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Description of the Business and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2024
Description of the Business and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies  
Description of the Business and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

Note 1: Description of the Business and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

Organization

Bridgewater Bancshares, Inc. (the “Company”) is a financial holding company headquartered in St. Louis Park, Minnesota, whose operations consist of the ownership of its wholly-owned banking subsidiary: Bridgewater Bank (the “Bank”). The Bank commenced operations in 2005 and provides retail and commercial loan and deposit services, principally to customers within the Minneapolis-St. Paul-Bloomington, MN-WI Metropolitan Statistical Area. In 2008, the Bank formed BWB Holdings, LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of the Bank, for the purpose of holding repossessed property. In 2018, the Bank formed Bridgewater Investment Management, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of the Bank, for the purpose of holding certain municipal securities and to engage in municipal lending activities.

The Company previously had a second wholly-owned subsidiary, Bridgewater Risk Management, Inc., a Nevada Corporation (the “Captive”). The Captive insured the Company and its subsidiaries against certain risks unique to the operations of the Company and for which insurance was not available or economically feasible in the insurance marketplace. The Captive pooled resources with several other insurance company subsidiaries of financial institutions to spread a limited amount of risk among themselves. Effective December 15, 2023, the Captive was dissolved and is no longer active.

Recent Developments

On December 13, 2024, the Bank completed its acquisition of First Minnetonka City Bank ("FMCB") in an all-cash transaction. At the closing of the transaction on December 13, 2024, FMCB merged with and into Bridgewater Bank, with Bridgewater Bank as the surviving entity. The acquisition of FMCB added two full-service branches in Minnetonka, Minnesota and added approximately $225.7 million of deposits and $117.1 million of loans as of December 31, 2024.

Principles of Consolidation

The consolidated financial statements include the amounts of the Company, the Bank, with locations in Bloomington, Greenwood, Minneapolis (2), Minnetonka (2), Orono, St. Louis Park, and St. Paul, Minnesota, BWB Holdings, LLC, Bridgewater Investment Management, Inc., and Bridgewater Risk Management, Inc., while active. All significant intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.

Use of Estimates in Preparation of Financial Statements

The preparation of consolidated financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities, the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the consolidated financial statements, and the reported amounts of revenue and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates. Information available which could affect judgments includes, but is not limited to, changes in interest rates, changes in the performance of the economy, including elevated levels of inflation and possible recession, and changes in the financial condition of borrowers.

Material estimates that are particularly susceptible to significant change in the near term include the determination of the allowance for credit losses (“ACL”).

Business Combinations

Business combinations are accounted for under the acquisition method of accounting in accordance with ASC 805, Business Combinations. Under the acquisition method, the acquiring entity in a business combination recognizes all of the acquired assets and assumed liabilities at their estimated fair values as of the date of acquisition. Any excess of the

purchase price over the fair value of net assets and other identifiable intangible assets acquired is recorded as goodwill. To the extent the fair value of net assets acquired, including identified intangible assets, exceeds the purchase price, a bargain purchase gain is recognized. Assets acquired and liabilities assumed from contingencies are also recognized at fair value if the fair value can be determined during the measurement period. Results of operations of an acquired business are included in the Consolidated Statements of Income from the date of acquisition. Acquisition-related costs, including conversion and restructuring charges, are expensed as incurred.

Cash and Cash Equivalents

For purpose of the consolidated statements of cash flows, cash and cash equivalents include cash, both interest bearing and noninterest bearing balances due from banks and federal funds sold, all of which mature within 90 days. Cash flows from loans, deposits, federal funds purchased and notes payable are reported net.

Bank-Owned Certificates of Deposit

Bank-owned certificates of deposit mature within five years and are carried at cost.

Securities Available for Sale

Debt securities are classified as available for sale and are carried at fair value with unrealized gains and losses reported in other comprehensive income (loss). Realized gains and losses on securities available for sale are included in noninterest income and, when applicable, are reported as a reclassification adjustment, net of tax, in other comprehensive income (loss). Gains and losses on sales of securities are determined using the specific identification method on the trade date. The amortization of premiums and accretion of discounts are recognized in interest income over the estimated life (earliest call date, maturity, or estimated life) using a prospective method that approximates level yield.

Loans

Loans that management has the intent and ability to hold for the foreseeable future or until maturity or pay-off generally are reported at their outstanding unpaid balances adjusted for charge-offs, the allowance for credit losses, any deferred fees or costs on originated loans, and premiums or discounts on purchased loans.

Interest income is accrued on the unpaid principal balance. Loan origination fees, net of certain direct origination costs, as well as premiums and discounts, are deferred and recognized as an adjustment of the related loan yield using the interest method. Amortization of deferred loan fees is discontinued when a loan is placed on nonaccrual status.

The accrual of interest on all loans is discontinued if the loan is 90 days past due unless the credit is well-secured and in process of collection. Past due status is based on contractual terms of the loan. In all cases, loans are placed on nonaccrual or charged-off at an earlier date if collection of principal or interest is considered doubtful.

All interest accrued, but not collected for loans that are placed on nonaccrual or charged-off is reversed against interest income and amortization of related deferred loan fees or costs is suspended. The interest on these loans is accounted for on the cash-basis or cost-recovery method, until qualifying for return to accrual. The cash-basis is used when a determination has been made that the principal and interest of the loan is collectible. If collectability of the principal and interest is in doubt, payments are applied to loan principal. The determination of ultimate collectability is supported by a current, well documented credit evaluation of the borrower’s financial condition and prospects for repayment, including consideration of the borrower’s sustained historical repayment performance and other relevant factors. Loans are returned to accrual status when all the principal and interest amounts contractually due are brought current, the borrower has demonstrated a period of sustained performance, and future payments are reasonably assured. A sustained period of repayment performance generally would be a minimum of six months.

Loans – Acquired

Loans purchased in acquisition transactions are acquired loans, and are recorded at their estimated fair value on the acquisition date. Acquired loans that have evidence of more-than-insignificant deterioration in credit quality since origination are considered purchased credit deteriorated (“PCD”) loans. At acquisition, an estimate of expected credit losses is made for PCD loans. This initial allowance for credit losses is allocated to individual PCD loans and added to the purchase price or acquisition date fair value to establish the initial amortized cost basis of the PCD loans. Any difference between the unpaid principal balance of PCD loans and the amortized cost basis is considered to relate to noncredit factors, resulting in a discount or premium that is amortized to interest income. For acquired loans not deemed PCD loans at acquisition, the difference between the initial fair value mark and the unpaid principal balance are recognized in interest income over the estimated life of the loans. In addition, an initial allowance for expected credit losses is estimated and recorded as provision expense at the acquisition date. The subsequent measurement of expected credit losses for all acquired loans is the same as the subsequent measurement of expected credit losses for originated loans.

Allowance for Credit Losses

Securities Available for Sale

For any securities classified as available for sale that are in an unrealized loss position at the balance sheet date, the Company assesses whether or not it intends to sell the security, or if it is more likely than not it will be required to sell the security, before recovery of its amortized cost basis. If either criteria is met, the security's amortized cost basis is written down to fair value through income with the establishment of an allowance. For securities that do not meet the aforementioned criteria, the Company evaluates whether any portion of the decline in fair value is the result of credit deterioration. In making this assessment, management considers the extent to which the amortized cost of the security exceeds its fair value, changes in credit ratings and any other known adverse conditions related to the specific security, among other factors. If the assessment indicates that a credit loss exists, an allowance for credit losses is recorded for the amount by which the amortized cost basis of the security exceeds the present value of cash flows expected to be collected, limited by the amount by which the amortized cost exceeds fair value. Any credit loss not recognized in the allowance for credit losses is recognized in other comprehensive income.

Changes in the ACL on securities are recorded as a provision for (or recovery of) credit loss expense. Losses are charged against the allowance when management believes the uncollectibility of a security is confirmed or when either of the criteria regarding intent or requirement to sell is met. Accrued interest receivable on securities available for sale is excluded from the estimate of credit losses.

Loans

The ACL on loans is a valuation account that is deducted from the amortized cost basis of loans to present the net amount expected to be collected on loans over their contractual life. The contractual term does not consider extensions, renewals or modifications. Loans are charged off against the ACL on loans when management believes the uncollectibility of a loan balance has been confirmed. Recoveries do not exceed the aggregate of amounts previously charged off or expected to be charged off. Subsequent recoveries, if any, are credited to the ACL on loans.

The ACL on loans is measured on a collective or pooled basis when similar risk characteristics exist. The Company’s pooling method is primarily based on loan purpose and collateral type and generally follows the Company’s loan segmentation for regulatory reporting. The Company has identified the following pools of loans with similar risk characteristics for measuring the ACL on loans:

Commercial: Commercial loans generally are loans to sole proprietorships, partnerships, corporations, and other business enterprises to finance working capital, capital investment, or for other business related purposes. Collateral generally consists of pledges of business assets or interests, including but not limited to accounts receivable, inventory, plant and equipment, and real estate interests, if applicable. The primary repayment sources for commercial

loans are the cash flow of the operating businesses which can be adversely affected by company, industry and economic business cycles. Commercial loans may be secured or unsecured.

Leases: The lease portfolio consists primarily of business purpose auto loans, managed through a select number of third parties. Leases are generally secured by an assignment of the lease. Repayment of leases is highly reliant on employment income. The primary risk characteristics associated with leases typically include major changes to the borrower’s financial or personal circumstances, including unemployment or other loss of income, significant unexpected expenses, such as major medical expenses, catastrophic events, divorce or death.

Construction and Land Development: Construction and land development loans are generally loans to finance land development or the construction of industrial, commercial, or multifamily buildings. Construction loans can include construction of new structures, additions or alterations to existing structures, or the demolition of existing structures to make way for new structures. Construction loans are generally secured by real estate. The primary risk characteristics are specific to the uncertainty on whether the construction will be completed according to the specifications and schedules and the reliance on the sale of the completed project as the primary repayment source for the loan. Factors that may influence the completion of construction may be customer specific, such as the quality and depth of property management, or related to changes in general economic conditions. Trends in the commercial and residential construction industries can significantly impact the credit quality of these loans due to supply and demand imbalances. In addition, fluctuations in real estate values can significantly impact the credit quality of these loans, as property values may determine the economic viability of construction projects and adversely impact the value of the collateral securing the loan.

1-4 Family Construction: 1-4 family construction loans are generally loans to finance the construction of new structures, additions or alterations to existing structures, or the demolition of existing structures to make way for new structures. 1-4 family construction loans are generally secured by real estate. The primary risk characteristics are specific to the uncertainty on whether the construction will be completed according to the specifications and schedules. Factors that may influence the completion of 1-4 family construction may be customer specific or related to changes in general economic conditions.

1-4 Family Mortgage: 1-4 family mortgage loans are generally loans to finance loans on owner occupied and nonowner occupied properties. 1-4 family mortgage loans are secured by first or second liens on the property. The degree of risk in residential mortgage lending involving owner occupied properties depends primarily on the borrower’s ability to repay and the loan amount in relation to collateral value. Economic trends determined by unemployment rates and other key economic indicators are closely correlated to the credit quality of these loans. Weak economic trends indicate that the borrower’s capacity to repay their obligations may be deteriorating. 1-4 family mortgage loans include credits to finance nonowner occupied properties used as rentals. These loans can involve additional risks as the borrower’s ability to repay is based on the net operating income from the property which can be impacted by occupancy levels, rental rates, and operating expenses. Declines in net operating income can negatively impact the value of the property which increases the credit risk in the event of default.

Multifamily: Multifamily loans are loans to finance multifamily properties. The primary source of repayment for multifamily loans is the cash flows of the underlying property. The primary risk characteristics include increases in vacancy rates, overbuilt supply, interest rates or changes in general economic conditions. Economic factors such as unemployment, wage growth and home affordability can impact vacancy rates and property cash flow.

Commercial Real Estate (CRE) Owner Occupied: Owner occupied commercial real estate loans are properties that are owned and operated by the borrower and the primary source for repayment is the cash flow from the ongoing operations and activities conducted by the borrower’s business. The primary risk characteristics are specific to the underlying business and its ability to generate sustainable profitability and positive cash flow. Also, certain types of businesses also may require specialized facilities that can increase costs and may not be economically feasible to an alternative user, which could adversely impact the market value of the collateral. Factors that may influence a borrower's ability to repay their loan include demand for the business’ products or services, the quality and depth of management, the degree of competition, regulatory changes, and general economic conditions.

Commercial Real Estate (CRE) Nonowner Occupied: Nonowner occupied commercial real estate loans are investment properties and the primary source for repayment of the loan is derived from rental income associated with the property or proceeds of the sale of the property. Nonowner occupied commercial real estate loans consist of mortgage loans to finance investments in real property that may include, but are not limited to, commercial/retail office space, industrial/warehouse space, hotels, assisted living facilities and other specific use properties. The primary risk characteristics include impacts of overall leasing rates, absorption timelines, levels of vacancy rates and operating expenses, and general economic conditions. Banks that are concentrated in commercial real estate lending are subject to additional regulatory scrutiny and must employ enhanced risk management practices.

Consumer and Other: Consumer and other loans generally include personal lines of credit and amortizing loans made to qualified individuals for various purposes such as auto loans, debt consolidation loans, personal expense loans or overdraft protection. The primary risk characteristics associated with consumer and other loans typically include major changes to the borrower’s financial or personal circumstances, including unemployment or other loss of income, significant unexpected expenses, such as major medical expenses, catastrophic events, divorce or death.

Management assesses the adequacy of the ACL on loans on a quarterly basis. Management estimates the ACL on loans using relevant available information, from internal and external sources, relating to past events, current conditions, and reasonable and supportable forecasts. The Company uses the weighted-average remaining maturity, or WARM, method as the basis for estimating expected credit losses. The WARM method uses a historical average annual charge-off rate. This average annual charge-off rate contains loss content over a historical lookback period and is used as a foundation for estimating the ACL on loans for the remaining outstanding balances of loans by segment at the balance sheet date. The average annual charge-off rate is applied to the contractual term to determine the unadjusted historical charge-off rate. The calculation of the unadjusted historical charge-off rate is then adjusted for current conditions and for reasonable and supportable forecast periods through qualitative factors prior to being applied to the current balance of the loan segments. Accrued interest receivable on loans available for sale is excluded from the estimate of credit losses.

Forecast adjustments to the historical loss rate are based on a forecast of the U.S. national unemployment rate, a forecast of the difference between the 10-year and 3-month treasury rates, and the most recent available BBB rated corporate bond spreads to U.S. Treasury securities, or BBB Spread. The forecast overlay adjustment for the reasonable and supportable forecast assumes an immediate reversion after a one-year forecast period to historical loss rates for the remaining life of the respective loan segment.

Qualitative factors are used to cover losses that are expected but, in the Company’s assessment, may not be adequately represented in the quantitative analysis or the forecasts described above. These qualitative factors serve to compensate for additional areas of uncertainty inherent in the portfolio that are not reflected in the historic loss factors. Each qualitative loss factor, for each loan segment within the portfolio, incorporates consideration for a minimum to maximum range for loss factors. These qualitative factor adjustments may increase or decrease the Company’s estimate of expected credit losses and are applied to each loan segment. The qualitative factors applied to each loan segment include changes in lending policies and procedures, general economic and business conditions, the nature, volume and terms of loans, the experience, depth and ability of lending staff, the quality of the loan review function, the value of underlying collateral, competition, legal and regulatory factors, the volume and severity of watchlist and past due loans, and the level of concentrations.

Loans that do not share risk characteristics are evaluated on an individual basis. Loans evaluated individually are not included in the pooled evaluations and typically represent collateral dependent loans but may also include other nonperforming loans or modifications. The Company has elected to use the practical expedient to measure individually evaluated loans as collateral dependent when repayment is expected to be provided substantially through the operation or sale of the collateral. The credit loss is measured as the difference between the amortized cost basis of the loan and the fair value of the underlying collateral. The fair value of the collateral is adjusted for the estimated cost to sell if repayment or satisfaction of a loan is dependent on the sale of the collateral.

Management may also adjust its assumptions to account for differences between expected and actual losses from period to period. The variability of management’s assumptions could alter the ACL on loans materially and impact

future results of operations and financial condition. The loss estimation models and methods used to determine the allowance for credit losses are continually refined and enhanced.

Off-Balance Sheet Credit Exposures

The Company maintains a separate ACL on off-balance sheet credit exposures, including unfunded loan commitments, financial guarantees, and letters of credit, which is included in other liabilities on the consolidated balance sheet, unless the obligation is unconditionally cancellable. The ACL on off-balance sheet credit exposures is adjusted as a provision for (or recovery of) credit loss expense. The estimate includes consideration of the likelihood that funding will occur and an estimate of expected credit losses on commitments expected to be funded over the estimated life of such commitments. The allowance is calculated using the same aggregate reserve rates calculated for the funded portion of the loan segment and applied to the amount of commitments expected to fund.

Federal Home Loan Bank Stock

The Bank is a member of FHLB Des Moines. Members are required to own a certain amount of stock based on the level of borrowings and other factors, and may invest in additional amounts. Restricted stock is carried at cost and periodically evaluated for impairment. Because this stock is viewed as a long-term investment, impairment is based on ultimate recovery at par value. Both cash and stock dividends are reported as income.

Premises and Equipment

Land is stated at cost. Premises and equipment are stated at cost less accumulated depreciation on the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of the assets. Leasehold improvements are depreciated over the shorter of the estimated useful life or lease term for leasehold improvements. Premises and equipment are evaluated for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of an asset may not be recoverable. Maintenance and repairs are expensed as incurred while major additions and improvements are capitalized. Gains and losses on dispositions are included in current operations.

Foreclosed Assets

Assets acquired through, or in lieu of, loan foreclosure are held for sale and are initially recorded at fair value less estimated selling cost at the date of foreclosure, establishing a new cost basis. Any write-downs based on the asset’s fair value at the date of acquisition are charged to the allowance. Subsequent to foreclosure, valuations are periodically performed by management and the assets held for sale are carried at the lower of the new cost basis or fair value less cost to sell. This evaluation is inherently subjective and requires estimates that are susceptible to significant revisions as more information becomes available.

Impairment losses on assets to be held and used are measured at the amount by which the carrying amount of a property exceeds its fair value. Costs relating to holding and improving assets are expensed. Revenues and expenses from operations are included in other noninterest income and expense on the income statement.

Goodwill and Intangible Assets

Intangible assets attributed to the value of core deposits and favorable lease terms are stated at cost less accumulated amortization and reported in other intangible assets in the consolidated balance sheets. Intangible assets are amortized on a straight-line basis over the estimated lives of the assets.

The excess of purchase price over fair value of net assets acquired is recorded as goodwill and is not amortized.

The Company evaluates whether goodwill and other intangible assets may be impaired at least annually and whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate it is more likely than not the fair value of the reporting unit or asset is less than its carrying amount.

Leases

Leases are classified as operating or finance leases at the lease commencement date. Lease expense for operating leases and short-term leases is recognized on a straight-line basis over the lease team. The Company includes lease extension and termination options in the lease term if, after considering relevant economic factors, it is reasonably certain the Company will exercise the extension or termination option.

Right-of-use (ROU) assets represent the Company’s right to use an underlying asset for the lease term and lease liabilities represent the Company’s obligation to make lease payments arising from the lease. ROU assets and lease liabilities are recognized at the lease commencement date based on the estimated present value of the lease payments over the lease term. The Company's ROU asset is included in other assets and its lease liability is included in other liabilities in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets. The Company uses its incremental borrowing rate at lease commencement to calculate the present value of lease payments when the rate implicit in a lease is not known. The Company's incremental borrowing rate is based on the FHLB amortizing advance rate, adjusted for the lease term and other factors. The Company has elected not to recognize leases with original terms of 12 months or less on the consolidated balance sheet.

Bank-Owned Life Insurance

The Company has purchased life insurance policies on certain key executives. Bank owned life insurance is recorded at the amount that can be realized under the insurance contract at the balance sheet date, which is the cash surrender value adjusted for other charges or other amounts due that are probable at settlement.

Transfers of Financial Assets and Participating Interests

Transfers of an entire financial asset or a participating interest in an entire financial asset are accounted for as sales when control over the assets has been surrendered. Control over transferred assets is deemed to be surrendered when (1) the assets have been isolated from the Company, (2) the transferee obtains the right (free of conditions that constrain it from taking advantage of that right) to pledge or exchange the transferred assets, and (3) the Company does not maintain effective control over the transferred assets through an agreement to repurchase them before maturity.

The transfer of a participating interest in an entire financial asset must also meet the definition of a participating interest. A participating interest in a financial asset has all of the following characteristics: (1) from the date of transfer, it must represent a proportionate (pro rata) ownership interest in the financial asset, (2) from the date of transfer, all cash flows received, except any cash flows allocated as any compensation for servicing or other services performed, must be divided proportionately among participating interest holders in the amount equal to their share ownership, (3) the rights of each participating interest holder must have the same priority, and (4) no party has the right to pledge or exchange the entire financial asset unless all participating interest holders agree to do so.

Advertising

Advertising costs are expensed as incurred.

Income Taxes

Deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized for the future tax consequences attributable to temporary differences between the financial statement carrying amounts of existing assets and liabilities and their respective tax basis. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured using enacted tax rates expected to apply to taxable income in the years in which those temporary differences are expected to be recovered or settled. The effect on deferred tax assets and liabilities of a change in tax rates is recognized in income in the period that includes the enactment date.

These calculations are based on many factors including estimates of the timing of reversals of temporary differences, the interpretation of federal and state income tax laws, and a determination of the differences between the

tax and the financial reporting basis of assets and liabilities. Actual results could differ significantly from the estimates and interpretations used in determining the current and deferred income tax liabilities.

Under GAAP, a valuation allowance is required to be recognized if it is “more likely than not” that the deferred tax asset will not be realized. The determination of the realizability of the deferred tax assets is highly subjective and dependent upon judgment concerning management’s evaluation of both positive and negative evidence, the forecasts of future income, applicable tax planning strategies, and assessments of the current and future economic and business conditions.

In preparation of the income tax returns, tax positions are taken based on interpretation of federal and state income tax laws. Management periodically reviews and evaluates the status of uncertain tax positions and makes estimates of amounts ultimately due or owed. The Company can recognize in financial statements the impact of a tax position taken, or expected to be taken, if it is more likely than not that the position will be sustained on audit based on the technical merit of the position. The Company recognizes both interest and penalties as a component of other noninterest expense.

The amount of the uncertain tax positions was not deemed to be material. It is not expected that the unrecognized tax benefit will be material within the next 12 months. The Company did not recognize any interest or penalties for the years ended December 31, 2024, 2023 and 2022.

The Company is no longer subject to federal or state tax examination by tax authorities for years ending before December 31, 2021.

Tax Credit Investments

The Company invests in qualified affordable housing projects and federal historic projects for the purpose of community reinvestment and obtaining tax credits. These investments are included in other assets on the balance sheet, with any unfunded commitments included within other liabilities. The qualified affordable housing projects are accounted for under the proportional amortization method. Under the proportional amortization method, the initial cost of the investment is recognized over the period that the Company expects to receive the tax credits, with the expense included within income tax expense on the consolidated statements of income. Prior to 2023, the historic tax credits are accounted for under the equity method, with the expense included within noninterest expense on the consolidated statements of income. Beginning January 1, 2023, with the adoption of ASU 2023-02, the amortization expense for the historic tax credits are accounted for under the proportional amortization method. Management analyzes these investments for potential impairment when events or changes in circumstances indicate that it is more likely than not that the carrying amount of the investment will not be realized. An impairment loss is measured as the amount by which the carrying amount of an investment exceeds its fair value.

Comprehensive Income

Recognized revenue, expenses, gains, and losses are included in net income. Certain changes in assets and liabilities, such as unrealized gains and losses on securities available for sale and changes in the fair value of derivative instruments designated as a cash flow hedge, are reported as a separate component of the equity section of the consolidated balance sheets, such items, along with net income, are components of comprehensive income.

Derivative Financial Instruments

The Company uses derivative financial instruments, which consist of interest rate swaps, interest rate caps and fair value hedge relationships, to assist in its interest rate risk management. All derivatives are measured and reported at fair value on the Company’s consolidated balance sheet as other assets or other liabilities. The accounting for changes in fair value (i.e., gains or losses) of a derivative instrument depends on whether it has been designated and qualifies as part of a hedging relationship. If the derivative instrument is not designated as a hedge, changes in the fair value of the derivative instrument are recognized in earnings, specifically in noninterest income. The Company does not use derivative instruments for trading or speculative purposes.

The Company enters into interest rate swaps to facilitate client transactions and meet their financing needs. Upon entering into these instruments to meet client needs, the Company enters into offsetting positions with large U.S. and international financial institutions in order to minimize the risk to the Company. These swaps are derivatives, but are not designated as hedging instruments.

Cash flow hedges represent a hedge of a forecasted transaction or the variability of cash flows to be received or paid related to a recognized asset or liability. The Company prepares written hedge documentation for all derivatives which are designed as hedges. The written hedge documentation includes identification of, among other items, the risk management objective, hedging instrument, hedged item and methodologies for assessing and measuring hedge effectiveness and ineffectiveness, along with support for management's assertion that the hedge will be highly effective. Assessments of hedge effectiveness and measurements of hedge ineffectiveness are performed at least quarterly. For a cash flow hedge that is effective, the gain or loss on the derivative is reported as a component in other comprehensive income (loss) and is reclassified into earnings in the same periods during which the hedged transaction affects earnings. The changes in the fair value of derivatives that are not highly effective in hedging the changes in expected cash flows of the hedged item are recognized immediately in current earnings. To determine fair value, the Company uses third party pricing models that incorporate assumptions about market conditions and risks that are current at the reporting date.

The Company enters into fair value hedge relationships to mitigate the effect of changing interest rates on the fair value of fixed rate available for sale securities. The gain or loss on a given derivative instrument, as well as the offsetting loss or gain on the hedged asset or liability attributable to the hedged risk, are recognized in current earnings. The gain or loss on the derivative instrument is presented on the same income statement line item as the earnings effect of the corresponding hedged item. The Company prepares written hedge documentation for all derivatives which are designed as hedges. The written hedge documentation includes identification of, among other items, the risk management objective, hedging instrument, hedged item and methodologies for assessing and measuring hedge effectiveness and ineffectiveness, along with support for management's assertion that the hedge will be highly effective. For derivatives designated as fair value hedges, the Company assesses hedge effectiveness on qualifying instruments using the shortcut method, whereby the hedges are considered perfectly effective at the onset of the hedge and over the life of the hedging relationship.

Net cash settlements on derivatives that qualify for hedge accounting are recorded in interest income or interest expense, based on the item being hedged. Net cash settlements on derivatives that do not qualify for hedge accounting are reported in noninterest income.

Hedge accounting discontinues on transactions that are no longer deemed effective, or for which the derivative has been terminated or de-designated. When hedge accounting is discontinued on a cash flow or fair value hedge, the derivative is carried in the consolidated balance sheets at its estimated fair value, with changes in estimated fair value recognized in current period earnings.  When a cash flow hedge is discontinued but the hedged cash flows or forecasted transaction is still expected to occur, changes in value that were accumulated in other comprehensive income are amortized or accreted into earnings over the same periods which the hedged transactions will affect earnings.

Stock-based Compensation

The Company’s stock-based compensation plans provide for awards of stock options, restricted stock awards, restricted stock units, and other stock awards to the Company’s directors, officers, and employees. The cost of services received in exchange for awards of equity instruments is based on the grant-date fair value of those awards. Compensation cost is recognized over the requisite service period as a component of compensation expense. Compensation cost is recognized on a straight-line basis over the requisite service period for the entire award. Forfeitures are recognized as they occur. The Company uses the Black-Scholes model to estimate the fair value of stock

options, while the market price of the Company’s common stock at the date of grant is used for restricted stock awards and restricted stock units.

Earnings per Share

Basic earnings per common share are computed by dividing net income available to common shareholders by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding for the period. Diluted earnings common per share are calculated by dividing net income by the weighted average number of shares adjusted for the dilutive effect of stock compensation using the treasury stock method.

Segment Reporting

An operating segment is generally defined as a component of a business for which discrete financial information is available and whose operating results are regularly reviewed by the chief operating decision maker (“CODM’). Substantially all of the Company’s operations involve the delivery of loan and deposit products to clients. The Company’s CODM makes operating decisions and assesses performance based on an ongoing review of the banking activities, which constitute the Company’s only operating segment for financial reporting purposes. The Company’s single segment is managed on a consolidated basis by the CODM who is the Chief Executive Officer.

The accounting policies of this segment are the same as those described throughout these significant accounting policies. The CODM assesses performance of the segment and determines the allocation of resources based on consolidated net income, which is reported in the Consolidated Statements of Income. Consolidated net income is used in deciding where to deploy capital and to monitor budget vs. actual results. It is also used in benchmarking performance measures to Company peers for compensation related analysis. The measure of segment assets is reported on the Consolidated Balance Sheets as total consolidated assets.

Reclassifications

Certain reclassifications have been made to the 2023 consolidated financial statements to conform to the 2024 classifications.

Impact of Recently Adopted Accounting Guidance

On January 1, 2024, the Company adopted Accounting Standards Update (“ASU’) 2023-01, Leases (Topic 842): Common Control Arrangements that clarifies the accounting for leasehold improvements associated with common control leases, by requiring that leasehold improvements associated with common control leases be amortized by the lessee over the useful life of the leasehold improvements to the common control group (regardless of the lease term) as long as the lessee controls the use of the underlying asset through a lease. Additionally, leasehold improvements associated with common control leases should be accounted for as a transfer between entities under common control through an adjustment to equity if, and when, the lessee no longer controls the use of the underlying asset. The Company’s adoption of this standard did not have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.

On December 31, 2024, the Company adopted ASU 2023-07, Segment Reporting (Topic 280): Improvements to Reportable Segment Disclosures. The amendments to this ASU are intended to improve reportable segment disclosure requirements through enhanced disclosures about significant segment expenses. The amendments are effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2023 and interim periods within fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2024. Refer to “Segment Reporting” section of Note 1 for additional information regarding segments.

Impact of Recently Issued Accounting Standards

The following ASUs have been issued by FASB and may impact the Company’s consolidated financial statements in future reporting periods.

In December 2023, the FASB issued ASU 2023-09, Income Taxes (Topic ASC 740) Income Taxes. The ASU improves the transparency of income tax disclosures by requiring (1) consistent categories and greater disaggregation of information in the rate reconciliation and (2) income taxes paid disaggregated by jurisdiction. It also includes certain other amendments to improve the effectiveness of income tax disclosures. The amendments in ASU 2023-09 will become effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2024. Early adoption is permitted. The Company is currently evaluating the provisions of the amendments and the impact on its future consolidated statements.

In October 2023, the FASB issued ASU 2023-06, Disclosure Improvements: Codification Amendments in Response to the SEC’s Disclosure Update and Simplification Initiative. This ASU was issued to clarify or improve disclosure and presentation requirements of a variety of topics, which will allow users to more easily compare entities subject to the SEC's existing disclosures with those entities that were not previously subject to the requirements, and align the requirements in the FASB accounting standard codification (the “Codification”) with the SEC's regulations. The ASU will become effective on the earlier of the date on which the SEC removes its disclosure requirements for the related disclosure or June 30, 2027. Early adoption is not permitted. The Company is currently evaluating the provisions of the amendments and the impact on its future consolidated statements.

In March 2024, the FASB issued ASU 2024-02, Codification Improvements: Amendments to Remove References to the Concepts Statements. The ASU amends the Codification to remove references to various concepts and impacts a variety of topics in the Codification. The amendments apply to all reporting entities within the scope of the affected accounting guidance, but in most instances the references removed are extraneous and not required to understand or apply the guidance. Generally, the amendments in ASU 2024-02 are not intended to result in significant accounting changes for most entities. ASU 2024-02 became effective January 1, 2025 and is not expected to have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated statements.

In November 2024, the FASB issued ASU 2024-03, Income Statement–Reporting Comprehensive Income–Expense Disaggregation Disclosures (Subtopic 220-40): Dissaggregation of Income Statement Expenses. The ASU requires disclosure, in the notes of the financial statements, of specific information about costs and expenses. The amendments require an entity to: (1) disclose the amounts of (a) purchases of inventory, (b) employee compensation, (c) depreciation, (d) intangible asset amortization, and (e) depreciation, depletion, and amortization (“DD&A”) recognized as part of oil-and gas-producing activities included in each relevant expense caption; (2) include certain amounts already required to be disclosed by GAAP in the same disclosure as the other disaggregated requirements; (3) disclose a qualitative description of the amounts remaining in relevant expense captions that are not separately disaggregated quantitatively; and (4) disclose the total amount of selling expenses and an entity's definition of selling expenses. ASU 2024-03 is effective for annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2026, and interim periods within annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2027. Early adoption is permitted. The Company is currently evaluating the provisions of the amendments and the impact on its future consolidated statements.

Subsequent Events

Subsequent events have been evaluated through March 6, 2025, which is the date the consolidated financial statements were available to be issued.