First Western(US:MYFW)2025-10-24 17:00Financial 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]