First Northwest Stock Price, News & Analysis

First Northwest Bancorp (NASDAQ: FNWB) is a financial holding company that conducts its primary banking operations through its subsidiary, First Fed Bank. According to company disclosures, First Fed is a Pacific Northwest-based financial institution that has served its customers and communities since 1923 and is headquartered in Port Angeles, Washington. First Northwest Bancorp was incorporated in 2012 and completed its initial public offering in 2015 under the ticker symbol FNWB.

The company operates in the savings institutions segment within the broader finance and insurance sector. Through First Fed Bank, First Northwest Bancorp engages in traditional banking activities that include deposit-taking and lending, supplemented by other borrowing and investing activities. The bank’s principal lending activities, as described in public information, focus on first lien one- to four-family mortgage loans, commercial and multi-family real estate loans, construction and land loans, commercial business loans, and consumer loans.

First Fed’s business and operating strategy is described as being 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. The institution is characterized as a community-focused bank serving Western Washington, with multiple locations and full-service branches across the region. Company materials note that First Fed has operated as a trusted Washington institution for more than a century, reflecting its long-standing presence in local markets.

Business Model and Activities

As a bank holding company and financial holding company, First Northwest Bancorp generates its results primarily from the banking operations of First Fed Bank. Available descriptions indicate that the company’s activities include:

• Accepting deposits through First Fed’s branch network and related channels.
• Originating and holding loans secured by one- to four-family residential properties.
• Providing commercial and multi-family real estate financing.
• Extending construction and land development loans.
• Offering commercial business loans and consumer loans.
• Engaging in other borrowing and investing activities to support balance sheet management.

In addition to traditional community banking, First Northwest Bancorp has disclosed that it makes strategic investments in partnerships focused on developing modern financial solutions and a boutique investment banking/accelerator firm. In particular, the company has noted an investment in The Meriwether Group, LLC, described as a boutique investment banking and accelerator firm, and has referenced strategic partnerships that support areas such as digital payments and marketplace lending. These activities are presented by the company as part of its approach to innovation and growth in the financial services sector.

Community Banking Focus

First Fed is described in public communications as a community bank serving Western Washington, with a long history of local engagement. The bank has emphasized personalized service for individuals and businesses, and has highlighted its role in supporting customers and communities. Company and related foundation communications reference grantmaking and charitable contributions aimed at benefiting low- to moderate-income, disadvantaged, and marginalized communities in the regions where First Fed operates full-service branches.

The First Fed Foundation, which is funded by First Northwest Bancorp and First Fed Bank, was founded in connection with First Fed’s conversion to a publicly traded company. It has been described as continuing the bank’s legacy of community support by making grants to nonprofit, tribal, government, and school district organizations in specific Washington counties and cities where First Fed operates. While the foundation is a separate entity, its activities are closely associated with the community-focused identity of First Fed and, by extension, First Northwest Bancorp.

Digital and Modern Financial Solutions

Company-related announcements indicate that First Fed invests in and adopts modern digital banking tools. For example, First Fed has implemented the Apiture Digital Banking Platform to enhance the online and mobile banking experience for business customers. This deployment is described as providing advanced capabilities for businesses of various sizes, including enhanced digital features and data intelligence tools that give the bank deeper insight into customer behaviors and preferences. These digital initiatives align with the company’s stated focus on building a modern, forward-thinking financial institution while maintaining community bank characteristics.

First Northwest Bancorp also highlights partnerships that support modern financial services, such as digital payments and marketplace lending, and its strategic relationship with Meriwether Group Capital’s Hero Fund through First Fed. These relationships are presented as part of a broader effort to participate in contemporary financial solutions and support regional businesses.

Corporate Structure and Governance

First Northwest Bancorp is organized as a financial holding company under Washington law and is registered with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, with its common stock listed on The Nasdaq Stock Market LLC under the symbol FNWB. The company’s SEC filings and press releases describe an active board of directors overseeing both the holding company and First Fed Bank, including committees such as the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee and a Board Loan Committee at the bank level.

Public disclosures show ongoing attention to governance and board composition, including the appointment of independent directors with experience in risk management, insurance, and community banking, as well as the retirement of long-serving directors. The company has also described its board and committee structure as engaged in succession planning and director recruitment.

Risk Management and Credit Quality

First Northwest Bancorp’s periodic earnings releases and related SEC filings provide detail on credit quality metrics, including the allowance for credit losses on loans (ACLL), nonperforming loans, classified loans, and capital ratios at First Fed. These disclosures describe how the bank manages credit risk through loan classifications, charge-offs, recoveries, and legal remedies such as the appointment of third-party receivers and foreclosure actions for certain collateral-dependent relationships.

The company has also reported on legal proceedings involving certain borrowers and described the resolution of an adversary proceeding through a settlement agreement. In connection with that matter, the bank recorded a legal reserve and later entered into a settlement that included releases of claims and cash payments within a specified range, while indicating an intention to pursue reimbursement from insurance carriers. These disclosures illustrate the company’s approach to addressing credit and legal risks within its loan portfolio.

Earnings Reporting and Capital Management

First Northwest Bancorp regularly reports quarterly results, including net income, net interest margin, efficiency ratio, return on average assets, return on average equity, and various capital ratios. The company also presents non-GAAP measures such as adjusted pre-tax, pre-provision net revenue (PPNR) and related performance ratios, along with reconciliations. These metrics are used in company communications to describe trends in profitability, margin performance, expense levels, and capital strength.

In several recent quarters, the company has discussed decisions regarding dividends and capital management. For example, the board has, at times, elected not to declare a dividend as part of what it describes as a prudent approach to capital management, while at other times it has declared a quarterly cash dividend. Company commentary has linked these decisions to long-term strategic objectives, balance sheet strength, and profitability trends.

Geographic Focus

First Fed is repeatedly described as a Pacific Northwest-based financial institution and a community bank serving Western Washington. Company materials specify that First Fed operates locations and full-service branches in Washington State, including counties such as Clallam, Jefferson, King, Kitsap, and Whatcom, and has business centers in areas including Seattle. This geographic focus underscores the company’s emphasis on local markets and regional economic development.

Historical Milestones

• First Fed Bank has served customers and communities since 1923.
• First Northwest Bancorp was incorporated in 2012.
• The company completed its initial public offering in 2015 and began trading under the ticker FNWB on Nasdaq.

These historical dates represent key milestones in the development of First Northwest Bancorp and its banking subsidiary.

Status and Listing

Based on recent SEC filings and press releases, First Northwest Bancorp’s common stock continues to be registered under Section 12(b) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and is listed on The Nasdaq Stock Market LLC under the symbol FNWB. The company files current reports on Form 8-K regarding earnings releases, governance changes, and other material events.