0001327607false00013276072021-10-212021-10-21

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

FORM 8-K

CURRENT REPORT

Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of The Securities Exchange Act of 1934

Date of Report (Date of earliest event reported): October 21, 2021

FIRST WESTERN FINANCIAL, INC.

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

Colorado

001-38595

37-1442266

(State or other jurisdiction of

(Commission

(I.R.S. Employer

incorporation or organization)

File Number)

Identification No.)

1900 16th Street, Suite 1200

Denver, Colorado

80202

(Address of principal executive offices)

(Zip Code)

Registrant’s telephone number, including area code: 303.531.8100

Former name or former address, if changed since last report: Not Applicable

Check the appropriate box below if the Form 8-K filing is intended to simultaneously satisfy the filing obligation of the registrant under any of the following provisions:

Written communications pursuant to Rule 425 under the Securities Act (17 CFR 230.425)

Soliciting material pursuant to Rule 14a-12 under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14a-12)

Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 14d-2(b) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14d-2(b))

Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 13e-4(c) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.13e-4(c))

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is an emerging growth company as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act of 1933 (§230.405 of this chapter) or Rule 12b-2 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (§240.12b-2 of this chapter).

Emerging growth company

If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act.

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:

Title of each class

    

Trading Symbol

    

Name of each exchange on which registered

Common Stock, no par value

MYFW

The Nasdaq Stock Market LLC

Item 2.02             Results of Operations and Financial Condition.

On October 21, 2021, First Western Financial, Inc. (the “Company”) issued a press release announcing its financial results for the third quarter ended September 30, 2021. A copy of the press release is furnished as Exhibit 99.1 and is incorporated by reference herein.

The information in this Item 2.02, including Exhibit 99.1, is being furnished pursuant to Item 2.02 of Form 8-K and shall not be deemed “filed” for purposes of Section 18 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”), or otherwise subject to liabilities of that section, nor shall it be deemed incorporated by reference into any filing under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”), or the Exchange Act, unless specifically identified therein as being incorporated therein by reference.

Item 7.01             Regulation FD Disclosure.

The Company intends to hold an investor call and webcast to discuss its financial results for the third quarter ended September 30, 2021 on Friday, October 22, 2021, at 10:00 a.m. Mountain Time. The Company’s presentation to analysts and investors contains additional information about the Company’s financial results for the third quarter ended September 30, 2021 and is furnished as Exhibit 99.2 and is incorporated by reference herein.

The information in this Item 7.01, including Exhibit 99.2, is being furnished pursuant to Item 7.01 of Form 8-K and shall not be deemed “filed” for purposes of Section 18 of the Exchange Act, or otherwise subject to liabilities of that section, nor shall it be deemed incorporated by reference into any filing under the Securities Act or the Exchange Act, unless specifically identified therein as being incorporated therein by reference.

Item 9.01             Financial Statements and Exhibits.

(d)          Exhibits.

Exhibit
Number

Description

99.1

Press Release issued by First Western Financial, Inc. dated October 21, 2021

99.2

First Western Financial, Inc. Earnings Presentation

104

Cover Page Interactive Data File (the cover page XBRL tags are embedded in the Inline XBRL document)

2

SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.

FIRST WESTERN FINANCIAL, INC.

Date: October 21, 2021   

By: /s/ Scott C. Wylie

Scott C. Wylie

Chairman, Chief Executive Officer and President

3

Exhibit 99.1

Logo, company name

Description automatically generated

First Western Reports Third Quarter 2021 Financial Results

Third Quarter 2021 Summary

Net income available to common shareholders of $6.4 million in Q3 2021, compared to $6.3 million in Q2 2021 and $9.6 million in Q3 2020
Diluted EPS of $0.78 in Q3 2021, compared to $0.76 in Q2 2021 and $1.20 in Q3 2020
Gross revenue(1) of $25.3 million in Q3 2021, compared to $23.7 million in Q2 2021 and $31.0 million in Q3 2020
Total assets of $2.08 billion in Q3 2021, up 3.3% from Q2 2021 and up 5.2% from Q3 2020
Return on average assets of 1.27% in Q3 2021, compared to 1.22% in Q2 2021
Return on average shareholders’ equity of 14.88% in Q3 2021, compared to 15.17% in Q2 2021
Return on tangible common equity(1) of 17.01% in Q3 2021, compared to 17.47% in Q2 2021

(1) Represents a Non-GAAP financial measure. See “Reconciliations of Non-GAAP Measures” for a reconciliation of our Non-GAAP measures to the most directly comparable GAAP financial measure.

Denver, Colo., October 21, 2021 – First Western Financial, Inc., (“First Western” or the “Company”) (NASDAQ: MYFW), today reported financial results for the third quarter ended September 30, 2021.

Net income available to common shareholders was $6.4 million, or $0.78 per diluted share, for the third quarter of 2021. This compares to $6.3 million, or $0.76 per diluted share, for the second quarter of 2021, and $9.6 million, or $1.20 per diluted share, for the third quarter of 2020.

Scott C. Wylie, CEO of First Western, commented, “Our strong business development momentum continued in the third quarter, resulting in quality balance sheet growth, more operating leverage, and a higher level of earnings compared to the prior quarter. The productivity of our existing offices and the expansion of our private and commercial banking operations through the opening of new offices and adding proven banking talent has enabled us to better capitalize on the healthy economic activity in our markets and consistently generate growth in loans, deposits, and assets under management.

“Excluding PPP loans, our total loans held for investment increased at an annualized rate of 19.3% during the third quarter with growth across most areas of the portfolio. We also continue to see strong deposit inflows, with total deposits increasing 6.1% from the end of the prior quarter, with growth primarily coming in our lower-cost categories and further improving our deposit mix.

“Our loan and deposit pipelines remain consistent, which should result in another strong quarter to finish 2021. We are making good progress on our integration planning for the acquisition of Teton Financial Services, which we expect to close late in the fourth quarter of 2021 or early in the first quarter of 2022, and


our teams are collaborating well to leverage the collective strengths of each organization. Combined with our continued organic growth, we believe that the accretive benefits of the Teton acquisition position us well to deliver strong earnings growth in 2022, while further increasing our geographic and revenue diversification,” said Mr. Wylie.

For the Three Months Ended

 

September 30, 

June 30, 

September 30, 

 

(Dollars in thousands, except per share data)

    

2021

    

2021

    

2020

 

Earnings Summary

 

  

 

  

 

  

Net interest income

$

14,846

$

14,223

$

12,918

Less: provision for loan losses

 

406

 

12

 

1,496

Total non-interest income

 

10,495

 

9,498

 

18,032

Total non-interest expense

 

16,469

 

15,521

 

16,632

Income before income taxes

 

8,466

 

8,188

 

12,822

Income tax expense

 

2,049

 

1,911

 

3,192

Net income available to common shareholders

6,417

6,277

9,630

Adjusted net income available to common shareholders(1)

6,669

6,277

9,630

Basic earnings per common share

0.80

0.79

1.22

Adjusted basic earnings per common share(1)

0.84

0.79

1.22

Diluted earnings per common share

0.78

0.76

1.20

Adjusted diluted earnings per common share(1)

0.81

0.76

1.20

Return on average assets (annualized)

 

1.27

%

 

1.22

%

 

2.06

%

Adjusted return on average assets (annualized)(1)

1.32

1.22

2.06

Return on average shareholders' equity (annualized)

 

14.88

 

15.17

 

26.43

Adjusted return on average shareholders' equity (annualized)(1)

15.46

15.17

26.43

Return on tangible common equity (annualized)(1)

 

17.01

 

17.47

 

31.49

Adjusted return on tangible common equity (annualized)(1)

17.68

17.47

31.49

Net interest margin

 

3.14

 

3.01

 

3.07

Efficiency ratio(1)

 

64.97

 

65.41

 

53.40


(1) Represents a Non-GAAP financial measure. See “Reconciliations of Non-GAAP Measures” for a reconciliation of our Non-GAAP measures to the most directly comparable GAAP financial measure.

Operating Results for the Third Quarter 2021

Revenue

Gross revenue (1) was $25.3 million for the third quarter of 2021, an increase from $23.7 million for the second quarter of 2021, due to higher net interest income and increases in all non-interest income generating areas. Relative to the third quarter of 2020, gross revenue decreased $5.7 million from $31.0 million, or 18.1%. The decrease in revenue from the prior year period was primarily due to a decrease in net gain on mortgage loans correlating with the decline in mortgage loans originated, offset by an increase in net interest income derived primarily from organic balance sheet growth and an increase in loan fees driven by an increase in Small Business Administration (“SBA”) Paycheck Protection Program (“PPP”) loan forgiveness.

(1) Represents a Non-GAAP financial measure. See “Reconciliations of Non-GAAP Measures” for a reconciliation of our Non-GAAP measures to the most directly comparable GAAP financial measure.

Net Interest Income

Net interest income for the third quarter of 2021 was $14.8 million, an increase of 4.4% from $14.2 million in the second quarter of 2021. The increase in net interest income was driven by a $0.6 million increase in

2


interest income from loans, including fees, primarily due to organic balance sheet growth and an increase in net interest margin.

Relative to the third quarter of 2020, net interest income increased 14.9% from $12.9 million. The year-over-year increase in net interest income was due primarily to the increase in average interest-earning assets primarily driven by a $129.9 million increase in loans and a $87.9 million increase in interest-bearing deposits in other financial institutions. The increase in net interest income was also impacted by the cost of interest-bearing deposits decreasing 12 basis points (“bps”) from the third quarter of 2020.

Net Interest Margin

Net interest margin for the third quarter of 2021 increased to 3.14% from 3.01% in the second quarter of 2021, primarily due to an improved mix of earning assets and an interest recovery of a non-performing loan in our Commercial and Industrial portfolio. On a net basis, the PPP program positively impacted net interest margin by 9 bps in the third quarter of 2021. This was driven by accelerating revenue recognition of net loan fees associated with forgiven PPP loans of $0.9 million and interest income from PPP loans of $0.2 million.

The cost of interest-bearing deposits decreased slightly to 0.29% in the third quarter of 2021, from 0.30% in the second quarter of 2021, while the yield on interest-earning assets increased to 3.42% in the third quarter of 2021, from 3.29% in the second quarter of 2021. The increase during the period was primarily due to an improved mix of earning assets.

Relative to the third quarter of 2020, the net interest margin increased from 3.07%, primarily due to an increase in the yield on loans and the cost of interest-bearing deposits decreasing 12 bps.

Non-interest Income

Non-interest income for the third quarter of 2021 was $10.5 million, an increase of 10.5% from $9.5 million in the second quarter of 2021. This was primarily due to a $0.6 million increase in gain on mortgage loans held for sale, a $0.2 million increase in trust and invesment management fees, and a $0.2 million increase in risk management and insurance fees. Mortgage lock volume increased $55.8 million in the third quarter of 2021 compared to the second quarter of 2021, which impacted the increase of net gain on mortgage loans held for sale.

Relative to the third quarter of 2020, non-interest income decreased 41.8% from $18.0 million. The decrease was primarily due to lower mortgage segment activity, partially offset by higher trust and investment management fees.

Non-interest Expense

Non-interest expense for the third quarter of 2021 was $16.5 million, an increase of 6.1% from the second quarter of 2021 at $15.5 million. This was primarily due to a $0.6 million increase in salaries and employee benefits as a result of increased bonus expense and insurance benefits. Professional services increased $0.3 million due to expenses related to mergers and acquisition activity.

3


The impact of the mergers and acqusition activity is as follows:

    

As of or for the Three Months Ended

September 30, 

June 30, 

September 30, 

(Dollars in thousands, except share and per share data)

2021

2021

2020

Adjusted Net Income Available to Common Shareholders(1)

Net income available to common shareholders

$

6,417

$

6,277

$

9,630

Plus: acquisition related expenses

332

70

Less: income tax impact

80

16

Adjusted net income available to shareholders(1)

$

6,669

$

6,331

$

9,630

Adjusted Diluted Earnings Per Share(1)

Diluted earnings per share

$

0.78

$

0.76

$

1.20

Plus: acquisition related expenses net of income tax impact

0.03

0.01

Adjusted diluted earnings per share(1)

$

0.81

$

0.77

$

1.20


(1) Represents a Non-GAAP financial measure. See “Reconciliations of Non-GAAP Measures” for a reconciliation of our Non-GAAP measures to the most directly comparable GAAP financial measure.

Relative to the third quarter of 2020, non-interest expense decreased by 1.0% from $16.6 million.

The Company’s efficiency ratio(1) was 65.0% in the third quarter of 2021, compared with 65.4% in the second quarter of 2021 and 53.4% in the third quarter of 2020.

(1) Represents a Non-GAAP financial measure. See “Reconciliations of Non-GAAP Measures” for a reconciliation of our Non-GAAP measures to the most directly comparable GAAP financial measure.

Income Taxes

The Company recorded income tax expense of $2.0 million for the third quarter of 2021, representing an effective tax rate of 24.2%, compared to 23.3% for the second quarter of 2021. The increase in effective tax rate in the third quarter of 2021 was primarily attributable to a tax benefit related to stock-based compensation recognized in the second quarter of 2021.

Loans

Total loans held for investment, were $1.60 billion as of September 30, 2021, an increase of 1.9% from $1.57 billion as of June 30, 2021, and an increase of 6.4% from $1.51 billion as of September 30, 2020. The increase in total loans held for investment from June 30, 2021 was primarily attributable to a $33.9 million increase in the non-owner occupied CRE portfolio. In addition, our Cash, Securities, and Other portfolio increased $2.9 million or $44.1 million, excluding PPP forgiveness and borrower payments/adjustments of $41.2 million. Excluding PPP loans, total loans held for investment were $1.54 billion as of September 30, 2021, an increase of $70.9 million, or 4.8%, from the end of the prior quarter and an increase of $227.3 million, or 17.3%, from September 30, 2020.

PPP loans were $61.9 million as of September 30, 2021, a decrease of 40.0% from $103.1 million as of June 30, 2021. As of September 30, 2021, the Company has submitted loan forgiveness applications to the SBA on behalf of clients for $241.5 million and received forgiveness and funds remitted in the amount of $214.8 million from the SBA. As of September 30, 2021, there was $1.2 million remaining in net fees to be recognized upon forgiveness or repayment of PPP loans.

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Deposits

Total deposits were $1.78 billion as of September 30, 2021, compared to $1.68 billion as of June 30, 2021, and $1.56 billion as of September 30, 2020. The increase in total deposits from June 30, 2021 was primarily in non-interest bearing deposits. In addition to average balance increases, total deposits as of September 30, 2021 were impacted by a significant relationship contributing an additional $60.0 million into their money market account in the third quarter of 2021, following a liquidity event in their business.

Average total deposits for the third quarter of 2021 increased $17.7 million, or 4.1% annualized, from the second quarter of 2021 and increased $260.2 million, or 17.8%, from the third quarter of 2020. The year-over-year increase was primarily attributable to an increase in non-interest bearing and money market deposits resulting from inflows from large commercial depositors and higher deposit balances across the Company’s clientele due to the improving economic and business environment.

Borrowings

Federal Home Loan Bank (“FHLB”) and Federal Reserve borrowings were $58.6 million as of September 30, 2021, a decrease of $62.2 million from $120.8 million as of June 30, 2021, and a decrease of $163.5 million from $222.1 million as of September 30, 2020. The decrease from September 30, 2020 and from June 30, 2021 is attributable to the participation in the Paycheck Protection Program Loan Facility (“PPPLF”) from the Federal Reserve. Borrowing from this facility is expected to trend in the same direction as the balances of the PPP loans and the resulting net decrease in PPP loans drove the decrease to the PPPLF balance. As of September 30, 2021, the PPPLF had advances of $43.6 million compared to PPP loan balance of $61.9 million.

Assets Under Management

Total assets under management (“AUM”) increased by $143.8 million during the third quarter to $6.91 billion as of September 30, 2021, compared to $6.76 billion as of June 30, 2021, and $6.13 billion as of September 30, 2020. The increase was primarily attributable to improving market conditions resulting in an increase in the value of assets under management balances, as well as contributions to existing accounts and new accounts.

Credit Quality

Non-performing assets totaled $4.4 million, or 0.21% of total assets, as of September 30, 2021, compared with $3.1 million, or 0.16% of total assets, as of June 30, 2021 and $10.4 million, or 0.53% of total assets, as of September 30, 2020. The increase in non-performing assets from the prior quarter was primarily due to one relationship being downgraded into non-accrual status, offset by continued pay downs on outstanding balances.

The Company recorded a provision of $0.4 million in the third quarter of 2021, compared to a provision of $1.5 million in the third quarter of 2020. The Company recorded an immaterial provision for loan losses in the second quarter of 2021. The provision recorded in the third quarter represented general provisioning consistent with growth of the loan portfolio and the resulting allowance for loan loss is representative of continued strong credit quality in the portfolio.

5


Capital

As of September 30, 2021, First Western (“Consolidated”) and First Western Trust Bank (“Bank”) exceeded the minimum capital levels required by their respective regulators. As of September 30, 2021, the Bank was classified as “well capitalized,” as summarized in the following table:

 

September 30, 

 

2021

 

Consolidated Capital

 

  

Tier 1 capital to risk-weighted assets

 

10.66

%

Common Equity Tier 1 ("CET1") to risk-weighted assets

 

10.66

Total capital to risk-weighted assets

 

14.37

Tier 1 capital to average assets

 

7.86

Bank Capital

 

Tier 1 capital to risk-weighted assets

 

11.02

%

CET1 to risk-weighted assets

 

11.02

Total capital to risk-weighted assets

 

11.96

Tier 1 capital to average assets

 

8.11

Book value per common share increased 4.1% from $21.01 as of June 30, 2021 to $21.88 as of September 30, 2021, and was up 16.3% from $18.81 as of September 30, 2020.

Tangible book value per common share (1) increased 4.8% from $17.98 as of June 30, 2021 to $18.85 as of September 30, 2021, and was up 22.6% from $15.38 as of September 30, 2020.

The Company did not repurchase any shares of its common stock during the third quarter of 2021 under its stock repurchase program, which authorized the repurchase of up to 400,000 shares of its common stock. As of September 30, 2021, the Company had up to 399,574 shares remaining under the current stock repurchase authorization.

(1) Represents a Non-GAAP financial measure. See “Reconciliations of Non-GAAP Measures” for a reconciliation of our Non-GAAP measures to the most directly comparable GAAP financial measure.

Conference Call, Webcast and Slide Presentation

The Company will host a conference call and webcast at 10:00 a.m. MT/ 12:00 p.m. ET on Friday, October 22, 2021. The call can be accessed via telephone at 877-405-1628. A recorded replay will be accessible through October 29, 2021 by dialing 855-859-2056; passcode 8581279.

A slide presentation relating to the third quarter 2021 results will be accessible prior to the scheduled conference call. The slide presentation and webcast of the conference call can be accessed on the Events and Presentations page of the Company’s investor relations website at https://myfw.gcs-web.com.

About First Western

First Western is a financial services holding company headquartered in Denver, Colorado, with operations in Colorado, Arizona, Wyoming and California. First Western and its subsidiaries provide a fully integrated suite of wealth management services on a private trust bank platform, which includes a comprehensive selection of deposit, loan, trust, wealth planning and investment management products and services. First Western’s common stock is traded on the Nasdaq Global Select Market under the symbol “MYFW.” For more information, please visit www.myfw.com.

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Non-GAAP Financial Measures

Some of the financial measures included in this press release are not measures of financial performance recognized in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles in the United States (“GAAP”). These non-GAAP financial measures include “Tangible Common Equity,” “Tangible Common Book Value per Share,” “Return on Tangible Common Equity,” “Efficiency Ratio,” “Gross Revenue,” “Allowance to Bank Originated Loans Excluding PPP,” “Adjusted Net Income Available to Common Shareholders,” “Adjusted Earnings Per Share,” “Adjusted Diluted Earnings Per Share,” “Adjusted Return on Average Assets,” “Adjusted Return on Average Shareholders’ Equity,” and “Adjusted Return on Tangible Common Equity”. The Company believes these non-GAAP financial measures provide both management and investors a more complete understanding of the Company’s financial position and performance. These non-GAAP financial measures are supplemental and are not a substitute for any analysis based on GAAP financial measures. Not all companies use the same calculation of these measures; therefore, this presentation may not be comparable to other similarly titled measures as presented by other companies. Reconciliation of non-GAAP financial measures, to GAAP financial measures are provided at the end of this press release.

Forward-Looking Statements

Statements in this news release regarding our expectations and beliefs about our future financial performance and financial condition, as well as trends in our business and markets are “forward-looking statements” as defined in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements often include words such as “believe,” “expect,” “anticipate,” “intend,” “plan,” “estimate,” “project,” “outlook,” or words of similar meaning, or future or conditional verbs such as “will,” “would,” “should,” “opportunity,” “could,” or “may.” The forward-looking statements in this news release are based on current information and on assumptions that we make about future events and circumstances that are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties that are often difficult to predict and beyond our control. As a result of those risks and uncertainties, our actual financial results in the future could differ, possibly materially, from those expressed in or implied by the forward-looking statements contained in this news release and could cause us to make changes to our future plans. Those risks and uncertainties include, without limitation, the COVID-19 pandemic and its effects; integration risks in connection with acquisitions; the risk of geographic concentration in Colorado, Arizona, Wyoming and California; the risk of changes in the economy affecting real estate values and liquidity; the risk in our ability to continue to originate residential real estate loans and sell such loans; risks specific to commercial loans and borrowers; the risk of claims and litigation pertaining to our fiduciary responsibilities; the risk of competition for investment managers and professionals; the risk of fluctuation in the value of our investment securities; the risk of changes in interest rates; and the risk of the adequacy of our allowance for loan losses and the risk in our ability to maintain a strong core deposit base or other low-cost funding sources. Additional information regarding these and other risks and uncertainties to which our business and future financial performance are subject is contained in our Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) on March 12, 2021 (“Form 10-K”), and other documents we file with the SEC from time to time. We urge readers of this news release to review the “Risk Factors” section our Form 10-K and any updates to those risk factors set forth in our subsequent Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q, Current Reports on Form 8-K, and our other filings with the SEC. Also, our actual financial results in the future may differ from those currently expected due to additional risks and uncertainties of which we are not currently aware or which we do not currently view as, but in the future may become, material to our business or operating results. Due to these and other possible uncertainties and risks, readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on the forward-looking statements contained in this news release, which speak only as of today’s date, or to make predictions based solely on historical financial performance. Any forward-looking statement speaks only as of the date on which it is made, and we do not

7


undertake any obligation to update or review any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future developments or otherwise, except as required by law.

Additional Information about the Acquisition and Where to Find It

 

In connection with the proposed acquisition, First Western filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) a registration statement on Form S-4 (Registration No. 333-260078) to register the shares of First Western common stock to be issued to the shareholders of Teton Financial Services. The registration statement includes a proxy statement/prospectus which will be sent to the shareholders of Teton Financial Services seeking their approval of the acquisition and related matters. In addition, First Western may file other relevant documents concerning the proposed acquisition with the SEC.

 

SHAREHOLDERS OF TETON FINANCIAL SERVICES. ARE URGED TO READ THE REGISTRATION STATEMENT ON FORM S-4 AND THE PROXY STATEMENT/PROSPECTUS INCLUDED WITHIN THE REGISTRATION STATEMENT AND ANY OTHER RELEVANT DOCUMENTS TO BE FILED WITH THE SEC IN CONNECTION WITH THE PROPOSED ACQUISITION BECAUSE THEY WILL CONTAIN IMPORTANT INFORMATION ABOUT FIRST WESTERN, TETON FINANCIAL SERVICES. AND THE PROPOSED TRANSACTION.

 

Investors and shareholders may obtain free copies of these documents through the website maintained by the SEC at www.sec.gov. Free copies of the proxy statement/prospectus also may be obtained by directing a request by telephone or mail to First Western Financial, Inc., 1900 16th Street, Suite 1200, Denver CO, 80202, Attention: Investor Relations (telephone: (877) 505-1281), or by accessing First Western’s website at www.myfw.com under “Investor Relations.” The information on First Western’s website is not, and shall not be deemed to be, a part of this release or incorporated into other filings it makes with the SEC.

 

Participants in the Solicitation

 

First Western, Teton Financial Services, Inc. and their respective directors and executive officers may be deemed to be participants in the solicitation of proxies from the shareholders of Teton Financial Services in connection with the acquisition. Information about the directors and executive officers of First Western is set forth in the proxy statement for First Western’s 2021 annual meeting of shareholders filed with the SEC on April 29, 2021. Additional information regarding the interests of these participants and other persons who may be deemed participants in the acquisition may be obtained by reading the proxy statement/prospectus regarding the acquisition when it becomes available.

Contacts:

Financial Profiles, Inc.

Tony Rossi

310-622-8221

[email protected]

[email protected]

8


First Western Financial, Inc.

Consolidated Financial Summary (unaudited)

Three Months Ended

September 30, 

June 30, 

September 30, 

(Dollars in thousands, except per share amounts)

    

2021

2021

2020

Interest and dividend income:

 

  

 

  

 

  

Loans, including fees

$

15,861

$

15,287

$

14,138

Investment securities

 

180

 

169

 

173

Interest-bearing deposits in other financial institutions

 

105

 

92

 

99

Total interest and dividend income

 

16,146

 

15,548

 

14,410

Interest expense:

 

  

 

  

Deposits

 

829

 

866

 

1,067

Other borrowed funds

 

471

 

459

 

425

Total interest expense

 

1,300

 

1,325

 

1,492

Net interest income

 

14,846

 

14,223

 

12,918

Less: provision for loan losses

 

406

 

12

 

1,496

Net interest income, after provision for loan losses

 

14,440

 

14,211

 

11,422

Non-interest income:

 

  

 

  

Trust and investment management fees

 

5,167

 

5,009

 

4,814

Net gain on mortgage loans

 

4,480

 

3,914

 

12,304

Bank fees

 

458

 

394

 

340

Risk management and insurance fees

 

300

 

92

 

483

Income on company-owned life insurance

 

90

 

89

 

91

Other

Total non-interest income

 

10,495

 

9,498

 

18,032

Total income before non-interest expense

 

24,935

 

23,709

 

29,454

Non-interest expense:

 

  

 

  

Salaries and employee benefits

 

10,229

 

9,643

 

10,212

Occupancy and equipment

 

1,550

 

1,443

 

1,619

Professional services

 

1,660

 

1,370

 

1,288

Technology and information systems

 

945

 

904

 

1,032

Data processing

 

912

 

1,093

 

1,038

Marketing

 

397

 

398

 

395

Amortization of other intangible assets

 

5

 

4

 

4

Provision on other real estate owned

100

Other

 

771

 

666

 

944

Total non-interest expense

 

16,469

 

15,521

 

16,632

Income before income taxes

 

8,466

 

8,188

 

12,822

Income tax expense

 

2,049

 

1,911

 

3,192

Net income available to common shareholders

$

6,417

$

6,277

$

9,630

Earnings per common share:

 

 

Basic

$

0.80

$

0.79

$

1.22

Diluted

$

0.78

$

0.76

$

1.20

9


First Western Financial, Inc.

Consolidated Financial Summary (unaudited)

September 30, 

June 30, 

September 30, 

(Dollars in thousands)

2021

2021

2020

Assets

 

  

 

  

 

  

Cash and cash equivalents:

 

  

 

  

 

  

Cash and due from banks

$

2,829

$

2,921

$

2,867

Interest-bearing deposits in other financial institutions

 

307,406

 

286,168

 

247,491

Total cash and cash equivalents

 

310,235

 

289,089

 

250,358

Available-for-sale securities, at fair value

 

32,233

 

25,532

 

40,654

Correspondent bank stock, at cost

 

1,772

 

2,053

 

1,295

Mortgage loans held for sale

 

51,309

 

48,563

 

89,872

Loans, net of allowance of $12,964, $12,552 and $11,845

 

1,590,086

 

1,558,508

 

1,494,231

Premises and equipment, net

 

6,344

 

5,885

 

5,116

Accrued interest receivable

 

6,306

 

5,986

 

6,730

Accounts receivable

 

5,500

 

4,923

 

4,821

Other receivables

 

1,553

 

1,056

 

1,497

Other real estate owned, net

 

 

 

558

Goodwill and other intangible assets, net

 

24,246

 

24,250

 

24,263

Deferred tax assets, net

 

5,926

 

5,742

 

6,405

Company-owned life insurance

 

15,715

 

15,626

 

15,359

Other assets

 

25,047

 

22,091

 

28,738

Assets held for sale

 

 

 

3,000

Total assets

$

2,076,272

$

2,009,304

$

1,972,897

Liabilities

 

 

Deposits:

 

  

 

  

 

Noninterest-bearing

$

596,635

$

555,106

$

472,963

Interest-bearing

 

1,185,664

 

1,123,947

 

1,090,709

Total deposits

 

1,782,299

 

1,679,053

 

1,563,672

Borrowings:

 

  

 

  

 

FHLB and Federal Reserve borrowings

 

58,564

 

120,762

 

222,075

Subordinated notes

 

39,010

 

24,261

 

14,447

Accrued interest payable

 

357

 

312

 

347

Other liabilities

20,913

16,930

22,639

Liabilities held for sale

 

 

 

141

Total liabilities

 

1,901,143

 

1,841,318

 

1,823,321

Shareholders’ Equity

 

  

 

  

 

  

Total shareholders’ equity

 

175,129

 

167,986

 

149,576

Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity

$

2,076,272

$

2,009,304

$

1,972,897

10


First Western Financial, Inc.

Consolidated Financial Summary (unaudited)

September 30, 

June 30, 

September 30, 

(Dollars in thousands)

    

2021

2021

2020

Loan Portfolio

 

  

 

  

 

  

Cash, Securities and Other(1)

$

293,837

$

290,907

$

371,481

Construction and Development

 

132,141

 

127,141

 

105,717

1-4 Family Residential

 

502,439

 

496,101

 

446,959

Non-Owner Occupied CRE

 

358,369

 

324,493

 

243,564

Owner Occupied CRE

 

167,638

 

178,847

 

154,138

Commercial and Industrial

 

148,959

 

155,526

 

185,625

Total loans held for investment

1,603,383

1,573,015

1,507,484

Deferred (fees) costs and unamortized premiums/(unaccreted discounts), net

 

(333)

 

(1,955)

 

(1,408)

Gross loans

$

1,603,050

$

1,571,060

$

1,506,076

Mortgage loans held for sale

$

51,309

$

48,563

$

89,872

Deposit Portfolio

Money market deposit accounts

$

905,196

$

840,073

$

805,634

Time deposits

 

137,015

 

137,499

 

177,391

Negotiable order of withdrawal accounts

 

137,833

 

141,076

 

101,708

Savings accounts

 

5,620

 

5,299

 

5,976

Total interest-bearing deposits

1,185,664

1,123,947

1,090,709

Noninterest-bearing accounts

596,635

555,106

472,963

Total deposits

$

1,782,299

$

1,679,053

$

1,563,672


(1) Includes PPP loans.

11


First Western Financial, Inc.

Consolidated Financial Summary (unaudited) (continued)

As of or for the Three Months Ended

 

September 30, 

June 30, 

September 30, 

 

(Dollars in thousands)

    

2021

2021

2020

 

Average Balance Sheets

 

  

 

  

 

  

Assets

 

  

 

  

 

  

Interest-earning assets:

 

  

 

  

 

  

Interest-bearing deposits in other financial institutions

$

266,614

$

292,615

$

178,756

Available-for-sale securities

 

29,130

 

26,474

 

40,528

Loans

 

1,592,800

 

1,573,553

 

1,462,872

Interest-earning assets

 

1,888,544

 

1,892,642

 

1,682,156

Mortgage loans held for sale

 

54,717

 

86,760

 

94,714

Total interest-earning assets, plus mortgage loans held for sale

 

1,943,261

 

1,979,402

 

1,776,870

Allowance for loan losses

 

(12,740)

 

(12,540)

 

(10,965)

Noninterest-earning assets

 

92,901

 

93,629

 

101,874

Total assets

$

2,023,422

$

2,060,491

$

1,867,779

Liabilities and Shareholders’ Equity

 

  

 

  

 

  

Interest-bearing liabilities:

 

  

 

  

 

  

Interest-bearing deposits

$

1,160,433

$

1,165,734

$

1,045,321

FHLB and Federal Reserve borrowings

 

81,307

 

148,869

 

222,225

Subordinated notes

 

29,236

 

24,252

 

14,445

Total interest-bearing liabilities

1,270,976

1,338,855

1,281,991

Noninterest-bearing liabilities:

 

  

 

  

 

  

Noninterest-bearing deposits

 

562,569

 

539,613

 

417,502

Other liabilities

 

17,359

 

16,558

 

22,564

Total noninterest-bearing liabilities

579,928

556,171

440,066

Total shareholders’ equity

172,518

165,465

145,722

Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity

$

2,023,422

$

2,060,491

$

1,867,779

Yields/Cost of funds (annualized)

 

  

 

  

 

  

Interest-bearing deposits in other financial institutions

 

0.16

%  

 

0.13

%  

 

0.22

%

Available-for-sale securities

 

2.47

 

2.55

 

1.71

Loans

 

3.98

 

3.89

 

3.87

Interest-earning assets

 

3.42

 

3.29

 

3.43

Mortgage loans held for sale

 

2.97

 

2.88

 

2.72

Total interest-earning assets, plus mortgage loans held for sale

 

3.41

 

3.27

 

3.39

Interest-bearing deposits

 

0.29

 

0.30

 

0.41

FHLB and Federal Reserve borrowings

 

0.40

 

0.31

 

0.37

Subordinated notes

 

5.32

 

5.64

 

6.12

Total interest-bearing liabilities

 

0.41

 

0.40

 

0.47

Net interest margin

 

3.14

 

3.01

 

3.07

Net interest rate spread

 

3.01

  

 

2.89

  

 

2.96

12


First Western Financial, Inc.

Consolidated Financial Summary (unaudited) (continued)

As of or for the Three Months Ended

 

September 30, 

June 30, 

September 30, 

 

(Dollars in thousands, except share and per share amounts)

    

2021

2021

2020

 

Asset Quality

 

  

 

  

 

Non-performing loans

$

4,358

$

3,120

$

9,881

Non-performing assets

 

4,358

 

3,120

 

10,439

Net charge-offs/(recoveries)

(6)

(1)

5

Non-performing loans to total loans

 

0.27

%  

 

0.20

%  

 

0.66

%

Non-performing assets to total assets

 

0.21

 

0.16

 

0.53

Allowance for loan losses to non-performing loans

 

297.48

 

402.31

 

119.88

Allowance for loan losses to total loans

 

0.81

 

0.80

 

0.79

Allowance for loan losses to bank originated loans excluding PPP(1)

0.91

0.93

1.00

Net charge-offs/(recoveries) to average loans(2)

 

0.00

 

0.00

 

0.00

Assets Under Management

$

6,905,935

$

6,762,179

$

6,131,179

Market Data

Book value per share at period end

$

21.88

$

21.01

$

18.81

Tangible book value per common share(1)

18.85

17.98

15.38

Weighted average outstanding shares, basic

7,979,869

7,961,785

7,911,871

Weighted average outstanding shares, diluted

8,246,353

8,213,900

8,019,007

Shares outstanding at period end

 

8,002,874

 

7,994,832

 

7,951,749

Consolidated Capital

Tier 1 capital to risk-weighted assets

 

10.66

%  

 

10.68

%  

9.88

%  

CET1 to risk-weighted assets

 

10.66

 

10.68

9.88

Total capital to risk-weighted assets

 

14.37

 

13.45

12.03

Tier 1 capital to average assets

 

7.86

 

7.75

7.52

Bank Capital

Tier 1 capital to risk-weighted assets

 

11.02

%

 

11.03

%

10.28

%

CET1 to risk-weighted assets

 

11.02

 

11.03

10.28

Total capital to risk-weighted assets

 

11.96

 

11.99

11.26

Tier 1 capital to average assets

 

8.11

 

7.98

7.81


(1) Represents a Non-GAAP financial measure. See “Reconciliation of Non-GAAP Measures” for a reconciliation of our Non-GAAP measures to the most directly comparable GAAP financial measure.

(2) Value results in an immaterial amount.

13


First Western Financial, Inc.

Consolidated Financial Summary (unaudited) (continued)

Reconciliations of Non-GAAP Financial Measures

    

As of or for the Three Months Ended

 

September 30, 

June 30, 

September 30, 

 

(Dollars in thousands, except share and per share amounts)

2021

2021

2020

 

Tangible Common Equity

 

  

 

  

 

  

Total shareholders' equity

$

175,129

$

167,986

$

149,576

Less: goodwill and other intangibles, net

 

24,246

 

24,250

 

24,263

Less: intangibles held for sale(1)

 

 

 

3,000

Tangible common equity

$

150,883

$

143,736

$

122,313

Common shares outstanding, end of period

 

8,002,874

 

7,994,832

 

7,951,749

Tangible common book value per share

$

18.85

$

17.98

$

15.38

Net income available to common shareholders

$

6,417

$

6,277

$

9,630

Return on tangible common equity (annualized)

 

17.01

%  

 

17.47

%  

 

31.49

%

Efficiency

 

  

 

  

 

  

Non-interest expense

$

16,469

$

15,521

$

16,632

Less: amortization

 

5

 

4

 

4

Less: provision on other real estate owned

 

 

 

100

Adjusted non-interest expense

$

16,464

$

15,517

$

16,528

Net interest income

$

14,846

$

14,223

$

12,918

Non-interest income

 

10,495

 

9,498

 

18,032

Total income

$

25,341

$

23,721

$

30,950

Efficiency ratio

 

64.97

%  

 

65.41

%  

 

53.40

%

Gross Revenue

Total income before non-interest expense

$

24,935

$

23,709

$

29,454

Plus: provision for loan losses

 

406

 

12

 

1,496

Gross revenue

$

25,341

$

23,721

$

30,950

Allowance to Bank Originated Loans Excluding PPP

Total loans held for investment

$

1,603,383

$

1,573,015

$

1,507,484

Less: loans acquired

117,465

116,052

124,689

Less: bank originated PPP loans

 

61,838

 

102,359

 

193,213

Bank originated loans excluding PPP

$

1,424,080

$

1,354,604

$

1,189,582

Allowance for loan losses

$

12,964

$

12,552

$

11,845

Allowance for loan losses to bank originated loans excluding PPP

0.91

%  

0.93

%  

1.00

%  


(1)Represents only the intangible portion of Assets held for sale.

14


First Western Financial, Inc.

Consolidated Financial Summary (unaudited) (continued)

    

As of or for the Three Months Ended

 

September 30, 

June 30, 

September 30, 

 

(Dollars in thousands, except share and per share data)

2021

2021

2020

 

Adjusted Net Income Available to Common Shareholders

Net income available to common shareholders

$

6,417

$

6,277

$

9,630

Plus: acquisition related expenses

332

70

Less: income tax impact

80

16

Adjusted net income available to shareholders

$

6,669

$

6,331

$

9,630

Adjusted Basic Earnings Per Share

Basic earnings per share

$

0.80

$

0.79

$

1.22

Plus: acquisition related expenses net of income tax impact

0.04

0.01

Adjusted basic earnings per share

$

0.84

$

0.80

$

1.22

Adjusted Diluted Earnings Per Share

Diluted earnings per share

$

0.78

$

0.76

$

1.20

Plus: acquisition related expenses net of income tax impact

0.03

0.01

Adjusted diluted earnings per share

$

0.81

$

0.77

$

1.20

Adjusted Return on Average Assets (annualized)

Return on average assets

1.27

%

1.22

%

2.06

%

Plus: acquisition related expenses net of income tax impact

0.05

0.01

Adjusted return on average assets

1.32

%

1.23

%

2.06

%

Adjusted Return on Average Shareholders' Equity (annualized)

Return on average shareholders' equity

14.88

%

15.17

%

26.43

%

Plus: acquisition related expenses net of income tax impact

0.58

0.13

Adjusted return on average shareholders' equity

15.46

%

15.30

%

26.43

%

Adjusted Return on Tangible Common Equity (annualized)

Return on tangible common equity

17.01

%

17.47

%

31.49

%

Plus: acquisition related expenses net of income tax impact

0.67

0.15

Adjusted return on tangible common equity

17.68

%

17.62

%

31.49

%

15


Exhibit 99.2

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Third Quarter 2021 Conference Call

GRAPHIC

Safe Harbor 2 This presentation contains “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. These forward-looking statements reflect the current views of First Western Financial, Inc.’s (“First Western”) management with respect to, among other things, future events and First Western’s financial performance. These statements are often, but not always, made through the use of words or phrases such as “may,” “should,” “could,” “predict,” “potential,” “believe,” “will likely result,” “expect,” “continue,” “will,” “anticipate,” “seek,” “estimate,” “intend,” “plan,” “project,” “future” “forecast,” “goal,” “target,” “would” and “outlook,” or the negative variations of those words or other comparable words of a future or forward-looking nature. These forward-looking statements are not historical facts, and are based on current expectations, estimates and projections about First Western’s industry, management’s beliefs and certain assumptions made by management, many of which, by their nature, are inherently uncertain and beyond First Western’s control. Accordingly, First Western cautions you that any such forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance and are subject to risks, assumptions and uncertainties that are difficult to predict. Although First Western believes that the expectations reflected in these forward-looking statements are reasonable as of the date made, actual results may prove to be materially different from the results expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements. Those following risks and uncertainties, among others, could cause actual results and future events to differ materially from those set forth or contemplated in the forward-looking statements: the COVID-19 pandemic and its effects; the occurrence of any event, change or other circumstances that could give rise to the right of one or both of the parties to terminate the definitive merger agreement between First Western and Teton Financial Services, the outcome of any legal proceedings that may be instituted against First Western or Teton Financial Services, delays in completing the transaction, the failure to obtain necessary regulatory approvals (and the risk that such approvals may result in the imposition of conditions that could adversely affect the combined company or the expected benefits of the transaction) and shareholder approval or to satisfy any of the other conditions to the transaction on a timely basis or at all, the possibility that the anticipated benefits of the transaction are not realized when expected or at all, including as a result of the impact of, or problems arising from, the integration of the two companies or as a result of the strength of the economy and competitive factors in the areas where First Western and Teton Financial Services do business, the possibility that the transaction may be more expensive to complete than anticipated, including as a result of unexpected factors or events, diversion of management’s attention from ongoing business operations and opportunities, potential adverse reactions or changes to business or employee relationships, including those resulting from the announcement or completion of the transaction, First Western’s ability to complete the acquisition and integration of Teton Financial Services successfully, and the dilution caused by First Western’s issuance of additional shares of its common stock in connection with the transaction. Additional information regarding these and other risks and uncertainties to which our business and future financial performance are subject is contained in our Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) on March 12, 2021 and other documents we file with the SEC from time to time. All subsequent written and oral forward-looking statements attributable to First Western or persons acting on First Western’s behalf are expressly qualified in their entirety by this paragraph. Forward-looking statements speak only as of the date of this presentation. First Western undertakes no obligation to publicly update or otherwise revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise (except as required by law). Certain of the information contained herein may be derived from information provided by industry sources. The Company believes that such information is accurate and the sources from which it has been obtained are reliable; however, the Company cannot guaranty the accuracy of such information and has not independently verified such information. This presentation contains certain non-GAAP financial measures intended to supplement, not substitute for, comparable GAAP measures. Reconciliations of non-GAAP financial measures to GAAP financial measures are provided at the end of this presentation. Numbers in the presentation may not sum due to rounding. Our common stock is not a deposit or savings account. Our common stock is not insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation or any governmental agency or instrumentality. This presentation is not an offer to sell any securities and it is not soliciting an offer to buy any securities in any state or jurisdiction where the offer or sale is not permitted. Neither the SEC nor any state securities commission has approved or disapproved of the securities of the Company or passed upon the accuracy or adequacy of this presentation. Any representation to the contrary is a criminal offense. Except as otherwise indicated, this presentation speaks as of the date hereof. The delivery of this presentation shall not, under any circumstances, create any implication that there has been no change in the affairs of the Company after the date hereof. Additional Information about the Acquisition and Where to Find It In connection with the proposed acquisition, First Western filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) a registration statement on Form S-4 (Registration No. 333-260078) to register the shares of First Western common stock to be issued to the shareholders of Teton Financial Services. The registration statement includes a proxy statement/prospectus which will be sent to the shareholders of Teton Financial Services seeking their approval of the acquisition and related matters. In addition, First Western may file other relevant documents concerning the proposed acquisition with the SEC. SHAREHOLDERS OF TETON FINANCIAL SERVICES ARE URGED TO READ THE REGISTRATION STATEMENT ON FORM S-4 AND THE PROXY STATEMENT/PROSPECTUS INCLUDED WITHIN THE REGISTRATION STATEMENT AND ANY OTHER RELEVANT DOCUMENTS TO BE FILED WITH THE SEC IN CONNECTION WITH THE PROPOSED ACQUISITION BECAUSE THEY WILL CONTAIN IMPORTANT INFORMATION ABOUT FIRST WESTERN, TETON FINANCIAL SERVICES AND THE PROPOSED TRANSACTION. Investors and shareholders may obtain free copies of these documents through the website maintained by the SEC at www.sec.gov. Free copies of the proxy statement/prospectus also may be obtained by directing a request by telephone or mail to First Western Financial, Inc., 1900 16th Street, Suite 1200, Denver CO, 80202 , Attention: Investor Relations (telephone:(877) 505-1281), or by accessing First Western’s website at www.myfw.com under “Investor Relations.” The information on First Western’s website is not, and shall not be deemed to be, a part of this release or incorporated into other filings it makes with the SEC. Participants in the Solicitation First Western, Teton Financial Services, Inc. and their respective directors and executive officers may be deemed to be participants in the solicitation of proxies from the shareholders of Teton Financial Services in connection with the acquisition. Information about the directors and executive officers of First Western is set forth in the proxy statement for First Western’s 2021 annual meeting of shareholders filed with the SEC on April 29, 2021. Additional information regarding the interests of these participants and other persons who may be deemed participants in the acquisition may be obtained by reading the proxy statement/prospectus regarding the acquisition when it becomes available.

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3 Overview of 3Q21 Improvement in Key Metrics Earnings Growth and Higher Returns Continued Growth in Private and Commercial Banking Operations ▪ Total loans held for investment, excluding PPP loans, increased 19% annualized from prior quarter ▪ Total deposits increased 6.1% from end of prior quarter, with all of the growth coming in lower-cost categories ▪ Consistent growth in AUM and trust and investment management fees ▪ Non-performing assets represent 0.21% of total assets ▪ History of exceptionally low charge-offs continues Asset Quality Remains Exceptional ▪ Gross revenue(1) up 6.8% from prior quarter ▪ Balance sheet growth driving increased operating leverage with efficiency ratio improving to 65.0% in 3Q21 from 65.4% in 2Q21 ▪ Net interest margin increased to 3.14% in 3Q21 from 3.01% in 2Q21 ▪ Net income available to common shareholders of $6.4 million, up from $6.3 million in 2Q21 ▪ Diluted EPS of $0.78, up from $0.76 in 2Q21 ▪ Return on average assets of 1.27%, up from 1.22% in 2Q21 (1) See Non-GAAP reconciliation

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4 Net Income Available to Common Shareholders and Earnings per Share ▪ Net income of $6.4 million, or $0.78 diluted earnings per share, in 3Q21 ▪ Excluding acquisition-related expenses, adjusted diluted earnings per share(1) of $0.81 in 3Q21, up from $0.77 in 2Q21 ▪ Strong profitability results in 4.1% and 4.8% increase in book value per share and tangible book value per share(1), respectively, from 2Q21 ▪ Earnings growth coming from combination of continued organic growth of more mature profit centers, contribution of newer profit centers ramping up, and accretive acquisitions $6,277 $6,417 $9,630 $4,874 $5,999 $6,331 $6,669 $0 $2,000 $4,000 $6,000 $8,000 $10,000 $12,000 Q3 2020 Q4 2020 Q1 2021 Q2 2021 Q3 2021 Net Income Adjustments to Net Income (1) $0.76 $0.78 $1.21 $0.61 $0.74 $0.77 $0.81 $0.00 $0.20 $0.40 $0.60 $0.80 $1.00 $1.20 $1.40 Q3 2020 Q4 2020 Q1 2021 Q2 2021 Q3 2021 Net Income Adjustments to Net Income (1) Net Income Available to Common Shareholders Diluted Earnings per Share (1) See Non-GAAP reconciliation (1) (1)

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5 Non-Mortgage Segment Earnings (1) See Non-GAAP reconciliation $0.32 $0.67 $0.73 $0.85 $0.75 $1.61 $0.89 $0.99 $1.00 $1.03 $0.00 $0.50 $1.00 $1.50 $2.00 Q3 2020 Q4 2020 Q1 2021 Q2 2021 Q3 2021 Non-Mortgage Segment Consolidated ▪ Non-mortgage segment earnings reflects contribution of private banking, commercial banking, and trust and investment management business lines ▪ Growth in private banking, commercial banking, and TIM businesses replacing earnings generated by mortgage segment in 2020 and creating sustainable path to higher profitability over long-term ▪ Decline in non-mortgage segment earnings from 2Q21 primarily due to higher non-interest expense including acquisition-related expenses Non-Mortgage Segment Diluted Pre-Tax Earnings Per Share(1)

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6 Loan Portfolio ▪ Total loans HFI increased $30.4 million, or 1.9% from prior quarter ▪ Excluding PPP loans, total loans HFI increased $70.9 million, or 19% annualized from prior quarter ▪ Continued strong loan production across multiple areas offsetting payoffs and PPP forgiveness ▪ Cash, Securities and Other portfolio returned to growth as new loan production exceeded PPP forgiveness 3Q 2020 2Q 2021 3Q 2021 Cash, Securities and Other $371,481 $290,907 $293,837 Construction and Development 105,717 127,141 132,141 1-4 Family Residential 446,959 496,101 502,439 Non-Owner Occupied CRE 243,564 324,493 358,369 Owner Occupied CRE 154,138 178,847 167,638 Commercial and Industrial 185,625 155,526 148,959 Total Loans HFI $1,507,484 $1,573,015 $1,603,383 Mortgage loans held-for-sale (HFS) 89,872 48,563 51,309 Total Loans $1,597,356 $1,621,578 $1,654,692 $1.8 $78.9 $5.0 $0.0 $142.1 $201.1 $65.7 $137.5 $133.4 $83.2 $128.1 $122.6 $91.5 $84.4 $48.7 $30.5 $91.4 $40.6 $0 $50 $100 $150 $200 $250 3Q20 4Q20 1Q21 2Q21 3Q21 PPP Production⁽¹⁾ Production Loan Payoffs PPP Forgiveness (in millions) $1,558 $1,644 $1,731 $1,660 $1,648 $1,622 $1,654 $0 $200 $400 $600 $800 $1,000 $1,200 $1,400 $1,600 $1,800 $2,000 3Q20 4Q20 1Q21 2Q21 3Q21 2Q21 3Q21 HFI HFS (1) Bank originated (2) Excludes deferred (fees) costs, and amortized premium/(unaccreted discount), net ($ in thousands, as of quarter end) Loan Portfolio Composition(2) Loan Portfolio Details Loan Production & Loan Payoffs Total Loans(2) Average Period End

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7 Total Deposits ▪ Total deposits increased $103.2 million from end of prior quarter ▪ Continued strong deposit inflows from new and existing clients ▪ Further improvement in deposit mix with noninterest-bearing deposits increasing to 33.5% of total deposits at 3Q21 from 30.2% at 3Q20 3Q 2020 2Q 2021 3Q 2021 Money market deposit accounts $805,634 $840,073 $905,196 Time deposits 177,391 137,499 137,015 NOW 101,708 141,076 137,833 Savings accounts 5,976 5,299 5,620 Noninterest-bearing accounts 472,963 555,106 596,635 Total Deposits $1,563,672 $1,679,053 $1,782,299 $1,463 $1,577 $1,721 $1,705 $1,723 $1,679 $1,782 $0 $200 $400 $600 $800 $1,000 $1,200 $1,400 $1,600 $1,800 $2,000 3Q20 4Q20 1Q21 2Q21 3Q21 2Q21 3Q21 Average Period End ($ in millions) Deposit Portfolio Composition Total Deposits

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▪ During 2020, expanded commercial banking team and added construction lending expertise ▪ Increase in commercial banking clients contributing to growth in total loans and low-cost deposits while improving overall diversification ▪ Stronger commercial banking platform complements private banking and expanded mortgage capabilities to create a more valuable franchise with additional catalysts for future growth 8 Commercial Banking Driving Growth $958 $977 $1,213 $1,055 $1,185 $400 $600 $800 $1,000 $1,200 $1,400 Q3 2020 Q4 2020 Q1 2021 Q2 2021 Q3 2021 $830 $908 $871 $975 $1,026 $400 $600 $800 $1,000 $1,200 Q3 2020 Q4 2020 Q1 2021 Q2 2021 Q3 2021 (1) Reflects loans to commercial borrowers across all loan categories excludes SBA PPP loan balances due to their short-term nature. (in millions) (in millions) Up 24% Year-Over-Year Up 24% Year-Over-Year Total Commercial Loans(1) Total Commercial Deposits

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9 New Offices Ramping Up and Contributing to Organic Growth ▪ New markets identified with large population of target clients ▪ Successfully recruiting experienced talent with deep relationships in new markets ▪ Effectively marketing First Western’s value proposition and cross-selling to expand relationships ▪ Target of 1-2 new offices per year across CO, MT, and WY markets Total Loans (ex. PPP) $48.8 $64.0 $64.1 $87.3 $81.8 $0.0 $20.0 $40.0 $60.0 $80.0 $100.0 3Q20 4Q20 1Q21 2Q21 3Q21 Total Deposits $10.8 $41.5 $52.8 $51.2 $60.7 $0.0 $20.0 $40.0 $60.0 $80.0 3Q20 4Q20 1Q21 2Q21 3Q21 AUM $0.0 $0.0 $6.6 $7.8 $8.8 $0.0 $5.0 $10.0 3Q20 4Q20 1Q21 2Q21 3Q21 Aggregate Balances of Three Offices Opened Since Mid-2019 (Vail Valley, Broomfield and Lone Tree) ($ in millions)

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10 Trust and Investment Management ▪ Total assets under management increased $143.8 million from June 30, 2021 to $6.91 billion at September 30, 2021 ▪ The increase in asset balances were driven by both account additions and new account growth as well as the continued improvement in market valuations $6,131 $6,255 $6,486 $6,762 $6,906 $0 $1,000 $2,000 $3,000 $4,000 $5,000 $6,000 $7,000 Q3 2020 Q4 2020 Q1 2021 Q2 2021 Q3 2021 Investment Agency Managed Trust 401(k)/Retirement Directed Trust Custody (in millions, as of quarter end) Total Assets Under Management

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(1) All numbers represented do not include the impact of taxes (2) The deferred loan origination expenses are recorded in non-interest expenses (Salaries and Benefits) and amortized through net interest income (3) Includes $1.6 million in SBA fee income less $0.4 million of deferred loan origination expense Paycheck Protection Program Overview Impact on 3Q21 Financials (1) ($ in Millions) Net Interest Income Amortization of SBA fee income and deferred loan origination expense (2) $0.9 Interest income from PPP loans, less PPPLF funding cost $0.2 Net Interest Income $1.1 Net Interest Margin Impact 9 bps ($ in Millions) As of 9/30/21 Total Loans (existing PPP) $61.9 Total Loans Forgiven $217.2 PPPLF advances $43.6 Remaining Fees to be Recognized Pre-Tax(3) $1.2 11

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(1) See Non-GAAP reconciliation (2) Gross Revenue for Capital Management includes amounts for the fourth quarter of 2020 through the completion of the sale of the LA Fixed Income Team on November 16, 2020. Financial results after that date for the unsold portion are presented in Wealth Management. 12 Gross Revenue ▪ Gross revenue(1) increased 6.8% from 2Q21 ▪ Increase in net interest income and all non-interest income generating areas compared to 2Q21 ➢ Net interest income up 4.4% ➢ Trust and investment management fees up 3.2% ➢ Net gain on mortgage loans up 14.5% ➢ Bank fees up 16.2% ➢ Risk management and insurance fees up 226% Non-interest Income $10,495 Net Interest Income $14,846 41.4% 58.6% $31.0 $23.4 $23.7 $23.7 $25.3 $0.0 $5.0 $10.0 $15.0 $20.0 $25.0 $30.0 $35.0 Q3 2020 Q4 2020⁽²⁾ Q1 2021 Q2 2021 Q3 2021 Wealth Management Capital Management Mortgage (in millions) 3Q21 Gross Revenue(1) Gross Revenue(1)

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13 Net Interest Income and Net Interest Margin ▪ Net interest income increased 4.4% from 2Q21, primarily due to an increase in average loan balances and a higher net interest margin, partially offset by lower PPP fees ▪ Net interest margin, including PPP and purchase accretion, increased 13 bps to 3.14% ▪ Net interest margin, excluding PPP and purchase accretion(1), increased 18 bps to 3.06%, primarily due to a favorable shift in the mix of earning assets ▪ Net interest margin expected to decline slightly in 4Q21 $12,918 $13,457 $13,053 $14,223 $14,846 $0 $2,000 $4,000 $6,000 $8,000 $10,000 $12,000 $14,000 $16,000 $18,000 Q3 2020 Q4 2020 Q1 2021 Q2 2021 Q3 2021 3.07% 3.07% 2.88% 2.88% 3.06% 3.23% 3.10% 2.90% 3.01% 3.14% 0.00% 0.50% 1.00% 1.50% 2.00% 2.50% 3.00% 3.50% 4.00% Q3 2020 Q4 2020 Q1 2021 Q2 2021 Q3 2021 Net Interest Margin Adjusted Net Interest Margin (1) (1) (1) (in thousands) (1) See Non-GAAP reconciliation Net Interest Income Net Interest Margin (1) (1)

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14 Non-Interest Income ▪ Non-interest income increased 10.5% from 2Q21 ▪ Trust and investment management fees up 3.2% from 2Q21, and up 7% over 3Q20, despite loss of approximately $0.4 million in fees per quarter related to LA Fixed Income Team sold in 4Q20 ▪ Increase in net gain on mortgage loans primarily due to higher refinancing volumes $18,032 $9,954 $10,615 $9,498 $10,495 $0 $5,000 $10,000 $15,000 $20,000 Q3 2020 Q4 2020 Q1 2021 Q2 2021 Q3 2021 Trust and Investment Management Fees Net Gain on Mortgage Loans Bank Fees Risk Management and Insurance Fees Income on Company-Owned Life Insurance Other $4,814 $4,868 $4,847 $5,009 $5,167 $4,000 $4,200 $4,400 $4,600 $4,800 $5,000 $5,200 $5,400 Q3 2020 Q4 2020 Q1 2021 Q2 2021 Q3 2021 (in thousands) (in thousands) Total Non-Interest Income Trust and Investment Management Fees

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15 Mortgage Operations ▪ Mortgage locks up 4% from prior quarter primarily reflects increase in seasonal purchases ▪ Refi/Purchase mix of 39/61% in 3Q21 compared to 49/51% in 2Q21 and 67/33% in 4Q20 ▪ Profit margin improved due to increased volume and expense reductions in mortgage operations $376.3 $414.5 $490.8 $319.7 $256.1 $41.9 $32.4 $33.9 $41.2 $36.5 $0 $100 $200 $300 $400 $500 $600 Q3 2020 Q4 2020 Q1 2021 Q2 2021 Q3 2021 Originations for Sale Originations for Porfolio $718.8 $376.6 $359.4 $268.2 $279.0 $0 $100 $200 $300 $400 $500 $600 $700 $800 Q3 2020 Q4 2020 Q1 2021 Q2 2021 Q3 2021 (in millions) $10.2 $1.7 $2.1 $1.2 $2.3 $12.3 $4.3 $5.2 $3.9 $4.5 83% 40% 41% 31% 50% Q3 2020 Q4 2020 Q1 2021 Q2 2021 Q3 2021 Net Income Revenue Profit Margin (in millions) Mortgage Originations Mortgage Details Net Income, Revenue and Profit Margin Mortgage Loan Locks

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16 Non-Interest Expense and Efficiency Ratio ▪ Non-interest expense increased 6.1% from 2Q21 ▪ 3Q21 included approximately $0.3 million of acquisition-related expense ▪ Higher salaries and employee benefits expense due to increased bonus accruals resulting from strong loan and deposit production and an increase in insurance benefits costs ▪ Revenue growth exceeded expense growth and drove improvement in efficiency ratio(1) to 65.0% $70 $332 $16,632 $15,614 $15,629 $15,451 $16,137 $0 $5,000 $10,000 $15,000 $20,000 $25,000 Q3 2020 Q4 2020 Q1 2021 Q2 2021 Q3 2021 Non-Interest Expense Adjustments to Non-Interest Expense (1) (1) 53.4% 66.6% 66.0% 65.4% 65.0% 0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100% Q3 2020 Q4 2020 Q1 2021 Q2 2021 Q3 2021 (1) See Non-GAAP reconciliation Total Non-Interest Expense Operating Efficiency Ratio(1) (in thousands) (1)

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17 Asset Quality ▪ Stable asset quality across the portfolio ▪ Immaterial net charge-offs again in the quarter ▪ $0.4 million provision for loan losses related to growth in total loans ▪ Non-performing assets increased by $1.2 million due to one commercial loan placed on non-accrual during the quarter ▪ ALL/Adjusted Total Loans(1) decreased to 0.91% in 3Q21 from 0.93% in 2Q21, consistent with strong asset quality and immaterial losses 0.53% 0.22% 0.18% 0.16% 0.21% 0.00% 0.20% 0.40% 0.60% 0.80% 1.00% Q3 2020 Q4 2020 Q1 2021 Q2 2021 Q3 2021 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.20% 0.40% 0.60% 0.80% 1.00% Q3 2020 Q4 2020 Q1 2021 Q2 2021 Q3 2021 Non-Performing Assets/Total Assets Net Charge-Offs/Average Loans (1) Adjusted Total Loans – Total Loans minus PPP loans and acquired Loans; see non-GAAP reconciliation

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18 Near-Term Outlook ▪ Growth in commercial and private banking earnings will continue to replace outsized income generated by mortgage operations in 2020 ▪ Consistent pipeline and healthy demand should continue to drive organic loan growth across most areas of the portfolio ▪ Success in new business development should drive continued growth in trust and investment management fees ▪ Mortgage activity will likely decline during seasonally slower fourth quarter ▪ Continued investment in new banking talent and market expansion should continue to create additional sources of organic growth ▪ Acquisition of Teton Financial Services expected to close late in 4Q21 or early in 1Q22; integration planning proceeding well and teams working collaboratively to leverage the collective strengths of each organization ▪ First Western well positioned to deliver another strong year of organic and acquisitive growth in 2022

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Appendix 19

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20 Capital and Liquidity Overview 10.66% 10.66% 14.37% 7.86% 0.00% 2.00% 4.00% 6.00% 8.00% 10.00% 12.00% 14.00% 16.00% Tier 1 Capital to Risk-Weighted Assets CET1 to Risk- Weighted Assets Total Capital to Risk-Weighted Assets Tier 1 Capital to Average Assets Liquidity Funding Sources (as of 9/30/21) Liquidity Reserves: Total Available Cash $ 309,185 Unpledged Investment Securities 21,551 Borrowed Funds: Unsecured: Credit Lines 54,000 Secured: FHLB Available 504,712 FRB Available 552 Brokered Remaining Capacity 363,712 Total Liquidity Funding Sources $ 1,253,712 Loan to Deposit Ratio 89.9% $91,662 $104,411 $130,704 $150,883 $11.50 $13.15 $16.44 $18.85 $10.00 $12.00 $14.00 $16.00 $18.00 $20.00 $60,000 $80,000 $100,000 $120,000 $140,000 $160,000 4Q18 4Q19 4Q20 3Q21 TCE TBV/Share (in thousands) (1) See Non-GAAP reconciliation Consolidated Capital Ratios (as of 9/30/21) Tangible Common Equity / TBV per Share(1) (in thousands)

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21 Non-GAAP Reconciliation Consolidated Tangible Common Book Value Per Share As of the Three Months Ended, (Dollars in thousands) Dec. 31, 2018 Dec. 31, 2019 Dec. 31, 2020 Sept. 30, 2021 Total shareholders' equity $116,875 $127,678 $154,962 $175,129 Less: Preferred stock (liquidation preference) ---- Goodwill and other intangibles, net 25,213 19,714 24,258 24,246 Intangibles held for sale(1) - 3,553 -- Tangible common equity 91,662 104,411 $130,704 150,883 Common shares outstanding, end of period 7,968,420 7,940,168 7,951,773 8,002,874 Tangible common book value per share $11.50 $13.15 $16.44 $18.85 Net income available to common shareholders $6,417 Return on tangible common equity (annualized) 17.01% (1) Represents the intangible portion of assets held for sale Consolidated Efficiency Ratio For the Three Months Ended, (Dollars in thousands) September 30, 2020 December 31, 2020 March 31, 2021 June 30, 2021 September 30, 2021 Non-interest expense $16,632 $15,614 $15,629 $15,521 $16,469 Less: amortization 4 4 4 4 5 Less: provision on other real estate owned 100 76 --- Less: loss on assets held for sale ----- Plus: gain on sale of LA fixed income team - 62 --- Adjusted non-interest expense $16,528 $15,596 $15,625 $15,517 $16,464 Net interest income $12,918 $13,457 $13,053 $14,223 $14,846 Non-interest income 18,032 9,954 10,615 9,498 10,495 Less: Net gain on sale of securities ----- Less: Net gain on sale of assets ----- Total income $30,950 $23,411 $23,668 $23,721 $25,341 Efficiency ratio 53.4% 66.6% 66.0% 65.4% 65.0%

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22 Non-GAAP Reconciliation Wealth Management Gross Revenue For the Three Months Ended, (Dollars in thousands) September 30, 2020 December 31, 2020 March 31, 2021 June 30, 2021 September 30, 2021 Total income before non-interest expense $16,232 $17,973 $18,471 $19,782 $20,438 Plus: Provision for loan loss 1,496 695 - 12 406 Gross revenue $17,728 $18,668 $18,471 $19,794 $20,844 Capital Management Gross Revenue For the Three Months Ended, (Dollars in thousands) September 30, 2020 December 31, 2020 March 31, 2021 June 30, 2021 September 30, 2021 Total income before non-interest expense $899 $423 $- $ $ Plus: Provision for loan loss ----- Gross revenue $899 $423 $- $ $ Mortgage Gross Revenue For the Three Months Ended, (Dollars in thousands) September 30, 2020 December 31, 2020 March 31, 2021 June 30, 2021 September 30, 2021 Total income before non-interest expense $12,323 $4,320 $5,197 $3,927 $4,497 Plus: Provision for loan loss ----- Gross revenue $12,323 $4,320 $5,197 $3,927 $4,497 Consolidated Gross Revenue For the Three Months Ended, (Dollars in thousands) September 30, 2020 December 31, 2020 March 31, 2021 June 30, 2021 September 30, 2021 Total income before non-interest expense $29,454 $22,716 $23,668 $23,709 $24,935 Plus: Provision for loan loss 1,496 695 - 12 406 Gross revenue $30,950 $23,411 $23,668 $23,721 $25,341 Diluted Pre-Tax Earnings Per Share For The Three Months Ended (Dollars in thousands) September 30, 2020 December 31, 2020 March 31, 2021 June 30, 2021 September 30, 2021 Non-Mortgage income before income tax $2,581 $5,386 $5,917 $6,983 $6,199 Mortgage income before income tax 10,241 1,716 2,122 1,205 2,267 Less: Income tax expense 3,192 2,228 2,040 1,911 2,049 Net income available to common shareholders $9,630 $4,874 $5,999 $6,277 $6,417 Diluted weighted average shares 7,963,736 8,015,780 8,098,680 8,213,900 8,246,353 Non-Mortgage Segment Diluted Pre-Tax Earnings Per Share $0.32 $0.67 $0.73 $0.85 $0.75 Consolidated Diluted Pre-Tax Earnings Per Share $1.61 $0.89 $0.99 $1.00 $1.03

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23 Non-GAAP Reconciliation Adjusted net income available to common shareholders For the Three Months Ended, (Dollars in thousands, except per share data) September 30, 2020 December 31, 2020 March 31, 2021 June 30, 2021 September 30, 2021 Net income available to common shareholders $9,630 $4,874 $5,999 $6,277 $6,417 Plus: acquisition related expense including tax impact --- 54 252 Plus: loss on intangibles held for sale including tax impact ----- Adjusted net income to common shareholders $9,630 $4,874 $5,999 $6,331 $6,669 Adjusted earnings per share For the Three Months Ended, (Dollars in thousands, except per share data) September 30, 2020 December 31, 2020 March 31, 2021 June 30, 2021 September 30, 2021 Earnings per share $1.21 $0.61 $0.74 $0.76 $0.78 Plus: acquisition related expenses including tax impact --- 0.01 0.03 Plus: loss on intangibles held for sale including tax impact ----- Adjusted earnings per share $1.21 $0.61 $0.74 $0.77 $0.81 Allowance for loan losses to Bank originated loans excluding PPP As of (Dollars in thousands) June 30, 2021 September 30, 2021 Gross loans 1,573,015 1,603,383 Less: Branch acquisition 116,052 117,465 Less: PPP loans 102,359 61,838 Loans excluding acquired and PPP 1,354,604 1,424,080 Allowance for loan losses 12,552 12,964 Allowance for loan losses to Bank originated loans excluding PPP 0.93% 0.91% Total Non-Interest Expense adjusted for Non-Operating items For the Three Months Ended, (Dollars in thousands) September 30, 2020 December 31, 2020 March 31, 2021 June 30, 2021 September 30, 2021 Total non-interest expense $16,632 $15,614 $15,629 $15,521 $16,469 Less: acquisition related expense --- 70 332 Less: loss on intangibles held for sale ----- Total Non-Interest Expense adjusted for Non-Operating items $16,632 $15,614 $15,629 $15,451 $16,137

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24 Non-GAAP Reconciliation Adjusted net interest margin For the Three Months Ended December 31, 2020 For the Three Months Ended March 31, 2021 For the Three Months Ended June 30, 2021 For the Three Months Ended September 30, 2021 (Dollars in thousands) Average Balance Interest Earned/Paid Average Yield/Rate Average Balance Interest Earned/Paid Average Yield/Rate Average Balance Interest Earned/Paid Average Yield/Rate Average Balance Interest Earned/Paid Average Yield/Rate Interest-bearing deposits in other financial institutions 194,179 100 213,577 91 292,615 92 266,614 105 PPP adjustment (20,871) (5) 21,173 5 17,115 4 1,636 - Available-for-sale securities 37,512 186 31,936 196 26,474 169 29,130 180 PPP adjustment -------- Loans 1,522,947 14,656 1,554,990 14,212 1,573,553 15,287 1,592,800 15,861 PPP adjustment (174,046) (1,209) (171,263) (945) (176,396) (1,583) (81,476) (1,081) Purchase Accretion adjustment -(333) -(344) -(260) - 35 Adjusted total Interest- earning assets 1,559,721 13,395 1,650,413 13,215 1,773,360 13,709 1,808,704 15,100 Interest-bearing deposits 1,015 974 866 829 PPP adjustment ---- Federal Home Loan Bank Topeka and Federal Reserve borrowings 200 132 117 82 PPP adjustment (175) (109) (93) (59) Subordinated notes 270 340 342 389 Adjusted total interest- bearing liabilities 1,310 1,337 1,232 1,241 Net interest income 12,085 11,878 12,477 13,859 Adjusted net interest margin 3.10% 2.88% 2.88% 3.06%