First Financial Bancorp. ("First Financial") secured regulatory approval of its announced acquisition of Chicago-based BankFinancial Corporation ("BankFinancial"). Closing is anticipated to take place on or around January 1, 2026. CINCINNATI, Dec. 15, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- First Financial (Nasdaq: FFBC) announced that it received regulatory approval from the Federal Reserve and the Ohio Department of Financial Institutions to complete its previously announced acquisition of BankFinancial. Closing is antic ...

Financial Performance - The company reported net income of $2.4 million, or $0.19 per common share, for the quarter ended September 30, 2025[90]. - Net income for the three months ended September 30, 2025, was $2.4 million, an increase of 18.4% compared to $2.0 million for the same period in 2024[111]. - Net income for the nine months ended September 30, 2025, was $4.1 million, down from $5.8 million for the same period in 2024[125]. Assets and Liabilities - Total assets as of September 30, 2025, were $1.455 billion, with total loans of $759.8 million and total deposits of $1.242 billion[90]. - Total assets increased by $19.7 million, or 1.4%, to $1.455 billion at September 30, 2025, from $1.435 billion at December 31, 2024[106]. - Total deposits increased by $26.4 million, with core deposits representing 79% of total deposits as of September 30, 2025[100]. - Total deposits increased by $24.5 million, or 2.0%, to $1.242 billion at September 30, 2025[109]. - Total stockholders' equity increased to $157.4 million at September 30, 2025, from $156.4 million at December 31, 2024[110]. Income and Expenses - Net interest income increased by $375,000, driven by a 24.8% increase in average securities, totaling $100.7 million, and a net interest margin of 3.45%[91]. - Noninterest income decreased by $256,000, attributed to declines in trust department income and a prior quarter's bank-owned life insurance benefit[93]. - Noninterest expense decreased by $1.1 million due to the receipt of a $1.4 million Employee Retention Tax Credit, partially offset by a $405,000 increase in professional fees related to the proposed merger[94]. - Noninterest income increased by $1.1 million, or 25.5%, to $5.3 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2025[111]. - Noninterest expense rose by $694,000, or 6.9%, to $10.8 million for the three months ended September 30, 2025, primarily due to increased office occupancy and professional fees[122]. - Total noninterest expense rose by $553,000, or 1.7%, to $33.5 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2025, primarily due to increased professional fees[137]. Loan Portfolio - The loan portfolio declined by $36.1 million in the third quarter of 2025, primarily due to scheduled repayments[96]. - Loans receivable decreased by $127.8 million, or 14.4%, to $759.8 million at September 30, 2025[106]. - The provision for credit losses on loans was $1.8 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2025, compared to $435,000 for the same period in 2024[132]. - The allowance for credit losses as a percentage of nonperforming loans was 76.74% at September 30, 2025, compared to 79.65% at June 30, 2025[120]. Nonperforming Assets - The ratio of nonperforming assets to total assets improved to 0.79%, with a specific reserve of $2.1 million recorded for a U.S. Government equipment finance exposure[97][98]. - Nonperforming assets decreased by $652,000 to $11.5 million as of September 30, 2025, compared to $12.2 million at June 30, 2025, and $18.3 million at December 31, 2024[143]. - The ratio of nonperforming assets to total assets was 0.79% as of September 30, 2025, down from 0.85% at June 30, 2025, and 1.28% at December 31, 2024[143]. - Total nonperforming loans amounted to $9.24 million as of September 30, 2025, a decrease of $7.69 million from the previous year[142]. Mergers and Acquisitions - The company entered into a merger agreement with First Financial Bancorp, subject to regulatory approvals and stockholder approval[88][89]. Interest Rate Risk Management - The company primarily invests in shorter-duration securities, which generally have lower yields compared to longer-term investments, to better manage interest rate risk[161]. - The dynamic GAP analysis identifies mismatches in the timing of asset and liability repricing, which is crucial for understanding interest rate risk[164]. - Management considers various projected forward interest rate scenarios when evaluating strategies for managing interest rate risk[167]. - The estimated changes in NPV and net interest income are based on numerous assumptions, including market interest rates and loan prepayment rates, and should not be relied upon as indicative of actual results[165]. Tax and Dividends - The effective tax rate for the three months ended September 30, 2025, was 16.6%, compared to 22.6% for the same period in 2024[124]. - The company declared cash dividends of $0.30 per share for each of the nine months ended September 30, 2025, and September 30, 2024[158].

Core Insights - BankFinancial (NASDAQ: BFIN) is a holding company for BankFinancial, National Association, which operates as a full-service bank in the Chicago Metropolitan area [1] - The bank's loan portfolio is primarily focused on residential loans, prompting an analysis of its evolving profitability levels [1] Company Overview - BankFinancial operates in the Chicago Metropolitan area as a full-service bank [1] - The bank's primary focus is on residential loans, indicating a specific market niche [1] Investment Group Insights - The investment group European Small Cap Ideas provides exclusive access to actionable research on Europe-focused investment opportunities [1] - The group emphasizes high-quality small-cap investment ideas, focusing on capital gains and dividend income for continuous cash flow [1] - Features of the investment group include two model portfolios: the European Small Cap Ideas portfolio and the European REIT Portfolio, along with weekly updates and educational content [1]

Core Viewpoint - The Ademi Firm is investigating BankFinancial for potential breaches of fiduciary duty and other legal violations related to its transaction with First Financial Bancorp [1] Group 1: Investigation Details - The investigation focuses on the transaction where shareholders of BankFinancial will receive 0.48 shares of First Financial common stock [1]

Group 1 - First Financial Bancorp (FFBC) has agreed to acquire BankFinancial Corporation (BFIN) in an all-stock transaction valued at approximately $142 million, aiming to strengthen its presence in the Chicagoland market [1][7] - BankFinancial shareholders will receive 0.48 shares of First Financial for each share they hold, with the transaction expected to close in the fourth quarter of 2025, pending regulatory approvals and shareholder consent [2] - The acquisition will integrate BankFinancial's consumer and wealth management services into First Financial's operations, ensuring continuity in client relationships and community engagement [3] Group 2 - The acquisition will add 18 BankFinancial financial centers to First Financial's network, enhancing its market reach across Ohio, Indiana, Kentucky, and Illinois [4][7] - This move aligns with FFBC's broader Midwest growth strategy, which includes a prior agreement to acquire Westfield Bank in Northeast Ohio and ongoing expansion into Chicago, Cleveland, and Grand Rapids [5] - Archie Brown, president and CEO of First Financial, emphasized that the addition of BankFinancial's centers will provide Chicago clients with a broader range of banking and specialty solutions [6] Group 3 - Over the past year, shares of First Financial have decreased by 1.9%, contrasting with the industry's growth of 15.1% [6] - FFBC currently holds a Zacks Rank 1 (Strong Buy), indicating positive market sentiment [9]

Core Viewpoint - First Financial Corporation Indiana (THFF) has agreed to acquire BankFinancial Corporation (BFIN) in an all-stock transaction valued at approximately $142 million, aiming to strengthen its presence in the Chicagoland market and enhance service offerings [1][7]. Financial Details - BankFinancial shareholders will receive 0.48 shares of First Financial for each share they hold, with the transaction unanimously approved by both companies' boards. The deal is expected to close in the fourth quarter of 2025, pending regulatory approvals and shareholder consent [2]. Integration Plans - Upon completion, BankFinancial's consumer and wealth management services, along with selected commercial credit lines, will be integrated into First Financial's existing operations. All BankFinancial employees will transition to First Financial to maintain client relationships and community engagement [3]. Strategic Rationale - The acquisition will add 18 BankFinancial centers to First Financial's network, expanding its presence in the Chicagoland area and complementing its existing branch network across Ohio, Indiana, Kentucky, and Illinois [4][7]. Growth Strategy - This transaction aligns with THFF's broader Midwest growth strategy, which includes a prior agreement to acquire Westfield Bank in Northeast Ohio, and ongoing expansion efforts into Chicago, Cleveland, and Grand Rapids [5]. Leadership Statement - Archie Brown, president and CEO of First Financial, emphasized that the addition of BankFinancial's retail financial centers supports the Midwest growth strategy and provides Chicago clients with a broader range of banking and specialty solutions [6]. Market Performance - Over the past year, First Financial shares have increased by 39.4%, outperforming the industry's rise of 20.5% [6].

Core Viewpoint - Halper Sadeh LLC is investigating potential violations of federal securities laws and breaches of fiduciary duties related to the sales of BankFinancial Corporation and WideOpenWest, Inc. [1][2] Group 1: BankFinancial Corporation - BankFinancial Corporation (NASDAQ: BFIN) is being sold to First Financial Bancorp for 0.48 shares of First Financial common stock per share of BankFinancial [1] - Shareholders of BankFinancial are encouraged to learn about their legal rights and options regarding this transaction [1] Group 2: WideOpenWest, Inc. - WideOpenWest, Inc. (NYSE: WOW) is being sold to affiliates of DigitalBridge Investments, LLC and Crestview Partners for $5.20 per share [2] - Shareholders of WideOpenWest are also encouraged to explore their rights and options related to this sale [2] Group 3: Legal Representation - Halper Sadeh LLC may seek increased consideration for shareholders, additional disclosures, and other benefits on behalf of shareholders [3] - The firm operates on a contingent fee basis, meaning shareholders would not incur out-of-pocket legal fees or expenses [3] Group 4: Contact Information - Shareholders can contact Halper Sadeh LLC for free consultations regarding their legal rights and options [4] - The firm has a history of representing investors globally who have experienced securities fraud and corporate misconduct [4]

Group 1 - Halper Sadeh LLC is investigating BankFinancial Corporation's sale to First Financial Bancorp, which involves an exchange of 0.48 shares of First Financial common stock for each share of BankFinancial [1] - The firm is also looking into Monroe Capital Corporation's merger with Horizon Technology Finance Corporation [2] - Halper Sadeh LLC may seek increased consideration for shareholders and additional disclosures regarding the proposed transactions [3] Group 2 - Shareholders are encouraged to contact Halper Sadeh LLC to discuss their legal rights and options at no charge [4] - The firm represents investors globally who have experienced securities fraud and corporate misconduct, recovering millions for defrauded investors [4]

Group 1 - The core focus of the news is the investigation by Monteverde & Associates PC into the proposed sale of BankFinancial Corporation to First Financial Bancorp, specifically evaluating whether the exchange of BankFinancial shares for 0.48 shares of First Financial common stock is a fair deal [1] - Monteverde & Associates PC is recognized as a Top 50 Firm in the 2024 ISS Securities Class Action Services Report and has successfully recovered millions for shareholders [1] - The firm operates from the Empire State Building in New York City and emphasizes its national presence and successful track record in class action securities litigation [2][3] Group 2 - The proposed transaction involves BankFinancial shareholders receiving 0.48 shares of First Financial common stock for each share they own, raising questions about the fairness of the deal [1] - The firm encourages shareholders with concerns regarding the transaction to reach out for additional information at no cost [3] - Monteverde & Associates PC highlights its commitment to shareholder rights and its history of successful recoveries in various cases [4]

Group 1 - Halper Sadeh LLC is investigating WideOpenWest, Inc. for potential violations related to its sale to DigitalBridge Investments and Crestview Partners at $5.20 per share [1] - BankFinancial Corporation is being investigated for its sale to First Financial Bancorp at a ratio of 0.48 shares of First Financial common stock for each share of BankFinancial [2] - The firm may seek increased consideration for shareholders and additional disclosures regarding the proposed transactions [3] Group 2 - Shareholders are encouraged to contact Halper Sadeh LLC to discuss their legal rights and options at no charge [4] - Halper Sadeh LLC represents investors globally who have experienced securities fraud and corporate misconduct, recovering millions for defrauded investors [4]