Summary of Significant Accounting Policies	12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2023
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies	Summary of Significant Accounting Policies Basis of Presentation - The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of First Bancorp (the “Company”) and its wholly owned subsidiary First Bank (the “Bank”). The Bank has three wholly owned subsidiaries that are fully consolidated, SBA Complete, Inc. (“SBA Complete”) Magnolia Financial, Inc. ("Magnolia Financial"), and First Troy SPE, LLC. The Company is a bank holding company. The principal activity of the Company is the ownership and operation of the Bank, a state chartered bank with its main office in Southern Pines, North Carolina. SBA Complete specializes in providing consulting services for financial institutions across the country related to Small Business Administration (“SBA”) loan origination and servicing. Magnolia Financial is a business financing company that makes loans throughout the southeastern United States. First Troy SPE, LLC was formed in order to hold and dispose of certain real estate foreclosed upon by the Bank. The Company is also the parent company for a series of statutory trusts that were formed for the purpose of issuing trust preferred debt securities. The trusts are not consolidated for financial reporting purposes as they are variable interest entities and the Company is not the primary beneficiary. All significant intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated. Certain reclassifications have been made to the 2022 and 2021 consolidated financial statements to be comparable to 2023. These reclassifications had no effect on net income. Subsequent events have been evaluated through the date of filing this Annual Report Form 10-K. Use of Estimates – The preparation of financial statements in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles in the United States of America ("GAAP") requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could materially differ from those estimates. The most significant estimates made by the Company in the preparation of its consolidated financial statements are the determination of the allowance for credit losses on loans, the allowance for unfunded commitments, the accounting and impairment testing related to intangible assets, the fair value determination for acquired assets and liabilities, and the resulting accretion or amortization of purchase accounting premiums or discounts. Business Combinations – The Company accounts for business combinations using the acquisition method of accounting. The accounts of an acquired entity are included as of the date of acquisition, and any excess of purchase price over the fair value of the net assets acquired is capitalized as goodwill. Under this method, all identifiable assets acquired, including purchased loans, and liabilities assumed are recorded at fair value. The Company typically issues common stock and/or pays cash for an acquisition, depending on the terms of the acquisition agreement. The value of common shares issued is determined based on the market price of the stock as of the closing of the acquisition. Cash and Cash Equivalents - The Company considers all highly liquid assets with original maturities of 90 days or less, such as cash on hand, noninterest-bearing and interest-bearing amounts due from banks and federal funds sold, to be “cash equivalents.” Securities - Debt securities that the Company has the positive intent and ability to hold to maturity are classified as “held to maturity” ("HTM") and carried at amortized cost. Debt securities not classified as held to maturity are classified as “available for sale” ("AFS") and carried at fair value, with unrealized holding gains and losses being reported as other comprehensive income or loss and reported as a separate component of shareholders’ equity. Interest income includes amortization of purchase premiums or discounts. Premiums and discounts are generally amortized and accreted into income on a level yield basis, with premiums being amortized to the earliest call date and discounts being accreted to the stated maturity date. Gains and losses on sales of securities are recognized at the time of sale based upon the specific identification method. A debt security is placed on nonaccrual status at the time any principal or interest payments become 90 days delinquent. Interest accrued but not received for a security placed on nonaccrual is reversed against interest income. Allowance for Credit Losses ("ACL") - Securities Held to Maturity - The Company measures expected credit losses on HTM debt securities on a pooled basis in accordance with Accounting Standards Codification ("ASC") 326 ("CECL"). The estimate of expected credit losses is primarily based on the ratings assigned to the securities by debt rating agencies and the average of the annual historical loss rates associated with those ratings. The Company then multiplies those loss rates, as adjusted for any modifications to reflect current conditions and reasonable and supportable forecasts as considered necessary, by the remaining lives of each individual security to arrive at a lifetime expected loss amount. The CECL assumptions, including reasonable and supportable forecast periods, reversion method, and prepayments as applicable, are consistent with those utilized for the ACL on loans as discussed further below. Virtually all of the mortgage-backed securities held by the Company are issued by government-sponsored enterprises ("GSEs"). These securities are either explicitly guaranteed by the U.S. government or guaranteed by GSEs that have credit ratings and perceived credit risk comparable to the U.S. government, are highly rated by major rating agencies, and have a long history of no credit losses. Substantially all of the state and local government securities held by the Company are highly rated by major rating agencies. Accrued interest receivable of $4.2 million and $4.3 million at December 31, 2023 and December 31, 2022, respectively, on HTM debt securities was excluded from the estimate of credit losses. Allowance for Credit Losses - Securities Available for Sale - For AFS 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 will be required to sell the security before recovery of the amortized cost basis. If either of the criteria regarding intent or requirement to sell is met, the security's amortized cost basis is written down to fair value through income with the establishment of an allowance under CECL. For debt securities AFS that do not meet the aforementioned criteria, the Company evaluates whether any decline in fair value is due to credit loss factors. In making this assessment, management considers any changes to the rating of the security by a rating agency and adverse conditions specifically related to the security, among other factors. If this 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 the cash flows expected to be collected is less than the amortized cost basis, a credit loss exists and an allowance for credit losses on AFS securities is recorded for the credit loss, 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. Changes in the ACL under CECL are recorded as provision for (or reversal of) credit loss expense. Losses are charged against the allowance when management believes the uncollectibility of an AFS security is confirmed or when either of the criteria regarding intent or requirement to sell is met. Accrued interest receivable of $5.2 million and $5.7 million at December 31, 2023 and December 31, 2022, respectively, on AFS debt securities was excluded from the estimate of credit losses. Presold Mortgages in Process of Settlement - As a part of normal business operations, the Company originates residential mortgage loans that have been pre-approved by secondary investors to be sold on a best efforts basis. The terms of the loans are set by the secondary investors, and the purchase price that the investor will pay for the loan is agreed to prior to the funding of the loan by the Company. Loans are transferred to the investor in a short period following funding in accordance with the agreed-upon terms. The Company records gains from the sale of these loans on the settlement date of the sale equal to the difference between the proceeds received and the carrying amount of the loan. Additionally, the Company records gains for loans in the process of closing, based on the changes in fair value of the loans and related commitments. Between the initial funding of the loans by the Company and the subsequent reimbursement by the investors, the Company carries the loans on its balance sheet at fair value. Loans - Loans that management has the intent and ability to hold for the foreseeable future or until maturity or payoff are reported at amortized cost. Amortized cost is the principal balance outstanding, net of purchase premiums and discounts and deferred fees and costs. Accrued interest receivable related to these loans totaled $28.0 million at December 31, 2023 and $19.7 million at December 31, 2022, and was reported in accrued interest receivable on the consolidated balance sheets. Interest income is accrued on the unpaid principal balance. Loan origination fees, net of certain direct origination costs, are deferred and recognized in interest income using methods that approximate a level yield without anticipating prepayments. Past due status is based on contractual terms of the loan. A loan is considered to be past due when a scheduled payment has not been received 30 days after the contractual due date. The accrual of interest is generally discontinued when a loan becomes 90 days past due and is not well collateralized and in the process of collection, or when management believes, after considering economic and business conditions and collection efforts, that the principal or interest will not be collectible in the normal course of business. All accrued interest is reversed against interest income when a loan is placed on nonaccrual status. Interest received on such loans is accounted for using the cost-recovery method, until qualifying for return to accrual. Under the cost-recovery method, interest income is not recognized until the loan balance is reduced to zero. Loans are returned to accrual status when all the principal and interest amounts contractually due are brought current, there is a sustained period of repayment performance, and future payments are reasonably assured. Purchased Financial Assets with Credit Deterioration ("PCD") - Loans acquired in a business combination that have experienced more-than-insignificant deterioration in credit quality since origination are considered PCD loans. In determining whether an acquired loan is a PCD loan, the Company considers internal loan grades, delinquency status, and other relevant factors. At the acquisition date, an estimate of expected credit losses is made for groups of PCD loans with similar risk characteristics and individual PCD loans without similar risk characteristics. The initial amortized cost of PCD loans is determined by reducing the loans par value by the initial ACL, with any difference between the resulting amount and the loans purchase price or acquisition date fair value recorded as a non-credit-related discount or premium. Discounts and premiums are recognized through interest income on a level-yield method over the life of the loans. Subsequent to initial recognition, PCD loans are subject to the same interest income recognition and impairment model as non-PCD loans, with changes to the ACL recorded through provision expense. Allowance for Credit Losses - Loans - The ACL is an estimate that is deducted from the amortized cost basis of the financial asset to present the net carrying value at the amount expected to be collected on the financial assets. The level of the allowance is determined under the CECL methodology and includes management's evaluation of historical default and loss experience, current and projected economic conditions, asset quality trends, known and inherent risks in the portfolio, adverse situations that may affect the borrowers' ability to repay a loan (including the timing of future payments), the estimated value of any underlying collateral, composition of the loan portfolio, reasonable and supportable forecasts, and other pertinent factors. Credit losses are estimated on the amortized cost basis of loans, which includes the principal balance outstanding, purchase discounts and premiums, and deferred loan fees and costs. Accrued interest receivable is presented separately on the consolidated balance sheets and excluded from the estimate of credit losses. Loans are charged off when the Company determines that such financial assets are deemed uncollectible. The ACL is increased through provision for loan losses and decreased by charge-offs, net of recoveries. The ACL is measured on a collective basis for pools of loans with similar risk characteristics. The Discounted Cash Flow (“DCF”) method is utilized for substantially all pools, with discounted cash flows computed for each loan in a pool based on its individual characteristics (e.g. maturity date, payment amount, interest rate, etc.), and the results are aggregated at the pool level. A probability of default and loss given default, as adjusted for recoveries, are applied to the discounted cash flows for each pool, while considering prepayment and principal curtailment assumptions driven by each loan's collateral type. When the DCF method is used to determine the ACL, management adjusts the effective interest rate used to discount expected cash flows to incorporate expected prepayments. When management determines that foreclosure is probable or when the borrower is experiencing financial difficulty at the reporting date and repayment is expected to be provided substantially through the operation or sale of the collateral, expected credit losses are based on the fair value of the collateral at the reporting date, adjusted for selling costs as appropriate. The Company has identified the following primary pools for measuring expected credit losses. There are additional sub-segmentations within each pool, including risk categories. •Owner occupied commercial real estate loans - Owner occupied commercial real estate mortgage loans are secured by commercial office buildings, industrial buildings, warehouses or retail buildings where the owner of the building occupies the property. For such loans, repayment is largely dependent upon the operation of the borrower's business. The Company generally requires loan to value of 80% or lower and debt service coverage of 1.30x or better. Terms outside of these guidelines will have strengths to mitigate additional risk. •Non-owner occupied commercial real estate loans - These loans represent investment real estate loans secured by office buildings, industrial buildings, warehouses, retail buildings, and multifamily residential housing. Repayment is primarily dependent on lease income generated from the underlying collateral. The Company generally requires loan to value of 80% or lower, debt service coverage of 1.30x or better and overall lease terms to match or extend beyond the term of the loan. •Consumer real estate mortgage loans - Consumer real estate mortgage consists primarily of loans secured by 1-4 family residential properties, including home equity lines of credit. Repayment is primarily dependent on the personal cash flow of the borrower and may be affected by changes in general economic conditions. The Company generally requires a debt-to-income below 40% on all home equity lines of credit with loan to value generally 80% or less and a minimum credit score of 660. Portfolio mortgage loans will vary depending on the product, but generally require credit scores of 640 or greater, debt to income below 50% and loan to value maximum of 90%. •Construction and land development loans - This pool includes loans where the repayment is dependent on the successful completion and eventual sale, refinance or operation of the related real estate project and are thus impacted by market demand and real estate valuations. Construction and land development loans include 1-4 family construction projects and commercial construction projects. Residential construction loans for resale generally have a loan to value of 85% or lower. Loan to value would generally be under 80% for commercial speculative construction projects. Owner occupied and non-owner occupied commercial construction projects are underwritten to standard guidelines discussed above. •Commercial and industrial loans - These loans include loans to business enterprises issued for commercial, industrial and/or other professional purposes. These loans are generally secured by equipment, inventory, and accounts receivable of the borrower and repayment is primarily dependent on business cash flows. Commercial and Industrial loans generally require debt service coverage of 1.25x or better. The Company typically limits equipment and accounts receivable to loan to value of 80% and eligible inventory limited to 40% loan to value. •Consumer and other loans - Consumer and other loans include all loans issued to individuals not included in the consumer real estate mortgage classification, including automobile loans, consumer credit cards and loans to finance education, among others. Many consumer loans are unsecured and repayment is primarily dependent on the personal cash flow of the borrower which may be impacted by changes in economic conditions and unemployment. The Company generally limits consumer loans to those clients with a minimum 660 credit score and debt-to-income below 40%. Loan to value will vary based on the collateral type and useful life. In determining the proper level of default rates and loss given default, management has determined that the loss experience of the Company provides the best basis for its assessment of expected credit losses. It therefore utilizes its own historical credit loss experience by each loan segment over an economic cycle, while excluding loss experience from certain acquired institutions (i.e., failed banks). Management considers forward-looking information in estimating expected credit losses. For substantially all segments of loans, the Company incorporates two or more macroeconomic drivers using a statistical regression modeling methodology. The Company subscribes to a third-party service which provides a quarterly macroeconomic baseline forecast and alternative scenarios for the United States economy. The baseline forecast, which incorporates an equal probability of the United States economy performing better or worse than the projection, along with the alternative scenarios, are evaluated by management to determine the best forecast to use for macroeconomic factors in the model. Management has also evaluated the appropriateness of the reasonable and supportable forecast scenarios utilized for each period and has made adjustments as needed. For the contractual term that extends beyond the reasonable and supportable forecast period, the Company reverts to the long-term mean of historical factors over 12 quarters using a straight-line approach. The Company generally utilizes a four-quarter forecast and a 12-quarter reversion period to the long-term average, which is then held static for the remainder of the forecast period. Included in its systematic methodology to determine its ACL on loans, management considers the need to qualitatively adjust expected credit losses for information not already captured in the loss estimation process. These qualitative adjustments either increase or decrease the quantitative model estimation (i.e., formulaic model results). Each period the Company considers qualitative factors that are relevant within the qualitative framework that includes the following: 1) changes in lending policies, procedures, and strategies, 2) changes in the nature and volume of the portfolio, 3) staff experience, 4) changes in volume and trends in classified loans, delinquencies, and nonaccrual loans, 5) concentration risk, 6) trends in underlying collateral value, 7) external factors, including competition and legal and regulatory factors, 8) changes in the quality of the Company's loan review system, and 9) economic conditions not already captured. Allowance for Credit Losses - Off-Balance Sheet Credit Exposure - The Company estimates expected credit losses on commitments to extend credit over the contractual period (unfunded commitments) in which the Company is exposed to credit risk on the underlying commitments, unless the obligation is unconditionally cancellable by the Company. The allowance for unfunded commitments, which is reflected within "Other liabilities" on the consolidated balance sheets is adjusted for as an increase or decrease to the provision for credit losses for unfunded commitments. The estimate includes consideration of the likelihood that funding will occur and an estimate of expected credit losses on commitments expected to be funded over its estimated life. The allowance is calculated using the same aggregate reserve rates calculated for the funded portion of loans at the portfolio level applied to the amount of commitments expected to fund. Financial Difficulty Modifications ("FDM") - A loan that is refinanced or restructured by the Company when a borrower is experiencing financial difficulty is generally considered a FDM. Such modification is evaluated to determine if the changes to the loan result in a new loan or a continuation of the existing loan, and to determine the appropriate treatment of deferred loan fees/costs, (i.e. to recognize in income if considered a new loan or to continue amortization if determined to be a continuation of the loan). The ACL on a FDM is measured using the same method as all other loans held for investment. FDMs that share similar risk characteristics and consistently discounted based on the post-modification effective rate. Troubled Debt Restructurings ("TDR") - Prior to the adoption of Accounting Standards Update ("ASU") 2022-02 on January 1, 2023, a TDR was generally considered a loan for which the terms were modified resulting in a more than insignificant concession, and for which the borrower was experiencing financial difficulties. The ACL on a TDR was measured using the same method as all other loans held for investment, except that the original interest rate was used to discount the expected cash flows, not the rate specified within the restructuring. Small Business Administration ("SBA") Loans Held for Sale and SBA Retained Loan Discount – All SBA loans originated are underwritten and documented as prescribed by the SBA. SBA loans are generally fully amortizing and have maturity dates and amortizations of up to 25 years. The portion of SBA loans originated that are guaranteed and intended for sale on the secondary market may be classified as held for sale if the Company intends to sell them in the near future and generally has acceptable bids for such loans. SBA loans classified as held for sale are carried at the lower of cost or fair value. The Company generally sells the guaranteed portion of the SBA loan as soon as it is eligible to be sold and retains the servicing right. When the guaranteed portion of an SBA loan is sold, the Company allocates the carrying basis of the loan between the guaranteed portion of the loan sold, the unguaranteed portion of the loans retained, and the servicing asset based on their relative fair values. A gain is recorded for the difference between the proceeds received from the sale and the basis allocated to the sold portion. The relative fair value allocation results in a discount that is recorded on the unguaranteed portion of the loan that is retained. The discount is amortized as a yield adjustment over the life of the loan, so long as the loan performs. SBA Servicing Assets - When the Company sells the guaranteed portion of an SBA loan, the Company continues to perform the servicing on the loan and collects a fee related to the sold portion of the loan. A SBA servicing asset is recorded for the fair value of that fee based on an analysis of discounted cash flows that incorporates estimates of (1) market servicing costs, (2) market-based prepayment rates, and (3) market profit margins. SBA servicing assets are included in “Other intangible assets” on the consolidated balance sheets. SBA servicing assets are initially recorded at fair value and amortized against income over the lives of the related loans as a reduction of servicing fee income, generally five years. SBA servicing asset amortization expense is recorded in noninterest income as an offset to SBA servicing fees within the line item "Other service charges, commissions and fees" on the consolidated statement of income. SBA servicing assets are tested for impairment on a quarterly basis by comparing their estimated fair values, aggregated by year of origination, to the related carrying values. Changes in observable market data relating to market interest rates, loan prepayment speeds, and other factors, could result in impairment or reversal of impairment of these servicing assets and, as such, impact the Company's financial condition and results of operations. Transfers of Financial Assets - Transfers of financial assets are accounted for as sales, when control over the assets has been relinquished. Control over financial assets is deemed to be surrendered when the assets have been isolated from the Company, 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 the Company does not maintain effective control over the transferred assets through an agreement to repurchase them before their maturity. Premises and Equipment - Premises and equipment are stated at cost less accumulated depreciation. Recorded within noninterest expense as "Occupancy expense" on the consolidated statements of income, depreciation, computed by the straight-line method, is charged to operations over the estimated useful lives of the properties or, in the case of leasehold improvements, over the term of the lease, if shorter. Land is carried at cost. Maintenance and repairs are charged to operations in the year incurred. Gains and losses on dispositions are included in current operations and are recorded within noninterest expense on the "Other operating expenses" line on the consolidated statements of income. Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets - Business combinations are accounted for using the acquisition method of accounting. Identifiable intangible assets, primarily core deposit intangibles ("CDI"), are recognized separately and are amortized over their estimated useful lives, which for the Company has generally been five to ten years and at an accelerated rate. Goodwill is recognized in business combinations to the extent that the price paid exceeds the fair value of the net assets acquired, including any identifiable intangible assets. Goodwill is not amortized, but rather is subject to fair value impairment tests on at least an annual basis. Foreclosed Properties - Foreclosed properties consists primarily of real estate acquired by the Company through legal foreclosure or deed in lieu of foreclosure. The property is initially carried at the lower of cost or the estimated fair value of the property less estimated selling costs. If there are subsequent declines in fair value, which is reviewed routinely by management, the property is written down to its fair value through a charge to expense recorded within noninterest expense on the "Other operating expenses" line in the consolidated statements of income. Capital expenditures made to improve the property are capitalized. Costs of holding real estate, such as property taxes, insurance, and maintenance, less related revenues during the holding period, are recorded as expense as they are incurred. Foreclosed properties are included in the "Other assets" line on the consolidated balance sheets and totaled $0.9 million and $0.7 million at December 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively. Bank-Owned Life Insurance – The Company has purchased life insurance policies on certain current and past key employees and directors where the insurance policy benefits and ownership are retained by the employer. These policies are recorded at their cash surrender value. Income from these policies and changes in the net cash surrender value are recorded within noninterest income as “Bank-owned life insurance income” on the consolidated statements of income. Income Taxes - Income taxes are accounted for under the asset and liability method. 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 and operating loss and tax credit carryforwards. 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 income in the period that includes the enactment date. Deferred tax assets are reduced, if necessary, by the amount of such benefits that are more likely than not expected to be realized based upon available evidence. Other Investments – The Company accounts for its investments in limited partnerships and limited liability companies (“LLCs”) using the equity method of accounting if the percentage ownership and degree of management influence in the investments warrants such accounting treatment. Under the equity method of accounting, the Company records its initial investment at cost. Subsequently, the carrying amount of the investment is increased or decreased to reflect the Company’s share of income or loss of the investee, recorded within noninterest income as "Other gains, net" on the consolidated statements of income. The Company’s recognition of earnings or losses from an equity method investment is based on the Company’s ownership percentage in the investee and the investee’s earnings on a quarterly basis. The investees generally provide their financial information during the quarter following the end of a given period. The Company’s policy is to record its share of earnings or losses on equity method investments in the quarter the financial information is received. All of the Company’s investments in limited partnerships and LLCs and their market values are not readily available. The Company’s management evaluates its investments in investees for impairment based on the investee’s ability to generate cash through its operations or obtain alternative financing, and other subjective factors. There are inherent risks associated with the Company’s investments in such companies, which may result in income statement volatility in future periods. At December 31, 2023 and 2022, the Company’s investments in limited partnerships and LLCs totaled $27.6 million and $18.5 million, respectively, and are included in "Other assets" on the consolidated balance sheets. Federal Home Loan Bank ("FHLB") Stock - The Company is a member of the FHLB system. Members are required to own a certain amount of stock based on the level of borrowings and other factors. FHLB stock is carried at cost and is recorded in "Other assets" on the consolidated balance sheets. Cash dividends are reported as income, recorded within interest income in the "Other, principally overnight investments" line on the consolidated statements of income. Federal Reserve Bank ("Federal Reserve", "FRB") Stock - The Company is a member of its regional Federal Reserve and is required to own stock based on its level of capital. Federal Reserve stock is carried at cost and is recorded in "Other assets" on the consolidated balance sheets. Cash dividends are reported as income, recorded within interest income in the "Other, principally overnight investments" line on the consolidated statements of income. Loan Commitments and Related Financial Instruments - Financial instruments include off-balance sheet credit instruments, such as commitments to make loans and commercial letters of credit, issued to meet customer financing needs. The face amount for these items represents the exposure to loss, before considering customer collateral or ability to repay. Such financial instruments are recorded when they are funded. Leases - The Company leases certain branch locations and administrative offices which are generally classified as operating leases with right-of-use assets being included in other assets and the associated lease obligations being included in other liabilities. For leases where the Company is the lessee that have initial terms greater than one year, right-of-use assets and corresponding lease liabilities are reported on the balance sheet. Leases with an initial term of less than one year are not recorded on the balance sheet, rather, the Company recognizes lease expense for these leases on a straight-line basis over the lease term. Operating lease expense is recognized on a straight-line basis over the lease term and included in "Occupancy expense" on the consolidated statements of income. Stock-Based Compensation - Restricted stock awards are the primary form of equity grant utilized by the Company. Compensation cost is based on the fair value of the award, which is the closing price of the Company's common stock on the date of the grant. Restricted stock awards issued by the Company typically have vesting periods with service conditions. Compensation cost is recognized as expense over the vesting period. For awards with graded vesting, compensation cost is recognized on a straight-line basis over the requisite service period. Because of the insignificant amount of forfeitures the Company has experienced, forfeitures are recognized as they occur. Earnings Per Share ("EPS") Amounts - Basic EPS is calculated by dividing net income, less income allocated to participating securities, by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during the period, excluding unvested shares of restricted stock. For the Company, participating securities are comprised of unvested shares of restricted stock. Diluted EPS is computed by assuming the issuance of common shares for all potentially dilutive common shares outstanding during the reporting period. For the periods presented, the Company’s potentially dilutive common stock issuances related to unvested shares of restricted stock, dilutive stock options and contingently issuable shares which are determined using the treasury stock method. If any of the potentially dilutive common stock issuances have an anti-dilutive effect, the potentially dilutive common stock issuance is disregarded. Fair Value of Financial Instruments - Fair value estimates are made at a specific point in time, based on relevant market information and information about the financial instrument, as more fully described in Note 14. Because no highly liquid market exists for a significant portion of the Company’s financial instruments, fair value estimates are based on judgments regarding future expected loss experience, current economic conditions, risk characteristics of various financial instruments, and other factors. These estimates are subjective in nature and involve uncertainties and matters of significant judgment and therefore cannot be determined with precision. Changes in assumptions could significantly affect the estimates. Fair value estimates are based on existing on- and off-balance sheet financial instruments without attempting to estimate the value of anticipated future business and the value of assets and liabilities that are not considered financial instruments. Impairment - Goodwill is evaluated for impairment on at least an annual basis, and more often if a triggering event is identified, by comparing the estimated fair value of the reporting unit to its related carrying value. If the carrying value of a reporting unit exceeds its fair value, the Company utilizes various valuation techniques to determine whether the implied fair value of the goodwill exceeds its carrying value. If the carrying value of the goodwill exceeds the implied fair value of the goodwill, an impairment loss is recorded in an amount equal to that excess. The Company reviews all other long-lived assets, including identifiable intangible assets, for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying value may not be recoverable. The Company’s policy is that an impairment loss is recognized if the sum of the undiscounted future cash flows is less than the carrying amount of the asset. Any long-lived assets to be disposed of are reported at the lower of the carrying amount or fair value, less costs to sell. To date, the Company has not recorded any impairment write-downs of its long-lived assets or goodwill. Comprehensive Income (Loss) - Comprehensive income (loss) includes revenues, expenses, gains, and losses that are excluded from earnings under current accounting standards, primarily unrealized gain (loss) on available for sale securities and unrealized and realized gains and losses on postretirement benefit plans. Variable Interest Entities - The Company's statutory trust subsidiaries (First Bancorp Capital Trust II, Trust III and Trust IV, Carolina Capital Trust, New Century Statutory Trust I, and GrandSouth Capital Trust I), (collectively "the Trusts") qualify as variable interest entities. Notes issued by the Company to the Trusts in return for the proceeds from the issuance of the trust preferred securities have terms that are substantially the same as the corresponding trust preferred securities. As qualified variable interest entities, the Trusts' balance sheet and statement of operations have never been consolidated with those of the Company because the Company is not the primary beneficiary. Further, the Company has no exposure to loss of the operations of the Trusts as the Company is limited to the repayment of the underlying obligations and would not absorb the losses of the Trusts if losses were to occur. The trust preferred securities qualify as capital for regulatory capital adequacy requirements. Segment Reporting - Accounting standards require management to report selected financial and descriptive information about reportable operating segments that exceed certain thresholds. The standards also require related disclosures about products and services, geographic areas, and major customers. Generally, disclosures are required for segments internally identified to evaluate performance and resource allocation. The Company’s operations are substantially all within a single banking segment, and the financial statements presented herein reflect the combined results of all of its operations with that segment. The Company has no foreign operations or customers. Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities - The Company occasionally enters into derivative financial instruments as part of its interest rate risk management strategies. These derivative financial instruments consist primarily of interest rate swaps to accommodate certain commercial loan customers, with offsetting positions to dealers under a back-to-back swap program. All derivative instruments are recorded on the consolidated balance sheets as either an asset (included in "Other assets") or liability (included in "Other liabilities") at their fair value. The Company has master netting agreements with the counterparties with which it does business, but reflects gross assets and liabilities at fair value on the consolidated balance sheets. The accounting for the gain or loss resulting from the change in fair value depends on the intended use of the derivative. The Company classifies its derivative financial instruments as either (1) a hedge of an exposure to changes in the fair value of a recorded asset or liability (“fair value hedge”), (2) a hedge of an exposure to changes in the cash flows of a recognized asset, liability or forecasted transaction (“cash flow hedge”), or (3) derivatives not designated as accounting hedges ("undesignated hedges"). As of December 31, 2023, the Company has only entered into derivatives classified as undesignated hedges for which changes in fair value are recognized in current period earnings in either noninterest income or noninterest expense. The Company also originates certain residential mortgage loans with the intention of selling these loans. The Company enters into forward sale agreements to mitigate risk and to protect the expected gain on the eventual loan sale. The commitments to originate residential mortgage loans and forward loan sales commitments are freestanding derivative instruments which are entered into as part of an economic hedging strategy to manage exposure related to mortgage loans held for sale. Recent Accounting Pronouncements Accounting Standards Adopted in 2023 ASU 2022-02, "Financial Instruments-Credit Losses (Topic 326): Troubled Debt Restructurings and Vintage Disclosures." The amendments contained in this ASU eliminate the accounting guidance for TDRs by creditors, while enhancing disclosure requirements for certain loan refinancing and restructurings by creditors when a borrower is experiencing financial difficulty. This ASU also requires entities to disclose current period gross write-offs by year of origination for financing receivables. The Company adopted ASU 2022-02 effective January 1, 2023 using a modified retrospective transition approach for the amendments related to the recognition and measurement of TDRs. The impact of the adoption resulted in an immaterial change to the ACL, thus no adjustment to retained earnings was recorded. Disclosures have been updated in Note 4 to comply with the ASU as required. In addition, TDR disclosures are presented in Note 4 for comparative periods only and are not required to be updated in current periods. ASU 2022-03, "Fair Value Measurements (Topic 820): Fair Value Measurement of Equity Securities Subject to Contractual Sale Restrictions." This ASU clarifies that a contractual restriction on the sale of an equity security is not considered part of the unit of account of the equity security, and, therefore, is not considered in measuring fair value. The Company adopted ASU 2022-03 January 1, 2023 with no material impact on its financial statements. ASU 2022-06, "Reference Rate Reform (Topic 848): Deferral of the Sunset Date of Topic 848." ASU 2022-06 deferred the sunset date of the London Interbank Offered Rate ("LIBOR") to December 31, 2024, after which entities will no longer be permitted to apply the relief prescribed in ASU 2020-04, Reference Rate Reform (Topic 848); moreover, it applies to all entities, subject to meeting certain criteria, that have contracts, hedging relationships, and other transactions that reference LIBOR or another reference rate expected to be discontinued because of reference rate reform. ASU 2022-06 was adopted in the third quarter of 2023 with no material effect on its financial statements. Accounting Standards Pending Adoption ASU 2023-02, “Investments—Equity Method and Joint Ventures (Topic 323): Accounting for Investments in Tax Credit Structures Using the Proportional Amortization Method” permits reporting entities to elect to account for their tax equity investments, regardless of the tax credit program from which the income tax credits are received, using the proportional amortization method if certain conditions are met. This update is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2023, including interim periods within those fiscal years. The adoption of ASU 2023-02 is not expected to have a significant impact on the Company's consolidated financial statements. ASU 2023-07, "Segment Reporting (Topic 280): Improvements to Reportable Segment Disclosures" amended existing guidance to improve disclosures about a public entity’s reportable segments and provide more detailed information about a reportable segment’s expenses. ASU 2023-07 clarifies that an entity which has a single reportable segment is to provide all the disclosures required by Topic 280 and ASU 2023-07. The amendment is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2023 and interim periods within fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2024. The adoption of ASU 2023-07 is not expected to have a significant impact on the Company's consolidated financial statements. ASU 2023-09, “Income Taxes (Topic 740): Improvements to Income Tax Disclosures” amended existing guidance to improve the transparency of income tax disclosures, including disclosure of specific categories in the rate reconciliation, providing additional information for certain reconciling items, and providing details on income taxes paid. The amendments are effective for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2024. The adoption of ASU 2023-09 is not expected to have a significant impact on the Company's consolidated financial statements. Other accounting standards that have been issued or proposed by the Financial Accounting Standards Board, ("FASB") or other standards-setting bodies are not expected to have a material impact on the Company’s financial position, results of operations or cash flows.

Basis of Presentation - The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of First Bancorp (the “Company”) and its wholly owned subsidiary First Bank (the “Bank”). The Bank has three wholly owned subsidiaries that are fully consolidated, SBA Complete, Inc. (“SBA Complete”) Magnolia Financial, Inc. ("Magnolia Financial"), and First Troy SPE, LLC. The Company is a bank holding company. The principal activity of the Company is the ownership and operation of the Bank, a state chartered bank with its main office in Southern Pines, North Carolina. SBA Complete specializes in providing consulting services for financial institutions across the country related to Small Business Administration (“SBA”) loan origination and servicing. Magnolia Financial is a business financing company that makes loans throughout the southeastern United States. First Troy SPE, LLC was formed in order to hold and dispose of certain real estate foreclosed upon by the Bank. The Company is also the parent company for a series of statutory trusts that were formed for the purpose of issuing trust preferred debt securities. The trusts are not consolidated for financial reporting purposes as they are variable interest entities and the Company is not the primary beneficiary.

Use of Estimates – The preparation of financial statements in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles in the United States of America ("GAAP") requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could materially differ from those estimates. The most significant estimates made by the Company in the preparation of its consolidated financial statements are the determination of the allowance for credit losses on loans, the allowance for unfunded commitments, the accounting and impairment testing related to intangible assets, the fair value determination for acquired assets and liabilities, and the resulting accretion or amortization of purchase accounting premiums or discounts.

Business Combinations – The Company accounts for business combinations using the acquisition method of accounting. The accounts of an acquired entity are included as of the date of acquisition, and any excess of purchase price over the fair value of the net assets acquired is capitalized as goodwill. Under this method, all identifiable assets acquired, including purchased loans, and liabilities assumed are recorded at fair value.

Securities - Debt securities that the Company has the positive intent and ability to hold to maturity are classified as “held to maturity” ("HTM") and carried at amortized cost. Debt securities not classified as held to maturity are classified as “available for sale” ("AFS") and carried at fair value, with unrealized holding gains and losses being reported as other comprehensive income or loss and reported as a separate component of shareholders’ equity.

Interest income includes amortization of purchase premiums or discounts. Premiums and discounts are generally amortized and accreted into income on a level yield basis, with premiums being amortized to the earliest call date and discounts being accreted to the stated maturity date. Gains and losses on sales of securities are recognized at the time of sale based upon the specific identification method.

Allowance for Credit Losses ("ACL") - Securities Held to Maturity - The Company measures expected credit losses on HTM debt securities on a pooled basis in accordance with Accounting Standards Codification ("ASC") 326 ("CECL"). The estimate of expected credit losses is primarily based on the ratings assigned to the securities by debt rating agencies and the average of the annual historical loss rates associated with those ratings. The Company then multiplies those loss rates, as adjusted for any modifications to reflect current conditions and reasonable and supportable forecasts as considered necessary, by the remaining lives of each individual security to arrive at a lifetime expected loss amount. The CECL assumptions, including reasonable and supportable forecast periods, reversion method, and prepayments as applicable, are consistent with those utilized for the ACL on loans as discussed further below. Virtually all of the mortgage-backed securities held by the Company are issued by government-sponsored enterprises ("GSEs"). These securities are either explicitly guaranteed by the U.S. government or guaranteed by GSEs that have credit ratings and perceived credit risk comparable to the U.S. government, are highly rated by major rating agencies, and have a long history of no credit losses. Substantially all of the state and local government securities held by the Company are highly rated by major rating agencies. Accrued interest receivable of $4.2 million and $4.3 million at December 31, 2023 and December 31, 2022, respectively, on HTM debt securities was excluded from the estimate of credit losses.

Allowance for Credit Losses - Securities Available for Sale - For AFS 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 will be required to sell the security before recovery of the amortized cost basis. If either of the criteria regarding intent or requirement to sell is met, the security's amortized cost basis is written down to fair value through income with the establishment of an allowance under CECL. For debt securities AFS that do not meet the aforementioned criteria, the Company evaluates whether any decline in fair value is due to credit loss factors. In making this assessment, management considers any changes to the rating of the security by a rating agency and adverse conditions specifically related to the security, among other factors. If this 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 the cash flows expected to be collected is less than the amortized cost basis, a credit loss exists and an allowance for credit losses on AFS securities is recorded for the credit loss, 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. Changes in the ACL under CECL are recorded as provision for (or reversal of) credit loss expense. Losses are charged against the allowance when management believes the uncollectibility of an AFS security is confirmed or when either of the criteria regarding intent or requirement to sell is met. Accrued interest receivable of $5.2 million and $5.7 million at December 31, 2023 and December 31, 2022, respectively, on AFS debt securities was excluded from the estimate of credit losses.

Presold Mortgages in Process of Settlement - As a part of normal business operations, the Company originates residential mortgage loans that have been pre-approved by secondary investors to be sold on a best efforts basis. The terms of the loans are set by the secondary investors, and the purchase price that the investor will pay for the loan is agreed to prior to the funding of the loan by the Company. Loans are transferred to the investor in a short period following funding in accordance with the agreed-upon terms. The Company records gains from the sale of these loans on the settlement date of the sale equal to the difference between the proceeds received and the carrying amount of the loan. Additionally, the Company records gains for loans in the process of closing, based on the changes in fair value of the loans and related commitments. Between the initial funding of the loans by the Company and the subsequent reimbursement by the investors, the Company carries the loans on its balance sheet at fair value.

Loans - Loans that management has the intent and ability to hold for the foreseeable future or until maturity or payoff are reported at amortized cost. Amortized cost is the principal balance outstanding, net of purchase premiums and discounts and deferred fees and costs. Accrued interest receivable related to these loans totaled $28.0 million at December 31, 2023 and $19.7 million at December 31, 2022, and was reported in accrued interest receivable on the consolidated balance sheets. Interest income is accrued on the unpaid principal balance. Loan origination fees, net of certain direct origination costs, are deferred and recognized in interest income using methods that approximate a level yield without anticipating prepayments.

Past due status is based on contractual terms of the loan. A loan is considered to be past due when a scheduled payment has not been received 30 days after the contractual due date. The accrual of interest is generally discontinued when a loan becomes 90 days past due and is not well collateralized and in the process of collection, or when management believes, after considering economic and business conditions and collection efforts, that the principal or interest will not be collectible in the normal course of business. All accrued interest is reversed against interest income when a loan is placed on nonaccrual status. Interest received on such loans is accounted for using

the cost-recovery method, until qualifying for return to accrual. Under the cost-recovery method, interest income is not recognized until the loan balance is reduced to zero. Loans are returned to accrual status when all the principal and interest amounts contractually due are brought current, there is a sustained period of repayment performance, and future payments are reasonably assured.

At the acquisition date, an estimate of expected credit losses is made for groups of PCD loans with similar risk characteristics and individual PCD loans without similar risk characteristics. The initial amortized cost of PCD loans is determined by reducing the loans par value by the initial ACL, with any difference between the resulting amount and the loans purchase price or acquisition date fair value recorded as a non-credit-related discount or premium. Discounts and premiums are recognized through interest income on a level-yield method over the life of the loans. Subsequent to initial recognition, PCD loans are subject to the same interest income recognition and impairment model as non-PCD loans, with changes to the ACL recorded through provision expense.

Allowance for Credit Losses - Loans - The ACL is an estimate that is deducted from the amortized cost basis of the financial asset to present the net carrying value at the amount expected to be collected on the financial assets. The level of the allowance is determined under the CECL methodology and includes management's evaluation of historical default and loss experience, current and projected economic conditions, asset quality trends, known and inherent risks in the portfolio, adverse situations that may affect the borrowers' ability to repay a loan (including the timing of future payments), the estimated value of any underlying collateral, composition of the loan portfolio, reasonable and supportable forecasts, and other pertinent factors.

Credit losses are estimated on the amortized cost basis of loans, which includes the principal balance outstanding, purchase discounts and premiums, and deferred loan fees and costs. Accrued interest receivable is presented separately on the consolidated balance sheets and excluded from the estimate of credit losses. Loans are charged off when the Company determines that such financial assets are deemed uncollectible. The ACL is increased through provision for loan losses and decreased by charge-offs, net of recoveries.

The ACL is measured on a collective basis for pools of loans with similar risk characteristics. The Discounted Cash Flow (“DCF”) method is utilized for substantially all pools, with discounted cash flows computed for each loan in a pool based on its individual characteristics (e.g. maturity date, payment amount, interest rate, etc.), and the results are aggregated at the pool level. A probability of default and loss given default, as adjusted for recoveries, are applied to the discounted cash flows for each pool, while considering prepayment and principal curtailment assumptions driven by each loan's collateral type. When the DCF method is used to determine the ACL, management adjusts the effective interest rate used to discount expected cash flows to incorporate expected prepayments. When management determines that foreclosure is probable or when the borrower is experiencing financial difficulty at the reporting date and repayment is expected to be provided substantially through the operation or sale of the collateral, expected credit losses are based on the fair value of the collateral at the reporting date, adjusted for selling costs as appropriate.

•Owner occupied commercial real estate loans - Owner occupied commercial real estate mortgage loans are secured by commercial office buildings, industrial buildings, warehouses or retail buildings where the owner of the building occupies the property. For such loans, repayment is largely dependent upon the operation of the borrower's business. The Company generally requires loan to value of 80% or lower and debt service coverage of 1.30x or better. Terms outside of these guidelines will have strengths to mitigate additional risk.

•Non-owner occupied commercial real estate loans - These loans represent investment real estate loans secured by office buildings, industrial buildings, warehouses, retail buildings, and multifamily residential housing. Repayment is primarily dependent on lease income generated from the underlying collateral. The Company generally requires loan to value of 80% or lower, debt service coverage of 1.30x or better and overall lease terms to match or extend beyond the term of the loan.

•Consumer real estate mortgage loans - Consumer real estate mortgage consists primarily of loans secured by 1-4 family residential properties, including home equity lines of credit. Repayment is primarily dependent on the personal cash flow of the borrower and may be affected by changes in general economic conditions. The Company generally requires a debt-to-income below 40% on all home equity lines of credit with loan to

•Construction and land development loans - This pool includes loans where the repayment is dependent on the successful completion and eventual sale, refinance or operation of the related real estate project and are thus impacted by market demand and real estate valuations. Construction and land development loans include 1-4 family construction projects and commercial construction projects. Residential construction loans for resale generally have a loan to value of 85% or lower. Loan to value would generally be under 80% for commercial speculative construction projects. Owner occupied and non-owner occupied commercial construction projects are underwritten to standard guidelines discussed above.

•Commercial and industrial loans - These loans include loans to business enterprises issued for commercial, industrial and/or other professional purposes. These loans are generally secured by equipment, inventory, and accounts receivable of the borrower and repayment is primarily dependent on business cash flows. Commercial and Industrial loans generally require debt service coverage of 1.25x or better. The Company typically limits equipment and accounts receivable to loan to value of 80% and eligible inventory limited to 40% loan to value.

•Consumer and other loans - Consumer and other loans include all loans issued to individuals not included in the consumer real estate mortgage classification, including automobile loans, consumer credit cards and loans to finance education, among others. Many consumer loans are unsecured and repayment is primarily dependent on the personal cash flow of the borrower which may be impacted by changes in economic conditions and unemployment. The Company generally limits consumer loans to those clients with a minimum 660 credit score and debt-to-income below 40%. Loan to value will vary based on the collateral type and useful life.

In determining the proper level of default rates and loss given default, management has determined that the loss experience of the Company provides the best basis for its assessment of expected credit losses. It therefore utilizes its own historical credit loss experience by each loan segment over an economic cycle, while excluding loss experience from certain acquired institutions (i.e., failed banks). Management considers forward-looking information in estimating expected credit losses. For substantially all segments of loans, the Company incorporates two or more macroeconomic drivers using a statistical regression modeling methodology. The Company subscribes to a third-party service which provides a quarterly macroeconomic baseline forecast and alternative scenarios for the United States economy. The baseline forecast, which incorporates an equal probability of the United States economy performing better or worse than the projection, along with the alternative scenarios, are evaluated by management to determine the best forecast to use for macroeconomic factors in the model.

Management has also evaluated the appropriateness of the reasonable and supportable forecast scenarios utilized for each period and has made adjustments as needed. For the contractual term that extends beyond the reasonable and supportable forecast period, the Company reverts to the long-term mean of historical factors over 12 quarters using a straight-line approach. The Company generally utilizes a four-quarter forecast and a 12-quarter reversion period to the long-term average, which is then held static for the remainder of the forecast period.

Included in its systematic methodology to determine its ACL on loans, management considers the need to qualitatively adjust expected credit losses for information not already captured in the loss estimation process. These qualitative adjustments either increase or decrease the quantitative model estimation (i.e., formulaic model results). Each period the Company considers qualitative factors that are relevant within the qualitative framework that includes the following: 1) changes in lending policies, procedures, and strategies, 2) changes in the nature and volume of the portfolio, 3) staff experience, 4) changes in volume and trends in classified loans, delinquencies, and nonaccrual loans, 5) concentration risk, 6) trends in underlying collateral value, 7) external factors, including competition and legal and regulatory factors, 8) changes in the quality of the Company's loan review system, and 9) economic conditions not already captured.

Allowance for Credit Losses - Off-Balance Sheet Credit Exposure - The Company estimates expected credit losses on commitments to extend credit over the contractual period (unfunded commitments) in which the Company is exposed to credit risk on the underlying commitments, unless the obligation is unconditionally cancellable by the Company. The allowance for unfunded commitments, which is reflected within "Other liabilities" on the consolidated balance sheets is adjusted for as an increase or decrease to the provision for credit losses for unfunded commitments. The estimate includes consideration of the likelihood that funding will occur and an estimate of expected credit losses on commitments expected to be funded over its estimated life. The allowance is calculated

Financial Difficulty Modifications ("FDM") - A loan that is refinanced or restructured by the Company when a borrower is experiencing financial difficulty is generally considered a FDM. Such modification is evaluated to determine if the changes to the loan result in a new loan or a continuation of the existing loan, and to determine the appropriate treatment of deferred loan fees/costs, (i.e. to recognize in income if considered a new loan or to continue amortization if determined to be a continuation of the loan). The ACL on a FDM is measured using the same method as all other loans held for investment. FDMs that share similar risk characteristics and consistently discounted based on the post-modification effective rate.

Troubled Debt Restructurings ("TDR") - Prior to the adoption of Accounting Standards Update ("ASU") 2022-02 on January 1, 2023, a TDR was generally considered a loan for which the terms were modified resulting in a more than insignificant concession, and for which the borrower was experiencing financial difficulties. The ACL on a TDR was measured using the same method as all other loans held for investment, except that the original interest rate was used to discount the expected cash flows, not the rate specified within the restructuring.

Small Business Administration ("SBA") Loans Held for Sale and SBA Retained Loan Discount – All SBA loans originated are underwritten and documented as prescribed by the SBA. SBA loans are generally fully amortizing and have maturity dates and amortizations of up to 25 years. The portion of SBA loans originated that are guaranteed and intended for sale on the secondary market may be classified as held for sale if the Company intends to sell them in the near future and generally has acceptable bids for such loans. SBA loans classified as held for sale are carried at the lower of cost or fair value. The Company generally sells the guaranteed portion of the SBA loan as soon as it is eligible to be sold and retains the servicing right. When the guaranteed portion of an SBA loan is sold, the Company allocates the carrying basis of the loan between the guaranteed portion of the loan sold, the unguaranteed portion of the loans retained, and the servicing asset based on their relative fair values. A gain is recorded for the difference between the proceeds received from the sale and the basis allocated to the sold portion. The relative fair value allocation results in a discount that is recorded on the unguaranteed portion of the loan that is retained. The discount is amortized as a yield adjustment over the life of the loan, so long as the loan performs.

SBA Servicing Assets - When the Company sells the guaranteed portion of an SBA loan, the Company continues to perform the servicing on the loan and collects a fee related to the sold portion of the loan. A SBA servicing asset is recorded for the fair value of that fee based on an analysis of discounted cash flows that incorporates estimates of (1) market servicing costs, (2) market-based prepayment rates, and (3) market profit margins. SBA servicing assets are included in “Other intangible assets” on the consolidated balance sheets. SBA servicing assets are initially recorded at fair value and amortized against income over the lives of the related loans as a reduction of servicing fee income, generally five years. SBA servicing asset amortization expense is recorded in noninterest income as an offset to SBA servicing fees within the line item "Other service charges, commissions and fees" on the consolidated statement of income. SBA servicing assets are tested for impairment on a quarterly basis by comparing their estimated fair values, aggregated by year of origination, to the related carrying values. Changes in observable market data relating to market interest rates, loan prepayment speeds, and other factors, could result in impairment or reversal of impairment of these servicing assets and, as such, impact the Company's financial condition and results of operations.

Transfers of Financial Assets - Transfers of financial assets are accounted for as sales, when control over the assets has been relinquished. Control over financial assets is deemed to be surrendered when the assets have been isolated from the Company, 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 the Company does not maintain effective control over the transferred assets through an agreement to repurchase them before their maturity.

Premises and Equipment - Premises and equipment are stated at cost less accumulated depreciation. Recorded within noninterest expense as "Occupancy expense" on the consolidated statements of income, depreciation, computed by the straight-line method, is charged to operations over the estimated useful lives of the properties or, in the case of leasehold improvements, over the term of the lease, if shorter. Land is carried at cost. Maintenance and repairs are charged to operations in the year incurred. Gains and losses on dispositions are included in current operations and are recorded within noninterest expense on the "Other operating expenses" line on the consolidated statements of income.

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets - Business combinations are accounted for using the acquisition method of accounting. Identifiable intangible assets, primarily core deposit intangibles ("CDI"), are recognized separately and are amortized over their estimated useful lives, which for the Company has generally been five to ten years and at an accelerated rate. Goodwill is recognized in business combinations to the extent that the price paid exceeds the fair value of the net assets acquired, including any identifiable intangible assets. Goodwill is not amortized, but rather is subject to fair value impairment tests on at least an annual basis.

Foreclosed Properties - Foreclosed properties consists primarily of real estate acquired by the Company through legal foreclosure or deed in lieu of foreclosure. The property is initially carried at the lower of cost or the estimated fair value of the property less estimated selling costs. If there are subsequent declines in fair value, which is reviewed routinely by management, the property is written down to its fair value through a charge to expense recorded within noninterest expense on the "Other operating expenses" line in the consolidated statements of income. Capital expenditures made to improve the property are capitalized. Costs of holding real estate, such as property taxes, insurance, and maintenance, less related revenues during the holding period, are recorded as expense as they are incurred. Foreclosed properties are included in the "Other assets" line on the consolidated balance sheets and totaled $0.9 million and $0.7 million at December 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively.

Bank-Owned Life Insurance – The Company has purchased life insurance policies on certain current and past key employees and directors where the insurance policy benefits and ownership are retained by the employer. These policies are recorded at their cash surrender value. Income from these policies and changes in the net cash surrender value are recorded within noninterest income as “Bank-owned life insurance income” on the consolidated statements of income.

Income Taxes - Income taxes are accounted for under the asset and liability method. 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 and operating loss and tax credit carryforwards. 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 income in the period that includes the enactment date. Deferred tax assets are reduced, if necessary, by the amount of such benefits that are more likely than not expected to be realized based upon available evidence.

Other Investments – The Company accounts for its investments in limited partnerships and limited liability companies (“LLCs”) using the equity method of accounting if the percentage ownership and degree of management influence in the investments warrants such accounting treatment. Under the equity method of accounting, the Company records its initial investment at cost. Subsequently, the carrying amount of the investment is increased or decreased to reflect the Company’s share of income or loss of the investee, recorded within noninterest income as "Other gains, net" on the consolidated statements of income. The Company’s recognition of earnings or losses from an equity method investment is based on the Company’s ownership percentage in the investee and the investee’s earnings on a quarterly basis. The investees generally provide their financial information during the quarter following the end of a given period. The Company’s policy is to record its share of earnings or losses on equity method investments in the quarter the financial information is received.

All of the Company’s investments in limited partnerships and LLCs and their market values are not readily available. The Company’s management evaluates its investments in investees for impairment based on the investee’s ability to generate cash through its operations or obtain alternative financing, and other subjective factors. There are inherent risks associated with the Company’s investments in such companies, which may result in income statement volatility in future periods.

Federal Home Loan Bank ("FHLB") Stock - The Company is a member of the FHLB system. Members are required to own a certain amount of stock based on the level of borrowings and other factors. FHLB stock is carried at cost and is recorded in "Other assets" on the consolidated balance sheets. Cash dividends are reported as income, recorded within interest income in the "Other, principally overnight investments" line on the consolidated statements of income.

Loan Commitments and Related Financial Instruments - Financial instruments include off-balance sheet credit instruments, such as commitments to make loans and commercial letters of credit, issued to meet customer financing needs. The face amount for these items represents the exposure to loss, before considering customer collateral or ability to repay. Such financial instruments are recorded when they are funded.

Leases - The Company leases certain branch locations and administrative offices which are generally classified as operating leases with right-of-use assets being included in other assets and the associated lease obligations being included in other liabilities. For leases where the Company is the lessee that have initial terms greater than one year, right-of-use assets and corresponding lease liabilities are reported on the balance sheet. Leases with an initial term of less than one year are not recorded on the balance sheet, rather, the Company recognizes lease expense for these leases on a straight-line basis over the lease term. Operating lease expense is recognized on a straight-line basis over the lease term and included in "Occupancy expense" on the consolidated statements of income.

Stock-Based Compensation - Restricted stock awards are the primary form of equity grant utilized by the Company. Compensation cost is based on the fair value of the award, which is the closing price of the Company's common stock on the date of the grant. Restricted stock awards issued by the Company typically have vesting periods with service conditions. Compensation cost is recognized as expense over the vesting period. For awards with graded vesting, compensation cost is recognized on a straight-line basis over the requisite service period. Because of the insignificant amount of forfeitures the Company has experienced, forfeitures are recognized as they occur.

Earnings Per Share ("EPS") Amounts - Basic EPS is calculated by dividing net income, less income allocated to participating securities, by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during the period, excluding unvested shares of restricted stock. For the Company, participating securities are comprised of unvested shares of restricted stock. Diluted EPS is computed by assuming the issuance of common shares for all potentially dilutive common shares outstanding during the reporting period. For the periods presented, the Company’s potentially dilutive common stock issuances related to unvested shares of restricted stock, dilutive stock options and contingently issuable shares which are determined using the treasury stock method. If any of the potentially dilutive common stock issuances have an anti-dilutive effect, the potentially dilutive common stock issuance is disregarded.

Fair Value of Financial Instruments - Fair value estimates are made at a specific point in time, based on relevant market information and information about the financial instrument, as more fully described in Note 14. Because no highly liquid market exists for a significant portion of the Company’s financial instruments, fair value estimates are based on judgments regarding future expected loss experience, current economic conditions, risk characteristics of various financial instruments, and other factors. These estimates are subjective in nature and involve uncertainties and matters of significant judgment and therefore cannot be determined with precision. Changes in assumptions could significantly affect the estimates.

Impairment - Goodwill is evaluated for impairment on at least an annual basis, and more often if a triggering event is identified, by comparing the estimated fair value of the reporting unit to its related carrying value. If the carrying value of a reporting unit exceeds its fair value, the Company utilizes various valuation techniques to determine whether the implied fair value of the goodwill exceeds its carrying value. If the carrying value of the goodwill exceeds the implied fair value of the goodwill, an impairment loss is recorded in an amount equal to that excess.

The Company reviews all other long-lived assets, including identifiable intangible assets, for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying value may not be recoverable. The Company’s policy is that an impairment loss is recognized if the sum of the undiscounted future cash flows is less than the carrying amount of the asset. Any long-lived assets to be disposed of are reported at the lower of the carrying amount or fair value, less costs to sell. To date, the Company has not recorded any impairment write-downs of its long-lived assets or goodwill.

Variable Interest Entities - The Company's statutory trust subsidiaries (First Bancorp Capital Trust II, Trust III and Trust IV, Carolina Capital Trust, New Century Statutory Trust I, and GrandSouth Capital Trust I), (collectively "the Trusts") qualify as variable interest entities. Notes issued by the Company to the Trusts in return for the proceeds from the issuance of the trust preferred securities have terms that are substantially the same as the corresponding trust preferred securities. As qualified variable interest entities, the Trusts' balance sheet and statement of operations have never been consolidated with those of the Company because the Company is not the primary beneficiary. Further, the Company has no exposure to loss of the operations of the Trusts as the Company is limited to the repayment of the underlying obligations and would not absorb the losses of the Trusts if losses were to occur. The trust preferred securities qualify as capital for regulatory capital adequacy requirements.

Segment Reporting - Accounting standards require management to report selected financial and descriptive information about reportable operating segments that exceed certain thresholds. The standards also require related disclosures about products and services, geographic areas, and major customers. Generally, disclosures are required for segments internally identified to evaluate performance and resource allocation. The Company’s operations are substantially all within a single banking segment, and the financial statements presented herein reflect the combined results of all of its operations with that segment. The Company has no foreign operations or customers.

Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities - The Company occasionally enters into derivative financial instruments as part of its interest rate risk management strategies. These derivative financial instruments consist primarily of interest rate swaps to accommodate certain commercial loan customers, with offsetting positions to dealers under a back-to-back swap program. All derivative instruments are recorded on the consolidated balance sheets as either an asset (included in "Other assets") or liability (included in "Other liabilities") at their fair value. The Company has master netting agreements with the counterparties with which it does business, but reflects gross assets and liabilities at fair value on the consolidated balance sheets.

The accounting for the gain or loss resulting from the change in fair value depends on the intended use of the derivative. The Company classifies its derivative financial instruments as either (1) a hedge of an exposure to changes in the fair value of a recorded asset or liability (“fair value hedge”), (2) a hedge of an exposure to changes in the cash flows of a recognized asset, liability or forecasted transaction (“cash flow hedge”), or (3) derivatives not designated as accounting hedges ("undesignated hedges"). As of December 31, 2023, the Company has only entered into derivatives classified as undesignated hedges for which changes in fair value are recognized in current period earnings in either noninterest income or noninterest expense.

The Company also originates certain residential mortgage loans with the intention of selling these loans. The Company enters into forward sale agreements to mitigate risk and to protect the expected gain on the eventual loan sale. The commitments to originate residential mortgage loans and forward loan sales commitments are freestanding derivative instruments which are entered into as part of an economic hedging strategy to manage exposure related to mortgage loans held for sale.

ASU 2022-02, "Financial Instruments-Credit Losses (Topic 326): Troubled Debt Restructurings and Vintage Disclosures." The amendments contained in this ASU eliminate the accounting guidance for TDRs by creditors, while enhancing disclosure requirements for certain loan refinancing and restructurings by creditors when a borrower is experiencing financial difficulty. This ASU also requires entities to disclose current period gross write-offs by year of origination for financing receivables. The Company adopted ASU 2022-02 effective January 1, 2023 using a modified retrospective transition approach for the amendments related to the recognition and measurement of TDRs. The impact of the adoption resulted in an immaterial change to the ACL, thus no adjustment to retained earnings was recorded. Disclosures have been updated in Note 4 to comply with the ASU as required. In addition, TDR disclosures are presented in Note 4 for comparative periods only and are not required to be updated in current periods.

ASU 2022-03, "Fair Value Measurements (Topic 820): Fair Value Measurement of Equity Securities Subject to Contractual Sale Restrictions." This ASU clarifies that a contractual restriction on the sale of an equity security is not considered part of the unit of account of the equity security, and, therefore, is not considered in measuring fair value. The Company adopted ASU 2022-03 January 1, 2023 with no material impact on its financial statements.

ASU 2022-06, "Reference Rate Reform (Topic 848): Deferral of the Sunset Date of Topic 848." ASU 2022-06 deferred the sunset date of the London Interbank Offered Rate ("LIBOR") to December 31, 2024, after which entities will no longer be permitted to apply the relief prescribed in ASU 2020-04, Reference Rate Reform (Topic 848); moreover, it applies to all entities, subject to meeting certain criteria, that have contracts, hedging relationships, and other transactions that reference LIBOR or another reference rate expected to be discontinued because of reference rate reform. ASU 2022-06 was adopted in the third quarter of 2023 with no material effect on its financial statements.

ASU 2023-02, “Investments—Equity Method and Joint Ventures (Topic 323): Accounting for Investments in Tax Credit Structures Using the Proportional Amortization Method” permits reporting entities to elect to account for their tax equity investments, regardless of the tax credit program from which the income tax credits are received, using the proportional amortization method if certain conditions are met. This update is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2023, including interim periods within those fiscal years. The adoption of ASU 2023-02 is not expected to have a significant impact on the Company's consolidated financial statements.

ASU 2023-07, "Segment Reporting (Topic 280): Improvements to Reportable Segment Disclosures" amended existing guidance to improve disclosures about a public entity’s reportable segments and provide more detailed information about a reportable segment’s expenses. ASU 2023-07 clarifies that an entity which has a single reportable segment is to provide all the disclosures required by Topic 280 and ASU 2023-07. The amendment is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2023 and interim periods within fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2024. The adoption of ASU 2023-07 is not expected to have a significant impact on the Company's consolidated financial statements.

ASU 2023-09, “Income Taxes (Topic 740): Improvements to Income Tax Disclosures” amended existing guidance to improve the transparency of income tax disclosures, including disclosure of specific categories in the rate reconciliation, providing additional information for certain reconciling items, and providing details on income taxes paid. The amendments are effective for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2024. The adoption of ASU 2023-09 is not expected to have a significant impact on the Company's consolidated financial statements.