Edgar Filing: Bankwell Financial Group, Inc.

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

FORM 10-Q

(Mark One)

x	QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 For the quarterly period ended March 31, 2015

o	TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 For the transition period from _________to________

Commission File Number: 001-36448

Bankwell Financial Group, Inc.

(Exact Name of Registrant as specified in its Charter)

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

220 Elm Street

New Canaan, Connecticut 06840

(203) 652-0166

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

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

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files). þ Yes o No

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

Large accelerated filer o	Accelerated filer þ
Non-accelerated filer o (Do not check if a smaller reporting company)	Smaller reporting company o

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

As of April 30, 2015, there were 7,241,686 shares of the registrant’s common stock outstanding.

Bankwell Financial Group, Inc.

Form 10-Q

Table Of Contents

PART I – FINANCIAL INFORMATION
Item 1. Financial Statements		3
Consolidated Balance Sheets as of March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014		3
Consolidated Statements of Income for the three months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014		4
Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income for the three months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014		5
Consolidated Statements of Shareholders’ Equity for the three months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014		6
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the three months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014		7
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements		9
Item 2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations		47
Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk		59
Item 4. Controls and Procedures		59

PART II – OTHER INFORMATION
Item 1. Legal Proceedings		59
Item 1A. Risk Factors		59
Item 2. Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds		60
Item 3. Defaults Upon Senior Securities		60
Item 4. Mine Safety Disclosures		60
Item 5. Other Information		60
Item 6. Exhibits		60

Signatures		61

Certifications

PART 1 – FINANCIAL INFORMATION

Item 1. Financial Statements

Bankwell Financial Group, Inc.

Consolidated Balance Sheets - (Unaudited)

(Dollars in thousands, except share data)

	March 31,		December 31,
	2015		2014

ASSETS
Cash and due from banks	$	19,428	$	48,559
Held to maturity investment securities, at amortized cost		11,398		11,454
Available for sale investment securities, at fair value		50,736		65,009
Loans held for sale		-		586
Loans receivable (net of allowance for loan losses of $11,596 at March 31, 2015 and $10,860 at December 31, 2014)		964,034		915,981
Foreclosed real estate		830		950
Accrued interest receivable		3,342		3,323
Federal Home Loan Bank stock, at cost		6,794		6,109
Premises and equipment, net		12,120		11,910
Bank-owned life insurance		23,211		23,028
Goodwill		2,589		2,589
Other intangible assets		797		848
Deferred income taxes, net		7,436		7,156
Other assets		1,748		2,029
Total assets	$	1,104,463	$	1,099,531

LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY
Liabilities
Deposits
Noninterest bearing deposits	$	142,920	$	166,030
Interest bearing deposits		691,783		669,409
Total deposits		834,703		835,439

Advances from the Federal Home Loan Bank		133,000		129,000
Accrued expenses and other liabilities		5,352		5,882
Total liabilities		973,055		970,321

Commitments and Contingencies		-		-

Shareholders’ equity
Preferred stock, senior noncumulative perpetual, Series C, no par; 10,980 shares issued at March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014, respectively; liquidation value of $1,000 per share		10,980		10,980
Common stock, no par value; 10,000,000 shares authorized, 7,243,252 and 7,185,482 shares issued at March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014, respectively		107,765		107,265
Retained earnings		12,280		10,434
Accumulated other comprehensive income		383		531
Total shareholders’ equity		131,408		129,210

Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity	$	1,104,463	$	1,099,531

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements (unaudited)

Bankwell Financial Group, Inc.

Consolidated Statements Of Income – (Unaudited)

(Dollars in thousands, except per share amounts)


	Three Months Ended
	March 31,
	2015		2014

Interest and dividend income
Interest and fees on loans	$	10,757	$	7,428
Interest and dividends on securities		504		411
Interest on cash and cash equivalents		12		22
Total interest income		11,273		7,861

Interest expense
Interest expense on deposits		1,038		622
Interest on borrowings		341		93
Total interest expense		1,379		715

Net interest income		9,894		7,146

Provision for loan losses		733		211

Net interest income after provision for loan losses		9,161		6,935

Noninterest income
Service charges and fees		208		124
Bank owned life insurance		183		85
Gains and fees from sales of loans		89		428
Gain on sale of foreclosed real estate, net		18		-
Other		101		132
Total noninterest income		599		769

Noninterest expense
Salaries and employee benefits		3,962		3,342
Occupancy and equipment		1,349		1,065
Data processing		336		335
Professional services		325		369
FDIC insurance		158		118
Director fees		148		139
Marketing		148		110
Amortization of intangibles		51		27
Foreclosed real estate		5		14
Merger and acquisition related expenses		-		141
Other		490		381
Total noninterest expense		6,972		6,041
Income before income tax expense		2,788		1,663
Income tax expense		915		540
Net income	$	1,873	$	1,123
Net income attributable to common shareholders	$	1,846	$	1,096

Earnings Per Common Share:
Basic	$	0.26	$	0.28
Diluted	$	0.26	$	0.28

Weighted Average Common Shares Outstanding:
Basic		7,028,499		3,762,080
Diluted		7,056,141		3,795,946

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements (unaudited)

Bankwell Financial Group, Inc.

Consolidated Statements Of Comprehensive Income – (Unaudited)

(In thousands)


	Three Months Ended
	March 31,
	2015			2014

Net income	$	1,873		$	1,123

Other comprehensive income (loss):
Unrealized gains (losses) on securities:
Unrealized holding gains on available for sale securities		326			245
Reclassification adjustment for (gain) loss realized in net income		-			-
Net change in unrealized gain		326			245
Income tax expense		(127	)		(95	)
Unrealized gains on securities, net of tax		199			150
Unrealized (losses) gains on interest rate swaps:
Unrealized (losses) gains on interest rate swaps designated as cash flow hedge		(568	)		87
Income tax benefit (expense)		221			(53	)
Unrealized (losses) gains on interest rate swap, net of tax		(347	)		34
Total other comprehensive (loss) income		(148	)		184
Comprehensive income	$	1,725		$	1,307

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements (unaudited)

Bankwell Financial Group, Inc.

Consolidated Statements of Shareholders’ Equity – (Unaudited)

(In thousands, except share data)


											Accumulated
	Number of										Other
	Outstanding			Preferred		Common		Retained			Comprehensive
	Shares			Stock		Stock		Earnings			Income (Loss)		Total
Balance at December 31, 2013		3,876,393		$	10,980	$	52,105	$	5,976		$	424	$	69,485
Net income		-			-		-		1,123			-		1,123
Other comprehensive income, net of tax		-			-		-		-			184		184
Preferred stock cash dividends		-			-		-		(27	)		-		(27	)
Stock-based compensation expense		-			-		150		-			-		150
Forfeitures of restricted stock		(3,608	)		-		-		-			-		-
Stock options exercised		18,905			-		191		-			-		191
Balance at March 31, 2014		3,891,690		$	10,980	$	52,446	$	7,072		$	608	$	71,106


										Accumulated
	Number of									Other
	Outstanding		Preferred		Common		Retained			Comprehensive
	Shares		Stock		Stock		Earnings			Income (Loss)			Total
Balance at December 31, 2014		7,185,482	$	10,980	$	107,265	$	10,434		$	531		$	129,210
Net income		-		-		-		1,873			-			1,873
Other comprehensive income, net of tax		-		-		-		-			(148	)		(148	)
Preferred stock cash dividends		-		-		-		(27	)		-			(27	)
Stock-based compensation expense		-		-		242		-			-			242
Issuance of restricted stock		40,000		-		-		-			-			-
Stock options exercised		17,770		-		258		-			-			258
Balance at March 31, 2015		7,243,252	$	10,980	$	107,765	$	12,280		$	383		$	131,408

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements (unaudited)

Bankwell Financial Group, Inc.

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows – (Unaudited)

(In thousands)


	Three Months Ended
	March 31,
	2015			2014
Cash flows from operating activities
Net income	$	1,873		$	1,123
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
Net amortization of premiums and discounts on investment securities		38			24
Provision for loan losses		733			211
(Provision) benefit for deferred taxes		(229	)		89
Depreciation and amortization		403			206
Increase in cash surrender value of bank-owned life insurance		(183	)		(85	)
Loan principal sold		(3,122	)		(16,040	)
Proceeds from sales of loans		3,797			16,569
Net gain on sales of loans		(89	)		(428	)
Equity-based compensation		242			150
Net accretion of purchase accounting adjustments		(41	)		(204	)
Gain on sale of foreclosed real estate		(18	)		-
Net change in:
Deferred loan fees		96			174
Accrued interest receivable		(19	)		16
Other assets		(142	)		265
Accrued expenses and other liabilities		(530	)		(1,864	)
Net cash provided by operating activities		2,809			206

Cash flows from investing activities
Proceeds from principal repayments on available for sale securities		284			110
Proceeds from principal repayments on held to maturity securities		53			34
Net proceeds from sales and calls of available for sale securities		14,280			400
Purchases of available for sale securities		-			(7,247	)
Net increase in loans		(48,936	)		(24,911	)
Purchases of premises and equipment		(613	)		(1,205	)
Purchase of Federal Home Loan Bank stock		(685	)		-
Proceeds from sale of foreclosed real estate		138			-
Net cash used by investing activities		(35,479	)		(32,819	)

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements (unaudited)

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows- (Continued)

(In thousands)


	Three Months Ended
	March 31,
	2015			2014
Cash flows from financing activities
Net change in time certificates of deposit	$	(7,242	)	$	13,571
Net change in other deposits		6,550			4,111
Net proceeds from FHLB advances		4,000			15,000
Proceeds from exercise of options		258			191
Dividends paid on preferred stock		(27	)		(27	)
Net cash provided by financing activities		3,539			32,846
Net (decrease) increase in cash and cash equivalents		(29,131	)		233
Cash and cash equivalents:
Beginning of year		48,559			82,013
End of period	$	19,428		$	82,246
Supplemental disclosures of cash flows information:
Cash paid for:
Interest	$	1,258		$	885
Income taxes	$	1,020		$	200

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements (unaudited)

Bankwell Financial Group, Inc.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS – (Unaudited)

1.	NATURE OF OPERATIONS AND SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

Bankwell Financial Group, Inc. (the “Company” or “Bankwell”) is a bank holding company headquartered in New Canaan, Connecticut. The Company offers a broad range of financial services through its banking subsidiary, Bankwell Bank, (the “Bank”). The Bank was originally chartered as two separate banks, The Bank of New Canaan (“BNC”) and The Bank of Fairfield (“TBF”). In September 2013, BNC and TBF were merged and rebranded as “Bankwell Bank.” In November 2013, the Bank acquired The Wilton Bank (“Wilton”), which added one branch and approximately $25.1 million in loans and $64.2 million in deposits. In October 2014, the Bank acquired Quinnipiac Bank and Trust Company (“Quinnipiac”) which added two branches and approximately $97.8 million in loans and $100.6 million in deposits.

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 full range of banking services to commercial and consumer customers, primarily concentrated in the Fairfield County and New Haven County regions of Connecticut, with branch locations in New Canaan, Stamford, Fairfield, Wilton, Norwalk, Hamden and North Haven, Connecticut.

Principles of consolidation

The consolidated interim financial statements include the accounts of the Company and the Bank. All significant intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.

Use of estimates

The accounting and reporting policies of the Company conform to accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“GAAP”) and general practices within the banking industry. In preparing the consolidated financial statements, management is required to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities, and disclosures of contingent assets and liabilities as of the date of the balance sheet and revenue and expenses for the period. Actual results could differ from those estimates. Material estimates that are particularly susceptible to significant change in the near term relate to the fair value of acquired assets, the allowance for loan losses, stock-based compensation and derivative instrument valuation.

Basis of consolidated financial statement presentation

The unaudited consolidated financial statements presented herein have been prepared pursuant to the rules of the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) for quarterly reports on Form 10-Q and Rule 10-1 of Regulation S-X and do not include all of the information and note disclosures required by GAAP. In the opinion of management, all adjustments (consisting of normal recurring adjustments) and disclosures considered necessary for the fair presentation of the accompanying unaudited interim consolidated financial statements have been included. Interim results are not necessarily reflective of the results that may be expected for the year ending December 31, 2015. The accompanying unaudited interim consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with the audited consolidated financial statements and notes thereto included on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2014.

Significant concentrations of credit risk

Most of the Company’s activities are with customers located within Fairfield County and the surrounding region of Connecticut, and declines in property values in these areas could significantly impact the Company. The Company has significant concentrations in commercial real estate loans. Management does not believe they present any special risk. The Company does not have any significant concentrations in any one industry or customer.

Bankwell Financial Group, Inc.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS – (Unaudited)

Reclassification

Certain prior period amounts have been reclassified to conform to the 2015 financial statement presentation. These reclassifications only changed the reporting categories and did not affect the results of operations or consolidated financial position.

Recent accounting pronouncements

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

ASU No. 2014-01 - Investments - Equity Method and Joint Ventures (Topic 323) – “Accounting for Investments in Qualified Affordable Housing Projects (a consensus of the FASB Emerging Issues Task Force)”. The ASU permits an entity to make an accounting policy election to account for its investment in qualified affordable housing projects using the proportional amortization method if certain conditions are met. Under the proportionate amortization method, an entity amortizes the initial cost of the investment in proportion to the tax credits and other tax benefits received and recognizes the net investment performance in the income statement as a component of income tax expense (benefit). The decision to apply the proportionate amortization method of accounting should be applied consistently to all qualifying affordable housing project investments. A reporting entity that uses the effective yield or other method to account for its investments in qualified affordable housing projects before the date of adoption may continue to apply such method to those preexisting investments. The amendments were effective for the Company on January 1, 2015. This ASU did not impact the Company’s financial statements and the Company does not expect the application of this guidance will have a material impact on the Company’s financial statements in the future.

ASU No. 2014-04, Receivables - Troubled Debt Restructurings by Creditors (Subtopic 310-40) –“Reclassification of Residential Real Estate Collateralized Consumer Mortgage Loans upon Foreclosure (a consensus of the FASB Emerging Issues Task Force)”. The ASU clarifies that an in substance repossession or foreclosure occurs, and a creditor is considered to have received physical possession of residential real estate property collateralizing a consumer mortgage loan, upon either (i) the creditor obtaining legal title to the residential real estate property upon completion of a foreclosure or (ii) the borrower conveying all interest in the residential real estate property to the creditor to satisfy that loan through completion of a deed in lieu of foreclosure or through a similar agreement. In addition, the amendments require disclosure of both the amount of foreclosed residential real estate property held by the creditor and the recorded investment in consumer mortgage loans collateralized by residential real estate property that are in the process of foreclosure in accordance with local requirements of the applicable jurisdiction. An entity can elect to adopt the amendments using either a modified retrospective method or a prospective transition method. The amendments were effective for the Company on January 1, 2015. This ASU did not impact the Company’s financial statements and the Company does not expect the application of this guidance will have a material impact on the Company’s financial statements in the future.

ASU No. 2014-09 - Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606). The ASU establishes a single comprehensive model for an entity to recognize revenue when it transfers promised goods or services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration to which the entity expects to be entitled, and will supersede nearly all existing revenue recognition guidance, to clarify and converge revenue recognition principles under US GAAP and IFRS. The update outlines five steps to recognizing revenue: (i) identify the contracts with the customer; (ii) identify the separate performance obligations in the contract; (iii) determine the transaction price; (iv) allocate the transaction price to the separate performance obligations; (v) recognize revenue when each performance obligation is satisfied. The update requires more comprehensive disclosures, relating to quantitative and qualitative information for amounts, timing, the nature and uncertainty of revenue, and cash flows arising from contracts with customers, which will mainly impact construction and high-tech industries. The most significant potential impact to banking entities relates to less prescriptive derecognition requirements on the sale of OREO property. The amendments are effective for annual and interim periods beginning after December 15, 2017. Early adoption is permitted for annual and interim reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2016. An entity may elect either a full retrospective or a modified retrospective application. The Company does not expect the application of this guidance to have a material impact on the Company’s financial statements.

Bankwell Financial Group, Inc.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS – (Unaudited)

ASU No. 2014-12, Compensation-Stock Compensation (Topic 718) - “Accounting for Share-Based Payments When the Terms of an Award Provide That a Performance Target Could Be Achieved after the Requisite Service Period (a consensus of the FASB Emerging Issues Task Force)”. The ASU provides explicit guidance to account for a performance target that could be achieved after the requisite service period as a performance condition. For awards within the scope of this Update, the Task Force decided that an entity should apply existing guidance in Topic 718 as it relates to share-based payments with performance conditions that affect vesting. Consistent with that guidance, performance conditions that affect vesting should not be reflected in estimating the fair value of an award at the grant date. Compensation cost should be recognized when it is probable that the performance target will be achieved and should represent the compensation cost attributable to the period for which the requisite service has already been rendered. If the performance target becomes probable of being achieved before the end of the requisite service period, the remaining unrecognized compensation cost should be recognized prospectively over the remaining requisite service period. The total amount of compensation cost recognized during and after the requisite service period should reflect the number of awards that are expected to vest and should be adjusted to reflect those awards that ultimately vest. The amendments are effective for annual and interim periods beginning after January 1, 2016. The Company does not expect the application of this guidance to have a material impact on the Company’s financial statements.

ASU No. 2014-14, Receivables-Troubled Debt Restructurings by Creditors (Subtopic 310-40) –“Classification of Certain Government-Guaranteed Residential Mortgage Loans upon Foreclosure (a consensus of the FASB Emerging Issues Task Force)”. The ASU has been issued to reduce diversity in practice in the classification of foreclosed residential mortgage loans held by creditors that are fully guaranteed under certain government programs, including the Federal Housing Administration guarantees. A residential mortgage loan would be derecognized and a separate other receivable would be recognized upon foreclosure if the loan has both of the following characteristics: (i) the loan has a government guarantee that is not separable from the loan before foreclosure entitling the creditor to the full unpaid principal balance of the loan; and (ii) at the time of foreclosure, the creditor has the intent to make a claim on the guarantee and the ability to recover the full unpaid principal balance of the loan through the guarantee. Notably, upon foreclosure, the separate other receivable would be measured based on the current amount of the loan balance expected to be recovered under the guarantee. The amendments were effective for the Company on January 1, 2015. This ASU did not impact the Company’s financial statements and the Company does not expect the application of this guidance will have a material impact on the Company’s financial statements in the future.

ASU No. 2014-17, Business Combinations (Topic 805) – “Pushdown Accounting (a consensus of the FASB Emerging Issues Task Force)”. Current generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP) offer limited guidance for determining whether and at what threshold an acquiree (acquired entity) can reflect the acquirer’s accounting and reporting basis (pushdown accounting) in its separate financial statements. The objective of this ASU is to provide guidance on whether and at what threshold an acquired entity that is a business or nonprofit activity can apply pushdown accounting in its separate financial statements. The amendments in this Update provide an acquired entity with an option to apply pushdown accounting in its separate financial statements upon occurrence of an event in which an acquirer obtains control of the acquired entity. The amendments in this ASU were effective on November 18, 2014. After the effective date, an acquired entity can make an election to apply the guidance to future change-in-control events or to its most recent change-in-control event. This ASU did not impact the Company’s financial statements and the Company does not expect the application of this guidance will have a material impact on the Company’s financial statements in the future.

Bankwell Financial Group, Inc.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS – (Unaudited)

ASU No. 2015-01, Income Statement—Extraordinary and Unusual Items (Subtopic 225-20) – “Simplifying Income Statement Presentation by Eliminating the Concept of Extraordinary Items”. Under the existing guidance, an entity is required to separately disclose extraordinary items, net of tax, in the income statement after income from continuing operations if an event or transaction is of an unusual nature and occurs infrequently. Under this ASU, separate, net-of-tax presentation (and corresponding earnings per share impact) will no longer be allowed. The existing requirement to separately present items that are of an unusual nature or occur infrequently on a pre-tax basis within income from continuing operations has been retained. The new guidance also requires similar separate presentation of items that are both unusual and infrequent. The standard is effective for both public and private companies for periods beginning after December 15, 2015. Early adoption is permitted, but only as of the beginning of the fiscal year of adoption. Upon adoption, a reporting entity may elect prospective or retrospective application. If adopted prospectively, both the nature and amount of any subsequent adjustments to previously reported extraordinary items must be disclosed. The Company does not expect the application of this guidance will have a material impact on the Company’s financial statements.

ASU No. 2015-02, Consolidation (Topic 810): Amendments to the Consolidation Analysis. This ASU is intended to improve targeted areas of consolidation guidance for legal entities such as limited partnerships, limited liability corporations, and securitization structures (collateralized debt obligations, collateralized loan obligations, and mortgage-backed security transactions). The ASU focuses on the consolidation evaluation for reporting organizations that are required to evaluate whether they should consolidate certain legal entities. In addition to reducing the number of consolidation models from four to two, the new standard simplifies the FASB Account Standards Codification (ASC) and improves current GAAP by: 1) placing more emphasis on risk of loss when determining a controlling financial interest. A reporting organization may no longer have to consolidate a legal entity in certain circumstances based solely on its fee arrangement, when certain criteria are met; 2) reducing the frequency of the application of related-party guidance when determining a controlling financial interest in a variable interest entity (VIE); and 3) changing consolidation conclusions for public and private companies in several industries that typically make use of limited partnerships or VIEs. The amendments are effective for annual and interim periods beginning after December 15, 2015. An entity can elect to adopt the amendments using either a full retrospective method or a modified retrospective method. The Company does not expect the application of this guidance to have a material impact on the Company’s financial statements.

ASU No. 2015-03, Interest – Imputation of Interest (Subtopic 835-20): Simplifying the Presentation of Debt Issuance Costs. The amendments in this ASU require that debt issuance costs related to a recognized debt liability be presented in the balance sheet as a direct deduction from the carrying amount of that debt liability, consistent with debt discounts. The recognition and measurement guidance for debt issuance costs are not affected by the amendments in this ASU. The amendments are effective for annual and interim periods beginning after December 15, 2015. The amendments should be applied on a retrospective basis and the necessary disclosures for a change in an accounting principle should be made. The Company does not expect the application of this guidance to have a material impact on the Company’s financial statements.

Bankwell Financial Group, Inc.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS – (Unaudited)

2.	INVESTMENT SECURITIES

The amortized cost, gross unrealized gains and losses and fair values of available for sale and held to maturity securities at March 31, 2015 were as follows:

			March 31, 2015
	Amortized		Gross Unrealized					Fair
	Cost		Gains		Losses			Value
			(In thousands)
Available for sale securities:
U.S. Government and agency obligations
Due in less than one year	$	498	$	7	$	-		$	505
Due from one through five years		4,099		-		(21	)		4,078
Due from five through ten years		5,583		25		(13	)		5,595
Due after ten years		800		5		(12	)		793
		10,980		37		(46	)		10,971

State agency and municipal obligations
Due from five through ten years		9,762		355		(127	)		9,990
Due after ten years		8,025		579		(1	)		8,603
		17,787		934		(128	)		18,593

Corporate bonds
Due in less than one year		5,052		50		(4	)		5,098
Due from one through five years		4,137		266		-			4,403
Due from five through ten years		6,116		136		-			6,252
		15,305		452		(4	)		15,753

Government-sponsored mortgage backed securities
Due from one through five years		88		1		-			89
Due after ten years		5,194		147		(11	)		5,330
		5,282		148		(11	)		5,419

Total available for sale securities	$	49,354	$	1,571	$	(189	)	$	50,736

Held to maturity securities:
U.S. Government and agency obligations Due in less than one year	$	1,007	$	1	$	-		$	1,008
State agency and municipal obligations Due after ten years		9,139		-		-			9,139
Corporate bonds Due from five through ten years		1,000		-		(26	)		974
Government-sponsored mortgage backed securities Due after ten years		252		30		-			282

Total held to maturity securities	$	11,398	$	31	$	(26	)	$	11,403

Bankwell Financial Group, Inc.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS – (Unaudited)

The amortized cost, gross unrealized gains and losses and fair values of available for sale and held to maturity securities at December 31, 2014 were as follows:

			December 31, 2014
	Amortized		Gross Unrealized					Fair
	Cost		Gains		Losses			Value
			(In thousands)
Available for sale securities:
U.S. Government and agency obligations
Due in less than one year	$	497	$	9	$	-		$	506
Due from one through five years		3,998		-		(69	)		3,929
Due from five through ten years		17,055		27		(79	)		17,003
Due after ten years		3,004		4		(28	)		2,980
		24,554		40		(176	)		24,418

State agency and municipal obligations
Due from five through ten years		9,297		295		(48	)		9,544
Due after ten years		8,500		544		(4	)		9,040
		17,797		839		(52	)		18,584

Corporate bonds
Due in less than one year		5,764		44		(6	)		5,802
Due from one through five years		4,150		268		-			4,418
Due from five through ten years		6,121		8		(24	)		6,105
		16,035		320		(30	)		16,325

Government-sponsored mortgage backed securities
Due from one through five years		99		1		-			100
Due after ten years		5,468		131		(17	)		5,582
		5,567		132		(17	)		5,682

Total available for sale securities	$	63,953	$	1,331	$	(275	)	$	65,009

Held to maturity securities:
U.S. Government and agency obligations Due in less than one year	$	1,010	$	-	$	-		$	1,010
State agency and municipal obligations Due after ten years		9,179		-		-			9,179
Corporate bonds Due from five through ten years		1,000		-		(15	)		985
Government-sponsored mortgage backed securities Due after ten years		265		31		-			296

Total held to maturity securities	$	11,454	$	31	$	(15	)	$	11,470

Bankwell Financial Group, Inc.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS – (Unaudited)

There were no sales of, or realized gains or losses on investment securities during the three months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014.

At March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014, securities with approximate fair values of $6.0 million and $5.9 million, respectively, were pledged as collateral for public deposits.

The following table provides information regarding investment securities with unrealized losses, aggregated by investment category and length of time that individual securities had been in a continuous unrealized loss position at March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014:


	Length of Time in Continuous Unrealized Loss Position
	Less Than 12 Months					12 Months or More					Total
	Fair		Unrealized			Fair		Unrealized			Fair		Unrealized
	Value		Loss			Value		Loss			Value		Loss
						(In thousands)
March 31, 2015
U.S. Government and agency obligations	$	3,925	$	(23	)	$	1,977	$	(22	)	$	5,902	$	(45	)
State agency and municipal obligations		1,046		(128	)		-		-			1,046		(128	)
Corporate bonds		974		(26	)		996		(4	)		1,970		(30	)
Government-sponsored mortgage backed securities		1,120		(12	)		-		-			1,120		(12	)
Total investment securities	$	7,065	$	(189	)	$	2,973	$	(26	)	$	10,038	$	(215	)

December 31, 2014
U.S. Government and agency obligations	$	4,515	$	(56	)	$	5,878	$	(120	)	$	10,393	$	(176	)
State agency and municipal obligations		1,771		(52	)		-		-			1,771		(52	)
Corporate bonds		6,783		(40	)		995		(5	)		7,778		(45	)
Government-sponsored mortgage backed securities		1,406		(17	)		-		-			1,406		(17	)
Total investment securities	$	14,475	$	(165	)	$	6,873	$	(125	)	$	21,348	$	(290	)

There were 28 and 42 investment securities as of March 31, 2015 and December 31 2014, respectively, in which the fair value of the security was less than the amortized cost of the security. Management believes the unrealized losses are temporary and are the result of recent market conditions, and determined that there has been no deterioration in credit quality subsequent to purchase.

The U.S. Government and agency obligations owned are either direct obligations of the U.S. Government or are issued by one of the shareholder-owned corporations chartered by the U.S. Government and therefore the contractual cash flows are guaranteed. The Company continually monitors its municipal bond and corporate bond portfolios and at this time these portfolios have minimal default risk because corporate and municipal bonds are all rated above investment grade. Government-sponsored mortgage backed securities are fully guaranteed by U.S. Government agencies.

Bankwell Financial Group, Inc.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS – (Unaudited)

3.	Loans Receivable and Allowance for Loan Losses

Loans acquired in connection with the Wilton acquisition in November 2013 and the Quinnipiac acquisition in October 2014 are referred to as “acquired” loans as a result of the manner in which they are accounted for. All other loans are referred to as “originated” loans. Accordingly, selected credit quality disclosures that follow are presented separately for the originated loan portfolio and the acquired loan portfolio.

The following table sets forth a summary of the loan portfolio at March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014:


	March 31, 2015									December 31, 2014
(In thousands)	Originated			Acquired			Total			Originated			Acquired		Total

Real estate loans:
Residential	$	168,016		$	4,613		$	172,629		$	169,833		$	5,198	$	175,031
Commercial		508,459			57,660			566,119			458,506			62,675		521,181
Construction		67,654			1,070			68,724			62,258			971		63,229
Home equity		10,515			7,897			18,412			10,226			7,940		18,166
		754,644			71,240			825,884			700,823			76,784		777,607

Commercial business		118,493			31,833			150,326			120,360			28,899		149,259

Consumer		55			2,382			2,437			243			2,653		2,896
Total loans		873,192			105,455			978,647			821,426			108,336		929,762

Allowance for loan losses		(11,581	)		(15	)		(11,596	)		(10,860	)		-		(10,860	)
Deferred loan origination fees, net		(3,033	)		-			(3,033	)		(2,937	)		-		(2,937	)
Unamortized loan premiums		16			-			16			16			-		16
Loans receivable, net	$	858,594		$	105,440		$	964,034		$	807,645		$	108,336	$	915,981

Lending activities are conducted principally in the Fairfield County and New Haven county regions of Connecticut, and consist of residential and commercial real estate loans, commercial business loans and a variety of consumer loans. Loans may also be granted for the construction of residential homes and commercial properties. All residential and commercial mortgage loans are collateralized by first or second mortgages on real estate.

The following table summarizes activity in the accretable yields for the acquired loan portfolio for the three months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014:


(In thousands)	Three Months Ended March 31,
	2015			2014
Balance at beginning of period	$	1,382		$	1,418
Acquisition		-			-
Accretion		(94	)		(140	)
Other (a)		(63	)		(50	)
Balance at end of period	$	1,225		$	1,228

a) Represents changes in cash flows expected to be collected due to loan sales or payoffs.

Bankwell Financial Group, Inc.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS – (Unaudited)

Risk management

The Company has established credit policies applicable to each type of lending activity in which it engages. The Company evaluates the creditworthiness of each customer and, in most cases, extends credit of up to 80% of the market value of the collateral, depending on the borrowers’ creditworthiness and the type of collateral. The market value of collateral is monitored on an ongoing basis and additional collateral is obtained when warranted. 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 to be based on the borrower’s ability to generate continuing cash flows. The Company’s policy for residential lending allows that, generally, the amount of the loan may not exceed 80% of the original appraised value of the property. In certain situations, the amount may be up to 90-95% 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, a religious or civic organization. Private mortgage insurance is required for that portion of the residential first mortgage loan in excess of 80% of the appraised value of the property.

Credit quality of loans and the allowance for loan losses

Management segregates the loan portfolio into portfolio segments which is defined as the level at which the Company develops and documents a systematic method for determining its allowance for loan losses. The portfolio segments are segregated based on loan types and the underlying risk factors present in each loan type. Such risk factors are periodically reviewed by management and revised as deemed appropriate.

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

Residential Real Estate: This portfolio segment consists of the origination of first mortgage loans secured by one-to four-family owner occupied residential properties and residential construction loans to individuals to finance the construction of residential dwellings for personal use located in our market area.

Commercial Real Estate: This portfolio segment includes loans secured by commercial real estate, non-owner occupied one-to four-family and multi-family dwellings for property owners and businesses in our market area. Loans secured by commercial real estate generally have larger loan balances and more credit risk than owner occupied one-to four-family mortgage loans.

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

Bankwell Financial Group, Inc.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS – (Unaudited)

Home Equity: This portfolio segment primarily includes home equity loans and home equity lines of credit secured by owner occupied one-to four-family residential properties. Loans of this type are written at a maximum of 80% of the appraised value of the property and the Company requires a first or second lien position on the property. These loans can be affected by economic conditions and the values of the underlying properties.

Commercial Business: This portfolio segment includes commercial business loans secured by assignments of corporate assets and personal guarantees of the business owners. Commercial business loans generally have higher interest rates and shorter terms than other loans, but they also may involve higher average balances, increased difficulty of loan monitoring and a higher risk of default since their repayment generally depends on the successful operation of the borrower’s business.

Consumer: This portfolio segment includes loans secured by savings or certificate accounts, or automobiles, as well as unsecured personal loans and overdraft lines of credit. This type of loan entails greater risk than residential mortgage loans, particularly in the case of loans that are unsecured or secured by assets that depreciate rapidly.

An unallocated component is maintained, when needed, to cover uncertainties that could affect management’s estimate of probable losses. The unallocated component of the allowance reflects the margin of imprecision inherent in the underlying assumptions used in the methodologies for estimating allocated and general reserves in the portfolio. The unallocated allowance is used to provide for an unidentified loss that may exist in emerging problem loans that cannot be fully quantified or may be affected by conditions not fully understood as of the balance sheet date.

Bankwell Financial Group, Inc.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS – (Unaudited)

Allowance for loan losses

The following tables set forth the activity in the Company’s allowance for loan losses for the three months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014, by portfolio segment:


	Residential			Commercial				Home			Commercial
	Real Estate			Real Estate		Construction		Equity			Business		Consumer			Unallocated		Total
	(In thousands)

Three Months Ended March 31, 2015
Originated
Beginning balance	$	1,431		$	5,480	$	1,102	$	205		$	2,638	$	4		$	-	$	10,860
Charge-offs		-			-		-		-			-		-			-		-
Recoveries		-			-		-		-			-		1			-		1
Provisions		(25	)		587		118		(2	)		44		(2	)		-		720
Ending balance	$	1,406		$	6,067	$	1,220	$	203		$	2,682	$	3		$	-	$	11,581

Acquired
Beginning balance	$	-		$	-	$	-	$	-		$	-	$	-		$	-	$	-
Charge-offs		-			-		-		-			-		-			-		-
Recoveries		-			-		-		-			-		2			-		2
Provisions		-			-		-		-			12		1			-		13
Ending balance	$	-		$	-	$	-	$	-		$	12	$	3		$	-	$	15

Total
Beginning balance	$	1,431		$	5,480	$	1,102	$	205		$	2,638	$	4		$	-	$	10,860
Charge-offs		-			-		-		-			-		-			-		-
Recoveries		-			-		-		-			-		3			-		3
Provisions		(25	)		587		118		(2	)		56		(1	)		-		733
Ending balance	$	1,406		$	6,067	$	1,220	$	203		$	2,694	$	6		$	-	$	11,596

Bankwell Financial Group, Inc.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS – (Unaudited)


	Residential			Commercial					Home		Commercial
	Real Estate			Real Estate		Construction			Equity		Business		Consumer			Unallocated		Total
	(In thousands)

Three Months Ended March 31, 2014
Originated
Beginning balance	$	1,310		$	3,616	$	1,032		$	190	$	2,225	$	9		$	-	$	8,382
Charge-offs		-			-		-			-		-		-			-		-
Recoveries		-			-		-			-		-		10			-		10
Provisions		(12	)		151		(20	)		2		106		(16	)		-		211
Ending balance	$	1,298		$	3,767	$	1,012		$	192	$	2,331	$	3		$	-	$	8,603

Acquired
Beginning balance	$	-		$	-	$	-		$	-	$	-	$	-		$	-	$	-
Charge-offs		-			-		-			-		-		-			-		-
Recoveries		-			-		-			-		-		-			-		-
Provisions		-			-		-			-		-		-			-		-
Ending balance	$	-		$	-	$	-		$	-	$	-	$	-		$	-	$	-

Total
Beginning balance	$	1,310		$	3,616	$	1,032		$	190	$	2,225	$	9		$	-	$	8,382
Charge-offs		-			-		-			-		-		-			-		-
Recoveries		-			-		-			-		-		10			-		10
Provisions		(12	)		151		(20	)		2		106		(16	)		-		211
Ending balance	$	1,298		$	3,767	$	1,012		$	192	$	2,331	$	3		$	-	$	8,603

With respect to the originated portfolio, the allocation to each portfolio segment is not necessarily indicative of future losses in any particular portfolio segment and does not restrict the use of the allowance to absorb losses in other portfolio segments.

Bankwell Financial Group, Inc.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS – (Unaudited)

The following tables are a summary, by portfolio segment and impairment methodology, of the allowance for loan losses and related portfolio balances at March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014:


	Originated Loans				Acquired Loans				Total
	Portfolio		Allowance		Portfolio		Allowance		Portfolio		Allowance
	(In thousands)
March 31, 2015
Loans individually evaluated for impairment:
Residential real estate	$	864	$	2	$	-	$	-	$	864	$	2
Commercial real estate		4,975		22		513		-		5,488		22
Construction		-		-		-		-		-		-
Home equity		89		-		40		-		129		-
Commercial business		1,669		9		847		6		2,516		15
Consumer		-		-		7		1		7		1
Subtotal		7,597		33		1,407		7		9,004		40
Loans collectively evaluated for impairment:
Residential real estate		167,152		1,404		4,613		-		171,765		1,404
Commercial real estate		503,484		6,045		57,147		-		560,631		6,045
Construction		67,654		1,220		1,070		-		68,724		1,220
Home equity		10,426		203		7,857		-		18,283		203
Commercial business		116,824		2,673		30,986		6		147,810		2,679
Consumer		55		3		2,375		2		2,430		5
Subtotal		865,595		11,548		104,048		8		969,643		11,556

Total	$	873,192	$	11,581	$	105,455	$	15	$	978,647	$	11,596

Bankwell Financial Group, Inc.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS – (Unaudited)


	Originated Loans				Acquired Loans				Total
	Portfolio		Allowance		Portfolio		Allowance		Portfolio		Allowance
	(In thousands)
December 31, 2014
Loans individually evaluated for impairment:
Residential real estate	$	864	$	-	$	-	$	-	$	864	$	-
Commercial real estate		4,996		23		-		-		4,996		23
Home equity		91		-		-		-		91		-
Commercial business		1,701		10		629		-		2,330		10
Subtotal		7,652		33		629		-		8,281		33
Loans collectively evaluated for impairment:
Residential real estate		168,969		1,431		5,198		-		174,167		1,431
Commercial real estate		453,510		5,457		62,675		-		516,185		5,457
Construction		62,258		1,102		971		-		63,229		1,102
Home equity		10,135		205		7,940		-		18,075		205
Commercial business		118,659		2,628		28,270		-		146,929		2,628
Consumer		243		4		2,653		-		2,896		4
Subtotal		813,774		10,827		107,707		-		921,481		10,827

Total	$	821,426	$	10,860	$	108,336	$	-	$	929,762	$	10,860

Credit quality indicators

The Company’s policies provide for the classification of loans into the following categories: pass, special mention, substandard, doubtful and loss. Consistent with regulatory guidelines, loans that are considered to be of lesser quality are classified as substandard, doubtful, or loss assets. A loan is considered substandard if it is inadequately protected by the current net worth and paying capacity of the obligor or of the collateral pledged, if any. Substandard loans include those loans characterized by the distinct possibility that the Company will sustain some loss if the deficiencies are not corrected. Loans classified as doubtful have all of the weaknesses inherent in those classified substandard with the added characteristic that the weaknesses present make collection or liquidation in full, on the basis of currently existing facts, conditions and values, highly questionable and improbable. Loans classified as loss are those considered uncollectible and of such little value that their continuance as loans is not warranted. Loans that do not expose the Company to risk sufficient to warrant classification in one of the aforementioned categories, but which possess potential weaknesses that deserve close attention, are designated as special mention.

Loans that are considered to be impaired are analyzed to determine whether a loss is possible and if so, a calculation is performed to determine the possible loss amount. If it is determined that the loss amount is $0, no reserve is held against the asset. If a loss is calculated, then a specific reserve for that asset is determined.

Bankwell Financial Group, Inc.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS – (Unaudited)

The following tables are a summary of the loan portfolio quality indicators by portfolio segment at March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014:


	Commercial Credit Quality Indicators
	At March 31, 2015						At December 31, 2014

	Commercial				Commercial		Commercial				Commercial
	Real Estate		Construction		Business		Real Estate		Construction		Business
	(In thousands)
Originated loans:
Pass	$	502,952	$	67,654	$	112,972	$	452,974	$	62,258	$	115,323
Special mention		2,076		-		4,891		2,096		-		5,037
Substandard		3,431		-		630		3,436		-		-
Doubtful		-		-		-		-		-		-
Loss		-		-		-		-		-		-
Total originated loans		508,459		67,654		118,493		458,506		62,258		120,360
Acquired loans:
Pass		56,142		210		29,639		61,017		136		27,074
Special mention		-		-		831		-		-		659
Substandard		1,518		860		1,363		1,658		835		1,166
Doubtful		-		-		-		-		-		-
Loss		-		-		-		-		-		-
Total acquired loans		57,660		1,070		31,833		62,675		971		28,899
Total	$	566,119	$	68,724	$	150,326	$	521,181	$	63,229	$	149,259

Bankwell Financial Group, Inc.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS – (Unaudited)


	Residential and Consumer Credit Quality Indicators
	At March 31, 2015						At December 31, 2014
	Residential		Home				Residential		Home
	Real Estate		Equity		Consumer		Real Estate		Equity		Consumer
	(In thousands)
Originated loans:
Pass	$	167,153	$	10,424	$	55	$	168,969	$	10,135	$	243
Special mention		863		91		-		864		91		-
Substandard		-		-		-		-		-		-
Doubtful		-		-		-		-		-		-
Loss		-		-		-		-		-		-
Total originated loans		168,016		10,515		55		169,833		10,226		243
Acquired loans:
Pass		4,499		7,840		2,382		5,022		7,925		2,653
Special mention		114		-		-		-		-		-
Substandard		-		57		-		176		15		-
Doubtful		-		-		-		-		-		-
Loss		-		-		-		-		-		-
Total acquired loans		4,613		7,897		2,382		5,198		7,940		2,653
Total	$	172,629	$	18,412	$	2,437	$	175,031	$	18,166	$	2,896

Loan portfolio aging analysis

When a loan is 15 days past due, the Company sends the borrower a late notice. The Company also contacts the borrower by phone if the delinquency is not corrected promptly after the notice has been sent. When the loan is 30 days past due, the Company mails the borrower a letter reminding the borrower of the delinquency, and attempts to contact the borrower personally to determine the reason for the delinquency and ensure the borrower understands the terms of the loan. If necessary, subsequent delinquency notices are issued and the account will be monitored on a regular basis thereafter. By the 90th day of delinquency, the Company will send the borrower a final demand for payment and may recommend foreclosure. A summary report of all loans 30 days or more past due is provided to the board of directors of the Company each month. Loans greater than 90 days past due are generally put on nonaccrual status. A nonaccrual loan is restored to accrual status when it is no longer delinquent and collectability of interest and principal is no longer in doubt. A loan is considered to be no longer delinquent when timely payments are made for a period of at least six months (one year for loans providing for quarterly or semi-annual payments) by the borrower in accordance with the contractual terms.

Bankwell Financial Group, Inc.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS – (Unaudited)

The following tables set forth certain information with respect to our loan portfolio delinquencies by portfolio segment and amount as of March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014:


	As of March 31, 2015
											Carrying
											Amount >
					Greater						90 Days
	31-60 Days		61-90 Days		Than 90		Total Past				and
	Past Due		Past Due		Days		Due		Current		Accruing
	(In thousands)
Originated Loans
Real estate loans:
Residential real estate	$	2,595	$	-	$	-	$	2,595	$	165,421	$	-
Commercial real estate		-		-		-		-		508,459		-
Construction		-		-		-		-		67,654		-
Home equity		268		-		-		268		10,247		-
Commercial business		179		-		-		179		118,314		-
Consumer		-		-		-		-		55		-
Total originated loans		3,042		-		-		3,042		870,150		-
Acquired Loans
Real estate loans:
Residential real estate		114		-		-		114		4,499		-
Commercial real estate		1,222		-		994		2,216		55,444		481
Construction		-		-		860		860		210		860
Home equity		-		-		9		9		7,888		-
Commercial business		239		-		310		549		31,284		261
Consumer		23		-		-		23		2,359		-
Total acquired loans		1,598		-		2,173		3,771		101,684		1,602
Total loans	$	4,640	$	-	$	2,173	$	6,813	$	971,834	$	1,602

Bankwell Financial Group, Inc.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS – (Unaudited)


					As of December 31, 2014
											Carrying
											Amount >
					Greater						90 Days
	31-60 Days		61-90 Days		Than 90		Total Past				and
	Past Due		Past Due		Days		Due		Current		Accruing
					(In thousands)
Originated Loans
Real estate loans:
Residential real estate	$	-	$	-	$	-	$	-	$	169,833	$	-
Commercial real estate		-		-		3,436		3,436		455,070		216
Construction		-		-		-		-		62,258		-
Home equity		-		-		-		-		10,226		-
Commercial business		-		-		-		-		120,360		-
Consumer		-		-		-		-		243		-
Total originated loans		-		-		3,436		3,436		817,990		216
Acquired Loans
Real estate loans:
Residential real estate		339		-		294		633		4,565		176
Commercial real estate		685		677		836		2,198		60,477		466
Construction		-		-		835		835		136		835
Home equity		-		40		-		40		7,900		-
Commercial business		178		386		305		869		28,030		305
Consumer		3		-		-		3		2,650		-
Total acquired loans		1,205		1,103		2,270		4,578		103,758		1,782
Total loans	$	1,205	$	1,103	$	5,706	$	8,014	$	921,748	$	1,998

Loans on nonaccrual status

The following is a summary of nonaccrual loans by portfolio segment as of March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014:


	March 31,		December 31,
	2015		2014
	(In thousands)
Residential real estate	$	154	$	-
Commercial real estate		1,984		3,220
Commercial business		312		142
Consumer		1		-
Total	$	2,451	$	3,362

The amount of income that was contractually due but not recognized on originated nonaccrual loans totaled $78 thousand and $23 thousand, respectively for the three months ended March 31, 2015, and 2014. There was $1 thousand and no actual interest income recognized on these loans for the three months ended March 31, 2015, and 2014.

Bankwell Financial Group, Inc.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS – (Unaudited)

At March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014, there were $169 thousand and no commitments to lend additional funds to any borrower on nonaccrual status, respectively.

The preceding table excludes acquired loans that are accounted for as purchased credit impaired loans totaling $1.8 million and $1.9 million, respectively at March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014. Such loans otherwise meet the Company’s definition of a nonperforming loan but are excluded because the loans are included in loan pools that are considered performing. The discounts arising from recording these loans at fair value were due, in part, to credit quality. The acquired loans are accounted for on either a pool or individual basis and the accretable yield is being recognized as interest income over the life of the loans based on expected cash flows.

Impaired loans

An impaired loan generally is one for which it is probable, based on current information, the Company will not collect all the amounts due under the contractual terms of the loan. Loans are individually evaluated for impairment. When the Company classifies a problem loan as impaired, it provides a specific valuation allowance for that portion of the asset that is deemed uncollectible.

Bankwell Financial Group, Inc.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS – (Unaudited)

The following table summarizes impaired loans by portfolio segment as of March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014:


	Carrying Amount				Unpaid Principal Balance				Associated Allowance
	March 31, 2015		December 31, 2014		March 31, 2015		December 31, 2014		March 31, 2015		December 31, 2014
					(In thousands)
Originated
Impaired loans without a valuation allowance:
Residential real estate	$	-	$	864	$	-	$	864	$	-	$	-
Commercial real estate		4,525		4,543		4,525		4,544		-		-
Home equity		89		91		88		91		-		-
Commercial business		1,135		1,145		1,136		1,153		-		-
Total impaired loans without a valuation allowance		5,749		6,643		5,749		6,652		-		-

Impaired loans with a valuation allowance:
Residential real estate		864		-		864		-		2		-
Commercial real estate		450		453		450		453		22		23
Commercial business		534		556		534		556		9		10
Total impaired loans with a valuation allowance		1,848		1,009		1,848		1,009		33		33
Total originated impaired loans	$	7,597	$	7,652	$	7,597	$	7,661	$	33	$	33

Acquired
Impaired loans without a valuation allowance:
Commercial real estate	$	513	$	-	$	534	$	-	$	-	$	-
Commercial business		444		629		444		629		-		-
Home equity		40		-		40		-		-		-
Total impaired loans without a valuation allowance		997		629		1,018		629		-		-

Impaired loans with a valuation allowance:
Commercial business		403		-		407		-		6		-
Consumer		7		-		7		-		1		-
Total impaired loans with a valuation allowance		410		-		414		-		7		-
Total acquired impaired loans	$	1,407	$	629	$	1,432	$	629	$	7	$	-

Bankwell Financial Group, Inc.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS – (Unaudited)

The following table summarizes the average recorded investment balance of impaired loans and interest income recognized on impaired loans by portfolio segment as of March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014:


	Average Recorded Investment				Interest Income Recognized
	March 31, 2015		December 31, 2014		March 31, 2015		December 31, 2014
	(In thousands)
Originated
Impaired loans without a valuation allowance:
Residential real estate	$	-	$	864	$	-	$	28
Commercial real estate		4,530		4,034		17		223
Home equity		90		95		1		3
Commercial business		1,140		1,226		11		52
Total impaired loans without a valuation allowance		5,760		6,219		29		306

Impaired loans with a valuation allowance:
Residential real estate		864		-		7		-
Commercial real estate		451		457		7		29
Commercial business		543		596		7		32
Total impaired loans with a valuation allowance		1,858		1,053		21		61
Total originated impaired loans	$	7,618	$	7,272	$	50	$	367

Acquired
Impaired loans without a valuation allowance:
Commercial real estate	$	519	$	-	$	-	$	-
Commercial business		447		607		5		28
Home equity		40		-		-		-
Total impaired loans without a valuation allowance		1,006		607		5		28

Impaired loans with a valuation allowance:
Commercial business		418		-		5		-
Consumer		8		-		-		-
Total impaired loans with a valuation allowance		426		-		5		-
Total acquired impaired loans	$	1,432	$	607	$	10	$	28

Troubled debt restructurings (TDRs)

Modifications to a loan are considered to be a troubled debt restructuring when one or both of the following conditions is met: 1) the borrower is experiencing financial difficulties and/or 2) the modification constitutes a concession that is not in line with market rates and/or terms. Modified terms are dependent upon the financial position and needs of the individual borrower. Trouble debt restructurings are classified as impaired loans.

If a performing loan is restructured into a TDR it remains in performing status. If a nonperforming loan is restructured into a TDR, it continues to be carried in nonaccrual status. Nonaccrual classification may be removed if the borrower demonstrates compliance with the modified terms for a minimum of six months.

Bankwell Financial Group, Inc.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS – (Unaudited)

Troubled debt restructured loans are reported as such for at least one year from the date of restructuring.

In years after the restructuring, troubled debt restructured loans are removed from this classification if the restructuring agreement specifies a market rate of interest equal to that which would be provided to a borrower with similar credit at the time of restructuring and the loan is not deemed to be impaired based on the modified terms.

The recorded investment in TDRs was $6.8 million at March 31, 2015 and $3.6 million at December 31, 2014.

The following table presents loans whose terms were modified as TDRs during the periods presented:

					Outstanding Recorded Investment
	Number of Loans				Pre-Modification				Post-Modification
(Dollars in thousands)	2015		2014		2015		2014		2015		2014
Three Months Ended March 31,
Commercial real estate		2		-	$	3,220	$	-	$	3,220	$	-
Commercial business		1		-		54		-		54		-
Total		3		-	$	3,274	$	-	$	3,274	$	-

All TDRs at March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014 were performing in compliance under their modified terms.

The following table provides information on how loans were modified as a TDR during the three months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014.

	Three Months Ended March 31,
	2015		2014
	(In thousands)
Maturity and payment concession	$	3,220	$	-
Maturity concession		54		-
Total	$	3,274	$	-

There were no loans modified in a troubled debt restructuring, for which there was a payment default during the three months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively.

Bankwell Financial Group, Inc.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS – (Unaudited)

4. Shareholders’ Equity

Common stock

On May 15, 2014, the Company priced 2,702,703 common shares in its initial public offering (“IPO”) at $18.00 per share, and on May 15, 2014, Bankwell common shares began trading on the Nasdaq Stock Market. The Company issued a total of 2,702,703 common shares in its IPO, which closed on May 20, 2014. The net proceeds from the IPO were approximately $44.7 million, after deducting the underwriting discount of approximately $2.5 million and approximately $1.3 million of expenses.

Between 2007 and 2013, four private placements for the sale of common stock were completed for the purpose of capitalizing the Company and allowing for continued growth. The private placement offerings were in addition to the initial and secondary offerings completed in 2002 and 2007, respectively. A total of 3,429,623 shares were issued and net proceeds of $47.8 million were received in connection with these offerings.

Preferred stock

In 2011, the Company elected to participate in the U.S. Treasury’s Small Business Lending Fund Program (“SBLF”). The SBLF is a $30 billion fund established under the Small Business Jobs Act of 2010 to encourage lending to small businesses by providing Tier 1 capital to qualified community banks with assets of less than $10 billion. The SBLF is intended to expand the ability to lend to small businesses, in order to help stimulate the economy and promote job growth. The transaction resulted in net capital proceeds to the Company of $5.9 million, of which at least 90% was invested in the Banks as Tier 1 Capital.

The Series C Preferred stock pays noncumulative dividends. The dividend rate on the Series C Preferred Stock for the initial ten quarterly dividend periods, commencing with the period ended September 30, 2011 and ending with the period ended December 31, 2013, was determined each quarter based on the increase in the Banks’ Qualified Small Business Lending over a baseline amount. The Company has paid dividends at a rate of 1.0% since issuance. For the eleventh quarterly dividend payment through four and one-half years after its issuance, the dividend rate on the Series C Preferred Stock will be fixed at the rate in effect at the end of the ninth quarterly dividend period, which is 1.0%. In the second quarter of 2016, four and one-half years from its issuance, the dividend rate will be fixed at 9.0% per annum.

The Series C Preferred Stock has no maturity date and ranks senior to the Company’s common stock with respect to the payment of dividends and distributions and amounts payable upon liquidation, dissolution and winding up of the Company. The Series C Preferred Stock is non-voting, other than voting rights on matters that could adversely affect the Series C Preferred Stock, and is redeemable at any time by the Company, subject to the approval of its federal banking regulator. The redemption price is the aggregate liquidation preference of the SBLF Preferred Stock plus accrued but unpaid dividends and pro rata portion of any lending incentive fee. All redemptions must be in an amount at least equal to 25% of the number of originally issued shares of SBLF Preferred Stock, or 100% of the then-outstanding shares if less than 25% of the number of shares originally issued. In connection with the IPO, the U.S. Treasury exercised its piggyback registration rights under the SBLF and the Series C Preferred Stock held by the U.S. Treasury was registered under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended.

Warrants

The initial and secondary offerings completed in 2002 and 2007 each call for the issuance of Units. Each Unit issued pursuant to these two offerings represented one share of common stock and one non-transferable Warrant. The Warrants were exercisable at any time from and including October 1, 2009 and prior to or on November 30, 2009, unless extended or accelerated by the board of directors in their discretion. The board of directors has extended the exercise period to October 1, 2015 through December 1, 2015. Each Warrant allows a holder to purchase .3221 shares of common stock at an exercise price of $14.00 per share. None of the Warrants has been exercised as of March 31, 2015. Assuming that all of the Warrants issued are exercised in full during the exercise period, the Company would receive $4.3 million in gross capital and issue 304,640 shares of common stock.

Bankwell Financial Group, Inc.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS – (Unaudited)

As a result of the acquisition of Quinnipiac on October 1, 2014 the Company issued 68,600 warrants to former Quinnipiac warrant holders in accordance with the merger agreement. Each warrant was automatically converted into a warrant to purchase 0.56 shares of the Company’s common stock for an exercise price of $17.56. None of the warrants have been exercised as of March 31, 2015.

Dividends

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

The payment of dividends is subject to additional restrictions in connection with the SBLF preferred stock.

For the three months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014, the Company paid cash dividends on preferred stock of $27 thousand. To date, the Company has not declared or paid dividends on its common stock, nor has it repurchased any of its common stock.

5. Comprehensive Income

Comprehensive income represents the sum of net income and items of other comprehensive income or loss, including net unrealized gains or losses on securities available for sale and net gains or losses on derivatives accounted for as cash flow hedges. The Company’s total comprehensive income or loss for the three months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014 is reported in the Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income.

The following table presents the changes in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) by component, net of tax for the three months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014:


	Net Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Available for Sale Securities		Net Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Interest Rate Swap			Total
			(In thousands)
Balance at December 31, 2014	$	644	$	(113	)	$	531
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications		199		(347	)		(148	)
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income		-		-			-
Net other comprehensive income (loss)		199		(347	)		(148	)
Balance at March 31, 2015	$	843	$	(460	)	$	383

Bankwell Financial Group, Inc.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS – (Unaudited)


	Net Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Available for Sale Securities		Net Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Interest Rate Swap		Total
			(In thousands)
Balance at December 31, 2013	$	424	$	-	$	424
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications		150		34		184
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income		-		-		-
Net other comprehensive income (loss)		150		34		184
Balance at March 31, 2014	$	574	$	34	$	608

6. Earnings Per Share

Basic earnings per share (“EPS”) is computed by dividing income available to common shareholders by the weighted-average number of shares of common stock outstanding for the period. Diluted EPS reflects the potential dilution that could occur if securities or other contracts to issue common stock (such as stock options) were exercised or converted into common stock or resulted in the issuance of common stock that then shared in earnings. Unvested share-based payment awards, which include the right to receive non-forfeitable dividends, are considered to participate with common stock in undistributed earnings for purposes of computing EPS.

The Company’s unvested restricted stock awards are participating securities, and therefore, are included in the computation of both basic and diluted earnings per common share. EPS is calculated using the two-class method, under which calculations (1) exclude from the numerator any dividends paid or owed on participating securities and any undistributed earnings considered to be attributable to participating securities and (2) exclude from the denominator the dilutive impact of the participating securities.

Bankwell Financial Group, Inc.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS – (Unaudited)

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


	Three Months Ended March 31,
	2015			2014
	(In thousands, except per share data)
Net income	$	1,873		$	1,123
Preferred stock dividends and net accretion		(27	)		(27	)
Dividends and undistributed earnings allocated to participating securities		(46	)		(34	)
Net income for earnings per share calculation	$	1,800		$	1,062

Weighted average shares outstanding, basic		7,028			3,762
Effect of dilutive equity-based awards		28			34
Weighted average shares outstanding, diluted		7,056			3,796
Net earnings per common share:
Basic earnings per common share	$	0.26		$	0.28
Diluted earnings per common share		0.26			0.28

7. Regulatory Matters

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

As of January 1, 2015, the Company and the Bank became subject to new capital rules set forth by the Federal Reserve, the FDIC and the other federal and state bank regulatory agencies. The new capital rules revise the banking agencies’ leverage and risk-based capital requirements and the method for calculating risk-weighted assets to make them consistent with agreements that were reached by the Basel Committee on Banking Supervision and certain provisions of the Dodd-Frank Act (the Basel III Capital Rules).

The Basel III Capital Rules establish a new minimum common equity Tier 1 capital requirement of 4.5% of risk-weighted assets; set the minimum leverage ratio at 4% of total assets; increased the minimum Tier 1 capital to risk-weighted assets requirement from 4% to 6%; and retained the minimum total capital to risk-weighted assets requirement at 8.0%. A “well-capitalized” institution must generally maintain capital ratios 200 basis points higher than the minimum guidelines.

The Basel III Capital Rules also change the risk weights assigned to certain assets. The Basel III Capital Rules assigned a higher risk weight (150%) to loans that are more than 90 days past due or are on nonaccrual status and to certain commercial real estate facilities that finance the acquisition, development or construction of real property. The Basel III Capital Rules also alter the risk weighting for other assets, including marketable equity securities that are risk weighted generally at 300%. The Basel III Capital Rules require certain components of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) to be included for purposes of calculating regulatory capital requirements unless a one-time opt-out is exercised. The Bank did exercise its opt-out option and will exclude the unrealized gain (loss) on investment securities component of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) from regulatory capital.

Bankwell Financial Group, Inc.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS – (Unaudited)

The Basel III Capital Rules limit a banking organization’s capital distributions and certain discretionary bonus payments to executive officers if the banking organization does not hold a “capital conservation buffer” consisting of 2.5% of common equity Tier 1 capital to risk-weighted assets in addition to the amount necessary to meet its minimum risk-based capital requirements. The “capital conservation buffer” is being phased in from January 1, 2016 to January 1, 2019, when the full capital conservation buffer will be effective.

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

Management believes, as of March 31, 2015, the Bank and Company meet all capital adequacy requirements to which they are subject. There are no conditions or events since then that management believes have changed this conclusion.

The capital amounts and ratios for the Bank and the Company at March 31, 2015 were as follows:


*(Dollars in thousands)*	Actual Capital					For Capital Adequacy Purposes					To be Well Capitalized Under Prompt Corrective Action Provisions
	Amount		Ratio			Amount		Ratio			Amount		Ratio
Bankwell Bank
March 31, 2015
Common Equity Tier 1 Capital to Risk-Weighted Assets	$	118,351		12.08	%	$	44,090		4.50	%	$	63,685		6.50	%
Total Capital to Risk-Weighted Assets		129,947		13.26	%		78,382		8.00	%		97,977		10.00	%
Tier I Capital to Risk-Weighted Assets		118,351		12.08	%		58,786		6.00	%		78,382		8.00	%
Tier I Capital to Average Assets		118,351		10.99	%		43,061		4.00	%		53,826		5.00	%

Bankwell Financial Group, Inc.
March 31, 2015
Common Equity Tier 1 Capital to Risk-Weighted Assets	$	117,138		11.88	%	$	44,364		4.50	%		N/A		N/A
Total Capital to Risk-Weighted Assets		139,714		14.17	%		78,869		8.00	%		N/A		N/A
Tier I Capital to Risk-Weighted Assets		128,118		13.00	%		59,152		6.00	%		N/A		N/A
Tier I Capital to Average Assets		128,118		11.84	%		43,278		4.00	%		N/A		N/A

As of December 31, 2014, the Bank and Company were subject to different regulatory capital requirements administered by federal and state banking agencies. Quantitative measures established by regulation to ensure capital adequacy required the Bank and Company to maintain minimum amounts and ratios of total and Tier I capital to risk-weighted assets and of Tier I capital to average assets, as defined by regulation.

Bankwell Financial Group, Inc.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS – (Unaudited)

The capital amounts and ratios for the Bank and Company at December 31, 2014, were as follows:


	Actual Capital					For Capital Adequacy Purposes					To be Well Capitalized Under Prompt Corrective Action Provisions
*(Dollars in thousands)*	Amount		Ratio			Amount		Ratio			Amount		Ratio
Bankwell Bank
December 31, 2014
Total Capital to Risk-Weighted Assets	$	125,339		13.55	%	$	74,003		8.00	%	$	92,503		10.00	%
Tier I Capital to Risk-Weighted Assets		115,359		12.47	%		37,001		4.00	%		55,502		6.00	%
Tier I Capital to Average Assets		115,359		11.12	%		41,485		4.00	%		51,856		5.00	%

Bankwell Financial Group, Inc.
December 31, 2014
Total Capital to Risk-Weighted Assets	$	135,223		14.59	%	$	74,136		8.00	%		N/A		N/A
Tier I Capital to Risk-Weighted Assets		125,243		13.51	%		37,068		4.00	%		N/A		N/A
Tier I Capital to Average Assets		125,243		11.78	%		42,516		4.00	%		N/A		N/A

Restrictions on dividends

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

8. STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION

Equity award plans

The Company has five equity award plans, which are collectively referred to as the “Plan.” The current plan under which any future issuances of equity awards will be made is the 2012 BNC Financial Group, Inc. Stock Plan, or the “2012 Plan,” amended on June 26, 2013. All equity awards made under the 2012 Plan are made by means of an award agreement, which contains the specific terms and conditions of the grant. To date, all equity awards have been in the form of share options or restricted stock. At March 31, 2015, there were 464,189 shares reserved for future issuance under the 2012 Plan.

Share Options: The Company accounts for stock options based on the fair value at the date of grant over the vesting period of such awards on a straight line basis. For the three months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014, the Company recorded expense related to options granted under the various share option plans of approximately $4 thousand and $8 thousand, respectively.

There were no options granted during the three months ended March 31, 2015.

Bankwell Financial Group, Inc.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS – (Unaudited)

A summary of the status of outstanding share options as of and for the three months ended March 31, 2015 is presented below:


	Three Months Ended March 31, 2015
	Number of Shares			Weighted Average Exercise Price

Options outstanding at beginning of period		204,793		$	17.42
Exercised		(17,770	)		14.50
Expired		(1,225	)		14.50
Options outstanding at end of period		185,798			17.72
Options exercisable at end of period		180,998			17.79
Weighted-average fair value of options granted during the period					N/A

Intrinsic value is the amount by which the fair value of the underlying stock exceeds the exercise price of an option on the exercise date. The total intrinsic value of share options exercised during the three months ended March 31, 2015 was $89 thousand.

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

The following table presents the activity for restricted stock for the three months ended March 31, 2015:


	Three Months Ended March 31, 2015
	Number of Shares			Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value

Unvested at beginning of period		165,862		$	18.08
Granted		40,000			18.94
Vested		(4,900	)		14.80
Unvested at end of period		200,962			18.33

The Company’s restricted stock expense for the three months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014 was $238 thousand and $142 thousand, respectively.

Bankwell Financial Group, Inc.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS – (Unaudited)

Market Conditions Restricted Stock: On December 9, 2014 the Company issued restricted stock with market and service conditions pursuant to the Company’s 2012 Stock Plan. The maximum number of shares that can vest is 49,400. The actual number of shares to be vested will be based on market criteria over a five-year period ending on December 1, 2019 based on the Company’s stock price being at or above $25.00, $27.00 and $29.00 per share over a 60-day consecutive period. These shares may vest over a period from December 1, 2017 to December 1, 2019 based on meeting the price targets. In addition, the grantees must be employed with the Company on the vesting date to receive the shares. The Company determined the fair value of these market condition awards in accordance with ASC 718 Stock Compensation using the Monte Carlo simulation model deemed appropriate for this type of grant. The grant date fair value for these grants was $11.63 for the awards that vest at the $25 stock price, $10.30 for the awards that vest at the $27 stock price and $9.10 for the awards that vest at the $29 stock price. The grant date fair value for the Company’s stock was $18.99 per share. The Company recognized $43 thousand in stock compensation expense for the three months ended March 31, 2015 for these restricted stock awards.

9. Derivative Instruments

Information about derivative instruments at March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014 is as follows:

March 31, 2015:


*(Dollars in thousands)*	Notional Amount		Maturity		Received			Paid			Fair Value

Cash flow hedge:
Interest rate swap on FHLB advance	$	25,000		4.7 years		0.27	%		1.62	%	$	(325	)
Interest rate swap on FHLB advance	$	25,000		5.0 years		0.27	%		1.83	%		(430	)
											$	(755	)

December 31, 2014:


*(Dollars in thousands)*	Notional Amount		Maturity		Received			Paid			Fair Value

Cash flow hedge:
Interest rate swap on FHLB advance	$	25,000		4.7 years		0.26	%		1.62	%	$	(73	)
Interest rate swap on forward-starting FHLB advance	$	25,000		5.0 years		0.26	%		1.83	%		(113	)
											$	(186	)

The effective portion of unrealized changes in the fair value of derivatives accounted for as cash flow hedges is reported in other comprehensive income and subsequently reclassified to earnings in the same period or periods during which the hedged forecasted transaction affects earnings. The Bank assesses the effectiveness of each hedging relationship by comparing the changes in cash flows of the derivative hedging instrument with the changes in cash flows of the designated hedged item or transaction. The ineffective portion of changes in the fair value of the derivatives is recognized directly in earnings.

Bankwell Financial Group, Inc.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS – (Unaudited)

The Bank’s cash flow hedge positions are all forward starting interest rate swap transactions. The Bank entered into the following forward starting interest rate swap transactions:


		Effective Date of
	Notional	Hedged	Duration of
*(Dollars in thousands)*	Amount	Borrowing	Borrowing	Counterparty

Type of borrowing:
FHLB 90-day advance	$25,000	April 1, 2014	4.7 years	Bank of Montreal
FHLB 90-day advance	$25,000	January 2, 2015	5.0 years	Bank of Montreal

This hedge strategy converts the LIBOR based rate of interest on certain FHLB advances to fixed interest rates, thereby protecting the Bank from floating interest rate variability.

Changes in the consolidated statements of comprehensive income related to interest rate derivatives designated as hedges of cash flows were as follows for the three months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014:


	Three Months Ended March 31,
(In thousands)	2015			2014

Interest rate swap on FHLB advance:
Unrealized (loss) gain recognized in accumulated other comprehensive income	$	(568	)	$	87
Income tax benefit (expense) on items recognized in accumulated other comprehensive income		221			(53	)
Other comprehensive (loss) income	$	(347	)	$	34
Interest expense recognized on hedged FHLB advance	$	182		$	-

10. Fair Value of Financial Instruments

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

Management uses its best judgment in estimating the fair value of the Company’s financial instruments; however, there are inherent weaknesses in any estimation technique. Therefore, for substantially all financial instruments, the fair value estimates presented herein are not necessarily indicative of the amounts the Company could have realized in a sales transaction at either March 31, 2015 or December 31, 2014. The estimated fair value amounts have been measured as of the respective period-ends, and have not been reevaluated or updated for purposes of these consolidated financial statements subsequent to those respective dates. As such, the estimated fair values of these financial instruments subsequent to the respective reporting dates may be different than the amounts reported at each period-end.

Bankwell Financial Group, Inc.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS – (Unaudited)

The carrying values, fair values and placement in the fair value hierarchy of the Company’s financial instruments at March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014 were as follows:


	March 31, 2015
	Carrying Value		Fair Value		Level 1		Level 2		Level 3
	*(In thousands)*
Financial Assets:
Cash and due from banks	$	19,428	$	19,428	$	19,428	$	-	$	-
Available for sale securities		50,736		50,736		-		50,736		-
Held to maturity securities		11,398		11,403		-		11,403		-
Loans held for sale		-		-		-		-		-
Loans receivable, net		964,034		969,245		-		-		969,245
Accrued interest receivable		3,342		3,342		-		-		3,342
FHLB stock		6,794		6,794		-		-		6,794

Financial Liabilities:
Demand deposits	$	142,920	$	142,920	$	-	$	-	$	142,920
NOW and money market		303,907		303,907		-		-		303,907
Savings		86,502		86,502		-		-		86,502
Time deposits		301,374		302,684		-		-		302,684
Advances from the FHLB		133,000		132,952		-		-		132,952
Derivative liability		755		755		-		755		-

	December 31, 2014
	Carrying		Fair
	Value		Value		Level 1		Level 2		Level 3
	(In thousands)
Financial Assets:
Cash and due from banks	$	48,559	$	48,559	$	48,559	$	-	$	-
Available for sale securities		65,009		65,009		-		65,009		-
Held to maturity securities		11,454		11,470		-		11,470		-
Loans held for sale		586		586		-		586		-
Loans receivable, net		915,981		920,031		-		-		920,031
Accrued interest receivable		3,323		3,323		-		-		3,323
FHLB stock		6,109		6,109		-		-		6,109

Financial Liabilities:
Demand deposits	$	166,030	$	166,030	$	-	$	-	$	166,030
NOW and money market		276,501		276,501		-		-		276,501
Savings		84,457		84,457		-		-		84,457
Time deposits		308,451		310,165		-		-		310,165
Advances from the FHLB		129,000		128,961		-		-		128,961
Derivative liability		186		186		-		186		-

Bankwell Financial Group, Inc.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS – (Unaudited)

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

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

	Investment securities: Fair values are based on quoted market prices or dealer quotes, if available. If a quoted market price is not available, fair value is estimated using quoted market prices for similar securities.

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

	Loans held for sale: The fair value is based upon prevailing market prices.

	Loans receivable: For variable rate loans which reprice frequently and have no significant change in credit risk, fair values are based on carrying values. The fair value of fixed rate loans are estimated by discounting the future cash flows using the year end rates at which similar loans would be made to borrowers with similar credit ratings and for the same remaining maturities.

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

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

	Advances from the FHLB: The fair value of the advances is estimated using a discounted cash flow calculation that applies current FHLB interest rates for advances of similar maturity to a schedule of maturities of such advances.

11. Fair Value Measurements

The Company is required to account for certain assets and liabilities at fair value on a recurring or non-recurring basis. As discussed in Note 1, the Company determines fair value in accordance with GAAP, which defines fair value and establishes a framework for measuring fair value. Fair value is defined as the exchange price that would be received for an asset or paid to transfer a liability (exit price) in the principal or most advantageous market for the asset or liability in an orderly transaction between market participants on the measurement date. GAAP establishes a fair value hierarchy which requires an entity to maximize the use of observable inputs and minimize the use of unobservable inputs when measuring fair value. The standard describes three levels of inputs that may be used to measure fair values:


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

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

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

Bankwell Financial Group, Inc.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS – (Unaudited)

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

Financial instruments measured at fair value on a recurring basis

The following tables detail the financial instruments carried at fair value on a recurring basis at March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014, and indicates the fair value hierarchy of the valuation techniques utilized by the Company to determine the fair value. The Company had no transfers into or out of Levels 1, 2 or 3 during the three months ended March 31, 2015 and the year ended December 31, 2014.


	Fair Value
*(In thousands)*	Level 1		Level 2			Level 3
March 31, 2015:
Available-for-sale investment securities:
U.S. Government and agency obligations	$	-	$	10,971		$	-
State agency and municipal obligations		-		18,593			-
Corporate bonds		-		15,753			-
Mortgage backed securities		-		5,419			-
Derivative liability		-		(755	)		-

December 31, 2014:
Available-for-sale investment securities:
U.S. Government and agency obligations	$	-	$	24,418		$	-
State agency and municipal obligations		-		18,584			-
Corporate bonds		-		16,325			-
Mortgage backed securities		-		5,682			-
Derivative liability		-		(186	)		-

Available for sale investment securities: The fair value of the Company’s investment securities are estimated by using pricing models or quoted prices of securities with similar characteristics (i.e. matrix pricing) and are classified within Level 2 of the valuation hierarchy.

Derivative liabilities: The Company’s derivative liabilities consist of an interest rate swap initiated in February 2014 and an interest rate swap initiated in December 2014 as part of management’s strategy to manage interest rate risk. The valuation of the Company’s interest rate swaps is obtained from a third-party pricing service and is determined using a discounted cash flow analysis on the expected cash flows of each derivative. The pricing analysis is based on observable inputs for the contractual terms of the derivatives, including the period to maturity and interest rate curves. The Company has determined that the majority of the inputs used to value its interest rate derivatives fall within Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy.

Financial instruments measured at fair value on a nonrecurring basis

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

Bankwell Financial Group, Inc.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS – (Unaudited)

The following table details the financial instruments carried at fair value on a nonrecurring basis at March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014, and indicates the fair value hierarchy of the valuation techniques utilized by the Company to determine the fair value:


	Fair Value
*(In thousands)*	Level 1		Level 2		Level 3
March 31, 2015:
Impaired loans	$	-	$	-	$	9,004
Foreclosed real estate		-		-		830

December 31, 2014:
Impaired loans	$	-	$	-	$	8,281
Foreclosed real estate		-		-		950

The following table presents information about quantitative inputs and assumptions for Level 3 financial instruments carried at fair value on a nonrecurring basis at March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014:


*(Dollars in thousands)*	Fair Value		Valuation Methodology	Unobservable Input	Range
March 31, 2015:
Impaired loans	$	9,004	Appraisals	Discount for dated appraisals	8.00%
			Discounted cash flows	Discount rate	3.25% to 8.25%
Foreclosed real estate	$	830	Appraisals	Discount for dated appraisals	34.8% to 66.6%

December 31, 2014:
Impaired loans	$	8,281	Appraisals	Discount for dated appraisals	-
			Discounted cash flows	Discount rate	3.25% to 8.25%
Foreclosed real estate	$	950	Appraisals	Discount for dated appraisals	7.34% to 66.6%

Bankwell Financial Group, Inc.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS – (Unaudited)

Impaired loans: Loans are generally not recorded at fair value on a recurring basis. Periodically, the Company records nonrecurring adjustments to the carrying value of loans based on fair value measurements for partial charge-offs of the uncollectible portions of those loans. Nonrecurring adjustments also include certain impairment amounts for collateral-dependent loans calculated in accordance with ASC 310-10 when establishing the allowance for credit losses. Such amounts are generally based on the fair value of the underlying collateral supporting the loan. Collateral is typically valued using appraisals or other indications of value based on recent comparable sales of similar properties or other assumptions. Estimates of fair value based on collateral are generally based on assumptions not observable in the marketplace and therefore such valuations have been classified as Level 3. For those loans where the primary source of repayment is cash flow from operations, adjustments include impairment amounts calculated based on the perceived collectability of interest payments on the basis of a discounted cash flow analysis utilizing a discount rate equivalent to the original note rate.

Foreclosed real estate: The Company classifies property acquired through foreclosure or acceptance of deed-in-lieu of foreclosure as foreclosed real estate and repossessed assets in its financial statements. Upon foreclosure, the property securing the loan is written down to fair value less selling costs. The write-down is based upon differences between the appraised value and the book value. Appraisals are based on observable market data such as comparable sales, however assumptions made in determining comparability are unobservable and therefore these assets are classified as Level 3 within the valuation hierarchy.

Bankwell Financial Group, Inc.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS – (Unaudited)

12. Mergers And Acquisitions

On October 1, 2014, the Company acquired all of the outstanding common shares of Quinnipiac Bank & Trust Company (“Quinnipiac”). Quinnipiac had two banking offices primarily serving south-central Connecticut and has merged with and into Bankwell Bank.

Quinnipiac shareholders received 510,122 shares of the Company common stock and $3.6 million in cash. As of September 30, 2014, Quinnipiac had assets with a carrying value of approximately $117.8 million, including loans outstanding with a carrying value of approximately $97.1 million, as well as deposits with a carrying value of approximately $100.4 million and a book value of $10.1 million. The results of Quinnipiac’s operations are included in the Company’s Consolidated Statement of Income from the date of acquisition.

The assets and liabilities in the Quinnipiac acquisition were recorded at their fair value based on management’s best estimate using information available at the date of acquisition. Consideration paid and fair values of Quinnipiac’s assets acquired and liabilities assumed are summarized in the following tables:


Consideration paid: (In thousands)	Amount
Cash consideration paid to Quinnipiac shareholders	$	3,648
Equity consideration paid to Quinnipiac shareholders		9,676
Total Consideration paid		13,324


Recognized amounts of identifiable assets acquired and (liabilities) assumed: (In thousands)	As Acquired			Fair Value Adjustments				As Recorded at Acquisition
Cash	$	6,195		$	-			$	6,195
Available for sale investments securities		8,533			(29	)	a		8,504
Loans		97,103			748		b		97,851
Premises and equipment		4,046			-				4,046
Other real estate owned		129							129
Core deposit intangibles		-			530		c		530
Deferred tax assets, net		1,070			(388	)	d		682
Other assets		756			-				756
Deposits		(100,391	)		(252	)	e		(100,643	)
FHLB advances		(7,000	)						(7,000	)
Other liabilities		(315	)		-				(315	)
Total identifiable net assets	$	10,126		$	609				10,735
Goodwill								$	2,589

Explanation of fair value adjustments:


	(a)	The adjustment represents the mark to market adjustment on available for sale investment securities.

	(b)	The adjustment represents the adjustment of the book value of loans to their estimated fair value based on current interest rates and expected cash flows, which includes an estimate of expected loan loss inherent in the portfolio.

Bankwell Financial Group, Inc.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS – (Unaudited)


	(c)	Represents the economic value of the acquired core deposit base (total deposits less jumbo time deposits). The core deposit intangible will be amortized over an estimated life of 8.8 years based on the double declining balance method of amortization.

	(d)	Represents net deferred tax assets resulting from the fair value adjustments related to the acquired assets and liabilities, identifiable intangibles and other purchase accounting adjustments.

	(e)	The adjustment represents the fair value of time deposits, which were valued at a premium of 0.57% as they bore somewhat higher rates than the prevailing market.

Except for collateral dependent loans with deteriorated credit quality, the fair values for loans acquired from Quinnipiac were estimated using cash flow projections based on the remaining maturity and repricing terms. Cash flows were adjusted by estimating future credit losses and the rate of prepayments. Projected monthly cash flows were then discounted to present value using a risk-adjusted market rate for similar loans. For collateral dependent loans with deteriorated credit quality, to estimate the fair value, the Company analyzed the value of the underlying collateral of the loans, assuming the fair values of the loans were derived from the eventual sale of the collateral. Those values were discounted using market derived rates of return, with consideration given to the period of time and costs associated with the foreclosure and disposition of the collateral. There was no carryover of Quinnipiac’s allowance for credit losses associated with the loans that were acquired as the loans were initially recorded at fair value.

Information about the acquired loan portfolio subject to purchased credit impaired accounting guidance (ASC 310-30) as of October 1, 2014 was as follows:


*(In thousands)*	October 1, 2014
Contractually required principal and interest at acquisition	$	1,729
Contractual cash flows not expected to be collected (nonaccretable discount)		(6	)
Expected cash flows at acquisition		1,723
Interest component of expected cash flows (accretable discount)		(478	)
Fair value of acquired loans	$	1,245

13. Subsequent events

Management has evaluated subsequent events for potential recognition or disclosure in the consolidated financial statements through May 11, 2015, the date upon which the Company’s consolidated financial statements were available to be issued. No subsequent events were identified that would have required a change to the consolidated financial statements or disclosure in the notes to the consolidated financial statements.

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

This section presents management’s perspective on our financial condition and results of operations. The following discussion and analysis should be read in conjunction with the unaudited interim consolidated financial statements and related notes contained elsewhere in this report on Form 10-Q. To the extent that this discussion describes prior performance, the descriptions relate only to the periods listed, which may not be indicative of future financial outcomes. In addition to historical information, this discussion contains forward-looking statements that involve risks, uncertainties and assumptions that could cause results to differ materially from management’s expectations. Factors that could cause such differences are discussed in Company’s Form 10-K filed for the year ended December 31, 2014 in the sections titled “Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements” and “Risk Factors” We assume no obligation to update any of these forward-looking statements.

General

Bankwell Financial Group, Inc. is a bank holding company headquartered in New Canaan, Connecticut. Through our wholly owned subsidiary, Bankwell Bank, or the Bank, we serve small and medium-sized businesses and retail customers in greater Fairfield County, Connecticut. We also serve similar customers in greater New Haven County, Connecticut as a result of the merger with Quinnipiac Bank and Trust Company. We have a history of building long-term customer relationships and attracting new customers through what we believe is our strong customer service and our ability to deliver a diverse product offering.

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

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

Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates

The discussion and analysis of our results of operations and financial condition are based on our consolidated financial statements, which have been prepared in accordance with GAAP. The preparation of financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires us to make significant estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenues and expenses. Actual results could differ from our current estimates, as a result of changing conditions and future events. The current economic environment has increased the degree of uncertainty inherent in these significant estimates.

We believe that accounting estimates for the fair value of acquired assets, the allowance for loan losses, stock-based compensation and derivative instrument valuation are particularly critical and susceptible to significant near-term change. These accounting estimates are discussed further in the Company’s Form 10-K filed for the year ended December 31, 2014 in the section “Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates” under Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations.

Executive Overview

We are focused on becoming the “Hometown” bank and the banking provider of choice in our highly attractive market area, and to serve as a locally based alternative to our larger competitors. We aim to do this through:


	•	responsive, customer-centric products and services and a community focus;
	•	strategic acquisitions;
	•	utilization of efficient and scalable infrastructure;
	•	disciplined focus on risk management; and
	•	organic growth.

On November 5, 2013 we completed the merger of Wilton into Bankwell Bank.

On May 15, 2014, Bankwell Financial Group, Inc. priced 2,702,703 common shares in its IPO at $18.00 per share, and on May 15, 2014, Bankwell common shares began trading on the Nasdaq Stock Market. The net proceeds from the IPO were approximately $44.7 million, after deducting the underwriting discount of approximately $2.5 million and approximately $1.3 million of expenses. We intend to use the net proceeds for general corporate purposes, which may include maintaining liquidity at the holding company, providing equity capital to the Bank to fund balance sheet growth, our working capital needs, and funding acquisitions of branches, whole financial institutions and related lines of businesses in or around our existing market that further our objectives.

On October 1, 2014 Quinnipiac merged with and into Bankwell Bank. Quinnipiac had one branch located in Hamden, Connecticut and a second branch located in the neighboring town of North Haven, Connecticut. The results discussed below for the three months ended March 31, 2014 do not reflect any results from Quinnipiac.

Earnings Overview

Net income available to common shareholders was $1.8 million, or $0.26 per diluted share, and $1.1 million, or $0.28 per diluted share, for the three months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively. Returns on average equity and average assets for the three months ended March 31, 2015 were 5.81% and 0.70%, respectively, compared to 6.48% and 0.59%, respectively, for the three months ended March 31, 2014.

For the three months ended March 31, 2015, we had net interest income of $9.9 million, an increase of $2.7 million, or 38.46%, over the three months ended March 31, 2014. Our net interest margin (fully taxable equivalent basis) for the three months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014 was 3.89% and 3.97%, respectively. We experienced a decline in our non-interest income, which totaled $599 thousand for the three months ended March 31, 2015 representing 5.71% of our total revenue, down from $769 thousand, or 9.72% of total revenue, for the three months ended March 31, 2014. The decline in our non-interest income was driven by a reduction in gains and fees from sales of loans of $339 thousand.

Results of Operations
Net Interest Income

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

FTE net interest income for the three months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014 was $10.0 million and $7.3 million, respectively. Our net interest margin declined 8 basis points to 3.89% for the three months ended March 31, 2015, compared to the three months ended March 31, 2014 due primarily to the effects of the low interest rate environment and increases in interest rates for funding liabilities.

FTE basis interest income for the three months ended March 31, 2015 increased by $3.4 million, or 42.87%, to $11.4 million, compared to FTE basis interest income for the three months ended March 31, 2014 due primarily to loan growth in our commercial real estate and commercial business portfolios and growth in our securities portfolio, offset by lower discount accretion. Average interest-earning assets were $1.0 billion for the three months ended March 31, 2015, up by $296.2 million from the three months ended March 31, 2014. The average balance of total loans increased $289.7 million, or 44.87%, contributing $3.3 million to the increase in interest income. Commercial real estate and commercial business loan average balances grew by $200.1 million and $48.0 million, respectively. The average yield on interest earning assets increased from 4.36% from the three months ended March 31, 2014 to 4.43% for the three months ended March 31, 2015.

Interest expense for the three months ended March 31, 2015, increased by $664 thousand, or 92.87%, compared to interest expense for the three months ended March 31, 2014 due to a $223.9 million increase in the average balances of interest-bearing liabilities due to higher average balances in money market, time accounts and borrowed money and increased rates on time deposits and borrowed money.

Average Balance Sheet, FTE basis Interest and Average Yields/Rates

The following tables present the average balances and yields earned on interest-earning assets and average balances and weighted average rates paid on our funding liabilities for the three months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014.


	Three Months Ended March 31,
	2015							2014
	Average				Yield /			Average				Yield /
*(Dollars in thousands)*	Balance		Interest		Rate			Balance		Interest		Rate
Assets:
Cash and Fed funds sold	$	18,868	$	12		0.25	%	$	32,699	$	22		0.27	%
Securities (1)		66,508		592		3.56			47,782		501		4.20
Loans:
Commercial real estate		524,215		6,270		4.78			324,137		3,965		4.89
Residential real estate		173,304		1,579		3.65			156,069		1,395		3.58
Construction (2)		67,885		794		4.68			49,318		531		4.30
Commercial business		146,056		1,856		5.08			98,061		1,170		4.77
Home equity		18,067		170		3.82			14,207		127		3.62
Consumer		2,806		34		4.85			545		13		9.32
Acquired Loan Portfolio Non accrual loans (net of mark)		3,106		54		7.06			3,375		228		27.39
Total loans		935,439		10,757		4.60			645,712		7,429		4.60
Federal Home Loan Bank stock		6,440		26		1.59			4,834		18		1.50
Total earning assets		1,027,255		11,387		4.43	%		731,027		7,970		4.36	%
Other assets		52,634							38,273
Total assets	$	1,079,889						$	769,300

Liabilities and shareholders’ equity:
Interest -bearing liabilities:
NOW	$	52,568		15		0.11	%	$	52,596		13		0.10	%
Money market		229,984		281		0.50			170,901		180		0.43
Savings		79,958		86		0.44			107,971		82		0.31
Time		306,072		656		0.87			183,664		347		0.77
Total interest-bearing deposits		668,582		1,038		0.63			515,132		622		0.40
Borrowed Money		120,217		341		1.15			49,733		93		0.76
Total interest bearing liabilities		788,799		1,379		0.71	%		564,865		715		0.42	%
Noninterest-bearing deposits		153,674							123,232
Other liabilities		6,604							10,887
Total Liabilities		949,077							698,984
Shareholders’ equity		130,812							70,316
Total liabilities and shareholders’equity	$	1,079,889						$	769,300
Net interest income (3)			$	10,008						$	7,255
Interest rate spread						3.72	%						3.94	%
Net interest margin (4)						3.89	%						3.97	%


(1)	Average balances and yields for securities are based on amortized cost.
(2)	Includes commercial and residential real estate construction.
(3)	The adjustment for securities and loans taxable equivalency amounted to $114 thousand and $109 thousand, respectively, for the three months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014.
(4)	Annualized net interest income as a percentage of earning assets.

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

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


	Three Months Ended
	March 31, 2015 vs 2014
	Increase (Decrease)
*(In thousands)*	Volume			Rate			Total
Interest and dividend income:
Cash and Fed funds sold	$	(9	)	$	(1	)	$	(10	)
Securities		175			(84	)		91
Loans:
Commercial real estate		2,395			(90	)		2,305
Residential real estate		157			27			184
Construction		214			49			263
Commercial business		605			81			686
Home equity		36			7			43
Consumer		30			(9	)		21
Acquired non accrual loans (net of mark)		(17	)		(157	)		(174	)
Total loans		3,420			(92	)		3,328
Federal Home Loan Bank stock		7			1			8
Total change in interest and dividend income		3,593			(176	)		3,417
Interest expense:
Deposits:
NOW		-			2			2
Money market		69			32			101
Savings		(24	)		28			4
Time		257			52			309
Total deposits		302			114			416
Borrowed Money		181			67			248
Total change in interest expense		483			181			664
Change in net interest income	$	3,110		$	(357	)	$	2,753

Provision for Loan Losses

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

Under accounting standards for business combinations, acquired loans are recorded at fair value with no loan loss allowance on the date of acquisition. A provision for loan losses will be recorded for the emergence of new probable and estimable losses on acquired loans which were not impaired as of the acquisition date. As of and for the three months ended March 31, 2015, there was a $15 thousand provision or allowance for loan losses related to the loan portfolios that we acquired.

The provision for loan losses for the three months ended March 31, 2015 was $733 thousand compared to $211 thousand provision for loan losses for the three months ended March 31, 2014. For further information, see sections titled Asset Quality and Allowance for Loan Losses.

Noninterest Income

The following tables compare noninterest income for the three months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014:


	Three Months Ended
	March 31,				Change
*(Dollars in thousands)*	2015		2014		$			%
Service charges and fees	$	208	$	124	$	84			68	%
Bank owned life insurance		183		85		98			115
Gains and fees from sales of loans		89		428		(339	)		(79	)
Gain on sale of foreclosed real estate, net		18		-		18			100
Other		101		132		(31	)		(23	)
Total noninterest income	$	599	$	769	$	(170	)		(22	)%

Noninterest income decreased $170 thousand to $599 thousand for the three months ended March 31, 2015 compared to the three months ended March 31, 2014, reflecting a decrease in gains recorded on sales of loans. During the three months ended March 31, 2015, the Company recorded $31 thousand in gains on the sale of $3.3 million of residential real estate loans and $58 thousand of gains on the sale of $0.5 million of SBA loans. During the three months ended March 31, 2014, the Company recorded income of $413 thousand on the sale of $14.9 million of commercial real estate loans and $15 thousand on the sale of $1.1 million of residential real estate loans. The cash surrender value of bank owned life insurance increased by $98 thousand due to the purchase of an additional tranche of $12.5 million in the third quarter of 2014. Other income decreased $31 thousand from $132 thousand for the three months ended March 31, 2014 to $101 thousand for the three months ended March 31, 2015, primarily driven by decreases in investment services income.

Noninterest Expense

The following tables compare noninterest expense for the three months ended March 31, 2015, and 2014:


	Three Months Ended
	March 31,				Change
*(Dollars in thousands)*	2015		2014		$			%
Salaries and employee benefits	$	3,962	$	3,342	$	620			19	%
Occupancy and equipment		1,349		1,065		284			27
Data processing		336		335		1			0
Professional services		325		369		(44	)		(12	)
FDIC insurance		158		118		40			34
Director fees		148		139		9			6
Marketing		148		110		38			35
Amortization of intangibles		51		27		24			89
Foreclosed real estate		5		14		(9	)		(64	)
Merger and acquisition related expenses		-		141		(141	)		(100	)
Other		490		381		109			29
Total noninterest expense	$	6,972	$	6,041	$	931			15	%

Noninterest expense increased $931 thousand to $7.0 million for the three months ended March 31, 2015 compared to the three months ended March 31, 2014. The increase was primarily driven by a $620 thousand increase in salaries and employee benefits. The increase in salaries and employee benefits was driven by higher staffing levels and incentive accruals. In addition, the increase was driven by a $284 thousand increase in occupancy and equipment. The increase in occupancy and equipment was driven by increased costs associated with the addition of the two branches added as a result of the Quinnipiac Bank acquisition and the opening of a branch in Norwalk Connecticut.

Income Tax Expense

Income tax expense for the three months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014 totaled $915 thousand and $540 thousand, respectively. The effective tax rates for the three months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014 were 32.8%, and 32.5%, respectively. The slight increase in the effective tax rate reflects decreases in nontaxable income.

Financial Condition

Summary

At March 31, 2015, total assets were $1.1 billion, a $4.9 million, or 0.45%, increase over December 31, 2014. Total loans outstanding and total deposits totaled $964.0 million and $834.7 million, respectively at March 31, 2015. Our credit quality remained strong, with nonperforming assets to total assets of 0.30% and the allowance for loan losses to total loans was 1.18%. Total shareholders’ equity at March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014 was $131.4 million and $129.2 million, respectively. Tangible book value was $16.62 per share at March 31, 2015 compared to $16.35 per share at December 31, 2014.

Loan Portfolio

We originate commercial and residential real estate loans, including construction loans, commercial business loans, home equity and other consumer loans. Lending activities are primarily conducted within our market of Fairfield and New Haven Counties and the surrounding Connecticut region. Our loan portfolio is the largest category of our earning assets. Loans acquired in connection with the Wilton acquisition in November 2013 and the Quinnipiac acquisition in October 2014 are referred to as “acquired” loans as a result of the manner in which they are accounted for. All other loans are referred to as “originated” loans. Accordingly, selected disclosures that follow are presented separately for the originated loan portfolio and the acquired loan portfolio.

Total loans before deferred loan fees and the allowance for loan losses were $978.6 million at March 31, 2015, up by $48.9 million, or 5.2%, from December 31, 2014. Commercial real estate loans have experienced the most significant growth, up by $44.9 million.

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


*(In thousands)*	March 31, 2015						December 31, 2014						Change
	Originated		Acquired		Total		Originated		Acquired		Total		Total
Real estate loans:
Residential	$	168,016	$	4,613	$	172,629	$	169,833	$	5,198	$	175,031	$	(2,402	)
Commercial		508,459		57,660		566,119		458,506		62,675		521,181		44,938
Construction		67,654		1,070		68,724		62,258		971		63,229		5,495
Home equity		10,515		7,897		18,412		10,226		7,940		18,166		246
		754,644		71,240		825,884		700,823		76,784		777,607		48,277
Commercial business		118,493		31,833		150,326		120,360		28,899		149,259		1,067
Consumer		55		2,382		2,437		243		2,653		2,896		(459	)
Total loans	$	873,192	$	105,455	$	978,647	$	821,426	$	108,336	$	929,762	$	48,885

Asset Quality

Asset quality metrics remained strong through the first quarter of 2015. Nonperforming assets totaled $3.3 million and represented 0.30% of total assets at March 31, 2015, compared to $4.3 million and 0.39% of total assets at December 31, 2014. Nonaccrual loans totaled $2.5 million at March 31, 2015, a decrease of $0.9 million from December 31, 2014. The balance of foreclosed real estate decreased $120 thousand and totaled $830 thousand at March 31, 2015 when compared to December 31, 2014.

The following table presents nonperforming assets and additional asset quality data for the dates indicated:


	At March 31, 2015									At December 31, 2014
*(In thousands)*	Originated			Acquired			Total			Originated			Acquired			Total
Nonaccrual loans:
Real estate loans:
Residential	$	-		$	154		$	154		$	-		$	-		$	-
Commercial		1,110			874			1,984			3,220			-			3,220
Commercial business		97			215			312			142			-			142
Consumer		-			1			1			-			-			-
Total non accrual loans		1,207			1,244			2,451			3,362			-			3,362
Property acquired through foreclosure or repossession, net		-			830			830			-			950			950
Total nonperforming assets	$	1,207		$	2,074		$	3,281		$	3,362		$	950		$	4,312

Nonperforming assets to total assets		0.11	%		0.19	%		0.30	%		0.31	%		0.09	%		0.39	%
Nonaccrual loans to total loans		0.14	%		1.18	%		0.25	%		0.41	%		0.00	%		0.36	%
Total past due loans to total loans		0.35	%		3.58	%		0.70	%		0.42	%		4.23	%		0.86	%
Accruing loans 90 days or more past due	$	-		$	1,602		$	1,602		$	216		$	1,782		$	1,998

Allowance for Loan Losses

Establishing an appropriate level of allowance for loan losses, or the allowance, involves a high degree of judgment. We use a methodology to systematically measure the amount of estimated loan loss exposure inherent in our loan portfolio for purposes of establishing a sufficient allowance for loan losses. We evaluate the adequacy of the allowance at least quarterly. Our allowance for loan losses is our best estimate of the probable loan losses inherent in our loan portfolio as of the balance sheet date. The allowance is increased by provisions charged to earnings and by recoveries of amounts previously charged off, and is reduced by charge-offs on loans.

At March 31, 2015, our allowance for loan losses was $11.6 million and represented 1.18% of total loans, compared to $10.9 million, or 1.17% of total loans, at December 31, 2014. The net increase in the allowance primarily reflects a provision of $733 thousand. The carrying amount of total impaired loans at March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014 was $9.0 million and $8.3 million, respectively and the amount of related allowance totaled $40 thousand and $33 thousand, respectively. At March 31, 2015 impaired loans consisted of 1 residential real estate loan, 7 commercial real estate loans, 2 home equity loan, 9 commercial business loans and 2 consumer loans and at December 31, 2014 impaired loans consisted of 8 commercial business loans, 5 commercial real estate loans, 1 residential real estate loan and 1 home equity loan.

The following tables present the activity in our allowance for loan losses and related ratios for the dates indicated, and include both originated and acquired allowance activity:


	Three Months Ended March 31,
*(Dollars in thousands)*	2015			2014
Balance at beginning of period	$	10,860		$	8,382
Recoveries:
Consumer		3			10
Total recoveries		3			10
Net (recoveries) charge-offs		(3	)		(10	)
Provision charged to earnings		733			211
Balance at end of period	$	11,596		$	8,603
Net charge-offs (recoveries) to average loans		0.00	%		(0.01	)%
Allowance for loan losses to total loans		1.18	%		1.31	%

The following tables present the allocation of the allowance for loan losses and the percentage of these loans to total loans for the dates indicated:


	At March 31, 2015					At December 31, 2014
*(Dollars in thousands)*	Amount		Percent of Loan Portfolio			Amount		Percent of Loan Portfolio
Residential real estate	$	1,406		17.64	%	$	1,431		18.83	%
Commercial real estate		6,067		57.85			5,480		56.06
Construction		1,220		7.02			1,102		6.80
Home equity		203		1.88			205		1.95
Commercial business		2,694		15.36			2,638		16.05
Consumer		6		0.25			4		0.31
Unallocated		-		-			-		-
Total allowance for loan losses	$	11,596		100.00	%	$	10,860		100.00	%

The allocation of the allowance for loan losses at March 31, 2015 reflects our assessment of credit risk and probable loss within each portfolio. We believe that the level of the allowance for loan losses at March 31, 2015 is appropriate to cover probable losses.

Investment Securities

At March 31, 2015, the carrying value of our investment securities portfolio totaled $62.1 million and represented 6% of total assets, compared to $76.5 million and 7% of total assets at December 31, 2014. The decrease of $14.4 million, or 23%, primarily reflects early calls and scheduled maturities of U.S. Government agency obligations. We purchase investment grade securities with a focus on earnings, duration exposure and for use as collateral for public funds. There were no purchases or sales of available-for-sale investment securities during the first quarter of 2015.

The net unrealized gain position on our investment portfolio at March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014 was $1.4 million and $1.1 million, respectively and included gross unrealized losses of $215 thousand and $290 thousand, respectively. The gross unrealized losses were concentrated in U.S. Government, agency obligations and State agency and municipal obligations, reflecting interest rate fluctuation. At March 31, 2015, we determined that there had been no deterioration in credit quality subsequent to purchase and believe that all unrealized losses are temporary. All of our investment securities are investment grade.

Sources of Funds

Total deposits were $834.7 million at March 31, 2015, a decrease of $0.7 million, from the balance at December 31, 2014 reflecting declines in noninterest bearing deposits.

We utilize advances from the Federal Home Loan Bank of Boston, or FHLBB, as part of our overall funding strategy and to meet short-term liquidity needs. Total FHLBB advances were $133.0 million at March 31, 2015 compared to $129.0 million at December 31, 2014. The increase of $4.0 million, or 3%, reflects normal operating fluctuation in our borrowings.

Liquidity

The Company is required to maintain levels of liquid assets sufficient to ensure the Company’s safe and sound operation. Liquidity is defined as the ability to generate sufficient cash flows to meet all present and future funding requirements at reasonable costs. Our primary source of liquidity is deposits. Other sources of funding include discretionary use of FHLBB term advances and other borrowings, cash flows from our investment securities portfolios, loan repayments and earnings. Investment securities designated as available-for-sale may also be sold in response to short-term or long-term liquidity needs.

The Company anticipates that it will have sufficient funds available to meet its current loan and other commitments. As of March 31, 2015, the Company had cash and cash equivalents of $19.4 million and available-for-sale securities of $50.7 million. At March 31, 2015, outstanding commitments to originate loans totaled $41.3 million and undisbursed funds from approved lines of credit, home equity lines of credit and secured commercial lines of credit totaled $122.1 million. Time deposits scheduled to mature in one year or less at March 31, 2015 totaled $253.8 million. Historically, the Company’s deposit flow history has been that a significant portion of such deposits remain with the Company.

Capital Resources

Total shareholders’ equity was $131.4 million at March 31, 2015 compared to $129.2 million at December 31, 2014. The increase of $2.2 million primarily reflected net income of $1.9 million for the three months ended March 31, 2015. The ratio of total equity to total assets was 11.90% at March 31, 2015, which compares to 11.75% at December 31, 2014.

The Bank is subject to various regulatory capital requirements administered by the federal banking agencies. Failure to meet minimum capital requirements can initiate certain mandatory and possibly additional discretionary actions by regulators that, if undertaken, could have a direct material effect on the Company’s financial statements. At March 31, 2015, the Bank, met all capital adequacy requirements to which it was subject and exceeded the regulatory minimum capital levels to be considered well-capitalized under the regulatory framework for prompt corrective action. At March 31, 2015, the Bank’s ratio of total common equity tier 1 capital to risk-weighted assets was 12.08%, total capital to risk-weighted assets was 13.26%, Tier 1 capital to risk-weighted assets was 12.08% and Tier 1 capital to average assets was 10.99%.

In July 2013, the Federal Reserve published Basel III rules establishing a new comprehensive capital framework of U.S. banking organizations. Under the rules, effective January 1, 2015 for the Company and Bank, the minimum capital ratios will be a) 4.5% “Common Equity Tier 1” to risk-weighted assets, b) 6.0% Tier 1 capital to risk weighted assets and c) 8.0% total capital to risk-weighted assets. In addition, the new regulations will impose certain limitations on dividends, share buy-backs, discretionary payments on Tier 1 instruments and discretionary bonuses to executive officers if the organization does not maintain a capital conservation buffer of common equity Tier 1 capital in an amount greater than 2.5% of its risk-weighted assets, in addition to the amount needed to meet its minimum risk-based capital requirements, phased in over a 5 year period until January 1, 2019. Accordingly, while these proposed rules are slated for phase in commencing January 1, 2015 (and the capital conservation buffer beginning January 1, 2016), the Company believes it is well positioned to meet the requirements as they become effective.

On May 15, 2014, Bankwell Financial Group, Inc. priced 2,702,703 common shares in its initial public offering at $18.00 per share, and on May 15, 2014, Bankwell common shares began trading on the Nasdaq Stock Market. The net proceeds from the IPO were approximately $44.7 million, after deducting the underwriting discount of approximately $2.5 million and approximately $1.3 million of expenses.

Interest Rate Sensitivity Analysis

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

We use two sets of standard scenarios to measure net interest income at risk. For the Parallel Ramp scenario, rate changes are ramped over a twelve-month horizon based upon a parallel yield curve shift and then maintained at those levels over the remainder of the simulation horizon. The Parallel shock scenario assumes instantaneous parallel movements in the yield curve compared to a flat yield curve scenario. Simulation analysis involves projecting a future balance sheet structure and interest income and expense under the various rate scenarios. Internal policy regarding internal rate risk simulations currently specifies that for instantaneous parallel shifts of the yield curve, estimated net income at risk for the subsequent one-year period should not decline by more than: 6% for a 100 basis point shift; 12% for a 200 basis point shift and 18% for a 300 basis point shift.

The following tables set forth the estimated percentage change in our net interest income at risk over one-year simulation periods beginning March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014:


Parallel Ramp	Estimated Percent Change in Net Interest Income
Rate Changes (basis points)	March 31, 2015			December 31, 2014
-100		(0.95	)%		(0.95	)%
+200		(3.65	)		(4.00	)

Parallel Shock	Estimated Percent Change in Net Interest Income
Rate Changes (basis points)	March 31, 2015			December 31, 2014
-100		(2.85	)%		(3.26	)%
+100		(3.02	)		(3.07	)
+200		(5.47	)		(5.61	)
+300		(9.01	)		(9.00	)

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

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

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


Parallel Shock	Estimated Percent Change in Economic Value of Equity
Rate Changes (basis points)	March 31, 2015			December 31, 2014
-100		(2.30	)%		(0.50	)%
+100		(6.50	)		(8.50	)
+200		(14.40	)		(18.20	)
+300		(21.30	)		(26.90	)

The interest rate risk position remains liability sensitive. The sensitivity has slightly lessened this quarter due to the extension of FHLB borrowings, partially offset by the inflow of rate sensitive short term deposits. The Bank remains within all internally established policies for interest rate risk and the economic value of equity calculation.

Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk

Interest Rate Risk Management

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

Inflation Risk Management

Inflation has an important impact on the growth of total assets in the banking industry and causes a need to increase equity capital higher than normal levels in order to maintain an appropriate equity-to-assets ratio. We cope with the effects of inflation by managing our interest rate sensitivity position through our asset/liability management program, and by periodically adjusting our pricing of services and banking products to take into consideration current costs.

Item 4. Controls and Procedures


	(a)	Evaluation of disclosure controls and procedures:

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

	(b)	Change in internal controls:

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

PART II – OTHER INFORMATION

Item 1. Legal Proceedings

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

Item 1A. Risk Factors

There has been no material changes in risk factors previously disclosed in the Company’s Form 10-K dated March 16, 2015, filed with the SEC.

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

None.

Item 3. Defaults Upon Senior Securities

None.

Item 4. Mine Safety Disclosures

None.

Item 5. Other Information

None.

Item 6. Exhibits

The following exhibits are filed herewith:


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

31.2	Certification of Ernest J. Verrico, Sr. pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a)

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

101	The following materials from Bankwell Financial Group, Inc.’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the period ended March 31, 2015, formatted in eXtensible Business Reporting Language (XBRL): (i) Consolidated Statements of Financial Condition; (ii) Consolidated Statement of Income; (iii) Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income; (iv) Consolidated Statements of Shareholders’ Equity; (v) Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows; and (vi) Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

Signatures

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


	Bankwell Financial Group, Inc.

Date: May 11, 2015	/s/ Christopher R. Gruseke
	Christopher R. Gruseke
	President and Chief Executive Officer

Date: May 11, 2015	/s/ Ernest J. Verrico, Sr.
	Ernest J. Verrico, Sr.
	Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer
	(Principal Financial and Accounting Officer)