CINCINNATI , Oct. 3, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- First Financial Bancorp. (Nasdaq: FFBC) announced today that it expects to release third quarter 2025 financial results after the market close on Thursday, October 23, 2025. ...

Group 1: BorgWarner - BorgWarner is a global leader in clean and efficient technology solutions for combustion, hybrid, and electric vehicles, with a Zacks Rank 1 (Strong Buy) [1] - The Zacks Consensus Estimate for BorgWarner's current year earnings has increased by 8.6% over the last 60 days [1] - The company has a price-to-earnings ratio (P/E) of 9.56, compared to the industry average of 15.30, and possesses a Value Score of A [2] Group 2: Ranger Energy Services - Ranger Energy Services is a provider of well service rigs and services primarily in the United States, also carrying a Zacks Rank 1 [2] - The Zacks Consensus Estimate for Ranger Energy Services' current year earnings has increased by 42.5% over the last 60 days [2] - The company has a price-to-earnings ratio (P/E) of 11.02, compared to the industry average of 23.50, and possesses a Value Score of B [3] Group 3: First Financial Bank - First Financial Bank is a financial holding company engaged in commercial banking and other financial activities through seventeen wholly owned subsidiary institutions, with a Zacks Rank 1 [4] - The Zacks Consensus Estimate for First Financial Bank's current year earnings has increased by 6.1% over the last 60 days [4] - The company has a price-to-earnings ratio (P/E) of 9.32, compared to the industry average of 11.20, and possesses a Value Score of B [5]

Core Viewpoint - First Financial Bancorp (FFBC) is experiencing solid improvements in earnings estimates, which may lead to continued short-term price momentum for the stock [1][2]. Earnings Estimates - Analysts are increasingly optimistic about the earnings prospects for First Financial Bancorp, driving higher estimates that are expected to be reflected in the stock price [2]. - The current-quarter earnings estimate is projected at $0.75 per share, reflecting a year-over-year increase of +11.9%. The Zacks Consensus Estimate has risen by 11.6% over the last 30 days, with two estimates moving higher and no negative revisions [6]. - For the full year, the earnings estimate is $2.79 per share, indicating a year-over-year change of +6.5%. Over the past month, three estimates have increased, contributing to a 6.92% rise in the consensus estimate [7][8]. Zacks Rank - First Financial Bancorp has achieved a Zacks Rank of 2 (Buy), indicating favorable estimate revisions that suggest potential for outperformance compared to the S&P 500 [9]. - The Zacks Rank system has a strong track record, with Zacks 1 Ranked stocks averaging an annual return of +25% since 2008 [3]. Investment Outlook - The stock has appreciated by 7% over the past four weeks due to strong estimate revisions, suggesting that there may still be further upside potential [10].

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 Bancorp has announced an agreement to acquire BankFinancial in an all-stock transaction, enhancing its presence in the Chicago market and expanding its core deposit franchise [1][7]. Company Overview - First Financial Bancorp, based in Cincinnati, Ohio, has $18.6 billion in assets, $11.8 billion in loans, and $14.4 billion in deposits as of June 30, 2025 [8]. - BankFinancial, with over 100 years of experience in commercial lending, operates 18 full-service banking offices in the greater Chicago area [9]. Transaction Details - The acquisition will convert each outstanding share of BankFinancial common stock into 0.48 shares of First Financial common stock, valuing the transaction at approximately $142 million based on First Financial's stock price on August 8, 2025 [4]. - The transaction is expected to close in the fourth quarter of 2025, pending regulatory approvals and BankFinancial shareholders' approval [5]. Strategic Rationale - The acquisition will allow First Financial to add consumer banking and lending solutions to its existing commercial services, supporting its Midwest growth strategy [2]. - The addition of BankFinancial's 18 retail locations will complement First Financial's existing operations in the Chicago area, which includes a commercial loan production office and other financial services [3][7]. Employee Integration - All BankFinancial employees will transition to become associates of First Financial upon the completion of the transaction [4][7].

[Part I - FINANCIAL INFORMATION](index=5&type=section&id=Part%20I%20-%20FINANCIAL%20INFORMATION) [Item 1 - Financial Statements](index=5&type=section&id=Item%201%20-%20Financial%20Statements) This section presents First Financial Bancorp's unaudited consolidated financial statements for Q2 and H1 2025, including balance sheets, income, and cash flow statements [Consolidated Balance Sheets](index=5&type=section&id=Consolidated%20Balance%20Sheets) Total assets slightly increased to $18.63 billion, supported by investment securities and loans, with deposits and equity also growing Consolidated Balance Sheet Highlights (in thousands) | Account | June 30, 2025 | December 31, 2024 | | :--- | :--- | :--- | | **Total Assets** | **$18,634,255** | **$18,570,261** | | Net loans and leases | $11,627,674 | $11,604,987 | | Investment securities (AFS & HTM) | $3,459,556 | $3,260,736 | | Goodwill | $1,007,656 | $1,007,656 | | **Total Liabilities** | **$16,076,100** | **$16,132,220** | | Total deposits | $14,369,993 | $14,329,138 | | Total borrowed funds | $1,029,654 | $1,102,961 | | **Total Shareholders' Equity** | **$2,558,155** | **$2,438,041** | [Consolidated Statements of Income](index=6&type=section&id=Consolidated%20Statements%20of%20Income) Net income increased for Q2 and H1 2025, driven by higher net interest and noninterest income and lower credit loss provisions Key Income Statement Data (in thousands, except per share data) | Metric | Q2 2025 | Q2 2024 | Six Months 2025 | Six Months 2024 | | :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- | | Net Interest Income | $158,269 | $153,311 | $307,565 | $302,051 | | Provision for Credit Losses | $9,802 | $16,443 | $18,502 | $27,603 | | Noninterest Income | $68,063 | $61,501 | $119,146 | $108,013 | | Noninterest Expense | $128,671 | $123,574 | $256,747 | $245,929 | | **Net Income** | **$69,996** | **$60,805** | **$121,289** | **$111,494** | | **Diluted EPS** | **$0.73** | **$0.64** | **$1.27** | **$1.17** | [Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements](index=13&type=section&id=Notes%20to%20Consolidated%20Financial%20Statements) Detailed disclosures cover accounting policies, investment and loan portfolios, credit loss allowance, goodwill, borrowings, and business combinations [Note 3: Investments](index=14&type=section&id=Note%203%3A%20Investments) The investment portfolio, primarily AFS securities at $3.39 billion, saw sales with net losses, but unrealized losses are due to market rates Investment Securities Summary as of June 30, 2025 (in thousands) | Category | Amortized Cost | Fair Value | | :--- | :--- | :--- | | **Available-for-Sale (AFS)** | **$3,664,424** | **$3,386,562** | | Mortgage-backed securities - residential | $1,220,107 | $1,140,315 | | Obligations of state and political subdivisions | $609,001 | $493,212 | | **Held-to-Maturity (HTM)** | **$72,994** | **$66,244** | - For the six months ended June 30, 2025, the company sold **$164.5 million** of AFS securities, realizing gross gains of **$0.1 million** and gross losses of **$10.0 million**[33](index=33&type=chunk) - As of June 30, 2025, the AFS portfolio had gross unrealized losses of **$289.4 million**, primarily concentrated in securities held for 12 months or more, which management attributes to market yield fluctuations rather than credit issues[44](index=44&type=chunk) [Note 4: Loans and Leases](index=17&type=section&id=Note%204%3A%20Loans%20and%20Leases) Total loans increased slightly to $11.79 billion, with diversified categories; total delinquency decreased, but nonaccrual loans rose Loan Portfolio Composition (in thousands) | Loan Category | June 30, 2025 | % of Total | | :--- | :--- | :--- | | Commercial & industrial | $3,927,771 | 33.3% | | Commercial real estate | $3,961,513 | 33.6% | | Residential real estate | $1,492,688 | 12.7% | | Home equity | $903,299 | 7.7% | | Lease financing | $587,176 | 5.0% | | Other | $912,549 | 7.7% | | **Total Loans & Leases** | **$11,786,196** | **100.0%** | - Total past due loans (30+ days) decreased to **$55.2 million** at June 30, 2025, from **$72.7 million** at December 31, 2024[57](index=57&type=chunk) - Nonaccrual loans increased to **$76.9 million** as of June 30, 2025, up from **$66.0 million** at December 31, 2024, with the increase primarily in Commercial & Industrial loans[65](index=65&type=chunk) [Note 5: Allowance for Credit Losses](index=26&type=section&id=Note%205%3A%20Allowance%20for%20Credit%20Losses) ACL for loans and leases increased to $158.5 million (1.34% of loans), with lower provision expense but higher net charge-offs ACL Roll-Forward for Loans & Leases - Six Months Ended June 30, 2025 (in thousands) | Description | Amount | | :--- | :--- | | Beginning Balance (Jan 1, 2025) | $156,791 | | Provision for credit losses | $18,225 | | Gross charge-offs | ($18,840) | | Recoveries | $2,346 | | **Ending Balance (June 30, 2025)** | **$158,522** | - The ACL as a percentage of total loans was **1.34%** at June 30, 2025, compared to **1.33%** at December 31, 2024[286](index=286&type=chunk) - The ACL for unfunded commitments was **$17.1 million** as of June 30, 2025, with a related provision expense of **$0.3 million** for the first six months of 2025[94](index=94&type=chunk) [Note 18: Business Combinations](index=53&type=section&id=Note%2018%3A%20Business%20Combinations) The company announced a $325.0 million acquisition of Westfield Bancorp and completed the Agile Premium Finance acquisition for $96.9 million - On June 23, 2025, First Financial entered an agreement to acquire Westfield Bancorp, Inc. for a total purchase price of **$325.0 million** (**$260.0 million** cash and **$65.0 million** in stock)[205](index=205&type=chunk)[206](index=206&type=chunk) - The acquisition of Agile Premium Finance was completed on February 29, 2024, for **$96.9 million** in cash, adding a national insurance premium financing business[209](index=209&type=chunk) [Item 2 - Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations](index=55&type=section&id=Item%202%20-%20Management%27s%20Discussion%20and%20Analysis%20of%20Financial%20Condition%20and%20Results%20of%20Operations) Management discusses Q2 2025 net income of $70.0 million, highlighting net interest income growth, asset quality, liquidity, and capital [Overview of Operations](index=57&type=section&id=Overview%20of%20Operations) Q2 2025 net income rose to $70.0 million ($0.73 diluted EPS), showing strong improvements in key performance ratios like ROAA and ROATCE Quarterly Performance Summary | Metric | Q2 2025 | Q1 2025 | | :--- | :--- | :--- | | Net Income | $69,996 | $51,293 | | Diluted EPS | $0.73 | $0.54 | | Return on Average Assets | 1.52% | 1.13% | | Return on Average Tangible Shareholders' Equity | 19.61% | 15.16% | [Net Interest Income](index=59&type=section&id=Net%20Interest%20Income) Net interest income for Q2 2025 increased by 6.0% to $158.3 million, with net interest margin expanding to 4.05% due to improved yields - Net interest income increased by **$9.0 million**, or **6.0%**, from the first quarter of 2025[242](index=242&type=chunk) - The net interest margin (FTE) increased by **17 basis points** to **4.05%** in Q2 2025 compared to Q1 2025, as asset yields rose and funding costs declined[242](index=242&type=chunk) [Asset Quality and Allowance for Credit Losses](index=67&type=section&id=Asset%20Quality%20and%20Allowance%20for%20Credit%20Losses) Asset quality stable despite nonaccrual loan increase to $76.9 million; total ACL is $175.7 million, with lower Q2 net charge-offs - Nonaccrual loans increased by **$11.0 million** to **$76.9 million** (**0.65%** of total loans) at June 30, 2025[279](index=279&type=chunk) - Classified assets decreased to **$214.3 million** (**1.15%** of total assets) from **$224.1 million** at year-end 2024[280](index=280&type=chunk) Net Charge-offs (in thousands) | Period | Amount | % of Average Loans (Annualized) | | :--- | :--- | :--- | | Q2 2025 | $6,044 | 0.21% | | Q1 2025 | $10,450 | 0.36% | | Six Months 2025 | $16,494 | 0.28% | | Six Months 2024 | $14,824 | 0.27% | [Liquidity and Capital](index=70&type=section&id=Liquidity%20and%20Capital) Strong liquidity with $5.2 billion unused funding; capital ratios improved, remaining above minimums, and dividend increased to $0.25 - The company had unused and available overnight wholesale funding sources of **$5.2 billion**, or **28.0%** of total assets, as of June 30, 2025[310](index=310&type=chunk) Key Capital Ratios | Ratio | June 30, 2025 | December 31, 2024 | | :--- | :--- | :--- | | Common Equity Tier 1 | 12.57% | 12.16% | | Tier 1 Capital | 12.89% | 12.48% | | Total Capital | 14.98% | 14.64% | | Leverage Ratio | 10.28% | 9.98% | | Tangible Common Equity | 8.40% | 7.73% | - The Board of Directors authorized a dividend increase to **$0.25** per common share, payable in September 2025[322](index=322&type=chunk) [Item 3 - Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk](index=78&type=section&id=Item%203%20-%20Quantitative%20and%20Qualitative%20Disclosures%20about%20Market%20Risk) The company's asset-sensitive position indicates net interest income will increase in a rising rate environment, with a +100 bps shock yielding 3.13% NII growth Interest Rate Sensitivity Analysis (as of June 30, 2025) | Rate Shock Scenario | % Change in NII (Year 1) | % Change in EVE | | :--- | :--- | :--- | | +200 bps | 4.81% | 1.86% | | +100 bps | 3.13% | 1.16% | | -100 bps | (4.77)% | (2.52)% | - The company manages interest rate risk through its **Balance Sheet Strategies and Asset Liability Committee (ALCO)**, using **income simulation and Economic Value of Equity (EVE) models**[332](index=332&type=chunk)[333](index=333&type=chunk) [Item 4 - Controls and Procedures](index=78&type=section&id=Item%204%20-%20Controls%20and%20Procedures) Management concluded disclosure controls were effective, with no material changes to internal control over financial reporting during the quarter - The CEO and CFO concluded that the company's disclosure controls and procedures were **effective** at a reasonable assurance level as of June 30, 2025[355](index=355&type=chunk) - **No changes occurred** during the quarter that materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, the company's internal control over financial reporting[356](index=356&type=chunk) [Part II - OTHER INFORMATION](index=79&type=section&id=Part%20II%20-%20OTHER%20INFORMATION) [Item 1 & 1A - Legal Proceedings and Risk Factors](index=79&type=section&id=Item%201%20%26%201A%20-%20Legal%20Proceedings%20and%20Risk%20Factors) No material changes to legal proceedings or risk factors were reported since the 2024 Annual Report on Form 10-K filing - There have been **no material changes** to legal proceedings or risk factors since the 2024 Form 10-K filing[358](index=358&type=chunk)[359](index=359&type=chunk) [Item 2 - Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds](index=79&type=section&id=Item%202%20-%20Unregistered%20Sales%20of%20Equity%20Securities%20and%20Use%20of%20Proceeds) No shares were repurchased under the 2024 Stock Repurchase Plan during Q2 2025, leaving the 5,000,000 share authorization fully available - **No shares were repurchased** in the second quarter of 2025 under the 2024 Stock Repurchase Plan[360](index=360&type=chunk)

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Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company achieved record revenue of $226.3 million, a 5% increase year-over-year [4] - Adjusted earnings per share were $0.74, with a return on assets of 1.54% and a return on tangible common equity of 20% [4][15] - Net interest margin increased to 4.05%, a 17 basis point increase from the previous quarter [10][15] - Adjusted noninterest income rose to $67.8 million, an 11% increase from the linked quarter and a 10% increase year-over-year [5][19] - Adjusted noninterest expenses increased by 1% compared to the first quarter [6] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Loan growth was 2% on an annualized basis, with broad-based growth in most portfolios except for commercial real estate, which declined due to higher payoffs [5][10] - Average deposit balances increased by $114 million, primarily due to a seasonal influx in public funds and higher noninterest-bearing deposits [11][16] - Noninterest income was led by double-digit growth in mortgage and bank card income, with leasing and foreign exchange businesses also performing well [12][19] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company maintained 21% of total balances in noninterest-bearing accounts, focusing on growing lower-cost deposit balances [11] - Adjusted uninsured deposits were $3.8 billion, equating to 27% of total deposits, with the company comfortable with this concentration [18] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on expense management, with adjusted noninterest expenses increasing slightly due to marketing and incentive compensation [12][19] - The Board of Directors approved a $0.01 increase in the common dividend to $0.25, maintaining a payout ratio of approximately 35% of net income [8][14] - The company announced plans to acquire Westfield Bank in Northeast Ohio, with expectations for approval and closing to occur this year [24] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed optimism about loan growth in the second half of the year, expecting easing payoff pressures and higher production [22] - For Q3, loan growth is expected to be in the low to mid-single digits on an annualized basis, with net interest margin anticipated to remain strong [23] - Credit costs are expected to approximate prior quarter levels, with charge-offs projected to be in the 20 to 25 basis point range [23] Other Important Information - Asset quality remained stable, with net charge-offs declining to 21 basis points of total loans [6][21] - The tangible common equity ratio increased to 8.4%, with tangible book value per share rising to $15.4, a 4% increase from the linked quarter [7][14] Q&A Session Summary Question: On the margin and funding side - Management indicated that deposit costs are expected to decrease slightly, with a potential rate cut in September impacting future costs [29][30] Question: Impact of payoffs on loan growth - Management noted that while payoffs have affected growth, they expect a return to more normalized growth rates in the future [38][39] Question: Asset quality concerns - Management addressed an increase in nonaccruals due to downgrades of two commercial borrowers, with expectations for resolution by year-end [44][46] Question: Loan growth consistency - Management confirmed consistent growth in consumer and commercial loans, with expectations for stronger performance in the second half of the year [58][60]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company achieved record revenue of $226.3 million, a 5% increase year-over-year, with adjusted earnings per share of $0.74, a return on assets of 1.54%, and a return on tangible common equity of 20% [4][5][14] - The net interest margin increased to 4.05%, a 17 basis point increase from the previous quarter, while funding costs declined by 12 basis points [9][10][14] - Adjusted noninterest income was $67.8 million, an 11% increase from the previous quarter and a 10% increase year-over-year [5][17] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Loan growth was 2% on an annualized basis, with broad-based growth in most portfolios except for commercial real estate, which declined due to higher payoffs [5][15] - Noninterest income growth was driven by double-digit increases in mortgage, bank card, leasing, and foreign exchange income [5][11] - Adjusted noninterest expenses increased by 1% compared to the first quarter, with core expenses rising primarily due to higher incentive compensation and marketing expenses [6][17] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Average deposit balances increased by $114 million, primarily due to a seasonal influx in public funds and higher noninterest-bearing deposits [10][15] - The company maintained 21% of total balances in noninterest-bearing accounts, focusing on growing lower-cost deposit balances [10][15] - Adjusted uninsured deposits were $3.8 billion, representing 27% of total deposits, with a comfortable concentration level [16] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company expects loan growth in the low to mid-single digits for the third quarter, with a strong loan pipeline and easing payoff pressures anticipated [21][22] - The Board of Directors approved a 4.2% increase in the common dividend to $0.25, reflecting the company's commitment to delivering shareholder value [7][20] - The company is actively engaged in the integration process following the announcement of the acquisition of Westfield Bank, expecting regulatory approval and closing within the year [22][23] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed optimism about asset quality, expecting net charge-offs to remain in the 20 to 25 basis points range for the remainder of the year [6][22] - The company anticipates continued strong performance in the second half of 2025, driven by solid loan production and effective expense management [21][23] - Management highlighted ongoing efficiency initiatives aimed at improving processes and reducing costs across the organization [36] Other Important Information - The company recorded a decline in net charge-offs to 21 basis points of total loans, with stable asset quality trends [6][12] - Tangible common equity increased to 8.4%, with tangible book value per share rising to $15.4, a 4% increase from the previous quarter [7][19] Q&A Session Summary Question: Outlook on funding costs and deposit rates - Management indicated that deposit costs are expected to decrease slightly, with a potential rate cut in September influencing future costs [28][29] Question: Impact of seasonal deposit outflows - Seasonal deposit outflows are expected to average around $100 million, primarily related to public funds [32] Question: Efficiency initiatives and cost-cutting focus - The company is reviewing all functions and departments to improve processes and drive operating leverage, with significant progress made [35][36] Question: Loan growth normalization excluding payoffs - Management anticipates long-term loan growth of 6% to 7%, with expectations for improved production in the upcoming quarters [38][39] Question: Asset quality concerns and nonaccruals - A quarter-over-quarter increase in nonperforming assets was attributed to downgrades of two commercial borrowers, with expectations for resolution by year-end [44][46] Question: Integration of Westfield Bank and asset sensitivity - The acquisition is expected to slightly improve asset sensitivity, bringing the company closer to a neutral position [47][50]

Core Insights - First Financial Bancorp (FFBC) reported revenue of $227.58 million for the quarter ended June 2025, reflecting a year-over-year increase of 5.3% [1] - Earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter was $0.74, up from $0.65 in the same quarter last year, surpassing the consensus estimate of $0.69 by 7.25% [1] - The reported revenue exceeded the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $219.8 million, resulting in a revenue surprise of 3.54% [1] Financial Metrics - Net Interest Margin was reported at 4%, matching the average estimate from two analysts [4] - Efficiency Ratio stood at 56.9%, better than the average estimate of 57.6% from two analysts [4] - Total Noninterest Income reached $68.06 million, exceeding the average estimate of $64.6 million from two analysts [4] Stock Performance - Over the past month, shares of First Financial have returned +1%, while the Zacks S&P 500 composite has increased by +5.7% [3] - The stock currently holds a Zacks Rank 1 (Strong Buy), indicating potential for outperformance against the broader market in the near term [3]