Bankwell Financial Group (NASDAQ:BWFG) Shares Cross Above 50-Day Moving Average – Here’s Why

Bankwell Financial Group, Inc. (NASDAQ:BWFG) shares passed above its 50 day moving average during trading on Friday . The stock has a 50 day moving average of $45.80 and traded as high as $48.08. Bankwell Financial Group shares last traded at $46.96, with a volume of 37,208 shares trading hands.

Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth

Several analysts recently commented on the stock. Weiss Ratings reaffirmed a “buy (b)” rating on shares of Bankwell Financial Group in a report on Monday. Keefe, Bruyette & Woods raised their price objective on shares of Bankwell Financial Group from $48.00 to $53.00 and gave the stock an “outperform” rating in a research report on Monday, October 27th. Two research analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating and two have assigned a Hold rating to the stock. According to data from MarketBeat.com, the company currently has an average rating of “Moderate Buy” and an average price target of $47.50.

Bankwell Financial Group Trading Down 1.7%

The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.49, a current ratio of 1.07 and a quick ratio of 1.07. The business’s 50-day moving average is $45.80 and its 200 day moving average is $42.23. The firm has a market capitalization of $370.04 million, a P/E ratio of 13.01 and a beta of 0.71.

Bankwell Financial Group (NASDAQ:BWFG) last posted its quarterly earnings data on Thursday, October 23rd. The bank reported $1.27 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, beating analysts’ consensus estimates of $1.02 by $0.25. Bankwell Financial Group had a net margin of 14.10% and a return on equity of 10.18%. The firm had revenue of $28.48 million during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $27.26 million.

Bankwell Financial Group Dividend Announcement

The business also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Friday, November 21st. Investors of record on Monday, November 10th were given a dividend of $0.20 per share. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Monday, November 10th. This represents a $0.80 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 1.7%. Bankwell Financial Group’s dividend payout ratio is currently 22.16%.

Insiders Place Their Bets

In related news, Director Eric J. Dale purchased 746 shares of the firm’s stock in a transaction that occurred on Friday, December 5th. The shares were bought at an average price of $47.64 per share, for a total transaction of $35,539.44. Following the completion of the transaction, the director owned 41,296 shares of the company’s stock, valued at approximately $1,967,341.44. This trade represents a 1.84% increase in their ownership of the stock. The purchase was disclosed in a document filed with the SEC, which is available through this link. Also, EVP Christine Chivily sold 2,553 shares of the business’s stock in a transaction dated Wednesday, November 12th. The shares were sold at an average price of $45.52, for a total value of $116,212.56. Following the completion of the transaction, the executive vice president directly owned 13,939 shares of the company’s stock, valued at approximately $634,503.28. This trade represents a 15.48% decrease in their position. The SEC filing for this sale provides additional information. In the last 90 days, insiders have acquired 2,208 shares of company stock worth $105,212. Corporate insiders own 19.48% of the company’s stock.

Hedge Funds Weigh In On Bankwell Financial Group

Several hedge funds have recently bought and sold shares of the company. Ameritas Investment Partners Inc. raised its position in shares of Bankwell Financial Group by 70.7% in the 2nd quarter. Ameritas Investment Partners Inc. now owns 722 shares of the bank’s stock valued at $26,000 after buying an additional 299 shares in the last quarter. Russell Investments Group Ltd. increased its stake in Bankwell Financial Group by 585.0% in the third quarter. Russell Investments Group Ltd. now owns 685 shares of the bank’s stock valued at $30,000 after acquiring an additional 585 shares during the last quarter. BNP Paribas Financial Markets raised its position in Bankwell Financial Group by 38.8% during the second quarter. BNP Paribas Financial Markets now owns 1,124 shares of the bank’s stock valued at $40,000 after purchasing an additional 314 shares in the last quarter. CWM LLC lifted its stake in Bankwell Financial Group by 71.8% during the third quarter. CWM LLC now owns 1,041 shares of the bank’s stock worth $46,000 after purchasing an additional 435 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Police & Firemen s Retirement System of New Jersey bought a new stake in Bankwell Financial Group during the second quarter worth $50,000. 35.80% of the stock is owned by institutional investors.

About Bankwell Financial Group

Bankwell Financial Group, Inc is a bank holding company headquartered in Westchester, Illinois, and serves as the parent of Bankwell Bank. Through its subsidiary, the company provides a full suite of banking products and services designed for both individual consumers and small‐ to mid‐sized businesses. Bankwell Bank operates multiple branches across suburban Cook and Lake counties, focusing on personalized service and local decision‐making.

The company’s deposit offerings include checking, savings and money market accounts, as well as certificates of deposit, all supported by an online and mobile banking platform for convenient account access.