Bankwell Financial Group, Inc. (BWFG) Q2 2025 Earnings Call Transcript
GAAP fully diluted earnings per share $1.15, up 32% relative to the first quarter, driven by significant net interest margin expansion and increased contributions from SBA loan sales.
Loan originations $170 million in new loans funded, resulting in $24 million in linked quarter growth. Loan payoffs were $150 million, down from $200 million in the first quarter.
Noninterest-bearing deposits Grew by $48 million during the quarter, a year-to-date increase of $75 million or 23% since year-end, attributed to new deposit teams and improved deposit base.
Pre-provision net revenue (PPNR) $11.4 million or $1.46 per share, increased 21% relative to the first quarter, with PPNR return on average assets increasing to 143 basis points from 118 basis points.
Net interest margin (NIM) 310 basis points, a 29 basis point increase relative to the linked quarter, due to decreased funding costs and improved earning asset yields.
Noninterest income $2 million, increased 34% versus the linked quarter, driven by $1.1 million of SBA gain-on-sale income, an increase of $0.6 million over the last quarter.
Noninterest expense $14.5 million, up from $14.1 million in the previous quarter, primarily due to increased salaries and employee benefits. Efficiency ratio improved to 56.1% from 59.9%.
Nonperforming assets (NPAs) Reduced by $1.2 million, with positive migration trends and a small net recovery.
Total assets $3.2 billion, up slightly versus the linked quarter.
Common equity Tier 1 ratio 10.17%, up from 10.04% in the prior quarter, indicating improved capital ratios.
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- Net Income Performance: Bankwell reported GAAP net income of $9.1 million for Q4 2025, translating to earnings per share of $1.15, despite a $1.5 million one-time tax adjustment, with operating income reaching $10.7 million, indicating robust profitability.
- Loan and Deposit Growth: The fourth quarter saw $240 million in new loan funding and net loan growth of $122 million, while total deposit costs decreased to 3.08%, with low-cost deposits increasing by 21% year-over-year, laying a solid foundation for future loan growth.
- Improved Asset Quality: The ratio of nonperforming assets to total assets fell to 49 basis points, down from 56 basis points in the previous quarter, demonstrating effective credit management and enhancing investor confidence.
- 2026 Outlook: Management anticipates loan growth of 4%-5% for 2026, with net interest income projected between $111 million and $112 million and noninterest income expected to rise to $11 million to $12 million, reflecting strong confidence in future growth.
- Quarterly Dividend Announcement: Bankwell Financial has declared a quarterly dividend of $0.20 per share, consistent with previous distributions, indicating the company's stable cash flow and shareholder return strategy.
- Dividend Yield: The forward yield of 1.7% reflects the company's attractiveness in the current market environment, potentially drawing more investor interest.
- Payment Schedule: The dividend will be payable on February 20, with a record date of February 10 and an ex-dividend date also on February 10, ensuring shareholders receive their returns promptly.
- Financial Performance Overview: Bankwell Financial reported a GAAP EPS of $1.15, missing expectations by $0.04, while its revenue of $30.32 million exceeded forecasts by $2.26 million, showcasing the company's potential for revenue growth.
- Earnings Performance: Bankwell Financial reported a Q4 GAAP EPS of $1.15, missing estimates by $0.04, yet revenue reached $30.32 million, up 43.3% year-over-year, exceeding expectations by $2.26 million, indicating strong revenue growth.
- Loan Loss Reserves: As of December 31, 2025, the ACL for loans was $30.7 million, up from $30.0 million on September 30, 2025, reflecting the company's cautious approach to credit risk management.
- Net Interest Margin Improvement: The net interest margin for Q4 2025 was 3.40%, an increase from 3.34% in Q3, demonstrating improvements in interest income that enhance profitability.
- Future Outlook: The company anticipates loan growth of 4% to 5%, with net interest income projected between $111 million and $112 million, and non-interest income expected to rise to approximately $11 million to $12 million, showcasing confidence in future growth.
Validea's Small-Cap Growth Investor Model: Today's upgrades highlight small-cap growth stocks with strong fundamentals and price performance, including Universal Insurance Holdings, Bankwell Financial Group, Third Coast Bancshares, Inter & Co, and Hippo Holdings.
Universal Insurance Holdings Inc (UVE): The stock rating improved from 69% to 83%, indicating solid fundamentals and valuation in the property and casualty insurance sector.
Bankwell Financial Group Inc (BWFG): The rating increased from 67% to 80%, reflecting strong fundamentals in the Money Center Banks industry, focusing on commercial lending and traditional banking services.
Third Coast Bancshares Inc (TCBX): The stock rating rose from 56% to 83%, showing improved fundamentals and valuation, with a focus on commercial banking solutions in Texas markets.
Validea's Small-Cap Growth Investor Model: The model, based on Motley Fool's strategy, identifies small-cap growth stocks with strong fundamentals and price performance, highlighting recent upgrades for specific stocks.
BANKINTER SA - ADR: This large-cap value stock's rating improved from 65% to 72% due to its solid fundamentals and valuation, indicating moderate interest from the investment strategy.
BANKWELL FINANCIAL GROUP INC: The small-cap value stock's rating increased from 53% to 80%, reflecting strong fundamentals and valuation, suggesting significant interest from the investment strategy.
BRIDGEWATER BANCSHARES INC: Similar to Bankwell, this small-cap value stock also saw its rating rise from 53% to 80%, indicating strong fundamentals and valuation, which aligns with the investment strategy's criteria.








