First Western(US:MYFW)2025-10-24 17:00Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company generated net income of $3,200,000 or $0.32 per diluted share in Q3 2025, representing a 45% increase from the same quarter last year [5] - Tangible book value per share increased by 1.2% this quarter [5] - Gross revenue increased by 8.7% from the prior quarter and 15.5% year over year [11] - Net interest income increased for the fourth consecutive quarter, up 8.9% from the prior quarter and 25% year over year [12] - Non-interest income increased by more than $500,000 or 8.5% from the prior quarter [13] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Loans held for investment increased by $50,000,000 from the end of the prior quarter, with new loan production of $146,000,000 in Q3 [6][8] - Total deposits increased by $320,000,000 from the end of the prior quarter, driven by new accounts and existing client balance growth [9] - Trust and investment management assets under management decreased by $64,000,000, primarily due to net withdrawals [10] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The average rate on new loan production was 6.38% in the quarter [8] - The spot rate on deposits at the end of the quarter was 3.04% [30] - The company achieved a beta of approximately 63% on money market accounts in Q3 [31] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company maintains a conservative approach to new loan production while focusing on service quality rather than competing on pricing [4] - The management is optimistic about continued growth opportunities in the Colorado market due to ongoing M&A activity [16] - The company is focused on creating operating leverage by growing revenues faster than expenses, aiming for improved efficiency ratios [50] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management sees healthy economic conditions in their markets and expects solid balance sheet growth in Q4 [17] - There are no indications of meaningful deterioration in asset quality, with positive trends expected to continue [17] - The company plans to leverage investments made in technology and team restructuring to drive future growth [79] Other Important Information - The company was named one of 16 KBW Bank honor roll members in 2025 for its performance [86] - The management is optimistic about finishing the year strong and delivering shareholder value into 2026 [87] 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 [21] Question: Details on the newly added non-performing asset (NPA) - The NPA was a commercial and industrial loan that had performance issues, with a specific provision set aside for it [22][23] Question: Expectations for net interest margin (NIM) in Q4 - Management anticipates NIM expansion due to liquidity on the balance sheet being redeployed into loans, estimating a potential increase of five basis points [24][26] Question: Update on wealth management and assets under management (AUM) - The company is focused on fee income growth rather than AUM, with recent progress noted in agency accounts [33] Question: Thoughts on future loan demand and liquidity deployment - Management expects loan demand trends to continue, with a focus on gradually redeploying excess liquidity into the loan portfolio over the next year [73][75]