First Financial Bancorp (FFBC)

First Financial Completes Conversion of BankFinancialJune 8, 2026 10:00 AM
PR Newswire (US) CHICAGO, June 8, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- First Financial Bank (Nasdaq: FFBC) has completed the conversion of BankFinancial's operating systems and is now offering consumer banking, commercial banking, specialty banking and wealth management services under the First Financial brand in the Chicagoland area. All retail branches and ATMs have been rebranded as First Financial Bank as of today, and clients can begin to directly access First Financial's wide variety of banking and financial services. First Financial has also committed $1 million to the First Financial Foundation for the benefit of organizations in the Chicagoland area now being served by the bank. "BankFinancial clients who have transitioned to First Financial are learning more about our focus on creating opportunities for our clients and communities to thrive," said Archie Brown, president and CEO of First Financial Bank. "We are serving Chicagoland with a community-first approach while offering our deep banking expertise and a comprehensive suite of financial services."First Financial retail locations are now open in Calumet City at 1901 Sibley Blvd., Calumet Park at 1333 W. 127th St., Chicago Ridge at 6415 W. 95th St., Deerfield at 630 N. Waukegan Rd., Downers Grove at 5140 Main St., Flossmoor at 2743 Flossmoor Rd., Hyde Park at 1354 E. 55th St., Joliet at 1401 N. Larkin Ave., Libertyville-North at 1409 W. Peterson Rd., Lincoln Park at 2424 N. Clark St., Lincolnshire at One Marriott Dr., Lincolnwood at 3443 W. Touhy, Olympia Fields at 21110 S. Western Ave., Orland Park at 48 Orland Square Dr. and Westmont at 6301 Fairview Ave. First Financial also maintains a commercial real estate lending office at 60 N. Frontage Rd. in Burr Ridge.The conversion consolidated products, processes and operating systems from the two banks, and BankFinancial clients can continue banking through their local branches as they always have. Clients also can take advantage of a wider range of solutions to meet their financial needs, including expanded mortgage lending, commercial banking, wealth management and specialty banking services. First Financial has been communicating with BankFinancial clients in recent weeks to help them through the conversion.First Financial's new retail locations in Chicagoland expand its presence in the area, where it already has locations in Northwest Indiana and in Kankakee, Watseka and Hoopeston in Northeast Illinois. First Financial also operates a commercial lending office in Fulton Market; an office for Bannockburn Capital Markets division in Chicago's downtown Loop; and its recently acquired Agile Premium Finance division in Lincolnshire, Illinois. Additional specialty banking services include Oak Street Funding, providing customized business financing, and Summit Funding Group, specializing in equipment leasing and financing.About First Financial Bancorp.
First Financial Bancorp. is a Cincinnati, Ohio based bank holding company. As of March 31, 2026, the Company had $22.8 billion in assets, $13.5 billion in loans, $17.9 billion in deposits and $2.9 billion in shareholders' equity. The Company's subsidiary, First Financial Bank, founded in 1863, provides banking and financial services products through its six lines of business: Commercial, Retail Banking, Investment Commercial Real Estate, Mortgage Banking, Commercial Finance and Wealth Management. These business units provide traditional banking services to business and retail clients. Wealth Management provides wealth planning, portfolio management, trust and estate, brokerage and retirement plan services and had approximately $4.1 billion in assets under management as of March 31, 2026. The Company operated 153 full service banking centers as of March 31, 2026, located in Ohio, Indiana, Kentucky and Illinois, while the Commercial Finance business lends into targeted industry verticals on a nationwide basis. In 2025, First Financial Bank received its second consecutive Outstanding rating from the Federal Reserve for its performance under the Community Reinvestment Act and was recognized as a Gallup Exceptional Workplace Award winner, one of only 70 Gallup clients worldwide to receive this designation. Additional information about the Company, including its products, services and banking locations, is available at www.bankatfirst.com. View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/first-financial-completes-conversion-of-bankfinancial-302793994.htmlSOURCE First Financial Bancorp. Original: First Financial Completes Conversion of BankFinancial

First Financial Bancorp Declares Quarterly Cash DividendApril 28, 2026 4:15 PM
PR Newswire (US)

CINCINNATI, April 28, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- On Tuesday, April 28, 2026, the board of directors of First Financial Bancorp. (NASDAQ: FFBC) declared a quarterly cash dividend of $0.25 per common share. The dividend is payable on June 15, 2026 to shareholders of record as of June 1, 2026.About First Financial Bancorp.
First Financial Bancorp. is a Cincinnati, Ohio based bank holding company. As of March 31, 2026, the Company had $22.8 billion in assets, $13.5 billion in loans, $17.9 billion in deposits and $2.9 billion in shareholders' equity. The Company's subsidiary, First Financial Bank, founded in 1863, provides banking and financial services products through its six lines of business: Commercial, Retail Banking, Investment Commercial Real Estate, Mortgage Banking, Commercial Finance and Wealth Management. These business units provide traditional banking services to business and retail clients. Wealth Management provides wealth planning, portfolio management, trust and estate, brokerage and retirement plan services and had approximately $4.1 billion in assets under management as of March 31, 2026. The Company operated 153 full service banking centers as of March 31, 2026, located in Ohio, Indiana, Kentucky and Illinois, while the Commercial Finance business lends into targeted industry verticals on a nationwide basis. In 2025, First Financial Bank received its second consecutive Outstanding rating from the Federal Reserve for its performance under the Community Reinvestment Act. First Financial was recognized in 2025 and 2026 as a Gallup Exceptional Workplace Award winner, one of only a select few organizations to receive this designation. Additional information about the Company, including its products, services and banking locations, is available at www.bankatfirst.com.



View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/first-financial-bancorp-declares-quarterly-cash-dividend-302756002.htmlSOURCE First Financial Bancorp.

Original: First Financial Bancorp Declares Quarterly Cash Dividend

First Financial Bancorp Announces First Quarter 2026 Financial ResultsApril 23, 2026 4:15 PM
PR Newswire (US)

Earnings per diluted share of $0.71; $0.77 on an adjusted(1) basis Return on average assets of 1.34%; 1.45% on an adjusted(1) basisNet interest margin on FTE basis(1) of 3.99%Record quarterly revenue of $265.3 million on an adjusted(1) basis Noninterest income of $75.6 million on an adjusted(1) basis$150 million of subordinated debt redeemedROTCE of 17.8%; 19.2% on adjusted(1) basis2nd consecutive Gallup Exceptional Workplace Award for outstanding associate engagement BankFinancial acquisition closed January 1, 2026Board of Directors authorized 5,000,000 share repurchase planCINCINNATI, April 23, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- First Financial Bancorp. (Nasdaq: FFBC) ("First Financial" or the "Company") announced financial results for the three months ended March 31, 2026.  For the three months ended March 31, 2026, the Company reported net income of $74.4 million, or $0.71 per diluted common share.  These results compare to net income of $62.4 million, or $0.64 per diluted common share, for the fourth quarter of 2025. Return on average assets for the first quarter of 2026 was 1.34% while return on average tangible common equity was 17.78%(1).  These compare to return on average assets of 1.22% and return on average tangible common equity of 16.27%(1) in the fourth quarter of 2025. First quarter 2026 highlights include:Robust net interest margin of 3.97%, or 3.99% on a fully tax-equivalent basis(1)1 bp increase from fourth quarter Increase from linked quarter driven by a 13 bp decline in funding costs, which was partially offset by a 12 bp decrease in asset yieldsNoninterest income of $81.9 million; $75.6 million on an adjusted(1) basisAdjustments include a $1.3 million loss on securities, an $8.9 million gain on bargain purchase, and a $1.4 million loss on the surrender of a bank owned life insurance policyLeasing business income remains strong at $21.6 million, a 10.7% increase from fourth quarter Record wealth management income increased 12.9%, to $10.5 millionForeign exchange income of $16.3 millionNoninterest expenses of $169.4 million, or $154.8 million as adjusted(1); 9.1% increase from linked quarterAdjustments(1) include $14.3 million of acquisition related expenses, $0.7 million of tax credit investment writedowns and $0.4 million of efficiency and other noninterest expenses Increase driven by the BankFinancial and Westfield acquisitionsEfficiency ratio of 62.4%; 58.4% as adjusted(1) Modest loan growth during the quarterEnd of period loan balances increased $70.8 million; includes $227.7 million acquired in BankFinancial transaction offset primarily by $151.9 million decrease in ICREDecline in legacy loan balances driven by elevated payoffsOriginations increased approximately 45% compared to the first quarter of 2025Significant increase in loan pipelines since January___________________________________________________________________________________________Strong average deposit growth during the quarterTotal average deposit balances increased $1.7 billion; includes $1.2 billion impact from the BankFinancial acquisition and full quarter impact from WestfieldSeasonal decline in public fundsTotal Allowance for Credit Losses of $206.7 million; Total quarterly provision expense of $8.5 millionLoans and leases - ACL of $183.7 million; $2.8 million initial ACL related to BankFinancialACL to total loans of 1.36%Unfunded Commitments - ACL of $23.0 million; $0.3 million related to BankFinancialAnnualized net charge-offs were 35 bps of total loansNonperforming assets decreased slightly to 0.44% of total assets; Classified assets decreased to 1.02% of total assetsCapital ratios remain strong Total capital ratio increased 25 bps to 15.71%Tier 1 common equity increased 91 bps to 12.23% Tangible common equity of 7.88%(1); 8.89%(1) excluding impact from AOCITangible book value per share of $16.15(1); 2.6% increase from linked quarter(1) Non-GAAP measure.  For details on the calculation of these non-GAAP financial measures and a reconciliation to the GAAP financial measure, see the sections titled "Use of Non-GAAP Financial Measures" in this release and "Appendix: Non-GAAP to GAAP Reconciliation" in the accompanying slide presentation.Additionally, the Board of Directors has authorized a new share repurchase program that replaces the previously authorized program.  Under the new plan, which expires in December 2027, management is authorized to purchase up to 5 million shares.Archie Brown, President and CEO, commented on the First Quarter results, "I am very pleased with our overall performance in the first quarter.  The first quarter was a busy one as we closed the BankFinancial acquisition, completed the conversion of Westfield Bank, and wrapped up the sale of the BankFinancial multi-family loan portfolio.  Adjusted(1) earnings per share were $0.77, with an adjusted(1) return on assets of 1.45% and an adjusted(1) return on tangible common equity of 19.2%.  Adjusted(1) earnings per share increased 22% compared to the first quarter of last year, driven by a robust net interest margin and strong fee income.  Our net interest margin was resilient, despite the fed funds rate cut in December, as the expected decline in loan yields was offset by a similar decline in deposits costs.  Assuming no short-term rate reductions by the Federal Reserve, we expect the margin to remain stable in the near term."Mr. Brown continued, "Loan balances increased slightly for the quarter due to the BankFinancial acquisition.  Excluding the BankFinancial portfolio, loans declined for the quarter as seasonally strong loan production was offset by extended payoff pressure in the ICRE portfolio.  Compared to the first quarter of 2025, originations increased by approximately 45%, and excluding Westfield and BankFinancial, originations were up by over 25%.  Our expectation for loan growth for 2026 has not materially changed.  Loan pipelines are very healthy, and we expect strong production in the second quarter.  We also expect payoff activity in ICRE to approach more normal levels, leading to solid loan growth in the second quarter."Mr. Brown commented on fee income and expenses, "Adjusted(1) fee income was very strong for the quarter.  Historically, fee income significantly dips early in the year, however we successfully combated this trend in the first quarter.  Adjusted(1) noninterest income was $75.6 million, which was 24% higher than in the first quarter of 2025 and only a slight decline from the linked quarter.  These results were driven by record Wealth Management income, strong client derivative income and record leasing business income.  Additionally, expenses were well controlled during the quarter with total noninterest expenses coming in well below our expectations and acquisition-related cost savings exceeding our initial estimates."  Mr. Brown commented on asset quality and capital, "Net charge-offs were 35 basis points of total loans and were impacted by one large commercial relationship.  Other asset quality indicators were stable with nonperforming assets slightly declining from the linked quarter to 44 basis points.  While there is more uncertainty in the economy due to the impact of the war in Iran, our current expectations are for asset quality to gradually improve throughout the year, similar to our performance in 2025.  Capital ratios are strong and continued to climb in the first quarter.  All regulatory ratios were well in excess of regulatory minimums and tangible common equity increased to 7.9%.  Tangible book value per share was $16.15, which was a 2.6% increase over the linked quarter, and a 9% increase compared to the first quarter of 2025.  Tangible book value was at approximately the same level as the third quarter of 2025, prior to the Westfield Bank acquisition.  This month, the Board of Directors authorized a 5 million share repurchase plan, replacing the plan we had in place through 2025, and we are evaluating opportunities to employ buybacks as part of our overall capital planning."On the recent acquisitions, Mr. Brown commented, "During the first quarter we successfully completed the conversion of Westfield Bank.  For the first quarter, deposit and loan balances were stable, we maintained high associate retention, and we have achieved the financial results that we expected from the transaction to date.  We are happy with the quality of the bank we acquired and with the talented team that has joined us.  We also completed the purchase of BankFinancial on January 1st and plan to convert systems in early June.  We remain excited about the opportunities in the Chicago market and continue to see high growth potential from this transaction."  Mr. Brown concluded, "In closing, I want to thank our associates for the incredible work they have done this year integrating Westfield into First Financial and the work they are now doing as they prepare for the BankFinancial conversion.  I also want to mention how proud I am that First Financial was selected for the Gallup Exceptional Workplace Award for associate engagement.  This marks the second consecutive year that we have received this honor, which is awarded to 4% of the thousands of companies that Gallup works with worldwide.  We have partnered with Gallup for more than six years and we have made associate engagement a core tenant of our corporate strategy.  I want to commend our associates and leaders who work throughout the year to drive engagement, knowing that by doing so, we are also improving the client experience and shareholder value."  Full detail of the Company's first quarter 2026 performance is provided in the accompanying financial statements and slide presentation.(1) Non-GAAP measure.  For details on the calculation of these non-GAAP financial measures and a reconciliation to the GAAP financial measure, see the sections titled "Use of Non-GAAP Financial Measures" in this release and "Appendix: Non-GAAP to GAAP Reconciliation" in the accompanying slide presentation.Teleconference / Webcast Information
First Financial's executive management will host a conference call to discuss the Company's financial and operating results on Friday, April 24, 2026 at 8:30 a.m. Eastern Time.  Members of the public who would like to listen to the conference call should dial (888) 550-5723 (U.S. toll free) or (646) 960-0471 (U.S. local), access code 5048068.  The number should be dialed five to ten minutes prior to the start of the conference call.  A replay of the conference call will be available beginning one hour after the completion of the live call at (800) 770-2030 (U.S. toll free), (609) 800-9099 (U.S. toll), access code 5048068.  The recording will be available until May 8, 2026.  The conference call will also be accessible as an audio webcast via the Investor Relations section of the Company's website at  www.bankatfirst.com.  The webcast will be archived on the Investor Relations section of the Company's website for 12 months.Press Release and Additional Information on Website
This press release as well as supplemental information are available to the public through the Investor Relations section of First Financial's website at www.bankatfirst.com.Use of Non-GAAP Financial Measures
This earnings release contains GAAP financial measures and Non-GAAP financial measures where management believes it to be helpful in understanding the Company's results of operations or financial position.  Where Non-GAAP financial measures are used, the comparable GAAP financial measures, as well as a reconciliation to the comparable GAAP financial measure, can be found in the section titled "Appendix: Non-GAAP to GAAP Reconciliation" in the accompanying slide presentation.Forward-Looking Statements
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:economic, market, liquidity, credit, interest rate, operational and technological risks associated with the Company's business;future credit quality and performance, including our expectations regarding future loan losses and our allowance for credit lossesthe 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;
Management's ability to effectively execute its business plans; 
mergers and acquisitions, including costs or difficulties related to the integration of acquired companies;
the possibility that any of the anticipated benefits of the Company's acquisitions will not be realized or will not be realized within the expected time period;
the effect of changes in accounting policies and practices; 
changes in consumer spending, borrowing and saving and changes in unemployment; 
changes in customers' performance and creditworthiness;
the costs and effects of litigation and of unexpected or adverse outcomes in such litigation; 
current and future economic and market conditions, including the effects of changes in housing prices, fluctuations in unemployment rates, U.S. fiscal debt, budget and tax matters, geopolitical matters, trade and tariff policies, and any slowdown in global economic growth;
our capital and liquidity requirements (including under regulatory capital standards, such as the Basel III capital standards) and our ability to generate capital internally or raise capital on favorable terms;
financial services reform and other current, pending or future legislation or regulation that could have a negative effect on our revenue and businesses, including the Dodd-Frank Act and other legislation and regulation relating to bank products and services;
the effect of the current interest rate environment or changes in interest rates or in the level or composition of our assets or liabilities on our net interest income, net interest margin and our mortgage originations, mortgage servicing rights and mortgage loans held for sale;
the effect of a fall in stock market prices on our brokerage, asset and wealth management businesses;
a failure in or breach of our operational or security systems or infrastructure, or those of our third-party vendors or other service providers, including as a result of cyber attacks;
the effect of changes in the level of checking or savings account deposits on our funding costs and net interest margin; and
our ability to develop and execute effective business plans and strategies.Additional factors that may cause our actual results to differ materially from those described in our forward-looking statements can be found in our Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2025, as well as our other filings with the SEC, which are available on the SEC website at www.sec.gov.  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.About First Financial Bancorp.
First Financial Bancorp. is a Cincinnati, Ohio based bank holding company.  As of March 31, 2026, the Company had $22.8 billion in assets, $13.5 billion in loans, $17.9 billion in deposits and $2.9 billion in shareholders' equity.  The Company's subsidiary, First Financial Bank, founded in 1863, provides banking and financial services products through its six lines of business: Commercial, Retail Banking, Investment Commercial Real Estate, Mortgage Banking, Commercial Finance and Wealth Management.  These business units provide traditional banking services to business and retail clients.  Wealth Management provides wealth planning, portfolio management, trust and estate, brokerage and retirement plan services and had approximately $4.1 billion in assets under management as of March 31, 2026.  The Company operated 153 full service banking centers as of March 31, 2026, located in Ohio, Indiana, Kentucky and Illinois, while the Commercial Finance business lends into targeted industry verticals on a nationwide basis.  In 2025, First Financial Bank received its second consecutive Outstanding rating from the Federal Reserve for its performance under the Community Reinvestment Act and was recognized as a Gallup Exceptional Workplace Award winner, one of only 70 Gallup clients worldwide to receive this designation.  Additional information about the Company, including its products, services and banking locations, is available at www.bankatfirst.com. FIRST FINANCIAL BANCORP.CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS(Dollars in thousands, except per share data)(Unaudited)










Three Months Ended,
Mar. 31,
Dec. 31,
Sep. 30,
June 30,
Mar. 31,
2026
2025
2025
2025
2025RESULTS OF OPERATIONS








Net income$    74,445
$    62,393
$    71,923
$    69,996
$    51,293Net earnings per share - basic$      0.72
$      0.65
$      0.76
$      0.74
$      0.54Net earnings per share - diluted$      0.71
$      0.64
$      0.75
$      0.73
$      0.54Dividends declared per share$      0.25
$      0.25
$      0.25
$      0.24
$      0.24









KEY FINANCIAL RATIOS








Return on average assets1.34 %
1.22 %
1.54 %
1.52 %
1.13 %Return on average shareholders' equity10.24 %
9.18 %
11.08 %
11.16 %
8.46 %Return on average tangible shareholders' equity (1)17.78 %
16.27 %
19.11 %
19.61 %
15.16 %









Net interest margin3.97 %
3.96 %
3.99 %
4.01 %
3.84 %Net interest margin (fully tax equivalent) (1)(2)3.99 %
3.98 %
4.02 %
4.05 %
3.88 %









Ending shareholders' equity as a percent of ending assets12.92 %
13.11 %
14.18 %
13.73 %
13.55 %Ending tangible shareholders' equity as a percent of:








Ending tangible assets (1)7.88 %
7.79 %
8.87 %
8.40 %
8.16 %Risk-weighted assets (1)10.52 %
9.76 %
10.94 %
10.44 %
10.10 %









Average shareholders' equity as a percent of average assets13.12 %
13.31 %
13.87 %
13.66 %
13.38 %Average tangible shareholders' equity as a percent of average tangible assets (1)8.01 %
7.97 %
8.54 %
8.26 %
7.94 %









Book value per share$     28.02
$     28.11
$     27.48
$     26.71
$     26.13Tangible book value per share (1)$     16.15
$     15.74
$     16.19
$     15.40
$     14.80









Common equity tier 1 ratio (3)12.23 %
11.32 %
12.91 %
12.57 %
12.29 %Tier 1 ratio (3)12.51 %
11.60 %
13.23 %
12.89 %
12.61 %Total capital ratio (3)15.71 %
15.46 %
15.32 %
14.98 %
14.90 %Leverage ratio (3)9.39 %
9.53 %
10.50 %
10.28 %
10.01 %









AVERAGE BALANCE SHEET ITEMS








Loans (4)$ 14,028,324
$ 12,812,267
$ 11,806,065
$ 11,792,840
$ 11,724,727Investment securities4,769,261
3,988,846
3,552,014
3,478,921
3,411,593Interest-bearing deposits with other banks596,094
647,347
610,074
542,815
615,812  Total earning assets$ 19,393,679
$ 17,448,460
$ 15,968,153
$ 15,814,576
$ 15,752,132Total assets$ 22,459,523
$ 20,256,539
$ 18,566,188
$ 18,419,437
$ 18,368,604Noninterest-bearing deposits$ 3,745,002
$ 3,436,709
$ 3,124,277
$ 3,143,081
$ 3,091,037Interest-bearing deposits13,900,550
12,521,948
11,387,648
11,211,694
11,149,633  Total deposits$ 17,645,552
$ 15,958,657
$ 14,511,925
$ 14,354,775
$ 14,240,670Borrowings$ 1,012,161
$   848,650
$   823,346
$   910,573
$ 1,001,337Shareholders' equity$ 2,947,585
$ 2,695,581
$ 2,575,203
$ 2,515,747
$ 2,457,785









CREDIT QUALITY RATIOS







Allowance to ending loans1.36 %
1.39 %
1.38 %
1.34 %
1.33 %Allowance to nonaccrual loans182.73 %
183.18 %
213.18 %
206.08 %
261.07 %Nonaccrual loans to total loans0.75 %
0.76 %
0.65 %
0.65 %
0.51 %Nonperforming assets to ending loans, plus OREO0.75 %
0.76 %
0.65 %
0.65 %
0.51 %Nonperforming assets to total assets0.44 %
0.48 %
0.41 %
0.41 %
0.32 %Classified assets to total assets1.02 %
1.11 %
1.18 %
1.15 %
1.16 %Net charge-offs to average loans (annualized)0.35 %
0.27 %
0.18 %
0.21 %
0.36 %(1) Non-GAAP measure.  For details on the calculation of these non-GAAP financial measures and a reconciliation to the GAAP financial measure, see the sections titled "Use of Non-GAAP Financial Measures" in this release and "Appendix: Non-GAAP to GAAP Reconciliation" in the accompanying slide presentation.(2) The tax equivalent adjustment to net interest income recognizes the income tax savings when comparing taxable and tax-exempt assets and assumes a 21% tax rate.  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.  Therefore, management believes these measures provide useful information to investors by allowing them to make peer comparisons.  Management also uses these measures to make peer comparisons.(3) March 31, 2026 regulatory capital ratios are preliminary.(4) Includes loans held for sale.FIRST FINANCIAL BANCORP.CONSOLIDATED QUARTERLY STATEMENTS OF INCOME(Dollars in thousands, except per share data)(Unaudited)












2026
2025
First
Fourth
Third
Second
First
Full
Quarter
Quarter
Quarter
Quarter
Quarter
YearInterest income










  Loans and leases, including fees$ 224,951
$ 215,663
$ 204,865
$ 201,460
$ 197,163
$ 819,151  Investment securities










     Taxable49,491
40,971
36,421
36,243
34,401
148,036     Tax-exempt2,526
2,363
2,195
2,233
2,204
8,995        Total investment securities interest52,017
43,334
38,616
38,476
36,605
157,031  Other earning assets5,450
6,334
6,773
5,964
6,651
25,722       Total interest income282,418
265,331
250,254
245,900
240,419
1,001,904











Interest expense










  Deposits79,735
78,861
77,766
75,484
78,641
310,752  Short-term borrowings5,168
4,925
5,979
6,393
7,545
24,842  Long-term borrowings7,905
7,550
6,023
5,754
4,937
24,264      Total interest expense92,808
91,336
89,768
87,631
91,123
359,858      Net interest income189,610
173,995
160,486
158,269
149,296
642,046  Provision for credit losses-loans and leases 6,030
9,688
8,612
9,084
9,141
36,525  Provision for credit losses-unfunded commitments 2,510
412
453
718
(441)
1,142      Net interest income after provision for credit losses181,070
163,895
151,421
148,467
140,596
604,379











Noninterest income










  Service charges on deposit accounts9,013
8,308
7,829
7,766
7,463
31,366  Wealth management fees10,482
9,288
7,351
7,787
8,137
32,563  Bankcard income3,580
3,590
3,589
3,737
3,310
14,226  Client derivative fees4,010
2,681
1,876
1,674
1,571
7,802  Foreign exchange income16,313
22,696
16,666
13,760
12,544
65,666  Leasing business income21,608
19,523
20,997
20,797
18,703
80,020  Net gains from sales of loans6,047
7,041
6,835
6,687
4,322
24,885  Net gain (loss) on investment securities(1,260)
(12,576)
(42)
243
(9,949)
(22,324)  Gain on bargain purchase8,892
0
0
0
0
0  Other3,221
4,216
8,424
5,612
4,982
23,234      Total noninterest income81,906
64,767
73,525
68,063
51,083
257,438











Noninterest expenses










  Salaries and employee benefits99,856
85,123
80,607
74,917
75,238
315,885  Net occupancy7,553
6,315
6,003
5,845
6,019
24,182  Furniture and equipment4,693
3,940
3,582
3,441
3,813
14,776  Data processing12,654
10,465
9,591
9,020
8,759
37,835  Marketing2,652
3,056
2,359
2,737
2,018
10,170  Professional services3,986
6,231
2,314
3,549
2,739
14,833  Amortization of tax credit investments669
800
112
111
112
1,135  FDIC assessments3,645
2,923
2,611
2,611
3,059
11,204  Intangible amortization 6,261
3,927
2,359
2,358
2,359
11,003  Leasing business expense14,129
13,837
13,911
13,155
12,802
53,705  Other13,310
12,914
10,820
10,927
11,158
45,819      Total noninterest expenses169,408
149,531
134,269
128,671
128,076
540,547Income before income taxes93,568
79,131
90,677
87,859
63,603
321,270Income tax expense 19,123
16,738
18,754
17,863
12,310
65,665      Net income$  74,445
$  62,393
$  71,923
$  69,996
$  51,293
$ 255,605











ADDITIONAL DATA










Net earnings per share - basic$    0.72
$    0.65
$    0.76
$    0.74
$    0.54
$    2.68Net earnings per share - diluted$    0.71
$    0.64
$    0.75
$    0.73
$    0.54
$    2.66Dividends declared per share$    0.25
$    0.25
$    0.25
$    0.24
$    0.24
$    0.98











Return on average assets1.34 %
1.22 %
1.54 %
1.52 %
1.13 %
1.35 %Return on average shareholders' equity10.24 %
9.18 %
11.08 %
11.16 %
8.46 %
9.98 %











Interest income$ 282,418
$ 265,331
$ 250,254
$ 245,900
$ 240,419
$ 1,001,904Tax equivalent adjustment1,186
1,227
1,248
1,246
1,213
4,934   Interest income - tax equivalent283,604
266,558
251,502
247,146
241,632
1,006,838Interest expense92,808
91,336
89,768
87,631
91,123
359,858   Net interest income - tax equivalent$ 190,796
$ 175,222
$ 161,734
$ 159,515
$ 150,509
$ 646,980











Net interest margin3.97 %
3.96 %
3.99 %
4.01 %
3.84 %
3.95 %Net interest margin (fully tax equivalent) (1)3.99 %
3.98 %
4.02 %
4.05 %
3.88 %
3.98 %











Full-time equivalent employees2,319
2,164
1,986
2,033
2,021

(1) The tax equivalent adjustment to net interest income recognizes the income tax savings when comparing taxable and tax-exempt assets and assumes a 21% tax rate. Management believes that it is a standard practice in the banking industry to present net interest income on a fully tax equivalent basis.  Therefore, management believes these measures provide useful information to investors by allowing them to make peer comparisons.  Management also uses these measures to make peer comparisons.FIRST FINANCIAL BANCORP.CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CONDITION(Dollars in thousands)(Unaudited)














Mar. 31,
Dec. 31,
Sep. 30,
June 30,
Mar. 31,
% Change
% Change
2026
2025
2025
2025
2025
Linked Qtr.
Comp Qtr.ASSETS












     Cash and due from banks$    170,641
$    178,553
$    174,659
$    210,187
$    190,610
(4.4) %
(10.5) %     Interest-bearing deposits with other banks1,032,259
597,338
565,080
570,173
633,349
72.8 %
63.0 %     Investment securities available-for-sale4,953,023
3,971,932
3,422,595
3,386,562
3,260,981
24.7 %
51.9 %     Investment securities held-to-maturity49,631
58,545
71,595
72,994
76,469
(15.2) %
(35.1) %     Other investments137,018
129,564
117,120
122,322
120,826
5.8 %
13.4 %     Loans held for sale18,280
16,953
21,466
26,504
17,927
7.8 %
2.0 %     Loans and leases












       Commercial and industrial4,693,786
4,632,241
3,838,630
3,927,771
3,832,350
1.3 %
22.5 %       Lease financing649,645
638,527
596,734
587,176
573,608
1.7 %
13.3 %       Construction real estate591,080
677,339
627,960
732,777
824,775
(12.7) %
(28.3) %       Commercial real estate4,473,468
4,384,556
4,048,370
3,961,513
3,956,880
2.0 %
13.1 %       Residential real estate1,831,338
1,832,184
1,494,464
1,492,688
1,479,704
0.0 %
23.8 %       Home equity1,026,839
1,005,204
935,975
903,299
872,502
2.2 %
17.7 %       Installment162,314
188,694
109,764
116,598
119,672
(14.0) %
35.6 %       Credit card66,371
65,325
62,654
64,374
64,639
1.6 %
2.7 %          Total loans13,494,841
13,424,070
11,714,551
11,786,196
11,724,130
0.5 %
15.1 %       Less:












          Allowance for credit losses (183,716)
(186,487)
(161,916)
(158,522)
(155,482)
(1.5) %
18.2 %                Net loans 13,311,125
13,237,583
11,552,635
11,627,674
11,568,648
0.6 %
15.1 %     Premises and equipment228,384
204,760
198,251
197,741
197,968
11.5 %
15.4 %     Operating leases220,061
214,003
214,667
217,100
213,648
2.8 %
3.0 %     Goodwill 1,099,543
1,099,524
1,007,656
1,007,656
1,007,656
0.0 %
9.1 %     Other intangibles145,927
118,832
73,797
75,458
77,002
22.8 %
89.5 %     Accrued interest and other assets1,396,114
1,301,792
1,134,985
1,119,884
1,089,983
7.2 %
28.1 %       Total Assets$ 22,762,006
$ 21,129,379
$ 18,554,506
$ 18,634,255
$ 18,455,067
7.7 %
23.3 %













LIABILITIES












     Deposits












       Interest-bearing demand$  3,658,155
$  3,360,613
$  2,983,132
$  3,057,232
$  3,004,601
8.9 %
21.8 %       Savings6,460,546
5,973,532
5,029,097
4,979,124
4,886,613
8.2 %
32.2 %       Time3,817,268
3,622,227
3,293,707
3,201,711
3,144,440
5.4 %
21.4 %          Total interest-bearing deposits13,935,969
12,956,372
11,305,936
11,238,067
11,035,654
7.6 %
26.3 %       Noninterest-bearing3,982,753
3,465,470
3,127,512
3,131,926
3,161,302
14.9 %
26.0 %          Total deposits17,918,722
16,421,842
14,433,448
14,369,993
14,196,956
9.1 %
26.2 %     FHLB short-term borrowings550,000
675,000
550,000
680,000
735,000
(18.5) %
(25.2) %     Other70,457
332
45,167
4,699
64,792
21,122.0 %
8.7 %          Total short-term borrowings620,457
675,332
595,167
684,699
799,792
(8.1) %
(22.4) %     Long-term debt380,176
514,052
221,823
344,955
345,878
(26.0) %
9.9 %          Total borrowed funds1,000,633
1,189,384
816,990
1,029,654
1,145,670
(15.9) %
(12.7) %     Accrued interest and other liabilities902,026
748,937
672,213
676,453
611,206
20.4 %
47.6 %       Total Liabilities19,821,381
18,360,163
15,922,651
16,076,100
15,953,832
8.0 %
24.2 %













SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY












     Common stock1,789,676
1,647,618
1,641,315
1,638,796
1,637,041
8.6 %
9.3 %     Retained earnings1,485,573
1,437,286
1,399,577
1,351,674
1,304,636
3.4 %
13.9 %     Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)(217,430)
(189,942)
(223,000)
(246,384)
(253,888)
14.5 %
(14.4) %     Treasury stock, at cost(117,194)
(125,746)
(186,037)
(185,931)
(186,554)
(6.8) %
(37.2) %       Total Shareholders' Equity2,940,625
2,769,216
2,631,855
2,558,155
2,501,235
6.2 %
17.6 %       Total Liabilities and Shareholders' Equity$ 22,762,006
$ 21,129,379
$ 18,554,506
$ 18,634,255
$ 18,455,067
7.7 %
23.3 %
FIRST FINANCIAL BANCORP.AVERAGE CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CONDITION(Dollars in thousands)(Unaudited)


Quarterly Averages
Mar. 31,
Dec. 31,
Sep. 30,
June 30,
Mar. 31,
2026
2025
2025
2025
2025ASSETS








     Cash and due from banks$    227,115
$    178,403
$    165,210
$    174,375
$    164,734     Interest-bearing deposits with other banks596,094
647,347
610,074
542,815
615,812     Investment securities4,769,261
3,988,846
3,552,014
3,478,921
3,411,593     Loans held for sale451,139
32,425
26,366
25,026
10,212     Loans and leases








       Commercial and industrial4,771,066
4,310,399
3,890,886
3,881,001
3,787,207       Lease financing630,204
617,518
592,510
581,091
585,119       Construction real estate643,270
679,884
711,011
784,028
797,100       Commercial real estate4,446,231
4,240,042
3,993,549
3,958,730
4,018,211       Residential real estate1,834,467
1,717,439
1,489,942
1,485,479
1,475,703       Home equity1,016,080
981,406
919,368
891,761
858,153       Installment166,979
164,013
114,058
117,724
127,192       Credit card68,888
69,141
68,375
68,000
65,830          Total loans13,577,185
12,779,842
11,779,699
11,767,814
11,714,515       Less:








          Allowance for credit losses (200,745)
(179,275)
(162,417)
(158,170)
(158,206)                Net loans 13,376,440
12,600,567
11,617,282
11,609,644
11,556,309     Premises and equipment230,154
202,956
199,167
198,407
198,998     Operating leases215,318
211,091
217,404
212,684
205,181     Goodwill 1,099,543
1,069,781
1,007,656
1,007,656
1,007,656     Other intangibles149,631
104,184
74,448
76,076
78,220     Accrued interest and other assets1,344,828
1,220,939
1,096,567
1,093,833
1,119,889       Total Assets$ 22,459,523
$ 20,256,539
$ 18,566,188
$ 18,419,437
$ 18,368,604









LIABILITIES








     Deposits








       Interest-bearing demand$  3,626,103
$  3,276,425
$  3,036,296
$  3,066,986
$  3,090,526       Savings6,406,223
5,740,651
5,054,563
5,005,526
4,918,004       Time3,868,224
3,504,872
3,296,789
3,139,182
3,141,103          Total interest-bearing deposits13,900,550
12,521,948
11,387,648
11,211,694
11,149,633       Noninterest-bearing3,745,002
3,436,709
3,124,277
3,143,081
3,091,037          Total deposits17,645,552
15,958,657
14,511,925
14,354,775
14,240,670     Federal funds purchased and securities sold








          under agreements to repurchase16,278
2,283
12,434
4,780
2,055     FHLB short-term borrowings538,084
444,511
497,092
532,198
553,667     Other 0
13,891
21,519
26,226
99,378          Total short-term borrowings554,362
460,685
531,045
563,204
655,100     Long-term debt457,799
387,965
292,301
347,369
346,237       Total borrowed funds1,012,161
848,650
823,346
910,573
1,001,337     Accrued interest and other liabilities854,225
753,651
655,714
638,342
668,812       Total Liabilities19,511,938
17,560,958
15,990,985
15,903,690
15,910,819









SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY








     Common stock1,795,255
1,644,923
1,639,986
1,637,782
1,641,016     Retained earnings1,448,012
1,406,388
1,369,069
1,322,168
1,282,300     Accumulated other comprehensive loss(173,065)
(209,767)
(247,746)
(257,873)
(275,068)     Treasury stock, at cost(122,617)
(145,963)
(186,106)
(186,330)
(190,463)       Total Shareholders' Equity2,947,585
2,695,581
2,575,203
2,515,747
2,457,785       Total Liabilities and Shareholders' Equity$ 22,459,523
$ 20,256,539
$ 18,566,188
$ 18,419,437
$ 18,368,604FIRST FINANCIAL BANCORP.NET INTEREST MARGIN RATE/VOLUME ANALYSIS (Dollars in thousands)(Unaudited)




 Quarterly Averages

March 31, 2026
December 31, 2025
March 31, 2025

Balance
Interest
Yield
Balance
Interest
Yield
Balance
Interest
YieldEarning assets

















    Investments:

















      Investment securities
$ 4,769,261
$ 52,017
4.42 %
$ 3,988,846
$ 43,334
4.31 %
$ 3,411,593
$ 36,605
4.35 %      Interest-bearing deposits with other banks
596,094
5,450
3.71 %
647,347
6,334
3.88 %
615,812
6,651
4.38 %    Gross loans (1)
14,028,324
224,951
6.50 %
12,812,267
215,663
6.68 %
11,724,727
197,163
6.82 %       Total earning assets
19,393,679
282,418
5.91 %
17,448,460
265,331
6.03 %
15,752,132
240,419
6.19 %


















Nonearning assets

















    Allowance for credit losses
(200,745)




(179,275)




(158,206)



    Cash and due from banks
227,115




178,403




164,734



    Accrued interest and other assets
3,039,474




2,808,951




2,609,944



       Total assets
$ 22,459,523




$ 20,256,539




$ 18,368,604






















Interest-bearing liabilities

















    Deposits:

















      Interest-bearing demand
$ 3,626,103
$ 13,281
1.49 %
$ 3,276,425
$ 13,818
1.67 %
$ 3,090,526
$ 15,188
1.99 %      Savings
6,406,223
32,480
2.06 %
5,740,651
32,343
2.24 %
4,918,004
30,355
2.50 %      Time
3,868,224
33,974
3.56 %
3,504,872
32,700
3.70 %
3,141,103
33,098
4.27 %    Total interest-bearing deposits
13,900,550
79,735
2.33 %
12,521,948
78,861
2.50 %
11,149,633
78,641
2.86 %    Borrowed funds

















      Short-term borrowings
554,362
5,168
3.78 %
460,685
4,925
4.24 %
655,100
7,545
4.67 %      Long-term debt
457,799
7,905
7.00 %
387,965
7,550
7.72 %
346,237
4,937
5.78 %        Total borrowed funds
1,012,161
13,073
5.24 %
848,650
12,475
5.83 %
1,001,337
12,482
5.06 %       Total interest-bearing liabilities
14,912,711
92,808
2.52 %
13,370,598
91,336
2.71 %
12,150,970
91,123
3.04 %


















Noninterest-bearing liabilities

















    Noninterest-bearing demand deposits
3,745,002




3,436,709




3,091,037



    Other liabilities
854,225




753,651




668,812



    Shareholders' equity
2,947,585




2,695,581




2,457,785



       Total liabilities & shareholders' equity
$ 22,459,523




$ 20,256,539




$ 18,368,604






















Net interest income
$   189,610




$   173,995




$   149,296



Net interest spread




3.39 %




3.32 %




3.15 %Net interest margin




3.97 %




3.96 %




3.84 %


















Tax equivalent adjustment




0.02 %




0.02 %




0.04 %Net interest margin (fully tax equivalent)




3.99 %




3.98 %




3.88 %





































(1) Loans held for sale and nonaccrual loans are included in gross loans.FIRST FINANCIAL BANCORP.NET INTEREST MARGIN RATE/VOLUME ANALYSIS  (1)(Dollars in thousands)(Unaudited)



























 Linked Qtr. Income Variance
 Comparable Qtr. Income Variance

Rate
Volume
Total
Rate
Volume
TotalEarning assets











    Investment securities
$   1,138
$   7,545
$   8,683
$     604
$  14,808
$  15,412    Interest-bearing deposits with other banks
(284)
(600)
(884)
(1,021)
(180)
(1,201)    Gross loans (2)
(5,646)
14,934
9,288
(9,151)
36,939
27,788       Total earning assets
(4,792)
21,879
17,087
(9,568)
51,567
41,999












Interest-bearing liabilities











    Total interest-bearing deposits
$  (5,438)
$   6,312
$     874
$ (14,686)
$  15,780
$   1,094    Borrowed funds











    Short-term borrowings
(535)
778
243
(1,438)
(939)
(2,377)    Long-term debt
(702)
1,057
355
1,042
1,926
2,968       Total borrowed funds
(1,237)
1,835
598
(396)
987
591       Total interest-bearing liabilities
(6,675)
8,147
1,472
(15,082)
16,767
1,685          Net interest income (1)
$   1,883
$  13,732
$  15,615
$   5,514
$  34,800
$  40,314












(1) Not tax equivalent.











(2) Loans held for sale and nonaccrual loans are included in gross loans.FIRST FINANCIAL BANCORP.CREDIT QUALITY(Dollars in thousands)(Unaudited)
Three Months Ended,
Mar. 31,
Dec. 31,
Sep. 30,
June 30,
Mar. 31,
2026
2025
2025
2025
2025ALLOWANCE FOR CREDIT LOSS ACTIVITY





Balance at beginning of period$ 186,487
$ 161,916
$ 158,522
$ 155,482
$ 156,791Initial allowance on purchased loans2,829
23,652
0
0
0  Provision for credit losses6,030
9,688
8,612
9,084
9,141  Gross charge-offs








    Commercial and industrial10,788
6,636
2,165
4,996
8,178    Lease financing43
918
298
606
1,454    Construction real estate0
0
245
0
0    Commercial real estate29
433
3,105
0
0    Residential real estate127
151
0
16
0    Home equity119
95
92
100
86    Installment1,058
1,197
1,194
1,120
1,321    Credit card496
729
577
489
474      Total gross charge-offs 12,660
10,159
7,676
7,327
11,513  Recoveries








    Commercial and industrial100
264
202
290
195    Lease financing23
201
291
11
29    Construction real estate0
0
0
0
0    Commercial real estate28
5
1,138
70
24    Residential real estate30
13
58
42
24    Home equity116
117
94
74
144    Installment598
682
609
716
563    Credit card135
108
66
80
84      Total recoveries1,030
1,390
2,458
1,283
1,063  Total net charge-offs11,630
8,769
5,218
6,044
10,450Ending allowance for credit losses$ 183,716
$ 186,487
$ 161,916
$ 158,522
$ 155,482









NET CHARGE-OFFS TO AVERAGE LOANS AND LEASES (ANNUALIZED)


  Commercial and industrial0.91 %
0.59 %
0.20 %
0.49 %
0.85 %  Lease financing0.01 %
0.46 %
0.00 %
0.41 %
0.99 %  Construction real estate0.00 %
0.00 %
0.14 %
0.00 %
0.00 %  Commercial real estate0.00 %
0.04 %
0.20 %
(0.01) %
0.00 %  Residential real estate0.02 %
0.03 %
(0.02) %
(0.01) %
(0.01) %  Home equity0.00 %
(0.01) %
0.00 %
0.01 %
(0.03) %  Installment1.12 %
1.25 %
2.03 %
1.38 %
2.42 %  Credit card2.13 %
3.56 %
2.97 %
2.41 %
2.40 %     Total net charge-offs0.35 %
0.27 %
0.18 %
0.21 %
0.36 %









COMPONENTS OF NONACCRUAL LOANS, NONPERFORMING ASSETS, AND UNDERPERFORMING ASSETS  Nonaccrual loans








    Commercial and industrial$  22,576
$  27,461
$  23,832
$  24,489
$   7,649    Lease financing5,857
5,660
5,885
6,243
6,487    Construction real estate715
1,120
1,120
1,365
0    Commercial real estate49,481
45,590
24,443
23,905
25,736    Residential real estate17,439
18,302
16,452
16,995
16,044    Home equity3,687
2,927
3,567
3,226
2,920    Installment786
748
652
701
719      Total nonaccrual loans100,541
101,808
75,951
76,924
59,555  Other real estate owned (OREO)238
184
111
204
213     Total nonperforming assets100,779
101,992
76,062
77,128
59,768  Accruing loans past due 90 days or more1,366
411
592
714
228     Total underperforming assets$ 102,145
$ 102,403
$  76,654
$  77,842
$  59,996Total classified assets $ 232,368
$ 235,451
$ 218,794
$ 214,346
$ 213,351









CREDIT QUALITY RATIOS





Allowance for credit losses to








     Nonaccrual loans182.73 %
183.18 %
213.18 %
206.08 %
261.07 %     Total ending loans1.36 %
1.39 %
1.38 %
1.34 %
1.33 %Nonaccrual loans to total loans0.75 %
0.76 %
0.65 %
0.65 %
0.51 %Nonperforming assets to








     Ending loans, plus OREO0.75 %
0.76 %
0.65 %
0.65 %
0.51 %     Total assets0.44 %
0.48 %
0.41 %
0.41 %
0.32 %Classified assets to total assets1.02 %
1.11 %
1.18 %
1.15 %
1.16 %
FIRST FINANCIAL BANCORP.CAPITAL ADEQUACY(Dollars in thousands, except per share data)(Unaudited)
Three Months Ended,
Mar. 31,
Dec. 31,
Sep. 30,
June 30,
Mar. 31,
2026
2025
2025
2025
2025PER COMMON SHARE








Market Price








  High$     31.16
$     26.98
$     26.79
$     25.19
$     29.04  Low$     25.09
$     23.26
$     23.55
$     22.05
$     24.25  Close$     27.88
$     25.02
$     25.25
$     24.26
$     24.98









Average shares outstanding - basic103,705,269
96,724,148
94,889,341
94,860,428
94,645,787Average shares outstanding - diluted104,615,405
97,593,800
95,753,798
95,741,696
95,524,262Ending shares outstanding104,932,829
98,521,726
95,757,250
95,760,617
95,730,353









Total shareholders' equity$ 2,940,625
$ 2,769,216
$ 2,631,855
$ 2,558,155
$ 2,501,235









REGULATORY CAPITALPreliminary







Common equity tier 1 capital$ 1,970,561
$ 1,798,266
$ 1,828,843
$ 1,776,038
$ 1,724,134Common equity tier 1 capital ratio12.23 %
11.32 %
12.91 %
12.57 %
12.29 %Tier 1 capital$ 2,016,070
$ 1,843,672
$ 1,874,191
$ 1,821,316
$ 1,769,357Tier 1 ratio12.51 %
11.60 %
13.23 %
12.89 %
12.61 %Total capital$ 2,531,124
$ 2,457,377
$ 2,170,546
$ 2,116,180
$ 2,090,211Total capital ratio15.71 %
15.46 %
15.32 %
14.98 %
14.90 %Total capital in excess of minimum requirement$   839,542
$   788,889
$   683,018
$   632,563
$   617,347Total risk-weighted assets$ 16,110,302
$ 15,890,363
$ 14,166,935
$ 14,129,683
$ 14,027,274Leverage ratio9.39 %
9.53 %
10.50 %
10.28 %
10.01 %









OTHER CAPITAL RATIOS








Ending shareholders' equity to ending assets12.92 %
13.11 %
14.18 %
13.73 %
13.55 %Ending tangible shareholders' equity to ending tangible assets (1)7.88 %
7.79 %
8.87 %
8.40 %
8.16 %Average shareholders' equity to average assets13.12 %
13.31 %
13.87 %
13.66 %
13.38 %Average tangible shareholders' equity to average tangible assets (1)8.01 %
7.97 %
8.54 %
8.26 %
7.94 %









REPURCHASE PROGRAM (2)








Shares repurchased0
0
0
0
0Average share repurchase priceN/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/ATotal cost of shares repurchasedN/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A(1) Non-GAAP measure.  For details on the calculation of these non-GAAP financial measures and a reconciliation to the GAAP financial measure, see the sections titled "Use of Non-GAAP Financial Measures" in this release and "Appendix: Non-GAAP to GAAP Reconciliation" in the accompanying slide presentation. (2) Represents share repurchases as part of publicly announced plans.
N/A = Not applicable



View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/first-financial-bancorp-announces-first-quarter-2026-financial-results-302752186.htmlSOURCE First Financial Bancorp.

Original: First Financial Bancorp Announces First Quarter 2026 Financial Results

First Financial Bancorp to Announce First Quarter 2026 Financial Results on Thursday, April 23, 2026April 2, 2026 9:30 AM
PR Newswire (US)

CINCINNATI, April 2, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- First Financial Bancorp. (Nasdaq: FFBC) announced today that it expects to release first quarter 2026 financial results after the market close on Thursday, April 23, 2026.  A teleconference and webcast to discuss these results will be held on Friday, April 24, 2026, at 8:30 a.m. Eastern time.
Teleconference and Webcast InformationDate:                           Friday, April 24, 2026Time:                             8:30 a.m. Eastern timeTeleconference Dial-In:1-888-550-5723 (Toll Free)(Access Code: 5048068)
       Please dial in five to ten minutes prior to the start of the
call.Teleconference Replay:(Access Code: 5048068)       1-800-770-2030 (Toll Free)
The teleconference replay will be available one hour after
the live call has ended until May 8th, 2026.Webcast:                         To access the webcast, please visit
http://ir.bankatfirst.com/CorporateProfileArchived Webcast:             The webcast will be available one hour after the live call ends
and will be archived at the Company's website for 12 months.About First Financial Bancorp.
First Financial Bancorp. is a Cincinnati, Ohio based bank holding company. As of December 31, 2025, the Company had $21.1 billion in assets, $13.4 billion in loans, $16.4 billion in deposits and $2.8 billion in shareholders' equity. The Company's subsidiary, First Financial Bank, founded in 1863, provides banking and financial services products through its six lines of business: Commercial, Retail Banking, Investment Commercial Real Estate, Mortgage Banking, Commercial Finance and Wealth Management. These business units provide traditional banking services to business and retail clients. Wealth Management provides wealth planning, portfolio management, trust and estate, brokerage and retirement plan services and had approximately $3.9 billion in assets under management as of December 31, 2025. The Company operated 134 full service banking centers as of December 31, 2025, located in Ohio, Indiana, Kentucky and Illinois, while the Commercial Finance business lends into targeted industry verticals on a nationwide basis. In 2025, First Financial Bank received its second consecutive Outstanding rating from the Federal Reserve for its performance under the Community Reinvestment Act. First Financial was recognized in 2025 and 2026 as a Gallup Exceptional Workplace Award winner, one of only a select few organizations to receive this designation. Additional information about the Company, including its products, services and banking locations, is available at www.bankatfirst.com.



View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/first-financial-bancorp-to-announce-first-quarter-2026-financial-results-on-thursday-april-23-2026-302732103.htmlSOURCE First Financial Bancorp.

Original: First Financial Bancorp to Announce First Quarter 2026 Financial Results on Thursday, April 23, 2026

First Financial Bancorp Announces Record Fourth Quarter, Full Year 2025 Financial Results and Quarterly DividendJanuary 28, 2026 4:15 PM
PR Newswire (US)

Earnings per diluted share of $0.64; $0.80 on an adjusted(1) basis is a Company recordReturn on average assets of 1.22%; 1.52% on an adjusted(1) basisNet interest margin on FTE basis(1) of 3.98%Record revenue of $251.3 million on an adjusted(1) basis Record noninterest income of $77.3 million on an adjusted(1) basisROTCE of 16.3%; 20.3% on adjusted(1) basisWestfield acquisition closed November 1, 2025Obtained regulatory approval for BankFinancial acquisition; closed January 1, 2026$300 million of 6.375% subordinated debt issuedBoard of Directors approved quarterly dividend of $0.25CINCINNATI, Jan. 28, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- First Financial Bancorp. (Nasdaq: FFBC) ("First Financial" or the "Company") announced financial results for the three and twelve months ended December 31 , 2025. For the three months ended December 31, 2025, the Company reported net income of $62.4 million, or $0.64 per diluted common share.  These results compare to net income of $71.9 million, or $0.75 per diluted common share, for the third quarter of 2025.  For the twelve months ended December 31, 2025, First Financial had earnings per diluted share of $2.66 compared to $2.40 for the same period in 2024.Return on average assets for the fourth quarter of 2025 was 1.22% while return on average tangible common equity was 16.27%(1).  These compare to return on average assets of 1.54% and return on average tangible common equity of 19.11%(1) in the third quarter of 2025.Fourth quarter 2025 highlights include:Robust net interest margin of 3.96%, or 3.98% on a fully tax-equivalent basis(1)4 bp decrease from third quarterDecline from linked quarter driven by a 19 bp decrease in asset yields, which was partially offset by lower funding costsNoninterest income of $64.8 million; $77.3 million on an adjusted(1) basisAdjustments include a $12.6 million loss on securitiesRecord foreign exchange income increased 36.2% to $22.7 millionStrong leasing business income of $19.5 millionRecord wealth management income increased 26.4%, to $9.3 millionNoninterest expenses of $149.5 million, or $141.9 million as adjusted(1); 6.4% increase from linked quarterFourth quarter adjustments(1) include $5.7 million of acquisition related expenses, $0.8 million of tax credit investment writedowns and $1.2 million of efficiency and other noninterest expensesIncrease driven by the Westfield acquisitionEfficiency ratio of 62.6%; 56.5% as adjusted(1)Loan balances increased 4% on an annualized basis during the quarter, excluding WestfieldEnd of period loan balances increased $1.7 billion; includes $1.6 billion acquired in Westfield acquisition$131 million of organic loan growth driven by C&I and leasing portfolios___________________________________________________________________________________________Strong average deposit growth during the quarterTotal average deposit balances increased $1.4 billion; includes $1.2 billion impact from the Westfield acquisitionOrganic growth of $264 million included increases in the majority of product types; 7% on an annualized basisTotal Allowance for Credit Losses of $206.7 million; Total quarterly provision expense of $10.1 millionLoans and leases - ACL of $186.5 million; $23.7 million initial ACL related to WestfieldACL to total loans of 1.39%Unfunded Commitments - ACL of $20.2 million; $2.2 million related to WestfieldAnnualized net charge-offs were 27 bps of total loansNonperforming assets increased slightly to 0.48% of total assets; Classified assets decreased to 1.11% of total assetsStrong capital ratiosTotal capital ratio increased 14 bps to 15.46%Tier 1 common equity decreased 159 bps to 11.32%Tangible common equity of 7.79%(1); 8.74%(1) excluding impact from AOCITangible book value per share of $15.74(1); 2.8% decrease from linked quarter(1) Non-GAAP measure.  For details on the calculation of these non-GAAP financial measures and a reconciliation to the GAAP financial measure, see the sections titled "Use of Non-GAAP Financial Measures" in this release and "Appendix: Non-GAAP to GAAP Reconciliation" in the accompanying slide presentation.Additionally, the Board of Directors approved a quarterly dividend of $0.25 per common share for the next regularly scheduled dividend, payable on March 16, 2026 to shareholders of record as of March 2, 2026.Archie Brown, President and CEO, commented on the quarter, "I am very pleased with our record earnings performance for the fourth quarter.  Adjusted(1) earnings per share were $0.80, leading to an adjusted(1) return on assets of 1.52%, an adjusted(1) return on tangible common equity ratio of 20.3%.  The net interest margin, which declined slightly from the third quarter, has proven resilient as the reduction in funding costs negated most of the impact of short term rate reductions.  Balance sheet trends were solid for the quarter with loan growth of 4% on an annualized basis and total average deposits increasing by approximately 7% on an annualized basis, excluding the impact from the Westfield acquisition. Mr. Brown continued, "I am especially pleased with our robust noninterest income.  Total adjusted(1) fee income was $77.3 million and increased 5% compared to the linked quarter.  Wealth Management and foreign exchange income both increased by double-digit percentages, while leasing and mortgage income also remained strong.  While adjusted(1)  noninterest expenses increased by 6% from the linked quarter, most of the increase was driven by the Westfield acquisition."Mr. Brown commented on asset quality, "Asset quality was relatively stable for the quarter and provision expense was in line with our expectations at $10.1 million.  Nonperforming assets (NPAs) increased slightly to 0.48% of assets and classified assets declined slightly to 1.11% of assets.  Three loans drove the increase in NPAs, and net charge-offs were 27 bps, which was within our range of expectations."Mr. Brown highlighted full year results.  "2025 was another great year for First Financial.  On an adjusted(1) basis, our net income was $281.1 million, or $2.92 per share.  Adjusted(1) return on assets was 1.49% and adjusted(1) return on tangible common equity was 19.3%.  We were pleased with the performance of the net interest margin for the year.  While the margin did decline year over year from 4.05% to 3.98%, we were able to offset most of the impact of short term rate decreases through the diligent management of deposit costs.  Adjusted (1) noninterest income increased by 16% to a record $279.8 million, led by growth in wealth management, foreign exchange, leasing and mortgage income.  The result was record revenue for the Company of $921.8 million, an 8% increase over 2024."Mr. Brown discussed asset quality and capital, "Similar to the fourth quarter, asset quality was relatively stable for the year.  Provision expense declined 21% from 2024, net charge-offs as a percentage of average loans declined 5 basis points to 0.25% and our ACL coverage increased by 6 basis points to 1.39%.  Capital levels remained strong during 2025.  While the acquisition of Westfield negatively impacted our capital, our strong earnings drove an increase to tangible book value per share of 11%, from $14.15 to $15.74."Mr. Brown concluded, "We were very pleased with our overall performance in 2025.  In addition to outstanding financial results, we successfully launched our Western Michigan banking office in Grand Rapids, and acquired two banking companies which strengthens our core funding and provides us with a platform for growth in two of the largest metropolitan markets in the Midwest.  We received our second consecutive Outstanding CRA rating, demonstrating our commitment to creating opportunities for lower income communities in our footprint, and we were one of only 70 companies worldwide to be recognized by Gallup as an Exceptional Workplace.  Finally, I want to recognize and thank our associates for their hard work and commitment.  Due to their efforts, First Financial consistently delivers industry leading performance."Full detail of the Company's fourth quarter and full year 2025 performance is provided in the accompanying financial statements and slide presentation.(1) Non-GAAP measure.  For details on the calculation of these non-GAAP financial measures and a reconciliation to the GAAP financial measure, see the sections titled "Use of Non-GAAP Financial Measures" in this release and "Appendix: Non-GAAP to GAAP Reconciliation" in the accompanying slide presentation.Teleconference / Webcast Information
First Financial's executive management will host a conference call to discuss the Company's financial and operating results on Thursday, January 29, 2026 at 8:30 a.m. Eastern Time.  Members of the public who would like to listen to the conference call should dial (888) 550-5723 (U.S. toll free) or (646) 960-0471 (U.S. local), access code 5048068.  The number should be dialed five to ten minutes prior to the start of the conference call.  A replay of the conference call will be available beginning one hour after the completion of the live call at (800) 770-2030 (U.S. toll free), (609) 800-9099 (U.S. toll), access code 5048068.  The recording will be available until February 12, 2026.  The conference call will also be accessible as an audio webcast via the Investor Relations section of the Company's website at  www.bankatfirst.com.  The webcast will be archived on the Investor Relations section of the Company's website for 12 months.Press Release and Additional Information on Website
This press release as well as supplemental information are available to the public through the Investor Relations section of First Financial's website at www.bankatfirst.com.Use of Non-GAAP Financial Measures
This earnings release contains GAAP financial measures and Non-GAAP financial measures where management believes it to be helpful in understanding the Company's results of operations or financial position.  Where Non-GAAP financial measures are used, the comparable GAAP financial measures, as well as a reconciliation to the comparable GAAP financial measure, can be found in the section titled "Appendix: Non-GAAP to GAAP Reconciliation" in the accompanying slide presentation.Forward-Looking Statements
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:economic, market, liquidity, credit, interest rate, operational and technological risks associated with the Company's business;future credit quality and performance, including our expectations regarding future loan losses and our allowance for credit lossesthe 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;Management's ability to effectively execute its business plans;mergers and acquisitions, including costs or difficulties related to the integration of acquired companies;the possibility that any of the anticipated benefits of the Company's acquisitions will not be realized or will not be realized within the expected time period;the effect of changes in accounting policies and practices;changes in consumer spending, borrowing and saving and changes in unemployment;changes in customers' performance and creditworthiness;the costs and effects of litigation and of unexpected or adverse outcomes in such litigation;  current and future economic and market conditions, including the effects of changes in housing prices, fluctuations in unemployment rates, U.S. fiscal debt, budget and tax matters, geopolitical matters, trade and tariff policies, and any slowdown in global economic growth;our capital and liquidity requirements (including under regulatory capital standards, such as the Basel III capital standards) and our ability to generate capital internally or raise capital on favorable terms;financial services reform and other current, pending or future legislation or regulation that could have a negative effect on our revenue and businesses, including the Dodd-Frank Act and other legislation and regulation relating to bank products and services;the effect of the current interest rate environment or changes in interest rates or in the level or composition of our assets or liabilities on our net interest income, net interest margin and our mortgage originations, mortgage servicing rights and mortgage loans held for sale;the effect of a fall in stock market prices on our brokerage, asset and wealth management businesses;a failure in or breach of our operational or security systems or infrastructure, or those of our third-party vendors or other service providers, including as a result of cyber attacks;the effect of changes in the level of checking or savings account deposits on our funding costs and net interest margin; andour ability to develop and execute effective business plans and strategies.Additional factors that may cause our actual results to differ materially from those described in our forward-looking statements can be found in our Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2024, as well as our other filings with the SEC, which are available on the SEC website at www.sec.gov. 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.About First Financial Bancorp.
First Financial Bancorp. is a Cincinnati, Ohio based bank holding company.  As of December 31, 2025, the Company had $21.1 billion in assets, $13.4 billion in loans, $16.4 billion in deposits and $2.8 billion in shareholders' equity.  The Company's subsidiary, First Financial Bank, founded in 1863, provides banking and financial services products through its six lines of business: Commercial, Retail Banking, Investment Commercial Real Estate, Mortgage Banking, Commercial Finance and Wealth Management.  These business units provide traditional banking services to business and retail clients.  Wealth Management provides wealth planning, portfolio management, trust and estate, brokerage and retirement plan services and had approximately $3.9 billion in assets under management as of December 31, 2025.  The Company operated 134 full service banking centers as of December 31, 2025, located in Ohio, Indiana, Kentucky and Illinois, while the Commercial Finance business lends into targeted industry verticals on a nationwide basis.  In 2025, First Financial Bank received its second consecutive Outstanding rating from the Federal Reserve for its performance under the Community Reinvestment Act and was recognized as a Gallup Exceptional Workplace Award winner, one of only 70 Gallup clients worldwide to receive this designation.  Additional information about the Company, including its products, services and banking locations, is available at www.bankatfirst.com.  FIRST FINANCIAL BANCORP.CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS(Dollars in thousands, except per share data)(Unaudited)














Three Months Ended,
Twelve months ended,
Dec. 31,
Sep. 30,
June 30,
Mar. 31,
Dec. 31,
Dec. 31,
2025
2025
2025
2025
2024
2025
2024RESULTS OF OPERATIONS












Net income$      62,393
$      71,923
$      69,996
$      51,293
$      64,885
$    255,605
$    228,830Net earnings per share - basic$          0.65
$          0.76
$          0.74
$          0.54
$          0.69
$          2.68
$          2.42Net earnings per share - diluted$          0.64
$          0.75
$          0.73
$          0.54
$          0.68
$          2.66
$          2.40Dividends declared per share$          0.25
$          0.25
$          0.24
$          0.24
$          0.24
$          0.98
$          0.94













KEY FINANCIAL RATIOS












Return on average assets1.22 %
1.54 %
1.52 %
1.13 %
1.41 %
1.35 %
1.29 %Return on average shareholders' equity9.18 %
11.08 %
11.16 %
8.46 %
10.57 %
9.98 %
9.78 %Return on average tangible shareholders' equity (1)16.27 %
19.11 %
19.61 %
15.16 %
19.08 %
17.57 %
18.31 %













Net interest margin3.96 %
3.99 %
4.01 %
3.84 %
3.91 %
3.95 %
4.02 %Net interest margin (fully tax equivalent) (1)(2)3.98 %
4.02 %
4.05 %
3.88 %
3.94 %
3.98 %
4.05 %













Ending shareholders' equity as a percent of ending assets13.11 %
14.18 %
13.73 %
13.55 %
13.13 %
13.11 %
13.13 %Ending tangible shareholders' equity as a percent of:












Ending tangible assets (1)7.79 %
8.87 %
8.40 %
8.16 %
7.73 %
7.79 %
7.73 %Risk-weighted assets (1)9.76 %
10.94 %
10.44 %
10.10 %
9.61 %
9.76 %
9.61 %













Average shareholders' equity as a percent of average assets13.31 %
13.87 %
13.66 %
13.38 %
13.36 %
13.55 %
13.15 %Average tangible shareholders' equity as a percent of average tangible assets (1)7.97 %
8.54 %
8.26 %
7.94 %
7.87 %
8.17 %
7.48 %













Book value per share$         28.11
$        27.48
$        26.71
$        26.13
$        25.53
$        28.11
$        25.53Tangible book value per share (1)$         15.74
$        16.19
$        15.40
$        14.80
$        14.15
$        15.74
$        14.15













Common equity tier 1 ratio (3)11.32 %
12.91 %
12.57 %
12.29 %
12.16 %
11.32 %
12.16 %Tier 1 ratio (3)11.60 %
13.23 %
12.89 %
12.61 %
12.48 %
11.60 %
12.48 %Total capital ratio (3)15.46 %
15.32 %
14.98 %
14.90 %
14.64 %
15.46 %
14.64 %Leverage ratio (3)9.53 %
10.50 %
10.28 %
10.01 %
9.98 %
9.53 %
9.98 %













AVERAGE BALANCE SHEET ITEMS












Loans (4)$  12,812,267
$  11,806,065
$  11,792,840
$  11,724,727
$  11,687,886
$  12,036,330
$  11,433,226Investment securities3,988,846
3,552,014
3,478,921
3,411,593
3,372,539
3,609,272
3,229,577Interest-bearing deposits with other banks647,347
610,074
542,815
615,812
654,251
604,115
572,763  Total earning assets$  17,448,460
$  15,968,153
$  15,814,576
$  15,752,132
$  15,714,676
$  16,249,717
$  15,235,566Total assets$  20,256,539
$  18,566,188
$  18,419,437
$  18,368,604
$  18,273,419
$  18,906,942
$  17,792,014Noninterest-bearing deposits$    3,436,709
$    3,124,277
$    3,143,081
$    3,091,037
$    3,162,643
$    3,199,519
$    3,145,646Interest-bearing deposits12,521,948
11,387,648
11,211,694
11,149,633
11,177,010
11,570,997
10,617,427  Total deposits$  15,958,657
$  14,511,925
$  14,354,775
$  14,240,670
$  14,339,653
$  14,770,516
$  13,763,073Borrowings$       848,650
$       823,346
$       910,573
$    1,001,337
$       855,083
$       895,359
$    1,054,222Shareholders' equity$    2,695,581
$    2,575,203
$    2,515,747
$    2,457,785
$    2,441,045
$    2,561,769
$    2,340,056













CREDIT QUALITY RATIOS











Allowance to ending loans1.39 %
1.38 %
1.34 %
1.33 %
1.33 %
1.39 %
1.33 %Allowance to nonaccrual loans183.18 %
213.18 %
206.08 %
261.07 %
237.66 %
183.18 %
237.66 %Nonaccrual loans to total loans0.76 %
0.65 %
0.65 %
0.51 %
0.56 %
0.76 %
0.56 %Nonperforming assets to ending loans, plus OREO0.76 %
0.65 %
0.65 %
0.51 %
0.56 %
0.76 %
0.56 %Nonperforming assets to total assets0.48 %
0.41 %
0.41 %
0.32 %
0.36 %
0.48 %
0.36 %Classified assets to total assets1.11 %
1.18 %
1.15 %
1.16 %
1.21 %
1.11 %
1.21 %Net charge-offs to average loans (annualized)0.27 %
0.18 %
0.21 %
0.36 %
0.40 %
0.25 %
0.30 %(1) Non-GAAP measure.  For details on the calculation of these non-GAAP financial measures and a reconciliation to the GAAP financial measure, see the sections titled "Use of Non-GAAP Financial Measures" in this release and "Appendix: Non-GAAP to GAAP Reconciliation" in the accompanying slide presentation.(2) The tax equivalent adjustment to net interest income recognizes the income tax savings when comparing taxable and tax-exempt assets and assumes a 21% tax rate.  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.  Therefore, management believes these measures provide useful information to investors by allowing them to make peer comparisons.  Management also uses these measures to make peer comparisons.(3) December 31, 2025 regulatory capital ratios are preliminary.(4) Includes loans held for sale. FIRST FINANCIAL BANCORP.CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME(Dollars in thousands, except per share data)(Unaudited)




Three months ended,
Twelve months ended,
Dec. 31,
Dec. 31,
2025
2024
% Change
2025
2024
% ChangeInterest income










  Loans and leases, including fees$     215,663
$     207,508
3.9 %
$     819,151
$     836,541
(2.1) %  Investment securities










     Taxable40,971
33,978
20.6 %
148,036
124,936
18.5 %     Tax-exempt2,363
2,423
(2.5) %
8,995
10,835
(17.0) %        Total investment securities interest43,334
36,401
19.0 %
157,031
135,771
15.7 %  Other earning assets6,334
7,662
(17.3) %
25,722
29,783
(13.6) %       Total interest income265,331
251,571
5.5 %
1,001,904
1,002,095
0.0 %











Interest expense










  Deposits78,861
85,441
(7.7) %
310,752
331,092
(6.1) %  Short-term borrowings4,925
6,586
(25.2) %
24,842
38,856
(36.1) %  Long-term borrowings7,550
5,145
46.7 %
24,264
20,137
20.5 %      Total interest expense91,336
97,172
(6.0) %
359,858
390,085
(7.7) %      Net interest income173,995
154,399
12.7 %
642,046
612,010
4.9 %  Provision for credit losses-loans and leases 9,688
9,705
(0.2) %
36,525
49,211
(25.8) %  Provision for credit losses-unfunded commitments 412
(273)
(250.9) %
1,142
(1,552)
(173.6) %      Net interest income after provision for credit losses163,895
144,967
13.1 %
604,379
564,351
7.1 %











Noninterest income










  Service charges on deposit accounts8,308
7,632
8.9 %
31,366
29,279
7.1 %  Wealth management fees9,288
7,962
16.7 %
32,563
28,720
13.4 %  Bankcard income3,590
3,659
(1.9) %
14,226
14,399
(1.2) %  Client derivative fees2,681
1,528
75.5 %
7,802
4,701
66.0 %  Foreign exchange income22,696
16,794
35.1 %
65,666
56,064
17.1 %  Leasing business income19,523
19,413
0.6 %
80,020
67,641
18.3 %  Net gains from sales of loans7,041
4,634
51.9 %
24,885
17,918
38.9 %  Net gain (loss) on investment securities(12,576)
144
N/M
(22,324)
(22,575)
(1.1) %  Other4,216
8,088
(47.9) %
23,234
27,421
(15.3) %      Total noninterest income64,767
69,854
(7.3) %
257,438
223,568
15.1 %











Noninterest expenses










  Salaries and employee benefits85,123
80,314
6.0 %
315,885
304,389
3.8 %  Net occupancy6,315
5,415
16.6 %
24,182
23,050
4.9 %  Furniture and equipment3,940
3,476
13.3 %
14,776
14,427
2.4 %  Data processing10,465
9,139
14.5 %
37,835
35,178
7.6 %  Marketing3,056
2,204
38.7 %
10,170
9,026
12.7 %  Communication825
767
7.6 %
3,013
3,229
(6.7) %  Professional services6,231
6,631
(6.0) %
14,833
14,087
5.3 %  Amortization of tax credit investments800
14,303
(94.4) %
1,135
14,397
(92.1) %  State intangible tax1,679
(104)
N/M
5,604
2,524
122.0 %  FDIC assessments2,923
2,736
6.8 %
11,204
11,209
0.0 %  Intangible amortization 3,927
2,395
64.0 %
11,003
9,487
16.0 %  Leasing business expense13,837
12,536
10.4 %
53,705
44,317
21.2 %  Other10,410
8,095
28.6 %
37,202
34,275
8.5 %      Total noninterest expenses149,531
147,907
1.1 %
540,547
519,595
4.0 %Income before income taxes79,131
66,914
18.3 %
321,270
268,324
19.7 %Income tax expense 16,738
2,029
724.9 %
65,665
39,494
66.3 %      Net income$       62,393
$       64,885
(3.8) %
$     255,605
$     228,830
11.7 %











ADDITIONAL DATA










Net earnings per share - basic$          0.65
$          0.69


$          2.68
$          2.42

Net earnings per share - diluted$          0.64
$          0.68


$          2.66
$          2.40

Dividends declared per share$          0.25
$          0.24


$          0.98
$          0.94













Return on average assets1.22 %
1.41 %


1.35 %
1.29 %

Return on average shareholders' equity9.18 %
10.57 %


9.98 %
9.78 %













Interest income$     265,331
$     251,571
5.5 %
$   1,001,904
$   1,002,095
0.0 %Tax equivalent adjustment1,227
1,274
(3.7) %
4,934
5,589
(11.7) %   Interest income - tax equivalent266,558
252,845
5.4 %
1,006,838
1,007,684
(0.1) %Interest expense91,336
97,172
(6.0) %
359,858
390,085
(7.7) %   Net interest income - tax equivalent$     175,222
$     155,673
12.6 %
$     646,980
$     617,599
4.8 %











Net interest margin3.96 %
3.91 %


3.95 %
4.02 %

Net interest margin (fully tax equivalent) (1)3.98 %
3.94 %


3.98 %
4.05 %













Full-time equivalent employees2,164
2,064



















(1) The tax equivalent adjustment to net interest income recognizes the income tax savings when comparing taxable and tax-exempt assets and assumes a 21% tax rate.  Management believes that it is a standard practice in the banking industry to present net interest income on a fully tax equivalent basis.  Therefore, management believes these measures provide useful information to investors by allowing them to make peer comparisons.  Management also uses these measures to make peer comparisons. FIRST FINANCIAL BANCORP.CONSOLIDATED QUARTERLY STATEMENTS OF INCOME(Dollars in thousands, except per share data)(Unaudited)












2025
Fourth
Third
Second
First
Year to
% Change
Quarter
Quarter
Quarter
Quarter
Date
Linked Qtr.Interest income










  Loans and leases, including fees$   215,663
$ 204,865
$ 201,460
$ 197,163
$ 819,151
5.3 %  Investment securities










     Taxable40,971
36,421
36,243
34,401
148,036
12.5 %     Tax-exempt2,363
2,195
2,233
2,204
8,995
7.7 %        Total investment securities interest43,334
38,616
38,476
36,605
157,031
12.2 %  Other earning assets6,334
6,773
5,964
6,651
25,722
(6.5) %       Total interest income265,331
250,254
245,900
240,419
1,001,904
6.0 %











Interest expense










  Deposits78,861
77,766
75,484
78,641
310,752
1.4 %  Short-term borrowings4,925
5,979
6,393
7,545
24,842
(17.6) %  Long-term borrowings7,550
6,023
5,754
4,937
24,264
25.4 %      Total interest expense91,336
89,768
87,631
91,123
359,858
1.7 %      Net interest income173,995
160,486
158,269
149,296
642,046
8.4 %  Provision for credit losses-loans and leases 9,688
8,612
9,084
9,141
36,525
12.5 %  Provision for credit losses-unfunded commitments 412
453
718
(441)
1,142
(9.1) %      Net interest income after provision for credit losses163,895
151,421
148,467
140,596
604,379
8.2 %











Noninterest income










  Service charges on deposit accounts8,308
7,829
7,766
7,463
31,366
6.1 %  Wealth management fees9,288
7,351
7,787
8,137
32,563
26.4 %  Bankcard income3,590
3,589
3,737
3,310
14,226
0.0 %  Client derivative fees2,681
1,876
1,674
1,571
7,802
42.9 %  Foreign exchange income22,696
16,666
13,760
12,544
65,666
36.2 %  Leasing business income19,523
20,997
20,797
18,703
80,020
(7.0) %  Net gains from sales of loans7,041
6,835
6,687
4,322
24,885
3.0 %  Net gain (loss) on investment securities(12,576)
(42)
243
(9,949)
(22,324)
N/M  Other4,216
8,424
5,612
4,982
23,234
(50.0) %      Total noninterest income64,767
73,525
68,063
51,083
257,438
(11.9) %











Noninterest expenses










  Salaries and employee benefits85,123
80,607
74,917
75,238
315,885
5.6 %  Net occupancy6,315
6,003
5,845
6,019
24,182
5.2 %  Furniture and equipment3,940
3,582
3,441
3,813
14,776
10.0 %  Data processing10,465
9,591
9,020
8,759
37,835
9.1 %  Marketing3,056
2,359
2,737
2,018
10,170
29.5 %  Communication825
695
681
812
3,013
18.7 %  Professional services6,231
2,314
3,549
2,739
14,833
169.3 %  Amortization of tax credit investments 800
112
111
112
1,135
614.3 %  State intangible tax1,679
1,531
1,517
877
5,604
9.7 %  FDIC assessments2,923
2,611
2,611
3,059
11,204
11.9 %  Intangible amortization 3,927
2,359
2,358
2,359
11,003
66.5 %  Leasing business expense13,837
13,911
13,155
12,802
53,705
(0.5) %  Other10,410
8,594
8,729
9,469
37,202
21.1 %      Total noninterest expenses149,531
134,269
128,671
128,076
540,547
11.4 %Income before income taxes79,131
90,677
87,859
63,603
321,270
(12.7) %Income tax expense 16,738
18,754
17,863
12,310
65,665
(10.7) %      Net income$     62,393
$   71,923
$   69,996
$   51,293
$ 255,605
(13.3) %











ADDITIONAL DATA










Net earnings per share - basic$        0.65
$      0.76
$      0.74
$      0.54
$      2.68

Net earnings per share - diluted$        0.64
$      0.75
$      0.73
$      0.54
$      2.66

Dividends declared per share$        0.25
$      0.25
$      0.24
$      0.24
$      0.98













Return on average assets1.22 %
1.54 %
1.52 %
1.13 %
1.35 %

Return on average shareholders' equity9.18 %
11.08 %
11.16 %
8.46 %
9.98 %













Interest income$   265,331
$ 250,254
$ 245,900
$ 240,419
$  1,001,904
6.0 %Tax equivalent adjustment1,227
1,248
1,246
1,213
4,934
(1.7) %   Interest income - tax equivalent266,558
251,502
247,146
241,632
1,006,838
6.0 %Interest expense91,336
89,768
87,631
91,123
359,858
1.7 %   Net interest income - tax equivalent$   175,222
$ 161,734
$ 159,515
$ 150,509
$ 646,980
8.3 %











Net interest margin3.96 %
3.99 %
4.01 %
3.84 %
3.95 %

Net interest margin (fully tax equivalent) (1)3.98 %
4.02 %
4.05 %
3.88 %
3.98 %













Full-time equivalent employees2,164
1,986
2,033
2,021















(1) The tax equivalent adjustment to net interest income recognizes the income tax savings when comparing taxable and tax-exempt assets and assumes a 21% tax rate.  Management believes that it is a standard practice in the banking industry to present net interest income on a fully tax equivalent basis.  Therefore, management believes these measures provide useful information to investors by allowing them to make peer comparisons.  Management also uses these measures to make peer comparisons. FIRST FINANCIAL BANCORP.CONSOLIDATED QUARTERLY STATEMENTS OF INCOME(Dollars in thousands, except per share data)(Unaudited)










2024
Fourth
Third
Second
First
Full
Quarter
Quarter
Quarter
Quarter
YearInterest income








  Loans and leases, including fees$ 207,508
$  215,433
$  211,760
$  201,840
$  836,541  Investment securities








     Taxable33,978
32,367
30,295
28,296
124,936     Tax-exempt2,423
2,616
2,704
3,092
10,835        Total investment securities interest36,401
34,983
32,999
31,388
135,771  Other earning assets7,662
6,703
7,960
7,458
29,783       Total interest income251,571
257,119
252,719
240,686
1,002,095









Interest expense








  Deposits85,441
86,554
83,022
76,075
331,092  Short-term borrowings6,586
9,932
11,395
10,943
38,856  Long-term borrowings5,145
5,073
4,991
4,928
20,137      Total interest expense97,172
101,559
99,408
91,946
390,085      Net interest income154,399
155,560
153,311
148,740
612,010  Provision for credit losses-loans and leases 9,705
9,930
16,157
13,419
49,211  Provision for credit losses-unfunded commitments (273)
694
286
(2,259)
(1,552)      Net interest income after provision for credit losses144,967
144,936
136,868
137,580
564,351









Noninterest income








  Service charges on deposit accounts7,632
7,547
7,188
6,912
29,279  Wealth management fees7,962
6,910
7,172
6,676
28,720  Bankcard income3,659
3,698
3,900
3,142
14,399  Client derivative fees1,528
1,160
763
1,250
4,701  Foreign exchange income16,794
12,048
16,787
10,435
56,064  Leasing business income19,413
16,811
16,828
14,589
67,641  Net gains from sales of loans4,634
5,021
4,479
3,784
17,918  Net gain (loss) on investment securities144
(17,468)
(64)
(5,187)
(22,575)  Other8,088
9,974
4,448
4,911
27,421      Total noninterest income69,854
45,701
61,501
46,512
223,568









Noninterest expenses








  Salaries and employee benefits80,314
74,813
75,225
74,037
304,389  Net occupancy5,415
5,919
5,793
5,923
23,050  Furniture and equipment3,476
3,617
3,646
3,688
14,427  Data processing9,139
8,857
8,877
8,305
35,178  Marketing2,204
2,255
2,605
1,962
9,026  Communication767
851
816
795
3,229  Professional services6,631
2,303
2,885
2,268
14,087  Amortization of tax credit investments14,303
32
31
31
14,397  State intangible tax(104)
876
875
877
2,524  FDIC assessments2,736
3,036
2,657
2,780
11,209  Intangible amortization 2,395
2,395
2,396
2,301
9,487  Leasing business expense12,536
11,899
10,128
9,754
44,317  Other8,095
8,906
7,640
9,634
34,275      Total noninterest expenses147,907
125,759
123,574
122,355
519,595Income before income taxes66,914
64,878
74,795
61,737
268,324Income tax expense 2,029
12,427
13,990
11,048
39,494      Net income$   64,885
$   52,451
$   60,805
$   50,689
$  228,830









ADDITIONAL DATA








Net earnings per share - basic$      0.69
$      0.56
$      0.64
$      0.54
$       2.42Net earnings per share - diluted$      0.68
$      0.55
$      0.64
$      0.53
$       2.40Dividends declared per share$      0.24
$      0.24
$      0.23
$      0.23
$       0.94









Return on average assets1.41 %
1.17 %
1.38 %
1.18 %
1.29 %Return on average shareholders' equity10.57 %
8.80 %
10.72 %
9.00 %
9.78 %









Interest income$ 251,571
$  257,119
$  252,719
$  240,686
$  1,002,095Tax equivalent adjustment1,274
1,362
1,418
1,535
5,589   Interest income - tax equivalent252,845
258,481
254,137
242,221
1,007,684Interest expense97,172
101,559
99,408
91,946
390,085   Net interest income - tax equivalent$ 155,673
$  156,922
$  154,729
$  150,275
$  617,599









Net interest margin3.91 %
4.05 %
4.06 %
4.05 %
4.02 %Net interest margin (fully tax equivalent) (1)3.94 %
4.08 %
4.10 %
4.10 %
4.05 %









Full-time equivalent employees2,064
2,084
2,144
2,116











(1) The tax equivalent adjustment to net interest income recognizes the income tax savings when comparing taxable and tax-exempt assets and assumes a 21% tax rate.  Management believes that it is a standard practice in the banking industry to present net interest income on a fully tax equivalent basis.  Therefore, management believes these measures provide useful information to investors by allowing them to make peer comparisons.  Management also uses these measures to make peer comparisons. FIRST FINANCIAL BANCORP.CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CONDITION(Dollars in thousands)(Unaudited)














Dec. 31,
Sep. 30,
June 30,
Mar. 31,
Dec. 31,
% Change
% Change
2025
2025
2025
2025
2024
Linked Qtr.
Comp Qtr.ASSETS












     Cash and due from banks$      178,553
$      174,659
$      210,187
$      190,610
$      174,258
2.2 %
2.5 %     Interest-bearing deposits with other banks597,338
565,080
570,173
633,349
730,228
5.7 %
(18.2) %     Investment securities available-for-sale3,971,932
3,422,595
3,386,562
3,260,981
3,183,776
16.1 %
24.8 %     Investment securities held-to-maturity58,545
71,595
72,994
76,469
76,960
(18.2) %
(23.9) %     Other investments129,564
117,120
122,322
120,826
114,598
10.6 %
13.1 %     Loans held for sale16,953
21,466
26,504
17,927
13,181
(21.0) %
28.6 %     Loans and leases












       Commercial and industrial4,632,241
3,838,630
3,927,771
3,832,350
3,815,858
20.7 %
21.4 %       Lease financing638,527
596,734
587,176
573,608
598,045
7.0 %
6.8 %       Construction real estate677,339
627,960
732,777
824,775
779,446
7.9 %
(13.1) %       Commercial real estate4,384,556
4,048,370
3,961,513
3,956,880
4,061,744
8.3 %
7.9 %       Residential real estate1,832,184
1,494,464
1,492,688
1,479,704
1,462,284
22.6 %
25.3 %       Home equity1,005,204
935,975
903,299
872,502
849,039
7.4 %
18.4 %       Installment188,694
109,764
116,598
119,672
133,051
71.9 %
41.8 %       Credit card65,325
62,654
64,374
64,639
62,311
4.3 %
4.8 %          Total loans13,424,070
11,714,551
11,786,196
11,724,130
11,761,778
14.6 %
14.1 %       Less:












          Allowance for credit losses (186,487)
(161,916)
(158,522)
(155,482)
(156,791)
15.2 %
18.9 %                Net loans 13,237,583
11,552,635
11,627,674
11,568,648
11,604,987
14.6 %
14.1 %     Premises and equipment204,760
198,251
197,741
197,968
197,965
3.3 %
3.4 %     Operating leases214,003
214,667
217,100
213,648
209,119
(0.3) %
2.3 %     Goodwill 1,099,524
1,007,656
1,007,656
1,007,656
1,007,656
9.1 %
9.1 %     Other intangibles118,832
73,797
75,458
77,002
79,291
61.0 %
49.9 %     Accrued interest and other assets1,301,792
1,134,985
1,119,884
1,089,983
1,178,242
14.7 %
10.5 %       Total Assets$  21,129,379
$ 18,554,506
$  18,634,255
$ 18,455,067
$  18,570,261
13.9 %
13.8 %













LIABILITIES












     Deposits












       Interest-bearing demand$   3,360,613
$   2,983,132
$   3,057,232
$   3,004,601
$   3,095,724
12.7 %
8.6 %       Savings5,973,532
5,029,097
4,979,124
4,886,613
4,948,768
18.8 %
20.7 %       Time3,622,227
3,293,707
3,201,711
3,144,440
3,152,265
10.0 %
14.9 %          Total interest-bearing deposits12,956,372
11,305,936
11,238,067
11,035,654
11,196,757
14.6 %
15.7 %       Noninterest-bearing3,465,470
3,127,512
3,131,926
3,161,302
3,132,381
10.8 %
10.6 %          Total deposits16,421,842
14,433,448
14,369,993
14,196,956
14,329,138
13.8 %
14.6 %     FHLB short-term borrowings675,000
550,000
680,000
735,000
625,000
22.7 %
8.0 %     Other332
45,167
4,699
64,792
130,452
(99.3) %
(99.7) %          Total short-term borrowings675,332
595,167
684,699
799,792
755,452
13.5 %
(10.6) %     Long-term debt514,052
221,823
344,955
345,878
347,509
131.7 %
47.9 %          Total borrowed funds1,189,384
816,990
1,029,654
1,145,670
1,102,961
45.6 %
7.8 %     Accrued interest and other liabilities748,937
672,213
676,453
611,206
700,121
11.4 %
7.0 %       Total Liabilities18,360,163
15,922,651
16,076,100
15,953,832
16,132,220
15.3 %
13.8 %













SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY












     Common stock1,647,618
1,641,315
1,638,796
1,637,041
1,642,055
0.4 %
0.3 %     Retained earnings1,437,286
1,399,577
1,351,674
1,304,636
1,276,329
2.7 %
12.6 %     Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)(189,942)
(223,000)
(246,384)
(253,888)
(289,799)
(14.8) %
(34.5) %     Treasury stock, at cost(125,746)
(186,037)
(185,931)
(186,554)
(190,544)
(32.4) %
(34.0) %       Total Shareholders' Equity2,769,216
2,631,855
2,558,155
2,501,235
2,438,041
5.2 %
13.6 %       Total Liabilities and Shareholders' Equity$  21,129,379
$ 18,554,506
$  18,634,255
$ 18,455,067
$  18,570,261
13.9 %
13.8 %
 FIRST FINANCIAL BANCORP.AVERAGE CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CONDITION(Dollars in thousands)(Unaudited)






Quarterly Averages
Year-to-Date Averages
Dec. 31,
Sep. 30,
June 30,
Mar. 31,
Dec. 31,
Dec. 31,
2025
2025
2025
2025
2024
2025
2024ASSETS












     Cash and due from banks$      178,403
$      165,210
$      174,375
$      164,734
$      182,242
$      170,703
$      185,006     Interest-bearing deposits with other banks647,347
610,074
542,815
615,812
654,251
604,115
572,763     Investment securities3,988,846
3,552,014
3,478,921
3,411,593
3,372,539
3,609,272
3,229,577     Loans held for sale32,425
26,366
25,026
10,212
17,284
23,576
14,967     Loans and leases












       Commercial and industrial4,310,399
3,890,886
3,881,001
3,787,207
3,727,549
3,968,597
3,677,979       Lease financing617,518
592,510
581,091
585,119
587,110
594,144
532,212       Construction real estate679,884
711,011
784,028
797,100
826,936
742,597
720,031       Commercial real estate4,240,042
3,993,549
3,958,730
4,018,211
4,045,347
4,053,079
4,088,127       Residential real estate1,717,439
1,489,942
1,485,479
1,475,703
1,442,799
1,542,660
1,385,351       Home equity981,406
919,368
891,761
858,153
837,863
913,028
801,358       Installment164,013
114,058
117,724
127,192
136,927
130,802
147,321       Credit card69,141
68,375
68,000
65,830
66,071
67,847
65,880          Total loans12,779,842
11,779,699
11,767,814
11,714,515
11,670,602
12,012,754
11,418,259       Less:












          Allowance for credit losses (179,275)
(162,417)
(158,170)
(158,206)
(161,477)
(164,569)
(153,126)                Net loans 12,600,567
11,617,282
11,609,644
11,556,309
11,509,125
11,848,185
11,265,133     Premises and equipment202,956
199,167
198,407
198,998
197,664
199,891
198,278     Operating leases211,091
217,404
212,684
205,181
202,110
211,622
173,432     Goodwill 1,069,781
1,007,656
1,007,656
1,007,656
1,007,658
1,023,315
1,007,363     Other intangibles104,184
74,448
76,076
78,220
80,486
83,279
82,940     Accrued interest and other assets1,220,939
1,096,567
1,093,833
1,119,889
1,050,060
1,132,984
1,062,555       Total Assets$  20,256,539
$ 18,566,188
$  18,419,437
$  18,368,604
$  18,273,419
$  18,906,942
$  17,792,014













LIABILITIES












     Deposits












       Interest-bearing demand$   3,276,425
$   3,036,296
$   3,066,986
$   3,090,526
$   3,081,148
$   3,117,845
$   2,945,315       Savings5,740,651
5,054,563
5,005,526
4,918,004
4,886,784
5,181,597
4,650,554       Time3,504,872
3,296,789
3,139,182
3,141,103
3,209,078
3,271,555
3,021,558          Total interest-bearing deposits12,521,948
11,387,648
11,211,694
11,149,633
11,177,010
11,570,997
10,617,427       Noninterest-bearing3,436,709
3,124,277
3,143,081
3,091,037
3,162,643
3,199,519
3,145,646          Total deposits15,958,657
14,511,925
14,354,775
14,240,670
14,339,653
14,770,516
13,763,073     Federal funds purchased and securities sold












          under agreements to repurchase2,283
12,434
4,780
2,055
2,282
5,408
4,522     FHLB short-term borrowings444,511
497,092
532,198
553,667
415,652
506,541
588,987     Other 13,891
21,519
26,226
99,378
93,298
39,968
119,361          Total short-term borrowings460,685
531,045
563,204
655,100
511,232
551,917
712,870     Long-term debt387,965
292,301
347,369
346,237
343,851
343,442
341,352       Total borrowed funds848,650
823,346
910,573
1,001,337
855,083
895,359
1,054,222     Accrued interest and other liabilities753,651
655,714
638,342
668,812
637,638
679,298
634,663       Total Liabilities17,560,958
15,990,985
15,903,690
15,910,819
15,832,374
16,345,173
15,451,958













SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY












     Common stock1,644,923
1,639,986
1,637,782
1,641,016
1,640,280
1,640,935
1,637,343     Retained earnings1,406,388
1,369,069
1,322,168
1,282,300
1,249,263
1,345,387
1,196,301     Accumulated other comprehensive loss(209,767)
(247,746)
(257,873)
(275,068)
(257,792)
(247,435)
(301,167)     Treasury stock, at cost(145,963)
(186,106)
(186,330)
(190,463)
(190,706)
(177,118)
(192,421)       Total Shareholders' Equity2,695,581
2,575,203
2,515,747
2,457,785
2,441,045
2,561,769
2,340,056       Total Liabilities and Shareholders' Equity$  20,256,539
$ 18,566,188
$  18,419,437
$  18,368,604
$  18,273,419
$  18,906,942
$  17,792,014 FIRST FINANCIAL BANCORP.NET INTEREST MARGIN RATE/VOLUME ANALYSIS (Dollars in thousands)(Unaudited)






 Quarterly Averages
Year-to-Date Averages

December 31, 2025
September 30, 2025
December 31, 2024
December 31, 2025
December 31, 2024

Balance
Interest
Yield
Balance
Interest
Yield
Balance
Interest
Yield
Balance
Yield
Balance
YieldEarning assets

























    Investments:

























      Investment securities
$  3,988,846
$  43,334
4.31 %
$  3,552,014
$  38,616
4.31 %
$  3,372,539
$  36,401
4.28 %
$  3,609,272
4.35 %
$  3,229,577
4.20 %      Interest-bearing deposits with other banks
647,347
6,334
3.88 %
610,074
6,773
4.40 %
654,251
7,662
4.65 %
604,115
4.26 %
572,763
5.20 %    Gross loans (1)
12,812,267
215,663
6.68 %
11,806,065
204,865
6.88 %
11,687,886
207,508
7.04 %
12,036,330
6.81 %
11,433,226
7.32 %       Total earning assets
17,448,460
265,331
6.03 %
15,968,153
250,254
6.22 %
15,714,676
251,571
6.35 %
16,249,717
6.17 %
15,235,566
6.58 %


























Nonearning assets

























    Allowance for credit losses
(179,275)




(162,417)




(161,477)




(164,569)


(153,126)

    Cash and due from banks
178,403




165,210




182,242




170,703


185,006

    Accrued interest and other assets
2,808,951




2,595,242




2,537,978




2,651,091


2,524,568

       Total assets
$ 20,256,539




$ 18,566,188




$ 18,273,419




$ 18,906,942


$ 17,792,014




























Interest-bearing liabilities

























    Deposits:

























      Interest-bearing demand
$  3,276,425
$  13,818
1.67 %
$  3,036,296
$  14,592
1.91 %
$  3,081,148
$  15,092
1.94 %
$  3,117,845
1.85 %
$  2,945,315
2.07 %      Savings
5,740,651
32,343
2.24 %
5,054,563
30,854
2.42 %
4,886,784
33,924
2.75 %
5,181,597
2.38 %
4,650,554
2.81 %      Time
3,504,872
32,700
3.70 %
3,296,789
32,320
3.89 %
3,209,078
36,425
4.50 %
3,271,555
3.96 %
3,021,558
4.62 %    Total interest-bearing deposits
12,521,948
78,861
2.50 %
11,387,648
77,766
2.71 %
11,177,010
85,441
3.03 %
11,570,997
2.69 %
10,617,427
3.12 %    Borrowed funds

























      Short-term borrowings
460,685
4,925
4.24 %
531,045
5,979
4.47 %
511,232
6,586
5.11 %
551,917
4.50 %
712,870
5.45 %      Long-term debt
387,965
7,550
7.72 %
292,301
6,023
8.17 %
343,851
5,145
5.94 %
343,442
7.06 %
341,352
5.90 %        Total borrowed funds
848,650
12,475
5.83 %
823,346
12,002
5.78 %
855,083
11,731
5.44 %
895,359
5.48 %
1,054,222
5.60 %       Total interest-bearing liabilities
13,370,598
91,336
2.71 %
12,210,994
89,768
2.92 %
12,032,093
97,172
3.20 %
12,466,356
2.89 %
11,671,649
3.34 %


























Noninterest-bearing liabilities

























    Noninterest-bearing demand deposits
3,436,709




3,124,277




3,162,643




3,199,519


3,145,646

    Other liabilities
753,651




655,714




637,638




679,298


634,663

    Shareholders' equity
2,695,581




2,575,203




2,441,045




2,561,769


2,340,056

       Total liabilities & shareholders' equity
$ 20,256,539




$ 18,566,188




$ 18,273,419




$ 18,906,942


$ 17,792,014




























Net interest income
$     173,995




$     160,486




$     154,399




$     642,046


$     612,010

Net interest spread




3.32 %




3.30 %




3.15 %


3.28 %


3.24 %Net interest margin




3.96 %




3.99 %




3.91 %


3.95 %


4.02 %


























Tax equivalent adjustment




0.02 %




0.03 %




0.03 %


0.03 %


0.03 %Net interest margin (fully tax equivalent)




3.98 %




4.02 %




3.94 %


3.98 %


4.05 %





















































(1) Loans held for sale and nonaccrual loans are included in gross loans.

 FIRST FINANCIAL BANCORP.NET INTEREST MARGIN RATE/VOLUME ANALYSIS  (1)(Dollars in thousands)(Unaudited)







































 Linked Qtr. Income Variance
 Comparable Qtr. Income Variance
Year-to-Date Income Variance

Rate
Volume
Total
Rate
Volume
Total
Rate
Volume
TotalEarning assets

















    Investment securities
$        (28)
$     4,746
$     4,718
$        238
$     6,695
$     6,933
$     4,740
$    16,520
$    21,260    Interest-bearing deposits with other banks
(804)
365
(439)
(1,260)
(68)
(1,328)
(5,396)
1,335
(4,061)    Gross loans (2)
(6,139)
16,937
10,798
(10,771)
18,926
8,155
(58,435)
41,045
(17,390)       Total earning assets
(6,971)
22,048
15,077
(11,793)
25,553
13,760
(59,091)
58,900
(191)


















Interest-bearing liabilities

















    Total interest-bearing deposits
$    (6,049)
$     7,144
$     1,095
$  (15,050)
$     8,470
$    (6,580)
$  (45,949)
$    25,609
$  (20,340)    Borrowed funds

















    Short-term borrowings
(302)
(752)
(1,054)
(1,121)
(540)
(1,661)
(6,769)
(7,245)
(14,014)    Long-term debt
(335)
1,862
1,527
1,547
858
2,405
3,979
148
4,127       Total borrowed funds
(637)
1,110
473
426
318
744
(2,790)
(7,097)
(9,887)       Total interest-bearing liabilities
(6,686)
8,254
1,568
(14,624)
8,788
(5,836)
(48,739)
18,512
(30,227)          Net interest income (1)
$      (285)
$    13,794
$    13,509
$     2,831
$    16,765
$    19,596
$  (10,352)
$    40,388
$    30,036





































(1) Not tax equivalent.

















(2) Loans held for sale and nonaccrual loans are included in gross loans.



 FIRST FINANCIAL BANCORP.CREDIT QUALITY(Dollars in thousands)(Unaudited)
Three Months Ended,
Full Year,
Dec. 31,
Sep. 30,
June 30,
Mar. 31,
Dec. 31,
Dec. 31,
Dec. 31,
2025
2025
2025
2025
2024
2025
2024ALLOWANCE FOR CREDIT LOSS ACTIVITY









Balance at beginning of period$  161,916
$  158,522
$  155,482
$  156,791
$  158,831
$ 156,791
$ 141,433Initial allowance on purchased loans23,652
0
0
0
0
23,652
0  Provision for credit losses9,688
8,612
9,084
9,141
9,705
36,525
49,211  Gross charge-offs












    Commercial and industrial6,636
2,165
4,996
8,178
4,333
21,975
14,648    Lease financing918
298
606
1,454
2,831
3,276
3,392    Construction real estate0
245
0
0
0
245
0    Commercial real estate433
3,105
0
0
5,051
3,538
10,633    Residential real estate151
0
16
0
12
167
143    Home equity95
92
100
86
210
373
447    Installment1,197
1,194
1,120
1,321
1,680
4,832
7,460    Credit card729
577
489
474
492
2,269
2,586      Total gross charge-offs 10,159
7,676
7,327
11,513
14,609
36,675
39,309  Recoveries












    Commercial and industrial264
202
290
195
1,779
951
2,611    Lease financing201
291
11
29
17
532
88    Construction real estate0
0
0
0
0
0
0    Commercial real estate5
1,138
70
24
19
1,237
219    Residential real estate13
58
42
24
23
137
106    Home equity117
94
74
144
222
429
660    Installment682
609
716
563
499
2,570
1,284    Credit card108
66
80
84
305
338
488      Total recoveries1,390
2,458
1,283
1,063
2,864
6,194
5,456  Total net charge-offs8,769
5,218
6,044
10,450
11,745
30,481
33,853Ending allowance for credit losses$  186,487
$  161,916
$  158,522
$  155,482
$  156,791
$ 186,487
$ 156,791













NET CHARGE-OFFS TO AVERAGE LOANS AND LEASES (ANNUALIZED)









  Commercial and industrial0.59 %
0.20 %
0.49 %
0.85 %
0.27 %
0.53 %
0.33 %  Lease financing0.46 %
0.00 %
0.41 %
0.99 %
1.91 %
0.46 %
0.62 %  Construction real estate0.00 %
0.14 %
0.00 %
0.00 %
0.00 %
0.03 %
0.00 %  Commercial real estate0.04 %
0.20 %
(0.01) %
0.00 %
0.49 %
0.06 %
0.25 %  Residential real estate0.03 %
(0.02) %
(0.01) %
(0.01) %
0.00 %
0.00 %
0.00 %  Home equity(0.01) %
0.00 %
0.01 %
(0.03) %
(0.01) %
(0.01) %
(0.03) %  Installment1.25 %
2.03 %
1.38 %
2.42 %
3.43 %
1.73 %
4.19 %  Credit card3.56 %
2.97 %
2.41 %
2.40 %
1.13 %
2.85 %
3.18 %     Total net charge-offs0.27 %
0.18 %
0.21 %
0.36 %
0.40 %
0.25 %
0.30 %













COMPONENTS OF NONACCRUAL LOANS, NONPERFORMING ASSETS, AND UNDERPERFORMING ASSETS

  Nonaccrual loans












    Commercial and industrial$    27,461
$    23,832
$    24,489
$     7,649
$     6,641
$   27,461
$     6,641    Lease financing5,660
5,885
6,243
6,487
6,227
5,660
6,227    Construction real estate1,120
1,120
1,365
0
0
1,120
0    Commercial real estate45,590
24,443
23,905
25,736
32,303
45,590
32,303    Residential real estate18,302
16,452
16,995
16,044
16,700
18,302
16,700    Home equity2,927
3,567
3,226
2,920
3,418
2,927
3,418    Installment748
652
701
719
684
748
684      Total nonaccrual loans101,808
75,951
76,924
59,555
65,973
101,808
65,973  Other real estate owned (OREO)184
111
204
213
64
184
64     Total nonperforming assets101,992
76,062
77,128
59,768
66,037
101,992
66,037  Accruing loans past due 90 days or more411
592
714
228
361
411
361     Total underperforming assets$  102,403
$    76,654
$    77,842
$    59,996
$    66,398
$ 102,403
$   66,398Total classified assets $  235,451
$  218,794
$  214,346
$  213,351
$  224,084
$ 235,451
$ 224,084













CREDIT QUALITY RATIOS









Allowance for credit losses to












     Nonaccrual loans183.18 %
213.18 %
206.08 %
261.07 %
237.66 %
183.18 %
237.66 %     Total ending loans1.39 %
1.38 %
1.34 %
1.33 %
1.33 %
1.39 %
1.33 %Nonaccrual loans to total loans0.76 %
0.65 %
0.65 %
0.51 %
0.56 %
0.76 %
0.56 %Nonperforming assets to












     Ending loans, plus OREO0.76 %
0.65 %
0.65 %
0.51 %
0.56 %
0.76 %
0.56 %     Total assets0.48 %
0.41 %
0.41 %
0.32 %
0.36 %
0.48 %
0.36 %Classified assets to total assets1.11 %
1.18 %
1.15 %
1.16 %
1.21 %
1.11 %
1.21 % FIRST FINANCIAL BANCORP.CAPITAL ADEQUACY(Dollars in thousands, except per share data)(Unaudited)
Three Months Ended,
Twelve months ended,
Dec. 31,
Sep. 30,
June 30,
Mar. 31,
Dec. 31,
Dec. 31,
Dec. 31,
2025
2025
2025
2025
2024
2025
2024PER COMMON SHARE












Market Price












  High$        26.98
$        26.79
$        25.19
$        29.04
$        30.34
$        29.04
$        30.34  Low$        23.26
$        23.55
$        22.05
$        24.25
$        23.98
$        22.05
$        20.79  Close$        25.02
$        25.25
$        24.26
$        24.98
$        26.88
$        25.02
$        26.88













Average shares outstanding - basic96,724,148
94,889,341
94,860,428
94,645,787
94,486,838
95,284,550
94,404,617Average shares outstanding - diluted97,593,800
95,753,798
95,741,696
95,524,262
95,487,564
96,157,964
95,405,719Ending shares outstanding98,521,726
95,757,250
95,760,617
95,730,353
95,494,840
98,521,726
95,494,840













Total shareholders' equity$  2,769,216
$  2,631,855
$  2,558,155
$  2,501,235
$  2,438,041
$  2,769,216
$  2,438,041













REGULATORY CAPITALPreliminary








Preliminary

Common equity tier 1 capital$  1,798,266
$  1,828,843
$  1,776,038
$  1,724,134
$  1,709,422
$  1,798,266
$  1,709,422Common equity tier 1 capital ratio11.32 %
12.91 %
12.57 %
12.29 %
12.16 %
11.32 %
12.16 %Tier 1 capital$  1,843,672
$  1,874,191
$  1,821,316
$  1,769,357
$  1,754,584
$  1,843,672
$  1,754,584Tier 1 ratio11.60 %
13.23 %
12.89 %
12.61 %
12.48 %
11.60 %
12.48 %Total capital$  2,457,377
$  2,170,546
$  2,116,180
$  2,090,211
$  2,057,877
$  2,457,377
$  2,057,877Total capital ratio15.46 %
15.32 %
14.98 %
14.90 %
14.64 %
15.46 %
14.64 %Total capital in excess of minimum requirement$    788,889
$    683,018
$    632,563
$    617,347
$    581,659
$    788,889
$    581,659Total risk-weighted assets$  15,890,363
$  14,166,935
$  14,129,683
$  14,027,274
$  14,059,215
$  15,890,363
$  14,059,215Leverage ratio9.53 %
10.50 %
10.28 %
10.01 %
9.98 %
9.53 %
9.98 %













OTHER CAPITAL RATIOS












Ending shareholders' equity to ending assets13.11 %
14.18 %
13.73 %
13.55 %
13.13 %
13.11 %
13.13 %Ending tangible shareholders' equity to ending tangible assets (1)7.79 %
8.87 %
8.40 %
8.16 %
7.73 %
7.79 %
7.73 %Average shareholders' equity to average assets13.31 %
13.87 %
13.66 %
13.38 %
13.36 %
13.55 %
13.15 %Average tangible shareholders' equity to average tangible assets (1)7.97 %
8.54 %
8.26 %
7.94 %
7.87 %
8.17 %
7.48 %













REPURCHASE PROGRAM (2)












Shares repurchased0
0
0
0
0
0
0Average share repurchase priceN/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/ATotal cost of shares repurchasedN/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A













(1) Non-GAAP measure.  For details on the calculation of these non-GAAP financial measures and a reconciliation to the GAAP financial measure, see the sections titled "Use of Non-GAAP Financial Measures" in this release and "Appendix: Non-GAAP to GAAP Reconciliation" in the accompanying slide presentation. (2) Represents share repurchases as part of publicly announced plans.




















N/A = Not applicable












                    



View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/first-financial-bancorp-announces-record-fourth-quarter-full-year-2025-financial-results-and-quarterly-dividend-302673045.htmlSOURCE First Financial Bancorp.

Original: First Financial Bancorp Announces Record Fourth Quarter, Full Year 2025 Financial Results and Quarterly Dividend