Company Reports First Quarter Profitability Increase to 1.35%
Written by Emily J. Thompson, Senior Investment Analyst
Updated: Apr 22 2026
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Should l Buy BWFG?
CEO, Christopher R. Gruseke: "We generated outstanding first quarter results while advancing our strategic priorities. Profitability increased during the quarter, reflected in a return on average assets of 1.35%, and the Company grew core deposits by $113 million sequentially. Our SBA division continues to execute measured, profitable growth, with originations this quarter of $34 million, and we have continued to improve our asset and liability mix as floating rate loans now comprise 42% of the loan portfolio. Results for the quarter include a sequential increase to the Company's non-interest expense of approximately $1.4 million. This increase reflects the timing of some expense recognition, and we believe current trends support our non-interest expense guidance previously provided of $64 to $65 million for the full year. We also affirm prior guidance regarding Net Interest Income and loan growth for 2026. Due to an improved outlook for SBA gains on sale and other commercial fees, however, we are increasing our guidance for Non-Interest Income to a range of $12 to $13 million. As we enter the remainder of the year, we are confident in our credit quality and are well positioned to reduce NPAs in the quarters ahead."
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Analyst Views on BWFG
Wall Street analysts forecast BWFG stock price to rise
1 Analyst Rating
1 Buy
0 Hold
0 Sell
Moderate Buy
Current: 52.360
Low
55.00
Averages
55.00
High
55.00
Current: 52.360
Low
55.00
Averages
55.00
High
55.00
About BWFG
Bankwell Financial Group, Inc. is a bank holding company, which offers a range of financial services through its banking subsidiary, Bankwell Bank. The Company is a full‑service commercial bank. It provides businesses and professionals with a range of commercial financing solutions, including working capital lines of credit, United States Small Business Administration (SBA) loans, acquisition financing, and commercial mortgages, along with treasury management and deposit services. Its primary lending focus is to serve commercial and middle-market businesses and not-for-profit organizations with a variety of financial products and services. It offers traditional depository products, including checking, savings, money market and certificates of deposit with a variety of rates. It operates full-service branches in New Canaan, Stamford, Fairfield, Westport, Darien, Norwalk, and Hamden, Connecticut. It also has a commercial and private client banking presence in Brooklyn, New York City.
About the author
Emily J. Thompson
Emily J. Thompson, a Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) with 12 years in investment research, graduated with honors from the Wharton School. Specializing in industrial and technology stocks, she provides in-depth analysis for Intellectia’s earnings and market brief reports.
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See More
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- Significant Deposit Growth: Core deposits increased by $113 million during the quarter, with $39 million stemming from low-cost deposits, demonstrating the company's success in a highly competitive deposit market and further solidifying its funding base.
- Stable Interest Income: The net interest income for the first quarter stood at $26.9 million, remaining largely unchanged from the previous quarter, despite a decline in deposit costs to 310 basis points, showcasing the company's resilience amid changing interest rate environments.
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See More
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See More
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- Strengthened Team: The Brooklyn office is staffed by an experienced private client banking team led by Monika Buono, who joined Bankwell in 2025, leveraging deep local market expertise to provide tailored commercial banking, lending, and treasury management solutions to corporate clients and individuals.
- Clear Market Positioning: Konstantin Grinberg, Head of Private Client Banking, emphasized that Brooklyn's dynamic business environment, characterized by entrepreneurs and family-owned companies, allows Bankwell to deliver responsive, relationship-driven banking solutions, thereby expanding its market share.
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See More
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- 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.
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See More
