FFBC 10-Q Quarterly Report Sept. 30, 2018 | Alphaminr
FIRST FINANCIAL BANCORP /OH/
ALPHAMINR

FFBC 10-Q Quarter ended Sept. 30, 2018

Balance Sheet
Cash Flow
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Debt
FIRST FINANCIAL BANCORP /OH/
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Document
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FORM 10-Q
UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington D.C.  20549

x QUARTERLY REPORT UNDER SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the quarterly period ended September 30, 2018

OR

o TRANSITION REPORT UNDER SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the transition period from ____________________ to ____________________

Commission file number 001-34762
FIRST FINANCIAL BANCORP.
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

Ohio
31-1042001
(State or other jurisdiction of
incorporation or organization)
(I.R.S. Employer
Identification No.)
255 East Fifth Street, Suite 700
Cincinnati, Ohio
45202
(Address of principal executive offices)
(Zip Code)

Registrant's telephone number, including area code:  (877) 322-9530

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.    Yes x No o

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically every Interactive Data File required to be submitted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§ 232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files).    Yes x No o

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, smaller reporting company, or an emerging growth company. See the definitions of large accelerated filer, accelerated filer, smaller reporting company, and emerging growth company in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.

Large accelerated filer x
Accelerated filer o
Non-accelerated filer o
Smaller reporting company o
Emerging growth company o

If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act. o

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of Exchange Act).
Yes o No x

Indicate the number of shares outstanding of each of the issuer's classes of common stock, as of the latest practicable date.

Class
Outstanding at 11/6/2018
Common stock, No par value
97,907,701



FIRST FINANCIAL BANCORP.

INDEX


Page No.



Glossary of Abbreviations and Acronyms

First Financial has identified the following list of abbreviations and acronyms that are used in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements and Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations.

AFS
Available-for-sale
FASB
Financial Accounting Standards Board
ALLL
Allowance for loan and lease losses
FDIC
Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation
AOCI
Accumulated other comprehensive income
FHLB
Federal Home Loan Bank
ASC
Accounting standards codification
First Financial
First Financial Bancorp.
ASU
Accounting standards update
Form 10-K
First Financial Bancorp. Annual Report on Form 10-K
ATM
Automated teller machine
FRB
Federal Reserve Bank
Bank
First Financial Bank
GAAP
U.S. Generally Accepted Accounting Principles
Basel III
Basel Committee regulatory capital reforms, Third Basel Accord
HTM
Held-to-maturity
Bp/bps
Basis point(s)
Insignificant
Less than $0.1 million
BOLI
Bank Owned Life Insurance
IRLC
Interest Rate Lock Commitment
CDs
Certificates of deposit
MSFG
MainSource Financial Group, Inc.
C&I
Commercial & Industrial
N/A
Not applicable
CRE
Commercial real estate
NII
Net interest income
Company
First Financial Bancorp.
OREO
Other real estate owned
ERM
Enterprise risk management
SEC
U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission
EVE
Economic value of equity
TDR
Troubled debt restructuring
Fair Value Topic
FASB ASC Topic 825, Financial Instruments




PART I - FINANCIAL INFORMATION
ITEM I - FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FIRST FINANCIAL BANCORP. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(Dollars in thousands)
September 30,
2018
December 31,
2017
(Unaudited)
Assets
Cash and due from banks
$
193,288

$
150,650

Interest-bearing deposits with other banks
28,989

33,974

Investment securities available-for-sale, at fair value (amortized cost $2,662,329 at September 30, 2018 and $1,348,227 at December 31, 2017)
2,626,726

1,349,408

Investment securities held-to-maturity (fair value $422,638 at September 30, 2018 and $653,101 at December 31, 2017)
434,369

654,008

Other investments
115,757

53,140

Loans held for sale
13,277

11,502

Loans and leases
Commercial & industrial
2,426,590

1,912,743

Lease financing
95,317

89,347

Construction real estate
565,077

467,730

Commercial real estate
3,868,143

2,490,091

Residential real estate
932,962

471,391

Home equity
816,133

493,604

Installment
97,413

41,586

Credit card
45,741

46,691

Total loans and leases
8,847,376

6,013,183

Less:  Allowance for loan and lease losses
57,715

54,021

Net loans and leases
8,789,661

5,959,162

Premises and equipment
219,940

125,036

Goodwill and other intangibles
934,360

209,379

Accrued interest and other assets
486,300

350,664

Total assets
$
13,842,667

$
8,896,923

Liabilities


Deposits


Interest-bearing demand
$
2,284,271

$
1,453,463

Savings
3,134,944

2,462,420

Time
1,957,574

1,317,105

Total interest-bearing deposits
7,376,789

5,232,988

Noninterest-bearing
2,375,845

1,662,058

Total deposits
9,752,634

6,895,046

Federal funds purchased
123,452

72,265

FHLB short-term borrowings
1,170,800

742,300

Total short-term borrowings
1,294,252

814,565

Long-term debt
570,037

119,654

Total borrowed funds
1,864,289

934,219

Accrued interest and other liabilities
190,224

136,994

Total liabilities
11,807,147

7,966,259

Shareholders' equity


Common stock - no par value


Authorized - 160,000,000 shares; Issued - 104,281,794 shares in 2018 and 68,730,731 in 2017
1,633,828

573,109

Retained earnings
564,545

491,847

Accumulated other comprehensive loss
( 52,897
)
( 20,390
)
Treasury stock, at cost, 6,367,268 shares in 2018 and 6,661,644 shares in 2017
( 109,956
)
( 113,902
)
Total shareholders' equity
2,035,520

930,664

Total liabilities and shareholders' equity
$
13,842,667

$
8,896,923


See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

1

FIRST FINANCIAL BANCORP. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME
(Dollars in thousands, except per share data)
(Unaudited)

Three months ended
Nine months ended
September 30,
September 30,
2018
2017
2018
2017
Interest income
Loans and leases, including fees
$
123,397

$
71,148

$
320,607

$
205,764

Investment securities
Taxable
21,801

13,150

56,315

37,356

Tax-exempt
3,807

1,537

9,532

4,347

Total interest on investment securities
25,608

14,687

65,847

41,703

Other earning assets
215

( 917
)
499

( 2,932
)
Total interest income
149,220

84,918

386,953

244,535

Interest expense


Deposits
14,672

10,335

39,764

25,939

Short-term borrowings
6,052

2,566

12,847

6,049

Long-term borrowings
5,011

1,538

11,066

4,616

Total interest expense
25,735

14,439

63,677

36,604

Net interest income
123,485

70,479

323,276

207,931

Provision for loan and lease losses
3,238

2,953

9,276

3,787

Net interest income after provision for loan and lease losses
120,247

67,526

314,000

204,144

Noninterest income


Service charges on deposit accounts
10,316

5,169

24,923

14,585

Trust and wealth management fees
3,728

3,324

11,379

10,476

Bankcard income
5,261

3,272

13,998

9,908

Client derivative fees
3,029

1,779

6,249

4,371

Net gain from sales of loans
1,739

1,455

4,643

3,998

Net gain (loss) on sales of investment securities
( 167
)
276

( 197
)
1,630

Other
4,778

7,667

12,883

12,792

Total noninterest income
28,684

22,942

73,878

57,760

Noninterest expenses


Salaries and employee benefits
50,852

33,827

137,485

97,121

Net occupancy
6,765

4,328

17,893

13,145

Furniture and equipment
4,072

2,161

11,410

6,474

Data processing
4,502

3,455

22,478

10,254

Marketing
2,502

649

5,947

2,141

Communication
785

430

2,362

1,345

Professional services
2,621

2,030

10,478

5,257

State intangible tax
1,223

721

3,066

2,163

FDIC assessments
734

1,051

2,951

3,001

Loss (gain) - other real estate owned
538

237

332

423

Other
10,821

5,554

26,056

15,720

Total noninterest expenses
85,415

54,443

240,458

157,044

Income before income taxes
63,516

36,025

147,420

104,860

Income tax expense
12,859

11,199

29,839

32,884

Net income
$
50,657

$
24,826

$
117,581

$
71,976

Net earnings per common share - basic
$
0.52

$
0.40

$
1.37

$
1.17

Net earnings per common share - diluted
$
0.51

$
0.40

$
1.36

$
1.16

Cash dividends declared per share
$
0.20

$
0.17

$
0.58

$
0.51

Average common shares outstanding - basic
97,411,201

61,577,619

85,602,116

61,507,160

Average common shares outstanding - diluted
98,484,228

62,189,637

86,639,927

62,185,874


See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

2


FIRST FINANCIAL BANCORP. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
(Dollars in thousands)
(Unaudited)
Three months ended
Nine months ended
September 30,
September 30,
2018
2017
2018
2017
Net income
$
50,657

$
24,826

$
117,581

$
71,976

Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax:
Unrealized gain (loss) on debt securities arising during the period
( 10,185
)
1,501

( 28,993
)
7,064

Change in retirement obligation
347

213

1,164

615

Unrealized gain (loss) on derivatives
99

129

414

385

Other comprehensive income (loss)
( 9,739
)
1,843

( 27,415
)
8,064

Comprehensive income
$
40,918

$
26,669

$
90,166

$
80,040

See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.


3

FIRST FINANCIAL BANCORP. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
(Dollars in thousands except per share data)
(Unaudited)

Common Stock
Retained
Accumulated other comprehensive
Treasury stock
Shares
Amount
Earnings
income (loss)
Shares
Amount
Total
Balance at January 1, 2017
68,730,731

$
570,382

$
437,188

$
( 28,443
)
( 6,751,179
)
$
( 113,903
)
$
865,224

Net income

71,976

71,976

Other comprehensive income (loss)
8,064

8,064

Cash dividends declared:
Common stock at $0.51 per share
( 31,576
)
( 31,576
)
Warrant exercises
( 82
)
4,848

82

0

Exercise of stock options, net of shares purchased
( 885
)
53,303

903

18

Restricted stock awards, net of forfeitures
( 1,696
)
23,762

( 1,087
)
( 2,783
)
Share-based compensation expense
4,031

4,031

Balance at September 30, 2017
68,730,731

$
571,750

$
477,588

$
( 20,379
)
( 6,669,266
)
$
( 114,005
)
$
914,954

Balance at January 1, 2018
68,730,731

$
573,109

$
491,847

$
( 20,390
)
( 6,661,644
)
$
( 113,902
)
$
930,664

Impact of cumulative effect of change in accounting principles
5,092

( 5,092
)
0

Net income
117,581

117,581

Other comprehensive income (loss)
( 27,415
)
( 27,415
)
Cash dividends declared:
Common stock at $0.58 per share
( 49,975
)
( 49,975
)
Common stock issued in connection with business combinations
35,551,063

1,045,876

1,045,876

Stock options and warrants acquired and converted in connection with business combinations
16,037

16,037

Warrant exercises
( 984
)
57,530

984

0

Exercise of stock options, net of shares purchased
( 282
)
32,941

566

284

Restricted stock awards, net of forfeitures
( 4,913
)
203,905

2,396

( 2,517
)
Share-based compensation expense
4,985

4,985

Balance at September 30, 2018
104,281,794

$
1,633,828

$
564,545

$
( 52,897
)
( 6,367,268
)
$
( 109,956
)
$
2,035,520


See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

4

FIRST FINANCIAL BANCORP. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(Dollars in thousands)
(Unaudited)
Nine months ended
September 30,
2018
2017
Operating activities
Net income
$
117,581

$
71,976

Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
Provision for loan and lease losses
9,276

3,787

Depreciation and amortization
17,326

9,504

Stock-based compensation expense
4,985

4,031

Pension expense (income)
521

( 956
)
Net amortization (accretion) on investment securities
8,209

7,916

Net (gain) loss on sales of investment securities
197

( 1,630
)
Originations of loans held for sale
( 113,142
)
( 123,387
)
Net gains from sales of loans held for sale
( 4,643
)
( 3,998
)
Proceeds from sales of loans held for sale
112,904

123,415

Deferred income taxes
( 349
)
3,977

Decrease (increase) cash surrender value of life insurance
( 4,484
)
( 563
)
Decrease (increase) in interest receivable
( 4,264
)
( 4,069
)
Decrease (increase) in indemnification asset
1,900

3,840

(Decrease) increase in interest payable
3,597

( 1,052
)
Decrease (increase) in other assets
( 25
)
1,247

(Decrease) increase in other liabilities
24,990

( 1,046
)
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities
174,579

92,992

Investing activities


Proceeds from sales of securities available-for-sale
259,518

179,517

Proceeds from calls, paydowns and maturities of securities available-for-sale
271,597

158,454

Purchases of securities available-for-sale
( 566,528
)
( 563,172
)
Proceeds from calls, paydowns and maturities of securities held-to-maturity
31,964

98,824

Purchases of securities held-to-maturity
( 14,014
)
( 15,465
)
Net decrease (increase) in interest-bearing deposits with other banks
4,985

47,663

Net decrease (increase) in loans and leases
( 45,783
)
( 230,174
)
Proceeds from disposal of other real estate owned
3,138

6,797

Purchases of premises and equipment
( 15,544
)
( 4,798
)
Net cash acquired from business combinations
64,941

0

Net cash paid for branch divestitures
( 41,197
)
0

Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities
( 46,923
)
( 322,354
)
Financing activities


Net (decrease) increase in total deposits
( 406,450
)
200,302

Net (decrease) increase in short-term borrowings
284,092

55,820

Payments on long-term debt
( 52,274
)
( 94
)
Proceeds from FHLB borrowings
150,000

0

Cash dividends paid on common stock
( 60,670
)
( 30,708
)
Proceeds from exercise of stock options
284

284

Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities
( 85,018
)
225,604

Cash and due from banks


Change in cash and due from banks
42,638

( 3,758
)
Cash and due from banks at beginning of period
150,650

121,598

Cash and due from banks at end of period
$
193,288

$
117,840

Supplemental schedule for investing activities
Business combinations
Assets acquired, net of purchase consideration
$
3,341,999

$
0

Liabilities assumed
4,018,948

0

Goodwill
$
676,949

$
0

See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

5

FIRST FINANCIAL BANCORP. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
September 30, 2018
(Unaudited)

NOTE 1: BASIS OF PRESENTATION

The Consolidated Financial Statements of First Financial Bancorp., a financial holding company principally serving Ohio, Indiana, Kentucky and Illinois, include the accounts and operations of First Financial and its wholly-owned subsidiary, First Financial Bank. All significant intercompany transactions and accounts have been eliminated in consolidation.  Certain reclassifications of prior periods' amounts have been made to conform to current year presentation. Such reclassifications had no effect on net earnings.
The preparation of financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires management to make estimates, assumptions and judgments that affect the amounts reported in the Consolidated Financial Statements and accompanying Notes.  These estimates, assumptions and judgments are inherently subjective and may be susceptible to significant change.  Actual realized amounts could differ materially from these estimates.

These interim financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the instructions to Form 10-Q and Article 10 of Regulation S-X. Accordingly, they may not include all of the information and accompanying notes necessary to constitute a complete set of financial statements required by GAAP and should be read in conjunction with the audited consolidated financial statements and related notes included in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2017 .  Management believes these unaudited consolidated financial statements reflect all adjustments of a normal recurring nature which are necessary for a fair presentation of the results for the interim periods presented.  The results of operations for the interim periods are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected for the full year or any other interim period.  The Consolidated Balance Sheet as of December 31, 2017 has been derived from the audited financial statements in the Company’s 2017 Form 10-K.

NOTE 2: RECENTLY ADOPTED AND ISSUED ACCOUNTING STANDARDS

In May 2014, the FASB issued an update (ASU 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers) which outlines a single comprehensive model for entities to use in accounting for revenue arising from contracts with customers and supersedes most current revenue recognition guidance, including industry-specific guidance. Under the revised standard, an entity recognizes revenue to depict the transfer of promised goods or services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration to which the entity expects to be entitled in exchange for those goods or services. The ASU applies to all contracts with customers except those that are within the scope of other topics in the FASB Accounting Standards Codification. Certain of the ASU’s provisions also apply to transfers of nonfinancial assets, including in-substance nonfinancial assets that are not an output of an entity’s ordinary activities, such as sales of property, plant, and equipment; real estate; or intangible assets. The ASU also requires significantly expanded disclosures about revenue recognition. For further detail, see Note 13 – Revenue Recognition.

In January 2016, the FASB issued an update (ASU 2016-01, Financial Instruments-Overall: Recognition and Measurement of Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities) which requires entities to measure many equity investments at fair value and recognize changes in fair value in net income. This update does not apply to equity investments that result in consolidation, those accounted for under the equity method and certain others, and will eliminate use of the available for sale classification for equity securities while providing a new measurement alternative for equity investments that do not have readily determinable fair values and do not qualify for the net asset value practical expedient. This update also requires public business entities to use the exit price notion when measuring the fair value of financial instruments for disclosure purposes. The guidance in this ASU became effective in the first quarter of 2018 and did not have a material impact on the Consolidated Financial Statements. At adoption, an adjustment was made to move $ 0.2 million of net unrealized gain on AFS equity securities out of AOCI and into Retained Earnings since changes in fair values are now recognized in net income. Additionally, i n accordance with the guidance, the Company measured the fair value of its financial instruments as of September 30, 2018 using an exit price notion. For further detail, see Note 15 – Fair Value Disclosures.

In February 2016, the FASB issued an update (ASU 2016-02, Leases) which requires lessees to record most leases on their balance sheet and recognize leasing expenses in the income statement. Operating leases, except for short-term leases that are subject to an accounting policy election, will be recorded on the balance sheet for lessees by establishing a lease liability and corresponding right-of-use asset. The guidance in this ASU will become effective for interim and annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2018, with early adoption permitted. Given operating leases outstanding as of September 30, 2018 , First Financial does not expect this ASU to have a material impact on the income statement, but does anticipate an

6

increase in the Company's assets and liabilities. Decisions to repurchase, modify or renew leases prior to the implementation date will impact this level of materiality.

In June 2016, the FASB issued an update (ASU 2016-13, Financial Instruments-Credit Losses: Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial Instruments) which significantly changes how entities are required to measure credit losses for most financial assets and certain other instruments that are not measured at fair value through net income. This update will replace the current incurred loss approach for estimating credit losses with an expected loss model for instruments measured at amortized cost, including loans and leases. Expected credit losses are required to be based on amortized cost and reflect losses expected over the remaining contractual life of the asset. Management is expected to consider any available information relevant to assessing the collectibility of contractual cash flows, such as information about past events, current conditions, voluntary prepayments and reasonable and supportable forecasts, when developing expected credit loss estimates.

In addition to the new framework for calculating the ALLL, this update requires allowances for available-for-sale debt securities rather than a reduction of the security's carrying amount under the current other-than-temporary impairment model. This update also simplifies the accounting model for purchased credit-impaired debt securities and loans and will require new and updated footnote disclosures.

The guidance in this ASU will become effective for interim and annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2019.  Early adoption is permitted for all entities for interim and annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2018.  First Financial has formed an internal management committee and engaged a third party vendor to assist with the transition to the guidance set forth in this update.  The committee is currently evaluating the impact of this update on First Financial’s Consolidated Financial Statements.

In August 2016, the FASB issued an update (ASU 2016-15 Statement of Cash Flows: Classification of Certain Cash Receipts and Cash Payments) which may change how an entity classifies certain cash receipts and cash payments on its statement of cash flows to reduce diversity in practice. The update also provides guidance on when an entity should separate cash flows and classify them into more than one class and when an entity should classify the aggregate of those cash flows into a single class based on the predominance principle. The guidance in this ASU became effective in the first quarter of 2018 and did not have a material impact on the Consolidated Financial Statements.

In January 2017, the FASB issued an update (ASU 2017-04, Intangibles - Goodwill and Other (Topic 350), Simplifying the Test for Goodwill Impairment) which simplifies the subsequent measurement of goodwill by eliminating Step 2 from goodwill impairment testing. This update requires an entity to perform its annual, or interim, goodwill impairment test by comparing the fair value of a reporting unit with its carrying amount, and recognize an impairment charge for the amount by which the carrying amount exceeds the reporting unit’s fair value, with any loss recognized not to exceed the total amount of goodwill allocated to that reporting unit. Additionally, the update requires consideration of the income tax effects from any tax deductible goodwill on the carrying amount of the reporting unit when measuring the goodwill impairment loss, if applicable, and eliminates the requirements for any reporting unit with a zero or negative carrying amount to perform a qualitative assessment. First Financial early adopted the provisions set forth in this update in 2017. Adoption of this update did not have a material impact on First Financial's Consolidated Financial Statements.

In March 2017, the FASB issued an update (ASU 2017-07, Compensation - Retirement Benefits (Topic 715), Improving the Presentation of the Net Periodic Pension Cost and Net Periodic Postretirement Benefit Cost) which requires disaggregation of the service cost component from the other components of net benefit cost. This update also provides explicit guidance on how to present the service cost component and the other components of net benefit cost in the income statement and allows only the service cost component of net benefit cost to be eligible for capitalization. The guidance in this ASU became effective in the first quarter of 2018 and did not have a material impact on the Consolidated Financial Statements.

In March 2017, the FASB issued an update (ASU 2017-08, Receivables - Nonrefundable Fees and Other Costs (Subtopic 310-20), Premium Amortization on Purchased Callable Debt Securities) which amends the amortization period for certain purchased callable debt securities held at a premium and shortens the amortization period for the premium to the earliest call date rather than as an adjustment of yield over the contractual life of the instrument. This update more closely aligns the amortization period of premiums and discounts to expectations incorporated in market pricing on the underlying securities, as in most cases, market participants price securities to the call date that produces the worst yield when the coupon is above current market rates (that is, the security is trading at a premium) and price securities to maturity when the coupon is below market rates (that is, the security is trading at a discount) in anticipation that the borrower will act in its economic best interest in an attempt to more closely align interest income recorded on bonds held at a premium or a discount with the economics of the underlying instrument. The guidance in this ASU will become effective for reporting periods, beginning after December

7

15, 2018, with early adoption permitted. First Financial is currently evaluating the impact of this update on its Consolidated Financial Statements.

In May 2017, the FASB issued an update (ASU 2017-09, Compensation - Stock Compensation (Topic 718), Scope of Modification Accounting), which provides clarity and reduces the diversity in practice, cost and complexity when accounting for a change to the terms or conditions of a share-based payment award. The amendments in this update provide guidance about which changes to the terms or conditions of a share-based payment award require an entity to apply modification accounting in Topic 718 clarifying that an entity will not apply modification accounting to a share-based payment award if the award's fair value (or calculated value or intrinsic value), vesting conditions and classification as an equity or liability instrument are the same immediately before and after the change. The guidance in this ASU became effective in the first quarter of 2018 and did not have a material impact on the Consolidated Financial Statements.

In August 2017, the FASB issued an update (ASU 2017-12, Derivatives and Hedging: Targeted Improvements to Accounting for Hedging Activities) to better align financial reporting for hedging activities with the economic objectives of those activities. This update aligns certain aspects of hedge documentation, effectiveness assessments, accounting and disclosures, and expands permissible hedge strategies as of the date of adoption. The guidance in this ASU will become effective for reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2018, with early adoption permitted, and will require a modified retrospective transition method with recognition of the cumulative effect of the change on the opening balance of each affected component of equity. Amended disclosures will be required prospectively. First Financial is currently evaluating the impact of this update on its Consolidated Financial Statements.
In February 2018, the FASB issued an update (ASU 2018-02, Income statement-Reporting Comprehensive Income: Reclassification of Certain Tax Effects from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income), which allows a reclassification from accumulated other comprehensive income to retained earnings for stranded tax effects resulting from the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act. Consequently, the amendments eliminated the stranded tax effects resulting from the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act and will improve the usefulness of information reported to financial statement users. The amendments only relate to the reclassification of the income tax effects of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, and the underlying guidance that requires that the effect of a change in tax laws or rates be included in income from continuing operations is not effected. The amendments in this update also require certain disclosures about stranded tax effects. The guidance in this ASU will become effective for reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2018, with early adoption permitted, and is applied either in the period of adoption or retrospectively to each period in which the effect of the change in the U.S. federal corporate income tax rate in the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act is recognized. First Financial early adopted the provisions set forth in this update in the first quarter of 2018, and as a result, reclassified $ 4.9 million from accumulated other comprehensive income to retained earnings. There were no other income tax effects related to the Act that were reclassified as a result of the adoption of the accounting standard.
NOTE 3: INVESTMENTS

For the three months ended September 30, 2018, proceeds on the sale of $43.3 million of AFS securities resulted in gains of $0.3 million and losses of $0.4 million . For the three months ended September 30, 2017, proceeds on the sale of $ 53.9 million of AFS securities resulted in gains of $ 0.4 million and losses of $ 0.1 million .

For the nine months ended September 30, 2018 , proceeds on the sale of $ 259.5 million of AFS securities resulted in gains of $0.3 million and losses of $0.5 million . For the nine months ended September 30, 2017 , proceeds on the sale of $ 179.6 million of AFS securities resulted in gains of $ 1.8 million and losses of $ 0.2 million . In addition to the sale of certain securities, First Financial reclassified $ 367.9 million of HTM securities to AFS to align with post-merger investment strategies during the second quarter 2018.

8


The following is a summary of HTM and AFS investment securities as of September 30, 2018 :
Held-to-maturity
Available-for-sale
(Dollars in thousands)
Amortized
cost
Unrecognized gain
Unrecognized loss
Fair
value
Amortized
cost
Unrealized
gain
Unrealized
loss
Fair
value
U.S. Treasuries
$
0

$
0

$
0

$
0

$
99

$
0

$
( 4
)
$
95

Securities of U.S. government agencies and corporations
0

0

0

0

33,438

7

( 600
)
32,845

Mortgage-backed securities - residential
26,603

0

( 1,615
)
24,988

581,657

551

( 14,262
)
567,946

Mortgage-backed securities - commercial
150,223

0

( 6,378
)
143,845

362,874

118

( 5,646
)
357,346

Collateralized mortgage obligations
13,182

0

( 727
)
12,455

864,824

940

( 15,436
)
850,328

Obligations of state and other political subdivisions
244,361

275

( 3,286
)
241,350

247,206

1,533

( 2,626
)
246,113

Asset-backed securities
0

0

0

0

490,685

582

( 1,499
)
489,768

Other securities
0

0

0

0

81,546

1,039

( 300
)
82,285

Total
$
434,369

$
275

$
( 12,006
)
$
422,638

$
2,662,329

$
4,770

$
( 40,373
)
$
2,626,726


The following is a summary of held-to-maturity and available-for-sale investment securities as of December 31, 2017 :
Held-to-maturity
Available-for-sale
(Dollars in thousands)
Amortized
cost
Unrecognized gain
Unrecognized
loss
Fair
value
Amortized
cost
Unrealized
gain
Unrealized
loss
Fair
value
U.S. Treasuries
$
0

$
0

$
0

$
0

$
98

$
0

$
( 1
)
$
97

Securities of U.S. government agencies and corporations
11,168

0

( 76
)
11,092

15,695

220

0

15,915

Mortgage-backed securities - residential
162,093

2,042

( 1,535
)
162,600

290,793

849

( 2,599
)
289,043

Mortgage-backed securities - commercial
255,027

1,372

( 3,000
)
253,399

150,356

164

( 1,417
)
149,103

Collateralized mortgage obligations
143,545

354

( 1,602
)
142,297

306,095

1,158

( 1,861
)
305,392

Obligations of state and other political subdivisions
82,175

1,804

( 266
)
83,713

124,269

2,162

( 676
)
125,755

Asset-backed securities
0

0

0

0

377,655

1,628

( 306
)
378,977

Other securities
0

0

0

0

83,266

2,147

( 287
)
85,126

Total
$
654,008

$
5,572

$
( 6,479
)
$
653,101

$
1,348,227

$
8,328

$
( 7,147
)
$
1,349,408



The following table provides a summary of investment securities by contractual maturity as of September 30, 2018 , except for residential and commercial mortgage-backed securities, collateralized mortgage obligations and asset-backed securities, which are shown as single totals due to the unpredictability of the timing in principal repayments.
Held-to-maturity
Available-for-sale
(Dollars in thousands)
Amortized
cost
Fair
value
Amortized
cost
Fair
value
By Contractual Maturity:
Due in one year or less
$
0

$
0

$
3,932

$
3,922

Due after one year through five years
275

277

72,831

72,633

Due after five years through ten years
18,337

18,274

138,584

139,591

Due after ten years
225,749

222,799

146,942

145,192

Mortgage-backed securities - residential
26,603

24,988

581,657

567,946

Mortgage-backed securities - commercial
150,223

143,845

362,874

357,346

Collateralized mortgage obligations
13,182

12,455

864,824

850,328

Asset-backed securities
0

0

490,685

489,768

Total
$
434,369

$
422,638

$
2,662,329

$
2,626,726




9

Unrealized gains and losses on debt securities are generally due to fluctuations in current market yields relative to the yields of the debt securities at their amortized cost. All securities with unrealized losses are reviewed quarterly to determine if any impairment is considered other than temporary, requiring a write-down to fair value. First Financial considers the percentage loss on a security, duration of the loss, average life or duration of the security, credit rating of the security and payment performance, as well as the Company's intent and ability to hold the security to maturity, when determining whether any impairment is other than temporary. At this time First Financial does not intend to sell, and it is not more likely than not that the Company will be required to sell, debt securities temporarily impaired prior to maturity or recovery of the recorded value. First Financial had no other than temporary impairment related to its investment securities portfolio as of September 30, 2018 or December 31, 2017 .

As of September 30, 2018 , the Company's investment securities portfolio consisted of 1,414 securities, of which 909 were in an unrealized loss position. As of December 31, 2017, the Company's investment securities portfolio consisted of 775 securities, of which 237 were in an unrealized loss position.

The following tables provide the fair value and gross unrealized losses on investment securities in an unrealized loss position, aggregated by investment category and the length of time the individual securities have been in a continuous loss position:
September 30, 2018
Less than 12 months
12 months or more
Total
(Dollars in thousands)
Fair
value
Unrealized
loss
Fair
value
Unrealized
loss
Fair
value
Unrealized
loss
U.S. Treasuries
$
0

$
0

$
95

$
( 4
)
$
95

$
( 4
)
Securities of U.S. Government agencies and corporations
19,546

( 411
)
5,332

( 189
)
24,878

( 600
)
Mortgage-backed securities - residential
431,332

( 8,695
)
141,519

( 7,182
)
572,851

( 15,877
)
Mortgage-backed securities - commercial
281,842

( 3,637
)
151,185

( 8,387
)
433,027

( 12,024
)
Collateralized mortgage obligations
658,749

( 10,407
)
133,153

( 5,756
)
791,902

( 16,163
)
Obligations of state and other political subdivisions
304,298

( 3,976
)
37,683

( 1,936
)
341,981

( 5,912
)
Asset-backed securities
206,708

( 1,125
)
20,776

( 374
)
227,484

( 1,499
)
Other securities
17,901

( 192
)
4,678

( 108
)
22,579

( 300
)
Total
$
1,920,376

$
( 28,443
)
$
494,421

$
( 23,936
)
$
2,414,797

$
( 52,379
)

December 31, 2017
Less than 12 months
12 months or more
Total
Fair
Unrealized
Fair
Unrealized
Fair
Unrealized
(Dollars in thousands)
value
loss
value
loss
value
loss
U.S. Treasuries
$
97

$
( 1
)
$
0

$
0

$
97

$
( 1
)
Securities of U.S. Government agencies and corporations
11,092

( 76
)
0

0

11,092

( 76
)
Mortgage-backed securities - residential
175,183

( 1,109
)
108,782

( 3,025
)
283,965

( 4,134
)
Mortgage-backed securities - commercial
132,818

( 1,713
)
72,139

( 2,704
)
204,957

( 4,417
)
Collateralized mortgage obligations
164,909

( 1,138
)
101,436

( 2,325
)
266,345

( 3,463
)
Obligations of state and other political subdivisions
38,450

( 507
)
21,639

( 435
)
60,089

( 942
)
Asset-backed securities
44,941

( 200
)
24,396

( 106
)
69,337

( 306
)
Other securities
2,605

( 1
)
7,124

( 286
)
9,729

( 287
)
Total
$
570,095

$
( 4,745
)
$
335,516

$
( 8,881
)
$
905,611

$
( 13,626
)



10

For further detail on the fair value of investment securities, see Note 15 – Fair Value Disclosures.

NOTE 4: LOANS AND LEASES

First Financial offers clients a variety of commercial and consumer loan and lease products with distinct interest rates and payment terms. Commercial loan categories include C&I, CRE, construction real estate and lease financing. Consumer loan categories include residential real estate, home equity, installment and credit card.

Lending activities are primarily concentrated in states where the Bank operates banking centers (Ohio, Indiana, Kentucky and Illinois). First Financial also offers two nationwide lending platforms, one that provides equipment and leasehold improvement financing for franchisees in the quick service and casual dining restaurant sector and another that provides loans primarily to insurance agents and brokers that are secured by commissions and cash collateral.

Credit Quality. To facilitate the monitoring of credit quality for commercial loans, and for purposes of determining an appropriate ALLL, First Financial utilizes the following categories of credit grades:

Pass - Higher quality loans that do not fit any of the other categories described below.

Special Mention - First Financial assigns a special mention rating to loans and leases with potential weaknesses that deserve management's close attention. If left uncorrected, these potential weaknesses may result in deterioration of the repayment prospects for the loan or lease or in First Financial's credit position at some future date.

Substandard - First Financial assigns a substandard rating to loans or leases that are inadequately protected by the current sound financial worth and paying capacity of the borrower or of the collateral pledged, if any. Substandard loans and leases have well-defined weaknesses that jeopardize repayment of the debt. Substandard loans and leases are characterized by the distinct possibility that the Company will sustain some loss if the deficiencies are not addressed.

Doubtful - First Financial assigns a doubtful rating to loans and leases with all the attributes of a substandard rating with the added characteristic that the weaknesses make collection or liquidation in full highly questionable and improbable, on the basis of currently existing facts, conditions and values. The possibility of loss is extremely high, but because of certain important and reasonably specific pending factors that may work to the advantage and strengthening of the credit quality of the loan or lease, its classification as an estimated loss is deferred until its more exact status may be determined. Pending factors include proposed merger, acquisition or liquidation procedures, capital injection, perfecting liens on additional collateral and refinancing plans.

The credit grades previously described are derived from standard regulatory rating definitions and are assigned upon initial approval of credit to borrowers and updated periodically thereafter.

First Financial considers repayment performance to be the best indicator of credit quality for consumer loans. Consumer loans that have principal and interest payments that are past due by 90 days or more are generally classified as nonperforming. Additionally, consumer loans that have been modified in a TDR are classified as nonperforming. Purchased impaired loans are not classified as nonperforming as the loans are considered to be performing under FASB ASC Topic 310-30.

Commercial and consumer credit exposure by risk attribute was as follows:
As of September 30, 2018
Commercial
Real Estate
Lease
(Dollars in thousands)
& industrial
Construction
Commercial
financing
Total
Pass
$
2,335,925

$
552,973

$
3,757,627

$
92,551

$
6,739,076

Special Mention
39,060

12,094

49,463

0

100,617

Substandard
51,605

10

61,053

2,766

115,434

Doubtful
0

0

0

0

0

Total
$
2,426,590

$
565,077

$
3,868,143

$
95,317

$
6,955,127



11

(Dollars in thousands)
Residential
real estate
Home equity
Installment
Credit card
Total
Performing
$
919,440

$
809,653

$
97,097

$
45,741

$
1,871,931

Nonperforming
13,522

6,480

316

0

20,318

Total
$
932,962

$
816,133

$
97,413

$
45,741

$
1,892,249


As of December 31, 2017
Commercial
Real Estate
Lease
(Dollars in thousands)
& industrial
Construction
Commercial
financing
Total
Pass
$
1,882,464

$
467,687

$
2,446,999

$
88,078

$
4,885,228

Special Mention
6,226

0

4,436

0

10,662

Substandard
24,053

43

38,656

1,269

64,021

Doubtful
0

0

0

0

0

Total
$
1,912,743

$
467,730

$
2,490,091

$
89,347

$
4,959,911


(Dollars in thousands)
Residential
real estate
Home equity
Installment
Credit card
Total
Performing
$
463,459

$
489,148

$
41,331

$
46,691

$
1,040,629

Nonperforming
7,932

4,456

255

0

12,643

Total
$
471,391

$
493,604

$
41,586

$
46,691

$
1,053,272



Delinquency. Loans are considered past due or delinquent when the contractual principal or interest due in accordance with the terms of the loan agreement remains unpaid after the date of the scheduled payment.


12

Loan delinquency, including loans classified as nonaccrual, was as follows:
As of September 30, 2018
(Dollars in thousands)
30 – 59
days
past due
60 – 89
days
past due
> 90 days
past due
Total
past
due
Current
Subtotal
Purchased impaired
Total
> 90 days
past due
and still
accruing
Loans
Commercial & industrial
$
1,991

$
1,613

$
2,662

$
6,266

$
2,414,484

$
2,420,750

$
5,840

$
2,426,590

$
0

Lease financing
0

0

0

0

95,317

95,317

0

95,317

0

Construction real estate
283

0

0

283

564,535

564,818

259

565,077

0

Commercial real estate
4,513

407

16,296

21,216

3,789,238

3,810,454

57,689

3,868,143

0

Residential real estate
2,796

1,828

2,825

7,449

888,367

895,816

37,146

932,962

0

Home equity
3,435

1,336

3,153

7,924

804,670

812,594

3,539

816,133

0

Installment
201

21

282

504

96,360

96,864

549

97,413

0

Credit card
301

179

144

624

45,117

45,741

0

45,741

144

Total
$
13,520

$
5,384

$
25,362

$
44,266

$
8,698,088

$
8,742,354

$
105,022

$
8,847,376

$
144


As of December 31, 2017
(Dollars in thousands)
30 – 59
days
past due
60 – 89
days
past due
> 90 days
past due
Total
past
due
Current
Subtotal
Purchased impaired
Total
> 90 days
past due
and still
accruing
Loans
Commercial & industrial
$
755

$
1,657

$
5,078

$
7,490

$
1,901,821

$
1,909,311

$
3,432

$
1,912,743

$
0

Lease financing
485

0

0

485

88,862

89,347

0

89,347

0

Construction real estate
234

0

0

234

467,216

467,450

280

467,730

0

Commercial real estate
1,716

201

8,777

10,694

2,419,969

2,430,663

59,428

2,490,091

0

Residential real estate
526

811

1,992

3,329

430,500

433,829

37,562

471,391

0

Home equity
2,716

394

1,753

4,863

485,127

489,990

3,614

493,604

0

Installment
179

29

205

413

40,529

40,942

644

41,586

0

Credit card
285

87

62

434

46,257

46,691

0

46,691

62

Total
$
6,896

$
3,179

$
17,867

$
27,942

$
5,880,281

$
5,908,223

$
104,960

$
6,013,183

$
62



Nonaccrual. Loans are classified as nonaccrual when, in the opinion of management, collection of principal or interest is doubtful or when principal or interest payments are 90 days or more past due. Generally, loans are classified as nonaccrual due to the continued failure by the borrower to adhere to contractual payment terms, coupled with other pertinent factors. When a loan is classified as nonaccrual, the accrual of interest income is discontinued and previously accrued but unpaid interest is reversed. Any payments received while a loan is on nonaccrual status are applied as a reduction to the carrying value of the loan. A loan classified as nonaccrual may return to accrual status if collection of future principal and interest payments is no longer doubtful.

Purchased impaired loans are classified as performing, even though they may be contractually past due, as any nonpayment of contractual principal or interest is considered in the periodic re-estimation of expected cash flows and is included in the resulting recognition of current period provision for loan and lease losses or prospective yield adjustments.

Troubled Debt Restructurings. A loan modification is considered a TDR when the borrower is experiencing financial difficulty and concessions are made by the Company that would not otherwise be considered for a borrower with similar credit characteristics. The most common types of modifications include interest rate reductions, maturity extensions and modifications to principal amortization, including interest-only structures. Modified terms are dependent upon the financial position and needs of the individual borrower. If the modification agreement is violated, the loan is managed by the Company’s credit administration group for resolution, which may result in foreclosure in the case of real estate.

TDRs are generally classified as nonaccrual for a minimum period of six months and may qualify for return to accrual status once they have demonstrated performance with the restructured terms of the loan agreement.


13

First Financial had 187 TDRs totaling $ 25.0 million at September 30, 2018 , including $ 20.3 million on accrual status and $ 4.7 million classified as nonaccrual. First Financial had an insignificant amount of commitments outstanding to lend additional funds to borrowers whose loan terms have been modified through TDRs, and the ALLL included reserves of $ 2.3 million related to TDRs at September 30, 2018 . For the three months ended September 30, 2018 and 2017, the Company charged off $ 0.7 million and $ 0.1 million , respectively, for the portion of TDRs determined to be uncollectible. For the nine months ended September 30, 2018 and 2017, the Company charged off $0.8 million and $ 0.2 million , respectively, for the portion of TDRs determined to be uncollectible. Additionally, as of September 30, 2018 , $ 12.6 million of accruing TDRs have been performing in accordance with the restructured terms for more than one year.

First Financial had 214 TDRs totaling $ 23.9 million at December 31, 2017 , including $ 17.5 million of loans on accrual status and $ 6.4 million classified as nonaccrual. First Financial had an insignificant amount of commitments outstanding to lend additional funds to borrowers whose loan terms had been modified through TDRs. At December 31, 2017 , the ALLL included reserves of $ 1.3 million related to TDRs, and $ 17.2 million of the accruing TDRs had been performing in accordance with the restructured terms for more than one year.

The following tables provide information on loan modifications classified as TDRs during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2018 and 2017 :
Three months ended
September 30, 2018
September 30, 2017
(Dollars in thousands)
Number of loans
Pre-modification loan balance
Period end balance
Number of loans
Pre-modification loan balance
Period end balance
Commercial & industrial
0

$
0

$
0

1

$
45

$
37

Construction real estate
0

0

0

0

0

0

Commercial real estate
0

0

0

1

285

285

Residential real estate
1

148

143

6

416

315

Home equity
1

10

10

1

39

39

Installment
0

0

0

0

0

0

Total
2

$
158

$
153

9

$
785

$
676

Nine months ended
September 30, 2018
September 30, 2017
(Dollars in thousands)
Number of loans
Pre-modification loan balance
Period end balance
Number of loans
Pre-modification loan balance
Period end balance
Commercial & industrial
12

$
7,149

$
7,096

7

$
5,724

$
5,661

Construction real estate
0

0

0

0

0

0

Commercial real estate
6

2,119

2,088

7

1,791

1,734

Residential real estate
4

442

437

6

416

315

Home equity
1

10

10

1

39

39

Installment
0

0

0

0

0

0

Total
23

$
9,720

$
9,631

21

$
7,970

$
7,749



14

The following table provides information on how TDRs were modified during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2018 and 2017 :
Three months ended
Nine months ended
September 30,
September 30,
(Dollars in thousands)
2018
2017
2018
2017
Extended maturities
$
143

$
0

$
3,031

$
3,261

Adjusted interest rates
0
0
52

2,767

Combination of rate and maturity changes
0
285
0

465

Forbearance
0
354
6,199

1,181

Other (1)
10
37
349

75

Total
$
153

$
676

$
9,631

$
7,749

(1) Includes covenant modifications and other concessions, or combination of concessions, that do not consist of interest rate adjustments, forbearance and maturity extensions

First Financial considers repayment performance as an indication of the effectiveness of the Company's loan modifications. Borrowers that are 90 days or more past due on any principal or interest payments, or who prematurely terminate a restructured loan agreement without paying the contractual principal balance (for example, in a deed-in-lieu arrangement), are considered to be in payment default of the terms of the TDR agreement.

For the nine months ended September 30, 2018 , there was one TDR, insignificant in amount, for which there was a payment default during the period that occurred within twelve months of the loan modification. There were no TDRs for which there was a payment default during the period that occurred within twelve months of the loan modification for the three months ended September 30, 2018 or the three or nine month periods ended September 30, 2017 .

Impaired Loans. Loans classified as nonaccrual and loans modified as TDRs are considered impaired. The following table provides information on impaired loans, excluding purchased impaired loans:
(Dollars in thousands)
September 30, 2018
December 31, 2017
Impaired loans
Nonaccrual loans (1)
Commercial & industrial
$
4,310

$
5,229

Lease financing
0

82

Construction real estate
10

29

Commercial real estate
20,338

10,616

Residential real estate
11,365

4,140

Home equity
6,018

3,743

Installment
327

243

Nonaccrual loans
42,368

24,082

Accruing troubled debt restructurings
20,313

17,545

Total impaired loans
$
62,681

$
41,627

(1) Nonaccrual loans include nonaccrual TDRs of $ 4.7 million and $ 6.4 million as of September 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017 , respectively.


15

Three months ended
Nine months ended
September 30,
September 30,
(Dollars in thousands)
2018
2017
2018
2017
Interest income effect on impaired loans
Gross amount of interest that would have been recorded under original terms
$
1,192

$
761

$
3,126

$
2,735

Interest included in income
Nonaccrual loans
169

140

395

445

Troubled debt restructurings
187

168

500

563

Total interest included in income
356

308

895

1,008

Net impact on interest income
$
836

$
453

$
2,231

$
1,727



First Financial individually reviews all impaired commercial loan relationships, as well as consumer loan TDRs, greater than $ 250,000 , to determine if a specific allowance is necessary based on the borrower’s overall financial condition, payment record, support from guarantors and the realizable value of any collateral. Specific allowances are based on discounted cash flows using the loan's initial effective interest rate or the fair value of the collateral for certain collateral dependent loans.


16

First Financial's investment in impaired loans was as follows:
As of September 30, 2018
As of December 31, 2017
(Dollars in thousands)
Current balance
Contractual
principal
balance
Related
allowance
Current balance
Contractual
principal
balance
Related
allowance
Loans with no related allowance recorded
Commercial & industrial
$
9,209

$
13,034

$
0

$
7,162

$
8,460

$
0

Lease financing
0

0

0

82

82

0

Construction real estate
10

27

0

29

60

0

Commercial real estate
26,722

32,706

0

18,423

20,837

0

Residential real estate
14,277

17,083

0

6,876

8,145

0

Home equity
6,554

7,337

0

4,356

5,399

0

Installment
332

639

0

255

422

0

Total
57,104

70,826

0

37,183

43,405

0

Loans with an allowance recorded
Commercial & industrial
2,776

2,776

1,562

169

169

169

Lease financing
0

0

0

0

0

0

Construction real estate
0

0

0

0

0

0

Commercial real estate
1,668

2,322

66

3,119

3,120

448

Residential real estate
1,033

1,033

160

1,056

1,063

160

Home equity
100

100

2

100

100

2

Installment
0

0

0

0

0

0

Total
5,577

6,231

1,790

4,444

4,452

779

Total



Commercial & industrial
11,985

15,810

1,562

7,331

8,629

169

Lease financing
0

0

0

82

82

0

Construction real estate
10

27

0

29

60

0

Commercial real estate
28,390

35,028

66

21,542

23,957

448

Residential real estate
15,310

18,116

160

7,932

9,208

160

Home equity
6,654

7,437

2

4,456

5,499

2

Installment
332

639

0

255

422

0

Total
$
62,681

$
77,057

$
1,790

$
41,627

$
47,857

$
779



17

First Financial's average impaired loans by class and interest income recognized by class was as follows:
Three months ended
September 30, 2018
September 30, 2017
(Dollars in thousands)
Average
Recorded
Investment
Interest
Income
Recognized
Average
Recorded
Investment
Interest
Income
Recognized
Loans with no related allowance recorded
Commercial & industrial
$
10,033

$
63

$
13,730

$
63

Lease financing
0

0

91

1

Construction real estate
17

0

950

0

Commercial real estate
28,689

136

23,187

147

Residential real estate
13,247

86

7,569

55

Home equity
6,463

31

3,791

26

Installment
318

1

290

1

Total
58,767

317

49,608

293

Loans with an allowance recorded
Commercial & industrial
1,578

28

1,832

2

Lease financing
0

0

0

0

Construction real estate
0

0

0

0

Commercial real estate
1,012

3

652

5

Residential real estate
1,036

7

1,067

7

Home equity
100

1

101

1

Installment
0

0

0

0

Total
3,726

39

3,652

15

Total
Commercial & industrial
11,611

91

15,562

65

Lease financing
0

0

91

1

Construction real estate
17

0

950

0

Commercial real estate
29,701

139

23,839

152

Residential real estate
14,283

93

8,636

62

Home equity
6,563

32

3,892

27

Installment
318

1

290

1

Total
$
62,493

$
356

$
53,260

$
308



18

Nine months ended
September 30, 2018
September 30, 2017
(Dollars in thousands)
Average
Recorded
Investment
Interest
Income
Recognized
Average
Recorded
Investment
Interest
Income
Recognized
Loans with no related allowance recorded
Commercial & industrial
$
8,950

$
162

$
14,669

$
259

Lease financing
21

0

120

3

Construction real estate
22

2

744

0

Commercial real estate
25,044

375

21,563

451

Residential real estate
9,875

209

7,801

147

Home equity
5,339

78

3,951

77

Installment
299

2

351

4

Total
49,550

828

49,199

941

Loans with an allowance recorded
Commercial & industrial
891

34

1,463

26

Lease financing
0

0

0

0

Construction real estate
0

0

0

0

Commercial real estate
1,376

9

2,513

18

Residential real estate
1,043

21

1,126

20

Home equity
100

3

101

3

Installment
0

0

0

0

Total
3,410

67

5,203

67

Total
Commercial & industrial
9,841

196

16,132

285

Lease financing
21

0

120

3

Construction real estate
22

2

744

0

Commercial real estate
26,420

384

24,076

469

Residential real estate
10,918

230

8,927

167

Home equity
5,439

81

4,052

80

Installment
299

2

351

4

Total
$
52,960

$
895

$
54,402

$
1,008



Acquired loans. Acquired loans are recorded at their estimated fair value at the time of acquisition. Estimated fair values for acquired loans are based on a discounted cash flow methodology that considers various factors including the type of loan and related collateral, classification status, interest rate, term of loan, whether or not the loan was amortizing and a discount rate reflecting the Company's assessment of risk inherent in the cash flow estimates. Acquired loans are grouped together according to similar characteristics and treated in the aggregate when applying various valuation techniques.

First Financial evaluates acquired loans for impairment in accordance with the provisions of FASB ASC Topic 310-30, Loans and Debt Securities Acquired with Deteriorated Credit Quality. Acquired loans with evidence of credit deterioration since origination are accounted for under FASB ASC Topic 310-30 and are referred to as purchased impaired loans. Interest income, through accretion of the difference between the carrying value of the loans and the expected cash flows (accretable difference) is recognized on all purchased impaired loans. First Financial had purchased impaired loans totaling $ 105.0 million at September 30, 2018 , which included $ 18.0 million acquired in the merger with MSFG.


19

OREO. OREO consists of properties acquired by the Company primarily through the loan foreclosure or repossession process, that results in partial or total satisfaction of problem loans.

Changes in OREO were as follows:
Three months ended
Nine months ended
September 30,
September 30,
(Dollars in thousands)
2018
2017
2018
2017
Balance at beginning of period
$
1,853

$
5,961

$
2,781

$
6,284

Additions
Commercial & industrial
79

1,559

1,269

1,731

Residential real estate
739

235

1,723

2,313

Total additions
818

1,794

2,992

4,044

Disposals


Commercial & industrial
( 181
)
( 3,684
)
( 2,611
)
( 5,291
)
Residential real estate
( 117
)
( 821
)
( 527
)
( 1,506
)
Total disposals
( 298
)
( 4,505
)
( 3,138
)
( 6,797
)
Valuation adjustment


Commercial & industrial
( 258
)
( 102
)
( 355
)
( 264
)
Residential real estate
( 197
)
( 32
)
( 362
)
( 151
)
Total valuation adjustment
( 455
)
( 134
)
( 717
)
( 415
)
Balance at end of period
$
1,918

$
3,116

$
1,918

$
3,116


NOTE 5: ALLOWANCE FOR LOAN AND LEASE LOSSES

Management maintains the ALLL at a level that it considers sufficient to absorb probable incurred loan and lease losses inherent in the portfolio. Management determines the adequacy of the ALLL based on historical loss experience as well as other significant factors such as composition of the portfolio, economic conditions, geographic footprint, the results of periodic internal and external evaluations of delinquent, nonaccrual and classified loans and any other adverse situations that may affect a specific borrower's ability to repay, including the timing of future payments.

The ALLL is increased by provision expense and decreased by charge-offs, net of recoveries of amounts previously charged-off. First Financial's policy is to charge-off all or a portion of a loan when, in management's opinion, it is unlikely to collect the principal amount owed in full either through payments from the borrower or from the liquidation of collateral.


20


Changes in the ALLL by loan category were as follows:
Three months ended September 30, 2018
Real Estate
(Dollars in thousands)
Commercial and industrial
Lease financing
Construction
Commercial
Residential
Home Equity
Installment
Credit card
Total
Allowance for loan and lease losses:
Balance at beginning of period
$
17,528

$
797

$
3,985

$
20,511

$
4,668

$
4,801

$
290

$
1,496

$
54,076

Provision for loan and lease losses
2,035

287

( 114
)
959

50

63

( 288
)
246

3,238

Gross charge-offs
( 232
)
0

0

( 902
)
( 145
)
( 351
)
( 43
)
( 390
)
( 2,063
)
Recoveries
627

0

146

786

71

419

351

64

2,464

Total net charge-offs
395

0

146

( 116
)
( 74
)
68

308

( 326
)
401

Ending allowance for loan and lease losses
$
19,958

$
1,084

$
4,017

$
21,354

$
4,644

$
4,932

$
310

$
1,416

$
57,715

Three months ended September 30, 2017
Real Estate
(Dollars in thousands)
Commercial and industrial
Lease financing
Construction
Commercial
Residential
Home Equity
Installment
Credit card
Total
Allowance for loan and lease losses:
Balance at beginning of period
$
18,313

$
550

$
3,416

$
21,717

$
5,016

$
4,138

$
355

$
1,368

$
54,873

Provision for loan and lease losses
3,024

507

( 178
)
( 1,003
)
( 243
)
819

( 80
)
107

2,953

Loans charged off
( 4,122
)
0

0

( 58
)
( 23
)
( 71
)
( 24
)
( 201
)
( 4,499
)
Recoveries
325

0

0

585

70

110

74

43

1,207

Total net charge-offs
( 3,797
)
0

0

527

47

39

50

( 158
)
( 3,292
)
Ending allowance for loan and lease losses
$
17,540

$
1,057

$
3,238

$
21,241

$
4,820

$
4,996

$
325

$
1,317

$
54,534

Nine months ended September 30, 2018
Real Estate
(Dollars in thousands)
Commercial & industrial
Lease financing
Construction
Commercial
Residential
Home equity
Installment
Credit card
Total
Allowance for loan and lease losses:
Balance at beginning of period
$
17,598

$
675

$
3,577

$
20,930

$
4,683

$
4,935

$
307

$
1,316

$
54,021

Provision for loan and lease losses
6,252

408

294

1,155

136

( 60
)
( 201
)
1,292

9,276

Loans charged off
( 5,473
)
0

0

( 3,156
)
( 342
)
( 978
)
( 277
)
( 1,328
)
( 11,554
)
Recoveries
1,581

1

146

2,425

167

1,035

481

136

5,972

Total net charge-offs
( 3,892
)
1

146

( 731
)
( 175
)
57

204

( 1,192
)
( 5,582
)
Ending allowance for loan and lease losses
$
19,958

$
1,084

$
4,017

$
21,354

$
4,644

$
4,932

$
310

$
1,416

$
57,715



21

Nine months ended September 30, 2017
Real Estate
(Dollars in thousands)
Commercial & industrial
Lease financing
Construction
Commercial
Residential
Home equity
Installment
Credit card
Total
Allowance for loan and lease losses:
Balance at beginning of period
$
19,225

$
716

$
3,282

$
26,540

$
3,208

$
3,043

$
388

$
1,559

$
57,961

Provision for loan and lease losses
5,965

340

( 133
)
( 6,510
)
1,781

2,150

( 52
)
246

3,787

Loans charged off
( 8,930
)
0

0

( 1,028
)
( 307
)
( 635
)
( 199
)
( 648
)
( 11,747
)
Recoveries
1,280

1

89

2,239

138

438

188

160

4,533

Total net charge-offs
( 7,650
)
1

89

1,211

( 169
)
( 197
)
( 11
)
( 488
)
( 7,214
)
Ending allowance for loan and lease losses
$
17,540

$
1,057

$
3,238

$
21,241

$
4,820

$
4,996

$
325

$
1,317

$
54,534

As of December 31, 2017
Real Estate
(Dollars in thousands)
Commercial & industrial
Lease financing
Construction
Commercial
Residential
Home equity
Installment
Credit card
Total
Ending allowance balance attributable to loans
Individually evaluated for impairment
$
169

$
0

$
0

$
448

$
160

$
2

$
0

$
0

$
779

Collectively evaluated for impairment
17,429

675

3,577

20,482

4,523

4,933

307

1,316

53,242

Ending allowance for loan and lease losses
$
17,598

$
675

$
3,577

$
20,930

$
4,683

$
4,935

$
307

$
1,316

$
54,021

Loans








Individually evaluated for impairment
$
7,331

$
82

$
29

$
21,542

$
7,932

$
4,456

$
255

$
0

$
41,627

Collectively evaluated for impairment
1,905,412

89,265

467,701

2,468,549

463,459

489,148

41,331

46,691

5,971,556

Total loans
$
1,912,743

$
89,347

$
467,730

$
2,490,091

$
471,391

$
493,604

$
41,586

$
46,691

$
6,013,183



As of September 30, 2018
Real Estate
(Dollars in thousands)
Commercial & industrial
Lease financing
Construction
Commercial
Residential
Home equity
Installment
Credit card
Total
Ending allowance balance attributable to loans
Individually evaluated for impairment
$
1,562

$
0

$
0

$
66

$
160

$
2

$
0

$
0

$
1,790

Collectively evaluated for impairment
18,396

1,084

4,017

21,288

4,484

4,930

310

1,416

55,925

Ending allowance for loan and lease losses
$
19,958

$
1,084

$
4,017

$
21,354

$
4,644

$
4,932

$
310

$
1,416

$
57,715

Loans








Individually evaluated for impairment
$
11,985

$
0

$
10

$
28,390

$
15,310

$
6,654

$
332

$
0

$
62,681

Collectively evaluated for impairment
2,414,605

95,317

565,067

3,839,753

917,652

809,479

97,081

45,741

8,784,695

Total loans
$
2,426,590

$
95,317

$
565,077

$
3,868,143

$
932,962

$
816,133

$
97,413

$
45,741

$
8,847,376




NOTE 6: GOODWILL AND OTHER INTANGIBLE ASSETS

Goodwill. Assets and liabilities acquired in a business combination are recorded at their estimated fair values as of the acquisition date. The excess cost of the acquisition over the fair value of net assets acquired is recorded as goodwill.


22

Changes in the carrying amount of goodwill for the nine months ended September 30, 2018 and the year ended December 31, 2017 were as follows:
(Dollars in thousands)
September 30,
2018
December 31,
2017
Balance at beginning of year
$
204,084

$
204,084

Goodwill resulting from business combinations
676,949

0

Balance at end of period
$
881,033

$
204,084



First Financial recorded additions to goodwill resulting from the merger with MSFG in 2018, while no additions to goodwill were recorded during 2017. For further detail on the merger with MSFG, see Note 16 - Business Combinations.

Goodwill is evaluated for impairment on an annual basis as of October 1 of each year, or whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the fair value of a reporting unit may be below its carrying value. First Financial performed its most recent annual impairment test as of October 1, 2017 and no impairment was indicated.  As of September 30, 2018 , no events or changes in circumstances indicated that the fair value of a reporting unit was below its carrying value.

Other intangible assets. As of September 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017 , First Financial had $ 53.3 million and $ 5.3 million , respectively, of other intangible assets included in Goodwill and other intangibles in the Consolidated Balance Sheets, which primarily consist of core deposit intangibles. Core deposit intangibles represent the estimated fair value of acquired customer deposit relationships on the date of acquisition and are amortized on an accelerated basis over their estimated useful lives. Core deposit intangibles were $ 40.2 million and $ 3.3 million as of September 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017 , respectively. First Financial's core deposit intangibles have an estimated weighted average remaining life of 9.1 years . Amortization expense recognized on intangible assets for the three months ended September 30, 2018 and 2017 was $ 2.5 million and $ 0.3 million , respectively. Amortization expense recognized on intangible assets for the nine months ended September 30, 2018 and 2017 was $ 5.1 million and $ 1.0 million , respectively.

NOTE 7: BORROWINGS

Short-term borrowings on the Consolidated Balance Sheets include repurchase agreements utilized for corporate sweep accounts with cash management account agreements in place, overnight advances from the FHLB and a short-term line of credit. All repurchase agreements are subject to terms and conditions agreed to by the Bank and the client. To secure its liability to the client, the Bank is authorized to sell or repurchase U.S. Treasury, government agency and mortgage-backed securities.

First Financial had $ 1.2 billion in short-term borrowings with the FHLB at September 30, 2018 and $ 742.3 million as of December 31, 2017 . These short-term borrowings are used to manage normal liquidity needs and support the Company's asset and liability management strategies.

First Financial has a $ 30.0 million short-term credit facility with an unaffiliated bank that matures on September 20, 2019. This facility can have a variable or fixed interest rate and provides First Financial additional liquidity, if needed, for various corporate activities including the repurchase of First Financial common stock and the payment of dividends to shareholders. As of September 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017 , there was no outstanding balance. The credit agreement requires First Financial to comply with certain covenants including those related to asset quality and capital levels, and First Financial was in compliance with all covenants associated with this facility as of September 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017 .

First Financial had $ 570.0 million and $ 119.7 million of long-term debt as of September 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017, respectively, which included subordinated notes, FHLB long term advances and an interest free loan with a municipality.


23

The following is a summary of First Financial's long-term debt:
September 30, 2018
December 31, 2017
(Dollars in thousands)
Amount
Average rate
Amount
Average rate
Subordinated notes
$
177,887

5.13
%
$
120,000

5.13
%
Unamortized discount and debt issuance costs
( 8,671
)
N/A

( 1,362
)
N/A

FHLB borrowings
400,046

2.09
%
241

1.09
%
Capital loan with municipality
775

0.00
%
775

0.00
%
Total long-term debt
$
570,037

3.06
%
$
119,654

5.14
%


In 2015, First Financial issued $ 120.0 million of subordinated notes, which have a fixed interest rate of 5.125 % payable semiannually and mature on August 25, 2025. These notes are not redeemable by the Company, or callable by the holders of the notes prior to maturity. The subordinated notes are treated as Tier 2 capital for regulatory capital purposes. In addition, First Financial acquired $ 49.5 million of variable rate subordinated notes in the MSFG merger that were issued to previously formed trusts in exchange for the trust proceeds. Interest on the acquired subordinated notes is payable quarterly, in arrears, and the Company has the option to defer interest payments for a period not to exceed 20 consecutive quarters. The acquired subordinated notes mature 30 years after the date of original issuance and may be called at par following the 5 year anniversary of issuance. First Financial also acquired $ 8.4 million of 6.94 % fixed rate private placement subordinated debt in conjunction with the MSFG merger that was issued in 2015 and matures in 2025. These notes are redeemable by the Company at par following the 5 year anniversary of issuance.

In addition to subordinated notes, long-term debt included $ 400.0 million and $ 0.2 million of fixed rate FHLB long-term advances as of September 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017 , respectively. As of September 30, 2018 , long-term FHLB advances had a weighted average interest rate of 2.09 % . These instruments are primarily utilized to reduce overnight liquidity risk and to mitigate interest rate sensitivity on the Consolidated Balance Sheets.

NOTE 8: ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS)

Shareholders’ equity is affected by transactions and valuations of asset and liability positions that require adjustments to accumulated other comprehensive income (loss). The related tax effects allocated to other comprehensive income and reclassifications out of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) are as follows:
Three months ended September 30, 2018
Total other comprehensive income (loss)
Total accumulated other
comprehensive income (loss)
(Dollars in thousands)
Prior to
reclass
Reclass
from
Pre-tax
Tax effect
Net of tax
Beginning balance
Net activity
Ending balance
Unrealized gain (loss) on debt securities
$
( 13,138
)
$
( 167
)
$
( 12,971
)
$
2,786

$
( 10,185
)
$
( 19,179
)
$
( 10,185
)
$
( 29,364
)
Unrealized gain (loss) on derivatives
130

0

130

( 31
)
99

( 386
)
99

( 287
)
Retirement obligation
0

( 452
)
452

( 105
)
347

( 23,593
)
347

( 23,246
)
Total
$
( 13,008
)
$
( 619
)
$
( 12,389
)
$
2,650

$
( 9,739
)
$
( 43,158
)
$
( 9,739
)
$
( 52,897
)
Three months ended September 30, 2017
Total other comprehensive income (loss)
Total accumulated other
comprehensive income (loss)
(Dollars in thousands)
Prior to
reclass
Reclass
from
Pre-tax
Tax effect
Net of tax
Beginning balance
Net activity
Ending balance
Unrealized gain (loss) on debt securities
$
2,612

$
276

$
2,336

$
( 835
)
$
1,501

$
1,014

$
1,501

$
2,515

Unrealized gain (loss) on derivatives
202

0

202

( 73
)
129

( 835
)
129

( 706
)
Retirement obligation
0

( 335
)
335

( 122
)
213

( 22,401
)
213

( 22,188
)
Total
$
2,814

$
( 59
)
$
2,873

$
( 1,030
)
$
1,843

$
( 22,222
)
$
1,843

$
( 20,379
)

24

Nine months ended September 30, 2018
Total other comprehensive income
Total accumulated
other comprehensive income (loss)
(Dollars in thousands)
Prior to
reclass
Reclass
from
Pre-tax
Tax effect
Net of tax
Beginning balance
Net activity
Cumulative effect of accounting change
Ending balance
Unrealized gain (loss) on debt securities
$
( 37,130
)
$
( 197
)
$
( 36,933
)
$
7,940

$
( 28,993
)
$
( 182
)
$
( 28,993
)
$
( 189
)
$
( 29,364
)
Unrealized gain (loss) on derivatives
535

0

535

( 121
)
414

( 577
)
414

( 124
)
( 287
)
Retirement obligation
0

( 1,323
)
1,323

( 159
)
1,164

( 19,631
)
1,164

( 4,779
)
( 23,246
)
Total
$
( 36,595
)
$
( 1,520
)
$
( 35,075
)
$
7,660

$
( 27,415
)
$
( 20,390
)
$
( 27,415
)
$
( 5,092
)
$
( 52,897
)
Nine months ended September 30, 2017
Total other comprehensive income
Total accumulated
other comprehensive income (loss)
(Dollars in thousands)
Prior to
reclass
Reclass
from
Pre-tax
Tax effect
Net of tax
Beginning balance
Net activity
Ending balance
Unrealized gain (loss) on debt securities
$
12,614

$
1,630

$
10,984

$
( 3,920
)
$
7,064

$
( 4,549
)
$
7,064

$
2,515

Unrealized gain (loss) on derivatives
607

0

607

( 222
)
385

( 1,091
)
385

( 706
)
Retirement obligation
0

( 1,005
)
1,005

( 390
)
615

( 22,803
)
615

( 22,188
)
Total
$
13,221

$
625

$
12,596

$
( 4,532
)
$
8,064

$
( 28,443
)
$
8,064

$
( 20,379
)


The following table presents the activity reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income into income during the three and nine month periods ended September 30, 2018 and 2017, respectively:
Amount reclassified from
accumulated other comprehensive income (1)
Three months ended
Nine months ended
September 30,
September 30,
(Dollars in thousands)
2018
2017
2018
2017
Affected Line Item in the Consolidated Statements of Income
Realized gain (loss) on securities available-for-sale
$
( 167
)
$
276

$
( 197
)
$
1,630

Net gain (loss) on sales of investments securities
Defined benefit pension plan
Amortization of prior service cost (2)
104

103

310

310

Other noninterest expense (2018)
Salaries and employee benefits (2017)
Recognized net actuarial loss (2)
( 556
)
( 438
)
( 1,633
)
( 1,315
)
Other noninterest expense (2018)
Salaries and employee benefits (2017)
Defined benefit pension plan total
( 452
)
( 335
)
( 1,323
)
( 1,005
)
Total reclassifications for the period, before tax
$
( 619
)
$
( 59
)
$
( 1,520
)
$
625

(1) Negative amounts are reductions to net income.
(2) Included in the computation of net periodic pension cost (see Note 12 - Employee Benefit Plans for additional details).

NOTE 9: DERIVATIVES

First Financial uses certain derivative instruments, including interest rate caps, floors and swaps, to meet the needs of its clients while managing the interest rate risk associated with certain transactions.  First Financial does not use derivatives for speculative purposes.

First Financial primarily utilizes interest rate swaps as a means to offer borrowers credit-based products that meet their needs. First Financial may also utilize interest rate swaps to manage the interest rate risk profile of the Company.


25

Interest rate payments are exchanged with counterparties based on the notional amount established in the interest rate agreement. As only interest rate payments are exchanged, the cash requirements and credit risk associated with interest rate swaps are significantly less than the notional amount and the Company’s credit risk exposure is limited to the market value of the instruments. First Financial manages market value credit risk through counterparty credit policies, which require the Company to maintain a total derivative notional position of less than 35 % of assets, total credit exposure of less than 3 % of capital and no single counterparty credit risk exposure greater than $ 20.0 million . The Company is currently below all single counterparty and portfolio limits.

Client Derivatives. First Financial utilizes interest rate swaps as a means to offer commercial borrowers fixed rate funding while providing the Company with floating rate assets. The following table details the classification and amounts recognized in the Consolidated Balance Sheets for client derivatives:
September 30, 2018
December 31, 2017
Estimated fair value
Estimated fair value
(Dollars in thousands)
Balance sheet classification
Notional
amount
Gain
Loss
Notional
amount
Gain
Loss
Client derivatives - instruments associated with loans
Matched interest rate swaps with borrower
Accrued interest and other assets
$
1,312,293

$
4,046

$
( 29,240
)
$
837,040

$
7,153

$
( 5,529
)
Matched interest rate swaps with counterparty
Accrued interest and other liabilities
1,312,293

29,240

( 4,038
)
837,040

5,529

( 7,158
)
Total
$
2,624,586

$
33,286

$
( 33,278
)
$
1,674,080

$
12,682

$
( 12,687
)


At September 30, 2018 , the Company had a total counterparty notional amount outstanding of $ 1.3 billion , spread among thirteen counterparties, with an outstanding asset from these contracts of $ 26.0 million . At December 31, 2017 , the Company had a total counterparty notional amount outstanding of $ 837.5 million , spread among thirteen counterparties, with an outstanding liability from these contracts of $ 1.3 million .

First Financial monitors its derivative credit exposure to borrowers by monitoring the creditworthiness of the related loan customers through the Company's normal credit review processes. Additionally, the Company's ALLL Committee monitors derivative credit risk exposure related to problem loans through the Company's ALLL committee. First Financial considers the market value of a derivative instrument to be part of the carrying value of the related loan for these purposes as the borrower is contractually obligated to pay First Financial this amount in the event the derivative contract is terminated.

In connection with its use of derivative instruments, First Financial and its counterparties may be required to post cash collateral to offset the market position of the derivative instruments. First Financial maintains the right to offset these derivative positions with the collateral posted against them by or with the relevant counterparties. First Financial classifies the derivative cash collateral outstanding with its counterparties as an adjustment to the fair value of the derivative contracts within Accrued interest and other assets or Accrued interest and other liabilities in the Consolidated Balance Sheets.

The following table discloses the gross and net amounts of client derivative liabilities recognized in the Consolidated Balance Sheets:
September 30, 2018
December 31, 2017
(Dollars in thousands)
Gross amounts of recognized liabilities
Gross amounts offset in the Consolidated Balance Sheets
Net amounts of liabilities presented in the Consolidated Balance Sheets
Gross amounts of recognized liabilities
Gross amounts offset in the Consolidated Balance Sheets
Net amounts of liabilities presented in the Consolidated Balance Sheets
Client derivatives
Matched interest rate swaps with counterparty
$
33,286

$
( 4,900
)
$
28,386

$
12,687

$
2,279

$
14,966




26

The following table details the derivative financial instruments, the average remaining maturities and the weighted-average interest rates being paid and received by First Financial at September 30, 2018 :
Weighted-average rate
(Dollars in thousands)
Notional
amount
Average
maturity
(years)
Fair
value
Receive
Pay
Client derivatives
Receive fixed, matched interest rate swaps with borrower
$
1,312,293

4.6
$
( 25,194
)
4.62
%
4.23
%
Pay fixed, matched interest rate swaps with counterparty
1,312,293

4.6
25,202

4.23
%
4.62
%
Total client derivatives
$
2,624,586

4.6
$
8

4.42
%
4.42
%


Credit Derivatives. In conjunction with participating interests in commercial loans, First Financial periodically enters into risk participation agreements with counterparties whereby First Financial assumes a portion of the credit exposure associated with an interest rate swap on the participated loan in exchange for a fee. Under these agreements, First Financial will make payments to the counterparty if the loan customer defaults on its obligation to perform under the interest rate swap contract with the counterparty. The total notional value of these agreements totaled $ 150.1 million as of September 30, 2018 and $ 95.9 million as of December 31, 2017 . The fair value of these agreements is recorded in Accrued interest and other liabilities on the Consolidated Balance Sheets and was insignificant at September 30, 2018 and $ 0.1 million at December 31, 2017 .

Mortgage Derivatives. First Financial enters into IRLCs and forward commitments for the future delivery of mortgage loans to third party investors, which are considered derivatives. When borrowers secure an IRLC with First Financial and the loan is intended to be sold, First Financial will enter into forward commitments for the future delivery of the loans to third party investors in order to hedge against the effect of changes in interest rates impacting IRLCs and loans held for sale. At September 30, 2018 , the notional amount of the IRLCs was $ 20.8 million and the notional amount of forward commitments was $ 20.8 million . As of December 31, 2017 , the notional amount of IRLCs was $ 12.3 million and the notional amount of forward commitments was $ 15.4 million . The fair value of these agreements was insignificant at September 30, 2018 and $ 0.1 million December 31, 2017 and was recorded in Accrued interest and other assets on the Consolidated Balance Sheets.

NOTE 10: COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES

First Financial offers a variety of financial instruments including standby letters of credit and outstanding commitments to extend credit to assist clients in meeting their requirement for liquidity and credit enhancement. GAAP does not require these financial instruments to be recorded in the Consolidated Financial Statements.

First Financial utilizes the same credit policies in issuing commitments and conditional obligations as it does for credit instruments recorded on the Consolidated Balance Sheets. First Financial’s exposure to credit loss in the event of nonperformance by the counterparty is represented by the contractual amounts of those instruments. First Financial utilizes the ALLL methodology to maintain a reserve that it considers sufficient to absorb probable incurred losses inherent in letters of credit and outstanding loan commitments. First Financial had $ 0.7 million and $ 0.5 million of reserves for unfunded commitments recorded in Accrued interest and other liabilities on the Consolidated Balance Sheets as of September 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017 , respectively.

Loan commitments. Loan commitments are agreements to extend credit to a client, absent any violation of conditions established in the commitment agreement.  Commitments generally have fixed expiration dates or other termination clauses and may require payment of a fee.  Since many of the commitments are expected to expire without being drawn upon, the total commitment amounts do not necessarily represent future cash requirements.  The amount of collateral obtained, if deemed necessary by First Financial upon extension of credit, is based on management’s credit evaluation of the client.  The collateral held varies, but may include securities, real estate, inventory, plant or equipment. First Financial had commitments outstanding to extend credit totaling $ 2.9 billion and $ 2.1 billion at September 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017 , respectively. As of September 30, 2018 , loan commitments with a fixed interest rate totaled $ 202.7 million while commitments with variable interest rates totaled $ 2.7 billion . At December 31, 2017 , loan commitments with a fixed interest rate totaled $ 44.3 million while commitments with variable interest rates totaled $ 2.0 billion . First Financial's fixed rate loan commitments have interest rates ranging from 0.00 % to 21.00 % and maturities ranging from less than 1 year to 30 years .

Letters of credit. Letters of credit are conditional commitments issued by First Financial to guarantee the performance of a client to a third party.  First Financial’s portfolio of letters of credit consists primarily of performance assurances made on behalf of clients who have a contractual commitment to produce or deliver goods or services.  The risk to First Financial arises from its obligation to make payment in the event of the client's contractual default to produce the contracted good or service

27

to a third party. First Financial issued letters of credit aggregating $ 34.0 million and $ 25.3 million at September 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017 , respectively. Management conducts regular reviews of these instruments on an individual client basis.

Investments in affordable housing tax credits. First Financial has made investments in certain qualified affordable housing tax credits. These credits are an indirect federal subsidy that provide tax incentives to encourage investment in the development, acquisition and rehabilitation of affordable rental housing, and allow investors to claim tax credits and other tax benefits (such as deductions from taxable income for operating losses) on their federal income tax returns. The principal risk associated with qualified affordable housing investments is the potential for noncompliance with the tax code requirements, such as failure to rent property to qualified tenants, resulting in the unavailability or recapture of the tax credits and other tax benefits. Investments in affordable housing projects are accounted for under the proportional amortization method and are included in Accrued interest and other assets in the Consolidated Balance Sheets.

First Financial's affordable housing commitments totaled $ 42.2 million and $ 35.9 million as of September 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017 , respectively. The Company recognized tax credits of $ 1.3 million and $ 0.8 million and $ 3.6 million and $ 2.4 million for the three months and nine months ended September 30, 2018 and 2017 , respectively. The Company recognized amortization expense which was included in income tax expense of $ 1.4 million and $ 1.0 million for the three months ended September 30, 2018 and 2017 , respectively and $ 4.3 million and $ 3.2 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2018 and 2017 , respectively. First Financial had no affordable housing contingent commitments as of September 30, 2018 or December 31, 2017 .

Investments in historic tax credits. First Financial has noncontrolling financial investments in private investment funds and partnerships which are not consolidated. These investments may generate a return through the realization of federal and state income tax credits, as well as other tax benefits, such as tax deductions from net operating losses of the investments over a period of time. Investments in historic tax credits are accounted for under the equity method of accounting and are carried in Accrued interest and other assets on the Consolidated Balance Sheets. The Company’s recorded investment in these entities was approximately $ 2.9 million at September 30, 2018 and $ 3.0 million at December 31, 2017 . The maximum exposure to loss related to these investments was $ 2.9 million at September 30, 2018 and $ 3.0 million at December 31, 2017 , representing the Company’s investment balance and its unfunded commitments to invest additional amounts. Investments in historic tax credits resulted in $ 0.1 million of tax credits for each of the three months ended September 30, 2018 and 2017 , and $ 0.4 million of tax credits for each of the nine months ended September 30, 2018 and 2017 .

Contingencies/Litigation. From time to time, First Financial and its subsidiaries may be engaged in various matters of litigation, other assertions of improper or fraudulent loan practices or lending violations and other matters. Additionally, as part of the ordinary course of business, First Financial and its subsidiaries are parties to litigation involving claims to the ownership of funds in particular accounts, the collection of delinquent accounts, challenges to security interests in collateral and foreclosure interests that are incidental to our regular business activities. Reserves are established for these various matters of litigation, when appropriate, under FASB ASC Topic 450, Contingencies, based in part upon the advice of legal counsel. While the ultimate liability with respect to these other litigation matters and claims cannot be determined at this time, First Financial believes that damages, if any, and other amounts relating to pending matters are not probable or cannot be reasonably estimated as of September 30, 2018 . First Financial had no reserves related to litigation matters as of September 30, 2018 or December 31, 2017 .

NOTE 11: INCOME TAXES

For the third quarter 2018 , income tax expense was $ 12.9 million , resulting in an effective tax rate of 20.2 % compared with income tax expense of $ 11.2 million and an effective tax rate of 31.1 % for the comparable period in 2017. For the first nine months of 2018, income tax expense was $ 29.8 million , resulting in an effective tax rate of 20.2 % compared with income tax expense of $ 32.9 million and an effective tax rate of 31.4 % for the comparable period in 2017. On December 22, 2017, the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act was signed into law. As a result, First Financial valued its deferred tax assets and liabilities as well as its investments in affordable housing projects utilizing a 21 % federal rate during the first nine months of 2018 compared to a 35 % rate in the first nine months of 2017.


28

At both September 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017 , First Financial had $ 2.9 million of unrecognized tax benefits, as determined in FASB ASC Topic 740-10, Income Taxes that, if recognized, would favorably affect the effective income tax rate in future periods. The unrecognized tax benefits relate to state income tax exposures from taking tax positions where the Company believes it is likely that, upon examination, a state may take a position contrary to the position taken by First Financial. The Company believes that resolution regarding our uncertain tax positions is reasonably possible within the next twelve months and could result in full, partial or no recognition of the benefit. First Financial recognizes interest accrued related to unrecognized tax benefits and penalties as income tax expense. At September 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017 , the Company had no interest or penalties recorded.

First Financial and its subsidiaries are subject to U.S. federal income tax as well as state and local income tax in several jurisdictions.  Tax years prior to 2014 have been closed and are no longer subject to U.S. federal income tax examinations. Tax years 2014 through 2017 remain open to examination by the federal taxing authority.

First Financial is no longer subject to state and local income tax examinations for years prior to 2011.  Tax years 2011 through 2017 remain open to state and local examination in various jurisdictions.

NOTE 12: EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS

First Financial sponsors a non-contributory defined benefit pension plan covering substantially all employees and uses a December 31 measurement date for the plan. Plan assets were primarily invested in fixed income and publicly traded equity mutual funds. The pension plan does not directly own any shares of First Financial common stock or any other First Financial security or product.

First Financial made no cash contributions to fund the pension plan during the nine months ended September 30, 2018 , or the year ended December 31, 2017, and does not expect to make cash contributions to the plan through the remainder of 2018. As a result of the plan’s actuarial projections, which included consideration of the impact of the merger with MSFG, First Financial recorded expense of $ 0.3 million for the three months ended September 30, 2018 and $ 0.5 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2018 . Conversely, First Financial recorded income of $ 0.3 million for the three months ended September 30, 2017 and $ 1.0 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2017 .

The following table sets forth information concerning amounts recognized in First Financial’s Consolidated Statements of Income related to the Company's pension plan:
Three months ended
Nine months ended
September 30,
September 30,
(Dollars in thousands)
2018
2017
2018
2017
Service cost
$
1,736

$
1,238

$
4,766

$
3,715

Interest cost
601

589

1,792

1,767

Expected return on assets
( 2,450
)
( 2,481
)
( 7,360
)
( 7,443
)
Amortization of prior service cost
( 104
)
( 103
)
( 310
)
( 310
)
Net actuarial loss
556

438

1,633

1,315

Net periodic benefit cost (income)
$
339

$
( 319
)
$
521

$
( 956
)


NOTE 13: REVENUE RECOGNITION

On January 1, 2018, the Company adopted ASU No. 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers using the modified retrospective method applied to all contracts not completed as of January 1, 2018. Results for reporting periods beginning after January 1, 2018 are presented under the guidance set forth in this update while prior period amounts continue to be reported in accordance with legacy GAAP. Adoption of this update did not result in a change to the accounting for any of the in-scope revenue streams. As such, no cumulative effect adjustment to retained earnings was recorded.

The majority of the Company's revenues come from interest income and other sources, including loans, leases, securities and derivatives, that are outside the scope of this guidance. The Company's services that fall within the scope of this ASU are presented within Noninterest income and are recognized as revenue as the Company satisfies its obligation to the customer. Services within the scope of this guidance include service charges on deposits, wealth management fees, bankcard income, investment brokerage fees and the sale of OREO.


29

Service charges on deposit accounts. The Company earns fees from its deposit customers for transaction-based, account maintenance and overdraft services. Transaction-based fees, which include services such as ATM use fees, stop payment charges, statement rendering and ACH fees, are recognized at the time the transaction is executed as that is the point in time the Company fulfills the customer's request. Account maintenance fees, which relate primarily to monthly maintenance, are earned over the course of a month, representing the period over which the Company satisfies the performance obligation. Similarly, overdraft fees are recognized at the point in time that the overdraft occurs as this corresponds with the Company's performance obligation. Service charges on deposit accounts are withdrawn from the customer's account balance.

Trust and wealth management fees. Trust and wealth management fees are primarily asset-based, but can also include flat fees based upon a specific service rendered, such as tax preparation services. The Company’s performance obligation is generally satisfied over time and the resulting fees are recognized monthly, based upon the month-end market value of the assets under management and the applicable fees. The Company does not earn performance-based incentives. Optional services such as real estate sales and tax return preparation services are also available to existing trust and wealth management customers. The Company’s performance obligation for these transactional-based services is generally satisfied, and related revenue recognized, as incurred.

Bankcard income. The Company earns interchange fees from cardholder transactions conducted through the Visa payment network. Interchange fees from cardholder transactions represent a percentage of the underlying transaction value and are recognized concurrent with the transaction processing services provided to the cardholder. Interchange income is presented on the Consolidated Statements of Income net of expenses. Gross interchange income for the third quarter of 2018 was $ 8.6 million , which was partially offset by $ 3.4 million of expenses within Noninterest income. Gross interchange income for the first nine months of 2018 was $ 22.1 million , which was partially offset by $ 8.1 million of expenses.

Gain/loss on sale of OREO. The Company records a gain or loss from the sale of OREO when control of the property transfers to the buyer, which generally occurs at the time of the executed deed. When the Company finances the sale of OREO to the buyer, the Company assesses whether the buyer is committed to perform their obligations under the contract and whether collectibility of the transaction price is probable. Once these criteria are met, the OREO asset is derecognized and the gain or loss on sale is recorded upon the transfer of control of the property to the buyer.

Other. Other noninterest income consists of other recurring revenue streams such as transaction fees, safe deposit rental income, insurance commissions, merchant referral income and brokerage revenue. Transaction fees primarily include check printing sales commissions, collection fees and wire transfer fees which arise from in-branch transactions. Safe deposit rental income arises from services charged to the customer on an annual basis and recognized upon receipt of payment. Insurance commissions are agent commissions earned by the Company and earned upon the effective date of the bound coverage. Merchant referral income is associated with a program whereby the Company receives a share of processing revenue that is generated from clients that were referred by First Financial to the service provider. Revenue is recognized at the point in time when the transaction occurs. Brokerage revenue represents fees from investment brokerage services provided to customers by a third party provider. The Company receives commissions from the third-party service provider on a monthly basis based upon customer activity for the month. The fees are recognized monthly and a receivable is recorded until commissions are paid the following month. Because the Company (i) acts as an agent in arranging the relationship between the customer and the third-party service provider and (ii) does not control the services rendered to the customers, investment brokerage fees are presented net of related costs.


30

NOTE 14: EARNINGS PER COMMON SHARE

The following table sets forth the computation of basic and diluted earnings per share:
Three months ended
Nine months ended
September 30,
September 30,
(Dollars in thousands, except per share data)
2018
2017
2018
2017
Numerator
Net income available to common shareholders
$
50,657

$
24,826

$
117,581

$
71,976

Denominator
Basic earnings per common share - weighted average shares
97,411,201

61,577,619

85,602,116

61,507,160

Effect of dilutive securities
Employee stock awards
536,760

552,774

515,566

617,128

Warrants
536,267

59,244

522,245

61,586

Diluted earnings per common share - adjusted weighted average shares
98,484,228

62,189,637

86,639,927

62,185,874

Earnings per share available to common shareholders


Basic
$
0.52

$
0.40

$
1.37

$
1.17

Diluted
$
0.51

$
0.40

$
1.36

$
1.16



First Financial had two warrants outstanding to purchase the Company's common stock as of September 30, 2018 . The first warrant represents the right to purchase 17,172 shares of common stock at an exercise price of $ 12.09 per share, and expires in December 2018. The second warrant was acquired in the MSFG merger and represents the right to purchase 793,520 shares of First Financial's common stock at an exercise price of $ 10.71 per share and expires in January 2019. At September 30, 2017,
First Financial had one warrant outstanding representing the right to purchase 105,832 shares of common stock.

Stock options and warrants with exercise prices greater than the average market price of the common shares were not included in the computation of net income per diluted share, as they would have been antidilutive.  Using the end of period price of the Company's common shares, there were no antidilutive options at September 30, 2018 and September 30, 2017 .

NOTE 15: FAIR VALUE DISCLOSURES

The fair value framework as disclosed in the Fair Value Topic includes a hierarchy which focuses on prioritizing the inputs used in valuation techniques.  The fair value hierarchy gives the highest priority to quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities (Level 1), a lower priority to observable inputs other than quoted prices in active markets for identical assets and liabilities (Level 2) and the lowest priority to unobservable inputs (Level 3).  When determining the fair value measurements for assets and liabilities, First Financial looks to active markets to price identical assets or liabilities whenever possible and classifies such items in Level 1.  When identical assets and liabilities are not traded in active markets, First Financial looks to observable market data for similar assets and liabilities and classifies such items as Level 2.  Certain assets and liabilities are not actively traded in observable markets and First Financial must use alternative techniques, based on unobservable inputs, to determine the fair value and classifies such items as Level 3. The level within the fair value hierarchy is based on the lowest level of input that is significant in the fair value measurement.

The estimated fair values of First Financial’s financial instruments not measured at fair value on a recurring or nonrecurring basis in the consolidated financial statements were as follows:

31

Carrying
Estimated fair value
(Dollars in thousands)
value
Total
Level 1
Level 2
Level 3
September 30, 2018
Financial assets
Cash and short-term investments
$
222,277

$
222,277

$
222,277

$
0

$
0

Investment securities held-to-maturity
434,369

422,638

0

422,638

0

Other investments
115,757

N/A

N/A

N/A

N/A

Loans held for sale
13,277

13,277

0

13,277

0

Loans and leases
8,789,661

8,737,769

0

0

8,737,769

Accrued interest receivable
41,755

41,755

0

13,674

28,081

Financial liabilities
Deposits
9,752,634

9,722,689

0

9,722,689

0

Short-term borrowings
1,294,252

1,294,252

1,294,252

0

0

Long-term debt
570,037

547,569

0

547,569

0

Accrued interest payable
10,517

10,517

2,963

7,554

0



Carrying
Estimated fair value
(Dollars in thousands)
value
Total
Level 1
Level 2
Level 3
December 31, 2017
Financial assets


Cash and short-term investments
$
184,624

$
184,624

$
184,624

$
0

$
0

Investment securities held-to-maturity
654,008

653,101

0

653,101

0

Other investments
53,140

N/A

N/A

N/A

N/A

Loans held for sale
11,502

11,502

0

11,502

0

Loans and leases
5,959,162

6,006,656

0

0

6,006,656

Accrued interest receivable
24,496

24,496

0

8,265

16,231

Financial liabilities
Deposits
6,895,046

6,884,615

0

6,884,615

0

Short-term borrowings
814,565

814,565

814,565

0

0

Long-term debt
119,654

117,908

0

117,908

0

Accrued interest payable
5,104

5,104

204

4,900

0




The methods utilized to estimate the fair value of financial instruments at December 31, 2017 did not necessarily represent an exit price. In accordance with our adoption of ASU 2016-01 in 2018, the methods utilized to measure the fair value of financial instruments at September 30, 2018 represent an approximation of exit price, however, an actual exit price may differ.

The following methods, assumptions and valuation techniques were used by First Financial to measure different financial assets and liabilities at fair value on a recurring or nonrecurring basis.

Investment securities. Investment securities classified as available-for-sale are recorded at fair value on a recurring basis.  Fair value measurement is based upon quoted market prices, when available (Level 1).  If quoted market prices are not available, fair values are measured utilizing independent valuation techniques of identical or similar investment securities.  First Financial compiles prices from various sources who may apply such techniques as matrix pricing to determine the value of identical or similar investment securities (Level 2).  Matrix pricing is a mathematical technique widely used in the banking industry to value investment securities without relying exclusively on quoted prices for the specific investment securities but rather relying on the investment securities’ relationship to other benchmark quoted investment securities.  Any investment securities not valued based upon the methods previously described are considered Level 3.

32


First Financial utilizes values provided by third-party pricing vendors to price the investment securities portfolio in accordance with the fair value hierarchy of the Fair Value Topic and reviews the pricing methodologies utilized by the pricing vendors to ensure that the fair value determination is consistent with the applicable accounting guidance.  First Financial’s pricing process includes a series of quality assurance activities where prices are compared to recent market conditions, historical prices and other independent pricing services.  Further, the Company periodically validates the fair value of a sample of securities in the portfolio by comparing the fair values to prices from other independent sources for the same or similar securities.  First Financial analyzes unusual or significant variances, conducts additional research with the pricing vendor, and if necessary, takes appropriate action based on its findings.  The results of the quality assurance process are incorporated into the selection of pricing providers by the portfolio manager.

Impaired loans. The fair value of impaired loans are specifically reviewed for purposes of determining the appropriate amount of impairment to be allocated to the ALLL.  Fair value is generally measured based on the value of the collateral securing the loans.  Collateral may be in the form of real estate or business assets including equipment, inventory and accounts receivable.  The value of real estate collateral is determined utilizing an income or market valuation approach based on an appraisal conducted by an independent, licensed third-party appraiser (Level 3). The value of business equipment is based on an outside appraisal, if deemed significant, or the net book value on the applicable borrower financial statements.  Likewise, values for inventory and accounts receivable collateral are based on borrower financial statement balances or aging reports on a discounted basis as appropriate (Level 3).  Impaired loans are measured at fair value on a nonrecurring basis.  Any fair value adjustments are recorded in the period incurred as provision for loan and lease losses on the Consolidated Statements of Income.

OREO. Assets acquired through loan foreclosure are recorded at fair value less costs to sell, with any difference between the fair value of the property and the carrying value of the loan recorded as a charge-off. If the fair value is higher than the carrying amount of the loan, the excess is recognized first as a recovery and then as noninterest income. Subsequent changes in value are reported as adjustments to the carrying amount and are recorded in noninterest expense. The carrying value of OREO is not re-measured to fair value on a recurring basis, but is subject to fair value adjustments when the carrying value differs from the fair value, less estimated selling costs. Fair value is based on recent real estate appraisals and is updated at least annually. The Company classifies OREO in level 3 of the fair value hierarchy.

Derivatives. The fair values of derivative instruments are based primarily on a net present value calculation of the cash flows related to the interest rate swaps at the reporting date, using primarily observable market inputs such as interest rate yield curves which represents the cost to terminate the swap if First Financial should choose to do so. Additionally, First Financial utilizes an internally-developed model to value the credit risk component of derivative assets and liabilities, which is recorded as an adjustment to the fair value of the derivative asset or liability on the reporting date. Derivative instruments are classified as Level 2 in the fair value hierarchy.

33


The financial assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis in the consolidated financial statements were as follows:
Fair value measurements using
(Dollars in thousands)
Level 1
Level 2
Level 3
Assets/liabilities
at fair value
September 30, 2018
Assets
Derivatives
$
0

$
33,806

$
0

$
33,806

Investment securities available-for-sale
95

2,626,631

0

2,626,726

Total
$
95

$
2,660,437

$
0

$
2,660,532

Liabilities




Derivatives
$
0

$
33,321

$
0

$
33,321


Fair value measurements using
(Dollars in thousands)
Level 1
Level 2
Level 3
Assets/liabilities
at fair value
December 31, 2017
Assets
Derivatives
$
0

$
12,757

$
0

$
12,757

Investment securities available-for-sale
2,969

1,346,439

0

1,349,408

Total
$
2,969

$
1,359,196

$
0

$
1,362,165

Liabilities




Derivatives
$
0

$
12,755

$
0

$
12,755



Certain financial assets and liabilities are measured at fair value on a nonrecurring basis.  Adjustments to the fair market value of these assets usually result from the application of fair value accounting or write-downs of individual assets. The following table summarizes financial assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a nonrecurring basis.
Fair value measurements using
(Dollars in thousands)
Level 1
Level 2
Level 3
September 30, 2018
Assets
Impaired loans
$
0

$
0

$
2,816

OREO
0

0

1,515

Fair value measurements using
(Dollars in thousands)
Level 1
Level 2
Level 3
December 31, 2017
Assets
Impaired loans
$
0

$
0

$
2,671

OREO
0

0

1,086



NOTE 16: BUSINESS COMBINATIONS


34

On April 1, 2018, the Company completed its acquisition of MainSource Financial Group, Inc. and its banking subsidiary, MainSource Bank. Therefore, results of MSFG have been included in the results of operations beginning on April 1, 2018. Under the terms of the merger agreement, shareholders of MSFG received 1.3875 common shares of First Financial common stock for each share of MSFG common stock, with cash paid in lieu of fractional shares. Including outstanding options and warrants to purchase MSFG common stock, the total purchase consideration was $ 1.1 billion and resulted in goodwill of $ 676.9 million . The goodwill arising from the acquisition largely reflected synergies and cost savings resulting from combining the operations of the companies. First Financial incurred $ 33.3 million of merger related expenses related to the acquisition of MSFG during the nine months ended September 30, 2018.

The acquisition is expected to provide additional revenue growth and diversification. The goodwill is not deductible for income tax purposes as the transaction was accounted for as a tax-free exchange. For further detail, see Note 6 – Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets.

The MainSource transaction was accounted for using the acquisition method of accounting and accordingly, assets acquired, liabilities assumed and consideration exchanged were recorded at estimated fair value on the acquisition date, in accordance with FASB ASC Topic 805, Business Combinations. The fair value measurements of assets acquired and liabilities assumed are subject to refinement for up to one year after the closing date of the acquisition as additional information relative to closing date fair values become available.  The Company continues to finalize the fair values of loans, intangible assets and liabilities. As a result, the fair value adjustments are preliminary and may change as information becomes available. Fair value adjustments will be finalized no later than April 2019.

35


The following table provides the purchase price calculation as of the acquisition date, identifiable assets purchased and liabilities assumed at their estimated fair value. As a condition of the merger, certain acquired assets and liabilities held for sale were divested subsequent to the closing of the merger. There was no gain or loss recorded in the Consolidated Statement of Income in conjunction with this divestiture.
(Dollars in thousands)
MainSource
Purchase consideration
Cash consideration
$
43

Stock consideration
1,045,876

Warrant consideration
14,460

Options consideration
1,577

Total purchase consideration
1,061,956

Assets acquired
Cash
71,734

Investment securities available-for-sale
901,008

Investment securities held-to-maturity
171,423

Other investments
28,763

Loans
2,792,517

Premises and equipment
98,537

Intangible assets
42,887

Other assets
169,311

Assets held for sale
127,775

Total assets acquired
4,403,955

Liabilities assumed
Deposits
3,264,038

Subordinated notes
49,027

FHLB advances
291,887

Other borrowings
205,620

Other liabilities
32,654

Liabilities held for sale
175,722

Total liabilities assumed
4,018,948

Net identifiable assets
385,007

Goodwill
$
676,949





36

The following table presents supplemental pro forma information as if the acquisition had occurred at the beginning of 2017. The pro forma information includes adjustments for interest income on acquired loans, amortization of intangible assets arising from the transaction, depreciation expense on property acquired, interest expense on deposits acquired, merger-related expenses incurred and the related income tax effects. The pro forma financial information is not necessarily indicative of the results of operations that would have occurred had the transactions been effected on the assumed date. The disclosures regarding the results of operations for MSFG subsequent to its acquisition date are omitted as this information is not practical to obtain.

Nine months ended
September 30,
(Dollars in thousands, except per share data)
2018
2017
Pro Forma Condensed Combined Income Statement Information
Net interest income
$
362,112

$
334,736

Net income
161,323

93,293

Basic earnings per share
1.66

0.96

Diluted earnings per share
1.64

0.95



37

ITEM 2 - MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL
CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS (MD&A)
FIRST FINANCIAL BANCORP. AND SUBSIDIARIES
(Unaudited)

All reclassifications of prior period amounts, if applicable, have been made to conform to the current period’s presentation and had no effect on the Company's previously reported net income or financial condition. Additionally, due to impact from the merger with MSFG in the second quarter of 2018, certain prior period comparisons may not be discussed in these statements as historical points of comparison are not presented on a combined pro forma basis unless otherwise noted.

SUMMARY

First Financial is a $13.8 billion financial holding company headquartered in Cincinnati, Ohio, that operates primarily in Ohio, Indiana, Kentucky and Illinois through its subsidiaries.  These subsidiaries include the Bank, an Ohio-chartered commercial bank, which operated 159 banking centers and 196 ATMs at September 30, 2018 . First Financial provides banking and financial services products to business and retail clients through its six lines of business: Commercial, Retail Banking, Mortgage Banking, Wealth Management, Investment Commercial Real Estate and Commercial Finance. Commercial Finance provides equipment and leasehold improvement financing for franchisees in the quick service and casual dining restaurant sector and commission-based financing, primarily to insurance agents and brokers, throughout the United States. Wealth management had $2.8 billion in assets under management as of September 30, 2018 and provides the following services: wealth planning, portfolio management, trust and estate, brokerage and retirement planning.

MARKET STRATEGY

First Financial aims to develop a competitive advantage by utilizing a local market focus to provide superior service and build long-term relationships with clients while helping them achieve greater financial success. First Financial serves a combination of metropolitan and community markets in Ohio, Indiana, Kentucky and Illinois through its full-service banking centers, and provides financing to franchise owners and clients within the financial services industry throughout the United States. First Financial’s market selection process includes a number of factors, but markets are primarily chosen for their potential for growth and long-term profitability.  First Financial intends to concentrate plans for future growth and capital investment within its current metropolitan markets, and will continue to evaluate additional growth opportunities in metropolitan markets located within, or in close proximity to, the Company's current geographic footprint.  First Financial's investment in community markets is an important part of the Bank's core funding base and has historically provided stable, low-cost funding sources.  Additionally, First Financial may assess strategic acquisitions that provide product line extensions or additional industry verticals that compliment our existing business.

BUSINESS COMBINATIONS

In April 2018, the Company completed its acquisition of MainSource Financial Group, Inc. and its banking subsidiary, MainSource Bank. The merger positioned the combined company to better serve the complementary geographies of Ohio, Indiana, Kentucky and Illinois by creating a higher performing bank with greater scale and capabilities. Under the terms of the merger agreement, shareholders of MainSource received 1.3875 common shares of First Financial common stock for each share of MainSource common stock. Including outstanding options and warrants on MainSource common stock, total purchase consideration was $1.1 billion . In the merger, First Financial acquired total assets of $4.4 billion , loans of $2.9 billion and deposits of $3.4 billion , resulting in goodwill of $676.9 million .

The MainSource transaction was accounted for using the acquisition method of accounting and accordingly, assets acquired, liabilities assumed and consideration exchanged were recorded at estimated fair value on the acquisition date, in accordance with FASB ASC Topic 805, Business Combinations. The fair value measurements of assets acquired and liabilities assumed are subject to refinement for up to one year after the closing date of the acquisition as additional information relative to closing date fair values become available.  As a result, the fair value adjustments are preliminary and may change as information becomes available, but no later than the second quarter of 2019.

See Note 16 – Business Combinations in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements, for further discussion of the merger with MSFG.

OVERVIEW OF OPERATIONS


38

Third quarter 2018 net income was $50.7 million and earnings per diluted common share were $0.51 . This compares with third quarter 2017 net income of $24.8 million and earnings per diluted common share of $0.40 . For the nine months ended
September 30, 2018 , net income was $117.6 million and earnings per diluted common share were $1.36 . This compares with net income of $72.0 million and earnings per diluted common share of $1.16 for the first nine months of 2017 .
Return on average assets for the third quarter 2018 was 1.45% compared to 1.13% for the same period in 2017 and return on average shareholders’ equity for the third quarter 2018 was 9.94% compared to 10.85% for the third quarter 2017 . Return on average assets for the nine months ended September 30, 2018 was 1.29% compared to 1.12% for the same period in 2017 , and return on average shareholders' equity was 9.50% and 10.82% for the first nine months of 2018 and 2017 , respectively.

A discussion of First Financial's results of operations for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2018 follows.

NET INTEREST INCOME

Net interest income, First Financial’s principal source of income, is the excess of interest received from earning assets, including loan-related fees, less interest paid on interest-bearing liabilities. The amount of net interest income is determined by the volume and mix of earning assets, the rates earned on these earning assets and the volume, mix and rates paid for the deposits and borrowed money that support the earning assets.

For analytical purposes, net interest income is also presented in the table that follows, adjusted to a tax equivalent basis assuming a 21% marginal tax rate for 2018 and a 35% marginal tax rate for 2017 . Net interest income is presented on a tax equivalent basis to consistently reflect income from tax-exempt assets, such as municipal loans and investments, in order to facilitate a comparison between taxable and tax-exempt amounts.  Management believes that it is a standard practice in the banking industry to present net interest margin and net interest income on a fully tax equivalent basis as these measures provide useful information to make peer comparisons.
Three months ended
Nine months ended
September 30,
September 30,
(Dollars in thousands)
2018
2017
2018
2017
Net interest income
$
123,485

$
70,479

$
323,276

$
207,931

Tax equivalent adjustment
1,567

1,353

3,705

3,872

Net interest income - tax equivalent
$
125,052

$
71,832

$
326,981

$
211,803

Average earning assets
$
12,056,627

$
7,989,969

$
10,769,363

$
7,848,161

Net interest margin (1)
4.06
%
3.50
%
4.01
%
3.54
%
Net interest margin (fully tax equivalent) (1)
4.12
%
3.57
%
4.06
%
3.61
%
(1) Calculated using annualized net interest income divided by average earning assets.

Net interest income for the third quarter 2018 was $123.5 million , and increased $53.0 million , or 75.2% , from third quarter 2017 net interest income of $70.5 million .  This increase was primarily driven by a $64.3 million , or 75.7% , increase in interest income, which was partially offset by an $11.3 million , or 78.2% , increase in interest expense.  Net interest income on a fully tax equivalent basis for the third quarter 2018 was $125.1 million compared to $71.8 million for the third quarter 2017 . Net interest income on a fully tax equivalent basis for the nine months ended September 30, 2018 was $327.0 million compared to $211.8 million for the same period of the prior year.

Net interest margin on a fully tax equivalent basis increase d 55 bps to 4.12% for the third quarter 2018 compared to 3.57% for the comparable quarter in 2017 .  The increase in net interest margin was driven by higher earning asset yields, which more than offset higher funding costs. Higher earning asset yields resulted from higher interest rates and the impact from purchase accounting accretion while rising rates and shifts in funding mix drove higher costs during the period. Net interest margin on a fully tax equivalent basis for the nine months ended September 30, 2018 was 4.06% , an increase of 45 bps over the same period in 2017 .

Higher interest income primarily resulted from a merger related increase in average earning assets from $8.0 billion in the third quarter 2017 to $12.1 billion in the third quarter 2018 , as well as an increase in the yield on earning assets from 4.22% to 4.91% over those same periods. The increase in average earning assets included an increase in average loan balances of $2.9

39

billion , or 49.7% , and a $1.1 billion , or 55.2% increase in average investment security balances in the third quarter 2018 compared to the third quarter 2017 . The yield on earning assets reflected recent increases in interest rates, the impact from purchase accounting and slower investment prepayment speeds.

Interest expense increased as a result of higher interest-bearing liability balances, as well as higher rates paid on deposits and borrowed funds during the period. Higher interest-bearing liabilities were driven by a $2.3 billion , or 45.0% , increase in average interest-bearing deposits from the third quarter 2017 as the merger-related increase in deposits and long-term debt coupled with the implementation of funding strategies aligned with the Company's post-merger balance sheet. The cost of interest-bearing deposits was relatively unchanged in third quarter of 2018 compared to the same period in the prior year as lower rates on savings deposits related to the conversion of certain indexed deposits to a manged rate were offset by rising interest rates and the post-merger deposit mix. Rising rates drove an increase in the cost of borrowed funds from 1.63% during the third quarter 2017 to 2.51% for the third quarter 2018 .


40

CONSOLIDATED AVERAGE BALANCE SHEETS AND NET INTEREST INCOME ANALYSIS
Quarterly Averages
Year-to-Date Averages
September 30, 2018
September 30, 2017
September 30, 2018
September 30, 2017
(Dollars in thousands)
Balance
Yield
Balance
Yield
Balance
Yield
Balance
Yield
Earning assets
Investments
Investment securities
$
3,168,044

3.21
%
$
2,041,785

2.85
%
$
2,793,510

3.15
%
$
1,995,101

2.79
%
Interest-bearing deposits with other banks
39,873

2.14
%
37,199

1.28
%
32,116

2.08
%
32,812

1.05
%
Gross loans (1)
8,848,710

5.53
%
5,910,985

4.71
%
7,943,737

5.40
%
5,820,248

4.65
%
Total earning assets
12,056,627

4.91
%
7,989,969

4.22
%
10,769,363

4.80
%
7,848,161

4.17
%
Nonearning assets




Allowance for loan and lease losses
(55,877
)

(55,326
)

(55,407
)
(57,044
)
Cash and due from banks
199,843


111,984


180,561

114,595

Accrued interest and other assets
1,622,082


670,290


1,326,841

665,065

Total assets
$
13,822,675


$
8,716,917


$
12,221,358

$
8,570,777

Interest-bearing liabilities




Deposits




Interest-bearing demand
$
2,334,305

0.34
%
$
1,494,367

0.33
%
$
2,111,051

0.36
%
$
1,487,363

0.27
%
Savings
3,149,871

0.59
%
2,494,592

0.82
%
2,934,770

0.58
%
2,377,072

0.67
%
Time
2,014,936

1.58
%
1,181,406

1.32
%
1,893,200

1.51
%
1,192,850

1.24
%
Total interest-bearing deposits
7,499,112

0.78
%
5,170,365

0.79
%
6,939,021

0.77
%
5,057,285

0.69
%
Borrowed funds
Short-term borrowings
1,188,414

2.02
%
880,157

1.16
%
950,153

1.81
%
868,235

0.93
%
Long-term debt
560,001

3.55
%
119,661

5.10
%
394,172

3.75
%
119,639

5.16
%
Total borrowed funds
1,748,415

2.51
%
999,818

1.63
%
1,344,325

2.38
%
987,874

1.44
%
Total interest-bearing liabilities
9,247,527

1.10
%
6,170,183

0.93
%
8,283,346

1.03
%
6,045,159

0.81
%
Noninterest-bearing liabilities




Noninterest-bearing demand deposits
2,388,976


1,510,032


2,129,924

1,507,748

Other liabilities
164,772


128,645


153,766

128,110

Shareholders' equity
2,021,400


908,057


1,654,322

889,760

Total liabilities and shareholders' equity
$
13,822,675


$
8,716,917


$
12,221,358

$
8,570,777

Net interest income
$
123,485


$
70,479


$
323,276

$
207,931

Net interest spread

3.81
%

3.29
%
3.77
%
3.36
%
Contribution of noninterest-bearing sources of funds

0.25
%

0.21
%
0.24
%
0.18
%
Net interest margin (2)

4.06
%

3.50
%
4.01
%
3.54
%
Tax equivalent adjustment
0.06
%
0.07
%
0.05
%
0.07
%
Net interest margin (fully tax equivalent) (2)
4.12
%
3.57
%
4.06
%
3.61
%
(1) Loans held for sale, nonaccrual loans, covered loans and indemnification asset are included in gross loans.
(2) The net interest margin exceeds the interest spread as noninterest-bearing funding sources, demand deposits, other liabilities and shareholders' equity also support earning assets.

41


RATE/VOLUME ANALYSIS

The impact on net interest income from changes in interest rates as well as the volume of interest-earning assets and interest-bearing liabilities is illustrated in the table below:
Changes for the three months ended September 30, 2018
Changes for the nine months ended September 30, 2018
Comparable quarter income variance
Comparable quarter income variance
(Dollars in thousands)
Rate
Volume
Total
Rate
Volume
Total
Earning assets
Investment securities
$
1,817

$
9,104

$
10,921

$
5,324

$
18,820

$
24,144

Interest-bearing deposits with other banks
81

14

95

253

(11
)
242

Gross loans (1)
12,319

40,967

53,286

32,329

85,703

118,032

Total earning assets
14,217

50,085

64,302

37,906

104,512

142,418

Interest-bearing liabilities


Total interest-bearing deposits
(219
)
4,556

4,337

3,042

10,783

13,825

Borrowed funds


Short-term borrowings
1,916

1,570

3,486

5,690

1,108

6,798

Long-term debt
(467
)
3,940

3,473

(1,257
)
7,707

6,450

Total borrowed funds
1,449

5,510

6,959

4,433

8,815

13,248

Total interest-bearing liabilities
1,230

10,066

11,296

7,475

19,598

27,073

Net interest income
$
12,987

$
40,019

$
53,006

$
30,431

$
84,914

$
115,345

(1) Loans held for sale, nonaccrual loans and indemnification asset are included in gross loans.
NONINTEREST INCOM E

Third quarter 2018 noninterest income was $28.7 million , increasing $5.7 million , or 25.0% from $22.9 million in the third quarter of 2017 . This change resulted mostly from merger-driven increases in service charges on deposit accounts, bankcard income and client derivative fees, which were partially offset by a decline in other noninterest income and losses on the sales of investment securities. Other noninterest income of $4.8 million for the third quarter of 2018 was $2.9 million lower than the comparable quarter, due to the recognition in 2017 of $5.8 million of income from the early redemption of certain off balance sheet securitizations associated with the 2009 FDIC-assisted transactions, partially offset by higher brokerage and BOLI-related income. Third quarter 2018 noninterest income was in line with management's expectations for the Company's performance subsequent to the merger, although changes in mix are expected as certain income streams are subject to seasonal variance.

Noninterest income for the nine months ended September 30, 2018 was $73.9 million , increasing $16.1 million , or 27.9% , from $57.8 million in the first nine months of 2017 . Similar to the three month period changes previously described, higher noninterest income was primarily the result of the scale created from the merger as service charges on deposit accounts, trust and wealth management fees, bankcard income, gain on sale of loans, client derivative fees and other noninterest income increased during the period. These increases were partially offset by losses on sales of investment securities in 2018 compared to gains in the prior year.

NONINTEREST EXPENSE

Third quarter 2018 noninterest expense was $85.4 million compared to $54.4 million for the third quarter 2017 . The $31.0 million increase from the comparable quarter in 2017 included increases across nearly all noninterest expense categories due to the scale created by the merger, which included $7.4 million of merger-related expenses during the current quarter. With the majority of merger-related activity complete, management remains focused on efficiency while also making strategic investments to support the Company's future growth.
Noninterest expense for the nine months ending September 30, 2018 was $240.5 million , compared to $157.0 million for the first nine months of 2017 with similar increases across most noninterest expense categories. As with the three month period previously discussed, the Company incurred higher expenses due to the changes in size and scale of the Company post-merger, in addition to incurring merger-related expenses of $33.3 million during the first nine months of 2018 .


42

INCOME TAXES

Income tax expense was $12.9 million for the third quarter of 2018 , resulting in an effective tax rate of 20.2% compared to $11.2 million and 31.1% for the comparable period in 2017 . Income tax expense was $29.8 million for the first nine months of 2018 , resulting in an effective tax rate of 20.2% compared to $32.9 million and 31.4% for the same period in 2017 . The lower effective tax rate during 2018 related primarily to the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act which lowered the Company's statutory federal tax rate from 35% to 21% effective January 1, 2018.

While the Company's effective tax rate may fluctuate from quarter to quarter due to tax jurisdiction changes, the level of tax-enhanced assets and tax credit investments, the full year effective tax rate for 2018 is expected to be approximately 20.0%.

LOANS

Loans, excluding loans held for sale, increased $2.8 billion , or 47.1% , compared to December 31, 2017 and totaled $ 8.8 billion as of September 30, 2018 .  This increase was largely attributable to the acquisition of $2.8 billion of loans in conjunction with the MSFG merger, net of branch divestitures.

Third quarter 2018 average loans, excluding loans held for sale, increased $2.9 billion , or 50.0% , from the third quarter 2017 .  Increases in average loan balances were primarily attributable to the merger as organic loan growth has slowed in recent periods with lower line utilization and elevated prepayments offsetting an increase in fundings.

Loans accounted for under FASB ASC Topic 310-30, Loans and Debt Securities Acquired with Deteriorated Credit Quality, are referred to as purchased impaired loans. First Financial had purchased impaired loans totaling $105.0 million at September 30, 2018 compared to $105.0 million at December 31, 2017 . These balances exclude contractual interest not yet accrued. While the balances were relatively unchanged, the merger with MSFG resulted in an increase in purchase impaired balances of $18.0 million as of September 30, 2018 , offsetting the decline in purchase impaired loans previously acquired.

ASSET QUALITY

Nonperforming assets consist of nonaccrual loans, accruing TDRs (collectively, nonperforming loans) and OREO. Loans are classified as nonaccrual when, in the opinion of management, collection of principal or interest is doubtful or when principal or interest payments are 90 days or more past due. Generally, loans are classified as nonaccrual due to a borrower's continued failure to adhere to contractual payment terms, coupled with other pertinent factors. When a loan is classified as nonaccrual, the accrual of interest income is discontinued and previously accrued but unpaid interest is reversed.

Nonperforming assets were $64.6 million , or 47 bps as a percentage of total assets, at September 30, 2018 compared to $44.4 million and 50 bps as of December 31, 2017 . The $20.2 million increase was due to an $18.3 million increase in nonaccrual balances and a $2.8 million increase in accruing TDRs, which were partially offset by a $0.9 million decline in OREO balances during the period. Higher nonperforming loans at September 30, 2018 were primarily driven by the merger in addition to two commercial relationships downgraded to nonaccrual status during the period.

Loans are classified as TDRs when borrowers are experiencing financial difficulties and concessions are made by the Company that would not otherwise be considered for a borrower with similar credit characteristics. TDRs are generally classified as nonaccrual for a minimum period of six months and may qualify for return to accrual status once they have demonstrated performance with the restructured terms of the loan agreement. TDRs that are acquired are no longer classified as such.  Generally, if the acquired loan is performing under the current restructured terms, and there is no indication the borrower will not be able to continue paying, it would be classified as a purchased performing loan. If the restructured loan is below a current market rate for a loan with similar credit risks, the loan is generally classified as a purchased impaired loan. TDRs totaled $25.0 million at September 30, 2018 , an increase of $1.1 million , or 4.5% , from $23.9 million at December 31, 2017 .

Classified assets, which are defined by the Company as nonperforming assets plus performing loans internally rated substandard or worse, increased to $138.9 million as of September 30, 2018 compared to $87.3 million at December 31, 2017 primarily related to the acquisition of MSFG. Classified assets as a percentage of total assets were 1.0% at September 30, 2018 , which was relatively unchanged from 98 bps as of December 31, 2017 .

The following table details nonperforming, underperforming and classified assets, in addition to related credit quality ratios as of September 30, 2018 and the four previous quarters.

43

Three monhs ended
2018
2017
(Dollars in thousands)
Sept. 30,
June 30,
Mar. 31,
Dec. 31,
Sept. 30,
Nonperforming loans, nonperforming assets, and underperforming assets
Nonaccrual loans (1)
Commercial and industrial
$
4,310

$
3,448

$
6,275

$
5,229

$
9,026

Lease financing
0

0

0

82

87

Construction real estate
10

24

26

29

824

Commercial real estate
20,338

21,593

16,878

10,616

12,244

Residential real estate
11,365

9,278

3,324

4,140

4,333

Home equity
6,018

5,820

3,484

3,743

3,364

Installment
327

299

296

243

240

Nonaccrual loans
42,368

40,462

30,283

24,082

30,118

Accruing troubled debt restructurings
20,313

21,839

14,943

17,545

19,692

Total nonperforming loans
62,681

62,301

45,226

41,627

49,810

Other real estate owned
1,918

1,853

1,065

2,781

3,116

Total nonperforming assets
64,599

64,154

46,291

44,408

52,926

Accruing loans past due 90 days or more
144

327

529

61

84

Total underperforming assets
$
64,743

$
64,481

$
46,820

$
44,469

$
53,010

Total classified assets
$
138,868

$
139,317

$
87,577

$
87,293

$
94,320



Credit quality ratios
Allowance for loan and lease losses to

Nonaccrual loans
136.22
%
133.65
%
179.57
%
224.32
%
181.07
%
Nonperforming loans
92.08
%
86.80
%
120.24
%
129.77
%
109.48
%
Total ending loans
0.65
%
0.61
%
0.89
%
0.90
%
0.91
%
Nonperforming loans to total loans
0.71
%
0.70
%
0.74
%
0.69
%
0.83
%
Nonperforming assets to
Ending loans, plus OREO
0.73
%
0.72
%
0.76
%
0.74
%
0.89
%
Total assets
0.47
%
0.46
%
0.52
%
0.50
%
0.60
%
Nonperforming assets, excluding accruing TDRs to
Ending loans, plus OREO
0.50
%
0.48
%
0.51
%
0.45
%
0.56
%
Total assets
0.32
%
0.30
%
0.35
%
0.30
%
0.38
%
Classified assets to total assets
1.00
%
1.00
%
0.98
%
0.98
%
1.08
%
(1) Nonaccrual loans include nonaccrual TDRs of $4.7 million, $5.9 million, $6.0 million, $6.4 million and $9.1 million as of September 30, 2018, June 30, 2018, March 31, 2018, December 31, 2017 and September 30, 2017, respectively.

INVESTMENTS

First Financial's investment portfolio totaled $3.2 billion , or 22.9% of total assets at September 30, 2018 and $ 2.1 billion , or 23.1% of total assets, at December 31, 2017 .  AFS securities totaled $2.6 billion at September 30, 2018 and $1.3 billion at December 31, 2017 , while HTM securities totaled $434.4 million at September 30, 2018 and $654.0 million at December 31, 2017 .

The Company's investment portfolio increase d $1.1 billion , or 54.5% , during the first nine months of 2018 as the Company acquired $1.1 billion of securities in its merger with MSFG. Also in conjunction with the merger, First Financial reclassified $367.9 million of investments HTM as AFS to align with post-merger investment strategies. The duration of the investment portfolio was 3.5 years as of September 30, 2018 and 2.9 years as of December 31, 2017 .

The Company invests in certain securities whose realization is dependent on future principal and interest repayments and thus carry credit risk. First Financial performs a detailed pre-purchase collateral and structural analysis on these securities and strategically invests in asset classes in which First Financial has expertise and experience, as well as a senior position in the

44

capital structure. First Financial continuously monitors credit risk and geographic concentration risk in its evaluation of market opportunities that enhance the overall performance of the portfolio.

At September 30, 2018 , First Financial recorded a $29.4 million unrealized after-tax loss on debt securities as a component of equity in accumulated other comprehensive income and a $0.2 million unrealized loss on equity securities within other noninterest income. The total unrealized loss on debt securities increased $29.2 million from $0.2 million at December 31, 2017 .

First Financial will continue to monitor loan and deposit demand, as well as balance sheet composition, capital sensitivity and the interest rate environment as it manages investment strategies in future periods.

DEPOSITS AND FUNDING

Total deposits as of September 30, 2018 were $ 9.8 billion compared to $6.9 billion at December 31, 2017 . This $2.9 billion , or 41.4% increase was driven by $3.3 billion of deposits acquired in conjunction with the Company's merger with MSFG, net of branch divestitures. As a result, noninterest-bearing demand deposits increased $713.8 million , or 42.9% , interest-bearing demand deposits increased $830.8 million , or 57.2% , savings deposits increased $672.5 million , or 27.3% and time deposits rose $640.5 million , or 48.6% , compared to December 31, 2017 . In addition to acquired balances, higher brokered CD balances contributed to the increase in time deposits. Brokered CDs are periodically used by First Financial as an alternative to short and long-term borrowings.

Average deposits for the third quarter 2018 increase d $3.2 billion , or 48.0% , to $9.9 billion from $6.7 billion for the comparable quarter of 2017 . The combination of the merger and strong organic deposit generation efforts in recent periods, including significant growth in money market deposits in light of rising interest rates, led to the increase in average balances. Average deposits for the nine months ended September 30, 2018 were $9.1 billion , an increase of $2.5 billion , or 38.1% , compared to $6.6 billion for the same period in 2017 .
Borrowed funds increased to $1.9 billion at September 30, 2018 from $934.2 million at December 31, 2017 , due to the MSFG merger and the Company's overall funding needs. First Financial utilizes short-term borrowings and longer-term advances from the FHLB as wholesale funding sources. First Financial had $1.2 billion in short-term borrowings with the FHLB at September 30, 2018 and $742.3 million as of December 31, 2017 . In addition to FHLB borrowings, short-term borrowings included fed funds purchased and repurchase agreements of $123.5 million and $72.3 million at September 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017 , respectively.

Long-term debt, which included subordinated notes, FHLB long term advances and an interest free loan with a municipality, was $570.0 million and $119.7 million at September 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017 , respectively. Outstanding subordinated debt totaled $169.2 million and $118.6 million as of September 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017 , respectively, which included prepaid debt issuance costs of $8.7 million and $1.4 million . FHLB long-term advances increased to $400.0 million at September 30, 2018 from $0.2 million as of December 31, 2017 as the Company implemented post-merger funding strategies to manage liquidity and interest rate risk. First Financial's total remaining borrowing capacity from the FHLB was $249.8 million at September 30, 2018 .

See Note 7 – Borrowings in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements, for further discussion of First Financial's borrowed funds.

LIQUIDITY

Liquidity management is the process by which First Financial manages the continuing flow of funds necessary to meet its financial commitments on a timely basis and at a reasonable cost. These funding commitments include withdrawals by depositors, credit commitments to borrowers, shareholder dividends, share repurchases, operating expenses and capital expenditures. Liquidity is derived primarily from deposit growth, principal and interest payments on loans and investment securities, maturing loans and investment securities, access to wholesale funding sources and collateralized borrowings.

First Financial’s most stable source of liability-funded liquidity for both long and short-term needs is deposit growth and retention of the core deposit base. In addition to core deposit funding, First Financial also utilizes a variety of other short and long-term funding sources, which include subordinated notes, longer-term advances from the FHLB and its short-term line of credit.


45

Both First Financial and the Bank received investment grade credit ratings from Kroll Bond Rating Agency, Inc, an independent rating agency. These credit ratings impact the cost and availability of financing to First Financial, and a downgrade to these credit ratings could affect First Financial's or the Bank’s ability to access the credit markets and potentially increase borrowing costs, negatively impacting financial condition and liquidity. Key factors in maintaining high credit ratings include consistent and diverse earnings, strong credit quality and capital ratios, varied funding sources and disciplined liquidity monitoring procedures. The ratings of First Financial and the Bank at September 30, 2018 were as follows:
First Financial Bancorp
First Financial Bank
Senior Unsecured Debt
BBB+
A-
Subordinated Debt
BBB
BBB+
Short-Term Debt
K2
K2
Deposit
N/A
A-
Short-Term Deposit
N/A
K2

For ease of borrowing execution, First Financial utilizes a blanket collateral agreement with the FHLB. First Financial pledged $5.8 billion of certain eligible residential, commercial and farm real estate loans, home equity lines of credit and government, agency and CMBS securities as collateral for borrowings from the FHLB as of September 30, 2018 .

First Financial maintains a short-term credit facility with an unaffiliated bank for $30.0 million that matures in September 2019. This facility can have a variable or fixed interest rate and, if needed, provides First Financial additional liquidity for various corporate activities, including the repurchase of First Financial shares and the payment of dividends to shareholders. As of September 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017 , there was no outstanding balance. The credit agreement requires First Financial to comply with certain covenants including those related to asset quality and capital levels, and First Financial was in compliance with all covenants associated with this facility as of September 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017 .

First Financial's principal source of asset-funded liquidity is marketable investment securities, particularly those of shorter maturities. The market value of investment securities classified as AFS totaled $2.6 billion and $1.3 billion at September 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017 , respectively.  HTM securities that are maturing within a short period of time are an additional source of liquidity and totaled $0.3 million and $21.8 million at September 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017 , respectively. Other sources of liquidity include cash and due from banks, interest-bearing deposits with other banks and loans maturing within one year.

At September 30, 2018 , in addition to liquidity on hand of $222.3 million , First Financial had unused and available overnight wholesale funding of $2.8 billion , or 20.2% of total assets, to fund loan and deposit activities, in addition to other general corporate requirements.

Certain restrictions exist regarding the Bank's ability to transfer funds to First Financial in the form of cash dividends, loans, other assets or advances and the approval of the Bank's primary federal regulator is required to pay dividends in excess of regulatory limitations.  Dividends paid to First Financial from the Bank totaled $83.6 million for the first nine months of 2018 .  As of September 30, 2018 , the Bank had retained earnings of $602.0 million , of which $145.7 million was available for distribution to First Financial without prior regulatory approval. Additionally, First Financial had $85.0 million in cash at the parent company as of September 30, 2018 , which approximates the Company’s regular annual shareholder dividend and operating expenses.

Share repurchases, if any, also impact First Financial's liquidity. For further information regarding share repurchases, see the Capital section that follows.

Capital expenditures, such as banking center expansions and technology investments, were $15.5 million and $4.8 million for the first nine months of 2018 and 2017 , respectively. Management believes that sufficient liquidity exists to fund its future capital expenditure commitments.

Management is not aware of any other events or regulatory requirements that, if implemented, are likely to have a material effect on First Financial’s liquidity.


46

CAPITAL

Risk-Based Capital. The Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System approved a rule implementing changes intended to strengthen the regulatory capital framework for all banking organizations (Basel III), subject to a phase-in period for certain provisions. Basel III established and defined quantitative measures to ensure capital adequacy which require First Financial to maintain minimum amounts and ratios of Common Equity tier 1 capital, total and tier 1 capital to risk-weighted assets and tier 1 capital to average assets (leverage ratio).

The rule includes a minimum ratio of common equity tier 1 capital to risk-weighted assets of 4.5% and a capital conservation buffer of 2.5% of risk-weighted assets that began on January 1, 2016 at 0.625% and will be phased in over a four year period, increasing by the same amount on each subsequent January 1, until fully phased-in on January 1, 2019. Further, the minimum ratio of Tier 1 capital to risk-weighted assets increased from 4.0% to 6.0% and all banks are now subject to a 4.0% minimum leverage ratio. The required total risk-based capital ratio is unchanged. Failure to maintain the required common equity Tier 1 capital conservation buffer will result in potential restrictions on a bank’s ability to pay dividends, repurchase stock and pay discretionary compensation to its employees.  The capital requirements also provide strict eligibility criteria for regulatory capital instruments and change the method for calculating risk-weighted assets in an effort to better identify riskier assets, such as highly volatile commercial real estate and nonaccrual loans.

Management believes, as of September 30, 2018 , that First Financial met all capital adequacy requirements to which it was subject.  To be categorized as well-capitalized, First Financial must maintain minimum Total risk-based capital, Tier 1 risk-based capital and Tier 1 leverage ratios as set forth in the table that follows. The Company's most recent regulatory notifications categorized First Financial as "well-capitalized" under the regulatory framework for prompt corrective action. There have been no conditions or events since those notifications that management believes have changed the Company's categorization. Total regulatory capital exceeded the minimum requirement by $397.8 million on a consolidated basis at September 30, 2018 .

The following tables present the actual and required capital amounts and ratios as of September 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017 under the Basel III Capital Rules. The minimum required capital amounts presented include the minimum required capital levels based on the phase-in provisions of the Basel III Capital Rules as of the period presented, as well as the minimum required capital levels as of January 1, 2019 when the Basel III Capital Rules have been fully phased-in. Capital levels required to be considered "well capitalized" are based upon prompt corrective action regulations, as amended to reflect the changes under the Basel III Capital Rules.
Actual
Minimum capital
required - Basel III
current period
Required to be
considered well
capitalized - current period
Minimum capital
required - Basel III
fully phased-in
(Dollars in thousands)
Capital
amount
Ratio
Capital
amount
Ratio
Capital
amount
Ratio
Capital
amount
Ratio
September 30, 2018
Common equity tier 1 capital to risk-weighted assets
Consolidated
$
1,177,630

11.52
%
$
651,682

6.38
%
N/A

N/A

$
715,573

7.00
%
First Financial Bank
1,242,697

12.16
%
651,463

6.38
%
$
664,237

6.50
%
715,332

7.00
%
Tier 1 capital to risk-weighted assets
Consolidated
1,219,383

11.93
%
805,019

7.88
%
N/A

N/A

868,910

8.50
%
First Financial Bank
1,242,801

12.16
%
804,749

7.88
%
817,523

8.00
%
868,618

8.50
%
Total capital to risk-weighted assets
Consolidated
1,407,252

13.77
%
1,009,469

9.88
%
N/A

N/A

1,073,359

10.50
%
First Financial Bank
1,308,682

12.81
%
1,009,130

9.88
%
1,021,903

10.00
%
1,072,999

10.50
%
Leverage ratio
Consolidated
1,219,383

9.41
%
518,420

4.00
%
N/A

N/A

518,420

4.00
%
First Financial Bank
1,242,801

9.60
%
517,988

4.00
%
647,485

5.00
%
517,988

4.00
%


47


Actual
Minimum capital
required - Basel III
Required to be
considered well
capitalized
Minimum capital
required - Basel III
fully phased-in
(Dollars in thousands)
Capital
amount
Ratio
Capital
amount
Ratio
Capital
amount
Ratio
Capital
amount
Ratio
December 31, 2017
Common equity tier 1 capital to risk-weighted assets
Consolidated
$
755,735

10.63
%
$
408,746

5.75
%
N/A

N/A

$
497,604

7.00
%
First Financial Bank
794,251

11.21
%
407,220

5.75
%
$
460,336

6.50
%
495,746

7.00
%
Tier 1 capital to risk-weighted assets
Consolidated
755,839

10.63
%
515,376

7.25
%
N/A

N/A

604,233

8.50
%
First Financial Bank
794,355

11.22
%
513,452

7.25
%
566,567

8.00
%
601,978

8.50
%
Total capital to risk-weighted assets



Consolidated
929,148

13.07
%
657,548

9.25
%
N/A

N/A

746,406

10.50
%
First Financial Bank
856,363

12.09
%
655,093

9.25
%
708,209

10.00
%
743,619

10.50
%
Leverage ratio



Consolidated
755,839

8.84
%
342,198

4.00
%
N/A

N/A

342,198

4.00
%
First Financial Bank
794,355

9.29
%
342,113

4.00
%
427,642

5.00
%
342,113

4.00
%

First Financial generally seeks to balance the return of earnings to shareholders through shareholder dividends and share repurchases with capital retention, in order to maintain adequate levels of capital and support the Company's growth plans.

Shareholder Dividends. First Financial paid a dividend of $0.20 per common share on September 17, 2018 to shareholders of record as of September 3, 2018. Additionally, First Financial's board of directors authorized a dividend of $0.20 per common share, payable on December 17, 2018 to shareholders of record as of December 3, 2018.

Share Repurchases. In October 2012, First Financial's board of directors approved a share repurchase plan under which the Company has the ability to repurchase up to 5,000,000 shares. First Financial did not repurchase any shares under this plan during the three and nine month periods ending September 30, 2018 and 2017 . At September 30, 2018 , 3,509,133 common shares remained available for repurchase under the 2012 share repurchase plan.

ATM Offering. In March 2017, First Financial initiated an "at-the-market" equity offering program to provide flexibility with respect to capital planning and to support future growth. First Financial was not active through the ATM program during the current period.

Shareholders' Equity. Total shareholders’ equity at September 30, 2018 was $2.0 billion compared to $930.7 million at December 31, 2017. This increase was the result of the merger with MSFG in the second quarter of 2018.

For further detail, see the Consolidated Statements of Changes in Shareholders’ Equity.


48

RISK MANAGEMENT

First Financial manages risk through a structured ERM approach that routinely assesses the overall level of risk, identifies specific risks and evaluates specific actions to mitigate those risks. First Financial continues to enhance its risk management capabilities and has embedded risk awareness into the culture of the Company.  First Financial has identified the following types of risk that it monitors in its ERM framework: credit, market, operational, compliance, strategic, reputation, information technology, cyber, and legal.

For a full discussion of these risks, see the Enterprise Risk Management section in Management's Discussion and Analysis in First Financial’s 2017 Annual Report on Form 10-K. The sections that follow provide additional discussion related to credit risk and market risk.

CREDIT RISK

Credit risk represents the risk of loss due to failure of a customer or counterparty to meet its financial obligations in accordance with contractual terms. First Financial manages credit risk through its underwriting process, periodically reviewing and approving its credit exposures using credit policies and guidelines approved by the board of directors.

ALLL. The ALLL is a reserve accumulated on the Consolidated Balance Sheets through the recognition of the provision for loan and lease losses. First Financial records a provision for loan and lease losses in the Consolidated Statements of Income to maintain the ALLL at a level considered sufficient to absorb probable incurred loan and lease losses inherent in the portfolio.

The ALLL was $57.7 million as of September 30, 2018 and $54.0 million as of December 31, 2017 , and as a percentage of period-end loans, the ALLL was 0.65% as of September 30, 2018 compared to 0.90% as of December 31, 2017 . The ALLL is consistent with the Company's stable credit outlook and classified asset balances. The decline in the ALLL as a percentage of period end loans is consistent with GAAP for acquired loans as these loans are recorded at estimated fair value at the acquisition date with no carryover of the related ALLL. At September 30, 2018 , the fair value of acquired MSFG loans included a $30.8 million credit adjustment.

The ALLL as a percentage of nonaccrual loans was 136.22% at September 30, 2018 and 224.32% at December 31, 2017 . The ALLL as a percentage of nonperforming loans, including accruing TDRs, declined to 92.08% as of September 30, 2018 from 129.77% as of December 31, 2017 due to a $21.1 million, or 50.6%, increase in nonperforming loans. The increase in nonperforming loans was primarily attributed to the MSFG merger, coupled with two commercial relationships downgraded to nonaccrual status during the period, which offset the Company's resolution efforts and positive credit risk rating migration.

The Company recorded net recoveries of $0.4 million , or 0.02% of average loans and leases on an annualized basis, in the third quarter 2018 , compared to net charge-offs of $3.3 million , or 0.22% of average loans and leases on an annualized basis for the comparable quarter in 2017 . For the nine months ended September 30, 2018 , net charge-offs were $5.6 million , or 0.09% of annualized average loans, compared to $7.2 million , or 0.17% of annualized average loans for the same period of 2017 .

Provision expense is a product of the Company's ALLL model, as well as net charge-off activity during the period. Third quarter 2018 provision expense was $3.2 million compared to a provision of $3.0 million during the third quarter in 2017 . For the nine months ended September 30, 2018 , provision expense was $9.3 million compared to $3.8 million for the same period of 2017 .
See Note 5 – Allowance for Loan and Lease Losses in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements, for further discussion of First Financial's ALLL.


49

The table that follows includes the activity in the ALLL for the quarterly periods presented.
Three months ended
Nine months ended
2018
2017
September 30,
(Dollars in thousands)
Sept. 30,
June 30,
Mar. 31,
Dec. 31,
Sept. 30,
2018
2017
Allowance for loan and lease loss activity

Balance at beginning of period
$
54,076

$
54,380

$
54,021

$
54,534

$
54,873

$
54,021

$
57,961

Provision for loan losses
3,238

3,735

2,303

(205
)
2,953

9,276

3,787

Gross charge-offs
Commercial and industrial
232

4,356

885

1,264

4,122

5,473

8,930

Lease financing
0

0

0

0

0

0

0

Construction real estate
0

0

0

1

0

0

0

Commercial real estate
902

78

2,176

10

58

3,156

1,028

Residential real estate
145

101

96

128

23

342

307

Home equity
351

385

242

278

71

978

635

Installment
43

218

16

26

24

277

199

Credit card
390

684

254

209

201

1,328

648

Total gross charge-offs
2,063

5,822

3,669

1,916

4,499

11,554

11,747

Recoveries
Commercial and industrial
627

518

436

370

325

1,581

1,280

Lease financing
0

1

0

0

0

1

1

Construction real estate
146

0

0

0

0

146

89

Commercial real estate
786

887

752

480

585

2,425

2,239

Residential real estate
71

70

26

77

70

167

138

Home equity
419

187

429

589

110

1,035

438

Installment
351

82

48

46

74

481

188

Credit card
64

38

34

46

43

136

160

Total recoveries
2,464

1,783

1,725

1,608

1,207

5,972

4,533

Total net charge-offs
(401
)
4,039

1,944

308

3,292

5,582

7,214

Ending allowance for loan and lease losses
$
57,715

$
54,076

$
54,380

$
54,021

$
54,534

$
57,715

$
54,534

Net charge-offs to average loans and leases (annualized)

Commercial and industrial
(0.07
)%
0.64
%
0.10
%
0.19
%
0.82
%
0.23
%
0.57
%
Lease financing
0.00
%
0.00
%
0.00
%
0.00
%
0.00
%
0.00
%
0.00
%
Construction real estate
(0.10
)%
0.00
%
0.00
%
0.00
%
0.00
%
(0.04
)%
(0.03
)%
Commercial real estate
0.01
%
(0.08
)%
0.23
%
(0.07
)%
(0.08
)%
0.03
%
(0.07
)%
Residential real estate
0.03
%
0.01
%
0.06
%
0.04
%
(0.04
)%
0.03
%
0.05
%
Home equity
(0.03
)%
0.10
%
(0.16
)%
(0.25
)%
(0.03
)%
(0.01
)%
0.06
%
Installment
(1.22
)%
0.55
%
(0.32
)%
(0.19
)%
(0.43
)%
(0.34
)%
0.03
%
Credit card
2.68
%
5.54
%
1.90
%
1.39
%
1.39
%
3.37
%
1.47
%
Total net charge-offs
(0.02
)%
0.18
%
0.13
%
0.02
%
0.22
%
0.09
%
0.17
%




50

MARKET RISK

Market risk is the risk of loss arising from adverse changes in the fair value of financial instruments due to changes in interest rates, foreign exchange rates and equity prices. The primary source of market risk for First Financial is interest rate risk. Interest rate risk is the risk to earnings and the value of the Company's equity arising from changes in market interest rates. Interest rate risk arises in the normal course of business to the extent that there is a divergence between the amount of interest-earning assets and the amount of interest-bearing liabilities that are prepaid, withdrawn, re-priced or mature in specified periods. First Financial seeks to achieve consistent growth in net interest income and equity while managing volatility from shifts in market interest rates.

First Financial monitors the Company's interest rate risk position using income simulation models and EVE sensitivity analyses that capture both short-term and long-term interest rate risk exposure.  Income simulation involves forecasting NII under a variety of interest rate scenarios. EVE is calculated by discounting the cash flows for all balance sheet instruments under different interest-rate scenarios and First Financial uses EVE sensitivity analysis to understand the impact of changes in interest rates on long-term cash flows, income and capital.  For both NII and EVE modeling, First Financial leverages instantaneous parallel shocks to evaluate interest rate risk exposure across rising and falling rate scenarios. Additional scenarios evaluated include implied market forward rate forecasts and various non-parallel yield curve twists.

First Financial’s interest rate risk models are based on the contractual and assumed cash flows and repricing characteristics for the Company’s assets, liabilities and off-balance sheet exposure. A number of assumptions are also incorporated into the interest rate risk models, including prepayment behaviors and repricing spreads for assets in addition to attrition and repricing rates for liabilities. Assumptions are primarily derived from behavior studies of the Company’s historical client base and are continually refined. Modeling the sensitivity of NII and EVE to changes in market interest rates is highly dependent on the assumptions incorporated into the modeling process.

Non-maturity deposit modeling is particularly dependent on the assumption for repricing sensitivity known as a beta. Beta is the amount by which First Financial’s interest bearing non-maturity deposit rates will increase when short-term interest rates rise. The Company utilized a weighted average deposit beta of 59% in its interest rate risk modeling as of September 30, 2018 . First Financial also includes an assumption for the migration of non-maturity deposit balances into CDs for all upward rate scenarios beginning with the +100 bps scenario, thereby increasing deposit costs and reducing asset sensitivity.

Presented below is the estimated impact on First Financial’s NII and EVE position as of September 30, 2018 , assuming immediate, parallel shifts in interest rates:
% Change from base case for
immediate parallel changes in rates
-100 bps
+100 bps
+200 bps
NII-Year 1
(5.18
)%
0.76
%
1.43
%
NII-Year 2
(6.58
)%
1.27
%
2.33
%
EVE
(3.08
)%
(0.33
)%
0.03
%

“Risk-neutral” refers to the absence of a strong bias toward either asset or liability sensitivity. “Asset sensitivity” is when a company's interest-earning assets reprice more quickly or in greater quantities than interest-bearing liabilities. Conversely, “liability sensitivity” is when a company's interest-bearing liabilities reprice more quickly or in greater quantities than interest-earning assets. In a rising interest rate environment, asset sensitivity results in higher net interest income while liability sensitivity results in lower net interest income. In a declining interest rate environment, asset sensitivity results in lower net interest income while liability sensitivity results in higher net interest income.

First Financial was within policy limits set for the disclosed interest rate scenarios as of September 30, 2018 . The projected results for NII and EVE continued to reflect modest asset sensitivity during the third quarter of 2018 . Third quarter 2018 results migrated closer to neutral due to a change in the Company’s funding mix reflecting a decline in transactional deposits and an increase in short-term borrowings. First Financial continues to manage its balance sheet with a bias toward asset sensitivity while simultaneously balancing the potential earnings impact of this strategy.

First Financial continually evaluates the sensitivity of its interest rate risk position to modeling assumptions. The following table reflects First Financial’s estimated NII sensitivity profile as of September 30, 2018 assuming a 25% increase and a 25% reduction to the beta assumption on managed rate deposits:

51

Beta sensitivity (% change from base)
+100 BP
+200 BP
Beta 25% lower
Beta 25% higher
Beta 25% lower
Beta 25% higher
NII-Year 1
2.46
%
(0.94
)%
4.51
%
(1.69
)%
NII-Year 2
2.96
%
(0.43
)%
5.40
%
(0.77
)%

See the Net Interest Income section of Management’s Discussion and Analysis for further discussion.

CRITICAL ACCOUNTING POLICIES

First Financial’s Consolidated Financial Statements are prepared based on the application of the Company's accounting policies.  These policies require the reliance on estimates and assumptions.  Changes in underlying factors, assumptions or estimates could have a material impact on First Financial’s future financial condition and results of operations. In management’s opinion, certain accounting policies have a more significant impact than others on First Financial’s financial reporting.  For First Financial, these areas currently include accounting for the ALLL, goodwill, pension and income taxes.  These accounting policies are discussed in detail in the Critical Accounting Policies section of Management’s Discussion and Analysis in First Financial’s 2017 Annual Report.  There were no material changes to these accounting policies during the nine months ended September 30, 2018 .

ACCOUNTING AND REGULATORY MATTERS

Note 2 - Recently Adopted and Issued Accounting Standards in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements, discusses new accounting standards adopted by First Financial during 2018 and the expected impact of accounting standards recently issued but not yet required to be adopted.  To the extent the adoption of new accounting standards materially affects financial condition, results of operations or liquidity, the impacts are discussed in the applicable section(s) of Management’s Discussion and Analysis and the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements.

FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENT

Certain statements contained in this report which are not statements of historical fact constitute forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Words such as ‘‘believes,’’ ‘‘anticipates,’’ “likely,” “expected,” “estimated,” ‘‘intends’’ and other similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements but are not the exclusive means of identifying such statements. Examples of forward looking statements include, but are not limited to, statements we make about (i) our future operating or financial performance, including revenues, income or loss and earnings or loss per share, (ii) future common stock dividends, (iii) our capital structure, including future capital levels, (iv) our plans, objectives and strategies, and (v) the assumptions that underlie our forward-looking statements.

As with any forecast or projection, forward-looking statements are subject to inherent uncertainties, risks and changes in circumstances that may cause actual results to differ materially from those set forth in the forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are not historical facts but instead express only management’s beliefs regarding future results or events, many of which, by their nature, are inherently uncertain and outside of management’s control. It is possible that actual results and outcomes may differ, possibly materially, from the anticipated results or outcomes indicated in these forward-looking statements. Important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those in our forward-looking statements include the following, without limitation: (i) economic, market, liquidity, credit, interest rate, operational and technological risks associated with the Company’s business; (ii) the effect of and changes in policies and laws or regulatory agencies, including the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act and other legislation and regulation relating to the banking industry; (iii) management’s ability to effectively execute its business plans; (iv) mergers and acquisitions, including costs or difficulties related to the integration of acquired companies; (v) the possibility that any of the anticipated benefits of the Company’s recent merger with MainSource Financial Group, Inc. will not be realized or will not be
realized within the expected time period; (vi) the effect of changes in accounting policies and practices; (vii) changes in consumer spending, borrowing and saving and changes in unemployment; (viii) changes in customers’ performance and creditworthiness; and (ix) the costs and effects of litigation and of unexpected or adverse outcomes in such litigation. Additional factors that may cause our actual results to differ materially from those described in our forward-looking statements can be found in the Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2017 , as well as our other filings with the SEC, which are available on the SEC website at www.sec.gov.



52

All forward-looking statements included in this filing are made as of the date hereof and are based on information available at the time of the filing. Except as required by law, the Company does not assume any obligation to update any forward-looking statement.

ITEM 3.  QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK

The information contained in “Item 2-Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations—Market Risk” of this report is incorporated herein by reference in response to this item.

ITEM 4.   CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES

Disclosure Controls and Procedures
Management is responsible for establishing and maintaining effective disclosure controls and procedures, as defined under
Rule 13a-15 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, that are designed to cause the material information required to be disclosed by First Financial in the reports it files or submits under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 to be recorded, processed, summarized, and reported to the extent applicable within the time periods required by the Securities and Exchange Commission’s rules and forms. In designing and evaluating the disclosure controls and procedures, management recognized that a control system, no matter how well designed and operated, can provide only reasonable, not absolute, assurance that the objectives of the control system are met. Because of the inherent limitations in all control systems, no evaluation of controls can provide absolute assurance that all control issues and instances of fraud, if any, within a company have been detected.

As of the end of the period covered by this report, First Financial performed an evaluation under the supervision and with the participation of management, including the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, of the effectiveness of the design and operation of its disclosure controls and procedures pursuant to Rule 13a-15 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. Based upon that evaluation, the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer concluded that the disclosure controls and procedures were effective at the reasonable assurance level.

Changes in Internal Control over Financial Reporting
No changes were made to the Company's internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Rule 13a-15 under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934) during the last fiscal quarter that materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, the Corporation’s internal control over financial reporting.


53

PART II-OTHER INFORMATION

Item 1.
Legal Proceedings.

There have been no material changes to the disclosure in response to "Part I - Item 3. Legal Proceedings" in the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2017 .

Item 1A.
Risk Factors.

There are a number of factors that may adversely affect the Company's business, financial results, or stock price. See "Risk Factors" as disclosed in response to "Item 1A. to Part I - Risk Factors" of Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2017 .

54

Item 2.
Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds

(c)
The following table shows the total number of shares repurchased in the third quarter of 2018 .

Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities

(a)
(b)
(c)
(d)
Period
Total Number
Of Shares
Purchased (1)
Average
Price Paid
Per Share
Total Number of
Shares Purchased as
Part of Publicly
Announced Plans (2)
Maximum Number of
Shares that may yet
be purchased Under
the Plans
July 1 to July 31, 2018



Share repurchase program
0

$
0.00

0

3,509,133

Stock Plans
1,387

30.30

N/A

N/A

August 1 to August 31, 2018




Share repurchase program
0

$
0.00

0

3,509,133

Stock Plans
0

0.00

N/A

N/A

September 1 to September 30, 2018




Share repurchase program
0

$
0.00

0

3,509,133

Stock Plans
0

0.00

N/A

N/A

Total




Share repurchase program
0

$
0.00

0


Stock Plans
1,387

$
30.30

N/A



(1)
The number of shares purchased in column (a) and the average price paid per share in column (b) include the purchase of shares other than through publicly announced plans.  The shares purchased other than through publicly announced plans were purchased pursuant to First Financial’s 1999 Stock Incentive Plan for Officers and Employees, Amended and Restated 2009 Non-Employee Director Stock Plan, 2012 Stock Plan, and Amended and Restated 2012 Stock Plan (collectively referred to hereafter as the Stock Plans).  The table shows the number of shares purchased pursuant to the Stock Plans and the average price paid per share.  Under the Stock Plans, shares were purchased from plan participants at the then current market value in satisfaction of stock option exercise prices.
(2)
First Financial has one previously announced stock repurchase plan under which it is authorized to purchase shares of its common stock.  The plan has no expiration date.  The table that follows provides additional information regarding this plan.

Announcement
Date
Total Shares
Approved for
Repurchase
Total Shares
Repurchased
Under
the Plan
Expiration
Date
10/25/2012
5,000,000

1,490,867

None


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Item 6.         Exhibits

(a)
Exhibits:
Exhibit Number
3.1
3.2
31.1
31.2
32.1
32.2
101.1
Financial statements from the Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q of the Company for the quarter ended September 30, 2018, formatted in XBRL (eXtensible Business Reporting Language) pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T: (i) Consolidated Balance Sheets, (ii) Consolidated Statements of Income, (iii) Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income, (iv) Consolidated Statements of Changes in Shareholders' Equity, (v) Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows and (vi) Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements, as blocks of text and in detail.*
First Financial will furnish, without charge, to a security holder upon request a copy of the documents and will furnish any other Exhibit upon payment of reproduction costs.  Unless as otherwise noted, documents incorporated by reference involve File No. 001-34762.

* As provided in Rule 406T of Regulation S-T, this information shall not be deemed “filed” for purposes of Section 11 and 12 of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 18 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 or otherwise subject to liability under those sections.

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SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned hereunto duly authorized.

FIRST FINANCIAL BANCORP.
(Registrant)
/s/ James M. Anderson
/s/ Scott T. Crawley
James M. Anderson
Scott T. Crawley
Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer
First Vice President and Controller
(Principal Accounting Officer)
Date
11/7/2018
Date
11/7/2018


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TABLE OF CONTENTS
Part I - Financial InformationItem I - Financial StatementsNote 1: Basis Of PresentationNote 2: Recently Adopted and Issued Accounting StandardsNote 3: InvestmentsNote 4: Loans and LeasesNote 5: Allowance For Loan and Lease LossesNote 6: Goodwill and Other Intangible AssetsNote 7: BorrowingsNote 8: Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (loss)Note 9: DerivativesNote 10: Commitments and ContingenciesNote 11: Income TaxesNote 12: Employee Benefit PlansNote 13: Revenue RecognitionNote 14: Earnings Per Common ShareNote 15: Fair Value DisclosuresNote 16: Business CombinationsItem 2 - Management's Discussion and Analysis Of FinancialItem 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market RiskItem 4. Controls and ProceduresPart Ii-other InformationItem 1. Legal ProceedingsItem 1A. Risk FactorsItem 2. Unregistered Sales Of Equity Securities and Use Of ProceedsItem 6. Exhibits

Exhibits

3.1 Amended Articles of Incorporation of First Financial Bancorp (reflecting all amendments filed with the Ohio Secretary of State) [for purposes of SEC reporting compliance only - not filed with the Ohio Secretary of State] (filed as Exhibit 3.2 to the Form S-3 on July 31, 2014 and incorporated herein by reference) (File No. 333-197771). 3.2 Amended and Restated Regulations of First Financial Bancorp, amended as of July 28, 2015 (filed as Exhibit 3.1 to the Form 8-K filed on July 29, 2015 and incorporated herein by reference). 31.1 Certification by Chief Executive Officer Pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 filed herewith. 31.2 Certification by Chief Financial Officer Pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 filed herewith. 32.1 Certification of Periodic Financial Report by Chief Executive Officer Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 furnished herewith. 32.2 Certification of Periodic Financial Report by Chief Financial Officer Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 furnished herewith.