UNITED STATES
 SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
 Washington, D.C. 20549
 ___________________________________________
 FORM 10-K
 ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
 For the Year Ended December 31, 2024
 o TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
 Commission File No. 0-22345

 (Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

 Maryland
 52-1974638

 (State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization)

 (I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)

 18 E. Dover Street, Easton, Maryland

 21601

 (Address of Principal Executive Offices)
 (Zip Code)

 Registrant's Telephone Number, Including Area Code: ( 410) 763-7800
 Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:

 Title of Each Class:
 Trading Symbol(s)
 Name of Each Exchange on Which Registered:

 Common stock, $0.01 par value per share

 SHBI
 The NASDAQ Global Select Market

 Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act: None
 Indicate by check mark if the registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act. o Yes No
 Indicate by check mark if the registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or Section 15(d) of the Act. o Yes No
 Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days Yes o No
 Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically every Interactive Data File required to be submitted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit files). Yes o No
 Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, a smaller reporting company, or an emerging growth company. See the definitions of "large accelerated filer," "accelerated filer," "smaller reporting company," and "emerging growth company" in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.

 Large accelerated filer
 o
 Accelerated filer

 Non-accelerated filer
 o
 Smaller reporting company

 Emerging growth company
 o

 If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act. o
 Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has filed a report on and attestation to its management's assessment of the effectiveness of its internal control over financial reporting under Section 404(b) of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act (15 U.S.C. 7262(b)) by the registered public accounting firm that prepared or issued its audit report.
 If securities are registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act, indicate by check mark whether the financial statements of the registrant included in the filing reflect the correction of an error to previously issued financial statements. o
 Indicate by check mark whether any of those error corrections are restatements that required a recovery analysis of incentive-based compensation received by any of the registrant's executive officers during the relevant recovery period pursuant to §240.10D-1(b). o
 Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act): Yes o No
 State the aggregate market value of the voting and non-voting common equity held by non-affiliates computed by reference to the price at which the common equity was last sold, or the average bid and asked price of such common equity, as of the last business day of the registrant's most recently completed second fiscal quarter based on the closing price of $11.45 per share: $ 275.6 million.
 The number of shares outstanding of the registrant's common stock as of the latest practicable date: 33,352,164 as of March 6, 2025.
 Documents Incorporated by Reference
 Certain information required by Part III of this annual report is incorporated therein by reference to the definitive proxy statement for the 2025 Annual Meeting of Stockholders.

 Page

 Cautionary note regarding forward-looking statements

 Item 1.

 Business

 Item 1A.

 Risk Factors

 Item 1B.

 Unresolved Staff Comments

 Item 1C.

 Cybersecurity

 Item 2.

 Properties

 Item 3.

 Legal Proceedings

 Item 4.

 Mine Safety Disclosures

 Item 5.

 Market for Registrant's Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities

 Item 6.

 [Reserved]

 Item 7.

 Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

 Item 7A.

 Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk

 Item 8.

 Financial Statements and Supplementary Data

 Item 9.

 Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure

 Item 9A.

 Controls and Procedures

 Item 9B.

 Other Information

 Item 9C.

 Disclosure Regarding Foreign Jurisdictions that Prevent Inspection

 Item 10.

 Directors, Executive Officers and Corporate Governance

 Item 11.

 Executive Compensation

 Item 12.

 Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stockholder Matters

 Item 13.

 Certain Relationships and Related Transactions, and Director Independence

 Item 14.

 Principal Accountant Fees and Services

 Item 15.

 Exhibits and Financial Statement Schedules

 Item 16.

 Form 10-K Summary

 EXHIBIT LIST

 SIGNATURES

 Cautionary note regarding forward-looking statements
 This Annual Report on Form 10-K of Shore Bancshares, Inc. and subsidiaries (the "Company" or "Shore" and "we," "our" or "us" on a consolidated basis) contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of The Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These forward looking statements represent plans, estimates, objectives, goals, guidelines, expectations, intentions, projections and statements of our beliefs concerning future events, business plans, expected operating results and the assumptions upon which those statements are based. In some cases, you can identify these forward-looking statements by words like "may," "will," "should," "expect," "plan," "anticipate," "intend," "believe," "estimate," "predict," "potential," or "continue" or the negative of those words and other comparable terminology, although not all forward-looking statements contain these words. Forward-looking statements are not a guarantee of future performance or results, and will not necessarily be accurate indications of the times at, or by, which such performance or results will be achieved. We caution that the forward-looking statements are based largely on our expectations and information available at the time the statements are made and are subject to a number of known and unknown risks and uncertainties that are subject to change based on factors, which are in many instances, beyond our control. Actual results, performance or achievements could differ materially from those contemplated, expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements. You should bear this in mind when reading this Annual Report on Form 10-K and not place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements.
 The following factors, among others, could cause our financial performance to differ materially from that expressed in such forward-looking statements:
 • general economic conditions, (including the interest rate environment, government economic and monetary policies, the strength of global financial markets and inflation/deflation and supply chain issues), whether national or regional, and conditions in the lending markets in which we participate that may have an adverse effect on the demand for our loans and other products, our credit quality and related levels of nonperforming assets and loan losses, and the value and salability of the real estate that we own or that is the collateral for our loans;
 • adverse developments in the banking industry highlighted by high-profile bank failures and the potential impact of such developments on customer confidence, liquidity, and regulatory responses to these developments;
 • the ability to effectively manage the information technology systems, including third-party vendors, cyber or data privacy incidents or other failures, disruptions or security breaches, and risk related to the development and use of artificial intelligence;
 • the ability to develop and use technologies to provide products and services that will satisfy customer demands;
 • results of examinations of us by our regulators, including the possibility that our regulators may, among other things, require us to increase our reserve for loan losses or to write-down assets;
 • changing bank regulatory conditions, policies or programs, whether arising as new legislation or regulatory initiatives, which could lead to restrictions on activities of banks generally, or our subsidiary bank in particular, more restrictive regulatory capital requirements, increased costs, including deposit insurance premiums, regulation or prohibition of certain income producing activities or changes in the secondary market for loans and other products;
 • changes in market rates and prices may adversely impact the value of securities, loans, deposits and other financial instruments and the interest rate sensitivity of our balance sheet;
 • our liquidity requirements could be adversely affected by changes in our assets and liabilities;
 • our ability to prudently manage our growth and execute our strategy;
 • impairment of our goodwill and intangible assets;
 • competitive factors among financial services organizations, including product and pricing pressures and our ability to attract, develop and retain qualified banking professionals;
 • the effect of acquisitions we have made or may make, including, without limitation, the failure to achieve the expected revenue growth and/or expense savings from such acquisitions, and/or the failure to effectively integrate an acquisition target into our operations;
 • the growth and profitability of noninterest or fee income being less than expected;
 • the effect of legislative or regulatory developments, including changes in laws concerning taxes, banking, securities, insurance and other aspects of the financial services industry;
 • the effect of any change in federal government enforcement of federal laws affecting the cannabis industry;
 • the effect of changes in accounting policies and practices, as may be adopted by the Financial Accounting Standards Board (the "FASB"), the Securities and Exchange Commission (the "SEC"), the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board and other regulatory agencies;
 • changes in U.S. trade policies, including the implementation of tariffs and other protectionist trade policies;
 • the impact of governmental efforts to restructure or adjust the U.S. financial regulatory system;
 • a deterioration of the credit rating for U.S. long-term sovereign debt, actions that the U.S. government may take to avoid exceeding the debt ceiling, and uncertainties surrounding the debt ceiling and the federal budget;
 • the impact of recent or future changes in Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (the "FDIC") insurance assessment rate or the rules and regulations related to the calculation of the FDIC insurance assessment amount, including any special assessments;
 • the effect of fiscal and governmental policies of the U.S. federal government;
 • climate change and other catastrophic events or disasters; and

 • geopolitical conditions, including acts or threats of terrorism, actions taken by the United States or other governments in response to acts of terrorism, and/or military conflicts, which could impact business and economic conditions in the United States and abroad.
 You should also consider carefully the Risk Factors contained in Item 1A. of Part I of this Annual Report on Form 10-K, which address additional factors that could cause our actual results to differ from those set forth in the forward-looking statements and could materially and adversely affect our business, operating results and financial condition. The risks discussed in this Annual Report on Form 10-K are factors that, individually or in the aggregate, management believes could cause our actual results to differ materially from expected and historical results. You should understand that it is not possible to predict or identify all such factors. Consequently, you should not consider such disclosures to be a complete discussion of all potential risks or uncertainties.
 The forward-looking statements speak only as of the date on which they are made, and, except to the extent required by federal securities laws, we undertake no obligation to update any forward-looking statement to reflect events or circumstances after the date on which the statement is made or to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events. In addition, we cannot assess the impact of each factor on our business or the extent to which any factor, or combination of factors, may cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in any forward-looking statements.

 Item 1. BUSINESS
 OVERVIEW
 General
 The Company was incorporated under the laws of Maryland on March 15, 1996 and is a financial holding company registered under the Bank Holding Company Act of 1956, as amended (the "BHC Act"). The Company is the largest independent financial holding company located on the Eastern Shore of Maryland. The Company conducts business primarily through two wholly-owned subsidiaries, Shore United Bank, N.A. (the "Bank") and Mid-Maryland Title Company, Inc. (the "Title Company"). The Bank provides consumer and commercial banking products and services and secondary mortgage lending, trust, wealth management and financial planning services. The Title Company engages in title work related to real estate transactions. The Company, Bank and Title Company are Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employers.
 Banking Products and Services
 The Bank is a national banking association chartered under the laws of the United States with trust powers that can trace its origin to 1876. The Bank currently operates 40 full-service branches, 39 automatic teller machines (an "ATM"), 3 interactive teller machines, 10 loan production and administration offices, and provides a full range of commercial and consumer banking products and services to individuals, businesses, and other organizations in Baltimore County, Howard County, Kent County, Queen Anne's County, Caroline County, Talbot County, Dorchester County, Anne Arundel County, Charles County, St. Mary's County, Calvert County and Worcester County in Maryland, Kent County and Sussex County in Delaware and Fredericksburg City, Stafford County and Spotsylvania County in Virginia. The Bank's deposits are insured up to applicable legal limits by the FDIC.
 Services provided to businesses include commercial checking, savings, certificates of deposit and overnight investment sweep accounts. The Bank offers all forms of commercial lending, including secured and unsecured loans, working capital loans, lines of credit, term loans, accounts receivable financing, real estate acquisition and development, construction loans and letters of credit. Treasury management services are also available, such as merchant card processing services, remote deposit capture, ACH origination, digital banking and telephone banking services.
 Services provided to individuals include checking accounts, various savings programs, mortgage loans, home improvement loans, installment and other personal loans, credit cards, personal lines of credit, automobile and other consumer financing, safe deposit boxes, debit cards, 24-hour telephone banking, internet banking, mobile banking and 24-hour ATM services. Additionally, the Bank has Saturday hours and extended hours on certain evenings during the week for added customer convenience.
 Business Strategy
 The Company's business strategy is to establish a leading community banking franchise that delivers exceptional financial services to the communities we serve. This strategy has been implemented over the past several years through a combination of organic and strategic growth, both within and contiguous to our existing footprint.
 On July 1, 2023, the Company completed the acquisition of The Community Financial Corporation ("TCFC") and its wholly-owned subsidiary Community Bank of the Chesapeake ("CBTC"). The transaction was valued at approximately $153.6 million and expanded the Bank's footprint into the Southern Maryland Counties of Charles, St. Mary's and Calvert and the greater Fredericksburg area in Virginia, which includes Fredericksburg City as well as Stafford and Spotsylvania Counties. At the time of the acquisition, TCFC added $2.4 billion in assets, $454.5 million in investments, $1.8 billion in loans, $2.1 billion in deposits, $150.6 million in brokered deposits, $69.0 million in Federal Home Loan Bank (the "FHLB") advances and $32.0 million in subordinated debt and trust preferred debentures. The excess of the fair value of net TCFC assets acquired over the merger consideration resulted in an $8.8 million bargain purchase gain.
 Lending Activities
 The Bank originates loans including commercial real estate, residential real estate, construction, commercial, consumer and credit cards.
 • Commercial Real Estate ("CRE") and Other Non-Residential Real Estate Loans. The Bank's CRE loans are primarily secured by commercial buildings, multi-family buildings, agricultural purpose consumer properties, service industry buildings such as restaurants and hotels, retail buildings and general purpose business space. The Bank attempts to mitigate the risks associated with these loans through financial analyses, conservative underwriting procedures, including loan-to-value ratio standards, obtaining additional collateral and management's knowledge of the local economy in which the Bank lends.
 • Residential Real Estate Loans. The Bank originates residential mortgage loans that are to be held in our loan portfolio as well as loans that are intended for sale in the secondary market. Loans sold in the secondary market are primarily sold to investors with which the Bank maintains a correspondent relationship. These loans are made in conformity with standard government-sponsored

 enterprise underwriting criteria required by the investors to assure maximum eligibility for resale in the secondary market and are approved either by the Bank's underwriter or the correspondent's underwriter. Additionally, loans that are sold into the secondary market are typically residential long-term loans (15 or more years), generally with fixed rates of interest. Loans retained for the Bank's portfolio typically include loans that periodically reprice or mature prior to the end of an amortized term. Generally, loans are sold with servicing retained which includes loans sold to the Federal National Mortgage Association ("Fannie Mae") or the Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation ("Freddie Mac"). As of December 31, 2024, the Bank was servicing $366.5 million in loans for Fannie Mae and $116.6 million in loans for Freddie Mac.
 • Construction Loans. The Bank provides commercial and residential real estate construction loans to builders and individuals. Residential construction loans are usually granted based upon "as completed" appraisals and are secured by the property under construction. Additional collateral may be taken if loan-to-value ratios exceed 80%. Site inspections are performed to determine pre-specified stages of completion before loan proceeds are disbursed. These loans typically have maturities of six to twelve months and may have fixed or variable rate features. Permanent financing options for individuals include fixed and variable rate loans with three- and five-year balloon features and one-, three- and five-year adjustable rate mortgage loans. The Bank attempts to mitigate risks associated with these loans through conservative underwriting procedures such as loan-to-value ratios of 80% or less at origination, obtaining additional collateral when prudent, and closely monitoring construction projects to control disbursement of funds on loans.
 • Commercial Loans. The Bank originates secured and unsecured loans for business purposes. Commercial loans are typically secured by real estate, accounts receivable, inventory, equipment and/or other assets of the business. Repayment is often dependent upon the successful operation of the business and may be affected by adverse conditions in the local economy or real estate market. The financial condition and cash flow of commercial borrowers is therefore carefully analyzed during the loan approval process, and continues to be monitored by obtaining business financial statements, personal financial statements and income tax returns. The frequency of this ongoing analysis depends upon the size and complexity of the credit and collateral that secures the loan. It is also the Bank's general policy to obtain personal guarantees from the principals of the commercial loan borrowers.
 • Consumer Loans. A variety of consumer loans are offered to customers, including home equity loans, marine loans and other secured and unsecured lines of credit and term loans. Certain consumer loans are originated by a third-party on behalf of the Company. Careful analysis of an applicant's creditworthiness is performed before granting credit, and ongoing monitoring of loans outstanding is performed in an effort to minimize risk of loss by identifying problem loans early. The Company discontinued the issuance of new marine loans in June 2023 and only services the existing portfolio as of December 31, 2024.
 • Credit Card Loans. The Bank offered unsecured credit card loans to commercial and consumer customers. Credit risk factors include the borrower's continuing financial stability, which can be adversely impacted by job loss, divorce, illness or personal bankruptcy, among other factors. The Company discontinued the issuance of new credit cards in April 2024 (except to select existing credit card customers) and only services the existing portfolio as of December 31, 2024.
 Deposit Activities
 The Bank offers a full array of deposit products including checking, savings and money market accounts, and regular and IRA certificates of deposit. The Bank also offers its certificate of deposit account registry service ("CDARS") program and the insured cash sweep ("ICS") program allowing customers the ability to insure deposits over $250,000 among other banks that participate in the CDARS and ICS networks while providing competitive rates and easy access to funds. In addition, we offer our commercial customers packages that include cash management services, various checking opportunities and other cash sweep products.
 Title Services
 The Company offers title services through its wholly-owned subsidiary, the Title Company, which engages in residential and commercial real estate settlement activities and offers title insurance policies, title search and lien satisfaction services.
 Financial Services
 The Company, through Wye Financial Partners, a division of the Bank, offers full-service investment, insurance and financial planning services through our broker/dealer, LPL Financial, to residents of the states of AL, AZ, CA, CO, CT, DE, DC, FL, GA, IN, KY, ME, MD, MA, MI, NJ, NY, NC, OH, PA, RI, SC, SD, TX, VA, WA and WV.
 Trust Services
 The Company, through Wye Trust, a division of the Bank, offers wealth management, corporate trustee services and trust administration to customers within our market areas and nationwide.
 Cannabis Related Business

 The Bank provides banking services to customers that are licensed by various states to do business in the cannabis industry as growers, processors and dispensaries. The Bank maintains stringent written policies and procedures related to the on-boarding of such businesses and to the monitoring and maintenance of such business accounts.
 In accordance with federal regulatory guidance and industry best practices, the Bank performs a multilayered due diligence review of a cannabis business before the business is on-boarded, including site visits and confirmation that the business is properly licensed by the state in which it is conducting business. Throughout the relationship, the Bank continues to monitor the business, including site visits, to ensure that the cannabis business continues to meet stringent requirements, including maintenance of required licenses. The Bank performs periodic financial reviews of the business and monitors the business in accordance with the Bank Secrecy Act of 1970 ("BSA") and other state requirements.
 Seasonality
 The Company recognizes that certain customers have seasonality within their operations which indirectly impacts the Bank's liquidity. The Bank has significant banking relationships with state, county and local municipalities within Maryland, Virginia and Delaware who receive their funding from federal and state agencies, as well as, tax generating revenue, which is seasonal in nature.
 Employees and Human Capital Resources
 Our Mission and Culture
 The Bank is built around the character of our people and our communities. We are dedicated to our clients, our employees, our communities and our shareholders. The Bank's corporate culture is defined by core values which include integrity, accountability, teamwork, and resilience. We value our employees by investing in competitive compensation and benefit packages and fostering a team environment centered on professional service and open communication. Attracting, retaining and developing qualified, engaged employees who embody these values are crucial to the success of the Bank and Company. We believe that relations with our employees are good.
 Employee Demographics
 As of December 31, 2024, the Bank employed 597 individuals, of which 584 were employed on a full-time basis (590 full-time equivalent employees). The Bank's employees were not represented by a collective bargaining agreement.
 The Company has no employees and reimburses the Bank for estimated expenses, including an allocation of salaries and employee benefits.
 Belonging and Inclusion
 We are committed to building an inclusive work environment which are supported by our culture and values. We believe diversity of thought and experiences inspires our team to achieve more creative and innovative solutions for our customers. With a commitment to support an inclusive workplace, we focus on understanding, accepting, and valuing the differences between people.
 Compensation and Benefits
 The Bank's compensation and benefits package is designed to attract and retain a talented workforce. In addition to salaries, employee benefits include a 401(k) plan with an employer matching contribution, an employee stock purchase plan, medical insurance benefits, paid short-term and long-term disability and life insurance, flexible spending accounts, and tuition assistance.
 Employee Health, Safety and Wellness
 We are committed to supporting the safety, health and wellness of our employees. We provide paid time off (including parental and adoption leave), an employee assistance program and wellness benefits which include mental health support, coaching and other resources for employees and their immediate family members.
 We have adopted a flexible approach to remote work which designates roles as remote, on-site or hybrid (a combination of on-site and remote work) based on specific job responsibilities and requirements.
 Professional Development
 The Bank invests in the growth of its employees by providing access to professional development and continuing education courses and seminars that are relevant to the banking industry and their job function within the Company. We offer our employees the opportunity to participate in various professional and leadership development programs. On-demand training opportunities include a variety of industry, technical, professional, business development, leadership and regulatory topics.

 COMPETITION
 Shore Bancshares, Inc. and its subsidiaries operate in a highly competitive environment. Our competitors include community banks, commercial banks, credit unions, thrifts, mortgage banking companies, investment advisory firms, brokerage firms, mutual and debt fund companies, private equity, fintechs, title companies and e-commerce and other internet-based companies. We compete on a local and regional basis for banking and investment products and services.
 The primary factors when competing in the financial services market include personalized services, the quality and range of products and services, interest rates on loans and deposits, lending services, price, customer convenience, and our ability to attract and retain experienced employees.
 To compete in our market areas, we utilize multiple media channels including print, online, social media, television, radio, direct mail, e-mail and digital signage. Our employees also play a significant role in maintaining existing relationships with customers while establishing new relationships to grow all areas of our businesses.

 SUPERVISION AND REGULATION
 General
 The Company is a financial holding company registered with the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System (the "FRB") under the BHC Act and, as such, is subject to the supervision, examination and reporting requirements of the BHC Act and the regulations of the FRB.
 The Bank is a national banking association, chartered by and subject to the supervision of the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (the "OCC"). The deposits of the Bank are insured by the FDIC, so certain laws and regulations administered by the FDIC also govern its deposit-taking operations. In addition to the foregoing, the Bank is subject to numerous state and federal statutes and regulations that affect the business of banking generally.
 Nonbank affiliates of the Company are subject to examination by the FRB, and, as affiliates of the Bank, may be subject to examination by the Bank's regulators from time to time.
 To the extent that the following information describes statutory and regulatory provisions, it is qualified in its entirety by reference to the text of applicable statutory and regulatory provisions. Legislative and regulatory initiatives, which necessarily impact the regulation of the financial services industry, are introduced from time to time. We cannot predict whether or when potential legislation or new regulations will be enacted, and if enacted, the effect that new legislation or any implemented regulations and supervisory policies would have on our financial condition and results of operations. The Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act (the "Dodd-Frank Act"), by way of example, contains a comprehensive set of provisions designed to govern the practices and oversight of financial institutions and other participants in the financial markets. The Dodd-Frank Act made extensive changes in the regulation of financial institutions and their holding companies. Some of the changes brought about by the Dodd-Frank Act have been modified by the Economic Growth, Regulatory Relief, and Consumer Protection Act of 2018 (the "Regulatory Relief Act"), signed into law on May 24, 2018. The Dodd-Frank Act has increased the regulatory burden and compliance costs of the Company. Moreover, bank regulatory agencies can be more aggressive in responding to concerns and trends identified in examinations, which could result in an increased issuance of enforcement actions to financial institutions requiring action to address credit quality, liquidity, risk management, and capital adequacy, as well as other safety and soundness concerns.
 Regulation of Financial Holding Companies
 The Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act (the "GLB Act") amended the BHC Act and repealed the affiliation provisions of the Glass-Steagall Act of 1933, which, taken together, limited the securities, insurance and other non-banking activities of any company that controls an FDIC insured financial institution. Under the GLB Act, a bank holding company can elect, subject to certain qualifications, to become a "financial holding company." The GLB Act provides that a financial holding company may engage in a full range of financial activities, including insurance and securities underwriting and agency activities, merchant banking, and insurance company portfolio investment activities, with expedited notice procedures. The Company is a financial holding company.
 Under FRB policy, the Company is expected to act as a source of strength to the Bank, and the FRB may charge the Company with engaging in unsafe and unsound practices for failure to commit resources to the Bank when required. This support may be required at times when the Company may not have the resources to provide the support. Under the prompt corrective action provisions, if a controlled bank is undercapitalized, then the regulators could require the bank holding company to guarantee the bank's capital restoration plan. In addition, if the FRB believes that a company's activities, assets or affiliates represent a significant risk to the financial safety, soundness or stability of a controlled bank, then the FRB could require the bank holding company to terminate the activities, liquidate the assets or divest its affiliates. The regulators may require these and other actions in support of controlled banks even if such actions are not in the best interests of the bank holding company or its stockholders. Because the Company is a bank holding company, it is viewed as a source of financial and managerial strength for any controlled depository institutions, like the Bank.
 The Dodd-Frank Act, enacted in 2010, made sweeping changes to the financial regulatory landscape that impacts all financial institutions, including the Company and the Bank. The Dodd-Frank Act directs federal bank regulators to require that all companies that directly or indirectly control an insured depository institution serve as sources of financial strength for the institution. The term "source of financial strength" is defined under the Dodd-Frank Act as the ability of a company to provide financial assistance to its insured depository institution subsidiaries in the event of financial distress. The appropriate federal banking agency for such a depository institution may require reports from companies that control the insured depository institution to assess their abilities to serve as sources of strength and to enforce compliance with the source-of-strength requirements. The appropriate federal banking agency may also require a holding company to provide financial assistance to a bank with impaired capital. Under this requirement, the Company could be required to provide financial assistance to the Bank should it experience financial distress.
 Federal Regulation of Banks
 The OCC may prohibit national banking associations, such as the Bank, from engaging in activities or investments that the OCC believes are unsafe or unsound banking practices. The OCC has extensive enforcement authority over national banking associations to prohibit or

 correct activities that violate law, regulation or a regulatory agreement or which are deemed to be unsafe or unsound practices. Enforcement actions may include the appointment of a conservator or receiver, the issuance of a cease and desist order, the termination of deposit insurance, the imposition of civil money penalties on the institution, its directors, officers, employees and institution-affiliated parties, the issuance of directives to increase capital, the issuance of formal and informal agreements, the removal of or restrictions on directors, officers, employees and institution-affiliated parties, and the enforcement of any such mechanisms through restraining orders or other court actions.
 The Bank is subject to the provisions of Section 23A and Section 23B of the Federal Reserve Act. Section 23A limits the amount of loans or extensions of credit to, and investments in, the Company and its nonbank affiliates by the Bank. Section 23B requires that transactions between the Bank and the Company and its nonbank affiliates be on terms and under circumstances that are substantially the same as with non-affiliates.
 The Bank is also subject to certain restrictions on extensions of credit to executive officers, directors and principal stockholders or any related interest of such persons, which generally require that such credit extensions be made on substantially the same terms as are available to third parties dealing with the Bank and not involve more than the normal risk of repayment. Other laws tie the maximum amount that may be loaned to any one customer and its related interests to capital levels.
 As part of the Federal Deposit Insurance Company Improvement Act of 1991, each federal banking regulator adopted non-capital safety and soundness standards for institutions under its authority. These standards include internal controls, information systems and internal audit systems, loan documentation, credit underwriting, interest rate exposure, asset growth, and compensation, fees and benefits. An institution that fails to meet those standards may be required by the agency to develop a plan acceptable to meet the standards. Failure to submit or implement such a plan may subject the institution to regulatory sanctions. The Federal Deposit Insurance Company Improvement Act of 1991 also imposes capital standards on insured depository institutions. The Company, on behalf of the Bank, believes that the Bank meets substantially all standards that have been adopted.
 Deposit Insurance
 Our deposits are insured up to applicable limits by the Deposit Insurance Fund ("DIF") of the FDIC. Deposit insurance is mandatory. We are required to pay assessments to the FDIC on a quarterly basis. The assessment amount is the product of multiplying the assessment base by the assessment amount.
 The assessment base against which the assessment rate is applied to determine the total assessment due for a given period is the depository institution's average total consolidated assets during the assessment period less average tangible equity during that assessment period. Tangible equity is defined in the assessment rule as Tier 1 Capital and is calculated monthly, unless the insured depository institution has less than $1 billion in assets, in which case the insured depository institution calculates Tier 1 Capital on an end-of-quarter basis. Parents or holding companies of other insured depository institutions are required to report separately from their subsidiary depository institutions.
 The FDIC's methodology for setting assessments for individual banks has changed over time, although the broad policy is that lower-risk institutions should pay lower assessments than higher-risk institutions. The FDIC now uses a methodology, known as the "financial ratios method," that began to apply on July 1, 2016, in order to meet requirements of the Dodd-Frank Act. The statute established a minimum designated reserve ratio, for the DIF of 1.35% of the estimated insured deposits and required the FDIC to adopt a restoration plan should the reserve ratio fall below 1.35%. The financial ratios took effect when the designated reserve ratio exceeded 1.15%. The FDIC declared that the DIF reserve ratio exceeded 1.15% by the end of the second quarter of 2016. Accordingly, beginning July 1, 2016, the FDIC began to use the financial ratios method. This methodology assigns a specific assessment rate to each institution based on the institution's leverage capital, supervisory ratings, and information from the institution's call report. Under this methodology, the assessment rate schedules used to determine assessments due from insured depository institutions become progressively lower when the reserve ratio in the DIF exceeds 2.0% and 2.5%.
 On October 18, 2022, the FDIC adopted a final rule that increased initial base deposit insurance assessment rates by 2 basis points, which began with the first quarterly assessment period of 2023. The increase was instituted to account for extraordinary growth in insured deposits during the first and second quarters of 2020, which caused a substantial decrease in the DIF reserve ratio. The new assessment rate schedules are expected to remain in effect until the DIF reserve ratio meets or exceeds 2%.
 Also, in the final rule adopted on October 18, 2022, the FDIC incorporated Accounting Standards Update ("ASU") 2022-02, Financial Instruments - Credit Losses (Topic 326) Troubled Debt Restructurings and Vintage Disclosures in the risk-based deposit insurance assessment system applicable to all large and highly complex insured depository institutions.
 The Dodd-Frank Act also raised the limit for federal deposit insurance to $250,000 for most deposit accounts and increased the cash limit of Securities Investor Protection Corporation protection from $100,000 to $250,000.
 The FDIC has authority to increase insurance assessments. A significant increase in insurance assessments would likely have an adverse effect on our operating expenses and results of operations. We cannot predict what insurance assessment rates will be in the future. Furthermore, deposit insurance may be terminated by the FDIC upon a finding that an insured depository 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.
 The Bank is required to monitor large deposit relationships and concentration risks in accordance with FDIC policy. This includes monitoring deposit concentrations and maintaining fund management policies and strategies that take into account potentially volatile concentrations and significant deposits that mature simultaneously. The FDIC defines a large depositor as a customer or entity that owns or controls 2% or more of a bank's total deposits.
 Capital Adequacy Guidelines
 Bank holding companies and banks are subject to various regulatory capital requirements administered by state and federal agencies. These agencies may establish higher minimum requirements if, for example, a banking organization previously has received special attention or has a high susceptibility to interest rate risk. Risk-based capital requirements determine the adequacy of capital based on the risk inherent in various classes of assets and off-balance sheet items. Under the Dodd-Frank Act, the FRB must apply consolidated capital requirements to depository institution holding companies that are no less stringent than those currently applied to depository institutions. The Dodd-Frank Act additionally requires capital requirements to be counter cyclical so that the required amount of capital increases in times of economic expansion and decreases in times of economic contraction, consistent with safety and soundness.
 Under federal regulations, bank holding companies and banks must meet certain risk-based capital requirements. Effective as of January 1, 2015, the Basel III final capital framework ("Basel III") required financial institutions to maintain a minimum "capital conservation buffer" on top of each of the minimum risk-based capital ratios to avoid restrictions on capital distributions such as dividends and equity repurchases and other payments such as discretionary bonuses to executive officers.
 Basel III subjects banks to the following risk-based capital requirements:
 • a minimum ratio of common equity Tier 1 ("CET1") to risk-weighted assets of at least 4.5%, plus a 2.5% capital conservation buffer, or 7.0%;
 • a minimum ratio of Tier 1 capital to risk-weighted assets of at least 6.0%, plus the capital conservation buffer, or 8.5%;
 • a minimum ratio of Total (Tier 1 plus Tier 2) capital to risk-weighted assets of at least 8.0%, plus the capital conservation buffer, or 10.5%; and
 • a minimum leverage ratio of 4.0%, calculated as the ratio of Tier 1 capital to balance sheet exposures plus certain off-balance sheet exposures.
 Basel III provides for a number of deductions from and adjustments to CET1. These include, for example, the requirement that mortgage servicing rights, deferred tax assets dependent upon future taxable income and significant investments in non-consolidated financial entities be deducted from CET1 to the extent that any one such category exceeds 10.0% of CET1 or all such categories in the aggregate exceed 15.0% of CET1. Basel III also includes, as part of the definition of CET1 capital, a requirement that banking institutions include the amount of accumulated other comprehensive income ("AOCI") (which primarily consists of unrealized gains and non-credit related unrealized losses on available for sale securities, which are not required to be treated as other-than-temporary impairment, net of tax) in calculating regulatory capital. Banking institutions had the option to opt out of including AOCI in CET1 capital if they elected to do so in their first regulatory report following January 1, 2015. As permitted by Basel III, the Company and the Bank have elected to exclude AOCI from CET1.
 In addition, goodwill and most intangible assets are deducted from Tier 1 capital. For purposes of applicable total risk-based capital regulatory guidelines, Tier 2 capital (sometimes referred to as "supplementary capital") is defined to include, subject to limitations: perpetual preferred stock not included in Tier 1 capital, intermediate-term preferred stock and any related surplus, certain hybrid capital instruments, perpetual debt and mandatory convertible debt securities, allowances for loan and lease losses and intermediate-term subordinated debt instruments. The maximum amount of qualifying Tier 2 capital is 100% of qualifying Tier 1 capital. For purposes of determining total capital under federal guidelines, total capital equals Tier 1 capital, plus qualifying Tier 2 capital, minus investments in unconsolidated subsidiaries, reciprocal holdings of bank holding company capital securities and deferred tax assets and other deductions.
 Basel III changed the manner of calculating risk-weighted assets. New methodologies for determining risk-weighted assets in the general capital rules are included, including revisions to recognition of credit risk mitigation, including a greater recognition of financial collateral and a wider range of eligible guarantors. They also include risk weighting of equity exposures and past due loans, and higher (greater than 100%) risk weighting for certain CRE exposures that have higher credit risk profiles, including higher loan-to-value and equity components. In particular, loans categorized as "high-volatility CRE" loans, as defined pursuant to applicable federal regulations, are required to be assigned a 150% risk weighting, and require additional capital support.
 In addition to the uniform risk-based capital guidelines and regulatory capital ratios that apply across the industry, the regulators have the discretion to set individual minimum capital requirements for specific institutions at rates significantly above the minimum guidelines and

 ratios. Future changes in regulations or practices could further reduce the amount of capital recognized for purposes of capital adequacy. Such a change could affect our ability to grow and could restrict the amount of profits, if any, available for the payment of dividends.
 In addition, the Dodd-Frank Act requires the federal banking agencies to adopt capital requirements that address the risks that the activities of an institution poses to the institution and the public and private stakeholders, including risks arising from certain enumerated activities.
 Basel III is currently applicable to the Bank and the Company. Overall, the Company's implementation of Basel III did not have a material adverse effect on the Company's or the Bank's capital ratios, earnings, stockholders' equity, or its ability to pay dividends, effect stock repurchases or pay discretionary bonuses to executive officers.
 In December 2017, the Basel Committee published standards that it described as the finalization of the Basel III post-crisis regulatory reforms (the standards are commonly referred to as "Basel IV"). Among other things, these standards revise the Basel Committee's standardized approach for credit risk (including recalibrating risk weights and introducing new capital requirements for certain "unconditionally cancellable commitments," such as unused credit card lines of credit) and provides a new standardized approach for operational risk capital. Under the Basel framework, these standards were generally effective on January 1, 2022, with an aggregate output floor phasing in through January 1, 2027. Under the current U.S. capital rules, operational risk capital requirements and a capital floor apply only to advanced approaches institutions, and not to the Company or the Bank. The impact of Basel IV on us will depend on the manner in which it is implemented by the federal bank regulators.
 In 2018, the federal bank regulatory agencies issued a variety of proposals and made statements concerning regulatory capital standards. These proposals touched on such areas as CRE exposure, credit loss allowances under generally accepted accounting principles and capital requirements for covered swap entities, among others. Public statements by key agency officials have also suggested a revisiting of capital policy and supervisory approaches on a going-forward basis. In July 2019, the federal bank regulators adopted a final rule that simplifies the capital treatment for certain deferred tax assets, mortgage servicing assets, investments in non-consolidated financial entities and minority interests for banking organizations, such as the Company and the Bank, which are not subject to the advanced approaches requirements.
 Prompt Corrective Action
 The federal banking regulators are required to take "prompt corrective action" with respect to capital-deficient institutions. Federal banking regulations define, for each capital category, the levels at which institutions are "well capitalized," "adequately capitalized," "undercapitalized," "significantly undercapitalized" and "critically undercapitalized." Under applicable regulations, as of December 31, 2024, the Bank was "well capitalized," which means it had a CET1 capital ratio of 6.5% or higher; a Tier 1 risk-based capital ratio of 8.0% or higher; a total risk-based capital ratio of 10.0% or higher; a leverage ratio of 5.0% or higher; and was not subject to any written agreement, order or directive requiring it to maintain a specific capital level for any capital measure.
 As noted above, Basel III integrates the capital requirements into the prompt corrective action category definitions set forth below.

 Capital Category
 Total Risk-Based Capital Ratio
 Tier 1 Risk-Based Capital Ratio
 Common Equity Tier 1 (CET1) Capital Ratio
 Leverage Ratio
 Tangible Equity to Assets
 Supplemental Leverage Ratio

 Well Capitalized
 10.0% or greater
 8.0% or greater
 6.5% or greater
 5.0% or greater
 n/a
 n/a

 Adequately Capitalized
 8.0% or greater
 6.0% or greater
 4.5% or greater
 4.0% or greater
 n/a
 3.0% or greater

 Undercapitalized
 Less than 8.0%
 Less than 6.0%
 Less than 4.5%
 Less than 4.0%
 n/a
 Less than 3.0%

 Significantly Undercapitalized
 Less than 6.0%
 Less than 4.0%
 Less than 3.0%
 Less than 3.0%
 n/a
 n/a

 Critically Undercapitalized
 n/a
 n/a
 n/a
 n/a
 Less than 2.0%
 n/a

 As of December 31, 2024, the Bank and the Company exceeded all regulatory capital requirements and exceeded the minimum CET1, Tier 1 and total capital ratio inclusive of the fully phased-in capital conservation buffer of 7.0%, 8.5%, and 10.5%, respectively.
 An institution may be downgraded to, or deemed to be in, a capital category that is lower than indicated by its capital ratios if it is determined to be in an unsafe or unsound condition or if it receives an unsatisfactory examination rating with respect to certain matters. An institution's capital category is determined solely for the purpose of applying prompt corrective action regulations, and the capital category may not constitute an accurate representation of the institution's overall financial condition or prospects for other purposes.
 In the event an institution becomes "undercapitalized," it must submit a capital restoration plan. The capital restoration plan will not be accepted by the regulators unless each company having control of the undercapitalized institution guarantees the subsidiary's compliance with the capital restoration plan up to a certain specified amount. Any such guarantee from a depository institution's holding company is entitled to a priority of payment in bankruptcy. The aggregate liability of the holding company of an undercapitalized bank is limited to the lesser of 5% of the institution's assets at the time it became undercapitalized or the amount necessary to cause the institution to be "adequately capitalized." The bank regulators have greater power in situations where an institution becomes "significantly" or "critically" undercapitalized or fails to submit a capital restoration plan. In addition to requiring undercapitalized institutions to submit a capital

 restoration plan, bank regulations contain broad restrictions on certain activities of undercapitalized institutions including asset growth, acquisitions, branch establishment and expansion into new lines of business. With certain exceptions, an insured depository institution is prohibited from making capital distributions, including dividends, and is prohibited from paying management fees to control persons if the institution would be undercapitalized after any such distribution or payment.
 As an institution's capital decreases, the regulators' enforcement powers become more severe. A significantly undercapitalized institution is subject to mandated capital raising activities, restrictions on interest rates paid and transactions with affiliates, removal of management, and other restrictions. A regulator has limited discretion in dealing with a critically undercapitalized institution and is virtually required to appoint a receiver or conservator.
 Banks with risk-based capital and leverage ratios below the required minimums may also be subject to certain administrative actions, including the termination of deposit insurance upon notice and hearing, or a temporary suspension of insurance without a hearing in the event the institution has no tangible capital.
 Safety and Soundness Standards
 The federal banking agencies have adopted guidelines designed to assist such agencies in identifying and addressing potential safety and soundness concerns before capital becomes impaired. The guidelines set forth operational and managerial standards relating to: (i) internal controls, information systems and internal audit systems; (ii) loan documentation; (iii) credit underwriting; (iv) asset growth; (v) earnings; and (vi) compensation, fees and benefits.
 In addition, the federal banking agencies have also adopted safety and soundness guidelines with respect to asset quality and for evaluating and monitoring earnings to ensure that earnings are sufficient for the maintenance of adequate capital and reserves. These guidelines provide six standards for establishing and maintaining a system to identify problem assets and prevent those assets from deteriorating. Under these standards, an insured depository institution should: (i) conduct periodic asset quality reviews to identify problem assets; (ii) estimate the inherent losses in problem assets and establish reserves that are sufficient to absorb estimated losses; (iii) compare problem asset totals to capital; (iv) take appropriate corrective action to resolve problem assets; (v) consider the size and potential risks of material asset concentrations; and (vi) provide periodic asset quality reports with adequate information for management and the board of directors to assess the level of asset risk.
 Acquisitions
 On September 17, 2024, the FDIC, the OCC and the U.S. Department of Justice ("DOJ"), each announced new rules and policy statements impacting their bank merger review processes.
 Among these actions, the FDIC approved a final statement of policy on bank merger transactions (the "2024 Statement") and the OCC approved a final rule updating the agency's regulations for business combinations involving national banks and federal savings associations. The OCC's final rule modifies its procedures for reviewing bank merger applications under the Bank Merger Act, including the elimination of the expedited bank merger review and the streamlined application procedures. The OCC's final rule also includes a new policy statement that addresses the substantive standards that it will use to evaluate bank merger applications, including indicators that point in favor of likely approval or rejection.
 Concurrent with the FDIC and OCC announcements, the DOJ withdrew from its 1995 Bank Merger Guidelines and announced that it would consider bank mergers under its 2023 Merger Guidelines, which are not industry specific, as well as a separate, recently adopted bank merger addendum.
 On March 3, 2025, the FDIC approved a proposal to rescind the 2024 Statement and reinstate, on an interim basis, the statement of policy on bank merger transactions that was in effect prior to the 2024 Statement. It remains unclear whether the OCC under anticipated new leadership will also reconsider its new regulation and policy statement.
 Community Reinvestment Act
 The Community Reinvestment Act (the "CRA") requires the federal banking regulatory agencies to assess all financial institutions that they regulate to determine whether these institutions are meeting the credit needs of the communities they serve, including their assessment area(s) (as established for these purposes in accordance with applicable regulations based principally on the location of branch offices). In addition to substantial penalties and corrective measures that may be required for a violation of certain fair lending laws, the federal banking agencies may take compliance with such laws and the CRA into account when regulating and supervising other activities. Under the CRA, institutions are assigned a rating of "outstanding," "satisfactory," "needs to improve" or "unsatisfactory." An institution's record in meeting the requirements of the CRA is based on a performance-based evaluation system, and is made publicly available and is taken into consideration in evaluating any applications it files with federal regulators to engage in certain activities, including approval of a branch or other deposit facility, mergers and acquisitions, office relocations, or expansions into nonbanking activities. Our Bank received a "satisfactory" rating in its most recent CRA evaluation.

 In October 2023, the OCC, together with the FRB and FDIC, issued a joint final rule to modernize the CRA regulatory framework. On March 29, 2024, the federal court paused the enforcement of the new rules in response to a lawsuit filed by several trade groups. We will continue to monitor the litigation until resolved. We have also begun efforts to evaluate the impact of the new rule and to develop a strategy to ensure compliance.
 Anti-Terrorism, Money Laundering Legislation and OFAC
 The Bank is subject to the BSA and the Uniting and Strengthening America by Providing Appropriate Tools Required to Intercept and Obstruct Terrorism Act of 2001. These statutes and related rules and regulations impose requirements and limitations on specified financial transactions and accounts and other relationships intended to guard against money laundering and terrorism financing. The principal requirements for an insured depository institution include (i) establishment of an anti-money laundering program that includes training and audit components, (ii) establishment of a "know your customer" program involving due diligence to confirm the identities of persons seeking to open accounts and to deny accounts to those persons unable to demonstrate their identities, (iii) the filing of currency transaction reports for deposits and withdrawals of large amounts of cash and suspicious activities reports for activity that might signify money laundering, tax evasion, or other criminal activities, (iv) additional precautions for accounts sought and managed for non-U.S. persons and (v) verification and certification of money laundering risk with respect to private banking and foreign correspondent banking relationships. For many of these tasks a bank must keep records to be made available to its primary federal regulator. Anti-money laundering rules and policies are developed by a bureau within the U.S. Department of the Treasury's Financial Crimes Enforcement Network ("FinCEN"), but compliance by individual institutions is overseen by its primary federal regulator.
 The Bank has established appropriate anti-money laundering and customer identification programs. The Bank also maintains records of cash purchases of negotiable instruments, files reports of certain cash transactions exceeding $10,000 (daily aggregate amount) and reports suspicious activity that might signify money laundering, tax evasion, or other criminal activities pursuant to the BSA. The Bank otherwise has implemented policies and procedures to comply with the foregoing requirements.
 The U.S. Department of Treasury's Office of Foreign Assets Control ("OFAC"), administers and enforces economic and trade sanctions against targeted foreign countries and persons, as defined by various Executive Orders and Acts of Congress. OFAC publishes lists of persons that are the target of sanctions, including the List of Specially Designated Nationals and Blocked Persons. Financial institutions are responsible for, among other things, blocking accounts of and transactions with sanctioned persons and countries, prohibiting unlicensed trade and financial transactions with them and reporting blocked and rejected transactions after their occurrence. If the Company or the Bank finds a name or other information on any transaction, account or wire transfer that is on an OFAC list or that otherwise indicates that the transaction involves a target of sanctions, the Company or the Bank generally must freeze or block such account or transaction, file a suspicious activity report, and notify the appropriate authorities. Banking regulators examine banks for compliance with the economic sanctions regulations administered by OFAC.
 The Bank has implemented policies and procedures to comply with the foregoing requirements.
 Data Privacy and Cybersecurity
 The federal bank regulatory agencies have adopted guidelines for safeguarding confidential, personal, non-public customer information. These guidelines require each financial institution, under the supervision and ongoing oversight of its board of directors or an appropriate committee thereof, to create, implement, and maintain a comprehensive written information security program designed to ensure the security and confidentiality of customer information, protect against any anticipated threats or hazard to the security or integrity of such information, and protect against unauthorized access to or use of such information that could result in substantial harm or inconvenience to any customer. We have adopted a customer information security program to comply with these requirements.
 The GLB Act requires financial institutions to implement policies and procedures regarding the disclosure of non-public personal information about consumers to non-affiliated third parties. The GLB Act requires disclosures to consumers on policies and procedures regarding the disclosure of such non-public personal information and, except as otherwise required by law, prohibit disclosing such information except as provided in the Bank's policies and procedures. We have implemented privacy policies addressing these restrictions that are distributed regularly to all existing and new customers of the Bank.
 In March 2015, federal regulators issued two related statements regarding cybersecurity. One statement indicates that financial institutions should design multiple layers of security controls to establish lines of defense and to ensure that their risk management processes also address the risk posed by compromised customer credentials, including security measures to reliably authenticate customers accessing Internet-based services of the financial institution. The other statement indicates that a financial institution's management is expected to maintain sufficient business continuity planning processes to ensure the rapid recovery, resumption and maintenance of the institution's operations after a cyber-attack involving destructive malware. A financial institution is also expected to develop appropriate processes to enable recovery of data and business operations and address rebuilding network capabilities and restoring data if the institution or its critical service providers fall victim to this type of cyber-attack. If we fail to observe the regulatory guidance, we could be subject to various regulatory sanctions, including financial penalties.

 In November 2021, the federal bank regulatory agencies issued a joint rule establishing computer-security incident notification requirements for banking organizations and their service providers. This rule requires new notifications when a banking organization experiences a computer-security incident.
 State regulators have been increasingly active in implementing privacy and cybersecurity standards and regulations. Recently, several states have adopted regulations requiring certain financial institutions to implement cybersecurity programs and providing detailed requirements with respect to these programs, including data encryption requirements.
 Many states have also recently implemented or modified their data breach notification and data privacy requirements. In June 2018, the California legislature passed the California Consumer Privacy Act of 2018, which took effect on January 1, 2020. The California Consumer Privacy Act of 2018, which covers businesses that obtain or access personal information on California resident consumers, grants consumers enhanced privacy rights and control over their personal information and imposes significant requirements on covered companies with respect to consumer data privacy rights. We expect this trend of state-level activity to continue, and are continually monitoring developments in the states in which we operate.
 In July 2023, the SEC adopted rules requiring registrants to disclose material cybersecurity incidents experienced and describe the material aspects of their nature, scope and timing. The rules, which supersede their previously interpreted guidance published in February 2018, also require annual disclosures describing a company's cybersecurity risk management, strategy and governance. These SEC rules, and any other regulatory guidance, are in addition to notification and disclosure requirements under state and federal banking law and regulations. See Item 1A. Risk Factors for a further discussion of risks related to cybersecurity and Item 1C. Cybersecurity for a further discussion of the Company's risk management strategies and governance processes related to cybersecurity.
 The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau
 The Dodd-Frank Act created the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau ("CFPB"), which is an independent bureau with broad authority to regulate the consumer finance industry, including regulated financial institutions, nonbanks and others involved in extending credit to consumers. The CFPB has authority through rulemaking, orders, policy statements, guidance, and enforcement actions to administer and enforce federal consumer financial laws, to oversee several entities and market segments not previously under the supervision of a federal regulator, and to impose its own regulations and pursue enforcement actions when it determines that a practice is unfair, deceptive, or abusive. The federal consumer financial laws and all the functions and responsibilities associated with them, many of which were previously enforced by other federal regulatory agencies, were transferred to the CFPB on July 21, 2011. While the CFPB has the power to interpret, administer, and enforce federal consumer financial laws, the Dodd-Frank Act provides that the federal banking regulatory agencies continue to have examination and enforcement powers over the financial institutions that they supervise relating to the matters within the jurisdiction of the CFPB if such institutions have less than $10 billion in assets. The Dodd-Frank Act also gives state attorneys general the ability to enforce federal consumer protection laws.
 Mortgage Loan Origination
 The Dodd-Frank Act authorizes the CFPB to establish certain minimum standards for the origination of residential mortgages, including a determination of the borrower's ability to repay. Under the Dodd-Frank Act and the implementing final rule adopted by the CFPB (the "ATR/QM Rule"), a financial institution may not make a residential mortgage loan to a consumer unless it first makes a "reasonable and good faith determination" that the consumer has a "reasonable ability" to repay the loan. In addition, the ATR/QM Rule limits prepayment penalties and permits borrowers to raise certain defenses to foreclosure if the financial institution has not complied with these requirements. The ATR/QM Rule defines a "qualified mortgage" to include a loan with a borrower debt-to-income ratio of less than or equal to 43% or, alternatively, a loan eligible for purchase by Fannie Mae or Freddie Mac while they operate under federal conservatorship or receivership (the "Fannie/Freddie QM Alternative"), and loans that comply with similar ATR/QM rules established by the Federal Housing Administration, Veterans Administration, or U.S. Department of Agriculture. Additionally, a qualified mortgage may not: (i) contain excess upfront points and fees; (ii) have a term greater than 30 years; or (iii) include interest only or negative amortization payments. The ATR/QM Rule specifies the types of income and assets that may be considered in the ability-to-repay determination, the permissible sources for verification, and the required methods of calculating the loan's monthly payments. The ATR/QM Rule became effective in January 2014.
 The CFPB amended the ATR/QM rule in December of 2020. One of the amendments modifies the requirements for a loan to qualify as a qualified mortgage as well as certain other provisions in the ATR/QM Rule, and eliminates the Fannie/Freddie QM Alternative. This amendment essentially replaces the 43% debt-to-income limit with an annual percentage rate-based limitation, which for most loans requires that the loan's annual percentage rate not exceed the average prime offer rate for a comparable transaction by 2.25 percentage points or more as of the date the interest rate is set.
 A second amendment creates a new class of qualified mortgages, called "seasoned qualified mortgages," which are essentially first-lien loans that could not be classified as qualified mortgages when originated for reason only that they had debt-to-income ratios above 43%, but which have been held by the original creditor (or the first purchaser) for at least 36 months, during which time the borrower had no more than two 30-day delinquencies and no delinquencies of 60 days or more.

 Both of these amendments were originally slated to become effective on March 1, 2021, but the amendment eliminating the Fannie/Freddie QM Alternative was given a mandatory compliance date of July 1, 2021 (the same date that the Fannie/Freddie QM Alternative was set to expire). However, the mandatory compliance date for the elimination of the Fannie/Freddie QM Alternative was subsequently extended until October 2022. Despite this extension, Fannie and Freddie stopped buying loans, with application dates on or after July 1, 2021, that only qualified as qualified mortgages based on the Fannie/Freddie QM Alternative.
 The Regulatory Relief Act provides that for certain insured depository institutions and insured credit unions with less than $10 billion in total consolidated assets, mortgage loans that are originated and retained in portfolio will automatically be deemed to satisfy the "ability to repay" requirement. To qualify for this, the insured depository institutions and credit unions must meet conditions relating to prepayment penalties, points and fees, negative amortization, interest-only features and documentation.
 The Regulatory Relief Act also directs federal banking agencies to issue regulations exempting certain insured depository institutions and insured credit unions with assets of $10 billion or less from the requirement to establish escrow accounts for certain residential mortgage loans.
 It also exempts insured depository institutions and insured credit unions that originated fewer than 500 closed-end mortgage loans or 500 open-end lines of credit in each of the two preceding years from a subset of disclosure requirements (recently imposed by the CFPB) under the Home Mortgage Disclosure Act, provided they have received certain minimum CRA ratings in their most recent examinations.
 The Regulatory Relief Act also directs the OCC to conduct a study assessing the effect of the exemption described above on the amount of Home Mortgage Disclosure Act data available at the national and local level.
 In addition, Section 941 of the Dodd-Frank Act amended the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the "Exchange Act") to require sponsors of asset-backed securities to retain at least 5% of the credit risk of the assets underlying the securities and generally prohibits sponsors from transferring or hedging that credit risk. In October 2014, the federal banking regulatory agencies adopted a final rule to implement this requirement (the "Risk Retention Rule"). Among other things, the Risk Retention Rule requires a securitizer to retain not less than 5% of the credit risk of any asset that the securitizer, through the issuance of an asset-backed security, transfers, sells, or conveys to a third party; and prohibits a securitizer from directly or indirectly hedging or otherwise transferring the credit risk that the securitizer is required to retain. In certain situations, the final rule allows securitizers to allocate a portion of the risk retention requirement to the originator(s) of the securitized assets, if an originator contributes at least 20% of the assets in the securitization. The Risk Retention Rule also provides an exemption to the risk retention requirements for an asset-backed security collateralized exclusively by Qualified Residential Mortgages, and ties the definition of a Qualified Residential Mortgage to the definition of a "qualified mortgage" established by the CFPB for purposes of evaluating a consumer's ability to repay a mortgage loan. The federal banking agencies agreed to review the definition of Qualified Residential Mortgages in 2019, following the CFPB's own review of its "qualified mortgage" regulation. For purposes of residential mortgage securitizations, the Risk Retention Rule took effect on December 24, 2015. For all other securitizations, the rule took effect on December 24, 2016.
 Other Provisions of the Dodd-Frank Act
 The Dodd-Frank Act implements far-reaching changes across the financial regulatory landscape. In addition to the reforms previously mentioned, the Dodd-Frank Act also:
 • requires bank holding companies and banks to be both well capitalized and well managed in order to acquire banks located outside their home state and requires any bank holding company electing to be treated as a financial holding company to be both well managed and well capitalized;
 • eliminates all remaining restrictions on interstate banking by authorizing national and state banks to establish de novo branches in any state that would permit a bank chartered in that state to open a branch at that location; and
 • repeals Regulation Q, the federal prohibition on the payment of interest on demand deposits, thereby permitting depository institutions to pay interest on business transaction and other accounts.
 Although a significant number of the rules and regulations mandated by the Dodd-Frank Act have been finalized, many of the requirements called for have yet to be implemented and will likely be subject to implementing regulations over the course of several years. Given the uncertainty associated with the manner in which the provisions of the Dodd-Frank Act will be implemented by the various agencies, the full extent of the impact such requirements will have on financial institutions' operations is unclear.

 Other Laws and Regulations
 Our operations are subject to several additional laws, some of which are specific to banking and others of which are applicable to commercial operations generally. For example, with respect to our lending practices, we are subject to the following laws and regulations, among several others:
 • Truth-In-Lending Act, governing disclosures of credit terms to consumer borrowers;
 • 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 of 1978, as amended by the Fair and Accurate Credit Transactions Act, governing the use and provision of information to credit reporting agencies, certain identity theft protections, and certain credit and other disclosures;
 • Fair Debt Collection Practices Act, governing how consumer debts may be collected by collection agencies;
 • Real Estate Settlement Procedures Act, requiring certain disclosures concerning loan closing costs and escrows, and governing transfers of loan servicing and the amounts of escrows for loans secured by one-to-four family residential properties;
 • Rules and regulations established by the National Flood Insurance Program;
 • Rules and regulations of the various federal agencies charged with the responsibility of implementing these federal laws;
 • Our deposit operations are subject to federal laws applicable to depository accounts, including:
 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;
 Truth-In-Savings Act, requiring certain disclosures for consumer deposit accounts;
 Electronic Funds Transfer Act and Regulation E of the FRB, 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; and
 Rules and regulations of the various federal agencies charged with the responsibility of implementing these federal laws.
 We are also subject to a variety of laws and regulations that are not limited to banking organizations. For example, in lending to commercial and consumer borrowers, and in owning and operating our own property, we are subject to regulations and potential liabilities under state and federal environmental laws. In addition, we must comply with privacy and data security laws and regulations at both the federal and state level.
 The banking industry is heavily regulated by regulatory agencies at the federal and state levels. Like most of our competitors, we have faced and expect to continue to face increased regulation and regulatory and political scrutiny, which creates significant uncertainty for us, as well as for the financial services industry in general.
 Enforcement Powers
 The federal regulatory agencies have substantial penalties available to enforce relative to depository institutions and certain "institution-affiliated parties." Institution-affiliated parties primarily include management, employees, and agents of a financial institution, as well as independent contractors and consultants, such as attorneys, accountants and others who participate in the conduct of the financial institution's affairs. An institution can be subject to an enforcement action due to the failure to timely file required reports, the filing of false or misleading information, the submission of inaccurate reports or engaging in other unsafe or unsound banking practices.
 The Financial Institution Reform Recovery and Enforcement Act provided regulators with greater flexibility to commence enforcement actions against institutions and institution-affiliated parties and to terminate an institution's deposit insurance. It also expanded the power of banking regulatory agencies to issue regulatory orders. Such orders may, among other things, require affirmative action to correct any harm resulting from a violation or practice, including restitution, reimbursement, indemnification or guarantees against loss. A financial institution may also be ordered to restrict its growth, dispose of certain assets, rescind agreements or contracts, or take other actions as determined by the ordering agency to be appropriate. The Dodd-Frank Act increases regulatory oversight, supervision and examination of banks, bank holding companies and their respective subsidiaries by the appropriate regulatory agency.
 Federal Securities Laws
 The shares of the Company's common stock are registered with the SEC under Section 12(b) of the Act and listed on the NASDAQ Global Select Market. The Company is subject to information reporting requirements, proxy solicitation requirements, insider trading restrictions and other requirements of the Exchange Act, including the requirements imposed under the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 and the rules of The NASDAQ Stock Market, LLC. Among other things, loans to and other transactions with insiders are subject to restrictions and heightened disclosure, directors and certain committees of the Board must satisfy certain independence requirements, and the Company is generally required to comply with certain corporate governance requirements.

 Governmental Monetary and Credit Policies and Economic Controls
 The earnings and growth of the banking industry and ultimately of the Company are affected by the monetary and credit policies of governmental authorities, including the FRB. An important function of the FRB is to regulate the national supply of bank credit in order to control recessionary and inflationary pressures. Among the instruments of monetary policy used by the FRB to implement these objectives are open market operations in U.S. government securities, changes in the federal funds rate, changes in the discount rate of member bank borrowings and changes in reserve requirements against member bank deposits. These means are used in varying combinations to influence overall growth of bank loans, investments and deposits and may also affect interest rates charged on loans or paid for deposits. The FRB's monetary policies have had a significant effect on the operating results of commercial banks in the past and are expected to continue to have such an effect in the future. In view of changing conditions in the national economy and in the money markets, as well as the effect of actions by monetary and fiscal authorities, including the FRB, no prediction can be made as to possible future changes in interest rates, deposit levels, loan demand or their effect on the business and earnings of the Company and its subsidiaries.
 Future Legislative Developments
 Various legislative acts are from time to time introduced in Congress and the Maryland legislature. This legislation may change banking statutes and the environment in which we operate in substantial and unpredictable ways. We cannot determine the ultimate effect that potential legislation, if enacted, or implementing regulations and interpretations with respect thereto, would have on our financial condition or results of operations.
 The new presidential administration and many members of Congress have advocated for changes in financial services regulation, potentially including amendments to the Dodd-Frank Act and other federal banking laws, and structural changes to the CFPB. It is possible, though uncertain, that Congress and/or the relevant federal agencies may seek to roll back or modify some or much of the rulemaking and regulatory guidance issued under the previous presidential administration. Additionally, the full impact of the leadership changes at banking regulatory agencies on the enforcement and supervisory priorities of each agency is not fully known at this time. It is therefore unclear at the present time what effect the aforementioned changes will have on the banking industry as a whole or the Company specifically.
 AVAILABLE INFORMATION
 The Company maintains an Internet site at www.shorebancshares.com on which it makes available, free of charge, its Annual Reports on Form 10-K, Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q, Current Reports on Form 8-K, and all amendments to the foregoing as soon as reasonably practicable after these reports are electronically filed with, or furnished to, the SEC. In addition, stockholders may access these reports and documents on the SEC's website at www.sec.gov. The information on, or accessible through, our website or any other website cited in this Annual Report on Form 10-K is not part of, or incorporated by reference into, this Annual Report on Form 10-K and should not be relied upon in determining whether to make an investment decision.

 Item 1A. RISK FACTORS
 An investment in our common stock involves significant risks. You should consider carefully the risk factors included below together with all of the information included in or incorporated by reference into this Annual Report on Form 10-K, as the same may be updated from time-to-time by our future filings with the SEC under the Exchange Act, before making a decision to invest in our common stock. The risks and uncertainties described below are not the only ones we face. Additional risks and uncertainties not presently known to us or that we currently deem immaterial may also have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations. If any of the matters included in the following information about risk factors were to occur, our business, financial condition, results of operations, cash flows or prospects could be materially and adversely affected. In such case, you may lose all or a substantial part of your investment. To the extent that any of the information contained in this document constitutes forward-looking statements, the risk factors below should be reviewed as cautionary statements identifying important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed in any forward-looking statements made by us or on our behalf. See "Cautionary note regarding forward-looking statements."
 Risks Relating to Our Business
 Our business is adversely affected by unfavorable economic, market, and political conditions.
 In the event of an economic recession, our operating results could be adversely affected because we could experience higher loan and lease charge-offs and higher operating costs. Global economic conditions also affect our operating results because global economic conditions directly influence the U.S. economic conditions, including persistent inflation, rising interest rates, supply chain issues, labor shortages or changes in United States trade policies, including the imposition of tariffs and retaliatory tariffs. Certain changes in interest rates, inflation, or the financial markets could affect demand for our products. Real estate market conditions directly affect performance of our loans secured by real estate. Debt markets affect the availability of credit which impacts the rates and terms at which we offer loans and leases. Stock market downturns often signal broader economic deterioration and/or a downward trend in business earnings which may adversely

 affect businesses' ability to raise capital and/or service their debts. Political and electoral changes, developments, conflicts, and conditions have in the past introduced, and may in the future introduce, additional uncertainty which may also affect our operating results.
 Our performance could be negatively affected to the extent there is deterioration in business and economic conditions, including persistent inflation, supply chain issues or labor shortages, which have direct or indirect material adverse impacts on us, our customers, and our counterparties. These conditions could result in one or more of the following:
 • a decrease in the demand for our loans and other products and services offered by us;
 • a decrease in our deposit balances due to overall reductions in the accounts of customers;
 • a decrease in the value of collateral securing our loans and leases;
 • an increase in the level of nonperforming and classified loans and leases;
 • an increase in provisions for credit losses and loan and lease charge-offs;
 • a decrease in net interest income derived from our lending and deposit gathering activities;
 • a decrease in the Company's stock price;
 • a decrease in our ability to access the capital markets; or
 • an increase in our operating expenses associated with attending to the effects of certain circumstances listed above.
 Continued inflation poses risk to the economy overall, and could indirectly pose challenges to our clients and to our business. Elevated inflation can impact our business customers through the loss of purchasing power for their customers, leading to lower sales. Rising inflation can also increase input and inventory costs for our customers, forcing them to raise their prices or lower their profitability. Supply chain disruption, also leading to inflation, can delay our customers' shipping ability, or timing on receiving inputs for their production or inventory. Inflation can lead to higher wages for our business customers, increasing costs. All of these inflationary risks for our business customer base can be financially detrimental, leading to increased likelihood that the customer may default on a loan. To the extent such conditions exist or worsen, we could experience adverse effects on our business, financial condition, and results of operations.
 Interest rates and other economic conditions will impact our results of operations.
 Our results of operations may be materially and adversely affected by changes in prevailing economic conditions, including declines in real estate values, rapid changes in interest rates and the monetary and fiscal policies of the federal government. Our results of operations are significantly impacted by the spread between the interest rates earned on assets and the interest rates paid on deposits and other interest-bearing liabilities, including advances from the FHLB of Atlanta. Interest rate risk arises from mismatches (i.e., the interest sensitivity gap) between the dollar amount of repricing or maturing of assets and liabilities. If more assets reprice or mature than liabilities during a falling interest rate environment, then our earnings could be negatively impacted. Conversely, if more liabilities reprice or mature than assets during a rising interest rate environment, then our earnings could be negatively impacted.
 Changes in market interest rates are affected by many factors beyond our control, including inflation, unemployment, money supply, international events and events in world financial markets. Throughout 2022, 2023 and 2024, the FRB raised the target range for the federal funds rate in an effort to curb inflation. In September 2024 and November 2024, the FRB lowered the target range for the federal funds rate to its current range of 4.50% to 4.75% in light of the progress on inflation. Notwithstanding, the inflationary outlook in the United States remains uncertain. Increases in interest rates could adversely affect borrowers' ability to pay the principal or interest on existing loans or reduce their desire to borrow more money. This may lead to an increase in our nonperforming assets, a decrease in loan originations, or a reduction in the value of and income from our loans, any of which could have a material and negative effect on our results of operations.
 Adverse developments affecting financial institutions or the financial services industry generally, such as actual events or concerns involving liquidity, defaults or non-performance, could adversely affect our operations and liquidity.
 Actual events involving limited liquidity, defaults, non-performance or other adverse developments that affect financial institutions for the financial services industry generally, or concerns or rumors about any events of these kinds, including the resulting media coverage, have in the past and may in the future lead to market-wide liquidity problems and erode customer confidence in the banking system. For example, the closures of Silicon Valley Bank and Signature Bank in March 2023, and First Republic Bank in May 2023, led to market volatility, a greater focus by institutions, investors and regulators on the on-balance sheet liquidity of and funding sources for financial institutions, the composition of their deposits, including the amount of uninsured deposits, the amount of accumulated other comprehensive loss, capital levels and interest rate risk management. Although the industry has since stabilized, risks remain that customers may choose to invest in higher yielding and higher-rated short-term fixed income securities or maintain deposits with larger more systematically important financial institutions, all of which could materially and adversely impact our liquidity, loan funding capacity, net interest margin, capital, and results of operations. In addition, the banking operating environments and public trading prices of banking institutions can be highly correlated, in particular during times of stress, which could adversely impact the trading prices of our common stock and potentially, our results of operations. Separately, banking regulators have announced a more stringent supervisory posture after the bank failures.

 A majority of our business is concentrated in Maryland, Delaware and Virginia, a significant amount of which is concentrated in real estate lending, so a decline in the local economy and real estate markets could adversely impact our financial condition and results of operations.
 The Trump administration and certain governmental agencies have announced plans to reduce government spending and the size of the federal government workforce. The Washington, D.C. metropolitan area is characterized by a significant number of businesses that are federal government contractors or subcontractors, or which depend on such businesses for a significant portion of their revenues. In addition, federal government employees make up a significant proportion of the population of the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area. Reductions in the federal workforce through layoffs and buyouts, furloughs of government employees or government contractors as well as cancelling government contracts and other impacts from declining government spending, lapses in appropriations, or changes in fiscal appropriations could have adverse impacts on other businesses in the Company's market and the general economy of the greater Washington, D.C. metropolitan area. This may directly or indirectly lead to a loss of revenues by the Company's customers, including vendors and lessors to the federal government and government contractors or to their employees, as well as a wide variety of commercial and retail businesses. Accordingly, such potential federal government actions could lead to increases in past due loans, nonperforming loans, credit loss reserves and charge-offs and a decline in liquidity.
 In addition, substantially all of our loan portfolio is secured by real estate. Real estate loans are in greater demand when interest rates are low and economic conditions are good. Accordingly, a decline in local economic conditions would likely have an adverse impact on our financial condition and results of operations, and the impact on us would likely be greater than the impact felt by larger financial institutions whose loan portfolios are geographically diverse. We cannot guarantee that any risk management practices that we implement to address our geographic and loan concentrations will be effective in preventing losses relating to our loan portfolio.
 Our concentrations of CRE loans could subject us to increased regulatory scrutiny and directives, which could force us to preserve or raise capital and/or limit our future commercial lending activities.
 The FRB and the FDIC, along with the other federal banking regulators, issued guidance in December 2006 entitled "Concentrations in Commercial Real Estate Lending, Sound Risk Management Practices" directed at institutions that have particularly high concentrations of CRE loans within their lending portfolios. This guidance suggests that these institutions face a heightened risk of financial difficulties in the event of adverse changes in the economy and CRE markets. Accordingly, the guidance suggests that institutions whose concentrations exceed certain percentages of capital should implement heightened risk management practices appropriate to their concentration risk. Federal bank regulatory guidelines identify institutions potentially exposed to CRE concentration risk as those that have (i) experienced rapid growth in CRE lending, (ii) notable exposure to a specific type of CRE, (iii) total reported loans for construction, land development and other land loans representing 100% or more of the institution's capital or (iv) total CRE loans representing 300% or more of the institution's capital if the outstanding balance of the institution's CRE loan portfolio has increased 50% or more during the prior 36 months. The guidance provides that banking regulators may require such institutions to reduce their concentrations and/or maintain higher capital ratios than institutions with lower concentrations in CRE. Due to our emphasis on CRE and construction lending, as of December 31, 2024, non-owner-occupied CRE loans (including construction, land and land development loans) represented 359.52% of the Bank's Tier 1 Capital + the allowance for credit losses ("ACL"). Construction, land and land development loans represent 57.99% of the Bank's Tier 1 Capital + ACL. We may be subject to heightened supervisory scrutiny during future examinations and/or be required to maintain higher levels of capital as a result of our CRE concentrations, which could require us to obtain additional capital, and may adversely affect shareholder returns. Management cannot predict the extent to which this guidance will impact our operations or capital requirements. Further, we cannot guarantee that any risk management practices we implement will be effective in preventing losses resulting from concentrations in our CRE portfolio.
 The Bank may experience credit losses in excess of its allowances, which would adversely impact our financial condition and results of operations.
 The risk of credit losses on loans varies with, among other things, general economic conditions, the type of loan being made, the creditworthiness of the borrower over the term of the loan and, in the case of a collateralized loan, the value and marketability of the collateral for the loan. Management at the Bank bases the ACL upon, among other things, historical experience, an evaluation of economic conditions and regular reviews of delinquencies and loan portfolio quality. If management's assumptions and judgments prove to be incorrect and the allowance for credit losses is inadequate to absorb future losses, or if the bank regulatory authorities, as a part of their examination process, require the Bank to increase its allowance for credit losses, our earnings and capital could be significantly and adversely affected. We estimate losses inherent in our loan portfolio, the adequacy of our allowance for credit losses and the values of certain assets by using estimates based on difficult, subjective, and complex judgments, including estimates as to the effects of economic conditions and how those economic conditions might affect the ability of our borrowers to repay their loans or the value of assets. Material additions to the allowance for credit losses at the Bank would result in a decrease in the Bank's net income and capital and could have a material adverse effect on our financial condition.
 Our investment securities portfolio is subject to credit risk, market risk and liquidity risk.
 As of December 31, 2024, we had classified 23.7% of our debt securities as available for sale ("AFS") pursuant to the Accounting Standards Codification Topic 320 ("ASC 320") of the FASB relating to accounting for investments. ASC 320 requires that unrealized

 gains and losses in the estimated value of the AFS portfolio be "marked to market" and reflected as a separate item in stockholders' equity (net of tax) as AOCI (loss). The remaining debt securities are classified as held to maturity ("HTM") in accordance with ASC 320 and are stated at amortized cost. Equity securities with readily determinable fair values are recorded at fair value with changes in fair value recorded in earnings. Stockholders' equity will continue to reflect the unrealized gains and losses (net of tax) of these investments. At December 31, 2024, the Company's AOCI (loss) amounted to $7.5 million and were due to changes in interest rates. 97.1% or $611.9 million of the Company's AFS and HTM portfolios are invested in U.S. government guaranteed investments or government sponsored enterprises ("GSEs"). There can be no assurance that the market value of our investment portfolio will not continue to decline due to changes in interest rates or a deterioration in credit quality, causing a corresponding decline in stockholders' equity.
 The Bank is a member of the FHLB of Atlanta and our investments include stock issued by the FHLB of Atlanta. These investments could be subject to future impairment charges and there can be no guaranty of future dividends.
 Management believes that several factors will affect the market values of our investment portfolio. These risk factors include, but are not limited to, changes in interest rates, rating agency downgrades of the securities, defaults of the issuers of the securities, lack of market pricing of the securities, and instability in the credit markets. At times, a lack of market activity with respect to some securities has, in certain circumstances, required us to base our fair market valuation on unobservable inputs ("Level 3" in fair value hierarchy). At December 31, 2024, the Bank had no Level 3 securities. Any changes in these risk factors, in current accounting principles or interpretations of these principles could impact our assessment of fair value and thus the determination of credit losses of the securities in the investment securities portfolio. Write-downs of investment securities would negatively affect our earnings and regulatory capital ratios.
 Impairment of investment securities, goodwill, other intangible assets, or deferred tax assets could require charges to earnings, which could result in a negative impact on our results of operations.
 We are required to establish a reserve in the ACL when management determines that an investment security is impaired due to a credit loss. The amount of the impairment related to credit losses, limited by the amount by which the specific security's amortized cost basis exceeds its fair value, is recorded in the ACL. Changes in the ACL are recorded in net income in the period of change and are included in provision for credit losses. Changes in the fair value of debt securities AFS not resulting from credit losses are recorded in other comprehensive income (loss). In assessing whether the impairment of an investment security is a credit loss or other market factors, management considers the length of time and extent to which the fair value has been less than cost, the financial condition and near-term prospects of the issuer, and the intent and ability to retain our investment in the security for a period of time sufficient to allow for any anticipated recovery in fair value in the near term.
 Under current accounting standards, goodwill is not amortized but, instead, is subject to impairment tests on at least an annual basis or more frequently if an event occurs or circumstances change that reduce the fair value of a reporting unit below its carrying amount. Intangible assets other than goodwill are also subject to impairment tests at least annually. A decline in the price of the Company's common stock or occurrence of a triggering event following any of our quarterly earnings releases and prior to the filing of the periodic report for that period could, under certain circumstances, cause us to perform goodwill and other intangible assets impairment tests and result in an impairment charge being recorded for that period which was not reflected in such earnings release. In the event that we conclude that all or a portion of our goodwill or other intangible assets may be impaired, a non-cash charge for the amount of such impairment would be recorded to earnings. At December 31, 2024, we had recorded goodwill of $63.3 million and other intangible assets of $38.3 million, representing approximately 11.7% and 7.1% of stockholders' equity, respectively.
 In assessing the realizability of deferred tax assets, management considers whether it is more likely than not that some portion or all of the deferred tax assets will not be realized. Assessing the need for, or the sufficiency of, a valuation allowance requires management to evaluate all available evidence, both negative and positive, including the recent trend of quarterly earnings. Positive evidence necessary to overcome the negative evidence includes whether future taxable income in sufficient amounts and character within the carryback and carryforward periods is available under the tax law, including the use of tax planning strategies. When negative evidence (e.g., cumulative losses in recent years, history of operating loss or tax credit carry forwards expiring unused) exists, more positive evidence than negative evidence will be necessary. At December 31, 2024, our gross deferred tax assets were approximately $55.8 million. There was a valuation allowance of deferred taxes of $1.9 million recorded at December 31, 2024 as management believes it is more likely than not that net operating losses for the holding company only will not be realized for state income tax purposes. The holding company files a separate return with the state of Maryland and does not expect that the holding company will generate sufficient taxable income to utilize its deferred tax assets. No valuation allowance is currently recorded for state deferred income taxes of the Company's subsidiaries or at the federal level where the Company files consolidated tax return.
 Our future success will depend on our ability to compete effectively in the highly competitive financial services industry.
 We face substantial competition in all phases of our operations from a variety of different competitors. We compete with commercial banks, credit unions, savings and loan associations, mortgage banking firms, consumer finance companies, securities brokerage firms, money market funds and other mutual funds, as well as other local and community, super-regional, national and international financial institutions that operate offices in our primary market areas and elsewhere. Our future growth and success will depend on our ability to compete effectively in this highly competitive financial services environment. Failure to compete effectively to attract new or to retain

 existing, clients may reduce or limit our net income and our market share and may adversely affect our results of operations, financial condition and growth.
 Our funding sources may prove insufficient to replace deposits and support our future growth.
 We rely on customer deposits, advances from the FHLB, and lines of credit at other financial institutions to fund our operations. Although we have historically been able to replace maturing deposits and advances if desired, no assurance can be given that we would be able to replace such funds in the future if our financial condition or the financial condition of the FHLB or market conditions were to change. Our financial flexibility will be severely constrained and/or our cost of funds will increase if we are unable to maintain our access to funding or if financing necessary to accommodate future growth is not available at favorable interest rates. Finally, if we are required to place greater reliance on more expensive funding sources to support future growth, our revenues may not increase proportionately to cover our costs. In this case, our profitability would be adversely affected.
 Acquisitions may disrupt our business.
 The success of future acquisitions we may consummate may depend, in part, on the ability to realize the estimated cost savings and combine the acquired businesses with our existing operations in a manner that does not materially disrupt the existing customer relationships of either institution, or result in decreased revenues resulting from any loss of customers, and that permits growth opportunities to occur. If we are not able to successfully achieve these objectives, the anticipated benefits of future acquisitions may not be realized fully or at all or may take longer to realize than expected.
 It is possible that the potential cost savings could turn out to be more difficult to achieve than anticipated and the integration process associated with an acquisition could result in the loss of key employees, the disruption of ongoing businesses or inconsistencies in standards, controls, procedures, and policies that adversely affect our ability to maintain relationships with clients, customers, depositors, and employees or to achieve the anticipated benefits of the acquisitions. Integration efforts could also divert management attention and resources. These integration matters could have an adverse effect on the combined Company.
 The loss of key personnel could disrupt our operations and result in reduced earnings.
 Our growth and profitability will depend upon our ability to attract and retain skilled managerial, marketing and technical personnel. Competition for qualified personnel in the financial services industry is intense, and there can be no assurance that we will be successful in attracting and retaining such personnel.
 Income from mortgage-banking operations is volatile and we may incur losses with respect to our mortgage-banking operations that could negatively affect our earnings.
 One component of our strategy is to sell on the secondary market the longer term, conforming fixed-rate residential mortgage loans that we originate, earning noninterest income in the form of gains on the sale of the loans. When interest rates rise, the demand for mortgage loans tends to fall and may reduce the number of loans we can originate for sale. Weak or deteriorating economic conditions also tend to reduce loan demand. Although we sell, and intend to continue selling, most loans in the secondary market with limited or no recourse, we are required, and will continue to be required, to give customary representations and warranties to the buyers relating to compliance with applicable law. If we breach those representations and warranties, the buyers will be able to require us to repurchase the loans and we may incur a loss on the repurchase. We have not been required to repurchase any loans as of December 31, 2024.
 We provide banking services to customers who do business in the cannabis industry and the strict enforcement of federal laws regarding cannabis would likely result in our inability to continue to provide banking services to these customers and we could have legal action taken against us by the federal government.
 We have deposit and loan customers that are licensed in several states within the United States to do business in the cannabis industry as growers, processors, and dispensaries. While cannabis is legal in these states of operation, it remains classified as a Schedule I controlled substance under the Controlled Substances Act. As such, the cultivation, use, distribution, and possession of cannabis is a violation of federal law that is punishable by imprisonment and fines. Moreover, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled in USA v. Oakland Cannabis Buyers' Coop. that the federal government has the authority to regulate and criminalize cannabis, including medical marijuana.
 In January 2018, the DOJ rescinded the "Cole Memo" and related memoranda which characterized the enforcement of the Controlled Substances Act against persons and entities complying with state regulatory systems permitting the use, manufacture and sale of medical marijuana as an inefficient use of their prosecutorial resources and discretion. The impact of the DOJ's rescission of the Cole Memo and related memoranda is unclear, but may result in the DOJ increasing its enforcement actions against the regulated cannabis industry generally. However, as of the date of this filing we are not aware of any insured depository institution that has been prosecuted by the DOJ based on providing otherwise lawful banking products and services to the cannabis industry.
 As in past years, the U.S. Congress has enacted an omnibus spending bill that includes a provision prohibiting the DOJ and the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration from using funds appropriated by that bill to prevent states from implementing their medical-use cannabis

 laws. This provision was recently renewed as part of the annual federal Consolidated Appropriations Act. While this provision has been re-enacted every year since 2014, and is expected to continue to be re-enacted in future federal spending bills, if Congress and the President fail to further renew the provision, then the ability of cannabis businesses to act in this area, and the Bank's ability to provide banking products and services to such businesses, may be impeded. Further, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit held in USA v. McIntosh that this provision prohibits the DOJ from spending funds from relevant appropriations acts to prosecute individuals who engage in conduct permitted by state medical-use cannabis laws and who strictly comply with such laws. There is no guarantee that the U.S. Congress will extend this provision or that U.S. Federal courts located outside the Ninth Circuit will follow the ruling in USA v. McIntosh. As of the date of filing this Annual Report on Form 10-K, we are aware of no federal or state court in or for the states in which our customers operate that has addressed the merits of the McIntosh ruling.
 Federal prosecutors have significant discretion and there can be no assurance that the federal prosecutor for any state in which our customers operate will not choose to strictly enforce the federal laws governing cannabis, including adult-use and medical-use cannabis, or that the federal courts in these states will follow the Ninth Circuit's ruling in USA v. McIntosh. Any change in the federal government's enforcement position could cause us to immediately cease providing banking services to the medical and adult-use cannabis industry in states within the United States.
 Additionally, as the possession and use of cannabis remains illegal under the Controlled Substances Act, we may be deemed to be aiding and abetting illegal activities through the services that we provide to these customers and could have legal action taken against us by the federal government, including imprisonment and fines. Any change in the federal government's position on adult-use cannabis enforcement, or a change in federal appropriations law, could result in significant financial damage to us and our stockholders.
 FinCEN published guidelines in 2014 for financial institutions servicing state legal cannabis business. These guidelines were issued for the explicit purpose so "that financial institutions can provide services to marijuana-related businesses in a manner consistent with their obligations to know their customers and to report possible criminal activity." The Bank has and will continue to follow this and other FinCEN guidance in the areas of cannabis banking. Any adverse change in this FinCEN guidance, any new regulations or legislation, any change in existing regulations or oversight, whether a change in regulatory policy or a change in a regulator's interpretation of a law or regulation, could have a negative impact on our interest income and noninterest income, as well as the cost of our operations, increasing our cost of regulatory compliance and of doing business, and/or otherwise affect us, which may materially affect our profitability.
 Risks Related to Our Operations, Cybersecurity and Technology
 We depend on the accuracy and completeness of information about customers and counterparties and our financial condition could be adversely affected if we rely on misleading information.
 In deciding whether to extend credit or to enter into other transactions with customers and counterparties, we may rely on information furnished to us by or on behalf of customers and counterparties, including financial statements and other financial information, which we do not independently verify. We also may rely on representations of customers and counterparties as to the accuracy and completeness of that information and, with respect to financial statements, on reports of independent auditors. For example, in deciding whether to extend credit to customers, we may assume that a customer's audited financial statements conform with generally accepted accounting principles in the United States of America ("GAAP") and present fairly, in all material respects, the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the customer. Our financial condition and results of operations could be negatively impacted to the extent we rely on financial statements that do not comply with GAAP or are materially misleading.
 Our exposure to operational, technological and organizational risk may adversely affect us.
 We are exposed to many types of operational risks, including reputation, legal and compliance risk, the risk of fraud or theft by employees or outsiders, unauthorized transactions by employees or operational errors, clerical or record-keeping errors, and errors resulting from faulty or disabled computer or telecommunications systems.
 Certain errors may be repeated or compounded before they are discovered and successfully rectified. Our necessary dependence upon automated systems to record and process transactions may further increase the risk that technical system flaws or employee tampering or manipulation of those systems will result in losses that are difficult to detect. We may also be subject to disruptions of our operating systems arising from events that are wholly or partially beyond our control (for example, computer viruses or electrical or telecommunications outages), which may give rise to disruption of service to customers and to financial loss or liability. We are further exposed to the risk that our external vendors may be unable to fulfill their contractual obligations (or will be subject to the same risk of fraud or operational errors by their respective employees as are we) and to the risk that our (or our vendors') business continuity and data security systems prove to be inadequate.
 Our information systems may experience an interruption or breach in security.
 We rely heavily on communications and information systems to conduct our business. We, our customers, and other financial institutions with which we interact, are subject to ongoing, continuous attempts to penetrate key systems by individual hackers, organized criminals, and in some cases, state-sponsored organizations. Any failure, interruption or breach in security of these systems could result in failures or

 disruptions in our customer relationship management, general ledger, deposit, loan and other systems, misappropriation of funds, and theft of proprietary Company or customer data. The occurrence of any failure, interruption or security breach of our information systems could damage our reputation, result in a loss of customer business, subject us to additional regulatory scrutiny, or expose us to civil litigation and possible financial liability.
 Security breaches and other disruptions could compromise our information and expose us to liability, which would cause our business and reputation to suffer.
 Cybersecurity risks for banking organizations have significantly increased in recent years in part because of the proliferation of new technologies, including Artificial Intelligence, and the use of the internet and telecommunications technologies to conduct financial transactions.
 In the ordinary course of our business, we collect and store sensitive data, including intellectual property, our proprietary business information and that of our customers, suppliers and business partners, and personally identifiable information of our customers and employees, in our data centers and on our networks. The secure processing, maintenance and transmission of this information is critical to our operations and business strategy. Despite our security measures, our information technology and infrastructure may be vulnerable to attacks by hackers or breached due to employee error, malfeasance or other disruptions. Any such breach could compromise our networks and the information stored there could be accessed, publicly disclosed, lost or stolen. Any such access, disclosure or other loss of information could result in legal claims or proceedings, liability under laws that protect the privacy of personal information, and regulatory penalties, disrupt our operations and the services we provide to customers, damage our reputation, and cause a loss of confidence in our products and services, which could adversely affect our business, revenues and competitive position.
 Our reliance on third party vendors could expose us to additional cyber risk and liability.
 The operation of our business involves outsourcing of certain business functions and reliance on third-party providers, which may result in transmission and maintenance of personal, confidential and proprietary information to and by such vendors. Although we require third-party providers to maintain certain levels of information security, such providers remain vulnerable to breaches, unauthorized access, misuse, computer viruses or other malicious attacks that could ultimately compromise sensitive information possessed by our company. Although we contract to limit our liability in connection with attacks against third-party providers, we remain exposed to risk of loss associated with such vendors.
 We outsource certain aspects of our data processing to certain third-party providers which may expose us to additional risk.
 We outsource certain key aspects of our data processing to certain third-party providers. While we have selected these third-party providers carefully, we cannot control their actions. If our third-party providers encounter difficulties, including those which result from their failure to provide services for any reason or their poor performance of services, or if we have difficulty in communicating with them, our ability to adequately process and account for customer transactions could be affected, and our business operations could be adversely impacted. Replacing these third-party providers could also entail significant delay and expense.
 Our third-party providers may be vulnerable to unauthorized access, computer viruses, phishing schemes and other security breaches. Threats to information security also exist in the processing of customer information through various other third-party providers and their personnel. We may be required to expend significant additional resources to protect against the threat of such security breaches and computer viruses, or to alleviate problems caused by such security breaches or viruses. To the extent that the activities of our third-party providers or the activities of our customers involve the storage and transmission of confidential information, security breaches and viruses could expose us to claims, regulatory scrutiny, litigation and other possible liabilities.
 We are dependent on our information technology and telecommunications systems and third-party servicers, and systems failures, interruptions or breaches of security could have an adverse effect on our financial condition and results of operations.
 Our business is highly dependent on the successful and uninterrupted functioning of our information technology and telecommunications systems and third-party servicers. We outsource many of our major systems, such as data -processing and deposit -processing systems. The failure of these systems, or the termination of a third-party software license or service agreement on which any of these systems is based, could interrupt our operations. Because our information technology and telecommunications systems interface with and depend on third-party systems, we could experience service denials if demand for such services exceeds capacity, or such third-party systems fail or experience interruptions. If sustained or repeated, a system failure or service denial could result in a deterioration of our ability to provide customer service, compromise our ability to operate effectively, damage our reputation, result in a loss of customer business and/or subject us to additional regulatory scrutiny and possible financial liability, any of which could have a material adverse effect on our financial condition and results of operations.
 In addition, we provide our customers the ability to bank remotely, including online over the Internet. The secure transmission of confidential information is a critical element of remote banking. Our network could be vulnerable to unauthorized access, computer viruses, phishing schemes, spam attacks, human error, natural disasters, power loss and other security breaches. We may be required to spend significant capital and other resources to protect against the threat of security breaches and computer viruses, or to alleviate

 problems caused by security breaches or viruses. Further, we outsource some of the data processing functions used for remote banking, and accordingly we are dependent on the expertise and performance of our third-party providers. To the extent that our activities, the activities of our customers, or the activities of our third-party service providers involve the storage and transmission of confidential information, security breaches and viruses could expose us to claims, litigation and other possible liabilities. Any inability to prevent security breaches or computer viruses could also cause existing customers to lose confidence in our systems and could adversely affect our reputation, results of operations and ability to attract and maintain customers and businesses. In addition, a security breach could also subject us to additional regulatory scrutiny, expose us to civil litigation and possible financial liability and cause reputational damage.
 Technological changes affect our business, and we may have fewer resources than many competitors to invest in technological improvements.
 Our future success will depend, in part, upon our ability to use technology to provide products and services that provide convenience to customers and to create additional efficiencies in operations. We may need to make significant additional capital investments in technology in the future, and we may not be able to effectively implement new technology-driven products and services.
 Severe weather, earthquakes, other natural disasters, climate change, pandemics, acts of war or terrorism and other external and geopolitical events could significantly impact the business.
 Severe weather, earthquakes, other natural disasters, pandemics, climate change, acts of war or terrorism and other adverse external events could have a significant impact on the Company's ability to conduct business. Such events could affect the stability of its deposit base, impair the ability of borrowers to repay outstanding loans, impair the value of collateral securing loans, cause significant property damage, result in loss of revenue, cause us to incur additional expenses or disrupt the Company's operations. Climate change has the potential to increase the frequency and severity of these severe weather events in the future. Although management has established disaster recovery policies and procedures, the occurrence of any such events could have a material adverse effect on the business, financial condition, results of operations or profitability.
 We have previously identified material weaknesses in our internal controls, and cannot provide assurances that additional material weaknesses will not occur in the future.
 Our management is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting, as defined in Rule 13a-15(f) under the Exchange Act and for evaluating and reporting on that system of internal control. In the past, material weaknesses have been identified in our internal control over financial reporting. As described in Part II, Item 9A. – Controls and Procedures, management identified material weaknesses in the Company's internal control over financial reporting for the 2023 fiscal year that were remediated during third and the fourth quarter of fiscal 2024.
 Although the previously identified material weaknesses have been remediated as of the date of this report, there can be no absolute assurances that future material weaknesses will not arise. In the future, we may identify additional material weaknesses or otherwise fail to maintain an effective system of internal control over financial reporting or adequate disclosure controls and procedures, which may result in material errors in our financial statements or cause us to fail to meet our period reporting obligations. If we fail to establish and maintain effective control over financial reporting, it may adversely affect our ability to accurately and timely report our financial results in the future, may adversely affect investor confidence, our reputation and our ability to raise additional capital, cause the market price of our stock to decline, expose us to sanctions or investigations by the SEC or other regulatory authorities, or impact our results of operations.
 Risks Relating to the Regulation of our Industry
 We operate in a highly regulated environment, which could restrain our growth and profitability.
 Banking is highly regulated under federal and state law. As such, we are subject to extensive regulation, supervision and legal requirements that govern almost all aspects of our operations. Compliance with laws and regulations can be difficult and costly, and changes to laws and regulations, including potential changes in federal policy and at regulatory agencies as a result of changes in U.S. Presidential Administrations that have different regulatory agendas, often impose additional operating costs. We expect the Trump administration will seek to implement a regulatory reform agenda that is significantly different than that of the Biden administration. We expect there will be changes in rulemaking, supervision, examination, and enforcement priorities of the federal banking agencies. Our failure to comply with these laws and regulations, even if the failure follows good faith effort or reflects a difference in interpretation, could subject us to restrictions on our business activities, enforcement actions and fines and other penalties, any of which could adversely affect our results of operations, regulatory capital levels and the price of our securities. Further, any new laws, rules and regulations, such as the Dodd-Frank Act, could make compliance more difficult or expensive or otherwise adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations.
 In addition, we anticipate increased regulatory scrutiny, in the course of routine examinations and otherwise, and new regulations in response to recent negative developments in the banking industry, which may increase our cost of doing business and reduce our profitability. Among other things, there may be increased focus by both regulators and investors on deposit composition, the level of uninsured deposits, brokered deposits, unrealized losses in securities portfolios, liquidity, CRE loan composition and concentrations, and

 capital as well as general oversight and control of the foregoing. We could face increased scrutiny or be viewed as higher risk by regulators and/or the investor community, which could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.
 Federal regulators periodically examine our business, and we may be required to remediate adverse examination findings.
 The FRB and the OCC periodically examine our business, including our compliance with laws and regulations. If, as a result of an examination, the FRB or the OCC were to determine that our financial condition, capital resource, asset quality, earnings prospects, management, liquidity or other aspects of any of our operations had become unsatisfactory, or that we were in violation of any law or regulation, it may take a number of different remedial actions as it deems appropriate. Any regulatory action against us could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.
 Our FDIC deposit insurance premiums and assessments may increase.
 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 classifications, which are based on its regulatory capital levels and the level of supervisory concern that it poses. Further increase in assessment rates or special assessments may occur in the future, especially if there are significant additional financial institution failures. 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.
 We are subject to numerous laws designed to protect consumers, including the CRA and fair lending laws, and failure to comply with these laws could lead to a wide variety of sanctions.
 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 DOJ and other federal agencies are responsible for enforcing these laws and regulations. A successful regulatory challenge to an institution's performance under the CRA or fair lending laws and regulations could result in a wide variety of sanctions, including damages and civil money penalties, injunctive relief, restrictions on mergers and acquisition activity, restrictions on expansion and restrictions on entering new business lines. Private parties may also have the ability to challenge an institution's performance under fair lending laws in private class action litigation. Such actions could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.
 We are subject to evolving and extensive regulations and requirements. Our failure to adhere to these requirements or the failure or circumvention of our controls and procedures could seriously harm our business.
 We are subject to extensive regulation as a financial institution and are also required to follow the corporate governance and financial reporting practices and policies required of a company whose stock is registered under the Exchange Act and listed on the NASDAQ Global Select Market. Compliance with these requirements means we incur significant legal, accounting and other expenses. Compliance also requires a significant diversion of management time and attention, particularly with regard to disclosure controls and procedures and internal control over financial reporting. Although we have reviewed, and will continue to review, our disclosure controls and procedures in order to determine whether they are effective, our controls and procedures may not be able to prevent errors or frauds in the future.
 Faulty judgments, simple errors or mistakes, or the failure of our personnel to adhere to established controls and procedures may make it difficult for us to ensure that the objectives of the control system will be met. A failure of our controls and procedures to detect other than inconsequential errors or fraud could seriously harm our business and results of operations.
 We face a risk of noncompliance and enforcement action with the BSA and other anti-money laundering statues and regulations.
 The BSA, the Uniting and Strengthening America by Providing Appropriate Tools Required to Intercept and Obstruct Terrorism Act of 2001 and other laws and regulations require financial institutions, among other duties, to institute and maintain an effective anti-money laundering program and file suspicious activity and currency transaction reports as appropriate. FinCEN is authorized to impose significant civil money penalties for violations of those requirements and has recently engaged in coordinated enforcement efforts with the individual federal banking regulators, as well as the DOJ, Drug Enforcement Administration and Internal Revenue Service. We are also subject to increased scrutiny of compliance with the rules enforced by the OFAC. If our policies, procedures and systems are deemed deficient, we would be subject to liability, including fines and regulatory actions, which may include restrictions on our ability to pay dividends and the necessity to obtain regulatory approvals to proceed with certain aspects of our business plan, including our acquisition plans. Failure to maintain and implement adequate programs to combat money laundering and terrorist financing could also have serious reputational consequences for us. Any of these results could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.

 Risks Relating to the Company's Securities
 Our common stock is not insured by any governmental entity.
 Our common stock is not a deposit account or other obligation of any bank and is not insured by the FDIC or any other governmental entity. Investment in our common stock is subject to risk, including possible loss.
 Our ability to pay dividends is limited by law and contract.
 The continued ability to pay dividends to shareholders depends in part on dividends from the Bank. The amount of dividends that the Bank may pay to the Company is limited by federal laws and regulations. The ability of the Bank to pay dividends is also subject to its profitability, financial condition and cash flow requirements. There is no assurance that the Bank will be able to pay dividends to the Company in the future. The decision may be made to limit the payment of dividends even when the legal ability to pay them exists, in order to retain earnings for other uses.
 Our subordinated debentures contain restrictions on our ability to declare and pay dividends on or repurchase our common stock.
 Under the terms of our subordinated debentures, if (i) there has occurred and is continuing an event of default; (ii) we are in default with respect to payment of any obligations under the related guarantee; or (iii) we have given notice of our election to defer payments of interest on the subordinated debentures by extending the interest distribution period as provided in the indentures governing the subordinated debentures and such period, or any extension thereof, has commenced and is continuing, then we may not, among other things, declare or pay any dividends or distributions on, or redeem, purchase, acquire, or make a liquidation payment with respect to, any of our capital stock, including our common stock. As of December 31, 2024, we were current on all interest due on our outstanding subordinated debentures.
 Future sales of our common stock or other securities may dilute the value and adversely affect the market price of our common stock.
 In many situations, the board of directors has the authority, without any vote of our shareholders, to issue shares of authorized but unissued stock, including shares authorized and unissued under our equity incentive plans. In the future, additional securities may be issued, through public or private offerings, in order to raise additional capital. Any such issuance would dilute the percentage of ownership interest of existing shareholders and may dilute the per share book value of our common stock. In addition, option holders may exercise their options at a time when we would otherwise be able to obtain additional equity capital on more favorable terms.
 Provisions in our governing documents and Maryland law may have an anti-takeover effect, and there are substantial regulatory limitations on changes of control of bank holding companies.
 Our corporate organizational documents and provisions of federal and state law to which we are subject contain certain provisions that could have an anti-takeover effect and may delay, make more difficult or prevent an attempted acquisition that you may favor or an attempted replacement of our board of directors or management.
 In addition, certain provisions of Maryland law may delay, discourage or prevent an attempted acquisition or change in control. Furthermore, banking laws impose notice, approval, and ongoing regulatory requirements on any shareholder or other party that seeks to acquire direct or indirect "control" of an FDIC-insured depository institution or its holding company. These laws include the BHC Act and the Change in Bank Control Act. These laws could delay or prevent an acquisition.
 We may issue debt and equity securities that are senior to the common stock as to distributions and in liquidation, which could negatively affect the value of the common stock.
 In the future, we may increase our capital resources by entering into debt or debt-like financing or issuing debt or equity securities, which could include issuances of senior notes, subordinated notes, preferred stock or common stock. In the event of our liquidation, our lenders and holders of our debt or preferred securities would receive a distribution of our available assets before distributions to the holders of our common stock. Our decision to incur debt and issue securities in future offerings will depend on market conditions and other factors beyond our control. We cannot predict or estimate the amount, timing or nature of its future offerings and debt financings. Future offerings could reduce the value of shares of our common stock and dilute a stockholder's interest in us.

 Item 1B. UNRESOLVED STAFF COMMENTS
 None.

 Item 1C. CYBERSECURITY
 Cybersecurity Risk Management and Strategy

 The Company recognizes the security of our banking operations is essential to protecting our customers, maintaining our reputation, and preserving the value of the Company. The Board of Directors, through the Board Risk Oversight Committee, provides direction and oversight of the enterprise-wide risk management framework of the Company, and cybersecurity represents a component of the Company's overall approach to enterprise-wide risk management. The Enterprise Risk Management Program establishes policies and procedures for assessing the effectiveness and efficiency of information security controls related to both design and operations. The Company leverages the following guidelines and frameworks to develop and maintain its Information Security Program including its cybersecurity risk management program: Federal Financial Institutions Examination Council Cybersecurity Assessment Tools and GLB Act and regulations. In general, the Company seeks to address cybersecurity risks through a comprehensive, cross-functional approach focused on the confidentiality, security and availability of the information that the Company collects and stores by identifying, preventing, and mitigating cybersecurity threats and effectively responding to cybersecurity incidents that may occur.
 As one of the elements of the Company's overall enterprise-wide risk management approach, the Enterprise Risk Management Program is focused on the following key areas:
 • Security Operation and Governance: As discussed in more detail under the section titled "Cybersecurity Governance," the Board Risk Oversight Committee has delegated to senior management responsibility for managing the Enterprise Risk Management Program. Senior management carries out this mandate through the Strategic Initiatives and Board Risk Oversight Committees. To maintain alignment and appropriate insight regarding information security activities, a bi-weekly operational committee provides general program insight.
 • Collaborative Approach: The Company has implemented a cross-functional approach to identifying, assessing, preventing and mitigating cybersecurity threats and incidents, while also implementing controls and procedures that provide for the escalation of certain cybersecurity incidents so that decisions regarding the public disclosure and reporting of such incidents can be made by management.
 • Security Competencies: The Company has security competencies and tools designed to evaluate security risks and to protect the confidentiality, integrity and availability of our information systems and data. These assets represent a blend of various management (e.g., policies), operational (e.g., standards and processes), and technical controls (e.g., tools and configurations).
 • Cyber Defense and Incident Response Plan: The Company utilizes sophisticated security monitoring and detection tools for continuous monitoring of our information systems 24 hours per day, seven days per week. The Company utilizes third-party tools and solutions to actively deliver threat analysis, vulnerability management, intrusion detection, intrusion hunting and red team exercises. We also receive the latest cybersecurity alerts and threat intelligence from government agencies and information sharing and analysis centers. The Company's Incident Response Plan helps reduce the risks related to security incidents by providing guidance on our response to incidents by focusing on the coordination of personnel, policies, and procedures to ensure incidents are detected, analyzed and managed.
 • Third-Party Risk Management: Management of the Company's third parties, including vendors and service providers, is conducted through a risk-based approach and the level of due diligence is driven by risk factors established by the Third-Party Risk Management Program. The process provides awareness and collaboration across all internal teams including Information Technology and Risk Management. A review process is conducted on new or significantly changed key third parties, to ensure certain cybersecurity baseline requirements are met and cybersecurity incidents are appropriately disclosed. This process is aimed at advocating for appropriate standards and controls, based on risk factors, to secure the third parties' information systems, and to ensure the third parties have recovery plans in place.
 • Security Awareness and Education: The Company provides annual, mandatory training for personnel regarding security awareness to better equip Company personnel with the understanding of how to properly use and protect the computing resources entrusted to them, and to communicate the Company's information security policies, standards, processes and practices. This training is supplemented with annual required third party information security training. Additionally, the Company conducts monthly email security awareness testing, with follow-up training assigned when deemed necessary.
 The Company leverages continuous monitoring and regular risks assessments to identify the Company's current and potential cybersecurity risks. Technical vulnerabilities are identified using automated vulnerability scanning tools, penetration testing, and system management tools, whereas non-technical vulnerabilities are identified via process or procedural reviews. The Company conducts a variety of assessments throughout the year, both internally and through third parties. Vulnerability assessment and penetration tests are performed on a regular basis to provide the Company with an unbiased view of its environment and controls. Vulnerabilities identified during these assessments are inventoried in a centralized tracking system and reported to management on a regular basis. A multi-step approach is applied to identify, report and remediate these vulnerabilities, and the Company adjusts its information security policies, standards, processes and practices as necessary based on the information provided by these assessments. The results of key assessments are reported in summary to the Board Risk Oversight Committee.

 The Company engages third parties on a regular basis to assess, test and assist with the implementation of our cybersecurity program to detect and manage cybersecurity risks, including but not limited to third parties who assist with monitoring our information security systems and auditors who assist with conducting penetration tests.
 Cybersecurity Governance
 The Board of Directors, through the Board Risk Oversight Committee, provides direction and oversight of the enterprise-wide risk management framework of the Company, including the management of risks arising from cybersecurity threats. The Board Risk Oversight Committee reviews and approves the Information Security Policy, which includes the Company's cybersecurity risk management program. The Board of Directors receives regular presentations and updates on cybersecurity risks, including the threat environment, evolving standards, projects and initiatives, risk and vulnerability assessments, independent audit reviews, and technological trends. The Board of Directors also receives information regarding any cybersecurity incident that meets established reporting thresholds, as well as ongoing updates regarding any such incident until it has been addressed. On an annual basis, the full board of directors discusses the Company's approach to cybersecurity risk management.
 The Information Security Officer, under the guidance of our Chief Risk Officer and Operational Risk Manager, works collaboratively across the Company to implement a program designed to protect the Company's information systems and data from cybersecurity risks. The Information Security Officer is responsible for assessing and managing cybersecurity risks, responding to any cybersecurity incidents in accordance with the Company's Incident Response Plan and Business Continuity Plan, and reporting incidents to appropriate personnel at the Company in accordance with the Incident Response Plan. To facilitate the success of the Company's cybersecurity risk management program, multidisciplinary teams throughout the Company are deployed to address cybersecurity threats and to respond to cybersecurity incidents. The Information Technology and the Operational Risk Management teams monitor the prevention, detection, mitigation and remediation of cybersecurity threats and incidents and report such threats and incidents to the Information Security Officer and Chief Information Officer and ultimately the Board Risk Oversight Committee when appropriate. The Information Security Department has over three decades of experience in managing Information Security and Cybersecurity programs at financial institutions. The Information Security Officer holds the Certified Information Security Manager Certification and is supported by additional team members with extensive backgrounds in cybersecurity and related fields.
 Notwithstanding our efforts at cybersecurity, the Company cannot guarantee that it will be successful in preventing or mitigating a cybersecurity incident that could have a material adverse effect on it. To our knowledge, cybersecurity threats, including as a result of any previous cybersecurity incidents, have not materially affected the Company, including its business strategy, results of operations or financial condition. With regard to the possible impact of future cybersecurity threats or incidents, see Item 1A., Risk Factors – Risks Related to Our Business.

 Item 2. PROPERTIES
 Our offices are listed in the tables below. The address of the Company and Bank's main office is 18 East Dover Street in Easton, Maryland.

 Maryland Branch Locations

 Main Office/Branch(1)

 Chester Branch(1)

 Crofton Branch(2)

 18 East Dover Street
 300 Castle Marina Road
 2151 Defense Highway

 Chester, Maryland 21619
 Crofton, Maryland 21114

 Tred Avon Square Branch(1)

 Washington Square Branch(1)

 Waldorf Branch(1)

 212 Marlboro Road
 899 Washington Avenue
 3035 Leonardtown Road

 Chestertown, Maryland 21620
 Waldorf, Maryland 20601

 St. Michaels Branch(2)

 Arbutus Branch(1)

 Leonardtown Branch(1)

 1013 South Talbot Street
 1101 Maiden Choice Lane
 25395 Point Lookout Road

 St. Michaels, Maryland 21663
 Baltimore, Maryland 21229
 Leonardtown, Maryland 20650

 Elliott Road Branch(1)

 Elkridge Branch(1)

 Bryan's Road Branch(1)

 8275 Elliott Road
 6050 Marshalee Drive
 8010 Matthews Road

 Elkridge, Maryland 21075
 Bryans Road, Maryland 20616

 Sunburst Branch(1)

 Owings Mills Branch(1)

 Dunkirk Branch(2)

 424 Dorchester Avenue
 9612 Reisterstown Road
 10321 Southern Maryland Boulevard

 Cambridge, Maryland 21613
 Owings Mills, Maryland 21117
 Dunkirk, Maryland 20754

 West Ocean City Branch(2)

 Annapolis Branch(1)

 Lexington Park Branch(1)

 12905-B Ocean Gateway
 1917 West Street
 22730 Three Notch Road

 Ocean City, Maryland 21842
 Annapolis, Maryland 21401
 California, Maryland 20619

 Ocean City/ South Ocean City Branch(2)

 Edgewater Branch(2)

 La Plata Branch(1)

 3409 Coastal Highway
 3083 Solomons Island Road
 101 Drury Drive

 Ocean City, Maryland 21842
 Edgewater, Maryland 21037
 La Plata, Maryland 20646

 Centreville/Commerce Branch(1)

 Glen Burnie Branch(1)

 Charlotte Hall Branch(1)

 109 North Commerce Street
 413 Crain Highway, S.E.
 30165 Three Notch Road

 Centreville, Maryland 21617
 Glen Burnie, Maryland 21061
 Charlotte Hall, Maryland 20622

 Stevensville Branch(1)

 Severna Park Branch(2)

 Prince Frederick Branch(2)

 408 Thompson Creek Road
 598 Benfield Road
 200 Market Square Drive

 Stevensville, Maryland 21666
 Severna Park, Maryland 21146
 Prince Frederick, Maryland 20678

 Tuckahoe Branch(1)

 Lothian Branch(2)

 Lusby Branch(2)

 22151 Wes Street
 5401 Southern Maryland Boulevard
 11725 Rousby Hall Road

 Ridgely, Maryland 21660
 Lothian, Maryland 20711
 Lusby, Maryland 20657

 Route 213 South Branch(1)

 Denton Branch(1)

 La Plata Downtown Branch(1)

 2609 Centreville Road
 850 South 5th Avenue

 202 Centennial Street

 Centreville, Maryland 21617
 Denton, Maryland 21629
 La Plata, Maryland 20646

 Delaware Branch Locations

 Felton Branch(2)

 Camden Branch(1)

 Rehoboth Beach Branch(2)

 120 West Main Street
 4580 South DuPont Highway
 19358 Miller Road

 Felton, Delaware 19943
 Camden, Delaware 19934
 Rehoboth Beach, Delaware 19971

 Milford Branch(2)

 Governors Ave Branch(1)

 698-A North Dupont Boulevard
 800 South Governors Avenue

 Milford, Delaware 19963
 Dover, Delaware 19904

 Virginia Branch Locations

 Fredericksburg Downtown Branch(1)

 Fredericksburg Harrison Crossing Branch(1)

 425 William Street
 5831 Plank Road

 Fredericksburg, Virginia 22401
 Fredericksburg, Virginia 22407

 ATMs (standalone)

 University of Maryland Shore Medical Center at Easton

 219 South Washington Street

 Administrative and Lending Offices

 SHBI Building(1)

 Harrison Street Office(1)

 Ridgely Training Center(2)

 28969 Information Lane

 23 South Harrison Street

 405 West Bell Road, Unit 4 and 5

 Ridgely, Maryland 21660

 Commercial Lending Office(2)
 Charlottesville

 Commercial Lending Office(2)
 Fredericksburg

 Commercial Lending Office(2)
 Middletown

 1434 Rolkin Court, Suite 301
 10 Chatham Heights Road, Suite 104
 102 Sleepy Hollow, Unit 204

 Charlottesville, Virginia 22911
 Fredericksburg, Virginia 22405
 Middletown, Delaware 19709

 Commercial Lending Office(2)
 Prince Frederick

 Mortgage Loan Office(2)
 Frederick

 Hills Building (Clark)(1)

 995 North Prince Frederick Boulevard, Suite 105
 5291 Corporate Drive, Suite 202
 30 Dover Street

 Prince Frederick, Maryland 20678
 Frederick, Maryland 21703

 St. Michaels Mortgage Office(2)

 112 North Talbot Street

 St. Michaels, Maryland 21663

 _______________________________
 (1)Branch/Office is owned by the Company.
 (2)Branch/Office is leased by the Company.
 For information about rent expense for all leased premises, see Note 7 – "Premises and Equipment" in the "Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements" included in Part II, Item 8. of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.

 Item 3. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS
 We are at times, in the ordinary course of business, subject to legal actions. Management, upon the advice of counsel, believes that losses, if any, resulting from current legal actions will not have a material adverse effect on our financial condition or results of operations.

 Item 4. MINE SAFETY DISCLOSURES
 This item is not applicable.

 Item 5. MARKET FOR REGISTRANT'S COMMON EQUITY, RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS AND ISSUER PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES
 MARKET INFORMATION, HOLDERS AND CASH DIVIDENDS
 The shares of the Company's common stock are listed on the NASDAQ Global Select Market under the symbol "SHBI." As of March 6, 2025, the Company had approximately 1,770 registered holders of record. The high and low sales prices for the shares of common stock of the Company, as reported on the NASDAQ Global Select Market, and the cash dividends declared on those shares for each quarterly period of 2024 and 2023 are set forth in the table below.

 2024
 2023

 Price Range
 Dividends
 Price Range
 Dividends

 High
 Low
 Paid
 High
 Low
 Paid

 1st Quarter
 $
 14.38
 $
 10.56
 $
 0.12
 $
 18.15
 $
 14.00
 $
 0.12

 2nd Quarter
 11.90
 10.06
 0.12
 14.45
 10.65
 0.12

 3rd Quarter
 14.99
 11.03
 0.12
 13.37
 10.27
 0.12

 4th Quarter
 17.61
 13.21
 0.12
 14.51
 9.66
 0.12

 $
 0.48
 $
 0.48

 Shareholders received quarterly cash dividends on shares of common stock totaling $16.0 million in 2024 and $12.7 million in 2023. Quarterly dividends remained at $0.12 for the entire year of 2024. As a general matter, the payment of dividends is at the discretion of the Company's Board of Directors, based on such factors as operating results, financial condition, capital adequacy, regulatory requirements, and stockholder return. The Company anticipates continuing a regular quarterly cash dividend, although future dividend increases must be approved by Shore Bancshares Board of Directors. However, we have no obligation to pay dividends and we may change our dividend policy at any time without notice to shareholders. Any future determination to pay dividends to holders of our common stock will depend on our results of operations, financial condition, capital requirements, banking regulations, contractual restrictions and any other factors that our board of directors may deem relevant.
 The transfer agent for the Company's common stock is:
 Broadridge Corporate Issuer Solutions, Inc.
 51 Mercedes Way
 Edgewood, NY 11717
 Investor Relations: +1 (800) 353-0103
 E-mail for investor inquiries: shareholder@broadridge.com
 www.broadridge.com

 Stock Performance Graph
 The following graph and table show the cumulative total return on the common stock of the Company over the last five years, compared with the cumulative total return of a broad stock market index (the NASDAQ Composite Index), and a narrower index of the NASDAQ Bank Index and S&P SmallCap Banks Index. Cumulative total return on the stock or the index equals the total increase in value since December 31, 2019 assuming reinvestment of all dividends paid into the stock or the index.
 The graph and table were prepared assuming that $100 was invested on December 31, 2019, in the common stock and the securities included in the indexes.

 Source: S&P Global Market Intelligence
 Period Ending

 12/31/2019
 12/31/2020
 12/31/2021
 12/31/2022
 12/31/2023
 12/31/2024

 Shore Bancshares, Inc.
 $
 $
 87.74
 $
 128.88
 $
 110.37
 $
 93.74
 $
 108.35

 NASDAQ Composite Index
 144.92
 177.06
 119.45
 172.77
 223.87

 KBW NASDAQ Bank Index
 89.69
 124.06
 97.52
 96.65
 132.60

 S&P U.S. SmallCap Banks Index
 90.82
 126.43
 111.47
 112.03
 132.44

 EQUITY COMPENSATION PLAN INFORMATION
 The following table provides information as of December 31, 2024, with respect to options outstanding and shares available for future awards under the Company's active equity incentive plans.

 Plan Category
 Number of securities to be issued upon exercise of outstanding options, warrants and rights (a)
 Weighted-average exercise price of outstanding options, warrants, and rights (b)
 Number of securities remaining available for future issuance under equity compensation plans [excluding securities reflected in column (a)] ( c)

 Equity compensation plans approved by security holders
 —
 —

 Equity compensation plans not approved by security holders
 —
 —
 —

 Total
 —
 —

 UNREGISTERED SALES OF EQUITY SECURITIES AND ISSUER PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES
 The Company's prior stock repurchase program expired on March 31, 2023. There were no purchases made by or on behalf of us or any "affiliated purchaser" (as defined in Rule 10b-18(a)(3) under the Exchange Act) of our common stock during the fourth quarter of 2024.

 Item 6. [RESERVED]

 Item 7. MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
 The following discussion compares the Company's financial condition at December 31, 2024 to its financial condition at December 31, 2023 and the results of operations for the years ended December 31, 2024 and 2023. This discussion should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and the notes thereto included in Part II, Item 8. of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.

 CRITICAL ACCOUNTING POLICIES
 The Company's consolidated financial statements are prepared in accordance with GAAP and follow general practices within the industries in which it operates. Application of these principles requires management to make estimates, assumptions, and judgments that affect the amounts reported in the consolidated financial statements and accompanying notes. These estimates, assumptions, and judgments are based on information available as of the date of the financial statements; accordingly, as this information changes, the financial statements could reflect different estimates, assumptions, and judgments. Certain policies inherently have a greater reliance on the use of estimates, assumptions, and judgments and as such have a greater possibility of producing results that could be materially different than originally reported.
 The most significant accounting policies that we follow are presented in Note 1 – "Summary of Significant Accounting Policies" in the "Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements" included in Part II, Item 8. of this Annual Report on Form 10-K. These policies, along with the disclosures presented in the notes to consolidated financial statements and in this management's discussion and analysis of financial condition and results of operations, provide information on how significant assets and liabilities are valued in the financial statements and how those values are determined. Based on the valuation techniques used and the sensitivity of financial statement amounts to the methods, assumptions, and estimates underlying those amounts, management has determined that the accounting policies for the ACL on loans, loans acquired in a business combination, and income taxes are critical accounting policies. These policies are considered critical because they relate to accounting areas that require the most subjective or complex judgments, and, as such, could be most subject to revision as new information becomes available.
 Allowance for Credit Losses on Loans
 The Company adopted ASU No. 2016-13, "Financial Instruments – Credit Losses (Topic 326)," as amended, on January 1, 2023 and in accordance with ASC 326, has recorded an ACL on loans carried at amortized cost. The ACL represents management's best estimate of expected lifetime credit losses within the Company's loan portfolio as of the balance sheet date. The ACL is established through a provision for credit losses and is increased by recoveries of loans previously charged off. Loan losses are charged against the allowance when management's assessments confirm that the Company will not collect the full amortized cost basis of a loan. The calculation of expected credit losses is determined using a cash flow methodology, and includes considerations of historical experience, current conditions, and reasonable and supportable economic forecasts that may affect collection of the recorded balances. The Company assesses an ACL to groups of loans which share similar risk characteristics or on an individual basis, as deemed appropriate. Changes in the ACL on loans and the related provision for credit losses can materially affect financial results. Although the overall balance is determined based on specific portfolio segments and individually assessed assets, the entire balance is available to absorb credit losses for loans in the portfolio.
 The determination of the appropriate level of the ACL on loans inherently involves a high degree of subjectivity and requires the Company to make significant judgments concerning credit risks and trends using quantitative and qualitative information, as well as reasonable and supportable forecasts of future economic conditions, all of which may undergo frequent and significant changes. Changes in conditions, including unforeseen events, changes in asset-specific risk characteristics, and other economic factors, both within and outside the Company's control, may indicate the need for an increase or decrease in the ACL on loans. While management makes every effort to utilize the best information available in making its assessment of the ACL estimate, the estimation process is inherently challenging as potential changes in any one factor or input may occur at different rates and/or impact pools of loans in different ways. Further, changes in factors and inputs may also be directionally inconsistent, such that improvement in one factor may offset deterioration in others.
 The Company's management reviews the adequacy of the ACL on loans on at least a quarterly basis. Refer to Note 1 – "Summary of Significant Accounting Policies" in the "Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements" included in Part II, Item 8. of this Annual Report on Form 10-K for additional details concerning the determination of the ACL on loans.

 RECENT ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS AND DEVELOPMENTS
 The notes to consolidated financial statements discuss the expected impact of accounting policies recently issued or proposed but not yet required to be adopted. To the extent the adoption of new accounting standards materially affects our financial condition, results of operations or liquidity, the impacts are discussed in the applicable section(s) of this discussion and notes to consolidated financial statements.

 PERFORMANCE OVERVIEW
 The Company recorded net income of $43.9 million and $11.2 million for the years ended December 31, 2024 and 2023, respectively. The basic and diluted net income per share was $1.32 and $0.42 for the years ended December 31, 2024 and 2023, respectively.
 Total assets were $6.23 billion at December 31, 2024, an increase of $219.8 million or 3.7%, when compared to $6.01 billion at December 31, 2023. The aggregate increase was primarily due to increases year-over-year in loans held for investment of $131.0 million, or 2.8%, and cash and cash equivalents of $87.4 million.
 Total liabilities were $5.69 billion at December 31, 2024, an increase of $189.9 million or 3.45%, when compared to $5.50 billion at December 31, 2023, primarily due to an increase in deposits and borrowings.
 Total borrowings were $123.7 million at December 31, 2024, an increase of $51.0 million or 70.2%, when compared to $72.7 million at December 31, 2023. Total borrowings at December 31, 2024 were comprised of $50.0 million long-term FHLB advances, $43.9 million of subordinated debt and $29.8 million of trust preferred debentures. The increase in total borrowings at December 31, 2024 when compared to December 31, 2023 was primarily due to a $50.0 million long-term FHLB advance that was obtained in 2024. Total deposits increased $142.2 million, or 2.6% to $5.53 billion at December 31, 2024 when compared to December 31, 2023. The increase in total deposits when compared to December 31, 2023 was primarily due to increases in noninterest-bearing deposits of $304.8 million and money market and savings of $28.0 million, partially offset by decreases in interest-bearing checking of $187.5 million and and time deposits of $3.0 million.
 Total stockholder's equity amounted to $541.1 million at December 31, 2024, an increase of $29.9 million or 5.9%, when compared to $511.1 million at December 31, 2023. This increase was due to net income of $43.9 million, partially offset by cash dividends of $16.0 million.

 RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
 Summary of Financial Results

 2024
 2023

 Interest and dividend income
 $
 295,338
 $
 214,079
 $
 81,259
 37.96
 %

 Interest expense
 124,789
 78,772
 46,017
 58.42

 Net interest income
 170,549
 135,307
 35,242
 26.05

 Provision for credit losses
 4,738
 30,953
 (26,215)
 (84.69)

 Noninterest income
 31,147
 33,159
 (2,012)
 (6.07)

 Noninterest expense
 138,254
 123,329
 14,925
 12.10

 Income before income taxes
 58,704
 14,184
 44,520
 313.87

 Income tax expense
 14,815
 2,956
 11,859
 401.18

 $
 $
 $
 32,661
 290.89

 The Company reported net income for the year ended December 31, 2024 of $43.9 million, or diluted earnings per share of $1.32, compared to net income of $11.2 million, or diluted earnings per share of $0.42, for the year ended December 31, 2023. The Company's return on average assets, return on average common equity and return on average tangible common equity were 0.74%, 8.35% and 13.00%, respectively, for the year ended December 31, 2024, compared to 0.24%, 2.54% and 7.74%, respectively, for the year ended December 31, 2023. For additional details, see "Reconciliation of Non-GAAP Measures." The increase in net income in 2024 compared to 2023 was primarily due to higher net interest income driven by loan growth in 2024, and a lower provision for credit losses. These were partially offset by the absence of the one-time bargain purchase gain of $8.8 million in 2023, higher noninterest expense driven by expanded operation of the newly-combined company and the $4.7 million credit card fraud event in 2024.
 Net Interest Income

 2024
 2023

 Interest and dividend income

 Loans, including fees
 $
 269,631
 $
 194,339
 $
 75,292
 38.74
 %

 Interest and dividends on investment securities
 19,468
 16,970
 2,498
 14.72

 Interest on deposits with banks
 6,239
 2,770
 3,469
 125.23

 Total interest and dividend income
 $
 295,338
 $
 214,079
 $
 81,259
 37.96

 Interest expense

 Deposits
 $
 115,301
 $
 68,800
 $
 46,501
 67.59
 %

 Short-term borrowings
 2,131
 5,518
 (3,387)
 (61.38)

 Long-term debt
 7,357
 4,454
 2,903
 65.18

 Total interest expense
 $
 124,789
 $
 78,772
 $
 46,017
 58.42

 Taxable-equivalent adjustment
 28.46

 Tax-equivalent net interest income
 $
 170,874
 $
 135,560
 $
 35,314
 26.05
 %

 Tax-equivalent net interest income increased $35.3 million to $170.9 million for 2024 compared to $135.6 million for 2023. The increase in tax-equivalent net interest income was primarily due to an increase in total interest income of $81.3 million, or 38.0%, which included an increase in interest and fees on loans of $75.3 million, or 38.7%. The increase in interest and fees on loans was primarily due to the increase in the average balance of loans of $1.08 billion, or 29.8%, and an increase in net accretion income of $5.1 million due to the merger with TCFC (the "merger"). These were partially offset by an increase in interest expense of $46.0 million, primarily due to increases in the cost of funds and the average balance of interest-bearing deposits of $749.2 million, or 25.1%. All of the increases in average balances were primarily due to the merger.

 Average Balances and Yields
 The following tables present the distribution of the average consolidated balance sheets, interest income/expense, and annualized yields earned and rates paid for the years ended December 31, 2024 and 2023.

 Year Ended December 31, 2024
 Year Ended December 31, 2023

 Average Balance
 Interest(1), (4)

 Yield/Rate
 Average Balance
 Interest(1), (4)

 Yield/Rate

 Earning assets

 Loans(2), (3)

 $
 2,528,961
 $
 144,155
 5.70
 %
 $
 1,860,517
 $
 99,953
 5.37
 %

 1,318,500
 72,636
 5.51
 981,473
 50,244
 5.12

 322,978
 19,917
 6.17
 284,238
 15,123
 5.32

 220,699
 15,625
 7.08
 185,239
 13,647
 7.37

 324,633
 16,923
 5.21
 324,444
 15,298
 4.72

 7,444
 9.32
 3,147
 10.00

 Total loans
 4,723,215
 269,950
 5.72
 3,639,058
 194,580
 5.35

 Investment securities

 Taxable
 667,622
 19,444
 2.91
 674,203
 16,832
 2.50

 Tax-exempt
 4.57
 8.75

 Federal funds sold
 —
 —
 —
 1,899
 4.84

 129,410
 6,239
 4.82
 41,032
 2,770
 6.75

 Total earning assets
 5,520,904
 295,663
 5.36
 4,356,855
 214,332
 4.92

 Cash and due from banks
 46,264
 43,555

 387,852
 303,906

 Allowance for credit losses
 (58,089)
 (40,777)

 Total assets
 $
 5,896,931
 $
 4,663,539

 Interest-bearing liabilities

 Demand deposits
 $
 825,773
 $
 25,523
 3.09
 %
 $
 883,976
 $
 20,134
 2.28
 %

 Money market and savings deposits
 1,690,905
 41,202
 2.44
 1,275,088
 20,039
 1.57

 1,205,411
 48,566
 4.03
 770,370
 25,708
 3.34

 Brokered deposits
 12,636
 0.08
 56,101
 2,919
 5.20

 3,734,725
 115,301
 3.09
 2,985,535
 68,800
 2.30

 FHLB advances
 70,298
 3,720
 5.29
 111,392
 5,518
 4.95

 Subordinated debt and guaranteed preferred beneficial interest in junior subordinated debentures ("TRUPS")
 72,907
 5,768
 7.91
 57,708
 4,454
 7.72

 Total interest-bearing liabilities
 3,877,930
 124,789
 3.22
 3,154,635
 78,772
 2.50

 Noninterest-bearing deposits
 1,454,087
 1,043,479

 Accrued expenses and other liabilities
 39,172
 23,635

 Stockholders' equity
 525,742
 441,790

 Total liabilities and stockholders' equity
 $
 5,896,931
 $
 4,663,539

 Net interest income
 $
 170,874
 $
 135,560

 Net interest spread
 2.14
 %
 2.42
 %

 Net interest margin ("NIM")
 3.10
 %
 3.11
 %

 Cost of funds
 2.34
 %
 1.88
 %

 Cost of deposits
 2.22
 %
 1.71
 %

 Cost of debt
 6.63
 %
 5.90
 %

 (1) All amounts are reported on a tax-equivalent basis computed using the statutory federal income tax rate of 21.0%, exclusive of nondeductible interest expense.
 (2) Average loan balances include nonaccrual loans.
 (3) Interest income on loans includes accreted loan fees, net of costs and accretion of discounts on acquired loans, which are included in the yield calculations. There were $16.9 million and $11.8 million of accretion interest on loans for the years ended December 31, 2024 and 2023, respectively.
 (4) Interest expense on deposits and borrowing includes amortization of deposit premiums and amortization of borrowing fair value adjustment. There were $1.5 million and $1.8 million of amortization of deposits premium, and $926 thousand and $557 thousand of amortization of borrowing fair value adjustment for the years ended December 31, 2024 and 2023, respectively.

 Rate and Volume Analysis
 The following table presents changes in interest income and interest expense for the periods indicated. For each category of interest-earning asset and interest-bearing liability, information is provided on changes attributable to (1) changes in volume (changes in volume multiplied by old rate); and (2) changes in rate (changes in rate multiplied by old volume). Changes in rate-volume (changes in rate multiplied by the change in volume) have been allocated to changes due to volume.

 Year Ended December 31, 2024 Compared to 2023

 Volume
 Due to Rate
 Total

 Interest income from earning assets:

 Loans

 $
 38,015
 $
 6,140
 $
 44,155

 18,513
 3,828
 22,341

 2,379
 2,416
 4,795

 2,507
 (537)
 1,970

 1,590
 1,621

 (21)

 Taxable investment securities
 (138)
 2,764
 2,626

 Tax-exempt investment securities
 —
 (28)
 (28)

 Fed funds sold
 —
 (92)
 (92)

 4,260
 (792)
 3,468

 Total interest income
 $
 65,967
 $
 15,268
 $
 81,235

 Interest-bearing liabilities:

 Demand deposits
 $
 (1,759)
 $
 7,160
 $
 5,401

 Money market and savings deposits
 10,150
 11,092
 21,242

 17,513
 2,443
 19,956

 FHLB advances - short-term
 (5)
 —
 (5)

 FHLB advances - long-term
 (2,174)
 (1,795)

 Subordinated debt and TRUPS
 1,205
 1,314

 Total interest-bearing liabilities
 $
 24,930
 $
 21,183
 $
 46,113

 Net change in net interest income
 $
 41,037
 $
 (5,915)
 $
 35,122

 The Company's NIM decreased to 3.10% for 2024, from 3.11% for 2023. The decrease in the NIM was primarily due to an increase in the average balance and rates paid on interest-bearing liabilities of $723.3 million and 72 basis points, respectively, partially offset by an increase in the average balance and rates earned on total earning assets of $1.16 billion and 44 basis points, respectively. Margins were flat as more rapid increases in rates on interest-bearing liabilities were offset by increases in interest-earning asset yields and larger balances in noninterest-bearing deposits. The average balances of noninterest-bearing deposits increased $410.6 million, or 39.35%, from 24.86% of average funding for the year ended December 31, 2023 to 27.27% for the year ended December 31, 2024. Net accretion income impacted NIM by 27 bps and 21 bps for the years ended December 31, 2024 and 2023, respectively, which resulted in core NIMs of 2.83% and 2.90% for the same periods
 Noninterest Income
 Total noninterest income for 2024 of $31.1 million decreased $2.0 million, or 6.1%, from $33.2 million for 2023. The decrease was primarily due to a one-time bargain purchase gain of $8.8 million in the third quarter of 2023, partially offset by $2.2 million of losses on the sale of investment securities, which were both a direct result of the merger with TCFC in the third quarter of 2023. These were offset by increases in gains on sale of other assets, other noninterest income and interchange fees.
 Noninterest Expense
 Total noninterest expense of $138.3 million for 2024 increased $14.9 million, or 12.1%, when compared to $123.3 million for 2023. Almost all noninterest expense line items increased as a result of the expanded operations of the newly-combined Company from the merger. In addition fraud costs increase by $4.1 million driven by the credit card fraud in the first quarter 2024. There were no merger-

 related expenses for 2024, compared to $17.4 million for 2023. Excluding merger and merger-related expenses, core deposit intangible amortization of $9.8 million for 2024 and $6.1 million for 2023, noninterest expense for the comparable periods was $128.5 million and $99.9 million, respectively. Noninterest expense as a percentage of average assets decreased to 2.3% for 2024 from 2.6% for 2023. Excluding merger and merger-related expenses and core deposit intangible amortization for the comparable periods, noninterest expense as a percentage of average assets increased to 2.2% for 2024 compared to 2.1% for 2023. Management continues to focus on further streamlining processes, unlocking operational efficiencies and reducing overall noninterest expense.
 Income Taxes
 The Company reported income tax expense of $14.8 million and $3.0 million for the years ended December 31, 2024 and 2023, respectively. The effective tax rate was 25.2% for 2024 and 20.8% for 2023. The primary drivers of the increased effective tax rate for 2024 when compared to 2023 were the bargain purchase gain recorded and nondeductible merger-related costs, in connection with the acquisition of TCFC. As of December 31, 2024 the Company recorded net deferred tax assets of $31.9 million compared to $40.7 million in 2023. The decrease was primarily due to the utilization of the federal NOLs and the decrease attributable to acquisition-related adjustments in 2024 compared to 2023.

 REVIEW OF FINANCIAL CONDITION
 Balance Sheet Summary
 Total assets were $6.23 billion at December 31, 2024, an increase of $219.8 million or 3.7%, when compared to $6.01 billion at December 31, 2023. The increase was primarily due to increases in loans held for investment of $131.0 million, or 2.8%, and cash and cash equivalents of $87.4 million or 23.50%, partially offset by an increase in the ACL of $559 thousand.
 Cash and Cash Equivalents
 Cash and cash equivalents totaled $459.9 million at December 31, 2024, compared to $372.4 million at December 31, 2023. Total cash and cash equivalents fluctuate due to transactions in process and other liquidity demands. Management believes liquidity needs are satisfied by the current balance of cash and cash equivalents, readily available access to traditional and wholesale funding sources, and the portions of the investment and loan portfolios that mature within one year.
 Investment Securities
 The investment portfolio includes debt and equity securities. Debt securities are classified as either AFS or HTM. AFS investment securities are stated at estimated fair value based on market prices. They represent securities which may be sold as part of the asset/liability management strategy or in response to changing interest rates. Net unrealized holding gains and losses on these securities are reported net of related income taxes as AOCI (loss), a separate component of stockholders' equity. Investment securities in the HTM category are stated at cost adjusted for amortization of premiums and accretion of discounts and the ACL. We have the intent and ability to hold such securities until maturity. At December 31, 2024, 23.7% of the portfolio of debt securities was classified as AFS and 76.3% was classified as HTM, compared to 17.7% and 82.3% respectively, at December 31, 2023.
 See Note 3 – "Investment Securities" in the "Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements" included in Part II, Item 8. of this Annual Report on Form 10-K for additional details on the composition of our investment portfolio.
 Investment securities, including restricted stock and equity securities, totaled $656.4 million at December 31, 2024, a $9.0 million, or 1.4%, increase compared to $647.3 million at December 31, 2023. At December 31, 2024, AFS securities, carried at fair value, totaled $149.2 million compared to $110.5 million at December 31, 2023. At December 31, 2024, AFS securities consisted of 82.0% mortgage-backed, 13.5% U.S. government agency securities and 4.4% corporate bonds, compared to 76.0%, 18.5%, and 5.5%, respectively, at December 31, 2023. At December 31, 2024, AFS securities gross unrealized losses were all related to changes in interest rates and were $10.9 million, or less than 1% of total assets and 2% of stockholder's equity.
 At December 31, 2024, HTM securities, carried at amortized cost, totaled $481.1 million, compared to $513.2 million at December 31, 2023. At December 31, 2024, HTM securities consisted of 70.0% mortgage-backed, 27.6% U.S. government agency securities, 2.1% other debt securities and 0.3% state and political entities, compared to 69.7%, 28.0%, 2.0% and 0.3%, respectively, at December 31, 2023. At December 31, 2024, the HTM securities had an allowance for credit losses of $203 thousand for the year ended December 31, 2024, compared to $94 thousand for the year ended December 31, 2023.
 At December 31, 2024 and 2023, 97.1% of the Bank's carrying value of its investment portfolio consisted of securities issued or guaranteed by U.S. government agencies or government-sponsored agencies.
 The following tables set forth the weighted-average yields by maturity category of the bond investment portfolio as of December 31, 2024.

 Under 1 Year
 1 - 5 Years
 5 - 10 Years
 Over 10 Years
 Total Investment Securities

 Available for sale

 $
 2,454
 4.39
 %
 $
 13,450
 1.27
 %
 $
 6,623
 1.34
 %
 $
 4.76
 %
 $
 22,984
 $
 20,202

 2.00
 15,728
 3.87
 15,622
 4.12
 99,084
 4.19
 130,439

 —
 —
 1,800
 10.05
 4,370
 5.53
 —
 —
 6,170
 6,626

 Total
 $
 2,459
 4.39
 $
 30,978
 3.10
 $
 26,615
 3.66
 $
 99,541
 4.19
 $
 159,593
 $

 Under 1 Year
 1 - 5 Years
 5 - 10 Years
 Over 10 Years
 Total Investment Securities

 Held to maturity

 $
 7,000
 3.45
 %
 $
 114,934
 2.21
 %
 $
 2.15
 %
 $
 10,214
 2.15
 %
 $
 132,560
 $
 124,005

 (0.30)
 7,724
 3.75
 20,448
 3.63
 308,553
 2.33
 289,521

 Obligations of states and political entities(1)

 —
 —
 4.52
 —
 —
 1,153
 4.53
 1,465
 1,450

 —
 —
 3,000
 9.56
 7,500
 4.63
 —
 —
 10,500
 9,758

 Total
 $
 7,030
 3.43
 $
 125,970
 2.48
 $
 28,360
 3.87
 $
 319,920
 2.34
 $
 481,280
 $

 _____________________________________________
 (1)Yields have been adjusted to reflect a tax equivalent basis using the statutory federal tax rate of 21%.
 Credit Quality Information
 The Company monitors the credit quality of HTM securities through credit ratings provided by Standard & Poor's Rating Services and Moody's Investor Services. Credit ratings express opinions about the credit quality of a security, and are updated at each quarter end. Investment grade securities are rated BBB- or higher by S&P and Baa3 or higher by Moody's and are generally considered by the rating agencies and market participants to be of low credit risk. Conversely, securities rated below investment grade, which are labeled as speculative grade by the rating agencies, are considered to have distinctively higher credit risk than investment grade securities. There were no speculative grade HTM securities at December 31, 2024 or 2023. HTM securities that are not rated are agency mortgage-backed securities sponsored by U.S. government agencies, as well as direct obligations of the agencies, with the remainder being sub-debt of other banks.
 The following table presents the amortized cost of HTM securities based on their lowest publicly available credit rating as of December 31, 2024.

 Investment Grade

 Aaa
 Aa1
 A3
 Baa1
 Baa2
 NR
 Total

 $
 132,560
 $
 —
 $
 —
 $
 —
 $
 —
 $
 —
 $
 132,560

 —
 —
 —
 —
 —

 Obligations of states and political entities
 —
 1,465
 —
 —
 —
 —
 1,465

 —
 —
 4,000
 4,000
 2,000
 10,500

 Total held to maturity securities
 $
 469,315
 $
 1,465
 $
 4,000
 $
 4,000
 $
 $
 2,000
 $
 481,280

 Loans Held for Sale
 We originate residential mortgage loans for sale on the secondary market, which we have elected to carry at fair value. At December 31, 2024, the fair value of loans held for sale amounted to $19.6 million, compared to $8.8 million at December 31, 2023.
 When we sell mortgage loans, we make certain representations to the purchaser related to loan ownership, loan compliance and legality, and accurate documentation, among other things. If a loan is found to be out of compliance with any of the representations subsequent to the date of purchase, we may be required to repurchase the loan or indemnify the purchaser.
 The Company was not required to repurchase any loans during the years ended December 31, 2024 or 2023.

 Loans Held for Investment
 The following table summarizes the Company's loan portfolio at December 31, 2024 and 2023.

 %
 %

 $
 53.59
 %
 $
 2,536,861
 54.67
 %
 $
 20,945
 0.83
 %

 27.86
 1,239,731
 26.71
 89,675
 7.23

 7.04
 299,000
 6.44
 36,999
 12.37

 4.99
 229,939
 4.95
 7,993
 3.48

 6.37
 328,896
 7.09
 (25,150)
 (7.65)

 7,099
 0.15
 6,583
 0.14
 7.84

 Total loans
 $
 %
 $
 %
 $
 130,978
 2.82

 Allowance for credit losses on loans
 (57,910)
 (57,351)
 (559)
 0.97

 Total loans, net
 $
 4,714,078
 $
 4,583,659
 $
 130,419
 2.85

 CRE Loan Portfolio
 Our loan portfolio has a CRE loan concentration, which is generally defined as a combination of certain construction and CRE loans. The federal banking regulators have issued guidance for those institutions which are deemed to have concentrations in CRE lending. Pursuant to the supervisory criteria contained in the guidance for identifying instructions with a potential CRE concentration risk, institutions which have (1) total reported loans for construction, land development, and other land acquisitions which represent 100% or more of an institution's total risk-based capital; or (2) total non-owner occupied CRE loans representing 300% or more of the institution's total risk-based capital and the institution's non-owner occupied CRE loan portfolio (including construction) has increased 50% or more during the prior 36 months are identified as having potential CRE concentration risk. Institutions which are deemed to have concentrations in CRE lending are expected to employ heightened levels of risk management with respect to their CRE portfolios, and may be required to hold higher levels of capital. The Bank has a concentration in CRE loans, and experienced significant growth in its CRE portfolio with its acquisition of TCFC and its wholly-owned subsidiary CBTC. Non-owner occupied CRE loans totaled $2.08 billion and $2.02 billion at December 31, 2024 and 2023, respectively, and as a percentage of the Bank's Tier 1 Capital + ACL were 359.5% and 382.6%, respectively. Construction loans totaled $336.0 million and $299.0 million at December 31, 2024 and 2023, respectively, and as a percentage of the Bank's Tier 1 Capital + ACL were 58.0% and 56.7%, respectively.
 The CRE portfolio has increased in the past two years. Management has extensive experience in CRE lending, and has implemented and continues to maintain heightened risk management procedures, as well as strong underwriting criteria with respect to its CRE portfolio. Monitoring practices are part of the Bank's credit and risk departments' annual test plans and are adjusted as needed on a quarterly basis if external or internal conditions merit changes. The Bank's CRE monitoring plans include stress testing analysis to evaluate changes in collateral values and changes in cash flow debt service coverage ratios as a result of increasing interest rates or declines in customer net operating revenues. We may be required to maintain higher levels of capital as a result of our CRE concentrations, which could require us to obtain additional capital or be required to sell/participate portions of loans, which may adversely affect shareholder returns.

 Non-Owner Occupied CRE Loans

 Average Loan Size
 % of Non-Owner
Occupied
CRE Loans
 % of Total
Portfolio Loans,
Gross

 Loan type:

 Retail
 $
 447,038
 $
 2,391
 21.5
 %
 9.4
 %

 Office/office condo
 370,827
 1,539
 17.8
 7.8

 Multi-family (5+ units)
 265,278
 2,248
 12.7
 5.6

 Motel/hotel
 212,216
 4,161
 10.2
 4.4

 Industrial/warehouse
 200,623
 1,454
 9.6
 4.2

 Commercial - improved
 179,254
 1,338
 8.6
 3.8

 Other(1)

 407,719
 19.6
 8.4

 Total non-owner occupied CRE loans(2)

 $
 2,082,955
 1,235
 100.0
 %
 43.6
 %

 Total portfolio loans, gross(3)

 $

 (1) Other non-owner occupied CRE loans include 1-4 family dwelling loans of $138.6 million, lot/land loans of $94.3 million, self-storage loans of $72.6 million and other loans of $102.3 million.
 (2) The balances for our non-owner occupied commercial real estate portfolio as of December 31, 2024, as presented in this table, coincide with our internal evaluation of risk for the purpose of monitoring loan concentrations in accordance with internal and regulatory guidelines.
 (3) Excludes loans held for sale of $19.6 million.
 Owner Occupied CRE Loans

 Average Loan Size
 % of Owner Occupied CRE
Loans
 % of Total
Portfolio Loans,
Gross

 Loan type:

 Commercial - improved
 $
 163,405
 $
 22.5
 %
 3.4
 %

 Office/office condo
 135,153
 18.6
 2.8

 Industrial/warehouse
 100,731
 13.8
 2.1

 Church
 64,661
 8.9
 1.4

 Retail
 63,696
 8.8
 1.3

 Other(1)

 199,920
 1,227
 27.4
 4.2

 Total owner-occupied CRE loans
 $
 727,566
 100.0
 %
 15.2
 %

 Total portfolio loans, gross(2)

 $

 (1) Other owner occupied CRE loans include marine/boat slips of $59.1 million, restaurant loans of $58.4 million, fire/CMS building loans of $25.9 million and other loans of $56.7 million.
 (2) Excludes loans held for sale of $19.6 million.
 Office CRE Loan Portfolio
 The Bank's office CRE loan portfolio, which includes owner occupied and non-owner occupied CRE loans, was $506.0 million or 10.6% of total loans of $4.77 billion at December 31, 2024. At December 31, 2024, the Bank's medical tenant loans were $138.7 million and government or government contractor tenant loans were $55.0 million, which equaled 27.4% and 10.9%, respectively, of the total office CRE loan portfolio. There were 501 loans in the office CRE portfolio with an average and median loan size of $1.0 million and $375 thousand, respectively. Loan-to-value ("LTV") estimates are less than 50% for $182.3 million, or 36.0%, of the office CRE loan portfolio and greater than 80% for $9.7 million, or 1.9%, of the office CRE loan portfolio. LTV collateral values are based on the most recent appraisal, which varies from the initial loan boarding to interim credit reviews. LTV estimates for the office CRE loan portfolio are

 summarized below and LTV collateral values are based on the most recent appraisal, which may vary from the appraised value at loan origination.
 The Bank had 18 office CRE loans totaling $164.5 million that were greater than $5.0 million at December 31, 2024, compared to 24 office CRE loans totaling $189.8 million at December 31, 2023. The decrease in this portfolio segment was the result of normal amortization and one closed loan totaling $10.4 million, and adjustments totaling $13.9 million to remove non-bank-owned participation balances. For the office CRE portfolio at December 31, 2024, the average loan debt-service coverage ratio was 1.9x and the average LTV was 49.3%. Of the office CRE portfolio balance, 75% was secured by properties in rural or suburban areas with limited exposure to metropolitan cities and 97% were secured by properties with five stories or less. Of the office CRE loans, $33.6 million will mature and $17.5 million will reprice prior to December 31, 2025. Of the office CRE loans, $2.3 million are special mention or substandard.
 Maturity of Loan Portfolio
 The following table below sets forth the maturities and interest rate sensitivity of the loan portfolio at December 31, 2024. Demand loans, loans having no stated schedule of repayments and no stated maturity, and overdrafts are reported as due in one year or less.

 Maturing within one year
 Maturing after one but within five years
 Maturing after five but within 15 years
 Maturing after 15 years
 Total

 $
 210,427
 $
 744,019
 $
 770,135
 $
 833,225
 $

 48,073
 134,873
 124,640
 1,021,820

 229,216
 70,235
 35,059
 1,489

 79,461
 85,363
 57,825
 15,283

 2,091
 82,862
 98,659
 120,134

 2,865
 2,392
 1,842
 —
 7,099

 Totals
 $
 572,133
 $
 1,119,744
 $
 1,088,160
 $
 1,991,951
 $

 Rate Terms:

 Fixed-interest rate loans
 $
 516,033
 $
 1,028,449
 $
 719,859
 $
 426,175
 $
 2,690,516

 Adjustable-interest rate loans
 56,100
 91,295
 368,301
 1,565,776
 2,081,472

 Total
 $
 572,133
 $
 1,119,744
 $
 1,088,160
 $
 1,991,951
 $

 Asset Quality
 The following table summarizes asset quality information and ratios at December 31, 2024 and 2023.

 ASSET QUALITY

 Total portfolio loans
 $
 $

 Classified assets(1)

 28,173
 14,851

 Allowance for credit losses on loans
 (57,910)
 (57,351)

 Past due loans - 31 to 89 days
 $
 8,807
 $
 10,853

 Past due loans >= 90 days

 Total past due (delinquency) loans
 $
 9,101
 $
 11,591

 Nonaccrual loans
 $
 21,008
 $
 12,784

 Past due loans >= 90 days

 Other real estate owned ("OREO")

 Repossessed property
 3,315
 —

 Total nonperforming assets
 24,796
 13,701

 Accruing borrowers experiencing financial difficulty ("BEFD") modifications(2)

 1,362

 Total nonperforming assets and BEFDs modifications
 $
 26,158
 $
 14,068

 ASSET QUALITY RATIOS

 Classified assets to total assets(1)

 0.45
 %
 0.25
 %

 Classified assets to risk-based capital(1)

 4.77
 2.75

 Past due loans - 31 to 89 days to total portfolio loans
 0.18
 %
 0.23
 %

 Past due loans >= 90 days and nonaccrual to total loans
 0.45
 0.29

 Total past due and nonaccrual loans to total portfolio loans
 0.63
 0.53

 Nonaccrual loans to total portfolio loans
 0.44
 %
 0.28
 %

 Nonperforming assets to total assets
 0.40
 0.23

 (1)Classified assets consist of substandard loans and OREO. Classified assets do not include special mention loans.
 (2)BEFD modification loans include both nonaccrual and accruing performing loans. All BEFD modification loans are included in the calculation of asset quality financial ratios. Nonaccrual BEFD modification loans are included in the nonaccrual balance and accruing BEFD modification loans are included in the accruing BEFD modification balance.

 ACL and Provision for Credit Losses
 On January 1, 2023, the Company adopted ASU No. 2016-13, "Financial Instruments – Credit Losses (Topic 326)." The ACL is a valuation allowance that is deducted from loans' amortized cost basis to present the net amount expected to be collected on the loans. Loans are charged-off against the ACL when management believes the uncollectibility of a loan balance is confirmed. Expected recoveries may not exceed the aggregate of amounts previously charged-off and expected to be charged-off.
 The Bank uses loan 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 the loans. Historical loss experience serves as the foundation for our estimated credit losses. Adjustments to our historical loss experience are made for differences in current loan portfolio segment credit risk characteristics such as the impact of changing unemployment rates, changes in U.S. Treasury yields, portfolio concentrations, the volume of classified loans, and other prevailing economic conditions and factors that may affect the borrower's ability to repay, or reduction in the estimated value of any underlying collateral. This evaluation is inherently subjective, as it requires estimates that are susceptible to significant revision as more information becomes available. Upon the adoption of ASC 326, the Company recorded a $10.8 million increase to the ACL.
 The following is a breakdown of the Company's general and specific allowances as a percentage of total portfolio loans at December 31, 2024 and 2023:

 Specific Allowance
 $
 1,350
 $

 General Allowance
 56,560
 56,428

 $
 57,910
 $
 57,351

 Specific Allowance to total gross loans
 0.02
 %
 0.02
 %

 General Allowance total gross loans
 1.19
 1.22

 Allowance to total gross loans
 1.21
 %
 1.24
 %

 Total gross loans
 $
 $

 ACL as a percentage of loans decreased to 1.21% at December 31, 2024 compared to 1.24% at December 31, 2023. At December 31, 2024, the Company's ACL increased $559 thousand, or 0.97%, to $57.9 million from $57.4 million at December 31, 2023. The increase in the general allowance was primarily due to loan growth, partially offset by favorable economic conditions in 2024.
 The Company recorded a provision for credit losses on loans of $4.6 million for the year ended December 31, 2024 compared to $30.4 million for the year ended December 31, 2023 primarily due to $20.1 million related to the acquisition of TCFC legacy loans and $7.3 million resulting from the change in ACL methodology on TCFC legacy loans in 2023. Net charge-offs amounted to $2.0 million, or 0.06% of average loans for the year ended December 31, 2023 compared to net charge-offs of $4.1 million or 0.09% of average loans for the year ended December 31, 2024. The increase in charge-offs in 2024 were primarily due to the marine portfolio.
 Management believes that the ACL was adequate at December 31, 2024. The ACL as a percent of total loans may increase or decrease in future periods based on economic conditions. Management's determination of the adequacy of the ACL is based on a periodic evaluation of the loan portfolio. For additional information regarding the ACL, refer to Note 1 – "Summary of Significant Accounting Policies" and Note 4 – "Loans and Allowance for Credit Losses" in the "Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements" included in Part II, Item 8., as well as "Critical Accounting Policies" contained in Part II, Item 7. of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.

 The following table allocates the ACL by portfolio loan category at the dates indicated. The allocation of the ACL to each category is not necessarily indicative of future losses and does not restrict the use of the ACL to absorb losses in any category.

 %(1)

 %(1)

 $
 22,846
 53.59
 %
 $
 23,015
 54.67
 %

 21,776
 27.86
 19,909
 26.71

 2,854
 7.04
 3,935
 6.44

 3,138
 4.99
 2,671
 4.95

 6,889
 6.37
 7,601
 7.09

 0.15
 0.14

 Total allowance for credit losses
 $
 57,910
 %
 $
 57,351
 %

 (1) Percent of loans in each category to total portfolio loans.

 The following table indicates net charge-offs or recoveries by average loan portfolio category for the years ended as indicated:

 Net (Charge-offs) Recoveries
 Average Balance(1)

 %
 Net (Charge-offs) Recoveries
 Average Balance(1)

 %

 $
 —
 $
 2,286,363
 —
 %
 $
 (1,326)
 $
 1,875,969
 0.07
 %

 1,279,211
 —
 (75)
 989,037
 0.01

 318,650
 —
 311,360
 —

 (175)
 237,326
 0.07
 (232)
 127,441
 0.18

 Consumer(2)

 (3,329)
 319,922
 1.04
 (290)
 322,904
 0.09

 (575)
 2,486
 23.13
 (111)
 2,811
 3.95

 (4,072)
 4,443,958
 0.09
 (2,019)
 3,629,522
 0.06

 Allowance for credit losses
 —
 (58,089)
 —
 —
 (40,777)
 —

 Total net charge-off and average loans
 $
 (4,072)
 $
 4,385,869
 0.09
 $
 (2,019)
 $
 3,588,745
 0.06

 (1) Excludes loans held for sale.
 (2) Includes the marine portfolio.

 Off-Balance Sheet Credit Exposure Reserve
 The Company's reserve for off-balance sheet credit exposures was $1.1 million at December 31, 2024 and December 31, 2023. The Company is monitoring line of credit usage and has not seen substantive increases in usage or expected usage. The Company will continue to monitor activity for potential increases in the off-balance sheet reserve in future quarters as customers use available liquidity.

 Classified Assets and Special Mention Assets
 Classified assets increased $13.3 million from $14.9 million at December 31, 2023 to $28.2 million at December 31, 2024. Management considers classified assets to be an important measure of asset quality. Increases in classified and special mention loan categories were due to loans related to our marine lending portfolio and residential mortgages, all of which are diverse in origination date. The Company's risk rating process for classified loans is an important input into the Company's allowance methodology. Risk ratings are an important input into the Company's ACL qualitative framework. The following is a breakdown of the Company's classified and special mention assets at December 31, 2024 and 2023, respectively:

 Classified loans

 $
 24,679
 $
 14,672

 Doubtful
 —
 —

 Loss
 —
 —

 Total classified loans
 24,679
 14,672

 Special mention loans
 33,518
 28,263

 Total classified loans and special mention loans
 $
 58,197
 $
 42,935

 Classified loans
 $
 24,679
 $
 14,672

 OREO

 Repossessed assets
 3,315
 —

 Total classified assets
 $
 28,173
 $
 14,851

 Total classified assets and special mention loans
 $
 61,691
 $
 43,114

 Total classified assets as a percentage of total assets
 0.45
 %
 0.25
 %

 Total classified assets as a percentage of risk based capital
 4.77
 2.75

 Nonperforming Assets
 At December 31, 2024, nonperforming assets were $24.8 million, an increase of $11.1 million, or 80.98%, when compared to December 31, 2023. The increase in nonperforming assets was primarily due to the increase in nonaccrual loans acquired in the merger and an increase in repossessed assets related to the marine portfolio. At December 31, 2024, the ratio of nonaccrual loans to total assets was 0.34%, an increase from 0.21% at December 31, 2023. The ratio of nonperforming assets to total assets at December 31, 2024 was 0.40% compared to 0.23% at December 31, 2023.
 The Company continues to focus on the resolution of its nonperforming and problem loans. The efforts to accomplish this goal include frequently contacting borrowers until the delinquency is cured or until an acceptable payment plan has been agreed upon; obtaining updated appraisals; provisioning for credit losses; charging-off loans; transferring loans to OREO or repossessed assets; aggressively marketing OREO and repossessed assets; and selling loans. The reduction of nonperforming and problem loans is and will continue to be a high priority for the Company.

 The following table summarizes our nonperforming assets for the years ended December 31, 2024 and 2023.

 Nonperforming assets

 Nonaccrual loans
 $
 21,008
 $
 12,784

 Total loans 90 days or more past due and still accruing

 OREO

 Repossessed assets
 3,315
 —

 Total nonperforming assets
 $
 24,796
 $
 13,701

 As a percent of total loans:

 Nonaccrual loans
 0.44
 %
 0.28
 %

 As a percent of total loans and OREO:

 Nonperforming assets
 0.52
 %
 0.30
 %

 As a percent of total assets:

 Nonaccrual loans
 0.34
 %
 0.21
 %

 Nonperforming assets
 0.40
 0.23

 Deposits
 The following is a breakdown of the Company's deposit portfolio at December 31, 2024 and 2023:

 %
 %

 Noninterest-bearing demand
 $
 28.27
 %
 $
 23.36
 %
 $
 304,778
 24.23
 %

 Interest-bearing:

 Demand
 17.69
 21.64
 (187,470)
 (16.08)

 32.67
 33.01
 27,957
 1.57

 21.37
 1,184,610
 21.99
 (3,049)
 (0.26)

 Total interest-bearing
 3,965,521
 71.73
 4,128,083
 76.64
 (162,562)
 (3.94)

 Total deposits
 $
 5,528,336
 %
 $
 5,386,120
 %
 $
 142,216
 2.64

 Total deposits increased $142.2 million, or 2.6%, to $5.53 billion at December 31, 2024 when compared to December 31, 2023. The increase in total deposits was primarily due to an increase in noninterest-bearing demand deposits of $304.8 million and money market and savings deposits of $28.0 million, partially offset by decreases in interest-bearing demand deposits of $187.5 million and time deposits of $3.0 million.
 Total estimated uninsured deposits were $905.3 million, or 16.4% of total deposits, at December 31, 2024. At December 31, 2024, there were $160.2 million included in uninsured deposits that the Bank secured using the market value of pledged collateral. The Bank's uninsured deposits, excluding deposits secured by the market value of pledged collateral, at December 31, 2024 was $745.1 million, or 13.5% of total deposits.
 For FDIC call reporting purposes, reciprocal deposits are classified as brokered deposits when they exceed 20% of a bank's liabilities or $5.00 billion. Reciprocal deposits increased $354.2 million to $1.65 billion at December 31, 2024, compared to $1.29 billion at December 31, 2023. Reciprocal deposits as a percentage of the Bank's liabilities at December 31, 2024 and 2023 were 29.8% and 24.0%, respectively. For call reporting purposes, $520.5 million of reciprocal deposits were considered brokered at December 31, 2024 compared to $229.9 million at December 31, 2023.
 The Bank is required to monitor large deposit relationships and concentration risks in accordance with regulatory guidance. This includes monitoring deposit concentrations and maintaining fund management policies and strategies that take into account potentially volatile concentrations and significant deposits that mature simultaneously. Regulatory guidance defines a large depositor as a customer or entity that owns or controls 2% or more of the Bank's total deposits. At December 31, 2024, the Bank had three local municipal customer deposit

 relationships that exceeded 2% of total deposits, totaling $547.4 million, or 9.90% of total deposits of $5.53 billion. At December 31, 2023, there were four customer deposit relationships that exceeded 2% of total deposits, totaling $598.5 million or 11.11% of total deposits of $5.39 billion.
 The Bank uses deposits primarily to fund loans and to purchase investment securities. Average total deposits increased from $4.03 billion at December 31, 2023 to $5.19 billion at December 31, 2024, an increase of $1.16 billion, or 28.79%.
 The following table sets forth the average balances of deposits and percentage of each major category to total average deposits for the years ended December 31, 2024 and 2023.

 Average Balance
 %
 Average Balance
 %

 Noninterest-bearing demand
 $
 1,454,087
 28.02
 %
 $
 1,043,479
 25.90
 %

 Demand
 825,773
 15.91
 883,976
 21.94

 1,690,905
 32.59
 1,275,088
 31.65

 1,205,411
 23.23
 770,370
 19.12

 Brokered deposits
 12,636
 0.24
 56,101
 1.39

 Total interest-bearing
 3,734,725
 71.98
 2,985,535
 74.10

 Total deposits
 $
 5,188,812
 %
 $
 4,029,014
 %

 Average interest-bearing deposits increased $749.2 million, or 25.1%, in 2024, compared to 2023. Average noninterest-bearing deposits increased $410.6 million, or 39.3%, in 2024, compared to 2023. Deposits provided funding for approximately 94.0% and 92.5% of average earning assets for 2024 and 2023, respectively.
 The following table sets forth the aggregate amount and maturity ranges of certificates of deposit with balances of $250,000 or more as of December 31, 2024, as well as the portion that is uninsured.

 Total
 Uninsured

 Three months or less
 $
 80,264
 $
 41,514

 Over three through 6 months
 82,654
 37,404

 Over 6 through 12 months
 195,105
 74,836

 Over 12 months
 16,083
 6,333

 Total
 $
 374,106
 $
 160,087

 Note 8 – "Deposits" in the "Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements" included in Part II, Item 8. of this Annual Report on Form 10-K includes the scheduled contractual maturities of total certificates of deposit of $1.18 billion at December 31, 2024.
 Securities Sold Under Retail Repurchase Agreements
 Securities sold under agreements to repurchase are issued in conjunction with cash management services for commercial depositors. There were no securities sold under retail purchase agreements at December 31, 2024 and 2023.
 Wholesale Funding - Short-Term Borrowings and Brokered Deposits
 The Company borrows from the FHLB on a short-term basis to meet liquidity needs. There were no short-term borrowings outstanding at December 31, 2024 and 2023.
 The Company's wholesale funding increased $5.5 million, which includes FHLB advances and brokered deposits, from $44.5 million in brokered deposits at December 31, 2023 to $50.0 million in FHLB advances at December 31, 2024. Brokered deposits for the Company's measurement of wholesale funding exclude reciprocal deposit balances that exceeded 20% of the Bank's total liabilities.
 Contractual Obligations
 The Company has various contractual obligations that affect its cash flows and liquidity. Our operating leases are primarily related to branch premises and equipment. Purchase obligations arise from agreements to purchase goods and services that are enforceable and legally binding. Other contracts included in purchase obligations primarily consist of service agreements for various systems and

 applications supporting bank operations. For information regarding material contractual obligations, please see Note 6 – "Leases" and Note 22 – "Revenue Recognition" in the "Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements" included in Part II, Item 8. of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.
 Long-Term Debt
 The Company occasionally borrows from the FHLB to meet longer-term liquidity needs, specifically to fund loan growth when liquidity from deposit growth is not sufficient. There were $50.0 million and zero long-term borrowings from the FHLB outstanding at December 31, 2024 and 2023, respectively.
 On August 25, 2020, the Company entered into Subordinated Note Purchase Agreements with certain accredited purchasers pursuant to which the Company issued and sold $25.0 million in aggregate principal amount with an initial interest rate of 5.375% Fixed-to-Floating Rate Subordinated Notes due September 1, 2030.
 As a result of the acquisition of Severn, effective October 31, 2021, the Company acquired Junior Subordinated Debt Securities due in 2035, which had an outstanding principal balance of $20.6 million. The debt balance of $18.8 million at December 31, 2024 and $18.6 million at December 31, 2023 was presented net of fair value adjustments of $1.8 million and $2.0 million, respectively.
 Additionally, as a result of the TCFC merger in 2023, the Company acquired Junior Subordinated Debt Securities which had an outstanding principal balance of $12.4 million. The debt balance of $11.1 million at December 31, 2024 was presented net of a fair value adjustment of $1.3 million. In addition, the Company also acquired 4.75% fixed-to-floating rate subordinated notes with a principal balance of $19.5 million. At December 31, 2024, the debt had a balance of $19.0 million, which was presented net of fair value adjustment of $548 thousand.
 For additional information regarding long-term debt, refer to Note 9 – "Borrowings" in the "Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements" included in Part II, Item 8. of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.
 Stockholders' Equity
 Total stockholders' equity was $541.1 million at December 31, 2024, compared to $511.1 million at December 31, 2023. The increase in stockholders' equity in 2024 was primarily due to net income of $43.9 million, partially offset by dividends paid of $16.0 million. The ratio of period-end equity to total assets was 8.68% for 2024, as compared to 8.50% for 2023.

 Common stock, $0.01 par value per share
 $
 $
 $
 0.3
 %

 Additional paid in capital
 358,112
 356,007
 2,105
 0.6

 Retained earnings
 162,290
 27,876
 17.2

 Accumulated other comprehensive loss
 (7,545)
 (7,494)
 (51)
 0.7

 Total stockholders' equity
 $
 $
 $
 29,931
 5.9

 We record unrealized holding gains (losses), net of tax, on investment securities available for sale as AOCI (loss), a separate component of stockholders' equity. At December 31, 2024 and 2023, the portion of the investment portfolio designated as "available for sale" had a net unrealized holding loss, net of tax, of $7.5 million.

 LIQUIDITY
 Liquidity is our ability to meet cash demands as they arise. Cash needs may come from loan demand, deposit withdrawals or acquisition opportunities. Potential obligations, resulting from the issuance of standby letters of credit and commitments to fund future borrowings to our loan customers, are other factors affecting our liquidity needs. Many of these obligations and commitments are expected to expire without being drawn upon; therefore, the total commitment amounts do not necessarily represent future cash requirements affecting our liquidity position.
 The Company's principal sources of liquidity are cash on hand and dividends received from the Bank. The Bank's most liquid assets are cash, cash equivalents and federal funds sold. The levels of such assets are dependent upon the Bank's operating, financing and investment activities at any given time. The variations in levels of cash and cash equivalents are influenced by deposit flows and anticipated future deposit flows. Customer deposits are considered the primary source of funds supporting the Bank's lending and investment activities.
 Based on management's going concern evaluation, we believe that there are no conditions or events, considered in the aggregate, that raise substantial doubt about the Company's or the Bank's ability to continue as a going concern, within one year of the date of the issuance of the financial statements.
 The Bank's principal sources of funds for investment and operations are net income, deposits, sales of loans, borrowings, principal and interest payments on loans, principal and interest received on investment securities and proceeds from the maturity and sale of investment securities. The Bank's principal funding commitments are for the origination or purchase of loans, the purchase of securities and the payment of maturing deposits.
 The Bank's most liquid assets are cash, cash equivalents and federal funds sold. The levels of such assets are dependent on the Bank's operating, financing and investment activities at any given time. The variations in levels of cash and cash equivalents are influenced by deposit flows and anticipated future deposit flows.
 Liquidity is provided by access to funding sources, which include core deposits and brokered deposits. Other sources of funds include our ability to borrow, such as purchasing federal funds from correspondent banks, sales of securities under agreements to repurchase and advances from the FHLB. The Bank uses wholesale funding (brokered deposits and other sources of funds) to supplement funding when loan growth exceeds core deposit growth and for asset-liability management purposes.
 We derive liquidity through increased customer deposits, non-reinvestment of the cash flow from the investment portfolio, loan repayments, borrowings and income from earning assets. As seen in the consolidated statements of cash flows, the net increase in cash and cash equivalents was $87.4 million for the year ended December 31, 2024, compared to an increase of $316.9 million for the year ended December 31, 2023.
 To the extent that deposits are not adequate to fund customer loan demand, liquidity needs can be met in the short-term fund markets. At December 31, 2024, the Bank had approximately $1.47 billion of available liquidity, including $459.9 million in cash and cash equivalents, $317.9 million in unpledged securities, $743.6 million in secured borrowing capacity at the FHLB of Atlanta, partially offset by FHLB advances and a letter of credit of $50.0 million and $6.1 million, respectively. The Bank has arrangements with other correspondent banks whereby it has $95.0 million available in federal funds lines of credit and a reverse repurchase agreement available to meet any short-term needs which may not otherwise be funded by the Bank's portfolio of readily marketable investments that can be converted to cash. Through the FHLB, the Bank had available lendable collateral of approximately $743.6 million and $745.1 million at December 31, 2024 and 2023, respectively. The Bank has pledged, under a blanket lien, all qualifying residential and commercial real estate loans under borrowing agreements with the FHLB of Atlanta. The following table presents the Company's liquidity in use and liquidity available as of December 31, 2024.

 Liquidity in Use
 Liquidity Available

 FHLB secured borrowings(1)

 $
 56,100
 $
 743,568

 Unsecured federal fund purchase lines
 —
 95,000

 Unpledged assets

 n/a

 Investment securities
 n/a
 317,851

 Total
 $
 56,100
 $
 1,616,270

 (1) The Bank has pledged a portion of the commercial real estate and residential loan portfolio to the FHLB to secure the line of credit.

 CAPITAL RESOURCES
 The Bank and the Company are subject to various regulatory capital requirements administered by the federal banking agencies. Failure to meet minimum capital requirements can initiate certain mandatory and possibly additional discretionary actions by regulators that, if undertaken, could have a material effect on the Company's financial statements. Under capital adequacy guidelines and the regulatory framework for prompt corrective action, the Bank must meet specific capital guidelines that involve quantitative measures of its assets, liabilities, and certain off-balance sheet items as calculated under regulatory accounting practices. The capital amounts and classifications are also subject to qualitative judgments by the regulators about components, risk weightings, and other factors.
 Quantitative measures established by regulation to ensure capital adequacy require the Bank and the Company to maintain minimum ratios of common equity Tier 1, Tier 1, and total capital as a percentage of assets and off-balance sheet exposures, adjusted for risk weights ranging from 0% to 12.50%. The Bank and Company are also required to maintain capital at a minimum level based on quarterly average assets, which is known as the leverage ratio. The Bank was deemed "well-capitalized" under applicable regulatory capital requirements at December 31, 2024.
 The Company evaluates capital resources by the ability to maintain adequate regulatory capital ratios. The Company and the Bank annually update its strategic plan, which includes a three-year capital plan. In developing its plan, the Company considers the impact to capital of asset growth, loan concentrations, income accretion, dividends, holding company liquidity, investment in markets and people and stress testing.
 The Bank and the Company are subject to various regulatory capital requirements administered by the federal banking agencies. Failure to meet minimum capital requirements can initiate certain mandatory and possibly additional discretionary actions by regulators that, if undertaken, could have a material effect on the Company's financial statements. Under capital adequacy guidelines and the regulatory framework for prompt corrective action, the Bank must meet specific capital guidelines that involve quantitative measures of its assets, liabilities, and certain off-balance sheet items as calculated under regulatory accounting practices. The capital amounts and classifications are also subject to qualitative judgments by the regulators about components, risk weightings, and other factors.
 Quantitative measures established by regulation to ensure capital adequacy require the Bank to maintain minimum ratios of CET 1, Tier 1, and total capital as a percentage of assets and off-balance sheet exposures, adjusted for risk weights ranging from 0% to 1250%. The Bank is also required to maintain capital at a minimum level based on quarterly average assets, which is known as the leverage ratio.
 In July 2013, federal bank regulatory agencies issued a final rule that revised their risk-based capital requirements and the method for calculating risk-weighted assets to make them consistent with certain standards that were developed by Basel III and certain provisions of the Dodd-Frank Act. The final rule currently applies to all depository institutions and bank holding companies and savings and loan holding companies with total consolidated assets of more than $3 billion.
 As of December 31, 2024, the Bank and the Company were in compliance with all applicable regulatory capital requirements to which they were subject, and the Bank was classified as "well-capitalized" for purposes of the prompt corrective action regulations. The following tables present the applicable capital ratios for the Company and the Bank as of December 31, 2024 and 2023.

 Tier 1 Leverage Ratio
 Common Equity Tier 1 Ratio
 Tier 1 Risk-Based Capital Ratio
 Total Risk-Based Capital Ratio

 The Company
 8.02
 %
 9.44
 %
 10.06
 %
 12.18
 %

 The Bank
 8.58
 10.75
 10.75
 11.97

 Tier 1 Leverage Ratio
 Common Equity Tier 1 Ratio
 Tier 1 Risk-Based Capital Ratio
 Total Risk-Based Capital Ratio

 The Company
 7.75
 %
 8.69
 %
 9.32
 %
 11.49
 %

 The Bank
 8.33
 10.02
 10.02
 11.27

 On February 4, 2025, the Company announced that its Board of Directors declared a cash dividend of $0.12 per share, payable on February 28, 2025, to holders of record of shares of common stock as of February 14, 2025.
 See Note 16 – "Regulatory Capital Requirements" in the "Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements" included in Part II, Item 8. of this Annual Report on Form 10-K for further information about the regulatory capital positions of the Bank and Company.
 The Company provides banking services to customers who do business in the cannabis industry. Prior to the second quarter of 2022, the Company restricted these businesses to include only those in the medical-use cannabis industry in the state of Maryland. During the second quarter of 2022, the Company expanded its cannabis banking program to include both medical and adult-use licensees in other states, with an initial offering of the Company's existing Maryland customers with multi-state operations. While the Company is providing banking services to customers that are engaged in growing, processing, and sales of both medical and adult-use cannabis in a manner that complies

 with applicable state law, such customers engaged in those activities currently violate federal law. The Company may be deemed to be aiding and abetting illegal activities through the services that it provides to these customers. While we are not aware of any instance of a federally-insured financial institution being subject to such aiding and abetting liability, the strict enforcement of federal laws regarding cannabis would likely result in the Company's inability to continue to provide banking services to these customers and the Company could have legal action taken against it by the federal government, including imprisonment and fines. There is an uncertainty of the potential impact to the Company's consolidated financial statements if the federal government takes actions against the Company. As of December 31, 2024, the Company has not accrued an amount for the potential impact of any such actions.
 The following is a summary of the level of business activities with our cannabis customers:
 • Deposit and loan balances at December 31, 2024 were approximately $151.4 million, or 2.7% of total deposits, and $82.6 million, or 1.7% of total gross loans, respectively.
 • Interest and noninterest income for the year ended December 31, 2024 were approximately $4.1 million and $1.1 million, respectively.
 For information about risks relating to liquidity, see "Risk Factors" included in Part I, Item 1A. of this this Annual Report on Form 10-K.
 Comparison of Cash Flows for the Years Ended December 31, 2024 and 2023
 During the year ended December 31, 2024, all financing activities provided $175.1 million in cash compared to $121.9 million in cash provided for the same period in 2023. The Company was provided $53.2 million more cash from financing activities compared to the prior year, primarily due to increased deposits of $304.8 million from management's efforts to expand deposit relationships. The Company used less cash in 2024 compared to 2023 for net long-term debt activity. Short-term borrowings activity used $109.0 million less cash in 2024 compared to 2023 as the Bank paid down wholesale funding. The Company used $3.3 million more cash for stock-related activities in 2024 compared to 2023, primarily due to a $3.3 million increase in common stock dividend payments.
 The Bank's principal use of cash has been in investing activities including its investments in loans and investment securities. In 2024, the level of net cash used in investing activities increased $306.9 million to $134.5 million from net cash provided by investing activities of $172.3 million in 2023. The increase in cash used was primarily the result of cash used for loan activities and investment securities. Cash used for loan activities decreased $194.0 million to $123.3 million for the year ended December 31, 2024 from $317.3 million for the year ended December 31, 2023 as organic loan growth slowed in 2024 as management focused on merger integration as well as safe and sound moderate loan growth in the current economic environment. The use of funds to purchase investment securities increased $93.7 million to $162.4 million for the year ended December 31, 2024, from $68.7 million for the year ended December 31, 2023. Cash proceeds from investment securities decreased $388.8 million as total proceeds from sales of acquired AFS securities decreased for the year ended December 31, 2024, compared to the year ended December 31, 2023.
 Operating activities provided more cash of $24.2 million as cash provided increased to $46.9 million for the year ended December 31, 2024, compared to $22.7 million of cash provided for the same period of 2023.
 The Company has no business other than holding the stock of the Bank and does not currently have any material funding requirements, except for the payment of dividends on common stock, and the payment of interest on subordinated debentures and subordinated notes, and noninterest expense.

 USE OF NON-GAAP FINANCIAL MEASURES
 Statements included in the Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations include non-GAAP financial measures and should be read along with the accompanying tables, which provide a reconciliation of non-GAAP financial measures to GAAP financial measures. The Company's management uses these non-GAAP financial measures and believes that non-GAAP financial measures provide additional useful information that allows readers to evaluate the ongoing performance of the Company. Non-GAAP financial measures should not be considered as an alternative to any measure of performance or financial condition as promulgated under GAAP, and investors should consider the Company's performance and financial condition as reported under GAAP and all other relevant information when assessing the performance or financial condition of the Company. Non-GAAP financial measures have limitations as analytical tools, and investors should not consider them in isolation or as a substitute for analysis of the results or financial condition as reported under GAAP. See non-GAAP reconciliation schedules that immediately follow.
 Reconciliation of Non-GAAP Measures
 This Annual Report on Form 10-K, including the accompanying financial statement tables, contains financial information determined by methods other than in accordance with GAAP. This financial information includes certain performance measures, which exclude intangible assets. These non-GAAP measures are included because the Company believes they may provide useful supplemental information for evaluating the underlying performance trends of the Company.

 ($ in thousands, except per share amounts)

 Total assets
 $
 6,230,763
 $
 6,010,918

 Less: intangible assets

 Goodwill

 Core deposit intangibles
 38,311
 48,090

 Total intangible assets
 101,577
 111,356

 Tangible assets
 $
 6,129,186
 $
 5,899,562

 Total common equity
 $
 $

 Less: intangible assets
 101,577
 111,356

 Tangible common equity
 $
 439,489
 $
 399,779

 Common shares outstanding at end of period
 33,332,177
 33,161,532

 Common equity to assets
 8.68
 %
 8.50
 %

 Tangible common equity to tangible assets
 7.17
 6.78

 Common book value per share
 $
 16.23
 $
 15.41

 Tangible common book value per share
 13.19
 12.06

 Return on Average Common Equity
 Return on average common equity is a financial ratio that measures the profitability of a company in relation to the average stockholders' equity. This financial metric is expressed in the form of a percentage which is equal to net income after tax divided by the average shareholders' equity for a specific period of time.

 2024
 2023

 Net income (as reported)
 $
 $

 Return on average common equity
 8.35
 %
 2.54
 %

 Average stockholders' equity

 $
 525,742
 $
 441,790

 Return on Average Tangible Common Equity
 Return on average tangible common equity is computed by dividing net earnings applicable to common shareholders by average tangible common stockholders' equity. Management believes that return on average tangible common equity is meaningful because it measures the performance of a business consistently, whether acquired or internally-developed. ROATCE is a non-GAAP measure and may not be comparable to similar non-GAAP measures used by other companies.

 2024
 2023

 Net income (as reported)
 $
 $

 Core deposit intangible amortization (net of tax)
 7,311
 4,254

 Merger and acquisition costs (net of tax)
 —
 11,637

 Net earnings applicable to common shareholders
 $
 51,200
 $
 27,119

 Return of average tangible common equity
 12.21
 %
 7.74
 %

 Average stockholders' equity
 $
 525,742
 $
 441,790

 Average goodwill and core deposit intangible
 (106,409)
 (91,471)

 Average tangible stockholders' common equity
 $
 419,333
 $
 350,319

 Item 7A. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK
 Interest rate risk is defined as the exposure to changes in net interest income and capital that arises from movements in interest rates. Depending on the composition of the balance sheet, increasing or decreasing interest rates can negatively affect the Company's results of operations and financial condition.
 The Company measures interest rate risk over the short and long term. The Company measures interest rate risk as the change in net interest income caused by a change in interest rates over twelve and twenty-four months. The Company's net interest income simulations provide information about short-term interest rate risk exposure. The Company also measures interest rate risk by measuring changes in the values of assets and liabilities due to changes in interest rates. The economic value of equity is defined as the present value of future cash flows from existing assets, minus the present value of future cash flows from existing liabilities. Economic value of equity simulations reflect the interest rate sensitivity of assets and liabilities over a longer time period, considering the maturities, average life and duration of all balance sheet accounts.
 The Company's net income is largely dependent on its net interest income. Net interest income is susceptible to interest rate risk to the extent that interest-bearing liabilities mature or re-price on a different basis than interest-earning assets. When interest-bearing liabilities mature or re-price more quickly than interest-earning assets in a given period, a significant increase in market rates of interest could adversely affect net interest income. Similarly, when interest-earning assets mature or re-price more quickly than interest-bearing liabilities, falling interest rates could result in a decrease in net interest income. Net interest income is also affected by changes in the portion of interest-earning assets that are funded by interest-bearing liabilities rather than by other sources of funds, such as noninterest-bearing deposits and stockholders' equity.
 The Company's interest rate risk management goals are (1) to increase net interest income at a growth rate consistent with the growth rate of total assets, and (2) to minimize fluctuations in net interest margin as a percentage of interest-earning assets. Management attempts to achieve these goals by balancing, within policy limits, the volume of floating-rate liabilities with a similar volume of floating-rate assets; by keeping the average maturity of fixed-rate asset and liability contracts reasonably matched; by maintaining a pool of administered core deposits; and by adjusting pricing rates to market conditions on a continuing basis.
 The board of directors has approved the Company's interest rate risk policy and assigned oversight to the Board Risk Oversight Committee. The policy establishes limits on risk, which are quantitative measures of the percentage change in net interest income and economic value of equity resulting from changes in interest rates. Both net interest income and economic value of equity simulations assist in identifying, measuring, monitoring and controlling interest rate risk and along with mitigating strategies are used by management to maintain interest rate risk exposure within Board policy guidelines.
 The Company's interest rate risk model uses assumptions which include factors such as call features, prepayment options and interest rate caps and floors included in investment and loan portfolio contracts. The interest rate risk model estimates the lives and interest rate sensitivity of the Company's non-maturity deposits. These assumptions have a significant effect on model results. The assumptions are developed primarily based upon historical behavior of Bank customers. The Company also considers industry and regional data in developing interest rate risk model assumptions. There are inherent limitations in the Company's interest rate risk model and underlying assumptions. When interest rates change, actual movements of interest-earning assets and interest-bearing liabilities, loan prepayments, and withdrawals of time and other deposits, may deviate significantly from assumptions used in the model.
 The Company prepares a current base case and several alternative simulations at least quarterly. Current interest rates are shocked by +/- 100, 200, 300, and 400 basis points. In addition, the Company simulates additional rate curve scenarios. The Company may elect not to use particular scenarios that it determines are impractical in a current rate environment.
 The Company's internal limits for parallel shock scenarios are as follows:

 Shock in Basis Points
 Net Interest Income

 Economic Value of Equity

 + - 400
 +/-25%
 +/-40%

 + - 300
 +/- 30%

 + - 200
 +/- 15%

 + - 100
 +/- 10%
 +/- 10%

 It is management's goal to manage the Bank's portfolios so that net interest income at risk over twelve and twenty-four-month periods and the economic value of equity at risk do not exceed policy guidelines at the various interest rate shock levels. As of December 31, 2024, the Company exceeded Board approved limits for the percentage change in economic value of equity in the interest rate shock of -200 due to average lives and low level of market rates on non-maturing deposit instruments. As of December 31, 2023, the Company did not exceed any Board approved limits.
 Measures of net interest income at risk produced by simulation analysis are indicators of an institution's short-term performance in alternative rate environments. The below schedule estimates the changes in net interest income over a twelve-month period for parallel rate shocks for up 400, 300, 200, 100 and down 100, and 200 scenarios:

 Estimated Changes in Net Interest Income

 Change in Interest Rates:
 + 400 basis points
 + 300 basis points
 + 200 basis points
 + 100 basis points
 - 100 basis points
 - 200 basis points

 Policy limit
 +/-25%
 +/- 15%
 +/- 10%
 +/-10%
 +/- 15%

 (3.8)
 %
 (2.4)
 %
 (1.3)
 %
 (0.5)
 %
 (0.1)
 %
 (2.1)
 %

 (15.6)
 %
 (11.6)
 %
 (7.6)
 %
 (3.6)
 %
 2.1
 %
 2.8
 %

 Measures of equity value at risk indicate the ongoing economic value of the Company by considering the effects of changes in interest rates on all of the Company's cash flows, and by discounting the cash flows to estimate the present value of assets and liabilities. The below schedule estimates the changes in the economic value of equity at parallel shocks for up 400, 300, 200, 100 and down 100 and 200 scenarios:

 Estimated Changes in Economic Value of Equity

 Change in Interest Rates:
 + 400 bp
 + 300 bp
 + 200 bp
 + 100 bp
 - 100 bp
 - 200 bp

 Policy limit
 +/-40%
 +/- 30%
 +/- 10%
 +/-10%

 15.2
 %
 14.2
 %
 11.7
 %
 7.2
 %
 (10.0)
 %
 (24.2)
 %

 (27.7)
 %
 (20.9)
 %
 (13.8)
 %
 (6.6)
 %
 4.1
 %
 5.8
 %

 As with any method of measuring interest rate risk, certain shortcomings are inherent in the method of analysis presented in the foregoing tables. For example, although certain assets and liabilities may have similar maturities or periods to repricing, they may react in different degrees to changes in market interest rates. Also, the interest rates on certain types of assets and liabilities may fluctuate in advance of changes in market interest rates, while interest rates on other types may lag behind changes in market rates. Additionally, certain assets, such as adjustable rate mortgage loans, have features which restrict changes in interest rates on a short-term basis and over the life of the asset. Further, if interest rates change, expected rates of prepayments on loans and early withdrawals from certificates of deposit could deviate significantly from those assumed in calculating the tables.

 Item 8. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA
 INDEX TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 Management's Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting

 Reports of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm (PCAOB ID 173)

 Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm (PCAOB ID 613)

 Consolidated Balance Sheets

 Consolidated Statements of Income

 Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income

 Consolidated Statements of Changes in Stockholders' Equity

 Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows

 Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

 MANAGEMENT'S REPORT ON INTERNAL CONTROL OVER FINANCIAL REPORTING
 Management of Shore Bancshares, Inc. (the "Company") is responsible for the preparation, integrity and fair presentation of the financial statements included in this Annual Report. The financial statements have been prepared in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America and reflect management's judgments and estimates concerning the effects of events and transactions that are accounted for or disclosed.
 Management is also responsible for establishing and maintaining effective internal control over financial reporting. The Company's internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that pertain to the Company's ability to record, process, summarize and report reliable financial data. The internal control system contains monitoring mechanisms, and appropriate actions taken to correct identified deficiencies. Management believes that internal controls over financial reporting, which are subject to scrutiny by management and the Company's internal auditors, support the integrity and reliability of the financial statements. Management recognizes that there are inherent limitations in the effectiveness of any internal control system, including the possibility of human error and the circumvention or overriding of internal controls. Accordingly, even effective internal control over financial reporting can provide only reasonable assurance with respect to financial statement preparation. In addition, because of changes in conditions and circumstances, the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting may vary over time. The Audit Committee of the board of directors (the "Committee"), is comprised entirely of outside directors who are independent of management. The Committee is responsible for the appointment and compensation of the independent auditors and makes decisions regarding the appointment or removal of members of the internal audit function. The Committee meets periodically with management, the independent auditors, and the internal auditors to ensure that they are carrying out their responsibilities. The Committee is also responsible for performing an oversight role by reviewing and monitoring the financial, accounting, and auditing procedures of the Company in addition to reviewing the Company's financial reports. The independent auditors and the internal auditors have full and unlimited access to the Committee, with or without the presence of management, to discuss the adequacy of internal control over financial reporting, and any other matters which they believe should be brought to the attention of the Committee.
 Management assessed the Company's system of internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2024. This assessment was conducted based on the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission "Internal Control - Integrated Framework (2013)." Based on this assessment, management concluded that the Company's internal control over financial reporting was effective as of December 31, 2024.
 There were no other changes in the Company's internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Rule 13a-15 under the Securities Act of 1934) during the quarter ended December 31, 2024 that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, the Company's internal control over financial reporting.
 The 2024 financial statements have been audited by the independent registered public accounting firm of Crowe LLP ("Crowe"). Personnel from Crowe were given unrestricted access to all financial records and related data, including minutes of all meetings of the Board of Directors and committees thereof. Management believes that all representations made to all the independent auditors were valid and appropriate. The resulting report from Crowe accompanies the financial statements. Crowe has also issued a report on the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting. This report has also been made a part of this Annual Report.

 /s/ James M. Burke
 /s/ Todd L. Capitani

 James M. Burke
 Todd L. Capitani

 President and Chief Executive Officer
 Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer

 (Principal Executive Officer)
 (Principal Financial Officer)

 REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM (PCAOB ID 173)

 Stockholders and the Board of Directors
 Shore Bancshares, Inc.
 Easton, Maryland

 Opinions on the Financial Statements and Internal Control over Financial Reporting
 We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheet of Shore Bancshares, Inc. (the "Company") as of December 31, 2024, and the related consolidated statement of income, comprehensive income, changes in stockholders' equity, and cash flows for the period ended December 31, 2024, and the related notes (collectively referred to as the "financial statements"). We also have audited the Company's internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2024, based on criteria established in Internal Control – Integrated Framework: (2013) issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO).
 In our opinion, the financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of the Company as of December 31, 2024, and the results of its operations and its cash flows for the period ended December 31, 2024 in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. Also in our opinion, the Company maintained, in all material respects, effective internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2024, based on criteria established in Internal Control – Integrated Framework: (2013) issued by COSO.
 Basis for Opinions
 The Company's management is responsible for these financial statements, for maintaining effective internal control over financial reporting, and for its assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting, included in the accompanying Management's Annual Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the Company's financial statements and an opinion on the Company's internal control over financial reporting based on our audits. We are a public accounting firm registered with the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) ("PCAOB") and are required to be independent with respect to the Company in accordance with the U.S. federal securities laws and the applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the PCAOB.
 We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audits to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement, whether due to error or fraud, and whether effective internal control over financial reporting was maintained in all material respects.
 Our audits of the financial statements included performing procedures to assess the risks of material misstatement of the financial statements, whether due to error or fraud, and performing procedures that respond to those risks. Such procedures included examining, on a test basis, evidence regarding the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. Our audits also included evaluating the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall presentation of the financial statements. Our audit of internal control over financial reporting included obtaining an understanding of internal control over financial reporting, assessing the risk that a material weakness exists, and testing and evaluating the design and operating effectiveness of internal control based on the assessed risk. Our audits also included performing such other procedures as we considered necessary in the circumstances. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinions.
 Definition and Limitations of Internal Control Over Financial Reporting
 A company's internal control over financial reporting is a process designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. A company's internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that (1) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of the company; (2) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and that receipts and expenditures of the company are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors of the company; and (3) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use, or disposition of the company's assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements.
 Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.

 Critical Audit Matter
 The critical audit matter communicated below is a matter arising from the current period audit of the financial statements that was communicated or required to be communicated to the Audit Committee and that: (1) relates to accounts or disclosures that are material to the financial statements and (2) involved our especially challenging, subjective, or complex judgments. The communication of the critical audit matter does not alter in any way our opinion on the financial statements, taken as a whole, and we are not, by communicating the critical audit matter below, providing a separate opinion on the critical audit matter or on the accounts or disclosures to which it relates.
 Allowance for Credit Losses – Economic Imprecision Qualitative Factor
 As described in Note 1 to the financial statements, the Company accounts for credit losses under ASC 326, Financial Instruments – Credit Losses. ASC 326 requires the measurement of expected lifetime credit losses for financial assets measured at amortized cost at the reporting date. As of December 31, 2024, the balance of the allowance for credit losses ("ACL") on loans was $57.9 million.
 The Company's methodology for estimating the amount reported in the ACL includes an allowance assessed on a collective basis for pools of loans that share similar risk characteristics, which are evaluated collectively using a cash flow approach which includes loan-level cash flow projections and pool-level assumptions and incorporates a reasonable and supportable forecast. Management's estimate of the ACL on loans that are collectively evaluated also includes a qualitative assessment of available information relevant to assessing collectability that is not captured in the quantitative loss estimation process. Qualitative factors considered by management include concentrations of loans to specific industry segments; the volume and severity of delinquencies and adversely classified loan balances and the value of underlying collateral, and the probability of the near-term recession and its impacts on estimated losses that is captured through an economic imprecision factor. This evaluation is inherently subjective, as it requires estimates that are susceptible to significant revision as more information becomes available.
 We identified auditing the economic imprecision qualitative factor of the ACL as a critical audit matter because the methodology to determine the estimate of credit losses uses subjective judgments by management and is subject to material variability. Performing audit procedures to evaluate the economic imprecision qualitative factor involved a high degree of auditor judgment, subjectivity and required significant effort, including the need to involve more experienced audit personnel.
 The primary procedures we performed to address this critical audit matter included:
 • Testing the effectiveness of controls over the evaluation of the qualitative factor assessments, particularly the economic imprecision factor, used in the ACL on collectively evaluated loans, including controls addressing:
 Methodology and accounting policies related to the qualitative factors
 Data inputs, calculations, and judgments used to determine the qualitative factors
 Management's output review of the ACL inclusive of qualitative factors
 • Substantively testing management's process, including evaluating their judgments and assumptions, for developing the economic imprecision qualitative factor of the ACL which is applied to loans which are collectively evaluated, which included:
 Evaluation of the reasonableness of the Company's accounting policies, judgments, and elections related to the economic imprecision qualitative factor
 Testing the accuracy of key inputs and calculations used to determine the economic imprecision qualitative factor
 Evaluation of the reasonableness of management's judgments and assumptions related to the economic imprecision qualitative factor to determine if it is calculated in conformity with management's policies and was consistently applied period over period.

 /s/ Crowe LLP

 We have served as the Company's auditor since 2024.

 Livingston, New Jersey

 REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM (PCAOB ID 613)
 To the Stockholders and the Board of Directors of Shore Bancshares, Inc.
 Opinion on the Financial Statements
 We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheet of Shore Bancshares, Inc. and its subsidiaries (the Company) as of December 31, 2023, the related consolidated statements of income, comprehensive income, changes in stockholders' equity, and cash flows, for the year then ended, and the related notes (collectively, the financial statements). In our opinion, the financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of the Company as of December 31, 2023, and the results of its operations and its cash flows for the year then ended in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.
 Basis for Opinion
 These financial statements are the responsibility of the Company's management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the Company's financial statements based on our audit. We are a public accounting firm registered with the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) (PCAOB) and are required to be independent with respect to the Company in accordance with U.S. federal securities laws and the applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the PCAOB.
 We conducted our audit in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement, whether due to error or fraud.
 Our audit included performing procedures to assess the risks of material misstatement of the financial statements, whether due to error or fraud, and performing procedures that respond to those risks. Such procedures included examining, on a test basis, evidence regarding the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. Our audit also included evaluating the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall presentation of the financial statements. We believe that our audit provides a reasonable basis for our opinion.
 /s/ Yount, Hyde & Barbour, P.C.

 We served as the Company's auditor from 2017 to 2024.

 Winchester, Virginia
 March 15, 2024

 CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

 ($ in thousands, except per share data)

 ASSETS

 Cash and due from banks
 $
 44,008
 $
 63,172

 Interest-bearing deposits with other banks
 415,843
 309,241

 Investment securities:

 Available for sale, at fair value (amortized cost of $ 159,593 and $ 120,832 at December 31, 2024 and 2023, respectively)

 Held to maturity, net of allowance for credit losses of $ 203 and $ 94 (fair value of $ 424,734 and $ 457,830) at December 31, 2024 and 2023, respectively

 481,077
 513,188

 Equity securities, at fair value
 5,814
 5,703

 Restricted securities, at cost
 20,253
 17,900

 Loans held for sale, at fair value
 8,782

 Loans held for investment (fair value of $ 9,466 and $ 9,944 at December 31, 2024 and 2023, respectively)

 Less: allowance for credit losses
 ( 57,910)
 ( 57,351)

 Loans, net
 4,714,078
 4,583,659

 Premises and equipment, net
 81,806
 82,386

 Goodwill

 Other intangible assets, net
 38,311
 48,090

 Mortgage servicing rights, at fair value
 5,874
 5,926

 Right-of-use assets
 11,385
 12,487

 Cash surrender value on life insurance
 104,421
 101,704

 Accrued interest receivable
 19,570
 19,217

 Deferred income taxes
 31,857
 40,707

 24,382
 24,969

 TOTAL ASSETS
 $
 6,230,763
 $
 6,010,918

 LIABILITIES

 Deposits:

 Noninterest-bearing
 $
 $

 Interest-bearing checking

 1,184,610

 Total deposits
 5,528,336
 5,386,120

 FHLB advances
 50,000
 —

 Guaranteed preferred beneficial interest in junior subordinated debentures ("TRUPS")
 29,847
 29,530

 Subordinated debt
 43,870
 43,139

 Total borrowings
 123,717
 72,669

 Lease liabilities
 11,844
 12,857

 Other liabilities
 25,800
 28,137

 TOTAL LIABILITIES
 5,689,697
 5,499,783

 COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES (Note 19)

 STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY

 Common stock, par value $ 0.01 per share; shares authorized 50,000,000; shares issued and outstanding 33,332,177 and 33,161,532 at December 31, 2024 and 2023, respectively

 Additional paid in capital
 358,112
 356,007

 Retained earnings
 162,290

 Accumulated other comprehensive loss
 ( 7,545)

 TOTAL STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY

 TOTAL LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
 $
 6,230,763
 $
 6,010,918

 CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME

 ($ in thousands, except per share data)
 2024
 2023

 INTEREST INCOME

 Interest and fees on loans
 $
 269,631
 $
 194,339

 Interest and dividends on taxable investment securities
 19,444
 16,832

 Interest and dividends on tax-exempt investment securities

 Interest on federal funds sold
 —

 Interest on deposits with other banks
 6,239
 2,770

 Total interest income
 295,338
 214,079

 INTEREST EXPENSE

 Interest on deposits
 115,301
 68,800

 Interest on short-term borrowings
 2,131
 5,518

 Interest on long-term borrowings
 7,357
 4,454

 Total interest expense
 124,789
 78,772

 NET INTEREST INCOME
 170,549
 135,307

 Provision for credit losses
 4,738
 30,953

 NET INTEREST INCOME AFTER PROVISION FOR CREDIT LOSSES
 165,811
 104,354

 NONINTEREST INCOME

 Service charges on deposit accounts
 6,149
 5,501

 Trust and investment fee income
 3,367
 3,608

 Loss on sales and calls of investment securities
 —
 ( 2,166)

 Gain on sale of loans held for sale
 5,021
 2,978

 Mortgage banking revenue
 1,535

 Interchange credits
 6,741
 5,714

 Title Company revenue

 —
 8,816

 Other noninterest income
 8,501
 6,622

 Total noninterest income
 31,147
 33,159

 NONINTEREST EXPENSE

 Salaries and employee benefits
 66,579
 57,003

 Occupancy expense
 9,706
 7,791

 Furniture and equipment expense
 3,441
 2,551

 Data processing
 12,329
 8,783

 Directors' fees
 1,557
 1,156

 Amortization of other intangible assets
 9,779
 6,105

 FDIC insurance premium expense
 4,413
 3,479

 Legal and professional fees
 5,836
 4,337

 Fraud losses
 4,998

 Merger-related expenses
 —
 17,356

 Other noninterest expenses
 19,616
 13,889

 Total noninterest expense
 138,254
 123,329

 Income before income taxes
 58,704
 14,184

 Income tax expense
 14,815
 2,956

 NET INCOME
 $
 $

 Basic net income per common share
 $
 1.32
 $
 0.42

 Diluted net income per common share
 $
 1.32
 $
 0.42

 Dividends paid per common share
 $
 0.48
 $
 0.48

 CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME

 2024
 2023

 $
 $

 Other comprehensive income (loss):

 Investment securities:

 Unrealized holding gains (losses) on available for sale securities
 ( 70)
 2,101

 Tax effect
 ( 574)

 Total other comprehensive income (loss)
 ( 51)
 1,527

 Comprehensive income
 $
 43,838
 $
 12,755

 CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY

 Common Stock
 Additional Paid in Capital
 Retained Earnings
 Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)
 Total Stockholders' Equity

 Balances, December 31, 2022
 $
 $
 201,494
 $
 171,613
 $
 ( 9,021)
 $
 364,285

 —
 —
 —

 Cumulative effect adjustment due to the adoption of ASC 326, net of tax
 —
 —
 ( 7,818)
 —
 ( 7,818)

 Other comprehensive income
 —
 —
 —
 1,527
 1,527

 TCFC acquisition
 152,955
 —
 —
 153,087

 Common shares issued for employee stock purchase plan
 —
 —

 Stock-based compensation
 —
 1,174
 —
 —
 1,174

 Cash dividends at $ 0.48 per common share

 —
 —
 ( 12,733)
 —
 ( 12,733)

 Balances, December 31, 2023
 356,007
 162,290

 —
 —
 —

 Other comprehensive loss
 —
 —
 —
 ( 51)
 ( 51)

 Common shares issued for employee stock purchase plan
 —
 —

 Stock-based compensation
 —
 1,730
 —
 —
 1,730

 Cash dividends at $ 0.48 per common share

 —
 —
 ( 16,013)
 —
 ( 16,013)

 Balances, December 31, 2024
 $
 $
 358,112
 $
 $
 ( 7,545)
 $

 CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

 2024
 2023

 CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES:

 $
 $

 Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:

 Net accretion of acquisition accounting estimates
 ( 14,734)
 ( 8,772)

 Provision for credit losses
 4,738
 30,953

 Depreciation and amortization
 16,040
 10,939

 Net amortization of securities
 ( 546)

 Amortization of debt issuance costs

 —
 ( 8,816)

 Gain on mortgage loans held for sale
 ( 5,021)
 ( 2,978)

 Gain on other mortgage loan activity
 ( 220)
 ( 499)

 Proceeds from sale of mortgage loans held for sale
 170,205
 121,734

 Originations of loans held for sale
 ( 176,415)
 ( 123,376)

 Stock-based compensation expense
 1,730
 1,174

 Deferred income tax expense
 8,869
 2,721

 Losses on sales and calls of securities
 —
 2,166

 Gain on sales of repossessed assets
 ( 3)
 —

 Loss on valuation adjustments on mortgage servicing rights

 Loss on disposal of fixed assets
 —

 Gain on disposal of premises held for sale
 ( 737)
 —

 Valuation adjustments on premises transferred to held for sale

 Gain on sales and valuation adjustments on other real estate owned
 —
 ( 3)

 Fair value adjustments on loans held for investment, at fair value
 ( 33)

 Fair value adjustment on equity securities
 ( 54)

 Bank owned life insurance income
 ( 2,657)
 ( 1,997)

 Net changes in:

 Accrued interest receivable
 ( 353)
 ( 724)

 4,770
 ( 10,875)

 Accrued interest payable
 ( 1,313)
 2,095

 Other liabilities
 ( 2,449)
 ( 3,653)

 Net cash provided by operating activities
 46,887
 22,713

 CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS - Continued

 2024
 2023

 CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES:

 Proceeds from maturities and principal payments of investment securities available for sale
 70,892
 17,754

 Proceeds from the sale of acquired available for sale securities
 —
 434,215

 Proceeds from maturities and principal payments of investment securities held to maturity
 48,960
 44,801

 Proceeds from life insurance death benefits
 —

 Purchase of investment securities available for sale
 ( 108,554)
 ( 33,226)

 Purchases of investment securities held to maturity
 ( 17,512)
 —

 Proceeds from sale of loans held for investment
 —
 8,611

 Purchases of equity securities
 ( 166)
 ( 79)

 Purchases of restricted securities
 ( 36,157)
 ( 35,350)

 Net change in loans
 ( 123,277)
 ( 317,283)

 Purchases of premises and equipment
 ( 5,224)
 ( 5,954)

 Proceeds from sales of other real estate owned
 —

 Proceeds from sales of repossessed assets
 1,807
 —

 Redemption of restricted securities
 33,804
 32,959

 Purchases of bank owned life insurance
 ( 210)
 ( 249)

 Proceeds from disposal of premises held for sale

 Cash acquired in the acquisition of TCFC, net of cash paid
 —
 25,372

 Net cash (used in) provided by investing activities
 ( 134,541)
 172,313

 CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES:

 Net changes in:

 Noninterest-bearing deposits
 $
 304,778
 $
 ( 192,658)

 ( 164,049)
 435,894

 Short-term borrowings
 —
 ( 109,000)

 Long-term borrowings
 50,000
 —

 Common stock dividends paid
 ( 16,013)
 ( 12,733)

 Issuance of common stock

 Net cash provided by financing activities
 175,092
 121,888

 Net increase in cash and cash equivalents
 87,438
 316,914

 Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period
 55,499

 Cash and cash equivalents at end of period
 $
 $

 Supplemental cash flows information:

 Interest paid
 $
 123,567
 $
 74,038

 Income taxes paid
 —
 7,293

 Recognition of lease liabilities arising from right-of-use assets

 Transfers from loans to repossessed assets
 5,119
 —

 Unrealized gains (losses) on available for sale securities
 ( 70)
 2,101

 Transfer of premises to held for sale (included in other assets)
 1,387

 Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

 Note 1 – Summary of Significant Accounting Policies
 Basis of Presentation and Principles of Consolidation
 The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Shore Bancshares, Inc. and its subsidiaries (collectively referred to in these Notes as the "Company"), with all significant intercompany transactions eliminated. The accounting and reporting policies of the Company conform with generally accepted accounting principles in the United States of America ("GAAP"). For purposes of comparability, certain reclassifications have been made to amounts previously reported to conform with the current period presentation. Reclassifications had no effect on prior year net income or stockholders' equity.
 Nature of Operations
 The Company engages in the banking business through Shore United Bank, N.A. (the "Bank"), a Maryland commercial bank with trust powers. The Company's primary source of revenue is derived from interest earned on commercial, residential mortgage and other loans, and fees charged in connection with lending and other banking services located in Maryland, Delaware and Virginia. The Company engages in financial service offerings through Wye Financial Partners and offers corporate trustee services through Wye Trust, a division of Shore United Bank, N.A. The Bank also conducts secondary market lending activities through a division of the Bank. Mid-Maryland Title Company, Inc. (the "Title Company"), engages in title work related to real estate transactions.
 Use of Estimates
 The preparation of financial statements requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities as of the date of the financial statements and affect the reported amounts of revenues earned and expenses incurred during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates. Estimates that could change significantly relate to the determination of the allowance for credit losses on loans, loans acquired in business combinations, valuation of deferred tax assets and the subsequent evaluation of goodwill for impairment.
 Investments - Debt Securities
 Investments in debt securities are classified as either held to maturity ("HTM"), available for sale ("AFS"), or trading, based on management's intent. Currently, the Company has classified its debt securities within the AFS and HTM classifications. Debt securities purchased with the positive intent and ability to hold to maturity are classified as HTM and are recorded at amortized cost, net of any allowance for credit losses ("ACL"). Debt securities not classified as HTM are classified as AFS and are carried at estimated fair value with the corresponding unrealized gains and losses recognized in other comprehensive income (loss).
 Gains or losses are recognized in net income on the trade date using the amortized cost of the specific security sold. Purchase premiums are recognized in interest income using the effective interest rate method over the period from purchase to maturity or, for callable securities, the earliest call date, and purchase discounts are recognized in the same manner from purchase to maturity.
 The Company has elected to exclude accrued interest receivable from the amortized cost basis and fair value of its HTM and AFS debt securities and has included such accrued interest of $ 2.5 million and $ 2.2 million at December 31, 2024 and 2023, respectively, within accrued interest receivable on the consolidated balance sheets. The Company has securities that have been pledged as collateral for obligations to federal, state and local government agencies, and other purposes as required or permitted by law, or sold under agreements to repurchase. At December 31, 2024, the aggregate carrying value of pledged AFS and HTM pledged securities was $ 67.9 million and $ 197.5 million, respectively. The comparable amounts as of December 31, 2023 were $ 54.5 million and $ 185.9 million, respectively.
 Investments - Equity Securities
 Equity securities with readily determinable fair values are carried at fair value, with changes in fair value reported in net income. Any equity securities without readily determinable fair values are carried at cost, minus impairment, if any, plus or minus changes resulting from observable price changes in orderly transactions for identical or similar investments. Restricted equity securities are carried at cost and are periodically evaluated for impairment based on the ultimate recovery of par value. The entirety of any impairment on equity securities is recognized in earnings.
 Allowance for Credit Losses - Securities
 The Company evaluates its available-for-sale and held-to-maturity debt securities portfolios for expected credit losses as of the valuation date under ASC 326. For available-for-sale debt securities in an unrealized loss position, the Company first assesses whether it intends to sell, or if it is more likely than not that it would be required to sell, the security before recovery of its amortized cost basis. If either criterion is met, the security's amortized cost basis is written down to fair value through income during the current period. For available-for-sale debt securities that do not meet the aforementioned criteria, the Company evaluates whether the decline in fair value has resulted from credit losses or other driving factors. If the Company's assessment indicates that a credit loss exists, the present value of cash flows

 expected to be collected from the security is compared to the amortized cost basis of the security. If the present value of cash flows expected to be collected is less than the amortized cost basis, an ACL is recorded for the credit loss (which represents the difference between the expected cash flows and amortized cost basis), limited by the amount that the fair value is less than the amortized cost basis. Any impairment that has not been recorded through an ACL is recognized in other comprehensive income.
 The entire amount of an impairment loss is recognized in earnings only when: (1) the Company intends to sell the security; or (2) it is more likely than not that the Company will have to sell the security before recovery of the Company's amortized cost basis; or (3) the Company does not expect to recover the entire amortized cost basis of the security. In all other situations, only the portion of the impairment loss representing the credit loss must be recognized in earnings, with the remaining portion being recognized in shareholders' equity as comprehensive income, net of deferred taxes.
 Changes in the ACL are recorded as a provision for (or reversal of) credit losses. Losses are charged against the ACL when the Company believes the uncollectibility of an available-for-sale security is confirmed or when either of the criteria regarding intent or requirement to sell is met. Any impairment not recorded through an allowance for credit loss is recognized in other comprehensive income as a noncredit-related impairment
 As part of its estimation process, the Company have made a policy election to exclude accrued interest from the amortized cost basis of available for sale debt securities and report accrued interest separately in other assets in the consolidated balance sheet. Available for sale debt securities are placed on nonaccrual status when we no longer expect to receive all contractual amounts due, which is generally at 90 days past due. Accrued interest receivable is reversed against interest income when a security is placed on nonaccrual status. Accordingly, the Company does not recognize an allowance for credit loss against accrued interest receivable. This approach is consistent with the Company's nonaccrual policy implemented for its loan portfolio.
 The Company separately evaluates its held to maturity investment securities for any credit losses. If it determines that a security indicates evidence of deteriorated credit quality, the security is individually-evaluated and a discounted cash flow analysis is performed and compared to the amortized cost basis. As of December 31, 2024, the Company had $ 424.7 million classified as held to maturity at estimated fair value with an amortized cost basis of $ 481.3 million with the remainder of the securities portfolio held as available for sale.
 Loans Held for Investment
 The Company's recorded investment in loans that management has the intent and ability to hold for the foreseeable future or until maturity or pay-off generally is reported at the unpaid principal balances adjusted for charges-offs, unearned discounts, any deferred fees or costs on originated loans, and the ACL. The Company has elected to exclude accrued interest receivable from the amortized cost basis of its loans held for investment and has included such accrued interest of $ 16.7 million and $ 16.8 million at December 31, 2024 and 2023, respectively, within accrued interest receivable on the consolidated balance sheets. Interest on loans is recorded to interest income based on the contractual rates and the amount of outstanding principal of the loans. Loan fees and origination costs are deferred and the net amount is amortized as an adjustment of the related loan's yield using the level-yield method.
 Loans acquired in a business combination are recorded at estimated fair value on the date of acquisition. In the case of loans that have experienced more than insignificant deterioration in credit quality since origination as of the acquisition date, the loan's amortized cost basis is increased above estimated fair value by the amount of expected credit losses as of the acquisition date, and a corresponding ACL is also recorded.
 A loan's past due status is based on the contractual due date of the most delinquent payment due. Loans are generally placed on nonaccrual status when the collection of principal or interest is 90 days or more past due, or earlier, if collection is uncertain. Any accrued interest receivable on loans placed on nonaccrual status is reversed by an adjustment to interest income. Loans greater than 90 days past due may remain on accrual status if management determines it is well secured and in the process of collection. Interest payments received on nonaccrual loans are applied as a reduction of the loan principal balance unless collectability of the principal amount is reasonably assured, in which case interest is recognized on a cash basis. A loan may be returned to accrual status if the borrower has demonstrated a sustained period of repayment performance in accordance with the contractual terms of the loan and there is reasonable assurance the borrower will continue to make payments as agreed.
 In the ordinary course of business, the Company has entered into commitments to extend credit and standby letters of credit. Such financial instruments are recorded in the consolidated balance sheets when they are funded.
 In the normal course of banking business, risks related to specific loan segments are as follows:
 Commercial Real Estate – Commercial real estate loans consist of both loans secured by owner occupied properties and non-owner occupied properties where an established banking relationship exists and involves investment properties for multi-family(5+), warehouse, retail, and office space with a history of occupancy and cash flow. These loans are subject to adverse changes in the local economy and commercial real estate markets. Credit risk associated with owner occupied properties arises from the borrower's financial stability and the ability of the borrower and the business to repay the loan. Non-owner occupied properties carry the risk of a tenant's deteriorating credit strength, lease expirations in soft markets and sustained vacancies which can adversely impact cash flow.

 Residential Real Estate – Residential real estate loans are typically made to consumers and are secured by residential real estate. Credit risk arises from the borrower's continuing financial stability, which can be adversely impacted by job loss, divorce, illness, or personal bankruptcy, among other factors. Also impacting credit risk would be a shortfall in the value of the residential real estate in relation to the outstanding loan balance in the event of a default or subsequent liquidation of the real estate collateral.
 Construction – Construction loans are offered primarily to builders and individuals to finance the construction of single-family dwellings. In addition, the Bank periodically finances the construction of commercial projects. Credit risk factors include the borrower's ability to successfully complete the construction on time and within budget, changing market conditions which could affect the value and marketability of projects, changes in the borrower's ability or willingness to repay the loan and potentially rising interest rates which can impact both the borrower's ability to repay and the collateral value.
 Commercial – Commercial loans are secured or unsecured loans for business purposes. Loans are typically secured by accounts receivable, inventory, equipment and/or other assets of the business. Credit risk arises from the successful operation of the business which may be affected by competition, rising interest rates, regulatory changes and adverse conditions in the local and regional economy.
 Consumer – Consumer loans include installment loans and personal lines of credit. Credit risk is similar to residential real estate loans above as it is subject to the borrower's continuing financial stability and the value of the collateral securing the loan.
 Credit Cards - Unsecured credit card loans were offered to our commercial and consumer customers. Credit risk factors include the borrower's continuing financial stability, which can be adversely impacted by job loss, divorce, illness or personal bankruptcy, among other factors. In 2024, the Company discontinued the issuance of new credit cards (except to select existing customers) and only services the existing portfolio at December 31, 2024.
 Transfers of Loans Held for Sale ("LHFS") to Loans Held for Investment ("LHFI")
 The Company may, from time to time, transfer LHFS to LHFI. Transfers of LHFS to LHFI are accounted for in accordance with the underlying accounting applied to the loan prior to its transfer. For loans where the fair value option had been elected, the Company continues to account for the loan at fair value in the LHFI portfolio. Subsequent changes in the fair value of these loans are recorded in interest income. During the year ended December 31, 2024 and 2023 the Company had no transfers from LHFS to LHFI.
 Allowance for Credit Losses - Loans Held for Investment
 An ACL is estimated on loans held for investment, excluding loans carried at fair value. The ACL on loans is established through charges to earnings in the form of a provision for credit losses. Loan losses are charged against the ACL for the difference between the carrying value of the loan and the estimated net realizable value or fair value of the collateral, if collateral dependent, when management believes that the collectability of the principal is unlikely. Subsequent recoveries, if any, are credited to the allowance.
 The allowance represents management's current estimate of expected credit losses over the contractual term of loans held for investment, and is recorded at an amount that, in management's judgment, reduces the recorded investment in loans to the net amount expected to be collected. No ACL is recorded on accrued interest receivable and amounts written-off are reversed by an adjustment to interest income. Management's judgment in determining the level of the allowance is based on evaluations of historical loan losses, current conditions and reasonable and supportable forecasts relevant to the collectability of loans. The methodology for estimating the amount reported in the ACL is the sum of two main components, an allowance assessed on a collective basis for pools of loans that share similar risk characteristics and an allowance assessed on individual loans that do not share similar risk characteristics with other loans. Loans that share common risk characteristics are evaluated collectively using a cash flow approach. The cash flow approach used by the Company utilizes loan-level cash flow projections and pool-level assumptions. For loans that do not share risk characteristics with other loans, the ACL is measured based on the net realizable value, that is, the difference between the expected future cash flows and the amortized cost basis of the loan. When a loan is collateral-dependent and the repayment is expected to be provided substantially through the operation or sale of the collateral, the ACL is measured as the difference between the amortized cost basis of the loan and the fair value of the collateral.
 Cash flow projections and estimated expected losses on loans which share common risk characteristics are based in part on forecasts economic independent variables, namely, the national unemployment rate, 10-year Treasury rate and changes in GDP that are reasonable and supportable over a 12-month period and incorporated into the estimate of expected credit losses using a statistical regression analysis. For periods beyond those for which reasonable and supportable forecasts are available, projections are based on a 12-month straight-line reversion of the corresponding economic independent variable from the last forecast to a historical average level.
 Management's estimate of the ACL on loans that are collectively evaluated also includes a qualitative assessment of available information relevant to assessing collectability that is not captured in the quantitative loss estimation process. Factors considered by management include concentrations of loans to specific industry segments, the volume and severity of delinquencies and adversely classified loan balances and the value of underlying collateral, and a number of other economic indicators intended to account for the imprecision inherent in forecasting economic conditions. This evaluation is inherently subjective, as it requires estimates that are susceptible to significant revision as more information becomes available.

 Reserve for Unfunded Commitments
 The Company records a reserve, reported in other liabilities, for expected credit losses on commitments to extend credit that are not unconditionally cancellable by the Company. The reserve for unfunded commitments is measured based on the principles utilized in estimating the ACL on loans and an estimate of the amount of unfunded commitments expected to be advanced. Changes in the reserve for unfunded commitments are recorded through the provision for credit losses. The Company recorded a provision for credit losses associated with its unfunded commitments of $ 104 thousand and $ 436 thousand during the years ended December 31, 2024 and 2023, respectively.
 Loans Held For Sale
 The Company has elected to carry its mortgage loans originated for sale at fair value. Fair value is determined based on outstanding investor commitments or, in the absence of such commitments, on current investor yield requirements or third-party pricing models. Fair value adjustments are recorded at each balance sheet date with the changes in fair value recognized in mortgage banking revenue in the consolidated statements of income. Gains and losses on loan sales are determined based on the differential between a loan's carrying value and sales price and are recognized through mortgage-banking revenue in the consolidated statements of income. LHFS are sold either with the mortgage servicing rights ("MSRs") released or retained by the Bank.
 Mortgage Servicing Rights
 When mortgage loans are sold with servicing retained, the MSRs are initially recorded at fair value with the income statement effect recorded in gains or losses of loan held for sale. Fair value is based on a valuation model that calculates the present value of estimated future net servicing income. The Company measures servicing rights at fair value at each reporting date and records the changes in fair value of servicing assets in earnings in the period in which the changes occur. Servicing fee income is recorded in the mortgage banking revenue line item.
 Premises and Equipment
 Land is carried at cost and premises and equipment are stated at cost less accumulated depreciation and amortization. Depreciation and amortization are calculated using the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of the assets. Useful lives range from three to ten for furniture, fixtures and equipment; three to five years for computer hardware and data handling equipment; and ten to 40 years for buildings and building improvements. Land improvements are amortized over a period of 15 years and leasehold improvements are amortized over the term of the respective lease or useful life, whichever is shorter. Maintenance and repairs are charged to expense as incurred, while improvements which extend the useful life of an asset are capitalized and depreciated over the estimated remaining life of the asset.
 Long-lived assets are evaluated periodically for impairment when events or changes in circumstances indicate the carrying amount may not be recoverable. Impairment exists when the expected undiscounted future cash flows of a long-lived asset are less than its carrying value. In that event, the Company recognizes a loss for the difference between the carrying amount and the estimated fair value of the asset.
 Segment Reporting
 Operating segments are components of a business about which separate financial information is available and evaluated regularly by the chief operating decision maker in deciding how to allocate resources and assessing performance. The Bank is the Company's only reportable operating segment upon which management makes decisions regarding how to allocate resources and assess performance. While the Company's chief operating decision maker has some limited financial information about its various financial products and services including the Title Company, that information is not complete since it does not include a full allocation of revenue, costs, and capital from key corporate functions; therefore, the Company evaluates financial performance on a company-wide basis. Management continues to evaluate the Company's business units for separate reporting as facts and circumstances change.
 Business Combination
 The Company accounts for business combinations utilizing the acquisition method of accounting, which necessitates that purchased assets and assumed liabilities be recorded at their respective fair values. In numerous instances, the fair values of acquired assets and assumed liabilities are ascertained by estimating the anticipated cash flows from those assets and liabilities and discounting them at appropriate market rates. The Company determines the fair values of loans, core deposit intangibles, and deposits with the assistance of a third-party vendor.
 The most significant assessment of fair value in our accounting for business combinations relates to the valuation of an acquired loan portfolio. At acquisition, loans are classified as either (i) purchase credit-deteriorated ("PCD") loans or (ii) non-PCD loans and are recorded at fair value on the date of acquisition. PCD loans are those for which there is more than insignificant evidence of credit deterioration since origination. Fair values are determined primarily through a discounted cash flow approach which considers the acquired loans' underlying characteristics, including account types, remaining terms, annual interest rates, interest types, timing of principal and

 interest payments, current market rates, and remaining balances. Estimates of fair value also include estimates of default, loss severity, and estimated prepayments.

 At acquisition, an allowance for PCD loans is determined based upon the Company's methodology for estimating the ACL on loans. This allowance is credited to the ACL on loans with a corresponding adjustment to the amortized cost basis of the loan on the date of the acquisition. The difference between the new amortized cost basis and the unpaid principal balance is either a noncredit discount or premium that is amortized or accreted to interest income over the remaining life of the loan. Disposals of PCD loans, which may include sale of loans to third parties, receipt of payments in full or in part from the borrower or foreclosure of the collateral, result in removal of the loan from the loan portfolio at its carrying amount. For non-PCD loans, an ACL is established in a manner that is consistent with the Company's originated loans. The ACL is determined using the Company's methodology and the related ACL for non-PCD loans is recorded through a charge to the provision for credit losses in the period in which the loans are purchased or acquired. The entirety of any purchase discount or premium on non-PCD loans is amortized or accreted to interest income over the remaining life of the loan.

 Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets
 Goodwill represents the excess of the cost of an acquisition over the fair value of the net assets acquired. Other intangible assets represent purchased assets that also lack physical substance but can be distinguished from goodwill because of contractual or other legal rights or because the asset is capable of being sold or exchanged either on its own or in combination with a related contract, asset or liability. Goodwill and other intangible assets are initially required to be recorded at fair value. Determining fair value is subjective, requiring the use of estimates, assumptions and management judgment.
 Goodwill is tested at least annually for impairment, usually during the fourth quarter, or on an interim basis if circumstances dictate. Intangible assets that have finite lives are amortized over their estimated useful lives and also are subject to impairment testing.
 If the fair value of a reporting unit is less than book value, an expense may be required to write down the related goodwill to record an impairment loss. As of December 31, 2024, the Company had one operating segment, the Banking segment.
 Other intangible assets consist of core deposit intangible assets arising from whole bank and branch acquisitions and are amortized using an accelerated method over their estimated useful lives, which range from seven to ten years.
 During the years ended December 31, 2024 and 2023, goodwill and other intangible assets were subjected to assessments for impairment. No impairment charges were recognized in either year. Our assessment of goodwill concluded it was not more likely than not that the fair value of the Company's reporting unit was less than its carrying amount.
 Borrowings
 Short-term and long-term borrowings are comprised primarily of Federal Home Loan Bank ("FHLB") borrowings. The Company's short-term borrowings may also include advances on other lines of credit with correspondent banks or repurchase agreements with customers. The repurchase agreements are securities sold to the Company's customers, at the customers' request, under a continuing "roll-over" contract that matures in one business day. The underlying securities sold are U.S. government agency securities, which are segregated from the Company's other investment securities by its safekeeping agents.
 Subordinated Debt
 Subordinated debt is carried at its outstanding principal balance, net of any unamortized issuance costs and acquisition related fair value adjustments. For additional information on the Company's subordinated debt, refer to Note 9 – "Borrowings."
 Cash and Cash Equivalents
 Cash and cash equivalents include cash, deposits with other financial institutions with original maturities fewer than 90 days and federal funds sold. Interest-bearing deposits in other financial institutions mature within one year and are carried at cost.
 Derivative Financial Instruments and Hedging
 We account for derivatives in accordance with Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") literature on accounting for derivative instruments and hedging activities. When we enter into a derivative contract, we designate the derivative as held for trading, an economic hedge, or a qualifying hedge as detailed in the literature. The designation may change based upon management's reassessment or changing circumstances. Derivatives utilized by the Company include interest rate lock commitments ("IRLCs") and forward settlement contracts. IRLCs occur when we originate mortgage loans with interest rates determined prior to funding. Forward settlement contracts are agreements to buy or sell a quantity of a financial instrument, index, currency, or commodity at a predetermined future date, rate, or price.

 We designate at inception whether a derivative contract is considered hedging or non-hedging. All of our derivatives are nonexchange traded contracts, and as such, their fair value is based on dealer quotes, pricing models, discounted cash flow methodologies, or similar techniques for which the determination of fair value may require significant management judgement or estimation.
 For qualifying hedges, we formally document at inception all relationships between hedging instruments and hedged items, as well as risk management objectives and strategies for undertaking various accounting hedges. We primarily utilize derivatives to manage interest rate sensitivity.
 At December 31, 2024 and 2023, the Company did not have any designated hedges.
 The Company measures certain financial assets and liabilities at fair value and also makes disclosures about certain financial instruments that are not measured at fair value in the consolidated balance sheets. Fair value is defined as the exchange price that would be received for an asset or paid to transfer a liability (an exit price) in the principal or most advantageous market for the asset or liability in an orderly transaction between market participants on the measurement date. Fair value estimates involve uncertainties and matters of significant judgement regarding interest rates, credit risk, and other factors, particularly in the absence of broad markets for specific terms. Changes in assumptions or in market conditions could significantly affect these estimates. See Note 17 – "Fair Value Measurements" for a further discussion of fair value.
 Income Taxes
 The Company and its subsidiary file a consolidated federal income tax return. The Company accounts for income taxes using the liability method in accordance with required accounting guidance. Under this method, deferred tax assets and liabilities are determined by applying the applicable federal and state income tax rates to cumulative temporary differences. These temporary differences represent differences between financial statement carrying amounts and the corresponding tax bases of certain assets and liabilities. Deferred taxes result from such temporary differences.
 Deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized for the future tax consequences attributable to differences between the financial statement carrying amounts of existing assets and liabilities and their respective tax bases. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured using enacted tax rates expected to apply to taxable income in the years in which those temporary differences are expected to be recovered or settled. The effect on deferred tax assets and liabilities of a change in tax rates is recognized in the period that includes the enactment date. A valuation allowance, if needed, reduces deferred tax assets to the expected amount most likely to be realized. Realization of deferred tax assets is dependent on the generation of a sufficient level of future taxable income, recoverable taxes paid in prior years and tax planning strategies. The Company evaluates all positive and negative evidence before determining if a valuation allowance is deemed necessary regarding the realization of deferred tax assets. The Company recognizes accrued interest and penalties as a component of tax expense.
 The provision for income taxes includes the impact of reserve provisions and changes in the reserves that are considered appropriate as well as the related net interest and penalties. In addition, the Company is subject to the continuous examination of its income tax returns by the IRS and other tax authorities which may assert assessments against the Company. The Company regularly assesses the likelihood of adverse outcomes resulting from these examinations and assessments to determine the adequacy of its provision for income taxes. The Company remains subject to examination for tax years ending on or after December 31, 2021.
 Basic and Diluted Earnings Per Common Share
 Basic earnings per share is calculated by dividing net income available to common stockholders by the weighted-average number of common shares outstanding and does not include the effect of any potentially dilutive common stock equivalents. Included in this calculation due to dividend participation rights are restricted stock awards which have been granted. Diluted earnings per share is calculated by dividing net income by the weighted-average number of shares outstanding, adjusted for the effect of any potentially dilutive common stock equivalents.
 Transfers of Financial Assets
 Transfers of financial assets are accounted for as sales, when control over the assets has been surrendered. Control over transferred assets is deemed to be surrendered when (i) the assets have been isolated from the Company, (ii) the transferee obtains the right (free of conditions that constrain it from taking advantage of that right) to pledge or exchange the transferred assets, and (iii) the Company does not maintain effective control over the transferred assets through an agreement to repurchase them before their maturity.
 Share-Based Compensation
 The Company may grant share-based compensation to employees and non-employee directors in the form of restricted stock, restricted stock units ("RSUs") and stock options. The fair value of restricted stock is determined based on the closing price of the Bank's holding company common stock on the date of grant. The Company recognizes compensation expense related to restricted stock on a straight-line basis over the vesting period for service-based awards. The fair value of RSUs is initially valued based on the closing price of the Bank's

 holding company common stock on the date of grant and is amortized in the statement of income over the vesting period. The RSUs are subsequently remeasured in each reporting period until settlement based on the quantity of awards for which it is probable that the performance conditions will be achieved. The fair value of stock options is estimated at the date of grant using the Black-Scholes option pricing model and related assumptions. The Company uses historical data to predict option exercise and employee termination behavior. Expected volatilities are based on the historical volatility of the Bank's holding company common stock. The expected term of options granted is derived from actual historical exercise activity and represents the period of time that options granted are expected to be outstanding. The risk-free rate is derived from the U.S. Treasury yield curve in effect at the time of grant based on the expected life of the option. The dividend yield is equal to the dividend yield of the Bank's holding company common stock at the time of grant. Expense related to shared-based compensation is recorded in the statements of income as a component of salaries and employee benefits for employees and as a component of other noninterest expense for non-employee directors, with a corresponding increase to capital surplus in shareholders' equity.
 Advertising Costs
 Advertising costs are generally expensed as incurred. The Company incurred advertising costs of approximately $ 1.3 million and $ 1.1 million for the years ended December 31, 2024 and 2023, respectively.
 Comprehensive Income
 Comprehensive income consists of net income and other comprehensive income (loss). Other comprehensive income (loss) consists of unrealized holding gains and losses on available for sale securities, net of any gains recognized from the sale of available for sale securities. There were no reclassifications from accumulated other comprehensive income during the years ended December 31, 2024 and 2023.
 Adopted Accounting Pronouncements
 In November 2023, the FASB issued ASU 2023-07, "Segment Reporting (Topic 280): Improvements to Reportable Segment Disclosures." The amendments in this ASU are intended to improve reportable segment disclosure requirements primarily through enhanced disclosures about significant segment expenses. This ASU requires disclosure of significant segment expenses that are regularly provided to the chief operating decision maker ("CODM"). Additionally, this ASU requires that at least one of the reported segment profit and loss measures should be the measure that is most consistent with the measurement principles used in an entity's consolidated financial statements. Lastly, this ASU requires public business entities with a single reportable segment to provide all disclosures required by these amendments in this ASU and all existing segment disclosures in Topic 280. This ASU is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2023, and interim periods within fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2024. Early adoption is permitted. The Company adopted this standard as of December 31, 2024 and the Company did not have a material impact on its consolidated financial statements. See Note 23: Segment Reporting for more details.
 Recent Accounting Pronouncements
 ASU Update 2023-09 – In December 2023, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) issued ASU 2023-09, "Income Taxes (Topic 740): Improvements to Income Tax Disclosures." The amendments in this ASU require an entity to disclose specific categories in the rate reconciliation and provide additional information for reconciling items that meet a quantitative threshold, which is greater than five percent of the amount computed by multiplying pretax income by the entity's applicable statutory rate, on an annual basis. Additionally, the amendments in this ASU require an entity to disclose the amount of income taxes paid (net of refunds received) disaggregated by federal, state, and foreign taxes and the amount of income taxes paid (net of refunds received) disaggregated by individual jurisdictions that are equal to or greater than five percent of total income taxes paid (net of refunds received). Lastly, the amendments in this ASU require an entity to disclose income (or loss) from continuing operations before income tax expense (or benefit) disaggregated between domestic and foreign and income tax expense (or benefit) from continuing operations disaggregated by federal, state, and foreign. This ASU is effective for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2024. Early adoption is permitted. The amendments should be applied on a prospective basis; however, retrospective application is permitted. The Company does not expect the adoption of ASU 2023-09 to have a material impact on its consolidated financial statements.

 Note 2 – Business Combination
 On July 1, 2023 (the "Acquisition Date"), the Company completed the acquisition of TCFC ("the merger"), a Maryland charted commercial bank, in accordance with the definitive agreement that was entered into on December 14, 2022, by and among the Company and TCFC. The primary reasons for the merger included: expansion of the branch network and commanding market share positions in attractive Maryland markets and a growing presence in Virginia and Delaware; attractive low-cost funding base; strong cultural alignment and a deep commitment to shareholders, customers, employees, and communities served by Shore United Bank and TCFC, meaningful value creation to shareholders; and increased trading liquidity for both companies and increased dividends for TCFC shareholders. In connection with the completion of the merger, former TCFC shareholders received 2.3287 shares of the Company's common stock. The value of the total transaction consideration was approximately $ 153.6 million. The consideration included the issuance of 13,201,693 shares of the Company's common stock, which had a value of $ 11.56 per share, which was the closing price of the Company's common stock on June 30, 2023, the last trading day prior to the consummation of the acquisition. Also included in the total consideration were cash in lieu of any fractional shares, converted share-based payment awards, and debt of TCFC that was effectively settled upon closing.
 The acquisition of TCFC was accounted for as a business combination using the acquisition method of accounting and, accordingly, assets acquired, liabilities assumed, and consideration paid are recorded at estimated fair values on the Acquisition Date. The amount of bargain purchase gain as of the Acquisition Date was approximately $ 8.8 million. The bargain purchase gain is not included as taxable income for tax purposes. The exchange ratio was determined at the time of announcement of the merger between the Company and TCFC in December of 2022 when the stock price of the Company was much higher than at the legal merger date. The decline in the Company's stock price was the primary driver in recording a bargain purchase gain on this transaction. The decline in stock price for the Company was comparable to other financial institutions similar to the Company leading up to the merger due to bank failures in the first quarter of 2023 and increases to overnight borrowing rates by the Fed which resulted in continued pressure on net interest margins.
 As a result of the integration of operations of TCFC, it is not practicable to determine revenue or net income included in the Company's consolidated operating results relating to TCFC since the Acquisition Date, as TCFC's results cannot be separately identified. Comparative pro-forma financial statements for the prior year period were not presented, as adjustments to those statements would not be indicative of what would have occurred had the acquisition taken place on January 1, 2022. In particular, adjustments that would have been necessary to be made to record the loans at fair value, the provision of credit losses or the core deposit intangible would not be practical to estimate.

 ($ in thousands, except per share data)

 Purchase Price Consideration:

 Fair value of common shares issued ( 13,201,693 shares) based on Shore Bancshares, Inc. share price of $ 11.56

 $
 152,612

 Effective settlement of pre-existing debt (1)

 Cash consideration (cash in lieu for fractional shares)

 Fair value of converted restricted stock units (2)

 Total purchase price
 $
 153,592

 Identifiable assets:

 $
 25,377

 Total securities
 454,468

 Loans, net
 1,765,255

 Premises and equipment, net
 29,277

 Core deposit intangible asset
 48,648

 89,808

 Total identifiable assets
 $
 2,412,833

 Identifiable liabilities:

 Deposits
 $
 2,131,141

 Total debt
 97,545

 Other liabilities
 21,739

 Total identifiable liabilities
 $
 2,250,425

 Fair value of net assets acquired
 $
 162,408

 $
 ( 8,816)

 (1)SHBI held $ 500,000 in subordinated debt of TCFC. The debt was effectively settled.
 (2)Represents the number of TCFC restricted stock units outstanding and the equity exchange ratio, further multiplied by the price per share of SHBI common stock of $ 11.56 and the estimated ratio of the completed service period relative to the total service period of the underlying awards.

 The acquired assets and assumed liabilities of TCFC were measured at fair value as of the Acquisition Date. Management made significant estimates and exercised significant judgement in accounting for the acquisition of TCFC. The following is a brief description of the valuation methodologies used to estimate the fair values of major categories of assets acquired and liabilities assumed. The Company utilized a valuation specialist to assist with the determination of fair values for certain acquired assets and assumed liabilities.
 The Company recorded all loans acquired at the estimated fair value on the Acquisition Date with no carryover of the related allowance for loan losses. The Company determined the net discounted value of cash flows on gross loans totaling $ 1.9 billion, including 3,858 of purchased performing loans and 323 PCD loans. The valuation took into consideration the loans' underlying characteristics, including account types, remaining terms, annual interest rates, interest types, past delinquencies, timing of principal and interest payments, current market rates and remaining balances. Valuations also considered default rates, loss severity estimates, and estimates related to expected prepayments over the contractual lives of the loans. The effect of the valuation process was a total net discount $ 120.9 million at the Acquisition Date.
 The core deposit intangible was valued using an income approach focused on cost savings, which recognizes the cost savings represented by the expense of maintaining the core deposit base versus the cost of an alternative funding source. The valuation incorporates assumptions related to account retention, discount rates, deposit interest rates, deposit maintenance costs and alternative funding rates.
 The fair value of premises acquired was based on recent third-party appraised values of the properties, with fair value adjustments made to both the buildings and any associated parcels of land. Acquired equipment was based on the remaining net book value of TCFC, which approximated fair value.
 The fair value of noninterest-bearing demand deposits, interest checking, money market and savings deposit accounts from TCFC were assumed to approximate the carrying value as these accounts have no stated maturity and are payable on demand. Certificates of deposit were valued at the present value of the certificates' expected contractual payments discounted at market rates for certificates with similar terms.
 The estimated fair value of the acquired portfolio of debt securities was based on quoted market prices and dealer quotes. Substantially all the acquired portfolio was sold following the acquisition.
 The estimated fair value of short-term borrowings was determined to approximate their stated value. Subordinated debt and trust preferred debt were valued using a discounted cash flow approach incorporating a discount rate that considered market terms, maturities, and credit ratings.

 Note 3 – Investment Securities
 The following tables provide information on the amortized cost and estimated fair values of investment securities at December 31, 2024 and 2023.

 Gross Unrealized Gains
 Gross Unrealized Losses
 Estimated Fair Value

 Available for sale securities:

 $
 22,984
 $
 $
 2,786
 $
 20,202

 130,439
 8,139

 6,170
 6,626

 Total
 $
 159,593
 $
 $
 10,938
 $

 $
 23,472
 $
 $
 3,002
 $
 20,475

 91,280
 7,258
 84,027

 6,080
 6,019

 Total
 $
 120,832
 $
 $
 10,380
 $

 No AFS securities were sold from the Company's legacy securities portfolios during the years ended December 31, 2024 and 2023. The Company sold virtually all of the AFS securities portfolio acquired from TCFC immediately after the legal merger with the proceeds of $ 434.2 million, and recognized gross losses of $ 2.2 million from the sale of securities in 2023.

 Gross Unrealized Gains
 Gross Unrealized Losses
 Estimated Fair Value
 Allowance for Credit Losses

 Held to maturity securities:

 $
 132,560
 $
 —
 $
 8,555
 $
 124,005
 $
 —

 —
 47,234
 289,521
 —

 Obligations of states and political entities
 1,465
 1,450
 —

 10,500
 —
 9,758

 Total
 $
 481,280
 $
 $
 56,565
 $
 $

 $
 143,442
 $
 —
 $
 10,377
 $
 133,065
 $
 —

 357,870
 —
 43,864
 314,006
 —

 Obligations of states and political entities
 1,470
 1,508
 —

 10,500
 —
 1,249
 9,251

 Total
 $
 513,282
 $
 $
 55,509
 $
 457,830
 $

 Equity securities with aggregate fair values of $ 5.8 million and $ 5.7 million at December 31, 2024 and 2023, respectively, are presented separately on the consolidated balance sheets. The fair value adjustments recorded through earnings totaled $ 55 thousand and $ 54 thousand for the years ended December 31, 2024 and 2023, respectively.
 On January 1, 2023, the Company adopted ASC 326, which made changes to accounting for AFS debt securities whereby credit losses should be presented as an allowance, rather than as a write-down, when management does not intend to sell and does not believe that it is more likely than not they will be required to sell prior to maturity. In addition, ASC 326 requires an ACL to be recorded on HTM debt securities measured at amortized cost.

 The following table summarizes the activity in the ACL on HTM securities.

 2024
 2023

 Balance, beginning of period
 $
 $
 —

 Provision for credit losses, other debt securities

 Balance, end of period
 $
 $

 A provision for credit losses of $ 109 thousand and $ 94 thousand was recorded on HTM corporate and municipal bonds for the years ended December 31, 2024 and 2023, respectively.
 The following tables provide information about gross unrealized losses and fair value by length of time that the individual securities have been in a continuous unrealized loss position at December 31, 2024 and 2023.

 Less than 12 Months
 More than 12 Months
 Total

 Available for sale securities:

 $
 $
 —
 $
 17,422
 $
 2,786
 $
 17,629
 $
 2,786

 56,913
 48,782
 7,429
 105,695
 8,139

 —
 —
 1,988
 1,988

 Total
 $
 57,120
 $
 $
 68,192
 $
 10,228
 $
 125,312
 $
 10,938

 Less than 12 Months
 More than 12 Months
 Total

 Available for sale securities:

 $
 $
 —
 $
 17,750
 $
 3,002
 $
 17,824
 $
 3,002

 24,405
 52,864
 7,108
 77,269
 7,258

 —
 —
 1,890
 1,890

 Total
 $
 24,479
 $
 $
 72,504
 $
 10,230
 $
 96,983
 $
 10,380

 There were 111 AFS debt securities with a fair value below the amortized cost basis, with unrealized losses totaling $ 10.9 million as of December 31, 2024. The Company concluded that a credit loss does not exist in its AFS securities portfolio as of December 31, 2024, and no impairment loss has been recognized based on the fact that (1) changes in fair value were primarily caused by fluctuations in interest rates, (2) securities with unrealized losses had generally high credit quality, (3) the Company intends to hold these investments in debt securities to maturity and it is more-likely-than-not the Company will not be required to sell these investments before a recovery of its investment, and (4) issuers have continued to make timely payments of principal and interest. Additionally, the Company's mortgage-backed securities are issued by either U.S. government agencies or U.S. government sponsored enterprises. Collectively, these entities provide a guarantee, which is either explicitly or implicitly supported by the full faith and credit of the U.S. government, that investors in such mortgage-backed securities will receive timely principal and interest payments.
 All HTM and AFS securities were current with no securities past due or on nonaccrual as of December 31, 2024.
 All of the securities with unrealized losses in the portfolio have modest duration risk, low credit risk and minimal losses when compared to total amortized cost. The unrealized losses on debt securities that exist are the result of market changes in interest rates since original purchase and are not related to credit concerns. Because the Company does not intend to sell these securities and it is not more likely than not that the Company will be required to sell these securities before recovery of their amortized cost bases, which may be at maturity for debt securities, the Company considers the unrealized losses to be temporary. There were 111 available for sale securities and 187 held to maturity securities in an unrealized loss position at December 31, 2024. There were 115 available for sale securities and a 185 held to maturity securities in an unrealized loss position at December 31, 2023. Net unrealized losses of the AFS securities totaled $ 10.4 million as of December 31, 2023.

 The following table provides information on the amortized cost and estimated fair values of investment securities by contractual maturity date at December 31, 2024.

 Available for Sale
 Held to Maturity

 Due in one year or less
 $
 2,454
 $
 2,456
 $
 7,000
 $
 6,962

 Due after one year through five years
 15,250
 13,655
 118,246
 111,752

 Due after five years through ten years
 10,993
 10,283
 7,912
 7,175

 Due after ten years
 11,367
 9,324

 29,154
 26,828
 144,525
 135,213

 130,439
 289,521

 Total
 $
 159,593
 $
 $
 481,280
 $

 The maturity dates for debt securities are determined using contractual maturity dates.
 The Company has securities that have been pledged as collateral for obligations to federal, state and local government agencies, and other purposes as required or permitted by law, or sold under agreements to repurchase. At December 31, 2024, the aggregate carrying value of pledged AFS and HTM pledged securities was $ 67.9 million and $ 197.5 million, respectively. The comparable amounts for December 31, 2023 were $ 54.5 million and $ 185.9 million, respectively.
 The following table sets forth the amortized cost and estimated fair values of securities which have been pledged as collateral for obligations to federal, state and local government agencies, and other purposes as required or permitted by law, or sold under agreements to repurchase at December 31, 2024 and 2023.

 2024
 2023

 Pledged available for sale securities
 $
 76,280
 $
 67,926
 $
 62,290
 $
 54,489

 Pledged held to maturity securities
 197,474
 173,248
 185,876
 167,649

 There were no obligations to any issuer exceeding 10% of stockholders' equity at December 31, 2024 or 2023.

 Note 4 – Loans and Allowance for Credit Losses
 On January 1, 2023, the Company adopted ASC 326. The measurement of expected credit losses under the CECL methodology is applicable to financial assets measured at amortized cost, including loan receivables. For further discussion on the most significant accounting policies that the Company follows see Note 1 – "Summary of Significant Accounting Policies."
 The Company classifies loans as commercial real estate, residential real estate, construction, commercial, consumer and credit cards, and the customers are primarily in Anne Arundel County, Baltimore County, Charles County, Calvert County, St. Mary's County, Howard County, Kent County, Queen Anne's County, Caroline County, Talbot County, Dorchester County and Worcester County in Maryland, Kent and Sussex County, Delaware and in Accomack County, Stafford County, Spotsylvania County, and Fredericksburg city in Virginia. The Company makes loans to certain officers, directors and their affiliated interests. See Note 20 – "Related Party Transactions" for more information.
 The following table provides information about the principal classes of the loan portfolio at December 31, 2024 and 2023.

 % of Total Loans
 % of Total Loans

 $
 53.59
 %
 $
 2,536,861
 54.67
 %

 27.86
 1,239,731
 26.71

 7.04
 299,000
 6.44

 4.99
 229,939
 4.95

 6.37
 328,896
 7.09

 7,099
 0.15
 6,583
 0.14

 Total loans
 %
 %

 Allowance for credit losses
 ( 57,910)
 ( 57,351)

 Total loans, net
 $
 4,714,078
 $
 4,583,659

 Loans are stated at their principal amount outstanding, net of any purchase premiums/discounts, deferred fees and costs. Included in loans were deferred costs, net of fees, of $ 3.2 million and $ 2.2 million at December 31, 2024 and 2023, respectively. At December 31, 2024 and 2023, loans included $ 1.69 billion and $ 1.94 billion, respectively, of aggregate loans that were acquired as part of the acquisitions of Severn Bancorp, Inc. ("Severn") and TCFC. These balances were presented net of the related aggregate discounts, which totaled $ 92.0 million and $ 113.1 million at December 31, 2024 and 2023, respectively.
 At December 31, 2024, the Bank was servicing $ 366.5 million in loans for the Federal National Mortgage Association and $ 116.6 million in loans for the Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation.

 The following tables provide information on amortized cost basis on nonaccrual loans by loan class as of December 31, 2024 and 2023.

 Nonaccrual with No Allowance for Credit Loss
 Nonaccrual with an Allowance for Credit Loss
 Total Nonaccrual Loans

 Nonaccrual loans:

 $
 8,192
 $
 2,194
 $
 10,386

 6,741
 7,614

 —

 1,007

 1,473

 —

 Total
 $
 16,512
 $
 4,496
 $
 21,008

 Interest income
 $
 $
 $

 Nonaccrual with No Allowance for Credit Loss
 Nonaccrual with an Allowance for Credit Loss
 Total Nonaccrual Loans

 Nonaccrual loans:

 $
 4,795
 $
 —
 $
 4,795

 5,434
 5,914

 —

 Total
 $
 11,247
 $
 1,537
 $
 12,784

 Interest income
 $
 $
 $

 Nonaccrual Delinquent Loans
 Nonaccrual Current Loans
 Total Nonaccrual Loans

 Nonaccrual loans:

 $
 7,268
 $
 3,118
 $
 10,386

 3,979
 3,635
 7,614

 —

 1,007

 1,431
 1,473

 Total
 $
 13,254
 $
 7,754
 $
 21,008

 Nonaccrual Delinquent Loans
 Nonaccrual Current Loans
 Total Nonaccrual Loans

 Nonaccrual loans:

 $
 1,215
 $
 3,580
 $
 4,795

 4,137
 1,777
 5,914

 Total
 $
 6,504
 $
 6,280
 $
 12,784

 The overall quality of the Bank's loan portfolio is primarily assessed using the Bank's risk-grading scale. This review process is assisted by frequent internal reporting of loan production, loan quality, concentrations of credit, loan delinquencies and nonperforming and potential problem loans. Credit quality indicators are adjusted based on management's judgment during the quarterly review process.
 Consumer credit cards are monitored based on a borrower payment history. Credit card loans are classified as performing and are typically charged off no later than 180 days past due when, or in the opinion of management, the collection of principal or interest is considered doubtful. As of December 31, 2024, there were 7 credit cards that were evaluated based on economic conditions specific to the loans or borrowers, and were downgraded to substandard and nonperforming.
 Loans subject to risk rating are graded on a scale of one to ten.
 Ratings 1 thru 6 – Pass - Ratings 1 thru 6 have asset risks ranging from excellent-low to adequate. The specific rating assigned considers customer history of earnings, cash flows, liquidity, leverage, capitalization, consistency of debt service coverage, the nature and extent of customer relationship and other relevant specific business factors such as the stability of the industry or market area, changes to management, litigation or unexpected events that could have an impact on risks.
 Rating 7 – Special Mention - These credits have potential weaknesses due to economic conditions, less than adequate earnings performance or other factors which require the lending officer to direct more than normal attention to the credit. Financing alternatives may be limited and/or command higher risk interest rates. Special mention loan relationships are reviewed at least quarterly.
 Rating 8 – Substandard - Substandard assets are assets that are inadequately protected by the sound worth or paying capacity of the borrower or of the collateral pledged. Substandard loans are the first adversely classified loans on the Bank's watchlist. These assets have a well-defined weakness or weaknesses that jeopardize the liquidation of the debt. They are characterized by the possibility that the Bank will sustain some loss if the deficiencies are not corrected. Loss potential, while existing in the aggregate amount of substandard assets, does not have to exist in individual assets classified substandard. The loans may have a delinquent history or combination of weak collateral, weak guarantor or operating losses. When a loan is assigned to this category the Bank may estimate a specific reserve in the loan loss allowance analysis and/or place the loan on nonaccrual. These assets listed may include assets with histories of repossessions or some that are nonperforming bankruptcies. These relationships will be reviewed at least quarterly.
 Rating 9 – Doubtful - Doubtful assets have many of the same characteristics of substandard with the exception that the Bank has determined that loss is not only possible but is probable. The amount of loss is not discernible due to factors such as merger, acquisition, or liquidation; a capital injection; a pledge of additional collateral; the sale of assets; or alternative refinancing plans. Credits receiving a doubtful classification are required to be on nonaccrual. These relationships will be reviewed at least quarterly.
 Rating 10 – Loss – Loss assets are uncollectible or of little value.

 The following table provides information on loan risk ratings as of December 31, 2024 and gross write-offs during the year ended December 31, 2024.

 Term Loans by Origination Year
 Revolving Loans
 Revolving Converted to Term Loans
 Total

 Prior
 2020
 2021
 2022
 2023
 2024

 Pass
 $
 822,391
 $
 297,098
 $
 435,084
 $
 534,936
 $
 250,482
 $
 136,891
 $
 24,966
 $
 14,084
 $
 2,515,932

 7,514
 —
 2,964
 19,746
 —
 —
 —
 $
 30,641

 7,684
 —
 2,991
 —
 —
 —
 —
 11,233

 Total
 $
 837,589
 $
 297,098
 $
 441,039
 $
 554,682
 $
 250,482
 $
 136,891
 $
 25,941
 $
 14,084
 $

 $
 —
 $
 —
 $
 —
 $
 —
 $
 —
 $
 —
 $
 —
 $
 —
 $
 —

 Pass
 $
 291,306
 $
 78,568
 $
 211,938
 $
 295,402
 $
 220,753
 $
 101,005
 $
 119,367
 $
 $
 1,318,952

 1,529
 —
 —
 —
 —
 —
 —
 2,047

 5,414
 —
 1,342
 —
 —
 8,407

 Total
 $
 298,249
 $
 79,086
 $
 213,280
 $
 295,692
 $
 221,638
 $
 101,005
 $
 119,843
 $
 $

 $
 ( 1)
 $
 —
 $
 —
 $
 —
 $
 —
 $
 —
 $
 —
 $
 —
 $
 ( 1)

 Pass
 $
 31,884
 $
 8,191
 $
 8,628
 $
 56,685
 $
 70,232
 $
 131,383
 $
 26,785
 $
 1,851
 $
 335,639

 —
 —
 —
 —
 —
 —
 —
 —
 —

 —
 —
 —
 —
 —
 —
 —

 Total
 $
 32,244
 $
 8,191
 $
 8,628
 $
 56,685
 $
 70,232
 $
 131,383
 $
 26,785
 $
 1,851
 $

 $
 —
 $
 —
 $
 ( 12)
 $
 —
 $
 —
 $
 —
 $
 —
 $
 —
 $
 ( 12)

 Pass
 $
 25,214
 $
 11,088
 $
 40,817
 $
 29,142
 $
 29,458
 $
 39,489
 $
 57,982
 $
 $
 234,064

 —
 —
 —
 —
 —

 —
 1,257
 —
 3,038

 Total
 $
 25,845
 $
 11,088
 $
 40,825
 $
 30,399
 $
 29,958
 $
 39,489
 $
 58,942
 $
 1,386
 $

 $
 ( 54)
 $
 ( 11)
 $
 —
 $
 ( 56)
 $
 ( 69)
 $
 —
 $
 —
 $
 —
 $
 ( 190)

 Pass
 $
 1,315
 $
 10,469
 $
 60,718
 $
 114,639
 $
 61,652
 $
 52,798
 $
 $
 —
 $
 302,273

 —
 —
 —
 —
 —
 —
 —
 —
 —

 —
 —
 —
 —
 1,473

 Total
 $
 1,317
 $
 10,469
 $
 60,766
 $
 115,499
 $
 62,215
 $
 52,798
 $
 $
 —
 $

 $
 ( 1,287)
 $
 ( 12)
 $
 ( 389)
 $
 ( 1,764)
 $
 ( 177)
 $
 —
 $
 ( 17)
 $
 —
 $
 ( 3,646)

 Total

 Pass
 $
 1,172,110
 $
 405,414
 $
 757,185
 $
 1,030,804
 $
 632,577
 $
 461,566
 $
 229,782
 $
 17,422
 $
 4,706,860

 9,159
 2,964
 19,746
 —
 —
 1,120
 33,518

 13,975
 —
 4,389
 2,407
 1,948
 —
 1,291
 24,511

 Total loans by risk category
 $
 1,195,244
 $
 405,932
 $
 764,538
 $
 1,052,957
 $
 634,525
 $
 461,566
 $
 232,193
 $
 17,934
 $
 4,764,889

 Total gross charge-offs
 $
 ( 1,342)
 $
 ( 23)
 $
 ( 401)
 $
 ( 1,820)
 $
 ( 246)
 $
 —
 $
 ( 17)
 $
 —
 $
 ( 3,849)

 The following tables present the amortized cost in credit card loans based on performing status and gross charge-off as of December 31, 2024 and gross write-offs during the year ended December 31, 2024. Nonperforming loans consisted of nonaccrual loans and loans past due 90 days or more and still accruing.

 Term Loans by Origination Year
 Revolving Loans
 Revolving Converted to Term Loans
 Total

 Prior
 2020
 2021
 2022
 2023
 2024

 Performing
 $
 —
 $
 —
 $
 —
 $
 —
 $
 —
 $
 —
 $
 6,931
 $
 —
 $
 6,931

 Nonperforming
 —
 —
 —
 —
 —
 —
 —

 Total
 $
 —
 $
 —
 $
 —
 $
 —
 $
 —
 $
 —
 $
 7,099
 $
 —
 $
 7,099

 $
 —
 $
 —
 $
 —
 $
 —
 $
 —
 $
 —
 $
 $
 —
 $

 Total loans evaluated by performing status
 $
 —
 $
 —
 $
 —
 $
 —
 $
 —
 $
 —
 $
 7,099
 $
 —
 $
 7,099

 Total gross charge-offs
 $
 —
 $
 —
 $
 —
 $
 —
 $
 —
 $
 —
 $
 $
 —
 $

 Total recorded investment
 $
 1,195,244
 $
 405,932
 $
 764,538
 $
 1,052,957
 $
 634,525
 $
 461,566
 $
 239,292
 $
 17,934
 $

 The following tables provide information on loan risk rating as of December 31, 2023 and gross write-offs during the year ended December 31, 2023.

 Term Loans by Origination Year
 Revolving
Loans
 Revolving
Converted to
Term Loans
 Total

 Prior
 2019
 2020
 2021
 2022
 2023

 Pass
 $
 710,211
 $
 196,706
 $
 335,855
 $
 455,887
 $
 524,943
 $
 251,922
 $
 28,304
 $
 2,138
 $
 2,505,966

 14,986
 —
 5,501
 4,446
 —
 25,773

 2,119
 2,029
 —
 —
 —
 —
 5,122

 Total
 $
 727,316
 $
 199,066
 $
 335,855
 $
 461,930
 $
 529,389
 $
 251,922
 $
 28,836
 $
 2,547
 $
 2,536,861

 $
 ( 512)
 $
 —
 $
 ( 814)
 $
 —
 $
 —
 $
 —
 $
 —
 $
 —
 $
 ( 1,326)

 Pass
 $
 277,359
 $
 48,434
 $
 81,394
 $
 222,132
 $
 295,675
 $
 198,907
 $
 106,346
 $
 $
 1,231,121

 —
 —
 —
 1,669

 6,000
 —
 —
 —
 —
 —
 —
 6,941

 Total
 $
 283,513
 $
 48,690
 $
 81,958
 $
 222,635
 $
 295,675
 $
 198,907
 $
 107,479
 $
 $
 1,239,731

 $
 —
 $
 —
 $
 —
 $
 —
 $
 —
 $
 —
 $
 ( 119)
 $
 —
 $
 ( 119)

 Pass
 $
 23,450
 $
 15,721
 $
 14,773
 $
 34,325
 $
 101,426
 $
 100,620
 $
 8,056
 $
 —
 $
 298,371

 —
 —
 —
 —
 —

 Total
 $
 23,649
 $
 15,721
 $
 14,773
 $
 34,337
 $
 101,844
 $
 100,620
 $
 8,056
 $
 —
 $
 299,000

 $
 —
 $
 —
 $
 —
 $
 —
 $
 —
 $
 —
 $
 —
 $
 —
 $
 —

 Pass
 $
 23,771
 $
 12,946
 $
 14,464
 $
 41,621
 $
 35,897
 $
 27,901
 $
 49,160
 $
 22,284
 $
 228,044

 —
 —
 —
 —
 —

 —
 —
 —
 1,076

 Total
 $
 24,074
 $
 13,015
 $
 14,464
 $
 42,046
 $
 36,384
 $
 27,901
 $
 49,725
 $
 22,330
 $
 229,939

 $
 ( 1)
 $
 —
 $
 —
 $
 —
 $
 —
 $
 —
 $
 —
 $
 ( 242)
 $
 ( 243)

 Pass
 $
 $
 $
 14,158
 $
 76,629
 $
 143,507
 $
 91,415
 $
 $
 —
 $
 327,990

 —
 —
 —
 —
 —
 —
 —

 —
 —
 —

 Total
 $
 $
 $
 14,163
 $
 76,709
 $
 144,287
 $
 91,415
 $
 $
 —
 $
 328,896

 $
 ( 522)
 $
 —
 $
 ( 16)
 $
 ( 17)
 $
 ( 8)
 $
 ( 4)
 $
 ( 7)
 $
 —
 $
 ( 574)

 Total

 Pass
 $
 1,035,412
 $
 274,768
 $
 460,644
 $
 830,594
 $
 1,101,448
 $
 670,765
 $
 192,565
 $
 25,296
 $
 4,591,492

 15,283
 6,429
 4,446
 —
 28,263

 8,478
 2,136
 1,685
 —
 1,688
 14,672

 Total loans by
risk category
 $
 1,059,173
 $
 277,491
 $
 461,213
 $
 837,657
 $
 1,107,579
 $
 670,765
 $
 194,798
 $
 25,751
 $
 4,634,427

 Total gross
charge-offs
 $
 ( 1,035)
 $
 —
 $
 ( 830)
 $
 ( 17)
 $
 ( 8)
 $
 ( 4)
 $
 ( 126)
 $
 ( 242)
 $
 ( 2,262)

 The following tables present the amortized cost in credit card loans based on performing status and gross charge-offs as of December 31, 2023, and gross write-offs during the year ended December 31, 2023. Nonperforming loans consisted of nonaccrual loans and loans past due 90 days or more and still accruing.

 Term Loans by Origination Year
 Revolving
Loans
 Revolving
Converted to
Term Loans
 Total

 Prior
 2019
 2020
 2021
 2022
 2023

 Performing
 $
 —
 $
 —
 $
 —
 $
 —
 $
 —
 $
 —
 $
 6,583
 $
 —
 $
 6,583

 Nonperforming
 —
 —
 —
 —
 —
 —
 —
 —
 —

 Total
 $
 —
 $
 —
 $
 —
 $
 —
 $
 —
 $
 —
 $
 6,583
 $
 —
 $
 6,583

 $
 —
 $
 —
 $
 —
 $
 —
 $
 —
 $
 —
 $
 $
 —
 $

 Total loans evaluated
by performing status
 $
 —
 $
 —
 $
 —
 $
 —
 $
 —
 $
 —
 $
 6,583
 $
 —
 $
 6,583

 Total gross
charge-offs
 $
 —
 $
 —
 $
 —
 $
 —
 $
 —
 $
 —
 $
 $
 —
 $

 Total recorded
investment
 $
 1,059,173
 $
 277,491
 $
 461,213
 $
 837,657
 $
 1,107,579
 $
 670,765
 $
 201,381
 $
 25,751
 $

 The following tables provide information on the aging of the Company's loan portfolio as of December 31, 2024 and 2023.

 30 59 Days
Past Due
 60 89 Days
Past Due
 90 Days Past
Due and Still
Accruing
 30-89 Days
Past Due and
Not Accruing
 90 Days Past
Due and Not
Accruing
 Total Past
Due
 Current
 Accrual
 Loans(1)

 Current
Nonaccrual
Loans
 Total

 $
 $
 —
 $
 —
 $
 2,328
 $
 4,940
 $
 7,343
 $
 2,547,345
 $
 3,118
 $

 3,828
 3,324
 8,180
 1,317,591
 3,635

 —
 —
 —
 335,609
 —

 —
 —
 236,771

 4,068
 —
 1,180
 5,554
 298,150

 —
 6,413
 7,099

 Total
 $
 8,314
 $
 $
 $
 4,163
 $
 9,091
 $
 22,355
 $
 4,741,879
 $
 7,754
 $

 Percent of total loans
 0.17
 %
 0.01
 %
 0.01
 %
 0.09
 %
 0.19
 %
 0.47
 %
 99.37
 %
 0.16
 %
 %

 (1)Includes loans measured at fair value of $ 9.5 million at December 31, 2024. Loan were transferred from loans held for sale.

 30 59 Days
Past Due
 60 89 Days
Past Due
 90 Days Past
Due and Still
Accruing
 30-89 Days
Past Due and
Not Accruing
 90 Days Past
Due and Not
Accruing
 Total Past
Due
 Current
 Accrual
 Loans(1)

 Current
Nonaccrual
Loans
 Total

 $
 $
 —
 $
 —
 $
 —
 $
 1,215
 $
 1,297
 $
 2,531,984
 $
 3,580
 $
 2,536,861

 2,354
 1,469
 2,668
 6,870
 1,231,084
 1,777
 1,239,731

 1,919
 —
 —
 —
 2,140
 296,455
 299,000

 —
 —
 228,859
 229,939

 3,224
 1,391
 —
 5,518
 323,376
 328,896

 —
 —
 6,370
 —
 6,583

 Total
 $
 7,662
 $
 1,698
 $
 $
 1,493
 $
 5,011
 $
 16,602
 $
 4,618,128
 $
 6,280
 $

 Percent of total loans
 0.17
 %
 0.04
 %
 0.02
 %
 0.03
 %
 0.10
 %
 0.36
 %
 99.50
 %
 0.14
 %
 %

 (1)Includes loans measured at fair value of $ 9.9 million at December 31, 2023. Loan were transferred from loans held for sale.

 The following tables provide a summary of the activity in the ACL allocated by loan class for the years ended December 31, 2024 and 2023. Allocation of a portion of the allowance to one loan class does not include its availability to absorb losses in other loan classes.

 Beginning Balance
 Charge-offs
 Recoveries
 Provision
 Ending Balance

 Year ended December 31, 2024

 $
 23,015
 $
 —
 $
 —
 $
 ( 169)
 $
 22,846

 19,909
 ( 1)
 1,861
 21,776

 3,935
 ( 12)
 ( 1,082)
 2,854

 2,671
 ( 190)
 3,138

 Consumer(1)

 7,601
 ( 3,646)
 2,617
 6,889

 Total
 $
 57,351
 $
 ( 4,433)
 $
 $
 4,631
 $
 57,910

 (1)Gross charge-offs of consumer loans for the year ended December 31, 2024 included $ 699 thousand of demand deposit overdrafts.

 Beginning
 Impact of
ASC326
Adoption
 Merger
 Adjustments (2)

 Charge-
offs
 Recoveries
 Provision
 Ending

 Year ended December 31, 2023

 $
 5,238
 $
 3,922
 $
 $
 ( 1,326)
 $
 —
 $
 14,195
 $
 23,015

 2,283
 4,794
 ( 119)
 12,693
 19,909

 2,973
 1,222
 —
 ( 278)
 3,935

 1,652
 ( 243)
 2,671

 Consumer(1)

 4,497
 ( 574)
 2,928
 7,601

 —
 —
 —

 Total
 $
 16,643
 $
 10,791
 $
 1,513
 $
 ( 2,373)
 $
 $
 30,423
 $
 57,351

 (1)Gross charge-offs of consumer loans for the year ended December 31, 2023 included $ 239 thousand of demand deposit overdrafts.
 (2)Merger adjustments consist of gross-up for acquired PCD loans in the TCFC merger.

 The following table presents the amortized cost basis of collateral-dependent loans by loan portfolio segment.

 Real Estate Collateral
 Other Collateral
 Total

 $
 12,835
 $
 —
 $
 12,835

 9,023
 —
 9,023

 —

 —
 3,039
 3,039

 —
 1,483
 1,483

 Total
 $
 22,218
 $
 4,522
 $
 26,740

 Real Estate Collateral
 Other Collateral
 Total

 $
 6,566
 $
 —
 $
 6,566

 7,615
 —
 7,615

 —

 —
 1,106
 1,106

 —

 Total
 $
 14,843
 $
 2,010
 $
 16,853

 Loan Modifications to Borrowers Experiencing Financial Difficulty
 Modifications to borrowers experiencing financial difficulty may include interest rate reduction, principal or interest forgiveness, forbearance, term extensions, and other combination of actions intended to minimize economic loss and to avoid foreclosure or repossession of collateral.
 During the year ended December 31, 2024, one loan modification in the form of a monthly payment reduction was made to a borrower experiencing financial difficulty. During the year ended December 31, 2023, three loan modifications, each of which were in the form of a one-year term extension, were made to borrowers experiencing financial difficulty. During the years ended December 31, 2024 and 2023, there were no defaults on loan modifications made to borrowers experiencing financial difficulty.
 As of December 31, 2024, loan modification balances with borrowers experiencing financial difficulty that were modified during the preceding 12 months were classified as current nonaccrual, of which $ 97 thousand were for commercial real estate loans and $ 203 thousand were for commercial loans, and current accrual which had a balance of $ 1.4 million in commercial real estate; compared to December 31, 2023, which had current nonaccrual balances of $ 125 thousand and $ 89 thousand for commercial real estate and commercial loans, respectively, and current accrual balances of $ 153 thousand in commercial loans.
 Foreclosure Proceedings
 There were $ 124 thousand and $ 175 thousand of consumer mortgage loans collateralized by residential real estate property that were in the process of foreclosure as of December 31, 2024 and 2023, respectively.
 Other Real Estate Owned ("OREO") and Repossessed Assets
 OREO and repossessed assets are adjusted for fair value upon transfer from loans to foreclosed assets establishing a new cost basis. Subsequently, foreclosed assets are carried at the lower of carrying value or fair value. The Company had OREO and repossessed asset balances of $ 179 thousand and $ 3.3 million as of December 31, 2024 and $ 179 thousand and zero as of December 31, 2023, respectively.
 Mortgage Servicing Rights ("MSRs")
 Mortgage loans are sold with servicing retained and the MSRs are initially recorded at fair value with the income statement effect recorded in mortgage banking revenue. The Company recognized net servicing income of $ 898 thousand and $ 866 thousand for the years ended December 31, 2024 and 2023, respectively.
 The following table presents activity in MSRs for the year ended December 31, 2024.

 Year Ended

 Beginning balance
 $
 5,926

 Servicing rights resulting from sales of loans

 Valuation adjustment
 ( 361)

 Ending balance
 $
 5,874

 The fair value of MSRs were determined using discount rates ranging from 9.0 % to 11.0 % at December 31, 2024 and 2023. Depending on the stratification of the specific mortgage servicing right, prepayment speeds ranged from 6.0 % to 52.2 % and 6.0 % to 25.1 % for the years ended December 31, 2024 and 2023, respectively. The associated weighted-average default rates were 1.2 % and 1.3 % for the years ended December 31, 2024 and 2023, respectively.

 Note 5 – Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets
 The following table provides information on the significant components of goodwill and other acquired intangible assets at December 31, 2024 and 2023.

 Goodwill
 Core deposit
intangible

 Gross carrying amount
 $
 65,476
 $
 59,151

 Additions
 —
 —

 Accumulated impairment charges
 ( 1,543)
 —

 Accumulated amortization
 ( 667)
 ( 20,840)

 Net carrying amount
 $
 $
 38,311

 Goodwill
 Core deposit
intangible

 Gross carrying amount
 $
 65,476
 $
 10,503

 Additions
 —
 48,648

 Accumulated impairment charges
 ( 1,543)
 —

 Accumulated amortization
 ( 667)
 ( 11,061)

 Net carrying amount
 $
 $
 48,090

 The aggregate amortization expense for the core deposit intangible was $ 9.8 million and $ 6.1 million for the years ended December 31, 2024 and 2023, respectively.
 At December 31, 2024, the estimated future remaining amortization for core deposit intangible assets within the years ending December 31 is as follows:

 Amortization Expense

 2025
 $
 8,589

 2026
 7,398

 2027
 6,208

 2028
 5,060

 2029
 3,980

 Thereafter
 7,076

 Total amortizing intangible assets
 $
 38,311

 Note 6 – Leases
 Lease liabilities represent the Company's obligation to make lease payments and are presented at each reporting date as the net present value of the remaining contractual cash flows. Cash flows are discounted at the Company's incremental borrowing rate in effect at the commencement date of the lease. Right-of-use assets represent the Company's right to use the underlying asset for the lease term and are calculated as the sum of the lease liability and if applicable, prepaid rent, initial direct costs and any incentives received from the lessor.
 The Company's long-term lease agreements for branches and offices are classified as operating leases. Some of these leases offer the option to extend the lease term and the Company has included such extensions in its calculation of the lease liabilities to the extent the options are reasonably certain of being exercised. The lease agreements do not provide for residual value guarantees and have no restrictions or covenants that would impact dividends or require incurring additional financial obligations.
 During the third quarter of 2023, the Company acquired long-term branch leases and equipment leases due to the acquisition of TCFC. These leases were reassessed by management as of the Acquisition Date, which included updating the incremental borrowing rates and remaining lease terms.
 The following tables present information about the Company's leases as of and for the years ended December 31, 2024 and 2023.

 Lease liabilities
 $
 11,844
 $
 12,857

 Right-of-use assets
 $
 11,385
 $
 12,487

 Weighted-average remaining lease term
 10.20 years
 10.88 years

 Weighted-average discount rate
 3.29
 %
 3.24
 %

 Remaining lease term - minimum
 0.01 years
 0.39 years

 Remaining lease term - maximum
 16.68 years
 17.68 years

 Lease cost ($ in thousands)

 2024
 2023

 Operating lease cost
 $
 1,916
 $
 1,645

 Short-term lease cost
 —
 —

 Total lease cost
 $
 1,916
 $
 1,645

 Cash paid for amounts included in the measurement of lease liabilities
 $
 1,809
 $
 1,553

 The following table presents a maturity analysis of operating lease liabilities and a reconciliation of the undiscounted cash flows to total operating lease liabilities at December 31, 2024.

 Lease payments due ($ in thousands)

 2025
 $
 1,713

 2026
 1,677

 2027
 1,568

 2028
 1,538

 2029
 1,268

 Thereafter
 6,025

 Total undiscounted cash flows
 $
 13,789

 Less: Imputed interest
 1,945

 Lease liabilities
 $
 11,844

 Total gross rental income was $ 1.1 million and $ 1.2 million for the years ended December 31, 2024 and 2023, respectively.

 Note 7 – Premises and Equipment
 The following table provides information on premises and equipment at December 31, 2024 and 2023.

 Land
 $
 18,266
 $
 19,041

 Buildings and land improvements
 71,721
 67,506

 Furniture and equipment
 11,783
 14,820

 101,770
 101,367

 Accumulated depreciation
 ( 19,964)
 ( 18,981)

 Total
 $
 81,806
 $
 82,386

 Depreciation expense totaled $ 4.4 million and $ 3.3 million for the years ended December 31, 2024 and 2023, respectively.

 Note 8 – Deposits
 Deposits consist of the following categories as of the dates indicated:

 % of Total Deposits
 % of Total Deposits

 Noninterest-bearing
 $
 28.27
 %
 $
 23.36
 %

 Interest-bearing:

 Interest-bearing checking
 17.69
 21.64

 32.67
 33.01

 21.37
 1,184,610
 21.99

 Total interest-bearing
 3,965,521
 71.73
 4,128,083
 76.64

 Total deposits
 $
 5,528,336
 %
 $
 5,386,120
 %

 The Company holds deposits of certain officers, directors and their associates. See Note 20 – "Related Party Transactions" for more information.
 The following table provides information on the approximate maturities of total time deposits at December 31, 2024.

 Within one year
 $
 1,073,795

 Year 2
 83,177

 Year 3
 13,092

 Year 4
 5,904

 Year 5
 5,589

 Thereafter

 Total
 $

 The approximate amount of certificates of deposits that meet or exceed the FDIC insurance limit of $250,000 or more was $ 374.1 million and $ 354.6 million at December 31, 2024 and 2023, respectively.

 Note 9 – Borrowings
 The Company may periodically borrow from a correspondent federal funds line of credit arrangement, under a secured reverse repurchase agreement, or from the FHLB, to meet short-term liquidity needs.
 The following table summarizes certain information of the Company's borrowings as of and for the years ended December 31, 2024 and 2023.

 Rate
 Rate

 Average for the year

 FHLB advances - variable
 $
 37,648
 5.66
 %
 $
 111,392
 4.95
 %

 FHLB advances - fixed
 32,650
 4.87
 —
 —

 At year end

 FHLB advances - fixed(1)

 50,000
 4.79
 —
 —

 (1) Fixed-rate advance with an option of terminating at predetermined dates, without incurring a prepayment fee.
 Securities sold under agreements to repurchase are securities sold to customers, at the customers' request, under a "roll-over" contract that matures in one business day. The underlying securities sold are U.S. government agency securities, which are segregated in the Company's custodial accounts from other investment securities.

 The Bank had $ 95.0 million and $ 45.0 million in federal funds lines of credit and a reverse repurchase agreement available on a short-term basis from correspondent banks at December 31, 2024 and 2023, respectively. In addition, the Bank had secured credit availability of approximately $ 737.5 million from the FHLB at December 31, 2024. The Bank has pledged as collateral, under a blanket lien, all qualifying residential loans under borrowing agreements with the FHLB. The Bank had letters of credit with FHLB of $ 6.1 million and $ 86.1 million as of December 31, 2024 and 2023, respectively. These letters of credit are used to secure public deposits held with various municipal customers.
 The following table summarizes certain information of the Company's long-term debt at December 31, 2024 and 2023.

 Issue Date
 Stated Maturity Date
 Earliest Call Date
 Interest Rate

 September 2030 Subordinated Debentures
 25,000
 25,000
 2020
 2030
 2025
 5.375 % through September 2025, 3-month SOFR + 5.265 % thereafter

 October 2030 Subordinated Debentures
 19,500
 19,500
 2020
 2030
 2025
 4.75 % through October 2025, 3-month SOFR + 4.58 % thereafter

 Total subordinated debentures
 44,500
 44,500

 Severn Capital Trust I
 20,619
 20,619
 2004
 2035
 3-month SOFR + 2.00 %

 Tri-County Capital Trust I
 7,217
 7,217
 2004
 2034
 90-day SOFR + 2.60 %

 Tri-County Capital Trust II
 5,155
 5,155
 2005
 2035
 90-day SOFR + 1.70 %

 Total trust preferred securities
 32,991
 32,991

 Less: net discount and unamortized issuance costs
 ( 3,774)
 ( 4,822)

 Total long-term debt
 $
 73,717
 $
 72,669

 At December 31, 2024, subordinated notes consisted of $ 25.0 million of long-term debt issued by the Company in August 2020, and $ 19.5 million of long-term debt assumed as a result of the merger with TCFC. As of December 31, 2024, the recorded balance of subordinated debt issued by the Company and the assumed subordinated debt from TCFC, net of unamortized issuance costs and fair value discounts, were $ 24.9 million and $ 19.0 million, respectively.
 The Company also assumed trust preferred securities in the aggregate of $ 33.0 million as a result of the merger with TCFC in 2023 and the acquisition of Severn in 2021. Trust preferred securities consisted of $ 20.6 million issued to Severn Capital Trust I, $ 7.2 million issued by Tri-County Capital Trust I and $ 5.2 million issued by Tri-County Capital Trust II. The recorded balance of the debt acquired from Severn at December 31, 2024 was $ 18.8 million, net of the unamortized fair value adjustment of $ 1.8 million. At December 31, 2024, the junior subordinated debt securities of Tri-County Capital Trust I and Tri-County Capital Trust II had a recorded balance of $ 6.6 million and $ 4.4 million, respectively, which are presented as net of the unamortized fair value adjustments of $ 568 thousand and $ 731 thousand, respectively.
 As both the Capital Trust I and Capital Trust II variable-rate capital securities were originally London Interbank Offered Rate ("LIBOR") linked instruments that matured after June 30, 2023, the interest rate transitioned from a LIBOR-based rate to an alternative reference rate. Both instruments were subject to the Adjustable Interest Rate (LIBOR) Act (the "LIBOR Act") and neither instrument contains fallback provision or a clearly practicable fallback provision in the event that LIBOR was no longer published or quoted. The interest rate on both the Capital Trust I and Capital Trust II transitioned pursuant to the LIBOR Act to a rate based on the Secured Overnight Financing Rate ("SOFR") on July 1, 2023.

 Note 10 – Benefit Plans
 401(k) and Profit Sharing Plan - The Company has a 401(k) and profit sharing plan covering substantially all full-time employees. The Company currently matches 100 % of the first 3 % of each employee's contributions, and 50 % of the next 2 % of each employee's contributions, each plan year. The Company may also make discretionary contributions based on profits. The Company's contributions to this plan included in noninterest expense totaled $ 1.9 million and $ 1.7 million for the years ended December 31, 2024 and 2023, respectively.
 Employee Stock Ownership Plan - Prior to the closing of the acquisition of TCFC during 2023, TCFC paid into its Employee Stock Ownership Plan ("ESOP") and adopted resolutions to (i) terminate the ESOP and (ii) provide for full vesting of all account balances in the ESOP. A determination letter has been filed with the IRS to terminate the ESOP and the ESOP will be terminated if and when the IRS issues a favorable determination letter.

 Note 11 – Stock-Based Compensation
 At the 2016 annual meeting, stockholders approved the Shore Bancshares, Inc. 2016 Stock and Incentive Plan ("2016 Equity Plan"), replacing the Shore Bancshares, Inc. 2006 Stock and Incentive Plan, which expired on that date. The Company may issue shares of common stock or grant other equity-based awards pursuant to the 2016 Equity Plan. Stock-based awards granted to date generally are time-based, vest in equal installments on each anniversary of the grant date and range over a one - to three-year period of time, and, in the case of stock options, expire ten years from the grant date. As part of the 2016 Equity Plan, a performance equity incentive award program, known as the "Long-term incentive plan" allows participating officers of the Company to earn incentive awards of performance share/restricted stock units if certain pre-determined targets are achieved at the end of a three-year performance cycle. Stock-based compensation expense based on the grant date fair value is recognized ratably over the requisite service period for all awards and reflects forfeitures as they occur. The 2016 Equity Plan originally reserved 750,000 shares of common stock for grant, and 190,166 shares remained available for grant at December 31, 2024.
 The Company assumed 3,977 shares of restricted stock and 90,783 of restricted stock units at a fair value of $ 11.56 per share as a result of the merger with TCFC. The vesting period for the outstanding restricted stock grants is between three and five years. The vesting period for restricted stock units and performance stock units is between one to three years. The recipients of restricted stock units do not have any stockholder rights, including voting, dividend, or liquidation rights, with respect to the shares underlying awarded restricted stock units, until the recipient becomes the record holder of those shares.
 The following table presents stock-based compensation expense related to the 2016 Equity Plan, included in the consolidated statements of income, for each of the periods indicated.

 Stock-based compensation expense
 $
 1,730
 $
 1,174

 The following table presents the total stock-based compensation expense related to unvested awards that has not yet been recognized at December 31, 2024 and 2023, and the weighted-average period over which the expense will be recognized.

 At December 31, 2024

 Restricted Stock
 Restricted Stock Units
 Performance Stock Units

 Unrecognized stock-based compensation expense
 $
 $
 $

 Weighted-average period unrecognized expense is expected to be recognized
 0.4 years
 1.1 years
 2.2 years

 At December 31, 2023

 Restricted Stock
 Restricted Stock Units

 Unrecognized stock-based compensation expense
 $
 $
 1,684

 Weighted-average period unrecognized expense is expected to be recognized
 0.5 years
 1.3 years

 The following table summarizes the Company's restricted stock, restricted stock unit and performance stock unit activity for the year ended December 31, 2024.

 Restricted Stock
 Restricted Stock Units
 Performance Stock Units

 Number of Shares
 Weighted-Average Grant Date Fair Value per Share
 Number of Shares
 Weighted-Average Grant Date Fair Value per Share
 Number of Shares
 Weighted-Average Grant Date Fair Value per Share

 Outstanding at December 31, 2023
 45,322
 $
 15.42
 165,055
 $
 11.56
 —
 $
 —

 Granted
 51,610
 11.39
 53,279
 11.31
 43,651
 11.32

 Vested
 ( 45,322)
 15.39
 ( 79,974)
 11.56
 —
 —

 Forfeited
 —
 —
 ( 3,256)
 11.56
 —
 —

 Outstanding at December 31, 2024
 51,610
 11.42
 135,104
 11.46
 43,651
 11.32

 There were no stock options outstanding as of or granted during the years ended December 31, 2024 or 2023.
 The fair value of restricted stock awards that vested during the years ended December 31, 2024 and 2023 was $ 588 thousand and $ 615 thousand, respectively. The fair value of restricted stock unit awards that vested during the years ended December 31, 2024 and 2023 was $ 914 thousand and $ 178 thousand, respectively. No performance stock unit awards vested during the years ended December 31, 2024 and 2023.

 Note 12 – Derivatives
 The Company maintains and accounts for derivatives, in the form of IRLCs and mandatory forward contracts, in accordance with the FASB guidance on accounting for derivative instruments and hedging activities. The Company recognizes gains and losses through mortgage-banking revenue in the consolidated statements of income.
 IRLCs on mortgage loans that we intend to sell in the secondary market are considered derivatives. We are exposed to price risk from the time a mortgage loan is locked in until the time the loan is sold. The period of time between issuance of a loan commitment, closing and sale of the loan generally ranges from 14 days to 120 days. For these IRLCs and our closed inventory in loans held for sale, we attempt to protect the Bank from changes in interest rates through the use of to be announced ("TBA") securities, which are forward contracts, as well as, to a significantly lesser degree, loan level commitments in the form of best efforts and mandatory forward contracts. These assets and liabilities are included in the consolidated balance sheets in other assets and accrued expenses and other liabilities, respectively.
 The following table provides information pertaining to the carrying amounts of the Company's derivative financial instruments at December 31, 2024 and 2023.

 Notional Amount
 Estimated Fair Value
 Notional Amount
 Estimated Fair Value

 Asset - IRLCs
 $
 7,527
 $
 $
 6,785
 $

 Asset - TBA securities
 22,100
 1,000

 Liability - TBA securities
 7,550
 18,000

 Note 13 – Deferred Compensation
 The Company has multiple deferred compensation agreements with current and former employees. The Executive Deferred Compensation Plan is reserved for members of management and highly compensated employees of the Company and the Bank. During 2019, the Executive Deferred Compensation Plan was expanded to include additional officers who had not previously participated. The Executive Deferred Compensation Plan permits a participant to elect, each year, to defer receipt of up to 100 % of their salary and bonus to be earned in the following year. The Executive Deferred Compensation Plan also permits the participant to defer the receipt of performance-based compensation not later than six months before the end of the period for which it is to be earned. The deferred amounts are credited to an account maintained on behalf of the participant and are invested at the discretion of each participant in certain deemed investment options selected by the Compensation Committee of the Board of the Company. The actual investments purchased are owned by the Company and held in a Rabbi Trust. The accounts of the Rabbi Trust are consolidated and the investments are included in other assets on the consolidated balance sheets. The Company and the Bank may also make matching, mandatory and discretionary contributions for certain participants. A participant is fully vested at all times in the amounts that they elect to defer. Any contributions made by the Company are subject to vesting over a five-year period.
 The following table provides information on Shore Bancshares, Inc.'s contributions and participant deferrals to the Executive Deferred Compensation Plan and the related deferred compensation liability at December 31, 2024 and 2023.

 Elective deferrals
 $
 $

 Deferred compensation liability
 1,506
 1,576

 During 2019, the Company introduced a new supplemental executive retirement plan ("SERP") for executive officers of the Company and the Bank. The related liability is unfunded; however, bank-owned life insurance was purchased to offset the benefit costs. The following table provides information on the expense recognized during the years ended December 31, 2024 and 2023, as well as the balance of the unfunded SERP liability and the cash surrender value of policies purchased to offset the SERP benefit costs as of December 31, 2024 and 2023. The unfunded SERP liability and cash surrender value were included on the consolidated balance sheets in other liabilities and other assets, respectively.

 Cash surrender value
 $
 100,517
 $
 98,140

 Deferred compensation liability - SERP
 13,349
 12,869

 SERP expense
 1,050
 1,405

 Lastly, in 2016, the Bank assumed agreements held by the former Centreville National Bank ("CNB") under which its former directors had elected to defer part of their fees and compensation while serving on the former board of CNB. The amounts deferred were invested in

 insurance policies on the lives of the respective individuals. Amounts available under the policies are to be paid to the individuals as retirement benefits over future years.
 The following table includes information on the deferred compensation liability and cash surrender value as of December 31, 2024 and 2023.

 Deferred compensation liability
 $
 $

 Cash surrender value
 2,257
 2,322

 Note 14 – Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss
 The Company records unrealized holding gains (losses), net of tax, on investment securities AFS as accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), a separate component of stockholders' equity. The following table provides information on the changes in the component of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) on the consolidated balance sheets for the years ended December 31, 2024 and 2023.

 Net Unrealized Gains (Losses)

 2024
 2023

 Beginning of period
 $
 $
 ( 9,021)

 Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax
 ( 51)
 1,527

 End of period
 $
 ( 7,545)
 $

 Note 15 – Income Taxes
 The Company files income tax returns in the U.S. federal jurisdiction and the State of Maryland. With few exceptions, the Company is no longer subject to U.S. federal and state income tax examinations by tax authorities for years prior to 2021.
 The following table provides information on components of income tax expense for the years ended December 31, 2024 and 2023.

 Current tax expense:

 Federal
 $
 4,264
 $

 State
 1,681

 5,945

 Deferred income tax expense:

 Federal
 6,570
 1,692

 State
 2,300
 1,029

 8,870
 2,721

 Total income tax expense
 $
 14,815
 $
 2,956

 The following table provides a reconciliation of tax computed at the statutory federal tax rate to the actual tax expense for the years ended December 31, 2024 and 2023.

 Tax at federal statutory rate
 21.0
 %
 21.0
 %

 Tax effect of:

 Tax-exempt income
 ( 1.4)
 ( 3.6)

 State income taxes, net of federal benefit
 5.4
 6.1

 —
 ( 13.1)

 Nondeductible compensation costs
 0.1
 3.9

 Nondeductible merger-related expenses
 —
 2.6

 Other
 0.1
 3.9

 Actual income tax expense rate
 25.2
 %
 20.8
 %

 The following table provides information on significant components of the Company's deferred tax assets and liabilities as of December 31, 2024 and 2023.

 Deferred tax assets:

 Allowance for credit losses
 $
 14,888
 $
 14,534

 Write-downs of OREO
 —

 Nonaccrual loan interest

 Lease liabilities
 3,035
 3,326

 Deferred compensation
 4,078
 4,160

 Federal net operating loss
 —
 6,528

 State net operating loss
 2,066
 2,448

 Deferred loan fees
 2,078
 1,775

 Acquisition fair value adjustments
 24,988
 30,452

 Unrealized losses on available for sale securities
 2,844
 2,825

 Other
 1,233
 1,398

 Total deferred tax assets
 55,788
 67,823

 Deferred tax liabilities:

 Depreciation
 4,115
 4,320

 Right-of-use assets
 2,918
 3,229

 Mortgage servicing rights
 1,505
 1,541

 Acquisition fair value adjustments
 1,651
 2,401

 Intangibles
 11,223
 13,611

 Other

 Total deferred tax liabilities
 21,987
 26,101

 Less: valuation allowance
 $
 ( 1,944)
 $
 ( 1,015)

 Net deferred tax assets
 $
 31,857
 $
 40,707

 Management of the Company has determined a full valuation allowance is required for the holding company's state deferred tax assets, largely associated with its state net operating losses. As the holding company files in the state of Maryland on separate entity basis and has not had and does not expect to have taxable income in that jurisdiction for the foreseeable future, the Company believes, at the current and prior period end, it was more likely than not that the holding company's state deferred tax assets will not be realized. This valuation allowance increased from $ 1.0 million to $ 1.9 million during the year ended December 31, 2024. Based on the Company's analysis, no other valuation allowances have been recorded as the Company expects to realize its remaining federal and state deferred tax assets.
 The Company has analyzed the tax positions taken or expected to be taken in its income tax returns for the periods ending December 31, 2024 and 2023, and has recorded no liabilities related to uncertain tax positions in accordance with the applicable guidance in ASC 740, Income Taxes.

 Note 16 – Regulatory Capital Requirements
 Banks and bank holding companies are subject to various regulatory capital requirements administered by the federal banking agencies. Failure to meet minimum capital requirements can initiate certain mandatory - and possibly additional discretionary - actions by regulators that, if undertaken, could have a direct material effect on the financial statements. Under capital adequacy guidelines and the regulatory framework for prompt corrective action, the Bank must meet specific capital guidelines that involve quantitative measures of the Banks' assets, liabilities, and certain off-balance sheet items as calculated under regulatory accounting practices. The Banks' capital amounts and classification are also subject to qualitative judgments by the regulators about components, risk weightings, and other factors.
 Quantitative measures established by regulation to ensure capital adequacy require the Company and Bank to maintain amounts and ratios (set forth in the table below) of Common Equity Tier 1, Tier 1 and total capital (as defined in the regulations) to risk-weighted assets (as defined), and of Tier 1 capital (as defined) to average assets (leverage ratio). As of December 31, 2024 and 2023, management believes that the Company and the Bank met all capital adequacy requirements to which they were subject.
 As of December 31, 2024, the most recent notification from our primary regulator categorized Shore United Bank, N.A. as "well-capitalized" under the regulatory framework for prompt corrective action. There are no conditions or events since that notification that management believes would change the Bank's classification. To be categorized as "well-capitalized", the Bank must maintain minimum common equity Tier 1, Tier 1 risk-based and total risk-based capital ratios, and Tier 1 leverage ratios, which are outlined in the table below.
 The following tables present the actual and required capital amounts and ratios for the Company and the Bank at December 31, 2024 and 2023.

 December 31,
 Regulatory Minimum Ratio + Capital Conservation Buffer
 To Be Well-Capitalized Under Prompt Corrective Action Regulation(1)

 2024
 2023

 The Company Amounts

 Common Tier 1 Capital to RWA
 $
 458,258
 $
 408,317

 Tier 1 Capital to RWA
 488,105
 437,847

 Total Capital to RWA
 591,228
 539,572

 Tier 1 Capital to AA (Leverage)(2)

 488,105
 437,847

 The Company Ratios

 Common Tier 1 Capital to RWA
 9.44
 %
 8.69
 %
 7.00
 %

 Tier 1 Capital to RWA
 10.06
 9.32
 8.50

 Total Capital to RWA
 12.18
 11.49
 10.50

 Tier 1 Capital to AA (Leverage)(2)

 8.02
 7.75
 4.00

 The Bank Amounts

 Common Tier 1 Capital to RWA
 $
 521,453
 $
 470,200

 Tier 1 Capital to RWA
 521,453
 470,200

 Total Capital to RWA
 580,706
 528,786

 Tier 1 Capital to AA (Leverage)(2)

 521,453
 470,200

 The Bank Ratios

 Common Tier 1 Capital to RWA
 10.75
 %
 10.02
 %
 7.00
 %
 6.50
 %

 Tier 1 Capital to RWA
 10.75
 10.02
 8.50
 8.00

 Total Capital to RWA
 11.97
 11.27
 10.50
 10.00

 Tier 1 Capital to AA (Leverage)(2)

 8.58
 8.33
 4.00
 5.00

 ________________________________
 (1)Applies to Bank only.
 (2)Tier 1 Capital to AA (Leverage) has no capital conservation buffer defined. The PCA well-capitalized threshold is defined as 5.00 %.
 The Company is a separate legal entity from the Bank and must provide for its own liquidity. In addition to its operating expenses, the Company is responsible for paying any dividends declared to its common stockholders and interest and principal on outstanding debt. The Company's primary source of income is dividends received from the Bank. The amount of dividends that the Bank may declare and pay to

 Parent Company in any calendar year, without the receipt of prior approval from the Federal Reserve Bank, cannot exceed net income for that year to date plus retained net income (as defined) for the preceding two calendar years. At December 31, 2024, the Bank could pay dividends to the Company to the extent of its earnings so long as it maintained required capital ratios.

 Note 17 – Fair Value Measurements
 Accounting guidance under GAAP defines fair value as the exchange price that would be received for an asset or paid to transfer a liability (an exit price) in the principal or most advantageous market for the asset or liability in an orderly transaction between market participants on the measurement date. This accounting guidance also establishes a fair value hierarchy, which requires an entity to maximize the use of observable inputs and minimize the use of unobservable inputs when measuring fair value.
 The Company uses fair value measurements to record fair value adjustments to certain assets and liabilities and to determine fair value disclosures. Securities available for sale and equity securities with readily determinable fair values are recorded at fair value on a recurring basis, along with other mortgage related items identified in the recurring fair value table below. Additionally, from time to time, the Company may be required to record at fair value other assets on a nonrecurring basis, such as collateral dependent loans, repossessed assets and OREO (foreclosed assets). These nonrecurring fair value adjustments typically involve application of lower of cost or market accounting or write-downs of individual assets.
 Under fair value accounting guidance, assets and liabilities are grouped at fair value in three levels, based on the markets in which the assets and liabilities are traded and the reliability of the assumptions used to determine their fair values. These hierarchy levels are:
 Level 1 inputs – Unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities that the entity has the ability to access at the measurement date.
 Level 2 inputs – Inputs other than quoted prices included in Level 1 that are observable for the asset or liability, either directly or indirectly. These might include quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities in active markets, and inputs other than quoted prices that are observable for the asset or liability, such as interest rates and yield curves that are observable at commonly quoted intervals.
 Level 3 inputs – Unobservable inputs for determining the fair values of assets or liabilities that reflect an entity's own assumptions about the assumptions that market participants would use in pricing the assets or liabilities.
 Assets Measured at Fair Value on a Recurring Basis
 Investment Securities Available for Sale
 Fair value measurement for investment securities available for sale is based on quoted prices from an independent pricing service. The fair value measurements consider observable data that may include present value of future cash flows, prepayment assumptions, credit loss assumptions and other factors. The Company classifies its investments in U.S. Treasury securities, if any, as Level 1 in the fair value hierarchy, and it classifies its investments in U.S. government agency securities and mortgage-backed securities issued or guaranteed by U.S. government-sponsored entities as Level 2.
 Equity Securities
 Fair value measurement for equity securities is based on quoted market prices retrieved by the Company via online resources. Although these securities have readily available fair market values, the Company deems that they be classified as level 2 investments in the fair value hierarchy due to not being considered traded in a highly active market.
 Loans Held for Sale
 Loans held for sale are carried at fair value, which is determined based on Mark to Trade for allocated/committed loans or Mark to Market analysis for unallocated/uncommitted loans based on third-party pricing models (Level 2).
 Mortgage Servicing Rights
 The fair value of MSRs is determined using a valuation model administered by a third party that calculates the present value of estimated future net servicing income (Level 3). The model incorporates assumptions that market participants use in estimating future net servicing income, including estimates of prepayment speeds, discount rate, default rates, cost to service (including delinquency and foreclosure costs), escrow account earnings, contractual servicing fee income, and other ancillary income such as late fees. Management reviews all significant assumptions on a quarterly basis. Mortgage loan prepayment speed, a key assumption in the model, is the annual rate at which borrowers are forecasted to repay their mortgage loan principal. The discount rate used to determine the present value of estimated future net servicing income, another key assumption in the model, is an estimate of the required rate of return investors in the market would require for an asset with similar risk. Both assumptions can, and generally will, change as market conditions and interest rates change.

 The significant unobservable inputs used in the fair value measurement of the reporting entity's residential MSRs are prepayment speeds, probability of default, rate of return, and cost of servicing. Significant increases/decreases in any of those inputs in isolation would have resulted in a significantly lower/higher fair value measurement. Generally, a change in the assumption used for prepayment speeds would have been accompanied by a directionally similar change in the markets (i.e., the 10-Year Treasury) and in the probability of default.
 IRLCs
 We utilize a third-party specialist model to estimate the fair value of our IRLCs, which are valued based upon mortgage securities (TBA) prices less estimated costs to process and settle the loan. Fair value is adjusted for the estimated probability of the loan closing with the borrower (Level 3).

 Valuation Technique
 Unobservable Input
 Range

 MSRs(1)

 $
 5,874
 Market Approach
 Weighted-average prepayment speed (PSA)(2)

 IRLCs - net asset
 $
 Market Approach
 Range of pull through rate
 78 % - 100 %

 Average pull through rate
 98 %

 Valuation Technique
 Unobservable Input
 Range

 MSRs(1)

 $
 5,926
 Market Approach
 Weighted-average prepayment speed (PSA)(2)

 IRLCs - net asset
 $
 Market Approach
 Range of pull through rate
 78 % - 100 %

 Average pull through rate
 98 %

 ________________________________
 (1)The weighted-average was calculated with reference to the principal balance of the underlying mortgages.
 (2)PSA = Public Securities Association Standard Prepayment Model.
 The following table presents activity in the IRLCs for the year ended December 31, 2024.

 Year Ended

 Beginning balance
 $

 Valuation adjustment

 Ending balance
 $

 Forward Contracts
 To avoid interest rate risk, we hedge the open locked/closed position with TBA forward trades. On a regular basis, we allocate disbursed loans to mandatory commitments with government-sponsored enterprises and private investors delivering the loans within 120 days of origination to maximize interest earnings. For a small percentage of our business, we enter into best efforts forward sales commitments with investors at the time we make an IRLC to a borrower. Once a loan has been closed and funded, the best efforts commitments convert to mandatory forward sales commitments. The mandatory commitments are derivatives, and we measure and report them at fair value. Fair value is based on the gain or loss that would occur if we were to pair-off the transaction with the investor at the measurement date. This is a level 2 input. We have elected to measure and report best efforts commitments at fair value using a valuation methodology similar to that used for mandatory commitments.
 Market assumptions utilized in the fair value measurement of the reporting entity's residential mortgage derivatives, inclusive of IRLCs, Closed Loan Inventory, TBA derivative trades, and Mandatory Forwards may be subject to investor overlays that may result in a significantly lower fair value measurement. Generally such overlays are announced with advanced notice in order to include the risk adjuster, however there are times when announcements are mandated resulting in a lower fair value measurement. Additionally market assumptions such as spec pool payups may result in a significantly higher fair value measurement at time of loan allocation to specific trades.

 The following tables present the recorded amount of assets measured at fair value on a recurring basis as of December 31, 2024 and 2023. No assets were transferred from one hierarchy level to another during the years ended December 31, 2024 or 2023.

 Quoted Prices
(Level 1)
 Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2)
 Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 3)

 Assets:

 Securities available for sale:

 U.S. government agency securities
 $
 20,202
 $
 —
 $
 20,202
 $
 —

 —
 —

 6,626
 —
 6,626
 —

 —
 —

 Equity securities
 5,814
 —
 5,814
 —

 TBA forward trades
 —
 —

 Loans held for sale
 —
 —

 Loans held for investment, at fair value
 9,466
 —
 9,466
 —

 MSRs
 5,874
 —
 —
 5,874

 IRLCs
 —
 —

 Total assets at fair value
 $
 190,249
 $
 —
 $
 184,262
 $
 5,987

 Liabilities:

 TBA forward trades
 $
 $
 —
 $
 $
 —

 Total liabilities at fair value
 $
 $
 —
 $
 $
 —

 Quoted Prices
(Level 1)
 Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2)
 Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 3)

 Assets:

 Securities available for sale:

 U.S. government agency securities
 $
 20,475
 $
 —
 $
 20,475
 $
 —

 84,027
 —
 84,027
 —

 6,019
 —
 6,019
 —

 —
 —

 Equity securities
 5,703
 —
 5,703
 —

 TBA forward trades
 —
 —

 Loans held for sale
 8,782
 —
 8,782
 —

 Loans held for investment, at fair value
 9,944
 —
 9,944
 —

 MSRs
 5,926
 —
 —
 5,926

 IRLCs
 —
 —

 Total assets at fair value
 $
 140,988
 $
 —
 $
 134,952
 $
 6,036

 Liabilities:

 $
 $
 —
 $
 $
 —

 Total liabilities at fair value
 $
 $
 —
 $
 $
 —

 Assets Measured at Fair Value on a Nonrecurring Basis
 Individually Evaluated Collateral-Dependent Loans
 Loans for which repayment is substantially expected to be provided through the operation or sale of collateral are considered collateral dependent, and are valued based on the estimated fair value of the collateral, less estimated costs to sell at the reporting date, where applicable. Accordingly, collateral dependent loans are classified within Level 3 of the fair value hierarchy.
 OREO (Foreclosed Assets)
 Foreclosed assets are adjusted for fair value upon transfer of loans to foreclosed assets establishing a new cost basis. Subsequently, foreclosed assets are carried at the lower of carrying value or fair value. The estimated fair value for foreclosed assets included in Level 3 are determined by independent market based appraisals and other available market information, less costs to sell, that may be reduced further based on market expectations or an executed sales agreement. If the fair value of the collateral deteriorates subsequent to the initial recognition, the Company records the foreclosed asset as a non-recurring Level 3 adjustment. Valuation techniques are consistent with those techniques applied in prior periods.
 Repossessed Assets
 The Company records repossessed assets at fair value on a nonrecurring basis. All repossessed assets are recorded at lower of the estimated fair value of the properties, less expected selling costs, or the carrying amount of the defaulted loans. From time to time, nonrecurring fair value adjustments are recorded to reflect partial write-downs based on current appraised value of an asset. The Company considers any valuation inputs related to repossessed assets to be Level 3 inputs.
 The following tables set forth the Company's financial and nonfinancial assets subject to fair value adjustments (impairment) on a nonrecurring basis as of December 31, 2024 and 2023 that are valued at the lower of cost or market. Assets are classified in their entirety based on the lowest level of input that is significant to the fair value measurement.

 Quantitative Information About Level 3 Fair Value Measurements

 Valuation Technique
 Unobservable Input
 Range
 Weighted-Average

 Nonrecurring measurements:

 Individually evaluated collateral dependent loans:

 $
 2,220

 62 %
 10 %

 38 %
 10 %

 55 % - 100 %
 10 %

 17 %
 10 %

 —

 14 % - 100 %
 10 %

 0 %
 10 %

 80 % - 86 %
 10 %

 15 %
 10 %

 Other real estate owned

 N/A
 0 %

 Repossessed assets
 3,315

 N/A
 39 %

 Assets held for sale

 N/A
 0 %

 Quantitative Information about Level 3 Fair Value Measurements

 Valuation Technique
 Unobservable Input
 Range
 Weighted-Average

 Nonrecurring measurements:

 Individually evaluated collateral dependent loan

 $
 —

 0 %
 0 %

 0 %
 0 %

 53 %
 10 %

 24 %
 10 %

 —

 15 % - 100 %
 0 %

 0 %
 0 %

 80 % - 100 %
 0 %

 46 %
 0 %

 Other real estate owned

 0 % - 20 %

 0 %

 _____________________________
 (1)Unobservable inputs were weighted by the relative fair value of the instruments.
 (2)Appraisals may be adjusted by management for qualitative factors such as economic conditions and estimated liquidation expenses. The range of liquidation expenses and other appraisal adjustments are presented as a percent of the appraisal.

 Note 18 – Fair Value of Financial Instruments
 Financial instruments require disclosure of fair value information, whether or not recognized in the consolidated balance sheets, when it is practical to estimate the fair value. A financial instrument is defined as cash, evidence of an ownership interest in an entity or a contractual obligation which requires the exchange of cash. Certain items are specifically excluded from the financial instrument fair value disclosure requirements, including the Company's common stock, OREO, premises and equipment and other assets and liabilities.
 The following table presents the carrying amounts and estimated fair values of the Company's financial instruments for the years ended December 31, 2024 and 2023. Fair values for December 31, 2024 and 2023 were estimated using an exit price notion.

 Carrying Amount
 Fair Value Measurements

 Level 1
 Level 2
 Level 3

 Assets

 $
 $
 $
 $
 —
 $
 —

 Available for sale investment securities
 —
 —

 Held to maturity investment securities
 481,077
 —
 —

 Equity securities
 5,814
 5,814
 —
 5,814
 —

 Restricted securities
 20,253
 20,253
 —
 20,253
 —

 Loans held for sale
 —
 —

 —
 —

 Loans held for investment, at fair value
 9,466
 9,466
 —
 9,466
 —

 Loans held for investment, at amortized cost, net
 4,704,612
 4,551,983
 —
 —
 4,551,983

 Mortgage servicing rights
 5,874
 5,874
 —
 —
 5,874

 Accrued interest receivable
 19,570
 19,570
 —
 19,570
 —

 IRLCs
 —
 —

 Liabilities

 Deposits:

 Noninterest-bearing
 $
 $
 $
 —
 $
 $
 —

 Interest-bearing checking
 —
 —

 —
 —

 1,179,716
 —
 1,179,716
 —

 FHLB advances
 50,000
 50,201
 —
 50,201
 —

 TRUPS
 29,847
 27,952
 —
 27,952
 —

 Subordinated debt
 43,870
 43,669
 —
 43,669
 —

 —
 —

 Accrued interest payable
 3,398
 3,398
 —
 3,398
 —

 Carrying Amount
 Fair Value Measurements

 Level 1
 Level 2
 Level 3

 Assets

 $
 $
 $
 $
 —
 $
 —

 Available for sale investment securities
 —
 —

 Held to maturity investment securities
 513,188
 457,830
 —
 457,830
 —

 Equity securities
 5,703
 5,703
 —
 5,703
 —

 Restricted securities
 17,900
 17,900
 —
 17,900
 —

 Loans held for sale
 8,782
 8,782
 —
 8,782
 —

 —
 —

 Cash surrender value on life insurance
 101,704
 101,704
 —
 101,704
 —

 Loans held for investment
 9,944
 9,944
 —
 9,944
 —

 Loans, net
 4,573,715
 4,477,468
 —
 —
 4,477,468

 Mortgage servicing rights
 5,926
 5,926
 —
 —
 5,926

 Accrued interest receivable
 19,217
 19,217
 —
 19,217
 —

 IRLCs
 —
 —

 Liabilities

 Deposits:

 Noninterest-bearing
 $
 $
 $
 —
 $
 $
 —

 Interest-bearing checking
 —
 —

 —
 —

 1,184,610
 1,184,447
 —
 1,184,447
 —

 TRUPS
 29,158
 28,266
 —
 28,266
 —

 Subordinated debt
 43,139
 42,579
 —
 42,579
 —

 —
 —

 Accrued interest payable
 4,711
 4,711
 —
 4,711
 —

 Note 19 – Commitments and Contingencies
 In the normal course of business, to meet the financial needs of its customers, the Bank is a party to financial instruments with off-balance sheet risk. These financial instruments include commitments to extend credit and standby letters of credit. Commitments to extend credit are agreements to lend to a customer as long as there is no violation of any condition established in the contract. Letters of credit are conditional commitments issued by the Bank to guarantee the performance of a customer to a third party. Letters of credit and other commitments generally have fixed expiration dates or other termination clauses and may require payment of a fee. Because many of the letters of credit and commitments are expected to expire without being drawn upon, the total commitment amount does not necessarily represent future cash requirements. Commitments to make loans are generally made for a periods of 90 days or less. As of December 31, 2024, the Company's outstanding fixed rate loan commitments have interest rates ranging from 6.50 % - 9.75 %.
 The following table provides information on commitments outstanding for the years ended December 31, 2024 and 2023.

 Commitments to extend credit
 $
 704,768
 $
 613,266

 Letters of credit
 27,961
 28,519

 Total
 $
 732,729
 $
 641,785

 The Bank had a reserve for off-balance sheet credit exposures of $ 1.1 million as of December 31, 2024 and 2023. The reserve was estimated based on the historic losses experienced by the Company. Losses are charged against the allowance when management believes the required funding of these exposures is uncollectible. While this evaluation is completed on a regular basis, it is inherently subjective as it requires estimates that are susceptible to significant revision as more information becomes available.
 In the normal course of business, Shore Bancshares, Inc. and its subsidiaries may become involved in litigation arising from banking, financial, and other activities. Management, after consultation with legal counsel, does not anticipate that the future liability, if any, arising out of current proceedings will have a material effect on the Company's financial condition, operating results, or liquidity.

 Note 20 – Related Party Transactions
 In the normal course of banking business, loans are made to officers, directors and their affiliated interests. These loans are made on substantially the same terms and conditions as those prevailing at the time for comparable transactions with persons who are not related to the Company and are not considered to involve more than the normal risk of collectability. As of December 31, 2024 and 2023, such loans outstanding, both direct and indirect (including guarantees), to directors, their associates and policy-making officers, totaled approximately $ 54.3 million and $ 53.1 million, respectively. During the years ended December 31, 2024 and 2023, loan additions were approximately $ 8.2 million and $ 35.9 million, of which $ 27.4 million were due to the 2023 acquisition of TCFC, and loan repayments and no longer reportable loans were approximately $ 7.3 million and $ 1.3 million, respectively.
 As of December 31, 2024 and 2023, deposits, both direct and indirect, from executive officers and directors, their associates and policy-making officers, totaled approximately $ 35.8 million and $ 35.6 million, respectively.
 The Company leases a portion of one of its facilities to a law firm, in which the Chairman of the Board of the Company and the Bank is a partner. In January 2022, the lease entered the final five-year renewal option under the leasing agreement. The total rent payments received were $ 318 thousand and $ 311 thousand for the years ended December 31, 2024 and 2023, respectively. The law firm also reimburses the Company for its share of common area maintenance and utilities. In addition, the law firm represents the Company and the Bank in certain legal matters.

 Note 21 – Earnings per Common Share
 Basic earnings per common share is calculated by dividing net income available to common stockholders by the weighted-average number of common shares outstanding during the period. Diluted earnings per common share is calculated by dividing net income available to common stockholders by the weighted-average number of common shares outstanding during the period, adjusted for the dilutive effect of common stock equivalents (stock-based awards). The following table provides information relating to the calculation of earnings per common share for the years ended December 31, 2024 and 2023.

 (In thousands, except per share data)

 $
 $

 Average number of common shares outstanding
 33,267
 26,572

 Dilutive effect of common stock equivalents

 Average number of shares used to calculate diluted earnings per common share
 33,285
 26,574

 Anti-dilutive shares
 —
 —

 Earnings per common share

 Basic
 $
 1.32
 $
 0.42

 Diluted
 $
 1.32
 $
 0.42

 As of December 31, 2024 and 2023, there were no unvested common stock equivalents excluded from the calculation of diluted earnings per common share as their effect would be anti-dilutive.

 Note 22 – Revenue Recognition
 Topic 606 does not apply to revenue associated with financial instruments, including revenue from loans and securities. Topic 606 is applicable to noninterest revenue streams such as trust and asset management income, deposit related fees, interchange fees and merchant income. Noninterest revenue streams in-scope of Topic 606 are discussed below.
 Service Charges on Deposit Accounts
 Service charges on deposit accounts consist of account analysis fees (i.e., net fees earned on analyzed business and public checking accounts), monthly service fees, check orders, and other deposit account related fees. The Company's performance obligation for account analysis fees and monthly service fees is generally satisfied, and the related revenue recognized, over the period in which the service is provided.
 Check orders and other deposit account related fees are largely transactional based, and therefore, the Company's performance obligation is satisfied, and related revenue recognized, at a point in time. Payment for service charges on deposit accounts is primarily received immediately or at the end of the month through a direct charge to customers' accounts.
 Trust and Investment Fee Income
 Trust and investment fee income are primarily comprised of fees earned from the management and administration of trusts and other customer assets. The Company's performance obligation is generally satisfied over time and the resulting fees are recognized monthly, based upon the month-end market value of the assets under management and the applicable fee rate. Payment is generally received a few days after month end through a direct charge to customers' accounts. The Company does not earn performance-based incentives.
 Optional services such as real estate sales and tax return preparation services are also available to existing trust and asset management customers. The Company's performance obligation for these transactional-based services is generally satisfied, and related revenue recognized, at a point in time (i.e., as incurred). Payment is received shortly after services are rendered.
 Title Company Revenue
 Title Company revenue consists of revenue earned on performing title work for real estate transactions. The revenue is earned when the title work is performed. Payment for such performance obligations generally occurs at the time of the settlement of a real estate transaction. As such settlement is generally within 90 days of the performance of the title work, we recognize the revenue at the time of the settlement.
 All contract issuance costs are expensed as incurred. The Company had no contract assets or liabilities at December 31, 2024.
 Other Noninterest Income
 Other noninterest income consists of: fees, exchange, other service charges, safety deposit box rental fees, and other miscellaneous revenue streams. Fees and other service charges are primarily comprised of debit and credit card income, automated teller machine ("ATM") fees, merchant services income, and other service charges. Debit and credit card income is primarily comprised of interchange fees earned whenever the Company's debit and credit cards are processed through card payment networks such as Mastercard and Visa. ATM fees are primarily generated when a Company cardholder uses a non-Company ATM or a non-Company cardholder uses a Company ATM. Merchant services income mainly represents fees charged to merchants to process their debit and credit card transactions, in addition to account management fees. Other service charges include revenue from processing wire transfers, bill pay service, cashier's checks, and other services. The Company's performance obligation for fees, exchange, and other service charges are largely satisfied, and related revenue recognized, when the services are rendered or upon completion. Payment is typically received immediately or in the following month. Safe deposit box rental fees are charged to the customer on an annual basis and recognized upon receipt of payment. The Company determined that rentals and renewals of safe deposit boxes will be recognized on a monthly basis consistent with the duration of the performance obligation.

 The following presents noninterest income, segregated by revenue streams in-scope and out-of-scope of Topic 606, for the years ended December 31, 2024 and 2023.

 Noninterest income

 In-scope of Topic 606:

 Service charges on deposit accounts
 $
 6,149
 $
 5,501

 Trust and investment fee income
 3,367
 3,608

 Interchange income
 6,741
 5,714

 Title Company revenue

 Other noninterest income
 4,251
 2,961

 Noninterest income (in-scope of Topic 606)
 20,910
 18,335

 Noninterest income (out-of-scope of Topic 606)
 10,237
 14,824

 Total noninterest income
 $
 31,147
 $
 33,159

 Contract Balances
 A contract asset balance occurs when an entity performs a service for a customer before the customer pays consideration (resulting in a contract receivable) or before payment is due (resulting in a contract asset). A contract liability balance is an entity's obligation to transfer a service to a customer for which the entity has already received payment (or payment is due) from the customer. The Company's noninterest revenue streams are largely based on transactional activity, or standard month-end revenue accruals such as asset management fees based on month-end market values. Consideration is often received immediately or shortly after the Company satisfies its performance obligation and revenue is recognized. The Company does not typically enter into long-term revenue contracts with customers, and therefore, does not experience significant contract balances. As of December 31, 2024 and 2023, the Company did not have any significant contract balances.

 Note 23 – Segment Reporting
 The Company's reportable segment is determined by the Chief Executive Officer, who is designated the chief operating decision maker ("CODM"), based upon information provided about the Company's product and services offered. The segment is also distinguished by the level of information provided to the CODM, who uses such information to review performance of various components of the business, which are then aggregated if operating performance of product and customers are similar. The CODM evaluates the financial performance of the Company's business components such as revenue streams, significant expenses, and budget to actual results in assessing the Company's segment and in determination of allocated resources. While the CODM monitors the revenue streams of the various products and services, operations are managed and financial performance is evaluated on a Company-wide basis. Accordingly, all of the financial services operations are considered by management to be aggregated in one reportable operating segment. Refer to the "Consolidated Financial Statements" included in Part II, Item 8. of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.

 Note 24 – Parent Company Financial Information
 The following tables provide condensed financial information for Shore Bancshares, Inc. (Parent Company only) at and for the years ended December 31, 2024 and 2023.
 Condensed Balance Sheets

 Assets

 Cash
 $
 5,257
 $
 7,345

 Investment in subsidiaries
 605,286
 571,298

 9,289
 7,926

 Total assets
 $
 619,832
 $
 586,569

 Liabilities

 Accrued interest payable
 $
 1,027
 $
 1,050

 Deferred tax liability
 —

 Other liabilities
 3,771
 2,087

 Long-term debt
 73,717
 72,297

 Total liabilities
 78,766
 75,434

 Stockholders' equity

 Common stock

 Additional paid in capital
 358,112
 356,007

 Retained earnings
 162,290

 Accumulated other comprehensive loss
 ( 7,545)

 Total stockholders' equity

 Total liabilities and stockholders' equity
 $
 619,832
 $
 586,569

 Condensed Statements of Income

 2024
 2023

 Income

 Dividends from subsidiaries
 $
 17,000
 $
 22,000

 Company owned life insurance income

 —
 8,816

 Total income
 17,206
 30,957

 Expenses

 Interest expense
 5,768
 4,454

 Salaries and employee benefits

 Occupancy and equipment expense
 —

 Legal and professional fees, including merger expenses
 1,636
 5,164

 Other operating expenses
 1,032

 Total expenses
 9,034
 10,752

 Income before income tax benefit and equity (deficit) in undistributed net income of subsidiaries
 8,172
 20,205

 Income tax benefit
 ( 1,678)
 ( 1,557)

 Income before equity (deficit) in undistributed net income of subsidiaries
 9,850
 21,762

 Equity (deficit) in undistributed net income of subsidiaries
 34,039
 ( 10,534)

 $
 $

 Condensed Statements of Cash Flows

 2024
 2023

 Cash flows from operating activities:

 $
 $

 Adjustments to reconcile net income to cash provided by operating activities:

 Equity in undistributed net income of subsidiaries
 ( 34,039)
 10,534

 —
 ( 8,816)

 Amortization of debt issuance costs

 Stock-based compensation expense
 1,730
 1,174

 Company owned life insurance income
 ( 406)
 ( 141)

 Acquisition accounting adjustments

 Net increase in other assets
 ( 957)
 ( 1,267)

 Net increase (decrease) in other liabilities
 2,284
 ( 682)

 Net cash provided by operating activities
 13,549
 12,709

 Cash flows from investing activities:

 Purchase of company owned life insurance
 —
 ( 249)

 Cash acquired in the acquisition of TCFC, net of cash paid
 —

 Net cash used in investing activities
 —
 ( 161)

 Cash flows from financing activities:

 Common stock dividends paid
 ( 16,013)
 ( 12,733)

 Issuance of common stock

 Net cash used in financing activities
 ( 15,637)
 ( 12,348)

 Net (decrease) increase in cash and cash equivalents
 ( 2,088)

 Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year
 7,345
 7,145

 Cash and cash equivalents at end of year
 $
 5,257
 $
 7,345

 Item 9. CHANGES IN AND DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCOUNTANTS ON ACCOUNTING AND FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE
 None.

 Item 9A. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES
 Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures
 The Company maintains disclosure controls and procedures that are designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed in the reports that the Company files under the Exchange Act with the SEC, is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in those rules and forms, and that such information is accumulated and communicated to management, including the Company's principal executive officer ("PEO") and its principal financial officer ("PFO"), as appropriate, to allow for timely decisions regarding required disclosure. A control system, no matter how well conceived and operated, can provide only reasonable, not absolute, assurance that the objectives of the control system are met. Further, the design of a control system must reflect the fact that there are resource constraints, and the benefits of controls must be considered relative to their costs. These inherent limitations include the realities that judgments in decision-making can be faulty, and that breakdowns can occur because of simple error or mistake. Additionally, controls can be circumvented by the individual acts of some persons, by collusion of two or more people, or by management override of the control. The design of any system of controls also is based in part upon certain assumptions about the likelihood of future events, and there can be no assurance that any design will succeed in achieving its stated goals under all potential future conditions; over time, a control may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.
 An evaluation of the effectiveness of these disclosure controls and procedures as of December 31, 2024 was carried out under the supervision and with the participation of management, including the PEO and the PFO. Based on the evaluation, the Company's management, including the PEO and the PFO, concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures were effective at the reasonable assurance level at December 31, 2024.
 Changes in Internal Control Over Financial Reporting
 There was no change in the Company's internal control over financial reporting (as such term is defined by Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f) of the Exchange Act) during the fourth quarter of 2024 that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the Company's internal control over financial reporting.
 As required by Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, management has performed an evaluation and testing of the Company's internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2024. Management's report on the Company's internal control over financial reporting is included in Part II, Item 8. of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.
 Crowe, LLP, the independent registered public accounting firm that audited the Company's financial statements included in this Annual Report on Form 10-K, issued an audit report on the Company's internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2024. Such attestation report on the effectiveness of the Company's internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2024 is included in Part II, Item 8. of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.

 Item 9B. OTHER INFORMATION
 During three months ended December 31, 2024, no officer or director of the Company adopted or terminated any contract, instruction, or written plan for the purchase or sale of securities of the Company's common stock that is intended to satisfy the affirmative defense conditions of Securities Exchange Act Rule 10b5-1(c) or any non-Rule 10b5-1 trading arrangement as defined in 17 CFR § 229.408(c).

 Item 9C. DISCLOSURE REGARDING FOREIGN JURISDICTIONS THAT PREVENT INSPECTIONS
 Not applicable.

 Item 10. DIRECTORS, EXECUTIVE OFFICERS AND CORPORATE GOVERNANCE
 The Company has adopted a Code of Ethics that applies to all of its directors, officers, and employees, including its principal executive officer, principal financial officer, principal accounting officer, or controller, or persons performing similar functions. Our Code of Ethics is available on our corporate website at www.shorebancshares.com under the "Governance Documents" link. Shareholders can also obtain a written copy of the Code of Ethics, free of charge, upon request to: Andrea E. Colender, Secretary, Shore Bancshares, Inc., 18 East Dover Street, Easton, Maryland 21601 or (410) 763-7800. Any future changes or amendments to the Code of Ethics and any waiver that applies to one of our senior financial officers or a member of the Board will be posted to our website.
 The information required by this item with respect to our directors and certain corporate governance practices is contained in our Proxy Statement for our 2025 Annual Meeting of Stockholders (the "Proxy Statement") to be filed with the SEC within 120 days after the end of the Company's fiscal year ended December 31, 2024. Such information is incorporated herein by reference.

 Item 11. EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION
 The information required by this Item is incorporated herein by reference to our Proxy Statement to be filed with the SEC within 120 days after the end of the Company's fiscal year.

 Item 12. SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT AND RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS
 The information required by this Item regarding security ownership of certain beneficial owners and management is incorporated by reference to our Proxy Statement to be filed with the SEC within 120 days after the end of the Company's fiscal year.

 Item 13. CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS AND DIRECTOR INDEPENDENCE
 The information required by this Item is incorporated herein by reference to our Proxy Statement to be filed with the SEC within 120 days after the end of the Company's fiscal year.

 Item 14. PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTING FEES AND SERVICES
 The information required by this Item is incorporated herein by reference to our Proxy Statement to be filed with the SEC within 120 days after the end of the Company's fiscal year.

 Item 15. EXHIBITS AND FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES
 (a)(1), (2) and (c) Financial statements and schedules:

 Reports of Crowe LLP, Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

 Report of Yount, Hyde & Barbour, P.C., Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

 Consolidated Balance Sheets at December 31, 2024 and 2023

 Consolidated Statements of Income — Years Ended December 31, 2024 and 2023

 Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income — Years Ended December 31, 2024 and 2023

 Consolidated Statements of Changes in Stockholders' Equity — Years Ended December 31, 2024 and 2023

 Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows — Years Ended December 31, 2024 and 2023

 Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements as of and for the Years Ended December 31, 2024 and 2023

 (a)(3) and (b) Exhibits required to be filed by Item 601 of Regulation S-K:
 The exhibits filed or furnished with this annual report are shown on the Exhibit Index that follows the signatures to this annual report, which index is incorporated herein by reference.

 Item 16. FORM 10-K SUMMARY
 None.

 EXHIBIT LIST

 Exhibit No.
 Description

 2.1
 Agreement and Plan of Merger, dated as of March 3, 2021, between Shore Bancshares, Inc. and Severn Bancorp, Inc. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 2.1 of the Company's Form 8-K filed on March 3, 2021).

 2.2
 Agreement and Plan of Merger, dated as of December 14, 2022, between Shore Bancshares, Inc. and The Community Financial Corporation (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 2.1 of the Company's Form 8-K filed on December 14, 2022).

 3.1(i)
 Amended and Restated Articles of Incorporation (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 of the Company's Form 8-K filed on December 14, 2000).

 3.1(ii)

 Articles of the Amendment of Amended and Restated Articles of Incorporation (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 of the Company's Form 8-K filed on July 3, 2023).

 3.1(iii)

 Articles Supplementary relating to the Fixed Rate Cumulative Perpetual Preferred Stock, Series A (incorporated by reference Exhibit 4.1 of the Company's Form 8-K filed on January 13, 2009).

 3.1(iv)

 Articles Supplementary relating to the reclassification of Fixed Rate Cumulative Perpetual Preferred Stock, Series A, as common stock (incorporated by reference Exhibit 3.1(i) of the Company's Form 8-K filed on June 17, 2009).

 3.2
 Second Amended and Restated By-Laws (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.2 of the Company's Form 10-Q filed on August 9, 2024).

 4.1
 Description of Registrant's Securities (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 of the Company's Form 10-K filed on March 15, 2024).

 4.2
 Form of Common Stock Certificate (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 of the Company's Form S-3 filed on June 25, 2010).

 10.1
 Shore Bancshares, Inc. Management Incentive Plan (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 of the Company's Form 8-K filed on April 21, 2010).

 10.2
 Shore Bancshares, Inc. Amended and Restated Executive Deferred Compensation Plan (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 of the Company's Form 8-K filed on February 14, 2007).

 10.3
 Shore Bancshares, Inc. 2006 Stock and Incentive Compensation Plan (incorporated by reference to Appendix A of the Company's 2006 definitive proxy statement filed on March 24, 2006).

 10.4
 Form of Restricted Stock Award Agreement under the 2006 Stock and Incentive Compensation Plan (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Company's Form 8-K filed on April 11, 2007).

 10.5
 Form of Performance Share/Restricted Stock Unit Award Agreement (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Company's Form 8-K filed on July 8, 2015).

 10.6
 Shore Bancshares, Inc. 2016 Stock and Incentive Compensation Plan (incorporated by reference to Appendix A of the Company's 2016 definitive proxy statement filed on March 15, 2016).

 10.7
 Form of Restricted Stock Award Agreement under the 2016 Stock and Incentive Compensation Plan (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.7 to the Company's Form 10-K filed on March 13, 2020).

 10.8
 Form of Restricted Stock Units Award under the 2016 Stock and Incentive Compensation Plan (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.8 to the Company's Form 10-K filed on March 13, 2020).

 10.9
 Change in Control Agreement, dated November 2, 2018 between Shore United Bank and Lloyd L. Beatty, Jr. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Company's Form 8-K filed on November 2, 2018).

 10.10
 Change in Control Agreement, dated November 2, 2018 between Shore United Bank and Donna J. Stevens (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to the Company's Form 8-K filed on November 2, 2018).

 10.11
 Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan for Lloyd L. Beatty, Jr. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Company's Form 8-K filed on July 25, 2019).

 10.12
 Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan for Donna J. Stevens (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.3 to the Company's Form 8-K filed on July 25, 2019).

 10.13
 2019 Deferred Compensation Plan (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.16 to the Company's Form 10-K filed on March 13, 2020).

 10.14
 Consulting Agreement, dated as of October 31, 2021, by and between Alan J. Hyatt and Shore United Bank (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Company's Form 8-K filed on November 1, 2021).

 10.15
 Assumption and Amendment of Employment Agreement, effective as of July 1, 2023, by and between Shore Bancshares, Inc. and James M. Burke (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 of the Company's Form 8-K filed on July 3, 2023).

 10.16
 Assumption and Amendment of Employment Agreement, effective as of July 1, 2023, by and between Shore Bancshares, Inc. and Todd L. Capitani (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 of the Company's Form 8-K filed on July 3, 2023).

 Exhibit No.
 Description

 10.18
 Retention Agreement, effective as of July 1, 2023, by and between Shore Bancshares, Inc. and James M. Burke (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.3 of the Company's Form 8-K filed on July 3, 2023).

 10.19
 Retention Agreement, effective as of July 1, 2023, by and between Shore Bancshares, Inc. and Todd L. Capitani (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.4 of the Company's Form 8-K filed on July 3, 2023).

 10.20
 Retention Agreement, effective as of July 1, 2023, by and between Shore Bancshares, Inc. and Donna Stevens (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.5 of the Company's Form 8-K filed on July 3, 2023).

 10.21
 The Community Financial Corporation 2015 Equity Compensation Plan (as assumed by the Company effective July 3, 2023) (incorporated by reference to Appendix A in the Definitive Proxy Statement of The Community Financial Corporation filed with the Commission on March 25, 2015).

 10.22
 First Amendment to Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan for Donna J. Stevens (filed herewith).

 Insider Trading Policy (filed herewith).

 Subsidiaries of the Company (included in the "BUSINESS—General" section of Item 1 of Part I of this Annual Report on Form 10-K).

 23.1
 Consent of Crowe LLP.

 23.2
 Consent of Yount, Hyde & Barbour, P.C.

 31.1
 Certifications of the PEO pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act (filed herewith).

 31.2
 Certifications of the PFO pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act (filed herewith).

 Certification pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act (furnished herewith).

 97.0
 Shore Bancshares, Inc. Clawback Policy (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 97.0 of the Company's Form 10-K filed on March 15, 2024).

 101.INS

 101.SCH

 101.CAL

 101.DEF

 101.LAB

 101.PRE

 SIGNATURES
 Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the Registrant has caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.

 Date: March 10, 2025

 By:
 /s/ James M. Burke

 James M. Burke

 President and Chief Executive Officer

 Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this report has been signed below by the following persons on behalf of the Registrant and in the capacities and on the dates indicated.

 /s/ James M. Burke
 /s/ Michael B. Adams

 James M. Burke
 Michael B. Adams, Director

 Director, President, and Chief Executive Officer

 (Principal Executive Officer)

 /s/ David S. Jones

 David S. Jones, Director

 /s/Todd L. Capitani

 Todd L. Capitani

 Executive Vice President & Chief Financial Officer
 /s/ Clyde V. Kelly, III

 (Principal Financial Officer)
 Clyde V. Kelly, III, Director

 /s/ Alan J. Hyatt
 /s/ David W. Moore

 Alan J. Hyatt, Chairman of the Board
 David W. Moore, Director

 /s/ Austin J. Slater, Jr.
 /s/ Dawn M. Willey

 Austin J. Slater, Jr., Vice Chair & Lead Independent Director
 Dawn M. Willey, Director

 /s/ John A. Lamon, III
 /s/ R. Michael Clemmer, Jr.

 John A. Lamon, Director
 R. Michael Clemmer, Jr., Director

 /s/ Frank E. Mason, III
 /s/ Konrad M. Wayson

 Frank E. Mason, III, Director
 Konrad M. Wayson, Director

 /s/ William E. Esham, III
 /s/ Louis P. Jenkins, Jr.

 William E. Esham, Director
 Louis P. Jenkins, Jr., Director

 /s/ Esther A. Streete
 /s/ Rebecca Middleton McDonald

 Esther A. Streete, Director
 Rebecca Middleton McDonald, CPA, Director

 /s/ Mary Todd Peterson
 /s/ E. Larry Sanders, III

 Mary Todd Peterson, Director
 E. Larry Sanders, III, Director