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olivLaw · US equity research

Finward Bancorp FNWD

Savings Institution, Federally Chartered · SIC 6035 · Vertical: Savings Institution, Federally Chartered (SIC 6035)

44.66USD+2.31% · 1 dayClose 04 Nov 2026

Finward Bancorp is the holding company for Peoples Bank, an Indiana bank that takes deposits and makes mortgage, commercial and commercial real estate loans in Lake and Porter County and Cook County, Illinois. In July 2026 the company agreed to merge with First Financial Bancorp, which makes its profile relevant for shareholders, while total assets stand at 2.0 billion USD.

The AI analysis may be outdated: new filings came after its sources (see the «AI analysis» section).

At the close of 04 Nov 2026, Finward Bancorp (FNWD) stock was 44.66 USD (+2.31% on the day), with market capitalisation 193.5 m USD, P/E 19.7 on diluted EPS of 2.27 USD over the last 12 months, dividend yield 1.07%, beta 0.27, 52-week range 30.34–45.28 USD. Latest reported quarter (Q2 2026): net income of 2.1 m USD (−2.7% YoY), diluted EPS 0.48 USD.

Data as of · AI analysis dated · Source: SEC filings and closing prices, computed by olivLaw.

Market cap
193.5 m USD
shares as of 07 Aug 2026
P/E (TTM)
19.7
Diluted EPS TTM 2.27 · TTM to 30 Jun 2026
E/P (TTM)
5.09%
TTM to 30 Jun 2026
Dividend yield
1.07%
DPS 12m 0.48
Beta (2y)
0.27
Volatility (1y) 33%
52-week range
30.3445.28

Price history

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Technical reading

RSI (14)
62.7
strong (55–70)
Bollinger (20, 2)
40.52 – 44.99
in the upper half of the band · %B 0.93 · band width 10.5%
SMA 50 / 200
42.73 / 38.17
uptrend (price > SMA50 > SMA200)
MACD (12, 26, 9)
0.52 / 0.31
MACD above signal

Indicators describe past prices; on their own they do not predict direction. On our history the RSI ≤ 40 filter added no return (see the signals methodology).

Performance

CompanyS&P 500vs S&P 500Vertical median
1 month+6.6%−2.0%+8.6 pp—
3 months−1.3%−2.2%+0.8 pp—
6 months+43.8%+4.3%+39.6 pp—
Year to date+26.9%+10.6%+16.3 pp—
1 year+31.7%+10.5%+21.3 pp+26.3%
3 years+133.7%+73.7%+60.0 pp+71.9%
5 years−2.4%+61.7%−64.2 pp—
Max drawdown (1y)
−24.0%
03 Dec 2025 → 04 May 2026
Max drawdown (5y)
−63.6%
07 Dec 2021 → 01 Nov 2023
Compound annual growth (5y)
−0.5%
S&P 500 +10.1%

Price returns, dividends excluded.

Quarterly results

Latest quarter: Q2 2026 · 30 Jun 2026

Revenue
unavailable USD
unavailable YoY
Net income
2.1 m USD
−2.7% YoY
Diluted EPS
0.48
−4.0% YoY
net / operating
unavailable / unavailable

Quarterly statements · USD

Fiscal yearQ3 '24Q4 '24Q1 '25Q2 '25Q3 '25Q4 '25Q1 '26Q2 '26
Depreciation & amortisation2.1 m ≈1.8 m1.6 m1.6 m ≈1.5 m ≈1.5 m1.3 m1.0 m ≈
Pre-tax income399.0 k2.7 m616.0 k2.1 m3.6 m1.8 m2.7 m2.5 m
Income tax-207.0 k569.0 k161.0 k-35.0 k63.0 k-166.0 k423.0 k364.0 k
Net income606.0 k2.1 m455.0 k2.2 m3.5 m2.0 m2.2 m2.1 m
Diluted EPS0.140.49 ≈0.110.500.810.46 ≈0.520.48
Operating cash flow-3.7 m ≈10.8 m-3.8 m4.8 m ≈1.2 m ≈7.7 m3.6 m4.7 m ≈
Capex508.0 k ≈222.0 k183.0 k278.0 k ≈152.0 k ≈240.0 k135.0 k234.0 k ≈
Dividends paid522.0 k ≈517.0 k518.0 k2.0 k ≈519.0 k ≈518.0 k520.0 k520.0 k ≈

≈ derived quarter (cumulative difference / share-days average)

E/P over time

E/P = trailing-12-month diluted EPS / price at quarter end. E/P is the inverse of P/E and stays defined when earnings are negative.

Today's P/E sits at the 95 percentile of its own 39-quarter history (min 6.8, median 12.2, max 37.8; quarters with earnings only).

Fiscal years

Fiscal year20182019202020212022202320242025
Revenueunavailableunavailableunavailableunavailableunavailableunavailableunavailableunavailable
Revenue YoYunavailableunavailableunavailableunavailableunavailableunavailableunavailableunavailable
Net income9.3 m12.1 m15.9 m15.0 m15.1 m8.4 m12.1 m8.1 m
Net income YoY+4.2%+29.6%+31.7%−6.1%+0.8%−44.4%+44.7%−33.3%
Diluted EPS3.173.534.604.303.601.962.841.88
Diluted EPS YoY+1.3%+11.4%+30.3%−6.5%−16.3%−45.6%+44.9%−33.8%
net %unavailableunavailableunavailableunavailableunavailableunavailableunavailableunavailable
Free cash flow9.5 m7.9 m16.0 m13.9 m14.7 m23.1 m6.7 m9.0 m

Reported results vs expectations

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Balance sheet & financial health

Fiscal year 2025 · 31 Dec 2025

Cash
unavailable USD
Financial debt
unavailable USD
Net debt
unavailable USD
Equity
174.7 m USD
Total assets
2.0 bn USD
Debt / equity
unavailable
Current ratio
unavailable
ROE
5.0%
ROA
0.4%
FCF margin
unavailable

Financial statements (source on every figure)

Revenue and net income (USD)

Income statement · USD

Net interest income
2023
54.6 m
2024
48.4 m
2025
56.7 m

SEC (XBRL)· 25 Mar 2026verified

Net fee income
2023
10.7 m
2024
22.6 m
2025
9.3 m

SEC (XBRL)· 25 Mar 2026verified

Non-interest expense
2023
55.2 m
2024
58.1 m
2025
58.1 m

SEC (XBRL)· 25 Mar 2026verified

Pre-tax income
2023
8.0 m
2024
13.5 m
2025
8.1 m

SEC (XBRL)· 25 Mar 2026verified

Net income
2023
8.4 m
2024
12.1 m
2025
8.1 m

SEC (XBRL)· 25 Mar 2026verified

Diluted EPS
2023
1.96
2024
2.84
2025
1.88

SEC (XBRL)· 25 Mar 2026verified

Dividend per share
2023
1.05
2024
0.48
2025
0.36

SEC (XBRL)· 25 Mar 2026verified

Balance sheet · USD

Loans
2023
1.5 bn
2024
1.5 bn
2025
1.4 bn

SEC (XBRL)· 25 Mar 2026verified

Total assets
2023
2.1 bn
2024
2.1 bn
2025
2.0 bn

SEC (XBRL)· 25 Mar 2026verified

Deposits
2023
1.8 bn
2024
1.8 bn
2025
1.7 bn

SEC (XBRL)· 25 Mar 2026verified

Total liabilities
2023
2.0 bn
2024
1.9 bn
2025
1.8 bn

SEC (XBRL)· 25 Mar 2026verified

Equity
2023
147.3 m †
2024
151.4 m †
2025
174.7 m †

SEC (XBRL)· 25 Mar 2026verified

Cash flow · USD

Dividends paid
2023
5.3 m
2024
2.1 m
2025
1.6 m

SEC (XBRL)· 25 Mar 2026verified

Computed indicators

Growth

Revenue growth (YoY)
unavailable
input data missing
Revenue CAGR 3Y
unavailable
input data missing
Revenue CAGR 5Y
unavailable
input data missing
Net income growth (YoY)
-33.3%
computed by olivLawFY 2025
Net income CAGR 3Y
-18.8%
computed by olivLawFY 2022 → FY 2025
Net income CAGR 5Y
-12.7%
computed by olivLawFY 2020 → FY 2025
EPS growth (YoY)
-33.8%
computed by olivLawFY 2025
EPS CAGR 3Y
-19.5%
computed by olivLawFY 2022 → FY 2025
EPS CAGR 5Y
-16.4%
computed by olivLawFY 2020 → FY 2025

Profitability

Net margin
unavailable
input data missing

Returns

ROE
5.9%
computed by olivLawTTM to 30 Jun 2026 · balance sheet at 30 Jun 2026
ROA
0.5%
computed by olivLawTTM to 30 Jun 2026 · balance sheet at 30 Jun 2026
Payout ratio (EPS)
21.1%
computed by olivLawTTM to 30 Jun 2026

Market and valuation

Market capitalisation
193.5 m USD
computed by olivLawbalance sheet at 30 Jun 2026
Market cap / net income TTM
19.7x
computed by olivLawTTM to 30 Jun 2026
P/E (TTM)
19.7x
computed by olivLawTTM to 30 Jun 2026
Earnings yield
5.1%
computed by olivLawTTM to 30 Jun 2026
P/B
1.1x
computed by olivLawbalance sheet at 30 Jun 2026
P/S
unavailable
input data missing
Dividend yield
1.1%
computed by olivLawTTM to 30 Jun 2026
Shareholder yield (distributions)
1.1%
computed by olivLawTTM to 30 Jun 2026 · balance sheet at 30 Jun 2026

Banking

Net interest margin
2.9%
computed by olivLawTTM to 30 Jun 2026 · balance sheet at 30 Jun 2026
Cost-to-income
84.9%
computed by olivLawTTM to 30 Jun 2026
Loan-to-deposit
85.8%
computed by olivLawbalance sheet at 30 Jun 2026
NPL ratio
unavailable
input data missing
CET1 ratio
unavailable
input data missing
Cost of risk
unavailable
input data missing

32 indicators that do not apply to the sector.

Valuation

olivLaw classification

Unattractive profile

Score: 27 / 100

A scoring methodology on indicators and valuation, not investment advice.

score < 40 · (margin_of_safety <= -0.25 & agreement in ['high', 'medium'])

Closing price

44.66 USD

04 Nov 2026Source: olivLaw, closing series

Market cap: 193.5 m USD

Key indicators

Market capitalisation
193.5 m USD
computed by olivLawbalance sheet at 30 Jun 2026
P/E (TTM)
19.7x
computed by olivLawTTM to 30 Jun 2026
P/B
1.1x
computed by olivLawbalance sheet at 30 Jun 2026
ROE
5.9%
computed by olivLawTTM to 30 Jun 2026 · balance sheet at 30 Jun 2026
Net margin
unavailable
input data missing
Revenue growth (YoY)
unavailable
input data missing
Dividend yield
1.1%
computed by olivLawTTM to 30 Jun 2026

Coverage and freshness

13/20 reporting lines present
Latest full fiscal year: 2025
Latest reported period: 30 Jun 2026
Latest balance sheet date: 30 Jun 2026
Share count (cover of the latest filing), as of: 07 Aug 2026
Source: SEC (XBRL)published 13 Aug 2026
verified 2077derived 191

Score by group

  • Valuation42
  • Balance sheet36
  • Quality25
  • Growth0
  • Returns18

Estimated value range

Low
31.35
USD per share
Mid
33.14
USD per share
High
34.67
USD per share
Price: 44.66 USD
The price is above the range
Potential to the central value: -25.8% (value / price − 1)
Margin of safety: -34.8% (1 − price / value)
Agreement between methods: medium · 4 methods used · 3 independent bases

The combined range = the median of the valid methods' low, central and high values; it is not a probability interval and does not cover every result. Envelope of all methods: 17.95 – 56.58 USD.

Methods computed but outside the aggregate range: Dividend discount (DDM) (a small share of earnings is paid as dividends (capital returns through buybacks): the dividend model does not describe the value and stays outside the aggregate).

Valuation assumptions are editorial choices, not measured; beta is not measured.

Method ranges (USD per share)

— — Mid · ▏ Price

Valuation methods

  • Residual income37.24 – 38.94 (Mid 38.07)
  • Justified P/B17.95 – 24.15 (Mid 20.60)
  • Dividend discount (DDM)outside the aggregate4.73 – 6.36 (Mid 5.43)
    a small share of earnings is paid as dividends (capital returns through buybacks): the dividend model does not describe the value and stays outside the aggregate
  • Peers: P/E25.47 – 30.40 (Mid 28.20)
    10 companies used · median multiple 12.4x · quartiles 11.2x – 13.4x
    AX, BKU, CFFN, EBC, FCAP, HFBL, HTB, KRNY, NRIM, WNEB
  • Peers: P/B42.09 – 56.58 (Mid 47.05)
    12 companies used · median multiple 1.1x · quartiles 1.0x – 1.4x
    AX, BKU, CFFN, EBC, FCAP, FDSB, HFBL, HTB, KFFB, KRNY, NRIM, WNEB
Multiple comparisons use the SIC vertical: Savings Institution, Federally Chartered (SIC 6035)

Classification (SIC) comparables group by industry code, not by economic activity; the direct group is an editorial selection by activity. Members' multiples are on their own trailing twelve months, at their own latest close.

Assumptions (illustrative, editorial)

Risk-free rate
4.3%
Equity risk premium
5.0%
Beta (default)
1.00
Cost of equity
9.3%
Terminal growth
2.5%

Factor scorecard

Unattractive profile · Score 27/100

FactorValueScoreWeight used
ROE · Quality5.9%36 (vs peers)21%
ROA · Quality0.5%6 (on a fixed band)8%
Cost-to-income · Quality84.9%0 (on a fixed band)13%
Net interest margin · Quality2.9%57 (on a fixed band)8%
EPS CAGR 3Y · Growth-19.5%0 (on a fixed band)10%
Revenue CAGR 3Y · Growthunavailableunavailable—
NPL ratio · Balance sheetunavailableunavailable—
Cost of risk · Balance sheetunavailableunavailable—
Loan-to-deposit · Balance sheet85.8%36 (on a fixed band)5%
P/B · Valuation1.1x62 (vs peers)13%
P/E (TTM) · Valuation19.7x23 (vs peers)13%
Dividend yield · Returns1.1%18 (vs peers)10%

Factors without a value were dropped; the remaining weights were renormalised.

Score groups

  • Balance sheet· partial36/100 · 1/3 factors with a value
  • Growth· partial0/100 · 1/2 factors with a value
  • Quality25/100 · 4/4 factors with a value
  • Returns18/100 · 1/1 factors with a value
  • Valuation42/100 · 2/2 factors with a value

A «partial» group is computed from under half of its weight or from one factor: it is not a full assessment of the group.

Memo

Finward Bancorp (FNWD). Latest full fiscal year: 2025; data up to 2026-06-30.

Figures computed from the financial statements: net interest income 56.7 m USD in 2025; ROE 5.9%.

The estimated value range is 31.35–34.67 USD per share (median of 4 methods, agreement: medium); assumptions are illustrative. Against the central value of 33.14 USD, the price of 44.66 USD leaves a potential of -25.8% (value / price − 1) and a margin of safety of -34.8% (1 − price / value). The range is the median of the methods' low, central and high values, not a probability interval.

olivLaw score 27/100, methodological classification: unattractive profile (score, margin of safety and method agreement together; not a judgement of the right price). Groups assessed only in part: balance, growth. Not investment advice.

Text generated deterministically from the figures shown; no language model. Not investment advice.

What supports the thesis

No signal among the computed factors. That is not an absence of risk: factors without data were not assessed, and business risks (margins, inventory, demand) are in the source-based analysis.

What contradicts it

  • ROA: 0.5%
  • Cost-to-income: 84.9%
  • EPS CAGR 3Y: -19.5%
  • P/E (TTM): 19.7x
  • Dividend yield: 1.1%
  • The price is above the estimated value range

Not assessed (insufficient data or a ratio without meaning): Revenue CAGR 3Y, NPL ratio, Cost of risk.

Versus the vertical median

Savings Institution, Federally Chartered (SIC 6035) · same industry (4-digit SIC) · compared with 14 companies

Multiples and returns vs the median

P/E
19.7x
vertical median 13.3x
above median (+47.8%)
EV/EBITDA
—
vertical median —
P/S
—
vertical median 53.0x
P/B
1.1x
vertical median 1.2x
below median (−5.8%)
ROE
5.9%
vertical median 8.6%
below median (−31.4%)
Net margin
—
vertical median 273.6%
EBIT margin
—
vertical median —
Revenue YoY
—
vertical median 7.4%
Net debt/EBITDA
—
vertical median —
Dividend yield
1.1%
vertical median 2.5%
below median (−56.2%)

Price rebased to 100 (monthly, 5 years)

Companies in the vertical

Market capP/EROENet marginRevenue YoY1A / 3A
AXAxos Financial, Inc.5.4 bn10.716.7%624.8%+23.5%+15% / +147%
EBCEastern Bankshares, Inc.5.3 bn13.39.4%257.2%+19.1%+24% / +95%
TFSLTfs Financial Corporation4.7 bn46.05.3%—unavailable+17% / +26%
BKUBankUnited, Inc.3.2 bn12.39.2%1,154.5%+7.4%+4% / +63%
CFFNCapitol Federal Financial, Inc.1.1 bn13.48.0%508.2%+6.5%+33% / +63%
HTBHomeTrust Bancshares, Inc.798.6 m12.511.0%—−1.9%+17% / +107%
KRNYKearny Financial Corp.605.1 m16.44.8%—+36.0%+36% / +18%
NRIMNorthrim Bancorp, Inc.545.0 m9.916.6%21.8%+30.4%−0% / +99%
WNEBWestern New England Bancorp, Inc.281.6 m16.76.9%—−34.3%+15% / +79%
FCAPFirst Capital, Inc.215.3 m11.613.9%252.8%+1.6%+29% / +145%
FNWDFinward Bancorp193.5 m19.75.9%—unavailable+32% / +134%
FDSBFifth District Bancorp, Inc.92.5 m52.41.3%273.6%−2.3%+29% / unavailable
HFBLHome Federal Bancorp, Inc. of Louisiana67.7 m11.110.8%364.5%+30.0%+40% / +72%
KFFBKentucky First Federal Bancorp44.4 m32.02.9%—−11.8%+31% / +18%
BYFCBroadway Financial Corporation——-7.6%-11,027.1%+18.7%+86% / +54%

1- and 3-year price returns: for FNWD from daily closes (the same as the performance table), for the other companies from month-end closes.

olivLaw engine forecast

The world engine ran after the company's latest material disclosure. Probabilities are of TOUCHING a level within the horizon (not closing there) and sit next to the random walk (p_rw), the no-information benchmark.

The engine has no published run for this company yet.

Valuation scenarios (editable assumptions)

Illustrative scenarios

Scenarios are not available. input data missing

AI analysis

AI-generatedAI-generated analysis (Claude) from cited public sources; it may contain errors. Not investment advice. As of 27 Oct 2026 · Model: claude-haiku-5-5.

Possibly outdated: the newest document it read is from 13 Aug 2026; since then the company filed 8-K (27 Oct 2026 · results).

In brief

Finward Bancorp is the holding company for Peoples Bank, an Indiana bank that takes deposits and makes mortgage, commercial and commercial real estate loans in Lake and Porter County and Cook County, Illinois. In July 2026 the company agreed to merge with First Financial Bancorp, which makes its profile relevant for shareholders, while total assets stand at 2.0 billion USD 12.

SWOT

Strengths

  • The core deposit base is stable and forms a large share of funding, which supports the bank's liquidity 3.
  • The bank reports capital above regulatory requirements, with its leverage ratio rising in the second quarter 3.
  • Local customer relationships and a branch network across the metropolitan area support a loyal customer base 13.

Weaknesses

  • Profitability is modest, with return on assets and equity low compared with many banks, which limits internal capital generation 2.
  • A significant share of the loan book carries fixed rates, which could weigh on income if rates rise 1.
  • Operating efficiency remains weak, with overhead high relative to revenue, especially in quarters with merger costs 3.

Opportunities

  • The merger with First Financial could give existing clients access to a larger platform and a wider product range 2.
  • Growth in commercial lending offers a way to diversify the loan book away from residential mortgages 3.
  • With regulatory restrictions lifted, the bank could resume expansion plans and dividend payments subject to approvals 2.

Threats

  • Rising non-performing loans in commercial and real estate lending could lead to larger losses and extra provisions 3.
  • Integration risk and regulatory approvals for the merger could delay or change the transaction 2.
  • Competitive pressure from larger Chicagoland banks could limit deposit growth and margins 1.

Risks

  • Commercial and real estate credit riskhigh

    Commercial real estate loans make up most of the portfolio, and weak office occupancy and high interest rates could affect borrowers' ability to pay 2.

  • Rising non-performing loanshigh

    Non-performing loans increased in the second quarter of 2026 and coverage by loan loss reserves declined, which could require additional provisions 3.

  • Merger riskmedium

    The transaction depends on regulatory approvals and a shareholder vote, and a delay or failure could affect the company's strategic plans 2.

  • Interest rate riskmedium

    A large share of fixed-rate loans could pressure net interest income if market rates rise sharply 1.

  • Liquidity risklow

    The company relies on deposits and external funding sources, and a market downturn could limit access to liquidity 1.

Investment thesis

What would need to be true (bull case)

  • The announced merger with First Financial recognizes the value of the franchise and could give shareholders access to a larger, better-funded bank if the deal closes 2.
  • The net interest margin rose from quarter to quarter, suggesting that repricing of the loan book is supporting income 3.
  • Termination of the memorandum of understanding and the Consent Order could free resources for growth and reduce regulatory uncertainty 21.

What would break the thesis

  • Non-performing loans grew faster than the portfolio and reserve coverage fell, which could weigh on future profitability 3.
  • Returns remain modest, and under margin pressure or high costs they could be hard to improve 2.
  • If the merger does not close, the company could remain a relatively small bank exposed to Chicagoland competition and commercial loan risks 21.

What to watch

  • Trend in non-performing loans and loan loss provisionsQ3 2026
  • Status of regulatory approvals and shareholder vote on the First Financial merger2026
  • Net interest margin and trend in non-interest-bearing depositsQ3 2026
  • Quality of the commercial real estate book and office occupancynext 10-K

Products, market & competition

AI-generatedAI-generated analysis (Claude) from cited public sources; it may contain errors. Not investment advice. As of 27 Oct 2026 · Model: claude-haiku-5-5.

Possibly outdated: the newest document it read is from 13 Aug 2026; since then the company filed 8-K (27 Oct 2026 · results).

The business

Finward Bancorp is an Indiana corporation, incorporated in 1994, that wholly owns Peoples Bank, an Indiana-chartered commercial bank 1. The bank's core activity is attracting deposits from the general public and lending, mostly against single family residences and commercial real estate, plus construction, consumer, commercial business and municipal loans 1. Its Wealth Management Group offers estate and retirement planning, trusts and retirement plans, and at June 30, 2026 the bank held 1.73 billion USD in deposits 13.

The company reports one operating segment, because management considers most revenue to come from banking 1. It is headquartered in Munster, Indiana, and the bank operates from 24 locations in Lake and Porter Counties and Chicagoland 3. The shares are quoted on NASDAQ under the symbol FNWD 3.

Peoples Bank is supervised by the FDIC and the Indiana Department of Financial Institutions, while the holding company is regulated by the Federal Reserve Board 1. The bank is a member of the Federal Home Loan Bank of Indianapolis 1.

Segments

Loans

Loans are the largest asset, and at June 30, 2026 net loans receivable stood at 1.50 billion USD 2. Commercial real estate is the largest loan category, at 39.7% of the portfolio 2.

Market context

The bank's primary market is Lake and Porter Counties in northwest Indiana and Cook County in Illinois, where most lending activity is concentrated 1. The company is regional in scale, with assets of 2.0 billion USD, and part of its competitive position and growth outlook depends on local economic conditions 12.

The net interest margin edged up to 3.25% in the second quarter of 2026, from 3.23% in the prior quarter 3. Management attributed the change to repricing and maturity of the existing loan book and to strength in new originations 3.

Trends

  • Merger with First Financialmixed

    The company agreed to merge with First Financial Bancorp, with shareholders receiving 1.35 shares of the acquirer for each share held 2. The deal is valued at about 208 million USD and remains subject to regulatory approvals and a shareholder vote 2. If the merger closes, it could change the bank's structure and its independent growth prospects.

  • Growth in commercial lendingmixed

    The bank originated 81.3 million USD of new commercial loans in the second quarter of 2026, up from the prior quarter 3. This supports interest income but carries more risk than residential mortgage lending.

  • Rising non-performing loansheadwind

    Non-performing loans rose to 1.10% of total loans at June 30, 2026, from 0.85% in the prior quarter 3. Management said the causes are varied and do not reflect a concentration or broad economic stress 3. If the trend continues, provision costs could rise.

  • Lifting of supervisory measurestailwind

    The FDIC and DFI terminated the bank's memorandum of understanding on June 24, 2026, and the Consent Order on Bank Secrecy Act compliance was terminated in August 2025 21. These steps reduce operating restrictions, including the limit on paying dividends without prior approval.

Competitive position

Peoples Bank competes mainly in northwest Indiana and Chicagoland, where local banks and larger regional institutions are active 13. The company describes itself as locally managed and independent, but the announced merger with First Financial shows that regional scale is an important factor 32.

  • First Financial BancorpFFBC

    Company that agreed to merge with Finward; its Ohio bank would take over Peoples Bank if the deal closes 2.

  • Community banks in northwest Indiana

    Local banks competing for deposits and loans in the same market area, per the market description in the annual report 1.

  • Regional banks in Chicagoland

    Larger institutions operating in the same metropolitan area that compete for commercial clients 3.

  • Mortgage lending institutions

    Competitors for residential loans that affect origination volume and pricing in the secondary market 1.

News & filings

In the press

No news in our archive over the last 180 days.

SEC filings

Sources

  1. [1] Form 10-K, fiscal year ended 2025-12-31 · SEC / Finward Bancorp · 25 Mar 2026
  2. [2] Form 10-Q, quarter ended 2026-06-30 · SEC / Finward Bancorp · 13 Aug 2026
  3. [3] Form 8-K, results release (exhibit 99.1) · SEC / Finward Bancorp · 28 Jul 2026

Figures computed by olivLaw from SEC filings and closing prices; the qualitative analysis is AI-generated from cited sources. Not investment advice.