Bankwell Financial Group Reports Operating Results for the Fourth Quarter and Full Year 2020; Declares First Quarter Dividend

Rhea-AI Summary

Bankwell Financial Group (NASDAQ: BWFG) reported a fourth-quarter net income of $0.3 million, or $0.04 per share, a significant decrease from $3.5 million, or $0.44 per share, in Q4 2019. The Board declared a $0.14 cash dividend, payable on February 25, 2021. Core deposits surged by 43% year-over-year, while non-interest bearing deposits rose over 41%. Challenges included a $3.9 million one-time charge and increased loan loss reserves totaling $21.0 million. The company’s outlook remains cautiously optimistic, bolstered by recent efficiency initiatives and strong loan origination trends.

Positive

• Core deposits increased 43% YoY.
• Non-interest bearing deposits grew over 41%.
• First quarter loan originations are projected to be strong.

Negative

• Net income dropped to $0.3 million from $3.5 million YoY.
• A one-time charge of $3.9 million impacted profitability.
• The allowance for loan losses increased to $21 million due to COVID-19.

Bankwell Financial Group, Inc. (NASDAQ: BWFG) reported GAAP net income of $0.3 million, or $0.04 per share, for the fourth quarter of 2020, versus $3.5 million, or $0.44 per share, for the same period in 2019.

The Company's Board of Directors declared a $0.14 per share cash dividend, payable February 25, 2021 to shareholders of record on February 15, 2021.

We recommend reading this earnings release in conjunction with the Fourth Quarter 2020 Investor Presentation, located at http://investor.mybankwell.com/Presentations and included as an exhibit to our January 27, 2021 Current Report on Form 8-K.

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

"The Company made excellent progress this year despite the adversities presented by the Pandemic. Core deposits increased by 43% year over year and, importantly, non-interest bearing deposits grew by over 41%. COVID-19 deferrals have declined to account for less than 2% of the loan portfolio. After a thorough review of each COVID-impacted loan, the Company has taken swift action to reclassify $25.6 million as non-performing. These loans are collateralized and carry adequate reserves. The Company’s outlook for the coming year is increasingly optimistic. Our recently disclosed efficiency initiatives will bolster profitability in 2021 and beyond, and loan originations for the first quarter are tracking to be one our strongest efforts ever."

Fourth Quarter 2020 Highlights:

• Recognized a $3.9 million one-time charge for office consolidation, contract termination and employee severance costs in the fourth quarter of 2020.
• The allowance for loan losses was $21.0 million and represents 1.29% of total loans (1.32% excluding Paycheck Protection Program (“PPP”) loans) as of December 31, 2020, compared to an allowance for loan losses of $13.5 million, representing 0.84% of total loans as of December 31, 2019. The increase in the allowance for loan losses was primarily due to incremental loan loss reserves for increased credit risk relating to economic disruption and uncertainty caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.
• PPP loans totaled $34.8 million at December 31, 2020.
• Less than 2% of the loan portfolio remains on COVID-19 deferral.
• Total deposits were $1.8 billion at December 31, 2020 compared to $1.5 billion at December 31, 2019, reflecting successful commercial core deposit gathering efforts, as well as a temporary increase in deposits to expand on-balance sheet liquidity during the COVID-19 pandemic.
• Noninterest bearing deposits increased 41% to a new high of $270.2 million at December 31, 2020, when compared to December 31, 2019.
• The Bank's loan-to-deposit ratio was 87.9% at December 31, 2020, reflecting the above-mentioned increase in deposits.
• Total gross loans were $1.6 billion at December 31, 2020.
• Investment securities totaled $106.9 million and represent 5% of total assets.
• The tangible common equity ratio, as of December 31, 2020, decreased to 7.73% when compared to December 31, 2019. The decrease was primarily driven by mark-to-market activity on long dated interest rate swaps, as well as increased liquidity and corresponding balance sheet growth.
• Tangible book value per share as of December 31, 2020 was $22.43.

Earnings and Performance

Revenues (net interest income plus noninterest income) for the quarter ended December 31, 2020 were $14.9 million, versus $13.9 million for the quarter ended December 31, 2019. Revenues for the year ended December 31, 2020 were $57.7 million, versus $59.0 million for the year ended December 31, 2019. For the year ended December 31, 2020, the decrease in revenues was attributable to the absence of SBA loan sales, when compared to the same period in 2019. The decrease in revenues was also driven by lower loan yields as loans are re-priced in the current low interest rate environment. The decrease in revenues was partially offset by a decline in interest expense, driven by lower interest rates on deposits when compared to the same period in 2019. The change in revenues for the quarter ended December 31, 2020 was driven by the same factors except that the decline in interest expense outweighed the absence of SBA loan sales and lower yields on loans.

Net income for the quarter ended December 31, 2020 was $0.3 million, versus $3.5 million for the quarter ended December 31, 2019. Net income for the year ended December 31, 2020 was $5.9 million, versus $18.2 million for the year ended December 31, 2019. The decrease in net income for the quarter and year ended December 31, 2020, when compared to the same periods in 2019, were impacted by a $3.9 million one-time charge for office consolidation, contract termination and employee severance costs in the fourth quarter of 2020. The decrease in net income for the year ended December 31, 2020, when compared to the same period in 2019, was also due to an increase in the provision for loan losses due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The provision for loan losses totaled $7.6 million for the year ended December 31, 2020, consisting of COVID-19 related reserves of $9.0 million, partially offset due to changes in portfolio mix and growth.

Basic and diluted earnings per share were each $0.04 for the quarter ended December 31, 2020 compared to basic and diluted earnings per share of $0.44 each for the quarter ended December 31, 2019. Basic and diluted earnings per share were each $0.75 for the year ended December 31, 2020 compared to basic and diluted earnings per share of $2.32 and $2.31, respectively, for the year ended December 31, 2019.

The net interest margin (fully taxable equivalent basis) for the quarters ended December 31, 2020 and December 31, 2019 was 2.66% and 2.92%, respectively. The net interest margin for the year ended December 31, 2020 and December 31, 2019 was 2.77% and 3.03%, respectively. The decrease in net interest margin for the quarter and year ended December 31, 2020, when compared to the same periods in 2019, was primarily due to excess liquidity resulting from successful commercial core deposit gathering efforts as well as a temporary increase in other deposits to expand on-balance sheet liquidity during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Financial Condition

Assets totaled $2.3 billion at December 31, 2020, compared to assets of $1.9 billion at December 31, 2019. The increase in assets is primarily due to an increase in cash and cash equivalents in part to maintain a higher level of liquidity during the COVID-19 pandemic. Gross loans totaled $1.6 billion at December 31, 2020, an increase of $21.1 million compared to December 31, 2019. Excluding PPP loans, gross loans decreased by $13.7 million at December 31, 2020 when compared to December 31, 2019. Deposits totaled $1.8 billion at December 31, 2020, compared to deposits of $1.5 billion at December 31, 2019. The increase in deposits was a result of successful commercial core deposit gathering efforts and a temporary increase in deposits during the COVID-19 pandemic, as described above.

Capital

Shareholders’ equity totaled $176.6 million as of December 31, 2020, a decrease of $5.8 million compared to December 31, 2019, primarily a result of an $8.1 million unfavorable impact to accumulated other comprehensive loss driven by fair value marks related to hedge positions involving interest rate swaps, as well as dividends paid of $4.4 million and common stock repurchases of $1.0 million. The decrease was partially offset by net income for the year ended December 31, 2020 of $5.9 million. The marks on the interest rate swaps are driven by lower long term market interest rates in 2020 when compared to 2019. The Company's interest rate swaps are used to hedge interest rate risk. The Company's current interest rate swap positions will cause a decrease to other comprehensive income in a falling interest rate environment and an increase in a rising interest rate environment.

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 Penko Ivanov, Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of Bankwell Financial Group at (203) 652-0166.

For more information, visit www.mybankwell.com.

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, but are not limited to, increased competitive pressures, changes in the interest rate environment, general economic conditions or conditions within the securities markets, uncertain impacts of, or additional changes in, monetary, fiscal or tax policy to address the impact of COVID-19, prolonged measures to contain the spread of COVID-19 or premature easing of such containment measures, either of which could further exacerbate the effects on the Company’s business and results of operations, 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 and tangible book value per share are useful to evaluate the relative strength of the Company's 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)
	December 31, 2020				September 30, 2020				June 30, 2020				March 31, 2020				December 31, 2019
ASSETS
Cash and due from banks	$	405,340			$	333,103			$	201,380			$	203,569			$	78,051
Federal funds sold	4,258				6,380				5,886				6,427				—
Cash and cash equivalents	409,598				339,483				207,266				209,996				78,051
Investment securities
Marketable equity securities, at fair value	2,207				2,203				2,195				2,289				2,118
Available for sale investment securities, at fair value	88,605				90,563				82,220				82,342				82,439
Held to maturity investment securities, at amortized cost	16,078				16,138				16,196				16,252				16,308
Total investment securities	106,890				108,904				100,611				100,883				100,865
Loans receivable (net of allowance for loan losses of $21,009, $20,372, $19,662, $16,686, and $13,509 at December 31, 2020, September 30, 2020, June 30, 2020, March 31, 2020, and December 31, 2019, respectively)	1,601,672				1,600,776				1,590,995				1,602,146				1,588,840
Other real estate owned	—				—				180				—				—
Accrued interest receivable	6,579				7,294				6,774				5,867				5,959
Federal Home Loan Bank stock, at cost	7,860				7,860				7,835				6,507				7,475
Premises and equipment, net	21,762				26,616				27,177				27,835				28,522
Bank-owned life insurance	42,651				42,409				42,167				41,926				41,683
Goodwill	2,589				2,589				2,589				2,589				2,589
Other intangible assets	76				160				178				196				214
Deferred income taxes, net	11,300				11,149				11,352				10,009				5,788
Other assets	42,770				45,782				46,511				45,671				22,196
Total assets	$	2,253,747			$	2,193,022			$	2,043,635			$	2,053,625			$	1,882,182
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY
Liabilities
Deposits
Noninterest bearing deposits	$	270,235			$	234,848			$	214,789			$	168,448			$	191,518
Interest bearing deposits	1,557,081				1,532,680				1,405,175				1,512,684				1,300,385
Total deposits	1,827,316				1,767,528				1,619,964				1,681,132				1,491,903
Advances from the Federal Home Loan Bank	175,000				175,000				175,000				125,000				150,000
Subordinated debentures	25,258				25,245				25,233				25,220				25,207
Accrued expenses and other liabilities	49,571				50,982				53,078				52,059				32,675
Total liabilities	2,077,145				2,018,755				1,873,275				1,883,411				1,699,785
Shareholders’ equity
Common stock, no par value	121,338				120,854				120,381				119,953				120,589
Retained earnings	70,839				71,603				69,712				69,595				69,324
Accumulated other comprehensive loss	(15,575)				(18,190)				(19,733)				(19,334)				(7,516)
Total shareholders’ equity	176,602				174,267				170,360				170,214				182,397
Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity	$	2,253,747			$	2,193,022			$	2,043,635			$	2,053,625			$	1,882,182

BANKWELL FINANCIAL GROUP, INC. CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME (unaudited) (Dollars in thousands, except share data)
	For the Quarter Ended																				For the Year Ended
	December 31, 2020				September 30, 2020				June 30, 2020				March 31, 2020				December 31, 2019				December 31, 2020				December 31, 2019
Interest and dividend income
Interest and fees on loans	$	18,194			$	18,027			$	18,459			$	18,985			$	18,648			$	73,665			$	77,339
Interest and dividends on securities	835				799				778				825				858				3,237				3,750
Interest on cash and cash equivalents	117				96				86				286				427				585				1,859
Total interest and dividend income	19,146				18,922				19,323				20,096				19,933				77,487				82,948
Interest expense
Interest expense on deposits	3,557				4,104				4,810				5,709				5,948				18,180				24,698
Interest expense on borrowings	1,285				1,210				876				1,101				1,103				4,472				4,489
Total interest expense	4,842				5,314				5,686				6,810				7,051				22,652				29,187
Net interest income	14,304				13,608				13,637				13,286				12,882				54,835				53,761
Provision for loan losses	709				712				2,999				3,185				310				7,605				437
Net interest income after provision for loan losses	13,595				12,896				10,638				10,101				12,572				47,230				53,324
Noninterest income
Bank owned life insurance	241				242				241				243				250				967				1,008
Service charges and fees	210				190				171				217				247				788				1,023
Gains and fees from sales of loans	16				27				—				—				382				43				1,791
Gain (loss) on sale of other real estate owned, net	—				19				—				—				—				19				(102)
Net gain on sale of available for sale securities	—				—				—				—				—				—				76
Other	154				136				165				612				169				1,067				1,448
Total noninterest income	621				614				577				1,072				1,048				2,884				5,244
Noninterest expense
Salaries and employee benefits	5,453				5,295				5,227				5,380				5,162				21,355				19,434
Occupancy and equipment	4,516				2,266				2,235				1,909				1,928				10,926				7,594
Data processing	1,658				529				493				536				499				3,216				2,067
Professional services	591				374				434				711				402				2,110				1,857
Director fees	331				301				287				295				224				1,214				863
FDIC insurance	262				176				283				70				—				791				74
Marketing	118				151				199				162				220				630				971
Other	774				637				564				596				789				2,571				2,766
Total noninterest expense	13,703				9,729				9,722				9,659				9,224				42,813				35,626
Income before income tax expense	513				3,781				1,493				1,514				4,396				7,301				22,942
Income tax expense	177				790				279				151				924				1,397				4,726
Net income	$	336			$	2,991			$	1,214			$	1,363			$	3,472			$	5,904			$	18,216
Earnings Per Common Share:
Basic	$	0.04			$	0.38			$	0.16			$	0.17			$	0.44			$	0.75			$	2.32
Diluted	$	0.04			$	0.38			$	0.16			$	0.17			$	0.44			$	0.75			$	2.31
Weighted Average Common Shares Outstanding:
Basic	7,726,926				7,721,247				7,715,094				7,750,135				7,745,227				7,728,328				7,757,355
Diluted	7,728,206				7,721,459				7,715,295				7,778,762				7,773,780				7,748,453				7,784,631
Dividends per common share	$	0.14			$	0.14			$	0.14			$	0.14			$	0.13			$	0.56			$	0.52

BANKWELL FINANCIAL GROUP, INC. CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS (unaudited)
	For the Quarter Ended															For the Year Ended
	December 31, 2020			September 30, 2020			June 30, 2020			March 31, 2020			December 31, 2019			December 31, 2020			December 31, 2019
Performance ratios:
Return on average assets(1)	0.06	%		0.55	%		0.23	%		0.29	%		0.73	%		0.28	%		0.97	%
Return on average stockholders' equity(1)	0.75	%		6.87	%		2.82	%		3.03	%		7.68	%		3.35	%		10.20	%
Return on average tangible common equity(1)	0.76	%		6.98	%		2.86	%		3.07	%		7.80	%		3.40	%		10.37	%
Net interest margin	2.66	%		2.67	%		2.81	%		2.98	%		2.92	%		2.77	%		3.03	%
Efficiency ratio(2)	91.2	%		68.4	%		68.2	%		67.1	%		66.1	%		73.9	%		60.2	%
Net loan charge-offs as a % of average loans	—	%		—	%		—	%		—	%		—	%		0.01	%		0.15	%
Dividend payout ratio(3)	350.00	%		36.84	%		87.50	%		82.35	%		29.55	%		74.67	%		22.51	%

1. 2020 performance ratios are negatively impacted by incremental COVID-19 pandemic related loan loss reserves and the $3.9 million one-time charge related to office consolidation, contract termination and employee severance costs recognized in the fourth quarter of 2020.
2. 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.
3. The dividend payout ratio is calculated by dividing dividends per share by earnings per share.

	As of
	December 31, 2020				September 30, 2020				June 30, 2020				March 31, 2020				December 31, 2019
Capital ratios:
Total Common Equity Tier 1 Capital to Risk-Weighted Assets(1)	11.06		%		12.36		%		12.44		%		12.14		%		12.53		%
Total Capital to Risk-Weighted Assets(1)	12.28		%		13.57		%		13.63		%		13.13		%		13.35		%
Tier I Capital to Risk-Weighted Assets(1)	11.06		%		12.36		%		12.44		%		12.14		%		12.53		%
Tier I Capital to Average Assets(1)	8.44		%		9.58		%		9.93		%		10.84		%		10.99		%
Tangible common equity to tangible assets	7.73		%		7.83		%		8.21		%		8.16		%		9.56		%
Tangible book value per common share(2)	$	22.43			$	22.20			$	21.70			$	21.69			$	23.15

1. Represents Bank ratios. Current period capital ratios are preliminary subject to finalization of the FDIC Call Report.
2. Excludes unvested restricted shares of 163,369, 170,083, 165,708, 154,012, and 110,975 as of December 31, 2020, September 30, 2020, June 30, 2020, March 31, 2020, and December 31, 2019, respectively.

BANKWELL FINANCIAL GROUP, INC. ASSET QUALITY (unaudited) (Dollars in thousands)
	For the Quarter Ended
	December 31, 2020				September 30, 2020				June 30, 2020				March 31, 2020				December 31, 2019
Allowance for loan losses:
Balance at beginning of period	$	20,372			$	19,662			$	16,686			$	13,509			$	13,212
Charge-offs:
Commercial business	(75)				—				—				(8)				(13)
Consumer	(11)				(4)				(23)				(2)				(5)
Total charge-offs	(86)				(4)				(23)				(10)				(18)
Recoveries:
Commercial business	14				—				—				1				1
Consumer	—				2				—				1				4
Total recoveries	14				2				—				2				5
Net loan charge-offs	(72)				(2)				(23)				(8)				(13)
Provision for loan losses	709				712				2,999				3,185				310
Balance at end of period	$	21,009			$	20,372			$	19,662			$	16,686			$	13,509

	As of
	December 31, 2020				September 30, 2020				June 30, 2020				March 31, 2020				December 31, 2019
Asset quality:
Nonaccrual loans
Residential real estate	$	1,492			$	1,596			$	1,622			$	1,532			$	1,560
Commercial real estate	21,093				4,812				5,172				5,339				5,222
Commercial business	1,834				3,760				3,783				3,783				3,806
Construction	8,997				—				—				—				—
Total nonaccrual loans	33,416				10,168				10,577				10,654				10,588
Other real estate owned	—				—				180				—				—
Total nonperforming assets	$	33,416			$	10,168			$	10,757			$	10,654			$	10,588
Nonperforming loans as a % of total loans	2.06		%		0.63		%		0.66		%		0.66		%		0.66		%
Nonperforming assets as a % of total assets	1.48		%		0.46		%		0.53		%		0.52		%		0.56		%
Allowance for loan losses as a % of total loans	1.29		%		1.25		%		1.22		%		1.03		%		0.84		%
Allowance for loan losses as a % of nonperforming loans	62.87		%		200.35		%		185.89		%		156.62		%		127.59		%

Total nonaccrual loans were $33.4 million as of December 31, 2020, of which $2.6 million are guaranteed by the Small Business Administration (SBA). The Company individually analyzed all existing COVID-19 deferrals and COVID-19 impacted loans for collectability and impairment as of December 31, 2020, resulting in a $25.6 million increase to the nonperforming loan population which are adequately reserved. Nonperforming assets as a percentage of total assets was 1.48% at December 31, 2020, up from 0.56% at December 31, 2019. The allowance for loan losses at December 31, 2020 was $21.0 million, representing 1.29% of total loans. The $7.5 million increase in the allowance for loan losses at December 31, 2020 when compared to December 31, 2019 was primarily due to incremental loan loss reserves for increased credit risk relating to economic disruption and uncertainty caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.

BANKWELL FINANCIAL GROUP, INC. LOAN & DEPOSIT PORTFOLIO (unaudited) (Dollars in thousands)
Period End Loan Composition	December 31, 2020				September 30, 2020				December 31, 2019				Current QTD % Change			YTD % Change
Residential Real Estate	$	113,557			$	120,531			$	147,109			(5.8)	%		(22.8)	%
Commercial Real Estate(1)	1,148,383				1,105,862				1,128,614				3.8			1.8
Construction	87,007				96,508				98,583				(9.8)			(11.7)
Total Real Estate Loans	1,348,947				1,322,901				1,374,306				2.0			(1.8)
Commercial Business	276,601				301,747				230,028				(8.3)			20.2
Consumer	79				78				150				1.3			(47.3)
Total Loans	$	1,625,627			$	1,624,726			$	1,604,484			0.1	%		1.3	%

1. Includes owner occupied commercial real estate.

Period End Deposit Composition	December 31, 2020				September 30, 2020				December 31, 2019				Current QTD % Change			YTD % Change
Noninterest bearing demand	$	270,235			$	234,848			$	191,518			15.1	%		41.1	%
NOW	101,737				90,776				70,020				12.1			45.3
Money Market	669,364				561,101				419,495				19.3			59.6
Savings	158,750				164,590				183,729				(3.5)			(13.6)
Time	627,230				716,213				627,141				(12.4)			—
Total Deposits	$	1,827,316			$	1,767,528			$	1,491,903			3.4	%		22.5	%

Total deposits were $1.8 billion at December 31, 2020 compared to $1.5 billion at December 31, 2019, an increase of $0.3 billion, or 22.5%. The increase in total deposits was a result of successful commercial core deposit gathering efforts, as well as a temporary increase in deposits to expand on-balance sheet liquidity during the COVID-19 pandemic.

BANKWELL FINANCIAL GROUP, INC. NONINTEREST INCOME (unaudited) (Dollars in thousands)
	For the Quarter Ended
Noninterest income	December 31, 2020				September 30, 2020				December 31, 2019				Dec 20 vs. Sep 20 % Change			Dec 20 vs. Dec 19 % Change
Bank owned life insurance	$	241			$	242			$	250			(0.4)	%		(3.6)	%
Service charges and fees	210				190				247				10.5			(15.0)
Gains and fees from sales of loans	16				27				382				(40.7)			(95.8)
Gain on sale of other real estate owned, net	—				19				—				(100.0)			N/A
Other	154				136				169				13.2			(8.9)
Total noninterest income	$	621			$	614			$	1,048			1.1	%		(40.7)	%

	For the Year Ended
Noninterest income	December 31, 2020				December 31, 2019				% Change
Bank owned life insurance	$	967			$	1,008			(4.1)	%
Service charges and fees	788				1,023				(23.0)
Gains and fees from sales of loans	43				1,791				(97.6)
Gain (loss) on sale of other real estate owned, net	19				(102)				(118.6)
Net gain on sale of available for sale securities	—				76				(100.0)
Other	1,067				1,448				(26.3)
Total noninterest income	$	2,884			$	5,244			(45.0)	%

Noninterest income decreased by $0.4 million to $0.6 million for the quarter ended December 31, 2020 compared to the quarter ended December 31, 2019. Noninterest income decreased by $2.4 million to $2.9 million for the year ended December 31, 2020, compared to the year ended December 31, 2019.

The decrease in noninterest income was primarily a result of the absence of gains and fees from SBA loan sales for the quarter and year ended December 31, 2020, when compared to the same periods in 2019. In addition, for the year ended December 31, 2020 the decrease in noninterest income was also driven by certain waived service charges and fees on depository accounts as a courtesy to customers during the COVID-19 pandemic. The decrease in other noninterest income for the year ended December 31, 2020 was primarily a result of a decline in loan related interest rate swap fees in 2020, when compared to the same period in 2019.

BANKWELL FINANCIAL GROUP, INC. NONINTEREST EXPENSE (unaudited) (Dollars in thousands)
	For the Quarter Ended
Noninterest expense	December 31, 2020				September 30, 2020				December 31, 2019				Dec 20 vs. Sep 20 % Change			Dec 20 vs. Dec 19 % Change
Salaries and employee benefits	$	5,453			$	5,295			$	5,162			3.0	%		5.6	%
Occupancy and equipment	4,516				2,266				1,928				99.3			134.2
Data processing	1,658				529				499				213.4			232.3
Professional services	591				374				402				58.0			47.0
Director fees	331				301				224				10.0			47.8
FDIC insurance	262				176				—				48.9			N/A
Marketing	118				151				220				(21.9)			(46.4)
Other	774				637				789				21.5			(1.9)
Total noninterest expense	$	13,703			$	9,729			$	9,224			40.8	%		48.6	%

	For the Year Ended
Noninterest expense	December 31, 2020				December 31, 2019				% Change
Salaries and employee benefits	$	21,355			$	19,434			9.9	%
Occupancy and equipment	10,926				7,594				43.9
Data processing	3,216				2,067				55.6
Professional services	2,110				1,857				13.6
Director fees	1,214				863				40.7
FDIC insurance	791				74				968.9
Marketing	630				971				(35.1)
Other	2,571				2,766				(7.0)
Total noninterest expense	$	42,813			$	35,626			20.2	%

Noninterest expense increased by $4.5 million, or 48.6%, to $13.7 million for the quarter ended December 31, 2020 compared to the quarter ended December 31, 2019. Noninterest expense increased by $7.2 million, or 20.2%, to $42.8 million for the year ended December 31, 2020 compared to the year ended December 31, 2019. The increase in noninterest expense was primarily driven by $3.9 million in one-time charges recognized during the fourth quarter of 2020. These one-time charges impacted salaries and employee benefits, occupancy and equipment expense and data processing expense.

Salaries and employee benefits totaled $5.5 million for the quarter ended December 31, 2020, an increase of $0.3 million when compared to the same period in 2019. Salaries and employee benefits totaled $21.4 million for the year ended December 31, 2020, an increase of $1.9 million when compared to the same period in 2019. The increase in salaries and employee benefits was primarily driven by a $0.8 million expense for the Voluntary Early Retirement Incentive Plan offered to eligible employees and additional severance charges recognized during the fourth quarter of 2020. The increase in salaries and employee benefits was also driven by normal annual salary increases and key hires in support of growth initiatives, partially offset by a reduction in overall headcount.

Occupancy and equipment expense totaled $4.5 million for the quarter ended December 31, 2020, an increase of $2.6 million when compared to the same period in 2019. Occupancy and equipment expense totaled $10.9 million for the year ended December 31, 2020, an increase of $3.3 million when compared to the same period in 2019. The increase in occupancy and equipment expense was primarily due to a $2.0 million one-time expense related to office and branch consolidation recognized during the fourth quarter of 2020. In addition, the increase in occupancy and equipment expense was due to additional cleaning costs associated with precautions taken to prevent the spread of COVID-19.

Data processing expense totaled $1.7 million for the quarter ended December 31, 2020, an increase of $1.2 million when compared to the same period in 2019. Data processing expense totaled $3.2 million for the year ended December 31, 2020, an increase of $1.1 million when compared to the same period in 2019. The increase in data processing expense was primarily driven by a $1.1 million one-time charge related to early termination fees payable to a legacy technology vendor.

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	December 31, 2020				September 30, 2020				June 30, 2020				March 31, 2020				December 31, 2019
Total Equity	$	176,602			$	174,267			$	170,360			$	170,214			$	182,397
Less:
Goodwill	2,589				2,589				2,589				2,589				2,589
Other intangibles	76				160				178				196				214
Tangible Common Equity	$	173,937			$	171,518			$	167,593			$	167,429			$	179,594
Total Assets	$	2,253,747			$	2,193,022			$	2,043,635			$	2,053,625			$	1,882,182
Less:
Goodwill	2,589				2,589				2,589				2,589				2,589
Other intangibles	76				160				178				196				214
Tangible Assets	$	2,251,082			$	2,190,273			$	2,040,868			$	2,050,840			$	1,879,379
Tangible Common Equity to Tangible Assets	7.73		%		7.83		%		8.21		%		8.16		%		9.56		%

	As of
Computation of Tangible Book Value per Common Share	December 31, 2020				September 30, 2020				June 30, 2020				March 31, 2020				December 31, 2019
Total shareholders' equity	$	176,602			$	174,267			$	170,360			$	170,214			$	182,397
Less:
Preferred stock	—				—				—				—				—
Common shareholders' equity	$	176,602			$	174,267			$	170,360			$	170,214			$	182,397
Less:
Goodwill	2,589				2,589				2,589				2,589				2,589
Other intangibles	76				160				178				196				214
Tangible common shareholders' equity	$	173,937			$	171,518			$	167,593			$	167,429			$	179,594
Common shares	7,919,278				7,896,503				7,887,503				7,871,419				7,868,803
Less:
Shares of unvested restricted stock	163,369				170,083				165,708				154,012				110,975
Common shares less unvested restricted stock	7,755,909				7,726,420				7,721,795				7,717,407				7,757,828
Book value per share	$	22.77			$	22.55			$	22.06			$	22.06			$	23.51
Less:
Effects of intangible assets	$	0.34			$	0.36			$	0.36			$	0.36			$	0.36
Tangible Book Value per Common Share	$	22.43			$	22.20			$	21.70			$	21.69			$	23.15

BANKWELL FINANCIAL GROUP, INC. RECONCILIATION OF GAAP TO NON-GAAP MEASURES (unaudited) - Continued (Dollars in thousands)
	For the Quarter Ended																				For the Year Ended
Computation of Efficiency Ratio	December 31, 2020				September 30, 2020				June 30, 2020				March 31, 2020				December 31, 2019				December 31, 2020				December 31, 2019
Noninterest expense	$	13,703			$	9,729			$	9,722			$	9,659			$	9,224			$	42,813			$	35,626
Less:
Amortization of intangible assets	84				18				18				18				18				138				75
Other real estate owned expenses	—				—				6				—				—				6				37
Adjusted noninterest expense	$	13,619			$	9,711			$	9,698			$	9,641			$	9,206			$	42,669			$	35,514
Net interest income	$	14,304			$	13,608			$	13,637			$	13,286			$	12,882			$	54,835			$	53,761
Noninterest income	621				614				577				1,072				1,048				2,884				5,244
Less:
Net gain on sale of available for sale securities	—				—				—				—				—				—				76
Gain (loss) on sale of other real estate owned, net	—				19				—				—				—				19				(102)
Operating revenue	$	14,925			$	14,203			$	14,214			$	14,358			$	13,930			$	57,700			$	59,031
Efficiency ratio	91.2		%		68.4		%		68.2		%		67.1		%		66.1		%		73.9		%		60.2		%

	For the Quarter Ended																				For the Year Ended
Computation of Return on Average Tangible Common Equity	December 31, 2020				September 30, 2020				June 30, 2020				March 31, 2020				December 31, 2019				December 31, 2020				December 31, 2019
Net Income Attributable to Common Shareholders	$	336			$	2,991			$	1,214			$	1,363			$	3,472			$	5,904			$	18,216
Total average shareholders' equity	$	178,439			$	173,162			$	173,289			$	181,127			$	179,312			$	176,489			$	178,510
Less:
Average Goodwill	2,589				2,589				2,589				2,589				2,589				2,589				2,589
Average Other intangibles	153				172				190				208				226				180				254
Average tangible common equity	$	175,697			$	170,401			$	170,510			$	178,330			$	176,497			$	173,720			$	175,667
Annualized Return on Average Tangible Common Equity	0.76		%		6.98		%		2.86		%		3.07		%		7.80		%		3.40		%		10.37		%

BANKWELL FINANCIAL GROUP, INC. NET INTEREST MARGIN ANALYSIS ON A FULLY TAX EQUIVALENT BASIS - QTD (unaudited) (Dollars in thousands)
	For the Quarter Ended
	December 31, 2020											December 31, 2019
	Average Balance				Interest				Yield/ Rate (5)			Average Balance				Interest				Yield/ Rate (5)
Assets:
Cash and Fed funds sold	$	424,327			$	117			0.11	%		$	90,007			$	427			1.88	%
Securities(1)	105,422				814				3.09			102,696				804				3.13
Loans:
Commercial real estate	1,096,912				12,753				4.55			1,084,311				12,646				4.56
Residential real estate	115,104				1,009				3.51			153,752				1,475				3.84
Construction(2)	93,909				910				3.79			88,864				1,126				4.96
Commercial business	311,995				3,520				4.41			245,822				3,397				5.41
Consumer	96				2				7.41			210				4				7.09
Total loans	1,618,016				18,194				4.40			1,572,959				18,648				4.64
Federal Home Loan Bank stock	7,859				74				3.75			7,474				108				5.73
Total earning assets	2,155,624				$	19,199			3.48	%		1,773,136				$	19,987			4.41	%
Other assets	123,435											102,582
Total assets	$	2,279,059										$	1,875,718
Liabilities and shareholders' equity:
Interest bearing liabilities:
NOW	$	93,126			$	42			0.18	%		$	63,385			$	27			0.17	%
Money market	644,685				858				0.53			418,682				1,571				1.49
Savings	168,307				164				0.39			181,910				717				1.56
Time	686,827				2,493				1.44			633,166				3,633				2.28
Total interest bearing deposits	1,592,945				3,557				0.89			1,297,143				5,948				1.82
Borrowed Money	200,250				1,285				2.51			175,198				1,103				2.46
Total interest bearing liabilities	1,793,195				$	4,842			1.07	%		1,472,341				$	7,051			1.90	%
Noninterest bearing deposits	255,843											187,997
Other liabilities	51,582											36,068
Total liabilities	2,100,620											1,696,406
Shareholders' equity	178,439											179,312
Total liabilities and shareholders' equity	$	2,279,059										$	1,875,718
Net interest income(3)					$	14,357										$	12,936
Interest rate spread									2.41	%										2.51	%
Net interest margin(4)									2.66	%										2.92	%

1. Average balances and yields for securities are based on amortized cost.
2. Includes commercial and residential real estate construction.
3. The adjustment for securities and loans taxable equivalency amounted to $53 thousand and $54 thousand for the quarters ended December 31, 2020 and 2019, respectively.
4. Annualized net interest income as a percentage of earning assets.
5. Yields are calculated using the contractual day count convention for each respective product type.

BANKWELL FINANCIAL GROUP, INC. NET INTEREST MARGIN ANALYSIS ON A FULLY TAX EQUIVALENT BASIS - YTD (unaudited) (Dollars in thousands)
	For the Year Ended
	December 31, 2020											December 31, 2019
	Average Balance				Interest				Yield/ Rate (5)			Average Balance				Interest				Yield/ Rate (5)
Assets:
Cash and Fed funds sold	$	261,689			$	585			0.22	%		$	85,678			$	1,859			2.17	%
Securities(1)	98,938				3,103				3.14			112,336				3,526				3.14
Loans:
Commercial real estate	1,095,367				51,218				4.60			1,067,290				50,818				4.70
Residential real estate	129,585				4,645				3.58			165,384				6,367				3.85
Construction(2)	97,230				4,262				4.31			85,591				4,538				5.23
Commercial business	295,662				13,530				4.50			255,779				15,599				6.01
Consumer	121				10				8.00			258				17				6.70
Total loans	1,617,965				73,665				4.48			1,574,302				77,339				4.85
Federal Home Loan Bank stock	7,625				346				4.53			7,502				473				6.31
Total earning assets	1,986,217				$	77,699			3.85	%		1,779,818				$	83,197			4.61	%
Other assets	125,261											92,663
Total assets	$	2,111,478										$	1,872,481
Liabilities and shareholders' equity:
Interest bearing liabilities:
NOW	$	80,805			$	141			0.17	%		$	62,254			$	128			0.21	%
Money market	516,527				4,071				0.79			439,867				7,139				1.62
Savings	169,763				1,368				0.81			177,854				2,968				1.67
Time	712,461				12,600				1.77			637,515				14,463				2.27
Total interest bearing deposits	1,479,556				18,180				1.23			1,317,490				24,698				1.87
Borrowed Money	190,463				4,472				2.31			175,267				4,489				2.53
Total interest bearing liabilities	1,670,019				$	22,652			1.36	%		1,492,757				$	29,187			1.96	%
Noninterest bearing deposits	215,073											172,192
Other liabilities	49,897											29,022
Total liabilities	1,934,989											1,693,971
Shareholders' equity	176,489											178,510
Total liabilities and shareholders' equity	$	2,111,478										$	1,872,481
Net interest income(3)					$	55,047										$	54,010
Interest rate spread									2.49	%										2.65	%
Net interest margin(4)									2.77	%										3.03	%

1. Average balances and yields for securities are based on amortized cost.
2. Includes commercial and residential real estate construction.
3. The adjustment for securities and loans taxable equivalency amounted to $212 thousand and $249 thousand for the years ended December 31, 2020 and 2019, respectively.
4. Annualized net interest income as a percentage of earning assets.
5. Yields are calculated using the contractual day count convention for each respective product type.

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FAQ

What is Bankwell Financial Group's dividend amount for February 2021?

The dividend amount is $0.14 per share.

What was Bankwell Financial Group's net income for Q4 2020?

The net income for Q4 2020 was $0.3 million.

How much did core deposits increase for Bankwell Financial Group in 2020?

Core deposits increased by 43% year-over-year.

What caused the decrease in net income for Bankwell Financial Group?

The decrease was attributed to a one-time charge and increased loan loss reserves.

What are the projected loan originations for Bankwell Financial Group in Q1 2021?

Loan originations for Q1 2021 are expected to be one of the strongest efforts ever.