Document

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 June 30, 2016
 
 
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 August 2, 2016, 13,326,616 shares of the issuer's common stock, $0.01 par value per share, were outstanding.



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


2

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


Part 1. Financial Information

Item 1. Financial Statements

 
June 30, 2016
 
December 31, 2015
Assets
 
 
(Unaudited)
 
 
Cash on hand and in banks
$
6,051

 
$
5,713

Interest-earning deposits with banks
31,454

 
99,998

Investments available-for-sale, at fair value
136,028

 
129,565

Loans receivable, net of allowance of $10,134 and $9,463
766,046

 
685,072

Federal Home Loan Bank ("FHLB") stock, at cost
7,631

 
6,137

Accrued interest receivable
3,158

 
2,968

Deferred tax assets, net
3,438

 
4,556

Other real estate owned ("OREO")
2,331

 
3,663

Premises and equipment, net
18,206

 
17,707

Bank owned life insurance ("BOLI"), net
23,700

 
23,309

Prepaid expenses and other assets
1,193

 
1,225

Total assets
$
999,236

 
$
979,913

 
 
 
 
Liabilities and Stockholders' Equity
 

 
 
Deposits:
 
 
 
Noninterest-bearing deposits
$
25,137

 
$
29,392

Interest-bearing deposits
635,073

 
646,015

Total deposits
660,210

 
675,407

FHLB Advances
161,500

 
125,500

Advance payments from borrowers for taxes and insurance
2,144

 
1,794

Accrued interest payable
114

 
135

Other liabilities
5,813

 
6,404

Total liabilities
829,781

 
809,240

 
 

 
 
Commitments and contingencies


 


Stockholders' Equity
 

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

 

Common stock, $0.01 par value; authorized 90,000,000 shares; issued and
outstanding 13,327,916 shares at June 30, 2016, and 13,768,814
shares at December 31, 2015
133

 
138

Additional paid-in capital
131,312

 
136,338

Retained earnings, substantially restricted
44,640

 
42,892

Accumulated other comprehensive gain (loss), net of tax
423

 
(1,077
)
Unearned Employee Stock Ownership Plan ("ESOP") shares
(7,053
)
 
(7,618
)
Total stockholders' equity
169,455

 
170,673

Total liabilities and stockholders' equity
$
999,236

 
$
979,913


See accompanying selected notes to consolidated financial statements.

3


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

 
Three Months Ended June 30,
 
Six Months Ended June 30,
 
2016
 
2015
 
2016
 
2015
Interest income
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Loans, including fees
$
9,048

 
$
8,658

 
$
17,775

 
$
17,234

Investments available-for-sale
757

 
495

 
1,432

 
1,007

Interest-earning deposits
47

 
65

 
160

 
129

Dividends on FHLB stock
44

 
3

 
91

 
5

Total interest income
9,896

 
9,221

 
19,458

 
18,375

Interest expense
 
 
 
 
 

 
 

Deposits
1,441

 
1,333

 
2,924

 
2,647

FHLB advances
272

 
320

 
570

 
638

Total interest expense
1,713

 
1,653

 
3,494

 
3,285

Net interest income
8,183

 
7,568

 
15,964

 
15,090

Provision (recapture of provision) for loan losses
600

 
(500
)
 
500

 
(600
)
Net interest income after provision (recapture of provision) for loan losses
7,583

 
8,068

 
15,464

 
15,690

Noninterest income
 
 
 
 
 

 
 

BOLI income
225

 
136

 
391

 
156

Other
483

 
221

 
797

 
292

Total noninterest income
708

 
357

 
1,188

 
448

Noninterest expense
 

 
 
 
 

 
 

Salaries and employee benefits
3,841

 
3,251

 
7,615

 
6,665

Occupancy and equipment
488

 
314

 
996

 
652

Professional fees
561

 
458

 
1,029

 
812

Data processing
251

 
188

 
441

 
348

Loss (Gain) on sale of OREO property, net
89

 
(2
)
 
87

 
(531
)
OREO market value adjustments

 
(46
)
 
257

 
4

OREO related (reimbursements) expenses, net
(14
)
 
41

 
(34
)
 
(7
)
Regulatory assessments
117

 
116

 
237

 
232

Insurance and bond premiums
86

 
89

 
174

 
181

Marketing
40

 
54

 
78

 
87

Other general and administrative
613

 
411

 
965

 
721

Total noninterest expense
6,072

 
4,874

 
11,845

 
9,164

Income before federal income tax provision
2,219

 
3,551

 
4,807

 
6,974

Federal income tax provision
779

 
1,183

 
1,542

 
2,377

Net income
$
1,440

 
$
2,368

 
$
3,265

 
$
4,597

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Earnings per common share
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Basic
$
0.12

 
$
0.17

 
$
0.26

 
$
0.33

Diluted
$
0.11

 
$
0.17

 
$
0.26

 
$
0.33

Weighted average number of common shares outstanding
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Basic
12,390,234

 
13,756,336

 
12,567,464

 
13,895,872

Diluted
12,530,720

 
13,916,314

 
12,718,155

 
14,057,198

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 June 30,
 
Six Months Ended June 30,
 
2016
 
2015
 
2016
 
2015
Net income
$
1,440

 
$
2,368

 
$
3,265

 
$
4,597

Other comprehensive income, before tax:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Gross unrealized holding gains (losses) on investments available-for-sale
866

 
(751
)
 
2,308

 
(270
)
Tax (provision) benefit
(303
)
 
263

 
(808
)
 
94

Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax
563

 
(488
)
 
$
1,500

 
$
(176
)
Total comprehensive income
$
2,003

 
$
1,880

 
$
4,765

 
$
4,421


See accompanying selected notes to consolidated financial statements.



5


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


 
Shares
 
Common Stock
 
Additional Paid-in Capital
 
Retained Earnings
 
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss),
 net of tax
 
Unearned
ESOP
Shares
 
Total Stockholders' Equity
Balances at December 31, 2014
15,167,381

 
$
151

 
$
153,395

 
$
36,969

 
$
(357
)
 
$
(8,746
)
 
$
181,412

Other comprehensive income

 

 

 
4,597

 
(176
)
 

 
4,421

Exercise of stock options
50,000

 
1

 
489

 

 

 

 
490

Compensation related to stock options and restricted stock awards

 

 
219

 

 

 

 
219

Allocation of 56,426 ESOP shares

 

 
117

 

 

 
564

 
681

Repurchase and retirement of common stock
(665,057
)
 
(6
)
 
(7,980
)
 

 

 

 
(7,986
)
Cash dividend declared and paid ($0.12 per share)

 

 

 
(1,666
)
 

 

 
(1,666
)
Balances at June 30, 2015
14,552,324

 
$
146

 
$
146,240

 
$
39,900

 
$
(533
)
 
$
(8,182
)
 
$
177,571


 
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, 2015
13,768,814

 
$
138

 
$
136,338

 
$
42,892

 
$
(1,077
)
 
$
(7,618
)
 
$
170,673

Net income

 

 

 
3,265

 

 

 
3,265

Other comprehensive income

 

 

 

 
1,500

 

 
1,500

Exercise of stock options
55,673

 

 
244

 

 

 

 
244

Issuance of common stock - restricted stock awards
14,052

 

 

 

 

 

 

Compensation related to stock options and restricted stock awards

 

 
383

 

 

 

 
383

Allocation of 56,426 ESOP shares

 

 
189

 

 

 
565

 
754

Repurchase and retirement of common stock
(436,145
)
 
(4
)
 
(5,843
)
 

 

 

 
(5,847
)
Shares previously reserved for restricted stock awards, no longer reserved
(74,478
)
 
(1
)
 
1

 

 

 

 

Cash dividend declared and paid ($0.12 per share)

 

 

 
(1,517
)
 

 

 
(1,517
)
Balances at June 30, 2016
13,327,916

 
$
133

 
$
131,312

 
$
44,640

 
$
423

 
$
(7,053
)
 
$
169,455


See accompanying selected notes to consolidated financial statements.

6


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

 
Six Months Ended June 30,
 
2016
 
2015
Cash flows from operating activities:
 
 
 
Net income
$
3,265

 
$
4,597

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

 
 
Provision (recapture of provision) for loan losses
500

 
(600
)
OREO market value adjustments
257

 
4

Loss (gain) on sale of OREO property, net
87

 
(531
)
Depreciation of premises and equipment
524

 
364

Amortization of premiums and discounts on investments available-for-sale, net
498

 
586

Deferred federal income taxes
309

 
2,237

Allocation of ESOP shares
754

 
681

Stock compensation expense
383

 
219

Change in cash surrender value of BOLI
(391
)
 
(156
)
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:
 
 
 

Prepaid expenses and other assets
32

 
270

Net increase (decrease) in advance payments from borrowers for taxes and insurance
350

 
(126
)
Accrued interest receivable
(190
)
 
232

Accrued interest payable
(21
)
 
3

Other liabilities
(591
)
 
1,240

Net cash provided by operating activities
5,766

 
9,020

Cash flows from investing activities:
 

 
 

Proceeds from sales of OREO properties
988

 
5,535

Proceeds from calls and sales of investments available-for-sale
430

 
1,550

Principal repayments on investments available-for-sale
8,203

 
9,575

Purchases of investments available-for-sale
(13,285
)
 
(8,520
)
Investments available-for-sale transaction payable

 
578

Net (increase) decrease in loans receivable
(81,474
)
 
5,124

(Purchase) redemption of FHLB stock
(1,494
)
 
208

Purchases of premises and equipment
(1,023
)
 
(564
)
Surrender of BOLI
10,182

 

Purchase of BOLI
(10,182
)
 
(20,000
)
Net cash used by investing activities
(87,655
)
 
(6,514
)
Cash flows from financing activities:
 

 
 

Net (decrease) increase in deposits
(15,197
)
 
9,581

Advances from the FHLB
160,000

 

Repayments of advances from the FHLB
(124,000
)
 

Proceeds from stock options exercises
244

 
490

Repurchase and retirement of common stock
(5,847
)
 
(7,986
)
Dividends paid
(1,517
)
 
(1,666
)
Net cash provided by financing activities
13,683

 
419

 
 
 
 
Continued
 
 
 

7


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

 
 
 
 
 
Six Months Ended June 30,
 
2016
 
2015
 
 
 
 
Net (decrease) increase in cash and cash equivalents
$
(68,206
)
 
$
2,925

Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period
105,711

 
104,049

Cash and cash equivalents at end of period
$
37,505

 
$
106,974

 
 
 
 
Supplemental disclosures of cash flow information:
 

 
 

Cash paid during the period for:
 

 
 

Interest paid
$
3,515

 
$
3,282

Federal income taxes paid
1,175

 
126

Noncash items:
 

 
 

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

 
$
141

Change in unrealized loss on investments available for sale
2,308

 
(270
)

See accompanying selected notes to consolidated financial statements.


8



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

Note 1 - Description of Business

First Financial Northwest, Inc. (“First Financial Northwest”), a Washington corporation, was formed on June 1, 2007 for the purpose of becoming the holding company for First Financial Northwest Bank (“the Bank”) in connection with the conversion from a mutual holding company structure to a stock holding company structure completed on October 9, 2007. First Financial Northwest's business activities generally are limited to passive investment activities and oversight of its investment in First Financial Northwest Bank. Accordingly, the information presented in the consolidated financial statements and accompanying data, relates primarily to First Financial Northwest Bank. First Financial Northwest is a bank holding company, having converted from a savings and loan holding company on March 31, 2015, and as a bank holding company is subject to regulation by the Federal Reserve Bank of San Francisco. First Financial Northwest Bank is regulated by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (“FDIC”) and the Washington State Department of Financial Institutions (“DFI”).

First Financial Northwest Bank is headquartered in Renton, Washington, where its main, full service retail branch is located. In addition, the Bank opened branches in Mill Creek, Washington in the third quarter of 2015 and Edmonds, Washington in the first quarter of 2016. A fourth branch location opened in July 2016 at The Landing in Renton, Washington. The Bank's primary market area consists of King, Snohomish, Pierce and Kitsap counties, Washington.

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

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

Note 2 - Basis of Presentation

The accompanying unaudited interim consolidated financial statements have been prepared pursuant to the rules and regulations of the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC"). Accordingly, they do not include all of the information and footnotes required by U.S. Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (“GAAP”) for complete financial statements. These unaudited interim consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2015, as filed with the SEC. In our opinion, all adjustments (consisting only of normal recurring adjustments) considered necessary for a fair presentation of the unaudited interim consolidated financial statements in accordance with GAAP have been included. All significant intercompany balances and transactions between the Company and its subsidiaries have been eliminated in consolidation. Operating results for the six months ended June 30, 2016, are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected for the year ending December 31, 2016. In preparing the unaudited consolidated financial statements, we are required to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenues and expenses. Actual results could differ from those estimates. Material estimates that are particularly susceptible to significant change relate to the allowance for loan and lease losses ("ALLL"), the valuation of other real estate owned ("OREO") and the underlying collateral of impaired loans, deferred tax assets, and the fair value of financial instruments.

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

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


9


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


Note 3 - Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements

In January 2016, the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") issued Accounting Standards Update ("ASU") No. 2016-01, Financial Instruments--Overall, Recognition and Measurement of Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities. ASU 2016-01 requires equity investments (except those accounted for under the equity method of accounting) to be measured at fair value with changes in fair value recognized in net income. The amendments in this ASU also require an entity to present separately in other comprehensive income the portion of the total change in the fair value of a liability resulting from a change in instrument-specific credit risk. In addition, the ASU eliminates the requirement to disclose the method(s) and significant assumptions used to estimate the fair value that is required to be disclosed for financial instruments measured at amortized cost on the balance sheet. The ASU also clarifies that an entity should evaluate the need for a valuation allowance on a deferred tax asset related to available-for-sale securities in combination with the entity's other deferred tax assets. The amendments in this ASU are effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2017, including interim periods within those fiscal years. Early application is permitted for fiscal years or interim periods that have not yet been issued if adopted at the beginning of the fiscal year. The adoption of ASU 2016-01 is not expected to have a material impact on the Company's consolidated financial statements.
        
In February 2016, FASB issued ASU No. 2016-02, Leases (Topic 842). ASU No. 2016-02 requires lessees to recognize on the balance sheet the assets and liabilities arising from operating leases. A lessee should recognize a liability to make lease payments and a right-of-use asset representing its right to use the underlying asset for the lease term. A lessee should include payments to be made in an optional period only if the lessee is reasonably certain to exercise an option to extend the lease or not to exercise an option to terminate the lease. For a finance lease, interest payments should be recognized separately from amortization of the right-of-use asset in the statement of comprehensive income. For operating leases, the lease cost should be allocated over the lease term on a generally straight-line basis. The amendments in ASU 2016-02 are effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2018, including interim periods within those fiscal years. Early application of the amendments in the ASU is permitted. The adoption of ASU 2016-02 is not expected to have a material impact on the Company's consolidated financial statements.
In March 2016, FASB issued ASU No. 2016-06, Derivatives and Hedging (Topic 815): Contingent Put and Call Options in Debt Instruments. Topic 815 requires that embedded derivatives be separated from the host contract and accounted for separately as derivatives if certain criteria are met, including the “clearly and closely related” criterion. The amendments in this ASU clarify the requirements for assessing whether contingent call (put) options that can accelerate the payment of principal on debt instruments are clearly and closely related to their debt hosts. An entity performing the assessment under the amendments is required to assess the embedded call (put) options solely in accordance with the four-step decision sequence. The amendments in this ASU apply to all entities that are issuers of or investors in debt instruments (or hybrid financial instruments that are determined to have a debt host) with embedded call (put) options. This ASU applies to all entities that are issuers of or investors in debt instruments (or hybrid financial instruments that are determined to have a debt host) with embedded call (put) options. The ASU is effective for financial statements issued for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2016, and interim periods within those fiscal years. Adoption of ASU 2016-06 is not expected to have a material impact on the Company's consolidated financial statements.

In March 2016, FASB issued ASU No. 2016-09, Compensation--Stock Compensation (Topic 718). This ASU was issued as part of the FASB's Simplification Initiative and addresses accounting for share-based payment transactions, including income tax consequences and classification on the statement of cash flows. Under this ASU, all excess tax benefits and deficiencies should be recognized as income tax expense or benefit in the income statement. The tax effect of vested or exercised awards should be reported separately in the period in which they occur. In the statement of cash flows, excess tax benefits should be classified with other income tax cash flows as an operating activity. Entities have the option of accounting for forfeitures when they occur or to estimate the number of awards that are expected to vest. The amendments in this ASU are effective for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2016, and interim periods within those annual periods. Early adoption is permitted in any interim or annual period. First Financial Northwest has adopted ASU 2016-09 with no material impact on the Company's consolidated financial statements.

In June 2016, FASB issued ASU No. 2016-13, Financial Instruments--Credit Losses (Topic 326). This ASU replaces the existing incurred loss impairment methodology that recognizes credit losses when a probable loss has been incurred with new methodology where loss estimates are based upon lifetime expected credit losses. The amendments in this ASU require a financial asset that is measured at amortized cost to be presented at the net amount expected to be collected. The income statement would then reflect the measurement of credit losses for newly recognized financial assets as well as changes to the expected credit losses that have taken place during the reporting period. The measurement of expected credit losses will be based on historical information, current conditions, and reasonable and supportable forecasts that impact the collectability of the reported amount. Available-for-sale securities will bifurcate the fair value mark and establish an allowance for credit losses through the income statement for the

10


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


credit portion of that mark. The interest portion will continue to be recognized through accumulated other comprehensive income or loss. The change in allowance recognized as a result of adoption will occur through a cumulative-effect adjustment to retained earnings as of the beginning of the first reporting period in which the ASU is adopted. The amendments in this ASU are effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2019 with early adoption permitted after December 15, 2018. We are evaluating the impact of the adoption of ASU 2016-13.

Note 4 - Investments

Investments available-for-sale are summarized as follows at the dates indicated:
 
June 30, 2016
 
Amortized
Cost
 
Gross
Unrealized
Gains
 
Gross
Unrealized
Losses
 
Fair Value

(In thousands)
Mortgage-backed investments:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   Fannie Mae
$
47,808

 
$
1,076

 
$
(24
)
 
$
48,860

   Freddie Mac
24,010

 
639

 

 
24,649

   Ginnie Mae
12,194

 
128

 
(79
)
 
12,243

Municipal bonds
12,824

 
778

 

 
13,602

U.S. Government agencies
12,749

 
212

 
(11
)
 
12,950

Corporate bonds
24,008

 
55

 
(339
)
 
23,724

Total
$
133,593

 
$
2,888

 
$
(453
)
 
$
136,028

 
December 31, 2015
 
Amortized
Cost
 
Gross
Unrealized
Gains
 
Gross
Unrealized
Losses
 
Fair Value
 
(In thousands)
Mortgage-backed investments:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   Fannie Mae
$
50,288

 
$
260

 
$
(227
)
 
$
50,321

   Freddie Mac
26,011

 
243

 
(117
)
 
26,137

   Ginnie Mae
13,802

 
44

 
(114
)
 
13,732

Municipal bonds
11,787

 
277

 

 
12,064

U.S. Government agencies
13,541

 
89

 
(88
)
 
13,542

Corporate bonds
14,010

 
4

 
(245
)
 
13,769

Total
$
129,439

 
$
917

 
$
(791
)
 
$
129,565

 
The tables below summarize the aggregate fair value and gross unrealized loss by length of time those investment securities have been continuously in an unrealized loss position at the dates indicated. At both June 30, 2016 and December 31, 2015, we had no municipal bonds in an unrealized loss position.

11


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


 
June 30, 2016
 
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
$
4,107

 
$
(24
)
 
$

 
$

 
$
4,107

 
$
(24
)
   Freddie Mac

 

 

 

 

 

   Ginnie Mae
982

 
(9
)
 
2,859

 
(70
)
 
3,841

 
(79
)
U.S. Government agencies
1,793

 
(11
)
 

 

 
1,793

 
(11
)
Corporate bonds
8,661

 
(339
)
 

 

 
8,661

 
(339
)
Total
$
15,543

 
$
(383
)
 
$
2,859

 
$
(70
)
 
$
18,402

 
$
(453
)
 
December 31, 2015
 
Less Than 12 Months
 
12 Months or Longer
 
Total
 
Fair Value
 
Unrealized
Loss
 
Fair Value
 
Unrealized
Loss
 
Fair Value
 
Unrealized
Loss
 
(In thousands)
Mortgage-backed investments:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   Fannie Mae
$
37,593

 
$
(227
)
 
$

 
$

 
$
37,593

 
$
(227
)
   Freddie Mac
12,115

 
(117
)
 

 

 
12,115

 
(117
)
   Ginnie Mae
5,508

 
(29
)
 
3,233

 
(85
)
 
8,741

 
(114
)
U.S. Government agencies
9,605

 
(88
)
 

 

 
9,605

 
(88
)
Corporate bonds
10,263

 
(245
)
 

 

 
10,263

 
(245
)
Total
$
75,084

 
$
(706
)
 
$
3,233

 
$
(85
)
 
$
78,317

 
$
(791
)

On a quarterly basis, management makes an assessment to determine whether there have been any events or economic circumstances to indicate that a security on which there is an unrealized loss is impaired on an other-than-temporary basis. The Company considers many factors including the severity and duration of the impairment, recent events specific to the issuer or industry, and for debt securities, external credit ratings and recent downgrades. Securities on which there is an unrealized loss that is deemed to be an other-than-temporary impairment ("OTTI") are written down to fair value. If the Company intends to sell a debt security, or it is likely that the Company will be required to sell the debt security before recovering its cost basis, the entire impairment loss would be recognized in earnings as an OTTI. If the Company does not intend to sell the debt security and it is not likely that it will be required to sell the debt security but does not expect to recover the entire amortized cost basis of the debt security, only the portion of the impairment loss representing credit losses would be recognized in earnings. The credit loss on a debt security is measured as the difference between the amortized cost basis and the present value of the cash flows expected to be collected. Projected cash flows are discounted by the original or current effective interest rate depending on the nature of the debt security being measured for potential OTTI. The remaining impairment related to all other factors, the difference between the present value of the cash flows expected to be collected and fair value, is recognized as a charge to other comprehensive income (“OCI”). Impairment losses related to all other factors are presented as separate categories within OCI. At June 30, 2016 and December 31, 2015, the Company had 14 securities and 43 securities in an unrealized loss position, respectively, of which three were in an unrealized loss position for 12 months or more. Management reviewed the financial condition of the entities issuing municipal or corporate bonds at June 30, 2016 and December 31, 2015, and determined that an OTTI charge was not warranted.

The amortized cost and estimated fair value of investments available-for-sale at June 30, 2016, 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.

12


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


 
June 30, 2016
 
Amortized Cost
 
Fair Value
 
(In thousands)
Due within one year
$

 
$

Due after one year through five years
9,392

 
9,469

Due after five years through ten years
25,709

 
25,712

Due after ten years
14,481

 
15,095

 
49,582

 
50,276

Mortgage-backed investments
84,011

 
85,752

Total
$
133,593

 
$
136,028


Under Washington state law, in order to participate in the public funds program the Company is required to pledge eligible securities as collateral in an amount equal to 100% of the public deposits held. Investment securities with market values of $15.8 million and $17.4 million were pledged as collateral for public deposits at June 30, 2016 and December 31, 2015, respectively, both of which exceeded the collateral requirements established by the Washington Public Deposit Protection Commission.

For the three and six months ended June 30, 2016, we had calls on investment securities of $385,000, and $430,000, respectively, with no gain or loss. For the three and six months ended June 30, 2015, we had calls on investment securities of $1.5 million and $1.6 million, respectively, with no gain or loss. There were no sales of investment securities during the six months ended June 30, 2016 or 2015.
        
    


13


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


Note 5 - Loans Receivable

Loans receivable are summarized as follows at the dates indicated: 
 
June 30, 2016
 
December 31, 2015
 
(In thousands)
One-to-four family residential: 
 
 
 
Permanent owner occupied
$
146,762

 
$
147,229

Permanent non-owner occupied
104,970

 
106,543

 
251,732

 
253,772

Multifamily:
 
 
 

Permanent
132,189

 
122,747

Construction (1)
35,565

 
21,115

 
167,754

 
143,862

Commercial real estate:
 
 
 

Permanent
285,449

 
244,211

Land (2)
16,822

 
8,290

 
302,271

 
252,501

Construction/land development:
 
 
 

One-to-four family residential
64,312

 
52,233

Multifamily (1)
41,716

 
25,551

Land development (2)
5,773

 
8,768

 
111,801

 
86,552

 
 
 
 
Business
7,208

 
7,604

Consumer
6,333

 
6,979

Total loans
847,099

 
751,270

 
 
 
 
Less:
 
 
 

Loans in process ("LIP")
68,979

 
53,854

Deferred loan fees, net
1,940

 
2,881

Allowance for loan and lease losses ("ALLL")
10,134

 
9,463

Loans receivable, net
$
766,046

 
$
685,072

___________

(1) Construction/land development excludes construction loans that will convert to permanent loans. The Company considers these loans to be "rollovers" in that one loan is originated for both the construction loan and permanent financing. These loans are classified according to the underlying collateral. At June 30, 2016 the Company had $35.6 million or 21.2% of its total multifamily portfolio in these rollover loans, as compared to $21.1 million or 14.7% at December 31, 2015. At June 30, 2016, and December 31, 2015, none of the Company's commercial real estate portfolio or one-to-four family residential portfolio included these rollover loans.

(2)At June 30, 2016, and December 31, 2015, $16.8 million and $8.3 million, respectively, of commercial real estate loans were not included in the construction/land development category because the Company classifies raw land or buildable lots (where we do not intend to finance the construction) as commercial real estate land loans.

At June 30, 2016, loans totaling $405.7 million were pledged to secure borrowings from the FHLB of Des Moines compared to $365.1 million at December 31, 2015.


14


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


The Company has issued loans to officers and directors on the same terms as comparable loans to unrelated parties. The outstanding balance of these loans was $69,000 at June 30, 2016 and $118,000 at December 31, 2015.

ALLL. The Company maintains an ALLL as a reserve against probable and inherent risk of losses in its loan portfolios. The ALLL is comprised of a general reserve component for loans evaluated collectively for loss and a specific reserve component for loans evaluated individually. When an issue is identified and it is determined that the loan needs to be classified as nonperforming and/or impaired, an evaluation of the discounted expected cash flows is done and an appraisal may be obtained on the collateral. Based on this evaluation, additional provision for loan loss or charge-offs is recorded prior to the end of the financial reporting period.

The following tables summarize changes in the ALLL and loan portfolio by loan type and impairment method at the dates and for the periods shown: 
 
At or For the Three Months Ended June 30, 2016
 
One-to-Four
Family
Residential
 
Multifamily
 
Commercial 
Real Estate
 
Construction/
Land Development
 
Business
 
Consumer
 
Total
 
(In thousands)
ALLL:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Beginning balance
$
2,840

 
$
1,373

 
$
3,719

 
$
981

 
$
197

 
$
361

 
$
9,471

   Charge-offs

 

 

 

 

 

 

   Recoveries
63

 

 

 

 

 

 
63

   Provision (recapture)
(156
)
 
48

 
302

 
422

 
20

 
(36
)
 
600

Ending balance
$
2,747

 
$
1,421

 
$
4,021

 
$
1,403

 
$
217

 
$
325

 
$
10,134


 
At or For the Six Months Ended June 30, 2016
 
One-to-Four
Family
Residential
 
Multifamily
 
Commercial 
Real Estate
 
Construction/
Land
Development
 
Business
 
Consumer
 
Total
 
(In thousands)
ALLL:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Beginning balance
$
3,028

 
$
1,298

 
$
3,542

 
$
941

 
$
229

 
$
425

 
$
9,463

   Charge-offs

 

 

 

 

 
(19
)
 
(19
)
   Recoveries
85

 

 
104

 

 

 
1

 
190

   Provision (recapture)
(366
)
 
123

 
375

 
462

 
(12
)
 
(82
)
 
500

Ending balance
$
2,747

 
$
1,421

 
$
4,021

 
$
1,403

 
$
217

 
$
325

 
$
10,134

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

ALLL by category:


 


 


 


 


 


 


General reserve
$
2,346

 
$
1,421

 
$
3,858

 
$
1,403

 
$
217

 
$
325

 
$
9,570

Specific reserve
401

 

 
163

 

 

 

 
564

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Loans: (1)

 

 

 

 

 

 
 
Total loans
$
251,732

 
$
146,226

 
$
302,271

 
$
64,350

 
$
7,208

 
$
6,333

 
$
778,120

Loans collectively evaluated for impairment (2)
220,597

 
144,647

 
297,330

 
64,350

 
7,208

 
6,226

 
740,358

Loans individually evaluated for impairment (3)
31,135

 
1,579

 
4,941

 

 

 
107

 
37,762

____________ 


15


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


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



 
At or For the Three Months Ended June 30, 2015
 
One-to-Four
Family
Residential
 
Multifamily
 
Commercial 
Real Estate
 
Construction/
Land Development
 
Business
 
Consumer
 
Total
 
(In thousands)
ALLL:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Beginning balance
$
3,688

 
$
1,023

 
$
4,635

 
$
741

 
$
54

 
$
367

 
$
10,508

   Charge-offs

 

 

 

 

 

 

   Recoveries
518

 

 
57

 

 

 
20

 
595

   Provision (recapture)
(670
)
 
164

 
(256
)
 
78

 
135

 
49

 
(500
)
Ending balance
$
3,536

 
$
1,187

 
$
4,436

 
$
819

 
$
189

 
$
436

 
$
10,603

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

 
$
1,646

 
$
4,597

 
$
355

 
$
47

 
$
152

 
$
10,491

   Charge-offs
(25
)
 
(281
)
 

 

 

 
(34
)
 
(340
)
   Recoveries
691

 

 
57

 

 
3

 
301

 
1,052

   Provision (recapture)
(824
)
 
(178
)
 
(218
)
 
464

 
139

 
17

 
(600
)
Ending balance
$
3,536

 
$
1,187

 
$
4,436

 
$
819

 
$
189

 
$
436

 
$
10,603

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

ALLL by category:


 


 


 


 


 


 


General reserve
$
3,016

 
$
1,184

 
$
4,190

 
$
819

 
$
189

 
$
394

 
$
9,792

Specific reserve
520

 
3

 
246

 

 

 
42

 
811

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Loans: (1)

 

 

 

 

 

 
 
Total loans
257,810

 
122,481

 
241,250

 
37,559

 
6,275

 
7,051

 
672,426

Loans collectively evaluated for impairment (2)
219,369

 
119,189

 
233,078

 
37,559

 
6,275

 
6,858

 
622,328

Loans individually evaluated for impairment (3)
38,441

 
3,292

 
8,172

 

 

 
193

 
50,098

_____________ 

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


16


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



Past Due Loans. Loans are considered past due if a scheduled principal or interest payment is due and unpaid for 30 days or more. At June 30, 2016, total past due loans comprised 0.09% of total loans receivable, net of LIP, as compared to 0.18% at December 31, 2015. The following tables represent a summary of the aging of loans by type at the dates indicated:

 
Loans Past Due as of June 30, 2016
 
 
 
 
 
30-59 Days

60-89 Days

90 Days and
Greater

Total Past
Due

Current

Total (1) (2)
 
(In thousands)
Real estate:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
One-to-four family residential:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Owner occupied
$
475

 
$

 
$
192

 
$
667

 
$
146,095

 
$
146,762

Non-owner occupied

 

 

 

 
104,970

 
104,970

Multifamily

 

 

 

 
146,226

 
146,226

Commercial real estate

 

 

 

 
302,271

 
302,271

Construction/land development

 

 

 

 
64,350

 
64,350

Total real estate
475

 

 
192

 
667

 
763,912

 
764,579

Business

 

 

 

 
7,208

 
7,208

Consumer
53

 

 

 
53

 
6,280

 
6,333

Total loans
$
528

 
$

 
$
192

 
$
720

 
$
777,400

 
$
778,120

 ________________ 

(1) There were no loans 90 days and greater past due and still accruing interest at June 30, 2016.
(2) Net of LIP.

 
Loans Past Due as of December 31, 2015
 
 
 
 
 
30-59 Days

60-89 Days

90 Days and
Greater

Total Past
Due

Current

Total (1) (2)
 
(In thousands)
Real estate:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
One-to-four family residential:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Owner occupied
$
678

 
$
483

 
$

 
$
1,161

 
$
146,068

 
$
147,229

Non-owner occupied

 

 

 

 
106,543

 
106,543

Multifamily

 

 

 

 
133,388

 
133,388

Commercial real estate

 

 

 

 
252,501

 
252,501

Construction/land development

 

 

 

 
43,172

 
43,172

Total real estate
678

 
483

 

 
1,161

 
681,672

 
682,833

Business

 

 

 

 
7,604

 
7,604

Consumer

 
78

 
19

 
97

 
6,882

 
6,979

Total loans
$
678

 
$
561

 
$
19

 
$
1,258

 
$
696,158

 
$
697,416

_________________ 

(1) There were no loans 90 days and greater past due and still accruing interest at December 31, 2015.
(2) Net of LIP.







17


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




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

 
June 30, 2016
 
December 31, 2015
 
(In thousands)
One-to-four family residential
$
1,019

 
$
996

Consumer
64

 
89

Total nonaccrual loans
$
1,083

 
$
1,085


During the three and six months ended June 30, 2016, interest income that would have been recognized had these nonaccrual loans been performing in accordance with their original terms was $13,000 and $27,000, respectively. For the three and six months ended June 30, 2015, foregone interest on nonaccrual loans was $33,000 and $56,000, respectively.

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

 
June 30, 2016
 
One-to-Four
Family
Residential
 
Multifamily
 
Commercial
Real Estate
 
Construction /
Land
Development
 
Business
 
Consumer
 
Total (1)
 
(In thousands)
Performing (2)
$
250,713

 
$
146,226

 
$
302,271

 
$
64,350

 
$
7,208

 
$
6,269

 
$
777,037

Nonperforming (3)
1,019

 

 

 

 

 
64

 
1,083

Total loans
$
251,732

 
$
146,226

 
$
302,271

 
$
64,350

 
$
7,208

 
$
6,333

 
$
778,120

_____________

(1) 
Net of LIP.
(2) 
There were $145.7 million of owner-occupied one-to-four family residential loans and $105.0 million of non-owner occupied one-to-four family residential loans classified as performing.
(3) 
There were $1.0 million of owner-occupied one-to-four family residential loans and no non-owner occupied one-to-four family residential loans classified as nonperforming.
 
December 31, 2015
 
One-to-Four
Family
Residential
 
Multifamily
 
Commercial
Real Estate
 
Construction/
Land
Development
 
Business
 
Consumer
 
Total (1)
 
(In thousands)
Performing (2)
$
252,776

 
$
133,388

 
$
252,501

 
$
43,172

 
$
7,604

 
$
6,890

 
$
696,331

Nonperforming (3)
996

 

 

 

 

 
89

 
1,085

Total loans
$
253,772

 
$
133,388

 
$
252,501

 
$
43,172

 
$
7,604

 
$
6,979

 
$
697,416

_____________

(1) Net of LIP.    
(2) There were $146.2 million of owner-occupied one-to-four family residential loans and $106.5 million of non-owner occupied one-to-four family residential loans classified as performing.
(3) There were $996,000 of owner-occupied one-to-four family residential loans and no non-owner occupied one-to-four family residential loans classified as nonperforming.

Impaired Loans. A loan is considered impaired when we have determined that we may be unable to collect payments of principal or interest when due under the terms of the original loan document. There were no funds committed to be advanced in connection with impaired loans at either June 30, 2016, or December 31, 2015.

18


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



The following tables present a summary of loans individually evaluated for impairment by loan type at the dates indicated:

 
June 30, 2016

Recorded Investment (1)
 
Unpaid Principal Balance (2)

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

 

 
  One-to-four family residential:





      Owner occupied
$
2,455


$
2,762


$

      Non-owner occupied
21,237


21,256



  Multifamily
1,579


1,579



   Commercial real estate
2,245


2,323



   Consumer
107


161



Total
27,623


28,081



Loans with an allowance:








  One-to-four family residential:








      Owner occupied
2,103


2,173


72

      Non-owner occupied
5,340


5,361


329

   Commercial real estate
2,696


2,696


163

Total
10,139


10,230


564

Total impaired loans:








  One-to-four family residential:








      Owner occupied
4,558


4,935


72

      Non-owner occupied
26,577


26,617


329

   Multifamily
1,579


1,579



   Commercial real estate
4,941


5,019


163

   Consumer
107


161



Total
$
37,762


$
38,311


$
564

_________________ 

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




19


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


 
December 31, 2015
 
Recorded Investment (1)
 
Unpaid Principal Balance (2)
 
Related Allowance
 
(In thousands)
Loans with no related allowance:
 
 
 
 
 
  One-to-four family residential:
 
 
 
 
 
      Owner occupied
$
3,169

 
$
3,441

 
$

      Non-owner occupied
23,285

 
23,310

 

  Multifamily
415

 
414

 

   Commercial real estate
2,675

 
2,857

 

   Consumer
132

 
183

 

Total
29,676

 
30,205

 

Loans with an allowance:
 
 
 
 
 
  One-to-four family residential:
 
 
 
 
 
      Owner occupied
2,120

 
2,189

 
85

      Non-owner occupied
7,521

 
7,573

 
427

  Multifamily
1,180

 
1,180

 
3

   Commercial real estate
2,716

 
2,717

 
178

Consumer
76

 
76

 
39

Total
13,613

 
13,735

 
732

Total impaired loans:
 
 
 
 
 
  One-to-four family residential:
 
 
 
 
 
      Owner occupied
5,289

 
5,630

 
85

      Non-owner occupied
30,806

 
30,883

 
427

   Multifamily
1,595

 
1,594

 
3

   Commercial real estate
5,391

 
5,574

 
178

   Consumer
208

 
259

 
39

Total
$
43,289

 
$
43,940

 
$
732

_________________ 

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



20


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



The following tables present the average recorded investment in loans individually evaluated for impairment and the interest income recognized for the three and six months ended June 30, 2016 and 2015:

 
Three Months Ended June 30, 2016
 
Six Months Ended June 30, 2016
 
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
$
2,516

 
$
17

 
$
2,733

 
$
66

      Non-owner occupied
22,084

 
286

 
22,484

 
605

Multifamily
1,584

 
26

 
1,194

 
53

Commercial real estate
2,251

 
35

 
2,392

 
76

Consumer
110

 
1

 
117

 
3

Total
28,545

 
365

 
28,920

 
803




 


 
 
 
 
Loans with an allowance:


 


 
 
 
 
   One-to-four family residential:


 


 
 
 
 
      Owner occupied
2,107

 
27

 
2,111

 
56

      Non-owner occupied
5,496

 
62

 
6,171

 
139

Multifamily

 

 
393

 

Commercial real estate
2,702

 
39

 
2,706

 
79

Consumer
38

 

 
50

 

Total
10,343

 
128

 
11,431

 
274




 


 
 
 
 
Total impaired loans:


 


 
 
 
 
   One-to-four family residential:


 


 
 
 
 
      Owner occupied
4,623

 
44

 
4,844

 
122

      Non-owner occupied
27,580

 
348

 
28,655

 
744

Multifamily
1,584

 
26

 
1,587

 
53

Commercial real estate
4,953

 
74

 
5,098

 
155

Consumer
148

 
1

 
167

 
3

Total
$
38,888

 
$
493

 
$
40,351

 
$
1,077


21


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


 
Three Months Ended June 30, 2015
 
Six Months Ended June 30, 2015
 
Average Recorded Investment
 
Interest Income Recognized
 
Average Recorded Investment
 
Interest Income Recognized
 
(In thousands)
Loans with no related allowance:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   One-to-four family residential:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
      Owner occupied
$
3,140

 
$
41

 
$
3,196

 
$
82

      Non-owner occupied
26,747

 
397

 
27,573

 
791

Multifamily
1,893

 
7

 
1,261

 
15

Commercial real estate
4,516

 
77

 
4,529

 
147

Consumer
117

 

 
117

 
1

Total
36,413

 
522

 
36,676

 
1,036

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Loans with an allowance:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   One-to-four family residential:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
      Owner occupied
2,139

 
29

 
2,278

 
59

      Non-owner occupied
7,913

 
108

 
8,159

 
224

Multifamily
1,676

 
20

 
1,842

 
39

Commercial real estate
3,903

 
50

 
4,268

 
100

Consumer
78

 
1

 
78

 
2

Total
15,709

 
208

 
16,625

 
424

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Total impaired loans:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   One-to-four family residential:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
      Owner occupied
5,279

 
70

 
5,474

 
141

      Non-owner occupied
34,660

 
505

 
35,732

 
1,015

Multifamily
3,569

 
27

 
3,103

 
54

Commercial real estate
8,419

 
127

 
8,797

 
247

Consumer
195

 
1

 
195

 
3

Total
$
52,122

 
$
730

 
$
53,301

 
$
1,460


Troubled Debt Restructurings. Certain loan modifications are accounted for as troubled debt restructured loans ("TDRs"). At June 30, 2016, the TDR portfolio totaled $36.9 million, of which two loans totaling $189,000 were on nonaccrual status because they had previously not performed in accordance with the terms of their restructure. As of June 30, 2016, they were both current, however they will remain on nonaccrual status until they have performed for six months and are expected to continue to perform. At December 31, 2015, the TDR portfolio totaled $42.3 million, of which one loan of $131,000 was not performing in accordance with the terms of its restructure and was on nonaccrual status.

The following tables present loans that were modified as TDRs within the periods indicated and their recorded investment both before and after the modification:


22


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


 
Three Months Ended June 30, 2016
 
Six Months Ended June 30, 2016
 
Number of Loans
 
Pre-Modification Outstanding
Recorded
Investment
 
Post-Modification Outstanding
Recorded
Investment
 
Number of Loans
 
Pre-Modification Outstanding
Recorded
Investment
 
Post-Modification Outstanding
Recorded
Investment
 
(Dollars in thousands)
One-to-four family
residential:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Principal and interest with interest rate concession
16

 
$
3,155

 
$
3,155


17

 
$
3,711

 
$
3,711

Commercial real estate:









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

 

 


1

 
495

 
495

Total
16

 
$
3,155

 
$
3,155


18

 
$
4,206

 
$
4,206


 
Three Months Ended June 30, 2015
 
Six Months Ended June 30, 2015
 
Number of Loans
 
Pre-Modification Outstanding
Recorded
Investment
 
Post-Modification Outstanding
Recorded
Investment
 
Number of Loans
 
Pre-Modification Outstanding
Recorded
Investment
 
Post-Modification Outstanding
Recorded
Investment
 
(Dollars in thousands)
One-to-four family
residential:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Interest-only payments with interest rate concession and advancement of maturity date
6

 
$
1,439

 
$
1,439

 
6

 
$
1,439

 
$
1,439

Advancement of maturity date

 

 

 
2

 
248

 
248

Commercial real estate:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Interest-only payments with interest rate concession and advancement of maturity date
1

 
496

 
496

 
1

 
496

 
496

Advancement of maturity date
1

 
412

 
412

 
2

 
866

 
866

Interest-only payments with advancement of maturity date

 

 

 
1

 
2,004

 
2,004

Total
8

 
$
2,347

 
$
2,347

 
12

 
$
5,053

 
$
5,053


At June 30, 2016, the Company had no commitments to extend additional credit to borrowers whose loan terms have been modified in TDRs. All TDRs are also classified as impaired loans and are included in the loans individually evaluated for impairment as part of the calculation of the ALLL.

The TDRs that occurred during the three and six months ended June 30, 2016 and 2015, were the result of granting the borrower interest rate concessions and/or interest-only payments and advancing the maturity date for a period of time ranging from

23


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


one to three years. No loans accounted for as TDRs were charged-off to the ALLL for the three and six months ended June 30, 2016 and 2015.

TDRs that default after they have been modified are typically evaluated individually on a collateral basis. Any additional impairment is charged to the ALLL. For the three months ended June 30, 2016 and the three and six months ended June 30, 2015, no loans that had been modified in the previous 12 months defaulted. During the six months ended June 30, 2016, one commercial loan of $495,000 that had been modified with an interest rate concession and advancement of maturity date within the previous 12 months missed one payment, but was current as of June 30, 2016.

Credit Quality Indicators. The Company utilizes a nine-category risk rating system and assigns a risk rating for all credit exposures. The risk rating system is designed to define the basic characteristics and identify risk elements of each credit extension. Credits risk rated 1 through 5 are considered to be “pass” credits. Pass credits include assets, such as cash secured loans with funds on deposit with the Bank, where there is virtually no credit risk. Pass credits also include credits that are on the Company's watch list, where the borrower exhibits potential weaknesses, which may, if not checked or corrected, negatively affect the borrower’s financial capacity and threaten their ability to fulfill debt obligations in the future. Credits classified as special mention are risk rated 6 and possess weaknesses that deserve management’s close attention. Special mention assets do not expose the Company to sufficient risk to warrant adverse classification in the substandard, doubtful or loss categories. Substandard credits are risk rated 7. An asset is considered substandard if it is inadequately protected by the current net worth and payment capacity of the borrower or of any collateral pledged.

Substandard assets include those characterized by the distinct possibility that the Company will sustain some loss if the deficiencies are not corrected. Assets classified as doubtful are risk rated 8 and have all the weaknesses inherent in those credits classified as substandard with the added characteristic that the weaknesses present make collection or liquidation in full highly questionable and improbable, on the basis of currently existing facts, conditions, and values. Assets classified as loss are risk rated 9 and are considered uncollectible and cannot be justified as a viable asset for the Company. There were no loans classified as doubtful or loss at June 30, 2016 and December 31, 2015.

The following tables represent a summary of loans by type and risk category at the dates indicated:
 
June 30, 2016
 
One-to-Four
Family
Residential
 
Multifamily
 
Commercial
Real Estate
 
Construction/ 
Land
Development
 
Business
 
Consumer
 
Total (1)
 
(In thousands)
Risk Rating:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   Pass
$
246,394

 
$
146,226

 
$
298,004

 
$
64,350

 
$
7,208

 
$
6,081

 
$
768,263

   Special mention
2,638

 

 
3,772

 

 

 
188

 
6,598

   Substandard
2,700

 

 
495

 

 

 
64

 
3,259

Total loans
$
251,732

 
$
146,226

 
$
302,271

 
$
64,350

 
$
7,208

 
$
6,333

 
$
778,120

 _____________ 

(1) Net of LIP.

 
December 31, 2015
 
One-to-Four
Family
Residential
 
Multifamily
 
Commercial
Real Estate
 
Construction /
Land
Development
 
Business
 
Consumer
 
Total (1)
 
(In thousands)
Risk Rating:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   Pass
$
247,239

 
$
133,388

 
$
248,196

 
$
43,172

 
$
7,604

 
$
6,702

 
$
686,301

   Special mention
3,840

 

 
3,809

 

 

 
188

 
7,837

   Substandard
2,693

 

 
496

 

 

 
89

 
3,278

Total loans
$
253,772

 
$
133,388

 
$
252,501

 
$
43,172

 
$
7,604

 
$
6,979

 
$
697,416

  _____________ 

24


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



(1) Net of LIP.


Note 6 - Other Real Estate Owned

OREO includes properties acquired by the Company through foreclosure and deed in lieu of foreclosure. The following table is a summary of OREO activity during the periods shown: 
 
Three Months Ended June 30,
 
Six Months Ended June 30,
 
2016
 
2015
 
2016
 
2015
 
(In thousands)
Balance at beginning of period
$
3,405

 
$
5,575

 
$
3,663

 
$
9,283

Loans transferred to OREO

 

 

 
140

Gross proceeds from sale of OREO
(985
)
 
(1,207
)
 
(988
)
 
(5,535
)
(Loss) gain on sale of OREO
(89
)
 
2

 
(87
)
 
531

Market value adjustments

 
46

 
(257
)
 
(4
)
Balance at end of period
$
2,331

 
$
4,416

 
$
2,331

 
$
4,416

 
During the second quarter of 2016, two OREO properties plus one parcel of a multi-parcel property with a combined book value of $1.1 million were sold, generating a net loss of $89,000. OREO at June 30, 2016 consisted of $2.3 million in commercial real estate properties.

Note 7 - Fair Value

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

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

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

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

Level 1 - Quoted prices for identical instruments in active markets.

Level 2 - Quoted prices for similar instruments in active markets; quoted prices for identical or similar instruments in markets that are not active; and model-derived valuations whose inputs are observable.

Level 3 - Instruments whose significant value drivers are unobservable.
 
The tables below present the balances of assets measured at fair value on a recurring basis (there were no transfers between Level 1, Level 2 and Level 3 recurring measurements) at the dates indicated:

25


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


 
Fair Value Measurements at June 30, 2016
 
Fair Value Measurements
 
Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1)
 
Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2)
 
Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3)
 
(In thousands)
Investments available-for-sale:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Mortgage-backed investments:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Fannie Mae
$
48,860

 
$

 
$
48,860

 
$

Freddie Mac
24,649

 

 
24,649

 

Ginnie Mae
12,243

 

 
12,243

 

Municipal bonds
13,602

 

 
13,602

 

U.S. Government agencies
12,950

 

 
12,950

 

Corporate bonds
23,724

 

 
23,724

 

 Total
$
136,028

 
$

 
$
136,028

 
$

 
Fair Value Measurements at December 31, 2015
 
Fair Value Measurements
 
Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1)
 
Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2)
 
Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3)
 
(In thousands)
Investments available-for-sale:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Mortgage-backed investments:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Fannie Mae
$
50,321

 
$

 
$
50,321

 
$

Freddie Mac
26,137

 

 
26,137

 

Ginnie Mae
13,732

 

 
13,732

 

Municipal bonds
12,064

 

 
12,064

 

U.S. Government agencies
13,542

 

 
13,542

 

Corporate bonds
13,769

 

 
13,769

 

 Total
$
129,565

 
$

 
$
129,565

 
$


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

The tables below present the balances of assets measured at fair value on a nonrecurring basis at June 30, 2016 and December 31, 2015
 
Fair Value Measurements at June 30, 2016
 
Fair Value
Measurements
 
Quoted Prices in
Active Markets
for Identical
Assets (Level 1)
 
Significant
Other
Observable
Inputs (Level 2)
 
Significant
Unobservable
Inputs
(Level 3)
 
(In thousands)
Impaired loans (included in loans
receivable, net)
(1)
$
37,198

 
$

 
$

 
$
37,198

OREO
2,331

 

 

 
2,331

Total
$
39,529

 
$

 
$

 
$
39,529

_____________

(1) 
Total fair value of impaired loans is net of $564,000 of specific reserves on performing TDRs.

26


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



 
Fair Value Measurements at December 31, 2015
 
Fair Value
Measurements
 
Quoted Prices in
Active Markets
for Identical
Assets (Level 1)
 
Significant
Other
Observable
Inputs (Level 2)
 
Significant
Unobservable
Inputs
(Level 3)
 
(In thousands)
Impaired loans (included in loans
receivable, net)
(1)
$
42,557

 
$

 
$

 
$
42,557

OREO
3,663

 

 

 
3,663

Total
$
46,220

 
$

 
$

 
$
46,220

_____________

(1)    Total fair value of impaired loans is net of $732,000 of specific reserves on performing TDRs.
 
The fair value of impaired loans is calculated using the collateral value method or on a discounted cash flow basis. Inputs used in the collateral value method include appraised values, less estimated costs to sell. Some of these inputs may not be observable in the marketplace. Appraised values may be discounted based on management's knowledge of the marketplace, subsequent changes in market conditions, or management's knowledge of the borrower.

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

The following table presents quantitative information about Level 3 fair value measurements for financial instruments measured at fair value on a nonrecurring basis at June 30, 2016 and December 31, 2015.
 
June 30, 2016
 
Fair Value
 
Valuation Technique
 
Unobservable Input(s)
 
Range (Weighted Average)
 
(Dollars in thousands)
Impaired Loans
$
37,198

 
Market approach
 
Appraised value discounted by market or borrower conditions
 
0%-17.3%
(0.4%)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
OREO
$
2,331

 
Market approach
 
Appraised value less selling costs
 
0% - 0%
(0.0%)

 
December 31, 2015
 
Fair Value
 
Valuation Technique
 
Unobservable Input(s)
 
Range (Weighted Average)
 
(Dollars in thousands)
Impaired Loans
$
42,557

 
Market approach
 
Appraised value discounted by market or borrower conditions
 
0% - 2.1%
(0.3%)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
OREO
$
3,663

 
Market approach
 
Appraised value less selling costs
 
0% - 13.6%
(1.0%)

    
    

27


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


The carrying amounts and estimated fair values of financial instruments were as follows at the dates indicated: 
 
June 30, 2016
 
 
 
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
$
6,051

 
$
6,051

 
$
6,051

 
$

 
$

Interest-earning deposits
31,454

 
31,454

 
31,454

 

 

Investments available-for-sale
136,028

 
136,028

 

 
136,028

 

Loans receivable, net
766,046

 
786,859

 

 

 
786,859

FHLB stock
7,631

 
7,631

 

 
7,631

 

Accrued interest receivable
3,158

 
3,158

 

 
3,158

 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Financial Liabilities:
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 
Deposits
270,471

 
270,471

 
270,471

 

 

Certificates of deposit, retail
324,127

 
327,095

 

 
327,095

 

Certificates of deposit, brokered
65,612

 
66,797

 

 
66,797

 

Advances from the FHLB
161,500

 
161,893

 

 
161,893

 

Accrued interest payable
114

 
114

 

 
114

 


 
December 31, 2015
 
 
 
Estimated
 
Fair Value Measurements Using:
 
Carrying Value
 
Fair Value
 
Level 1
 
Level 2
 
Level 3
 
(In thousands)
Financial Assets:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Cash on hand and in banks
$
5,713

 
$
5,713

 
$
5,713

 
$

 
$

Interest-earning deposits
99,998

 
99,998

 
99,998

 

 

Investments available-for-sale
129,565

 
129,565

 

 
129,565

 

Loans receivable, net
685,072

 
693,480

 

 

 
693,480

FHLB stock
6,137

 
6,137

 

 
6,137

 

Accrued interest receivable
2,968

 
2,968

 

 
2,968

 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Financial Liabilities:
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 
Deposits
285,416

 
285,416

 
285,416

 

 

Certificates of deposit, retail
323,840

 
324,135

 

 
324,135

 

Certificates of deposit, brokered
66,151

 
66,947

 

 
66,947

 

Advances from the FHLB
125,500

 
125,466

 

 
125,466

 

Accrued interest payable
135

 
135

 

 
135

 


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

Financial instruments with book value equal to fair value: The fair value of financial instruments that are short-term or reprice frequently and that have little or no risk are considered to have a fair value equal to book value. These instruments include cash on hand and in banks, interest-earning deposits, FHLB stock, accrued interest receivable, accrued interest payable, and investment transactions payable. FHLB stock is not publicly-traded, however it may be

28


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


redeemed on a dollar-for-dollar basis, for any amount the Bank is not required to hold, subject to the FHLB’s discretion. The fair value is therefore equal to the book value.

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

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

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

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

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


Note 8 - Stock-Based Compensation

In June 2016, First Financial Northwest's shareholders approved the First Financial Northwest, Inc. 2016 Equity Incentive Plan ("2016 Plan"). This plan provides for the granting of incentive stock options ("ISO"), non-qualified stock options ("NQSO"), restricted stock and restricted stock units until June 2026. The 2016 Plan established 1,400,000 shares available to grant with a maximum of 400,000 of these shares available to grant as restricted stock awards. Each share issued as a restricted stock award counts as two shares towards the total shares available to award.

Under the 2016 Plan, the vesting date for each option award or restricted stock award is determined by an award committee and specified in the award agreement. In the case of restricted stock awards granted in lieu of cash payments of director's fees, the grant date is used as the vesting date.

As a result of the approval of the 2016 Plan, the First Financial Northwest, Inc. 2008 Equity Incentive Plan ("2008 Plan") was frozen and no additional awards will be made. Under the 2008 Plan as of June 30, 2016, there were 611,756 available stock options and 74,478 available restricted stock awards. Upon approval of the new plan, these shares are no longer available to be awarded and the ungranted restricted stock awards were no longer reserved for issuance. Restricted stock awards and stock options that were granted under the 2008 Plan will continue to vest and be available for exercise, subject to the 2008 Plan provisions. At June 30, 2016, there were 1,371,896 total shares available for grant under the 2016 Plan, with 385,948 shares available for award as restricted stock.

For the three months ended June 30, 2016 and 2015, total compensation expense for the Plan was $290,000, and $110,000, respectively, and the related income tax benefit was $101,500 and $39,000, respectively.

For the six months ended June 30, 2016 and 2015, total compensation expense for the Plan was $383,000 and $219,000, respectively, and the related income tax benefit was $134,000 and $77,000, respectively.


29


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


Included in the above compensation for the three and six months ended June 30, 2016, director's compensation of $180,000 was recognized as a result of the awarding and vesting of restricted shares in lieu of cash payments of directors' fees, with a related income tax benefit of $63,000.

Stock Options

Under the 2008 Plan, stock option awards were 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.

Under the 2016 Plan, the exercise price and vesting period for stock options are determined by the award committee and specified in the award agreement, however, the exercise price shall not be less than the fair market value of a share as of the grant date. Any unexercised stock option will expire 10 years after the award date or sooner in the event of the award recipient's death, disability, retirement, or termination of service.

The fair value of each option award is estimated on the grant date using a Black-Scholes model that uses the following assumptions. The dividend yield is based on the current quarterly dividend in effect at the time of the grant. Historical employment data is used to estimate the forfeiture rate. The historical volatility of the Company's stock price over a specified period of time is used for the expected volatility assumption. First Financial Northwest bases the risk-free interest rate on the U.S. Treasury Constant Maturity Indices in effect on the date of the grant. First Financial Northwest elected to use the “Share-Based Payments” method permitted by the SEC to calculate the expected term. This method uses the vesting term of an option along with the contractual term, setting the expected life at the midpoint.

Beginning in 2016, a cashless exercise of vested stock options may occur by the option holder surrendering the number of options valued at the current stock price at the time of exercise to cover the total cost to exercise. The surrendered options are canceled and are unavailable for reissue.
    
A summary of the Company’s stock option plan awards and activity for the three and six months ended June 30, 2016, follows: 


30


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


 
For the Three Months Ended June 30, 2016
 
Shares
 
Weighted-Average Exercise Price
 
Weighted-Average Remaining Contractual Term in Years
 
Aggregate Intrinsic Value
Outstanding at April 1, 2016
726,320


$
10.12






Granted









Exercised









Canceled

 


 
 
 
 
Forfeited or expired









Outstanding at June 30, 2016
726,320


10.12


4.78

2,305,420

Vested and expected to vest assuming a 3% forfeiture
rate over the vesting term
719,060


10.11


4.75

2,288,270

Exercisable at June 30, 2016
484,320


9.70


3.24

1,733,760

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
For the Six Months Ended June 30, 2016
 
Shares
 
Weighted-Average Exercise Price
 
Weighted-Average Remaining Contractual Term in Years
 
Aggregate Intrinsic Value
Outstanding at January 1, 2016
884,260


$
10.11






Granted









Exercised
(55,673
)

9.78






Canceled
(82,267
)
 







Forfeited or expired
(20,000
)

12.05






Outstanding at June 30, 2016
726,320


10.12


4.78

2,305,420

Vested and expected to vest assuming a 3% forfeiture
    rate over the vesting term
719,060


10.11


4.75

2,288,270

Exercisable at June 30, 2016
484,320


9.70


3.24

1,733,760



As of June 30, 2016, there was $723,967 of total unrecognized compensation cost related to nonvested stock options granted under the Plan. The cost is expected to be recognized over the remaining weighted-average vesting period of 3.15 years. There were no stock options granted during the three and six months ended June 30, 2016 under either the 2008 Plan or 2016 Plan.

Restricted Stock Awards

The 2008 Plan authorized the grant of restricted stock awards to directors, advisory directors, officers and employees. Compensation expense is recognized over the vesting period of the awards based on the fair value of the stock at the grant date. The restricted stock awards’ fair value is equal to the stock price on the grant date. Shares awarded as restricted stock vest ratably over a five-year period beginning at the grant date with 20% vesting on the anniversary date of each grant date.

The 2016 Plan authorizes the grant of restricted stock awards subject to vesting periods or terms as defined by the award committee and specified in the award agreement. Restricted stock awards granted in lieu of cash payments for directors' fees are subject to immediate vesting on the grant date unless the award agreement provides otherwise. During the second quarter of 2016, there were 14,052 restricted shares granted to directors in lieu of cash payments for directors' fees that vested immediately.

A summary of changes in nonvested restricted stock awards for the three and six months ended June 30, 2016, follows: 

31


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



For the Three Months Ended June 30, 2016

Shares

Weighted-Average
Grant Date
Fair Value
Nonvested at April 1, 2016
47,800


$
8.95

Granted
14,052


12.81
Vested
(14,052
)

12.81
Forfeited



Nonvested at June 30, 2016
47,800


8.95
Expected to vest assuming a 3% forfeiture rate over the vesting term
46,366


8.95
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
For the Six Months Ended June 30, 2016
 
Shares
 
Weighted-Average
Grant Date
 Fair Value
Nonvested at January 1, 2016
47,800


$
8.95

Granted
14,052


12.81
Vested
(14,052
)

12.81
Forfeited



Nonvested at June 30, 2016
47,800


8.95
Expected to vest assuming a 3% forfeiture rate over the vesting term
46,366

 
8.95

As of June 30, 2016, there was $267,967 of total unrecognized compensation costs related to nonvested shares granted as restricted stock awards. The cost is expected to be recognized over the remaining weighted-average vesting period of 1.57 years.

Note 9 - Federal Income Taxes

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

Under GAAP, a valuation allowance is required to be recognized if it is “more likely than not” that a portion of the deferred tax asset will not be realized. Our policy is to evaluate our deferred tax assets on a quarterly basis and record a valuation allowance for our deferred tax asset if we do not have sufficient positive evidence indicating that it is more likely than not that some or all of the deferred tax asset will be realized. At June 30, 2016, it was determined that the full deferred tax asset would be realized in future periods and no valuation allowance was required.

Our effective tax rate for the first six months of 2016 was 32.2%. During the second quarter of 2016, we surrendered a $10.2 million BOLI policy, and used the proceeds to purchase a new BOLI policy. The increase in cash surrender value of the policy was previously excluded from taxable income, however due to the early surrender of the policy, we recognized additional taxable noninterest income of $182,000 and incurred a 10% penalty of $18,000. Partially offsetting these increases, we recognized an additional tax benefit as a result of the exercise by officers and directors of certain non-qualified stock options. Estimated compensation expense is accrued to the deferred tax asset over the vesting period of the options. When these options were exercised, the actual stock price for our common stock was higher than previously estimated, resulting in an increase to actual compensation expense above the amount previously accrued and recognition of a tax benefit.

32


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


 
The Company has prepared federal tax returns through December 31, 2015, at which time the Company had an alternative minimum tax credit carryforward totaling $1.4 million which has no expiration date.

Note 10 - Earnings Per Share

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

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

The following table presents a reconciliation of the components used to compute basic and diluted earnings per share for the periods indicated:
 
 
Three Months Ended June 30,
 
Six Months Ended June 30,
 
 
2016
 
2015
 
2016
 
2015
 
 
(Dollars in thousands, except share data)
Net income
 
$
1,440

 
$
2,368

 
$
3,265

 
$
4,597

Less: Earnings allocated to participating
securities
 
(5
)
 
(11
)
 
$
(11
)
 
$
(21
)
Earnings allocated to common shareholders
 
$
1,435

 
$
2,357

 
$
3,254

 
$
4,576

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Basic weighted average common shares
outstanding
 
12,390,234

 
13,756,336

 
12,567,464

 
13,895,872

Dilutive stock options
 
120,704

 
133,487

 
132,619

 
136,596

Dilutive restricted stock grants
 
19,782

 
26,491

 
18,072

 
24,730

Diluted weighted average common shares
outstanding
 
12,530,720

 
13,916,314

 
12,718,155

 
14,057,198

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Basic earnings per share
 
$
0.12

 
$
0.17

 
$
0.26

 
$
0.33

Diluted earnings per share
 
$
0.11

 
$
0.17

 
$
0.26

 
$
0.33


Potential dilutive shares are excluded from the computation of earnings per share if their effect is anti-dilutive. For the three and six months ended June 30, 2016, options to purchase an additional 60,000 shares of common stock were not included in the computation of diluted earnings per share because the incremental shares under the treasury stock method of calculation resulted in them being anti-dilutive. For the three and six months ended June 30, 2015, options to purchase an additional 225,000 were excluded as their effect would be anti-dilutive.

Note 11 - Subsequent Events

Dutch Auction Tender Offer

On July 13, 2016, First Financial Northwest announced the commencement of a modified Dutch auction tender offer for up to $40.0 million in value of shares of our common stock at a price within (and including) the range of $13.00 to $14.00 per share. The tender offer will expire at 12:00 midnight, New York City time, on August 9, 2016, unless extended by First Financial Northwest. Tenders of common stock must be made prior to the expiration of the tender offer and may be withdrawn at any time prior to the expiration of the tender offer. The tender offer is subject to terms and conditions described in the Offer to Purchase

33



filed with the SEC on July 13, 2016 and distributed to shareholders. First Financial Northwest intends to finance the tender offer from available cash on hand.

This report is not an offer to purchase or a solicitation of an offer to sell First Financial Northwest’s securities. The solicitation and the offer to purchase the securities will only be made pursuant to the Offer to Purchase and related materials. First Financial Northwest filed a Tender Offer Statement on Schedule TO with the SEC with respect to the tender offer on July 13, 2016.
  
First Financial Northwest’s shareholders are advised to read the Schedule TO (including an offer to purchase, a related letter of transmittal and other offer documents), as each may be amended or supplemented from time to time, and any other relevant documents filed with the SEC when they become available, before making any decision with respect to the tender offer because these documents contain important information about the proposed transaction and the parties thereto.
  
Investors and shareholders may obtain free copies of the Schedule TO, as amended or supplemented from time to time, and other documents filed by the Company, at the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov, by contacting the Company by mail at Investor Relations, First Financial Northwest, Inc., 201 Wells Avenue South, Renton, Washington 98057, or through the investor relations portion of the Company’s website at www.ffnwb.com.

    


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

Forward-Looking Statements
Certain matters discussed in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q constitute forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These statements relate to our financial condition, results of operations, plans, objectives, future performance or business. Forward-looking statements are not statements of historical fact, are based on certain assumptions and are generally identified by use of the words “believes,” “expects,” “anticipates,” “estimates,” “forecasts,” “intends,” “plans,” “targets,” “potentially,” “probably,” “projects,” “outlook” or similar expressions or future or conditional verbs such as “may,” “will,” “should,” “would” and “could.” Forward-looking statements include statements with respect to our beliefs, plans, objectives, goals, expectations, assumptions and statements about, among other things, expectations of the business environment in which we operate, projections of future performance or financial items, perceived opportunities in the market, potential future credit experience, and statements regarding our mission and vision. These forward-looking statements are based upon current management expectations and may, therefore, involve risks and uncertainties. Our actual results, performance, or achievements may differ materially from those suggested, expressed, or implied by forward-looking statements as a result of a wide variety or range of factors including, but not limited to: the credit risks of lending activities, including changes in the level and trend of loan delinquencies and write-offs, that may be affected by deterioration in the housing and commercial real estate markets, and may lead to increased losses and nonperforming assets in our loan portfolio, and may result in our allowance for loan losses not being adequate to cover actual losses, and require us to materially increase our reserves; changes in general economic conditions, either nationally or in our market areas; changes in the levels of general interest rates, and the relative differences between short and long term interest rates, deposit interest rates, our net interest margin and funding sources; fluctuations in the demand for loans, the number of unsold homes and other properties and fluctuations in real estate values in our market areas; results of examinations of us by the Federal Reserve Bank of San Francisco and our bank subsidiary by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (“FDIC”), the Washington State Department of Financial Institutions, Division of Banks (“DFI”) or other regulatory authorities, including the possibility that any such regulatory authority may initiate an enforcement action against the Company or the Bank which could require us to increase our reserve for loan losses, write-down assets, change our regulatory capital position, affect our ability to borrow funds or maintain or increase deposits, or impose additional requirements or restrictions on us, any of which could adversely affect our liquidity and earnings; our ability to pay dividends on our common stock; our ability to attract and retain deposits; increases in premiums for deposit insurance; our ability to control operating costs and expenses; the use of estimates in determining the fair value of certain of our assets, which estimates may prove to be incorrect and result in significant declines in valuation; difficulties in reducing risk associated with the loans on our balance sheet; staffing fluctuations in response to product demand or the implementation of corporate strategies that affect our work force and potential associated charges; computer systems on which we depend could fail or experience a security breach; our ability to retain key members of our senior management team; costs and effects of litigation, including settlements and judgments; our ability to implement our branch expansion strategy; our ability to successfully integrate any assets, liabilities, customers, systems, and management personnel we have acquired or may in the future acquire into our operations and our ability to realize related revenue synergies and cost savings within expected time frames and any goodwill charges related thereto; our ability to manage loan delinquency rates; costs and effects of litigation, including settlements and judgments; increased competitive pressures among financial services



companies; changes in consumer spending, borrowing and savings habits; legislative or regulatory changes that adversely affect our business including changes in regulatory policies and principles, including the interpretation of regulatory capital or other rules, including as a result of Basel III; the impact of the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act (the "Dodd Frank Act") and the implementing regulations; the availability of resources to address changes in laws, rules, or regulations or to respond to regulatory actions; adverse changes in the securities markets; inability of key third-party providers to perform their obligations to us; changes in accounting policies and practices, as may be adopted by the financial institution regulatory agencies or the Financial Accounting Standards Board, including additional guidance and interpretation on accounting issues and details of the implementation of new accounting methods; the economic impact of war or any terrorist activities; other economic, competitive, governmental, regulatory, and technological factors affecting our operations; pricing, products and services; and other risks detailed in our filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”), including our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2015 ("2015 Form 10-K"). Any of the forward-looking statements that we make in this Form 10-Q and in the other public reports and statements we make may turn out to be wrong because of the inaccurate assumptions we might make, because of the factors illustrated above or because of other factors that we cannot foresee. Because of these and other uncertainties, our actual future results may be materially different from those expressed in any forward-looking statements made by or on our behalf. Therefore, these factors should be considered in evaluating the forward-looking statements, and undue reliance should not be placed on such statements. We undertake no responsibility to update or revise any forward-looking statements.

Overview

First Financial Northwest Bank ("the Bank") is a wholly-owned subsidiary of First Financial Northwest, Inc. ("the Company") and, as such, comprises substantially all of the activity for First Financial Northwest. First Financial Northwest Bank was a community-based savings bank until February 4, 2016, when the Bank converted to a Washington chartered commercial bank reflecting the commercial banking services it now provides to its customers. Our full-service banking office in Renton, Washington serves primarily King County, and also Pierce, Snohomish and Kitsap counties. Additional branches opened in Mill Creek, Washington in September 2015 and Edmonds, Washington in March 2016. Further expanding our market presence in King County, the Bank opened a fourth location at The Landing, in Renton, Washington, in July 2016. Improved technology from the conversion to a new core data processor in August 2015 allows the Bank to better meet the needs of our customers as we seek to broaden the demographics of our customer base.

First Financial Northwest Bank’s business consists predominantly of attracting deposits from the general public, combined with borrowing from the Federal Home Loan Bank of Des Moines ("FHLB") and raising funds in the wholesale market, then utilizing these funds to originate one-to-four family residential, multifamily, commercial real estate, construction/land development, business, and consumer loans. Our current business strategy emphasizes commercial real estate, construction, one-to-four family residential, and multifamily lending. Recently, improvements in the economy, employment rates, stronger real estate prices, and a general lack of new housing inventory in certain areas in the Puget Sound region have led to our significantly increasing originations of construction loans for properties located in our market area. We anticipate that construction lending will continue to be a strong element of our total loan portfolio in future periods. We will continue to take a disciplined approach in our construction and land development lending by concentrating our efforts on smaller one-to-four residential loans to builders known to us. On a limited basis, we also will provide multifamily loans to developers with proven success in this type of construction. In addition, we are geographically expanding our loan portfolio through loan purchases or loan participations of commercial and multifamily real estate loans that are outside of our primary market area. We recently hired a loan officer with extensive experience in California to further support our efforts to geographically diversify our loan portfolio through direct originations, loan participations, or loan purchases.

In support of our strategic growth plan, the Bank is seeking niche expansion opportunities. We have employees with the language and experience to meet the specific deposit and lending needs of the Chinese/American sector, including real estate developers involved in the EB-5 Immigrant Investor Program. In addition, we are developing a national line of business to originate and service high quality aircraft loans. These loans will be collateralized by new or used, single-engine piston aircraft to light jets for business or personal use. The loans will initially range from $250,000 to $4.0 million and will rely heavily on the asset value of the collateral. We expect to begin originating loans in this area in the third quarter of 2016.

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

An offset to net interest income is the provision for loan losses which is required to establish the allowance for loan and lease losses ("ALLL") at a level that adequately provides for probable losses inherent in our loan portfolio. As our loan portfolio increases or due to an increase for probable losses inherent in our loan portfolio, our ALLL may increase, resulting in a decrease

35



to net interest income. Improvements in loan risk ratings, increases in property values, or receipt of recoveries of amounts previously charged off may partially or fully offset any increase to ALLL due to loan growth or an increase in probable loan losses.

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

Our noninterest expenses consist primarily of salaries and employee benefits, professional fees, regulatory assessments, occupancy and equipment, and other general and administrative expenses. Salaries and employee benefits consist primarily of the salaries and wages paid to our employees, payroll taxes, expenses for retirement, and other employee benefits. Professional fees include legal services, auditing and accounting services, computer support services, and other professional services in support of strategic plans. Occupancy and equipment expenses, which are the fixed and variable costs of buildings and equipment, consist primarily of real estate taxes, depreciation expenses, maintenance, and costs of utilities. Also included in noninterest expense are changes to the Company's unfunded commitment reserve which are reflected in general and administrative expenses. The reserve is based on the amount believed by management to be sufficient to absorb estimated probable losses related to unfunded credit facilities, and reflects changes in the amounts that the Company has committed to fund but has not yet disbursed.

Critical Accounting Policies

Our significant accounting policies are fundamental to understanding our results of operations and financial condition because they require that we use estimates and assumptions that may affect the value of our assets or liabilities and our financial results. These policies are critical because they require management to make difficult, subjective, and complex judgments about matters that are inherently uncertain and because it is likely that materially different amounts would be reported under different conditions or by using different assumptions. These policies govern the ALLL, the valuation of OREO, and the calculation of deferred taxes, fair values, and other-than-temporary impairments on the market value of investments. These policies and estimates are described in further detail in Part II, Item 7 Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations and Note 1, Summary of Significant Accounting Policies with the 2015 Form 10-K. There have not been any material changes in the Company's critical accounting policies and estimates as compared to the disclosure contained in the 2015 Form 10-K.

Comparison of Financial Condition at June 30, 2016 and December 31, 2015

Total assets were $999.2 million at June 30, 2016, an increase of 2.0%, from $979.9 million at December 31, 2015. The following table details the $19.3 million net change in the composition of our assets at June 30, 2016 from December 31, 2015.
 
Balance at
June 30, 2016
 
Change from December 31, 2015
 
Percent Change
 
(Dollars in thousands)
Cash on hand and in banks                                           
$
6,051

 
$
338

 
5.9
 %
Interest-earning deposits                                           
31,454

 
(68,544
)
 
(68.5
)
Investments available-for-sale, at fair value
136,028

 
6,463

 
5.0

Loans receivable, net                                           
766,046

 
80,974

 
11.8

Premises and equipment, net
18,206

 
499

 
2.8

FHLB stock, at cost                                
7,631

 
1,494

 
24.3

Accrued interest receivable
3,158

 
190

 
6.4

Deferred tax assets, net
3,438

 
(1,118
)
 
(24.5
)
OREO
2,331

 
(1,332
)
 
(36.4
)
BOLI, net
23,700

 
391

 
1.7

Prepaid expenses and other assets
1,193

 
(32
)
 
(2.6
)
Total assets                                
$
999,236

 
$
19,323

 
2.0
 %

Interest-earning deposits. Our interest-earning deposits, consisting primarily of funds held at the Federal Reserve Bank of San Francisco, decreased $68.5 million, or 68.5%, at June 30, 2016, as compared to December 31, 2015. During the six months ended June 30, 2016, excess cash held at the Federal Reserve Bank, combined with a $36.0 million net increase in

36



FHLB advances was used primarily to fund the $81.0 million increase in net loans receivable, a $6.5 million increase in investment securities, and the $15.2 million decline in deposits.

Investments available-for-sale. Our investments available-for-sale portfolio increased by $6.5 million during the first six months of 2016. To enhance interest income, we purchased two subordinated debt instruments issued by well capitalized financial institutions located in southern California in the amounts of $5.0 million each, increasing our corporate bonds by $10.0 million. These notes carry fixed interest rates of 6.0% and 6.5% for the initial five years, then convert to floating rate instruments that reprice quarterly for the remainder of their ten year terms. In addition, we purchased three fixed rate municipal bonds for $1.5 million and one fixed rate mortgage-backed security for $1.8 million for a combined yield on securities purchased of 5.14%. We did not sell any securities during the first six months of 2016, however, we received partial calls on three securities for a total of $430,000. At June 30, 2016, corporate bonds issued by financial institutions represented $23.7 million or 17.4% of our investments available-for-sale and municipal bonds represented 10.0% of our investments available-for-sale. These purchases were part of our investment portfolio restructuring strategy to transition our investment portfolio to securities with longer maturity periods, higher yields, and primarily fixed rates in order to enhance our interest income.

In addition to the purchase and call activity, we received principal repayments of $8.2 million on our investments available-for-sale. The net unrealized gain of our investments available-for-sale had a pre-tax increase of $2.3 million during the six months ended June 30, 2016.

The effective duration of the investments available-for-sale at June 30, 2016, was 2.9% as compared to 3.2% at December 31, 2015. Effective duration is a measure that attempts to quantify the anticipated percentage change in the value of an investment security (or portfolio) in the event of a 100 basis point change in market yields. Since the Bank's portfolio includes securities with embedded options (including call options on bonds and prepayment options on mortgage-backed securities), management believes that effective duration is an appropriate metric to use as a tool when analyzing the Bank's investment securities portfolio, as effective duration incorporates assumptions relating to such embedded options, including changes in cash flow assumptions as interest rates change.

Loans receivable. Net loans receivable increased $81.0 million during the first six months of 2016. During this time period, we supplemented our loan originations by purchasing $49.8 million in performing loans from another financial institution, consisting of $37.8 million in commercial real estate and $12.0 million in multifamily loans. The loans were purchased at a 2.0% - 3.0% premium and are intended to be held to maturity. The purchases consisted of 13 loans ranging in size from $1.3 million to $8.2 million and are secured by properties in Washington, California, Oregon, Utah, Colorado and Arizona. The Company plans to continue to purchase loan pools that meet our credit standards, secured by properties outside of its primary market area, to augment its loan originations.

During the first six months of 2016, total multifamily loans increased by $23.9 million and commercial real estate loans increased $49.8 million. Included in the increase in multifamily loans was a $14.5 million increase in multifamily construction loans that will rollover to permanent loans upon completion of construction. In addition, construction and land development loans increased by $25.2 million. The growth in both of these categories is reflected in the $15.1 million increase in LIP to $69.0 million at June 30, 2016 as these loans typically fund over a 12 to 18 month period. Lastly, one-to-four family residential loans decreased by $2.0 million and business and consumer loans decreased by $396,000 and $646,000, respectively during the six months ended June 30, 2016.

The following table details the types of commercial real estate, multifamily and construction and development loans in our portfolio:


37



 
June 30, 2016
 
December 31, 2015
 
(In thousands)
Residential:
 
 
 
Multifamily
$
105,773

 
$
104,408

Micro-unit apartments
26,416

 
18,339

Total Residential
132,189

 
122,747

 
 
 
 
Non-residential:
 
 
 
Office
97,375

 
78,297

Retail
95,649

 
76,813

Mobile home park and land
23,290

 
23,630

Warehouse
15,479

 
17,845

Storage
38,130

 
40,238

Mixed use
15,526

 
7,388

Total Non-residential
285,449

 
244,211

 
 
 
 
Construction and development:
 
 
 
Non-residential
22,595

 
17,058

Residential (1)
64,312

 
52,233

Multifamily
77,281

 
46,666

Total construction and development
164,188

 
115,957

Total commercial real estate
$
581,826

 
$
482,915


The majority of our loan portfolio continues to be focused in our primary market area, however we are also seeking geographic diversification of our loan portfolio. The collateral underlying the pools of loans purchased during the six months ended June 30, 2016 are located throughout the West Coast. In addition, we are pursuing opportunities for loan participations outside our primary market area that meet our investment and credit quality objectives. During the first quarter of 2016, we hired an employee in the state of California whose focus is directly originating new commercial and multifamily real estate loans as well as analyzing loan participation and loan purchase opportunities in the San Francisco Bay area. The following table details geographic concentrations in our loan portfolio, shown net of LIP:

 
 
At June 30, 2016
 
 
One-to-four family residential
 
Multifamily
 
Commercial real estate
 
Construction/land development
 
Business
 
Consumer
 
Total
 
 
(In thousands)
King County
 
$
184,476

 
$
89,752

 
$
149,818

 
$
55,657

 
$
7,208

 
$
5,365

 
$
492,276

Pierce County
 
42,088

 
16,156

 
37,267

 

 

 
836

 
96,347

Snohomish County
 
9,386

 
5,553

 
31,545

 
5,765

 

 
43

 
52,292

Kitsap County
 
4,707

 
5,941

 
968

 

 

 
78

 
11,694

Other Washington Counties
 
10,782

 
17,108

 
50,970

 
2,928

 

 
11

 
81,799

Outside Washington
 
293

 
11,716

 
31,703

 

 

 

 
43,712

Total loans, net LIP
 
$
251,732

 
$
146,226

 
$
302,271

 
$
64,350

 
$
7,208

 
$
6,333

 
$
778,120


Our five largest borrowing relationships, which represent 10.5% of our net loans, increased by $4.4 million from December 31, 2015 to June 30, 2016. At June 30, 2016 all five borrowers were current on their loan payments. We monitor the performance of these borrowing relationships very closely due to their concentration risk in relation to the entire loan portfolio. The following table details our five largest lending relationships at June 30, 2016:


38



Borrower (1)
 
Number
of Loans
 
One-to-Four Family
Residential
(2)

Multifamily

Commercial
Real Estate

Construction/
Land
Development
 
Consumer

Aggregate
Balance of
Loans (3)

 

 
(Dollars in thousands)
Real estate investor
 
4
 
$
496

 
$

 
$
18,183

 
$

 
$

 
$
18,679

Real estate investor
 
11
 

 
16,824

 
845

 

 

 
17,669

Real estate investor
 
5
 
472

 

 
14,956

 

 
8

 
15,436

Real estate builder
 
3
 

 

 
8,820

 
5,623

 

 
14,443

Real estate investor
 
2
 

 

 
14,323

 

 

 
14,323

Total
 
25
 
$
968

 
$
16,824

 
$
57,127

 
$
5,623

 
$
8

 
$
80,550

________
(1)
The composition of borrowers represented in the table may change between periods.
(2) 
All of the one-to-four family residential are owner occupied.
(3) 
Net of LIP.

The ALLL increased to $10.1 million at June 30, 2016 from $9.5 million at December 31, 2015 and represented 1.3% and 1.4% of total loans receivable at June 30, 2016 and December 31, 2015, respectively. The ALLL consists of two components, the general allowance and the specific reserves. The increase in the ALLL, primarily a result of growth in our loan portfolio, consisted of an $840,000 increase in the general reserve and a $168,000 decrease in the specific reserves. For additional information, see "Comparison of Operating Results for the Three Months Ended June 30, 2016 and 2015-Provision for Loan Losses" discussed below.

We believe that the ALLL at June 30, 2016 was adequate to absorb the probable and inherent risks of loss in the loan portfolio at that date. While we believe the estimates and assumptions used in our determination of the adequacy of the allowance are reasonable, there can be no assurance that such estimates and assumptions will be proven correct in the future, that the actual amount of future losses will not exceed the amount of past provisions, or that any increased provisions that may be required will not adversely impact our financial condition and results of operations. Future additions to the allowance may become necessary based upon changing economic conditions, the level of problem loans, business conditions, credit concentrations, increased loan balances, or changes in the underlying collateral of the loan portfolio. In addition, the determination of the amount of our ALLL is subject to review by bank regulators as part of the routine examination process, which may result in the establishment of additional loss reserves or the charge-off of specific loans against established loss reserves based upon their judgment of information available to them at the time of their examination.

As we work with our borrowers that face difficult financial circumstances, we explore various options available to minimize our risk of loss. At times, the best option for our customers and the Bank is to modify the loan for a period of time, usually one year or less. Certain loan modifications are accounted for as troubled debt restructured loans ("TDRs"). These modifications have included a reduction in interest rate on the loan for a period of time, advancing the maturity date of the loan, or allowing interest-only payments for a specific time frame. These modifications are granted only when there is a reasonable and attainable restructured loan plan that has been agreed to by the borrower and is considered to be in the Bank's best interest.

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

39




June 30, 2016

December 31, 2015

June 30, 2015

Six Month Change

One Year Change

(Dollars in thousands)
Nonperforming TDRs:









   One-to-four family residential
$
189


$
131


$


$
58


$
189

Total nonperforming TDRs
189


131




58


189











Performing TDRs:









   One-to-four family residential
30,116


35,099


38,189


(4,983
)

(8,073
)
   Multifamily
1,580


1,594


1,609


(14
)

(29
)
   Commercial real estate
4,941


5,392


7,765


(451
)

(2,824
)
   Consumer
43


43


43





Total performing TDRs
36,680


42,128


47,606


(5,448
)

(10,926
)
Total TDRs
$
36,869


$
42,259


$
47,606


$
(5,390
)

$
(10,737
)
% TDRs classified as performing
99.5
%

99.7
%

100.0
%
 
 
 
 

Our TDRs decreased $5.4 million at June 30, 2016 compared to December 31, 2015 as a result of principal repayments and loan payoffs. There were no new TDRs added during the first six months of 2016. At June 30, 2016, two TDRs were on nonaccrual status although current on their payments. There were no committed but undisbursed funds in connection with our TDRs and impaired loans. The largest TDR relationship at June 30, 2016, totaled $10.0 million and was comprised of $9.3 million in one-to-four family residential rental properties and $762,000 in owner occupied commercial property, all located in King County.

Loans are considered past due if a scheduled principal or interest payment is due and unpaid for 30 days or more. At June 30, 2016, total past due loans comprised 0.09% of total loans receivable, net of LIP, as compared to 0.18% at December 31, 2015.     

Nonperforming assets decreased to $3.4 million at June 30, 2016, compared to $4.7 million at December 31, 2015. The following table presents detailed information on our nonperforming assets at the dates indicated:


June 30, 2016

December 31, 2015

June 30, 2015

Six Month Change

One Year Change

(Dollars in thousands)
Nonperforming loans:









  One-to-four family residential
$
1,019


$
996


$
252


$
23


$
767

  Multifamily




1,683




(1,683
)
  Commercial real estate




407




(407
)
  Consumer
64


89


73


(25
)

(9
)
Total nonperforming loans
1,083


1,085


2,415


(2
)

(1,332
)










OREO
2,331


3,663


4,416


(1,332
)

(2,085
)
Total nonperforming assets (1)
$
3,414


$
4,748


$
6,831


$
(1,334
)

$
(3,417
)













Nonperforming assets as a
percent of total assets
0.34
%

0.48
%

0.72
%




____________ 
(1) The difference between nonperforming assets reported above, and the totals reported by other industry sources, is due to their inclusion of all TDRs as nonperforming loans, although 99.5% of our TDRs were performing in accordance with their restructured

40



terms at June 30, 2016. The remaining 0.5% of TDRs at June 30, 2016 that were nonperforming are reported above as nonperforming loans.

Nonaccrual loans are loans that are 90 days or more delinquent or other loans which, in management's opinion, the borrower is unable to meet scheduled payment obligations. Nonaccrual loans remained stable at $1.1 million at June 30, 2016, and December 31, 2015. During the first six months of 2016, two loans with a total balance of $100,000 were transferred to nonaccrual status and were offset by $82,000 in principal payments and payoffs of nonaccrual loans and a $19,000 charge-off of a consumer loan during this period.

The three largest nonaccrual loans in the loan portfolio at June 30, 2016, included a $320,000 owner occupied single family residence in Snohomish County, which is current on its loan payments, a $169,000 owner occupied single family residence in King County, and a $155,000 owner occupied single family residence in King County, which is current on its loan payments.

We continue to focus our efforts on converting nonaccrual loans to OREO and subsequently selling the properties. By taking ownership of these properties, we can generally convert nonearning assets into earning assets on a more timely basis than which may otherwise be the case. Our success in this area is reflected by the continued improved ratio of our nonperforming assets as a percent of total assets, which declined to 0.34% at June 30, 2016, compared to 0.48% at December 31, 2015.

OREO. OREO includes properties acquired by the Bank through foreclosure or deed in lieu of foreclosure. At June 30, 2016, OREO was $2.3 million, a decrease of $1.4 million from $3.7 million at December 31, 2015. The decrease in OREO during the first six months of 2016 was a result of $1.1 million in property sales and $257,000 in market valuation adjustments. During the second quarter of 2016, the Bank sold a $164,000 non-residential land development project, a $728,000 commercial property, and a $182,000 parcel of a multi-parcel commercial property, generating a net loss of $87,000.

The three largest OREO properties at June 30, 2016 were an office building valued at $837,000 located in Pierce County, undeveloped land valued at $506,000 located in Kitsap County, and a retail building valued at $505,000 in Mason County.

The following table presents a breakdown of our OREO by county and number of properties at June 30, 2016:

 
County
 
Total OREO
 
Number of Properties
 
Percent of
Total OREO
 
Pierce
 
Kitsap
 
Mason
 
 
 
 
(Dollars in thousands)
OREO:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   Commercial real estate (1)
$
1,320

 
$
506

 
$
505

 
$
2,331

 
5

 
100.0
%
Total OREO
$
1,320

 
$
506

 
$
505

 
$
2,331

 
5

 
100.0
%

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

Deposits. During the first six months of 2016, deposits decreased $15.2 million to $660.2 million at June 30, 2016, compared to $675.4 million at December 31, 2015. Deposit accounts consisted of the following:

 
June 30, 2016
 
Change from December 31, 2015
 
Percent Change
 
(Dollars in thousands)
Noninterest-bearing
$
25,137

 
$
(4,255
)
 
(14.5
)%
NOW
17,062

 
801

 
4.9

Statement savings
31,143

 
2,816

 
9.9

Money market
197,129

 
(14,307
)
 
(6.8
)
Certificates of deposit, retail
324,127

 
287

 
0.1

Certificates of deposit, brokered
65,612


(539
)

(0.8
)

$
660,210


$
(15,197
)

(2.3
)
 

41



During the first six months of 2016, noninterest-bearing checking accounts decreased by $4.3 million and money market accounts decreased by $14.3 million. Non-interest checking accounts decreased by $8.2 million during the first quarter of 2016, then grew by $4.0 million during the second quarter as a result of our new branches. The money market accounts at June 30, 2016, include $31.2 million of short-term deposits from large construction developers that are part of the EB-5 Immigrant Investor Program to fund development projects. Withdrawals occur as their projects progress and are expected to continue over the next 12 months.

Brokered certificates of deposits decreased by $539,000 during the six months ended June 30, 2016, as we redeemed $14.6 million of certificates, replacing them with $14.1 of brokered certificates of deposit at lower rates and with the same maturity periods as the called certificates. While brokered certificates of deposit may carry a higher cost than our retail certificates, their remaining maturity periods of two to less than five years, along with the enhanced call features of these deposits, assist us in our efforts to manage interest rate risk.

At both June 30, 2016 and December 31, 2015, we held $16.0 million in public funds, nearly all of which were retail certificates of deposit.

Advances. We use advances from the FHLB as an alternative funding source, to reduce interest rate risk, and to leverage our balance sheet. Total FHLB advances at June 30, 2016 and December 31, 2015 were $161.5 million and $125.5 million, respectively. During the first six months of 2016, we paid off two advances at their scheduled maturity dates for $34.0 million, which carried a 0.81% interest rate, and $20.0 million, which carried a 0.70% interest rate. In June 2016, we obtained a $90.0 million seven year, one-month Member Option Variable-rate Advance from the FHLB. This advance will reprice monthly and allows prepayment without penalties on the repricing dates. This advance was taken to replace the maturing advances, year-to-date, and provide additional funding for loan growth. Of our total FHLB advances, $50.0 million is due to mature within one year, with the remaining $111.5 million due in two to seven years.

Stockholders’ Equity. Total stockholders’ equity decreased $1.2 million during the first six months of 2016 to $169.5 million at June 30, 2016, from $170.7 million at December 31, 2015 primarily due to common stock repurchases. Retained earnings increased $1.7 million to $44.6 million during the first six months of 2016 due to $3.3 million of net income partially offset by $1.5 million of shareholder dividends.

The following table shows cash dividends paid per share and the related dividend payout ratio for the periods indicated:
 
Three Months Ended June 30,
 
Six Months Ended June 30,
 
2016
 
2015
 
2016
 
2015
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Dividend declared per common share
$
0.06

 
$
0.06

 
$
0.12

 
$
0.12

Dividend payout ratio (1)
51.8
%
 
35.3
%
 
46.4
%
 
36.4
%
______________
(1)    Dividends paid per common share divided by basic earnings per common share

As part of the strategy to increase shareholder value, the Company has been repurchasing shares. In October 2015, the Company's board of directors authorized the purchase of an additional 1,410,000 shares of the Company’s common stock, or 10% of the shares outstanding. In 2015, 364,054 shares were repurchased under this plan at an average price of $12.61 per share. From January 1, 2016 through April 27, 2016, when the plan expired, 436,145 additional shares were repurchased at an average price of $13.37, with a total of 800,199 shares repurchased under this plan at an average price of $13.02.

Additional paid-in-capital decreased $5.0 million during the six months ended June 30, 2016 as a combined result of $6.9 million used to repurchase the 436,145 shares, partially offset by a $1.3 million increase from the exercise of stock options. Accumulated other comprehensive gain increased $1.5 million from an accumulated other comprehensive loss as a result of improvements in after-tax valuation adjustments on investments available-for-sale.

Comparison of Operating Results for the Three Months Ended June 30, 2016 and 2015

General. Net income for the three months ended June 30, 2016 was $1.4 million, or $0.11 per diluted share as compared to net income of $2.4 million, or $0.17 per diluted share for the quarter ended June 30, 2015. The $928,000 decline in net income during the second quarter of 2016 was primarily a result of recognition of a $600,000 provision for loan losses as compared to a

42



$500,000 recapture of provision for the quarter ended June 30, 2015. In addition, noninterest expense increased $1.2 million for the second quarter of 2016 as compared to the same quarter in 2015. Partially offsetting these decreases to net income, net interest income increased $615,000 and noninterest income increased $351,000 during the second quarter of 2016 as compared to the second quarter of 2015.

Net Interest Income. Net interest income for the quarter ended June 30, 2016 increased $615,000 to $8.2 million, as compared to $7.6 million for the second quarter in 2015 due primarily to growth in our interest income due to an increase in the average balance of interest-earning assets and shift from lower yielding interest-earning deposits to higher yielding investment securities and loan receivables.

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

 
Three Months Ended June 30, 2016 Compared to June 30, 2015
Net Change

Rate

Volume

Total

(In thousands)
Interest-earning assets:





   Loan receivable, net
$
(417
)

$
807


$
390

   Investments available-for-sale
186


76


262

   Interest-earning deposits
22


(40
)

(18
)
   FHLB stock
41




41

Total net change in income on interest-earning assets
(168
)

843


675







Interest-bearing liabilities:





   Statement savings
1


2


3

   Money market
47


38


85

   Certificates of deposit, retail
99


(46
)

53

   Certificates of deposit, brokered
(31
)
 
(2
)
 
(33
)
   Advances from the FHLB
(19
)

(29
)

(48
)
Total net change in expense on interest-bearing liabilities
97


(37
)

60

Total net change in net interest income
$
(265
)

$
880


$
615


The $390,000 increase in loan interest income during the second quarter of 2016 as compared to the same period in 2015 was a result of a $61.9 million increase in the average outstanding loan balance partially offset by a decrease in yield of 23 basis points. The addition of $49.8 million in purchased loans during 2016 contributed significantly to the increase in the average loan balance.

During the second quarter of 2016, interest income from our investments available-for-sale increased by $262,000 as compared to the same period in 2015. The average balance of our investments available-for-sale for the three months ended June 30, 2016, increased by $17.8 million as compared to the same period last year as we restructured our investments available-for-sale portfolio through the sale of $25.6 million of lower yielding investment securities, utilizing the proceeds received to purchase higher yielding, long-term investment securities, resulting in an increase in the average yield of 56 basis points.

The Federal Reserve Bank's federal funds rate increase in December 2015 positively impacted both the rate paid on our interest-earning deposits and dividend received on our FHLB stock. The average rate earned on interest-earning deposits increased 22 basis points for the quarter ended June 30, 2016, as compared to the same period last year. The merger of the FHLB Seattle with the FHLB Des Moines in the second quarter of 2015 also resulted in a significant increase in dividends received on the stock we are required to hold at the FHLB. FHLB dividends increased to $44,000 for the second quarter of 2016 compared to $3,000 for the second quarter of 2015.

Partially offsetting the increase in interest income, interest expense increased by $60,000 for the three months ended June 30, 2016 as compared to the same period in 2015. Our average balance and average cost of money market accounts increased

43



$46.7 million and nine basis points, respectively, for the three months ended June 30, 2016 as compared to the same period in 2015 resulting in an additional $85,000 of interest expense during the three months ended June 30, 2016 due primarily to the short-term deposits from large construction developers that are part of the EB-5 Immigrant Investor Program. Further contributing to the increase in interest expense, an increase of 13 basis points paid on our retail certificates of deposit more than offset the $17.6 million decrease in the average balance of these deposits resulting in a net increase of $53,000. The early call and subsequent replacement of certain brokered certificates of deposit resulted in a decrease to interest expense of $33,000 as the cost of these funds decreased by 18 basis points for the quarter ended June 30, 2016 as compared to the quarter ended June 30, 2015. Decreases in both the average balance and rate paid for FHLB advances resulted in a $48,000 reduction in interest paid to the FHLB for short and long term advances.

The following table compares detailed average balances, related interest income or interest expense, associated yields and rates, and the resulting net interest margin for the three months ended June 30, 2016 and 2015. Nonaccrual loans are included in the average balance of net loans receivable and are considered to carry a zero yield.
 
Three Months Ended June 30,
 
2016
 
2015
 
Average
Balance
 
Interest Earned / Paid
 
Yield /
Cost
 
Average
Balance
 
Interest Earned / Paid
 
Yield /
Cost
 
(Dollars in thousands)
Assets
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Loans receivable, net                                           
$
726,109

 
$
9,048

 
5.00
%
 
$
664,195

 
$
8,658

 
5.23
%
Investments available-for-sale
133,813

 
757

 
2.27

 
115,972

 
495

 
1.71

Interest-earning deposits                                           
39,167

 
47

 
0.48

 
101,373

 
65

 
0.26

FHLB stock                      
6,097

 
44

 
2.89

 
6,627

 
3

 
0.18

Total interest-earning assets                                                      
905,186

 
9,896

 
4.39

 
888,167

 
9,221

 
4.16

Noninterest earning assets
58,002

 
 
 
 
 
61,069

 
 
 
 
Total average assets
$
963,188

 
 
 
 
 
$
949,236

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Liabilities and Stockholders' Equity
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
NOW                                
$
17,592

 
$
5

 
0.11
%
 
$
18,198

 
$
5

 
0.11
%
Statement savings
30,449

 
12

 
0.16

 
25,188

 
9

 
0.14

Money market
200,738

 
212

 
0.42

 
154,066

 
127

 
0.33

Certificates of deposit, retail
323,390

 
941

 
1.17

 
340,992

 
888

 
1.04

Certificates of deposit, brokered
65,612

 
271

 
1.66

 
66,122

 
304

 
1.84

Advances from the FHLB
123,148

 
272

 
0.89

 
135,500

 
320

 
0.95

Total interest-bearing liabilities
760,929

 
1,713

 
0.90

 
740,066

 
1,653

 
0.90

Noninterest bearing liabilities
33,082

 
 
 
 
 
29,238

 
 
 
 
Average equity
169,177

 
 
 
 
 
179,932

 
 
 
 
Total average liabilities and equity
$
963,188

 
 
 
 
 
$
949,236

 
 
 
 
Net interest income
 
 
$
8,183

 
 
 
 
 
$
7,568

 
 
Net interest margin
 
 
 
 
3.63
%
 
 
 
 
 
3.42
%

Provision for Loan Losses. Management recognizes that loan losses may occur over the life of a loan and that the ALLL must be maintained at a level necessary to absorb specific losses on impaired loans and probable losses inherent in the loan portfolio. Our methodology for analyzing the ALLL consists of two components: general and specific reserves. The general reserve is determined by applying factors to our various groups of loans. Management considers factors such as charge-off history, the prevailing economy, the regulatory environment, competition, geographic and loan type concentrations, policy and underwriting standards, nature and volume of the loan portfolio, managements’ experience level, our loan review and grading systems, the value of underlying collateral and the level of problem loans in assessing the ALLL. The specific reserve component is created when management believes that the collectability of a specific loan has been impaired and a loss is probable. The specific reserves are

44



computed using current appraisals, listed sales prices, and other available information, less costs to complete, if any, and costs to sell the property. This evaluation is inherently subjective as it requires estimates that are susceptible to significant revision as more information becomes available or if future events differ from current estimates.

During the quarter ended June 30, 2016, management evaluated the adequacy of the ALLL and concluded that additional provision for loan losses in the amount of $600,000 was appropriate for the quarter. For the quarter ended June 30, 2015, a $500,000 recapture of the provision for loan losses was recorded. For the second quarter of 2016, the provision for loan losses was primarily a result of growth in our loan portfolio. In comparison, the recapture reported in the second quarter of 2015 was primarily a result of recoveries of $595,000 on loans previously charged off..

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. There were no charge-offs during the quarters ended June 30, 2016 and 2015.

At or For the Three Months Ended June 30,

2016

2015
 
(Dollars in thousands)
Total loans receivable, net of LIP, end of period
$
778,120

 
$
672,426

Average loans receivable during period
726,109

 
664,195

ALLL balance at beginning of period
9,471

 
10,508

Provision (recapture of provision) for loan losses
600

 
(500
)
Recoveries:


 
 
One-to-four family
63

 
518

Commercial real estate

 
57

Business

 

Consumer

 
20

Total recoveries
63

 
595

Net recovery
63

 
595

ALLL balance at end of period
$
10,134

 
$
10,603

ALLL as a percent of total loans, net of LIP
1.30
%
 
1.58
%
Ratio of net recoveries to average net loans receivable (annualized)
0.03

 
0.36


Noninterest Income. Noninterest income increased $351,000 to $708,000 for the quarter ended June 30, 2016, from $357,000 for the same quarter in 2015. The following table provides a detailed analysis of the changes in the components of noninterest income:
 
Three Months Ended June 30, 2016
 
Change from
June 30, 2015
 
Percent Change
 
(Dollars in thousands)
Service fees on deposit accounts
$
29

 
$

 
 %
Loan service fees                                
81

 
44

 
118.9

BOLI change in cash surrender value
225

 
89

 
65.4

Investment sales commissions
281

 
258

 
1,121.7

Other           
92

 
(41
)
 
(30.3
)
Total noninterest income                                           
$
708

 
$
350

 
98.3


The increase in the quarter ended June 30, 2016, compared to the quarter ended June 30, 2015, primarily related to an increase in other income from our wealth management services as a result of $281,000 of investment sales commissions generated by referred accounts with a wealth management advisor through First Financial Wealth Services. These services, which began in May 2015, allow us to offer a broader range of wealth management solutions to appropriately meet the needs of our customers.


45



During the quarter ended June 30, 2016, we replaced one of our BOLI policies with a higher yielding policy that increased noninterest income from BOLI during the quarter. In addition, we added $20.0 million in new BOLI policies in April 2015, bringing our BOLI policy total to $23.7 million as of June 30, 2016. We recognize the increase in cash surrender value of these policies, which represents the increase in underlying investments, as noninterest income, which assists in offsetting expenses for employee benefits. For the second quarter of 2016, noninterest income of $225,000 was recognized on these policies as compared to $136,000 in the second quarter of 2015.
        
Noninterest Expense. Noninterest expense increased $1.2 million to $6.1 million for the second quarter of 2016 from $4.9 million for the comparable quarter in 2015.

The following table provides a detailed analysis of the changes in the components of noninterest expense:
 
Three Months Ended June 30, 2016
 
Change from
June 30, 2015
 
Percent Change
 
(Dollars in thousands)
Salaries and employee benefits
$
3,841

 
$
590

 
18.1
 %
Occupancy and equipment                                           
488

 
174

 
55.4

Professional fees                                
561

 
103

 
22.5

Data processing                                
251

 
63

 
33.5

Loss (gain) on sale of OREO property, net                                
89

 
91

 
(4,550.0
)
OREO market value adjustments

 
46

 
(100.0
)
OREO related expenses, net
(14
)
 
(55
)
 
(134.1
)
Regulatory assessments
117

 
1

 
0.9

Insurance and bond premiums                                           
86

 
(3
)
 
(3.4
)
Marketing
40

 
(14
)
 
(25.9
)
Other general and administrative
613

 
202

 
49.1

Total noninterest expense                                           
$
6,072

 
$
1,198

 
24.6
 %

Expenses for salaries and employee benefits increased $590,000 for the second quarter of 2016 as compared to the same period in 2015 primarily as a result of increases in salaries and in the number of employees. As a result of our new branches in Edmonds and Mill Creek and the development of new products, the number of employees increased by 12 from June 30, 2015 to 118 total employees at June 30, 2016. In addition, annual increases were effective in the first quarter of 2016.

Loss (gain) on the sale of OREO property changed from a $2,000 net gain in the second quarter of 2015 to an $89,000 net loss for the second quarter of 2016. The loss in 2016 was primarily the result of the sale of a $728,000 commercial property.

Occupancy and equipment expense increased by $174,000 primarily as a result of the addition of lease expense related to the new branch offices in Edmonds, Mill Creek, and The Landing, in Renton, Washington.

A component of other general and administrative expenses, the reserve for unfunded commitments increased during the second quarter of 2016, resulting in $153,000 of additional expense. This unfunded commitment reserve expense can vary significantly each quarter, based on the amount believed by management to be sufficient to absorb estimated probable losses related to unfunded credit facilities, and reflects changes in the amounts that the Company has committed to fund but has not yet disbursed. The increase in our construction lending activity was the primary reason for the increase in the quarter ended June 30, 2016.

Federal Income Tax Expense. Our statutory income tax rate is 35%. We recorded federal income tax provisions of $779,000 and $1.2 million for the quarters ended June 30, 2016, and 2015, respectively, as a result of our consolidated pretax net income. Our effective tax rate for the quarter ended June 30, 2016 increased to 35.1% as a result of the early surrender of a BOLI policy, requiring us to recognize the previously excluded noninterest income as taxable income. In addition, we incurred a 10% penalty of $18,000 on the early surrender of the BOLI policy, as discussed above.

Comparison of Operating Results for the Six Months Ended June 30, 2016 and 2015

General. Net income for the six months ended June 30, 2016 was $3.3 million, or $0.26 per diluted share as compared to net income of $4.6 million, or $0.33 per diluted share for the six months ended June 30, 2015. Significantly contributing to the decline in net income during the first six months of 2016 was the recognition of a $500,000 provision for loan loss in 2016 as

46



compared to a $600,000 recapture of provision in 2015. In addition, noninterest expense increased $2.7 million for the first six months of 2016 as compared to the same period in 2015. Partially offsetting these decreases to net income, net interest income increased $874,000 and noninterest income increased $740,000 during the first six months of 2016 as compared to the first six months of 2015.

Net Interest Income. Net interest income for the six months ended June 30, 2016 increased $874,000 to $16.0 million, as compared to $15.1 million for the same period in 2015. The increase was a reflection of our strategy to deploy excess cash to fund increases in our loans receivable and available-for-sale investment securities and thereby increase our interest income, while continuing to reduce our cost of funds.

The following table details the change in net interest income due to changes in yield or cost, or changes in the average balance of the related asset or liability:
    
 
Six Months Ended June 30, 2016 Compared to June 30, 2015
Net Change
 
Rate
 
Volume
 
Total
 
(In thousands)
Interest-earning assets:
 
 
 
 
 
   Loan receivable, net
$
(508
)
 
$
1,049

 
$
541

   Investments available-for-sale
305

 
120

 
425

   Interest-earning deposits
80

 
(49
)
 
31

   FHLB stock
86

 

 
86

Total net change in income on interest-earning assets
(37
)
 
1,120

 
1,083

 
 
 
 
 
 
Interest-bearing liabilities:
 
 
 
 
 
   NOW
1

 
(1
)
 

   Statement savings
2

 
3

 
5

   Money market
91

 
92

 
183

   Certificates of deposit, retail
178

 
(118
)
 
60

   Certificates of deposit, brokered
17

 
12

 
29

   Advances from the FHLB
(9
)
 
(59
)
 
(68
)
Total net change in expense on interest-bearing liabilities
280

 
(71
)
 
209

Total net change in net interest income
$
(317
)
 
$
1,191

 
$
874


Loan interest income increased $541,000 during the first six months of 2016 as compared to the same period in 2015 as a result of a $40.5 million increase in our average loans receivable partially offset by a 15 basis point reduction in yield. The $49.8 million purchase of loans during the first half of 2016 contributed significantly to the increase in the average loan balance and were purchased at a 2.0% - 3.0% premium, which is amortized against interest income over the remaining maturity of the loans.

During the first six months of 2016, interest income from our investments available-for-sale increased by $425,000 as our average balance increased by $14.1 million and our yield increased 47 basis points as compared to the same period last year. Beginning in mid-2015, we began to restructure our investment available-for-sale portfolio by selling off shorter term, low-yielding investment securities and replacing them with longer term, higher-yielding investment securities.

The Federal Reserve Bank's federal funds rate increase in December 2015 positively impacted both the rate paid on our interest-earning deposits and dividend received on our FHLB stock. The average rate earned on interest-earning deposits increased 26 basis points for the six months ended June 30, 2016, as compared to the same period last year. The merger of the FHLB Seattle with the FHLB Des Moines in the second quarter of 2015 also resulted in a significant increase in dividends received on the stock we are required to hold at the FHLB. FHLB dividends increased to $86,000 for the six months ended June 30, 2016 compared to $5,000 for the six months ended June 30, 2015.

Partially offsetting the increase in interest income, our interest expense increased by $209,000 during the first six months of 2016 as compared to the same period in 2015. Money market interest expense increased by $183,000 during the six months

47



ended June 30, 2016 as a result of a $56.6 million increase in the average balance of these deposits and a nine basis point increase in the cost of these funds as compared to the same period last year. Much of this increase was due to the short-term deposits from large construction developers that are part of the EB-5 Immigrant Investor Program. In addition, the cost of our certificates of deposit increased $89,000 in total, primarily due to an eleven basis point increase in the cost of retail certificates of deposit, which more than offset the $22.8 million decrease in the average balance of retail certificates of deposit. Partially offsetting these increases in interest expense, the cost of our FHLB advances decreased by $68,000 for the first six months of 2016 as compared to the same period in 2015. The reduction was a result of both a $12.5 million decrease in the average outstanding balance and a two basis point reduction in the average rate paid. Several advances were paid off at maturity from October 2015 through March 2016 and were not fully replaced until late in the second quarter of 2016.

The following table compares detailed average balances, associated yields and rates, and the resulting changes in interest and dividend income or expense for the six months ended June 30, 2016 and 2015. Nonaccrual loans are included in the average balance of net loans receivable and are considered to carry a zero yield.

 
Six Months Ended June 30,
 
2016
 
2015
 
Average Balance
 
Interest Earned / Paid
 
Yield or Cost
 
Average Balance
 
Interest Earned / Paid
 
Yield or Cost
 
(Dollars in thousands)
Assets
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Loans receivable, net                                           
$
706,606

 
$
17,775

 
5.07
%
 
$
666,061

 
$
17,234

 
5.22
%
Investments available-for-sale
132,073

 
1,432

 
2.19

 
117,990

 
1,007

 
1.72

Interest-earning deposits                                           
63,774

 
160

 
0.51

 
102,366

 
129

 
0.25

FHLB stock                      
6,066

 
91

 
3.03

 
6,676

 
5

 
0.15

Total interest-earning assets                                                      
908,519

 
19,458

 
4.32

 
893,093

 
18,375

 
4.15

Noninterest earning assets
58,291

 
 
 
 
 
54,270

 
 
 
 
Total average assets
$
966,810

 
 
 
 
 
$
947,363

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Liabilities and Stockholders' Equity
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
NOW                                
$
17,290

 
$
9

 
0.10
%
 
$
18,365

 
$
9

 
0.10
%
Statement savings
28,733

 
23

 
0.16

 
25,093

 
18

 
0.14

Money market
205,968

 
425

 
0.42

 
149,329

 
242

 
0.33

Certificates of deposit, retail
323,524

 
1,847

 
1.15

 
346,348

 
1,787

 
1.04

Certificates of deposit, brokered
65,516

 
620

 
1.91

 
64,242

 
591

 
1.86

Advances from the FHLB
123,017

 
570

 
0.93

 
135,500

 
638

 
0.95

Total interest-bearing liabilities
764,048

 
3,494

 
0.92

 
738,877

 
3,285

 
0.90

Noninterest bearing liabilities
32,948

 
 
 
 
 
27,115

 
 
 
 
Average equity
169,814

 
 
 
 
 
181,371

 
 
 
 
Total average liabilities and equity
$
966,810

 
 
 
 
 
$
947,363

 
 
 
 
Net interest income
 
 
$
15,964

 
 
 
 
 
$
15,090

 
 
Net interest margin
 
 
 
 
3.54
%
 
 
 
 
 
3.41
%

Provision for Loan Losses. During the six months ended June 30, 2016 and 2015, management evaluated the adequacy of the ALLL and concluded that additional provision for loan loss in the amount of $500,000 was appropriate for the period. The provision during the first six months of 2016 was primarily a reflection of the $80.1 million growth in net loans receivable. For 2015, the first six months recapture of $600,000 was primarily a result of recoveries of $1.1 million, partially offset by charge-offs of $340,000.


48



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 Six Months Ended June 30,
 
2016
 
2015
 
(Dollars in thousands)
Total loans receivable, net of LIP, end of period
$
778,120

 
$
672,426

Average loans receivable during period
706,606

 
666,061

ALLL balance at beginning of period
9,463

 
10,491

Provision (recapture of provision) for loan losses
500

 
(600
)
Charge-offs:
 
 
 
One-to-four family

 
(25
)
Multifamily

 
(281
)
Consumer
(19
)
 
(34
)
Total charge-offs
(19
)
 
(340
)
Recoveries:
 
 
 
One-to-four family
85

 
691

Commercial real estate
104

 
57

Business

 
3

Consumer
1

 
301

Total recoveries
190

 
1,052

Net recovery
171

 
712

ALLL balance at end of period
$
10,134

 
$
10,603

ALLL as a percent of total loans, net of LIP
1.30
%
 
1.58
%
Ratio of net recoveries to average net loans receivable (annualized)
0.05

 
0.43


Noninterest Income. Noninterest income increased $740,000 to $1.2 million for the six months ended June 30, 2016, from $448,000 for the same period in 2015. The following table provides a detailed analysis of the changes in the components of noninterest income:
 
Six Months Ended June 30, 2016
 
Change from June 30, 2015
 
Percent Change
 
(Dollars in thousands)
Service fees on deposit accounts
$
44

 
$
1

 
2.3
 %
Loan service fees                                
129

 
73

 
130.4

BOLI change in cash surrender value
390

 
234

 
150.0

Investment sales commissions
491

 
468

 
2,034.8

Other           
134

 
(36
)
 
(21.2
)
Total noninterest income                                           
$
1,188

 
$
740

 
165.2


The $234,000 increase in noninterest BOLI income was primarily a result of $20.0 million of BOLI policies added in April 2015. Investment sales commissions increased by $468,000 for the first two quarters of 2016 as compared to the same period in 2015. The commissions recognized in 2015 represent the initial two months of the Company offering wealth management services.

Noninterest Expense. Noninterest expense increased $2.7 million for the six months ended June 30, 2016 as compared to the same period in 2015.

The following table provides a detailed analysis of the changes in the components of noninterest expense:

49



 
Six Months Ended June 30, 2016
 
Change from June 30, 2015
 
Percent Change
 
(Dollars in thousands)
Salaries and employee benefits
$
7,615

 
$
950

 
14.3
 %
Occupancy and equipment                                           
996

 
344

 
52.8

Professional fees                                
1,029

 
217

 
26.7

Data processing                                
441

 
93

 
26.7

Loss (gain) on sales of OREO property, net                                
87

 
618

 
(116.4
)
OREO market value adjustments
257

 
253

 
6,325.0

OREO-related expenses, net
(34
)
 
(27
)
 
385.7

Regulatory assessments
237

 
5

 
2.2

Insurance and bond premiums                                           
174

 
(7
)
 
(3.9
)
Marketing
78

 
(9
)
 
(10.3
)
Other general and administrative
965

 
244

 
33.8

Total noninterest expense                                           
$
11,845

 
$
2,681

 
29.3
 %

Salaries and employee benefits expense increased $950,000 for the first six months of 2016 as compared to the same period in 2015. The number of employees increased from June 30, 2015 to June 30, 2016, as we added employees to support our core conversion project and branch expansions. Occupancy and equipment expense increased by $344,000 as a result of the addition of three leases for the Mill Creek, Edmonds, and Renton Landing branches.

The loss on sale of OREO properties resulted in an increase to noninterest expense of $618,000 in the first six months of 2016 as compared to the same period in 2015. During the first six months of 2015, sales of seven OREO properties for $5.5 million generated a $531,000 net gain. In comparison, for the same period in 2016, sales of two OREO properties plus a portion of a multi-parcel property for $988,000 generated a net loss of $87,000. In addition, market valuation adjustments to properties in our OREO inventory resulted in additional $257,000 expense for the first six months of 2016 as compared to only $4,000 for the same period in 2015. A land development project in Kitsap County was written down based on a purchase and sale agreement received in the first quarter of 2016. The sale subsequently fell through, but was deemed to represent the market value of the property.

General and administrative expenses increased by $244,000 partially as a result of the $172,000 increase in the reserve for unfunded commitments, reflecting the increase in construction lending and related increase in committed but undisbursed funds. In addition, subscription expense increased by $49,000 and state taxes increased by $33,000 as a result of increased taxable income and new local taxes in 2016.

Federal Income Tax Expense. Our statutory income tax rate is 35%. We recorded federal income tax provisions of $1.5 million and $2.4 million for the year-to-date ended June 30, 2016, and 2015 as a result of our consolidated net income. Our effective tax rate for the six months ended June 30, 2016 was 32.2% as a result of the early surrender of a BOLI policy, as discussed above.

Liquidity

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

Our primary sources of funds are customer deposits, cash flow from the loan and investment portfolios, advances from the FHLB, and to a lesser extent, brokered certificates of deposit. These funds, together with equity, are used to make loans, acquire investment securities and other assets, and fund continuing operations. At June 30, 2016, retail certificates of deposit scheduled to mature in one year or less totaled $142.8 million. Management's practice is to maintain deposit rates at levels that are competitive with other local financial institutions. 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

50



unanticipated obligations. We regularly monitor the mix between our assets and our liabilities to manage effectively our liquidity and funding requirements.

When deposits are not readily available and/or cost effective to provide the funds for our assets, we use alternative funding sources. These sources include, but are not limited to: advances from the FHLB, wholesale funding, brokered deposits, federal funds purchased and dealer repurchase agreements, as well as other short-term alternatives. These funding sources are generally collateral dependent. We may also liquidate assets to meet our funding needs. The balance of our investments available-for-sale increased $6.5 million from December 31, 2015 to $136.0 million at June 30, 2016 and represents a ready source of cash if needed. The balance of our interest-earning deposits decreased by $68.5 million from December 31, 2015 to June 30, 2016, as we shifted cash into higher yielding assets. At June 30, 2016, the Bank maintained credit facilities with the FHLB totaling $405.7 million with an outstanding balance of $161.5 million. At June 30, 2016, we also had available a total of $35.0 million credit facilities with other financial institutions, with no balance outstanding. For additional information, see the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows in Item 1 of this Form 10-Q.

To assist in our funds acquisition and interest rate risk management efforts, management utilizes the national brokered deposit market and maintained a balance at June 30, 2016 of $65.6 million of brokered certificates of deposit. In contrast to most retail certificate of deposit offerings which provide the depositor with an option to withdraw their funds prior to maturity, subject to an early withdrawal penalty, certificates of deposit acquired in the brokered market limits the depositor ability to withdraw the funds before the end of the term (except in the case of death or adjudication of incompetence of a depositor) which greatly reduces early redemption risk associated with retail deposits. This strategy may include, but is not necessarily limited to, raising longer term deposits (with terms greater than three years) that assist the Bank in its interest rate risk management efforts. At June 30, 2016, brokered certificates of deposit had a remaining weighted-average maturity of 3.1 years. These certificates also provide the Bank the option to redeem the deposit after six months, a favorable distinction compared to retail certificate of deposit terms that are offered in our local market. With these redemption limitations and call features, the cost of these brokered deposits is generally higher than our retail certificate of deposit offerings. Consequently, as we increase our brokered deposits, our cost of funds may increase.

First Financial Northwest is a separate legal entity from the Bank and, on a stand-alone level, must provide for its own liquidity and pay its own operating expenses and cash dividends. First Financial Northwest's primary sources of funds consist of dividends from the Bank, although there are regulatory restrictions on the ability of the Bank to pay dividends. At June 30, 2016, the Company (on an unconsolidated basis) had liquid assets of $46.3 million and short-term liabilities of $93,000.

On July 13, 2016, First Financial Northwest announced the launch of a modified Dutch auction tender offer for up to $40.0 million in value of shares of our common stock at a price within (and including) the range of $13.00 to $14.00 per share. The tender offer will expire at 12:00 midnight, New York City time, on August 9, 2016, unless extended by First Financial Northwest. Tenders of common stock must be made prior to the expiration of the tender offer and may be withdrawn at any time prior to the expiration of the tender offer. The tender offer is subject to terms and conditions described in the Offer to Purchase filed with the SEC on July 13, 2016 and distributed to shareholders. First Financial Northwest intends to finance the tender offer from available cash on hand.

This report is not an offer to purchase or a solicitation of an offer to sell First Financial Northwest’s securities. The solicitation and the offer to purchase the securities will only be made pursuant to the Offer to Purchase and related materials. First Financial Northwest filed a Tender Offer Statement on Schedule TO with the SEC with respect to the tender offer on July 13, 2016.
  
First Financial Northwest’s shareholders are advised to read the Schedule TO (including an offer to purchase, a related letter of transmittal and other offer documents), as each may be amended or supplemented from time to time, and any other relevant documents filed with the SEC when they become available, before making any decision with respect to the tender offer because these documents contain important information about the proposed transaction and the parties thereto.
  
Investors and shareholders may obtain free copies of the Schedule TO, as amended or supplemented from time to time, and other documents filed by the Company, at the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov, by contacting the Company by mail at Investor Relations, First Financial Northwest, Inc., 201 Wells Avenue South, Renton, Washington 98057, or through the investor relations portion of the Company’s website at www.ffnwb.com.

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

51




Commitments and Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements

We are a party to financial instruments with off-balance sheet risk in the normal course of business to meet the financing needs of our customers. These financial instruments include commitments to extend credit and the unused portions of lines of credit. These instruments involve, to varying degrees, elements of credit and interest rate risk in excess of the amount recognized in the consolidated financial statements. Commitments to extend credit and lines of credit are not recorded as an asset or liability by us until the instrument is exercised. At June 30, 2016 and December 31, 2015, 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 advance additional amounts pursuant to outstanding lines of credit and to disburse funds related to our construction loans at June 30, 2016:
 
 
 
Amount of Commitment Expiration
 
Total Amounts Committed
 
Through One Year
 
After One Through Three Years
 
After Three Through Five Years
 
After Five Years
 
(In thousands)
Unused portion of lines of credit                                                      
$
6,383

 
$
787

 
$
3,874

 
$
656

 
$
1,066

Undisbursed portion of construction loans
68,979

 
26,400

 
42,579

 

 

Total commitments
$
75,362

 
$
27,187

 
$
46,453

 
$
656

 
$
1,066


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

As of June 30, 2016, the Bank had three operating leases with initial terms of 5 to 5.5 years and carry minimum lease payments of $14,000 per month. All three leases offer extension periods.
    
First Financial Northwest and its subsidiaries from time to time are involved in various claims and legal actions arising in the ordinary course of business. There are currently no matters that in the opinion of management would have a material adverse effect on First Financial Northwest’s consolidated financial position, results of operation, or liquidity.

Capital

At June 30, 2016, stockholders' equity totaled $169.5 million, or 16.9% of total assets. Our book value per share of common stock was $12.71 at June 30, 2016 compared to $12.40 at December 31, 2015. Consistent with our goal to operate a sound and profitable financial organization, we actively seek to maintain a “well-capitalized” status in accordance with regulatory standards.

As of June 30, 2016, the Bank and consolidated Company exceeded all regulatory capital requirements and the Bank was considered "well capitalized" under regulatory capital guidelines of the FDIC. The following table provides our capital requirements and actual results.


52



 
At June 30, 2016
 
Actual
 
For Minimum Capital Adequacy Purposes
 
To be Categorized as "Well Capitalized"
 
 Amount
 
Ratio
 
 Amount
 
Ratio
 
 Amount
 
Ratio
 
 (dollars in thousands)
Tier I leverage capital (to average assets)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Bank only
$
115,100

 
12.02
%
 
$
38,311

 
4.00
%
 
$
47,888

 
5.00
%
Consolidated
168,651

 
17.55

 
38,448

 
4.00

 
48,060

 
5.00

Common equity tier I ("CET1") (to risk-weighted assets)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Bank only
115,100

 
14.42

 
35,913

 
4.50

 
51,874

 
6.50

Consolidated
168,651

 
21.04

 
36,074

 
4.50

 
52,107

 
6.50

Tier I risk-based capital (to risk-weighted assets)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Bank only
115,100

 
14.42

 
47,884

 
6.00

 
63,845

 
8.00

Consolidated
168,651

 
21.04

 
48,099

 
6.00

 
64,132

 
8.00

Total risk-based capital (to risk-weighted assets)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Bank only
125,086

 
15.67

 
63,845

 
8.00

 
79,807

 
10.00

Consolidated
178,683

 
22.29

 
64,132

 
8.00

 
80,165

 
10.00


In addition to the minimum CET1, Tier 1 and total capital ratios, the Bank will have to maintain a capital conservation buffer consisting of additional CET1 capital equal to 2.5% of risk-weighted assets above the required minimum levels in order to avoid limitations on paying dividends, engaging in share repurchases, and paying discretionary bonuses based on percentages of eligible retained income that could be utilized for such actions. This new capital conservation buffer requirement began to be phased in starting in January 2016 at 0.625% of risk-weighted assets and will increase each year until fully implemented in January 2019.


Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk

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

Additionally, the Committee reviews current and projected liquidity needs. As part of its procedures, the ALCO regularly reviews our interest rate risk by modeling the impact that changes in interest rates may have on earnings, particularly net interest income. The market value of portfolio equity, which is the net present value of an institution's existing assets less its liabilities and off-

53



balance sheet instruments, is also modeled under several scenarios of changing interest rates. In both cases, results are evaluated and compared with the maximum potential change that is authorized by the Board of Directors.
 
Our Risk When Interest Rates Change. The rates of interest we earn on assets and pay on liabilities generally are established contractually for a period of time. Market interest rates change over time. Our loans generally have longer maturities than our deposits. Accordingly, our results of operations, like those of other financial institutions, are impacted by changes in interest rates and the interest rate sensitivity of our assets and liabilities. The risk associated with changes in interest rates and our ability to adapt to these changes is known as interest rate risk and is our most significant market risk.

We have utilized the following strategies in our efforts to manage interest rate risk:

we have attempted, where possible, to extend the maturities of our deposits which typically fund our long-term assets;
we have invested in securities with relatively short average lives, generally less than eight years; and,
we have added adjustable-rate securities to our investment portfolio.

We have conducted research into the possibility of utilizing derivative instruments to limit the impact of interest rate changes on earnings, prepayment penalties and cash flows and to lower our cost of borrowing while taking into account variable interest rate risk. We are considering using interest rate swaps as a tool to lower the cost of certain FHLB advances as compared to the fixed rates offered by the FHLB for tits longer term advances. Interest rate contracts may expose us to the risk of loss associated with variations in the spread between the interest rate contract and the hedged item. In addition, these contracts carry volatility risk that the expected uncertainty relating to the price of the underlying asset differs from what is anticipated. If interest rate swaps we enter into prove ineffective, it could result in volatility in our operating results, including potential losses, which could have a material adverse effect on our results of operations and cash flows.

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

How We Measure the Risk of Interest Rate Changes. We monitor our interest rate sensitivity on a quarterly basis to measure the change in net interest income in varying rate environments. Management uses various assumptions to evaluate the sensitivity of our operations to changes in interest rates. Although management believes these assumptions are reasonable, the interest rate sensitivity of our assets and liabilities on net interest income and the market value of portfolio equity could vary substantially if different assumptions were used or actual experience differs from these assumptions. Although certain assets and liabilities may have similar maturities or periods of repricing, they may react differently to changes in market interest rates. The interest rates on certain types of assets and liabilities may fluctuate in advance of changes in market interest rates, while interest rates on other types of assets and liabilities lag behind changes in market interest rates. Non-uniform changes and fluctuations in market interest rates across various maturities will also affect the results presented. In addition, certain assets, such as adjustable-rate mortgage loans, have features which restrict changes in interest rates on a short-term basis and over the life of the asset. A portion of our adjustable-rate loans have interest rate floors below which the loan's contractual interest rate may not adjust. Approximately 38.7% of our total loans were adjustable-rate loans at June 30, 2016. At that date, $156.5 million, or 52.0% of these loans were at their floor, with a weighted-average interest rate of 4.3%.

The inability of our loans to adjust downward can contribute to increased income in periods of declining interest rates. However, when loans are at their floors, there is a risk that our interest income may not increase as rapidly as our cost of funds during periods of increasing interest rates. Furthermore, in the event of a significant change in interest rates, prepayment and early withdrawal levels would likely deviate from those assumed. Finally, the ability of many borrowers to service their debt may decrease in the event of an interest rate increase. We consider all these factors in monitoring our interest rate exposure.


54



The assumptions we use are based upon a combination of proprietary and market data that reflect historical results and current market conditions. These assumptions relate to interest rates, loan prepayments, deposit decay rates and the market value of certain assets under the various interest rate scenarios. We use market data to determine prepayments and maturities of loans, investments and borrowings and use our own assumptions on deposit decay rates. The exception to this is time deposits, which are modeled to reprice to market rates upon their stated maturities. We also assume that non-maturity deposits can be maintained with rate adjustments not directly proportionate to the change in market interest rates, based upon our historical deposit decay rates which are substantially lower than market decay rates. We have demonstrated in the past that the tiering structure of our deposit accounts during changing rate environments results in relatively lower volatility and less than market rate changes in our interest expense for deposits. We tier our deposit accounts by balance and rate, whereby higher balances within an account earn higher rates of interest. Therefore, deposits that are not very rate sensitive (generally, lower balance tiers) are separated from deposits that are rate sensitive (generally, higher balance tiers). When interest rates rise, we do not have to raise interest rates proportionately on less rate sensitive accounts to retain these deposits. These assumptions are based upon our analysis of our customer base, competitive factors and historical experience.

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


55



The following table illustrates the change in our net interest income at June 30, 2016 that would occur in the event of an instantaneous change in interest rates equally across all maturities, with no effect given to any steps that we might take to counter the effect of that interest rate movement.
 
Net Interest Income Change at June 30, 2016
Basis Point Change in Rates
 
Net Interest Income
 
% Change
(Dollars in thousands)
+300
 
$
30,287

 
(6.95
)%
+200
 
31,099

 
(4.45
)
+100
 
31,893

 
(2.02
)
Base
 
32,549

 

(100)
 
32,718

 
0.52


The following table illustrates the change in our net portfolio value (“NPV”) at June 30, 2016 that would occur in the event of an immediate change in interest rates equally across all maturities, with no effect given to any steps that we might take to counter the effect of that interest rate movement.
Basis Point
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net Portfolio as % of
 
Market
Change in
 
Net Portfolio Value (1)
 
Portfolio Value of Assets
 
Value of
Rates
 
Amount
 
$ Change (2)
 
% Change
 
NPV Ratio (3)
 
% Change (4)
 
Assets (5)
 
 
(Dollars in thousands)
+300
 
$
154,973

 
$
(35,698
)
 
(18.72
)%
 
16.37
%
 
(3.50
)%
 
$
946,436

+200
 
168,064

 
(22,607
)
 
(11.86
)
 
17.29

 
(2.22
)
 
971,856

+100
 
180,975

 
(9,696
)
 
(5.09
)
 
18.14

 
(0.95
)
 
997,781

Base
 
190,671

 

 

 
18.69

 

 
1,020,095

(100)
 
190,907

 
236

 
0.12

 
18.45

 
0.02

 
1,034,714

_____________ 

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

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


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At June 30, 2016, 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. However, we continue to review such instruments and may utilize them for interest rate risk management in the future. Interest rate risk continues to be one of our primary risks, as other types of risks, such as foreign currency exchange risk and commodity pricing risk do not arise in the normal course of our business activities and operations.

Item 4. Controls and Procedures

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

(a)
Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures: An evaluation of our disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rule 13a-15(e) of the Exchange Act) was carried out under the supervision and with the participation of our Chief Executive Officer, Chief Financial Officer (Principal Financial Officer) and several other members of our senior management as of the end of the period covered by this report. Our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer concluded that, as of June 30, 2016, 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 June 30, 2016, 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 2015 Form 10-K.

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

(a)     Not applicable

(b)     Not applicable


(c)    The following table summarizes First Financial Northwest's common stock repurchases during the second quarter of 2016, under the repurchase plan effective November 2, 2015 through April 27, 2016:

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Period
 
Total Number of Shares Purchased
 
Average Price Paid per Share
 
Total Number of Shares Repurchased as Part of Publicly Announced Plan
 
Maximum Number of Shares that May Yet Be Repurchased Under the Plan
April 1 - April 30, 2016

 
122,058

 
$
13.38

 
122,058

 

May 1 - May 31, 2016
 

 

 

 

June 1 - June 30, 2016
 

 

 

 

 
 
122,058

 
 
 
122,058

 


 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
    
On October 29, 2015, the Board of Directors authorized the repurchase of up to 1,410,000 shares of the Company's common stock, or 10% of the Company's outstanding shares. This plan expired on April 27, 2016, at which time 800,199 shares had been repurchased at an average price per share of $13.02. The Company will not repurchase shares during the period of the tender offer and for at least ten days after the completion of the tender offer. See Note 11 - Subsequent Events in Item 1 of this report.

Item 3. Defaults Upon Senior Securities

Not applicable.

Item 4. Mine Safety Disclosures

Not applicable.

Item 5. Other Information

Not applicable.


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Item 6. Exhibits and Financial Statement Schedules
 
(a)       Exhibits
 
3.1

 
Articles of Incorporation of First Financial Northwest (1)
3.2

 
Amended and Restated Bylaws of First Financial Northwest (2)
4.0

 
Form of stock certificate of First Financial Northwest (1)
10.1

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

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

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

 
2008 Equity Incentive Plan (6)
10.5

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

 
Form of restricted stock award agreement (7)
10.7

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

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

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

 
Employment Agreement between First Savings Bank Northwest and Richard P. Jacobson (3)
31.1

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

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

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

 
The following materials from First Financial Northwest’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2016, formatted in Extensible Business Reporting Language (XBRL): (1) Consolidated Balance Sheets; (2) Consolidated Income Statements; (3) Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income; (4) Consolidated Statements of Stockholders' Equity; (5) Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows; and (6) Selected Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

 _____________
(1) 
Filed as an exhibit to First Financial Northwest’s Registration Statement on Form S-1 (333-143539)
(2) 
Filed as an exhibit to First Financial Northwest’s Current Report on Form 8-K dated March 24, 2016.
(3) 
Filed as an exhibit to First Financial Northwest's Current Report on Form 8-K dated December 5, 2013.
(4) 
Filed as an exhibit to First Financial Northwest’s Current Report on Form 8-K dated September 9, 2014.
(5) 
Filed as an exhibit to First Financial Northwest’s Current Report on Form 8-K dated December 31, 2012.
(6) 
Filed as Appendix A to First Financial Northwest’s definitive proxy statement dated April 15, 2008.
(7) 
Filed as an exhibit to First Financial Northwest’s Current Report on Form 8-K dated July 1, 2008.
(8) 
Filed as an exhibit to First Financial Northwest's Current Report on Form 8-K dated December 20, 2012.
(9) 
Filed as an exhibit to First Financial Northwest's Current Report on Form 8-K dated January 17, 2013.
(10) 
Filed as an exhibit to First Financial Northwest's Current Report on Form 8-K dated February 26, 2013.

 

59



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: August 5, 2016
By: 
/s/Joseph W. Kiley III
 
 
Joseph W. Kiley III
 
 
President and Chief Executive Officer (Principal Executive Officer)
Date: August 5, 2016
By: 
/s/Richard P. Jacobson
 
 
Richard P. Jacobson
 
 
Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer (Principal Financial Officer)
 
 
 
Date: August 5, 2016
By: 
/s/Christine A. Huestis
 
 
Christine A. Huestis
 
 
Vice President and Controller (Principal Accounting Officer)

60




Exhibit Index

Exhibit No.
 
Description
31.1

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

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

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

 
The following materials from First Financial Northwest’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2016, 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.




61