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Significant Accounting Policies (Policies)
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2025
Accounting Policies [Abstract]  
Use of Estimates, Policy [Policy Text Block]

Use of estimates - The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America requires management to make assumptions. These assumptions result in estimates that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities, revenues and expenses, disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements, and the reported amounts of revenue and expense during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates. Material estimates that are particularly susceptible to significant change in the near term relate to a determination of the allowance for credit losses, fair value of financial instruments, deferred tax assets and liabilities, and the valuation of collateral-dependent loans.

 

Consolidation, Policy [Policy Text Block]

Principles of consolidation - The accompanying consolidated financial statements include the accounts of First Northwest and its wholly owned subsidiary, First Fed. All material intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.

 

Subsequent Events, Policy [Policy Text Block]

Subsequent events - The Company has evaluated subsequent events for potential recognition and disclosure.

 

Cash and Cash Equivalents, Policy [Policy Text Block]

Cash and cash equivalents - Cash and cash equivalents consist of currency on hand, due from banks, and interest-bearing deposits with financial institutions with an original maturity of three months or less. The amounts on deposit fluctuate and, at times, exceed the insured limit by the FDIC, which potentially subjects First Fed to credit risk. First Fed has not experienced any losses due to balances exceeding FDIC insurance limits.

 

Cash and Cash Equivalents, Restricted Cash and Cash Equivalents, Policy [Policy Text Block]

Restricted assets - Federal Reserve Board regulations require maintenance of certain minimum reserve balances on deposit with the Federal Reserve Bank of San Francisco. The deposit requirement was zero at both  December 31, 2025 and 2024. First Fed was in compliance with its reserve requirements at December 31, 2025 and 2024.

 

Marketable Securities, Policy [Policy Text Block]

Investment securities - Investments in debt securities are classified into one of three categories: (1) held-to-maturity, (2) available-for-sale, or (3) trading. Investment securities are categorized as held-to-maturity when First Fed has the positive intent and ability to hold those securities to maturity. First Fed had no held-to-maturity or trading securities at December 31, 2025 and 2024.

 

Securities that are held-to-maturity are stated at cost and adjusted for amortization of premiums and accretion of discounts, which are recognized as adjustments to interest income.

 

Investment securities categorized as available for sale are generally held for investment purposes (to maturity), although unanticipated future events may result in the sale of some securities. Available-for-sale securities are recorded at fair value, with the unrealized holding gain or loss reported in other comprehensive income, net of tax, as a separate component of shareholders' equity. Realized gains or losses are determined using the amortized cost basis of securities sold using the specific identification method and are included in earnings. Dividend and interest income on investments are recognized when earned. Premiums and discounts on securities without call features are recognized in interest income using the level yield method over the period to maturity. Premiums on securities with call features are amortized to the earliest call date.

 

 

 

The Company reviews the need for an allowance for credit losses on investment securities ("ACLI") on at least a quarterly basis, and more frequently when economic or market conditions warrant such an evaluation. For investment securities available for sale in an unrealized loss position, the Company first assesses whether it intends to sell, or it is more likely than not that it will be required to sell the security before the recovery of its amortized cost basis. If either of the criteria regarding intent or requirement to sell is met, the security’s amortized cost basis is written down to fair value through income. For investment securities available for sale that do not meet the aforementioned criteria, the Company evaluates whether the decline in fair value has resulted from credit losses or other factors. In making this assessment, management considers the extent to which fair value is less than amortized cost, any changes to the rating of the security by a rating agency and adverse conditions specifically related to the security, among other factors. The credit loss is defined as the difference between the present value of the cash flows expected to be collected and the amortized cost basis. If the present value of cash flows expected to be collected is less than the amortized cost basis, a credit loss exists and an ACLI is recorded for the credit loss, limited by the amount that the fair value is less than the amortized cost basis. Any decline in fair value that has not been recorded through an ACLI is recognized in other comprehensive income (loss). Changes in the ACLI are recorded as provision, or recapture of provision, for credit losses expense. Losses are charged against the allowance when management believes the uncollectibility of an investment security available for sale is confirmed or when either of the criteria regarding intent or requirement to sell is met. Accrued interest receivable on investment securities available for sale is excluded from the estimate of credit losses as interest accrued, but not received, is reversed timely in accordance with the policy for investment securities above.

 

Federal Home Loan Bank Stock, Policy [Policy Text Block]

Federal Home Loan Bank stock - First Fed’s investment in Federal Home Loan Bank of Des Moines (FHLB) stock is carried at cost, which approximates fair value. As a member of the FHLB system, First Fed is required to maintain a minimum investment in FHLB stock based on specific percentages of its outstanding mortgages, total assets, or FHLB advances. At December 31, 2025 and 2024, First Fed’s minimum investment requirement was approximately $13.1 million and $14.4 million, respectively. First Fed was in compliance with the FHLB minimum investment requirement at December 31, 2025 and 2024. First Fed  may request redemption at par value of any stock in excess of the amount First Fed is required to hold. Stock redemptions are granted at the discretion of the FHLB.

 

Management evaluates FHLB stock for impairment based on its assessment of the ultimate recoverability of cost rather than by recognizing temporary declines in value. The determination of whether a decline affects the ultimate recoverability of cost is influenced by criteria such as (1) the significance of any decline in net assets of the FHLB compared with the capital stock amount for the FHLB and the length of time this situation has persisted, (2) commitments by the FHLB to make payments required by law or regulation and the level of such payments in relation to the operating performance of the FHLB, (3) the impact of legislative and regulatory changes on institutions and, accordingly, the customer base of the FHLB, and (4) the liquidity position of the FHLB. Based on its evaluation, First Fed did not recognize a loss on its FHLB stock at December 31, 2025 and 2024.

 

Financing Receivable, Held-for-Sale [Policy Text Block]

Loans held for sale - Mortgage loans originated and intended for sale in the secondary market are carried at the lower of aggregate cost or fair value. Fair value is determined based upon market prices from third-party purchasers and brokers. Net unrealized losses, if any, are recognized through a valuation allowance by charges to earnings. Gains or losses on the sale of loans are recognized at the time of sale and determined by the difference between net sale proceeds and the net book value of the loan less the estimated fair value of any retained mortgage servicing rights.

 

Financing Receivable [Policy Text Block]

Loans receivable - Loans are stated at the amount of unpaid principal, net of charge-offs, unearned income, allowance for credit losses on loans ("ACLL") and any deferred fees or costs. Interest on loans is calculated using the simple interest method based on the month end balance of the principal amount outstanding and is credited to income as earned. The estimated life is adjusted for prepayments.

 

Each loan segment and class inherently contains differing credit risk profiles depending on the unique aspects of that segment or class of loans. For example, borrowers tend to consider their primary residence and access to transportation for employment-related purposes as basic requirements; accordingly, many consumers prioritize making payments on real estate first-mortgage loans and vehicle loans. Conversely, second-mortgage real estate loans or unsecured loans may not be supported by sufficient collateral; thus, in the event of financial hardship, borrowers may tend to place less importance on maintaining these loans as current and the Bank may not have adequate collateral to provide a secondary source of repayment in the event of default. Notwithstanding the various risk profiles unique to each class of loan, management believes that the credit risk for all loans is similarly dependent on essentially the same factors, including the financial strength of the borrower, the cash flow available to service maturing debt obligations, the condition and value of underlying collateral, the financial strength of any guarantors, and other factors.

 

 

Problem loans are monitored and a portion or all of the balance is charged off when collectability is sufficiently questionable that the Bank can no longer justify showing the loan as an asset on the balance sheet. To determine if a loan should be charged off, all possible sources of repayment are analyzed. Possible sources of repayment include the potential for future cash flow, the value of the Bank’s collateral, and the strength of co-makers or guarantors. When these sources do not add up to a reasonable probability that the loan can be collected, charge off is processed.

 

The accrual of interest on loans is discontinued at the time the loan is 90 days delinquent, unless the credit is well secured and in process of collection. In all cases, loans are placed on nonaccrual or charged off at an earlier date if collection of principal or interest is considered doubtful.

 

All interest accrued but not collected for loans that are placed on nonaccrual or charged off is reversed against interest income. The interest on these loans is accounted for on the cash basis or cost recovery method until qualifying for return to accrual. Loans are returned to accrual status when all the principal and interest amounts contractually due are brought current and future payments are reasonably assured. For those loans placed on non-accrual status due to payment delinquency, return to accrual status will generally not occur until the borrower demonstrates repayment ability over a period of not less than six months.

 

Financing Receivable, Fee and Interest Income [Policy Text Block]

Loan fees and purchased premiums - Loan origination fees and certain direct origination costs are deferred and amortized as an adjustment to the yield of the loan over the contractual life using the effective interest method. In the event a loan is sold, the remaining deferred loan origination fees and/or costs are recognized as a component of gains or losses on the sale of loans. We may pay a purchase premium or receive a purchase discount on fully originated loans that we purchase. Premiums and discounts are capitalized at the time of purchase and amortized as an adjustment to the yield over the contractual life using the effective interest method and included in interest income.

 

Credit Loss, Financial Instrument [Policy Text Block]

Allowance for credit losses - On January 1, 2023, the Company adopted Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") ASU 2016-13 Financial Instruments - Credit Losses (Topic 326): Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial Instruments, as amended, which replaces the incurred loss methodology with a current expected credit loss ("CECL") methodology. The ACLL is a valuation account that is deducted from the amortized cost of loans receivable to present the net amount expected to be collected. Loans are charged against the allowance when management believes the collectability of a loan balance is unlikely. Subsequent recoveries, if any, are credited to the allowance. The Bank records the changes in the ACLL through earnings, as a provision for credit losses on the Consolidated Statements of Operations. Accrued interest receivable on loans receivable is excluded from the estimate of credit losses. Instead, interest accrued, but not received, is reversed timely in accordance with the policy for loans receivable above.

 

The Company has identified segments of loans with similar risk characteristics for which it then applies one of two loss methodologies. Management has adopted a discounted cash flow ("DCF") methodology for most of its segments to calculate the ACLL. For certain segments with smaller portfolios or where data is prohibitive to running a DCF calculation, management has elected to use a remaining life methodology. The Company will evaluate individual loans for expected credit losses when those loans do not share similar risk characteristics with loans evaluated using a collective (pooled) basis. The allowance for individually evaluated loans is calculated using the collateral value method, which considers the likely source of repayment as the value of the collateral, less estimated costs to sell, or another method such as the cash flow method, which considers the contractual principal and interest terms and estimated cash flows available from the borrower to satisfy the debt. When the cash flow method is used, cash flows are discounted back by the effective interest rate and compared to the total recorded investment. If the present value of cash flows is less than the total recorded investment, a reserve is calculated.

 

For each loan segment collectively measured, the baseline loss rates are calculated using peer institution data from Federal Financial Institutions Examinations Council ("FFIEC") Call Report filings. The Bank evaluates the historical period on a quarterly basis. The baseline loss rates are applied to each loan's estimated cash flows over the life of the loan to determine the baseline loss estimate for each loan. Estimated cashflows consider the principal and interest in accordance with the contractual term of the loan and estimated prepayments. Contractual cashflows are based on the amortized cost, as adjusted for balances guaranteed by governmental entities, such as the SBA or the United States Department of Agriculture, or the unguaranteed amortized cost. The contractual term excludes expected extensions, renewals, and modifications unless either of the following applies: 1) management has a reasonable expectation at the reporting date that a modification agreement will be executed with an individual borrower or 2) the extension or renewal options are included in the original or modified contract at the reporting date and are not unconditionally cancellable by the Company. Prepayments are established for each segment based on historical averages for the segments, which management believes is an accurate representation of future prepayment activity. Management reviews the adequacy of the prepayment period assumption on a quarterly basis.

 

 

 

The CECL methodology includes consideration of the forecasted direction of the economic and business environment and its likely impact to the estimated allowance as compared to the historical losses over the reasonable and supportable time frame. Economic forecast models for the current period are uploaded to the model, which targets two forecasted macroeconomic factors, which are national gross domestic product and unemployment figures. Each of the forecasted DCF segments is impacted by these macroeconomic factors. Further, each of the macroeconomic factors is utilized differently by segment, including the application of lagged factors and various transformations such as percent change year over year.

 

The Bank uses the Federal Open Market Committee ("FOMC") forecast via an application programming interface with our CECL software. FOMC provides various forecast scenarios used to determine the loan portfolio’s expected credit loss. Based on known/knowable information at the measurement date, management has determined that the FOMC scenarios and the underlying assumptions most closely align with current and expected conditions. The Bank has elected to forecast the first four quarters of the credit loss estimate and revert on a straight-line basis as permitted in ASC 326-20-30-9. The Bank also considers other qualitative risk factors to adjust the estimated ACLL calculated by the above-mentioned model. While there are many factors available to incorporate into the quantitative model, the Bank has selected to use the most critical factors. Additional metrics will be included only if internal or external factors outside those considered in its historical losses or macroeconomic forecast indicate otherwise. The Bank has established metrics to estimate the qualitative risk factor by segment based on the identified risk.

 

In general, management's estimate of the ACLL uses relevant available information, from internal and external sources, relating to past events, current conditions, and reasonable and supportable forecasts. The allowance for credit losses on loans evaluation is inherently subjective as it requires estimates that are susceptible to significant revision as more information becomes available. While management utilizes its best judgment and information available to recognize losses on loans, future additions to the allowance may be necessary based on further declines in local and national economic conditions. In addition, various regulatory agencies, as an integral part of their examination process, periodically review the Bank’s ACLL. Such agencies may require the Bank to make adjustments to the allowance based on their judgments about information available to them at the time of their examinations. The Company believes the ACLL at  December 31, 2025, is appropriate given the above considerations.

 

Allowance for credit losses on unfunded commitments - The Bank estimates expected credit losses on unfunded, off-balance sheet commitments over the contractual period in which the Bank is exposed to credit risk from a contractual obligation to extend credit, unless the obligation is unconditionally cancellable by the Company. The Bank has determined that no allowance is necessary for its home equity line of credit portfolio as it has the ability to unconditionally cancel the available lines of credit. The allowance methodology is similar to the ACLL, but additionally includes an estimate of the future utilization of the commitment as determined by historical commitment utilization. The credit risks associated with the unfunded commitments are consistent with the risks outlined for each loan class. The allowance is recognized in accrued expenses and other liabilities on the Consolidated Balance Sheets and is adjusted as a provision (reversal of provision) for credit losses on the Consolidated Statements of Operations.

 

Financing Receivable, Real Estate Acquired Through Foreclosure [Policy Text Block]

Real estate owned and repossessed assets - Real estate owned and repossessed assets include real estate and personal property acquired through foreclosure or repossession and may include in-substance foreclosed properties. These properties are initially recorded at the fair market value of the property less selling costs. Properties are subsequently evaluated for impairment. In-substance foreclosed properties are those properties for which the Bank has taken physical possession, regardless of whether formal foreclosure proceedings have taken place. At  December 31, 2025, there was $1.4 million of one-to-four family residential real estate included in other assets on the Consolidated Balance Sheets which was acquired during the year.

 

Mortgage Banking Activity [Policy Text Block]

Loan servicing rights - Loan servicing rights are recorded at fair value when loans are originated and subsequently sold with the servicing rights retained. Management assesses the fair value of loan servicing rights based on recalculations of the present value of remaining future cash flows using updated market discount rates and prepayment speeds. Subsequent loan prepayments and changes in prepayment assumptions in excess of those forecasted can adversely impact the carrying value of the servicing rights. The servicing rights are stratified based on the predominant risk characteristics of the underlying loans: fixed-rate loans and adjustable-rate loans. The effect of changes in market interest rates on estimated rates of loan prepayments is the predominant risk characteristic for loan servicing rights. The valuation model incorporates assumptions that market participants would use in estimating future net servicing income, such as the cost to service, the discount rate, the custodial earnings rate, an inflation rate, ancillary income, prepayment speeds, and default rates and losses.

 

Sold loan servicing income represents fees earned for servicing loans. Fees for servicing sold loans are generally based upon a percentage of the principal balance of the loans serviced, as well as related ancillary income such as late charges. Servicing income is recognized as earned unless collection is doubtful. The caption in the Consolidated Statements of Operations "Sold loan servicing fees and servicing rights mark-to-market" includes sold loan servicing income and changes in fair value.

 

 

Property, Plant and Equipment, Policy [Policy Text Block]

Premises and equipment - Premises and equipment are stated at cost less accumulated depreciation. Depreciation is recognized and computed on the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives as follows:

 

  

Years

 

Buildings

  37.5 - 50 

Furniture, fixtures, and equipment

  3 - 10 

Software

  3 

Automobiles

  5 

 

Life Insurance, Bank Owned, Policy [Policy Text Block]

Bank-owned life insurance - The carrying amount of life insurance approximates fair value. Fair value of life insurance is estimated using the cash surrender value, less applicable surrender charges. The change in cash surrender value is included in noninterest income.

 

Equity Method Investments [Policy Text Block]

Equity and partnership investments - Equity investments include amounts invested in non-publicly traded stock. Investments in non-publicly traded stock are measured at cost, less impairment, plus or minus changes resulting from observable price changes in ordinary transactions for the identical or similar investment of the same issuer. The recorded balance of these equity investments was $1.8 million and $500,000 at  December 31, 2025 and 2024, respectively. 

 

Partnership investments include limited partnerships in investment funds and other business ventures. Partnership investments that do not result in consolidation of the investee are accounted for under the equity method of accounting. The Company's allocated share of earnings or losses are recorded in other noninterest income. The recorded balance of these partnership investments was $13.7 million and $12.7 million at  December 31, 2025 and 2024, respectively.

 

We assess whether impairment indicators exist to trigger the performance of an impairment analysis on equity and partnership investments throughout the year.

 

Goodwill and Intangible Assets, Goodwill, Policy [Policy Text Block]

Goodwill - Goodwill is recorded from a business combination as the difference in the purchase price and fair value of assets acquired and liabilities assumed. Goodwill has an indefinite useful life, and as such, is not amortized. The Company reviews goodwill for impairment annually, or more frequently if an indication of impairment exists between annual tests. Any impairment will be recorded as noninterest expense and corresponding reduction in intangible asset on the consolidated financial statements.

 

Goodwill and Intangible Assets, Intangible Assets, Policy [Policy Text Block]

Core deposit intangible - A core deposit intangible ("CDI") asset is recognized from the assumption of core deposit liabilities in connection with the acquisition of deposits from another financial institution. The asset is valued by a third party and is amortized into noninterest expense over its estimated useful life. The CDI is evaluated for impairment annually with any additional decline recorded as noninterest expense on the Consolidated Statements of Operations.

 

Income Tax, Policy [Policy Text Block]

Income taxes - First Fed accounts for income taxes in accordance with the provisions of ASC 740-10, Income Taxes, which requires the use of the asset and liability method of accounting for income taxes. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized for their future tax consequences, attributable to differences between the financial statement carrying amounts of existing assets and liabilities and their respective tax bases. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured using the enacted tax rates expected to apply to taxable income in the years in which those temporary differences are expected to be recovered or settled.

 

Lessee, Leases [Policy Text Block]

Leases - Operating lease right-of-use ("ROU") assets represent the Company's right to use the underlying asset during the lease term and operating lease liabilities represent the Company's obligation to make lease payments arising from the lease. ROU assets and operating lease liabilities are recognized at lease commencement based on the present value of the future lease payments using the Company's incremental borrowing rate. The discount rate used in determining the present value was the Company's incremental borrowing rate using the FHLB fixed advance rate based on the remaining lease term as of January 1, 2019, or the commencement date for subsequent leases. The Company utilized Provident Financial Services, Inc.'s 10 year fixed-to-floating rate on subordinated notes issued in May 2024 for the incremental borrowing rate to calculate the ROU asset for the six leases generated in the May 2024 sale-leaseback transaction as that more closely aligned with the economic environment at that time. The Company does not capitalize short-term leases, which are leases with terms of twelve months or less. ROU assets and related operating lease liabilities are remeasured when lease terms are amended, extended, or when management intends to exercise available extension options. We have lease agreements with lease and non-lease components, which are generally accounted for separately for real estate leases.

 

 

Historic Tax Credit Investment [Policy Text Block]

Historic Tax Credit Investment - The Company holds an interest in an Historic Tax Credit investment ("HTC") partnership, also referred to as the Rehabilitation Credit, which met the National Park Service's requirements to qualify for a tax incentive on the rehabilitation of a certified historic structure. As a limited liability investor in this partnership, the Company receives a tax benefit in the form of a tax deduction from partnership operating losses and a federal income tax credit. The federal income tax credit is earned over a 5-year period upon the qualified rehabilitated building being placed in service and having met all the requirements.

 

The Company uses the deferral method to amortize the initial cost of the investment over the life of the related tax credit and other tax benefits received and recognizes the net investment performance on the Consolidated Statements of Operations as a component of income tax expense. The Company reports the carrying value of the equity investment in the unconsolidated HTC in "Prepaid expenses and other assets" on the Company’s Consolidated Balance Sheets. The maximum exposure to loss in the HTC is the amount of equity invested by the Company. The Company has evaluated the variable interests held by the Company in the HTC investment and determined that the Company does not have controlling financial interests in such investment and is not the primary beneficiary.

 

Low Income Housing Tax Credit Investment [Policy Text Block]

Low-Income Housing Tax Credit Investment - The Company has an equity investment in a Low-Income Housing Tax Credit Investment ("LIHTC") partnership which is an indirect federal subsidy that finances low-income housing projects. As a limited liability investor in this partnership, the Company receives a tax benefit in the form of a tax deduction from partnership operating losses and a federal income tax credit. The federal income tax credit is earned over a 10-year period as a result of the investment properties meeting certain criteria and is subject to recapture for noncompliance with such criteria over a 15-year period.

 

The Company accounts for the LIHTC under the proportional amortization method and amortizes the initial cost of the investment in proportion to the tax credits and other tax benefits received and recognizes the net investment performance on the Consolidated Statements of Operations as a component of income tax expense. The Company reports the carrying value of the equity investment in the unconsolidated LIHTC in "Prepaid expenses and other assets" on the Company’s Consolidated Balance Sheets. The maximum exposure to loss in the LIHTC is the amount of equity invested and credit extended by the Company. The Company has evaluated the variable interests held by the Company in the LIHTC investment and determined that the Company does not have controlling financial interests in such investment and is not the primary beneficiary.

 

Transfers and Servicing of Financial Assets, Policy [Policy Text Block]

Transfers of financial assets - Transfers of an entire financial asset, a group of financial assets, or a participating interest in an entire financial asset are accounted for as sales when control over the assets has been relinquished. Control over transferred assets is deemed to be surrendered when: (1) the assets have been isolated from First Fed, (2) the transferee obtains the right (free of conditions that constrain it from taking advantage of that right) to pledge or exchange the transferred assets, and (3) First Fed does not maintain effective control over the transferred assets through an agreement to repurchase them before their maturity. The mortgage loans that are sold with recourse provisions are accounted for as sales until such time as the loan defaults.

 

First Fed sold mortgage loans in the past with "life of the loan" recourse provisions, requiring First Fed to repurchase the loan at any time if it defaults. The remaining balance of such loans at December 31, 2025 and 2024, was approximately $1.2 million and $1.5 million, respectively. Of these loans, no loans were repurchased during the years ended  December 31, 2025 or 2024. No reserve is recorded for these loans in other liabilities.

 

Off-Balance-Sheet Credit Exposure, Policy [Policy Text Block]

Off-balance-sheet credit-related financial instruments - In the ordinary course of business, First Fed has entered into commitments to extend credit, including commitments under lines of credit, commercial letters of credit, and standby letters of credit. Such financial instruments are recorded when they are funded.

 

Comprehensive Income, Policy [Policy Text Block]

Comprehensive income (loss) - Accounting principles generally require that recognized revenue, expenses, and gains and losses be included in net income (loss). Although certain changes in assets and liabilities, such as unrealized gains and losses on available-for-sale securities, are reported as a separate component of the equity section of the consolidated balance sheets, such items, along with net income (loss), are components of comprehensive income (loss).

 

Dividend Restriction, Policy [Policy Text Block]

Dividend restriction - Banking regulations require maintaining certain capital levels and may limit the dividends paid by the Bank to the Company or by the Company to shareholders.

 

 

Revenue [Policy Text Block]

Components of noninterest income evaluated under Revenue Recognition (Topic 606) - The Company recognizes revenue as it is earned and noted no impact to its revenue recognition policies as a result of the adoption of ASU 2014-09. The following is a discussion of key revenues within the scope of the new revenue guidance.

 

Deposit fees - The Company earns fees from its deposit customers for account maintenance, transaction-based activity and overdraft services. Account maintenance fees consist primarily of account fees and analyzed account fees charged on deposit accounts on a monthly basis. The performance obligation is satisfied and the fees are recognized on a monthly basis as the service period is completed. Transaction-based fees on deposit accounts are charged to deposit customers for specific services provided to the customer, such as non-sufficient funds fees, overdraft fees, and wire fees. The performance obligation is completed as the transaction occurs and the fees are recognized at the time each specific service is provided to the customer. Deposit fees are included in Service Fees on the Consolidated Statements of Operations.

 

Debit card interchange income - Debit and Automated Teller Machine ("ATM") interchange income represent fees earned when a debit card issued by the Company is used. The Company earns interchange fees from debit cardholder transactions through card networks. In addition, the Company earns interchange fees for use of its ATMs by customers of other banking institutions. Interchange fees are based on purchase volumes and other factors and are recognized as transactions occur. The performance obligation is satisfied and the fees are earned when the cost of the transaction is charged to the cardholder's debit card. Certain expenses directly associated with the credit and debit card are netted against interchange income. Debit card interchange income is included in Service Fees on the Consolidated Statements of Operations.

 

Third-party credit card interchange income - Third-party credit card interchange income represents fees earned when a credit card issued by the Bank through a third-party vendor is used. Similar to the debit card interchange, the Bank earns an interchange fee for each transaction made with a Bank-branded credit card. The performance obligation is satisfied and the fees are earned when the cost of the transaction is charged to the cardholder's credit card. Certain expenses directly related to the third-party credit card interchange contract are netted against interchange income. Third-party credit card interchange income is included in Service Fees on the Consolidated Statements of Operations.

 

Gains/losses on the sale of real estate owned are included in noninterest income or expense, respectively, and are generally recognized when the performance obligation is complete. This accounting treatment is typically at delivery of control over the property to the buyer at the time of each real estate closing.

 

Advertising Cost [Policy Text Block]

Advertising costs - First Fed expenses advertising costs as they are incurred.

 

Fair Value Measurement, Policy [Policy Text Block]

Fair value measurements - Fair values of financial instruments are estimated using relevant market information and other assumptions (Note 15). Fair value estimates involve uncertainties and matters of significant judgment regarding interest rates, credit risk, prepayments, and other factors, especially in the absence of broad markets for particular items. Changes in assumptions or in market conditions could significantly affect these estimates.

 

Derivatives, Policy [Policy Text Block]

Derivative instruments and hedging activities - FASB ASC 815, Derivatives and Hedging ("ASC 815"), provides the disclosure requirements for derivatives and hedging activities with the intent to provide users of financial statements with an enhanced understanding of: (a) how and why an entity uses derivative instruments, (b) how the entity accounts for derivative instruments and related hedged items, and (c) how derivative instruments and related hedged items affect an entity’s financial position, financial performance, and cash flows. Further, qualitative disclosures are required that explain the Company’s objectives and strategies for using derivatives, as well as quantitative disclosures about the fair value of and gains and losses on derivative instruments, and disclosures about credit-risk-related contingent features in derivative instruments.

 

As required by ASC 815, the Company records all derivatives on the balance sheet at fair value. The accounting for changes in the fair value of derivatives depends on the intended use of the derivative, whether the Company has elected to designate a derivative in a hedging relationship and apply hedge accounting and whether the hedging relationship has satisfied the criteria necessary to apply hedge accounting. Derivatives designated and qualifying as a hedge of the exposure to changes in the fair value of an asset, liability, or firm commitment attributable to a particular risk, such as interest rate risk, are considered fair value hedges. Derivatives designated and qualifying as a hedge of the exposure to variability in expected future cash flows, or other types of forecasted transactions, are considered cash flow hedges. Derivatives may also be designated as hedges of the foreign currency exposure of a net investment in a foreign operation.

 

 

 

Hedge accounting generally provides for the matching of the timing of gain or loss recognition on the hedging instrument with the recognition of the changes in the fair value of the hedged asset or liability that are attributable to the hedged risk in a fair value hedge or the earnings effect of the hedged forecasted transactions in a cash flow hedge. The Company may enter into derivative contracts that are intended to economically hedge certain of its risk, even though hedge accounting does not apply, or the Company elects not to apply hedge accounting.

 

In accordance with the FASB’s fair value measurement guidance in ASU 2011-04, the Company made an accounting policy election to measure the credit risk of its derivative financial instruments that are subject to master netting agreements on a net basis by counterparty portfolio.

 

Segment Reporting, Policy [Policy Text Block]

Segment information - First Fed is engaged in the business of attracting deposits and providing lending services. Substantially all income is derived from a diverse base of commercial, mortgage, and consumer lending activities and investments. The Company’s activities are a single industry segment for financial reporting purposes based on our operations. See Note 19 for additional information.

 

Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP), Policy [Policy Text Block]

Employee Stock Ownership Plan - The cost of shares issued to the ESOP but not yet allocated to participants is shown as a reduction of shareholders' equity. Compensation expense is based on the market price of shares as they are committed to be released to participants' accounts. Dividends on allocated and unallocated ESOP shares reduce debt and accrued interest.

 

Earnings Per Share, Policy [Policy Text Block]

Earnings per Common Share - Earnings per share ("EPS") is computed using the two-class method. The two-class method is an earnings allocation formula that determines earnings per share for each class of common stock and participating security according to dividends declared or accumulated and participation rights in undistributed earnings. Under the two-class method, basic EPS is computed by dividing earnings allocated to common shareholders by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding for the period. Earnings allocated to common shareholders represents net income reduced by earnings allocated to participating securities. ESOP shares that are committed to be released are outstanding for EPS calculation purposes, while unallocated ESOP shares are not considered outstanding for basic or diluted EPS calculations. Diluted EPS is computed by dividing net income by the weighted average common shares outstanding plus the number of additional common shares that would have been outstanding if unvested restricted stock awards were included unless those additional shares would have been anti-dilutive. For the diluted EPS computation, the treasury stock method is applied and compared to the two-class method and whichever method results in a more dilutive impact is utilized to calculate diluted EPS.

 

New Accounting Pronouncements, Policy [Policy Text Block]

Recently adopted accounting pronouncements

 

In December 2023, the FASB issued ASU No. 2023-09, Income Taxes (Topic 740): Improvements to Income Tax Disclosures. This ASU requires that public business entities disclose, on an annual basis, specific categories in the rate reconciliation and provide additional information for reconciling items that meet a quantitative threshold. The ASU requires all entities to disclose on an annual basis (1) the amount of income taxes paid, disaggregated by federal, state and foreign taxes and (2) the amount of income taxes paid disaggregated by individual jurisdictions in which income taxes paid is equal or greater than 5 percent of total income taxes paid. The ASU also requires that all entities disclose income (loss) from continuing operations before income tax expense (or benefit) disaggregated between domestic or foreign and income tax expense (or benefit) from continuing operations disaggregated by federal (national), state and foreign. This ASU is effective for public business entities for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2024. The adoption of this ASU is reflected in the presentation of Note 10 of the Company's consolidated financial statements.

 

In March 2024, the FASB issued ASU 2024-01, Compensation—Stock Compensation (Topic 718): Scope Application of Profits Interest and Similar Awards. ASU 2024-01 added an illustrative example to demonstrate how an entity should apply the scope guidance in paragraph 718-10-15-3 to determine whether a profits interest award should be accounted for in accordance with Topic 718. Awards not meeting the criteria should be accounted for in accordance with Topic 710. The illustrative example provides four fact patterns which are intended to reduce complexity in determining whether a profits interest award is subject to the guidance in Topic 718 and reduce existing diversity in practice. ASU 2024-01 is effective for the Company for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2024, including interim periods within those fiscal years, with early adoption permitted. The adoption of this ASU did not have a material impact on the consolidated financial statements and related disclosures.

 

 

 

Recently issued accounting pronouncements not yet adopted

 

In November 2024, the FASB issued ASU 2024-03, Income Statement—Reporting Comprehensive Income—Expense Disaggregation Disclosures (Subtopic 220-40): Disaggregation of Income Statement Expenses. ASU 2024-03 requires additional disclosure of the nature of expenses included in the income statement in response to requests from investors for more information to better understand an entity's performance and potential future cash flows. The new standard requires disclosures about specific types of expenses included in the expense captions presented on the face of the income statement as well as disclosures about selling expenses. ASU 2024-03 is effective for the Company for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2026, including interim periods within those fiscal years, with early adoption permitted. The adoption of this ASU is not expected to have a material impact on the consolidated financial statements and related disclosures.

 

In November 2024, the FASB issued ASU 2024-04, Debt—Debt with Conversion and Other Options (Subtopic 470-20): Induced Conversions of Convertible Debt Instruments. ASU 202404 clarifies the requirements for determining whether certain settlements of convertible debt instruments should be accounted for as an induced conversion. The amendments do not change the accounting for conversions that include the issuance of all equity securities upon conversion. ASU 2024-04 is effective for the Company for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2025, including interim periods within those fiscal years, with early adoption permitted. The adoption of this ASU is not expected to have a material impact on the consolidated financial statements and related disclosures.

 

In September 2025, the FASB issued ASU 2025-06, Intangibles - Goodwill and Other - Internal-Use Software (Subtopic 350-40): Targeted Improvements to the Accounting for Internal-Use Software which clarifies the accounting for costs related to internal-use software. The new guidance clarifies the threshold entities apply to begin capitalizing costs and removes all references to project stages in ASC Subtopic 350-40. ASU 2025-06 is effective for the Company for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2027, including interim periods within those fiscal years. The Company does not anticipate this ASU will have a material impact on its financial statements.

 

In November 2025, the FASB issued ASU 2025-08, Financial instruments – Credit Losses (Topic 326): Purchased Loans, which amends the guidance in ASC 326 on the accounting for certain purchased loans. Under the ASU, entities must account for acquired loans (excluding credit cards) that meet certain criteria at acquisition ("purchased seasoned loans") by recognizing them at their purchase price plus an allowance for expected credit losses (the "gross-up approach"). ASU 2025-08 also introduces an accounting policy election related to the subsequent measurement of expected credit losses for entities that use a method other than a discounted cash flow analysis to estimate credit losses on purchased seasoned loans. If this accounting policy is elected, entities can use the amortized cost basis of the asset to subsequently measure their credit loss allowance. ASU 2025-08 is effective for annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2026, including interim periods within those fiscal years. Early adoption is permitted in an interim or annual reporting period in which financial statements have not yet been issued or made available for issuance. The Company is currently evaluating the impact of ASU 2025-08 on its consolidated financial statements.

 

Reclassification, Comparability Adjustment [Policy Text Block] Reclassifications - Certain amounts in prior periods have been reclassified to conform to the current audited financial statement presentation with no effect on net income or shareholders' equity.