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UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
 
 
FORM 8-K
 

CURRENT REPORT
Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the
Securities Exchange Act of 1934
 
Date of Report (Date of earliest event reported): October 24, 2024
 
FIRST FINANCIAL BANCORP.
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
 
Ohio001-34762 31-1042001
(State or other jurisdiction of
incorporation or organization)
(Commission File Number) (I.R.S. employer
identification number)
255 East Fifth Street, Suite 800Cincinnati,Ohio45202
(Address of principal executive offices)(Zip Code)
 
Registrant's telephone number, including area code: (877322-9530
 
 
Check the appropriate box below if the Form 8-K filing is intended to simultaneously satisfy the filing obligation of the registrant under any of the following provisions (see General Instruction A.2. below):

Written communications pursuant to Rule 425 under the Securities Act (17 CFR 230.425)

Soliciting material pursuant to Rule 14a-12 under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14a-12)

Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 14d-2(b) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14d-2(b))

Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 13e-4(c) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.13e-4(c))

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:
Title of each classTrading symbolName of exchange on which registered
Common stock, No par valueFFBCThe NASDAQ Stock Market LLC

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is an emerging growth company as defined in as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act of 1933 (§230.405 of this chapter) or Rule 12b-2 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (§240.12b-2 of this chapter).

Emerging growth company     

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



Item 2.02    Results of Operations and Financial Condition.

On October 24, 2024, First Financial Bancorp. (the "Company") issued its earnings press release that included its results of operations and financial condition for the first nine months and third quarter of 2024. A copy of the earnings press release is attached as Exhibit 99.1.
The Company also provided electronic presentation slides that will be used in connection with the earnings conference call. A copy of the electronic presentation slides is included in this Report as Exhibit 99.2 and will be available on the Company's website, www.bankatfirst.com.

The information set forth in this Current Report on Form 8-K (including the information in Exhibits 99.1 and 99.2 attached hereto) is being furnished to the Securities and Exchange Commission and is not deemed to be "filed" for purposes of Section 18 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the "Exchange Act")    , or otherwise subject to the liabilities under the Exchange Act. Such information shall not be incorporated by reference into any registration statement or other document filed under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or the Exchange Act, except as shall be expressly set forth by specific reference in such filing.

 
Item 9.01    Financial Statements and Exhibits.

    (d)    Exhibits:
        
The following exhibits shall not be deemed to be "filed" for purposes of the Exchange Act:
    Exhibit No.    Description

104 Cover Page Interactive Data File (embedded within the Inline XBRL document)







SIGNATURES


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

                        FIRST FINANCIAL BANCORP.

By: /s/ James M. Anderson
James M. Anderson
Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer
Date:October 24, 2024

                    




                                                Exhibit 99.1
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First Financial Bancorp Announces Third Quarter 2024
Financial Results and Quarterly Dividend

Earnings per diluted share of $0.55; $0.67 on an adjusted(1) basis
Return on average assets of 1.17%; 1.42% on an adjusted(1) basis
Net interest margin on FTE basis(1) of 4.08%
Noninterest income of $45.7 million; $58.8 million on an adjusted(1) basis
Average deposit growth of $166.2 million; 4.9% on an annualized basis
1.37% ACL ratio to total loans; Net charge-offs 0.25% of total loans
Tangible book value increased 10.2% from linked quarter to $14.26
Board of Directors approved quarterly dividend of $0.24

Cincinnati, Ohio - October 24, 2024. First Financial Bancorp. (Nasdaq: FFBC) (“First Financial” or the “Company”) announced financial results for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2024.

For the three months ended September 30, 2024, the Company reported net income of $52.5 million, or $0.55 per diluted common share. These results compare to net income of $60.8 million, or $0.64 per diluted common share, for the second quarter of 2024. For the nine months ended September 30, 2024, First Financial had earnings per diluted share of $1.74 compared to $2.12 for the same period in 2023.

Return on average assets for the third quarter of 2024 was 1.17% while return on average tangible common equity was 16.29%(1). These compare to return on average assets of 1.38% and return on average tangible common equity of 20.57%(1) in the second quarter of 2024.

Third quarter 2024 highlights include:

Net interest margin of 4.05%, or 4.08% on a fully tax-equivalent basis(1)
2 bp decline from second quarter, better than initial expectations
Slight increase in cost of deposits offset by favorable shift in funding mix; Asset yields flat compared to prior quarter

Noninterest income of $45.7 million, or $58.8 million as adjusted(1)
Adjustments include:
$17.5 million loss on securities; includes $9.7 million of impairment losses and $8.0 million loss on sales from restructuring activities
$4.4 million deferred tax gain
Strong results from foreign exchange, wealth management, and leasing businesses
Noninterest expenses of $125.8 million, or $124.7 million as adjusted(1); 1.8% increase from linked quarter
Third quarter adjustments(1) include $0.4 million of efficiency related costs and $0.7 million of other costs such as acquisition, severance and branch consolidation costs
Increase driven by $1.8 million increase in leasing business expenses and $0.5 million supplemental contribution to the First Financial Foundation
Efficiency ratio of 62.5%; 58.2% as adjusted(1)

Modest loan growth during the quarter
Loan balances increased $31.9 million compared to the linked quarter; 1% annualized growth
Growth driven by leasing and mortgage
Payoffs increased 27% compared to the 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.



Strong average deposit growth during the quarter
Average deposits increased $166.2 million, or 4.9% on an annualized basis
Growth in money market accounts, retail CDs and brokered CDs offset seasonal decline in public funds and modest declines in noninterest bearing checking and savings accounts

Total Allowance for Credit Losses of $176.0 million; Total quarterly provision expense of $10.6 million
Loans and leases - ACL of $158.8 million; ratio to total loans of 1.37% increased 1 bp from second quarter
Unfunded Commitments - ACL of $17.1 million
Provision expense driven by net charge offs and slower prepayment rates; Classified assets 1.14% of total assets
Annualized net charge-offs were 25 bps of total loans

Capital ratios stable and strong
Total capital ratio increased 11 bps to 14.58%
Tier 1 common equity increased 26 bps to 12.04%
Tangible common equity of 7.98%(1); 9.34%(1) excluding impact from AOCI
Tangible book value per share of $14.26(1); 10.2% increase from linked quarter

Additionally, the board of directors approved a quarterly dividend of $0.24 per common share for the next regularly scheduled dividend, payable on December 16, 2024 to shareholders of record as of December 2, 2024.

Archie Brown, President and CEO, commented on third quarter results, “Third quarter financial results reflect our ongoing commitment to industry leading performance. Adjusted(1) earnings per share were $0.67, which resulted in an adjusted(1) return on assets of 1.42% and an adjusted(1) return on tangible common equity of 19.77%.

We are particularly pleased with our 4.08% net interest margin. With only a 2 bp decline from the second quarter, the margin has proven to be more durable than expected due to high asset yields from Agile, investment portfolio restructuring and moderating funding costs.

Average deposit balances grew 4.9% on an annualized basis, as declines in our low cost products moderated. Consistent with our expectations, loan growth slowed during the third quarter as softer pipelines in the second quarter led to fewer fundings in the current period. Loan growth was also impacted by higher payoffs in our commercial banking and investment commercial real estate portfolios. Loan pipelines strengthened during the third quarter, and we expect higher growth rates as we close out the year.”

Mr. Brown continued, “Third quarter noninterest income was $45.7 million, or $58.8 million on an adjusted(1) basis, with strong earnings from foreign exchange, wealth management and the leasing business. There were several large non-recurring items that impacted noninterest income, including $17.5 million of losses on securities, which included a $9.7 million impairment charge on two bonds secured by skilled nursing homes. While third quarter noninterest income was noisy, noninterest expenses were relatively flat compared to the prior quarter. We remain diligent in managing our expenses, and our workforce efficiency initiative has resulted in the elimination of 120 positions to date, with additional savings expected into 2025.”

Mr. Brown commented on asset quality and capital, “Asset quality was stable for the quarter and our ACL increased to 1.37% of total loans. Additionally, third quarter net charge-offs were 25 bps on an annualized basis and nonperforming assets as a percent of assets increased 1 bp to 36 bps. We are optimistic about asset quality and are confident in our ability to manage the portfolio through the expected interest rate reductions and economic uncertainty in the near-term.

With regard to capital, strong earnings and the decline in interest rates led to significant improvement in tangible book value per share and tangible common equity. Tangible book value per share increased 10% from the linked quarter and over 30% from the same quarter last year to $14.26, while tangible common equity increased 75 basis points from June 30 to 7.98% as of the end of September.”

Mr. Brown concluded, “We are very proud of our financial results in the first nine months of 2024. Overall, the economy remains healthy, and the general easing of interest rates should extend economic growth in the coming periods. We believe we are in a strong position to finish the year on a high note and head into 2025 with continued momentum.”

Full detail of the Company’s third quarter 2024 performance is provided in the accompanying financial statements and 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, October 25, 2024 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 November 8, 2024. 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 losses
the effect of and changes in policies and laws or regulatory agencies, including the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act and other legislation and regulation relating to the banking industry;
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, and any slowdown in global economic growth;
the adverse impact on the U.S. economy, including the markets in which we operate, of the novel coronavirus, which causes the Coronavirus disease 2019 (“COVID-19”), global pandemic, and the impact on the performance of our loan and lease portfolio, the market value of our investment securities, the availability of sources of funding and the demand for our products;
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, 2023, 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 September 30, 2024, the Company had $18.1 billion in assets, $11.6 billion in loans, $13.9 billion in deposits and $2.5 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 $3.8 billion in assets under management as of September 30, 2024. The Company operated 128 full service banking centers as of September 30, 2024, located in Ohio, Indiana, Kentucky and Illinois, while the Commercial Finance business lends into targeted industry verticals on a nationwide basis. Additional information about the Company, including its products, services and banking locations, is available at www.bankatfirst.com.


Contact Information
Investors/Analysts                    Media
Jamie Anderson                        Tim Condron
Chief Financial Officer                    Director of Corporate Communications
(513) 887-5400                        (513) 979-5796
InvestorRelations@bankatfirst.com            media@bankatfirst.com    



contentsheader0215a23.jpg
Selected Financial Information
September 30, 2024
(unaudited)

ContentsPage
Consolidated Financial Highlights2
Consolidated Quarterly Statements of Income3
Consolidated Quarterly Statements of Income4-5
Consolidated Statements of Condition6
Average Consolidated Statements of Condition7
Net Interest Margin Rate / Volume Analysis8-9
Credit Quality10
Capital Adequacy11




    
FIRST FINANCIAL BANCORP.
CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS
(Dollars in thousands, except per share data)
(Unaudited)
Three Months Ended,Nine months ended,
Sep. 30,June 30,Mar. 31,Dec. 31,Sep. 30,Sep. 30,
2024202420242023202320242023
RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
Net income$52,451 $60,805 $50,689 $56,732 $63,061 $163,945 $199,131 
Net earnings per share - basic$0.56 $0.64 $0.54 $0.60 $0.67 $1.74 $2.12 
Net earnings per share - diluted$0.55 $0.64 $0.53 $0.60 $0.66 $1.72 $2.09 
Dividends declared per share$0.24 $0.23 $0.23 $0.23 $0.23 $0.70 $0.69 
KEY FINANCIAL RATIOS
Return on average assets1.17 %1.38 %1.18 %1.31 %1.48 %1.24 %1.57 %
Return on average shareholders' equity8.80 %10.72 %9.00 %10.50 %11.62 %9.50 %12.53 %
Return on average tangible shareholders' equity (1)
16.29 %20.57 %17.35 %21.36 %23.60 %18.02 %25.87 %
Net interest margin4.05 %4.06 %4.05 %4.21 %4.28 %4.05 %4.41 %
Net interest margin (fully tax equivalent) (1)(2)
4.08 %4.10 %4.10 %4.26 %4.33 %4.09 %4.45 %
Ending shareholders' equity as a percent of ending assets13.50 %12.81 %12.99 %12.94 %12.49 %13.50 %12.49 %
Ending tangible shareholders' equity as a percent of:
Ending tangible assets (1)
7.98 %7.23 %7.23 %7.17 %6.50 %7.98 %6.50 %
Risk-weighted assets (1)
9.87 %8.95 %8.80 %8.81 %7.88 %9.87 %7.88 %
Average shareholders' equity as a percent of average assets13.28 %12.87 %13.09 %12.52 %12.70 %13.08 %12.53 %
Average tangible shareholders' equity as a percent of average tangible assets (1)
7.64 %7.15 %7.25 %6.57 %6.69 %7.35 %6.49 %
Book value per share$25.66 $24.36 $23.95 $23.84 $22.39 $25.66 $22.39 
Tangible book value per share (1)
$14.26 $12.94 $12.50 $12.38 $10.91 $14.26 $10.91 
Common equity tier 1 ratio (3)
12.04 %11.78 %11.67 %11.73 %11.60 %12.04 %11.60 %
Tier 1 ratio (3)
12.37 %12.11 %12.00 %12.06 %11.94 %12.37 %11.94 %
Total capital ratio (3)
14.58 %14.47 %14.31 %14.26 %14.19 %14.58 %14.19 %
Leverage ratio (3)
9.93 %9.73 %9.75 %9.70 %9.59 %9.93 %9.59 %
AVERAGE BALANCE SHEET ITEMS
Loans (4)
$11,534,000 $11,440,930 $11,066,184 $10,751,028 $10,623,734 $11,347,720 $10,504,431 
Investment securities3,274,498 3,131,541 3,137,665 3,184,408 3,394,237 3,181,575 3,529,119 
Interest-bearing deposits with other banks483,880 599,348 553,654 548,153 386,173 545,402 344,844 
  Total earning assets$15,292,378 $15,171,819 $14,757,503 $14,483,589 $14,404,144 $15,074,697 $14,378,394 
Total assets$17,854,191 $17,728,251 $17,306,221 $17,124,955 $16,951,389 $17,630,374 $16,954,178 
Noninterest-bearing deposits$3,106,239 $3,144,198 $3,169,750 $3,368,024 $3,493,305 $3,139,939 $3,702,189 
Interest-bearing deposits10,690,265 10,486,068 10,109,416 9,834,819 9,293,860 10,429,538 9,068,783 
  Total deposits$13,796,504 $13,630,266 $13,279,166 $13,202,843 $12,787,165 $13,569,477 $12,770,972 
Borrowings$1,053,737 $1,171,246 $1,139,014 $1,083,954 $1,403,071 $1,121,086 $1,453,588 
Shareholders' equity$2,371,125 $2,281,040 $2,265,562 $2,144,482 $2,153,601 $2,306,147 $2,124,787 
CREDIT QUALITY RATIOS
Allowance to ending loans1.37 %1.36 %1.29 %1.29 %1.36 %1.37 %1.36 %
Allowance to nonaccrual loans242.72 %249.21 %243.55 %215.10 %193.75 %242.72 %193.75 %
Nonaccrual loans to total loans0.57 %0.54 %0.53 %0.60 %0.70 %0.57 %0.70 %
Nonperforming assets to ending loans, plus OREO0.57 %0.54 %0.53 %0.60 %0.71 %0.57 %0.71 %
Nonperforming assets to total assets0.36 %0.35 %0.34 %0.38 %0.44 %0.36 %0.44 %
Classified assets to total assets1.14 %1.07 %0.92 %0.80 %0.82 %1.14 %0.82 %
Net charge-offs to average loans (annualized)0.25 %0.15 %0.38 %0.46 %0.61 %0.26 %0.28 %
(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) September 30, 2024 regulatory capital ratios are preliminary.
(4) Includes loans held for sale.
2


FIRST FINANCIAL BANCORP.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME
(Dollars in thousands, except per share data)
(Unaudited)
Three months ended,Nine months ended,
Sep. 30,Sep. 30,
20242023% Change20242023% Change
Interest income
  Loans and leases, including fees$215,433 $192,261 12.1 %$629,033 $546,354 15.1 %
  Investment securities
     Taxable32,367 31,297 3.4 %90,958 95,226 (4.5)%
     Tax-exempt2,616 3,522 (25.7)%8,412 10,499 (19.9)%
        Total investment securities interest34,983 34,819 0.5 %99,370 105,725 (6.0)%
  Other earning assets6,703 5,011 33.8 %22,121 12,488 77.1 %
       Total interest income257,119 232,091 10.8 %750,524 664,567 12.9 %
Interest expense
  Deposits86,554 57,069 51.7 %245,651 132,817 85.0 %
  Short-term borrowings9,932 14,615 (32.0)%32,270 43,101 (25.1)%
  Long-term borrowings5,073 4,952 2.4 %14,992 14,644 2.4 %
      Total interest expense101,559 76,636 32.5 %292,913 190,562 53.7 %
      Net interest income155,560 155,455 0.1 %457,611 474,005 (3.5)%
  Provision for credit losses-loans and leases 9,930 12,907 (23.1)%39,506 34,270 15.3 %
  Provision for credit losses-unfunded commitments 694 (1,234)(156.2)%(1,279)(1,393)(8.2)%
      Net interest income after provision for credit losses144,936 143,782 0.8 %419,384 441,128 (4.9)%
Noninterest income
  Service charges on deposit accounts7,547 6,957 8.5 %21,647 20,443 5.9 %
  Wealth management fees6,910 6,943 (0.5)%20,758 19,990 3.8 %
  Bankcard income3,698 3,406 8.6 %10,740 10,690 0.5 %
  Client derivative fees1,160 1,612 (28.0)%3,173 4,444 (28.6)%
  Foreign exchange income12,048 13,384 (10.0)%39,270 45,321 (13.4)%
  Leasing business income16,811 14,537 15.6 %48,228 38,466 25.4 %
  Net gains from sales of loans5,021 4,086 22.9 %13,284 10,260 29.5 %
  Net gain (loss) on investment securities(17,468)(58)N/M(22,719)(403)N/M
  Other9,974 5,761 73.1 %19,333 16,218 19.2 %
      Total noninterest income45,701 56,628 (19.3)%153,714 165,429 (7.1)%
Noninterest expenses
  Salaries and employee benefits74,813 75,641 (1.1)%224,075 222,094 0.9 %
  Net occupancy5,919 5,809 1.9 %17,635 17,100 3.1 %
  Furniture and equipment3,617 3,341 8.3 %10,951 10,020 9.3 %
  Data processing8,857 8,473 4.5 %26,039 27,364 (4.8)%
  Marketing2,255 2,598 (13.2)%6,822 7,560 (9.8)%
  Communication851 744 14.4 %2,462 2,022 21.8 %
  Professional services2,303 2,524 (8.8)%7,456 6,778 10.0 %
  State intangible tax876 981 (10.7)%2,628 2,930 (10.3)%
  FDIC assessments3,036 2,665 13.9 %8,473 8,297 2.1 %
  Intangible amortization 2,395 2,600 (7.9)%7,092 7,801 (9.1)%
  Leasing business expense11,899 8,877 34.0 %31,781 23,545 35.0 %
  Other8,938 7,791 14.7 %26,274 23,841 10.2 %
      Total noninterest expenses125,759 122,044 3.0 %371,688 359,352 3.4 %
Income before income taxes64,878 78,366 (17.2)%201,410 247,205 (18.5)%
Income tax expense (benefit)12,427 15,305 (18.8)%37,465 48,074 (22.1)%
      Net income$52,451 $63,061 (16.8)%$163,945 $199,131 (17.7)%
ADDITIONAL DATA
Net earnings per share - basic$0.56 $0.67 $1.74 $2.12 
Net earnings per share - diluted$0.55 $0.66 $1.72 $2.09 
Dividends declared per share$0.24 $0.23 $0.70 $0.69 
Return on average assets1.17 %1.48 %1.24 %1.57 %
Return on average shareholders' equity8.80 %11.62 %9.50 %12.53 %
Interest income$257,119 $232,091 10.8 %$750,524 $664,567 12.9 %
Tax equivalent adjustment1,362 1,659 (17.9)%4,315 4,684 (7.9)%
   Interest income - tax equivalent258,481 233,750 10.6 %754,839 669,251 12.8 %
Interest expense101,559 76,636 32.5 %292,913 190,562 53.7 %
   Net interest income - tax equivalent$156,922 $157,114 (0.1)%$461,926 $478,689 (3.5)%
Net interest margin4.05 %4.28 %4.05 %4.41 %
Net interest margin (fully tax equivalent) (1)
4.08 %4.33 %4.09 %4.45 %
Full-time equivalent employees2,084 2,121 
(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.
3


FIRST FINANCIAL BANCORP.
CONSOLIDATED QUARTERLY STATEMENTS OF INCOME
(Dollars in thousands, except per share data)
(Unaudited)
2024
ThirdSecondFirstYear to% Change
QuarterQuarterQuarterDateLinked Qtr.
Interest income
  Loans and leases, including fees$215,433 $211,760 $201,840 $629,033 1.7 %
  Investment securities
     Taxable32,367 30,295 28,296 90,958 6.8 %
     Tax-exempt2,616 2,704 3,092 8,412 (3.3)%
        Total investment securities interest34,983 32,999 31,388 99,370 6.0 %
  Other earning assets6,703 7,960 7,458 22,121 (15.8)%
       Total interest income257,119 252,719 240,686 750,524 1.7 %
Interest expense
  Deposits86,554 83,022 76,075 245,651 4.3 %
  Short-term borrowings9,932 11,395 10,943 32,270 (12.8)%
  Long-term borrowings5,073 4,991 4,928 14,992 1.6 %
      Total interest expense101,559 99,408 91,946 292,913 2.2 %
      Net interest income155,560 153,311 148,740 457,611 1.5 %
  Provision for credit losses-loans and leases 9,930 16,157 13,419 39,506 (38.5)%
  Provision for credit losses-unfunded commitments 694 286 (2,259)(1,279)142.7 %
      Net interest income after provision for credit losses144,936 136,868 137,580 419,384 5.9 %
Noninterest income
  Service charges on deposit accounts7,547 7,188 6,912 21,647 5.0 %
  Wealth management fees6,910 7,172 6,676 20,758 (3.7)%
  Bankcard income3,698 3,900 3,142 10,740 (5.2)%
  Client derivative fees1,160 763 1,250 3,173 52.0 %
  Foreign exchange income12,048 16,787 10,435 39,270 (28.2)%
  Leasing business income16,811 16,828 14,589 48,228 (0.1)%
  Net gains from sales of loans5,021 4,479 3,784 13,284 12.1 %
  Net gain (loss) on investment securities(17,468)(64)(5,187)(22,719)N/M
  Other9,974 4,448 4,911 19,333 124.2 %
      Total noninterest income45,701 61,501 46,512 153,714 (25.7)%
Noninterest expenses
  Salaries and employee benefits74,813 75,225 74,037 224,075 (0.5)%
  Net occupancy5,919 5,793 5,923 17,635 2.2 %
  Furniture and equipment3,617 3,646 3,688 10,951 (0.8)%
  Data processing8,857 8,877 8,305 26,039 (0.2)%
  Marketing2,255 2,605 1,962 6,822 (13.4)%
  Communication851 816 795 2,462 4.3 %
  Professional services2,303 2,885 2,268 7,456 (20.2)%
  State intangible tax876 875 877 2,628 0.1 %
  FDIC assessments3,036 2,657 2,780 8,473 14.3 %
  Intangible amortization 2,395 2,396 2,301 7,092 0.0 %
  Leasing business expense11,899 10,128 9,754 31,781 17.5 %
  Other8,938 7,671 9,665 26,274 16.5 %
      Total noninterest expenses125,759 123,574 122,355 371,688 1.8 %
Income before income taxes64,878 74,795 61,737 201,410 (13.3)%
Income tax expense (benefit)12,427 13,990 11,048 37,465 (11.2)%
      Net income$52,451 $60,805 $50,689 $163,945 (13.7)%
ADDITIONAL DATA
Net earnings per share - basic$0.56 $0.64 $0.54 $1.74 
Net earnings per share - diluted$0.55 $0.64 $0.53 $1.72 
Dividends declared per share$0.24 $0.23 $0.23 $0.70 
Return on average assets1.17 %1.38 %1.18 %1.24 %
Return on average shareholders' equity8.80 %10.72 %9.00 %9.50 %
Interest income$257,119 $252,719 $240,686 $750,524 1.7 %
Tax equivalent adjustment1,362 1,418 1,535 4,315 (3.9)%
   Interest income - tax equivalent258,481 254,137 242,221 754,839 1.7 %
Interest expense101,559 99,408 91,946 292,913 2.2 %
   Net interest income - tax equivalent$156,922 $154,729 $150,275 $461,926 1.4 %
Net interest margin4.05 %4.06 %4.05 %4.05 %
Net interest margin (fully tax equivalent) (1)
4.08 %4.10 %4.10 %4.09 %
Full-time equivalent employees2,084 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.
4


FIRST FINANCIAL BANCORP.
CONSOLIDATED QUARTERLY STATEMENTS OF INCOME
(Dollars in thousands, except per share data)
(Unaudited)
2023
FourthThirdSecondFirstFull
QuarterQuarterQuarterQuarterYear
Interest income
  Loans and leases, including fees$197,416 $192,261 $184,387 $169,706 $743,770 
  Investment securities
     Taxable30,294 31,297 32,062 31,867 125,520 
     Tax-exempt3,402 3,522 3,513 3,464 13,901 
        Total investment securities interest33,696 34,819 35,575 35,331 139,421 
  Other earning assets7,325 5,011 3,933 3,544 19,813 
       Total interest income238,437 232,091 223,895 208,581 903,004 
Interest expense
  Deposits69,193 57,069 44,292 31,456 202,010 
  Short-term borrowings10,277 14,615 15,536 12,950 53,378 
  Long-term borrowings5,202 4,952 4,835 4,857 19,846 
      Total interest expense84,672 76,636 64,663 49,263 275,234 
      Net interest income153,765 155,455 159,232 159,318 627,770 
  Provision for credit losses-loans and leases 8,804 12,907 12,719 8,644 43,074 
  Provision for credit losses-unfunded commitments 1,426 (1,234)(1,994)1,835 33 
      Net interest income after provision for credit losses143,535 143,782 148,507 148,839 584,663 
Noninterest income
  Service charges on deposit accounts6,846 6,957 6,972 6,514 27,289 
  Wealth management fees6,091 6,943 6,713 6,334 26,081 
  Bankcard income3,349 3,406 3,692 3,592 14,039 
  Client derivative fees711 1,612 1,827 1,005 5,155 
  Foreign exchange income8,730 13,384 15,039 16,898 54,051 
  Leasing business income12,856 14,537 10,265 13,664 51,322 
  Net gains from sales of loans2,957 4,086 3,839 2,335 13,217 
  Net gain (loss) on investment securities(649)(58)(466)121 (1,052)
  Other6,102 5,761 5,377 5,080 22,320 
      Total noninterest income46,993 56,628 53,258 55,543 212,422 
Noninterest expenses
  Salaries and employee benefits70,637 75,641 74,199 72,254 292,731 
  Net occupancy5,890 5,809 5,606 5,685 22,990 
  Furniture and equipment3,523 3,341 3,362 3,317 13,543 
  Data processing8,488 8,473 9,871 9,020 35,852 
  Marketing2,087 2,598 2,802 2,160 9,647 
  Communication707 744 644 634 2,729 
  Professional services3,148 2,524 2,308 1,946 9,926 
  State intangible tax984 981 964 985 3,914 
  FDIC assessments3,651 2,665 2,806 2,826 11,948 
  Intangible amortization 2,601 2,600 2,601 2,600 10,402 
  Leasing business expense8,955 8,877 6,730 7,938 32,500 
  Other8,466 7,791 8,722 7,328 32,307 
      Total noninterest expenses119,137 122,044 120,615 116,693 478,489 
Income before income taxes71,391 78,366 81,150 87,689 318,596 
Income tax expense (benefit)14,659 15,305 15,483 17,286 62,733 
      Net income$56,732 $63,061 $65,667 $70,403 $255,863 
ADDITIONAL DATA
Net earnings per share - basic$0.60 $0.67 $0.70 $0.75 $2.72 
Net earnings per share - diluted$0.60 $0.66 $0.69 $0.74 $2.69 
Dividends declared per share$0.23 $0.23 $0.23 $0.23 $0.92 
Return on average assets1.31 %1.48 %1.55 %1.69 %1.51 %
Return on average shareholders' equity10.50 %11.62 %12.32 %13.71 %12.01 %
Interest income$238,437 $232,091 $223,895 $208,581 $903,004 
Tax equivalent adjustment1,672 1,659 1,601 1,424 6,356 
   Interest income - tax equivalent240,109 233,750 225,496 210,005 909,360 
Interest expense84,672 76,636 64,663 49,263 275,234 
   Net interest income - tax equivalent$155,437 $157,114 $160,833 $160,742 $634,126 
Net interest margin4.21 %4.28 %4.43 %4.51 %4.36 %
Net interest margin (fully tax equivalent) (1)
4.26 %4.33 %4.48 %4.55 %4.40 %
Full-time equivalent employees2,129 2,121 2,193 2,066
(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.
5


FIRST FINANCIAL BANCORP.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CONDITION
(Dollars in thousands)
(Unaudited)
Sep. 30,June 30,Mar. 31,Dec. 31,Sep. 30,% Change% Change
20242024202420232023Linked Qtr.Comp Qtr.
ASSETS
     Cash and due from banks$190,618 $193,794 $199,407 $213,059 $220,335 (1.6)%(13.5)%
     Interest-bearing deposits with other banks660,576 738,555 751,290 792,960 452,867 (10.6)%45.9 %
     Investment securities available-for-sale3,157,265 3,036,758 2,850,667 3,021,126 3,044,361 4.0 %3.7 %
     Investment securities held-to-maturity77,985 78,921 79,542 80,321 81,236 (1.2)%(4.0)%
     Other investments120,318 132,412 125,548 129,945 133,725 (9.1)%(10.0)%
     Loans held for sale12,685 16,911 11,534 9,213 12,391 (25.0)%2.4 %
     Loans and leases
       Commercial and industrial3,678,546 3,782,487 3,591,428 3,501,221 3,420,873 (2.7)%7.5 %
       Lease financing587,415 534,557 492,862 474,817 399,973 9.9 %46.9 %
       Construction real estate802,264 741,406 641,596 564,832 578,824 8.2 %38.6 %
       Commercial real estate4,034,820 4,076,596 4,145,969 4,080,939 3,992,654 (1.0)%1.1 %
       Residential real estate1,422,186 1,377,290 1,344,677 1,333,674 1,293,470 3.3 %10.0 %
       Home equity825,431 800,860 773,811 758,676 743,991 3.1 %10.9 %
       Installment141,270 148,530 153,838 159,078 160,648 (4.9)%(12.1)%
       Credit card61,140 59,477 60,939 59,939 56,386 2.8 %8.4 %
          Total loans11,553,072 11,521,203 11,205,120 10,933,176 10,646,819 0.3 %8.5 %
       Less:
          Allowance for credit losses (158,831)(156,185)(144,274)(141,433)(145,201)1.7 %9.4 %
                Net loans 11,394,241 11,365,018 11,060,846 10,791,743 10,501,618 0.3 %8.5 %
     Premises and equipment196,692 197,873 198,428 194,740 192,572 (0.6)%2.1 %
     Operating leases201,080 167,472 161,473 153,214 136,883 20.1 %46.9 %
     Goodwill 1,007,656 1,007,656 1,007,656 1,005,868 1,005,868 0.0 %0.2 %
     Other intangibles81,547 83,528 85,603 83,949 86,378 (2.4)%(5.6)%
     Accrued interest and other assets1,045,669 1,147,282 1,067,244 1,056,762 1,186,618 (8.9)%(11.9)%
       Total Assets$18,146,332 $18,166,180 $17,599,238 $17,532,900 $17,054,852 (0.1)%6.4 %
LIABILITIES
     Deposits
       Interest-bearing demand$2,884,971 $2,922,540 $2,916,518 $2,993,219 $2,880,617 (1.3)%0.2 %
       Savings4,710,223 4,628,320 4,467,894 4,331,228 4,023,455 1.8 %17.1 %
       Time3,244,861 3,049,635 2,896,860 2,718,390 2,572,909 6.4 %26.1 %
          Total interest-bearing deposits10,840,055 10,600,495 10,281,272 10,042,837 9,476,981 2.3 %14.4 %
       Noninterest-bearing3,107,699 3,061,427 3,175,876 3,317,960 3,438,572 1.5 %(9.6)%
          Total deposits13,947,754 13,661,922 13,457,148 13,360,797 12,915,553 2.1 %8.0 %
     FHLB short-term borrowings765,000 1,040,000 700,000 800,000 755,000 (26.4)%1.3 %
     Other46,653 139,172 162,145 137,814 219,188 (66.5)%(78.7)%
          Total short-term borrowings811,653 1,179,172 862,145 937,814 974,188 (31.2)%(16.7)%
     Long-term debt344,086 338,556 343,236 344,115 340,902 1.6 %0.9 %
          Total borrowed funds1,155,739 1,517,728 1,205,381 1,281,929 1,315,090 (23.9)%(12.1)%
     Accrued interest and other liabilities592,401 660,091 649,706 622,200 694,700 (10.3)%(14.7)%
       Total Liabilities15,695,894 15,839,741 15,312,235 15,264,926 14,925,343 (0.9)%5.2 %
SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
     Common stock1,639,045 1,635,705 1,632,971 1,638,972 1,636,054 0.2 %0.2 %
     Retained earnings1,234,375 1,204,844 1,166,065 1,136,718 1,101,905 2.5 %12.0 %
     Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)(232,262)(323,409)(321,109)(309,819)(410,005)(28.2)%(43.4)%
     Treasury stock, at cost(190,720)(190,701)(190,924)(197,897)(198,445)0.0 %(3.9)%
       Total Shareholders' Equity2,450,438 2,326,439 2,287,003 2,267,974 2,129,509 5.3 %15.1 %
       Total Liabilities and Shareholders' Equity$18,146,332 $18,166,180 $17,599,238 $17,532,900 $17,054,852 (0.1)%6.4 %

6


FIRST FINANCIAL BANCORP.
AVERAGE CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CONDITION
(Dollars in thousands)
(Unaudited)
Quarterly AveragesYear-to-Date Averages
Sep. 30,June 30,Mar. 31,Dec. 31,Sep. 30,Sep. 30,
2024202420242023202320242023
ASSETS
     Cash and due from banks$179,321 $174,435 $204,119 $214,678 $211,670 $185,934 $217,281 
     Interest-bearing deposits with other banks483,880 599,348 553,654 548,153 386,173 545,402 344,844 
     Investment securities3,274,498 3,131,541 3,137,665 3,184,408 3,394,237 3,181,575 3,529,119 
     Loans held for sale16,399 14,075 12,069 12,547 15,420 14,189 10,972 
     Loans and leases
       Commercial and industrial3,723,761 3,716,083 3,543,475 3,422,381 3,443,615 3,661,335 3,456,612 
       Lease financing550,634 509,758 480,540 419,179 371,598 513,779 316,316 
       Construction real estate763,779 683,780 603,974 540,314 547,884 684,136 534,165 
       Commercial real estate4,059,939 4,146,764 4,101,238 4,060,733 4,024,798 4,102,491 4,030,950 
       Residential real estate1,399,932 1,361,133 1,336,749 1,320,670 1,260,249 1,366,062 1,186,259 
       Home equity811,265 790,384 765,410 750,925 735,251 789,101 729,949 
       Installment143,102 151,753 157,663 160,242 164,092 150,811 180,571 
       Credit card65,189 67,200 65,066 64,037 60,827 65,816 58,637 
          Total loans11,517,601 11,426,855 11,054,115 10,738,481 10,608,314 11,333,531 10,493,459 
       Less:
          Allowance for credit losses (159,252)(147,666)(143,950)(149,398)(150,297)(150,322)(144,149)
                Net loans 11,358,349 11,279,189 10,910,165 10,589,083 10,458,017 11,183,209 10,349,310 
     Premises and equipment197,881 199,096 198,482 194,435 194,228 198,484 191,733 
     Operating leases180,118 156,457 154,655 139,331 132,984 163,803 126,362 
     Goodwill 1,007,654 1,007,657 1,006,477 1,005,870 1,005,844 1,007,264 1,005,783 
     Other intangibles82,619 84,577 84,109 85,101 87,427 83,764 89,945 
     Accrued interest and other assets1,073,472 1,081,876 1,044,826 1,151,349 1,065,389 1,066,750 1,088,829 
       Total Assets$17,854,191 $17,728,251 $17,306,221 $17,124,955 $16,951,389 $17,630,374 $16,954,178 
LIABILITIES
     Deposits
       Interest-bearing demand$2,914,934 $2,888,252 $2,895,768 $2,988,086 $2,927,416 $2,899,707 $2,913,737 
       Savings4,694,923 4,617,658 4,399,768 4,235,658 3,919,590 4,571,236 3,829,802 
       Time3,080,408 2,980,158 2,813,880 2,611,075 2,446,854 2,958,595 2,325,244 
          Total interest-bearing deposits10,690,265 10,486,068 10,109,416 9,834,819 9,293,860 10,429,538 9,068,783 
       Noninterest-bearing3,106,239 3,144,198 3,169,750 3,368,024 3,493,305 3,139,939 3,702,189 
          Total deposits13,796,504 13,630,266 13,279,166 13,202,843 12,787,165 13,569,477 12,770,972 
     Federal funds purchased and securities sold
          under agreements to repurchase10,807 750 4,204 3,586 10,788 5,274 19,626 
     FHLB short-term borrowings626,490 669,111 646,187 554,826 878,199 647,187 943,678 
     Other 76,859 161,913 146,127 185,221 175,682 128,112 149,122 
          Total short-term borrowings714,156 831,774 796,518 743,633 1,064,669 780,573 1,112,426 
     Long-term debt339,581 339,472 342,496 340,321 338,402 340,513 341,162 
       Total borrowed funds1,053,737 1,171,246 1,139,014 1,083,954 1,403,071 1,121,086 1,453,588 
     Accrued interest and other liabilities632,825 645,699 622,479 693,676 607,552 633,664 604,831 
       Total Liabilities15,483,066 15,447,211 15,040,659 14,980,473 14,797,788 15,324,227 14,829,391 
SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
     Common stock1,637,045 1,634,183 1,637,835 1,637,197 1,634,102 1,636,357 1,632,912 
     Retained earnings1,210,924 1,179,827 1,144,447 1,111,786 1,076,515 1,178,518 1,033,779 
     Accumulated other comprehensive loss(285,978)(341,941)(319,601)(406,265)(358,769)(315,731)(342,898)
     Treasury stock, at cost(190,866)(191,029)(197,119)(198,236)(198,247)(192,997)(199,006)
       Total Shareholders' Equity2,371,125 2,281,040 2,265,562 2,144,482 2,153,601 2,306,147 2,124,787 
       Total Liabilities and Shareholders' Equity$17,854,191 $17,728,251 $17,306,221 $17,124,955 $16,951,389 $17,630,374 $16,954,178 

7


FIRST FINANCIAL BANCORP.
NET INTEREST MARGIN RATE/VOLUME ANALYSIS
(Dollars in thousands)
(Unaudited)
 Quarterly AveragesYear-to-Date Averages
September 30, 2024June 30, 2024September 30, 2023September 30, 2024September 30, 2023
BalanceInterestYieldBalanceInterestYieldBalanceInterestYieldBalanceYieldBalanceYield
Earning assets
    Investments:
      Investment securities$3,274,498 $34,983 4.24 %$3,131,541 $32,999 4.23 %$3,394,237 $34,819 4.07 %$3,181,575 4.18 %$3,529,119 4.01 %
      Interest-bearing deposits with other banks483,880 6,703 5.50 %599,348 7,960 5.33 %386,173 5,011 5.15 %545,402 5.42 %344,844 4.84 %
    Gross loans (1)
11,534,000 215,433 7.41 %11,440,930 211,760 7.42 %10,623,734 192,261 7.18 %11,347,720 7.41 %10,504,431 6.95 %
       Total earning assets15,292,378 257,119 6.67 %15,171,819 252,719 6.68 %14,404,144 232,091 6.39 %15,074,697 6.66 %14,378,394 6.18 %
Nonearning assets
    Allowance for credit losses(159,252)(147,666)(150,297)(150,322)(144,149)
    Cash and due from banks179,321 174,435 211,670 185,934 217,281 
    Accrued interest and other assets2,541,744 2,529,663 2,485,872 2,520,065 2,502,652 
       Total assets$17,854,191 $17,728,251 $16,951,389 $17,630,374 $16,954,178 
Interest-bearing liabilities
    Deposits:
      Interest-bearing demand$2,914,934 $15,919 2.17 %$2,888,252 $14,923 2.07 %$2,927,416 $12,953 1.76 %$2,899,707 2.11 %$2,913,737 1.28 %
      Savings4,694,923 34,220 2.89 %4,617,658 33,142 2.88 %3,919,590 19,853 2.01 %4,571,236 2.83 %3,829,802 1.45 %
      Time3,080,408 36,415 4.69 %2,980,158 34,957 4.70 %2,446,854 24,263 3.93 %2,958,595 4.66 %2,325,244 3.64 %
    Total interest-bearing deposits10,690,265 86,554 3.21 %10,486,068 83,022 3.18 %9,293,860 57,069 2.44 %10,429,538 3.15 %9,068,783 1.96 %
    Borrowed funds
      Short-term borrowings714,156 9,932 5.52 %831,774 11,395 5.49 %1,064,669 14,615 5.45 %780,573 5.53 %1,112,426 5.18 %
      Long-term debt339,581 5,073 5.93 %339,472 4,991 5.90 %338,402 4,952 5.81 %340,513 5.89 %341,162 5.74 %
        Total borrowed funds1,053,737 15,005 5.65 %1,171,246 16,386 5.61 %1,403,071 19,567 5.53 %1,121,086 5.64 %1,453,588 5.31 %
       Total interest-bearing liabilities11,744,002 101,559 3.43 %11,657,314 99,408 3.42 %10,696,931 76,636 2.84 %11,550,624 3.39 %10,522,371 2.42 %
Noninterest-bearing liabilities
    Noninterest-bearing demand deposits3,106,239 3,144,198 3,493,305 3,139,939 3,702,189 
    Other liabilities632,825 645,699 607,552 633,664 604,831 
    Shareholders' equity2,371,125 2,281,040 2,153,601 2,306,147 2,124,787 
       Total liabilities & shareholders' equity$17,854,191 $17,728,251 $16,951,389 $17,630,374 $16,954,178 
Net interest income $155,560 $153,311 $155,455 $457,611 $474,005 
Net interest spread 3.24 %3.26 %3.55 %3.27 %3.76 %
Net interest margin 4.05 %4.06 %4.28 %4.05 %4.41 %
Tax equivalent adjustment0.03 %0.04 %0.05 %0.04 %0.04 %
Net interest margin (fully tax equivalent)4.08 %4.10 %4.33 %4.09 %4.45 %
(1) Loans held for sale and nonaccrual loans are included in gross loans.
8


FIRST FINANCIAL BANCORP.
NET INTEREST MARGIN RATE/VOLUME ANALYSIS (1)
(Dollars in thousands)
(Unaudited)
 Linked Qtr. Income Variance Comparable Qtr. Income VarianceYear-to-Date Income Variance
RateVolumeTotalRateVolumeTotalRateVolumeTotal
Earning assets
    Investment securities$93 $1,891 $1,984 $1,443 $(1,279)$164 $4,500 $(10,855)$(6,355)
    Interest-bearing deposits with other banks252 (1,509)(1,257)339 1,353 1,692 1,499 8,134 9,633 
    Gross loans (2)
(388)4,061 3,673 6,170 17,002 23,172 35,933 46,746 82,679 
       Total earning assets(43)4,443 4,400 7,952 17,076 25,028 41,932 44,025 85,957 
Interest-bearing liabilities
    Total interest-bearing deposits$956 $2,576 $3,532 $18,179 $11,306 $29,485 $80,784 $32,050 $112,834 
    Borrowed funds
    Short-term borrowings47 (1,510)(1,463)192 (4,875)(4,683)2,888 (13,719)(10,831)
    Long-term debt25 57 82 103 18 121 377 (29)348 
       Total borrowed funds72 (1,453)(1,381)295 (4,857)(4,562)3,265 (13,748)(10,483)
       Total interest-bearing liabilities1,028 1,123 2,151 18,474 6,449 24,923 84,049 18,302 102,351 
          Net interest income (1)
$(1,071)$3,320 $2,249 $(10,522)$10,627 $105 $(42,117)$25,723 $(16,394)
(1) Not tax equivalent.
(2) Loans held for sale and nonaccrual loans are included in gross loans.


9


FIRST FINANCIAL BANCORP.
CREDIT QUALITY
(Dollars in thousands)
(Unaudited)
Nine months ended,
Sep. 30,June 30,Mar. 31,Dec. 31,Sep. 30,Sep. 30,Sep. 30,
2024202420242023202320242023
ALLOWANCE FOR CREDIT LOSS ACTIVITY
Balance at beginning of period$156,185 $144,274 $141,433 $145,201 $148,646 $141,433 $132,977 
  Provision for credit losses9,930 16,157 13,419 8,804 12,907 39,506 34,270 
  Gross charge-offs
    Commercial and industrial5,471 2,149 2,695 6,866 9,207 10,315 12,309 
    Lease financing368 190 4,244 76 561 179 
    Construction real estate
    Commercial real estate261 5,319 6,008 5,582 8,722 
    Residential real estate60 65 10 131 30 
    Home equity90 122 25 174 54 237 166 
    Installment1,510 2,034 2,236 2,054 1,349 5,780 4,388 
    Credit card768 532 794 363 319 2,094 810 
      Total gross charge-offs 8,528 5,035 11,137 13,711 17,023 24,700 26,604 
  Recoveries
    Commercial and industrial434 236 162 459 335 832 1,075 
    Lease financing11 59 52 71 
    Construction real estate
    Commercial real estate25 137 38 93 39 200 2,430 
    Residential real estate22 37 24 24 44 83 223 
    Home equity240 118 80 178 125 438 437 
    Installment421 219 145 210 87 785 231 
    Credit card91 41 51 123 40 183 159 
      Total recoveries1,244 789 559 1,139 671 2,592 4,558 
  Total net charge-offs7,284 4,246 10,578 12,572 16,352 22,108 22,046 
Ending allowance for credit losses$158,831 $156,185 $144,274 $141,433 $145,201 $158,831 $145,201 
NET CHARGE-OFFS TO AVERAGE LOANS AND LEASES (ANNUALIZED)
  Commercial and industrial0.54 %0.21 %0.29 %0.74 %1.02 %0.35 %0.43 %
  Lease financing0.26 %0.15 %(0.05)%3.97 %0.08 %0.13 %0.07 %
  Construction real estate0.00 %0.00 %0.00 %0.00 %0.00 %0.00 %0.00 %
  Commercial real estate0.02 %(0.01)%0.52 %(0.01)%0.59 %0.18 %0.21 %
  Residential real estate0.01 %(0.01)%0.01 %0.00 %(0.01)%0.00 %(0.02)%
  Home equity(0.07)%0.00 %(0.03)%0.00 %(0.04)%(0.03)%(0.05)%
  Installment3.03 %4.81 %5.33 %4.57 %3.05 %4.42 %3.08 %
  Credit card4.13 %2.94 %4.59 %1.49 %1.82 %3.88 %1.48 %
     Total net charge-offs0.25 %0.15 %0.38 %0.46 %0.61 %0.26 %0.28 %
COMPONENTS OF NONACCRUAL LOANS, NONPERFORMING ASSETS, AND UNDERPERFORMING ASSETS
  Nonaccrual loans
    Commercial and industrial$10,703 $17,665 $14,532 $15,746 $17,152 $10,703 $17,152 
    Lease financing11,632 5,374 3,794 3,610 7,731 11,632 7,731 
    Construction real estate
    Commercial real estate23,608 22,942 23,055 27,984 33,019 23,608 33,019 
    Residential real estate14,596 12,715 12,836 14,067 12,328 14,596 12,328 
    Home equity4,074 3,295 4,036 3,476 3,937 4,074 3,937 
    Installment826 682 984 870 774 826 774 
      Total nonaccrual loans65,439 62,673 59,237 65,753 74,941 65,439 74,941 
  Other real estate owned (OREO)30 30 161 106 142 30 142 
     Total nonperforming assets65,469 62,703 59,398 65,859 75,083 65,469 75,083 
  Accruing loans past due 90 days or more463 1,573 820 2,028 698 463 698 
     Total underperforming assets$65,932 $64,276 $60,218 $67,887 $75,781 $65,932 $75,781 
Total classified assets $206,194 $195,277 $162,348 $140,995 $140,552 $206,194 $140,552 
CREDIT QUALITY RATIOS
Allowance for credit losses to
     Nonaccrual loans242.72 %249.21 %243.55 %215.10 %193.75 %242.72 %193.75 %
     Total ending loans1.37 %1.36 %1.29 %1.29 %1.36 %1.37 %1.36 %
Nonaccrual loans to total loans0.57 %0.54 %0.53 %0.60 %0.70 %0.57 %0.70 %
Nonperforming assets to
     Ending loans, plus OREO0.57 %0.54 %0.53 %0.60 %0.71 %0.57 %0.71 %
     Total assets0.36 %0.35 %0.34 %0.38 %0.44 %0.36 %0.44 %
Classified assets to total assets1.14 %1.07 %0.92 %0.80 %0.82 %1.14 %0.82 %
10


FIRST FINANCIAL BANCORP.
CAPITAL ADEQUACY
(Dollars in thousands, except per share data)
(Unaudited)
Three Months Ended,Nine months ended,
Sep. 30,June 30,Mar. 31,Dec. 31,Sep. 30,Sep. 30,Sep. 30,
2024202420242023202320242023
PER COMMON SHARE
Market Price
  High$28.09 $23.78 $23.68 $24.28 $24.02 $28.09 $26.24 
  Low$21.70 $20.79 $21.04 $17.37 $19.19 $20.79 $18.20 
  Close$25.23 $22.22 $22.42 $23.75 $19.60 $25.23 $19.60 
Average shares outstanding - basic94,473,666 94,438,235 94,218,067 94,063,570 94,030,275 94,377,010 93,896,716 
Average shares outstanding - diluted95,479,510 95,470,093 95,183,998 95,126,316 95,126,269 95,378,238 95,085,871 
Ending shares outstanding95,486,317 95,486,010 95,473,595 95,141,244 95,117,180 95,486,317 95,117,180 
Total shareholders' equity$2,450,438 $2,326,439 $2,287,003 $2,267,974 $2,129,509 $2,450,438 $2,129,509 
REGULATORY CAPITALPreliminaryPreliminary
Common equity tier 1 capital$1,661,759 $1,626,345 $1,582,113 $1,568,815 $1,527,793 $1,661,759 $1,527,793 
Common equity tier 1 capital ratio12.04 %11.78 %11.67 %11.73 %11.60 %12.04 %11.60 %
Tier 1 capital$1,706,796 $1,671,258 $1,626,899 $1,613,480 $1,572,248 $1,706,796 $1,572,248 
Tier 1 ratio12.37 %12.11 %12.00 %12.06 %11.94 %12.37 %11.94 %
Total capital$2,012,349 $1,997,378 $1,940,762 $1,907,441 $1,868,490 $2,012,349 $1,868,490 
Total capital ratio14.58 %14.47 %14.31 %14.26 %14.19 %14.58 %14.19 %
Total capital in excess of minimum requirement$563,592 $548,037 $516,704 $503,152 $485,580 $563,592 $485,580 
Total risk-weighted assets$13,797,681 $13,803,249 $13,562,455 $13,374,177 $13,170,574 $13,797,681 $13,170,574 
Leverage ratio9.93 %9.73 %9.75 %9.70 %9.59 %9.93 %9.59 %
OTHER CAPITAL RATIOS
Ending shareholders' equity to ending assets13.50 %12.81 %12.99 %12.94 %12.49 %13.50 %12.49 %
Ending tangible shareholders' equity to ending tangible assets (1)
7.98 %7.23 %7.23 %7.17 %6.50 %7.98 %6.50 %
Average shareholders' equity to average assets13.28 %12.87 %13.09 %12.52 %12.70 %13.08 %12.53 %
Average tangible shareholders' equity to average tangible assets (1)
7.64 %7.15 %7.25 %6.57 %6.69 %7.35 %6.49 %
REPURCHASE PROGRAM (2)
Shares repurchased
Average share repurchase priceN/AN/AN/AN/AN/AN/AN/A
Total cost of shares repurchasedN/AN/AN/AN/AN/AN/AN/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
11
earnings presentation • Third Quarter 2024 Exhibit 99.2


 
forward looking statements disclosure 2 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 losses; • the effect of and changes in policies and laws or regulatory agencies, including the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act and other legislation and regulation relating to the banking industry; (iv) 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, and any slowdown in global economic growth; • the adverse impact on the U.S. economy, including the markets in which we operate, of the novel coronavirus, which causes the Coronavirus disease 2019 (“COVID-19”), global pandemic, and the impact on the performance of our loan and lease portfolio, the market value of our investment securities, the availability of sources of funding and the demand for our products; • 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;


 
forward looking statements disclosure 3 • 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, 2023, 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.


 
3Q 2024 results 136th Consecutive Quarter of Profitability 4 • EOP assets decreased $19.8 million compared to the linked quarter to $18.1 billion • EOP loans increased $31.9 million compared to the linked quarter to $11.6 billion • Average deposits increased $166.2 million compared to the linked quarter to $13.8 billion • EOP investment securities increased $119.6 million compared to the linked quarter Balance Sheet Profitability Asset Quality Income Statement Capital • Noninterest income – $45.7 million; $58.8 million as adjusted1 • Noninterest expense – $125.8 million; $124.7 million as adjusted1 • Efficiency ratio – 62.5%. Adjusted1 efficiency ratio – 58.2% • Effective tax rate of 19.2%. Adjusted1 effective tax rate of 19.5% • Net interest income – $155.6 million • Net interest margin of 4.05% on a GAAP basis; 4.08% on a fully tax equivalent basis1 • Net income – $52.5 million or $0.55 per diluted share. Adjusted1 net income – $63.6 million or $0.67 per diluted share • Return on average assets – 1.17%. Adjusted 1 return on average assets – 1.42% • Return on average shareholders’ equity – 8.80%. Adjusted1 return on average shareholders’ equity – 10.68% • Return on average tangible common equity – 16.29%1. Adjusted1 return on average tangible common equity – 19.77% • Provision expense - $10.6 million • Net charge-offs – $7.3 million. NCOs / Avg. Loans – 0.25% annualized • Classified Assets / Total Assets - 1.14% • NPA / Total Assets – 0.36% • ACL / Total Loans – 1.37% • Total capital ratio – 14.58% • Tier 1 common equity ratio – 12.04% • Tangible common equity ratio – 7.98%. Adjusted1 Tangible common equity ratio – 9.34% • Tangible book value per share – $14.26 1 Non-GAAP financial measure which management believes facilitates a better understanding of the Company’s financial condition. See Appendix for Non-GAAP reconciliation.


 
3Q 2024 highlights • Strong quarterly earnings driven by net interest margin • Adjusted1 earnings per share – $0.67 • Adjusted1 return on assets – 1.42% • Adjusted1 pre-tax, pre-provision return on assets – 2.00% • Adjusted1 return on average tangible common equity – 19.77% • Modest loan growth during the period, in line with expectations • EOP loan balances increased $31.9 million compared to the linked quarter; 1.1% on an annualized basis • Growth driven by leasing and mortgage • Payoffs increased 27% compared to the linked quarter • Total average deposit balances increased $166.2 million, or 4.9% on an annualized basis • $100.8 million increase in retail CDs and $114.2 million increase in money market accounts offset modest declines in noninterest bearing checking and savings balances • $35.0 million increase in brokered deposits mostly offset modest seasonal decline in public funds • $38.5 million decline in noninterest bearing deposit balances from linked quarter • Average noninterest bearing deposits were 23% of average total deposits at September 30, 2024 • • Net interest margin (FTE) of 4.08% decreased 2 bps from linked quarter • Stable asset yields compared to linked quarter • 5 bp increase in cost of deposits offset by favorable shift in funding mix, resulting in 2 bp increase in total funding costs • • Noninterest income of $45.7 million; $58.8 million as adjusted1 • Adjustments include o $17.5 million loss on securities; includes $9.7 million impairment loss on two skilled nursing investments, $8.0 million of losses on sales from restructuring activities o $4.4 million gain related to a deferred tax gain • Leasing business revenue of $16.8 million; relatively flat compared to linked quarter • Foreign exchange income of $12.0 million; decline from near-record second quarter • Wealth management revenue of $6.9 million; 3.7% decline from record quarter 5 1 Non-GAAP financial measure which management believes facilitates a better understanding of the Company’s financial condition. See Appendix for Non-GAAP reconciliations. .


 
3Q 2024 highlights • Adjusted1 noninterest expense of $124.7 million, a 1.8% increase from second quarter • Adjustments1 include $0.4 million of efficiency-related costs and $0.7 million in other costs such as acquisition, severance and branch consolidation costs • Increase driven by $1.8 million increase in leasing business expenses and $0.5 million supplemental contribution to the First Financial Foundation • Efficiency ratio of 62.5%; 58.2% as adjusted1 • Workforce efficiency initiative ongoing; 120 positions eliminated to date • Increase in allowance for credit loss (ACL) and provision expense • Total ACL of $176.0 million; provision expense of $10.6 million o Loans and leases - ACL of $158.8 million; 1.37% of total loans o Unfunded Commitments - ACL of $17.1 million • Provision expense driven by net charge-offs and slower prepayments • NPA to total assets of 0.36%; relatively flat compared to linked quarter • $7.3 million in net charge-offs; 0.25% of loans on an annualized basis, 10 bp increase from linked quarter • Classified assets increased 7 bps to 1.14% of total assets during third quarter • Capital ratios in excess of targets • Total capital ratio of 14.58% • Tier 1 common equity of 12.04%; 26 basis point increase from linked quarter • Tangible book value of $14.26; increased by $1.32, or 10.2%, from linked quarter • Tangible common equity increased 75 bps to 7.98%; 9.34%1 excluding ($232.3) million of AOCI • Common dividend of $0.24 6 1 Non-GAAP financial measure which management believes facilitates a better understanding of the Company’s financial condition. See Appendix for Non-GAAP reconciliations. .


 
adjusted net income1 7 The table below lists certain adjustments that the Company believes are significant to understanding its quarterly performance. 1 Non-GAAP financial measure which management believes facilitates a better understanding of the Company’s financial condition. See Appendix for Non-GAAP reconciliations. All dollars shown in thousands, except per share amounts As Reported Adjusted 1 As Reported Adjusted 1 Net interest income 155,560$ 155,560$ 153,311$ 153,311$ Provision for credit losses-loans and leases 9,930$ 9,930$ 16,157$ 16,157$ Provision for credit losses-unfunded commitments 694$ 694$ 286$ 286$ Noninterest income 45,701$ 45,701$ 61,501$ 61,501$ less: gains (losses) on security transactions - (17,468) A - (64) A less: deferred tax adjustment - 4,353 A - - A Total noninterest income 45,701$ 58,816$ 61,501$ 61,565$ Noninterest expense 125,759$ 125,759$ 123,574$ 123,574$ less: FDIC special assessment - - A - (70) A less: efficiency-related costs - 383 A - 368 A less: other - 695 A - 818 A Total noninterest expense 125,759$ 124,681$ 123,574$ 122,458$ Income before income taxes 64,878$ 79,071$ 74,795$ 75,975$ Income tax expense 12,427$ 12,427$ 13,990$ 13,990$ plus: after-tax impact of tax credit investment @ 21% - 24 - 10 plus: tax effect of adjustments (A) @ 21% statutory rate - 2,981 - 263 Total income tax expense 12,427$ 15,432$ 13,990$ 14,262$ Net income 52,451$ 63,639$ 60,805$ 61,713$ Net earnings per share - diluted 0.55$ 0.67$ 0.64$ 0.65$ Pre-tax, pre-provision return on average assets 1.68% 2.00% 2.07% 2.10% 3Q 2024 2Q 2024


 
profitability 8 Return on Average Assets Return on Avg Tangible Common Equity Diluted EPS 1 Non-GAAP financial measure which management believes facilitates a better understanding of the Company’s financial condition. See Appendix for Non-GAAP reconciliation. Adjusted1 Pre-tax, Pre-Provision Earnings $0.55 $0.64 $0.53$0.60$0.66 $0.67 $0.65 $0.59 $0.62 $0.67 3Q242Q241Q244Q233Q23 Diluted EPS Adjusted EPS 1 1.17% 1.38% 1.18%1.31% 1.48% 1.42%1.40% 1.30%1.37% 1.49% 3Q242Q241Q244Q233Q23 ROA Adjusted ROA 1 16.29% 20.57% 17.35% 21.36% 23.60% 19.77%20.88%19.11% 22.21%23.76% 3Q242Q241Q244Q233Q23 ROATCE Adjusted ROATCE 1 $89.7$92.4 $79.4$84.6$90.7 2.00%2.10% 1.85%1.96% 2.12% 3Q242Q241Q244Q233Q23 Pre-tax, pre-provision earnings Pre-tax, pre-provision ROA


 
net interest income & margin 9 Net Interest Margin (FTE) 2Q24 NIM (FTE) Progression Net Interest Income All dollars shown in millions $151.0$148.4 $143.9$147.7$150.9 $3.8 $3.6 $4.0 $5.2 $4.5 $155.6 $153.3 $148.7 $153.8 $155.5 3Q242Q241Q244Q233Q23 Basic NII Loan Fees 3.98%4.00%3.99% 4.12%4.21% 0.10%0.10%0.11% 0.14% 0.12% 4.08%4.10%4.10% 4.26% 4.33% 3Q242Q241Q244Q233Q23 Basic Margin (FTE) Loan Fees 2Q24 4.10% Asset yields/mix -0.01% Funding costs/mix -0.01% 3Q24 4.08%


 
2.50%2.51%2.48%2.49%2.44%2.30% 2.08% 1.77% -0.01%0.03%0.00%0.05% 0.14%0.22%0.31%0.37% SepAugJul3Q242Q241Q244Q233Q23 Cost of Deposits Change in Cost of Deposits average balance sheet 10 Average LoansAverage Securities All dollars shown in millions 1 Includes loans fees and loan accretion Deposit Costs $3,274$3,132$3,138$3,184$3,394 4.24%4.23% 4.01% 4.20% 4.07% 3Q242Q241Q244Q233Q23 Investment Securities Investment Securities Yield $11,534$11,441$11,066$10,751$10,624 7.41%7.42%7.32%7.29% 7.18% 3Q242Q241Q244Q233Q23 Loans Loan Yield 1 $13,797$13,630 $13,279$13,203 $12,787 2.49%2.44% 2.30% 2.08% 1.77% 3Q242Q241Q244Q233Q23 Deposits Cost of Deposits Average Deposits


 
11 Borrowing Capacity • Interest-bearing deposits with other banks of $661 million • Investment securities portfolio: • 97.6% of investment portfolio classified as available-for-sale • $680.9 million of expected cash flow from securities portfolio in next 12 months • $490.3 million of floating rate securities with minimal losses • Portfolio duration of 4.3 years at September 30, 2024 borrowing capacity & cash/investment liquidity Cash/Investment Liquidity All dollars shown in thousands FHLB borrowing availability 513,928$ Fed Discount Window availability 949,185 Brokered CDs/Deposit placement services 2,135,630 Fed funds 960,000 Total as of September 30, 2024 4,558,743$


 
agile acquisition 12 • Acquired February 29th • $93.4 million in loans acquired; $211.2 million as of September 30th • $5.6 million of intangibles created • Agile is a full-service specialty finance company based in Lincolnshire, IL and operates throughout the U.S. • Lends to commercial customers to finance insurance premiums • Loans are secured by the unearned premium of the policies • Two-thirds of volume is derived from direct agency relationships, and one-third is originated through a brokerage model • Portfolio is diversified across insurance carrier, insurance agency, borrower, geography, and insurance coverage type • Founded in 2017 and managed by seasoned industry experts • Led by founder Bob Przespolewski and Charlie Gerstung, who joined FFB • 30 associates Product Details • Originates approximately 50,000 loans annually • Average loan size of $12,700 • Median loan size $1,700 • Average duration 10 months Deep and Diverse Relationships Portfolio Highlights • Gross yields in excess of 10% • Expected annual loss rate of 10-20 bps • Established national network of over 1,700 active independent insurance agencies • Significant cross-sell opportunity 1The fair value measurements of assets acquired and liabilities assumed in the Agile acquisition are subject to refinement for up to one year after the closing date of the acquisition as additional information relative to closing date fair values becomes available. Company Overview Transaction Overview1 Key Statistics


 
loan portfolio 13 Loan LOB Mix (EOP) Net Loan Change-LOB (Linked Quarter) All dollars shown in millions Total growth/(decline): $31.9 million $7.3 -$119.5 -$10.4 $5.1 $83.8 $3.4 $22.5 $39.7 ICRE Commercial & Small Business Banking Oak Street Franchise Summit Agile Consumer Mortgage ICRE $3,725 32% Commercial & Small Business Banking $3,229 28% Oak Street $741 6% Franchise $249 2% Summit $831 7% Agile $211 2% Consumer $1,009 9% Mortgage $1,558 14% Total $11.6 Billion


 
loan concentrations 14 C&I and Owner Occupied CRE Loans by Sector1 Investor CRE Loans by Property Type All dollars shown in millions 1 Excludes Agile Premium Finance Property Type 9/30/24 % of Total Loans Residential Multi Family 5+ $1,279.2 11.1% Retail Property 790.0 6.8% Office 434.8 3.8% Industrial 399.4 3.5% Hospital/Nursing Home 298.0 2.6% Hotel 187.1 1.6% Land 111.4 1.0% Residential 1-4 Family 105.8 0.9% Industrial 54.8 0.5% Other Real Estate 51.6 0.4% Self Storage 12.6 0.1% Other 0.1 0.0% Grand Total $3,725.0 32.2% NAICS Sector 9/30/24 % of Total Loans Finance and Insurance $1,236.2 10.7% Manufacturing 493.1 4.3% Accommodation and Food Services 308.0 2.7% Construction 280.7 2.4% Health Care and Social Assistance 275.4 2.4% Real Estate and Rental and Leasing 260.8 2.3% Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services 258.5 2.2% Retail Trade 242.3 2.1% Wholesale Trade 202.8 1.8% Agriculture, Forestry, Fishing and Hunting 167.7 1.5% Transportation and Warehousing 151.2 1.3% Other Services (except Public Administration) 145.7 1.3% Administrative and Support and Waste Managemen 139.3 1.2% Arts, Entertainment, and Recreation 80.7 0.7% Information 74.7 0.6% Public Administration 54.6 0.5% Educational Services 24.6 0.2% Management of Companies and Enterprises 15.7 0.1% Utilities 13.3 0.1% Mining, Quarrying, and Oil and Gas Extraction 13.2 0.1% Other 0.8 0.0% Grand Total $4,439.3 38.4%


 
area of focus - office portfolio (non-owner occupied) 15 Office Property Type 1 Performance metrics based on loans greater than $2.5 million and excluding classified assets. All dollars shown in millions Office Property Market Office Maturity Schedule • $434.8 million balance represents 3.8% of total loan portfolio; includes $54.7 million of loans less than $2.5 million individual exposure • Majority of exposure is in our metro markets and secured by suburban Class A & Class B assets with recourse from the sponsor • No exposure to gateway cities • $17.3 million on nonaccrual status; 2 relationships; have been charged down to net realizable value • $14.1 million rated substandard – 1 relationship; $35.4 million rated special mention – 3 relationships • One loan migrated to criticized/classified during quarter • Performance metrics at origination or renewal1 • LTV – 61.4% • Occupancy – 86.1% • Debt coverage – 1.65x $287 66% $136 31% $12 3% Suburban Urban Non-metro $358 82% $44 10% $25 6% $8 2% General Office Medical Mixed Use Other $42.6 $111.2 $61.2 $36.8 $61.2 $121.8 $0.0 $20.0 $40.0 $60.0 $80.0 $100.0 $120.0 $140.0 2024 2025 2026 2027 2028 2029+


 
deposits 16 Deposit Product Mix (Avg) 3Q24 Average Deposit Progression All dollars shown in millions Total growth/(decline): $166.2 million -$38.5 $25.2 -$30.0 $114.2 $100.8 $35.0 -$40.5 Noninterest-bearing Interest-bearing demand Savings Money Markets Retail CDs Brokered Deposits Public Funds Noninterest- bearing (excl. pub funds) $2,987 22% Interest-bearing demand $1,662 12% Savings $1,017 7% Money Markets $3,068 22% Retail CDs $1,653 12% Brokered Deposits $1,473 11% Public Funds $1,937 14% Total $13.8 billion


 
average deposit trends 17 All dollars shown in millions Business Public Funds Personal Uninsured Deposits $6,330$6,312$6,162$5,921$5,824$5,821 3Q242Q241Q244Q233Q232Q23 $3,974$3,824$3,823$3,913$3,789$3,664 3Q242Q241Q244Q233Q232Q23 $1,937$1,978$1,864$1,928$1,805$1,823 3Q242Q241Q244Q233Q232Q23 Uninsured deposits (per call report instructions) 5,341$ Less: Public funds 1,809 Less: Intercompany deposits 192 Adjusted uninsured deposits 3,340 Borrowing capacity 4,559 Borrowing capacity in excess of adjusted uninsured deposits $ 1,219 Borrowing capacity as a % of adjusted uninsured deposits 136.5% Adjusted uninsured deposits to total deposits 23.9%


 
noninterest income 18 Noninterest Income 3Q24 Highlights All dollars shown in thousands • Adjusted1 fee income of $58.8 million • $13.1 million of adjustments1 include: • $17.5 million loss on securities • $9.7 million impairment loss on two skilled nursing investments • $8.0 million of losses on sales from restructuring activities • $4.4 million gain related to a deferred tax gain • Total fee income 22.7% of net revenue • Foreign exchange income of $12.0 million; decreased $4.7 million from the near-record second quarter • Leasing business income of $16.8 million; relatively unchanged from the linked quarter • Trust and wealth management fees of $6.9 million: decreased $0.3 million, or 3.7%, from record linked quarter • Deposit service charge income of $7.5 million: increased $0.4 million, or 5.0%, from the linked quarter • Mortgage banking income of $5.0 million; increased $0.5 million, or 12.1%, from the linked quarter 1 Non-GAAP financial measure which management believes facilitates a better understanding of the Company’s financial condition. See Appendix for Non-GAAP reconciliations. Service Charges $7,547 Wealth Mgmt $6,910 Bankcard income $3,698 Client derivative fees $1,160 Foreign exchange income $12,048 Leasing business income $16,811 Mortgage banking income $5,021 Other $(7,494) Total $45.7 million


 
noninterest expense 19 Noninterest Expense 3Q24 Highlights 1 Non-GAAP financial measure which management believes facilitates a better understanding of the Company’s financial condition. See Appendix for Non-GAAP reconciliations. All dollars shown in thousands • Core expenses increased $2.2 million, or 1.8% • $1.8 million increase in leasing expenses • $0.5 million supplemental contribution to First Financial Foundation • Efficiency initiative ongoing; 120 positions eliminated to date which equals $13.4 million of annualized savings • $1.1 million of adjustments1 include: • $0.4 million efficiency-related costs • $0.7 million of other costs such as acquisition, severance and branch consolidation costs Salaries and benefits $74,813 59% Occupancy and equipment $9,536 8% Data processing $8,857 7% Professional services $2,303 2% Intangible amortization $2,395 2% Leasing business expense $11,899 9% Other $15,956 13% Total $125.8 million 57.5% 59.3% 62.7% 57.5% 62.5% 57.3% 58.0% 60.4% 57.0% 58.2% 3Q23 4Q23 1Q24 2Q24 3Q24 Efficiency Ratio Adjusted Efficiency Ratio 1 Efficiency Ratio


 
allowance for credit losses 20 3Q24 Highlights All dollars shown in millions • $176.0 million combined ACL; $10.6 million combined provision expense • $158.8 million ACL – loans and leases; increase driven by slower prepayments; 1.37% of loan balances • Utilized Moody’s September baseline forecast in quantitative model • $17.1 million ACL – unfunded commitments $145.2 $141.4 $144.3 $156.2 $158.8 $17.0 $18.4 $16.2 $16.4 $17.1 $162.2 $159.9 $160.4 $172.6 $176.0 1.36% 1.29% 1.29% 1.36% 1.37% 3Q23 4Q23 1Q24 2Q24 3Q24 ACL-loans and leases ACL-unfunded commitments ACL / Total Loans ACL / Total Loans


 
asset quality 21 Classified Assets / Total Assets Net Charge Offs & Provision Expense1 . 1 Provision includes both loans & leases and unfunded commitments All dollars shown in millions $65.5$62.7$59.4 $65.9 $75.1 0.36%0.35%0.34% 0.38%0.44% 3Q242Q241Q244Q233Q23 NPAs NPAs / Total Assets $16.4 $12.6 $10.6 $4.2 $7.3 $11.7 $10.2 $11.2 $16.4 $10.6 0.25% 0.15% 0.38% 0.46% 0.61% 3Q23 4Q23 1Q24 2Q24 3Q24 NCOs Provision Expense NCOs / Average Loans $206.2$195.3 $162.3 $141.0$140.6 1.14%1.07% 0.92% 0.80%0.82% 3Q242Q241Q244Q233Q23 Classified Assets Classified Assets / Total Assets Nonperforming Assets / Total Assets


 
capital 22 Tier 1 Common Equity Ratio Total Capital Ratio Tangible Common Equity Ratio 9/30 Risk Weighted Assets = $13,797,681 All capital numbers are considered preliminary. 1 Non-GAAP financial measure which management believes facilitates a better understanding of the Company’s financial condition. See Appendix for Non-GAAP reconciliation. Adjusted TCE excludes impact from AOCI Tier 1 Capital Ratio 12.04%11.78%11.67%11.73%11.60% 7.00% 3Q242Q241Q244Q233Q23 Tier 1 Common Equity Ratio Basel III minimum 12.37%12.11%12.00%12.06%11.94% 8.50% 3Q242Q241Q244Q233Q23 Tier 1 Capital Ratio Basel III minimum 14.58%14.47%14.31%14.26%14.19% 10.50% 3Q242Q241Q244Q233Q23 Total Capital Ratio Basel III minimum 6.50% 7.17% 7.23% 7.23% 7.98% 9.07% 9.05% 9.18% 9.13% 9.34% 3Q23 4Q23 1Q24 2Q24 3Q24 TCE ratio Adjusted TCE ratio1


 
capital strategy 23 Strategy & DeploymentTangible Book Value Per Share • 3.8% annualized dividend yield as of September 30th • 43.7% of 3Q24 earnings returned to shareholders through common dividend • Most recent internal stress testing indicates capital ratios above regulatory minimums in all modeled scenarios • Common dividend of $0.24 • No shares repurchased in 3Q24; no plans to repurchase shares in near- term • 10.2% increase in TBV per share from linked quarter driven by strong earnings and decline in unrealized loss on investment portfolio • 30.7% increase since 3Q23 1 Excludes impact from AOCI $10.91 $12.38 $12.50 $12.94 $14.26 $15.22 $15.64 $15.87 $16.32 $16.69 3Q23 4Q23 1Q24 2Q24 3Q24 Tangible Book Value per Share TBV per share-adjusted 1


 
outlook commentary1 • Loan balances expected to grow mid single digits on an annualized basis • Strong average deposit balance growth expected; includes expected public fund seasonal growth • Investment portfolio expected to remain stable 24 • Total noninterest expense expected to be $126 - 128 million • Stable expense base expected excluding leasing business and fee-based incentive expense • Incentive expense will fluctuate with fee income Noninterest Expense Net Interest Margin Balance Sheet Credit • Credit costs expected to remain flat • Net charge-offs expected to be approximately 25 - 30 bps for full year • Stable to slightly increasing ACL coverage as a percentage of loans expected Noninterest Income • Total expected fee income of $63 - 65 million • Includes $13 - 15 million foreign exchange • Includes $18 - 20 million leasing business income 1 See Forward Looking Statement Disclosure on page 2-3 of this presentation for a discussion of factors that could affect management’s expectations and results in future periods. • Expected to be 3.85% - 3.95%; assumes 25 bp November and December rate cuts by Fed Capital • Expect to maintain dividend at $0.24


 
The Company’s Investor Presentation contains certain financial information determined by methods other than in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States (GAAP). Such non-GAAP financial information should be considered supplemental to, and not as a substitute for, or superior to, financial measures calculated in accordance with GAAP. However, we believe that non-GAAP reporting provides meaningful information and therefore we use it to supplement our GAAP information. We have chosen to provide this supplemental information to investors, analysts and other interested parties to enable them to perform additional analyses of operating results, to illustrate the results of operations giving effect to the non-GAAP adjustments and to provide an additional measure of performance. We believe this information is helpful in understanding the results of operations separate and apart from items that may, or could, have a disproportional positive or negative impact in any given period. For a reconciliation of the differences between the non-GAAP financial measures and the most comparable GAAP measures, please refer to the following reconciliation tables. to GAAP Reconciliation 25 appendix: non-GAAP measures


 
appendix: non-GAAP to GAAP reconciliation 26 All dollars shown in thousands Net interest income and net interest margin - fully tax equivalent Sep. 30, June 30, Mar. 31, Dec. 31, Sep. 30, 2024 2024 2024 2023 2023 Net interest income 155,560$ 153,311$ 148,740$ 153,765$ 155,455$ Tax equivalent adjustment 1,362 1,418 1,535 1,672 1,659 Net interest income - tax equivalent 156,922$ 154,729$ 150,275$ 155,437$ 157,114$ Average earning assets 15,292,378$ 15,171,819$ 14,757,503$ 14,483,589$ 14,404,144$ Net interest margin1 4.05 % 4.06 % 4.05 % 4.21 % 4.28 % Net interest margin (fully tax equivalent)1 4.08 % 4.10 % 4.10 % 4.26 % 4.33 % Three months ended 1 Margins are calculated using net interest income annualized divided by average earning assets. 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.


 
appendix: non-GAAP to GAAP reconciliation 27 All dollars shown in thousands Additional non-GAAP ratios Sep. 30, June 30, Mar. 31, Dec. 31, Sep. 30, (Dollars in thousands, except per share data) 2024 2024 2024 2023 2023 Net income (a) 52,451$ 60,805$ 50,689$ 56,732$ 63,061$ Average total shareholders' equity 2,371,125 2,281,040 2,265,562 2,144,482 2,153,601 Less: Goodw ill (1,007,654) (1,007,657) (1,006,477) (1,005,870) (1,005,844) Other intangibles (82,619) (84,577) (84,109) (85,101) (87,427) Average tangible equity (b) 1,280,852 1,188,806 1,174,976 1,053,511 1,060,331 Total shareholders' equity 2,450,438 2,326,439 2,287,003 2,267,974 2,129,509 Less: Goodw ill (1,007,656) (1,007,656) (1,007,656) (1,005,868) (1,005,868) Other intangibles (81,547) (83,528) (85,603) (83,949) (86,378) Ending tangible equity (c) 1,361,235 1,235,255 1,193,744 1,178,157 1,037,263 Less: AOCI (232,262) (323,409) (321,109) (309,819) (410,005) Ending tangible equity less AOCI (d) 1,593,497 1,558,664 1,514,853 1,487,976 1,447,268 Total assets 18,146,332 18,166,180 17,599,238 17,532,900 17,054,852 Less: Goodw ill (1,007,656) (1,007,656) (1,007,656) (1,005,868) (1,005,868) Other intangibles (81,547) (83,528) (85,603) (83,949) (86,378) Ending tangible assets (e) 17,057,129 17,074,996 16,505,979 16,443,083 15,962,606 Risk-w eighted assets (f) 13,797,681 13,803,249 13,562,455 13,374,177 13,170,574 Total average assets 17,854,191 17,728,251 17,306,221 17,124,955 16,951,389 Less: Goodw ill (1,007,654) (1,007,657) (1,006,477) (1,005,870) (1,005,844) Other intangibles (82,619) (84,577) (84,109) (85,101) (87,427) Average tangible assets (g) 16,763,918$ 16,636,017$ 16,215,635$ 16,033,984$ 15,858,119$ Ending shares outstanding (h) 95,486,317 95,486,010 95,473,595 95,141,244 95,117,180 Ratios Return on average tangible shareholders' equity (a)/(b) 16.29% 20.57% 17.35% 21.36% 23.60% Ending tangible equity as a percent of: Ending tangible assets (c)/(e) 7.98% 7.23% 7.23% 7.17% 6.50% Risk-w eighted assets (c)/(f) 9.87% 8.95% 8.80% 8.81% 7.88% Ending tangible equity excluding AOCI as a percent of: Ending tangible assets (d)/(e) 9.34% 9.13% 9.18% 9.05% 9.07% Average tangible equity as a percent of average tangible assets (b)/(g) 7.64% 7.15% 7.25% 6.57% 6.69% Tangible book value per share (c)/(h) 14.26$ 12.94$ 12.50$ 12.38$ 10.91$ Three months ended,


 
appendix: non-GAAP to GAAP reconciliation 28 All dollars shown in thousands Additional non-GAAP measures 1Q24 4Q23 As Reported Adjusted As Reported Adjusted As Reported Adjusted As Reported Adjusted Net interest income (f) 155,560$ 155,560$ 153,311$ 153,311$ 148,740$ 148,740$ 153,765$ 153,765$ Provision for credit losses-loans and leases (j) 9,930 9,930 16,157 16,157 13,419 13,419 8,804 8,804 Provision for credit losses-unfunded commitments (j) 694 694 286 286 (2,259) (2,259) 1,426 1,426 Noninterest income 45,701 45,701 61,501 61,501 46,512 46,512 46,993 46,993 less: gains (losses) on security transactions (17,468) (64) (5,187) (649) less: deferred tax adjustment 4,353 - - - Total noninterest income (g) 45,701 58,816 61,501 61,565 46,512 51,699 46,993 47,642 Noninterest expense 125,759 125,759 123,574 123,574 122,355 122,355 119,137 119,137 less: tax credit investment w ritedow n - - less: FDIC special assessment - (70) 231 925 less: eff iciency-related costs 383 368 - - less: Other 695 818 1,087 1,363 Total noninterest expense (e) 125,759 124,681 123,574 122,458 122,355 121,037 119,137 116,849 Income before income taxes (i) 64,878 79,071 74,795 75,975 61,737 68,242 71,391 74,328 Income tax expense 12,427 12,427 13,990 13,990 11,048 11,048 14,659 14,659 plus: tax effect of adjustments 24 10 52 276 plus: after-tax impact of tax credit investments @ 21% 2,981 263 1,318 423 Total income tax expense (h) 12,427 15,432 13,990 14,262 11,048 12,418 14,659 15,358 Net income (a) 52,451$ 63,639$ 60,805$ 61,713$ 50,689$ 55,824$ 56,732$ 58,970$ Average diluted shares (b) 95,480 95,480 95,470 95,470 95,184 95,184 95,141 95,141 Average assets (c) 17,854,191 17,854,191 17,728,251 17,728,251 17,306,221 17,306,221 17,124,955 17,124,955 Average shareholders' equity 2,371,125 2,371,125 2,281,040 2,281,040 2,265,562 2,265,562 2,144,482 2,144,482 Less: Goodw ill and other intangibles (1,090,273) (1,090,273) (1,092,234) (1,092,234) (1,090,586) (1,090,586) (1,090,971) (1,090,971) Average tangible equity (d) 1,280,852 1,280,852 1,188,806 1,188,806 1,174,976 1,174,976 1,053,511 1,053,511 Ratios Net earnings per share - diluted (a)/(b) 0.55$ 0.67$ 0.64$ 0.65$ 0.53$ 0.59$ 0.60$ 0.62$ Return on average assets - (a)/(c) 1.17% 1.42% 1.38% 1.40% 1.18% 1.30% 1.31% 1.37% Pre-tax, pre-provision return on average assets - ((a)+(j)+(h))/(c) 1.68% 2.00% 2.07% 2.10% 1.69% 1.85% 1.89% 1.96% Return on average tangible shareholders' equity - (a)/(d) 16.29% 19.77% 20.57% 20.88% 17.35% 19.11% 21.36% 22.21% Efficiency ratio - (e)/((f)+(g)) 62.5% 58.2% 57.5% 57.0% 62.7% 60.4% 59.3% 58.0% Effective tax rate - (h)/(i) 19.2% 19.5% 18.7% 18.8% 17.9% 18.2% 20.5% 20.7% (Dollars in thousands, except per share data) 3Q24 2Q24


 
29 First Financial Bancorp First Financial Center 255 East Fifth Street Cincinnati, OH 45202


 
v3.24.3
Document and Entity Information Document
Oct. 24, 2024
Cover [Abstract]  
Document Type 8-K
Document Period End Date Oct. 24, 2024
Entity Registrant Name FIRST FINANCIAL BANCORP.
Entity Incorporation, State or Country Code OH
Entity File Number 001-34762
Entity Tax Identification Number 31-1042001
Entity Address, Address Line One 255 East Fifth Street, Suite 800
Entity Address, City or Town Cincinnati,
Entity Address, State or Province OH
Entity Address, Postal Zip Code 45202
City Area Code 877
Local Phone Number 322-9530
Written Communications false
Soliciting Material false
Pre-commencement Tender Offer false
Pre-commencement Issuer Tender Offer false
Entity Emerging Growth Company false
Entity Central Index Key 0000708955
Amendment Flag false
NASDAQ/NMS (GLOBAL MARKET) [Member]  
Entity Listings [Line Items]  
Title of 12(b) Security Common stock, No par value
Trading Symbol FFBC
Security Exchange Name NASDAQ

First Financial Bancorp (NASDAQ:FFBC)
Historical Stock Chart
From Sep 2024 to Oct 2024 Click Here for more First Financial Bancorp Charts.
First Financial Bancorp (NASDAQ:FFBC)
Historical Stock Chart
From Oct 2023 to Oct 2024 Click Here for more First Financial Bancorp Charts.