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Bankwell Financial Group, Inc.

For the period ended Dec 31, 2025. Filed Mar 4, 2026.

View on SEC.gov

About this filing

A company's yearly report to the SEC, with audited financial statements. It is the fullest account a company gives of its business, its finances and the risks it sees.

FY2025 · Filed Mar 4, 2026

BWFG$70.12-0.2%Stored close · as of Nov 6, 2026

What changed in Management’s Discussion and Analysis?

Read the current filing

Previous report: 10-K

Period ended 2024-12-31; filed 2025-03-05.

0001505732-25-000052

Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

Current report: 10-K

Period ended 2025-12-31; filed 2026-03-04.

0001505732-26-000046

Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

The baseline is this issuer’s latest earlier reporting period of the same form that was filed before the current report. A previous 10-Q is a different quarter, not a year-over-year comparison. Amendments are excluded.

Compared 218 previous paragraphs and 196 current paragraphs.

130 unchanged; 59 reworded; 6 added; 27 removed; 2 previous and 1 current paragraphs rearranged.

Tables are not compared: 29 previous and 30 current tables excluded. Dates, whitespace, punctuation and numbering changes are ignored; changes to financial figures remain significant.

A changed paragraph is not evidence that risk increased or decreased. An unchanged paragraph does not establish that risk stayed the same.

Added paragraphs (6)

Current report

For collectively evaluated loans and related unfunded commitments, the Company uses third‑party software that incorporates multiple models to estimate expected credit losses in calculating the ACL.

Current report

(1) Excludes the positive fair value effect of the portfolio layer swap of $135 thousand and $219 thousand for Commercial Real Estate at December 31, 2025 and 2024, respectively.

Current report

(1) Excludes the positive fair value effect of the portfolio layer swap of $135 thousand for Commercial Real Estate at December 31,2025.

Current report

(1) Excludes the positive fair value effect of the portfolio layer swap of $135 thousand for Commercial Real Estate at December 31,2025.

Current report

Credit quality indicators. The Company measures credit risk within its loan portfolios through the use of a credit risk rating system. The risk rating reflects management’s assessment of a loan’s overall risk, considering the character and creditworthiness of the borrower and any guarantor, the borrower’s capacity to service the debt, the availability of credit enhancements or other sources of repayment, and the quality, value, and coverage of collateral, if applicable. The following table presents credit risk ratings as of December 31, 2025, and December 31, 2024:

Current report

(1) 100.0% and 99.6% of Risk Rated 6 loans are current on payments, 99.3% and 93.0% are guaranteed by ultra-high net worth sponsors as of December 31, 2025 and December 31, 2024, respectively.
Removed paragraphs (27)

Previous report

(f)Performance ratios for the year ended December 31, 2020 were negatively impacted by incremental COVID-19 pandemic related loan loss reserves and a $3.9 million one-time charge related to office consolidation, vendor contract termination and employee severance costs recognized in the fourth quarter of 2020.

Previous report

In June 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-13, Financial Instruments – Credit Losses (“ASC 326”), which requires the measurement of all expected credit losses for financial assets held at amortized cost to be based on historical experience, current condition, and reasonable and supportable forecasts. The Company adopted this guidance effective January 1, 2023 and recorded a cumulative effect adjustment that increased the allowance for credit losses for loans and loan commitments by$6.4 million, increased deferred tax assets by$1.5 million, and decreased retained earnings by$4.9 million, net of tax.

Previous report

In March 2022, the FASB issued ASU 2022-02, Financial Instruments – Credit Losses (ASU 326): Troubled Debt Restructurings and Vintage Disclosures. ASU 2022-02 eliminated the accounting guidance for TDRs by creditors while enhancing disclosure requirements for certain loan refinancings and restructurings by creditors when a borrower is experiencing financial difficulty. The Company adopted ASU 2022-02 effective January 1, 2023 and the impact was immaterial.

Previous report

The Company enters into interest rate swap agreements as part of the Company’s interest rate risk management strategy. Management applies the hedge accounting provisions of Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) Topic 815,"Hedge Accounting, and formally documents at inception all relationships between hedging instruments and hedged items, as well as its risk management objectives and strategies for undertaking the various hedges. Additionally, the Company assesses whether the derivative used in its hedging transaction is expected to be and has been highly effective in offsetting changes in the fair value or cash flows of the hedged item. The Company discontinues hedge accounting when it is determined that a derivative is not expected to be or has ceased to be highly effective as a hedge, and then reflects changes in fair value of the derivative in earnings after termination of the hedge relationship.

Previous report

The Company has interest rate swaps that qualify under ASC Topic 815, as cash flow hedges. Cash flow hedges are used to minimize the variability in cash flows of assets or liabilities, or forecasted transactions caused by fluctuations in the contractually specified interest rates, and are recorded at fair value in other assets within the consolidated balance sheet. Changes in the fair value of these cash flow hedges are initially recorded in accumulated other comprehensive income and subsequently reclassified into earnings when the forecasted transaction affects earnings.

Previous report

Fair values of the Company’s investment securities 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 Company’s private placement municipal housing authority bonds, classified as held to maturity, have no available quoted market price. The fair value for these securities is estimated using a discounted cash flow model. Due to the judgments and uncertainties involved in the estimation process, the estimates could result in materially different results under different assumptions and conditions.

Previous report

In accordance with ASC Topic 740, “Income Taxes,” certain aspects of accounting for income taxes require significant management judgment, including assessing the realizability of Deferred Tax Assets (DTAs). Such judgments are subjective and involve estimates and assumptions about matters that are inherently uncertain. Should actual factors and conditions differ materially from those used by management, the actual realization of DTAs could differ materially from the amounts recorded in the Consolidated Financial Statements and the accompanying Notes thereto.

Previous report

DTAs generally represent items for which a benefit has been recognized for financial accounting purposes that cannot be realized for tax purposes until a future period. The realization of DTAs depends upon future sources of taxable income. Valuation allowances are established for those DTAs determined not likely to be realized based on management’s judgment.

Previous report

Net income for the year ended December 31, 2024 was $9.8 million, versus $36.7 million for the year ended December 31, 2023. The decrease in net income for the year ended December 31, 2024 was mainly due to an increase in provision for credit losses and the aforementioned decrease in revenues partially offset by a decrease in income tax expense.

Previous report

Interest expense for the year ended December 31, 2024 increased by $14.7 million, or 15.7%, compared to interest expense for the year ended December 31, 2023 due to an interest expense on deposits, resulting from an increase in rates paid on interest bearing deposits.

Previous report

(1) Excludes the positive fair value effect of the portfolio layer swap of $219 thousand and $742 thousand for Commercial Real Estate at December 31, 2024 and 2023, respectively.

Previous report

We evaluate the appropriateness of our underwriting standards in response to changes in national and regional economic conditions, including such matters as market interest rates, energy prices, trends in real estate values, and employment levels. Based on our assessment of these matters, underwriting standards and credit monitoring activities are enhanced from time to time in response to changes in these conditions. In responseto the recent economic environment, the Company adopted expanded monitoring and reporting on our loan portfolio, including:

Previous report

•increased and expanded our monitoring of our entire loan portfolio, with added focus on our commercial real estate loan portfolio,

Previous report

•expanded reporting to Directors' Loan Committee and the Board of Directors which includes:

Previous report

◦upcoming commercial real estate maturity schedule, including loan to value, debt service coverage ratio, occupancy, and commentary on expected refinance or payoff status, maturity by property type and owner occupied or non-owner-occupied status; and

Previous report

◦individual loan level detail of the performance on our residential care portfolio and our insurance agency portfolio.

Previous report

•expanded the scope of our third-party loan review from 60% of the loan portfolio to include all new and renewed loans originated since September 2022, all residential care loans, all commercial real estate loans secured by office properties where the loan balance is greater than one million dollars, and all loans with addresses in New York City; and

Previous report

•enhanced our covenant tracking and reporting to the Directors Loan Committee.

Previous report

In addition to the enhancements made to monitoring and reporting, the Company has added resources to its Portfolio Management and Credit Departments.

Previous report

(1) Excludes the positive fair value effect of the portfolio layer swap of $219 thousand for Commercial Real Estate at December 31,2024.

Previous report

(1) Excludes the positive fair value effect of the portfolio layer swap of $219 thousand for Commercial Real Estate at December 31,2024.

Previous report

(1) In 2023, $50 million of the Company's FHLB borrowings were subject to longer term interest rate swap agreements and the average rate reflects the "all-in" swap costs under these agreements.
Reworded paragraphs (59)

Previous wording

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 relationships. The Bank operates nine branches in New Canaan, Stamford, Fairfield, Westport, Darien, Norwalk, and Hamden, Connecticut.

Current wording

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 relationships. The Bank operates full-service branches in New Canaan, Stamford, Fairfield, Westport, Darien, Norwalk, and Hamden, Connecticut. The Bank also operates in a limited service Domestic Representative Office in New Canaan, Connecticut and in Garden City, New York. During 2025, the Bank received regulatory approval from the FDIC, the CT DOB, and the NY DFS to establish a new full-service branch in Brooklyn, New York, which opened during the first quarter of 2026.

Previous wording

(g)Return on average assets is calculated by dividing net income by average assets. Return on average shareholders' equity is calculated by dividing net income by average shareholders' equity. Net loan charge-offs as a percentage of average loans is calculated by dividing net loan (charge offs) recoveries by average total loans.

Current wording

(f)Return on average assets is calculated by dividing net income by average assets. Return on average common shareholders' equity is calculated by dividing net income by average shareholders' equity. Average shareholders' equity to average assets is calculated by dividing average shareholders' equity by average assets. Net interest margin is calculated by dividing net interest income (interest income minus interest expense) by average earning assets. Net loan charge-offs as a percentage of average loans is calculated by dividing net loan (charge offs) recoveries by average total loans.

Previous wording

We identify “efficiency ratio”, “tangible common equity ratio”, “tangible book value per share”, “total revenue” and “return on average common shareholders’ equity” as “non-GAAP financial measures.” In accordance with the SEC’s rules, we classify a financial measure as being a non-GAAP financial measure if that financial measure excludes or includes amounts, or is subject to adjustments that have the effect of excluding or including amounts, that are included or excluded, as the case may be, in the most directly comparable measure calculated and presented in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles as in effect from time to time in the United States in our statements of income, balance sheet or statements of cash flows. Non-GAAP financial measures do not include operating and other statistical measures or ratios or statistical measures calculated using exclusively either financial measures calculated in accordance with GAAP, operating measures or other measures that are not non-GAAP financial measures or both.

Current wording

We identify “efficiency ratio”, “net interest margin”, “tangible common equity ratio”, “tangible book value per share”, “total revenue”, “return on average assets”, and “return on average common shareholders’ equity” as “non-GAAP financial measures.” In accordance with the SEC’s rules, we classify a financial measure as being a non-GAAP financial measure if that financial measure excludes or includes amounts, or is subject to adjustments that have the effect of excluding or including amounts, that are included or excluded, as the case may be, in the most directly comparable measure calculated and presented in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles as in effect from time to time in the United States in our statements of income, balance sheet or statements of cash flows. Non-GAAP financial measures do not include operating and other statistical measures or ratios or statistical measures calculated using exclusively either financial measures calculated in accordance with GAAP, operating measures or other measures that are not non-GAAP financial measures or both.

Previous wording

(c)This measure is not a measure recognized under GAAP and is therefore considered to be a non-GAAP financial measure. See “Non-GAAP Financial Measures” for a description of this measure and a reconciliation of this measure to its most directly comparable GAAP measure.

Current wording

(b)This measure is not a measure recognized under GAAP and is therefore considered to be a non-GAAP financial measure. See “Non-GAAP Financial Measures” for a description of this measure and a reconciliation of this measure to its most directly comparable GAAP measure.

Previous wording

(b)Calculated using the principal amounts outstanding on loans.

Current wording

(c)Calculated using the principal amounts outstanding on loans.

Previous wording

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 are particularly critical and susceptible to significant near-term change.

Current wording

We believe that accounting estimates related to the measurement of the ACL-Loans, the valuation of derivative instruments, investment securities, and deferred income taxes are particularly critical and susceptible to significant near-term change.

Previous wording

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.

Current wording

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. This 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.

Previous wording

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.

Current wording

For collectively evaluated loans and related unfunded commitments, the Company uses third-party software that incorporates multiple models to estimate expected credit losses in calculating the 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.

Previous wording

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 as well as a cash-secured loan to an individual. While these 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.

Current wording

Individually evaluated loans consist of loans with credit quality indicators which are substandard or doubtful. Additionally, when loans do not share risk characteristics with other financial assets they are also evaluated individually. Management applies its normal loan review procedures in making these judgments. The Company individually evaluates all insurance premium loans as well as cash-secured loans to individuals. While these 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 these loan types, 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.

Previous wording

Pursuant to ASU No. 2016-13, each quarter 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 December 31, 2024. For the corporate bond portfolio, the Company developed a metric which 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 was no expected credit loss, and therefore, no ACL-Securities were recognized on the corporate bond portfolio as of December 31, 2024. Of our held to maturity securities portfolio, one security’s fair value was less than its amortized cost as of December 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 December 31, 2024.

Current wording

Pursuant to ASC 326, the Company individually evaluates the available for sale debt securities and held to maturity securities for impairment credit losses quarterly. 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 December 31, 2025. For the corporate bond portfolio, the Company developed a metric which 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 was no expected credit loss, and therefore, no ACL-Securities were recognized on the corporate bond portfolio as of December 31, 2025. Of our held to maturity securities portfolio, four securities' fair values were less than their respective amortized costs as of December 31, 2025. Since these are highly rated state agency and municipal obligations, the Company's expectation of nonpayment of the amortized cost basis is zero. No allowance for ACL-Securities was recorded for these securities as of December 31, 2025.

Previous wording

Our net income for the year ended December 31, 2024 was $9.8 million, a decrease of $26.9 million, or 73.4%, compared to the year ended December 31, 2023. Diluted earnings per share was $1.23 for the year ended December 31, 2024, compared to diluted earnings per share of $4.67 for the year ended December 31, 2023. Our returns on average shareholders' equity and average assets for the year ended December 31, 2024, were 3.60% and 0.31%, respectively, compared to 14.55% and 1.13%, respectively for the year ended December 31, 2023.

Current wording

Our net income for the year ended December 31, 2025 was $35.2 million, an increase of $25.4 million, or 260.3%, compared to the year ended December 31, 2024. Diluted earnings per share was $4.45 for the year ended December 31, 2025, compared to diluted earnings per share of $1.23 for the year ended December 31, 2024. Our returns on average shareholders' equity and average assets for the year ended December 31, 2025, were 12.32% and 1.09%, respectively, compared to 3.60% and 0.31%, respectively for the year ended December 31, 2024. Net income for the year ended December 31, 2025 was $35.2 million, versus $9.8 million for the year ended December 31, 2024. The increase in net income for the year ended December 31, 2025 was primarily due to the aforementioned increase in revenues, a decrease in provision for credit losses, partially offset by an increase in income tax expense.

Previous wording

Revenues (net interest income plus noninterest income) for the year ended December 31, 2024 were $87.0 million, versus $99.3 million for theyear ended December 31, 2023. The decrease in revenues for the year ended December 31, 2024 was attributable to an increase in interest expense on deposits and lower gains from loan sales, partially offset by an increase in interest and fees on loans due to higher loan yields and prepayment fees.

Current wording

Revenues (net interest income plus noninterest income) for the year ended December 31, 2025 were $108.3 million, versus $87.0 million for the year ended December 31, 2024. The increase in revenues for the year ended December 31, 2025 was attributable to increased earning asset yields, a decrease in interest expense on deposits, and higher gains from loan sales.

Previous wording

Net interest income for the year ended December 31, 2024 was $83.3 million, a decrease of $11.2 million compared to the year ended December 31, 2023. Our net interest margin decreased 28 basis points to 2.70% for the year ended December 31, 2024 compared to the year ended December 31, 2023. The decrease in the net interest margin was due to an increase in funding costs partially offset by an increase in yields on earning assets.

Current wording

Net interest income for the year ended December 31, 2025 was $98.9 million, an increase of $15.7 million compared to the year ended December 31, 2024. Our net interest margin increased 46 basis points to 3.16% for the year ended December 31, 2025 compared to the year ended December 31, 2024. The increase in the net interest margin was due to an increase in yields on loans and a decrease in funding costs.

Previous wording

FTE net interest income for the years ended Dece mber 31, 2024 and 2023 was $83.7 million and $94.7 million, respectively. FTE net interest income decreased primarily due to an increase in interest expense partially offset by an increase in interest income attributable to higher loan yields.

Current wording

FTE net interest income for the years ended December 31, 2025 and 2024 was $99.5 million and $83.7 million, respectively. FTE net interest income increased due to a decrease in interest expense and an increase in interest income attributable to higher loan yields.

Previous wording

FTE basis interest income for the year ended December 31, 2024 increased $3.7 million, or 2.0%, to $192.4 million compared to FTE basis interest income for the year ended December 31, 2023 due primarily to an increase in commercial real estate loans. Average interest earning assets were $3.1 billion for the year ended December 31, 2024, decreasing by $72.4 million, or 2.3%, from the year ended December 31, 2023. The average balance of total loans decreased $79.2 million, or 2.9%. The total average balance of securities for the year ended December 31, 2024 increased by $13.0 million, or 10.0, from the year ended December 31, 2023. The total yield in earnings assets increased to 6.09% at December 31, 2024, compared to 5.86% at December 31, 2023. The increase in earning asset yield was primarily driven by higher yields on loans, as well as higher yields on our cash and securities balances as a result of the overall higher interest rate environment in 2024.

Current wording

FTE basis interest income for the year ended December 31, 2025 increased $6.5 million, or 3.37%, to $198.9 million compared to FTE basis interest income for the year ended December 31, 2024, due primarily to an increase in commercial real estate loans. Average interest earning assets were $3.1 billion for the year ended December 31, 2025, increasing by $40.4 million, or 1.30%, from the year ended December 31, 2024.

Previous wording

(2)The adjustment for securities and loans taxable equivalency was$383 thousand and $207 thousand, respectively, for the years ended December 31, 2024 and 2023. Tax exempt income was converted to a fully taxable equivalent basis at a 20 percent tax rate for 2024 and 2023.

Current wording

(2)The adjustment for securities and loans taxable equival ency was $539 thousand and $383 thousand, respectively, for the years ended December 31, 2025 and 2024. Tax exempt income was converted to a fully taxable equivalent basis at a 20 percent tax rate for 2025 and 2024.

Previous wording

The provision for credit losses for the year ended December 31, 2024 was $22.6 million compared to a $0.9 million provision for credit losses for the year ended December 31, 2023. The increase in the provision for credit losses during the year was primarily due to net charge offs.

Current wording

The provision for credit losses for the year ended December 31, 2025 was $1.0 million compared to a $22.6 million provision for credit losses for the year ended December 31, 2024. The decrease in the provision for credit losses during the year was primarily due to net charge offs taken during the year ended December 31, 2024.

Previous wording

Noninterest income decreased by $1.1 million to $3.7 million for the year ended December 31, 2024, compared to the year ended December 31, 2023. The decrease for the year ended December 31, 2024 was mainly driven by a decrease in gains on SBA loan sales partially offset by an increase in service charges and fees.

Current wording

Noninterest income increased by $5.7 million to $9.4 million for the year ended December 31, 2025, compared to the year ended December 31, 2024. The increase for the year ended December 31, 2025 was mainly driven by higher gains from SBA loan sales.

Previous wording

Noninterest expense increased by $0.7 million, or 1.3%, to $51.1 million for the year ended December 31, 2024 compared to the year ended December 31, 2023. The increase in noninterest expense was primarily driven by increases in professional services and occupancy and equipment costs, partially offset by decreases in salaries and employee benefits and FDIC insurance expense due to reduced brokered deposit balances.

Current wording

Noninterest expense increased by $7.7 million, or 15.2%, to $58.8 million for the year ended December 31, 2025 compared to the year ended December 31, 2024. The increase in noninterest expense was primarily attributable to an increase in salaries and employee benefits resulting from incremental new hires in support of strategic initiatives. Additionally, professional services increased, reflecting higher recruiting costs aligned with these initiatives.

Previous wording

Income tax expense for the years ended December 31, 2024 and 2023 totaled $3.6 million and $11.4 million, respectively. The effective tax rates for the years ended December 31, 2024 and 2023, were 26.7% and 23.7%, respectively.

Current wording

Income tax expense for the years ended December 31, 2025 and 2024 totaled $13.3 million and $3.6 million, respectively. The effective tax rates for the years ended December 31, 2025 and 2024, were 27.4% and 26.7%, respectively.

Previous wording

Our net deferred tax asset at December 31, 2024 was $9.7 million, compared to $9.4 million at December 31, 2023.

Current wording

Our net deferred tax assets at December 31, 2025 was $11.4 million, compared to $9.7 million at December 31, 2024.

Previous wording

On October 8, 2015, the Bank established a wholly-owned subsidiary, Bankwell Loan Servicing Group, Inc. (a Passive Investment Company “PIC”). The PIC was organized in accordance with Connecticut statutes to hold and manage certain loans that are collateralized by real estate. Income earned by the PIC is exempt from Connecticut income tax and any dividends paid by the PIC to the Bank are not taxable income for Connecticut income tax purposes. See Note 13 to our Consolidated Financial Statements for further information regarding income taxes.

Current wording

On October 8, 2015, the Bank established a wholly-owned subsidiary, Bankwell Loan Servicing Group, Inc., which serves as a Passive Investment Company (“PIC”). The PIC is organized in accordance with Connecticut statutes to hold and manage certain loans that are collateralized by real estate. Income earned by the PIC is exempt from Connecticut income tax and any dividends paid by the PIC to the Bank are not taxable income for Connecticut income tax purposes.

Previous wording

Assets totaled $3.3 billion at December 31, 2024, compared to assets of $3.2 billion at December 31, 2023. Gross loans totaled $2.7 billion at December 31, 2024, compared to gross loans of $2.7 billion at December 31, 2023. Deposits totaled $2.8 billion at December 31, 2024, compared to deposits of $2.7 billion at December 31, 2023.

Current wording

Assets totaled $3.4 billion at December 31, 2025, compared to assets of $3.3 billion at December 31, 2024. Gross loans totaled $2.8 billion at December 31, 2025, compared to gross loans of $2.7 billion at December 31, 2024. Deposits totaled $2.8 billion at December 31, 2025, compared to deposits of $2.8 billion at December 31, 2024.

Previous wording

Shareholders’ equity totaled $270.5 million as of December 31, 2024, an increase of $4.8 million compared to December 31, 2023, primarily a result of net income of $9.8 million for the year ended December 31, 2024. The increase was partially offset by dividends paid of $6.3 million.

Current wording

Shareholders’ equity totaled $301.5 million as of December 31, 2025, an increase of $31.0 million compared to December 31, 2024, primarily a result of net income of $35.2 million for the year ended December 31, 2025. The increase was partially offset by dividends paid of $6.3 million.

Previous wording

Residential real estate. Residential real estate loans decreased by $8.2 million, or 16.0%, at December 31, 2024 compared to December 31, 2023 and amounted to $42.8 million, representing 2% of total loans at December 31, 2024. The Bank ceased originating residential mortgage loans in 2017.

Current wording

Residential real estate. Residential real estate loans decreased by $9.6 million, or 22.5%, at December 31, 2025 compared to December 31, 2024 and amounted to $33.1 million, representing 1.2% of total loans at December 31, 2025. The Bank ceased originating residential mortgage loans in 2017.

Previous wording

Commercial real estate. Commercial real estate loans were $1.9 billion and represented 70% of our total loan portfolio at December 31, 2024, a net decrease of $48.5 million, or 2.5%, from December 31, 2023. Commercial real estate loans are secured by a variety of property types, including healthcare facilities, office buildings, retail facilities, commercial mixed use and multi-family dwellings.

Current wording

Commercial real estate. Commercial real estate loans were $1.9 billion and represented 68.0% of our total loan portfolio at December 31, 2025, an increase of $31.8 million, or 1.7%, from December 31, 2024. Commercial real estate loans are secured by a variety of property types, including healthcare facilities, office buildings, retail facilities, commercial mixed use and multi-family dwellings.

Previous wording

Construction. Construction loans were $173.6 million at December 31 2024, a decrease of $9.9 million, or 5.4%, from December 31, 2023. Commercial construction loans consist of commercial development projects, such as apartment buildings and condominiums, as well as office buildings, retail and other income producing properties and land loans.

Current wording

Construction. Construction loans were $153.8 million at December 31 2025, a decrease of $19.8 million, or 11.4%, from December 31, 2024. Commercial construction loans consist of commercial development projects, such as apartment buildings and condominiums, as well as office buildings, retail and other income producing properties and land loans.

Previous wording

Commercial business. Commercial business loans were $515.1 million and represented 19.0% of our total loan portfolio at December 31, 2024, a net increase of $14.6 million, or 2.9%, from December 31, 2023. Commercial business loans primarily provide working capital, equipment financing, financing for leasehold improvements and financing for expansion and are generally secured by assignments of corporate assets, real estate and personal guarantees of the business owners.

Current wording

Commercial business. Commercial business loans were $645.3 million and represented 22.7% of our total loan portfolio at December 31, 2025, an increase of $130.2 million, or 25.3%, from December 31, 2024. Commercial business loans primarily provide working capital, equipment financing, financing for leasehold improvements and financing for expansion and are generally secured by assignments of corporate assets, real estate and personal guarantees of the business owners.

Previous wording

Consumer loans. Consumer loans were $75.3 million and represented 2.8% of our total loan portfolio as of December 31, 2024, an increase of $39.3 million, or 108.9%. We do not expect our consumer loans to become a material component of our loan portfolio, as we do not engage in any material amount of consumer lending. 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 personal loans to high net worth individuals.

Current wording

Consumer loans. Consumer loans were $76.9 million and represented 2.7% of our total loan portfolio as of December 31, 2025, an increase of $1.5 million, or 2.1%. We do not expect our consumer loans to become a material component of our loan portfolio, as we do not engage in any material amount of consumer lending. 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 personal loans to high net worth individuals.

Previous wording

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

Current wording

The following table compares the composition of our commercial real estate loan portfolio by property type, and collateral location as of December 31,2025:

Previous wording

During 2024, we conducted a detailed review of every general office loan in our portfolio. As of December 31,2024, the Bank had $160.4 million of loans collateralized by offices, which represented 5.9% of the total loan portfolio. Most of the properties in this portfolio are in suburban locations. 96.6% of this portfolio was pass rated, and there were two relationships totaling $5.5 million on nonaccrual status. We also performed an additional review of our multifamily exposure. As of December 31, 2024, we had$283.6 million of loans collateralized by multifamily properties, which represented 10.5% of the total loan portfolio. 89.0% of the portfolio is pass rated, and there was one relationship totaling $27.1 million on nonaccrual status. These properties are all located in Connecticut, New York, New Jersey, or Pennsylvania, with the majority in suburban locations. Nine properties totaling $51.6 million, with an average balance of $5.7 million, are in New York City.

Current wording

As of December 31, 2025, the Bank had $163.0 million of loans collateralized by offices, which represented 8.4% of the total loan portfolio. Most of the properties in this portfolio are in suburban locations. 91.0% of this portfolio was pass rated, and there was one relationship totaling $5.3 million on nonaccrual status.

Previous wording

(1) Excludes the positive fair value effect of the portfolio layer swap of $219 thousand for Commercial Real Estate and $39 thousand for Commercial Business.

Current wording

(1) Excludes the positive fair value effect of the portfolio layer swap of $135 thousand for Commercial Real Estate and $20 thousand for Commercial Business.

Previous wording

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, depending on the borrower's creditworthiness and the type of collateral. The borrower’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 borrower’s ability to generate continuing cash flows. In the fourth quarter of 2017 management made the strategic decision to cease originating residential mortgage loans. In the third quarter of 2019, the Company stopped offering home equity loans or lines of credit. The Company’s policy for residential lending generally required that the amount of the loan may not exceed 80% of the original appraised value of the property. In certain situations, the amount may have exceeded 80% LTV either with private mortgage insurance being required for that portion of the residential loan in excess of 80% of the appraised value of the property or where secondary financing is provided by a housing authority program second mortgage, a community’s low/moderate income housing program, or a religious or civic organization.

Current wording

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, depending on the borrower's creditworthiness and the type of collateral. The borrower’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 borrower’s ability to generate continuing cash flows. Management discontinued residential mortgage loan originations in 2017 and ceased offering home equity loans and lines of credit in 2019. The Company’s policy for residential lending generally required that the amount of the loan may not exceed 80% of the original appraised value of the property. In certain situations, the amount may have exceeded 80% LTV either with private mortgage insurance being required for that portion of the residential loan in excess of 80% of the appraised value of the property or where secondary financing is provided by a housing authority program second mortgage, a community’s low/moderate income housing program, or a religious or civic organization.

Previous wording

Acquired Loans. Loans acqu ired in acquisitions are initially recorded at fair value with no carryover of the related allowance for credit losses. Acquired loans that have evidence of deterioration in credit quality since origination and for which it is probable, at acquisition, that all contractually required payments will not be collected are initially recorded at fair value without recording an ACL-Loans. The fair value of the loans is determined using market participant assumptions to estimate the amount and timing of principal and interest cash flows initially expected to be collected on the loans and discounting those cash flows at an appropriate market rate of interest.

Current wording

Acquired Loans. Loans acqu ired in acquisitions are initially recorded at fair value with no carryover of the related allowance for credit losses. Acquired loans that have evidence of deterioration in credit quality since origination and for which it is probable, at acquisition, that all contractually required payments will not be collected are initially recorded at fair value without recording an ACL-Loans. The fair value of the loans is determined by using market participant assumptions to estimate the amount and timing of principal and interest cash flows initially expected to be collected on the loans and discounting those cash flows at an appropriate market rate of interest.

Previous wording

Total nonaccrual loans were $53.3 million as of December 31, 2024. Nonperforming assets as a percentage of total assets was 1.88% at December 31, 2024, when compared to 1.53% at December 31, 2023. The ACL-Loans at December 31, 2024 was $29.0 million, representing 1.07% of total loans.

Current wording

Total nonaccrual loans were $16.3 million as of December 31, 2025. Nonperforming assets as a percentage of total assets was 0.49% at December 31, 2025, when compared to 1.88% at December 31, 2024. The ACL-Loans at December 31, 2025 was $30.7 million, representing 1.08% of total loans.

Previous wording

Totalpast due loans totaled $44.1 million and represented 1.63% of total loans as of December 31, 2024, increasing $22.8 million from December 31, 2023.

Current wording

Totalpast due loans totaled $8.9 million and represented 0.31% of total loans as of December 31, 2025, decreasing $35.2 million from December 31, 2024.

Previous wording

Modifications. Loans are considered restructured when the borrower is experiencing financial difficulties and the Bank has granted concessions to a borrower due to the borrower’s financial condition that we otherwise would not have considered. These concessions may include modifications of the terms of the debt such as reduction of the stated interest rate other than normal market rate adjustments, extension of maturity dates, or reduction of principal balance or accrued interest. The decision to restructure a loan, rather than aggressively enforcing the collection of the loan, may benefit us by increasing the ultimate probability of collection.

Current wording

Modifications. Loans are considered modified when the borrower is experiencing financial difficulties and the Bank has granted concessions to a borrower due to the borrower’s financial condition that we otherwise would not have considered. These concessions may include modifications of the terms of the debt such as reduction of the stated interest rate other than normal market rate adjustments, extension of maturity dates, or reduction of principal balance or accrued interest. The decision to modify a loan, rather than aggressively enforcing the collection of the loan, may benefit us by increasing the ultimate probability of collection.

Previous wording

Restructured loans are classified as accruing or nonaccruing based on management’s assessment of the collectability of the loan. Loans which are already on nonaccrual status at the time of the restructuring generally remain on nonaccrual status for approximately six months before management considers such loans for return to accruing status. Accruing restructured loans are placed into nonaccrual status if and when the borrower fails to comply with the restructured terms and management deems it unlikely that the borrower will return to a status of compliance in the near term. There were no nonaccrual loans modified during the years ended December 31, 2024 and 2023.

Current wording

Modified loans are classified as accruing or nonaccruing based on management’s assessment of the collectability of the loan. Loans which are already on nonaccrual status at the time of the modifying generally remain on nonaccrual status for approximately six months before management considers such loans for return to accruing status. Accruing modified loans are placed into nonaccrual status if and when the borrower fails to comply with the modified terms and management deems it unlikely that the borrower will return to a status of compliance in the near term. There were no nonaccrual loans modified during the years ended December 31, 2025 and 2024.

Previous wording

As of December 31, 2024 and 2023, loans classified as modified totaled $12.2 million and $16.4 million, respectively.

Current wording

As of December 31, 2025 and 2024, loans classified as modified totaled $11.6 million and $12.2 million, respectively.

Previous wording

Potential Problem Loans. We classify certain loans as “special mention”, “substandard”, or “doubtful”, based on criteria consistent with guidelines provided by our banking regulators. Potential problem loans represent loans that are currently performing, but for which known information about possible credit problems of the related borrowers causes management to have doubts as to the ability of such borrowers to comply with the present loan repayment terms and which may result in disclosure of such loans as nonperforming at some time in the future. We cannot predict the extent to which economic conditions or other factors may impact borrowers and the potential problem loans. Accordingly, there can be no assurance that other loans will not become 90 days or more past due, be placed on nonaccrual, become restructured, or require increased allowance coverage and provision for credit losses. Potential problem loans are assessed for loss exposure using the methods described in Note 5 to our Consolidated Financial Statements under the caption “Credit Quality Indicators”.

Current wording

Potential Problem Loans. We classify certain loans as “special mention”, “substandard”, or “doubtful”, based on criteria consistent with guidelines provided by our banking regulators. Potential problem loans represent loans that are currently performing, but for which known information about possible credit problems of the related borrowers causes management to have doubts as to the ability of such borrowers to comply with the present loan repayment terms and which may result in disclosure of such loans as nonperforming at some time in the future. We cannot predict the extent to which economic conditions or other factors may impact borrowers and the potential problem loans. Accordingly, there can be no assurance that other loans will not become 90 days or more past due, be placed on nonaccrual, become modified, or require increased allowance coverage and provision for credit losses. Potential problem loans are assessed for loss exposure using the methods described in Note 5 to our Consolidated Financial Statements under the caption “Credit Quality Indicators”.

Showing the first 40 of 59 pairs. Open the source sections for the rest.

Rearranged current paragraphs (1)

Current report — wording carried from elsewhere

As of December 31, 2025, we had $267.8 million of loans collateralized by multifamily properties, which represented 9.4% of the total loan portfolio. 78.2% of the portfolio is pass rated and current; these properties are all located in Connecticut, New York, New Jersey, or Pennsylvania, with the majority in suburban locations, with eight properties totaling $49.8 million located in New York City. 78.3% of the New York City exposure is located in Brooklyn, 11.9% in Manhattan, and the remaining 9.8% in Queens.
Rearranged previous paragraphs (2)

Previous report — wording carried elsewhere

The Company has one pay-fixed portfolio layer method fair value swap, designated as a hedging instrument, with a total notional amount of $150 million. The Company designated the fair value swap under the portfolio layer method. 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.

Previous report — wording carried elsewhere

The Company also has derivatives not designated as hedges. 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.