9- Over the last 17 years, we pursued a focused program to participate in syndicated loans (loans made by a group of lenders, including us, who share or participate in a specific loan) with a larger regional financial institution as the lead lender. Syndicated loans are typically made to large businesses (which are referred to as shared national credits) or middle market companies (which do not meet the regulatory definition of shared national credits), both of which are secured by business assets or equipment, and also commercial real estate. The syndicate group for both types of loans usually consists of two to three other financial institutions. These loans are adjustable-rate loans generally tied to Secured Overnight Financing Rate ("SOFR"). Our participation amounts typically range between $5.0 million and $15.0 million. Our focus has been to finance middle market companies whose borrowing needs typically range from $25.0 million to $75.0 million. Syndicated loans diversify our loan portfolio, increase our yield and mitigate interest rate risk due to the variable rate pricing structure of the loans. We have a defined set of credit guidelines that we use when evaluating these credits. Our credit department independently reviews all syndicate loans and our board of directors has created a special committee to oversee the underwriting and approval of these loans. At December 31, 2024, syndicated loans secured by assets other than commercial real estate totaled $27.6 million, or 10.7% of the commercial and industrial loan portfolio, of which $27.6 million were shared national credits. Commercial and industrial loans generally involve increased credit risk and, therefore, typically yield a higher return. The increased risk in commercial and industrial loans derives from the expectation that such loans generally are serviced principally from the operations of the business, and those operations may not be successful. Any interruption or discontinuance of operating cash flows from the business, which may be influenced by events not under the control of the borrower such as economic events and changes in governmental regulations, could materially affect the ability of the borrower to repay the loan. In addition, the collateral securing commercial and industrial loans generally includes movable property such as equipment and inventory, which may decline in value more rapidly than we anticipate exposing us to increased credit risk. As a result of the foregoing, commercial and industrial loans require extensive administration and servicing. One- to Four-Family Residential Real Estate Loans . At December 31, 2024, our one- to four-family residential real estate loans totaled $450.4 million, or 16.7% of our total loan portfolio. We originate one- to four-family residential real estate loans that are secured primarily by residential property in Louisiana and Texas. We generally originate loans in amounts up to 95% of the lesser of the appraised value or purchase price of the mortgaged property. We currently offer one- to four-family residential real estate loans with terms up to 30 years that are generally underwritten according to Fannie Mae guidelines, and we refer to loans that conform to such guidelines as "conforming loans". We generally originate fixed-rate mortgage loans in amounts up to the maximum conforming loan limits as established by the Federal Housing Finance Agency, which at December 31, 2024 was $766,550 for single-family homes in our market area. At December 31, 2024, we held $19.3 million in jumbo loans exceeded the conforming loan limit at origination. We generally hold our one- to four-family residential real estate loans in our portfolio. We also originate one- to four-family residential real estate loans secured by non-owner occupied properties, but less frequently. Our fixed-rate one- to four-family residential real estate loans include loans that generally amortize on a monthly basis over periods between 10 to 30 years with maturities that range from eight to 30 years. Fixed rate one- to four-family residential real estate loans often remain outstanding for significantly shorter periods than their contractual terms because borrowers have the right to refinance or prepay their loans. We do not offer one- to four-family residential real estate loans specifically designed for borrowers with sub-prime credit scores, including interest-only, negative amortization or payment option adjustable-rate mortgage loans. Our one- to four-family loans also include home equity lines of credit that have second mortgages. At December 31, 2024, we had $15.0 million in home equity lines of credit, which represented 3.3% of our one- to four-family residential real estate loans. Our home equity products are originated in amounts, that when combined with the existing first mortgage loan, do not generally exceed 80% of the loan-to-value ratio of the subject property. All of our one- to four-family residential mortgages include "due on sale" clauses, which are provisions giving us the right to declare a loan immediately payable if the borrower sells or otherwise transfers an interest in the property to a third party. Property appraisals on real estate securing our single-family residential loans are made by state certified and licensed independent appraisers approved by the board of directors. Appraisals are performed in accordance with applicable regulations and policies. At our discretion, we obtain either title insurance policies or attorneys' certificates of title, on all first mortgage real estate loans originated. We also require fire and casualty insurance on all properties securing our one- to four-family residential loans. We also require the borrower to obtain flood insurance where appropriate. In some instances, we charge a fee equal to a percentage of the loan amount, commonly referred to as points. Multifamily Loans. On occasion we will originate loans secured by multifamily real estate. At December 31, 2024, we had $165.1 million or 6.1% of our total loan portfolio in multifamily loans. Such loans may be either fixed- or adjustable-rate loans tied to the prime rate with maturity or repricing dates up to five years and amortization schedules of up to 20 years. We will originate multifamily loans in amounts up to 80% of the value of the multifamily property. Nearly all of our multifamily loans are secured by properties in Louisiana, Texas, Kentucky or West Virginia. The underwriting of multifamily loans follows the general guidelines for our non-farm non-residential loans. Loans secured by multifamily real estate generally involve a greater degree of credit risk than one- to four-family residential mortgage loans and carry larger loan balances. This increased credit risk is a result of several factors, including the concentration of principal in a limited number of loans and borrowers, the effects of general economic conditions on income producing properties, and the increased difficulty of evaluating and monitoring these types of loans. Furthermore, the repayment of loans secured by multifamily real estate typically depends upon the successful operation of the real estate property securing the loans. If the cash flow from the project is reduced, the borrower's ability to repay the loan may be impaired. -10- Construction and Land Development Loans . We offer loans to finance the construction of various types of commercial and residential property. At December 31, 2024, $330.0 million, or 12.2% of our total loan portfolio consisted of construction and land development loans. Construction loans to builders generally are offered with terms of up to 24 months and interest rates are tied to the prime lending rate. These loans generally are offered as fixed or adjustable-rate loans. We will originate residential construction loans for individual borrowers and builders, provided all necessary plans and permits have been obtained. Construction loan funds are disbursed as the project progresses. We will originate construction loans up to 80% of the estimated completed value of the project and we will originate land development loans in amounts up to 75% of the value of the property as developed. We will originate owner occupied one-to-four family residential construction loans up to 90% of the estimated completed value of the property. Construction and land development financing is generally considered to involve a higher degree of risk of loss than long-term financing on improved, occupied real estate. Risk of loss on a construction loan is dependent largely upon the accuracy of the initial estimate of the property's value at completion of construction and development and the estimated cost (including interest) of construction. During the construction phase, a number of factors could result in delays and cost overruns. If the estimate of construction costs proves to be inaccurate, we may be required to advance funds beyond the amount originally committed to permit completion of the project. Additionally, if the estimate of value proves to be inaccurate, we may be confronted, at or prior to the maturity of the loan, with a project having a value which is insufficient to assure full repayment. As part of First Guaranty's change in business strategy in mid-2024, the bank is not actively pursuing to increase this business line. We intend to reduce exposure to construction and land development lending during 2025. Agricultural Loans. We are a leading lender for agricultural loans in our Southwest Louisiana market. Our agricultural lending includes loans to farmers for the purpose of cultivating rice, sugarcane, soybeans, timber, poultry and cattle. Agricultural loans are generally secured by crops, but may include additional collateral such as farm equipment or vehicles. Agricultural loans totaled $40.7 million, or 1.5% of our total loan portfolio at December 31, 2024. Such loans are generally offered with fixed rates at a margin above prime for a term of generally one year. We will originate agricultural loans in those instances where the borrower's financial strength and creditworthiness has been established. Agricultural loans generally bear higher interest rates than residential loans, but they also may involve a higher risk of default since their repayment is generally dependent on the successful operation of the borrower's business. A large number of our originated agricultural loans are guaranteed by the U.S. Farm Service Agency. We generally obtain personal guarantees from the borrower or a third party as a condition to originating agricultural loans. The underwriting standards used for agricultural loans include a determination of the borrower's ability to meet existing obligations and payments on the proposed loan from normal cash flows generated in the borrower's business. The financial strength of each applicant also is assessed through review of financial statements and tax returns provided by the applicant. The creditworthiness of a borrower is derived from a review of credit reports as well as a search of public records. Once originated, agricultural loans are reviewed periodically. Financial statements are requested at least annually and are reviewed for substantial deviations or changes that might affect repayment of the loan. Loan officers also visit the premises of borrowers to observe the business premises, facilities, and personnel and to inspect the collateral. Underwriting standards for agricultural loans are different for each type of loan depending on the financial strength of the borrower and the value of collateral offered as security. Farmland Loans. We originate first mortgage loans secured by farmland. At December 31, 2024, farmland loans totaled $36.0 million, or 1.3% of our total loan portfolio. Such loans are generally fixed-rate loans at a margin over the prime rate with terms up to five years and amortization schedules of up to 40 years. Loans secured by farmland may be made in amounts up to 80% of the value of the farm. However, we will originate farmland loans in amounts up to 100% of the value of the farm if the borrower is able to secure a guarantee from the U.S. Farm Service Agency. Generally, we obtain personal guarantees of the borrower on all loans secured by farmland. Commercial Leases. We have a commercial lease program that we have operated for ten years. We work with third parties to facilitate the sourcing of lease financing opportunities. Commercial leases generally have higher yields and shorter average lives than real estate secured loans. The weighted average size of our commercial leases was approximately $14.1 million at December 31, 2024. Commercial leases totaled $220.2 million, or 8.2% of our total loan portfolio at December 31, 2024. Consumer and Other Loans. We make various types of secured consumer loans that are collateralized by deposits, boats and automobiles as well as unsecured consumer loans. These loans totaled $42.3 million in aggregate, or 1.6% of our total loan portfolio at December 31, 2024. Consumer loans generally have a fixed rate at a margin over the prime rate and have terms of three years to ten years. At December 31, 2024, $11.4 million of our consumer loans were unsecured. Our procedure for underwriting consumer loans includes an assessment of the applicant's credit history and ability to meet existing obligations and payments for the proposed loan, as well as an evaluation of the value of the collateral security, if any. Consumer loans generally entail greater risk than other types of loans, particularly in the case of loans that are unsecured or are secured by assets that tend to depreciate in value, such as automobiles. As a result, consumer loan collections are primarily dependent on the borrower's continuing financial stability and thus are more likely to be adversely affected by job loss, divorce, illness or personal bankruptcy. In these cases, repossessed collateral for a defaulted consumer loan may not provide an adequate source of repayment for the outstanding loan, and the remaining value often does not warrant further substantial collection efforts against the borrower. -11- Loan Originations, Sales, Purchases and Participations. Loan originations are derived from a number of sources such as referrals from our board of directors, existing customers, borrowers, builders, attorneys and walk-in customers. We generally retain the loans that we originate in our loan portfolio and only sell loans infrequently. We had $65.3 million at December 31, 2024 in purchased loan participations that were not syndicated loans. We had $114.7 million in purchased loans, primarily secured by real estate, at December 31, 2024. At December 31, 2024, we had $53.9 million in syndicated loans, of which $27.6 million were shared national credits. Loan Approval Authority. We establish various lending limits for executive management and also maintain a loan committee comprised of our directors and management. Generally, loan officers have authority to approve secured loan relationships in amounts up to $150,000 and unsecured loan relationships in amounts up to $25,000, while Regional Managers and Presidents have secured loan approval authority up to $500,000 and unsecured approval authority up to $100,000. For loans exceeding a loan officer's approval authority, we utilize three methods for approvals: (1) credit officers, (2) Management Loan Committee, and (3) the Bank's director loan committee. Loan relationships between $500,000 and $1,500,000 are approved by a combination of credit officers and executive management. The management loan committee approves new money loans between $1,500,001 - $2,500,000. The director loan committee approves loan relationships of between $2,500,001 and up to $20.0 million. Syndicated loans and commercial leases are approved by the Bank's director loan committee in amounts up to $20.0 million. Any loan relationship exceeding $20.0 million requires the approval of the board of directors. Our lending activities are also subject to Louisiana statutes and internal guidelines limiting the amount we can lend to any one borrower. Subject to certain exceptions, under Louisiana law the Bank may not lend on an unsecured basis to any single borrower (i.e., any one individual or business entity and his or its affiliates) an amount in excess of 20% of the sum of the Bank's capital stock and surplus, or on a secured basis an amount in excess of 50% of the sum of the Bank's capital stock and surplus. At December 31, 2024, our secured legal lending limit was approximately $117.1 million and our unsecured legal lending limit was approximately $46.8 million. Deposit Products Consumer and commercial deposits are attracted principally from within our primary market area through the offering of a selection of deposit instruments including noninterest-bearing and interest-bearing demand, savings accounts and time accounts. Deposit account terms vary according to the minimum balance required, the time period the funds must remain on deposit, and the interest rate. At December 31, 2024, we held $3.5 billion in deposits. We actively seek to obtain public funds deposits. At December 31, 2024, public funds deposits totaled $1.0 billion. We have developed a program for the retention and management of public funds deposits. These deposits are from local government entities such as school districts, hospital districts, sheriff departments and other municipalities. The majority of these deposits are under contractual terms of up to three years. Deposits under fiscal agency agreements are generally stable but public entities may maintain the ability to negotiate term deposits on a specific basis including with other financial institutions. These deposits generally have stable balances as we maintain both operating accounts and time deposits for these entities. There is a seasonal component to public deposit levels associated with annual tax collections. Public funds will increase at the end of the year and during the first quarter. In addition to seasonal fluctuations, there are monthly fluctuations associated with internal payroll and short-term tax collection accounts for our public funds deposit accounts. Public funds clients received funds associated with the CARES Act during 2021 and 2022 which increased average balances. These balances from CARES Act relief funds are anticipated to decline over time. Public funds deposit accounts are collateralized by FHLB letters of credit, reciprocal deposit insurance programs, Louisiana municipal bonds and eligible government and government agency securities such as those issued by the FHLB, FFCB, Fannie Mae, and Freddie Mac. The interest rates paid by us on deposits are set at the direction of our executive management. Interest rates are determined based on our liquidity requirements, interest rates paid by our competitors, and our growth goals and applicable regulatory restrictions and requirements. At December 31, 2024, we had $768.0 million in brokered deposits, of which $657.5 million were time deposits and $110.5 million were money market deposits. Investments The objectives of our investment policy are to provide a source of liquidity, to provide an appropriate return on funds invested, to manage interest rate risk and to meet pledging requirements for our public funds and other borrowings. Our investment securities consist of: (1) U.S. Treasury obligations; (2) U.S. government agency obligations; (3) mortgage-backed securities; (4) collateralized mortgage obligations; (5) corporate and other debt securities and (6) municipal bonds. Our U.S. Government agency securities comprise the largest share of our investment securities, having a fair value of $202.1 million all of which were classified as held to maturity at December 31, 2024. The Bank's management asset liability committee and board investment committee are responsible for regular review of our investment activities and the review and approval of our investment policy. These committees monitor our investment securities portfolio and direct our overall acquisition and allocation of funds, with the goal of structuring our portfolio such that our investment securities provide us with a stable source of income but without exposing us to an excessive degree of market risk. During the last five years, our securities portfolio has generated $66.0 million of pre-tax income. For the year ended December 31, 2024, we had no allowance for credit losses on available for sale securities and a $0.2 million allowance on held to maturity securities. -12- Competition We face intense competition both in making loans and attracting deposits. Our market areas in Louisiana, Texas, Kentucky and West Virginia have a high concentration of financial institutions, many of which are branches of large money center, super-regional and regional banks that have resulted from consolidation of the banking industry in Louisiana, Texas, Kentucky and West Virginia. Many of these competitors have greater resources than we do and may offer services that we do not provide, including more attractive pricing than we offer and more extensive branch networks for which they can offer their financial products. Our larger competitors have a greater ability to finance wide-ranging advertising campaigns through their greater capital resources. Our marketing efforts depend heavily upon referrals from officers, directors and shareholders, selective advertising in local media and direct mail solicitations. We compete for business principally on the basis of personal service to customers, customer access to our officers and directors and competitive interest rates and fees. We also offer new technologies such as our mobile app and mobile check deposit for consumers and remote deposit capture for commercial customers. In the financial services industry in recent years, intense market demands, technological and regulatory changes and economic pressures have eroded industry classifications that were once clearly defined. Financial institutions have been forced to diversify their services, increase rates paid on deposits and become more cost effective as a result of competition with one another and with new types of financial services companies, including non-banking competitors. Some of the results of these market dynamics in the financial services industry have been a number of new bank and non-bank competitors, increased merger activity, and increased customer awareness of product and service differences among competitors. These factors could affect our business prospects. Human Capital Resources First Guaranty Bank recently reached the milestone of 90 years in operation, and throughout our history, we have worked to build and grow trust and relationships, operating with a strong commitment to the welfare of our customers and communities. Our workforce drives this success and longevity. Our employees are our most valuable asset. They are the face and voice of our institution. At First Guaranty we promote respect, support, and teamwork. Honesty, integrity, and fairness are paramount in all that we do. We actively recruit new employees who operate by these core values, and we continue to instill and promote these principles. We also work to cultivate professionalism, dedication, and an environment of openness, where all can contribute new ideas and innovations. This culture results in employees with passion, drive, and a deep commitment to our customers and communities. We strive to be socially responsible corporate citizens by supporting our communities and helping them to improve. Our employees are actively involved, volunteering with local charitable organizations, and helping during times of need, such as in the aftermath of hurricanes and other natural disasters. In 2024 our employees volunteered approximately 4,039 hours of service across Louisiana, in Texas, and the Mideast markets in West Virginia and Kentucky. Employees serve both in their personal time and during work hours. In furtherance of our employees’ commitment to service, the Bank contributed over $256,000 in 2024 to charitable organizations in our communities. Our employees’ personal and professional growth is important to First Guaranty Bank. We offer comprehensive compensation and benefits packages to our employees including a 401(k) Plan, healthcare and insurance benefits, health and childcare flexible spending accounts, and paid vacation and sick time. First Guaranty also provides tuition reimbursement for employees and support for continuing education and advanced certifications. We are an Equal Opportunity Employer. At December 31, 2024, we had 396 full-time and 13 part-time employees. None of our employees is represented by a collective bargaining group or are parties to a collective bargaining agreement. We believe that our relations with our employees are very good. Subsidiaries Other than our wholly-owned bank subsidiary, First Guaranty Bank, we have no subsidiaries. -13- Supervision and Regulation General First Guaranty Bank is a Louisiana-chartered commercial bank and is the wholly-owned subsidiary of First Guaranty Bancshares, a Louisiana-chartered financial holding company. First Guaranty Bank's deposits are insured up to applicable limits by the FDIC. First Guaranty Bank is subject to extensive regulation by the Louisiana Office of Financial Institutions (the "OFI"), as its chartering agency, and by the FDIC, its primary federal regulator and deposit insurer. First Guaranty Bank is required to file reports with, and is periodically examined by, the FDIC and the OFI concerning its activities and financial condition and must obtain regulatory approvals prior to entering into certain transactions, including, but not limited to, mergers with or acquisitions of other financial institutions. As a registered bank holding company, First Guaranty Bancshares is regulated by the Federal Reserve Board. The regulatory and supervisory structure establishes a comprehensive framework of activities in which an institution can engage and is intended primarily for the protection of depositors and the deposit insurance funds, rather than for the protection of shareholders and creditors. The regulatory structure also gives the regulatory authorities extensive discretion in connection with their supervisory and enforcement activities and examination policies, including policies concerning the establishment of deposit insurance assessment fees, classification of assets and establishment of adequate loan loss reserves for regulatory purposes. Any change in such regulatory requirements and policies, whether by the Louisiana legislature, the OFI, the FDIC, the Federal Reserve Board or the United States Congress, could have a material adverse impact on the financial condition and results of operations of First Guaranty Bancshares and First Guaranty Bank. Set forth below is a summary of certain material statutory and regulatory requirements applicable to First Guaranty Bancshares and First Guaranty Bank. The summary is not intended to be a complete description of such statutes and regulations and their effects on First Guaranty Bancshares and First Guaranty Bank. The Dodd-Frank Act The Dodd-Frank Act significantly changed bank regulation and has affected the lending, investment, trading and operating activities of depository institutions and their holding companies. The Dodd-Frank Act also created the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (the "CFPB") with extensive powers to supervise and enforce consumer protection laws. The CFPB has broad rule-making authority for a wide range of consumer protection laws that apply to all banks and savings institutions, including the authority to prohibit "unfair, deceptive or abusive" acts and practices. In February 2025, the Trump administration halted the CFPB’s operations, and its employees were instructed to cease all supervision and examination activity. As a result, the future of the CFPB and its impact on First Guaranty Bancshares and First Guaranty Bank remains uncertain. The Economic Growth, Regulatory Relief and Consumer Protection Act of 2018 On May 24, 2018, The Economic Growth, Regulatory Relief and Consumer Protection Act of 2018 (the “EGRRCPA”) was enacted, which repeals or modifies certain provisions of the Dodd-Frank Act and eases regulations on all but the largest banks. The EGRRCPA’s provisions include, among other things: (i) exempting banks with less than $10 billion in assets from the ability-to-repay requirements for certain qualified residential mortgage loans held in portfolio; (ii) exempting appraisal requirements for certain transactions valued at less than $400,000 in rural areas; (iii) exempting banks that originate fewer than 500 open-end and 500 closed-end mortgages from HMDA’s expanded data disclosures; (iv) clarifying that, subject to various conditions, reciprocal deposits of another depository institution obtained using a deposit broker through a deposit placement network for purposes of obtaining maximum deposit insurance would not be considered brokered deposits subject to the FDIC’s brokered-deposit regulations; (v) raising eligibility for the 18-month exam cycle from banks with $1 billion in assets to banks with $3 billion in assets; and (vi) simplifying capital calculations by requiring regulators to establish for institutions under $10 billion in assets a community bank leverage ratio at a percentage not less than 8% and not greater than 10% that such institutions may elect to replace the general applicable risk-based capital requirements for determining well-capitalized status. In addition, the EGRRCPA required the Federal Reserve Board to raise the asset threshold under its Small Bank Holding Company Policy Statement from $1 billion to $3 billion for bank or savings and loan holding companies that are exempt from consolidated capital requirements, provided that such companies meet certain other conditions such as not engaging in significant nonbanking activities. -14- Louisiana Bank Regulation As a Louisiana-chartered bank, First Guaranty Bank is subject to the regulation and supervision of the OFI. Under Louisiana law, First Guaranty Bank may establish additional branch offices within Louisiana, subject to the approval of OFI. After enactment of the Dodd-Frank Act, we can also establish additional branch offices outside of Louisiana, subject to prior regulatory approval, as long as the laws of the state where the branch is to be located would permit such expansion. In addition, First Guaranty Bank is the primary source of First Guaranty's dividend payments, and its ability to pay dividends will be subject to any restrictions applicable to the Bank. Under Louisiana law, a Louisiana bank may not pay cash dividends unless the bank has unimpaired surplus equal to 50% of its outstanding capital stock, both before and after giving effect to the dividend payment. Subject to satisfying such requirement, First Guaranty Bank may pay dividends to First Guaranty without the approval of the OFI so long as the amount of the dividend does not exceed its net profits earned during the current year combined with its retained earnings for the immediately preceding year. The OFI must approve any proposed dividend in excess of this threshold. Federal Regulations Capital Requirements. Federal regulations require FDIC-insured depository institutions to meet several minimum capital standards: a common equity Tier 1 capital to risk-based assets ratio of 4.5%, a Tier 1 capital to risk-based assets ratio of 6.0%, a total capital to risk-based assets of 8%, and a 4% Tier 1 capital to total assets leverage ratio. For purposes of the regulatory capital requirements, common equity Tier 1 capital is generally defined as common stockholders' equity and retained earnings. Tier 1 capital is generally defined as common equity Tier 1 and additional Tier 1 capital. Additional Tier 1 capital includes certain noncumulative perpetual preferred stock and related surplus and minority interests in equity accounts of consolidated subsidiaries. Total capital includes Tier 1 capital (common equity Tier 1 capital plus additional Tier 1 capital) and Tier 2 capital. Tier 2 capital is comprised of capital instruments and related surplus, meeting specified requirements, and may include cumulative preferred stock and long-term perpetual preferred stock, mandatory convertible securities, intermediate preferred stock and subordinated debt. Also included in Tier 2 capital is the allowance for credit losses limited to a maximum of 1.25% of risk-weighted assets and, for institutions such as First Guaranty Bank, that have exercised an opt-out election regarding the treatment of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income ("AOCI"), up to 45% of net unrealized gains on available for sale equity securities with readily determinable fair market values. Calculation of all types of regulatory capital is subject to deductions and adjustments specified in the regulations. In determining the amount of risk-weighted assets for purposes of calculating risk-based capital ratios, all assets, including certain off-balance sheet assets (e.g., recourse obligations, direct credit substitutes, residual interests), are multiplied by a risk weight factor assigned by the regulations based on the risks believed inherent in the type of asset. Higher levels of capital are required for asset categories believed to present greater risk. For example, a risk weight of 0% is assigned to cash and U.S. government securities, a risk weight of 50% is generally assigned to prudently underwritten first lien one-to four-family residential mortgages, a risk weight of 100% is assigned to commercial and consumer loans, a risk weight of 150% is assigned to certain past due loans and a risk weight of between 0% to 600% is assigned to permissible equity interests, depending on certain specified factors. In addition to establishing the minimum regulatory capital requirements, the regulations limit capital distributions and certain discretionary bonus payments to management if the institution does not hold a "capital conservation buffer" consisting of 2.5% of common equity Tier 1 capital to risk-weighted asset above the amount necessary to meet its minimum risk-based capital requirements. In assessing an institution's capital adequacy, the FDIC takes into consideration, not only these numeric factors, but qualitative factors as well, and has the authority to establish higher capital requirements for individual institutions where deemed necessary. Notwithstanding the foregoing, pursuant to the EGRRCPA, the FDIC finalized a rule, effective January 1, 2020, that established a community bank leverage ratio (tier 1 capital to average consolidated assets) at 9% for institutions under $10 billion in assets that such institutions may elect to utilize in lieu of the general applicable risk-based capital requirements under Basel III. Such institutions that meet the community bank leverage ratio and certain other qualifying criteria will automatically be deemed to be well-capitalized. Eligible institutions may opt into and out of the community bank ratio framework on their quarterly call report. First Guaranty Bank did not elect to follow the community bank leverage ratio as of December 31, 2024. At December 31, 2024, First Guaranty and the Bank exceeded all regulatory capital requirements and was considered to be well-capitalized based on FDIC and Federal Reserve Board guidelines. Standards for Safety and Soundness. As required by statute, the federal banking agencies have adopted final regulations and Interagency Guidelines Establishing Standards for Safety and Soundness to implement safety and soundness standards. The guidelines set forth the safety and soundness standards that the federal banking agencies use to identify and address problems at insured depository institutions before capital becomes impaired. The guidelines address internal controls and information systems, internal audit system, credit underwriting, loan documentation, interest rate exposure, asset growth, asset quality, earnings, compensation, fees and benefits and, more recently, safeguarding customer information. If the appropriate federal banking agency determines that an institution fails to meet any standard prescribed by the guidelines, the agency may require the institution to submit to the agency an acceptable plan to achieve compliance with the standard. -15- Concentrated Commercial Real Estate Lending Regulations. The federal banking agencies have promulgated guidance governing financial institutions with concentrations in commercial real estate lending, which outlines their expectations for managing concentration risks. The guidance provides that an institution has a concentration in commercial real estate lending if (i) total reported loans for construction, land development, and other land represent 100% or more of total capital or (ii) total reported loans secured by multi-family and non-farm residential properties and loans for construction, land development, and other land represent 300% or more of total capital and the outstanding balance of such loans has increased 50% or more during the prior 36 months. If a concentration is present, management must employ heightened risk management practices including board and management oversight and strategic planning, development of underwriting standards, risk assessment and monitoring through market analysis and stress testing and increasing capital requirements. First Guaranty Bank is subject to this guidance. Business and Investment Activities. Under federal law, all state-chartered FDIC-insured banks have been limited in their activities as principal and in their equity investments to the type and the amount of investments authorized for national banks, notwithstanding state law. Federal law permits exceptions to these limitations. For example, certain state-chartered banks may, with FDIC approval, continue to exercise state authority to invest in common or preferred stocks listed on a national securities exchange and in the shares of an investment company registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended. The maximum permissible investment is the lesser of 100.0% of Tier 1 capital or the maximum amount permitted by Louisiana law. The FDIC is also authorized to permit state banks to engage in state-authorized activities or investments not permissible for national banks (other than non-subsidiary equity investments) if they meet all applicable capital requirements and it is determined that such activities or investments do not pose a significant risk to the FDIC insurance fund. The FDIC has adopted regulations governing the procedures for institutions seeking approval to engage in such activities or investments. The Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act of 1999 specified that a state bank may control a subsidiary that engages in activities as principal that would only be permitted for a national bank to conduct in a "financial subsidiary," if a bank meets specified conditions and deducts its investment in the subsidiary for regulatory capital purposes. Prompt Corrective Regulatory Action. Federal law requires, among other things, that federal bank regulatory authorities take "prompt corrective action" with respect to banks that do not meet minimum capital requirements. For these purposes, the law establishes five capital categories: well capitalized, adequately capitalized, undercapitalized, significantly undercapitalized and critically undercapitalized. An institution is deemed to be "well capitalized" if it has a total risk-based capital ratio of 10.0% or greater, a Tier 1 risk-based capital ratio of 8.0% or greater, a leverage ratio of 5.0% or greater and a common equity Tier 1 ratio of 6.5% or greater. An institution is "adequately capitalized" if it has a total risk-based capital ratio of 8.0% or greater, a Tier 1 risk-based capital ratio of 6.0% or greater, a leverage ratio of 4.0% or greater and a common equity Tier 1 ratio of 4.5% or greater. An institution is "undercapitalized" if it has a total risk-based capital ratio of less than 8.0%, a Tier 1 risk-based capital ratio of less than 6.0%, a leverage ratio of less than 4.0% or a common equity Tier 1 ratio of less than 4.5%. An institution is deemed to be "significantly undercapitalized" if it has a total risk-based capital ratio of less than 6.0%, a Tier 1 risk-based capital ratio of less than 4.0%, a leverage ratio of less than 3.0% or a common equity Tier 1 ratio of less than 3.0%. An institution is considered to be "critically undercapitalized" if it has a ratio of tangible equity (as defined in the regulations) to total assets that is equal to or less than 2.0%. "Undercapitalized" banks must adhere to growth, capital distribution (including dividend) and other limitations and are required to submit a capital restoration plan. A bank's compliance with such a plan must be guaranteed by any company that controls the undercapitalized institution in an amount equal to the lesser of 5% of the institution's total assets when deemed undercapitalized or the amount necessary to achieve the status of adequately capitalized. If an "undercapitalized" bank fails to submit an acceptable plan, it is treated as if it is "significantly undercapitalized." "Significantly undercapitalized" banks must comply with one or more of a number of additional measures, including, but not limited to, a required sale of sufficient voting stock to become adequately capitalized, a requirement to reduce total assets, cessation of taking deposits from correspondent banks, the dismissal of directors or officers and restrictions on interest rates paid on deposits, compensation of executive officers and capital distributions by the parent holding company. "Critically undercapitalized" institutions are subject to additional measures including, subject to a narrow exception, the appointment of a receiver or conservator within 270 days after it obtains such status. As of December 31, 2024, First Guaranty and the Bank were considered well-capitalized. -16- Transactions with Related Parties. Transactions between a bank and its affiliates are limited by Sections 23A and 23B of the Federal Reserve Act, applicable to FDIC-insured state nonmember banks by Section 18(j) of the Federal Deposit Insurance Act, and its implementing regulations. An affiliate of a bank is any company or entity that controls, is controlled by or is under common control with the bank. In a holding company context, the parent bank holding company and any companies which are controlled by such parent holding company are affiliates of the bank. Generally, Sections 23A and 23B of the Federal Reserve Act limit the extent to which the bank or its subsidiaries may engage in "covered transactions" with any one affiliate to 10% of such institution's capital stock and surplus and contain an aggregate limit on all such transactions with all affiliates to an amount equal to 20% of such institution's capital stock and surplus. The term "covered transaction" includes the making of loans, purchase of assets, issuance of a guarantee and similar transactions. In addition, loans or other extensions of credit by the institution to the affiliate are required to be collateralized in accordance with specified requirements. The law also requires that affiliate transactions be on terms and conditions that are substantially the same, or at least as favorable to the institution, as those provided to non-affiliates. First Guaranty Bank's authority to extend credit to its directors, executive officers and 10% shareholders, as well as to entities controlled by such persons, is currently governed by the requirements of Sections 22(g) and 22(h) of the Federal Reserve Act, applicable to FDIC-insured state nonmember banks by Section 18(j) of the Federal Deposit Insurance Act, and Regulation O of the Federal Reserve Board, generally applicable to FDIC-supervised institutions by Section 337.3 of the FDIC Rules and Regulations. Among other things, these provisions generally require that extensions of credit to insiders: • be made on terms that are substantially the same as, and follow credit underwriting procedures that are not less stringent than, those prevailing for comparable transactions with unaffiliated persons and that do not involve more than the normal risk of repayment or present other unfavorable features; and • not exceed certain limitations on the amount of credit extended to such persons, individually and in the aggregate, which limits are based, in part, on the amount of First Guaranty Bank's capital. In addition, extensions of credit in excess of certain limits must be approved by First Guaranty Bank's board of directors. Extensions of credit to executive officers are subject to additional limits based on the type of extension involved. Enforcement. The FDIC has extensive enforcement authority over insured state banks, including First Guaranty Bank. That enforcement authority includes, among other things, the ability to assess civil money penalties, issue cease and desist orders and remove directors and officers. In general, enforcement actions may be initiated in response to violations of laws and regulations and unsafe or unsound banking practices. The FDIC also has authority under federal law to appoint a conservator or receiver for an insured bank under certain circumstances. The FDIC is required, with certain exceptions, to appoint a receiver or conservator for an insured state non-member bank if that bank was "critically undercapitalized" on average during the calendar quarter beginning 270 days after the date on which the institution became "critically undercapitalized." Federal Insurance of Deposit Accounts. The maximum amount of deposit insurance for banks, savings institutions and credit unions is $250,000 per depositor. Assessments for most insured depository institutions are now based on financial measures and supervisory ratings derived from statistical modeling estimating the probability of failure within three years. The FDIC has authority to increase insurance assessments. Any significant increases would have an adverse effect on the operating expenses and results of operations of First Guaranty Bank. Management cannot predict what assessment rates will be in the future. Insurance of deposits may be terminated by the FDIC upon a finding that an institution has engaged in unsafe or unsound practices, is in an unsafe or unsound condition to continue operations or has violated any applicable law, regulation, rule, order or condition imposed by the FDIC. We do not currently know of any practice, condition or violation that may lead to termination of our deposit insurance. Community Reinvestment Act. Under the Community Reinvestment Act (“CRA”), a bank has a continuing and affirmative obligation, consistent with its safe and sound operation, to help meet the credit needs of its entire community, including low- and moderate-income neighborhoods. The CRA does not establish specific lending requirements or programs for financial institutions nor does it limit an institution's discretion to develop the types of products and services that it believes are best suited to its particular community. The CRA does require the FDIC, in connection with its examination of a bank, to assess the institution's record of meeting the credit needs of its community and to take such record into account in its evaluation of certain applications by such institution, including applications to establish or acquire branches and merger with other depository institutions. The CRA requires the FDIC to provide a written evaluation of an institution's CRA performance utilizing a four-tiered descriptive rating system. First Guaranty Bank's latest FDIC CRA rating, dated October 11, 2022, was "satisfactory." The federal banking agencies approved additional rules in 2023, which began to take effect on April 1, 2024, aimed at strengthening and modernizing the CRA. FHLB System. First Guaranty Bank is a member of the FHLB System, which consists of eleven regional FHLBs. The FHLB System provides a central credit facility primarily for member institutions as well as other entities involved in home mortgage lending. As a member of the FHLB of Dallas, First Guaranty Bank is required to acquire and hold a specified amount of shares of capital stock in the FHLB. As of December 31, 2024, First Guaranty Bank was in compliance with this requirement. -17- Other Regulations Interest and other charges collected or contracted for by First Guaranty Bank are subject to state usury laws and federal laws concerning interest rates. First Guaranty Bank's operations are also subject to federal laws applicable to credit transactions, such as the: • Truth-In-Lending Act, governing disclosures of credit terms to consumer borrowers; • Real Estate Settlement Procedures Act, requiring that borrowers for mortgage loans for one-to four-family residential real estate receive various disclosures, including good faith estimates of settlement costs, lender servicing and escrow account practices, and prohibiting certain practices that increase the cost of settlement services; • Home Mortgage Disclosure Act, requiring financial institutions to provide information to enable the public and public officials to determine whether a financial institution is fulfilling its obligation to help meet the housing needs of the community it serves; • Equal Credit Opportunity Act, prohibiting discrimination on the basis of race, creed or other prohibited factors in extending credit; • Fair Credit Reporting Act, governing the use and provision of information to credit reporting agencies; • Fair Debt Collection Act, governing the manner in which consumer debts may be collected by collection agencies; • Truth in Savings Act; and • Rules and regulations of the various federal agencies charged with the responsibility of implementing such federal laws. The operations of First Guaranty Bank also are subject to the: • Right to Financial Privacy Act, which imposes a duty to maintain confidentiality of consumer financial records and prescribes procedures for complying with administrative subpoenas of financial records; • Electronic Funds Transfer Act and Regulation E promulgated thereunder, which govern automatic deposits to and withdrawals from deposit accounts and customers' rights and liabilities arising from the use of automated teller machines and other electronic banking services; • Check Clearing for the 21st Century Act (also known as "Check 21"), which gives "substitute checks," such as digital check images and copies made from that image, the same legal standing as the original paper check; • USA PATRIOT Act, which requires banks operating to, among other things, establish broadened anti-money laundering compliance programs, due diligence policies and controls to ensure the detection and reporting of money laundering. Such required compliance programs are intended to supplement existing compliance requirements, also applicable to financial institutions, under the Bank Secrecy Act and the Office of Foreign Assets Control regulations; • Anti-Money Laundering Act of 2020, including the Corporate Transparency Act; and • Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act, which places limitations on the sharing of consumer financial information by financial institutions with unaffiliated third parties. Specifically, the Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act requires all financial institutions offering financial products or services to retail customers to provide such customers with the financial institution's privacy policy and provide such customers the opportunity to "opt out" of the sharing of certain personal financial information with unaffiliated third parties. -18- Holding Company Regulation As a financial holding company, First Guaranty is subject to examination, regulation, and periodic reporting under the Bank Holding Company Act of 1956, as amended, as administered by the Federal Reserve Board. We are required to obtain the prior approval of the Federal Reserve Board to acquire all, or substantially all, of the assets of any bank or bank holding company. Prior Federal Reserve Board approval would be required for us to acquire direct or indirect ownership or control of any voting securities of any bank or bank holding company if it would, directly or indirectly, own or control more than 5% of any class of voting shares of the bank or bank holding company. A bank holding company is generally prohibited from engaging in, or acquiring, direct or indirect control of more than 5% of the voting securities of any company engaged in non-banking activities. One of the principal exceptions to this prohibition is for activities found by the Federal Reserve Board to be so closely related to banking or managing or controlling banks as to be a proper incident thereto. Some of the principal activities that the Federal Reserve Board has determined by regulation to be closely related to banking are: (1) making or servicing loans; (2) performing certain data processing services; (3) providing securities brokerage services; (4) acting as fiduciary, investment or financial advisor; (5) leasing personal or real property under certain conditions; (6) making investments in corporations or projects designed primarily to promote community welfare; and (7) acquiring a savings association. The Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act of 1999 authorizes a bank holding company that meets specified conditions, including depository institutions subsidiaries that are "well capitalized" and "well managed," to opt to become a "financial holding company." A "financial holding company" may engage in a broader array of financial activities than permitted a typical bank holding company. Such activities can include insurance underwriting and investment banking. First Guaranty has elected "financial holding company" status. Bank holding companies with greater than $3 billion in total consolidated assets are subject to consolidated regulatory capital requirements. First Guaranty became subject to these requirements on March 31, 2024. A bank holding company is generally required to give the Federal Reserve Board prior written notice of any purchase or redemption of then outstanding equity securities if the gross consideration for the purchase or redemption, when combined with the net consideration paid for all such purchases or redemptions during the preceding 12 months, is equal to 10% or more of the company's consolidated net worth. The Federal Reserve Board may disapprove such a purchase or redemption if it determines that the proposal would constitute an unsafe and unsound practice, or would violate any law, regulation, Federal Reserve Board order or directive, or any condition imposed by, or written agreement with, the Federal Reserve Board. The Federal Reserve Board has adopted an exception to that approval requirement for well-capitalized bank holding companies that meet certain other conditions. The Federal Reserve Board has issued a policy statement regarding the payment of dividends by bank holding companies. In general, the Federal Reserve Board's policies provide that dividends should be paid only out of current earnings and only if the prospective rate of earnings retention by the bank holding company appears consistent with the organization's capital needs, asset quality and overall financial condition. The Federal Reserve Board's policies also require that a bank holding company serve as a source of financial strength to its subsidiary banks by using available resources to provide capital funds during periods of financial stress or adversity and by maintaining the financial flexibility and capital-raising capacity to obtain additional resources for assisting its subsidiary banks where necessary. The Dodd-Frank Act codified the source of strength policy. Under the prompt corrective action laws, the ability of a bank holding company to pay dividends may be restricted if a subsidiary bank becomes undercapitalized. Federal Reserve Board guidance provides for consultation with and supervisory review by the Federal Reserve Board prior to the payment of dividends or stock redemptions or repurchases under certain circumstances. These regulatory policies could affect our ability to pay dividends, repurchase shares of our common stock or otherwise engage in capital distributions. We are affected by the monetary and fiscal policies of various agencies of the United States Government, including the Federal Reserve Board. In view of changing conditions in the national economy and in the money markets, it is impossible for management to accurately predict future changes in monetary policy or the effect of such changes on our business or financial condition. Federal Securities Laws First Guaranty's common stock is registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the "SEC") under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. First Guaranty is subject to the information, proxy solicitation, insider trading restrictions and other requirements under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. Sarbanes-Oxley Act The Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 (the "Sarbanes-Oxley Act") addresses, among other issues, corporate governance, auditing and accounting, executive compensation, and enhanced and timely disclosure of corporate information. As directed by the Sarbanes-Oxley Act, our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer are required to certify that our quarterly and annual reports do not contain any untrue statement of a material fact. We have policies, procedures and systems designed to ensure compliance with these regulations. -19- Item 1A. – Risk Factors An investment in shares of our common stock involves substantial risks. You should carefully consider, among other matters, the factors set forth below as well as the other information included in this Annual Report on Form 10-K. If any of the risks described herein develop into actual events, our business, financial condition, liquidity, results of operations and prospects could be materially and adversely affected, the market price of our common stock could decline and you may lose all or part of your investment. Risks Related to Our Lending We have recently experienced an increase in nonperforming assets. At December 31, 2024, our non-performing assets, which consist of non-performing loans and other real estate owned, were $120.4 million, or 3.03% of total assets, an increase of 188.4% from December 31, 2023. Our non-performing assets adversely affect our net income in various ways: • we record interest income only on the cash basis or cost-recovery method for nonaccrual loans and we do not record interest income for other real estate owned; • we must provide for probable loan losses through a current period charge to the provision for credit losses; • noninterest expense increases when we write down the value of properties in our other real estate owned portfolio to reflect changing market values; • there are legal fees associated with the resolution of problem assets, as well as carrying costs, such as taxes, insurance, and maintenance fees; and • the resolution of non-performing assets requires the active involvement of management, which can distract them from more profitable activity. Our efforts to resolve our existing and future non-performing assets may not be successful, and we may not be able to realize the current carrying value of such assets. If additional borrowers become delinquent and do not pay their loans and we are unable to successfully manage our non-performing assets, our losses and troubled assets could increase significantly, which could have a material adverse effect on our financial condition and results of operations. Adverse events in Louisiana and Texas, where our business is concentrated, along with our new Mideast markets in Kentucky and West Virginia could adversely affect our results of operations and future growth. Our business, the location of our branches and the real estate used as collateral on our real estate loans are primarily concentrated in Louisiana and North Central Texas. Additionally, we anticipate continued future loan growth in our Mideast markets located in Kentucky and West Virginia. At December 31, 2024, approximately 86.3% of the secured loans in our loan portfolio were secured by real estate and other collateral located in our market areas. As a result, we are exposed to risks associated with a lack of geographic diversification. The occurrence of an economic downturn in our markets, or adverse changes in laws or regulations in these markets could impact the credit quality of our assets, the businesses of our customers and our ability to expand our business. Our success significantly depends upon the growth in population, income levels, deposits and housing in our market area. If the communities in which we operate do not grow or if prevailing economic conditions locally or nationally are unfavorable, our business may be negatively affected. Material fluctuations in the price of oil and gas could adversely affect our business. At December 31, 2024, approximately $79.9 million, or 3.0% of our total loan portfolio was comprised of loans to businesses engaged in support or service activities for oil and gas operations. At December 31, 2024 we had $46.9 million in unfunded loan commitments related to these businesses. In addition, the market value of the real estate securing loans as collateral could be adversely affected by unfavorable changes in market and economic conditions. Adverse developments affecting commerce or real estate values in the local economies in our primary market areas could increase the credit risk associated with our loan portfolio. In addition, substantially all of our loans are to individuals and businesses in Louisiana and North Central Texas. Our business customers may not have customer bases that are as diverse as businesses serving regional or national markets. Consequently, any decline in the economy of our market area could have an adverse impact on our revenues and financial condition. In particular, we may experience increased loan delinquencies, which could result in a higher provision for credit losses and increased charge-offs. Any sustained period of increased non-payment, delinquencies, foreclosures or losses caused by adverse market or economic conditions in our market area could adversely affect the value of our assets, revenues, results of operations and financial condition. We have a significant number of loans secured by real estate, and a downturn in the local or national real estate market could negatively impact our profitability. At December 31, 2024, approximately 79.2% of our total loan portfolio was secured by real estate, most of which is located in Louisiana and North Central Texas. Future declines in the real estate values in our Louisiana and North Central Texas markets could significantly impair the value of the particular collateral securing our loans and our ability to sell the collateral upon foreclosure for an amount necessary to satisfy the borrower's obligations to us. First Guaranty may participate in or purchase real estate loans located outside of our traditional markets which may be affected by national or other localized market trends. This could require increasing our allowance for credit losses to address the decrease in the value of the real estate securing our loans which could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, results of operations and growth prospects. -20- Our loan portfolio consists of a high percentage of loans secured by non-farm non-residential real estate. These loans carry a greater credit risk than loans secured by one- to four-family properties. Our loan portfolio includes non-farm non-residential real estate loans, primarily loans secured by commercial real estate such as office buildings, hotels and retail facilities. At December 31, 2024, our non-farm non-residential loans totaled $1.2 billion, or 42.9% of our total loan portfolio. Commercial real estate values have decreased in recent quarters in response to higher interest rates and a number of other factors; in response, bank regulators have been increasing scrutiny on banks’ exposure to commercial real estate. Our non-farm non-residential real estate loans expose us to greater risk of nonpayment and loss than one- to four-family family residential mortgage loans because repayment of the loans often depends on the successful operation and income stream of the borrowers. If we foreclose on these loans, our holding period for the collateral typically is longer than for a one- to four-family residential property because there are fewer potential purchasers of the collateral. In addition, non-farm non-residential real estate loans typically involve larger loan balances to single borrowers or groups of related borrowers compared to one- to four-family residential loans. Accordingly, charge-offs on non-farm non-residential loans may be larger on a per loan basis than those incurred with our residential or consumer loan portfolios. An unexpected adverse development on one or more of these types of loans can expose us to a significantly greater risk of loss compared to an adverse development with respect to a one- to four-family residential mortgage loan. A portion of our loan portfolio is comprised of commercial and industrial loans secured by accounts receivables, inventory, equipment or other commercial collateral, the deterioration in value of which could increase the potential for future losses. At December 31, 2024, $257.5 million, or 9.5% of our total loans, was comprised of commercial and industrial loans to businesses collateralized by general business assets including, among other things, accounts receivable, inventory and equipment and generally backed by a personal guaranty of the borrower or principal. These commercial and industrial loans are typically larger in amount than loans to individuals and, therefore, have the potential for larger losses on a single loan basis. Additionally, the repayment of commercial and industrial loans is subject to the ongoing business operations of the borrower. The collateral securing such loans generally includes movable property such as equipment and inventory, which may decline in value more rapidly than we anticipate, or may be difficult to market and sell, exposing us to increased credit risk. Significant adverse changes in the economy or local market conditions in which our commercial lending customers operate could cause rapid declines in loan collectability and the values associated with general business assets, resulting in inadequate collateral coverage that may expose us to credit losses and could adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations. A portion of our loan portfolio is comprised of commercial leases secured by equipment or other commercial collateral, the deterioration in value of which could increase the potential for future losses. At December 31, 2024, $220.2 million, or 8.2% of our total loans, was comprised of commercial leases. These commercial leases are typically larger in amount than loans to individuals and, therefore, have the potential for larger losses on a single loan basis. Additionally, the repayment of commercial leases is subject to the ongoing business operations of the borrower. The collateral securing leases includes equipment and other assets which may decline in value more rapidly than we anticipate, or may be difficult to market and sell, exposing us to increased credit risk. Significant adverse changes in the economy or local market conditions in which our commercial leasing customers operate could cause rapid declines in loan collectability and the values associated with lease assets, resulting in inadequate collateral coverage that may expose us to credit losses and could adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations. A portion of our loan portfolio consists of syndicated loans, including syndicated loans known as shared national credits, secured by assets located generally outside of our market area. Syndicated loans may have a higher risk of loss than other loans we originate because we are not the lead lender and we have limited control over credit monitoring. Our loan portfolio includes syndicated loans (loans made by a group of lenders, including us, who share or participate in a specific loan) with a larger regional financial institution as the lead lender. Syndicated loans are typically made to large businesses (which are referred to as "shared national credits") or middle market companies (which do not meet the regulatory definition of shared national credits), both of which are secured by business assets or equipment, and commercial real estate located generally outside of our market area. The syndicate group for both types of loans usually consists of two to three other financial institutions. First Guaranty's commitment typically ranges between $5.0 million to $15.0 million. At December 31, 2024, we had $53.9 million in syndicated loans, or 2.0% of our total loan portfolio, of which $27.6 million met the definition of shared nation credits and $26.3 million were not shared national credits. Syndicated loans may have a higher risk of loss than other loans we originate because we rely on the lead lender to monitor the performance of the loan. Moreover, our decision regarding the classification of a syndicated loan and loan loss provisions associated with a syndicated loan are made in part based upon information provided by the lead lender. A lead lender also may not monitor a syndicated loan in the same manner as we would for other loans that we originate. If our underwriting of these syndicated loans is not sufficient, our non-performing loans may increase, and our earnings may decrease. -21- If the allowance for credit losses is not sufficient to cover actual loan losses, earnings could decrease. Loan customers may not repay their loans according to the terms of their loans, and the collateral securing the payment of their loans may be insufficient to assure repayment. We may experience significant credit losses, which could have a material adverse effect on our operating results. Various assumptions and judgments about the collectability of the loan portfolio are made, including the creditworthiness of borrowers and the value of the real estate and other assets serving as collateral for the repayment of many loans. In determining the amount of the allowance for credit losses, management reviews the loans and the loss and delinquency experience and evaluates economic conditions. At December 31, 2024, our allowance for credit losses as a percentage of total loans, net of unearned income, was 1.29% and as a percentage of total non-performing loans was 29.00%. The determination of the appropriate level of allowance is subject to judgment and requires us to make significant estimates of current credit risks and future trends, all of which are subject to material changes. If assumptions prove to be incorrect, the allowance for credit losses may not cover inherent losses in the loan portfolio at the date of the financial statements. Significant additions to the allowance would materially decrease net income. Non-performing loans may further increase and non-performing or delinquent loans may adversely affect future performance. Any future credit deterioration, could require us to increase our allowance for credit losses in the future. In addition, federal and state regulators periodically review the allowance for credit losses and may require an increase in the allowance for credit losses or recognize further loan charge-offs. Any significant increase in our allowance for credit losses or loan charge-offs as required by these regulatory agencies could have a material adverse effect on our results of operations and financial condition. Emphasis on the origination of short-term loans could expose us to increased lending risks. At December 31, 2024, $1.2 billion, or 46.2% of our total loans consisted of short-term loans, defined as loans whose payments are typically based on ten to 20-year amortization schedules but have maturities typically ranging from one to five years. This results in our borrowers having significantly higher final payments due at maturity, known as "balloon payments." In the event our borrowers are unable to make their balloon payments when they are due, we may incur significant losses in our loan portfolio. Moreover, while the shorter maturities of our loan portfolio help us to manage our interest rate risk, they also increase the reinvestment risk associated with new loan originations. During an economic slow-down, we might incur significant losses as our loan portfolio matures. The level of concentrations in our commercial real estate loan portfolio subjects us to additional regulatory scrutiny. The FDIC and the other federal bank regulatory agencies have promulgated joint guidance on sound risk management practices for financial institutions with concentrations in commercial real estate lending. Under the guidance, a financial institution that, like us, is actively involved in commercial real estate lending should perform a risk assessment to identify concentrations. A financial institution may have a concentration in commercial real estate lending if, among other factors, (i) total reported loans for construction, land acquisition and development, and other land represent 100% or more of total capital, or (ii) total reported loans secured by multifamily and non-owner occupied, non-farm, non-residential properties, loans for construction, land acquisition and development and other land, and loans otherwise sensitive to the general commercial real estate market, including loans to commercial real estate related entities, represent 300% or more of total capital. Based on these factors, we have a concentration in loans of the type described in (ii), above, of 369% of our total bank capital at December 31, 2024. The purpose of the guidance is to assist banks in developing risk management practices and capital levels commensurate with the level and nature of real estate concentrations. The guidance states that management should employ heightened risk management practices including board and management oversight and strategic planning, development of underwriting standards, risk assessment and monitoring through market analysis and stress testing. Our bank regulators could require us to implement additional policies and procedures consistent with their interpretation of the guidance that may result in additional costs to us or that may result in a curtailment of our commercial real estate and multifamily lending and/or the requirement that we maintain higher levels of regulatory capital, either of which would adversely affect our loan originations and profitability. We are subject to regulatory enforcement risk, reputation risk and litigation risk regarding our participation in the PPP and Main Street Lending Program and we are subject to the risk that the SBA may not fund some or all PPP loan guarantees . The CARES Act included the PPP as a loan program administered through the SBA and the Main Street Lending Program ("MSLP") administered through the U.S. Treasury Department. Under the PPP, small businesses and other entities and individuals applied for loans from existing SBA lenders and other approved regulated lenders that enrolled in the program, subject to detailed qualifications and eligibility criteria. Because of the short timeframe between the passing of the CARES Act and implementation of the PPP, some of the rules and guidance relating to PPP were issued after lenders began processing PPP applications. Also, there was and continues to be uncertainty in the laws, rules and guidance relating to the PPP. Since the opening of the PPP, several banks have been subject to litigation regarding the procedures used in processing PPP applications, and several banks have been subject to litigation regarding the payment of fees to agents that assisted borrowers in obtaining PPP loans. In addition, some banks and borrowers have received negative media attention associated with PPP loans. Although we believe that we have administered the PPP in accordance with all applicable laws, regulations and guidance, we may be exposed to litigation risk and negative media attention related to our participation in the PPP. If any such litigation is not resolved in our favor, it may result in significant financial liability to us or adversely affect our reputation. In addition, litigation can be costly, regardless of outcome. Any financial liability, litigation costs or reputational damage caused by PPP-related litigation or media attention could have a material adverse impact on our business, financial condition, and results of operations. -22- The PPP has also attracted interest from federal and state enforcement authorities, oversight agencies, regulators, and U.S. Congressional committees. State Attorneys General and other federal and state agencies may assert that they are not subject to the provisions of the CARES Act and the PPP regulations entitling us to rely on borrower certifications, and take more aggressive action against us for alleged violations of the provisions governing the PPP. Federal and state regulators can impose or request that we consent to substantial sanctions, restrictions and requirements if they determine there are violations of laws, rules or regulations or weaknesses or failures with respect to general standards of safety and soundness, which could adversely affect our business, reputation, results of operation and financial condition, and thereby adversely affect your investment. We also have credit risk on PPP loans if the SBA determines that there is a deficiency in the manner in which we originated, funded or serviced loans, including any issue with the eligibility of a borrower to receive a PPP loan. In the event of a loss resulting from a default on a PPP loan and a determination by the SBA that there was a deficiency in the manner in which we originated, funded or serviced a PPP loan, the SBA may deny its liability under the guaranty, reduce the amount of the guaranty or, if the SBA has already paid under the guaranty, seek recovery of any loss related to the deficiency from us. We were also a participating lender in the Federal Reserve’s MSLP. The Federal Reserve established the MSLP to support lending to small and midsized for-profit businesses and nonprofit organizations that were in sound financial condition before the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. The program was terminated on January 8, 2021. We were able to transfer/sell 95% of the originated principal loan balances to a special purpose vehicle created by the Federal Reserve; however, we retained 5% of the originated principal balance, including the associated credit risk on such amounts. In addition, we are subject to potential litigation risk with respect to the entire loans, including the transferred/sold portions of the loan balances. The foreclosure process may adversely impact our recoveries on non-performing loans. The judicial foreclosure process is protracted, which delays our ability to resolve non-performing loans through the sale of the underlying collateral. The longer timelines were the result of the economic crisis, additional consumer protection initiatives related to the foreclosure process, increased documentary requirements and judicial scrutiny, and, both voluntary and mandatory programs under which lenders may consider loan modifications or other alternatives to foreclosure. These reasons, historical issues at the largest mortgage loan servicers, and the legal and regulatory responses have impacted the foreclosure process and completion time of foreclosures for residential mortgage lenders. This may result in a material adverse effect on collateral values and our ability to minimize our losses. We are subject to environmental liability risk associated with lending activities. A significant portion of our loan portfolio is secured by real property. During the ordinary course of business, we may foreclose on and take title to properties securing certain loans. In doing so, there is a risk that hazardous or toxic substances could be found on these properties. If hazardous or toxic substances are found, we may be liable for remediation costs, as well as for personal injury and property damage. Environmental laws may require us to incur substantial expenses to address unknown liabilities and may materially reduce the affected property's value or limit our ability to use or sell the affected property. In addition, future laws or more stringent interpretations or enforcement policies with respect to existing laws may increase our exposure to environmental liability. Although we have policies and procedures to perform an environmental review before initiating any foreclosure action on nonresidential real property, these reviews may not be sufficient to detect all potential environmental hazards. The remediation costs and any other financial liabilities associated with an environmental hazard could have a material adverse effect on our financial condition and results of operations. -23- Risks Related to Interest Rates Interest rate shifts may reduce net interest income and otherwise negatively impact our financial condition and results of operations. The majority of our banking assets are monetary in nature and subject to risk from changes in interest rates. Like most financial institutions, our earnings and cash flows depend to a great extent upon the level of our net interest income, or the difference between the interest income we earn on loans, investments and other interest-earning assets, and the interest we pay on interest-bearing liabilities, such as deposits and borrowings. Changes in interest rates can increase or decrease our net interest income, because different types of assets and liabilities may react differently, and at different times, to market interest rate changes. The Federal Reserve Board increased interest rates significantly during 2022 and 2023. As a result of this rapid increase in interest rates, unrealized losses in First Guaranty's investment securities portfolio increased dramatically and thereby negatively impacted First Guaranty's accumulated other comprehensive income. These unrealized losses were approximately $73.8 million as of December 31, 2024 compared to $69.1 million as of December 31, 2023 and $80.9 million as of December 31, 2022. Such losses could be realized into earnings should liquidity needs and/or business strategy necessitate the sale of securities in a loss position, which could adversely affect First Guaranty's financial condition, capital ratios, and results of operations. Both the pace of these increases and the resulting interest rate levels are unprecedented in recent times and any future rapid changes in interest rates could have a number of effects on our business, which may include reduced loan demand, increased delinquencies and increased loan paydowns and payoffs. Conversely, a decrease in the general level of interest rates may affect us through, among other things, increased prepayments on our loan portfolio and increased competition for deposits. Accordingly, changes in the level of market interest rates affect our net yield on interest-earning assets, loan origination volume, loan portfolio and our overall results. Although our asset-liability management strategy is designed to control and mitigate exposure to the risks related to changes in market interest rates, those rates are affected by many factors outside of our control, including governmental monetary policies, inflation, deflation, recession, changes in unemployment, the money supply, international disorder and instability in domestic and foreign financial markets. When interest-bearing liabilities mature or reprice more quickly, or to a greater degree than interest-earning assets in a period, an increase in interest rates could reduce net interest income. Similarly, when interest-earning assets mature or reprice more quickly, or to a greater degree than interest-bearing liabilities, falling interest rates could reduce net interest income. Additionally, an increase in interest rates may, among other things, reduce the demand for loans and our ability to originate loans and decrease loan repayment rates. A decrease in the general level of interest rates may affect us through, among other things, increased prepayments on our loan portfolio and increased competition for deposits. Accordingly, changes in the level of market interest rates affect our net yield on interest-earning assets, loan origination volume and our overall results. Although our asset-liability management strategy is designed to control and mitigate exposure to the risks related to changes in market interest rates, those rates are affected by many factors outside of our control, including governmental monetary policies, inflation, deflation, recession, changes in unemployment, the money supply, international disorder and instability in domestic and foreign financial markets. -24- Risks Related to Liquidity A lack of liquidity could adversely affect our operations and jeopardize our business, financial condition and results of operations. Liquidity is essential to our business. We rely on our ability to generate deposits and effectively manage the repayment and maturity schedules of our loans and investment securities, respectively, to ensure that we have adequate liquidity to fund our operations. An inability to raise funds through deposits, borrowings, the sale of our investment securities, the sale of loans and other sources could have a substantial negative effect on our liquidity. Our most important source of funds is deposits. Deposit balances can decrease when customers perceive alternative investments as providing a better risk/return tradeoff. Recent increases in interest rates have resulted in increased competition for deposits. If customers move money out of bank deposits and into other investments such as money market funds, we would lose a relatively low-cost source of funds, increasing our funding costs and reducing our net interest income and net income. The 2023 bank failures increased awareness of the risks of uninsured deposit balances. As discussed further below, public funds are a sizeable portion of our deposits. Loss of a large public funds depositor at the end of a contract would negatively impact liquidity. Other primary sources of funds consist of cash flows from operations and maturities and sales of investment securities. Additional liquidity is provided by the ability to borrow from the FHLB or the Federal Reserve Board. We also may borrow funds from third-party lenders, such as other financial institutions. Our access to funding sources in amounts adequate to finance or capitalize our activities, or on terms that are acceptable to us, could be impaired by factors that affect us directly or the financial services industry or economy in general, such as disruptions in the financial markets or negative views and expectations about the prospects for the financial services industry. Our access to funding sources could also be affected by a decrease in the level of our business activity as a result of a downturn in our target markets or by one or more adverse regulatory actions against us. Any decline in available funding could adversely impact our ability to originate loans, invest in securities, meet our expenses, or to fulfill obligations such as repaying our borrowings or meeting deposit withdrawal demands, any of which could have a material adverse impact on our liquidity, business, financial condition and results of operations. Public funds deposits are an important source of funds for us and a reduced level of those deposits may hurt our profits. Public funds deposits are a significant source of funds for our lending and investment activities. At December 31, 2024, $1.0 billion, or 30.1% of our total deposits, consisted of public funds deposits from local government entities such as school districts, hospital districts, sheriff departments and other municipalities, which are collateralized by letters of credit from the FHLB, investment securities, and reciprocal deposit insurance programs. Given our dependence on high-average balance public funds deposits as a source of funds, our inability to retain such funds could significantly and adversely affect our liquidity. Further, our public funds deposits are primarily demand deposit accounts or short-term time deposits and are therefore more sensitive to interest rate risks. If we are forced to pay higher rates on our public funds accounts to retain those funds, or if we are unable to retain such funds and we are forced to resort to other sources of funds for our lending and investment activities, such as borrowings from the FHLB, the interest expense associated with these other funding sources may be higher than the rates we are currently paying on our public funds deposits, which would adversely affect our net income. Risks Related to Business Strategy Our strategy of pursuing acquisitions exposes us to financial, execution and operational risks that could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, results of operations and growth prospects. We intend to continue pursuing a strategy that includes acquisitions. An acquisition strategy involves significant risks, including the following: • finding suitable candidates for acquisition; • attracting funding to support additional growth within acceptable risk tolerances; • maintaining asset quality; • retaining customers and key personnel; • obtaining necessary regulatory approvals; • conducting adequate due diligence and managing known and unknown risks and uncertainties; • integrating acquired businesses; and • maintaining adequate regulatory capital. -25- The market for acquisition targets is highly competitive, which may adversely affect our ability to find acquisition candidates that fit our strategy and standards. To the extent that we are unable to find suitable acquisition targets, an important component of our growth strategy may not be realized. Acquisitions will be subject to regulatory approvals, and we may be unable to obtain such approvals. Acquisitions of financial institutions also involve operational risks and uncertainties, and acquired companies may have unknown or contingent liabilities with no available manner of recourse, exposure to unexpected problems such as asset quality, the retention of key employees and customers and other issues that could negatively affect our business. We may not be able to complete future acquisitions or, if completed, we may not be able to successfully integrate the operations, technology platforms, management, products and services of the entities that we acquire and to realize our attempts to eliminate redundancies. The integration process may also require significant time and attention from our management that they would otherwise be able to direct toward servicing existing business and developing new business. Acquisitions typically involve the payment of a premium over book and market trading values and, therefore, some dilution of our tangible book value and net income per common share may occur in connection with any future acquisition of a financial institution or service company, and the carrying amount of any goodwill that we acquire may be subject to impairment in future periods. Failure to successfully integrate the entities we acquire into our existing operations may increase our operating costs significantly and adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations. We may not be able to successfully maintain and manage our growth. Continued growth depends, in part, upon the ability to expand market presence, to successfully attract core deposits, and to identify attractive commercial lending opportunities. Management may not be able to successfully manage increased levels of assets and liabilities. We may be required to make additional investments in equipment and personnel to manage higher asset levels and loan balances, which may adversely impact our efficiency, earnings and shareholder returns. In addition, franchise growth may increase through acquisitions and de novo branching. The ability to successfully integrate such acquisitions into our consolidated operations will have a direct impact on our financial condition and results of operations. Risks Related to Earnings We depend primarily on net interest income for our earnings rather than noninterest income. Net interest income is the most significant component of our operating income. For the year ended December 31, 2024, our net interest income totaled $88.4 million in comparison to our total noninterest income of $24.7 million earned during the same year. We do not rely on nontraditional sources of fee income utilized by some community banks, such as fees from sales of insurance, securities or investment advisory products or services. The amount of our net interest income is influenced by the overall interest rate environment, competition, and the amount of interest-earning assets relative to the amount of interest-bearing liabilities. In the event that one or more of these factors were to result in a decrease in our net interest income, we have limited sources of noninterest income to offset any decrease in our net interest income. We obtain a significant portion of our noninterest revenue through service charges on core deposit accounts, and regulations impacting service charges could reduce our fee income. A significant portion of our noninterest revenue is derived from service charge income. During the year ended December 31, 2024, service charges, commissions and fees represented $3.2 million, or 12.9% of our total noninterest income excluding losses on securities. During the year ended December 31, 2023, service charges, commissions and fees represented $3.4 million, or 32.2% of our total noninterest income excluding gains on securities. The largest component of this service charge income is overdraft-related fees. Management believes that changes in banking regulations pertaining to rules on certain overdraft payments on consumer accounts have and will continue to have an adverse impact on our service charge income. Additionally, changes in customer behavior, as well as increased competition from other financial institutions, may result in declines in deposit accounts or in overdraft frequency resulting in a decline in service charge income. A reduction in deposit account fee income could have a material adverse effect on our earnings. Risks Related to Competition We may be unable to successfully compete with others for business. The area in which we operate is considered attractive from an economic and demographic viewpoint, and is a highly competitive banking market. We compete for loans and deposits with numerous regional and national banks and other community banking institutions, as well as other kinds of financial institutions and enterprises, such as securities firms, insurance companies, savings associations, credit unions, mortgage brokers and private lenders. Many competitors have substantially greater resources than we do. The differences in resources may make it harder for us to compete profitably, reduce the rates that we can earn on loans and investments, increase the rates we must offer on deposits and other funds, and adversely affect our overall financial condition and earnings. -26- Risks Related to Operations We face risks related to our operational, technological and organizational infrastructure. Our ability to grow and compete is dependent on our ability to build or acquire the necessary operational and technological infrastructure and to manage the cost of that infrastructure as we expand. Similar to other large corporations, operational risk can manifest itself in many ways, such as errors related to failed or inadequate processes, faulty or disabled computer systems, fraud by employees or outside persons and exposure to external events. As discussed below, we are dependent on our operational infrastructure to help manage these risks. In addition, we are heavily dependent on the strength and capability of our technology systems which we use both to interface with our customers and to manage our internal financial systems and other systems. Our ability to develop and deliver new products that meet the needs of our existing customers and attract new ones depends on the functionality of our technology systems. Additionally, our ability to run our business in compliance with applicable laws and regulations is dependent on these infrastructures. We continuously monitor our operational and technological capabilities and make modifications and improvements when we believe it will be cost effective to do so. In some instances, we may build and maintain these capabilities ourselves. We also outsource some of these functions to third parties. These third parties may experience errors or disruptions that could adversely impact us and over which we may have limited control. We also face risk from the integration of new infrastructure platforms and/or new third party providers of such platforms into its existing businesses. A failure in our operational systems or infrastructure, or those of third parties, could impair our liquidity, disrupt our businesses, result in the unauthorized disclosure of confidential information, damage our reputation and cause financial losses. Our businesses are dependent on their ability to process and monitor, on a daily basis, a large number of transactions, many of which are highly complex, across numerous and diverse markets. These transactions, as well as the information technology services we provide to clients, often must adhere to client-specific guidelines, as well as legal and regulatory standards. Due to the breadth of our client base and our geographical reach, developing and maintaining our operational systems and infrastructure is challenging, particularly as a result of rapidly evolving legal and regulatory requirements and technological shifts. Our financial, accounting, data processing or other operating systems and facilities may fail to operate properly or become disabled as a result of events that are wholly or partially beyond our control, such as a spike in transaction volume, cyber-attack or other unforeseen catastrophic events, which may adversely affect our ability to process these transactions or provide services. In addition, our operations rely on the secure processing, storage and transmission of confidential and other information on our computer systems and networks. Although we take protective measures to maintain the confidentiality, integrity and availability of information across all geographic markets and product lines, and endeavor to modify these protective measures as circumstances warrant, the nature of the threats to secure processing continues to evolve. As a result, our computer systems, software and networks may be vulnerable to unauthorized access such as a business email compromise, loss or destruction of data (including confidential client information), account takeovers, unavailability of service, computer viruses or other malicious code, cyber-attacks and other events that could have an adverse security impact. Despite the defensive measures we take to manage our internal technological and operational infrastructure, these threats may originate externally from third parties such as foreign governments, organized crime and other hackers, and outsourced or infrastructure-support providers and application developers, or may originate internally from within our organization. Given the increasingly high volume of our transactions, certain errors may be repeated or compounded before they can be discovered and rectified. Such incidents may result in required notifications to customers and or regulators resulting in reduced reputation and liability to legal proceedings. -27- Risks Related to Accounting Changes in accounting policies or in accounting standards could materially affect how we report our financial condition and results of operations. Accounting policies are essential to understanding our financial condition and results of operations. Some of these policies require the use of estimates and assumptions that may affect the value of our assets or liabilities and financial results. Some of our accounting policies are critical because they require management to make difficult, subjective, and complex judgments about matters that are inherently uncertain, and because it is likely that materially different amounts would be reported under different conditions or using different assumptions. If such estimates or assumptions underlying our financial statements are incorrect, we may experience material losses. From time to time, the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") and the SEC change the financial accounting and reporting standards or the interpretation of those standards that govern the preparation of our financial statements. These changes are beyond our control, can be difficult to predict and could materially affect how we report our financial condition and results of operations. We could also be required to apply a new or revised standard retroactively, which may result in our restating our prior period financial statements. In June 2016, the FASB issued a standard, Financial Instruments – Credit Losses , that significantly changed how banks measure and recognize credit impairment for many financial assets from an incurred loss methodology to a current expected loss model. The current expected credit loss model requires banks to immediately recognize an estimate of credit losses expected to occur over the remaining life of the financial assets that are in the scope of the standard. First Guaranty adopted this standard effective January 1, 2023. We hold certain intangible assets that could be classified as impaired in the future. If these assets are considered to be either partially or fully impaired in the future, our earnings and the book values of these assets would decrease. We are required to test goodwill and core deposit intangible assets for impairment on a periodic basis. The impairment testing process considers a variety of factors, including macroeconomic conditions, industry and market considerations, cost factors, and financial performance. If an impairment determination is made in a future reporting period, our earnings and the book value of these intangible assets will be reduced by the amount of the impairment which would adversely affect our financial performance. Failure to maintain effective internal controls over financial reporting in the future could impair our ability to accurately and timely report our financial results or prevent fraud. Effective internal controls over financial reporting are necessary to provide reliable financial reports and prevent fraud. As a bank holding company, we are subject to regulation that focuses on effective internal controls and procedures. Such controls and procedures are modified, supplemented, and changed from time-to-time as necessary in relation to our growth and in reaction to external events and developments. Any failure to maintain, in the future, an effective internal control environment could impact our ability to report our financial results on an accurate and timely basis, which could result in regulatory actions, loss of investor confidence, and adversely impact our business. We could recognize losses on securities held in our securities portfolio, particularly if interest rates increase or economic and market conditions deteriorate. While we attempt to invest a significant percentage of our assets in loans (our loan to deposit ratio was 77.5% at December 31, 2024), we invest a portion of our total assets (15.2% at December 31, 2024) in investment securities with the primary objectives of providing a source of liquidity, generating an appropriate return on funds invested, managing interest rate risk, meeting pledging requirements of our public funds deposits and meeting regulatory capital requirements. At December 31, 2024, the carrying value of our securities portfolio was $602.7 million. Factors beyond our control can significantly influence the fair value of securities in our portfolio and can cause potential adverse changes to the fair value of these securities. For example, fixed-rate securities are generally subject to decreases in market value when interest rates rise, as we experienced in 2022 and 2023, resulting in unrealized losses of $73.8 million as of December 31, 2024. Additional factors include, but are not limited to, rating agency downgrades of the securities, defaults by the issuer or individual borrowers with respect to the underlying securities, and instability in the credit markets. Any of the foregoing factors could cause a credit related impairment in future periods and result in realized losses. The process for determining whether impairment is credit related usually requires difficult, subjective judgments about the future financial performance of the issuer and any collateral underlying the security in order to assess the probability of receiving all contractual principal and interest payments on the security. At December 31, 2024, First Guaranty had no allowance for credit losses on available for sale securities. Because of changing economic and market conditions affecting interest rates, the financial condition of issuers of the securities and the performance of the underlying collateral, we may recognize realized and/or unrealized losses in future periods, which could have an adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations. -28- Other General Business Risks Hurricanes or other adverse weather conditions can have an adverse impact on our market areas. Our market area in Southeast Louisiana is close to New Orleans and the Gulf of Mexico, areas which are susceptible to hurricanes, tropical storms, flooding and other natural disasters and adverse weather conditions which could result in a disruption of our operations and increases in loan losses. In recent years, hurricanes have affected several of our markets in Southeast Louisiana. Similar future events could potentially cause widespread property damage, require the relocation of an unprecedented number of residents and business operations, and severely disrupt normal economic activity in our market areas, which may have an adverse effect on our operations, loan originations and deposit base. Moreover, our ability to compete effectively with financial institutions whose operations are not concentrated in areas affected by hurricanes or other adverse weather conditions or whose resources are greater than ours will depend primarily on our ability to continue normal business operations following such event. The severity and duration of the effects of hurricanes or other adverse weather conditions will depend on a variety of factors that are beyond our control, including the amount and timing of government, private and philanthropic investments including deposits in the region, the pace of rebuilding and economic recovery in the region and the extent to which a hurricane's property damage is covered by insurance. The occurrence of any such event could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations. We rely on our management team and our board of directors for the successful implementation of our business strategy. Our success depends significantly on the continued service and skills of our senior management team and our board of directors, particularly Marshall T. Reynolds, our Chairman, Michael R. Mineer, our President and Chief Executive Officer and Eric J. Dosch, our Chief Financial Officer. The implementation of our business and growth strategies also depends significantly on our ability to attract, motivate and retain highly qualified executives and directors. The loss of services of one or more of these individuals could have a negative impact on our business because of their skills, years of industry experience and difficulty of promptly finding qualified replacement personnel. Risks Related to Laws, Regulations and Industry We operate in a highly regulated environment and may be adversely affected by changes in federal, state and local laws and regulations. We are subject to extensive regulation, supervision and examination by federal and state banking authorities. Any change in applicable regulations or federal, state or local legislation could have a substantial impact on us and our operations. Additional legislation and regulations that could significantly affect our powers, authority and operations may be enacted or adopted in the future, which could have a material adverse effect on our financial condition and results of operations. Further, regulators have significant discretion and authority to prevent or remedy unsafe or unsound practices or violations of laws by banks and bank holding companies in the performance of their supervisory and enforcement duties. The exercise of regulatory authority may have a negative impact on our results of operations and financial condition. Like other bank holding companies and financial institutions, we must comply with significant anti-money laundering and anti-terrorism laws. Under these laws, we are required, among other things, to enforce a customer identification program and file currency transaction and suspicious activity reports with the federal government. Government agencies have substantial discretion to impose significant monetary penalties on institutions which fail to comply with these laws or make required reports. Federal and state regulators periodically examine our business, and we may be required to remediate adverse examination findings. The Federal Reserve Board, the FDIC and the OFI, periodically examine our business, including our compliance with laws and regulations. If, as a result of an examination, a banking agency were to determine that our financial condition, capital resources, asset quality, earnings prospects, management, liquidity or other aspects of any of our operations has become unsatisfactory, or that we are in violation of any law or regulation, it may take a number of different remedial actions as it deems appropriate. These actions include the power to enjoin "unsafe or unsound" practices, to require affirmative action to correct any conditions resulting from any violation or practice, to issue an administrative order that can be judicially enforced, to direct an increase in our capital, to restrict our growth, to assess civil monetary penalties against our officers or directors, to remove officers and directors and, if it is concluded that such conditions cannot be corrected or there is an imminent risk of loss to depositors, to terminate our deposit insurance and place us into receivership or conservatorship. If we become subject to any regulatory actions, it could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations, financial condition and growth prospects. We may be required to raise additional capital in the future, but that capital may not be available when it is needed, or it may only be available on unacceptable terms, which could adversely affect our financial condition and results of operations. We are required by federal and state regulatory authorities to maintain adequate levels of capital to support our operations. We may at some point, however, need to raise additional capital to support continued growth or be required by our regulators to increase our capital resources. Our ability to raise additional capital, if needed, will depend on conditions in the capital markets at that time, which are outside of our control, and on our financial performance. Accordingly, we may not be able to raise additional capital, if needed, on terms acceptable to us. If we cannot raise additional capital when needed, our ability to further expand our operations and pursue our growth strategy could be materially impaired, and our financial condition and liquidity could be materially and adversely affected. In addition, if we are unable to raise additional capital when required by our bank regulators, we may be subject to adverse regulatory action. -29- We are subject to the CRA and fair lending laws, and failure to comply with these laws could lead to material penalties. The CRA, the Equal Credit Opportunity Act, the Fair Housing Act and other fair lending laws and regulations impose nondiscriminatory lending requirements on financial institutions. The CFPB, the United States Department of Justice and other federal agencies are responsible for enforcing these laws and regulations. A successful challenge to an institution's performance under the CRA or fair lending laws and regulations could result in a wide variety of sanctions, including the required payment of damages and civil money penalties, injunctive relief, imposition of restrictions on mergers and acquisitions activity and restrictions on expansion activity. Private parties may also have the ability to challenge an institution's performance under fair lending laws in private class action litigation. Difficult market conditions have adversely affected the industry in which we operate. If capital and credit markets experience volatility and disruption as they did during the past financial crisis and during the COVID-19 pandemic, we may face the following risks: • increased regulation of our industry; • compliance with such regulation may increase our costs and limit our ability to pursue business opportunities; • market developments and the resulting economic pressure on consumers may affect consumer confidence levels and may cause increases in delinquencies and default rates, which, among other effects, could affect our charge-offs and provision for credit losses. Competition in the industry could intensify as a result of the increasing consolidation of financial institutions in connection with the current market conditions; • market disruptions make valuation even more difficult and subjective, and our ability to measure the fair value of our assets could be adversely affected. If we determine that a significant portion of our assets have values significantly below their recorded carrying value, we could recognize a material charge to earnings in the quarter in which such determination was made, our capital ratios would be adversely affected and a rating agency might downgrade our credit rating or put us on credit watch; • depositor confidence may be shaken, which could lead to deposit outflows that could cause liquidity concerns; and • the downgrade of the United States government's sovereign credit rating, any related rating agency action in the future, and the downgrade of the sovereign credit ratings for several European nations could negatively impact our business, financial condition and results of operations. The rapid rise in interest rates during 2022, the resulting industry-wide reduction in the fair value of securities portfolios, and the related bank runs that led to the failures of Silicon Valley Bank and Signature Bank (New York) in March 2023, among other events, have increased volatility and uncertainty with respect to the health of the U.S. banking system, particularly around liquidity, uninsured deposits and customer concentrations. While we are unable to predict the full impact of this turmoil, it is likely to result in among other things, increased regulatory pressures, which could have material adverse effects on our business, results of operations, financial condition and growth prospects. Our FDIC deposit insurance premiums and assessments may increase, which would reduce our profitability. The deposits of the Bank are insured by the FDIC up to legal limits and, accordingly, subject to the payment of FDIC deposit insurance assessments. The Bank’s regular assessments are determined by its risk classification, which is based on a number of factors, including regulatory capital levels, asset growth and asset quality. During 2023, the FDIC imposed a special assessment to recover losses resulting from the resolution of Silicon Valley Bank, Santa Clara, California, and Signature Bank, New York, New York; similar special assessments or permanent increases may result in increased FDIC deposit insurance assessments incurred by the Bank. In addition, other changes to the assessment regime, including as a result of additional bank failures and any potential increase in the statutory deposit insurance limits or rates are likely to result in increased deposit insurance costs to the Bank. Any future special assessments, increases in assessment rates or required prepayments in FDIC insurance premiums could reduce our profitability or limit our ability to pursue certain business opportunities, which could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations. Changes in the policies of monetary authorities and other government action could adversely affect our profitability. Our results of operations are affected by credit policies of monetary authorities, particularly the policies of the Federal Reserve. The instruments of monetary policy employed by the Federal Reserve Board include open market operations in U.S. government securities, changes in the discount rate or the federal funds rate on bank borrowings and changes in reserve requirements against bank deposits. In view of changing conditions in the national economy and in the money markets, particularly in light of the continuing threat of terrorist attacks, the current military operations in the Middle East, COVID-19, changes in rates of inflation, and uncertainty with the recent conflict in Eastern Europe, we cannot predict possible future changes in interest rates, deposit levels, loan demand or our business and earnings. Furthermore, the actions of the United States government and other governments in responding to such terrorist attacks, the military operations in the Middle East, or uncertainty in Eastern Europe, may result in currency fluctuations, exchange controls, market disruption and other adverse effects. -30- Curtailment of government guaranteed loan programs could affect a segment of our business, and government agencies may not honor their guarantees if we do not originate loans in compliance with their guidelines. As of December 31, 2024, $43.2 million, or 1.6% of our total loan portfolio, was comprised of loans where all or some portion of the loans were guaranteed through the SBA, USDA or FSA lending programs, and we intend to grow this segment of our portfolio in the future. From time to time, the government agencies that guarantee these loans reach their internal limits and cease to guarantee loans. In addition, these agencies may change their rules for loans or Congress may adopt legislation that would have the effect of discontinuing or changing the loan programs. Non-governmental programs could replace government programs for some borrowers, but the terms might not be equally acceptable. Therefore, if these changes occur, the volume of loans to small business, industrial and agricultural borrowers of the types that now qualify for government guaranteed loans could decline. Also, the profitability of these loans could decline. In addition, while we follow the SBA's, USDA's and FSA's underwriting guidelines, our ability to do so depends on the knowledge and diligence of our employees and the effectiveness of controls we have established. If our employees do not follow the SBA, USDA or FSA guidelines in originating loans and if our loan review and audit programs fail to identify and rectify such failures, the government agencies that guarantee these loans may refuse to honor their guarantee obligations and we may incur losses as a result. Risk Associated with an Investment in our Securities An active, liquid market for our securities may not be sustained. Our shares of common stock began trading on the Nasdaq Global Market in November 2015. An active trading market for shares of our common stock may not be sustained on Nasdaq due to our existing float and trading volume. An inactive market may also impair our ability to raise capital by selling our common stock and may impair our ability to expand our business by using our common stock as consideration in an acquisition. Although the depositary shares underlying our 6.75% Series A Fixed-Rate Non-Cumulative perpetual preferred stock (the “Series A Preferred Stock”) are currently traded on the Nasdaq Global Market, there is currently very low liquidity, and we do not expect an active trading market for our depositary shares to develop or be sustained. Because of this, it may be more difficult for holders of our depositary shares to sell their depositary shares. We have several large shareholders, and such shareholders may independently vote their shares in a manner that you may not consider to be consistent with your best interest or the best interest of our shareholders as a whole. Our principal shareholders (Marshall T. Reynolds, William K. Hood and Edgar R. Smith III) beneficially own, approximately 45% of our outstanding common stock as of December 31, 2024. Each of these shareholders will continue to have the ability to independently vote a meaningful percentage of our outstanding common stock on all matters put to a vote of our shareholders, including the election of our board of directors and certain other significant corporate transactions, such as a merger or acquisition transaction. On any such matter, the interests of these shareholders may not coincide with the interests of the other holders of our common stock and any such difference in interests may result in that shareholder voting its shares in a manner inconsistent with the interests of other shareholders. Additional shares are owned by family members or associates of our principal shareholders; the interests of these shareholders may coincide more with the interests of the principal shareholder than with the interests of the other holders of our common stock. Our ability to declare and pay dividends is limited. We have no obligation to continue paying dividends, and we may change our dividend policy at any time without prior notice to our common shareholders. In addition, our ability to pay dividends will continue to be subject, among other things, to certain regulatory guidance and/or restrictions. Future dividends, if any, will be declared and paid at the discretion of our board of directors and will depend on a number of factors, including our and First Guaranty Bank’s capital levels. Subject to certain exceptions, the terms of our senior debt and subordinated debt prohibit us from paying dividends on shares of our capital stock at times when we are deferring the payment of interest on such subordinated debt. Moreover, our ability to pay dividends on our common stock is limited by the terms of our Series A Preferred Stock, which provide that if we have not paid dividends on the Series A Preferred Stock for the most recently completed dividend period, then no dividend or distribution shall be declared, paid, or set aside for payment on shares of our common stock. Our principal source of funds used to pay cash dividends on our common stock will be cash we may hold from time to time as well as dividends that we receive from First Guaranty Bank. Although First Guaranty Bank’s asset quality, earnings performance, liquidity and capital requirements will be taken into account before we declare or pay any future dividends on our capital stock, our board of directors will also consider our liquidity and capital requirements, and our board of directors could determine to declare and pay dividends without relying on dividend payments from First Guaranty Bank. Federal and state banking laws and regulations and state corporate laws restrict the amount of dividends we may declare and pay and that First Guaranty Bank may declare and pay to us. For example, Federal Reserve regulations implementing the capital rules required under Basel III do not permit dividends unless capital levels exceed certain higher levels applying capital conservation buffers. In addition, the Federal Reserve has issued supervisory guidance advising bank holding companies to eliminate, defer or reduce dividends paid on common stock and other forms of capital, like the Series A Preferred Stock, where the company’s net income available to shareholders for the past four quarters, net of dividends previously paid during that period, is not sufficient to fully fund the dividends, the company’s prospective rate of earnings retention is not consistent with the company’s capital needs and overall current and prospective financial condition or the company will not meet, or is in danger of not meeting, minimum regulatory capital adequacy ratios. Recent supplements to this guidance reiterate the need for bank holding companies to inform their applicable reserve bank sufficiently in advance of the proposed payment of a dividend in certain circumstances. -31- The Series A Preferred Stock constitutes an equity security and ranks junior to all of our indebtedness and will rank junior to our and First Guaranty Bank’s future indebtedness. Shares of the Series A Preferred Stock are equity interests in First Guaranty and do not constitute indebtedness. Accordingly, shares of the Series A Preferred Stock and the depositary shares representing the Series A Preferred Stock are and will be junior in right of payment to any existing and all future indebtedness and other non-equity claims of First Guaranty with respect to assets available to satisfy claims on us, including in a liquidation of First Guaranty. In the event of our bankruptcy, liquidation, dissolution or winding-up, our assets will be available to pay obligations on the Series A Preferred Stock and any parity stock only after all of our liabilities have been paid and any obligations we owe on any securities that rank senior to the Series A Preferred Stock then outstanding, if any, have been satisfied. In case of such bankruptcy, liquidation, dissolution or winding-up, the Series A Preferred Stock will rank equally with any parity stock in the distribution of our assets. Holders of the depositary shares may be fully subordinated to interests held by the U.S. government in the event of a receivership, insolvency, liquidation or similar proceeding. In addition, our existing indebtedness restricts payment of dividends on the Series A Preferred Stock, and any future indebtedness may further restrict payment of dividends on the Series A Preferred Stock. The Series A Preferred Stock and the depositary shares representing the Series A Preferred Stock effectively rank junior to any existing and all future liabilities of our subsidiary First Guaranty Bank. First Guaranty is a financial holding company and conducts substantially all of our operations through our subsidiary First Guaranty Bank. Our right to participate in any distribution of the assets of our subsidiaries upon any liquidation, reorganization, receivership or conservatorship of any subsidiary (and thus the ability of the holders of the Series A Preferred Stock and the holders of the depositary shares to benefit indirectly from such distribution) will rank junior to the prior claims of that subsidiary’s creditors. In the event of bankruptcy, liquidation or winding-up, there may not be sufficient assets remaining, after paying our and our subsidiaries’ liabilities, to pay amounts due on any or all of the Series A Preferred Stock and the depositary shares representing the Series A Preferred Stock then outstanding. The Series A Preferred Stock and the depositary shares representing the Series A Preferred Stock places no restrictions on our business or operations or on our ability to incur indebtedness or engage in any transactions, subject only to the limited voting rights of the shares of Series A Preferred Stock. Dividends on the Series A Preferred Stock are non-cumulative and discretionary. If our board of directors does not authorize and declare a dividend for any dividend period, the holder of the Series A Preferred Stock, and therefore the holders of the depositary shares, will not be entitled to receive a dividend for such period, and such undeclared dividend will not accrue and be payable. We will have no obligation to pay dividends for such dividend period, whether or not dividends are authorized and declared for any subsequent dividend period with respect to the Series A Preferred Stock. Our board of directors may determine that it would be in our best interests to pay less than the full amount of the stated dividends on the Series A Preferred Stock or no dividend for any dividend period even if funds are available. Factors that would be considered by our board of directors in making this determination include our financial condition, liquidity and capital needs, the impact of current and pending legislation and regulations, economic conditions, our ability to service any equity or debt obligations senior to the Series A Preferred Stock, any credit agreements to which we are a party, tax considerations and such other factors as our board of directors may deem relevant. Unlike indebtedness, where principal and interest would customarily be payable on specified due dates, in the case of preferred stock like the Series A Preferred Stock dividends are payable only when, as and if authorized and declared by our board of directors or a duly authorized committee of the board and, as a Louisiana corporation and financial holding company, we are subject to restrictions on payments of dividends out of lawfully available funds as described elsewhere in this Annual Report on Form 10-K. The holders of the Series A Preferred Stock, and therefore the holders of the depositary shares representing the Series A Preferred Stock, have limited voting rights. Until and unless we are in arrears on our dividend payments on the Series A Preferred Stock for six quarterly dividend periods, whether consecutive or not, the holders of the Series A Preferred Stock, and therefore the holders of the depositary shares, have no voting rights with respect to matters that generally require the approval of voting shareholders, except with respect to certain fundamental changes in the terms of the Series A Preferred Stock, and except as may be required by the rules of any securities exchange or quotation system on which the Series A Preferred Stock is listed, traded or quoted or by Louisiana law. If dividends on the Series A Preferred Stock are not paid in full for six dividend periods, whether consecutive or not, the holders of Series A Preferred Stock, voting together as a class with any other equally ranked series of preferred stock that have similar voting rights then outstanding, if any, will have the right, at the first annual meeting or special meeting held thereafter and at subsequent annual meetings, to elect two directors to our board. The terms of the additional directors so elected will end upon the payment or setting aside for payment by us of continuous noncumulative dividends for at least twelve consecutive months on the Series A Preferred Stock and any other equally ranked series of preferred stock then outstanding, if any. Holders of the depositary shares must act through the depositary to exercise any voting rights of the Series A Preferred Stock. Although each depositary share is entitled to 1/40th of a vote, the depositary can only vote whole shares of Series A Preferred Stock. While the depositary will vote the maximum number of whole shares of Series A Preferred Stock in accordance with the instructions it receives, any remaining fractional votes of holders of the depositary shares underlying such shares of Series A Preferred Stock will not be voted. -32- First Guaranty and First Guaranty Bank have incurred indebtedness, and may in the future incur additional indebtedness, which have rights that are senior to those of First Guaranty’s shareholders. At December 31, 2024, First Guaranty had an aggregate of $59.9 million of senior and subordinated indebtedness outstanding. The notes we have issued, as well as any note we may issue in the future, rank senior to shares of First Guaranty’s common and preferred stock. In addition, any indebtedness owed by First Guaranty Bank is and will be structurally senior to the rights of the holders of First Guaranty’s common and preferred stock. In the event of any bankruptcy, dissolution or liquidation of First Guaranty, these notes, along with First Guaranty’s other indebtedness, would have to be repaid before First Guaranty’s shareholders would be entitled to receive any of the assets of First Guaranty. First Guaranty or First Guaranty Bank may from time to time issue, or assume in connection with an acquisition, additional subordinated indebtedness that would have to be repaid before First Guaranty’s shareholders would be entitled to receive any of the assets of First Guaranty or First Guaranty Bank. An investment in our common stock or depositary shares is not an insured deposit and is not guaranteed by the FDIC. An investment in our common stock or depositary shares is not a bank deposit and, therefore, is not insured against loss or guaranteed by the FDIC, any other deposit insurance fund or by any other public or private entity. An investment in our common stock or depositary shares is inherently risky for the reasons described herein and our shareholders will bear the risk of loss if the value or market price of our common stock or depositary shares is adversely affected.