Finward Bancorp

Previous wording

As a financial institution, the Bancorp is subject to a number of risks relating to its daily business.

Current wording

As a financial institution, the Company is subject to a number of risks relating to its daily business.

Previous wording

The Bancorp is subject to liquidity risk in its operations, which could adversely affect the ability to fund various obligations.

Current wording

The Company is subject to liquidity risk in its operations, which could adversely affect the ability to fund various obligations.

Previous wording

Unrealized losses in the Bancorp’s investment portfolio could affect liquidity.

Current wording

Unrealized losses in the Company’s investment portfolio could affect liquidity.

Previous wording

The increase in market interest rates experienced in 2022 and the early months of 2023, caused the Bancorp to experience increased unrealized losses within its investment portfolio. The Bancorp’s investment portfolio consists of federal funds, interest bearing balances in other financial institutions, U.S. government securities, federal agency obligations, obligations of state and local municipalities, and corporate securities. All of the instruments held in the Bancorp’s investment portfolio are designated as AFS, and many of these instruments are particularly sensitive to interest rate fluctuations, especially long-term fixed-income securities, including U.S. Treasury notes and bonds and corporate and municipal bonds. As of December 31, 2023, the Bancorp held approximately $238.7 million of municipal securities within the investment portfolio, which comprised approximately 64.2% of the portfolio, and approximately $123.5 million of collateralized mortgage obligations and residential mortgage-backed securities within the portfolio, which comprised approximately 33.2% of the portfolio. From December 31, 2022 to December 31, 2023, the investment portfolio experienced unrealized gains of approximately $16.7 million. The decrease in unrealized losses is reflected in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) (AOCI) on the Bancorp’s balance sheet and reduces the Bancorp’s book capital and tangible common equity ratio. However, unrealized losses do not affect the Bancorp’s regulatory capital ratios.

Current wording

As market interest rates increased during 2022 and continued into the early months of 2023, the Company experienced increased unrealized losses within its investment portfolio. The Company’s investment portfolio consists of federal funds, interest bearing balances in other financial institutions, U.S. government securities, federal agency obligations, obligations of state and local municipalities, and corporate securities. All of the instruments held in the Company’s investment portfolio are designated as available-for-sale, and many of these instruments are particularly sensitive to interest rate fluctuations, especially long-term fixed-income securities, including U.S. Treasury notes and bonds and corporate and municipal bonds. As of December 31, 2024, the Company held approximately $214.7 million of municipal securities within the investment portfolio, which comprised approximately 64.4% of the portfolio, and approximately $109.3 million of collateralized mortgage obligations and residential mortgage-backed securities within the portfolio, which comprised approximately 32.8% of the portfolio. From December 31, 2023 to December 31, 2024, the investment portfolio experienced unrealized losses of approximately $9.0 million. The increase in unrealized losses is reflected in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) (AOCI) on the Company’s balance sheet and reduces the Company’s book capital and tangible common equity ratio. However, unrealized losses do not affect the Company’s regulatory capital ratios.

Previous wording

Management continues to actively monitor the investment portfolio and does not currently anticipate the need to realize losses from the investment portfolio, and it is unlikely the Bancorp will be required to sell the securities before recovery of their amortized cost bases, which may be at maturity. However, the Bancorp’s access to liquidity sources could be affected by unrealized losses if securities within the investment portfolio must be sold at a loss or tangible capital ratios decline from an increase in unrealized losses or realized credit losses.

Current wording

Management continues to actively monitor the investment portfolio and may sell securities from the portfolio before maturity in order to take advantage of restructuring opportunities. That said, it is unlikely the Company will be required to sell the securities before recovery of their amortized cost bases, which may be at maturity. However, the Company’s access to liquidity sources could be affected by unrealized losses if securities within the investment portfolio must be sold at a loss or tangible capital ratios decline from an increase in unrealized losses or realized credit losses.

Previous wording

Peoples Bank’s loan portfolio includes a significant amount of loans with fixed rates of interest. At December 31, 2023, $681.4 million, or 45.2% of the Bank’s total loans receivable had fixed interest rates. The Bank offers adjustable rate mortgage (ARM) loans and fixed-rate loans. Unlike ARM loans, fixed-rate loans carry the risk that, because they do not reprice to market interest rates, their yield may be insufficient to offset increases in the Bank’s cost of funds during a rising interest rate environment. Accordingly, a material and prolonged increase in market interest rates could be expected to have a greater adverse effect on the Bank’s net interest income compared to other institutions that hold a materially larger portion of their assets in ARM loans or fixed-rate loans that are originated for committed sale in the secondary market.

Current wording

Peoples Bank’s loan portfolio includes a significant amount of loans with fixed rates of interest. At December 31, 2024, $712.7 million, or 47.3% of the Bank’s total loans receivable had fixed interest rates. The Bank offers adjustable rate mortgage (ARM) loans and fixed-rate loans. Unlike ARM loans, fixed-rate loans carry the risk that, because they do not reprice to market interest rates, their yield may be insufficient to offset increases in the Bank’s cost of funds during a rising interest rate environment. Accordingly, a material and prolonged increase in market interest rates could be expected to have a greater adverse effect on the Bank’s net interest income compared to other institutions that hold a materially larger portion of their assets in ARM loans or fixed-rate loans that are originated for committed sale in the secondary market.

Previous wording

Higher loan losses could require the Bancorp to increase its Allowance for credit losses through a charge to earnings.

Current wording

Higher loan losses could require the Company to increase its allowance for credit losses through a charge to earnings.

Previous wording

Commercial business lending may expose the Bancorp to increased lending risks.

Current wording

Commercial business lending may expose the Company to increased lending risks.

Previous wording

At December 31, 2023, the Bank’s commercial business loan portfolio amounted to $97.4 million, or 6.5% of total loans. Subject to market conditions and other factors, the Bank intends to expand its commercial business lending activities within its primary market areas. Commercial business lending is inherently riskier than residential mortgage lending. Although commercial business loans are often collateralized by equipment, inventory, accounts receivable, or other business assets, the liquidation value of these assets in the event of a borrower default is often an insufficient source of repayment because accounts receivable may be uncollectible and inventories and equipment may be obsolete or of limited use, among other things.

Current wording

At December 31, 2024, the Bank’s commercial business loan portfolio amounted to $104.2 million, or 6.9% of total loans. Subject to market conditions and other factors, the Bank intends to expand its commercial business lending activities within its primary market areas. Commercial business lending is inherently riskier than residential mortgage lending. Although commercial business loans are often collateralized by equipment, inventory, accounts receivable, or other business assets, the liquidation value of these assets in the event of a borrower default is often an insufficient source of repayment because accounts receivable may be uncollectible and inventories and equipment may be obsolete or of limited use, among other things.

Previous wording

Commercial real estate lending may expose the Bancorp to increased lending risks.

Current wording

Commercial real estate lending may expose the Company to increased lending risks.

Previous wording

At December 31, 2023, the Bank’s commercial real estate loan portfolio amounted to $503.2 million, or 33.4% of total loans. Commercial real estate lending is inherently riskier than residential mortgage lending. Because payments on loans secured by commercial properties often depend upon the successful operation and management of the properties or related businesses, repayment of such loans may be affected by adverse conditions in the real estate market or the economy, among other things. Further, these loans typically have larger loan balances, and several of our borrowers have more than one commercial real estate loan outstanding with us. Consequently, an adverse development with respect to one loan or one credit relationship can expose us to significantly greater risk of loss compared to an adverse development with respect to a one- to four-family residential mortgage loan. Finally, if we foreclose on a commercial real estate loan, our holding period for the collateral, if any, typically is longer than for one-to four-family residential mortgage loans because there are fewer potential purchasers of the collateral. Because we plan to continue to emphasize the origination of these loans, it may be necessary to increase our allowance for loan losses because of the increased credit risk associated with these types of loans. Any increase to our allowance for loan losses would adversely affect our earnings.

Current wording

At December 31, 2024, the Bank’s commercial real estate loan portfolio amounted to $551.7 million, or 36.6% of total loans. Commercial real estate lending is inherently riskier than residential mortgage lending. Because payments on loans secured by commercial properties often depend upon the successful operation and management of the properties, repayment of such loans may be affected by adverse conditions in the real estate market or the economy, among other things.

Previous wording

As of December 31, 2023, we had $25.7 million of goodwill and other intangible assets. A significant and sustained decline in our stock price and market capitalization, a significant decline in our expected future cash flows, a significant adverse change in the business climate, or slower growth rates could result in impairment of goodwill. If we were to conclude that a future write-down of our goodwill is necessary, then we would record the appropriate charge, which could be materially adverse to our operating results and financial position. For further discussion, see Notes 1 and 6, “Summary of Significant Accounting Policies” and “Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets,” to the Consolidated Financial Statements included in Item 8 this report.

Current wording

As of December 31, 2024, we had $24.3 million of goodwill and other intangible assets. A significant and sustained decline in our stock price and market capitalization, a significant decline in our expected future cash flows, a significant adverse change in the business climate, or slower growth rates could result in impairment of goodwill. If we were to conclude that a future write-down of our goodwill is necessary, then we would record the appropriate charge, which could be materially adverse to our operating results and financial position. For further discussion, see Notes 1 and 5, “Summary of Significant Accounting Policies” and “Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets,” to the Consolidated Financial Statements included in Item 8 this report.

Previous wording

Our business depends upon earning and maintaining the trust and confidence of our customers, investors, and employees. Damage to our reputation could cause significant harm to our business and prospects. Harm to our reputation can arise from numerous sources, including, among others, employee misconduct, compliance failures, litigation, regulatory outcomes, or governmental investigations. In addition, a failure to deliver appropriate standards of service and quality, or a failure or perceived failure to treat customers and clients fairly, can result in customer dissatisfaction, litigation, privacy breach, and heightened regulatory scrutiny, all of which can lead to lost revenue, higher operating costs, and harm to our reputation. Adverse publicity about the Bancorp, whether or not true, may result in harm to our existing business, customer relationships and prospects. Should any events or factors that can undermine our reputation occur, there is no assurance that the additional costs and expenses that we may need to incur to address the issues giving rise to the reputational harm would not adversely affect our earnings and results of operations.

Current wording

Our business depends upon earning and maintaining the trust and confidence of our customers, investors, and employees. Damage to our reputation could cause significant harm to our business and prospects. Harm to our reputation can arise from numerous sources, including, among others, employee misconduct, compliance failures, litigation, regulatory outcomes, or governmental investigations. In addition, a failure to deliver appropriate standards of service and quality, or a failure or perceived failure to treat customers and clients fairly, can result in customer dissatisfaction, litigation, privacy breach, and heightened regulatory scrutiny, all of which can lead to lost revenue, higher operating costs, and harm to our reputation. Adverse publicity about the Company, whether or not true, may result in harm to our existing business, customer relationships and prospects. Should any events or factors that can undermine our reputation occur, there is no assurance that the additional costs and expenses that we may need to incur to address the issues giving rise to the reputational harm would not adversely affect our earnings and results of operations.

Previous wording

As a result, merger or acquisition discussions and, in some cases, negotiations may take place and future mergers or acquisitions involving the payment of cash or the issuance of our debt or equity securities may occur at any time. Acquisitions typically involve the payment of a premium over book, and, therefore, some dilution of our tangible book value and net income per common share may occur in connection with any future transaction. To the extent we were to issue additional shares of common stock in any such transaction, our current shareholders would be diluted and such an issuance may have the effect of decreasing our stock price, perhaps significantly. Furthermore, failure to realize the expected revenue increases, cost savings, increases in geographic or product presence, and/or other projected benefits from an acquisition could have a material adverse effect on our financial condition and results of operations. In addition, merger and acquisition costs incurred by the Bancorp may temporarily increase operating expenses.

Current wording

As a result, merger or acquisition discussions and, in some cases, negotiations may take place and future mergers or acquisitions involving the payment of cash or the issuance of our debt or equity securities may occur at any time. Acquisitions typically involve the payment of a premium over book, and, therefore, some dilution of our tangible book value and net income per common share may occur in connection with any future transaction. To the extent we were to issue additional shares of common stock in any such transaction, our current shareholders would be diluted and such an issuance may have the effect of decreasing our stock price, perhaps significantly. Furthermore, failure to realize the expected revenue increases, cost savings, increases in geographic or product presence, and/or other projected benefits from an acquisition could have a material adverse effect on our financial condition and results of operations. In addition, merger and acquisition costs incurred by the Company may temporarily increase operating expenses.

Previous wording

The Bancorp and Bank are subject to extensive regulation and oversight, including with respect to the Order and MOU.

Current wording

The Company and Bank are subject to extensive regulation and oversight, including with respect to the Order and MOU.

Previous wording

The Order is expected to result in additional non-interest BSA compliance expenses for the Bank and the Bancorp. It also may have the effect of limiting or delaying the Bank’s and the Bancorp’s ability to obtain regulatory approval for certain expansionary activities, to the extent desired by the Bancorp. Our failure to comply with the Order or MOU may result in additional regulatory action, including civil money penalties against the Bank and its officers and directors or enforcement through court proceedings, which could have a material and adverse effect on our business, results of operations, financial condition, cash flows, and stock price.

Current wording

On November 7, 2023, the Bank entered into a Stipulation and Consent to the Issuance of a Consent Order with its bank regulatory agencies, the FDIC and DFI, consenting to the issuance of a consent order (the “Order”) relating to the Bank’s compliance with the Bank Secrecy Act and its implementing regulations (collectively, the “BSA”). In consenting to the issuance of the Order, the Bank did not admit or deny any charges of unsafe or unsound banking practices or violations of law or regulation relating to its BSA compliance. See “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations–* Regulatory Developments Regarding the Company and the Bank*” below for certain disclosures regarding the Order and MOU. The Order has resulted and is expected to continue to result in additional non-interest BSA compliance expenses for the Bank and the Company. It also may have the effect of limiting or delaying the Bank’s and the Company’s ability to obtain regulatory approval for certain expansionary activities, to the extent desired by the Company. Our failure to comply with the Order or MOU may result in additional regulatory action, including civil money penalties against the Bank and its officers and directors or enforcement through court proceedings, which could have a material and adverse effect on our business, results of operations, financial condition, cash flows, and stock price.

Previous wording

While economic conditions have improved, significant challenges remain, including continued elevated inflation levels and recent uncertainty in the financial institutions industry. As a result, there can be no assurance that the economic recovery will continue, and future deterioration would likely exacerbate the adverse effects of recent difficult market conditions on us and others in the financial institutions industry. Market stress could have a material adverse effect on the credit quality of our loans, and therefore, our financial condition and results of operations as well as other potential adverse impacts including:

Current wording

While economic conditions have remained relatively stable in spite of these headwinds, significant challenges remain, including the continued aggregate effect of inflation levels experienced in recent years and uncertainty related to government spending levels and federal budget deficits, as well as the potential effect of changes in trade policy and tariffs under the new Trump administration. As a result, there can be no assurance that economic conditions will continue on their current course. Market stress could have a material adverse effect on the credit quality of our loans, and therefore, our financial condition and results of operations as well as other potential adverse impacts including:

Previous wording

The Bancorp also is experiencing an increase in competition to acquire other banks, due to the overall strength of financial institutions and their high capital levels. In addition, credit unions and FinTech companies are now actively pursuing small bank acquisitions. Increased competition for bank acquisitions may slow the Bancorp’s ability to grow earning assets at comparable historical growth rates.

Current wording

The Company also is experiencing an increase in competition to acquire other banks, due to the overall strength of financial institutions and their high capital levels. In addition, credit unions and FinTech companies are now actively pursuing small bank acquisitions. Increased competition for bank acquisitions may slow the Company’s ability to grow earning assets at comparable historical growth rates.

Previous wording

We are subject to federal regulations that seek to protect the Deposit Insurance Fund and the depositors and borrowers of the Bank, and our federal regulators may impose restrictions on our operations that are detrimental to holders of the Bancorp’s common stock.

Current wording

We are subject to federal regulations that seek to protect the Deposit Insurance Fund and the depositors and borrowers of the Bank, and our federal regulators may impose restrictions on our operations that are detrimental to holders of the Company’s common stock.

Previous wording

We are subject to extensive regulation, supervision, and examination by the FRB, IDFI, and FDIC, our primary regulators. Such regulation and supervision governs the activities in which an institution and its holding company may engage and are intended primarily for the protection of the insurance fund and the depositors and borrowers of the Bank rather than for holders of the Bancorp’s common stock. Our regulators may subject us to supervisory and enforcement actions, such as the imposition of certain restrictions on our operations, requirements that we take remedial action, the classification of our assets and the determination of the level of our Allowance for credit losses, that are aimed at protecting the insurance fund and the depositors and borrowers of the Bank but that are detrimental to holders of the Bancorp’s common stock. Any change in our regulation or oversight, whether in the form of regulatory policy, regulations, legislation, or supervisory action, may have a material impact on our operations.

Current wording

We are subject to extensive regulation, supervision, and examination by the FRB, IDFI, and FDIC, our primary regulators. Such regulation and supervision governs the activities in which an institution and its holding company may engage and are intended primarily for the protection of the insurance fund and the depositors and borrowers of the Bank rather than for holders of the Company’s common stock. Our regulators may subject us to supervisory and enforcement actions, such as the imposition of certain restrictions on our operations, requirements that we take remedial action, the classification of our assets and the determination of the level of our Allowance for credit losses, that are aimed at protecting the insurance fund and the depositors and borrowers of the Bank but that are detrimental to holders of the Company’s common stock. Any change in our regulation or oversight, whether in the form of regulatory policy, regulations, legislation, or supervisory action, may have a material impact on our operations.

Previous wording

Financial services institutions are interrelated as a result of trading, clearing, counterparty, or other relationships. We have exposure to many different industries and counterparties, and we routinely execute transactions with counterparties in the financial services industry, including brokers and dealers, commercial banks, investment banks, mutual and hedge funds, and other institutional clients. Many of these transactions expose us to credit risk in the event of default by our counterparty or client. In addition, our credit risk may be exacerbated when the collateral held by us cannot be realized or is liquidated at prices not sufficient to recover the full amount of the loan or derivative exposure due us. There is no assurance that any such losses would not materially and adversely affect our results of operations or earnings. In addition, failures of other financial institutions, including regional and community banks, could decrease customer confidence in the banking industry as a whole and community banks in particular. Reduced confidence in the financial institutions sector could result in customer disintermediation and the loss of deposit and borrowing relationships, among other effects, which could result in a material adverse effect on the Bancorp’s financial condition and results of operations.

Current wording

Financial services institutions are interrelated as a result of trading, clearing, counterparty, or other relationships. We have exposure to many different industries and counterparties, and we routinely execute transactions with counterparties in the financial services industry, including brokers and dealers, commercial banks, investment banks, mutual and hedge funds, and other institutional clients. Many of these transactions expose us to credit risk in the event of default by our counterparty or client. In addition, our credit risk may be exacerbated when the collateral held by us cannot be realized or is liquidated at prices not sufficient to recover the full amount of the loan or derivative exposure due us. There is no assurance that any such losses would not materially and adversely affect our results of operations or earnings. In addition, failures of other financial institutions, including regional and community banks, could decrease customer confidence in the banking industry as a whole and community banks in particular. Reduced confidence in the financial institutions sector could result in customer disintermediation and the loss of deposit and borrowing relationships, among other effects, which could result in a material adverse effect on the Company’s financial condition and results of operations.

Previous wording

An investment in the Bancorp’s common stock is not an insured deposit.

Current wording

An investment in the Company’s common stock is not an insured deposit.

Previous wording

The Bancorp’s common stock is not a bank deposit and, therefore, is not insured against loss by the FDIC, any other deposit insurance fund, or by any other public or private entity. Investment in the Bancorp’s common stock is inherently risky for the reasons described in this “Risk Factors” section and elsewhere in this prospectus and is subject to the same market forces that affect the price of common stock in any public company. As a result, if you acquire the Bancorp’s common stock, you could lose some or all of your investment.

Current wording

The Company’s common stock is not a bank deposit and, therefore, is not insured against loss by the FDIC, any other deposit insurance fund, or by any other public or private entity. Investment in the Company’s common stock is inherently risky for the reasons described in this “Risk Factors” section and elsewhere in this prospectus and is subject to the same market forces that affect the price of common stock in any public company. As a result, if you acquire the Company’s common stock, you could lose some or all of your investment.

Previous wording

The trading volume in the Bancorp’s common stock is less than that of other larger financial institutions.

Current wording

The trading volume in the Company’s common stock is less than that of other larger financial institutions.

Previous wording

Although the Bancorp’s common stock is listed on the Nasdaq Capital Market, the trading volume in the common stock may be less than that of other, larger financial services companies. A public trading market having the desired characteristics of depth, liquidity, and orderliness depends on the presence in the marketplace of willing buyers and sellers of the Bancorp’s common stock at any given time. This presence depends on the individual decisions of investors and general economic and market conditions over which the Bancorp has no control. During any period of lower trading volume of the Bancorp’s common stock, significant sales of shares of the Bancorp’s common stock, or the expectation of these sales, could cause the Bancorp’s common stock price to fall.

Current wording

Although the Company’s common stock is listed on the Nasdaq Capital Market, the trading volume in the common stock may be less than that of other, larger financial services companies. A public trading market having the desired characteristics of depth, liquidity, and orderliness depends on the presence in the marketplace of willing buyers and sellers of the Company’s common stock at any given time. This presence depends on the individual decisions of investors and general economic and market conditions over which the Company has no control. During any period of lower trading volume of the Company’s common stock, significant sales of shares of the Company’s common stock, or the expectation of these sales, could cause the Company’s common stock price to fall.

Previous wording

The Bancorp’s Articles of Incorporation, Indiana law, and certain banking laws may have an anti-takeover effect.

Current wording

The Company’s Articles of Incorporation, Indiana law, and certain banking laws may have an anti-takeover effect.

Previous wording

Provisions of the Bancorp’s Articles of Incorporation, the Indiana Business Corporation Law, and the federal banking laws, including regulatory approval requirements, could make it more difficult for a third party to acquire the Bancorp, even if doing so would be perceived to be beneficial by the Bancorp’s shareholders. The combination of these provisions could have the effect of inhibiting a non-negotiated merger or other business combination, which, in turn, could adversely affect the market price of the Bancorp’s common stock.

Current wording

Provisions of the Company’s Articles of Incorporation, the Indiana Business Corporation Law, and the federal banking laws, including regulatory approval requirements, could make it more difficult for a third party to acquire the Company, even if doing so would be perceived to be beneficial by the Company’s shareholders. The combination of these provisions could have the effect of inhibiting a non-negotiated merger or other business combination, which, in turn, could adversely affect the market price of the Company’s common stock.

Previous wording

The Bancorp may issue additional securities, which could dilute the ownership percentage of holders of the Bancorp’s common stock.

Current wording

The Company may issue additional securities, which could dilute the ownership percentage of holders of the Company’s common stock.

Previous wording

The Bancorp may issue additional securities to, among other reasons, raise additional capital or finance acquisitions, and, if it does, the ownership percentage of holders of the Bancorp’s common stock could be diluted potentially materially.

Current wording

The Company may issue additional securities to, among other reasons, raise additional capital or finance acquisitions, and, if it does, the ownership percentage of holders of the Company’s common stock could be diluted potentially materially.

Previous wording

The Bancorp has traditionally paid a quarterly dividend to common shareholders. The payment of dividends is subject to legal and regulatory restrictions. Any payment of dividends in the future will depend, in large part, on our earnings, capital requirements, financial condition, and other factors considered relevant by the Bancorp’s board of directors. The board may, at its discretion, reduce or eliminate dividends or change its dividend policy in the future.

Current wording

The Company has traditionally paid a quarterly dividend to common shareholders. The payment of dividends is subject to legal and regulatory restrictions. Any payment of dividends in the future will depend, in large part, on our earnings, capital requirements, financial condition, and other factors considered relevant by the Company’s board of directors. The board may, at its discretion, reduce or eliminate dividends or change its dividend policy in the future.