First Western(MYFW) - 2025 Q4 - Earnings Call Transcript

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company generated net income of $3.3 million, or $0.34 per diluted share in the fourth quarter, which was higher than the prior quarter [6] - Gross revenue increased by 1.5% from the prior quarter and 12.2% from the fourth quarter of 2024 [10] - Net interest income increased by 5.6% from the prior quarter and 21.7% from the fourth quarter of 2024, with a net interest margin (NIM) of 2.71%, up 17 basis points from the prior quarter [10][11] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Loans held for investment increased by $59 million from the end of the prior quarter, with new loan production of $146 million in the fourth quarter [7] - Total deposits increased by $102 million from the end of the prior quarter, with average deposits up 10% compared to the fourth quarter of 2024 [8][9] - Assets under management decreased by $155 million, primarily due to net withdrawals in low-fee product categories [9] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company experienced a solid level of loan production diversified across markets, industries, and loan types, with a focus on maintaining conservative underwriting standards [6][8] - The market remains competitive in terms of pricing on loans and deposits, but the company continues to generate new loans and deposits through superior service [4] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on organic growth and leveraging market disruption to recruit talent and new clients, particularly in the Colorado banking market [14][33] - A new market presence in Arizona is expected to provide growth opportunities, with strong loan and deposit pipelines anticipated for 2026 [14][33] - The company aims to maintain a disciplined approach to expense management while investing in business growth [38][39] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management noted generally healthy economic conditions in their markets and expressed optimism about continued growth in loans and deposits in 2026 [14][33] - The company expects positive trends in net interest margin and fee income, with a goal of achieving a 1% return on assets (ROA) [14][43][94] - Management highlighted the importance of maintaining a stable local team of experts to attract clients amid ongoing market disruptions [14][33] Other Important Information - The company reported a one-time $1.4 million write-down on an OREO property, which impacted non-interest expenses [12] - The allowance coverage remained unchanged at 81 basis points of total loans, with stable trends in loan portfolio quality [13] Q&A Session Summary Question: Margin outlook and loan repricing - Management expects further NIM expansion through 2026, with about $250 million in fixed-rate loans maturing over the next year, providing opportunities for repricing [22][23] Question: Asset management and fee income growth - Management noted a decline in AUM due to net withdrawals in lower-yielding categories but sees positive trends in higher-yielding categories [25][26] Question: Expense growth rate in 2026 - The company aims to keep expenses below $20 million per quarter while remaining open to strategic investments that could enhance revenue growth [38][39] Question: Profitability improvement potential in 2026 - Management indicated a target of achieving a 1% ROA, with expectations for continued improvement in NIM and operating growth [43][94] Question: Deposit competition and loan pipeline - Management reported strong feedback on both loan and deposit pipelines, indicating confidence in their ability to attract deposits as needed [47][49] Question: Mortgage market expectations - The company is building its mortgage production capability and expects pent-up demand to create opportunities in the future [81][82]