Wholly-owned Subsidiaries. Elm Street Securities Corporation, WFD Securities, Inc. and CSB Colts, Inc., are Massachusetts chartered securities corporations, formed for the primary purpose of holding qualified securities. WB Real Estate Holdings, LLC, is a Massachusetts-chartered limited liability company that holds real property acquired as security for debts previously contracted by the Bank.

Estimates. The preparation of consolidated financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“GAAP”) requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the consolidated financial statements and the reported amounts of income and expenses for each. Actual results could differ from those estimates. An estimate that is particularly susceptible to significant change in the near-term relates to the determination of the allowance for credit losses.

Significant Group Concentrations of Credit Risk

Significant Group Concentrations of Credit Risk. Most of the Company’s lending activities are with customers located within the New England region of the country. The Company does not have any significant concentrations to any one industry or customer.

Securities and Mortgage-Backed Securities

Securities and Mortgage-Backed Securities. Investments in debt securities, including mortgage-backed securities, which management has the positive intent and ability to hold until maturity are classified as held to maturity and are carried at amortized cost. Investments in debt securities, including mortgage-backed securities, which have been identified as assets for which there is not a positive intent to hold to maturity are classified as available-for-sale and are carried at fair value with unrealized gains and losses, net of income taxes, reported as a separate component of comprehensive income (loss). Marketable equity securities are measured at fair value with changes in fair value reported on the Company’s consolidated statements of net income as a component of non-interest income, regardless of whether such gains and losses are realized. We do not acquire investment securities and mortgage-backed securities for purposes of engaging in trading activities.

Realized gains and losses on sales of investment securities and mortgage-backed securities are computed using the specific identification method and are included in non-interest income on the trade date. The amortization of premiums and accretion of discounts are determined by using the level yield method to the maturity date, except that premiums are amortized to the earliest call date or maturity.

Allowance for Credit Losses – Securities Available-for-Sale

The Company measures expected credit losses on debt securities available-for-sale based upon the gain or loss position of the security. For debt securities available-for-sale in an unrealized loss position which the Company does not intend to sell, and it is not more likely than not that the Company will be required to sell the security before recovery of the Company’s amortized cost, the Company evaluates qualitative criteria to determine any expected loss. This includes among other items the financial health of, and specific prospects for the issuer, including whether the issuer is in compliance with the terms and covenants of the security. The Company also evaluates quantitative criteria including determining whether there has been an adverse change in expected future cash flows of the security. Securities available-for-sale which are guaranteed by government agencies do not currently have an allowance for credit loss as the Company determined these securities are either backed by the full faith and credit of the U.S. government and/or there is an unconditional commitment to make interest payments and to return the principal investment in full to investors when a debt security reaches maturity. In assessing the Company's investments in government-sponsored and U.S. government guaranteed mortgage-backed securities and government-sponsored enterprise obligations, the contractual cash flows of these investments are guaranteed by the respective government-sponsored enterprise; Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation (“FHLMC”), Federal National Mortgage Association (“FNMA”), Federal Farm Credit Bank (“FFCB”), or Federal Home Loan Bank (“FHLB”). Accordingly, it is expected that the securities would not be settled at a price less than the par value of the Company's investments. The Company will evaluate this position no less than annually, however, certain items which may cause the Company to change this methodology include legislative changes that remove a government-sponsored enterprise’s ability to draw funds from the U.S. government, or legislative changes to housing policy that reduce or eliminate the U.S. government’s implicit guarantee on such securities. If the Company does not expect to recover the entire amortized cost basis of the security, an allowance for credit losses would be recorded, with a related charge to earnings. If the Company intends to sell the security or it is more likely than not that the Company will be required to sell the debt security before recovery of its amortized cost basis, the Company recognizes the entire difference between the amortized cost basis of the security and its fair value in earnings. Any impairment that has not been recorded through an allowance for credit loss is recognized in other comprehensive income.

Allowance for Credit Losses – Securities Held-to-Maturity

The Company measures expected credit losses on debt securities held-to-maturity on a collective basis by security type and risk rating where available. The reserve for each pool is calculated based on a Probability of Default/Loss Given Default basis taking into consideration the expected life of each security. Held-to-maturity securities which are issued by the United States Treasury or are guaranteed by government agencies do not currently have an allowance for credit loss as the Company determined these securities are either backed by the full faith and credit of the U.S. government and/or there is an unconditional commitment to make interest payments and to return the principal investment in full to investors when a debt security reaches maturity. In assessing the Company's investments in government-sponsored and U.S. government guaranteed mortgage-backed securities and government-sponsored enterprise obligations, the contractual cash flows of these investments are guaranteed by the respective government-sponsored enterprise; FHLMC, FNMA, FFCB, or FHLB. Accordingly, it is expected that the securities would not be settled at a price less than the par value of the Company's investments. The Company will evaluate this position no less than annually, however, certain items which may cause the Company to change this methodology include legislative changes that remove a government-sponsored enterprise’s ability to draw funds from the U.S. government, or legislative changes to housing policy that reduce or eliminate the U.S. government’s implicit guarantee on such securities. Any expected credit losses on securities held-to-maturity would be presented as an allowance for credit loss.

Derivatives

Derivatives. We enter into interest rate swap agreements as part of our interest-rate risk management strategy for certain assets and liabilities and not for speculative purposes. Based on our intended use for interest rate swaps, these are hedging instruments subject to hedge accounting provisions. Cash flow hedges are recorded at fair value in other assets or other liabilities within our balance sheets. Changes in the fair value of these cash flow hedges are initially recorded in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) and subsequently reclassified into earnings when the forecasted transaction affects earnings.

The Company’s interest rate swaps designated as fair value hedges involve the payment of fixed-rate amounts to a counterparty in exchange for the Company receiving variable-rate payments over the life of the agreements without the exchange of the underlying notional amount. For derivatives designated and that qualify as fair value hedges, the gain or loss on the derivative as well as the offsetting loss or gain on the hedged item attributable to the hedged risk are recognized in interest income.

Federal Home Loan Bank of Boston Stock

Federal Home Loan Bank of Boston Stock. The Bank, as a member of the FHLB system, is required to maintain an investment in capital stock of the FHLB of Boston. Based on the redemption provisions of the FHLB, the stock has no quoted market value and is carried at cost. At its discretion, the FHLB may declare dividends on the stock. Management reviews for impairment based on the ultimate recoverability of the cost basis in the FHLB stock. As of December 31, 2025, no impairment has been recognized.

Loans Receivable

Loans Receivable. Loans are recorded at the principal amount outstanding, adjusted for charge-offs, the allowance for credit losses, unearned premiums, discounts and deferred loan fees and costs. Interest on loans is calculated using the effective yield method on daily balances of the principal amount outstanding and is credited to income on the accrual basis to the extent it is deemed collectible. Our general policy is to discontinue the accrual of interest when principal or interest payments are delinquent 90 days or more based on the contractual terms of the loan, or earlier if the loan is considered impaired. Any unpaid amounts previously accrued on these loans are reversed from current period interest income. Subsequent cash receipts are applied to the outstanding principal balance or to interest income if, in the judgment of management, collection of the principal balance is not in question. Loans are returned to accrual status when they become current as to both principal and interest and when subsequent performance reduces the concern as to the collectability of principal and interest. Loan fees, discounts and premiums on purchased loans, and certain direct loan origination costs are deferred and the net fee or cost is recognized as an adjustment to interest income over the estimated average lives of the related loans.

Bank-owned Life Insurance

Bank-owned Life Insurance. Bank-owned life insurance policies are reflected on the consolidated balance sheets at cash surrender value. Changes in the net cash surrender value of the policies, as well as insurance proceeds received in excess of carrying value, are reflected in non-interest income on the consolidated statements of net income and are not subject to income taxes.

Premises and Equipment

Premises and Equipment. Land is carried at cost. Buildings, furniture and equipment are stated at cost, less accumulated depreciation and amortization, computed on the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of the assets, or the expected lease term, if shorter. Expected terms include lease option periods to the extent that the exercise of such options is reasonably assured. The estimated useful lives of the assets are as follows:

	Years

Buildings	39
Leasehold Improvements	5-20
Furniture and Equipment	3-7

The cost of maintenance and repairs is charged to expense when incurred. Major expenditures for betterments are capitalized and depreciated.

Servicing

Servicing. The Company services mortgage loans for others. Mortgage servicing assets are recognized as separate assets at fair value when rights are acquired through purchase or retained through the sale of financial assets. Fair value is based on a valuation model that calculates the present value of estimated future net servicing income. The valuation model incorporates assumptions that market participants would use in estimating future net servicing income, such as the cost to service, the discount rate, the custodial earnings rate, an inflation rate, ancillary income, prepayment speeds and default rates and losses. Capitalized servicing rights are reported in other assets and are amortized into service charges and fee income in proportion to, and over the period of, the estimated future net servicing income of the underlying financial assets. Servicing assets are evaluated for impairment based upon the fair value of the rights as compared to the amortized cost. Impairment is determined by stratifying rights by predominant risk characteristics, such as interest rate, loan type and investor type. Impairment is recognized through a valuation allowance for an individual stratum, to the extent that the fair value is less than the capitalized amount for the stratum. Changes in the valuation allowance are reported in service charges and fee income.

Servicing fee income is recorded for fees earned for servicing loans, which is included in service charges and fee income. The fees are based on a contractual percentage of the outstanding principal or a fixed amount per loan and are recorded as income when earned.

Retirement Plans and Employee Benefits

Retirement Plans and Employee Benefits. The Company maintains a tax-qualified defined contribution plan through a third party provider (the “401(k) Plan”) that provides for deferral of federal and state income taxes on employee contributions allowed under Section 401(k) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Internal Revenue Code”). Participants may make pre-tax salary deferrals to the plan not to exceed the annual IRS limits. Effective January 1, 2023, the Company converted to a Safe Harbor 401(k) Plan. In addition to salary deferrals, the Company will match up to 100% of the first 4% of the participant’s eligible compensation (for a total maximum employer matching contribution of 4% of a participant’s eligible compensation). In addition, on an annual basis, the Company may make a discretionary profit share contribution to each participant.

Employee Stock Ownership Plan

Employee Stock Ownership Plan. Compensation expense for the Employee Stock Ownership Plan (“ESOP”) is recorded at an amount equal to the shares allocated by the ESOP multiplied by the average fair market value of the shares during the period. We recognize compensation expense ratably over the year based upon our estimate of the number of shares expected to be allocated by the ESOP. Unearned compensation applicable to the ESOP is reflected as a reduction of shareholders’ equity in the consolidated balance sheets. The difference between the average fair market value and the cost of the shares allocated by the ESOP is recorded as an adjustment to additional paid-in capital.

Advertising Costs

Advertising Costs. Advertising costs are accounted for using the accrual basis of accounting.

Earnings per Share

Earnings per Share. Basic earnings per share represents income available to common shareholders divided by the weighted-average number of common shares outstanding during the period. If rights to dividends on unvested awards are non-forfeitable, these unvested awards are considered outstanding in the computation of basic earnings per share. Diluted earnings per share reflect additional common shares that would have been outstanding if dilutive potential common shares had been issued, as well as any adjustment to income that would result from the assumed issuance. Potential common shares that may be issued by us relate to stock options and certain performance-based restricted stock awards and are determined using the treasury stock method. Unallocated ESOP shares are not deemed outstanding for earnings per share calculations. There were no anti-dilutive shares outstanding during the years ended December 31, 2025, 2024 and 2023.

Earnings per common share for the years ended December 31, 2025, 2024 and 2023 have been computed based on the following:


	Years Ended December 31,
	2025			2024			2023
	(Dollars and shares in thousands)

Net income applicable to common stock	$	15,269		$	11,666		$	15,068

Average number of common shares issued		20,583			21,345			22,037
Less: Average unallocated ESOP shares		(194	)		(264	)		(338	)
Less: Average unvested performance-based equity incentive plan shares		(194	)		(181	)		(163	)

Average number of common shares outstanding used to calculate basic earnings per common share		20,195			20,900			21,536
Effect of dilutive performance-based equity incentive plan shares		127			116			74
Average number of common shares outstanding used to calculate diluted earnings per common share		20,322			21,016			21,610

Net income per share:
Basic earnings per share	$	0.76		$	0.56		$	0.70
Diluted earnings per share	$	0.75		$	0.56		$	0.70

Recent Accounting Pronouncements

Recent Accounting Pronouncements.

In November 2023, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) 2023-07, Segment Reporting – Improvements to Reportable Segment Disclosures (Topic 280), which expands segment disclosure requirements for public entities to require disclosure of significant segment expenses and other segment items on an annual and interim basis. It also requires companies to provide in interim periods all disclosures about a reportable segment’s profit or loss and assets that are currently required annually. This ASU, as amended, became effective for the Company in the consolidated financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2024 (see Note 18 – Segment) and did not have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements. In addition, this ASU, as amended, was effective for interim periods beginning in 2025 and did not have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.

In December 2023, the FASB issued ASU 2023-09, Income Taxes—Improvements to Income Tax Disclosures (Topic 740), which requires entities to disclose specific categories in the rate reconciliation and provide additional information for reconciling items that meet a quantitative threshold. On an annual basis, entities must disclose: (1) the amount of income taxes paid, net of refunds, disaggregated by federal, state, and foreign; and (2) the amount of income taxes paid, net of refunds, disaggregated by individual jurisdictions in which income taxes paid, net of refunds received, for amounts equal to or greater than 5% of total income taxes paid. Further, the amendments also require entities to disclose: (1) income or loss from continued operations before income tax expense (or benefit) disaggregated between domestic and foreign sources; and (2) income or loss from continued operations disaggregated by federal, state, and foreign sources. This ASU, as amended, became effective for the Company in the consolidated financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2025 (see Note 14 – Income Taxes) and did not have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.

In November 2024, the FASB issued ASU 2024-03, Income Statement – Reporting Comprehensive Income – Expense Disaggregation Disclosures – Disaggregation of Income Statement Expenses (Subtopic 220-40). ASU 2024-03 requires disaggregated disclosure of income statement expenses for public business entities. ASU 2024-03 requires new financial statement disclosures in tabular form, disaggregating information about prescribed categories underlying any relevant income statement expense caption. The prescribed categories include, among other things, employee compensation, depreciation, and intangible asset amortization. Additionally, entities must disclose the total amount of selling expenses and, in annual reporting periods, an entity’s definition of selling expenses. This ASU is effective for the Company, on a prospective basis, for annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2026 and interim reporting periods within annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2027 and is not expected to have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.