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First Financial Northwest, Inc. - Quarter Report: 2015 March (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 March 31, 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 April 30, 2015, 14,924,081 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)


Part 1. Financial Information

Item 1. Financial Statements

 
March 31, 2015 (Unaudited)
 
December 31, 2014
Assets
 
Cash on hand and in banks
$
5,313

 
$
5,920

Interest-earning deposits
114,973

 
98,129

Investments available-for-sale, at fair value
118,110

 
120,374

Loans receivable, net of allowance of $10,508 and $10,491, respectively
668,714

 
663,938

Federal Home Loan Bank ("FHLB") stock, at cost
6,672

 
6,745

Accrued interest receivable
3,106

 
3,265

Deferred tax assets, net
7,049

 
8,338

Other real estate owned ("OREO")
5,575

 
9,283

Premises and equipment, net
16,841

 
16,734

Other receivable
4,038

 
128

Prepaid expenses and other assets
4,613

 
4,143

Total assets
$
955,004

 
$
936,997

 
 
 
 
Liabilities and Stockholders' Equity
 

 
 
Deposits:
 
 
 
Interest-bearing deposits
$
611,266

 
$
599,773

Noninterest-bearing deposits
19,738

 
14,354

Total deposits
631,004

 
614,127

Advances from the FHLB
135,500

 
135,500

Advance payments from borrowers for taxes and insurance
3,075

 
1,707

Accrued interest payable
151

 
142

Other liabilities
4,452

 
4,109

Total liabilities
774,182

 
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 14,949,081 at March 31, 2015, and 15,167,381 shares at
December 31, 2014
150

 
151

Additional paid-in capital
150,826

 
153,395

Retained earnings, substantially restricted
38,355

 
36,969

Accumulated other comprehensive loss, net of tax
(45
)
 
(357
)
Unearned Employee Stock Ownership Plan ("ESOP") shares
(8,464
)
 
(8,746
)
Total stockholders' equity
180,822

 
181,412

Total liabilities and stockholders' equity
$
955,004

 
$
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 March 31,
 
2015
 
2014
Interest income
 
 
 
Loans, including fees
$
8,576

 
$
9,026

Investments available-for-sale
512

 
604

Interest-earning deposits
64

 
20

Dividends on FHLB stock
2

 
2

Total interest income
$
9,154

 
$
9,652

Interest expense
 
 
 
Deposits
1,314

 
1,347

FHLB advances
318

 
251

Total interest expense
$
1,632

 
$
1,598

Net interest income
7,522

 
8,054

Recapture of provision for loan losses
(100
)
 
(500
)
Net interest income after recapture of provision for loan losses
$
7,622

 
$
8,554

Noninterest income
 
 
 
Other
91

 
68

Total noninterest income
$
91

 
$
68

Noninterest expense
 

 
 
Salaries and employee benefits
3,414

 
2,885

Occupancy and equipment
338

 
351

Professional fees
354

 
357

Data processing
160

 
173

(Gain) loss on sale of OREO property, net
(529
)
 
71

OREO market value adjustments
50

 
196

OREO related expenses (reimbursements), net
(48
)
 
61

Regulatory assessments
116

 
78

Insurance and bond premiums
92

 
103

Marketing
33

 
25

Other general and administrative
310

 
224

Total noninterest expense
$
4,290

 
$
4,524

Income before federal income tax provision
3,423

 
4,098

Federal income tax provision
1,194

 
1,453

Net income
$
2,229

 
$
2,645

 
 
 
 
Basic earnings per share
$
0.16

 
$
0.17

Diluted earnings per share
$
0.16

 
$
0.17

Weighted average number of common shares outstanding
14,036,959

 
15,252,445

Weighted average number of diluted shares outstanding
14,199,715

 
15,357,120


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 March 31,
 
2015
 
2014
Net income
$
2,229

 
$
2,645

Other comprehensive income, before tax:
 
 
 
Unrealized holding gains on investments available-for-sale (net of tax provision of $169
and $329 for the first quarter of 2015 and 2014, respectively)
312

 
610

Other comprehensive income, net of tax
$
312

 
$
610

Total comprehensive income
$
2,541

 
$
3,255


See accompanying selected notes to consolidated financial statements.



5


FIRST FINANCIAL NORTHWEST, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Consolidated Statements of Stockholders' Equity
(Dollars in thousands)
(Unaudited)


 
Shares
 
Common Stock
 
Additional Paid-in Capital
 
Retained Earnings
 
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss),
 net of tax
 
Unearned
ESOP
Shares
 
Total Stockholders' Equity
Balances at December 31, 2013
16,392,139

 
$
164

 
$
166,866

 
$
29,220

 
$
(2,020
)
 
$
(9,875
)
 
$
184,355

Other comprehensive income

 

 

 
2,645

 
610

 

 
3,255

Cash dividend declared and paid ($0.05 per share)

 

 

 
(767
)
 

 

 
(767
)
Exercise of stock options
62,000

 
1

 
605

 

 

 

 
606

Compensation related to stock options and restricted stock awards

 

 
85

 

 

 

 
85

Allocation of 28,213 ESOP shares

 

 
12

 

 

 
282

 
294

Balances at March 31, 2014
16,454,139

 
$
165

 
$
167,568

 
$
31,098

 
$
(1,410
)
 
$
(9,593
)
 
$
187,828


 
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

 

 

 
2,229

 
312

 

 
2,541

Cash dividend declared and paid ($0.06 per share)

 

 

 
(843
)
 

 

 
(843
)
Exercise of stock options
50,000

 
1

 
488

 

 

 

 
489

Repurchase and retirement of common stock
(268,300
)
 
(2
)
 
(3,227
)
 

 

 

 
(3,229
)
Compensation related to stock options and restricted stock awards

 

 
109

 

 

 

 
109

Allocation of 28,213 ESOP shares

 

 
61

 

 

 
282

 
343

Balances at March 31, 2015
14,949,081

 
$
150

 
$
150,826

 
$
38,355

 
$
(45
)
 
$
(8,464
)
 
$
180,822


See accompanying selected notes to consolidated financial statements.

6


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

 
Three Months Ended March 31,
 
2015
 
2014
Cash flows from operating activities:
 
 
 
Net income
$
2,229

 
$
2,645

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

 
 
Recapture of provision for loan losses
(100
)
 
(500
)
OREO market value adjustments
50

 
196

(Gain) loss on sale of OREO property, net
(529
)
 
71

Depreciation of premises and equipment
182

 
191

Amortization of premiums and discounts on investments, net
299

 
394

Deferred federal income taxes
1,120

 
1,382

Allocation of ESOP shares
343

 
294

Stock compensation expense
109

 
85

Changes in operating assets and liabilities:
 
 
 

Prepaid expenses and other assets
(4,380
)
 
(336
)
Net increase in advance payments from borrowers for taxes and insurance
1,368

 
1,876

Accrued interest receivable
159

 
189

Accrued interest payable
9

 
3

Other liabilities
343

 
166

Net cash provided by operating activities
$
1,202

 
$
6,656

Cash flows from investing activities:
 

 
 

Proceeds from sales of OREO properties
4,328

 
780

Proceeds from calls of investments
50

 

Principal repayments on investments
4,292

 
5,041

Purchases of investments
(1,897
)
 

Net increase in loans receivable
(4,817
)
 
(9,386
)
FHLB stock redemption
73

 
65

Purchases of premises and equipment
(289
)
 
(50
)
Proceeds from sale or disposal of premises and equipment, net

 
11

Net cash provided (used) by investing activities
$
1,740

 
$
(3,539
)
Cash flows from financing activities:
 

 
 

Net increase (decrease) in deposits
16,877

 
(25,018
)
Proceeds from stock options exercises
489

 
606

Repurchase and retirement of common stock
(3,229
)
 

Dividends paid
(843
)
 
(767
)
Net cash provided (used) by financing activities
$
13,294

 
$
(25,179
)
 
 
 
 
Continued
 
 
 

7


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

 
 
 
 
 
Three Months Ended March 31,
 
2015
 
2014
 
 
 
 
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents
$
16,236

 
$
(22,062
)
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of quarter
104,050

 
55,575

Cash and cash equivalents at end of quarter
$
120,286

 
$
33,513

 
 
 
 
Supplemental disclosures of cash flow information:
 

 
 

Cash paid during the period for:
 

 
 

Interest paid
$
1,623

 
$
1,595

Federal income taxes paid
76

 
112

Noncash items:
 

 
 

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

 
$
1,191

Change in unrealized loss on investments available for sale
481

 
939


See accompanying selected notes to consolidated financial statements.


8



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

Note 1 - Description of Business

First Financial Northwest, Inc. (“First Financial Northwest”), a Washington corporation, was formed on June 1, 2007 for the purpose of becoming the holding company for First Savings Bank Northwest (“First Savings Bank” or “the Bank”) in connection with the conversion from a mutual holding company structure to a stock holding company structure 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 Savings Bank. Accordingly, the information presented in the consolidated financial statements and accompanying data, relates primarily to First Savings Bank. First Financial Northwest is a bank holding company, having converted from a savings and loan holding company as of March 31, 2015, subject to regulation by the Federal Reserve Bank of San Francisco. First Savings Bank is regulated by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (“FDIC”) and the Washington State Department of Financial Institutions (“DFI”).

First Savings Bank is a community-based savings bank primarily serving King, and to a lesser extent, Pierce, Snohomish and Kitsap counties, Washington, through one full-service banking office located in Renton, Washington. The Bank has received regulatory approvals to open a branch office in Mill Creek, Washington, which we expect to contribute to growth in our market presence in Snohomish County. This new branch office will be smaller than traditional bank offices, utilizing technology alternatives in an effort to manage expenses with this expansion. The Bank is a portfolio lender with a current business strategy emphasizing commercial real estate, construction, one-to-four family residential, and multifamily lending, funded primarily by deposits from its local communities, supplemented by borrowings from the Federal Home Loan Bank 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 Savings Bank Northwest, unless the context otherwise requires.

Note 2 - Basis of Presentation

The accompanying unaudited interim consolidated financial statements have been prepared pursuant to the rules and regulations of the 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 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 three months ended March 31, 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 our portfolio in our primary market area. Substantially all income is derived from a diverse base of commercial and residential real estate loans, consumer lending activities, and investments.

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

Note 3 - Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements

In August 2014, the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") issued Accounting Standards Update ("ASU") No. 2014-14, Receivables - Troubled Debt Restructurings by Creditors (Subtopic 310-40): Classification of Certain Government-Guaranteed Mortgage Loans upon Foreclosure. ASU 2014-14 addresses certain government-sponsored loan guarantee programs,

9


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


such as those offered by the Federal Housing Administration (FHA) and the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), where qualifying creditors can extend mortgage loans to borrowers with a guarantee that entitles the creditor to recover all or a portion of the unpaid principal balance from the government if the borrower defaults. The objective of this ASU is to reduce variations in practice by addressing the classification of foreclosed mortgage loans that are fully or partially guaranteed under government programs. Currently, some creditors reclassify those loans to real estate as with other foreclosed loans that do not have guarantees; others reclassify the loans to other receivables. The amendments affect creditors that hold government-guaranteed mortgage loans, including those guaranteed by the FHA and the VA. The ASU is effective for annual and interim periods beginning after December 15, 2014. The adoption of this ASU did not have a material impact on the Company's consolidated financial statements.
In January 2015, the FASB issued ASU No. 2015-01, Income Statement - Extraordinary and Unusual Items (Subtopic 225-20). The ASU eliminated from GAAP the concept of extraordinary items. Under subtopic 225-20, entities were required to separately classify, present, and disclose extraordinary events and transactions that were both unusual in nature and infrequent in occurrence. This amendment will save time and reduce costs for preparers, as well as alleviate uncertainty for auditors and regulators in evaluating potentially extraordinary items. The amendment is effective for fiscal years and interim reporting periods after December 15, 2015. It may be applied prospectively, and retrospectively to all reporting periods presented in the financial statements. The adoption of ASU No. 2015-01 is not expected to have a material impact on the Company's consolidated financial statements.

In February 2015, the FASB issued ASU No. 2015-02, Consolidation (Topic 810) - Amendments to the Consolidation Analysis. The amendments in this ASU affect limited partnerships and similar legal entities, evaluation of fees paid as a variable interest, the effect of fee arrangements and related parties on the primary beneficiary determination, and evaluation of certain investment funds. Under the revised consolidation model, all legal entities are subject to reevaluation. The amendments are effective for public business entities for fiscal years and interim reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2015. They may be applied retrospectively and early adoption is permitted. The adoption of ASU No. 2015-02 is not expected to have a material impact on the Company's consolidated financial statements.

Note 4 - Investments

Investments available-for-sale are summarized as follows at the dates indicated:
 
March 31, 2015
 
Amortized
Cost
 
Gross
Unrealized
Gains
 
Gross
Unrealized
Losses
 
Fair Value

(In thousands)
Mortgage-backed investments:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   Fannie Mae
$
38,487

 
$
1,061

 
$
(17
)
 
$
39,531

   Freddie Mac
22,186

 
621

 
(16
)
 
22,791

   Ginnie Mae
24,370

 
90

 
(141
)
 
24,319

Municipal bonds
894

 
4

 

 
898

U.S. Government agencies
16,402

 
113

 
(12
)
 
16,503

Corporate bonds
14,056

 
54

 
(42
)
 
14,068

Total
$
116,395

 
$
1,943

 
$
(228
)
 
$
118,110


10


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


 
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 table summarizes 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:
 
March 31, 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
$

 
$

 
$
1,398

 
$
(17
)
 
$
1,398

 
$
(17
)
   Freddie Mac
1,800

 
(16
)
 

 

 
1,800

 
(16
)
   Ginnie Mae
7,386

 
(21
)
 
8,139

 
(120
)
 
15,525

 
(141
)
U.S. Government agencies
1,868

 
(1
)
 
1,989

 
(11
)
 
3,857

 
(12
)
Corporate bonds

 

 
5,958

 
(42
)
 
5,958

 
(42
)
Total
$
11,054

 
$
(38
)
 
$
17,484

 
$
(190
)
 
$
28,538

 
$
(228
)
 
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
)

At March 31, 2015, the Company had 23 securities with a gross unrealized loss of $228,000 with a fair value of $28.5 million. At December 31, 2014, there were 24 securities that had a gross unrealized loss of $387,000 with a fair value of $31.2 million.

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. The Company did not have any

11


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


equity securities during the quarter ended March 31, 2015. For debt securities, if the Company intends to sell the security or it is likely that the Company will be required to sell the security before recovering its cost basis, the entire impairment loss would be recognized in earnings as an OTTI. If the Company does not intend to sell the security and it is not likely that it will be required to sell the security but does not expect to recover the entire amortized cost basis of the security, only the portion of the impairment loss representing credit losses would be recognized in earnings. The credit loss on a security is measured as the difference between the amortized cost basis and the present value of the cash flows expected to be collected. Projected cash flows are discounted by the original or current effective interest rate depending on the nature of the security being measured for potential OTTI. The remaining impairment related to all other factors, the difference between the present value of the cash flows expected to be collected and fair value, is recognized as a charge to other comprehensive income (“OCI”). Impairment losses related to all other factors are presented as separate categories within OCI. Management reviewed the financial condition of the entities issuing municipal or corporate bonds at March 31, 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 March 31, 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.
 
March 31, 2015
 
Amortized Cost
 
Fair Value
 
(In thousands)
Due within one year
$

 
$

Due after one year through five years
13,587

 
13,594

Due after five years through ten years
14,784

 
14,827

Due after ten years
2,981

 
3,048

 
31,352

 
31,469

Mortgage-backed investments
85,043

 
86,641

Total
$
116,395

 
$
118,110


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 $15.5 million and $16.3 million were pledged as collateral for public deposits at March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014, respectively, both of which exceeded the collateral requirements established by the Washington Public Deposit Protection Commission.

For the three months ended March 31, 2015, we had three partial calls on securities for $50,000, and no sales resulting in gain or loss. We had no calls or sales of securities for the three months ended March 31, 2014.


12


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: 
 
March 31, 2015
 
December 31, 2014
 
(In thousands)
One-to-four family residential: 
 
 
 
Permanent owner occupied
$
158,541

 
$
161,013

Permanent non-owner occupied
106,809

 
112,180

Construction non-owner occupied (1)
500

 
500

 
265,850

 
273,693

Multifamily:
 
 
 

Permanent
117,359

 
116,014

Construction (1)
4,450

 
4,450

 
121,809

 
120,464

Commercial real estate:
 
 
 

Permanent
238,227

 
239,211

Construction (1)
6,100

 
6,100

Land (2)
5,370

 
2,956

 
249,697

 
248,267

Construction/land development:
 
 
 

One-to-four family residential (1)
28,810

 
19,860

Multifamily (1)
19,452

 
17,902

Commercial (1)
4,300

 
4,300

Land development (2)
8,673

 
8,993

 
61,235

 
51,055

 
 
 
 
Business
5,313

 
3,783

Consumer
6,716

 
7,130

Total loans
710,620

 
704,392

 
 
 
 
Less:
 
 
 

Loans in process ("LIP")
28,788

 
27,359

Deferred loan fees, net
2,610

 
2,604

ALLL
10,508

 
10,491

Loans receivable, net
$
668,714

 
$
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 March 31, 2015, the Company had $6.1 million, or 2.4% of the total commercial real estate portfolio, $4.5 million, or 3.7% of its total multifamily portfolio, and $500,000 or 0.2% of the total one-to-four family residential 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.


13


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


(2)At March 31, 2015, and December 31, 2014, $5.4 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.
At both March 31, 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 for the periods shown: 
 
At or For the Three Months Ended March 31, 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
(25
)
 
(281
)
 

 

 

 
(34
)
 
(340
)
   Recoveries
173

 

 

 

 
3

 
281

 
457

   Provision (recapture)
(154
)
 
(342
)
 
38

 
386

 
4

 
(32
)
 
(100
)
Ending balance
$
3,688

 
$
1,023

 
$
4,635

 
$
741

 
$
54

 
$
367

 
$
10,508

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Allowance by category:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
General reserve
$
3,027

 
$
1,002

 
$
4,242

 
$
741

 
$
54

 
$
323

 
$
9,389

Specific reserve
661

 
21

 
393

 

 

 
44

 
1,119

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Loans: (1)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Total loans
$
265,822

 
$
121,715

 
$
249,398

 
$
32,868

 
$
5,313

 
$
6,716

 
$
681,832

Loans with general
valuation allowance
(2)
224,385

 
117,869

 
240,732

 
32,868

 
5,313

 
6,520

 
627,687

Loans with specific
reserves
(3)
41,437

 
3,846

 
8,666

 

 

 
196

 
54,145

____________ 

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

14


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


 
At or For the Three Months Ended March 31, 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
(18
)
 

 
(311
)
 
(223
)
 

 
(1
)
 
(553
)
   Recoveries

 

 
151

 

 

 
1

 
152

   Provision (recapture)
(548
)
 
29

 
(185
)
 
212

 
(7
)
 
(1
)
 
(500
)
Ending balance
$
4,575

 
$
1,406

 
$
5,536

 
$
388

 
$
7

 
$
181

 
$
12,093

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Allowance by category:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
General reserve
$
3,056

 
$
1,326

 
$
4,970

 
$
388

 
$
7

 
$
181

 
$
9,928

Specific reserve
1,519

 
80

 
566

 

 

 

 
2,165

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Loans: (1)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Total loans
$
279,244

 
$
121,639

 
$
253,420

 
$
23,065

 
$
614

 
$
8,583

 
$
686,565

Loans with general
valuation allowance
(2)
231,882

 
119,210

 
240,648

 
23,065

 
614

 
8,540

 
623,959

Loans with specific
reserves
(3)
47,362

 
2,429

 
12,772

 

 

 
43

 
62,606

_____________ 

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


15


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 March 31, 2015, total past due loans comprised 0.52% of total loans receivable 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 March 31, 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
$
256

 
$
345

 
$
475

 
$
1,076

 
$
157,465

 
$
158,541

Non-owner occupied

 

 

 

 
107,281

 
107,281

Multifamily

 

 
1,683

 
1,683

 
120,032

 
121,715

Commercial real estate
306

 
324

 
105

 
735

 
248,663

 
249,398

Construction/land development

 

 

 

 
32,868

 
32,868

Total real estate
562

 
669

 
2,263

 
3,494

 
666,309

 
669,803

Business

 

 

 

 
5,313

 
5,313

Consumer

 
74

 

 
74

 
6,642

 
6,716

Total loans
$
562

 
$
743

 
$
2,263

 
$
3,568

 
$
678,264

 
$
681,832

 ________________ 

(1) There were no loans 90 days and greater past due and still accruing interest at March 31, 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 to make the loan payments, as well as historical repayment performance. The Company requires the borrower to make loan payments

16


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


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:

 
March 31, 2015
 
December 31, 2014
 
(In thousands)
One-to-four family residential
$
494

 
$
830

Multifamily
1,683

 

Commercial real estate
425

 
434

Consumer
74

 
75

Total nonaccrual loans
$
2,676

 
$
1,339


Foregone interest on nonperforming loans for the three months ended March 31, 2015, was $26,000, compared to $44,000 for the same quarter in 2014.
 
The following tables summarize the loan portfolio by type and payment status at the dates indicated:

 
March 31, 2015
 
One-to-Four
Family
Residential
 
Multifamily
 
Commercial
Real Estate
 
Construction /
Land
Development
 
Business
 
Consumer
 
Total (1)
 
(In thousands)
Performing (2)
$
265,328

 
$
120,032

 
$
248,973

 
$
32,868

 
$
5,313

 
$
6,642

 
$
679,156

Nonperforming (3)
494

 
1,683

 
425

 

 

 
74

 
2,676

Total loans
$
265,822

 
$
121,715

 
$
249,398

 
$
32,868

 
$
5,313

 
$
6,716

 
$
681,832

_____________

(1) 
Net of LIP.
(2) 
There were $158.0 million of owner-occupied one-to-four family residential loans and $107.3 million of non-owner occupied one-to-four family residential loans classified as performing.
(3) 
There were $494,000 of owner-occupied one-to-four family residential loans and no non-owner occupied one-to-four family residential loans classified as nonperforming.


17


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 March 31, 2015, or December 31, 2014.


18


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:

 
March 31, 2015

Recorded Investment (1)
 
Unpaid Principal Balance (2)

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

 

 
  One-to-four family residential:
 

 

 
      Owner occupied
$
3,322


$
3,680


$

      Non-owner occupied
27,831


27,907



  Multifamily
1,683


1,965



   Commercial real estate
4,533


4,837



   Consumer
117


152



Total
37,486


38,541



Loans with an allowance:








  One-to-four family residential:








      Owner occupied
2,143


2,213


100

      Non-owner occupied
8,141


8,141


561

   Multifamily
2,163


2,163


21

   Commercial real estate
4,133


4,133


393

   Consumer
79


79


44

Total
16,659


16,729


1,119

Total impaired loans:








  One-to-four family residential:








      Owner occupied
5,465


5,893


100

      Non-owner occupied
35,972


36,048


561

   Multifamily
3,846


4,128


21

   Commercial real estate
8,666


8,970


393

   Consumer
196


231


44

Total
$
54,145


$
55,270


$
1,119

_________________ 

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


19


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.



20


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



The following table present the average recorded investment in loans individually evaluated for impairment and the interest income recognized for the three months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014:

 
Three Months Ended March 31, 2015
 
Three Months Ended March 31, 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
$
3,315

 
$
47

 
$
3,633

 
$
38

      Non-owner occupied
28,527

 
430

 
29,006

 
432

Multifamily
842

 

 
231

 

Commercial real estate
4,543

 
70

 
5,964

 
82

Construction/land development

 

 
112

 

Consumer
118

 
1

 
43

 

Total
37,345

 
548

 
38,989

 
552




 


 


 

Loans with an allowance:


 


 


 

   One-to-four family residential:


 


 


 

      Owner occupied
2,349

 
30

 
3,295

 
39

      Non-owner occupied
8,397

 
119

 
11,822

 
157

Multifamily
2,167

 
33

 
2,204

 
34

Commercial real estate
4,566

 
58

 
7,076

 
87

Consumer
79

 
1

 

 

Total
17,558

 
241

 
24,397

 
317




 


 


 

Total impaired loans:


 


 


 

   One-to-four family residential:


 


 


 

      Owner occupied
5,664

 
77

 
6,928

 
77

      Non-owner occupied
36,924

 
549

 
40,828

 
589

Multifamily
3,009

 
33

 
2,435

 
34

Commercial real estate
9,109

 
128

 
13,040

 
169

Construction/land development

 

 
112

 

Consumer
197

 
2

 
43

 

Total
$
54,903

 
$
789

 
$
63,386

 
$
869


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.


21


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 March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014, the TDR portfolio totaled $51.4 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 table presents loans that were modified as TDRs within the periods indicated, and their recorded investment both prior to and after the modification:
 
Three Months Ended March 31, 2015
 
Three Months Ended March 31, 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:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Principal and interest with
interest rate concession

 
$

 
$

 
1

 
$
221

 
$
221

Advancement of maturity
date
2

 
248

 
248

 

 

 

Commercial real estate:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Advancement of maturity date
1

 
454

 
454

 

 

 

Interest-only payments with advancement of maturity date
1

 
2,004

 
2,004

 

 

 

Total
4

 
$
2,706

 
$
2,706

 
1

 
$
221

 
$
221


At March 31, 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 months ended March 31, 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 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 entry 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 months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014.

The following is a summary of loans that were modified as TDRs within the 12 months prior to March 31, 2015 or 2014, and for which there was a payment default during the three months ended March 31, 2015 or 2014:

22


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


 
Types of Modification
 
Three Months Ended March 31, 2015

Three Months Ended March 31, 2014
 
Number of Loans

No Interest Rate Concession
with Modified Payment

Interest Rate Concession

Advancement of Maturity Date

Number of Loans

No Interest Rate Concession with Modified Payment

Interest Rate Concession

Advancement of Maturity Date
 
(Dollars in thousands)
Commercial
real estate


$


$


$


1


$


$


$
430

Total


$


$


$


1


$


$


$
430


TDRs that default after they have been modified are typically evaluated individually on a collateral basis. Any additional impairment further reduces the ALLL. For the three months ended March 31, 2015, no loans defaulted that had been modified within the previous 12 months. For the three months ended March 31, 2014, one loan that was restructured during the previous 12 months missed a payment, but has since become current.

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.

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 March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014.

The following tables represent a summary of loans by type and risk category at the dates indicated:
 
March 31, 2015
 
One-to-Four
Family
Residential
 
Multifamily
 
Commercial
Real Estate
 
Construction/ 
Land
Development
 
Business
 
Consumer
 
Total (1)
 
(In thousands)
Risk Rating:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   Pass
$
256,900

 
$
118,622

 
$
236,908

 
$
32,868

 
$
5,313

 
$
6,454

 
$
657,065

   Special mention
5,365

 
1,410

 
10,904

 

 

 

 
17,679

   Substandard
3,557

 
1,683

 
1,586

 

 

 
262

 
7,088

Total loans
$
265,822

 
$
121,715

 
$
249,398

 
$
32,868

 
$
5,313

 
$
6,716

 
$
681,832

 _____________ 

(1) Net of LIP.


23


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)
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

The following table is a summary of OREO during the periods shown: 
 
Three Months Ended March 31,
 
2015
 
2014
 
(In thousands)
Balance at beginning of period
$
9,283

 
$
11,465

   Loans transferred to OREO
141

 
1,191

   Dispositions of OREO, net
(3,799
)
 
(851
)
   Market value adjustments
(50
)
 
(196
)
Balance at end of period
$
5,575

 
$
11,609

 
We sold $3.8 million of OREO during the first quarter of 2015, which was comprised of two properties and two lots of a third property, recognizing a net gain of $529,000. The sale of a commercial property with a book value of $3.6 million closed on March 31, 2015, but funds were received on April 1, 2015, generating a $4.0 million other receivable at March 31, 2015. OREO includes properties acquired by the Company through foreclosure and deed in lieu of foreclosure. OREO at March 31, 2015 consisted of $287,000 in one-to-four family residential homes, $4.9 million in commercial real estate properties, and $403,000 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:


24


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


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:
 
Fair Value Measurements at March 31, 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
$
39,531

 
$

 
$
39,531

 
$

Freddie Mac
22,791

 

 
22,791

 

Ginnie Mae
24,319

 

 
24,319

 

Municipal bonds
898

 

 
898

 

U.S. Government agencies
16,503

 

 
16,503

 

Corporate bonds
14,068

 

 
14,068

 

 Total
$
118,110

 
$

 
$
118,110

 
$

 
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 March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014. 

25


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


 
Fair Value Measurements at March 31, 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)
$
53,026

 
$

 
$

 
$
53,026

OREO
5,575

 

 

 
5,575

Total
$
58,601

 
$

 
$

 
$
58,601

_____________

(1) 
Total fair value of impaired loans is net of $1.1 million of specific reserves on performing TDRs.

 
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 March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014.
 
March 31, 2015
 
Fair Value
 
Valuation Technique
 
Unobservable Input(s)
 
Range (Weighted Average)
 
(Dollars in thousands)
Impaired Loans
$
53,026

 
Market approach
 
Appraised value discounted by market or borrower conditions
 
0.0% - 100.0% (0.6%)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
OREO
$
5,575

 
Market approach
 
Appraised value less selling costs
 
0.0% - 4.4% (1.0%)


26


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


 
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%)

    
The carrying amounts and estimated fair values of financial instruments were as follows at the dates indicated: 
 
March 31, 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
$
5,313

 
$
5,313

 
$
5,313

 
$

 
$

Interest-earning deposits
114,973

 
114,973

 
114,973

 

 

Investments available-for-sale
118,110

 
118,110

 

 
118,110

 

Loans receivable, net
668,714

 
683,356

 

 

 
683,356

FHLB stock
6,672

 
6,672

 

 
6,672

 

Accrued interest receivable
3,106

 
3,106

 

 
3,106

 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Financial Liabilities:
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 
Deposits
217,465

 
217,465

 
217,465

 

 

Certificates of deposit, retail
347,417

 
349,126

 

 
349,126

 

Certificates of deposit, brokered
66,122

 
67,254

 

 
67,254

 

Advances from the FHLB
135,500

 
135,835

 

 
135,835

 

Accrued interest payable
151

 
151

 

 
151

 



27


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


 
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 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.

28


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




Note 8 - Federal Home Loan Bank Stock

At March 31, 2015, the Bank held $6.7 million of FHLB stock, carried at par value ($100 per share). Ownership of FHLB stock is restricted to the FHLB and member institutions and can only be purchased and redeemed at par. The FHLB of Seattle is in the process of merging with the FHLB of Des Moines, with completion expected in the second quarter of 2015. Our shares of stock currently held in FHLB of Seattle will be converted on a one-to-one basis to shares of the combined Federal Home Loan Bank's stock. Shares held in excess of our stock requirement are expected to be repurchased upon the closing of the merger.

During the three months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014, the FHLB repurchased 729 and 656 shares, respectively, at par value, from the Bank. During the three months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014, the Bank received $1,699 and $1,767 in dividends from the FHLB, respectively.

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


Note 9- Stock-Based Compensation

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

Total compensation expense for the Plan was $109,000 and $85,000 for the three months ended March 31, 2015, and 2014, respectively, generating a related income tax benefit of $38,000 and $30,000 for the three months ended March 31, 2015, and 2014, 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 March 31, 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.
    
A summary of the Company’s stock option plan awards and activity for the three months ended March 31, 2015, follows: 


29


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


 
For the three months ended March 31, 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




$
2,351,328

Granted
20,000


12.05





Exercised
(50,000
)

9.78




112,680

Forfeited or expired









Outstanding at March 31, 2015
899,260


9.55


5.26

2,516,898

Vested and expecting to vest assuming a 3% forfeiture rate
over the vesting term
891,070


9.55


5.23

2,497,953









Exercisable at March 31, 2015
626,260


9.34


3.84

1,885,388


As of March 31, 2015, there was $823,797 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 3.78 years.

Restricted Stock Awards

The Plan authorizes the grant of restricted stock awards amounting to 914,112 shares to directors, advisory directors, officers and employees. Compensation expense is recognized over the vesting period of the awards based on the fair value of the stock at the grant date. The restricted stock awards’ fair value is equal to the 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 March 31, 2015, remaining restricted stock awards for 74,478 shares were available to be awarded. Shares that have been awarded but have not yet vested totaled 75,600 as of March 31, 2015, and are held in a reserve account until they are vested.

A summary of changes in nonvested restricted stock awards for the three and three months ended March 31, 2015, follows: 


For the three months ended
March 31, 2015


Shares

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

75,600


$
8.47

Granted




Vested




Forfeited




Nonvested at March 31, 2015

75,600


8.47





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

73,332




During the three months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014, there were no restricted stock awards granted. As of March 31, 2015, there was $499,874 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 2.75 years.

Note 10 - 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

30


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


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 March 31, 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 quarter of 2015 was 34.89% partially as a result of permanent tax exclusions of the cash surrender value of officers' bank owned life insurance (BOLI) and stock option compensation.

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 $1.9 million which has no expiration date.

Note 11 - Earnings Per Share

Per the provisions of FASB ASC 260, Earnings Per Share, nonvested share-based payment awards that contain nonforfeitable rights to dividends or dividend equivalents are participating securities and are included in the computation of EPS pursuant to the two-class method. The two-class method is an earnings allocation formula that determines earnings per share for each class of common stock and participating security according to dividends declared (or accumulated) and participation rights in undistributed earnings. 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 March 31,
 
 
2015
 
2014
 
 
(Dollars in thousands, except share data)
Net income
 
$
2,229

 
$
2,645

Less: Earnings allocated to participating
securities
 
(11
)
 
(16
)
Earnings allocated to common shareholders
 
$
2,218

 
$
2,629

 
 
 
 
 
Basic weighted average common shares
outstanding
 
14,036,959

 
15,252,445

Dilutive stock options
 
139,817

 
81,331

Dilutive restricted stock grants
 
22,939

 
23,344

Diluted weighted average common shares
outstanding
 
14,199,715

 
15,357,120

 
 
 
 
 
Basic earnings per share
 
$
0.16

 
$
0.17

Diluted earnings per share
 
$
0.16

 
$
0.17


Potential dilutive shares are excluded from the computation of earnings per share if their effect is anti-dilutive. Options to purchase an additional 225,000 and 210,000 shares of common stock were not included in the computation of diluted earnings

31



per share for the three months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively, because the incremental shares under the treasury stock method of calculation resulted in them being antidilutive.
Note 12 - Subsequent Events

The Company has evaluated events and transactions subsequent to March 31, 2015 for potential recognition or disclosure. In April 2015, the Bank purchased $20.0 million of general account bank owned life insurance ("BOLI"), which assists in offsetting the Bank's employee benefits expense. The Bank records BOLI policies within prepaid expenses and other assets in the Consolidated Balance Sheet, at each policy's cash surrender value, with changes recorded in other noninterest income in the Consolidated Income Statement. The Bank had a pre-existing BOLI plan valued at $2.8 million as of March 31, 2015, bringing the total asset to $22.8 million as of April 30, 2015.

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

The Bank is converting to a new core data processor, with an expected completion date in third quarter of 2015. The capitalized cost of the new processor is expected to be $525,000 and will be amortized over five years. As of March 31, 2015, we have capitalized $265,000 towards the total cost of the new system. The improved technology that will come with the conversion will assist our growth efforts into new markets. In March 2015, the Bank received approval from the FDIC and DFI to open a new branch in Snohomish County. The new office, which we expect to open during the third quarter of 2015, will be much smaller than traditional bank branch offices, thereby maintaining management's focus on efficiency. In support of the Bank's shift in focus from a traditional savings and loan association towards a full-service community bank, First Financial Northwest converted from a savings and loan holding company to a bank holding company as of March 31, 2015.

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, 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, a recapture of previously recognized provision for loan losses may be added to net interest income.

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 allowance for loan and lease losses ("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

33



10-K. There have not been any material changes in the Company's critical accounting policies and estimates as compared to the disclosure contained in the 2014 Form 10-K.

Comparison of Financial Condition at March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014

Total assets were $955.0 million at March 31, 2015, an increase of 1.9%, from $937.0 million at December 31, 2014. The $18.0 million increase was primarily a result of increases of $16.8 million in our interest-earning deposits, $4.8 million in our net loans receivable, and $3.9 million in other receivables, partially offset by decreases of $3.7 million in OREO and $2.3 million in investments available-for-sale.

The following table details the changes in the composition of our assets at March 31, 2015 from December 31, 2014.
 
Balance at
March 31, 2015
 
Change from December 31, 2014
 
Percent Change
 
(Dollars in thousands)
Cash on hand and in banks                                           
$
5,313

 
$
(607
)
 
(10.3
)%
Interest-earning deposits                                           
114,973

 
16,844

 
17.2

Investments available-for-sale, at fair value
118,110

 
(2,264
)
 
(1.9
)
Loans receivable, net                                           
668,714

 
4,776

 
0.7

Premises and equipment, net
16,841

 
107

 
0.6

FHLB stock, at cost                                
6,672

 
(73
)
 
(1.1
)
Accrued interest receivable
3,106

 
(159
)
 
(4.9
)
Deferred tax assets, net
7,049

 
(1,289
)
 
(15.5
)
OREO
5,575

 
(3,708
)
 
(39.9
)
Other receivable
4,038

 
3,910

 
3,054.7

Prepaid expenses and other assets
4,613

 
470

 
11.3

Total assets                                
$
955,004

 
$
18,007

 
1.9
 %

Interest-earning deposits. Our interest-earning deposits, consisting primarily of funds held at the Federal Reserve Bank, increased $16.8 million at March 31, 2015, as compared to December 31, 2014. During the first quarter of 2015, net cash of $1.2 million was provided by our operating activities, $1.7 million by our investing activities, and $13.3 million by our financing activities. Significant inflows of cash were from $11.7 million increase in brokered certificates of deposit, $5.2 million increase in retail deposits, and $2.3 million decrease in investments. Significant cash outflows were from a $4.8 million increase in net loans receivable and $3.2 million used in our stock repurchase plan.

Investments available-for-sale. Our investment portfolio decreased by $2.3 million during the first quarter of 2015. Principal paydowns of $4.3 million and partial calls of $50,000 on one agency security and two municipal securities were partially offset by security purchases of $1.9 million, with a combined expected yield of 2.39%. Market values of our portfolio had a pre-tax increase of $481,000. The effective duration of the investment portfolio at March 31, 2015, was 2.2% 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 $4.8 million to $668.7 million at March 31, 2015, from $663.9 million at December 31, 2014. The largest change continues to be in construction and land development loans, with a $10.2 million, or 19.9%, increase as compared to the prior quarter end. In addition, multifamily and commercial real estate loans increased $1.3 million and $1.4 million, respectively, while business loans increased $1.5 million. Partially offsetting these increases, one-to-four family real estate loans decreased $7.8 million and consumer loans decreased $400,000.

Of the increase in construction and land development loans, $9.0 million was for one-to-four family loans, predominantly related to "in-fill" speculative construction projects in selective urban areas that have high levels of nearby amenities. At March

34



31, 2015, we had $28.8 million outstanding in committed but undisbursed funds for construction loans, a $1.4 million increase over December 31, 2014.

Our five largest borrowing relationships, representing 10.7% of our loans, net of LIP, decreased $1.1 million from December 31, 2014 to March 31, 2015. As of March 31, 2015 all five borrowers were current on their loan payments. We monitor the performance of these borrowing relationships very closely due to the concentration risk they possess in relation to the entire loan portfolio. The following table details our five largest lending relationships at March 31, 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

$


$


$
18,040


$


$
18,040

Real estate investor
 
2





14,428




14,428

Real estate builder
 
55

13,059






1,316


14,375

Real estate investor
 
7



13,550






13,550

Real estate investor
 
29

7,151


3,878


1,652




12,681

Total
 
96

$
20,210


$
17,428


$
34,120


$
1,316


$
73,074

________
(1)
The composition of borrowers represented in the table may change between periods.
(2) 
Non-owner occupied properties.
(3) 
Net of LIP.

The modest increase in total loans during the quarter resulted in a $17,000 increase in the ALLL at March 31, 2015, which was $10.5 million at both March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014. The ALLL represented 1.5% and 1.6% of total loans at March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014, respectively. We believe that the ALLL as of March 31, 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.

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

35




March 31, 2015

December 31, 2014

March 31, 2014

Three Month Change

One Year Change

(In thousands)
Nonperforming TDRs:









   One-to-four family residential
$


$


$
469


$


$
(469
)
Total nonperforming TDRs




469




(469
)










Performing TDRs:









   One-to-four family residential
40,943


42,908


45,762


(1,965
)

(4,819
)
   Multifamily
2,163


2,172


2,201


(9
)

(38
)
   Commercial real estate
8,241


9,118


12,066


(877
)

(3,825
)
   Consumer
43


43


43





Total performing TDRs
51,390


54,241


60,072


(2,851
)

(8,682
)
Total TDRs
$
51,390


$
54,241


$
60,541


$
(2,851
)

$
(9,151
)
% TDRs classified as performing
100.0
%

100.0
%

99.2
%





Our TDRs decreased $2.8 million to $51.4 million at March 31, 2015, compared to $54.2 million at December 31, 2014 as paydowns continue to outpace the addition of TDRs to our portfolio. At March 31, 2015, all TDRs were performing according to their restructured payment terms. At March 31, 2015, there were no committed but undisbursed funds in connection with our restructured and impaired loans. The largest TDR relationship at March 31, 2015, totaled $12.4 million and was comprised of $11.6 million in one-to-four family residential rental properties and $780,000 in owner occupied commercial property, all located in King County.

Nonperforming assets continued to decrease and were $8.3 million at March 31, 2015, compared to $10.6 million at December 31, 2014. The following table presents a breakdown of our nonperforming assets and as a percent of total assets at the dates indicated:


March 31, 2015

December 31, 2014

March 31, 2014

Three Month Change

One Year Change

(In thousands)
Nonperforming loans:









  One-to-four family residential
$
494


$
830


$
1,600


$
(336
)

$
(1,106
)
  Multifamily
1,683




228


1,683


1,455

  Commercial real estate
425


434


706


(9
)

(281
)
  Consumer
74


75




(1
)

74

Total nonperforming loans
2,676


1,339


2,534


1,337


142











OREO
5,575


9,283


11,609


(3,708
)

(6,034
)
Total nonperforming assets (1)
$
8,251


$
10,622


$
14,143


$
(2,371
)

$
(5,892
)













Nonperforming assets as a
percent of total assets
0.86%

1.13%

1.57%




____________ 
(1) The difference between the $8.3 million of nonperforming assets at March 31, 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 are performing in accordance with their restructured terms at March 31, 2015.


36



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 $1.4 million to $2.7 million at March 31, 2015, from $1.3 million at December 31, 2014. This increase was the result of a $2.0 million loan transferred to nonaccrual offset by $318,000 in net charge-offs, $183,000 in short sales, and $164,000 of loans transferred to OREO, net of charge-offs.

The three largest nonaccrual loans in the loan portfolio at March 31, 2015, included a $1.7 million multifamily loan secured by a 44-unit apartment complex in Pierce County; a $320,000 commercial loan in Pierce County secured by a six-unit rental vacation lodge; and a one-to-four family loan with an outstanding balance of $236,000, secured by a condominium in King County.

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. Our success in this area is reflected by the improved ratio of our nonperforming assets as a percent of total assets of 0.86% at March 31, 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 March 31, 2015, OREO was $5.6 million, a decrease of $3.7 million from $9.3 million at December 31, 2014. During the first quarter of 2015, we transferred one property into OREO at $141,000 and sold two properties for $3.8 million, generating a net gain on sale of $529,000. The sale of a commercial property with a book value of $3.6 million closed on March 31, 2015, however funds were not received until the following day, resulting in a $4.0 million other receivable on the balance sheet at March 31, 2015.

The three largest OREO properties at March 31, 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 convenience store and gas station valued at $696,000 located in Mason County.

The following table presents a breakdown of our OREO by county and number of properties at March 31, 2015:

 
County
 
Total OREO
 
Number of Properties
 
Percent of
Total OREO
 
King
 
Pierce
 
Kitsap
 
All
Other
 
 
 
 
(Dollars in thousands)
OREO:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   One-to-four family
      residential
$
141

 
$
146

 
$

 
$

 
$
287

 
2

 
5.2
%
   Commercial real estate (1)

 
3,253

 
755

 
877

 
4,885

 
10

 
87.6

   Construction/land
     development

 
200

 

 
203

 
403

 
2

 
7.2

Total OREO
$
141

 
$
3,599

 
$
755

 
$
1,080

 
$
5,575

 
14

 
100.0
%

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

Deposits. During the first three months of 2015, deposits increased $16.9 million to $631.0 million at March 31, 2015, compared to $614.1 million at December 31, 2014. Deposit accounts consisted of the following:

 
Balance at
March 31, 2015
 
Change from December 31, 2014
 
Percent Change
 
(Dollars in thousands)
Noninterest-bearing
$
19,739

 
$
5,385

 
37.5
 %
NOW
17,653

 
(3,099
)
 
(14.9
)
Statement savings
25,345

 
1,444

 
6.0

Money market
154,728

 
12,196

 
8.6

Certificates of deposit, retail
347,417

 
(10,742
)
 
(3.0
)
Certificates of deposit, brokered
66,122


11,693


21.5
 %

$
631,004


$
16,877


2.7
 %

37



 
The increase in total deposits consisted of a $5.2 million net increase in retail deposits and an $11.7 increase in brokered certificates of deposit. Retail deposits grew in part as a result of our efforts to increase our business customers. Growth occurred in money market balances of $12.2 million, non-interest bearing checking balances of $5.4 million, and statement savings balances of $1.4 million, however, historical trends indicate a portion of this growth could be seasonal. Offsetting these increases, customer balances decreased in interest-bearing checking accounts and certificates of deposit by $3.1 million and $10.7 million, respectively. At March 31, 2015, and December 31, 2014, we held $15.9 million in public funds, nearly all of which were retail certificates of deposit.

During the first quarter of 2015, we increased our brokered certificates of deposit by $11.7 million, bringing the total balance of brokered funds to $66.1 million with an average cost of 1.87%. While these funds 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 interest rate risk management efforts.

Advances. We use advances from the FHLB as an alternative funding source to manage funding costs, reduce interest rate risk, and to leverage our balance sheet. Total FHLB advances at March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014, were $135.5 million. Of the total balance, $44.0 million is due to mature within one year, with the remaining $91.5 million due in one to five years.

Stockholders’ Equity. Total stockholders’ equity decreased $590,000 during the first quarter of 2015 to $180.8 million at March 31, 2015, from $181.4 million at December 31, 2014. Retained earnings increased $1.4 million due to $2.2 million of net income offset by $843,000 of shareholder dividends paid at $0.06 per share. Additional paid-in-capital decreased $2.6 million as a result of $3.2 million to repurchase 268,300 shares at an average price of $12.00 per share, partially offset by $488,000 from the exercise of stock options. Accumulated other comprehensive loss decreased to $45,000 as a result of $312,000 after-tax unrealized gain on investments available-for-sale.

The share repurchase plan approved by the Board of Directors in October 2014 authorized the purchase of an additional 1,546,600 shares of the Company’s common stock, or 10% of the shares outstanding. As of March 31, 2015, the Company had repurchased 595,412 shares under this plan.

Comparison of Operating Results for the Three Months Ended March 31, 2015 and 2014

General. Net income for the three months ended March 31, 2015 was $2.2 million or $0.16 per diluted share as compared to net income of $2.6 million, or $0.17 per diluted share for the same period ended March 31, 2014.

The decrease was primarily due to a decrease in net interest income of $532,000 and a reduction in the recapture of loan loss provision of $400,000, partially offset by reductions in noninterest expense and federal income tax provision of $234,000 and $259,000, respectively.

Net Interest Income. Net interest income for the quarter ended March 31, 2015 decreased $532,000 to $7.5 million, as compared to $8.1 million for the first quarter in 2014, as a result of a decrease in total interest income of $498,000 and an increase in total interest expense of $34,000. These changes are 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:
    

38



 
Three months ended March 31, 2015
 compared to the three months ended
March 31, 2014
 
Increase (decrease) in interest income
and expense due to changes in

Rate

Volume

Total

(In thousands)
Interest-earning assets:





   Loan receivable, net
$
(418
)

$
(32
)

$
(450
)
   Investments available-for-sale
3


(95
)

(92
)
   Interest-earning deposits


44


44

Total net change in income on interest-earning assets
(415
)

(83
)

(498
)






Interest-bearing liabilities:





   NOW
(3
)

(1
)

(4
)
   Statement savings


1


1

   Money market
49


3


52

   Certificates of deposit, retail
(203
)

(166
)

(369
)
   Certificates of deposit, brokered

 
287

 
287

   Advances from the FHLB
31


36


67

Total net change in expense on interest-bearing liabilities
(126
)

160


34

Total net change in net interest income
$
(289
)

$
(243
)

$
(532
)

Loan interest income decreased $450,000 primarily as a result of a decrease in yield of 18 basis points. Also contributing to the decrease was a decline in average loan receivables of $2.4 million, as loan originations were outpaced by payoffs on higher yielding loans as the Bank faces significant competition in this prolonged, low interest-rate environment.

Interest income from our investments available-for-sale decreased by $92,000 as our average balance decreased by $22.4 million, primarily from principal paydowns. We continue to evaluate our investment portfolio and opportunities to buy or sell securities to assist in managing our interest rate risk.

Further contributing to the decrease in net interest income, interest expense increased by $34,000 during the first quarter of 2015 as compared to the same period in 2014. During these periods, our average balance of interest-bearing liabilities increased $32.5 million, although our overall cost of funds decreased one basis point to 0.90%. The addition of $66.1 million of brokered certificates of deposit during the last three quarters, at an average cost of 1.87%, resulted in a $287,000 increase in interest expense during the first quarter of 2015. Additional increases in interest expense of $52,000 and $67,000 were incurred in money market accounts and FHLB advances, respectively, as a combined result of increases in their average balances and respective rates. These increases were partially offset by a decrease in interest of $369,000 on retail certificates of deposit, due to a decrease in the average balance of $51.9 million and a decrease in the rate of 22 basis points, as new and maturing certificates repriced at lower rates.

The following table compares detailed average balances, associated yields and rates, and the resulting changes in interest and dividend income or expense for the three months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014:

39



 
Three Months Ended March 31,
 
2015
 
2014
 
Change in Interest and Dividends
 
Average
Balance
 
Yield or
Cost
 
Average
Balance
 
Yield or
Cost
 
 
(Dollars in thousands)
Loans receivable, net                                           
$
667,949

 
5.21
%
 
$
670,311

 
5.39
%
 
$
(450
)
Investments available-for-sale
120,029

 
1.73

 
142,473

 
1.70

 
(92
)
Interest-earning deposits                                           
103,370

 
0.25

 
33,063

 
0.24

 
44

FHLB stock                      
6,726

 
0.12

 
7,001

 
0.10

 

Total interest-earning assets                                                      
$
898,074

 
4.13
%
 
$
852,848

 
4.53
%
 
$
(498
)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
NOW                                
$
18,534

 
0.09
%
 
$
22,009

 
0.14
%
 
$
(4
)
Statement savings
24,997

 
0.15

 
22,349

 
0.13

 
1

Money market
144,541

 
0.32

 
138,161

 
0.18

 
52

Certificates of deposit, retail
351,762

 
1.04

 
403,652

 
1.26

 
(369
)
Certificates of deposit, brokered
62,340

 
1.87

 

 

 
287

Advances from the FHLB
135,500

 
0.95

 
119,000

 
0.84

 
67

Total interest-bearing liabilities
$
737,674

 
0.90
%
 
$
705,171

 
0.91
%
 
$
34


Interest expense related to our FHLB advances increased $67,000, primarily due to a $16.5 million increase in average FHLB advances for the three months ended March 31, 2015, as compared to the same period in 2014. In addition, the average rate paid for these funds increased 11 basis points to 0.95% for the first quarter of 2015, as compared to 0.84% in the same quarter in 2014. This increase in the average rate paid in the 2015 quarter relates to management's decision to utilize longer term advances from the FHLB, with maturities ranging from four to five years for the advances obtained in 2014, to assist in our interest rate risk management efforts.

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, borrower’s ability to repay, the regulatory environment, competition, geographic and loan type concentrations, policy and underwriting standards, nature and volume of the loan portfolio, managements’ experience level, our loan review and grading systems, the value of underlying collateral and the level of problem loans in assessing the ALLL. The specific 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 March 31, 2015, management evaluated the adequacy of the ALLL and concluded that a recapture of prior period provisions for loan loss in the amount of $100,000 was appropriate for the quarter, as compared to a $500,000 recapture for the first quarter of 2014. For the first quarter of 2015, the recapture was primarily a result of reductions in borrowers' concessions, the upgrade of the risk rating on one commercial real estate loan, loan payoffs, and net recoveries during the quarter, partially offset by portfolio growth.

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.

40




At or For the Three Months
Ended March 31,

2015

2014
 
(Dollars in thousands)
ALLL balance at beginning of period
$
10,491

 
$
12,994

Recapture of provision for loan losses
(100
)

(500
)
Charge-offs
(340
)

(553
)
Recoveries
457


152

ALLL
$
10,508


$
12,093

ALLL as a percent of total loans, net of LIP
1.54
%

1.76
%
ALLL as a percent of nonperforming loans, net of LIP
392.68


477.23

Total nonperforming loans, net of LIP
$
2,676


$
2,534

Nonperforming loans as a percent of total loans, net of LIP
0.39
%

0.37
%
Total loans receivable, net of LIP
$
681,832


$
686,565

Total loans originated
32,223


38,884


Noninterest Income. Noninterest income increased $23,000 to $91,000 for the quarter ended March 31, 2015, from $68,000 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 March 31, 2015
 
Change from
March 31, 2014
 
Percent Change
 
(Dollars in thousands)
Service fees on deposit accounts
$
14

 
$
4

 
40.0
 %
Loan service fees                                
18

 
(3
)
 
(14.3
)
Servicing rights, net                                

 
(2
)
 
(100.0
)
Other           
59

 
24

 
68.6

Total noninterest income                                           
$
91

 
$
23

 
33.8
 %

The $24,000 increase in other noninterest income is primarily a result of a $20,000 increase during the first quarter of 2015 in the cash surrender value ("CSV") of BOLI. During the first quarter of 2014, income for the increase in the CSV was not reflected as we began recording this income on a quarterly basis during the third quarter of 2014.

Noninterest Expense. Noninterest expense decreased $234,000 to $4.3 million for the first 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:

41



 
Three Months Ended March 31, 2015
 
Change from
March 31, 2014
 
Percent Change
 
(Dollars in thousands)
Salaries and employee benefits
$
3,414

 
$
529

 
18.3
 %
Occupancy and equipment                                           
338

 
(13
)
 
(3.7
)
Professional fees                                
354

 
(3
)
 
(0.8
)
Data processing                                
160

 
(13
)
 
(7.5
)
(Gain) Loss on sales of OREO property, net                                
(529
)
 
(600
)
 
(845.1
)
OREO market value adjustments
50

 
(146
)
 
(74.5
)
OREO related expenses, net
(48
)
 
(109
)
 
(178.7
)
Regulatory assessments
116

 
38

 
48.7

Insurance and bond premiums                                           
92

 
(11
)
 
(10.7
)
Marketing
33

 
8

 
32.0

Other general and administrative
310

 
86

 
38.4

Total noninterest expense                                           
$
4,290

 
$
(234
)
 
(5.2
)%

Contributing to the decrease in noninterest expense, the first quarter of 2015 included a $529,000 net gain on sales of OREO properties compared to a net loss of $71,000 for the first quarter of 2014. Additional benefits were generated by OREO properties as rental income from these properties exceeded expenses by $48,000 in the first quarter of 2015, compared to $61,000 of net expenses for the same period in 2014. The fair value of our OREO properties was reduced by $50,000 in the first three months of 2015 where expenses of $196,000 were recognized for the first quarter of 2014.

Partially offsetting these improvements, expenses for salaries and employee benefits increased $529,000 for the first quarter of 2015 as compared to the first quarter of 2014. Salaries increased $250,000 as we continued to enhance the leadership and experience levels of key positions to support our growth strategies. Annual contributions to our Pentegra benefit plan increased $93,000 as we elected a higher funding option for the current plan year as allowed under the pension relief legislation. Employer paid health benefits increased $48,000 as a result of premium increases by our provider. Compensation expense related to our employee stock ownership plan ("ESOP") increased $50,000 as a result of the increase in the average trading price of the Company's stock from $10.41 in first quarter of 2014 to $12.16 in the first quarter of 2015. In addition, our SERP expense increased $43,000 as a result of a decrease in the long-term Treasury bill rate used in the present value calculation of future benefits.

Federal Income Tax Expense. Our expected statutory income tax rate is 35%. We recorded federal income tax provisions of $1.2 million and $1.5 million for the quarters ended March 31, 2015, and 2014 as a result of our consolidated 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 March 31, 2015, retail certificates of deposit scheduled to mature in one year or less totaled $145.4 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. Historically, we have been able to retain a significant amount of the deposits as they mature. While maturities and the scheduled amortization of loans are a predictable source of funds, deposit flows and mortgage prepayments are greatly influenced by the level of interest rates, economic conditions and competition. We measure our liquidity based on our ability to fund our assets and to meet liability obligations when they come due. Liquidity (and funding) risk occurs when funds cannot be raised at reasonable prices or in a reasonable time frame to meet our normal or unanticipated obligations. We regularly monitor the mix between our assets and our liabilities to manage effectively our liquidity and funding requirements.


42



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 March 31, 2015, the Bank maintained credit facilities with the FHLB totaling $232.7 million with an outstanding balance of $135.5 million. At March 31, 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 its funds acquisition and interest rate risk management efforts by adding $66.1 million of brokered certificates of deposit as of March 31, 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 March 31, 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 higher than our retail certificate of deposit offerings. Consequently, as we increase our brokered deposits, our cost of funds may increase.

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 March 31, 2015, the Company (on an unconsolidated basis) had liquid assets of $62.4 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 March 31, 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.
 

43




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 March 31, 2015:
 
 
 
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                                                      
$
2,543

 
$
2,543

 
$

 
$

 
$

Unused portion of lines of credit                                                      
11,009

 
329

 
6,489

 
3,639

 
552

Undisbursed portion of construction loans
28,788

 
17,790

 
10,998

 

 

Total commitments
$
42,340

 
$
20,662

 
$
17,487

 
$
3,639

 
$
552


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

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 March 31, 2015, stockholders' equity totaled $180.8 million, or 18.93% of total assets. Our book value per share of common stock was $12.10 at March 31, 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 March 31, 2015, the Bank exceeded all regulatory capital requirements with a a Tier 1 Leverage-Based Capital ratio of 11.64%, a Common Equity Tier 1 (CET1) capital ratio of 17.33%, Tier 1 Risk-Based Capital ratio of 17.33%, and a Total Risk-Based Capital ratio of 18.59%. The CET1 ratio is a new regulatory capital ratio required beginning for the quarter ended March 31, 2015. Under BASEL III, the regulatory capital requirements to be considered well capitalized are 5% for Tier 1 Leverage-Based Capital, 6.5% for CET, 18% for Tier 1 Risk-Based Capital, and 10% for Total Risk-Based Capital.

First Financial Northwest exceeded all regulatory capital requirements with Tier 1 Leverage Based Capital, CET1, Tier 1 Risk-Based Capital and Total Risk Based Capital ratios of 19.12%, 28.38%, 28.38%, and 29.64%, respectively, as of March 31, 2015.

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.


44



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.

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 33.1% of our total loans were adjustable-rate loans at March 31, 2015. At that date, $131.9 million, or 56.1% 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. Also, when loans are at their floors, there is a further risk that our interest income may not increase as rapidly as our cost of funds during periods of increasing interest rates. 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

45



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.

The following table illustrates the change in our net interest income at March 31, 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 March 31, 2015
Basis Point Change in Rates
 
Net Interest Income
 
% Change
(Dollars in thousands)
+300
 
$
31,640

 
9.89%
+200
 
30,744

 
6.78
+100
 
29,833

 
3.62
 Base
 
28,792

 
(100)
 
27,996

 
(2.76)

The following table illustrates the change in our net portfolio value (“NPV”) at March 31, 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
 
$
176,745

 
$
(26,003
)
 
(12.83
)%
 
19.59
%
 
(2.67
)%
 
$
902,313

+200
 
186,042

 
(16,706
)
 
(8.24
)
 
20.10

 
(1.72
)
 
925,606

+100
 
195,432

 
(7,316
)
 
(3.62
)
 
20.57

 
(0.75
)
 
950,219

 Base
 
202,748

 

 

 
20.85

 

 
972,379

(100)
 
205,354

 
2,606

 
1.29

 
20.78

 
0.27

 
988,342

_____________ 

(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.

46



Delinquency rates may change when interest rates change as a result of changes in the loan portfolio mix, underwriting conditions, loan terms or changes in economic conditions that have a delayed effect on the portfolio. Even if interest rates change in the designated amounts, there can be no assurance that our assets and liabilities would perform as set forth above. Also, a change in U.S. Treasury rates in the designated amounts accompanied by a change in the shape of the Treasury yield curve would cause changes to the net portfolio value and net interest income other than those indicated above.

At March 31, 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 March 31, 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 March 31, 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


47




(c)    The following table summarizes First Financial Northwest's common stock repurchases during the first quarter of 2015:
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
January 1 - January 31, 2015

 
75,800

 
$
11.99

 
75,800

 
1,143,688

February 1 - February 28, 2015
 
97,000

 
12.00

 
97,000

 
1,046,688

March 1 - March 31, 2015
 
95,500

 
12.00

 
95,500

 
951,188

 
 
268,300

 
$
12.00

 
268,300

 
951,188

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

On October 22, 2014, the Company announced that its Board of Directors authorized the repurchase of up to 1,546,600 shares of the Company's common stock, or 10% of the Company's outstanding shares. As of March 31, 2015, the Company repurchased 595,412 shares of the Company's common stock at an average price per share of $11.67. This repurchase authorization expired on April 22, 2015. On April 22, 2015, the Board of Directors authorized a new share repurchase plan of an additional 1,492,400 shares of the Company's common stock, or 10% of shares outstanding. Shares may be repurchased under this plan through October 28, 2015.

Item 3. Defaults Upon Senior Securities

Not applicable.

Item 4. Mine Safety Disclosures

Not applicable.

Item 5. Other Information

Not applicable.


48



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
101.0

 
The following materials from First Financial Northwest’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 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.*

*Pursuant to Rule 406T of Regulation S-T, these interactive data files are deemed not filed or part of a registration statement or prospectus for purposes of Sections 11 or 12 of the Securities Act of 1933 or Section 18 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and otherwise are not subject to liability under those sections.
 _____________
(1) 
Filed as an exhibit to First Financial Northwest’s 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 February 6, 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: May 7, 2015
By: 
/s/Joseph W. Kiley III
 
 
Joseph W. Kiley III
 
 
President and Chief Executive Officer (Principal Executive Officer)
Date: May 7, 2015
By: 
/s/Richard P. Jacobson
 
 
Richard P. Jacobson
 
 
Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer (Principal Financial Officer)
 
 
 
Date: May 7, 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 March 31, 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.*
*Pursuant to Rule 406T of Regulation S-T, these interactive data files are deemed not filed or part of a registration statement or prospectus for purposes of Sections 11 or 12 of the Securities Act of 1933 or Section 18 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and otherwise are not subject to liability under those sections.



51