NEW YORK, Feb. 03, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Pomerantz LLP is investigating claims on behalf of investors of First Western Financial, Inc. (“First Western” or the “Company”) (NASDAQ: MYFW).  Such investors are advised to contact Danielle Peyton at newaction@pomlaw.com or 646-581-9980, ext. 7980. The investigation concerns whether First Western and certain of its officers and/or directors have engaged in securities fraud or other unlawful business practices.  [Click here for information about joining the clas ...

Core Viewpoint - First Western Financial, Inc. is under investigation for potential violations of federal securities laws following a disappointing earnings report that missed analyst expectations, leading to a significant drop in stock price [1][2]. Financial Performance - First Western reported fourth-quarter earnings of $0.34 per share for 2025, which was below analyst expectations [1]. - The company's stock price fell over 8% on January 23, 2026, in response to the earnings miss [2]. Legal Investigation - Levi & Korsinsky has initiated an investigation into First Western Financial regarding potential securities law violations [1]. - Investors who suffered losses are encouraged to explore recovery options under federal securities laws [2]. Firm Background - Levi & Korsinsky LLP has a strong reputation in securities litigation, having secured hundreds of millions of dollars for shareholders over the past 20 years [3]. - The firm has been recognized as one of the top securities litigation firms in the United States for seven consecutive years [3].

New York, New York--(Newsfile Corp. - January 30, 2026) - Levi & Korsinsky notifies investors that it has commenced an investigation into First Western Financial, Inc. ("First Western Financial, Inc.") (NASDAQ: MYFW) concerning potential violations of the federal securities laws.First Western reported its financial results for the fourth quarter of 2025 on January 22, 2026. Among other items, the Company reported quarterly earnings of $0.34 per share, missing analyst expectations.Following this news, First ...

NEW YORK, Jan. 27, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Pomerantz LLP is investigating claims on behalf of investors of First Western Financial, Inc. (“First Western” or the “Company”) (NASDAQ: MYFW). Such investors are advised to contact Danielle Peyton at newaction@pomlaw.com or 646-581-9980, ext. 7980. The investigation concerns whether First Western and certain of its officers and/or directors have engaged in securities fraud or other unlawful business practices.  [Click here for information about joining the class ...

Group 1 - The article does not provide any specific content related to company or industry analysis [1]

Core Insights - First Western Financial reported improved profitability in Q4 2025, driven by loan and deposit growth, net interest margin expansion, and disciplined expense management [5][8] Loan and Deposit Growth - Loans held for investment increased by $59 million from the previous quarter, with new loan production totaling $146 million at an average rate of 6.36% [1][7] - Total deposits rose by $102 million, attributed to new deposit relationships, despite seasonal outflows [9] Financial Performance - The company posted a net income of $3.3 million, or $0.34 per diluted share, which was higher than the prior quarter [4][8] - Gross revenue increased by 1.5% from the prior quarter and 12.2% year-over-year, primarily due to higher net interest income [10] Net Interest Margin - Net interest margin expanded to 2.71%, driven by lower deposit costs and the opportunity to reprice approximately $250 million of fixed-rate loans maturing next year [7][11] - Net interest income rose by 5.6% sequentially and 21.7% year-over-year, attributed to a higher net interest margin [11] Asset Quality and Expenses - Asset quality trends remained stable, with decreases in non-accrual loans and non-performing assets [17] - Non-interest expense increased by $1.2 million due to a $1.4 million write-down on an OREO property, but excluding this, expenses decreased [16] Future Outlook - Management expects continued balance sheet growth in 2026 to be similar to 2025 levels, with positive trends in net interest margin and fee income [18] - The company aims to keep quarterly expenses below $20 million while remaining open to investment opportunities [19]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company generated net income of $3.3 million, or $0.34 per diluted share in Q4 2025, which was higher than the prior quarter [6] - Gross revenue increased by 1.5% from the prior quarter and 12.2% from Q4 2024 [10] - Net interest income rose by 5.6% from the prior quarter and 21.7% from Q4 2024, with net interest margin (NIM) increasing to 2.71% [10][11] - Tangible book value per share increased by 1.6% this quarter [6] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Loans held for investment increased by $59 million from the end of the prior quarter, with new loan production of $146 million in Q4 [7] - Total deposits increased by $102 million from the end of the prior quarter, with average deposits up 10% compared to Q4 2024 [8][9] - Assets under management in Trust and Investment Management decreased by $155 million, primarily due to net withdrawals [9] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company experienced solid loan production diversified across markets, industries, and loan types, supported by healthy economic conditions [6] - The market remains competitive in terms of pricing on loans and deposits, but the company focuses on service quality rather than competing on rates [4] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company aims to maintain a conservative approach to new loan production with disciplined underwriting and pricing criteria [4] - There is a focus on organic growth and leveraging market disruption to recruit talent and new clients [14][87] - The company is investing in technology infrastructure, product teams, and marketing to enhance efficiency and value [91] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management sees healthy economic conditions in their markets and expects continued loan and deposit growth in 2026 [14] - Positive trends in net interest margin and fee income are anticipated, with a goal of achieving a 1% return on assets (ROA) [43][94] - The company does not foresee any meaningful deterioration in asset quality based on current portfolio trends [15] Other Important Information - A one-time $1.4 million write-down on an OREO property impacted non-interest expenses, but excluding this, expenses decreased by $100,000 [12] - The company has shifted its focus in Trust and Investment Management from investment management to fiduciary and planning-driven services [26] Q&A Session Summary Question: Margin outlook and loan repricing - Management expects further NIM expansion through 2026, with $250 million in fixed-rate loans maturing over the next year providing repricing opportunities [22][23] Question: Asset management and mortgage banking trends - AUM decline was due to net withdrawals in lower-yielding categories, but higher-yielding categories are improving [25] - Mortgage production is expected to be stronger in Q2 and Q3 of 2026, with a focus on building the MLO team [28] Question: Expense growth rate in 2026 - The company aims to keep expenses below $20 million per quarter while investing in growth opportunities [38] Question: Profitability improvement potential in 2026 - The company targets a 1% ROA, with expectations for continued NIM improvement and operating growth [43] Question: Deposit competition and loan pipeline - Both loan and deposit pipelines are strong, with a focus on optimizing the balance sheet [47] Question: Tax rate outlook - The effective tax rate is expected to stabilize around 23%-24% moving forward [76][77] Question: Mortgage market expectations for 2026 - The company is well-positioned for future mortgage opportunities as market conditions improve [82][83]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company generated net income of $3.3 million, or $0.34 per diluted share in the fourth quarter, which was higher than the prior quarter [6] - Gross revenue increased by 1.5% from the prior quarter and 12.2% from the fourth quarter of 2024 [10] - Net interest income increased by 5.6% from the prior quarter and 21.7% from the fourth quarter of 2024, with a net interest margin (NIM) of 2.71%, up 17 basis points from the prior quarter [10][11] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Loans held for investment increased by $59 million from the end of the prior quarter, with new loan production of $146 million in the fourth quarter [7] - Total deposits increased by $102 million from the end of the prior quarter, with average deposits up 10% compared to the fourth quarter of 2024 [8][9] - Assets under management decreased by $155 million, primarily due to net withdrawals in low-fee product categories [9] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company experienced a solid level of loan production diversified across markets, industries, and loan types, with a focus on maintaining conservative underwriting standards [6][8] - The market remains competitive in terms of pricing on loans and deposits, but the company continues to generate new loans and deposits through superior service [4] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on organic growth and leveraging market disruption to recruit talent and new clients, particularly in the Colorado banking market [14][33] - A new market presence in Arizona is expected to provide growth opportunities, with strong loan and deposit pipelines anticipated for 2026 [14][33] - The company aims to maintain a disciplined approach to expense management while investing in business growth [38][39] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management noted generally healthy economic conditions in their markets and expressed optimism about continued growth in loans and deposits in 2026 [14][33] - The company expects positive trends in net interest margin and fee income, with a goal of achieving a 1% return on assets (ROA) [14][43][94] - Management highlighted the importance of maintaining a stable local team of experts to attract clients amid ongoing market disruptions [14][33] Other Important Information - The company reported a one-time $1.4 million write-down on an OREO property, which impacted non-interest expenses [12] - The allowance coverage remained unchanged at 81 basis points of total loans, with stable trends in loan portfolio quality [13] Q&A Session Summary Question: Margin outlook and loan repricing - Management expects further NIM expansion through 2026, with about $250 million in fixed-rate loans maturing over the next year, providing opportunities for repricing [22][23] Question: Asset management and fee income growth - Management noted a decline in AUM due to net withdrawals in lower-yielding categories but sees positive trends in higher-yielding categories [25][26] Question: Expense growth rate in 2026 - The company aims to keep expenses below $20 million per quarter while remaining open to strategic investments that could enhance revenue growth [38][39] Question: Profitability improvement potential in 2026 - Management indicated a target of achieving a 1% ROA, with expectations for continued improvement in NIM and operating growth [43][94] Question: Deposit competition and loan pipeline - Management reported strong feedback on both loan and deposit pipelines, indicating confidence in their ability to attract deposits as needed [47][49] Question: Mortgage market expectations - The company is building its mortgage production capability and expects pent-up demand to create opportunities in the future [81][82]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company generated net income of $3.3 million, or $0.34 per diluted share in Q4 2025, which was higher than the prior quarter [5] - Tangible book value per share increased by 1.6% this quarter [5] - Gross revenue increased by 1.5% from the prior quarter and 12.2% from Q4 2024 [10] - Net interest income increased by 5.6% from the prior quarter and 21.7% from Q4 2024 [10] - Non-interest income decreased by approximately $800,000 from the prior quarter [11] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Loans held for investment increased by $59 million from the end of the prior quarter, with new loan production of $146 million in Q4 [6][7] - Total deposits increased by $102 million from the end of the prior quarter, with average deposits up 10% compared to Q4 2024 [8][9] - Assets under management decreased by $155 million in Q4, primarily due to net withdrawals in low-fee and fixed-fee product categories [9] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The market remains competitive in terms of pricing on loans and deposits, but the company continues to generate new loans and deposits through superior service [4] - The company has seen good opportunities to add new clients and talent due to ongoing disruption from M&A activity in the Colorado banking market [13] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company maintains a conservative approach to new loan production with disciplined underwriting and pricing criteria [4] - The focus is on organic growth, leveraging market disruption to recruit talent and acquire new clients [82] - The company is investing in technology infrastructure, product teams, and internal processes for efficiency [86] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management sees healthy economic conditions in their markets and expects loan and deposit growth in 2026 to be similar to 2025 [13] - Positive trends in net interest margin and fee income are anticipated, with a focus on disciplined expense control [14] - Management does not foresee any meaningful deterioration in asset quality [15] Other Important Information - The company had a one-time $1.4 million write-down on an OREO property, which impacted non-interest expenses [11] - The allowance coverage remained unchanged at 81 basis points of total loans [12] Q&A Session Summary Question: Margin outlook and loan repricing - Management expects further net interest margin expansion through 2026, with about $250 million in fixed-rate loans maturing over the next year [21][22] Question: Asset management and wealth management business trends - The decline in assets under management was due to net withdrawals in lower-yielding categories, but higher-yielding categories are showing improvements [24][25] Question: Expense outlook for 2026 - The company aims to keep expenses below $20 million per quarter while investing in growth opportunities [36] Question: Profitability improvement potential in 2026 - The near-term objective is to achieve a 1% return on assets, with a current operating run rate of about $2 per share [41] Question: Matching loan pipeline with core deposits - Both loan and deposit pipelines are reported as strong, with a focus on bringing in deposits as needed [42][45] Question: Tax rate outlook - The effective tax rate is expected to stabilize around 23%-24% going forward [72] Question: Mortgage market expectations for 2026 - The company is building production capability in the mortgage sector and expects pent-up demand to create opportunities [77][78]

Fourth Quarter 2025 Conference Call Safe Harbor This presentation contains "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. These forward-looking statements reflect the current views of First Western Financial, Inc.'s ("First Western") management with respect to, among other things, future events and First Western's financial performance. These statements are often, but not always, ma ...