Recent Updates — FNWD
Finward Bancorp reported unaudited third quarter 2026 results showing net income available to common stockholders of $1.4 million, or $0.31 per diluted share, down from $2.1 million, or $0.48 per diluted share, in the prior quarter. The decline was impacted by merger-related expenses associated with its pending acquisition by First Financial Bancorp, including $1.8 million in compensation adjustments and $536 thousand in professional services costs. Net interest margin expanded to 3.39% from 3.25%, driven by loan repricing and new origination strength. Total deposits grew 1.5% to $1.76 billion, while borrowings decreased 37.2% to $59.8 million. Non-performing loans rose slightly to $16.8 million, and tangible book value per share declined to $31.07 from $35.75. Finward Bancorp is a financial holding company that operates Peoples Bank in Northwest Indiana.
On September 4, 2026, Finward Bancorp's Board of Directors declared a quarterly cash dividend of $0.12 per share on its common stock. The payment is scheduled for September 25, 2026, to shareholders of record as of the close of business on September 18, 2026. This filing discloses the specific terms and timing of the distribution. Finward Bancorp operates as a financial holding company headquartered in Munster, Indiana, primarily through its subsidiary Peoples Bank.
Finward Bancorp entered into a definitive merger agreement with First Financial Bancorp to be acquired in an all-stock transaction valued at approximately $208 million. Under the terms, Finward shareholders will receive 1.35 shares of First Financial common stock for each share of Finward common stock held. The merger is expected to close in the fourth quarter of 2026, subject to regulatory approvals and shareholder consent. Finward Bancorp is a financial holding company that provides banking and wealth management services through its subsidiary, Peoples Bank.
On June 24, 2026, the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) and the Indiana Department of Financial Institutions (DFI) terminated the memorandum of understanding (MOU) previously entered into on August 9, 2024, with Peoples Bank, the wholly-owned subsidiary of Finward Bancorp. This termination ends the informal administrative agreement between the regulators and the bank. Finward Bancorp is a financial holding company that operates a commercial bank.