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First Financial Northwest, Inc. - Quarter Report: 2013 September (Form 10-Q)



UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
 
FORM 10-Q
 
[X]
QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
 
 
For the quarterly period ended September 30, 2013
 
 
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: 001-33652
 
 
FIRST FINANCIAL NORTHWEST, INC.
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
 
Washington
 
26-0610707
(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization)
 
(I.R.S. Employer Identification Number)
 
 
 
201 Wells Avenue South, Renton, Washington
 
98057
(Address of principal executive offices)
 
(Zip Code)
 
 
 
Registrant’s telephone number, including area code:
 
(425) 255-4400
 
 
 

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    X   NO      

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted 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 and post such files).

YES    X   NO      

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, or a smaller reporting company. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer” and “smaller reporting company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.
Large accelerated filer         
Accelerated filer    X    
  Non-accelerated filer         
Smaller reporting company ____

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).

YES       NO   X   

Indicate the number of shares outstanding of each of the issuer's classes of common stock, as of the latest practicable date: As of November 1, 2013, 16,643,090 shares of the issuer's common stock, $0.01 par value per share, were outstanding.



FIRST FINANCIAL NORTHWEST, INC.
FORM 10-Q
TABLE OF CONTENTS
                                                                    
 
 
Page
PART I - FINANCIAL INFORMATION
 
 
Item 1.
Financial Statements
 
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
 
 
Item 1.
Legal Proceedings
 
Item 1A.
Risk Factors
 
Item 2.
Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds
 
Item 3.
Defaults upon Senior Securities
 
Item 4.
Mine Safety Disclosures
 
Item 5.
Other Information
 
Item 6.
Exhibits
SIGNATURES
 
 


2

FIRST FINANCIAL NORTHWEST, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Consolidated Balance Sheets
(Dollars in thousands, except share data)
(Unaudited)

Part 1. Financial Information

Item 1. Financial Statements

 
September 30, 2013
 
December 31, 2012
Assets
 
 
 
 
 
Cash on hand and in banks
$
5,118

 
$
4,289

Interest-bearing deposits
17,486

 
83,452

Investments available-for-sale, at fair value
151,344

 
152,262

Loans receivable, net of allowance of $12,271 and $12,542
652,593

 
650,468

Premises and equipment, net
17,491

 
18,073

Federal Home Loan Bank ("FHLB") stock, at cost
7,083

 
7,281

Investments transactions receivable
4,982

 

Accrued interest receivable
3,650

 
3,484

Deferred tax assets, net
14,842

 
1,000

Other real estate owned ("OREO")
12,600

 
17,347

Prepaid expenses and other assets
4,471

 
4,999

Total assets
$
891,660

 
$
942,655

 
 
 
 
Liabilities and Stockholders' Equity
 

 
 
 
 
 
 
Interest-bearing deposits
$
609,738

 
$
659,643

Noninterest-bearing deposits
9,455

 
6,154

Advances from the FHLB
74,000

 
83,066

Advance payments from borrowers for taxes and insurance
2,989

 
2,186

Accrued interest payable
62

 
179

Investment transactions payable
5,125

 

Other liabilities
4,680

 
4,310

Total liabilities
706,049

 
755,538

 
 

 
 
Commitments and contingencies


 


 
 

 
 
Stockholders' Equity
 

 
 
  Preferred stock, $0.01 par value; authorized 10,000,000 shares; no shares issued
 
 
 
    or outstanding

 

  Common stock, $0.01 par value; authorized 90,000,000 shares; issued and outstanding
 
 
 
    16,789,790 and 18,805,168 shares at September 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012, respectively
168

 
188

   Additional paid-in capital
171,278

 
190,534

Retained earnings, substantially restricted
25,892

 
6,650

Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax
(1,570
)
 
748

Unearned Employee Stock Ownership Plan ("ESOP") shares
(10,157
)
 
(11,003
)
Total stockholders' equity
185,611

 
187,117

Total liabilities and stockholders' equity
$
891,660

 
$
942,655

See accompanying selected notes to consolidated financial statements.

3

FIRST FINANCIAL NORTHWEST, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Consolidated Income Statements
(Dollars in thousands, except share data)
(Unaudited)

 
Three Months Ended September 30,
 
Nine Months Ended September 30,
 
2013
 
2012
 
2013
 
2012
Interest income
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Loans, including fees
$
8,995

 
$
9,539

 
$
27,102

 
$
29,813

Investments available-for-sale
533

 
507

 
1,609

 
1,600

Interest-bearing deposits
19

 
111

 
58

 
305

Dividends on FHLB stock
2

 

 
2

 

Total interest income
$
9,549

 
$
10,157

 
$
28,771

 
$
31,718

Interest expense
 
 
 
 
 

 
 

Deposits
1,655

 
2,429

 
5,311

 
7,997

FHLB advances
149

 
517

 
521

 
1,539

Total interest expense
$
1,804

 
$
2,946

 
$
5,832

 
$
9,536

Net interest income
7,745

 
7,211

 
22,939

 
22,182

Provision for loan losses

 
700

 
100

 
3,050

Net interest income after provision for loan losses
$
7,745

 
$
6,511

 
$
22,839

 
$
19,132

Noninterest income
 
 
 
 
 

 
 

Net gain (loss) on sale of investments
(39
)
 

 
(38
)
 
288

Other
159

 
107

 
417

 
430

Total noninterest income
$
120

 
$
107

 
$
379

 
$
718

Noninterest expense
 

 
 
 
 

 
 

Salaries and employee benefits
3,822

 
3,680

 
11,191

 
10,558

Occupancy and equipment
339

 
391

 
1,038

 
1,191

Professional fees
452

 
460

 
1,195

 
1,401

Data processing
175

 
174

 
513

 
540

Gain on sale of OREO property, net
(35
)
 
(78
)
 
(1,050
)
 
(427
)
OREO market value adjustments
135

 
1,157

 
356

 
1,702

OREO-related expenses, net
23

 
486

 
508

 
1,421

Regulatory assessments
172

 
298

 
549

 
709

Insurance and bond premiums
109

 
100

 
344

 
300

Proxy contest and related litigation
1

 
264

 
106

 
868

Marketing
29

 
68

 
89

 
181

Prepayment penalty on FHLB advances

 

 
679

 

Other general and administrative
166

 
457

 
1,054

 
1,203

Total noninterest expense
$
5,388

 
$
7,457

 
$
16,572

 
$
19,647

Income (loss) before federal income tax benefit
2,477

 
(839
)
 
6,646

 
203

            Federal income tax benefit
(135
)
 
(48
)
 
(13,886
)
 
(999
)
Net income (loss)
$
2,612

 
$
(791
)
 
$
20,532

 
$
1,202

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Basic earnings (loss) per share
$
0.16

 
$
(0.04
)
 
$
1.21

 
$
0.07

Diluted earnings (loss) per share
$
0.16

 
$
(0.04
)
 
$
1.21

 
$
0.07

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Weighted average number of shares, basic
15,978,716

 
17,658,005

 
16,942,131

 
17,629,863

Weighted average number of shares, diluted
16,115,332

 
17,658,005

 
17,003,582

 
17,648,000


See accompanying selected notes to consolidated financial statements.


4

FIRST FINANCIAL NORTHWEST, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income
(In thousands)
(Unaudited)


 
Three Months Ended September 30,
 
Nine Months Ended September 30,
 
2013
 
2012
 
2013
 
2012
Net income (loss)
$
2,612

 
$
(791
)
 
$
20,532

 
$
1,202

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Other comprehensive income (loss), before tax:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   Unrealized holding gains (losses) on available-for-
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   sale investments
390

 
815

 
(2,206
)
 
612

   Reclassification adjustment for net (gains) losses
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   realized in income
39

 

 
38

 
(288
)
Other comprehensive income (loss), before tax
429

 
815

 
(2,168
)
 
324

   Income tax provision related to items of other
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   comprehensive income (loss)
150

 

 
150

 

Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax
$
279

 
$
815

 
$
(2,318
)
 
$
324

Total comprehensive income
$
2,891

 
$
24

 
$
18,214

 
$
1,526


See accompanying selected notes to consolidated financial statements.



5

FIRST FINANCIAL NORTHWEST, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Consolidated Statements of Stockholders' Equity
For the Nine Months Ended September 30, 2013
(Dollars in thousands)
(Unaudited)

 
Shares
 
Common 
Stock
 
Additional 
Paid-in
Capital
 
Retained
Earnings
 
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss),  net of tax
 
Unearned
ESOP
Shares
 
Total
Stockholders' Equity
Balances at December 31, 2012
18,805,168

 
$
188

 
$
190,534

 
$
6,650

 
$
748

 
$
(11,003
)
 
$
187,117

Other comprehensive income

 

 

 
20,532

 
(2,318
)
 

 
18,214

Cash dividend declared and paid ($0.08 per share)

 

 

 
(1,290
)
 

 

 
(1,290
)
Exercise of stock options
140,989

 
1

 
1,320

 

 

 

 
1,321

Purchase and retirement of common stock
(2,156,367
)
 
(21
)
 
(21,847
)
 

 

 

 
(21,868
)
Compensation related to stock options and restricted stock awards

 

 
1,330

 

 

 

 
1,330

Allocation of 84,640 ESOP shares

 

 
(59
)
 

 

 
846

 
787

Balances at September 30, 2013
16,789,790

 
$
168

 
$
171,278

 
$
25,892

 
$
(1,570
)
 
$
(10,157
)
 
$
185,611


See accompanying selected notes to consolidated financial statements.

6

FIRST FINANCIAL NORTHWEST, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
(In thousands)
(Unaudited)

 
Nine Months Ended September 30,
 
2013
 
2012
Cash flows from operating activities:
 
 
 
Net income
$
20,532

 
$
1,202

Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
 

 
 
Provision for loan losses
100

 
3,050

OREO market value adjustments
356

 
1,702

Gain on sale of OREO property, net
(1,050
)
 
(427
)
Depreciation of premises and equipment
606

 
767

Net amortization of premiums and discounts on investments
1,460

 
1,260

ESOP expense
787

 
644

Compensation expense related to stock options and restricted stock awards
1,330

 
1,472

Net realized (gain) loss on investments available-for-sale
38

 
(288
)
Loss from disposal of premises and equipment

 
9

Deferred federal income taxes
(13,992
)
 
(1,000
)
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:
 
 
 

Prepaid expenses and other assets
528

 
1,136

Accrued interest receivable
(166
)
 
126

Accrued interest payable
(117
)
 
3

Investment transactions receivable
(4,982
)
 

Investment transactions payable
5,125

 

Other liabilities
370

 
515

Net cash provided by operating activities
$
10,925

 
$
10,171

 
 
 
 
Cash flows from investing activities:
 

 
 

Proceeds from sales of investments
45,137

 
23,200

Reimbursed (capitalized) improvements in OREO
(33
)
 
16

Proceeds from sales of OREO properties
11,890

 
15,067

Principal repayments on investments
21,189

 
15,734

Purchases of investments
(69,074
)
 
(69,539
)
Net (increase) decrease in loans receivable
(8,641
)
 
40,367

FHLB stock redemption
198

 
66

Purchases of premises and equipment
(24
)
 
(113
)
Net cash provided by investing activities
$
642

 
$
24,798

 
 
 
 
Cash flows from financing activities:
 

 
 

Net decrease in deposits
(46,604
)
 
(92,568
)
Advances from the FHLB
74,010

 
110

Repayments of advances from the FHLB
(83,076
)
 
(110
)
Net increase in advance payments from borrowers for taxes and insurance
803

 
2,071

Proceeds from exercise of stock options
1,321

 

Repurchase and retirement of common stock
(21,868
)
 

Cash dividends paid
(1,290
)
 

Net cash used by financing activities
$
(76,704
)
 
$
(90,497
)
 
 
 
 
Continued
 
 
 

7

FIRST FINANCIAL NORTHWEST, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
(In thousands)
(Unaudited)

Continued
 
 
 
 
Nine Months Ended September 30,
 
2013
 
2012
 
 
 
 
Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents
$
(65,137
)
 
$
(55,528
)
Cash and cash equivalents:
 
 
 
Beginning of period
87,741

 
164,761

End of period
$
22,604

 
$
109,233

 
 
 
 
Supplemental disclosures of cash flow information:
 

 
 

Cash paid during the period for:
 

 
 

  Interest
$
5,949

 
$
9,533

  Federal income taxes
31

 
60

Noncash transactions:
 

 
 

Loans, net of deferred loan fees and allowance for loan and lease losses ("ALLL"),
 
 
 
     transferred to OREO
$
6,416

 
$
9,523


See accompanying selected notes to consolidated financial statements.


8


FIRST FINANCIAL NORTHWEST, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
SELECTED NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Unaudited)

Note 1 - Description of Business

First Financial Northwest, Inc. (“First Financial Northwest”), a Washington corporation, was formed on June 1, 2007 for the purpose of becoming the holding company for First Savings Bank Northwest (“First Savings Bank” or “the Bank”) in connection with the conversion from a mutual holding company structure to a stock holding company structure. First Financial Northwest's business activities generally are limited to passive investment activities and oversight of its investment in First Savings Bank. Accordingly, the information presented in the consolidated financial statements and related data, relates primarily to First Savings Bank. First Financial Northwest is a savings and loan holding company and is subject to regulation by the Federal Reserve Board (“FRB”). First Savings Bank is regulated by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (“FDIC”) and the Washington State Department of Financial Institutions (“DFI”).

First Savings Bank is a community-based savings bank primarily serving King, and to a lesser extent, Pierce, Snohomish and Kitsap counties through our full-service banking office located in Renton, Washington. First Savings Bank's business consists of attracting deposits from the public and utilizing these deposits to originate one-to-four family residential, multifamily, commercial real estate, business, consumer and construction/land development loans. Our current business strategy emphasizes one-to-four family residential, multifamily and commercial real estate lending.

As used throughout this report, the terms "we," "our," "us," or the "Company" refer to First Financial Northwest, Inc. and its consolidated subsidiary First Savings Bank Northwest, unless the context otherwise requires.

Note 2 - Basis of Presentation

The accompanying unaudited interim consolidated financial statements have been prepared pursuant to the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC"). Accordingly, they do not include all of the information and footnotes required by U.S. Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (“GAAP”) for complete financial statements. These unaudited consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2012, as filed with the SEC. In our opinion, all adjustments (consisting only of normal recurring adjustments) considered necessary for a fair presentation of the consolidated financial statements in accordance with GAAP have been included. All significant intercompany balances and transactions between the Company and its subsidiaries have been eliminated in consolidation. Operating results for the nine months ended September 30, 2013 are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected for the year ending December 31, 2013. In preparing the unaudited consolidated financial statements, we are required to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenues and expenses. Actual results could differ from those estimates. Material estimates that are particularly susceptible to significant change relate to the ALLL, the valuation of OREO and the underlying collateral of loans in the process of foreclosure, deferred tax assets and the fair value of financial instruments.

Certain amounts in the unaudited consolidated financial statements for prior periods have been reclassified to conform to the current unaudited financial statement presentation with no effect on income or stockholders' equity.

Note 3 - Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements

In December 2011, the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") issued Accounting Standards Update ("ASU") No. 2011-11, Disclosures about Offsetting Assets and Liabilities. The ASU requires an entity to offset, and present as a single net amount, a recognized eligible asset and a recognized eligible liability when it has an unconditional and legally enforceable right of setoff and intends either to settle the asset and liability on a net basis or to realize the asset and settle the liability simultaneously. The ASU requires an entity to disclose information about offsetting and related arrangements to enable users of its financial statements to understand the effect of those arrangements on its financial position. This ASU is effective for annual and interim reporting periods beginning on or after January 1, 2013. The adoption of this ASU did not have a material impact on the Company's consolidated financial statements.
In February 2013, the FASB issued ASU 2013-02, Reporting of Amounts Reclassified Out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income. This ASU requires an entity to provide information about the amounts reclassified out of accumulated other comprehensive income by component and to present either on the face of the statement where net income is presented or in the notes, significant amounts reclassified out of accumulated other comprehensive income by the respective line items of net

9

FIRST FINANCIAL NORTHWEST, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
SELECTED NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Unaudited)


income, but only if the amount reclassified is required to be reclassified to net income in its entirety in the same reporting period. The amendments were effective prospectively for annual and interim reporting periods beginning on or after December 15, 2012. The adoption of this ASU did not have a material impact on the Company's consolidated financial statements.
In July 2013, the FASB issued ASU 2013-11, Presentation of Unrecognized Tax Benefit When a Net Operating Loss Carryforward, a Similar Tax Loss, or a Tax Credit Carryforward Exists (Topic 740). ASU No. 2013-11 requires an entity to present an unrecognized tax benefit, or a portion of an unrecognized tax benefit, as a reduction to a deferred tax asset for a net operating loss carryforward, except to the extent a net operating loss carryforward, a similar tax loss, or a tax credit carryforward is not available at the reporting date under the tax law of the applicable jurisdiction to settle any additional income taxes that would result from the disallowance of a tax position or the tax law of the applicable jurisdiction does not require the entity to use, and the entity does not intend to use, the deferred tax asset for such purpose, the unrecognized tax benefit should be presented in the financial statements as a liability and should not be combined with deferred tax assets. No new recurring disclosures are required. The amendments are effective for annual and interim reporting periods beginning on or after December 15, 2013 and are to be applied prospectively to all unrecognized tax benefits that exist at the effective date. Retrospective application is permitted. The adoption of ASU No. 2013-11 is not expected to have a material impact on the Company's consolidated financial statements.
Note 4 - Investments

Investment securities available-for-sale are summarized as follows:
 
September 30, 2013
 
Amortized
Cost
 
Gross
Unrealized
Gains
 
Gross
Unrealized
Losses
 
Fair Value

(In thousands)
Mortgage-backed investments:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   Fannie Mae
$
48,575

 
$
605

 
$
(347
)
 
$
48,833

   Freddie Mac
26,961

 
407

 
(141
)
 
27,227

   Ginnie Mae
36,514

 
77

 
(485
)
 
36,106

Municipal bonds
2,044

 
6

 
(216
)
 
1,834

U.S. Government agencies
23,798

 
129

 
(521
)
 
23,406

Corporate bonds
14,083

 
33

 
(178
)
 
13,938

Total
$
151,975

 
$
1,257

 
$
(1,888
)
 
$
151,344

 
December 31, 2012
 
Amortized
Cost
 
Gross
Unrealized
Gains
 
Gross
Unrealized
Losses
 
Fair Value
 
(In thousands)
Mortgage-backed investments:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   Fannie Mae
$
35,039

 
$
1,131

 
$
(2
)
 
$
36,168

   Freddie Mac
15,368

 
403

 
(8
)
 
15,763

   Ginnie Mae
31,193

 
84

 
(131
)
 
31,146

Municipal bonds
2,048

 
7

 
(166
)
 
1,889

U.S. Government agencies
67,077

 
223

 
(4
)
 
67,296

Total
$
150,725

 
$
1,848

 
$
(311
)
 
$
152,262

 
The following table summarizes the aggregate fair value and gross unrealized loss by length of time those investments have been continuously in an unrealized loss position:

10

FIRST FINANCIAL NORTHWEST, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
SELECTED NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Unaudited)


 
September 30, 2013
 
Less Than 12 Months
 
12 Months or Longer
 
Total
 
Fair Value
 
Unrealized
Loss
 
Fair Value
 
Unrealized
Loss
 
Fair Value
 
Unrealized
Loss
 
(In thousands)
Mortgage-backed investments:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   Fannie Mae
$
28,716

 
$
(347
)
 
$

 
$

 
$
28,716

 
$
(347
)
   Freddie Mac
7,061

 
(141
)
 

 

 
7,061

 
(141
)
   Ginnie Mae
14,682

 
(259
)
 
9,586

 
(226
)
 
24,268

 
(485
)
Municipal bonds

 

 
1,187

 
(216
)
 
1,187

 
(216
)
U.S. Government agencies
7,810

 
(502
)
 
4,981

 
(19
)
 
12,791

 
(521
)
Corporate bonds
11,905

 
(178
)
 

 

 
11,905

 
(178
)
Total
$
70,174

 
$
(1,427
)
 
$
15,754

 
$
(461
)
 
$
85,928

 
$
(1,888
)
 
December 31, 2012
 
Less Than 12 Months
 
12 Months or Longer
 
Total
 
Fair Value
 
Unrealized
Loss
 
Fair Value
 
Unrealized
Loss
 
Fair Value
 
Unrealized
Loss
 
(In thousands)
Mortgage-backed investments:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   Fannie Mae
$
4,603

 
$
(2
)
 
$

 
$

 
$
4,603

 
$
(2
)
   Freddie Mac
2,952

 
(8
)
 

 

 
2,952

 
(8
)
   Ginnie Mae
18,238

 
(131
)
 

 

 
18,238

 
(131
)
Municipal bonds

 

 
1,239

 
(166
)
 
1,239

 
(166
)
U.S. Government agencies
10,508

 
(4
)
 

 

 
10,508

 
(4
)
Total
$
36,301

 
$
(145
)
 
$
1,239

 
$
(166
)
 
$
37,540

 
$
(311
)

At September 30, 2013, the Company had eight securities with a gross unrealized loss of $461,000 with a fair value of $15.8 million that had an unrealized loss for greater than one year. At December 31, 2012, there was one security that had a gross unrealized loss of $166,000 with a fair value of $1.2 million that had an unrealized loss for greater than one year. Management reviewed the financial condition of the entities issuing these securities at September 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012, and determined that an other-than-temporary impairment ("OTTI") was not warranted.

On a quarterly basis, management makes an assessment to determine whether there have been any events or economic circumstances to indicate that a security on which there is an unrealized loss is impaired on an other-than-temporary basis. The Company considers many factors including the severity and duration of the impairment, recent events specific to the issuer or industry, and for debt securities, external credit ratings and recent downgrades. Securities on which there is an unrealized loss that is deemed to be an OTTI are written down to fair value. For equity securities, the impairment is recorded as a realized loss in noninterest income on the Company's Consolidated Income Statements. For debt securities, if the Company intends to sell the security or it is likely that the Company will be required to sell the security before recovering its cost basis, the entire impairment loss would be recognized in earnings as an OTTI. If the Company does not intend to sell the security and it is not likely that it will be required to sell the security but does not expect to recover the entire amortized cost basis of the security, only the portion of the impairment loss representing credit losses would be recognized in earnings. The credit loss on a security is measured as the difference between the amortized cost basis and the present value of the cash flows expected to be collected. Projected cash flows are discounted by the original or current effective interest rate depending on the nature of the security being measured for potential OTTI. The remaining impairment related to all other factors, the difference between the present value of the cash flows expected to be collected and fair value, is recognized as a charge to other comprehensive income (“OCI”). Impairment losses related to all other factors are presented as separate categories within OCI. For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012, the Company did not have any OTTI losses on investments.

The amortized cost and estimated fair value of investments available-for-sale at September 30, 2013, by contractual maturity, are shown below. 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. Investments not due at a single maturity date, primarily mortgage-backed investments are shown separately.

11

FIRST FINANCIAL NORTHWEST, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
SELECTED NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Unaudited)


 
September 30, 2013
 
Amortized Cost
 
Fair Value
 
(In thousands)
Due within one year
$
50

 
$
51

Due after one year through five years
14,855

 
14,692

Due after five years through ten years
17,358

 
17,153

Due after ten years
7,662

 
7,282

 
39,925

 
39,178

Mortgage-backed investments
112,050

 
112,166

Total
$
151,975

 
$
151,344


Under Washington state law, in order to participate in the public funds program the Company is required to pledge as collateral an amount equal to 100% of the public deposits held in the form of eligible securities. Investments with a market value of $22.8 million and $1.9 million were pledged as collateral for public deposits at September 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012, respectively, both of which exceeded the collateral requirements established by the Washington Public Deposit Protection Commission.

We sold $15.1 million of investments generating no gross gains and gross losses of $39,000 during the three months ended September 30, 2013. For the three months ended September 30, 2012, we did not sell any investments. For the nine months ended September 30, 2013 we sold $45.1 million of investments generating a gross gain of $10,000 and a gross loss of $48,000 compared to sales of $22.9 million, gross gains of $294,000 and gross losses of $6,000 for the comparable period in 2012.


12

FIRST FINANCIAL NORTHWEST, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
SELECTED NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Unaudited)


Note 5 - Loans Receivable

Loans receivable are summarized as follows: 
 
September 30, 2013
 
December 31, 2012
 
(In thousands)
One-to-four family residential: (1)
 
 
 
   Permanent
$
279,336

 
$
306,851

   Construction

 
177

 
279,336

 
307,028

Multifamily:
 
 
 

   Permanent
106,965

 
105,936

   Construction
12,360

 
5,585

 
119,325

 
111,521

Commercial real estate:
 
 
 

   Permanent
224,649

 
207,436

   Construction
13,805

 
12,500

   Land
1,957

 
1,942

 
240,411

 
221,878

Construction/land development: (2)
 
 
 

   One-to-four family residential
1,795

 
608

   Multifamily
12,741

 
8,375

   Commercial real estate
5,770

 

   Land development
7,958

 
10,435

 
28,264

 
19,418

 
 
 
 
Business
1,795

 
2,968

Consumer
9,535

 
11,110

Total loans
678,666

 
673,923

 
 
 
 
Less:
 
 
 

   Loans in process ("LIP")
11,355

 
8,856

   Deferred loan fees, net
2,447

 
2,057

   ALLL
12,271

 
12,542

Loans receivable, net
$
652,593

 
$
650,468

___________
(1) 
Includes $121.1 million and $139.8 million of non-owner occupied loans at September 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012, respectively.
(2) 
Excludes construction loans that will convert to permanent loans. The Company considers these loans to be "rollovers" in that one loan is originated for both the construction loan and permanent financing. These loans are classified according to the underlying collateral. At September 30, 2013, the Company had $13.8 million, or 5.7% of the total commercial real estate portfolio and $12.4 million, or 10.4% of its total multifamily portfolio in these "rollover" type of loans. At December 31, 2012, the Company had $12.5 million, or 5.6% of the total commercial real estate portfolio, $5.6 million, or 5.0% of the total multifamily portfolio, and $177,000, or 0.1% of its total one-to-four family loan portfolio in these "rollover" type of loans. At September 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012, $2.0 million and $1.9 million, respectively, of commercial real estate loans were not included in the construction/land development category because the Company classifies raw land or buildable lots when it does not intend to finance the construction as commercial real estate land loans.

At September 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012 there were no loans classified as held for sale.


13

FIRST FINANCIAL NORTHWEST, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
SELECTED NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Unaudited)


The following tables summarize changes in the ALLL and loan portfolio by loan type and impairment method: 
 
At or For the Three Months Ended September 30, 2013
 
One-to-Four
Family
Residential
 
Multifamily
 
Commercial 
Real Estate
 
Construction/
Land
Development
 
Business
 
Consumer
 
Total
 
(In thousands)
ALLL:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Beginning balance
$
4,970

 
$
1,300

 
$
5,519

 
$
345

 
$
21

 
$
158

 
$
12,313

   Charge-offs
(107
)
 

 

 

 

 

 
(107
)
   Recoveries

 
29

 
2

 
27

 

 
7

 
65

   Provision
(4
)
 
44

 
(3
)
 
(27
)
 
1

 
(11
)
 

Ending balance
$
4,859

 
$
1,373

 
$
5,518

 
$
345

 
$
22

 
$
154

 
$
12,271

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
General reserve
$
3,590

 
$
1,285

 
$
5,230

 
$
345

 
$
22

 
$
154

 
$
10,626

Specific reserve
$
1,269

 
$
88

 
$
288

 
$

 
$

 
$

 
$
1,645

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Loans: (1)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Total Loans
$
279,336

 
$
116,801

 
$
240,059

 
$
19,785

 
$
1,795

 
$
9,535

 
$
667,311

General reserve (2)
$
227,821

 
$
114,345

 
$
226,697

 
$
15,457

 
$
1,795

 
$
8,873

 
$
594,988

Specific reserve (3)
$
51,515

 
$
2,456

 
$
13,362

 
$
4,328

 
$

 
$
662

 
$
72,323

____________ 
(1) Net of LIP.
(2) Loans collectively evaluated for impairment.
(3) Loans individually evaluated for impairment.
 
At or For the Nine Months Ended September 30, 2013
 
One-to-Four
Family
Residential
 
Multifamily
 
Commercial 
Real Estate
 
Construction/
Land
Development
 
Business
 
Consumer
 
Total
 
(In thousands)
ALLL:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Beginning balance
$
5,562

 
$
1,139

 
$
5,207

 
$
437

 
$
30

 
$
167

 
$
12,542

   Charge-offs
(416
)
 
(346
)
 
(98
)
 
(332
)
 

 
(71
)
 
(1,263
)
   Recoveries
533

 
237

 
5

 
97

 

 
20

 
892

   Provision
(820
)
 
343

 
404

 
143

 
(8
)
 
38

 
100

Ending balance
$
4,859

 
$
1,373

 
$
5,518

 
$
345

 
$
22

 
$
154

 
$
12,271

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
General reserve
$
3,590

 
$
1,285

 
$
5,230

 
$
345

 
$
22

 
$
154

 
$
10,626

Specific reserve
$
1,269

 
$
88

 
$
288

 
$

 
$

 
$

 
$
1,645

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Loans: (1)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Total Loans
$
279,336

 
$
116,801

 
$
240,059

 
$
19,785

 
$
1,795

 
$
9,535

 
$
667,311

General reserve (2)
$
227,821

 
$
114,345

 
$
226,697

 
$
15,457

 
$
1,795

 
$
8,873

 
$
594,988

Specific reserve (3)
$
51,515

 
$
2,456

 
$
13,362

 
$
4,328

 
$

 
$
662

 
$
72,323

____________ 
(1) Net of LIP.
(2) Loans collectively evaluated for impairment.
(3) Loans individually evaluated for impairment.

14

FIRST FINANCIAL NORTHWEST, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
SELECTED NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Unaudited)



 
At or For the Three Months Ended September 30, 2012
 
One-to-Four
Family
Residential
 
Multifamily
 
Commercial 
Real Estate
 
Construction/
Land
Development
 
Business
 
Consumer
 
Total
 
(In thousands)
ALLL:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Beginning balance
$
5,966

 
$
2,024

 
$
5,634

 
$
567

 
$
35

 
$
224

 
$
14,450

   Charge-offs
(681
)
 

 
(1,313
)
 
(149
)
 

 
(198
)
 
(2,341
)
   Recoveries

 

 
3

 
1,355

 

 
1

 
1,359

   Provision
863

 
(707
)
 
1,623

 
(1,275
)
 

 
196

 
700

Ending balance
$
6,148

 
$
1,317

 
$
5,947

 
$
498

 
$
35

 
$
223

 
$
14,168

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
General reserve
$
4,831

 
$
1,317

 
$
5,741

 
$
498

 
$
35

 
$
223

 
$
12,645

Specific reserve
$
1,317

 
$

 
$
206

 
$

 
$

 
$

 
$
1,523

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Loans: (1)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Total Loans
$
313,562

 
$
107,575

 
$
214,937

 
$
15,935

 
$
3,503

 
$
10,778

 
$
666,290

General reserve (2)
$
252,649

 
$
101,621

 
$
201,591

 
$
7,938

 
$
3,503

 
$
10,637

 
$
577,939

Specific reserve (3)
$
60,913

 
$
5,954

 
$
13,346

 
$
7,997

 
$

 
$
141

 
$
88,351

_____________ 
(1) Net of LIP.
(2) Loans collectively evaluated for impairment.
(3) Loans individually evaluated for impairment.

 
At or For the Nine Months Ended September 30, 2012
 
One-to-Four
Family
Residential
 
Multifamily
 
Commercial 
Real Estate
 
Construction/
Land
Development
 
Business
 
Consumer
 
Total
 
(In thousands)
ALLL:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Beginning balance
$
5,756

 
$
950

 
$
6,846

 
$
2,503

 
$
154

 
$
350

 
$
16,559

   Charge-offs
(2,018
)
 
(153
)
 
(4,409
)
 
(318
)
 

 
(491
)
 
(7,389
)
   Recoveries
12

 

 
475

 
1,457

 

 
4

 
1,948

   Provision
2,398

 
520

 
3,035

 
(3,144
)
 
(119
)
 
360

 
3,050

Ending balance
$
6,148

 
$
1,317

 
$
5,947

 
$
498

 
$
35

 
$
223

 
$
14,168

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
General reserve
$
4,831

 
$
1,317

 
$
5,741

 
$
498

 
$
35

 
$
223

 
$
12,645

Specific reserve
$
1,317

 
$

 
$
206

 
$

 
$

 
$

 
$
1,523

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Loans: (1)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Total Loans
$
313,562

 
$
107,575

 
$
214,937

 
$
15,935

 
$
3,503

 
$
10,778

 
$
666,290

General reserve (2)
$
252,649

 
$
101,621

 
$
201,591

 
$
7,938

 
$
3,503

 
$
10,637

 
$
577,939

Specific reserve (3)
$
60,913

 
$
5,954

 
$
13,346

 
$
7,997

 
$

 
$
141

 
$
88,351

_____________ 
(1) Net of LIP.
(2) Loans collectively evaluated for impairment.
(3) Loans individually evaluated for impairment.




15

FIRST FINANCIAL NORTHWEST, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
SELECTED NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Unaudited)






Nonperforming loans, net of LIP, were $9.4 million and $22.8 million at September 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012, respectively. Foregone interest on nonperforming loans for the quarter ended September 30, 2013 was $167,000, compared to $338,000 for the same quarter in 2012. Foregone interest for the nine months ended September 30, 2013 was $684,000 compared to $1.1 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2012.
 
There were no funds committed to be advanced in connection with impaired loans at either September 30, 2013 or December 31, 2012.

We continually monitor our loan portfolio for delinquent loans and changes in the financial condition of each borrower. When an issue is identified with one of our borrowers and it is determined that the loan needs to be classified as nonperforming and/or impaired, an evaluation of the collateral is performed and, if necessary, an appraisal is ordered in accordance with our appraisal policy guidelines. Based on this evaluation, any additional provision for loan loss or charge-offs that may be needed is recorded prior to the end of the financial reporting period.

A loan is considered impaired when we have determined that we may be unable to collect payments of principal or interest when due under the terms of the original loan agreement. When identifying loans as impaired, management takes into consideration factors which include payment history and status, collateral value, financial condition of the borrower and the probability of collecting scheduled payments in the future. Minor payment delays and insignificant payment shortfalls typically do not result in a loan being classified as impaired. The significance of payment delays and shortfalls is considered by management on a case-by-case basis, after taking into consideration the circumstances surrounding the loan and the borrower, including payment history and the amounts of any payment shortfall, length and reason for delay and the likelihood of a return to stable performance. Impairment is measured on a loan-by-loan basis for all loans in the portfolio. We obtain annual updated appraisals for impaired collateral dependent loans that exceed $1.0 million and loans that have been transferred to OREO. In addition, we may order appraisals on properties not included within these guidelines when there are extenuating circumstances where we are not otherwise able to determine the fair value of the property.


16

FIRST FINANCIAL NORTHWEST, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
SELECTED NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Unaudited)


The following tables present a summary of loans individually evaluated for impairment by loan type:
 
September 30, 2013
 
Recorded Investment (1)
 
Unpaid Principal Balance (2)
 
Related Allowance
 
(In thousands)
Loans with no related allowance:
 
 
 
 
 
  One-to-four family residential:
 
 
 
 
 
      Owner occupied
$
4,941

 
$
5,551

 
$

      Non-owner occupied
30,007

 
30,270

 

  Multifamily
238

 
265

 

   Commercial real estate
5,324

 
5,607

 

   Construction/land development
4,328

 
8,812

 

   Consumer
662

 
750

 

Total
45,500

 
51,255

 

Loans with an allowance:
 
 
 
 
 
  One-to-four family residential:
 
 
 
 
 
      Owner occupied
3,827

 
3,913

 
213

      Non-owner occupied
12,740

 
12,796

 
1,056

   Multifamily
2,218

 
2,218

 
88

   Commercial real estate
8,038

 
8,038

 
288

Total
26,823

 
26,965

 
1,645

Total impaired loans:
 
 
 
 
 
  One-to-four family residential:
 
 
 
 
 
      Owner occupied
8,768

 
9,464

 
213

      Non-owner occupied
42,747

 
43,066

 
1,056

   Multifamily
2,456

 
2,483

 
88

   Commercial real estate
13,362

 
13,645

 
288

   Construction/land development
4,328

 
8,812

 

   Consumer
662

 
750

 

Total
$
72,323

 
$
78,220

 
$
1,645

_________________ 
(1) Represents the loan balance less charge-offs.
(2) Contractual loan principal balance.

17

FIRST FINANCIAL NORTHWEST, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
SELECTED NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Unaudited)


 
December 31, 2012
 
Recorded Investment (1)
 
Unpaid Principal Balance (2)
 
Related Allowance
 
(In thousands)
Loans with no related allowance:
 
 
 
 
 
  One-to-four family residential:
 
 
 
 
 
      Owner occupied
$
4,741

 
$
5,569

 
$

      Non-owner occupied
34,318

 
34,442

 

  Multifamily
5,950

 
6,131

 

   Commercial real estate
10,126

 
12,502

 

   Construction/land development
4,767

 
8,813

 

   Consumer
759

 
798

 

Total
60,661

 
68,255

 

Loans with an allowance:
 
 
 
 
 
  One-to-four family residential:
 
 
 
 
 
      Owner occupied
5,897

 
6,073

 
361

      Non-owner occupied
13,936

 
14,150

 
890

   Commercial real estate
8,113

 
8,113

 
352

Total
27,946

 
28,336

 
1,603

Total impaired loans:
 
 
 
 
 
  One-to-four family residential:
 
 
 
 
 
      Owner occupied
10,638

 
11,642

 
361

      Non-owner occupied
48,254

 
48,592

 
890

   Multifamily
5,950

 
6,131

 

   Commercial real estate
18,239

 
20,615

 
352

   Construction/land development
4,767

 
8,813

 

   Consumer
759

 
798

 

Total
$
88,607

 
$
96,591

 
$
1,603

_____________ 
(1) Represents the loan balance less charge-offs.
(2) Contractual loan principal balance.

 

18

FIRST FINANCIAL NORTHWEST, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
SELECTED NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Unaudited)


 
Three Months Ended September 30, 2013
 
Nine Months Ended September 30, 2013
 
Average Recorded Investment
 
Interest Income Recognized
 
Average Recorded Investment
 
Interest Income Recognized
 
(In thousands)
Loans with no related allowance:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   One-to-four family residential:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
      Owner occupied
$
4,908

 
$
30

 
$
4,989

 
$
88

      Non-owner occupied
29,372

 
448

 
30,661

 
1,297

Multifamily
241

 

 
2,572

 

Commercial real estate
6,494

 
94

 
8,040

 
229

Construction/land development
4,348

 

 
4,553

 

Consumer
689

 

 
718

 

Total
46,052

 
572

 
51,533

 
1,614

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Loans with an allowance:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   One-to-four family residential:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
      Owner occupied
4,295

 
41

 
4,926

 
153

      Non-owner occupied
13,916

 
142

 
14,954

 
503

Multifamily
1,723

 
59

 
862

 
99

Commercial real estate
8,050

 
93

 
8,075

 
301

Total
27,984

 
335

 
28,817

 
1,056

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Total impaired loans:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   One-to-four family residential:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
      Owner occupied
9,203

 
71

 
9,915

 
241

      Non-owner occupied
43,288

 
590

 
45,615

 
1,800

Multifamily
1,964

 
59

 
3,434

 
99

Commercial real estate
14,544

 
187

 
16,115

 
530

Construction/land development
4,348

 

 
4,553

 

Consumer
689

 

 
718

 

Total
$
74,036

 
$
907

 
$
80,350

 
$
2,670




19

FIRST FINANCIAL NORTHWEST, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
SELECTED NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Unaudited)


 
Three Months Ended September 30, 2012
 
Nine Months Ended September 30, 2012
 
Average Recorded Investment
 
Interest Income Recognized
 
Average Recorded Investment
 
Interest Income Recognized
 
(In thousands)
Loans with no related allowance:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   One-to-four family residential:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
      Owner occupied
$
7,284

 
$
46

 
$
7,813

 
$
119

      Non-owner occupied
36,147

 
497

 
37,738

 
1,545

Multifamily
4,620

 
143

 
4,035

 
234

Commercial real estate
8,106

 
75

 
11,411

 
255

Construction/land development
8,364

 

 
8,729

 

Consumer
211

 
1

 
182

 
3

Total
64,732

 
762

 
69,908

 
2,156

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Loans with an allowance:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   One-to-four family residential:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
      Owner occupied
4,814

 
56

 
4,617

 
185

      Non-owner occupied
11,615

 
298

 
10,489

 
519

Commercial real estate
5,709

 
73

 
3,885

 
212

Total
22,138

 
427

 
18,991

 
916

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Total impaired loans:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   One-to-four family residential:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
      Owner occupied
12,098

 
102

 
12,430

 
304

      Non-owner occupied
47,762

 
795

 
48,227

 
2,064

Multifamily
4,620

 
143

 
4,035

 
234

Commercial real estate
13,815

 
148

 
15,296

 
467

Construction/land development
8,364

 

 
8,729

 

Consumer
211

 
1

 
182

 
3

Total
$
86,870

 
$
1,189

 
$
88,899

 
$
3,072



20

FIRST FINANCIAL NORTHWEST, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
SELECTED NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Unaudited)



Certain loan modifications or restructurings are accounted for as troubled debt restructured loans ("TDRs"). In general, the modification or restructuring of a debt is considered a TDR if, for economic or legal reasons related to the borrower's financial difficulties, a concession is granted to the borrower that the Company would not otherwise consider. Once the loan is restructured, a current, well-documented credit evaluation of the borrower's financial condition and prospects for repayment are performed to assess the likelihood that all principal and interest payments required under the terms of the modified agreement will be collected in full. A loan that is determined to be classified as a TDR is generally reported as a TDR until the loan is paid in full or otherwise settled, sold or charged-off. The following is a summary of information pertaining to nonperforming assets and TDRs:
 
September 30, 2013
 
December 31, 2012
 
(In thousands)
Nonperforming assets: (1)
 

 
 

   Nonaccrual loans
$
8,607

 
$
18,231

   Nonaccrual TDRs
828

 
4,528

Total nonperforming loans
9,435

 
22,759

   OREO
12,600

 
17,347

Total nonperforming assets
$
22,035

 
$
40,106

 
 
 
 
Performing TDRs
$
62,888

 
$
65,848

Nonaccrual TDRs
828

 
4,528

Total TDRs
$
63,716

 
$
70,376

_____________
(1) There were no loans 90 days or more past due and still accruing interest at September 30, 2013 or December 31, 2012. All loans are reported net of LIP.

The accrual status of a loan may change after it has been classified as a TDR. Management considers the following in determining the accrual status of restructured loans: (1) if the loan was on accrual status prior to the restructuring, the borrower has demonstrated performance under the previous terms, and a credit evaluation shows the borrower's capacity to continue to perform under the restructured terms (both principal and interest payments), the loan will remain on accrual at the time of the restructuring; (2) if the loan was on nonaccrual status before the restructuring, and the Company's credit evaluation shows the borrower's capacity to meet the restructured terms, the loan would remain as nonaccrual for a minimum of six months after restructuring until the borrower has demonstrated a reasonable period of sustained repayment performance (thereby providing reasonable assurance as to the ultimate collection of principal and interest in full under the modified terms).

Nonaccrual and Past Due Loans. Loans are considered past due if the required principal and interest payments have not been received as of the date such payments were due. Loans are placed on nonaccrual when they are 90 days delinquent or when, in management's opinion, the borrower is unable to meet scheduled payment obligations.

In order to return a nonaccrual loan to accrual status, each loan is evaluated on a case-by-case basis. The Company evaluates the borrower's financial condition to ensure that future loan payments are reasonably assured. The Company also takes into consideration the borrower's willingness and ability to make the loan payments and historical repayment performance. The Company requires the borrower to make loan payments consistently for a period of at least six months as agreed to under the terms of the loan agreement before the Company will consider reclassifying the loan to accrual status.
 

21

FIRST FINANCIAL NORTHWEST, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
SELECTED NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Unaudited)


The following table is a summary of nonaccrual loans by loan type: 
 
September 30, 2013
 
December 31, 2012
 
(In thousands)
One-to-four family residential
$
3,003

 
$
6,248

Multifamily
238

 
4,711

Commercial real estate
1,204

 
6,274

Construction/land development
4,328

 
4,767

Consumer
662

 
759

Total nonaccrual loans
$
9,435

 
$
22,759


The following tables represent a summary of the aging of loans by type: 
 
Loans Past Due as of September 30, 2013
 
 
 
 
 
30-59 Days
 
60-89 Days
 
90 Days and
Greater
 
Total
 
Current
 
Total Loans (1) (2)
 
(In thousands)
Real estate:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
One-to-four family residential:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Owner occupied
$
962

 
$
92

 
$
1,420

 
$
2,474

 
$
155,738

 
$
158,212

Non-owner occupied
199

 

 
438

 
637

 
120,487

 
121,124

Multifamily

 

 

 

 
116,801

 
116,801

Commercial real estate
586

 
115

 
1,089

 
1,790

 
238,269

 
240,059

Construction/land development

 

 
473

 
473

 
19,312

 
19,785

Total real estate
1,747

 
207

 
3,420

 
5,374

 
650,607

 
655,981

Business
13

 

 

 
13

 
1,782

 
1,795

Consumer
117

 

 

 
117

 
9,418

 
9,535

Total
$
1,877

 
$
207

 
$
3,420

 
$
5,504

 
$
661,807

 
$
667,311

 ________________ 
(1) There were no loans 90 days past due and still accruing interest at September 30, 2013.
(2) Net of LIP.

 
Loans Past Due as of December 31, 2012
 
 
 
 
 
30-59 Days
 
60-89 Days
 
90 Days and
Greater
 
Total
 
Current
 
Total Loans (1) (2)
 
(In thousands)
Real estate:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
One-to-four family residential:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Owner occupied
$
1,974

 
$
1,374

 
$
2,653

 
$
6,001

 
$
161,100

 
$
167,101

Non-owner occupied
1,276

 
49

 
1,019

 
2,344

 
137,488

 
139,832

Multifamily

 

 
4,711

 
4,711

 
104,935

 
109,646

Commercial real estate
1,795

 

 
4,479

 
6,274

 
215,604

 
221,878

Construction/land development

 

 
805

 
805

 
11,727

 
12,532

Total real estate
5,045

 
1,423

 
13,667

 
20,135

 
630,854

 
650,989

Business

 

 

 

 
2,968

 
2,968

Consumer
20

 
47

 
690

 
757

 
10,353

 
11,110

Total
$
5,065

 
$
1,470

 
$
14,357

 
$
20,892

 
$
644,175

 
$
665,067

_________________ 
(1) There were no loans 90 days past due and still accruing interest at December 31, 2012.
(2) Net of LIP.

22

FIRST FINANCIAL NORTHWEST, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
SELECTED NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Unaudited)


 
Credit Quality Indicators. The Company utilizes a nine-point risk rating system and assigns a risk rating for all credit exposures. The risk rating system is designed to define the basic characteristics and identify risk elements of each credit extension. Credits risk rated 1 through 5 are considered to be “pass” credits. Pass credits can be assets where there is virtually no credit risk, such as cash secured loans with funds on deposit with the Bank. Pass credits also include credits that are on the Company's watch list, where the borrower exhibits potential weaknesses, which may, if not checked or corrected, negatively affect the borrower’s financial capacity and threaten their ability to fulfill debt obligations in the future. Credits classified as special mention are risk rated 6 and possess weaknesses that deserve management’s close attention. Special mention assets do not expose the Company to sufficient risk to warrant adverse classification in the substandard, doubtful or loss categories. Substandard credits are risk rated 7. An asset is considered substandard if it is inadequately protected by the current net worth and payment capacity of the borrower or of any collateral pledged. Substandard assets include those characterized by the distinct possibility that the Company will sustain some loss if the deficiencies are not corrected. Assets classified as doubtful are risk rated 8 and have all the weaknesses inherent in those credits classified as substandard with the added characteristic that the weaknesses present make collection or liquidation in full highly questionable and improbable, on the basis of currently existing facts, conditions and values. Assets classified as loss are risk rated 9 and are considered uncollectible and cannot be justified as a viable asset for the Company. There were no loans classified as doubtful or loss at September 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012.

        The following tables represent a summary of loans by type and risk category:
 
September 30, 2013
 
One-to-Four
Family
Residential
 
Multifamily
 
Commercial
Real Estate
 
Construction/ 
Land
Development
 
Business
 
Consumer
 
Total (1)
 
(In thousands)
Risk Rating:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   Pass
$
261,495

 
$
114,130

 
$
225,948

 
$
15,457

 
$
1,782

 
$
8,650

 
$
627,462

   Special mention
7,818

 
1,208

 
10,516

 

 
13

 
1

 
19,556

   Substandard
10,023

 
1,463

 
3,595

 
4,328

 

 
884

 
20,293

Total
$
279,336

 
$
116,801

 
$
240,059

 
$
19,785

 
$
1,795

 
$
9,535

 
$
667,311

 _____________ 
(1) Net of LIP.

 
December 31, 2012
 
One-to-Four
Family
Residential
 
Multifamily
 
Commercial
Real Estate
 
Construction /
Land
Development
 
Business
 
Consumer
 
Total (1)
 
(In thousands)
Risk Rating:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   Pass
$
286,674

 
$
103,696

 
$
202,407

 
$
7,600

 
$
2,968

 
$
10,129

 
$
613,474

   Special mention
10,433

 

 
11,666

 
165

 

 

 
22,264

   Substandard
9,826

 
5,950

 
7,805

 
4,767

 

 
981

 
29,329

Total
$
306,933

 
$
109,646

 
$
221,878

 
$
12,532

 
$
2,968

 
$
11,110

 
$
665,067

______________ 
(1) Net of LIP.
 

23

FIRST FINANCIAL NORTHWEST, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
SELECTED NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Unaudited)


The following tables summarize the loan portfolio by type and payment activity:
 
September 30, 2013
 
One-to-Four
Family
Residential
 
Multifamily
 
Commercial
Real Estate
 
Construction /
Land
Development
 
Business
 
Consumer
 
Total (1)
 
(In thousands)
Performing (2)
$
276,333

 
$
116,563

 
$
238,855

 
$
15,457

 
$
1,795

 
$
8,873

 
$
657,876

Nonperforming (3)
3,003

 
238

 
1,204

 
4,328

 

 
662

 
9,435

Total
$
279,336

 
$
116,801

 
$
240,059

 
$
19,785

 
$
1,795

 
$
9,535

 
$
667,311

____________ 
(1) 
Net of LIP.
(2) 
There were $155.8 million of owner-occupied one-to-four family residential loans and $120.5 million of non-owner occupied one-to-four family residential loans classified as performing.
(3) 
There were $2.4 million of owner-occupied one-to-four family residential loans and $566,000 of non-owner occupied one-to-four family residential loans classified as nonperforming.
 
December 31, 2012
 
One-to-Four
Family
Residential
 
Multifamily
 
Commercial
Real Estate
 
Construction/
Land
Development
 
Business
 
Consumer
 
Total (1)
 
(In thousands)
Performing (2)
$
300,685

 
$
104,935

 
$
215,604

 
$
7,765

 
$
2,968

 
$
10,351

 
$
642,308

Nonperforming (3)
6,248

 
4,711

 
6,274

 
4,767

 

 
759

 
22,759

Total
$
306,933

 
$
109,646

 
$
221,878

 
$
12,532

 
$
2,968

 
$
11,110

 
$
665,067

_____________ 
(1) Net of LIP.    
(2) There were $163.1 million of owner-occupied one-to-four family residential loans and $137.6 million of non-owner occupied one-to-four family residential loans classified as performing.
(3) There were $4.0 million of owner-occupied one-to-four family residential loans and $2.2 million of non-owner occupied one-to-four family residential loans classified as nonperforming.

The following table presents TDRs and their recorded investment prior to the modification and after the modification:

24

FIRST FINANCIAL NORTHWEST, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
SELECTED NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Unaudited)


 
Three Months Ended September 30, 2013
 
Nine Months Ended September 30, 2013
 
Number
of Loans
 
Pre-Modification Outstanding
Recorded
Investment
 
Post-Modification Outstanding
Recorded
Investment
 
Number
of Loans
 
Pre-Modification Outstanding
Recorded
Investment
 
Post-Modification Outstanding
Recorded
Investment
 
(Dollars in thousands)
TDRs that Occurred During the Period:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   One-to-four family residential:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
      Interest-only payments
with no interest rate
concession
 
$

 
$

 
2

 
$
682

 
$
682

      Principal and interest with
interest rate concession
 

 

 
2

 
1,620

 
1,556

      Principal and interest reamortized with no interest rate concession
1
 
261

 
261

 
1

 
261

 
261

      Advancement of maturity date
 

 

 
1

 
311

 
306

   Commercial real estate:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
      Principal and interest
reamortized with no interest
rate concession
 

 

 
1

 
335

 
332

      Interest-only payments with
interest rate concession
 

 

 
2

 
3,484

 
3,483

      Advancement of maturity date
1
 
437

 
436

 
1

 
437

 
436

Total
2
 
$
698

 
$
697

 
10

 
$
7,130

 
$
7,056


 
Three Months Ended September 30, 2012
 
Nine Months Ended September 30, 2012
 
Number
of Loans
 
Pre-Modification Outstanding
Recorded
Investment
 
Post-Modification Outstanding
Recorded
Investment
 
Number
of Loans
 
Pre-Modification Outstanding
Recorded
Investment
 
Post-Modification Outstanding
Recorded
Investment
 
(Dollars in thousands)
TDRs that Occurred During the Period:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   One-to-four family residential:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
      Principal and interest with
interest rate concession
21

 
$
3,750

 
$
3,738

 
22

 
$
3,964

 
$
3,950

      Principal and interest reamortized with no interest rate concession
1

 
71

 
71

 
1

 
71

 
71

   Commercial real estate:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
      Principal and interest with
          interest rate concession
 

 

 
1

 
1,415

 
1,400

      Interest-only payments with
interest rate concession
 

 

 
2

 
2,508

 
2,504

Total
22

 
$
3,821

 
$
3,809

 
26

 
$
7,958

 
$
7,925



25

FIRST FINANCIAL NORTHWEST, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
SELECTED NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Unaudited)


At September 30, 2013, December 31, 2012 and September 30, 2012, the Company had no commitments to extend additional credit to borrowers whose loan terms have been modified in TDRs. All TDRs are also classified as impaired loans and are included in the loans individually evaluated for impairment in the calculation of the ALLL.

The TDRs that occurred during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012 were primarily a result of granting the borrower interest rate concessions and/or interest-only payments for a period of time ranging from one to three years. The impaired portion of the loan with an interest rate concession and/or interest-only payments for a specific period of time are calculated based on the present value of expected future cash flows discounted at the loan’s effective interest rate. The effective interest rate is the rate of return implicit on the original loan. This impaired amount reduces the ALLL and a valuation allowance is established to reduce the loan balance. As loan payments are received in future periods, the ALLL entry is reversed and the valuation allowance is reduced utilizing the level yield method over the modification period. TDRs resulted in no charge-offs to the ALLL for the three months ended September 30, 2013 and $107,000 in charge-offs to the ALLL for the three months ended September 30, 2012, and $89,000 and $751,000 for the nine months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012, respectively.

The following is a summary of loans that were modified as TDRs within the previous 12 months and for which there was a payment default during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012: 
 
Types of Modification
 
 
Three Months Ended September 30, 2013
Nine Months Ended September 30, 2013
 
Number of
Loans
Interest Rate Concession with Principal and Interest Payments
No Interest Rate Concession with Modified Principal and Interest Payments
Maturity Date Extension
Number of
Loans
Interest Rate Concession with Principal and Interest Payments
No Interest Rate Concession with Modified Principal and Interest Payments
Maturity Date Extension
 
(Dollars in thousands)
 
TDRs that Subsequently Defaulted:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   One-to-four family residential
$

$

$


$

$

$

   Commercial real estate
1


436

3

935

332

436

Total
1
$

$

$
436

3

$
935

$
332

$
436


 
Types of Modification
 
Three Months Ended September 30, 2012
 
Nine Months Ended September 30, 2012
 
Number of
Loans

Interest Rate Concession with Interest Only Payment

Interest
Rate
Concession
 
Number of
Loans

Interest Rate Concession with Interest Only Payment

Interest
Rate
Concession
 
(Dollars in thousands)
TDRs that Subsequently Defaulted:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   One-to-four family residential
2

 
$
377

 
$

 
2

 
$
377

 
$

   Commercial real estate
1

 
495

 

 
2

 
1,895

 

Total
3

 
$
872

 
$

 
4

 
$
2,272

 
$



26

FIRST FINANCIAL NORTHWEST, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
SELECTED NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Unaudited)


TDRs that default after they have been modified are typically evaluated individually on a collateral basis. Any additional impairment further reduces the ALLL.

Note 6 - Other Real Estate Owned

The following table is a summary of OREO: 
 
Three Months Ended September 30,
 
Nine Months Ended September 30,
 
2013
 
2012
 
2013
 
2012
 
(In thousands)
Balance at beginning of
period
$
14,226

 
$
22,206

 
$
17,347

 
$
26,044

   Loans transferred to OREO
1,047

 
1,501

 
6,416

 
9,523

   Capitalized (reimbursed) improvements
(5
)
 
(16
)
 
33

 
(16
)
   Dispositions of OREO, net
(2,533
)
 
(3,325
)
 
(10,840
)
 
(14,640
)
   Market value adjustments
(135
)
 
(1,157
)
 
(356
)
 
(1,702
)
Balance at end of period
$
12,600

 
$
19,209

 
$
12,600

 
$
19,209

 
OREO includes properties acquired by the Company through foreclosure and deed in lieu of foreclosure. OREO at September 30, 2013 consisted of $1.8 million in one-to-four family residential homes, $556,000 in construction/land development projects and $10.2 million in commercial real estate properties.

Note 7 - Fair Value

Fair value is defined as the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date.

The Company determines the fair values of its financial instruments based on the fair value hierarchy which requires an entity to maximize the use of observable inputs and minimize the use of unobservable inputs when measuring fair values. Observable inputs reflect market data obtained from independent sources, while unobservable inputs reflect its estimate for market assumptions.

Valuation inputs refer to the assumptions market participants would use in pricing a given asset or liability using one of the three valuation techniques. Inputs can be observable or unobservable. Observable inputs are those assumptions that market participants would use in pricing the particular asset or liability. These inputs are based on market data and are obtained from an independent source. Unobservable inputs are assumptions based on the Company's own information or estimate of assumptions used by market participants in pricing the asset or liability. Unobservable inputs are based on the best and most current information available on the measurement date.

All inputs, whether observable or unobservable, are ranked in accordance with a prescribed fair value hierarchy:

Level 1 - Quoted prices for identical instruments in active markets.
Level 2 - Quoted prices for similar instruments in active markets; quoted prices for identical or similar instruments in markets that are not active; and model-derived valuations whose inputs are observable.
Level 3 - Instruments whose significant value drivers are unobservable.
 
The tables below present the balances of assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis (there were no transfers between Level 1, Level 2 and Level 3 recurring measurements):

27

FIRST FINANCIAL NORTHWEST, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
SELECTED NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Unaudited)


 
Fair Value Measurements at September 30, 2013
 
Fair Value Measurements
 
Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1)
 
Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2)
 
Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3)
 
(In thousands)
Available-for-sale investments:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Mortgage-backed investments:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Fannie Mae
$
48,833

 
$

 
$
48,833

 
$

Freddie Mac
27,227

 

 
27,227

 

Ginnie Mae
36,106

 

 
36,106

 

Municipal bonds
1,834

 

 
1,834

 

U.S. Government agencies
23,406

 

 
23,406

 

Corporate bonds
13,938

 

 
13,938

 

 
$
151,344

 
$

 
$
151,344

 
$

 
Fair Value Measurements at December 31, 2012
 
Fair Value Measurements
 
Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1)
 
Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2)
 
Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3)
 
(In thousands)
Available-for-sale investments:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Mortgage-backed investments:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Fannie Mae
$
36,168

 
$

 
$
36,168

 
$

Freddie Mac
15,763

 

 
15,763

 

Ginnie Mae
31,146

 

 
31,146

 

Municipal bonds
1,889

 

 
1,889

 

U.S. Government agencies
67,296

 

 
67,296

 

 
$
152,262

 
$

 
$
152,262

 
$


The estimated fair value of Level 2 investments is based on quoted prices for similar investments in active markets, identical or similar investments in markets that are not active and model-derived valuations whose inputs are observable.    

The tables below present the balances of assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a nonrecurring basis. 
 
Fair Value Measurements at September 30, 2013
 
Fair Value
Measurements
 
Quoted Prices in
Active Markets
for Identical
Assets (Level 1)
 
Significant
Other
Observable
Inputs (Level 2)
 
Significant
Unobservable
Inputs
(Level 3)
 
Total Losses
 
(In thousands)
Impaired loans (included in loans
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   receivable, net) (1)
$
70,678

 
$

 
$

 
$
70,678

 
$
1,645

OREO (2)
12,600

 

 

 
12,600

 
135

Total
$
83,278

 
$

 
$

 
$
83,278

 
$
1,780

_______________ 
(1) The loss represents the specific reserve against loans that were considered impaired at September 30, 2013
(2) The loss represents OREO market value adjustments for the quarter ended September 30, 2013.


28

FIRST FINANCIAL NORTHWEST, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
SELECTED NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Unaudited)


 
Fair Value Measurements at December 31, 2012
 
Fair Value
Measurements
 
Quoted Prices in
Active Markets
for Identical
Assets (Level 1)
 
Significant
Other
Observable
Inputs (Level 2)
 
Significant
Unobservable
Inputs
(Level 3)
 
Total Losses
 
(In thousands)
Impaired loans (included in loans
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   receivable, net) (1)
$
87,004

 
$

 
$

 
$
87,004

 
$
1,603

OREO (2)
17,347

 

 

 
17,347

 
2,046

Total
$
104,351

 
$

 
$

 
$
104,351

 
$
3,649

________________ 
(1) The loss represents the specific reserve against loans that were considered impaired at December 31, 2012.
(2) The loss represents OREO market value adjustments for the year ended December 31, 2012.
 
The fair value of impaired loans is calculated using the collateral value method or on a discounted cash flow basis. Inputs used in the collateral value method include appraised values, estimates of certain completion costs and closing and selling costs. Some of these inputs may not be observable in the marketplace. Appraised values may be discounted based on management's historical knowledge, changes in market conditions from the time of valuation and/or management's expertise and knowledge of the borrower.

OREO properties are measured at the lower of their carrying amount or fair value, less costs to sell. Fair values are generally based on third party appraisals of the property, resulting in a Level 3 classification. In cases where the carrying amount exceeds the fair value, less costs to sell, an impairment loss is recognized.

The following table presents quantitative information about Level 3 fair value measurements for financial instruments measured at fair value on a nonrecurring basis.
 
September 30, 2013
 
Fair Value
 
Valuation Technique(s)
 
Unobservable Input(s)
 
Range (Weighted Average)
 
(Dollars in thousands)
Impaired Loans
$
70,678

 
Market approach
 
Adjusted for differences between comparable sales
 
0% - 11%
(0.6%)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
OREO
$
12,600

 
Market approach
 
Adjusted for differences between comparable sales
 
0% - 15%
(1.2%)
    
The carrying amounts and estimated fair values of financial instruments were as follows: 

29

FIRST FINANCIAL NORTHWEST, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
SELECTED NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Unaudited)


 
September 30, 2013
 
 
 
Estimated
 
Fair Value Measurements Using:
 
Carrying Value
 
Fair Value
 
Level 1
 
Level 2
 
Level 3
 
(In thousands)
Financial Assets:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   Cash on hand and in banks
$
5,118

 
$
5,118

 
$
5,118

 
$

 
$

   Interest-bearing deposits
17,486

 
17,486

 
17,486

 

 

   Investments available-for-sale
151,344

 
151,344

 

 
151,344

 

   Loans receivable, net
652,593

 
677,515

 

 

 
677,515

   FHLB stock
7,083

 
7,083

 

 
7,083

 

   Investment transactions receivable
4,982

 
4,982

 

 
4,982

 

   Accrued interest receivable
3,650

 
3,650

 

 
3,650

 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Financial Liabilities:
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 
   Deposits
193,380

 
193,380

 
193,380

 

 

   Certificates of deposit
425,813

 
429,603

 

 
429,603

 

   Advances from the FHLB
74,000

 
73,564

 

 
73,564

 

   Accrued interest payable
62

 
62

 

 
62

 

   Investment transactions payable
5,125

 
5,125

 

 
5,125

 


 
December 31, 2012
 
 
 
Estimated
 
Fair Value Measurements Using:
 
Carrying Value
 
Fair Value
 
Level 1
 
Level 2
 
Level 3
 
(In thousands)
Financial Assets:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   Cash on hand and in banks
$
4,289

 
$
4,289

 
$
4,289

 
$

 
$

   Interest-bearing deposits
83,452

 
83,452

 
83,452

 

 

   Investments available-for-sale
152,262

 
152,262

 

 
152,262

 

   Loans receivable, net
650,468

 
689,708

 

 

 
689,708

   FHLB stock
7,281

 
7,281

 

 
7,281

 

   Accrued interest receivable
3,484

 
3,484

 

 
3,484

 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Financial Liabilities:
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 
   Deposits
202,090

 
202,090

 
202,090

 

 

   Certificates of deposit
463,707

 
467,126

 

 
467,126

 

   Advances from the FHLB
83,066

 
83,659

 

 
83,659

 

   Accrued interest payable
179

 
179

 

 
179

 


Fair value estimates, methods, and assumptions are set forth below for the Company's financial instruments:

Financial instruments with book value equal to fair value: The fair value of financial instruments that are short-term or reprice frequently and that have little or no risk are considered to have a fair value equal to book value. These instruments include cash on hand and in banks, interest-bearing deposits, FHLB stock, accrued interest receivable, accrued interest payable and investment transactions payable. FHLB stock is not publicly-traded, however it may be redeemed on a dollar-for-dollar basis, for any amount the Bank is not required to hold, subject to the FHLB’s discretion. The fair value is therefore equal to the book value.


30

FIRST FINANCIAL NORTHWEST, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
SELECTED NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Unaudited)


Investments available-for-sale: The fair value of all investments excluding FHLB stock was based upon quoted market prices for similar investments in active markets, identical or similar investments in markets that are not active and model-derived valuations whose inputs are observable.

Loans receivable: For variable rate loans that reprice frequently and with no significant change in credit risk, fair values are based on carrying values. The fair value of fixed-rate loans is estimated using discounted cash flow analysis, utilizing interest rates that would be offered for loans with similar terms to borrowers of similar credit quality. As a result of current market conditions, cash flow estimates have been further discounted to include a credit factor. The fair value of nonperforming loans is estimated using the fair value of the underlying collateral.

Liabilities: The fair value of deposits with no stated maturity, such as statement savings, NOW and money market accounts, is equal to the amount payable on demand. The fair value of certificates of deposit is based on the discounted value of contractual cash flows using current interest rates for certificates of deposit with similar remaining maturities. The fair value of FHLB advances is estimated based on discounting the future cash flows using current interest rates for debt with similar remaining maturities.

Off balance sheet commitments: No fair value adjustment is necessary for commitments made to extend credit, which represents commitments for loan originations or for outstanding commitments to purchase loans. These commitments are at variable rates, are for loans with terms of less than one year and have interest rates which approximate prevailing market rates, or are set at the time of loan closing.

Fair value estimates are based on existing balance sheet financial instruments without attempting to estimate the value of anticipated future business. The fair value has not been estimated for assets and liabilities that are not considered financial instruments.

Note 8 - Federal Home Loan Bank Stock

At September 30, 2013, the Bank held $7.1 million of FHLB stock. FHLB stock is carried at par value ($100 per share) and does not have a readily determinable fair value. Ownership of FHLB stock is restricted to the FHLB and member institutions and can only be purchased and redeemed at par.

Management evaluates FHLB stock for impairment. The determination of whether this investment is impaired is based on the Bank's assessment of the ultimate recoverability of cost rather than by recognizing temporary declines in value. The determination of whether a decline affects the ultimate recoverability of cost is influenced by criteria such as: (1) the significance of any decline in net assets of the FHLB as compared to the capital stock amount for the FHLB and the length of time this situation has persisted, (2) commitments by the FHLB to make payments required by law or regulation and the level of such payments in relation to the operating performance of the FHLB, (3) the impact of legislative and regulatory changes on institutions and, accordingly, the customer base of the FHLB and (4) the liquidity position of the FHLB.

On October 25, 2010, the FHLB agreed to the stipulation and issuance of a Consent Order by its primary regulator, the Federal Housing Finance Agency (“FHFA”). The Consent Order sets forth requirements for capital management, asset composition, and other operational and risk management improvements. In addition, the FHLB may not repurchase member stock or pay dividends, until they achieve and maintain financial thresholds established by the FHFA as part of the agency's supervisory process, subject to FHFA approval. The FHLB announced on September 7, 2012 that the FHFA now considers the FHLB to be adequately capitalized. Dividends on, or repurchases of, the FHLB stock continue to require the consent of the FHFA. These restrictions are not expected to have a material effect on our financial position, liquidity or results of operations. The Bank has determined there is not an OTTI on the FHLB stock investment as of September 30, 2013.

During the third quarter of 2012, the FHLB announced that the FHFA had granted them the authority to repurchase up to $25 million in excess capital stock per quarter, provided that their financial condition - measured primarily by the ratio of market value of equity-to-par value of capital stock - does not deteriorate. As a result, the FHLB repurchased shares on a pro-rata basis from its shareholders, including 658 shares from the Bank at par value for the three months ended September 30, 2013 and 1,976 shares from the Bank, at par value during the nine months ended September 30, 2013. The FHLB announced on July 22, 2013, that, based on second quarter 2013 financial results, their Board of Directors had declared a $0.025 per share cash dividend. It was the first dividend since 2008.


31

FIRST FINANCIAL NORTHWEST, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
SELECTED NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Unaudited)


Note 9- Stock-Based Compensation

In June 2008, First Financial Northwest's shareholders approved the First Financial Northwest, Inc. 2008 Equity Incentive Plan (“Plan”). The Plan provides for the grant of stock options, restricted stock and stock appreciation rights.

Total compensation expense for the Plan was $360,000 and $539,000 for the three months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012, respectively, and the related income tax benefit was $126,000 and $189,000 for the three months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012, respectively.

Total compensation expense for the Plan was $1.3 million and $1.5 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012, respectively, and the related income tax benefit was $465,000 and $515,000 for the nine months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012, respectively.

Stock Options

The Plan authorizes the grant of stock options totaling 2,285,280 shares to Company directors, advisory directors, officers and employees. Option awards are granted with an exercise price equal to the market price of First Financial Northwest's common stock at the grant date. These option awards have a vesting period of five years, with 20% vesting on the anniversary date of each grant date, and a contractual life of 10 years. Any unexercised stock options will expire ten years after the grant date or sooner in the event of the award recipient’s death, disability or termination of service with the Company or the Bank. First Financial Northwest has a policy of issuing new shares from authorized but unissued common stock upon the exercise of stock options. At September 30, 2013, remaining options for 766,756 shares of common stock were available for grant under the Plan.

The fair value of each option award is estimated on the grant date using a Black-Scholes model that uses the following assumptions. The dividend yield is based on the current quarterly dividend in effect at the time of the grant. Historical employment data is used to estimate the forfeiture rate. The historical volatility of the Company's stock price over a specified period of time is used for the expected volatility assumption. First Financial Northwest bases the risk-free interest rate on the U.S. Treasury Constant Maturity Indices in effect on the date of the grant. First Financial Northwest elected to use the “Share-Based Payments” method permitted by the Securities and Exchange Commission to calculate the expected term. This method uses the vesting term of an option along with the contractual term, setting the expected life at the midpoint.
    
A summary of the Company’s stock option plan awards for the quarter ended September 30, 2013, follows: 
 
 
Shares
 
Weighted-Average Exercise Price
 
Weighted-Average Remaining Contractual Term in Years
 
Aggregate Intrinsic Value
Outstanding at January 1, 2013
 
1,448,524

 
$
9.41

 
 
 


Granted
 
110,000

 
10.79

 
 
 


Exercised
 
(140,989
)
 
9.37

 
 
 


Forfeited or expired
 
(40,000
)
 
9.42

 
 
 


Outstanding at September 30, 2013
 
1,377,535

 
9.53

 
5.46
 
1,281,898

Expected to vest assuming a 3% forfeiture rate
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
    over the vesting term
 
1,370,935

 
9.53

 
5.44
 
1,271,719

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Exercisable at September 30, 2013
 
1,157,535

 
9.62

 
4.47
 
942,598


As of September 30, 2013, there was $613,976 of total unrecognized compensation cost related to nonvested stock options granted under the Plan. The cost is expected to be recognized over the remaining weighted-average vesting period of 4.5 years.

Restricted Stock Awards

The Plan authorizes the grant of restricted stock awards amounting to 914,112 shares to directors, advisory directors, officers and employees. Compensation expense is recognized over the vesting period of the awards based on the fair value of the stock at the grant date. The restricted stock awards’ fair value is equal to the value on the grant date. Shares awarded as restricted

32

FIRST FINANCIAL NORTHWEST, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
SELECTED NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Unaudited)


stock vest ratably over a five-year period beginning at the grant date with 20% vesting on the anniversary date of each grant date. At September 30, 2013, remaining restricted stock awards for 74,478 shares were available to be awarded. Shares that have been repurchased totaled 109,800 and are held in trust until they are issued in connection with the agreement.

A summary of changes in nonvested restricted stock awards for the quarter ended September 30, 2013, follows: 
Nonvested Shares
 
Shares
 
Weighted-Average Grant Date  Fair Value
Nonvested at January 1, 2013
 
244,847

 
$
8.95

Granted
 
25,000

 
10.88

Vested
 
(149,647
)
 
9.79

Forfeited
 
(10,400
)
 
9.12

Nonvested at September 30, 2013
 
109,800

 
8.24

 
 
 
 
 
Expected to vest assuming a 3% forfeiture rate over the vesting term
 
106,506

 
 


As of September 30, 2013, there was $807,058 of total unrecognized compensation costs related to nonvested shares granted as restricted stock awards. The cost is expected to be recognized over the remaining weighted-average vesting period of 4.1 years. The total fair value of shares vested during the quarters ended September 30, 2013 and 2012 was $1.4 million and $1.3 million, respectively. The total fair value of shares vested during nine months period ended September 30, 2013 and 2012 was $1.5 million and $1.4 million, respectively.


33

FIRST FINANCIAL NORTHWEST, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
SELECTED NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Unaudited)


Note 10 - Federal Income Taxes

The following table reflects the effect of temporary differences that give rise to the components of the net deferred tax assets as of September 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012.
 
 
September 30, 2013
 
December 31, 2012
 
 
(In thousands)
Deferred tax assets:
 
 
 
 
Net operating loss carryforward
 
$
9,072

 
$
11,474

Charitable contributions
 
26

 
25

Allowance for loan losses
 
4,200

 
3,829

Reserve for unfunded commitments
 
92

 
87

Deferred compensation
 
690

 
689

Net unrealized loss on investments available-for-sale
 
221

 

Alternative Minimum Tax credit carryforward
 
1,592

 
1,485

Employee benefit plans
 
1,805

 
1,910

Net capital loss on investments
 
545

 
545

OREO market value adjustments
 
389

 
731

OREO expenses
 
103

 
202

Accrued expenses
 
142

 
142

Deferred tax assets before valuation allowance
 
18,877

 
21,119

Valuation allowance
 
(1,589
)
 
(16,851
)
Total deferred tax assets
 
$
17,288

 
$
4,268

 
 

 

Deferred tax liabilities:
 

 

Federal Home Loan Bank stock dividends
 
1,337

 
1,337

Loan origination fees and costs
 
583

 
621

Servicing rights
 
15

 
25

Net unrealized gain on investments available-for-sale
 

 
538

Other, net
 
511

 
747

Total deferred tax liabilities
 
$
2,446

 
$
3,268

Deferred tax assets, net
 
$
14,842

 
$
1,000


Deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized for the future tax consequences attributable to temporary differences between the financial statement carrying amounts of existing assets and liabilities and their respective tax basis. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured using enacted tax rates expected to apply to taxable income in the years in which those temporary differences are expected to be recovered or settled. The effect on deferred tax assets and liabilities of a change in tax rates is recognized in income in the period that includes the enactment date. These calculations are based on many complex factors including estimates of the timing of reversals of temporary differences, the interpretation of federal income tax laws, and a determination of the differences between the tax and the financial reporting basis of assets and liabilities. Actual results could differ significantly from the estimates and interpretations used in determining the current and deferred income tax assets and liabilities.

As of September 30, 2013, the consolidated balance sheet included gross deferred tax assets of $18.9 million and a deferred tax asset valuation allowance of $1.6 million. Our primary deferred tax assets relate to our net operating loss carryforward, our ALLL, our employee benefit plans and our AMT credit carryforward.

Under GAAP, a valuation allowance is required to be recognized if it is “more likely than not” that a portion of the deferred tax asset will not be realized. Our policy is to evaluate our deferred tax assets on a quarterly basis and record a valuation allowance for our deferred tax asset if we do not have sufficient positive evidence indicating that it is more likely than not that some or all of the deferred tax asset will be realized. Each quarter, we considered positive and negative evidence, which includes cumulative losses in the most recent three year period and uncertainty regarding short-term future earnings. We further considered that GAAP places heavy emphasis on prior earnings in determining the realizable deferred tax asset. After reviewing and weighing these various factors, in 2010 we recorded a valuation allowance for the balance of the deferred tax asset in excess of the tax carryback refund potential.

34

FIRST FINANCIAL NORTHWEST, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
SELECTED NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Unaudited)



During the quarter ended June 30, 2013, management determined that a full valuation allowance was no longer appropriate and reversed essentially all of the valuation allowance. Management currently anticipates utilizing approximately $1.0 million of the remaining valuation allowance to offset its projected tax expense in the fourth quarter of 2013. The remaining $545,000 deferred tax asset valuation which related to a capital loss carryforward will most likely not be recognized. The ultimate utilization of the remaining valuation allowance and realization of deferred tax assets is dependent upon the existence, or generation, of taxable income in the periods when those temporary differences and net operating loss and credit carryforwards are deductible. Management considered the scheduled reversal of deferred tax assets and liabilities, taxes paid in carryback years, projected future taxable income, available tax planning strategies and other factors in making its assessment to reverse the deferred tax valuation allowance. As a result the valuation decreased to $1.6 million at September 30, 2013 from $16.9 million at December 31, 2012.

At September 30, 2013, the Company's federal net operating loss carryforward was $25.9 million which will begin to expire in 2030. At September 30, 2013, the Company had an alternative minimum tax credit carryforward totaling $1.6 million, with no expiration date.

Note 11 - Earnings Per Share

Per the provisions of FASB ASC 260, Earnings Per Share, nonvested share-based payment awards that contain nonforfeitable rights to dividends or dividend equivalents are participating securities and are included in the computation of EPS pursuant to the two-class method. The two-class method is an earnings allocation formula that determines earnings per share for each class of common stock and participating security according to dividends declared (or accumulated) and participation rights in undistributed earnings. Certain of the Company's nonvested restricted stock awards qualify as participating securities. ESOP shares are considered outstanding for basic and diluted earnings per share when the shares are committed to be released.

The following table presents a reconciliation of the components used to compute basic and diluted earnings per share for the periods indicated. 
 
 
Three Months Ended September 30,
 
Nine Months Ended September 30,
 
 
2013
 
2012
 
2013
 
2012
 
 
(Dollars in thousands, except share data)
Net income (loss)
 
$
2,612

 
$
(791
)
 
$
20,532

 
$
1,202

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   Basic weighted-average common shares outstanding
 
15,978,716

 
17,658,005

 
16,942,131

 
17,629,863

   Plus common stock options considered outstanding for dilutive purposes
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
      (excludes antidilutive options)
 
136,616

 

 
61,451

 
18,137

   Diluted weighted-average common shares outstanding
 
16,115,332

 
17,658,005

 
17,003,582

 
17,648,000

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Basic earnings (loss) per share
 
$
0.16

 
$
(0.04
)
 
$
1.21

 
$
0.07

Diluted earnings (loss) per share
 
$
0.16

 
$
(0.04
)
 
$
1.21

 
$
0.07


Options to purchase an additional 110,000 and 1,348,524 shares of common stock at September 30, 2013 and 2012, respectively, were not included in the computation of diluted earnings per share because their exercise price resulted in them being antidilutive.

Note 12 - Segment Information

The Company's activities are considered to be a single industry segment for financial reporting purposes. The Company is engaged in the business of attracting deposits from the general public and originating loans for our portfolio in our primary market area. Substantially all income is derived from a diverse base of commercial and residential real estate loans, consumer lending activities and investments.


35


Item 2.  Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

Forward-Looking Statements
Certain matters discussed in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q constitute forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These statements relate to our financial condition, results of operations, plans, objectives, future performance or business. Forward-looking statements are not statements of historical fact, are based on certain assumptions and are generally identified by use of the words “believes,” “expects,” “anticipates,” “estimates,” “forecasts,” “intends,” “plans,” “targets,” “potentially,” “probably,” “projects,” “outlook” or similar expressions or future or conditional verbs such as “may,” “will,” “should,” “would” and “could.” Forward-looking statements include statements with respect to our beliefs, plans, objectives, goals, expectations, assumptions and statements about, among other things, expectations of the business environment in which we operate, projections of future performance or financial items, perceived opportunities in the market, potential future credit experience, and statements regarding our mission and vision. These forward-looking statements are based upon current management expectations and may, therefore, involve risks and uncertainties. Our actual results, performance, or achievements may differ materially from those suggested, expressed, or implied by forward-looking statements as a result of a wide variety or range of factors including, but not limited to: the credit risks of lending activities, including changes in the level and trend of loan delinquencies and write-offs, that may be affected by deterioration in the housing and commercial real estate markets, and may lead to increased losses and nonperforming assets in our loan portfolio, and may result in our allowance for loan losses not being adequate to cover actual losses, and require us to materially increase our reserves; changes in general economic conditions, either nationally or in our market areas; changes in the levels of general interest rates, and the relative differences between short and long term interest rates, deposit interest rates, our net interest margin and funding sources; fluctuations in the demand for loans, the number of unsold homes and other properties and fluctuations in real estate values in our market areas; results of examinations of us by the Federal Reserve Bank of San Francisco (“Federal Reserve”) and our bank subsidiary by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (“FDIC”), the Washington State Department of Financial Institutions, Division of Banks (“DFI”) or other regulatory authorities, including the possibility that any such regulatory authority may initiate enforcement actions against the Company or the Bank to take corrective action and refrain from unsafe and unsound practices which also may, among other things, require us to increase our reserve for loan losses, write-down assets, change our regulatory capital position, affect our ability to borrow funds or maintain or increase deposits, which could adversely affect our liquidity and earnings; our ability to pay dividends on our common stock; our ability to attract and retain deposits; increases in premiums for deposit insurance; our ability to control operating costs and expenses; the use of estimates in determining the fair value of certain of our assets, which estimates may prove to be incorrect and result in significant declines in valuation; difficulties in reducing risk associated with the loans on our balance sheet; staffing fluctuations in response to product demand or the implementation of corporate strategies that affect our work force and potential associated charges; computer systems on which we depend could fail or experience a security breach; our ability to retain key members of our senior management team; costs and effects of litigation, including settlements and judgments; our ability to implement our branch expansion strategy; our ability to successfully integrate any assets, liabilities, customers, systems, and management personnel we have acquired or may in the future acquire into our operations and our ability to realize related revenue synergies and cost savings within expected time frames and any goodwill charges related thereto; our ability to manage loan delinquency rates; costs and effects of litigation, including settlements and judgments; increased competitive pressures among financial services companies; our ability to reduce our noninterest expenses; changes in consumer spending, borrowing and savings habits; legislative or regulatory changes that adversely affect our business including changes in regulatory policies and principles, including the interpretation of regulatory capital or other rules, including as a result of Basel III; the impact of the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act (the "Dodd Frank Act") and the implementing regulations; the availability of resources to address changes in laws, rules, or regulations or to respond to regulatory actions; adverse changes in the securities markets; inability of key third-party providers to perform their obligations to us; changes in accounting policies and practices, as may be adopted by the financial institution regulatory agencies or the Financial Accounting Standards Board, including additional guidance and interpretation on accounting issues and details of the implementation of new accounting methods; the economic impact of war or any terrorist activities; other economic, competitive, governmental, regulatory, and technological factors affecting our operations; pricing, products and services; and other risks detailed from time to time in our filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”), including our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2012 ("2012 Form 10-K"). Any of the forward-looking statements that we make in this Form 10-Q and in the other public reports and statements we make may turn out to be wrong because of the inaccurate assumptions we might make, because of the factors illustrated above or because of other factors that we cannot foresee. Because of these and other uncertainties, our actual future results may be materially different from those expressed in any forward-looking statements made by or on our behalf. Therefore, these factors should be considered in evaluating the forward-looking statements, and undue reliance should not be placed on such statements. We undertake no responsibility to update or revise any forward-looking statements.



36


Overview

First Savings Bank is a wholly-owned subsidiary of First Financial Northwest and, as such, comprises substantially all of the activity for First Financial Northwest. First Savings Bank is a community-based savings bank primarily serving King and to a lesser extent, Pierce, Snohomish and Kitsap counties, Washington through our full-service banking office located in Renton, Washington. First Savings Bank’s business consists of attracting deposits from the public and utilizing these funds to originate one-to-four family residential, multifamily, commercial real estate, construction/land development, business and consumer loans. Our current business strategy emphasizes one-to-four family residential, multifamily and commercial real estate lending.

During the past several years we have limited our origination of construction loans because of the higher risks associated with those loans, the economic challenges in our market area and to focus on reducing our non-performing assets. We are now experiencing improved conditions in our primary market area as evidenced by stronger real estate prices, a general lack of new housing inventory in certain areas and stronger employment in the Puget Sound region. As a result, we have selectively increased our origination of construction lending and anticipate that it will become a larger portion of our total portfolio in future periods.

We are taking a disciplined approach in our construction/land development lending by concentrating our efforts on smaller projects with lower total unit development per site.  We also have generally limited our origination of land development projects to those projects where the borrower has their required portion of the construction funds available to build the proposed homes.  Our current speculative construction lending requirements are also higher than prior periods, with loan to cost guidelines of no more than 80% and loan to completed value of no more than 75%, unless sufficient factors exist to mitigate operating outside of these guidelines.

Our primary source of revenue is net interest income. Net interest income is the difference between interest income, which is the income that we earn on our loans and investments, and interest expense, which is the interest that we pay on our deposits and borrowings. Changes in levels of interest rates affect our net interest income.

An offset to net interest income is the provision for loan losses, which represents the periodic charge to operations which is required to adequately provide for probable losses inherent in our loan portfolio.

Our noninterest expenses consist primarily of salaries and employee benefits, occupancy and equipment, data processing, OREO-related expenses, professional fees, regulatory assessments and other general and administrative expenses. Salaries and employee benefits consist primarily of the salaries and wages paid to our employees, payroll taxes and expenses for retirement and other employee benefits. Occupancy and equipment expenses, which are the fixed and variable costs of buildings and equipment, consist primarily of real estate taxes, depreciation expenses, maintenance and costs of utilities. OREO-related expenses consist primarily of maintenance and costs of utilities for the OREO inventory, market valuation adjustments, build-out expenses, gains and losses from OREO sales, legal fees, real estate taxes and insurance related to the properties included in the OREO inventory.

Net income for the three months ended September 30, 2013 was $2.6 million or $0.16 per diluted share, as compared to a net loss of $791,000 or $(0.04) per diluted share for the three months ended September 30, 2012. The improvement in operating results in the third quarter of 2013, as compared to the third quarter of 2012 was primarily due to a $2.1 million decrease in total noninterest expense, a $534,000 increase in net interest income and a $700,000 reduction in the provision for loan losses. The decrease in total noninterest expense includes reductions of $1.4 million in net OREO-related expenses, $263,000 in proxy contest and related litigation expense and $126,000 in FDIC deposit insurance premiums, partially offset by an increase of $142,000 in salaries and employee benefits.

For the nine months ended September 30, 2013, the Company had net income of $20.5 million, or $1.21 per diluted share, as compared to net income of $1.2 million, or $0.07 per diluted share for the comparable period in 2012. The improvement in operating results for the nine months ended September 30, 2013, as compared to the same period last year was the result of a federal tax benefit of $13.8 million due to the partial reversal of the deferred tax asset valuation allowance, a $757,000 increase in net interest income, a $3.0 million decrease in the provision for loan losses, a $339,000 decrease in noninterest income and a $3.1 million decrease in noninterest expense. The $3.1 million decrease in noninterest expense was primarily comprised of reductions of $2.9 million in net OREO-related expenses, $762,000 in proxy contest and related litigation expenses and $206,000 in professional fees partially offset by $679,000 in prepayment penalty on repayment of FHLB advances and a $633,000 increase in salaries and employee benefits.

During the nine months ended September 30, 2013, our total loan portfolio increased $4.7 million, or 0.7% from December 31, 2012, primarily due to a $18.5 million, or 8.4% increase in commercial real estate loans, a $8.8 million, or 45.6% increase in construction/land development loans and a $7.8 million, or 7.0% increase in multifamily loans partially offset by a $27.7 million,

37


or 9.0% decrease in one-to-four family residential loans due in large part to larger than normal prepayments on this portion of the portfolio.

The following table details our five largest lending relationships at September 30, 2013:
Borrower (1)
 
One-to-Four Family Residential (Rental Properties)
 
Multifamily
 
Commercial Real Estate (Rental Properties)
 
Construction/Land Development
 
Aggregate Balance of Loans (2)
 
 
(In thousands)
Real estate builder
 
$
16,822

 
$

 
$

 
$
3,475

 
$
20,297

Real estate investor
 

 

 
17,994

 

 
17,994

Real estate investor
 
8,810

 
3,987

 
1,707

 

 
14,504

Real estate builder (3)
 
14,275

 

 
218

 

 
14,493

Real estate builder (4)
 
12,698

 

 
799

 

 
13,497

Total
 
$
52,605

 
$
3,987

 
$
20,718

 
$
3,475

 
$
80,785

________
(1)
The composition of borrowers represented in the table may change between periods.
(2) 
Net of LIP.
(3)  
Of this amount, $13.3 million were considered impaired loans, all of which were performing one-to-four family residential loans.
(4)  
Of this amount, $12.7 million were considered impaired loans, of which $11.9 million were performing one-to-four family residential loans and $799,000 is a restructured performing commercial real estate loan.

These relationships, which represent 12.1% of our loans, net of undisbursed funds, decreased $4.8 million from December 31, 2012. Of the three builders listed above, two are operating under restructured loan plans established by the Bank. As of September 30, 2013, the loans to both builders continue to perform in accordance with the terms of their respective plans. None of the restructured loans to these two borrowers have ever been delinquent, except for one commercial real estate loan which was restructured and brought current at the end of 2010. The remaining three borrowers were current on their loan payments at September 30, 2013. We monitor the performance of these borrowing relationships very closely due to the concentration risk they possess in relation to the entire loan portfolio.

Critical Accounting Policies

Our significant accounting policies are fundamental to understanding our results of operations and financial condition because they require that we use estimates and assumptions that may affect the value of our assets or liabilities and our financial results. These policies are critical because they require management to make difficult, subjective and complex judgments about matters that are inherently uncertain and because it is likely that materially different amounts would be reported under different conditions or using different assumptions. These policies govern the allowance for loan and lease losses ("ALLL"), the valuation of OREO and foreclosed assets, and the calculation of deferred taxes, fair values and other-than-temporary impairments on the market value of investments. These policies and estimates are described in further detail in Part II, Item 7 Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations and Note 1, Summary of Significant Accounting Policies within the 2012 Form 10-K. There have not been any material changes in the Company's critical accounting policies and estimates as compared to the disclosure contained in the Company's 2012 Form 10-K.

Comparison of Financial Condition at September 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012

General. At September 30, 2013, total assets decreased $51.0 million to $891.7 million from $942.7 million at December 31, 2012. This decrease in total assets was primarily the result of reductions in interest-bearing deposits of $66.0 million and OREO of $4.7 million, partially offset by increases of $13.8 million in net deferred tax assets, $5.0 million in investment transactions receivable and $2.1 million in net loans receivable. Total liabilities decreased $49.5 million to $706.0 million at September 30, 2013 from $755.5 million at December 31, 2012, primarily due to decreases of $49.9 million in interest-bearing deposits and $9.1 million in advances from the FHLB, partially offset by a $5.1 million increase in investment transactions payable. Stockholders’ equity decreased $1.5 million to $185.6 million from December 31, 2012, primarily the result of net income of $20.5 million generated during the nine months ended September 30, 2013 and $1.3 million for both share-based compensation and for issuance of stock related to the exercise of stock options offset by $21.9 million related to the repurchase and retirement of common stock, a $2.3 million decline in accumulated other comprehensive income and the payment of $1.3 million in dividends to shareholders.

38



Assets. Total assets were $891.7 million at September 30, 2013, a decrease of $51.0 million, or 5.4% from $942.7 million at December 31, 2012. The following table details the changes in the composition of our assets at September 30, 2013 from December 31, 2012.
 
Balance at
September 30, 2013
 
Increase/(Decrease) from December 31, 2012
 
Percent Increase/(Decrease)
 
(Dollars in thousands)
Cash on hand and in banks                                           
$
5,118

 
$
829

 
19.3
 %
Interest-bearing deposits                                           
17,486

 
(65,966
)
 
(79.0
)
Investments available-for-sale, at fair value
151,344

 
(918
)
 
(0.6
)
Loans receivable, net                                           
652,593

 
2,125

 
0.3

Premises and equipment, net
17,491

 
(582
)
 
(3.2
)
FHLB stock, at cost                                
7,083

 
(198
)
 
(2.7
)
Investment transactions receivable
4,982

 
4,982

 
100.0

Accrued interest receivable
3,650

 
166

 
4.8

Deferred tax assets, net
14,842

 
13,842

 
1,384.2

OREO
12,600

 
(4,747
)
 
(27.4
)
Prepaid expenses and other assets
4,471

 
(528
)
 
(10.6
)
Total assets                                
$
891,660

 
$
(50,995
)
 
(5.4
)%

Interest-bearing deposits decreased $66.0 million to $17.5 million at September 30, 2013, from $83.5 million at December 31, 2012. During the nine months ended September 30, 2013, excess liquidity was used primarily to fund maturing certificates of deposit and restructure our FHLB advances by prepaying $33.1 million with a weighted-average interest rate of 2.93% and contemporaneously borrowing a three year $34.0 million fixed-rate FHLB advance at a rate of 0.81%. In addition, during the nine months ended September 30, 2013, we repaid a $50.0 million maturing FHLB advance with an interest rate of 2.17% and borrowed $40.0 million in FHLB fixed-rate advances at an average rate of 79 basis points. Investments available-for-sale decreased $918,000, or 0.6% to $151.3 million at September 30, 2013, from $152.3 million at December 31, 2012. Net loans receivable increased $2.1 million to $652.6 million at September 30, 2013 from December 31, 2012. Loan originations for the nine months ended September 30, 2013 were $119.5 million, of which $37.0 million and $45.0 million were in one-to-four family residential and commercial real estate loans, respectively. Principal repayments for the loan portfolio during the nine months ended September 30, 2013 were $105.4 million and loans transferred to OREO were $6.4 million. OREO decreased $4.7 million, or 27.4% to $12.6 million at September 30, 2013, from $17.3 million at December 31, 2012 as we continue to sell our inventory of foreclosed real estate.

During the third quarter of 2013, we sold $15.0 million of low yielding, adjustable-rate, agency securities and purchased $14.7 million of fixed-rate investments and $6.6 million of adjustable-rate investments. These purchases included mortgage-backed securities, collateralized mortgage obligations ("CMOs") securities and a $1.5 million investment grade corporate bond offering higher yields than the securities sold during the quarter. The anticipated yields on the securities purchased during the quarter range from 0.93% to 3.15% as compared to the low current yields on the securities sold which ranged from 0.18% to 0.23%. These trades were based on management's assessment of the opportunities presented by the yield curve in effect at the time of the transactions, and the belief that the anticipated returns from holding longer term securities justified the additional interest rate risk. The investment portfolio activity during the first nine months of 2013 resulted in an increase of the effective duration of the portfolio to 1.67 years at September 30, 2013 as compared to 0.91 years at December 31, 2012.

As of September 30, 2013, the consolidated balance sheet included gross deferred tax assets of $18.9 million and a deferred tax asset valuation allowance of $1.6 million. Management anticipates utilizing $1.0 million of the remaining valuation allowance to offset our projected tax expense in the fourth quarter of 2013. The remaining $545,000 deferred tax asset valuation allowance which related to a capital loss carryforward will most likely not be recognized. The ultimate utilization of the remaining valuation allowance and realization of deferred tax assets is dependent upon the Company remaining profitable. Deferred tax liabilities totaled $2.4 million, resulting in a net deferred tax asset of $14.8 million at September 30, 2013.

Deposits. During the first nine months of 2013, deposits decreased $46.6 million to $619.2 million at September 30, 2013, compared to $665.8 million at December 31, 2012. Deposit accounts consisted of the following:

39


 
Balance at September 30, 2013
 
Increase/ (Decrease) from December 31, 2012
 
Percent Increase/(Decrease)
 
(Dollars in thousands)
Noninterest-bearing
$
9,455

 
$
3,301

 
53.6
 %
NOW
17,974

 
2,030

 
12.7

Statement savings
19,131

 
858

 
4.7

Money market
146,819

 
(14,900
)
 
(9.2
)
Certificates of deposit
425,814

 
(37,893
)
 
(8.2
)
 
$
619,193

 
$
(46,604
)
 
(7.0
)%
 
Money market and certificates of deposit accounts decreased $14.9 million and $37.9 million, respectively, during the first nine months of 2013 partially offset by increases of $3.3 million and $2.0 million in noninterest-bearing and NOW accounts for the same period. The decrease in certificates of deposit was primarily the result of our strategy to utilize our excess liquidity, mainly cash, to reduce higher-cost deposits by competing less aggressively on deposit interest rates. We believe customers who were more interest rate sensitive elected to withdraw their funds to invest in higher yielding investment products, which contributed to the decline in our deposit balances. Included in the certificates of deposit balance at September 30, 2013 was $10.7 million in public funds compared to $1.8 million in public funds at December 31, 2012. We did not have any brokered deposits at September 30, 2013 or December 31, 2012.

FHLB Advances. We use advances from the FHLB as an alternative funding source to manage funding costs, reduce interest rate risk and to leverage our balance sheet. Total FHLB advances at September 30, 2013 were $74.0 million, a decrease of $9.1 million from December 31, 2012. During the nine months ended September 30, 2013, we restructured our balance sheet by prepaying $33.1 million in FHLB advances with a weighted-average interest rate of 2.93% incurring a prepayment penalty of $679,000 which were replaced with a $34.0 million three year advance from the FHLB at 0.81%. In January 2013, a $50.0 million advance from the FHLB, with an interest rate of 2.17%, matured and was not renewed. In addition, during the second quarter of 2013, we borrowed $40.0 million in FHLB fixed-rate advances at an average interest rate of 0.79%, of which $20.0 million will mature in May 2016 and the remaining $20.0 million will mature in April 2017.

Stockholders’ Equity. Total stockholders’ equity decreased $1.5 million to $185.6 million at September 30, 2013 from approximately the same amount at December 31, 2012. The decrease was primarily the result of net income of $20.5 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2013 and $1.3 million related to share-based compensation and stock options exercises offset by $21.9 million related to the repurchase and retirement of common stock and a $2.3 million decline in accumulated other comprehensive income which includes the unrealized loss, net of taxes, on investments available-for-sale. During the period, we also paid $1.3 million in dividends to shareholders. The decline in accumulated other comprehensive income reflects the recent rise in long-term market interest rates that reduced the fair value of our investment portfolio.
 
Comparison of Operating Results for the Three and Nine Months Ended September 30, 2013 and 2012

General. Net income for the quarter ending September 30, 2013 was $2.6 million, an increase of $3.4 million from a net loss of $791,000 for the comparable quarter in the prior year. The increase in net income was due to a $534,000 increase in net interest income, a $700,000 reduction in the provision for loan losses and a $2.1 million decrease in noninterest expense. For the nine months ended September 30, 2013, net income was $20.5 million, an increase of $19.3 million as compared to net income of $1.2 million for the comparable period in 2012. The increase in net income for the nine months ended September 30, 2013, was the result of a federal tax benefit of $13.9 million due to the partial reversal of the deferred tax asset valuation allowance, a $757,000 increase in net interest income, a $3.0 million decrease in the provision for loan losses, a $339,000 decrease in noninterest income and a $3.1 million decrease in noninterest expense.

Net Interest Income. Net interest income for the quarter ended September 30, 2013 increased $534,000 to $7.7 million, as compared to $7.2 million for the same quarter in 2012. The increase was attributable to a $1.1 million decrease in interest expense partially offset by a $608,000 decrease in interest income. Average interest-earning assets decreased $100.1 million to $835.7 million for the three months ended September 30, 2013, from the same quarter in 2012 primarily due to a decrease in the average balance of our interest-bearing deposits of $102.0 million partially offset by an increase of $7.7 million in the average balance of investments available-for-sale. Average interest-bearing liabilities decreased $97.8 million to $688.9 million for the third quarter of 2013 compared to the third quarter of 2012, primarily due to declines in the average balance of our money market accounts, certificates of deposit and FHLB advances of $12.3 million, $80.9 million and $9.1 million, respectively. During the same period, our yield on interest-earning assets increased 23 basis points while our cost of funds decreased 45 basis points. Our

40


interest rate spread for the quarter ended September 30, 2013 increased 68 basis points to 3.52% compared to 2.84% for the third quarter of 2012. Our net interest margin for the third quarter of 2013 increased 63 basis points to 3.71% from 3.08% for the same quarter last year. The ratio of average interest-earning assets to average interest-bearing liabilities increased to 121.31% at September 30, 2013, from 118.96% at September 30, 2012, reflecting our efforts to convert nonearning assets to earning assets, resulting in a more efficient balance sheet.

Net interest income for the nine months ended September 30, 2013 increased $757,000 to $22.9 million, as compared to $22.2 million for the same period in 2012. The increase was attributable to a $3.7 million decrease in interest expense offset by a $2.9 million decrease in interest income. Average interest-earning assets decreased $122.3 million to $840.1 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2013 from the nine months ended September 30, 2012 primarily due to decreases in the average balance of our interest-bearing deposits and loan portfolio of $116.9 million and $16.8 million, respectively. Average interest-bearing liabilities decreased $130.3 million to $688.1 million for the first nine months of 2013 compared to the first nine months of 2012, primarily due to declines in the average balance of our money market accounts, certificates of deposit and FHLB advances which decreased $16.5 million, $91.0 million and $26.4 million, respectively. During the same period, our yield on interest-earning assets increased 18 basis points while our cost of funds decreased 42 basis points. Our interest rate spread for the nine months ended September 30, 2013 increased 60 basis points to 3.44% compared to 2.84% for the first nine months of 2012. Our net interest margin for the first nine months of 2013 increased 57 basis points to 3.64% from 3.07% for the same period in 2012.The following table sets forth the effects of changes in rates and volumes on our net interest income:
 
Three Months Ended September 30, 2013 Compared to September 30, 2012 Increase/(Decrease) Due to
 
Nine Months Ended September 30, 2013 Compared to September 30, 2012 Increase/(Decrease) Due to
 
Rate
 
Volume
 
Total
 
Rate
 
Volume
 
Total
 
(Dollars in thousands)
Interest-earning assets:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   Loan receivable, net
$
(461
)
 
$
(83
)
 
$
(544
)
 
$
(1,959
)
 
$
(752
)
 
$
(2,711
)
   Investments available-for-sale
(4
)
 
30

 
26

 
(131
)
 
140

 
9

   Interest-bearing deposits
(7
)
 
(85
)
 
(92
)
 
(7
)
 
(240
)
 
(247
)
   FHLB stock
2

 

 
2

 
2

 

 
2

Total net change in income on interest-earning assets
(470
)
 
(138
)
 
(608
)
 
(2,095
)
 
(852
)
 
(2,947
)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Interest-bearing liabilities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   NOW

 
1

 
1

 
3

 
3

 
6

   Statement savings
(2
)
 

 
(2
)
 
(5
)
 
1

 
(4
)
   Money market
(34
)
 
(9
)
 
(43
)
 
(100
)
 
(35
)
 
(135
)
   Certificates of deposit
(362
)
 
(368
)
 
(730
)
 
(1,266
)
 
(1,287
)
 
(2,553
)
   Advances from the FHLB
(311
)
 
(57
)
 
(368
)
 
(528
)
 
(490
)
 
(1,018
)
Total net change in expense on interest-bearing liabilities
(709
)
 
(433
)
 
(1,142
)
 
(1,896
)
 
(1,808
)
 
(3,704
)
Net change in net interest income
$
239

 
$
295

 
$
534

 
$
(199
)
 
$
956

 
$
757


Interest Income. Total interest income for the third quarter of 2013 decreased $608,000, or 6.0% to $9.5 million from $10.2 million, as compared to the third quarter of 2012.


41


The following table compares detailed average interest-earning asset balances, associated yields and resulting changes in interest and dividend income for the three months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012:
 
Three Months Ended September 30,
 
2013
 
2012
 
Increase/(Decrease) in Interest and Dividend Income
 
Average
Balance
 
Yield
 
Average
Balance
 
Yield
 
 
(Dollars in thousands)
Loans receivable, net                                           
$
646,174

 
5.57
%
 
$
651,744

 
5.85
%
 
$
(544
)
Investments available-for-sale
151,860

 
1.40

 
144,147

 
1.41

 
26

Interest-bearing deposits                                           
30,543

 
0.25

 
132,509

 
0.34

 
(92
)
FHLB stock                      
7,138

 
0.11

 
7,409

 

 
2

Total interest-earning assets                                                      
$
835,715

 
4.57
%
 
$
935,809

 
4.34
%
 
$
(608
)

Interest income from net loans receivable decreased $544,000 to $9.0 million during the third quarter of 2013, as compared to the same period in 2012. The reason for the decline was due to a 28 basis point decrease in the average loan yield from the comparable quarter in 2012, resulting in a $461,000 decrease in interest income and a $5.6 million decrease in the average loan balance to $646.2 million, resulting in an $83,000 decrease in interest income.

The following table compares detailed average interest-earning asset balances, associated yields and resulting changes in interest and dividend income for the nine months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012:
 
Nine Months Ended September 30,
 
2013
 
2012
 
Increase/(Decrease) in Interest and Dividend Income
 
Average
Balance
 
Yield
 
Average
Balance
 
Yield
 
 
(Dollars in thousands)
Loans receivable, net                                           
$
651,148

 
5.55
%
 
$
667,955

 
5.95
%
 
$
(2,711
)
Investments available-for-sale
151,231

 
1.42

 
139,613

 
1.53

 
9

Interest-bearing deposits                                           
30,533

 
0.25

 
147,455

 
0.28

 
(247
)
FHLB stock                      
7,206

 
0.04

 
7,412

 

 
2

Total interest-earning assets                                                      
$
840,118

 
4.57
%
 
$
962,435

 
4.39
%
 
$
(2,947
)

Out total interest income for the nine months ended September 30, 2013 decreased $2.9 million, or 9.3% to $28.8 million from $31.7 million as compared to the same period of 2012. Interest income from net loans receivable decreased $2.7 million to $27.1 million during the first nine months of 2013, as compared to the same period in 2012. The reason for the decline was due to a 40 basis point decrease in the average loan yield from the nine months of 2012, resulting in a $2.0 million decrease in interest income and a $16.8 million decrease in the average loan balance to $651.1 million, resulting in a $752,000 decrease in interest income.

Interest income on interest-bearing deposits decreased $247,000 during the nine months ended September 30, 2013 primarily due to a decrease of $116.9 million in the average balance of interest-bearing deposits compared to the same period in 2012. In 2013, interest income from investments available-for-sale was adversely impacted by increased prepayments on mortgage-backed securities resulting in increased amortization of the premiums paid for the said securities, resulting in lower yields during the nine months ended September 30, 2013 compared to the same period in 2012.

Interest Expense. Total interest expense for the three months ended September 30, 2013 was $1.8 million, a decrease of $1.1 million compared to $2.9 million for the three months ended September 30, 2012.


42


The following table details average balances, cost of funds and the resulting decrease in interest expense for the three months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012:
 
Three Months Ended September 30,
 
2013
 
2012
 
Increase/
(Decrease) in
Interest
Expense
 
Average
Balance
 
Cost
 
Average
Balance
 
Cost
 
 
(Dollars in thousands)
NOW                                
$
18,022

 
0.16
%
 
$
14,429

 
0.17
%
 
$
1

Statement savings                                                      
18,866

 
0.15

 
18,018

 
0.20

 
(2
)
Money market
145,650

 
0.19

 
157,952

 
0.28

 
(43
)
Certificates of deposit                                           
432,371

 
1.46

 
513,222

 
1.79

 
(730
)
Advances from the FHLB                                           
74,000

 
0.81

 
83,067

 
2.49

 
(368
)
Total interest-bearing liabilities                                                      
$
688,909

 
1.05
%
 
$
786,688

 
1.50
%
 
$
(1,142
)

Interest expense on our money market accounts decreased $43,000, primarily as a result of a decrease in the average cost of these funds of nine basis points, or $34,000, to 0.19% for the third quarter of 2013, compared to 0.28% for the same quarter in 2012. The average cost of our certificates of deposit decreased 33 basis points, or $362,000, as compared to the third quarter of 2012, due to maturing certificates repricing to lower rates. The decline in interest expense was also the result of an $80.9 million decrease in the average balance of certificates of deposit, as a number of certificates of deposit were not renewed at maturity, resulting in a $368,000 reduction of interest expense. Interest expense related to our FHLB advances decreased $368,000, primarily due to a 168 basis point decline in the rate paid for these advances to 0.81% for the third quarter of 2013, from 2.49% for same quarter in 2012 resulting from the refinance and prepayment of certain advances during the first quarter of 2013, as discussed above. As a result of this restructuring, the cost of FHLB advances declined by $311,000. In addition, the average balance of FHLB advances decreased to $74.0 million during the three months ended September 30, 2013, as compared to $83.1 million during the three months ended September 30, 2012, resulting in a $57,000 reduction in interest expense.

The following table details average balances, cost of funds and the resulting decrease in interest expense for the nine months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012.

 
Nine Months Ended September 30,
 
2013
 
2012
 
Increase/
(Decrease) in
Interest
Expense
 
Average
Balance
 
Cost
 
Average
Balance
 
Cost
 
 
(Dollars in thousands)
NOW                                
$
17,273

 
0.17
%
 
$
14,344

 
0.15
%
 
$
6

Statement savings                                                      
18,614

 
0.16

 
17,935

 
0.20

 
(4
)
Money market
150,449

 
0.20

 
166,984

 
0.29

 
(135
)
Certificates of deposit                                           
445,122

 
1.51

 
536,111

 
1.89

 
(2,553
)
Advances from the FHLB                                           
56,677

 
1.23

 
83,067

 
2.47

 
(1,018
)
Total interest-bearing liabilities                                                      
$
688,135

 
1.13
%
 
$
818,441

 
1.55
%
 
$
(3,704
)

Our total interest expense for the nine months ended September 30, 2013 decreased $3.7 million to $5.8 million, from $9.5 million for the same period in 2012. The average balance of our money market accounts decreased $16.5 million, which resulted in a decrease of $35,000 in interest expense, as compared to the same period last year. The average cost for the money market accounts decreased by nine basis points, further reducing interest expense $100,000 for the first nine months of 2013, as compared to the same period last year. The average cost of our certificates of deposit for the first nine months of 2013 decreased 38 basis points, compared to the first nine months of 2012, resulting in a decline in interest expense of $1.3 million. The decline in interest expense was also affected by a decrease in the average balance of certificates of deposit of $91.0 million, which resulted in a $1.3 million decline in interest expense. Interest expense related to advances from the FHLB decreased $1.0 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2013 from the same period in 2012 primarily due to a 124 basis point decline in the rate paid

43


for these advances to 1.23% for the nine months ended September 30, 2013, from 2.47% for the nine months ended September 30, 2012 resulting from the refinance and prepayment of certain advances during the nine months of 2013. Partially due to this restructuring, the cost of FHLB advances declined by $528,000. In addition, the average balance of FHLB advances decreased to $56.7 million during the nine months ended September 30, 2013, as compared to $83.1 million during the nine months ended September 30, 2012, resulting in a $490,000 reduction in interest expense.

Provision for Loan Losses. Management recognizes that loan losses may occur over the life of a loan and that the ALLL must be maintained at a level necessary to absorb specific losses on impaired loans and probable losses inherent in the loan portfolio. Our methodology for analyzing the ALLL consists of two components: general and specific allowances. The general allowance is determined by applying factors to our various groups of loans. Management considers factors such as charge-off history, the prevailing economy, borrower’s ability to repay, the regulatory environment, competition, geographic and loan type concentrations, policy and underwriting standards, nature and volume of the loan portfolio, managements’ experience level, our loan review and grading systems, the value of underlying collateral and the level of problem loans in assessing the ALLL. The specific allowance component is created when management believes that the collectability of a specific loan, has been impaired and a loss is probable. The specific reserves are computed using current appraisals, listed sales prices and other available information less costs to complete, if any, and costs to sell the property. This evaluation is inherently subjective as it requires estimates that are susceptible to significant revision as more information becomes available or as future events differ from predictions.

During the quarter ended September 30, 2013, management evaluated the adequacy of the ALLL and concluded that no provision was required for the third quarter of 2013, compared to a $700,000 provision for the same quarter in 2012. The following items were considered in evaluating the loan loss provision for the quarter ended September 30, 2013:

Delinquent loans, loans over 30 days past due, were $5.5 million at September 30, 2013, decreasing $15.4 million and $19.1 million from December 31, 2012 and September 30, 2012, respectively;

Nonperforming loans were $9.4 million at September 30, 2013 decreasing $13.3 million and $14.1 million from December 31, 2012 and September 30, 2012, respectively;

Nonperforming loans as a percent of total loans was 1.4% at September 30, 2013, compared to 3.4% at December 31, 2012 and 3.5% September 30, 2012, continuing the trend of improvement within the loan portfolio; and

The weighted-average historical loss factor, which is an element within the loss provision calculation, decreased over the prior three year period as charge-offs decreased.

The ALLL decreased $271,000 to $12.3 million at September 30, 2013 compared to $12.5 million at December 31, 2012, as a result of net charge-offs during the first nine months of $371,000. The ALLL represented 130.1% of nonperforming loans and 1.8% of total loans at September 30, 2013 compared to 55.1% and 1.9%, respectively, at December 31, 2012.

We believe that the ALLL as of September 30, 2013 was adequate to absorb the probable and inherent risks of loss in the loan portfolio at that date. While we believe the estimates and assumptions used in our determination of the adequacy of the allowance are reasonable, there can be no assurance that such estimates and assumptions will be proven incorrect in the future, that the actual amount of future provisions will not exceed the amount of past provisions or that any increased provisions that may be required will not adversely impact our financial condition and results of operations. Future additions to the allowance may become necessary based upon changing economic conditions, the level of problem loans, business conditions, credit concentrations, increased loan balances, or changes in the underlying collateral of the loan portfolio. In addition, the determination of the amount of our ALLL is subject to review by bank regulators as part of the routine examination process, which may result in the establishment of additional loss reserves or the charge-off of specific loans against established loss reserves based upon their judgment of information available to them at the time of their examination.

    

44


The following table presents a breakdown of our nonperforming assets and as a percent of total assets at the dates indicated:
 
September 30, 2013
 
December 31, 2012
 
September 30, 2012
 
Nine Month Increase/(Decrease)
 
One Year Increase/ (Decrease)
 
(In thousands)
Nonperforming loans:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   One-to-four family residential
$
3,003

 
$
6,248

 
$
8,447

 
$
(3,245
)
 
$
(5,444
)
   Multifamily
238

 
4,711

 
4,711

 
(4,473
)
 
(4,473
)
   Commercial real estate
1,204

 
6,274

 
2,287

 
(5,070
)
 
(1,083
)
   Construction/land development
4,328

 
4,767

 
7,997

 
(439
)
 
(3,669
)
   Consumer
662

 
759

 
141

 
(97
)
 
521

Total nonperforming loans
9,435

 
22,759

 
23,583

 
(13,324
)
 
(14,148
)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
OREO
12,600

 
17,347

 
19,209

 
(4,747
)
 
(6,609
)
Total nonperforming assets
$
22,035

 
$
40,106

 
$
42,792

 
$
(18,071
)
 
$
(20,757
)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Nonperforming assets as a percent of total assets
2.47
%
 
4.25
%
 
4.40
%
 
 
 
 

Nonperforming loans include loans to borrowers who are experiencing deteriorating financial conditions and there is doubt as to the ultimate recoverability of the full principal and interest due the Bank in accordance with the terms of the loan agreement. Nonperforming loans decreased $13.3 million to $9.4 million at September 30, 2013, from $22.8 million at December 31, 2012. This decrease was primarily the result of $1.1 million of loans classified as nonperforming during the nine months ended September 30, 2013, offset by $1.3 million in net charge-offs, $6.2 million in short sales and $6.4 million of loans transferred to OREO.

The three largest nonperforming loans in the loan portfolio at September 30, 2013 included a $3.9 million construction/land development loan secured by 34 acres for a 251-unit residential development located in Whatcom County. The project consists of 77 detached condominium lots (single-family residences) and vacant land for 174 attached units (multifamily). The second largest nonperforming loan consisted of a $1.1 million commercial real estate loan secured by a retail/office building in Pierce Country. The third largest nonperforming loan was a $612,000 consumer loan secured by a single family residence located in King County.

Nonperforming assets continued to decrease during the quarter ended September 30, 2013. Nonperforming assets decreased $18.1 million to $22.0 million at September 30, 2013 from $40.1 million at December 31, 2012.

    

45


The following table presents a breakdown of our TDRs:
 
September 30, 2013
 
December 31, 2012
 
September 30, 2012
 
Nine Month Increase/ (Decrease)
 
One Year Increase/ (Decrease)
 
(In thousands)
Nonperforming TDRs:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   One-to-four family residential
$
783

 
$
3,422

 
$
3,907

 
$
(2,639
)
 
$
(3,124
)
   Multifamily

 
1,058

 
1,058

 
(1,058
)
 
(1,058
)
   Consumer
45

 
48

 
48

 
(3
)
 
(3
)
Total nonperforming TDRs
828

 
4,528

 
5,013

 
(3,700
)
 
(4,185
)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Performing TDRs:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   One-to-four family residential
48,512

 
52,644

 
52,467

 
(4,132
)
 
(3,955
)
   Multifamily
2,218

 
1,239

 
1,243

 
979

 
975

   Commercial real estate
12,158

 
11,965

 
11,058

 
193

 
1,100

Total performing TDRs
62,888

 
65,848

 
64,768

 
(2,960
)
 
(1,880
)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Total TDRs
$
63,716

 
$
70,376

 
$
69,781

 
$
(6,660
)
 
$
(6,065
)

Our TDRs decreased $6.7 million, or 9.5% to $63.7 million at September 30, 2013, compared to $70.4 million at December 31, 2012 and decreased $6.1 million, or 8.7% as compared to $69.8 million at September 30, 2012. During the first nine months of 2013, we added $1.3 million of new TDRs and transferred $1.9 million of nonperforming TDRs to OREO, while $3.4 million of TDRs were sold, $1.8 million of TDRs were paid off and $884,000 in principal payments were received.

As we work with our borrowers to help them through this difficult economic cycle, we explore all options available to minimize our risk of loss. At times, the best option for our customers and the Bank is to modify the loan for a period of time, usually one year or less. These modifications have included lowering the interest rate on the loan for a period of time and/or extending the maturity date of the loan or allowing interest only payments for a specific time frame. These modifications are granted only when there is a reasonable and attainable restructured loan plan that has been agreed to by the borrower and is in the Bank's best interest. Of the $63.7 million in TDRs at September 30, 2013, $62.9 million were performing and $828,000 were not performing according to their restructured payment terms.

The largest TDR relationship at September 30, 2013 totaled $13.3 million and was comprised of one-to-four family residential rental properties located in King, Kitsap, Pierce and Thurston counties. At September 30, 2013, there was no LIP in connection with these restructured and impaired loans.

OREO includes properties acquired by the Bank through foreclosure or deed in lieu of foreclosure. The following table presents a breakdown of our OREO by county and number of properties at September 30, 2013.
 
County
 
Total
 
Number of Properties
 
Percent of Total OREO
 
King
 
Pierce
 
Kitsap
 
All Other
 
 
 
 
(Dollars in thousands)
OREO:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   One-to-four family residential
$
1,077

 
$
719

 
$

 
$

 
$
1,796

 
10
 
14.3
%
   Commercial real estate (1)
546

 
7,870

 
920

 
912

 
10,248

 
13
 
81.3

   Construction/land development

 
223

 

 
333

 
556

 
2
 
4.4

Total OREO
$
1,623

 
$
8,812

 
$
920

 
$
1,245

 
$
12,600

 
25

 
100.0
%
_________
(1) Of the 13 properties classified as commercial real estate, eight are office/retail buildings, two are mixed-use buildings
and three are undeveloped lots.

    

46


The following table presents a breakdown of our OREO activity:
 
Three Months Ended September 30,
 
Nine Months Ended September 30,
 
2013
 
2012
 
2013
 
2012
 
(In thousands)
 
 
 
 
Balance at beginning of
period
$
14,226

 
$
22,206

 
$
17,347

 
$
26,044

   Loans transferred to OREO
1,047

 
1,501

 
6,416

 
9,523

   Capitalized (reimbursed) improvements
(5
)
 
(16
)
 
33

 
(16
)
   Dispositions of OREO, net
(2,533
)
 
(3,325
)
 
(10,840
)
 
(14,640
)
   Market value adjustments
(135
)
 
(1,157
)
 
(356
)
 
(1,702
)
Balance at end of period
$
12,600

 
$
19,209

 
$
12,600

 
$
19,209


OREO decreased $6.6 million, or 34.4% during the third quarter ended September 30, 2013 compared to the same period of 2012 to $12.6 million, as sales and write-downs of OREO exceeded transfers of loans into OREO. We sold $2.5 million of OREO during the third quarter of 2013, which was comprised of nine properties and generated a net gain on sale of $35,000. OREO at September 30, 2013 consisted of $10.2 million in commercial real estate properties, $1.8 million in one-to-four family residential homes and $556.000 in construction/land development projects.

The three largest OREO properties at September 30, 2013 were office/retail buildings valued at $3.4 million and $1.1 million, both located in Pierce County, and a land development project approved for 105 one-to-four family residential lots valued at $920,000 located in Kitsap County.

We continue to focus our efforts on converting nonperforming loans to OREO through foreclosure or deeds in lieu of foreclosure and selling the properties. By taking ownership of these properties, we can convert nonearning assets into earning assets on a more timely basis. Our success in this area is reflected by the improved ratio of our average interest-earning assets to average interest-bearing liabilities of 122.1% at September 30, 2013 compared to 118.1% and 117.6% at December 31, 2012 and September 30, 2012, respectively.

The following table summarizes selected financial data related to our ALLL and loan portfolio. All loan balances and ratios are calculated using loan balances that are net of LIP.
 
At or For the Nine Months Ended September 30,
 
2013
 
2012
 
(Dollars in thousands)
Provision for loan losses
$
100

 
$
3,050

Charge-offs
1,263

 
7,389

Recoveries
892

 
1,948

ALLL
12,271

 
14,168

ALLL as a percent of total loans
1.84
%
 
2.13
%
ALLL as a percent of nonperforming loans
130.06
%
 
60.08
%
Total nonperforming loans
$
9,435

 
$
23,583

Nonperforming loans as a percent of total loans
1.41
%
 
3.54
%
Total loans receivable
$
667,311

 
$
666,290

Total loans originated
119,499

 
64,607


47



Noninterest Income. Noninterest income decreased $13,000 to $120,000 for the quarter ended September 30, 2013 from $107,000 for the same quarter in 2012. The following table provides a detailed analysis of the changes in the components of noninterest income:
 
Three Months Ended September 30, 2013
 
Increase/(Decrease) from September 30, 2012
 
Percent
Increase/(Decrease)
 
(Dollars in thousands)
Service fees on deposit accounts
$
18

 
$

 
 %
Loan service fees                                
33

 
(3
)
 
(8.3
)
Loss on sale of investments
(39
)
 
(39
)
 
N/A

Servicing rights, net                                
(7
)
 
5

 
(41.7
)
Other           
115

 
50

 
76.9

Total noninterest income                                           
$
120

 
$
13

 
12.1
 %

We recorded $39,000 in losses on sales of investments during the quarter ended September 30, 2013 as compared to no gains on sales of investments during the third quarter of 2012. During the third quarter of 2013, we sold $15.0 million of low yielding, adjustable-rate agency securities and purchased $14.7 million in higher yielding, fixed-rate securities and $6.6 million of higher yielding, adjustable-rate investments.

The following table provides a detailed analysis of the changes in the components of noninterest income for the nine months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012:
 
Nine Months Ended September 30, 2013
 
Increase/(Decrease) from September 30, 2012
 
Percent
Increase/(Decrease)
 
(Dollars in thousands)
Service fees on deposit accounts
$
67

 
$
2

 
3.1
 %
Loan service fees                                
137

 
(93
)
 
(40.4
)
Loss on sale of investments
(38
)
 
(326
)
 
(113.2
)
Servicing rights, net                                
(15
)
 
19

 
(55.9
)
Other           
228

 
59

 
34.9

Total noninterest income                                           
$
379

 
$
(339
)
 
(47.2
)%
    
The decrease in noninterest income for the nine months ended September 30, 2013 from the comparable period in 2012 was principally the result of net loss on sales of investments during the first nine months of 2013 of $38,000 as compared to net gains of $288,000 on the sales of investments of $22.9 million during the same period in 2012. During the first nine months of 2013, the sales of securities included low yielding, adjustable-rate agency securities resulting in a $38,000 net loss as compared to the higher-yielding securities sold during the first nine months of 2012 which resulted in a $288,000 net gain on sale.

Noninterest Expense. Noninterest expense decreased $2.1 million to $5.4 million for the third quarter of 2013 from $7.5 million for the comparable quarter in 2012. For the nine months ended September 30, 2013, noninterest expense decreased $3.1 million to $16.6 million from $19.6 million for the same period in 2012.

48



The following table provides a detailed analysis of the changes in the components of noninterest expense:
 
Three Months Ended September 30, 2013
 
Increase/(Decrease) from September 30, 2012
 
Percent
Increase/(Decrease)
 
(Dollars in thousands)
Salaries and employee benefits
$
3,822

 
$
142

 
3.9
 %
Occupancy and equipment                                           
339

 
(52
)
 
(13.3
)
Professional fees                                
452

 
(8
)
 
(1.7
)
Data processing                                
175

 
1

 
0.6

Gain on sales of OREO property, net                                
(35
)
 
43

 
(55.1
)
OREO market value adjustments
135

 
(1,022
)
 
(88.3
)
OREO-related expenses, net
23

 
(463
)
 
(95.3
)
Regulatory assessments
172

 
(126
)
 
(42.3
)
Insurance and bond premiums                                           
109

 
9

 
9.0

Proxy contest and related litigation
1

 
(263
)
 
(99.6
)
Marketing
29

 
(39
)
 
(57.4
)
Other general and administrative
166

 
(291
)
 
(63.7
)
Total noninterest expense                                           
$
5,388

 
$
(2,069
)
 
(27.7
)%

The decrease in noninterest expense for the third quarter of 2013, compared to the same period in 2012, was primarily a result of a $1.4 million decrease in net OREO-related expenses largely due to decreases in taxes and in market value adjustment, a $263,000 decrease in proxy contest and related litigation expenses, and a $126,000 decrease in our regulatory assessments. These decreases were partially offset by an increase of $142,000 in salaries and benefits in part due to one-time compensation expenses relating to the previously reported departure of three named executive officers.
 
Nine Months Ended September 30, 2013
 
Increase/(Decrease) from September 30, 2012
 
Percent
Increase/(Decrease)
 
(Dollars in thousands)
Salaries and employee benefits
$
11,191

 
$
633

 
6.0
 %
Occupancy and equipment                                           
1,038

 
(153
)
 
(12.8
)
Professional fees                                
1,195

 
(206
)
 
(14.7
)
Data processing                                
513

 
(27
)
 
(5.0
)
Gain on sales of OREO property, net                                
(1,050
)
 
(623
)
 
145.9

OREO market value adjustments
356

 
(1,346
)
 
(79.1
)
OREO-related expenses, net
508

 
(913
)
 
(64.3
)
Regulatory assessments
549

 
(160
)
 
(22.6
)
Insurance and bond premiums                                           
344

 
44

 
14.7

Proxy contest and related litigation
106

 
(762
)
 
(87.8
)
Marketing
89

 
(92
)
 
(50.8
)
Prepayment penalty on FHLB advances
679

 
679

 
N/A

Other general and administrative
1,054

 
(149
)
 
(12.4
)
Total noninterest expense                                           
$
16,572

 
$
(3,075
)
 
(15.7
)%
The decrease in noninterest expense for the nine months ended September 30, 2013 compared to the same period in 2012 was primarily due to a decrease in net OREO-related expenses of $2.9 million largely due to decreases in taxes, and in the market value adjustment, and a $762,000 decrease in proxy contest and related litigation expenses, partially offset by a FHLB prepayment penalty of $679,000 and an increase in salaries and employee benefits of $633,000 due in part to one-time compensation expenses relating to the previously reported departure of three named executive officers.


49


Federal Income Tax Expense. Our normal expected statutory income tax rate is 35%. However, during the second quarter of 2010, we evaluated our net deferred tax asset and determined it was prudent to establish a valuation allowance against the entire asset. During the second quarter of 2013, we determined that maintaining the full valuation allowance was no longer appropriate and reversed most of the valuation allowance. Reversing the valuation allowance resulted in a tax benefit of $13.9 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2013. Management currently anticipates utilizing $1.0 million of the remaining valuation allowance to offset it projected tax expense in the fourth quarter of 2013. While the full valuation allowance remained in effect, we did not recognize any significant tax expense or benefit in our Consolidated Financial Statements. Beginning with the first quarter of 2014, we expect to recognize income tax expense based upon the statutory rate noted above. For more discussion on our deferred tax asset and related valuation allowance, please refer to Note 10 in the Selected Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements in this report on Form 10-Q.

Liquidity

We are required to have enough cash flow in order to maintain sufficient liquidity to ensure a safe and sound operation. We maintain cash flows above the minimum level believed to be adequate to meet the requirements of normal operations, including potential deposit outflows. On a daily basis, we review and update cash flow projections to ensure that adequate liquidity is maintained.

Our primary sources of funds are customer deposits, loan and investment repayments, maturing investment securities and advances from the FHLB. These funds, together with equity, are used to make loans, acquire investment securities and other assets, and fund continuing operations. At September 30, 2013, certificates of deposit scheduled to mature in one year or less totaled $227.8 million. Management's policy is to maintain deposit rates at levels that are competitive with other local financial institutions. Historically, we have been able to retain a significant amount of the deposits as they mature. While maturities and the scheduled amortization of loans are a predictable source of funds, deposit flows and mortgage prepayments are greatly influenced by the level of interest rates, economic conditions and competition. We measure our liquidity based on our ability to fund our assets and to meet liability obligations when they come due. Liquidity (and funding) risk occurs when funds cannot be raised at reasonable prices or in a reasonable time frame to meet our normal or unanticipated obligations. We regularly monitor the mix between our assets and our liabilities to manage effectively our liquidity and funding requirements.

When deposits are not readily available and/or cost effective to provide the funds for our assets, we use alternative funding sources. These sources include, but are not limited to: advances from the FHLB, wholesale funding, brokered deposits, federal funds purchased and dealer repurchase agreements, as well as other short-term alternatives. These funding sources are generally collateral dependent. We may also liquidate assets to meet our funding needs. At September 30, 2013, the Bank maintained credit facilities with the FHLB totaling $223.5 million with an outstanding balance of $74.0 million. At September 30, 2013, we also had available a $10.0 million credit facility with another financial institution, with no balance outstanding. For additional information, see the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flow in Item 1 of this Form 10-Q.

On a monthly basis, we estimate our liquidity sources and needs for the next six months. Also, we determine funding concentrations and our need for sources of funds other than deposits. This information is used by our Asset/Liability Management Committee in forecasting funding needs and investing opportunities. We believe that our current liquidity position and our expected operating results are sufficient to fund all of our existing commitments

Commitments and Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements

We are a party to 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 and the unused portions of lines of credit. These instruments involve, to varying degrees, elements of credit and interest rate risk in excess of the amount recognized in the consolidated financial statements. Commitments to extend credit and lines of credit are not recorded as an asset or liability by us until the instrument is exercised. At September 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012, we had no commitments to originate loans for sale.

Commitments to extend credit are agreements to lend to a customer as long as there is no violation of any condition established in the loan agreement. Commitments generally have fixed expiration dates or other termination clauses and may require payment of a fee. Since many of the commitments are expected to expire without being drawn upon, the total commitment amounts do not necessarily represent future cash requirements. We evaluate each customer's creditworthiness on a case-by-case basis. The amount of the collateral obtained, if deemed necessary by us upon extension of credit, is based on our credit evaluation of the customer. The amount and type of collateral required varies, but may include real estate and income-producing commercial properties.


50


The following table summarizes our outstanding commitments to originate loans, to advance additional amounts pursuant to outstanding lines of credit and to disburse funds related to our construction loans at September 30, 2013.
 
 
 
Amount of Commitment Expiration - Per Period
 
Total Amounts Committed
 
Through One Year
 
After One Through Three Years
 
After Three Through Five Years
 
After Five Years
 
(In thousands)
Commitments to originate loans                                                      
$
3,898

 
$
3,898

 
$

 
$

 
$

Unused portion of lines of credit                                                      
13,594

 
3,073

 
571

 
6,649

 
3,301

Undisbursed portion of construction loans
11,355

 
8,463

 
2,892

 

 

Total commitments
$
28,847

 
$
15,434

 
$
3,463

 
$
6,649

 
$
3,301


First Financial Northwest and its subsidiaries from time to time are involved in various claims and legal actions arising in the ordinary course of business. There are currently no matters that in the opinion of management, would have a material adverse effect on First Financial Northwest’s consolidated financial position, results of operation or liquidity.

Among our contingent liabilities are exposures to limited recourse arrangements with respect to sales of whole loans and participation interests.

We anticipate that we will continue to have sufficient funds and alternative funding sources to meet our current commitments.

Capital

At September 30, 2013, stockholders' equity totaled $185.6 million, or 20.8% of total assets. Our book value per share of common stock was $11.05 at September 30, 2013 compared to $9.95 at December 31, 2012. Consistent with our goal to operate a sound and profitable financial organization, we actively seek to maintain a “well-capitalized” institution in accordance with regulatory standards. As of September 30, 2013, the Bank exceeded all regulatory capital requirements. Regulatory capital ratios for the Bank only were as follows at September 30, 2013: Tier 1 leverage capital 18.51%; Tier 1 risk-based capital 26.88%; and Total risk-based capital 28.14%. The regulatory capital requirements to be considered well capitalized are 5%, 6% and 10%, respectively. The Bank met the financial ratios for “well-capitalized” status at September 30, 2013.

Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk

General. Our Board of Directors has approved an asset/liability management policy to guide management in maximizing interest rate spread by managing the differences in terms between interest-earning assets and interest-bearing liabilities while maintaining acceptable levels of liquidity, capital adequacy, interest rate sensitivity, credit risk and profitability. The policy established an Investment and Asset/Liability Management Committee comprised of certain members of senior management and the Board of Directors. The Committee's purpose is to communicate, coordinate and manage our asset/liability position consistent with our business plan and Board-approved policies. The Investment and Asset/Liability Management Committee meets quarterly to review various areas including:
economic conditions;
interest rate outlook;
asset/liability mix;
interest rate risk sensitivity;
current market opportunities to promote specific products;
historical financial results;
projected financial results; and
capital position.

The Committee also reviews current and projected liquidity needs. As part of its procedures, the Investment and Asset/Liability Management Committee regularly reviews interest rate risk by forecasting the impact that changes in interest rates may have on net interest income and the market value of portfolio equity, which is defined as the net present value of an institution's existing assets, liabilities and off-balance sheet instruments and evaluating such impacts against the maximum potential change in the market value of portfolio equity that is authorized by the Board of Directors.

51



Our Risk When Interest Rates Change. The rates of interest we earn on assets and pay on liabilities generally are established contractually for a period of time. Market interest rates change over time. Our loans generally have longer maturities than our deposits. Accordingly, our results of operations, like those of other financial institutions, are impacted by changes in interest rates and the interest rate sensitivity of our assets and liabilities. The risk associated with changes in interest rates and our ability to adapt to these changes is known as interest rate risk and is our most significant market risk.

We have utilized the following strategies in our efforts to manage interest rate risk:
we have attempted, where possible, to extend the maturities of our deposits and FHLB advances, which typically fund our long-term assets;
we have invested in securities with relatively short average lives, generally less than eight years; and
we have added adjustable-rate securities to our investment portfolio.

How We Measure the Risk of Interest Rate Changes. We monitor our interest rate sensitivity on a quarterly basis to measure the change in net interest income as a percentage of net income in varying rate environments. Management uses various assumptions to evaluate the sensitivity of our operations to changes in interest rates. Although management believes these assumptions are reasonable, the interest rate sensitivity of our assets and liabilities on net interest income and the market value of portfolio equity could vary substantially if different assumptions were used or actual experience differs from these assumptions. Although certain assets and liabilities may have similar maturities or periods of repricing, they may react differently to changes in market interest rates. The interest rates on certain types of assets and liabilities may fluctuate in advance of changes in market interest rates, while interest rates on other types of assets and liabilities lag behind changes in market interest rates. Non-uniform changes and fluctuations in market interest rates across various maturities will also affect the results presented. In addition, certain assets, such as adjustable-rate mortgage loans, have features which restrict changes in interest rates on a short-term basis and over the life of the asset. Further, a portion of our adjustable-rate loans have interest rate floors below which the loan's contractual interest rate may not adjust. Approximately 23.7% of our total loans were comprised of adjustable-rate loans at September 30, 2013. At that date, $75.8 million, or 47.1% of these loans with a weighted-average interest rate of 4.6% were at their floor interest rate. The inability of our loans to adjust downward can contribute to increased income in periods of declining interest rates. Also, when loans are at their floors, there is a further risk that our interest income may not increase as rapidly as our cost of funds during periods of increasing interest rates. Further, in the event of a significant change in interest rates, prepayment and early withdrawal levels would likely deviate from those assumed. Finally, the ability of many borrowers to service their debt may decrease in the event of an interest rate increase. We consider all these factors in monitoring our interest rate exposure.

The assumptions we use are based upon a combination of proprietary and market data that reflect historical results and current market conditions. These assumptions relate to interest rates, loan prepayments, deposit decay rates and the market value of certain assets under the various interest rate scenarios. We use market data to determine prepayments and maturities of loans, investments and borrowings and use our own assumptions on deposit decay rates except for time deposits. Time deposits are modeled to reprice to market rates upon their stated maturities. We also assume that non-maturity deposits can be maintained with rate adjustments not directly proportionate to the change in market interest rates, based upon our historical deposit decay rates.

The following table illustrates the change in our net interest income at September 30, 2013 that would occur in the event of an immediate change in interest rates equally across all maturities, with no effect given to any steps that we might take to counter the effect of that interest rate movement.
Net Interest Income Change at September 30, 2013
Basis Point Change in Rates
 
Net Interest Income
 
% Change
+300
 
29,294
 
(4.48)%
+200
 
29,882
 
(2.57)
+100
 
30,437
 
(0.76)
 Base
 
30,669
 
(100)
 
29,672
 
(3.25)%

The following table illustrates the change in our net portfolio value (“NPV”) at September 30, 2013 that would occur in the event of an immediate change in interest rates equally across all maturities, with no effect given to any steps that we might take to counter the effect of that interest rate movement.

52


Basis Point
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net Portfolio as % of
 
Market
Change in
 
Net Portfolio Value (2)
 
Portfolio Value of Assets
 
Value of
Rates (1)
 
Amount
 
$ Change (3)
 
% Change
 
NPV Ratio (4)
 
% Change (5)
 
Assets (6)
 
 
(Dollars in thousands)
+300

 
$
146,337

 
$
(49,839
)
 
(25.40
)%
 
17.67
%
 
(5.49
)%
 
$
828,145

+200

 
162,869

 
(33,307
)
 
(17.00
)
 
19.06

 
(3.67
)
 
854,327

+100

 
180,745

 
(15,431
)
 
(7.90
)
 
20.49

 
(1.70
)
 
882,252

 Base

 
196,176

 

 

 
21.60

 

 
908,157

(100
)
 
203,541

 
7,365

 
3.80

 
21.97

 
0.81

 
926,355

_____________ 
(1) The current federal funds rate is 0.25%, making a 200 and 300 basis point drop impossible.
(2) The net portfolio value is the difference between the present value of the discounted cash flows of assets and liabilities and represents the market value of the Company's equity for any given interest rate scenario. Net portfolio value is useful for determining, on a market value basis, how equity changes in response to various interest rate scenarios. Large changes in net portfolio value reflect increased interest rate sensitivity and generally more volatile earnings streams.
(3) The increase or decrease in the estimated net portfolio value at the indicated interest rates compared to the net portfolio value assuming no change in interest rates.
(4) Net portfolio value divided by the market value of assets.
(5) The increase or decrease in the net portfolio value divided by the market value of assets.
(6) The market value of assets represents the value of assets under the various interest rate scenarios and reflects the sensitivity of those assets to interest rate changes.

The net interest income and net portfolio value tables presented above are predicated upon a stable balance sheet with no growth or change in asset or liability mix. In addition, the net portfolio value is based upon the present value of discounted cash flows using our estimates of current replacement rates to discount the cash flows. The effects of changes in interest rates in the net interest income table are based upon a cash flow simulation of our existing assets and liabilities and assuming that delinquency rates would not change as a result of changes in interest rates, although there can be no assurance that this will be the case. Delinquency rates may change when interest rates change as a result of changes in the loan portfolio mix, underwriting conditions, loan terms or changes in economic conditions that have a delayed effect on the portfolio. Even if interest rates change in the designated amounts, there can be no assurance that our assets and liabilities would perform as set forth above. Also, a change in U.S. Treasury rates in the designated amounts accompanied by a change in the shape of the Treasury yield curve would cause changes to the net portfolio value and net interest income other than those indicated above.

At September 30, 2013, we did not have any derivative financial instruments or trading accounts for any class of financial instruments, nor have we engaged in hedging activities or purchased off-balance sheet derivative instruments. Interest rate risk continues to be one of our primary risks as other types of risks, such as foreign currency exchange risk and commodity pricing risk do not arise in the normal course of our business activities and operations.

Item 4. Controls and Procedures

The management of First Financial Northwest, Inc. is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting, as such term is defined in Rule 13a-15(f) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (“Exchange Act”). A control procedure, no matter how well conceived and operated, can provide only reasonable, not absolute, assurance that its objectives are met. Also, because of the inherent limitations in all control procedures, no evaluation of controls can provide absolute assurance that all control issues and instances of fraud, if any, within the Company have been detected. Additionally, in designing disclosure controls and procedures, our management was required to apply its judgment in evaluating the cost-benefit relationship of possible disclosure controls and procedures. The design of any disclosure controls and procedures is also based in part upon certain assumptions about the likelihood of future events, and there can be no assurance that any design will succeed in achieving its stated goals under all potential future conditions. As a result of these inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Further, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.

(a)
Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures: An evaluation of our disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rule 13a-15(e) of the Exchange Act) was carried out under the supervision and with the participation of

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our Chief Executive Officer, Chief Financial Officer (Principal Financial and Accounting Officer) and several other members of our senior management as of the end of the period covered by this report. Our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer concluded that, as of September 30, 2013, our disclosure controls and procedures were effective in ensuring that the information required to be disclosed by us in the reports we file or submit under the Exchange Act is (i) accumulated and communicated to our management (including the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer) in a timely manner and (ii) recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the SEC's rules and forms.

(b)
Changes in Internal Controls: In the quarter ended September 30, 2013, there was no change in our internal control over financial reporting that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.
PART II
Item 1. Legal Proceedings

From time to time, we are engaged in various legal proceedings in the ordinary course of business, none of which are currently considered to have a material impact on our financial position or results of operations.

Item 1A. Risk Factors

There have been no material changes to the risk factors previously disclosed in Part I, Item 1A of our 2012 Form 10-K.

Item 2. Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds

The following table summarizes First Financial Northwest's common stock repurchases during the three months ended September 30, 2013:
Period
 
Total Number of Shares Purchased
 
Average Price Paid per Share
 
Total Number of Shares Repurchased as Part of Publicly Announced Plan
 
Maximum Number of Shares that May Yet Be Repurchased Under the Plan
July 1, 2013 - July 31, 2013
 

 
$

 

 
225,970

August 1, 2013 - August 31, 2013 (1)
 
225,200

 
10.71

 
225,200

 
848,271

September 1, 2013 - September 30, 2013
 
276,620

 
10.70

 
276,620

 
571,651

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Total shares repurchased as of
    September 30, 2013
 
501,820

 
$
10.71

 
501,820

 
571,651


(1) The May 2013 stock repurchase program which authorized 1,880,517 shares was completed in August 2013. On August 21, 2013, the Company announced a new stock repurchase plan to repurchase up to 848,271 shares. The shares may be purchased in the open market or in privately negotiated transactions from time to time over a 90 day period, depending upon market conditions and other factors. As of September 30, 2013, 276,620 shares were purchased under the August 2013 stock repurchase plan.

During the quarter ended September 30, 2013, the Company purchased 501,820 shares of the Company's common stock at an average cost of $10.71 per share. For the nine months ended September 30, 2013, the Company purchased 2,156,367 shares of the Company's common stock at an average cost of $10.14 per share. The Company did not sell any securities that were not registered under the Securities Act of 1933 during the nine months ended September 30, 2013.

Item 3. Defaults Upon Senior Securities

Not applicable.

Item 4. Mine Safety Disclosures

Not applicable.


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Item 5. Other Information

Not applicable.

Item 6. Exhibits and Financial Statement Schedules
 
(a)       Exhibits
3.1
 
Articles of Incorporation of First Financial Northwest (1)
3.2
 
Amended and Restated Bylaws of First Financial Northwest (2)
4.0
 
Form of stock certificate of First Financial Northwest (1)
10.1
 
Form of Employment Agreement for the President and Chief Executive Officer (1)
10.1
 
Form of Employment Agreement for the President and Chief Executive Officer of First Savings Bank Northwest (1)
10.2
 
Form of Change in Control Severance Agreement for Executive Officers (1)
10.3
 
Form of First Savings Bank Employee Severance Compensation Plan (1)
10.4
 
Form of Supplemental Executive Retirement Agreement entered into by First Savings Bank with Victor Karpiak,
 
 
   Harry A. Blencoe, Robert H. Gagnier and Joseph W. Kiley III (1)
10.5
 
Form of Financial Institutions Retirement Fund (1)
10.6
 
Form of 401(k) Retirement Plan (2)
10.7
 
2008 Equity Incentive Plan (3)
10.8
 
Forms of incentive and non-qualified stock option award agreements (4)
10.9
 
Form of restricted stock award agreement (4)
10.10
 
Settlement Agreement and Mutual Release with the Stilwell Group (6)
10.11
 
Transition Agreement Modification Agreement for Victor Karpiak (6)
10.12
 
Amendment No. 1 to the Settlement and Mutual Release Agreement with the Stilwell Group (7)
10.13
 
Amendment No. 2 to the Settlement and Mutual Release Agreement with the Stilwell Group (8)
10.14
 
Amendment No. 3 to the Settlement and Mutual Release Agreement with the Stilwell Group  (9)
10.15
 
Offer Letter, dated June 27, 2013, between First Savings Bank Northwest and Richard P. Jacobson. (10)
10.16
 
First Separation Agreement and General Release between Kari Stenslie and First Savings Bank Northwest (11)
10.17
 
Form of Second Separation Agreement and General Release between Kari Stenslie and First Savings Bank
   Northwest (11)
10.18
 
First Separation Agreement and General Release between Roger Elmore and First Savings Bank Northwest (11)
10.19
 
Form of Second Separation Agreement and General Release between Roger Elmore and First Savings Bank
   Northwest (11)
10.20
 
Separation Agreement between Victor Karpiak, First Financial Northwest and Affiliates (12)
31.1
 
Certification of Chief Executive Officer Pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act
31.2
 
Certification of Chief Financial Officer Pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act
32.1
 
Certification of Chief Executive Officer Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act 
32.2
 
Certification of Chief Financial Officer Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act
101.0
 
The following materials from First Financial Northwest’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2013, formatted in Extensible Business Reporting Language (XBRL): (1) Consolidated Balance Sheets; (2) Consolidated Income Statements; (3) Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income; (4) Consolidated Statements of Stockholders' Equity; (5) Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows; and (6) Selected Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.*
*Pursuant to Rule 406T of Regulation S-T, these interactive data files are deemed not filed or part of a registration statement or prospectus for purposes of Sections 11 or 12 of the Securities Act of 1933 or Section 18 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and otherwise are not subject to liability under those sections.
 _____________
(1) 
Filed as an exhibit to First Financial Northwest’s Current Report on Form 8-K dated March 22, 2012.
(2) 
Filed as an exhibit to First Financial Northwest’s Current Report on Form 8-K dated March 21, 2013.
(3) 
Filed as Appendix A to First Financial Northwest’s definitive proxy statement dated April 15, 2008.
(4) 
Filed as an exhibit to First Financial Northwest’s Current Report on Form 8-K dated March 22, 2012.

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(5) 
Filed as an exhibit to First Financial Northwest’s Current Report on Form 8-K dated April 2, 2012.
(6) 
Filed as an exhibit to First Financial Northwest’s Current Report on Form 8-K dated December 20, 2012.
(7) 
Filed as an exhibit to First Financial Northwest’s Current Report on Form 8-K dated January 17, 2013.
(8) 
Filed as an exhibit to First Financial Northwest's Current Report on Form 8-K dated February 26, 2013.
(9) 
Filed as an exhibit to First Financial Northwest's Current Report on Form 8-K dated May 17, 2013.
(10) 
Filed as an exhibit to First Financial Northwest's Current Report on Form 8-K dated July 9, 2013.
(11) 
Filed as an exhibit to First Financial Northwest's Current Report on Form 8-K dated August 9, 2013.
(12) 
Filed as an exhibit to First Financial Northwest's Current Report on Form 8-K dated August 23, 2013.

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SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.
 
 
FIRST FINANCIAL NORTHWEST, INC. 
 
 
 
 
 
Date: November 7, 2013
By: 
 /s/ Joseph W. Kiley III                                         
 
 
Joseph W. Kiley III     
 
 
President and Chief Executive Officer (Principal Executive Officer)
Date: November 7, 2013
By: 
 /s/ Richard P. Jacobson                                                
 
 
Richard P. Jacobson
 
 
Chief Financial Officer (Principal Financial and Accounting Officer)

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