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].

Table of Content UNITED STATES SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION Washington D.C. 20549 FORM 10-Q ☒ QUARTERLY REPORT UNDER SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 For the quarterly period ended June 30, 2025 OR ☐ TRANSITION REPORT UNDER SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 For the transition period from ____________________ to ____________________ Commission file number 001-34762 FIRST FINANCIAL BANCORP /OH/ (Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter) Ohio ...

Group 1 - The core focus of Quad 7 Capital is to provide investment opportunities through their BAD BEAT Investing platform, emphasizing both long and short trades with a proven track record of success [1] - Quad 7 Capital has maintained an average position of 95% long and 5% short since May 2020, showcasing their strategic approach to market conditions [1] - The team consists of 7 analysts with diverse expertise in business, policy, economics, mathematics, game theory, and sciences, enhancing their research capabilities [1] Group 2 - BAD BEAT Investing offers various benefits, including weekly well-researched trade ideas, access to multiple chat rooms, and daily summaries of key analyst upgrades and downgrades [2] - The platform also provides educational resources for learning basic options trading and extensive trading tools to assist investors [2] - The goal of BAD BEAT Investing is to teach investors to become proficient traders while saving them time through high-quality research and clear entry and exit targets [1][2]

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]

For the quarter ended June 2025, First Financial Bancorp (FFBC) reported revenue of $227.58 million, up 5.3% over the same period last year. EPS came in at $0.74, compared to $0.65 in the year-ago quarter.The reported revenue compares to the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $219.8 million, representing a surprise of +3.54%. The company delivered an EPS surprise of +7.25%, with the consensus EPS estimate being $0.69.While investors scrutinize revenue and earnings changes year-over-year and how they compare with W ...

First Financial Bancorp (FFBC) came out with quarterly earnings of $0.74 per share, beating the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $0.69 per share. This compares to earnings of $0.65 per share a year ago. These figures are adjusted for non-recurring items.This quarterly report represents an earnings surprise of +7.25%. A quarter ago, it was expected that this holding company for First Financial Bank would post earnings of $0.63 per share when it actually produced earnings of $0.63, delivering no surprise.Over the ...

[Financial Results Announcement](index=1&type=section&id=First%20Financial%20Bancorp%20Announces%20Second%20Quarter%20and%20Year%20to%20Date%202025%20Financial%20Results%20%26%20Quarterly%20Dividend%20Increase) [Second Quarter 2025 Financial Highlights](index=1&type=section&id=Second%20Quarter%202025%20Financial%20Highlights) First Financial Bancorp achieved record Q2 2025 revenue, with significant sequential growth in net income, EPS, and key profitability metrics Q2 2025 Key Performance Metrics | Metric | Q2 2025 | Q1 2025 | | :--- | :--- | :--- | | Net Income | $70.0 million | $51.3 million | | Diluted EPS | $0.73 | $0.54 | | Adjusted Diluted EPS | $0.74 | - | | Return on Average Assets (ROA) | 1.52% | 1.13% | | Return on Average Tangible Common Equity (ROATCE) | 19.61% | 15.16% | - Achieved record quarterly revenue of **$226.3 million**[4](index=4&type=chunk) - Net interest margin (FTE basis) expanded by **17 basis points** from the first quarter to **4.05%**, driven by a **12 bp** decline in funding costs and a **5 bp** increase in asset yields[4](index=4&type=chunk)[5](index=5&type=chunk) - Noninterest income showed strong growth, with mortgage and bankcard income increasing by **double-digit percentages** from the linked quarter, while leasing business income grew **11.2%** and foreign exchange income grew **9.7%** sequentially[5](index=5&type=chunk) - Loan balances grew by **2%** on an annualized basis, while average deposit balances increased by **3%** annualized during the quarter[5](index=5&type=chunk) [CEO Commentary](index=2&type=section&id=CEO%20Commentary) CEO Archie Brown highlighted record revenue, strong profitability, stable asset quality, and expected higher loan growth in H2 2025, with the Westfield Bank acquisition on track - Record revenue of **$226.3 million** represents a **5%** increase over the same quarter one year ago[7](index=7&type=chunk) - Loan growth was **2%** annualized, with an expectation for higher growth in the second half of the year as commercial real estate loan payoffs subside[7](index=7&type=chunk) - Asset quality was stable, with net charge-offs declining to **21 basis points**, and the outlook for asset quality remains positive, with net charge-offs expected to be in the **20-25 basis point range** for the remainder of the year[7](index=7&type=chunk) - The company is actively engaged in the integration process for the acquisition of Westfield Bank and expects the transaction to close in **2025**[7](index=7&type=chunk) [Dividend and Capital](index=2&type=section&id=Dividend%20and%20Capital) The Board approved a **4.2%** increase in the quarterly common dividend to **$0.25** per share, strengthening capital with a rising TCE ratio and **19%** YoY increase in Tangible Book Value per share - The Board of Directors approved a quarterly dividend increase of **$0.01**, or **4.2%**, to **$0.25** per common share, payable on **September 15, 2025**[6](index=6&type=chunk)[7](index=7&type=chunk) - The dividend payout ratio is approximately **35%** of net income[7](index=7&type=chunk) Capital Position Highlights | Metric | Q2 2025 | Change from Q1 2025 | | :--- | :--- | :--- | | Tangible Common Equity (TCE) Ratio | 8.40% | - | | Tangible Book Value Per Share | $15.40 | +4% | | Total Capital Ratio | 14.98% | +8 bps | | Tier 1 Common Equity Ratio | 12.57% | +28 bps | [Company Overview and Forward-Looking Statements](index=3&type=section&id=Company%20Overview%20and%20Forward-Looking%20Statements) First Financial Bancorp, a Cincinnati-based bank holding company with **$18.6 billion** in assets as of June 30, 2025, provides an overview and disclaimers on non-GAAP measures and forward-looking statements - As of June 30, 2025, the Company had **$18.6 billion** in assets, **$11.8 billion** in loans, **$14.4 billion** in deposits, and **$2.6 billion** in shareholders' equity[16](index=16&type=chunk) - The company operates **128** full-service banking centers in Ohio, Indiana, Kentucky, and Illinois[16](index=16&type=chunk) - The report contains forward-looking statements that are subject to inherent risks and uncertainties, including economic, market, credit, and regulatory risks[12](index=12&type=chunk)[13](index=13&type=chunk) [Selected Financial Information](index=5&type=section&id=Selected%20Financial%20Information) [Consolidated Financial Highlights](index=6&type=section&id=Consolidated%20Financial%20Highlights) Consolidated financial highlights for Q2 2025 show strong performance with **$70.0 million** net income and **$0.73** diluted EPS, significantly improving from Q1 2025, and robust capital ratios Quarterly Performance Comparison | Metric | Q2 2025 | Q1 2025 | Q2 2024 | | :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- | | Net Income (in thousands) | $69,996 | $51,293 | $60,805 | | Diluted EPS | $0.73 | $0.54 | $0.64 | | Return on Average Assets | 1.52% | 1.13% | 1.38% | | Return on Average Tangible Equity (Non-GAAP) | 19.61% | 15.16% | 20.57% | | Net Interest Margin (FTE) | 4.05% | 3.88% | 4.10% | | Tangible Book Value Per Share (Non-GAAP) | $15.40 | $14.80 | $12.94 | [Consolidated Statements of Income](index=7&type=section&id=Consolidated%20Statements%20of%20Income) Q2 2025 net income reached **$70.0 million**, a **36.5%** sequential increase, driven by a **6.0%** rise in net interest income and a **33.2%** surge in noninterest income, with noninterest expenses well-controlled Income Statement Summary (in thousands) | Line Item | Q2 2025 | Q1 2025 | Q2 2024 | | :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- | | Net Interest Income | $158,269 | $149,296 | $153,311 | | Provision for Credit Losses | $9,802 | $8,700 | $16,443 | | Noninterest Income | $68,063 | $51,083 | $61,501 | | Noninterest Expenses | $128,671 | $128,076 | $123,574 | | **Net Income** | **$69,996** | **$51,293** | **$60,805** | - Total interest income increased **2.3%** sequentially, while total interest expense decreased **3.8%**, leading to a **6.0%** increase in net interest income[26](index=26&type=chunk) - The **33.2%** sequential increase in noninterest income was primarily due to a **54.7%** rise in net gains from sales of loans and a significant positive swing in net gain/loss on investment securities compared to Q1 2025[26](index=26&type=chunk) [Consolidated Statements of Condition](index=10&type=section&id=Consolidated%20Statements%20of%20Condition) As of June 30, 2025, total assets reached **$18.6 billion** (**1.0%** increase), with loans growing **0.5%** to **$11.8 billion**, deposits increasing **1.2%** to **$14.4 billion**, and shareholders' equity rising **2.3%** to **$2.6 billion** Balance Sheet Highlights (in thousands) | Account | June 30, 2025 | Mar. 31, 2025 | June 30, 2024 | | :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- | | Total Assets | $18,634,255 | $18,455,067 | $18,166,180 | | Net Loans | $11,627,674 | $11,568,648 | $11,365,018 | | Total Deposits | $14,369,993 | $14,196,956 | $13,661,922 | | Total Shareholders' Equity | $2,558,155 | $2,501,235 | $2,326,439 | - Loan growth from the linked quarter was driven by Commercial & Industrial and Home Equity loans, offsetting a decline in Construction real estate loans[31](index=31&type=chunk) - The increase in total deposits was supported by growth in interest-bearing demand, savings, and time deposits[31](index=31&type=chunk) [Net Interest Margin Analysis](index=12&type=section&id=Net%20Interest%20Margin%20Analysis) Q2 2025 net interest margin (FTE) expanded by **17 basis points** to **4.05%**, a significant improvement from Q1 2025, primarily driven by a decrease in funding costs to **2.90%** Net Interest Margin and Component Yields | Metric | Q2 2025 | Q1 2025 | Q2 2024 | | :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- | | Yield on Earning Assets | 6.24% | 6.19% | 6.68% | | Cost of Interest-Bearing Liabilities | 2.90% | 3.04% | 3.42% | | Net Interest Spread | 3.34% | 3.15% | 3.26% | | **Net Interest Margin** | **4.01%** | **3.84%** | **4.06%** | - The cost of total interest-bearing deposits decreased by **16 basis points** sequentially to **2.70%**[35](index=35&type=chunk) - The linked quarter income variance analysis shows that changes in interest rates contributed a positive **$5.5 million** to net interest income, while volume changes contributed a positive **$3.4 million**[37](index=37&type=chunk) [Credit Quality](index=14&type=section&id=Credit%20Quality) Credit quality remained stable in Q2 2025, with annualized net charge-offs decreasing significantly to **0.21%**, nonperforming assets slightly increasing to **0.41%**, and allowance for credit losses consistent at **1.34%** Key Credit Quality Ratios | Metric | Q2 2025 | Q1 2025 | Q2 2024 | | :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- | | Net Charge-offs to Avg. Loans (Annualized) | 0.21% | 0.36% | 0.15% | | Nonperforming Assets to Total Assets | 0.41% | 0.32% | 0.35% | | Allowance for Credit Losses to Total Loans | 1.34% | 1.33% | 1.36% | - Total net charge-offs for the quarter were **$6.0 million**, a decrease from **$10.5 million** in Q1 2025[39](index=39&type=chunk) - Total nonaccrual loans increased to **$76.9 million** from **$59.6 million** in the linked quarter, while classified assets remained relatively flat at **$214.3 million**[39](index=39&type=chunk) [Capital Adequacy](index=15&type=section&id=Capital%20Adequacy) The company maintained a strong capital position as of June 30, 2025, with all regulatory capital ratios improving and remaining well above minimum requirements, including a preliminary Common Equity Tier 1 ratio of **12.57%** Regulatory Capital Ratios (Preliminary) | Ratio | June 30, 2025 | Mar. 31, 2025 | June 30, 2024 | | :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- | | Common Equity Tier 1 Ratio | 12.57% | 12.29% | 11.78% | | Tier 1 Ratio | 12.89% | 12.61% | 12.11% | | Total Capital Ratio | 14.98% | 14.90% | 14.47% | | Leverage Ratio | 10.28% | 10.01% | 9.73% | - The company did not repurchase any shares under its publicly announced repurchase program during the three or six months ended June 30, 2025[41](index=41&type=chunk)

Earnings per diluted share of $0.73; $0.74 on an adjusted(1) basis Return on average assets of 1.52%; 1.54% on an adjusted(1) basis Net interest margin on FTE basis(1) of 4.05%; 17 bp increase from first quarter Record quarterly revenue of $226.3 million TCE ratio increased to 8.40%; ROATCE of 20% Net charge-offs 0.21% as a percentage of total loans Board of Directors approved quarterly dividend increase to $0.25CINCINNATI, July 24, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- First Financial Bancorp. (Nasdaq: FFBC) ("First Finan ...