Increased Profitability and Net Income
First Western Financial generated net income of $4.2 million or $0.43 per diluted share, with substantial increases from the prior quarter, continuing a recent positive trend.
Improvement in Net Interest Margin
Expansion in the net interest margin, which increased 16 basis points from the prior quarter to 2.61%, due to a reduction in deposit costs and an increase in average yield on interest-earning assets.
Successful Deposit Gathering
There was an increase in non-interest-bearing deposits, supported by adding new clients and inflows from existing clients, contributing to an improvement in deposit mix.
Asset Quality Improvement
The company saw generally positive trends in asset quality, with a decline in non-performing assets to total assets and successful resolution of two large OREO properties sold for a net gain.
Expansion in Trust Investment Management
Efforts to grow the trust investment management business are underway, with strategic hires from Goldman Sachs and other financial institutions to drive future growth.