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Bridgewater Bancshares Inc (BWB)
NASDAQ:BWB

Bridgewater Bancshares (BWB) AI Stock Analysis

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BWB

Bridgewater Bancshares

(NASDAQ:BWB)

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Neutral 63 (OpenAI - 5.2)
Rating:63Neutral
Price Target:
$19.50
▲(15.11% Upside)
Action:DowngradedDate:03/03/26
The score is anchored by solid operating performance and a positive outlook on net interest margin expansion and growth, supported by a reasonable P/E. Offsetting this are weaker 2025 cash-flow quality/consistency, mixed near-term technical momentum, and some dilution overhang from the new ATM program.
Positive Factors
Revenue & Profitability
Meaningful top-line expansion (+32% YoY) alongside solid 2025 profitability and tangible book growth indicates the commercial banking franchise is scaling. Diversified NII and noninterest income gains point to sustainable earnings rather than one-off volatility.
NIM Expansion & Funding Mix
A clearer repricing runway and a funding mix with $1.8B of short-term/adjustable funding support a durable NIM improvement. Lower deposit costs and rising adjustable-rate assets reduce asset-liability mismatch and improve margin resilience as rates evolve.
Core Deposit & Loan Growth
Sustained core deposit inflows and double-digit loan growth reflect sticky, commercial-oriented customer relationships. Strategic concentration in affordable housing and construction supplies repeatable, higher-growth verticals that support NII and fee income over multiple cycles.
Negative Factors
Weak Cash Generation
A sharp FCF step-down and poor cash conversion in 2025 reduce internal funding reliability. Volatile cash generation limits flexibility for buybacks, dividends, or opportunistic investments and increases dependence on external capital when funding growth or absorbing losses.
Leverage Reliance
Moderate leverage and a step-up in absolute debt since 2021 increase sensitivity to funding stress. With CET1 only modestly improved, the bank has less capital cushion versus more conservatively capitalized peers, which can constrain lending or require capital raises under strain.
ATM Equity Program / Dilution Risk
A $50M ATM program provides capital optionality but signals potential external funding reliance. Repeated use would dilute shareholders and may suggest internal cash or earnings are insufficient to fund growth or acquisitions, impacting long-run return on equity.

Bridgewater Bancshares (BWB) vs. SPDR S&P 500 ETF (SPY)

Bridgewater Bancshares Business Overview & Revenue Model

Company DescriptionBridgewater Bancshares, Inc. operates as the bank holding company for Bridgewater Bank that provides banking products and services to commercial real estate investors, small business entrepreneurs, and high net worth individuals in the United States. The company offers savings and money market accounts, demand deposits, time and brokered deposits, and interest and noninterest bearing transaction, as well as certificates of deposit. It also provides commercial loans to sole proprietorships, partnerships, corporations, and other business enterprises to finance accounts receivable or inventory, capital assets, or other business-related purposes; paycheck protection program loans; construction and land development loans; 1-4 family mortgage loans; multifamily lending products; owner and non-owner occupied commercial real estate loans; and consumer and other loans. In addition, the company online, mobile, and direct banking services. It operates through seven full-service offices located in Bloomington, Greenwood, Minneapolis, St. Louis Park, Orono, and St. Paul, Minnesota. The company was incorporated in 2005 and is headquartered in Saint Louis Park, Minnesota.
How the Company Makes MoneyBridgewater Bancshares generates revenue primarily through interest income derived from its loan portfolio, which includes commercial and residential loans. The company earns interest on loans issued to customers, with the interest rates determined by market conditions and the creditworthiness of borrowers. Additionally, Bridgewater Bank collects fees from various banking services, such as account maintenance, transaction fees, and treasury management services. The bank's revenue model is bolstered by its focus on relationship banking, which fosters long-term client relationships and encourages cross-selling of products. Furthermore, the company benefits from a diversified lending strategy and prudent risk management practices that contribute to stable earnings over time.

Bridgewater Bancshares Earnings Call Summary

Earnings Call Date:Jan 27, 2026
(Q4-2025)
|
% Change Since: |
Next Earnings Date:Apr 29, 2026
Earnings Call Sentiment Positive
The call conveyed a predominantly positive tone: the company reported strong revenue growth (total revenue +32% YoY), net interest margin expansion (+12 bps to 2.75%), robust core deposit and loan growth (core deposits ~9% annualized in Q4; loans +11.4% for the year), tangible book value expansion (~15.3% YoY), improved efficiency (adjusted efficiency ratio 50.7%), and constructive guidance (targeting 3.0% NIM by end-2026 and high-single-digit loan growth). The negatives were modest and largely idiosyncratic: a small uptick in NPAs (0.41%), a $1.2M Q4 net charge-off tied to an isolated C&I loan, one multifamily loan moving to nonaccrual (now under contract), slight allowance decline (1.34% to 1.31%), swap fee volatility, and some near-term deposit seasonality and competitive pressures. Overall, highlights materially outweigh lowlights and management expressed confidence in continued momentum into 2026.
Q4-2025 Updates
Positive Updates
Net Interest Margin Expansion
Net interest margin increased 12 basis points to 2.75% in Q4, driven primarily by lower deposit costs; management now targets a 3.0% NIM by the end of 2026 (pulled forward from early 2027).
Revenue and Net Interest Income Growth
Total revenue increased 32% year-over-year and quarterly net interest income rose 5% as margin expanded and earning assets grew.
Strong Core Deposit and Loan Growth
Core deposits grew ~9% annualized in Q4 (7.9% for full year 2025) with noninterest-bearing deposits up roughly $100 million in Q4; loan balances increased 8.9% annualized in Q4 and 11.4% for the year, exceeding the bank's mid- to high-single-digit guide.
Tangible Book Value and Profitability Metrics
Tangible book value grew 16.5% annualized and was up 15.3% year-over-year; adjusted ROA was just under 1% in Q4 and adjusted efficiency ratio improved to 50.7% (lowest since 1Q23).
Deposit Cost Reduction and Balance Sheet Repricing
Deposit costs declined 22 basis points to 2.97% in Q4; $1.8 billion of funding tied to short-term rates (including $1.4 billion immediately adjustable), facilitating further repricing tailwinds into 2026.
Affordable Housing and Construction Growth
Affordable housing balances increased 29% for the full year and rose $41 million (27% annualized) in Q4; construction loans were a primary driver of Q4 loan growth and the affordable housing vertical is a strategic growth focus.
Improved Funding Mix and Variable Rate Positioning
Variable-rate loans increased to 22% of the loan portfolio from 14% a year ago, improving interest rate flexibility and reducing asset sensitivity to rate cuts.
Capital Position and Cost Savings Realized
CET1 ratio increased modestly from 9.08% to 9.17%; the bank exceeded its targeted >30% cost savings related to the recent acquisition and retained capital via earnings (no share repurchases during the quarter).
Negative Updates
Modest Uptick in Nonperforming Assets and Net Charge-offs
Nonperforming assets rose to 0.41% of assets in Q4; the bank recorded $1.2 million of net charge-offs during the quarter (full year net charge-offs remained low at 0.04% of average loans).
Isolated Problem Credits and Longer Workouts
A multifamily loan migrated to nonaccrual after a purchase agreement fell through (property now under contract) and a fully reserved C&I loan drove the Q4 net charge-off; a CBD office loan remains a longer-term workout with a specific reserve.
Slight Decline in Allowance Coverage
Allowance for credit losses declined slightly from 1.34% to 1.31% of loans following the Q4 charge-off, though management indicates reserve levels remain favorable relative to peers.
Swap Fee Volatility and Potential Cooling
Swap fee income was lumpy ($651,000 in Q4) and management expects swap fees to be a continuing but potentially reduced and volatile revenue source in 2026 as swap spreads normalize.
Seasonality and Competitive Pressure on Deposits and Spreads
Management highlighted seasonality risk with Q1/Q2 historically being lower for core deposits and noted increased competition in the Twin Cities market which has pressured loan competition and could affect spreads and deposit pricing.
Acquisition-Related Expense Noise in 2025
2025 experienced higher-than-normal expense growth related to acquisition systems conversion, though management expects expense growth to align with asset growth (high-single-digits) in 2026.
Company Guidance
Bridgewater guided to a constructive 2026 outlook: management now expects to reach a 3.00% net interest margin by year‑end (up from 2.75% in Q4, a 12 bp quarter-to-quarter improvement) driven by lower deposit costs (down 22 bps to 2.97%) and repricing opportunities ( $1.8B of funding tied to short‑term rates, including $1.4B of immediately adjustable deposits; $637M of fixed‑rate loan maturities at a 5.55% WA yield and $106M of ARMs repricing at 3.84%), while variable‑rate loans have risen to 22% of the book (vs. 14% a year ago). They expect high‑single‑digit loan growth in 2026 (after 11.4% FY growth and 8.9% annualized Q4), core deposit growth to continue (8.8% annualized in Q4; 7.9% FY) with the loan‑to‑deposit ratio targeted at 95%–105%, expense growth to revert to roughly in line with asset growth (high singles after Q4 expenses ex‑merger rose 9.5% annualized), and provisions to depend on loan growth and asset quality (Q4 NPAs 0.41% of assets, Q4 net charge‑offs $1.2M; FY NCOs 0.04% of avg loans; allowance 1.31%). They also expect swap fee income to remain a contributor (Q4 swap fees $651K; ~ $500K quarterly average recent trend), to continue expanding affordable housing (Q4 +$41M, +29% for 2025), and to maintain a comfortable capital position (CET1 9.17%, $13.1M repurchase authorization remaining).

Bridgewater Bancshares Financial Statement Overview

Summary
Income statement strength (Income Statement Score 74) shows solid revenue growth and still-healthy 2025 profitability, but balance sheet quality is only moderate (Balance Sheet Score 62) with leverage reliance as a watch item. The main drag is weak and volatile cash generation (Cash Flow Score 45) with a sharp 2025 free-cash-flow step-down and poor cash conversion versus earnings.
Income Statement
74
Positive
Revenue has expanded meaningfully over time (2020–2025), with 2025 showing mid-single-digit growth. Profitability remains solid in 2025 (net margin ~16%, EBIT margin ~21%), and earnings improved versus 2024. However, margins are well below the unusually strong 2021–2022 levels, indicating a less favorable profitability environment than a few years ago and some sensitivity in the earnings profile.
Balance Sheet
62
Positive
The balance sheet shows moderate leverage for a regional bank, with debt roughly in line with equity in 2023–2025 (debt-to-equity ~1.0), an improvement from the higher leverage seen in 2022. Equity has grown alongside assets, and returns on equity are steady but not standout (high-single-digits in 2024–2025, ~9% in 2025). The main watch item is the step-up in absolute debt since 2021 and the reliance on leverage to support growth.
Cash Flow
45
Neutral
Cash generation weakened notably in 2025: operating cash flow fell versus 2024 and free cash flow dropped sharply (down ~55% year over year). While free cash flow was positive, it did not track reported earnings well in 2025 (free cash flow-to-net income shown as 0.0), following much healthier conversion in 2021–2024 (roughly near parity). The volatility—especially the 2020 negative free cash flow and the 2025 step-down—reduces confidence in near-term cash consistency.
BreakdownDec 2025Dec 2024Dec 2023Dec 2022Dec 2021
Income Statement
Total Revenue291.63M251.44M226.95M169.34M134.19M
Gross Profit137.62M104.22M109.94M127.64M109.67M
EBITDA64.70M45.74M55.66M74.96M64.13M
Net Income46.09M32.83M39.96M53.39M45.69M
Balance Sheet
Total Assets5.41B5.07B4.61B4.35B3.48B
Cash, Cash Equivalents and Short-Term Investments899.95M619.83M732.67M636.84M584.71M
Total Debt508.18M452.92M412.54M476.65M134.74M
Total Liabilities4.89B4.61B4.19B3.95B3.10B
Stockholders Equity517.10M457.94M425.51M394.06M379.27M
Cash Flow
Free Cash Flow21.96M42.30M27.05M83.37M53.46M
Operating Cash Flow27.81M46.38M30.02M85.00M54.24M
Investing Cash Flow-417.47M-95.24M-209.18M-938.24M-571.42M
Financing Cash Flow283.40M150.06M220.69M796.81M499.99M

Bridgewater Bancshares Technical Analysis

Technical Analysis Sentiment
Negative
Last Price16.94
Price Trends
50DMA
18.49
Negative
100DMA
17.97
Negative
200DMA
17.13
Negative
Market Momentum
MACD
-0.50
Positive
RSI
33.05
Neutral
STOCH
23.57
Neutral
Evaluating momentum and price trends is crucial in stock analysis to make informed investment decisions. For BWB, the sentiment is Negative. The current price of 16.94 is below the 20-day moving average (MA) of 17.82, below the 50-day MA of 18.49, and below the 200-day MA of 17.13, indicating a bearish trend. The MACD of -0.50 indicates Positive momentum. The RSI at 33.05 is Neutral, neither overbought nor oversold. The STOCH value of 23.57 is Neutral, not indicating any strong overbought or oversold conditions. Overall, these indicators collectively point to a Negative sentiment for BWB.

Bridgewater Bancshares Risk Analysis

Bridgewater Bancshares disclosed 52 risk factors in its most recent earnings report. Bridgewater Bancshares reported the most risks in the "Finance & Corporate" category.
Finance & Corporate - Financial and accounting risks. Risks related to the execution of corporate activity and strategy
Latest Risks Added 0 New Risks

Bridgewater Bancshares Peers Comparison

Overall Rating
UnderperformOutperform
Sector (68)
Financial Indicators
Name
Overall Rating
Market Cap
P/E Ratio
ROE
Dividend Yield
Revenue Growth
EPS Growth
68
Neutral
$18.00B11.429.92%3.81%9.73%1.22%
67
Neutral
$505.62M9.1021.32%2.31%36.60%92.63%
66
Neutral
$550.17M11.7910.58%3.59%6.86%6.11%
63
Neutral
$482.48M10.418.63%13.96%25.74%
63
Neutral
$489.20M13.399.18%2.78%41.95%-4.72%
53
Neutral
$514.35M27.712.67%5.16%-11.91%-235.73%
46
Neutral
$485.12M-15.87-15.74%-6.47%-75.82%
* Financial Sector Average
Performance Comparison
Ticker
Company Name
Price
Change
% Change
BWB
Bridgewater Bancshares
17.34
3.42
24.57%
ACNB
ACNB
47.25
6.45
15.82%
AROW
Arrow Financial
33.32
7.58
29.43%
FFIC
Flushing Financial
15.18
2.58
20.50%
NRIM
Northrim Bancorp
22.85
4.46
24.23%
FFWM
First Foundation
5.85
0.96
19.63%

Bridgewater Bancshares Corporate Events

Business Operations and StrategyPrivate Placements and FinancingRegulatory Filings and Compliance
Bridgewater Bancshares Launches $50 Million ATM Equity Program
Positive
Feb 27, 2026

On February 27, 2026, Bridgewater Bancshares, Inc. and its subsidiary Bridgewater Bank entered into an Equity Distribution Agreement with Piper Sandler & Co. that allows the company to sell up to $50 million of common stock from time to time through at-the-market offerings and other permitted methods. The company will control sale parameters, pay a 2.5% commission and certain expenses to the distribution agent, and may suspend or terminate the program at any time.

Any shares sold will be issued under an existing effective shelf registration statement and related prospectus supplements filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. Bridgewater Bancshares plans to use net proceeds for general corporate purposes, potentially including investments in subsidiaries, working capital, capital expenditures, stock repurchases, debt repayment, or financing possible acquisitions, providing added capital flexibility for future strategic and operational needs.

The most recent analyst rating on (BWB) stock is a Buy with a $23.00 price target. To see the full list of analyst forecasts on Bridgewater Bancshares stock, see the BWB Stock Forecast page.

Business Operations and StrategyRegulatory Filings and Compliance
Bridgewater Bancshares Updates Investor Presentation Highlighting Strategy
Positive
Feb 9, 2026

Bridgewater Bancshares, Inc. has released an investor presentation intended for periodic use by its executives in meetings with investors and analysts, detailing its business model, financial position and strategic focus. The materials emphasize the bank’s commercial-oriented franchise in the Twin Cities, its branch-light efficiency, and its track record of consistent profitability and asset quality.

The presentation also outlines the bank’s concentration in multifamily and commercial real estate lending, affordable housing finance and business banking, underscoring its positioning as an “entrepreneurial bank” in a growing regional market. By formalizing and furnishing this updated investor deck, Bridgewater seeks to provide greater transparency into its operations and performance metrics, which may help support investor understanding of its risk profile, growth strategy and competitive stance versus other regional and community banks.

The most recent analyst rating on (BWB) stock is a Buy with a $23.00 price target. To see the full list of analyst forecasts on Bridgewater Bancshares stock, see the BWB Stock Forecast page.

Business Operations and StrategyFinancial Disclosures
Bridgewater Bancshares Posts Strong Q4 and 2025 Results
Positive
Jan 27, 2026

On January 27, 2026, Bridgewater Bancshares reported strong fourth-quarter 2025 results, with net income rising to $13.3 million, or $0.43 per diluted share, up from $11.6 million in the prior quarter and $8.2 million a year earlier, supported by higher net interest income, improved net interest margin of 2.75%, and a 52.7% jump in noninterest income. For full-year 2025, net income reached $46.1 million, or $1.49 per diluted share, as pre-provision net revenue climbed 42.1% year over year, tangible book value per share increased 15.3% to $15.55, and both deposits and loans expanded, while credit costs remained low with net loan charge-offs at 0.04% of average loans; management highlighted efficiency gains following a systems conversion, continued benefits from M&A disruption in the Twin Cities, and plans to drive profitable growth and expand key verticals such as affordable housing in 2026.

The most recent analyst rating on (BWB) stock is a Hold with a $19.50 price target. To see the full list of analyst forecasts on Bridgewater Bancshares stock, see the BWB Stock Forecast page.

Glossary
BuyA stock rated as a "Buy" is expected to perform better than the overall market or a specific benchmark over the near-to-medium term. This rating suggests the stock is likely to deliver higher returns compared to other stocks in the same sector or market index. Note: This is not investment advice; please consult a financial advisor before making investment decisions.
HoldA stock rated as a "Hold" is expected to perform in line with the overall market or a specific benchmark. This rating indicates that the stock is neither particularly compelling nor unfavorable for investment. Note: This is not investment advice; please consult a financial advisor before making investment decisions.
SellA stock rated as a "Sell" is expected to perform worse than the overall market or a specific benchmark over the near-to-medium term. This rating suggests the stock may deliver lower returns compared to other stocks in the same sector or market index. Note: This is not investment advice; please consult a financial advisor before making investment decisions.

Disclaimer

This AI Analyst Stock Report is automatically generated by our AI systems using advanced algorithms and publicly available financial, technical, and market data. While the information provided aims to be accurate and insightful, it is intended for informational purposes only and should not be considered financial advice. Any content created by an AI (Artificial Intelligence) system may contain inaccuracies and/or contain errors. Investing in stocks carries inherent risks, and past performance is not indicative of future results. This report does not account for your personal financial circumstances, objectives, or risk tolerance. Always conduct your own research or consult with a qualified financial advisor before making investment decisions. The analysis and recommendations provided are based on historical and current data and may not fully reflect future market conditions or unexpected developments. Neither the creators of this report nor its affiliated entities guarantee the accuracy, completeness, or reliability of the information presented. Use this report at your own discretion and risk.Date of analysis: Mar 03, 2026