Bankwell Financial reports Q4 EPS $1.09, two estimates 87c

Reports Q4 revenue $23.4M, one estimate $21.88M. Notes Bankwell Financial Group President and CEO, Christopher R. Gruseke: “Thank you to my colleagues who helped the Company generate quality returns for our shareholders amidst a volatile economic backdrop in 2023. We achieved a total year Return on Average Tangible Common Equity (“ROATCE”) of 14.70% while generating a 1.13% Return on Average Assets (“ROAA”). Tangible Book Value grew to $33.39 per share, which represents a 15% Compounded Annual Growth Rate since December 31, 2020. Looking to 2024, we expect low single digit loan growth as we grow capital and implement innovative deposit solutions. The Net Interest Margin is anticipated to trough in 3Q at approximately 250 to 260 basis points. Noninterest expense is estimated at $53 to $54 million, or approximately 1.65% of Average Assets, an amount consistent with our historical efficiency. The Balance Sheet is well positioned for any future interest rate cuts taken by the Federal Reserve. We estimate that a hypothetical 50 basis point expansion of the Net Interest Margin would generate approximately $1.50 in incremental Earnings Per Share on an annualized basis.”