INVESTOR ALERT: Pomerantz Law Firm Investigates Claims On Behalf of Investors of First Western Financial, Inc. - MYFW [Accessibility Statement] Skip NavigationNEW YORK, Feb. 12, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- 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 [[email protected]] or 646-581-9980, ext. 7980.The investigation concerns whether First Western and certain of ...

Core Viewpoint - Pomerantz LLP is investigating potential securities fraud or unlawful business practices involving First Western Financial, Inc. and its officers or directors [1]. Financial Performance - On January 22, 2026, First Western reported fourth-quarter earnings for 2025 of $0.34 per share, which fell short of analyst expectations [3]. - Following the earnings report, First Western's stock price decreased by $2.40 per share, representing an 8.81% decline, closing at $24.83 per share on January 23, 2026 [3].

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].

Core Viewpoint - First Western Financial, Inc. is under investigation for potential violations of federal securities laws following a disappointing earnings report for Q4 2025, which resulted in a significant drop in stock price [1][2]. Financial Performance - First Western reported quarterly earnings of $0.34 per share for Q4 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 on their First Western securities 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 in ISS Securities Class Action Services' Top 50 Report for seven consecutive years as one of the leading securities litigation firms in the U.S. [3].

Core Viewpoint - Pomerantz LLP is investigating potential securities fraud or unlawful business practices involving First Western Financial, Inc. and its officers or directors, following disappointing financial results that led to a significant drop in stock price [1][3]. Financial Performance - On January 22, 2026, First Western reported fourth-quarter earnings of $0.34 per share, which fell short of analyst expectations [3]. - Following the earnings report, First Western's stock price decreased by $2.40 per share, representing an 8.81% decline, closing at $24.83 per share on January 23, 2026 [3]. Legal Investigation - Pomerantz LLP is actively seeking claims from investors of First Western regarding possible securities fraud or other unlawful business practices [1]. - Investors are encouraged to contact Pomerantz LLP for more information about the class action investigation [2]. Firm Background - Pomerantz LLP is recognized as a leading firm in corporate, securities, and antitrust class litigation, with a history of recovering significant damages for victims of securities fraud and corporate misconduct [4].

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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]