First Western (MYFW) could be a solid addition to your portfolio given its recent upgrade to a Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy). This rating change essentially reflects an upward trend in earnings estimates -- one of the most powerful forces impacting stock prices.The sole determinant of the Zacks rating is a company's changing earnings picture. The Zacks Consensus Estimate -- the consensus of EPS estimates from the sell-side analysts covering the stock -- for the current and following years is tracked by the sys ...

Core Viewpoint - First Western Financial, Inc. will release its financial results for the fourth quarter ended December 31, 2025, after market close on January 22, 2026 [1] Group 1: Financial Results Announcement - The financial results will be announced after the markets close on January 22, 2026 [1] - A conference call to discuss the financial results will be held on January 23, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. Mountain Time / 12:00 p.m. Eastern Time [2] - Analysts and investors will have the opportunity to participate in a question-and-answer session during the conference call [2] Group 2: Conference Call and Webcast Information - Participants must register for the conference call to receive the dial-in number and personalized PIN code [3] - The conference call will be accessible via a Telephone Access link and will also be webcast live on the investor relations website [4] - An archived version of the webcast will be available shortly after the live call [4] Group 3: Company Overview - First Western Financial, Inc. is a financial services holding company based in Denver, Colorado, with operations in multiple states including Colorado, Arizona, Wyoming, California, and Montana [5] - The company offers a comprehensive suite of wealth management services on a private trust bank platform, including deposit, loan, trust, wealth planning, and investment management products [5] - First Western's common stock is traded on the NASDAQ Global Select Market under the symbol "MYFW" [5]

Core Insights - First Western Financial, Inc. has appointed Alex McDougall as Regional President for its Arizona offices, bringing over 18 years of experience in private banking and wealth management [1][2] - McDougall previously held senior roles at JPMorgan and First Republic Bank, where he achieved significant growth in market share and deposits [1][2] - His appointment reflects First Western Trust's strategic investment in Arizona, emphasizing community engagement and support for local businesses [3][4] Company Strategy - First Western Trust aims to strengthen its presence in Arizona, a key growth market, by focusing on client service and community involvement [3][5] - The firm continues to support local entrepreneurs and nonprofit organizations through partnerships and philanthropy [4][5] - Leadership at First Western believes that exceptional client service and personal connection are critical differentiators in the banking industry [4] Leadership and Experience - Alex McDougall has received multiple industry accolades, including the President's Circle Award and Top Contributions to Banking Award, highlighting his ability to drive client satisfaction and business growth [2] - His leadership style aligns with First Western's philosophy of serving as trusted advisors, which is expected to enhance the firm's client-focused approach in Arizona [4][5] - McDougall holds a Business Administration degree and has served on various nonprofit boards, indicating a commitment to community service [5]

Financial Performance - For the three months ended September 30, 2025, net income available to common shareholders was $3.2 million, a 52.4% increase from $2.1 million for the same period in 2024[208]. - The company reported a $4.2 million, or 73.7% increase in net income available to common shareholders for the nine months ended September 30, 2025, totaling $9.9 million[210]. - For the nine months ended September 30, 2025, net interest income increased by $7.4 million, or 15.6%, to $54.8 million compared to the same period in 2024[215]. - Net interest income for the three months ended September 30, 2025, was $19.5 million, a 25.0% increase compared to the same period in 2024, driven by a $363.5 million increase in average interest-earning assets[211]. Assets and Liabilities - Total assets as of September 30, 2025, were $3.24 billion, with fiduciary and advisory services provided on $7.43 billion of assets under management (AUM)[198]. - Total assets increased by $321.4 million, or 11.0%, to $3.24 billion as of September 30, 2025, compared to $2.92 billion as of December 31, 2024[245]. - Loans, net of allowance increased by $162.6 million, or 6.8%, to $2.57 billion as of September 30, 2025, driven by new loan production[247]. - Total loans held for investment amounted to $2,590.8 million as of September 30, 2025, an increase from $2,425.6 million as of December 31, 2024[266]. Income and Expenses - Non-interest income decreased by $0.7 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2025, primarily due to lower net gains on mortgage loans and trust management fees[210]. - Non-interest income for Q3 2025 decreased by $0.1 million, or 1.9%, to $6.8 million compared to Q3 2024, primarily due to declines in risk management and insurance fees[224]. - Non-interest expense for Q3 2025 increased by $0.7 million, or 3.6%, to $20.1 million, primarily due to higher salaries and employee benefits[231]. - Non-interest expense for the nine months ended September 30, 2025 decreased by $0.5 million, or 0.8%, to $58.5 million compared to the same period in 2024[232]. Credit Quality - The provision for credit losses increased by $1.8 million for the three months ended September 30, 2025, reflecting loan growth and specific reserve provisions[208]. - Non-performing assets decreased to $22.5 million as of September 30, 2025, down from $48.7 million as of December 31, 2024, primarily due to the sale of two OREO properties[276]. - The allowance for credit losses (ACL) on pooled loans was $17.0 million as of September 30, 2025, reflecting a decrease from $18.0 million as of December 31, 2024[278]. - Non-accrual loans increased to $18.1 million as of September 30, 2025, compared to $12.8 million as of December 31, 2024, indicating a rise in credit risk[277]. Deposits and Borrowings - Total deposits increased by $334.7 million, or 13.3%, to $2.85 billion as of September 30, 2025, compared to December 31, 2024[283]. - Average deposits for the three months ended September 30, 2025 were $2.77 billion, an increase of $369.0 million, or 15.4%, compared to $2.40 billion for the same period in 2024[283]. - Borrowings decreased to $95.6 million as of September 30, 2025, from $109.6 million as of December 31, 2024[288]. - Interest-bearing deposits increased to 76.62% of total deposits in Q3 2025, compared to 71.51% in Q3 2024[292]. Market and Investment Performance - Assets Under Management (AUM) decreased by $64.0 million, or 0.9%, during the three months ended September 30, 2025, primarily due to net withdrawals[256]. - AUM increased by $112.0 million, or 1.5%, for the nine months ended September 30, 2025, primarily due to improved market conditions[256]. - The yield on total assets under management was 0.25% as of September 30, 2025, consistent with the previous period[256]. - The company experienced a net market change of $81 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2025, contributing to the increase in AUM[256]. Regulatory Compliance and Capital - The bank's capital ratios exceeded the current well-capitalized regulatory requirements established under Basel III as of September 30, 2025[207]. - The company maintained compliance with all applicable regulatory capital requirements as of September 30, 2025, and was classified as "well capitalized"[294]. - Future contractual obligations total $471.725 million, with $350.086 million due within one year[296]. Interest Rate Management - Average interest-bearing deposit rates decreased to 3.63% for the three months ended September 30, 2025, from 4.19% in the same period of 2024[212]. - A 200 basis point increase in interest rates is projected to increase net interest income by 14.54% as of September 30, 2025[301]. - Interest rate risk exposure is actively monitored and managed, with quarterly reviews by the Board of Directors[300].

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Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company generated net income of $3.2 million or $0.32 per diluted share in Q3 2025, a 45% increase from the same quarter last year [6][10] - Tangible book value per share increased by 1.2% this quarter [6] - Gross revenue increased by 8.7% from the prior quarter and 15.5% year-over-year [9] - Net interest income increased by 8.9% from the prior quarter and 25% year-over-year [10] - Non-interest income increased by 8.5% from the prior quarter, primarily due to increases in all major fee categories [10] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Loans held for investment increased by $50 million from the end of the prior quarter, with new loan production of $146 million in Q3 [7] - Total deposits increased by $320 million from the end of the prior quarter, driven by new accounts and existing client balance growth [8] - Trust and investment management assets under management decreased by $64 million, primarily due to net withdrawals in low-fee product categories [8] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The average rate on new loan production was 6.38% in the quarter [7] - The spot rate on deposits at the end of the quarter was 3.04% [24] - The company achieved a 63% beta on money market accounts in Q3, which is expected to continue into Q4 [25] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company focuses on generating new loans and deposits through superior service rather than competing on rates [4] - A conservative approach to new loan production is maintained, with disciplined underwriting and pricing criteria [4] - The company aims to leverage market disruptions from M&A activity to add new clients and banking talent [12][37] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management sees healthy economic conditions in their markets and expects strong loan deposit pipelines to continue into Q4 [12] - There are no indications of meaningful deterioration in asset quality, with stable trends in the loan portfolio [12] - The company anticipates positive trends in net interest margin and fee income, contributing to improved financial performance [12][70] Other Important Information - The company has made significant investments in technology and team restructuring to enhance operational efficiency [68] - The efficiency ratio is trending down with operating leverage increasing, indicating improved profitability [70] Q&A Session Summary Question: Insights on deposit growth and mortgage department contributions - Management indicated that the deposit growth is expected to remain stable and provide a higher deposit base for future growth [16] Question: Details on the newly added non-performing asset (NPA) - The NPA was a C&I loan with performance issues, and a specific provision has been made for it [17] Question: Expectations for net interest margin (NIM) in Q4 - Management expects NIM expansion, potentially around five basis points, as liquidity is redeployed into the loan portfolio [20] Question: Spot rate on deposits and beta expectations - The spot rate was reported at 3.04%, with a beta of approximately 63% expected to continue [24][25] Question: Wealth management business and assets under management (AUM) - Management is focused on fee income rather than AUM, with positive growth noted in agency accounts [27] Question: Opportunities from M&A disruptions - Management sees ongoing market disruptions as beneficial for attracting new clients and talent [37][52]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company generated net income of $3.2 million or $0.32 per diluted share in Q3 2025, a 45% increase from the same quarter last year [6] - Tangible book value per share increased by 1.2% this quarter [6] - Gross revenue increased by 8.7% from the prior quarter and 15.5% year-over-year [9] - Net interest income rose for the fourth consecutive quarter, increasing 8.9% from the prior quarter and 25% year-over-year [9][10] - Non-interest income increased by more than $500,000 or 8.5% from the prior quarter [10] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Loans held for investment increased by $50 million from the end of the prior quarter, with new loan production of $146 million in Q3 [7] - Total deposits increased by $320 million from the end of the prior quarter, driven by new accounts and existing client balance growth [8] - Trust and investment management assets under management decreased by $64 million, primarily due to net withdrawals from low-fee product categories [8] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The average rate on new loan production was 6.38% in the quarter [7] - The spot rate on deposits at the end of the quarter was 3.04% [24] - The company achieved a 63% beta on money market accounts in Q3, which is expected to continue into Q4 [25] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company aims to grow deposits and loans by focusing on superior service rather than competing on pricing [4] - Management is optimistic about opportunities arising from market disruptions due to M&A activity in Colorado [12] - The company is focused on creating operating leverage by growing revenues faster than expenses [43] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management sees healthy economic conditions in their markets and expects strong loan and deposit pipelines to continue into Q4 [12] - There are no indications of meaningful deterioration in asset quality, with stable trends in the loan portfolio [12] - The company anticipates NIM expansion as liquidity is deployed into the loan portfolio [19] Other Important Information - The company has made significant investments in technology and team restructuring to enhance operational efficiency [68] - The efficiency ratio is trending down with operating leverage increasing [70] - The company was named one of the KBW Bank Honor Roll members in 2025 for its performance [70] Q&A Session Summary Question: Insights on deposit growth and mortgage department contributions - Management indicated that the deposit growth is expected to remain stable and provide a higher base for future growth [16] Question: Details on the credit related to the downgraded loan - A specific provision was made for a C&I loan that was downgraded, and management expects it to be resolved over time [17] Question: Expectations for NIM in Q4 - Management anticipates a potential NIM expansion of about five basis points in Q4 [20] Question: Thoughts on the beta for additional Fed rate cuts - The beta has been declining, with a reasonable expectation of around 63% for the fourth quarter [25] Question: Update on wealth management and AUM strategy - The company is focused on fee income growth rather than AUM, with positive progress noted in agency accounts [27] Question: Opportunities from M&A disruptions - Management believes that ongoing market disruptions create opportunities for talent acquisition and client growth [37] Question: Plans for redeploying excess cash - The company expects to continue deploying liquidity into the loan portfolio, with strong loan demand trends anticipated [61]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company generated net income of $3,200,000 or $0.32 per diluted share in Q3 2025, representing a 45% increase from the same quarter last year [5] - Tangible book value per share increased by 1.2% this quarter [5] - Gross revenue increased by 8.7% from the prior quarter and 15.5% year over year [11] - Net interest income increased for the fourth consecutive quarter, up 8.9% from the prior quarter and 25% year over year [12] - Non-interest income increased by more than $500,000 or 8.5% from the prior quarter [13] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Loans held for investment increased by $50,000,000 from the end of the prior quarter, with new loan production of $146,000,000 in Q3 [6][8] - Total deposits increased by $320,000,000 from the end of the prior quarter, driven by new accounts and existing client balance growth [9] - Trust and investment management assets under management decreased by $64,000,000, primarily due to net withdrawals [10] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The average rate on new loan production was 6.38% in the quarter [8] - The spot rate on deposits at the end of the quarter was 3.04% [30] - The company achieved a beta of approximately 63% on money market accounts in Q3 [31] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company maintains a conservative approach to new loan production while focusing on service quality rather than competing on pricing [4] - The management is optimistic about continued growth opportunities in the Colorado market due to ongoing M&A activity [16] - The company is focused on creating operating leverage by growing revenues faster than expenses, aiming for improved efficiency ratios [50] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management sees healthy economic conditions in their markets and expects solid balance sheet growth in Q4 [17] - There are no indications of meaningful deterioration in asset quality, with positive trends expected to continue [17] - The company plans to leverage investments made in technology and team restructuring to drive future growth [79] Other Important Information - The company was named one of 16 KBW Bank honor roll members in 2025 for its performance [86] - The management is optimistic about finishing the year strong and delivering shareholder value into 2026 [87] Q&A Session Summary Question: Insights on deposit growth and its sustainability - Management indicated that the deposits seen in Q3 are expected to remain and provide a higher deposit base for Q4 [21] Question: Details on the newly added non-performing asset (NPA) - The NPA was a commercial and industrial loan that had performance issues, with a specific provision set aside for it [22][23] Question: Expectations for net interest margin (NIM) in Q4 - Management anticipates NIM expansion due to liquidity on the balance sheet being redeployed into loans, estimating a potential increase of five basis points [24][26] Question: Update on wealth management and assets under management (AUM) - The company is focused on fee income growth rather than AUM, with recent progress noted in agency accounts [33] Question: Thoughts on future loan demand and liquidity deployment - Management expects loan demand trends to continue, with a focus on gradually redeploying excess liquidity into the loan portfolio over the next year [73][75]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company generated net income of $3.2 million or $0.32 per diluted share in Q3 2025, a 45% increase from the same quarter last year [5] - Tangible book value per share increased by 1.2% this quarter [6] - Gross revenue increased by 8.7% from the prior quarter and 15.5% year over year [9] - Net interest income increased by 8.9% from the prior quarter and 25% year over year [10] - Non-interest income increased by 8.5% from the prior quarter, primarily due to increases in all major fee categories [11] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Loans held for investment increased by $50 million from the end of the prior quarter, with new loan production of $146 million in Q3 [6][7] - Total deposits increased by $320 million from the end of the prior quarter, driven by new accounts and existing client balances [8] - Trust and investment management assets under management decreased by $64 million, primarily due to net withdrawals in low-fee product categories [9] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The average rate on new loan production was 6.38% in the quarter [7] - The spot rate on deposits at the end of the quarter was 3.04% [22] - The company achieved a 63% beta on money market accounts in Q3, which is expected to remain reasonable for Q4 [23] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company aims to leverage its investments in technology and product teams to drive shareholder value and improve efficiency [66][68] - The focus remains on maintaining a conservative approach to new loan production while expanding deposit relationships [4][5] - The company is optimistic about growth opportunities arising from market disruptions and M&A activity in Colorado [12][35] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management sees healthy economic conditions in their markets and expects continued solid balance sheet growth in Q4 [12][13] - There are no indications of meaningful deterioration in asset quality, with positive trends expected to continue [13] - The company anticipates NIM expansion in Q4 due to liquidity deployment into the loan portfolio [18][19] Other Important Information - The company has been recognized as one of the KBW Bank Honor Roll members in 2025 for its performance [68] - The management team has made significant investments in technology and operational efficiency, which are expected to yield positive results [66][68] Q&A Session Summary Question: Insights on deposit growth and its sustainability - Management indicated that the deposits seen in Q3 are expected to remain and provide a higher deposit base for Q4 [16] Question: Details on the MPA and related provisions - A specific provision was made for a downgraded C&I loan, which management expects to resolve over time [17] Question: Expectations for NIM in Q4 - Management anticipates NIM expansion, potentially achieving around five basis points of improvement [19] Question: Thoughts on deposit pricing and beta - The beta on money market accounts was around 63% in Q3, with expectations for it to decline over time [23] Question: Update on wealth management and AUM - Management is focused on improving fee income and has seen progress in agency accounts despite a decrease in AUM [25] Question: Future growth and balance sheet strategy - Management views the recent deposit influx as part of an ongoing effort to align loan-to-deposit ratios and expects continued growth into 2026 [30][35] Question: Opportunities from M&A disruptions - Management believes that market disruptions create opportunities for talent acquisition and client growth [34][40]

Financial Performance - Net income available to common shareholders was $32 million, or $032 per diluted share in 3Q25[8, 14] - Pre-tax, pre-provision net income increased 22% from the prior quarter and 96% compared to 3Q24[8] - Gross revenue increased 87% from $242 million in 2Q25 to $263 million in 3Q25[38] - Net interest income increased $16 million, or 89%, from $179 million in 2Q25 to $195 million in 3Q25[43] Balance Sheet & Loan Portfolio - Total deposits increased 126% from $253 billion in 2Q25 to $285 billion in 3Q25[30] - Interest-bearing deposits increased 138% from $217 billion in 2Q25 to $247 billion in 3Q25[30] - New loan production in 3Q25 was $1457 million with an average rate of 638%[25] - Total loans held for investment increased $504 million from the prior quarter[25] Asset Quality & Capital - Tangible book value per share increased 12% to $2368[14] - The efficiency ratio improved from 7883% in 2Q25 and 8498% in 3Q24 to 7638% in 3Q25[55]