HARRISBURG, Pa., Jan. 26, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- LINKBANCORP, Inc. (NASDAQ: LNKB) (the "Company"), the parent company of LINKBANK (the "Bank"), reported net income of $2.9 million, or $0.08 per diluted share, for the quarter ended December 31, 2025, compared to net income of $7.8 million, or $0.21 per diluted share, for the quarter ended September 30, 2025. Excluding expenses associated with the pending merger with Burke & Herbert Financial Services Corp. ("Burke & Herbert") and other non-core expenses, adjusted pre-tax, pre-provision net income was $11.7 million¹ for the quarter ended December 31, 2025, compared to $11.0 million¹ for the quarter ended September 30, 2025. Net income for the year ended December 31, 2025 was $33.5 million, or $0.90 per diluted share, compared to $26.2 million, or $0.71 for the year ended December 31, 2024. Earnings for the fourth quarter of 2025 were adversely affected by increased provision expense primarily related to a specific reserve established for a single commercial credit (the "Commercial Relationship") with total exposure of $5.0 million, requiring a full impairment, with an after-tax effect of $4.0 million. The determination of this reserve resulted from concerns with the Commercial Relationship raised during the fourth quarter of 2025, leading to the identification of purported fraudulent activity in January 2026.

Additionally, the Company announced that the Board of Directors declared a quarterly cash dividend of $0.075 per share of common stock which is expected to be paid on March 16, 2026 to shareholders of record on February 27, 2026.

FULL YEAR 2025 HIGHLIGHTS:

• Annual Earnings Grow 26.8% over Prior Year. Earnings for the year ended December 31, 2025 were $33.5 million, or $0.90 per diluted share compared to $26.2 million, or $0.71 per diluted share for the year ended December 31, 2024, an increase of 26.8%. Adjusted pre-tax, pre-provision net income grew 20% year over year from $34.8 million¹ for the year ended December 31, 2024 to $41.8 million¹ for the year ended December 31, 2025.
• 15.7% Year over Year Increase in Tangible Book Value. Book value per share increased to $8.18 at December 31, 2025 compared to $8.16 at September 30, 2025 and $7.50 at December 31, 2024. Tangible book value per share increased to $6.20¹ at December 31, 2025 compared to $6.15¹ at September 30, 2025 and $5.36¹ at December 31, 2024.
• Expanding Deposit Franchise with 10.9% Annual Growth. Total deposits at December 31, 2025 were $2.55 billion compared to $2.67 billion at September 30, 2025 and $2.45 billion at December 31, 2024, representing an annual increase of $256.3 million², or 10.9%, adjusting for the impact of the sale of banking operations and branches in New Jersey, including related loans and deposits (the "Branch Sale") and changes in brokered deposits.
• Robust Commercial Loan Growth. Total loans at December 31, 2025 were $2.56 billion, compared to $2.46 billion at September 30, 2025 and $2.35 billion at December 31, 2024, representing an annualized increase of $307.1 million² or 13.1% annualized excluding the impact of the Branch Sale.
• Strategic Merger with Burke & Herbert. On December 18, 2025, the Company entered into a definitive agreement with Burke & Herbert, the parent company of Burke & Herbert Bank, under which the companies will combine in an all-stock combination, valued at approximately $354.2 million or $9.38 per share of Company common stock, based on the closing price for Burke & Herbert's common stock of $69.45 as of December 17, 2025, the day prior to the merger announcement. When the transaction is complete, the combined organization will be a leading Mid-Atlantic community banking franchise with approximately $11.0 billion in assets. Completion of the proposed transaction is subject to receiving the requisite approvals of each party's shareholders, receipt of all required regulatory approvals, and fulfillment of other customary closing conditions.

"Overall, we were pleased with the core performance reflected in our quarterly and annual results, despite the impact of the required provision for a single commercial lending relationship," said Andrew Samuel, Chief Executive Officer of LINKBANCORP. "Annual net income reached an all-time high on strong growth in net interest income, continued progress in fee income and continued discipline in operating expenses. Looking ahead to 2026, we are excited to build on our strong organic growth, deliver exceptional service to our clients, and prepare for a successful merger with Burke & Herbert to create value for our shareholders."

Income Statement
Net interest income before the provision for credit losses for the fourth quarter of 2025 was $27.1 million compared to $26.4 million in the third quarter of 2025 and $25.5 million for the fourth quarter of 2024. The increase was primarily driven by the significant growth in average earnings assets. Net interest margin was 3.74% for the fourth quarter of 2025 compared to 3.75% for the third quarter of 2025, and 3.85% for the fourth quarter of 2024. The spread on interest rates was stable quarter over quarter as the average loan yield decreased from 6.26% for the third quarter of 2025 to 6.22% for the fourth quarter of 2025, while the cost of funds decreased from 2.34% for the third quarter of 2025 to 2.32% for the fourth quarter of 2025. Interest income from purchase accounting accretion during the fourth quarter of 2025 was approximately $150 thousand less than that recognized in the third quarter of 2025 and $813 thousand less than the fourth quarter of 2024.

Noninterest income increased slightly quarter-over-quarter to $2.9 million for the fourth quarter of 2025 compared to $2.8 million for the third quarter of 2025. Year-over-year, noninterest income increased $326 thousand from $2.6 million for the fourth quarter of 2024.

Noninterest expense for the fourth quarter of 2025 was $19.5 million compared to $18.2 million for the third quarter of 2025 and $18.3 million for the fourth quarter of 2024. The increase resulted primarily from an increased incentive compensation accrual, which was driven by achievement of organic growth goals, as well as a $500 thousand impairment on assets included in other expense.

Income tax expense was $1.0 million for the fourth quarter of 2025, reflecting an effective tax rate of 26.1% compared to $2.2 million for the third quarter of 2025, reflecting an effective tax rate of 21.7% and $2.1 million for the fourth quarter of 2024, reflecting an effective tax rate of 21.9%.

Balance Sheet
Total assets were $3.07 billion at December 31, 2025 compared to $3.12 billion at September 30, 2025 and $2.88 billion at December 31, 2024. Deposits and net loans as of December 31, 2025 totaled $2.55 billion and $2.53 billion, respectively, compared to deposits and net loans of $2.67 billion and $2.43 billion, respectively at September 30, 2025 and $2.36 billion and $2.23 billion, respectively, at December 31, 2024. Deposits and net loans exclude recorded balances held for sale in the Branch Sale of $93.6 million and $91.8 million, respectively, at December 31, 2024, which are reflected within liabilities held for sale and assets held for sale.

Total loans at December 31, 2025 were $2.56 billion, compared to $2.46 billion at September 30, 2025, representing an increase of $99.8 million, with the majority of the growth in commercial loans. For the full year, total loans have increased $307.1 million² from December 31, 2024, excluding the impact of the Branch Sale, or 13.1% annualized. Total commercial loan commitments originated in the fourth quarter of 2025 were $199.4 million with funded balances of $132.7 million. The average commercial loan commitment originated during the fourth quarter of 2025 totaled approximately $1.1 million with an average outstanding funded balance of $750 thousand. Total deposits at December 31, 2025 were $2.55 billion compared to $2.67 billion at September 30, 2025, representing a decrease of $113.3 million or -4.3% annualized driven by seasonal outflows related primarily to professional services and commercial clients. For the full year, total deposits have increased $256.3 million² from December 31, 2024, or 10.9%, adjusting for the impact of the Branch Sale and changes in brokered deposits. Noninterest bearing deposits totaled $603.7 million at December 31, 2025, down from $640.1 million at September 30, 2025. Brokered deposits decreased $40.0 million to $35.0 million at December 31, 2025. Average deposits increased $57.4 million, or 2.3%, to $2.56 billion for the quarter ended December 31, 2025, compared to $2.50 billion for the quarter ended September 30, 2025. This continued growth reflects our focus on developing deep relationships with our retail, professional services, and commercial clients to build a strong deposit franchise.

The Company continues to maintain strong on-balance sheet liquidity, as total cash, cash equivalents, and securities available for sale were $314.9 million at December 31, 2025 compared to $462.1 million at September 30, 2025 and $311.7 million at December 31, 2024. Available sources of liquidity remain stable, with total availability of sources of liquidity of $1.31 billion at December 31, 2025.

Shareholders' equity increased to $306.4 million at December 31, 2025 from $305.5 million at September 30, 2025. Book value per share increased to $8.18 at December 31, 2025 compared to $8.16 at September 30, 2025. Tangible book value per share increased to $6.20¹ at December 31, 2025 compared to $6.15¹ at September 30, 2025 and $5.36¹ at December 31, 2024, representing 15.7% growth year over year.

Asset Quality
The Company recorded a $6.6 million provision for credit losses during the fourth quarter of 2025, $5.0 million of which related to a specific reserve for the Commercial Relationship referenced above. As noted above, the impairment resulted from concerns with the Commercial Relationship raised during the fourth quarter of 2025, leading to the identification of purported fraudulent activity in January 2026. The Company is pursuing all available sources of recovery. Based on the Company's review of the circumstances of the purported fraudulent activity involving this borrower, the Company believes this incident is an isolated occurrence and not indicative of a broader increase in exposure to fraud-related losses in connection with its lending businesses. The remaining $1.6 million in provision recorded was driven by the strong loan growth experienced in the fourth quarter.

As of December 31, 2025, the Company's non-performing assets decreased to $24.4 million, representing 0.79% of total assets, compared to $24.6 million, representing 0.79% of total assets at September 30, 2025, resulting from the successful sale of multiple properties from one credit relationship, offset by the addition of the Commercial Relationship. Loans 30-89 days past due at December 31, 2025 were $8.22 million, representing 0.32% of total loans compared to $4.73 million or 0.19% of total loans at September 30, 2025 and $2.89 million or 0.13% of total loans at December 31, 2024. The increase was driven entirely by the inclusion of the Commercial Relationship, without which loans 30-89 days past due at December 31, 2025 would have decreased to $3.24 million.

The allowance for credit losses for loans was $31.7 million, or 1.24% of total loans held for investment at December 31, 2025, compared to $25.3 million, or 1.03% of total loans held for investment at September 30, 2025. The ratio of the allowance for credit losses for loans to nonperforming assets was 129.85% at December 31, 2025, compared to 102.90% at September 30, 2025. The increase in the allowance for credit losses was primarily due to the $5.0 million specific reserve for the Commercial Relationship.

The Company recorded $57 thousand in net recoveries during the fourth quarter of 2025 compared to $300 thousand in net charge-offs for the third quarter of 2025.

Capital
The Bank's regulatory capital ratios were well in excess of regulatory minimums to be considered "well capitalized" as of December 31, 2025. The Bank's Total Capital Ratio and Tier 1 Capital Ratio were 12.07% and 10.94% respectively, at December 31, 2025, compared to 12.31% and 11.39%, respectively, at September 30, 2025 and 11.55% and 10.74%, respectively, at December 31, 2024. The Company's ratio of Tangible Common Equity to Tangible Assets was 7.75%¹ at December 31, 2025 compared to 7.56%¹ at September 30, 2025 and 7.16%¹ at December 31, 2024.

ABOUT LINKBANCORP, Inc.

LINKBANCORP, Inc. was formed in 2018 with a mission to positively impact lives through community banking. Its subsidiary bank, LINKBANK, is a Pennsylvania state-chartered bank serving individuals, families, nonprofits and business clients throughout Pennsylvania, Maryland, Delaware and Virginia, through 24 client solutions centers and www.linkbank.com. LINKBANCORP, Inc. common stock is traded on the Nasdaq Capital Market under the symbol "LNKB". For further company information, visit ir.linkbancorp.com.

Forward Looking Statements
This press release contains forward-looking statements as defined in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements are not statements of current or historical fact and involve substantial risks and uncertainties. Words such as "anticipates," "believes," "estimates," "expects," "forecasts," "intends," "plans," "projects," "may," "will," "should," and other similar expressions can be used to identify forward-looking statements. Such statements are subject to factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from anticipated results. Among the risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ from those described in the forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to the following: costs or difficulties associated with newly developed or acquired operations; changes in general economic trends, including inflation, tariffs and changes in interest rates; increased competition; changes in consumer demand for financial services; our ability to control costs and expenses; adverse developments in borrower industries and, in particular, declines in real estate values; changes in and compliance with federal and state laws that regulate our business and capital levels; our ability to raise capital as needed; and the effects of any cybersecurity breaches. In addition, factors from the proposed merger with Burke & Herbert that could cause actual results to differ materially include the following: the occurrence of any event, change or other circumstances that could give rise to the right of one or both of the parties to terminate the definitive merger agreement between Burke & Herbert and the Company; the outcome of any legal proceedings that may be instituted against Burke & Herbert or the Company; the possibility that the proposed transaction will not close when expected or at all because required regulatory, shareholder or other approvals are not received or other conditions to the closing are not satisfied on a timely basis or at all, or are obtained subject to conditions that are not anticipated (and the risk that required regulatory approvals may result in the imposition of conditions that could adversely affect the combined company or the expected benefits of the proposed transaction); the ability of Burke & Herbert and the Company to meet expectations regarding the timing, completion and accounting and tax treatments of the proposed transaction; the risk that any announcements relating to the proposed transaction could have adverse effects on the market price of the common stock of either or both parties to the proposed transaction; the possibility that the anticipated benefits of the proposed transaction will not be realized when expected or at all, including as a result of the impact of, or problems arising from, the integration of the two companies or as a result of the strength of the economy and competitive factors in the areas where Burke & Herbert and the Company do business; certain restrictions during the pendency of the proposed transaction that may impact the parties' ability to pursue certain business opportunities or strategic transactions; the possibility that the transaction may be more expensive to complete than anticipated, including as a result of unexpected factors or events; diversion of management's attention from ongoing business operations and opportunities; the possibility that the parties may be unable to achieve expected synergies and operating efficiencies in the merger within the expected timeframes or at all and to successfully integrate the Company's operations and those of Burke & Herbert; such integration may be more difficult, time- consuming or costly than expected; revenues following the proposed transaction may be lower than expected; Burke & Herbert's and the Company's success in executing their respective business plans and strategies and managing the risks involved in the foregoing; the dilution caused by Burke & Herbert's issuance of additional shares of its capital stock in connection with the proposed transaction; effects of the announcement, pendency or completion of the proposed transaction on the ability of Burke & Herbert and the Company to retain customers and retain and hire key personnel and maintain relationships with their suppliers, and on their operating results and businesses generally; and risks related to the potential impact of general economic, political and market factors on the companies or the proposed transaction and other factors that may affect future results of Burke & Herbert and the Company; and the other factors discussed in the "Risk Factors" and "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations" sections of each of Burke & Herbert's and the Company's Quarterly Report on Form 10–Q for the quarters ended March 31, 2025, June 30, 2025 and September 30, 2025, and other reports Burke & Herbert and the Company file with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the "SEC").

The Company does not undertake, and specifically disclaims, any obligation to publicly revise any forward-looking statements to reflect the occurrence of anticipated or unanticipated events or circumstances after the date of such statements, except as required by law. Accordingly, you should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements.

Additional Information and Where to Find It
In connection with the proposed transaction, Burke & Herbert will file a registration statement on Form S-4 with the SEC to register the shares of Burke & Herbert common stock to be issued in connection with the proposed transaction. The registration statement will include a joint proxy statement of Burke & Herbert and the Company, which also constitutes a prospectus of Burke & Herbert, that will be sent to shareholders of Burke & Herbert and shareholders of the Company seeking certain approvals related to the proposed transaction. Each of Burke & Herbert and the Company may file with the SEC other relevant documents concerning the proposed transaction. This press release does not constitute an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to buy any securities or a solicitation of any vote or approval, nor shall there be any offer or sale of securities in any jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful prior to registration or qualification under the securities laws of any such jurisdiction. No offer of securities shall be made except by means of a prospectus meeting the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended. INVESTORS AND SHAREHOLDERS OF THE COMPANY AND THEIR RESPECTIVE AFFILIATES ARE URGED TO READ, WHEN AVAILABLE, THE REGISTRATION STATEMENT ON FORM S-4, THE JOINT PROXY STATEMENT/PROSPECTUS TO BE INCLUDED WITHIN THE REGISTRATION STATEMENT ON FORM S-4 AND ANY OTHER RELEVANT DOCUMENTS FILED OR TO BE FILED WITH THE SEC IN CONNECTION WITH THE PROPOSED TRANSACTION, AS WELL AS ANY AMENDMENTS OR SUPPLEMENTS TO THOSE DOCUMENTS, BECAUSE THEY WILL CONTAIN IMPORTANT INFORMATION ABOUT BURKE & HERBERT, THE COMPANY AND THE PROPOSED TRANSACTION. Investors and shareholders will be able to obtain a free copy of the registration statement, including the joint proxy statement/prospectus, as well as other relevant documents filed with the SEC containing information about Burke & Herbert and the Company, without charge, at the SEC's website www.sec.gov. Copies of documents filed with the SEC by Burke & Herbert will be made available free of charge in the "Investor Relations" section of Burke & Herbert's website, www.burkeandherbertbank.com, under the heading "Financials." Copies of documents filed with the SEC by the Company will be made available free of charge in the "Investor Relations" section of the Company's website, www.linkbank.com, under the heading "Financials." The information on Burke & Herbert's or the Company's respective websites is not, and shall not be deemed to be, a part of this press release or incorporated into other filings either company makes with the SEC.

Participants in Solicitation
Burke & Herbert, the Company, and certain of their respective directors and executive officers may be deemed to be participants in the solicitation of proxies from shareholders of Burke & Herbert and shareholders of the Company in respect of the proposed transaction under the rules of the SEC. Information regarding Burke & Herbert's directors and executive officers is available in its definitive proxy statement, which was filed with the SEC on March 31, 2025, and certain other documents filed by Burke & Herbert with the SEC. Information regarding the Company's directors and executive officers is available in its definitive proxy statement, which was filed with the SEC on April 17, 2025, and certain other documents filed by the Company with the SEC. Other information regarding the participants in the solicitation of proxies in respect of the proposed transaction and a description of their direct and indirect interests, by security holdings or otherwise, will be contained in the joint proxy statement/prospectus and other relevant materials to be filed with the SEC. Free copies of these documents, when available, may be obtained as described in the preceding paragraph.

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