RENTON, Wash., Jan. 22, 2009 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- First Financial Northwest, Inc. (Nasdaq:FFNW) reported that its Board of Directors declared a cash dividend of $0.085 per share on its common stock on January 21, 2009.
The dividend will be paid on February 18, 2009 to shareholders of record as of the close of business on February 4, 2009. This is the fourth 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, "It is gratifying to know that despite the recent turmoil in the financial markets, we continue to have the strength and stability to support payment of a dividend to our shareholders. As we move forward in these uncertain times, we will continue our efforts to reward our shareholders for their loyalty and support."
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 ABA NASDAQ Community Bank Index (ABAQ) as well as the Russell 3000 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.