RENTON, Wash., Oct. 7, 2008 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- First Financial Northwest, Inc. (Nasdaq:FFNW) reported that on October 7, 2008 its Board of Directors increased its dividend and declared its third quarterly cash dividend of $0.085 per share on its common stock.
The dividend will be paid on November 5, 2008 to shareholders of record as of the close of business on October 21, 2008. This is the third cash dividend for First Financial, since the completion of its mutual to stock conversion on October 9, 2007.
Victor Karpiak, Chairman, President and CEO of First Financial stated, "In spite of the challenging economic environment we are pleased, that as a result of the Company's capital strength, earnings and financial condition, that we are able to increase the dividend to our shareholders."
First Financial Northwest, Inc. is a Washington corporation headquartered in Renton, Washington. It is the parent company of First Savings Bank Northwest, a Washington chartered stock savings bank that was originally organized in 1923. The Company serves the Puget Sound Region of Washington that includes King, Snohomish and Pierce Counties, through its full-service banking office. The Company is part of the America's Community Bankers NASDAQ Index. For additional information about the Company and the Bank, please visit our website at www.fsbnw.com and click on the "Investor Relations" section.
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 the Company operates, projections of future performance, perceived opportunities in the market, potential future credit experience, and statements regarding the Company's mission and vision. These forward-looking statements are based upon current management expectations and may, therefore, involve risks and uncertainties. The Company's actual results, performance, or achievements may differ materially from those suggested, expressed, or implied by forward-looking statements as a result of a wide variety or range of factors including, but not limited to, interest rate fluctuations; economic conditions in the Company's primary market area; demand for construction/land development, residential, commercial real estate, consumer, and other types of loans; success of new products; competitive conditions between banks and non-bank financial service providers; regulatory and accounting changes; technological factors affecting operations; pricing of products and services; and other risks detailed in the Company's reports filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Accordingly, these factors should be considered in evaluating forward-looking statements, and undue reliance should not be placed on such statements. The Company undertakes no responsibility to update or revise any forward-looking statement.