FFNW-2013.3.31-10Q


UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
 
FORM 10-Q
 
[X]
QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
 
 
For the quarterly period ended March 31, 2013
 
 
or
[   ]
TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
 
           For the transition period from ____________ to ____________
 
Commission File Number: 001-33652
 
 
FIRST FINANCIAL NORTHWEST, INC.
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
 
Washington
 
26-0610707
(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization)
 
(I.R.S. Employer Identification Number)
 
 
 
201 Wells Avenue South, Renton, Washington
 
98057
(Address of principal executive offices)
 
(Zip Code)
 
 
 
Registrant’s telephone number, including area code:
 
(425) 255-4400
 
 
 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.

YES    X   NO      

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files).

YES    X   NO      

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

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

YES       NO   X   

Indicate the number of shares outstanding of each of the issuer's classes of common stock, as of the latest practicable date: As of May 8, 2013, 18,805,168 shares of the issuer's common stock, $0.01 par value per share, were outstanding.



FIRST FINANCIAL NORTHWEST, INC.
FORM 10-Q
TABLE OF CONTENTS
                                                                    
 
 
Page
PART I - FINANCIAL INFORMATION
 
 
Item 1.
Financial Statements
 
Item 2.
Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
 
Item 3.
Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk
 
Item 4.
Controls and Procedures
   PART II - OTHER INFORMATION
 
 
Item 1.
Legal Proceedings
 
Item 1A.
Risk Factors
 
Item 2.
Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds
 
Item 3.
Defaults upon Senior Securities
 
Item 4.
Mine Safety Disclosures
 
Item 5.
Other Information
 
Item 6.
Exhibits
SIGNATURES
 
 


2

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

Part I. Financial Information

Item 1. Financial Statements

 
 
 
 
 
March 31, 2013
 
December 31, 2012
Assets
 
 
 
 
 
Cash on hand and in banks
$
4,388

 
$
4,289

Interest-bearing deposits
21,303

 
83,452

Investments available-for-sale, at fair value
160,770

 
152,262

Loans receivable, net of allowance of $12,002 and $12,542
649,369

 
650,468

Premises and equipment, net
17,867

 
18,073

Federal Home Loan Bank ("FHLB") stock, at cost
7,215

 
7,281

Accrued interest receivable
3,523

 
3,484

Deferred tax assets, net
1,000

 
1,000

Other real estate owned ("OREO")
16,310

 
17,347

Prepaid expenses and other assets
4,975

 
4,999

Total assets
$
886,720

 
$
942,655

 
 
 
 
Liabilities and Stockholders' Equity
 

 
 
 
 
 
 
Interest-bearing deposits
$
643,933

 
$
659,643

Noninterest-bearing deposits
6,201

 
6,154

Advances from the FHLB
34,000

 
83,066

Advance payments from borrowers for taxes and insurance
3,546

 
2,186

Accrued interest payable
17

 
179

Investment transactions payable
6,324

 

Other liabilities
3,954

 
4,310

Total liabilities
697,975

 
755,538

 
 

 
 
Commitments and contingencies


 


 
 

 
 
Stockholders' Equity
 

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

 

  Common stock, $0.01 par value; authorized 90,000,000 shares; issued and outstanding
 
 
 
    18,805,168 shares at March 31, 2013 and December 31, 2012
188

 
188

   Additional paid-in capital
190,960

 
190,534

Retained earnings, substantially restricted
8,206

 
6,650

Accumulated other comprehensive income, net of tax
112

 
748

Unearned Employee Stock Ownership Plan ("ESOP") shares
(10,721
)
 
(11,003
)
Total stockholders' equity
188,745

 
187,117

Total liabilities and stockholders' equity
$
886,720

 
$
942,655

See accompanying selected notes to consolidated financial statements.

3

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

 
Three Months Ended March 31,
 
2013
 
2012
Interest income
 
 
 
Loans, including fees
$
9,044

 
$
10,472

Investments available-for-sale
473

 
593

Interest-bearing deposits
21

 
97

Total interest income
$
9,538

 
$
11,162

Interest expense
 

 
 

Deposits
1,893

 
2,941

FHLB advances
256

 
511

Total interest expense
$
2,149

 
$
3,452

Net interest income
7,389

 
7,710

Provision for loan losses

 
1,700

Net interest income after provision for loan losses
$
7,389

 
$
6,010

Noninterest income
 

 
 

Net gain on sale of investments

 
194

Other
104

 
87

Total noninterest income
$
104

 
$
281

Noninterest expense
 

 
 

Salaries and employee benefits
3,614

 
3,427

Occupancy and equipment
354

 
405

Professional fees
356

 
473

Data processing
162

 
181

Gain on sale of OREO property, net
(632
)
 
(221
)
OREO market value adjustments
145

 
310

OREO-related expenses, net
334

 
489

Regulatory assessments
283

 
97

Insurance and bond premiums
114

 
100

Proxy contest and related litigation
89

 

Marketing
18

 
52

Prepayment penalty on FHLB advances
679

 

Other general and administrative
362

 
308

Total noninterest expense
$
5,878

 
$
5,621

Income before provision for federal income tax
1,615

 
670

            Federal income tax provision
59

 
48

Net income
$
1,556

 
$
622

 
 
 
 
Basic earnings per share
$
0.09

 
$
0.04

Diluted earnings per share
$
0.09

 
$
0.04


See accompanying selected notes to consolidated financial statements.






4

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


 
Three Months Ended March 31,
 
2013
 
2012
Net income
$
1,556

 
$
622

 
 
 
 
Other comprehensive income, before tax:
 
 
 
   Unrealized holding gains (loss) on available-for-sale securities
(636
)
 
252

   Reclassification adjustment for net gain realized in income

 
(194
)
Other comprehensive income (loss), before tax
(636
)
 
58

   Income tax provision related to items of other comprehensive income

 

Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax
$
(636
)
 
$
58

Total comprehensive income
$
920

 
$
680


See accompanying selected notes to consolidated financial statements.



5

FIRST FINANCIAL NORTHWEST, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Consolidated Statements of Stockholders' Equity
For the Three Months Ended March 31, 2013
(Dollars in thousands, except share data)
(Unaudited)

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

 
188

 
190,534

 
$
6,650

 
$
748

 
$
(11,003
)
 
$
187,117

Other comprehensive income

 

 

 
1,556

 
(636
)
 

 
920

Compensation related to stock options and restricted stock awards

 

 
481

 

 

 

 
481

Allocation of 28,213 ESOP shares

 

 
(55
)
 

 

 
282

 
227

Balances at March 31, 2013
18,805,168

 
188
 
$
190,960

 
$
8,206

 
$
112

 
$
(10,721
)
 
$
188,745


See accompanying selected notes to consolidated financial statements.

6

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

 
Three Months Ended March 31,
 
2013
 
2012
Cash flows from operating activities:
 
 
 
Net income
$
1,556

 
$
622

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

 


Provision for loan losses

 
1,700

OREO market value adjustments
145

 
310

Gain on sale of OREO property, net
(632
)
 
(221
)
Depreciation of premises and equipment
207

 
263

Net amortization of premiums and discounts on investments
419

 
452

ESOP expense
227

 
196

Compensation expense related to stock options and restricted stock awards
481

 
479

Net realized gain on investments available-for-sale

 
(194
)
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:
 
 
 

Prepaid expenses and other assets
24

 
18

Accrued interest receivable
(39
)
 
(41
)
Accrued interest payable
(162
)
 
12

Other liabilities
(356
)
 
(781
)
Net cash provided by operating activities
$
1,870

 
$
2,815

 
 
 
 
Cash flows from investing activities:
 

 
 

Proceeds from sales of investments

 
11,000

Capitalized improvements in OREO
(33
)
 

Proceeds from sales of OREO properties
4,933

 
5,353

Principal repayments on investments
5,735

 
5,592

Purchases of investments
(8,974
)
 
(28,466
)
Net (increase) decrease in loans receivable
(2,277
)
 
19,005

FHLB stock redemption
66

 

Purchases of premises and equipment
(1
)
 
(43
)
Net cash provided (used) by investing activities
$
(551
)
 
$
12,441

Cash flows from financing activities:
 

 
 

Net decrease in deposits
(15,663
)
 
(24,617
)
Advances from the FHLB
34,000

 

Repayments of advances from the FHLB
(83,066
)
 

Net increase in advance payments from borrowers for taxes and insurance
1,360

 
1,963

Net cash used by financing activities
$
(63,369
)
 
$
(22,654
)
Net decrease in cash
(62,050
)
 
(7,398
)
Cash and cash equivalents:
 

 
 

Beginning of quarter
87,741

 
164,761

End of quarter
$
25,691

 
$
157,363

 
 
 
 
Continued
 
 
 

7

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

Continued
 
 
 
 
Three Months Ended March 31,
 
2013
 
2012
Supplemental disclosures of cash flow information:
 

 
 

Cash paid during the period for:
 

 
 

  Interest
$
2,311

 
$
3,440

  Federal income taxes

 
45

Noncash transactions:
 

 
 

Loans, net of deferred loan fees and allowance for loan and lease losses ("ALLL"),
 
 
 
     transferred to OREO
$
3,376

 
$
1,846

   Investment transactions payable
$
6,324

 
$


See accompanying selected notes to consolidated financial statements.


8


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

Note 1 - Description of Business

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

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

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

Note 2 - Regulatory Items

During April 2013, the Memorandum of Understanding ("MOU") by and between the Bank and the FDIC and the DFI (originally effective March 27, 2012) was terminated. Also in April 2013, the MOU by and between First Financial Northwest and the FRB (originally effective April 14, 2010) was terminated. As a result, the Company is no longer required to obtain the approval of the FRB prior to the repurchase of its common stock and for the payment of any cash dividends. The FDIC, DFI and FRB have also terminated the Bank's and First Financial Northwest's "troubled condition" status.

Note 3 - Basis of Presentation

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

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

Note 4 - Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements

In December 2011, the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") issued Accounting Standards Update ("ASU") No. 2011-11, Disclosures about Offsetting Assets and Liabilities. The ASU requires an entity to offset, and present as a single net amount, a recognized eligible asset and a recognized eligible liability when it has an unconditional and legally enforceable right of setoff and intends either to settle the asset and liability on a net basis or to realize the asset and settle the liability simultaneously. The ASU requires an entity to disclose information about offsetting and related arrangements to enable users of its financial statements to understand the effect of those arrangements on its financial position. This ASU is effective for annual and interim

9

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


reporting periods beginning on or after January 1, 2013. The adoption of this ASU did not have a material impact on the Company's consolidated financial statements.
In July 2012, the FASB issued ASU No. 2012-2, Intangibles-Goodwill and Other (Topic 350): Testing Indefinite-Lived Intangible Assets for Impairment. This ASU states that an entity has the option to first assess qualitative factors to determine whether the existence of events and circumstances indicates that it is more likely than not that the indefinite-lived intangible asset is impaired. If, after assessing the totality of events and circumstances, an entity concludes that it is not more likely than not that the indefinite-lived intangible asset is impaired, then the entity is not required to take further action. However, if an entity concludes otherwise, it is required to determine the fair value of the indefinite-lived intangible asset and perform the quantitative impairment test by comparing the fair value with the carrying amount, in accordance with Codification Subtopic 350-30, Intangibles-Goodwill and Other, General Intangibles Other than Goodwill. Under guidance in this ASU, an entity also has the option to bypass the qualitative assessment for any indefinite-lived intangible asset in any period and proceed directly to performing the quantitative impairment test. An entity will be able to resume performing the qualitative assessment in any subsequent period. This ASU is effective for annual and interim impairment tests performed for fiscal years beginning after September 15, 2012. The adoption of this ASU did not have a material impact on the Company's consolidated financial statements.
In February 2013, the FASB issued ASU 2013-02, Reporting of Amounts Reclassified Out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income. This ASU requires an entity to provide information about the amounts of reclassified out of accumulated other comprehensive income by component and to present either on the face of the statement where net income is presented, or in the notes, significant amounts reclassified out of accumulated other comprehensive income by the respective line items of net income, but only if the amount reclassified is required to be reclassified to net income in its entirety in the same reporting period. The amendments were effective prospectively for annual and interim reporting periods beginning on or after December 15, 2012. The Company adopted the provisions of ASU 2013-02 for the quarter ended March 31, 2013. There was no impact for the quarter ended March 31, 2013, due to the fact that no amounts were reclassified out of accumulated other comprehensive income.

Note 5 - Investments

Investment securities available-for-sale are summarized as follows:
 
March 31, 2013
 
Amortized
Cost
 
Gross
Unrealized
Gains
 
Gross
Unrealized
Losses
 
Fair Value

(In thousands)
Mortgage-backed investments:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   Fannie Mae
$
42,177

 
$
948

 
$
(18
)
 
$
43,107

   Freddie Mac
14,276

 
408

 
(39
)
 
14,645

   Ginnie Mae
29,295

 
63

 
(203
)
 
29,155

Municipal bonds
2,046

 
7

 
(245
)
 
1,808

U.S. Government agencies
68,075

 
249

 
(202
)
 
68,122

Corporate Bonds
4,000

 

 
(67
)
 
3,933

Total
$
159,869

 
$
1,675

 
$
(774
)
 
$
160,770


10

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


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

 
$
1,131

 
$
(2
)
 
$
36,168

   Freddie Mac
15,368

 
403

 
(8
)
 
15,763

   Ginnie Mae
31,193

 
84

 
(131
)
 
31,146

Municipal bonds
2,048

 
7

 
(166
)
 
1,889

U.S. Government agencies
67,077

 
223

 
(4
)
 
67,296

Total
$
150,725

 
$
1,848

 
$
(311
)
 
$
152,262

 
The following table summarizes the aggregate fair value and gross unrealized loss by length of time those investments have been continuously in an unrealized loss position:
 
March 31, 2013
 
Less Than 12 Months
 
12 Months or Longer
 
Total
 
Fair Value
 
Unrealized
Loss
 
Fair Value
 
Unrealized
Loss
 
Fair Value
 
Unrealized
Loss
 
(In thousands)
Mortgage-backed investments:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   Fannie Mae
$
4,073

 
$
(18
)
 
$

 
$

 
$
4,073

 
$
(18
)
   Freddie Mac
5,464

 
(39
)
 

 

 
5,464

 
(39
)
   Ginnie Mae
23,202

 
(203
)
 

 

 
23,202

 
(203
)
Municipal bonds

 

 
1,159

 
(245
)
 
1,159

 
(245
)
U.S. Government agencies
34,680

 
(152
)
 
9,950

 
(50
)
 
44,630

 
(202
)
Corporate Bonds
3,932

 
(67
)
 

 

 
3,932

 
(67
)
Total
$
71,351

 
$
(479
)
 
$
11,109

 
$
(295
)
 
$
82,460

 
$
(774
)
 
December 31, 2012
 
Less Than 12 Months
 
12 Months or Longer
 
Total
 
Fair Value
 
Unrealized
Loss
 
Fair Value
 
Unrealized
Loss
 
Fair Value
 
Unrealized
Loss
 
(In thousands)
Mortgage-backed investments:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   Fannie Mae
$
4,603

 
$
(2
)
 
$

 
$

 
$
4,603

 
$
(2
)
   Freddie Mac
2,952

 
(8
)
 

 

 
2,952

 
(8
)
   Ginnie Mae
18,238

 
(131
)
 

 

 
18,238

 
(131
)
Municipal bonds

 

 
1,239

 
(166
)
 
1,239

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

 
(4
)
 

 

 
10,508

 
(4
)
Total
$
36,301

 
$
(145
)
 
$
1,239

 
$
(166
)
 
$
37,540

 
$
(311
)

At March 31, 2013, the Company had two securities with a gross unrealized loss of $295,000 with a fair value of $11.1 million that had an unrealized loss for greater than one year. At December 31, 2012, there was one security that had a gross unrealized loss of $166,000 with a fair value of $1.2 million that had an unrealized loss for greater than one year. Management reviewed the financial condition of the entities issuing these securities at March 31, 2013 and December 31, 2012, and determined that an other-than-temporary impairment ("OTTI") was not warranted.

On a quarterly basis, management makes an assessment to determine whether there have been any events or economic circumstances to indicate that a security on which there is an unrealized loss is impaired on an other-than-temporary basis. The Company considers many factors including the severity and duration of the impairment, recent events specific to the issuer or

11

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


industry, and for debt securities, external credit ratings and recent downgrades. Securities on which there is an unrealized loss that is deemed to be an OTTI are written down to fair value. For equity securities, the write-down is recorded as a realized loss in noninterest income on the Company's Consolidated Income Statements. For debt securities, if the Company intends to sell the security or it is likely that the Company will be required to sell the security before recovering its cost basis, the entire impairment loss would be recognized in earnings as an OTTI. If the Company does not intend to sell the security and it is not likely that it will be required to sell the security but does not expect to recover the entire amortized cost basis of the security, only the portion of the impairment loss representing credit losses would be recognized in earnings. The credit loss on a security is measured as the difference between the amortized cost basis and the present value of the cash flows expected to be collected. Projected cash flows are discounted by the original or current effective interest rate depending on the nature of the security being measured for potential OTTI. The remaining impairment related to all other factors, the difference between the present value of the cash flows expected to be collected and fair value, is recognized as a charge to other comprehensive income (“OCI”). Impairment losses related to all other factors are presented as separate categories within OCI. For the three months ended March 31, 2013 and 2012, the Company did not have any OTTI losses on investments.

The amortized cost and estimated fair value of investments available-for-sale at March 31, 2013, by contractual maturity, are shown below. Expected maturities will differ from contractual maturities because borrowers may have the right to call or prepay obligations with or without call or prepayment penalties. Investments not due at a single maturity date, primarily mortgage-backed investments are shown separately.
 
March 31, 2013
 
Amortized Cost
 
Fair Value
 
(In thousands)
Due after one year through five years
$
51,555

 
$
51,425

Due after five years through ten years
8,747

 
8,723

Due after ten years
13,819

 
13,715

 
74,121

 
73,863

Mortgage-backed investments
85,748

 
86,907

Total
$
159,869

 
$
160,770


Under Washington state law, in order to participate in the public funds program the Company is required to pledge as collateral an amount equal to 100% of the public deposits held in the form of eligible securities. Investments with a market value of $27.6 million and $1.9 million were pledged as collateral for public deposits at March 31, 2013 and December 31, 2012, respectively, both of which exceeded the collateral requirements established by the Washington Public Deposit Protection Commission.

There were no investment securities sales during the quarter ended March 31, 2013 and there were $10.8 million of investment securities sales during the quarter ended March 31, 2012, resulting in gross gains of $194,000. There were no gross losses on the sales of investment securities for the three months ended March 31, 2012.


12

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


Note 6 - Loans Receivable

Loans receivable are summarized as follows: 
 
March 31, 2013
 
December 31, 2012
 
(In thousands)
One-to-four family residential: (1)
 
 
 
   Permanent
$
300,892

 
$
306,851

   Construction

 
177

 
300,892

 
307,028

Multifamily: (2)
 
 
 

   Permanent
104,660

 
105,936

   Construction
5,585

 
5,585

 
110,245

 
111,521

Commercial real estate: (2)
 
 
 

   Permanent
212,130

 
207,436

   Construction
12,500

 
12,500

   Land
1,937

 
1,942

 
226,567

 
221,878

Construction/land development: (2)
 
 
 

   One-to-four family residential
487

 
608

   Multifamily
11,235

 
8,375

   Land development
10,214

 
10,435

 
21,936

 
19,418

 
 
 
 
Business
3,104

 
2,968

Consumer
10,132

 
11,110

Total loans
672,876

 
673,923

 
 
 
 
Less:
 
 
 

   Loans in process ("LIP")
9,377

 
8,856

   Deferred loan fees, net
2,128

 
2,057

   ALLL
12,002

 
12,542

Loans receivable, net
$
649,369

 
$
650,468

___________
(1) 
Included $136.5 million and $139.8 million of non-owner occupied loans at March 31, 2013 and December 31, 2012, respectively.
(2) 
Excluded construction loans that will convert to permanent loans. The Company considers these loans to be "rollovers" in that one loan is originated for both the construction loan and permanent financing. These loans are classified according to the underlying collateral. At March 31, 2013, the Company had $12.5 million, or 5.5% of the total commercial real estate portfolio and $5.6 million, or 5.1% of its total multifamily portfolio in these "rollover" type of loans. At December 31, 2012, the Company had $12.5 million, or 5.6% of the total commercial real estate portfolio, $5.6 million, or 5.0% of the total multifamily portfolio, and $177,000, or 0.1% of its total one-to-four family loan portfolio in these rollover type of loans. At both March 31, 2013 and December 31, 2012, $1.9 million of commercial real estate loans were not included in the construction/land development category because the Company classifies raw land or buildable lots when it does not intend to finance the construction as commercial real estate land loans.

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


13

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


The following tables summarize changes in the ALLL and loan portfolio by loan type and impairment method: 
 
At or For the Three Months Ended March 31, 2013
 
One-to-Four
Family
Residential
 
Multifamily
 
Commercial 
Real Estate
 
Construction/
Land
Development
 
Business
 
Consumer
 
Total
 
(In thousands)
ALLL:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Beginning balance
$
5,562

 
$
1,139

 
$
5,207

 
$
437

 
$
30

 
$
167

 
$
12,542

   Charge-offs
(159
)
 
(346
)
 
(98
)
 

 

 
(16
)
 
(619
)
   Recoveries

 

 
1

 
70

 

 
8

 
79

   Provision
41

 
405

 
(329
)
 
(121
)
 
2

 
2

 

Ending balance
$
5,444

 
$
1,198

 
$
4,781

 
$
386

 
$
32

 
$
161

 
$
12,002

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
General reserve
$
4,105

 
$
1,198

 
$
4,440

 
$
386

 
$
32

 
$
161

 
$
10,322

Specific reserve
$
1,339

 
$

 
$
341

 
$

 
$

 
$

 
$
1,680

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Loans: (1)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Total Loans
$
300,892

 
$
108,820

 
$
226,567

 
$
13,984

 
$
3,104

 
$
10,132

 
$
663,499

General reserve (2)
$
242,642

 
$
104,963

 
$
209,433

 
$
9,237

 
$
3,104

 
$
9,400

 
$
578,779

Specific reserve (3)
$
58,250

 
$
3,857

 
$
17,134

 
$
4,747

 
$

 
$
732

 
$
84,720

____________ 
(1) Net of LIP.
(2) Loans collectively evaluated for impairment.
(3) Loans individually evaluated for impairment.
 
At or For the Three Months Ended March 31, 2012
 
One-to-Four
Family
Residential
 
Multifamily
 
Commercial 
Real Estate
 
Construction/
Land
Development
 
Business
 
Consumer
 
Total
 
(In thousands)
ALLL:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Beginning balance
$
5,756

 
$
950

 
$
6,846

 
$
2,503

 
$
154

 
$
350

 
$
16,559

   Charge-offs
(718
)
 

 
(2,614
)
 
(74
)
 

 
(293
)
 
(3,699
)
   Recoveries

 

 
171

 
100

 

 
1

 
272

   Provision
775

 
1,407

 
1,272

 
(1,805
)
 
(119
)
 
170

 
1,700

Ending balance
$
5,813

 
$
2,357

 
$
5,675

 
$
724

 
$
35

 
$
228

 
$
14,832

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
General reserve
$
5,343

 
$
2,357

 
$
5,576

 
$
724

 
$
35

 
$
228

 
$
14,263

Specific reserve
$
470

 
$

 
$
99

 
$

 
$

 
$

 
$
569

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Loans: (1)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Total Loans
$
325,280

 
$
110,081

 
$
227,666

 
$
19,271

 
$
3,620

 
$
11,439

 
$
697,357

General reserve (2)
$
264,946

 
$
106,636

 
$
208,731

 
$
10,280

 
$
3,620

 
$
11,205

 
$
605,418

Specific reserve (3)
$
60,334

 
$
3,445

 
$
18,935

 
$
8,991

 
$

 
$
234

 
$
91,939

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


14

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


Nonperforming loans, net of LIP, were $19.0 million and $22.8 million at March 31, 2013 and December 31, 2012, respectively. Foregone interest on nonperforming loans for the quarter ended March 31, 2013 was $290,000, compared to $377,000 for the same quarter in 2012.
 
There were no funds committed to be advanced in connection with impaired loans at either March 31, 2013 or December 31, 2012.

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

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


15

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


The following tables present a summary of loans individually evaluated for impairment by loan type:
 
March 31, 2013
 
Recorded Investment (1)
 
Unpaid Principal Balance (2)
 
Related Allowance
 
(In thousands)
Loans with no related allowance:
 
 
 
 
 
  One-to-four family residential:
 
 
 
 
 
      Owner occupied
$
5,398

 
$
5,983

 
$

      Non-owner occupied
29,584

 
29,731

 

  Multifamily
3,857

 
4,205

 

   Commercial real estate
9,048

 
10,346

 

   Construction/land development
4,747

 
8,812

 

   Consumer
732

 
803

 

Total
53,366

 
59,880

 

Loans with an allowance:
 
 
 
 
 
  One-to-four family residential:
 
 
 
 
 
      Owner occupied
5,218

 
5,403

 
353

      Non-owner occupied
18,050

 
18,278

 
986

   Commercial real estate
8,086

 
8,086

 
341

Total
31,354

 
31,767

 
1,680

Total impaired loans:
 
 
 
 
 
  One-to-four family residential:
 
 
 
 
 
      Owner occupied
10,616

 
11,386

 
353

      Non-owner occupied
47,634

 
48,009

 
986

   Multifamily
3,857

 
4,205

 

   Commercial real estate
17,134

 
18,432

 
341

   Construction/land development
4,747

 
8,812

 

   Consumer
732

 
803

 

Total
$
84,720

 
$
91,647

 
$
1,680

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

16

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


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

 
$
5,569

 
$

      Non-owner occupied
34,318

 
34,442

 

  Multifamily
5,950

 
6,131

 

   Commercial real estate
10,126

 
12,502

 

   Construction/land development
4,767

 
8,813

 

   Consumer
759

 
798

 

Total
60,661

 
68,255

 

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

 
6,073

 
361

      Non-owner occupied
13,936

 
14,150

 
890

   Commercial real estate
8,113

 
8,113

 
352

Total
27,946

 
28,336

 
1,603

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

 
11,642

 
361

      Non-owner occupied
48,254

 
48,592

 
890

   Multifamily
5,950

 
6,131

 

   Commercial real estate
18,239

 
20,615

 
352

   Construction/land development
4,767

 
8,813

 

   Consumer
759

 
798

 

Total
$
88,607

 
$
96,591

 
$
1,603

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

 

17

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


 
Three Months Ended March 31,
 
2013
 
2012
 
Average Recorded Investment
 
Interest Income Recognized
 
Average Recorded Investment
 
Interest Income Recognized
 
(In thousands)
Loans with no related allowance:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   One-to-four family residential:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
      Owner occupied
$
5,070

 
$
30

 
$
8,343

 
$
53

      Non-owner occupied
31,951

 
430

 
39,329

 
545

Multifamily
4,904

 
20

 
3,449

 
42

Commercial real estate
9,587

 
66

 
14,716

 
193

Construction/land development
4,757

 

 
9,095

 

Consumer
745

 

 
152

 
1

Total
57,014

 
546

 
75,084

 
834

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Loans with an allowance:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   One-to-four family residential:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
      Owner occupied
5,557

 
58

 
4,420

 
99

      Non-owner occupied
15,993

 
226

 
9,363

 
46

Commercial real estate
8,100

 
117

 
2,061

 
34

Total
29,650

 
401

 
15,844

 
179

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Total impaired loans:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   One-to-four family residential:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
      Owner occupied
10,627

 
88

 
12,763

 
152

      Non-owner occupied
47,944

 
656

 
48,692

 
591

Multifamily
4,904

 
20

 
3,449

 
42

Commercial real estate
17,687

 
183

 
16,777

 
227

Construction/land development
4,757

 

 
9,095

 

Consumer
745

 

 
152

 
1

Total
$
86,664

 
$
947

 
$
90,928

 
$
1,013



18

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



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

 
 

   Nonaccrual loans
$
16,239

 
$
18,231

   Nonaccrual TDRs
2,726

 
4,528

Total nonperforming loans
18,965

 
22,759

   OREO
16,310

 
17,347

Total nonperforming assets
$
35,275

 
$
40,106

 
 
 
 
Performing TDRs
$
65,755

 
$
65,848

Nonaccrual TDRs
2,726

 
4,528

Total TDRs
$
68,481

 
$
70,376

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

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

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

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

19

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


The following table is a summary of nonaccrual loans by loan type: 
 
March 31, 2013
 
December 31, 2012
 
(In thousands)
One-to-four family residential
$
5,980

 
$
6,248

Multifamily
2,623

 
4,711

Commercial real estate
4,883

 
6,274

Construction/land development
4,747

 
4,767

Consumer
732

 
759

Total nonaccrual loans
$
18,965

 
$
22,759


The following tables represent a summary of the aging of loans by type: 
 
Loans Past Due as of March 31, 2013
 
 
 
 
 
30-59 Days
 
60-89 Days
 
90 Days and
Greater
 
Total
 
Current
 
Total Loans (1) (2)
 
(In thousands)
Real estate:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
One-to-four family residential:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Owner occupied
$
2,238

 
$
971

 
$
2,632

 
$
5,841

 
$
158,510

 
$
164,351

Non-owner occupied
1,031

 

 
877

 
1,908

 
134,633

 
136,541

Multifamily

 

 
2,371

 
2,371

 
106,449

 
108,820

Commercial real estate

 

 
4,883

 
4,883

 
221,684

 
226,567

Construction/land development
166

 

 
805

 
971

 
13,013

 
13,984

Total real estate
3,435

 
971

 
11,568

 
15,974

 
634,289

 
650,263

Business

 

 

 

 
3,104

 
3,104

Consumer
731

 
1

 

 
732

 
9,400

 
10,132

Total
$
4,166

 
$
972

 
$
11,568

 
$
16,706

 
$
646,793

 
$
663,499

 ________________ 
(1) There were no loans 90 days past due and still accruing interest at March 31, 2013.
(2) Net of LIP.

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

 
$
1,374

 
$
2,653

 
$
6,001

 
$
161,100

 
$
167,101

Non-owner occupied
1,276

 
49

 
1,019

 
2,344

 
137,488

 
139,832

Multifamily

 

 
4,711

 
4,711

 
104,935

 
109,646

Commercial real estate
1,795

 

 
4,479

 
6,274

 
215,604

 
221,878

Construction/land development

 

 
805

 
805

 
11,727

 
12,532

Total real estate
5,045

 
1,423

 
13,667

 
20,135

 
630,854

 
650,989

Business

 

 

 

 
2,968

 
2,968

Consumer
20

 
47

 
690

 
757

 
10,353

 
11,110

Total
$
5,065

 
$
1,470

 
$
14,357

 
$
20,892

 
$
644,175

 
$
665,067

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

20

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


 
Credit Quality Indicators. The Company utilizes 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 the Company's watch list, where the borrower exhibits potential weaknesses, which may, if not checked or corrected, negatively affect the borrower’s financial capacity and threaten their ability to fulfill debt obligations in the future. Credits classified as special mention are risk rated 6 and possess weaknesses that deserve management’s close attention. Special mention assets do not expose the Company to sufficient risk to warrant adverse classification in the substandard, doubtful or loss categories. Substandard credits are risk rated 7. An asset is considered substandard if it is inadequately protected by the current net worth and payment capacity of the borrower or of any collateral pledged. Substandard assets include those characterized by the distinct possibility that the Company will sustain some loss if the deficiencies are not corrected. Assets classified as doubtful are risk rated 8 and have all the weaknesses inherent in those credits classified as substandard with the added characteristic that the weaknesses present make collection or liquidation in full highly questionable and improbable, on the basis of currently existing facts, conditions and values. Assets classified as loss are risk rated 9 and are considered uncollectible and cannot be justified as a viable asset for the Company.

        The following tables represent a summary of loans by type and risk category:
 
March 31, 2013
 
One-to-Four
Family
Residential
 
Multifamily
 
Commercial
Real Estate
 
Construction/ 
Land
Development
 
Business
 
Consumer
 
Total (1)
 
(In thousands)
Risk Rating:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   Pass
$
280,820

 
$
103,720

 
$
205,185

 
$
9,071

 
$
3,104

 
$
9,177

 
$
611,077

   Special mention
10,144

 
1,243

 
14,638

 
166

 

 
1

 
26,192

   Substandard
9,928

 
3,857

 
6,744

 
4,747

 

 
954

 
26,230

Total
$
300,892

 
$
108,820

 
$
226,567

 
$
13,984

 
$
3,104

 
$
10,132

 
$
663,499

 _____________ 
(1) Net of LIP.

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

 
$
103,696

 
$
202,407

 
$
7,600

 
$
2,968

 
$
10,129

 
$
613,474

   Special mention
10,433

 

 
11,666

 
165

 

 

 
22,264

   Substandard
9,826

 
5,950

 
7,805

 
4,767

 

 
981

 
29,329

Total
$
306,933

 
$
109,646

 
$
221,878

 
$
12,532

 
$
2,968

 
$
11,110

 
$
665,067

______________ 
(1) Net of LIP.
 

21

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


The following tables summarize the loan portfolio by type and payment activity:
 
March 31, 2013
 
One-to-Four
Family
Residential
 
Multifamily
 
Commercial
Real Estate
 
Construction /
Land
Development
 
Business
 
Consumer
 
Total (1)
 
(In thousands)
Performing (2)
$
294,912

 
$
106,197

 
$
221,684

 
$
9,237

 
$
3,104

 
$
9,400

 
$
644,534

Nonperforming (3)
5,980

 
2,623

 
4,883

 
4,747

 

 
732

 
18,965

Total
$
300,892

 
$
108,820

 
$
226,567

 
$
13,984

 
$
3,104

 
$
10,132

 
$
663,499

____________ 
(1) 
Net of LIP.
(2) 
There were $160.4 million of owner-occupied one-to-four family residential loans and $134.5 million of non-owner occupied one-to-four family residential loans classified as performing.
(3) 
There were $4.0 million of owner-occupied one-to-four family residential loans and $2.0 million of non-owner occupied one-to-four family residential loans classified as nonperforming.
 
December 31, 2012
 
One-to-Four
Family
Residential
 
Multifamily
 
Commercial
Real Estate
 
Construction/
Land
Development
 
Business
 
Consumer
 
Total (1)
 
(In thousands)
Performing (2)
$
300,685

 
$
104,935

 
$
215,604

 
$
7,765

 
$
2,968

 
$
10,351

 
$
642,308

Nonperforming (3)
6,248

 
4,711

 
6,274

 
4,767

 

 
759

 
22,759

Total
$
306,933

 
$
109,646

 
$
221,878

 
$
12,532

 
$
2,968

 
$
11,110

 
$
665,067

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

The following table presents TDRs and their recorded investment prior to the modification and after the modification:
 
Three Months Ended March 31, 2013
 
Number
of Loans
 
Pre-Modification Outstanding
Recorded
Investment
 
Post-Modification Outstanding
Recorded
Investment
 
(Dollars in thousands)
TDRs that Occurred During the Period:
 
 
 
 
 
   Commercial real estate:
 
 
 
 
 
      Principal and interest reamortized with no interest rate concession
1
 
$
335

 
$
334

Total
1
 
$
335

 
$
334



22

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


 
Three Months Ended March 31, 2012
 
Number
of Loans
 
Pre-Modification Outstanding
Recorded
Investment
 
Post-Modification Outstanding
Recorded
Investment
 
(Dollars in thousands)
TDRs that Occurred During the Period:
 
 
 
 
 
   One-to-four family residential:
 
 
 
 
 
      Principal and interest with interest rate concession
1
 
$
214

 
$
214

   Commercial real estate:
 
 
 
 
 
      Interest only payments with interest rate concession
1
 
496

 
496

Total
2
 
$
710

 
$
710


At March 31, 2013 and December 31, 2012, the Company had no commitments to extend additional credit to borrowers whose loan terms have been modified in TDRs as compared to $36,000 in commitments at March 31, 2012. All TDRs are also classified as impaired loans and are included in the loans individually evaluated for impairment in the calculation of the ALLL.

The TDRs that occurred during the quarters ended March 31, 2013 and 2012 were primarily a result of granting the borrower interest rate concessions and/or interest-only payments for a period of time ranging from one to three years. The impaired portion of the loan with an interest rate concession and/or interest-only payments for a specific period of time are calculated based on the present value of expected future cash flows discounted at the loan’s effective interest rate. The effective interest rate is the rate of return implicit on the original loan. This impaired amount reduces the ALLL and a valuation allowance is established to reduce the loan balance. As loan payments are received in future periods, the ALLL entry is reversed and the valuation allowance is reduced utilizing the level yield method over the modification period. TDRs resulted in charge-offs to the ALLL of $4,000 and $569,000 for the three months ended March 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively.

The following is a summary of loans that were modified as TDRs within the previous 12 months and for which there was a payment default during the three months ended March 31, 2013 and 2012: 
 
Three Months Ended March 31,
 
2013
 
2012
 
Types of Modifications
 
Types of Modifications
 
Number of
Loans
 
Interest
Only
Payments
 
Interest
Rate
Concession
 
Number of
Loans
 
Interest
Only
Payments
 
Interest
Rate
Concession
 
(Dollars in thousands)
TDRs that Subsequently Defaulted:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   One-to-four family residential
1
 
$

 
$
71

 
1

 
$
347

 
$

   Commercial real estate
2
 
2,324

 

 

 

 

Total
3
 
$
2,324

 
$
71

 
1

 
$
347

 
$


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


23

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


Note 7 - Other Real Estate Owned

The following table is a summary of OREO: 
 
Three Months Ended March 31,
 
2013
 
2012
 
(In thousands)
Balance at beginning of period
$
17,347

 
$
26,044

   Loans transferred to OREO
3,376

 
1,846

   Capitalized improvements
33

 

   Dispositions of OREO
(4,301
)
 
(5,132
)
   Market value adjustments
(145
)
 
(310
)
Balance at end of period
$
16,310

 
$
22,448

 
OREO includes properties acquired by the Company through foreclosure and deed in lieu of foreclosure. OREO at March 31, 2013 consisted of $3.8 million in one-to-four family residential homes, $1.7 million in multifamily properties, $1.5 million in construction/land development projects and $9.3 million in commercial real estate properties.

Note 8 - Fair Value

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

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

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

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

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

24

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


The tables below present the balances of assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis (there were no transfers between Level 1, Level 2 and Level 3 recurring measurements):
 
Fair Value Measurements at March 31, 2013
 
Fair Value Measurements
 
Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1)
 
Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2)
 
Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3)
 
(In thousands)
Available-for-sale investments:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Mortgage-backed investments:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Fannie Mae
$
43,107

 
$

 
$
43,107

 
$

Freddie Mac
14,645

 

 
14,645

 

Ginnie Mae
29,155

 

 
29,155

 

Municipal bonds
1,808

 

 
1,808

 

U.S. Government agencies
68,122

 

 
68,122

 

Corporate bonds
3,933

 

 
3,933

 

 
$
160,770

 
$

 
$
160,770

 
$


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

 
$

 
$
36,168

 
$

Freddie Mac
15,763

 

 
15,763

 

Ginnie Mae
31,146

 

 
31,146

 

Municipal bonds
1,889

 

 
1,889

 

U.S. Government agencies
67,296

 

 
67,296

 

 
$
152,262

 
$

 
$
152,262

 
$


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

    

25

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


The tables below present the balances of assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a nonrecurring basis. 
 
Fair Value Measurements at March 31, 2013
 
Fair Value
Measurements
 
Quoted Prices in
Active Markets
for Identical
Assets (Level 1)
 
Significant
Other
Observable
Inputs (Level 2)
 
Significant
Unobservable
Inputs
(Level 3)
 
Total Losses
 
(In thousands)
Impaired loans (included in loans
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   receivable, net) (1)
$
83,040

 
$

 
$

 
$
83,040

 
$
1,680

OREO (2)
16,310

 

 

 
16,310

 
145

Total
$
99,350

 
$

 
$

 
$
99,350

 
$
1,825

_______________ 
(1) The loss represents the specific reserve against loans that were considered impaired at March 31, 2013
(2) The loss represents OREO market value adjustments for the quarter ended March 31, 2013.

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

 
$

 
$

 
$
87,004

 
$
1,603

OREO (2)
17,347

 

 

 
17,347

 
2,046

Total
$
104,351

 
$

 
$

 
$
104,351

 
$
3,649

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

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

The following table presents quantitative information about Level 3 fair value measurements for financial instruments measured at fair value on a nonrecurring basis.
 
March 31, 2013
 
Fair Value
 
Valuation Technique(s)
 
Unobservable Input(s)
 
Range (Weighted Average)
 
(Dollars in thousands)
Impaired Loans
$
83,040

 
Market approach
 
Adjusted for differences between comparable sales
 
0% - 74% (0.9%)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
OREO
$
16,310

 
Market approach
 
Adjusted for differences between comparable sales
 
7% - 19% (1.3%)


26

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


The carrying amounts and estimated fair values of financial instruments were as follows: 
 
March 31, 2013
 
 
 
Estimated
 
Fair Value Measurements Using:
 
Carrying Value
 
Fair Value
 
Level 1
 
Level 2
 
Level 3
 
(In thousands)
Financial Assets:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   Cash on hand and in banks
$
4,388

 
$
4,388

 
$
4,388

 
$

 
$

   Interest-bearing deposits
21,303

 
21,303

 
21,303

 

 

   Investments available-for-sale
160,770

 
160,770

 

 
160,770

 

   Loans receivable, net
649,369

 
688,732

 

 

 
688,732

   FHLB stock
7,215

 
7,215

 
7,215

 

 

   Accrued interest receivable
3,523

 
3,523

 

 
3,523

 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Financial Liabilities:
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 
   Deposits
196,764

 
196,764

 
196,764

 

 

   Certificates of deposit
453,370

 
456,114

 

 

 
456,114

   Advances from the FHLB
34,000

 
33,983

 

 
33,983

 

   Accrued interest payable
17

 
17

 

 
17

 

   Investment transactions payable
6,324

 
6,324

 

 
6,324

 


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

 
$
4,289

 
$
4,289

 
$

 
$

   Interest-bearing deposits
83,452

 
83,452

 
83,452

 

 

   Investments available-for-sale
152,262

 
152,262

 

 
152,262

 

   Loans receivable, net
650,468

 
689,708

 

 

 
689,708

   FHLB stock
7,281

 
7,281

 
7,281

 

 

   Accrued interest receivable
3,484

 
3,484

 

 
3,484

 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Financial Liabilities:
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 
   Deposits
202,090

 
202,090

 
202,090

 

 

   Certificates of deposit
463,707

 
467,126

 

 

 
467,126

   Advances from the FHLB
83,066

 
83,659

 

 
83,659

 

   Accrued interest payable
179

 
179

 

 
179

 


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

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


27

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


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

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

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

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

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

Note 9 - Federal Home Loan Bank Stock

At March 31, 2013, the Bank held $7.2 million of FHLB stock. FHLB stock is carried at par value ($100 per share) and does not have a readily determinable fair value. Ownership of FHLB stock is restricted to the FHLB and member institutions and can only be purchased and redeemed at par.

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

On October 25, 2010, the FHLB agreed to the stipulation and issuance of a Consent Order by its primary regulator, the Federal Housing Finance Agency (“FHFA”). The Consent Order sets forth requirements for capital management, asset composition, and other operational and risk management improvements. In addition, the FHLB may not repurchase member stock or pay dividends, until they achieve and maintain financial thresholds established by the FHFA as part of the agency's supervisory process, subject to FHFA approval. These restrictions are not expected to have a material effect on our financial position, liquidity or results of operations. The Bank has determined there is not an OTTI on the FHLB stock investment as of March 31, 2013.

During the third quarter of 2012, the FHLB announced that the FHFA had granted them the authority to repurchase up to $25 million in excess capital stock per quarter, provided that their financial condition - measured primarily by the ratio of market value of equity-to-par value of capital stock - does not deteriorate. As a result, the FHLB repurchased shares on a pro-rata basis from its shareholders, including 659 shares from the Bank, at par value during the first quarter of 2013.    

Note 10- Stock-Based Compensation

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


28

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


Total compensation expense for the Plan was $481,000 and $479,000 for the three months ended March 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively, and the related income tax benefit was $168,000 for both quarters ended March 31, 2013 and 2012.

Stock Options

The Plan authorizes the grant of stock options totaling 2,285,280 shares to Company directors, advisory directors, officers and employees. Option awards are granted with an exercise price equal to the market price of First Financial Northwest's common stock at the grant date. These option awards have a vesting period of five years, with 20% vesting on the anniversary date of each grant date, and a contractual life of 10 years. Any unexercised stock options will expire ten years after the grant date or sooner in the event of the award recipient’s death, disability or termination of service with the Company or the Bank. First Financial Northwest has a policy of issuing new shares from authorized but unissued common stock upon the exercise of stock options. At March 31, 2013, remaining options for 852,756 shares of common stock were available for grant under the Plan.

The fair value of each option award is estimated on the grant date using a Black-Scholes model that uses the following assumptions. The dividend yield is based on the current quarterly dividend in effect at the time of the grant. Historical employment data is used to estimate the forfeiture rate. The historical volatility of the Company's stock price over a specified period of time is used for the expected volatility assumption. First Financial Northwest bases the risk-free interest rate on the U.S. Treasury Constant Maturity Indices in effect on the date of the grant. First Financial Northwest elected to use the “Share-Based Payments” method permitted by the Securities and Exchange Commission to calculate the expected term. This method uses the vesting term of an option along with the contractual term, setting the expected life at the midpoint.
    
A summary of the Company’s stock option plan awards for the quarter ended March 31, 2013, follows: 
 
 
Shares
 
Weighted-Average Exercise Price
 
Weighted-Average Remaining Contractual Term in Years
 
Aggregate Intrinsic Value
 
Weighted-Average Grant Date Fair Value
Outstanding at January 1, 2013
 
1,448,524

 
$
9.41

 
5.88

 
$
176,000

 
$
1.95

Granted
 

 

 

 

 

Exercised
 

 

 

 

 

Forfeited or expired
 
(16,000
)
 
8.89

 

 

 
2.06

Outstanding at March 31, 2013
 
1,432,524

 
9.42

 
5.64

 
189,000

 
1.95

Expected to vest assuming a 3% forfeiture rate
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
    over the vesting term
 
362,941

 
8.86

 
6.55

 
109,998

 
 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Exercisable at March 31, 2013
 
1,058,819

 
9.62

 
5.31

 
75,600

 
 


As of March 31, 2013, there was $372,000 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 1.6 years.

Restricted Stock Awards

The Plan authorizes the grant of restricted stock awards amounting to 914,112 shares to directors, advisory directors, officers and employees. Compensation expense is recognized over the vesting period of the awards based on the fair value of the stock at the grant date. The restricted stock awards’ fair value is equal to the value on the grant date. Shares awarded as restricted stock vest ratably over a five-year period beginning at the grant date with 20% vesting on the anniversary date of each grant date. At March 31, 2013, remaining restricted stock awards for 97,478 shares were available to be awarded. Shares that have been repurchased totaled 230,047 and are held in trust until they are issued in connection with the agreement.


29

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


A summary of changes in nonvested restricted stock awards for the quarter ended March 31, 2013, follows: 
Nonvested Shares
 
Shares
 
Weighted-Average Grant Date  Fair Value
Nonvested at January 1, 2013
 
244,847

 
$
8.95

Granted
 

 

Vested
 
(6,400
)
 
8.35

Forfeited
 
(8,400
)
 
8.83

Nonvested at March 31, 2013
 
230,047

 
8.98

 
 
 
 
 
Expected to vest assuming a 3% forfeiture rate over the vesting term
 
223,145

 
 


As of March 31, 2013, there was $1.2 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 2.0 years. The total fair value of shares vested for both quarters ended March 31, 2013 and 2012 was $53,000.

Note 11 - Federal Income Taxes

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

Our primary deferred tax assets relate to our net operating loss carryforward, our ALLL and our employee benefit plans.

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

As of March 31, 2013, the consolidated balance sheet includes gross deferred tax assets of $20.4 million and a deferred tax asset valuation allowance of $16.5 million. During the second quarter of 2012, management determined that a partial release of $1.0 million was appropriate based on our return to profitability and our projections for future taxable income. Deferred tax assets that will most likely not be recognized total $545,000 and relates to a capital loss carryforward. The remaining $19.8 million of deferred tax assets may be recognized in the future if the Company remains profitable. Deferred tax liabilities totaled $2.9 million, resulting in a net deferred tax asset of $1.0 million at March 31, 2013.

The Company's federal net operating loss carryforward was $29.8 million at March 31, 2013 and will begin to expire in 2030. The Company had an alternative minimum tax credit carryforward totaling $1.5 million, with no expiration date.

Note 12 - Earnings Per Share

Per the provisions of FASB ASC 260, Earnings Per Share, nonvested share-based payment awards that contain nonforfeitable rights to dividends or dividend equivalents are participating securities and are included in the computation of EPS pursuant to the two-class method. The two-class method is an earnings allocation formula that determines earnings per share for

30

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


each class of common stock and participating security according to dividends declared (or accumulated) and participation rights in undistributed earnings. Certain of the Company's nonvested restricted stock awards qualify as participating securities. The inclusion of these awards in the computation of EPS was immaterial for the three months ended March 31, 2013 and 2012. ESOP shares are considered outstanding for basic and diluted earnings per share when the shares are committed to be released.

The following table presents a reconciliation of the components used to compute basic and diluted earnings per share for the periods indicated. 
 
 
Three Months Ended March 31,
 
 
2013
 
2012
 
 
(Dollars in thousands, except share data)
Net income
 
$
1,556

 
$
622

 
 
 
 
 
   Basic weighted-average common shares outstanding
 
17,714,538

 
17,601,687

   Plus common stock options considered outstanding for dilutive purposes
 
 
 
 
      (excludes antidilutive options)
 
21,210

 
14,965

   Diluted weighted-average common shares outstanding
 
17,735,748

 
17,616,652

 
 
 
 
 
Basic earnings per share
 
$
0.09

 
$
0.04

Diluted earnings per share
 
$
0.09

 
$
0.04


Options to purchase an additional 1,382,524 and 1,323,524 shares of common stock at March 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively, were not included in the computation of diluted earnings per share because their exercise price resulted in them being antidilutive.

Note 13 - Segment Information

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

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

Forward-Looking Statements
Certain matters discussed in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q constitute forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These statements relate to our financial condition, results of operations, plans, objectives, future performance or business. Forward-looking statements are not statements of historical fact, are based on certain assumptions and are generally identified by use of the words “believes,” “expects,” “anticipates,” “estimates,” “forecasts,” “intends,” “plans,” “targets,” “potentially,” “probably,” “projects,” “outlook” or similar expressions or future or conditional verbs such as “may,” “will,” “should,” “would” and “could.” Forward-looking statements include statements with respect to our beliefs, plans, objectives, goals, expectations, assumptions and statements about, among other things, expectations of the business environment in which we operate, projections of future performance or financial items, perceived opportunities in the market, potential future credit experience, and statements regarding our mission and vision. These forward-looking statements are based upon current management expectations and may, therefore, involve risks and uncertainties. Our actual results, performance, or achievements may differ materially from those suggested, expressed, or implied by forward-looking statements as a result of a wide variety or range of factors including, but not limited to: the credit risks of lending activities, including changes in the level and trend of loan delinquencies and write-offs, that may be affected by deterioration in the housing and commercial real estate markets, and may lead to increased losses and nonperforming assets in our loan portfolio, and may result in our allowance for loan losses not being adequate to cover actual losses, and require us to materially increase our reserves; changes in general economic conditions, either nationally or in our market areas; changes in the levels of general interest rates, and the relative differences between short and long term interest rates, deposit interest rates, our net interest margin and funding sources; fluctuations in the demand for loans, the number of unsold homes and other properties and fluctuations in real estate values in our market areas; results of examinations of us by the Federal Reserve Bank of San Francisco (“Federal Reserve”) and our bank subsidiary by the

31


Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (“FDIC”), the Washington State Department of Financial Institutions, Division of Banks (“DFI”) or other regulatory authorities, including the possibility that any such regulatory authority may initiate enforcement actions against the Company or the Bank to take corrective action and refrain from unsafe and unsound practices which also may, among other things, require us to increase our reserve for loan losses, write-down assets, change our regulatory capital position, affect our ability to borrow funds or maintain or increase deposits, which could adversely affect our liquidity and earnings; our ability to pay dividends on our common stock; our ability to attract and retain deposits; increases in premiums for deposit insurance; our ability to control operating costs and expenses; the use of estimates in determining the fair value of certain of our assets, which estimates may prove to be incorrect and result in significant declines in valuation; difficulties in reducing risk associated with the loans on our balance sheet; staffing fluctuations in response to product demand or the implementation of corporate strategies that affect our work force and potential associated charges; computer systems on which we depend could fail or experience a security breach; our ability to retain key members of our senior management team; costs and effects of litigation, including settlements and judgments; our ability to implement our branch expansion strategy; our ability to successfully integrate any assets, liabilities, customers, systems, and management personnel we have acquired or may in the future acquire into our operations and our ability to realize related revenue synergies and cost savings within expected time frames and any goodwill charges related thereto; our ability to manage loan delinquency rates; costs and effects of litigation, including settlements and judgments; increased competitive pressures among financial services companies; our ability to reduce our noninterest expenses; changes in consumer spending, borrowing and savings habits; legislative or regulatory changes that adversely affect our business including changes in regulatory policies and principles, including the interpretation of regulatory capital or other rules, including as a result of Basel III; the impact of the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act (the "Dodd Frank Act") and the implementing regulations; the availability of resources to address changes in laws, rules, or regulations or to respond to regulatory actions; adverse changes in the securities markets; inability of key third-party providers to perform their obligations to us; changes in accounting policies and practices, as may be adopted by the financial institution regulatory agencies or the Financial Accounting Standards Board, including additional guidance and interpretation on accounting issues and details of the implementation of new accounting methods; the economic impact of war or any terrorist activities; other economic, competitive, governmental, regulatory, and technological factors affecting our operations; pricing, products and services; and other risks detailed from time to time in our filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”), including our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2012 ("2012 Form 10-K"). Any of the forward-looking statements that we make in this Form 10-Q and in the other public reports and statements we make may turn out to be wrong because of the inaccurate assumptions we might make, because of the factors illustrated above or because of other factors that we cannot foresee. Because of these and other uncertainties, our actual future results may be materially different from those expressed in any forward-looking statements made by or on our behalf. Therefore, these factors should be considered in evaluating the forward-looking statements, and undue reliance should not be placed on such statements. We undertake no responsibility to update or revise any forward-looking statements.

Regulatory Items

During April 2013, the Memorandum of Understanding ("MOU") by and between the Bank and the FDIC and the DFI (originally effective March 27, 2012) was terminated. Also in April 2013, the MOU by and between First Financial Northwest and the FRB (originally effective April 14, 2010) was terminated. As a result, the Company is no longer required to obtain the approval of the FRB prior to the repurchase of its common stock and for the payment of any cash dividends. The FDIC, DFI and FRB have also terminated the Bank's and First Financial Northwest's "troubled condition" status.

Overview

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

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

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


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

Net income for the three months ended March 31, 2013 was $1.6 million, or $0.09 per diluted share, as compared to net income of $622,000, or $0.04 per diluted share for the three months ended March 31, 2012. The change in operating results in the first quarter of 2013, as compared to the first quarter of 2012, was primarily the result of a $321,000 decrease in net interest income, a $1.7 million decrease in the provision for loan losses, a $177,000 decrease in noninterest income, an increase of $257,000 in noninterest expense and an $11,000 increase in the provision for federal income taxes.

During the three months ended March 31, 2013, our total loan portfolio decreased $1.1 million, or 0.2% from December 31, 2012, primarily due to a $6.1 million, or 2.0% decrease in one-to-four family residential loans and a $1.3 million, or 1.1% decrease in the multifamily loan portfolio. Our construction/land development loans increased $2.5 million, or 13.0% and commercial real estate loans increased $4.7 million, or 2.1% during the same period.

The following table details our five largest lending relationships at March 31, 2013:
Borrower (1)
 
One-to-Four Family Residential (Rental Properties)
 
Multifamily
 
Commercial Real Estate (Rental Properties)
 
Construction/Land Development
 
Aggregate Balance of Loans (2)
 
 
(In thousands)
Real estate builder
 
$
19,852

 
$

 
$
96

 
$
4,436

 
$
24,384

Real estate investor
 

 

 
18,046

 

 
18,046

Real estate builder (3)
 
14,472

 

 
222

 

 
14,694

Real estate investor
 
8,879

 
4,021

 
926

 

 
13,826

Real estate builder (4)
 
12,795

 

 
806

 

 
13,601

Total
 
$
55,998

 
$
4,021

 
$
20,096

 
$
4,436

 
$
84,551

________
(1)
The composition of borrowers represented in the table may change between periods.
(2) 
Net of LIP.
(3)  
Of this amount, $13.1 million were considered impaired loans, all of which were performing one-to-four family residential loans.
(4)  
Of this amount, $12.8 million were considered impaired loans, of which $12.0 million were performing one-to-four family residential loans and $806,000 is a restructured performing commercial real estate loan.

These relationships, which represent 12.7% of our loans, net of undisbursed funds, decreased $1.1 million from December 31, 2012. Of the three builders listed above, two are operating under restructured loan plans established by the Bank. As of March 31, 2013, both continue to perform in accordance with the terms of their respective plans. None of the restructured loans to these two borrowers have ever been delinquent, except for one commercial real estate loan which was restructured and brought current at the end of 2010. The remaining three borrowers were current on their loan payments at March 31, 2013. We monitor the performance of these borrowing relationships very closely due to the concentration risk they possess in relation to the entire loan portfolio.

Critical Accounting Policies

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 and Lease 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

33


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 collectability of a specific loan has been impaired and a loss is probable. The specific reserves are computed using current appraisals, listed sales prices and other available information less costs to complete, if any, and costs to sell the property. This evaluation is inherently subjective as it requires estimates that are susceptible to significant revision as more information becomes available or as future events differ from predictions. 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 ALLL based on their judgments about information available to them at the time of their examination.

Our Audit Committee approves the provision for loan losses on a quarterly basis and the Board of Directors ratifies the Audit Committees' actions. 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 "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," within the section titled "Item 1A. Risk Factors" in our 2012 Form 10-K.

Valuation of OREO and Foreclosed Assets. Real estate properties acquired through foreclosure or by deed-in-lieu of foreclosure are initially recorded at 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 Income Statements. 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 are related to: a) net operating loss carryforwards; b) the ALLL; c) employee benefit plans; d) expenses recognized in our financial statements but disallowed in the tax return until the associated cash flow occurs; and e) write-downs 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.

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 advisers or market analysts. Therefore, continued deterioration of market conditions could result in additional impairment losses recognized within the investment portfolio.

34



Fair Value. FASB ASC 820, Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures, establishes a hierarchical disclosure framework associated with the level of pricing observability utilized in measuring financial instruments at fair value. The degree of judgment utilized in measuring the fair value of financial instruments generally correlates to the level of pricing observability. Financial instruments with readily available active quoted prices or for which fair value can be measured from actively quoted prices generally will have a higher degree of pricing observability and a lesser degree of judgment utilized in measuring fair value. Conversely, financial instruments rarely traded or not quoted will generally have little or no pricing observability and a higher degree of judgment utilized in measuring fair value. Pricing observability is impacted by a number of factors, including the type of financial instrument, whether the financial instrument is new to the market and not yet established and the characteristics specific to the transaction.
Comparison of Financial Condition at March 31, 2013 and December 31, 2012

General. At March 31, 2013, total assets decreased $56.0 million to $886.7 million from $942.7 million at December 31, 2012. This decrease in total assets was primarily the result of reductions in interest-bearing deposits of $62.1 million, net loans receivable of $1.1 million and OREO of $1.0 million, partially offset by an increase of $8.5 million in investments available-for-sale. Total liabilities decreased $57.5 million to $698.0 million at March 31, 2013 from $755.5 million at December 31, 2012, primarily due to a decrease of $15.7 million in deposits and $49.1 million in advances from the FHLB, partially offset by a $6.3 million increase in investment transactions payable. Investment transactions payable represents investment securities that have been purchased where the settlement date is in the future. Stockholders’ equity increased $1.6 million to $188.7 million at March 31, 2013 from $187.1 million at December 31, 2012, primarily due to net income of $1.6 million for the first quarter of 2013.

Assets. Total assets were $886.7 million at March 31, 2013, a decrease of $56.0 million, or 5.9% from $942.7 million at December 31, 2012. The following table details the changes in the composition of our assets at March 31, 2013 from December 31, 2012.
 
Balance at
March 31, 2013
 
Increase/(Decrease) from December 31, 2012
 
Percent Increase/(Decrease)
 
(Dollars in thousands)
Cash on hand and in banks                                           
$
4,388

 
$
99

 
2.3
%
Interest-bearing deposits                                           
21,303

 
(62,149
)
 
(74.5
)
Investments available-for-sale, at fair value
160,770

 
8,508

 
5.6

Loans receivable, net                                           
649,369

 
(1,099
)
 
(0.2
)
Premises and equipment, net
17,867

 
(206
)
 
(1.1
)
FHLB stock, at cost                                
7,215

 
(66
)
 
(0.9
)
Accrued interest receivable
3,523

 
39

 
1.1

Deferred tax assets, net
1,000

 

 

OREO
16,310

 
(1,037
)
 
(6.0
)
Prepaid expenses and other assets
4,975

 
(24
)
 
0.5

Total assets                                
$
886,720

 
$
(55,935
)
 
(5.9
)

Interest-bearing deposits decreased $62.1 million to $21.3 million at March 31, 2013, from $83.5 million at December 31, 2012. During the quarter, excess liquidity was used primarily to restructure our FHLB advances, including the repayment of a $50.0 million maturing FHLB advance, as discussed below. We subsequently borrowed a $34.0 million fixed-rate FHLB advance at a rate of 0.81%. Investments available-for-sale increased $8.5 million, or 5.6% to $160.8 million at March 31, 2013, from $152.3 million at December 31, 2012. Net loans receivable decreased $1.1 million to $649.4 million at March 31, 2013 from December 31, 2012. Loan originations for the quarter were $28.6 million, of which $10.9 million and $11.3 million were in one-to-four family residential and commercial real estate loans, respectively. Principal repayments for the loan portfolio during the quarter were $26.0 million and loans transferred to OREO were $3.4 million. OREO decreased $1.0 million, or 6.0% to $16.3 million at March 31, 2013, from $17.3 million at December 31, 2012 as we continue to sell our inventory of foreclosed real estate.

As of March 31, 2013, the consolidated balance sheet included gross deferred tax assets of $20.4 million and a deferred tax asset valuation allowance of $16.5 million. The remaining $19.8 million of tax benefits may be recognized in the future if the Company remains profitable. Deferred tax liabilities totaled $2.9 million, resulting in a net deferred tax asset of $1.0 million at March 31, 2013.

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Deposits. During the first three months of 2013, deposits decreased $15.7 million to $650.1 million at March 31, 2013, compared to $665.8 million at December 31, 2012. Deposit accounts consisted of the following:
 
Balance at March 31, 2013
 
Increase/ (Decrease) from December 31, 2012
 
Percent Increase/(Decrease)
 
(Dollars in thousands)
Noninterest-bearing
$
6,201

 
$
47

 
0.8
%
NOW
17,386

 
1,442

 
9.0

Statement savings
18,319

 
46

 
0.3

Money market
154,858

 
(6,861
)
 
(4.2
)
Certificates of deposit
453,370

 
(10,337
)
 
(2.2
)
 
$
650,134

 
$
(15,663
)
 
(2.4
)
 
NOW accounts increased $1.4 million during the first quarter of 2013, offset by decreases of $6.9 million and $10.3 million in money market accounts and certificates of deposit, respectively. The decrease in certificates of deposit was primarily the result of our strategy to utilize our excess liquidity, mainly cash, to reduce higher-cost deposits by competing less aggressively on deposit interest rates. We believe customers who were more interest rate sensitive elected to withdraw their funds to invest in higher yielding investment products, which contributed to the decline in our deposit balances. Included in the certificates of deposit balance at March 31, 2013 was $11.9 million in public funds. We did not have any brokered deposits at March 31, 2013 or December 31, 2012.

Advances. We use advances from the FHLB as an alternative funding source to manage funding costs, reduce interest rate risk and to leverage our balance sheet. Total FHLB advances at March 31, 2013 were $34.0 million, a decrease of $49.1 million from December 31, 2012. During the quarter, we repaid a $50.0 million maturing FHLB advance with an interest rate of 2.17% and prepaid $33.0 million in FHLB advances with a weighted-average interest rate of 2.93%, incurring a prepayment penalty of $679,000. We subsequently borrowed a $34.0 million fixed-rate FHLB advance with an interest rate of 0.81% during the quarter.

Stockholders’ Equity. Total stockholders’ equity increased $1.6 million, or 0.9% to $188.7 million at March 31, 2013 from $187.1 million at December 31, 2012. The increase was primarily the result of net income of $1.6 million generated during the first quarter ended March 31, 2013.

Comparison of Operating Results for the Three Months Ended March 31, 2013 and 2012

General. Net income for the first quarter of March 31, 2013 was $1.6 million, an increase of $934,000 from $622,000 for the comparable quarter in the prior year. The increase in net income reflected net decreases of $1.7 million in the provision for loan losses, $321,000 and $177,000 in net interest income and noninterest income, respectively, and increases in noninterest expense and federal income taxes of $257,000 and $11,000, respectively.

Net Interest Income. Net interest income for the quarter ended March 31, 2013 decreased $321,000 to $7.4 million, as compared to $7.7 million for the same quarter in 2012. A decrease of $1.3 million in interest expense was offset by a $1.6 million decrease in interest income. Average interest-earning assets decreased $149.3 million to $843.1 million for the three months ended March 31, 2013, from the same quarter in 2012 primarily due to decreases in the average balance of both our interest-bearing deposits and loan portfolio. Average interest-bearing liabilities decreased $165.0 million to $688.6 million for the first quarter of 2013 compared to the first quarter of 2012, primarily due to declines in the average balance of both our certificates of deposit and FHLB advances. During the same period, our yield on interest-earning assets increased three basis points while our cost of funds decreased 37 basis points. Our interest rate spread for the quarter ended March 31, 2013 increased 40 basis points to 3.28% compared to 2.88% for the first quarter of 2012. Our net interest margin for the first quarter of 2013 increased 40 basis points to 3.51% from 3.11% for the same quarter last year.


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The following table sets forth the effects of changes in rates and volumes on our net interest income:
 
Three Months Ended March 31, 2013 Compared to March 31, 2012 Increase/(Decrease) Due to
 
Rate
 
Volume
 
Total
 
(Dollars in thousands)
Interest-earning assets:
 
 
 
 
 
   Loan receivable, net
$
(784
)
 
$
(644
)
 
$
(1,428
)
   Investments available-for-sale
(184
)
 
64

 
(120
)
   Interest-bearing deposits

 
(76
)
 
(76
)
Total net change in income on interest-earning assets
(968
)
 
(656
)
 
(1,624
)
 
 
 
 
 
 
Interest-bearing liabilities:
 
 
 
 
 
   NOW

 
1

 
1

   Money market
(28
)
 
(15
)
 
(43
)
   Certificates of deposit
(501
)
 
(505
)
 
(1,006
)
   Advances from the FHLB
29

 
(284
)
 
(255
)
Total net change in expense on interest-bearing liabilities
(500
)
 
(803
)
 
(1,303
)
Net change in net interest income
$
(468
)
 
$
147

 
$
(321
)

Interest Income. Total interest income for the first quarter of 2013 decreased $1.6 million, or 14.6% to $9.5 million from $11.2 million, as compared to the first quarter of 2012.

The following table compares detailed average interest-earning asset balances, associated yields and resulting changes in interest and dividend income for the three months ended March 31, 2013 and 2012:
 
Three Months Ended March 31,
 
2013
 
2012
 
Increase/(Decrease) in Interest and Dividend Income
 
Average
Balance
 
Yield
 
Average
Balance
 
Yield
 
 
(Dollars in thousands)
Loans receivable, net                                           
$
650,955

 
5.56%
 
$
693,437

 
6.04%
 
$
(1,428
)
Investments available-for-sale
151,013

 
1.25
 
136,234

 
1.74
 
(120
)
Interest-bearing deposits                                           
33,880

 
0.25
 
155,377

 
0.25
 
(76
)
FHLB stock                      
7,271

 
 
7,413

 
 

Total interest-earning assets                                                      
$
843,119

 
4.53
 
$
992,461

 
4.50
 
$
(1,624
)

Interest income from net loans receivable decreased $1.4 million to $9.0 million during the first three months of 2013, as compared to the same period in 2012. The reason for the decline was due to a 48 basis point decrease in the average loan yield from the comparable quarter in 2012, resulting in a $784,000 decrease in interest income and a $42.5 million decrease in the average loan balance to $651.0 million, resulting in a $644,000 decrease in interest income.

Interest income from investments available-for-sale declined $120,000 to $473,000 for the three months ended March 31, 2013, as compared to $593,000 for the comparable period in 2012. The primary reason for the decrease in interest income from investments available-for-sale was due to a decrease of 49 basis points in the average investment yield, resulting in a $184,000 decrease in interest income reflecting the continued low interest rate environment, partially offset by a $64,000 increase in interest income due to a $14.8 million increase in the average balance of investments during the quarter compared to the same quarter in 2012.

Interest Expense. Total interest expense for the three months ended March 31, 2013 was $2.2 million, a decrease of $1.3 million compared to $3.5 million for the first quarter of 2012.

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The following table details average balances, cost of funds and the resulting decrease in interest expense for the three months ended March 31, 2013 and 2012:
 
Three Months Ended March 31,
 
2013
 
2012
 
Increase/
(Decrease) in
Interest
Expense
 
Average
Balance
 
Cost
 
Average
Balance
 
Cost
 
 
(Dollars in thousands)
NOW                                
$
16,455

 
0.15%
 
$
14,026

 
0.14%
 
$
1

Statement savings                                                      
18,304

 
0.20
 
17,824

 
0.20
 

Money market
158,468

 
0.22
 
178,525

 
0.29
 
(43
)
Certificates of deposit                                           
458,348

 
1.56
 
560,094

 
2.00
 
(1,006
)
Advances from the FHLB                                           
37,007

 
2.77
 
83,066

 
2.46
 
(255
)
Total interest-bearing liabilities                                                      
$
688,582

 
1.25
 
$
853,535

 
1.62
 
$
(1,303
)

Interest expense on our certificates of deposit accounts decreased $1.0 million, primarily due to the $101.7 million decline in the average balance of certificates of deposit and a 44 basis point reduction in our cost of certificates. Interest expense on our money market accounts decreased $43,000, primarily as a result of a decrease in the average cost of these funds of seven basis points, or $28,000 to 0.22% from 0.29% for the first quarter of 2013, as compared to the same quarter in 2012. Interest expense related to our FHLB advances decreased $255,000, primarily as a result of the decrease of $46.1 million in the average balance of our advances to $37.0 million for the first quarter of 2013, as compared to $83.1 million during the quarter ended March 31, 2012, resulting in a $284,000 reduction in interest expense. In addition, our average cost of funds for FHLB advances increased 31 basis points to 2.77% from 2.46% for the first quarter of 2013 compared to the same quarter in 2012, increasing interest expense by $29,000.

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

During the quarter ended March 31, 2013, management evaluated the adequacy of the ALLL and concluded that no provision was required for the quarter, compared to a $1.7 million provision for the same quarter in 2012. The following items were considered in evaluating the loan loss provision for the quarter ended March 31, 2013:

Delinquent loans, loans over 30 days past due, decreased $4.2 million to $16.7 million at March 31, 2013, from $20.9 million at December 31, 2012 and $25.0 million at March 31, 2012;

Nonperforming loans decreased $3.8 million to $19.0 million at March 31, 2013, from $22.8 million at December 31, 2012 and $26.4 million at March 31, 2012, continuing the trend of improvement within the loan portfolio;

Nonperforming loans as a percent of total loans was 2.9% at March 31, 2013, compared to 3.4% at December 31, 2012 and 3.8% at March 31, 2012, and

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


38


The ALLL decreased $540,000 to $12.0 million at March 31, 2013 compared to $12.5 million at December 31, 2012, as a result of net charge-offs during the quarter of $540,000. The ALLL represented 63.3% of nonperforming loans and 1.8% of total loans at March 31, 2013 compared to 55.1% and 1.9%, respectively, at December 31, 2012.

We believe that the ALLL as of March 31, 2013 was adequate to absorb the probable and inherent risks of loss in the loan portfolio at that date. While we believe the estimates and assumptions used in our determination of the adequacy of the allowance are reasonable, there can be no assurance that such estimates and assumptions will be proven incorrect in the future, that the actual amount of future provisions will not exceed the amount of past provisions or that any increased provisions that may be required will not adversely impact our financial condition and results of operations. Future additions to the allowance may become necessary based upon changing economic conditions, the level of problem loans, business conditions, credit concentrations, increased loan balances, or changes in the underlying collateral of the loan portfolio. In addition, the determination of the amount of our ALLL is subject to review by bank regulators as part of the routine examination process, which may result in the establishment of additional loss reserves or the charge-off of specific loans against established loss reserves based upon their judgment of information available to them at the time of their examination.

The following table presents a breakdown of our nonperforming assets and as a percent of total assets at the dates indicated:
 
March 31, 2013
 
December 31, 2012
 
March 31, 2012
 
Three Month Increase/(Decrease)
 
One Year Increase/ (Decrease)
 
(In thousands)
Nonperforming loans:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   One-to-four family residential
$
5,980

 
$
6,248

 
$
8,691

 
$
(268
)
 
$
(2,711
)
   Multifamily
2,623

 
4,711

 
949

 
(2,088
)
 
1,674

   Commercial real estate
4,883

 
6,274

 
7,588

 
(1,391
)
 
(2,705
)
   Construction/land development
4,747

 
4,767

 
8,991

 
(20
)
 
(4,244
)
   Consumer
732

 
759

 
164

 
(27
)
 
568

Total nonperforming loans
18,965

 
22,759

 
26,383

 
(3,794
)
 
(7,418
)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
OREO
16,310

 
17,347

 
22,448

 
(1,037
)
 
(6,138
)
Total nonperforming assets
$
35,275

 
$
40,106

 
$
48,831

 
$
(4,831
)
 
$
(13,556
)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Nonperforming assets as a percent of total assets
3.98
%
 
4.25
%
 
4.71
%
 
 
 
 

Nonperforming loans include loans to borrowers who are experiencing deteriorating financial conditions and there is doubt as to the ultimate recoverability of the full principal and interest due the Bank in accordance with the terms of the loan agreement. Nonperforming loans decreased $3.8 million to $19.0 million at March 31, 2013, from $22.8 million at December 31, 2012. This decrease was the result of $1.3 million of loans classified as nonperforming during the three months ended March 31, 2013, offset by $619,000 in charge-offs, $674,000 in short sales and $3.4 million of loans transferred to OREO.

The three largest nonperforming loans in the loan portfolio at March 31, 2013 included a $3.9 million construction/land development loan secured by 34 acres for a 251-unit residential development located in Whatcom County. The project consists of 77 detached condominium lots (single-family residences) and vacant land for 174 attached units (multifamily). All of the ground work has been completed and the property is ready for construction, although no vertical construction has taken place. In addition to this loan, the three largest nonperforming loans consisted of a $2.6 million commercial real estate loan secured by a retail/office building and a $2.4 million multifamily loan secured by a 31-unit attached three building residential complex, both located in Pierce County.

Nonperforming assets continued to decrease during the quarter. At their peak, nonperforming assets reached $166.4 million at March 31, 2010, decreasing to $35.3 million at March 31, 2013, representing a $131.1 million, or 78.8% decrease.


39


The following table presents a breakdown of our TDRs:
 
March 31, 2013
 
December 31, 2012
 
March 31, 2012
 
Three Month Increase/ (Decrease)
 
One Year Increase/ (Decrease)
 
(In thousands)
Nonperforming TDRs:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   One-to-four family residential
$
2,679

 
$
3,422

 
$
2,999

 
$
(743
)
 
$
(320
)
   Multifamily

 
1,058

 

 
(1,058
)
 

   Commercial real estate

 

 
462

 

 
(462
)
   Construction/land development

 

 
183

 

 
(183
)
   Consumer
47

 
48

 

 
(1
)
 
47

Total nonperforming TDRs
2,726

 
4,528

 
3,644

 
(1,802
)
 
(918
)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Performing TDRs:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   One-to-four family residential
52,270

 
52,644

 
51,643

 
(374
)
 
627

   Multifamily
1,234

 
1,239

 
2,496

 
(5
)
 
(1,262
)
   Commercial real estate
12,251

 
11,965

 
11,347

 
286

 
904

   Consumer

 

 
70

 

 
(70
)
Total performing TDRs
65,755

 
65,848

 
65,556

 
(93
)
 
199

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Total TDRs
$
68,481

 
$
70,376

 
$
69,200

 
$
(1,895
)
 
$
(719
)

Our TDRs decreased $1.9 million, or 2.7% to $68.5 million at March 31, 2013, compared to $70.4 million at December 31, 2012 and decreased $719,000, or 1.0% as compared to $69.2 million at March 31, 2012. During the first three months of 2013, we added $392,000 of new performing TDRs and transferred $1.8 million of nonperforming TDRs to OREO, while $243,000 of TDRs were paid off and $293,000 in principal payments were received.

As we work with our borrowers to help them through this difficult economic cycle, we explore all options available to minimize our risk of loss. At times, the best option for our customers and the Bank is to modify the loan for a period of time, usually one year or less. These modifications have included lowering the interest rate on the loan for a period of time and/or extending the maturity date of the loan or allowing interest only payments for a specific time frame. These modifications are granted only when there is a reasonable and attainable restructured loan plan that has been agreed to by the borrower and is in the Bank's best interest. Of the $68.5 million in TDRs at March 31, 2013, $65.8 million were performing and $2.7 million were not performing according to their restructured payment terms.

The largest TDR relationship at March 31, 2013 totaled $13.1 million and was comprised of 84 one-to-four family residential rental properties located in King, Kitsap, Pierce and Thurston counties. At March 31, 2013, there were no LIP in connection with these restructured and impaired loans.

    

40


OREO includes properties acquired by the Bank through foreclosure or deed in lieu of foreclosure. The following table presents a breakdown of our OREO by county and number of properties at March 31, 2013.
 
County
 
Total
 
Number of Properties
 
Percent of Total OREO
 
King
 
Pierce
 
Kitsap
 
All Other
 
 
 
 
(Dollars in thousands)
OREO:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   One-to-four family residential
$
1,436

 
$
1,587

 
$
410

 
$
375

 
$
3,808

 
15
 
23.3
%
   Multifamily

 
1,729

 

 

 
1,729

 
2
 
10.6

   Commercial real estate (1)
563

 
7,037

 
920

 
724

 
9,244

 
12
 
56.7

   Construction/land development

 
933

 
205

 
391

 
1,529

 
5
 
9.4

Total OREO
$
1,999

 
$
11,286

 
$
1,535

 
$
1,490

 
$
16,310

 
34

 
100
%
_________
(1) Of the 12 properties classified as commercial real estate, seven are office/retail buildings, two are mixed-use buildings
and three are undeveloped lots.

The following table presents a breakdown of our OREO activity:
 
Three Months Ended March 31,
 
2013
 
2012
 
(In thousands)
Balance at beginning of period
$
17,347

 
$
26,044

   Loans transferred to OREO
3,376

 
1,846

   Capitalized improvements
33

 

   Dispositions of OREO
(4,301
)
 
(5,132
)
   Market value adjustments
(145
)
 
(310
)
Balance at end of period
$
16,310

 
$
22,448


OREO decreased $1.0 million, or 6.0% to $16.3 million at March 31, 2013, from $17.3 million at December 31, 2012, as sales and write-downs of OREO exceeded transfers of loans into OREO during the first quarter of 2013. We sold $4.3 million of OREO during the first quarter of 2013, which was comprised of 20 properties and generated a net gain on sale of $632,000. OREO at March 31, 2013 consisted of $9.3 million in commercial real estate properties, $1.5 million in construction/land development projects, $3.8 million in one-to-four family residential homes and $1.7 million in multifamily properties.

The three largest OREO properties at March 31, 2013 were an office/retail building valued at $3.4 million, an office/retail building valued at $1.2 million and a two building 19-unit apartment complex valued at $1.1 million, all located in Pierce County.

We continue to focus our efforts on converting nonperforming loans to OREO through foreclosure or deeds in lieu of foreclosure and selling the properties. By taking ownership of these properties, we can convert nonearning assets into earning assets on a more timely basis. Our success in this area is reflected by the improved ratio of our average interest-earning assets to average interest-bearing liabilities of 122.4% at March 31, 2013 compared to 119.8% and 116.3% at December 31, 2012 and March 31, 2012, respectively.


41


The following table summarizes selected financial data related to our ALLL and loan portfolio. All loan balances and ratios are calculated using loan balances that are net of LIP.
 
At or For the Three Months Ended March 31,
 
2013
 
2012
 
(Dollars in thousands)
Provision for loan losses
$

 
$
1,700

Charge-offs
619

 
3,699

Recoveries
79

 
272

ALLL
12,002

 
14,832

ALLL as a percent of total loans
1.81
%
 
2.13
%
ALLL as a percent of nonperforming loans
63.28

 
56.22

Total nonperforming loans
$
18,965

 
$
26,383

Nonperforming loans as a percent of total loans
2.86
%
 
3.78
%
Total loans receivable
$
663,499

 
$
697,357

Total loans originated
28,552

 
17,492


Noninterest Income. Noninterest income decreased $177,000 to $104,000 for the first quarter of 2013 from $281,000 for the same quarter in 2012. The following table provides a detailed analysis of the changes in the components of noninterest income:
 
Three Months Ended March 31, 2013
 
Increase/(Decrease) from March 31, 2012
 
Percent
Increase/(Decrease)
 
(Dollars in thousands)
Service fees on deposit accounts
$
17

 
$
1

 
6.3
%
Loan service fees                                
35

 
5

 
16.7

Gain on sale of investments

 
(194
)
 
(100.0
)
Servicing rights, net                                
(3
)
 
7

 
(70.0
)
Other           
55

 
4

 
7.8

Total noninterest income                                           
$
104

 
$
(177
)
 
(63.0
)

The decrease in noninterest income for three months ended March 31, 2013 compared to the same period in 2012 was primarily due to no investment sales during the quarter ended March 31, 2013 compared to $194,000 in net gains on the sales of investments during the first quarter of 2012.


42


Noninterest Expense. Noninterest expense increased $257,000 to $5.9 million for the first quarter of 2013 from $5.6 million for the comparable quarter in 2012. The following table provides a detailed analysis of the changes in the components of noninterest expense:
 
Three Months Ended March 31, 2013
 
Increase/(Decrease) from March 31, 2012
 
Percent
Increase/(Decrease)
 
(Dollars in thousands)
Salaries and employee benefits
$
3,614

 
$
187

 
5.5
%
Occupancy and equipment                                           
354

 
(51
)
 
(12.6
)
Professional fees                                
356

 
(117
)
 
(24.7
)
Data processing                                
162

 
(19
)
 
(10.5
)
Gain on sales of OREO property, net                                
(632
)
 
(411
)
 
186.0

OREO market value adjustments
145

 
(165
)
 
(53.2
)
OREO-related expenses, net
334

 
(155
)
 
(31.7
)
Regulatory assessments
283

 
186

 
191.8

Insurance and bond premiums                                           
114

 
14

 
14.0

Proxy contest and related litigation
89

 
89

 
100.0

Marketing
18

 
(34
)
 
(65.4
)
Prepayment penalty on FHLB advances
679

 
679

 
100.0

Other general and administrative
362

 
54

 
17.5

Total noninterest expense                                           
$
5,878

 
$
257

 
4.6


The increase in noninterest expense for the three months ended March 31, 2013 compared to the same period in 2012 was primarily due to the FHLB prepayment penalty of $679,000 incurred during the quarter ended March 31, 2013 on the refinance of a $33.0 million advance with no comparable transaction during the same quarter in 2012. In addition, salaries and employee benefits increased $187,000, as compared to the first quarter of last year due to personnel changes within the Bank. These increases were partially offset by a decrease in pension plan expenses as a result of the decision to freeze the pension plan, effective March 31, 2013. Our regulatory assessments increased $186,000, primarily due to a one-time adjustment in the first quarter of 2012 related to the termination of the Bank's consent order. These increases were partially offset by a $731,000 decrease in OREO-related expenses.

Federal Income Tax Expense. We recorded a $59,000 federal income tax provision for the quarter ended March 31, 2013, as a result of our being subject to the alternative minimum tax.

Liquidity

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

Our primary sources of funds are customer deposits, loan and investment repayments, maturing investment securities and advances from the FHLB. These funds, together with equity, are used to make loans, acquire investment securities and other assets, and fund continuing operations. At March 31, 2013, certificates of deposit scheduled to mature in one year or less totaled $218.5 million. Management's policy is to maintain deposit rates at levels that are competitive with other local financial institutions, although recently we have been less aggressive in competing for certificates of deposit and public funds in order to reduce our cost of funds. Historically, we have been able to retain a significant amount of the deposits as they mature. While maturities and the scheduled amortization of loans are a predictable source of funds, deposit flows and mortgage prepayments are greatly influenced by the level of interest rates, economic conditions and competition. We measure our liquidity based on our ability to fund our assets and to meet liability obligations when they come due. Liquidity (and funding) risk occurs when funds cannot be raised at reasonable prices or in a reasonable time frame to meet our normal or unanticipated obligations. We regularly monitor the mix between our assets and our liabilities to manage effectively our liquidity and funding requirements.

When deposits are not readily available and/or cost effective to provide the funds for our assets, we use alternative funding sources. These sources include, but are not limited to: advances from the FHLB, wholesale funding, brokered deposits, federal

43


funds purchased and dealer repurchase agreements, as well as other short-term alternatives. These funding sources are generally collateral dependent. We may also liquidate assets to meet our funding needs. At March 31, 2013, the Bank maintained credit facilities with the FHLB totaling $233.6 million with an outstanding balance of $34.0 million. At March 31, 2013, we also had available a $10.0 million credit facility with another financial institution, with no balance outstanding. For additional information, see the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flow in Item 1 of this Form 10-Q.

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

Commitments and Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements

We are a party to financial instruments with off-balance sheet risk in the normal course of business to meet the financing needs of our customers. These financial instruments include commitments to extend credit and the unused portions of lines of credit. These instruments involve, to varying degrees, elements of credit and interest rate risk in excess of the amount recognized in the consolidated 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 March 31, 2013 and December 31, 2012, we had no commitments to originate loans for sale.

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

The following table summarizes our outstanding commitments to originate loans, to advance additional amounts pursuant to outstanding lines of credit and to disburse funds related to our construction loans at March 31, 2013.
 
 
 
Amount of Commitment Expiration - Per Period
 
Total Amounts Committed
 
Through One Year
 
After One Through Three Years
 
After Three Through Five Years
 
After Five Years
 
(In thousands)
Commitments to originate loans                                                      
$
7,711

 
$
7,711

 
$

 
$

 
$

Unused portion of lines of credit                                                      
8,058

 
1,646

 
1,330

 
962

 
4,120

Undisbursed portion of construction loans
9,377

 
2,566

 
6,811

 

 

Total commitments
$
25,146

 
$
11,923

 
$
8,141

 
$
962

 
$
4,120


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

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

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

Capital

At March 31, 2013, stockholders' equity totaled $188.7 million, or 21.3% of total assets. Our book value per share of common stock was $10.04 at March 31, 2013 compared to $9.95 at December 31, 2012. Consistent with our goal to operate a sound and profitable financial organization, we actively seek to maintain a “well-capitalized” institution in accordance with regulatory standards. As of March 31, 2013, the Bank exceeded all regulatory capital requirements. Regulatory capital ratios for the Bank only were as follows at March 31, 2013: Tier 1 leverage capital 17.46%; Tier 1 risk-based capital 26.56%; and Total

44


risk-based capital 27.82%. The regulatory capital requirements to be considered well capitalized are 10%, 6% and 5%, respectively. The Bank met the financial ratios for “well-capitalized” status at March 31, 2013. In addition, at March 31, 2013, First Financial Northwest, the parent company of the Bank, had $20.3 million of available cash to potentially increase its investment in the Bank.

Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk

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

The Committee also reviews current and projected liquidity needs. As part of its procedures, the 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 and FHLB advances, which typically fund our long-term assets;
we have invested in securities with relatively short average lives, generally less than eight years; and
we have added adjustable-rate securities to our investment portfolio.

During the first quarter of 2013, we purchased $4.0 million of variable-rate investments. These purchases were of investment grade corporate bonds meeting our current investment objectives and continued our efforts to increase the level of interest sensitive assets on our balance sheet and to protect against the interest rate risk from our predominantly fixed-rate loan portfolio in anticipation of a rising interest rate environment. Additionally during the first quarter, a $50.0 million advance from the FHLB matured and was repaid. In addition, we prepaid $33.0 million of FHLB advances. Subsequently, we borrowed $34.0 million at a fixed-rate from the FHLB during the quarter that provides a significant interest cost savings and extends the maturity for three years as compared to the advance that was prepaid.

How We Measure the Risk of Interest Rate Changes. We monitor our interest rate sensitivity on a quarterly basis to measure the change in net interest income as a percentage of net income in varying rate environments. Management uses various assumptions to evaluate the sensitivity of our operations to changes in interest rates. Although management believes these assumptions are reasonable, the interest rate sensitivity of our assets and liabilities on net interest income and the market value of portfolio equity could vary substantially if different assumptions were used or actual experience differs from these assumptions. Although certain assets and liabilities may have similar maturities or periods of repricing, they may react differently to changes in market interest rates. The interest rates on certain types of assets and liabilities may fluctuate in advance of changes in market interest rates, while interest rates on other types of assets and liabilities lag behind changes in market interest rates. Non-uniform

45


changes and fluctuations in market interest rates across various maturities will also affect the results presented. In addition, certain assets, such as adjustable-rate mortgage loans, have features which restrict changes in interest rates on a short-term basis and over the life of the asset. Further, a portion of our adjustable-rate loans have interest rate floors below which the loan's contractual interest rate may not adjust. Approximately 18% of our total loans were comprised of adjustable-rate loans at March 31, 2013. At that date, $51.4 million, or 41.6% of these loans with a weighted-average interest rate of 4.8% were at their floor interest rate. The inability of our loans to adjust downward can contribute to increased income in periods of declining interest rates. Also, when loans are at their floors, there is a further risk that our interest income may not increase as rapidly as our cost of funds during periods of increasing interest rates. Further, in the event of a significant change in interest rates, prepayment and early withdrawal levels would likely deviate from those assumed. Finally, the ability of many borrowers to service their debt may decrease in the event of an interest rate increase. We consider all these factors in monitoring our interest rate exposure.

The assumptions we use are based upon a combination of proprietary and market data that reflect historical results and current market conditions. These assumptions relate to interest rates, 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 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 March 31, 2013 that would occur in the event of a gradual change in interest rates equally across all maturities, with no effect given to any steps that we might take to counter the effect of that interest rate movement.
Net Interest Income Change at March 31, 2013
Basis Point Change in Rates
 
% Change
+300
 
1.63%
+200
 
1.01
+100
 
0.26
 Base
 
(1.19)
(100)
 
(1.34)


46


The following table illustrates the change in our net portfolio value (“NPV”) at March 31, 2013 that would occur in the event of an immediate change in interest rates equally across all maturities, with no effect given to any steps that we might take to counter the effect of that interest rate movement.
Basis Point
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net Portfolio as % of
 
Market
Change in
 
Net Portfolio Value (2)
 
Portfolio Value of Assets
 
Value of
Rates (1)
 
Amount
 
$ Change (3)
 
% Change
 
NPV Ratio (4)
 
% Change (5)
 
Assets (6)
 
 
(Dollars in thousands)
+300

 
$
167,179

 
$
(52,519
)
 
(23.91
)%
 
19.88
%
 
(5.71
)%
 
$
841,053

+200

 
187,683

 
(32,015
)
 
(14.57
)
 
21.58

 
(3.48
)
 
869,795

+100

 
205,256

 
(14,442
)
 
(6.57
)
 
22.90

 
(1.57
)
 
896,154

 Base

 
219,698

 

 

 
23.87

 

 
920,275

(100
)
 
244,747

 
25,049

 
11.40

 
25.74

 
2.72

 
950,890

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

When interest rates rise by 100, 200 or 300 basis points, our net interest income initially increases because a significant portion (over 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 lesser extent, 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 began to change the composition of our investment securities portfolio by selling fixed-rate investments and purchasing adjustable-rate investment products. This strategy had the benefit of increasing the sensitivity of our interest-earning assets 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, while our maturing deposits will 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 increases 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 assuming that delinquency rates would not change as a result of changes in interest rates, although there can be no assurance that this will be the case. Delinquency rates may change when interest rates change as a result of changes in the loan portfolio mix, underwriting conditions,

47


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

At March 31, 2013, we did not have any derivative financial instruments or trading accounts for any class of financial instruments, nor have we engaged in hedging activities or purchased off-balance sheet derivative instruments. Interest rate risk continues to be one of our primary risks as other types of risks, such as foreign currency exchange risk and commodity pricing risk do not arise in the normal course of our business activities and operations.

Item 4. Controls and Procedures

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

(a)
Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures: An evaluation of our disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rule 13a-15(e) of the Exchange Act) was carried out under the supervision and with the participation of our Chief Executive Officer, Chief Financial Officer (Principal Financial and Accounting Officer) and several other members of our senior management as of the end of the period covered by this report. Our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer concluded that, as of March 31, 2013, our disclosure controls and procedures were effective in ensuring that the information required to be disclosed by us in the reports we file or submit under the Exchange Act is (i) accumulated and communicated to our management (including the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer) in a timely manner and (ii) recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the SEC's rules and forms.

(b)
Changes in Internal Controls: In the quarter ended March 31, 2013, there was no change in our internal control over financial reporting that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.
PART II
Item 1. Legal Proceedings

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

Item 1A. Risk Factors

There have been no material changes to the risk factors previously disclosed in Part I, Item 1A of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2012.

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

There were no repurchases of equity securities in the first quarter of 2013.

Item 3. Defaults Upon Senior Securities

Not applicable.

Item 4. Mine Safety Disclosures

48



Not applicable.

Item 5. Other Information

Not applicable.

Item 6. Exhibits and Financial Statement Schedules
 
(a)       Exhibits
 
3.1
 
Articles of Incorporation of First Financial Northwest (1)
3.2
 
Amended and Restated Bylaws of First Financial Northwest (2)
4.0
 
Form of stock certificate of First Financial Northwest (1)
10.1
 
Form of Employment Agreement for the President and Chief Executive Officer (1)
10.1
 
Form of Employment Agreement for the President and Chief Executive Officer of First Savings Bank Northwest (1)
10.2
 
Form of Change in Control Severance Agreement for Executive Officers (1)
10.3
 
Form of First Savings Bank Employee Severance Compensation Plan (1)
10.4
 
Form of Supplemental Executive Retirement Agreement entered into by First Savings Bank with Victor Karpiak,
 
 
   Harry A. Blencoe, Robert H. Gagnier and Joseph W. Kiley III (1)
10.5
 
Form of Financial Institutions Retirement Fund (1)
10.6
 
Form of 401(k) Retirement Plan (2)
10.7
 
2008 Equity Incentive Plan (3)
10.8
 
Forms of incentive and non-qualified stock option award agreements (4)
10.9
 
Form of restricted stock award agreement (4)
10.10
 
Settlement Agreement and Mutual Release with the Stilwell Group (6)
10.11
 
Transition Agreement Modification Agreement for Victor Karpiak (6)
10.12
 
Amendment No. 1 to the Settlement and Mutual Release Agreement with the Stilwell Group (7)
10.13
 
Amendment No. 2 to the Settlement and Mutual Release Agreement with the Stilwell Group (8)
31.1
 
Certification of Chief Executive Officer Pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act
31.2
 
Certification of Chief Financial Officer Pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act
32.1
 
Certification of Chief Executive Officer Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act 
32.2
 
Certification of Chief Financial Officer Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act
101.0
 
The following materials from First Financial Northwest’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2013, formatted in Extensible Business Reporting Language (XBRL): (1) Consolidated Balance Sheets; (2) Consolidated Income Statements; (3) Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income; (4) Consolidated Statements of Stockholders' Equity; (5) Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows; and (6) Selected Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.*

*Pursuant to Rule 406T of Regulation S-T, these interactive data files are deemed not filed or part of a registration statement or prospectus for purposes of Sections 11 or 12 of the Securities Act of 1933 or Section 18 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and otherwise are not subject to liability under those sections.
 
_____________
(1) 
Filed as an exhibit to First Financial Northwest’s Current Report on Form 8-K dated March 22, 2012.
(2) 
Filed as an exhibit to First Financial Northwest’s Current Report on Form 8-K dated March 21, 2013.
(3) 
Filed as Appendix A to First Financial Northwest’s definitive proxy statement dated April 15, 2008.
(4) 
Filed as an exhibit to First Financial Northwest’s Current Report on Form 8-K dated March 22, 2012.
(5) 
Filed as an exhibit to First Financial Northwest’s Current Report on Form 8-K dated April 2, 2012.
(6) 
Filed as an exhibit to First Financial Northwest’s Current Report on Form 8-K dated December 20, 2012.
(7) 
Filed as an exhibit to First Financial Northwest’s Current Report on Form 8-K dated January 17, 2013.
(8) 
Filed as an amendment to First Financial Northwest's Current Report on Form 8-K dated February 26, 2013.

49


SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.
 
 
FIRST FINANCIAL NORTHWEST, INC. 
 
 
 
 
 
Date: May 9, 2013
By: 
/s/ Victor Karpiak                                                    
 
 
Victor Karpiak     
 
 
President and Chief Executive Officer (Principal Executive Officer)
Date: May 9, 2013
By: 
/s/ Kari Stenslie                                                    
 
 
Kari Stenslie
 
 
Chief Financial Officer (Principal Financial and Accounting Officer)

50


Exhibit Index
 
Exhibit No.

Description
31.1

Certification of Chief Executive Officer Pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act 
31.2

Certification of Chief Financial Officer Pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act
32

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

The following materials from First Financial Northwest’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the qaurter ended March 31, 2013, formatted in Extensible Business Reporting Language (XBRL): (1) Consolidated Balance Sheets; (2) Consolidated Income Statements; (3) Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income; (4) Consolidated Statements of Stockholders' Equity; (5) Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows; and (6) Selected Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

*Pursuant to Rule 406T of Regulation S-T, these interactive data files are deemed not filed or part of a registration statement or prospectus for purposes of Sections 11 or 12 of the Securities Act of 1933 or Section 18 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and otherwise are not subject to liability under those sections.

51