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Bankwell Financial Group Reports Operating Results for the First Quarter and Declares Second Quarter Dividend

Businesswire ·  Apr 24 16:15

NEW CANAAN, Conn.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Bankwell Financial Group, Inc. (NASDAQ: BWFG) reported GAAP net income of $3.8 million, or $0.48 per share for the first quarter of 2024, versus $10.4 million, or $1.33 per share, for the same period in 2023. Pre-tax, pre-provision net revenue ("PPNR") was $8.8 million, or $1.14 per share, for the first quarter of 2024, versus $14.4 million, or $1.89 per share for the same period in 2023.


The Company's Board of Directors declared a $0.20 per share cash dividend, payable May 21, 2024 to shareholders of record on May 10, 2024.

We recommend reading this earnings release in conjunction with the First Quarter 2024 Investor Presentation, located at and included as an exhibit to our April 24, 2024 Current Report on Form 8-K.

Notes Bankwell Financial Group President and CEO, Christopher R. Gruseke:

"Our first quarter earnings of $0.48 per share include the impact of $3.7 million in charge offs related to previously disclosed non-performing loans. The main components of the charge offs were approximately $2.8 million, attributable to a suburban Connecticut office building, and approximately $0.7 million, attributable to the non-guaranteed portions of 2 SBA loans. We encourage investors to review the accompanying Investor Presentation for further details regarding the Bank's loan portfolio.

Absent any action from the Federal Reserve, we expect our net interest margin to trough slightly higher and earlier than previously projected at approximately 255 to 265 basis points during 2Q 2024. This margin, coupled with the Company's consistently efficient expense structure, provides a solid earnings base during this challenging interest rate environment. We also re-affirm prior guidance regarding non-interest expense of $53 to $54 million for the full year 2024."

First Quarter 2024 Highlights:

  • PPNR was $8.8 million for the quarter ended March 31, 2024.
  • Net income of $3.8 million reflects the impact of $3.7 million of loan charge offs.
  • Total gross loans were $2.7 billion, decreasing $39.0 million, or 1.4%, compared to December 31, 2023.
  • Average yield on total loans was 6.37% for the quarter ended March 31, 2024.
  • Nonperforming loans as a percentage of total loans was 1.74% as of March 31, 2024, down from 1.81% as of December 31, 2023.
  • Deposits were $2.7 billion, decreasing $63.2 million, or 2.3%, compared to December 31, 2023.
  • Brokered deposits decreased $120.0 million, when compared to December 31, 2023.
  • Noninterest bearing deposits increased 8.7% to $376.2 million, when compared to December 31, 2023.
  • FDIC-insured deposits totaled $1.9 billion and represent 71.4% of total deposits as of March 31, 2024.
  • Return on average assets was 0.47% for the quarter ended March 31, 2024.
  • Return on average tangible common equity was 5.65% for the quarter ended March 31, 2024.
  • The net interest margin was 2.71% for the quarter ended March 31, 2024.
  • Noninterest expense to average assets was 1.66% for the quarter ended March 31, 2024.
  • Investment securities totaled $126.2 million and represent 4.0% of total assets.
  • The Company repurchased 45,924 shares at a weighted average price of $25.33 per share through April 11, 2024.

Earnings and Performance

Revenues (net interest income plus noninterest income) for the quarter ended March 31, 2024 were $22.1 million, versus $27.1 million for the quarter ended March 31, 2023. The decrease in revenues for the quarter was attributable to an increase in interest expense and lower gains from loan sales partially offset by an increase in interest on loans, given higher loan yields1 and prepayment fees.

Net income for the quarter ended March 31, 2024 was $3.8 million, versus $10.4 million for the quarter ended March 31, 2023. The decrease in net income for the quarter ended 2024 was primarily due to the aforementioned decrease in revenues and an increase in provision for credit losses.

Basic and diluted earnings per share were $0.48 and $0.48, respectively, for the quarter ended March 31, 2024 compared to basic and diluted earnings per share of $1.34 and $1.33, respectively, for the quarter ended March 31, 2023.

The net interest margin (fully taxable equivalent basis) for the quarters ended March 31, 2024 and March 31, 2023 was 2.71% and 3.24%, respectively. The decrease in the net interest margin was due to an increase in funding costs partially offset by an increase in interest income on earning assets.

Allowance for Credit Losses - Loans ("ACL-Loans")

The ACL-Loans was $28.0 million as of March 31, 2024 compared to $27.9 million as of December 31, 2023. The ACL-Loans as a percentage of total loans was 1.04% as of March 31, 2024 compared to 1.03% as of December 31, 2023. Provision for credit losses was $3.7 million for the quarter ended March 31, 2024. The provision for credit losses for the quarter was primarily a result of net loan charge offs of $3.7 million.

Financial Condition

Assets totaled $3.2 billion at March 31, 2024, a decrease of $60.2 million or 1.9% compared to December 31, 2023. Gross loans totaled $2.7 billion at March 31, 2024, a decrease of $39.0 million, or 1.4% compared to December 31, 2023. Deposits totaled $2.7 billion at March 31, 2024, a decrease of $63.2 million, or 2.3% compared to December 31, 2023.

Capital

Shareholders' equity totaled $268.0 million as of March 31, 2024, an increase of $2.3 million compared to December 31, 2023, primarily a result of net income of $3.8 million for the three months ended March 31, 2024. The increase was partially offset by dividends paid of $1.6 million and share repurchases of $0.9 million.

1 - The increase in overall loan yields was 50 bps for the quarter ended March 31, 2024.

About Bankwell Financial Group

Bankwell is a commercial bank that serves the banking needs of residents and businesses throughout Fairfield and New Haven Counties, Connecticut. For more information about this press release, interested parties may contact Christopher R. Gruseke, President and Chief Executive Officer or Courtney E. Sacchetti, Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of Bankwell Financial Group at (203) 652-0166.

For more information, visit .

This press release may contain certain forward-looking statements about the Company. Forward-looking statements include statements regarding anticipated future events and can be identified by the fact that they do not relate strictly to historical or current facts. They often include words such as "believe," "expect," "anticipate," "estimate," and "intend" or future or conditional verbs such as "will," "would," "should," "could," or "may." Forward-looking statements, by their nature, are subject to risks and uncertainties. Certain factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from expected results include increased competitive pressures, changes in the interest rate environment, general economic conditions or conditions within the banking industry or securities markets, and legislative and regulatory changes that could adversely affect the business in which the Company and its subsidiaries are engaged.

Non-GAAP Financial Measures

In addition to evaluating the Company's financial performance in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles ("GAAP"), management may evaluate certain non-GAAP financial measures, such as the efficiency ratio. A computation and reconciliation of certain non-GAAP financial measures used for these purposes is contained in the accompanying Reconciliation of GAAP to Non-GAAP Measures tables. We believe that providing certain non-GAAP financial measures provides investors with information useful in understanding our financial performance, our performance trends and financial position. For example, the Company believes that the efficiency ratio is useful in the assessment of financial performance, including noninterest expense control. The Company believes that tangible common equity, tangible assets, tangible common equity to tangible assets, tangible common shareholders' equity, fully diluted tangible book value per common share, adjusted noninterest expense, operating revenue, efficiency ratio, average tangible common equity, annualized return on average tangible common equity, return on average assets, return on average shareholders' equity, pre-tax, pre-provision net revenue, and the dividend payout ratio are useful to evaluate the relative strength of the Company's performance and capital position. We utilize these measures for internal planning and forecasting purposes. These non-GAAP financial measures should not be considered a substitute for GAAP basis measures and results, and we strongly encourage investors to review our consolidated financial statements in their entirety and not to rely on any single financial measure.

BANKWELL FINANCIAL GROUP, INC.

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (unaudited)

(Dollars in thousands)

March 31,
2024

December 31,
2023

March 31,
2023

ASSETS

Cash and due from banks

$

245,043

$

267,521

$

249,812

Federal funds sold

2,584

1,636

27,370

Cash and cash equivalents

247,627

269,157

277,182

Investment securities

Marketable equity securities, at fair value

2,069

2,070

2,028

Available for sale investment securities, at fair value

108,417

109,736

103,171

Held to maturity investment securities, at amortized cost

15,739

15,817

15,931

Total investment securities

126,225

127,623

121,130

Loans receivable (net of ACL-Loans of $27,991, $27,946, and $27,998 at March 31, 2024, December 31, 2023, and March 31, 2023, respectively)

2,646,686

2,685,301

2,724,514

Accrued interest receivable

15,104

14,863

14,261

Federal Home Loan Bank stock, at cost

5,655

5,696

5,234

Premises and equipment, net

26,161

27,018

27,619

Bank-owned life insurance

51,764

51,435

50,524

Goodwill

2,589

2,589

2,589

Deferred income taxes, net

9,137

9,383

8,692

Other assets

24,326

22,417

20,573

Total assets

$

3,155,274

$

3,215,482

$

3,252,318

LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY

Liabilities

Deposits

Noninterest bearing deposits

$

376,248

$

346,172

$

377,667

Interest bearing deposits

2,297,274

2,390,585

2,420,641

Total deposits

2,673,522

2,736,757

2,798,308

Advances from the Federal Home Loan Bank

90,000

90,000

90,000

Subordinated debentures

69,266

69,205

69,020

Accrued expenses and other liabilities

54,454

53,768

52,683

Total liabilities

2,887,242

2,949,730

3,010,011

Shareholders' equity

Common stock, no par value

118,401

118,247

115,875

Retained earnings

151,350

149,169

127,566

Accumulated other comprehensive (loss)

(1,719

)

(1,664

)

(1,134)

Total shareholders' equity

268,032

265,752

242,307

Total liabilities and shareholders' equity

$

3,155,274

$

3,215,482

$

3,252,318

BANKWELL FINANCIAL GROUP, INC.

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME (unaudited)

(Dollars in thousands, except share data)

For the Quarter Ended

March 31,
2024

December 31,
2023

March 31,
2023

Interest and dividend income

Interest and fees on loans

$

43,325

$

44,122

$

39,723

Interest and dividends on securities

1,130

1,108

1,000

Interest on cash and cash equivalents

3,826

4,164

3,568

Total interest and dividend income

48,281

49,394

44,291

Interest expense

Interest expense on deposits

25,362

25,307

17,033

Interest expense on borrowings

1,772

1,842

1,717

Total interest expense

27,134

27,149

18,750

Net interest income

21,147

22,245

25,541

Provision (credit) for credit losses

3,683

(960

)

826

Net interest income after provision for credit losses

17,464

23,205

24,715

Noninterest income

Bank owned life insurance

329

316

281

Service charges and fees

304

688

286

Gains and fees from sales of loans

321

79

931

Other

(39

)

46

28

Total noninterest income

915

1,129

1,526

Noninterest expense

Salaries and employee benefits

6,291

6,088

6,081

Occupancy and equipment

2,322

2,231

2,084

Professional services

1,065

1,033

1,322

Data processing

740

747

671

Director fees

900

605

392

FDIC insurance

930

1,026

1,062

Marketing

114

139

151

Other

935

995

928

Total noninterest expense

13,297

12,864

12,691

Income before income tax expense

5,082

11,470

13,550

Income tax expense

1,319

2,946

3,171

Net income

$

3,763

$

8,524

$

10,379

Earnings Per Common Share:

Basic

$

0.48

$

1.09

$

1.34

Diluted

$

0.48

$

1.09

$

1.33

Weighted Average Common Shares Outstanding:

Basic

7,663,521

7,603,938

7,554,689

Diluted

7,687,679

7,650,451

7,616,671

Dividends per common share

$

0.20

$

0.20

$

0.20

BANKWELL FINANCIAL GROUP, INC.

CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS (unaudited)

For the Quarter Ended

March 31,
2024

December 31,
2023

March 31,
2023

Performance ratios:

Return on average assets

0.47%

1.03%

1.30%

Return on average shareholders' equity

5.59%

12.82%

17.48%

Return on average tangible common equity

5.65%

12.95%

17.67%

Net interest margin

2.71%

2.81%

3.24%

Efficiency ratio(1)

60.3%

55.0%

46.9%

Net loan charge-offs as a % of average loans

0.11%

0.01%

0.02%

Dividend payout ratio(2)

41.67%

18.35%

15.04%

(1)

Efficiency ratio is defined as noninterest expense, less other real estate owned expenses and amortization of intangible assets, divided by our operating revenue, which is equal to net interest income plus noninterest income excluding gains and losses on sales of securities and gains and losses on other real estate owned. In our judgment, the adjustments made to operating revenue allow investors and analysts to better assess our operating expenses in relation to our core operating revenue by removing the volatility that is associated with certain one-time items and other discrete items that are unrelated to our core business.

(2)

The dividend payout ratio is calculated by dividing dividends per share by earnings per share.

As of

March 31,
2024

December 31,
2023

March 31,
2023

Capital ratios:

Total Common Equity Tier 1 Capital to Risk-Weighted Assets(1)

11.60

%

11.30

%

10.00%

Total Capital to Risk-Weighted Assets(1)

12.63

%

12.32

%

10.98%

Tier I Capital to Risk-Weighted Assets(1)

11.60

%

11.30

%

10.00%

Tier I Capital to Average Assets(1)

10.09

%

9.81

%

9.22%

Tangible common equity to tangible assets

8.42

%

8.19

%

7.38%

Fully diluted tangible book value per common share

$

33.57

$

33.39

$

30.56

(1)

Represents Bank ratios. Current period capital ratios are preliminary subject to finalization of the FDIC Call Report.

BANKWELL FINANCIAL GROUP, INC.

ASSET QUALITY (unaudited)

(Dollars in thousands)

For the Quarter Ended

March 31,
2024

December 31,
2023

March 31,
2023

ACL-Loans:

Balance at beginning of period

$

27,946

$

29,284

$

22,431

Day 1 CECL Adjustment on January 1, 2023

5,079

Beginning balance January 1, 2023

27,946

29,284

27,510

Charge-offs:

Residential real estate

(132

)

Commercial real estate

(3,306

)

(824

)

Commercial business

(197

)

(440)

Consumer

(49

)

(15

)

(12)

Total charge-offs

(3,684

)

(839

)

(452)

Recoveries:

Commercial real estate

Commercial business

27

464

Consumer

4

3

6

Total recoveries

31

467

6

Net loan (charge-offs) recoveries

(3,653

)

(372

)

(446)

Provision (credit) for credit losses - loans

3,698

(966

)

934

Balance at end of period

$

27,991

$

27,946

$

27,998

As of

March 31,
2024

December 31,
2023

March 31,
2023

Asset quality:

Nonaccrual loans

Residential real estate

$

1,237

$

1,386

$

1,443

Commercial real estate

19,083

23,009

1,912

Commercial business

16,841

15,430

1,528

Construction

9,382

9,382

9,382

Consumer

Total nonaccrual loans

46,543

49,207

14,265

Other real estate owned

Total nonperforming assets

$

46,543

$

49,207

$

14,265

Nonperforming loans as a % of total loans

1.74

%

1.81

%

0.52%

Nonperforming assets as a % of total assets

1.48

%

1.53

%

0.44%

ACL-loans as a % of total loans

1.04

%

1.03

%

1.01%

ACL-loans as a % of nonperforming loans

60.14

%

56.79

%

196.27%

Total past due loans to total loans

1.44

%

0.78

%

0.94%

Total nonaccrual loans decreased $2.7 million to $46.5 million as of March 31, 2024 when compared to December 31, 2023. The reduction is primarily due to charge-offs taken during the quarter ended March 31, 2024.

Nonperforming assets as a percentage of total assets decreased to 1.48% at March 31, 2024 from 1.53% at December 31, 2023. The ACL-Loans at March 31, 2024 was $28.0 million, representing 1.04% of total loans.

BANKWELL FINANCIAL GROUP, INC.

LOAN & DEPOSIT PORTFOLIO (unaudited)

(Dollars in thousands)

Period End Loan Composition

March 31,
2024

December 31,
2023

Current QTD
% Change

Residential Real Estate

$

49,098

$

50,931

(3.6)%

Commercial Real Estate(1)

1,927,636

1,947,648

(1.0)

Construction

151,967

183,414

(17.1)

Total Real Estate Loans

2,128,701

2,181,993

(2.4

Commercial Business

508,912

500,569

1.7

Consumer

41,946

36,045

16.4

Total Loans

$

2,679,559

$

2,718,607

(1.4

(1) Includes owner occupied commercial real estate.

Gross loans totaled $2.7 billion at March 31, 2024, a decrease of $39.0 million or 1.4% compared to December 31, 2023.

Period End Deposit Composition

March 31,
2024

December 31,
2023

Current QTD
% Change

Noninterest bearing demand

$

376,248

$

346,172

8.7%

NOW

95,227

90,829

4.8

Money Market

818,408

887,352

(7.8)

Savings

92,188

97,331

(5.3)

Time

1,291,451

1,315,073

(1.8)

Total Deposits

$

2,673,522

$

2,736,757

(2.3

Total deposits were $2.7 billion at March 31, 2024, a decrease of $63.2 million, or 2.3%, when compared to December 31, 2023. Brokered deposits have decreased $120.0 million, when compared to December 31, 2023.

BANKWELL FINANCIAL GROUP, INC.

NONINTEREST EXPENSE (unaudited)

(Dollars in thousands)

For the Quarter Ended

Noninterest expense

March 31,
2024

December 31,
2023

March 31,
2023

Mar 24 vs. Dec 23

% Change

Mar 24 vs. Mar 23

% Change

Salaries and employee benefits

$

6,291

$

6,088

$

6,081

3.3%

3.5%

Occupancy and equipment

2,322

2,231

2,084

4.1

11.4

Professional services

1,065

1,033

1,322

3.1

(19.4)

Data processing

740

747

671

(0.9)

10.3

Director fees

900

605

392

48.8

129.6

FDIC insurance

930

1,026

1,062

(9.4)

(12.4)

Marketing

114

139

151

(18.0)

(24.5)

Other

935

995

928

(6.0)

0.8

Total noninterest expense

$

13,297

$

12,864

$

12,691

3.4

4.8

Noninterest expense increased by $0.6 million to $13.3 million for the quarter ended March 31, 2024 compared to the quarter ended March 31, 2023. The increase in noninterest expense was primarily driven by an increase in director fees related to timing of compensation and accelerated vestings in connection with the death of a director.

BANKWELL FINANCIAL GROUP, INC.

RECONCILIATION OF GAAP TO NON-GAAP MEASURES (unaudited)

(Dollars in thousands, except share data)

As of

Computation of Tangible Common Equity to Tangible Assets

March 31,
2024

December 31,
2023

March 31,
2023

Total Equity

$

268,032

$

265,752

$

242,307

Less:

Goodwill

2,589

2,589

2,589

Other intangibles

Tangible Common Equity

$

265,443

$

263,163

$

239,718

Total Assets

$

3,155,274

$

3,215,482

$

3,252,318

Less:

Goodwill

2,589

2,589

2,589

Other intangibles

Tangible Assets

$

3,152,685

$

3,212,893

$

3,249,729

Tangible Common Equity to Tangible Assets

8.42

8.19

7.38

As of

Computation of Fully Diluted Tangible Book Value per Common Share

March 31,

2024

December 31, 2023

March 31,

2023

Total shareholders' equity

$

268,032

$

265,752

$

242,307

Less:

Preferred stock

Common shareholders' equity

$

268,032

$

265,752

$

242,307

Less:

Goodwill

2,589

2,589

2,589

Other intangibles

Tangible common shareholders' equity

$

265,443

$

263,163

$

239,718

Common shares issued and outstanding

7,908,180

7,882,616

7,843,438

Fully Diluted Tangible Book Value per Common Share

$

33.57

$

33.39

$

30.56

For the Quarter Ended

Computation of PPNR

March 31,
2024

December 31,
2023

March 31,
2023

Income before income tax expense

$

5,082

$

11,470

$

13,550

Add:

Provision (credit) for credit losses

3,683

(960

)

826

PPNR

$

8,765

$

10,510

$

14,376

BANKWELL FINANCIAL GROUP, INC.

EARNINGS PER SHARE ("EPS") (unaudited)

(Dollars in thousands, except share data)

Three Months Ended

March 31,

2024

2023

(In thousands, except per share data)

Net income

$

3,763

$

10,379

Dividends to participating securities(1)

(40

)

(42)

Undistributed earnings allocated to participating securities(1)

(66

)

(230)

Net income for earnings per share calculation

$

3,657

$

10,107

Weighted average shares outstanding, basic

7,664

7,555

Effect of dilutive equity-based awards(2)

24

62

Weighted average shares outstanding, diluted

7,688

7,617

Net earnings per common share:

Basic earnings per common share

$

0.48

$

1.34

Diluted earnings per common share

$

0.48

$

1.33

(1)

Represents dividends paid and undistributed earnings allocated to unvested stock-based awards that contain non-forfeitable rights to dividends.

(2)

Represents the effect of the assumed exercise of stock options and the vesting of restricted shares, as applicable, utilizing the treasury stock method.

BANKWELL FINANCIAL GROUP, INC.

NONINTEREST INCOME (unaudited)

(Dollars in thousands)

For the Quarter Ended

Noninterest income

March 31,

2024

December 31,

2023

March 31,

2023

Mar 24 vs. Dec 23

% Change

Mar 24 vs. Mar 23

% Change

Bank owned life insurance

$

329

$

316

$

281

4.1%

17.1%

Service charges and fees

304

688

286

(55.8)

6.3

Gains and fees from sales of loans

321

79

931

306.3

Unfavorable

Other

(39

)

46

28

Unfavorable

Unfavorable

Total noninterest income

$

915

$

1,129

$

1,526

(19.0

(40.0

Noninterest income decreased $0.6 million for the quarter ended March 31, 2024 compared to the quarter ended March 31, 2023. The decrease in noninterest income was driven by lower gains as a result of fewer SBA loan sales for the quarter ended March 31, 2024.

BANKWELL FINANCIAL GROUP, INC.

NET INTEREST MARGIN ANALYSIS ON A FULLY TAX EQUIVALENT BASIS - QTD (unaudited)

(Dollars in thousands)

For the Quarter Ended

March 31, 2024

March 31, 2023

Average

Balance

Interest

Yield/

Rate (4)

Average

Balance

Interest

Yield/

Rate (4)

Assets:

Cash and Fed funds sold

$

292,662

$

3,826

5.26%

$

315,566

$

3,568

4.59%

Securities(1)

134,7371,060

3.15

129,881956

2.49

Loans:

Commercial real estate

1,922,41328,643

5.89

1,918,55125,585

5.33

Residential real estate

50,213718

5.72

59,444643

4.33

Construction

161,0472,973

7.30

166,2542,825

6.80

Commercial business

517,10210,284

7.87

542,39910,421

7.68

Consumer

39,964707

7.12

18,536249

5.45

Total loans

2,690,73943,325

6.37

2,705,18439,723

5.87

Federal Home Loan Bank stock

5,702121

8.51

5,27194

7.27

Total earning assets

3,123,840

$

48,332

6.12%

3,155,902

$

44,341

5.62%

Other assets

90,90584,063

Total assets

$

3,214,745

$

3,239,965

Liabilities and shareholders' equity:

Interest bearing liabilities:

NOW

$

91,674

$

39

0.17%

$

92,918

$

37

0.16%

Money market

883,8519,146

4.16

907,7396,385

2.85

Savings

92,972714

3.09

136,333727

2.16

Time

1,317,06915,463

4.72

1,252,5649,883

3.20

Total interest bearing deposits

2,385,56625,362

4.28

2,389,55417,032

2.89

Borrowed Money

159,2261,772

4.48

161,2021,717

4.26

Total interest bearing liabilities

2,544,792

$

27,134

4.29%

2,550,756

$

18,749

2.98%

Noninterest bearing deposits

337,020403,920

Other liabilities

62,35644,406

Total liabilities

2,944,1682,999,082

Shareholders' equity

270,577240,883

Total liabilities and shareholders' equity

$

3,214,745

$

3,239,965

Net interest income(2)

$

21,198

$

25,592

Interest rate spread

1.83%

2.64%

Net interest margin(3)

2.71%

3.24%


Contacts

Bankwell Financial Group
Christopher R. Gruseke, President and Chief Executive Officer
or
Courtney E. Sacchetti, Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer
(203) 652-0166


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Disclaimer: This content is for informational and educational purposes only and does not constitute a recommendation or endorsement of any specific investment or investment strategy. Read more
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