
Employment and Operations - First Financial Corporation had 937 full-time equivalent employees as of the end of 2024[16]. - The Corporation operates in a highly competitive environment, facing competition from commercial banks, credit unions, and other financial institutions[22]. - The Corporation's business activities are primarily centered in west-central Indiana, east-central Illinois, western Kentucky, eastern and central Tennessee, and northern Georgia[22]. - The Corporation operates 83 branches across multiple states, indicating a strong regional presence[301]. Risk Management and Compliance - The Corporation's risk management includes established underwriting standards for commercial loans, which are primarily secured by borrower cash flows and collateral[17]. - The Corporation's consumer loan portfolio includes home equity loans, secured loans, and unsecured loans, with risks mitigated by a diverse mix of products[20]. - The Corporation's commercial real estate loans are underwritten based on cash flows and collateral value, with specific risks associated with construction loans[18]. - The Corporation is subject to regulation by several agencies, including the Federal Reserve and the FDIC, which may impact its business and prospects[23]. - The Corporation's banking subsidiaries currently meet capital, management, and CRA requirements[42]. - The Bank is subject to limitations on the amount of loans or extensions of credit to affiliates and insiders, ensuring compliance with regulatory standards[54]. - The bank must adhere to guidelines established by federal banking agencies regarding internal controls, loan documentation, and management compensation[81]. - The Corporation's internal controls and risk management systems may not be fully effective, potentially leading to unmitigated risks in various market environments[127]. - The Corporation is subject to increased scrutiny regarding compliance with anti-money laundering regulations, which could result in significant penalties[150]. Financial Performance and Capital Ratios - The Corporation's CET1 ratio is 12.76% to risk-weighted assets, exceeding the minimum requirement of 7.00%[8]. - The Tier 1 capital ratio stands at 12.76% to risk-weighted assets, above the minimum requirement of 8.50%[8]. - The Total capital ratio is 13.81% to risk-weighted assets, surpassing the minimum requirement of 10.50%[8]. - The leverage ratio is reported at 10.26%, exceeding the minimum requirement of 4%[8]. - The Corporation's common equity Tier 1 risk-weighted capital ratio is required to be at least 7% under Basel III regulations, with a total risk-based capital ratio requirement of 10.5%[149]. - The Corporation's ability to pay dividends is subject to legal and regulatory restrictions, and future payments will depend on earnings and capital requirements[155]. - The Corporation's reliance on dividends from subsidiaries for revenue may be impacted by regulatory limitations on dividend payments, affecting its ability to service debt and pay obligations[141]. Economic Conditions and Market Risks - The Corporation's financial performance is highly dependent on economic conditions, with potential adverse effects from economic downturns, high unemployment, and inflation impacting borrowers' ability to repay loans[89]. - A collection of bank failures in March 2023, including Silvergate Bank and Silicon Valley Bank, has negatively impacted depositor confidence and could affect the Corporation's stock price and financial condition[91]. - Continued elevated levels of inflation and the Federal Reserve's monetary policy changes, including a 100 basis point cut in the target fed funds rate in 2024, may adversely impact the Corporation's results of operations[95]. - Changes in interest rates significantly affect the Corporation's net interest income, which is crucial for earnings, with potential adverse effects if interest rates on loans decrease faster than those on deposits[96][98]. - Geographic concentration in markets such as west central Indiana and eastern Tennessee makes the Corporation susceptible to local economic downturns, potentially leading to increased loan delinquencies and reduced demand for products[102][103]. - Economic conditions in local markets may differ from national trends, increasing the risk of financial instability for the Corporation[102]. Credit Losses and Allowance for Credit Losses - The provision for credit loss expense for the year ending December 31, 2024, was 46.7 million[287]. - The allowance for credit losses methodology includes tracking losses from loan cohorts based on economic indicators such as unemployment rates and GDP[288]. - The allowance for credit losses is influenced by loan volumes, quality rating migration, delinquency status, and economic forecasts[319]. - Credit quality is continuously monitored, and the allowance for credit losses is adjusted based on expected losses inherent in the loan portfolio[316]. - The methodology for estimating expected credit losses includes specific and pooled components, with historical loss experience since 2008 being a key factor[320]. Technological and Operational Risks - The Corporation's operational systems are increasingly at risk of cybersecurity threats, which could lead to financial liability and damage to reputation[117]. - The reliance on external vendors for day-to-day operations exposes the Corporation to operational risks if these vendors fail to perform as contracted[122]. - The Corporation implemented an AI digital assistant, Gabby, which may expose it to increased operational risks and regulatory scrutiny[126]. - New lines of business or products may introduce additional risks, and failure to manage these effectively could adversely affect the Corporation's financial condition[123]. - The financial services industry is characterized by rapid technological change, and failure to keep pace may negatively impact the Corporation's growth and revenue[124]. Financial Results and Trends - Total assets increased to 4.85 billion in 2023, representing a growth of approximately 14.6%[292]. - Net interest income for 2024 was 167.262 million in 2023, reflecting an increase of about 4.3%[293]. - Total interest income rose to 228.397 million in 2023, marking an increase of approximately 15.9%[293]. - Non-interest income remained stable at 42.702 million in 2023[293]. - Net income for 2024 was 60.672 million in 2023, representing a decline of about 22%[293]. - Basic and diluted earnings per share for 2024 were 5.08 in 2023, indicating a decrease of about 21.3%[293]. - The company reported a comprehensive income of 73.559 million in 2023, reflecting a significant decrease[293]. - Net cash from operating activities decreased to 86.090 million in 2023, reflecting a decline of 30%[297]. - Cash flows from investing activities showed a net outflow of 22.098 million in 2023[297]. - Interest paid for the year increased to 59.031 million in 2023, marking a rise of 50%[297]. Regulatory Environment and Future Outlook - Regulatory scrutiny and potential new legislation following bank failures may require the Corporation to adjust its strategy and operations, impacting operating expenses and results[94]. - Future changes in federal and state laws and regulations could significantly increase the Corporation's costs and impact its financial condition[148]. - The Corporation may face increased FDIC insurance premiums due to market developments affecting the insurance fund[152]. - The Corporation's stock price may be volatile, influenced by various factors including market conditions and regulatory changes[156]. - The Corporation's access to funding sources may be impaired by adverse market conditions or regulatory actions, affecting its ability to finance activities[105].