First Western(US:MYFW) Globenewswire·2025-10-23 20:15Core Insights - First Western Financial, Inc. reported a net income of $3.2 million for Q3 2025, an increase from $2.5 million in Q2 2025 and $2.1 million in Q3 2024, reflecting improved profitability [3][7]. - The company experienced significant growth in total deposits, which rose by $320 million, or 12.6%, from $2.53 billion in Q2 2025 to $2.85 billion in Q3 2025 [7][22]. - Net interest income increased by $1.6 million, or 8.9%, from $17.9 million in Q2 2025 to $19.5 million in Q3 2025, driven by a rise in average interest-earning assets [7][13]. - Non-interest income also saw a rise of $0.5 million, or 7.9%, from $6.3 million in Q2 2025 to $6.8 million in Q3 2025, primarily due to increases in net gains on mortgage loans and fees [7][14]. - The efficiency ratio improved to 76.4% in Q3 2025 from 78.8% in Q2 2025, indicating better cost management [18]. Financial Performance - Total income before non-interest expense was $24.0 million for Q3 2025, up 7.1% from $22.4 million in Q2 2025, with gross revenue increasing by 8.7% to $26.3 million [9]. - The provision for credit losses was $2.3 million in Q3 2025, compared to $1.8 million in Q2 2025, reflecting a cautious approach to credit risk [29]. - The net interest margin decreased by 13 basis points to 2.54% from 2.67% in Q2 2025, attributed to a shift in the mix of interest-earning assets and an increase in the cost of funds [11][12]. Asset and Liability Management - Total loans held for investment increased by $50 million, or 2.0%, to $2.59 billion as of September 30, 2025, with growth in non-owner occupied commercial real estate and residential portfolios [21]. - Total assets reached $3.24 billion as of September 30, 2025, up from $3.03 billion in Q2 2025, indicating robust growth [42][44]. - The company’s borrowings from the Federal Home Loan Bank and Federal Reserve decreased to $50.9 million, down $112.5 million from $163.4 million in Q2 2025, reflecting strong deposit growth [23]. Credit Quality - Non-performing assets totaled $22.7 million, or 0.70% of total assets, as of September 30, 2025, an increase from $18.8 million, or 0.62%, in Q2 2025 [26]. - Non-performing loans increased to $18.3 million from $14.4 million in Q2 2025, primarily due to the addition of one credit relationship [28]. - The allowance for credit losses as a percentage of total loans increased from 0.75% to 0.81% during the quarter, reflecting a proactive stance on credit quality [29]. Capital Position - As of September 30, 2025, the company maintained a strong capital position, with Tier 1 capital to risk-weighted assets at 9.80% and total capital at 12.50% [30]. - Book value per common share increased by 1.1% from $26.64 in Q2 2025 to $26.92, and tangible book value per common share rose by 1.2% from $23.39 to $23.68 [30][31].