03/18/2026 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 03/18/2026 09:06
MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
Peoples Financial Corporation (the "Company") is a one-bank holding company headquartered in Biloxi, Mississippi. The following presents Management's discussion and analysis of the consolidated condition and results of operations of the Company and its consolidated subsidiaries for the years ended December 31, 2025, 2024 and 2023. These comments highlight the significant events for these years and should be considered in combination with the Consolidated Financial Statements and Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements included in this annual report.
FORWARD-LOOKING INFORMATION
Congress passed the Private Securities Litigation Act of 1995 in an effort to encourage corporations to provide information about a company's anticipated future financial performance. This act provides a safe harbor for such disclosure which protects the companies from unwarranted litigation if actual results are different from management expectations. This report contains forward-looking statements and reflects industry conditions, company performance and financial results. These forward-looking statements are subject to a number of factors and uncertainties which could cause the Company's actual results and experience to differ from the anticipated results and expectations expressed in such forward-looking statements. Such factors and uncertainties include, but are not limited to: changes in interest rates and market prices, changes in local economic and business conditions, increased competition for deposits and loans, changes in the availability of funds resulting from reduced liquidity, changes in statutes, government regulations or regulatory policies or practices and acts of terrorism, weather or other events beyond the Company's control.
NEW ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS
The Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") issued new accounting standards updates in 2025, which are disclosed in Note A to the Consolidated Financial Statements. The Company does not expect that the update discussed in the Notes will have a material impact on its financial position, results of operations or cash flows. Further disclosure relating to this and other updates is included in Note A.
CRITICAL ACCOUNTING POLICIES
The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America ("GAAP") requires Management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. The Company evaluates these estimates and assumptions on an on-going basis using historical experience and other factors, including the current economic environment. We adjust such estimates and assumptions when facts and circumstances dictate. Certain critical accounting policies affect the more significant estimates and assumptions used in the preparation of the consolidated financial statements.
Investments
Investments which are classified as available for sale are stated at fair value. The determination of the fair value of securities may require Management to develop estimates and assumptions regarding the amount and timing of cash flows. On January 1, 2023 the Company adopted the Accounting Standards Codification ("ASC") 326, "Financial Instruments-Credit Losses", more commonly referred to as CECL which requires an assessment of the Company's available for sale and held to maturity debt securities for expected credit losses.
Allowance for credit losses on loans and leases and unfunded lending commitments
On January 1, 2023 the Company adopted Accounting Standards Codification ("ASC") 326, "Financial Instruments-Credit Losses", more commonly referred to as CECL. Under CECL, the allowance for credit losses (ACL) is a valuation account, measured as the difference between the Bank's amortized cost basis and the net amount expected to be collected on the financial assets (i.e., lifetime credit losses).
The CECL methodology described in FASB Accounting Standards Update (ASU) 2016-13, Financial Instruments-Credit Losses (Topic 326), applies to financial assets measured at amortized cost, and off-balance-sheet credit exposures (collectively, financial assets).
In general, the Bank uses a broad range of data to estimate expected credit losses under CECL, including information about past events, current conditions, and reasonable and supportable forecasts relevant to assessing the collectability of the cash flows of financial assets.
CECL requires the Bank to measure expected credit losses on financial assets carried at amortized cost on a collective or pool basis when similar risk characteristics exist. The Bank has determined that Call Report categories will be utilized, and Management will maintain the option to further segment the portfolio if we deem it beneficial to the analysis.
Estimating an appropriate ACL involves a high degree of Management judgment. As such, it is Management's responsibility to record the Bank's best estimate of expected credit losses and provide it to the Board of Directors.
The analysis is prepared and reported to the Board of Directors on a quarterly basis. The option and decision to prepare the analysis more frequently will remain with Management.
One of the Company's critical accounting policies relates to its allowance for credit losses, which reflects the estimated losses resulting from the inability of its borrowers to make loan payments. The allowance for credit losses is established and maintained at an amount sufficient to absorb losses on loans and leases held for investment. Credit losses arise not only from credit risk, but also from other risks inherent in the lending process including, but not limited to, collateral risk,
operation risk, concentration risk and economic risk. As such, all related risks of lending are considered when assessing the adequacy of the allowance for credit losses.
Management believes that the allowance for credit losses is adequate and appropriate for all periods presented in these financial statements. All credit relationships with an outstanding balance of $50,000 or greater that are included in Management's loan watch list are individually reviewed for credit losses.
GAAP Reconciliation and Explanation
This report contains non-GAAP financial measures determined by methods other than in accordance with GAAP. Such non-GAAP financial measures include taxable equivalent interest income and taxable equivalent net interest income. Management uses these non-GAAP financial measures because it believes they are useful for evaluating our operations and performance over periods of time, as well as in managing and evaluating our business and in discussions about our operations and performance. Management believes these non-GAAP financial measures provide users of our financial information with a meaningful measure for assessing our financial results, as well as comparison to financial results for prior periods. These non-GAAP financial measures should not be considered as a substitute for operating results determined in accordance with GAAP and may not be comparable to other similarly titled financial measures used by other companies. A reconciliation of these operating performance measures to GAAP performance measures for the years ended December 31, 2025, 2024 and 2023 is included below.
RECONCILIATION OF NON-GAAP PERFORMANCE MEASURES
(in thousands)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Years Ended December 31, |
|
2025 |
|
2024 |
|
2023 |
|||
|
Interest income |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||
|
Interest income - (GAAP) |
|
$ |
28,502 |
|
$ |
33,094 |
|
$ |
32,629 |
|
Taxable equivalent adjustment |
|
269 |
|
280 |
|
303 |
|||
|
Tax equivalent interest income: |
|
$ |
28,771 |
|
$ |
33,374 |
|
$ |
32,932 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net interest income |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||
|
Net interest income - GAAP |
|
$ |
20,355 |
|
$ |
23,451 |
|
$ |
26,474 |
|
Taxable equivalent adjustment |
|
269 |
|
280 |
|
303 |
|||
|
Tax equivalent interest income: |
|
$ |
20,624 |
|
$ |
23,731 |
|
$ |
26,777 |
OVERVIEW
The Company is a community bank serving the financial and trust needs of its customers in our trade area, which is defined as those portions of Mississippi, Louisiana and Alabama which are within a fifty mile radius of the Waveland, Wiggins and Gautier branches, the bank subsidiary's three most outlying locations. Maintaining a strong core deposit base and providing commercial and real estate lending in our trade area are the traditional focuses of the Company. Growth has largely been achieved through de novo branching activity, and it is expected that these strategies will continue to be emphasized in the future.
The Company reported net income of $3,911,000 for 2025 compared with net income of $21,703,000 for 2024 compared with net income of $9,166,000 for 2023, respectively. Results in 2025 included a decrease in total interest income and an increase in non-interest expenses, the allowance for credit losses and the recording of tax expense offset partially by a decrease in total interest expense and an increase non-interest income. Results in 2024 included a discrete item recorded as a tax benefit for the reversal of the Company's valuation allowance on federal and state deferred tax assets during the third quarter of 2024, an increase in total interest income, a decrease in the allowance for credit losses, and an increase in total interest expense. Results in 2023 included an increase in net interest income, a decrease in the allowance for credit losses, which were partially offset by an increase in non-interest expense, and the recording of tax expense.
Managing the net interest margin is a key component of the Company's earnings strategy. Concerns about inflation and its potential impact on the economy and individual households are among the issues being considered by the Federal
Reserve. Raising the federal funds rate had been a strategy pursued in 2023 to address this issue. The Federal Reserve raised interest rates a total of 100 basis points during 2023 in an effort to promote maximum employment, keep prices stable and have moderate long-term interest rates. Due to a weakening labor market the Federal Reserve has changed its course of action and reduced interest rates by 100 basis points during 2024 and 75 basis points in 2025 and is projected to make additional rate cuts in 2026.
As a result, total interest income decreased by $4,592,000 to $28,502,000 for the year ended 2025 as compared with $33,094,000 for the year ended 2024 due to lower balances and yields on investments and overnight fed funds offset slightly by higher interest and fees on loans. Total interest expense decreased by $1,496,000 to $8,147,000 for the year ended 2025 as compared with $9,643,000 for the year ended 2024. The decrease was due to lower balances and interest rates paid on borrowings. The decrease in rates during 2024 and 2025 has started to impact the cost of funds.
Monitoring asset quality, estimating potential losses in our loan portfolio, unfunded lending commitments, held to maturity debt securities and addressing non-performing loans continue to be a major focus of the Company. A net provision for the allowance for credit losses of $3,000 was recorded in 2025 compared to a reduction in the allowance for credit losses of $162,000 recorded in 2024 and a reduction of $272,000 recorded in 2023. In October 2025, following a foreclosure, a loan charged off and the related property was moved into other real estate increasing the balance to $250,000 later in December 2025 the property was sold and the balance was decreased to $1. On December 30, 2024, following a repossession, related property was moved into other real estate increasing the balance to $9,000 at December 31, 2024 this balance was later charged off in 2025. The Company's nonaccrual loans totaled $533,000 and $418,000 at December 31, 2025 and 2024. Most of these loans are collateral-dependent, and the Company has rigorously evaluated the value of its collateral to determine potential losses.
Non-interest income increased $142,000 in 2025 as compared with 2024 results and increased $120,000 in 2024 as compared with 2023 results. The increase in 2025 was primarily the result of an increase in BOLI income and life insurance proceeds and trust income. The increase in 2024 was primarily the result of an increase in trust department income and fees and an increase in Bank-owned Life Insurance ("BOLI") income along with other income offset slightly by a decrease in service charges on deposits accounts.
Non-interest expenses increased $450,000 in 2025 as compared with 2024 and decreased $106,000 in 2024 as compared with 2023. The increase in 2025 was primarily due to higher salary and employee benefits of $248,000, included in other expenses, an increase in data processing expense of $137,000 and ATM expense of $287,000, which were caused by a normal increase in volume and inflation which was offset somewhat by a decrease in legal fees of $283,000 as compared to 2024. The decrease in 2024 was primarily due to lower salaries and employee benefits of $645,000 which was the result of an increase in the discount rate that decreased the liability on deferred compensation expense, although that decrease was offset mostly by higher depreciation and maintenance expenses of $229,000 and higher other expense of $212,000 as compared with 2023.
Total assets at December 31, 2025 decreased $104,728,000 as compared with December 31, 2024. Total deposits decreased $116,301,000 as governmental entities' balances decreased due to tax collection allocations and the loss of several public fund accounts. The decrease in deposits caused a decrease in cash and due from banks of $88,163,000 and reduced new purchases of available for sale securities.
RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
Net Interest Income
Net interest income, the amount by which interest income on loans, investments and other interest-earning assets exceeds interest expense on deposits and other borrowed funds, is the single largest component of the Company's income. Management's objective is to provide the largest possible amount of income while balancing interest rate, credit, liquidity and capital risk. Changes in the volume and mix of interest-earning assets and interest-bearing liabilities combined with changes in market rates of interest directly affect net interest income.
2025 as compared with 2024
The Company's average interest-earning assets decreased approximately $69,772,000, or 8.96%, from approximately $778,930,000 for 2024 to approximately $709,158,000 for 2025. Average taxable held to maturity securities decreased approximately $32,246,000, average nontaxable held to maturity securities decreased approximately $2,480,000 and average taxable available for sale securities decreased approximately $35,667,000 as investment maturities and calls exceeded purchases of securities in total. Average fed funds sold decreased approximately $5,919,000. These decreases were caused by the decrease in savings and interest-bearing DDA balances during the same period due to the runoff of several large public fund depositors. Average loans increased approximately $7,701,000 as new loans exceeded principal payments, paydowns, maturities, and charge-offs on existing loans. The increase in average loans and the decrease in average deposits, as discussed below, caused less new purchases in investments in securities. The average yield on interest-earning assets was 4.06% for 2025 compared with 4.28% for 2024.
Average interest-bearing liabilities decreased approximately $78,715,000, or 13.60%, from approximately $578,898,000 for 2024 to approximately $500,183,000 for 2025. Average savings and interest-bearing DDA balances decreased approximately $55,691,000 primarily because several large public fund customers maintained lower balances throughout the year with the bank subsidiary prior to withdrawing funds along with the loss of several public fund accounts during the year. The average rate paid on interest-bearing liabilities decreased slightly from 1.67% for 2024 to 1.63% for 2025. This decrease was the result of decreased rates in 2025 along with the loss of several public fund accounts.
The Company's net interest margin on a nontax-equivalent basis, which is net interest income as a percentage of average earning assets, was 3.01% for 2024 as compared with 2.87% for 2025.
The Company's net interest margin on a tax-equivalent basis, which is net interest income as a percentage of average earning assets, was 3.05% for 2024 as compared with 2.91% for 2025.
2024 as compared with 2023
The Company's average interest-earning assets decreased approximately $32,744,000, or 4.03%, from approximately $811,674,000 for 2023 to approximately $778,930,000 for 2024. Average taxable held to maturity securities decreased approximately $64,912,000, average nontaxable held to maturity securities decreased approximately $3,236,000 and average taxable available for sale securities increased approximately $33,565,000 as investment maturities and calls exceeded purchases of securities in total. Average fed funds sold decreased approximately $295,000. These decreases were caused by the decrease in savings and interest-bearing DDA balances during the same period due to the runoff of several large public fund depositors. Average loans increased approximately $2,407,000 as new loans exceeded principal payments, paydowns, maturities, and charge-offs on existing loans. The increase in average loans and the decrease in average deposits, as discussed below, caused less new purchases in investments in securities and an increase in borrowed funds. The average yield on interest-earning assets was 4.28% for 2024 compared with 4.05% for 2023. The yield on average loans increased as a result of the lingering effects of the increase in prime rate during 2023 as discussed in the Overview.
Average interest-bearing liabilities decreased approximately $30,817,000, or 5.05%, from approximately $609,715,000 for 2023 to approximately $578,898,000 for 2024. Average savings and interest-bearing DDA balances decreased approximately $60,333,000 primarily because several large public fund customers maintained lower balances throughout the year with the bank subsidiary prior to withdrawing funds. The average rate paid on interest-bearing liabilities increased from 1.01% for 2023 to 1.67% for 2024. This increase was the result of increased rates in 2023, but rates should start to decrease into 2025 due to a decrease in market rates at the end of 2024.
The Company's net interest margin on a nontax-equivalent basis, which is net interest income as a percentage of average earning assets, was 3.26% for 2023 as compared with 3.01% for 2024.
The Company's net interest margin on a tax-equivalent basis, which is net interest income as a percentage of average earning assets, was 3.29% for 2023 as compared with 3.05% for 2024.
The tables below analyze the changes in tax-equivalent net interest income for the years ended December 31, 2025, 2024 and 2023.
ANALYSIS OF AVERAGE BALANCES, INTEREST EARNED/PAID AND YIELD
(in thousands)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2025 |
|
2024 |
|
2023 |
|||||||||||||||||||
|
|
|
Average |
|
Interest |
|
|
|
Average |
|
Interest |
|
|
|
Average |
|
Interest |
|
|
|||||||
|
|
|
Balance |
|
Earned/Paid |
|
Rate |
|
Balance |
|
Earned/Paid |
|
Rate |
|
Balance |
|
Earned/Paid |
|
Rate |
|||||||
|
Loans (1)(2) |
|
$ |
244,297 |
|
$ |
14,862 |
|
6.08 |
% |
$ |
236,596 |
|
$ |
14,821 |
|
6.26 |
% |
$ |
234,189 |
|
$ |
12,945 |
|
5.53 |
% |
|
Balances due from depository institutions |
|
27,342 |
|
1,208 |
|
4.42 |
% |
33,261 |
|
1,776 |
|
5.34 |
% |
33,556 |
|
1,625 |
|
4.84 |
% |
||||||
|
Held to maturity: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||||||
|
Taxable |
|
73,043 |
|
1,818 |
|
2.49 |
% |
105,249 |
|
2,885 |
|
2.74 |
% |
170,161 |
|
5,793 |
|
3.40 |
% |
||||||
|
Non taxable (3) |
|
30,506 |
|
953 |
|
3.12 |
% |
32,986 |
|
1,009 |
|
3.06 |
% |
36,222 |
|
1,090 |
|
3.01 |
% |
||||||
|
Available for sale: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||||||
|
Taxable |
|
329,356 |
|
9,782 |
|
2.97 |
% |
365,023 |
|
12,630 |
|
3.46 |
% |
331,458 |
|
11,250 |
|
3.39 |
% |
||||||
|
Non taxable (3) |
|
3,540 |
|
102 |
|
2.88 |
% |
3,699 |
|
109 |
|
2.94 |
% |
3,873 |
|
124 |
|
3.20 |
% |
||||||
|
Other |
|
1,114 |
|
46 |
|
4.13 |
% |
2,116 |
|
144 |
|
6.81 |
% |
2,215 |
|
105 |
|
4.74 |
% |
||||||
|
Total |
|
$ |
709,198 |
|
$ |
28,771 |
|
4.06 |
% |
$ |
778,930 |
|
$ |
33,374 |
|
4.28 |
% |
$ |
811,674 |
|
$ |
32,932 |
|
4.05 |
% |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||||||
|
Savings and interest-bearing DDA |
|
$ |
450,714 |
|
$ |
6,643 |
|
1.47 |
% |
$ |
506,404 |
|
$ |
6,947 |
|
1.37 |
% |
$ |
566,737 |
|
$ |
5,507 |
|
0.97 |
% |
|
Time deposits |
|
42,592 |
|
1,191 |
|
2.80 |
% |
33,317 |
|
690 |
|
2.07 |
% |
35,596 |
|
239 |
|
0.67 |
% |
||||||
|
Other borrowed funds |
|
6,878 |
|
313 |
|
4.56 |
% |
39,177 |
|
2,006 |
|
5.12 |
% |
7,382 |
|
409 |
|
5.54 |
% |
||||||
|
Total |
|
$ |
500,184 |
|
$ |
8,147 |
|
1.63 |
% |
$ |
578,898 |
|
$ |
9,643 |
|
1.67 |
% |
$ |
609,715 |
|
$ |
6,155 |
|
1.01 |
% |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net tax-equivalent spread |
|
|
|
|
|
2.43 |
% |
|
|
|
|
2.62 |
% |
|
|
|
|
3.04 |
% |
||||||
|
Net tax-equivalent margin on earning assets |
|
|
|
|
|
2.91 |
% |
|
|
|
|
3.05 |
% |
|
|
|
|
3.29 |
% |
||||||
| (1) | Loan fees of $438, $515 and $397 for 2025, 2024 and 2023, respectively, are included in these figures. |
| (2) | Includes nonaccrual loans. |
| (3) | All interest earned is reported on a taxable equivalent basis using a tax rate of 24.95% in 2025, 2024 and 2023. See disclosure of Non-GAAP financial measures on page 24. |
ANALYSIS OF CHANGES IN INTEREST INCOME AND EXPENSE
(in thousands)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
For the Year Ended |
||||||||||
|
|
|
December 31, 2025 Compared With December 31, 2024 |
||||||||||
|
|
|
Volume |
|
Rate |
|
Rate/Volume |
|
Total |
||||
|
Interest earned on: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||||
|
Loans |
|
$ |
482 |
|
$ |
(427) |
|
$ |
(14) |
|
$ |
41 |
|
Balances due from depository institutions |
|
(316) |
|
(306) |
|
54 |
|
(568) |
||||
|
Held to maturity securities: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||||
|
Taxable |
|
(884) |
|
(264) |
|
81 |
|
(1,067) |
||||
|
Non taxable |
|
(76) |
|
21 |
|
(1) |
|
(56) |
||||
|
Available for sale securities: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||||
|
Taxable |
|
(1,234) |
|
(1,789) |
|
175 |
|
(2,848) |
||||
|
Non taxable |
|
(5) |
|
(2) |
|
- |
|
(7) |
||||
|
Other |
|
(68) |
|
(57) |
|
27 |
|
(98) |
||||
|
Total |
|
$ |
(2,101) |
|
$ |
(2,824) |
|
$ |
322 |
|
$ |
(4,603) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Interest paid on: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||||
|
Savings and interest-bearing DDA |
|
$ |
(764) |
|
$ |
517 |
|
$ |
(57) |
|
$ |
(304) |
|
Time deposits |
|
192 |
|
243 |
|
66 |
|
501 |
||||
|
Other borrowed funds |
|
(1,654) |
|
(219) |
|
180 |
|
(1,693) |
||||
|
Total |
|
$ |
(2,226) |
|
$ |
541 |
|
$ |
189 |
|
$ |
(1,496) |
ANALYSIS OF CHANGES IN INTEREST INCOME AND EXPENSE
(in thousands)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
For the Year Ended |
||||||||||
|
|
|
December 31, 2024 Compared With December 31, 2023 |
||||||||||
|
|
|
Volume |
|
Rate |
|
Rate/Volume |
|
Total |
||||
|
Interest earned on: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||||
|
Loans |
|
$ |
133 |
|
$ |
1,725 |
|
$ |
18 |
|
$ |
1,876 |
|
Balances due from depository institutions |
|
(14) |
|
167 |
|
(2) |
|
151 |
||||
|
Held to maturity securities: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||||
|
Taxable |
|
(2,210) |
|
(1,128) |
|
430 |
|
(2,908) |
||||
|
Non taxable |
|
(97) |
|
18 |
|
(2) |
|
(81) |
||||
|
Available for sale securities: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||||
|
Taxable |
|
1,139 |
|
219 |
|
22 |
|
1,380 |
||||
|
Non taxable |
|
(6) |
|
(10) |
|
1 |
|
(15) |
||||
|
Other |
|
(5) |
|
46 |
|
(2) |
|
39 |
||||
|
Total |
|
$ |
(1,060) |
|
$ |
1,037 |
|
$ |
465 |
|
$ |
442 |
|
Interest paid on: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||||
|
Savings and interest-bearing DDA |
|
$ |
(586) |
|
$ |
2,268 |
|
$ |
(242) |
|
$ |
1,440 |
|
Time deposits |
|
(15) |
|
499 |
|
(33) |
|
451 |
||||
|
Other borrowed funds |
|
1,762 |
|
(31) |
|
(134) |
|
1,597 |
||||
|
Total |
|
$ |
1,161 |
|
$ |
2,736 |
|
$ |
(409) |
|
$ |
3,488 |
Provision for Credit Losses
In the normal course of business, the Company assumes risk in extending credit to its customers. This credit risk is managed through compliance with the loan policy, which is approved by the Board of Directors. The policy establishes guidelines relating to underwriting standards, including but not limited to financial analysis, collateral valuation, lending limits, pricing considerations and loan grading. The Company's Loan Review and Special Assets Departments play key roles in monitoring the loan portfolio and managing problem loans. New loans and, on a periodic basis, existing loans are reviewed to evaluate compliance with the loan policy. Loan delinquencies and deposit overdrafts are closely monitored in order to identify developing problems as early as possible. Lenders experienced in workout scenarios consult with loan officers and customers to address non-performing loans. A watch list of credits which pose a potential loss to the Company is prepared based on the loan grading system. This list forms the foundation of the Company's allowance for credit loss on loans computation.
Management relies on its guidelines and existing methodology to monitor the performance of its loan portfolio and identify and estimate potential losses based on the best available information. The potential effect of declines in real estate values and actual losses incurred by the Company were key factors in our analysis. Much of the Company's loan portfolio is secured by real estate requiring careful consideration of real estate changes in value to properly monitor risk.
The provision for credit losses is the amount necessary to maintain the ACL and the reserve for unfunded commitments at a level considered appropriate by management. Factors impacting the provision include loan portfolio growth, changes in the quality and composition of the loan portfolio, the level of nonperforming loans, delinquency and charge-off trends, the level of unfunded commitments and current economic conditions.
The Bank's on-going, systematic evaluation resulted in the Bank recording a net provision for the allowance for credit losses of $3,000 in 2025. The Bank recorded a reversal of the allowance for credit losses of $(162,000) in 2024. The Company recorded a reversal of the allowance for credit losses of $(272,000) in 2023.
The Bank's analysis includes evaluating the current values of collateral securing all nonaccrual loans. Nonaccrual loans totaled $533,000 and $418,000 with specific reserves on these loans of $100,000 and $0 as of December 31, 2025 and 2024, respectively. The specific reserves allocated to nonaccrual loans are relatively low as collateral values appear sufficient to cover loan losses, or the loan balances have been charged down to their realizable value.
The allowance for credit losses as a percentage of loans was 1.11%, 1.28% and 1.35% at December 31, 2025, 2024, and 2023, respectively. The Company believes that its allowance of credit losses is appropriate as of December 31, 2025.
The allowance for credit losses is an estimate, and as such, events may occur in the future which may affect its accuracy. The Company anticipates that it is possible that additional information will be gathered in future quarters on loan performance, which may require an adjustment to the allowance for credit losses. Management will continue to closely monitor its portfolio and take such action as it deems appropriate to accurately report its financial condition and results of operations.
Non-interest Income
2025 as compared with 2024
Total non-interest income increased $142,000 in 2025 compared with 2024. BOLI income and life insurance proceeds increased $159,000 and trust department income and fees increased $19,000 offset slightly by a decrease of $9,000 in service charges on deposit accounts in 2025 as compared with 2024.
2024 as compared with 2023
Total non-interest income increased $120,000 in 2024 compared with 2023. Trust department income and fees increased $130,000, BOLI income and life insurance proceeds increased by $47,000 and other income increased by $25,000 offset somewhat by a decrease of $61,000 in service charges on deposit accounts in 2024 as compared with 2023.
Non-interest Expense
2025 as compared with 2024
Total non-interest expense increased $450,000 in 2025 as compared with 2024. Salaries and employee benefits increased $248,000 along with other expense that increased $167,000. Other expenses consisted of an increase in ATM expense of $287,000 and data processing of $137,000. The increase was partially offset by lower legal expenses of $283,000 as compared with 2024.
2024 as compared with 2023
Total non-interest expense decreased $106,000 in 2024 as compared with 2023. Salaries and employee benefits decreased $645,000 which was the result of an increase in the discount rate that decreased the liability on deferred compensation expense. That decrease was offset mostly by higher depreciation and maintenance expenses of $229,000 and higher other expense of $212,000 as compared with 2023. Other expenses consisted of an increase in ATM expenses of $327,000 in 2024 as compared with 2023.
Income Taxes
As of December 31, 2023 the Company had recorded income tax expenses in the amount of $2,121,000.
During the third quarter of 2024, the Company determined that there was sufficient evidence to support (at the more likely than not threshold) that the Company will have sufficient future sources of taxable income to remove substantially all of the valuation allowance established as of the beginning of the year and as of September 30, 2024. This change in circumstances resulted in a discrete item of $15,194,000 recognized as a reduction of income tax expense for the year ended December 31, 2024.
As of December 31, 2025 the Company had recorded income tax expenses in the amount of $900,000.
Note I to the Consolidated Financial Statements presents a reconciliation of income taxes for these three years and further analysis of the valuation allowance.
FINANCIAL CONDITION
On December 31, 2025, cash and due from banks decreased by $88,163,000 compared to December 31, 2024. This decrease was due to a significant decrease in total deposits.
Available for sale securities decreased $10,532,000 and held to maturity securities decreased $32,113,000, respectively at December 31, 2025 compared with December 31, 2024 as the Company decreased its held to maturity and available for sale investment purchases to pay off borrowings and remain liquid.
Gross loans increased $30,130,000 at December 31, 2025 compared with December 31, 2024, as new loans outpaced principal payments, maturities, and charge-offs on existing loans.
Total deposits decreased $116,301,000 at December 31, 2025, as compared with December 31, 2024. This decrease was mostly caused by the loss of several large public fund deposits in 2025 following competitive bid processes held in 2025 whereby the public fund deposit accounts were awarded to other local banks. Typically, significant increases or decreases in total deposits and/or significant fluctuations among the different types of deposits from year to year are anticipated by Management as customers in the casino industry and county and municipal entities reallocate their resources periodically. Deposits from county and municipal entities increase significantly during the first quarter of each year based on property tax collections and are slowly allocated out of the tax collection accounts over the course of the year.
SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY AND CAPITAL ADEQUACY
Strength, security and stability have been the hallmark of the Company since its founding in 1985 and of its bank subsidiary since its founding in 1896. A strong capital foundation is fundamental to the continuing prosperity of the Company and the security of its customers and shareholders. The primary and risk-based capital ratios are important indicators of the strength of a Company's capital. These figures are presented in the Five-Year Comparative Summary of Selected Financial Information which is included in the Company's annual report. The Company has established the goal of being classified as "well-capitalized" by the banking regulatory authorities.
During the third quarter of 2023, the community bank leverage ratio (CBLR) framework was elected. The CBLR framework is an optional framework that is designed to reduce burden by removing the requirements for calculating and reporting risk-based capital ratios for qualifying community banking organizations that opt into the framework. The framework provides a simple measure of capital adequacy for qualifying community banking organizations, consistent with section 201 of the Economic Growth, Regulatory Relief and Consumer Protection Act.
Significant transactions affecting shareholders' equity during 2025 are described in Note J to the Consolidated Financial Statements. The Statement of Changes in Shareholders' Equity also presents all activity in the Company's equity accounts.
LIQUIDITY
Liquidity represents the Company's ability to adequately provide funds to satisfy demands from depositors, borrowers and other commitments by either converting assets to cash or accessing new or existing sources of funds. Note L to the Consolidated Financial Statements discloses information relating to financial instruments with off-balance-sheet risk, including letters of credit and outstanding unused loan commitments. Management monitors these funds requirements in such a manner as to satisfy these demands and provide the maximum earnings on its earning assets. The Company manages and monitors its liquidity position through a number of methods, including through the computation of liquidity risk targets and the preparation of various analyses of its funding sources and utilization of those sources on a monthly basis. The Company also uses proforma liquidity projections which are updated on a monthly basis in the management of its liquidity needs and also conducts periodic contingency testing on its liquidity plan.
Deposits, payments of principal and interest on loans, proceeds from maturities of investment securities and earnings on investment securities are the principal sources of funds for the Company. Borrowings from the FHLB, federal funds sold and federal funds purchased are utilized by the Company to manage its daily liquidity position. The Company has also been approved to participate in the Federal Reserve Bank's Discount Window Primary Credit Program , which it intends to use only as a contingency. As of December 31, 2025, the Company was able to borrow up to $9,428,000 from the Federal Reserve Bank Discount Window Primary Credit Program. The borrowing limit was based on the amount of collateral pledged, with certain loans from the Bank's portfolio serving as collateral. The Company has $121,377,000 available under a line of credit with the Federal Home Loan Bank of Dallas. The Company has additional contingency funding capacity with various other financial institutions in the amount of $28,000,000.
The Company maintains a well-capitalized balance sheet which includes strong capital and liquidity. The Bank provides a full range of banking, financial and trust services in our local markets. Approximately half of the Bank's deposits are fully FDIC insured, and the vast majority of uninsured deposits are public funds deposits secured by Bank securities pledged at fair value. The Company evaluates on an ongoing and continuous basis its financial health by preparing for various moderate to severe economic scenarios.
Determining liquidity adequacy requires an ongoing analysis of the Company's current and expected liquidity position, including historical funding obligations and anticipated funding needs, as well as an understanding of retention prospects for all Bank deposits. In particular, consideration is given to public funds and other large depositors for potential runoffs due to expected uses or other withdrawals from bank accounts.
The Company participates in competitive bids throughout the year and anticipates bidding on new public fund customers as the opportunity arises.
The Company also uses other sources of funds, including borrowings from the FHLB. The Company generally anticipates relying on deposits, purchases of federal funds and borrowings from the FHLB for its liquidity needs in 2026.
The Board of Directors requires management to implement and administer asset and liability management policies commensurate with Company's risk profile. Management carefully monitors the Company's liquidity risk, particularly with respect to volatile and large deposits. The Company has not encountered, and does not anticipate problems with meeting its liquidity needs.
OFF-BALANCE SHEET ARRANGEMENTS
The Company is a party to off-balance-sheet arrangements in the normal course of business to meet the financing needs of its customers. The Company uses the same credit policies in making commitments and conditional obligations as it does for on-balance-sheet arrangements. Since some of the commitments and irrevocable letters of credit may expire without being drawn upon, the total amount does not necessarily represent future cash requirements. As discussed previously, the Company carefully monitors its liquidity needs and considers its cash requirements, especially for loan commitments, in making decisions on investments and obtaining funds from its other sources. Further information relating to off-balance-sheet instruments can be found in Note L to the Consolidated Financial Statements.