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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): January 27, 2022

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 January 27, 2022, First Western Financial, Inc. (the “Company”) issued a press release announcing its financial results for the fourth quarter ended December 31, 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 fourth quarter ended December 31, 2021 on Friday, January 28, 2022, 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 fourth quarter ended December 31, 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 January 27, 2022

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: January 27, 2022   

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 Fourth Quarter 2021 Financial Results

Fourth Quarter 2021 Summary

Completed acquisition of Teton Financial Services on December 31, 2021
Total assets of $2.53 billion in Q4 2021, up 21.7% from Q3 2021 and up 28.1% from Q4 2020
Quarter-over-quarter growth in total loans held for investment of $350.8 million, increase of $252.3 million contributed through acquisition, $98.5 remaining net loan growth
Tangible book value per common share(1) increased 5.4% from $18.85 as of Q3 2021 to $19.87 as of Q4 2021, and was up 20.9% from $16.44 as of Q4 2020
Net income available to common shareholders of $1.9 million in Q4 2021, compared to $6.4 million in Q3 2021 and $4.9 million in Q4 2020
Diluted EPS of $0.23 in Q4 2021, compared to $0.78 in Q3 2021 and $0.61 in Q4 2020
Excluding $3.7 million in acquisition-related expense, adjusted net income available to common shareholders(1) of $4.8 million, or $0.57 per diluted share(1), in Q4 2021
Gross revenue(1) of $23.4 million in Q4 2021, compared to $25.3 million in Q3 2021 and $23.4 million in Q4 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.

Denver, Colo., January 27, 2022 – First Western Financial, Inc., (“First Western” or the “Company”) (NASDAQ: MYFW), today reported financial results for the fourth quarter ended December 31, 2021.

Net income available to common shareholders was $1.9 million, or $0.23 per diluted share, for the fourth quarter of 2021, which included $3.7 million in acquisition-related expenses with a $0.8 million tax impact that impacted diluted earnings per share by $0.34. This compares to $6.4 million, or $0.78 per diluted share, for the third quarter of 2021, and $4.9 million, or $0.61 per diluted share, for the fourth quarter of 2020.

Scott C. Wylie, CEO of First Western, commented, “We continued to generate exceptional organic balance sheet growth in the fourth quarter driven by the strong commercial banking platform that we have built over the past two years and the growing contribution of new offices and bankers we have added. We had a record quarter of loan production, which resulted in increases in most of our portfolios. Our strong loan growth enabled us to begin redeploying our excess liquidity into higher yielding earning assets.


“We are very pleased that we were able to complete our acquisition of Teton Financial Services in just over five months after announcing the transaction. At the time of the deal announcement, we expected a tangible book value dilution earn back period of approximately half a year. In fact, upon closing, the transaction was immediately accretive to tangible book value, further enhancing the attractive economics of this acquisition.

“We believe we are well positioned to deliver a strong year of balance sheet and earnings growth in 2022. Given the economic strength of our markets, improving loan demand, and the productivity of our commercial banking group, we expect to deliver another year of strong organic loan growth. We will also benefit from the accretive impact of the Teton acquisition as we fully realize the cost savings from the transaction over the course of the year. As we continue to scale the business, we believe that we will drive improved efficiencies and a higher level of earnings, while also investing to support future growth through the addition of new banking talent, opening new offices in attractive markets, and continuing to execute on accretive M&A transactions that can further enhance the value of our franchise,” said Mr. Wylie.

As previously announced, the Company acquired Teton Financial Services and its wholly owned subsidiary, Rocky Mountain Bank, effective December 31, 2021. The fair value of assets acquired was $431.9 million, which included $252.3 million in loans, $6.6 million in goodwill, and $1.3 million in core deposit intangibles. The fair value of total liabilities assumed was $380.5 million, which included $379.2 million in deposits. The reported results include provisional estimates of the accounting for the acquisition of Teton which are subject to revision in future periods when the application of purchase accounting is finalized.

For the Three Months Ended

 

December 31, 

September 30, 

December 31, 

 

(Dollars in thousands, except per share data)

    

2021

    

2021

    

2020

 

Earnings Summary

 

  

 

  

 

  

Net interest income

$

14,387

$

14,846

$

13,457

Less: provision for loan losses

 

812

 

406

 

695

Total non-interest income

 

9,542

 

10,495

 

9,954

Total non-interest expense

 

20,530

 

16,469

 

15,614

Income before income taxes

 

2,587

 

8,466

 

7,102

Income tax expense

 

670

 

2,049

 

2,228

Net income available to common shareholders

1,917

6,417

4,874

Adjusted net income available to common shareholders(1)

4,776

6,669

4,979

Basic earnings per common share

0.24

0.80

0.61

Adjusted basic earnings per common share(1)

0.59

0.84

0.63

Diluted earnings per common share

0.23

0.78

0.61

Adjusted diluted earnings per common share(1)

0.57

0.81

0.62

Return on average assets (annualized)

 

0.37

%

 

1.27

%

 

0.99

%

Adjusted return on average assets (annualized)(1)

0.91

1.32

1.01

Return on average shareholders' equity (annualized)

 

4.28

 

14.88

 

12.62

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

10.66

15.46

12.90

Return on tangible common equity (annualized)(1)

 

4.10

 

17.01

 

14.92

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

10.21

17.68

15.24

Net interest margin

 

2.92

 

3.14

 

3.07

Efficiency ratio(1)

 

71.80

 

63.66

 

65.96


(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.

2


Operating Results for the Fourth Quarter 2021

Revenue

Gross revenue (1) was $23.4 million for the fourth quarter of 2021, a decrease of 7.5% from $25.3 million for the third quarter of 2021, due primarily to a $2.0 million decrease in net gain on mortgage loans. Relative to the fourth quarter of 2020, gross revenue remained flat with a small increase of 0.1%.

(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 fourth quarter of 2021 was $14.4 million, a decrease of 3.1% from $14.8 million in the third quarter of 2021. The decrease in net interest income was driven by a $0.4 million reduction in PPP fee income, a $0.4 million reduction in accretion income on acquired loans, off-set by an increase in net interest income due primarily to the increase in average interest-earning assets.

Relative to the fourth quarter of 2020, net interest income increased 6.9% from $13.5 million. The year-over-year increase in net interest income was due primarily to the increase in average interest-earning assets driven by a $131.0 million increase in loans and a $83.7 million increase in interest-bearing deposits in other financial institutions.

Net Interest Margin

Net interest margin for the fourth quarter of 2021 decreased to 2.92% from 3.14% in the third quarter of 2021, primarily due to three factors that positively impacted the third quarter margin. The third quarter of 2021 had higher PPP fee income by $0.4 million, higher accretion income on acquired loans by $0.4 million, and higher interest recovery of non-performing loans by $0.2 million. These items positively impacted net interest margin by 22 bps in the third quarter of 2021, compared to a positive impact of 3 bps in the fourth quarter of 2021.

The cost of interest-bearing deposits decreased slightly to 0.27% in the fourth quarter of 2021, from 0.29% in the third quarter of 2021 and the yield on interest-earning assets decreased to 3.20% in the fourth quarter of 2021, from 3.42% in the third quarter of 2021. The decrease during the period was primarily due to the reduction in interest income caused by lower yields and higher liquidity.

Relative to the fourth quarter of 2020, the net interest margin decreased from 3.07%, primarily due to higher accretion income on acquired loans of $0.7 million and PPP fee income of $0.3 million in the fourth quarter of 2020. These items positively impacted net interest margin by 25 bps in the fourth quarter of 2020.

Non-interest Income

Non-interest income for the fourth quarter of 2021 was $9.5 million, a decrease of 9.1% from $10.5 million in the third quarter of 2021. This was primarily due to a $2.0 million decrease in gain on mortgage loans, partially offset by a $0.5 million net gain on equity interests recognized in the fourth quarter and a $0.4 million increase in risk management and insurance fees.

3


Relative to the fourth quarter of 2020, non-interest income decreased 4.1% from $10.0 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 fourth quarter of 2021 was $20.5 million, an increase of 24.7% from the third quarter of 2021 at $16.5 million. This was primarily due to $3.7 million in acquisition-related costs incurred as a result of the Teton acquisition. The remaining increase is primarily due to increased salaries and employee benefits primarily relating to an increased bonus accrual commensurate with the increased production and revenues in the wealth management segment.

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

    

As of or for the Three Months Ended

December 31, 

September 30, 

December 31, 

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

2021

2021

2020(2)

Adjusted Net Income Available to Common Shareholders(1)

Net income available to common shareholders

$

1,917

$

6,417

$

4,874

Plus: acquisition related expenses

Salaries and employee benefits

547

10

Occupancy and equipment

108

Professional services

713

332

26

Data processing

2,428

9

Other

8

Less: income tax impact

837

80

48

Adjusted net income available to shareholders(1)

$

4,776

$

6,669

$

4,979

Adjusted Diluted Earnings Per Share(1)

Diluted earnings per share

$

0.23

$

0.78

$

0.61

Plus: acquisition related expenses net of income tax impact

0.34

0.03

0.01

Adjusted diluted earnings per share(1)

$

0.57

$

0.81

$

0.62


(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.

(2) Merger and acquisition expenses in Q4 2020 relate to the Simmons branch acquisition

Relative to the fourth quarter of 2020, non-interest expense increased by 31.5% from $15.6 million. Excluding the $3.7 million in acquisition costs recognized during the fourth quarter of 2021, non-interest expense increased by 7.8%. The increase is primarily due to increased salaries and employee benefits primarily relating to an increased commission and bonus accruals commensurate with the increased production and revenues in the wealth management segment.

The Company’s efficiency ratio(1) was 71.8% in the fourth quarter of 2021, compared with 63.7% in the third quarter of 2021 and 66.0% in the fourth 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.

4


Income Taxes

The Company recorded income tax expense of $0.7 million for the fourth quarter of 2021, representing an effective tax rate of 25.9%, compared to 24.2% for the third quarter of 2021. The increase in effective tax rate in the fourth quarter of 2021 was primarily attributable to accrued acquisition costs as of December 31, 2021.

Loans

Total loans held for investment were $1.95 billion as of December 31, 2021, an increase of 21.9% from $1.60 billion as of September 30, 2021, and an increase of 27.4% from $1.53 billion as of December 31, 2020. The increase in total loans held for investment from September 30, 2021 was attributable to the Teton acquisition, which increased our total loan portfolio by $252.3 million, and remaining net loan growth of $98.5 million. The increase in total loans held for investment from December 31, 2020 was attributable to the Teton acquisition and remaining net loan growth of $167.7 million. Excluding PPP loans and acquired loans, total loans held for investment were $1.55 billion as of December 31, 2021, an increase of $129.4 million, or 9.1%, from the end of the prior quarter and an increase of $276.5 million, or 21.7%, from December 31, 2020.

PPP loans were $46.8 million as of December 31, 2021, a net decrease of 24.4% from $61.9 million as of September 30, 2021 and 67.2% from $142.9 million as of December 30, 2020, which includes the addition of $6.7 million in PPP loans acquired from Teton Financial Services. As of December 31, 2021, there were $0.7 million remaining in net fees to be recognized upon forgiveness or repayment of PPP loans.

Deposits

Total deposits were $2.21 billion as of December 31, 2021, compared to $1.78 billion as of September 30, 2021, and $1.62 billion as of December 31, 2020. The increase in total deposits from September 30, 2021 was related to $379.2 million in deposits added through the Teton acquisition and $44.2 million in remaining net growth. The increase in total deposits from December 31, 2020 was related to the deposits added through the Teton acquisition and $206.6 million in remaining net growth.

Average total deposits for the fourth quarter of 2021 increased $81.7 million, or 19.0% annualized, from the third quarter of 2021 and increased $227.2 million, or 14.4%, from the fourth quarter of 2020. The quarter-over-quarter increase in average deposits was primarily attributable to organic growth in non-interest bearing and interest checking accounts. The year-over-year increase in average deposits was primarily attributable to organic growth in non-interest bearing and money market accounts.

Borrowings

Federal Home Loan Bank (“FHLB”) and Federal Reserve borrowings were $38.6 million as of December 31, 2021, a decrease of $19.9 million from $58.6 million as of September 30, 2021, and a decrease of $110.9 million from $149.6 million as of December 31, 2020. The decrease from December 31, 2020 and from September 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 December 31, 2021, the PPPLF had advances of $23.6 million compared to PPP loan balance of $46.8 million.

5


Assets Under Management

Total assets under management (“AUM”) increased by $445.9 million during the fourth quarter to $7.35 billion as of December 31, 2021, compared to $6.91 billion as of September 30, 2021, and $6.26 billion as of December 31, 2020. The increase was primarily attributable to the Teton Financial Services acquisition and 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 $4.3 million, or 0.17% of total assets, as of December 31, 2021, compared to $4.4 million, or 0.21% of total assets, as of September 30, 2021 and $4.3 million, or 0.22% of total assets, as of December 31, 2020. The decrease in non-performing assets from the prior quarter was primarily due to continued pay downs of non-performing loan balances.

The Company recorded a provision of $0.8 million in the fourth quarter of 2021, compared to a provision of $0.7 million in the fourth quarter of 2020. The Company recorded a provision for loan losses of $0.4 million in the third quarter of 2021. The provision recorded in the fourth 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.

Capital

As of December 31, 2021, First Western (“Consolidated”) and First Western Trust Bank (“Bank”) exceeded the minimum capital levels required by their respective regulators. As of December 31, 2021, the Bank was classified as “well capitalized,” as summarized in the following table:

 

December 31, 

 

2021

 

Consolidated Capital

 

  

Tier 1 capital to risk-weighted assets

 

10.54

%

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

 

10.54

Total capital to risk-weighted assets

 

13.54

Tier 1 capital to average assets

 

9.31

Bank Capital

 

Tier 1 capital to risk-weighted assets

 

11.40

CET1 to risk-weighted assets

 

11.40

Total capital to risk-weighted assets

 

12.19

Tier 1 capital to average assets

 

10.05

Book value per common share increased 6.3% from $21.88 as of September 30, 2021 to $23.25 as of December 31, 2021, and was up 19.3% from $19.49 as of December 31, 2020.

Tangible book value per common share (1) increased 5.4% from $18.85 as of September 30, 2021 to $19.87 as of December 31, 2021, and was up 20.9% from $16.44 as of December 31, 2020.

The Company did not repurchase any shares of its common stock prior to the expiration of the stock repurchase program in the fourth quarter of 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.

6


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, January 28, 2022. The call can be accessed via telephone at 877-405-1628. A recorded replay will be accessible through February 4, 2022 by dialing 855-859-2056; passcode 3639994.

A slide presentation relating to the fourth 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.

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 for Loan Losses to Bank Originated Loans Excluding PPP,” “Adjusted Net Income Available to Common Shareholders,” “Adjusted Basic 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.

7


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 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.

Contacts:

Financial Profiles, Inc.

Tony Rossi

310-622-8221

MYFW@finprofiles.com

IR@myfw.com

8


First Western Financial, Inc.

Consolidated Financial Summary (unaudited)

Three Months Ended

December 31, 

September 30, 

December 31, 

(Dollars in thousands, except per share amounts)

    

2021

2021

2020

Interest and dividend income:

 

  

 

  

 

  

Loans, including fees

$

15,398

$

15,861

$

14,656

Investment securities

 

225

 

180

 

186

Interest-bearing deposits in other financial institutions

 

109

 

105

 

100

Total interest and dividend income

 

15,732

 

16,146

 

14,942

Interest expense:

 

  

 

  

Deposits

 

813

 

829

 

1,015

Other borrowed funds

 

532

 

471

 

470

Total interest expense

 

1,345

 

1,300

 

1,485

Net interest income

 

14,387

 

14,846

 

13,457

Less: provision for loan losses

 

812

 

406

 

695

Net interest income, after provision for loan losses

 

13,575

 

14,440

 

12,762

Non-interest income:

 

  

 

  

Trust and investment management fees

 

5,197

 

5,167

 

4,868

Net gain on mortgage loans

 

2,470

 

4,480

 

4,318

Bank fees

 

622

 

458

 

391

Risk management and insurance fees

 

676

 

300

 

287

Income on company-owned life insurance

 

88

 

90

 

90

Net gain on equity interests

489

Total non-interest income

 

9,542

 

10,495

 

9,954

Total income before non-interest expense

 

23,117

 

24,935

 

22,716

Non-interest expense:

 

  

 

  

Salaries and employee benefits

 

11,013

 

10,229

 

9,401

Occupancy and equipment

 

1,588

 

1,550

 

1,435

Professional services

 

2,164

 

1,660

 

1,493

Technology and information systems

 

916

 

945

 

1,041

Data processing

 

3,307

 

912

 

1,078

Marketing

 

497

 

397

 

415

Amortization of other intangible assets

 

4

 

5

 

4

Provision on other real estate owned

76

Other

 

1,041

 

771

 

671

Total non-interest expense

 

20,530

 

16,469

 

15,614

Income before income taxes

 

2,587

 

8,466

 

7,102

Income tax expense

 

670

 

2,049

 

2,228

Net income available to common shareholders

$

1,917

$

6,417

$

4,874

Earnings per common share:

 

 

Basic

$

0.24

$

0.80

$

0.61

Diluted

0.23

0.78

0.61

9


First Western Financial, Inc.

Consolidated Financial Summary (unaudited)

December 31, 

September 30, 

December 31, 

(Dollars in thousands)

2021

2021

2020

ASSETS

 

  

 

  

 

  

Cash and cash equivalents:

 

  

 

  

 

  

Cash and due from banks

$

6,487

$

2,829

$

2,405

Federal funds sold

1,491

Interest-bearing deposits in other financial institutions

 

379,005

 

307,406

 

153,584

Total cash and cash equivalents

 

386,983

 

310,235

 

155,989

Available-for-sale securities, at fair value

 

56,211

 

32,233

 

36,666

Correspondent bank stock, at cost

 

2,584

 

1,772

 

2,552

Mortgage loans held for sale

 

30,620

 

51,309

 

161,843

Loans, net of allowance of $13,732, $12,964 and $12,539

 

1,935,405

 

1,590,086

 

1,520,294

Premises and equipment, net

 

23,976

 

6,344

 

5,320

Accrued interest receivable

 

7,151

 

6,306

 

6,618

Accounts receivable

 

5,267

 

5,500

 

4,865

Other receivables

 

1,949

 

1,553

 

1,422

Other real estate owned, net

 

 

 

194

Goodwill and other intangible assets, net

 

31,902

 

24,246

 

24,258

Deferred tax assets, net

 

6,845

 

5,926

 

6,056

Company-owned life insurance

 

15,803

 

15,715

 

15,449

Other assets

 

22,678

 

25,047

 

32,129

Assets held for sale

 

115

 

 

Total assets

$

2,527,489

$

2,076,272

$

1,973,655

LIABILITIES

 

 

Deposits:

 

  

 

  

 

Noninterest-bearing

$

636,304

$

596,635

$

481,457

Interest-bearing

 

1,569,399

 

1,185,664

 

1,138,453

Total deposits

 

2,205,703

 

1,782,299

 

1,619,910

Borrowings:

 

  

 

  

 

FHLB and Federal Reserve borrowings

 

38,629

 

58,564

 

149,563

Subordinated notes

 

39,031

 

39,010

 

24,291

Accrued interest payable

 

355

 

357

 

453

Other liabilities

24,730

20,913

24,476

Total liabilities

 

2,308,448

 

1,901,143

 

1,818,693

SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY

 

  

 

  

 

  

Total shareholders’ equity

 

219,041

 

175,129

 

154,962

Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity

$

2,527,489

$

2,076,272

$

1,973,655

10


First Western Financial, Inc.

Consolidated Financial Summary (unaudited)

December 31, 

September 30, 

December 31, 

(Dollars in thousands)

    

2021

2021

2020

Loan Portfolio

 

  

 

  

 

  

Cash, Securities and Other(1)

$

295,948

$

293,837

$

357,020

Construction and Development

 

178,716

 

132,141

 

131,111

1-4 Family Residential

 

580,872

 

502,439

 

455,038

Non-Owner Occupied CRE

 

482,622

 

358,369

 

281,943

Owner Occupied CRE

 

212,426

 

167,638

 

163,042

Commercial and Industrial

 

203,584

 

148,959

 

146,031

Total loans held for investment

1,954,168

1,603,383

1,534,185

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

 

(5,031)

 

(333)

 

(1,352)

Gross loans

$

1,949,137

$

1,603,050

$

1,532,833

Mortgage loans held for sale

$

30,620

$

51,309

$

161,843

Deposit Portfolio

Money market deposit accounts

$

1,056,669

$

905,196

$

847,430

Time deposits

 

170,491

 

137,015

 

172,682

Negotiable order of withdrawal accounts

 

309,940

 

137,833

 

113,052

Savings accounts

 

32,299

 

5,620

 

5,289

Total interest-bearing deposits

1,569,399

1,185,664

1,138,453

Noninterest-bearing accounts

636,304

596,635

481,457

Total deposits

$

2,205,703

$

1,782,299

$

1,619,910


(1) Includes PPP loans of $46.8 million as of December 31, 2021, $61.9 million as of September 30, 2021, and $142.9 million as of December 31, 2020.

11


First Western Financial, Inc.

Consolidated Financial Summary (unaudited) (continued)

As of or for the Three Months Ended

 

December 31, 

September 30, 

December 31, 

 

(Dollars in thousands)

    

2021

2021

2020

 

Average Balance Sheets

 

  

 

  

 

  

Assets

 

  

 

  

 

  

Interest-earning assets:

 

  

 

  

 

  

Interest-bearing deposits in other financial institutions

$

277,915

$

266,614

$

194,179

Federal funds sold

1,491

Available-for-sale securities

 

36,001

 

29,130

 

37,512

Loans

 

1,653,919

 

1,592,800

 

1,522,947

Interest-earning assets

 

1,969,326

 

1,888,544

 

1,754,638

Mortgage loans held for sale

 

39,112

 

54,717

 

120,554

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

 

2,008,438

 

1,943,261

 

1,875,192

Allowance for loan losses

 

(13,224)

 

(12,740)

 

(12,077)

Noninterest-earning assets

 

96,333

 

92,901

 

103,961

Total assets

$

2,091,547

$

2,023,422

$

1,967,076

Liabilities and Shareholders’ Equity

 

  

 

  

 

  

Interest-bearing liabilities:

 

  

 

  

 

  

Interest-bearing deposits

$

1,195,986

$

1,160,433

$

1,094,317

FHLB and Federal Reserve borrowings

 

49,115

 

81,307

 

192,448

Subordinated notes

 

39,017

 

29,236

 

18,443

Total interest-bearing liabilities

1,284,118

1,270,976

1,305,208

Noninterest-bearing liabilities:

 

  

 

  

 

  

Noninterest-bearing deposits

 

608,693

 

562,569

 

483,115

Other liabilities

 

19,566

 

17,359

 

24,311

Total noninterest-bearing liabilities

628,259

579,928

507,426

Total shareholders’ equity

179,170

172,518

154,442

Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity

$

2,091,547

$

2,023,422

$

1,967,076

Yields/Cost of funds (annualized)

 

  

 

  

 

  

Interest-bearing deposits in other financial institutions

 

0.16

%  

 

0.16

%  

 

0.21

%

Available-for-sale securities

 

2.50

 

2.47

 

1.98

Loans

 

3.72

 

3.98

 

3.85

Interest-earning assets

 

3.20

 

3.42

 

3.41

Mortgage loans held for sale

 

3.14

 

2.97

 

2.88

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

 

3.19

 

3.41

 

3.37

Interest-bearing deposits

 

0.27

 

0.29

 

0.37

FHLB and Federal Reserve borrowings

 

0.45

 

0.40

 

0.42

Subordinated notes

 

4.89

 

5.32

 

5.86

Total interest-bearing liabilities

 

0.42

 

0.41

 

0.46

Net interest margin

 

2.92

 

3.14

 

3.07

Net interest rate spread

 

2.78

 

3.01

 

2.95

12


First Western Financial, Inc.

Consolidated Financial Summary (unaudited) (continued)

As of or for the Three Months Ended

 

December 31, 

September 30, 

December 31, 

 

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

    

2021

2021

2020

 

Asset Quality

 

  

 

  

 

Non-performing loans

$

4,327

$

4,358

$

4,058

Non-performing assets

 

4,327

 

4,358

 

4,252

Net charge-offs/(recoveries)

44

(6)

1

Non-performing loans to total loans

 

0.22

%  

 

0.27

%  

 

0.26

%

Non-performing assets to total assets

 

0.17

 

0.21

 

0.22

Allowance for loan losses to non-performing loans

 

317.36

 

297.48

 

308.99

Allowance for loan losses to total loans

 

0.70

 

0.81

 

0.82

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

0.88

0.91

0.98

Net charge-offs to average loans(2)

 

0.00

 

0.00

 

0.00

Assets Under Management

$

7,351,840

$

6,905,935

$

6,255,336

Market Data

Book value per share at period end

$

23.25

$

21.88

$

19.49

Tangible book value per common share(1)

19.87

18.85

16.44

Weighted average outstanding shares, basic

8,043,469

7,979,869

7,930,854

Weighted average outstanding shares, diluted

8,370,998

8,246,353

8,015,780

Shares outstanding at period end

 

9,419,271

 

8,002,874

 

7,951,773

Consolidated Capital

Tier 1 capital to risk-weighted assets

 

10.54

%  

 

10.66

%  

9.96

%  

CET1 to risk-weighted assets

 

10.54

 

10.66

9.96

Total capital to risk-weighted assets

 

13.54

 

14.37

12.80

Tier 1 capital to average assets

 

9.31

 

7.86

7.45

Bank Capital

Tier 1 capital to risk-weighted assets

 

11.40

%  

 

11.02

%  

10.22

%  

CET1 to risk-weighted assets

 

11.40

 

11.02

10.22

Total capital to risk-weighted assets

 

12.19

 

11.96

11.20

Tier 1 capital to average assets

 

10.05

 

8.11

7.62


(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

 

December 31, 

September 30, 

December 31, 

 

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

2021

2021

2020

 

Tangible Common

 

  

 

  

 

  

Total shareholders' equity

$

219,041

$

175,129

$

154,962

Less: goodwill and other intangibles, net

 

31,902

 

24,246

 

24,258

Tangible common equity

$

187,139

$

150,883

$

130,704

Common shares outstanding, end of period

 

9,419,271

 

8,002,874

 

7,951,773

Tangible common book value per share

$

19.87

$

18.85

$

16.44

Net income available to common shareholders

$

1,917

$

6,417

$

4,874

Return on tangible common equity (annualized)

 

4.10

%  

 

17.01

%  

 

14.92

%

Efficiency

 

  

 

  

 

  

Non-interest expense

$

20,530

$

16,469

$

15,614

Less: amortization

 

4

 

5

 

4

Less: acquisition related expenses

 

3,696

 

332

 

153

Less: provision on other real estate owned

76

Plus: gain on sale of LA fixed income team

 

 

 

(62)

Adjusted non-interest expense

$

16,830

$

16,132

$

15,443

Net interest income

$

14,387

$

14,846

$

13,457

Non-interest income

 

9,542

 

10,495

 

9,954

Less: net gain on equity interests

489

Total income

$

23,440

$

25,341

$

23,411

Efficiency ratio

 

71.80

%  

 

63.66

%  

 

65.96

%

Gross Revenue

Total income before non-interest expense

$

23,117

$

24,935

$

22,716

Less: net gain on equity interests

 

489

 

 

Plus: provision for loan losses

 

812

 

406

 

695

Gross revenue

$

23,440

$

25,341

$

23,411

Allowance to Bank Originated Loans Excluding PPP

Total loans held for investment

$

1,954,168

$

1,603,383

$

1,534,185

Less: loans acquired

360,661

117,465

127,233

Less: bank originated PPP loans

 

40,062

 

61,838

 

130,019

Bank originated loans excluding PPP

$

1,553,445

$

1,424,080

$

1,276,933

Allowance for loan losses

$

13,732

$

12,964

$

12,539

Allowance for loan losses to bank originated loans excluding PPP

0.88

%  

0.91

%  

0.98

%  


(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

 

December 31, 

September 30, 

December 31, 

 

(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

$

1,917

$

6,417

$

4,874

Plus: acquisition related expenses

3,696

332

153

Less: income tax impact

837

80

48

Adjusted net income available to shareholders

$

4,776

$

6,669

$

4,979

Adjusted Basic Earnings Per Share

Basic earnings per share

$

0.24

$

0.80

$

0.61

Plus: acquisition related expenses net of income tax impact

0.35

0.04

0.02

Adjusted basic earnings per share

$

0.59

$

0.84

$

0.63

Adjusted Diluted Earnings Per Share

Diluted earnings per share

$

0.23

$

0.78

$

0.61

Plus: acquisition related expenses net of income tax impact

0.34

0.03

0.01

Adjusted diluted earnings per share

$

0.57

$

0.81

$

0.62

Adjusted Return on Average Assets (annualized)

Return on average assets

0.37

%

1.27

%

0.99

%

Plus: acquisition related expenses net of income tax impact

0.54

0.05

0.02

Adjusted return on average assets

0.91

%

1.32

%

1.01

%

Adjusted Return on Average Shareholders' Equity (annualized)

Return on average shareholders' equity

4.28

%

14.88

%

12.62

%

Plus: acquisition related expenses net of income tax impact

6.38

0.58

0.28

Adjusted return on average shareholders' equity

10.66

%

15.46

%

12.90

%

Adjusted Return on Tangible Common Equity (annualized)

Return on tangible common equity

4.10

%

17.01

%

14.92

%

Plus: acquisition related expenses net of income tax impact

6.11

0.67

0.32

Adjusted return on tangible common equity

10.21

%

17.68

%

15.24

%

15


Exhibit 99.2

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Fourth Quarter 2021 Conference Call

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Safe Harbor 2 This presentation contains “forward - looking statements” within the meaning of Section 27 A of the Securities Act of 1933 , as amended, and Section 21 E 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 ; 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 credit 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 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 ..

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3 Overview of 4Q21 Strong Organic Balance Sheet Growth 4Q21 Earnings Teton Financial Services Acquisition ▪ Acquisition closed on December 31, 2021 ▪ Upon closing, acquisition was immediately accretive to tangible book value ▪ Integration proceeding on schedule with core banking system integration and consolidation of branches set for May 2022 ▪ Non - performing assets declined to 0.17% of total assets from 0.21% at 3Q21 ▪ History of exceptionally low charge - offs continues Asset Quality Remains Exceptional ▪ Record quarter of loan production resulted in net loan growth of $350.8 million, $252.3 million from acquisition and $98.5 organic loan growth (1) , or 25% annualized, with increases across nearly all portfolios ▪ Organic deposit growth (1) of 10% annualized ▪ Tangible book value per common share (1) increased 22% annualized from 3Q21 and 21% from 4Q20 ▪ Net income available to common shareholders of $1.9 million ▪ Diluted EPS of $0.23 ▪ Excluding acquisition - related expenses, adjusted net income of $4.8 million, or $0.57 per diluted share (1) (1) See Non - GAAP reconciliation

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4 Net Income Available to Common Shareholders and Earnings per Share ▪ Net income of $1.9 million, or $0.23 diluted earnings per share, in 4Q21 ▪ Excluding acquisition - related expenses, adjusted diluted earnings per share (1) of $0.57 in 4Q21 ▪ Strong profitability and Teton Financial Services acquisition resulted in 6.3% and 5.4% increase in book value per share and tangible book value per share (1) , respectively, from 3Q21 ▪ 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 $1,917 $4,979 $5,999 $6,331 $6,669 $4,776 $0 $1,000 $2,000 $3,000 $4,000 $5,000 $6,000 $7,000 $8,000 Q4 2020 Q1 2021 Q2 2021 Q3 2021 Q4 2021 Net Income Adjustments to Net Income (1) $0.76 $0.78 $0.23 $0.62 $0.74 $0.77 $0.81 $0.57 $0.00 $0.10 $0.20 $0.30 $0.40 $0.50 $0.60 $0.70 $0.80 $0.90 Q4 2020 Q1 2021 Q2 2021 Q3 2021 Q4 2021 Net Income Adjustments to Net Income Net Income Available to Common Shareholders Diluted Earnings per Share (1) See Non - GAAP reconciliation (1) (1) (1) (1) (1) (1) (1) $ 4,874 $ 0.61

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5 Wealth Management Segment Earnings (1) See Non - GAAP reconciliation $0.69 $0.73 $0.86 $0.79 $0.71 $1.63 $3.09 $0.91 $0.99 $1.01 $1.07 $0.75 $4.26 $3.81 $0.00 $0.50 $1.00 $1.50 $2.00 $2.50 $3.00 $3.50 $4.00 $4.50 Q4 2020 Q1 2021 Q2 2021 Q3 2021 Q4 2021 FY20 FY21 Wealth Management Segment Consolidated ▪ Wealth Management 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 wealth management segment earnings from 3Q21 primarily due to the provision expense, reduction in PPP fee income, and accretion income on acquired loans Wealth Management Segment Diluted Pre - Tax Earnings Per Share (1)

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6 Loan Portfolio ▪ Total loans HFI increased $350.8 million from prior quarter ▪ Teton Financial Services acquisition contributed $252.3 million in loans HFI ▪ Organic loan growth (1) of $98.5 million in 4Q21 ▪ Strong organic growth across most portfolios ▪ New production in Cash, Securities and Other portfolio partially offset by PPP forgiveness 4Q 2020 3Q 2021 4Q 2021 Cash, Securities and Other $357,020 $293,837 $295,948 Construction and Development 131,111 132,141 178,716 1 - 4 Family Residential 455,038 502,439 580,872 Non - Owner Occupied CRE 281,943 358,369 482,622 Owner Occupied CRE 163,042 167,638 212,426 Commercial and Industrial 146,031 148,959 203,584 Total Loans HFI $1,534,185 $1,603,383 $1,954,168 Mortgage loans held - for - sale (HFS) 161,843 51,309 30,620 Total Loans $1,696,028 $1,654,692 $1,984,788 $252.3 $201.1 $144.6 $142.5 $133.4 $224.6 $128.1 $122.6 $91.5 $84.4 $122.3 $48.7 $30.5 $91.4 $40.6 $21.5 $0 $50 $100 $150 $200 $250 $300 4Q20 1Q21 2Q21 3Q21 4Q21 Teton Acquired Production Loan Payoffs PPP Forgiveness (in millions) $1,644 $1,731 $1,660 $1,648 $1,693 $1,655 $1,985 $0 $200 $400 $600 $800 $1,000 $1,200 $1,400 $1,600 $1,800 $2,000 $2,200 4Q20 1Q21 2Q21 3Q21 4Q21 3Q21 4Q21 HFI HFS (1) Excludes deferred (fees) costs, and amortized premium/( unaccreted discount), net ($ in thousands, as of quarter end) Loan Portfolio Composition (1) Loan Portfolio Details Loan Production & Loan Payoffs Average Total Loans (1) Average Period End

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7 Total Deposits ▪ Total deposits increased $423.4 million from end of prior quarter ▪ Teton Financial Services acquisition contributed $379.2 million in deposits ▪ Organic deposit growth (1) of $44.2 million ▪ Strong new client acquisition activity resulted in $110 million in new deposit accounts in 4Q21 4Q 2020 3Q 2021 4Q 2021 Money market deposit accounts $847,430 $905,196 $1,056,669 Time deposits 172,682 137,015 170,491 NOW 113,052 137,833 309,940 Savings accounts 5,289 5,620 32,299 Noninterest - bearing accounts 481,457 596,635 636,304 Total Deposits $1,619,910 $1,782,299 $2,205,703 $1,577 $1,721 $1,705 $1,723 $1,805 $1,782 $2,206 $0 $500 $1,000 $1,500 $2,000 $2,500 4Q20 1Q21 2Q21 3Q21 4Q21 3Q21 4Q21 Average Period End ($ 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 $977 $1,213 $1,055 $1,185 $1,401 $400 $600 $800 $1,000 $1,200 $1,400 $1,600 Q4 2020 Q1 2021 Q2 2021 Q3 2021 Q4 2021 $908 $871 $975 $1,026 $1,121 $400 $600 $800 $1,000 $1,200 Q4 2020 Q1 2021 Q2 2021 Q3 2021 Q4 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 23% Year - Over - Year Up 43% Year - Over - Year Total Commercial Loans (1) Total Commercial Deposits

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9 Trust and Investment Management ▪ Total assets under management increased $445.9 million from September 30, 2021 to $7.35 billion at December 31, 2021 ▪ The increase in asset balances was attributable to the Teton acquisition and improving market conditions as well as account additions and new account growth $6,255 $6,486 $6,762 $6,906 $7,352 $0 $1,000 $2,000 $3,000 $4,000 $5,000 $6,000 $7,000 $8,000 Q4 2020 Q1 2021 Q2 2021 Q3 2021 Q4 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 throug h net interest income (3 ) Includes $0.8 million in SBA fee income less $0.1 million of deferred loan origination expense Paycheck Protection Program Overview Impact on 4Q21 Financials (1) ($ in Millions) Net Interest Income Amortization of SBA fee income and deferred loan origination expense (2) $0.5 Interest income from PPP loans, less PPPLF funding cost $0.1 Net Interest Income $0.6 Net Interest Margin Impact 6 bps ($ in Millions) As of 12/31 /21 Total Loans (existing PPP) $46.8 PPP Loans Acquired (included in total) $6.7 Total Loans Forgiven $239.3 PPPLF advances $23.6 Remaining Fees to be Recognized Pre - Tax (3) $0.7 10

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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 th e L A Fixed Income Team on November 16, 2020. Financial results after that date for the unsold portion are presented in Wealth Management .. 11 Gross Revenue ▪ Gross revenue (1) decreased 7.5% from 3Q21, primarily due to lower net gain on mortgage loans ▪ Increases in most non - interest income generating areas compared to 3Q21 ➢ Trust and investment management fees up 0.6% ➢ Bank fees up 35.8% ➢ Risk management and insurance fees up 125.3% Adjusted Non - interest Income $9,053 Net Interest Income $14,387 38.6% 61.4% (1) $23.4 $23.7 $23.7 $25.3 $23.4 $0.0 $5.0 $10.0 $15.0 $20.0 $25.0 $30.0 $35.0 Q4 2020⁽²⁾ Q1 2021 Q2 2021 Q3 2021 Q4 2021 Wealth Management Capital Management Mortgage (in millions) 4Q21 Gross Revenue (1) Gross Revenue (1)

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12 Net Interest Income and Net Interest Margin ▪ Net interest income decreased 3.1% from 3Q21, primarily due to lower PPP fees and purchase accretion income ▪ Excluding PPP fees and purchase accretion income, net interest income increased $0.3 million from 3Q21 ▪ Net interest margin, including PPP and purchase accretion, decreased 22 bps to 2.92% ▪ Net interest margin, excluding PPP and purchase accretion (1) , decreased 11 bps to 2.95%, primarily due to lower loan yields ▪ Net interest margin should expand as excess liquidity is used to fund continued loan growth $13,457 $13,053 $14,223 $14,846 $14,387 $0 $2,000 $4,000 $6,000 $8,000 $10,000 $12,000 $14,000 $16,000 $18,000 Q4 2020 Q1 2021 Q2 2021 Q3 2021 Q4 2021 3.07% (1) 2.88% (1) 2.88% (1) 3.06% (1) 2.95% 3.10% 2.90% 3.01% 3.14% 2.92% -0.50% 0.00% 0.50% 1.00% 1.50% 2.00% 2.50% 3.00% 3.50% 4.00% Q4 2020 Q1 2021 Q2 2021 Q3 2021 Q4 2021 Net Interest Margin Adjusted Net Interest Margin (1) (in thousands) (1) See Non - GAAP reconciliation Net Interest Income Net Interest Margin

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13 Non - Interest Income ▪ Non - interest income decreased 9.1% from 3Q21 ▪ Lower net gain on mortgage loans offset increases in most other areas ▪ Trust and Investment Management fees increased 6.8% from fourth quarter of 2020 ▪ $0.5 million net gain on equity interests in 4Q21 $9,954 $10,615 $9,498 $10,495 $9,542 $0 $5,000 $10,000 $15,000 $20,000 Q4 2020 Q1 2021 Q2 2021 Q3 2021 Q4 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 $4,868 $4,847 $5,009 $5,167 $5,197 $4,000 $4,200 $4,400 $4,600 $4,800 $5,000 $5,200 $5,400 Q4 2020 Q1 2021 Q2 2021 Q3 2021 Q4 2021 (in thousands) (in thousands) Total Non - Interest Income Trust and Investment Management Fees

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14 Mortgage Operations ▪ Mortgage locks down 39% from prior quarter ▪ Refi/Purchase mix of 41% / 59% in 4Q21 compared to 39% / 61% in 3Q21 and 49% / 51% in 2Q21 ▪ Profit margin down 38% due to decreased revenue as a result of the decrease in locks ▪ Non - interest expense down 29% in Mortgage segment from 1Q21 $414.5 $490.8 $319.7 $256.1 $196.7 $32.4 $33.9 $41.2 $36.5 $34.3 $0 $100 $200 $300 $400 $500 $600 Q4 2020 Q1 2021 Q2 2021 Q3 2021 Q4 2021 Originations for Sale Originations for Porfolio $376.6 $359.4 $268.2 $279.0 $170.3 $0 $50 $100 $150 $200 $250 $300 $350 $400 Q4 2020 Q1 2021 Q2 2021 Q3 2021 Q4 2021 (in millions) $1.7 $2.1 $1.2 $2.3 $0.3 $4.3 $5.2 $3.9 $4.5 $2.5 40% 41% 31% 50% 12% Q4 2020 Q1 2021 Q2 2021 Q3 2021 Q4 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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15 Non - Interest Expense and Efficiency Ratio ▪ Non - interest expense increased 24.7% from 3Q21 ▪ 4Q21 included $3.7 million of acquisition - related expense, compared with $0.3 million in 3Q21 ▪ Excluding acquisition - related expense, non - interest expense increased from 3Q21 primarily due to higher bonus accruals resulting from strong loan and deposit production $171 (1) $4 (1) $74 (1) $337 (1) $3,700 (1) $15,614 $15,629 $15,521 $16,469 $20,530 $0 $5,000 $10,000 $15,000 $20,000 $25,000 Q4 2020 Q1 2021 Q2 2021 Q3 2021 Q4 2021 Non-Interest Expense Adjustments to Non-Interest Expense (1) 66.0% 66.0% 65.1% 63.7% 71.8% 0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100% Q4 2020 Q1 2021 Q2 2021 Q3 2021 Q4 2021 (1) See Non - GAAP reconciliation Total Non - Interest Expense Operating Efficiency Ratio (1) (in thousands)

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16 Asset Quality ▪ Stable asset quality across the portfolio ▪ Immaterial net charge - offs again in the quarter ▪ $0.8 million provision for loan losses related to growth in total loans ▪ Non - performing assets decreased to 0.17% of total assets from 0.21% in 3Q21 ▪ ALL/Adjusted Total Loans (1) decreased to 0.88% in 4Q21 from 0.91% in 3Q21, consistent with strong asset quality and immaterial losses 0.22% 0.18% 0.16% 0.21% 0.17% 0.00% 0.20% 0.40% 0.60% 0.80% 1.00% Q4 2020 Q1 2021 Q2 2021 Q3 2021 Q4 2021 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.20% 0.40% 0.60% 0.80% 1.00% Q4 2020 Q1 2021 Q2 2021 Q3 2021 Q4 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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17 2022 Outlook and Priorities ▪ First Western is well positioned to deliver another strong year of organic and acquisitive growth in 2022 ▪ Increasing production from commercial banking platform expected to result in strong organic loan growth ▪ Focused on fully realizing the synergies from Teton Financial Services acquisition ▪ Continued investment in new banking talent and market expansion should continue to create additional sources of organic growth ▪ Capitalize on the benefits of increased scale to continue investing in technology and talent while still realizing improved operating leverage ▪ Balance sheet is well positioned to benefit from rising interest rates ▪ Evaluate additional accretive acquisition opportunities ▪ Continue executing well and further enhancing the value of the First Western franchise

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Appendix 18

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19 Capital and Liquidity Overview 10.54% 10.54% 13.54% 9.31% 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 12/31/21) Liquidity Reserves: Total Available Cash $ 383,279 Unpledged Investment Securities 37,315 Borrowed Funds: Unsecured : Credit Lines 54,000 Secured : FHLB Available 509,659 Brokered Remaining Capacity 507,004 Total Liquidity Funding Sources $ 1,491,752 Loan to Deposit Ratio 88.4% $91,662 $104,411 $130,704 $187,139 $11.50 $13.15 $16.44 $19.87 $10.00 $15.00 $20.00 $25.00 $30.00 $60,000 $80,000 $100,000 $120,000 $140,000 $160,000 $180,000 $200,000 4Q18 4Q19 4Q20 4Q21 TCE TBV/Share (in thousands) (1) See Non - GAAP reconciliation Consolidated Capital Ratios (as of 12/31/21) Tangible Common Equity / TBV per Share (1) (in thousands)

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20 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 September 30, 2021 Dec. 31 , 2021 Total shareholders' equity $116,875 $127,678 $154,962 $175,129 $219,041 Less: Preferred stock (liquidation preference) - - - - - Goodwill and other intangibles, net 25,213 19,714 24,258 24,246 31,902 Intangibles held for sale (1) - 3,553 - - Tangible common equity 91,662 104,411 $130,704 150,883 187,139 Common shares outstanding, end of period 7,968,420 7,940,168 7,951,773 8,002,874 9,419,271 Tangible common book value per share $11.50 $13.15 $16.44 $18.85 $19.87 Net income available to common shareholders $1,917 Return on tangible common equity (annualized) 4.10% (1) Represents the intangible portion of assets held for sale Consolidated Efficiency Ratio For the Three Months Ended, (Dollars in thousands) December 31, 2020 March 31, 2021 June 30, 2021 September 30, 2021 December 31, 2021 Non - interest expense $15,614 $15,629 $15,521 $16,469 $20,530 Less: amortization 4 4 4 5 4 Less: acquisition related expenses 153 - 70 332 3,696 Less: provision on other real estate owned 76 - - - - Less: loss on assets held for sale - - - - - Plus: gain on sale of LA fixed income team 62 - - - - Adjusted non - interest expense $15,443 $15,625 $15,447 $16,132 $16,830 Net interest income $13,457 $13,053 $14,223 $14,846 $14,387 Non - interest income 9,954 10,615 9,498 10,495 9,542 Less: Net gain on equity interests - - - - 489 Less: Net gain on sale of assets - - - - - Adjusted non - interest income 9,954 10,615 9,498 10,495 9,053 Total income $23,411 $23,668 $23,721 $25,341 $23,440 Efficiency ratio 66.0% 66.0% 65.1% 63.7% 71.8%

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21 Non - GAAP Reconciliation Wealth Management Gross Revenue For the Three Months Ended, (Dollars in thousands) December 31, 2020 March 31, 2021 June 30, 2021 September 30, 2021 December 31, 2021 Total income before non - interest expense $17,973 $18,471 $19,782 $20,438 $20,619 Less: Net gain on equity interests - - - - 489 Plus: Provision for loan loss 695 - 12 406 812 Gross revenue $18,668 $18,471 $19,794 $20,844 $20,942 Capital Management Gross Revenue For the Three Months Ended, (Dollars in thousands) December 31, 2020 March 31, 2021 June 30, 2021 September 30, 2021 December 31, 2021 Total income before non - interest expense $423 $ - $ $ $ Plus: Provision for loan loss - - - - - Gross revenue $423 $ - $ $ $ Mortgage Gross Revenue For the Three Months Ended, (Dollars in thousands) December 31, 2020 March 31, 2021 June 30, 2021 September 30, 2021 December 31, 2021 Total income before non - interest expense $4,320 $5,197 $3,927 $4,497 $2,498 Plus: Provision for loan loss - - - - - Gross revenue $4,320 $5,197 $3,927 $4,497 $2,498 Consolidated Gross Revenue For the Three Months Ended, (Dollars in thousands) December 31, 2020 March 31, 2021 June 30, 2021 September 30, 2021 December 31, 2021 Total income before non - interest expense $22,716 $23,668 $23,709 $24,935 $23,117 Less: Net gain on equity interests - - - - 489 Plus: Provision for loan loss 695 - 12 406 812 Gross revenue $23,411 $23,668 $23,721 $25,341 $23,440 Diluted Pre - Tax Earnings Per Share For The Three Months Ended For The Years Ended (Dollars in thousands) December 31, 2020 March 31, 2021 June 30, 2021 September 30, 2021 December 31, 2021 December 31, 2020 December 31, 2021 Non - Mortgage income before income tax $5,386 $5,917 $6,983 $6,199 $2,279 $12,085 21,378 Plus: Acquisition - related expenses 153 - 70 332 3,696 879 4,098 Mortgage income before income tax 1,716 2,122 1,205 2,267 308 20,978 5,902 Less: Income tax expense including acquisition tax effect 2,276 2,040 1,927 2,129 1,507 8,756 7,603 Net income available to common shareholders $4,979 $5,999 $6,331 $6,669 $4,776 $25,186 $23,775 Diluted weighted average shares 8,015,780 8,098,680 8,213,900 8,246,353 8,370,998 7,961,904 8,235,178 Non - Mortgage Segment Diluted Pre - Tax Earnings Per Share $0.69 $0.73 $0.86 $0.79 $0.71 $1.63 $3.09 Consolidated Diluted Pre - Tax Earnings Per Share $0.91 $0.99 $1.01 $1.07 $0.75 $4.26 $3.81

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22 Non - GAAP Reconciliation Adjusted net income available to common shareholders For the Three Months Ended, (Dollars in thousands, except per share data) December 31, 2020 March 31, 2021 June 30, 2021 September 30, 2021 December 31, 2021 Net income available to common shareholders $4,874 $5,999 $6,277 $6,417 $1,917 Plus: acquisition related expense including tax impact 105 - 54 252 2,859 Plus: loss on intangibles held for sale including t ax impact - - - - - Adjusted net income to common shareholders $4,979 $5,999 $6,331 $6,669 $4,776 Adjusted diluted earnings per share For the Three Months Ended, (Dollars in thousands, except per share data) December 31, 2020 March 31, 2021 June 30, 2021 September 30, 2021 December 31, 2021 Earnings per share $0.61 $0.74 $0.76 $0.78 $0.23 Plus: acquisition related expenses including tax impact 0.01 - 0.01 0.03 0.34 Plus: loss on intangibles held for sale including tax impact - - - - - Adjusted earnings per share $0.62 $0.74 $0.77 $0.81 $0.57 Allowance for loan losses to Bank originated loans excluding PPP As of (Dollars in thousands) September 30, 2021 December 31, 2021 Gross loans $1,603,383 $1,954,168 Less: Branch acquisition 117,465 360,661 Less: PPP loans 61,838 40,062 Loans excluding acquired and PPP 1,424,080 1,553,445 Allowance for loan losses 12,964 13,732 Allowance for loan losses to Bank originated loans excluding PPP 0.91% 0.88% Organic loan growth (annualized) As of (Dollars in thousands) September 30, 2021 December 31, 2021 Total loans held for investment $1,603,383 $1,954,168 Quarter - over - quarter growth in total loans held for investment 69,198 350,785 Less: loans acquired through Teton acquisition - 252,275 Organic quarter - over - quarter growth in total loans held for investment 69,198 98,510 Organic loan growth 24.58% Organic deposit growth (annualized) As of (Dollars in thousands) September 30, 2021 December 31, 2021 Total deposits $1,782,299 $2,205,703 Quarter - over - quarter growth in total deposits 103,246 423,404 Less: deposits acquired through Teton acquisition - 379,227 Organic quarter - over - quarter growth in total deposits 103,246 44,177 Organic deposit growth 9.91%

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23 Non - GAAP Reconciliation Adjusted net interest margin For the Three Months Ended March 31, 2021 For the Three Months Ended June 30, 2021 For the Three Months Ended September 30, 2021 For the Three Months Ended December 31, 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 213,577 91 292,615 92 266,614 105 279,406 109 PPP adjustment 21,173 5 17,115 4 1,636 - 9,556 3 Available - for - sale securities 31,936 196 26,474 169 29,130 180 36,001 226 PPP adjustment - - - - - - - - Loans 1,554,990 14,212 1,573,553 15,287 1,592,800 15,861 1,653,920 15,398 PPP adjustment (171,263) (945) (176,396) (1,583) (81,476) (1,081) (51,825) (622) Purchase Accretion adjustment - (344) - (260) - 35 - 398 Adjusted total Interest - earning assets 1,650,413 13,215 1,773,360 13,709 1,808,704 15,100 1,927,058 15,512 Interest - bearing deposits 974 866 829 813 PPP adjustment - - - - Federal Home Loan Bank Topeka and Federal Reserve borrowings 132 117 82 55 PPP adjustment (109) (93) (59) (31) Subordinated notes 340 342 389 477 Adjusted total interest - bearing liabilities 1,337 1,232 1,241 1,314 Net interest income 11,878 12,477 13,859 14,198 Adjusted net interest margin 2.88% 2.88% 3.06% 2.95%