First Western(US:MYFW)2025-04-25 17:02Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company generated net income of $4,200,000 or $0.43 per diluted share in the quarter, representing substantial increases from the prior quarter [9] - Tangible book value per share increased by 1.6% this quarter [9] - Gross revenue increased by 3.4% from the prior quarter, driven by increases in both net interest income and noninterest income [14] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - New loan production was $71,000,000 in the first quarter, offset by $72,000,000 in loan payoffs, resulting in a slight decrease in total loans [11] - The average rate on new loan production was 6.89%, higher than the average rate on loan payoffs, contributing positively to the loan portfolio yield [11] - Total deposits were up slightly from the end of the prior quarter, with inflows of noninterest bearing deposits from existing clients and new relationships [12] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company saw a $144,000,000 decrease in assets under management in the first quarter, primarily due to net withdrawals in fixed fee accounts [13] - The company maintained a conservative approach to new loan production, focusing on disciplined underwriting and pricing criteria [6] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company aims to grow its Trust Investment Management business, having added a new Head of Wealth Planning from Goldman Sachs [21] - The management is focused on improving profitability and operational efficiency, with expectations for continued positive trends in asset quality and net interest margin [20] Management Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed that while profitability is improving, they are not satisfied with the current performance level and are focused on further enhancements [20] - There is uncertainty regarding the macroeconomic outlook, which could impact loan demand later in the year [20] Other Important Information - The company successfully resolved its two largest OREO properties, resulting in a net gain [9] - Noninterest expense decreased by $1,000,000 from the prior quarter, primarily due to a write-down recorded in the previous quarter [17] Q&A Session Summary Question: Can you isolate any interest recoveries on a dollar basis? - Management noted that there was a $200,000 increase in amortized loan fees that contributed to the uptick in loan yields [26][27] Question: What is the spot rate on deposits and average margin in March? - The spot cost of deposits was 2.98%, and the cost of funds was approximately 3.05% [29] Question: What is the outlook for nonperforming loans? - Management expects to sell one remaining OREO property this year and anticipates collecting on a substantial nonperforming loan through collateral sale [31][32] Question: Will there be a significant increase in expenses due to new hires? - Management indicated that while expenses are expected to remain flat, new hires may take time to become accretive to the bottom line [73] Question: What is the target for return on assets (ROA)? - The target is to return to a 1% ROA, with expectations for improved profitability as the company grows [42][43]