Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported a net income of $4.9 million for Q1 2025, which is a 67% increase year-over-year, translating to $0.30 per share [10] - The net interest margin improved by 36 basis points year-over-year, driven by a 7 basis point decrease in the cost of deposits [4][10] - The total risk-based capital ratio stood at 16.69%, with a tangible common equity (TCE) ratio of 9.82% [9] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Total loan originations for the quarter were $63 million, with commercial loan originations at $49 million, marking a fivefold increase from the same quarter last year [6] - Non-interest income increased by over $100,000 from the prior quarter, primarily due to higher earnings on Bank-Owned Life Insurance (BOLI) [13] - Non-interest expense rose by $2.9 million from the prior quarter, mainly due to seasonal increases in salaries and employee benefits [11] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Total deposits reached $3.3 billion, an increase of $82 million from the prior quarter, with non-interest bearing deposits comprising 43% of total deposits [13] - The average cost of deposits declined by 7 basis points in Q1, with continued reductions observed into April [14] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company aims to continue generating solid financial performance in 2025, focusing on improving net interest margin and revenue [16] - There is an emphasis on adding banking talent to support profitable growth and investing in innovation and technology to enhance service quality [16] - The company is evaluating share repurchase options as part of its capital management strategy [17] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management noted that while there is economic uncertainty, they expect a higher level of loan growth driven by new hires rather than a significant increase in market-wide loan demand [16] - The company has not observed any meaningful increase in risk within its loan portfolio despite broader macroeconomic concerns [5] Other Important Information - The company declared a cash dividend of $0.25 per share, marking the 80th consecutive dividend payment [15] - Charitable contributions in Q1 were $403,000, significantly higher than previous quarters, as the timing of contributions was pulled forward [12] Q&A Session Summary Question: Expectations around the buyback moving forward - Management is contemplating capital actions and is waiting for discussions with regulators regarding their capital plan [20][22] Question: Details on classified loans - The majority of classified loans were related to two borrowers, a contractor and a multifamily real estate entity, with unique performance issues [23][24] Question: Expense expectations for upcoming quarters - The expense base is expected to normalize, with a historical compound annual growth rate of about 4% [25][26] Question: Deposit growth sustainability - The deposit growth was attributed to new accounts and inflows from existing clients, though some seasonal outflows are expected [31] Question: Future loan production trends - Loan production remains strong, driven by new hires, with a healthy pipeline expected to sustain growth [36][39] Question: Concerns regarding the wine industry exposure - The company has minimal exposure to the wine industry, with loans secured and closely monitored [87][88] Question: Client movement from larger banks to smaller institutions - There is a trend of clients moving from larger banks to community-oriented institutions, benefiting the company [90][92] Question: Investment portfolio and cash management - The company is balancing its investment portfolio and cash levels, with no immediate need to stockpile cash [94][96]

First Western Financial (MYFW) Q1 2025 Earnings Call April 25, 2025 12:00 PM ET Company Participants Tony Rossi - Managing DirectorScott Wylie - Chairman, CEO & PresidentJulie Courkamp - COODavid Weber - CFO & TreasurerWill Jones - Associate Vice PresidentWilliam Dezellem - Founder, President & Chief Investment OfficerRoss Haberman - Money Manager Conference Call Participants Matthew Clark - Managing Director & Senior Research Analyst Operator Good day, and thank you for standing by. Welcome to the First We ...

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Total assets increased to $10.2 billion from $9.9 billion in the previous quarter [7] - Total investments rose to $1.76 billion from $1.5 billion in the fourth quarter [8] - Total gross loans decreased by $52 million to $7.2 billion, primarily due to increased prepayments [8] - Total deposits increased by $300 million to $8.2 billion, driven by growth in core deposits [9] - Diluted income per share for the first quarter was $0.28, down from $0.40 in the fourth quarter, mainly due to higher provision expenses [10] - Net interest margin remained flat at 3.75%, better than projected [10][11] - Provision for credit losses increased to $18.4 million from $9.9 million in the previous quarter [12] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The mortgage business is transitioning to focus on Florida, reducing operating costs and variable expenses [15][16] - Non-interest income was $19.5 million, including a net gain of $2.8 million from a previously charged-off asset [13] - The efficiency ratio improved to 67.87% from 74.91% in the previous quarter [18] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The ratio of non-interest bearing deposits to total deposits increased to 20.4% from 19.2% [18] - The allowance for credit losses to total loans increased to 1.37% from 1.18% [19] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focusing on building out its infrastructure to support regional banking and intends to continue this direction [7] - A strategic change in the mortgage business aims to reduce costs and improve efficiency, with expectations of lower non-interest income [15][16] - The company plans to expand its presence in key markets, including new banking centers in West Palm Beach and Miami Beach [37][38] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management acknowledged challenges but highlighted outperformance in net interest income and deposit growth [6] - The company expects continued growth in core deposits and a cautious approach to loan production due to macroeconomic uncertainties [24][26] - Management remains committed to a prudent capital management approach, balancing growth with buybacks and dividends [28] Other Important Information - The company redeemed $60 million in senior notes due this year [14] - Recent leadership additions are aimed at strengthening risk management and business development [29][34] Q&A Session Summary Question: Loan growth outlook and impact of macro volatility - Management noted a pullback from commercial customers but remains optimistic about loan demand in the second half of the year [44][45] Question: Asset quality and charge-off expectations - Charge-off levels are expected to rise slightly in the second quarter but normalize thereafter [52] Question: Mortgage expense outlook and reinvestment - Expected expense savings from the mortgage business will drop to the bottom line [59] Question: Impact of macro uncertainty on initiatives - Management confirmed commitment to complete planned branch openings despite macro uncertainties [60][61] Question: Increase in special mentions and credit quality - Management indicated that special mentions are proactive measures and do not necessarily indicate problem assets [66][67] Question: Buyback strategy and appetite - The company has been active in buybacks under a 10b5-1 plan, aiming to avoid dilution [72][74] Question: Margin outlook and loan production yields - New loan production yields are expected to be between 6.25% and 6.50% due to competitive pressures [80][82]