bwfg-20240331

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

FORM 10-Q

(Mark One)

☑ QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the quarterly period ended March 31, 2024

☐ TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the transition period from _________to________

Commission File Number: 001-36448

Bankwell Financial Group, Inc.

(Exact Name of Registrant as specified in its Charter)


Connecticut						20-8251355
(State or other jurisdiction of						(I.R.S. Employer
Incorporation or organization)						Identification No.)

258 Elm Street

New Canaan, Connecticut 06840

(203) 652-0166

(Address, including zip code, and telephone number, including area code, of registrant’s principal executive offices)

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:


Title of Each Class	Trading Symbol(s)	Name of Each Exchange on Which Registered
Common Stock, no par value per share	BWFG	NASDAQ Global Market

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days. þ Yes ¨ No

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically every Interactive Data File required to be submitted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit such files). þ Yes ¨ No

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, a smaller reporting company, or an emerging growth company. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer,” “smaller reporting company” and “emerging growth company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.


Large accelerated filer	¨	Accelerated filer	☑
Non-accelerated filer	¨	Smaller reporting company	☑
Emerging growth company	☐

If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act. ¨

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act). ☐ Yes þ No

As of April 30, 2024, there were 7,898,436 shares of the registrant’s common stock outstanding.

Bankwell Financial Group, Inc.

Form 10-Q

Table of Contents


PART I – FINANCIAL INFORMATION

Item 1. Financial Statements (unaudited)			4
Consolidated Balance Sheets as of March 3 1 , 202 4 and December 31, 202 3			4
Consolidated Statements of Income for the three months ended March 31 , 2024 and 2 023			5
Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss) for the three months ended March 31, 2024 and 2023			6
Consolidated Statements of Shareholders’ Equity for the three months ended March 31, 2024 and 2023			7
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the three months ended March 31, 2024 and 2023			8
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements			10

Item 2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations			47

Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk			60

Item 4. Controls and Procedures			60

PART II – OTHER INFORMATION

Item 1. Legal Proceedings			61

Item 1A. Risk Factors			61

Item 2. Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds			61

Item 3. Defaults Upon Senior Securities			61

Item 4. Mine Safety Disclosures			61

Item 5. Other Information			61

Item 6. Exhibits			62

Signatures			62

Certifications

PART 1 – FINANCIAL INFORMATION

Item 1. Financial Statements

Bankwell Financial Group, Inc.

Consolidated Balance Sheets - (unaudited)

(In thousands, except share data)


	March 31, 2024		December 31, 2023
ASSETS
Cash and due from banks	$	245,043	$	267,521
Federal funds sold	2,584		1,636
Cash and cash equivalents	247,627		269,157

Investment securities
Marketable equity securities, at fair value	2,069		2,070
Available for sale investment securities, at fair value	108,417		109,736
Held to maturity investment securities, at amortized cost (fair values of $15,488 and $15,903 at March 31, 2024 and December 31, 2023, respectively)	15,739		15,817
Total investment securities	126,225		127,623

Loans receivable (net of ACL-Loans of $27,991 at March 31, 2024 and $27,946 at December 31, 2023, respectively)	2,646,686		2,685,301

Accrued interest receivable	15,104		14,863
Federal Home Loan Bank stock, at cost	5,655		5,696
Premises and equipment, net	26,161		27,018
Bank-owned life insurance	51,764		51,435
Goodwill	2,589		2,589

Deferred income taxes, net	9,137		9,383
Other assets	24,326		22,417
Total assets	$	3,155,274	$	3,215,482
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
Liabilities
Deposits
Noninterest bearing deposits	$	376,248	$	346,172
Interest bearing deposits	2,297,274		2,390,585
Total deposits	2,673,522		2,736,757

Advances from the Federal Home Loan Bank	90,000		90,000
Subordinated debentures (face value of $70,000 and $70,000 at March 31, 2024 and December 31, 2023, respectively, less unamortized debt issuance costs of $734 and $795 at March 31, 2024 and December 31, 2023, respectively)	69,266		69,205
Accrued expenses and other liabilities	54,454		53,768
Total liabilities	2,887,242		2,949,730
Commitments and contingencies
Shareholders' equity
Common stock, no par value; 10,000,000 shares authorized, 7,908,180 and 7,882,616 shares issued and outstanding at March 31, 2024 and December 31, 2023, respectively	118,401		118,247
Retained earnings	151,350		149,169
Accumulated other comprehensive loss	(1,719)		(1,664)
Total shareholders' equity	268,032		265,752

Total liabilities and shareholders' equity	$	3,155,274	$	3,215,482

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements (unaudited)

Bankwell Financial Group, Inc.

Consolidated Statements of Income – (unaudited)

(In thousands, except share data)


	Three Months Ended March 31,
		2024		2023
Interest and dividend income
Interest and fees on loans		$	43,325	$	39,723
Interest and dividends on securities		1,130		1,000
Interest on cash and cash equivalents		3,826		3,568
Total interest and dividend income		48,281		44,291

Interest expense
Interest expense on deposits		25,362		17,033
Interest expense on borrowings		1,772		1,717
Total interest expense		27,134		18,750

Net interest income		21,147		25,541

Provision for credit losses		3,683		826

Net interest income after provision for credit losses		17,464		24,715

Noninterest income
Bank-owned life insurance		329		281
Service charges and fees		304		286
Gains and fees from sales of loans		321		931


Other		(39)		28
Total noninterest income		915		1,526

Noninterest expense
Salaries and employee benefits		6,291		6,081
Occupancy and equipment		2,322		2,084
Professional services		1,065		1,322
Data processing		740		671
Director fees		900		392
FDIC insurance		930		1,062
Marketing		114		151
Other		935		928
Total noninterest expense		13,297		12,691
Income before income tax expense		5,082		13,550
Income tax expense		1,319		3,171
Net income		$	3,763	$	10,379

Earnings Per Common Share:
Basic		$	0.48	$	1.34
Diluted		$	0.48	$	1.33

Weighted Average Common Shares Outstanding:
Basic		7,663,521		7,554,689
Diluted		7,687,679		7,616,671
Dividends per common share		$	0.20	$	0.20

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements (unaudited)

Bankwell Financial Group, Inc.

Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss) – (unaudited)

(In thousands)


	Three Months Ended March 31,
		2024		2023
Net income		$	3,763	$	10,379
Other comprehensive income:
Unrealized (losses) gains on securities:
Unrealized holding (losses) gains on available for sale securities		(218)		752
Reclassification adjustment for gains realized in net income		—		—
Net change in unrealized (losses) gains		(218)		752
Income tax benefit (expense)		102		(118)
Unrealized (losses) gains on securities, net of tax		(116)		634
Unrealized gains (losses) on interest rate swaps:
Unrealized gains (losses) on interest rate swaps		125		(1,981)
Income tax (expense) benefit		(64)		402
Unrealized gains (losses) on interest rate swaps, net of tax		61		(1,579)
Total other comprehensive (loss) income, net of tax		(55)		(945)
Comprehensive income		$	3,708	$	9,434

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements (unaudited)

Bankwell Financial Group, Inc.

Consolidated Statements of Shareholders' Equity - (unaudited)

(In thousands, except share data)


	Number of Outstanding Shares	Common Stock		Retained Earnings		Accumulated Other Comprehensive (Loss) Income		Total
Balance at December 31, 2023	7,882,616	$	118,247	$	149,169	$	(1,664)	$	265,752
Net income	—	—		3,763		—		3,763
Other comprehensive (loss), net of tax	—	—		—		(55)		(55)
Cash dividends declared ($0.20 per share)	—	—		(1,582)		—		(1,582)
Stock-based compensation expense	—	1,074		—		—		1,074
Forfeitures of restricted stock	(100)	—		—		—		—
Issuance of restricted stock	61,844	—		—		—		—
Stock options exercised	—	—		—		—		—
Repurchase of common stock	(36,180)	(920)		—		—		(920)
Balance at March 31, 2024	7,908,180	$	118,401	$	151,350	$	(1,719)	$	268,032


	Number of Outstanding Shares	Common Stock		Retained Earnings		Accumulated Other Comprehensive (Loss) Income		Total
Balance at December 31, 2022	7,730,699	$	115,018	$	123,640	$	(189)	$	238,469
Cumulative effect of change in accounting principle (ASU No. 2016-13), net of tax	—	—		(4,893)		—		(4,893)
Balance as of January 1, 2023 as adjusted for changes in accounting principle	7,730,699	115,018		118,747		(189)		233,576
Net income	—	—		10,379		—		10,379
Other comprehensive income, net of tax	—	—		—		(945)		(945)
Cash dividends declared ($0.20 per share)	—	—		(1,560)		—		(1,560)
Stock-based compensation expense	—	702		—		—		702
Forfeitures of restricted stock	(1,950)	—		—		—		—
Issuance of restricted stock	106,009	—		—		—		—
Stock options exercised	8,680	155		—		—		155
Repurchase of common stock	—	—		—		—		—
Balance at March 31, 2023	7,843,438	$	115,875	$	127,566	$	(1,134)	$	242,307

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements (unaudited)

Bankwell Financial Group, Inc.

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows – (unaudited)

(In thousands)


	Three Months Ended March 31,
	2024		2023
Cash flows from operating activities
Net income	$	3,763	$	10,379
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
Net amortization of premiums and discounts on investment securities	(5)		18
Provision for credit losses	3,683		826
Credit for deferred income taxes	282		472

Change in fair value of marketable equity securities	16		(28)
Depreciation and amortization	940		884
Amortization of debt issuance costs	62		62

Increase in cash surrender value of bank-owned life insurance	(329)		(281)


Gains and fees from sales of loans	(321)		(931)
Stock-based compensation	1,074		702



Net change in:
Deferred loan fees	(478)		144
Accrued interest receivable	(242)		(1,191)
Other assets	(356)		(404)
Accrued expenses and other liabilities	940		(3,539)
Net cash provided by operating activities	9,029		7,113

Cash flows from investing activities
Proceeds from principal repayments on available for sale securities	1,105		1,225
Proceeds from principal repayments on held to maturity securities	80		53


Purchases of marketable equity securities	—		(12)

Purchases of held to maturity securities	(15)		—

Net decrease (increase) in loans	30,931		(94,960)

Proceeds from sales of loans not originated for sale	3,119		12,725
Purchases of premises and equipment, net	(83)		(707)
Purchases of Federal Home Loan Bank stock	41		(18)

Net cash used in investing activities	35,178		(81,694)

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements (unaudited)

Bankwell Financial Group, Inc.

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows - (unaudited) (Continued)

(In thousands)


	Three Months Ended March 31,
	2024		2023
Cash flows from financing activities
Net change in time certificates of deposit	$	(23,622)	$	112,166
Net change in other deposits	(39,613)		(114,677)




Proceeds from exercise of options	—		155
Dividends paid on common stock	(1,582)		(1,560)
Repurchase of common stock	(920)		—
Net cash (used in) provided by financing activities	(65,737)		(3,916)
Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents	(21,530)		(78,497)
Cash and cash equivalents:
Beginning of year	269,157		355,679
End of period	$	247,627	$	277,182
Supplemental disclosures of cash flows information:
Cash paid for:
Interest	$	26,691	$	14,455
Income taxes	426		162
Noncash investing and financing activities:

Net change in unrealized gains or losses on available for sale securities	(218)		752
Net change in unrealized gains or losses on interest rate swaps	125		(1,981)
Establishment of right-of-use asset and lease liability	—		597
Transfer of loans from held-for-investment to held-for-sale	2,797		11,794

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements (unaudited)

1. Nature of Operations and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

Bankwell Financial Group, Inc. (the "Parent Corporation") is a bank holding company headquartered in New Canaan, Connecticut. The Parent Corporation offers a broad range of financial services through its banking subsidiary, Bankwell Bank (the "Bank" and, collectively with the Parent Corporation and the Parent Corporation's subsidiaries, "we", "our", "us", or the "Company").

The Bank is a Connecticut state chartered commercial bank, founded in 2002, whose deposits are insured under the Deposit Insurance Fund administered by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (“FDIC”). The Bank provides a wide range of services to clients in our market, an area encompassing approximately a 100 mile radius around our branch network. In addition, the Bank pursues certain types of commercial lending opportunities outside our market, particularly where we have strong business relationships. The Bank operates branches in New Canaan, Stamford, Fairfield, Westport, Darien, Norwalk, and Hamden, Connecticut.

Principles of Consolidation

The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Company and the Bank, including its wholly owned passive investment company subsidiary. All significant intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.

Use of Estimates

The accounting and reporting policies of the Company conform to accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“GAAP”) and general practices within the banking industry. In preparing the consolidated financial statements, management is required to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities, and disclosures of contingent assets and liabilities as of the date of the consolidated balance sheet and revenue and expenses for the period. Actual results could differ from those estimates. Material estimates that are particularly susceptible to significant change in the near-term relate to the Allowance for Credit Losses-Loans ("ACL-Loans"), derivative instrument valuation, investment securities valuation, Allowance for Credit Losses-Securities, and deferred income taxes valuation.

Segments

The Company has one reportable segment. All of the Company’s activities are interrelated, and each activity is dependent and assessed based on how each of the activities of the Company supports the others. For example, lending is dependent upon the ability of the Company to fund itself with deposits and borrowings while managing the interest rate and credit risk. Accordingly, all significant operating decisions are based upon analysis of the Company as one segment or unit.

Basis of Consolidated Financial Statement Presentation

The unaudited consolidated financial statements presented herein have been prepared pursuant to the rules of the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) for quarterly reports on Form 10-Q and Rule 10-01 of Regulation S-X and do not include all of the information and note disclosures required by GAAP. In the opinion of management, all adjustments (consisting of normal recurring adjustments) and disclosures considered necessary for the fair presentation of the accompanying unaudited interim consolidated financial statements have been included. Interim results are not necessarily reflective of the results that may be expected for the year ending December 31, 2024. The accompanying unaudited interim consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with the audited consolidated financial statements and notes thereto included on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2023.

Significant Concentrations of Credit Risk

Many of the Company's activities are with clients located in Connecticut and New York, with the majority of the Company's commercial real estate investor loans in Connecticut and some New York metro area counties. Declines in property values in these areas could significantly impact the Company. The Company has a significant concentration in commercial real estate loans, with a growing percentage being owner-occupied, which present a lower risk profile.

ACL-Loans and Allowance for Credit Losses-Unfunded Commitments ("ACL-Unfunded Commitments")

The ACL-Loans is measured on each loan’s amortized cost basis, excluding interest receivable, and is initially recognized upon origination or purchase of the loan, and subsequently remeasured on a recurring basis. The ACL-Loans is recognized as a contra-asset, and credit loss expense is recorded as a provision for loan losses in the consolidated statements of income. Loan

losses are charged off against the ACL-Loans when management believes the loan is uncollectible. Subsequent recoveries, if any, are credited to the ACL-Loans. Loans are normally placed on nonaccrual status if it is probable that the Company will be unable to collect the full payment of principal and interest when due according to the contractual terms of the loan agreement, or the loan is past due for a period of 90 days or more unless the obligation is well-secured and is in the process of collection. The Company generally does not recognize an allowance for credit losses ("ACL") on accrued interest receivables, consistent with its policy to reverse interest income when interest is 90 days or more past due.

The Company also records an ACL-Unfunded commitments, which is based on the same assumptions as funded loans and also considers the probability of funding. The ACL is recognized as a liability, and credit loss expense is recorded as a provision for unfunded loan commitments within the provision for credit losses in the Consolidated statements of income.

For collectively evaluated loans and related unfunded commitments, the Company utilizes software provided by a third party, which includes various models for forecasting expected credit losses, to calculate its ACL. Management selected lifetime loss rate models, utilizing CRE, C&I, and Consumer specific models, to calculate the expected losses over the life of each loan based on exposure at default, loan attributes and reasonable, supportable economic forecasts. The models selected by the Company in its ACL calculation rely upon historical losses from a broad cross section of U.S. banks that also utilize the same third party for ACL calculations. Management reviewed the third party’s analysis of the banks included in the models as part of their model development dataset and determined the Company’s loan portfolio composition by property type, balance distribution by loan age, and delinquency status are similar, which supports the use of these loss rate models. The Company also noted the third party’s model development dataset has loan concentrations that are evenly distributed across the United States, while the Company’s portfolio is mainly concentrated in the Northeast. Based on the disparate regional concentration, management determined that a select group of peer banks is necessary to scale the loss rate models to produce an ACL that is more representative of the Company’s loan portfolio. This peer-based calibration, called a "peer scalar", utilizes the loss rates of a subset of peer banks to appropriately scale the initial model results. These peers have been selected by the Company given their similar characteristics, such as loan portfolio composition and location, to better align the models’ results to the Company’s expected losses.

Key assumptions used in the models include portfolio segmentation, risk rating, forecasted economic scenarios, the peer scalar, and the expected utilization of unfunded commitments, among others. Our loan portfolios are segmented by loan level attributes such as loan type, size, date of origination, and delinquency status to create homogenous loan pools. Pool level metrics are calculated, and loss rates are subsequently applied to the pools as the loans have similar characteristics.

To account for economic uncertainty, the Company incorporates multiple economic scenarios in determining the ACL. The scenarios include various projections based on variables such as Gross Domestic Product, interest rates, property price indices, and employment measures, among others. The scenarios are probability-weighted based on available information at the time the calculation is conducted. As part of our ongoing governance of ACL, scenario weightings and model parameters are reviewed periodically by management and are subject to change, as deemed appropriate.

The Company also considers qualitative adjustments to expected credit loss estimates for information not already captured in the quantitative loss estimation models. Qualitative factor adjustments may increase or decrease management’s estimate of expected credit losses. Qualitative loss factors are based on the Company’s judgment of market, changes in loan composition or concentrations, performance trends, regulatory changes, uncertainty of macroeconomic forecasts, and other asset specific risk characteristics.

When loans do not share risk characteristics with other financial assets they are evaluated individually. Management applies its normal loan review procedures in making these judgments. Individually evaluated loans consist of loans with credit quality indicators which are substandard or doubtful. The Company also individually evaluates all insurance premium loans. While insurance premium loans are considered consumer loans, the third-party Consumer ACL model is designed for unsecured lending, whereas these loans are secured. To account for the fully secured structure of this type of loan, management determined each loan will be individually evaluated, regardless of the credit quality indicators. These loans are evaluated based upon their collateral, which primarily consists of cash, cash surrender value life insurance, and in some cases real estate. In determining the ACL-Loans for individually evaluated loans, the Company generally applies a discounted cash flow method for instruments that are individually assessed. For collateral dependent financial assets where the Company has determined that foreclosure of the collateral is probable and where the borrower is experiencing financial difficulty, the ACL is measured based on the difference between the fair value of the collateral and the amortized cost basis of the asset as of the measurement date. Fair value is generally calculated based on the value of the underlying collateral less an appraisal discount and the estimated cost to sell.

ACL-Securities

The Company individually evaluates the available for sale debt securities and held to maturity securities for impairment credit losses. Available for sale securities include U.S. Treasuries, mortgage-backed securities, and corporate bonds. U.S. Treasuries

and mortgaged-backed securities are guaranteed by the U.S. Government and as a result, management has a zero loss expectation. No ACL-Securities was recorded for these securities as of March 31, 2024. For the corporate bond portfolio, the Company developed a metric that includes each issuer’s current credit ratings and key financial performance metrics to assess the underlying performance of each issuer. The analysis of the issuers’ performance and the intent of the Company to retain these securities support the determination that there is no expected credit loss, and therefore, no ACL-Securities were recognized on the corporate bond portfolio as of March 31, 2024. Of our held to maturity securities portfolio, one security’s fair value was less than its amortized cost as of March 31, 2024. Since this is a highly rated state agency and municipal obligation, the Company's expectation of nonpayment of the amortized cost basis is zero. No allowance for ALC-Securities was recorded for this security as of March 31, 2024.

Common Share Repurchases

The Company is incorporated in the state of Connecticut. Connecticut law does not provide for treasury shares, rather shares repurchased by the Company constitute authorized, but unissued shares. GAAP states that accounting for treasury stock shall conform to state law. Therefore, the cost of shares repurchased by the Company has been allocated to common stock balances.

Reclassification

Certain prior period amounts may be reclassified to conform to the 2024 financial statement presentation. These reclassifications only change the reporting categories and do not affect the consolidated results of operations or consolidated financial position of the Company.

Recent Accounting Pronouncements

The following section includes changes in accounting principles and potential effects of new accounting guidance and pronouncements.

Recently issued accounting pronouncements not yet adopted

ASU No. 2023-09—Income Taxes (Topic 740): "Improvements to Income Tax Disclosures": The amendments in this update provide more transparency about income tax information through improvements to income tax disclosures primarily related to the rate reconciliation and income taxes paid information. For public business entities, the amendments in this update are effective for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2024. The Company believes this ASU will not have a material impact on existing disclosures and will continue to monitor for SEC action, and plan accordingly for adoption.

ASU No. 2023-06, Disclosure Improvements: “Codification Amendments in Response to the SEC’s Disclosure Update and Simplification Initiative”: The amendments in this update modify the disclosure or presentation requirements of a variety of Topics in the Codification. Certain of the amendments represent clarifications to or technical corrections of the current requirements. Because of the variety of Topics amended, a broad range of entities may be affected by one or more of those amendments. The summary of the amendments applicable to the Company include:

Statement of Cash Flows - Requires an accounting policy disclosure in annual periods of where cash flows associated with derivative instruments and their related gains and losses are presented in the statement of cash flows.

Accounting Changes and Error Corrections - Requires that when there has been a change in the reporting entity, the entity disclose any material prior-period adjustment and the effect of the adjustment on retained earnings in interim financial statements.

Earnings Per Share - Requires disclosure of the methods used in the diluted earnings-per-share computation for each dilutive security and clarifies that certain disclosures should be made during interim periods. Amends illustrative guidance to illustrate

disclosure of the methods used in the diluted earnings-per-share computation.

Interim Reporting - Conforms to the amendments made to Topic 250 (Accounting Changes and Error Correction).

Commitments - Requires disclosure of assets mortgaged, pledged, or otherwise subject to lien and the obligations collateralized.

Debt - Requires disclosure of amounts and terms of unused lines of credit and unfunded commitments and the weighted-average interest rate on outstanding short-term borrowings. Entities that are not public business entities are not required to provide information about the weighted-average interest rate.

Equity - Requires entities that issue preferred stock to disclose preference in involuntary liquidation if the liquidation preference is other than par or stated value.

Derivatives - Adds cross-reference to disclosure requirements related to where cash flows associated with derivative instruments and their related gains and losses are presented in the statement of cash flows in Topic 230.

Transfers and Servicing—Secured Borrowing and Collateral - Requires:

a. That accrued interest be included in the disclosure of liabilities incurred in securities borrowing or repurchase or resale transactions.

b. Separate presentation of the aggregate carrying amount of reverse repurchase agreements on the face of the balance sheet if that amount exceeds 10 percent of total assets.

c. Disclosure of the weighted-average interest rates of repurchase liabilities for public business entities.

d. Disclosure of amounts at risk with an individual counterparty if that amount exceeds more than 10 percent of shareholder’s equity.

e. Disclosure for reverse repurchase agreements that exceed 10 percent of total assets on whether there are any provisions in a reverse repurchase agreement to ensure that the market value of the underlying assets remains sufficient. to protect against counterparty default and, if so, the nature of those provisions.

Financial Services - Requires that investment companies disclose the components of capital on the balance sheet.

For entities subject to the SEC’s existing disclosure requirements and for entities required to file or furnish financial statements with or to the SEC in preparation for the sale of or for purposes of issuing securities that are not subject to contractual restrictions on transfer, the effective date for each amendment will be the date on which the SEC’s removal of that related disclosure from Regulation S-X or Regulation S-K becomes effective, with early adoption prohibited. For all other entities, the amendments will be effective two years later. The amendments in this update are to be applied prospectively. For all entities, if by June 30, 2027, the SEC has not removed the applicable requirement from Regulation S-X or Regulation S-K, the pending content of the related amendment will be removed from the Codification and will not become effective for any entity. The Company believes this ASU will not have a material impact on existing disclosures and will continue to monitor for SEC action, and plan accordingly for adoption.

2. Investment Securities

The amortized cost, gross unrealized gains and losses and fair value of available for sale and held to maturity securities at March 31, 2024 were as follows:


	March 31, 2024
	Amortized Cost		Gross Unrealized				Fair Value
			Gains		Losses
	(In thousands)
Available for sale securities:
U.S. Government and agency obligations
Less than one year	$	9,885	$	—	$	(54)	$	9,831
Due from one through five years	$	55,260	$	40	$	(2,797)	$	52,503
Due from five through ten years	26,265		—		(1,829)		24,436
Due after ten years	7,765		—		(890)		6,875
Total U.S. Government and agency obligations	99,175		40		(5,570)		93,645

Corporate bonds

Due from five through ten years	15,500		—		(1,762)		13,738
Due after ten years	1,500		—		(466)		1,034
Total corporate bonds	17,000		—		(2,228)		14,772

Total available for sale securities	$	116,175	$	40	$	(7,798)	$	108,417

Held to maturity securities:
State agency and municipal obligations
Due after ten years	$	15,708	$	458	$	(710)	$	15,456

Government-sponsored mortgage backed securities
No contractual maturity	31		1		—		32
Total held to maturity securities	$	15,739	$	459	$	(710)	$	15,488

The amortized cost, gross unrealized gains and losses and fair value of available for sale and held to maturity securities at December 31, 2023 were as follows:


	December 31, 2023
	Amortized Cost		Gross Unrealized				Fair Value
			Gains		Losses
	(In thousands)
Available for sale securities:
U.S. Government and agency obligations
Less than one year	$	9,836	$	—	$	(52)	$	9,784
Due from one through five years	$	55,288	$	123	$	(2,680)	$	52,731
Due from five through ten years	27,229		—		(1,630)		25,599
Due after ten years	7,923		—		(811)		7,112
Total U.S. Government and agency obligations	100,276		123		(5,173)		95,226
Corporate bonds


Due from five through ten years	15,500		—		(2,028)		13,472
Due after ten years	1,500		—		(462)		1,038
Total corporate bonds	17,000		—		(2,490)		14,510

Total available for sale securities	$	117,276	$	123	$	(7,663)	$	109,736

Held to maturity securities:
State agency and municipal obligations
Due after ten years	$	15,785	$	716	$	(631)	$	15,870

Government-sponsored mortgage backed securities
No contractual maturity	32		1		—		33
Total held to maturity securities	$	15,817	$	717	$	(631)	$	15,903

There were no sales of investment securities during the three months ended March 31, 2024 or 2023.

At March 31, 2024 and December 31, 2023, none of the Company's securities were pledged as collateral with the Federal Home Loan Bank ("FHLB") or any other institution.

As of March 31, 2024 and December 31, 2023, the actual durations of the Company's available for sale securities were significantly shorter than the stated maturities.

As of March 31, 2024, the Company held marketable equity securities with a fair value of $2.1 million and an amortized cost of $2.2 million. At December 31, 2023, the Company held marketable equity securities with a fair value of $2.1 million and an amortized cost of $2.2 million. These securities represent an investment in mutual funds that have an objective to make investments for Community Reinvestment Act ("CRA") purposes.

The following tables provide information regarding available for sale securities and held to maturity securities with unrealized losses, aggregated by investment category and length of time that individual securities have been in a continuous unrealized loss position at March 31, 2024 and December 31, 2023:


	Length of Time in Continuous Unrealized Loss Position
	Less Than 12 Months						12 Months or More						Total
	Fair Value		Unrealized Loss		Percent Decline from Amortized Cost		Fair Value		Unrealized Loss		Percent Decline from Amortized Cost		Fair Value		Unrealized Loss		Percent Decline from Amortized Cost
	(Dollars in thousands)

March 31, 2024
U.S. Government and agency obligations	$	—	$	—	—	%	$	83,725	$	(5,570)	6.24	%	$	83,725	$	(5,570)	6.24	%
Corporate bonds	—		—		—		14,772		(2,228)		13.10		14,772		(2,228)		13.10
State agency and municipal obligations	—		—		—		3,980		(710)		15.15		3,980		(710)		15.15
Total investment securities	$	—	$	—	—	%	$	102,477	$	(8,508)	7.67	%	$	102,477	$	(8,508)	7.67	%


	Length of Time in Continuous Unrealized Loss Position
	Less Than 12 Months						12 Months or More						Total
	Fair Value		Unrealized Loss		Percent Decline from Amortized Cost		Fair Value		Unrealized Loss		Percent Decline from Amortized Cost		Fair Value		Unrealized Loss		Percent Decline from Amortized Cost
	(Dollars in thousands)

December 31, 2023
U.S. Government and agency obligations	$	—	$	—	—	%	$	85,243	$	(5,173)	5.72	%	$	85,243	$	(5,173)	5.72	%
Corporate bonds	—		—		—		14,510		(2,490)		14.65		14,510		(2,490)		14.65
State agency and municipal obligations	—		—		—		4,076		(631)		13.41		4,076		(631)		13.41
Total investment securities	$	—	$	—	—	%	$	103,829	$	(8,294)	7.40	%	$	103,829	$	(8,294)	7.40	%

There were thirty-four and thirty-four available for sale securities or held to maturity securities as of March 31, 2024 and December 31, 2023, respectively, in which the fair value of the security was less than the amortized cost of the security.

The U.S. Government and agency obligations owned are either direct obligations of the U.S. Government or guaranteed by the U.S. Government. Therefore, the contractual cash flows are guaranteed and as a result the unrealized losses in this portfolio are considered to be only temporarily impaired.

The corporate bonds are investments in subordinated debt of federally insured banks, the majority of which are callable after five years of origination. The Company monitors its corporate bond, state agency and municipal bond portfolios and considers them to have minimal default risk.

The Company has the intent and ability to retain its investment securities in an unrealized loss position at March 31, 2024 until the decline in value has recovered or the security has matured.

3. Loans Receivable and ACL-Loans

The following table sets forth a summary of the loan portfolio at March 31, 2024 and December 31, 2023:


(In thousands)	March 31, 2024		December 31, 2023
Real estate loans:
Residential	$	49,098	$	50,931
Commercial	1,927,636		1,947,648
Construction	151,967		183,414
	2,128,701		2,181,993

Commercial business	508,912		500,569

Consumer	41,946		36,045
Total loans	2,679,559		2,718,607

ACL-Loans	(27,991)		(27,946)
Deferred loan origination fees, net	(4,882)		(5,360)

Loans receivable, net	$	2,646,686	$	2,685,301

Lending activities primarily consist of commercial real estate loans, commercial business loans and, to a lesser degree, consumer loans. Loans may also be granted for the construction of commercial properties. The majority of commercial mortgage loans are collateralized by first or second mortgages on real estate.

Risk management

The Company has established credit policies applicable to each type of lending activity in which it engages. The Company evaluates the creditworthiness of each client and extends credit of up to 80% of the market value of the collateral, (85% maximum for owner occupied commercial real estate), depending on the client's creditworthiness and the type of collateral. The client’s ability to service the debt is monitored on an ongoing basis. Real estate is the primary form of collateral. Other important forms of collateral are business assets, time deposits and marketable securities. While collateral provides assurance as a secondary source of repayment, the Company ordinarily requires the primary source of repayment for commercial loans to be based on the client’s ability to generate continuing cash flows. The Company does not provide first or second lien consumer mortgage loans secured by residential properties but has a small legacy portfolio which continues to amortize, pay off due to the sale of the collateral, or refinance away from the Company.

Credit quality of loans and the ACL-Loans

Management segregates the loan portfolio into defined segments, which are used to develop and document a systematic method for determining the Company's ACL-Loans. The portfolio segments are segregated based on loan types and the underlying risk factors present in each loan type. Such risk factors are periodically reviewed by management and revised as deemed appropriate.

The Company's loan portfolio is segregated into the following portfolio segments:

Residential Real Estate: This portfolio segment consists of first mortgage loans secured by one-to-four family owner occupied residential properties for personal use located in the Company's market area. This segment also includes home equity loans and home equity lines of credit secured by owner occupied one-to-four family residential properties. Loans of this type were written at a combined maximum of 80% of the appraised value of the property and the Company requires a first or second lien position on the property. These loans can be affected by economic conditions and the values of the underlying properties.

Commercial Real Estate: This portfolio segment includes loans secured by commercial real estate, multi-family dwellings, owner-occupied commercial real estate and investor-owned one-to-four family dwellings. Loans secured by commercial real estate generally have larger loan balances and more credit risk than owner occupied one-to-four family mortgage loans.

Construction: This portfolio segment includes commercial construction loans for commercial development projects, including apartment buildings and condominiums, as well as office buildings, retail and other income producing properties and land loans, which are loans made with land as collateral. Construction and land development financing generally involves greater credit risk than long-term financing on improved, owner-occupied or leased real estate. Risk of loss on a construction loan depends largely upon the accuracy of the initial estimate of the value of the property at completion of construction compared to the estimated cost (including interest) of construction and other assumptions. If the estimate of construction cost proves to be inaccurate, the Company may be required to advance additional funds beyond the amount originally committed in order to protect the value of the property. Moreover, if the estimated value of the completed project proves to be inaccurate, the client may hold a property with a value that is insufficient to assure full repayment through sale or refinance. Construction loans also expose the Company to the risks that improvements will not be completed on time in accordance with specifications and projected costs and that repayment will depend on the successful operation or sale of the properties, which may cause some clients to be unable to continue paying debt service, which exposes the Company to greater risk of non-payment and loss.

Commercial Business: This portfolio segment includes commercial business loans secured by assignments of corporate assets and personal guarantees of the business owners. Commercial business loans generally have higher interest rates and shorter terms than other loans, and their repayment generally depends on the successful operation of the client’s business.

Consumer: This portfolio segment includes loans to finance insurance premiums secured by the cash surrender value of life insurance and marketable securities, overdraft lines of credit, and unsecured personal loans to high net worth individuals.

ACL-Loans

The following tables set forth the activity in the Company’s ACL-Loans for the three months ended March 31, 2024 and 2023, by portfolio segment:


	Residential Real Estate		Commercial Real Estate		Construction		Commercial Business		Consumer		Total
	(In thousands)
Three Months Ended March 31, 2024
Beginning balance	$	149	$	20,950	$	1,699	$	4,562	$	586	$	27,946
Charge-offs	(132)		(3,306)		—		(197)		(49)		(3,684)
Recoveries	—		—		—		27		4		31
Provision (credit) for credit losses	116		4,022		(156)		(314)		30		3,698
Ending balance	$	133	$	21,666	$	1,543	$	4,078	$	571	$	27,991


	Residential Real Estate		Commercial Real Estate		Construction		Commercial Business		Consumer		Total
	(In thousands)
Three Months Ended March 31, 2023
Balance as of December 31, 2022	$	163	$	15,597	$	311	$	6,214	$	146	$	22,431
Day1 effect of CECL	80		4,987		611		(1,125)		526		$	5,079
Balance as of January 1, 2023 as adjusted for changes in accounting principle	243		20,584		922		5,089		672		27,510
Charge-offs	—		—		—		(440)		(12)		(452)
Recoveries	—		—		—		—		6		6
(Credit) provision for credit losses	(36)		(1,171)		148		1,944		49		934
Ending balance	$	207	$	19,413	$	1,070	$	6,593	$	715	$	27,998

We evaluate whether a modification, extension or renewal of a loan is a current period origination in accordance with GAAP. Generally, loans up for renewal are subject to a full credit evaluation before the renewal is granted and such loans are considered current period originations for purpose of the tables below. The following tables present loans by origination and risk designation as of March 31, 2024 and December 31, 2023 (dollars in thousands):


Term Loans
Amortized Cost Balances by Origination Year as of March 31, 2024


	2024		2023		2022		2021		2020		Prior		Total
Residential Real Estate Loans
Pass	$	—	$	—	$	—	$	—	$	—	$	45,633	$	45,633
Special Mention	—		—		—		—		—		141		141
Substandard	—		—		—		—		—		3,562		3,562
Doubtful	—		—		—		—		—		—		—
Total Residential Real Estate Loans	$	—	$	—	$	—	$	—	$	—	$	49,336	$	49,336
Residential Real Estate charge-off
Current period charge-offs	$	—	$	—	$	—	$	—	$	—	$	132	$	132

Commercial Real Estate Loans
Pass	$	25,761	$	90,932	$	755,779	$	269,517	$	126,193	$	554,880	$	1,823,062
Special Mention	—		12,733		35,010		13,202		1,275		2,022		64,242
Substandard	—		18,531		—		16,720		—		—		35,251
Doubtful	—		—		—		2,116		—		8,632		10,748
Total Commercial Real Estate Loans	$	25,761	$	122,196	$	790,789	$	301,555	$	127,468	$	565,534	$	1,933,303
Commercial Real Estate charge-off
Current period charge-offs	$	—	$	—	$	—	$	—	$	—	$	3,306	$	3,306

Construction Loans
Pass	$	—	$	41,663	$	56,166	$	45,259	$	—	$	—	$	143,088
Special Mention	—		—		—		—		—		—		—
Substandard	—		—		—		—		—		9,362		9,362
Doubtful	—		—		—		—		—		—		—
Total Construction Loans	$	—	$	41,663	$	56,166	$	45,259	$	—	$	9,362	$	152,450
Construction charge-off
Current period charge-offs	$	—	$	—	$	—	$	—	$	—	$	—	$	—

Commercial Business Loans
Pass	$	38,102	$	122,299	$	212,863	$	65,839	$	6,774	$	36,080	$	481,957
Special Mention	—		667		5,197		1,009		—		1,285		8,158
Substandard	—		893		8,931		7,727		—		1,961		19,512
Doubtful	—		—		—		1,779		—		92		1,871
Total Commercial Business Loans	$	38,102	$	123,859	$	226,991	$	76,354	$	6,774	$	39,418	$	511,498
Commercial Business charge-off
Current period charge-offs	$	—	$	—	$	—	$	197	$	—	$	—	$	197

Consumer Loans
Pass	$	—	$	11,656	$	29,401	$	—	$	—	$	33	$	41,090
Special Mention	—		—		—		—		—		—		—
Substandard	—		—		—		—		—		—		—
Doubtful	—		—		—		—		—		—		—
Total Consumer Loans	$	—	$	11,656	$	29,401	$	—	$	—	$	33	$	41,090
Consumer charge-off
Current period charge-offs	$	3	$	—	$	—	$	46	$	—	$	—	$	49

Total Loans
Pass	$	63,863	$	266,550	$	1,054,209	$	380,615	$	132,967	$	636,626	$	2,534,830
Special Mention	—		13,400		40,207		14,211		1,275		3,448		72,541
Substandard	—		19,424		8,931		24,447		—		14,885		67,687
Doubtful	—		—		—		3,895		—		8,724		12,619
Total Loans	$	63,863	$	299,374	$	1,103,347	$	423,168	$	134,242	$	663,683	$	2,687,677
Total charge-off
Current period charge-offs	$	3	$	—	$	—	$	243	$	—	$	3,438	$	3,684


Term Loans
Amortized Cost Balances by Origination Year as of December 31, 2023


	2023		2022		2021		2020		2019		Prior		Total
Residential Real Estate Loans
Pass	$	—	$	—	$	—	$	—	$	—	$	47,314	$	47,314
Special Mention	—		—		—		—		—		140		140
Substandard	—		—		—		—		—		3,728		3,728
Doubtful	—		—		—		—		—		—		—
Total Residential Real Estate Loans	$	—	$	—	$	—	$	—	$	—	$	51,182	$	51,182
Residential Real Estate charge-off
Current period charge-offs	$	—	$	—	$	—	$	—	$	—	$	—	$	—

Commercial Real Estate Loans
Pass	$	95,881	$	755,352	$	310,811	$	113,554	$	133,996	$	429,695	$	1,839,289
Special Mention	12,333		35,136		13,203		—		2,035		114		62,821
Substandard	18,525		—		16,923		—		—		8,121		43,569
Doubtful	—		—		2,116		—		—		4,272		6,388
Total Commercial Real Estate Loans	$	126,739	$	790,488	$	343,053	$	113,554	$	136,031	$	442,202	$	1,952,067
Commercial Real Estate charge-off
Current period charge-offs	$	—	$	—	$	213	$	—	$	—	$	611	$	824

Construction Loans
Pass	$	39,627	$	67,788	$	41,156	$	26,156	$	—	$	—	$	174,727
Special Mention	—		—		—		—		—		—		—
Substandard	—		—		—		—		—		9,362		9,362
Doubtful	—		—		—		—		—		—		—
Total Construction Loans	$	39,627	$	67,788	$	41,156	$	26,156	$	—	$	9,362	$	184,089
Construction charge-off
Current period charge-offs	$	—	$	—	$	—	$	—	$	—	$	—	$	—

Commercial Business Loans
Pass	$	121,312	$	234,997	$	73,805	$	9,291	$	6,504	$	32,293	$	478,202
Special Mention	—		3,395		1,009		—		—		—		4,404
Substandard	892		8,934		7,910		—		—		2,092		19,828
Doubtful	—		—		—		—		—		103		103
Total Commercial Business Loans	$	122,204	$	247,326	$	82,724	$	9,291	$	6,504	$	34,488	$	502,537
Commercial Business charge-off
Current period charge-offs	$	—	$	—	$	—	$	—	$	440	$	—	$	440

Consumer Loans
Pass	$	10,126	$	25,406	$	—	$	—	$	—	$	37	$	35,569
Special Mention	—		—		—		—		—		—		—
Substandard	—		—		—		—		—		—		—
Doubtful	—		—		—		—		—		—		—
Total Consumer Loans	$	10,126	$	25,406	$	—	$	—	$	—	$	37	$	35,569
Consumer charge-off
Current period charge-offs	$	83	$	—	$	—	$	—	$	—	$	—	$	83

Total Loans
Pass	$	266,946	$	1,083,543	$	425,772	$	149,001	$	140,500	$	509,339	$	2,575,101
Special Mention	12,333		38,531		14,212		—		2,035		254		67,365
Substandard	19,417		8,934		24,833		—		—		23,303		76,487
Doubtful	—		—		2,116		—		—		4,375		6,491
Total Loans	$	298,696	$	1,131,008	$	466,933	$	149,001	$	142,535	$	537,271	$	2,725,444
Total charge-off
Current period charge-offs	$	83	$	—	$	213	$	—	$	440	$	611	$	1,347

Loans evaluated for impairment and the related ACL-Loans as of March 31, 2024 and December 31, 2023 were as follows:


	Portfolio		ACL-Loans
	(In thousands)
March 31, 2024
Loans individually evaluated for impairment:
Residential real estate	$	3,545	$	—
Commercial real estate	45,964		—
Construction	9,382		—
Commercial business	21,297		363
Consumer	26,155		—
Subtotal	106,343		363
Loans collectively evaluated for impairment:
Residential real estate	45,553		133
Commercial real estate	1,881,672		21,666
Construction	142,585		1,543
Commercial business	487,615		3,715
Consumer	15,791		571
Subtotal	2,573,216		27,628

Total	$	2,679,559	$	27,991


	Portfolio		ACL-Loans
	(In thousands)
December 31, 2023
Loans individually evaluated for impairment:
Residential real estate	$	3,711	$	—
Commercial real estate	49,935		955
Construction	9,382		—
Commercial business	19,848		—
Consumer	22,129		—
Subtotal	105,005		955
Loans collectively evaluated for impairment:
Residential real estate	47,220		149
Commercial real estate	1,897,713		19,995
Construction	174,032		1,699
Commercial business	480,721		4,562
Consumer	13,916		586
Subtotal	2,613,602		26,991

Total	$	2,718,607	$	27,946

Credit quality indicators

To measure credit risk for the loan portfolios, the Company employs a credit risk rating system. This risk rating represents an assessed level of a loan’s risk based on the character and creditworthiness of the borrower/guarantor, the capacity of the borrower to adequately service the debt, any credit enhancements or additional sources of repayment, and the quality, value and coverage of the collateral, if any.

The objectives of the Company’s risk rating system are to provide the Board of Directors and senior management with an objective assessment of the overall quality of the loan portfolio, to promptly and accurately identify loans with well-defined credit weaknesses so that timely action can be taken to minimize a potential credit loss, to identify relevant trends affecting the collectability of the loan portfolio, to isolate potential problem areas and to provide essential information for determining the adequacy of the ACL-Loans. The Company’s credit risk rating system has nine grades, with each grade corresponding to a progressively greater risk of default or non-payment. Risk ratings of (1) through (5) are "pass" categories and risk ratings of (6) through (9) are criticized asset categories as defined by the regulatory agencies.

A “special mention” (6) loan has a potential weakness which, if uncorrected, may result in a deterioration of the repayment prospects or inadequately protect the Company’s credit position at some time in the future. “Substandard” (7) loans have a well-defined weakness or weaknesses that jeopardize the full repayment of the debt. A loan rated “doubtful” (8) has all the weaknesses inherent in a substandard loan and which, in addition, make collection or liquidation in full highly questionable and improbable when considering existing facts, conditions, and values. Loans classified as “loss” (9) are considered uncollectible and of such little value that their continuance as bankable assets is not warranted. This classification does not mean that the loan has absolutely no recovery or salvage value; rather, it is not practical or desirable to defer charging off this asset even though partial recovery may be made in the future.

Risk ratings are assigned as necessary to differentiate risk within the portfolio. They are reviewed on an ongoing basis through the annual loan review process performed by Company personnel, normal renewal activity, monthly delinquency monitoring, and the quarterly watchlist and watched asset report process. They are revised to reflect changes in the borrower's financial condition and outlook, debt service coverage capability, repayment performance, collateral value and coverage, as well as other considerations. In addition to internal review at multiple points, outsourced loan review opines on risk ratings with regard to the sample of loans their review covers.

The following tables present credit risk ratings by loan segment as of March 31, 2024 and December 31, 2023:


	Commercial Credit Quality Indicators
	March 31, 2024								December 31, 2023
	Commercial Real Estate		Construction		Commercial Business		Total		Commercial Real Estate		Construction		Commercial Business		Total
	(In thousands)
Pass	$	1,817,700	$	142,585	$	479,532	$	2,439,817	$	1,835,136	$	174,032	$	476,358	$	2,485,526
Special Mention	63,972		—		8,083		72,055		62,577		—		4,362		66,939
Substandard	35,209		9,382		19,431		64,022		43,542		9,382		19,745		72,669
Doubtful	10,755		—		1,866		12,621		6,393		—		104		6,497
Loss	—		—		—		—		—		—		—		—
Total loans	$	1,927,636	$	151,967	$	508,912	$	2,588,515	$	1,947,648	$	183,414	$	500,569	$	2,631,631


	Residential and Consumer Credit Quality Indicators
	March 31, 2024						December 31, 2023
	Residential Real Estate		Consumer		Total		Residential Real Estate		Consumer		Total
	(In thousands)
Pass	$	45,415	$	41,946	$	87,361	$	47,082	$	36,045	$	83,127
Special Mention	138		—		138		138		—		138
Substandard	3,545		—		3,545		3,711		—		3,711
Doubtful	—		—		—		—		—		—
Loss	—		—		—		—		—		—
Total loans	$	49,098	$	41,946	$	91,044	$	50,931	$	36,045	$	86,976

Loan portfolio aging analysis

When a loan is 15 days past due, the Company sends the borrower a late notice. The Company attempts to contact the borrower by phone if the delinquency is not corrected promptly after the notice has been sent. When the loan is 30 days past due, the Company mails the borrower a letter reminding the borrower of the delinquency and attempts to contact the borrower personally to determine the reason for the delinquency and ensure the borrower understands the terms of the loan. If necessary, after the 90th day of delinquency, the Company may take other appropriate legal action. A summary report of all loans 30 days or more past due is provided to the Board of Directors of the Company periodically. Loans greater than 90 days past due are generally put on nonaccrual status. A nonaccrual loan is restored to accrual status when it is no longer delinquent and collectability of interest and principal is no longer in doubt. A loan is considered to be no longer delinquent when timely payments are made for a period of at least six months (one year for loans providing for quarterly or semi-annual payments) by the borrower in accordance with the contractual terms.

The following tables set forth certain information with respect to the Company's loan portfolio delinquencies by portfolio segment as of March 31, 2024 and December 31, 2023:


	March 31, 2024
	30-59 Days Past Due		60-89 Days Past Due		90 Days or Greater Past Due		Total Past Due		Current		Total Loans
	(In thousands)
Real estate loans:
Residential real estate	$	1,951	$	138	$	1,203	$	3,292	$	45,806	$	49,098
Commercial real estate	107		92		1,388		1,587		1,926,049		1,927,636
Construction	—		—		9,382		9,382		142,585		151,967
Commercial business	11,955		3,084		9,342		24,381		484,531		508,912
Consumer	—		—		—		—		41,946		41,946
Total loans	$	14,013	$	3,314	$	21,315	$	38,642	$	2,640,917	$	2,679,559


	December 31, 2023
	30-59 Days Past Due		60-89 Days Past Due		90 Days or Greater Past Due		Total Past Due		Current		Total Loans
	(In thousands)
Real estate loans:
Residential real estate	$	—	$	1,220	$	132	$	1,352	$	49,579	$	50,931
Commercial real estate	195		282		1,851		2,328		1,945,320		1,947,648
Construction	—		—		9,382		9,382		174,032		183,414
Commercial business	6,568		1,648		—		8,216		492,353		500,569
Consumer	—		—		—		—		36,045		36,045
Total loans	$	6,763	$	3,150	$	11,365	$	21,278	$	2,697,329	$	2,718,607

There were no loans delinquent greater than 90 days and still accruing interest as of March 31, 2024 or December 31, 2023.

Loans on nonaccrual status

The following is a summary of nonaccrual loans by portfolio segment as of March 31, 2024 and December 31, 2023:


	March 31, 2024		December 31, 2023
	(In thousands)
Residential real estate	$	1,237	$	1,386
Commercial real estate	19,083		23,009
Commercial business	16,841		15,430
Construction	9,382		9,382
Consumer	—		—
Total	$	46,543	$	49,207

Interest income on loans that would have been recognized if loans on nonaccrual status had been current in accordance with their original terms for the three months ended March 31, 2024 and 2023 was $0.9 million and $3.2 million, respectively.

At March 31, 2024 and December 31, 2023, there were no commitments to lend additional funds to any borrower on nonaccrual status. Nonaccrual loans with no specific reserve totaled $37.8 million and $48.3 million at March 31, 2024 and December 31, 2023, respectively, as these loans were deemed to be adequately collateralized.

Individually evaluated loans

An individually evaluated loan is generally one for which it is probable, based on current information, that the Company will not collect all the amounts due in accordance with the contractual terms of the loan. Individually evaluated loans are individually evaluated for impairment. When the Company classifies a problem loan as impaired, it evaluates whether a specific valuation allowance is required for that portion of the asset that is estimated to be impaired.

Beginning in the third quarter of 2023, the Company individually evaluates all insurance premium loans within the Consumer portfolio segment, irrespective of credit risk ratings.

The following table summarizes individually evaluated loans by portfolio segment as of March 31, 2024 and December 31, 2023.


	Carrying Amount				Unpaid Principal Balance				Associated ACL-Loans
	March 31, 2024		December 31, 2023		March 31, 2024		December 31, 2023		March 31, 2024		December 31, 2023
	(In thousands)
Individually evaluated loans without a valuation allowance:
Residential real estate	$	3,545	$	3,711	$	3,830	$	4,022	$	—	$	—
Commercial real estate	45,964		43,942		50,570		45,032		—		—
Construction	9,382		9,382		9,382		9,382		—		—
Commercial business	12,599		19,848		13,660		20,502		—		—
Consumer	26,155		22,129		26,155		22,129		—		—
Total individually evaluated loans without a valuation allowance	97,645		99,012		103,597		101,067		—		—

Individually evaluated loans with a valuation allowance:
Residential real estate	$	—	$	—	$	—	$	—	$	—	$	—
Commercial real estate	—		5,993		—		6,017		—		955
Construction	—		—		—		—		—		—
Commercial business	8,698		—		8,871		—		363		—
Consumer	—		—		—		—		—		—
Total individually evaluated loans with a valuation allowance	8,698		5,993		8,871		6,017		363		955
Total individually evaluated loans	$	106,343	$	105,005	$	112,468	$	107,084	$	363	$	955

The following table summarizes the average carrying amount of individually evaluated impaired loans and interest income recognized on individually evaluated loans by portfolio segment for the three months ended March 31, 2024 and 2023:


	Average Carrying Amount				Interest Income Recognized
	Three Months Ended March 31,				Three Months Ended March 31,
	2024		2023		2024		2023
	(In thousands)
Individually evaluated impaired loans without a valuation allowance:
Residential real estate	$	3,556	$	3,830	$	44	$	—
Commercial real estate	48,322		1,915		553		20
Commercial business	13,001		2,392		402		44
Construction	9,382		9,382		—		—
Consumer	25,523		—		336		—
Total individually evaluated impaired loans without a valuation allowance	99,784		17,519		1,335		64
Individually evaluated impaired loans with a valuation allowance:
Residential real estate	$	—	$	—	$	—	$	—
Commercial real estate	—		22,492		—		156
Commercial business	8,698		1,419		161		—
Construction	—		—		—		—
Consumer	—		—		—		—
Total individually evaluated impaired loans with a valuation allowance	8,698		23,911		161		156
Total individually evaluated impaired loans	$	108,482	$	41,430	$	1,496	$	220

Loan Modifications

A loan will be considered modified as defined by ASU 2022-02 when both of the following conditions are met: 1) the borrower is experiencing financial difficulties and 2) the modification constitutes a direct change in contractual cash flows for a significant period of time. Modified terms are dependent upon the financial position and needs of the individual borrower.

There were no new loan modifications reportable under ASU 2022-02 at March 31, 2024 and December 31, 2023. The following table provides information on loans that were modified during the periods indicated.



	Number of Loans		Pre-Modification				Post-Modification
(Dollars in thousands)	2024	2023	2024		2023		2024		2023
Three Months Ended March 31,
Residential real estate	—	—	$	—	$	—	$	—	$	—
Commercial business	—	—	—		—		—		—
Commercial real estate	—	—	—		—		—		—
Total	—	—	$	—	$	—	$	—	$	—

The following table provides information on how loans were modified during the three months ended March 31, 2024 and March 31, 2023.


	Three Months Ended March 31,
		2024		2023
		(In thousands)
Payment concession		$	—	$	—

Maturity, rate and payment concession		—		—

Rate concession		—		—
Total		$	—	$	—

Allowance for credit losses (ACL)-Unfunded Commitments

As part of adoption of CECL, the Company has recorded ACL-Unfunded Commitments in Accrued expenses and other liabilities. The provision is recorded within the Provision for credit losses on the Company’s Consolidated Statements of Income. The following table presents a roll forward of the ACL-Unfunded Commitments for the three months ended March 31, 2024 and March 31, 2023:


	Three Months Ended March 31,
		2024		2023
		(In thousands)
Balance at beginning of period		$	926	$	80
Reversal of prior unfunded reserve		—		(80)
Day 1 effect of CECL		—		1,273
(Credit) for credit losses (unfunded commitments)		(15)		(108)
Balance at end of period		$	911	$	1,165

Components of Provision for Credit Losses

The following table summarizes the Provision for credit losses for the three months ended March 31, 2024 and March 31, 2023:


	Three Months Ended March 31,
		2024		2023
		(In thousands)
Provision for credit losses (loans)		$	3,698	$	934
(Credit) for credit losses (unfunded commitments)		(15)		(108)
Provision for credit losses		$	3,683	$	826

4. Shareholders' Equity

Common Stock

The Company has 10,000,000 shares authorized and 7,908,180 shares issued and outstanding at March 31, 2024 and 10,000,000 shares authorized and 7,882,616 shares issued and outstanding at December 31, 2023. The Company's stock is traded on the Nasdaq Global Market under the ticker symbol BWFG.

Dividends

The Company’s shareholders are entitled to dividends when and if declared by the Board of Directors out of funds legally available. The ability of the Company to pay dividends depends, in part, on the ability of the Bank to pay dividends to the Parent Corporation. In accordance with Connecticut statutes, regulatory approval is required to pay dividends in excess of the Bank’s profits retained in the current year plus retained profits from the previous two years. The Bank is also prohibited from paying dividends that would reduce its capital ratios below minimum regulatory requirements.

Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities

On December 19, 2018, the Company's Board of Directors authorized a share repurchase program of up to 400,000 shares of the Company's Common Stock and, on October 27, 2021, the Company’ Board of Directors authorized the repurchase of an additional 200,000 shares under its share repurchase program. The Company intends to accomplish the share repurchases through open market transactions, though the Company could accomplish repurchases through other means, such as privately negotiated transactions. The timing, price and volume of repurchases will be based on market conditions, relevant securities laws and other factors. The share repurchase plan does not obligate the Company to acquire any particular amount of Common Stock, and it may be modified or suspended at any time at the Company's discretion. During the three months ended March 31, 2024, the Company purchased 36,180 shares of its Common Stock at a weighted average price of $25.38 per share. During the year ended December 31, 2023, the Company had no purchases of Common Stock.

5. Comprehensive Income

Comprehensive income represents the sum of net income and items of other comprehensive income or loss, including net unrealized gains or losses on securities available for sale and net unrealized gains or losses on derivatives. The Company's derivative instruments are utilized to manage economic risks, including interest rate risk. Changes in fair value of the Company's cash flow swap derivatives are primarily driven by changes in interest rates and recognized in other comprehensive income. The Company’s total comprehensive income or loss for the three March 31, 2024 and March 31, 2023 is reported in the Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income.

The following tables present the changes in accumulated other comprehensive (loss) income by component, net of tax for the three months ended March 31, 2024 and March 31, 2023:


	Net Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Available for Sale Securities		Net Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Interest Rate Swaps		Total
	(In thousands)
Balance at December 31, 2023	$	(5,810)	$	4,146	$	(1,664)
Other comprehensive (loss) income before reclassifications, net of tax	(116)		664		548
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income, net of tax	—		(603)		(603)
Net other comprehensive (loss) income	(116)		61		(55)
Balance at March 31, 2024	$	(5,926)	$	4,207	$	(1,719)


	Net Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Available for Sale Securities		Net Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Interest Rate Swaps		Total
	(In thousands)
Balance at December 31, 2022	$	(6,750)	$	6,561	$	(189)
Other comprehensive (loss) income before reclassifications, net of tax	634		(797)		(163)
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income, net of tax	—		(782)		(782)
Net other comprehensive (loss) income	634		(1,579)		(945)
Balance at March 31, 2023	$	(6,116)	$	4,982	$	(1,134)

The following table provides information for the items reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income or loss:


Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income Components	Three Months Ended March 31,			Associated Line Item in the Consolidated Statements of Income
		2024				2023
		(In thousands)




Derivatives:
Unrealized gains (losses) on derivatives		$	1,257	$	982		Interest expense on borrowings
Tax (expense) benefit		(654)		(200)			Income tax expense
Net of tax		$	603	$	782

6. Earnings per share ("EPS")

Unvested restricted stock awards that contain non-forfeitable rights to dividends are participating securities and are included in the computation of EPS pursuant to the two-class method. The two-class method is an earnings allocation formula that determines EPS for each class of common stock and participating security according to dividends declared (or accumulated) and participation rights in undistributed earnings. The Company’s unvested restricted stock awards qualify as participating securities.

Net income is allocated between the common stock and participating securities pursuant to the two-class method. Basic EPS is computed by dividing net income available to common shareholders by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during the period, excluding participating unvested restricted stock awards.

Diluted EPS is computed in a similar manner, except that the denominator includes the number of additional common shares that would have been outstanding if potentially dilutive common shares were issued using the treasury stock method.

The following table is a reconciliation of earnings available to common shareholders and basic weighted average common shares outstanding to diluted weighted average common shares outstanding, reflecting the application of the two-class method:


	Three Months Ended March 31,
		2024		2023
		(In thousands, except per share data)
Net income		$	3,763	$	10,379
Dividends to participating securities(1)		(40)		(42)
Undistributed earnings allocated to participating securities(1)		(66)		(230)
Net income for earnings per share calculation		$	3,657	$	10,107

Weighted average shares outstanding, basic		7,664		7,555
Effect of dilutive equity-based awards(2)		24		62
Weighted average shares outstanding, diluted		7,688		7,617
Net earnings per common share:
Basic earnings per common share		$	0.48	$	1.34
Diluted earnings per common share		$	0.48	$	1.33

(1) Represents dividends paid and undistributed earnings allocated to unvested stock-based awards that contain non-forfeitable rights to dividends.

(2) Represents the effect of the assumed exercise of stock options and the vesting of restricted shares, as applicable, utilizing the treasury stock method.

7. Regulatory Matters

The Federal Reserve, the FDIC and other federal and state bank regulatory agencies establish regulatory capital guidelines for U.S. banking organizations.

Under the current guidelines, banking organizations must have a minimum total risk-based capital ratio of 8.0%, a minimum Tier 1 risk-based capital ratio of 6.0%, a minimum Common Equity Tier 1 risk-based capital ratio of 4.5%, and a minimum leverage ratio of 4.0% in order to be "adequately capitalized." In addition to these requirements, banking organizations must maintain a capital conservation buffer consisting of common equity in an amount above the minimum risk-based capital requirements for “adequately capitalized” institutions equal to 2.5% of total risk-weighted assets, resulting in a requirement for the Bank to effectively maintain Common Equity Tier 1, Tier 1 and total capital ratios of 7.0%, 8.5% and 10.5%, respectively. The Bank must maintain the capital conservation buffer to avoid restrictions on the ability to pay dividends, pay discretionary bonuses, or to engage in share repurchases.

As of June 30, 2023, the Company no longer met the definition of a Small Bank Holding Company as the Company's assets exceeded $3 billion. Effective March 31, 2024, the Company is subject to the larger company capital requirements as set forth in the Economic Growth Act.

Failure to meet minimum capital requirements can initiate certain mandatory and possibly additional discretionary actions by regulators that, if undertaken, could have a direct material effect on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.

As of March 31, 2024, the Bank and Company met all capital adequacy requirements to which they are subject. There are no conditions or events since then that management believes have changed this conclusion.

The capital amounts and ratios for the Bank and the Company at March 31, 2024 and December 31, 2023 were as follows:


					Minimum Regulatory Capital Required for Capital Adequacy plus Capital Conservation Buffer				Minimum Regulatory Capital to be Well Capitalized Under Prompt Corrective Action Provisions
	Actual Capital
(Dollars in thousands)	Amount		Ratio		Amount		Ratio		Amount		Ratio
Bankwell Bank
March 31, 2024
Common Equity Tier 1 Capital to Risk-Weighted Assets	$	324,355	11.60	%	$	195,791	7.00	%	$	181,806	6.50	%
Tier I Capital to Risk-Weighted Assets	324,355		11.60	%	237,746		8.50	%	223,761		8.00	%
Total Capital to Risk-Weighted Assets	353,257		12.63	%	293,686		10.50	%	279,701		10.00	%
Tier I Capital to Average Assets	324,355		10.09	%	128,626		4.00	%	160,782		5.00	%
					Minimum Regulatory Capital Required for Capital Adequacy				Minimum Regulatory Capital to be Well Capitalized Under Prompt Corrective Action Provisions
	Actual Capital
	Amount		Ratio		Amount		Ratio		Amount		Ratio
Bankwell Financial Group, Inc.
March 31, 2024
Common Equity Tier 1 Capital to Risk-Weighted Assets	$	266,561	9.47	%	$	126,602	4.50	%	$	182,869	6.50	%
Tier I Capital to Risk-Weighted Assets	266,561		9.47	%	168,803		6.00	%	225,070		8.00	%
Total Capital to Risk-Weighted Assets	364,729		12.96	%	225,070		8.00	%	281,338		10.00	%
Tier I Capital to Average Assets	266,561		8.28	%	128,767		4.00	%	160,959		5.00	%


					Minimum Regulatory Capital Required for Capital Adequacy plus Capital Conservation Buffer				Minimum Regulatory Capital to be Well Capitalized Under Prompt Corrective Action Provisions
	Actual Capital
(Dollars in thousands)	Amount		Ratio		Amount		Ratio		Amount		Ratio
Bankwell Bank
December 31, 2023
Common Equity Tier 1 Capital to Risk-Weighted Assets	$	321,432	11.30	%	$	199,047	7.00	%	$	184,829	6.50	%
Tier I Capital to Risk-Weighted Assets	321,432		11.30	%	241,700		8.50	%	227,482		8.00	%
Total Capital to Risk-Weighted Assets	350,303		12.32	%	298,571		10.50	%	284,353		10.00	%
Tier I Capital to Average Assets	321,432		9.81	%	131,110		4.00	%	163,888		5.00	%
					Minimum Regulatory Capital Required for Capital Adequacy				Minimum Regulatory Capital to be Well Capitalized Under Prompt Corrective Action Provisions
	Actual Capital
	Amount		Ratio		Amount		Ratio		Amount		Ratio
Bankwell Financial Group, Inc.
December 31, 2023
Common Equity Tier 1 Capital to Risk-Weighted Assets	$	264,209	9.28	%	$	128,121	4.50	%	N/A		N/A
Tier I Capital to Risk-Weighted Assets	264,209		9.28	%	170,828		6.00	%	N/A		N/A
Total Capital to Risk-Weighted Assets	362,285		12.72	%	227,770		8.00	%	N/A		N/A
Tier I Capital to Average Assets	264,209		8.05	%	131,232		4.00	%	N/A		N/A

Regulatory Restrictions on Dividends

The ability of the Company to pay dividends depends, in part, on the ability of the Bank to pay dividends to the Parent Corporation. In accordance with Connecticut statutes, regulatory approval is required to pay dividends in excess of the Bank’s profits retained in the current year plus retained profits from the previous two years. The Bank is also prohibited from paying dividends that would reduce its capital ratios below minimum regulatory requirements.

Reserve Requirements on Cash

The Bank was not required to maintain a minimum reserve balance in the Federal Reserve Bank (FRB) at March 31, 2024 or December 31, 2023.

8. Deposits

At March 31, 2024 and December 31, 2023, deposits consisted of the following:


	March 31, 2024		December 31, 2023
	(In thousands)
Noninterest bearing demand deposit accounts	$	376,248	$	346,172
Interest bearing accounts:
NOW	95,227		90,829
Money market	818,408		887,352
Savings	92,188		97,331
Time certificates of deposit	1,291,451		1,315,073
Total interest bearing accounts	2,297,274		2,390,585
Total deposits	$	2,673,522	$	2,736,757

Maturities of time certificates of deposit as of March 31, 2024 and December 31, 2023 are summarized below:


	March 31, 2024		December 31, 2023
	(In thousands)
2024	721,072		979,807
2025	552,886		318,961
2026	341		24
2027	927		68
After 2028	16,225		16,213
Total	$	1,291,451	$	1,315,073

The aggregate amount of individual certificate accounts, with balances of $250,000 or more, was approximately $172.3 million at March 31, 2024 and $151.6 million at December 31, 2023.

Brokered certificates of deposits totaled $780.5 million at March 31, 2024 and $860.5 million at December 31, 2023, respectively. Brokered money market accounts totaled $51.4 million at March 31, 2024 and $91.4 million at December 31, 2023, respectively. There were no certificates of deposits from national listing services, one-way buy Certificate of Deposit Account Registry Service ("CDARS") or one-way buy Insured Cash Sweep Service ("ICS") at March 31, 2024 or December 31, 2023. Brokered deposits are comprised of Brokered CDs, brokered money market accounts, one-way buy CDARS, and one-way buy ICS.

The following table summarizes interest expense on deposits by account type for the three months ended March 31, 2024 and 2023:


	Three Months Ended March 31,
		2024		2023
		(In thousands)
NOW		$	39	$	38
Money market		9,146		6,385
Savings		714		727
Time certificates of deposits		15,463		9,883
Total interest expense on deposits		$	25,362	$	17,033

9. Stock-Based Compensation

Equity award plans

The Company has unvested restricted stock outstanding under two equity award plans, which are collectively referred to as the “Stock Plans”. The current plan under which any future issuances of equity awards will be made is the 2022 Bankwell Financial Group, Inc. Stock Plan, or the “2022 Plan”. All equity awards made under the 2022 Plan are made by means of an award agreement, which contains the specific terms and conditions of the grant. To date, all equity awards have been in the form of stock options or restricted stock. At March 31, 2024, there were 275,791 shares reserved for future issuance under the 2022 Plan.

Restricted Stock: Restricted stock provides grantees with rights to shares of common stock upon completion of a service period. Shares of unvested restricted stock are considered participating securities. Restricted stock awards generally vest over one to five years.

The following table presents the activity for restricted stock for the three months ended March 31, 2024:


	Three Months Ended March 31, 2024
	Number of Shares		Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value
Unvested at beginning of period	254,328	(1)	$	29.58
Granted	61,844	(2)	24.62
Vested	(82,881)	(3)	26.38
Forfeited	(100)		25.00
Unvested at end of period	233,191

(1) Includes 33,115 shares of performance based restricted stock.

(2) Includes 18,598 shares of performance based restricted stock.

(3) Includes 15,694 shares of performance based restricted stock.

The total fair value of restricted stock awards vested during the three months ended March 31, 2024 was $2.2 million.

The Company's restricted stock expense for the three months ended March 31, 2024 and March 31, 2023 was $1.1 million and $0.7 million, respectively. At March 31, 2024, there was $6.5 million of unrecognized stock compensation expense for restricted stock, expected to be recognized over a weighted average period of 1.4 years.

Performance Based Restricted Stock: The Company has 36,019 shares of performance based restricted stock outstanding as of March 31, 2024 pursuant to the Company’s Stock Plans. The awards vest over a three year service period, provided certain performance metrics are met. The share quantity that ultimately vests can range between 0% and 200%, which is dependent on the degree to which the performance metrics are met. The Company records an expense over the vesting period based on (a) the probability that the performance metrics will be met and (b) the fair market value of the Company’s stock at the date of the grant.

10. Derivative Instruments

The Company manages economic risks, including interest rate, liquidity, and credit risk, by managing the amount, sources, and duration of its funding along with the use of interest rate derivative financial instruments, namely interest rate swaps. The Company does not use derivatives for speculative purposes. As of March 31, 2024, the Company was a party to five cash flow swaps, designated as hedging instruments, to add stability to interest expense and to manage its exposure to the variability of the future cash flows attributable to the contractually specified interest rates. The notional amount for each swap is $25 million and in each case, the Company has entered into pay-fixed cash flow swaps to convert rolling 90-day Federal Home Loan Bank advances or brokered deposits. Cash flow swaps with a positive fair value are recorded as other assets and cash flow swaps with a negative fair value are recorded as other liabilities on the Consolidated Balance Sheets.

The Company terminated two cash flow swaps with a total notional amount of $50 million during the year ended December 31, 2022. The underlying debt associated with the terminated swaps was kept in place. The fair value of the terminated swaps totaled $137.7 thousand as of March 31, 2024. The fair value of the terminated swaps will be reclassified from other comprehensive income to interest expense on a straight-line basis over the original term of the hedging relationship.

The Company entered into one pay-fixed portfolio layer method fair value swap, designated as a hedging instrument, with a total notional amount of $150 million in the first quarter of 2023. The Company designated the fair value swap under the portfolio layer method (“PLM”). Under this method, the hedged item is designated as a hedged layer of a closed portfolio of financial loans that is anticipated to remain outstanding for the designated hedged period. Adjustments will be made to record the swap at fair value on the Consolidated Balance Sheets, with changes in fair value recognized in interest income. The carrying value of the fair value swap on the Consolidated Balance Sheets will also be adjusted through interest income, based on changes in fair value attributable to changes in the hedged risk.

The following table represents the carrying value of the portfolio layer method hedged asset and the cumulative fair value hedging adjustment included in the carrying value of the hedged asset as of March 31, 2024 and December 31, 2023:


	March 31, 2024		December 31, 2023		March 31, 2024		December 31, 2023
	Carrying Value of Hedged Asset				Hedged Items
	(In thousands)
Fixed Rate Asset (1)	$	149,247	$	150,915	$	(753)	$	915

(1) These amounts include the amortized cost basis of closed portfolios of fixed rate loans used to designate hedging relationships in which the hedged item is the stated amount of assets in the closed portfolio anticipated to be outstanding for the designated hedged period. As of March 31, 2024 and December 31, 2023, the amortized cost basis of the closed portfolio used in this hedging relationship was $587.4 million and $611.5 million, the cumulative basis adjustments associated with this hedging relationships was $1.2 million and $1.1 million, respectively. As of March 31, 2024 and December 31, 2023, the amount of the designated hedged item was $150.0 million, respectively.

As of March 31, 2024, the Company has interest rate swaps not designated as hedging instruments, to minimize interest rate risk exposure with loans to clients.

The Company accounts for all non-client related interest rate swaps as either effective cash flow or fair value swaps. None of the interest rate swap agreements contain any credit risk related contingent features. A hedging instrument is expected at inception to be highly effective at offsetting changes in the hedged transactions attributable to the changes in the hedged risk.

Derivatives not designated as hedges are not speculative and result from a service the Company provides to certain loan clients. The Company executes interest rate swaps with commercial banking clients to facilitate their respective risk management strategies. Those interest rate swaps are simultaneously hedged by offsetting derivatives that the Company executes with a third party, such that the Company minimizes its net risk exposure resulting from such transactions. As the interest rate derivatives associated with this program do not meet the strict hedge accounting requirements, changes in the fair value of both the client derivatives and the offsetting derivatives are recognized directly in earnings.

Information about derivative instruments at March 31, 2024 and December 31, 2023 is as follows:


	As of March 31, 2024
	Derivative Assets					Derivative Liabilities
	Original Notional Amount		Balance Sheet Location	Fair Value		Original Notional Amount		Balance Sheet Location	Fair Value
	(In thousands)
Derivatives designated as hedging instruments:
Cash flow swaps	$	125,000	Other assets	$	5,369	$	—	Accrued expenses and other liabilities	$	—
Fair value swap	$	150,000	Other assets	$	743	$	—	Accrued expenses and other liabilities	$	—

Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments:
Cash flow swaps(1)	$	38,500	Other assets	$	4,260	$	38,500	Accrued expenses and other liabilities	$	4,260

(1) Represents interest rate swaps with commercial banking clients, which are offset by derivatives with a third party.

Accrued interest receivables related to interest rate swaps as of March 31, 2024 totaled $0.9 million and is excluded from the fair value presented in the table above. The fair value of interest rate swaps in a net asset position, including accrued interest, totaled $7.0 million as of March 31, 2024.


	As of December 31, 2023
	Derivative Assets					Derivative Liabilities
	Original Notional Amount		Balance Sheet Location	Fair Value		Original Notional Amount		Balance Sheet Location	Fair Value
	(In thousands)
Derivatives designated as hedging instruments:
Cash flow swaps	$	125,000	Other assets	$	5,240	$	—	Accrued expenses and other liabilities	$	—
Fair value swap	$	150,000	Other assets	$	—	$	—	Accrued expenses and other liabilities	$	917

Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments:
Cash flow swaps(1)	$	38,500	Other assets	$	3,579	$	38,500	Accrued expenses and other liabilities	$	3,579

(1) Represents interest rate swaps with commercial banking clients, which are offset by derivatives with a third party.

Accrued interest receivables related to interest rate swaps as of December 31, 2023 totaled $0.8 million and is excluded from the fair value presented in the table above. The fair value of interest rate swaps in a net asset position, including accrued interest, totaled $6.0 million as of December 31, 2023.

The effective portion of changes in the fair value of derivatives designated as cash flow hedges is recorded in accumulated other comprehensive income and is subsequently reclassified into earnings in the period that the hedged forecasted transaction affects earnings. Amounts reported in accumulated other comprehensive income related to derivatives will be reclassified to interest expense as interest payments are made on the Company’s variable-rate debt. The Company expects to reclassify $3.5 million to reduce interest expense during the next 12 months.

The Company assesses the cash flow swaps hedge effectiveness of each hedging relationship by comparing the changes in cash flows of the derivative hedging instrument with the changes in cash flows of the designated hedged item or transaction. The Company does not offset derivative assets and derivative liabilities for financial statement presentation purposes.

The Company assesses the effectiveness of the fair value swap hedge with a regression analysis that compares the changes in forward curves to determine the value. The effective portion of changes in the fair value of derivatives designated as fair value hedges is recorded through interest income. The Company does not offset derivative assets and derivative liabilities for financial statement presentation purposes.

Changes in the consolidated statements of comprehensive income (loss) related to interest rate derivatives designated as hedges of cash flows were as follows for the three months ended March 31, 2024 and March 31, 2023:


	Three Months Ended March 31,
(In thousands)		2024		2023
Interest rate swaps designated as cash flow hedges:
Unrealized gain (loss) recognized in accumulated other comprehensive income before reclassifications		$	1,382	$	(999)
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income		(1,257)		(982)
Income tax (expense) benefit on items recognized in accumulated other comprehensive income		(64)		402
Other comprehensive income		$	61	$	(1,579)

The above unrealized gains and losses are reflective of market interest rates as of the respective balance sheet dates. Generally, a lower interest rate environment will result in a negative impact to comprehensive income whereas a higher interest rate environment will result in a positive impact to comprehensive income.

The following table summarizes the effect of the fair value hedging relationship recognized in the consolidated statements of income for the three months ended March 31, 2024 and March 31, 2023:


	Three Months Ended March 31,
(In thousands)		2024		2023
(Loss) gain on fair value hedging relationship:
Hedged asset		$	(1,668)	$	2,403
Fair value derivative designated as hedging instrument		840		(2,353)
Total (loss) gain recognized in the consolidated statements of income within interest and fees on loans		$	(828)	$	50

The following tables summarize gross and net information about derivative instruments that are offset in the Consolidated Balance Sheets at March 31, 2024 and December 31, 2023:


	March 31, 2024
	(In thousands)
							Gross Amounts Not Offset in the Consolidated Balance Sheets
	Gross Amounts of Recognized Assets(1)		Gross Amounts Offset in the Statement of Financial Position		Net Amounts of Assets presented in the Statement of Financial Position		Financial Instruments		Cash Collateral Received		Net Amount
Derivative assets	$	11,303	$	—	$	11,303	$	—	$	10,832	$	471

(1) Includes accrued interest receivable totaling $931 thousand.


	March 31, 2024
	(In thousands)
							Gross Amounts Not Offset in the Consolidated Balance Sheets
	Gross Amounts of Recognized Liabilities(1)		Gross Amounts Offset in the Statement of Financial Position		Net Amounts of Liabilities presented in the Statement of Financial Position		Financial Instruments		Cash Collateral Posted		Net Amount
Derivative liabilities	$	4,334	$	—	$	4,334	$	—	$	—	$	4,334

(1) Includes net accrued interest payable totaling $74 thousand.


	December 31, 2023
	(In thousands)
							Gross Amounts Not Offset in the Consolidated Balance Sheets
	Gross Amounts of Recognized Assets(1)		Gross Amounts Offset in the Statement of Financial Position		Net Amounts of Assets presented in the Statement of Financial Position		Financial Instruments		Cash Collateral Received		Net Amount
Derivative assets	$	9,583	$	—	$	9,583	$	—	$	8,599	$	984

(1) Includes accrued interest receivable totaling $764 thousand.


	December 31, 2023
	(In thousands)
							Gross Amounts Not Offset in the Consolidated Balance Sheets
	Gross Amounts of Recognized Liabilities(1)		Gross Amounts Offset in the Statement of Financial Position		Net Amounts of Liabilities presented in the Statement of Financial Position		Financial Instruments		Cash Collateral Posted		Net Amount
Derivative liabilities	$	4,473	$	—	$	4,473	$	—	$	—	$	4,473

(1) Includes net interest receivable totaling $23 thousand.

11. Fair Value of Financial Instruments

GAAP requires disclosure of fair value information about financial instruments, whether or not recognized in the Consolidated Balance Sheets, for which it is practicable to estimate that value. In cases where quoted market prices are not available, fair values are based on estimates using present value or other valuation techniques. Those techniques are significantly affected by the assumptions used, including the discount rates and estimates of future cash flows. In that regard, the derived fair value estimates cannot be substantiated by comparisons to independent markets and, in many cases, could not be realized in immediate settlement of the instrument.

Management uses its best judgment in estimating the fair value of the Company’s financial instruments; however, there are inherent limitations in any estimation technique. Therefore, for substantially all financial instruments, the fair value estimates presented herein are not necessarily indicative of the amounts the Company could have realized in a sales transaction. The estimated fair value amounts have been measured as of the respective period-ends, and have not been reevaluated or updated for purposes of these consolidated financial statements subsequent to those respective dates. As such, the estimated fair values of these financial instruments subsequent to the respective reporting dates may be different than the amounts reported at each period-end.

The Company assumes interest rate risk (the risk that general interest rate levels will change) as a result of its normal operations. As a result, the fair values of the Company’s financial instruments will change when interest rate levels change and that change may be either favorable or unfavorable to the Company. Management attempts to match maturities of assets and liabilities to the extent believed necessary to minimize interest rate risk. However, borrowers with fixed rate obligations are less likely to prepay in a rising rate environment and more likely to prepay in a falling rate environment. Conversely, depositors who are receiving fixed rates are more likely to withdraw funds before maturity in a rising rate environment and less likely to do so in a falling rate environment. Management monitors rates and maturities of assets and liabilities and attempts to minimize interest rate risk.

The carrying values, fair values and placement in the fair value hierarchy of the Company's financial instruments at March 31, 2024 and December 31, 2023 were as follows:


	March 31, 2024
	Carrying Value		Fair Value		Level 1		Level 2		Level 3
	(In thousands)
Financial Assets:
Cash and due from banks	$	245,043	$	245,043	$	245,043	$	—	$	—
Federal funds sold	2,584		2,584		2,584		—		—
Marketable equity securities	2,069		2,069		2,069		—		—
Available for sale securities	108,417		108,417		62,334		46,083		—
Held to maturity securities	15,739		15,488		—		32		15,456
Loans receivable, net	2,646,686		2,618,887		—		—		2,618,887

Accrued interest receivable	15,104		15,104		—		15,104		—
FHLB stock	5,655		5,655		—		5,655		—
Servicing asset, net of valuation allowance	834		834		—		—		834
Derivative asset	10,372		10,372		—		10,372		—


Financial Liabilities:
Noninterest bearing deposits	$	376,248	$	376,248	$	—	$	376,248	$	—
NOW and money market	913,635		913,635		—		913,635		—
Savings	92,188		92,188		—		92,188		—
Time deposits	1,291,451		1,290,644		—		—		1,290,644
Accrued interest payable	15,038		15,038		—		15,038		—
Advances from the FHLB	90,000		89,998		—		—		89,998
Subordinated debentures	69,266		64,873		—		—		64,873
Servicing liability	3		3		—		—		3
Derivative liability	4,260		4,260		—		4,260		—


	December 31, 2023
	Carrying Value		Fair Value		Level 1		Level 2		Level 3
	(In thousands)
Financial Assets:
Cash and due from banks	$	267,521	$	267,521	$	267,521	$	—	$	—
Federal funds sold	1,636		1,636		1,636		—		—
Marketable equity securities	2,070		2,070		2,070		—		—
Available for sale securities	109,736		109,736		62,514		47,222		—
Held to maturity securities	15,817		15,903		—		33		15,870
Loans receivable, net	2,685,301		2,659,667		—		—		2,659,667
Accrued interest receivable	14,863		14,863		—		14,863		—
FHLB stock	5,696		5,696		—		5,696		—
Servicing asset, net of valuation allowance	869		869		—		—		869
Derivative asset	8,819		8,819		—		8,819		—


Financial Liabilities:
Noninterest bearing deposits	$	346,172	$	346,172	$	—	$	346,172	$	—
NOW and money market	978,181		978,181		—		978,181		—
Savings	97,331		97,331		—		97,331		—
Time deposits	1,315,073		1,315,233		—		—		1,315,233
Accrued interest payable	14,595		14,595		—		14,595		—
Advances from the FHLB	90,000		90,012		—		—		90,012
Subordinated debentures	69,205		63,060		—		—		63,060
Servicing liability	4		4		—		—		4
Derivative liability	4,496		4,496		—		4,496		—

The following methods and assumptions were used by management in estimating the fair value of its financial instruments:

Cash and due from banks, federal funds sold, accrued interest receivable and accrued interest payable: The carrying amount is a reasonable estimate of fair value.

Marketable equity securities and available for sale securities: Fair values are based on quoted market prices or dealer quotes, if available. If a quoted market price is not available, fair value is estimated using quoted market prices for similar securities. The majority of the available for sale securities are considered to be Level 2 as other observable inputs are utilized, such as quoted prices for similar securities. Level 1 investment securities include investments in U.S. Treasury notes and in marketable equity securities for which a quoted price is readily available in the market. Level 3 held to maturity securities represent private placement municipal housing authority bonds for which no quoted market price is available. The fair value for these securities is estimated using a discounted cash flow model, using discount rates ranging from 4.8% to 6.9% as of March 31, 2024 and 4.5% to 6.9% as of December 31, 2023. These securities are CRA eligible investments.

FHLB stock: The carrying value of FHLB stock approximates fair value based on the most recent redemption provisions of the FHLB.

Loans receivable: For variable rate loans which reprice frequently and have no significant change in credit risk, fair values are based on carrying values. The fair value of fixed rate loans are estimated by discounting the future cash flows using the rates at which similar loans would be made to borrowers with similar credit ratings and for the same remaining maturities. The fair value methodology includes prepayment, default and loss severity assumptions applied by type of loan. The fair value estimate of the loans includes an expected credit loss.

Derivative asset (liability): The valuation of the Company’s interest rate swaps is obtained from a third-party pricing service and is determined using a discounted cash flow analysis on the expected cash flows of each derivative. The pricing analysis is based on observable inputs for the contractual terms of the derivatives, including the period to maturity and interest rate curves. The Company also considers the creditworthiness of each counterparty for assets and the creditworthiness of the Company for liabilities.

Assets held for sale: Assets held for sale (excluding loans) consist of real estate properties that are expected to sell within a year. The assets are reported at the lower of the carrying amount or fair value less costs to sell. The fair value represents the price that would be received to sell the asset (the exit price).

Deposits: The fair value of demand deposits, regular savings and certain money market deposits is the amount payable on demand at the reporting date. The fair value of certificates of deposit and other time deposits is estimated using a discounted cash flow calculation that applies interest rates currently being offered for deposits of similar remaining maturities to a schedule of aggregated expected maturities on such deposits.

Borrowings and subordinated debentures: The fair value of the Company’s borrowings and subordinated debentures is estimated using a discounted cash flow calculation that applies discount rates currently offered based on similar maturities. The Company also considers its own creditworthiness in determining the fair value of its borrowings and subordinated debt. Contractual cash flows for the subordinated debt are reduced based on the estimated rates of default, the severity of losses to be incurred on a default, and the rates at which the subordinated debt is expected to prepay after the call date.

Servicing asset (liability): Servicing assets and liabilities do not trade in an active, open market with readily observable prices. The Company estimates the fair value of servicing assets and liabilities using discounted cash flow models, incorporating numerous assumptions from the perspective of a market participant, including market discount rates.

Off-balance-sheet instruments: Loan commitments on which the committed interest rate is less than the current market rate are insignificant at March 31, 2024 and December 31, 2023.

12. Fair Value Measurements

The Company is required to account for certain assets at fair value on a recurring or non-recurring basis. The Company determines fair value in accordance with GAAP, which defines fair value and establishes a framework for measuring fair value. Fair value is defined as the exchange price that would be received for an asset or paid to transfer a liability (exit price) in the principal or most advantageous market for the asset or liability in an orderly transaction between market participants on the measurement date. GAAP establishes a fair value hierarchy which requires an entity to maximize the use of observable inputs and minimize the use of unobservable inputs when measuring fair value. The standard describes three levels of inputs that may be used to measure fair values:

Level 1 — Quoted prices (unadjusted) for identical assets or liabilities in active markets that the entity has the ability to access as of the measurement date.

Level 2 — Significant other observable inputs other than Level 1 prices such as quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities; quoted prices in markets that are not active; or other inputs that are observable or can be corroborated by observable market data.

Level 3 — Significant unobservable inputs that reflect a company’s own assumptions about the assumptions that market participants would use in pricing an asset or liability.

Valuation techniques based on unobservable inputs are highly subjective and require judgments regarding significant matters such as the amount and timing of future cash flows and the selection of discount rates that may appropriately reflect market and credit risks. Changes in these judgments often have a material impact on the fair value estimates. In addition, since these estimates are as of a specific point in time they are susceptible to material near-term changes.

Financial instruments measured at fair value on a recurring basis

The following table details the financial instruments carried at fair value on a recurring basis at March 31, 2024 and December 31, 2023, and indicates the fair value hierarchy of the valuation techniques utilized by the Company to determine the fair value. The Company had no transfers into or out of Levels 1, 2 or 3 during the three months ended March 31, 2024 and for the year ended December 31, 2023.


	Fair Value
(In thousands)	Level 1		Level 2		Level 3
March 31, 2024:
Marketable equity securities	$	2,069	$	—	$	—
Available for sale investment securities:
U.S. Government and agency obligations	62,334		31,311		—

Corporate bonds	—		14,772		—
Derivative asset	—		10,372		—
Derivative liability	—		4,260		—

December 31, 2023:
Marketable equity securities	$	2,070	$	—	$	—
Available for sale investment securities:
U.S. Government and agency obligations	62,514		32,712		—

Corporate bonds	—		14,510		—
Derivative asset	—		8,819		—
Derivative liability	—		4,496		—

Marketable equity securities and available for sale investment securities: The fair value of the Company’s investment securities is estimated by using pricing models or quoted prices of securities with similar characteristics (i.e., matrix pricing) and is classified within Level 1 or Level 2 of the valuation hierarchy. The pricing is primarily sourced from third-party pricing services overseen by management.

Derivative assets and liabilities: The Company’s derivative assets and liabilities consist of transactions as part of management’s strategy to manage interest rate risk. The valuation of the Company’s interest rate swaps is obtained from a third-party pricing service and is determined using a discounted cash flow analysis on the expected cash flows of each derivative. The pricing analysis is based on observable inputs for the contractual terms of the derivatives, including the period to maturity and interest rate curves. The Company has determined that the majority of the inputs used to value its interest rate derivatives fall within Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy.

Financial instruments measured at fair value on a nonrecurring basis

Certain assets and liabilities are measured at fair value on a non-recurring basis in accordance with GAAP. These include assets that are measured at the lower-of-cost-or-market that were recognized at fair value below cost at the end of the period as well as assets that are not measured at fair value on an ongoing basis but are subject to fair value adjustments in certain circumstances, such as when there is evidence of impairment.

The following table details the financial instruments measured at fair value on a nonrecurring basis at March 31, 2024 and December 31, 2023, and indicates the fair value hierarchy of the valuation techniques utilized by the Company to determine the fair value:


	Fair Value
(In thousands)	Level 1		Level 2		Level 3
March 31, 2024:
Individually evaluated loans	$	—	$	—	$	105,980

Servicing asset, net	—		—		831


December 31, 2023:
Individually evaluated loans	$	—	$	—	$	104,050
Servicing asset, net	—		—		865

The following table presents information about quantitative inputs and assumptions for Level 3 financial instruments carried at fair value on a nonrecurring basis at March 31, 2024 and December 31, 2023:


	Fair Value		Valuation Methodology	Unobservable Input	Range
	(Dollars in thousands)
March 31, 2024:
Individually evaluated loans	$	28,429	Appraisals	Discount to appraised value	8.00%
	26,155		Appraisals, cash surrender value life insurance, securities, cash held as collateral	Discounts to appraised value and securities value	—% - 8.00%
	51,396		Discounted cash flows	Discount rate	3.38 - 10.75%
	$	105,980



Servicing asset, net	$	831	Discounted cash flows	Discount rate	10.00%
				Prepayment rate	3.00 - 18.00%

December 31, 2023:
Individually evaluated loans	$	31,527	Appraisals	Discount to appraised value	8.00%
	22,129		Appraisals, cash surrender value life insurance, securities, cash held as collateral	Discounts to appraised value and securities value	—% - 8.00%
	50,394		Discounted cash flows	Discount rate	3.38 - 10.75%
	$	104,050

Servicing asset, net	$	865	Discounted cash flows	Discount rate	10.00%
				Prepayment rate	3.00 - 17.00%

Individually evaluated loans: Loans are generally not recorded at fair value on a recurring basis. Periodically, the Company records nonrecurring adjustments to the carrying value of loans based on fair value measurements for partial charge-offs of the uncollectible portions of those loans. Nonrecurring adjustments also include certain impairment amounts for collateral-dependent loans calculated in accordance with ASC 310-10 when establishing the ACL-Loans. Such amounts are generally based on the fair value of the underlying collateral supporting the loan. Collateral is typically valued using appraisals or other

indications of value based on recent comparable sales of similar properties or other assumptions. Estimates of fair value based on collateral are generally based on assumptions not observable in the marketplace and therefore such valuations have been classified as Level 3. For those loans where the primary source of repayment is cash flow from operations, adjustments include impairment amounts calculated based on the perceived collectability of interest payments on the basis of a discounted cash flow analysis utilizing a discount rate equivalent to the original note rate.

Servicing assets and liabilities: When loans are sold, on a servicing retained basis, servicing rights are initially recorded at fair value. All classes of servicing assets are subsequently measured using the amortization method which requires servicing rights to be amortized. The fair value of servicing assets and liabilities are not measured on an ongoing basis but are subject to fair value adjustments when and if the assets or liabilities are deemed to be impaired.

13. Subordinated debentures

On October 14, 2021, the Company completed a private placement of a $35.0 million fixed-to-floating rate subordinated note (the “2021 Note”) to an institutional accredited investor. The Company used the net proceeds to repay the outstanding balance of subordinated debt issued in 2015 and for general corporate purposes.

The 2021 Note bears interest at a fixed rate of 3.25% per year until October 14, 2026. Thereafter, the interest rate will reset quarterly at a variable rate equal to the then current three-month term SOFR plus 233 basis points. The 2021 Note has a stated maturity of October 15, 2031 and is non-callable for five years. Beginning October 15, 2026, the Company may redeem the 2021 Note, in whole or in part, at its option. The 2021 Note is not redeemable at the option of the holder. The 2021 Note has been structured to qualify for the Company as Tier 2 capital under regulatory guidelines.

On August 19, 2022, the Company entered into a Subordinated Note Purchase Agreement with certain qualified institutional buyers, pursuant to which the Company issued and sold 6.0% fixed-to-floating rate subordinated notes due 2032 (the “2022 Notes”) in the aggregate principal amount of $35.0 million. The Company used the net proceeds from the sale of the 2022 Notes for general corporate purposes.

The 2022 Notes bear interest at a fixed rate of 6.0% per year until August 31, 2027. Thereafter, the interest rate will reset quarterly at a variable rate equal to the then current three-month term SOFR plus 326 basis points. The 2022 Notes have a stated maturity of September 1, 2032 and are non-callable for five years. Beginning August 19, 2027, the Company may redeem the 2022 Notes, in whole or in part, at its option. The 2022 Notes are not subject to redemption at the option of the holder. The 2022 Notes have been structured to qualify for the Company as Tier 2 capital under regulatory guidelines.

The Company incurred certain costs associated with the issuance of its subordinated debt. The Company capitalized these costs and they have been presented within subordinated debentures on the consolidated balance sheets. At March 31, 2024 and December 31, 2023, unamortized debt issuance costs were $0.7 million and $0.8 million, respectively. Debt issuance costs amortize over the expected life of the related debt. For the three months ended March 31, 2024 and 2023 the amortization expense for debt issuance costs were $62 thousand and $62 thousand, respectively, and were recognized as an increase to interest expense on borrowings within the Consolidated Statements of Income.

The Company recognized $0.8 million and $0.8 million in interest expense related to its subordinated debt for the three-month periods ended March 31, 2024 and 2023, respectively.

14. Subsequent Events

On April 24, 2024, the Company’s Board of Directors declared a $0.20 per share cash dividend, payable on May 21, 2024, to shareholders of record on May 10, 2024.

Subsequent to March 31, 2024, the Company purchased 9,744 shares at a weighted average price of $25.14 per share.

Item 2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

This section presents management’s perspective on our financial condition and results of operations. The following discussion and analysis should be read in conjunction with the unaudited interim consolidated financial statements and related notes contained elsewhere in this report on Form 10-Q. To the extent that this discussion describes prior performance, the descriptions relate only to the periods listed, which may not be indicative of future financial outcomes. In addition to historical information, this discussion contains forward-looking statements that involve risks, uncertainties and assumptions that could cause results to differ materially from management’s expectations. Factors that could cause such differences are discussed in the Company’s Form 10-K filed for the year ended December 31, 2023 in the sections titled “Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements” and “Risk Factors.” We assume no obligation to update any of these forward-looking statements.

General

Bankwell Financial Group, Inc. is a bank holding company headquartered in New Canaan, Connecticut. Through our wholly-owned subsidiary, Bankwell Bank, or the Bank, we serve small and medium-sized businesses and retail clients. We have a history of building long-term client relationships and attracting new clients through what we believe is out superior service and our ability to deliver a diverse product offering.

The following discussion and analysis presents our results of operations and financial condition on a consolidated basis. However, because we conduct all of our material business operations through the Bank, the discussion and analysis relates to activities primarily conducted at the Bank.

We generate most of our revenue from interest on loans and investments and fee-based revenues. Our primary source of funding for our loans is deposits. Our largest expenses are interest on deposits and salaries and related employee benefits. We measure our performance primarily through our net interest margin, efficiency ratio, ratio of ACL-Loans to total loans, return on average assets and return on average equity, among other metrics, while maintaining appropriate regulatory leverage and risk-based capital ratios.

Executive Overview

We are focused on being the banking provider of choice and to serve as an alternative to our larger competitors. We aim to do this through:

•Responsive, client-centric products and services;

•Organic growth and strategic acquisitions when market opportunities present themselves;

•Utilization of efficient and scalable infrastructure; and

•Disciplined focus on risk management.

Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates

The discussion and analysis of our results of operations and financial condition are based on our consolidated financial statements, which have been prepared in accordance with GAAP. The preparation of financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires us to make significant estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenues, and expenses. Actual results could differ from our current estimates, as a result of changing conditions and future events. We believe that accounting estimates related to the measurement of the ACL-Loans, the valuation of derivative instruments, investment securities and deferred income taxes, and the evaluation of investment securities for other than temporary impairment are particularly critical and susceptible to significant near-term change.

Earnings and Performance Overview

Revenues (net interest income plus noninterest income) for the quarter ended March 31, 2024 were $22.1 million, versus $27.1 million for the quarter ended March 31, 2023. The decrease in revenues for the quarter was attributable to an increase in interest expense and lower gains from loan sales partially offset by an increase in interest on loans, given higher loan yields and prepayment fees.

Net income available to common shareholders was $3.8 million, or $0.48 per diluted share, and $10.4 million, or $1.33 per diluted share, for the three months ended March 31, 2024 and 2023, respectively. The decrease was primarily due to the aforementioned decrease in revenues and an increase in provision for credit losses.

Returns on average shareholders' equity and average assets for the three months ended March 31, 2024 were 5.59% and 0.47%, respectively, compared to 17.48% and 1.30%, respectively, for the three months ended March 31, 2023.

Results of Operations

Net Interest Income

Net interest income is the difference between interest earned on loans and securities and interest paid on deposits and other borrowings, and is the primary source of our operating income. Net interest income is affected by the level of interest rates, changes in interest rates and changes in the amount and composition of interest earning assets and interest bearing liabilities. Included in interest income are certain loan fees, such as deferred origination fees and late charges. We convert tax-exempt income to a fully taxable equivalent ("FTE") basis using the statutory federal income tax rate adjusted for applicable state income taxes net of the related federal tax benefit. The average balances are principally daily averages. Interest income on loans includes the effect of deferred loan fees and costs accounted for as yield adjustments. Premium amortization and discount accretion are included in the respective interest income and interest expense amounts.

FTE net interest income for the three months ended March 31, 2024 and 2023 was $21.2 million and $25.6 million, respectively.

FTE interest income for the three months ended March 31, 2024 increased by $4.0 million, or 9.0%, to $48.3 million, compared to FTE interest income for the three months ended March 31, 2023. This increase was due to an increase in interest and fees on loans due to higher overall loan yields.

Interest expense for the three months ended March 31, 2024 increased by $8.4 million compared to interest expense for the three months ended March 31, 2023. The increase in interest expense for the three months ended March 31, 2024 was driven by an increase in interest expense on deposits, resulting from an increase in rates on interest bearing deposits.

Distribution of Assets, Liabilities and Shareholders’ Equity; Interest Rates and Interest Differential

The following table presents the average balances and yields earned on interest earning assets and average balances and weighted average rates paid on our funding liabilities for the three months ended March 31, 2024 and 2023.


	For the Quarter Ended
	March 31, 2024						March 31, 2023
	Average Balance		Interest		Yield/ Rate (4)		Average Balance		Interest		Yield/ Rate (4)
Assets:
Cash and Fed funds sold	$	292,662	$	3,826	5.26	%	$	315,566	$	3,568	4.59	%
Securities(1)	134,737		1,060		3.15		129,881		956		2.49
Loans:
Commercial real estate	1,922,413		28,643		5.89		1,918,551		25,585		5.33
Residential real estate	50,213		718		5.72		59,444		643		4.33
Construction	161,047		2,973		7.30		166,254		2,825		6.80
Commercial business	517,102		10,284		7.87		542,399		10,421		7.68
Consumer	39,964		707		7.12		18,536		249		5.45
Total loans	2,690,739		43,325		6.37		2,705,184		39,723		5.87
Federal Home Loan Bank stock	5,702		121		8.51		5,271		94		7.27
Total earning assets	3,123,840		$	48,332	6.12	%	3,155,902		$	44,341	5.62	%
Other assets	90,905						84,063
Total assets	$	3,214,745					$	3,239,965

Liabilities and shareholders' equity:
Interest bearing liabilities:
NOW	$	91,674	$	39	0.17	%	$	92,918	$	38	0.16	%
Money market	883,851		9,146		4.16		907,739		6,385		2.85
Savings	92,972		714		3.09		136,333		727		2.16
Time	1,317,069		15,463		4.72		1,252,564		9,883		3.20
Total interest bearing deposits	2,385,566		25,362		4.28		2,389,554		17,033		2.89
Borrowed Money	159,226		1,772		4.48		161,202		1,717		4.26
Total interest bearing liabilities	2,544,792		$	27,134	4.29	%	2,550,756		$	18,750	2.98	%
Noninterest bearing deposits	337,020						403,920
Other liabilities	62,356						44,406
Total liabilities	2,944,168						2,999,082
Shareholders' equity	270,577						240,883
Total liabilities and shareholders' equity	$	3,214,745					$	3,239,965
Net interest income(2)			$	21,198					$	25,591
Interest rate spread					1.83	%					2.64	%
Net interest margin(3)					2.71	%					3.24	%

(1)Average balances and yields for securities are based on amortized cost.

(2)The adjustment for securities and loans taxable equivalency amounted to $51 thousand and $50 thousand for the three months ended March 31, 2024 and 2023, respectively.

(3)Annualized net interest income as a percentage of earning assets.

(4)Yields are calculated using the contractual day count convention for each respective product type.

Effect of changes in interest rates and volume of average earning assets and average interest bearing liabilities

The following table shows the extent to which changes in interest rates and changes in the volume of average earning assets and average interest bearing liabilities have affected net interest income. For each category of earning assets and interest bearing liabilities, information is provided relating to: changes in volume (changes in average balances multiplied by the prior year’s average interest rates); changes in rates (changes in average interest rates multiplied by the prior year’s average balances); and the total change. Changes attributable to both volume and rate have been allocated proportionately based on the relationship of the absolute dollar amount of change in each.


	Three Months Ended March 31, 2024 vs 2023 Increase (Decrease)
(In thousands)		Volume		Rate		Total
Interest and dividend income:
Cash and Fed funds sold		$	(271)	$	530	$	259
Securities		37		68		105
Loans:
Commercial real estate		52		3,006		3,058
Residential real estate		(110)		186		76
Construction		(91)		238		147
Commercial business		(494)		357		(137)
Consumer		358		100		458
Total loans		(285)		3,887		3,602
Federal Home Loan Bank stock		8		18		26
Total change in interest and dividend income		(511)		4,503		3,992
Interest expense:
Deposits:
NOW		(1)		3		2
Money market		(172)		2,932		2,760
Savings		(273)		261		(12)
Time		533		5,047		5,580
Total deposits		87		8,243		8,330
Borrowed money		(21)		76		55
Total change in interest expense		66		8,319		8,385
Change in net interest income		$	(577)	$	(3,816)	$	(4,393)

Provision for Credit Losses

The provision for credit losses is based on management’s periodic assessment of the adequacy of our ACL-Loans and ACL-Unfunded Commitments which, in turn, is based on interrelated factors such as the composition of our loan portfolio and its inherent risk characteristics, the level of nonperforming loans and net charge-offs, both current and historic, local economic and credit conditions, the direction of real estate values, and regulatory guidelines. The provision for credit losses is charged against earnings in order to maintain our ACL-Loans and ACL-Unfunded Commitments and reflects management’s best estimate of probable losses inherent in our loan portfolio as of the balance sheet date.

The provision for credit losses for the three months ended March 31, 2024 was $3.7 million compared to a provision for credit losses of $0.8 million for the three months ended March 31, 2023. The increase in provision for credit losses for the three months ended March 31, 2024 was primarily driven by net charge-offs of $3.7 million.

Noninterest Income

Noninterest income is a component of our revenue and is comprised primarily of fees generated from deposit relationships with our clients, fees generated from sales and referrals of loans, and income earned on bank-owned life insurance.

The following tables compare noninterest income for the three months ended March 31, 2024 and 2023:


	Three Months Ended March 31,				Change
(Dollars in thousands)	2024		2023		$		%
Gains and fees from sales of loans	$	321	$	931	$	(610)	(65.5)	%
Bank-owned life insurance	329		281		48		17.1
Service charges and fees	304		286		18		6.3


Other	(39)		28		(67)		Unfavorable
Total noninterest income	$	915	$	1,526	$	(611)	(40.0)	%

Noninterest income decreased by $0.6 million for the three months ended March 31, 2024 compared to the three months ended March 31, 2023. The decrease in noninterest income was driven by lower gains from loan sales for the quarter ended March 31, 2024.

Noninterest Expense

The following table compares noninterest expense for the three months ended March 31, 2024 and 2023:


	Three Months Ended March 31,				Change
(Dollars in thousands)	2024		2023		$		%
Salaries and employee benefits	$	6,291	$	6,081	$	210	3.5	%
Occupancy and equipment	2,322		2,084		238		11.4
Professional services	1,065		1,322		(257)		(19.4)
Data processing	740		671		69		10.3
Director fees	900		392		508		129.6
FDIC insurance	930		1,062		(132)		(12.4)
Marketing	114		151		(37)		(24.5)
Other	935		928		7		0.8
Total noninterest expense	$	13,297	$	12,691	$	606	4.8	%

Noninterest expense increased by $0.6 million to $13.3 million for the three months ended March 31, 2024 compared to the three months ended March 31, 2023. The increase in noninterest expense was primarily driven by an increase in director fees related to timing of compensation and accelerated vestings in connection with the death of a director.

Income Taxes

Income tax expense for the three months ended March 31, 2024 and 2023 totaled $1.3 million and $3.2 million, respectively. The effective tax rates for the three months ended March 31, 2024 and 2023 were 26.0% and 23.4%, respectively.

Financial Condition

Summary

Assets totaled $3.2 billion at March 31, 2024 a decrease of $60.2 million or 1.9% compared to December 31, 2023. Gross loans totaled $2.7 billion at March 31, 2024, a decrease of $39.0 million or 1.4% compared to December 31, 2023. Deposits totaled $2.7 billion at March 31, 2024, a decrease of $63.2 million, or 2.3% compared to December 31, 2023.

Shareholders’ equity totaled $268.0 million as of March 31, 2024, an increase of $2.3 million compared to December 31, 2023, primarily a result of net income of $3.8 million for the three months ended March 31, 2024. The increase was partially offset by dividends paid of $1.6 million and share repurchases of $0.9 million.

Loan Portfolio

We originate commercial real estate loans, construction loans, commercial business loans and consumer loans in our market. We also pursue certain types of commercial lending opportunities outside our market, particularly where we have strong business relationships. Our loan portfolio is the largest category of our earning assets.

Total loans before deferred loan fees and the ACL-Loans were $2.7 billion at March 31, 2024 and $2.7 billion at December 31, 2023. Total gross loans decreased $39.0 million as of March 31, 2024 compared to the year ended December 31, 2023.

The following table compares the composition of our loan portfolio for the dates indicated:


(In thousands)	At March 31, 2024		At December 31, 2023		Change
Real estate loans:
Residential	$	49,098	$	50,931	$	(1,833)
Commercial	1,927,636		1,947,648		(20,012)
Construction	151,967		183,414		(31,447)
	2,128,701		2,181,993		(53,292)
Commercial business	508,912		500,569		8,343
Consumer	41,946		36,045		5,901
Total loans	$	2,679,559	$	2,718,607	$	(39,048)

The following table compares the composition of our commercial real estate loan portfolio by non-owner occupied and owner occupied loans at March 31, 2024 and December 31, 2023:


	At March 31, 2024				At December 31, 2023				Change
	Total		%		Total		%		Total
	(Dollars in thousands)
Commercial real estate loans:
Non-owner occupied	$	1,231,250	63.85	%	$	1,228,126	63.08	%	$	3,124
Owner occupied	697,002		36.15		718,780		36.92		(21,778)
Total commercial real estate loans(1)	$	1,928,252	100.00	%	$	1,946,906	100.00	%	$	(18,654)

(1) Excludes the negative fair value effect of the portfolio layer swap of $616 thousand and the positive fair value effective of the portfolio layer swap of $742 thousand for Commercial Real Estate at March 31, 2024 and December 31, 2023, respectively.

The following table compares the composition of our commercial real estate loan portfolio by property type, and collateral location as of March 31, 2024:


Commercial Real Estate	CT		All Other NY		NYC		NJ		FL		OH		PA		All Other		Total(1)
	(Dollars in thousands)
Residential care(2)	$	—	$	63,308	$	40,957	$	22,329	$	281,792	$	80,009	$	23,558	$	101,792	$	613,745
Retail	130,915		86,345		7,450		19,563		17,078		3,549		34,817		97,021		396,738
Multifamily	174,548		31,050		52,201		7,181		—		—		—		—		264,980
Office	66,507		22,786		—		38,190		2,279		—		—		59,851		189,613
Industrial / warehouse	74,438		14,248		19,943		17,138		2,778		—		—		23,046		151,591
Mixed use	41,669		1,147		50,803		10,000		—		—		—		—		103,619
Medical office	47,966		—		1,453		—		—		4,880		3,900		22,691		80,890
1-4 family investment	12,968		13,522		1,924		2,797		17,357		—		—		—		48,568
All other(3)	20,168		34,959		23,381		—		—		—		—		—		78,508
	$	569,179	$	267,365	$	198,112	$	117,198	$	321,284	$	88,438	$	62,275	$	304,401	$	1,928,252

(1) Excludes the negative fair value effect of the portfolio layer swap of $616 thousand for Commercial Real Estate at March 31, 2024.

(2) Primarily consists of skilled nursing and assisted living facilities.

(3) Includes Special use, self storage, and land.

As of March 31, 2024, the Bank had $189.6 million of loans collateralized by offices, which represented 7.1% of the total loan portfolio. Most of the properties in this portfolio are in suburban locations, with no properties located in New York City. 98.4% of this portfolio was pass rated, and there were two relationships totaling $3.1 million on nonaccrual status. As of March 31, 2024, we had $265.0 million of loans collateralized by multifamily properties, which represented 9.9% of the total loan portfolio. 100% of the portfolio is pass rated and current. These properties are all located in Connecticut, New York, or New Jersey, with eight properties, totaling $52.2 million, located in New York City. 78.5% of the New York City exposure is located in Brooklyn, 12.1% in Manhattan and the remaining 9.4% in Queens. $16.3 million of the New York City exposure, or 0.6% of the total loan portfolio, have either rent stabilized or rent controlled units.

The following table presents an analysis of the commercial real estate portfolio's loan to value at origination and by property type as of March 31, 2024.


Commercial Real Estate	Total CRE Portfolio(1)		Percentage of Total CRE Portfolio		Loan to Value %
	(Dollars in thousands)
Property Type
Residential care(2)	$	613,745	31.8	%	67.5	%
Retail	396,738		20.6		63.7
Multifamily	264,980		13.7		61.5
Office	189,613		9.8		64.0
Industrial / warehouse	151,591		7.9		63.2
Mixed use	103,619		5.4		60.9
Medical office	80,890		4.2		65.6
1-4 family investment	48,568		2.5		58.1
All other	78,508		4.1		53.2
Total	$	1,928,252	100.0	%	64.0	%

(1) Excludes the negative fair value effect of the portfolio layer swap of $616 thousand for Commercial Real Estate at March 31, 2024.

(2) Primarily consists of skilled nursing and assisted living facilities.

Asset Quality

We actively manage asset quality through our underwriting practices and collection operations. Our Board of Directors monitors credit risk management. The Directors Loan Committee ("DLC") has primary oversight responsibility for the credit-granting function including approval authority for credit-granting policies, review of management’s credit-granting activities and approval of large exposure credit requests, as well as loan review and problem loan management and resolution. The committee reports the results of its respective oversight functions to our Board of Directors. In addition, our Board of Directors receives information concerning asset quality measurements and trends on a monthly basis. While we continue to adhere to prudent underwriting standards, our loan portfolio is not immune to potential negative consequences as a result of general economic weakness, such as a prolonged downturn in the housing market or commercial real estate market on a national scale. Decreases in real estate values could adversely affect the value of property used as collateral for loans. In addition, adverse changes in the economy could have a negative effect on the ability of borrowers to make scheduled loan payments, which would likely have an adverse impact on earnings.

The Company has established credit policies applicable to each type of lending activity in which it engages. The Company evaluates the creditworthiness of each client and extends credit of up to 80% of the market value of the collateral, (85% maximum for owner occupied commercial real estate), depending on the client's creditworthiness and the type of collateral. The client’s ability to service the debt is monitored on an ongoing basis. Real estate is the primary form of collateral. Other important forms of collateral are business assets, time deposits and marketable securities. While collateral provides assurance as a secondary source of repayment, the Company ordinarily requires the primary source of repayment for commercial loans to be based on the client’s ability to generate continuing cash flows. The Company does not provide first or second consumer mortgage loans secured by residential properties but has a small legacy portfolio which continues to amortize, pay off due to the sale of the collateral, or refinance away from the Company.

Credit risk management involves a partnership between our relationship managers and our credit approval, portfolio management, credit administration and collections teams. Disciplined underwriting, portfolio monitoring and early problem recognition are important aspects of maintaining our high credit quality standards.

Nonperforming assets. Nonperforming assets include nonaccrual loans and property acquired through foreclosures or repossession. The following table presents nonperforming assets and additional asset quality data for the dates indicated:


(In thousands)	At March 31, 2024			At December 31, 2023
Nonaccrual loans:
Real estate loans:
Residential	$	1,237		$	1,386
Commercial	19,083			23,009
Commercial business	16,841			15,430
Construction	9,382			9,382
Consumer	—			—
Total nonaccrual loans	46,543			49,207
Other real estate owned	—			—
Total nonperforming assets	$	46,543		$	49,207

Nonperforming assets to total assets	1.48		%	1.53		%
Nonaccrual loans to total gross loans	1.74		%	1.81		%
ACL-loans as a % of total loans	1.04		%	1.03		%
ACL-loans as a % of nonperforming loans	60.14		%	56.79		%
Total past due loans to total gross loans	1.44		%	0.78		%

Nonaccrual loans totaled $46.5 million at March 31, 2024 and $49.2 million at December 31, 2023.

There was no Other Real Estate Owned ("OREO") at March 31, 2024 or December 31, 2023.

Allowance for Credit Losses - Loans ("ACL-Loans")

Our Board of Directors has adopted an Allowance for Credit Losses policy designed to provide management with a methodology for determining and documenting the allowance for credit losses for each reporting period. We evaluate the adequacy of the ACL-Loans at least quarterly, and in determining our ACL-Loans, we estimate losses on specific loans, or groups of loans, where the probable loss can be identified and reasonably determined. The balance of our ACL-Loans is based on internally assigned risk classifications of loans, the Bank’s and peer banks’ historical loss experience, changes in the nature of the loan portfolio, overall portfolio quality, industry concentrations, delinquency trends, current economic factors and the estimated impact of current economic conditions on certain historical loan loss rates.

Our general practice is to identify problem credits early and recognize full or partial charge-offs as promptly as practicable when it is determined that it is probable that the loan will not be repaid according to its original contractual terms, including principal and interest. Full or partial charge-offs on collateral dependent loans are recognized when the collateral is deemed to be insufficient to support the carrying value of the loan. We do not recognize a recovery when an updated appraisal indicates a subsequent increase in value of the collateral.

Our charge-off policies, which comply with standards established by our banking regulators, are consistently applied from period to period. Charge-offs are recorded on a monthly basis, as incurred. Partially charged-off loans continue to be evaluated on a monthly basis and additional charge-offs or provisions for credit losses may be recorded on the remaining loan balance based on the same criteria.

The following table presents the activity in our ACL-Loans and related ratios for the dates indicated:


	Three Months Ended March 31,
(Dollars in thousands)		2024			2023
Balance at beginning of period		$	27,946		$	22,431
CECL Day 1 Adjustment		—			5,079
Balance at beginning of period-Adjusted		27,946			27,510
Charge-offs:
Residential real estate		(132)			—
Commercial real estate		(3,306)			—
Commercial business		(197)			(440)
Consumer		(49)			(12)
Total charge-offs		(3,684)			(452)
Recoveries:
Commercial real estate		—			—
Commercial business		27			—
Consumer		4			6
Total recoveries		31			6
Net (charge-offs) recoveries		(3,653)			(446)
Provision for credit losses - loans		3,698			934
Balance at end of period		$	27,991		$	27,998
Net charge-offs to average loans		0.11		%	0.02		%
ACL-Loans to total gross loans		1.04		%	1.01		%

At March 31, 2024, our ACL-Loans was $28.0 million and represented 1.04% of total gross loans, compared to $27.9 million or 1.03% of total gross loans, at December 31, 2023.

The following table presents the allocation of the ACL-Loans balance and the related allocation percentage of these loans across the total loan portfolio:


	At March 31, 2024						At December 31, 2023
(Dollars in thousands)	ACL-Loans Amount		ACL-Loans Percentage		Loan Segment to Total Loans Percentage		ACL-Loans Amount		ACL-Loans Percentage		Loan Segment to Total Loans Percentage
Residential real estate	$	133	0.48	%	1.83	%	$	149	0.53	%	1.87	%
Commercial real estate	21,666		77.40		71.94		20,950		74.97		71.64
Construction	1,543		5.51		5.67		1,699		6.08		6.75
Commercial business	4,078		14.57		18.99		4,562		16.32		18.41
Consumer	571		2.04		1.57		586		2.10		1.33
Total ACL-Loans	$	27,991	100.00	%	100.00	%	$	27,946	100.00	%	100.00	%

The allocation of the ACL-Loans at March 31, 2024 reflects our assessment of credit risk and probable loss within each portfolio. We believe that the level of the ACL-Loans at March 31, 2024 is appropriate to cover probable losses.

ACL- Unfunded Commitments

The ACL-Unfunded Commitments provision is based on "forward looking" losses inherent with funding the unused portion of legal commitments to lend. The reserve for unfunded credit commitments is included within other liabilities in the accompanying Consolidated Balance Sheets. Changes in the ACL-Unfunded Commitments are reported as a component of the Provision for credit losses in the accompanying Consolidated Statements of Income.

Investment Securities

At March 31, 2024, the carrying value of our investment securities portfolio totaled $126.2 million and represented 4.0% of total assets, compared to $127.6 million, or 4.0% of total assets, at December 31, 2023.

The net unrealized loss position on our investment portfolio at March 31, 2024 was $8.0 million and included gross unrealized gains of $0.5 million. The net unrealized loss position on our investment portfolio at December 31, 2023 was $7.5 million and included gross unrealized gains of $0.8 million.

Deposit Activities and Other Sources of Funds


	March 31, 2024				December 31, 2023
(Dollars in thousands)	Amount		Percent		Amount		Percent
Noninterest bearing demand	$	376,248	14.07	%	$	346,172	12.65	%
NOW	95,227		3.56		90,829		3.32
Money market	818,408		30.61		887,352		32.42
Savings	92,188		3.45		97,331		3.56
Time	1,291,451		48.31		1,315,073		48.05
Total deposits	$	2,673,522	100.00	%	$	2,736,757	100.00	%

Total deposits were $2.7 billion at March 31, 2024, a decrease of $63.2 million, from the balance at December 31, 2023.

Brokered certificates of deposits totaled $780.5 million at March 31, 2024 and $860.5 million at December 31, 2023, respectively. Brokered money market accounts totaled $51.4 million at March 31, 2024 and $91.4 million at December 31, 2023, respectively. There were no certificates of deposits from national listing services, one-way buy CDARS or one-way buy ICS at March 31, 2024 or December 31, 2023. Brokered deposits are comprised of Brokered CDs, brokered money market accounts, one-way buy CDARS, and one-way buy ICS.

As of March 31, 2024, our FDIC insured deposits were $1,907.6 million, or 71% of total deposits. Additionally, deposits totaling $110.6 million, or 4% of total deposits, are insured by standby letters of credit with the Federal Home Loan Bank of Boston.

At March 31, 2024 and December 31, 2023, time deposits with a denomination of $100 thousand or more, including CDARS and brokered deposits, totaled $1,164.0 million and $1,199.7 million, respectively, maturing during the periods indicated in the table below:


(Dollars in thousands)	March 31, 2024		December 31, 2023
Maturing:
Within 3 months	$	535,280	$	343,084
After 3 but within 6 months	320,378		317,534
After 6 months but within 1 year	147,749		244,472
After 1 year	160,603		294,641
Total	$	1,164,010	$	1,199,731

We utilize advances from the Federal Home Loan Bank of Boston, or FHLB, as part of our overall funding strategy and to meet short-term liquidity needs, and to a lesser degree, manage interest rate risk arising from the difference in asset and liability maturities. Total FHLB advances were $90.0 million at both March 31, 2024 and December 31, 2023.

The Bank has additional borrowing capacity at the FHLB up to a certain percentage of the value of qualified collateral. In accordance with agreements with the FHLB, the qualified collateral must be free and clear of liens, pledges and encumbrances. At March 31, 2024, the Bank had pledged $843.8 million of eligible loans as collateral to support borrowing capacity at the FHLB. As of March 31, 2024, the Bank had immediate availability to borrow an additional $327.8 million from the FHLB based on qualified collateral.

At March 31, 2024, the Bank had a secured borrowing line with the FRB, a letter of credit with the FHLB, and unsecured lines of credit with Zions Bank, Pacific Coast Bankers Bank ("PCBB"), and Atlantic Community Bankers Bank ("ACBB"). The total borrowing line, letter, or line of credit and the amount outstanding at March 31, 2024 is summarized below:


	March 31, 2024
	Total Letter or Line of Credit		Total Outstanding
	(Dollars in thousands)
FRB	$	743,769	$	—
FHLB	524,691		196,891
Zions Bank	45,000		—
PCBB	38,000		—
ACBB	12,000		—
Total	$	1,363,460	$	196,891

Liquidity and Capital Resources

Liquidity Management

Liquidity is defined as the ability to generate sufficient cash flows to meet all present and future funding requirements at reasonable costs. Our primary source of liquidity is deposits. While our generally preferred funding strategy is to attract and retain low cost deposits, our ability to do so is affected by competitive interest rates and terms in the marketplace. Other sources of funding include discretionary use of purchased liabilities (e.g., FHLB term advances and other borrowings), cash flows from our investment securities portfolios, loan sales, loan repayments and earnings. Investment securities designated as Available for sale may also be sold in response to short-term or long-term liquidity needs.

The Bank’s liquidity positions are monitored daily by management. The Asset Liability Committee ("ALCO") establishes guidelines to ensure maintenance of prudent levels of liquidity. ALCO reports to the Company’s Board of Directors.

The Bank has a detailed liquidity funding policy and a contingency funding plan that provide for the prompt and comprehensive response to unexpected demands for liquidity. We employ a stress testing methodology to estimate needs for contingent funding that could result from unexpected outflows of funds in excess of “business as usual” cash flows. The Bank has established unsecured borrowing capacity with Zions Bank, PCBB, and ACBB. The Bank also maintains additional collateralized borrowing capacity with the FRB and the FHLB in excess of levels used in the ordinary course of business. Our sources of liquidity include cash, unpledged investment securities, borrowings from the FRB, FHLB, lines of credit from Zions Bank, PCBB, and ACBB, the brokered deposit market and national CD listing services.

Capital Resources

The Bank and Company are subject to various regulatory capital requirements administered by the federal banking agencies. Failure to meet minimum capital requirements can initiate certain mandatory and possibly additional discretionary actions by regulators that, if undertaken, could have a direct material effect on the Company’s financial statements. At March 31, 2024, the Bank met all capital adequacy requirements to which it was subject and exceeded the regulatory minimum capital levels to be considered well-capitalized under the regulatory framework for prompt corrective action. At March 31, 2024, the Bank’s ratio of Common Equity Tier 1 capital to risk-weighted assets was 11.60%, total capital to risk-weighted assets was 11.60%, Tier 1 capital to risk-weighted assets was 12.63% and Tier 1 capital to average assets was 10.09%. At March 31, 2024, the Company met all capital adequacy requirements to which it was subject and exceeded the regulatory minimum capital levels to be considered well-capitalized under the regulatory framework for prompt corrective action. At March 31, 2024, the Company’s ratio of Common Equity Tier 1 capital to risk-weighted assets was 9.47%, total capital to risk-weighted assets was 9.47%, Tier 1 capital to risk-weighted assets was 12.96% and Tier 1 capital to average assets was 8.28%.

Under the current guidelines, banking organizations must have a minimum total risk-based capital ratio of 8.0%, a minimum Tier 1 risk-based capital ratio of 6.0%, a minimum common equity Tier 1 risk-based capital ratio of 4.5%, and a minimum leverage ratio of 4.0% in order to be "adequately capitalized." In addition to these requirements, banking organizations must maintain a capital conservation buffer consisting of common Tier 1 equity in an amount above the minimum risk-based capital requirements for “adequately capitalized” institutions equal to 2.5% of total risk-weighted assets, resulting in a requirement for the Company and the Bank to effectively maintain common equity Tier 1, Tier 1 and total capital ratios of 7.0%, 8.5% and 10.5%, respectively. The Company and the Bank must maintain the capital conservation buffer to avoid restrictions on the ability to pay dividends, pay discretionary bonuses, or to engage in share repurchases.

Asset/Liability Management and Interest Rate Risk

We measure interest rate risk using simulation analysis to calculate earnings and equity at risk. These risk measures are quantified using simulation software from one of the leading firms in the field of asset/liability modeling. Key assumptions relate to the behavior of interest rates and spreads, prepayment speeds and the run-off of deposits. From such simulations, interest rate risk, or IRR, is quantified and appropriate strategies are formulated and implemented. We model IRR by using two primary risk measurement techniques: simulation of net interest income and simulation of economic value of equity. These two measurements are complementary and provide both short-term and long-term risk profiles for the Company. Because both baseline simulations assume that our balance sheet will remain static over the simulation horizon, the results do not reflect adjustments in strategy that ALCO could implement in response to rate shifts. The simulation analyses are updated quarterly.

We use a net interest income at risk simulation to measure the sensitivity of net interest income to changes in market rates. This simulation captures underlying product behaviors, such as asset and liability repricing dates, balloon dates, interest rate indices and spreads, rate caps and floors, as well as other behavioral attributes. The simulation of net interest income also requires a number of key assumptions such as: (i) prepayment projections for loans and securities that are projected under each interest rate scenario using internal and external mortgage analytics; (ii) new business loan rates that are based on recent new business origination experience; and (iii) deposit pricing assumptions for non-maturity deposits reflecting the Bank’s history, management judgment and core deposit studies. Combined, these assumptions can be inherently uncertain, and as a result, actual results may differ from simulation forecasts due to the timing, magnitude and frequency of interest rate changes, future business conditions, as well as unanticipated changes in management strategies.

We use two sets of standard scenarios to measure net interest income at risk. For the Parallel Ramp Scenarios, rate changes are ramped over a twelve-month horizon based upon a parallel yield curve shift and then maintained at those levels over the remainder of the simulation horizon. Parallel Shock Scenarios assume instantaneous parallel movements in the yield curve

compared to a flat yield curve scenario. Simulation analysis involves projecting a future balance sheet structure and interest income and expense under the various rate scenarios. Internal policy regarding internal rate risk simulations currently specifies that for instantaneous parallel shifts of the yield curve, estimated net interest income at risk for the subsequent one-year period should not decline by more than: 6% for a 100 basis point shift; 12% for a 200 basis point shift; and 18% for a 300 basis point shift. Per Company policy, the Bank should not be outside these limits for twelve consecutive months unless the Bank's forecasted capital ratios are considered to be "well capitalized". As of March 31, 2024, the Bank has met all minimum regulatory capital requirements to be considered "well capitalized".

The following tables set forth the estimated percentage change in our net interest income at risk over one-year simulation periods beginning March 31, 2024 and December 31, 2023:


Parallel Ramp	Estimated Percent Change in Net Interest Income

Rate Changes (basis points)	March 31, 2024		December 31, 2023
-100	1.20	%	1.70	%
+200	(2.20)		(3.20)


Parallel Shock	Estimated Percent Change in Net Interest Income

Rate Changes (basis points)	March 31, 2024		December 31, 2023
-100	1.90	%	3.60	%
+100	(1.20)		(2.70)
+200	(3.00)		(5.80)
+300	(4.10)		(8.10)

The net interest income at risk simulation results indicate that, as of March 31, 2024, we remain liability sensitive. The liability sensitivity is due to the fact that there are more liabilities than assets subject to repricing as market rates change.

We conduct an economic value of equity at risk simulation in tandem with net interest income simulations, to ascertain a longer term view of our interest rate risk position by capturing longer-term repricing risk and options risk embedded in the balance sheet. It measures the sensitivity of economic value of equity to changes in interest rates. The economic value of equity at risk simulation values only the current balance sheet and does not incorporate the growth assumptions used in one of the income simulations. As with the net interest income simulation, this simulation captures product characteristics such as loan resets, repricing terms, maturity dates, rate caps and floors. Key assumptions include loan prepayment speeds, deposit pricing elasticity and non-maturity deposit attrition rates. These assumptions can have significant impacts on valuation results as the assumptions remain in effect for the entire life of each asset and liability. All key assumptions are subject to a periodic review.

Base case economic value of equity at risk is calculated by estimating the net present value of all future cash flows from existing assets and liabilities using current interest rates. The base case scenario assumes that future interest rates remain unchanged.

The following table sets forth the estimated percentage change in our economic value of equity at risk, assuming various shifts in interest rates:


	Estimated Percent Change in Economic Value of Equity ("EVE")
Rate Changes (basis points)	March 31, 2024		December 31, 2023
-100	1.90	%	2.70	%
+100	(2.80)		(3.80)
+200	(7.30)		(9.40)
+300	(9.80)		(12.60)

While ALCO reviews and updates simulation assumptions and also periodically back-tests the simulation results to ensure that the assumptions are reasonable and current, income simulation may not always prove to be an accurate indicator of interest rate

risk or future net interest margin. Over time, the repricing, maturity and prepayment characteristics of financial instruments and the composition of our balance sheet may change to a different degree than estimated. ALCO recognizes that deposit balances could shift into higher yielding alternatives as market rates change. ALCO has modeled increased costs of deposits in the rising rate simulation scenarios presented above.

It should be noted that the static balance sheet assumption does not necessarily reflect our expectation for future balance sheet growth, which is a function of the business environment and client behavior. Another significant simulation assumption is the sensitivity of core deposits to fluctuations in interest rates. Income simulation results assume that changes in both core savings deposit rates and balances are related to changes in short-term interest rates. Lastly, mortgage-backed securities and mortgage loans involve a level of risk that unforeseen changes in prepayment speeds may cause related cash flows to vary significantly in differing rate environments. Such changes could affect the level of reinvestment risk associated with cash flow from these instruments, as well as their market value. Changes in prepayment speeds could also increase or decrease the amortization of premium or accretion of discounts related to such instruments, thereby affecting interest income.

Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk

Interest Rate Risk Management

Interest rate risk management is our primary market risk. See “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations – Asset/Liability Management and Interest Rate Risk” herein for a discussion of our management of our interest rate risk.

Impact of Inflation

Our financial statements and related data contained in this quarterly report have been prepared in accordance with GAAP, which requires the measure of financial position and operating results in terms of historic dollars, without considering changes in the relative purchasing power of money over time due to inflation.

Inflation generally increases the costs of funds and operating overhead, and to the extent loans and other assets bear variable rates, the yields on such assets. Unlike the assets and liabilities of most industrial companies, virtually all of the assets and liabilities of a financial institution are monetary in nature. As a result, interest rates generally have a more significant effect on the performance of a financial institution than the effects of general levels of inflation. In addition, inflation affects a financial institution’s cost of goods and services purchased, the cost of salaries and benefits, occupancy expense and similar items. Inflation and related increases in interest rates generally decrease the market value of investments and loans held and may adversely affect liquidity, earnings and shareholders’ equity.

Item 4. Controls and Procedures

(a) Evaluation of disclosure controls and procedures:

The Company carried out an evaluation, under the supervision and with the participation of the Company’s management, including the Company’s Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, of the effectiveness of the design and operation of the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures pursuant to Exchange Act Rule 13a-15. Based upon that evaluation, the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer concluded that as of the end of the period reported on in this report, the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures are effective in timely alerting them to material information relating to the Company (including its consolidated subsidiary) required to be included in the Company’s periodic SEC filings.

(b) Change in internal controls:

There has been no change in the Company’s internal control over financial reporting during the quarter ended March 31, 2024 that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to affect, the Company’s internal control over financial reporting.

PART II – OTHER INFORMATION

Item 1. Legal Proceedings

The Company and the Bank are periodically involved in various legal proceedings as normal incident to their businesses. In the opinion of management, no material loss is expected from any such pending lawsuit.

Item 1A. Risk Factors

There were no material changes in risk factors previously disclosed in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2023, filed with the SEC.

Item 2. Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds

Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities

The following table includes information with respect to repurchases of the Company’s Common Stock during the three-month period ended March 31, 2024 under the Company’s share repurchase program.


	Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities
Period	(a) Total Number of Shares (or Units) Purchased	(b) Average Price Paid per Share (or Unit)		(c) Total Number of Shares (or Units) Purchased as Part of Publicly Announced Plans or Programs	(d) Maximum Number (or Approximate Dollar Value) of Shares (or Units) that May Yet Be Purchased Under the Plans or Programs(1)
January 1, 2024 - January 31, 2024	—	$	—	—	150,188
February 1, 2024 - February 29, 2024	6,983	25.06		6,983	143,205
March 1, 2024 - March 31, 2024	29,197	25.45		29,197	114,008
Total	36,180	$	25.38	36,180

(1) On December 19, 2018, the Company’s Board of Directors authorized a share repurchase program of up to 400,000 shares of the Company’s Common Stock. The Company may repurchase shares in open market transactions or by other means, such as privately negotiated transactions. The timing, price and volume of repurchases will be based on market conditions, relevant securities laws and other factors. The share repurchase plan does not obligate the Company to acquire any particular amount of Common Stock, and it may be modified or suspended at any time at the Company's discretion. On October 27, 2021, the Company's Board of Directors authorized the repurchase of an additional 200,000 shares under its existing share repurchase program.

Subsequent to March 31, 2024, the Company purchased 9,744 shares at a weighted average price of $25.14 per share.

Item 3. Defaults Upon Senior Securities

None.

Item 4. Mine Safety Disclosures

None.

Item 5. Other Information

None.

Item 6. Exhibits

The following exhibits are filed herewith:


31.1			Certification of Christopher R. Gruseke pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a)

31.2			Certification of Courtney E. Sacchetti pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a)

32			Certification pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002

101			The following materials from Bankwell Financial Group, Inc.’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the period ended March 31, 2024, formatted in Inline eXtensible Business Reporting Language (XBRL): (i) Consolidated Balance Sheets; (ii) Consolidated Statements of Income; (iii) Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss); (iv) Consolidated Statements of Shareholders’ Equity; (v) Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows; and (vi) Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

104			Cover Page Interactive Data File (formatting in Inline XBRL and contained in Exhibit 101)

Signatures

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized.


			Bankwell Financial Group, Inc.
Date: May 8, 2024			/s/ Christopher R. Gruseke
			Christopher R. Gruseke
			President and Chief Executive Officer

Date: May 8, 2024			/s/ Courtney E. Sacchetti
			Courtney E. Sacchetti
			Executive Vice President and Chief
			Financial Officer
			(Principal Financial and Accounting Officer)