First Northwest Bancorp Reports Fourth Quarter 2024 Financial Results

Rhea-AI Summary

First Northwest Bancorp (FNWB) reported a net loss of $2.8 million for Q4 2024, compared to a net loss of $2.0 million in Q3 2024 and $5.5 million in Q4 2023. The loss per share was $0.32 for Q4 2024. The company recorded adjusted pre-tax, pre-provision net revenue of $1.2 million in Q4 2024.

Key financial metrics include a quarterly cash dividend of $0.07 per share, a net interest margin of 2.73%, and an efficiency ratio of 92.2%. The company recorded a $3.8 million provision for credit losses on loans in Q4 2024, primarily due to charge-offs of six commercial business loans.

Notable developments include successful reduction of FHLB borrowings, improvement in liquidity position with loan-to-deposit ratio below 100%, and termination of FDIC compliance Consent Order. Investment securities increased 9.5% to $340.3 million, while net loans decreased 2.3% to $1.68 billion. Total deposits stood at $1.69 billion, representing a slight decrease from the previous quarter.

Positive

• Adjusted pre-tax, pre-provision net revenue improved to $1.2 million in Q4 2024
• Net interest margin increased to 2.73% from 2.70% in previous quarter
• Termination of FDIC compliance Consent Order
• Investment securities portfolio increased 9.5% to $340.3 million

Negative

• Net loss of $2.8 million in Q4 2024, increased from $2.0 million loss in Q3
• $3.8 million provision for credit losses due to commercial loan charge-offs
• Nonperforming loans increased to $30.5 million
• Net loans decreased 2.3% to $1.68 billion

Insights

Financial Analyst

First Northwest Bancorp's Q4 2024 results reveal a complex financial picture requiring careful analysis. The $2.8 million net loss represents a deterioration from Q3 but shows year-over-year improvement, suggesting a gradual stabilization despite ongoing challenges.

The credit quality metrics warrant particular attention:

• The $30.5 million in nonperforming loans and declining ACLL coverage ratio (67%) indicate persistent asset quality pressures
• Three large relationships account for 61% of classified loans, suggesting concentrated rather than systemic credit issues
• The $3.8 million provision for credit losses, while significant, appears prudent given the charge-off activity

Management's strategic initiatives show promise:

• Balance sheet restructuring through hedging and BOLI optimization demonstrates proactive risk management
• Investment securities purchases at 6.7% yield should support earnings recovery
• Improved liquidity position with loan-to-deposit ratio below 100%

Capital levels remain sound with a 12.4% CET1 ratio, providing a buffer for continued credit resolution. However, the efficiency ratio at 92.2% indicates room for operational improvement. The dividend maintenance at $0.07 per share suggests management's confidence in capital position despite near-term earnings pressure.

PORT ANGELES, Wash., Jan. 29, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- First Northwest Bancorp (Nasdaq: FNWB) ("First Northwest" or the "Company") today reported a net loss of $2.8 million for the fourth quarter of 2024, compared to a net loss of $2.0 million for the third quarter of 2024 and a net loss of $5.5 million for the fourth quarter of 2023. Basic and diluted loss per share were $0.32 for the fourth quarter of 2024, compared to basic and diluted loss per share of $0.23 for the third quarter of 2024 and basic and diluted loss per share of $0.62 for the fourth quarter of 2023.

In the fourth quarter of 2024, the Company recorded adjusted pre-tax, pre-provision net revenue ("PPNR")⁽¹⁾ of $1.2 million, compared to a $49,000 adjusted PPNR loss for the preceding quarter and adjusted PPNR of $327,000 for the fourth quarter of 2023.

The Board of Directors of First Northwest declared a quarterly cash dividend of $0.07 per common share, payable on February 28, 2025, to shareholders of record as of the close of business on February 14, 2025.

Quote from First Northwest President and CEO, Matthew P. Deines:
"Although financial results in 2024 were adversely impacted by elevated credit costs, we are optimistic for continued improvement in asset quality in early 2025. During the fourth quarter, our pre-provision net revenue ⁽¹⁾ grew to $1.2 million with modest margin improvement as we successfully reduced FHLB borrowings. As we look ahead to 2025, we are laser focused on growing core commercial and retail customer relationships while resolving problem assets, improving profitability and maintaining our strong capital position. Highlights for 2024 include the termination of our compliance Consent Order with the FDIC, reduction of core operating expenses and improvement in our liquidity position with the loan to deposit ratio below 100% at year-end. I’d like to thank all our employees for their efforts and contributions in 2024, and for making a positive impact in the communities we serve."

Key Points for Fourth Quarter and Going Forward

Provision for credit losses:

• The Company recorded a $3.8 million provision for credit losses on loans in the fourth quarter of 2024, primarily due to charge-offs of six commercial business loans. This compares to loan credit loss provisions of $3.1 million for the preceding quarter and $1.2 million for the fourth quarter of 2023. 
• We believe the reserve on individually analyzed loans does not represent a universal decline in the collectability of all loans in the portfolio. We continue to work on resolution plans for all troubled borrowers. The provision for credit losses on loans had a significant negative impact on net income for the fourth quarter of 2024.

First Fed Bank's ("First Fed" or the "Bank") balance sheet restructure continues to have a positive impact:

• The fair value hedge on loans, tied to the compounded overnight index swap using the secured overnight financing rate index, which was established in the first quarter of 2024, added $1.1 million to interest income for the year. The hedge successfully reduced the Bank's liability sensitivity, and lowered the overall interest rate risk profile. The hedge also enhanced earnings due to a favorable contract position during the 2024 interest rate environment. The Bank expects to maintain a positive carry on its derivative for up to an additional 25-basis points of rate cuts. 
• During 2024, bank-owned life insurance policies ("BOLI") were reinvested into higher yielding products. In the fourth quarter of 2024, a $8.5 million policy was surrendered and reinvested into a policy earning 6.01% and a $922,000 policy earning 1.64% was exchanged and reinvested into a policy earning 3.99%. Total policy conversions during 2024 increased the annual pre-tax net yield earned on the total BOLI portfolio by 74-basis points. The remaining surrender transaction is expected to be completed during the first quarter of 2025. 
• Investment security purchases during the fourth quarter of 2024 totaled $47.1 million, carrying a weighted-average yield of 6.7% at purchase and a weighted-average life of 3.1 years. The annualized interest income on these securities is anticipated to provide $2.6 million in revenue for 2025.

(1) See reconciliation of Non-GAAP Financial Measures later in this release.

Selected Quarterly Financial Ratios:

	As of or For the Quarter Ended
	December 31, 2024			September 30, 2024			June 30, 2024			March 31, 2024			December 31, 2023
Performance ratios: (1)
Return on average assets		-0.51	%		-0.36	%		-0.40	%		0.07	%		-1.03	%
Adjusted PPNR return on average assets (2)		0.22			-0.01			0.10			0.34			-0.06
Return on average equity		-6.92			-4.91			-5.47			0.98			-14.05
Net interest margin (3)		2.73			2.70			2.76			2.76			2.84
Efficiency ratio (4)		92.2			100.3			72.3			88.8			150.8
Equity to total assets		6.89			7.13			7.17			7.17			7.42
Book value per common share	$	16.45		$	17.17		$	16.81		$	17.00		$	16.99
Tangible performance ratios: (1)
Tangible common equity to tangible assets (2)		6.83	%		7.06	%		7.10	%		7.10	%		7.35	%
Return on average tangible common equity (2)		-6.99			-4.96			-5.53			0.99			-14.20
Tangible book value per common share (2)	$	16.29		$	17.00		$	16.64		$	16.83		$	16.83
Capital ratios (First Fed): (5)
Tier 1 leverage		9.4	%		9.4	%		9.4	%		9.7	%		9.9	%
Common equity Tier 1 capital		12.4			12.2			12.4			12.6			13.1
Total risk-based		13.6			13.4			13.5			13.6			14.1

(1	)	Performance ratios are annualized, where appropriate.
(2	)	See reconciliation of Non-GAAP Financial Measures later in this release.
(3	)	Net interest income divided by average interest-earning assets.
(4	)	Total noninterest expense as a percentage of net interest income and total other noninterest income.
(5	)	Current period capital ratios are preliminary and subject to finalization of the FDIC Call Report.

Adjusted Pre-tax, Pre-Provision Net Revenue ⁽¹⁾

Adjusted PPNR for the fourth quarter of 2024 increased $1.3 million to $1.2 million, compared to an adjusted PPNR loss of $49,000 for the preceding quarter, and increased $1.5 million from an adjusted PPNR $327,000 loss in the fourth quarter one year ago.

		For the Quarter Ended															For the Year Ended
(Dollars in thousands)		December 31, 2024			September 30, 2024			June 30, 2024			March 31, 2024			December 31, 2023			December 31, 2024			December 31, 2023
Net interest income		$	14,137		$	14,020		$	14,235		$	13,928		$	14,195		$	56,320		$	61,432
Total noninterest income			1,300			1,779			7,347			2,188			(2,929	)		12,614			4,020
Total revenue			15,437			15,799			21,582			16,116			11,266			68,934			65,452
Total noninterest expense			14,233			15,848			15,609			14,303			16,990			59,993			61,454
PPNR (1)			1,204			(49	)		5,973			1,813			(5,724	)		8,941			3,998
Selected nonrecurring adjustments to PPNR
Less: Net gain on sale of premises and equipment			—			—			7,919			—			—			7,919			—
Sale leaseback taxes and assessments included in occupancy and equipment			—			—			(359	)		—			—			(359	)		—
Net loss on sale of investment securities			—			—			(2,117	)		—			(5,397	)		(2,117	)		(5,397	)
Adjusted PPNR (1)		$	1,204		$	(49	)	$	530		$	1,813		$	(327	)	$	3,498		$	9,395

(1) See reconciliation of Non-GAAP Financial Measures later in this release.

• Total interest income was relatively unchanged at $28.2 million for the fourth quarter of 2024, compared to the previous quarter, and increased $1.9 million compared to $26.3 million in the fourth quarter of 2023. Interest income decreased in the fourth quarter of 2024 primarily due to a decrease in the income earned on the securities derivative combined with lower FHLB dividends and reduced interest income received on Company deposit accounts. Higher yields on performing loans during the fourth quarter of 2024 were partially offset by nonaccrual interest adjustments totaling $46,000. Interest and fees on loans increased year-over-year as the loan portfolio grew. Loan yields increased over the prior year due to higher rates on new originations as well as the repricing of variable and adjustable-rate loans.
• The net interest margin increased to 2.73% for the fourth quarter of 2024, from 2.70% for the prior quarter, and decreased 11-basis points from 2.84% for the fourth quarter of 2023. The Company reported reduced rates and declining volume of borrowings during the quarter which lowered costs; however, these savings were partially offset by an increase in cost due to a higher volume of customer deposits. The decrease in net interest margin from the same quarter one year ago is due to higher funding costs for deposits and borrowed funds. 
  
• Noninterest income included a $1.8 million write down on an equity investment in an organization that is involved in a lawsuit, partially offset by a $1.5 million BOLI death benefit payment received due to the passing of an employee. 
• Noninterest expense for the fourth quarter of 2024 decreased mainly due to a $1.2 million reduction in compensation related to nonrecurring payouts in the previous quarter combined with a reduced incentive accrual and lower headcount in the fourth quarter of 2024. FDIC assessment, state taxes, advertising and other discretionary spending also decreased from the previous quarter.

Allowance for Credit Losses on Loans ("ACLL") and Credit Quality

The allowance for credit losses on loans ("ACLL") decreased $1.5 million to $20.5 million at December 31, 2024, from $22.0 million at September 30, 2024. The ACLL as a percentage of total loans was 1.21% at December 31, 2024, a decrease from 1.27% at September 30, 2024, and an increase from 1.05% one year earlier. The pooled loan reserve decreased $1.5 million during the fourth quarter of 2024, primarily due to the decreases in multi-family, construction, and consumer loan balances combined with decreases resulting from lower loss factors applied to commercial business and commercial real estate loans, partially offset by higher loss factors applied to one-to-four family and other consumer loans.

Nonperforming loans totaled $30.5 million at December 31, 2024, an increase of $139,000 from September 30, 2024. ACLL to nonperforming loans decreased to 67% at December 31, 2024, from 72% at September 30, 2024, and 94% at December 31, 2023. This ratio continued to decline as higher balances of real estate loans are included in nonperforming assets with no significant corresponding increase to the ACLL as these collateral dependent loans were considered adequately reserved for based on information available at each period end.

Classified loans decreased $4.4 million to $42.5 million at December 31, 2024, from $46.9 million at September 30, 2024, primarily due to charge-offs totaling $3.9 million on six commercial business loans during the fourth quarter. An $11.4 million construction loan relationship, which became a classified loan in the fourth quarter of 2022; an $8.1 million commercial construction loan relationship, which became classified in the second quarter of 2024; and a $6.2 million commercial loan relationship, which became classified in the fourth quarter of 2023, account for 61% of the classified loan balance at December 31, 2024. The Bank has exercised legal remedies, including the appointment of a third-party receiver and foreclosure actions, to liquidate the underlying collateral to satisfy the real estate loans in two of these three collateral-dependent relationships. The Bank is also closely monitoring a group of commercial business loans that have similar collateral, with 15 loans totaling $2.2 million included in classified loans at December 31, 2024, and an additional eight loans totaling $2.8 million included in the special mention risk grading category.

	For the Quarter Ended
ACLL ($ in thousands)	December 31, 2024			September 30, 2024			June 30, 2024			March 31, 2024			December 31, 2023
Balance at beginning of period	$	21,970		$	19,343		$	17,958		$	17,510		$	16,945
Charge-offs:
Construction and land		(411	)		—			(3,978	)		—			—
Home equity		—			—			—			—			1
Auto and other consumer		(364	)		(492	)		(832	)		(806	)		(655	)
Commercial business		(4,596	)		(24	)		(2,643	)		(33	)		—
Total charge-offs		(5,371	)		(516	)		(7,453	)		(839	)		(654	)
Recoveries:
One-to-four family		—			42			—			2			5
Commercial real estate		2			—			—			—			—
Home equity		—			—			—			—			10
Auto and other consumer		52			24			198			46			42
Commercial business		36			—			—			—			—
Total recoveries		90			66			198			48			57
Net loan charge-offs		(5,281	)		(450	)		(7,255	)		(791	)		(597	)
Provision for credit losses		3,760			3,077			8,640			1,239			1,162
Balance at end of period	$	20,449		$	21,970		$	19,343		$	17,958		$	17,510
Average total loans		1,708,232			1,718,402			1,717,830			1,678,656			1,645,418
Annualized net charge-offs to average outstanding loans		1.23	%		0.10	%		1.70	%		0.19	%		0.14	%

Asset Quality ($ in thousands)	December 31, 2024			September 30, 2024			June 30, 2024			March 31, 2024			December 31, 2023
Nonaccrual loans:
One-to-four family	$	1,477		$	1,631		$	1,750		$	1,237		$	1,844
Multi-family		—			—			708			708			—
Commercial real estate		5,598			5,634			14			22			28
Construction and land		19,544			19,382			19,292			14,440			14,986
Home equity		55			116			118			121			123
Auto and other consumer		700			894			746			1,012			786
Commercial business		3,141			2,719			1,003			1,941			877
Total nonaccrual loans		30,515			30,376			23,631			19,481			18,644
Other real estate owned		—			—			—			—			—
Total nonperforming assets	$	30,515		$	30,376		$	23,631		$	19,481		$	18,644
Nonaccrual loans as a % of total loans (1)		1.80	%		1.75	%		1.39	%		1.14	%		1.12	%
Nonperforming assets as a % of total assets (2)		1.37			1.35			1.07			0.87			0.85
ACLL as a % of total loans		1.21			1.27			1.14			1.05			1.05
ACLL as a % of nonaccrual loans		67.01			72.33			81.85			92.18			93.92
Total past due loans to total loans		1.98			1.92			1.45			1.91			0.94

(1	)	Nonperforming loans consists of nonaccruing loans and accruing loans more than 90 days past due.
(2	)	Nonperforming assets consists of nonperforming loans (which include nonaccruing loans and accruing loans more than 90 days past due), real estate owned and repossessed assets.

Financial Condition and Capital

Investment securities increased $29.5 million, or 9.5%, to $340.3 million at December 31, 2024, compared to $310.9 million three months earlier, and increased $44.7 million compared to $295.6 million at December 31, 2023. The market value of the portfolio decreased $5.8 million during the fourth quarter of 2024. The estimated average life of the securities portfolio was approximately 6.9 years at December 31, 2024, 7.4 years at the prior quarter end and 7.7 years at the end of the fourth quarter of 2023. The effective duration of the portfolio was approximately 3.9 years at December 31, 2024, compared to 3.9 years at the prior quarter end and 4.8 years at the end of the fourth quarter of 2023. Investment purchases at the beginning of 2024 were primarily floating rate securities to take advantage of higher short-term rates above those offered on cash at that time and to reduce our liability sensitivity. Purchases in the fourth quarter were primarily fixed to rebalance our securities portfolio position for 2025.

Investment Securities ($ in thousands)	December 31, 2024			September 30, 2024			December 31, 2023			Three Month % Change		One Year % Change
Available for Sale at Fair Value
Municipal bonds	$	77,876		$	81,363		$	87,761		-4.3	%	-11.3	%
U.S. government agency issued asset-backed securities (ABS agency)		12,876			13,296			11,782		-3.2		9.3
Corporate issued asset-backed securities (ABS corporate)		16,122			16,391			5,286		-1.6		205.0
Corporate issued debt securities (Corporate debt)		54,491			54,058			51,454		0.8		5.9
U.S. Small Business Administration securities (SBA)		8,666			9,317			—		-7.0		100.0
Mortgage-backed securities:
U.S. government agency issued mortgage-backed securities (MBS agency)		98,697			78,549			63,247		25.7		56.1
Non-agency issued mortgage-backed securities (MBS non-agency)		71,616			57,886			76,093		23.7		-5.9
Total securities available for sale	$	340,344		$	310,860		$	295,623		9.5		15.1

Net loans, excluding loans held for sale, decreased $39.2 million, or 2.3%, to $1.68 billion at December 31, 2024, from $1.71 billion at September 30, 2024, and increased $32.7 million, or 2.0%, from $1.64 billion one year prior. Construction loans that converted into fully amortizing loans during the quarter totaled $18.3 million. Loan payoffs of $73.9 million, regular payments of $35.3 million and charge-offs totaling $5.3 million outpaced new loan funding totaling $55.6 million and draws on existing loans totaling $19.7 million.

Loans ($ in thousands)	December 31, 2024			September 30, 2024			December 31, 2023			Three Month % Change		One Year % Change
Real Estate:
One-to-four family	$	395,315		$	395,792		$	378,432		-0.1	%	4.5	%
Multi-family		332,596			353,813			333,094		-6.0		-0.1
Commercial real estate		390,379			376,008			387,983		3.8		0.6
Construction and land		78,110			95,709			129,691		-18.4		-39.8
Total real estate loans		1,196,400			1,221,322			1,229,200		-2.0		-2.7
Consumer:
Home equity		79,054			76,960			69,403		2.7		13.9
Auto and other consumer		268,876			281,198			249,130		-4.4		7.9
Total consumer loans		347,930			358,158			318,533		-2.9		9.2
Commercial business		151,493			155,327			112,295		-2.5		34.9
Total loans receivable		1,695,823			1,734,807			1,660,028		-2.2		2.2
Less:
Derivative basis adjustment		188			(1,579	)		—		111.9		100.0
Allowance for credit losses on loans		20,449			21,970			17,510		-6.9		16.8
Total loans receivable, net	$	1,675,186		$	1,714,416		$	1,642,518		-2.3		2.0

Total deposits decreased $23.6 million to $1.69 billion at December 31, 2024, compared to $1.71 billion at September 30, 2024, and increased $11.1 million, or 0.7%, compared to $1.68 billion one year ago. During the fourth quarter of 2024, total customer deposit balances decreased $2.8 million and brokered deposit balances decreased $20.8 million. Overall, the current rate environment continues to contribute to greater competition for deposits. As a result, the Bank continues offering deposit rate specials to attract new funds.

Deposits ($ in thousands)	December 31, 2024			September 30, 2024			December 31, 2023			Three Month % Change		One Year % Change
Noninterest-bearing demand deposits	$	256,416		$	252,999		$	252,083		1.4	%	1.7	%
Interest-bearing demand deposits		164,891			167,202			169,418		-1.4		-2.7
Money market accounts		413,822			433,307			362,205		-4.5		14.3
Savings accounts		205,055			212,763			242,148		-3.6		-15.3
Certificates of deposit, customer		464,928			441,665			443,412		5.3		4.9
Certificates of deposit, brokered		182,914			203,705			207,626		-10.2		-11.9
Total deposits	$	1,688,026		$	1,711,641		$	1,676,892		-1.4		0.7

Total shareholders’ equity decreased to $153.9 million at December 31, 2024, compared to $160.8 million three months earlier, due to a decrease in the after-tax fair market values of the available-for-sale investment securities portfolio of $4.5 million, a net loss of $2.8 million and dividends declared of $656,000, partially offset by an increase in the after-tax fair market values of derivatives of $952,000.

Capital levels for both the Company and its operating bank, First Fed, remain in excess of applicable regulatory requirements and the Bank was categorized as "well-capitalized" at December 31, 2024. Preliminary calculations of Common Equity Tier 1 and Total Risk-Based Capital Ratios at December 31, 2024, were 12.4% and 13.6%, respectively.

First Northwest continued to return capital to our shareholders through cash dividends during the fourth quarter of 2024. The Company paid cash dividends totaling $656,000 in the fourth quarter of 2024. No shares of common stock were repurchased under the Company's April 2024 Stock Repurchase Plan ("Repurchase Plan") during the quarter ended December 31, 2024. There are 846,123 shares that remain available for repurchase under the Repurchase Plan.

Awards/Recognition
The Company received several accolades as a leader in the community in the last year.

	In September 2024, the First Fed team was recognized in the 2024 Best of Olympic Peninsula surveys, winning Best Bank and Best Lender in Clallam County; Best Bank and Best Financial Advisor in the West End; and Best Lender in Jefferson County. First Fed was also a finalist for Best Bank, Best Customer Service, Best Employer and Best Financial Advisor in Jefferson County; Best Customer Service, Best Employer and Best Financial Advisor in Clallam County; and Best Customer Service and Best Employer in the West End.
	In May 2024, First Fed, along with the First Fed Community Foundation, were honored to be ranked second on the Puget Sound Business Journal Midsize Corporate Philanthropists list.
	In October 2023, the First Fed team was honored to bring home the Gold for Best Bank in the Best of the Northwest survey hosted by Bellingham Alive for the second year in a row.
	In September 2023, the First Fed team was recognized in the 2023 Best of Olympic Peninsula surveys as a finalist for Best Employer in Kitsap County and Best Bank and Best Financial Institution in Bainbridge.

We recommend reading this earnings release in conjunction with the Fourth Quarter 2024 Investor Presentation, located at http://investor.ourfirstfed.com/quarterly-reports and included as an exhibit to our January 29, 2025, Current Report on Form 8-K.

About the Company
First Northwest Bancorp (Nasdaq: FNWB) is a financial holding company engaged in investment activities including the business of its subsidiary, First Fed Bank. First Fed is a Pacific Northwest-based financial institution which has served its customers and communities since 1923. Currently First Fed has 16 locations in Washington state including 12 full-service branches. First Fed’s business and operating strategy is focused on building sustainable earnings by delivering a full array of financial products and services for individuals, small businesses, non-profit organizations and commercial customers. In 2022, First Northwest made an investment in The Meriwether Group, LLC, a boutique investment banking and accelerator firm. Additionally, First Northwest focuses on strategic partnerships to provide modern financial services such as digital payments and marketplace lending. First Northwest Bancorp was incorporated in 2012 and completed its initial public offering in 2015 under the ticker symbol FNWB. The Company is headquartered in Port Angeles, Washington.

Forward-Looking Statements
Certain matters discussed in this press release may contain forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These forward-looking statements relate to, among other things, expectations of the business environment in which we operate, projections of future performance, perceived opportunities in the market, potential future credit experience, including our ability to collect, the outcome of litigation and statements regarding our mission and vision, and include, but are not limited to, statements about our plans, objectives, expectations and intentions that are not historical facts, and other statements often identified by words such as "believes," "expects," "anticipates," "estimates," or similar expressions. These forward-looking statements are based upon current management beliefs and expectations and may, therefore, involve risks and uncertainties, many of which are beyond our control. 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 of factors including, but not limited to: increased competitive pressures; changes in the interest rate environment; the credit risks of lending activities; pressures on liquidity, including as a result of withdrawals of deposits or declines in the value of our investment portfolio; changes in general economic conditions and conditions within the securities markets; 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 under the section entitled "Risk Factors," and other filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC"),which are available on our website at www.ourfirstfed.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 we make may turn out to be incorrect 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 or implied in any forward-looking statements made by or on our behalf and the Company's operating and stock price performance may be negatively affected. 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 2024 and beyond to differ materially from those expressed in any forward-looking statements by, or on behalf of, us and could negatively affect the Company’s operations and stock price performance.

For More Information Contact:
Matthew P. Deines, President and Chief Executive Officer
Geri Bullard, EVP, Chief Financial Officer and Chief Operating Officer
IRGroup@ourfirstfed.com
360-457-0461

FIRST NORTHWEST BANCORP AND SUBSIDIARY CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (Dollars in thousands, except share data) (Unaudited)
		December 31, 2024			September 30, 2024			June 30, 2024			March 31, 2024			December 31, 2023
ASSETS
Cash and due from banks		$	16,811		$	17,953		$	19,184		$	15,562		$	19,845
Interest-earning deposits in banks			55,637			64,769			63,995			61,784			103,324
Investment securities available for sale, at fair value			340,344			310,860			306,714			325,955			295,623
Loans held for sale			472			378			1,086			988			753
Loans receivable (net of allowance for credit losses on loans $20,449, $21,970, $19,343, $17,958, and $17,510)			1,675,186			1,714,416			1,677,764			1,692,774			1,642,518
Federal Home Loan Bank (FHLB) stock, at cost			14,435			14,435			13,086			15,876			13,664
Accrued interest receivable			8,159			8,939			9,466			8,909			7,894
Premises held for sale, net			—			—			—			6,751			18,049
Premises and equipment, net			10,129			10,436			10,714			11,028			—
Servicing rights on sold loans, at fair value			3,281			3,584			3,740			3,820			3,793
Bank-owned life insurance, net			41,150			41,429			41,113			34,681			40,578
Equity and partnership investments			13,229			14,912			15,085			15,121			14,794
Goodwill and other intangible assets, net			1,082			1,083			1,084			1,085			1,086
Deferred tax asset, net			13,738			10,802			12,216			12,704			13,001
Right-of-use ("ROU") asset, net			17,001			17,315			17,627			5,841			6,047
Prepaid expenses and other assets			21,352			24,175			23,088			27,141			20,828
Total assets		$	2,232,006		$	2,255,486		$	2,215,962		$	2,240,020		$	2,201,797
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
Deposits		$	1,688,026		$	1,711,641		$	1,708,288		$	1,666,624		$	1,676,892
Borrowings			336,014			334,994			302,575			371,455			320,936
Accrued interest payable			3,295			2,153			3,143			2,830			3,396
Lease liability, net			17,535			17,799			18,054			6,227			6,428
Accrued expenses and other liabilities			31,770			25,625			23,717			29,980			29,545
Advances from borrowers for taxes and insurance			1,484			2,485			1,304			2,398			1,260
Total liabilities			2,078,124			2,094,697			2,057,081			2,079,514			2,038,457
Shareholders' Equity
Preferred stock, $0.01 par value, authorized 5,000,000 shares, no shares issued or outstanding			—			—			—			—			—
Common stock, $0.01 par value, 75,000,000 shares authorized; issued and outstanding at each period end: 9,353,348; 9,365,979; 9,453,247; 9,442,796; and 9,611,876			93			94			94			94			96
Additional paid-in capital			93,357			93,218			93,985			93,763			95,784
Retained earnings			97,198			100,660			103,322			106,202			107,349
Accumulated other comprehensive loss, net of tax			(30,172	)		(26,424	)		(31,597	)		(32,465	)		(32,636	)
Unearned employee stock ownership plan (ESOP) shares			(6,594	)		(6,759	)		(6,923	)		(7,088	)		(7,253	)
Total shareholders' equity			153,882			160,789			158,881			160,506			163,340
Total liabilities and shareholders' equity		$	2,232,006		$	2,255,486		$	2,215,962		$	2,240,020		$	2,201,797

FIRST NORTHWEST BANCORP AND SUBSIDIARY CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS (Dollars in thousands, except per share data) (Unaudited)
		For the Quarter Ended															For the Year Ended
		December 31, 2024			September 30, 2024			June 30, 2024			March 31, 2024			December 31, 2023			December 31, 2024			December 31, 2023
INTEREST INCOME
Interest and fees on loans receivable		$	23,716		$	23,536		$	23,733		$	22,767		$	22,083		$	93,752		$	84,614
Interest on investment securities			3,658			3,786			3,949			3,632			3,393			15,025			13,279
Interest on deposits in banks			550			582			571			645			581			2,348			2,126
FHLB dividends			273			302			358			282			252			1,215			880
Total interest income			28,197			28,206			28,611			27,326			26,309			112,340			100,899
INTEREST EXPENSE
Deposits			11,175			10,960			10,180			10,112			8,758			42,427			27,019
Borrowings			2,885			3,226			4,196			3,286			3,356			13,593			12,448
Total interest expense			14,060			14,186			14,376			13,398			12,114			56,020			39,467
Net interest income			14,137			14,020			14,235			13,928			14,195			56,320			61,432
PROVISION FOR CREDIT LOSSES
Provision for credit losses on loans			3,760			3,077			8,640			1,239			1,162			16,716			2,357
(Recapture of) provision for credit losses on unfunded commitments			(105	)		57			99			(269	)		(10	)		(218	)		(1,034	)
Provision for credit losses			3,655			3,134			8,739			970			1,152			16,498			1,323
Net interest income after provision for credit losses			10,482			10,886			5,496			12,958			13,043			39,822			60,109
NONINTEREST INCOME
Loan and deposit service fees			1,054			1,059			1,076			1,102			1,068			4,291			4,341
Sold loan servicing fees and servicing rights mark-to-market			(115	)		10			74			219			276			188			676
Net gain on sale of loans			52			58			150			52			33			312			438
Net loss on sale of investment securities			—			—			(2,117	)		—			(5,397	)		(2,117	)		(5,397	)
Net gain on sale of premises and equipment			—			—			7,919			—			—			7,919			—
Increase in cash surrender value of bank-owned life insurance			328			315			293			243			260			1,179			928
Income from death benefit on bank-owned life insurance, net			1,536			—			—			—			—			1,536			—
Other (loss) income			(1,555	)		337			(48	)		572			831			(694	)		3,034
Total noninterest income			1,300			1,779			7,347			2,188			(2,929	)		12,614			4,020
NONINTEREST EXPENSE
Compensation and benefits			7,367			8,582			8,588			8,128			7,397			32,665			31,209
Data processing			2,065			2,085			2,008			1,944			2,107			8,102			8,170
Occupancy and equipment			1,559			1,553			1,799			1,240			1,262			6,151			4,858
Supplies, postage, and telephone			296			360			317			293			351			1,266			1,433
Regulatory assessments and state taxes			460			548			457			513			376			1,978			1,635
Advertising			362			409			377			309			235			1,457			2,706
Professional fees			813			698			684			910			1,119			3,105			3,738
FDIC insurance premium			491			533			473			386			418			1,883			1,357
Other expense			820			1,080			906			580			3,725			3,386			6,348
Total noninterest expense			14,233			15,848			15,609			14,303			16,990			59,993			61,454
Loss before provision (benefit) for income taxes			(2,451	)		(3,183	)		(2,766	)		843			(6,876	)		(7,557	)		2,675
Provision (benefit) for income taxes			359			(1,203	)		(547	)		447			(1,354	)		(944	)		549
Net (loss) income		$	(2,810	)	$	(1,980	)	$	(2,219	)	$	396		$	(5,522	)	$	(6,613	)	$	2,286
Basic and diluted (loss) earnings per common share		$	(0.32	)	$	(0.23	)	$	(0.25	)	$	0.04		$	(0.62	)	$	(0.75	)	$	0.26

FIRST NORTHWEST BANCORP AND SUBSIDIARY ADDITIONAL INFORMATION (Dollars in thousands) (Unaudited)
Selected Loan Detail		December 31, 2024			September 30, 2024			June 30, 2024			March 31, 2024			December 31, 2023
Construction and land loans breakout
1-4 Family construction		$	39,319		$	43,125		$	56,514		$	69,075		$	68,029
Multifamily construction			15,407			29,109			43,341			45,776			50,431
Nonresidential construction			16,857			17,500			1,015			3,374			3,756
Land and development			6,527			5,975			6,403			7,122			7,475
Total construction and land loans		$	78,110		$	95,709		$	107,273		$	125,347		$	129,691
Auto and other consumer loans breakout
Triad Manufactured Home loans		$	128,231		$	129,600		$	110,510		$	105,525		$	105,057
Woodside auto loans			117,968			126,129			131,151			128,072			124,401
First Help auto loans			14,283			15,971			17,427			8,326			4,516
Other auto loans			1,647			2,064			2,690			3,313			4,158
Other consumer loans			6,747			7,434			23,845			23,598			10,998
Total auto and other consumer loans		$	268,876		$	281,198		$	285,623		$	268,834		$	249,130
Commercial business loans breakout
Northpointe Bank MPP		$	36,230		$	38,155		$	9,150		$	15,047		$	9,502
Secured lines of credit			35,701			37,686			28,862			41,014			35,815
Unsecured lines of credit			1,717			1,571			1,133			1,001			456
SBA loans			7,044			7,219			7,146			8,944			9,115
Other commercial business loans			70,801			70,696			70,803			70,291			57,407
Total commercial business loans		$	151,493		$	155,327		$	117,094		$	136,297		$	112,295

Loans by Collateral and Unfunded Commitments		December 31, 2024			September 30, 2024			June 30, 2024			March 31, 2024			December 31, 2023
One-to-four family construction		$	44,468		$	51,607		$	49,440		$	70,100		$	60,211
All other construction and land			34,290			45,166			58,346			55,286			69,484
One-to-four family first mortgage			466,046			469,053			434,840			436,543			426,159
One-to-four family junior liens			15,090			14,701			13,706			12,608			12,250
One-to-four family revolving open-end			51,481			48,459			44,803			45,536			42,479
Commercial real estate, owner occupied:
Health care			29,129			29,407			29,678			29,946			22,523
Office			17,756			17,901			19,215			17,951			18,468
Warehouse			14,948			11,645			14,613			14,683			14,758
Other			78,170			64,535			56,292			55,063			61,304
Commercial real estate, non-owner occupied:
Office			49,417			49,770			50,158			53,099			53,548
Retail			49,591			49,717			50,101			50,478			51,384
Hospitality			61,919			62,282			62,628			66,982			67,332
Other			81,640			82,573			84,428			93,040			94,822
Multi-family residential			333,419			354,118			350,382			339,907			333,428
Commercial business loans			77,381			86,904			79,055			90,781			76,920
Commercial agriculture and fishing loans			21,833			15,369			14,411			10,200			5,422
State and political subdivision obligations			369			404			405			405			405
Consumer automobile loans			133,789			144,036			151,121			139,524			132,877
Consumer loans secured by other assets			131,429			132,749			129,293			122,895			108,542
Consumer loans unsecured			3,658			4,411			5,209			6,415			7,712
Total loans		$	1,695,823		$	1,734,807		$	1,698,124		$	1,711,442		$	1,660,028
Unfunded commitments under lines of credit or existing loans		$	163,827		$	166,446		$	155,005		$	148,736		$	149,631

FIRST NORTHWEST BANCORP AND SUBSIDIARY NET INTEREST MARGIN ANALYSIS (Dollars in thousands) (Unaudited)
		Three Months Ended December 31,
		2024									2023
		Average			Interest						Average			Interest
		Balance			Earned/			Yield/			Balance			Earned/			Yield/
		Outstanding			Paid			Rate			Outstanding			Paid			Rate
		(Dollars in thousands)
Interest-earning assets:
Loans receivable, net (1) (2)		$	1,688,239		$	23,716			5.59	%	$	1,628,718		$	22,083			5.38	%
Investment securities			313,759			3,658			4.64			297,020			3,393			4.53
FHLB dividends			11,762			273			9.23			12,514			252			7.99
Interest-earning deposits in banks			45,358			550			4.82			41,974			581			5.49
Total interest-earning assets (3)			2,059,118			28,197			5.45			1,980,226			26,309			5.27
Noninterest-earning assets			146,384									147,429
Total average assets		$	2,205,502								$	2,127,655
Interest-bearing liabilities:
Interest-bearing demand deposits		$	162,954		$	210			0.51		$	172,013		$	197			0.45
Money market accounts			442,481			2,773			2.49			362,366			1,351			1.48
Savings accounts			206,605			721			1.39			247,744			963			1.54
Certificates of deposit, customer			461,136			4,925			4.25			424,722			4,197			3.92
Certificates of deposit, brokered			192,018			2,546			5.27			172,214			2,050			4.72
Total interest-bearing deposits (4)			1,465,194			11,175			3.03			1,379,059			8,758			2.52
Advances			236,576			2,491			4.19			256,560			2,962			4.58
Subordinated debt			39,504			394			3.97			39,425			394			3.96
Total interest-bearing liabilities			1,741,274			14,060			3.21			1,675,044			12,114			2.87
Noninterest-bearing deposits (4)			256,715									259,845
Other noninterest-bearing liabilities			45,953									36,795
Total average liabilities			2,043,942									1,971,684
Average equity			161,560									155,971
Total average liabilities and equity		$	2,205,502								$	2,127,655
Net interest income					$	14,137								$	14,195
Net interest rate spread									2.24									2.40
Net earning assets		$	317,844								$	305,182
Net interest margin (5)									2.73									2.84
Average interest-earning assets to average interest-bearing liabilities			118.3	%								118.2	%

(1) The average loans receivable, net balances include nonaccrual loans.
(2) Interest earned on loans receivable includes net deferred fees (costs) of $103,000 and ($151,000) for the three months ended December 31, 2024 and 2023, respectively.
(3) Includes interest-earning deposits (cash) at other financial institutions.
(4) Cost of all deposits, including noninterest-bearing demand deposits, was 2.58% and 2.12% for the three months ended December 31, 2024 and 2023, respectively.
(5) Net interest income divided by average interest-earning assets.

FIRST NORTHWEST BANCORP AND SUBSIDIARY
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
(Dollars in thousands) (Unaudited)

Non-GAAP Financial Measures
This press release contains financial measures that are not in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles in the United States of America ("GAAP"). Non-GAAP measures are presented where management believes the information will help investors understand the Company’s results of operations or financial position and assess trends. Where non-GAAP financial measures are used, the comparable GAAP financial measure is also provided. These disclosures should not be viewed as a substitute for operating results determined in accordance with GAAP, and are not necessarily comparable to non-GAAP performance measures that may be presented by other companies. Other banking companies may use names similar to those the Company uses for the non-GAAP financial measures the Company discloses, but may calculate them differently. Investors should understand how the Company and other companies each calculate their non-GAAP financial measures when making comparisons. Reconciliations of the GAAP and non-GAAP measures are presented below.

Calculations Based on PPNR and Adjusted PPNR:

		For the Quarter Ended															For the Year Ended
(Dollars in thousands)		December 31, 2024			September 30, 2024			June 30, 2024			March 31, 2024			December 31, 2023			December 31, 2024			December 31, 2023
Net (loss) income		$	(2,810	)	$	(1,980	)	$	(2,219	)	$	396		$	(5,522	)	$	(6,613	)	$	2,286
Plus: provision for credit losses			3,655			3,134			8,739			970			1,152			16,498			1,323
Provision (benefit) for income taxes			359			(1,203	)		(547	)		447			(1,354	)		(944	)		549
PPNR (1)			1,204			(49	)		5,973			1,813			(5,724	)		8,941			4,158
Selected nonrecurring adjustments to PPNR
Less: Net gain on sale of premises and equipment			—			—			7,919			—			—			7,919			—
Sale leaseback taxes and assessments included in occupancy and equipment			—			—			(359	)		—			—			(359	)		—
Net loss on sale of investment securities			—			—			(2,117	)		—			(5,397	)		(2,117	)		(5,397	)
Adjusted PPNR (1)		$	1,204		$	(49	)	$	530		$	1,813		$	(327	)	$	3,498		$	9,555
Average total assets		$	2,205,502		$	2,209,333		$	2,219,370		$	2,166,187		$	2,127,655		$	2,200,138		$	2,109,200
Return on average assets (GAAP)			-0.51	%		-0.36	%		-0.40	%		0.07	%		-1.03	%		-0.30	%		0.11	%
Adjusted PPNR return on average assets (Non-GAAP) (1)			0.22	%		-0.01	%		0.10	%		0.34	%		-0.06	%		0.16	%		0.45	%

(1) We believe these non-GAAP metrics are useful to evaluate the relative strength of the Company's performance.

FIRST NORTHWEST BANCORP AND SUBSIDIARY ADDITIONAL INFORMATION (Dollars in thousands) (Unaudited)
Calculations Based on Tangible Common Equity:
		For the Quarter Ended															For the Year Ended
		December 31, 2024			September 30, 2024			June 30, 2024			March 31, 2024			December 31, 2023			December 31, 2024			December 31, 2023
		(Dollars in thousands, except per share data)
Total shareholders' equity		$	153,882		$	160,789		$	158,881		$	160,506		$	163,340		$	153,882		$	163,340
Less: Goodwill and other intangible assets			1,082			1,083			1,084			1,085			1,086			1,082			1,086
Disallowed non-mortgage loan servicing rights			423			489			517			489			481			423			481
Total tangible common equity		$	152,377		$	159,217		$	157,280		$	158,932		$	161,773		$	152,377		$	161,773
Total assets		$	2,232,006		$	2,255,486		$	2,215,962		$	2,240,020		$	2,201,797		$	2,232,006		$	2,201,797
Less: Goodwill and other intangible assets			1,082			1,083			1,084			1,085			1,086			1,082			1,086
Disallowed non-mortgage loan servicing rights			423			489			517			489			481			423			481
Total tangible assets		$	2,230,501		$	2,253,914		$	2,214,361		$	2,238,446		$	2,200,230		$	2,230,501		$	2,200,230
Average shareholders' equity		$	161,560		$	160,479		$	163,079		$	161,867		$	155,971		$	161,742		$	159,413
Less: Average goodwill and other intangible assets			1,083			1,084			1,085			1,085			1,086			1,084			1,087
Average disallowed non-mortgage loan servicing rights			489			517			489			481			608			494			670
Total average tangible common equity		$	159,988		$	158,878		$	161,505		$	160,301		$	154,277		$	160,164		$	157,656
Net (loss) income		$	(2,810	)	$	(1,980	)	$	(2,219	)	$	396		$	(5,522	)	$	(6,613	)	$	2,286
Common shares outstanding			9,353,348			9,365,979			9,453,247			9,442,796			9,611,876			9,353,348			9,611,876
GAAP Ratios:
Equity to total assets			6.89	%		7.13	%		7.17	%		7.17	%		7.42	%		6.89	%		7.42	%
Return on average equity			-6.92	%		-4.91	%		-5.47	%		0.98	%		-14.05	%		-4.09	%		1.43	%
Book value per common share		$	16.45		$	17.17		$	16.81		$	17.00		$	16.99		$	16.45		$	16.99
Non-GAAP Ratios:
Tangible common equity to tangible assets (1)			6.83	%		7.06	%		7.10	%		7.10	%		7.35	%		6.83	%		7.35	%
Return on average tangible common equity (1)			-6.99	%		-4.96	%		-5.53	%		0.99	%		-14.20	%		-4.13	%		1.45	%
Tangible book value per common share (1)		$	16.29		$	17.00		$	16.64		$	16.83		$	16.83		$	16.29		$	16.83

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We believe these non-GAAP metrics provide an important measure with which to analyze and evaluate financial condition and capital strength. In addition, we believe that use of tangible equity and tangible assets improves the comparability to other institutions that have not engaged in acquisitions that resulted in recorded goodwill and other intangibles.

FAQ

What was FNWB's net loss in Q4 2024?

First Northwest Bancorp reported a net loss of $2.8 million for Q4 2024, with a loss per share of $0.32.

How much was FNWB's provision for credit losses in Q4 2024?

FNWB recorded a $3.8 million provision for credit losses on loans in Q4 2024, primarily due to charge-offs of six commercial business loans.

What is FNWB's quarterly dividend payment for Q4 2024?

FNWB declared a quarterly cash dividend of $0.07 per common share, payable on February 28, 2025.

How did FNWB's investment securities perform in Q4 2024?

Investment securities increased $29.5 million or 9.5% to $340.3 million compared to the previous quarter.

What was FNWB's net interest margin in Q4 2024?

FNWB's net interest margin increased to 2.73% for Q4 2024, up from 2.70% in the previous quarter.