Table of Contents
UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
FORM 10-Q
☒ QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the quarterly period ended March 31, 2019
OR
☐ TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the transition period from ________ to ________
Commission File Number 001-37624
FIRST WESTERN FINANCIAL, INC.
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
Colorado
37-1442266
(State or other jurisdiction ofincorporation or organization)
(I.R.S. EmployerIdentification No.)
1900 16th Street, Suite 1200Denver, CO
80202
(Address of principal executive offices)
(Zip Code)
Registrant’s telephone number, including area code: 303.531.8100
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days. ☒ Yes ☐ No
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically every Interactive Data File required to be submitted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit). ☒ Yes ☐ No
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, smaller reporting company or an emerging growth company. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer,” “smaller reporting company” and “emerging growth company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.
Large accelerated filer ☐
Accelerated filer ☐
Non-accelerated filer ☒
Smaller reporting company ☒
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. ☒
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Act). ☐ Yes ☒ No
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
Indicate the number of shares outstanding of each of the registrant’s classes of common stock, as of the latest practicable date.
Shares outstanding as ofMay 6, 2019
7,983,866
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Page
PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION
Item 1.
Financial Statements
Consolidated Balance Sheets as of March 31, 2019 (Unaudited) and December 31, 2018
Consolidated Statements of Income (Unaudited) for the Three Months Ended March 31, 2019 and March 31, 2018
Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Unaudited) for the Three Months Ended March 31, 2019 and March 31, 2018
Consolidated Statement of Changes in Shareholders' Equity (Unaudited) for the Three Months Ended March 31, 2019 and March 31, 2018
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (Unaudited) for the Three Months Ended March 31, 2019 and March 31, 2018
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited)
Item 2.
Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
Item 3.
Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk
Item 4.
Controls and Procedures
PART II. OTHER INFORMATION
Legal Proceedings
Item 1A.
Risk Factors
Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds
Defaults upon Senior Securities
Mine Safety Disclosures
Item 5.
Other Information
Item 6.
Exhibits
SIGNATURES
Important Notice about Information in this Quarterly Report
Unless we state otherwise or the context otherwise requires, references in this Quarterly Report to “we,” “our,” “us,” “the Company” and “First Western” refer to First Western Financial, Inc. and its consolidated subsidiaries, including First Western Trust Bank, which we sometimes refer to as “the Bank” or “our Bank.”
The information contained in this Quarterly Report is accurate only as of the date of this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q and as of the dates specified herein.
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CAUTIONARY NOTE REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS
This Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q contains forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements reflect our current views with respect to, among other things, future events and our 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,” “projection,” “would” and “outlook,” or the negative version of those words or other comparable words or phrases 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 our industry, management’s beliefs and certain assumptions made by management, many of which, by their nature, are inherently uncertain and beyond our control. Accordingly, we caution 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 we believe 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.
There are or will be important factors that could cause our actual results to differ materially from those indicated in these forward-looking statements, including, but not limited to, the following:
·
geographic concentration in Colorado, Arizona, Wyoming and California;
changes in the economy affecting real estate values and liquidity;
our ability to continue to originate residential real estate loans and sell such loans;
risks specific to commercial loans and borrowers;
claims and litigation pertaining to our fiduciary responsibilities;
competition for investment managers and professionals and our ability to retain our associates;
fluctuation in the value of our investment securities;
the terminable nature of our investment management contracts;
changes to the level or type of investment activity by our clients;
investment performance, in either relative or absolute terms;
changes in interest rates;
the adequacy of our allowance for credit losses;
weak economic conditions and global trade;
legislative changes or the adoption of tax reform policies;
external business disruptors in the financial services industry;
liquidity risks;
our ability to maintain a strong core deposit base or other low-cost funding sources;
continued positive interaction with and financial health of our referral sources;
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retaining our largest trust clients;
our ability to achieve our strategic objectives;
competition from other banks, financial institutions and wealth and investment management firms;
our ability to implement our internal growth strategy and manage the risks associated with our anticipated growth;
the acquisition of other banks and financial services companies and integration risks and other unknown risks associated with acquisitions;
the accuracy of estimates and assumptions;
our ability to protect against and manage fraudulent activity, breaches of our information security, and cybersecurity attacks;
our reliance on communications, information, operating and financial control systems technology and related services from third-party service providers;
technological change;
our ability to attract and retain clients;
natural disasters;
new lines of business or new products and services;
regulation of the financial services industry;
legal and regulatory proceedings, investigations and inquiries, fines and sanctions;
limited trading volume and liquidity in the market for our common stock;
fluctuations in the market price of our common stock;
potential impairment of goodwill recorded on our balance sheet and possible requirements to recognize significant charges to earnings due to impairment of intangible assets;
actual or anticipated issuances or sales of our common stock or preferred stock in the future;
the initiation and continuation of securities analysts coverage of the Company;
future issuances of debt securities;
our ability to manage our existing and future indebtedness;
available cash flows from the Bank; and
other factors that are discussed in “Item 1A - Risk Factors” in our Annual Report on Form 10-K.
The foregoing factors should not be construed as exhaustive and should be read together with the other cautionary statements included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K, filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) on March 21, 2019. If one or more events related to these or other risks or uncertainties materialize, or if our underlying assumptions prove to be incorrect, actual results may differ materially from what we anticipate. Accordingly, you should
4
not place undue reliance on any such forward-looking statements. Any forward-looking statement speaks only as of the date on which it is made, and we do not undertake any obligation to publicly update or review any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future developments or otherwise. New factors emerge from time to time, and it is not possible for us to predict which will arise. In addition, we cannot assess the impact of each factor on our business or the extent to which any factor, or combination of factors, may cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in any forward-looking statements.
5
ITEM 1. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (UNAUDITED)
(in thousands, except share amounts)
March 31,
December 31,
2019
2018
ASSETS
Cash and cash equivalents:
Cash and due from banks
$
2,164
1,574
Interest-bearing deposits in other financial institutions
67,602
71,783
Total cash and cash equivalents
69,766
73,357
Available-for-sale securities
53,610
43,695
Correspondent bank stock, at cost
993
2,488
Mortgage loans held for sale
19,778
14,832
Loans, net of allowance of $7,645 and $7,451
923,545
886,515
Premises and equipment, net
5,815
6,100
Accrued interest receivable
3,053
2,844
Accounts receivable
4,561
4,492
Other receivables
881
1,391
Other real estate owned, net
658
Goodwill
24,811
Other intangible assets, net
229
402
Deferred tax assets, net
4,549
4,306
Company-owned life insurance
14,803
14,709
Other assets
17,636
3,724
Total assets
1,144,688
1,084,324
LIABILITIES
Deposits:
Noninterest-bearing
226,484
202,856
Interest-bearing
751,617
734,902
Total deposits
978,101
937,758
Borrowings:
Federal Home Loan Bank Topeka borrowings
20,361
15,000
Subordinated Notes
6,560
Accrued interest payable
329
231
Other liabilities
19,669
7,900
Total liabilities
1,025,020
967,449
COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES
SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY
Preferred stock - no par value; 1,000,000 shares authorized; 0 issued and outstanding
—
Convertible preferred stock - no par value; 150,000 shares authorized; 0 shares issued and outstanding
Common stock - no par value; 10,000,000 shares authorized; 7,968,420 shares issued and outstanding each year at 2019 and 2018
Additional paid-in capital
141,738
141,359
Accumulated deficit
(21,337)
(23,199)
Accumulated other comprehensive loss
(733)
(1,285)
Total shareholders’ equity
119,668
116,875
Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity
See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.
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CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME (UNAUDITED)
(in thousands, except per share amounts)
Three Months Ended March 31,
Interest and dividend income:
Loans, including fees
10,218
8,602
Investment securities
310
277
Federal funds sold and other
522
127
Total interest and dividend income
11,050
9,006
Interest expense:
Deposits
2,909
1,160
Other borrowed funds
170
486
Total interest expense
3,079
1,646
Net interest income
7,971
7,360
Less: Provision for (recovery of) credit losses
194
(187)
Net interest income, after provision for (recovery of) credit losses
7,777
7,547
Non-interest income:
Trust and investment management fees
4,670
4,954
Net gain on mortgage loans sold
1,456
1,251
Bank fees
289
610
Risk management and insurance fees
468
383
Income on company-owned life insurance
93
94
Total non-interest income
6,976
7,292
Total income before non-interest expense
14,753
14,839
Non-interest expense:
Salaries and employee benefits
7,618
8,180
Occupancy and equipment
335
375
Lease costs, net
1,072
1,110
Professional services
777
824
Technology and information systems
1,069
1,063
Data processing
687
640
Marketing
278
285
Amortization of other intangible assets
173
230
Other
593
579
Total non-interest expense
12,602
13,286
Income before income taxes
2,151
1,553
Income tax expense
524
367
Net income
1,627
1,186
Preferred stock dividends
(561)
Net income available to common shareholders
625
Earnings per common share:
Basic
0.21
0.11
Diluted
7
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (UNAUDITED)
(in thousands)
Other comprehensive income (loss) items:
Net change in unrealized gains (losses) on available-for-sale securities
1,062
(706)
Income tax effects
(275)
(60)
Total other comprehensive income (loss)
787
(766)
Comprehensive income
2,414
420
8
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY (UNAUDITED)
Shares
Accumulated
Convertible
Additional
Preferred
Common
Paid-In
Comprehensive
Stock
Capital
Deficit
Income (loss)
Total
Balance at January 1, 2018
20,868
41,000
5,833,456
130,070
(27,296)
(928)
101,846
Issuance of common stock, net of issuance costs of $7
67,242
1,909
Reclassification on unrealized loss on equity securities
(41)
41
Other comprehensive loss, net of tax
Stock-based compensation
541
Balance at March 31, 2018
5,900,698
132,520
(26,712)
(1,653)
104,155
Balance at January 1, 2019
7,968,420
Adoption of ASU 2018-02 - Reclassification of stranded tax effect
235
(235)
Other comprehensive income, net of tax
379
Balance at March 31, 2019
9
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (UNAUDITED)
Cash flows from operating activities
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization
544
573
Deferred income tax expense
177
Provision for (recovery of) credit losses
Net amortization of investment securities
34
58
Stock dividends received on correspondent bank stock
(6)
(40)
Increase in cash surrender value of company-owned life insurance
(94)
(1,456)
(1,251)
Origination of mortgage loans held for sale
(93,793)
(107,098)
Proceeds from mortgage loans sold
90,286
109,091
Net changes in operating assets and liabilities:
(69)
88
Accrued interest receivable and other assets
(2,447)
269
Accrued interest payable and other liabilities
(1,013)
(1,822)
Net cash (used in) provided by operating activities
(5,641)
1,491
Cash flows from investing activities
Activity in available-for-sale securities:
Maturities, prepayments, and calls
2,528
7,585
Purchases
(10,390)
Purchases of correspondent bank stock
(362)
(2,081)
Redemption of correspondent bank stock
1,863
1,350
Purchases of premises and equipment
(86)
(43)
Loan and note receivable originations and principal collections, net
(37,207)
(3,551)
Net cash (used in) provided by investing activities
(43,654)
3,260
Cash flows from financing activities
Net change in deposits
40,343
2,110
Proceeds from issuance of common stock, net
Dividends paid on preferred stock
Payments to Federal Home Loan Bank Topeka borrowings
(5,000)
(83,200)
Proceeds from Federal Home Loan Bank Topeka borrowings
10,361
102,565
Net cash provided by financing activities
45,704
22,823
Net change in cash and cash equivalents
(3,591)
27,574
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of year
9,502
Cash and cash equivalents, end of period
37,076
Supplemental cash flow information:
Interest paid on deposits and borrowed funds
2,981
Income tax refunds received
(70)
Cash paid for amounts included in the measurement of lease liabilities
1,299
Supplemental noncash disclosures:
Available-for-sale-reclass of equity securities
(1,300)
703
Adoption of ASU 2018-02 - Reclassification of stranded tax effects
Change in unrealized gain/(loss)
Reclass of unrealized loss on equity securities
52
Lease right-of-use-asset obtained in exchange for lease liabilities
16,580
10
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)
NOTE 1 - ORGANIZATION AND SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
Business and Basis of Presentation: The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of First Western Financial, Inc. (“FWFI”), incorporated in Colorado on July 18, 2002, and its direct and indirect wholly‑owned subsidiaries listed below (collectively referred to as the “Company”).
FWFI is a bank holding company with financial holding company status registered with the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System. FWFI wholly owns the following subsidiaries: First Western Trust Bank (the “Bank”), First Western Capital Management Company (“FWCM”), and Ryder, Stilwell Inc. (“RSI”). The Bank wholly owns the following subsidiaries, which are therefore indirectly wholly‑owned by FWFI: First Western Merger Corporation (“Merger Corp.”), and RRI, LLC (“RRI”). RSI and RRI are not active operating entities.
The Company provides a fully‑integrated suite of wealth management services including, private banking, personal trust, investment management, mortgage loans, and institutional asset management services to individual and corporate customers principally in Colorado (metro Denver, Aspen, Boulder and Fort Collins), Arizona (Phoenix and Scottsdale), California (Century City, Los Angeles) and Wyoming (Jackson Hole and Laramie). The Company’s revenues are generated from its full range of product offerings as noted above, but principally from net interest income (the interest income earned on the Bank’s assets net of funding costs), fee‑based wealth advisory, investment management, asset management and personal trust services, and net gains earned on selling mortgage loans.
The consolidated financial statements have been prepared in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“GAAP”) for interim financial information and pursuant to the rules and regulations of the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”). Accordingly, they do not include all the information and footnotes required by GAAP for complete financial statements. The December 31, 2018 consolidated balance sheet has been derived from the audited financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2018.
In the opinion of management, all adjustments that were recurring in nature and considered necessary have been included for fair presentation of the Company’s financial position and results of operations. Operating results for the three months ended March 31, 2019 are not necessarily indicative of results that may be expected for the full year ending December 31, 2019. In preparing the consolidated financial statements, the Company is required to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amount of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could be significantly different from those estimates.
The consolidated financial statements and notes should be read in conjunction with the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2018 as filed with the SEC.
Consolidation: The Company’s policy is to consolidate all majority‑owned subsidiaries in which it has a controlling financial interest and variable‑interest entities where the Company is deemed to be the primary beneficiary. All material intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.
Concentration of Credit Risk: Most of the Company’s lending activity is to customers located in and around Denver, Colorado; Phoenix and Scottsdale, Arizona; and Jackson Hole, Wyoming. The Company does not believe it has significant concentrations in any one industry or customer. At March 31, 2019 and December 31, 2018, 72.6% and 73.6%, respectively, of the Company’s loan portfolio was secured by real estate collateral. Declines in real estate values in the primary markets the Company operates in could negatively impact the Company.
Revenue Recognition: In accordance with the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”), Revenue Contracts with Customers (“Topic 606”), trust and investment management fees are earned by providing trust and investment services to customers. The Company’s performance obligation under these contracts is satisfied over time as the services are provided. Fees are recognized monthly based on the average monthly value of the assets under management and the corresponding fee rate based on the terms of the contract. Performance based incentive fees are earned with respect to investment management contracts for the three month period ended March 31, 2019 and the year ended December 31, 2018 were immaterial. Receivables are recorded on the consolidated balance sheet in the accounts receivable line item.
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Income related to trust and investment management fees, bank fees, and risk management and insurance fees on the consolidated statement of operations for the three months ended March 31, 2019 are considered in scope of Topic 606.
Reclassifications: Certain items in prior year financial statements were reclassified to conform to the current presentation. Such reclassifications had no impact on net income or total shareholders’ equity.
Adoption of new accounting standards: The following reflect recent accounting pronouncements that have been adopted by the Company since the end of the Company’s fiscal year ended December 31, 2018.
In February 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-02, Lease Accounting (Topic 842) (“ASU 2016-02”). Under ASU 2016-02, a lessee is required to recognize assets and liabilities for leases with lease terms of more than twelve months. Consistent with current GAAP, the recognition, measurement, and presentation of expenses and cash flows arising from a lease by a lessee primarily will depend on its classification as a finance or operating lease. However, unlike current GAAP, which requires only capital leases to be recognized on the balance sheet, ASU 2016-02 requires both types of leases to be recognized on the balance sheet. The ASU also requires disclosures to help investors and other financial statement users better understand the amount, timing, and uncertainty of cash flows arising from leases. These disclosures include qualitative and quantitative requirements, providing additional information about the amounts recorded in the financial statements. Upon adoption of ASU 2016-02 with its March 31, 2019 Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the three months ended March 31, 2019, the Company recorded a right-of-use asset and related lease liability. We elected the modified retrospective transition approach. We also elected and applied the package of practical expedients whereby we will not reassess prior to the effective date (i) whether any expired contracts contain leases, (ii) the lease classification for any existing or expired lease, and (iii) initial direct costs of any existing leases. See Note 4 – Leases, for further information.
In March 2017, the FASB issued ASU 2017-08, Receivables—Nonrefundable Fees and Other Costs (Subtopic 310-20) ("ASU 2017-08"). ASU 2017-08 amends the amortization period for certain purchased callable debt securities held at a premium. Prior to the issuance of this guidance, premiums were amortized as an adjustment of yield over the contractual life of the instrument. ASU 2017-08 requires premiums on purchased callable debt securities that have explicit, non-contingent call features that are callable at fixed prices to be amortized to the earliest call date. There are no accounting changes for securities held at a discount. ASU 2017-08 became effective for the Company beginning January 1, 2019 and did not have a significant impact on the financial statements and disclosures.
In August 2017, the FASB issued ASU 2017-12, Derivatives and Hedging (Topic 815): Targeted Improvements to Accounting for Hedging Activities ("ASU 2017-12"), which provided guidance to improve the financial reporting of hedging relationships to better portray the economic results of an entity's risk management activities in its financial statements. ASU 2017-12 was effective for the Company on January 1, 2019 and did not have a significant impact on the financial statements and disclosures.
In February 2018, the FASB issued ASU 2018-02, Income Statement—Reporting Comprehensive Income (Topic 220) ("ASU 2018-02"). ASU 2018-02 allows an entity to elect to reclassify the stranded tax effects related to the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017 from accumulated other comprehensive income into retained earnings. ASU 2018-02 was effective for the Company beginning January 1, 2019 and did not have a significant impact on the financial statements and disclosures.
Recently issued accounting pronouncements, not yet adopted: The following reflect pending pronouncements with updates to the expected impact since the end of the Company’s fiscal year ended December 31, 2018.
In February 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-13, Financial Instruments—Credit Losses (Topic 326) (“ASU 2016-13”). ASU 2016-13 replaces the incurred loss model with an expected loss model, which is referred to as the current expected credit loss (“CECL”) model. The CECL model is applicable to the measurement of credit losses on the financial assets measured at amortized cost, including loan receivables, held-to-maturity debt securities, and reinsurance receivables. It also applies to off-balance sheet credit exposures not accounted for as insurance (loan commitments, standby letters of credit, financial guarantees, and other similar instruments) and net investments in leases recognized by a lessor. For all other assets within the scope of CECL, a cumulative-effect adjustment will be recognized in retained earnings as of the beginning of the first reporting period in which the guidance is effective. ASU 2016-13 will be effective for the Company on January 1, 2020. Upon adoption of the amendments within this update, the Company expects to make a cumulative-effect adjustment to the opening balance of retained earnings and the allowance for loan losses in the year of adoption. The Company has formed a CECL committee that is currently working through its implementation plan. The Company is
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evaluating historical loan level data requirements and implementing a third-party vendor solution to assist in the application of the model. The Company is also evaluating documentation requirements, internal control structure, relevant data sources, and system configurations. Currently, we are unable to estimate the impact the adoption of this update will have on the consolidated financial statements and disclosures. However, the Company expects the impact of the adoption will be significantly influenced by the composition and characteristics of its loan portfolios along with economic conditions prevalent as of the date of adoption.
NOTE 2 - INVESTMENT SECURITIES
The following presents the amortized cost and fair value of securities available‑for‑sale, with gross unrealized gains and losses recognized in accumulated other comprehensive income as of March 31, 2019 and December 31, 2018 (in thousands):
Gross
Amortized
Unrealized
Fair
March 31, 2019
Cost
Gains
Losses
Value
Investment securities available-for-sale:
U.S. Treasury debt
250
253
Government National Mortgage Association mortgage-backed securities—residential (“GNMA”)
40,146
79
(802)
39,423
Federal National Mortgage Association mortgage-backed securities—residential (“FNMA”)
3,851
(111)
3,746
Securities issued by U.S. government sponsored entities and agencies
4,524
(124)
4,400
Corporate collateralized mortgage obligations ("CMO") and mortgage-backed securities ("MBS")
5,805
18
(35)
5,788
Total securities available-for-sale
54,576
106
(1,072)
December 31, 2018
GNMA
35,591
(1,597)
34,002
FNMA
4,076
(208)
3,870
4,525
(223)
4,302
Corporate CMO and MBS
1,281
1
(11)
1,271
45,723
(2,039)
At March 31, 2019, the amortized cost and estimated fair value of available‑for‑sale securities have contractual maturity dates shown in the table below (in thousands). Expected maturities will differ from contractual maturities because borrowers may have the right to call or prepay obligations with or without call or prepayment penalties. Securities not due at a single maturity date are shown separately.
Due within one year through five years
555
558
Securities (agency and CMO)
54,021
53,052
At March 31, 2019 and December 31, 2018, securities with carrying values totaling $5.3 million and $5.4 million, respectively, were pledged to secure various public deposits and credit facilities of the Company.
At March 31, 2019 and December 31, 2018, there were no holdings of securities of any one issuer, other than the U.S. Government sponsored entities and agencies, in an amount greater than 10% of shareholders’ equity.
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At March 31, 2019 and December 31, 2018, thirty securities and thirty-three securities, respectively were in an unrealized loss position, with unrealized losses totaling $1.1 million and $2.0 million, respectively. Twenty-five of the securities in an unrealized loss position at March 31, 2019 have been in a continuous unrealized loss position for more than twelve months, and the remaining securities in a loss position have been in a continuous unrealized loss position for less than 12 months. The unrealized loss positions were caused primarily by interest rate changes and market assumptions about prepayments of principal and interest on the underlying mortgages. Because the decline in market value is attributable to market conditions, not credit quality, and because the Company has the ability and intent to hold these investments until a recovery of fair value, which may be near or at maturity, the Company does not consider these investments to be other‑than‑temporarily impaired at March 31, 2019.
The following table summarizes securities with unrealized losses at March 31, 2019 and December 31, 2018, aggregated by major security type and length of time in a continuous unrealized loss position (in thousands, before tax):
Less than 12 Months
12 Months or Longer
32
32,211
32,243
3,089
2,406
(34)
64
(1)
2,470
2,438
39,764
(1,038)
42,202
201
32,696
32,897
436
(3)
3,215
(205)
3,651
1,145
(9)
63
(2)
1,208
1,782
(12)
40,276
(2,027)
42,058
The Company did not sell any securities during the three months ended March 31, 2019 or during the year ended December 31, 2018.
NOTE 3 - LOANS AND THE ALLOWANCE FOR LOAN LOSSES
The following presents a summary of the Company’s loans as of the dates noted (in thousands):
Cash, Securities and Other
130,641
114,165
Construction and Development
37,128
31,897
1-4 Family Residential
360,607
350,852
Non-Owner Occupied CRE
172,014
173,741
Owner Occupied CRE
108,873
108,480
Commercial and Industrial
120,602
113,660
Total loans
929,865
892,795
Deferred costs, net
1,325
1,171
Allowance for loan losses
(7,645)
(7,451)
Loans, net
14
The following presents, by class, an aging analysis of the recorded investments (excluding accrued interest receivable, deferred loan fees and deferred costs which are not material) in loans past due as of March 31, 2019 and December 31, 2018 (in thousands):
30-59
60-89
90 or
Days
More Days
Loans
Recorded
Past Due
Current
Investment
92
130,549
1,213
359,394
1,305
928,560
331
11,252
11,583
102,582
1,217
349,635
567
173,174
1,735
111,925
898
14,204
15,102
877,693
At March 31, 2019 and December 31, 2018, the Company had a 1‑4 Family Residential loan totaling $1.2 million, which was 90 days delinquent and accruing interest.
Non‑Accrual Loans and Troubled Debt Restructurings (“TDR”)
The following presents the recorded investment in non‑accrual loans by class as of the dates noted (in thousands):
Non-accrual loans
10,977
1,435
12,412
12,987
At March 31, 2019 and December 31, 2018, the non‑accrual loans listed above were classified as TDR with a recorded investment totaling $12.4 million and $13.0 million, respectively. Non‑accrual loans include both smaller balance homogeneous loans that are collectively evaluated for impairment and individually classified impaired loans.
15
The following presents a summary of the unpaid principal balance of loans classified as TDRs as of the dates noted (in thousands):
Cash, Securities, and Other
6,523
6,583
17,500
17,835
Allowance for loan associated with TDR
(940)
Net recorded investment
16,560
16,895
At March 31, 2019, the Company extended an additional $0.3 million of funds to a borrower with a loan classified as a TDR for operational needs driven by weather delays. The majority owner for this borrower provided $1.5 million of pledged cash as collateral in exchange for this additional funding. At December 31, 2018, the Company had not committed any additional funds to a borrower with a loan classified as a TDR.
The Company did not modify any loans into a TDR for the three months ended March 31, 2019 and 2018. The Company modified two loans into a TDR for the year ended December 31, 2018.
For the three months ended March 31, 2019, an $11.0 million loan classified as Cash, Securities, and Other, which was classified as a TDR and not accruing interest, was not making payments in accordance with the modified terms. For the year ended December 31, 2018, this loan was not making payments in accordance with the original contract terms. The loan was placed on non-accrual status and classified as a TDR during the year ended December 31, 2018. The loan was making payments as agreed for the three months ended March 31, 2018.
One loan classified as Commercial and Industrial of $5.1 million, which was accruing interest and classified as a TDR at March 31, 2019 and December 31, 2018, was making payments in accordance with its modified terms for the three months ended March 31, 2019 and the year ended December 31, 2018. The loan was making payments as agreed for the three months ended March 31, 2018.
The other Commercial and Industrial loan of $1.4 million classified as a TDR and not accruing interest at March 31, 2019 and December 31, 2018 was making payments in accordance with its modified terms for the three months ended March 31, 2019 and the year ended December 31, 2018. As of and for the three months ended March 31, 2018, this loan was classified as a TDR and was not making payments in accordance with the modified terms.
TDRs are reviewed individually for impairment and are included in the Company’s specific reserves in the allowance for loan losses. If charged off, the amount of the charge-off is included in the Company’s charge-off factors, which impact the Company’s reserves on non‑impaired loans.
16
The following presents the Company’s recorded investment in impaired loans as of the periods presented (in thousands):
Allowance
Unpaid
for
Contractual
Average
Interest
With No
With
Loan
Principal
Income
Balance
Recognized
11,114
5,088
940
6,553
120
16,065
17,667
March 31, 2018
1,835
722
4,506
4,848
5,820
16,100
10,326
The recorded investment in loans in the previous tables excludes accrued interest and deferred loan fees and costs due to their immateriality. Interest income, if any, was recognized on the cash basis on non-accrual loans.
Allowance for Loan Losses
Allocation of a portion of the allowance for loan losses to one category of loans does not preclude its availability to absorb losses in other categories. The following presents the activity in the Company’s allowance for loan losses by portfolio class for the periods presented (in thousands):
Cash,
Construction
1-4
Non-Owner
Owner
Commercial
Securities
and
Family
Occupied
and Other
Development
Residential
CRE
Industrial
Changes in allowance for loan losses for the three months ended March 31, 2019
Beginning balance
764
232
2,552
1,264
789
1,850
7,451
113
36
(29)
49
Charge-offs
Recoveries
Ending balance
877
266
2,588
1,235
780
1,899
7,645
Allowance for loan losses at March 31, 2019 allocated to loans evaluated for impairment:
Individually
Collectively
959
6,705
Loans at March 31, 2019, evaluated for impairment:
119,664
114,079
912,365
17
Changes in allowance for loan losses for the three months ended March 31, 2018
1,066
202
2,283
1,433
751
1,552
7,287
(97)
26
51
(120)
(27)
(20)
969
228
2,334
1,313
724
1,532
7,100
Allowance for loan losses at December 31, 2018 allocated to loans evaluated for impairment:
910
6,511
Loans at December 31, 2018, evaluated for impairment:
102,913
107,077
874,960
The Company categorizes loans into risk categories based on relevant information about the ability of the borrowers to service their debt such as: current financial information, historical payment experience, credit documentation, public information, and current economic trends, among other factors. The Company analyzes loans individually by classifying the loans as to credit risk on a quarterly basis. The Company uses the following definitions for risk ratings:
Special Mention—Loans classified as special mention have a potential weakness or borrowing relationships that require more than the usual amount of management attention. Adverse industry conditions, deteriorating financial conditions, declining trends, management problems, documentation deficiencies or other similar weaknesses may be evident. Ability to meet current payment schedules may be questionable, even though interest and principal are still being paid as agreed. The asset has potential weaknesses that may result in deteriorating repayment prospects if left uncorrected. Loans in this risk grade are not considered adversely classified.
Substandard—Substandard loans are considered “classified” and are inadequately protected by the current net worth and paying capacity of the obligor or by the collateral pledged, if any. Loans so classified have a well‑defined weakness or weaknesses that jeopardizes the liquidation of the debt. They are characterized by the distinct possibility that the Company will sustain some loss if the deficiencies are not corrected. Loans in this category may be placed on non‑accrual status and may individually be evaluated for impairment if indicators of impairment exist.
Doubtful—Loans graded Doubtful are considered “classified” and have all the weaknesses inherent in those classified as Substandard with the added characteristic that the weaknesses make collection or liquidation in full, on the basis of currently known facts, conditions and values, highly questionable and improbable. However, the amount of certainty of eventual loss is not known because of specific pending factors.
Loans not meeting any of the three criteria above are considered to be pass‑rated loans. The following presents, by class and by credit quality indicator, the recorded investment in the Company’s loans as of March 31, 2019 and December 31, 2018 (in thousands):
Special
Pass
Mention
Substandard
162,294
9,260
460
108,082
12,520
895,435
25,170
165,164
8,117
100,929
12,731
859,018
25,660
NOTE 4 – LEASES
A lease is defined as a contract that conveys the right to control the use of identified property, plant, or equipment (an identified asset) for a period of time in exchange for consideration. The Company adopted ASC 842 on January 1, 2019 and recorded an initial right-of-use asset and related lease liability of $12.9 million and $16.6 million, respectively. There was no cumulative effect upon adoption.
Leases in which the Company is determined to be the lessee are primarily operating leases comprised of real estate property and office space for our corporate headquarters and profit centers with terms that extend to 2025. Certain properties contain portions that are subleased with terms that extend through 2020. In accordance with ASC 842, operating leases are required to be recognized as a right-of-use asset with a corresponding lease liability.
The following table represents the classification of the right-of-use asset and corresponding liability within the consolidated balance sheet. The Company elected to not include short-term leases with initial terms of twelve months or less, on the consolidated balance sheet.
Lease Right-of-Use Assets
Classification
Operating lease right-of-use asset
12,229
Lease Liabilities
Operating lease liabilities
15,833
The Company’s operating lease agreements typically include an option to renew the lease at the Company’s discretion. To the extent the Company is reasonably certain it will exercise the renewal option at the inception of the lease, the Company will include the extended term in the calculation of the right-of-use asset and lease liability. ASC 842 requires the use of the rate implicit in the lease when it is readily determinable. As this rate is typically not readily determinable, at the inception of the lease, the Company uses its collateralized incremental borrowing rate over a similar term. The amount of the right-of-use asset and lease liability are impacted by the discount rate used to calculate the present value of the minimum lease payments over the term of the lease.
Weighted-average remaining lease term
Operating leases
5.45 years
Weighted-average discount rate
%
19
The Company’s operating leases contain fixed and variable lease components and it has elected to account for all classes of underlying assets as a single lease component. Variable lease costs primarily represent common area maintenance and parking. The following table represents the Company’s net lease costs.
Lease Costs
Operating lease cost
783
Variable lease cost
388
Sublease income
(99)
The following table represents a maturity analysis of the Company’s operating lease liabilities on an annual basis for each of the first five years and total amounts thereafter as of March 31, 2019.
Operating Leases
Twelve Months Ended
March 31, 2020
3,698
March 31, 2021
3,267
March 31, 2022
2,754
March 31, 2023
2,666
March 31, 2024
2,253
Thereafter
2,883
Total Future Minimum Lease Payments
17,521
Less: Imputed interest
(1,688)
Present Value of Net Future Minimum Lease Payments
The following presents minimum lease payments due pursuant to the leases as of December 31, 2018 for the years indicated.
Year
3,570
2020
3,374
2021
2,815
2022
2,675
2023
2,358
3,446
18,238
NOTE 5 - DEPOSITS
The following presents the Company’s interest-bearing deposits at the dates noted (in thousands):
Money market deposit accounts
513,328
489,506
Time deposits
176,312
178,743
Negotiable order of withdrawal accounts
59,464
64,853
Savings accounts
2,513
1,800
Total interest bearing deposits
Aggregate time deposits of $250,000 or greater
80,692
83,550
Overdraft balances classified as loans totaled $0.1 million and $0.3 million at March 31, 2019 and December 31, 2018, respectively.
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NOTE 6 - BORROWINGS
FHLB Topeka Borrowings
The Bank has executed a blanket pledge and security agreement with the Federal Home Loan Bank (“FHLB”) Topeka that requires certain loans and securities be pledged as collateral for any outstanding borrowings under the agreement. The collateral pledged as of March 31, 2019 and December 31, 2018 amounted to $519.1 million and $475.4 million, respectively. Based on this collateral and the Company’s holdings of FHLB Topeka stock, the Company was eligible to borrow an additional $331.6 million at March 31, 2019. Each advance is payable at its maturity date.
The Company had the following borrowings from FHLB Topeka at the dates noted (in thousands):
Maturity Date
Rate %
August 2, 2019
2.64
5,000
August 26, 2020
1.94
10,000
The Bank has borrowing capacity associated with three unsecured federal funds lines of credit up to $10.0 million, $13.0 million, and $25.0 million. As of March 31, 2019 and December 31, 2018, there were no amounts outstanding on any of the federal funds lines.
The Company’s borrowing facilities include various financial and other covenants, including, but not limited to, a requirement that the Bank maintains regulatory capital that is deemed “well capitalized” by federal banking agencies (see Note 15). As of March 31, 2019 and December 31, 2018, the Company was in compliance with the covenant requirements.
Effective July 26, 2018, the Company also redeemed all of its subordinated notes due 2020 for an aggregate redemption price of $6.9 million, including accrued and unpaid interest. The subordinated notes due 2020 were redeemed using the proceeds from the Company's initial public offering, which closed on July 23, 2018.
NOTE 7 – COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES
The Bank is party to credit‑related financial instruments with off‑balance sheet risk in the normal course of business to meet the financing needs of its customers. These financial instruments include commitments to extend credit. Such commitments involve, to varying degrees, elements of credit and interest rate risk in excess of the amount recognized in the consolidated balance sheets. Commitments may expire without being utilized. The Bank’s exposure to credit loss is represented by the contractual amount of these commitments, although material losses are not anticipated. The Bank follows the same credit policies in making commitments as it does for on‑balance sheet instruments.
The following presents the Company’s financial instruments whose contract amounts represent credit risk, as of the dates noted (in thousands):
Fixed Rate
Variable Rate
Unused lines of credit
24,041
243,186
33,571
271,580
Standby letters of credit
65
23,508
40
Commitments to make loans to sell
42,237
17,207
Commitments to make loans
27,782
39,045
2,750
19,762
Unused lines of credit are agreements to lend to a customer as long as there is no violation of any condition established in the contract. Commitments generally have fixed expiration dates or other termination clauses and may require payment of a fee. Several of the commitments may expire without being drawn upon. Therefore, the total commitment amounts do not necessarily represent future cash requirements. The amount of collateral obtained, if it is deemed necessary by the Bank, is based on management’s credit evaluation of the customer.
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Unused lines of credit under commercial lines of credit, revolving credit lines and overdraft protection agreements are commitments for possible future extensions of credit to existing customers. These lines of credit are uncollateralized and usually do not contain a specified maturity date and may not be drawn upon to the total extent to which the Bank is committed.
Standby letters of credit are conditional commitments issued by the Bank to guarantee the performance of a customer to a third party. Those letters of credit are primarily issued to support public and private borrowing arrangements. Substantially all letters of credit issued have expiration dates within one year. The credit risk involved in issuing letters of credit is essentially the same as that involved in extending loan facilities to customers. The Bank holds collateral supporting those commitments if deemed necessary.
Commitments to make loans to sell are agreements to sell a loan to an investor in the secondary market for which the interest rate has been locked with the customer, provided there is no violation of any condition within the contract with either party. Commitments to make loans to sell have fixed interest rates. Since commitments may expire without being extended, total commitment amounts may not necessarily represent cash requirements.
Commitments to make loans are agreements to lend to a customer, provided there is no violation of any condition within the contract. Commitments to make loans generally have fixed expiration dates or other termination clauses. Since commitments may expire without being extended, total commitment amounts may not necessarily represent cash requirements.
Litigation, Claims and Settlements
The Company, from time to time, is involved in various legal actions arising in the normal course of business. While the ultimate outcome of any such proceedings cannot be predicted with certainty, it is the opinion of management, based on advice from legal counsel, that no proceedings exist, either individually or in the aggregate, which, if determined adversely to the Company, would have a material effect on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.
NOTE 8 – SHAREHOLDERS EQUITY
Common Stock
The Company’s common stock has no par value and each holder of common stock is entitled to one vote for each share (though certain voting restrictions may exist on non‑vested restricted stock) held.
During the three months ended March 31, 2019 the Company sold no shares of common stock. During the three months ended March 31, 2018, the Company sold 67,242 shares of its common stock through a Private Placement Memorandum (“PPM”) resulting in proceeds to the Company of $1.9 million (net of issuance costs of an immaterial amount).
On July 23, 2018, the Company completed its initial public offering of 1,921,775 shares of its common stock at a price of $19.00 per share, which included 296,250 shares pursuant to the full exercise by the underwriters of their option to purchase additional shares of common stock from the Company, resulting in net proceeds of $32.5 million (net of issuance costs of $4.4 million).
Effective July 26, 2018, the Company redeemed at par value all of its outstanding shares of preferred stock, which consisted of 8,559 shares of Series A preferred stock, 428 shares of Series B preferred stock, 11,881 shares of Series C preferred stock, and 41,000 shares of Series D preferred stock. The aggregate redemption amount for the preferred stock was $25.0 million. The preferred stock was redeemed using the proceeds from the Company's initial public offering, which closed on July 23, 2018.
Certain of our common stock holders received Make Whole Rights pursuant to an Investor Agreement in connection with the conversion of Series D preferred stock into common stock and our private placement conducted from August 2017 to February 2018, which entitled the holder of such Make Whole Rights to, among other things, receive additional shares of our common stock (“Make Whole Shares”), subject to the satisfaction of the conditions of the Investor Agreements. As a result, the Company issued 128,978 Make Whole Shares on September 10, 2018. The Company’s
22
issuance of the Make Whole Shares was exempt from the registration statement of the Securities Act pursuant to Section 4(a)(2) thereof.
Restricted Stock Awards
As of March 31, 2019, the Restricted Stock Awards have a weighted-average grant date fair value of $28.50 per share. During the three months ended March 31, 2019 and 2018, the Company has recognized compensation expense of $0.1 million in each period for the Restricted Stock Awards. As of March 31, 2019 and 2018, the Company has $2.6 million and $2.9 million, respectively, of unrecognized stock-based compensation expense related to the shares issued. As of March 31, 2019, the unrecognized stock-based compensation expense is expected to be recognized over a weighted average period of three and one-half years. No Restricted Stock Awards vested during the three month period ended March 31, 2019 and 2018.
Stock‑Based Compensation Plans
As of March 31, 2019, there were a total of 717,804 shares available for issuance under the First Western Financial, Inc. 2016 Omnibus Inventive Plan (“the 2016 Plan”). As of March 31, 2019, if the 449,797 options outstanding under the First Western 2008 Stock Incentive Plan (“the 2008 Plan”) are forfeited, cancelled or terminated with no consideration paid to the Company, those amounts will be transferred to the 2016 Plan and increase the number of shares eligible to be granted under the 2016 Plan to a maximum of 1,167,601 shares.
Stock Options
The Company did not grant any stock options during the three months ended March 31, 2019 and 2018.
During the three months ended March 31, 2019 and 2018, the Company recognized stock‑based compensation expense of $0.1 million and $0.2 million, respectively, associated with stock options. As of March 31, 2019 and 2018, the Company has $0.5 million and $1.2 million, respectively, of unrecognized stock‑based compensation expense related to stock options which are unvested. As of March 31, 2019, the unrecognized cost is expected to be recognized over a weighted‑average period of approximately one year.
The following summarizes activity for nonqualified stock options for the three months ended March 31, 2019:
Weighted
Number
Remaining
Aggregate
of
Exercise
Intrinsic
Options
Price
Term
Outstanding at beginning of year
465,947
28.84
Granted
Exercised
Forfeited or expired
(16,150)
28.05
Outstanding at end of period
449,797
28.87
4.3
(a)
Options fully vested / exercisable at March 31, 2019
393,416
29.50
4.0
Nonqualified stock options outstanding at the end of the period and those fully vested / exercisable had immaterial aggregate intrinsic values.
As of March 31, 2019 and December 31, 2018, there were 393,416 and 402,872 options, respectively, that were exercisable. Exercise prices are between $20.00 and $40.00 per share, and the options are exercisable for a period of ten‑years from the original grant date and expire on various dates between 2022 and 2026.
Share Awards
Pursuant to the 2016 Plan, the Company can grant associates and non‑associate directors long‑term cash and stock‑based compensation. During the three months ended March 31, 2019, the Company granted certain associates
23
restricted stock units which are earned over time or based on various performance measures and convert to common stock upon vesting, which are summarized here and expanded further below:
The following summarizes the activity for the Time Vesting Units, the Financial Performance Units and the Market Performance Units for the three months ended March 31, 2019:
Time
Financial
Market
Vesting
Performance
Units
184,369
15,932
17,258
3,779
Vested
Forfeited
(7,092)
(401)
Time Vesting Units
The Time Vesting Units are granted to full‑time associates and board members at the date approved by the Company’s board of directors. The Company granted 3,779 Time Vesting Units with a five‑year service period in 2019 that vest in equal installments of 50% on the third and fifth anniversaries of the grant date, assuming continuous employment through the scheduled vesting dates. The Time Vesting Units granted in 2019 have a weighted‑average grant‑date fair value of $14.55 per unit. During the three months ended March 31, 2019 and 2018, the Company recognized compensation expense of $0.2 million and $0.3 million, respectively, for the Time Vesting Units. As of March 31, 2019 and 2018, there was $3.5 million and $4.7 million, respectively, of unrecognized compensation expense related to the Time Vesting Units. As of March 31, 2019, the unrecognized stock-based compensation expense is expected to be recognized over a weighted‑average period of approximately two years.
Financial Performance Units
The Financial Performance Units were granted to certain key associates and are earned based on the Company achieving various financial performance metrics beginning on the grant date and ending on December 31, 2020. If the Company achieves the financial metrics, which include various thresholds from 0% up to 150%, then the Financial Performance Units will have a subsequent two‑year service period vesting requirement ending on December 31, 2021. There were no Financial Performance Units granted during the three months ended March 31, 2019. As of March 31, 2019, the Company is accruing at the maximum threshold for 50% of the awards and the threshold for the remainder. The maximum shares that can be issued at 150% as of March 31, 2019 was 22,695 shares. During the three months ended March 31, 2019 and 2018, the Company recognized an immaterial amount in each period, respectively, of compensation expense for the Financial Performance Units. As of March 31, 2019 and 2018, there was $0.2 million and $0.5 million, respectively, of unrecognized compensation expense related to the Financial Performance Units. As of March 31, 2019, the unrecognized stock-based compensation expense is expected to be recognized over a weighted‑average period of two and three-quarter years.
Market Performance Units
Market Performance Units were granted to certain key associates and are earned based on growth in the value of the Company’s common stock and were dependent on the Company completing an initial public offering of stock during a defined period of time. If the Company’s common stock is trading at or above certain prices, over a performance period ending on June 30, 2020, the Market Performance Units will be determined to be earned and vest following the completion of a subsequent service period ending on June 30, 2022.
On July 23, 2018, the Company completed its initial public offering and the Market Performance Units performance condition was met. Subsequent to the performance condition there is also a market condition as a vesting requirement for the Market Performance Units which affects the determination of the grant date fair value. The Company estimated the grant date fair value using various valuation assumptions. During the three months ended March 31, 2019, the Company recognized an immaterial amount of compensation expense for the Market Performance Units. As of March 31, 2019, there was an immaterial amount of unrecognized compensation expense related to the Market Performance Units which is expected to be recognized over a weighted‑average period of three and one-quarter years.
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NOTE 9 - EARNINGS PER COMMON SHARE
The table below presents the calculation of basic and diluted earnings per common share for the periods indicated (amounts in thousands, except share and per share amounts):
Earnings per common share - Basic
Numerator:
Dividends on preferred stock
Net income available for common shareholders
Denominator:
Basic weighted average shares
7,873,718
5,870,813
Earnings per common share - basic
Earnings per common share - Diluted
Diluted effect of common stock equivalents:
Stock options
29,939
2,080
30,565
3,161
13,846
3,948
Total diluted effect of common stock equivalents
15,926
67,613
Diluted weighted average shares
7,889,644
5,938,426
Earnings per common share - diluted
Diluted earnings per share was computed without consideration to potentially dilutive instruments as their inclusion would have been anti‑dilutive. As of March 31, 2019 and 2018, potentially dilutive securities excluded from the diluted earnings per share calculation are as follows:
For the Three Months EndedMarch 31,
215,200
Convertible Preferred D shares
151,700
159,991
15,130
94,736
Total potentially dilutive securities
719,654
366,900
NOTE 10 - INCOME TAXES
During the three months ended March 31, 2019 and 2018, the Company recorded an income tax provision of $0.5 million and $0.4 million, respectively, reflecting an effective tax rate of 24.4% and 23.6%, respectively.
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NOTE 11 – RELATED‑PARTY TRANSACTIONS
The Bank granted loans to principal officers and directors and their affiliates, all of whom are deemed related parties. At March 31, 2019 and December 31, 2018, there were no delinquent or non‑performing loans to any officer or director of the Company. The following presents a summary of related‑party loan activity as of the dates noted (in thousands):
Balance, beginning of year
2,659
14,077
Funded loans
988
1,466
Payments collected
(8)
(9,386)
Changes in related parties
(3,498)
Balance, end of year
3,639
Deposits from related parties held by the Bank at March 31, 2019 and December 31, 2018 totaled $39.1 million and $36.7 million, respectively.
The Company leases office space from an entity controlled by one of the Company’s board members. During of the three months ended March 31, 2019 and 2018, the Company incurred an immaterial amount of expense related to this lease.
Effective July 23, 2018, the Company redeemed its subordinated notes due 2020. A director of the Company was a subscription holder of such notes. Upon redemption, the Company incurred a principal and interest payment of $0.1 million.
NOTE 12 - FAIR VALUE
Fair value is the exchange price that would be received for an asset or paid to transfer a liability (exit price) in the principal or most advantageous market for the asset or liability in an orderly transaction between market participants on the measurement date. There are three levels of inputs that may be used to measure fair values:
Level 1:
Quoted prices (unadjusted) for identical assets or liabilities in active markets that the entity has the ability to access as of the measurement date.
Level 2:
Significant other observable inputs other than Level 1 prices such as quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities; quoted prices in markets that are not active; or other inputs that are observable or can be corroborated by observable market data.
Level 3:
Significant unobservable inputs that reflect a company’s own assumptions about the assumptions that market participants would use in pricing an asset or liability.
There were no transfers between levels during the three months ended March 31, 2019 or 2018. The Company used the following methods and significant assumptions to estimate fair value:
Investment Securities: The fair values for investment securities are determined by quoted market prices, if available (Level 1). For securities where quoted prices are not available, fair values are calculated based on market prices of similar securities (Level 2). For securities where quoted prices or market prices of similar securities are not available, fair values are calculated using discounted cash flows or other market indicators (Level 3).
Interest Rate Locks and Forward Delivery Commitments: Fair values of these mortgage derivatives are estimated based on changes in mortgage interest rates from the date the commitment related to the loan is locked. The fair value estimate is based on valuation models using market data from secondary market loan sales and direct contacts with third party investors as of the measurement date (Level 2).
Derivative instruments are carried at fair value in the Company’s financial statements. The accounting for changes in the fair value of a derivative instrument are accounted for within the consolidated statements of income.
The following presents assets measured on a recurring basis at March 31, 2019 and December 31, 2018 (in thousands):
Quoted
Prices in
Significant
Active Markets
for Identical
Observable
Unobservable
Assets
Inputs
Reported
(Level 1)
(Level 2)
(Level 3)
Securities issued by US. Government sponsored entities and agencies
53,357
Equity securities
702
Interest rate lock and forward delivery commitments
1,525
43,445
693
890
Equity securities and U.S. Treasury debt are reported at fair value utilizing Level 1 inputs. The remaining portfolio of securities are reported at fair value with Level 2 inputs provided by a pricing service. As of March 31, 2019 and December 31, 2018, the majority of the securities have credit support provided by the Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation, GNMA, and the Federal National Mortgage Association. Factors used to value the securities by the pricing service include: benchmark yields, reported trades, interest spreads, prepayments, and other market research. In addition, ratings and collateral quality are considered.
As of March 31, 2019, equity securities have been recorded at fair value within the other assets line item in the consolidated balance sheet with changes recorded in the other line item in the consolidated statement of income (in thousands).
Other Real Estate Owned: Assets acquired through or instead of loan foreclosure are initially recorded at fair value less costs to sell when acquired, establishing a new cost basis. They are subsequently accounted for at lower of cost or fair value less estimated costs to sell. Fair value is commonly based on recent real estate appraisals which are updated no less frequently than on an annual basis. Appraisals may utilize a single valuation approach or a combination of approaches including comparable sales and the income approach. Adjustments are routinely made in the appraisal process by the independent appraisers to adjust for differences between comparable sales and income data available. Such adjustments can be significant and typically result in Level 3 classifications of the inputs for determining fair value. Other real estate owned is evaluated monthly for additional impairment and adjusted accordingly.
Impaired Loans: The fair value of impaired loans with specific allocations of the allowance for loan losses is generally based on recent appraisals. These appraisals may utilize a single valuation approach or a combination of
27
approaches including comparable sales and the income approach. Adjustments are routinely made in the appraisal process by the independent appraisers to adjust for differences between the comparable sales and income data available. Such adjustments can be significant and typically result in Level 3 classifications of the inputs for determining fair value. Impaired loans are evaluated quarterly for additional impairment and adjusted accordingly.
Appraisals for both collateral‑dependent impaired loans and other real estate owned are performed by certified general appraisers (for commercial properties) or certified residential appraisers (for residential properties) whose qualifications and licenses have been reviewed and verified by the Company. Once received, the Company reviews the assumptions and approaches utilized in the appraisal as well as the overall resulting fair value in comparison with independent data sources such as recent market data or industry‑wide statistics.
The following presents assets measured on a nonrecurring basis as of March 31, 2019 and December 31, 2018 (in thousands):
Other real estate owned:
Commercial properties
Total other real estate owned
Total impaired loans:
Commercial and industrial
495
Total impaired loans
795
The sales comparison approach was utilized for estimating the fair value of non‑recurring assets.
At March 31, 2019, other real estate owned remained unchanged from December 31, 2018 and had a carrying amount of $0.7 million, which is the cost basis of $2.4 million net of a valuation allowance of $1.7 million.
At March 31, 2019, total impaired loans measured for impairment using the fair value of the collateral for collateral dependent loans had carrying values of $1.4 million with valuation allowances of $0.9 million and were classified as Level 3. As of December 31, 2018, impaired loans measured for impairment using the fair value of the collateral for collateral dependent loans had carrying values of $1.7 million with valuation allowances of $0.9 million and were classified as Level 3. Impaired loans valued using a discounted cash flow analyses were not deemed to be at fair value at March 31, 2019 and December 31, 2018.
Impaired loans accounted for provisions for loan losses of $0 for each of the three month periods ended March 31, 2019 and 2018.
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The following presents carrying amounts and estimated fair values for financial instruments as of March 31, 2019 and December 31, 2018 (in thousands):
Carrying
Fair Value Measurements Using:
Amount
Level 1
Level 2
Level 3
Assets:
Cash and cash equivalents
Securities available-for-sale
905,205
Liabilities:
980,258
FHLB Topeka Borrowings – fixed rate
20,249
2016 Subordinated notes – fixed-to-floating rate
6,325
868,828
940,039
14,833
6,434
The fair value estimates presented and discussed above are based on pertinent information available to management as of the dates specified. The estimated fair value amounts are based on the exit price notion set forth by ASU 2016‑01 effective January 1, 2018 on a prospective basis.
NOTE 13 - SEGMENT REPORTING
The Company’s reportable segments consist of Wealth Management, Capital Management, and Mortgage. The chief operating decision maker (“CODM”) is the Chief Executive Officer. The measure of profit or loss used by the CODM to identify and measure the Company’s reportable segments is income before income tax.
The Wealth Management segment consists of operations relative to the Company’s fully integrated wealth management products and services. Services provided include deposit, loan, insurance, and trust and investment management advisory products and services.
The Capital Management segment consists of operations relative to the Company’s institutional investment management services over proprietary fixed income, high yield, and equity strategies, including the advisor of three listed mutual funds. Capital Management products and services are financial in nature for which revenues are based on a percentage of assets under management or paid premiums.
The Mortgage segment consists of operations relative to the Company’s residential mortgage service offerings. Mortgage products and services are financial in nature for which premiums are recognized net of expenses, upon the sale of mortgage loans to third parties.
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The tables below present the financial information for each segment that is specifically identifiable or based on allocations using internal methods for the three months ended March 31, 2019 and 2018 (in thousands):
Three Months Ended March 31, 2019
WealthManagement
CapitalManagement
Mortgage
Consolidated
Income Statement
Total interest income
Provision for loan losses
Non-interest income
4,732
765
1,479
Total income
12,509
Depreciation and amortization expense
348
131
All other non-interest expense
10,050
695
12,058
Income (loss) before income tax
2,111
(61)
101
15,994
8,817
1,114,800
10,110
Three Months Ended March 31, 2018
5,164
861
1,267
12,711
337
132
104
10,122
1,194
1,397
12,713
2,252
(465)
(234)
958,511
10,964
22,146
991,621
NOTE 14 - SUPPLEMENTAL FINANCIAL DATA
Other non‑interest expense as shown in the consolidated statements of income is detailed in the following schedule to the extent the components exceed one percent of the aggregate of total interest income and other income (in thousands).
Other non-interest expense
Corporate development and related
378
Loan and deposit related
204
90
Total other non-interest expense
NOTE 15 - REGULATORY CAPITAL MATTERS
The Bank is subject to various regulatory capital adequacy requirements administered by federal banking agencies. Failure to meet minimum capital requirements can initiate certain mandatory and possibly additional discretionary actions by regulators that, if undertaken, could have a direct material effect on the Company’s consolidated financial statements. Under capital adequacy guidelines and, additionally for banks, the regulatory framework for prompt corrective action, the Bank must meet specific capital guidelines that involve quantitative measures of the Bank’s assets,
30
liabilities, and certain off‑balance sheet items as calculated under regulatory accounting practices. The Bank’s capital amounts and classification is also subject to qualitative judgments by the regulators regarding components, risk weightings and other factors. The final rules implementing Basel Committee on Banking Supervision’s capital guidelines for U.S. banks (“Basel III rules”) became effective for the Company on January 1, 2015 with full compliance with all of the requirements being phased in over a multi‑year schedule, and fully phased in by January 1, 2019. The net unrealized gain or loss on available‑for‑sale securities is not included in computing regulatory capital. Management believes as of March 31, 2019, the Bank meets all capital adequacy requirements to which it is subject to.
Prompt corrective action regulations for the Bank provide five classifications: well capitalized, adequately capitalized, undercapitalized, significantly undercapitalized, and critically undercapitalized, although these terms are not used to represent overall financial condition. If adequately capitalized, regulatory approval is required to accept brokered deposits. If undercapitalized, capital distributions are limited, as is asset growth and expansion, and capital restoration plans are required.
The standard ratios established by the Bank’s primary regulators to measure capital require the Bank to maintain minimum amounts and ratios, set forth in the following table. These ratios are common equity Tier 1 capital (“CET 1”), Tier 1 capital and total capital (as defined in the regulations) to risk‑weighted assets (as defined), and Tier 1 capital (as defined) to average assets (as defined).
Actual capital ratios of the Bank, along with the applicable regulatory capital requirements as of March 31, 2019, which were calculated in accordance with the requirements of Basel III, became effective January 1, 2015. The final rules of Basel III also established a “capital conservation buffer” of 2.5% above new regulatory minimum capital ratios, that are fully effective in 2019, and resulted in the following minimum ratios: (i) a CET 1 ratio of 7.0%; (ii) a Tier 1 capital ratio of 8.5%; and (iii) a total capital ratio of 10.5%. The new capital conservation buffer requirement began phasing in, in January 2016 at 0.625% of risk‑weighted assets and increased each year until fully implemented in January 2019. An institution is subject to limitations on paying dividends, engaging in share repurchases, and paying discretionary bonuses if its capital level falls below the buffer amount. These limitations will establish a maximum percentage of eligible retained income that can be utilized for such activities. At March 31, 2019, required ratios including the capital conservation buffer were (i) CET 1 of 7.0%; (ii) a Tier 1 capital ratio of 8.5%; and (iii) a total capital ratio of 10.5%.
As of March 31, 2019 and December 31, 2018, the most recent filings with the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (“FDIC”) categorized the Bank as well capitalized under the regulatory guidelines. To be categorized as well capitalized, an institution must maintain minimum CET 1 risk‑based, Tier 1 risk‑based, total risk‑based, and Tier 1 leverage ratios as set forth in the following table. There are no conditions or events since March 31, 2019, the Company believes have changed the categorization of the Bank as well capitalized. Management believes the Bank met all capital adequacy requirements to which it was subject to as of March 31, 2019 and December 31, 2018.
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The following presents the actual and required capital amounts and ratios as of March 31, 2019 and December 31, 2018 (in thousands):
To be Well Capitalized
Under Prompt
Required for Capital
Corrective Action
Actual
Adequacy Purposes
Regulations
Ratio
Common Equity Tier 1(CET1) to risk-weighted assets
Bank
89,773
10.36
38,999
4.5
56,331
6.5
96,799
11.13
N/A
Tier 1 capital to risk-weighted assets
51,998
6.0
69,331
8.0
Total capital to risk-weighted assets
97,564
11.26
86,664
10.0
111,149
12.78
Tier 1 capital to average assets
8.07
44,513
55,642
5.0
8.67
87,291
10.55
37,240
53,791
94,335
11.35
49,653
66,204
94,906
11.47
82,755
108,510
13.06
8.63
40,459
50,574
9.28
NOTE 16 – SUBSEQUENT EVENTS
May 2019 Time Vesting Units and Financial Performance Units
On May 1, 2019, the Company granted 67,810 Time Vesting Units and 59,767 Financial Performance Units to officers and other key employees. All Time Vesting Units granted on May 1, 2019, have a ten-year term and vest in five substantially equal annual installments beginning on May 1, 2020, subject to continued service. The potential unrecognized compensation expense on the grant date for the Time Vesting Units to be recognized over the vesting period is approximately $0.8 million. All Financial Performance Units granted on May 1, 2019, have a ten-year term and are earned based on the Company achieving various financial metrics beginning on the grant date and ending on December 31, 2021, which include various thresholds from 0% to 150%, then the Financial Performance Units will have a subsequent two-year service period vesting requirement ending on December 31, 2023. The potential maximum unrecognized compensation expense on the grant date for the Financial Performance Units to be recognized over the vesting period is approximately $1.4 million.
*****
Item 2.Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
The following discussion and analysis is intended to assist readers in understanding our financial condition as of and results of operations for the three months ended March 31, 2019 and should be read in conjunction with our consolidated financial statements and the accompanying notes thereto included in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q (this “Form 10-Q”) and in our Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) on March 21, 2019. Unless we state otherwise or the context otherwise requires, references in this Form 10-Q to “we,” “our,” “us,” “the Company” and “First Western” refer to First Western Financial, Inc. and its consolidated subsidiaries, including First Western Trust Bank, which we sometimes refer to as “the Bank” or “our Bank.
The following discussion contains “forward-looking statements” that reflect our future plans, estimates, beliefs and expected performance. We caution that assumptions, expectations, projections, intentions or beliefs about future events may, and often do, vary from actual results and the differences can be material. See “Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements.” Also, see the risk factors and other cautionary statements described under the heading “Risk Factors” included in in our Annual report Form 10-K filed with the SEC on March 21, 2019 and in Part II–Item 1A of this Form 10-Q. We do not undertake any obligation to publicly update any forward-looking statements except as otherwise required by applicable law.
Company Overview
We are a financial holding company founded in 2002 and headquartered in Denver, Colorado. We provide a fully integrated suite of wealth management services to our clients including banking, trust and investment management products and services. Our mission is to be the best private bank for the Western wealth management client. We believe that the "Western wealth management client" shares our entrepreneurial spirit and values our sophisticated, high-touch wealth management services that are tailored to meet their specific needs. We target entrepreneurs, professionals and high-net worth individuals, typically with $1.0 million-plus in liquid net worth, and their related philanthropic and business organizations. We partner with our clients to solve their unique financial needs through our expert integrated services provided in a team approach.
We offer our services through a branded network of boutique private trust bank offices, which we believe are strategically located in affluent and high-growth markets in locations across Colorado, Arizona, Wyoming and California. Our profit centers, which are comprised of private bankers, lenders, wealth planners and portfolio managers, under the leadership of a local chairman and/or president, are also supported centrally by teams providing management services such as operations, risk management, credit administration, technology support, human capital and accounting/finance services, which we refer to as support centers.
From 2004, when we opened our first profit center, until March 31, 2019, we have expanded our footprint into nine full service profit centers, two mortgage loan production offices, two trust offices, and one registered investment advisor located across four states. As of and for the three months ended March 31, 2019, we had $1.1 billion in total assets, $14.8 million in total income before non-interest expense and provided fiduciary and advisory services on $5.8 billion of assets under management (“AUM”).
Primary Factors Used to Evaluate the Results of Operations
As a financial institution, we manage and evaluate various aspects of both our results of operations and our financial condition. We evaluate the comparative levels and trends of the line items in our consolidated balance sheet and income statement as well as various financial ratios that are commonly used in our industry. The primary factors we use to evaluate our results of operations include net interest income, non-interest income and non-interest expense.
Net Interest Income
Net interest income represents interest income less interest expense. We generate interest income on interest-earning assets, primarily loans and available-for-sale securities. We incur interest expense on interest-bearing liabilities, primarily interest-bearing deposits and borrowings. To evaluate net interest income, we measure and monitor: (i) yields on loans, available-for-sale securities and other interest-earning assets; (ii) the costs of deposits and other funding sources; (iii) the rates incurred on borrowings and other interest-bearing liabilities; and (iv) the regulatory risk weighting associated with the assets. Interest income is primarily impacted by loan growth and loan repayments, along with changes in interest
33
rates on the loans. Interest expense is primarily impacted by changes in deposit balances along with the volume and type of interest-bearing liabilities. Net interest income is primarily impacted by changes in market interest rates, the slope of the yield curve, and interest we earn on interest-earning assets or pay on interest-bearing liabilities.
Non‑Interest Income
Non‑interest income primarily consists of the following:
Trust and investment management fees—fees and other sources of income charged to clients for managing their trust and investment assets, providing financial planning consulting services, 401(k) and retirement advisory consulting services, and other wealth management services. Trust and investment management fees are primarily impacted by rates charged and increases and decreases in AUM. AUM is primarily impacted by opening and closing of client advisory and trust accounts, contributions and withdrawals, and the fluctuation in market values.
Net mortgage gains—gain on originating and selling mortgages, origination fees, and borrower credits, less commissions to loan originators, lender credits, document review and other costs specific to originating and selling the loan. The market adjustments for interest rate lock commitments that have funded and gains and losses incurred on the mandatory trading of loans are also included in this line item. Net mortgage gains are primarily impacted by the amount of loans sold, the type of loans sold and market conditions.
Banking fees—income generated through bank-related service charges such as: electronic transfer fees, treasury management fees, bill pay fees, and other banking fees. Banking fees are primarily impacted by the level of business activities and cash movement activities of our clients.
Risk management and insurance fees—commissions earned on insurance policies we have placed for clients through our client risk management team who incorporate insurance services, primarily life insurance, to support our clients' wealth planning needs. Our insurance revenues are primarily impacted by the type and volume of policies placed for our clients.
Income on company‑owned life insurance—income earned on the growth of the cash surrender value of life insurance policies we hold on certain key associates. The income on the increase in the cash surrender value is non-taxable income.
Non‑Interest Expense
Non‑interest expense is comprised primarily of the following:
Salaries and employee benefits—include all forms of compensation related expenses including salary, incentive compensation, payroll-related taxes, stock-based compensation, benefit plans, health insurance, 401(k) plan match costs and other benefit-related expenses. Salaries and employee benefit costs are primarily impacted by changes in headcount and fluctuations in benefits costs.
Occupancy and equipment—costs related to leasing our office space, depreciation charges for the furniture, fixtures and equipment, amortization of leasehold improvements, utilities and other occupancy-related expenses. Occupancy and equipment costs are primarily impacted by the number of locations we occupy.
Professional services—costs related to legal, accounting, tax, consulting, personnel recruiting, insurance and other outsourcing arrangements. Professional services costs are primarily impacted by corporate activities requiring specialized services. FDIC insurance expense is also included in this line and represents the assessments that we pay to the FDIC for deposit insurance.
Technology and information systems—costs related to software and information technology services to support office activities and internal networks. Technology and information system costs are primarily impacted by the number of locations we occupy, the number of associates we have and the level of service we require from our third-party technology vendors.
Data processing—costs related to processing fees paid to our third-party data processing system providers relating to our core private trust banking platform. Data processing costs are primarily impacted by the number of loan, deposit and trust accounts we have and the level of transactions processed for our clients.
Marketing—costs related to promoting our business through advertising, promotions, charitable events, sponsorships, donations and other marketing-related expenses. Marketing costs are primarily impacted by the levels of advertising programs and other marketing activities and events held throughout the year.
Amortization—primarily represents the amortization of intangible assets including client lists and other similar items recognized in connection with acquisitions.
Other operational expenses—includes costs related to expenses associated with office supplies, postage, travel expenses, meals and entertainment, dues and memberships, costs to maintain or prepare OREO for sale, director compensation and travel, and other general corporate expenses that do not fit within one of the specific non-interest expense lines described above. Other operational expenses are generally impacted by our business activities and needs.
Operating Segments
We measure the overall profitability of operating segments based on income before income tax. We believe this is a more useful measurement as our wealth management products and services are fully integrated with our private trust bank. We allocate costs to our segments, which consist primarily of compensation and overhead expense directly attributable to the products and services within Wealth Management, Capital Management and Mortgage segments. We measure the profitability of each segment based on a post-allocation basis as we believe it better approximates the operating cash flows generated by our reportable operating segments. A description of each segment is provided in Note 13 - Segment Reporting of the accompanying Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements.
Primary Factors Used to Evaluate our Balance Sheet
The primary factors we use to evaluate our balance sheet include asset and liability levels, asset quality, capital, liquidity, and potential profit production of assets.
We manage our asset levels to ensure our lending initiatives are efficiently and profitably supported and to ensure we have the necessary liquidity and capital to meet the required regulatory capital ratios. Funding needs are evaluated and forecasted by communicating with clients, reviewing loan maturity and draw expectations, and projecting new loan opportunities.
We manage the diversification and quality of our assets based upon factors that include the level, distribution, severity and trend of problem; classified, delinquent, non‑accrual, non‑performing and restructured assets; the adequacy of our allowance for loan losses; the diversification and quality of loan and investment portfolios; the extent of counterparty risks, credit risk concentrations, and other factors.
We manage our liquidity based upon factors that include the level and quality of capital and our overall financial condition, the trend and volume of problem assets, our balance sheet risk exposure, the level of deposits as a percentage of total loans, the amount of non‑deposit funding used to fund assets, the availability of unused funding sources and off‑balance sheet obligations, the availability of assets to be readily converted into cash without undue loss, the amount of cash and liquid securities we hold, and other factors.
Financial institution regulators have established guidelines for minimum capital ratios for banks and bank holding companies. During the first quarter of 2015, the Bank adopted the new Basel III regulatory capital framework as approved by federal banking agencies, which are subject to a multi-year phase-in period. The adoption of this new framework modified the calculation of the various capital ratios, added a new ratio, CET 1, and revised the adequately and well capitalized thresholds. In addition, Basel III establishes a capital conservation buffer of 2.5% of risk-weighted assets, which is phased in over a four-year period beginning January 1, 2016. At March 31, 2019, our Bank capital ratios exceeded the current well capitalized regulatory requirements established under Basel III.
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Results of Operations
Overview
The three months ended March 31, 2019 compared with the three months ended March 31, 2018. We reported net income available to common shareholders of $1.6 million for the three months ended March 31, 2019, compared to $0.6 million of net income available to common shareholders, after paying dividends to preferred shareholders for March 31, 2018, a $1.0 million, or 160.3% increase. For the three months ended March 31, 2019, our income before income tax was $2.2 million, a $0.6 million, or 38.5%, increase from March 31, 2018. For the three months ended March 31, 2019, income before income tax increased primarily as a result of a $0.6 million, or 8.3%, increase in net interest income compared to the three months ended March 31, 2018. For the three months ended March 31, 2019, net income was $1.6 million, a $0.4 million, or 37.2% increase compared to the three months ended March 31, 2018.
The three months ended March 31, 2019 compared with the three months ended March 31, 2018. For the three months ended March 31, 2019, net interest income, before the provision for loan losses was $8.0 million, an increase of $0.6 million, or 8.3%, compared to the three months ended March 31, 2018. This increase was partially attributable to a $103.6 million increase in average outstanding loan balances compared to March 31, 2018, along with an increase in our average yield on loans to 4.46% from 4.20% for the three months ended March 31, 2019 and 2018, respectively. For the three months ended March 31, 2019, our net interest margin was 3.03% and our net interest spread was 2.62%. For the three months ended March 31, 2018, our net interest margin was 3.25% and our net interest spread was 2.99%.
The increase in average loans outstanding for the three months ended March 31, 2019 compared to the same period in 2018 was primarily due to growth in all of our major loan categories except for commercial real estate. Net interest income is also impacted by changes in the amount and type of interest earning assets and interest bearing liabilities. To evaluate net interest income, we measure and monitor the yields on our loans and other interest earning assets and the costs of our deposits and other funding sources.
Interest income on our available-for-sale securities portfolio increased as a result of higher average yield for the three months ended March 31, 2019 compared to the same period in 2018, partially offset by a lower average balance. Our average yield on available-for-sale securities during the three months ended March 31, 2019 was 2.46%, a 32 basis point increase from the three months ended March 31, 2018. Our average available-for-sale securities balance during the three months ended March 31, 2019 was $50.5 million, a slight decrease of $1.3 million from the three months ended March 31, 2018.
Interest expense on deposits increased during the three months ended March 31, 2019 compared to the same period in 2018, driven primarily by a rising rate environment and mix of deposit type, which resulted in increases in rates on depository accounts as cost of funds increased to 1.23% from 0.74%. In addition, average interest‑bearing deposit accounts increased $165.4 million for the three months ended March 31, 2019, compared to the same period in 2018.
The following tables present an analysis of net interest income and net interest margin for the periods presented, using daily average balances for each major category of interest-earning assets and interest-bearing liabilities, the interest earned or paid and the average rate earned or paid on those assets or liabilities.
As of and For the Three Months Ended March 31,
Earned /
Yield /
(Dollars in thousands)
Balance(1)
Paid
Rate
Interest-earning assets:
85,826
2.43
36,375
1.40
Available-for-sale securities(2)
50,474
2.46
51,732
2.14
Loans(3)
915,921
4.46
812,306
8,537
4.20
Promissory notes from related parties(4)
5,756
4.52
Interest-earning assets(5)
1,052,221
906,169
3.98
Mortgage loans held-for-sale(6)
13,277
126
3.80
18,416
200
4.34
Total interest-earning assets, plus loans held-for-sale
1,065,498
11,176
924,585
9,206
(7,567)
(7,170)
Noninterest-earning assets
77,780
72,070
1,135,711
989,485
Liabilities and Shareholders’ Equity
Interest-bearing liabilities:
Interest-bearing deposits
760,507
1.53
595,148
0.78
10,401
50
1.92
55,517
1.65
Subordinated notes
7.32
13,436
257
7.65
Total interest-bearing liabilities
777,468
1.58
664,101
0.99
Noninterest-bearing liabilities:
Noninterest-bearing deposits
220,408
214,980
19,413
7,049
Total noninterest-bearing liabilities
239,821
222,029
Shareholders’ equity
118,422
103,355
Net interest rate spread(7)
2.62
2.99
Net interest income(8)
Net interest margin(9)
3.03
3.25
Average balance represents daily averages, unless otherwise noted.
Available‑for‑sale securities represents monthly averages.
Non-performing loans are included in the respective average loan balances. Income, if any, on such loans is recognized on a cash basis.
(4)
Promissory notes from related parties were reclassified to loans in 2018.
(5)
Tax-equivalent yield adjustments are immaterial.
Mortgage loans held‑for‑sale are separated from the interest-earning assets above, as these loans are held for a short period of time until sold in the secondary market and are not held for investment purposes, with interest income recognized in the net mortgage gain line in the income statement. These balances are excluded from the margin calculations in these tables.
(7)
Net interest spread is the average yield on interest‑earning assets (excludes mortgage loans held‑for‑sale) minus the average rate on interest‑bearing liabilities.
Net interest income is income earned on interest-earning assets, which does not include interest earned on mortgage loans held‑for‑sale.
Net interest margin is equal to net interest income divided by average interest‑earning assets (excludes mortgage loans held‑for‑sale).
The following tables present the dollar amount of changes in interest income and interest expense for the periods presented, for each component of interest-earning assets and interest-bearing liabilities (excluding mortgage loans held-
37
for-sale) and distinguishes between changes attributable to volume and interest rates. Changes attributable to both rate and volume that cannot be separated have been allocated to volume.
Compared to 2018
Increase
(Decrease) Due
to Change in:
Volume
(Decrease)
301
395
1,156
525
1,681
Promissory notes from related parties
(65)
Total increase in interest income
1,449
595
2,044
633
1,116
1,749
(219)
(179)
(125)
(137)
Total increase in interest expense
1,144
Increase (decrease) in net interest income
(549)
611
The three months ended March 31, 2019 compared with the three months ended March 31, 2018. For the three months ended March 31, 2019 compared to the three months ended March 31, 2018, non-interest income decreased $0.3 million, or 4.3%, to $7.0 million. The decrease in non-interest income during the three months ended March 31, 2019 was primarily a result of a decrease in trust and investment management fees of $0.3 million and bank fees of $0.3 million, partially offset by an increase in risk management fees of $0.1 million and a $0.2 million increase in net gain on mortgage loans sold, compared to the same period in 2018.
The table below presents the significant categories of our non-interest income for the three months ended March 31, 2019 and 2018:
Three Months Ended
Change
(284)
(5.7)
205
16.4
Banking fees
(321)
(52.6)
85
22.2
(1.1)
(316)
(4.3)
Trust and investment management fees— For the three months ended March 31, 2019 compared to the same period in 2018, our trust and investment management fees declined in the Wealth Management segment by $0.2 million, or 4.6 %, and our trust and investment management fees declined within our Capital Management segment by $0.1 million, or 11.1%. The decrease was primarily attributable to closed accounts within one profit center due to attrition with the relationship of a prior president.
Net gain on mortgage loans sold— For the three months ended March 31, 2019 compared to the three months ended March 31, 2018, our net gain on mortgage loans sold increased by $0.2 million, or 16.4%, to $1.5 million. For the three months ended March 31, 2019 and 2018, our average net gain on sale was 161 and 115 basis points, respectively, on loans sold. The net gain on sales of loans will fluctuate with the amount and type of loans sold and market conditions. The increase in gain on mortgage loans sold for the three month period was primarily related to an increase in margin, primarily related to favorable pricing conditions year over year, partially offset by a decrease in origination volume in 2019 compared to 2018.
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Risk management and insurance fees— Risk management fees include fees earned by our risk management product group as a result of assisting clients with obtaining life insurance policies and fees from the trailing annuity revenue streams. During three months ended March 31, 2019, we recognized $0.5 million of risk management fees as compared to $0.4 million for the same period in 2018. The increase in 2019 was attributed to an increase in the size and number of client policies placed.
Provision for Credit Losses
For the three months ended March 31, 2019, we recorded $0.2 million of provision for credit loss primarily driven by growth in our loan portfolio. For the three months ended March 31, 2018, we released $0.2 million for our provision for credit loss as result of our continued efforts to reduce our problem loans, which resulted in lower specific provisions and a reduction in our loan loss factors applied to our non-individually evaluated loan pools as a result of lower charge-offs over the corresponding look-back period utilized in our provision calculation. We have a dedicated problem loan resolution team comprised of associates from our credit, senior leadership, risk and accounting teams that meets frequently to minimize losses by ensuring that watch list and problem credits are identified early and actively worked in order to identify potential losses in a timely manner and proactively manage the corresponding accounts.
The table below presents the significant categories of our non‑interest expense for the periods noted:
(562)
(6.9)
(10.7)
Lease expense
(38)
(3.4)
(47)
0.6
47
7.3
(2.5)
(57)
(24.8)
Other operational
2.4
(684)
(5.1)
Generally, the decrease in non-interest expense of 5.1% to $12.6 million for the three months ended March 31, 2019 was due to a decrease in headcount impacting salaries, equity compensation, and payroll taxes, partially offset by an increase in health insurance premiums.
Income Tax
Segment Reporting
We have three reportable operating segments: Wealth Management, Capital Management and Mortgage. Our Wealth Management segment consists of operations relating to our fully integrated wealth management business. Services provided by our Wealth Management segment include deposit, loan, insurance, and trust and investment management advisory products and services. Our Capital Management segment consists of operations relating to our institutional investment management services over proprietary fixed income, high yield and equity strategies, including acting as the advisor of three owned, managed and rated proprietary mutual funds. Capital management products and services are financial in nature, with revenues generally based on a percentage of assets under management or paid premiums. Our Mortgage segment consists of operations relating to the origination and sale of residential mortgage loans. Mortgage products and services are financial in nature, with gains and fees recognized net of expenses, upon the sale of mortgage loans to third parties. Services provided by our Mortgage segment include soliciting, originating and selling mortgage
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loans into the secondary market. Mortgage loans originated and held for investment purposes are recorded in the Wealth Management segment, as this segment provides on-going services to our clients.
The following table presents key metrics related to our segments:
Wealth
Management
Income(1)
Income before taxes
Profit margin
16.9
(8.0)
6.8
14.6
17.7
(54.0)
(18.5)
10.5
Net interest income plus non‑interest income.
The tables below present selected financial metrics of each segment as of and for the periods presented:
Wealth Management
$ Change
% Change
22.7
87.1
381
(203.7)
3.0
(432)
(8.4)
(202)
(1.6)
3.3
(72)
(0.7)
Income before income tax
(141)
(6.3)
Identifiable assets
156,289
16.3
The Wealth Management segment reported income before income tax of $2.1 million and $2.3 million for the three months ended March 31, 2019 and 2018, respectively. The overall decrease is primarily related to a decrease in trust and investment management fees and bank fees within non-interest income, partially offset by increases in net interest income driven by an increase in the average volume of our interest-earning assets and yield in the three months ended March 31, 2019 compared to the same period in 2018. During the three months ended March 31, 2019 average loans increased $103.6 million and the yield on total interest-earning assets increased to 4.46% from 4.20%, compared to the same period in 2018.
Capital Management
(96)
(11.1)
(0.8)
(499)
(41.8)
Loss before income tax
404
(86.9)
(854)
(7.8)
The Capital Management segment reported a loss before income tax of $0.1 million for the three months ended March 31, 2019, compared to a loss of $0.5 million for the same period in 2018. This was primarily driven by a decrease in other non-interest expense during the three months ended March 31, 2019 due to a reduction in salaries expense, office capacity, and professional fees compared to the same period in 2018. This reduction was correlated to an effort to align the cost structure of the segment with its revenues.
212
16.7
(39)
(37.5)
(84)
(6.0)
(143.2)
(2,368)
The Mortgage segment reported income before income tax of $0.1 million for the three months ended March 31, 2019, compared to a loss of $0.2 million, for the same period in 2018. The overall increase in non-interest income was primarily related to an increase in margins due to higher market rates partially offset by a decrease in the origination of mortgage loans sold for the three months ended March 31, 2019 compared to the same period in 2018. The decrease in other non-interest expense is a result of improvement in the cost structure within our Mortgage segment.
Financial Condition
The table below presents our condensed consolidated balance sheets as of the dates presented:
Balance Sheet Data:
(4.9)
Investments
9,915
931,190
893,966
37,224
4.2
(194)
2.6
Loans, net of allowance
37,030
4,946
33.3
Goodwill & intangibles, net
25,040
25,213
(173)
38,146
26,003
12,143
46.7
60,364
5.6
Borrowings
26,921
21,560
5,361
24.9
19,998
8,131
11,867
145.9
57,571
2,793
Cash and cash equivalents decreased by $3.6 million, or 4.9%, to $69.8 million at March 31, 2019 compared to December 31, 2018. During the same period, investments increased by $9.9 million, or 22.7%, to $53.6 million at March 31, 2019. We continue to manage our balance sheet to ensure the amount of cash not being readily utilized is actively invested for optimal earnings.
Total loans increased by $37.2 million, or 4.2%, from December 31, 2018 to $931.2 million at March 31, 2019. The increase was primarily due to growth in our all major loan categories with the exception of commercial real estate.
Mortgage loans held for sale increased $4.9 million, or 33.3%, to $19.8 million at March 31, 2019 compared to December 31, 2018.
Goodwill and intangible assets, net decreased by $0.2 million at March 31, 2019 compared to December 31, 2018 due to amortization on our intangible assets.
Our annual goodwill impairment assessment date for the Company’s reporting units is October 31. Goodwill impairment testing may begin with an assessment of qualitative factors to determine whether certain circumstances or events exist that lead to a determination that the fair value of goodwill is less than the carrying value. This qualitative assessment includes various factors that could affect the reporting unit’s fair value as well as mitigating events or conditions. The assessment of each reporting unit will compare the aggregate fair value to its carrying value, along with
several valuation assumptions and methods in order to determine if any impairment was triggered as of the measurement date.
As of October 31, 2018 and December 31, 2018, the Company’s enterprise market capitalization was trading below book value. We completed a "step 1" goodwill impairment test as of these dates and, based on the results of our assessment, we believed there were no reporting units at risk of failing "step 1" of the goodwill impairment test.
To estimate the fair value of our reporting units, we used an income approach, specifically a discounted cash flow methodology, and a market approach. The discounted cash flow methodology included assumptions for forecasted revenues, growth rates, discount rates, and market multiples, which all require significant judgment and estimates by management and are inherently uncertain. For the three months ending March 31, 2019, no negative events occurred that management considered to be an indicator of impairment that would require testing goodwill and indefinite lived intangible assets for impairment prior to our annual testing date.
Other assets increased by $12.1 million, or 46.7%, from December 31, 2018 to $38.1 million at March 31, 2019. This was primarily related to the addition of a right of use asset upon the adoption of ASU 2016-02 in 2019 classified in other assets on the consolidated balance sheet that was not on the consolidated balance sheet at December 31, 2018.
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Total deposits increased $40.3 million, or 4.3%, to $978.1 million at March 31, 2019 compared to December 31, 2018. Total interest-bearing deposits increased $16.7 million, or 2.3%, to $751.6 million and noninterest-bearing deposits increased $23.6 million, or 11.6%, to $226.5 million, during this period.
Money market deposit accounts increased $23.8 million, or 4.9%, to $513.3 million at March 31, 2019 compared to December 31, 2018. Time deposit accounts decreased $2.4 million, or 1.4%, from December 31, 2018 to $176.3 million at March 31, 2019. Negotiable order of withdrawal, or NOW accounts, decreased $5.4 million, or 8.3%, to $59.5 million from December 31, 2018 to March 31, 2019. The increase in money market deposits was primarily attributed to an increase in organic growth related to our deposit initiatives as well as additional deposits added from our trust and investment management relationships for which we also provide deposit products. The decrease in time deposit accounts was primarily due to maturities and the decrease in NOW accounts was primarily due to client withdrawals for the three months ended March 31, 2019.
From December 31, 2018 to March 31, 2019 total borrowings increased $5.4 million, or 24.9%, to $26.9 million at March 31, 2019. The increase was attributable to an increase in our Federal Home Loan Bank (“FHLB”) line of credit at March 31, 2019 compared to December 31, 2018 due to normal liquidity needs of the Bank.
Total shareholders' equity increased $2.8 million, or 2.4%, from December 31, 2018 to $119.7 million at March 31, 2019. The increase is primarily due to $0.4 million of stock-based compensation charges, net income of $1.6 million, and a $0.8 million decrease in the unrealized loss on our available-for-sale investments primarily due to changes in market rates.
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Assets Under Management
(Dollars in millions)
Managed Trust Balance at Beginning of Period
1,380
1,438
New relationships
Closed relationships
Contributions
Withdrawals
(78)
Market change, net
272
Ending Balance
1,606
1,408
Yield*
Directed Trust Balance at Beginning of Period
714
-
808
756
Investment Agency Balance at Beginning of Period
1,846
2,100
(23)
(107)
44
(66)
(80)
128
1,935
1,974
Custody Balance at Beginning of Period
356
374
75
83
(48)
60
472
421
401(k)/Retirement Balance at Beginning of Period
864
748
(22)
(21)
(15)
960
799
Total Assets Under Management at Beginning of Period
5,235
5,374
53
(130)
153
176
(188)
(230)
575
55
Total Assets Under Management
5,781
5,358
* Trust & investment management fees divided by period-end balance.
Assets under management increased $546.1 million and decreased $16.2 million, or 10.4% and 0.3% for the three months ended March 31, 2019 and 2018, respectively. The increase during the three months ended March 31, 2019 was primarily related to market gains. The decrease during the three month period ending March 31, 2018 was primarily related to withdrawals, partially offset by market gains. The decrease in yield for the three month period ended March 31, 2019 compared to March 31, 2018 is primarily related to a lower starting point of assets under management and market gains that occurred in the later portion of the three month period ended March 31, 2019.
Investments we intend to hold for an indefinite period of time, but not necessarily to maturity, are classified as available-for-sale and are recorded at fair value using current market information from a pricing service, with unrealized gains and losses excluded from earnings and reported in other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax. All our investments
in securities were classified as available-for-sale for the periods presented below. The carrying values of our investment securities classified as available-for-sale are adjusted for unrealized gain or loss, and any gain or loss is reported on an after-tax basis as a component of other comprehensive income in shareholders' equity.
The following table summarizes the amortized cost and estimated fair value of our investment securities as of March 31, 2019:
The following table summarizes the amortized cost and estimated fair value of our investment securities as of December 31, 2018:
The following tables represent the book value of our contractual maturities and weighted average yield for our investment securities as of the dates presented. Contractual maturities may differ from expected maturities because issuers can have the right to call or prepay obligations without penalties. Our investments are taxable securities. Weighted average yields are not presented on a taxable equivalent basis.
Maturity as of March 31, 2019
One Year or Less
One to Five Years
Five to Ten Years
After Ten Years
Yield
Available-for-sale:
0.01
1.87
0.19
305
0.02
4,219
0.40
Total available-for-sale
2.65
45
Maturity as of December 31, 2018
1.90
0.25
306
0.08
556
0.03
45,167
2.44
At March 31, 2019 and December 31, 2018, there were no holdings of securities of any one issuer, other than the U.S. Government and its agencies, in an amount greater than 10% of shareholders’ equity.
Loan Portfolio
Our primary source of interest income is derived through interest earned on loans to high net worth individuals, and their related commercial interests. Our senior lending and credit team consists of seasoned, experienced personnel and we believe that our officers are well versed in the types of lending in which we are engaged. Underwriting policies and decisions are managed centrally and the approval process is tiered based on loan size, making the process consistent, efficient and effective. The management team and credit culture demands prudent, practical, and conservative approaches to all credit requests in compliance with the loan policy guidelines to ensure strong credit underwriting practices.
In addition to originating loans for our own portfolio, we conduct mortgage banking activities in which we originate and sell, servicing-released, whole loans in the secondary market. Our mortgage banking loan sales activities are primarily directed at originating single family mortgages that are priced and underwritten to conform to previously agreed criteria before loan funding and are delivered to the investor shortly after funding. The level of future loan originations, loan sales and loan repayments depends on overall credit availability, the interest rate environment, the strength of the general economy, local real estate markets and the housing industry, and conditions in the secondary loan sale market. The amount of gain or loss on the sale of loans is primarily driven by market conditions and changes in interest rates, as well as our pricing and asset liability management strategies. As of March 31, 2019 and December 31, 2018, we had mortgage loans held for sale of $19.8 million and $14.8 million, respectively, in residential mortgage loans we originated.
The following table summarizes our loan portfolio by type of loan as of the dates indicated, in thousands:
14.0
12.8
3.5
1 - 4 Family Residential
38.8
39.3
18.5
19.5
11.7
12.2
13.0
12.7
Total loans held for investment(1)
100
Loans held for investment exclude deferred costs, net of $1.3 million and $1.2 million as of March 31, 2019 and December 31, 2018, respectively.
Cash, Securities and Other—consists of consumer and commercial purpose loans that are primarily secured by securities managed and under custody with us, cash on deposit with us or life insurance policies. In addition, loans in this portfolio are collateralized with other sources of consumer collateral and an immaterial amount of each loan may be unsecured. This segment of our portfolio is affected by a variety of local and national economic factors affecting borrowers' employment prospects, income levels, and overall economic sentiment.
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Construction and Development—consists of loans to finance the construction of residential and non-residential properties. These loans are dependent on the strength of the industries of the related borrowers and the risks consistent with construction projects.
1‑4 Family Residential—consists of loans and home equity lines of credit secured by 1-4 family residential properties. These loans typically enable borrowers to purchase or refinance existing homes, most of which serve as the primary residence of the owner. In addition, some borrowers secure a commercial purpose loan with owner occupied or non-owner occupied 1-4 family residential properties. Loans in this segment are dependent on the industries tied to these loans as well as the national and local economies, and local residential and commercial real estate markets.
Commercial Real Estate, Owner Occupied and Non‑Owner Occupied—consists of commercial loans collateralized by real estate. These loans may be collateralized by owner occupied or non-owner occupied real estate, as well as multi-family residential real estate. These loans are dependent on the strength of the industries of the related borrowers and the success of their businesses.
Commercial and Industrial—consists of commercial and industrial loans, including working capital lines of credit, permanent working capital term loans, business asset loans, acquisition, expansion and development loans, and other loan products, primarily in our target markets. This portfolio primarily consists of term loans and lines of credit which are dependent on the strength of the industries of the related borrowers and the success of their businesses.
The contractual maturity ranges of loans in our loan portfolio and the amount of such loans with fixed and floating interest rates in each maturity range, excluding deferred loan fees, as of the date indicated are summarized in the following tables:
As of March 31, 2019
One Year
One Through
After
or Less
Five Years
2,889
115,203
12,549
36,131
997
133,382
226,012
105,907
66,107
37,631
71,242
2,015
95,738
22,849
6,117
523,992
399,756
Amounts with fixed rates
3,402
279,015
158,190
440,607
Amounts with floating rates
2,715
244,977
241,566
489,258
As of December 31, 2018
13,349
88,544
12,272
31,162
735
142,853
206,782
1,398
100,486
71,857
276
40,584
67,620
83,570
23,507
487,199
382,773
1,493
277,418
162,574
441,485
21,330
209,781
220,199
451,310
Non-Performing Assets
Non-performing assets include non-accrual loans, loans past due 90 days or more and still accruing interest, troubled debt restructurings (“TDRs”) still accruing interest, and other real estate owned (“OREO”). The accrual of interest on loans is discontinued at the time the loan becomes 90 or more days delinquent unless the loan is well secured and in the process of collection. Past due status is based on the contractual terms of the loan. In all cases, loans are placed on non-accrual status or charged off if collection of interest or principal is considered doubtful.
OREO represents assets acquired through, or in lieu of, foreclosure. The amounts reported as OREO are supported by recent appraisals, with the appraised values adjusted, where applicable, for expected transaction fees likely to be incurred upon sale of the property. We incur recurring expenses relating to OREO in the form of maintenance, taxes, insurance and legal fees, among others, until the OREO parcel is disposed. While disposition efforts with respect to our OREO are generally ongoing, if these properties are appraised at lower-than-expected values or if we are unable to sell the properties at the prices for which we expect to be able to sell them, we may incur additional losses.
For the three months ended March 31, 2019 and 2018 the amount of lost interest for non-accrual loans was $0.1 million and immaterial.
We had $19.4 million in non-performing assets as of March 31, 2019 compared to $19.7 million as of December 31, 2018. The $0.3 million decrease in our non-performing assets was primarily related to a principle curtailment on a Commercial and Industrial loan for $0.3 million and a payment received on a Cash, Securities, and Other loan for $0.3 million, partially offset by an increase in another Commercial and Industrial loan due to an extension of credit for $0.3 million to a borrower for operational needs driven by weather delays. As of March 31, 2019, these loans were classified as TDRs.
The following table presents information regarding non-performing loans as of the dates indicated:
As of March 31,
As of December 31,
Non-accrual loans by category
Total non-accrual loans
TDRs still accruing
Accruing loans 90 or more days past due
Total non-performing loans
18,713
19,052
OREO
Total non-performing assets
19,371
19,710
Ratio of non-performing loans to total loans(1)
2.01
2.13
Ratio of non-performing assets to total assets
1.69
1.82
Allowance as a percentage of non-performing loans
40.85
39.11
Excludes mortgage loans held for sale of $19.8 million and $14.8 million as of March 31, 2019 and December 31, 2018, respectively.
Potential Problem Loans
We categorize loans into risk categories based on relevant information about the ability of the borrowers to service their debt, such as: current financial information, historical payment experience, credit documentation, public information, and current economic trends, among other factors. We analyze loans individually by classifying the loans as to credit risk on a quarterly basis, which are segregated into the following definitions for risk ratings:
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Substandard—Substandard loans are considered “classified” and are inadequately protected by the current net worth and paying capacity of the obligor or by the collateral pledged, if any. Loans so classified have a well-defined weakness or weaknesses that jeopardizes the liquidation of the debt. They are characterized by the distinct possibility that the Company will sustain some loss if the deficiencies are not corrected. Loans in this category may be placed on non-accrual status and may individually be evaluated for impairment if indicators of impairment exist.
Doubtful—Loans graded Doubtful are considered "classified" and have all the weaknesses inherent in those classified as Substandard with the added characteristic that the weaknesses make collection or liquidation in full, on the basis of currently known facts, conditions and values, highly questionable and improbable. However, the amount or certainty of eventual loss is not known because of specific pending factors.
Loans not meeting any of the three criteria above are considered to be pass-rated loans.
As of March 31, 2019 and December 31, 2018 non-performing loans of $18.7 million and $19.1 million were included in the substandard category in the table below. The following tables present, by class and by credit quality indicator, the recorded investment in our loans as of the dates indicated:
The allowance for loan losses is established through a provision for credit losses, which is a noncash charge to earnings. Loan losses are charged against the allowance when management believes the un-collectability of a loan balance is confirmed. Subsequent recoveries, if any, are credited to the allowance for loan losses.
The allowance for loan losses is evaluated on a regular basis by management and is based upon management's periodic review of the collectability of the loans in light of historical experience, the nature and dollar volume of the loan portfolio, adverse situations that may affect the borrower's ability to repay, the estimated value of any underlying collateral and prevailing economic conditions. Allocations of the allowance may be made for specific loans, but the entire allowance is available for any loan that, in management's judgment, should be charged off.
The following table presents summary information regarding our allowance for loan losses for the periods indicated:
As of and for the Three Months Ended March 31,
Average loans outstanding(1)(2)
Gross loans outstanding at end of period(3)
817,292
Allowance for loan losses at beginning of period
Provision for (recovery of) loan losses
Charge-offs:
Total charge-offs
Recoveries:
Total recoveries
Net charge-offs (recoveries)
Allowance for loan losses at end of period
Ratio of allowance to end of period loan
0.82
0.87
Ratio of net charge-offs to average loans(1)(4)
Average balances are average daily balances.
Excludes average outstanding balances of mortgage loans held for sale of $13.3 million and $18.4 million for the three months ended March 31, 2019 and 2018, respectively.
Excludes mortgage loans held for sale of $19.8 million and $22.1 million as of March 31, 2019 and March 31, 2018, respectively.
The ratio of net charge-offs to average loans is negligible or immaterial.
The following table represents the allocation of the allowance for loan losses among loan categories and other summary information. The allocation for loan losses by category should neither be interpreted as an indication of future charge-offs, nor as an indication that charge-offs in future periods will necessarily occur in these amounts or in the indicated proportions. The allocation of a portion of the allowance for loan losses to one category of loans does not preclude its availability to absorb losses in other categories.
%(1)
Construction and development
Total allowance for loan losses
Represents the percentage of loans to total loans in the respective category.
Deferred Tax Assets
Deferred tax assets represent the differences in timing of when items are recognized for GAAP purposes as opposed to tax purposes, as well as our net operating losses. As a result of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017, our deferred tax assets are valued based on the amounts that are expected to be recovered in the future utilizing the tax rates in effect at the time recognized. As a result of book and tax basis differences, our deferred tax assets for the three months ended March 31, 2019 increased $0.2 million from December 31, 2018.
Our deposit products include money market accounts, time-deposit accounts (typically certificates of deposit), NOW accounts (checking accounts), and saving accounts. Our accounts are federally insured by the FDIC up to the legal maximum.
Total deposits increased by $40.3 million, or 4.3%, to $978.1 million at March 31, 2019 from December 31, 2018. Total average deposits for the three months ended March 31, 2019 were $980.9 million, an increase of $170.8 million, or 21.1%, compared to $810.1 million as of March 31, 2018. The increase in these periods is primarily due to our general deposit growth initiatives, the cross-selling of products, the skills of our sales and service team, as well as additional deposits added from our trust and investment management relationships for which we also provide deposit products. The increase in average rates in 2019 and 2018 was driven primarily by an increase in competition.
The following table presents the average balances and average rates paid on deposits for the periods below:
As of and For the Three Month Period Ending March 31,
519,251
1.62
323,206
0.81
Demand deposit accounts
60,550
0.20
75,400
0.14
Certificates and other time deposits > $250k
80,706
1.71
78,624
Certificates and other time deposits < $250k
97,845
1.77
116,120
1.29
Total time deposits
178,551
1.74
194,744
2,155
0.10
1,798
0.12
Total interest-bearing deposits
Noninterest-bearing accounts
980,915
1.19
810,128
0.57
Average noninterest-bearing deposits to average total deposits was 22.5% and 26.5% for the three months ended March 31, 2019 and 2018, respectively.
Our average cost of funds was 1.23% and 0.74% during the three months ended March 31, 2019 and 2018, respectively. The increase in our cost of funds for 2019 from 2018 was primarily due to an increase in our average rates on interest-bearing deposits to 1.53% during the three months ended March 31, 2019 compared to 0.78% for the three months ended March 31, 2018. This increase is primarily due to the impact of a rising rate environment and shift in deposit mix.
Total money market accounts as of March 31, 2019 were $513.3 million, an increase of $23.8 million, or 4.9%, compared to $489.5 million as of December 31, 2018. Total time deposits as of March 31, 2019 were $176.3 million, a decrease of $2.4 million, or 1.4%, from December 31, 2018. The increase in money market deposits was primarily attributed to an increase in organic growth related to our deposit initiatives, partially offset by a reduction in brokered money market accounts. The decrease in time deposit accounts was primarily due to maturities for the three months ended March 31, 2019.
The following table represents the amount of certificates of deposit by time remaining until maturity as of March 31, 2019:
Maturity Within:
Three Months or Less
Three to Six Months
Six to 12 Months
After 12 Months
Time, $250,000 and over
We have short-term and long-term borrowing sources available to supplement deposits and meet our liquidity needs. As of March 31, 2019 and December 31, 2018, borrowings totaled $26.9 million and $21.6 million, respectively. The table below presents balances of each of the borrowing facilities as of the dates indicated:
FHLB Topeka borrowings
FHLB Topeka. We have a blanket pledge and security agreement with the FHLB Topeka that requires certain loans and securities be pledged as collateral for any outstanding borrowings under the agreement. The collateral pledged as of March 31, 2019 and December 31, 2018 amounted to $519.1 million and $475.4 million, respectively. Based on this collateral and the Company’s holdings of FHLB Topeka stock, the Company was eligible to borrow an additional $331.6 million at March 31, 2019. As of March 31, 2019, the Company also had a note with FHLB Topeka of $10.0 million, which is not included in the table below.
As of and for the
Year Ended
Short-term borrowings:
Maximum outstanding at any month-end during the period
Balance outstanding at end of period
Average outstanding during the period
401
Average interest rate during the period
Average interest rate at the end of the period
As of March 31, 2019 and December 31, 2018, we had three unsecured federal funds lines of credit with up to $10.0 million, $13.0 million, and $25.0 million, respectively, available to us under such federal funds lines.
Our borrowing facilities include various financial and other covenants, including, but not limited to, a requirement that the Bank maintains regulatory capital that is deemed "well capitalized" by federal banking agencies. As of March 31, 2019 and December 31, 2018, the Company was in compliance with the covenant requirements.
Liquidity and Capital Resources
Liquidity resources primarily include interest-bearing and noninterest-bearing deposits which primarily contribute to our ability to raise funds to support asset growth, acquisitions, and meet deposit withdrawals and other payment obligations. Access to purchased funds primarily include borrowing from FHLB Topeka and from correspondent banks.
The following table illustrates, during the periods presented, the composition of our funding sources and the average assets in which those funds are invested as a percentage of average total assets for the period indicated.
Percentage for the
Three-Month
Period Ended
Sources of Funds:
19.41
21.73
66.96
60.15
FHLB
0.92
5.61
Convertible subordinated debentures
0.58
1.36
Credit note
1.70
0.70
10.43
10.45
Uses of Funds:
79.98
82.09
4.44
5.23
1.17
1.86
7.56
3.68
6.85
6.56
Average noninterest-bearing deposits to average deposits
22.47
26.54
Average loans to average deposits
93.37
100.27
Total interest-bearing deposits to total deposits
77.53
73.46
Our primary source of funds is interest‑bearing and noninterest‑bearing deposits, and our primary use of funds is loans and available‑for‑sale securities. We do not expect a change in the primary source or use of our funds in the foreseeable future.
Capital Resources
We are subject to various regulatory capital adequacy requirements at a consolidated level and the bank level. These requirements are administered by federal banking agencies. Failure to meet minimum capital requirements can initiate certain mandatory and possibly additional discretionary actions by regulators that, if undertaken, could have a direct material effect on our consolidated financial statements. Under capital adequacy guidelines and, additionally for banks, the regulatory framework for prompt corrective action, we must meet specific capital guidelines that involve quantitative measures of our assets, liabilities, and certain off-balance sheet items as calculated under regulatory accounting practices.
Capital levels are viewed as important indicators of an institution's financial soundness by banking regulators. Generally, FDIC-insured depository institutions and their holding companies are required to maintain minimum capital relative to the amount and types of assets they hold. As of March 31, 2019 and December 31, 2018, our holding company and Bank exceeded the minimum capital levels required by their respective regulators. At March 31, 2019 and December 31, 2018, the Bank was classified as “well capitalized”. As we continue to grow our operations and maintain capital requirements, our regulatory capital levels may decrease depending on our level of earnings. We continue to monitor growth and control our capital activities in order to remain in compliance with all applicable regulatory capital standards.
The following table presents our regulatory capital ratios for the dates noted.
Consolidated Company
Contractual Obligations and Off‑Balance Sheet Arrangements
We enter into credit-related financial instruments with off-balance sheet risk in the normal course of business to meet the financing needs of our customers. These financial instruments include commitments to extend credit. Such commitments involve, to varying degrees, elements of credit and interest rate risk in excess of the amount recognized in the consolidated balance sheets. Commitments may expire without being utilized. Our exposure to credit loss is represented by the contractual amount of these commitments, although material losses are not anticipated. We follow the same credit policies in making commitments as we do for on-balance sheet instruments.
The following table presents future contractual obligations to make future payments with respect to borrowings for the periods indicated (amounts in thousands):
More than
1 Year
1 Year but Less
3 Years but Less
5 Years
than 3 Years
than 5 Years
or More
FHLB Topeka
________________________________________
(1)Reflects a contractual maturity date of December 31, 2026.
The following tables present financial instruments whose contract amounts represent credit risk, as of the periods indicated.
We may enter into contracts for services in the conduct of ordinary business operations, which may require payment for services to be provided in the future and may contain penalty clauses for early termination of the contracts. We do not believe these off-balance sheet arrangements have or are reasonably likely to have a material effect on our financial condition, revenues or expenses, results of operations, liquidity, capital expenditures, or capital resources. However, there can be no assurance that such arrangements will not have an effect on future operations.
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Critical Accounting Policies
Our accounting policies and procedures are described in Note 1 - Organization and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies in the accompanying Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements
Item 3.Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk
Interest Rate Sensitivity and Market Risk
Market risk is the risk of loss in a financial instrument arising from adverse changes in market prices and rates, foreign currency exchange rates, commodity prices and equity prices. Our market risk arises primarily from interest rate risk inherent in lending, investing and deposit taking activities. To that end, management actively monitors and manages interest rate risk exposure. We do not have any market risk sensitive instruments entered into for trading purposes.
Management uses various asset/liability strategies to manage the re-pricing characteristics of our assets and liabilities designed to ensure that exposure to interest rate fluctuations is limited within established guidelines of acceptable levels of risk-taking.
The board of directors monitors interest rate risk by analyzing the potential impact on the net economic value of equity and net interest income from potential changes in interest rates, and considers the impact of alternative strategies or changes in balance sheet structure. We manage our balance sheet in part to maintain the potential impact on economic value of equity and net interest income within acceptable ranges despite changes in interest rates.
Our exposure to interest rate risk is reviewed at least quarterly by the board of directors. Interest rate risk exposure is measured using interest rate sensitivity analysis to determine the change in economic value of equity in the event of hypothetical changes in interest rates. If potential changes to net economic value of equity and net interest income resulting from hypothetical interest rate changes are not within the limits established by our board of directors, the board of directors may direct management to adjust the asset and liability mix to bring interest rate risk within board-approved limits.
The following tables summarize the sensitivity in net interest income and fair value of equity over the periods indicated, using a parallel ramp scenario.
Percent Change
in Net Interest
in Fair Value of
Change in Interest Rates (Basis Points)
Equity
300
(7.10)
(14.34)
(6.61)
(16.14)
(3.77)
(6.79)
(3.48)
(8.18)
(1.26)
(1.84)
(1.12)
(2.69)
Base
−100
1.63
(4.55)
2.74
(0.02)
The model simulations as of March 31, 2019 imply that our balance sheet remained liability sensitive compared to our balance sheet as of December 31, 2018.
Although the simulation model is useful in identifying potential exposure to interest rate changes, actual results for net interest income and economic value of equity may differ. There are a variety of factors that can impact the outcomes such as timing and magnitude of interest rate changes, asset and liability mix, pre-payment speeds, deposit beta assumptions, and decay rates that differ from our projections. Additionally, the results do not account for actions implemented to manage our interest rate risk exposure.
Impact of Inflation
Our consolidated financial statements and related notes included within this Form 10-Q have been prepared in accordance with GAAP, which requires the measurement of financial position and operating results in terms of historical dollars, without considering changes in the relative value of money over time due to inflation or recession.
Our assets and liabilities are substantially monetary in nature. Therefore, changes in interest rates can significantly impact on our performance beyond the general effects of inflation. Interest rates do not necessarily move in the same direction or magnitude as prices of general goods and services, while other operating expenses can be correlated with the impact of general levels of inflation.
Item 4.Controls and Procedures
Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures
As of the end of the period covered by this Form 10-Q, the Company carried out an evaluation, under the supervision and with the participation of its management, including its Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, of the effectiveness of the design and operation of its disclosure controls and procedures. In designing and evaluating the disclosure controls and procedures, management recognizes that any controls and procedures, no matter how well designed and operated, can provide only reasonable assurance of achieving the desired control objectives, and management was required to apply judgment in evaluating its controls and procedures. Based on this evaluation, the Company’s Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer concluded that the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rules 13a‑15(e) and 15d‑15(e) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, or the “Exchange Act”) were effective as of the end of the period covered by this report.
Internal Control over Financial Reporting
There were no changes in the Company’s internal control over financial reporting (as such term is defined in Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f) under the Exchange Act) that occurred during the three months ended March 31, 2019 that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the Company’s internal control over financial reporting.
Item 1.Legal Proceedings
The Company, from time to time, is involved in various legal actions arising in the normal course of business. While the ultimate outcome of any such proceedings cannot be predicted with certainty, it is the opinion of management, based upon advice of legal counsel, that no proceedings exist, either individually or in the aggregate, which, if determined adversely to the Company, would have a material effect on the Company’s consolidated financial statements. See Note 7 - Commitments and Contingencies in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.
Item 1A. Risk Factors
There has been no material change in the risk factors previously disclosed under Item 1A of the Company in its’ 2018 Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the SEC, on March 21, 2019.
Item 2.Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds
Not applicable.
Item 3.Defaults upon Senior Securities
Item 4.Mine Safety Disclosures
Item 5.Other Information
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Item 6.Exhibits
Exhibit No.
Description
10.1
Amended Employment Agreement dated May 2, 2019, by and between First Western Financial, Inc. and Julie Courkamp. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the SEC on May 8, 2019).
10.2
Ninth Amendment to Business Loan Agreement, dated March 18, 2019, by and between First Western Financial, Inc. and BMO Harris Bank N.A. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the SEC on March 22, 2019).
31.1*
Certification of Chief Executive Officer pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a) of the Exchange Act, as adopted pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
31.2*
Certification of Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a) of the Exchange Act as adopted pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
32.1**
Certification of Chief Executive Officer pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
32.2**
Certification of Chief Financial Officer pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
101.INS*
XBRL Instance Document.
101.SCH*
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Document.
101.CAL*
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase Document.
101.DEF*
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase Document.
101.LAB*
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase Document.
101.PRE*
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase Document.
* Filed herewith.
** These exhibits are furnished herewith and shall not be deemed “filed” for purposes of Section 18 of the Exchange Act, or otherwise subject to the liability of that section, and shall not be deemed to be incorporated by reference into any filing under the Securities Act or the Exchange Act.
57
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.
May 10, 2019
By:
/s/ Scott C. Wylie
Date
Scott C. Wylie
Chairman, Chief Executive Officer and President
/s/ Julie A. Courkamp
Julie A. Courkamp
Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer