Bridgewater Bancshares, Inc._2023 Annual Report

inputs do not exist, the Company estimates fair value based on available market data, and these values are classified as Level 3. Imprecision in estimating fair values can impact the carrying value of assets and liabilities and the amount of revenue or loss recorded. Deferred Tax Asset The Company uses the asset and liability method of accounting for income taxes as prescribed by GAAP. Under this method, deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized for the future tax consequences attributable to differences between the financial statement carrying amounts of existing assets and liabilities and their respective tax basis. If currently available information indicates it is “more likely than not” that the deferred tax asset will not be realized, a valuation allowance is established. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured using enacted tax rates expected to apply to taxable income in the years in which those temporary differences are expected to be recovered or settled. Accounting for deferred income taxes is a critical accounting estimate because the Company exercises significant judgment in evaluating the amount and timing of recognition of the resulting tax liabilities and assets. Management’s determination of the realization of deferred tax assets is based upon management’s judgment of various future events and uncertainties, including the timing and amount of future income, reversing temporary differences which may offset, and the implementation of various tax plans to maximize realization of the deferred tax asset. These judgments and estimates are inherently subjective and reviewed on a continual basis as regulatory and business factors change. Any reduction in estimated future taxable income may require the Company to record a valuation allowance against the deferred tax assets. A valuation allowance would result in additional income tax expense in such period, which would negatively affect earnings. Results of Operations Net Income 2023 Compared to 2022 Net income was $40.0 million for the year ended December 31, 2023, compared to net income of $53.4 million for the year ended December 31, 2022. Earnings per diluted common share for the year ended December 31, 2023 were $1.27, compared to $1.72 per diluted common share for the year ended December 31, 2022. ROA was 0.89% and 1.38% for the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively. ROE was 9.73% and 13.90% for the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively. 2022 Compared to 2021 Net income was $53.4 million for the year ended December 31, 2022, compared to net income of $45.7 million for the year ended December 31, 2021. Earnings per diluted common share for the year ended December 31, 2022 were $1.72, compared to $1.54 per diluted common share for the year ended December 31, 2021. ROA was 1.38% and 1.43% for the years ended December 31, 2022 and 2021, respectively. ROE was 13.90% and 14.45% for the years ended December 31, 2022 and 2021, respectively. Net Interest Income The Company’s primary source of revenue is net interest income, which is impacted by the level of interest earning assets and related funding sources, as well as changes in the level of interest rates. The difference between the average yield on earning assets and the average rate paid for interest bearing liabilities is the net interest spread. Noninterest bearing sources of funds, such as demand deposits and shareholders’ equity, also support earning assets. The impact of the noninterest bearing sources of funds is captured in the net interest margin, which is calculated as net interest income divided by average earning assets. Both the net interest margin and net interest spread are presented on a tax-equivalent basis, which means that tax-free interest income has been adjusted to pretax-equivalent income, assuming a 21% federal tax rate. Management’s ability to respond to changes in interest rates by using effective asset-liability management techniques is critical to managing the net interest margin and the Company’s primary source of earnings. The FOMC increased the targeted federal funds rate by a total of 100 basis points throughout 2023 and 425 basis points throughout 2022. These rapid increases may impact the comparability of net interest income between periods.

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