First Financial Northwest, Inc. Reports Third Quarter Net Income of $3.2 Million or $0.34 per Diluted Share

Rhea-AI Summary

First Financial Northwest reported a net income of $3.2 million for Q3 2021, a decrease from $3.8 million in Q2 2021 but an increase from $2.1 million in Q3 2020. Net loans rose by $20 million to $1.10 billion, largely driven by a $24.4 million commercial real estate loan purchase. Total deposits increased by $7.4 million to $1.14 billion. The average cost of deposits saw a decline to 0.56%. The company also reported a cash dividend of $0.11 and no nonperforming assets at quarter end.

Positive

• Net income increased to $9.5 million for the first nine months of 2021, compared to $5.9 million in the same period of 2020.
• Net loans increased by $20 million to $1.10 billion, indicating growth in the loan portfolio.
• Total deposits increased to $1.14 billion, up $7.4 million from the previous quarter.
• Average cost of deposits declined to 0.56%, down from 0.68% in the previous quarter.
• Achieved no nonperforming assets at quarter end, indicating strong asset quality.

Negative

• Net income decreased by $0.6 million from Q2 2021 to Q3 2021.
• Provision for loan losses increased to $100,000 from a recapture of $700,000 in the previous quarter.

RENTON, Wash., Oct. 28, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- First Financial Northwest, Inc. (the “Company”) (NASDAQ GS: FFNW), the holding company for First Financial Northwest Bank (the “Bank”), today reported net income for the quarter ended September 30, 2021, of $3.2 million, or $0.34 per diluted share, compared to net income of $3.8 million, or $0.40 per diluted share, for the quarter ended June 30, 2021, and $2.1 million, or $0.21 per diluted share, for the quarter ended September 30, 2020. For the nine months ended September 30, 2021, net income was $9.5 million, or $0.99 per diluted share, compared to net income of $5.9 million, or $0.60 per diluted share, for the comparable nine-month period in 2020.

“I am pleased to report that net loans increased $20.0 million to $1.10 billion in the quarter, primarily as a result of a $24.4 million commercial real estate loan purchase from a third-party bank, as organic loan growth remains challenging in the current environment because of loan repayments and Paycheck Protection Program loan forgiveness,” stated Joseph W. Kiley III, President and CEO. “These purchased loans, with balances ranging between $747,000 and $5.5 million meet all of our underwriting standards and are secured by commercial properties located outside of Washington, predominantly in Texas, California and Alabama, and which are under long-term leases by national tenants,” continued Kiley.

“In addition, we achieved a further reduction in our cost of funds, with the average cost of deposits decreasing to 0.56% in the quarter ended September 30, 2021, compared to 0.68% in the quarter ended June 30, 2021, and 1.18% in the quarter ended September 30, 2020. If market interest rates remain low, we expect this decline to continue as we have approximately $159.9 million in retail certificates of deposit at a weighted average rate of 1.15% maturing in the next 12 months, and an additional $78.7 million maturing in the subsequent 12 to 24 months, at a weighted average rate of 1.88%,” continued Kiley.

“Finally, I am happy to report that we had no nonperforming assets at quarter end as we sold our other real estate owned properties during the quarter. While this sale resulted in the recognition of a net loss of $207,000, we are pleased that we no longer have this distraction,” concluded Kiley.

Highlights for the quarter ended September 30, 2021:

• Net loans receivable increased by $20.0 million to $1.10 billion at the end of the quarter.
• Total deposits increased by $7.4 million in the quarter, including a $4.1 million increase in noninterest-bearing demand deposits.
• The Company’s book value per share increased to $17.03, compared to $16.75 at June 30, 2021, and $15.62 at September 30, 2020.
• The Company repurchased 180,179 shares at an average price of $16.44 per share during the quarter.
• The Company paid a regular quarterly cash dividend of $0.11 to shareholders.
• The Bank’s Tier 1 leverage and total capital ratios were 10.2% and 15.5%, respectively, compared to 10.2% and 15.7%, respectively, at June 30, 2021, and 10.0% and 15.3%, respectively, at September 30, 2020.
• The Bank recorded a $100,000 provision for loan losses based on management’s evaluation of the adequacy of the Allowance for Loan and Lease Losses (“ALLL”) including the estimated impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.
  

Deposits totaled $1.14 billion at September 30, 2021, compared to $1.13 billion at June 30, 2021, and $1.07 billion at September 30, 2020. The $43.9 million increase in money market deposits in the quarter ended September 30, 2021, more than offset the reduction in retail certificates of deposit as the Bank continues its strategy to shift the deposit composition to lower cost transaction accounts. Noninterest-bearing demand deposits also increased $4.1 million in the quarter ended September 30, 2021, from last quarter, and increased $32.9 million as compared to the quarter ended September 30, 2020.

The following table presents a breakdown of our total deposits (unaudited):

	Sep 30, 2021			Jun 30, 2021			Sep 30, 2020			Three Month Change				One Year Change
Deposits:	(Dollars in thousands)
Noninterest-bearing demand	$	115,311		$	111,240		$	82,376		$	4,071			$	32,935
Interest-bearing demand		104,761			110,338			110,856			(5,577	)			(6,095	)
Statement savings		23,024			21,281			19,292			1,743				3,732
Money market		596,911			552,964			428,512			43,947				168,399
Certificates of deposit, retail		301,729			338,479			418,646			(36,750	)			(116,917	)
Certificates of deposit, brokered		–			–			10,000			–				(10,000	)
Total deposits	$	1,141,736		$	1,134,302		$	1,069,682		$	7,434			$	72,054

The following tables present an analysis of total deposits by branch office (unaudited):

September 30, 2021
	Noninterest- bearing demand		Interest- bearing demand		Statement savings		Money market		Certificates of deposit, retail		Total
(Dollars in thousands)
King County
Renton	$	42,332	$	44,237	$	14,585	$	315,592	$	256,310	$	673,056
Landing		8,918		3,448		229		25,029		4,718		42,342
Woodinville		3,769		7,020		813		19,829		5,141		36,572
Bothell		3,122		2,412		102		7,905		1,359		14,900
Crossroads		10,161		7,598		63		67,111		4,790		89,723
Kent		6,494		8,827		2		20,544		298		36,165
Kirkland		6,206		393		6		6,278		25		12,908
Issaquah		842		857		26		4,247		100		6,072
Total King County		81,844		74,792		15,826		466,535		272,741		911,738
Snohomish County
Mill Creek		5,844		2,697		1,305		19,005		7,213		36,064
Edmonds		14,724		7,311		1,226		39,765		9,076		72,102
Clearview		5,031		6,268		1,321		21,254		1,721		35,595
Lake Stevens		3,185		8,913		2,110		22,961		4,775		41,944
Smokey Point		3,072		3,908		1,198		25,752		6,201		40,131
Total Snohomish County		31,856		29,097		7,160		128,737		28,986		225,836
Pierce County
University Place		1,204		31		12		362		2		1,611
Gig Harbor		407		841		26		1,277		-		2,551
Total Pierce County		1,611		872		38		1,639		2		4,162
Total deposits	$	115,311	$	104,761	$	23,024	$	596,911	$	301,729	$	1,141,736

June 30, 2021
	Noninterest- bearing demand		Interest- bearing demand		Statement savings		Money market		Certificates of deposit, retail		Total
(Dollars in thousands)
King County
Renton	$	41,247	$	46,092	$	14,611	$	296,292	$	285,563	$	683,805
Landing		6,324		3,827		177		22,677		5,905		38,910
Woodinville		4,546		7,115		729		18,631		5,230		36,251
Bothell		2,565		2,314		110		7,450		1,481		13,920
Crossroads		10,952		9,504		85		53,510		4,911		78,962
Kent		6,311		8,131		1		23,699		296		38,438
Kirkland		6,577		354		2		5,199		25		12,157
Issaquah		480		18		3		1,299		100		1,900
Total King County		79,002		77,355		15,718		428,757		303,511		904,343
Snohomish County
Mill Creek		5,275		3,343		1,288		16,616		7,954		34,476
Edmonds		12,962		9,983		688		38,773		13,439		75,845
Clearview		5,662		5,676		1,456		21,899		1,796		36,489
Lake Stevens		3,106		9,613		937		19,874		4,561		38,091
Smokey Point		3,834		3,874		1,135		24,999		7,216		41,058
Total Snohomish County		30,839		32,489		5,504		122,161		34,966		225,959
Pierce County
University Place		1,007		164		28		484		2		1,685
Gig Harbor		392		330		31		1,562		–		2,315
Total Pierce County		1,399		494		59		2,046		2		4,000
Total deposits	$	111,240	$	110,338	$	21,281	$	552,964	$	338,479	$	1,134,302

Net loans receivable totaled $1.10 billion at September 30, 2021, compared to $1.08 billion at June 30, 2021, and $1.13 billion at September 30, 2020. During the quarter ended September 30, 2021, the Bank purchased 12 commercial real estate loans totaling $24.4 million from another commercial bank, including $7.0 million, $5.5 million, and $4.8 million secured by properties located in Texas, California, and Alabama, respectively. Each of these loans, with balances ranging between $747,000 and $5.5 million, is secured by a commercial property under a long-term lease by a national tenant. This loan purchase, along with new loan originations, more than offset the amount of loan repayments in the quarter and loan forgiveness of Paycheck Protection Program (“PPP”) loans totaling $8.4 million. The average balance of net loans receivable totaled $1.09 billion for both the quarters ended September 30, 2021, and June 30, 2021, compared to $1.14 billion for the quarter ended September 30, 2020.

The Company recorded a $100,000 provision for loan losses in the quarter ended September 30, 2021, compared to a $700,000 recapture of provision for loan losses in the quarter ended June 30, 2021, and a $700,000 provision for loan losses in the quarter ended September 30, 2020. During the quarter ended September 30, 2021, management evaluated the adequacy of the ALLL and concluded that a $100,000 provision for loan losses was appropriate. This provision was primarily attributed to the growth in net loans receivable, partially offset by recoveries received during the quarter, and reflects modest changes in the composition of the loan portfolio during the quarter including a slight decline in construction and development loans. There were no significant loan grade changes during the quarter ended September 30, 2021, that materially impacted the ALLL analysis.

The ALLL represented 1.35% of total loans receivable at both September 30, 2021, and June 30, 2021, compared to 1.27% of total loans receivable at September 30, 2020. Excluding PPP loan balances, which are 100% guaranteed by the Small Business Administration (“SBA”), the ALLL represented 1.38% of total loans receivable at September 30, 2021, compared to 1.39% of total loans receivable at June 30, 2021, and 1.33% of total loans receivable at September 30, 2020. The ALLL as a percent of total loans excluding PPP loans is a non-GAAP financial measure. See Non-GAAP Financial Measures at the end of this press release for a reconciliation to its nearest GAAP equivalent.

There were no nonperforming loans at both September 30, 2021, and June 30, 2021, compared to $2.1 million at September 30, 2020. The $2.1 million in nonperforming loans consisted of a single multifamily loan in foreclosure that was repaid in full in the quarter ended June 30, 2021. During the quarter ended September 30, 2021, two undeveloped commercial lots located in Pierce County that comprised the $454,000 balance of other real estate owned (“OREO”) at both June 30, 2021, and September 30, 2020, were sold, resulting in a net loss on sale of OREO of $207,000 recorded in OREO related expenses.

The following table presents a breakdown of our nonperforming assets (unaudited):

	Sep 30,			Jun 30,			Sep 30,			Three Month				One Year
	2021			2021			2020			Change				Change
	(Dollars in thousands)
Nonperforming loans:
Multifamily	$	─		$	─		$	2,104		$	─			$	(2,104	)
Total nonperforming loans	─			─				2,104		─					(2,104	)
OREO	─				454			454			(454	)			(454	)
Total nonperforming assets (1)	$	─		$	454		$	2,558		$	(454	)		$	(2,558	)
Nonperforming assets as a percent
of total assets	0.00%				0.03%			0.19%

⁽¹⁾ The difference between nonperforming assets reported above, and the totals reported by other industry sources, is due to their inclusion of all Troubled Debt Restructured Loans ("TDRs") as nonperforming loans, although 100% of the Bank’s TDRs were performing in accordance with their restructured terms at September 30, 2021.

The Company accounts for certain loan modifications or restructurings as TDRs. In general, the modification or restructuring of a debt is considered a TDR if, for economic or legal reasons related to the borrower’s financial difficulties, the Company grants a concession to the borrower that it would not otherwise consider. At September 30, 2021, TDRs totaled $2.4 million, compared to $3.6 million at June 30, 2021, and $4.1 million at September 30, 2020. During the quarter ended September 30, 2021, a $1.2 million TDR secured by commercial real estate in King County was refinanced at market rate and terms and, therefore, is no longer classified as a TDR. All TDRs were performing according to their modified repayment terms for the periods presented. As discussed below, The Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act of 2020 (“CARES Act”), signed into law on March 27, 2020, provided guidance on the modification of loans due to the COVID-19 pandemic, and outlined, among other criteria, that short-term modifications made on a good faith basis to borrowers who were current as defined under the CARES Act prior to any relief, are not TDRs. The Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2021 (“CAA”), signed into law on December 27, 2020, provided additional COVID relief and extended TDR relief to the earlier of 60 days after the national emergency termination date or January 1, 2022.

Net interest income totaled $11.4 million for the quarter ended September 30, 2021, compared to $11.3 million for the quarter ended June 30, 2021, and $10.1 million for the quarter ended September 30, 2020. The improvement was primarily due to lower deposit-related interest expense and relatively stable interest income with the growth in the combined average balance of loans receivable and investment securities in the quarter offsetting lower average yields.

Total interest income was $13.4 million for the quarter ended September 30, 2021, compared to $13.6 million for the quarter ended June 30, 2021, and $13.7 million for the quarter ended September 30, 2020. The decrease in the current quarter compared to the quarter ended June 30, 2021, was primarily attributable to the receipt of $394,000 in interest and late charges from the payoff of a $2.0 million nonperforming loan in the prior quarter, with no similar transaction in the current quarter. The decrease from the quarter ended September 30, 2020, is primarily due to the decline in average balance of loans receivable between periods.

Total interest expense was $2.0 million for the quarter ended September 30, 2021, compared to $2.3 million for the quarter ended June 30, 2021, and $3.6 million for the quarter ended September 30, 2020. The average cost of interest-bearing deposits declined to 0.63% for the quarter ended September 30, 2021, from 0.75% for the quarter ended June 30, 2021, and 1.27% for the quarter ended September 30, 2020. The decline from the quarter ended June 30, 2021, was due primarily to the repricing of maturing certificates of deposits to a lower interest rate and a reduction in the average balance of higher cost certificates of deposit. Advances from the FHLB remained unchanged at $120.0 million at September 30, 2021, June 30, 2021, and September 30, 2020. The FHLB advances are tied to cash flow hedge agreements where the Bank pays a fixed rate and receives a variable rate in return to assist in the Bank’s interest rate risk management efforts. The average cost of borrowings was 1.42% for the quarter ended September 30, 2021, compared to 1.37% for the quarter ended June 30, 2021, and 1.28% for the quarter ended September 30, 2020. The Bank has entered into two forward starting interest rate swaps beginning October 25, 2021, totaling $25.0 million with a weighted average rate of 0.80% and weighted term of 7.4 years to partially replace a $50.0 million interest rate swap carrying an interest rate of 1.34% maturing on that date.

The net interest margin was 3.33% for the quarter ended September 30, 2021, compared to 3.36% for the quarter ended June 30, 2021, and 3.07% for the quarter ended September 30, 2020. The reduction in the net interest margin during the quarter is due to a number of factors, including a 13 basis point reduction in the average yield on interest-earning assets to 3.93% from 4.06% for the quarter ended June 30, 2021, partially offset by an 11 basis point reduction in the Company’s average cost of interest-bearing liabilities during the quarter to 0.71% from 0.82% for the quarter ended June 30, 2021. The recognition of $394,000 in fees and late charges from the payoff of a $2.0 million nonperforming loan increased the interest income and the yield on interest earning assets for the quarter ended June 30, 2021. The increase in net interest margin for the quarter ended September 30, 2021, compared to quarter ended September 30, 2020, was due primarily to the 56 basis point reduction in the average cost of interest-bearing liabilities from 1.27% for the year ago quarter, partially offset by a 23 basis point reduction in the average yield on interest-earning assets from 4.16% in the quarter ended September 30, 2020. Asset yields continue to be impacted by the net deferred fee recognition on PPP loans, primarily the recognition of previously unamortized deferred fees and costs on forgiven PPP loans, which totaled $354,000 in the quarter ended September 30, 2021, and $512,000 in the quarter ended June 30, 2021. At September 30, 2021, the balance of net deferred fees relating to PPP loans to be recognized in future periods totaled $719,000.

Noninterest income for the quarter ended September 30, 2021, totaled $999,000, compared to $973,000 for the quarter ended June 30, 2021, and $1.0 million for the quarter ended September 30, 2020. The increase in noninterest income for the quarter ended September 30, 2021, compared to the quarter ended June 30, 2021, was primarily due to higher BOLI income that included $161,000 in death benefit proceeds, partially offset by lower wealth management revenue.

Noninterest expense totaled $8.3 million for the quarter ended September 30, 2021, compared to $8.2 million for the quarter ended June 30, 2021, and $7.9 million for the quarter ended September 30, 2020. The increase in the quarter ended September 30, 2021, compared to the quarter ended June 30, 2021, was primarily due to the $207,000 loss on sale of OREO discussed above which, along with higher professional fees and other general administrative, more than offset the lower salaries and employee benefits and occupancy and equipment expense in the quarter.

COVID-19 Related Information
The Bank is committed to assisting its customers and communities in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, including providing certain short-term loan modifications and participating in the PPP as an SBA lender. The Bank continues to work with its loan customers and manage its portfolio through the ongoing uncertainty surrounding the impact, duration and government response to the crisis.

Paycheck Protection Program
The SBA provided assistance to small businesses impacted by COVID-19 through the PPP, which was designed to provide near-term relief to help small businesses sustain operations. The SBA deadline for the final round of PPP loan applications was May 31, 2021. As of September 30, 2021, there were 198 PPP loans outstanding totaling $22.4 million, compared to 275 PPP loans totaling $30.8 million outstanding as of June 30, 2021, 324 PPP loans outstanding totaling $45.2 million as of March 31, 2021, and 372 PPP loans totaling $41.3 million as of December 31, 2020. As of September 30, 2021, 149 PPP loans have an outstanding balance of $150,000 or less, totaling $7.3 million, or 32.7% of total PPP loans outstanding, including 93 loans representing $2.0 million with an outstanding balance of $50,000 or less. As of September 30, 2021, 531 PPP loans totaling $55.1 million were approved for forgiveness and repaid under the PPP loan program.

Modifications
The primary method of relief is to allow borrowers to defer their loan payments for three to six months, while certain borrowers are allowed to pay interest only or were granted payment deferrals for periods longer than six months depending upon their specific circumstances. The CARES Act and regulatory guidelines suspend the determination of certain loan modifications related to the COVID-19 pandemic from being treated as TDRs. Recent legislation extended this accounting treatment through the earlier of 60 days after the national emergency termination date or January 1, 2022. The following table provides detail on the balance of loans remaining on deferral status as of September 30, 2021:

	As of September 30, 2021
	Balance of loans with modifications of 4-6 months			Balance of loans with modifications of greater than 6 months			Total balance of loans with modifications granted			Total loans			Modifications as % of total loans in each category
	(Dollars in thousands)
One-to-four family residential	$	-		$	-		$	-		$	382,676		-
Multifamily		-			-			-			143,806		-
Commercial real estate:
Office		-			7,153			7,153			89,622		8.0	%
Retail		-			-			-			124,439		-
Mobile home park		-			-			-			20,838		-
Hotel/motel		-			6,614			6,614			65,210		10.1
Nursing home		-			6,368			6,368			12,784		49.8
Warehouse		-			-			-			16,999		-
Storage		-			-			-			33,163		-
Other non-residential		-			-			-			29,301		-
Total commercial real estate		-			20,135			20,135			392,356		5.1
Construction/land		-			-			-			101,288		-
Business:
Aircraft		-			-			-			6,322		-
SBA		-			-			-			862		-
PPP		-			-			-			22,379		-
Other business		-			-			-			25,185		-
Total business		-			-			-			54,748		-
Consumer:
Classic/collectible auto		-			-			-			32,803		-
Other consumer		-			-			-			9,681		-
Total consumer		-			-			-			42,484		-
Total loans with COVID-19 pandemic modifications	$	-		$	20,135		$	20,135		$	1,117,358		1.8	%

Total loans with modifications granted declined to $20.1 million, or 1.8% of total outstanding at September 30, 2021, from $35.2 million, or 3.2% of total loans outstanding at June 30, 2021, and $65.5 million, or 5.7% of total loans outstanding at September 30, 2020. The decline in the current quarter is due to additional customers returning to regular scheduled payments and continued improvement in economic conditions in our market areas. As of September 30, 2021, all of the remaining modified loans had been granted modifications of greater than six months.

Additional Loan Portfolio Details
The Bank is monitoring its loan portfolio for potentially delinquent loans that have not requested a loan modification in accordance with the CARES Act or regulatory guidance. The following table presents the loan to value (“LTV”) ratios of select segments of its loan portfolio at September 30, 2021, that may be more likely to be impacted by COVID-19 pandemic considerations. The LTV ratio is derived by dividing the current loan balance by the lower of the original appraised value or purchase price of the real estate or other collateral:

	As of September 30, 2021
	LTV 0-60%			LTV 61-75%			LTV 76%+			Total			Average LTV
Category: (1)	(Dollars in thousands)
One-to-four family	$	266,058		$	135,700		$	17,131		$	418,889		49.25	%
Church		1,340			-			-			1,340		45.22
Classic/collectible auto		7,061			13,022			12,720			32,803		95.65
Gas station		3,439			-			495			3,934		49.96
Hotel/motel		53,831			11,379			-			65,210		59.18
Marina		7,740			-			-			7,740		37.63
Mobile home park		18,638			2,200			-			20,838		38.56
Nursing home		12,784			-			-			12,784		24.54
Office		44,528			44,976			4,218			93,722		40.56
Other non-residential		14,066			2,221			-			16,287		46.60
Retail		84,436			40,003			-			124,439		50.03
Storage		24,218			11,034			-			35,252		43.58
Warehouse		16,758			241			-			16,999		34.35

⁽¹⁾ Represents select segments of loans that may include construction loans; classifications may differ from those used elsewhere in this release because they are based on collateral type rather than loan category.

First Financial Northwest, Inc. is the parent company of First Financial Northwest Bank; an FDIC insured Washington State-chartered commercial bank headquartered in Renton, Washington, serving the Puget Sound Region through 15 full-service banking offices. For additional information about us, please visit our website at ffnwb.com and click on the “Investor Relations” link at the bottom of the page.

Forward-looking statements:
When used in this press release and in other documents filed with or furnished to the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”), in press releases or other public stockholder communications, or in oral statements made with the approval of an authorized executive officer, the words or phrases “believe,” “will,” “will likely result,” “are expected to,” “will continue,” “is anticipated,” “estimate,” “project,” “plans,” or similar expressions are intended to identify “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995.  Forward-looking statements are not historical facts but instead represent management's current expectations and forecasts regarding future events many of which are inherently uncertain and outside of our control. Actual results may differ, possibly materially from those currently expected or projected in these forward-looking statements. Factors that could cause our actual results to differ materially from those described in the forward-looking statements, include, but are not limited to, the following: the effect of the COVID-19 pandemic, including on our credit quality and business operations, as well as its impact on general economic and financial market conditions and other uncertainties resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic, such as the extent and duration of the impact on public health, the U.S. and global economies, and consumer and corporate customers, including economic activity, employment levels and market liquidity; increased competitive pressures; changes in the interest rate environment; legislative and regulatory changes; and other factors described in the Company’s latest Annual Report on Form 10-K and Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q and other filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission – that are available on our website at www.ffnwb.com and on the SEC's website at www.sec.gov.

Any of the forward-looking statements that we make in this Press Release and in the other public statements are based upon management's beliefs and assumptions at the time they are made and 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. Therefore, these factors should be considered in evaluating the forward-looking statements, and undue reliance should not be placed on such statements. We do not undertake and specifically disclaim any obligation to revise any forward-looking statements to reflect the occurrence of anticipated or unanticipated events or circumstances after the date of such statements. These risks could cause our actual results for 2021 and beyond to differ materially from those expressed in any forward-looking statements made by, or on behalf of, us and could negatively affect our operating and stock performance.

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

Assets	Sep 30, 2021				Jun 30, 2021				Sep 30, 2020				Three Month Change			One Year Change
Cash on hand and in banks	$	7,243			$	7,518			$	7,440			(3.7	)%		(2.6	)%
Interest-earning deposits with banks		71,869				72,045				18,674			(0.2	)		284.9
Investments available-for-sale, at fair value		178,061				187,873				126,020			(5.2	)		41.3
Annuity held-to-maturity		2,425				2,419				2,406			0.2			0.8
Loans receivable, net of allowance of $15,057, $14,878, and $14,568 respectively		1,101,669				1,081,640				1,133,984			1.9			(2.8	)
Federal Home Loan Bank ("FHLB") stock, at cost		6,465				6,465				6,410			0.0			0.9
Accrued interest receivable		5,681				5,498				5,676			3.3			0.1
Deferred tax assets, net		746				688				1,879			8.4			(60.3	)
Other real estate owned ("OREO")		-				454				454			(100.0	)		(100.0	)
Premises and equipment, net		22,628				22,567				22,409			0.3			1.0
Bank owned life insurance ("BOLI"), net		34,994				35,536				32,830			(1.5	)		6.6
Prepaid expenses and other assets		2,975				2,332				1,704			27.6			74.6
Right of use asset ("ROU"), net		3,838				4,025				3,834			(4.6	)		0.1
Goodwill		889				889				889			0.0			0.0
Core deposit intangible, net		719			$	754				860			(4.6	)		(16.4	)
Total assets	$	1,440,202			$	1,430,703			$	1,365,469			0.7	%		5.5	%
Liabilities and Stockholders' Equity
Deposits
Noninterest-bearing deposits	$	115,311			$	111,240			$	82,376			3.7	%		40.0	%
Interest-bearing deposits		1,026,425				1,023,062				987,306			0.3			4.0
Total deposits		1,141,736				1,134,302				1,069,682			0.7			6.7
Advances from the FHLB		120,000				120,000				120,000			0.0			0.0
Advance payments from borrowers for taxes and insurance		5,075				2,616				4,742			94.0			7.0
Lease liability, net		3,994				4,176				3,942			(4.4	)		1.3
Accrued interest payable		206				193				197			6.7			4.6
Other liabilities		7,735				7,795				12,128			(0.8	)		(36.2	)
Total liabilities		1,278,746				1,269,082				1,210,691			0.8			5.6
Commitments and contingencies
Stockholders' Equity
Preferred stock, $0.01 par value; authorized 10,000,000 shares; no shares issued or outstanding		-				-				-			n/a			n/a
Common stock, $0.01 par value; authorized 90,000,000 shares; issued and outstanding 9,483,081 shares at September 30, 2021, 9,651,180 shares at June 30, 2021, and 9,911,607 shares at September 30, 2020		95				97				99			(2.1	)		(4.0	)
Additional paid-in capital		78,311				80,770				83,839			(3.0	)		(6.6	)
Retained earnings		84,402				82,224				76,300			2.6			10.6
Accumulated other comprehensive loss, net of tax		(223	)			(59	)			(3,203	)		278.0			(93.0	)
Unearned Employee Stock Ownership Plan ("ESOP") shares		(1,129	)			(1,411	)			(2,257	)		(20.0	)		(50.0	)
Total stockholders' equity		161,456				161,621				154,778			(0.1	)		4.3
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity	$	1,440,202			$	1,430,703			$	1,365,469			0.7	%		5.5	%

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

	Quarter Ended
	Sep 30, 2021			Jun 30, 2021				Sep 30, 2020			Three Month Change			One Year Change
Interest income
Loans, including fees	$	12,508		$	12,641			$	12,847		(1.1	)%		(2.6	)%
Investments available-for-sale		814			850				751		(4.2	)		8.4
Investments held-to-maturity		4			4				6		0.0			(33.3	)
Interest-earning deposits with banks		24			16				8		50.0			200.0
Dividends on FHLB Stock		84			83				82		1.2			2.4
Total interest income		13,434			13,594				13,694		(1.2	)		(1.9	)
Interest expense
Deposits		1,612			1,915				3,206		(15.8	)		(49.7	)
Other borrowings		431			413				400		4.4			7.8
Total interest expense		2,043			2,328				3,606		(12.2	)		(43.3	)
Net interest income		11,391			11,266				10,088		1.1			12.9
Provision (recapture of provision) for loan losses		100			(700	)			700		(114.3	)		(85.7	)
Net interest income after provision (recapture of provision) for loan losses		11,291			11,966				9,388		(5.6	)		20.3
Noninterest income
Net gain on sale of investments		-			-				18		n/a			(100.0	)
BOLI income		377			246				269		53.3			40.1
Wealth management revenue		64			167				145		(61.7	)		(55.9	)
Deposit related fees		228			227				201		0.4			13.4
Loan related fees		300			281				376		6.8			(20.2	)
Other		30			52				2		(42.3	)		1,400.0
Total noninterest income		999			973				1,011		2.7			(1.2	)
Noninterest expense
Salaries and employee benefits		4,856			5,062				4,880		(4.1	)		(0.5	)
Occupancy and equipment		1,116			1,187				987		(6.0	)		13.1
Professional fees		502			389				371		29.0			35.3
Data processing		626			680				731		(7.9	)		(14.4	)
OREO related expenses, net		207			-				1		n/a			20,600.0
Regulatory assessments		121			113				134		7.1			(9.7	)
Insurance and bond premiums		106			111				116		(4.5	)		(8.6	)
Marketing		64			23				41		178.3			56.1
Other general and administrative		735			625				606		17.6			21.3
Total noninterest expense		8,333			8,190				7,867		1.7			5.9
Income before federal income tax provision		3,957			4,749				2,532		(16.7	)		56.3
Federal income tax provision		758			939				450		(19.3	)		68.4
Net income	$	3,199		$	3,810			$	2,082		(16.0	)%		53.7	%
Basic earnings per share	$	0.34		$	0.40			$	0.22
Diluted earnings per share	$	0.34		$	0.40			$	0.21
Weighted average number of common shares outstanding		9,314,456			9,434,004				9,661,498
Weighted average number of diluted shares outstanding		9,446,702			9,528,623				9,675,567

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

	Nine Months Ended September 30,
		2021				2020		One Year Change
Interest income
Loans, including fees	$	37,772			$	39,504		(4.4	)%
Investments available-for-sale		2,400				2,466		(2.7	)
Investments held-to-maturity		20				17		17.6
Interest-earning deposits with banks		53				45		17.8
Dividends on FHLB Stock		247				240		2.9
Total interest income		40,492				42,272		(4.2	)
Interest expense
Deposits		5,826				11,238		(48.2	)
Other borrowings		1,263				1,214		4.0
Total interest expense		7,089				12,452		(43.1	)
Net interest income		33,403				29,820		12.0
(Recapture of provision) provision for loan losses		(300	)			1,300		(123.1	)
Net interest income after (recapture of provision) provision for loan losses		33,703				28,520		18.2
Noninterest income
Net gain on sale of investments		-				86		(100.0	)
BOLI income		891				778		14.5
Wealth management revenue		391				493		(20.7	)
Deposit related fees		654				560		16.8
Loan related fees		714				865		(17.5	)
Other		86				7		1,128.6
Total noninterest income		2,736				2,789		(1.9	)
Noninterest expense
Salaries and employee benefits		14,863				14,893		(0.2	)
Occupancy and equipment		3,403				3,090		10.1
Professional fees		1,423				1,257		13.2
Data processing		2,003				2,112		(5.2	)
OREO related expenses, net		208				7		2,871.4
Regulatory assessments		356				405		(12.1	)
Insurance and bond premiums		341				339		0.6
Marketing		116				133		(12.8	)
Other general and administrative		1,938				1,843		5.2
Total noninterest expense		24,651				24,079		2.4
Income before federal income tax provision		11,788				7,230		63.0
Federal income tax provision		2,281				1,320		72.8
Net income	$	9,507			$	5,910		60.9	%
Basic earnings per share	$	1.01			$	0.60
Diluted earnings per share	$	0.99			$	0.60
Weighted average number of common shares outstanding		9,412,196				9,788,397
Weighted average number of diluted shares outstanding		9,514,165				9,811,602

The following table presents a breakdown of the loan portfolio (unaudited):

	September 30, 2021							June 30, 2021							September 30, 2020
	Amount				Percent			Amount				Percent			Amount				Percent
	(Dollars in thousands)
Commercial real estate:
Residential:
Micro-unit apartments	$	8,220			0.7	%		$	11,652			1.1	%		$	11,422			1.0	%
Other multifamily		135,586			12.2	%			131,229			11.9	%			131,197			11.4	%
Total multifamily residential		143,806			12.9	%			142,881			13.0	%			142,619			12.4	%
Non-residential:
Office		89,622			8.0	%			83,120			7.6	%			81,566			7.1	%
Retail		124,439			11.1	%			103,175			9.4	%			121,338			10.6	%
Mobile home park		20,838			1.9	%			26,894			2.4	%			25,510			2.2	%
Hotel / motel		65,210			5.8	%			65,446			6.0	%			69,157			6.0	%
Nursing Home		12,784			1.1	%			12,818			1.2	%			12,868			1.1	%
Warehouse		16,999			1.5	%			17,217			1.6	%			17,512			1.5	%
Storage		33,163			3.0	%			33,332			3.0	%			36,093			3.1	%
Other non-residential		29,301			2.6	%			28,704			2.5	%			25,724			2.3	%
Total non-residential		392,356			35.0	%			370,706			33.7	%			389,768			33.9	%
Construction/land:
One-to-four family residential		36,213			3.2	%			36,123			3.3	%			45,231			4.0	%
Multifamily		47,549			4.3	%			56,090			5.1	%			47,547			4.1	%
Commercial		6,189			0.6	%			6,056			0.6	%			5,475			0.5	%
Land development		11,337			1.0	%			6,653			0.6	%			1,345			0.1	%
Total construction/land		101,288			9.1	%			104,922			9.6	%			99,598			8.7	%
One-to-four family residential:
Permanent owner occupied		184,990			16.6	%			191,906			17.5	%			214,250			18.6	%
Permanent non-owner occupied		197,686			17.7	%			179,029			16.3	%			177,621			15.4	%
Total one-to-four family residential		382,676			34.3	%			370,935			33.8	%			391,871			34.0	%
Business:
Aircraft		6,322			0.6	%			9,315			0.8	%			11,735			1.0	%
Small Business Administration ("SBA")		862			0.1	%			884			0.1	%			819			0.1	%
Paycheck Protection Plan ("PPP")		22,379			2.0	%			30,823			2.8	%			52,045			4.5	%
Other business		25,185			2.2	%			26,409			2.4	%			21,181			1.8	%
Total business		54,748			4.9	%			67,431			6.1	%			85,780			7.4	%
Consumer:
Classic, collectible and other auto		32,819			2.9	%			30,593			2.8	%			27,784			2.4	%
Other consumer		9,665			0.9	%			10,752			1.0	%			13,061			1.2	%
Total consumer		42,484			3.8	%			41,345			3.8	%			40,845			3.6	%
Total loans		1,117,358			100.0	%			1,098,220			100.0	%			1,150,481			100.0	%
Less:
Deferred loan fees, net		632							1,702							1,929
ALLL		15,057							14,878							14,568
Loans receivable, net	$	1,101,669						$	1,081,640						$	1,133,984
Concentrations of credit: (1)
Construction loans as % of total capital		67.1	%						69.3	%						68.4	%
Total non-owner occupied commercial   real estate as % of total capital		389.6	%						384.4	%						407.1	%

⁽¹⁾ Concentrations of credit percentages are for First Financial Northwest Bank only using classifications in accordance with FDIC regulatory guidelines.

FIRST FINANCIAL NORTHWEST, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Key Financial Measures
(Unaudited)

	At or For the Quarter Ended
	Sep 30,				Jun 30,				Mar 31,				Dec 31,				Sep 30,
		2021				2021				2021				2020				2020
	(Dollars in thousands, except per share data)
Performance Ratios: (1)
Return on assets		0.88	%			1.07	%			0.73	%			0.77	%			0.60	%
Return on equity		7.84				9.54				6.42				6.76				5.34
Dividend payout ratio		32.35				27.50				42.31				35.71				45.45
Equity-to-total assets		11.21				11.30				11.08				11.26				11.34
Tangible equity-to-tangible assets (2)		11.11				11.19				10.97				11.15				11.22
Net interest margin		3.33				3.36				3.31				3.29				3.07
Average interest-earning assets to average interest-bearing liabilities		119.35				117.99				117.92				116.42				116.08
Efficiency ratio		67.26				66.92				70.63				68.55				70.88
Noninterest expense as a percent of average total assets		2.30				2.31				2.36				2.46				2.26
Book value per common share	$	17.03			$	16.75			$	16.35			$	16.05			$	15.62
Tangible book value per share (2)		16.86				16.58				16.17				15.88				15.44
Capital Ratios: (3)
Tier 1 leverage ratio		10.19	%			10.15	%			10.15	%			10.29	%			10.03	%
Common equity tier 1 capital ratio		14.25				14.45				14.36				14.32				14.01
Tier 1 capital ratio		14.25				14.45				14.36				14.32				14.01
Total capital ratio		15.50				15.70				15.62				15.57				15.26
Asset Quality Ratios:
Nonperforming loans as a percent of total loans		0.00				0.00				0.18				0.19				0.18
Nonperforming assets as a percent of total assets		0.00				0.03				0.17				0.18				0.19
ALLL as a percent of total loans		1.35				1.35				1.39				1.36				1.27
Net (recoveries) charge-offs to average loans receivable, net		(0.01	)			(0.01	)			(0.00	)			(0.00	)			(0.00	)
Allowance for Loan Losses:
ALLL, beginning of the quarter	$	14,878			$	15,502			$	15,174			$	14,568			$	13,836
Provision		100				(700	)			300				600				700
Charge-offs		-				-				-				(2	)			-
Recoveries		79				76				28				8				32
ALLL, end of the quarter	$	15,057			$	14,878			$	15,502			$	15,174			$	14,568

⁽¹⁾ Performance ratios are calculated on an annualized basis.
⁽²⁾ Tangible equity excludes goodwill and core deposit intangible assets. Tangible assets exclude goodwill and other intangible assets. The tangible equity-to-tangible assets ratio and tangible book value per share are non-GAAP financial measures. Refer to Non-GAAP Financial Measures at the end of this press release for a reconciliation to the nearest GAAP equivalents.
⁽³⁾ Capital ratios are for First Financial Northwest Bank only.

FIRST FINANCIAL NORTHWEST, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Key Financial Measures (continued)
(Unaudited)

	At or For the Quarter Ended
	Sep 30,				Jun 30,				Mar 31,				Dec 31,				Sep 30,
		2021				2021				2021				2020				2020
	(Dollars in thousands, except per share data)
Yields and Costs: (1)
Yield on loans		4.54	%			4.64	%			4.66	%			4.61	%			4.49	%
Yield on investments available-for-sale		1.75				1.92				1.91				2.21				2.32
Yield on investments held-to-maturity		0.66				0.66				2.18				0.99				0.99
Yield on interest-earning deposits		0.14				0.10				0.09				0.11				0.10
Yield on FHLB stock		5.15				5.13				5.00				4.99				4.95
Yield on interest-earning assets		3.93	%			4.06	%			4.15	%			4.26	%			4.16	%
Cost of interest-bearing deposits		0.63	%			0.75	%			0.94	%			1.12	%			1.27	%
Cost of borrowings		1.42				1.37				1.41				1.40				1.28
Cost of interest-bearing liabilities		0.71	%			0.82	%			0.99	%			1.15	%			1.27	%
Cost of total deposits		0.56	%			0.68	%			0.85	%			1.03	%			1.18	%
Cost of funds		0.64				0.75				0.91				1.07				1.19
Average Balances:
Loans	$	1,094,124			$	1,092,710			$	1,099,364			$	1,126,554			$	1,137,742
Investments available-for-sale		184,840				177,713				155,795				127,456				128,885
Investments held-to-maturity		2,421				2,415				2,413				2,410				2,399
Interest-earning deposits		68,618				64,035				52,336				26,092				32,701
FHLB stock		6,465				6,485				6,412				6,459				6,592
Total interest-earning assets	$	1,356,468			$	1,343,358			$	1,316,320			$	1,288,971			$	1,308,319
Interest-bearing deposits	$	1,016,540			$	1,018,083			$	996,295			$	985,945			$	1,002,518
Borrowings		120,000				120,494				120,000				121,218				124,543
Total interest-bearing liabilities		1,136,540				1,138,577				1,116,295				1,107,163				1,127,061
Noninterest-bearing deposits		121,256				110,207				99,013				83,719				81,694
Total deposits and borrowings	$	1,257,796			$	1,248,784			$	1,215,308			$	1,190,882			$	1,208,755
Average assets	$	1,436,801			$	1,424,126			$	1,394,213			$	1,366,061			$	1,383,736
Average stockholders' equity		161,892				160,189				157,856				155,765				154,988

⁽¹⁾ Yields and costs are annualized.

Non-GAAP Financial Measures

In addition to financial results presented in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles utilized in the United States ("GAAP"), this earnings release contains non-GAAP financial measures that include tangible equity; tangible assets; tangible book value per share; tangible equity-to-tangible assets; and ALLL as a percent of total loans excluding PPP loans. The Company believes that these non-GAAP financial measures and ratios as presented are useful for both investors and management to understand the effects of certain items and provides an alternative view of the Company’s performance over time and in comparison to the Company’s competitors. Non-GAAP financial measures have limitations, are not required to be uniformly applied and are not audited. They should not be considered in isolation and are not a substitute for other measures in this earnings release that are presented in accordance with GAAP. These non-GAAP measures may not be comparable to similarly titled measures reported by other companies.

The following tables provide a reconciliation between the GAAP and non-GAAP measures:

	Quarter Ended
	Sep 30, 2021		Jun 30, 2021		Mar 31, 2021		Dec 31, 2020		Sep 30, 2020
	(Dollars in thousands, except per share data)

Tangible equity to tangible assets and tangible book value per share:

Total stockholders' equity (GAAP)	$	161,456			$	161,621			$	158,443			$	156,302			$	154,778
Less:
Goodwill		889				889				889				889				889
Core deposit intangible, net		719				754				789				824				860
Tangible equity (Non-GAAP)	$	159,848			$	159,978			$	156,765			$	154,589			$	153,029
Total assets (GAAP)	$	1,440,202			$	1,430,703			$	1,430,226			$	1,387,669			$	1,365,469
Less:
Goodwill		889				889				889				889				889
Core deposit intangible, net		719				754				789				824				860
Tangible assets (Non-GAAP)	$	1,438,594			$	1,429,060			$	1,428,548			$	1,385,956			$	1,363,720
Common shares outstanding at period end		9,483,081				9,651,180				9,692,610				9,736,875				9,911,607
Equity-to-total assets (GAAP)		11.21	%			11.30	%			11.08	%			11.26	%			11.34	%
Tangible equity-to-tangible assets (Non-GAAP)		11.11				11.19				10.97				11.15				11.22
Book value per share (GAAP)	$	17.03			$	16.75			$	16.35			$	16.05			$	15.62
Tangible book value per share (Non-GAAP)		16.86				16.58				16.17				15.88				15.44

ALLL on loans to total loans receivable, excluding PPP loans:

Allowance for loan losses	$	15,057			$	14,878			$	15,502			$	15,174			$	14,568
Total loans (GAAP)	$	1,117,358			$	1,098,220			$	1,116,391			$	1,117,410			$	1,150,481
Less:
PPP loans		22,379				30,823				45,220				41,251				52,045
Total loans excluding PPP loans (Non-GAAP)	$	1,094,979			$	1,067,397			$	1,071,171			$	1,076,159			$	1,098,436
ALLL as a percent of total loans (GAAP)		1.35	%			1.35	%			1.39	%			1.36	%			1.27	%
ALLL as a percent of total loans excluding   PPP loans (Non-GAAP)		1.38				1.39				1.45				1.41				1.33

For more information, contact:
Joseph W. Kiley III, President and Chief Executive Officer
Rich Jacobson, Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer
(425) 255-4400

FAQ

What was First Financial Northwest's net income for Q3 2021?

First Financial Northwest reported a net income of $3.2 million for Q3 2021.

How much did net loans increase in Q3 2021 for FFNW?

Net loans increased by $20 million to $1.10 billion in Q3 2021.

What is the dividend paid by First Financial Northwest in Q3 2021?

FFNW paid a regular quarterly cash dividend of $0.11 to shareholders.

What was the average cost of deposits for First Financial Northwest in Q3 2021?

The average cost of deposits decreased to 0.56% in Q3 2021.

How did First Financial Northwest's net income for the first nine months of 2021 compare to 2020?

For the first nine months of 2021, net income was $9.5 million, up from $5.9 million in the same period of 2020.