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First Financial Northwest, Inc. - Quarter Report: 2015 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, 2015
 
 
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 3, 2015, 14,107,868 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, 2015
 
December 31, 2014
Assets
 
Cash on hand and in banks
$
5,435

 
$
5,920

Interest-earning deposits
116,919

 
98,129

Investments available-for-sale, at fair value
125,897

 
120,374

Loans receivable, net of allowance of $10,146 and $10,491, respectively
674,820

 
663,938

Federal Home Loan Bank ("FHLB") stock, at cost
6,537

 
6,745

Accrued interest receivable
3,072

 
3,265

Deferred tax assets, net
5,216

 
8,338

Other real estate owned ("OREO")
4,235

 
9,283

Premises and equipment, net
17,515

 
16,734

Bank owned life insurance ("BOLI"), net
23,145

 
2,776

Prepaid expenses and other assets
1,278

 
1,495

Total assets
$
984,069

 
$
936,997

 
 
 
 
Liabilities and Stockholders' Equity
 

 
 
Deposits:
 
 
 
Interest-bearing deposits
$
634,986

 
$
599,773

Noninterest-bearing deposits
30,081

 
14,354

Total deposits
665,067

 
614,127

Advances from the FHLB
135,500

 
135,500

Advance payments from borrowers for taxes and insurance
2,939

 
1,707

Accrued interest payable
142

 
142

Other liabilities
5,466

 
4,109

Total liabilities
809,114

 
755,585

 
 

 
 
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 14,199,667 shares at September 30, 2015, and 15,167,381
shares at December 31, 2014
142

 
151

Additional paid-in capital
141,625

 
153,395

Retained earnings, substantially restricted
41,543

 
36,969

Accumulated other comprehensive loss, net of tax
(455
)
 
(357
)
Unearned Employee Stock Ownership Plan ("ESOP") shares
(7,900
)
 
(8,746
)
Total stockholders' equity
174,955

 
181,412

Total liabilities and stockholders' equity
$
984,069

 
$
936,997


See accompanying selected notes to consolidated financial statements.

3


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

 
Three Months Ended September 30,
 
Nine Months Ended September 30,
 
2015
 
2014
 
2015
 
2014
Interest income
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Loans, including fees
$
8,698

 
$
9,157

 
$
25,932

 
$
27,270

Investments available-for-sale
578

 
554

 
1,585

 
1,743

Interest-earning deposits
67

 
23

 
196

 
65

Dividends on FHLB stock
15

 
2

 
20

 
5

Total interest income
$
9,358

 
$
9,736

 
$
27,733

 
$
29,083

Interest expense
 
 
 
 
 

 
 

Deposits
1,369

 
1,193

 
4,016

 
3,778

FHLB advances
325

 
324

 
963

 
854

Total interest expense
$
1,694

 
$
1,517

 
$
4,979

 
$
4,632

Net interest income
7,664

 
8,219

 
22,754

 
24,451

Recapture of provision for loan losses
(700
)
 
(300
)
 
(1,300
)
 
(900
)
Net interest income after recapture of provision for loan losses
$
8,364

 
$
8,519

 
$
24,054

 
$
25,351

Noninterest income
 
 
 
 
 

 
 

Net gain (loss) on sale of investments
85

 

 
85

 
(20
)
Other
362

 
186

 
810

 
362

Total noninterest income
$
447

 
$
186

 
$
895

 
$
342

Noninterest expense
 

 
 
 
 

 
 

Salaries and employee benefits
3,488

 
2,947

 
10,153

 
8,693

Occupancy and equipment
387

 
330

 
1,039

 
1,018

Professional fees
472

 
457

 
1,284

 
1,208

Data processing
176

 
147

 
523

 
469

(Gain) loss on sale of OREO property, net

 
(15
)
 
(531
)
 
92

OREO market value adjustments

 
60

 
5

 
348

OREO related expenses, net
24

 
49

 
17

 
188

Regulatory assessments
119

 
102

 
351

 
284

Insurance and bond premiums
89

 
100

 
270

 
305

Marketing
103

 
15

 
190

 
77

Other general and administrative
523

 
316

 
1,244

 
1,052

Total noninterest expense
$
5,381

 
$
4,508

 
$
14,545

 
$
13,734

Income before federal income tax provision
3,430

 
4,197

 
10,404

 
11,959

Federal income tax provision
984

 
1,462

 
3,361

 
4,212

Net income
$
2,446

 
$
2,735

 
$
7,043

 
$
7,747

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Basic earnings per share
$
0.18

 
$
0.19

 
$
0.51

 
$
0.52

Diluted earnings per share
$
0.18

 
$
0.19

 
$
0.51

 
$
0.51

Weighted average number of basic shares outstanding
13,372,573

 
14,458,874

 
13,719,522

 
14,901,817

Weighted average number of diluted shares outstanding
13,528,322

 
14,585,908

 
13,878,549

 
15,040,444


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,
 
2015
 
2014
 
2015
 
2014
Net income
$
2,446

 
$
2,735

 
$
7,043

 
$
7,747

Other comprehensive income, before tax:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Unrealized holding gains (losses) on investments available-for-sale (net of tax provision (benefit) of $72 and ($89) for the third quarter of 2015 and 2014, respectively, and ($22) and $678 for the first nine months of 2015 and 2014, respectively)
133

 
(166
)
 
(43
)
 
1,259

Reclassification adjustment for net losses realized in income (net of tax provision of ($30) and $0 for the third quarter of 2015 and 2014, respectively, and ($30) and $7 for the first nine months of 2015 and 2014, respectively)
$
(55
)
 
$

 
$
(55
)
 
$
13

Other comprehensive (loss) income, net of tax
$
78

 
$
(166
)
 
$
(98
)
 
$
1,272

Total comprehensive income
$
2,524

 
$
2,569

 
$
6,945

 
$
9,019


See accompanying selected notes to consolidated financial statements.



5


FIRST FINANCIAL NORTHWEST, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Consolidated Statements of Stockholders' Equity
(Dollars in thousands except share data)
(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, 2013
16,392,139

 
$
164

 
$
166,866

 
$
29,220

 
$
(2,020
)
 
$
(9,875
)
 
$
184,355

Other comprehensive income

 

 

 
7,747

 
1,272

 

 
9,019

Cash dividend declared and paid ($0.15 per share)

 

 

 
(2,228
)
 

 

 
(2,228
)
Exercise of stock options
340,880

 
4

 
3,331

 

 

 

 
3,335

Purchase and retirement of common stock
(1,266,921
)
 
(13
)
 
(13,812
)
 

 

 

 
(13,825
)
Compensation related to stock options and restricted stock awards

 

 
275

 

 

 

 
275

Allocation of 84,640 ESOP shares

 

 
50

 

 

 
847

 
897

Balances at September 30, 2014
15,466,098

 
$
155

 
$
156,710

 
$
34,739

 
$
(748
)
 
$
(9,028
)
 
$
181,828


 
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, 2014
15,167,381

 
$
151

 
$
153,395

 
$
36,969

 
$
(357
)
 
$
(8,746
)
 
$
181,412

Other comprehensive income

 

 

 
7,043

 
(98
)
 

 
6,945

Cash dividend declared and paid ($0.18 per share)

 

 

 
(2,469
)
 

 

 
(2,469
)
Exercise of stock options
100,000

 
1

 
690

 

 

 

 
691

Purchase and retirement of common stock
(1,067,714
)
 
(10
)
 
(12,975
)
 

 

 

 
(12,985
)
Compensation related to stock options and restricted stock awards

 

 
330

 

 

 

 
330

Allocation of 84,639 ESOP shares

 

 
185

 

 

 
846

 
1,031

Balances at September 30, 2015
14,199,667

 
$
142

 
$
141,625

 
$
41,543

 
$
(455
)
 
$
(7,900
)
 
$
174,955


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,
 
2015
 
2014
Cash flows from operating activities:
 
 
 
Net income
$
7,043

 
$
7,747

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

 
 
Recapture of provision for loan losses
(1,300
)
 
(900
)
OREO market value adjustments
5

 
348

(Gain) loss on sale of OREO property, net
(531
)
 
92

(Gain) Loss on sale of investments available-for-sale
(85
)
 
20

Loss on sale of premises and equipment

 
11

Depreciation of premises and equipment
570

 
568

Amortization of premiums and discounts on investments available-for-sale, net
852

 
1,086

Deferred federal income taxes
3,174

 
4,089

Allocation of ESOP shares
1,031

 
897

Stock compensation expense
330

 
275

Change in cash surrender value of BOLI
(369
)
 

Changes in operating assets and liabilities:
 
 
 

Prepaid expenses and other assets
217

 
(634
)
Net increase in advance payments from borrowers for taxes and insurance
1,232

 
1,101

Accrued interest receivable
193

 
297

Accrued interest payable

 
42

Other liabilities
1,357

 
1,024

Net cash provided by operating activities
$
13,719

 
$
16,063

Cash flows from investing activities:
 

 
 

Capital expenditures related to OREO

 
(120
)
Proceeds from sales of OREO properties
5,715

 
3,149

Proceeds from calls and sales of investments available-for-sale
23,771

 
6,380

Principal repayments on investments available-for-sale
14,463

 
15,942

Purchases of investments available-for-sale
(44,674
)
 
(1,563
)
Net increase in loans receivable
(9,723
)
 
(21,936
)
FHLB stock redemption
208

 
202

Purchases of premises and equipment
(1,351
)
 
(147
)
Purchase of BOLI
(20,000
)


Net cash (used) provided by investing activities
$
(31,591
)
 
$
1,907

Cash flows from financing activities:
 

 
 

Net increase (decrease) in deposits
50,940

 
(21,700
)
Advances from the FHLB

 
16,500

Proceeds from stock options exercises
691

 
3,335

Repurchase and retirement of common stock
(12,985
)
 
(13,825
)
Dividends paid
(2,469
)
 
(2,228
)
Net cash provided (used) by financing activities
$
36,177

 
$
(17,918
)
 
 
 
 
Continued
 
 
 

7


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

 
 
 
 
 
Nine Months Ended September 30,
 
2015
 
2014
 
 
 
 
Net increase in cash and cash equivalents
$
18,305

 
$
52

Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of quarter
104,049

 
55,575

Cash and cash equivalents at end of quarter
$
122,354

 
$
55,627

 
 
 
 
Supplemental disclosures of cash flow information:
 

 
 

Cash paid during the period for:
 

 
 

Interest paid
$
4,979

 
$
4,590

Federal income taxes paid
177

 
284

Noncash items:
 

 
 

Loans transferred to OREO, net of deferred loan fees and
allowance for loan losses
$
141

 
$
1,823

Change in unrealized loss on investments available for sale
(150
)
 
1,958


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 Financial Northwest Bank (“the Bank”) in connection with the conversion from a mutual holding company structure to a stock holding company structure completed on October 9, 2007. First Financial Northwest's business activities generally are limited to passive investment activities and oversight of its investment in First Financial Bank. Accordingly, the information presented in the consolidated financial statements and accompanying data, relates primarily to First Financial Northwest Bank. First Financial Northwest is a bank holding company, having converted from a savings and loan holding company on March 31, 2015, and as a bank holding company is subject to regulation by the Federal Reserve Bank of San Francisco. First Financial Northwest Bank is regulated by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (“FDIC”) and the Washington State Department of Financial Institutions (“DFI”).

Formerly operating as First Savings Bank Northwest, First Financial Northwest Bank began operating under the new name as of August 21, 2015. First Financial Northwest Bank is headquartered in Renton, Washington, where its main, full service retail branch is located. In addition, the Bank opened a second branch in Mill Creek, Washington on September 1, 2015. Regulatory approval has been received to open a third branch in Edmonds, Washington, which is expected to open in the first quarter of 2016. The Bank's primary market area consists of King, Snohomish, Pierce, and Kitsap counties, Washington.

The Bank is a portfolio lender, originating one-to-four family residential, multifamily, commercial real estate, construction/land development, business, and consumer loans. Our portfolio is primarily funded by deposits from the general public, supplemented by borrowings from the Federal Home Loan Bank of Des Moines and deposits raised in the national brokered deposit market.

As used throughout this report, the terms "we," "our," "us," or the "Company" refer to First Financial Northwest, Inc. and its consolidated subsidiary First Financial Northwest Bank, 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 U.S. 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 interim consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2014, as filed with the SEC. In our opinion, all adjustments (consisting only of normal recurring adjustments) considered necessary for a fair presentation of the unaudited interim 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, 2015, are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected for the year ending December 31, 2015. 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 allowance for loan and lease losses ("ALLL"), the valuation of other real estate owned ("OREO") and the underlying collateral of impaired loans, deferred tax assets, and the fair value of financial instruments.

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 its portfolio in its primary market area. Substantially all income is derived from a diverse base of commercial, multifamily, and residential real estate loans, consumer lending activities, and investments.

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


9


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


Note 3 - Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements

In May 2015, the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") issued Accounting Standards Update ("ASU") No. 2015-07, Fair Value Measurement (Topic 820), Disclosures for Investments in Certain Entities that Calculate Net Asset Value per Share (or Its Equivalent). The ASU allows a reporting entity, as a practical expedient, to measure the fair value of certain investments using the net asset value per share of the investment. These investments should not be categorized in the fair value hierarchy, eliminating the diversity in practice resulting from the way in which investments measured at net asset value per share with future redemption dates are classified. It also ensures that all investments categorized in the fair value hierarchy are classified using a consistent approach. The amendments are effective for public entities for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2015, and interim periods within those fiscal years. Early adoption is permitted. The adoption of ASU No. 2015-07 is not expected to have a material impact on the Company's consolidated financial statements.
In July 2015, the FASB issued ASU No. 2015-12, Plan Accounting: Defined Benefit Pensions Plans (Topic 960), Defined Contribution Pension Plans (Topic 962), and Health and Welfare Benefit Plans (Topic 965). The ASU contains three parts: I. Fully Benefit-Responsive Investment Contracts; II. Plan Investment Disclosures; and III. Measurement Date Practical Expedient. Part one of the ASU designates contract value as the only required measure for fully benefit-responsive investment contracts. Previously, plan financial statements were required to include a reconciliation between contract and fair value when these amounts differed. Part two of the ASU allows reporting of investments, and the related appreciation or depreciation, by general type, eliminating the need to disaggregate the investments in multiple ways. Part three of the ASU allows employers to measure defined benefit plan assets on a month-end date that is nearest to the employer's fiscal year-end, when the fiscal period does not coincide with a month-end. These amendments are effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2015, with early adoption permitted. The Company adopted this ASU in the third quarter of 2015 with no material impact to the Company's consolidated financial statements.
In August 2015, the FASB issued ASU No. 2015-15, Interest—Imputation of Interest (Subtopic 835-30), Presentation and Subsequent Measurement of Debt Issuance Costs Associated with Line-of-Credit Arrangements. The ASU provides guidance not previously included in ASU 2015-03 regarding debt issuance related to line-of-credit arrangements. The amendment allows an entity to present debt issuance costs as an asset and subsequently amortize the deferred debt issuance costs over the term of the line-of-credit arrangement, regardless if there are any outstanding borrowings on the line-of-credit arrangement. The amendment is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2015. The adoption of ASU No. 2015-15 is not expected to have a material impact on the Company's consolidated financial statements.
In September 2015, the FASB issued ASU No. 2015-16, Business Combinations (Topic 805). The ASU simplifies the accounting for measurement period adjustments. The amendments require that an acquirer recognize adjustments to provisional amounts that are identified during the measurement period in the reporting period when the adjustment amounts are determined. The acquirer is required to record in the same period's financial statements the effect on earnings from changes in depreciation, amortization, or other income effects resulting from the change to provisional amounts, calculated as if the accounting had been completed at the acquisition date. The acquirer must present separately on the income statement, or disclose in the notes, the amount recorded in current-period earnings that would have been recorded in previous reporting periods if the provisional amount had been recognized at the acquisition date. For public business entities, the amendments are effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2015, including interim periods within those fiscal years. The adoption of ASU No. 2015-16 is not expected to have a material impact on the Company's consolidated financial statements.



10


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



Note 4 - Investments

Investments available-for-sale are summarized as follows at the dates indicated:
 
September 30, 2015
 
Amortized
Cost
 
Gross
Unrealized
Gains
 
Gross
Unrealized
Losses
 
Fair Value

(In thousands)
Mortgage-backed investments:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   Fannie Mae
$
48,277

 
$
649

 
$
(6
)
 
$
48,920

   Freddie Mac
22,966

 
400

 
(18
)
 
23,348

   Ginnie Mae
14,744

 
76

 
(81
)
 
14,739

Municipal bonds
10,929

 
82

 
(12
)
 
10,999

U.S. Government agencies
13,886

 
119

 
(27
)
 
13,978

Corporate bonds
14,011

 
17

 
(115
)
 
13,913

Total
$
124,813

 
$
1,343

 
$
(259
)
 
$
125,897

 
December 31, 2014
 
Amortized
Cost
 
Gross
Unrealized
Gains
 
Gross
Unrealized
Losses
 
Fair Value
 
(In thousands)
Mortgage-backed investments:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   Fannie Mae
$
40,083

 
$
863

 
$
(30
)
 
$
40,916

   Freddie Mac
21,442

 
526

 
(22
)
 
21,946

   Ginnie Mae
26,049

 
87

 
(122
)
 
26,014

Municipal bonds
642

 
2

 

 
644

U.S. Government agencies
16,863

 
104

 
(151
)
 
16,816

Corporate bonds
14,061

 
39

 
(62
)
 
14,038

Total
$
119,140

 
$
1,621

 
$
(387
)
 
$
120,374

 
The following tables summarize the aggregate fair value and gross unrealized loss by length of time those investments have been continuously in an unrealized loss position at the dates indicated:
 
September 30, 2015
 
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
$
2,229

 
$
(6
)
 
$

 
$

 
$
2,229

 
$
(6
)
   Freddie Mac
3,977

 
(18
)
 

 

 
3,977

 
(18
)
   Ginnie Mae
2,401

 
(4
)
 
3,493

 
(77
)
 
5,894

 
(81
)
Municipal bonds
2,904

 
(12
)
 

 

 
2,904

 
(12
)
U.S. Government agencies
5,310

 
(27
)
 

 

 
5,310

 
(27
)
Corporate bonds
7,894

 
(115
)
 

 

 
7,894

 
(115
)
Total
$
24,715

 
$
(182
)
 
$
3,493

 
$
(77
)
 
$
28,208

 
$
(259
)

11


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


 
December 31, 2014
 
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
$

 
$

 
$
1,456

 
$
(30
)
 
$
1,456

 
$
(30
)
   Freddie Mac

 

 
1,832

 
(22
)
 
1,832

 
(22
)
   Ginnie Mae
1,883

 
(6
)
 
9,952

 
(116
)
 
11,835

 
(122
)
U.S. Government agencies
545

 

 
8,096

 
(151
)
 
8,641

 
(151
)
Corporate bonds
1,496

 
(4
)
 
5,942

 
(58
)
 
7,438

 
(62
)
Total
$
3,924

 
$
(10
)
 
$
27,278

 
$
(377
)
 
$
31,202

 
$
(387
)

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 other-than-temporary impairment ("OTTI") are written down to fair value. If the Company intends to sell a debt security, or it is likely that the Company will be required to sell the debt 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 debt security and it is not likely that it will be required to sell the debt security but does not expect to recover the entire amortized cost basis of the debt security, only the portion of the impairment loss representing credit losses would be recognized in earnings. The credit loss on a debt 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 debt 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. At September 30, 2015, the Company had 20 securities in an unrealized loss position, of which three have been in an unrealized loss position for 12 months or more. Management reviewed the financial condition of the entities issuing municipal or corporate bonds at September 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014, and determined that an OTTI charge was not warranted.

The amortized cost and estimated fair value of investments available-for-sale at September 30, 2015, 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.
 
September 30, 2015
 
Amortized Cost
 
Fair Value
 
(In thousands)
Due within one year
$

 
$

Due after one year through five years
9,859

 
9,873

Due after five years through ten years
16,244

 
16,210

Due after ten years
12,723

 
12,807

 
38,826

 
38,890

Mortgage-backed investments
85,987

 
87,007

Total
$
124,813

 
$
125,897


Under Washington state law, in order to participate in the public funds program the Company is required to pledge eligible securities as collateral in an amount equal to 100% of the public deposits held. Investments with market values of $18.4 million and $16.3 million were pledged as collateral for public deposits at September 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014, respectively, both of which exceeded the collateral requirements established by the Washington Public Deposit Protection Commission.


12


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


For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2015, we had calls on investment securities of $127,000 and $1.7 million, respectively, with no gain or loss. During the three and nine months ended September 30, 2015, we sold $22.0 million of investment securities generating a gross gain of $429,000 and a gross loss of $344,000. For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014, we sold $5.0 million of investment securities generating a gross loss of $20,000 and had a call of $1.4 million with no gain or loss.

During the three and nine months ended September 30, 2015, we purchased $36.7 million and $44.7 million of investment securities, respectively. During the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014, we purchased investment securities of $1.6 million.


13


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


Note 5 - Loans Receivable

Loans receivable are summarized as follows at the dates indicated: 
 
September 30, 2015
 
December 31, 2014
 
(In thousands)
One-to-four family residential: 
 
 
 
Permanent owner occupied
$
148,742

 
$
161,013

Permanent non-owner occupied
106,794

 
112,180

Construction non-owner occupied (1)

 
500

 
255,536

 
273,693

Multifamily:
 
 
 

Permanent
113,441

 
116,014

Construction (1)
21,115

 
4,450

 
134,556

 
120,464

Commercial real estate:
 
 
 

Permanent
245,559

 
239,211

Construction (1)

 
6,100

Land (2)
8,128

 
2,956

 
253,687

 
248,267

Construction/land development:
 
 
 

One-to-four family residential (1)
30,581

 
19,860

Multifamily (1)
27,596

 
17,902

Commercial (1)
4,300

 
4,300

Land development (2)
6,403

 
8,993

 
68,880

 
51,055

 
 
 
 
Business
6,973

 
3,783

Consumer
6,655

 
7,130

Total loans
726,287

 
704,392

 
 
 
 
Less:
 
 
 

Loans in process ("LIP")
38,611

 
27,359

Deferred loan fees, net
2,710

 
2,604

Allowance for loan and lease losses ("ALLL")
10,146

 
10,491

Loans receivable, net
$
674,820

 
$
663,938

___________

(1) Construction/land development 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, 2015, the Company had no one-to-four family residential or commercial real estate loans, and $21.1 million or 15.7% of its total multifamily portfolio in these rollover loans. At December 31, 2014, the Company had $6.1 million or 2.5% of the total commercial real estate portfolio and $4.5 million or 3.7% of the total multifamily portfolio, and $500,000 or 0.2% of the total one-to-four family residential portfolio in these rollover loans.

(2)At September 30, 2015, and December 31, 2014, $8.1 million and $3.0 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 (where we do not intend to finance the construction) as commercial real estate land loans.


14


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


At both September 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014, there were no loans classified as held for sale.

ALLL. The Company maintains an ALLL as a reserve against probable and inherent risk of losses in its loan portfolios. The ALLL is comprised of a general reserve component for loans evaluated collectively for loss and a specific reserve component for loans evaluated individually. We continually monitor our loan portfolio for delinquent loans and changes in our borrower's financial condition. When an issue is identified 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 is recorded prior to the end of the financial reporting period.

The following tables summarize changes in the ALLL and loan portfolio by loan type and impairment method at the dates and for the periods shown: 

15


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



 
At or For the Three Months Ended September 30, 2015
 
One-to-Four
Family
Residential
 
Multifamily
 
Commercial 
Real Estate
 
Construction/
Land
Development
 
Business
 
Consumer
 
Total
 
(In thousands)
ALLL:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Beginning balance
$
3,536

 
$
1,187

 
$
4,436

 
$
819

 
$
189

 
$
436

 
$
10,603

   Charge-offs
(2
)
 

 

 

 

 
(20
)
 
(22
)
   Recoveries
217

 

 
48

 

 

 

 
265

   Provision (recapture)
(245
)
 
15

 
(579
)
 
76

 
21

 
12

 
(700
)
Ending balance
$
3,506

 
$
1,202

 
$
3,905

 
$
895

 
$
210

 
$
428

 
$
10,146


 
At or For the Nine Months Ended September 30, 2015
 
One-to-Four
Family
Residential
 
Multifamily
 
Commercial 
Real Estate
 
Construction/
Land
Development
 
Business
 
Consumer
 
Total
 
(In thousands)
ALLL:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Beginning balance
$
3,694

 
$
1,646

 
$
4,597

 
$
355

 
$
47

 
$
152

 
$
10,491

   Charge-offs
(27
)
 
(281
)
 

 

 

 
(54
)
 
(362
)
   Recoveries
908

 

 
105

 

 
3

 
301

 
1,317

   Provision (recapture)
(1,069
)
 
(163
)
 
(797
)
 
540

 
160

 
29

 
(1,300
)
Ending balance
$
3,506

 
$
1,202

 
$
3,905

 
$
895

 
$
210

 
$
428

 
$
10,146

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

ALLL by category:


 


 


 


 


 


 


General reserve
$
2,945

 
$
1,199

 
$
3,665

 
$
895

 
$
210

 
$
388

 
$
9,302

Specific reserve
561

 
3

 
240

 

 

 
40

 
844

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Loans: (1)

 

 

 

 

 

 
 
Total loans
$
255,536

 
$
123,752

 
$
253,687

 
$
41,073

 
$
6,973

 
$
6,655

 
$
687,676

Loans with general
valuation allowance
(2)
217,660

 
120,467

 
245,947

 
41,073

 
6,973

 
6,444

 
638,564

Loans with specific
reserves
(3)
37,876

 
3,285

 
7,740

 

 

 
211

 
49,112

____________ 

(1) Net of LIP.
(2) Loans collectively evaluated for general reserves.
(3) Loans individually evaluated for specific reserves.



16


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


 
At or For the Three Months Ended September 30, 2014
 
One-to-Four
Family
Residential
 
Multifamily
 
Commercial 
Real Estate
 
Construction/
Land
Development
 
Business
 
Consumer
 
Total
 
(In thousands)
ALLL:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Beginning balance
$
4,377

 
$
1,433

 
$
5,622

 
$
333

 
$
11

 
$
175

 
$
11,951

   Charge-offs
(3
)
 

 

 

 

 
(6
)
 
(9
)
   Recoveries
12

 

 

 

 
5

 
1

 
18

   Provision (recapture)
(379
)
 
(64
)
 
97

 
49

 
10

 
(13
)
 
(300
)
Ending balance
$
4,007

 
$
1,369

 
$
5,719

 
$
382

 
$
26

 
$
157

 
$
11,660


 
At or For the Nine Months Ended September 30, 2014
 
One-to-Four
Family
Residential
 
Multifamily
 
Commercial 
Real Estate
 
Construction/
Land
Development
 
Business
 
Consumer
 
Total
 
(In thousands)
ALLL:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Beginning balance
$
5,141

 
$
1,377

 
$
5,881

 
$
399

 
$
14

 
$
182

 
$
12,994

   Charge-offs
(78
)
 

 
(311
)
 
(223
)
 

 
(30
)
 
(642
)
   Recoveries
46

 

 
151

 

 
6

 
5

 
208

   Provision (recapture)
(1,102
)
 
(8
)
 
(2
)
 
206

 
6

 

 
(900
)
Ending balance
$
4,007

 
$
1,369

 
$
5,719

 
$
382

 
$
26

 
$
157

 
$
11,660

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

ALLL by category:


 


 


 


 


 


 


General reserve
$
2,896

 
$
1,340

 
$
5,240

 
$
382

 
$
26

 
$
157

 
$
10,041

Specific reserve
1,111

 
29

 
479

 

 

 

 
1,619

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Loans: (1)

 

 

 

 

 

 
 
Total loans
279,360

 
123,599

 
260,198

 
25,736

 
2,148

 
7,543

 
698,584

Loans with general
valuation allowance
(2)
234,094

 
121,417

 
250,392

 
25,736

 
2,148

 
7,423

 
641,210

Loans with specific
reserves
(3)
45,266

 
2,182

 
9,806

 

 

 
120

 
57,374

_____________ 

(1) Net of LIP.
(2) Loans collectively evaluated for general reserves.
(3) Loans individually evaluated for specific reserves.


17


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



Past Due Loans. Loans are considered past due if a scheduled principal or interest payment is due and unpaid for 30 days or more. At September 30, 2015, total past due loans comprised 0.51% of total loans receivable, net of LIP, as compared to 0.66% at December 31, 2014. The following tables represent a summary of the aging of loans by type at the dates indicated:

 
Loans Past Due as of September 30, 2015
 
 
 
 
 
30-59 Days

60-89 Days

90 Days and
Greater

Total Past
Due

Current

Total (1) (2)
 
(In thousands)
Real estate:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
One-to-four family residential:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Owner occupied
$
898

 
$
333

 
$
172

 
$
1,403

 
$
147,339

 
$
148,742

Non-owner occupied

 

 

 

 
106,794

 
106,794

Multifamily

 

 
1,683

 
1,683

 
122,069

 
123,752

Commercial real estate
320

 

 

 
320

 
253,367

 
253,687

Construction/land development

 

 

 

 
41,073

 
41,073

Total real estate
1,218

 
333

 
1,855

 
3,406

 
670,642

 
674,048

Business

 

 

 

 
6,973

 
6,973

Consumer

 
72

 

 
72

 
6,583

 
6,655

Total loans
$
1,218

 
$
405

 
$
1,855

 
$
3,478

 
$
684,198

 
$
687,676

 ________________ 

(1) There were no loans 90 days and greater past due and still accruing interest at September 30, 2015.
(2) Net of LIP.

 
Loans Past Due as of December 31, 2014
 
 
 
 
 
30-59 Days

60-89 Days

90 Days and
Greater

Total Past
Due

Current

Total (1) (2)
 
(In thousands)
Real estate:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
One-to-four family residential:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Owner occupied
$
666

 
$
575

 
$
666

 
$
1,907

 
$
159,106

 
$
161,013

Non-owner occupied

 

 
164

 
164

 
112,388

 
112,552

Multifamily
1,965

 

 

 
1,965

 
118,306

 
120,271

Commercial real estate

 
325

 
11

 
336

 
247,632

 
247,968

Construction/land development

 

 

 

 
24,316

 
24,316

Total real estate
2,631

 
900

 
841

 
4,372

 
661,748

 
666,120

Business

 

 

 

 
3,783

 
3,783

Consumer

 
75

 

 
75

 
7,055

 
7,130

Total loans
$
2,631

 
$
975

 
$
841

 
$
4,447

 
$
672,586

 
$
677,033

_________________ 

(1) There were no loans 90 days and greater past due and still accruing interest at December 31, 2014.
(2) Net of LIP.

Nonaccrual Loans. 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, 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

18


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


to make the loan payments, as well as 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.

The following table is a summary of nonaccrual loans by loan type at the dates indicated:

 
September 30, 2015
 
December 31, 2014
 
(In thousands)
One-to-four family residential
$
655

 
$
830

Multifamily
1,683

 

Commercial real estate

 
434

Consumer
91

 
75

Total nonaccrual loans
$
2,429

 
$
1,339


During the three and nine months ended September 30, 2015, interest income that would have been recognized had these nonaccrual loans been performing in accordance with their original terms was $31,000 and $87,000, respectively. For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014, lost interest on nonaccrual loans was $26,000 and $105,000, respectively.

The following tables summarize the loan portfolio by type and payment status at the dates indicated:

 
September 30, 2015
 
One-to-Four
Family
Residential
 
Multifamily
 
Commercial
Real Estate
 
Construction /
Land
Development
 
Business
 
Consumer
 
Total (1)
 
(In thousands)
Performing (2)
$
254,881

 
$
122,069

 
$
253,687

 
$
41,073

 
$
6,973

 
$
6,564

 
$
685,247

Nonperforming (3)
655

 
1,683

 

 

 

 
91

 
2,429

Total loans
$
255,536

 
$
123,752

 
$
253,687

 
$
41,073

 
$
6,973

 
$
6,655

 
$
687,676

_____________

(1) 
Net of LIP.
(2) 
There were $148.2 million of owner-occupied one-to-four family residential loans and $106.7 million of non-owner occupied one-to-four family residential loans classified as performing.
(3) 
There were $581,000 of owner-occupied one-to-four family residential loans and $74,000 non-owner occupied one-to-four family residential loans classified as nonperforming.


19


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



 
December 31, 2014
 
One-to-Four
Family
Residential
 
Multifamily
 
Commercial
Real Estate
 
Construction/
Land
Development
 
Business
 
Consumer
 
Total (1)
 
(In thousands)
Performing (2)
$
272,735

 
$
120,271

 
$
247,534

 
$
24,316

 
$
3,783

 
$
7,055

 
$
675,694

Nonperforming (3)
830

 

 
434

 

 

 
75

 
1,339

Total loans
$
273,565

 
$
120,271

 
$
247,968

 
$
24,316

 
$
3,783

 
$
7,130

 
$
677,033

_____________

(1) Net of LIP.    
(2) There were $160.3 million of owner-occupied one-to-four family residential loans and $112.4 million of non-owner occupied one-to-four family residential loans classified as performing.
(3) There were $666,000 of owner-occupied one-to-four family residential loans and $164,000 of non-owner occupied one-to-four family residential loans classified as nonperforming.

Impaired Loans. 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 document. 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.

There were no funds committed to be advanced in connection with impaired loans at either September 30, 2015, or December 31, 2014.


20


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 at the dates indicated:

 
September 30, 2015

Recorded Investment (1)
 
Unpaid Principal Balance (2)

Related Allowance
 
(In thousands)
Loans with no related allowance:
 

 

 
  One-to-four family residential:
 

 

 
      Owner occupied
$
3,270


$
3,512


$

      Non-owner occupied
24,621


24,646



  Multifamily
2,100


2,381



   Commercial real estate
5,013


5,264



   Consumer
134


172



Total
35,138


35,975



Loans with an allowance:








  One-to-four family residential:








      Owner occupied
2,127


2,197


96

      Non-owner occupied
7,858


7,910


465

   Multifamily
1,185


1,185


3

   Commercial real estate
2,727


2,727


240

   Consumer
77


77


40

Total
13,974


14,096


844

Total impaired loans:








  One-to-four family residential:








      Owner occupied
5,397


5,709


96

      Non-owner occupied
32,479


32,556


465

   Multifamily
3,285


3,566


3

   Commercial real estate
7,740


7,991


240

   Consumer
211


249


40

Total
$
49,112


$
50,071


$
844

_________________ 

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




21


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


 
December 31, 2014
 
Recorded Investment (1)
 
Unpaid Principal Balance (2)
 
Related Allowance
 
(In thousands)
Loans with no related allowance:
 
 
 
 
 
  One-to-four family residential:
 
 
 
 
 
      Owner occupied
$
3,308

 
$
3,661

 
$

      Non-owner occupied
29,224

 
29,266

 

   Commercial real estate
4,553

 
4,851

 

   Consumer
118

 
153

 

Total
37,203

 
37,931

 

Loans with an allowance:
 
 
 
 
 
  One-to-four family residential:
 
 
 
 
 
      Owner occupied
2,554

 
2,624

 
121

      Non-owner occupied
8,652

 
8,704

 
679

  Multifamily
2,172

 
2,172

 
27

   Commercial real estate
4,999

 
4,999

 
329

Consumer
79

 
79

 
59

Total
18,456

 
18,578

 
1,215

Total impaired loans:
 
 
 
 
 
  One-to-four family residential:
 
 
 
 
 
      Owner occupied
5,862

 
6,285

 
121

      Non-owner occupied
37,876

 
37,970

 
679

   Multifamily
2,172

 
2,172

 
27

   Commercial real estate
9,552

 
9,850

 
329

   Consumer
197

 
232

 
59

Total
$
55,659

 
$
56,509

 
$
1,215

_________________ 

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



22


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



The following tables present the average recorded investment in loans individually evaluated for impairment and the interest income recognized for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2015 and 2014:

 
Three Months Ended September 30, 2015
 
Nine Months Ended September 30, 2015
 
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
$
3,114

 
$
49

 
$
3,215


$
131

      Non-owner occupied
25,142

 
361

 
26,835


1,123

Multifamily
2,101

 
8

 
1,471


23

Commercial real estate
4,757

 
85

 
4,650


269

Consumer
125

 
2

 
121


3

Total
35,239

 
505

 
36,292


1,549




 


 




Loans with an allowance:


 


 




   One-to-four family residential:


 


 




      Owner occupied
2,131

 
12

 
2,240


89

      Non-owner occupied
7,772

 
115

 
8,084


345

Multifamily
1,187

 
19

 
1,677


58

Commercial real estate
3,199

 
41

 
3,883


104

Consumer
77

 

 
78


2

Total
14,366

 
187

 
15,962


598




 


 




Total impaired loans:


 


 




   One-to-four family residential:


 


 




      Owner occupied
5,245

 
61

 
5,455


220

      Non-owner occupied
32,914

 
476

 
34,919


1,468

Multifamily
3,288

 
27

 
3,148


81

Commercial real estate
7,956

 
126

 
8,533


373

Consumer
202

 
2

 
199


5

Total
$
49,605

 
$
692

 
$
52,254


$
2,147



23


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


 
Three Months Ended September 30, 2014
 
Nine Months Ended September 30, 2014
 
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
$
3,256


$
45


$
3,444


$
115

      Non-owner occupied
28,984


438


28,995


1,312

Multifamily
111




171



Commercial real estate
2,812


41


4,388


123

Construction/land development




56



Consumer
82


2


63


3

Total
35,245


526


37,117


1,553

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Loans with an allowance:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   One-to-four family residential:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
      Owner occupied
2,974


29


3,134


94

      Non-owner occupied
10,792


147


11,307


447

Multifamily
2,187


36


2,196


107

Commercial real estate
7,032


101


7,054


282

Total
22,985


313


23,691


930

 







Total impaired loans:







   One-to-four family residential:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
      Owner occupied
6,230


74


6,578


209

      Non-owner occupied
39,776


585


40,302


1,759

Multifamily
2,298


36


2,367


107

Commercial real estate
9,844


142


11,442


405

Construction/land development




56



Consumer
82


2


63


3

Total
$
58,230


$
839


$
60,808


$
2,483




Troubled Debt Restructurings. Certain loan modifications 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 classified as a TDR is generally reported as a TDR until the loan is paid in full or otherwise settled, sold, or charged-off.






24


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




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.

At September 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014, the TDR portfolio totaled $46.6 million and $54.2 million, respectively, all of which were on accrual status and performing in accordance with the terms of their restructure.

The following tables present loans that were modified as TDRs within the periods indicated, and their recorded investment both prior to and after the modification:
 
Three Months Ended September 30, 2015
 
Nine Months Ended September 30, 2015
 
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)
One-to-four family
residential:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Interest-only payments with interest rate concession and advancement of maturity date






6


1,439


1,439

Principal and interest with interest rate concession and advancement of maturity date
2


426


426


2


426


426

Advancement of maturity date






2


248


248

Commercial real estate:

















Principal and interest with interest rate concession and advancement of maturity date
1

 
775

 
775

 
1

 
775

 
775

Advancement of maturity date






2


866


866

Interest-only payments with interest rate concession and advancement of maturity date

 

 

 
1

 
496

 
496

Interest-only payments with advancement of maturity date






1


2,004


2,004

Total
3


$
1,201


$
1,201


15

$
6,254


$
6,254



25


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


 
Three Months Ended September 30, 2014
 
Nine Months Ended September 30, 2014
 
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)
One-to-four family
residential:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Interest-only payments with interest rate concession
6


$
1,439


$
1,439


6


$
1,439


$
1,439

Principal and interest with interest rate concession
5


$
953


$
953


6


$
1,174


$
1,174

Advancement of maturity date






4


772


772

Commercial real estate:














Interest-only payments with interest rate concession
1


1,466


1,466


2


3,470


3,470

Total
12


$
3,858


$
3,858


18


$
6,855


$
6,855



At September 30, 2015, 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, 2015 and 2014, were the result of advancing the maturity date for balloon payments on loans otherwise current on principal and interest payments, or granting the borrower interest rate concessions and/or interest-only payments and advancing the maturity date 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 increases the ALLL and is expensed to earnings. As loan payments are received in future periods, the impairment is amortized over the life of the concession, reducing ALLL and recapturing provision expense. TDRs resulted in no charge-offs to the ALLL for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2015 and 2014.

TDRs that default after they have been modified are typically evaluated individually on a collateral basis. Any additional impairment is charged to the ALLL. For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2015, one loan of $226,000 that had been modified with an advancement of maturity date during the previous 12 months missed one payment but subsequently became current. During the three months ended September 30, 2014, no loans defaulted that had been modified as TDRs within the previous 12 months. For the nine months ended September 30, 2014, one loan of $430,000 that was restructured with an advancement of maturity date during the previous 12 months missed a payment, but became current the subsequent quarter.

Credit Quality Indicators. The Company utilizes a nine-category 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 include assets, such as cash secured loans with funds on deposit with the Bank, where there is virtually no credit risk. 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.


26


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


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, 2015 and December 31, 2014.

The following tables represent a summary of loans by type and risk category at the dates indicated:
 
September 30, 2015
 
One-to-Four
Family
Residential
 
Multifamily
 
Commercial
Real Estate
 
Construction/ 
Land
Development
 
Business
 
Consumer
 
Total (1)
 
(In thousands)
Risk Rating:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   Pass
$
246,981

 
$
120,671

 
$
247,041

 
$
41,073

 
$
6,973

 
$
6,376

 
$
669,115

   Special mention
5,854

 
1,398

 
5,831

 

 

 
188

 
13,271

   Substandard
2,701

 
1,683

 
815

 

 

 
91

 
5,290

Total loans
$
255,536

 
$
123,752

 
$
253,687

 
$
41,073

 
$
6,973

 
$
6,655

 
$
687,676

 _____________ 

(1) Net of LIP.

 
December 31, 2014
 
One-to-Four
Family
Residential
 
Multifamily
 
Commercial
Real Estate
 
Construction /
Land
Development
 
Business
 
Consumer
 
Total (1)
 
(In thousands)
Risk Rating:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   Pass
$
263,094

 
$
116,891

 
$
235,841

 
$
24,316

 
$
3,783

 
$
6,833

 
$
650,758

   Special mention
4,157

 
1,416

 
10,529

 

 

 

 
16,102

   Substandard
6,314

 
1,964

 
1,598

 

 

 
297

 
10,173

Total loans
$
273,565

 
$
120,271

 
$
247,968

 
$
24,316

 
$
3,783

 
$
7,130

 
$
677,033

  _____________ 

(1) Net of LIP.


Note 6 - Other Real Estate Owned

OREO includes properties acquired by the Company through foreclosure and deed in lieu of foreclosure. The following table is a summary of OREO activity during the periods shown: 

27


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


 
Three Months Ended September 30,
 
Nine Months Ended September 30,
 
2015
 
2014
 
2015
 
2014
 
(In thousands)
Balance at beginning of period
$
4,416

 
$
10,114

 
$
9,283

 
$
11,465

Loans transferred to OREO

 
193

 
141

 
1,823

Capitalized improvements

 
68

 

 
120

Gross proceeds from sale of OREO
(181
)
 
(511
)
 
(5,715
)
 
(3,149
)
Gain (loss) on sale of OREO

 
15

 
531

 
(92
)
Market value adjustments

 
(60
)
 
(5
)
 
(348
)
Balance at end of period
$
4,235

 
$
9,819

 
$
4,235

 
$
9,819

 
We sold $181,000 of OREO during the third quarter of 2015, which consisted of one commercial real estate property, and generated no gain or loss. OREO at September 30, 2015 consisted of $3.9 million in commercial real estate properties and $355,000 in construction and land development projects.

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 measured at fair value on a recurring basis (there were no transfers between Level 1, Level 2 and Level 3 recurring measurements) at the dates indicated:

28


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


 
Fair Value Measurements at September 30, 2015
 
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)
Investments available-for-sale:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Mortgage-backed investments:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Fannie Mae
$
48,920

 
$

 
$
48,920

 
$

Freddie Mac
23,348

 

 
23,348

 

Ginnie Mae
14,739

 

 
14,739

 

Municipal bonds
10,999

 

 
10,999

 

U.S. Government agencies
13,978

 

 
13,978

 

Corporate bonds
13,913

 

 
13,913

 

 Total
$
125,897

 
$

 
$
125,897

 
$

 
Fair Value Measurements at December 31, 2014
 
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)
Investments available-for-sale:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Mortgage-backed investments:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Fannie Mae
$
40,916

 
$

 
$
40,916

 
$

Freddie Mac
21,946

 

 
21,946

 

Ginnie Mae
26,013

 

 
26,013

 

Municipal bonds
644

 

 
644

 

U.S. Government agencies
16,816

 

 
16,816

 

Corporate bonds
14,039

 

 
14,039

 

 Total
$
120,374

 
$

 
$
120,374

 
$


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 measured at fair value on a nonrecurring basis at September 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014. 
 
Fair Value Measurements at September 30, 2015
 
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)
Impaired loans (included in loans
receivable, net)
(1)
$
48,268

 
$

 
$

 
$
48,268

OREO
4,235

 

 

 
4,235

Total
$
52,503

 
$

 
$

 
$
52,503

_____________

(1) 
Total fair value of impaired loans is net of $844,000 of specific reserves on performing TDRs.

29


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



 
Fair Value Measurements at December 31, 2014
 
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)
Impaired loans (included in loans
receivable, net)
(1)
$
54,444

 
$

 
$

 
$
54,444

OREO
9,283

 

 

 
9,283

Total
$
63,727

 
$

 
$

 
$
63,727

_____________

(1)    Total fair value of impaired loans is net of $1.2 million of specific reserves on performing TDRs.
 
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, less estimated costs to sell. Some of these inputs may not be observable in the marketplace. Appraised values may be discounted based on management's knowledge of the marketplace, subsequent changes in market conditions, or management's knowledge of the borrower.

OREO properties are measured at the lower of their carrying amount or fair value, less estimated 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 estimated 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 at September 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014.
 
September 30, 2015
 
Fair Value
 
Valuation Technique
 
Unobservable Input(s)
 
Range (Weighted Average)
 
(Dollars in thousands)
Impaired Loans
$
48,268

 
Market approach
 
Appraised value discounted by market or borrower conditions
 
0.0% - 9.09%
(0.6%)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
OREO
$
4,235

 
Market approach
 
Appraised value less selling costs
 
0.0% - 0.0%
(0.0%)

 
December 31, 2014
 
Fair Value
 
Valuation Technique
 
Unobservable Input(s)
 
Range (Weighted Average)
 
(Dollars in thousands)
Impaired Loans
$
54,365

 
Market approach
 
Appraised value discounted by market or borrower conditions
 
0% - 45.8%
(2.2%)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
OREO
$
9,283

 
Market approach
 
Appraised value less selling costs
 
0% - 19.4%
(3.3%)

    
    

30


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


The carrying amounts and estimated fair values of financial instruments were as follows at the dates indicated: 
 
September 30, 2015
 
 
 
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
$
5,435

 
$
5,435

 
$
5,435

 
$

 
$

Interest-earning deposits
116,919

 
116,919

 
116,919

 

 

Investments available-for-sale
125,897

 
125,897

 

 
125,897

 

Loans receivable, net
674,820

 
692,378

 

 

 
692,378

FHLB stock
6,537

 
6,537

 

 
6,537

 

Accrued interest receivable
3,072

 
3,072

 

 
3,072

 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Financial Liabilities:
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 
Deposits
268,876

 
268,876

 
268,876

 

 

Certificates of deposit, retail
330,069

 
332,138

 

 
332,138

 

Certificates of deposit, brokered
66,122

 
67,101

 

 
67,101

 

Advances from the FHLB
135,500

 
135,931

 

 
135,931

 

Accrued interest payable
142

 
142

 

 
142

 


 
December 31, 2014
 
 
 
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
$
5,920

 
$
5,920

 
$
5,920

 
$

 
$

Interest-earning deposits
98,129

 
98,129

 
98,129

 

 

Investments available-for-sale
120,374

 
120,374

 

 
120,374

 

Loans receivable, net
663,938

 
678,676

 

 

 
678,676

FHLB stock
6,745

 
6,745

 

 
6,745

 

Accrued interest receivable
3,265

 
3,265

 

 
3,265

 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Financial Liabilities:
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 
Deposits
201,539

 
201,539

 
201,539

 

 

Certificates of deposit, retail
358,159

 
359,049

 

 
359,049

 

Certificates of deposit, brokered
54,429

 
55,229

 

 
55,229

 

Advances from the FHLB
135,500

 
135,392

 

 
135,392

 

Accrued interest payable
142

 
142

 

 
142

 


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-earning deposits, FHLB stock, accrued interest receivable, accrued interest payable, and investment transactions payable. FHLB stock is not publicly-traded, however it may be

31


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


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.

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 - 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.

For the three months ended September 30, 2015 and 2014, total compensation expense for the Plan was $111,000 and $104,000, respectively, and the related income tax benefit was $39,000 and $36,000, respectively.

For the nine months ended September 30, 2015 and 2014, total compensation expense for the Plan was $330,000 and $275,000, respectively, and the related income tax benefit was $116,000 and $96,000, 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, 2015, remaining options for 651,756 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 SEC 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.

32


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


    
A summary of the Company’s stock option plan awards and activity for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2015, follows: 

 
For the three months ended September 30, 2015
 
Shares
 
Weighted-Average Exercise Price
 
Weighted-Average Remaining Contractual Term in Years
 
Aggregate Intrinsic Value
Outstanding at July 1, 2015
899,260


$
9.55






Granted









Exercised
(50,000
)

4.03






Forfeited or expired









Outstanding at September 30, 2015
849,260


9.88


4.76

1,880,091

Vested and expecting to vest assuming a 3% forfeiture
rate over the vesting term
842,900


9.87


4.73

1,868,517

Exercisable at September 30, 2015
637,260


9.75


3.63

1,494,311


 
For the nine months ended September 30, 2015
 
Shares
 
Weighted-Average Exercise Price
 
Weighted-Average Remaining Contractual Term in Years
 
Aggregate Intrinsic Value
Outstanding at January 1, 2015
929,260


$
9.51






Granted
20,000


12.05






Exercised
(100,000
)

6.91






Forfeited or expired









Outstanding at September 30, 2015
849,260


9.88


4.76

1,880,091

Vested and expecting to vest assuming a 3% forfeiture
    rate over the vesting term
842,900


9.87


4.73

1,868,517

Exercisable at September 30, 2015
637,260


9.75


3.63

1,494,311



As of September 30, 2015, there was $709,178 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 3.31 years. During the nine months ended September 30, 2015, stock options for the purchase of 20,000 shares were granted at a weighted-average fair value of $4.59. There were no stock options granted during the three months ended September 30, 2015.

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 stock price on the grant date. Shares awarded as restricted 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, 2015, remaining restricted stock awards for 74,478 shares were available to be awarded. Shares that have been awarded but have not yet vested are held in a reserve account until they are vested.


33


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


A summary of changes in nonvested restricted stock awards for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2015, follows: 


For the three months ended
September 30, 2015


Shares

Weighted-Average
Grant Date
Fair Value
Nonvested at July 1, 2015

69,200


$
8.88

Granted




Vested

(15,000
)

8.97
Forfeited




Nonvested at September 30, 2015

54,200


8.85
Expected to vest assuming a 3% forfeiture rate over the vesting term

52,574




 
 
For the nine months ended
September 30, 2015
 
 
Shares
 
Weighted-Average
Grant Date
 Fair Value
Nonvested at January 1, 2015

75,600


$
8.47

Granted




Vested

(21,400
)

7.49
Forfeited




Nonvested at September 30, 2015

54,200


8.85
Expected to vest assuming a 3% forfeiture rate over the vesting term
 
52,574

 
 

As of September 30, 2015, there was $403,475 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 2.29 years.

Note 9 - Federal Income Taxes

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.

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. At September 30, 2015, the balance of the deferred tax valuation allowance was $450,000 as a result of a past net capital loss on securities.

Our effective tax rate for the first nine months of 2015 was 32.3% partially as a result of permanent tax exclusions of the noninterest income from BOLI and tax-exempt interest.

34


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


The Company has prepared federal tax returns through December 31, 2014, at which time the net operating loss carryforward and capital loss carryforward was $8.7 million and will begin to expire in 2030. The Company has an alternative minimum tax credit carryforward totaling $2.1 million which has no expiration date.

Note 10 - 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. ESOP shares are considered outstanding for basic and diluted earnings per share when the shares are committed to be released. Certain of the Company's nonvested restricted stock awards qualify as participating securities.

Net income is allocated between the common stock and participating securities pursuant to the two-class method, based on their rights to receive dividends, participate in earnings, or absorb losses. Basic earnings per common shares is computed by dividing net earnings available to common shareholders by the weighted-average number of common shares outstanding during the period, excluding participating nonvested restricted shares.

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,
 
 
2015
 
2014
 
2015
 
2014
 
 
(Dollars in thousands, except share data)
Net income
 
$
2,446

 
$
2,735

 
$
7,043

 
$
7,747

Less: Earnings allocated to participating
securities
 
(9
)
 
(14
)
 
$
(26
)
 
$
(40
)
Earnings allocated to common shareholders
 
$
2,437

 
$
2,721

 
$
7,017

 
$
7,707

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Basic weighted average common shares
outstanding
 
13,372,573

 
14,458,874

 
13,719,522

 
14,901,817

Dilutive stock options
 
134,187

 
102,975

 
135,475

 
113,149

Dilutive restricted stock grants
 
21,562

 
24,059

 
23,552

 
25,478

Diluted weighted average common shares
outstanding
 
13,528,322

 
14,585,908

 
13,878,549

 
15,040,444

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Basic earnings per share
 
$
0.18

 
$
0.19

 
$
0.51

 
$
0.52

Diluted earnings per share
 
$
0.18

 
$
0.19

 
$
0.51

 
$
0.51


Potential dilutive shares are excluded from the computation of earnings per share if their effect is anti-dilutive. For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2015, options to purchase an additional 165,000 and 225,000 shares of common stock, respectively, were not included in the computation of diluted earnings per share because the incremental shares under the treasury stock method of calculation resulted in them being anti-dilutive. For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014, options to purchase an additional 205,000 were excluded as their effect would be anti-dilutive.

Note 11 - Subsequent Events

The Company has evaluated events and transactions subsequent to September 30, 2015 for potential recognition or disclosure. In October 2015, the Bank received a payoff of $1.9 million on a nonaccrual multifamily loan reported in loan receivables at September 30, 2015. At this date, the loan was reported at a fair market value of $1.7 million. The payoff resulted in a $78,000 loan recovery and an $88,000 recapture of related legal expenses.

In October 2015, we called $10.0 million of brokered certificates of deposit that were originally issued in October 2014 with a weighted-average cost of 2.15% and a weighted-average remaining term of 45 months. We replaced them with $10.0 million of new brokered certificates of deposit with a w

35



eighted-average cost of 1.39% and a weighted-average term of 43 months.

In addition, during October 2015, we paid off a $10.0 million FHLB advance at its maturity that carried an interest rate of 0.71%, and elected to not replace this wholesale borrowing.    


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 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 an enforcement action against the Company or the Bank which could 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, or impose additional requirements or restrictions on us, any of 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; 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 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, 2014 ("2014 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.

Overview

First Financial Northwest Bank ("the Bank") is a wholly-owned subsidiary of First Financial Northwest, Inc. ("the Company") and, as such, comprises substantially all of the activity for First Financial Northwest. Formerly known as First Savings Bank Northwest, the Bank began operating as First Financial Northwest Bank on August 24, 2015. The new name reflects our expanded focus from a savings bank to a community bank with expanded products, services and locations in our efforts to change the composition of the Bank's assets and liabilities. Our full-service banking office in Renton, Washington serves primarily King County, and also Pierce, Snohomish, and Kitsap Counties. On September 1, 2015, the Bank's second branch was opened in Mill Creek, Washington. Further expanding our market presence in Snohomish County, the Bank has received regulatory approval to open a third branch located in Edmonds, Washington, which is expected to open in the first quarter of 2016.

On August 24, 2015, the Bank began operating with a new core data processor. The capitalized cost of this system is $675,000 and is amortizing over five years. The improved technology will help the Bank better meet the needs of our customers as we seek to broaden the demographics of our customer base.

First Financial Northwest Bank’s business consists predominantly of attracting deposits from the general public, combined with borrowing from the Federal Home Loan Bank of Des Moines and raising funds in the wholesale market, then 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 commercial real estate, construction, one-to-four family residential, and multifamily lending.

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

An offset to net interest income is the provision for loan losses which is required to establish the allowance for loan and lease losses ("ALLL") at a level that adequately provides for probable losses inherent in our loan portfolio. As a loan's risk rating improves, property values increase, or recoveries of amounts previously charged off are received, the overall ALLL may decline and a recapture of previously recognized provision for loan losses may be added to net interest income.

Noninterest income is generated from various loan or deposit fees, increases in the cash surrender value of bank owned life insurance ("BOLI"), and commissions earned on our investment services brokerage relationship. This income is increased or partially offset by net gain or loss on sales of investment securities.

Our noninterest expenses consist primarily of salaries and employee benefits, OREO-related expenses, professional fees, regulatory assessments, occupancy and equipment, and other general and administrative expenses. Salaries and employee benefits consist primarily of the salaries and wages paid to our employees, payroll taxes, expenses for retirement, and other employee benefits. 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. Professional fees include legal services, auditing and accounting services, computer support services, and other professional services in support of strategic plans. 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.

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 by using different assumptions. These policies govern the ALLL, the valuation of OREO, 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 with the 2014 Form 10-K. There have not been any material

37



changes in the Company's critical accounting policies and estimates as compared to the disclosure contained in the 2014 Form 10-K.

Comparison of Financial Condition at September 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014

Total assets were $984.1 million at September 30, 2015, an increase of 5.0%, from $937.0 million at December 31, 2014. The following table details the $47.1 million net change in the composition of our assets at September 30, 2015 from December 31, 2014.
 
Balance at September 30, 2015
 
Change from December 31, 2014
 
Percent Change
 
(Dollars in thousands)
Cash on hand and in banks                                           
$
5,435

 
$
(485
)
 
(8.2
)%
Interest-earning deposits                                           
116,919

 
18,790

 
19.1

Investments available-for-sale, at fair value
125,897

 
5,523

 
4.6

Loans receivable, net                                           
674,820

 
10,882

 
1.6

Premises and equipment, net
17,515

 
781

 
4.7

FHLB stock, at cost                                
6,537

 
(208
)
 
(3.1
)
Accrued interest receivable
3,072

 
(193
)
 
(5.9
)
Deferred tax assets, net
5,216

 
(3,122
)
 
(37.4
)
OREO
4,235

 
(5,048
)
 
(54.4
)
BOLI, net
23,145

 
20,369

 
733.8

Prepaid expenses and other assets
1,278

 
(217
)
 
(14.5
)
Total assets                                
$
984,069

 
$
47,072

 
5.0
 %

Interest-earning deposits. Our interest-earning deposits, consisting primarily of funds held at the Federal Reserve Bank of San Francisco, increased $18.8 million at September 30, 2015, as compared to December 31, 2014. The primary sources of cash during the nine months ended September 30, 2015, were $13.7 million from operations and $50.9 million from an increase in brokered and retail deposits. These funds were also used to purchase $20.0 million of new BOLI policies, fund a $9.7 million net cash outflow for loans receivable, and repurchase $13.0 million of our common stock.

Investments available-for-sale. Our investment portfolio increased by $5.5 million during the first nine months of 2015. We restructured our investment portfolio during this period, and sold 36 securities at a book value of $22.0 million, consisting of 31 mortgage backed securities and five corporate bonds. The tax equivalent yield of the securities sold was 1.89%. In addition, we purchased 20 securities for $44.7 million, including seven mortgage backed securities, five corporate bonds, six taxable municipal bonds, and two tax- exempt municipal bonds. The tax equivalent yield of the securities purchased is 2.42%. The increase in our investment portfolio is consistent with our strategy to increase net interest income by converting lower yielding interest earning deposits into higher yielding interest earning assets.

In addition to the purchase and sale activity, we received calls, or partial calls, of $1.7 million on seven investment securities. Principal repayments of $14.5 million were received during the first nine months of 2015. The fair market value of our investment portfolio had a pre-tax decrease of $150,000 during the nine months ended September 30, 2015.

The effective duration of the investment portfolio at September 30, 2015, was 3.0% as compared to 2.4% at December 31, 2014. Effective duration is a measure that attempts to quantify the anticipated percentage change in the value of an investment (or portfolio) in the event of a 100 basis point change in market yields. Since the Bank's portfolio includes securities with embedded options (including call options on bonds and prepayment options on mortgage-backed securities), management believes that effective duration is an appropriate metric to use as a tool when analyzing the Bank's investment securities portfolio, as effective duration incorporates assumptions relating to such embedded options, including changes in cash flow assumptions as interest rates change.

Loans receivable. Net loans receivable increased $10.9 million to $674.8 million at September 30, 2015 compared to $663.9 million at December 31, 2014. One-to-four family residential loans decreased $18.2 million during the first nine months of 2015 as the continued low interest rate environment has increased competition in the market. However, this decrease was

38



more than offset by increases of $14.1 million in multifamily loans and $5.4 million in commercial real estate loans, and $17.8 million in construction and land development loans.

At September 30, 2015, we had $38.6 million in committed but undisbursed funds for construction loans, an $11.3 million increase from December 31, 2014. Our construction and land loans consist primarily of $30.6 million in one-to-four family residential construction loans and $27.6 million of multifamily real estate loans.

Our five largest borrowing relationships, which represent 11.2% of our net loans, increased $1.6 million from December 31, 2014 to September 30, 2015; however, the number of loans represented by these borrowers has decreased from 97 at December 31, 2014 to 67 at September 30, 2015. At September 30, 2015 all five borrowers were current on their loan payments. We monitor the performance of these borrowing relationships very closely due to their concentration risk in relation to the entire loan portfolio. The following table details our five largest lending relationships at September 30, 2015:

Borrower (1)
 
Number
of Loans

One-to-Four Family
Residential
(2)

Multifamily

Commercial
Real Estate
(2)

Construction/
Land
Development

Aggregate
Balance of
Loans (3)

 


(Dollars in thousands)
Real estate investor
 
3

$


$


$
17,892


$


$
17,892

Real estate investor
 
4

480




15,324




15,804

Real estate investor
 
2





14,587




14,587

Real estate investor
 
3



2,048


11,923




13,971

Real estate builder
 
55

12,925






595


13,520

Total
 
67

$
13,405


$
2,048


$
59,726


$
595


$
75,774

________
(1)
The composition of borrowers represented in the table may change between periods.
(2) 
One-to-four family residential includes $480,000 of owner occupied and $12.9 million of non-owner occupied. Commercial real estate loans for these borrowers are for non-owner occupied properties.
(3) 
Net of LIP.

The ALLL decreased $345,000 to $10.1 million at September 30, 2015, compared to $10.5 million at December 31, 2014 and represented 1.5% and 1.6% of total loans receivable at September 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014, respectively. We believe that the ALLL at September 30, 2015 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 correct in the future, that the actual amount of future losses 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.

As we work with our borrowers that face difficult financial circumstances, we explore various 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 a reduction in interest rate on the loan for a period of time, advancing 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 considered to be in the Bank's best interest.

    

39



The following table presents a breakdown of our TDRs at the dates indicated:

September 30, 2015

December 31, 2014

September 30, 2014

Nine Month Change

One Year Change

(In thousands)
TDRs:









   One-to-four family residential
37,221


42,908


44,429


(5,687
)

(7,208
)
   Multifamily
1,602


2,172


2,182


(570
)

(580
)
   Commercial real estate
7,740


9,118


9,148


(1,378
)

(1,408
)
   Consumer
43


43


43





Total TDRs
$
46,606


$
54,241


$
55,802


$
(7,635
)

$
(9,196
)
% TDRs classified as performing
100.0
%

100.0
%

100.0
%





Our TDRs decreased $7.6 million at September 30, 2015 compared to December 31, 2014 as repayments continue to outpace the amount of additional TDRs. During the first nine months of 2015, $6.0 million of TDRs were paid off. At September 30, 2015, all TDRs were performing according to their restructured payment terms and there were no committed but undisbursed funds in connection with our restructured and impaired loans. The largest TDR relationship at September 30, 2015, totaled $12.0 million and was comprised of $11.2 million in one-to-four family residential rental properties and $773,000 in owner occupied commercial property, all located in King County.

Nonperforming assets decreased to $6.7 million at September 30, 2015, compared to $10.6 million at December 31, 2014. The following table presents detailed information on our nonperforming assets at the dates indicated:


September 30, 2015

December 31, 2014

September 30, 2014

Nine Month Change

One Year Change

(In thousands)
Nonperforming loans:









  One-to-four family residential
$
655


$
830


$
837


$
(175
)

$
(182
)
  Multifamily
1,683






1,683


1,683

  Commercial real estate


434


658


(434
)

(658
)
  Consumer
91


75


77


16


14

Total nonperforming loans
2,429


1,339


1,572


1,090


857











OREO
4,235


9,283


9,819


(5,048
)

(5,584
)
Total nonperforming assets (1)
$
6,664


$
10,622


$
11,391


$
(3,958
)

$
(4,727
)













Nonperforming assets as a
percent of total assets
0.68
%

1.13
%

1.24
%




____________ 
(1) The difference between the $6.7 million of nonperforming assets at September 30, 2015, reported above, and the totals reported by other industry sources as our nonperforming assets is due to the inclusion of all TDRs, whether classified as performing or nonperforming loans, as nonperforming loans. All of our TDRs were performing in accordance with their restructured terms at September 30, 2015.

Nonaccrual loans are loans that are 90 days or more delinquent or other loans which, in management's opinion, the borrower is unable to meet scheduled payment obligations. Nonaccrual loans increased $1.1 million to $2.4 million at September 30, 2015, from $1.3 million at December 31, 2014. This increase was the result of $2.2 million in loans transferred to nonaccrual, partially offset by $342,000 in net charge-offs, $151,000 payments to principal, $473,000 in short sales, and $141,000 of loans transferred to OREO.


40



The three largest nonaccrual loans in the loan portfolio at September 30, 2015, included a $1.7 million multifamily loan secured by a 44-unit apartment complex in Pierce County; a $210,000 one-to-four family loan in Pierce County secured by an owner occupied single family residence; and a one-to-four family loan with an outstanding balance of $172,000, secured by an owner occupied single family residence in King County. Please refer to Note 11, Subsequent Events, of this Form 10-Q for further details on our nonaccrual loans.

We continue to focus our efforts on converting nonaccrual loans to OREO and subsequently selling the properties. By taking ownership of these properties, we can generally convert nonearning assets into earning assets on a more timely basis than which may otherwise be the case. Our success in this area is reflected by the improved ratio of our nonperforming assets as a percent of total assets of 0.68% at September 30, 2015, compared to 1.13% at December 31, 2014.

OREO. OREO includes properties acquired by the Bank through foreclosure or deed in lieu of foreclosure. At September 30, 2015, OREO was $4.2 million, a decrease of $5.1 million from $9.3 million at December 31, 2014. During the first nine months of 2015, we transferred one property into OREO at $141,000 and sold seven properties for $5.7 million, generating a net gain on sale of $531,000.

The three largest OREO properties at September 30, 2015 were an office and retail building valued at $837,000 located in Pierce County, a land development project approved for 105 one-to-four family residential lots valued at $754,000 located in Kitsap County, and a multi-tenant retail building valued at $728,000 located in Pierce County.

The following table presents a breakdown of our OREO by county and number of properties at September 30, 2015:

 
County
 
Total OREO
 
Number of Properties
 
Percent of
Total OREO
 
Pierce
 
Kitsap
 
All
Other
 
 
 
 
(Dollars in thousands)
OREO:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   Commercial real estate (1)
$
2,430

 
$
754

 
$
696

 
$
3,880

 
7

 
91.6

   Construction/land
     development
200

 

 
155

 
355

 
2

 
8.4

Total OREO
$
2,630

 
$
754

 
$
851

 
$
4,235

 
9

 
100.0
%

(1) Of the seven properties classified as commercial real estate, four are office/retail buildings and three are undeveloped lots.

Deposits. During the first nine months of 2015, deposits increased $50.9 million to $665.0 million at September 30, 2015, compared to $614.1 million at December 31, 2014. Deposit accounts consisted of the following:

 
September 30, 2015
 
Change from December 31, 2014
 
Percent Change
 
(Dollars in thousands)
Noninterest-bearing
$
30,081

 
$
15,727

 
109.6
 %
NOW
17,230

 
(3,522
)
 
(17.0
)
Statement savings
26,861

 
2,960

 
12.4

Money market
194,704

 
52,172

 
36.6

Certificates of deposit, retail
330,069

 
(28,090
)
 
(7.8
)
Certificates of deposit, brokered
66,122


11,693


21.5
 %

$
665,067


$
50,940


8.3
 %
 
The increase in total deposits since December 31, 2014, consisted of a $39.2 million net increase in retail deposits and an $11.7 million increase in brokered certificates of deposit. First Financial Northwest Bank has continued to focus on strengthening its core deposit position. Noninterest checking accounts are primarily comprised of operating accounts of businesses located in our primary market, and increased $15.7 million since December 31, 2014, due to active business development initiatives by both the retail and commercial areas of the Bank. The $52.2 million increase in our money market accounts during the nine months ended September 30, 2015, can be attributed primarily to our activities in the EB-5 Immigrant

41



Investor Program. This growth is comprised primarily of two commercial accounts that hold deposits that will be utilized over the next 18 months to fund development projects.

Offsetting these increases, retail certificates of deposit decreased by $28.1 million as maturing certificates did not renew at lower current market rates. We continue to price less aggressively in competing for these deposits in an effort to reduce our cost of funds. Since May 2015, investment services offered to our customers through First Financial Wealth Services increased by $14.0 million, primarily from funds previously held in our retail deposits.

At September 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014, we held $16.0 million and $15.9 million, respectively, in public funds, nearly all of which were retail certificates of deposit.

During the first nine months of 2015, our balance of brokered certificates of deposit increased by $11.7 million, bringing the total balance of brokered funds to $66.1 million. While these funds may carry a higher cost than our retail certificates, their maturity periods of four to six years, along with the enhanced call features of these deposits, assist us in our efforts to manage interest rate risk.

Advances. We use advances from the FHLB as an alternative funding source, to reduce interest rate risk, and to leverage our balance sheet. Total FHLB advances at both September 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014 were $135.5 million. Of the total balance, $64.0 million is due to mature within one year, with the remaining $71.5 million due in one to five years. Please refer to Note 11, Subsequent Events, of this Form 10-Q for further details on our FHLB advances.

Stockholders’ Equity. Total stockholders’ equity decreased $6.4 million during the first nine months of 2015 to $175.0 million at September 30, 2015, from $181.4 million at December 31, 2014, primarily due to common stock repurchases. Retained earnings increased $4.5 million during the first nine months of 2015 due to $7.0 million of net income offset by $2.5 million of shareholder dividends paid at $0.18 per share.

The following table shows cash dividends paid per share and the related dividend payout ratio for the periods indicated:
 
Three months ended
September 30,
 
Nine months ended
September 30,
 
2015
 
2014
 
2015
 
2014
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Dividend declared per common share
$
0.06

 
$
0.05

 
$
0.18

 
$
0.15

Dividend payout ratio (1)
33.3
%
 
26.3
%
 
35.3
%
 
28.9
%
______________
(1)    Dividends paid per common share divided by basic earnings per common share

As part of the strategy to increase shareholder value, the Company has been repurchasing shares at a per share price averaging below book value. As evidence of the success of this plan, year-to-date net income as of September 30, 2015 was $704,000 lower than for the same period in 2014, with diluted earnings per share of $0.51 for both years. In October 2014, the Company's board of directors authorized the purchase of an additional 1,546,600 shares of the Company’s common stock, or 10% of the shares outstanding. In 2015, 293,300 shares were repurchased under this plan at an average price of $12.00 per share before this plan expired on April 22, 2015. In April 2015, the board authorized repurchase of an additional 1,492,400 shares between April 28, 2015 and October 28, 2015. As of September 30, 2015, the Company had repurchased 774,414 shares under this plan at an average price of $12.17 per share.

Additional paid-in-capital decreased $11.8 million as a result of $13.0 million used to repurchase 1,067,714 shares during the nine months ended September 30, 2015, partially offset by a $690,000 increase from the exercise of stock options. Accumulated other comprehensive loss increased to $455,000 as a result of a $98,000 after-tax unrealized loss from valuation adjustments on investments available-for-sale.

Comparison of Operating Results for the Three Months Ended September 30, 2015 and 2014

General. Net income for the three months ended September 30, 2015 was $2.4 million, or $0.18 per diluted share as compared to net income of $2.7 million, or $0.19 per diluted share for the quarter ended September 30, 2014. The $289,000 decline in net income during the third quarter of 2015 was primarily a result of a $555,000 decrease in net interest income, and an $873,000

42



increase in noninterest expense, partially offset by a $400,000 increase in the recapture of provision for loan losses and $260,000 increase in noninterest income.

Net Interest Income. Net interest income for the quarter ended September 30, 2015 decreased $555,000 to $7.7 million, as compared to $8.2 million for the third quarter in 2014. The decrease was a combined result of a decrease in interest income and an increase in interest expense. These changes were primarily due to the shift in our asset mix as a result of a decrease in the average balance of higher yielding assets, consisting of loans receivable and investments available-for-sale, and an increase in the average balance of our low yielding interest-earning deposits.

The following table details the change in net interest income due to changes in yield or cost, or changes in the average balance of the related asset or liability:

 
Three Months Ended September 30, 2015
compared to September 30, 2014
Net Change

Rate

Volume

Total

(In thousands)
Interest-earning assets:





   Loan receivable, net
$
(196
)

$
(263
)

$
(459
)
   Investments available-for-sale
45


(21
)

24

   Interest-earning deposits
2


42


44

   FHLB stock
13




13

Total net change in income on interest-earning assets
(136
)

(242
)

(378
)






Interest-bearing liabilities:





   NOW


(1
)

(1
)
   Statement savings
2


1


3

   Money market
55


19


74

   Certificates of deposit, retail
(16
)

(102
)

(118
)
   Certificates of deposit, brokered
(18
)
 
236

 
218

   Advances from the FHLB
1




1

Total net change in expense on interest-bearing liabilities
24


153


177

Total net change in net interest income
$
(160
)

$
(395
)

$
(555
)

Loan interest income decreased $459,000 during the third quarter of 2015 as compared to the same period in 2014 as a result of a $19.7 million decrease in the average outstanding loan balance combined with a decrease in yield of 16 basis points. Loan originations were outpaced by payoffs on higher yielding loans as the Bank continues to face significant competition and pricing pressures for quality loan production in this prolonged, low-interest rate environment. The decline in average loan yields reflects a trend that we believe is likely to continue during the remainder of 2015.

Interest income from our investments available-for-sale increased by $24,000 during the third quarter of 2015 as compared to the same period in 2014. The average balance of our available-for-sale investments decreased by $4.7 million due to a combination of principal repayments, sales of smaller, low yielding investments, and purchases of larger, higher yield investments. This decrease was more than offset by an increase in our average yield of 13 basis points, to 1.87%. We continue to seek investment opportunities that will convert lower-yield interest-earning deposits into higher yielding interest-earning assets.

Further contributing to the decrease in net interest income, interest expense increased by $177,000 during the third quarter of 2015 as compared to the same period in 2014. Our average balance of interest-bearing liabilities increased $42.3 million, and our average cost of funds increased four basis points to 0.90% for the three months ended September 30, 2015 as compared to the same period last year. Brokered certificates of deposit of $48.0 million were acquired during the last 12 months at an average cost of 1.84% resulting in additional interest expense of $218,000 during the third quarter of 2015 as compared to the same quarter in 2014. These brokered deposits were obtained with maturities ranging from four to six years in an effort to help mitigate the Bank's interest rate risk in a rising rate environment; however, this interest rate risk protection came at a cost to current earnings as the rates paid on these longer term deposits are higher than shorter term deposit rates. Interest expense on money market accounts

43



increased by $74,000 as a combined result of an increase of $31.1 million in the average balance and a 13 basis point increase in the cost of these funds. These increases were partially offset by a decrease in interest of $118,000 on retail certificates of deposit, due to a decrease in the average balance of $37.5 million and a decrease in the average rate of three basis points.

The following table compares detailed average balances, related interest income or interest expense, associated yields and rates, and the resulting net interest margin for the three months ended September 30, 2015 and 2014. Nonaccrual loans are included in the average balance of net loans receivable and are considered to carry a zero yield.
 
Three Months Ended September 30,
 
2015
 
2014
 
Average
Balance
 
Interest Earned / Paid
 
Yield or
Cost
 
Average
Balance
 
Interest Earned / Paid
 
Yield or
Cost
 
(Dollars in thousands)
Loans receivable, net                                           
$
665,183

 
8,698

 
5.19
%
 
$
684,876

 
9,157

 
5.35
%
Investments available-for-sale
122,685

 
578

 
1.87

 
127,402

 
554

 
1.74

Interest-earning deposits                                           
105,901

 
67

 
0.25

 
37,503

 
23

 
0.25

FHLB stock                      
6,537

 
15

 
0.91

 
6,867

 
2

 
0.12

Total interest-earning assets                                                      
900,306

 
9,358

 
4.12

 
856,648

 
9,736

 
4.55

Noninterest earning assets
61,480

 
 
 
 
 
50,314

 
 
 
 
Total average assets
$
961,786

 
 
 
 
 
$
906,962

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
NOW                                
$
17,578

 
4

 
0.09
%
 
$
20,928

 
5

 
0.10
%
Statement savings
26,436

 
10

 
0.15

 
22,463

 
7

 
0.12

Money market
169,420

 
157

 
0.37

 
138,296

 
83

 
0.24

Certificates of deposit, retail
333,141

 
891

 
1.06

 
370,605

 
1,009

 
1.09

Certificates of deposit, brokered
66,122

 
307

 
1.84

 
18,081

 
89

 
1.97

Advances from the FHLB
135,500

 
325

 
0.95

 
135,500

 
324

 
0.96

Total interest-bearing liabilities
748,197

 
1,694

 
0.90

 
705,873

 
1,517

 
0.86

Noninterest bearing liabilities
37,078

 
 
 
 
 
18,055

 
 
 
 
Average equity
176,511

 
 
 
 
 
183,034

 
 
 
 
Total average liabilities and equity
$
961,786

 
 
 
 
 
$
906,962

 
 
 
 
Net interest income
 
 
$
7,664

 
 
 
 
 
$
8,219

 
 
Net interest margin
 
 
 
 
3.38
%
 
 
 
 
 
3.84
%

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 reserves. The general reserve is determined by applying factors to our various groups of loans. Management considers factors such as charge-off history, the prevailing economy, 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 reserve 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 if future events differ from current estimates.

During the quarter ended September 30, 2015, management evaluated the adequacy of the ALLL and concluded that a recapture of prior period provisions for loan loss in the amount of $700,000 was appropriate for the quarter, as compared to a $300,000 recapture for the third quarter of 2014. For the third quarter of 2015, the recapture was partially related to $243,000 in net recoveries of amounts previously charged off. In addition, payment in full of $5.0 million on three loans internally classified

44



as "special mention" significantly improved our credit quality analyzed on loan grade factors and reduced the amount set aside in the general reserve. In comparison, the recapture reported in the third quarter of 2014 was primarily a result of improved market values on certain impaired loans, thereby reducing the specific reserve set aside on these loans by $400,000, partially offset by a $100,000 increase in the general reserve due to growth in loans receivable.

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 Three Months
Ended September 30,

2015

2014
 
(Dollars in thousands)
Total loans receivable, net of LIP, end of period
$
687,676

 
$
698,584

Average loans receivable during period
665,183

 
684,876

ALLL balance at beginning of period
10,603

 
11,951

Recapture of provision for loan losses
(700
)
 
(300
)
Charge-offs:


 
 
One-to-four family
(2
)
 
(3
)
Consumer
(20
)
 
(6
)
Total charge-offs
(22
)
 
(9
)
Recoveries:


 
 
One-to-four family
217

 
12

Commercial real estate
48

 

Business

 
5

Consumer

 
1

Total recoveries
265

 
18

Net recovery
243

 
9

ALLL balance at end of period
$
10,146

 
$
11,660

ALLL as a percent of total loans, net of LIP
1.48
%
 
1.67
%
Ratio of net recoveries to average net loans receivable (annualized)
0.14

 
0.01


Noninterest Income. Noninterest income increased $261,000 to $447,000 for the quarter ended September 30, 2015, from $186,000 for the same quarter in 2014. The following table provides a detailed analysis of the changes in the components of noninterest income:
 
Three Months Ended September 30, 2015
 
Change from
September 30, 2014
 
Percent Change
 
(Dollars in thousands)
Service fees on deposit accounts
$
12

 
$

 
%
Loan service fees                                
56

 
21

 
60.0

Net gain on sale of investments
85

 
85

 
n/a

BOLI change in cash surrender value
213

 
111

 
108.8

Other           
81

 
44

 
118.9

Total noninterest income                                           
$
447

 
$
261

 
140.3
%

In April 2015, we added $20.0 million in new BOLI policies, bringing our policy total to $23.1 million as of September 30, 2015. We recognize the increase in cash surrender value of these policies as noninterest income, which assists in offsetting expenses for employee benefits. For the third quarter of 2015, noninterest income of $213,000 was recognized on these policies. In the third quarter of 2014, we recognized $102,000 in BOLI income representing the increase in cash surrender value of BOLI policies for the first nine months of 2014. Previously, the increase was recognized solely at year end and in the fourth quarter of 2014 we began recognizing the increase on a quarterly basis.


45



Sales of 35 investment securities for total proceeds of $23.8 million resulted in a net gain on sales of investments of $85,000 for the quarter ended September 30, 2015. There were no investment security sales for the comparative period in 2014.

Other noninterest income increased $44,000 primarily as a result of $42,000 of investment sales commissions generated by referred accounts with a wealth management advisor through First Financial Wealth Services. This new relationship allows us to offer a broader range of wealth management solutions to appropriately meet the needs of our customers.

Noninterest Expense. Noninterest expense increased $873,000 to $5.4 million for the third quarter of 2015 from $4.5 million for the comparable quarter in 2014.

The following table provides a detailed analysis of the changes in the components of noninterest expense:
 
Three Months Ended September 30, 2015
 
Change from
September 30, 2014
 
Percent Change
 
(Dollars in thousands)
Salaries and employee benefits
$
3,488

 
$
541

 
18.4
 %
Occupancy and equipment                                           
387

 
57

 
17.3

Professional fees                                
472

 
15

 
3.3

Data processing                                
176

 
29

 
19.7

(Gain) Loss on sales of OREO property, net                                

 
15

 
(100.0
)
OREO market value adjustments

 
(60
)
 
(100.0
)
OREO related expenses, net
24

 
(25
)
 
(51.0
)
Regulatory assessments
119

 
17

 
16.7

Insurance and bond premiums                                           
89

 
(11
)
 
(11.0
)
Marketing
103

 
88

 
586.7

Other general and administrative
523

 
207

 
65.5

Total noninterest expense                                           
$
5,381

 
$
873

 
19.4
 %

Expenses for salaries and employee benefits increased $541,000 for the third quarter of 2015 as compared to the same period in 2014 as a result of several components of this expense. In support of our core processor conversion project and the opening of a new branch office in Mill Creek, Washington, the number of employees increased by nine from September 30, 2014 to September 30, 2015, contributing to $374,000 in higher compensation expense, a $57,000 increase in health benefits, and a $44,000 increase in payroll tax expense.

Other general and administrative expenses increased by $207,000 during the third quarter of 2015 as compared to the third quarter of 2014 primarily as a result of a $212,000 increase in our reserve for unfunded commitments. The balances of approved but unfunded loans, unused lines of credit, and construction loans in process increased by $23.4 million quarter over quarter, thereby requiring an increase in the related reserve. The unfunded commitment reserve expense can vary significantly each quarter, based on the amount believed by management to be sufficient to absorb estimated probable losses related to unfunded credit facilities.

Marketing expenses increased $88,000 during the quarter ended September 30, 2015 as compared to the same quarter in 2014 primarily as a result of increased customer communication and publicity for our branch opening, core conversion, and Bank name change that occurred in the third quarter of 2015.

Federal Income Tax Expense. Our statutory income tax rate is 35%. We recorded federal income tax provisions of $984,000 and $1.5 million for the quarters ended September 30, 2015, and 2014, respectively, as a result of our consolidated pretax net income. Our effective tax rate for the quarter ended September 30, 2015 decreased to 29% as a result of midyear purchases of tax-exempt securities and life insurance.

Comparison of Operating Results for the Nine Months Ended September 30, 2015 and 2014

General. Net income for the nine months ended September 30, 2015 was $7.0 million or $0.51 per diluted share as compared to net income of $7.7 million, or $0.51 per diluted share for the nine months ended September 30, 2014. A decrease in net interest income of $1.7 million was partially offset by increases of $400,000 in the recapture of provision for loan losses and $553,000 of noninterest income.

46




Net Interest Income. Net interest income for the nine months ended September 30, 2015 decreased $1.7 million to $22.8 million, as compared to $24.5 million for the same period in 2014. The decline is a combined result of a decrease in interest income and an increase in interest expense. During the nine months ended September 30, 2015, as compared to the same period in 2014, a reduction of 41 basis points in the yield on our interest-earning assets was partially offset by an increase of in the average balance of these assets of $43.5 million. The increase in interest expense was primarily a result of an increase in average interest-earning liabilities of $39.2 million. While the cost of funds remained fairly stable during the comparative periods, rate reductions in our retail certificates of deposit resulted in a significant decrease of interest expense for these deposits.

The following table details the change in net interest income due to changes in yield or cost, or changes in the average balance of the related asset or liability:
    
 
Nine Months Ended September 30, 2015
compared to September 30, 2014
Net Change

Rate

Volume

Total

(In thousands)
Interest-earning assets:





   Loan receivable, net
$
(916
)

$
(422
)

$
(1,338
)
   Investments available-for-sale
35


(193
)

(158
)
   Interest-earning deposits


131


131

   FHLB stock
15




15

Total net change in income on interest-earning assets
(866
)

(484
)

(1,350
)






Interest-bearing liabilities:





   NOW
(3
)

(3
)

(6
)
   Statement savings
3


3


6

   Money market
150


28


178

   Certificates of deposit, retail
(346
)

(404
)

(750
)
   Certificates of deposit, brokered
(49
)

859


810

   Advances from the FHLB
49


60


109

Total net change in expense on interest-bearing liabilities
(196
)

543


347

Total net change in net interest income
$
(670
)

$
(1,027
)

$
(1,697
)

Loan interest income decreased $1.3 million during the first nine months of 2015 as compared to the same period in 2014 primarily as a result of a 17 basis points decrease in the average loan yield and, to a lesser extent, a $10.5 million decrease in the average outstanding loan balance. While payoffs have outpaced originations in one-to-four family, and commercial loans, there was an increase in multifamily loans and higher yielding construction loans, helping to mitigate some of the decline in interest income.

Interest income from our investments available-for-sale decreased by $158,000 as our average balance decreased by $14.9 million during the first nine months of 2015 compared to the same period in 2014. Our yield increased by four basis points as securities with a tax equivalent rate of 1.9% were sold and securities were purchased with a tax equivalent rate of 2.4%.

Further contributing to the decrease in net interest income, interest expense increased by $347,000 during the first nine months of 2015 as compared to the same period in 2014. The addition of $66.1 million of brokered certificates of deposit since the second quarter of 2014 at an average cost of 1.85% resulted in $810,000 of increased interest expense for the first nine months of 2015 as compared to the same period in 2014. Interest expense on money market accounts increased by $178,000 primarily as a result of a 13 basis point increase in the costs of these funds. Interest expense on FHLB advances increased by $109,000 during the first nine months of 2015 compared to the same period in 2014 as a combined result of rate and volume increases. Interest expense on retail certificates of deposit decreased by $750,000 as the average balance of these products decreased by $45.8 million and the related cost for these funds decreased by 13 basis points during the first nine months of 2015 compared to the same period in 2014.


47



As current market rates continue to remain low, we are pricing our retail certificates of deposit less aggressively to help manage our net interest margin.

The following table compares detailed average balances, related interest income or interest expense, associated yields and rates, and the resulting net interest margin for the nine months ended September 30, 2015 and 2014. Nonaccrual loans are included in the average balance of loans receivable and are considered to carry a zero yield.
 
Nine Months Ended September 30,
 
2015
 
2014
 
Average Balance
 
Interest Earned / Paid
 
Yield or Cost
 
Average Balance
 
Interest Earned / Paid
 
Yield or Cost
 
(Dollars in thousands)
Loans receivable, net                                           
$
665,765

 
$
25,932

 
5.21
%
 
$
676,229

 
$
27,270

 
5.38
%
Investments available-for-sale
119,572

 
1,585

 
1.77

 
134,470

 
1,743

 
1.73
%
Interest-earning deposits                                           
103,557

 
196

 
0.25

 
34,369

 
65

 
0.25
%
FHLB stock                      
6,630

 
20

 
0.40

 
6,934

 
5

 
0.10
%
Total interest-earning assets                                                      
895,524

 
27,733

 
4.14

 
852,002

 
29,083

 
4.55
%
Noninterest earning assets
56,699

 
 
 
 
 
52,994

 
 
 
 
Total average assets
$
952,223

 
 
 
 
 
$
904,996

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
NOW                                
$
18,100

 
$
13

 
0.10
%
 
$
21,585

 
$
19

 
0.12
%
Statement savings
25,546

 
28

 
0.15

 
22,426

 
22

 
0.13

Money market
156,100

 
399

 
0.34

 
138,436

 
221

 
0.21

Certificates of deposit, retail
341,897

 
2,677

 
1.05

 
387,651

 
3,427

 
1.18

Certificates of deposit, brokered
64,875

 
899

 
1.85

 
6,093

 
89

 
1.95

Advances from the FHLB
135,500

 
963

 
0.95

 
126,592

 
854

 
0.90

Total interest-bearing liabilities
742,018

 
4,979

 
0.90

 
702,783

 
4,632

 
0.88

Noninterest bearing liabilities
30,472

 
 
 
 
 
16,942

 
 
 
 
Average equity
179,733

 
 
 
 
 
185,271

 
 
 
 
Total average liabilities and equity
$
952,223

 
 
 
 
 
$
904,996

 
 
 
 
Net interest income
 
 
$
22,754

 
 
 
 
 
$
24,451

 
 
Net interest margin
 
 
 
 
3.40
%
 
 
 
 
 
3.83
%

Provision for Loan Losses. During the nine months ended September 30, 2015, management evaluated the adequacy of the ALLL and concluded that a $1.3 million recapture of prior period provisions for loan loss was appropriate for the period. The recapture during the first nine months of 2015 was primarily a result of net recoveries of $955,000 and the repayment of $5.0 million of loans graded as "special mention", which reduced the amount required to be set aside in the general reserve. For the first nine months of 2014, a recapture of $900,000 was primarily a result of upgrades of risk categories and improvements in valuations on our impaired loans.

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.

48



 
At or For the Nine Months Ended September 30,
 
2015
 
2014
 
(Dollars in thousands)
Net loans receivable, end of period
$
687,676


$
698,584

Average loans receivable during period
665,765


676,229

ALLL balance at beginning of period
10,491


12,994

(Recapture of provision) provision for loan losses
(1,300
)

(900
)
Charge-offs





One-to-four family
(27
)

(78
)
Multifamily
(281
)


Commercial


(311
)
Construction/land development


(223
)
Consumer
(54
)

(30
)
Total Charge-offs
(362
)

(642
)
Recoveries





One-to-four family
908


46

Commercial
105


151

Business
3


6

Consumer
301


5

Total recoveries
1,317


208

Net recovery (charge-offs)
955


(434
)
ALLL balance at end of period
$
10,146


$
11,660

ALLL as a percent of total loans, net of LIP
1.48
%

1.67
 %
Ratio of net recoveries to average net loans receivable (annualized)
0.19


(0.09
)

Noninterest Income. Noninterest income increased $553,000 to $895,000 for the nine months ended September 30, 2015, from $342,000 for the same period in 2014. The following table provides a detailed analysis of the changes in the components of noninterest income:
 
Nine Months Ended September 30, 2015
 
Change from
September 30, 2014
 
Percent Change
 
(Dollars in thousands)
Service fees on deposit accounts
$
55


$
10

 
22.2
 %
Loan service fees                                
111


8

 
7.8

Net gain on sale of investments
85


105

 
(525.0
)
Servicing rights, net                                


(3
)
 
(100.0
)
BOLI change in cash surrender value
369

 
267

 
261.8

Other           
275


166

 
152.3

Total noninterest income                                           
$
895


$
553

 
161.7
 %

The $267,000 increase in noninterest BOLI income for the first nine months of 2015 as compared to the same period in 2014 was primarily a result of $20.0 million of BOLI policies added in April 2015. Additional noninterest income was generated by sales of investment securities, with an $85,000 net gain on sales of 35 securities in 2015 compared to a $20,000 loss on one security during the first nine months of 2014.

Contributing to the $166,000 increase in other noninterest income during the first nine months of 2015, we sold an investment rental property generating a $95,000 gain. In addition, investment sales commissions of $64,000 were generated through our new relationship with a wealth management advisor through First Financial Wealth Services.


49



Noninterest Expense. Noninterest expense increased $811,000 to $14.5 million for the nine months ending September 30, 2015 as compared to the nine months ended September 30 2014.

The following table provides a detailed analysis of the changes in the components of noninterest expense:
 
Nine Months Ended September 30, 2015
 
Change from
September 30, 2014
 
Percent Change
 
(Dollars in thousands)
Salaries and employee benefits
$
10,153


$
1,460

 
16.8
 %
Occupancy and equipment                                           
1,039


21

 
2.1

Professional fees                                
1,284


76

 
6.3

Data processing                                
523


54

 
11.5

Gain on sales of OREO property, net                                
(531
)

(623
)
 
(677.2
)
OREO market value adjustments
5


(343
)
 
(98.6
)
OREO-related expenses, net
17


(171
)
 
(91.0
)
Regulatory assessments
351


67

 
23.6

Insurance and bond premiums                                           
270


(35
)
 
(11.5
)
Marketing
190


113

 
146.8

Other general and administrative
1,244


192

 
18.3

Total noninterest expense                                           
$
14,545


$
811

 
5.9
 %

Salaries and employee benefits expense increased $1.5 million for the first nine months of 2015 as compared to the same period in 2014. In support of our core processor conversion project and the opening of a new branch office in Mill Creek, Washington, the number of employees increased by nine from September 30, 2014 to September 30, 2015, contributing to an $864,000 increase in compensation expense, a $157,000 increase to health benefits expense and a $140,000 increase to payroll tax expense. Stock option compensation expense increased by $62,000 as a result of new grants in the third quarter of 2014 and the first quarter of 2015. Finally, ESOP compensation expense increased $135,000 year over year as a result of the increase in the average trading price the Company's stock.

Net gains on sales of OREO and decreases in OREO related expenses provided a significant offset to increases in noninterest expenses. Sales of seven OREO properties generated a net gain of $531,000 for the first nine months of 2015, compared to sales of ten properties for a net loss of $92,000 for the same period in 2014. In addition, valuation adjustments resulted in $5,000 expense as of September 30, 2015 compared to $348,000 in valuation expense as of September 30, 2014. Lastly, for the first nine months of 2015, OREO rental income significantly offset OREO holding costs resulting in a net expense of $17,000 as compared to net expense of $188,000 for the same period in 2014.

Federal Income Tax Expense. Our statutory income tax rate is 35%. We recorded federal income tax provisions of $3.4 million and $4.2 million for the year-to-date ended September 30, 2015, and 2014 as a result of our consolidated pretax net income.

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, cash flow from the loan and investment portfolios, advances from the FHLB, and to a lesser extent, brokered certificates of deposit. These funds, together with equity, are used to make loans, acquire investment securities and other assets, and fund continuing operations. At September 30, 2015, retail certificates of deposit scheduled to mature in one year or less totaled $124.6 million. Management's policy is to maintain deposit rates at levels that are competitive with other local financial institutions, although recently we have been less aggressive in competing for certificates of deposit and public funds in order to reduce our cost of funds. 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

50



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, 2015, the Bank maintained credit facilities with the FHLB totaling $328.6 million with an outstanding balance of $135.5 million. At September 30, 2015, we also had available a total of $35.0 million credit facilities with other financial institutions, with no balance outstanding. For additional information, see the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows in Item 1 of this Form 10-Q.

During the third quarter of 2014, management began utilizing the national brokered deposit market to assist in our funds acquisition and interest rate risk management efforts by adding $66.1 million of brokered certificates of deposit as of September 30, 2015. In contrast to most retail certificate of deposit offerings which provide the depositor with an option to withdraw their funds prior to maturity, subject to an early withdrawal penalty, certificates of deposit acquired in the brokered market limits the depositor ability to withdraw the funds before the end of the term (except in the case of death or adjudication of incompetence of a depositor) which greatly reduces early redemption risk associated with retail deposits. This strategy may include, but is not necessarily limited to, raising longer term deposits (with terms greater than three years) that assist the Bank in its interest rate risk management efforts. At September 30, 2015, brokered certificates of deposit had a weighted-average maturity of 4.9 years. These certificates also provide the Bank the option to redeem the deposit after six months, a favorable distinction compared to retail certificate of deposit terms that are offered in our local market. With these redemption limitations and call features, the cost of these brokered deposits is generally higher than our retail certificate of deposit offerings. Consequently, as we increase our brokered deposits, our cost of funds may increase. Please refer to Note 11, Subsequent Events, of this Form 10-Q for further details on our brokered certificates of deposit.

First Financial Northwest is a separate legal entity from the Bank and, on a stand-alone level, must provide for its own liquidity and pay its own operating expenses and cash dividends. First Financial Northwest's primary sources of funds consist of dividends from the Bank, although there are regulatory restrictions on the ability of the Bank to pay dividends. At September 30, 2015, the Company (on an unconsolidated basis) had liquid assets of $54.2 million.

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 ("ALCO") 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, 2015 and December 31, 2014, 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.
    
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, 2015:

51



 
 
 
Amount of Commitment Expiration
 
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                                                      
$
21,295

 
$
21,295

 
$

 
$

 
$

Unused portion of lines of credit                                                      
8,253

 
1,749

 
2,234

 
3,615

 
655

Undisbursed portion of construction loans
38,611

 
15,447

 
23,164

 

 

Total commitments
$
68,159

 
$
38,491

 
$
25,398

 
$
3,615

 
$
655


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

We have entered into a five year lease agreement for our new Mill Creek branch location, with three options to extend the term for an additional three years each. Our lease expense is $50,000 per year, beginning in September 2015. We have also entered into a five year lease agreement for our new Edmonds location with three options to extend the term for an additional five years each. The lease expense for the Edmonds location will be $70,000 per year with payments beginning in the first quarter of 2016.
 
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.

Capital

At September 30, 2015, stockholders' equity totaled $175.0 million, or 17.80% of total assets. Our book value per share of common stock was $12.32 at September 30, 2015 compared to $11.96 at December 31, 2014. Consistent with our goal to operate a sound and profitable financial organization, we actively seek to maintain a “well-capitalized” status in accordance with regulatory standards.

As of September 30, 2015, the Bank and consolidated Company exceeded all regulatory capital requirements and the Bank was considered "well capitalized" under regulatory capital guidelines of the FDIC. The following table provides our capital requirements and actual results.

52



 
 At September 30, 2015
 
Actual
 
For Minimum Capital Adequacy Purposes
 
To be Categorized as "Well Capitalized"
 
 Amount
 
Ratio
 
 Amount
 
Ratio
 
 Amount
 
Ratio
 
 (dollars in thousands)
Tier I leverage capital (to average assets)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Bank only
$
112,254

 
11.74
%
 
$
38,234

 
4.00
%
 
$
47,792

 
5.00
%
Consolidated
174,139

 
18.15

 
38,382

 
4.00

 
47,977

 
5.00

Common equity tier I (to risk-weighted assets)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Bank only
112,254

 
16.57

 
30,483

 
4.50

 
44,031

 
6.50

Consolidated
174,139

 
25.54

 
30,687

 
4.50

 
44,326

 
6.50

Tier I risk-based capital (to risk-weighted assets)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Bank only
112,254

 
16.57

 
40,644

 
6.00

 
54,192

 
8.00

Consolidated
174,139

 
25.54

 
40,916

 
6.00

 
54,555

 
8.00

Total risk-based capital (to risk-weighted assets)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Bank only
120,749

 
17.83

 
54,192

 
8.00

 
67,740

 
10.00

Consolidated
182,701

 
26.79

 
54,555

 
8.00

 
68,194

 
10.00



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 net interest income 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 ALCO, comprised of certain members of senior management and the Board of Directors. The Committee's purpose is to manage, coordinate, and communicate our asset/liability position consistent with our business plan and Board-approved policy. The ALCO 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.

Additionally, the Committee reviews current and projected liquidity needs. As part of its procedures, the ALCO regularly reviews our interest rate risk by modeling the impact that changes in interest rates may have on earnings, particularly net interest income. The market value of portfolio equity, which is the net present value of an institution's existing assets less its liabilities and off-balance sheet instruments, is also modeled under several scenarios of changing interest rates. In both cases, results are evaluated and compared with the maximum potential change that is authorized by the Board of Directors.
 
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.

53




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 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.

Brokered Deposits. During the third quarter of 2014, management added the national brokered deposit market as an additional source of funds and to assist efforts in managing interest rate risk. Utilizing brokered deposits might result in increased regulatory scrutiny, as such deposits are not viewed as favorably as core retail deposits and there can be no assurance that the Bank will be allowed to include brokered deposits in its deposit mix in the future. While management will attempt to weigh the benefits of brokered deposits against the costs and risks, there can be no assurance that its conclusions will necessarily be aligned with those of the Bank's regulators.

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 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. A portion of our adjustable-rate loans have interest rate floors below which the loan's contractual interest rate may not adjust. Approximately 35.1% of our total loans were adjustable-rate loans at September 30, 2015. At that date, $144.5 million, or 56.7% of these loans were at their floor, with a weighted-average interest rate of 4.5%. The inability of our loans to adjust downward can contribute to increased income in periods of declining interest rates. However, when loans are at their floors, there is a risk that our interest income may not increase as rapidly as our cost of funds during periods of increasing interest rates. Furthermore, 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. The exception to this is time deposits, which 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 which are substantially lower than market decay rates. We have demonstrated in the past that the tiering structure of our deposit accounts during changing rate environments results in relatively lower volatility and less than market rate changes in our interest expense for deposits. We tier our deposit accounts by balance and rate, whereby higher balances within an account earn higher rates of interest. Therefore, deposits that are not very rate sensitive (generally, lower balance tiers) are separated from deposits that are rate sensitive (generally, higher balance tiers). When interest rates rise, we do not have to raise interest rates proportionately on less rate sensitive accounts to retain these deposits. These assumptions are based upon our analysis of our customer base, competitive factors and historical experience.

Our income simulation model examines changes in net interest income in which interest rates were assumed to remain at their base level, instantaneously increase by 100, 200 and 300 basis points or decline immediately by 100 basis points. Reductions of rates by 200 and 300 basis points were not reported due to the current low rate environment.


54



The following table illustrates the change in our net interest income at September 30, 2015 that would occur in the event of an instantaneous 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, 2015
Basis Point Change in Rates
 
Net Interest Income
 
% Change
(Dollars in thousands)
+300
 
$
29,845

 
6.19
 %
+200
 
29,331

 
4.37

+100
 
28,752

 
2.31

 Base
 
28,104

 

(100)
 
27,339

 
(2.72
)

The following table illustrates the change in our net portfolio value (“NPV”) at September 30, 2015 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.
Basis Point
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net Portfolio as % of
 
Market
Change in
 
Net Portfolio Value (1)
 
Portfolio Value of Assets
 
Value of
Rates
 
Amount
 
$ Change (2)
 
% Change
 
NPV Ratio (3)
 
% Change (4)
 
Assets (5)
 
 
(Dollars in thousands)
+300
 
$
170,770

 
$
(28,201
)
 
(14.17
)%
 
18.30
%
 
(2.82
)%
 
$
933,289

+200
 
180,031

 
(18,940
)
 
(9.52
)
 
18.83

 
(1.89
)
 
955,967

+100
 
190,138

 
(8,833
)
 
(4.44
)
 
19.40

 
(0.88
)
 
979,928

 Base
 
198,971

 

 

 
19.86

 

 
1,001,763

(100)
 
198,811

 
(160
)
 
(0.08
)
 
19.55

 
(0.02
)
 
1,016,866

_____________ 

(1) 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.
(2) The increase or decrease in net portfolio value at the indicated interest rates compared to the net portfolio value assuming no change in interest rates.
(3) Net portfolio value divided by the market value of assets.
(4) The increase or decrease in the net portfolio value divided by the market value of assets.
(5) 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.


55



At September 30, 2015, 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. Furthermore, 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 our Chief Executive Officer, Chief Financial Officer (Principal Financial 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, 2015 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, 2015, 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 2014 Form 10-K.

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

(a)     Not applicable

(b)     Not applicable


(c)    The following table summarizes First Financial Northwest's common stock repurchases during the third quarter of 2015, under the repurchase plan effective April 28, 2015 through October 28, 2015:

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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 - July 31, 2015

 
126,024

 
$
12.46

 
126,024

 
994,619

August 1 - August 31, 2015
 
125,109

 
12.40

 
125,109

 
869,510

September 1 - September 30, 2015
 
151,524

 
12.28

 
151,524

 
717,986

 
 
402,657

 
$
12.37

 
402,657

 
717,986

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
    
On April 22, 2015, the Board of Directors authorized the repurchase of up to 1,492,400 shares of the Company's common stock, or 10% of the Company's outstanding shares. This plan expired on October 28, 2015, at which time 864,463 shares had been repurchased at an average price per share of $12.18. On October 28, 2015, the Board of Directors authorized the repurchase of up to 1,410,000 of the Company's outstanding shares. The plan covers the repurchase of shares between November 2, 2015 and April 27, 2016. The Company has repurchased 335,066 shares that will settle on or before November 6, 2015.

Item 3. Defaults Upon Senior Securities

Not applicable.

Item 4. Mine Safety Disclosures

Not applicable.

Item 5. Other Information

Not applicable.


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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

 
Amended Employment Agreement between First Savings Bank Northwest and Joseph W. Kiley III (3)
10.2

 
Form of Change in Control Severance Agreement for Executive Officers (4)
10.3

 
Form of Supplemental Executive Retirement Agreement entered into by First Savings Bank with Joseph W. Kiley III (5)
10.4

 
2008 Equity Incentive Plan (6)
10.5

 
Forms of incentive and non-qualified stock option award agreements (7)
10.6

 
Form of restricted stock award agreement (7)
10.7

 
Settlement Agreement and Mutual Release with the Stilwell Group (8)
10.8

 
Amendment No. 1 to the Settlement Agreement and Releases with the Stilwell Group (9)
10.9

 
Amendment No. 2 to the Settlement Agreement and Releases with the Stilwell Group (10)
10.10

 
Employment Agreement between First Savings Bank Northwest and Richard P. Jacobson (3)
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

 
Certification of Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act
101

 
The following materials from First Financial Northwest’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2015, 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.

 _____________
(1) 
Filed as an exhibit to First Financial Northwest’s Registration Statement on Form S-1 (333-143539)
(2) 
Filed as an exhibit to First Financial Northwest’s Current Report on Form 8-K dated August 21, 2015.
(3) 
Filed as an exhibit to First Financial Northwest's Current Report on Form 8-K dated December 5, 2013.
(4) 
Filed as an exhibit to First Financial Northwest’s Current Report on Form 8-K dated September 9, 2014.
(5) 
Filed as an exhibit to First Financial Northwest’s Current Report on Form 8-K dated December 31, 2012.
(6) 
Filed as Appendix A to First Financial Northwest’s definitive proxy statement dated April 15, 2008.
(7) 
Filed as an exhibit to First Financial Northwest’s Current Report on Form 8-K dated July 1, 2008.
(8) 
Filed as an exhibit to First Financial Northwest's Current Report on Form 8-K dated December 20, 2012.
(9) 
Filed as an exhibit to First Financial Northwest's Current Report on Form 8-K dated January 17, 2013.
(10) 
Filed as an exhibit to First Financial Northwest's Current Report on Form 8-K dated February 26, 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 6, 2015
By: 
/s/Joseph W. Kiley III
 
 
Joseph W. Kiley III
 
 
President and Chief Executive Officer (Principal Executive Officer)
Date: November 6, 2015
By: 
/s/Richard P. Jacobson
 
 
Richard P. Jacobson
 
 
Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer (Principal Financial Officer)
 
 
 
Date: November 6, 2015
By: 
/s/Christine A. Huestis
 
 
Christine A. Huestis
 
 
Vice President and Controller (Principal Accounting Officer)

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Exhibit Index

Exhibit No.
 
Description
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

 
Certification of Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act
101

 
The following materials from First Financial Northwest’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2015, 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.




60