UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
 
FORM 10-Q
 
[X]QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
 
 For the quarterly period ended March 31, 20182019 
 
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, smaller reporting company, or an emerging growth company. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer”, “smaller reporting company”, and “emerging growth company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.
Large accelerated filer _____
Accelerated filer    X    
  Non-accelerated filer _____
Smaller reporting company _____Emerging growth company _____ 

If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act. _____

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

YES      NO   X   

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:
Title of each classTrading Symbol(s)Name of each exchange on which registered
Common Stock, $0.01 par value per shareFFNWThe Nasdaq Stock Market, LLC

Indicate the number of shares outstanding of each of the issuer’s classes of common stock, as of the latest practicable date: as of May 6, 2018, 10,779,4247, 2019, 10,375,325 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
 
 

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


Part 1. Financial Information

Item 1. Financial Statements
March 31, 2018 December 31, 2017March 31, 2019 December 31, 2018
Assets
(Unaudited)  (Unaudited)  
Cash on hand and in banks$6,595
 $9,189
$9,366
 $8,122
Interest-earning deposits with banks13,954
 6,942
14,596
 8,888
Investments available-for-sale, at fair value142,872
 132,242
138,658
 142,170
Loans receivable, net of allowance of $13,136 and $12,882991,138
 988,662
Loans receivable, net of allowance of $13,808 and $13,3471,051,711
 1,022,904
Federal Home Loan Bank ("FHLB") stock, at cost9,450
 9,882
8,041
 7,310
Accrued interest receivable3,981
 4,084
4,861
 4,068
Deferred tax assets, net1,362
 1,211
1,728
 1,844
Other real estate owned ("OREO")483
 483
454
 483
Premises and equipment, net21,208
 20,614
21,370
 21,331
Bank owned life insurance ("BOLI"), net29,276
 29,027
30,162
 29,841
Prepaid expenses and other assets3,922
 5,738
4,947
 3,458
Goodwill889
 889
889
 889
Core deposit intangible1,228
 1,266
1,079
 1,116
Total assets$1,226,358
 $1,210,229
$1,287,862

$1,252,424
      
Liabilities and Stockholders' Equity 
   
  
Deposits:      
Noninterest-bearing deposits$48,135
 $45,434
$46,026
 $46,108
Interest-bearing deposits815,094
 794,068
909,246
 892,924
Total deposits863,229
 839,502
955,272
 939,032
FHLB Advances200,000
 216,000
FHLB advances163,500
 146,500
Advance payments from borrowers for taxes and insurance4,478
 2,515
5,374
 2,933
Accrued interest payable270
 326
478
 478
Other liabilities9,626
 9,252
11,554
 9,743
Total liabilities1,077,603
 1,067,595
1,136,178
 1,098,686
 
   
  
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 10,779,424 shares at March 31, 2018, and 10,748,437
shares at December 31, 2017
108
 107
Common stock, $0.01 par value; authorized 90,000,000 shares; issued and
outstanding 10,457,625 shares at March 31, 2019, and 10,710,656
shares at December 31, 2018
104
 107
Additional paid-in capital94,527
 94,173
89,800
 93,773
Retained earnings, substantially restricted60,767
 54,642
Retained earnings67,568
 66,343
Accumulated other comprehensive loss, net of tax(1,568) (928)(1,838) (2,253)
Unearned Employee Stock Ownership Plan ("ESOP") shares(5,079) (5,360)(3,950) (4,232)
Total stockholders' equity148,755
 142,634
151,684
 153,738
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity$1,226,358
 $1,210,229
$1,287,862
 $1,252,424

See accompanying selected notes to consolidated financial statements.

3


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

Three Months Ended March 31,Three Months Ended March 31,
2018 20172019 2018
Interest income      
Loans, including fees$13,042
 $10,027
$13,281
 $13,042
Investments available-for-sale929
 845
1,159
 929
Interest-earning deposits with banks38
 44
40
 38
Dividends on FHLB stock104
 82
91
 104
Total interest income14,113
 10,998
14,571
 14,113
Interest expense    
  
Deposits2,276
 1,691
3,822
 2,276
FHLB advances and other borrowings853
 445
897
 853
Total interest expense3,129
 2,136
4,719
 3,129
Net interest income10,984
 8,862
9,852
 10,984
(Recapture of provision) provision for loan losses(4,000) 200
Net interest income after (recapture of provision) provision for loan losses14,984
 8,662
Provision (recapture of provision) for loan losses400
 (4,000)
Net interest income after provision (recapture of provision) for loan losses9,452
 14,984
Noninterest income    
  
Net loss on sale of investments(8) 
BOLI income249
 201
269
 249
Wealth management revenue99
 140
196
 99
Deposit related fees161
 71
171
 161
Loan related fees134
 120
63
 134
Other3
 3
9
 3
Total noninterest income646
 535
700
 646
Noninterest expense 
   
  
Salaries and employee benefits4,662
 4,285
5,000
 4,662
Occupancy and equipment769
 480
866
 769
Professional fees328
 439
496
 328
Data processing324
 240
518
 324
OREO related expenses, net1
 40
31
 1
Regulatory assessments155
 96
137
 155
Insurance and bond premiums106
 99
105
 106
Marketing107
 48
86
 107
Other general and administrative575
 341
470
 575
Total noninterest expense7,027
 6,068
7,709
 7,027
Income before federal income tax provision8,603
 3,129
2,443
 8,603
Federal income tax provision1,761
 785
498
 1,761
Net income$6,842
 $2,344
$1,945
 $6,842
Basic earnings per common share$0.67
 $0.23
$0.19
 $0.67
Diluted earnings per common share$0.66
 $0.22
$0.19
 $0.66
Basic weighted average number of common shares outstanding10,210,828
 10,319,722
10,118,286
 10,210,828
Diluted weighted average number of common shares outstanding10,336,566
 10,504,046
10,220,900
 10,336,566
See accompanying selected notes to consolidated financial statements.

4


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


Three Months Ended March 31,Three Months Ended March 31,
2018 20172019 2018
Net income$6,842
 $2,344
$1,945
 $6,842
Other comprehensive income, before tax:      
Unrealized holding (losses) gains on investments available-for-sale(1,473) 377
Unrealized holding gain (loss) on investments available-for-sale976
 (1,473)
Tax (provision) benefit(205) 309
Reclassification adjustment for net losses realized in income8
 
Tax provision(1) 
(Loss) gain on cash flow hedge(460) 663
Tax benefit (provision)309
 (132)97
 (139)
Gain on cash flow hedge663
 63
Tax provision(139) (22)
Other comprehensive (loss) income, net of tax$(640) $286
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax415
 (640)
Total comprehensive income$6,202
 $2,630
$2,360
 $6,202

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 (Loss) Income,
 net of tax
 
Unearned
ESOP
Shares
 Total Stockholders’ Equity
Balances at December 31, 201610,938,251
 $109
 $96,852
 $48,981
 $(1,328) $(6,489) $138,125
Net income
 
 
 2,344
 
 
 2,344
Other comprehensive income
 
 
 
 286
 
 286
Exercise of stock options97,540
 1
 953
 
 
 
 954
Compensation related to stock options and restricted stock awards
 
 110
 
 
 
 110
Allocation of 28,214 ESOP shares
 
 271
 
 
 282
 553
Cash dividend declared and paid ($0.06 per share)
 
 
 (623) 
 
 (623)
Balances at March 31, 201711,035,791
 $110
 $98,186
 $50,702
 $(1,042) $(6,207) $141,749
 Three Months Ended March 31, 2018
 Shares Common Stock Additional Paid-in Capital Retained Earnings 
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss,
 net of tax
 
Unearned
ESOP
Shares
 Total Stockholders’ Equity
Balances at December 31, 201710,748,437
 $107
 $94,173
 $54,642
 $(928) $(5,360) $142,634
Net income
 
 
 6,842
 
 
 6,842
Other comprehensive (loss) income
 
 
 
 (640) 
 (640)
Exercise of stock options10,000
 
 98
 
 
 
 98
Issuance of common stock - restricted stock awards, net20,987
 1
 
 
 
 
 1
Compensation related to stock options and restricted stock awards
 
 83
 
 
 
 83
Allocation of 28,213 ESOP shares
 
 173
 
 
 281
 454
Cash dividend declared and paid ($0.07 per share)
 
 
 (717) 
 
 (717)
Balances at March 31, 201810,779,424
 $108
 $94,527
 $60,767
 $(1,568) $(5,079) $148,755
 Shares Common 
Stock
 Additional 
Paid-in
Capital
 Retained
Earnings
 Accumulated Other Comprehensive (Loss) Income,  net of tax Unearned
ESOP
Shares
 Total
Stockholders' Equity
Balances at December 31, 201710,748,437
 $107
 $94,173
 $54,642
 $(928) $(5,360) $142,634
Net income
 
 
 6,842
 
 
 6,842
Other comprehensive (loss) income
 
 
 
 (640) 
 (640)
Exercise of stock options10,000
 
 98
 
 
 
 98
Issuance of common stock - restricted stock awards, net20,987
 1
 
 
 
 
 1
Compensation related to stock options and restricted stock awards
 
 83
 
 
 
 83
Allocation of 28,213 ESOP shares
 
 173
 
 
 281
 454
Cash dividend declared and paid ($0.07 per share)
 
 
 (717) 
 
 (717)
Balances at March 31, 201810,779,424
 $108
 $94,527
 $60,767
 $(1,568) $(5,079) $148,755
 Three Months Ended March 31, 2019
 Shares Common 
Stock
 Additional 
Paid-in
Capital
 Retained
Earnings
 Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss,  net of tax Unearned
ESOP
Shares
 Total
Stockholders' Equity
Balances at December 31, 201810,710,656
 $107
 $93,773
 $66,343
 $(2,253) $(4,232) $153,738
Net income
 
 
 1,945
 
 
 1,945
Other comprehensive income
 
 
 
 415
 
 415
Issuance of common stock - restricted stock awards, net16,698
 
 (93) 
 
 
 (93)
Compensation related to stock options and restricted stock awards
 
 124
 
 
 
 124
Allocation of 28,213 ESOP shares
 
 163
 
 
 282
 445
Repurchase and retirement of common stock(263,800) (3) (4,167) 
 
 
 (4,170)
Canceled common stock - restricted stock awards(5,929) 
 
 
 
 
 
Cash dividend declared and paid ($0.08 per share)
 
 
 (807) 
 
 (807)
Beginning balance adjustment from adoption of Topic 842
 
 
 87
 
 
 87
Balances at March 31, 201910,457,625
 $104
 $89,800
 $67,568
 $(1,838) $(3,950) $151,684

See accompanying selected notes to consolidated financial statements.

6


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

Three Months Ended March 31,Three Months Ended March 31,
2018 20172019 2018
Cash flows from operating activities:      
Net income$6,842
 $2,344
$1,945
 $6,842
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by
operating activities:
 
     
(Recapture of provision) provision for loan losses(4,000) 200
Provision (recapture of provision) for loan losses400
 (4,000)
OREO market value adjustments
 50
29
 
Net amortization of premiums and discounts on investments274
 167
193
 274
Loss on sale of investments available-for-sale8
 
Depreciation of premises and equipment401
 260
427
 401
Deferred federal income taxes19
 81
7
 19
Allocation of ESOP shares454
 553
445
 454
Stock compensation expense84
 110
124
 84
Increase in cash surrender value of BOLI(249) (201)(269) (249)
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:   
   
Decrease (increase) in prepaid expenses and other assets2,517
 (165)
(Increase) decrease in prepaid expenses and other assets(1,912) 2,517
Net increase in advance payments from borrowers for taxes and insurance1,963
 1,833
2,441
 1,963
Decrease (increase) in accrued interest receivable103
 (242)
(Decrease) increase in accrued interest payable(56) 6
(Increase) decrease in accrued interest receivable(793) 103
Increase (decrease) in accrued interest payable
 (56)
Increase in other liabilities374
 242
1,898
 374
Net cash provided by operating activities8,726
 5,238
4,943
 8,726
Cash flows from investing activities: 
  
 
  
Proceeds from calls and maturities of investments available-for-sale2,000
 26
Proceeds from sales, calls and maturities of investments available-for-sale2,995
 2,000
Principal repayments on investments available-for-sale1,601
 2,790
1,300
 1,601
Purchases of investments available-for-sale(15,978) (3,008)
 (15,978)
Net decrease (increase) in loans receivable1,524
 (23,925)
Purchase (redemption) of FHLB stock432
 (71)
Net (increase) decrease in loans receivable(29,207) 1,524
(Purchase) redemption of FHLB stock(731) 432
Purchase of premises and equipment(995) (711)(466) (995)
Purchase of BOLI
 (3,180)(52) 
Net cash used by investing activities(11,416) (28,079)(26,161) (11,416)
      
Continued      
      
      
      
      
      
      
      
      
      
      
      
      
   
   
   

7


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

   
Three Months Ended March 31,Three Months Ended March 31,
2018 20172019 2018
Cash flows from financing activities: 
  
 
  
Net increase in deposits$23,727
 $17,231
$16,240
 $23,727
Advances from the FHLB140,000
 
71,500
 140,000
Repayments of advances from the FHLB(156,000) 
(54,500) (156,000)
Proceeds from stock options exercises98
 954

 98
Net share settlement of stock awards(93) 
Repurchase and retirement of common stock(4,170) 
Dividends paid(717) (623)(807) (717)
Net cash provided by financing activities7,108
 17,562
28,170
 7,108
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents4,418
 (5,279)
Net increase in cash and cash equivalents6,952
 4,418
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period16,131
 31,352
17,010
 16,131
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period$20,549
 $26,073
$23,962
 $20,549
      
Supplemental disclosures of cash flow information: 
  
 
  
Cash paid during the period for: 
  
 
  
Interest paid$3,185
 $2,130
$4,719
 $3,185
      
Noncash items:   
   
Change in unrealized loss on investments available-for-sale$(1,473) $377
$984
 $(1,473)
Change in gain on cash flow hedge$663
 $63
(460) 663

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”).

As ofAt March 31, 2018,2019, First Financial Northwest Bank had nineoperated in eleven locations in Washington with the headquarters and three additionalsix branch locations in King County and five branch locations in Snohomish County. The Bank acquired four bank branches (one in King and three in Snohomish counties) and $74.7 million in retail deposits from Opus Bank on August 25, 2017. No loans were acquired in this transaction. The Bank’s tenth branch opened in Bothell, Washington, in April 2018. The Bank’s primary market area consists of King, Snohomish, Pierce and Kitsap counties, Washington. The Bank has received FDIC approval to open an additional branch in Kirkland, Washington, which is expected to open later in 2019.

The Bank is a portfolio lender, originating and purchasing 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, 2017,2018, as filed with the SEC.SEC (“2018 Form 10-K”). 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 three months ended March 31, 2018,2019, are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected for the year ending December 31, 2018.2019. 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, the right-of-use asset and lease liability on our operating leases, 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

Recent Accounting Pronouncements Adopted in 2018

In May 2014, the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") issued Accounting Standards Update ("ASU") No. 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606). In August 2015, FASB issued ASU No. 2015-14, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606) which postponed the effective date of 2014-09. Subsequently, in March 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-08, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606): Principal versus Agent Considerations. This amendment clarifies that an entity should determine if it is the principal or the agent for each specified good or service promised in a contract with a customer. In April 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-10, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606): Identifying Performance Obligations and Licensing. The core principle of Topic 606 is that an entity must recognize revenue when it has satisfied a performance obligation of transferring promised goods or services to a customer. These standards were effective for interim and annual periods beginning after December 15, 2017. The Company has analyzed its sources of noninterest income to determine when the satisfaction of the performance obligation occurs and the appropriate recognition of revenue. The adoption of these ASUs did not have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements. For more discussion on this topic, see Note 12 - Revenue Recognition in this report.

In January 2016, FASB issued 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. In addition, the amendments in this ASU require an entity to disclose the fair value of its financial instruments using the exit price notion. Exit price is 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 amendments in this ASU were effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2017, including interim periods within those fiscal years. The Company has updated the fair value disclosure on Note 7 in this report to reflect adoption of this standard, to include using the exit price notion in the fair value disclosure of financial instruments. The adoption of ASU 2016-01 did not have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.

In August 2016, FASB issued ASU No. 2016-15, Statement of Cash Flows (Topic 230): Classification of Certain Cash Receipts and Cash Payments. This ASU addresses the appropriate classification of eight specific cash flow issues on the cash flow statement. Debt prepayment costs should be classified as an outflow for financing activities. Settlement of zero-coupon debt instruments divides the interest portion as an outflow for operating activities and the principal portion as an outflow for financing activities. Contingent consideration payments made after a business combination should be classified as outflows for financing and operating activities. Proceeds from the settlement of bank-owned life insurance policies should be classified as inflows from investing activities. Other specific areas are identified in the ASU as to the appropriate classification of the cash inflows or outflows. The amendments in this ASU were effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2017, including interim periods within those fiscal years. The Company does not currently have items on its cash flow statement that were impacted by adoption of this ASU and therefore adoption of ASU 2016-15 did not have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.

In January 2017, FASB issued ASU 2017-01, Business Combinations (Topic 805). This ASU clarifies the definition of a business to assist in determining whether transactions should be accounted for as acquisitions (or disposals) of assets or businesses. The amendments in this ASU provide a screen to determine when a set of assets and activities is not a business, thereby reducing the number of transactions requiring further evaluation. If the screen is not met, the amendments in this ASU further provide a framework to evaluate if the criteria is present to qualify for a business. This ASU was effective for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2017. Adoption of ASU 2017-01 did not have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.

In May 2017, FASB issued ASU No. 2017-09, Compensation - Stock Compensation (Topic 718): Scope of Modification Accounting. The ASU was issued to provide clarity as to when to apply modification accounting when there is a change in the terms or conditions of a share-based payment award. According to this ASU, an entity should account for the effects of a modification unless the fair value, vesting conditions, and balance sheet classification of the award is the same after the modification as compared to the original award prior to the modification. This ASU was effective for reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2017. The Company has not had any modifications on share-based payment awards and therefore the adoption of ASU No. 2017-09 did not have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.

In February 2018, FASB issued ASU 2018-02, Income Statement - Reporting Comprehensive Income (Topic 220). This ASU was issued to allow a reclassification from accumulated other comprehensive income to retained earnings from stranded tax effects resulting from the revaluation of the net deferred tax asset (“DTA”) to the new corporate tax rate of 21% as a result of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act. This ASU is effective for reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2018, with early adoption

10


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


permitted. The Company adopted this ASU as of December 31, 2017, which resulted in reclassifying a net unrealized gain from the change in tax rate with an increase to accumulated other comprehensive income and a decrease to retained earnings by $41,000, respectively.
In March 2018, FASB issued ASU No. 2018-05, Income Taxes (Topic 740). This ASU was issued to provide guidance on the income tax accounting implications of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, and allows for entities to report provisional amounts for specific income tax effects of the Act for which the accounting under Topic 740 was not yet complete but a reasonable estimate could be determined. A measurement period of one-year is allowed to complete the accounting effects under Topic 740 and revise any previous estimates reported. Any provisional amounts or subsequent adjustments included in an entity’s financial statements during the measurement period should be included in income from continuing operations as an adjustment to tax expense in the reporting period the amounts are determined. The Company adopted this ASU with the provisional adjustments as reported in the Consolidated Financial Statements on Form 10-K as of December 31, 2017. As of March 31, 2018, the Company did not incur any adjustments to the provisional recognition.

Recent Accounting Pronouncements2019

In February 2016, FASBthe Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued ASUAccounting Standards Update (“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. AIn July 2018, FASB issued ASU No. 2018-11, Leases (Topic 842) to address the comparative reporting requirements when this ASU is adopted. In March 2019, FASB issued ASU 2019-01, Leases (Topic 842), Codification Improvements. Under these ASUs, 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 inCompany adopted this ASU on January 1, 2019 and according to ASU 2018-11, elected to recognize the related cumulative-effect adjustment as an adjustment to the opening balance of retained earnings. Adoption of ASU 2016-02 are effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2018, including interim periods within those fiscal years. Early application of the amendmentsresulted in the ASU is permitted. The effectaddition of the adoption will depend on leases at the time of adoption. Once adopted, we expect to report higher assetsa right-of-use asset and liabilities as a result of including right-of-use assets and lease liabilities related to certain banking offices under noncancelable operating lease agreements, however, based on current leases, the adoption is expected toagreements. The resulting increase our consolidated balance sheets by less than 5% anddid not to have a material impact on ourthe Company’s consolidated financial statements or regulatory capital ratios. For more information see Note 8 ‑ Leases in this report.

In March 2017, FASB issued ASU No. 2017-08, Receivables - Nonrefundable Fees and Other Costs (Subtopic 310-20): Premium Amortization on Purchased Callable Debt Securities. The ASU shortens the amortization period for certain callable debt securities held at a premium. The Company adopted this ASU during the quarter ended March 31, 2019 with no material impact on the Company's consolidated financial statements.

Recent Accounting Pronouncements

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-saleAvailable‑for‑sale securities will bifurcate the fair value mark and establish an allowance for credit losses through the income statement for the 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, including interim periods within those fiscal years, with early adoption permitted for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2018. The Company is evaluating our current expected loss methodology of our loan and investment portfolios to identify the necessary modifications in accordance with this standard and expects a change in the processes and procedures to calculate the ALLL, including changes in assumptions and estimates to consider expected credit losses over the life of the loan versus the current accounting practice that utilizes the incurred loss model. A valuation adjustment to our ALLL or investment portfolio that is identified in this process will be reflected as a one-time adjustment in equity rather than earnings. We are in the process of compiling historical and industry data that will be used to calculate expected credit losses on our loan portfolio to ensure we are fully compliant with the ASU at the adoption date and are evaluating the potential impact adoption of this ASU will have on our consolidated financial statements. The Company intends to adopt ASU 2016-13 in the first quarter of 2020, and as a result, we expect our allowance for loan losses to increase. Until our evaluation is complete, however, the magnitude of the increase will not be unknown.known.
    
In January 2017,August 2018, FASB issued ASU No. 2017-04,2018-13, IntangiblesFair Value Measurement (Topic 820) - Goodwill and Other (Topic 350).Disclosure Framework - Changes to the Disclosure Requirements for Fair Value Measurement. This ASU simplifies the impairment calculation for subsequent measurement of goodwill by eliminating the step of comparing the implied fair value of a reporting unit’s goodwill with the carrying amount of that goodwill. Under theThe amendments in this ASU an entity will evaluate the carrying amountremove certain disclosure requirements regarding transfers between Level 1 and Level 2 of a reporting unit to its fair value, as if the reporting unit had been acquired in a business combination. An impairment charge should be recognized for the amount that the carrying amount exceeds the fair value hierarchy and changes in unrealized gains and losses for recurring Level 3 fair value measurements. In addition, the amendments modified and added certain disclosure requirements for Level 3 fair value measurements. This ASU is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2019, and early adoption is permitted. Entities are permitted to early adopt any removed or modified disclosures and adopt the additional disclosures at the effective date. Adoption of ASU 2018-13 is not expected to exceedhave a material impact on the amountCompany’s consolidated financial statements.


1110


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


of goodwill. The income tax effect should be considered for any tax deductible goodwill when measuring the impairment loss. The amendments in this ASU are effective for goodwill impairment tests in fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2019. Early adoption is permitted for reporting periods after January 1, 2017. The Company recognized goodwill from its recent branch acquisition and is adopting this ASU for the annual goodwill impairment test in 2018. Adoption of ASU 2017-04 is not expected to have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.

In March 2017, FASB issued ASU No. 2017-08, Receivables - Nonrefundable Fees and Other Costs (Subtopic 310-20): Premium Amortization on Purchased Callable Debt Securities. The ASU shortens the amortization period for certain callable debt securities held at a premium. The standard will take effect for SEC filers for fiscal years, and interim periods within those fiscal years, beginning after December 15, 2018. The Company is currently evaluating its available-for-sale securities that fit the criteria of this ASU but has not yet quantified the impact. The adoption of ASU No. 2017-08 is not expected to have a material impact on the Company's consolidated financial statements.

In August 2017, FASB issued ASU No. 2017-12, Derivatives and Hedging (Topic 815). This ASU was issued to provide investors better insight to an entity’s risk management hedging strategies by permitting companies to recognize the economic results of its hedging strategies in its financial statements. The amendments in this ASU permit hedge accounting for hedging relationships involving non-financial risk and interest rate risk by removing certain limitations in cash flow and fair value hedging relationships. In addition, the ASU requires an entity to present the earnings effect of the hedging instrument in the same income statement line item in which the earnings effect of the hedged item is reported. This ASU is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2018, and early adoption is permitted. The Company intends to adopt this ASU during 2018, however its current cash flow hedge will not likely be impacted by the adoption of ASU 2017-12, and consequently, is not expected to have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.

Note 4 - Investments

Investments available-for-sale are summarized as follows at the dates indicated:
March 31, 2018March 31, 2019
Amortized
Cost
 Gross
Unrealized
Gains
 Gross
Unrealized
Losses
 Fair ValueAmortized
Cost
 Gross
Unrealized
Gains
 Gross
Unrealized
Losses
 Fair Value

(In thousands)(In thousands)
Mortgage-backed investments:              
Fannie Mae$29,532
 $26
 $(863) $28,695
$23,967
 $89
 $(370) $23,686
Freddie Mac5,469
 3
 (103) 5,369
6,310
 27
 (18) 6,319
Ginnie Mae21,982
 11
 (1,094) 20,899
23,053
 10
 (1,050) 22,013
Other8,925
 47
 (19) 8,953
Municipal bonds13,090
 52
 (97) 13,045
7,619
 169
 (21) 7,767
U.S. Government agencies51,005
 101
 (490) 50,616
47,355
 72
 (820) 46,607
Corporate bonds24,500
 260
 (512) 24,248
23,491
 323
 (501) 23,313
Total$145,578
 $453
 $(3,159) $142,872
$140,720
 $737
 $(2,799) $138,658
 December 31, 2017
 Amortized
Cost
 Gross
Unrealized
Gains
 Gross
Unrealized
Losses
 Fair Value
 (In thousands)
Mortgage-backed investments:       
   Fannie Mae$26,961
 $69
 $(466) $26,564
   Freddie Mac5,510
 18
 (56) 5,472
   Ginnie Mae22,288
 14
 (726) 21,576
Municipal bonds13,126
 290
 (21) 13,395
U.S. Government agencies43,088
 81
 (536) 42,633
Corporate bonds22,502
 527
 (427) 22,602
Total$133,475
 $999
 $(2,232) $132,242

12


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


 December 31, 2018
 Amortized
Cost
 Gross
Unrealized
Gains
 Gross
Unrealized
Losses
 Fair Value
 (In thousands)
Mortgage-backed investments:       
   Fannie Mae$24,276
 $24
 $(657) $23,643
   Freddie Mac6,351
 10
 (74) 6,287
   Ginnie Mae23,311
 
 (1,250) 22,061
   Other8,983
 17
 (21) 8,979
Municipal bonds10,615
 49
 (120) 10,544
U.S. Government agencies48,190
 73
 (825) 47,438
Corporate bonds23,490
 399
 (671) 23,218
Total$145,216
 $572
 $(3,618) $142,170
     
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:
March 31, 2018March 31, 2019
Less Than 12 Months 12 Months or Longer TotalLess Than 12 Months 12 Months or Longer Total
Fair Value 
Gross Unrealized
Loss
 Fair Value 
Gross Unrealized
Loss
 Fair Value 
Gross Unrealized
Loss
Fair Value 
Gross Unrealized
Loss
 Fair Value 
Gross Unrealized
Loss
 Fair Value 
Gross Unrealized
Loss
(In thousands)(In thousands)
Mortgage-backed investments:                      
Fannie Mae$20,250
 $(340) $6,597
 $(523) $26,847
 $(863)$
 $
 $15,338
 $(370) $15,338
 $(370)
Freddie Mac5,142
 (103) 
 
 5,142
 (103)
 
 3,203
 (18) 3,203
 (18)
Ginnie Mae6,233
 (205) 13,870
 (889) 20,103
 (1,094)
 
 19,135
 (1,050) 19,135
 (1,050)
Other6,008
 (19) 
 
 6,008
 (19)
Municipal bonds6,015
 (97) 
 
 6,015
 (97)
 
 987
 (21) 987
 (21)
U.S. Government agencies34,681
 (377) 1,713
 (113) 36,394
 (490)9,661
 (114) 30,381
 (706) 40,042
 (820)
Corporate bonds1,500
 
 6,987
 (512) 8,487
 (512)
 
 6,999
 (501) 6,999
 (501)
Total$73,821
 $(1,122) $29,167
 $(2,037) $102,988
 $(3,159)$15,669
 $(133) $76,043
 $(2,666) $91,712
 $(2,799)

11


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


December 31, 2017December 31, 2018
Less Than 12 Months 12 Months or Longer TotalLess Than 12 Months 12 Months or Longer Total
Fair Value 
Gross Unrealized
Loss
 Fair Value 
Gross Unrealized
Loss
 Fair Value 
Gross Unrealized
Loss
Fair Value 
Gross Unrealized
Loss
 Fair Value 
Gross Unrealized
Loss
 Fair Value 
Gross Unrealized
Loss
(In thousands)(In thousands)
Mortgage-backed investments:                      
Fannie Mae$15,202
 $(91) $6,759
 $(375) $21,961
 $(466)$5,480
 $(32) $16,721
 $(625) $22,201
 $(657)
Freddie Mac3,189
 (56) 
 
 3,189
 (56)1,994
 (23) 3,185
 (51) 5,179
 (74)
Ginnie Mae6,454
 (61) 14,234
 (665) 20,688
 (726)2,867
 (8) 19,194
 (1,242) 22,061
 (1,250)
Other6,008
 (21) 
 
 6,008
 (21)
Municipal bonds1,403
 (21) 
 
 1,403
 (21)4,161
 (46) 934
 (74) 5,095
 (120)
U.S. Government agencies33,268
 (435) 1,800
 (101) 35,068
 (536)5,985
 (13) 30,779
 (812) 36,764
 (825)
Corporate bonds1,499
 (1) 7,074
 (426) 8,573
 (427)
 
 6,828
 (671) 6,828
 (671)
Total$61,015
 $(665) $29,867
 $(1,567) $90,882
 $(2,232)$26,495
 $(143) $77,641
 $(3,475) $104,136
 $(3,618)

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 March 31, 20182019, and December 31, 2017,2018, the Company had 4937 securities and 3651 securities in an unrealized loss position, respectively, with 1331 of these securities in an unrealized loss position for 12 months or more at both dates. Management does not believe that any individual unrealized loss as of March 31, 2019, or December 31, 2018, represented OTTI. The decline in fair market value of these securities was generally due to changes in interest rates and changes in market-desired spreads subsequent to their purchase. Management also reviewed the financial condition of the entities issuing municipal or corporate bonds at March 31, 20182019, and December 31, 2017,2018, and determined that an OTTI charge was not warranted.


13


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


The amortized cost and estimated fair value of investments available-for-sale at March 31, 2018,2019, by contractual maturity, are shown below. Expected maturities will differ from contractual maturities because borrowers may have the right to call or prepay obligations with or without call or prepayment penalties. Investments not due at a single maturity date, primarily mortgage-backed investments, are shown separately.
March 31, 2018March 31, 2019
Amortized Cost Fair ValueAmortized Cost Fair Value
(In thousands)(In thousands)
Due within one year$4,491
 $4,491
$251
 $250
Due after one year through five years2,197
 2,189
7,328
 7,481
Due after five years through ten years24,447
 24,151
19,291
 19,000
Due after ten years57,460
 57,078
51,595
 50,956
88,595
 87,909
78,465
 77,687
Mortgage-backed investments56,983
 54,963
62,255
 60,971
Total$145,578
 $142,872
$140,720
 $138,658


12


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


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 50% of the public deposits held less the FDIC insured amount. Investment securities with market values of $13.8$15.7 million and $14.2$15.6 million were pledged as collateral for public deposits at March 31, 20182019, and December 31, 2017,2018, respectively, both of which exceeded the collateral requirements established by the Washington Public Deposit Protection Commission.

For the three months ended March 31, 2019, we had calls and sales on investment securities of $3.0 million, generating a net loss of $8,000. For the three months ended March 31, 2018, we had a maturity ofon one investment security of $2.0 million generating no gain or loss. For the three months ended March 31, 2017, we had calls on investment securities of $26,000, generating no gain or loss. There were no sales of available-for-sale investment securities during either period.



14


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


Note 5 - Loans Receivable

Loans receivable are summarized as follows at the dates indicated: 
March 31, 2018 December 31, 2017March 31, 2019 December 31, 2018
(In thousands)(In thousands)
One-to-four family residential:      
Permanent owner occupied$162,544
 $148,304
$194,648
 $194,141
Permanent non-owner occupied133,351
 130,351
156,684
 147,825
295,895
 278,655
351,332
 341,966
      
Multifamily190,392
 184,902
167,843
 169,355
      
Commercial real estate366,774
 361,842
384,686
 373,819
      
Construction/land:   
   
One-to-four family residential97,779
 87,404
84,191
 86,604
Multifamily85,773
 108,439
87,748
 83,642
Commercial5,735
 5,325
22,400
 18,300
Land13,299
 36,405
6,965
 6,740
202,586
 237,573
201,304
 195,286
      
Business24,237
 23,087
33,513
 30,486
Consumer11,131
 9,133
14,336
 12,970
Total loans1,091,015
 1,095,192
1,153,014
 1,123,882
      
Less:   
   
Loans in process ("LIP")(1)85,576
 92,498
86,794
 86,453
Deferred loan fees, net1,165
 1,150
701
 1,178
Allowance for loan and lease losses ("ALLL")13,136
 12,882
13,808
 13,347
Loans receivable, net$991,138
 $988,662
$1,051,711
 $1,022,904
_______________
(1) LIP is the amount of committed but undisbursed funds on construction loans.

At March 31, 2018,2019, loans totaling $469.7$480.7 million were pledged to secure borrowings from the FHLB of Des Moines compared to $422.6$471.4 million at December 31, 2017.2018.
    
ALLLCredit Quality Indicators. The Company maintains an ALLL asassigns a reserve against probablerisk rating to all credit exposures based on a risk rating system designed to define the basic characteristics and inherentidentified risk elements of losses in its loan portfolios.each credit extension. The ALLL is comprised ofCompany utilizes 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 evaluationnine‑point risk rating system. A description 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 endgeneral characteristics of the financial reporting period.risk grades is as follows:


1513


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



Grades 1 through 5: These grades are considered to be “pass” credits. These include assets where there is virtually no credit risk, such as cash secured loans with funds on deposit with the Bank. Pass credits also include credits that are on the Company’s watch list, where the borrower exhibits potential weaknesses, which may, if not checked or corrected, negatively affect the borrower’s financial capacity and threaten their ability to fulfill debt obligations in the future.

Grade 6: These credits, classified as “special mention”, 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. If left uncorrected, these potential weaknesses may result in deterioration in the Company’s credit position at a future date.

Grade 7: These credits, classified as “substandard”, present a distinct possibility that the Company will sustain some loss if the deficiencies are not corrected. These credits have well defined weaknesses which jeopardize the orderly liquidation of the debt and are inadequately protected by the current net worth and payment capacity of the borrower or of any collateral pledged.

Grade 8: These credits are classified as “doubtful” and possess well defined weaknesses which make the full collection or liquidation of the loan highly questionable and improbable. This classification is used where significant risk exposures are perceived but the exact amount of the loss cannot yet be determined due to pending events.

Grade 9: Assets classified as “loss” are considered uncollectible and cannot be justified as a viable asset for the Company. There is little or no prospect of near term recovery and no realistic strengthening action of significance is pending.

As of March 31, 2019, and December 31, 2018, the Company had no loans rated as doubtful or loss. The following tables represent a summary of loans at March 31, 2019, and December 31, 2018 by type and risk category:

 March 31, 2019
 One-to-Four
Family
Residential
 Multifamily Commercial
Real Estate
 Construction/ 
Land
 Business Consumer 
Total (1)
 (In thousands)
Risk Rating:             
   Pass$349,894
 $167,843
 $384,149
 $112,380
 $33,513
 $14,292
 $1,062,071
   Special mention795
 
 537
 2,130
 
 
 3,462
   Substandard643
 
 
 
 
 44
 687
Total loans$351,332
 $167,843
 $384,686
 $114,510
 $33,513
 $14,336
 $1,066,220
_______________

(1) Net of LIP.
 December 31, 2018
 
One-to-Four
Family
Residential
 Multifamily 
Commercial
Real Estate
 
Construction/
Land
 Business Consumer 
Total (1)
 (In thousands)
Risk Rating:             
   Pass$339,310
 $169,355
 $372,690
 $108,854
 $30,486
 $12,926
 $1,033,621
   Special mention1,737
 
 782
 
 
 
 2,519
   Substandard919
 
 326
 
 
 44
 1,289
Total loans$341,966
 $169,355
 $373,798
 $108,854
 $30,486
 $12,970
 $1,037,429
_______________

(1) Net of LIP.

14


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



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

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

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 March 31, 2018At or For the Three Months Ended March 31, 2019
One-to-Four
Family
Residential
 Multifamily Commercial 
Real Estate
 Construction/
Land
 Business Consumer TotalOne-to-Four
Family
Residential
 Multifamily Commercial 
Real Estate
 Construction/
Land
 Business Consumer Total
(In thousands)(In thousands)
ALLL:                          
Beginning balance$2,837
 $1,820
 $4,418
 $2,816
 $694
 $297
 $12,882
$3,387
 $1,680
 $4,777
 $2,331
 $936
 $236
 $13,347
Charge-offs
 
 
 
 
 
 

 
 
 
 
 
 
Recoveries4,240
 
 14
 
 
 
 4,254
24
 
 
 
 
 37
 61
(Recapture) provision(3,840) 64
 58
 (362) 46
 34
 (4,000)(379) (101) 32
 801
 94
 (47) 400
Ending balance$3,237
 $1,884
 $4,490
 $2,454
 $740
 $331
 $13,136
$3,032
 $1,579
 $4,809
 $3,132
 $1,030
 $226
 $13,808

 
 
 
 
 
 
             
ALLL by category:

 

 

 

 

 

 

             
General reserve$3,168
 $1,884
 $4,464
 $2,454
 $740
 $331
 $13,041
$2,982
 $1,579
 $4,809
 $3,132
 $1,030
 $226
 $13,758
Specific reserve69
 
 26
 
 
 
 95
50
 
 
 
 
 
 50

 
 
 
 
 
 
             
Loans: (1)

 
 
 
 
 
               
Total loans$295,895
 $190,392
 $366,231
 $117,554
 $24,237
 $11,131
 $1,005,440
$351,332
 $167,843
 $384,686
 $114,510
 $33,513
 $14,336
 $1,066,220
Loans collectively evaluated for impairment (2)
283,866
 189,264
 363,059
 117,554
 24,237
 11,038
 989,018
345,569
 167,843
 382,530
 114,510
 33,513
 14,292
 1,058,257
Loans individually evaluated for impairment (3)
12,029
 1,128
 3,172
 
 
 93
 16,422
5,763
 
 2,156
 
 
 44
 7,963
____________ 

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




1615


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


At or For the Three Months Ended March 31, 2017At or For the Three Months Ended March 31, 2018
One-to-Four
Family
Residential
 Multifamily Commercial 
Real Estate
 Construction/
Land
 Business Consumer TotalOne-to-Four
Family
Residential
 Multifamily Commercial 
Real Estate
 Construction/
Land
 Business Consumer Total
(In thousands)(In thousands)
ALLL:                          
Beginning balance$2,551
 $1,199
 $3,893
 $2,792
 $237
 $279
 $10,951
$2,837
 $1,820
 $4,418
 $2,816
 $694
 $297
 $12,882
Charge-offs
 
 
 
 
 
 

 
 
 
 
 
 
Recoveries7
 
 
 
 
 
 7
4,240
 
 14
 
 
 
 4,254
(Recapture) provision(16) (11) 134
 (1) 74
 20
 200
(3,840) 64
 58
 (362) 46
 34
 (4,000)
Ending balance$2,542
 $1,188
 $4,027
 $2,791
 $311
 $299
 $11,158
$3,237
 $1,884
 $4,490
 $2,454
 $740
 $331
 $13,136

 
 
 
 
 
 
             
ALLL by category:

 

 

 

 

 

 

             
General reserve$2,357
 $1,188
 $4,003
 $2,791
 $311
 $299
 $10,949
$3,168
 $1,884
 $4,464
 $2,454
 $740
 $331
 $13,041
Specific reserve185
 
 24
 
 
 
 209
69
 
 26
 
 
 
 95

 
 
 
 
 
 
             
Loans: (1)

 
 
 
 
 
               
Total loans$249,219
 $121,718
 $317,719
 $145,200
 $10,370
 $7,878
 $852,104
$295,895
 $190,392
 $366,231
 $117,554
 $24,237
 $11,131
 $1,005,440
Loans collectively evaluated for impairment (2)
226,884
 120,566
 314,036
 145,200
 10,370
 7,778
 824,834
283,866
 189,264
 363,059
 117,554
 24,237
 11,038
 989,018
Loans individually evaluated for impairment (3)
22,335
 1,152
 3,683
 
 
 100
 27,270
12,029
 1,128
 3,172
 
 
 93
 16,422
_____________ 

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


1716


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



Past Due Loans. Loans are considered past due if a scheduled principal or interest payment is due and unpaid for 30 days or more. At March 31, 2018,2019, past due loans were 0.02%0.03% of total loans receivable, net of LIP. In comparison, past due loans were 0.01%0.08% of total loans receivable, net of LIP at December 31, 2017.2018. The following tables represent a summary of the aging of loans by type at the dates indicated:

Loans Past Due as of March 31, 2018    Loans Past Due as of March 31, 2019    
30-59 Days 60-89 Days 90 Days and
Greater
 Total Past
Due
 Current 
Total (1) (2)
30-59 Days 60-89 Days 90 Days and
Greater
 Total Past
Due
 Current 
Total (1) (2)
(In thousands)(In thousands)
Real estate:                      
One-to-four family residential:                      
Owner occupied$
 $101
 $124
 $225
 $162,319
 $162,544
$107
 $
 $
 $107
 $194,541
 $194,648
Non-owner occupied
 
 
 
 133,351
 133,351
166
 
 
 166
 156,518
 156,684
Multifamily
 
 
 
 190,392
 190,392

 
 
 
 167,843
 167,843
Commercial real estate
 
 
 
 366,231
 366,231

 
 
 
 384,686
 384,686
Construction/land
 
 
 
 117,554
 117,554

 
 
 
 114,510
 114,510
Total real estate
 101
 124
 225
 969,847
 970,072
273
 
 
 273
 1,018,098
 1,018,371
Business
 
 
 
 24,237
 24,237

 
 
 
 33,513
 33,513
Consumer
 
 
 
 11,131
 11,131
44
 
 
 44
 14,292
 14,336
Total loans$
 $101
 $124
 $225
 $1,005,215
 $1,005,440
$317
 $
 $
 $317
 $1,065,903
 $1,066,220
 ________________ 

(1) There were no loans 90 days and greater past due and still accruing interest at March 31, 20182019.
(2) Net of LIP.

Loans Past Due as of December 31, 2017    Loans Past Due as of December 31, 2018    
30-59 Days 60-89 Days 90 Days and
Greater
 Total Past
Due
 Current 
Total (1) (2)
30-59 Days 60-89 Days 90 Days and
Greater
 Total Past
Due
 Current 
Total (1) (2)
(In thousands)(In thousands)
Real estate:                      
One-to-four family residential:                      
Owner occupied$101
 $
 $
 $101
 $148,203
 $148,304
$223
 $
 $272
 $495
 $193,646
 $194,141
Non-owner occupied
 
 
 
 130,351
 130,351

 
 
 
 147,825
 147,825
Multifamily
 
 
 
 184,902
 184,902

 
 
 
 169,355
 169,355
Commercial real estate
 
 
 
 361,299
 361,299

 
 326
 326
 373,472
 373,798
Construction/land
 
 
 
 145,618
 145,618

 
 
 
 108,854
 108,854
Total real estate101
 
 
 101
 970,373
 970,474
223
 
 598
 821
 993,152
 993,973
Business
 
 
 
 23,087
 23,087

 
 
 
 30,486
 30,486
Consumer
 
 
 
 9,133
 9,133

 
 
 
 12,970
 12,970
Total loans$101
 $
 $
 $101
 $1,002,593
 $1,002,694
$223
 $
 $598
 $821
 $1,036,608
 $1,037,429
_________________ 

(1) There were no loans 90 days and greater past due and still accruing interest at December 31, 2017.2018.
(2) Net of LIP.





1817


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:

March 31, 2018 December 31, 2017March 31, 2019 December 31, 2018
(In thousands)(In thousands)
One-to-four family residential$125
 $128
$107
 $382
Commercial real estate
 326
Consumer50
 51
44
 44
Total nonaccrual loans$175
 $179
$151
 $752

During the three months ended March 31, 2018,2019, interest income that would have been recognized had these nonaccrual loans been performing in accordance with their original terms was $6,000. For the three months ended March 31, 2017,2018, foregone interest on nonaccrual loans was $9,000.$6,000.

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

March 31, 2018March 31, 2019
One-to-Four
Family
Residential
 Multifamily Commercial
Real Estate
 Construction/
Land
 Business Consumer 
Total (1)
One-to-Four
Family
Residential
 Multifamily Commercial
Real Estate
 Construction/
Land
 Business Consumer 
Total (1)
(In thousands)(In thousands)
Performing (2)
$295,770
 $190,392
 $366,231
 $117,554
 $24,237
 $11,081
 $1,005,265
$351,225
 $167,843
 $384,686
 $114,510
 $33,513
 $14,292
 $1,066,069
Nonperforming (3)
125
 
 
 
 
 50
 175
107
 
 
 
 
 44
 151
Total loans$295,895
 $190,392
 $366,231
 $117,554
 $24,237
 $11,131
 $1,005,440
$351,332
 $167,843
 $384,686
 $114,510
 $33,513
 $14,336
 $1,066,220
_____________

(1) 
Net of LIP.
(2) 
There were $162.4$194.5 million of owner-occupied one-to-four family residential loans and $133.4$156.7 million of non-owner occupied one-to-four family residential loans classified as performing.
(3) 
The $125,000 of$107,000 one-to-four family residential loansloan classified as nonperforming are allis owner-occupied.
December 31, 2017December 31, 2018
One-to-Four
Family
Residential
 Multifamily Commercial
Real Estate
 Construction/
Land
 Business Consumer 
Total (1)
One-to-Four
Family
Residential
 Multifamily Commercial
Real Estate
 Construction/
Land
 Business Consumer 
Total (1)
(In thousands)(In thousands)
Performing (2)
$278,527
 $184,902
 $361,299
 $145,618
 $23,087
 $9,082
 $1,002,515
$341,584
 $169,355
 $373,472
 $108,854
 $30,486
 $12,926
 $1,036,677
Nonperforming (3)
128
 
 
 
 
 51
 179
382
 
 326
 
 
 44
 752
Total loans$278,655
 $184,902
 $361,299
 $145,618
 $23,087
 $9,133
 $1,002,694
$341,966
 $169,355
 $373,798
 $108,854
 $30,486
 $12,970
 $1,037,429
_____________

(1) Net of LIP.    
(2) There were $148.2$193.8 million of owner-occupied one-to-four family residential loans and $130.3$147.8 million of non-owner occupied one-to-four family residential loans classified as performing.
(3) The $128,000$382,000 of one-to-four family residential loans classified as nonperforming are all owner-occupied.

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 March 31, 2018,2019, or December 31, 2017.2018.

1918


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



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

March 31, 2018March 31, 2019

Recorded Investment (1)
 
Unpaid Principal Balance (2)
 Related Allowance
Recorded Investment (1)
 
Unpaid Principal Balance (2)
 Related Allowance
(In thousands)(In thousands)
Loans with no related allowance:          
One-to-four family residential:
 
 
     
Owner occupied$1,306
 $1,502
 $
$847
 $1,030
 $
Non-owner occupied6,906
 6,906
 
2,040
 2,040
 
Multifamily1,128
 1,128
 
Commercial real estate1,059
 1,059
 
2,156
 2,156
 
Consumer93
 143
 
44
 72
 
Total10,492
 10,738
 
5,087
 5,298
 
     
Loans with an allowance:

 

 

     
One-to-four family residential:

 

 

     
Owner occupied520
 566
 3
511
 558
 18
Non-owner occupied3,297
 3,318
 66
2,365
 2,365
 32
Commercial real estate2,113
 2,113
 26
Total5,930
 5,997
 95
2,876
 2,923
 50
     
Total impaired loans:

 

 

     
One-to-four family residential:

 

 

     
Owner occupied1,826
 2,068
 3
1,358
 1,588
 18
Non-owner occupied10,203
 10,224
 66
4,405
 4,405
 32
Multifamily1,128
 1,128
 
Commercial real estate3,172
 3,172
 26
2,156
 2,156
 
Consumer93
 143
 
44
 72
 
Total$16,422
 $16,735
 $95
$7,963
 $8,221
 $50
_________________ 

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




2019


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


December 31, 2017December 31, 2018
Recorded Investment (1)
 
Unpaid Principal Balance (2)
 Related Allowance
Recorded Investment (1)
 
Unpaid Principal Balance (2)
 Related Allowance
(In thousands)(In thousands)
Loans with no related allowance:          
One-to-four family residential:          
Owner occupied$1,321
 $1,516
 $
$1,308
 $1,477
 $
Non-owner occupied8,409
 8,409
 
2,375
 2,375
 
Multifamily1,134
 1,134
 
Commercial real estate1,065
 1,065
 
2,499
 2,499
 
Consumer94
 144
 
87
 141
 
Total12,023
 12,268
 
6,269
 6,492
 
     
Loans with an allowance:          
One-to-four family residential:          
Owner occupied522
 568
 5
513
 560
 22
Non-owner occupied3,310
 3,332
 111
3,126
 3,148
 37
Commercial real estate2,129
 2,129
 19
241
 241
 3
Total5,961
 6,029
 135
3,880
 3,949
 62
     
Total impaired loans:          
One-to-four family residential:          
Owner occupied1,843
 2,084
 5
1,821
 2,037
 22
Non-owner occupied11,719
 11,741
 111
5,501
 5,523
 37
Multifamily1,134
 1,134
 
Commercial real estate3,194
 3,194
 19
2,740
 2,740
 3
Consumer94
 144
 
87
 141
 
Total$17,984
 $18,297
 $135
$10,149
 $10,441
 $62
_________________ 

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



2120


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



The following table presents the average recorded investment in loans individually evaluated for impairment and the interest income recognized for the three months ended March 31, 20182019 and 2017:2018:

Three Months Ended March 31, 2018 Three Months Ended March 31, 2017Three Months Ended March 31, 2019 Three Months Ended March 31, 2018
Average Recorded Investment Interest Income Recognized Average Recorded Investment Interest Income RecognizedAverage Recorded Investment Interest Income Recognized Average Recorded Investment Interest Income Recognized
(In thousands)(In thousands)
Loans with no related allowance:

 

           
One-to-four family residential:

 

           
Owner occupied$1,314
 $25
 $2,114
 $31
$1,078
 $15
 $1,314
 $25
Non-owner occupied7,658
 127
 15,495
 211
2,208
 31
 7,658
 127
Multifamily1,131
 18
 1,358
 19

 
 1,131
 18
Commercial real estate1,062
 19
 2,942
 53
2,328
 38
 1,062
 19
Consumer94
 2
 102
 2
66
 1
 94
 2
Total11,259
 191
 22,011
 316
5,680
 85
 11,259
 191



 

           
Loans with an allowance:

 

           
One-to-four family residential:

 

           
Owner occupied521
 9
 1,892
 26
512
 9
 521
 9
Non-owner occupied3,304
 47
 4,203
 55
2,746
 30
 3,304
 47
Commercial real estate2,121
 34
 753
 10
121
 
 2,121
 34
Construction/land
 
 248
 
Total5,946
 90
 7,096
 91
3,379
 39
 5,946
 90



 

           
Total impaired loans:

 

           
One-to-four family residential:

 

           
Owner occupied1,835
 34
 4,006
 57
1,590
 24
 1,835
 34
Non-owner occupied10,962
 174
 19,698
 266
4,954
 61
 10,962
 174
Multifamily1,131
 18
 1,358
 19

 
 1,131
 18
Commercial real estate3,183
 53
 3,695
 63
2,449
 38
 3,183
 53
Construction/land
 
 248
 
Consumer94
 2
 102
 2
66
 1
 94
 2
Total$17,205
 $281
 $29,107
 $407
$9,059
 $124
 $17,205
 $281


Troubled Debt Restructurings. Certain loan modifications are accounted for as troubled debt restructured loans (“TDRs”). At March 31, 2019, the TDR portfolio totaled $7.8 million. At December 31, 2018, the TDR portfolio totaled $16.2 million. At December 31, 2017, the TDR portfolio totaled $17.8$9.4 million. At both dates, all TDRs were performing according to their modified repayment terms.

There were no loans modified as TDRs for the three months ended March 31, 2018 or 2017. At March 31, 20182019, 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. No loans accounted for as TDRs were charged-off to the ALLL for the three months ended March 31, 20182019 and 2017.2018.


21


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


The following table presents TDR modifications for the periods indicated and their recorded investment prior to and after the modification:

 Three Months Ended March 31, 2019 Three Months Ended March 31, 2018
 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 and advancement of maturity date6 824
 824
 
 
 
Advancement of maturity date3 694
 694
 
 
 
Total9 1,518
 1,518
 
 
 

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 March 31, 2018,2019, and March 31, 2017,2018, no loans that had been modified in the previous 12 months defaulted.

22


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



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

Substandard assets include those characterized by the distinct possibility that the Company will sustain some loss if the deficiencies are not corrected. Assets classified as doubtful are risk rated 8 and have all the weaknesses inherent in those credits classified as substandard with the added characteristic that the weaknesses present make collection or liquidation in full highly questionable and improbable, on the basis of currently existing facts, conditions, and values. Assets classified as loss are risk rated 9 and are considered uncollectible and cannot be justified as a viable asset for the Company. There were no loans classified as doubtful or loss at March 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017.
The following tables represent a summary of loans by type and risk category at the dates indicated:
 March 31, 2018
 One-to-Four
Family
Residential
 Multifamily Commercial
Real Estate
 Construction/ 
Land
 Business Consumer 
Total (1)
 (In thousands)
Risk Rating:             
   Pass$292,894
 $190,392
 $363,237
 $117,554
 $24,237
 $10,893
 $999,207
   Special mention2,333
 
 2,441
 
 
 188
 4,962
   Substandard668
 
 553
 
 
 50
 1,271
Total loans$295,895
 $190,392
 $366,231
 $117,554
 $24,237
 $11,131
 $1,005,440
 _____________ 

(1) Net of LIP.

 December 31, 2017
 
One-to-Four
Family
Residential
 Multifamily 
Commercial
Real Estate
 
Construction/
Land
 Business Consumer 
Total (1)
 (In thousands)
Risk Rating:             
   Pass$275,653
 $184,902
 $358,285
 $145,618
 $23,087
 $8,893
 $996,438
   Special mention2,329
 
 2,459
 
 
 188
 4,976
   Substandard673
 
 555
 
 
 52
 1,280
Total loans$278,655
 $184,902
 $361,299
 $145,618
 $23,087
 $9,133
 $1,002,694
  _____________ 

(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: 

23


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


Three Months Ended March 31,Three Months Ended March 31,
2018 20172019 2018
(In thousands)(In thousands)
Balance at beginning of period$483
 $2,331
$483
 $483
Market value adjustments
 (50)(29) 
Balance at end of period$483
 $2,281
$454
 $483
 
For the three months ended March 31, 2019, there were no OREO properties sold. Based on current appraisals, there were $29,000 in market value adjustments taken on the properties in OREO. For the three months ended March 31, 2018, there were no OREO properties sold and nosales or market value adjustments taken on the remaining properties in OREO. During the three months ended March 31, 2017, a $50,000 market value adjustment was recognized prior to the sale of the oneour OREO property sold during a subsequent period.properties. OREO at March 31, 20182019, consisted of $483,000$454,000 in commercial real estate properties. At March 31, 2018,2019, there were no loans secured by residential real estate properties for which formal foreclosure proceedings were in process.

Note 7 - Fair Value

The fair value of financial instruments presented in this note, with the exception of loans receivable, are based on the same methodology as presented in Note 7 of the Company’s 2017 10-K. The Company has adopted ASU 2016-01, and therefore is measuring the fair value of loans receivable under the exit price notion rather than the previous method of entry price notion. Under the entry price notion, the fair value estimate of loans receivable was based on discounted cash flow. At March 31, 2018, the exit price notion used to estimate the fair value of loans receivable was based on similar techniques, with the addition of current origination spreads, liquidity premiums, or credit adjustments. The fair value of nonperforming loans is based on the underlying value of the collateral for periods prior to and after adoption of ASU 2016-01.

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.

22


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


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 presentCompany used the balances of assets measured atfollowing methods to measure fair value on a recurring basis (there were no transfers between Level 1, Level 2 and Level 3 recurring measurements) at March 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017:

24


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


 Fair Value Measurements at March 31, 2018
 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$28,695
 $
 $28,695
 $
Freddie Mac5,369
 
 5,369
 
Ginnie Mae20,899
 
 20,899
 
Municipal bonds13,045
 
 13,045
 
U.S. Government agencies50,616
 
 50,616
 
Corporate bonds24,248
 
 24,248
 
Total available-for-sale
investments
142,872
 
 142,872
 
Derivative fair value asset2,189
 
 2,189
 
Total$145,061
 $
 $145,061
 $
 Fair Value Measurements at December 31, 2017
 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$26,564
 $
 $26,564
 $
Freddie Mac5,472
 
 5,472
 
Ginnie Mae21,576
 
 21,576
 
Municipal bonds13,395
 
 13,395
 
U.S. Government agencies42,633
 
 42,633
 
Corporate bonds22,602
 
 22,602
 
Total available-for-sale
investments
132,242
 
 132,242
 
Derivative fair value asset1,526
 
 1,526
 
Total$133,768
 $
 $133,768
 $

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

The tables below present the balances of assets measured at fair value on a nonrecurring basis at March 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017: 

25


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


 Fair Value Measurements at March 31, 2018
 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)
$16,327
 $
 $
 $16,327
OREO483
 
 
 483
Total$16,810
 $
 $
 $16,810
_____________

(1)
Total fair value of impaired loans is net of $95,000 of specific reserves on performing TDRs.

 Fair Value Measurements at December 31, 2017
 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)
$17,849
 $
 $
 $17,849
OREO483
 
 
 483
Total$18,332
 $
 $
 $18,332
_____________

(1)    Total fair value of impaired loans is net of $135,000 of specific reserves on performing TDRs.
The fair value of impaired loans reflects the exit price and 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 tables present quantitative information about Level 3 fair value measurements for financial instruments measured at fair value on a nonrecurring basis at March 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017:
 March 31, 2018
 Fair Value Valuation Technique Unobservable Input(s) Range (Weighted Average)
 (Dollars in thousands)
Impaired Loans$16,327
 Market approach Appraised value discounted by market or borrower conditions 0.0%
(0.0%)
        
OREO$483
 Market approach Appraised value less selling costs 0.0%
(0.0%)


26


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


 December 31, 2017
 Fair Value Valuation Technique Unobservable Input(s) Range (Weighted Average)
 (Dollars in thousands)
Impaired Loans$17,849
 Market approach Appraised value discounted by market or borrower conditions 0.0%
(0.0%)
        
OREO$483
 Market approach Appraised value less selling costs 0.0%
(0.0%)

The carrying amounts and estimated fair values of financial instruments were as follows at the dates indicated: 
 March 31, 2018
   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$6,595
 $6,595
 $6,595
 $
 $
Interest-earning deposits with banks13,954
 13,954
 13,954
 
 
Investments available-for-sale142,872
 142,872
 
 142,872
 
Loans receivable, net991,138
 982,143
 
 
 982,143
FHLB stock9,450
 9,450
 
 9,450
 
Accrued interest receivable3,981
 3,981
 
 3,981
 
Derivative fair value asset2,189
 2,189
 
 2,189
 
          
Financial Liabilities: 
  
  
  
  
Deposits449,835
 449,835
 449,835
 
 
Certificates of deposit, retail337,906
 334,254
 
 334,254
 
Certificates of deposit, brokered75,488
 75,043
 
 75,043
 
Advances from the FHLB200,000
 196,921
 
 196,921
 
Accrued interest payable270
 270
 
 270
 


27


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


 December 31, 2017
   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$9,189
 $9,189
 $9,189
 $
 $
Interest-earning deposits with banks6,942
 6,942
 6,942
 
 
Investments available-for-sale132,242
 132,242
 
 132,242
 
Loans receivable, net988,662
 980,578
 
 
 980,578
FHLB stock9,882
 9,882
 
 9,882
 
Accrued interest receivable4,084
 4,084
 
 4,084
 
Derivative fair value asset1,526
 1,526
 
 1,526
 
          
Financial Liabilities: 
  
  
  
  
Deposits430,750
 430,750
 430,750
 
 
Certificates of deposit, retail333,264
 331,199
 
 331,199
 
Certificates of deposit, brokered75,488
 74,947
 
 74,947
 
Advances from the FHLB216,000
 214,477
 
 214,477
 
Accrued interest payable326
 326
 
 326
 

Fair value estimates are measured at the exit price notion. The methods and calculation assumptions are set forth below for the Company’s financial instruments:basis:

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 with banks, FHLB stock, accrued interest receivable and accrued interest payable. FHLB stock is not publicly-traded, however it may be redeemed on a dollar-for-dollar basis, for any amount the Bank is not required to hold, subject to the FHLB’s discretion. The fair value is therefore equal to the book value.

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

Loans receivable: Prior to the adoption of ASU 2016-01, loan fair value estimates were primarily calculated using discounted cash flows. With the adoption of ASU 2016-01, theThe fair value of loans receivable at March 31, 2018 wereare based on the exit price notion, and are calculated from inputs reflective of current market pricing for similar instruments, to include current origination spreads, liquidity premiums, and credit adjustments. The fair value of nonperforming loans is estimated using the fair value of the underlying collateral.

Derivatives: The fair value of derivatives is based on dealer quotes, pricing models, discounted cash flow methodologies or similar techniques for which the determination of fair value may require significant management judgment or estimation.

Liabilities: The fair value of deposits with no stated maturity, such as statement savings, interest-bearing checking 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

28


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


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.

23


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


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 March 31, 2019 and December 31, 2018:
 Fair Value Measurements at March 31, 2019
 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$23,686
 $
 $23,686
 $
Freddie Mac6,319
 
 6,319
 
Ginnie Mae22,013
 
 22,013
 
Other8,953
 
 8,953
 
Municipal bonds7,767
 
 7,767
 
U.S. Government agencies46,607
 
 46,607
 
Corporate bonds23,313
 
 23,313
 
Total available-for-sale
investments
138,658
 
 138,658
 
Derivative fair value asset1,203
 
 1,203
 
Total$139,861
 $
 $139,861
 $
 Fair Value Measurements at December 31, 2018
 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$23,643
 $
 $23,643
 $
Freddie Mac6,287
 
 6,287
 
Ginnie Mae22,061
 
 22,061
 
Other8,979
 
 8,979
 
Municipal bonds10,544
 
 10,544
 
U.S. Government agencies47,438
 
 47,438
 
Corporate bonds23,218
 
 23,218
 
Total available-for-sale
investments
142,170
 
 142,170
 
Derivative fair value asset1,662
 
 1,662
 
Total$143,832
 $
 $143,832
 $

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.    


24


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


The tables below present the balances of assets measured at fair value on a nonrecurring basis at March 31, 2019, and December 31, 2018: 
 Fair Value Measurements at March 31, 2019
 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)
$7,913
 $
 $
 $7,913
OREO454
 
 
 454
Total$8,367
 $
 $
 $8,367
_____________

(1)
Total fair value of impaired loans is net of $50,000 of specific reserves on performing TDRs.

 Fair Value Measurements at December 31, 2018
 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)
$10,087
 $
 $
 $10,087
OREO483
 
 
 483
Total$10,570
 $
 $
 $10,570
_____________

(1)    Total fair value of impaired loans is net of $62,000 of specific reserves on performing TDRs.
The fair value of impaired loans reflects the exit price and 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 tables present quantitative information about Level 3 fair value measurements for financial instruments measured at fair value on a nonrecurring basis at March 31, 2019 and December 31, 2018:
 March 31, 2019
 Fair Value Valuation Technique Unobservable Input(s) Range (Weighted Average)
 (Dollars in thousands)
Impaired Loans$7,913
 Market approach Appraised value discounted by market or borrower conditions 0.0%
(0.00%)
        
OREO$454
 Market approach Appraised value less selling costs 0.0% - 6.31%
(6.03%)


25


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


 December 31, 2018
 Fair Value Valuation Technique Unobservable Input(s) Range (Weighted Average)
 (Dollars in thousands)
Impaired Loans$10,087
 Market approach Appraised value discounted by market or borrower conditions 0.0%
(0.0%)
        
OREO$483
 Market approach Appraised value less selling costs 0.0%
(0.0%)

The carrying amounts and estimated fair values of financial instruments were as follows at the dates indicated: 
 March 31, 2019
   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$9,366
 $9,366
 $9,366
 $
 $
Interest-earning deposits with banks14,596
 14,596
 14,596
 
 
Investments available-for-sale138,658
 138,658
 
 138,658
 
Loans receivable, net1,051,711
 1,041,639
 
 
 1,041,639
FHLB stock8,041
 8,041
 
 8,041
 
Accrued interest receivable4,861
 4,861
 
 4,861
 
Derivative fair value asset1,203
 1,203
 
 1,203
 
          
Financial Liabilities:     
  
  
Deposits432,949
 432,949
 432,949
 
 
Certificates of deposit, retail398,956
 400,539
 
 400,539
 
Certificates of deposit, brokered123,367
 123,417
 
 123,417
 
Advances from the FHLB163,500
 163,689
 
 163,689
 
Accrued interest payable478
 478
 
 478
 


26


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


 December 31, 2018
   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$8,122
 $8,122
 $8,122
 $
 $
Interest-earning deposits with banks8,888
 8,888
 8,888
 
 
Investments available-for-sale142,170
 142,170
 
 142,170
 
Loans receivable, net1,022,904
 1,012,114
 
 
 1,012,114
FHLB stock7,310
 7,310
 
 7,310
 
Accrued interest receivable4,068
 4,068
 
 4,068
 
Derivative fair value asset1,662
 1,662
 
 1,662
 
          
Financial Liabilities: 
  
  
  
  
Deposits450,033
 450,033
 450,033
 
 
Certificates of deposit, retail391,174
 390,101
 
 390,101
 
Certificates of deposit, brokered97,825
 97,466
 
 97,466
 
Advances from the FHLB146,500
 146,357
 
 146,357
 
Accrued interest payable478
 478
 
 478
 

Note 8 - Leases

The Company adopted ASU 2016-02 and ASU 2018-11 using the modified retrospective approach with an effective date of January 1, 2019, and recognized on the consolidated balance sheets a right-of-use asset (“ROU”) included in prepaid expenses and other assets and lease liabilities included in other liabilities. As such, prior year financial statements were not restated under the new standard. At March 31, 2019, the Company had ten operating leases for retail branch locations. The remaining lease terms range from 1.4 to 6.3 years, with most leases carrying optional extensions of 3-5 years. The Company will include optional lease term extensions in the ROU assets and lease liabilities when management believes it is reasonably certain that the term extension will be exercised, and will be determined based on indicators that the Company would have an economic incentive to extend the lease. The Company has elected to not apply ASU 2016-02 to short term leases, which are those that have a term of one year or less. To calculate the present value of lease payments not yet paid, the Company uses the incremental borrowing rate, which is equal to the FHLB advance rate for the term of the lease that was in place at each lease inception.

The minimum monthly lease payments are generally based on square footage of the leased premises, with escalating minimum rent over the lease term. At March 31, 2019, the Company was committed to paying $51,000 per month in minimum monthly lease payments. The minimum monthly lease payment over the initial lease term, including any free rent period, was used to calculate the ROU and lease liability. The Company’s current leases do not include any non-lease components.

Total lease expense included in the Company’s Consolidated Income Statement for the three months ended March 31, 2019, was $175,000. This included the amortized lease expense under ASU 2016-02 combined with variable lease expenses for maintenance or other expenses as defined in the individual lease agreements. The right-of-use asset and lease liability both had a balance of $1.7 million on the Company’s consolidated balance sheet at March 31, 2019, and are amortizing over a weighted-average remaining term of 4.2 years. The weighted-average discount rate used to calculate the present value of future minimum lease payments was 2.96% at March 31, 2019.



27


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


The following table provides a reconciliation between the undiscounted minimum lease payments at March 31, 2019 and the discounted lease liability at that date:
  March 31, 2019
  (in thousands)
Due through one year $527
Due after one year through two years 471
Due after two years through three years 300
Due after three years through four years 277
Due after four years through five years 176
Due after five years 112
Total minimum lease payments 1,863
Less: present value discount (118)
Lease liability $1,745

The Company has secured a lease for a new retail branch in Kirkland, Washington. The initial lease term is for 65 months and includes options to extend the lease. The minimum rent will be determined at commencement and will increase annually thereafter. This lease was not included in the calculation of discounted lease payments at March 31, 2019.

Note 9 - Derivatives

The Company uses a derivative financial instrument, which qualifies as a cash flow hedge, to manage the risk of changes in future cash flows due to interest rate fluctuations. The hedged instrument is a $50.0 million three-month FHLB advance that will be renewed every three months at the fixed interest rate at that time. The agreement has a five-year term and stipulates that the counterparty will pay the Company interest at three-month LIBOR and the Company will pay fixed interest of 1.34% on the $50.0 million notional amount. The Company pays or receives the net interest amount quarterly and includes this amount as part of interest expense on the Consolidated Income Statement.

Quarterly, the effectiveness evaluation is based upon the fluctuation of the interest the Company pays to the FHLB for the hedge instrument as compared to the three-month LIBOR interest received from the counterparty. At March 31, 2018,2019, the fair value of the cash flow hedge of $2.2$1.2 million was reported with other assets. The tax effected amount of $524,000$950,000 was included in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income. There were no amounts recorded in the Consolidated Income Statements for the quarters ended March 31, 20182019 or 20172018, related to ineffectiveness.

Fair value for this derivative instrument, which generally changes as a result of changes in the level of market interest rates, is estimated based on dealer quotes and secondary market sources.

The following table presents the fair value of this derivative instrument as of March 31, 20182019 and December 31, 2017:2018:
Balance Sheet Location 
Fair Value at
March 31, 2018
 
Fair Value at
December 31, 2017
Balance Sheet Location 
Fair Value at
March 31, 2019
 
Fair Value at
December 31, 2018
(In thousands)(In thousands)
Interest rate swap on FHLB debt
designated as cash flow hedge
Other Assets $2,189
 $1,526
Other Assets $1,203
 $1,662
        
Total derivatives $2,189
 $1,526
 $1,203
 $1,662


28


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


The following table presents the effect of this derivative instrument on the Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income for the quarters ended March 31, 20182019, and December 31, 2017:2018:

 Balance Sheet Location Amount Recognized in OCI at March 31, 2018 Amount Recognized in OCI at December 31, 2017
 (In thousands)
Interest rate swap on FHLB debt
designated as cash flow hedge
Other assets $524
 $125
 Balance Sheet Location 
Amount Recognized in OCI at
March 31, 2019
 
Amount Recognized in
OCI at
December 31, 2018
 (In thousands)
Interest rate swap on FHLB debt
designated as cash flow hedge
Other assets $(363) $108


Note 910 - 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.


29


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


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 directors’ fees, the grant date is used as the vesting date unless the award agreement provides otherwise.

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. At March 31, 2018, the remaining 5,0002019, there were no unvested shares of unvested restricted stock awards under the 2008 Plan are expected to vest in 2018. In addition, 84,000Plan. At this date, there were 35,000 stock options granted under the 2008 Plan that are expected to vest and be available for exercise, and an additional 358,940280,000 stock options from the 2008 Plan were available for exercise at March 31, 2018,2019, subject to the 2008 Plan provisions. At March 31, 2018,2019, there were 1,309,0541,207,274 total shares available for grant under the 2016 Plan, including 354,527328,637 shares available to be granted as restricted stock.

For the three months ended March 31, 20182019 and 2017,2018, total compensation expense for both the 2008 and 2016 Plans was $84,000$124,000 and $110,000,$84,000, respectively, and the related income tax benefit was $18,000$26,000 and $39,000,$18,000, respectively.

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 five5 years, with 20% vesting on the anniversary date of each grant date, and a contractual life of 10 years. Any unexercised stock options expiresexpire 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 and 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.


29


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


Under certain conditions, 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.
        

30


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


A summary of the Company’s stock option plan awards and activity for the three months ended March 31, 2018,2019, follows: 

 For the Three Months Ended March 31, 2018
 Shares Weighted-Average Exercise Price Weighted-Average Remaining Contractual Term in Years Aggregate Intrinsic Value
Outstanding at January 1, 2018452,940
 $10.21
 
 $2,402,096
Exercised(10,000) 9.78
 
 

Outstanding at March 31, 2018442,940
 10.22
 4.33 2,894,042
Vested and expected to vest assuming a 3% forfeiture
rate over the vesting term
440,420
 10.21
 4.31 2,880,637
Exercisable at March 31, 2018358,940
 9.93
 3.82 2,447,222
 For the Three Months Ended March 31, 2019  
 Shares Weighted-Average Exercise Price Weighted-Average Remaining Contractual Term in Years Aggregate Intrinsic Value Weighted-Average Grant Date Fair Value
Outstanding at January 1, 2019315,000
 $10.34
   $1,615,600
 $3.69
Granted50,000
 15.80
     5.03
Outstanding at March 31, 2019365,000
 11.09
 5.43 1,703,800
 3.88
Vested and expected to vest assuming a 3% forfeiture rate over the vesting term362,450
 11.07
 5.41 1,699,668
 3.87
Exercisable at March 31, 2019280,000
 10.16
 4.59 1,566,070
 3.61

As of March 31, 2018,2019, there was $232,000$323,000 of total unrecognized compensation cost related to nonvested stock options granted under the 2008 Plan.and 2016 Plans. The cost is expected to be recognized over the remaining weighted-average vesting period of 1.763.84 years. There were no50,000 stock options granted under the 2016 Plan during the three months ended March 31, 2018.2019.

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 under this plan 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.


A summary of changes in nonvested restricted stock awards for the three months ended March 31, 2018,2019, follows: 

For the Three Months Ended March 31, 2018For the Three Months Ended March 31, 2019

Shares Weighted-Average
Grant Date
Fair Value
Shares Weighted-Average
Grant Date
Fair Value
Nonvested at January 1, 20185,000
 $10.88
Nonvested at January 1, 201920,987
 $15.90
Granted20,987
 15.9016,698
 16.53
Nonvested at March 31, 201825,987
 14.93
Vested(20,987) 15.90
Nonvested at March 31, 201916,698
 16.53
Expected to vest assuming a 3% forfeiture rate over the vesting term25,207
 14.9316,197
 16.53

As of March 31, 2018,2019, there was $316,000$247,000 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 0.90 years.eleven months.

Note 1011 - 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.

31


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



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

30


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


dividing net earnings available to common shareholders by the weighted-average number of common shares outstanding during the period, excluding participating nonvested restricted shares.

The following table presents a reconciliation of the components used to compute basic and diluted earnings per share for the periods indicated:
 Three Months Ended March 31, Three Months Ended March 31,
 2018 2017 2019 2018
 (Dollars in thousands, except share data) (Dollars in thousands, except share data)
Net income $6,842
 $2,344
 $1,945
 $6,842
Less: Earnings allocated to participating
securities
 (16) (5) (3) (16)
Earnings allocated to common shareholders $6,826
 $2,339
 $1,942
 $6,826
        
Basic weighted average common shares
outstanding
 10,210,828
 10,319,722
 10,118,286
 10,210,828
Dilutive stock options 122,465
 171,028
 89,718
 122,465
Dilutive restricted stock grants 3,273
 13,296
 12,896
 3,273
Diluted weighted average common shares
outstanding
 10,336,566
 10,504,046
 10,220,900
 10,336,566
        
Basic earnings per share $0.67
 $0.23
 $0.19
 $0.67
Diluted earnings per share $0.66
 $0.22
 $0.19
 $0.66

Potential dilutive shares are excluded from the computation of earnings per share if their effect is anti-dilutive. For the three months ended March 31, 2018 and 2017,2019, there were 50,000 options to purchase shares of common stock that were omitted from the computation of diluted earnings per share because their effect would be anti-dilutive. For the three months ended March 31, 2018, there no options to purchase shares of common stock that were omitted from the computation of diluted earnings per share because their effect would be anti-dilutive.

Note 1112 - Branch Acquisition

On August 25, 2017, First Financial Northwest Bank completed the acquisition of four branches from Opus Bank, a California state-chartered commercial bank (“Branch Acquisition”).bank. The Branch Acquisition included four retail branches located in Woodinville, Clearview, Lake Stevens, and Smokey Point, Washington. The Bank acquired $74.7 million of retail deposits, prior to the fair value adjustment, one owned bank branch, three leased branches, and certain fixed assets at these branches. The purchase price of the Branch Acquisition paid by the Bank included a deposit premium of 3.125% of the average daily balance of acquired deposits for 20 days prior to the closing date, or $2.5 million; 80% of the fair market value of the owned branch, or $488,000; the net book value of fixed assets, or $56,000; and $14,000 for other pro rations and adjustments as of the closing date. Opus Bank paid the Bank $71.6 million in cash for the difference between these amounts and the total deposits assumed.

The Branch Acquisition was accounted for under the acquisition method of accounting, and accordingly, the assets received and liabilities assumed were recorded at their fair market value as of August 25, 2017. The application of the acquisition method of accounting resulted in recognition of a core deposit intangible asset (“CDI”) of $1.3 million and goodwill of $889,000. The acquired CDI has been determined to have a useful life of approximately ten years and is amortized on an accelerated basis. Goodwill is not amortized but will be evaluated for impairment on an annual basis, or more often if circumstances dictate, to determine if the carrying value remains appropriate.

The operating resultsbalance of the Company include the operating results produced by the acquired liabilitiesCDI and additional branch locations. For illustrative purposes, the following table provides certain unaudited pro forma information for the three months endedgoodwill at March 31, 2017, with the information calculated as if the four Opus branches had been acquired as of January 1, 2017, the beginning of the year prior to the date of acquisition. The pro forma information is an estimate of the additional interest expense, noninterest income2019 was $1.1 million and noninterest expense that might have been incurred during this period. The unaudited pro forma

32


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


statement does not include interest income earned on the investment of the acquired funds into either loans receivable or available-for-sale investment securities. Actual results would have differed from the unaudited pro forma information presented.
  Unaudited Pro Forma
  Three Months Ended March 31, 2017
  (In thousands except share data)
Total revenues (net interest income plus noninterest income) $9,293
Net income 1,970
Earnings per share - basic 0.19
Earnings per share - diluted 0.19

The Company recognized acquisition related expenses of $4,000 for the three months ended March 31, 2018, and no acquisition related expenses for the three months ended March 31, 2017.

The following table includes noninterest expenses for the four acquired branches for the three months ended March 31, 2018. These expenses are included in the Consolidated Income Statements in Item 1 of this report:

  Three Months Ended March 31, 2018
  (In thousands)
Salaries and employee benefits $286
Occupancy and equipment 81
Marketing 5
Other general and administrative 23
Total noninterest expense $395
$889,000, respectively.





Note 1213 - Revenue Recognition

In accordance with Topic 606, revenues are recognized when goods or services are transferred to the customer in exchange for the consideration the Company expects to be entitled to receive. To determine the appropriate recognition of revenue for

31


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


transactions within the scope of Topic 606, the Company performs the following five steps: (i) identify the contract(s) with the customer; (ii) identify the separate performance obligations in the contract; (iii) determine the transaction price; (iv) allocate the transaction price to the separate performance obligations in the contract; and (v) recognize revenue when the entity satisfies a performance obligation. A contract may not exist if there are doubts as to collectability of the amounts the Company is entitled to in exchange for the goods or services transferred. If a contract is determined to be within the scope of Topic 606, the Company recognizes revenue as it satisfies a performance obligation. The largest portion of the Company’s revenue is from net interest income which is not inwithin the scope of Topic 606.

Disaggregation of Revenue

The following table includes the Company’s noninterest income disaggregated by type of service for the three months ended March 31, 20182019 and 2017:

33


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


2018:
 Three Months Ended Three Months Ended
 March 31, 2018 March 31, 2017 March 31, 2019 March 31, 2018
 (In thousands) (In thousands)
Loss on sale of investments (1)
 $(8) $
BOLI change in cash surrender value (1)
 249
 201
 269
 249
Wealth management revenue 99
 140
 196
 99
Deposit related fees 63
 42
 69
 63
Debit card and ATM fees 98
 29
 102
 98
Loan related fees 87
 35
 47
 87
Loan interest swap fees 47
 85
 16
 47
Other 3
 3
 9
 3
Total noninterest income $646
 $535
 $700
 $646
_______________
(1) Not inwithin scope of Topic 606

For the three months ended March 31, 2018,2019, substantially all of the Company’s revenues under the scope of Topic 606 are for performance obligations satisfied at a specified date.

Revenues recognized inwithin scope of Topic 606

Wealth management revenue: Our wealth management revenue consists of commissions received on the investment portfolio managed by Bank personnel but held by a third party. Commissions are earned on brokerage services and advisory services based on contract terms at the onset of a new customer’s investment agreement or quarterly for ongoing services. Commissions are paid by the third party to the Bank when the performance obligation has been completed by both entities.

Deposit related fees: Fees are earned on our deposit accounts for various products or services performed for our customers. Fees include business account fees, non-sufficient fund fees, stop payment fees, wire services, safe deposit box, and others. These fees are recognized on a daily or monthly basis, depending on the type of service.

Debit card and ATM fees: Fees are earned when a debit card issued by the Bank is used or when other bank’s customers use our ATM services. Revenue is recognized at the time the fees are collected from the customer’s account or remitted by the VISA interchange network.

Loan related fees: Noninterest fee income is earned on our loans for servicing or annual fees on certain loan types.

Loan interest swap fees: For loans participating in an interest rate swap agreement, fees are earned at the onset of the agreement and are not contingent on any future performance or term length of the loan itself. The performance obligation is satisfied by entering into the contract and receipt of the fees from the counterparty.

Other: Fees earned on other services, such as merchant services or occasional non-recurring type services, are recognized at the time of the event or the applicable billing cycle.

32


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



Contract Balances

At March 31, 2018,2019, the Company had no contract liabilities where the Company had an obligation to transfer goods or services for which the Company had already received consideration. In addition, the Company had no material performance obligations as of this date.     

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,”

34



“intends, “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; disruptions, security breaches, or other adverse events, failures or interruptions in, or attacks on, our information technology systems or on the third-party vendors who perform several of our critical processing functions; 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 of 2010 (the “Dodd Frank“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

33



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, 20172018 (“20172018 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 the Company. 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. The Bank primarily serves King, Pierce, Snohomish, and Kitsap counties, Washington, through its full-service banking office and headquarters in Renton, Washington, as well as threefive retail branches in King County, Washington and five retail branches in Snohomish County, Washington. On August 25, 2017, theThe Bank completed the purchase of four retail branches in Woodinville in King County, and Lake Stevens, Clearview, and Smokey Point communities in Snohomish County and acquired $74.7 million in deposits. The Branch Acquisition expanded our retail

35



footprint and provided an opportunityhas received FDIC approval to extend our unique brand of community banking into those communities. In addition, in April 2018, the Bank openedopen a new branch office at The Junction, a new, mixed use development in Bothell,Kirkland, Washington. This additional King County location is expected to open in later in 2019.

The 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, business, and consumer loans. OurWith the current business strategy emphasizes commercial real estate, construction, one-to-four family residential, and multifamily lending. Recently, improvementslow interest rate environment, we are not aggressively pursuing longer term assets, but rather are focused on financing shorter term loans, 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 resulted in our significantly increasing originations of construction loans for properties located in our market area.particular construction/land loans. We anticipate that construction/land 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/land lending by concentrating our efforts on residential loans to builders known to us, including multifamily loans to developers with proven success in this type of construction. These short term loans typically mature in six to eighteen months. In addition, themonths and funding is usually not fully disbursed at origination, thereby reducing ourtherefore the impact to net loans receivable is generally minimal in the short term. We have also geographically expanded our loan portfolio through loan purchases or loan participations of commercial and multifamily real estate loans that are outside of our primary market area. Through our efforts to geographically diversify our loan portfolio with direct loan originations, loan participations, or loan purchases, our portfolio includes loans in 2327 other states, including concentrations in California, Utah, Arizona and Oregon and Arizona of $44.8$41.4 million, $17.6$16.1 million, $14.6 million and $14.8$11.8 million, respectively.

In support of our strategic growth plan, the Bank has developed a national line of business to originate and service aircraft loans. These loans are collateralized by new or used, single-engine piston aircraft to light jets for business or personal use which have demonstrated an acceptable valuation history under industry accepted valuation resources. TheseThe underwriting of these loans will generally range in size from $250,000 to $8.0 million with underwriting guidelinesis primarily based on the asset value of the collateral with secondary emphasis placed on the ability of the borrower to repay the loan. We began originating aircraft loans in the fourth quarter of 2016. At March 31, 2018,2019, our business loans included $10.5$11.9 million in fixed and adjustable rate aircraft loans.

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. First Financial Northwest Bank is generally liability-sensitive, meaning our interest-bearing liabilities reprice at a faster rate than our interest-earning assets.

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 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 revenue earned on our wealth management brokerage services. This income is increased or partially offset by any net gain or loss on sales of investment securities.

34




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. OREO-related expenses consist primarily of maintenance and costs of utilities for the OREO inventory, market valuation adjustments, build-out expenses, gains and losses from OREO sales, legal fees, real estate taxes, and insurance related to the properties included in the OREO inventory. Professional fees include legal services, auditing and accounting services, computer support services, and other professional services in support of strategic plans. Occupancy and equipment expenses, which are the fixed and variable costs of buildings and equipment, consist primarily of real estate taxes, depreciation expenses, maintenance, and costs of utilities. Also included in noninterest expense are changesis the change to the Company’s unfunded commitment reserve which areis reflected in general and administrative expenses. 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.

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

36



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, the right-of-use asset and lease liability on our operating leases, fair values, and other-than-temporary impairments on the market value of investments and derivatives. 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 within the 20172018 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 20172018 Form 10-K.

Comparison of Financial Condition at March 31, 20182019 and December 31, 20172018

Total assets were $1.23$1.29 billion at March 31, 2018,2019, an increase of 1.3%2.8%, from $1.21$1.25 billion at December 31, 2017.2018. The following table details the $16.1$35.4 million net change in the composition of our assets at March 31, 20182019 from December 31, 2017.2018.
Balance at
March 31, 2018
 Change from December 31, 2017 Percent ChangeBalance at
March 31, 2019
 Change from December 31, 2018 Percent Change
(Dollars in thousands)(Dollars in thousands)
Cash on hand and in banks $6,595
 $(2,594) (28.2)%$9,366
 $1,244
 15.3 %
Interest-earning deposits with banks 13,954
 7,012
 101.0
14,596
 5,708
 64.2
Investments available-for-sale, at fair value142,872
 10,630
 8.0
138,658
 (3,512) (2.5)
Loans receivable, net 991,138
 2,476
 0.3
1,051,711
 28,807
 2.8
FHLB stock, at cost 9,450
 (432) (4.4)8,041
 731
 10.0
Accrued interest receivable3,981
 (103) (2.5)4,861
 793
 19.5
Deferred tax assets, net1,362
 151
 12.5
1,728
 (116) (6.3)
OREO483
 
 
454
 (29) (6.0)
Premises and equipment, net21,208
 594
 2.9
21,370
 39
 0.2
BOLI, net29,276
 249
 0.9
30,162
 321
 1.1
Prepaid expenses and other assets3,922
 (1,816) (31.6)4,947
 1,489
 43.1
Goodwill889
 
 
889
 
 
Core deposit intangible1,228
 (38) (3.0)1,079
 (37) (3.3)
Total assets $1,226,358
 $16,129
 1.3 %$1,287,862
 $35,438
 2.8 %

Interest-earning deposits with banks. Our interest-earning deposits with banks, consisting primarily of funds held at the Federal Reserve Bank of San Francisco (“FRB”), increased by $7.0$5.7 million from December 31, 20172018, to March 31, 2018. Our balance of these2019. These funds increasedfluctuate based on our funding needs. Growth in our customer deposits late in the first quarter of 2018 as a result of loan payoffs outpacing new originations, as well asthree months ended March 31, 2019 resulted in an increase in customer deposits.to our cash held at the FRB.

Investments available-for-sale. Our investments available-for-sale portfolio increaseddecreased by $10.6$3.5 million during the first three months of 2018. During this period, we purchased $16.1 million of securities which included one mortgage-backed security, one corporate bond, two asset-backed securities, and three U.S. government agency bonds. These purchases were made to complete the restructuring of our available-for-sale investment securities that began in December 2017, as well as to invest excess cash earning a nominal yield into higher-yielding assets. The purchases included certain longer-term securities as well as Community Reinvestment Act (“CRA”) qualified investments. During the three months ended March 31, 2018,2019. During this period, we did not sell anysold $3.0 million of our securities, howevermunicipal bonds and had a $2.0 million corporate bond paid off at maturity.$30,000 call on a U.S. government agency bond. At March 31, 2018,2019, corporate bonds issued by financial institutions represented $24.2$23.3 million, or 17.0%16.8% of our investments available-for-sale and municipal bonds represented $13.0$7.8 million, or 9.1%5.6% of our investments available-for-sale.

The effective duration of the investments available-for-sale at March 31, 2018,2019, was 3.3%2.78% as compared to 2.9%3.00% at December 31, 2017, partially due to the longer-term securities purchased during the quarter.2018. Effective duration is a measure that attempts to quantify the anticipated percentage change in the value of

35



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.


37



Loans receivable. Net loans receivable of $991.1increased by $28.8 million to $1.05 billion at March 31, 2018 increased $2.5 million2019, as compared to December 31, 2017.2018. Loan originations of $70.4$67.8 million included $29.6were supplemented with $17.6 million of one-to-four family residential loans, resulting in a net increase of $17.2 million inloan purchases, discussed below, to offset loan repayments and continue to grow our one-to-four family loan portfolio. We are focused on growingDuring the three months ended March 31, 2019, our one‑to‑four family portfolio with specific emphasis on loans for investment propertiesincreased by $9.4 million and to foreign nationals. Both of these sectors have challenges obtaining secondary market eligible loans, making them a desirable niche for our portfolio. In addition, multifamily and commercial real estate portfolio increased by $10.9 million. In addition, total construction/land loans increased by $5.5$6.0 million, business loans increased by $3.0 million and $4.9 million, respectively. The balance of our constructionconsumer loans increased by $1.4 million. Partially offsetting these increases, multifamily loans decreased by $35.0$1.5 million during the first three months of 2018, primarily due to a $20.0 million paydown in January 2018 of a construction/land loan.as pay downs and payoffs outpaced new loan originations for these loan types.

The growth in one-to-four family residential loans and decrease in construction/land loans have improved our commercial concentrations. AtOur loan concentrations remained stable at March 31, 2018 and2019 as compared to December 31, 2017,2018. At these dates, the Bank’s construction loans totaled 84.9%87.5% and 108.6%, respectively,81.9% of total capital, respectively, and total non-owner occupied commercial real estate was 484.8%460.9% and 514.0%, respectively,451.8% of total capital.capital, respectively. The Bank has set aggregate concentration guidelines that total commercial real estate, including residential, non‑residential, and construction, should not exceed 550% of total risk-based capital. Our concentration guideline for construction/land loans is to limit these loans to 100% of total risk-based capital. The concentration of construction/land loans is calculated using the funded balance of these loans and consequently can fluctuate based on the timing of construction draws and loan payoffs. Management reviews estimated construction draws and loan payoffs and adjusts loan originations based on these estimates to achieve compliance with our construction guidelines. Our commercial and multifamily real estate and construction/land loan portfolios are subject to ongoing credit reviews performed by both independent loan review staff, as well as an external third-party review firm to assist with identifying potential adverse trends and risks in the portfolio allowing management to initiate timely corrective action, as necessary. Such reviews also assist with ensuring loan risk grades are accurately assigned and thereby properly accounted for in the ALLL. The review places emphasis on large borrowing relationships, stress testing, compliance with loan covenants, as well as other risk factors warranting enhanced review.


36



The following table presents a breakdown of our commercial and construction loan portfolio by collateral type at March 31, 20182019 and December 31, 2017:2018:

March 31, 2018 December 31, 2017March 31, 2019 December 31, 2018
(In thousands)(In thousands)
Multifamily real estate:      
Multifamily, general$153,835
 $155,279
Micro-unit apartments$14,266
 $14,331
14,008
 14,076
Other multifamily176,126
 170,571
Total multifamily real estate190,392
 184,902
167,843
 169,355
      
Commercial real estate:      
Retail146,864
 131,222
Office107,966
 112,327
99,639
 100,495
Retail131,978
 129,875
Storage36,283
 32,462
Motel27,882
 28,035
Warehouse18,274
 25,398
Nursing home (1)
16,243
 16,315
Mobile home park20,783
 19,970
15,697
 16,003
Warehouse22,611
 22,701
Storage32,031
 32,201
Other non-residential51,405
 44,768
23,804
 23,889
Total commercial real estate366,774
 361,842
384,686
 373,819
      
Construction/land:      
One-to-four family residential97,779
 87,404
84,191
 86,604
Multifamily85,773
 108,439
87,748
 83,642
Commercial5,735
 5,325
22,400
 18,300
Land13,299
 36,405
6,965
 6,740
Total construction/land202,586
 237,573
201,304
 195,286
Total commercial, multifamily and construction/land loans$759,752
 $784,317
Total multifamily, commercial and construction/land loans$753,833
 $738,460

____________

(1) LIP for nursing home loans at December 31, 2018 was $21,000. There was no LIP on these loans at March 31, 2019.
38



The LIP related to our construction/land loans decreasedincreased by $6.9 million$341,000 as draws and payoffs of existing construction loans outpaced originations during the first quarter of 2018.three months ended March 31, 2019 outpaced draws on these loans. Included in total construction/land loans at March 31, 20182019, are $61.5$72.3 million of multifamily loans, $5.7$22.4 million of commercial real estate loans and $2.6$4.1 million of one-to-four family loans that will roll over to permanent loans at the completion of their construction period in accordance with the terms of the construction/land loan. At December 31, 2018, construction/land loans included $66.6 million of multifamily loans, $18.3 million of commercial real estate loans and $1.7 million of one-to-four family loans that roll over to permanent loans in accordance with the terms of the construction/land loan.

To assist in our strategic initiatives for loan growth and to achieve geographic diversification, the Bank will originate and purchase loans and utilize loan participations with the underlying collateral located within areas of Washington State outside our primary market area or in other states. The Bank’s goal with respect to loan participations is to locate a selling bank that is unable to make an entire loan due to legal or lending concentration limitations. Sellers of these loans are reviewed for management/lending experience, financial condition, asset quality metrics, and regulatory matters. Loans acquired through participation or purchase must meet the Bank’s underwriting standards. During the three months ended March 31, 2018,2019, the Bank purchased $815,000$17.6 million of one-to-four family residentialloans that included $16.6 million of commercial real estate loans secured by properties located outside of Washington State, and $1.0 million of consumer loans secured by automobiles to borrowers located in Washington State.and other states.
 
The majority of our loan portfolio continues to be secured by properties located in our primary market area, however a significant amount is secured by properties in other areas of Washington, in California, and in other states. At March 31, 2018, 2019,

37



total loans secured by collateral located in California represented 4.5%3.9% of our total loans, net of LIP and total loans secured by collateral located outside the states of California and Washington represented 7.2%9.9% of our total loans, net of LIP. The following table details geographic concentrations in our loan portfolio, net of LIP:

 At March 31, 2018 At March 31, 2019
 One-to-four family residential Multifamily Commercial real estate Construction/land Business Consumer Total One-to-Four Family Residential Multifamily Commercial Real Estate Construction/Land Business Consumer Total
 (In thousands) (In thousands)
King County $224,232
 $115,941
 $183,826
 $105,603
 $13,997
 $9,422
 $653,021
 $276,890
 $98,495
 $197,833
 $101,461
 $12,975
 $11,722
 $699,376
Pierce County 34,559
 10,548
 28,226
 7,915
 
 631
 81,879
 32,145
 5,076
 26,957
 8,761
 
 842
 73,781
Snohomish County 21,992
 3,217
 33,960
 171
 33
 334
 59,707
 23,596
 3,248
 21,037
 1,910
 2,952
 315
 53,058
Kitsap County 2,132
 1,513
 804
 2,834
 
 78
 7,361
 5,815
 1,484
 777
 2,241
 
 
 10,317
Other Washington Counties9,775
9,460
 25,172
 46,290
 137
 1,283
 491
 82,833
California 2,768
 17,782
 23,849
 
 376
 
 44,775
 2,717
 17,606
 19,862
 
 1,120
 105
 41,410
Other Washington Counties 9,484
 24,260
 49,647
 1,031
 1,328
 546
 86,296
Outside Washington
and California
(1)
 728
 17,131
 45,919
 
 8,503
 120
 72,401
 709
 16,762
 71,930
 
 15,183
 861
 105,445
Total loans, net of LIP $295,895
 $190,392
 $366,231
 $117,554
 $24,237
 $11,131
 $1,005,440
 $351,332
 $167,843
 $384,686
 $114,510
 $33,513
 $14,336
 $1,066,220
_______________
(1) Includes loans in Oregon, Arizona, Utah and 1923 other states.

Our five largest borrowing relationships, which represent 8.2%7.9% of our net loans, decreasedincreased by $5.6$4.6 million to $82.9$84.5 million at March 31, 20182019, from $88.5$79.9 million at December 31, 2017.2018. The total number of loans represented by this group of borrowers remained relatively stable at 18with 20 loans at March 31, 20182019, and 19 loans at December 31, 2017.2018. At March 31, 2018,2019, 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 March 31, 2018:2019:


39



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

Multifamily
Commercial
Real Estate

Construction/
Land
 Business
Aggregate
Balance of
Loans (3)
 Number
of Loans
 
One-to-Four Family
Residential
(2)
 Multifamily Commercial
Real Estate
 Construction/Land Business Consumer 
Aggregate
Balance of
Loans (3)

 (Dollars in thousands) (Dollars in thousands)
Real estate investor 5 $
 $8,738
 $13,423
 $
 $
 $22,161
 5
 $
 $8,574
 $13,194
 $
 $
 $
 $21,768
Real estate investor 4 
 
 
 6,886
 12,493
 19,379
 3
 420
 
 18,952
 
 
 
 19,372
Real estate investor 4 453
 
 14,039
 
 
 14,492
 6
 441
 
 14,468
 
 
 30
 14,939
Real estate investor 2 
 8,766
 
 4,854
 
 13,620
 3
 
 
 
 3,120
 11,149
 
 14,269
Real estate investor 3 448
 
 12,789
 
 
 13,237
 3
 
 5,054
 
 9,109
 
 
 14,163
Total 18 $901
 $17,504
 $40,251
 $11,740
 $12,493
 $82,889
 20
 $861
 $13,628
 $46,614
 $12,229
 $11,149
 $30
 $84,511
________
(1)
The composition of borrowers represented in the table may change between periods.
(2) 
All of the one-to-four family residential loans for these borrowers are for owner occupied properties. The commercial real estate loans are for non-owner occupied properties.
(3) 
Net of LIP.


38



The ALLL increased to $13.1$13.8 million at March 31, 2018,2019, from $12.9$13.3 million at December 31, 2017,2018, and represented 1.3%1.30% and 1.29% of total loans receivable, net of LIP at both March 31, 20182019, and December 31, 2017.2018, respectively. The ALLL consists of two components, the general allowance and the specific reserves. The increase in the ALLL was primarily the result of growth in our loan portfolio and consisted ofwith a $266,000$473,000 increase in the general reserve, partially offset byreserve. Specific reserves decreased $12,000 as a $40,000result of a decrease in the specific reserves.balance of our impaired loans. For additional information, see “Comparison of Operating Results for the Three Months Ended March 31, 20182019 and 20172018 - Provision for Loan Losses” discussed below.

We believe that the ALLL at March 31, 2018,2019, 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:

40



indicated, all of which were performing:

March 31, 2018
December 31, 2017
Three Month ChangeMarch 31, 2019 December 31, 2018 Three Month Change

(Dollars in thousands)(Dollars in thousands)
Total nonperforming TDRs










Performing TDRs:




     
One-to-four family residential11,904

13,434

(1,530)$5,656
 $6,941
 $(1,285)
Multifamily1,128

1,134

(6)
Commercial real estate3,173

3,194

(21)2,156
 2,415
 (259)
Consumer43

43



 43
 (43)
Total performing TDRs16,248

17,805

(1,557)7,812
 9,399
 (1,587)
Total TDRs$16,248

$17,805

$(1,557)$7,812
 $9,399
 $(1,587)
% TDRs classified as performing100.0%
100.0%
 100.0% 100.0%  

Our TDRs decreased $1.6 million at March 31, 2018,2019, compared to December 31, 2017,2018, as a result of principal repayments and loan payoffs. At March 31, 2018,2019, there were no TDRs on nonaccrual status. In addition, there were no committed but undisbursed funds in connection with our TDRs and impaired loans. The largest TDR relationship at March 31, 2018,2019, totaled $4.9$1.3 million and consisted of $4.2 million in one-to-four family residential rental properties and $735,000 in an ownerwas secured by a non-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 March 31, 2018,2019, total past due loans represented 0.02%0.03% of total loans receivable, as compared to 0.01%0.08% at December 31, 2017.2018.
    
Nonperforming assets remained stable withdecreased by $630,000 during the first three months of 2019, primarily as a balanceresult of $658,000 at March 31, 2018, compared to $662,000 at December 31, 2017.payoffs of two nonaccrual loans totaling $597,000. The following table presents detailed information on our nonperforming assets at the dates indicated:


39




March 31, 2018
December 31, 2017
Three Month ChangeMarch 31, 2019 December 31, 2018 Three Month Change

(Dollars in thousands)(Dollars in thousands)
Nonperforming loans:




     
One-to-four family residential$125

$128

$(3)$107
 $382
 $(275)
Commercial real estate
 326
 (326)
Consumer50

51

(1)44
 44
 
Total nonperforming loans175

179

(4)151
 752
 (601)






     
OREO483

483


454
 483
 (29)
Total nonperforming assets (1)
$658

$662

$(4)$605
 $1,235
 $(630)








     
Nonperforming assets as a
percent of total assets
0.05%
0.05%

0.05% 0.10%  
____________ 
(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 100.0% of our TDRs were performing in accordance with their restructured terms at March 31, 2018.2019.

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. Principal repayments onThe largest nonaccrual loans decreased the balance to $175,000loan at March 31, 2018, from $179,000 at December 31, 2017. There were no loan charge-offs or loans added to nonaccrual status during the first quarter of 2018.


41



The three2019 was a $107,000 owner occupied, single-family residence located in Snohomish County. Also included in nonaccrual loans in the loan portfolio at March 31, 2018, included2019, was a $124,000 one-to-four family residential loan secured by an owner occupied single family residence in Snohomish County, a $50,000$44,000 home equity second mortgage secured by an owner occupied single family residence in King County, and a $1,000 one-to-four family residential loan secured by an ownernon-owner occupied single family residence in King County. EachAt March 31, 2019, both of these loans iswere current on itstheir loan payments.

We continue to focus our efforts on working with borrowers to bring their loans current or 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 low ratio of our nonperforming assets as a percent of total assets of 0.05% at both March 31, 2018,2019, and 0.10% at December 31, 2017.2018, as well as the minimal amount of OREO held at March 31, 2019.

OREO. OREO includes properties acquired by the Bank through foreclosure or acceptance of a deed in lieu of foreclosure. At March 31, 2018,2019, and December 31, 2017,2018, OREO was $454,000 and $483,000, respectively, and consisted of two raw land propertiesundeveloped commercial lots located in Pierce County with carrying values of $270,000 and $213,000.

The following table presents a breakdown of our OREO by county and number of properties atCounty. During the three months ended March 31, 2018:

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

 $483
 $
 $
 $483
 2
 100.0%
Total OREO$
 $483
 $
 $
 $483
 2
 100.0%

(1) The two commercial real estate2019, a $29,000 write-down was recognized on these properties are undeveloped lots.as the result of an updated valuation analysis.

Intangible assets. The balance of goodwill was $889,000 at both March 31, 20182019 and December 31, 2017.2018. Goodwill was calculated as the excess purchase price of the branches acquired in the Branch AcquisitionAugust 2017 (the “Branch Acquisition”) over the fair value of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed at August 25, 2017.assumed.

The core deposit intangible (“CDI”) recorded as part of the Branch Acquisition represents the fair value of the customer relationships on the acquired noninterest-bearing checking, interest-bearing checking, savings, and money market accounts. The CDI balance was $1.2 million and $1.3$1.1 million at March 31, 20182019 and December 31, 2017, respectively.2018. The initial ratio of CDI to the acquired balances of core deposits was 2.23%. This amount amortizes into noninterest expense on an accelerated basis over ten years.
    
Deposits. During the first three months of 2018,2019, deposits increased $23.7$16.2 million to $863.2$955.3 million at March 31, 2018,2019, compared to $839.5$939.0 million at December 31, 2017.2018. Deposit accounts consisted of the following:
 March 31, 2018 Change from December 31, 2017 Percent Change
 (Dollars in thousands)
Noninterest-bearing$48,135
 $2,701
 5.9 %
Interest-bearing checking40,804
 2,580
 6.7
Statement savings26,388
 (2,068) (7.3)
Money market334,508
 15,872
 5.0
Certificates of deposit, retail337,906
 4,642
 1.4
Certificates of deposit, brokered75,488





$863,229

$23,727

2.8
Our geographic footprint continues to expand with growth in our branches both acquired and opened in 2017. The balances at our four acquired branches have remained stable with a net increase of $853,000 at March 31, 2018 compared to August 25, 2017, the acquisition date. In addition, our branch in the Crossroads community of Bellevue, Washington had an increase in deposits of $18.8 million during the first three months of 2018. The balance of money market and checking accounts

4240



 March 31, 2019 Change from December 31, 2018 Percent Change
 (Dollars in thousands)
Noninterest-bearing$46,026
 $(82) (0.2)%
Interest-bearing checking51,096
 11,017
 27.5
Statement savings23,770
 (1,029) (4.1)
Money market312,057
 (26,990) (8.0)
Certificates of deposit, retail398,956
 7,782
 2.0
Certificates of deposit, brokered123,367
 25,542
 26.1
 $955,272
 $16,240
 1.7
Our retail deposits decreased by $9.3 million during the three months ended March 31, 2019. Money market accounts declined by $27.0 million as a number of customers actively used their account funds for project development or home purchases during the quarter. Partially offsetting this decrease, interest-bearing checking accounts increased by $11.0 million as these accounts continue to increase steadily in response to our customer expansion and marketing efforts. Also contributing to the increase in funds, retail certificates of deposit increased by $7.8 million as we focus our marketing efforts on increasingthe Bank competitively priced select terms of these core deposits. Our growth to ten branch locations supports our goal to grow and diversify our deposit base.products for funding purposes.

OurTo further assist in our funding needs, our portfolio of brokered certificates of deposits remained at $75.5increased by $25.5 million to $123.4 million at March 31, 2018, unchanged2019, from $97.8 million at December 31, 2017. We may add2018. This increase was primarily the result of an opportunity to our portfolioraise funds in the brokered deposit market at an interest rate of these brokered deposits as a source of additional funding2.34% for three months, commencing in future periods.early March 2019. The Bank raised $35.0 million on those terms and used the funds to pay down overnight FHLB advances that cost approximately 2.60%. While brokered certificates of deposit may carry a higher cost than our retail certificates, their remaining maturity periods of 4up to 36 months,4.5 years, along with the enhanced call features on a portion of these deposits, assist us in our efforts to manage interest rate risk.

At March 31, 20182019 and December 31, 2017,2018, we held $22.2$25.7 million and $21.5$28.5 million in public funds, respectively, nearly all of which wereprimarily in retail certificates of deposit.deposit and money market accounts.

Advances. We use advances from the FHLB as an alternative funding source to manage interest rate risk and to leverage our balance sheet. Total FHLB advances were $200.0$163.5 million at March 31, 2018, down2019, a $17.0 million increase from $216.0$146.5 million at December 31, 2017.2018. At March 31, 2018,2019, the Bank had $150.0$108.5 million in borrowings that are due in less than one year and $50.0$55.0 million in borrowings that are due in onetwo to three years. Our short-termlong-term advances at March 31, 2018 included a $40.0 million2019, consisted of three Member Option Variable Rate advanceadvances that repricesreprice quarterly and allowsallow prepayment without penalties at the repricing date and $88.5date. In addition, we held $48.5 million in Fed Funds, bothovernight FHLB advances at that date. The repayment option on our Member Option Variable Rate advances and short term nature of which allowovernight FHLB advances provides us flexibility to adjust the level of our borrowings as our customer deposit balances grow. In addition,grow consistent with our totalasset/liability objectives. Our FHLB advances at March 31, 2018 wasalso include a $50.0 million three-month fixed-ratefixed rate three‑month advance that renews quarterly at the fixed interest rate in effect at that time designated as a hedge instrument in a cash flow hedge, as described below.

Cash Flow Hedge. To assist in managing interest rate risk, the Bank entered into a five-year, $50 million notional, pay fixed, receive floating cash flow hedge or interest rate swap with a qualified institution on October 25, 2016. Under the terms of the Cash Flow Hedge agreement, the Bank pays a fixed rate of 1.34% for five years and, in turn, receives an interest payment based on the three-month LIBOR index, which resets quarterly. Concurrently, the Bank borrowed a $50.0 million fixed rate three-month advance that will be renewed quarterly at the fixed interest rate in effect at that time. Effectiveness of the swap is evaluated quarterly with any ineffectiveness recognized as a gain or a loss on the income statement in noninterest income. A change in the fair value of the cash flow hedge is recognized as an other asset or other liability on the balance sheet with the tax-effected portion of the change included in other comprehensive income. At March 31, 2018,2019, we recognized a $2.2$1.2 million fair value asset as a result of the increase in the market value of the hedge agreement.

Stockholders’ Equity. Total stockholders’ equity increased $6.2decreased $2.0 million during the first three months of 20182019 to $148.8$151.7 million at March 31, 2018,2019, from $142.6$153.7 million at December 31, 2017.2018. The primary source of the increasedecrease was a $6.1 million increase in retained earnings asprimarily the result of $6.8common stock repurchases of $4.2 million as well as $807,000 in cash dividends paid to shareholders. Partially offsetting these decreases, net income of $1.9 million was recognized for the first quarterthree months ended March 31, 2019. In addition, other comprehensive income increased by $415,000, primarily due to improvements in the fair market value of 2018 partially offset by shareholder dividendsour available-for-sale investments. Stock based compensation resulted in a $569,000 increase to equity. New restricted stock awards resulted in 16,698 shares being issued, and the net settlement of $717,000, or $0.07 per share, paidpreviously granted restricted stock that vested during the three months ended March 31, 2018. Additional2019, resulted in the cancellation of 5,929 shares.

41




As part of the strategy to increase shareholder value, the Company’s Board of Directors authorized a stock repurchase plan that began on November 5, 2018 and expires on May 3, 2019. The plan authorizes the repurchase of up to 550,000 shares of commonthe Company’s stock were issued duringin accordance with a plan established under the first quarterguidelines specified under Rule 10b5-1 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 as administered through an independent broker. For the three months ended March 31, 2019, the Company repurchased 263,800 shares at an average cost of $15.76 per share. From the onset of the plan on November 5, 2018 withthrough March 31, 2019, the exerciseCompany has repurchased a total of 10,000 stock options and awarding467,700 shares at an average cost of 20,987 shares of restricted stock.$15.62 per share.

The following table shows cash dividends paid per share and the related dividend payout ratio for the periods indicated:
Three Months Ended March 31,Three Months Ended March 31,
2018 20172019 2018
      
Dividend declared per common share$0.07
 $0.06
$0.08
 $0.07
Dividend payout ratio (1)
10.5% 26.1%42.1% 10.5%
______________
(1) Dividends paid per common share divided by basic earnings per common share.     

Comparison of Operating Results for the Three Months Ended March 31, 20182019 and 20172018

General. Net income for the three months ended March 31, 20182019, was $6.8$1.9 million, or $0.66$0.19 per diluted share as compared to net income of $2.3$6.8 million, or $0.22$0.66 per diluted share for the quarter ended March 31, 2017. The $4.5 million increase in net income during the first quarter of 2018 was primarily the result of a $2.1 million increase in net interest income and the recognition of a $4.0 million recapture of provision for loan loss for the three months ended March 31, 2018, partially offset by2018. The $4.9 million decrease in net income during the three months ended March 31, 2019, was primarily the result of a $959,000 increase$400,000 provision for loan losses compared to a recapture of provision for loan losses of $4.0 million and $1.1 million decrease in noninterest expense.net interest income as compared to the three months ended March 31, 2018.


43



Net Interest Income. Net interest income for the quarterthree months ended March 31, 2018 increased $2.12019, decreased $1.1 million to $11.0$9.9 million as compared to $8.9from $11.0 million for the first quarter in 2017three months ended March 31, 2018. The decrease was due in partprimarily to the growth in the average balance of net loans outstanding between periods, partially offset by increased interest expense due to higher deposit balances and increasing short term interest rates. A significant contributor to this increase was the receipt of an additional $1.0 million in loan interest income during the first three months of 2018 from the payoff of the remaining balances on previously charged off loans. Our average interest earning assets

Interest income increased by $162.8 million and the average yield increased 46 basis points$458,000 for the first quarter of 2018,three months ended March 31, 2019, as compared to the same period in 2017. 2018, primarily as a result of a $37.5 million increase in the average balance of our interest-earning assets. Average loans receivable increased by $46.2 million, and was partially offset by a $1.8 million decrease in investments available-for-sale and a $5.2 million decrease in average interest-earning deposits, as lower yielding assets were converted to higher yielding loans. In addition, the average balance of FHLB stock decreased by $1.7 million as our required activity stock decreased due to lower average FHLB advances outstanding.

The average yield on our interest-earning assets was unchanged for the three months ended March 31, 2019 and 2018, remaining at 4.98% as the 15 basis point decrease in the average yield on our loan portfolio was offset by yield increases in our investments available‑for‑sale and interest-earning deposits. However, the 5.37% average yield on loans receivable for the first quarter ofthree months ended March 31, 2018 was unusually high as a result of the $1.0 million in interest received from the payoff of certain previously charged off loans. There wasloans, and no such additional interest income recognized in the quarterthree months ended March 31, 2017.2019. Loan originations during the same period in the prior year were generally made at higher market rates as compared to the existing loan portfolio. In addition, the volume of variable rate loans increased to 53.8% at March 31, 2019, from 50.2% at March 31, 2018, thereby generating higher yields from market rate increases over the past year.

The average balance of our interest-bearing liabilitiesInterest expense increased by $153.2$1.6 million duringfor the first quarter of 2018three months ended March 31, 2019, as compared to the same period in 20172018, primarily as our customera result of increases in the cost of interest-bearing liabilities, in particular money market deposits, certificates of deposit and borrowings increasedFHLB advances. In response to meetmarket rate increases, the funding needsaverage cost of our loan portfolio. Ininterest-bearing deposits increased by 61 basis points and the average cost of our FHLB advances increased by 60 basis points for the three months ended March 31, 2019, as compared to the same period in 2018. Also contributing to the increase in interest expense during these periods, the average balance of our interest-bearing deposits increased by $76.8 million, with $50.5 million of this from growth in our retail operations and $26.3 million from an increase in brokered certificates of deposit. Money market interest expense increased by $313,000 as a result of a 42 basis point increase in the average cost of these funds partially offset by a $9.7 million decrease in the average balance of these deposits. The cost of retail and brokered certificates of deposit increased by 78 and 63 basis points,

42



respectively, as the growth in the rates needed to compete for these deposits in the marketplace have increased in response to increases in the short-termFederal Funds targeted rate. The growth in our retail and brokered deposits more than met our funding needs, allowing the Bank to pay down certain FHLB advances resulting in a $47.6 million decrease in the average balance of these borrowings for the three months ended March 31, 2019, as compared to the same period in 2018.

The Company’s net interest margin and interest rate spread decreased by 59 basis points and 51 basis points, respectively, primarily due to increases in our cost of funds as our interest‑bearing liabilities generally reprice faster than our interest-earning assets in response to changes in market interest rates,rates. For more information on this, see “How We Measure the costRisk of our interest-bearing liabilities has increased by 24 basis points between these same time periods.Interest Rate Changes” in Item 3 of this report.

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 March 31, 2018
Compared to March 31, 2017
Net Change
Three Months Ended March 31, 2019
Compared to March 31, 2018
Net Change in Interest

Rate
Volume
TotalRate Volume Total

(In thousands)(In thousands)
Interest-earning assets:




     
Loans receivable, net$1,064

$1,951

$3,015
$(372) $611
 $239
Investments available-for-sale(3)
87

84
242
 (12) 230
Interest-earning deposits with banks17

(23)
(6)19
 (17) 2
FHLB stock6

16

22
5
 (18) (13)
Total net change in income on interest-earning assets1,084

2,031

3,115
(106) 564
 458






     
Interest-bearing liabilities:




     
Interest-bearing demand(9)
15

6
(6) 2
 (4)
Statement savings(2)


(2)
 (1) (1)
Money market320

162

482
336
 (23) 313
Certificates of deposit, retail150

(67)
83
760
 205
 965
Certificates of deposit, brokered16
 
 16
160
 113
 273
Advances from the FHLB312

96

408
239
 (195) 44
Total net change in expense on interest-bearing liabilities787

206

993
1,489
 101
 1,590
Total net change in net interest income$297

$1,825

$2,122
$(1,595) $463
 $(1,132)

The $3.0 million increase in loan interest income during the first quarter of 2018, as compared to the same period in 2017, was a combined result of a $160.5 million increase in the average outstanding loan balance with an increase in the average loan yield of 44 basis points. While a portion of the yield increase was due to the receipt of $1.0 million in additional interest income discussed above, loan originations during the past year at generally higher market rates, and the variable rate nature of our construction loan portfolio also helped to increase the average yield on our loan portfolio.
Interest expense increased by $993,000 for the three months ended March 31, 2018, as compared to the same period in 2017, primarily as a result of increases in the average balance of interest-bearing liabilities, in particular money market interest deposits and FHLB advances. The average balance of our interest-bearing liabilities increased $153.2 million for the three months ended March 31, 2018, as compared to the three months ended March 31, 2017 to support the growth in our financial assets. The average balance of deposits increased by $116.2 million for the three months ended March 31, 2018 as compared to the same period in 2017. Money market interest expenses increased by $482,000 as a result of a $120.3 million increase in the average balance combined with a 39 basis point increase in the cost of these funds. We have focused on increasing our core deposits, with a large portion of the growth coming from our Branch Acquisition in 2017 where 43.8% of the funds were in money market

4443



accounts. The average cost of our interest-bearing deposits increased by 15 basis points for the three months ended March 31, 2018 as compared to the same period in 2017.

In further support of our asset growth, average borrowings at the FHLB increased by $37.0 million to $208.5 million for the three months ended March 31, 2018, and the average cost of these funds increased 61 basis points as compared to the same period in 2017. At March 31, 2018, the Bank held $88.5 million in overnight advances and $40.0 million in a Member Option Variable Rate advance that reprices quarterly. In addition, as discussed above, to assist in managing interest rate risk, on October 25, 2016, the Bank entered into a five-year, $50.0 million notional, pay fixed, receive floating cash flow hedge or interest rate swap at a fixed rate of 1.34% for five years and concurrently borrowed a $50.0 million fixed rate three-month advance that renews quarterly at the fixed interest rate in effect at that time. At March 31, 2018, this hedge continued to provide us with the intended interest rate risk protection in a rising interest rate environment.

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 March 31, 20182019 and 2017.2018. Nonaccrual loans are included in the average balance of net loans receivable and are considered to carry a zero yield.
Three Months Ended March 31,Three Months Ended March 31,
2018 20172019 2018
Average
Balance
 Interest Earned / Paid Yield /
Cost
 Average
Balance
 Interest Earned / Paid Yield /
Cost
Average
Balance
 Interest Earned / Paid Yield /
Cost
 Average
Balance
 Interest Earned / Paid Yield /
Cost
(Dollars in thousands)(Dollars in thousands)
Assets                      
Loans receivable, net $985,799
 $13,042
 5.37% $825,251
 $10,027
 4.93%$1,031,994
 $13,281
 5.22% $985,799
 $13,042
 5.37%
Investments available-for-sale142,236
 929
 2.65
 128,993
 845
 2.66
140,433
 1,159
 3.35
 142,236
 929
 2.65
Interest-earning deposits with banks 11,717
 38
 1.32
 24,233
 44
 0.74
6,484
 40
 2.50
 11,717
 38
 1.32
FHLB stock 9,593
 104
 4.40
 8,034
 82
 4.14
7,888
 91
 4.68
 9,593
 104
 4.40
Total interest-earning assets 1,149,345
 14,113
 4.98
 986,511
 10,998
 4.52
1,186,799
 14,571
 4.98
 1,149,345
 14,113
 4.98
Noninterest earning assets69,073
     59,962
    72,103
     69,073
    
Total average assets$1,218,418
     $1,046,473
    $1,258,902
     $1,218,418
    
                      
Liabilities and Stockholders' Equity                      
Interest-bearing demand$38,350
 $22
 0.23% $19,481
 $16
 0.33%$42,579
 $18
 0.17% $38,350
 $22
 0.23%
Statement savings27,342
 9
 0.13
 28,072
 11
 0.16
24,146
 8
 0.13
 27,342
 9
 0.13
Money market330,141
 765
 0.94
 209,843
 283
 0.55
320,411
 1,078
 1.36
 330,141
 765
 0.94
Certificates of deposit, retail333,130
 1,155
 1.41
 355,414
 1,072
 1.22
392,337
 2,120
 2.19
 333,130
 1,155
 1.41
Certificates of deposit, brokered75,488
 325
 1.75
 75,488
 309
 1.66
101,787
 598
 2.38
 75,488
 325
 1.75
Total interest-bearing deposits804,451
 2,276
 1.15
 688,298
 1,691
 1.00
881,260
 3,822
 1.76
 804,451
 2,276
 1.15
Advances from the FHLB and other borrowings208,544
 853
 1.66
 171,500
 445
 1.05
160,950
 897
 2.26
 208,544
 853
 1.66
Total interest-bearing liabilities1,012,995
 3,129
 1.25
 859,798
 2,136
 1.01
1,042,210
 4,719
 1.84
 1,012,995
 3,129
 1.25
Noninterest bearing liabilities60,637
     46,129
    63,842
     60,637
    
Average equity144,786
     140,546
    152,850
     144,786
    
Total average liabilities and equity$1,218,418
     $1,046,473
    $1,258,902
     $1,218,418
    
Net interest income  $10,984
     $8,862
    $9,852
     $10,984
  
Net interest margin    3.88%     3.64%    3.37%     3.88%

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

45



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 or a concession is granted that reduces the value of the loan. The specific reserves are computed using discounted cash flows, 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 quarterthree months ended March 31, 2018,2019, management evaluated the adequacy of the ALLL and concluded that a recapture of provision for loan losses in the amount of $400,000 was appropriate, primarily as a result of a $28.8 million increase in total loans receivable, net of LIP. In comparison, during the three months ended March 31, 2018, a $4.0 million recapture of provision for

44



loan losses was appropriate for the quarter. During this period,recognized as a result of $4.3 million in recoveries were received. The recoveries werereceived on previously charged off loans, partially offset by increasesan increase to the allowance for loan losses related to the $2.7 million increase in the balance of our total loans receivable, net of LIP. In comparison, a provision for loan losses of $200,000 was recorded for the quarter ended March 31, 2017, primarily as a result of a $23.9 million increase in the balance of our total loans receivable, net of LIP, for this period.

The following table summarizes selected financial data related to our ALLL and loan portfolio. All loan balances and ratios are calculated using loan balances that are net of LIP.

At or For the Three Months Ended March 31,At or For the Three Months Ended March 31,

2018
20172019
2018
(Dollars in thousands)(Dollars in thousands)
Total loans receivable, net of LIP, end of period$1,005,440
 $852,104
$1,066,220
 $1,005,440
Average loans receivable during period985,799
 825,251
1,031,994
 985,799
ALLL balance at beginning of period12,882
 10,951
13,347
 12,882
(Recapture) provision for loan losses(4,000) 200
Provision (recapture) for loan losses400
 (4,000)
Charge-offs:

     
Total charge-offs
 

 
Recoveries:

     
One-to-four family4,240
 7
24
 4,240
Commercial real estate14
 

 14
Consumer37
 
Total recoveries4,254
 7
61
 4,254
Net recovery4,254
 7
61
 4,254
ALLL balance at end of period$13,136
 $11,158
$13,808
 $13,136
ALLL as a percent of total loans, net of LIP1.31% 1.31%1.30% 1.31%
Ratio of net recoveries to average net loans receivable1.75
 
0.01
 1.75

Noninterest Income. Noninterest income increased $111,000$54,000 to $700,000 for the quarter ended March 31, 2019, from $646,000 for the quarter ended March 31, 2018, from $535,000 for the quarter ended March 31, 2017.2018. The following table provides a detailed analysis of the changes in the components of noninterest income:
Three Months Ended March 31, 2018 Change from Three Months Ended
March 31, 2017
 Percent ChangeThree Months Ended March 31, 2019 Change from Three Months Ended
March 31, 2018
 Percent Change
(Dollars in thousands)(Dollars in thousands)
Net loss on sale of investments$(8) $(8)  %
BOLI change in cash surrender value249
 48
 23.9 %269
 20
 8.0
Wealth management revenue99
 (41) (29.3)196
 97
 98.0
Deposit related fees161
 90
 126.8
171
 10
 6.2
Loan related fees134
 14
 11.7
63
 (71) (53.0)
Other 3
 
 
9
 6
 200.0
Total noninterest income $646
 $111
 20.7 %$700
 $54
 8.4 %

46




The increase in noninterest income forDuring the quarterthree months ended March 31, 2019, as compared to the three months ended March 31, 2018, compared to the quarter ended March 31, 2017, was primarily thewealth management revenue increased by $97,000 as a result of a $90,000 increase in deposit related fees. The addition of four acquired branches and continued growth in our existing branches over the past year resulted in a corresponding increase in ATM and debit card related fees as well as other fees from an increase in transaction volume.

the total assets managed by our wealth management division and regular fluctuations in the timing and mix of commissions received on serviced accounts. Noninterest income from our BOLI policies increased by $48,000 as a result of annual dividends received during the purchase of $4.3 million of new BOLI policies in the second quarter of 2017. Partially offsetting this increase in noninterest income, our wealth management services revenue decreased by $41,000 for the quarterthree months ended March 31, 2019, as compared to lower income for the three months ended March 31, 2018 as policy expenses were deducted from earnings over the first year subsequent to the purchase date of certain policies in 2017.


45



Partially offsetting these increases, loan related fees decreased $71,000 for the three months ended March 31, 2019 as compared to the same period in 2017 due to2018, primarily as a reductionresult of additional fees collected on interest rate swap agreements and other loan fees collected in fee revenue received and a reduction in sales staff.the first three months of 2018.

Noninterest Expense. Noninterest expense increased $959,000$682,000 to $7.7 million for the three months ended March 31, 2019, from $7.0 million for the quarter ended March 31, 2018, from $6.1 million for the comparable quarterperiod in 2017.2018.

The following table provides a detailed analysis of the changes in the components of noninterest expense:
Three Months Ended March 31, 2018 Change from Three Months Ended
March 31, 2017
 Percent ChangeThree Months Ended March 31, 2019 Change from Three Months Ended
March 31, 2018
 Percent Change
(Dollars in thousands)(Dollars in thousands)
Salaries and employee benefits$4,662
 $377
 8.8 %$5,000
 $338
 7.3 %
Occupancy and equipment 769
 289
 60.2
866
 97
 12.6
Professional fees 328
 (111) (25.3)496
 168
 51.2
Data processing 324
 84
 35.0
518
 194
 59.9
OREO related expenses, net1
 (39) (97.5)31
 30
 3,000.0
Regulatory assessments155
 59
 61.5
137
 (18) (11.6)
Insurance and bond premiums 106
 7
 7.1
105
 (1) (0.9)
Marketing107
 59
 122.9
86
 (21) (19.6)
Other general and administrative575
 234
 68.6
470
 (105) (18.3)
Total noninterest expense $7,027
 $959
 15.8 %$7,709
 $682
 9.7 %

Expenses for salaries and employee benefits increased $377,000$338,000 for the first quarter of 2018,three months ended March 31, 2019, as compared to the same period in 2017. As2018, as a result of annual employee salary increases and increased staff to support of our de novo branches, the Branch Acquisitiongrowth and the development of new products, the number of full time employees increased to 144 at March 31, 2018, from 121 at March 31, 2017.products. In addition to the impact on employee expenses, the increase in the number of our branch locations over the last year resulted in a $289,000$97,000 increase in occupancy and equipment expenses. Professional fees for legal, accounting and other services increased by $168,000 in support of our expanded operations and additional tax planning research to maximize our benefit from the 2017 Tax Act. Data processing expense increased by $194,000 as a result of additional core processor fees and computer software to support growth and improve our network security.

OtherPartially offsetting these increases, other general and administrative expenses increaseddecreased by $234,000$105,000 for the three months ended March 31, 2018, as compared to the three months ended March 31, 2017, primarily2019 as a result of operational growth and our branch expansion. The largest increase occurred duethe receipt of $125,000 from an insurance claim related to a $49,000 increasethe $225,000 fraud loss reported in state taxes resulting from increased income and the additionfourth quarter of California state taxes as a result of our California based loans. In addition, the CDI recognized from our Branch Acquisition amortizes over ten years, resulting in $38,000 in noninterest expense for the three months ended March 31, 2018.

Federal Income Tax Expense. As of January 1, 2018, our statutoryIncome before federal income tax rate was 21%,taxes decreased by $6.2 million for the three months ended March 31, 2019 as compared to 35%the same period in 2018 due to lower pre-tax net income, resulting in a $1.3 million decrease in the provision for prior years.income taxes for the three months ended March 31, 2019. We recorded federal income tax provisions of $498,000 and $1.8 million and $785,000 for the three months ended March 31, 2019, and 2018, and 2017, respectively, primarily as a result of our pre-tax net income. During the first three months of 2018 and 2017, the exercise of certain stock options resulted in a tax benefit, partially offsetting the quarterly tax provision.respectively.

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.


47



Our primary sources of funds are customer deposits, cash flow from the loan and investment portfolios, advances from the FHLB, and to a lesser extent, brokered certificates of deposit. These funds, together with equity, are used to make loans, acquire investment securities and other assets, and fund continuing operations. At March 31, 2018,2019, retail certificates of deposit of $169.9 million and brokered certificates of deposit of $68.7 million were scheduled to mature in one year or less totaled $180.2 million.less. 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

46



reasonable prices or in a reasonable time frame to meet our normal or unanticipated obligations. We regularly monitor the mix between our assets and our liabilities to manage effectively our liquidity and funding requirements.

When deposits are not readily available and/or cost effective to provide the funds for our assets, we use alternative funding sources. These sources include, but are not limited to: advances from the FHLB or the FRB, which are collateral dependent, wholesale funding, national certificates of deposit listing services, brokered deposits, federal funds purchased and dealer repurchase agreements, as well as other short-term alternatives. We may also liquidate assets to meet our funding needs. The balance of our investments available-for-sale increased $10.6decreased $3.5 million from December 31, 2017, to $142.9$138.7 million at March 31, 2019, from December 31, 2018, and represents a ready source of cash if needed. The balance of our interest-earning deposits with banks increased by $7.0$5.7 million to $14.6 million at March 31, 2019, from December 31, 2017 to March 31, 2018, as we continued to transfer excess cash into higher yielding assets.a result of fluctuations in our funding needs for loans receivable and retail deposits. At March 31, 2018,2019, the Bank maintained credit facilities with the FHLB totaling $422.9$562.8 million, with an outstanding balance of $200.0$163.5 million. At March 31, 2018,As further funding sources, we also had available a total ofthe ability to borrow $95.8 million from the FRB and $35.0 million from unused lines of credit facilities with other financial institutions, with no balance outstanding.outstanding at March 31, 2019. 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 March 31, 20182019, of $75.5$123.4 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, many of our certificates of deposit acquired in the brokered market limits the depositor ability to withdraw the funds before the end of the term (except in the case of death or adjudication of incompetence of a depositor) which greatly reduces early redemption risk associated with retail deposits. This strategy may include, but is not necessarily limited to, raising longer term deposits (with terms greater than three years) that assist the Bank in its interest rate risk management efforts. At March 31, 2018,2019, brokered certificates of deposit had a remaining maturity of 4up to 34 months. Most4.5 years. Some of 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 requirements related to the ability of the Bank to pay dividends. At March 31, 2018,2019, the Company (on an unconsolidated basis) had liquid assets of $17.1$18.3 million and short-term liabilities of $145,000.$205,000.

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

Commitments and Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements

We are a party to financial instruments with off-balance sheet risk in the normal course of business to meet the financing needs of our customers. These financial instruments include commitments to extend credit and the unused portions of lines of credit. These instruments involve, to varying degrees, elements of credit and interest rate risk in excess of the amount recognized in the consolidated financial statements. Commitments to extend credit and lines of credit are not recorded as an asset or liability by us until the instrument is exercised. At March 31, 20182019 and December 31, 2017,2018, 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 the extension of credit, is based on our credit evaluation of the

48



customer. The amount and type of collateral required varies, but may include real estate and income-producing commercial properties.
    

47



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 March 31, 2018:2019:
  Amount of Commitment Expiration  Amount of Commitment Expiration
Total Amounts Committed Through One Year After One Through Three Years After Three Through Five Years After Five YearsTotal Amounts Committed Through One Year After One Through Three Years After Three Through Five Years After Five Years
(In thousands)(In thousands)
Commitments to originate loans $960
 $960
 $
 $
 $
$4,545
 $4,315
 $230
 $
 $
Unused portion of lines of credit �� 30,506
 4,600
 12,089
 2,442
 11,375
Unused portion of lines of credit 36,588
 10,390
 7,660
 2,364
 16,174
Undisbursed portion of construction loans85,576
 49,809
 35,767
 
 
86,794
 48,202
 38,592
 
 
Total commitments$117,042
 $55,369
 $47,856
 $2,442
 $11,375
$127,927
 $62,907
 $46,482
 $2,364
 $16,174

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

As of March 31, 2018,2019, the Bank had eightten operating leases with remaining terms of 2917 months to seven6 years which carry minimum lease payments of $39,000$51,000 per month. All eightten leases offer extension periods. Duringperiods, and include a new leased branch in Kent, Washington, which opened in the first quarter of 2018, the Bank moved the branch offices in Lake Stevens and Smokey Point, Washington to2019, as well as a new leased facilities in those communities, replacing the assumed leases from our 2017 Branch Acquisition. A newlease secured for a branch office expected to open later in Bothell, Washington officially opened2019 in April 2018.Kirkland, Washington.
    
First Financial Northwest and its subsidiaries from time to time are involved in various claims and legal actions arising in the ordinary course of business. There are currently no matters that in the opinion of management would have a material adverse effect on First Financial Northwest’s consolidated financial position, results of operation, or liquidity.

Capital

At March 31, 2018,2019, stockholders’ equity totaled $148.8$151.7 million, or 12.1%11.8% of total assets. Our book value per share of common stock was $13.80$14.50 at March 31, 2018,2019, compared to $13.27$14.35 at December 31, 2017.2018. Consistent with our goal to operate a sound and profitable financial organization, we actively seek to maintain a “well-capitalized” status in accordance with regulatory standards.

As of March 31, 2018,2019, the Bank and consolidated Company exceeded all regulatory capital requirements and the Bank was considered “well capitalized” under regulatory capital guidelines of the FDIC. Effective September 30, 2018, the Bank is no longer required to file consolidated capital ratios as part of the Federal Reserve Bank’s regulatory filings. The following table provides ourthe Bank’s capital requirements and actual results.


49



 At March 31, 2018
 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$126,836
 10.44% $48,603
 4.00% $60,753
 5.00%
Consolidated148,206
 12.18
 48,687
 4.00
 60,859
 5.00
Common equity tier I ("CET1") (to risk-weighted assets)           
Bank only126,836
 13.13
 43,469
 4.50
 62,789
 6.50
Consolidated148,206
 15.31
 43,552
 4.50
 62,909
 6.50
Tier I risk-based capital (to risk-weighted assets)           
Bank only126,836
 13.13
 57,959
 6.00
 77,278
 8.00
Consolidated148,206
 15.31
 58,070
 6.00
 77,426
 8.00
Total risk-based capital (to risk-weighted assets)           
Bank only138,929
 14.38
 77,278
 8.00
 96,598
 10.00
Consolidated160,322
 16.57
 77,426
 8.00
 96,783
 10.00
 At March 31, 2019
 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)$129,415
 10.28% $50,344
 4.00% $62,930
 5.00%
Common equity tier I ("CET1") (to risk-weighted assets)129,415
 13.13
 44,352
 4.50
 64,064
 6.50
Tier I risk-based capital (to risk-weighted assets)129,415
 13.13
 59,136
 6.00
 78,848
 8.00
Total risk-based capital (to risk-weighted assets)141,759
 14.38
 78,848
 8.00
 98,560
 10.00

In addition to the minimum CET1, Tier 1I total capital and leverage ratios, the Bank is required to maintain a capital conservation buffer consisting of additional CET1 capital greater than 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 newAt March 31, 2019, the Bank’s 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 to an amount equal to 2.5% of risk-weighted assets in January 2019. As of March 31, 2018, the conservation buffer was 1.25% and First Financial Northwest’s and the Bank’s conservation buffer was 8.57% and 6.38%, respectively..



48



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 incomerate spread by managing the differences in terms between interest-earning assets and interest-bearing liabilities while maintaining acceptable levels of liquidity, capital adequacy, interest rate sensitivity,risk, credit risk, and profitability. The policy established an Investment, Asset/Liability Committee (“ALCO,”) comprised of certain members of senior management and the Board of Directors. The Committee’s purpose is to manage,communicate, coordinate and communicatemanage our asset/liability position consistent with our business plan and Board-approved policy.policies. 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, theThe Committee also reviews current and projected liquidity needs. As part of its procedures, the ALCOCommittee regularly reviews our interest rate risk by modelingforecasting the impact that changes in interest rates may have on earnings, particularly net interest income. Theincome and the market value of portfolio equity, which is defined as the net present value of an institution’s existing assets, less its liabilities and

50



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

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

we are originating shorter term higher yielding loans, whenever possible;
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;
we have added adjustable-rate loans to our loan portfolio;
we utilize brokered certificates of deposit with a call option as a funding source; and
we have utilized an interest rate swap to effectively fix the rate on $50.0 million of FHLB advances.

We have evaluated the use of 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. On October 25, 2016, the Bank entered into a Cash Flow Hedge agreement to effectively fix the rate for five years on $50.0 million of short-term FHLB advances. We are using this interest rate swap as a tool to lower the cost of certain FHLB advances as compared to the fixed rates offered by the FHLB for its longer term advances. At March 31, 2018,2019, pursuant to the Cash Flow Hedge agreement we held a $50.0 million notional pay fixed, receive floating cash flow hedge. The Bank pays a fixed rate of 1.34% for five years and in turn, will receivereceives an interest payment based on three-month LIBOR, which resets quarterly. The hedge instrument is a $50.0 million FHLB fixed-rate three-month advance that is renewed at the fixed rate at that time.maturity. Entering into this hedge agreement has allowed the Bank to secure fixed rate funding at a lower cost than a traditional five-year fixed rate FHLB advance. We will continue to review similar instruments and may utilize them for interest rate risk management in the future.

Interest rate contracts, however, 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 any interest rate swaps we enter into prove ineffective, it could

49



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. Management utilizes 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 measureby measuring the change inimpact of changes to net interest income in varyingmultiple rate environments. Management retains the services of a third party consultant with over 30 years of experience in asset-liability management to assist in its interest rate risk and asset-liability management. Management uses various assumptions to evaluate the sensitivity of the market value of our operationsassets and liabilities 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 differsresults differ 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. AFurther, a portion of our adjustable-rate loans have interest rate floors below which the loan’s contractual interest rate may not adjust. Approximately 50.2%53.8% of our total loans, net of LIP, were adjustable-rate loans at March 31, 2018.2019. At that date, $200.7$259.9 million, or 39.7%45.3% of these loans were at their floor, with a weighted-average interest rate of 4.17%4.46%.


51



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 further risk that our interest income may not increase as rapidly as our cost of funds during periods of increasing interest rates. Furthermore,Further, in the event of a significant change in interest rates, prepayment and early withdrawal levels would likely deviate from those assumed. Finally, the ability of many borrowers to service their debt may decrease in the event of an interest rate increase. We consider all these factors in monitoring our interest rate exposure.

The assumptions we use are based upon a combination of proprietary and market data that reflect historical results and current market conditions. These assumptions relate to interest rates, 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 isrates except for time deposits. Time deposits which are modeled to reprice to market rates upon their stated maturities. We also assume that non-maturity depositsdeposit rates 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 demonstratedobserved in the past that the tiering structure of our deposit accounts during changing rate environments results inhave 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).changes. 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 and 200 basis points. Reductions of ratesA decline by 200 and 300 basis points were not reported due toas the current lowtargeted federal funds rate environment.is between 2.25% and 2.50%.

The following table illustrates the estimated change in our net interest income atover the next 12 months from March 31, 20182019, that would occur in the event of an instantaneousimmediate 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.

50



    
Net Interest Income Change at March 31, 2018
Net Interest Income Change at March 31, 2019Net Interest Income Change at March 31, 2019
Basis Point Change in Rates Net Interest Income % Change Net Interest Income % Change
(Dollars in thousands)
+300 $37,257
 (4.50)% $37,311
 (0.78)%
+200 37,842
 (3.00) 37,425
 (0.48)
+100 38,497
 (1.33) 37,613
 0.02
Base 39,014
 
 37,606
 
(100) 38,495
 (1.33) 38,270
 1.77
(200) 38,164
 1.48

The following table illustrates the change in our net portfolio value (“NPV”) at March 31, 20182019, 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       Net Portfolio as % of Market
Change in 
Net Portfolio Value (1)
 Portfolio Value of Assets Value of 
Net Portfolio Value (1)
 Portfolio Value of Assets Value of
Rates Amount 
$ Change (2)
 % Change 
NPV Ratio (3)
 
% Change (4)
 
Assets (5)
 Amount 
$ Change (2)
 % Change 
NPV Ratio (3)
 
% Change (4)
 
Assets (5)
 (Dollars in thousands) (Dollars in thousands)
+300 $127,416
 $(39,570) (23.70)% 11.27% (3.26)% $1,130,379
 $125,020
 $(34,567) (21.66)% 10.45% (2.69)% $1,196,933
+200 139,970
 (27,016) (16.18) 12.09
 (2.22) 1,157,260
 136,453
 (23,134) (14.50) 11.14
 (1.80) 1,225,328
+100 154,538
 (12,448) (7.45) 13.02
 (1.02) 1,186,939
 149,570
 (10,017) (6.28) 11.91
 (0.78) 1,256,072
Base 166,986
 
 
 13.74
 
 1,215,244
 159,587
 
 
 12.42
 
 1,284,526
(100) 172,429
 5,443
 3.26
 13.89
 0.45
 1,240,976
 165,898
 6,311
 3.95
 12.67
 0.49
 1,309,012
(200) 163,790
 4,203
 2.63
 12.31
 0.33
 1,330,354
_____________ 


52



(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 the market value of 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.

At March 31, 2018,2019, other than the interest rate swap we entered into through the Cash Flow Hedge agreement, we did not have any derivative financial instruments or trading accounts for any class of financial instruments, nor have we engaged in any other hedging activities or purchased off-balance sheet derivative instruments. However, we continue to review such instruments

51



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 March 31, 2018,2019, our disclosure controls and procedures were effective in ensuring that the information required to be disclosed by us in the reports we file or submit under the Exchange Act is (i) accumulated and communicated to our management (including the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer) in a timely manner and (ii) recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the SEC’s rules and forms.

(b)
Changes in Internal Controls: In the quarter ended March 31, 2018,2019, 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.

53




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 20172018 Form 10-K.

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

(a)     Not applicable

(b)     Not applicable


(c)    Not applicableThe following table summarizes First Financial Northwest’s common stock repurchases during the three months ended March 31, 2019, under the repurchase plan effective November 5, 2018 through May 3, 2019:

52



Period Total Number of Shares Purchased Average Price Paid per Share Total Number of Shares Repurchased as Part of Publicly Announced Plan Maximum Number of Shares that May Yet Be Repurchased Under the Plan
January 1 - January 31, 2019 124,900
 $15.68
 124,900
 221,200
February 1 - February 28, 2019 71,300
 15.78
 71,300
 149,900
March 1 - March 31, 2019 67,600
 15.90
 67,600
 82,300
  263,800
 15.76
 263,800
 82,300
On October 25, 2018, the Board of Directors authorized the repurchase of up to 550,000 shares of the Company’s common stock, or 5% of the Company’s outstanding shares. The plan allows for the repurchase from November 5, 2018 through May 3, 2019, under a pre-arranged stock trading plan in accordance with guidelines specified under Rule 10b5-1 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. Repurchases under the Company’s Rule 10b5-1 plan are administered through an independent broker subject to SEC requirements as well as a certain price, market volume, and timing constraints as specified in the plan. At March 31, 2019, the Company had repurchased a total of 467,700 shares since the onset of the plan on November 5, 2018, at an average price of $15.62 per share.

Item 3. Defaults Upon Senior Securities

Not applicable.

Item 4. Mine Safety Disclosures

Not applicable.

Item 5. Other Information

Not applicable.

5453




Item 6. Exhibits and Financial Statement Schedules
 
(a)       Exhibits
 
3.1
 
3.2
 
4.0
 
10.1
 
10.2
 
10.3
 
10.4
 
10.5
 
10.6
 
10.7
 
10.8
 
10.9
 
10.10
10.11
10.12
 
10.13
10.14
10.15
31.1
 
31.2
 
32
 
101
 
The following materials from First Financial Northwest’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2018,2019, 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 on June 6, 2007 (333-143539)
(2) 
Filed as an exhibit to First Financial Northwest’s Current Report on Form 8-K dated June 15, 2017.April 3, 2019.
(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 July 11, 2017.
(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 June 15, 2016.
(8) 
Filed as an exhibit to First Financial Northwest’s Current Report on Form 8-K dated July 1, 2008.
(9) 
Filed as an exhibit to First Financial Northwest’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for March 31, 2018 filed on May 8, 2018.
(10)
Filed as an exhibit to First Financial Northwest’s Registration Statement on Form S-8 on June 15, 2016 (333-212029)
(11)
Filed as an exhibit to First Financial Northwest’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for September 30, 2018 filed November 7, 2018.
(12)
Filed as an exhibit to First Financial Northwest’s Current Report on Form 8-K dated September 8, 2017.December 20, 2018.
(13)
Filed as an exhibit to First Financial Northwest’s Current Report on Form 8-K dated January 3, 2019.


5554



SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.
 
 FIRST FINANCIAL NORTHWEST, INC. 
 
 
 
 
 
Date: May 8, 20189, 2019By: /s/Joseph W. Kiley III
  Joseph W. Kiley III
  President and Chief Executive Officer (Principal Executive Officer)
Date: May 8, 20189, 2019By: /s/Richard P. Jacobson
  Richard P. Jacobson
  Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer (Principal Financial Officer)
   
Date: May 8, 20189, 2019By: /s/Christine A. Huestis
  Christine A. Huestis
  Vice President and Controller (Principal Accounting Officer)

5655




Exhibit Index

Exhibit No. Description
10.10
31.1
 
31.2
 
32
 
101
 
The following materials from First Financial Northwest’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2018,2019, 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.




5756