Steven H. Brunner, who serves as Executive Vice President and Chief Risk Officer at Bankwell Financial Group (NASDAQ: BWFG), executed an insider sale on February 9, 2026, disposing of 1,876 shares of the company’s common stock for approximately $93,518. The transactions occurred at prices between $49.52 and $50.26 per share.
On the same date, Brunner also received equity grants totaling 2,076 shares through two distinct awards. One award consisted of 1,558 shares granted under the 2022 Bankwell Financial Group, Inc. Stock Plan. That grant is split into two components: 779 restricted shares that vest in three substantially equal annual installments, with the first vesting on February 7, 2027 and the subsequent installments vesting on each annual anniversary of that date; and 779 performance restricted shares subject to a three-year cliff vesting on February 7, 2029, contingent on achievement of the stated performance goal.
In addition to the 1,558-share award, Brunner received 518 shares tied to additional performance share awards for 2023, 2024, and 2025. The filing that discloses these movements shows the mix of immediate disposition and compensated equity that remains contingent on future vesting schedules and performance criteria.
Bankwell Financial Group is a Connecticut-based bank holding company focused on serving the greater New York metropolitan area. The insider activity occurred against the backdrop of the company’s fourth-quarter 2025 financial results, which beat analyst expectations. Bankwell reported diluted earnings per share of $1.36 for the quarter, compared with the consensus estimate of $1.19. Revenue for the quarter came in at $30.32 million versus the projected $28.06 million. These results produced an earnings surprise of 14.29 percent.
Despite topping forecasts on both EPS and revenue, the company’s shares experienced a slight decline in pre-market trading following the release. The mixed market reaction underscores that even where reported results exceed consensus figures, investor response can vary in the short term.
For market participants examining insider behavior and executive compensation, the details of Brunner’s transactions offer a combination of realized proceeds from a sale and multi-year incentive-based equity awards that hinge on time-based vesting and performance achievement. Investors looking for structured analysis of executive buying and selling patterns and comprehensive company reports may consult services that track insider transactions and executive compensation disclosures.
Contextual note - The reported sale, the contemporaneous awards, and the quarter-over-quarter financial outcomes are taken from the company’s disclosures and recent reporting. The restricted stock and performance award vesting schedules are as specified in the grant disclosures.