k11.htm
 
UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C.  20549
 
FORM 10-K
 
[X]
ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
 
 
For the Fiscal Year Ended December 31, 2011
                      OR
 
[   ]
TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
 
Commission File Number: 000-33652
 
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
   
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:
   
   
Common Stock, $.01 par value per share
 
The Nasdaq Stock Market LLC
(Title of Each Class)
 
(Name of Each Exchange on Which Registered)
     
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act:
 
None
     
      Indicate by check mark if the Registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act. YES        NO    X

Indicate by check mark if the Registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or Section 15(d) of the Act. YES        NO    X    

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 if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to Item 405 of Regulation S-K (§229.405 of this chapter) is not contained herein, and  will not be contained, to the best of the Registrant’s knowledge, in definitive proxy or information statements incorporated by reference in Part III of this Form 10-K or any amendment to this Form 10-K.  

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 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 Act).
YES         NO    X 

The aggregate market value of the Common Stock outstanding held by nonaffiliates of the Registrant based on the closing sales price of the Registrant’s Common Stock as quoted on The Nasdaq Stock Market LLC on June 30, 2011 was $92,441,578 (18,197,161) shares at $5.08 per share).  For purposes of this calculation, common stock held only by executive officers and directors of the Registrant is considered to be held by affiliates.  As of March 2, 2012, the Registrant had outstanding 18,805,168 shares of common stock.

DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE

1.      Portions of Registrant’s Definitive Proxy Statement for the 2012 Annual Meeting of Shareholders  (Part III).
 

 
 
 

 
FIRST FINANCIAL NORTHWEST, INC.
2011 ANNUAL REPORT ON FORM 10-K
 
TABLE OF CONTENTS

                                                                    
Page
   
Forward-Looking Statements
(iii)
Internet Website
(iv)
     
PART I.
   
   Item 1.
Business
1
    General
1
    Regulatory Actions
1
    Market Area   3
    Lending Activities   4
    Asset Quality   16
    Investment Activities   25
    Deposit Activities and Other Sources of Funds   29
    Subsidiaries and Other Activities   32
    Competition   32
    Employees   33
    How We Are Regulated   33
    Taxation   45
    Executive Officers of First Financial Northwest, Inc.   46
   Item 1A.
Risk Factors 
  47
   Item 1B.
Unresolved Staff Comments 
  57
   Item 2.
Properties
  57
   Item 3.
Legal Proceedings
  57
 
 Item 4.
Mine Safety Disclosures 57 
PART II.
    57
   Item 5.
Market for Registrant’s Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters and 
     Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities 
 
57
   Item 6.
Selected Financial Data
 60
   Item 7.
Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results
 
   
     of Operations
 62
    Overview   62
    Business Strategy   63
    Critical Accounting Policies   63
    Comparison of Financial Condition at December 31, 2011 and December 31, 2010   64
   
Comparison of Operating Results for the Years Ended December 31, 2011 and      
     December 31, 2010
 
67
    Comparison of Financial Condition at December 31, 2010 and December 31, 2009   71
   
Comparison of Operating Results for the Years Ended December 31, 2010 and      
     December 31, 2009
 
73
    Average Balances, Interest and Average Yields/Costs   76
    Yields Earned and Rates Paid   78
    Rate/Volume Analysis   79
    Asset and Liability Management and Market Risk   79
    Liquidity   82
    Capital   83
    Commitments and Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements   83
    Impact of Inflation   85
    Recent Accounting Pronouncements   85
       
   
(Table of Contents continued on following page)
 
 
 
 
(i)

 
 
        Page
       
   Item 7A.
Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk
  85
   Item 8. 
Financial Statements and Supplementary Data
  85
   Item 9.
Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and
 
   
     Financial Disclosure 
  140
   Item 9A.
Controls and Procedures 
  140
   Item 9B.
Other Information
  141
PART III.
   
   Item 10.
Directors, Executive Officers and Corporate Governance
  141
   Item 11.
Executive Compensation
  141
   Item 12. 
Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management
 
   
     and Related Stockholder Matters 
  141
   Item 13.
Certain Relationships and Related Transactions and Director Independence
  142
   Item 14.
Principal Accountant Fees and Services
  142
PART IV.
   
   Item 15.
Exhibits and Financial Statement Schedules
  142
   
Signatures
  142
 

 
 
(ii)

 

Forward-Looking Statements

Certain matters in this Form 10-K 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, or 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 Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System (“Federal Reserve”) and our bank subsidiary by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (“FDIC”), the Washington State Department of Financial Institutions, Division of Banks (“DFI”) or other regulatory authorities, including the possibility that any such regulatory authority may, among other things, initiate additional enforcement actions against the Company or the  Bank to take additional corrective action and refrain from unsafe and unsound practices which may also require us to increase our reserve for loan losses, write-down assets, change our regulatory capital position, affect our ability to borrow funds or maintain or increase deposits, which could adversely affect our liquidity and earnings; our compliance with regulatory enforcement actions, the requirements and restrictions that have been imposed upon the Company under the memoranda of understanding with the Federal Reserve and the consent order the Bank entered into with the FDIC and the DFI and the possibility that the Company and the Bank will be unable to fully comply with these enforcement actions which could result in the imposition of additional requirements or restrictions; our ability to pay dividends on our common stock; our ability to attract and retain deposits; further increases in premiums for deposit insurance; our ability to control operating costs and expenses; the use of estimates in determining the fair values 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; the impact of the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection 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
 
 
(iii)

 
 
factors affecting our operations; pricing, products and services; and other risks detailed in this Form 10-K and our other reports filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”). Any of the forward-looking statements that we make in this Form 10-K 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.

As used throughout this report, the terms “we”, “our”, or “us” refer to First Financial Northwest, Inc. and our consolidated subsidiaries, including First Savings Bank Northwest and First Financial Diversified Corporation.

Internet Website

We maintain a website with the address www.fsbnw.com.  The information contained on our website is not included as a part of, or incorporated by reference into, this Annual Report on Form 10-K. Other than an investor’s own Internet access charges, we make available free of charge through our website, our annual report on Form 10-K, quarterly reports on Form 10-Q, current reports on Form 8-K and amendments to these reports, on our investor information page.  These reports are posted as soon as reasonably practicable after they are electronically filed with the SEC.  All of our SEC filings are also available free of charge at the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov or by calling the SEC at 1-800-SEC-0330.
 

 
 
(iv)

 
PART I

Item 1.  Business

General

First Financial Northwest, Inc. (“First Financial Northwest” or “the Company”), 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.  At December 31, 2011, we had total assets of $1.1 billion, net loans of $703.3 million, deposits of $788.7 million and stockholders’ equity of $181.3 million.  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 set forth in this report, including consolidated financial statements and related data, relates primarily to First Savings Bank.

First Savings Bank was organized in 1923 as a Washington state chartered savings and loan association, converted to a federal mutual savings and loan association in 1935 and converted to a Washington state chartered mutual savings bank in 1992.  In 2002, First Savings Bank reorganized into a two-tier mutual holding company structure, became a stock savings bank and became the wholly-owned subsidiary of First Financial of Renton.  In connection with the conversion, First Savings Bank changed its name to “First Savings Bank Northwest.”

First Financial Northwest, Inc. is a savings and loan holding company and is subject to regulation by the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System (“Federal Reserve”) as the successor to the Office of Thrift Supervision (“OTS”) in the oversight and regulation of savings and loan holding companies.  First Savings Bank is examined and regulated by the Washington State Department of Financial Institutions (“DFI”) and by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (“FDIC”).  First Savings Bank is required to have certain reserves set by the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System and is a member of the Federal Home Loan Bank of Seattle (“FHLB”), which is one of the 12 regional banks in the Federal Home Loan Bank System (“FHLB System”).

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

At December 31, 2011, $335.5 million or 46.4% of our total loan portfolio was comprised of one-to-four family loans; commercial real estate loans were $232.3 million or 32.1%; multifamily loans were $113.7 million or 15.7%; construction/land development loans were $25.1 million or 3.5%; and consumer and business loans were $12.5 million and $3.9 million, or 1.7% and 0.6%, respectively.  Included in our one-to-four family residential, commercial real estate, multifamily and construction/land development portfolios at December 31, 2011, were $58.9 million, $20.3 million, $12.7 million and $5.0 million of total loans, respectively, to our five largest borrowing relationships.

The principal executive office of First Savings Bank is located at 201 Wells Avenue South, Renton, Washington, 98057, our telephone number is (425) 255-4400.

Regulatory Actions

On April 14, 2010, the OTS and members of the Board of Directors of First Financial Northwest entered into an informal supervisory agreement or Memorandum of Understanding (“MOU”) which is now enforced by the Federal Reserve as the successor to the OTS.  Under the terms of the MOU, the Company agreed, among other things, to provide notice to and obtain a written non-objection from the Federal Reserve prior to the Company (a) declaring a dividend or redeeming any capital stock and (b) incurring, issuing, renewing or repurchasing any new debt.  Further, in connection with a prior examination of the Bank by the FDIC and DFI, we must obtain a written non-objection from the FDIC before engaging in any transaction that would materially change the balance sheet
 
 
1

 
 
composition (including growth in total assets of five percent or more), significantly change funding sources (including brokered deposits) or declare or pay cash dividends.  In addition, both First Financial Northwest and the Bank must obtain prior regulatory approval before adding any new director or senior executive officer or changing the responsibilities of any current senior executive officer or pay pursuant to or by entering into certain severance and other forms of compensation agreements.

The Bank entered into a Stipulation to the Issuance of a Consent Order (“Order”) with the FDIC and the DFI which became effective on September 24, 2010.  Under the terms of the Order, the Bank cannot declare dividends or repurchase stock without the prior written approval of the FDIC.  Other material provisions of the Order require the Bank to:

     •  
Maintain and preserve qualified management;
     •  
Increase the Board of Directors’ participation in the Bank’s affairs;
     •  
Obtain an independent study of management and the personnel structure of the Bank;
     •  
Maintain specified capital levels;
     •  
Eliminate loans classified as “Loss” at its regulatory examination, and reduce the loans classified as “Doubtful” and “Substandard” as a percent of capital;
     •  
Revise its policy with respect to the allowance for loan losses;
     •  
Not extend additional credit to borrowers whose loan had been classified as “Loss” and is uncollected;
     •  
Revise its lending and collection policies and practices;
     •  
Develop a plan to reduce the amount of commercial real estate loans;
     •  
Enhance its written funds management and liquidity policy;
     •  
Develop a three-year strategic plan;
     •  
Not solicit brokered deposits and comply with certain deposit rate restrictions;
     •  
Eliminate and correct all violations of laws; and
     •  
Prepare and submit progress reports to the FDIC and DFI.

The Bank has implemented a comprehensive plan to achieve full compliance with the Order.  The Order contains target dates to achieve the items listed above, including that the Bank’s Tier 1 capital ratio and total risk-based capital ratio be at least 10% and 12%, respectively.  At December 31, 2011, the Bank’s Tier 1 capital ratio was 13.54% and its total risk-based capital ratio was 24.76%, both of which exceeded the requirements of the Order.

Adversely classified assets as a percent of Tier 1 capital plus the allowance for loan and lease losses (“ALLL”) was 128% at the beginning of 2010.  The Order required this ratio to be below 65% by March 2011 for the adversely classified assets identified at the time of that examination.  We achieved this target as of September 30, 2010 and remained in compliance with this requirement at December 31, 2011.

The Order also required that the Bank develop a written plan to systematically reduce the amount of loans to borrowers in the commercial real estate loan category, including its construction/land development loans which are considered commercial real estate for purposes of this calculation.  At September 30, 2010, the Bank’s commercial real estate loans, excluding owner-occupied properties, represented 314% of its total risk-based capital including construction/land development loans which equaled 84% of its total risk-based capital.  At December 31, 2011, the Bank’s concentration in commercial real estate loans was reduced to 229% of its risk-based capital including the construction/land development loan portfolio which equaled 30% of total risk-based capital.

The Order also required the Bank to obtain an independent management study and adopt a plan to implement the recommendations from the study, that was satisfactory to its regulators.  The Bank has obtained the independent management study and continues to work on implementing the study’s recommendations, including the addition of new Board members and the evaluation of senior management.  We have added two new Board members to the Board of Directors of the Bank and First Financial Northwest who we believe will further enhance the knowledge and expertise of each of these Boards of Directors. Effective December 31, 2011 two of our Board members retired and changed their status to directors emeriti.  Senior management has also been evaluated in connection with the independent management study and efforts are being made to identify outside individuals who
 
 
2

 
 
would augment the leadership of our organization and who possess the experience and qualifications to strengthen and establish the foundation for our future growth.

A copy of the Order is attached to the Form 8-K that was filed with the SEC on September 27, 2010.  The Order will remain in effect until modified or terminated by the FDIC and the DFI.  For more information about the Order and its impact on First Financial Northwest and the Bank see “Item 1A.  Risk Factors – Certain regulatory restrictions are imposed on us; lack of compliance could result in monetary penalties and/or additional regulatory actions.”

Market Area

We consider our primary market area to be the Puget Sound Region, which consists primarily of King and, to a lesser extent, Pierce, Snohomish and Kitsap counties.  The economies of King, Pierce, Snohomish and Kitsap counties continued to experience economic challenges during 2011.  Home prices continued to experience downward pressure caused by significant foreclosure and short sale activity throughout 2011.

King County has the largest population of any county in the state of Washington, covering approximately 2,100 square miles.  It has a population of approximately 1.9 million residents, and a median household income of approximately $68,000 according to the 2010 U.S. Census.  King County has a diversified economic base with many nationally recognized firms including Boeing, Microsoft, Paccar, Starbucks, Costco and Amazon.  According to the Washington State Employment Security Department, the unemployment rate for King County was 7.2% at December 31, 2011, compared to 8.3% at year end 2010 and the national average was 8.5% at December 31, 2011.  Residential housing values depreciated in the King County market by 15.0% during the year ended December 31, 2011 resulting in a median home price of $291,000.  Residential sales volumes increased by 9.5% in 2011 as compared to 2010 and inventory levels are projected to be 3.6 months according to the Northwest Multiple Listing Service.

Pierce County has the second largest population of any county in the state of Washington, covering approximately 1,800 square miles.  It has approximately 795,000 residents and a median household income of approximately $58,000 according to the 2010 U.S. Census.  The Pierce County economy is diversified with the presence of military related government employment (Joint base Lewis-McChord), transportation and shipping employment (Port of Tacoma) and aerospace related employment (Boeing).  According to the Washington State Employment Security Department, the unemployment rate for Pierce County was 9.1% in December 2011, unchanged from December 2010.  Residential housing values depreciated in the Pierce County market by 19.7% during the year ended December 31, 2011 resulting in a median home price of $175,200 according to the Northwest Multiple Listing Service.  Residential sales volumes increased by 11.7% in 2011 as compared to 2010 and inventory levels are projected to be 4.6 months according to the Northwest Multiple Listing Service.

Snohomish County has the third largest population of any county in the state of Washington, covering approximately 2,090 square miles.  It has approximately 715,000 residents and a median household income of approximately $66,000 according to the 2010 U.S. Census.  The economy of Snohomish County is diversified with the presence of military related government employment (Everett Homeport Naval Base), aerospace related employment (Boeing) and retail trade. According to the Washington State Employment Security Department, the unemployment rate for Snohomish County decreased to 8.2% in December 2011 from 9.8% in December 2010. Residential housing values depreciated in the Snohomish County market by 9.3% during the year ended December 31, 2011 resulting in a median home price of $222,750.  Residential sales volumes increased by 12.0% in 2011 as compared to 2010, and inventory levels are projected to be 3.2 months according to the Northwest Multiple Listing Service.

Kitsap County has the seventh largest population of any county in the state of Washington, covering approximately 570 square miles.  It has approximately 250,000 residents and a median household income of approximately $60,000 according to the 2010 U.S. Census.  The Kitsap County economy is diversified with the presence of military related government employment (Naval Base Kitsap, Puget Sound Naval Shipyard), health care, retail and education.  According to the Washington State Employment Security Department, the unemployment rate
 
 
3

 
 
for Kitsap County increased to 7.6% in December 2011 from 7.3% in December 2010.  Residential housing values declined in the Kitsap County housing market by 3.0% in 2011 resulting in a median home price of $228,000 according to the Northwest Multiple Listing Service.  Residential sales volumes decreased by 4.7% in 2011 as compared to 2010 and inventory levels are projected to be 7.0 months according to the Northwest Multiple Listing Service.

For a discussion regarding the competition in our primary market area, see “Competition.”

Lending Activities

General.  We focus our lending activities primarily on loans secured by first mortgages on one-to-four family residences, commercial and multifamily real estate, business and to a lesser extent construction/land development lending.  We offer a limited variety of consumer secured loans as an accommodation to our customers, including savings account loans and home equity loans, which include lines of credit and second mortgage loans.   As of December 31, 2011, our net loan portfolio totaled $703.3 million and represented 66.4% of our total assets.

Our current loan policy limits the maximum amount of loans we can make to one borrower to 15% of the Bank’s risk-based capital.  As of December 31, 2011, the maximum amount which we could lend to any one borrower was $23.1 million based on our policy.  Exceptions may be made to this policy with the prior approval of the Board of Directors if the borrower exhibits financial strength or compensating factors that sufficiently offset any exceptions and are based on the loan-to-value ratio, borrower’s financial condition, net worth, credit history, earnings capacity, installment obligations and current payment history.  The five largest lending relationships as of December 31, 2011 in descending order are:

   
Aggregate Balance
of Loans at
   
Number
 
Borrower (1)
 
December 31, 2011 (2)
   
of Loans
 
   
(Dollars in thousands)
 
             
Real estate builder
  $ 26,549       99  
Real estate builder
    19,236 (3)     99  
Real estate investor
    18,170       3  
Real estate investor
    16,564       40  
Real estate builder
    16,422 (4)     79  
 Total
  $ 96,941       320  
_______
(1) 
The composition of borrowers represented in the table may change between periods.
(2) 
Net of undisbursed funds.
(3) 
Of this amount, $17.9 million are considered impaired loans of which $13.3 million are performing and $4.6 million are nonperforming.
(4) 
Of this amount, $15.6 million are considered impaired loans of which $13.0 million are performing and $2.6 million are nonperforming.
 
During 2011, we continued to decrease loan concentration levels in our five largest lending relationships.  At December 31, 2011, loans to our five largest lending relationships totaled $96.9 million compared to $121.1 million at December 31, 2010, a decrease of $24.2 million or 20.0%.  In addition, we have also decreased the number of loan relationships that exceeded our loan policy limit to one borrower to a single borrower at December 31, 2011 from three at December 31, 2010, thus further reducing our concentration risk.

 
4

 

The following table details the breakdown of the types of loans to our top five lending relationships at December 31, 2011.

Borrower
 
One-to-Four Family
Residential
 (Rental Properties)
   
Multifamily
   
Commercial Real
Estate (Rental
Properties)
   
Construction/Land
Development (1)
   
Aggregate Balance
of Loans (1)
 
   
(In thousands)
 
                               
Real estate builder
  $ 17,864     $ --     $ 103     $ 8,582     $ 26,549  
Real estate builder (2)
    14,862       --       238       4,136       19,236  
Real estate investor
    --       --       18,170       --       18,170  
Real estate investor
    10,601       5,019       944       --       16,564  
Real estate builder (3)
    15,601       --       821       --       16,422  
 Total
  $ 58,928     $ 5,019     $ 20,276     $ 12,718     $ 96,941  
________
(1)
Net of undisbursed funds.
(2)
Of the $17.9 million loans considered impaired, $13.6 million are one-to-four family residential loans, $4.1 million are construction/land development loans and $200,000 are commercial real estate loans.
(3)
Of the $15.6 million loans considered impaired, $14.8 million are one-to-four family residential loans and $800,000 are commercial real estate loans.

Some of the builders listed in the above tables, as part of their previous business strategy, retained a certain percentage of their finished homes in their own inventory of permanent investment properties, (i.e. one-to-four family rental properties).  In the past, these properties were used to enhance the builders’ liquidity through rental income and improve their long-term equity position through the appreciation in market value of the properties.  Due to the continued, prolonged depressed housing market and the challenging local economy, this business strategy was not sustainable for these builders.  As a result, we have incurred losses related to these builders and have significantly reduced our exposure to these builders over the past two years.  We continue to work with these builders to further reduce our exposure.  For the three builders included in the previous table, the total one-to-four family rental properties decreased $6.4 million, or 11.7% to $48.3 million at December 31, 2011 from $54.7 million at December 31, 2010.  These builders have been and at December 31, 2011 were in compliance with their respective restructured loans.
 
 
5

 

Loan Portfolio Analysis. The following table sets forth the composition of our loan portfolio by type of loan at the dates indicated.

   
At December 31,
 
   
2011
   
2010
   
2009
   
2008
   
2007
 
   
Amount
   
Percent
   
Amount
   
Percent
   
Amount
   
Percent
   
Amount
   
Percent
   
Amount
   
Percent
 
   
(Dollars in thousands)
 
One-to-four family residential (1):
                                                     
  Permanent
  $ 335,412       46.4 %   $ 393,334       44.1 %   $ 481,046       43.1 %   $ 499,562       43.9 %   $ 410,028       40.9 %
  Construction
    --       --       5,356       0.6       15,685       1.4       12,884       1.2       14,835       1.5  
      335,412       46.4       398,690       44.7       496,731       44.5       512,446       45.1       424,863       42.4  
                                                                                 
Multifamily (2):
                                                                               
  Permanent
    110,148       15.2       140,762       15.8       128,943       11.5       99,790       8.8       76,039       7.6  
  Construction
    3,526       0.5       4,114       0.5       17,565       1.6       1,150       0.1       --       --  
      113,674       15.7       144,876       16.3       146,508       13.1       100,940       8.9       76,039       7.6  
                                                                                 
Commercial real estate (2):
                                                                               
  Permanent
    218,032       30.2       237,708       26.6       251,185       22.5       223,360       19.6       182,334       18.2  
  Construction
    12,500       1.7       28,362       3.2       31,605       2.8       28,876       2.5       15,489       1.6  
  Land
    1,811       0.2       6,643       0.7       6,206       0.6       8,491       0.8       6,975       0.7  
      232,343       32.1       272,713       30.5       288,996       25.9       260,727       22.9       204,798       20.5  
                                                                                 
Construction/land development (2):
                                                                           
  One-to-four family residential
6,194       0.9       26,848       3.0       95,699       8.6       145,329       12.8       179,167       17.9  
  Multifamily
    855       0.1       1,283       0.1       3,624       0.3       13,322       1.2       13,322       1.3  
  Commercial real estate
    1,104       0.2       1,108       0.1       1,129       0.1       1,324       0.1       1,324       0.1  
  Land development
    16,990       2.3       27,262       3.1       63,501       5.7       90,537       7.9       94,565       9.5  
      25,143       3.5       56,501       6.3       163,953       14.7       250,512       22.0       288,378       28.8  
                                                                                 
Business
    3,909       0.6       479       0.1       353       0.1       --       --       --       --  
Consumer
    12,499       1.7       19,127       2.1       18,678       1.7       12,927       1.1       6,672       0.7  
Total loans
    722,980       100.0 %     892,386       100.0 %     1,115,219       100.0 %     1,137,552       100.0 %     1,000,750       100.0 %
                                                                                 
Less:
                                                                               
  Loans in process
    1,372               10,975               39,942               82,541               108,939          
  Deferred loan fees, net
    1,761               2,421               2,938               2,848               3,176          
  Allowance for loan losses
    16,559               22,534               33,039               16,982               7,971          
                                                                                 
Loans receivable, net
  $ 703,288             $ 856,456             $ 1,039,300             $ 1,035,181             $ 880,664          

_____________
(1)   Includes $147.4 million and $173.4 million of non-owner occupied loans at December 31, 2011 and 2010, respectively.
(2)   We do not include construction loans that will convert to permanent loans in the construction/land development category. We consider 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.  As a result, at December 31, 2011, we had $12.5 million, or 5.4%, of our total commercial real estate portfolio and $3.5 million, or 3.1%, of our total multifamily loan portfolio in these “rollover” type of loans. The $1.8 million of commercial real estate land loans are not included in the construction/land development category because we classify raw land or buildable lots where we do not intend to finance the construction as commercial real estate land loans.

 
6

 
The following table shows the composition of our loan portfolio by fixed- and adjustable-rate loans at the dates indicated.

   
At December 31,
 
   
2011
   
2010
   
2009
   
2008
   
2007
 
   
Amount
   
Percent
   
Amount
   
Percent
   
Amount
   
Percent
   
Amount
   
Percent
   
Amount
   
Percent
 
FIXED-RATE LOANS
 
(Dollars in thousands)
 
Real estate:
                                                           
  One-to-four family residential
$ 297,769       41.2 %   $ 359,675       40.3 %   $ 482,531       43.3 %   $ 506,288       44.5 %   $ 417,820       41.7 %
  Multifamily
    105,420       14.6       140,210       15.7       128,561       11.5       99,510       8.8       75,748       7.6  
  Commercial real estate
    208,418       28.8       235,947       26.4       270,604       24.3       245,447       21.6       183,922       18.4  
  Construction/land development
  --       --       556       0.1       9,701       0.9       20,689       1.8       3,928       0.4  
     Total real estate
    611,607       84.6       736,388       82.5       891,397       80.0       871,934       76.7       681,418       68.1  
                                                                                 
Business
    1,355       0.2       124       --       150       --       --       --       --       --  
                                                                                 
Consumer
    1,171       0.1       3,743       0.4       3,561       0.3       3,488       0.3       2,394       0.3  
                                                                                 
Total fixed-rate loans
    614,133       84.9       740,255       82.9       895,108       80.3       875,422       76.0       683,812       68.4  
                                                                                 
ADJUSTABLE-RATE LOANS
                                                                               
Real estate:
                                                                               
  One-to-four family residential
37,643       5.2       39,015       4.4       14,200       1.3       6,158       0.6       7,043       0.7  
  Multifamily
    8,254       1.1       4,666       0.5       17,947       1.6       1,430       0.1       291       --  
  Commercial real estate
    23,925       3.3       36,766       4.1       18,392       1.6       15,280       1.3       20,876       2.1  
  Construction/land development
  25,143       3.5       55,945       6.3       154,252       13.8       229,823       20.2       284,450       28.4  
     Total real estate
    94,965       13.1       136,392       15.3       204,791       18.3       252,691       22.2       312,660       31.2  
                                                                                 
Business
    2,554       0.4       355       0.1       203       --       --       --       --       --  
                                                                                 
Consumer
    11,328       1.6       15,384       1.7       15,117       1.4       9,439       0.8       4,278       0.4  
                                                                                 
Total adjustable-rate loans
    108,847       15.1       152,131       17.1       220,111       19.7       262,130       23.0       316,938       31.6  
                                                                                 
Total loans
    722,980       100.0 %     892,386       100.0 %     1,115,219       100.0 %     1,137,552       100.0 %     1,000,750       100.0 %
                                                                                 
Less:
                                                                               
  Loans in process
    1,372               10,975               39,942               82,541               108,939          
  Deferred loan fees, net
    1,761               2,421               2,938               2,848               3,176          
  Allowance for loan losses
    16,559               22,534               33,039               16,982               7,971          
                                                                                 
Loans receivable, net
  $ 703,288             $ 856,456             $ 1,039,300             $ 1,035,181             $ 880,664          
 

 
 
7

 
One-to-Four Family Residential Real Estate Lending.  As of December 31, 2011, $335.4 million, or 46.4%, of our total loan portfolio consisted of permanent loans secured by one-to-four family residences.

First Savings Bank is a traditional fixed-rate portfolio lender when it comes to financing residential home loans.  In 2011, we originated $11.2 million in one-to-four family residential loans, most of which had fixed-rates and fixed terms.  Most of our residential loan originations during 2011 were in connection with the refinance of an existing loan.  At December 31, 2011, $188.0 million or 56.1% of our one-to-four family residential portfolio consisted of owner occupied loans with $147.4 million or 43.9% consisting of non-owner occupied loans.  In addition, at December 31, 2011, $297.8 million, or 88.8%, of our one-to-four family residential loan portfolio consisted of fixed-rate loans.  Substantially all of our one-to-four family residential loans require both monthly principal and interest payments.

We also originate a limited number of jumbo fixed-rate loans that we retain in our portfolio.  Loans originated with balances greater than $417,000 are generally considered jumbo except those originated in King, Pierce and Snohomish counties where the threshold for purchase by Freddie Mac and Fannie Mae is $506,000.  One-to-four family residential loans classified as jumbo fixed-rate loans totaled $72.0 million and consisted of 104 loans at December 31, 2011.  The loans in this portfolio have been priced at rates of 0.25% to 1.00% higher than the standard rates quoted on conventional loans.  As of December 31, 2011, $4.3 million of our jumbo loan portfolio was over 90 days past due and there were three loans totaling $2.2 million that were past due over 60 days but less than 90 days.  The remaining loans in this loan portfolio were performing in accordance with their loan repayment terms.  Charged-off, one-to-four family residential loans totaled $2.3 million for the year ended December 31, 2011 of which $833,000 were jumbo loans.  For the years ended December 31, 2010 and 2009, charged-off one-to-four family residential loans totaled $24.6 million and $6.0 million, of which $4.4 million and $1.9 million were jumbo loans, respectively.

Our fixed-rate, one-to-four family residential loans are normally originated with 15 to 30 year terms, although such loans typically remain outstanding for substantially shorter periods, particularly in a declining interest rate environment.  In addition, substantially all of our one-to-four family residential loans contain due-on-sale clauses providing that we may declare the unpaid amount due and payable upon the sale of the property securing the loan.  Typically, we enforce these due-on-sale clauses to the extent permitted by law and as a standard course of business.  The average loan maturity is a function of, among other factors, the level of purchase and sale activity in the real estate market, prevailing interest rates and the interest rates payable on outstanding loans.

Our lending policy generally limits the maximum loan-to-value ratio on mortgage loans secured by owner-occupied properties to 90% of the lesser of the appraised value or the purchase price.  The maximum loan-to-value ratio on one-to-four family loans secured by non-owner occupied properties is generally 80% with exceptions requiring Loan Committee approval.  Properties securing our one-to-four family residential loans are appraised by independent appraisers approved by us.  We require the borrowers to obtain title, hazard and, if necessary, flood insurance.  We generally do not require earthquake insurance because of competitive market factors.

Our construction loans to individuals to build their personal residences typically are structured as construction/permanent loans with one closing for both the construction loan and the permanent financing. Prior to making a commitment to fund a construction loan, we require an appraisal of the post construction value of the project by an independent appraiser.  During the construction phase, which typically lasts for 12 to 18 months, an approved inspector or our designated loan officer makes periodic inspections of the construction site and loan proceeds are disbursed directly to the contractor or borrower as construction progresses.  Typically, disbursements are made in monthly draws during the construction period.  Construction loans require interest only payments during the construction phase and are structured to be converted to fixed-rate permanent loans at the end of the construction phase.  At December 31, 2011, there were no owner-occupied construction loans to individuals in the one-to-four family residential loan balance.

Loans secured by rental properties represent a unique credit risk to us and, as a result, we adhere to more stringent underwriting guidelines. Of primary concern in non-owner occupied real estate lending is the consistency
 
 
8

 
 
of rental income of the property. Payments on loans secured by rental properties depend primarily on the tenants continuing ability to pay rent to the property owner, who is our borrower or, if the property owner is unable to find a tenant, the property owner’s ability to repay the loan without the benefit of a rental income stream.  In addition, successful operation and management of non-owner occupied properties, including property maintenance standards, may affect repayment.  As a result, repayment of such loans may be subject to adverse conditions in the real estate market or the economy.  We generally require borrowers and loan guarantors, if any, to provide annual financial statements and we consider and review a rental income cash flow analysis of the borrower as well as the net operating income of the property, the borrower’s expertise, credit history and profitability and the value of the underlying property. These loans are generally secured by a first mortgage on the underlying collateral property along with an assignment of rents and leases. If the borrower has multiple loans for rental properties with us, the loans are typically not cross-collateralized.

One-to-four family residential loans are approved by the Loan Committee, the Loan Committee of the Board of Directors, the Board of Directors, or with the approval of two signers above the recommending loan officer depending upon the individual loan amount and the aggregate loan relationship balance for the borrower. At December 31, 2011, $9.8 million of our one-to-four family residential loans were delinquent in excess of 90 days and/or in nonaccrual status.

           Multifamily and Commercial Real Estate Lending.  As of December 31, 2011, $113.7 million, or 15.7% of our total loan portfolio was secured by multifamily real estate and $232.3 million, or 32.1% of our loan portfolio was secured by commercial real estate properties.  Our commercial real estate loans are typically secured by office and medical buildings, retail shopping centers, mini-storage facilities, industrial use buildings and warehouses.  Substantially all of our multifamily and commercial real estate loans are secured by properties located in our primary market area.

Multifamily and commercial real estate loans generally are priced at a higher rate of interest than one-to-four family residential loans and generally have a maximum loan-to-value ratio of 75% of the lesser of the appraised value or purchase price for multifamily and 70% for commercial real estate.  Typically, these loans have higher loan balances, are more complex to evaluate and monitor and involve a greater degree of risk than one-to-four family residential loans.  Often payments on loans secured by multifamily or commercial real estate properties are dependent on the successful operation and management of the property; therefore, repayment of these loans may be affected by adverse conditions in the real estate market or the economy.  We generally require and obtain loan guarantees from financially capable parties based upon the review of personal financial statements.  If the borrower is a corporation or partnership, we generally require and obtain personal guarantees from the principals based upon a review of their personal financial statements and individual credit reports.

The average loan size in our multifamily and commercial real estate loan portfolios was $738,000 and $1.1 million, respectively, as of December 31, 2011.  We currently target individual multifamily and commercial real estate loans between $1.0 million and $5.0 million; however, we can by policy originate loans to one borrower up to 15% of the Bank’s risk-based capital.  The largest multifamily loan as of December 31, 2011 was a 96-unit apartment complex with a net outstanding principal balance of $3.4 million located in Kitsap County.  As of December 31, 2011, the largest commercial real estate loan had a net outstanding balance of $12.5 million and was secured by a self storage facility located in King County.  These loans were classified as performing according to their respective loan repayment terms.

We also make construction loans for commercial development projects.  The projects include multifamily, retail, office/warehouse and office buildings.  These loans generally have an interest-only payment phase during construction and generally convert to permanent financing when construction is complete.  Disbursement of funds is at our sole discretion and is based on the progress of construction.  Generally the maximum loan-to-value ratio applicable to these loans is 75% of the appraised post-construction value.  At December 31, 2011, multifamily and commercial real estate rollover construction loans amounted to $16.0 million, or 4.6% of the combined multifamily and commercial real estate loan portfolio.
 
 
9

 

The credit risk related to multifamily and commercial real estate loans is considered to be greater than the risk related to one-to-four family residential loans because the repayment of multifamily and commercial real estate loans typically is dependent on the income stream from the real estate securing the loan as collateral and the successful operation of the borrower’s business, which can be significantly affected by adverse conditions in the real estate markets or in the economy generally. For example, if the cash flow from the borrower’s project is reduced due to leases not being obtained or renewed, the borrower’s ability to repay the loan may be impaired. In addition, many of our multifamily and commercial real estate loans are not fully amortizing and contain large balloon payments upon maturity. These balloon payments may require the borrower to either sell or refinance the underlying property in order to make the balloon payment.

If we foreclose on a multifamily or commercial real estate loan, our holding period for the collateral typically is longer than for one-to-four family residential mortgage loans because there are fewer potential purchasers of the collateral. Our multifamily and commercial real estate loans generally have relatively large balances to single borrowers or related groups of borrowers. Accordingly, if we make any errors in judgment in the collectibility of our multifamily or commercial real estate loans, any resulting charge-offs may be larger on a per loan basis than those incurred with our residential or consumer loan portfolios.  Multifamily loans totaling $949,000 were delinquent in excess of 90 days and/or classified in nonaccrual status and commercial real estate loans totaling $3.7 million were 90 days or more delinquent and/or in nonaccrual status at December 31, 2011.  Commercial real estate loans totaling $4.2 million were charged-off during the year ended December 31, 2011 as compared to $8.0 million and $2.8 million for the years ended December 31, 2010 and 2009, respectively.  Multifamily loans totaling $125,000 were charged-off during the year ended December 31, 2011.  There were no multifamily loans charged-off during the years ended December 31, 2010 and 2009.

Construction/Land Development Loans.  We originate construction/land development loans to residential builders for the construction of single-family residences, condominiums, townhouses and residential developments located in our market area.  Our land development loans are generally made to builders intending to develop lots.  At December 31, 2011, our total construction/land development loans amounted to $25.1 million, or 3.5%, of our total loan portfolio.  At December 31, 2011, our one-to-four family residential construction loans and land development loans to builders amounted to $6.2 million and $17.0 million, respectively.  The $31.4 million decrease in our construction/land development portfolio from December 31, 2010 to December 31, 2011 was the result of our concerted efforts working with our current construction loan customers when possible to bring the loan payment current or restructure their loans, charge-offs, the migration of problem loans to other real estate owned (“OREO”) and loan payoffs.  Construction/land development loans classified as nonperforming totaled $9.2 million, at December 31, 2011.  At that date there were no undisbursed funds related to our nonperforming construction/land development loans and $420,000 in undisbursed funds related to our performing construction/land development loans.

        At the dates indicated, the composition of our total construction/land development loan portfolio and the related nonperforming loans in this portfolio were as follows:
   
December 31,
 
   
Total Loans
   
Nonperforming loans
 
   
2011
   
2010
   
2011
   
2010
 
   
(In thousands)
 
One-to-four family residential:
                       
  Construction speculative
  $ 6,194     $ 26,848     $ 756     $ 15,240  
                                 
Multifamily:
                               
  Construction speculative
    855       1,283       855       1,283  
Commercial real estate:
                               
  Construction speculative
    1,104       1,108       --       --  
                                 
Land development
    16,990       27,262       7,588       17,416  
                                 
Total construction/land development (1)(2)
  $ 25,143     $ 56,501     $ 9,199     $ 33,939  

(footnotes on following page)

 
10

 

_____________
(1)
Loans in process for construction/land development at December 31, 2011 and 2010 were $420,000 and $3.1 million, respectively. There were no loans in process for nonperforming construction/land development loans at December 31, 2011 and $1.1 million at December 31, 2010.
(2)
We do not include construction loans that will convert to permanent loans in the construction/land development category.  We consider 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.  As a result, at December 31, 2011, we had $12.5 million, or 5.4% of our total commercial real estate portfolio and $3.5 million, or 3.1% of our total multifamily loan portfolio in these “rollover” type of loans.

The following table includes construction/land development loans by county at December 31, 2011:

         
Percent of
 
County
 
Loan Balance (1)
   
Loan Balance
 
   
(Dollars in thousands)
 
             
King
  $ 7,494       30.3 %
Thurston
    4,474       18.1  
Pierce
    4,191       17.0  
Whatcom
    3,635       14.7  
Kitsap
    2,159       8.7  
All other
    2,771       11.2  
     Total
  $ 24,724       100.0 %
__________                 
(1)             Net of undisbursed funds. 
 
Loans to finance the construction of single-family homes and subdivisions are generally offered to builders in our primary market areas.  The maximum loan-to-value ratio applicable to these loans is generally 80% of the appraised market value upon completion of the project.  In addition, a minimum of 25% verified equity is generally also required. Development plans are required from builders prior to committing to the loan. We require that builders maintain adequate insurance coverage.  While maturity dates for residential construction loans are largely a function of the estimated construction period of the project and generally do not exceed one year, land development loans generally are for 18 to 24 months. Substantially all of our residential construction loans have adjustable-rates of interest based on The Wall Street Journal prime rate.  During the term of construction, the accumulated interest on the loan is either added to the principal of the loan through an interest reserve, or billed monthly.  We have interest reserves on $1.4 million of our total speculative construction loans, with undisbursed funds totaling $255,000.  When these loans with reserves exhaust their original reserves set up at origination, no new reserves are created for the loan unless the loan is re-analyzed and it is determined that there are funds remaining per the updated analysis.  Construction loan proceeds are disbursed periodically in increments as construction progresses and as inspections by our approved inspectors warrant.  Total outstanding net loan amounts for land development loans range from $473,000 to $5.0 million with an average individual loan commitment at December 31, 2011, of $1.7 million.  At December 31, 2011, our largest construction/land development loan had a net principal balance of $5.0 million and was secured by a first mortgage lien on a housing development located in King County.  At December 31, 2011, our three largest borrowing relationships for construction/land development loans had aggregate net outstanding loan balances of $8.6 million, $4.5 million and $4.1 million all of which were classified as impaired except for the $8.6 million relationship. These balances do not include other lending relationships we may have with these borrowers.

Our construction/land development loans are based upon estimates of costs in relation to values associated with the completed project.  Construction/land development lending involves additional risks when compared with permanent residential lending because funds are advanced upon the collateral for the project based on an estimate of costs that will produce a future value at completion. Because of the uncertainties inherent in estimating construction costs, as well as the market value of the completed project and the effects of governmental regulation on real property, it is relatively difficult to evaluate accurately the total funds required to complete a project and the related loan-to-value ratio.  For these reasons, this type of lending also typically involves higher loan principal amounts and
 
 
11

 
 
is often concentrated with a small number of builders. These loans often involve the disbursement of funds with repayment substantially dependent on the success of the ultimate project and the ability of the borrower to sell or lease the property or obtain permanent take-out financing, rather than the ability of the borrower or guarantor to repay principal and interest. If our appraisal of the value of a completed project proves to be overstated, we may have inadequate security for the repayment of the loan upon completion of construction of the project and may incur a loss.

Business Lending.  Historically, we have generally not made business loans, however, we have recently begun to offer this type of lending.  Business loans totaled $3.9 million, or less than 1.0% of the loan portfolio at December 31, 2011.  Business loans are generally secured by business equipment, accounts receivable, inventory or other property.  Loan terms typically vary from one to five years.  The interest rates on such loans are either fixed-rate or adjustable-rate primarily indexed to The Wall Street Journal prime rate plus a margin.  Our business lending policy includes credit file documentation and analysis of the borrower’s background, capacity to repay the loan, the adequacy of the borrower’s capital and collateral, as well as an evaluation of other conditions affecting the borrower.  Analysis of the borrower’s past, present and future cash flows is also an important aspect of our credit analysis.  We generally obtain personal guarantees on our business loans.  The largest business loan had an outstanding balance of $1.5 million at December 31, 2011 and was performing according to its repayment terms.  At December 31, 2011, we did not have any business loans delinquent in excess of 90 days and/or in nonaccrual status.

Repayments of business loans is often dependent on the cash flows of the borrower, which may be unpredictable, and the collateral securing these loans may fluctuate in value.  Our business loans are originated primarily based on the identified cash flow of the borrower and secondarily on the underlying collateral provided by the borrower.  Credit support provided by the borrower for most of these loans and the probability of repayment is based on the liquidation of the pledged collateral and enforcement of a personal guarantee, if any.  As a result, in the case of loans secured by accounts receivable, the availability of funds for the repayment of these loans may be substantially dependent on the ability of the borrower to collect amounts due from its customers.  The collateral securing business loans may depreciate over time, may be difficult to appraise and may fluctuate in value based on the success of the business.

Consumer Lending.  We offer a limited variety of consumer loans to our customers, consisting primarily of home equity loans, personal lines of credit and savings account loans.  Generally, consumer loans have shorter terms to maturity and higher interest rates than one-to-four family residential loans.  Consumer loans are offered with both fixed and adjustable interest rates and with varying terms.  At December 31, 2011, consumer loans amounted to $12.5 million, or 1.7%, of the total loan portfolio.

At December 31, 2011, the largest component of the consumer loan portfolio consisted of home equity loans, primarily home equity lines of credit, which totaled $10.0 million, or 80.0%, of the total consumer loan portfolio.  The home equity lines of credit include $4.4 million of equity lines of credit in first lien position and $5.6 million of second mortgages on residential properties.  Home equity loans are made for purposes such as the improvement of residential properties, debt consolidation and education expenses.  At origination, the loan-to-value ratio is generally 90% or less, when taking into account both the balance of the home equity loans and the first mortgage loan.  Second mortgage loans are originated on a fixed- or adjustable-rate basis. The interest rate for the adjustable-rate second mortgages is tied to the prime rate published in The Wall Street Journal and may include a margin.  Second mortgages generally have a ten year term with a balloon payment due at maturity.

Consumer loans entail greater risk than do residential mortgage loans, particularly in the case of consumer loans that are unsecured or secured by rapidly depreciating assets.  In these cases, any repossessed collateral for a defaulted consumer loan may not provide an adequate source of repayment of the outstanding loan balance as a result of the greater likelihood of damage, loss or depreciation.  The remaining deficiency often does not warrant further substantial collection efforts against the borrower beyond obtaining a deficiency judgment.  In addition, consumer loan collections are dependent on the borrower’s continuing financial stability, and are more likely to be adversely affected by job loss, divorce, illness or personal bankruptcy.  Furthermore, the application of various federal and state laws, including federal and state bankruptcy and insolvency laws, may limit the amount that can be recovered on these loans. Home equity lines of credit have greater credit risk than one-to-four family residential
 
 
12

 
 
mortgage loans because they are secured by mortgages subordinated to the existing first mortgage on the property, which we may or may not hold in our portfolio.  We do not have private mortgage insurance coverage on these loans.  Adjustable-rate loans may experience a higher rate of default in a rising interest rate environment due to the increase in payment amounts caused by the increase in interest rates as loan rates reset. If current economic conditions deteriorate for our borrowers and their home prices continue to fall, we may also experience higher credit losses from this loan portfolio. Since our home equity loans primarily consist of second mortgage loans, it is unlikely that we will be successful in recovering all, if any, portion of our loan principal amount outstanding in the event of a default.  At December 31, 2011, we did not have any consumer loans that were delinquent in excess of 90 days or in nonaccrual status.  Consumer loans totaling $263,000 were charged-off during the year ended December 31, 2011.  Consumer loans charged-off during the years ended December 31, 2010 and 2009 totaled $790,000 and $164,000, respectively.

Loan Maturity and Repricing.  The following table sets forth certain information at December 31, 2011 regarding the amount of loans repricing or maturing in our portfolio based on their contractual terms to maturity, but does not include prepayments.  Loan balances do not include undisbursed loan funds, deferred loan fees and costs and allowance for loan losses.

               
After
                   
         
After
   
Three
                   
         
One Year
   
Years
   
After
             
         
Through
   
Through
   
Five Years
             
   
Within
   
Three
   
Five
   
Through
   
Beyond
       
   
One Year
   
Years
   
Years
   
Ten Years
   
Ten Years
   
Total
 
   
(In thousands)
 
Real Estate:
                                   
  One-to-four family residential
  $ 7,083     $ 33,036     $ 68,843     $ 79,445     $ 147,005     $ 335,412  
  Multifamily
    20,396       36,202       13,196       40,140       3,740       113,674  
  Commercial
    30,526       54,572       54,787       90,406       2,052       232,343  
  Construction/land development
    25,143       --       --       --       --       25,143  
     Total real estate
    83,148       123,810       136,826       209,991       152,797       706,572  
                                                 
Business
    3,038       510       361       --       --       3,909  
                                                 
Consumer
    11,332       28       265       835       39       12,499  
                                                 
Total
  $ 97,518     $ 124,348     $ 137,452     $ 210,826     $ 152,836     $ 722,980  

The following table sets forth the amount of all loans due after December 31, 2012, with fixed or adjustable interest rates.

   
Fixed-Rate
   
Adjustable-Rate
   
Total
 
   
(In thousands)
 
Real Estate:
                 
  One-to-four family residential
  $ 292,357     $ 35,972     $ 328,329  
  Multifamily
    88,638       4,640       93,278  
  Commercial
    201,409       408       201,817  
     Total real estate
    582,404       41,020       623,424  
                         
Business
    871       --       871  
                         
Consumer
    1,167       --       1,167  
                         
Total
  $ 584,442     $ 41,020     $ 625,462  
 
 
13

 

 
           Loan Solicitation and Processing.  The majority of our consumer and residential mortgage loan originations are generated through the Bank and from time to time through outside brokers.  We originate multifamily, commercial real estate and construction/land development loans primarily using the Bank’s loan officers, with referrals coming from builders, brokers and existing customers.

Upon receipt of a loan application from a prospective borrower, we obtain a credit report and other data to verify specific information relating to the loan applicant’s employment, income, and credit standing.  All real estate loans requiring an appraisal are done by an independent third-party appraiser.  All appraisers are approved by us, and their credentials are reviewed annually, as is the quality of their appraisals.

We use a multi-level approval matrix which establishes lending targets and tolerance levels depending on the type of credit being approved.  The matrix also sets minimum credit standards for each of the various types of credits as well as approval limits.

The Bank's lending authority limits are as follows:

Board of Directors. The Bank’s Board of Directors has the following authority to approve each loan request:
 
•      
With an aggregate relationship in excess of 15% of the Bank’s risk-based capital;
•      
Each one-to-four family residential loan request in excess of $5.0 million; and
•      
Each commercial or multifamily loan in excess of $10.0 million.

Directors’ Loan Committee. The Directors’ Loan Committee consists of at least three members of the Board of Directors. The Directors’ Loan Committee has the authority to approve:
 
•      
The aggregate borrower relationships up to 15% of the Bank’s risk-based capital; and
•      
Each loan request in excess of the Loan Committee thresholds up to $5.0 million for consumer loans and $10.0 million for commercial and multifamily loans.

Loan Committee. The Loan Committee consists of the Chief Lending and Credit Administration Officer, Loan Production Manager, Consumer Banking Manager, and the Commercial Banking Manager along with two additional members who are appointed by the Chief Lending and Credit Administration Officer. The Loan Committee has the following authority to approve:
 
•      
Each loan request above the Combined Loan Signing Authority levels up to $1.5 million for one-to-four family residential loans and $5.0 million for commercial and multifamily loans;
•      
The aggregate borrower relationships above the Combined Loan Signing Authority levels up to $15.0 million; and
•      
Each unsecured consumer loan request above the Combined Loan Signing Authority levels up to $25,000.

Combined Loan Signing Authority. Combined Loan Signing Authority requires two lending officers' approval, both must hold positions higher than the recommending officer, one of which must be the Loan Production Manager or the Chief Lending and Credit Administration Officer. The Combined Loan Signing Authority allows for the following authority to approve:
 
•      
Each loan request for general conforming one-to-four family residential, owner occupied loans up to $417,000;
•      
Each loan request for commercial and multifamily loans up to $1.0 million;
•      
The aggregate borrower relationships up to $1.0 million;
•      
Each unsecured consumer loan request up to $10,000; and
•      
Each loan that is 100% secured by cash in the Bank.
 
 
14

 

 
We require title insurance on all real estate loans, and fire and casualty insurance on all secured loans and on home equity loans where the property serves as collateral. Flood insurance is also required on all secured loans where the collateral is located in a flood zone.

Loan Originations, Servicing, Purchases, Sales and Repayments.  For the years ended December 31, 2011 and 2010, our total loan originations were $31.6 million and $59.4 million, respectively.  Total loan originations declined as a result of the challenging economic environment and the emphasis that we have placed on reducing our nonperforming assets.

One-to-four family residential loans are generally originated in accordance with the guidelines established by Freddie Mac and Fannie Mae, with the exception of our special community development loans originated to satisfy our compliance with the Community Reinvestment Act.  Our loans are underwritten by designated real estate loan underwriters internally in accordance with standards as provided by our Board-approved loan policy.

We may sell loans from time to time on a non-recourse basis consistent with our asset and liability management objectives.  Fixed-rate residential mortgage loans with terms of 30 years or less and adjustable-rate mortgage loans are generally held in our portfolio.  There were no loan sales for the years ended December 31, 2011 and 2010.
 
The following table shows total loans originated, purchased, repaid and other changes during the periods indicated.

   
Years Ended December 31,
 
   
2011
   
2010
   
2009
 
   
(In thousands)
 
Loan Originations:
                 
Real estate:
                 
  One-to-four family residential
  $ 11,201     $ 14,578     $ 73,681  
  Multifamily
    6,813       16,087       50,712  
  Commercial
    4,079       12,596       50,745  
  Construction/land development
    1,434       9,048       17,728  
    Total real estate
    23,527       52,309       192,866  
                         
Business
    2,270       293       501  
                         
Consumer
    5,829       6,786       13,173  
                         
Total loans originated
    31,626       59,388       206,540  
                         
Loans purchased
    1,647       3,503       37  
                         
Principal repayments
    (165,460 )     (170,011 )     (181,773 )
Charge-offs
    (11,025 )     (65,476 )     (35,302 )
Loans transferred to OREO
    (26,194 )     (50,237 )     (11,835 )
Change in other items, net
    16,238       39,989       26,452  
                         
Net increase (decrease) in loans
  $ (153,168 )   $ (182,844 )   $ 4,119  

Loan Origination and Other Fees.  In some instances, we receive loan origination fees on real estate related products.  Loan fees generally represent a percentage of the principal amount of the loan and are paid by the borrower.  The amount of fees charged to the borrower on one-to-four family residential loans and on multifamily and commercial real estate loans can range between 0% to 2%.  Generally accepted accounting principles require that certain fees received, net of certain origination costs, be deferred and amortized over the contractual life of the
 
 
15

 
 
loan.  Net deferred fees or costs associated with loans that are prepaid or sold are recognized in income at the time of prepayment or sale.  We had $1.8 million and $2.4 million of net deferred loan fees as of December 31, 2011 and 2010, respectively.

One-to-four family residential and consumer loans are generally originated without a prepayment penalty.  The majority of multifamily and commercial real estate loans, however, have prepayment penalties associated with the loans.  The majority of the recent multifamily and commercial real estate loan originations have a prepayment penalty of 3% of the principal balance in year one, 2% in year two, 1% in year three and no fees after year three.

Asset Quality

As of December 31, 2011, we had an aggregate of $21.4 million, or 3.0% of total loans, past due over 60 days consisting of 28 one-to-four family residential loans (17 owner-occupied and 11 non-owner occupied), eight commercial real estate loans, nine construction/land development loans and two multifamily loans.  We generally assess late fees or penalty charges on delinquent loans of up to 5.00% of the monthly payment.  The borrower is given up to a 15 day grace period from the due date to make the loan payment.

We handle collection procedures internally or with the assistance of outside legal counsel.  Late charges are incurred when the loan exceeds 10 to 15 days past due depending upon the loan product.  When a delinquent loan is identified, corrective action takes place immediately.  The first course of action is to determine the cause of the delinquency and seek cooperation from the borrower in resolving the issue whenever possible.  Additional corrective action, if required, will vary depending on the borrower, the collateral, if any, and whether the loan requires specific handling procedures as required by the Washington State Deed of Trust Act.

If the borrower is chronically delinquent and all reasonable means of obtaining payments have been exhausted, we will seek to recover the collateral securing the loan according to the terms of the security instrument and applicable law.  The following table shows our delinquent loans by the type of loan, net of undisbursed funds, and number of days delinquent as of December 31, 2011:

   
Loans Delinquent
   
Total
 
   
31-60 Days
   
61-90 Days
   
Over 90 Days
   
Delinquent Loans
 
   
Number
   
Principal
   
Number
   
Principal
   
Number
   
Principal
   
Number
   
Principal
 
   
of Loans
   
Balance
   
of Loans
   
Balance
   
of Loans
   
Balance
   
of Loans
   
Balance
 
   
(Dollars in thousands)
 
Real estate:
                                               
  One-to-four family residential:
                                           
    Owner occupied
    8     $ 2,594       4     $ 1,318       13     $ 4,076       25     $ 7,988  
    Non-owner occupied
    3       761       --       --       11       3,224       14       3,985  
  Multifamily
    --       --       --       --       2       949       2       949  
  Commercial
    1       633       --       --       8       2,621       9       3,254  
  Construction/land development
  --       --       --       --       9       9,199       9       9,199  
    Total real estate
    12       3,988       4       1,318       43       20,069       59       25,375  
                                                                 
Business
    1       240       --       --       --       --       1       240  
                                                                 
Consumer
    4       1,133       --       --       --       --       4       1,133  
                                                                 
Total
    17     $ 5,361       4     $ 1,318       43     $ 20,069       64     $ 26,748  

 
16

 


Nonperforming Assets.  The following table sets forth information with respect to our nonperforming assets and troubled debt restructured loans for the periods indicated.  All loan balances and ratios are calculated using loan balances that are net of undisbursed funds.

   
At December 31,
 
   
2011
   
2010
   
2009
   
2008
   
2007
 
   
(Dollars in thousands)
 
Loans accounted for on a nonaccrual basis:
                             
Real estate:
                             
         One-to-four family residential
  $ 9,808     $ 22,688     $ 36,874     $ 9,630     $ 526  
     Multifamily
    949       --       --       --       --  
     Commercial
    3,736       7,306       11,535       2,865       --  
     Construction/land development (1)
    9,199       32,885       71,780       44,043       24,516  
Consumer
    --       57       514       --       --  
                                         
Total loans accounted for on a nonaccrual basis
    23,692       62,936       120,703       56,538       25,042  
                                         
Loans accruing interest which are contractually
                                       
  past due 90 days or more:
                                       
         One-to-four family residential
    --       --       --       1,207       --  
     Commercial real estate
    --       --       --       897       --  
                                         
Total loans accruing interest which are
  contractually past due 90 days or more
    --       --       --       2,104       --  
                                         
     Total nonperforming loans
    23,692       62,936       120,703       58,642       25,042  
                                         
OREO
    26,044       30,102       11,835       --       --  
                                         
     Total nonperforming assets
  $ 49,736     $ 93,038     $ 132,538     $ 58,642     $ 25,042  
                                         
Troubled debt restructured loans:
                                       
     Nonaccrual (2)
  $ 5,079     $ 16,299     $ 26,021     $ 20,818     $ --  
     Performing
    66,225       58,375       35,458       2,226       --  
     Troubled debt restructured loans
  $ 71,304     $ 74,674     $ 61,479     $ 23,044     $ --  
                                         
Nonperforming loans as a percent of total loans
    3.28 %     7.14 %     11.23 %     5.56 %     2.81 %
                                         
Nonperforming loans as a percent of total assets
    2.24       5.27       9.18       4.71       2.19  
                                         
Nonperforming assets as a percent of total assets
    4.69       7.79       10.08       4.71       2.19  
 
                                       
Total loans
  $ 721,608     $ 881,411     $ 1,075,277     $ 1,055,011     $ 891,811  
                                         
Foregone interest on nonaccrual loans
    2,178       6,069       7,299       2,090       391  
_______
(1)
Balances represent loans, net of undisbursed funds.
(2)
These loans are also included in the appropriate loan category above “Loans accounted for on a nonaccrual basis.”

When a loan becomes 90 days past due, we generally place the loan on nonaccrual status unless the credit is well secured and is in the process of collection.  Loans may be placed on nonaccrual status prior to being 90 days past due if there is an identified problem such as an impending foreclosure or bankruptcy or if the borrower is unable to meet their scheduled payment obligations.  As of December 31, 2011, nonperforming loans, net of undisbursed funds, were $23.7 million, which represents 3.28% of total loans and 2.24% of total assets.  Of the $9.8 million in nonperforming one-to-four family residential loans, $2.8 million were related to rental properties owned by builders.  Of the $3.7 million in nonperforming commercial real estate loans, $238,000 related to builders, $3.0 million related to real estate investors, and $476,000 related to properties that were owner occupied.
 
 
17

 

 
    Our three largest nonperforming loans at December 31, 2011 were as follows:

•          
A construction/land development loan with an outstanding balance of $3.6 million.  The purpose of the loan was to purchase land in Whatcom County and prepare the land for construction of a 251-unit, one-to-four family development.

•          
A construction/land development loan with an outstanding balance of $1.2 million.  The purpose of the loan was to develop a subdivision with 55 finished lots for one-to-four family construction, of which 15 lots have been sold.  The project is located in Thurston County.  Negotiations as to the resolution of this loan relationship had not been completed as of December 31, 2011.

•          
A one-to-four family loan with an outstanding balance of $1.1 million.  The purpose of this loan was to purchase investment property located in King County.  Due to the current real estate environment, the investor experienced a reduction in income and we restructured this loan as a TDR by granting an interest rate concession.

    We have made significant progress in reducing our nonperforming loans by $39.2 million, or 62.4% at December 31, 2011 as compared to December 31, 2010.  This reduction was accomplished by transferring nonperforming loans to OREO through the foreclosure process, taking deeds in lieu of foreclosure, accepting short sales and charge-offs.  Being a smaller institution, we are able to make decisions regarding offers on OREO and the real estate underlying our nonperforming loans very quickly as compared to the larger institutions where decisions could take upwards of six to twelve months.  This distinction has worked to our benefit in reducing our nonperforming loans and disposing of OREO.

 
18

 

 
    The following table summarizes our total nonperforming loans, net of undisbursed funds and OREO, at December 31, 2011 by county and by type of loan or property:

                   
Percent of
 
                       
All
 
Total
 
Number
 
Total
 
   
County
 
Other
 
Nonperforming
 
of
 
Nonperforming
 
   
King
 
Pierce
 
Kitsap
 
Thurston
 
Whatcom
 
Counties
 
Loans
 
Loans
 
Loans
 
   
(Dollars in thousands)
 
Nonperforming loans:
                                     
  One-to-four family residential
  $ 6,268   $ 2,302   $ 632   $ 606   $ --   $ --   $ 9,808     32     41.4 %
  Multifamily
    949     --     --     --     --     --     949     2     4.0  
  Commercial real estate
    713     669     --     692     --     1,662     3,736     11     15.8  
  Construction/land development
    573     604     2,159     1,373     3,635     855     9,199     9     38.8  
                                                         
Total nonperforming loans
  $ 8,503   $ 3,575   $ 2,791   $ 2,671   $ 3,635   $ 2,517   $ 23,692     54     100.0 %
 
 
                       
All
         
Percent of
 
   
County
 
Other
 
Total
 
Number of
 
Total
 
   
King
 
Pierce
 
Kitsap
 
Thurston
 
Whatcom
 
Counties
 
OREO
 
Properties
 
OREO
 
   
(Dollars in thousands)
 
OREO:
                                     
  One-to-four family residential
  $ 2,971   $ 4,752   $ 215   $ --   $ --   $ 322   $ 8,260     45     31.7 %
  Commercial real estate
    2,758     5,387     1,202     450     --     --     9,797     34     37.6  
  Construction/land development
    1,688     4,886     202     501     --     710     7,987     24     30.7  
                                                         
Total OREO
  $ 7,417   $ 15,025   $ 1,619   $ 951   $ --   $ 1,032   $ 26,044     103     100.0 %
                                                         
Total nonperforming assets
  $ 15,920   $ 18,600   $ 4,410   $ 3,622   $ 3,635   $ 3,549   $ 49,736              


 
19

 
 
    Construction/land development, commercial real estate and multifamily loans have larger individual loan amounts, which have a greater single impact on our total portfolio quality in the event of delinquency or default. We continue to monitor our loan portfolio, and believe additions to nonperforming loans, charge-offs, provisions for loan losses, and/or OREO are possible in the future if the housing market and other economic conditions do not improve.
 
    Other Real Estate Owned.  Real estate acquired by us as a result of foreclosure or by deed-in-lieu of foreclosure is classified as OREO until it is sold.  When the property is acquired, it is recorded at the lower of its cost or the fair market value of the property less selling costs.  We had $26.0 million and $30.1 million of OREO at December 31, 2011 and 2010, respectively.  At December 31, 2011, OREO consisted of $8.2 million in one-to-four family residential properties, $8.0 million in construction/land development properties and $9.8 million in commercial real estate properties.  We have a special assets department whose primary focus is the prompt and effective management of our troubled, nonperforming assets and to expedite their disposition and minimize any potential losses.  During 2011, we foreclosed or accepted deeds in lieu of foreclosure on 95 properties totaling $26.2 million as compared to 185 properties totaling $50.2 million during 2010.  We anticipate continued foreclosure, deed in lieu of foreclosure and short sale activity while we work with our nonperforming loan customers to minimize our loss exposure.
 
    Troubled Debt Restructured Loans.  We account for certain loan modifications or restructurings as a TDR.  In general, the modification or restructuring of a debt is considered a TDR if we, for economic or legal reasons related to the borrower’s financial difficulties, grant a concession to the borrower that we would not otherwise consider.  At December 31, 2011, we had $71.3 million in TDR loans as compared to $74.7 million at December 31, 2010.
 
    During 2010, we utilized a new strategy for a limited number of our borrowing relationships by establishing an “A” and “B” note structure.  We created an “A” note which represents a reduced principal balance expected to be fully collected and at a debt service level and loan-to-value ratio acceptable to us.  The “A” note is classified as a performing TDR loan as long as the borrower continues to perform in accordance with the note terms.  The “B” note represents the amount of the principal reduction portion of the original note and is immediately charged-off.  During the year ended December 31, 2011, no “B” notes were charged-off.  The “B” note is held by the Bank and when the borrower pays off the “A” note, the Bank will proceed with collection efforts on the “B” note.  At December 31, 2011, 92.9% of our TDR loans were classified as performing compared to 78.2% at December 31, 2010.  Of the $66.2 million of performing TDR loans at December 31, 2011, $33.5 million were related to an “A” note as a result of an “A” and “B” note workout strategy.
 
    The largest TDR loan relationship was $13.5 million and included one construction/land development loan and 84 one-to-four family residential rental properties located in King, Kitsap, Pierce and Thurston counties.  At December 31, 2011, there were no undisbursed funds in connection with these restructured and impaired loans.  For additional information regarding our TDRs, see Note 4 to the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements contained in Item 8.

 
20

 
 
    The following table summarizes our total TDR loans:

   
December 31,
 
   
2011
   
2010
 
   
(In thousands)
 
Nonperforming TDR loans:
           
  One-to-four family residential
  $ 3,994     $ 7,510  
  Commercial real estate
    902       3,428  
  Construction/land development
    183       5,361  
                 
Total nonperforming TDR loans
    5,079       16,299  
                 
Performing TDR loans:
               
  One-to-four family residential
    52,768       45,244  
  Multifamily
    2,504       2,515  
  Commercial real estate
    10,883       10,413  
  Construction/land development
    --       133  
  Consumer
    70       70  
                 
Total performing TDR loans
    66,225       58,375  
                 
Total TDR loans
  $ 71,304     $ 74,674  
 
    Classified Assets.  Federal regulations provide for the classification of lower quality loans and other assets, as substandard, doubtful or loss.  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 we will sustain some loss if the deficiencies are not corrected.  Assets classified as doubtful have all the weaknesses inherent in those classified 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 those considered uncollectible and of such little value that their continuance as assets without the establishment of a specific loss reserve is not warranted.
 
    When we classify problem assets as either substandard or doubtful, we may establish a specific allowance in an amount we deem prudent.  General allowances represent loss allowances which have been established to recognize the inherent risk associated with lending activities, but which, unlike specific allowances, have not been specifically allocated to particular problem assets.  When an insured institution classifies problem assets as a loss, it is required to charge-off those assets in the period in which they are deemed uncollectible.  Our determination as to the classification of our assets and the amount of our valuation allowances is subject to review by the FDIC and the DFI, which can order the establishment of additional loss allowances or the charge-off of specific loans against established loss reserves.  Assets which do not currently expose us to sufficient risk to warrant classification in one of the aforementioned categories but possess weaknesses are designated by us as special mention.
 
    In connection with the filing of periodic reports with the FDIC and in accordance with our loan policy, we regularly review the problem loans in our portfolio to determine whether any loans require classification in accordance with applicable regulations.  On the basis of our review of our loans, as of December 31, 2011, $33.8 million of our loans were classified as special mention, $38.3 million were classified as substandard, and no loans were classified as doubtful or loss.  This compares to $18.2 million classified as special mention, $75.0 million classified as substandard, $345,000 classified as doubtful and no loans classified as loss as of December 31, 2010. The decrease in our classified assets during the year ended December 31, 2011 was a result of loan charge-offs, transfers to OREO, subsequent sales of OREO and short sales.  During 2011, we took an aggressive approach to reduce nonperforming assets and improve asset quality.


 
21

 
 
    The aggregate amounts of our classified assets, net of undisbursed funds, at the dates indicated were as follows:

   
At December 31,
 
   
2011
   
2010
 
   
(In thousands)
 
Classified Assets:
           
  Special mention:
           
    One-to-four family residential
  $ 13,193     $ 10,261  
    Multifamily
    5,414       1,936  
    Commercial real estate
    14,256       5,805  
    Construction/land development
    424       --  
    Consumer
    488       189  
Total special mention
    33,775       18,191  
                 
  Substandard:
               
    One-to-four family residential
    14,376       28,083  
    Multifamily
    949       353  
    Commercial real estate
    13,584       10,916  
    Construction/land development
    9,199       35,484  
    Consumer
    189       140  
 Total substandard
    38,297       74,976  
                 
  Doubtful:
               
    Construction/land development
    --       339  
    Consumer
    --       6  
Total doubtful
    --       345  
                 
Total classified assets
  $ 72,072     $ 93,512  
 
    With the exception of these classified loans, of which $23.7 million were accounted for as nonaccrual loans at December 31, 2011, management is not aware of any loans as of December 31, 2011, where the known credit problems of the borrower would cause us to have serious doubts as to the ability of such borrowers to comply with their present loan repayment terms.
 
    Allowance for Loan Losses.  Management recognizes that loan losses may occur over the life of a loan and that the ALLL must be maintained at a level necessary to absorb specific losses on impaired loans and probable losses inherent in the loan portfolio.  Our methodology for analyzing the ALLL consists of two components: general and specific allowances.  The general allowance is determined by applying factors to our various groups of loans.  Management considers factors such as charge-off history, the prevailing economy, borrower’s ability to repay, the regulatory environment, competition, geographic and loan type concentrations, policy and underwriting standards, nature and volume of the loan portfolio, managements’ experience level, our loan review and grading systems, the value of underlying collateral and the level of problem loans in assessing the ALLL.  The specific allowance component is created when management believes that the collectibility of a specific loan has been impaired and a loss is probable.  The specific reserves are computed using current appraisals, listed sales prices and other available information less costs to complete, if any, and costs to sell the property.  This evaluation is inherently subjective as it requires estimates that are susceptible to significant revision as more information becomes available or as future events differ from predictions.
 
    Our Board of Directors approves the provision for loan losses on a quarterly basis.  The allowance is increased by the provision for loan losses, which is charged against current period earnings and decreased by the amount of actual loan charge-offs, net of recoveries.
 
 
22

 
 
    The provision for loan losses was $4.7 million, $53.1 million and $51.3 million for the years ended December 31, 2011, 2010 and 2009, respectively.  The decrease in the provision for loan losses was attributable to the reductions in the levels of nonperforming assets, charge-offs and our directed focus during 2011 to work with our borrowers when possible to bring their loan payments current and when this option was not feasible to proceed with foreclosure or deed in lieu of foreclosure proceedings.  We also utilized short sales as an option to liquidate properties.  The focus that we placed on reducing our nonperforming assets during 2011 resulted in a reduction of $43.3 million in nonperforming assets. The ALLL was $16.6 million, or 2.3% of total loans at December 31, 2011 as compared to $22.5 million, or 2.6% of total loans outstanding at December 31, 2010. The level of the ALLL is based on estimates and the ultimate losses may vary from the estimates.  Management reviews the adequacy of the ALLL on a quarterly basis.
 
    A loan is considered impaired when, based on current information and events, it is probable we will be unable to collect the scheduled payments of principal or interest when due according to the contractual terms of the loan agreement.  Factors considered by management in determining impairment include payment status, collateral value, market conditions, rent rolls and the borrowers and guarantors, if any, financial strength.  Loans that experience insignificant payment delays and payment shortfalls generally are not classified as impaired.  Management determines the significance of payment delays and shortfalls on a case-by-case basis, taking into consideration all of the circumstances surrounding the loans and the borrowers, including length of the delay, the reasons for the delay, the borrower’s prior payment record and the amounts of the shortfall in relation to the principal and interest owed.  Loans are evaluated for impairment on a loan-by-loan basis.  As of December 31, 2011 and 2010, impaired loans, net of undisbursed funds, were $89.9 million and $121.3 million, respectively.



 
23

 

 
    The following table summarizes the distribution of the ALLL by loan category.

   
At December 31,
 
   
2011
   
2010
   
2009
   
2008
   
2007
 
   
Loan
Balance
   
Allowance
 by Loan Category
   
Percent of
Loans
to
Total Loans
   
Loan
Balance
   
Allowance
 by Loan Category
   
Percent of
Loans
to
Total Loans
   
Loan
Balance
   
Allowance
 by Loan Category
   
Percent of
Loans
to
Total Loans
   
Loan
Balance
   
Allowance
 by Loan Category
   
Percent of
Loans
to
Total Loans
   
Loan
Balance
   
Allowance
 by Loan Category
   
Percent of
Loans
to
Total Loans
 
Real estate:
 
(Dollars in thousands)
 
  One-to-four
                                                                                         
    family
    residential
$ 335,412     $ 5,756       46.4 %   $ 398,690     $ 8,302       44.7 %   $ 496,731     $ 11,130       44.6 %   $ 512,446     $ 3,924       45.1 %   $ 424,863     $ 1,508       42.4 %
  Multifamily
    113,674       950       15.7       144,876       1,893       16.2       146,508       1,896       13.1       100,940       243       8.9       76,039       151       7.6  
  Commercial
    232,343       6,846       32.1       272,713       6,742       30.6       288,996       6,422       25.9       260,727       2,140       22.9       204,798       1,066       20.5  
  Construction/land
                                                                                                                       
    development
    25,143       2,503       3.5       56,501       5,151       6.3       163,953       13,255       14.7       250,512       10,634       22.0       288,378       5,128       28.8  
    Total real estate
706,572       16,055       97.7       872,780       22,088       97.8       1,096,188       32,703       98.3       1,124,625       16,941       98.9       994,078       7,853       99.3  
                                                                                                                         
Business
    3,909       154       0.6       479       7       0.1       353       6       --       --       --       --       --       --       --  
                                                                                                                         
Consumer
    12,499       350       1.7       19,127       439       2.1       18,678       330       1.7       12,927       41       1.1       6,672       118       0.7  
                                                                                                                         
Total
  $ 722,980     $ 16,559       100.0 %   $ 892,386     $ 22,534       100.0 %   $ 1,115,219     $ 33,039       100.0 %   $ 1,137,552     $ 16,982       100.0 %   $ 1,000,750     $ 7,971       100.0 %

 
 
24

 

 
We believe that the ALLL as of December 31, 2011 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 ALLL are reasonable, there can be no assurance that such estimates and assumptions will be proven correct in the future, or that the actual amount of future provisions will not exceed the amount of past provisions or that any increased provisions that may be required will not adversely impact our financial condition and results of operations.  Future additions to the ALLL 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 the 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.

The following table sets forth an analysis of our ALLL at the dates and for the periods indicated.

   
At or For the Years Ended December 31,
 
   
2011
   
2010
   
2009
   
2008
   
2007
 
   
(Dollars in thousands)
 
                               
ALLL at beginning of period
  $ 22,534     $ 33,039     $ 16,982     $ 7,971     $ 1,971  
Provision for loan losses
    4,700       53,100       51,300       9,443       6,000  
                                         
Charge-offs:
                                       
   One-to-four family residential
    (2,330 )     (24,594 )     (6,043 )     --       --  
   Multifamily
    (125 )     --       --       --       --  
   Commercial real estate
    (4,249 )     (8,012 )     (2,812 )     --       --  
   Construction/land development
    (4,058 )     (32,080 )     (26,283 )     (432 )     --  
   Consumer
    (263 )     (790 )     (164 )     --       --  
Total charge-offs
    (11,025 )     (65,476 )     (35,302 )     (432 )     --  
Total recoveries
    350       1,871       59       --       --  
Net charge-offs
    (10,675 )     (63,605 )     (35,243 )     (432 )     --  
ALLL at end of period
  $ 16,559     $ 22,534     $ 33,039     $ 16,982     $ 7,971  
                                         
ALLL as a percent of total loans,
                                       
 net of undisbursed funds
    2.29 %     2.56 %     3.07 %     1.61 %     0.89 %
                                         
Net charge-offs to average loans
                                       
  receivable, net
    1.39 %     6.55 %     3.38 %     0.04 %     --  
                                         
ALLL as a percent of nonperforming loans,
                                       
  net of undisbursed funds 
    69.89 %     35.80 %     27.37 %     28.96 %     31.83 %

Investment Activities

General.  Under Washington law, savings banks are permitted to invest in various types of liquid assets, including U.S.  Treasury obligations, securities of various federal agencies, certain certificates of deposit of insured banks and savings institutions, banker’s acceptances, repurchase agreements, federal funds, commercial paper, investment grade corporate debt securities, and obligations of states and their political sub-divisions.

The investment committee, consisting of the Chief Executive Officer, Chief Financial Officer and Controller of First Savings Bank, has the authority and responsibility to administer our investment policy, monitor portfolio strategies and recommend appropriate changes to policy and strategies to the Board of Directors.  On a monthly basis, management reports to the Board a summary of investment holdings with respective market values and all purchases and sales of investment securities.  The Chief Financial Officer has the primary responsibility for the management of the investment portfolio and considers various factors when making decisions, including the marketability, maturity and tax consequences of proposed investments.  The maturity structure of investments will be affected by various market conditions, including the current and anticipated slope of the yield curve, the level of
 
 
25

 
 
interest rates, the trend of new deposit inflows and the anticipated demand for funds via deposit withdrawals and loan originations and purchases.

The general objectives of the investment portfolio are to provide liquidity when loan demand is high, to assist in maintaining earnings when loan demand is low and to maximize earnings while satisfactorily managing risk, including credit risk, reinvestment risk, liquidity risk and interest rate risk.

At December 31, 2011, our investment portfolio consisted principally of mortgage-backed securities, U.S. Government Agency obligations and municipal bonds.  From time to time, investment levels may increase or decrease depending upon yields available on investment opportunities and management’s projected demand for funds for loan originations, deposits and other activities.

Mortgage-Backed Securities.  The mortgage-backed securities in our portfolio were comprised of Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac, and Ginnie Mae mortgage-backed securities.  The principal on these securities is backed by the U.S. agency issuing the security.  The mortgage-backed securities had a weighted-average yield of 3.06% at December 31, 2011.

U.S. Government Agency Obligations.  The agency securities in our portfolio were comprised of Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac and FHLB agency securities.  The principal on these securities is backed by the U.S. agency issuing the security.  At December 31, 2011, the portfolio had a weighted-average yield of 0.61%.

Municipal Bonds.  The municipal bond portfolio was comprised of general obligation bonds (i.e., backed by the general credit of the issuer) and revenue bonds (i.e., backed by revenues from the specific project being financed) issued by various municipalities.   All bonds are from issuers located within the State of Washington.  The weighted-average yield on the municipal bond portfolio was 6.78% at December 31, 2011.

Federal Home Loan Bank Stock.  As a member of the FHLB, we are required to own capital stock in the FHLB.  The amount of stock we hold is based on guidelines specified by the FHLB.  The redemption of any excess stock we hold is at the discretion of the FHLB.  The carrying value of the stock totaled $7.4 million at December 31, 2011.  We did not receive a dividend during the years ended December 31, 2011, 2010 and 2009.

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

On October 25, 2010, the FHLB agreed to the stipulation and issuance of a Consent Order by its primary regulator the Federal Housing Finance Agency (“FHFA”).  The Consent Order sets forth requirements for capital management, asset composition and other operational and risk management improvements.  The FHLB may not repurchase member stock or pay dividends, until they achieve and maintain financial thresholds established by the FHFA as part of the agency’s supervisory process, subject to FHFA’s approval.

We have determined there is not an other-than-temporary impairment (“OTTI”) on our FHLB stock investment as of December 31, 2011.  For additional information, see Item 1.A.  “Risk Factors – Continued deterioration in the financial position of the FHLB may result in future impairment losses of our investment in FHLB stock.”
 
 
26

 

The following table sets forth the composition of our investment portfolio at the dates indicated.

   
At December 31,
 
   
2011
   
2010
   
2009
 
   
Amortized
Cost
   
Fair
Value
   
Amortized
Cost
   
Fair
Value
   
Amortized
Cost
   
Fair
Value
 
   
(In thousands)
 
Available-for-sale:
                                   
Mortgage-backed securities:
                                   
  Fannie Mae
  $ 50,981     $ 52,163     $ 109,134     $ 110,144     $ 50,025     $ 51,271  
  Freddie Mac
    19,285       19,845       40,454       41,149       28,924       29,941  
  Ginnie Mae
    7,416       7,495       9,542       9,444       5,099       5,183  
Municipal bonds
    2,085       1,847       2,395       1,922       4,857       4,374  
U.S. Government agencies
    47,934       47,652       1,805       1,944       1,946       2,003  
Mutual fund
    --       --       --       --       4,460       4,611  
    Total available-for-sale
  $ 127,701     $ 129,002     $ 163,330     $ 164,603     $ 95,311     $ 97,383  

At December 31, 2011, 2010 and 2009 there were no investments held to maturity.

During the year ended December 31, 2011, gross proceeds from sales of investments were $79.1 million with gross gains of $2.2 million and gross losses of $8,000.

Management reviews investment securities on an ongoing basis for the presence of OTTI or permanent impairment, taking into consideration current market conditions, fair value in relationship to cost; extent and nature of the change in fair value; issuer rating changes and trends; whether management intends to sell a security or if it is likely that we will be required to sell the security before recovery of the amortized cost basis of the investment, which may be maturity; and other factors.  For debt securities, if management intends to sell the security or it is likely that we 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 management does not intend to sell the security and it is not likely that we will be required to sell the security, but management 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, i.e., 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 (loss).  Impairment losses related to all other factors are presented as separate categories within other comprehensive income (loss).  There were no losses related to OTTI at December 31, 2011 and 2010.  For additional information regarding our investments, see Note 3 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements contained in Item 8.

 
27

 

 
The table below sets forth information regarding the carrying value, weighted-average yields and maturities or call dates of our investment portfolio at December 31, 2011.  Mortgage-backed securities and the FHLB stock investments have no stated maturity date and are included in the totals column only.

   
At December 31, 2011 Amount Due or Repricing:
 
               
After One Year
   
After Five Years
                         
   
Within One Year
   
Through Five Years
   
Through Ten Years
   
Thereafter
   
Totals
 
         
Weighted-
         
Weighted-
         
Weighted-
         
Weighted-
         
Weighted-
 
   
Carrying
   
Average
   
Carrying
   
Average
   
Carrying
   
Average
   
Carrying
   
Average
   
Carrying
   
Average
 
   
Value
   
Yield
   
Value
   
Yield
   
Value
   
Yield
   
Value
   
Yield
   
Value
   
Yield
 
   
(Dollars in thousands)
 
Available-for-sale:
 
Mortgage-backed securities
  $ --       -- %   $ --       -- %   $ --       -- %   $ --       -- %   $ 79,503       3.06 %
Municipal bonds
    --       --       --       --       521       5.65       1,326       7.14       1,847       6.78  
U.S. Government agencies
    --       --       39,854       0.52       322       0.75       7,476       1.12       47,652       0.61  
     Total available-for-sale
  $ --       -- %   $ 39,854       0.52 %   $ 843       3.81 %   $ 8,802       2.25 %   $ 129,002       2.18 %
                                                                                 
     FHLB stock
  $ --       -- %   $ --       -- %   $ --       -- %   $ --       -- %   $ 7,413       %


 
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Deposit Activities and Other Sources of Funds

General.  Deposits and loan repayments are the major sources of our funds for lending and other investment purposes.  Scheduled loan repayments are a relatively stable source of funds, while deposit inflows and outflows and loan prepayments are influenced significantly by general interest rates and market conditions.  Borrowings from the FHLB are used to supplement the availability of funds from other sources and also as a source of term funds to assist in the management of interest rate risk.

Our deposit composition reflects a mixture of various deposit products.  We rely on marketing activities, customer service and the availability of a broad range of deposit products and services to attract and retain customer deposits.

Deposits.  We offer a range of deposit products within our market area, including noninterest bearing accounts, NOW accounts, money market deposit accounts, statement savings accounts and certificates of deposit.  Deposit account terms vary according to the minimum balance required, the time periods the funds must remain on deposit and the interest rate, among other factors.  In determining the terms of our deposit accounts, we consider the development of long-term profitable customer relationships, current market interest rates, current maturity structures, deposit mix, our customer preferences and the profitability of acquiring customer deposits compared to alternative sources.

At December 31, 2011, our deposits totaled $788.7 million.  We had $416.5 million of jumbo ($100,000 or more) certificates of deposit of which $21.7 million were public funds, which represent 52.8% and 2.8%, respectively, of total deposits.  As part of our strategy, we did not renew maturing public fund certificates of deposit during 2011 due to the higher cost of maintaining those accounts.  There were no brokered deposits at December 31, 2011.

Deposit Activities.  The following table sets forth our total deposit activity for the periods indicated.

   
Years Ended December 31,
 
   
2011
   
2010
   
2009
 
   
(In thousands)
 
       
Beginning balance
  $ 920,226     $ 939,423     $ 791,483  
                         
Net increase (decrease) before interest credited
    (147,065 )     (41,294 )     119,133  
Interest credited
    15,504       22,097       28,807  
Net increase (decrease) in deposits
    (131,561 )     (19,197 )     147,940  
Ending balance
  $ 788,665     $ 920,226     $ 939,423  


 
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The following table sets forth information regarding our certificates of deposit and other deposits at December 31, 2011.

Weighted -
                       
Average
                   
Percentage
 
Interest
               
Minimum
 
of Total
 
 Rate
   
Term
 
Category
 
Amount
 
Balance
 
Deposits
 
       
                                                                              (Dollars in thousands)
   
        --
%  
N/A
 
Noninterest bearing demand
 
$   6,013
 
$      --
 
0.8
0.14
   
N/A
 
NOW
 
14,193
 
250
 
1.8
 
0.20
   
N/A
 
Statement savings
 
17,784
 
25
 
2.2
 
0.34
   
N/A
 
Money market
 
180,631
 
1,000
 
22.9
 
                         
         
Certificates of deposit:
             
0.30
   
3 month
     
3,003
 
1,000
 
0.4
 
0.42
   
6 month
     
5,347
 
1,000
 
0.7
 
0.57
   
9 month
     
941
 
1,000
 
0.1
 
0.95
   
12 month-variable
     
33
 
1,000
 
        --
 
0.85
   
12 month
     
76,641
 
1,000
 
9.7
 
1.25
   
18 month
     
119,584
 
500
 
15.2
 
1.45
   
24 month
     
27,545
 
1,000
 
3.5
 
1.85
   
30 month
     
41,250
 
1,000
 
5.2
 
2.55
   
36 month
     
81,723
 
1,000
 
10.4
 
2.92
   
48 month
     
210,986
 
1,000
 
26.7
 
4.20
   
60 month
     
2,886
 
1,000
 
0.4
 
5.15
   
72 month
     
105
 
1,000
 
        --
 
         
Total certificates of deposit
 
570,044
     
72.3
 
         
   Total
 
$788,665
     
100.0


Certificates of Deposit.  The following table sets forth the amount and maturities of certificates of deposit at December 31, 2011.

   
Amount Due
 
         
After One
   
After Two
   
After Three
             
         
Year
   
Years
   
Years
             
   
Within
   
Through
   
Through
   
Through
             
   
One Year
   
Two Years
   
Three Years
   
Four Years
   
Thereafter
   
Total
 
   
(In thousands)
 
                                     
0.00 - 1.00%   $ 80,067     $ 26,884     $ 6,367     $ --     $ --     $ 113,318  
1.01 - 2.00%     111,539       26,519       31,116       28,713       --       197,887  
2.01 - 3.00%     48,924       46,172       72,883       126       --       168,105  
3.01 - 4.00%     27,571       32,664       1,792       --       --       62,027  
4.01 - 5.00%     12,278       443       --       --       --       12,721  
5.01 - 6.00%     15,881       --       --       --       105       15,986  
Total
  $ 296,260     $ 132,682     $ 112,158     $ 28,839     $ 105     $ 570,044  


 
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The following table sets forth the amount of our jumbo certificates of deposit by remaining maturity as of December 31, 2011.  Jumbo certificates of deposit are certificates in amounts of $100,000 or more.

   
Certificates
 
Maturity Period
 
of Deposit
 
   
(In thousands)
 
       
Three months or less
  $ 62,143  
Over three months through six months
    42,213  
Over six months through twelve months
    106,248  
Over twelve months
    205,921  
    Total
  $ 416,525  

Deposit Flow.  The following table sets forth the deposit balances by the types of accounts we offered at the dates indicated.

   
At December 31,
 
   
2011
   
2010
   
2009
 
         
Percent
         
Percent
         
Percent
 
         
of
         
of
         
of
 
   
Amount
   
Total
   
Amount
   
Total
   
Amount
   
Total
 
                                                                                  (Dollars in thousands)
                                                 
Noninterest-bearing
  $ 6,013       0.8 %   $ 8,700       1.0 %   $ 3,294       0.3 %
NOW
    14,193       1.8       13,458       1.4       12,740       1.4  
Statement savings
    17,784       2.2       15,387       1.7       15,423       1.6  
Money market
    180,631       22.9       193,982       21.1       194,315       20.7  
Certificates of deposit:
                                               
        0.00 - 1.00%     113,318       14.4       22,666       2.5       6,500       0.7  
        1.01 - 2.00%     197,887       25.1       316,964       34.4       148,215       15.8  
        2.01 - 3.00%     168,105       21.3       203,123       22.1       181,592       19.3  
        3.01 - 4.00%     62,027       7.9       73,918       8.0       133,210       14.2  
        4.01 - 5.00%     12,721       1.6       24,208       2.6       171,926       18.3  
        5.01 - 6.00%     15,986       2.0       47,820       5.2       72,208       7.7  
       Total certificates
                                               
         of deposit
    570,044       72.3       688,699       74.8       713,651       76.0  
       Total
  $ 788,665       100.0 %   $ 920,226       100.0 %   $ 939,423       100.0 %

Borrowings.  Customer deposits are the primary source of funds for our lending and investment activities.  We use advances from the FHLB to supplement our supply of lendable funds to meet short-term deposit withdrawal requirements and also to provide longer term funding to better match the duration of selected loan and investment maturities.  In addition, at December 31, 2011 we had available a $10.0 million line of credit with another financial institution as a supplemental funding source.

As a member of the FHLB, we are required to own capital stock in the FHLB and are authorized to apply for advances on the security of that stock and certain of our mortgage loans and other assets provided certain creditworthiness standards have been met.  Advances are individually made under various terms pursuant to several different credit programs, each with its own interest rate and range of maturities.  Depending on the program, limitations on the amount of advances are based on the financial condition of the member institution and the adequacy of collateral pledged to secure the credit.  We maintain a credit facility with the FHLB that provides for immediately available advances, subject to acceptable collateral, which at December 31, 2011 was $113.0 million.  At December 31, 2011, outstanding advances from the FHLB totaled $83.1 million.  Effective February 27, 2012, our line of credit with the FHLB was increased to 25% of assets from 10% at December 31, 2011.

 
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The following table sets forth information regarding FHLB advances at the end of and during the periods indicated.  The table includes both long- and short-term borrowings.

   
At or for the Years Ended December 31,
 
   
2011
   
2010
   
2009
 
   
(Dollars in thousands)
 
Maximum amount of borrowings outstanding
                 
  at any month end
  $ 93,066     $ 143,066     $ 149,900  
                         
Average borrowings outstanding
    90,656       130,423       147,314  
                         
Weighted-average rate paid
    2.50 %     3.21 %     3.47 %
                         
Balance outstanding at end of the year
  $ 83,066     $ 93,066     $ 139,900  
                         
Weighted-average rate paid at end of the year
    2.47 %     2.51 %     3.50 %

Subsidiaries and Other Activities

First Financial Northwest, Inc. First Financial Northwest has two wholly-owned subsidiaries, First Savings Bank Northwest and First Financial Diversified Corporation.  First Financial Diversified Corporation primarily provides escrow services to First Savings Bank, other area lenders and some private individuals.  First Financial Diversified Corporation also offers a limited number of loan products to First Savings Bank’s customers.  At December 31, 2011, loans from First Financial Diversified Corporation represented less than two percent of our loan portfolio.

First Savings Bank Northwest.  First Savings Bank Northwest 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.  We are in the business of attracting deposits from the public and utilizing those deposits to originate loans.

Competition

We face competition in originating loans and in attracting deposits within our targeted geographic market area.  We compete by consistently delivering high-quality, personal service to our customers that results in a high level of customer satisfaction.

Based on the most current FDIC Deposit Market Share Report dated June 30, 2011, we ranked 9th in terms of deposits with a deposit market share of 1.67%, among the 54 FDIC-insured depository institutions located in King County, our primary market area.  Our key competitors are U.S. Bank, Key Bank, Union Bank, Columbia Bank, Sterling Bank and Washington Federal.  These competitors control 29.8% of the King County deposit market with deposits of $16.0 billion, of the $53.6 billion total deposits in King County as of June 30, 2011.   Aside from these traditional competitors, credit unions, insurance companies and brokerage firms also compete for consumer deposit relationships.

Our competition for loans comes principally from commercial banks, mortgage brokers, thrift institutions, credit unions and finance companies.   Several other financial institutions, including those previously mentioned, have greater resources than we do and compete with us for banking business in our targeted market area.  These  institutions have far more resources than we do and as a result are able to offer a broader range of services such as trust departments, merchant banking and enhanced retail services.  Among the advantages of some of these institutions are their ability to make larger loans, finance extensive advertising campaigns, access lower cost funding sources and allocate their investable assets in regions of highest yield and demand.  The challenges posed by such large competitors may impact our ability to originate loans, secure low cost deposits and establish product pricing levels that support our net interest margin goals, which may limit our future growth and earnings potential.
 
 
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Employees

At December 31, 2011, we had 108 full-time employees.  Our employees are not represented by any collective bargaining group.  We consider our employee relations to be good.

How We Are Regulated

The following is a brief description of certain laws and regulations which are applicable to First Financial Northwest and First Savings Bank.  Legislation is introduced from time to time in the United States Congress that may affect the operations of First Financial Northwest and First Savings Bank.  In addition, the regulations governing us may be amended from time to time by the respective regulators.  Any such legislation or regulatory changes in the future could adversely affect us.  We cannot predict whether any such changes may occur.

First Savings Bank is regulated by the DFI and the FDIC.  First Savings Bank elected, pursuant to Section 10(l) of the Home Owners’ Loan Act, as amended, to be treated as a savings association.  As a result, First Financial Northwest is a registered savings and loan holding company subject to regulation of the Federal Reserve.

New Legislation

On July 21, 2010, the President signed into law the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act (the “Dodd-Frank Act”). The financial reform and consumer protection act imposed new restrictions and an expanded framework of regulatory oversight for financial institutions, including depository institutions. In addition, effective July 21, 2011, the new law changed the jurisdictions of existing bank regulatory agencies and in particular transfers the regulation of savings and loan holding companies from the OTS to the Federal Reserve. The new law also established a Consumer Protection Bureau within the Federal Reserve. The following discussion summarizes significant aspects of the new law that may affect First Savings Bank and First Financial Northwest. Regulations implementing these changes have not been promulgated, so we cannot determine the full impact on our business and operations at this time.

The following aspects of the financial reform and consumer protection act are related to the operations of First  Savings Bank:
 
•  
The Consumer Protection Bureau was established within the Federal Reserve and is empowered to exercise broad regulatory, supervisory and enforcement authority with respect to both new and existing consumer financial protection laws. Smaller financial institutions, like First Savings Bank, are subject to supervision and enforcement by the FDIC with respect to federal consumer financial protection laws.

•  
The Federal Deposit Insurance Act was amended to direct federal regulators to require depository institution holding companies to serve as a source of strength for their depository institution subsidiaries.

•  
Tier 1 capital treatment for “hybrid” capital items like trust preferred securities was eliminated subject to various grandfathering and transition rules.

•  
The prohibition on payment of interest on demand deposits was repealed.

•  
Deposit insurance was permanently increased to $250,000 and unlimited deposit insurance for noninterest-bearing transaction accounts and interest on lawyer’s trust accounts (“IOLTA”) applies through December 31, 2012.

•  
The deposit insurance assessment base for FDIC insurance is the depository institution’s total average assets minus the sum of its average tangible equity during the assessment period.
 
 
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•  
The minimum reserve ratio of the FDIC’s Deposit Insurance Fund (“DIF”) increased to 1.35% of estimated annual insured deposits or assessment base; however, the FDIC is directed to “offset the effect” of the increased reserve ratio for insured depository institutions with total consolidated assets of less than $10 billion.

The following aspects of the financial reform and consumer protection act are related to the operations of First Financial Northwest:
 
•  
The Federal Reserve has authority over savings and loan holding companies.  The regulations of the OTS remain in effect until modified by the Federal Reserve, as applicable.

•  
Savings and loan holding companies will be subject to the same capital requirements as bank holding companies by 2015.

•  
The SEC is authorized to adopt rules requiring public companies to make their proxy materials available to shareholders for nomination of their own candidates for election to the board of directors.

•  
Public companies are required to provide their shareholders with a non-binding vote: (i) at least once every three years on the compensation paid to executive officers and (ii) at least once every six years on whether they should have a “say on pay” vote every one, two or three years.

•  
A separate, non-binding shareholder vote is required regarding golden parachutes for named executive officers when a shareholder vote takes place on mergers, acquisitions, dispositions or other transactions that would trigger the parachute payments.

•  
Securities exchanges are required to prohibit brokers from using their own discretion to vote shares not beneficially owned by them for certain “significant” matters, which include votes on the election of directors, executive compensation matters and any other matter determined to be significant.

•  
Stock exchanges, which does not include the Over the Counter (“OTC”) Bulletin Board, are prohibited from listing the securities of any issuer that does not have a policy providing for (i) disclosure of its policy on incentive compensation payable on the basis of financial information reportable under the securities laws and (ii) the recovery from current or former executive officers, following an accounting restatement triggered by material noncompliance with securities law reporting requirements, of any incentive compensation paid erroneously during the three-year period preceding the date on which the restatement was required that exceeds the amount that would have been paid on the basis of the restated financial information.

•  
Disclosure in annual proxy materials is required concerning the relationship between the executive compensation paid and the financial performance of the issuer.

•  
Item 402 of Regulation S-K is amended to require companies to disclose the ratio of the Chief Executive Officer’s annual total compensation to the median annual total compensation of all other employees.

Many aspects of the Dodd-Frank Act are subject to rulemaking and will take effect over several years, making it difficult to anticipate the overall financial impact on First Financial Northwest and the financial services industry more generally.  The elimination of the prohibition on the payment of interest on demand deposits could materially increase our interest expense, depending on our competitors’ responses.  Provisions in the legislation that require revisions to the capital requirements for First Financial Northwest and First Savings Bank could require us to seek additional sources of capital in the future.
 
 
34

 
 
Regulation and Supervision of First Savings Bank

General.  As a state-chartered savings bank, First Savings Bank is subject to applicable provisions of Washington law and regulations of the DFI.  State law and regulations govern First Savings Bank’s ability to take deposits and pay interest, to make loans on or invest in residential and other real estate, to make consumer loans, to invest in securities, to offer various banking services to its customers and to establish branch offices.  Under state law, savings banks in Washington State also generally have all of the powers that federal savings banks have under federal laws and regulations.  First Savings Bank is subject to periodic examination and reporting requirements by and of the DFI.

Insurance of Accounts and Regulation by the FDIC. First Savings Bank’s deposits are insured up to applicable limits by the DIF of the FDIC.  Deposits are insured up to the applicable limits by the FDIC, backed by the full faith and credit of the United States Government. The Dodd-Frank Act permanently increases the maximum amount of deposit insurance for banks, savings institutions and credit unions to $250,000 per depositor.  As insurer, the FDIC imposes deposit insurance premiums and is authorized to conduct examinations of and to require reporting by FDIC-insured institutions.  It also may prohibit any FDIC-insured institution from engaging in any activity the FDIC determines by regulation or order to pose a serious risk to the insurance fund.  The FDIC also has the authority to initiate enforcement actions against savings institutions and may terminate the deposit insurance if it determines that the institution has engaged in unsafe or unsound practices or is in an unsafe or unsound condition.

First Savings Bank entered into the Order with the FDIC and the DFI, which became effective September 24, 2010.  The FDIC also notified First Savings Bank that it may not appoint any new director or senior executive officer or change the responsibilities of any current senior executive officers without notifying the FDIC. In addition, First Savings Bank may not make indemnification and severance payments without complying with certain statutory restrictions, including prior written approval of the FDIC.  For additional information, see Item 1.A. “Risk Factors – Certain regulatory restrictions were recently imposed on us: lack of compliance could result in monetary penalties and/or additional regulatory actions.”

The FDIC assesses deposit insurance premiums on each FDIC-insured institution quarterly based on annualized rates for one of four risk categories applied to its deposits subject to certain adjustments. Each institution is assigned to one of four risk categories based on its capital ratios, supervisory ratings and other factors. Well capitalized institutions that are financially sound with only a few minor weaknesses are assigned to Risk Category I. Risk Categories II, III and IV present progressively greater risks to the DIF. Under FDIC’s risk-based assessment rules, effective until April 1, 2011, the initial base assessment rates prior to adjustments range from 12 to 16 basis points for Risk Category I and  are 22 basis points for Risk Category II, 32 basis points for Risk Category III and 45 basis points for Risk Category IV.  Initial base assessment rates are subject to adjustments based on an institution’s unsecured debt, secured liabilities and brokered deposits, such that the total base assessment rates after adjustments range from 7 to 24 basis points for Risk Category I, 17 to 43 basis points for Risk Category II, 27 to 58 basis points for Risk Category III and 40 to 77.5 basis points for Risk Category IV.  Rates increased uniformly by 3 basis points effective January 1, 2011.

As a result of a decline in the reserve ratio (the ratio of the DIF to estimated insured deposits) and concerns about expected failure costs and available liquid assets in the DIF, the FDIC adopted a rule requiring each insured institution to prepay on December 30, 2009 the estimated amount of its quarterly assessments for the fourth quarter of 2009 and all quarters through the end of 2012 (in addition to the regular quarterly assessment for the third quarter which was due on December 30, 2009).  The prepaid amount is recorded as an asset with a zero risk-weight and the institution will continue to record quarterly expenses for deposit insurance.  For purposes of calculating the prepaid amount, assessments were measured at the institution’s assessment rate as of September 30, 2009, with a uniform increase of 3 basis points effective January 1, 2011 and were based on the institution’s assessment base for the third quarter of 2009, with deposit growth assumed quarterly at an annual rate of 5%.  If events cause actual assessments during the prepayment period to vary from the prepaid amount, institutions will pay excess assessments in cash or receive a rebate of prepaid amounts not exhausted after collection of assessments due on June 13, 2013, as applicable.  Collection of the prepayment does not preclude the FDIC from changing assessment rates or revising the risk-based assessment system in the future.  The rule includes a process for exemption from the prepayment for institutions whose safety and soundness would be affected adversely.

As required by the Dodd-Frank Act, the FDIC adopted rules effective April 1, 2011, under which insurance premium assessments are based on an institution’s total assets minus its tangible equity (defined as Tier 1 capital)
 
 
35

 
 
instead of its deposits.  Under these rules, an institution with total assets of less than $10 billion is assigned to a Risk Category as described above, and a range of initial base assessment rates applies to each category, subject to adjustment downward based on unsecured debt issued by the institution and, except for an institution in Risk Category I, adjustment upward if the institution’s brokered deposits exceed 10% of its domestic deposits, to produce total base assessment rates.  Total base assessment rates range from 2.5 to 9 basis points for Risk Category I, 9 to 24 basis points for Risk Category II, 18 to 33 basis points for Risk Category III, and 30 to 45 basis points for Risk Category IV, all subject to further adjustment upward if the institution holds more than a de minimis amount of unsecured debt issued by another FDIC-insured institution. The FDIC may increase or decrease its rates by 2.0 basis points without further rulemaking. In an emergency, the FDIC may also impose a special assessment.
 
The Dodd-Frank Act establishes 1.35% as the minimum reserve ratio. The FDIC has adopted a plan under which it will meet this ratio by September 30, 2020, the deadline imposed by the Dodd-Frank Act.  The Dodd-Frank Act requires the FDIC to offset the effect on institutions with assets less than $10 billion of the increase in the statutory minimum reserve ratio to 1.35% from the former statutory minimum of 1.15%.  The FDIC has not yet announced how it will implement this offset.  In addition to the statutory minimum ratio, the FDIC must designate a reserve ratio, known as the designated reserve ratio (“DRR”), which may exceed the statutory minimum.  The FDIC has established 2.0% as the DRR.

In addition, federally insured institutions are required to pay a Financing Corporation (“FICO”) assessment in order to fund the interest on bonds issued to resolve thrift failures in the 1980s.  For the year ended December 31, 2011, the FICO assessment equaled 0.68 basis points for each $100 in domestic deposits.  These assessments, which may be revised based upon the level of DIF deposits, will continue until the bonds mature in the years 2017 through 2019.  For 2011, the Bank incurred approximately $73,000 in FICO assessments.

Under the Dodd-Frank Act, beginning on January 1, 2011, all noninterest bearing transaction accounts and IOLTA qualify for unlimited deposit insurance by the FDIC through December 31, 2012.  NOW accounts, which were previously fully insured under the Transaction Account Guarantee Program, are no longer eligible for an unlimited guarantee due to the expiration of this program on December 31, 2010.  NOW accounts, along with all other deposits maintained at the Bank, are now insured by the FDIC up to $250,000 per account owner.

The Dodd-Frank Act contains a number of provisions that will affect the capital requirements applicable to  First Financial Northwest and First Savings Bank. In addition, on September 12, 2010, the Basel Committee adopted the Basel III capital rules. These rules, which will be phased in over a period of years, set new standards for common equity, tier 1 and total capital, determined on a risk-weighted basis.  For additional information, see “– Capital Requirements – Possible Changes to Capital Requirements Resulting from Basel III” set forth below.

The FDIC may terminate the deposit insurance of any insured depository institution, including First Savings Bank, if it determines after a hearing that the institution has engaged in unsafe or unsound practices, is in an unsafe or unsound condition to continue operations or has violated any applicable law, regulation, rule, order or condition imposed by the FDIC.  It also may suspend deposit insurance temporarily during the hearing process for the permanent termination of insurance if the institution meets certain criteria.  If insurance of accounts is terminated, the accounts at the institution at the time of the termination, less subsequent withdrawals, shall continue to be insured for a period of six months to two years, as determined by the FDIC.  We are not aware of any practice, condition or violation that might lead to termination of First Savings Bank’s deposit insurance.

Prompt Corrective Action.  Federal statutes establish a supervisory framework based on five capital categories:  well capitalized, adequately capitalized, undercapitalized, significantly undercapitalized and critically undercapitalized.  An institution’s category depends upon its capital levels in relation to relevant capital measures, which include a risk-based capital measure, a leverage ratio capital measure and certain other factors.  The federal banking agencies have adopted regulations that implement this statutory framework.  Under these regulations, an institution is treated as well capitalized if its ratio of total capital to risk-weighted assets is 10% or more, its ratio of core capital to risk-weighted assets is 6% or more, its ratio of core capital to adjusted total assets (leverage ratio) is 5% or more and it is not subject to any federal supervisory order or directive to meet a specific capital level.  In order to be adequately capitalized, an institution must have a total risk-based capital ratio of not less than 8%, a Tier
 
 
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1 risk-based capital ratio of not less than 4% and a leverage ratio of not less than 4%.  An institution that is not well capitalized is subject to certain restrictions on brokered deposits, including restrictions on the rates it can offer on its deposits generally.  Any institution that is neither well capitalized nor adequately capitalized is considered undercapitalized.

Undercapitalized institutions are subject to certain prompt corrective action requirements, regulatory controls and restrictions which become more extensive as an institution becomes more severely undercapitalized.  Failure by institutions to comply with applicable capital requirements would, if unremedied, result in progressively more severe restrictions on its activities and lead to enforcement actions, including, but not limited to, the issuance of a capital directive to ensure the maintenance of required capital levels and, ultimately, the appointment of the FDIC as receiver or conservator.  Banking regulators will take prompt corrective action with respect to depository institutions that do not meet minimum capital requirements.  Additionally, approval of any regulatory application filed for their review may be dependent on compliance with capital requirements.

Although First Savings Bank met the financial ratios for well capitalized status at December 31, 2011 based on general percentages in the regulatory guidelines, First Savings Bank is no longer regarded as well capitalized for federal regulatory purposes as a result of the deficiencies cited in the Order. As a result of this reclassification, our FDIC deposit insurance premiums increased and First Savings Bank became subject to restrictions on brokered deposits,  although the Bank did not have any brokered deposits at December 31, 2011.

Standards for Safety and Soundness.  The federal banking regulatory agencies have prescribed, by regulation, guidelines for all insured depository institutions relating to: internal controls, information systems and internal audit systems, loan documentation, credit underwriting, interest rate risk exposure, asset growth, asset quality, earnings and compensation, fees and benefits.  The guidelines set forth the safety and soundness standards that the federal banking agencies use to identify and address problems at insured depository institutions before capital becomes impaired.  Each insured depository institution must implement a comprehensive written information security program that includes administrative, technical and physical safeguards appropriate to the institution’s size and complexity and the nature and scope of its activities.  The information security program also must be designed to ensure the security and confidentiality of customer information, protect against any unanticipated threats or hazards to the security or integrity of such information, protect against unauthorized access to or use of such information that could result in substantial harm or inconvenience to any customer and ensure the proper disposal of customer and consumer information.  Each insured depository institution must also develop and implement a risk-based response program to address incidents of unauthorized access to customer information in customer information systems.  If the FDIC determines that First Savings Bank fails to meet any standard prescribed by the guidelines, the agency may require First Savings Bank to submit to the agency an acceptable plan to achieve compliance with the standard.  FDIC regulations establish deadlines for the submission and review of such safety and soundness compliance plans.  We are not aware of any conditions relating to these safety and soundness standards which would require submission of a plan of compliance by First Savings Bank.

Capital Requirements.  Federally insured savings institutions, such as First Savings Bank, are required to maintain a minimum level of regulatory capital.  FDIC regulations recognize two types, or tiers, of capital: core (“Tier 1”) capital and supplementary (“Tier 2”) capital.  Tier 1 capital generally includes common shareholders’ equity and noncumulative perpetual preferred stock, less most intangible assets.  Tier 2 capital, which is recognized up to 100% of Tier 1 capital for risk-based capital purposes (after any deductions for disallowed intangibles and disallowed deferred tax assets), includes such items as qualifying general loan loss reserves (up to 1.25% of risk-weighted assets), cumulative perpetual preferred stock, long-term preferred stock (original maturity of at least 20 years), certain perpetual preferred stock, hybrid capital instruments including mandatory convertible debt, term subordinated debt, intermediate-term preferred stock (original average maturity of at least five years) and net unrealized holding gains on equity securities (subject to certain limitations); provided, however, the amount of term subordinated debt and intermediate term preferred stock that may be included in Tier 2 capital for risk-based capital purposes is limited to 50.0% of Tier 1 capital.

The FDIC currently measures an institution’s capital using a leverage limit together with certain risk-based ratios. The FDIC’s minimum leverage capital requirement specifies a minimum ratio of Tier 1 capital to average
 
 
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total assets. Most banks are required to maintain a minimum leverage ratio of at least 4% of total assets. At December 31, 2011, First Savings Bank had a Tier 1 leverage capital ratio of 13.54%. The FDIC retains the right to require a particular institution to maintain a higher capital level based on its particular risk profile.

FDIC regulations also establish a measure of capital adequacy based on ratios of qualifying capital to risk-weighted assets.  Assets are placed in one of four categories and given a percentage weight based on the relative risk of that category.  In addition, certain off-balance-sheet items are converted to balance-sheet credit equivalent amounts and each amount is then assigned to one of the four categories.  Under the guidelines, the ratio of total capital (Tier 1 capital plus Tier 2 capital) to risk-weighted assets must be at least 8% and the ratio of Tier 1 capital to risk-weighted assets must be at least 4%.  In evaluating the adequacy of a bank’s capital, the FDIC may also consider other factors that may affect a bank’s financial condition.  Such factors may include interest rate risk exposure, liquidity, funding and market risks, the quality and level of earnings, concentrations of credit risk, risks arising from nontraditional activities, loan and investment quality, the effectiveness of loan and investment policies and management’s ability to monitor and control financial operating risks.

The DFI requires that net worth equal at least five percent of total assets.  At December 31, 2011, First Savings Bank had Tier 1 risk-based capital of 23.49%.

The table below sets forth First Savings Bank’s capital position under the prompt corrective action regulations of the FDIC at December 31, 2011 and 2010 and the requirements pursuant to the Order. The Bank’s Tier 1 capital ratio was 13.54% and our Total risk-based capital ratio was 24.76% at December 31, 2011 both of which exceeded the requirements of the Order of 10% and 12%, respectively.

   
At December 31,
 
   
2011
   
2010
 
   
Amount
   
Ratio
   
Amount
   
Ratio
 
   
(Dollars in thousands)
 
                         
Bank equity capital under GAAP
  $ 146,584           $ 142,482        
                             
Total risk-based capital
  $ 153,935       24.76 %   $ 151,782       19.65 %
Total risk-based capital requirement
    49,737       8.00       61,793       8.00  
Excess
  $ 104,198       16.76 %   $ 89,989       11.65 %
                                 
Tier 1 risk-based capital
  $ 146,058       23.49 %   $ 141,970       18.38 %
Tier 1 risk-based capital requirement
    24,868       4.00       30,896       4.00  
Excess
  $ 121,190       19.49 %   $ 111,074       14.38 %
                                 
Tier 1 leverage capital
  $ 146,058       13.54 %   $ 141,970       11.73 %
Tier 1 leverage capital requirement
    43,155       4.00       48,403       4.00  
Excess
  $ 102,903       9.54 %   $ 93,567       7.73 %

Pursuant to minimum capital requirements of the FDIC, the Bank is required to maintain a leverage ratio (capital to assets ratio) of 4% and risk-based capital ratios of Tier 1 capital and total capital (to total risk-weighted assets) of 4% and 8%, respectively.  The Order requires the Bank to maintain Tier 1 capital and total risk-based capital ratios at a minimum of 10% and 12%, respectively.  As of December 31, 2011 and 2010, the Bank was classified as an “adequately capitalized” institution under the criteria established by the FDIC.

First Savings Bank’s management believes that, under the current regulations, First Savings Bank will continue to meet its minimum capital requirements in the foreseeable future.  However, events beyond the control of First Savings Bank, such as a downturn in the economy in areas where it has most of its loans, could adversely affect future earnings and, consequently, the ability of First Savings Bank to meet its capital requirements.
 
 
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Possible Changes to Capital Requirements Resulting from Basel III.  The Basel Committee on Banking Supervision has published the final texts of reforms on capital and liquidity generally referred to as “Basel III.”  Although Basel III is intended to be implemented by participating countries for large, internationally active banks, its provisions are likely to be considered by United States banking regulators in developing new regulations applicable to other banks in the United States, including First Savings Bank.

For banks in the United States, among the most significant provisions of Basel III concerning capital are the following:

•  
A minimum ratio of common equity to risk-weighted assets reaching 4.5%, plus an additional 2.5% as a capital conservation buffer, by 2019 after a phase-in period.

•  
A minimum ratio of Tier 1 capital to risk-weighted assets reaching 6.0% by 2019 after a phase-in period.

•  
A minimum ratio of total capital to risk-weighted assets, plus an additional 2.5% capital conservation buffer, reaching 10.5% by 2019 after a phase-in period.
 
•  
An additional countercyclical capital buffer to be imposed by applicable national banking regulators periodically at their discretion, with advance notice.
 
•  
Restrictions on capital distributions and discretionary bonuses applicable when capital ratios fall within the buffer zone.

•  
Deduction from common equity of deferred tax assets that depend on future profitability to be realized.

•  
Increased capital requirements for counterparty credit risk relating to OTC derivatives, repurchase agreements and securities financing activities.

•  
For capital instruments issued on or after January 13, 2013 (other than common equity), a loss-absorbency requirement such that the instrument must be written off or converted to common equity if a trigger event occurs, either pursuant to applicable law or at the direction of the banking regulator.  A trigger event is an event under which the banking entity would become nonviable without the write-off or conversion, or without an injection of capital from the public sector.   The issuer must maintain authorization to issue the requisite shares of common equity if conversion were required.

The Basel III provisions on liquidity include complex criteria establishing a liquidity coverage ratio (“LCR”) and net stable funding ratio (“NSFR”).  The purpose of the LCR is to ensure that a bank maintains adequate unencumbered, high quality liquid assets to meet its liquidity needs for 30 days under a severe liquidity stress scenario.  The purpose of the NSFR is to promote more medium and long-term funding of assets and activities, using a one-year horizon.  Although Basel III is described as a “final text,” it is subject to the resolution of certain issues and to further guidance and modification, as well as to adoption by United States banking regulators, including decisions as to whether and to what extent it will apply to United States banks that are not large, internationally active banks.

Federal Home Loan Bank System. First Savings Bank is a member of the FHLB, which is one of 12 regional Federal Home Loan Banks that administer the home financing credit function of savings institutions. Each Federal Home Loan Bank serves as a reserve or central bank for its members within its assigned region. It is funded primarily from proceeds derived from the sale of consolidated obligations of the FHLB System. It makes loans or advances to members in accordance with policies and procedures, established by the Board of Directors of the Federal Home Loan Bank, which are subject to the oversight of the Federal Housing Finance Board. All advances from the Federal Home Loan Bank are required to be fully secured by sufficient collateral as determined by the Federal Home Loan Bank. In addition, all long-term advances are required to provide funds for residential home financing. See “Business – Deposit Activities and Other Sources of Funds – Borrowings.”
 
 
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As a member, First Savings Bank is required to purchase and maintain stock in the FHLB. At December 31, 2011, the Bank had $7.4 million in FHLB stock, which was in compliance with this requirement. First Savings Bank did not receive any dividends from the FHLB for the year ended December 31, 2011. Subsequent to December 31, 2008, the FHLB announced that it was below its regulatory risk-based capital requirement and it is now precluded from paying dividends or repurchasing capital stock. The FHLB is not anticipated to resume dividend payments until its financial results improve. The FHLB has not indicated when dividend payments may resume.

The Federal Home Loan Banks continue to contribute to low- and moderately-priced housing programs through direct loans or interest subsidies on advances targeted for community investment and low- and moderate-income housing projects. These contributions have affected adversely the level of Federal Home Loan Bank dividends paid and could continue to do so in the future. These contributions could also have an adverse effect on the value of Federal Home Loan Bank stock in the future. A reduction in value of First Savings Bank’s Federal Home Loan Bank stock may result in a corresponding reduction in its capital.

Real Estate Lending Standards.  FDIC regulations require First Savings Bank to adopt and maintain written policies that establish appropriate limits and standards for real estate loans.  These standards, which must be consistent with safe and sound banking practices, must establish loan portfolio diversification standards, prudent underwriting standards, loan administration procedures and documentation and approval and reporting requirements.  First Savings Bank is obligated to monitor conditions in its real estate markets to ensure that its standards continue to be appropriate for current market conditions.  First Savings Bank’s Board of Directors is required to review and approve First Savings Bank’s standards at least annually.  The FDIC has published guidelines for compliance with these regulations, including supervisory limitations on loan-to-value ratios for different categories of real estate loans.  Under the guidelines, the aggregate amount of all loans in excess of the supervisory loan-to-value ratios should not exceed 100% of total capital and the total of all loans for commercial, agricultural, multifamily or other non-one-to-four family residential properties in excess of the supervisory loan-to-value ratios should not exceed 30% of total capital.  Loans in excess of the supervisory loan-to-value ratio limitations must be identified in First Savings Bank’s records and reported at least quarterly to First Savings Bank’s Board of Directors.  First Savings Bank is in compliance with the record keeping and reporting requirements.  As of December 31, 2011, First Savings Bank’s aggregate loans in excess of the supervisory loan-to-value ratios were 9.7% of total risk-based capital and First Savings Bank’s loans on construction, commercial, multifamily or other non-one-to-four family residential properties in excess of  the supervisory loan-to-value ratios were 8.7% of total risk-based capital.

Activities and Investments of Insured State-Chartered Financial Institutions.  Federal law generally limits the activities and equity investments of FDIC-insured, state-chartered banks to those that are permissible for national banks.  An insured state bank is not prohibited from, among other things, (1) acquiring or retaining a majority interest in a subsidiary, (2) investing as a limited partner in a partnership the sole purpose of which is direct or indirect investment in the acquisition, rehabilitation or new construction of a qualified housing project, provided that such limited partnership investments may not exceed 2% of the bank’s total assets, (3) acquiring up to 10% of the voting stock of a company that solely provides or reinsures directors’, trustees’ and officers’ liability insurance coverage or bankers’ blanket bond group insurance coverage for insured depository institutions and (4) acquiring or retaining the voting shares of a depository institution owned by another FDIC-insured institution if certain requirements are met.

Washington State has enacted a law regarding financial institution parity.  Primarily, the law affords Washington-chartered commercial banks the same powers as Washington-chartered savings banks.  In order for a bank to exercise these powers, it must provide 30 days notice to the Director of the DFI and the Director must authorize the requested activity.  In addition, the law provides that Washington-chartered savings banks may exercise any of the powers of Washington-chartered commercial banks, national banks and federally-chartered savings banks, subject to the approval of the Director in certain situations.  Finally, the law provides additional flexibility for Washington-chartered commercial and savings banks with respect to interest rates on loans and other extensions of credit.  Specifically, they may charge the maximum interest rate allowable for loans and other extensions of credit by federally-chartered financial institutions to Washington residents.
 
 
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Environmental Issues Associated With Real Estate Lending. The Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Act (“CERCLA”) is a federal statute that generally imposes strict liability on all prior and present “owners and operators” of sites containing hazardous waste.  However, Congress asked to protect secured creditors by providing that the term “owner and operator” excludes a person whose ownership is limited to protecting its security interest in the site.  Since the enactment of the CERCLA, this “secured creditor exemption” has been the subject of judicial interpretations which have left open the possibility that lenders could be liable for cleanup costs on contaminated property that they hold as collateral for a loan.  To the extent that legal uncertainty exists in this area, all creditors, including First Savings Bank, that have made loans secured by properties with potential hazardous waste contamination (such as petroleum contamination) could be subject to liability for cleanup costs, which often are substantial and can exceed the value of the collateral property.

Federal Reserve System.  The Federal Reserve Board requires that all depository institutions maintain reserves on transaction accounts and non-personal time deposits.  These reserves may be in the form of cash or deposits with the regional Federal Reserve Bank.  NOW accounts and other types of accounts that permit payments or transfers to third parties fall within the definition of transaction accounts and are subject to reserve requirements, as are any non-personal time deposits at a savings bank.  As of December 31, 2011, First Savings Bank’s vault cash exceeded its Regulation D reserve requirements.

Affiliate Transactions.  Federal laws strictly limit the ability of banks to engage in certain transactions with their affiliates, including their bank holding companies.  Transactions deemed to be a “covered transaction” under Section 23A of the Federal Reserve Act and between a subsidiary bank and its parent company or any nonbank subsidiary of the bank holding company are limited to 10% of the subsidiary bank’s capital and surplus and, with respect to the parent company and all such nonbank subsidiaries, to an aggregate of 20% of the subsidiary bank’s capital and surplus.  Further, covered transactions that are loans and extensions of credit generally are required to be secured by eligible collateral in specified amounts.  Federal law also requires that covered transactions and certain other transactions listed in Section 23B of the Federal Reserve Act between a bank and its affiliates be on terms as favorable to the bank as transactions with nonaffiliates.

Community Reinvestment Act.  Banks are subject to the provisions of the Community Reinvestment Act of 1977 (“CRA”), which requires the appropriate federal bank regulatory agency to assess a bank’s performance under the CRA in meeting the credit needs of the community serviced by the bank, including low and moderate income neighborhoods.  The regulatory agency’s assessment of the bank’s record is made available to the public.  Further, a bank’s CRA performance must be considered in connection with a bank’s application, to among other things, establish a new branch office that will accept deposits, relocate an existing office or merge or consolidate with, or acquire the assets or assume the liabilities of, a federally regulated financial institution or banks that are involved in certain acquisitions by a savings and loan holding company.  First Savings Bank received a “satisfactory” rating during its most recent examination.

Dividends. The amount of dividends payable by First Savings Bank to First Financial Northwest depends upon First Savings Bank’s earnings and capital position, and is limited by federal and state laws.  According to Washington law, First Savings Bank may not declare or pay a cash dividend on its capital stock if it would cause its net worth to be reduced below (1) the amount required for liquidation accounts or (2) the net worth requirements, if any, imposed by the Director of the DFI.  Dividends on First Savings Bank’s capital stock may not be paid in an aggregate amount greater than the aggregate retained earnings of First Savings Bank, without the approval of the Director of the DFI.

The amount of dividends actually paid during any one period is strongly affected by First Savings Bank’s policy of maintaining a strong capital position.  Federal law further provides that no insured depository institution may pay a cash dividend if it would cause the institution to be “undercapitalized,” as defined in the prompt corrective action regulations.  Moreover, the federal bank regulatory agencies also have the general authority to limit the dividends paid by insured banks if such payments are deemed to constitute an unsafe and unsound practice.

Under the Order, First Savings Bank is not able to pay dividends to First Financial Northwest without the prior approval of the DFI and the FDIC.  For additional information, see Item 1.A. “Risk Factors – Certain
 
 
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regulatory restrictions were recently imposed on us: lack of compliance could result in monetary penalties and/or additional regulatory actions.”

Privacy Standards. The Gramm-Leach-Bliley Financial Services Modernization Act of 1999 (“GLBA”)  modernized the financial services industry by establishing a comprehensive framework to permit affiliations among commercial banks, insurance companies, securities firms and other financial service providers. First Savings Bank is subject to FDIC regulations implementing the privacy protection provisions of the GLBA. These regulations require First Savings Bank to disclose its privacy policy, including informing consumers of its information sharing practices and informing consumers of their rights to opt out of certain practices.

Qualified Thrift Lender Test.  Under Section 2303 of the Economic Growth and Regulatory Paperwork Reduction Act of 1996, a savings association must comply with the Qualified Thrift Lender test by either meeting the Qualified Thrift Lender test set forth in the Home Owners’ Loan Act and its implementing regulations or qualifying as a domestic building and loan association as defined in Section 7701(a)(19) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986.  A savings bank subsidiary of a savings and loan holding company that does not comply with the Qualified Thrift Lender test must comply with the following restrictions on its operations:
 
 
•  
the institution may not engage in any new activity or make any new investment, directly or indirectly, unless the activity or investment is permissible for a national bank;
 
•  
the branching powers of the institution are restricted to those of a national bank; and
 
•  
payment of dividends by the institution are subject to the rules regarding payment of dividends by a national bank.

Upon the expiration of three years from the date the institution ceases to meet the Qualified Thrift Lender test, it must cease any activity and not retain any investment not permissible for a national bank (subject to safety and soundness considerations).
 
As of December 31, 2011, First Savings Bank maintained 74.8% of its portfolio assets in qualified thrift investments and, therefore, met the Qualified Thrift Lender test.

Other Consumer Protection Laws and Regulations.  First Savings Bank is subject to a broad array of federal and state consumer protection laws and regulations that govern almost every aspect of its business relationships with consumers.  While not exhaustive, these laws and regulations include the Truth-in-Lending Act, the Truth in Savings Act, the Electronic Fund Transfer Act, the Expedited Funds Availability Act, the Equal Credit Opportunity Act, the Fair Housing Act, the Real Estate Settlement Procedures Act, the Home Mortgage Disclosure Act, the Fair Credit Reporting Act, the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act, the Right to Financial Privacy Act, the Home Ownership and Equity Protection Act, the Consumer Leasing Act, the Fair Credit Billing Act, the Homeowners Protection Act, the Check Clearing for the 21st Century Act, laws governing flood insurance, laws governing consumer protections in connection with the sale of insurance, federal and state laws prohibiting unfair and deceptive business practices and various regulations that implement some or all of the foregoing.  These laws and regulations mandate certain disclosure requirements and regulate the manner in which financial institutions must deal with customers when taking deposits, making loans, collecting loans and providing other services.  Failure to comply with these laws and regulations can subject First Savings Bank to various penalties, including but not limited to, enforcement actions, injunctions, fines, civil liability, criminal penalties, punitive damages and the loss of certain contractual rights.

Regulation and Supervision of First Financial Northwest

General.  First Financial Northwest is a nondiversified unitary savings and loan holding company subject to the regulatory oversight of the Federal Reserve.  Accordingly, First Financial Northwest is required to register and file reports with the Federal Reserve and is subject to regulation and examination by the Federal Reserve.  In addition, the Federal Reserve has enforcement authority over First Financial Northwest and its non-savings
 
 
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institution subsidiaries, which also permits the Federal Reserve to restrict or prohibit activities that are determined to present a serious risk to the subsidiary savings institution.  Beginning July 21, 2015, First Financial Northwest as a savings and loan holding company, will be subject to the same leverage and risk-based capital requirements that apply to insured depository institutions.  See “How We Are Regulated – Regulation and Supervision of First Savings Bank – Capital Requirements – Possible Changes to Capital Requirements Resulting from Basel III.”

First Financial Northwest was organized as a savings and loan holding company under the Home Owners’ Loan Act, as amended, instead of being subject to regulation as a bank holding company under the Bank Holding Company Act of 1956 as a result of the election made by First Savings Bank under Section 10(l) of the Home Owners’ Loan Act, in connection with the mutual to stock conversion.  The election allows First Savings Bank to be treated as a “savings association” for purposes of Section 10 of the Home Owners’ Loan Act.  As a result, First Financial Northwest was registered with the OTS and was subject to OTS regulation, examination, and supervision until July 21, 2011 when the OTS’s supervision and rulemaking authority was transferred to the Federal Reserve.  In addition, First Financial Northwest is required to file certain reports with, and otherwise comply with the rules and regulations of, the SEC.  As a subsidiary of a savings and loan holding company, First Savings Bank is subject to certain restrictions in its dealings with First Financial Northwest and affiliates thereof.

Generally, companies that become savings and loan holding companies following the May 4, 1999 grandfather date in the Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act of 1999 may engage only in the activities permitted for financial institution holding companies under the law for multiple savings and loan holding companies.

Although savings and loan holding companies are not currently subject to specific capital requirements or specific restrictions on the payment of dividends or other capital distributions, federal regulations do prescribe such restrictions on subsidiary savings institutions as described above. Because First Savings Bank is treated as a savings association subsidiary of a savings and loan holding company, it must notify the Federal Reserve 30 days before declaring any dividend to First Financial Northwest.  In addition, the financial impact of a holding company on its subsidiary institution is a matter that is evaluated by the Federal Reserve and the Federal Reserve has authority to order cessation of activities or divestiture of subsidiaries deemed to pose a threat to the safety and soundness of First Savings Bank.

Capital Requirements for First Financial Northwest. Under the Dodd-Frank Act, savings and loan holding companies will not be subject to any capital requirements until 2015. The Federal Reserve, however, expects First Financial Northwest to support First Savings Bank, including providing additional capital to First Savings Bank if it does not meet its capital requirements.

Acquisition of Control.  Under the federal Change in Bank Control Act, a notice must be submitted to the Federal Reserve if any person (including a company), or group acting in concert, seeks to acquire “control” of a savings and loan holding company or savings association.  An acquisition of control can occur upon the acquisition of 10% or more of the voting stock of a savings and loan holding company or savings institution or as otherwise defined by the Federal Reserve.  Under the Change in Bank Control Act, the Federal Reserve has 60 days from the filing of a complete notice to act, taking into consideration certain factors, including the financial and managerial resources of the acquiror and the anti-trust effects of the acquisition.  Any company that so acquires control would then be subject to regulation as a savings and loan holding company.

Restrictions on Dividends. First Financial Northwest’s ability to declare and pay dividends may depend in part on dividends received from First Savings Bank. The Revised Code of Washington regulates the distribution of dividends by savings banks and states, in part, that dividends may be declared and paid out of accumulated net earnings, provided that the bank continues to meet its surplus requirements. In addition, dividends may not be declared or paid if First Savings Bank is in default in payment of any assessment due the FDIC.  On April 14, 2010, in connection with our most recent examination by the OTS, the members of the Board of Directors of First Financial Northwest entered into an MOU. Under the terms of the MOU, First Financial Northwest agreed, among other things, to provide notice to and obtain written non-objection from the OTS prior to declaring a dividend. For additional information, see Item 1.A. “Risk Factors – Certain regulatory restrictions were recently imposed on us: lack of compliance could result in monetary penalties and/or additional regulatory actions.”
 
 
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Limitations on Transactions with Affiliates.  Transactions between savings institutions and any affiliate are governed by Sections 23A and 23B of the Federal Reserve Act.  An affiliate of a savings institution is any company or entity which controls, is controlled by or is under common control with the savings institution.  In a  holding company context, the holding company and any companies which are controlled by such holding companies are affiliates of the savings institution.  Generally, Section 23A limits the extent to which the savings institution or its subsidiaries may engage in “covered transactions” with any one affiliate to an amount equal to 10% of the institution’s capital stock and surplus and contain an aggregate limit on all such transactions with all affiliates to an amount equal to 20% of such capital stock and surplus.  Section 23B applies to “covered transactions” as well as certain other transactions and requires that all transactions be on terms substantially the same, or at least as favorable, to the savings institution as those provided to a nonaffiliate.  The term “covered transaction” includes the making of loans to, purchase of assets from and issuance of a guarantee to an affiliate and similar transactions.  Section 23B transactions also include the provision of services and the sale of assets by a savings institution to an affiliate.  In addition to the restrictions imposed by Sections 23A and 23B, Section 11 of the Home Owners’ Loan Act prohibits a savings institution from (1) making a loan or other extension of credit to an affiliate, except for any affiliate which engages only in certain activities which are permissible for bank holding companies or (2) purchasing or investing in any stocks, bonds, debentures, notes or similar obligations of any affiliate, except for affiliates which are subsidiaries of the savings institution.

In addition, Sections 22(g) and (h) of the Federal Reserve Act place restrictions on loans to executive officers, directors and principal shareholders.  Under Section 22(h), loans to a director, executive officer or greater than 10% shareholder of a savings institution and certain affiliated interests, may not exceed, together with all other outstanding loans to such person and affiliated interests, the savings institution’s loans to one borrower limit (generally equal to 15% of the institution’s unimpaired capital and surplus).  Section 22(h) also requires that loans to directors, executive officers and principal shareholders be made on terms substantially the same as offered in comparable transactions to other persons unless the loans are made pursuant to a benefit or compensation program that (1) is widely available to employees of the institution and (2) does not give preference to any director, executive officer or principal shareholder, or certain affiliated interests, over other employees of the savings institution.  Section 22(h) also requires prior board approval for certain loans.  In addition, the aggregate amount of extensions of credit by a savings institution to all insiders cannot exceed the institution’s unimpaired capital and surplus.  Furthermore, Section 22(g) places additional restrictions on loans to executive officers.  At December 31, 2011, First Savings Bank was in compliance with these restrictions.

Restrictions on Acquisitions.  Except under limited circumstances, savings and loan holding companies are prohibited from acquiring, without prior approval of the Federal Reserve, (1) control of any other savings institution or savings and loan holding company or substantially all the assets thereof or (2) more than 5% of the voting shares of a savings institution or holding company thereof which is not a subsidiary.  Except with the prior approval of the Federal Reserve, no director or officer of a savings and loan holding company or person owning or controlling by proxy or otherwise more than 25% of such company’s stock, may acquire control of any savings institution, other than a subsidiary savings institution, or of any other savings and loan holding company.

The Federal Reserve may only approve acquisitions resulting in the formation of a multiple savings and loan holding company which controls savings institutions in more than one state if: (1) the multiple savings and loan holding company involved controls a savings institution which operated a home or branch office located in the state of the institution to be acquired as of March 5, 1987; (2) the acquiror is authorized to acquire control of the savings institution pursuant to the emergency acquisition provisions of the Federal Deposit Insurance Act or (3) the statutes of the state in which the institution to be acquired is located specifically permit institutions to be acquired by the state-chartered institutions or savings and loan holding companies located in the state where the acquiring entity is located (or by a holding company that controls such state-chartered savings institutions).
 
Federal Securities Laws.  First Financial Northwest’s common stock is registered with the SEC under Section 12(b) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.  We are subject to information, proxy solicitation, insider trading restrictions and other requirements under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.
 
 
 
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Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002. As a public company, First Financial Northwest, is subject to the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, which implements a broad range of corporate governance and accounting measures for public companies designed to promote honesty and transparency in corporate America and better protect investors from corporate wrongdoing.  The Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 was signed into law by President Bush on July 30, 2002 in response to public concerns regarding corporate accountability in connection with several accounting scandals.  The stated goals of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 are to increase corporate responsibility, to provide for enhanced penalties for accounting and auditing improprieties at publicly traded companies and to protect investors by improving the accuracy and reliability of corporate disclosures pursuant to the securities laws.

The Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 includes very specific additional disclosure requirements and new corporate governance rules, requires the SEC and securities exchanges to adopt extensive additional disclosure, corporate governance and other related rules and mandates further studies of certain issues by the SEC and the Comptroller General.

Taxation

Federal Taxation

General.  First Financial Northwest and First Savings Bank are subject to federal income taxation in the same general manner as other corporations, with some exceptions discussed below.  The following discussion of federal taxation is intended only to summarize certain pertinent federal income tax matters and is not a comprehensive description of the tax rules applicable to First Financial Northwest or First Savings Bank.  The tax years still open for review by the Internal Revenue Service are 2007 through 2011.

First Financial Northwest files a consolidated federal income tax return with First Savings Bank.  Accordingly, any cash distributions made by First Financial Northwest to its shareholders are considered to be taxable dividends and not as a non-taxable return of capital to shareholders for federal and state tax purposes.

Method of Accounting.  For federal income tax purposes, First Financial Northwest currently reports its income and expenses on the accrual method of accounting and uses a fiscal year ending on December 31 for filing its federal income tax return.

Minimum Tax.  The Internal Revenue Code imposes an alternative minimum tax at a rate of 20% on a base of regular taxable income plus certain tax preferences, called alternative minimum taxable income.  The alternative minimum tax is payable to the extent such alternative minimum taxable income is in excess of an exemption amount.  Net operating losses can offset no more than 90% of alternative minimum taxable income.  Certain payments of alternative minimum tax may be used as credits against regular tax liabilities in future years.  First Savings Bank has not been subject to the alternative minimum tax, nor does it have any such amounts available as credits for carryover.

Net Operating Loss Carryovers.  A financial institution may carry back net operating losses to the pre- ceding two taxable years and forward to the succeeding 20 taxable years.  This provision applies to losses incurred in taxable years beginning after August 2009.

Charitable Contribution Carryovers.  We may carryforward charitable contributions to the succeeding five taxable years.  The utilization of the charitable contribution carryforward may not exceed 10% of taxable income as defined by the federal taxation laws.  At December 31, 2011, First Financial Northwest had a charitable contribution carryforward for federal income tax purposes of $4.8 million.  This carryforward was generated from our creation of the First Financial Northwest Foundation to which we contributed a block of stock in connection with the mutual to stock conversion, having a market value of $16.9 million.  At December 31, 2011, the valuation allowance related to the charitable contribution carryforward totaled $4.8 million.  This amount represents the tax effect of the estimated amount of the First Financial Northwest’s charitable contribution carryforward that management believes will not be utilized in 2012.
 
 
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Corporate Dividends-Received Deduction.  First Financial Northwest may eliminate from its income dividends received from First Savings Bank as a wholly-owned subsidiary of First Financial Northwest which files a consolidated return with First Savings Bank.  The corporate dividends-received deduction is 100%, or 80%, in the case of dividends received from corporations with which a corporate recipient does not file a consolidated tax return, depending on the level of stock ownership of the payor of the dividend.  Corporations which own less than 20% of the stock of a corporation distributing a dividend may deduct 70% of dividends received or accrued on their behalf.

Washington State Taxation

First Financial Northwest and its subsidiaries are subject to a business and occupation tax imposed under Washington state law at the rate of 1.80% of gross receipts. In addition, various municipalities also assess business and occupation taxes at differing rates.  Interest received on loans secured by first lien mortgages or deeds of trust on residential properties, rental income from properties, and certain investment securities are exempt from this tax.

An audit by the Washington State Department of Revenue was completed for the years 2005 through 2008.  The findings resulted in an immaterial amount paid to the State of Washington.

Executive Officers of First Financial Northwest, Inc.

The current executive officers of First Financial Northwest consist of the same individuals who are executive officers of First Savings Bank.  The business experience for at least the past five years for the executive officers of First Financial Northwest or First Savings Bank is set forth below.

Victor Karpiak, age 57, is Chairman of the Board, President and Chief Executive Officer of First Financial Northwest and First Savings Bank.  Prior to his appointment as President of First Savings Bank in 1999, he served as Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer.  Mr. Karpiak has served as President and Chief Financial Officer of First Financial Holdings, MHC and First Financial of Renton, predecessors of First Financial Northwest, since they were established in 2002.  In January 2005, he was appointed Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer of First Financial Holdings, MHC, First Financial of Renton and First Savings Bank.  He has been with First Savings Bank for 33 years.

Kari A. Stenslie, age 47, is Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of First Financial Northwest and First Savings Bank.  Prior to joining First Financial Northwest on February 19, 2008, she was employed by First Mutual Bancshares, Inc. Bellevue, Washington and its subsidiary, First Mutual Bank, from 1988 to 2008 in accounting related positions. From 1999 until its acquisition in February 2008 she was First Mutual’s Senior Vice President and Controller. Ms. Stenslie is a certified public accountant with over 20 years of financial institution experience.  She received her Bachelor of Arts degree in Business from Seattle University. Ms. Stenslie’s professional affiliations include the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants, Washington State Society of Certified Public Accountants and the Institute of Management Accountants.

Herman Robinson, age 66, is Senior Vice President and Chief Lending Officer of First Savings Bank.  Prior to joining First Savings Bank on June 1, 2010, Mr. Robinson was Senior Vice President, Senior Credit Approval Officer at East West Bank, the successor to United Commercial Bank, from 2000 to May 2010.  Mr. Robinson has over 40 years of banking experience.  During his banking career, Mr. Robinson has held positions such as Chief Credit Officer, Manager of Special Credits and Senior Vice President and Manager of Commercial Lending at various banks.

Roger Elmore, age 45, is Vice President of First Financial Northwest and Senior Vice President and Chief Administrative Officer of First Savings Bank.  Prior to his promotion in 2008, Mr. Elmore served as Vice President and Senior Operations Officer of First Savings Bank, a position he had held since 2004.  Before that Mr. Elmore was Vice President Risk Operations Division Manager at Washington Mutual Bank from 2001 through 2004.  Prior to 2001, Mr. Elmore held numerous management positions at Washington Mutual Bank.
 
 
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Item 1A.  Risk Factors.

An investment in our common stock is subject to risks inherent in our business.  Before making an investment decision, you should carefully consider the risks and uncertainties described below together with all of the other information included in this report.  In addition to the risks and uncertainties described below, other risks and uncertainties not currently known to us or that we currently deem to be immaterial also may materially and adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations.  The value or market price of our common stock could decline due to any of these identified or other risks and you could lose all or part of your investment.

Certain regulatory restrictions imposed on us; lack of compliance could result in monetary penalties and/or additional regulatory actions.

The Bank entered into an Order with the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation and the Washington State Department of Financial Institutions, which became effective on September 24, 2010. Under the terms of the Order, the Bank is required, among other things, to take certain measures in the areas of management, capital, classified assets, loan loss allowance determination, lending, liquidity management, and board oversight. Specifically, the Order requires that the Bank maintain a Tier 1 capital ratio and a total risk-based capital ratio of at least 10% and 12%, respectively, and reduce assets classified as substandard to below 65% by March 2011. The Bank must also revise its lending and collection and written funds management and liquidity policies, including a plan to reduce its reliance on non-core funding sources, revise its policy for determining the allowance for loan losses, develop a plan to reduce its commercial real estate concentrations and submit to regulators a strategic business plan and independent management study. The Order specifies certain timeframes for meeting these requirements and the Bank must furnish periodic progress reports to the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation and Washington State Department of Financial Institutions regarding its compliance with the Order. In addition, the Bank will not be able to pay cash dividends to First Financial Northwest without prior approval from the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation and Washington State Department of Financial Institutions.

On April 14, 2010, the members of the Board of Directors of First Financial Northwest entered into an memorandum of understanding with the Office of Thrift Supervision which is now enforced by the Federal Reserve as the successor to the Office of Thrift Supervision. Under the terms of the memorandum of understanding, the Company agreed, among other things, to provide notice to and obtain written non-objection from the Federal Reserve (as successor to the Office of Thrift Supervision) prior to the Company (a) declaring a dividend or redeeming any capital stock; and (b) incurring, issuing, renewing or repurchasing any new debt. In addition, both the Company and the Bank must obtain prior regulatory approval before adding any new director or senior executive officer or changing the responsibilities of any current senior executive officer or pay pursuant to or by entering into certain severance and other forms of compensation agreements.

At December 31, 2011, First Savings Bank exceeded all current regulatory capital requirements, including the requirements in the Order and the Bank has implemented a comprehensive plan in an attempt to achieve full compliance with the Order. The Order also requires assets classified as substandard as a percentage of Tier 1 capital plus allowance for loan losses be below 65% by March 2011. The Bank met and has exceeded this requirement since December 31, 2010 and has continued to reduce these adversely classified assets during the year ended December 31, 2011. (See Item 1, “Business – How We Are Regulated – Regulation and Supervision of First Savings Bank – Capital Requirements,” and Note 13 of the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements included in Item 8 for additional information regarding regulatory capital requirements for First Savings Bank for the year ended December 31, 2011).

The Order and memorandum of understanding will remain in effect until stayed, modified, terminated or suspended by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation and the Washington State Department of Financial Institutions and the Federal Reserve Bank as successor to the Office of Thrift Supervision, as the case may be. If either the Company or the Bank fail to comply with the Order or the memorandum of understanding, they could be subject to various remedies, including among others, the regulator’s exercise of powers to enjoin “unsafe or unsound” practices, to require affirmative action to correct any conditions resulting from any violation or practice, to
 
 
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direct an increase in capital, to restrict growth, to remove officers and/or directors and to assess civil monetary penalties. Management of the Bank has been taking action and implementing programs to comply with the requirements of the Order. Although compliance will be determined by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation and the Washington State Department of Financial Institutions, management believes that the Bank will comply in all material respects with the Order. Any of these regulators may determine at their sole discretion that the matters covered in the Order have not been addressed satisfactorily, or that any current or past actions, violations, or deficiencies could be the subject of further regulatory enforcement actions. Such enforcement actions could involve penalties or limitations on our business and negatively affect our ability to implement our business plan, pay dividends on our common stock or the value of our common stock as well as our financial condition and results of operations.

Our business may continue to be adversely affected by downturns.

Substantially all of our loans are to businesses and individuals in the state of Washington. A continuing decline in the economies of the four counties in which we operate, which we consider to be our primary market area, could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, results of operations and prospects. In particular, Washington has experienced substantial home price declines and increased foreclosures and has experienced above average unemployment rates.

A further deterioration in economic conditions, or a prolonged delay in the economic recovery in the market area we serve could result in the following consequences, any of which could have a materially adverse impact on our business, financial condition and results of operations:


•  
loan delinquencies, problem assets and foreclosures may increase;
•  
demand for our products and services may decline;
•  
collateral for loans, especially real estate, may decline further in value, in turn reducing customers’ borrowing power, reducing the value of assets and collateral associated with existing loans; and
•  
the amount of our low-cost or noninterest-bearing deposits may decrease.

Our construction/land development loans are based upon estimates of costs and the value of the completed project.

We make construction/land development loans to contractors and builders primarily to finance the construction of single-family homes and subdivisions. We originate these loans whether or not the collateral property underlying the loan is under contract for sale. At December 31, 2011, construction/land development loans totaled $25.1 million, or 3.5% of our total loan portfolio.  Land loans, which are loans made with land as security, totaled $17.0 million, or 2.3% of our total loan portfolio at December 31, 2011. Land loans include raw land and land acquisition and development loans. In addition, at December 31, 2011, we had $1.9 million of commercial and multifamily construction loans and $6.2 million, of one-to-four family loans.

Construction/land development lending generally involves additional risks because funds are advanced upon the security of the project, which is of uncertain value prior to its completion. Because of the uncertainties inherent in estimating construction costs, as well as the market value of the completed project and the effects of governmental regulation of real property, it is relatively difficult to evaluate accurately the total funds required to complete a project and the related loan-to-value ratio. In addition, because of current uncertainties in the residential real estate market, property values have become more difficult to determine than they have historically been. This type of lending also typically involves higher loan principal amounts and is often concentrated with a small number of builders. A further downturn in housing, or the real estate market, could increase loan delinquencies, defaults and foreclosures, and significantly impair the value of our collateral and our ability to sell the collateral upon foreclosure. Many of our builders have more than one loan outstanding with us and also have residential mortgage loans for rental properties with us. Consequently, an adverse development with respect to one loan or one credit relationship can expose us to a significantly greater risk of loss.
 
 
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These loans often involve the disbursement of funds with repayment substantially dependent on the success of the ultimate project and the ability of the borrower to sell or lease the property or obtain permanent take-out financing, rather than the ability of the borrower or guarantor to repay principal and interest. These loans are also generally more difficult to monitor.  In addition, speculative construction loans to a builder are often associated with homes that are not pre-sold and thus pose a greater potential risk than construction loans to individuals on their personal residences. At December 31, 2011, $8.2 million of our construction/land development loans were for speculative construction loans and $9.2 million, or 36.7%, of our construction/land development loans were classified as nonperforming.

Our level of commercial real estate loans may expose us to increased lending risks.

While commercial real estate lending may potentially be more profitable than single-family residential lending, it is generally more sensitive to regional and local economic conditions, making loss levels more difficult to predict. Collateral evaluation and financial statement analysis in these types of loans requires a more detailed analysis at the time of loan underwriting and on an ongoing basis. In our primary market areas of King, Pierce, Snohomish and Kitsap counties, Washington, the housing market has slowed, with weaker demand for housing, higher inventory levels and longer marketing times. A further downturn in housing, or in the real estate market, could increase loan delinquencies, defaults and foreclosures, and significantly impair the value of our collateral and our ability to sell the collateral upon foreclosure. Many of our commercial borrowers have more than one loan outstanding with us. Consequently, an adverse development with respect to one loan or one credit relationship can expose us to a significantly greater risk of loss.
 
 
At December 31, 2011, we had $232.3 million of commercial real estate loans, representing 32.1% of our total loan portfolio.  These loans typically involve higher principal amounts than other types of loans and repayment is dependent upon income generated, or expected to be generated, by the property securing the loan in amounts sufficient to cover operating expenses and debt service, which may be adversely affected by changes in the economy or local market conditions. For example, if the cash flow from the borrower’s project is reduced as a result of leases not being obtained or renewed, the borrower’s ability to repay the loan may be impaired. Commercial loans also expose a lender to greater credit risk than loans secured by residential real estate because the collateral securing these loans typically cannot be sold as easily as residential real estate. In addition, many of our commercial real estate loans are not fully amortizing and contain large balloon payments upon maturity. Such balloon payments may require the borrower to either sell or refinance the underlying property in order to make the payment, which may increase the risk of default or non-payment.

A secondary market for most types of commercial real estate loans is not readily available, so we have less opportunity to mitigate credit risk by selling part or all of our interest in these loans.  As a result of these characteristics, if we foreclose on a commercial real estate loan, our holding period for the collateral typically is longer than for one-to-four family residential loans because there are fewer potential purchasers of the collateral. Accordingly, charge-offs on commercial real estate loans may be larger on a per loan basis than those incurred with our residential or consumer loan portfolios.

Our concentration in non-owner occupied real estate loans may expose us to increased credit risk.

At December 31, 2011, $147.4 million, or 43.9% of our one-to-four family residential mortgage loan portfolio and 20.4% of our total loan portfolio, consisted of loans secured by non-owner occupied residential properties.  At December 31, 2011, nonperforming, non-owner occupied one-to-four family residential loans amounted to $4.8 million.  Prior to foreclosure, loans that were classified as non-owner occupied residential properties and are now classified as other real estate owned, amounted to $7.0 million at December 31, 2011.   Loans secured by non-owner occupied properties generally expose a lender to greater risk of non-payment and loss than loans secured by owner occupied properties because repayment of such loans depend primarily on the tenant’s continuing ability to pay rent to the property owner, who is our borrower, or, if the property owner is unable to find a tenant, the property owner’s ability to repay the loan without the benefit of a rental income stream.  In addition, the physical condition of non-owner occupied properties is often below that of owner occupied properties due to lax property maintenance standards, which has a negative impact on the value of the collateral properties.  
 
 
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Furthermore, some of our non-owner occupied residential loan borrowers have more than one loan outstanding with us.  At December 31, 2011, we had 50 non-owner occupied residential loan relationships, each having an outstanding balance over $500,000, with aggregate outstanding balances of $115.7 million.  Consequently, an adverse development with respect to one credit relationship may expose us to a greater risk of loss compared to an adverse development with respect to an owner occupied residential mortgage loan.

Our business may be adversely affected by credit risk associated with residential property.

At December 31, 2011, $335.4 million, or 46.4% of our total loan portfolio, was secured by first liens on one-to-four family residential loans. In addition, at December 31, 2011, our home equity lines of credit totaled $10.0 million.  These types of loans are generally sensitive to regional and local economic conditions that significantly impact the ability of borrowers to meet their loan payment obligations, making loss levels difficult to predict. The decline in residential real estate values as a result of the downturn in the Washington housing market has reduced the value of the real estate collateral securing these types of loans and increased the risk that we would incur losses if borrowers default on their loans. Continued declines in both the volume of real estate sales and the sales prices coupled with the current recession and the associated elevated unemployment rates may result in higher than expected loan delinquencies or problem assets, and a decline in demand for our products and services. These potential negative events may cause us to incur losses, adversely affect our capital and liquidity and damage our financial condition and business operations.

High loan-to-value ratios on a portion of our residential mortgage loan portfolio exposes us to greater risk of loss.

Many of our residential mortgage loans are secured by liens on mortgage properties in which the borrowers have little or no equity because of the decline in home values in our market area. Residential loans with high loan-to-value ratios will be more sensitive to declining property values than those with lower loan-to-value ratios and, therefore, may experience a higher incidence of default and severity of losses. In addition, if the borrowers sell their homes, such borrowers may be unable to repay their loans in full from the sale. As a result, these loans may experience higher rates of delinquencies, defaults and losses.

If our allowance for loan losses is not adequate, we may be required to make further increases in our provision for loan losses and to charge-off additional loans in the future, which could adversely affect our results of operations.

For the years ended December 31, 2011 and 2010, we recorded a provision for loan losses of $4.7 million and $53.1 million, respectively. We also recorded net loan charge-offs of $10.7 million and $63.6 million for the  years ended December 31, 2011 and 2010. We continue to experience loan delinquencies and credit losses. Slower sales and excess inventory in the housing market has been the primary cause of foreclosures for residential construction/land development loans, which represent 34.6% of our nonperforming assets at December 31, 2011 compared with 48.7% at December 31, 2010.  At December 31, 2011 our total nonperforming assets had decreased to $49.7 million compared to $93.0 million at December 31, 2010.  Further, construction/land development and commercial real estate loans have a higher risk of loss than residential loans.

If current trends in the housing and real estate markets continue, we may experience higher delinquencies and credit losses.  As a result, we could be required to increase our provision for loan losses and to charge-off additional loans in the future, which could have a material adverse effect on our financial condition and results of operations.
 
We may experience fluctuations in our operating results.

       We reported net income of $4.2 million for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2011; however, we recorded a net loss of $54.1 million and $40.7 million for the years ended December 31, 2010 and 2009, respectively.  The losses in 2010 and 2009 primarily resulted from our high level of nonperforming assets and the resultant increased provision for loan losses. Although, our nonperforming assets have declined, we continue to monitor the

 
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performance and strength of our loan portfolio, as increases in our nonperforming assets and provision for loan losses could cause us to incur losses in future quarterly or annual periods.  In addition, several factors affecting our business can cause significant fluctuations in our quarterly and annual results of operations.  In particular, fluctuations in the volume of our loan originations, the differences between our cost of funds and yield on assets and problems generally affecting the mortgage loan industry can result in increases or decreases in our revenues from quarter to quarter.

Our allowance for loan losses may prove to be insufficient to absorb losses in our loan portfolio.

Lending is a primary part of our business and each loan carries a certain risk that it will not be repaid in accordance with its terms or that any underlying collateral will not be sufficient to assure repayment. This risk is affected by, among other things:

•  
the cash flow of the borrower and/or the project being financed;
•  
in the case of a collateralized loan, changes and uncertainties as to the future value of the collateral;
•  
the duration of the loan;
•  
the credit history of a particular borrower; and
•  
changes in economic and industry conditions.

We maintain an allowance for loan losses, which is a reserve established through a provision for loan losses charged to expense, which we believe is appropriate to provide for probable losses in our loan portfolio. The amount of this allowance is determined by our management through periodic reviews and consideration of several factors, including, but not limited to:

•  
our general reserve, based on our historical default and loss experience and certain macroeconomic factors based on management’s expectations of future events;
•  
and our specific reserve, based on our evaluation of nonperforming loans and their underlying collateral.

The determination of the appropriate level of the allowance for loan losses inherently involves a high degree of subjectivity and requires us to make various assumptions and judgments about the collectability of our loan portfolio, including the creditworthiness of our borrowers and the value of the real estate and other assets serving as collateral for the repayment of many of our loans. In determining the amount of the allowance for loan losses, we review our loans and the loss and delinquency experience and evaluate economic conditions and make significant estimates of current credit risks and future trends, all of which may undergo material changes. If our estimates are incorrect, the allowance for loan losses may not be sufficient to cover losses inherent in our loan portfolio, resulting in the need for increases in our provision for loan losses. Continuing deterioration in economic conditions affecting borrowers, new information regarding existing loans, identification of additional problem loans and other factors, both within and outside of our control, may require an increase in the allowance for loan losses.

Our allowance for loan losses was 2.3% of loans net of undisbursed funds and 69.9% of nonperforming loans net of undisbursed funds at December 31, 2011. In addition, bank regulatory agencies periodically review our allowance for loan losses and may require an increase in the provision for possible loan losses or the recognition of further loan charge-offs, based on judgments different than those of management.  Any increases in the provision for loan losses will result in a decrease in net income and may have a material adverse effect on our financial condition, results of operations and  capital.
 
If our investments in other real estate owned are not properly valued our earnings could be reduced.

We use current property valuations in the form of appraisals when a loan has been foreclosed and the property taken in as other real estate owned.  Subsequently, an evaluation is performed by our experienced lending staff during the assets’ holding period.  Our net book value in the loan at the time of foreclosure and thereafter is compared to the updated market value of the foreclosed property less estimated selling costs (fair value). A
 
 
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charge-off is recorded for any excess in the asset's net book value over its fair value.  If our valuation process is incorrect, the fair value of our investments in other real estate owned may not be sufficient to recover our net book value in such assets, resulting in the need for additional charge-offs. Additional material charge-offs to other real estate owned could have a material adverse effect on our financial condition and results of operations.

In addition, bank regulators periodically review our other real estate owned and may require us to recognize additional charge-offs.  Any increase in our charge-offs, as required by such regulators, may have a material adverse effect on our financial condition, results of operations and capital.

We are subject to interest rate risk.

Our earnings and cash flows are largely dependent upon net interest income.  Interest rates are highly sensitive to many factors that are beyond our control, including general economic conditions and policies of various governmental and regulatory agencies and, in particular, the Federal Reserve.  Changes in monetary policy, including changes in interest rates, could influence not only the interest we receive on loans and investments and the amount of interest we pay on deposits and borrowings, but these changes could also affect (i) our ability to originate loans and obtain deposits, (ii) the fair value of our financial assets and liabilities and (iii) the average duration of our mortgage-backed securities portfolio and other interest-earning assets.  If the interest rates paid on deposits and other borrowings increase at a faster rate than the interest rates received on loans and other investments, our net interest income, and therefore earnings, could be adversely affected.  Earnings could also be adversely affected if the interest rates received on loans and other investments fall more quickly than the interest rates paid on deposits and other borrowings.

Further, a portion of our adjustable-rate loans have interest rate floors below which the loan's contractual interest rate may not adjust.  Approximately 15% of our loan portfolio was comprised of adjustable-rate loans at December 31, 2011.  At that date, $28.4 million, or 26.1%, of these loans were at their floor interest rate.  The inability of our loans to adjust downward can contribute to increased income in periods of declining interest rates, although this result is subject to the risks that borrowers may refinance these loans during 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 which could have a material adverse effect on our results of operations.

Any substantial, unexpected, prolonged change in market interest rates could have a material adverse effect on our financial condition and results of operations.  Also, our interest rate risk modeling techniques and assumptions may not fully predict or capture the impact of actual interest rate changes on our balance sheet.

Further deterioration in the financial position of the Federal Home Loan Bank of Seattle may result in future impairment losses on our investment in Federal Home Loan Bank of Seattle stock.

At December 31, 2011, we owned $7.4 million of stock of the Federal Home Loan Bank of Seattle. As a condition of membership at the Federal Home Loan Bank of Seattle, we are required to purchase and hold a certain amount of Federal Home Loan Bank of Seattle stock. This requirement is based, in part, upon the outstanding principal balance of advances from the Federal Home Loan Bank of Seattle and is calculated in accordance with the Capital Plan of the Federal Home Loan Bank of Seattle. Our Federal Home Loan Bank of Seattle stock has a par value of $100, is carried at cost, and is subject to recoverability testing. The Federal Home Loan Bank of Seattle announced that it had a risk-based capital deficiency under the regulations of the Federal Housing Finance Agency, its primary regulator as of December 31, 2008, and that it would suspend future dividends and the repurchase and redemption of outstanding common stock. As a result, the Federal Home Loan Bank of Seattle has not paid a dividend since the fourth quarter of 2008.  In August 2009, under the Federal Housing Finance Agency's prompt corrective action regulations, the Federal Home Loan Bank of Seattle received a capital classification of "undercapitalized" and has subsequently remained so classified, due to, among other things, risk-based capital deficiencies as of March 31, 2009 and June 30, 2009, the deterioration in the value of its private-label mortgage-backed securities and the amount of accumulated unrealized losses stemming from that deterioration, and the amount of its retained earnings. On October 25, 2010, the Federal Home Loan Bank of Seattle entered into a
 
 
52

 
consent order with the Federal Housing Finance Agency.  The consent order required, among other matters, the Federal Home Loan Bank of Seattle meet and maintain certain minimum financial requirements. The Federal Home Loan Bank of Seattle has communicated that, with the exception of a retained earnings requirement, it is in compliance with the minimum financial requirements and has continued taking the specified actions and is working toward meeting the agreed-upon milestones and timelines for completing capital management, asset composition, and other operational and risk management improvements as indicated in the consent order.   As a result, we have not recorded an impairment on our investment in Federal Home Loan Bank of Seattle stock. We will continue, however, to monitor the financial condition of the Federal Home Loan Bank of Seattle and its compliance with the consent order as it relates to, among other things, the recoverability of our investment.

Increases in deposit insurance premiums and special Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation assessments will hurt our earnings.

The Dodd-Frank Act established 1.35% of total insured deposits as the minimum reserve ratio.  The Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation has adopted a plan under which it will meet this ratio by the statutory deadline of September 30, 2020. For institutions with assets less than $10 billion, the Dodd-Frank Act requires the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation to offset the effect of the increase in the minimum reserve ratio to 1.35% from the former minimum of 1.15%.  The Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation has not announced how it will implement this offset.  In addition to the statutory minimum ratio, the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation must set a designated reserve ratio, which may exceed the statutory minimum.  The Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation has set 2.0% as the designated reserve ratio.

As required by the Dodd-Frank Act, the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation has adopted final regulations under which insurance premiums are based on an institution’s total assets minus its tangible equity instead of its deposits.  While our Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation premiums initially will be reduced, it is possible that our insurance premiums will increase under these final regulations in future periods.

Continued weak or worsening credit availability could limit our ability to replace deposits and fund loan demand, which could adversely affect our earnings and capital levels.

Continued weak or worsening credit availability and the inability to obtain adequate funding to replace deposits and fund continued loan growth may negatively affect asset growth and, consequently, our earnings capability and capital levels. In addition to any deposit growth, maturity of investment securities and loan payments, we rely from time to time on advances from the Federal Home Loan Bank of Seattle and other funding sources to fund loans. Negative operating results or economic conditions could adversely affect these additional funding sources, which could limit the funds available to us. Our liquidity position could be significantly constrained if we are unable to access funds from the Federal Home Loan Bank of Seattle, or other wholesale funding sources, or if adequate financing is not available at acceptable interest rates. Finally, if we are required to rely more heavily on more expensive funding sources, our revenues may not increase proportionately to cover our costs. In this case, our results of operations and financial condition would be negatively affected.

Our access to funding sources in amounts adequate to finance our activities or the terms of which are acceptable to us could be impaired by factors that affect us specifically or the financial services industry or economy in general. Factors that could detrimentally impact our access to liquidity sources include a decrease in the level of our business activity as a result of a downturn in the markets in which our loans are concentrated or adverse regulatory action against us. Our ability to borrow could also be impaired by factors that are not specific to us, such as a disruption in the financial markets or negative views and expectations about the prospects for the financial services industry in light of the recent turmoil faced by banking organizations and the continued deterioration in credit markets. In addition, recent changes in the collateralization requirements and other provisions of the Washington public funds deposit programs have changed the economic benefit associated with accepting public funds deposits, which may affect our need to utilize alternative sources of liquidity.  At December 31, 2011 we had $22.0 million in public funds.
 
 
53

 
Our single branch location limits our ability to attract retail deposits and as a result a large portion of our deposits are certificates of deposit, including “Jumbo” certificates which may not be as stable as other types of deposits.

Our single branch location limits our ability to compete with larger institutions for noninterest bearing deposits as these institutions have a larger branch network providing greater convenience to customers. As a result, we are dependent on more interest rate sensitive deposits. At December 31, 2011, $570.0 million, or 72.3%, of our total deposits were certificates of deposit and, of that amount, $416.5 million, or 73.1%, were “jumbo” certificates of $100,000 or more ($22.0 million or 2.8% of our total deposits were public funds). In addition, deposit inflows are significantly influenced by general interest rates. Our money market accounts and jumbo certificates of deposit and the retention of these deposits are particularly sensitive to general interest rates, making these deposits traditionally a more volatile source of funding than other deposit accounts. In order to retain our money market accounts and jumbo certificates of deposit, we may have to pay a higher rate, resulting in an increase in our cost of funds. In a rising rate environment, we may be unwilling or unable to pay a competitive rate because of the resulting compression in our interest rate spread. To the extent that such deposits do not remain with us, they may need to be replaced with borrowings or other deposits which could increase our cost of funds and negatively impact our interest rate spread and financial condition.

We may be required to raise additional capital in the future, but that capital may not be available when it is needed, or it may only be available on unacceptable terms, which could adversely affect our financial condition and results of operations.

We are required by federal and state regulatory authorities to maintain adequate levels of capital to support our operations.  Our ability to raise additional capital, if needed, will depend on conditions in the capital markets at that time, which are outside of our control, and on our financial performance.  Accordingly, we may not be able to raise additional capital, if needed, on terms acceptable to us.  If we cannot raise additional capital when needed, our ability to further expand our operations and pursue our growth strategy could be materially impaired.

Financial reform legislation enacted by Congress will, among other things, tighten capital standards, create a new Consumer Financial Protection Bureau and result in new laws and regulations that are expected to increase our costs of operations.

On July 21, 2010, President Obama signed the Dodd-Frank Act. This new law has significantly changed the  bank regulatory structure and affected the lending, deposit, investment and operating activities of financial institutions and their holding companies. The Dodd-Frank Act requires various federal agencies to adopt a broad range of new implementing rules and regulations, and to prepare numerous studies and reports for Congress. The federal agencies are given significant discretion in drafting the implementing rules and regulations, and consequently, many of the details and much of the impact of the Dodd-Frank Act may not be known for many months or years.

The Dodd-Frank Act eliminated the Office of Thrift Supervision, First Financial Northwest’s former primary federal regulator on July 21, 2011 and authorized the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System to supervise and regulate all savings and loan holding companies, including First Financial Northwest, in addition to bank holding companies, which it also regulates.  The regulations of the Office of Thrift Supervision will remain in effect after July 21, 2011, until modified by the Board of Governors. Under the Dodd-Frank Act, savings and loan holding companies will become subject to capital requirements established by the Board of Governors in 2015.

Certain provisions of the Dodd-Frank Act are expected to have a near term impact on the Company.  Among the many requirements in the Dodd-Frank Act for new banking regulations is a requirement for new capital regulations to be adopted within 18 months after the date of enactment.  These regulations must be at least as stringent as, and may call for higher levels of capital than, current regulations.  In addition, effective one year after the date of enactment, the Dodd-Frank Act eliminated the federal prohibitions on paying interest on demand deposits, thus allowing businesses to have interest-bearing checking accounts. Depending on competitive responses,
 
 
54

 
this significant change to existing law could have an adverse impact on the Company’s interest expense and deposit balances.

The Dodd-Frank Act also broadens the base for Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation insurance assessments.  Assessments are now based on the average consolidated total assets less tangible equity capital of a financial institution.  The Dodd-Frank Act also permanently increased the maximum amount of deposit insurance for banks, savings institutions and credit unions to $250,000 per depositor and non-interest-bearing transaction accounts and interest on lawyers trust accounts have unlimited deposit insurance through December 31, 2012.

The Dodd-Frank Act requires publicly traded companies to give stockholders a non-binding vote on executive compensation and so-called “golden parachute” payments and authorizes the SEC to promulgate rules that would allow stockholders to nominate their own candidates using a company’s proxy materials. The legislation also directs the federal banking regulators to issue rules prohibiting incentive compensation that encourages inappropriate risks. The legislation also directs the Federal Reserve Board to promulgate rules prohibiting excessive compensation paid to bank holding company executives, regardless of whether or not the company is publicly traded.

The Dodd-Frank Act created a new Consumer Financial Protection Bureau with broad powers to supervise and enforce consumer protection laws.  The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau has broad rule-making authority for a wide range of consumer protection laws that apply to all banks and savings institutions, including the authority to prohibit “unfair, deceptive or abusive” acts and practices.  The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau has examination and enforcement authority over all banks and savings institutions with more than $10 billion in assets.  Financial institutions with $10 billion or less in assets, such as First Savings Bank, will continue to be examined for compliance with the consumer laws by their primary bank regulators.

Many aspects of the Dodd-Frank Act are subject to rulemaking and will take effect over several years, making it difficult to anticipate the overall financial impact on the Bank.  However, it is expected that at a minimum, compliance with this law and implementing its regulations will increase our operating and compliance costs and could increase our interest expense.  Any additional changes in our regulation and oversight, whether in the form of new laws, rules or regulations could make compliance more difficult or expensive or otherwise materially adversely affect our business, financial condition or prospects.  For additional information, see Item 1, “Business – How We Are Regulated – Recently Enacted Regulatory Reform.”

New or changing tax, accounting, and regulatory rules and interpretations could significantly impact strategic initiatives, results of operations, cash flows, and financial condition.

The financial services industry is extensively regulated. Federal and state banking regulations are designed primarily to protect the deposit insurance funds and consumers, not to benefit a company’s stockholders. These regulations may sometimes impose significant limitations on operations. The significant federal and state banking regulations that affect us are described in this report under the heading “Item 1. Business-Regulation.” These regulations, along with the currently existing tax, accounting, securities, insurance, and monetary laws, regulations, rules, standards, policies and interpretations control the methods by which financial institutions conduct business, implement strategic initiatives and tax compliance and govern financial reporting and disclosures. These laws, regulations, rules, standards, policies and interpretations are constantly evolving and may change significantly over time.

Such changes could subject us to additional costs, limit the types of financial services and products we may offer, restrict mergers and acquisitions, investments, access to capital, the location of banking offices and/or increase the ability of non-banks to offer competing financial services and products, among other things.  Further, recent regulatory changes to the rules for overdraft fees for debit transactions and interchange fees could reduce our fee income which would result in a reduction of our noninterest income. Our failure to comply with laws, regulations or policies could result in sanctions by regulatory agencies, civil money penalties and/or reputational damage and could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.  While we have policies and procedures designed to prevent any such violations, there can be no assurance that such violations will not occur.
 
 
55

 
Our litigation related costs might increase.

The Bank, from time to time, becomes subject to legal proceedings that arise in the ordinary course of the Bank’s business.  In the current economic environment litigation may increase significantly as a result of defaulted borrowers asserting claims to defeat or delay foreclosure proceedings.  Expenses of legal proceedings could adversely affect the Bank’s results of operations until they are resolved.  There can be no assurance that the Bank’s loan workout and other activities will not expose the Bank to legal actions, including lender liability or environmental claims.

State taxes may increase.

Washington State currently has a deficit for the ensuing biennium of approximately $1.5 billion and as a result, state taxes may increase.  The State Legislature is considering a variety of tax measures to balance the State budget which, if passed into law, may increase our State tax expense.

We will incur additional expenses managing real estate acquired through foreclosure.

We have foreclosed and continue to foreclose on loans in our portfolio.  These foreclosures may result in charge-offs and other expenses for items such as:  property management and legal which will have a negative affect on future earnings.

Our real estate lending also exposes us to the risk of environmental liabilities.

In the course of our business, we may foreclose and take title to real estate and could be subject to environmental liabilities with respect to these properties. We may be held liable to a governmental entity or to third parties for property damage, personal injury, investigation and clean-up costs incurred by these parties in connection with environmental contamination, or may be required to investigate or clean up hazardous or toxic substances, or chemical releases at a property. The costs associated with investigation or remediation activities could be substantial. In addition, as the owner or former owner of a contaminated site, we may be subject to common law claims by third parties based on damages and costs resulting from environmental contamination emanating from the property. If we ever become subject to significant environmental liabilities, our business, financial condition and results of operations could be materially and adversely affected.

We rely heavily on the proper functioning of our technology.

We rely heavily on communications and information systems to conduct our business.  Any failure, interruption or breach in security of these systems could result in failures or disruptions in our customer relationship management, general ledger, deposit, loan and other systems.  While we have policies and procedures designed to prevent or limit the effect of the failure, interruption or security breach of our information systems, there can be no assurance that any such failures, interruptions or security breaches will not occur or, if they do occur, that they will be adequately addressed.  The occurrence of any failures, interruptions or security breaches of our information systems could damage our reputation, result in a loss of customer business, subject us to additional regulatory scrutiny, or expose us to civil litigation and possible financial liability, any of which could have a material adverse effect on our financial condition and results of operations.
 
We rely on third-party service providers for much of our communications, information, operating and financial control systems technology.  If any of our third-party service providers experience financial, operational or technological difficulties, or if there is any other disruption in our relationships with them, we may be required to locate alternative sources of such services, and we cannot assure that we could negotiate terms that are as favorable to us, or could obtain services with similar functionality, as found in our existing systems, without the need to expend substantial resources, if at all. Any of these circumstances could have an adverse effect on our business.
 
 
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Item 1B.  Unresolved Staff Comments

Not applicable.  First Financial Northwest has not received any written comments from the SEC regarding its periodic or current reports under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended that are unresolved.

Item 2.  Properties

At December 31, 2011, we had one full service office, which we own in Renton, Washington.  This site is the corporate office for First Financial Northwest and First Savings Bank and is located at 201 Wells Avenue South, Renton, Washington.  This location is also the site for the operations of First Financial Northwest’s subsidiary, First Financial Diversified Corporation, at 208 Williams Avenue South.  The lending division operations of First Savings Bank are located at 207 Wells Avenue South.

Item 3.  Legal Proceedings

From time to time, we are involved as plaintiff or defendant in various legal actions arising in the normal course of business.  As of December 31, 2011, we were not involved in any significant litigation and do not anticipate incurring any material liability as a result of any such litigation.

Item 4.  Mine Safety Disclosures

Not applicable.

PART II

Item 5.  Market for Registrant’s Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities

Our common stock is traded on The Nasdaq Stock Market LLC’s Global Select Market, under the symbol “FFNW.”  As of December 31, 2011, there were 18.8 million shares of common stock issued and outstanding and we had 893 shareholders of record, excluding persons or entities who hold stock in nominee or “street name” accounts with brokers.

Dividends

Under federal regulations, the dollar amount of dividends First Savings Bank may pay to First Financial Northwest, Inc. depends upon its capital position and recent net income.  Generally, if First Savings Bank satisfies its regulatory capital requirements, it may make dividend payments up to the limits prescribed in the state law and FDIC regulations.  However, under the Order, the Bank is not able to pay dividends to First Financial Northwest without the prior approval of the DFI and the FDIC.  Further, First Savings Bank may not declare or pay a dividend on or repurchase any of its common stock if it would cause the regulatory capital of the Bank to be reduced below the amount required for the liquidation account which was established in connection with the conversion.  First Savings Bank is 100% owned by First Financial Northwest, Inc. Under Washington law, First Financial Northwest is prohibited from paying a dividend if, as a result of its payment, it would be unable to pay its debts as they become due in the normal course of business, or if First Financial Northwest’s total liabilities would exceed its total assets. Under the terms of the MOU, First Financial Northwest must provide notice to and obtain written non-objection from the Federal Reserve prior to declaring a dividend.  See “Item 1. Business – How We Are Regulated – Regulation and Supervision of First Financial Northwest – Dividends” and Note 13 of Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements contained in Item 8.
 
 
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The following table sets forth the high and low of and dividends declared on, First Financial Northwest’s common stock during each of the quarters in the years ended December 31, 2011 and 2010.  The following information was provided by The Nasdaq Stock Market LLC.
 
   
High
   
Low
   
Dividends
 
2011
                 
First Quarter
  $ 5.97     $ 4.00     $ --  
Second Quarter
    6.30       4.94       --  
Third Quarter
    5.70       4.30       --  
Fourth Quarter
    5.90       5.21       --  
                         
2010
                       
First Quarter
  $ 7.46     $ 5.59     $ 0.085  
Second Quarter
    7.64       3.75       --  
Third Quarter
    4.66       3.86       --  
Fourth Quarter
    4.09       3.25       --  

Stock Repurchases

First Financial Northwest has implemented various stock buy-back programs since June 2008.  On November 5, 2008, First Financial Northwest announced a plan to repurchase and retire 2,285,280 shares, or approximately 10% of its outstanding common stock which was completed on February 9, 2009. The plan was amended on February 18, 2009 to authorize the repurchase of an additional 2,056,752 shares or approximately 10% of our outstanding common stock.  At December 31, 2011, 294,400 shares remain outstanding to be repurchased under the plan. No shares were repurchased during the year ended December 31, 2011.

Under the MOU First Financial Northwest must provide notice to and obtain written non-objection from the Federal Reserve prior to First Financial Northwest repurchasing any capital stock.

Equity Compensation Plan Information

The equity compensation plan information presented under subparagraph (d) in Part III, Item 12 of this report is incorporated herein by reference.

 
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Performance Graph

The following graph compares the cumulative total shareholder return on First Financial Northwest’s Common Stock with the cumulative total return on the Russell 2000 Index, the Nasdaq Bank Index, and the SNL Thrift Index, a peer group index.  The graph assumes that total return includes the reinvestment of all dividends, and that the value of the investment in First Financial Northwest’s common stock and each index was $100 on October 10, 2007, (the first trading day following the completion of First Financial Northwest’s public offering), and is the base amount used in the graph.  The closing price of First Financial Northwest’s common stock on December 31, 2011 was $5.90.

 
Period Ended
Index
10/10/07
12/31/07
12/31/08
12/31/09
12/31/10
12/31/11
First Financial Northwest, Inc.
100.00
83.89
81.63
59.89
37.08
54.69
NASDAQ Bank Index
100.00
86.16
67.60
56.58
64.59
57.81
Russell 2000
100.00
90.92
60.20
76.56
97.12
93.06
SNL Thrift Index
100.00
69.46
44.21
41.23
43.08
36.24
 
 
 
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Item 6.  Selected Financial Data

The following table sets forth certain information concerning our consolidated financial position and results of operations at and for the dates indicated and have been derived from our audited consolidated financial statements.  The information below is qualified in its entirety by the detailed information included elsewhere herein and should be read along with “Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” and “Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data.”
 
 
   
At or For the Years Ended December 31,
 
   
2011
   
2010
   
2009
   
2008
   
2007 (2)
 
FINANCIAL CONDITION DATA:
 
(In thousands, except share data)
 
                               
Total assets
  $ 1,059,390     $ 1,193,658     $ 1,315,334     $ 1,244,440     $ 1,140,888  
Investments available for sale
    129,002       164,603       97,383       149,323       119,837  
Investments held to maturity
    --       --       --       --       80,410  
Loans receivable, net (1)
    703,288       856,456       1,039,300       1,035,181       880,664  
Goodwill
    --       --       --       14,206       14,206  
Deposits
    788,665       920,226       939,423       791,483       729,494  
Advances from the FHLB
    83,066       93,066       139,900       156,150       96,000  
Stockholders’ equity
    181,320       174,478       228,517       290,108       309,286  
Book value per common share
    9.64       9.28       12.14       13.62       13.53  

OPERATING DATA:
                             
                               
Interest income
  $ 51,052     $ 60,544     $ 65,033     $ 68,601     $ 66,569  
Interest expense
    18,485       27,559       33,913       35,978       42,848  
                                         
Net interest income
    32,567       32,985       31,120       32,623       23,721  
Provision for loan losses
    4,700       53,100       51,300       9,443       6,000  
                                         
Net interest income (loss) after
                                       
   provision for loan losses
    27,867       (20,115 )     (20,180 )     23,180       17,721  
                                         
Noninterest income
    2,533       1,041       2,032       200       589  
Noninterest expense
    26,158       31,063       35,067       14,687       25,969  
                                         
Income (loss) before provision (benefit) for federal
  income taxes
    4,242       (50,137 )     (53,215 )     8,693       (7,659 )
Provision (benefit) for federal income taxes
    --       3,999       (12,507 )     4,033       (3,675 )
                                         
Net income (loss)
  $ 4,242     $ (54,136 )   $ (40,708 )   $ 4,660     $ (3,984 )
                                         
Basic earnings (loss) per share (3)
  $ 0.24     $ (3.11 )   $ (2.18 )   $ 0.22     $ (0.51 )
                                         
Diluted earnings (loss) per share (3)
  $ 0.24     $ (3.11 )   $ (2.18 )   $ 0.22     $ (0.51 )
___________________
(1) Net of ALLL, undisbursed funds and deferred loan fees and costs. 
(2)  First Financial Northwest completed the offering in connection with the mutual to stock conversion on October 9, 2007 and its stock began trading on NASDAQ on October 16, 2007.
(3) 
Earnings (loss) per share is calculated for the period from October 9, 2007 to December 31, 2007, the period for which First Financial Northwest was publicly-owned.

 
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At December 31,
 
OTHER DATA:
 
2011
   
2010
   
2009
   
2008
   
2007
 
                               
Number of:
                             
  Loans outstanding
    2,326       2,764       3,284       3,362       3,015  
  Deposit accounts
    13,729       15,087       15,546       15,719       15,548  
  Full-service offices
    1       1       1       1       1  

   
At or For the
 
   
Years Ended December 31,
 
KEY FINANCIAL RATIOS:
 
2011
   
2010
   
2009
   
2008
   
2007
 
                               
Performance Ratios:
                             
Return (loss) on assets
    0.37 %     (4.18 )%     (3.14 )%     0.39 %     (0.37 )%
Return (loss) on equity
    2.36       (26.59 )     (15.18 )     1.50       (2.59 )
Dividend payout ratio
    --       (2.73 )     (15.60 )     109.09       N/A  
Equity-to-assets ratio
    17.12       14.62       17.37       23.31       27.11  
Interest rate spread
    2.78       2.40       1.86       1.84       1.75  
Net interest margin
    3.01       2.70       2.49       2.81       2.30  
Average interest-earning assets to
                                       
  average interest-bearing liabilities
    113.33       113.35       123.31       131.20       113.48  
Efficiency ratio
    74.52       91.29       105.78       44.75       106.82  
Noninterest expense as a
                                       
  percent of average total assets
    2.28       2.40       2.71       1.22       2.42  
Book value per common share
  $ 9.64     $ 9.28     $ 12.14     $ 13.62     $ 13.53  
                                         
Capital Ratios (1):
                                       
  Tier I leverage
    13.54 %     11.73 %     12.46 %     15.61 %     16.62 %
  Tier I risk-based
    23.49       18.38       19.20       23.04       24.84  
  Total risk-based
    24.76       19.65       20.49       24.30       25.91  
                                         
Asset Quality Ratios:
                                       
Nonperforming loans as a percent of total loans
    3.28 %     7.14 %     11.23 %     5.56 %     2.81 %
Nonperforming assets as a percent of total assets
    4.69       7.79       10.08       4.71       2.19  
ALLL as a percent of total loans, net of
                                       
  undisbursed funds
    2.29       2.56       3.07       1.61       0.89  
ALLL as a percent of nonperforming loans, net
                                       
  of undisbursed funds
    69.89       35.80       27.37       28.96       31.83  
Net charge-offs to average
                                       
  loans receivable, net
    1.39       6.55       3.38       0.04       --  
                                         
_______________
(1)       Capital ratios are for First Savings Bank only.

 
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Item 7.  Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

This discussion and analysis reviews our consolidated financial statements and other relevant statistical data and is intended to enhance your understanding of our financial condition and results of operations. The information in this section has been derived from the Consolidated Financial Statements and footnotes thereto, which appear in Item 8 of this Form 10-K.  You should read the information in this section in conjunction with the business and financial information regarding First Savings Bank as provided in this Form 10-K.  Unless otherwise indicated, the financial information presented in this section reflects the consolidated financial condition and results of operations of First Financial Northwest and its subsidiaries.

Overview

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

Continuing adverse conditions in the national and local economies have resulted in a challenging operating environment for financial institutions, particularly in the Pacific Northwest. Over the last three years, the national residential lending market has experienced severe conditions as loan delinquencies and foreclosure rates rose to unprecedented volumes. During 2011, the residential lending market improved somewhat especially late in the year, but remained at depressed levels. Nationally at December 31, 2011, the delinquency rate for one-to-four family residential loans 30 days or more delinquent was 7.6% and the percentage of loans in foreclosure was 4.4% according to the National Delinquency Survey published by the Mortgage Bankers Association.

Our primary source of pre-tax income is net interest income. Net interest income is the difference between interest income, which is the income that we earn on our  loans and investments, and interest expense, which is the interest that we pay on our deposits and borrowings. Changes in levels of interest rates affect our net interest income.  Since First Savings Bank is liability-sensitive, meaning its liabilities reprice at a faster rate than its interest-earning assets, the lower interest rate environment that we are currently experiencing has contributed to an improvement in our net interest rate spread.

During 2011, our provision for loan losses totaled $4.7 million, a decrease of $48.4 million from $53.1 million for the year ended December 31, 2010.  The decrease in the provision during 2011 was attributable to the decline in the level of nonperforming loans, improved delinquency rates, the decline in the level of charge-offs and the decrease in the loan portfolio. We will continue to monitor our loan portfolio and make adjustments to our ALLL as we deem necessary.

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

Our noninterest expenses decreased $4.9 million during the year ended December 31, 2011 as compared to 2010.  The decrease was primarily attributable to a $5.5 million decrease in net OREO expenses, including gains on the sale of OREO, during the year ended December 31, 2011.
 
 
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Business Strategy

Our long-term business strategy is to operate and grow First Savings Bank as a well-capitalized and profitable community bank, offering one-to-four family residential, commercial and multifamily real estate, consumer, business and to a lesser extent construction/land development loans along with a diversified array of deposits and other products and services to individuals and businesses in our market areas.  We intend to accomplish this strategy by leveraging our established name and franchise, capital strength and mortgage production capability by:

 
Capitalizing on our intimate knowledge of our local communities to serve the convenience and needs of customers, delivering a consistent and high-quality level of professional service;
 
 
Offering competitive deposit rates and developing customer relationships to expand our core deposits, diversifying the deposit mix by growing lower cost deposits, attracting new customers and expanding our footprint in the geographical area we serve;

 
Managing our loan portfolio to minimize concentrations and diversify the types of loans within the portfolio;

 
Managing credit risk to minimize the risk of loss and interest rate risk to optimize our net interest margin; and

 
Improving our overall efficiency and profitability.
 
Critical Accounting Policies

Critical accounting policies are those that involve significant judgments and assumptions by management and that have, or could have, a material impact on our income or the carrying value of our assets.  The following are our critical accounting policies.

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

Our Board of Directors approves the provision for loan losses on a quarterly basis.  The allowance is increased by the provision for loan losses, which is charged against current period earnings and decreased by the amount of actual loan charge-offs, net of recoveries.

We believe that the ALLL is a critical accounting estimate because it is highly susceptible to change from period-to-period requiring management to make assumptions about probable losses inherent in the loan portfolio.  The impact of an unexpected large loss could deplete the allowance and potentially require increased provisions to replenish the allowance, which would negatively affect earnings.  For additional information see the section titled “We may be required to make further increases in our provision for loan losses and to charge-off additional loans in the future, which could adversely affect our results of operations,” within the section titled “Item 1A.  Risk Factors” in this Form 10-K.

 
 
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Valuation of OREO and Foreclosed Assets.  Real estate properties acquired through foreclosure or by deed-in-lieu of foreclosure are recorded at the lower of cost or fair value less estimated costs to sell.  Fair value is generally determined by management based on a number of factors, including third-party appraisals of fair value in an orderly sale.  Accordingly, the valuation of OREO is subject to significant external and internal judgment.  If the carrying value of the loan at the date a property is transferred into OREO exceeds the fair value less estimated costs to sell, the excess is charged to the ALLL.  Management periodically reviews OREO values to determine whether the property continues to be carried at the lower of its recorded book value or fair value, net of estimated costs to sell.  Any further decreases in the value of OREO are considered valuation adjustments and are charged to noninterest expense in the Consolidated Statements of Income.  Expenses from the maintenance and operations and any gains or losses from the sales of OREO are included in noninterest expense.

Deferred Taxes.   Deferred tax assets arise from a variety of sources, the most significant being: a) expenses, such as our charitable contribution to the First Financial Northwest Foundation, that can be carried forward to be utilized against profits in future years; b) expenses recognized in our financial statements but disallowed in the tax return until the associated cash flow occurs; and c) writedowns in the value of assets for financial statement purposes that are not deductible for tax purposes until the asset is sold or deemed worthless.

We record a valuation allowance to reduce our deferred tax assets to the amount which can be recognized in line with the relevant accounting standards.  The level of deferred tax asset recognition is influenced by management’s assessment of our historic and future profitability profile.  At each balance sheet date, existing assessments are reviewed and, if necessary, revised to reflect changed circumstances.  In a situation where income is less than projected or recent losses have been incurred, the relevant accounting standards require convincing evidence that there will be sufficient future tax capacity.  See “Item 8.  Financial Statements and Supplementary Data, Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements, Note 12 Federal Income Taxes.”

Other-Than-Temporary Impairments On the Market Value of Investments.  Declines in the fair value of any available for sale or held to maturity investment below their cost that is deemed to be other-than-temporary results in a reduction in the carrying amount of the investment to that of fair value.  A charge to earnings and an establishment of a new cost basis for the investment is made.  Unrealized investment losses are evaluated at least quarterly to determine whether such declines should be considered other-than-temporary and therefore be subject to immediate loss recognition.  Although these evaluations involve significant judgment, an unrealized loss in the fair value of a debt security is generally deemed to be temporary when the fair value of the investment security is below the carrying value primarily due to changes in interest rates and there has not been significant deterioration in the financial condition of the issuer.  An unrealized loss in the value of an equity security is generally considered temporary when the fair value of the security is below the carrying value primarily due to current market conditions and not deterioration in the financial condition of the issuer.  Other factors that may be considered in determining whether a decline in the value of either a debt or an equity security is other-than-temporary include ratings by recognized rating agencies; the extent and duration of an unrealized loss position; actions of commercial banks or other lenders relative to the continued extension of credit facilities to the issuer of the security; the financial condition, capital strength and near-term prospects of the issuer and recommendations of investment advisors or market analysts.  Therefore, continued deterioration of market conditions could result in additional impairment losses recognized within the investment portfolio.

Comparison of Financial Condition at December 31, 2011 and December 31, 2010

     General. At December 31, 2011, total assets decreased $134.3 million to $1.1 billion from $1.2 billion at December 31, 2010.  This decrease in total assets was primarily the result of reductions in net loans receivable of $153.2 million and investments available for sale of $35.6 million partially offset by an increase of $69.2 million in interest-bearing deposits.  Total liabilities decreased $141.1 million to $878.1 million at December 31, 2011 from $1.0 billion at December 31, 2010 primarily due to a decrease of $131.6 million in deposits and a decrease of $10.0 million in advances from the FHLB.  Stockholders’ equity increased $6.8 million to $181.3 million at December 31, 2011 from $174.5 million at December 31, 2010 primarily due to net income of $4.2 million for the year.
 
 
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Assets.  The following table details the changes in the composition of our assets from December 31, 2010 to December 31, 2011.

   
Balance at
December 31, 2011
   
Increase/(Decrease)
from
 December 31, 2010
   
Percentage
Increase/(Decrease)
 
   
(Dollars in thousands)
 
                   
Cash on hand and in banks                                           
  $ 4,620     $ (2,846 )     (38.1 )%
Interest-bearing deposits                                           
    160,141       69,180       76.1  
Investments available for sale, at fair value
    129,002       (35,601 )     (21.6 )
Loans receivable, net                                           
    703,288       (153,168 )     (17.9 )
Premises and equipment, net
    18,922       (907 )     (4.6 )
FHLB stock, at cost                                
    7,413       --       --  
Accrued interest receivable
    3,856       (830 )     (17.7 )
Federal income tax receivable
    1,060       (4,856 )     (82.1 )
OREO                      
    26,044       (4,058 )     (13.5 )
Prepaid expenses and other assets
    5,044       (1,182 )     (19.0 )
    Total assets                                
  $ 1,059,390     $ (134,268 )     (11.2 )%

Interest-bearing deposits increased $69.2 million from December 31, 2010 primarily as a result of funds received from decreases in net loans receivable of $153.2 million and in investments available for sale of $35.6 million.  We utilized the liquidity generated to reduce our FHLB advances by $10.0 million and fund the decrease in customer deposits of $131.6 million.

Net loans receivable decreased $153.2 million to $703.3 million at December 31, 2011 compared to $856.5 million at December 31, 2010.  Loan originations for the year ended December 31, 2011 totaled $31.6 million, a decrease of $27.8 million from the year ended December 31, 2010.  The decline in our loan portfolio was the result of weak loan demand, paydowns due to normal borrower activity, short-sales, charge-offs and transfers of nonperforming loans to OREO.  Loan originations declined primarily as a result of our focus on improving the performance of our loan portfolio and reducing our nonperforming assets.  Loan originations included $11.2 million in one-to-four family residential; $4.1 million in commercial real estate, $6.8 million in multifamily and $5.8 million in consumer loans.  We also originated $1.4 million in construction/land development and $2.3 million in business loans.  Loan repayments during 2011 were $165.5 million and loans transferred to OREO totalled $26.2 million.

Our investments available for sale decreased $35.6 million, or 21.6%, to $129.0 million at December 31, 2011 from $164.6 million at December 31, 2010. During the year ended December 31, 2011, we sold $76.9 million of investments.  Gross proceeds from the sales were $79.1 million with net gains of $2.2 million.  During the year ended December 31, 2011, we purchased $74.7 million of investments which included $40.0 million of U.S. government agency securities with the remaining purchases primarily consisting of Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac fixed-rate, mortgage-backed securities.  The purchases and sales of investments throughout 2011 were executed to improve our interest rate risk position, deploy excess liquidity into investments as there was weak demand for loans to creditworthy borrowers in our market area and to take advantage of gains in our securities portfolio.

 
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Our nonperforming loans decreased to $23.7 million at December 31, 2011 from $62.9 million at December 31, 2010.  Nonperforming loans as a percent of our total loan portfolio, net of undisbursed funds, was 3.28% and 7.14% at December 31, 2011 and 2010, respectively.  The following table presents a breakdown of our nonperforming assets:

         
Amount of
   
Percent of
 
   
December 31,
   
Increase/
   
Increase/
 
   
2011
   
2010
   
(Decrease)
   
(Decrease)
 
   
(Dollars in thousands)
 
Nonperforming loans:
                       
   One-to-four family residential
  $ 9,808     $ 22,688     $ (12,880 )     (56.8 )%
   Multifamily
    949       --       949       100.0  
   Commercial real estate
    3,736       7,306       (3,570 )     (48.9 )
   Construction/land development
    9,199       32,885       (23,686 )     (72.0 )
   Consumer
    --       57       (57 )     (100.0 )
Total nonperforming loans
    23,692       62,936       (39,244 )     (62.4 )
                                 
OREO
    26,044       30,102       (4,058 )     (13.5 )
                                 
Total nonperforming assets
  $ 49,736     $ 93,038     $ (43,302 )     (46.5 )%

There were no undisbursed funds related to our nonperforming loans at December 31, 2011.  Foregone interest during the year ended December 31, 2011 relating to all nonperforming loans totaled $2.2 million.  We continued to execute our strategy implemented in 2009, when we hired experienced professionals to form a special assets department whose primary focus was on the prompt and effective management of our troubled and nonperforming assets to expedite their disposition and minimize any losses.  This strategy changed our long-standing practice of promoting builder-partnering solutions as opposed to that of Bank-directed solutions such as foreclosures, short-sales and accepting deeds in lieu of foreclosure.  This approach has resulted in First Savings Bank foreclosing or accepting deeds in lieu of foreclosure on $26.2 million of real estate during 2011 and $50.2 million during 2010.  We anticipate continued foreclosure activity in 2012 but at lower levels than in 2011 and 2010.

Management performs an impairment analysis on a loan when it determines it is probable that all contractual amounts of principal and interest will not be paid as scheduled.  The analysis usually occurs when a loan has been classified as substandard or placed on nonaccrual status.  If the market value less costs to sell (“market value”), of the impaired loan is less than the recorded investment in the loan, impairment is recognized by establishing a specific reserve in the ALLL for the loan or by adjusting an existing reserve amount.

Deposits.  During the year ended December 31, 2011, deposits decreased $131.6 million to $788.7 million as compared to $920.2 million at December 31, 2010.  The decrease in deposits was primarily the result of our strategy to reduce our total assets, mainly cash, as a result of low loan demand.  In addition, we did not renew certificates of deposit from municipalities and other government related entities due to the higher cost of maintaining these accounts.  Public funds declined to $22.0 million at December 31, 2011 from $58.7 million at December 31, 2010.  We experienced decreases in our noninterest bearing accounts of $2.7 million, money market accounts of $13.4 million and certificates of deposit of $118.7 million, which were offset by increases in NOW accounts of $735,000 and savings accounts of $2.4 million.  These decreases also reflect our strategy to compete less aggressively on deposit interest rates to reduce our cost of funds.  We did not have any brokered deposits at December 31, 2011 and 2010.

        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 advances at December 31, 2011 were $83.1 million, a decrease of $10.0 million, or 10.7%, from $93.1 million at December 31, 2010.  We utilized our excess liquidity to repay some of our advances to manage our funding costs.
 
 
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Stockholders’ Equity.  Total stockholders’ equity increased $6.8 million, or 3.9%, to $181.3 million at December 31, 2011 from $174.5 million at December 31, 2010.  The increase was primarily the result of net income of $4.2 million, generated during the year ended December 31, 2011.

Comparison of Operating Results for the Years Ended December 31, 2011 and December 31, 2010

General.  Net income for the year ended December 31, 2011 was $4.2 million, compared to a net loss of $54.1 million for the prior year.  The $58.3 million increase in net income was primarily the result of a $48.4 million  decrease in the provision for loan losses, a $1.5 million increase in noninterest income, a $4.9 million decrease in noninterest expense and a $4.0 million decrease in the provision for federal income taxes.

Net Interest Income.  Net interest income in 2011 was $32.6 million, a $418,000 or 1.3% decrease from $33.0 million in 2010, as a result of the changes in interest income and interest expense as detailed below.

Interest Income.  Total interest income decreased $9.5 million to $51.0 million for the year ended December 31, 2011 from $60.5 million for the year ended December 31, 2010.  The following table compares detailed average interest-earning asset balances, associated yields and resulting changes in interest and dividend income for the years ended December 31, 2011 and 2010:

   
Years Ended December 31,
   
2011
   
2010
    Increase/
   
Average
Balance
   
Yield
   
Average
Balance
   
Yield
   
(Decrease) in
Interest and
Dividend
Income
   
(Dollars in thousands)
                             
Loans receivable, net                                           
  $ 767,575       6.07 %   $ 971,778       5.74 %   $ (9,175 )
Investments available for sale                                                      
    146,227       2.76       130,622       3.43       (445 )
Interest-bearing deposits                                           
    161,208       0.25       110,117       0.25       128  
FHLB stock                      
    7,413       --       7,413       --       --  
Total interest-earning assets                                                      
  $ 1,082,423       4.72 %   $ 1,219,930       4.96 %   $ (9,492 )

The $9.5 million decline in interest income for 2011 as compared to 2010 was primarily a result of the $204.2 million, or 21.0% decline in the average balance of our loan portfolio.  The yield on average interest-earning assets declined 24 basis points to 4.72% for the year ended December 31, 2011 from 4.96% for 2010 reflecting both the general decline in interest rates and foregone interest as a result of nonperforming assets during 2011. Interest income from net loans receivable decreased $9.2 million to $46.6 million for the year ended December 31, 2011 from $55.8 million for the year ended December 31, 2010. The yield on net loans receivable increased to 6.07% for the year ended December 31, 2011 from 5.74% in 2010, an increase of 33 basis points, or $2.5 million net of $2.2 million of foregone interest.  The yield on the loan portfolio increased during 2011 as compared to 2010 as we were able to reduce the level of nonperforming loans which were not earning any income but which were included in the yield calculation.  The increase in loan interest income related to yield was offset by an $11.7 million decrease in interest income from the reduction in the average loan portfolio during 2011 as compared to 2010.

The yield on investments available for sale decreased 67 basis points to 2.76%, or $981,000, during 2011 as compared to 2010.  Interest income from investments available for sale was positively impacted by $536,000 due to the increase in the average investment balance of $15.6 million to $146.2 million for the year ended December 31, 2011 from $130.6 million for the year ended December 31, 2010.
 
 
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Interest Expense.  Total interest expense for the year ended December 31, 2011 was $18.5 million, a decrease of $9.1 million from the prior year.  The following table details average balances, cost of funds and the resulting decrease in interest expense for the years ended December 31, 2011 and 2010:

   
Years Ended December 31,
   
2011
   
2010
    Increase/
   
Average
Balance
   
Cost
   
Average
Balance
   
Cost
   
(Decrease) in
Interest
Expense
   
(Dollars in thousands)
                             
NOW accounts                                
  $ 13,034       0.17 %   $ 13,086       0.41 %   $ (31 )
Statement savings accounts                                                      
    16,692       0.33       15,733       1.06       (112 )
Money market accounts                                           
    181,572       0.52       197,084       1.21       (1,446 )
Certificates of deposit                                           
    653,122       2.33       719,881       2.88       (5,566 )
Advances from the FHLB                                           
    90,656       2.50       130,423       3.21       (1,919 )
Total interest-bearing liabilities                                                      
  $ 955,076       1.94 %   $ 1,076,207       2.56 %   $ (9,074 )

Total interest expense for the year ended December 31, 2011 decreased $9.1 million or 32.9% to $18.5 million from $27.6 million in 2010.  The decline in interest expense for the year ended December 31, 2011 as compared to 2010 was primarily a result of the general decrease in interest rates which equated to a decrease in interest expense of $5.7 million.  Our overall cost of funds decreased to 1.94% for 2011 from 2.56% in 2010.  The decline in the cost of our certificates of deposit, which accounted for $5.6 million of the $9.1 million decline in total interest expense was primarily due to a decrease in the average rate paid on the certificates of deposit from 2.88% in 2010 to 2.33% in 2011 due to new and renewing certificates of deposits priced at lower interest rates.  The average balance of certificates of deposit decreased by $66.8 million to $653.1 million at December 31, 2011 from $719.9 million at December 31, 2010 accounting for $1.9 million of the decrease in interest expense on certificates of deposit.  Total average interest-bearing liabilities decreased $121.1 million to $955.1 million in 2011 as compared to $1.1 billion in 2010.  The average balance of deposits decreased $81.4 million and the average balance of advances from the FHLB decreased $39.8 million during 2011 as compared to 2010.  Our interest rate spread for 2011 was 2.78% for the twelve months ended December 31, 2011 as compared to 2.40% in 2010.  Our net interest margin increased to 3.01% in 2011 as compared to 2.70% in 2010.

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

The ALLL was $16.6 million or 2.29% of total loans outstanding, net of undisbursed funds at December 31, 2011 as compared to $22.5 million or 2.56% of total loans outstanding, net of undisbursed funds at December 31, 2010.

A provision for loan losses of $4.7 million was recorded for the year ended December 31, 2011. The comparable provision for loan losses for the year ended December 31, 2010 totaled $53.1 million.  As of December 31, 2011 nonperforming loans, net of undisbursed funds, totaled $23.7 million as compared to $62.9 million at December 31, 2010. Of our nonperforming loans, $9.2 million related to the construction/land development loan
 
 
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portfolio, primarily located in Kitsap and Whatcom counties, $9.8 million related to the one-to-four family residential loan portfolio, $3.7 million related to the commercial real estate loan portfolio and $949,000 related to the multifamily loan portfolio.  The construction/land development loans are to homebuilders whose sales have been affected by the challenging economic conditions. The decrease in the provision during 2011 was attributable to the decrease in the level of nonperforming loans, the reductions of loan charge-offs and the decrease in our total loan portfolio, in particular our construction/land development loans.

Although we believe that we used the best information available to establish the ALLL, future additions to the allowance may be necessary based on estimates that are susceptible to change as a result of changes in economic conditions and other factors.  In addition, unforeseen market conditions could result in adjustments to the ALLL and net income could be significantly affected, if circumstances differ substantially from the assumptions used in determining the allowance.

We believe that the ALLL as of December 31, 2011 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 not be proven incorrect in the future, or that the actual amount of future provisions will not exceed the amount of past provisions or that any increased provisions that may be required will not adversely impact our financial condition and results of operations.  Future additions to the allowance may become necessary based upon changing economic conditions, the level of problem loans, business conditions, credit concentrations, increased loan balances, or changes in the underlying collateral of the loan portfolio. In addition, the determination of the amount of our ALLL is subject to review by bank regulators as part of the routine examination process, which may result in the establishment of additional loss reserves or the charge-off of specific loans against established loss reserves based upon their judgment of information available to them at the time of their examination.

The following table details activity and information related to the ALLL for the years ended December 31, 2011 and 2010.  All loan balances and ratios are calculated using loan balances that are net of undisbursed funds.

   
At or For the Years Ended
 
   
December 31,
 
   
2011
   
2010
 
   
(Dollars in thousands)
 
             
Provision for loan losses
  $ 4,700     $ 53,100  
Charge-offs
    (11,025 )     (65,476 )
Recoveries
    350       1,871  
ALLL
    16,559       22,534  
ALLL as a percent of total loans
    2.29 %     2.56 %
ALLL as a percent of nonperforming loans
    69.89 %     35.80 %
Total nonperforming loans
  $ 23,692     $ 62,936  
Nonperforming loans as a percent of total loans
    3.28 %     7.14 %
Total loans receivable
  $ 721,608     $ 881,411  
Total loans originated
    31,626       59,388  
 

 
 
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Noninterest Income.  Noninterest income increased $1.5 million to $2.5 million for the year ended December 31, 2011 from the year ended December 31, 2010.  The following table provides a detailed analysis of the changes in the components of noninterest income:

   
Year Ended
December 31, 2011
   
Increase/(Decrease)
from
December 31, 2010
   
Percentage
Increase/(Decrease)
 
   
(Dollars in thousands)
 
                   
Service fees on deposit accounts
  $ 82     $ (13 )     (13.7 )%
Loan service fees                                
    194       36       22.8  
Gain on sale of investments
    2,226       1,383       164.1  
Servicing rights, net                                
    (84 )     62       42.5  
Other           
    115       24       26.4  
Total noninterest income                                           
  $ 2,533     $ 1,492       143.3 %

The increase in noninterest income for the year ended December 31, 2011 was primarily related to the increase in gains on sales of investments of $1.4 million as we improved our interest rate risk position and capitalized on favorable market conditions related to our investment portfolio.  To improve our interest rate risk position, we sold longer-term, fixed-rate, mortgage-backed securities and replaced them with shorter-term, adjustable-rate U.S. agency securities.

Noninterest Expense.  Noninterest expense decreased $4.9 million during the year ended December 31, 2011 to $26.2 million, from $31.1 million for the year ended December 31, 2010.  The following table provides a detailed analysis of the changes in the components of noninterest expense:

   
Year Ended
December 31, 2011
   
Increase/(Decrease)
from
December 31, 2010
   
Percentage
Increase/(Decrease)
 
   
(Dollars in thousands)
 
                   
Compensation and benefits
  $ 13,259     $ 912       7.4 %
Occupancy and equipment                                           
    1,555       (102 )     (6.2 )
Professional fees                                
    1,966       (182 )     (8.5 )
Data processing                                
    761       38       5.3  
Marketing                      
    205       (28 )     (12.0 )
Loss (gain) on sale of OREO
  property, net                                
    (1,561 )     1,376       743.8  
OREO market value adjustments
    1,924       (3,700 )     (65.8 )
OREO related expenses, net
    2,973       (446 )     (13.0 )
FDIC/OTS assessments                                           
    2,437       (400 )     (14.1 )
Insurance/bond premiums                                           
    990       393       65.8  
Other           
    1,649       (14 )     (0.8 )
Total noninterest expense                                           
  $ 26,158     $ (4,905 )     (15.8 )%

The decrease in noninterest expense was primarily attributable to a decrease in OREO related expenses during 2011 of $5.5 million to $3.3 million at December 31, 2011 from $8.8 million at December 31, 2010.  OREO decreased $4.1 million to $26.0 million at December 31, 2011 from $30.1 million at December 31, 2010 which contributed to the decrease in net expenses.  The increase in compensation and benefits expense was primarily related to our pension expense as a result of a lower than expected yield earned on the underlying investments in the plan and the vesting of new employees into the plan.

Federal Income Tax Expense. There was no provision for federal income taxes for the year ended December 31, 2011, a decrease of $4.0 million from the year ended December 31, 2010.  The Company’s tax
 
 
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benefits from net operating loss carryforwards offset the tax provision that would have been required.  At December 31, 2011, the remaining net operating loss carryforward totaled $11.1 million.

Comparison of Financial Condition at December 31, 2010 and December 31, 2009

General.  At December 31, 2010, total assets decreased $121.7 million to $1.2 billion from $1.3 billion at December 31, 2009.  This decrease in total assets was primarily the result of a decrease in loans receivable, net of $182.8 million offset by an increase of $67.2 million in investments available for sale.  Total liabilities decreased $67.6 million to $1.0 billion at December 31, 2010 from $1.1 billion at December 31, 2009 primarily as a result of a decrease of $19.2 million in deposits and a decrease of $46.8 million in advances from the FHLB.  Stockholders’ equity decreased $54.0 million to $174.5 million at December 31, 2010 from $228.5 million at December 31, 2009.  The decrease was primarily the result of a net loss for the year.

Assets.  The following table details the changes in the composition of our assets from December 31, 2009 to December 31, 2010.

   
Balance at
December 31, 2010
   
Increase/(Decrease)
from
 December 31, 2009
   
Percentage
Increase/(Decrease)
 
   
(Dollars in thousands)
 
                   
Cash on hand and in banks                                           
  $ 7,466     $ (1,471 )     (16.46 )%
Interest-bearing deposits                                           
    90,961       (5,072 )     (5.28 )
Investments available for sale, at fair value
    164,603       67,220       69.03  
Loans receivable, net                                           
    856,456       (182,844 )     (17.59 )
Premises and equipment, net
    19,829       244       1.25  
FHLB stock, at cost                                
    7,413       --       --  
Accrued interest receivable
    4,686       (194 )     (3.98 )
Federal income tax receivable
    5,916       (3,583 )     (37.72 )
Deferred tax assets, net                                           
    --       (12,139 )     (100.00 )
OREO                      
    30,102       18,267       154.35  
Prepaid expenses and other assets
    6,226       (2,104 )     (25.26 )
    Total assets                                
  $ 1,193,658     $ (121,676 )     (9.25 )%

Cash on hand and in banks and interest-bearing deposits decreased $6.5 million from December 31, 2009 as a result of the Bank managing its liquidity position to improve its interest rate risk and net interest margin by using excess funds to reduce its advances from the FHLB.

Loans receivable, net decreased $182.8 million to $856.5 million at December 31, 2010 compared to $1.0 billion at December 31, 2009.  Loan originations for the year ended December 31, 2010 totaled $59.4 million and included: $14.6 million in one-to-four family residential; $12.6 million for commercial real estate, $16.1 million for multifamily loans and $6.8 million in consumer loans.  Included in the one-to-four family residential loan originations were $772,000 of permanent loans where the builders have financed homes that are or will be rented by third parties.  We also originated $9.0 million in construction related loans to our merchant builders so they could continue to complete their projects and utilize their existing land inventory and $293,000 in business loans.

Our investments available for sale increased $67.2 million or 69.0% to $164.6 million at December 31, 2010 from $97.4 million at December 31, 2009 as we deployed excess liquidity into investments as there was weak demand for loans to creditworthy borrowers in our market area. During the year ended December 31, 2010, we sold $24.2 million of investments.  Gross proceeds from the sales were $25.1 million with net gains of $843,000.  For the year ended December 31, 2010, we purchased $130.6 million of principally Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac fixed-rate, mortgage-backed securities to utilize our excess liquidity.

 
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Our nonperforming loans decreased to $62.9 million at December 31, 2010 from $120.7 million at December 31, 2009.  As a percentage of our total loan portfolio, net of undisbursed funds, the amount of nonperforming loans was 7.14% and 11.23% at December 31, 2010 and 2009, respectively.  The following table presents a breakdown of our nonperforming assets:

         
Amount of
   
Percent of
 
   
December 31,
   
Increase/
   
Increase/
 
   
2010
   
2009
   
(Decrease)
   
(Decrease)
 
   
(Dollars in thousands)
 
Nonperforming loans:
                       
   One-to-four family residential (1)
  $ 22,688     $ 36,874     $ (14,186 )     (38.47 )%
   Commercial real estate
    7,306       11,535       (4,229 )     (36.66 )
   Construction/land development
    32,885       71,780       (38,895 )     (54.19 )
   Consumer
    57       514       (457 )     (88.91 )
Total nonperforming loans
    62,936       120,703       (57,767 )     (47.86 )
                                 
OREO
    30,102       11,835       18,267       154.35  
                                 
Total nonperforming assets
  $ 93,038     $ 132,538     $ (39,500 )     (29.80 )%
___________
(1)   The majority of these loans are related to our merchant builders-rental properties.

The undisbursed funds related to our nonperforming loans totaled $1.1 million.  The foregone interest during the year ended December 31, 2010 relating to all nonperforming loans, totaled $6.1 million.  We continued to implement our strategy implemented during the latter part of 2009, when we hired experienced professionals to form a special assets team whose primary focus was on the prompt and effective management of our troubled, nonperforming assets and to expedite their disposition and minimize any losses.  This strategy changed our long-standing practice of promoting builder-partnering solutions as opposed to that of Bank-directed solutions which included foreclosures, short-sales and accepting deeds in lieu of foreclosure.  This approach has resulted in First Savings Bank foreclosing or accepting deeds in lieu of foreclosure on $50.2 million of real estate during 2010 compared to $11.8 million during 2009.

Deposits.  During the year ended December 31, 2010, deposits decreased $19.2 million to $920.2 million at December 31, 2010.  The decrease in deposits was primarily the result of our strategy to reduce the level of deposits we accept from municipalities and other government related entities due to the higher cost of maintaining these accounts.  We experienced increases in our noninterest bearing accounts of $5.4 million and NOW accounts of $718,000, which were offset by decreases in certificates of deposit accounts of $25.0 million; savings accounts of $36,000 and money market accounts of $333,000.  We did not have any brokered deposits at December 31, 2010 and 2009.

    Advances. We use advances from the FHLB as an alternative funding source to deposits to manage funding costs, reduce interest rate risk and to leverage our balance sheet.  Total advances at December 31, 2010 were $93.1 million, a decrease of $46.8 million, or 33.5% from $139.9 million at December 31, 2009. The decrease in advances was related to the excess liquidity generated from a decrease in loans receivable, net being utilized to repay some of our advances to manage our funding costs.

Stockholders’ Equity.  Total stockholders’ equity decreased $54.0 million or 23.6%, to $174.5 million at December 31, 2010 from $228.5 million at December 31, 2009.  The decrease was primarily a result of the net loss of $54.1 million, during the year ended December 31, 2010.

 
 

 

Comparison of Operating Results for the Years Ended December 31, 2010 and December 31, 2009

General.  Our net loss for the year ended December 31, 2010 was $54.1 million, compared to a net loss of $40.7 million for the prior year.  The $13.4 million increase in our net loss was primarily the result of a $1.8 million  increase in the provision for loan losses, a $16.5 million increase in our provision for federal income taxes and a $991,000 decrease in noninterest income offset by an increase of $1.9 million in net interest income and a $4.0 million decrease in noninterest expense.

Net Interest Income.  Net interest income in 2010 was $33.0 million, a 6.0% increase from $31.1 million in 2009, as a result of the changes in interest income and interest expense as detailed below.

Interest Income.  Total interest income decreased $4.5 million to $60.5 million for the year ended December 31, 2010 from $65.0 million for the year ended December 31, 2009.  The following table compares detailed average interest-earning asset balances, associated yields and resulting changes in interest income for the years ended December 31, 2010 and 2009:

   
Years Ended December 31,
 
   
2010
   
2009
    Increase/  
   
Average
Balance
   
Yield
   
Average
Balance
   
Yield
   
(Decrease) in
Interest and
Dividend
Income
 
   
(Dollars in thousands)
 
                               
Loans receivable, net                                           
  $ 971,778       5.74 %   $ 1,042,086       5.60 %   $ (2,549 )
Investments available for sale                                                      
    130,622       3.43       154,691       4.27       (2,114 )
Federal funds sold and interest-bearing
                                       
  deposits                      
    110,117       0.25       43,702       0.23       174  
FHLB stock                      
    7,413       --       7,413       --       --  
Total interest-earning assets                                                      
  $ 1,219,930       4.96 %   $ 1,247,892       5.21 %   $ (4,489 )

The decline in interest income for 2010 as compared to 2009 was a result of the decrease in yield on interest-earning assets of 25 basis points or a $276,000 decline in interest income.  The yield on average interest-earning assets declined to 4.96% for the year ended December 31, 2010 from 5.21% for 2009 reflecting both the general decline in interest rates and foregone interest as a result of nonperforming assets during 2010.  The yield on net loans receivable increased to 5.74% for the year ended December 31, 2010 from 5.60% in 2009, an increase of 14 basis points, or $1.3 million net of $6.1 million of foregone interest.  The yield on investments available for sale decreased 84 basis points to 3.43%, or $1.1 million from the same time period in 2009.  The decline in interest income for the year was also the result of an additional $3.9 million decrease in interest income due to the reduction in the average net loan portfolio balance of $70.3 million for the year ended December 31, 2010 as compared to 2009.  The average net loan portfolio balance for the year ended December 31, 2010 was $971.8 million as compared to $1.0 billion for 2009.  Interest income was negatively impacted by $1.0 million due to the decrease in the average investments balance of $24.1 million to $130.6 million for the year ended December 31, 2010 from $154.7 million for the year ended December 31, 2009.

 
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Interest Expense.  Total interest expense for the year ended December 31, 2010 was $27.6 million, a decrease of $6.4 million from the prior year.  The following table details average balances, cost of funds and the resulting decrease in interest expense for the years ended December 31, 2010 and 2009:

   
Years Ended December 31,
 
   
2010
   
2009
    Increase/  
   
Average
Balance
   
Cost
   
Average
Balance
   
Cost
   
(Decrease) in
Interest
Expense
 
   
(Dollars in thousands)
 
                               
NOW accounts                                
  $ 13,086       0.41 %   $ 11,299       0.68 %   $ (24 )
Statement savings accounts                                                      
    15,733       1.06       14,029       1.58       (54 )
Money market accounts                                           
    197,084       1.21       166,543       1.81       (634 )
Certificates of deposit                                           
    719,881       2.88       672,780       3.79       (4,724 )
Advances from the FHLB                                           
    130,423       3.21       147,314       3.47       (918 )
Total interest-bearing liabilities                                                      
  $ 1,076,207       2.56 %   $ 1,011,965       3.35 %   $ (6,354 )

Total interest expense for the year ended December 31, 2010 decreased $6.4 million or 18.7% to $27.6 million from $33.9 million in 2009.  The decline in interest expense for the year ended December 31, 2010 as compared to 2009 was primarily a result of the general decrease in interest rates which equated to a decrease in interest expense of $8.1 million.  Our overall cost of funds decreased to 2.56% for 2010 from 3.35% in 2009.  The cost of our certificates of deposit, which accounted for the majority of the decline in interest expense, decreased from 3.79% in 2009 to 2.88% in 2010, resulting in a $6.5 million savings.  The costs associated with the increase in the average balance of our interest-bearing liabilities of $1.8 million partially offset the $8.1 million decline in interest expense due to the decrease in interest rates.  Total average interest-bearing liabilities increased $64.2 million to $1.1 billion in 2010 as compared to $1.0 billion in 2009.  The balance of average deposits increased $81.1 million and the average balance of advances from the FHLB decreased $16.9 million during 2010 as compared to 2009.  Our interest rate spread for 2010 was 2.40% for the twelve months ended December 31, 2010 as compared to 1.86% in 2009.  Our net interest margin increased to 2.70% in 2010 as compared to 2.49% in 2009.  Both our interest rate spread and our net interest margin were reduced during 2010 by foregone interest and $105.7 million of average nonperforming loans which are included in interest-earning assets.

Provision for Loan Losses.  A provision for loan losses of $53.1 million was recorded for the year ended December 31, 2010. The comparable provision for loan losses for the year ended December 31, 2009 totaled $51.3 million.  As of December 31, 2010 nonperforming loans, net of undisbursed funds, totaled $62.9 million as compared to $120.7 million at December 31, 2009. Of our nonperforming loans, $32.9 million related to the construction/land development loan portfolio, primarily located in King and Pierce counties, $22.7 million related to the one-to-four family loan portfolio and $7.3 million relate to the commercial real estate loan portfolio.  The construction/land development loans are to homebuilders whose sales have been affected by the challenging economic conditions. The majority of the one-to-four family residential loans are related to our merchant builder rental properties.  The increase in the provision was attributable to the level of nonperforming loans, the continued depressed real estate values, the uncertain economic environment in our market area, the FDIC liquidations of financial institutions in the Pacific Northwest and the effect it has had on our market area, the level of charge-offs during 2010 and the increase in the number of requests for loan modifications.

 
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The allowance for loan losses was $22.5 million or 2.56% of total loans outstanding, net of undisbursed funds at December 31, 2010 as compared to $33.0 million or 3.07% of total loans outstanding, net of undisbursed funds at December 31, 2009.  The following table details activity and information related to the allowance for loan losses for the years ended December 31, 2010 and 2009.  All loan balances and ratios are calculated using loan balances that are net of undisbursed funds.

   
At or For the Years Ended
 
   
December 31,
 
   
2010
   
2009
 
   
(Dollars in thousands)
 
             
Provision for loan losses
  $ 53,100     $ 51,300  
Charge-offs
    (65,476 )     (35,302 )
Recoveries
    1,871       59  
ALLL
    22,534       33,039  
ALLL as a percent of total loans
    2.56 %     3.07 %
ALLL as a percent of nonperforming loans
    35.80 %     27.37 %
Total nonperforming loans
  $ 62,936     $ 120,703  
Nonperforming loans as a percent of total loans
    7.14 %     11.23 %
Total loans receivable
  $ 881,411     $ 1,075,277  
Total loans originated
    59,388       206,540  

Noninterest Income.  Noninterest income decreased $991,000 to $1.0 million  for the year ended December 31, 2010 from the year ended December 31, 2009.  The following table provides a detailed analysis of the changes in the components of noninterest income:

   
Year Ended
December 31, 2010
   
Increase/(Decrease)
from
December 31, 2009
   
Percentage
Increase/(Decrease)
 
   
(Dollars in thousands)
 
                   
Service fees on deposit accounts
  $ 95     $ 3       3.26 %
Loan service fees                                
    158       (128 )     (44.76 )
Gain on sale of investments
    843       (1,111 )     (56.86 )
Other-than-temporary impairment
                       
  on investments                                
    --       152       (100.00 )
Servicing rights, net                                
    (146 )     77       (34.53 )
Other           
    91       16       21.33  
Total noninterest income                                           
  $ 1,041     $ (991 )     (48.77 )%

The decrease in noninterest income for the year ended December 31, 2010 was primarily related to the decrease in gains on sales of investments of $1.1 million as a result of fewer sales during 2010.

 
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Noninterest Expense.  Noninterest expense decreased $4.0 million during the year ended December 31, 2010 to $31.1 million, from $35.1 million for the year ended December 31, 2009.  The following table provides a detailed analysis of the changes in the components of noninterest expense:

   
Year Ended
December 31, 2010
   
Increase/(Decrease)
from
December 31, 2009
   
Percentage
Increase/(Decrease)
 
   
(Dollars in thousands)
 
                   
Compensation and benefits
  $ 12,347     $ 617       5.26 %
Occupancy and equipment                                           
    1,657       (649 )     (28.14 )
Professional fees                                
    2,148       736       52.12  
Data processing                                
    723       89       14.04  
Marketing                      
    233       (24 )     (9.34 )
Office supplies and postage
    219       12       5.80  
Loss (gain) on sale of OREO property, net
    (185 )     (185 )     100.00  
OREO market value adjustments
    5,624       5,624       100.00  
OREO related expenses, net
    3,419       3,164       1,240.78  
FDIC/OTS assessments                                           
    2,837       556       24.38  
Goodwill impairment                                           
    --       (14,206 )     (100.00 )
Bank and ATM charges                                           
    133       (10 )     (6.99 )
Insurance/Bond premiums                                           
    597       526       740.85  
Other           
    1,311       (254 )     (16.23 )
Total noninterest expense                                           
  $ 31,063     $ (4,004 )     (11.42 )%

The decrease in noninterest expense was primarily attributable to a $14.2 million decrease in goodwill impairment as a result of a one-time charge taken in 2009 with no comparable charge in 2010, offset by an increase of $8.6 million in OREO related expenses during 2010.  OREO related expenses increased as a result of the increase in OREO property inventory from $11.8 million at December 31, 2009 to $30.1 million at December 31, 2010.

Federal Income Tax Expense.  Federal income tax expense increased $16.5 million resulting from a federal income tax expense of $4.0 million incurred during the year ended December 31, 2010 as compared to an income tax benefit of $12.5 million for the comparable period in 2009.  The increase was due to having a full valuation allowance on the deferred tax assets.

Average Balances, Interest and Average Yields/Cost

The following table sets forth information, for the periods indicated, regarding average balances of assets and liabilities as well as the total dollar amounts of interest income from average interest-earning assets and interest expense on average interest-bearing liabilities, resultant yields, interest rate spreads, net interest margins and the ratio of average interest-earning assets to average interest-bearing liabilities.  Average balances have been calculated using the average daily balances during the period.  Interest and dividends are not reported on a tax equivalent basis.

 
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Years Ended December 31,
 
   
2011
   
2010
   
2009
 
   
 
Average
Balance (1)
   
Interest
and
 Dividends
   
 
Yield/
Cost
   
 
Average
Balance (1)
   
Interest
and
Dividends
   
 
Yield/
Cost
   
 
Average
Balance (1)
   
Interest
and
 Dividends
   
 
Yield/
Cost
 
   
(Dollars in thousands)
 
                                                       
Interest-earning assets:
                                                     
  Loans receivable, net (1)
  $ 767,575     $ 46,608       6.07 %   $ 971,778     $ 55,783       5.74 %   $ 1,042,086     $ 58,332       5.60 %
  Investment securities
     available for sale                                
    146,227       4,040       2.76       130,622       4,485       3.43       154,691       6,599       4.27  
  Federal funds sold
    and interest-bearing deposits
    161,208       404       0.25       110,117       276       0.25       43,702       102       0.23  
  FHLB stock                                
    7,413       --       --       7,413       --       --       7,413       --       --  
      Total interest- earning assets
    1,082,423       51,052       4.72 %     1,219,930       60,544       4.96 %     1,247,892       65,033       5.21  
                                                                         
Noninterest earning assets
    66,450                       73,702                       46,810                  
                                                                         
  Total average assets
  $ 1,148,873                     $ 1,293,632                     $ 1,294,702                  
                                                                         
Interest-bearing liabilities:
                                                                       
  NOW accounts                                
  $ 13,034     $ 22       0.17 %   $ 13,086     $ 53       0.41 %   $ 11,299     $ 77       0.68 %
  Statement savings accounts
    16,692       55       0.33       15,733       167       1.06       14,029       221       1.58  
  Money market accounts
    181,572       938       0.52       197,084       2,384       1.21       166,543       3,018       1.81  
  Certificates of deposit
    653,122       15,200       2.33       719,881       20,766       2.88       672,780       25,490       3.79  
    Total deposits                                
    864,420       16,215       1.88       945,784       23,370       2.47       864,651       28,806       3.33  
                                                                         
Advances from the FHLB
    90,656       2,270       2.50       130,423       4,189       3.21       147,314       5,107       3.47  
                                                                         
    Total interest-bearing liabilities
    955,076       18,485       1.94       1,076,207       27,559       2.56       1,011,965       33,913       3.35  
                                                                         
Noninterest-bearing liabilities
    14,208                       13,806                       14,502                  
                                                                         
Average equity                                
    179,589                       203,619                       268,235                  
                                                                         
  Total average liabilities and
     equity                      
  $ 1,148,873                     $ 1,293,632                     $ 1,294,702                  
                                                                         
Net interest income                                
          $ 32,567                     $ 32,985                     $ 31,120          
Interest rate spread                                
                    2.78 %                     2.40 %                     1.86 %
Net interest margin                                
                    3.01 %                     2.70 %                     2.49 %
Ratio of average interest-
                                                                       
  earning assets to average
                                                                       
  interest-bearing liabilities
    113.33 %                     113.35 %                     123.31 %                
___________________
(1)      The average loans receivable, net balances inlcude nonaccruing loans.

 
 
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Yields Earned and Rates Paid

The following table sets forth for the periods and at the dates indicated, the weighted-average yields earned on our assets, the weighted-average interest rates paid on our liabilities, together with the net yield on interest-earning assets.

   
At
             
   
December 31,
   
Years Ended December 31,
 
   
2011
   
2011
   
2010
   
2009
 
Weighted-average yield on:
                       
  Loans receivable, net                                           
    6.03 %     6.07 %     5.74 %     5.60 %
  Investment securities available for sale                                                                
    2.20       2.76       3.43       4.27  
  FHLB stock                                
    --       --       --       --  
  Federal funds sold and interest-
                               
    bearing deposits                                
    0.25       0.25       0.25       0.23  
    Total interest-earning assets                                                      
    4.57       4.72       4.96       5.21  
                                 
Weighted-average rate paid on:
                               
  NOW accounts                                
    0.14       0.17       0.41       0.68  
  Statement savings accounts                                                      
    0.20       0.33       1.06       1.58  
  Money market accounts                                           
    0.34       0.52       1.21       1.81  
  Certificates of deposit                                           
    2.06       2.33       2.88       3.79  
    Total average deposits                                           
    1.58       1.88       2.47       3.33  
  Advances from the FHLB                                                      
    2.47       2.50       3.21       3.47  
    Total interest-bearing liabilities                                                                
    1.67       1.94       2.56       3.35  
                                 
Interest rate spread                                
    2.90       2.78       2.40       1.86  
                                 
Net interest margin                                
    N/A       3.01       2.70       2.49  


 
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Rate/Volume Analysis

The following table sets forth the effects of changing rates and volumes on our net interest income.  Information is provided with respect to: (1) effects on interest income attributable to changes in volume (changes in volume multiplied by prior rate); and (2) effects on interest income attributable to changes in rate (changes in rate multiplied by prior volume).  Changes in rate/volume are allocated proportionately to the changes in rate and volume.

             
   
Year Ended December 31, 2011
   
Year Ended December 31, 2010
 
   
Compared to December 31, 2010
   
Compared to December 31, 2009
 
   
Increase (Decrease) Due to
   
Increase (Decrease) Due to
 
   
Rate
   
Volume
   
Total
   
Rate
   
Volume
   
Total
 
   
(In thousands)
 
Interest-earnings assets:                                    
  Loans receivable, net                                           
  $ 2,529     $ (11,704 )   $ (9,175 )   $ 1,346     $ (3,895 )   $ (2,549 )
  Investment securities available
                                               
     for sale                      
    (981 )     536       (445 )     (1,092 )     (1,022 )     (2,114 )
  Interest- bearing deposits with banks
    --       128       128       22       152       174  
 
                                               
Total net change in income on
                                               
  interest-earning assets                                           
    1,548       (11,040 )     (9,492 )     276       (4,765 )     (4,489 )
                                                 
Interest-bearing liabilities:
                                               
  NOW accounts                                
    (31 )     --       (31 )     (37 )     13       (24 )
  Statement savings accounts
    (122 )     10       (112 )     (80 )     26       (54 )
  Money market accounts                                           
    (1,258 )     (188 )     (1,446 )     (1,191 )     557       (634 )
  Certificates of deposit                                           
    (3,626 )     (1,940 )     (5,566 )     (6,493 )     1,769       (4,724 )
  Advances from the FHLB 
    (643 )     (1,276 )     (1,919 )     (336 )     (582 )     (918 )
                                                 
Total net change in expense on
                                               
  interest-bearing liabilities                                           
    (5,680 )     (3,394 )     (9,074 )     (8,137 )     1,783       (6,354 )
                                                 
Net change in net interest income
  $ 7,228     $ (7,646 )   $ (418 )   $ 8,413     $ (6,548 )   $ 1,865  


Asset and Liability Management and Market Risk

General.  Our Board of Directors has established an asset/liability management policy to guide management in maximizing net interest rate spread by managing the differences in terms between interest-earning assets and interest-bearing liabilities while maintaining acceptable levels of liquidity, capital adequacy, interest rate sensitivity, credit risk and profitability.  The policy includes the use of an Asset/Liability Management Committee comprised of certain members of senior management.  The Committee’s purpose is to communicate, coordinate and manage our asset/liability position consistent with our business plan and Board-approved policies.  The Asset/Liability Management Committee meets quarterly to review various areas including:

 
economic conditions;

 
interest rate outlook;

 
asset/liability mix;

 
interest rate risk sensitivity;
 
 
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current market opportunities to promote specific products;

 
historical financial results;

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

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.

How We Measure the Risk of Interest Rate Changes. We monitor First Savings Bank’s interest rate sensitivity on a quarterly basis to measure the change in net interest income as a percentage of net income in varying rate environments.  Management uses various assumptions to evaluate the sensitivity of our operations to changes in interest rates.  Although management believes these assumptions are reasonable, the interest rate sensitivity of our assets and liabilities on net interest income and the market value of portfolio equity could vary substantially if different assumptions were used or actual experience differs from these assumptions.  Although certain assets and liabilities may have similar maturities or periods of repricing, they may react differently to changes in market interest rates.  The interest rates on certain types of assets and liabilities may fluctuate in advance of changes in market interest rates, while interest rates on other types of assets and liabilities lag behind changes in market interest rates.  Non-uniform changes and fluctuations in market interest rates across various maturities will also affect the results presented.  In addition, certain assets, such as adjustable-rate mortgage loans, have features which restrict changes in interest rates on a short-term basis and over the life of the asset.  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, prepayments, deposit decay rates and the market value of certain assets under the various interest rate scenarios.  We use market data to determine prepayments and maturities of loans, investments and borrowings and use our own assumptions on deposit decay rates except for time deposits.  Time deposits are modeled to reprice to market rates upon their stated maturities.  We also assume that non-maturity deposits can be maintained with rate adjustments not directly proportionate to the change in market interest rates, based upon our historical deposit decay rates which are substantially lower than
 
 
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market decay rates.  We have demonstrated in the past that the tiering structure of our deposit accounts during changing rate environments results in relatively lower volatility and less than market rate changes in our interest expense for deposits.  We tier our deposit accounts by balance and rate, whereby higher balances within an account earn higher rates of interest.  Therefore, deposits that are not very rate sensitive (generally, lower balance tiers) are separated from deposits that are rate sensitive (generally, higher balance tiers). When interest rates rise, we do not have to raise interest rates proportionately on less rate sensitive accounts to retain these deposits.  These assumptions are based upon our analysis of our customer base, competitive factors and historical experience.

Our income simulation model examines changes in net interest income in which interest rates were assumed to remain at their base level, gradually increase by 100, 200 and 300 basis points over a 12 month period, or decline assuming a gradual 100 basis point reduction in rates.  Reductions of rates by 200 and 300 basis points were not reported due to the very low rate environment.  The current federal funds rate is 0.25% making a 200 and 300 basis point decrease impossible.

The following table illustrates the change in our net interest income at December 31, 2011 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.

December 31, 2011
 
Net Interest Income Change
 
Basis Point
     
Change in Rates
 
% Change
 
       
+300     9.71 %
+200     7.67  
+100     5.52  
Base
    2.19  
(100)     0.41  

The following table illustrates the change in our net portfolio value (“NPV”) at December 31, 2011 that would occur in the event of an immediate change in interest rates equally across all maturities, with no effect given to any steps that we might take to counter the effect of that interest rate movement.

         
Net Portfolio as % of
       
Basis Point
 
Net Portfolio Value (2)
   
Portfolio Value of Assets
   
Market Value
 
Change in Rates (1)
 
Amount
   
$ Change (3)
   
% Change
   
NPV Ratio (4)
   
% Change (5)
   
of Assets (6)
 
   
(Dollars in thousands)
   
                                     
+300   $ 167,655     $ (47,321 )     (22.01 )%     16.40 %     (4.29 )%   $ 1,022,126  
+200     184,613       (30,363 )     (14.12 )     17.60       (2.76 )     1,048,775  
+100     201,989       (12,987 )     (6.04 )     18.76       (1.18 )     1,076,853  
Base
    214,976       --       --       19.51       --       1,102,075  
(100)     222,987       8,011       3.73       19.94       0.73       1,118,471  
__________
(1)
The current federal funds rate is 0.25%, making a 200 and 300 basis point decline in rates impossible.
(2)
The net portfolio value is the difference between the present value of the discounted cash flows of assets and liabilities and represents the market value of the Company’s equity for any given interest rate scenario.  Net portfolio value is useful for determining, on a market basis, how equity changes in response to various interest rate scenarios.  Large changes in net portfolio value reflect increased interest rate sensitivity and generally more volatile earnings streams.
(3)
The increase or decrease (change) in the estimated net portfolio value at the indicated change in interest rates compared to the net portfolio value assuming no change in interest rates.
(4)
Net portfolio value divided by the market value of assets.
(5)
The increase or decrease (change) in the net portfolio value divided by the market value of assets (base case).
(6)
The market value of assets under the various interest rate scenarios.  This value is derived from the simulation model and reflects the sensitivity of those assets to interest rate changes.
 
 
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When interest rates rise by 100, 200 or 300 basis points, our net interest income initially increases because a significant portion (about 29%) of our interest-earning assets are based on indices that adjust frequently to changes in market interest rates.  Our interest-earning assets are primarily fixed-rate, intermediate-term and long-term loans, and to a less extent cash, investment securities and loans with yields based on market indexes.  An increasing percentage of our interest-bearing liabilities are relatively short-term deposits or FHLB borrowings.  Deposits comprise the majority and their repricing is dependent upon management’s response to increasing interest rates or, in the case of certificates of deposit, the contractual maturity of the deposit instrument.
 
When interest rates rise by 100, 200 or 300 basis points, our net portfolio value of equity declines.  The decrease is primarily due to the impact of increasing interest rates on our loan portfolio which loses value in rising rate environments because of its predominately long-term, fixed-rate nature. Typically during a rising interest rate environment, interest-bearing deposits reprice more rapidly than our interest-earning assets.  During 2011, we increased our holdings of cash and remixed our investment security portfolio by selling fixed-rate investments and purchasing adjustable-rate investments, both of which had the benefit of increasing our interest-earning assets sensitivity to changes in market interest rates.

When interest rates decline by 100 basis points, our net interest income increases slightly because our loan portfolio is primarily fixed-rate and does not reprice lower.  Both cash and nonmaturity deposits reprice immediately but offset each other.  A significant portion of our interest-bearing liabilities are certificates of deposit, which will reprice over the next twelve months.

When interest rates decline by 100 basis points, our net portfolio value of equity would increase modestly.  The increase is primarily due to the fixed-rate nature of our loan portfolio whose value appreciates in declining rate environments because the discounted present value increases as market rates decline.

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, for purposes of simplifying the analysis, assumes that delinquency rates would not change as a result of changes in interest rates, although there can be no assurance that this will be the case.  Delinquency rates may change when interest rates change; as a result of changes in the loan portfolio mix, underwriting conditions, loan terms or changes in economic conditions that have a delayed effect on the portfolio.  The model we use does not change the delinquency rate for the various interest rate scenarios.  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.

Liquidity

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

Our primary sources of funds are customer deposits, loan and investment repayments, maturing investment securities and advances from the FHLB.  These funds, together with equity, are used to make loans, acquire investment securities and other assets, and fund continuing operations.  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 believe that our current liquidity position, and our forecasted operating results are sufficient to fund all of our existing commitments.
 
 
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Liquidity management is both a daily and long-term function of business management.  Excess liquidity is generally invested in short-term investments such as overnight deposits or agency or mortgage-backed securities.  On a longer term basis, we maintain a strategy of investing in various lending products as described in greater detail under “Item 1. Business – Lending Activities.”  At December 31, 2011, the total approved loan origination commitments outstanding amounted to $1.9 million.  At the same date, the undisbursed portion of construction loans in process totaled $1.4 million and unused lines of credit were $8.7 million.  We use our sources of funds primarily to meet ongoing commitments, to pay maturing certificates of deposit and savings withdrawals, to fund loan commitments and to maintain our portfolio of investment securities.  Certificates of deposit scheduled to mature in one year or less at December 31, 2011 totaled $296.3 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 and as a result of a lack of loan demand from creditworthy borrowers.  Based on historical experience, we believe that a significant portion of maturing deposits will remain with First Savings Bank.  In addition, we had the ability at December 31, 2011 to borrow an additional $30.0 million from the FHLB and $10.0 million from an unused line of credit with another financial institution as funding sources to meet commitments and for liquidity purposes.  Effective February 27, 2012, the FHLB increased our line of credit to 25% of assets from 10% at December 31, 2011.  See the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows in Item 8 of this report for further details on our cash flow activities.

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.

Our primary source of funds is our deposits.  When deposits are not available 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.  We may also liquidate assets to meet our funding needs.

On a monthly basis, we estimate our liquidity sources and needs for the next twelve months.  Also, we determine funding concentrations and our need for sources of funds other than deposits.  This information is used by our Asset/Liability Management Committee in forecasting funding needs and investing opportunities.

Capital

Our total stockholders’ equity was $181.3 million at December 31, 2011.  Consistent with our goal to operate a sound and profitable financial organization we will actively seek to maintain a “well capitalized” institution in accordance with regulatory standards.  As of December 31, 2011, First Savings Bank exceeded all regulatory capital requirements.  Regulatory capital ratios for First Savings Bank were as follows as of December 31, 2011: Total capital to risk-weighted assets was 24.76% (as compared to the 12% required under the Order); Tier I capital to risk-weighted assets was 23.49%; and Tier I capital to average assets was 13.54% (as compared to the 10% required under the Order).  The regulatory capital requirements to be considered well capitalized are 10%, 6% and 5%, respectively. First Savings Bank met the financial ratios for “well-capitalized” status at December 31, 2011, based on the general percentages in the regulatory guidelines, however, First Savings Bank is no longer regarded as well-capitalized for federal regulatory purposes as a result of the deficiencies cited in the Order.  See “Item 1, Business – How We Are Regulated – Regulation and Supervision of First Savings Bank – Capital Requirements.”

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 statements of financial condition.  Commitments to extend credit and lines of credit are not recorded as an asset or liability by us until the instrument is exercised.  At December 31, 2011 and 2010, we had no commitments to originate loans for sale.
 
 
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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 collateral obtained, if deemed necessary by us upon extension of credit, is based on our credit evaluation of the customer.  The amount and type of collateral required varies, but may include real estate and income-producing commercial properties.

The following table summarizes our outstanding commitments to originate loans, to advance additional amounts pursuant to outstanding lines of credit and to disburse funds related to our construction loans at December 31, 2011.

         
Amount of Commitment Expiration - Per Period
 
   
Total
Amounts
Committed
   
Through
One Year
   
After
One
Through
Three
Years
   
After
Three
Through
Five
Years
   
After
Five
 Years
 
   
(In thousands)
 
Commitments to originate loans                                                      
  $ 1,872     $ 1,872     $ --     $ --     $ --  
Unused portion of lines of credit                                                      
  8,662       626       2,622       371       5,043  
Undisbursed portion of construction loans
    1,372       872       --       500       --  
       Total commitments                                           
  $ 11,906     $ 3,370     $ 2,622     $ 871     $ 5,043  

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

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

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

The following table presents a summary of significant contractual obligations as of December 31, 2011, maturing as indicated:

   
Less Than
   
One to Three
   
Three to
   
More Than
       
   
One Year
   
Years
   
Five Years
   
Five Years
   
Total
 
   
(In thousands)
 
                               
Deposits (1)
  $ 514,881     $ 244,840     $ 28,839     $ 105     $ 788,665  
Term debt
    --       79,900       3,166       --       83,066  
Other long-term liabilities (2)
    421       842       842       183       2,288  
     Total contractual obligations
  $ 515,302     $ 325,582     $ 32,847     $ 288     $ 874,019  
___________
(1)
Deposit accounts with indeterminate maturities, such as noninterest bearing, NOW, savings and money market accounts are reflected as obligations due in less than one year.
 
(footnotes continue on following page)
 
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(2)
Includes maximum payments related to employee benefit plans, assuming all future vesting conditions are met.  Additional information about employee benefit plans is provided in “Item 8.  Financial Statements and Supplementary Data, Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements, Note 11 Benefit Plans.”

Impact of Inflation

The Consolidated Financial Statements and related financial data presented herein have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.  These principles generally require the measurement of financial position and operating results in terms of historical dollars, without considering changes in the relative purchasing power of money over time due to inflation.

Unlike most industrial companies, virtually all the assets and liabilities of a financial institution are monetary in nature.  The primary impact of inflation is reflected in the increased cost of our operations.  As a result, interest rates generally have a more significant impact on a financial institution’s performance than do general levels of inflation.  Interest rates do not necessarily move in the same direction or to the same extent as the prices of goods and services.  In a period of rapidly rising interest rates, the liquidity and maturity structures of our assets and liabilities are critical to the maintenance of acceptable performance levels.

The principal effect of inflation on earnings, as distinct from levels of interest rates, is in the area of noninterest expense.  Expense items such as employee compensation, employee benefits and occupancy and equipment costs may be subject to increases as a result of inflation.  An additional effect of inflation is the possible increase in dollar value of the collateral securing loans that we have made.  Our management is unable to determine the extent, if any, to which properties securing loans have appreciated in dollar value due to inflation.

Recent Accounting Pronouncements

See “Item 8.  Financial Statements and Supplementary Data, Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements, Note 1 Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements.”

Item 7A.  Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk

The information contained under “Item 7.  Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations – Asset and Liability Management and Market Risk” of this Form 10-K is incorporated herein by reference.

Item 8.     Financial Statements and Supplementary Data

Index to Consolidated Financial Statements
 
Page
   
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
  86
Consolidated Balance Sheets as of December 31, 2011 and 2010
  87
Consolidated Statements of Income for the Years Ended
     December 31, 2011, 2010 and 2009
  88
Consolidated Statements of Stockholders’ Equity and Comprehensive Income (Loss) for the
     Years Ended December 31, 2011, 2010 and 2009
  89
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows For the Years Ended
     December 31, 2011, 2010 and 2009
  90
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
  92


 
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Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
 

 
 
The Board of Directors and Stockholders
First Financial Northwest, Inc.

We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of First Financial Northwest, Inc. and subsidiaries (the Company) as of December 31, 2011 and 2010, and the related consolidated statements of income, stockholders' equity and comprehensive income (loss), and cash flows for each of the years for the three year period ended December 31, 2011. We also have audited the Company’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2011, based on criteria established in Internal Control - Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO). The Company’s management is responsible for these financial statements, for maintaining effective internal control over financial reporting, and for its assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting, included in the accompanying Management’s Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements and an opinion on the Company's internal control over financial reporting based on our audits. 

We conducted our audits in accordance with standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audits to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement and whether effective internal control over financial reporting was maintained in all material respects. Our audits of the consolidated financial statements included examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements, assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation.  Our audit of internal control over financial reporting included obtaining an understanding of internal control over financial reporting, assessing the risk that a material weakness exists, and testing and evaluating the design and operating effectiveness of internal control based on the assessed risks.  Our audits also included performing such other procedures as we considered necessary in the circumstances. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinions.

A company's internal control over financial reporting is a process designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. A company's internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that (1) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of the company; (2) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and that receipts and expenditures of the company are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors of the company; and (3) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use, or disposition of the company's assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements.

Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.

In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the consolidated financial position of First Financial Northwest, Inc. and subsidiaries as of December 31, 2011 and 2010, and the results of their operations and their cash flows for each of the years in the three year period ended December 31, 2011, in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. Also in our opinion, First Financial Northwest, Inc. and subsidiaries maintained, in all material respects, effective internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2011, based on criteria established in Internal Control - Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO).

 
/s/ Moss Adams LLP
 
Everett, Washington
March 9, 2012
 
 
 
86

 

 
FIRST FINANCIAL NORTHWEST, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
Consolidated Balance Sheets
 
(Dollars in thousands, except share data)
 
             
   
December 31,
 
Assets
 
2011
   
2010
 
             
Cash on hand and in banks
  $ 4,620     $ 7,466  
Interest-bearing deposits
    160,141       90,961  
Investments available-for-sale, at fair value
    129,002       164,603  
Loans receivable, net of allowance of $16,559 and $22,534
    703,288       856,456  
Premises and equipment, net
    18,922       19,829  
Federal Home Loan Bank stock, at cost
    7,413       7,413  
Accrued interest receivable
    3,856       4,686  
Federal income tax receivable
    1,060       5,916  
Other real estate owned ("OREO")
    26,044       30,102  
Prepaid expenses and other assets
    5,044       6,226  
Total assets
  $ 1,059,390     $ 1,193,658  
                 
Liabilities and Stockholders' Equity
               
                 
Interest-bearing deposits
  $ 782,652     $ 911,526  
Noninterest-bearing deposits
    6,013       8,700  
Advances from the Federal Home Loan Bank
    83,066       93,066  
Advance payments from borrowers for taxes and insurance
    2,093       2,256  
Accrued interest payable
    184       214  
Other liabilities
    4,062       3,418  
Total liabilities
    878,070       1,019,180  
                 
                  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 18,805,168 shares
               
at December 31, 2011 and 2010
    188       188  
 Additional paid-in capital
    188,816       187,371  
   Retained earnings (accumulated deficit), substantially restricted
    3,937       (305 )
   Accumulated other comprehensive income, net of tax
    511       484  
   Unearned Employee Stock Ownership Plan ("ESOP") shares
    (12,132 )     (13,260 )
                  Total stockholders' equity
    181,320       174,478  
                  Total liabilities and stockholders' equity
  $ 1,059,390     $ 1,193,658  
                 
See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.
 

(Continued)
 
87

 

 
FIRST FINANCIAL NORTHWEST, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Consolidated Statements of Income
(Dollars in thousands, except share data)
   
Years Ended December 31,
 
   
2011
   
2010
   
2009
 
Interest income
                 
  Loans, including fees
  $ 46,608     $ 55,783     $ 58,332  
  Investments available-for-sale
    4,040       4,485       6,599  
  Interest-bearing deposits
    404       276       102  
 Total interest income
  $ 51,052     $ 60,544     $ 65,033  
Interest expense
                       
  Deposits
    16,215       23,370       28,806  
  Federal Home Loan Bank advances
    2,270       4,189       5,107  
 Total interest expense
  $ 18,485     $ 27,559     $ 33,913  
 Net interest income
    32,567       32,985       31,120  
Provision for loan losses
    4,700       53,100       51,300  
 Net interest income (loss) after provision for loan losses
  $ 27,867     $ (20,115 )   $ (20,180 )
Noninterest income
                       
  Net gain on sale of investments
    2,226       843       1,954  
  Other-than-temporary impairment loss on investments
    -       -       (152 )
  Other
    307       198       230  
 Total noninterest income
  $ 2,533     $ 1,041     $ 2,032  
Noninterest expense
                       
  Salaries and employee benefits
    13,259       12,347       11,730  
  Occupancy and equipment
    1,555       1,657       2,306  
  Professional fees
    1,966       2,148       1,412  
  Data processing
    761       723       634  
  Gain on sale of OREO property, net
    (1,561 )     (185 )     -  
  OREO market value adjustments
    1,924       5,624       -  
  OREO related expenses, net
    2,973       3,419       255  
  FDIC/OTS assessments
    2,437       2,837       2,281  
  Insurance and bond premiums
    990       597       71  
  Goodwill impairment
    -       -       14,206  
  Marketing
    205       233       257  
  Other general and administrative
    1,649       1,663       1,915  
 Total noninterest expense
  $ 26,158     $ 31,063     $ 35,067  
 Income (loss) before provision (benefit) for federal income taxes
    4,242       (50,137 )     (53,215 )
Provision (benefit) for federal income taxes
    -       3,999       (12,507 )
 Net income (loss)
  $ 4,242     $ (54,136 )   $ (40,708 )
 Basic earnings (loss) per share
  $ 0.24     $ (3.11 )   $ (2.18 )
 Diluted earnings (loss) per share
  $ 0.24     $ (3.11 )   $ (2.18 )
                         
See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.
 
 
(Continued)
 
88

 
 
FIRST FINANCIAL NORTHWEST, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
Consolidated Statements of Stockholders' Equity and Comprehensive Income (Loss)
(Dollars in thousands, except share data)
 
   
 
Shares
   
Common 
Stock
   
Additional 
Paid-in
Capital
   
Retained
Earnings
   
Accumulated
Other Comprehensive Income, 
Net of Tax
   
Unearned
ESOP
Shares
   
Total
Stockholders' Equity
 
Balances at December 31, 2008
    21,293,368     $ 213     $ 202,167     $ 102,358     $ 887     $ (15,517 )   $ 290,108  
Comprehensive loss:
                                                       
Net loss
    -       -       -       (40,708 )     -       -       (40,708 )
   Change in fair value of investments available-
                                                   
for-sale, net of tax of $248
-       -       -       -       460       -       460  
Total comprehensive loss
                                                    (40,248 )
Cash dividend declared and paid ($0.34 per share)
-       -       -       (6,399 )     -       -       (6,399 )
Purchase and retirement of common stock
    (2,470,300 )     (25 )     (17,813 )     -       -       -       (17,838 )
Compensation related to stock options and
                                                       
restricted stock awards
    -       -       2,037       -       -       -       2,037  
Allocation of 112,853 ESOP shares
    -       -       (271 )     -       -       1,128       857  
Balances at December 31, 2009
    18,823,068     $ 188     $ 186,120     $ 55,251     $ 1,347     $ (14,389 )   $ 228,517  
Comprehensive loss:
                                                       
Net loss
    -       -       -       (54,136 )     -       -       (54,136 )
   Change in fair value of investments available-
                                                   
             for-sale
-       -       -       -       (863 )     -       (863 )
Total comprehensive loss
                                                    (54,999 )
Cash dividend declared and paid ($0.085 per share)
-       -       -       (1,420 )     -       -       (1,420 )
Purchase and retirement of common stock
    (17,900 )     -       (106 )     -       -       -       (106 )
Compensation related to stock options and
                                                   
restricted stock awards
-       -       1,921       -       -       -       1,921  
Allocation of 112,853 ESOP shares
    -       -       (564 )     -       -       1,129       565  
Balances at December 31, 2010
    18,805,168     $ 188     $ 187,371     $ (305 )   $ 484     $ (13,260 )   $ 174,478  
Comprehensive income:
                                                       
Net income
    -       -       -       4,242       -       -       4,242  
  Change in fair value of investments available-
                                                   
           for-sale
-       -       -       -       27       -       27  
Total comprehensive income
                                                    4,269  
Compensation related to stock options and
                                                   
restricted stock awards
-       -       1,971       -       -       -       1,971  
Allocation of 112,853 ESOP shares
    -       -       (526 )     -       -       1,128       602  
Balances at December 31, 2011
    18,805,168     $ 188     $ 188,816     $ 3,937     $ 511     $ (12,132 )   $ 181,320  
                                                         
See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.
 

(Continued)
 
89

 

 
FIRST FINANCIAL NORTHWEST, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
 
(In thousands)
 
             
 
Years Ended December 31,
 
 
2011
   
2010
   
2009
 
Cash flows from operating activities:
                 
Net income (loss)
  $ 4,242     $ (54,136 )   $ (40,708 )
Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net cash provided by
                       
operating activities:
                       
Provision for loan losses
    4,700       53,100       51,300  
Goodwill impairment
    -       -       14,206  
OREO market value adjustments
    1,924       5,624       -  
Gain on sale of OREO property, net
    (1,561 )     (185 )     -  
Depreciation of premises and equipment
    1,054       1,098       802  
Net amortization of premiums and discounts on investments
    2,331       1,783       1,074  
ESOP expense
    602       565       857  
Compensation expense related to stock options and restricted stock awards
    1,971       1,921       2,037  
Net realized gain on investments available for sale
    (2,226 )     (843 )     (1,954 )
Other-than-temporary impairment loss on investments
    -       -       152  
Loss from disposal of premises and equipment
    2       1       983  
Deferred federal income taxes
    -       12,075       (3,120 )
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:
                       
Prepaid expenses and other assets
    1,182       2,104       (3,593 )
Federal income taxes, net
    4,856       3,583       (9,835 )
Accrued interest receivable
    830       194       652  
Accrued interest payable
    (30 )     (243 )     (21 )
Other liabilities
    644       (1,242 )     1,520  
Net cash provided by operating activities
  $ 20,521     $ 25,399     $ 14,352  
                         
Cash flows from investing activities:
                       
Proceeds from sales of investments
    79,081       25,087       71,107  
Capitalized improvements in OREO
    (181 )     (767 )     -  
Proceeds from sales of OREO properties
    30,070       27,298       -  
Principal repayments on investments
    31,121       36,595       42,349  
Purchases of investments
    (74,679 )     (130,641 )     (60,081 )
Net (increase) decrease in loans receivable
    122,274       79,507       (67,254 )
Purchases of premises and equipment
    (149 )     (1,343 )     (8,344 )
Net cash provided (used) by investing activities
  $ 187,537     $ 35,736     $ (22,223 )
                         
Balance, carried forward
  $ 208,058     $ 61,135     $ (7,871 )

(Continued)
 
90

 
 
FIRST FINANCIAL NORTHWEST, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows, continued
 
             
   
Years Ended December 31,
 
   
2011
   
2010
   
2009
 
       
 Balance, brought forward
  $ 208,058     $ 61,135     $ (7,871 )
 Cash flows from financing activities:
                       
 Net increase (decrease) in deposits
    (131,561 )     (19,197 )     147,940  
 Advances from the Federal Home Loan Bank
    100       53,173       16,750  
 Repayments of advances from the Federal Home Loan Bank
    (10,100 )     (100,007 )     (33,000 )
 Net decrease in advance payments from borrowers for taxes and insurance
    (163 )     (121 )     (368 )
 Repurchase and retirement of common stock
    -       (106 )     (17,838 )
 Dividends paid
    -       (1,420 )     (6,399 )
 Net cash provided (used) by financing activities
  $ (141,724 )   $ (67,678 )   $ 107,085  
                         
 Net increase (decrease) in cash
    66,334       (6,543 )     99,214  
 Cash and cash equivalents:
                       
 Beginning of period
    98,427       104,970       5,756  
 End of period
  $ 164,761     $ 98,427     $ 104,970  
                         
 Supplemental disclosures of cash flow information:
                       
 Cash paid during the period for:
                       
            Interest
  $ 18,515     $ 27,802     $ 33,934  
    Federal income taxes
    -       -       450  
 Noncash transactions:
                       
 Loans, net of deferred loan fees and allowance for loan losses, transferred to OREO
  $ 26,194     $ 50,237     $ 11,835  
                         
See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.
 
 
(Continued)
 
91

 
FIRST FINANCIAL NORTHWEST, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
 
Note 1 - Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

Description of Business

First Financial Northwest, Inc. (“First Financial Northwest” or “the Company”), 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. The mutual to stock conversion was 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 related data, relates primarily to First Savings Bank. First Financial Northwest, Inc. is a savings and loan holding company and is subject to regulation by the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System (“Federal Reserve”) as the successor to the Office of Thrift Supervision (“OTS”). First Savings Bank is regulated by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (“FDIC”) and the Washington State Department of Financial Institutions (“DFI”).

First Savings Bank was organized in 1923 as a Washington state-chartered savings and loan association, converted to a federal mutual savings and loan association in 1935, and converted to a Washington state-chartered mutual savings bank in 1992. In 2002, First Savings Bank reorganized into a two-tier mutual holding company structure, became a stock savings bank and became the wholly-owned subsidiary of First Financial of Renton, Inc. In connection with the mutual to stock conversion in 2007, First Savings Bank changed its name to First Savings Bank Northwest.

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

Basis of Presentation and Use of Estimates

The accounting and reporting policies of the Company conform to U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”). In preparing the consolidated financial statements, management makes estimates and assumptions based on available information. These estimates and assumptions affect the amounts reported in the financial statements and the disclosures provided. Actual results could differ from these estimates. Material estimates particularly subject to change include the allowance for loan and lease losses (“ALLL”), other real estate owned (“OREO”), deferred tax assets and the fair values of financial instruments.

The accompanying consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Company and its wholly-owned subsidiaries First Savings Bank Northwest and First Financial Diversified Corporation. All significant intercompany balances and transactions between the Company and its subsidiaries have been eliminated in consolidation.

Certain amounts in the consolidated financial statements for prior years have been reclassified to conform to the current consolidated financial statement presentation.
 

(Continued)
 
92

 
FIRST FINANCIAL NORTHWEST, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
 
Cash and Cash Equivalents

For purposes of reporting cash flows, cash and cash equivalents include cash on hand and in banks, interest-bearing deposits and federal funds sold all with maturities of three months or less.

The Bank is required to maintain an average reserve balance with the Federal Reserve Bank or maintain such reserve balance in the form of cash. There was no specified reserve balance required at December 31, 2011 and 2010, since the Bank held its excess cash and maintained higher average balances at the Federal Reserve Bank.

Investments

Investments are classified into one of three categories: (1) held-to-maturity, (2) available-for-sale, or (3) trading. We had no held-to-maturity or trading securities at December 31, 2011 or 2010. Investments are categorized as held-to-maturity when we have the positive intent and ability to hold them to maturity.

Investments available-for-sale are recorded at fair value. Unrealized gains and losses on investments available-for-sale are excluded from earnings and are reported in other comprehensive income (loss), net of applicable taxes within the consolidated statement of stockholders’ equity. Gains and losses on sales are recorded on the trade date and determined using the specific identification method.

The estimated fair value of investments is based on quoted market value prices for investments traded in the public marketplace or dealer quotes. Mortgage-backed investments represent participation interest in pools of first mortgage loans originated and serviced by the issuers of the investments.

Amortization of purchase premiums and discounts are included in investment income using the level-yield method over the remaining period to contractual maturity.

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. We consider 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. For equity securities, the write-down is recorded as a realized loss in noninterest income on our Consolidated Statements of Income. For debt securities, if we intend to sell the security or it is likely that we 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 we do not intend to sell the security and it is not likely that we will be required to sell the security but we do 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.

(Continued)
 
93

 
FIRST FINANCIAL NORTHWEST, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
 
Loans Receivable

Loans are recorded at their outstanding principal balance adjusted for charge-offs, the ALLL and net deferred fees or costs. Interest on loans is calculated using the simple interest method based on the month end balance of the principal amount outstanding and is credited to income as earned.

The accrual of interest on loans is discontinued at the time the loan is 90 days delinquent unless the loan is well secured and in the process of collection. Consumer and other loans are typically managed in the same manner. In all cases, loans are placed on nonaccrual or charged-off at an earlier date if collection of principal or interest is doubtful.

All interest accrued but not collected on loans that are placed on nonaccrual is reversed against interest income. The interest on these loans is accounted for on the cash-basis until qualifying for return to accrual status. Loans are returned to accrual status when all principal and interest amounts contractually due are brought current and future payments are reasonably assured.

Allowance for Loan Losses

The ALLL is a valuation allowance for probable incurred credit losses. Losses are charged against the allowance when management believes the uncollectibility of a loan balance is confirmed. Any subsequent recoveries are credited to the allowance.

The ALLL is evaluated on a regular basis by management and is based upon management’s periodic review of the collectibility of the loans and factors such as the nature and volume of the loan portfolio, historical loss considerations, adverse situations that may affect the borrower’s ability to repay, estimated value of any underlying collateral and prevailing economic conditions. The evaluation is inherently subjective, as it requires estimates that are susceptible to significant revision as more information becomes available.

While management uses available information to recognize losses on loans, future additions to the allowance may be necessary based on changes in economic conditions or changes to the credit quality of the loan portfolio. In addition, various regulatory agencies, as an integral part of their examination process, periodically review the Bank’s ALLL. Such agencies may require management to make adjustments to the allowance based on their judgments about information available to them at the time of their examination.

Impaired Loans

A loan is considered impaired when, based on current information and events, it is probable we will be unable to collect the scheduled payments of principal or interest when due according to the contractual terms of the loan agreement. Factors considered by management in determining impairment include payment status, collateral value, market conditions, rent rolls and the financial strength of the borrower(s) and guarantor(s), if any. Loans that experience insignificant payment delays and payment shortfalls generally are not classified as impaired.

Management determines the significance of payment delays and shortfalls on a case-by-case basis, taking into consideration all of the circumstances surrounding the loan and the borrowers, including the length of the delay, the reasons for the delay, the borrower’s prior payment history and the amount of the shortfall in relation to the principal and interest owed. Impairment is measured by the fair value method on a loan-by-loan basis.
 

(Continued)
 
94

 
FIRST FINANCIAL NORTHWEST, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
 
When a loan is identified as impaired, its impairment is measured using the present value of expected future cash flows, discounted at the loan’s effective interest rate, except when the sole (remaining) source of repayment for the loan is the operation or liquidation of the collateral. In these cases, we use an observable market price or current fair value of the collateral, less selling costs when foreclosure is probable, instead of discounted cash flows. If we determine that the value of the impaired loan is less than the recorded investment in the loan, an impairment is recognized through an allowance estimate or a charge-off to the ALLL.

Loan Fees

Loan origination fees and certain direct origination costs are deferred and amortized as an adjustment to the yield of the loans over their contractual lives, using the effective interest method. In the event loans are sold, the remaining deferred loan origination fees and/or costs are recognized as a component of the gains or losses on the sales of loans.

Premises and Equipment

Premises and equipment are stated at cost less accumulated depreciation and amortization. Depreciation and amortization are computed using the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of the assets. The estimated useful lives used to compute depreciation and amortization for buildings and building improvements is 15 to 40 years and for furniture, fixtures and equipment is three to seven years. We review buildings, improvements and equipment for impairment on an annual basis or whenever events or changes in the circumstances indicate that the undiscounted cash flows for the property are less than its carrying value. If identified, an impairment loss is recognized through a charge to earnings based on the fair value of the property.

Federal Home Loan Bank Stock

As a member of the Federal Home Loan Bank System, we are required to maintain a minimum level of investment in Federal Home Loan Bank of Seattle (“FHLB”) stock, based on specified percentages of our outstanding FHLB advances. Ownership of FHLB stock is restricted to the FHLB and member institutions. Our investment in FHLB stock is carried at par value ($100 per share), which reasonably approximates its fair value. At December 31, 2011 and 2010, the Bank’s minimum required investment in FHLB stock was $3.7 million and $4.2 million, respectively. We may request redemption, at par value, of any stock in excess of the amount we are required to hold. Stock redemptions are at the discretion of the FHLB. At December 31, 2011, the Bank had $7.4 million of FHLB stock.

As a result of the ongoing turmoil in the capital and mortgage markets, the FHLB of Seattle has a risk-based capital deficiency largely as a result of write-downs on its private label mortgage-backed securities portfolios. Management evaluates FHLB stock for impairment. The determination of whether these investments are impaired is based on their 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.
 
(Continued)
 
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FIRST FINANCIAL NORTHWEST, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
 
On October 25, 2010, the FHLB agreed to the stipulation and issuance of a Consent Order by its primary regulator, the Federal Housing Finance Agency (“FHFA”). The Consent Order sets forth requirements for capital management, asset composition, and other operational and risk management improvements. The FHLB may not repurchase member stock or pay dividends, until they achieve and maintain financial thresholds established by the FHFA as part of the agency’s supervisory process, subject to FHFA’s approval. We have determined there is not an other-than-temporary impairment on the FHLB stock investment as of December 31, 2011.

Other Real Estate Owned

OREO consists principally of properties acquired through foreclosure and is stated at the lower of cost or estimated market value less selling costs. Losses arising from the acquisition of property, in full or partial satisfaction of loans, are charged to the ALLL.

Subsequent to the transfer to foreclosed assets held for sale, these assets continue to be recorded at the lower of cost or fair value (less estimated costs to sell), based on periodic evaluations. Subsequent write-downs in value are charged to noninterest expense. Generally, legal and professional fees associated with foreclosures are expensed as incurred. Costs incurred to improve property prior to sale are capitalized; however, in no event are recorded costs allowed to exceed estimated fair value. Subsequent gains, losses, or expenses recognized on the sale of these properties are included in noninterest expense. The amounts that will ultimately be recovered from foreclosed assets may differ substantially from the carrying value of the assets because of future market factors beyond management’s control.

Loan Commitments and Related Financial Instruments

Financial instruments include off-balance sheet credit instruments, such as commitments to make loans, unused lines of credit and commercial letters of credit issued to meet customer financing needs. The face amount of these items represents the exposure to loss before considering customer collateral or ability to repay. Such financial instruments are recorded when they are funded.

Stock-Based Compensation

Compensation cost is recognized for stock options and restricted stock awards, based on the fair value of these awards at the grant date. A Black-Scholes model is utilized to estimate the fair value of stock options, while the market price of the Company’s common stock at the grant date is used for restricted stock awards. Compensation cost is recognized over the required service period, generally defined as the vesting period. For awards with graded vesting, compensation cost is recognized on a straight-line basis over the requisite service period for the entire award.

Federal Income Taxes

The Company files a consolidated Federal income tax return. Income taxes are accounted for using the asset and liability method. Under this method, deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized for the future tax consequences attributable to differences between the financial statement carrying amounts of existing assets and liabilities and their respective tax bases. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured using enacted tax rates expected to be applied to taxable income in the periods 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 rate is recognized in income in the period that includes the enactment date.
 
(Continued)
 
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FIRST FINANCIAL NORTHWEST, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Deferred tax assets are recognized subject to management’s judgment that realization is more likely than not. A tax position that meets the “more likely than not” recognition threshold is measured to determine the amount of benefit to recognize. The tax position is measured at the largest amount of benefit that is greater than 50% likely of being realized upon settlement.

At December 31, 2011 and 2010, we had no unrecognized tax benefits. Our policy is to recognize interest and penalties on unrecognized tax benefits in federal income tax expense in the Consolidated Statements of Income. There were no interest and penalties for the years ended December 31, 2011 and 2010. The tax years subject to examination by the Internal Revenue Service (“IRS”) are the years ended December 31, 2011 and 2010. The IRS is currently conducting a limited scope audit of our federal tax return for the year ended December 31, 2010 due to our loss carryback for that year.

Employee Stock Ownership Plan

The cost of shares issued to the ESOP, but not yet allocated to participants, is shown as a reduction of stockholders’ equity. Compensation expense is based on the market price of shares as they are committed to be released to participant accounts. Dividends on allocated ESOP shares reduce retained earnings; dividends on unearned ESOP shares reduce debt and accrued interest.

Earnings (Loss) Per Share (“EPS”)

Basic EPS is computed by dividing net income or (loss) by the weighted-average number of common shares outstanding during the period. As ESOP shares are committed to be released they become outstanding for EPS calculation purposes. ESOP shares not committed to be released are not considered outstanding. The basic EPS calculation excludes the dilutive effect of all common stock equivalents. Diluted earnings (loss) per share reflects the weighted-average potential dilution that could occur if all potentially dilutive securities or other commitments to issue common stock were exercised or converted into common stock using the treasury stock method.

Comprehensive Income (Loss)

Comprehensive income (loss) consists of net income (loss) and other comprehensive income (loss). Other comprehensive income (loss) includes unrealized gains and losses on investments available-for-sale which are also recognized as separate components of equity, net of tax.

Fair Value of Financial Instruments

Fair values of financial instruments are estimated using relevant market information and other assumptions, as more fully disclosed in a separate note. Fair value estimates involve uncertainties and matters of significant judgment regarding interest rates, credit risk, prepayments and other factors, especially in the absence of broad markets for particular items. Changes in assumptions or in market conditions could significantly affect the estimates.
 
 
(Continued)
 
97

 
FIRST FINANCIAL NORTHWEST, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Segment Information

The Company’s activities are considered to be a single industry segment for financial reporting purposes. The Company is engaged in the business of attracting deposits from the general public and providing lending services. Substantially all income is derived from a diverse base of commercial, mortgage and consumer lending activities and investments.

Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements

In January 2011, The Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) No. 2011-01, Deferral of the Effective Date of Disclosures about Troubled Debt Restructurings in Update No. 2010-20 (“ASU 2011-01”). This ASU temporarily delays the effective date of the disclosures about troubled debt restructurings in Update 2010-20 for public entities. The delay is intended to allow the FASB time to complete its deliberations on what constitutes a troubled debt restructuring. The effective date of the new disclosures about restructuring will then be coordinated. The guidance is effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2011. The adoption of this ASU did not have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.

In April 2011, the FASB issued ASU No. 2011-02, A Creditor’s Determination of Whether a Restructuring is a Troubled Debt Restructuring (“ASU 2011-02”). The update provides additional guidance relating to when creditors should classify loan modifications as troubled debt restructurings. The ASU also ends the deferral issued in January 2011 of the disclosures about troubled debt restructurings required by ASU No. 2010-20. The provisions of ASU No. 2011-02 and the disclosure requirements of ASU No. 2010-20 are effective for the Company’s interim reporting period ending September 30, 2011. The guidance applies retrospectively to restructurings occurring on or after January 1, 2011. The adoption of this ASU did not have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.

In April 2011, the FASB issued ASU No. 2011-03, Reconsideration of Effective Control for Repurchase Agreements (“ASU 2011-03”). The update amends existing guidance to remove from the assessment of effective control, the criterion requiring the transferor to have the ability to repurchase or redeem the financial assets on substantially the agreed terms, even in the event of default by the transferee and, as well, the collateral maintenance implementation guidance related to that criterion. ASU No. 2011-03 is effective for the Company’s reporting period beginning on or after December 15, 2011. The guidance applies prospectively to transactions or modification of existing transactions that occur on or after the effective date and early adoption is not permitted. The adoption of this ASU is not expected to have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.
 
In April 2011, the FASB issued ASU No. 2011-04, Amendments to Achieve Common Fair Value Measurement and Disclosure Requirements in U.S. GAAP and IFRSs (“ASU 2011-04”). The update amends existing guidance regarding the highest and best use and valuation premise by clarifying these concepts are only applicable to measuring the fair value of nonfinancial assets. The Update also clarifies that the fair value measurements of financial assets and financial liabilities which have offsetting market risks or counterparty credit risks that are managed on a portfolio basis, when several criteria are met, can be measured at the net risk position. Additional disclosures about Level 3 fair value measurements are required including a quantitative disclosure of the unobservable inputs and assumptions used in the measurement, a description of the valuation process in place, and discussion of the sensitivity of fair value changes in unobservable inputs and interrelationships about those inputs as well as disclosure of the level of the fair value of items that are not
 
(Continued)
 
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FIRST FINANCIAL NORTHWEST, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
 
measured at fair value in the financial statements but disclosure of fair value is required. The provisions of ASU No. 2011-04 are effective for the Company’s reporting period beginning after December 15, 2011 and should be applied prospectively. The adoption of this ASU is not expected to have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.

In June 2011, the FASB issued ASU No. 2011-05, Presentation of Comprehensive Income (“ASU 2011-05”). The update amends current guidance to allow a company the option of presenting the total of comprehensive income, the components of net income, and the components of other comprehensive income either in a single continuous statement of comprehensive income or in two separate but consecutive statements. The provisions do not change the items that must be reported in other comprehensive income or when an item of other comprehensive income must be reclassified to net income. The amendments do not change the option for a company to present components of other comprehensive income either net of related tax effects or before related tax effects, with one amount shown for the aggregate income tax expense (benefit) related to the total of other comprehensive income items. The amendments do not affect how earnings per share is calculated or presented. The provisions of ASU No. 2011-05 are effective for the Company’s reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2011 and should be applied retrospectively. Early adoption is permitted and there are no required transition disclosures. The adoption of this ASU is not expected to have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.

In December 2011, the FASB issued ASU No. 2011-10, Derecognition of in Substance Real Estate – a Scope Clarification (“ASU 2011-10”), which amends Topic 360, “Property, Plant and Equipment.” The objective of this ASU is to resolve diversity in practice about whether the guidance in Topic 360 applies to a parent that ceases to have a controlling financial interest (as described in Topic 810, Consolidations) in a subsidiary that is in substance real estate as a result of default on the subsidiary's nonrecourse debt. Under ASU 2011-10, when a parent ceases to have a controlling financial interest in a subsidiary that is in substance real estate as a result of default on the subsidiary's nonrecourse debt, the reporting entity should apply the guidance in Subtopic 360-20 to determine whether it should derecognize the in substance real estate. Generally, a reporting entity would not satisfy the requirements to derecognize the in substance real estate before the legal transfer of the real estate to the lender and the extinguishment of the related nonrecourse indebtedness. That is, even if the reporting entity ceases to have a controlling financial interest under Subtopic 810-10, the reporting entity would continue to include the real estate, debt, and the results of the subsidiary's operations in its consolidated financial statements until legal title to the real estate is transferred to legally satisfy the debt. This ASU is effective for the Company’s financial statements for annual and interim periods beginning on or after June 15, 2012, and must be applied prospectively. The adoption of this standard is not expected to have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.

In December 2011, the FASB issued ASU No. 2011-11, Disclosures about Offsetting Assets and Liabilities (“ASU 2011-11”), which amends Topic 210, “Balance Sheet.” This ASU requires an entity to disclose information about offsetting and related arrangements to enable users of its financial statements to understand the effect of those arrangements on its financial position. Offsetting (netting) assets and liabilities is an important aspect of presentation in financial statements, and differences in the offsetting requirements in GAAP and International Financial Reporting Standards (“IFRS”) account for a significant difference in the amounts presented in statements of financial position prepared in accordance with GAAP and in the amounts presented in those statements prepared in accordance with IFRS for certain institutions. This difference reduces the comparability of statements of financial position.  As a result, users of financial statements requested that the differences should be addressed expeditiously.  In response to those requests, the FASB and the International Accounting Standards Board (“IASB”) are issuing joint requirements that will enhance current disclosures.
 
(Continued)
 
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FIRST FINANCIAL NORTHWEST, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
 
Entities are required to disclose both gross information and net information about both instruments and transactions eligible for offset in the statement of financial position and instruments and transactions subject to an agreement similar to a master netting arrangement.  This scope would include derivatives, sale and repurchase agreements and reverse sale and repurchase agreements, and securities borrowing and securities lending arrangements. The objective of this disclosure is to facilitate comparison between those entities that prepare their financial statements on the basis of GAAP and those entities that prepare their financial statements on the basis of IFRS. This ASU is effective for the Company’s financial statements for annual periods beginning on or after January 1, 2013, and must be applied retrospectively. The adoption of this standard is not expected to have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.

In December 2011, the FASB issued ASU No. 2011-12, Deferral of the Effective Date for Amendments to Presentation of Reclassifications of Items Out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income in Accounting Standards Update 2011-05 (“ASU 2011-12”). This ASU defers only those changes in ASU 2011-05 that relate to the presentation of reclassification adjustments. ASU 2011-12 was issued in order to allow the FASB time to redeliberate whether to present on the face of the financial statements the effects of reclassifications out of accumulated other comprehensive income on the components of net income and other comprehensive income for all periods presented. While the FASB is considering the operational concerns about the presentation requirements for reclassification adjustments and the needs of financial statement users for additional information about reclassification adjustments, the Company will continue to report reclassifications out of accumulated other comprehensive income consistent with the presentation requirements in effect before the issuance of ASU 2011-05. ASU 2011-12 is effective for the Company’s financial statements for annual and interim periods beginning after December 31, 2011, and must be applied prospectively. The adoption of this standard is not expected to have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.

Note 2 - Regulatory Items

On April 14, 2010, the OTS and members of the Board of Directors of First Financial Northwest entered into an informal supervisory agreement or Memorandum of Understanding (“MOU”) which is now enforced by the Federal Reserve as the successor to the OTS. Under the terms of the MOU, the Company agreed, among other things, to provide notice to and obtain a written non-objection from the Federal Reserve prior to the Company (a) declaring a dividend or redeeming any capital stock and (b) incurring, issuing, renewing or repurchasing any new debt. Further, in connection with a prior examination of the Bank by the FDIC and DFI, we must obtain a written non-objection from the FDIC before engaging in any transaction that would materially change the balance sheet composition (including growth in total assets of five percent or more), significantly change funding sources (including brokered deposits) or declare or pay cash dividends. In addition, both the Company and the Bank must obtain prior regulatory approval before adding any new director or senior executive officer or changing the responsibilities of any current senior executive officer or pay pursuant to or by entering into certain severance and other forms of compensation agreements.

The Bank entered into a Stipulation to the Issuance of a Consent Order (“Order”) with the FDIC and the DFI which became effective on September 24, 2010. Under the terms of the Order, the Bank cannot declare dividends or repurchase stock without the prior written approval of the FDIC. Other material provisions of the Order require the Bank to:

·  
Maintain and preserve qualified management;
·  
Increase the Board of Directors’ participation in the Bank’s affairs;
·  
Obtain an independent study of management and the personnel structure of the Bank;
 
(Continued)
 
100

 
FIRST FINANCIAL NORTHWEST, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
 
·  
Maintain specified Capital levels;
·  
Eliminate loans classified as “Loss” at its regulatory examination, and reduce the loans classified as “Doubtful” and “Substandard” as a percent of capital;
·  
Revise its policy with respect to the allowance for loan losses;
·  
Not extend additional credit to borrowers whose loan had been classified as “Loss” and is uncollected;
·  
Revise its lending and collection policies and practices;
·  
Develop a plan to reduce the amount of commercial real estate loans;
·  
Enhance its written funds management and liquidity policy;
·  
Develop a three-year strategic plan;
·  
Not solicit brokered deposits and comply with certain deposit rate restrictions;
·  
Eliminate and correct all violations of laws; and
·  
Prepare and submit progress reports to the FDIC and DFI.

The Bank has implemented a comprehensive plan to achieve full compliance with the Order. The Order contains target dates to achieve the items listed above, including that the Bank’s Tier 1 capital ratio and total risk-based capital ratio be at least 10% and 12%, respectively. At December 31, 2011, the Bank’s Tier 1 capital ratio was 13.54% and its total risk-based capital ratio was 24.76%, which exceeded the requirements of the Order.

Adversely classified assets as a percent of Tier 1 capital plus the ALLL was 128% at the beginning of 2010. The Order required this ratio to be below 65% by March 2011 for the adversely classified assets identified at that examination. We achieved this target as of September 30, 2010 and remained in compliance with this requirement at December 31, 2011.

The Order also required that the Bank develop a written plan to systematically reduce the amount of loans to borrowers in the commercial real estate loan category, including its construction/land development loans which are considered commercial real estate for purposes of this calculation. At September 30, 2010, the Bank’s commercial real estate loans, excluding owner-occupied properties, represented 314% of its total risk-based capital including construction/land development loans which equaled 84% of its total risk-based capital. At December 31, 2011, the Bank’s concentration in commercial real estate loans was reduced to 229% of its risk-based capital including the construction/land development loan portfolio which equaled 30% of total risk-based capital.

The Order also required the Bank to obtain an independent management study and adopt a plan to implement the recommendations from the study, satisfactory to its regulators. The Bank has obtained the independent management study and continues to work on implementing the study’s recommendations, including the addition of new Board members and the evaluation of senior management. We have added two new Board members to the Boards of Directors of the Bank and the Company who we believe will further enhance the knowledge and expertise of each of these Boards of Directors. Effective December 31, 2011, two of our Board members have retired and changed their status to director emeriti. Senior management has also been evaluated in connection with the independent management study and efforts are being made to identify outside individuals who would augment the leadership of our organization and who possess the experience and qualifications to strengthen and establish the foundation for our future growth.
 
A copy of the Order is attached to the Form 8-K that we filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) on September 27, 2010. The Order will remain in effect until modified or terminated by the FDIC and the DFI.
 

(Continued)
 
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FIRST FINANCIAL NORTHWEST, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
 
Note 3 - Investments

The following tables summarize the amortized cost and fair value of investments available-for-sale at December 31, 2011 and 2010 and the corresponding amounts of gross unrealized gains and losses.
 
 
December 31, 2011
 
       
Gross
 
Gross
       
 
Amortized
 
Unrealized
 
Unrealized
       
 
Cost
 
Gains
 
Losses
 
Fair Value
 
 
(In thousands)
 
Mortgage-backed investments:
                       
            Fannie Mae
  $ 50,981     $ 1,182     $ -     $ 52,163  
            Freddie Mac
    19,285       560       -       19,845  
            Ginnie Mae
    7,416       79       -       7,495  
Municipal bonds
    2,085       32       (270 )     1,847  
U.S. Government agencies
    47,934       2       (284 )     47,652  
    $ 127,701     $ 1,855     $ (554 )   $ 129,002  
                                 
 
December 31, 2010
 
         
Gross
 
Gross
         
 
Amortized
 
Unrealized
 
Unrealized
         
 
Cost
 
Gains
 
Losses
 
Fair Value
 
 
(In thousands)
 
Mortgage-backed investments:
   
            Fannie Mae
  $ 109,134     $ 1,291     $ (281 )   $ 110,144  
            Freddie Mac
    40,454       860       (165 )     41,149  
            Ginnie Mae
    9,542       -       (98 )     9,444  
Municipal bonds
    2,395       -       (473 )     1,922  
U.S. Government agencies
    1,805       139       -       1,944  
    $ 163,330     $ 2,290     $ (1,017 )   $ 164,603  
 
There were no investments classified as held to maturity at December 31, 2011 or 2010.


     
(Continued)
 
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FIRST FINANCIAL NORTHWEST, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
 
The amortized cost and estimated fair value of investments available-for-sale at December 31, 2011, by expected 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.
 
   
December 31, 2011
 
   
Amortized Cost
   
Fair Value
 
   
(In thousands)
 
Due within one year
  $ -     $ -  
Due after one year through five years
    40,062       39,854  
Due after five years through ten years
    823       843  
Due after ten years
    9,134       8,802  
      50,019       49,499  
Mortgage-backed investments
    77,682       79,503  
    $ 127,701     $ 129,002  
 
Under Washington State law, in order to participate in the public funds program we are required to pledge 100% of the public deposits we hold in the form of eligible securities. Investments with a market value of $31.8 million and $68.7 million were pledged as collateral for public deposits at December 31, 2011 and 2010, respectively, both of which exceeded the minimum collateral requirements established by the Washington Public Deposit Protection Commission. In addition, $5.7 million of investments were pledged as collateral for FHLB advances at December 31, 2011. At December 31, 2010, there were no investments pledged for FHLB advances.

Sales of available-for-sale investments were as follows:
 
 
Years Ended December 31,
 
 
2011
 
2010
 
2009
 
 
(In thousands)
 
Proceeds
  $ 79,081     $ 25,087     $ 71,107  
Gross gains
    2,234       864       1,956  
Gross losses
    (8 )     (21 )     (2 )
 
The tax expense related to these net realized gains and losses was $779,000, $295,000 and $683,000 for the years ended December 31, 2011, 2010 and 2009, respectively.
 
(Continued)
 
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FIRST FINANCIAL NORTHWEST, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 
 The following tables summarize the aggregate fair value and gross unrealized loss by length of time those investments have been continuously in an unrealized loss position.
 
 
December 31, 2011
 
 
Less Than 12 Months
 
12 Months or Longer
 
Total
 
       
Unrealized
       
Unrealized
       
Unrealized
 
 
Fair Value
 
Loss
 
Fair Value
 
Loss
 
Fair Value
 
Loss
 
 
(In thousands)
 
Municipal bonds
  $ -     $ -     $ 1,137     $ (270 )   $ 1,137     $ (270 )
U.S. Government agencies
    45,039       (284 )     -       -       45,039       (284 )
    $ 45,039     $ (284 )   $ 1,137     $ (270 )   $ 46,176     $ (554 )
 
   
December 31, 2010
 
 
Less Than 12 Months
   
12 Months or Longer
 
Total
 
 
Fair Value
 
Unrealized
         
Unrealized
     
Unrealized
 
 
Loss
 
Fair Value
   
Loss
 
Fair Value
 
Loss
 
Mortgage-backed investments:
(In thousands)
 
Fannie Mae
  $ 39,801     $ (281 )   $ -     $ -     $ 39,801     $ (281 )
Freddie Mac
    15,232       (165 )     -       -       15,232       (165 )
Ginnie Mae
    5,193       (98 )     -       -       5,193       (98 )
Municipal bonds
    -       -       1,885       (473 )     1,885       (473 )
    $ 60,226     $ (544 )   $ 1,885     $ (473 )   $ 62,111     $ (1,017 )

At December 31, 2011, we had one security with a gross unrealized loss totaling $270,000 with a fair value totaling $1.1 million that had an unrealized loss for greater than one year. At December 31, 2010, we had four securities with gross unrealized losses totaling $473,000 and fair values totaling $1.9 million that had an unrealized loss for more than one year.

There were no losses related to OTTI for the years ended December 31, 2011 or 2010 and $152,000 for the year ended December 31, 2009. These OTTI losses were a result of the severity and duration of the decline in the market value of our investment in the AMF Ultra Short Mortgage Fund. We do not consider any other securities to be other-than-temporarily impaired.

(Continued)
 
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FIRST FINANCIAL NORTHWEST, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
 
Note 4 - Loans Receivable

Loans receivable are summarized as follows:
 
   
December 31,
 
   
2011
   
2010
 
   
(In thousands)
 
One-to-four family residential: (1)
           
        Permanent
  $ 335,412     $ 393,334  
        Construction
    -       5,356  
      335,412       398,690  
Multifamily: (2)
               
        Permanent
    110,148       140,762  
        Construction
    3,526       4,114  
      113,674       144,876  
Commercial real estate: (2)
               
        Permanent
    218,032       237,708  
        Construction
    12,500       28,362  
        Land
    1,811       6,643  
      232,343       272,713  
Construction/land development: (2)
               
        One-to-four family residential
    6,194       26,848  
        Multifamily
    855       1,283  
        Commercial
    1,104       1,108  
        Land development
    16,990       27,262  
      25,143       56,501  
                 
Business
    3,909       479  
Consumer
    12,499       19,127  
Total loans
    722,980       892,386  
Less:
               
        Loans in process ("LIP")
    1,372       10,975  
        Deferred loan fees, net
    1,761       2,421  
        ALLL
    16,559       22,534  
Loans receivable, net
  $ 703,288     $ 856,456  
___________
(1) 
Includes $147.4 million and $173.4 million of non-owner occupied loans at December 31, 2011 and 2010, respectively.
(2) 
We do not include construction loans that will convert to permanent loans in the construction/land development category.  We consider 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. As a result, at December 31, 2011, we had $12.5 million, or 5.4%, of our total commercial real estate portfolio and $3.5 million, or 3.1%, of our total multifamily loan portfolio in these "rollover" type of loans. At December 31, 2010, we had $5.4 million, or 1.3%, of our total one-to-four family residential loan portfolio, $28.4 million, or 10.4%, of our total commercial real estate portfolio and $4.1 million, or 2.8%, of our total multifamily loan portfolio in these "rollover" type of loans. The $1.8 million and $6.6 million of commercial real estate land loans at December 31, 2011 and 2010, respectively, were not included in the construction/land development category because we classify raw land or buildable lots where we do not intend to finance the construction as commercial real estate land loans.
 
At December 31, 2011 and 2010 there were no loans classified as held for sale.
 
(Continued)
 
105

 
FIRST FINANCIAL NORTHWEST, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Loan Origination/Risk Management

One-to-four family residential loans are originated generally using secondary market underwriting guidelines. We originate both fixed-rate and adjustable-rate loans in our residential lending program. We are a portfolio lender which means we originate loans for our portfolio and do not generally sell loans into the secondary market. This loan portfolio comprised 46.4% and 44.7% of total loans at December 31, 2011 and 2010, respectively.

           Multifamily loans have higher loan balances, are more difficult to evaluate and monitor and involve a greater degree of risk than one-to-four family residential loans. Often payments on loans secured by multifamily properties are dependent on the successful operation and management of the property; therefore, repayment of these loans may be affected by adverse conditions in the real estate market or the economy. We generally require and obtain loan guarantees from financially capable parties based upon the review of personal financial statements. If the borrower is a corporation, we generally require and obtain personal guarantees from the corporate principals based upon a review of their personal financial statements and individual credit reports. This loan portfolio comprised 15.7% and 16.2% of total loans at December 31, 2011 and 2010, respectively.

Commercial real estate loans are subject to underwriting standards and processes similar to those of multifamily loans. These loans are viewed primarily as cash flow loans and secondarily as loans secured by real estate. Commercial real estate lending typically involves higher loan principal amounts and the repayment of these loans is generally largely dependent on the successful operation of the property securing the loan or the business conducted on the property securing the loan. Commercial real estate loans may be more adversely affected by conditions in the real estate markets or the general economy. Management monitors and evaluates commercial real estate loans based on collateral, geography and risk grade criteria. In addition, management tracks the level of owner-occupied commercial real estate loans versus non-owner occupied loans. At December 31, 2011, approximately 6.6% of the outstanding principal balances of the Bank’s commercial real estate loans were secured by owner-occupied properties. This loan portfolio comprised 32.1% and 30.6% of total loans at December 31, 2011 and 2010, respectively.

Construction/land development loans that are secured by non-owner occupied properties generally require the borrower to have had an existing relationship with the Bank and have a proven record of success. Construction/land development loans are underwritten utilizing feasibility studies, independent appraisal reviews, lease rates and financial analysis of the developers and property owners. Construction/land development loans are generally based upon estimates of costs and value associated with the completed project. These estimates may be inaccurate. These loans often involve the disbursement of funds with repayment substantially dependent on the success of the ultimate project. Sources of repayment for these types of loans may be sales of developed property or an interim loan commitment from the Bank until permanent financing is obtained. These loans are closely monitored by on-site inspections and are considered to have higher risks than other real estate loans due to their ultimate repayment being sensitive to interest rate changes, governmental regulation of real property, general economic conditions and the availability of long-term financing. This loan portfolio comprised 3.5% and 6.3% of total loans at December 31, 2011 and 2010, respectively.

Historically we have generally not made business loans, however, we have recently begun to offer this type of lending. Business loans are generally secured by business equipment, accounts receivable, inventory or other property. Loan terms vary from typically one to five years. The interest rates on such loans are either fixed-rate or adjustable-rate indexed to The Wall Street Journal prime rate plus a margin. Our business lending policy includes credit file documentation and analysis of the borrower’s background, capacity to repay the loan, the
 
(Continued)
 
106

 
FIRST FINANCIAL NORTHWEST, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
 
 
adequacy of the borrower’s capital and collateral, as well as an evaluation of other conditions affecting the borrower. Analysis of the borrower’s past, present and future cash flows is also an important aspect of our credit analysis. We generally obtain personal guarantees on our business loans. This loan portfolio comprised 0.6% and 0.1% of total loans at December 31, 2011 and 2010, respectively.

The Bank originates consumer loans which consist of home equity loans, personal lines of credit and savings account loans. To monitor and manage consumer loan risk, policies and procedures are developed and modified, as needed. This activity, coupled with the relatively small loan amounts that are spread over many individual borrowers, minimizes risk. This loan portfolio comprised 1.7% and 2.1% of total loans at December 31, 2011 and 2010, respectively.

Concentrations of Credit

Most of the Bank’s lending activity occurs within the state of Washington. The primary market areas include King and to a lesser extent Pierce, Snohomish and Kitsap counties. The Bank’s loan portfolio consists of one-to-four family residential loans which comprised 46.4% of the total loan portfolio at December 31, 2011. Commercial real estate and multifamily loans were 32.1% and 15.7%, respectively, of the total loan portfolio at December 31, 2011, with construction/land development loans, consumer and business loans accounting for the remaining 5.8% of the loan portfolio.

 The Bank originates both adjustable and fixed interest rate loans. The composition of loans receivable was as follows:
 
December 31, 2011
Fixed-Rate
 
Adjustable-Rate
               
Term to Maturity
 
Book Value
 
Term to Rate Adjustment
Book Value
(In thousands)
Due within one year
 
$
           29,691
 
Due within one year
$
           67,827
After one year through three years
 
         123,350
 
After one year through three years
 
                998
After three years through five years
 
           97,462
 
After three years through five years
           39,990
After five years through ten years
   
         210,794
 
After five years through ten years
 
                  32
Thereafter
   
         152,836
 
Thereafter
 
                     -
   
$
         614,133
   
$
         108,847
 
December 31, 2010
Fixed-Rate
 
Adjustable-Rate
               
Term to Maturity
 
Book Value
 
Term to Rate Adjustment
Book Value
(In thousands)
Due within one year
 
$
19,423  
 
Due within one year
$
102,284  
After one year through three years
 
117,074  
 
After one year through three years
 
15,485  
After three years through five years
 
138,261  
 
After three years through five years
26,637  
After five years through ten years
   
290,262  
 
After five years through ten years
 
7,725  
Thereafter
   
175,235  
 
Thereafter
 
                     -
   
$
740,255  
   
$
152,131  
 

(Continued)
 
107

 
FIRST FINANCIAL NORTHWEST, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
 
The majority of the adjustable-rate loans are tied to the prime rate as published in The Wall Street Journal. The remaining adjustable-rate loans have interest rate adjustment limitations and are generally indexed to the FHLB Long-Term Bullet advance rates published by the FHLB of Seattle. Future market factors may affect the correlation of the interest rate adjustment with the rates we pay on short-term deposits that have been primarily utilized to fund these loans.

When we classify problem assets as either substandard or doubtful, pursuant to Federal regulations, we may establish a specific reserve in an amount we deem prudent to address the risk specifically or we may allow the loss to be addressed in the general allowance. General allowances represent loss allowances which have been established to recognize the inherent risk associated with lending activities, but which, unlike specific allowances, have not been specifically allocated to the particular problem assets. When an insured institution classifies problem assets as a loss, pursuant to Federal regulations, it is required to charge-off such assets in the period in which they are deemed uncollectible. Our determination as to the classification of our assets and the amount of our valuation allowances is subject to review by our regulators, who can require the establishment of additional loss allowances.

Loan grades are used by the Bank to identify and track potential problem loans which do not rise to the levels described for substandard, doubtful or loss. The grades for watch and special mention are assigned to loans which have been criticized based upon known characteristics such as periodic payment delinquency or stale financial information from the borrower and/or guarantors. Loans identified as criticized (watch and special mention) or classified (substandard, doubtful or loss) are subject to problem loan reporting every three months.

An analysis of the changes in the ALLL is summarized as follows:

 
Twelve Months Ended December 31,
 
 
2011
 
2010
 
2009
 
 
(In thousands)
 
Balance at the beginning of the period
  $ 22,534     $ 33,039     $ 16,982  
Provision for loan losses
    4,700       53,100       51,300  
Charge-offs
    (11,025 )     (65,476 )       (35,302 )  
Recoveries
    350       1,871        59   
Balance at the end of the period
  $ 16,559     $ 22,534     $ 33,039  

 

(Continued)
 
108

 
FIRST FINANCIAL NORTHWEST, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
 
The following table is a summary of our ALLL and loan portfolio by type of loan and reserve method for the periods indicated.
 
 
At or For the Year Ended December 31, 2011
 
 
One-to-Four
Family
Residential
   
Multifamily
   
Commercial 
Real Estate
   
Construction/
Land
Development
   
Business
   
Consumer
   
Total
 
 
 
ALLL:
(In thousands)
 
Beginning balance
  $ 8,302     $ 1,893     $ 6,742     $ 5,151     $ 7     $ 439     $ 22,534  
Charge-offs
    (2,330 )     (125 )     (4,249 )     (4,058 )     -       (263 )     (11,025 )
Recoveries
    30       -       -       316       -       4       350  
Provision
    (246 )     (818 )     4,353       1,094       147       170       4,700  
Ending balance
  $ 5,756     $ 950     $ 6,846     $ 2,503     $ 154     $ 350     $ 16,559  
                                                         
General reserve
  $ 5,251     $ 950     $ 6,787     $ 2,503     $ 154     $ 350     $ 15,995  
Specific reserve
  $ 505     $ -     $ 59     $ -     $ -     $ -     $ 564  
                                                         
Loans: (1)
                                                       
Total Loans
  $ 335,376     $ 113,263     $ 231,837     $ 24,724     $ 3,909     $ 12,499     $ 721,608  
General reserve (2)
  $ 272,800     $ 109,810     $ 217,218     $ 15,525     $ 3,909     $ 12,429     $ 631,691  
Specific reserve (3)
  $ 62,576     $ 3,453     $ 14,619     $ 9,199     $ -     $ 70     $ 89,917  
____________                                                         
(1) Net of undisbursed funds.
                                                 
(2) Loans collectively evaluated for impairment.
                                         
(3) Loans individually evaluated for impairment.
                                         
 
   
At or For the Year Ended December 31, 2010
 
   
One-to-Four
Family
Residential
   
Multifamily
   
Commercial 
Real Estate
   
Construction/
Land
Development
   
Business
   
Consumer
   
Total
 
 
 
ALLL:
                   
(In thousands)
                   
Beginning balance
  $ 11,130     $ 1,896     $ 6,422     $ 13,255     $ 6     $ 330     $ 33,039  
Charge-offs
    (24,594 )     -       (8,012 )     (32,080 )     -       (790 )     (65,476 )
Recoveries
    176       -       823       778       -       94       1,871  
Provision
    21,590       (3 )     7,509       23,198       1       805       53,100  
Ending balance
  $ 8,302     $ 1,893     $ 6,742     $ 5,151     $ 7     $ 439     $ 22,534  
                                                         
General reserve
  $ 7,137     $ 1,893     $ 5,499     $ 1,819     $ 7     $ 337     $ 16,692  
Specific reserve
  $ 1,165     $ -     $ 1,243     $ 3,332     $ -     $ 102     $ 5,842  
                                                         
Loans: (1)
                                                       
Total Loans
  $ 398,583     $ 143,513     $ 266,297     $ 53,412     $ 479     $ 19,127     $ 881,411  
General reserve (2)
  $ 330,651     $ 140,998     $ 248,578     $ 20,394     $ 479     $ 19,000     $ 760,100  
Specific reserve (3)
  $ 67,932     $ 2,515     $ 17,719     $ 33,018     $ -     $ 127     $ 121,311  
_____________                                                         
(1) Net of undisbursed funds.
                                                 
(2) Loans collectively evaluated for impairment.
                                         
(3) Loans individually evaluated for impairment.
                                         

Nonperforming loans, net of undisbursed funds, were $23.7 million, $62.9 million and $120.7 million at December 31, 2011, 2010 and 2009, respectively. Foregone interest on nonaccrual loans for the years ended December 31, 2011, 2010 and 2009 was $2.2 million, $6.1 million and $7.3 million, respectively.
 

(Continued)
 
109

 
FIRST FINANCIAL NORTHWEST, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
 
Loans committed to be advanced in connection with impaired loans at December 31, 2011 and 2010 were $36,000 and $1.1 million, respectively.

 The following tables represent a summary of loans individually evaluated for impairment by the type of loan for the periods indicated.

   
At or For the Year Ended December 31, 2011
 
         
Unpaid
         
Average
   
Interest
 
   
Recorded
   
Principal
   
Related
   
Recorded
   
Income
 
   
Investment (1)
   
Balance (2)
   
Allowance
   
Investment
   
Recognized
 
   
(In thousands)
 
Loans with no related allowance:
                             
One-to-four family residential:
                             
     Owner occupied
  $ 8,007     $ 8,931     $ -     $ 8,333     $ 244  
     Non-owner occupied
    40,406       42,794       -       44,313       2,241  
       Multifamily
    3,453       3,578       -       3,068       188  
Commercial real estate
    12,802       15,957       -       13,136       549  
Construction/land development
    9,199       22,776       -       12,345       -  
       Consumer
    70       70       -       128       2  
Total
    73,937       94,106       -       81,323       3,224  
                                         
Loans with an allowance:
                                       
One-to-four family residential:
                                       
     Owner occupied
    4,588       4,724       180       4,530       207  
     Non-owner occupied
    9,575       9,735       325       8,715       476  
       Multifamily
    -       -       -       175       -  
Commercial real estate
    1,817       1,817       59       4,427       121  
Construction/land development
    -       -       -       2,719       -  
Total
    15,980       16,276       564       20,566       804  
                                         
Total impaired loans:
                                       
One-to-four family residential:
                                       
     Owner occupied
    12,595       13,655       180       12,863       451  
     Non-owner occupied
    49,981       52,529       325       53,028       2,717  
       Multifamily
    3,453       3,578       -       3,243       188  
Commercial real estate
    14,619       17,774       59       17,563       670  
Construction/land development
    9,199       22,776       -       15,064       -  
       Consumer
    70       70       -       128       2  
Total
  $ 89,917     $ 110,382     $ 564     $ 101,889     $ 4,028  
_________________                                         
(1) Represents the loan balance less charge-offs.
(2) Contractual loan principal balance.

(Continued)
 
110

 
FIRST FINANCIAL NORTHWEST, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
 
 
   
At or For the Year Ended December 31, 2010
 
         
Unpaid
         
Interest
 
   
Recorded
   
Principal
   
Related
   
Income
 
   
Investment (1)(3)
   
Balance (2)(3)
   
Allowance
   
Recognized (3)
 
   
(In thousands)
 
Loans with no related allowance:
                       
One-to-four family residential:
                       
Owner occupied
  $ 5,663     $ 5,997     $ -     $ 178  
Non-owner occupied
    42,584       42,947       -       2,920  
       Multifamily
    2,515       2,515       -       169  
Commercial real estate
    7,236       7,753       -       350  
Construction/land development
    6,565       8,607       -       8  
        Consumer
    48       547       -       -  
Total
    64,611       68,366       -       3,625  
                                 
Loans with an allowance:
                               
One-to-four family residential:
                               
Owner occupied
    7,333       8,570       276       95  
Non-owner occupied
    12,352       16,722       889       130  
Commercial real estate
    10,483       14,713       1,243       281  
Construction/land development
    26,453       46,026       3,332       -  
       Consumer
    79       298       102       3  
Total
    56,700       86,329       5,842       509  
                                 
Total impaired loans:
                               
One-to-four family residential:
                               
Owner occupied
    12,996       14,567       276       273  
Non-owner occupied
    54,936       59,669       889       3,050  
       Multifamily
    2,515       2,515       -       169  
Commercial real estate
    17,719       22,466       1,243       631  
Construction/land development
    33,018       54,633       3,332       8  
       Consumer
    127       845       102       3  
Total
  $ 121,311     $ 154,695     $ 5,842     $ 4,134  
_____________                                 
(1) Represents the loan balance less charge-offs.
                               
(2) Contractual loan principal balance.
                               
(3) Certain amounts in the table have been reclassified to conform to the current presentation.
                 

(Continued)
 
111

 
FIRST FINANCIAL NORTHWEST, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
 
 
The following is a summary of information pertaining to impaired loans, nonperforming assets and troubled debt restructured loans (“TDRs”).
 
   
December 31,
 
   
2011
   
2010
 
   
(In thousands)
 
             
Impaired loans without a valuation allowance
  $ 73,937     $ 64,611  
Impaired loans with a valuation allowance
    15,980       56,700  
    Total impaired loans
  $ 89,917     $ 121,311  
Valuation allowance related to impaired loans
  $ 564     $ 5,842  
Nonperforming assets:  (1)
               
    Nonaccrual loans
  $ 18,613     $ 46,637  
    Nonaccrual troubled debt restructured loans
    5,079       16,299  
Total nonperforming loans
    23,692       62,936  
    Other real estate owned
    26,044       30,102  
Total nonperforming assets
  $ 49,736     $ 93,038  
                 
Performing troubled debt restructured loans
  $ 66,225     $ 58,375  
Nonaccrual troubled debt restructured loans
    5,079       16,299  
Total troubled debt restructured loans (2)
  $ 71,304     $ 74,674  
_____________
(1) There were no loans 90 days or more past due and still accruing interest at December 31, 2011 and 2010.
(2) TDRs are also considered impaired loans and are included in "Total impaired loans."
 
Nonaccrual and Past Due Loans. Loans are considered past due if the required principal and interest payments have not been received as of the date such payments were due. Loans are placed on nonaccrual when they are 90 days delinquent, or when, in management’s opinion, the borrower is unable to meet scheduled payment obligations.

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 loan. In the process of identifying loans as impaired, management takes into consideration factors which include payment history and status, collateral value and financial condition of the borrower. 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 loans and the borrowers, including payment history and amounts of any payment shortfall, length and reason for delay and the likelihood of return to stable performance. Impairment is measured on a loan by loan basis for all loans in the portfolio.
 
(Continued)
 
112

 
FIRST FINANCIAL NORTHWEST, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
 
 
The following table is a summary of loan balances of nonaccrual loans by type of loan.
 
   
December 31,
 
   
2011
   
2010
 
   
(In thousands)
 
One-to-four family residential
  $ 9,808     $ 22,688  
Multifamily
    949       -  
Commercial real estate
    3,736       7,306  
Construction/land development
    9,199       32,885  
Consumer
    -       57  
Total nonaccrual loans
  $ 23,692     $ 62,936  
 
The following tables represent a summary of the aging of loans by type.
 
   
Loans Past Due as of December 31, 2011
             
   
30-59 Days
   
60-89 Days
   
90 Days and
Greater
   
Total
   
Current
   
Total 
Loans (1) (2)
 
   
(In thousands)
 
Real estate:
                                   
  One-to-four family residential:
                                   
Owner occupied
  $ 2,594     $ 1,318     $ 4,076     $ 7,988     $ 180,009     $ 187,997  
Non-owner occupied
    761       -       3,224       3,985       143,394       147,379  
  Multifamily
    -       -       949       949       112,314       113,263  
  Commercial real estate
    633       -       2,621       3,254       228,583       231,837  
  Construction/land development
    -       -       9,199       9,199       15,525       24,724  
Total real estate
    3,988       1,318       20,069       25,375       679,825       705,200  
Business
    240       -       -       240       3,669       3,909  
Consumer
    1,133       -       -       1,133       11,366       12,499  
Total
  $ 5,361     $ 1,318     $ 20,069     $ 26,748     $ 694,860     $ 721,608  
________________                                                 
(1) There were no loans 90 days past due and still accruing interest at December 31, 2011.
(2) Net of undisbursed funds.
 
   
Loans Past Due as of December 31, 2010
             
   
30-59 Days
   
60-89 Days
   
90 Days and
Greater
   
Total
   
Current
   
Total 
Loans (1) (2)
 
   
(In thousands)
 
Real estate:
                                   
  One-to-four family residential:
                                   
Owner occupied
  $ 2,178     $ 780     $ 5,863     $ 8,821     $ 216,392     $ 225,213  
Non-owner occupied
    800       1,996       11,801       14,597       158,773       173,370  
  Multifamily
    -       -       -       -       143,513       143,513  
  Commercial real estate
    2,141       836       6,948       9,925       256,372       266,297  
  Construction/land development
    133       265       32,620       33,018       20,394       53,412  
Total real estate
    5,252       3,877       57,232       66,361       795,444       861,805  
Business
    -       -       -       -       479       479  
Consumer
    -       55       57       112       19,015       19,127  
Total
  $ 5,252     $ 3,932     $ 57,289     $ 66,473     $ 814,938     $ 881,411  
_________________                                                 
(1) There were no loans 90 days past due and still accruing interest at December 31, 2010.
(2) Net of undisbursed funds.
 

(Continued)
 
113

 
FIRST FINANCIAL NORTHWEST, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
 
    Credit Quality Indicators. We utilize a nine-point risk rating system and assign a risk rating for all credit exposures. The risk rating system is designed to define the basic characteristics and identify risk elements of each credit extension. Credits risk rated 1 through 5 are considered to be “pass” credits. Pass credits can be assets where there is virtually no credit risk, such as cash secured loans with funds on deposit with the Bank. Pass credits also include credits that are on our 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 are not adversely classified and do not expose the Bank to sufficient risk to warrant adverse classification. 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 we 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 Bank.

    The following tables represent a summary of loans by type and risk category.
 
   
December 31, 2011
 
   
One-to-Four
Family
Residential
   
Multifamily
   
Commercial
Real Estate
   
Construction/ 
Land
Development
   
Business
   
Consumer
   
Total (1)
 
   
(In thousands)
 
Risk Rating:
                                         
Pass
  $ 307,807     $ 106,900     $ 203,997     $ 15,101     $ 3,909     $ 11,822     $ 649,536  
Special mention
    13,193       5,414       14,256       424       -       488       33,775  
Substandard
    14,376       949       13,584       9,199       -       189       38,297  
Doubtful
    -       -       -       -       -       -       -  
Total
  $ 335,376     $ 113,263     $ 231,837     $ 24,724     $ 3,909     $ 12,499     $ 721,608  
_____________         
(1) Net of undisbursed funds.
 
   
December 31, 2010
 
   
One-to-Four
Family
Residential
   
Multifamily
   
Commercial
Real Estate
   
Construction /
Land
Development
   
Business
   
Consumer
   
Total (1)
 
   
(In thousands)
 
Risk Rating:
                                         
Pass
  $ 360,239     $ 141,224     $ 249,576     $ 17,589     $ 479     $ 18,792     $ 787,899  
Special mention
    10,261       1,936       5,805       -       -       189       18,191  
Substandard
    28,083       353       10,916       35,484       -       140       74,976  
Doubtful
    -       -       -       339       -       6       345  
Total
  $ 398,583     $ 143,513     $ 266,297     $ 53,412     $ 479     $ 19,127     $ 881,411  
______________               
(1) Net of undisbursed funds.
 
 

(Continued)
 
114

 
FIRST FINANCIAL NORTHWEST, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
 
The following tables represent a summary of the loan portfolio by type and payment activity.

 
December 31, 2011
 
 
One-to-Four
Family
Residential
 
Multifamily
 
Commercial
Real Estate
 
Construction /
Land
Development
 
Business
 
Consumer
 
Total (3)
 
 
(In thousands)
 
Performing (1)
  $ 325,568     $ 112,314     $ 228,101     $ 15,525     $ 3,909     $ 12,499     $ 697,916  
Nonperforming (2)
    9,808       949       3,736       9,199       -       -       23,692  
Total
  $ 335,376     $ 113,263     $ 231,837     $ 24,724     $ 3,909     $ 12,499     $ 721,608  
____________                   
(1) 
There were $183.0 million of owner-occupied one-to-four family residential loans and $142.6 million of non-owner occupied one-to-four family residential loans classified as performing.
(2) 
There were $5.0 million of owner-occupied one-to-four family residential loans and $4.8 million of non-owner occupied one-to-four family residential loans classified as nonperforming.
(3) 
Net of undisbursed funds.
 
 
December 31, 2010
 
 
One-to-Four
Family
Residential
 
Multifamily
 
Commercial
Real Estate
 
Construction /
Land
Development
 
Business
 
Consumer
 
Total (3)
 
 
(In thousands)
 
Performing (1)
  $ 375,895     $ 143,513     $ 258,991     $ 20,527     $ 479     $ 19,070     $ 818,475  
Nonperforming (2)
    22,688       -       7,306       32,885       -       57       62,936  
Total
  $ 398,583     $ 143,513     $ 266,297     $ 53,412     $ 479     $ 19,127     $ 881,411  
_____________   
(1)  There were $217.3 million of owner-occupied one-to-four family residential loans and $158.6 million of non-owner occupied one-to-four family residential loans classified as performing.
(2) 
There were $8.0 million of owner-occupied one-to-four family residential loans and $14.7 million of non-owner occupied one-to-four family residential loans classified as nonperforming.
(3) 
Net of undisbursed funds.
 
(Continued)
 
115

 
FIRST FINANCIAL NORTHWEST, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
 
 
The following table presents our TDRs recorded investment before and after the modification.
 
   
Twelve Months Ended December 31, 2011
 
   
Number
of Loans
   
Pre-Modification Outstanding
Recorded
Investment
   
Post-Modification Outstanding
Recorded
Investment
 
   
(Dollars in thousands)
 
TDRs that Occurred During the Period:
                 
One-to-four family residential:
                 
A/B Note restructure (1)
    6     $ 1,130     $ 633  
Interest only payments with interest rate concession
    15       4,887       4,877  
Principal and interest with interest rate concession
    23       5,979       5,759  
Interest only payments with no interest rate concession
    2       527       510  
Commercial:
                       
Principal and interest with interest rate concession
    1       996       996  
Total
    47     $ 13,519     $ 12,775  
____________
(1) An A/B Note restructure strategy occurs infrequently and involves charging-down the "A" note portion of the relationship to an acceptable loan to value ratio and positive debt service coverage at the time of the restructure while the "B" note represents the charged-off portion of the relationship at the time of the restructure.

At December 31, 2011, we had $36,000 in 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 TDR loans that occurred during the twelve months ended December 31, 2011 were primarily a result of granting the borrower interest only payment for a period of time ranging from one to three years. These modifications resulted in a charge to the ALLL of $351,000 for the twelve months ended December 31, 2011. The impaired portion of the loan that has been reduced to interest only payments for a specific period of time is 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. The original contractual interest rate is adjusted for any deferred loan fees or costs, premiums or discounts existing at the origination or acquisition of the loan. This impaired amount reduces the ALLL and a valuation allowance is established to reduce the loan balance. As loan payments are received in future months, the ALLL entry is reversed and the valuation allowance is reduced on a straight-line basis over the modification period.
 
(Continued)
 
116

 
FIRST FINANCIAL NORTHWEST, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
 

 
The following is a summary of loans that were modified as TDRs within the previous 12 months and for which there was a payment default during that period.
 
   
Types of Modifications
 
   
Number of
Loans
   
Interest
Only
Payments
   
Interest
Rate
Concession
 
   
(Dollars in thousands)
 
TDRs that Subsequently Defaulted:
                 
One-to-four family residential
    4     $ 391     $ 1,992  


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

Certain of the Bank’s executive officers and directors have loans with the Bank. The aggregate dollar amount of these loans outstanding to related parties is summarized as follows:

 
Years Ended December 31,
 
 
2011
   
2010
 
 
(In thousands)
 
Balance at beginning of year
  $ 588     $ 1,082  
Additions
    -       -  
 Adjustments (1)
    -       (396 )
Repayments
    (43 )     (98 )
Balance at end of year
  $ 545     $ 588  
______________                 
(1) Executive officer retirement
               

 

(Continued)
 
117

 
FIRST FINANCIAL NORTHWEST, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
 
 
Note 5 - Other Real Estate Owned

The following table represents a summary of OREO.
 
   
Years Ended December 31,
 
   
2011
   
2010
 
   
(In thousands)
 
Balance at beginning of year
  $ 30,102     $ 11,835  
Loans transferred to OREO
    26,194       50,237  
Capitalized improvements
    181       767  
Dispositions of OREO
    (28,509 )     (27,113 )
Market value adjustments
    (1,924 )     (5,624 )
Balance at end of year
  $ 26,044     $ 30,102  
 
OREO includes properties acquired by the Bank through foreclosure and deed in lieu of foreclosure. OREO at December 31, 2011 consisted of $8.2 million in one-to-four family residential homes and $8.0 million in construction/land development projects and $9.8 million in commercial real estate buildings.

Note 6 - Premises and Equipment

Premises and equipment consisted of the following:
 
   
December 31,
 
   
2011
   
2010
 
   
(In thousands)
 
Land
  $ 1,914     $ 1,914  
Buildings and improvements
    17,763       17,763  
Construction in progress
    -       16  
Furniture, fixtures and equipment
    4,345       4,261  
      24,022       23,954  
Less accumulated depreciation
    (5,100 )     (4,125 )
    $ 18,922     $ 19,829  

Depreciation expense was $1.1 million, $1.1 million and $802,000 for the years ended December 31, 2011, 2010 and 2009, respectively.

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.

We determined the fair values of our 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
 
(Continued)
 
118

 
FIRST FINANCIAL NORTHWEST, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
 
 
measuring fair values. Observable inputs reflect market data obtained from independent sources, while unobservable inputs reflect our estimates 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 Bank’s own information or estimate of assumptions used by market participants in pricing the asset or liability. Unobservable inputs are based on the best and most current information available on the measurement date.

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

·  
Level 1 - Quoted prices for identical instruments in active markets.
·  
Level 2 - Quoted prices for similar instruments in active markets; quoted prices for identical or similar instruments in markets that are not active; and model-derived valuations whose inputs are observable.
·  
Level 3 - Instruments whose significant value drivers are unobservable.

 
 
 
 
(Continued)
 
119

 
FIRST FINANCIAL NORTHWEST, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
 
 
The following tables present the balances of assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis (there were no transfers between Level 1 and Level 2 recurring measurements).

 
Fair Value Measurements at December 31, 2011
 
 
Fair Value Measurements
 
Quoted Prices
in Active
Markets for
Identical Assets
(Level 1)
 
Significant
Other
Observable
Inputs
(Level 2)
 
Significant Unobservable
Inputs
(Level 3)
 
 
 
 
 
(In thousands)
 
Available-for-sale investments:
                       
Mortgage-backed investments:
                       
     Fannie Mae
  $ 52,163     $ -     $ 52,163     $ -  
     Freddie Mac
    19,845       -       19,845       -  
     Ginnie Mae
    7,495       -       7,495       -  
Municipal bonds
    1,847       -       1,847       -  
U.S. Government agencies
    47,652       -       47,652       -  
    $ 129,002     $ -     $ 129,002     $ -  
 
 
Fair Value Measurements at December 31, 2010
 
 
Fair Value Measurements
 
Quoted Prices
in Active
Markets for
Identical Assets
(Level 1)
 
Significant
Other
Observable
Inputs
(Level 2)
 
Significant Unobservable
Inputs
(Level 3)
 
 
 
 
Available-for-sale investments:
(In thousands)
 
Mortgage-backed investments:
                       
Fannie Mae
  $ 110,144     $ -     $ 110,144     $ -  
Freddie Mac
    41,149       -       41,149       -  
Ginnie Mae
    9,444       -       9,444       -  
Municipal bonds
    1,922       -       1,922       -  
U.S. Government agencies
    1,944       -       1,944       -  
    $ 164,603     $ -     $ 164,603     $ -  

(Continued)
 
120

 
FIRST FINANCIAL NORTHWEST, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 
The tables below present the balances of assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a nonrecurring basis.
 
 
Fair Value Measurements at December 31, 2011
 
       
Quoted Prices in
 
Significant
 
Significant
       
       
Active Markets
 
Other
 
Unobservable
       
 
Fair Value
 
for Identical
 
Observable
 
Inputs
     
 
Measurements
 
Assets (Level 1)
 
Inputs (Level 2)
 
(Level 3)
 
Total Losses
 
 
(In thousands)
 
Impaired loans including undisbursed but committed funds
                             
of $36,000 (included in loans receivable, net) (1)
  $ 89,389     $ -     $ -     $ 89,389     $ 564  
OREO (2)
    26,044       -       -       26,044       1,924  
    $ 115,433     $ -     $ -     $ 115,433     $ 2,488  
_______________ 
(1) The loss represents the specific reserve against loans that were considered impaired at December 31, 2011.
(2) The loss represents OREO market value adjustments for the year ended December 31, 2011.
 
 
 
Fair Value Measurements at December 31, 2010
 
       
Quoted Prices in
 
Significant
 
Significant
       
     
Active Markets
 
Other
 
Unobservable
     
 
Fair Value
 
for Identical
 
Observable
 
Inputs
     
 
Measurements
 
Assets (Level 1)
 
Inputs (Level 2)
 
(Level 3)
 
Total Losses
 
 
(In thousands)
 
Impaired loans including undisbursed but committed funds
                             
     of $1.1 million (included in loans receivable, net) (1)
  $ 116,543     $ -     $ -     $ 116,543     $ 5,842  
OREO (2)
    30,102       -       -       30,102       5,624  
    $ 146,645     $ -     $ -     $ 146,645     $ 11,466  
________________                                         
(1) The loss represents the specific reserve against loans that were considered impaired at December 31, 2010.
(2) The loss represents OREO market value adjustments for the year ended December 31, 2010.
 
           Investments available-for-sale at December 31, 2011 consisted primarily of mortgage-backed securities, bank qualified municipal bonds and agency securities. The estimated fair value of Level 1 investments is based on quoted market prices. 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 fair value of impaired loans is calculated using the collateral value method or on a discounted cash flow basis. Inputs used in the collateral value method include appraised values, estimates of certain completion costs and closing and selling costs. Some of these inputs may not be observable in the marketplace.

OREO is measured at the lower of carrying amount or fair value, less costs to sell. Fair values are generally based on third party appraisals of the property, resulting in a Level 3 classification. In cases where the carrying amount exceeds the fair value, less costs to sell, an impairment loss is recognized.
 
(Continued)
 
121

 
FIRST FINANCIAL NORTHWEST, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS


The carrying amounts and estimated fair values of financial instruments at December 31, 2011 and 2010 were as follows:
 
   
December 31,
 
   
2011
   
2010
 
   
Carrying
Value
   
Estimated 
Fair Value
   
Carrying
Value
   
Estimated 
Fair Value
 
   
(In thousands)
 
Assets:
                       
Cash on hand and in banks
  $ 4,620     $ 4,620     $ 7,466     $ 7,466  
Interest-bearing deposits
    160,141       160,141       90,961       90,961  
Investments available-for-sale
    129,002       129,002       164,603       164,603  
Loans receivable, net
    703,288       738,266       856,456       878,737  
Federal Home Loan Bank stock
    7,413       7,413       7,413       7,413  
Accrued interest receivable
    3,856       3,856       4,686       4,686  
Liabilities:
                               
Deposits
    218,621       218,621       231,527       231,527  
Certificates of deposit
    570,044       577,570       688,699       701,976  
Advances from the FHLB
    83,066       84,926       93,066       95,972  
Accrued interest payable
    184       184       214       214  

Fair value estimates, methods, and assumptions are set forth below for our financial instruments:

·  
Financial instruments with book value equal to fair value: The fair value of financial instruments that are short-term or reprice frequently and that have little or no risk are considered to have a fair value equal to book value. These instruments include cash on hand and in banks, interest-bearing deposits, FHLB stock, accrued interest receivable and accrued interest 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.
 
(Continued)
 
122

 
FIRST FINANCIAL NORTHWEST, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

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

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

Note 8 - Accrued Interest Receivable

Accrued interest receivable consisted of the following:
 
 
December 31,
 
 
2011
 
2010
 
 
(In thousands)
 
Loans receivable
  $ 3,428     $ 3,954  
Investments
    410       723  
Interest-bearing deposits
    18       9  
    $ 3,856     $ 4,686  


Note 9 - Deposits

Deposit accounts consisted of the following:

             
 
December 31,
 
 
2011
 
2010
 
 
(In thousands)
 
Noninterest-bearing
  $ 6,013     $ 8,700  
NOW
    14,193       13,458  
Statement savings
    17,784       15,387  
Money market
    180,631       193,982  
Certificates of deposit
    570,044       688,699  
    $ 788,665     $ 920,226  
 
 
 
(Continued)
 
123

 
FIRST FINANCIAL NORTHWEST, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
 

 
At December 31, 2011, scheduled maturities of certificates of deposit were as follows:

Years Ended
     
December 31,
 
Amount
 
   
(In thousands)
 
2012
  $ 296,260  
2013
    132,682  
2014
    112,158  
2015
    28,839  
2016
    -  
Thereafter
    105  
    $ 570,044  

Deposits included public funds of $22.0 million and $58.7 million at December 31, 2011 and 2010, respectively.

Certificates of deposit of $100,000 or more included in deposits at December 31, 2011 and 2010, were $416.5 million and $510.9 million, respectively. Interest expense on these certificates totaled $11.6 million, $15.5 million, and $17.8 million for the years ended December 31, 2011, 2010 and 2009, respectively.

Included in deposits are accounts of $3.5 million and $3.1 million at December 31, 2011 and 2010, respectively which are controlled by management, members of the Board of Directors and related entities.

Interest expense on deposits was as follows:

   
Years Ended December 31,
 
   
2011
   
2010
   
2009
 
NOW
  $ 22     $ 53     $ 77  
Statement savings
    55       167       221  
Money market
    938       2,384       3,018  
Certificates of deposit
    15,200       20,766       25,490  
    $ 16,215     $ 23,370     $ 28,806  

 
Note 10 - Other Borrowings

The FHLB functions as a central reserve bank providing credit for member financial institutions. At December 31, 2011 and 2010, the Bank maintained credit facilities with the FHLB totaling $113.0 million and $317.4 million with outstanding balances of $83.1 million and $93.1 million, respectively. The credit facility was collateralized by $205.0 million of single-family residential mortgages and $64.1 million of multifamily loans under a blanket lien arrangement at December 31, 2011. At December 31, 2010, a collateral in possession arrangement was in force. Effective February 27, 2012, the FHLB increased our line of credit to 25% of assets from 10% at December 31, 2011. We also had a $10.0 million unused line of credit facility with another financial institution at December 31, 2011.
 
(Continued)
 
124

 
FIRST FINANCIAL NORTHWEST, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
 

 
Outstanding advances consisted of the following:

December 31, 2011
Maturity
Date 
   
Principal
Balance 
   
Fixed
Interest Rate 
 
(Dollars in thousands)
  01/2013     $ 50,000       2.17 %
  12/2013       7,450       3.38  
  12/2013       20,000       2.94  
  12/2013       700       2.64  
  04/2014       1,750       2.98  
  07/2015       3,166       1.89  
         83,066          

 
December 31, 2010
Maturity
Date 
   
Principal
Balance 
   
Fixed
Interest Rate
(Dollars in thousands)
  03/2012     $ 10,000       2.82 %
  01/2013       50,000       2.17  
  12/2013       7,450       3.38  
  12/2013       20,000       2.94  
  12/2013       700       2.64  
  04/2014       1,750       2.98  
  07/2015       3,166       1.89  
        93,066          
 
Note 11 - Benefit Plans

Multiemployer Pension Plans

We participate in the Pentegra Defined Benefit Plan for Financial Institutions (“The Pentegra DB Plan”), a tax-qualified defined-benefit pension plan that covers substantially all employees after one year of continuous employment. Pension benefits vest over a period of five years of credited service. T he Pentegra DB Plan’s Employer Identification Number is 13-5645888 and the Plan Number is 333. The Pentegra DB Plan operates as a multi-employer plan for accounting purposes and as a multiple-employer plan under the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 and the Internal Revenue Code. There are no collective bargaining agreements in place that require contributions to the Pentegra DB Plan.

The Pentegra DB Plan is a single plan under Internal Revenue Code Section 413(c) and, as a result, all of the assets stand behind all of the liabilities. Accordingly, under the Pentegra DB Plan, contributions made by a participating employer may be used to provide benefits to participants of other participating employers.

 

(Continued)
 
125

 
FIRST FINANCIAL NORTHWEST, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
 
 
The table below presents the funded status (market value of plan assets divided by funding target) of our plan as of July 1,:

   
2011 (1)
   
2010
 
Source
 
Valuation Report
   
Valuation Report
 
Our Plan
    80.0 %     79.7 %
_________________                 
(1) Market value of plan assets includes $95,538 which was applied to the 2010-2011 plan year.
 

Total contributions made to the Pentegra DB Plan, as reported on Form 5500, equal $203.6 million and $133.9 million for the plan years ending June 30, 2010 and June 30, 2009, respectively. Our contributions to the Pentegra DB Plan are not more than 5% of the total contributions to the Pentegra DB Plan. Our policy is to fund pension costs as accrued.

Total contributions during the years ended December 31, were:
 
2011   2010   2009
Date Paid
 
Amount
 
Date Paid
 
Amount
 
Date Paid
 
Amount
(Dollars in thousands)
09/23/2011
 
$
                96
 
10/08/2010
 
$
              175
 
10/08/2009
 
$
              151
10/13/2011
   
              299
 
12/20/2010
   
           1,097
 
12/16/2009
   
              576
11/22/2011
   
           1,187
       
                  -
       
                  -
Total
 
$
           1,582
 
Total
 
$
           1,272
 
Total
 
$
              727

We also have post employment agreements with certain key officers to provide supplemental retirement benefits. For each of the years ended December 31, 2011, 2010 and 2009, the annual plan premium cost was $49,000. Additionally, we recorded $289,000, $81,000 and $108,000 of deferred compensation expense for the years ended December 31, 2011, 2010 and 2009, respectively.

401(k) Plan

We have a savings plan under Section 401(k) of the Internal Revenue Code, covering substantially all employees after 90 days of continuous employment. Under the plan, employee contributions up to 6% will be matched 50% by the Company. Such matching becomes vested over a period of five years of credited service. Employees may make investments in various stock, money market or fixed income plans. We contributed $150,000, $138,000 and $274,000 to the plan for the years ended December 31, 2011, 2010 and 2009, respectively.

Employee Stock Ownership Plan

We provide an ESOP for the benefit of substantially all employees. The ESOP borrowed $16.9 million from the Company and used those funds to acquire 1,692,800 shares of the Company’s stock at the time of the initial public offering at a price of $10.00 per share.
 
(Continued)
 
126

 
FIRST FINANCIAL NORTHWEST, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
 

Shares purchased by the ESOP with the loan proceeds are held in a suspense account and are allocated to ESOP participants on a pro rata basis as principal and interest payments are made by the ESOP to the Company. The loan is secured by shares purchased with the loan proceeds and will be repaid by the ESOP with funds from the Company’s discretionary contributions to the ESOP and earnings on the ESOP assets. Annual principal and interest payments of $1.6 million were made by the ESOP during 2011, 2010 and 2009.

As shares are committed to be released from collateral, we report compensation expense equal to the daily average market prices of the shares and the shares become outstanding for EPS computations. The compensation expense is accrued throughout the year.

A summary of key transactions for the ESOP follows:

 
December 31,
 
 
2011
 
2010
 
2009
 
 
(In thousands)
 
ESOP contribution expense
  $ 602     $ 565     $ 857  
Dividends on unallocated shares used to reduce ESOP contribution
    -       122       528  
 
Shares held by the ESOP are as follows:
 
 
December 31,
 
 
2011
 
2010
 
 
(Dollars in thousands, except share data)
 
Allocated shares
    479,625       366,772  
Unallocated shares
    1,213,175       1,326,028  
Total ESOP shares
    1,692,800       1,692,800  
Fair value of unallocated shares
  $ 7,158     $ 5,304  
 
Stock-Based Compensation

In June 2008, our 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 $2.0 million, $1.9 million and $2.0 million for the years ended December 31, 2011, 2010 and 2009, respectively, and the related income tax benefit was $690,000, $681,000 and $713,000 for the years ended December 31, 2011, 2010 and 2009, respectively.

Stock Options

The Plan authorized the grant of stock options amounting to 2,285,280 shares to its directors, advisory directors, officers and employees. Option awards are granted with an exercise price equal to the market price of our 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 ten 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. We have a policy of issuing new shares from authorized but unissued
 
(Continued)
 
127

 
FIRST FINANCIAL NORTHWEST, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
 
 
common stock upon the exercise of stock options. At December 31, 2011, remaining options for 911,756 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 assumptions noted in the table below. 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. In previous years, we elected to use a weighted-average of our peers’ historical stock price information in conjunction with our own stock price history due to the limited amount of history available regarding our stock price. Now that sufficient stock price information is available regarding our stock, we will utilize historical volatility of our stock price over a specified period of time for the expected volatility assumption. We base the risk-free interest rate on the U.S. Treasury Constant Maturity Indices in effect on the date of the grant. We elected to use the “Share-Based Payments” method permitted by the Securities and Exchange Commission to calculate the expected term. This method uses the vesting term of an option along with the contractual term, setting the expected life at a midpoint. There were no options granted during the year ended December 31, 2011.

The fair value of options granted was determined using the following weighted-average assumptions as of the grant date.
 
   
Years Ended December 31,
 
   
2011
   
2010
   
2009
 
Annual dividend yield
    - %     - %     4.07 %
Expected volatility
    -       46.32       38.82  
Risk-free interest rate
    -       2.42       1.89  
Expected term
    -    
6.5 years
   
6.5 years
 
Weighted-average grant date fair
    value per option granted
  $ -     $ 1.28     $ 2.15  

A summary of the Company’s stock option plan awards for the year ended December 31, 2011, follows:
 
   
Shares
    Weighted-
Average
Exercise Price
    Weighted-
Average
Remaining
Contractual
Term in Years
   
Aggregate
Intrinsic Value
   
Weighted-
Average
Grant Date
Fair Value
 
   
(Dollars in thousands, except share data)
 
Outstanding at January 1, 2011
    1,383,524     $ 9.52       7.60     $ -     $ 1.91  
    Granted
    -       -       -       -       -  
    Exercised
    -       -       -       -       -  
    Forfeited or expired
    (10,000 )     9.78       -       -       1.92  
Outstanding at December 31, 2011
    1,373,524       9.52       6.60       94       1.91  
                                         
Expected to vest assuming a 3% forfeiture
                                       
    rate over the vesting term
    562,022       9.31       6.67       73          
                                         
Exercisable at December 31, 2011
    794,114       9.67       6.54       19          

 
(Continued)
 
128

 
 
FIRST FINANCIAL NORTHWEST, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
 
As of December 31, 2011, there was $801,000 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 1.7 years.

Restricted Stock Awards

The Plan authorized the grant of restricted stock awards amounting to 914,112 shares to directors, advisory directors, officers and employees. Compensation expense is recognized over the vesting period of the awards based on the fair value of the stock at the grant date. The restricted stock awards’ fair value is equal to the value on the grant date. Shares awarded as restricted 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 December 31, 2011, remaining restricted awards for 167,078 shares were available to be issued. Shares that have been repurchased totaled 310,494 and are held in trust until they are issued in connection with the agreement.

A summary of changes in nonvested restricted stock awards for the period ended December 31, 2011, follows:
 
Nonvested Shares
 
Shares
   
Weighted-Average Grant Date 
Fair Value
 
   
(Dollars in thousands, except share data)
 
Nonvested at January 1, 2011
    456,140     $ 9.75  
Granted
    -       -  
Vested
    (145,646 )     9.93  
Forfeited
    -       -  
Nonvested at December 31, 2011
    310,494       9.66  
                 
Expected to vest assuming a 3% forfeiture
               
rate over the vesting term
    301,178          


As of December 31, 2011 there was $2.4 million 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 1.8 years. The total fair value of shares vested during the years ended December 31, 2011 and 2010 was $1.4 million for each year.
 

(Continued)
 
129

 
 
FIRST FINANCIAL NORTHWEST, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Note 12 - Federal Income Taxes

The components of income tax expense (benefit) are as follows:
 
 
Years Ended December 31,
 
 
2011
 
2010
 
2009
 
 
(In thousands)
 
Current
$ -     $ (8,076 )   $ (9,387 )
Deferred
  -       12,075       (3,120 )
Total income tax expense (benefit)
$ -     $ 3,999     $ (12,507 )
 
A reconciliation of the tax provision based on the statutory corporate rate of 35% during the years ended December 31, 2011, 2010 and 2009 on pretax income is as follows:

   
Years Ended December 31,
 
   
2011
   
2010
   
2009
 
   
(In thousands)
 
Income tax expense (benefit) at
                 
statutory rate
  $ 1,485     $ (17,548 )   $ (18,625 )
Income tax effect of:
                       
Tax exempt interest, net
    (24 )     (50 )     (52 )
Change in valuation allowance
    (1,542 )     21,892       1,477  
Goodwill impairment
    -       -       4,972  
        Other, net
    81       (295 )     (279 )
Total income tax expense (benefit)
  $ -     $ 3,999     $ (12,507 )
 
 
 
(Continued)
 
130

 
FIRST FINANCIAL NORTHWEST, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

The net deferred tax asset, included in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets, consisted of the following:
 
   
December 31,
 
   
2011
   
2010
   
2009
 
   
(In thousands)
 
Deferred tax assets:
                 
Net operating loss carryforward
  $ 11,070     $ 12,841     $ -  
Contribution to First Financial Northwest Foundation
    4,797       4,790       4,786  
Allowance for loan losses
    5,598       5,792       11,020  
Reserve for unfunded commitments
    42       56       118  
Deferred compensation
    715       664       686  
Reserve for uncollected interest
    -       45       75  
Other-than-temporary impairment loss on investments
    -       -       627  
Alternative minimum tax credit carryforward
    1,485       1,490       -  
Employee benefit plans
    1,656       1,400       850  
Net capital loss on investments
    545       545       -  
OREO market value adjustments
    392       420       -  
   OREO expenses
    352       -       -  
   Accrued expenses
    137       138       122  
Deferred tax assets before valuation allowance
    26,789       28,181       18,284  
Valuation allowance
    (23,281 )     (24,832 )     (2,597 )
Total deferred tax assets
    3,508       3,349       15,687  
                         
Deferred tax liabilities:
                       
Federal Home Loan Bank stock dividends
  $ 1,337     $ 1,337     $ 1,337  
Loan origination fees and costs
    666       762       856  
   Servicing rights
    51       99       173  
Net unrealized loss on investments available for sale
    455       446       725  
   Other, net
    999       705       457  
Total deferred tax liabilities
  $ 3,508     $ 3,349     $ 3,548  
Deferred tax assets, net
  $ -     $ -     $ 12,139  


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

Under GAAP, a valuation allowance is required to be recognized if it is “more likely than not” that a portion of the deferred tax asset will not be realized.
 

(Continued)
 
131

 
FIRST FINANCIAL NORTHWEST, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
 
 
Our policy is to evaluate our deferred tax assets on a quarterly basis and record a valuation allowance for our deferred tax assets if we do not have sufficient positive evidence indicating that we will have carryback potential or future taxable income available to utilize our deferred tax assets. Our federal net operating loss carryforward was $31.6 million at December 31, 2011 and will expire in 2030. The Bank has an AMT credit carryforward totaling $1.5 million, with no expiration date.

Our deferred tax asset valuation account consisted of the following specific valuation allowances.

   
First Financial Northwest
Foundation
Donation
   
Other
   
Total Deferred
Tax Asset
Valuation
 
   
(In thousands)
 
Balance at January 1, 2011
  $ 4,787     $ 20,045     $ 24,832  
Additions
    -       -       -  
Deductions
    -       (1,551 )     (1,551 )
Balance at December 31, 2011
  $ 4,787     $ 18,494     $ 23,281  

The Company has qualified under provisions of the Internal Revenue Code to compute federal income taxes after deductions of additions to the bad debt reserves. At December 31, 2011 and 2010, the Company had a taxable temporary difference of approximately $4.5 million that arose before 1988 (base year amount). A deferred tax liability has not been recognized for the temporary difference. Management does not expect this temporary difference to reverse in the foreseeable future.

Note 13 - Regulatory Capital Requirements

Under Federal regulations, pre-conversion retained earnings are restricted for the protection of pre-conversion depositors.

 The Bank is subject to various regulatory capital requirements administered by the federal banking agencies. Failure to meet minimum capital requirements can initiate certain mandatory and, possibly, additional discretionary actions by regulators that, if undertaken, could have a direct material effect on the Bank’s financial statements. Under capital adequacy guidelines and the regulatory framework for prompt corrective action, the Bank must meet specific capital guidelines that involve quantitative measures of their assets, liabilities and certain off-balance sheet items as calculated under regulatory accounting practices.

The capital amounts and classifications are also subject to qualitative judgments by the regulators about components, risk weightings and other factors. Prompt corrective action provisions are not applicable to bank holding companies.

Quantitative measures established by regulation to ensure capital adequacy require the Bank to maintain minimum amounts and ratios (set forth in the table that follows) of total and Tier 1 capital to risk-weighted assets (as defined in the regulations) and of Tier 1 capital to average assets.
 

(Continued)
 
132

 
FIRST FINANCIAL NORTHWEST, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
 

Although the Bank is well-capitalized at December 31, 2011, based on the general percentages in the regulatory guidelines, the Bank is no longer regarded as well-capitalized for federal regulatory purposes, as a result of the deficiencies cited in the Order (see Note 2 – Regulatory Items). As a result of this reclassification, the Bank’s borrowing costs and terms from the FHLB, as well as the Bank’s premiums to the Deposit Insurance Fund administered by the FDIC, are expected to be higher than they would were the Bank not operating under the Order.

As of December 31, 2011, according to the most recent notification from the FDIC, the Bank was categorized as adequately capitalized under the regulatory framework for prompt corrective action. There are no conditions or events since the notification that management believes have changed the Bank’s category.

The Bank’s actual capital amounts and ratios are presented in the following table.

                     
To be Well Capitalized
           
For Capital Adequacy
 
Under Prompt Corrective
 
Actual
 
Purposes
 
Action Provisions
 
Amount
 
Ratio
 
Amount
 
Ratio
 
Amount
   
Ratio
 
(Dollars in thousands)
December 31, 2011:
                               
Total risk-based capital
  $ 153,935   24.76
%
  $ 49,737   8.00
%
  $ 62,171       10.00 %
Tier 1 risk-based capital
    146,058   23.49       24,868   4.00       37,303       6.00  
Tier 1 leverage capital
    146,058   13.54       43,155   4.00       53,944       5.00  
                                         
December 31, 2010:
                                       
Total risk-based capital
  $ 151,782   19.65   $ 61,793   8.00
%
  $ 77,241       10.00 %
Tier 1 risk-based capital
    141,970   18.38       30,896   4.00       46,345       6.00  
Tier 1 leverage capital
    141,970   11.73       48,403   4.00       60,503       5.00  

The Orders restrict the Bank and the Company from making any capital distributions including the payment of a dividend.

Note 14 - Commitments and Guarantees

Commitments to extend credit are agreements to lend to customers in accordance with predetermined contractual provisions. These commitments are for specific periods or, may contain termination clauses and may require the payment of a fee. The total amounts of unused commitments do not necessarily represent future credit exposure or cash requirements, in that commitments can expire without being drawn upon. Unfunded commitments to extend credit totaled $11.9 million and $22.3 million at December 31, 2011 and 2010, respectively. Fixed-rate commitments totaled $895,000 (interest rates ranged from 3.63% to 4.38%) and $963,000 (interest rates ranged from 5.13% to 7.00%) at December 31, 2011 and 2010, respectively.
 

(Continued)
 
133

 
FIRST FINANCIAL NORTHWEST, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
 

 
Note 15 - Parent Company Only Financial Statements

Presented below are the condensed balance sheets, income statements and statements of cash flows for First Financial Northwest, Inc.


FIRST FINANCIAL NORTHWEST, INC.
Condensed Balance Sheets
 
   
December 31,
 
   
2011
   
2010
 
   
(In thousands)
 
                       Assets
           
Cash and cash equivalents
  $ 7     $ 13  
Interest-bearing deposits
    19,782       18,522  
Investment in First Savings Bank Northwest
    146,584       142,482  
Investment in First Financial Diversified, Inc.
    11,527       10,808  
Receivable from subsidiaries
    3,406       2,674  
Other assets
    41       17  
                       Total assets
  $ 181,347     $ 174,516  
                 
Liabilities and Stockholders' Equity
               
Liabilities:
               
Other liabilities
  $ 27     $ 38  
Total liabilities
    27       38  
Stockholders' Equity
    181,320       174,478  
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity
  $ 181,347     $ 174,516  
 
 
 
(Continued)
 
134

 
FIRST FINANCIAL NORTHWEST, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
 
 
FIRST FINANCIAL NORTHWEST, INC.
Condensed Income Statements

   
Years Ended December 31,
 
   
2011
   
2010
   
2009
 
   
(In thousands)
 
Operating income:
                 
Interest income:
                 
       Interest-bearing deposits with banks
  $ 93     $ 471     $ 1,071  
Total operating income
    93       471       1,071  
                         
Operating expenses:
                       
Other expenses
    672       689       593  
Total operating expenses
    672       689       593  
                         
Income (loss) before provision for federal income taxes and
                       
 equity in undistributed earnings of subsidiaries
    (579 )     (218 )     478  
Provision for federal income tax expense
    -       2,783       1,377  
                         
Loss before equity in undistributed earnings (loss) of subsidiaries
    (579 )     (3,001 )     (899 )
Equity in undistributed earnings (loss) of subsidiaries
    4,821       (51,135 )     (39,809 )
Net income (loss)
  $ 4,242     $ (54,136 )   $ (40,708 )
 
 
 
(Continued)
 
135

 
FIRST FINANCIAL NORTHWEST, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
 

 
FIRST FINANCIAL NORTHWEST, INC.
Condensed Statements of Cash Flows


   
Years Ended December 31,
 
   
2011
   
2010
   
2009
 
   
(In thousands)
 
Cash flows from operating activities:
                 
 Net income (loss)                        
Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net cash
   4,242      (54,136    (40,708
                    from operating activities
                       
Equity in undistributed (earnings) loss of subsidiaries
    (4,821 )     51,135       39,809  
Stock options and restricted stock expense
    1,971       1,921       2,037  
Change in deferred tax assets, net
    -       2,816       1,240  
Change in receivables from subsidiaries
    (732 )     (790 )     (790 )
Change in other assets
    (23 )     (1 )     (2 )
Change in federal income taxes, net
    -       9,499       (9,546 )
Changes in other liabilities
    (11 )     (9,533 )     9,515  
Net cash provided by operating activities
    626       911       1,555  
                         
Cash flows from investing activities
                       
Repayments of ESOP loan
    1,128       1,129       1,127  
Investment in First Savings Bank Northwest
    -       (30,000 )     -  
Investment in First Financial Diversified
    (500 )     -       (1,000 )
Net cash provided (used) in investing activities
    628       (28,871 )     127  
                         
Cash flows from financing activities
                       
Repurchase and retirement of common stock
    -       (106 )     (17,838 )
       Dividends paid
    -       (1,420 )     (6,399 )
Net cash used by financing activities
    -       (1,526 )     (24,237 )
Net increase (decrease) in cash
    1,254       (29,486 )     (22,555 )
                         
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year
    18,535       48,021       70,576  
Cash and cash equivalents at end of year
  $ 19,789     $ 18,535     $ 48,021  
 
 
(Continued)
 
136

 
FIRST FINANCIAL NORTHWEST, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
 

 
Note 16 - Earnings (Loss) Per Share

The following table presents a reconciliation of the components used to compute basic and diluted earnings (loss) per share.
 
   
Years Ended December 31,
 
   
2011
   
2010
   
2009
 
   
(Dollars in thousands, except share data)
 
Net income (loss)
  $ 4,242     $ (54,136 )   $ (40,708 )
                         
Basic weighted-average common shares outstanding
    17,531,131       17,420,488       18,664,490  
Plus common stock options considered outstanding for
                       
dilutive purposes (excludes antidilutive options)
    3,786       -       -  
Diluted weighted-average common shares outstanding
    17,534,917       17,420,488       18,664,490  
                         
Basic earnings (loss) per share
  $ 0.24     $ (3.11 )   $ (2.18 )
Diluted earnings (loss) per share
  $ 0.24     $ (3.11 )   $ (2.18 )


Potential dilutive shares are excluded from the computation of earnings per share if their effect is anti-dilutive. There were 1,323,524, 1,333,524 and 1,433,524 anti-dilutive shares outstanding related to options to acquire the Company’s common stock at December 31, 2011, 2010 and 2009, respectively.

Note 17 - Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)

The components of other comprehensive income (loss) and related tax effects are as follows:
 
   
Years Ended December 31,
 
   
2011
   
2010
   
2009
 
   
(In thousands)
 
Unrealized holding gains on available-for-sale securities
  $ 2,253     $ 44     $ 2,510  
Reclassification adjustment for net gains realized in income
    (2,226 )     (843 )     (1,954 )
Other-than-temporary impairments on investments available-for-sale
    -       -       152  
Net unrealized gains (losses)
    27       (799 )     708  
Tax effect
    -       64       248  
Net of tax amount
  $ 27     $ (863 )   $ 460  

 

(Continued)
 
137

 
FIRST FINANCIAL NORTHWEST, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
 
 
The components of accumulated other comprehensive income included in stockholders’ equity, are as follows:
 
   
For the Years Ended December 31,
 
   
2011
 
2010
 
   
(In thousands)
 
Unrealized gains on investments available-for-sale
  $ 1,300     $ 1,273  
Tax effect
    789       789  
Net of tax amount
  $ 511     $ 484  
 
 
 
 
(Continued)
 
138

 
FIRST FINANCIAL NORTHWEST, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
 
 
Note 18 - Summarized Consolidated Quarterly Financial Data (Unaudited)

The following table presents summarized consolidated quarterly data for each of the last three years.

   
First
Quarter
   
Second
Quarter
   
Third
Quarter
   
Fourth
Quarter
 
   
(Dollars in thousands, except share data)
 
2011
                       
Total interest income
  $ 13,709     $ 13,247     $ 12,450     $ 11,646  
Total interest expense
    5,089       4,803       4,570       4,023  
Net interest income
    8,620       8,444       7,880       7,623  
Provision for loan losses
    1,200       1,600       1,300       600  
Net interest income after provision for loan losses
    7,420       6,844       6,580       7,023  
Total noninterest income
    596       826       556       555  
Total noninterest expense
    6,582       6,412       6,513       6,651  
Income before provision for income taxes
    1,434       1,258       623       927  
Provision for federal income tax expense
    -       -       -       -  
Net income
  $ 1,434     $ 1,258     $ 623     $ 927  
                                 
Basic earnings per share
  $ 0.08     $ 0.07     $ 0.04     $ 0.05  
Diluted earnings per share
  $ 0.08     $ 0.07     $ 0.04     $ 0.05  
                                 
2010
                               
Total interest income
  $ 15,662     $ 15,424     $ 15,011     $ 14,447  
Total interest expense
    7,594       7,357       6,620       5,988  
Net interest income
    8,068       8,067       8,391       8,459  
Provision for loan losses
    13,000       26,000       12,000       2,100  
Net interest income (loss) after provision for loan losses
    (4,932 )     (17,933 )     (3,609 )     6,359  
Total noninterest income
    46       62       38       895  
Total noninterest expense
    8,867       7,010       8,500       6,686  
Income (loss) before provision for income taxes
    (13,753 )     (24,881 )     (12,071 )     568  
Provision for federal income tax expense
    3,999       -       -       -  
Net income (loss)
  $ (17,752 )   $ (24,881 )   $ (12,071 )   $ 568  
                                 
Basic earnings (loss) per share
  $ (1.02 )   $ (1.43 )   $ (0.69 )   $ 0.03  
Diluted earnings (loss) per share
  $ (1.02 )   $ (1.43 )   $ (0.69 )   $ 0.03  
                                 
2009
                               
Total interest income
  $ 16,750     $ 15,727     $ 16,221     $ 16,335  
Total interest expense
    8,575       8,740       8,572       8,026  
Net interest income
    8,175       6,987       7,649       8,309  
Provision for loan losses
    1,544       18,256       7,795       23,705  
Net interest income (loss) after provision for loan losses
    6,631       (11,269 )     (146 )     (15,396 )
Total noninterest income (loss)
    130       (97 )     72       1,927  
Total noninterest expense
    5,144       20,707       4,889       4,327  
Income (loss) before provision for income taxes
    1,617       (32,073 )     (4,963 )     (17,796 )
Provision (benefit) for federal income taxes
    421       (4,076 )     (3,304 )     (5,548 )
Net income (loss)
  $ 1,196     $ (27,997 )   $ (1,659 )   $ (12,248 )
                                 
Basic earnings (loss) per share
  $ 0.06     $ (1.49 )   $ (0.09 )   $ (0.69 )
Diluted earnings (loss) per share
  $ 0.06     $ (1.49 )   $ (0.09 )   $ (0.69 )

 
(Continued)
 
139

 
 
Item 9. Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure

None.

Item 9A.  Controls and Procedures

(i) Disclosure Controls and Procedures.

An evaluation of our disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rule 13a-15(e) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”) was carried out as of December 31, 2011 under the supervision and with the participation of our Chief Executive Officer, Chief Financial Officer and several other members of our senior management.  Our Chief Executive Officer (Principal Executive Officer) and Chief Financial Officer (Principal Financial and Accounting Officer) concluded that, as of December 31, 2011, our disclosure controls and procedures were effective in ensuring that information we are required to disclose in the reports we file or submit under the Exchange Act is (1) recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the SEC’s rules and forms, and (2) accumulated and communicated to our management, including our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, as appropriate to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure, specified in the SEC’s rules and forms.

(ii) Internal Control Over Financial Reporting.

(a) Management’s report on internal control over financial reporting.

First Financial Northwest’s management is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting.  First Financial Northwest’s internal control system is designed to provide reasonable assurance to our management and the Board of Directors regarding the preparation and fair presentation of published financial statements.  Nonetheless, all internal control systems, no matter how well designed, have inherent limitations.  Even systems determined to be effective as of a particular date can provide only reasonable assurance with respect to financial statement preparation and presentation and may not eliminate the need for restatements.

First Financial Northwest’s management assessed the effectiveness of First Financial Northwest’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2011.  In making this assessment, management used the criteria set forth by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission in Internal Control-Integrated Framework.  Based on our assessment, we believe that, as of December 31, 2011, First Financial Northwest’s internal control over financial reporting is effective based on those criteria.

Moss Adams LLP, an independent registered public accounting firm, has audited the Company’s consolidated financial statements and the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2011, which is included in Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data.

(b) Attestation report of the registered public accounting firm.

See Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data.

(c) Changes in internal control over financial reporting.

There were no significant changes in First Financial Northwest’s internal control over financial reporting during First Financial Northwest’s most recent fiscal quarter that have materially affected or are reasonably likely to materially affect, First Financial Northwest’s internal control over financial reporting.
 
 
140

 

Item 9B.  Other Information

There was no information to be disclosed by us in a report on Form 8-K during the fourth quarter of fiscal 2011 that was not so disclosed.

PART III

Item 10.  Directors, Executive Officers and Corporate Governance

The information required under the section captioned “Proposal 1 -- Election of Directors” in First Financial Northwest’s Definitive Proxy Statement for the 2012 Annual Meeting of Stockholders (“Proxy Statement”)  is incorporated herein by reference.

For information regarding the executive officers of First Financial Northwest and the Bank, see the information contained herein under the section captioned “Item 1.  Business – Personnel – Executive Officers of the Registrant.”

Audit Committee Financial Expert

Our Audit Committee is composed of Directors Dr. Gary F. Kohlwes (Chairman), Gary F. Faull and Joann E. Lee.  Each member of the Audit Committee is “independent” as defined in  listing standards of The Nasdaq Stock Market LLC.  Our Board of Directors has designated Director Joann E. Lee as the Audit Committee financial expert, as defined in the SEC’s Regulation S-K.  Director Joann E. Lee is independent as that term is used in Item 407(d)(5)(i)(B) of SEC’s regulation S-K.

Code of Business Conduct and Ethics

 A copy of the Code of Business Conduct and Ethics is available on our  website at www.fsbnw.com under Investor Relations – Corporate Overview – Governance Documents.  Additionally, any material amendments to, or waiver from a provision of the Code of Business Conduct and Ethics will be posted to the same website.

Compliance with Section 16(a) of the Exchange Act
 
        The information required by this item under the section captioned “Section 16 (a) Beneficial Ownership Reporting Compliance” in the Proxy Statement is incorporated herein by reference.

Item 11.    Executive Compensation

The information required by this item under the sections captioned “Executive Compensation” and “Directors’ Compensation” in the Proxy Statement are incorporated herein by reference.

Item 12.    Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stockholder Matters
 
 
(a)
Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners.

The information required by this item under the section captioned “Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management” in the Proxy Statement is incorporated herein by reference.

 
(b)
Security Ownership of Management.

The information required by this item under the sections captioned “Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management” in the Proxy Statement is incorporated herein by reference.

 
141

 


(c)           Changes In Control

First Financial Northwest is not aware of any arrangements, including any pledge by any person of securities of First Financial Northwest, the operation of which may at a subsequent date result in a change in control of First Financial Northwest.

(d)           Equity Compensation Plan Information

The following table summarizes share and exercise price information about First Financial Northwest’s equity compensation plans as of December 31, 2011.
Plan category
 
Number of securities
to be issued upon
exercise of
outstanding options,
warrants
and rights
   
Weighted-average
exercise price of
outstanding
options, warrants
and rights
   
Number of securities
remaining available for
future issuance under
equity compensation
plans (excluding
securities
 reflected in
column (a))
 
   
(a)
   
(b)
   
(c)
 
Equity compensation plans (stock options)
 approved by security holders:
                 
     2008 Equity Incentive Plan (1)
    1,373,524     $ 9.52       911,756  
                         
Equity compensation plans
 not approved by security holders
    N/A       N/A       N/A  
                         
    Total
    1,373,524     $ 9.52       911,756  
____________
(1)
The restricted shares granted under the 2008 Equity Incentive Plan were purchased by First Financial Northwest in open market transactions and subsequently issued to First Financial Northwest’s directors and certain employees.  As of December 31, 2011, there were 747,034 restricted shares granted pursuant to the 2008 Equity Incentive Plan and 167,078 shares were available for future grants of restricted stock.

Item 13.    Certain Relationships and Related Transactions and Director Independence

The information required by this item under the sections captioned “Meetings and Committees of the Board of Directors and Corporate Governance -- Corporate Governance -- Related Party Transactions” and “Meetings and Committees of the Board of Directors and Corporate Governance Matters -- Corporate Governance -- Director Independence” in the Proxy Statement are incorporated herein by reference.

Item 14.  Principal Accountant Fees and Services

The information required by this item under the section captioned “Independent Auditors and Related Fees” in the Proxy Statement is incorporated herein by reference.

PART IV

Item 15.  Exhibits and Financial Statement Schedules
 
(a)       Exhibits
 
  3.1 
Articles of Incorporation of First Financial Northwest (1)
  3.2 
Bylaws of First Financial Northwest (1)
 
Form of stock certificate of First Financial Northwest(1)
  10.1 
Form of Employment Agreement for President and Chief Executive Officer  (1)
  10.2 
Form of Change in Control Severance Agreement for Executive Officers (1)
  10.3 
Form of First Savings Bank Employee Severance Compensation Plan (1)
  10.4 
Form of Supplemental Executive Retirement Agreement entered into by First Savings Bank with Victor Karpiak, Harry A. Blencoe and Robert H. Gagnier (1)
  10.5  Form of Financial Institutions Retirement Fund (1)
 
 
142

 
 
 
  10.6  Form of 401(k) Retirement Plan (2)
  10.7  2008 Equity Incentive Plan (3)
  10.8  Forms of incentive and non-qualified stock option award agreements (4)
  10.9  Form of restricted stock award agreement (4)
  14  Code of Business Conduct and Ethics (5)
  21 
Subsidiaries of the Registrant
  23 
Consent of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm- Moss Adams LLP
  31.1 
Certification of Chief Executive Officer Pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act
  31.2 
Certification of Chief Financial Officer Pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act
  32.1 Certification of Chief Executive Officer Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act 
  32.2 
Certification of Chief Financial Officer Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act
  101 
The following materials from First Financial Northwest’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2011, formatted in Extensible Business Reporting Language (XBRL): (1) Consolidated Balance Sheets; (2) Consolidated Statements of Income; (3) Consolidated Statements of Changes in Stockholders’ Equity and Comprehensive Income; (4) Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows; and (5) 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 Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2007 and incorporated herein by reference.
(3)
Filed as Appendix A to First Financial Northwest’s definitive proxy statement dated April 15, 2008.
(4)
Filed as an exhibit to First Financial Northwest’s Current Report on Form 8-K dated July 1, 2008.
(5)
Registrant elects to satisfy Regulation S-K §229.406(c) by posting its Code of Ethics on its website at www.fsbnw.com.

 
143

 

SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) 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: March 9, 2012
By:  /s/ Victor Karpiak                                                             
   
Victor Karpiak
   
Chairman of the Board, President and Chief Executive
  Officer
 
    Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this report has been signed below by the following persons on behalf of the registrant and in the capacities and on the dates indicated.

Signature
 
Title
 
Date
         
         
         
/s/Victor Karpiak
 
Chairman of the Board, President and Chief
 
March 9, 2012
Victor Karpiak
 
Executive Officer
   
   
(Principal Executive Officer)
   
         
         
/s/Kari A. Stenslie
 
Chief Financial Officer
 
March 9, 2012
Kari A. Stenslie
 
(Principal Financial and Accounting Officer)
   
         
         
         
/s/Joann E. Lee
 
Director
 
March 9, 2012
Joann E. Lee
       
         
         
         
/s/Gary F. Kohlwes
 
Director
 
March 9, 2012
Gary F. Kohlwes
       
         
         
         
/s/Robert L. Anderson
 
Director
 
March 9, 2012
Robert L. Anderson
       
         
         
         
/s/Gerald Edlund
       
Gerald Edlund
 
Director
 
March 9, 2012
         
         
         
/s/Gary F. Faull
 
Director
 
March 9, 2012
Gary F. Faull
       
 
 
144

 
 
         
/s/M. Scott Gaspard
 
Director
 
March 9, 2012
M. Scott Gaspard
       
         
         
/s/Daniel L. Stevens
 
Director
 
March 9, 2012
Daniel L. Stevens
       
         
         
 
 
 
 
145

 
 
Exhibit Index
 
  Exhibit No. Description
        21 
Subsidiaries of the Registrant
        23
Consent of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm- Moss Adams LLP
        31.1  Certification of Chief Executive Officer Pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act 
        31.2 
Certification of Chief Financial Officer Pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act
        32.1 
Certification of Chief Executive Officer Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act
        32.2
Certification of Chief Financial Officer Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act
        101 
The following materials from First Financial Northwest’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2011, formatted in Extensible Business Reporting Language (XBRL): (1) Consolidated Balance Sheets; (2) Consolidated Statements of Income; (3) Consolidated Statements of Changes in Stockholders’ Equity and Comprehensive Income; (4) Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows; and (5) 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.