About Bankwell Financial Group, Inc.
Bankwell Financial Group, Inc. (NASDAQ: BWFG) is a U.S. bank holding company headquartered in New Canaan, Connecticut, and the parent of Bankwell Bank, a regional commercial bank serving individuals and small-to-medium-sized businesses. The company offers a broad range of banking and financial services, including traditional deposit products (checking, savings, money market, certificates of deposit), residential and commercial lending (mortgages, commercial real estate and business loans), home equity financing, SBA loans, and other credit products.
As a publicly traded company on the NASDAQ exchange, it generates revenue primarily through interest income on loans and investments and also pays regular dividends to shareholders.
Financial Highlights
GAAP net income was $9.1 million, or $1.15 per diluted share for the quarter (down from the prior quarter), reflecting a $1.5 million one-time state income tax adjustment. Operating basis earnings were $10.7 million, or $1.36 per share. Return on average assets was 1.11% (1.29% operating). Return on average tangible shareholders’ equity was 12.31% (14.32% operating).
Dividend
The Board declared a $0.20 per share cash dividend, payable February 20, 2026 to shareholders of record on February 10, 2026.
Business Trends & Outlook
Loan growth remained solid with a 5.0% year-over-year increase. Net interest margin expanded due to lower deposit costs and improved mix. The company provided guidance for 2026 including expected loan growth of 4% to 5%, net interest income of $111 million to $112 million, and higher non-interest income.
Bottom Line
Overall, Bankwell reported a stable quarter with continued profitability, improving asset quality, and a shareholder dividend, while outlining moderate growth expectations for 2026.