EX-13 2 a201810-kexhibit13.htm EXHIBIT 13
EXHIBIT 13CELEBRATING 25 YEARS OF PROFITABILITY First Financial Bancorp 2015 Annual Report
first First Financial Bancorp A Foundation for Continuous Growth 2018 ANNUAL REPORT

Dear Fellow Shareholders, 2018 was a year of significant change and exciting accomplishments. First Financial Bancorp and MainSource Financial Group started the year as two separate companies sharing common business goals, and after the execution of the largest merger in either Company’s history, ended 2018 as a successfully integrated Company under the First Financial Bancorp name. As a combined Company, we have gained scale and strength across commercial and retail banking, wealth management and specialty finance to more effectively serve our clients and communities. In addition, we improved the depth of our talent, enhanced our product and service offerings and increased our operating capacity. The implementation of our new strategic plan and risk framework, along with increased scale and improved market share position across our key markets, has strongly positioned the Company for continued growth and success in a rapidly evolving industry. Carefully merging two entities into a successful, forward-looking company is challenging. I am proud of our merger integration work not only because we accomplished a successful systems conversion, but we also made significant strides in our cultural integration while remaining focused on our clients and our communities. At the same time, we took substantial steps in positioning First Financial for future success by developing our new corporate strategic plan, properly aligning our organization, implementing an impressive brand refresh, opening new banking locations, investing in new technologies and impacting the places we live and work. The Company also engaged in the most successful United Way campaign we’ve ever had. I am highly encouraged by the Company’s ability to come together and perform financially. Our strong performance in 2018 enabled us to announce a stock repurchase plan and 10% dividend increase in the first quarter of 2019. We remain confident in our ability to sustain these financial results, and our outlook of future performance continues to be very optimistic. 2018 Highlights Successful completion of $1 billion merger between First Financial Bancorp and MainSource Financial Group Total assets increased $5.1 billion to $14.0 billion Net income increased 78.3% to $172.6 million or $1.93 per diluted share Total deposits increased 47.1% to $10.1 billion Return on average assets increased to 1.37% Strong loan pipelines and robust demand deposit balance growth in the fourth quarter created a strong base for positive momentum in 2019 Significant talent additions across the Company Looking Ahead - 2019 The Company’s growth and solid performance over the past year have added to our strong foundation, which will allow us to operate strategically in the future. In the year ahead, we will drive superior financial results while pursuing continuous improvement and innovation through the implementation of new process, distribution, client experience and technology initiatives. Additionally, we will continue to invest in our associates and build the Company’s reputation as a highly desired place to work. With deeply engaged associates, we can better deliver on our promise of excellent service while improving our level of client satisfaction and loyalty. Finally, we remain committed to making a meaningful impact locally through the work of the First Financial Foundation and that of our associates leading and volunteering in each of the communities we serve. I look forward to what 2019 holds for the Company as we strive to achieve our long-term goals of growth, innovation and positive impact in our communities. Thank you for your continued support. Archie M. Brown, Jr. President & Chief Executive Officer

A history of strength CONSECUTIVE YEARS OF QUARTERS OF STRENGTH and stability 113 PROFITABILITY 155 & STABILITY Client Associate Product A scalable platform Innovation Credit Relationships Engagement Delivery & Administration to facilitate growth & Experience & Technology Strategy Channels $8.8 $10.1 $14.0 Solid financial Total Loans Total Deposits Total Assets performance (dollars in billions) (dollars in billions) (dollars in billions) $6.0 $5.8 $8.9 $5.4 $6.9 $8.4 $6.5 $8.1 $4.8 $6.2 $5.7 $7.2 $172.6 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 Earnings Per Share Return on Assets Return on Equity 1.37% $1.93 1.12% 10.78% Net Income 1.07% 10.48% 1.00% 9.85% $1.56 0.96% 9.33% $1.43 8.94% (dollars in millions) $1.21 $1.09 $96.8 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 $88.5 $75.1 $65.0 Total Shareholder Return First Financial Bancorp KBW Regional Bank Index NASDAQ Composite 80% 59% 69% 43% 30% 37% 27% 17% -20% -8% -3% -17% 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 1 Year 3 Year 5 Year
First Financial Bancorp 2018 Annual Report 1

Leadership Senior Management Claude E. Davis John M. Gavigan James R. Shank Executive Chairman EVP, Advanced Solutions Chief Internal Auditor and Digital Banking Archie M. Brown, Jr. Anthony M. Stollings President and Chief Executive Officer William R. Harrod EVP, Commercial Banking Chief Credit Officer James M. Anderson Karen B. Woods Chief Financial Officer Andrew K. Hauck General Counsel and Commercial Banking Executive Chief Risk Officer Scott T. Crawley Corporate Controller and Catherine M. Myers Principal Accounting Officer EVP, Consumer Banking Richard S. Dennen Amanda N. Neeley President, Oak Street Funding Chief Marketing Officer Board of Directors Claude E. Davis Erin P. Hoeflinger Executive Chairman Senior Vice President, Business Strategy Chairman of the Board, First Financial Bancorp and Execution Aetna J. Wickliffe Ach Lead Independent Director Susan L. Knust Board of Directors of First Financial Bancorp Owner and President Omega Warehouse Services Kathleen L. Bardwell Senior Vice President, Chief Compliance Officer William J. Kramer STERIS Corporation Vice President of Operations Valco Companies, Inc. William G. Barron Chairman and President John T. Neighbours William G. Barron Enterprises General Counsel AmeriQual Group Holdings Vincent A. Berta President and Managing Director Thomas M. O’Brien Covington Capital, LLC Senior Advisor Boston Consulting Group Cynthia O. Booth President and Chief Executive Officer Richard E. Olszewski COBCO Enterprises, LLC Owner/Operator 7 Eleven Food Stores Archie M. Brown, Jr. President and Chief Executive Officer Maribeth S. Rahe First Financial Bancorp and First Financial Bank President and Chief Executive Officer Fort Washington Investment Advisors, Inc. Corinne R. Finnerty Principal McConnell Finnerty PC
2 First Financial Bancorp 2018 Annual Report

FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS
(Dollars in thousands, except per share data) |  | 2018 |  | 2017 |  | % Change
Earnings |  |  |  |  |  |
Net interest income |  | $ | 449,235 |  |  | $ | 283,545 |  |  | 58.4 | %
Net income |  | 172,595 |  |  | 96,787 |  |  | 78.3 | %
Per Share |  |  |  |  |  |
Net income per common share-basic |  | $ | 1.95 |  |  | $ | 1.57 |  |  | 24.2 | %
Net income per common share-diluted |  | 1.93 |  |  | 1.56 |  |  | 23.7 | %
Cash dividends declared per common share |  | 0.78 |  |  | 0.68 |  |  | 14.7 | %
Tangible book value per common share (end of year) |  | 11.72 |  |  | 11.62 |  |  | 0.9 | %
Market price (end of year) |  | 23.72 |  |  | 26.35 |  |  | (10.0 | )%
Balance Sheet - End of Year |  |  |  |  |  |
Total assets |  | $ | 13,986,660 |  |  | $ | 8,896,923 |  |  | 57.2 | %
Loans |  | 8,824,214 |  |  | 6,013,183 |  |  | 46.7 | %
Investment securities |  | 3,324,243 |  |  | 2,056,556 |  |  | 61.6 | %
Deposits |  | 10,140,394 |  |  | 6,895,046 |  |  | 47.1 | %
Shareholders' equity |  | 2,078,249 |  |  | 930,664 |  |  | 123.3 | %
Ratios |  |  |  |  |  |
Return on average assets |  | 1.37 | % |  | 1.12 | % |  |
Return on average shareholders' equity |  | 9.85 | % |  | 10.78 | % |  |
Return on average tangible shareholders' equity |  | 17.32 | % |  | 14.08 | % |  |
Net interest margin |  | 4.05 | % |  | 3.59 | % |  |
Net interest margin (fully tax equivalent) |  | 4.10 | % |  | 3.66 | % |  |

First Financial Bancorp 2018 Annual Report 3

| 2018 Financial Highlights

4 First Financial Bancorp 2018 Annual Report

Glossary of Abbreviations and Acronyms
First Financial Bancorp has identified the following list of abbreviations and acronyms that are used in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements and the Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations.

AFS | Available-for-sale |  | FHLB | Federal Home Loan Bank
ABL | Asset based lending |  | FHLMC | Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation
the Act | Private Securities Litigation Reform Act |  | First Financial | First Financial Bancorp.
ALLL | Allowance for loan and lease losses |  | FNMA | Federal National Mortgage Association
AOCI | Accumulated other comprehensive income |  | Form 10-K | First Financial Bancorp. Annual Report on Form 10-K
ASC | Accounting standards codification |  | FRB | Federal Reserve Bank
ASU | Accounting standards update |  | GAAP | U.S. Generally Accepted Accounting Principles
ATM | Automated teller machine |  | GDP | Gross Domestic Product
Bank | First Financial Bank |  | GNMA | Government National Mortgage Association
Basel III | Basel Committee regulatory capital reforms, Third Basel Accord |  | HTM | Held-to-maturity
Bp/bps | Basis point(s) |  | Insignificant | Less than $0.1 million
BOLI | Bank owned life insurance |  | IRLC | Interest Rate Lock Commitment
CDs | Certificates of deposit |  | MBSs | Mortgage-backed securities
C&I | Commercial & industrial |  | MSFG | MainSource Financial Group, Inc.
CLOs | Collateralized loan obligations |  | N/A | Not applicable
CMOs | Collateralized mortgage obligations |  | NII | Net interest income
CRE | Commercial real estate |  | N/M | Not meaningful
Company | First Financial Bancorp. |  | Oak Street | Oak Street Holdings Corporation
CRE | Commercial real estate |  | ODFI | Ohio Department of Financial Institutions
ERM | Enterprise Risk Management |  | OREO | Other real estate owned
EVE | Economic value of equity |  | SEC | United States Securities and Exchange Commission
Fair Value Topic | FASB ASC Topic 825, Financial Instruments |  | Special Assets | Special Assets Division
FASB | Financial Accounting Standards Board |  | TDR | Troubled debt restructuring
FDIC | Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation |  |  |

First Financial Bancorp 2018 Annual Report 5

Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

Table 1 • Financial Summary |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
|  | December 31,
(Dollars in thousands, except per share data) |  | 2018 |  | 2017 |  | 2016 |  | 2015 |  | 2014
Summary of operations |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Interest income |  | $ | 540,382 |  |  | $ | 333,073 |  |  | $ | 305,950 |  |  | $ | 269,759 |  |  | $ | 247,859 |
Tax equivalent adjustment (1) |  | 5,147 |  |  | 5,259 |  |  | 4,215 |  |  | 4,017 |  |  | 3,224 |
Interest income tax – equivalent (1) |  | 545,529 |  |  | 338,332 |  |  | 310,165 |  |  | 273,776 |  |  | 251,083 |
Interest expense |  | 91,147 |  |  | 49,528 |  |  | 33,279 |  |  | 23,257 |  |  | 19,234 |
Net interest income tax – equivalent (1) |  | $ | 454,382 |  |  | $ | 288,804 |  |  | $ | 276,886 |  |  | $ | 250,519 |  |  | $ | 231,849 |
Interest income |  | $ | 540,382 |  |  | $ | 333,073 |  |  | $ | 305,950 |  |  | $ | 269,759 |  |  | $ | 247,859 |
Interest expense |  | 91,147 |  |  | 49,528 |  |  | 33,279 |  |  | 23,257 |  |  | 19,234 |
Net interest income |  | 449,235 |  |  | 283,545 |  |  | 272,671 |  |  | 246,502 |  |  | 228,625 |
Provision for loan and lease losses |  | 14,586 |  |  | 3,582 |  |  | 10,140 |  |  | 9,641 |  |  | 1,528 |
Noninterest income |  | 103,382 |  |  | 76,142 |  |  | 69,601 |  |  | 75,202 |  |  | 63,965 |
Noninterest expenses |  | 323,810 |  |  | 239,942 |  |  | 201,401 |  |  | 201,130 |  |  | 196,034 |
Income before income taxes |  | 214,221 |  |  | 116,163 |  |  | 130,731 |  |  | 110,933 |  |  | 95,028 |
Income tax expense |  | 41,626 |  |  | 19,376 |  |  | 42,205 |  |  | 35,870 |  |  | 30,028 |
Net income |  | $ | 172,595 |  |  | $ | 96,787 |  |  | $ | 88,526 |  |  | $ | 75,063 |  |  | $ | 65,000 |
Per share data |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Earnings per common share |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Basic |  | $ | 1.95 |  |  | $ | 1.57 |  |  | $ | 1.45 |  |  | $ | 1.23 |  |  | $ | 1.11 |
Diluted |  | $ | 1.93 |  |  | $ | 1.56 |  |  | $ | 1.43 |  |  | $ | 1.21 |  |  | $ | 1.09 |
Cash dividends declared per common share |  | $ | 0.78 |  |  | $ | 0.68 |  |  | $ | 0.64 |  |  | $ | 0.64 |  |  | $ | 0.61 |
Average common shares outstanding–basic (in thousands) |  | 88,582 |  |  | 61,529 |  |  | 61,206 |  |  | 61,063 |  |  | 58,663 |
Average common shares outstanding–diluted (in thousands) |  | 89,614 |  |  | 62,172 |  |  | 61,985 |  |  | 61,848 |  |  | 59,393 |
Selected year-end balances |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Total assets |  | $ | 13,986,660 |  |  | $ | 8,896,923 |  |  | $ | 8,437,967 |  |  | $ | 8,147,411 |  |  | $ | 7,217,821 |
Earning assets |  | 12,190,567 |  |  | 8,117,115 |  |  | 7,719,285 |  |  | 7,431,707 |  |  | 6,594,626 |
Investment securities (2) |  | 3,324,243 |  |  | 2,056,556 |  |  | 1,854,201 |  |  | 1,970,626 |  |  | 1,761,090 |
Total loans and leases |  | 8,824,214 |  |  | 6,013,183 |  |  | 5,757,482 |  |  | 5,388,760 |  |  | 4,777,235 |
Interest-bearing demand deposits |  | 2,307,071 |  |  | 1,453,463 |  |  | 1,513,771 |  |  | 1,414,291 |  |  | 1,225,378 |
Savings deposits |  | 3,167,325 |  |  | 2,462,420 |  |  | 2,142,189 |  |  | 1,945,805 |  |  | 1,889,473 |
Time deposits |  | 2,173,564 |  |  | 1,317,105 |  |  | 1,321,843 |  |  | 1,406,124 |  |  | 1,255,364 |
Noninterest-bearing demand deposits |  | 2,492,434 |  |  | 1,662,058 |  |  | 1,547,985 |  |  | 1,413,404 |  |  | 1,285,527 |
Total deposits |  | 10,140,394 |  |  | 6,895,046 |  |  | 6,525,788 |  |  | 6,179,624 |  |  | 5,655,742 |
Short-term borrowings |  | 1,040,691 |  |  | 814,565 |  |  | 807,912 |  |  | 938,425 |  |  | 661,392 |
Long-term debt |  | 570,739 |  |  | 119,654 |  |  | 119,589 |  |  | 119,540 |  |  | 48,241 |
Shareholders’ equity |  | 2,078,249 |  |  | 930,664 |  |  | 865,224 |  |  | 809,376 |  |  | 784,077 |
Select Financial Ratios |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Average loans to average deposits (3) |  | 87.49 | % |  | 88.12 | % |  | 89.33 | % |  | 84.00 | % |  | 83.20 | %
Net charge-offs to average loans and leases |  | 0.15 | % |  | 0.13 | % |  | 0.10 | % |  | 0.18 | % |  | 0.27 | %
Average shareholders’ equity to average total assets |  | 13.89 | % |  | 10.42 | % |  | 10.24 | % |  | 10.73 | % |  | 10.75 | %
Return on average assets |  | 1.37 | % |  | 1.12 | % |  | 1.07 | % |  | 1.00 | % |  | 0.96 | %
Return on average equity |  | 9.85 | % |  | 10.78 | % |  | 10.48 | % |  | 9.33 | % |  | 8.94 | %
Net interest margin |  | 4.05 | % |  | 3.59 | % |  | 3.62 | % |  | 3.60 | % |  | 3.71 | %
Net interest margin (tax equivalent basis) (1) |  | 4.10 | % |  | 3.66 | % |  | 3.68 | % |  | 3.66 | % |  | 3.76 | %
Dividend payout |  | 40.00 | % |  | 43.31 | % |  | 44.14 | % |  | 52.03 | % |  | 54.95 | %

(1) Tax equivalent basis was calculated using a 21.00% tax rate for 2018 and a 35.00% tax rate for 2017, 2016, 2015 and 2014.
(2) Includes investment securities held-to-maturity, investment securities available-for-sale and other investments.
(3) Includes loans held for sale.
6 First Financial Bancorp 2018 Annual Report

This annual report contains forward-looking statements. See the Forward-Looking Statements section that follows for further information on the risks and uncertainties associated with forward-looking statements. The following discussion and analysis is presented to facilitate the understanding of the financial position and results of operations of First Financial Bancorp. The discussion and analysis identifies trends and material changes that occurred during the reporting periods presented and should be read in conjunction with the Statistical Data, Consolidated Financial Statements and accompanying Notes.
Certain reclassifications of prior years' amounts have been made to conform to current year presentation. Such reclassifications had no effect on net earnings, total assets, liabilities and shareholders' equity.
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
First Financial is a $14.0 billion financial holding company headquartered in Cincinnati, Ohio and operates through its subsidiaries, primarily in Ohio, Indiana, Kentucky and Illinois. These subsidiaries include a commercial bank, First Financial Bank, with 159 banking centers and 196 ATMs. First Financial provides traditional banking and financial services products to business and retail clients through its six lines of business: Commercial, Retail Banking, Mortgage Banking, Wealth Management, Investment Commercial Real Estate and Commercial Finance. Commercial Finance provides equipment and leasehold improvement financing for franchisees in the quick service and casual dining restaurant sector and commission-based financing, primarily to insurance agents and brokers, throughout the United States. Wealth Management had $2.6 billion in assets under management as of December 31, 2018 and provides the following services: wealth planning, portfolio management, trust and estate, brokerage and retirement planning.
The major components of First Financial’s operating results for the previous five years are summarized in Table 1 – Financial Summary and are discussed in greater detail in the sections that follow.
MARKET STRATEGY
First Financial aims to develop a competitive advantage by utilizing a local market focus to provide superior service and build
long-term relationships with clients while helping them achieve greater financial success. First Financial serves a combination of metropolitan and non-metropolitan markets in Ohio, Indiana, Kentucky and Illinois through its full-service banking centers, and provides financing to franchise owners and clients within the financial services industry throughout the United States. First Financial’s market selection process includes a number of factors, but markets are primarily chosen for their potential for growth and long-term profitability. First Financial intends to focus plans for future growth and capital investments within its current metropolitan markets and will continue to evaluate other growth opportunities in metropolitan markets located within, or in close proximity to, the Company's current geographic footprint. First Financial's investment in non-metropolitan markets has historically provided stable, low-cost funding sources. Additionally, First Financial will continue to evaluate potential strategic acquisitions that provide product line extensions or industry verticals that compliment our existing business.
BUSINESS COMBINATIONS
In April 2018, First Financial completed its acquisition of MainSource Financial Group, Inc. and its banking subsidiary,
MainSource Bank. The merger positioned the combined company to better serve the complementary geographies of Ohio,
Indiana, Kentucky and Illinois by creating a higher performing bank with greater scale and capabilities. Under the terms of the
merger agreement, shareholders of MainSource received 1.3875 common shares of First Financial common stock for each
share of MainSource common stock. Including outstanding options and warrants on MainSource common stock, total purchase
consideration was $1.1 billion. In the merger, First Financial acquired total assets of $4.4 billion, loans of $2.8 billion and
deposits of $3.3 billion, resulting in goodwill of $676.2 million.
The MainSource transaction was accounted for using the acquisition method of accounting and accordingly, assets acquired,
liabilities assumed and consideration exchanged were recorded at estimated fair value on the acquisition date, in accordance
with FASB ASC Topic 805, Business Combinations. The fair value measurements of assets acquired and liabilities assumed
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 become available. As a result, the fair value adjustments are preliminary and may change as information
becomes available, but no later than the second quarter of 2019.
See Note 22 – Business Combinations in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements, for further discussion of the merger
with MSFG.
First Financial Bancorp 2018 Annual Report 7

Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
OVERVIEW OF OPERATIONS
Net income for the year ended December 31, 2018 was $172.6 million, resulting in earnings per diluted common share of $1.93. This compares to net income of $96.8 million and earnings per diluted common share of $1.56 in 2017. First Financial’s return on average shareholders’ equity for 2018 was 9.85%, compared to 10.78% for 2017, and First Financial’s return on average assets was 1.37% and 1.12% for 2018 and 2017, respectively.
Net interest income in 2018 increased $165.7 million, or 58.4%, from 2017, to $449.2 million, primarily driven by higher post-merger earning asset balances as well as higher yields earned on the investment and loan portfolios from rising interest rates. The net interest margin on a fully tax equivalent basis was 4.10% for 2018 compared to 3.66% in 2017.
Noninterest income increased $27.2 million, or 35.8%, during the year, from $76.1 million in 2017 to $103.4 million in 2018. The increase in 2018 was driven by higher deposit service charges, bankcard income and other noninterest income.
Noninterest expense increased $83.9 million, or 35.0%, from $239.9 million in 2017 to $323.8 million in 2018. This increase included $37.8 million of merger related expenses.
Income tax expense increased $22.3 million, or 114.8%, from $19.4 million in 2017 to $41.6 million in 2018, with the effective tax rate increasing from 16.7% in 2017 to 19.4% in 2018. The higher effective tax rate in 2018 was primarily related to the recognition of a significant historic tax credit investment in the prior year, which was partially offset by the impact of tax reform.
Total loans increased $2.8 billion, or 46.7%, from $6.0 billion at December 31, 2017 to $8.8 billion at December 31, 2018, primarily as a result of the merger. Total deposits increased $3.2 billion, or 47.1%, from $6.9 billion at December 31, 2017 to $10.1 billion as of December 31, 2018.
The ALLL was $56.5 million, or 0.64% of total loans at December 31, 2018, compared to $54.0 million, or 0.90% of total loans at December 31, 2017. The decline in the ALLL as a percentage of loans reflects the impact of accounting for acquired loans, which are recorded at fair value at acquisition and as such have no related allowance. First Financial's credit quality performance remained strong in 2018, reflecting disciplined underwriting and credit monitoring procedures, as well as stable economic conditions in the Company's markets.
First Financial’s operational results may be influenced by certain economic factors and conditions, such as market interest rates, industry competition, household and business spending levels, consumer confidence and the regulatory environment. For a more detailed discussion of the Company's operations, please refer to the sections that follow.
NET INCOME
2018 vs. 2017. First Financial’s net income increased $75.8 million, or 78.3%, to $172.6 million in 2018, compared to net income of $96.8 million in 2017. The increase was primarily related to a $165.7 million, or 58.4%, increase in net interest income, combined with a $27.2 million, or 35.8%, increase in noninterest income. These increases were partially offset by an $83.9 million, or 35.0%, increase in noninterest expenses and a $22.3 million, or 114.8%, increase in income tax expense during 2018.
2017 vs. 2016. First Financial’s net income increased $8.3 million, or 9.3%, to $96.8 million in 2017, compared to net income
of $88.5 million in 2016. The increase was primarily related to a $22.8 million, or 54.1%, decline in income tax expense, a
$10.9 million, or 4.0%, increase in net interest income and a $6.5 million, or 9.4%, increase in noninterest income. These
increases were partially offset by a $38.5 million, or 19.1%, increase in noninterest expenses during 2017.
For more detail, refer to the Net interest income, Noninterest income, Noninterest expenses and Income taxes sections that follow.
8 First Financial Bancorp 2018 Annual Report

NET INTEREST INCOME
First Financial’s net interest income for the years 2014 through 2018 is shown in Table 1 – Financial Summary. First Financial’s principal source of income is net interest income, which is the excess of interest received from earning assets, including loan-related fees, less interest paid on interest-bearing liabilities. The amount of net interest income is determined by the volume and mix of earning assets, the rates earned on such assets and the volume, mix and rates paid for the deposits and borrowed money that support the earning assets. Earning assets consist of interest-bearing loans to customers as well as marketable investment securities.
For analytical purposes, net interest income is also presented in Table 1 – Financial Summary on a tax equivalent basis assuming a 35.00% marginal tax rate for years 2014 through 2017 and a 21.00% marginal tax rate for 2018. Net interest income is presented on a tax equivalent basis to consistently reflect income from tax-exempt assets, such as municipal loans and investments, in order to facilitate a comparison between taxable and tax-exempt amounts. 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 as these measures provide useful information to make peer comparisons. First Financial's tax equivalent net interest margin was 4.10%, 3.66% and 3.68% for 2018, 2017 and 2016, respectively.
Table 2 – Volume/Rate Analysis - Tax Equivalent Basis describes the extent to which changes in interest rates as well as changes in the volume of earning assets and interest-bearing liabilities have affected First Financial’s net interest income on a tax equivalent basis during the years presented. Nonaccrual loans and loans held for sale were included in the average loan balances used to determine the yields in Table 2 – Volume/Rate Analysis - Tax Equivalent Basis, which should be read in conjunction with the Statistical Information table.
Loan fees included in the interest income computation for 2018, 2017 and 2016 were $9.1 million, $7.4 million, and $9.9 million, respectively. Loan fees increased in 2018 as a result of higher loan balances subsequent to the merger.
2018 vs. 2017. Net interest income increased $165.7 million, or 58.4%, from $283.5 million in 2017 to $449.2 million in 2018, primarily due to an increase in average earning assets and higher yields earned during 2018. Average earning assets increased from $7.9 billion in 2017 to $11.1 billion in 2018, while the yield on earning assets increased from 4.22% in 2017 to 4.88% in 2018.
Interest income was $540.4 million in 2018, a $207.3 million, or 62.2%, increase from 2017. The increase was primarily attributable to interest income from loans, which increased $167.1 million, or 59.6%, from $280.1 million in 2017 to $447.2 million in 2018 as well as a $36.0 million, or 63.8%, increase in interest income earned on investment securities during the period. The increase in interest income on loans resulted from a merger driven increase in average loan balances, including loans held for sale, of $2.3 billion, or 39.4%, and the impact from purchase accounting accretion, in addition to higher loan yields resulting from rising interest rates. Similar to interest on loans, the increase in interest income on investment securities was driven by a $895.8 million, or 44.8%, merger related increase in average investment balances as well as higher yields earned during the period from rising interest rates.
Interest expense was $91.1 million in 2018, which was a $41.6 million, or 84.0%, increase from 2017. Interest expense increased as the average balance of interest-bearing deposits increased $2.0 billion, or 39.4%, primarily due to the merger. Additionally, rising interest rates during the twelve month period contributed to the cost of funds related to these deposits increasing to 80 bps for 2018 from 69 bps in 2017. Interest expense was also impacted in 2018 by an increase in short-term borrowing rates from 99 bps in 2017 to 1.90% in 2018 as a result of rising interest rates.
2017 vs. 2016. Net interest income increased $10.9 million, or 4.0%, from $272.7 million in 2016 to $283.5 million in 2017,
primarily due to an increase in average earning assets and higher yields earned during 2017. Average earning assets increased
from $7.5 billion in 2016 to $7.9 billion in 2017, while the yield on earning assets increased from 4.07% in 2016 to 4.22% in
2017.
Interest income was $333.1 million in 2017, a $27.1 million, or 8.9%, increase from 2016. The increase was primarily
attributable to interest income from loans, which increased $17.4 million, or 6.6%, from $262.7 million in 2016 to $280.1
million in 2017 as well as a $7.5 million, or 17.3%, increase in taxable interest income earned on investment securities during
the period. The increase in interest income on loans resulted from an increase in average loan balances of $219.3 million, or
3.9%, as well as higher loan yields resulting from rising interest rates. Higher loan balances in 2017 resulted from solid organic
loan growth during the period. The increase in interest income on investment securities was driven by a $142.5 million, or
7.7%, increase in average investment balances as well as higher yields earned during the period.
First Financial Bancorp 2018 Annual Report 9

Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
Interest expense was $49.5 million in 2017, which was a $16.2 million, or 48.8%, increase from 2016. Interest expense
increased as the average balance of interest-bearing deposits increased $249.6 million, or 5.2%, due to the Company's strong
deposit generation efforts during the period. Additionally, rising interest rates and a higher mix of variable rate deposit balances
during 2017 contributed to the cost of funds related to these deposits increasing to 69 bps for 2017 from 47 bps in 2016. In an effort to contain rising funding costs, First Financial converted approximately $1.5 billion of previously indexed deposits to managed rate products during the third quarter of 2017, while also lowering the rates paid on these products by a weighted average of 35 bps. Interest expense was also impacted in 2017 by an increase in short-term borrowing rates from 51 bps in 2016 to 99 bps in 2017 as a result of rising interest rates.

Table 2 • Volume/Rate Analysis - Tax Equivalent Basis (1) |  |  |  |
|  | 2018 change from 2017 due to |  | 2017 change from 2016 due to
(Dollars in thousands) |  | Volume | Rate |  | Total |  | Volume | Rate |  | Total
Interest income |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Loans (2) |  | $ | 126,901 |  |  | $ | 39,681 |  |  | $ | 166,582 |  |  | $ | 10,487 |  |  | $ | 7,220 |  |  | $ | 17,707 |
Indemnification asset |  | 0 |  |  | 3,871 |  |  | 3,871 |  |  | 2,150 |  |  | (1,512 | ) |  | 638 |
Investment securities (3) |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Taxable |  | 21,278 |  |  | 7,230 |  |  | 28,508 |  |  | 2,783 |  |  | 4,682 |  |  | 7,465 |
Tax-exempt |  | 9,004 |  |  | (1,112 | ) |  | 7,892 |  |  | 1,906 |  |  | 222 |  |  | 2,128 |
Total investment securities interest (3) |  | 30,282 |  |  | 6,118 |  |  | 36,400 |  |  | 4,689 |  |  | 4,904 |  |  | 9,593 |
Interest-bearing deposits with other banks |  | 25 |  |  | 319 |  |  | 344 |  |  | 101 |  |  | 128 |  |  | 229 |
Total |  | 157,208 |  |  | 49,989 |  |  | 207,197 |  |  | 17,427 |  |  | 10,740 |  |  | 28,167 |
Interest expense |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Interest-bearing demand deposits |  | 2,641 |  |  | 1,563 |  |  | 4,204 |  |  | 72 |  |  | 2,051 |  |  | 2,123 |
Savings deposits |  | 3,488 |  |  | (1,379 | ) |  | 2,109 |  |  | 2,578 |  |  | 7,804 |  |  | 10,382 |
Time deposits |  | 11,766 |  |  | 3,701 |  |  | 15,467 |  |  | (2,091 | ) |  | 2,155 |  |  | 64 |
Short-term borrowings |  | 2,228 |  |  | 7,612 |  |  | 9,840 |  |  | (494 | ) |  | 4,181 |  |  | 3,687 |
Long-term debt |  | 11,703 |  |  | (1,704 | ) |  | 9,999 |  |  | 60 |  |  | (67 | ) |  | (7 | )
Total |  | 31,826 |  |  | 9,793 |  |  | 41,619 |  |  | 125 |  |  | 16,124 |  |  | 16,249 |
Net interest income |  | $ | 125,382 |  |  | $ | 40,196 |  |  | $ | 165,578 |  |  | $ | 17,302 |  |  | $ | (5,384 | ) |  | $ | 11,918 |

(1) Tax equivalent basis was calculated using a 21.00% tax rate for 2018 and a 35.00% tax rate for 2017 and 2016.
(2) Includes nonaccrual loans and loans held-for-sale.
(3) Includes HTM securities, AFS securities and other investments.
NONINTEREST INCOME AND NONINTEREST EXPENSES
Noninterest income and noninterest expenses for 2018, 2017 and 2016 are shown in Table 3 – Noninterest Income and Noninterest Expenses.
NONINTEREST INCOME
2018 vs. 2017. Noninterest income increased $27.2 million, or 35.8%, from $76.1 million in 2017 to $103.4 million in 2018. The increase was primarily related to a $15.3 million, or 77.5%, increase in service charges on deposits, a $6.9 million, or 52.2% increase in bankcard income, a $3.6 million, or 22.8%, increase in other noninterest income, a $1.3 million, or 19.7%, increase in client derivative fees, and a $1.0 million, or 7.2%, increase in trust and wealth management fees. These increases were partially offset by $1.8 million, or 109.8%, decrease in gains on sale of investment securities.
The increases in service charges on deposits, bankcard income, other noninterest income, derivative fees and wealth management fees were primarily driven by increased scale created by the merger.
2017 vs. 2016. Noninterest income increased $6.5 million, or 9.4%, from $69.6 million in 2016 to $76.1 million in 2017. The
increase was primarily related to a $2.0 million, or 14.8%, increase in other noninterest income, a $1.8 million, or 40.4%
increase in client derivative fees, a $1.4 million, or 604.7%, increase in net gains on sales of investment securities and a $1.2
10 First Financial Bancorp 2018 Annual Report

million, or 9.6%, increase in bankcard income, partially offset by a $1.6 million, or 24.0%, decrease in net gains from sales of
loans.
Other noninterest income increased from $13.7 million in 2016 to $15.8 million in 2017, primarily related to $5.8 million of
income from the early redemption of certain off balance sheet securitizations associated with the 2009 FDIC-assisted
transactions, which was partially offset by a $3.5 million decrease in income from the accelerated discount on covered/formerly
covered loans.
Higher client derivative fees in 2017 reflected strong loan demand and net gains on sales of investment securities increased in
2017 as proceeds from the sale of $190.0 million of AFS securities resulted in gains of $1.8 million and losses of
$0.2 million during the year. Bankcard income increased as a result of deeper client penetration and increased customer activity
during 2017.
Partially offsetting the increase in noninterest income was a decrease in net gains on sales of loans from $6.8 million in 2016 to
$5.2 million in 2017 primarily due to lower sales volume during the period.

Table 3 • Noninterest Income and Noninterest Expenses
|  | 2018 |  | 2017 |  | 2016
(Dollars in thousands) |  | Total |  | % Change |  | Total |  | % Change |  | Total |  | % Change
Noninterest income |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Service charges on deposit accounts |  | $ | 35,108 |  |  | 77.5 | % |  | $ | 19,775 |  |  | 4.4 | % |  | $ | 18,933 |  |  | (0.4 | )%
Trust and wealth management fees |  | 15,082 |  |  | 7.2 | % |  | 14,073 |  |  | 6.6 | % |  | 13,200 |  |  | 0.5 | %
Bankcard income |  | 20,245 |  |  | 52.2 | % |  | 13,298 |  |  | 9.6 | % |  | 12,132 |  |  | 4.8 | %
Client derivative fees |  | 7,682 |  |  | 19.7 | % |  | 6,418 |  |  | 40.4 | % |  | 4,570 |  |  | 4.1 | %
Net gains from sales of loans |  | 6,071 |  |  | 17.5 | % |  | 5,169 |  |  | (24.0 | )% |  | 6,804 |  |  | 5.1 | %
Other |  | 19,355 |  |  | 22.8 | % |  | 15,760 |  |  | 14.8 | % |  | 13,728 |  |  | (28.2 | )%
Subtotal |  | 103,543 |  |  | 39.0 | % |  | 74,493 |  |  | 7.4 | % |  | 69,367 |  |  | (5.9 | )%
Gains on sales of investment securities |  | (161 | ) |  | N/M |  |  | 1,649 |  |  | N/M |  |  | 234 |  |  | (84.5 | )%
Total |  | $ | 103,382 |  |  | 35.8 | % |  | $ | 76,142 |  |  | 9.4 | % |  | $ | 69,601 |  |  | (7.4 | )%
Noninterest expenses |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Salaries and employee benefits |  | $ | 188,990 |  |  | 37.7 | % |  | $ | 137,240 |  |  | 6.8 | % |  | $ | 128,549 |  |  | 15.0 | %
Net occupancy |  | 24,215 |  |  | 39.2 | % |  | 17,397 |  |  | (5.1 | )% |  | 18,329 |  |  | 0.5 | %
Furniture and equipment |  | 14,908 |  |  | 76.6 | % |  | 8,443 |  |  | (2.5 | )% |  | 8,663 |  |  | (0.7 | )%
Data processing |  | 28,077 |  |  | 100.2 | % |  | 14,022 |  |  | 22.9 | % |  | 11,406 |  |  | 5.0 | %
Marketing |  | 7,598 |  |  | 137.4 | % |  | 3,201 |  |  | (19.3 | )% |  | 3,965 |  |  | 6.5 | %
Communication |  | 3,167 |  |  | 74.1 | % |  | 1,819 |  |  | (3.7 | )% |  | 1,889 |  |  | (12.6 | )%
Professional services |  | 12,272 |  |  | (18.3 | )% |  | 15,023 |  |  | 138.3 | % |  | 6,303 |  |  | (34.5 | )%
State intangible tax |  | 4,152 |  |  | 56.4 | % |  | 2,655 |  |  | 30.5 | % |  | 2,034 |  |  | (12.7 | )%
FDIC assessments |  | 3,969 |  |  | 0.6 | % |  | 3,944 |  |  | (8.1 | )% |  | 4,293 |  |  | (3.4 | )%
Loss (gain)-other real estate owned |  | 373 |  |  | (41.9 | )% |  | 642 |  |  | (153.0 | )% |  | (1,212 | ) |  | (165.1 | )%
Other |  | 36,089 |  |  | 1.5 | % |  | 35,556 |  |  | 106.9 | % |  | 17,182 |  |  | (37.2 | )%
Total |  | $ | 323,810 |  |  | 35.0 | % |  | $ | 239,942 |  |  | 19.1 | % |  | $ | 201,401 |  |  | 0.1 | %

First Financial Bancorp 2018 Annual Report 11

Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
NONINTEREST EXPENSES
2018 vs. 2017. Noninterest expenses increased $83.9 million, or 35.0%, in 2018 compared to 2017, primarily due to a $51.8 million, or 37.7%, increase in salaries and employee benefits, a $14.1 million, or 100.2%, increase in data processing expenses, a $6.8 million, or 39.2%, increase in net occupancy expenses, a $6.5 million, or 76.6%, increase in furniture and equipment expenses, and a $4.4 million, or 137.4%, increase in marketing expenses during the period. These increases were partially offset by a $0.5 million, or 1.5%, increase in other noninterest expenses and a $2.8 million, or 18.3%, decrease in professional services.
Higher salaries and employee benefits in 2018 were attributed to merger related increases in staffing levels, higher severance and retention costs, higher performance-based compensation, increased health care costs and annual compensation adjustments. The increases in data processing, net occupancy, furniture and equipment and marketing expenses were largely attributable to merger related expenses combined with the larger scale of the Company post-merger. Lower other noninterest expenses and professional services in 2018 were mainly due to elevated costs in 2017 as detailed in the section that follows.
2017 vs. 2016. Noninterest expenses increased $38.5 million, or 19.1%, in 2017 compared to 2016, primarily due to an $18.4
million, or 106.9%, increase in other noninterest expenses, an $8.7 million, or 6.8%, increase in salaries and employee benefits,
an $8.7 million, or 138.3%, increase in professional services and a $2.6 million, or 22.9%, increase in data processing expenses
during the period. These increases were partially offset by a $0.9 million, or 5.1%, decrease in net occupancy expenses and an
$0.8 million, or 19.3%, decrease in marketing expenses.
Higher other noninterest expenses during 2017 were primarily driven by an $11.3 million historic tax credit investment writedown, a $5.1 million impairment charge resulting from the preliminary agreement to early terminate the Company's FDIC loss sharing agreements and a $3.0 million charitable contribution to the First Financial Foundation, partially offset by a $1.2
million decrease in regulatory fees. Higher salaries and employee benefits were primarily attributable to $3.4 million of
severance costs related to efficiency efforts during 2017 as well as higher performance-based compensation and health
care costs, in addition to annual compensation adjustments. Elevated professional service costs were primarily the result of
merger-related expenses, while data processing expenses resulted from investments in enterprise data management and system
upgrades, in addition to other software license expenses.
Lower net occupancy expenses were primarily driven by branch consolidation activities during the year, while marketing expenses declined in 2017 as a result of the Company's cost reduction efforts.
INCOME TAXES
First Financial’s income tax expense in 2018 totaled $41.6 million compared to $19.4 million in 2017 and $42.2 million in 2016, resulting in effective tax rates of 19.4%, 16.7% and 32.3% in 2018, 2017 and 2016, respectively. The higher effective tax rate in 2018 was related to the recognition of a significant historic tax credit investment in 2017, which was partially offset by the impact of tax reform. The historic tax credit investment reduced income tax expense by $12.5 million in 2017, and resulted in a $1.1 million increase to net income for the year when netted against the investment write-down included in noninterest expense.
For further information on income taxes, see Note 14 – Income Taxes in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.
LENDING PRACTICES
First Financial remains dedicated to meeting the financial needs of individuals and businesses through its client-focused business model. The loan portfolio is comprised of a broad range of borrowers primarily located in the Ohio, Indiana, Kentucky and Illinois markets; however, the commercial finance line of business serves a national client base.
First Financial’s loan portfolio consists of commercial loan types, including C&I, lease financing (equipment leasing), construction real estate, and commercial real estate, as well as consumer loan types, such as residential real estate, home equity, installment and credit card loans. First Financial's lending portfolios are managed to avoid the creation of inappropriate industry, geographic, franchise concept or borrower concentration risk.
Commercial and Industrial – C&I loans include revolving lines of credit and term loans to commercial customers for use in normal business operations to finance working capital needs, equipment purchases, leasehold improvements or other projects. C&I loans are generally underwritten individually and secured with the assets of the Company and/or the personal guarantee of
12 First Financial Bancorp 2018 Annual Report

the business owners. C&I loans also include ABL, equipment and leasehold improvement financing for select concepts and franchisees in the quick service and casual dining restaurant sector in addition tocommission-based loans to insurance agents and brokers. ABL transactions typically involve larger commercial clients and are secured by specific assets, such as inventory, accounts receivable, machinery and equipment. In the franchise lending space, First Financial focuses on a limited number of restaurant concepts that have sound economics, low closure rates and strong brand awareness within specified local, regional or national markets. Within the insurance lending platform, First Financial serves insurance agents and brokers that are looking to maximize their book-of-business value and grow their agency business.
First Financial maintains vigorous underwriting processes to assess prospective C&I borrowers' credit worthiness prior to origination, and actively monitors C&I relationships subsequent to funding in order to ensure adequate oversight of the portfolio.
Economic trends, including GDP growth, wage gains and unemployment rates showed further improvement during 2018, however the pace of loan growth remains gradual and business spending levels have not materially increased. First Financial remains optimistic that economic improvements realized in 2017 and 2018, as well as the tax reform legislation passed at the end of 2017, will stimulate business growth and economic investment among current and prospective customers, resulting in additional lending opportunities for the Bank.
Lease Financing – Lease financing consists of lease transactions for the purchase of both new and used business equipment for commercial clients. Lease products may include tax leases, finance leases, lease lines of credit and interim funding. The credit underwriting for lease transactions includes detailed analysis of the lessee's industry and business model, nature of the equipment, equipment resale values, historical and projected cash flow analysis, secondary sources of repayment and guarantor in addition to other considerations.
Construction Real Estate – Real estate construction loans are term loans to individuals, companies or developers used for the construction or development of a commercial or residential property for which repayment will be generated by the sale or permanent financing of the property. Generally, these loans are for construction projects that have been pre-sold, pre-leased or have secured permanent financing, as well as loans to real estate companies with significant equity invested in the project. An independent credit team underwrites construction real estate loans, which are managed by experienced lending officers and monitored through the construction phase by a centralized funding desk that manages loan disbursements.
First Financial has pursued select real estate construction lending opportunities while actively monitoring industry and portfolio-specific credit trends and sector concentrations.
Commercial Real Estate – Commercial real estate loans consist of term loans secured by a mortgage lien on real estate properties such as apartment buildings, office and industrial buildings and retail shopping centers. Additionally, the Company's franchise lending activities discussed in the "Commercial and Industrial" section often include the financing of real estate in addition to equipment. The credit underwriting for both owner-occupied and investor income producing real estate loans includes detailed market analysis, historical and projected cash flow analysis, appropriate equity margins, assessment of lessees and lessors, environmental risks and the type, age, condition and location of real estate, among other factors.
Credit risk is mitigated by limiting total credit exposure to individual borrowers and by requiring borrowers to have adequate down payments or cash equity, thereby limiting the loan balance in relation to the market value of the property. First Financial also regularly reviews borrower financial performance, makes periodic site visits to financed properties and monitors rental rates, occupancy trends, capitalization rates and other factors that could potentially influence real estate collateral values in the Company's markets.
The Company believes its current underwriting criteria, coupled with active credit monitoring, provides adequate oversight of the commercial real estate loan portfolio.
Residential Real Estate – Residential real estate loans represent loans to consumers for the financing of a residence.
These loans generally have a 15 to 30 year term and a fixed interest rate, but may have a shorter term to maturity with an adjustable interest rate, and in most cases, are extended to borrowers to finance their primary residence. First Financial sells residential real estate loan originations into the secondary market on both servicing retained and servicing released bases. Residential real estate loans are generally underwritten to secondary market lending standards, utilizing underwriting processes that rely on empirical data to assess credit risk as well as analysis of the borrower's ability to repay their obligations, credit history, the amount of any down payment and the market value or other characteristics of the property. First Financial also offers a residential mortgage product that features similar borrower credit characteristics but a more streamlined underwriting
First Financial Bancorp 2018 Annual Report 13

Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
process than typically required to sell to government-sponsored enterprises and thus is retained on the Consolidated Balance Sheets.
While First Financial continues to sell the majority of residential real estate originations into the secondary market, the Company believes its current underwriting criteria coupled with the monitoring of a number of portfolio metrics, including credit scores and loan-to-value ratios, provides adequate oversight of this portfolio.
Home Equity – Home equity lending includes both home equity loans and revolving lines of credit secured by a first or second lien on the borrower’s residence. Home equity lending underwriting considerations include the borrower's credit history as well as to debt-to-income and loan-to-value policy limits.
First Financial believes its current underwriting criteria coupled with the monitoring of a number of portfolio metrics including credit scores, loan-to-value ratios, line size and utilization rates provide adequate oversight of the home equity portfolio.
Installment – Installment lending consists of consumer loans not secured by real estate, including loans secured by automobiles and unsecured personal loans.
Credit Card – Credit card lending consists of secured and unsecured revolving lines of credit to consumer and business customers. Credit card lines are generally available for an indefinite period of time as long as the borrower's credit characteristics do not materially or adversely change, but may be canceled by the Company under certain circumstances.
Underwriting for installment and credit card lending focuses on a borrower's debt-to-income ratios and credit history among other considerations.
Credit Management. Subject to First Financial’s credit policy and guidelines, credit underwriting and approval occur within the market and/or the centralized line of business originating the loan. First Financial has delegated a lending limit sufficient to address the majority of client requests in a timely manner to each market president and line of business manager. Loan requests for amounts greater than those limits require the approval of a designated credit officer or senior credit committee and may require additional approvals from the chief credit officer, the chief executive officer and the board of directors. This allows First Financial to manage the initial credit risk exposure through a standardized, strategic and disciplined approval process, but with an increasingly higher level of authority. Plans to purchase or sell a participation in a loan, or a group of loans, requires the approval of certain senior lending and administrative officers, and in some cases could include the board of directors.
Credit management practices are dependent on the type and nature of the loan. First Financial monitors all significant
exposures on an ongoing basis. Commercial loans are assigned internal risk ratings reflecting the risk of loss inherent in the loan. These internal risk ratings are assigned upon initial approval of credit and are updated periodically thereafter. First Financial reviews and adjusts its risk ratings based on actual experience, which is the basis for determining an appropriate ALLL. First Financial's commercial risk ratings of pass, special mention, substandard and doubtful are derived from standard regulatory rating definitions and facilitate the monitoring of credit quality across the commercial loan portfolio. For further information regarding these risk ratings, see Note 5 – Loans and Leases in the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements.
Commercial loans rated as special mention, substandard or doubtful are considered criticized, while loans rated as substandard or doubtful are considered classified. Commercial loans may be designated as criticized/classified based on individual borrower performance or industry and environmental factors. Criticized/classified loans are subject to more frequent internal reviews to assess the borrower’s credit status and develop appropriate action plans.
Classified loans are managed by the Special Assets department. Special Assets is a commercial credit group whose primary focus is to handle the day-to-day management of commercial workouts, recoveries and problem loan resolutions. Special Assets ensures that First Financial has appropriate oversight, improved communication and timely resolution of issues throughout the loan portfolio. Additionally, the Credit Risk Management group within First Financial's Risk Management function provides objective oversight and assessment of commercial credit quality and processes using an independent credit risk review approach.
Consumer lending credit approvals are based on, among other factors, the financial strength and payment history of the borrower, type of exposure and the transaction structure. Consumer loans are generally smaller dollar amounts than other types of lending and are made to a large number of customers, providing diversification within the portfolio. Credit risk in the consumer loan portfolio is managed by loan type, and consumer loan asset quality indicators, including delinquency, are
14 First Financial Bancorp 2018 Annual Report

continuously monitored. The Credit Risk Management group performs product-level performance reviews and assesses credit quality and compliance with underwriting and loan administration guidelines across the consumer loan portfolio.
LOANS AND LEASES
2018 vs. 2017. First Financial experienced significant loan growth in 2018 which was primarily attributed to the merger. Loans, excluding loans held for sale, totaled $8.8 billion at December 31, 2018, increasing $2.8 billion, or 46.7%, compared to December 31, 2017. C&I loans increased $601.9 million, or 31.5%, construction real estate loans increased $81.2 million, or 17.4%, commercial real estate loans increased $1.3 billion, or 50.8%, residential real estate increased $484.3 million, or 102.7%, home equity increased $323.7 million, or 65.6%, and installment increased $51.6 million, or 124.1%, during 2018. Average loan balances, including loans held for sale, increased $2.3 billion, or 39.4%, from $5.8 billion at December 31, 2017 to $8.2 billion at December 31, 2018.
At December 31, 2018, CRE loans represented 42.5% of total loans, C&I loans accounted for 28.5% of loans while construction real estate and lease financing balances represented 6.2% and 1.1% of the portfolio, respectively. Residential real estate loans represented 10.8% of loan balances while home equity, installment and credit card loans represented 9.3%, 1.1% and 0.5%, respectively. Portfolio concentrations were largely in line with 2017, with modest changes driven primarily by the MSFG merger.

Table 4 • Loan and Lease Portfolio |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
|  | December 31,
(Dollars in thousands) |  | 2018 |  | 2017 |  | 2016 |  | 2015 |  | 2014
Commercial and industrial |  | $ | 2,514,661 |  |  | $ | 1,912,743 |  |  | $ | 1,781,948 |  |  | $ | 1,663,102 |  |  | $ | 1,315,114 |
Lease financing |  | 93,415 |  |  | 89,347 |  |  | 93,108 |  |  | 93,986 |  |  | 77,567 |
Real estate – construction |  | 548,935 |  |  | 467,730 |  |  | 399,434 |  |  | 311,712 |  |  | 197,571 |
Real estate – commercial |  | 3,754,681 |  |  | 2,490,091 |  |  | 2,427,577 |  |  | 2,258,297 |  |  | 2,140,667 |
Real estate – residential |  | 955,646 |  |  | 471,391 |  |  | 500,980 |  |  | 512,311 |  |  | 501,894 |
Home equity |  | 817,282 |  |  | 493,604 |  |  | 460,388 |  |  | 466,629 |  |  | 458,627 |
Installment |  | 93,212 |  |  | 41,586 |  |  | 50,639 |  |  | 41,506 |  |  | 47,320 |
Credit card |  | 46,382 |  |  | 46,691 |  |  | 43,408 |  |  | 41,217 |  |  | 38,475 |
Total loans and leases |  | $ | 8,824,214 |  |  | $ | 6,013,183 |  |  | $ | 5,757,482 |  |  | $ | 5,388,760 |  |  | $ | 4,777,235 |

Table 5 – Loan Maturity/Rate Sensitivity indicates the contractual maturity of C&I loans and construction real estate loans outstanding at December 31, 2018 as well as their sensitivity to changes in interest rates.
For discussion of risks associated with the loan portfolio and First Financial's ALLL, see the Credit Risk section included in Management’s Discussion and Analysis.
First Financial Bancorp 2018 Annual Report 15

Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

Table 5 • Loan Maturity/Rate Sensitivity
|  | December 31, 2018
|  | Maturity
|  |  |  | After one |  |  |  |
|  | Within |  | but within |  | After |  |
(Dollars in thousands) |  | one year |  | five years |  | five years |  | Total
Commercial and industrial |  | $ | 659,253 |  |  | $ | 1,151,884 |  |  | $ | 703,524 |  |  | $ | 2,514,661 |
Construction real estate |  | 326,303 |  |  | 160,341 |  |  | 62,291 |  |  | 548,935 |
Total |  | $ | 985,556 |  |  | $ | 1,312,225 |  |  | $ | 765,815 |  |  | $ | 3,063,596 |
|  |  |  | After one |  |  |  |
|  | Within |  | but within |  | After |  |
(Dollars in thousands) |  | one year |  | five years |  | five years |  | Total
Fixed rate |  | $ | 124,671 |  |  | $ | 310,447 |  |  | $ | 74,414 |  |  | $ | 509,532 |
Variable rate |  | 860,885 |  |  | 1,001,778 |  |  | 691,401 |  |  | 2,554,064 |
Total |  | $ | 985,556 |  |  | $ | 1,312,225 |  |  | $ | 765,815 |  |  | $ | 3,063,596 |

OFF-BALANCE SHEET ARRANGEMENTS
Off-balance sheet arrangements include commitments to extend credit and financial guarantees. Loan commitments are agreements to extend credit to a client absent any violation of any condition established in the commitment agreement. Commitments generally have fixed expiration dates or other termination clauses and may require payment of a fee. First Financial had commitments outstanding to extend credit, totaling $3.0 billion and $2.1 billion at December 31, 2018 and 2017, respectively. As of December 31, 2018, loan commitments with a fixed interest rate totaled $174.0 million while commitments with variable interest rates totaled $2.9 billion. The fixed rate loan commitments have interest rates ranging from 0.00% to 21.00% for both December 31, 2018 and 2017. The fixed rate loan commitments have maturities ranging from 1 to 30 years for December 31, 2018 and 1 and 29 years for December 31, 2017.
Letters of credit are conditional commitments issued by First Financial to guarantee the performance of a client to a third party. First Financial’s portfolio of letters of credit consists primarily of performance assurances made on behalf of clients who have a contractual commitment to produce or deliver goods or services. First Financial has issued letters of credit aggregating $32.7 million and $25.3 million at December 31, 2018, and 2017, respectively. Management conducts regular reviews of these instruments on an individual client basis.
ASSET QUALITY
Nonperforming assets consist of nonaccrual loans, accruing TDRs and OREO. Loans are classified as nonaccrual when, in the opinion of management, collection of principal or interest is doubtful or when principal or interest payments are 90 days or more past due. Generally, loans are classified as nonaccrual due to the continued failure to adhere to contractual payment terms by the borrower coupled with other pertinent factors, such as insufficient collateral value. The accrual of interest income is discontinued and previously accrued but unpaid interest is reversed when a loan is classified as nonaccrual. Classified assets include nonperforming assets plus performing loans internally rated substandard or worse.
Purchased impaired loans are classified as performing, even though they may be contractually past due, as any nonpayment of contractual principal or interest is considered in the periodic re-estimation of expected cash flows and is included in the resulting recognition of current period provision for loan and lease losses or prospective yield adjustments.
Loans are classified as TDRs when borrowers are experiencing financial difficulties and concessions are made by the Company that would not otherwise be considered for a borrower with similar credit characteristics. TDRs are generally classified as nonaccrual for a minimum period of six months and may qualify for return to accrual status once they have demonstrated performance with the restructured terms of the loan agreement. OREO consists of properties acquired by First Financial primarily through loan defaults by borrowers.
See Table 6 – Nonperforming Assets for a summary of First Financial’s nonaccrual loans, TDRs and OREO.
16 First Financial Bancorp 2018 Annual Report

2018 vs. 2017. Total nonperforming assets increased $43.8 million, or 98.6%, to $88.2 million at December 31, 2018 from $44.4 million at December 31, 2017. Nonaccrual loans increased $46.6 million, which was partially offset by a $1.4 million decline in accruing TDRs and a $1.4 million decline in OREO.
The increase in nonaccrual loans in 2018 was primarily attributable to the downgrade of two large relationships, one franchise and one agricultural, which contributed $25.3 million to the increase, and $14.7 million of nonaccrual loans acquired in the MSFG merger. The decline in accruing TDR's during 2018 was the result of resolution efforts during the period, while lower OREO balances resulted mostly from the resolution and sale of $3.8 million of commercial and residential real estate properties in addition to $0.8 million of valuation adjustments, which were partially offset by $3.2 million of additions during the year.
First Financial's nonperforming assets as a percentage of total loans plus OREO increased to 1.00% at December 31, 2018 from 0.74% at December 31, 2017 as a result of increased nonperforming loan balances during the period. Additionally, classified asset balances increased $44.4 million, or 50.8%, to $131.7 million at December 31, 2018 from $87.3 million at December 31, 2017.
The increase in nonperforming and classified assets during 2018 is attributed to the merger as well as the previously mentioned deterioration of two large relationships. The U.S. economy has maintained consistent growth levels in recent periods and First Financial's geographic markets have remained economically stable. Management is optimistic that the Company's credit quality trends will remain strong in future periods given the sustained improvement in employment rates and real estate markets, as well as stable levels of business and consumer confidence.

Table 6 • Nonperforming Assets
|  | December 31,
(Dollars in thousands) |  | 2018 |  | 2017 |  | 2016 |  | 2015 |  | 2014
Nonaccrual loans (1) |  | $ | 70,700 |  |  | $ | 24,082 |  |  | $ | 17,730 |  |  | $ | 27,997 |  |  | $ | 48,469 |
Accruing troubled debt restructurings (2) |  | 16,109 |  |  | 17,545 |  |  | 30,240 |  |  | 28,876 |  |  | 15,928 |
Other real estate owned (OREO) |  | 1,401 |  |  | 2,781 |  |  | 6,284 |  |  | 13,254 |  |  | 22,674 |
Total nonperforming assets |  | $ | 88,210 |  |  | $ | 44,408 |  |  | $ | 54,254 |  |  | $ | 70,127 |  |  | $ | 87,071 |
Nonperforming assets as a percent of total loans plus OREO |  | 1.00 | % |  | 0.74 | % |  | 0.94 | % |  | 1.30 | % |  | 1.81 | %
Accruing loans past due 90 days or more |  | $ | 63 |  |  | $ | 61 |  |  | $ | 142 |  |  | $ | 108 |  |  | $ | 216 |
Classified assets |  | $ | 131,668 |  |  | $ | 87,293 |  |  | $ | 125,155 |  |  | $ | 132,431 |  |  | $ | 154,804 |

(1) Nonaccrual loans include nonaccrual TDRs of $22.4 million, $6.4 million, $5.1 million, $9.3 million, and $12.3 million as of December 31, 2018, 2017, 2016, 2015 and 2014, respectively.
(2) Accruing troubled debt restructurings include TDRs past due 90 days or more and still accruing of $2.7 million as of December 31, 2016. There were no TDRs 90 days past due and still accruing as of December 31, 2018, 2017, 2015 and 2014, respectively.
INVESTMENTS
First Financial utilizes its investment portfolio as a source of liquidity and interest income, as well as a tool for managing the Company's interest rate risk profile. As such, the Company's primary investment strategy is to invest in debt securities with low credit risk, such as treasury and agency-backed residential MBSs. The investment portfolio is also managed with consideration to prepayment and extension/maturity risk. First Financial invests primarily in MBSs issued by U.S. government agencies and corporations, such as the GNMA, the FHLMC and the FNMA, as these securities are considered to have a low credit risk and high liquidity profile due to government agency guarantees. Government and agency backed securities comprised 58.0% and 60.4% of First Financial's investment securities portfolio as of December 31, 2018 and 2017, respectively.
The Company also invests in certain securities that are not supported by government or agency guarantees, and whose realization is dependent on future principal and interest repayments, thus carrying greater credit risk. First Financial performs a detailed pre-purchase collateral and structural analysis on these securities and limits investments to asset classes in which the
First Financial Bancorp 2018 Annual Report 17

Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
Company has expertise and experience. The Company further limits these investments to securities with senior positions in the capital structure to provide additional credit protection. First Financial continuously monitors credit risk and geographic concentration risk in its evaluation of market opportunities that would enhance the overall performance of the portfolio. Securities not supported by government or agency guarantees represented 42.0% and 39.6% of First Financial's investment securities portfolio as of December 31, 2018 and 2017, respectively.
The other investments category in the Consolidated Balance Sheets consists primarily of First Financial’s investments in FRB and FHLB stock.
Gains and losses on debt securities are generally due to fluctuations in current market yields relative to the yields of the debt securities at their amortized cost. All securities with unrealized losses are reviewed quarterly to determine if any impairment is considered other than temporary, requiring a write-down to fair value. First Financial considers the percentage loss on a security, duration of the loss, average life or duration of the security, credit rating of the security as well as payment performance and the Company’s intent and ability to hold the security when determining whether any impairment is other than temporary. First Financial had no other than temporary impairment expense for the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017.
2018 vs. 2017. First Financial’s investment portfolio at December 31, 2018 totaled $3.3 billion, and represented 23.8% of total assets at December 31, 2018. The $1.3 billion, or 61.6%, increase in the investment portfolio during 2018 was primarily related to the merger with MSFG.
First Financial classified $2.8 billion, or 83.6%, and $1.3 billion, or 65.6%, of investment securities as AFS at December 31, 2018 and 2017, respectively. First Financial classified $429.3 million, or 12.9%, and $654.0 million, or 31.8%, of investment securities as HTM at December 31, 2018 and 2017, respectively. Also in conjunction with the merger, First Financial reclassified $372.1 million of investments HTM as AFS to align with post-merger investment strategies.
First Financial recorded an $11.6 million unrealized after-tax loss on the investment portfolio as a component of equity in AOCI resulting from changes in the fair value of AFS securities at December 31, 2018, which increased $11.4 million from a $0.2 million unrealized after-tax loss at December 31, 2017.
Security debentures issued by the U.S. government and U.S. government agencies and corporations, including the FHLB, FHLMC, FNMA and the U.S. Export/Import Bank represented 1.0% and 1.4% of the investment portfolio at December 31, 2018 and 2017, respectively.
Investments in MBSs, including CMOs, represented 18.2% and 22.5% of First Financial's portfolio at December 31, 2018 and 2017, respectively. MBSs are participations in pools of residential real estate loans, the principal and interest payments of which are passed through to the security investors. MBSs are subject to prepayment risk, particularly during periods of falling interest rates, and extension risk during periods of rising interest rates. Prepayments of the underlying residential real estate loans may shorten the lives of the securities, thereby affecting yields to maturity and market values.
Tax-exempt securities of states, municipalities and other political subdivisions increased to $501.9 million as of December 31, 2018 from $207.9 million as of December 31, 2017 and comprised 15.6% and 10.4% of the investment portfolio at December 31, 2018 and 2017, respectively. The securities are diversified to include states as well as issuing authorities within states, thereby decreasing geographic portfolio risk. First Financial continuously monitors the risk associated with this investment type and reviews underlying ratings for possible downgrades. First Financial does not own any state or other political subdivision securities that are currently impaired.
Asset-backed securities were $509.2 million, or 15.9% of the investment portfolio at December 31, 2018 and $379.0 million, or 18.9% of the investment portfolio at December 31, 2017. First Financial considers these investment securities to have lower credit risk and a high liquidity profile as a result of explicit guarantees on the collateral.
Other securities, consisting primarily of taxable securities of states, municipalities and other political subdivisions and debt securities issued by corporations, decreased to $73.2 million, or 2.3% of the investment portfolio, at December 31, 2018 from $85.1 million and 4.2% at December 31, 2017.
The overall duration of the investment portfolio increased to 3.3 years as of December 31, 2018 from 2.9 years as of December 31, 2017. First Financial has avoided adding to its portfolio any particular securities that would materially increase credit risk or geographic concentration risk and the Company continuously monitors and considers these risks in its evaluation of current market opportunities that would enhance the overall performance of the portfolio.
18 First Financial Bancorp 2018 Annual Report

Table 7 • Investment Securities as of December 31 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
|  | 2018 |  | 2017
|  |  |  | Percent of |  |  |  | Percent of
(Dollars in thousands) |  | Amount |  | Portfolio |  | Amount |  | Portfolio
U.S. Treasuries |  | $ | 97 |  |  | 0.0 | % |  | $ | 97 |  |  | 0.0 | %
Securities of U.S. government agencies and corporations |  | 31,919 |  |  | 1.0 | % |  | 27,083 |  |  | 1.4 | %
Mortgage-backed securities-residential |  | 584,164 |  |  | 18.2 | % |  | 451,136 |  |  | 22.5 | %
Mortgage-backed securities-commercial |  | 568,815 |  |  | 17.7 | % |  | 404,130 |  |  | 20.2 | %
Collateralized mortgage obligations |  | 939,287 |  |  | 29.3 | % |  | 448,937 |  |  | 22.4 | %
Obligations of state and other political subdivisions |  | 501,868 |  |  | 15.6 | % |  | 207,930 |  |  | 10.4 | %
Asset-backed securities |  | 509,231 |  |  | 15.9 | % |  | 378,977 |  |  | 18.9 | %
Other securities |  | 73,202 |  |  | 2.3 | % |  | 85,126 |  |  | 4.2 | %
Total |  | $ | 3,208,583 |  |  | 100.0 | % |  | $ | 2,003,416 |  |  | 100.0 | %

The estimated maturities and weighted-average yields of HTM and AFS investment securities are shown in Table 8 – Investment Securities as of December 31, 2018. Tax-equivalent adjustments, using a 21.00% rate for 2018 and 35.00% rate for 2017, were included in calculating yields on tax-exempt obligations of state and other political subdivisions.
First Financial held cash on deposit with the Federal Reserve of $37.7 million and $34.0 million at December 31, 2018 and 2017, respectively. First Financial continually monitors its liquidity position as part of its ERM framework, specifically through its asset/liability management process.
First Financial will continue to monitor loan and deposit demand, as well as balance sheet composition, capital sensitivity and the interest rate environment as it manages investment strategies in future periods. See Note 4 – Investment Securities in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information on the Company's investment portfolio and Note 21 – Fair Value Disclosures for additional information on how First Financial determines the fair value of investment securities.
First Financial Bancorp 2018 Annual Report 19

Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

Table 8 • Investment Securities as of December 31, 2018
|  | Maturity (2)
|  | Within one year |  | After one but within five years |  | After five but within ten years |  | After ten years
(Dollars in thousands) |  | Amount |  | Yield(1) |  | Amount |  | Yield(1) |  | Amount |  | Yield(1) |  | Amount |  | Yield(1)
Held-to-Maturity |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Securities of other U.S. government agencies and corporations |  | $ | 0 |  |  | 0.00 | % |  | $ | 0 |  |  | 0.00 | % |  | $ | 0 |  |  | 0.00 | % |  | $ | 0 |  |  | 0.00 | %
Mortgage-backed securities-residential |  | 0 |  |  | 0.00 | % |  | 6,423 |  |  | 1.94 | % |  | 19,142 |  |  | 2.36 | % |  | 0 |  |  | 0.00 | %
Mortgage-backed securities-commercial |  | 0 |  |  | 0.00 | % |  | 119,329 |  |  | 2.60 | % |  | 28,451 |  |  | 3.05 | % |  | 0 |  |  | 0.00 | %
Collateralized mortgage obligations |  | 0 |  |  | 0.00 | % |  | 12,540 |  |  | 1.72 | % |  | 0 |  |  | 0.00 | % |  | 0 |  |  | 0.00 | %
Obligations of state and other political subdivisions |  | 775 |  |  | 3.48 | % |  | 18,565 |  |  | 2.97 | % |  | 204,144 |  |  | 3.12 | % |  | 19,959 |  |  | 3.03 | %
Total |  | $ | 775 |  |  | 3.48 | % |  | $ | 156,857 |  |  | 2.55 | % |  | $ | 251,737 |  |  | 3.05 | % |  | $ | 19,959 |  |  | 3.03 | %
Available-for-Sale |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
U.S. treasuries |  | $ | 0 |  |  | 0.00 | % |  | $ | 97 |  |  | 1.97 | % |  | $ | 0 |  |  | 0.00 | % |  | $ | 0 |  |  | 0.00 | %
Securities of other U.S. government agencies and corporations |  | 0 |  |  | 0.00 | % |  | 22,224 |  |  | 1.09 | % |  | 9,695 |  |  | 2.90 | % |  | 0 |  |  | 0.00 | %
Mortgage-backed securities-residential |  | 198 |  |  | 4.98 | % |  | 162,252 |  |  | 3.06 | % |  | 348,235 |  |  | 3.09 | % |  | 47,914 |  |  | 3.02 | %
Mortgage-backed securities-commercial |  | 53,855 |  |  | 3.80 | % |  | 248,989 |  |  | 3.76 | % |  | 80,031 |  |  | 3.05 | % |  | 38,160 |  |  | 2.95 | %
Collateralized mortgage obligations |  | 889 |  |  | 2.86 | % |  | 500,488 |  |  | 3.12 | % |  | 387,597 |  |  | 3.23 | % |  | 37,773 |  |  | 3.02 | %
Obligations of state and other political subdivisions |  | 38,277 |  |  | 3.08 | % |  | 119,725 |  |  | 2.93 | % |  | 72,634 |  |  | 3.45 | % |  | 27,789 |  |  | 3.64 | %
Asset-backed securities |  | 38,700 |  |  | 3.77 | % |  | 314,460 |  |  | 3.91 | % |  | 146,101 |  |  | 3.82 | % |  | 9,970 |  |  | 3.91 | %
Other securities |  | 499 |  |  | 0.14 | % |  | 45,599 |  |  | 5.58 | % |  | 27,104 |  |  | 4.93 | % |  | 0 |  |  | 0.00 | %
Total |  | $ | 132,418 |  |  | 3.56 | % |  | $ | 1,413,834 |  |  | 3.43 | % |  | $ | 1,071,397 |  |  | 3.31 | % |  | $ | 161,606 |  |  | 3.16 | %

(1) Tax equivalent basis was calculated using a 21.00% tax rate and yields were based on amortized cost.
(2) Maturity represents estimated life of investment securities.
DERIVATIVES
First Financial is authorized to use certain derivative instruments, including interest rate caps, floors and swaps, to meet the needs of its clients while managing the interest rate risk associated with certain transactions. The Company does not use derivatives for speculative purposes.
First Financial primarily utilizes interest rate swaps as a means to offer borrowers credit-based products that meet their needs and achieve the Company's desired interest rate risk profile. These interest rate swaps generally involve the receipt by First Financial of floating rate amounts from swap counterparties in exchange for payments to these counterparties by First Financial of fixed rate amounts received from borrowers. This results in the Company's loan customers receiving fixed rate funding while providing First Financial with a floating rate asset.
In conjunction with participating interests in commercial loans, First Financial periodically enters into risk participation agreements with counterparties whereby First Financial assumes a portion of the credit exposure associated with an interest rate swap on the participated loan in exchange for a fee. Under these agreements, First Financial will make payments to the counterparty if the loan customer defaults on its obligation to perform under the interest rate swap contract with the counterparty.
First Financial enters into IRLCs and forward commitments for the future delivery of mortgage loans to third party investors, which are considered derivatives. When borrowers secure an IRLC with First Financial and the loan is intended to be sold, First Financial will enter into forward commitments for the future delivery of the loans to third party investors in order to hedge against the effect of changes in interest rates impacting IRLCs and loans held for sale.
20 First Financial Bancorp 2018 Annual Report

See Note 11 – Derivatives in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information regarding First Financial's use of derivative instruments.
DEPOSITS
First Financial solicits deposits by offering commercial and consumer clients a wide variety of transaction and savings accounts, including checking, savings, money-market and time deposits of various maturities and rates.
2018 vs. 2017. First Financial's total deposits increased $3.2 billion, or 47.1%, from $6.9 billion at December 31, 2017 to $10.1 billion as of December 31, 2018. Noninterest bearing deposits increased $830.4 million, or 50.0%, savings deposits increased $704.9 million, or 28.6%, interest-bearing checking deposits increased $853.6 million, or 58.7%, and time deposits increased $856.5 million, or 65.0%, during the period. Total non-time deposit balances were $8.0 billion as of December 31, 2018, increasing $2.4 billion, or 42.8%, compared to December 31, 2017.
Total average deposits for 2018 increased $2.7 billion, or 40.4%, from 2017 primarily due to an increase in average time deposits of $748.7 million, or 62.9%, an increase in average noninterest bearing deposits of $677.0 million, or 43.9%, an increase in average interest-bearing demand deposits of $678.3 million, or 45.5%, and an increase in average savings deposits $577.9 million, or 24.0%. The year-over-year growth in average deposits was primarily attributable to the merger.
Table 9 – Maturities of Time Deposits Greater Than or Equal to $100,000 details the contractual maturity of these deposits. Time Deposits Greater Than or Equal to $100,000 represent 13.7% of total deposits outstanding at December 31, 2018.

Table 9 • Maturities of Time Deposits Greater than or Equal to $100,000
|  | December 31, 2018
(Dollars in thousands) |  | CDs |  | IRAs |  | Brokered CDs |  | Total
Maturing in |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
3 months or less |  | $ | 67,746 |  |  | $ | 4,063 |  |  | $ | 145,461 |  |  | $ | 217,270 |
3 months to 6 months |  | 109,643 |  |  | 6,514 |  |  | 186,487 |  |  | 302,644 |
6 months to 12 months |  | 184,560 |  |  | 21,737 |  |  | 253,106 |  |  | 459,403 |
over 12 months |  | 231,879 |  |  | 51,212 |  |  | 130,685 |  |  | 413,776 |
Total |  | $ | 593,828 |  |  | $ | 83,526 |  |  | $ | 715,739 |  |  | $ | 1,393,093 |

BORROWINGS
First Financial's short-term borrowings are utilized to manage normal liquidity needs. These borrowings include repurchase agreements utilized for corporate sweep accounts with cash management account agreements in place, as well as overnight advances from the FHLB. The Company's long-term borrowings consist of subordinated debt, FHLB long-term advances, repurchase agreements utilizing investment securities pledged as collateral and a capital loan from a municipality.
2018 vs. 2017. Short-term borrowings increased $226.1 million, or 27.8%, to $1.0 billion at December 31, 2018, from $814.6 million at December 31, 2017.
First Financial utilizes short-term borrowings and longer-term advances from the FHLB as wholesale funding sources. First Financial had $857.1 million of short-term borrowings from the FHLB at December 31, 2018 compared to $742.3 million at December 31, 2017. In addition to FHLB borrowings, short term borrowings included repurchase agreements of $84.6 million and $72.3 million at December 31, 2018 and 2017, respectively, and federal funds purchased of $99.0 million as of December 31, 2018.
Total long-term debt was $570.7 million and $119.7 million at December 31, 2018 and 2017, respectively. The long-term debt included FHLB long-term advances of $400.6 million and $0.2 million as of December 31, 2018 and 2017, respectively, as well as an interest-free $0.8 million capital loan outstanding with a municipality at December 31, 2018 and 2017. First Financial's total remaining borrowing capacity from the FHLB was $558.2 million at December 31, 2018. Long-term debt also included subordinated debt of $170.6 million and $120.0 million as of December 31, 2018 and 2017, respectively. The subordinated
First Financial Bancorp 2018 Annual Report 21

Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
debt is treated as Tier 2 capital for regulatory capital purposes. The subordinated debt also included unamortized discount and debt issuance costs of $8.5 million and $1.4 million as of December 31, 2018 and 2017, respectively.
Both short-term and long-term FHLB advances must be collateralized with qualifying assets, which are typically commercial and residential real estate loans, as well as government and agency-backed securities. For ease of borrowing execution First Financial utilizes a blanket collateral agreement with the FHLB and had $5.7 billion of assets pledged as collateral at December 31, 2018.
See Note 10 – Borrowings in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information on First Financial's borrowings.
LIQUIDITY
Liquidity management is the process by which First Financial manages the continuing flow of funds necessary to meet its financial commitments on a timely basis and at a reasonable cost. These funding commitments include withdrawals by depositors, credit commitments to borrowers, shareholder dividends, share repurchases, operating expenses and capital expenditures. Liquidity is derived primarily from deposit growth, principal and interest payments on loans and investment securities, maturing loans and investment securities, access to wholesale funding sources and collateralized borrowings.
First Financial’s most stable source of liability-funded liquidity for both long and short-term needs is deposit growth and retention of the core deposit base. In addition to core deposit funding, First Financial also utilizes a variety of short and long-term funding sources, which include subordinated notes, longer-term advances from the FHLB and its short-term line of credit.
Both First Financial and the Bank received investment grade credit ratings from Kroll Bond Rating Agency, Inc, an independent rating agency. These credit ratings impact the cost and availability of financing to First Financial, and a downgrade to these credit ratings could affect First Financial's or the Bank’s abilities to access the credit markets and potentially increase borrowing costs, which would negatively impact financial condition and liquidity. Key factors in maintaining high credit ratings include consistent and diverse earnings, strong credit quality and capital ratios, diverse funding sources and disciplined liquidity monitoring procedures. The ratings of First Financial and the Bank at December 31, 2018 were as follows:

| First Financial Bancorp | First Financial Bank
Senior Unsecured Debt | BBB+ | A-
Subordinated Debt | BBB | BBB+
Short-Term Debt | K2 | K2
Deposit | N/A | A-
Short-Term Deposit | N/A | K2

For ease of borrowing execution, First Financial utilizes a blanket collateral agreement with the FHLB. First Financial pledged $5.7 billion of certain eligible residential, commercial and farm real estate loans, home equity lines of credit and government, agency and CMBS securities as collateral for borrowings from the FHLB as of December 31, 2018.
First Financial maintains a short-term credit facility with an unaffiliated bank for $30.0 million that matures in September 2019. This facility can have a variable or fixed interest rate and provides First Financial additional liquidity, if needed, for various corporate activities, including the repurchase of First Financial shares and the payment of dividends to shareholders. As of December 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017, there was no outstanding balance. The credit agreement requires First Financial to maintain certain covenants related to asset quality and capital levels, and First Financial was in compliance with all covenants associated with this line of credit as of December 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017.
First Financial's principal source of asset-funded liquidity is marketable investment securities, particularly those of shorter maturities. The market value of investment securities classified as AFS totaled $2.8 billion and $1.3 billion at December 31, 2018 and 2017, respectively. HTM securities that are maturing within a short period of time are an additional source of liquidity and totaled $0.8 million and $21.8 million at December 31, 2018 and 2017, respectively. Sources of liquidity also include other types of assets such as cash and due from banks, interest-bearing deposits with other banks and loans maturing within one year.
22 First Financial Bancorp 2018 Annual Report

At December 31, 2018, in addition to liquidity on hand of $274.0 million, First Financial had unused and available overnight wholesale funding sources of $3.0 billion, or 21.3% of total assets, to fund loan and deposit activities, in addition to general corporate requirements.
Certain restrictions exist regarding the Bank's ability to transfer funds to the parent company in the form of cash dividends, loans, other assets or advances and the approval of the Bank's primary federal regulator is required to pay dividends in excess of regulatory limitations. Dividends paid to the parent company from its subsidiaries totaled $107.3 million, $54.6 million and $52.7 million for 2018, 2017 and 2016, respectively. As of December 31, 2018, First Financial’s subsidiaries had retained earnings of $637.2 million, of which $181.3 million was available for distribution to First Financial without prior regulatory approval. Additionally, First Financial had $86.9 million in cash at the parent company as of December 31, 2018, which approximates the Company’s regular annual shareholder dividend and operating expenses.
Share repurchases, if any, also impact First Financial's liquidity. For further information regarding share repurchases, see the Capital section that follows.
Capital expenditures, such as banking center expansion, remodeling and technology investments, were $18.2 million for 2018, $6.5 million for 2017 and $9.7 million for 2016. Material commitments for capital expenditures as of December 31, 2018, were $15.9 million. Management believes that sufficient liquidity exists to fund its future capital expenditure commitments.
Management is not aware of any other events or regulatory requirements that, if implemented, are likely to have a material effect on First Financial’s liquidity.

Table 10 • Contractual Obligations as of December 31, 2018 |
(Dollars in thousands) |  | Less than one year |  | One to three years |  | Three to five years |  | More than five years |  | Total
Contractual Obligations |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Long-term debt obligations (including interest) |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Federal Home Loan Bank borrowings |  | $ | 147,176 |  |  | $ | 150,578 |  |  | $ | 52,775 |  |  | $ | 73,244 |  |  | $ | 423,773 |
Subordinated debt |  | 8,851 |  |  | 20,213 |  |  | 19,310 |  |  | 199,188 |  |  | 247,562 |
Capital loan with municipality |  | 0 |  |  | 0 |  |  | 0 |  |  | 775 |  |  | 775 |
Operating lease obligations |  | 9,568 |  |  | 17,463 |  |  | 9,285 |  |  | 15,496 |  |  | 51,812 |
Pension obligations |  | 4,396 |  |  | 10,509 |  |  | 9,656 |  |  | 29,948 |  |  | 54,509 |
Time deposits |  | 1,407,996 |  |  | 634,758 |  |  | 130,282 |  |  | 528 |  |  | 2,173,564 |
Total |  | $ | 1,577,987 |  |  | $ | 833,521 |  |  | $ | 221,308 |  |  | $ | 319,179 |  |  | $ | 2,951,995 |

CAPITAL
Risk-Based Capital. First Financial and its subsidiary, First Financial Bank, are subject to regulatory capital requirements administered by federal banking agencies. Capital adequacy guidelines and, additionally for banks, prompt corrective action regulations involve quantitative measures of assets, liabilities and certain off-balance sheet items calculated under regulatory guidelines. Capital amounts and classifications are also subject to qualitative judgments by regulators. Failure to meet minimum capital requirements can initiate regulatory action.
The Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System approved Basel III in order to strengthen the regulatory capital framework for all banking organizations, subject to a phase-in period for certain provisions. Basel III established and defined quantitative measures to ensure capital adequacy. These measures require First Financial to maintain minimum amounts and ratios of Common Equity tier 1 capital, total and tier 1 capital to risk-weighted assets and tier 1 capital to average assets (leverage ratio).
Basel III includes a minimum ratio of common equity tier 1 capital to risk-weighted assets of 6.375% at December 31, 2018, which includes a capital conservation buffer that began on January 1, 2016 at 0.625% and is phased in over a four-year period, increasing by the same amount each subsequent January 1, until fully phased-in at 2.5% of risk-weighted assets on January 1, 2019. Further, the minimum ratio of tier 1 capital to risk-weighted assets increased to 7.875% at December 31, 2018 and all banks are subject to a 4.0% minimum leverage ratio. The required total risk-based capital ratio is unchanged. Failure to maintain the required common equity Tier 1 capital conservation buffer will result in potential restrictions on a bank’s ability to pay dividends, repurchase stock and pay discretionary compensation to its employees. The capital requirements also provide
First Financial Bancorp 2018 Annual Report 23

Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
strict eligibility criteria for regulatory capital instruments and change the method for calculating risk-weighted assets in an effort to better identify riskier assets, such as highly volatile commercial real estate and nonaccrual loans.
First Financial's tier 1 capital increased from 10.63% at December 31, 2017 to 12.28%, at December 31, 2018, while the total capital ratio increased from 13.07% to 14.10% during the same period. The increase in the Company's tier 1 and total capital ratios was primarily due to an increase in capital from higher earnings, partially offset by an increase in risk-weighted assets as a result of the MSFG merger. The leverage ratio increased to 9.71% at December 31, 2018 compared to 8.84% as of December 31, 2017 and the Company’s tangible common equity ratio increased from 8.30% at December 31, 2017 to 8.79% at December 31, 2018.
Management believes that, as of December 31, 2018, First Financial met all capital adequacy requirements to which it was subject. At December 31, 2018 and 2017, regulatory notifications categorized First Financial Bank as well-capitalized under the regulatory framework for prompt corrective action. There have been no conditions or events that management believes has changed the Company’s capital categorization.
For further detail on First Financial's capital ratios at December 31, 2018, see Note 18 – Capital in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

Table 11 • Capital Adequacy |  |
|  |  | December 31,
(Dollars in thousands) |  | 2018 |  | 2017
Consolidated capital calculations |  |
| Common stock |  | $ | 1,633,256 |  |  | $ | 573,109 |
| Retained earnings |  | 600,014 |  |  | 491,847 |
| Accumulated other comprehensive loss |  | (44,408 | ) |  | (20,390 | )
| Treasury stock, at cost |  | (110,613 | ) |  | (113,902 | )
Total shareholders' equity |  | 2,078,249 |  |  | 930,664 |
| Common equity tier I capital adjustments |  |  |  |
| Goodwill and other intangibles |  | (931,030 | ) |  | (209,379 | )
Total tangible equity |  | $ | 1,147,219 |  |  | $ | 721,285 |
| Total assets |  | $ | 13,986,660 |  |  | $ | 8,896,923 |
| Goodwill and other intangibles |  | (931,030 | ) |  | (209,379 | )
Total tangible assets |  | $ | 13,055,630 |  |  | $ | 8,687,544 |
Common tier 1 capital |  | $ | 1,215,613 |  |  | $ | 755,735 |
Tier 1 capital |  | 1,257,366 |  |  | 755,839 |
Total capital |  | 1,444,146 |  |  | 929,148 |
Total risk-weighted assets |  | 10,241,159 |  |  | 7,108,629 |
Average assets (1) |  | 12,948,944 |  |  | 8,554,938 |
Regulatory capital |  |  |  |
| Common tier 1 ratio |  | 11.87 | % |  | 10.63 | %
| Tier 1 ratio |  | 12.28 | % |  | 10.63 | %
| Total capital ratio |  | 14.10 | % |  | 13.07 | %
| Leverage ratio |  | 9.71 | % |  | 8.84 | %
Other capital ratios |  |  |  |
| Total shareholders' equity to ending assets |  | 14.86 | % |  | 10.46 | %
| Total tangible shareholders' equity to ending tangible assets |  | 8.79 | % |  | 8.30 | %
(1) For purposes of calculating the Leverage ratio, certain intangible assets are excluded from average assets.

24 First Financial Bancorp 2018 Annual Report

First Financial generally seeks to balance the return of earnings to shareholders through shareholder dividends and share repurchases with capital retention in order to maintain adequate levels of capital and support the Company's growth plans.
Shareholder Dividends. First Financial’s dividend payout ratio, or total dividends paid divided by net income available to common shareholders, was 40.0%, 43.3% and 44.1% for the years 2018, 2017 and 2016, respectively. The dividend payout ratio is continually reviewed by management and the board of directors for consistency with First Financial’s overall capital planning activities and compliance with applicable regulatory limitations. In January 2019, the board of directors authorized an increase to the Company's quarterly dividend from $0.20 to $0.22 per common share, payable on March 15, 2019 to all shareholders of record as of March 1, 2019.
Share Repurchases. In October 2012, First Financial's board of directors approved a share repurchase plan under which the Company has the ability to repurchase up to 5,000,000 common shares. The Company did not repurchase any shares under this plan during 2016, 2017 or 2018. The Company repurchased 40,255 shares for $0.7 million under the 2012 share repurchase plan during 2015 at an average price of $17.32 per share. At December 31, 2018, 3,509,133 shares remained available for purchase under the 2012 share repurchase plan.
In January 2019, First Financial's board of directors approved a share repurchase plan under which the Company has the ability to repurchase up to 5,000,000 shares of the Company's issued and outstanding common stock. Under the plan, the Company can repurchase from time to time, on the open market, in privately-negotiated purchases or otherwise, shares of common stock in such quantities and at such prices, not to exceed 5,000,000 shares. The authority to repurchase will expire in January 2021. Upon the effectiveness of the 2019 repurchase plan, no additional shares will be repurchased under the 2012 repurchase plan.
Shareholders' Equity. Total shareholders’ equity at December 31, 2018 was $2.1 billion, compared to total shareholders’ equity at December 31, 2017 of $0.9 billion. The increase in shareholders' equity is related to the MSFG merger as well as higher earnings.
For further detail, see the Consolidated Statements of Changes in Shareholders’ Equity.
PENSION PLAN
First Financial sponsors a non-contributory defined-benefit pension plan covering substantially all employees. The significant assumptions used in the valuation and accounting for the pension plan include the discount rate, expected return on plan assets and the rate of employee compensation increase. The discount rate assumption was determined based on highly rated corporate bonds, weighted to adjust for their relative size, projected plan cash flows using the annuity substitution method as well as comparisons to external industry surveys. The expected return on plan assets was 7.25% for both 2018 and 2017, and was based on the composition of plan assets in addition to actual returns, economic forecasts and economic trends. The assumed rate of compensation increase was 3.5% and was compared to historical increases for plan participants for reasonableness.
Presented below is the estimated impact on First Financial’s projected benefit obligation and pension expense as of December 31, 2018, assuming shifts in the significant assumptions:

| Discount rate |  | Expected return on plan assets |  | Rate of compensation increase
(Dollars in thousands) |  | -100 BP |  | +100 BP |  | -100 BP |  | +100 BP |  | -100 BP |  | +100 BP
Change in Projected Benefit Obligation |  | $ | 5,644 |  |  | $ | (4,507 | ) |  | N/A |  |  | N/A |  |  | $ | (488 | ) |  | $ | 709 |
Change in Pension Expense |  | 234 |  |  | (77 | ) |  | $ | 1,353 |  |  | $ | (1,353 | ) |  | (170 | ) |  | 292 |

As a result of the plan’s current funding status and updated actuarial projections for 2018, First Financial recorded expense related to its pension plan of $0.9 million for 2018, while recording income of $0.6 million for 2017 and $1.2 million for 2016 in the Consolidated Statements of Income. Contributions, if necessary, are required to meet ERISA’s minimum funding standards and the estimated quarterly contribution requirements during this period. First Financial made no cash contributions to fund the pension plan in 2018, 2017 or 2016 and does not expect to make a cash contribution to its pension plan in 2019 given the plan's over-funded status.
See Note 15 – Employee Benefit Plans in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information on First Financial's pension plan.
First Financial Bancorp 2018 Annual Report 25

Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
ENTERPRISE RISK MANAGEMENT
First Financial considers risk to be any issue that could impact the Company’s ability to meet its objectives or have an adverse impact on its capital or earnings. First Financial manages risks through a structured ERM approach that routinely assesses the overall level of risk, identifies specific risks and evaluates the steps being taken to mitigate those risks. First Financial continues to enhance its risk management capabilities and has, over time, embedded risk awareness as part of the culture of the Company. ERM allows First Financial to align a variety of risk management activities within the Company into a cohesive, enterprise-wide approach and focus on process-level risk management activities and strategic objectives within the risk management culture. Additionally, ERM allows the Company to deliberately develop risk responses and evaluate the effectiveness of mitigation compared to established thresholds for risk appetite and tolerance, in addition to facilitating the consideration of significant organizational changes and consolidation of information through a common process for management and the board of directors.
First Financial has identified nine types of risk that it monitors in its ERM framework. These risks include credit, market, operational, compliance, strategic, reputation, information technology, cyber and legal.
First Financial uses a robust regulatory risk framework as one of the foundational components of its ERM framework. This allows for a common categorization across the Company and provides a consistent and complete risk framework that can be summarized and assessed enterprise-wide. Additionally, the risk framework utilized is consistent with that used by the Company’s regulators, which results in additional feedback on First Financial’s ability to assess and measure risk across the organization as well as the ability for management and the board of directors to identify and understand differences in assessed risk profiles.
ERM helps ensure that First Financial continues to identify and adequately address risks that emerge from a combination of new customers, products and associates, changing markets, new lines of business and processes and new or evolving systems.
The goals of First Financial’s ERM framework are to:

• | focus on the Company at both the enterprise and line of business levels;

• | align the Company's risk appetite with its strategic, operational, compliance and reporting objectives;

• | enhance risk response decisions;

• | reduce operational deficiencies and possible losses;

• | identify and manage interrelated risks;

• | provide integrated responses to multiple risks;

• | improve the deployment and allocation of capital; and

• | improve overall business performance.

Specific enterprise-level objectives include:

• | creating a holistic view of risk in which risk is comprehensively considered, consistently communicated and documented in decision making;

• | centralizing the oversight of risk management activities;

• | defining the risks that will be addressed by the enterprise and each functional area or business unit to create an awareness of risks affecting the Company;

• | establishing and maintaining systems and mechanisms to identify, assess, monitor and measure risks that may impact First Financial’s ability to achieve its business objectives;

• | creating a process which ensures that, for all new lines of business and new product decisions, management evaluates the expertise needed and assesses the risks involved;

• | establishing and maintaining systems and mechanisms to monitor risk responses;

• | developing risk occurrence information systems to provide early warning of events or situations that create risk for the Company;

• | maintaining a compliance culture and framework that ensures adherence to laws, rules and regulations, fair treatment and privacy of customers and prevention of money laundering and terrorist financing;

• | implementing and reviewing risk measurement techniques that management may use to establish the Company’s risk tolerance, assess risk likelihood and impact and analyze risk monitoring processes; and

• | establishing appropriate management reporting systems regarding the enterprise-wide risk exposures and allocation of capital.

26 First Financial Bancorp 2018 Annual Report

Line of business-level objectives focus on why the particular business or business unit risk exists; how the business affects the Company’s strategy, earnings, reputation and other key success factors; and whether the line of business objectives are aligned with enterprise objectives.
Board of Directors and Board Risk & Compliance Committees. First Financial’s board of directors is responsible for understanding the Company’s compliance and risk management objectives and risk tolerance, and as such, board oversight of the Company’s compliance and risk management activities is a key component to an effective risk management process. Responsibilities of the board of directors include:

• | establishing and guiding the Company’s strategic direction and tolerance for risk, including the determination of the aggregate risk appetite and identifying the senior managers who have the responsibility for managing risk;

• | monitoring the Company’s performance and overall risk profile, ensuring that the level of risk is maintained at prudent levels and is supported by adequate capital;

• | ensuring that the Company implements sound fundamental principles that facilitate the identification, measurement, monitoring and control of risk;

• | ensuring that adequate resources are dedicated to compliance and risk management; and

• | ensuring that awareness of risk management activities is evident throughout the organization.

The board of directors has defined broad risk tolerance levels, or limits, to guide management in the decision-making process, and is responsible for establishing information and communication requirements to ensure that risk management activities remain within these tolerance limits. The risk and compliance committees, which are standing committee of the board of directors, are responsible for carrying out the board’s responsibilities in this regard. Other standing committees of the board (audit, compensation, corporate governance and nominating, and capital markets) oversee particular areas of risk assigned specifically to them.
Executive and Senior Management. Members of executive and senior management are responsible for managing risk activities and delegating risk authority and tolerance to the responsible risk owners.
Management must identify which processes and activities are critical to achieving the Company’s business objectives within the designated tolerance levels. Management must then delegate responsibility, authority and accountability to the appropriate risk owners who are responsible for ensuring that the respective processes and activities are designed and implemented to manage the related risks within those delegated tolerance levels.
Chief Risk Officer. The chief risk officer is responsible for the oversight of the Company’s ERM processes. The chief risk officer may appoint other officers or establish other management committees as required for effective risk management and governance, including risk identification, risk measurement, risk monitoring, risk control or mitigation and risk reporting. The chief risk officer is also responsible for the maintenance of procedures, methodologies and guidelines considered necessary to administer the ERM program.
Chief Compliance Officer. The chief compliance officer is responsible for the oversight of the Company’s compliance management function, which includes Bank Secrecy Act/Anti-Money Laundering and all other regulatory compliance. The chief compliance officer is authorized to implement all necessary actions to ensure achievement of the objectives of an effective compliance program and may appoint other officers or establish other management committees as required for effective compliance management. The chief compliance officer reviews and evaluates compliance issues and concerns and is responsible for monitoring and reporting results of the compliance efforts in addition to providing guidance to the board of directors and senior management team on matters relating to compliance.
Committee Chairs. The ERM program utilizes multiple management committees as its primary assessment and communication mechanism for identified risks. Committee chairs play key roles in the execution of risk management activities throughout the enterprise and are responsible for continuous updates and communication among committee members in conjunction with the risk management department regarding changes to risk profiles, changes to risk assessments and the emergence of new risks that could impact the Company.
Internal Audit. Internal audit is responsible for planning audit activities to periodically reassess the design and operation of key risk management processes and to make periodic evaluations of the ongoing accuracy and effectiveness of the communications from risk owners to senior management and from senior management to the board of directors.
First Financial Bancorp 2018 Annual Report 27

Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
Risk Assessment Process. The periodic assessment of risks is a key component of a sound ERM program. Managers, business line leaders and executives are responsible for developing the risk assessment for their individual departments, business lines and subsidiaries. The chief risk officer, management and the board risk and compliance committees are responsible for ensuring that risk is viewed and analyzed from a global perspective. Furthermore, interrelated risks are considered, assessing how a single risk or event may create multiple risks.
Risk management programs, in each functional component and in aggregate, accomplish the following:

• | identify risks and their respective owners;

• | link identified risks and their mitigation to the Company's strategic objectives;

• | evaluate the risks and their associated likelihood of occurrence and consequences;

• | develop strategies to manage risk, such as avoiding the risk; reducing the negative effect of the risk; transferring the risk to another party; and/or accepting some or all of the consequences of a particular risk;

• | prioritize the risk issues with regard to the current risk status and trend;

• | provide reports to management and risk owners that will assist them in implementing appropriate risk management processes;

• | assist management in assessing the alternatives for managing risks;

• | assist management in the development of risk management plans; and

• | track risk management efforts.

Monitoring and Reporting. The board of directors oversees risk reporting and monitoring through the board risk and compliance committee, which meets at least quarterly.
Management continually reviews any risk identified as key, as well as the appropriateness of established tolerance limits and the actions considered as necessary to mitigate key risks. As circumstances warrant, management provides recommendations to the board risk and compliance committee related to changes or adjustments to key risks or tolerance limits.
First Financial believes that communication is fundamental to successful risk management and productive reporting and communication between the risk management department, management and the board of directors is required for collaborative and effective risk management.
CREDIT RISK
Credit risk represents the risk of loss due to failure of a customer or counterparty to meet its financial obligations in accordance with contractual terms. First Financial manages credit risk through its underwriting practices, periodically reviewing and approving its credit exposures using credit policies and guidelines approved by the board of directors.
Allowance for loan and lease losses. The ALLL is a reserve accumulated on the Consolidated Balance Sheets through the recognition of the provision for loan and lease losses. First Financial records the provision in the Consolidated Statements of Income to maintain the ALLL at a level considered sufficient to absorb probable incurred loan and lease losses inherent in the portfolio. Actual losses on loans and leases are charged against the ALLL. The recorded values of the loans and leases actually removed from the Consolidated Balance Sheets due to credit deterioration are referred to as charge-offs. First Financial's policy is to charge-off all or a portion of a loan when, in management's opinion, it is unlikely to collect the principal amount owed in full either through payments from the borrower or from the liquidation of collateral. All loans charged-off are subject to continuous review and concerted efforts are made to maximize any recovery. In most cases, the borrower’s debt obligation is not canceled even though the balance may have been charged-off. Any subsequent recovery of a previously charged-off loan is credited back to the ALLL.
Management determines the adequacy of the ALLL based on historical loss experience as well as other significant factors such as composition of the portfolio; economic conditions; geographic footprint; the results of periodic internal and external evaluations of delinquent, nonaccrual and classified loans; and any other situations that may affect a specific borrower's ability to repay. The evaluation of these factors is the responsibility of the ALLL committee, which is comprised of senior officers from the risk management, credit administration, finance and lending areas.
See Table 12 – Summary of the ALLL and Selected Statistics for a summary of activity impacting the ALLL and Table 13 – Allocation of the ALLL for detail on its composition.
28 First Financial Bancorp 2018 Annual Report

2018 vs. 2017. The ALLL at December 31, 2018 was $56.5 million, or 0.64% of loans, which was a $2.5 million, or 4.7%, increase from $54.0 million, or 0.90% of loans at December 31, 2017. Provision expense increased $11.0 million, or 307.2%, to $14.6 million in 2018 from $3.6 million in 2017.
Net charge-offs increased $4.5 million, or 60.4%, to $12.1 million for 2018 compared to $7.5 million for 2017, while the ratio of net charge-offs as a percentage of average loans outstanding increased slightly to 0.15% in 2018 from 0.13% in 2017. The increase in net charge-offs during 2018 was primarily attributed to two large agricultural relationships; however net charge-offs remain at historically low levels.
The slight change in the ALLL during 2018 reflected stability in the property values and economic conditions across the footprint. The decline in the ALLL as a percentage of loans reflects the impact of accounting for acquired loans, which are recorded at fair value at acquisition and as such have no related allowance. The ALLL as a percentage of nonperforming loans, including accruing TDRs was 65.1% at December 31, 2018 compared with 129.8% at December 31, 2017.
First Financial Bancorp 2018 Annual Report 29

Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
For further discussion of First Financial's ALLL, see Note 6 – Allowance for Loan and Lease Losses in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

Table 12 • Summary of the ALLL and Selected Statistics
(Dollars in thousands) |  | 2018 |  | 2017 |  | 2016 |  | 2015 |  | 2014
Transactions in the allowance for loan and lease losses: |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Balance at January 1 |  | $ | 54,021 |  |  | $ | 57,961 |  |  | $ | 53,398 |  |  | $ | 52,858 |  |  | $ | 62,730 |
Provision for loan and lease losses |  | 14,586 |  |  | 3,582 |  |  | 10,140 |  |  | 9,641 |  |  | 1,528 |
Loans charged-off: |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Commercial and industrial |  | 11,533 |  |  | 10,194 |  |  | 2,630 |  |  | 5,408 |  |  | 9,156 |
Lease financing |  | 0 |  |  | 0 |  |  | 0 |  |  | 0 |  |  | 0 |
Real estate – construction |  | 0 |  |  | 1 |  |  | 93 |  |  | 85 |  |  | 1,348 |
Real estate – commercial |  | 4,835 |  |  | 1,038 |  |  | 4,983 |  |  | 10,083 |  |  | 9,478 |
Real estate – residential |  | 422 |  |  | 435 |  |  | 387 |  |  | 1,531 |  |  | 1,454 |
Home equity |  | 1,725 |  |  | 913 |  |  | 1,445 |  |  | 1,891 |  |  | 2,774 |
Installment |  | 435 |  |  | 225 |  |  | 386 |  |  | 509 |  |  | 605 |
Credit card |  | 1,720 |  |  | 857 |  |  | 1,190 |  |  | 1,049 |  |  | 1,158 |
Total loans charged-off |  | 20,670 |  |  | 13,663 |  |  | 11,114 |  |  | 20,556 |  |  | 25,973 |
Recoveries of loans previously charged-off: |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Commercial and industrial |  | 2,066 |  |  | 1,650 |  |  | 1,155 |  |  | 3,724 |  |  | 4,769 |
Lease financing |  | 1 |  |  | 1 |  |  | 1 |  |  | 2 |  |  | 63 |
Real estate – construction |  | 146 |  |  | 89 |  |  | 285 |  |  | 253 |  |  | 381 |
Real estate – commercial |  | 4,106 |  |  | 2,719 |  |  | 2,502 |  |  | 5,214 |  |  | 7,617 |
Real estate – residential |  | 211 |  |  | 215 |  |  | 236 |  |  | 558 |  |  | 531 |
Home equity |  | 1,309 |  |  | 1,027 |  |  | 720 |  |  | 1,001 |  |  | 511 |
Installment |  | 575 |  |  | 234 |  |  | 335 |  |  | 463 |  |  | 358 |
Credit card |  | 191 |  |  | 206 |  |  | 303 |  |  | 240 |  |  | 343 |
Total recoveries |  | 8,605 |  |  | 6,141 |  |  | 5,537 |  |  | 11,455 |  |  | 14,573 |
Net charge-offs |  | 12,065 |  |  | 7,522 |  |  | 5,577 |  |  | 9,101 |  |  | 11,400 |
Balance at December 31 |  | $ | 56,542 |  |  | $ | 54,021 |  |  | $ | 57,961 |  |  | $ | 53,398 |  |  | $ | 52,858 |
Net charge-offs to average loans and leases |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Commercial and industrial |  | 0.38 | % |  | 0.47 | % |  | 0.08 | % |  | 0.12 | % |  | 0.37 | %
Lease financing |  | 0.00 | % |  | 0.00 | % |  | 0.00 | % |  | 0.00 | % |  | (0.05 | )%
Real estate-construction |  | (0.03 | )% |  | (0.02 | )% |  | (0.05 | )% |  | (0.07 | )% |  | 0.71 | %
Real estate-commercial |  | 0.02 | % |  | (0.07 | )% |  | 0.11 | % |  | 0.23 | % |  | 0.10 | %
Real estate-residential |  | 0.03 | % |  | 0.05 | % |  | 0.03 | % |  | 0.19 | % |  | 0.20 | %
Home equity |  | 0.06 | % |  | (0.02 | )% |  | 0.16 | % |  | 0.19 | % |  | 0.52 | %
Installment |  | (0.15 | )% |  | (0.02 | )% |  | 0.11 | % |  | 0.11 | % |  | 0.50 | %
Credit card |  | 3.19 | % |  | 1.44 | % |  | 2.10 | % |  | 2.04 | % |  | 2.14 | %
Total net charge-offs |  | 0.15 | % |  | 0.13 | % |  | 0.10 | % |  | 0.18 | % |  | 0.27 | %
Credit quality ratios: |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
As a percent of year-end loans, net of unearned income: |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Allowance for loan and lease losses |  | 0.64 | % |  | 0.90 | % |  | 1.01 | % |  | 0.99 | % |  | 1.11 | %
Nonperforming loans (1) |  | 0.98 | % |  | 0.69 | % |  | 0.83 | % |  | 1.06 | % |  | 1.35 | %
Allowance for loan and lease losses to nonperforming loans (1) |  | 65.13 | % |  | 129.77 | % |  | 120.83 | % |  | 93.89 | % |  | 82.08 | %

(1) Includes loans classified as nonaccrual and troubled debt restructurings.
30 First Financial Bancorp 2018 Annual Report

Table 13 • Allocation of the ALLL
|  | December 31,
|  | 2018 |  | 2017 |  | 2016 |  | 2015 |  | 2014
(Dollars in thousands) |  | Allowance | Percent of Loans to Total Loans |  | Allowance | Percent of Loans to Total Loans |  | Allowance | Percent of Loans to Total Loans |  | Allowance | Percent of Loans to Total Loans |  | Allowance | Percent of Loans to Total Loans
Balance at End of Period Applicable to: |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Commercial and industrial |  | $ | 18,746 |  | 28.5 | % |  | $ | 17,598 |  | 31.8 | % |  | $ | 19,225 |  | 31.0 | % |  | $ | 16,995 |  | 30.9 | % |  | $ | 13,870 |  | 27.5 | %
Lease financing |  | 1,130 |  | 1.1 | % |  | 675 |  | 1.5 | % |  | 716 |  | 1.6 | % |  | 821 |  | 1.7 | % |  | 435 |  | 1.6 | %
Real estate – construction |  | 3,413 |  | 6.2 | % |  | 3,577 |  | 7.8 | % |  | 3,282 |  | 6.9 | % |  | 1,810 |  | 5.8 | % |  | 1,045 |  | 4.2 | %
Real estate – commercial |  | 21,048 |  | 42.5 | % |  | 20,930 |  | 41.4 | % |  | 26,540 |  | 42.2 | % |  | 23,656 |  | 41.9 | % |  | 27,086 |  | 44.8 | %
Real estate – residential |  | 4,964 |  | 10.8 | % |  | 4,683 |  | 7.8 | % |  | 3,208 |  | 8.7 | % |  | 4,014 |  | 9.5 | % |  | 3,753 |  | 10.5 | %
Installment, home equity & credit card |  | 7,241 |  | 10.9 | % |  | 6,558 |  | 9.7 | % |  | 4,990 |  | 9.6 | % |  | 6,102 |  | 10.2 | % |  | 6,669 |  | 11.4 | %
Total |  | $ | 56,542 |  | 100.0 | % |  | $ | 54,021 |  | 100.0 | % |  | $ | 57,961 |  | 100.0 | % |  | $ | 53,398 |  | 100.0 | % |  | $ | 52,858 |  | 100.0 | %

MARKET RISK
Market risk is the risk of loss arising from adverse changes in the fair value of financial instruments due to changes in interest rates, foreign exchange rates and equity prices. The primary source of market risk for First Financial is interest rate risk. Interest rate risk is the risk to earnings and the value of the Company's equity arising from changes in market interest rates. Interest rate risk arises in the normal course of business to the extent that there is a divergence between the amount of interest-earning assets and the amount of interest-bearing liabilities that are prepaid, withdrawn, re-priced or mature in specified periods. First Financial seeks to achieve consistent growth in net interest income and equity while managing volatility from shifts in market interest rates.
First Financial monitors the Company's interest rate risk position using income simulation models and EVE sensitivity analyses that capture both short-term and long-term interest rate risk exposure. Income simulation involves forecasting NII under a variety of interest rate scenarios. EVE is calculated by discounting the cash flows for all balance sheet instruments under different interest-rate scenarios and First Financial uses EVE sensitivity analysis to understand the impact of changes in interest rates on long-term cash flows, income and capital. For both NII and EVE modeling, First Financial leverages instantaneous parallel shocks to evaluate interest rate risk exposure across rising and falling rate scenarios. Additional scenarios evaluated include implied market forward rate forecasts and various non-parallel yield curve twists.
First Financial’s interest rate risk models are based on the contractual and assumed cash flows and repricing characteristics for the Company’s assets, liabilities and off-balance sheet exposure. A number of assumptions are incorporated into the interest rate risk models, including prepayment behaviors and repricing spreads for assets in addition to attrition and repricing rates for liabilities. Assumptions are primarily derived from behavior studies of the Company’s historical client base and are continually refined. Modeling the sensitivity of NII and EVE to changes in market interest rates is highly dependent on the assumptions incorporated into the modeling process.
Non-maturity deposit modeling is particularly dependent on the assumption for repricing sensitivity known as a beta. Beta is the amount by which First Financial’s interest bearing non-maturity deposit rates will increase when short-term interest rates rise. The Company utilized a weighted average deposit beta of 61% in its interest rate risk modeling as of December 31, 2018. First Financial also includes an assumption for the migration of non-maturity deposit balances into CDs for all upward rate scenarios beginning with the +100 BP scenario, thereby increasing deposit costs and reducing asset sensitivity.
First Financial Bancorp 2018 Annual Report 31

Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
Presented below is the estimated impact on First Financial’s NII and EVE as of December 31, 2018, assuming immediate, parallel shifts in interest rates:

|  | % Change from base case for immediate parallel changes in rates
|  | -100 BP |  | +100 BP |  | +200 BP
NII - Year 1 |  | (4.13)% |  | 0.88% |  | 1.23%
NII - Year 2 |  | (5.27)% |  | 1.38% |  | 2.08%
EVE |  | (2.78)% |  | 0.06% |  | 0.43%

“Risk-neutral” refers to the absence of a strong bias toward either asset or liability sensitivity. “Asset sensitivity” is when a company's interest-earning assets reprice more quickly or in greater quantities than interest-bearing liabilities. Conversely, “liability sensitivity” is when a company's interest-bearing liabilities reprice more quickly or in greater quantities than interest-earning assets. In a rising interest rate environment, asset sensitivity results in higher net interest income while liability sensitivity results in lower net interest income. In a declining interest rate environment, asset sensitivity results in lower net interest income while liability sensitivity results in higher net interest income.
First Financial was within internal policy limits set for the above interest rate risk scenarios as of December 31, 2018. During 2018, the projected results for NII and EVE continue to reflect modest asset sensitivity, but are less asset sensitive than 2017 primarily due to the MSFG merger. First Financial continues to manage its balance sheet with a bias toward neutrality or slight asset sensitivity while simultaneously balancing the potential earnings impact of this strategy.
First Financial continually evaluates the sensitivity of its interest rate risk position to modeling assumptions. The table that follows reflects First Financial’s estimated NII sensitivity profile as of December 31, 2018 assuming both a 25% increase and decrease to the beta assumption on managed rate deposit products:

|  | Beta sensitivity (% change from base)
|  | +100 BP |  | +200 BP
|  | Beta 25% lower |  | Beta 25% higher |  | Beta 25% lower |  | Beta 25% higher
NII-Year 1 |  | 2.51 | % |  | (0.75 | )% |  | 4.17 | % |  | (1.70 | )%
NII-Year 2 |  | 3.00 | % |  | (0.23 | )% |  | 4.99 | % |  | (0.82 | )%

See the Net Interest Income section of Management’s Discussion and Analysis for further discussion.
Table 14 – Market Risk Disclosure projects the principal maturities and yields of First Financial’s interest-bearing financial instruments at December 31, 2018 for the next five years and thereafter, as well as the fair value of the instruments. For loans, securities and liabilities with contractual maturities, the table presents principal cash flows and related weighted-average interest rates by contractual maturities. For investment securities, including MBSs and CMOs, principal cash flows are based on estimated average lives. For loan instruments without contractual maturities, such as credit card loans, principal payments are allocated based on historical of payment activity trends. Maturities for interest-bearing liability accounts with no contractual maturity dates are estimated according to historical experience of cash flows and current expectations of client behaviors when calculating fair value, but are included in the maturing in one year or less category as they can be withdrawn on demand.
32 First Financial Bancorp 2018 Annual Report

Table 14 • Market Risk Disclosure
|  |  |  | Fair Value
|  | Principal Amount Maturing In |  | December 31,
(Dollars in thousands) |  | 2019 |  | 2020 |  | 2021 |  | 2022 |  | 2023 |  | Thereafter |  | Total |  | 2018
Rate sensitive assets |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Fixed interest rate loans (1) |  | $ | 400,326 |  |  | $ | 342,057 |  |  | $ | 295,071 |  |  | $ | 253,218 |  |  | $ | 258,668 |  |  | $ | 626,583 |  |  | $ | 2,175,923 |  |  | $ | 2,102,503 |
Average interest rate |  | 4.05 | % |  | 4.34 | % |  | 4.38 | % |  | 4.58 | % |  | 4.84 | % |  | 4.16 | % |  | 4.32 | % |  |
Variable interest rate loans (1) |  | 1,245,843 |  |  | 692,162 |  |  | 568,715 |  |  | 522,641 |  |  | 596,612 |  |  | 2,970,148 |  |  | 6,596,121 |  |  | 6,481,055 |
Average interest rate |  | 5.26 | % |  | 5.12 | % |  | 5.33 | % |  | 5.29 | % |  | 5.60 | % |  | 5.21 | % |  | 5.26 | % |  |
Fixed interest rate securities |  | 80,463 |  |  | 200,971 |  |  | 190,788 |  |  | 367,742 |  |  | 473,286 |  |  | 1,284,267 |  |  | 2,597,517 |  |  | 2,592,306 |
Average interest rate |  | 2.96 | % |  | 3.40 | % |  | 3.41 | % |  | 2.95 | % |  | 3.06 | % |  | 3.18 | % |  | 3.20 | % |  |
Variable interest rate securities |  | 52,730 |  |  | 125,957 |  |  | 69,681 |  |  | 26,098 |  |  | 116,168 |  |  | 220,432 |  |  | 611,066 |  |  | 611,067 |
Average interest rate |  | 3.85 | % |  | 3.93 | % |  | 3.76 | % |  | 5.77 | % |  | 4.08 | % |  | 3.72 | % |  | 4.00 | % |  |
Other earning assets |  | 37,738 |  |  | 0 |  |  | 0 |  |  | 0 |  |  | 0 |  |  | 0 |  |  | 37,738 |  |  | 37,738 |
Average interest rate |  | 2.50 | % |  | 0.00 | % |  | 0.00 | % |  | 0.00 | % |  | 0.00 | % |  | 0.00 | % |  | 2.50 | % |  |
Rate sensitive liabilities |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Noninterest-bearing checking (2) |  | $ | 2,492,434 |  |  | $ | 0 |  |  | $ | 0 |  |  | $ | 0 |  |  | $ | 0 |  |  | $ | 0 |  |  | $ | 2,492,434 |  |  | $ | 2,492,434 |
Savings and interest-bearing checking (2) |  | 547,440 |  |  | 4,926,956 |  |  | 0 |  |  | 0 |  |  | 0 |  |  | 0 |  |  | 5,474,396 |  |  | 5,474,396 |
Average interest rate |  | 0.61 | % |  | 0.61 | % |  | 0.00 | % |  | 0.00 | % |  | 0.00 | % |  | 0.00 | % |  | 0.61 | % |  |
Time deposits |  | 1,395,677 |  |  | 471,312 |  |  | 163,625 |  |  | 110,178 |  |  | 20,112 |  |  | 12,660 |  |  | 2,173,564 |  |  | 2,146,645 |
Average interest rate |  | 1.79 | % |  | 2.10 | % |  | 1.86 | % |  | 1.78 | % |  | 1.16 | % |  | 0.12 | % |  | 1.85 | % |  |
Fixed interest rate borrowings |  | 1,114,399 |  |  | 104,100 |  |  | 19,013 |  |  | 49,327 |  |  | 0 |  |  | 199,609 |  |  | 1,486,448 |  |  | 1,474,083 |
Average interest rate |  | 2.12 | % |  | 2.21 | % |  | 1.08 | % |  | 1.71 | % |  | 0.00 | % |  | 4.10 | % |  | 2.36 | % |  |
Variable interest rate borrowings |  | 84,591 |  |  | 0 |  |  | 0 |  |  | 0 |  |  | 0 |  |  | 40,391 |  |  | 124,982 |  |  | 124,541 |
Average interest rate |  | 0.47 | % |  | 0.00 | % |  | 0.00 | % |  | 0.00 | % |  | 0.00 | % |  | 5.19 | % |  | 2.07 | % |  |

(1) Includes loans held for sale.
(2) Deposits without a stated maturity are represented as maturing within one year due to the ability of the client to withdraw deposited amounts on demand.
OPERATIONAL RISK
Operational risk is the risk of loss due to human behavior, inadequate or failed internal systems and controls and external influences such as market conditions, fraudulent activities, natural disasters and security risks. First Financial continuously strives to strengthen the Company’s system of internal controls and operating processes as well as associates' ability to assess the impact on earnings and capital from operational risk.
COMPLIANCE RISK
Compliance risk represents the risk of regulatory sanctions, reputational impact or financial loss resulting from the Company’s failure to comply with rules and regulations issued by the various banking agencies and standards of good banking practice. Activities which may expose First Financial to compliance risk include, but are not limited to, those dealing with the prevention of money laundering, privacy and data protection, community reinvestment initiatives, fair lending challenges resulting from the Company’s expansion of its banking center network and employment and tax matters.
STRATEGIC AND REPUTATION RISK
Strategic risk represents the risk of loss due to failure to fully develop and execute business plans, failure to assess current and new business opportunities, markets and products and any other event not identified in the defined risk types previously mentioned. Strategic risk focuses on analyzing factors that affect the direction of the institution or improper implementation of decisions.
First Financial Bancorp 2018 Annual Report 33

Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
Reputation risk represents the risk of loss or impairment of earnings and capital from negative publicity. This affects the ability of First Financial to establish new relationships or services or to continue servicing existing relationships. Reputation risk is recognized by the effect that public opinion could have on First Financial's franchise value and has evolved in recent years with the growth in social media.
Mitigation of strategic and reputation risk elements is achieved through initiatives that help First Financial better understand and report on the various risks it faces each day, including those related to the development of new products and business initiatives.
INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY RISK
Information technology risk is the risk that the information technologies utilized by FFB are not efficiently and effectively supporting the current and future needs of the business, operating as intended or compromise the availability, integrity and reliability of data and information. This risk also considers whether or not the Company’s information technology exposes the Company's assets to potential loss or misuse, or threatens the Company’s ability to sustain the operation of critical business processes.
CYBER RISK
Cyber risk is differentiated from information technology risk by threat interactions that yield high impact consequences and ever-increasing probability. While standard security operations address most day to day incidents, cyber risk includes threats and attacks that often use advanced tools, techniques and processes to evade detection or inflict maximum damage to an organization's information assets. Cyber threats and attacks adapt and evolve rapidly, so First Financial works to continuously strengthen the Company’s posture toward cybersecurity. Critical components to the Company’s cyber risk control structure include corporate governance, threat intelligence, security awareness training and patch management programs. Cyber risk mitigation includes effectively identifying, detecting, responding to, protecting and recovering from cyber threats.
LEGAL RISK
Legal risk encompasses the impact of unenforceable contracts, lawsuits or adverse judgments, which can disrupt or otherwise negatively affect the Company’s operations or condition. Legal risk also includes the exposure from litigation, fiduciary relationships and contractual obligations from both traditional and nontraditional financial institution activities. Legal risk is present in all areas of the Company and its activities.
CRITICAL ACCOUNTING POLICIES
First Financial’s Consolidated Financial Statements are prepared based on the application of accounting policies, the most significant of which are described in Note 1 – Summary of Significant Accounting Policies in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements. These policies require the reliance on estimates and assumptions which are inherently subjective and may be susceptible to significant change. Changes in underlying factors, assumptions or estimates could have a material impact on First Financial’s future financial condition and results of operations. In management’s opinion, some of these estimates and assumptions have a more significant impact than others on First Financial’s financial reporting. For First Financial, these estimates and assumptions include accounting for the ALLL, goodwill, pension and income taxes.
ALLL. For each reporting period, management maintains the ALLL at a level that it considers sufficient to absorb probable incurred loan and lease losses inherent in the portfolio. Management determines the adequacy of the ALLL based on historical loss experience as well as other significant factors such as composition of the portfolio, economic conditions, geographic footprint, the results of periodic internal and external evaluations of delinquent, nonaccrual and classified loans and any other adverse situations that may affect a specific borrower's ability to repay (including the timing of future payments).
Management's determination of the adequacy of the ALLL is based on an assessment of the probable incurred loan and lease losses inherent in the portfolio given the conditions at the time. The ALLL is generally increased by provision expense and decreased by charge-offs, net of recoveries of amounts previously charged-off. Loans are charged off when management believes that the collection of the principal amount owed in full, either through payments from the borrower or from the liquidation of collateral, is unlikely.
34 First Financial Bancorp 2018 Annual Report

To the extent actual outcomes differ from management’s estimates, additional provision for credit losses may be required that would impact First Financial’s operating results. The Credit Risk section of this annual report provides management’s analysis of the ALLL.
Goodwill. Assets and liabilities acquired in a business combination are recorded at their estimated fair values as of the acquisition date. The excess cost of the acquisition over the fair value of net assets acquired is recorded as goodwill. The Company is required to evaluate goodwill for impairment on an annual basis or whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying value may not be recoverable. First Financial performs its annual impairment test effective October 1, absent events or changes in circumstances that indicate the carrying value of goodwill may not be recoverable.
The Company’s goodwill is accounted for in a single reporting unit representing the consolidated entity. Fair value is estimated using the market capitalization of the Company, as of the annual impairment testing date. First Financial also utilizes additional information and analysis to corroborate the use of the Company’s market capitalization as a proper indicator of fair value for purposes of the annual goodwill impairment test.
The additional information and analysis compares readily available external market data regarding the Company's value to total shareholders' equity. These analyses include utilizing a multiple of earnings method in which First Financial’s annualized earnings are compared to equity to provide an implied book value-to earnings multiple, which is then compared to current marketplace earnings multiples at which banks are being traded. Also, the analyses use the discounted cash flows of First Financial’s assets and liabilities, to determine an implied fair value of the Company, which is compared to the Company’s book value.
Pension. First Financial sponsors a non-contributory defined-benefit pension plan covering substantially all employees. Accounting for the pension plan involves material estimates regarding future plan obligations and investment returns on plan assets. Significant assumptions used in the pension plan include the discount rate, expected return on plan assets and the rate of compensation increase. First Financial determines the discount rate assumption using published corporate bond indices and the projected cash flows of the pension plan. First Financial also utilizes external surveys for industry comparisons which provided a test for reasonableness. The expected long-term return on plan assets is based on the composition of plan assets as well as a economic forecasts and trends in addition to actual returns, while the rate of compensation increase is compared to historical increases for plan participants. Changes in these assumptions can have a material impact on the amount of First Financial’s future pension obligations, on the funded status of the plan and on the Company's operating results.
Income Taxes. First Financial evaluates and assesses the relative risks and appropriate tax treatment of transactions after considering statutes, regulations, judicial precedent and other information, and maintains tax accruals consistent with its evaluation of these relative risks. Changes to the estimate of accrued taxes occur periodically due to changes in tax rates, interpretations of tax laws, the status of examinations being conducted by taxing authorities and changes to statutory, judicial and regulatory guidance that impact the relative risks of tax positions. These changes, when they occur, can affect deferred taxes and accrued taxes as well as the current period’s income tax expense and can be material to the Company's operating results.
First Financial regularly reviews its tax positions and establishes reserves for income tax-related uncertainties based on estimates of whether it is more likely than not that the tax uncertainty would be sustained upon challenge by the appropriate tax authorities which would then result in additional taxes, penalties and interest due. Provisions for tax reserves, if any, are included in income tax expense in the Consolidated Financial Statements.
First Financial Bancorp 2018 Annual Report 35

Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
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 (the Act). In addition, certain statements in future filings by First Financial with the SEC, in press releases, and in oral and written statements made by or with the approval of First Financial which are not statements of historical fact constitute forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Act. Examples of forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, projections of revenues, income or loss, earnings or loss per share, the payment or non-payment of dividends, capital structure and other financial items, statements of plans and objectives of First Financial or its management or board of directors and statements of future economic performances and statements of assumptions underlying such statements. Words such as ''believes,'' ''anticipates,'' “likely,” “expected,” ''intends,'' and other similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements but are not the exclusive means of identifying such statements. Management's analysis contains forward-looking statements that are provided to assist in the understanding of anticipated future financial performance. However, such performance involves risks and uncertainties that may cause actual results to differ materially. Factors that could cause actual results to differ from those discussed in the forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to:

▪ | management's ability to effectively execute its business plan;

▪ | the risk that the strength of the United States economy in general and the strength of the local economies in which we conduct operations may deteriorate resulting in, among other things, a further deterioration in credit quality or a reduced demand for credit, including the resultant effect on our loan portfolio, allowance for loan and lease losses and overall financial performance;

▪ | U.S. fiscal debt and budget matters;

▪ | the ability of financial institutions to access sources of liquidity at a reasonable cost;

▪ | the impact of upheaval in the financial markets and the effectiveness of domestic and international governmental actions taken in response, and the effect of such governmental actions on us, our competitors and counterparties, financial markets generally and availability of credit specifically, and the U.S. and international economies, including potentially higher FDIC premiums arising from increased payments from FDIC insurance funds as a result of depository institution failures;

▪ | the effect of and changes in policies and laws or regulatory agencies (notably the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act and the capital rules promulgated by federal banking regulators);

▪ | the effect of the current interest rate environment or changes in interest rates on our net interest margin and our loan originations and securities holdings;

▪ | our ability to keep up with technological changes;

▪ | failure or breach of our operational or security systems or infrastructure, or those of our third party vendors or other service providers;

▪ | mergers and acquisitions, including costs or difficulties related to the integration of acquired companies;

▪ | the risk that exploring merger and acquisition opportunities may detract from management's time and ability to successfully manage our business;

▪ | expected cost savings in connection with acquisitions may not be fully realized or realized within the expected time frames, and deposit attrition, customer loss and revenue loss following completed acquisitions may be greater than expected;

▪ | our ability to increase market share and control expenses;

▪ | the effect of changes in accounting policies and practices, as may be adopted by the regulatory agencies as well as the FASB and the SEC;

▪ | adverse changes in the creditworthiness of our borrowers and lessees, collateral values, the value of investment securities and asset recovery values;

▪ | adverse changes in the securities, debt and/or derivatives markets;

▪ | our success in recruiting and retaining the necessary personnel to support business growth and expansion and maintain sufficient expertise to support increasingly complex products and services;

▪ | monetary and fiscal policies of the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System (Federal Reserve) and the U.S. government and other governmental initiatives affecting the financial services industry;

▪ | unpredictable natural or other disasters could have an adverse effect on us in that such events could materially disrupt our operations or our vendors' operations or willingness of our customers to access the financial services we offer;

▪ | our ability to manage loan delinquency and charge-off rates and changes in estimation of the adequacy of the allowance for loan and lease losses; and

▪ | the costs and effects of litigation and of unexpected or adverse outcomes in such litigation.

36 First Financial Bancorp 2018 Annual Report

Such forward-looking statements are meaningful only on the date when such statements are made, and First Financial undertakes no obligation to update any forward-looking statement to reflect events or circumstances after the date on which such a statement is made to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events.
These and other risk factors are more fully described in First Financial's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2018 under the section entitled “Item 1A. Risk Factors” and from time to time, in other filings with the SEC. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date of this report. Actual results may differ materially from those expressed in or implied by any forward-looking statements. Except to the extent required by applicable law or regulation, First Financial undertakes no obligation to revise or update publicly any forward-looking statements for any reason.
First Financial Bancorp 2018 Annual Report 37

Statistical Information |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
|  | 2018 |  | 2017 |  | 2016
(Dollars in thousands) |  | Average Balance |  | Interest |  | Average Yield |  | Average Balance |  | Interest |  | Average Yield |  | Average Balance |  | Interest |  | Average Yield
Earning assets |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Loans and leases (1), (4) |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Commercial and industrial (2) |  | $ | 2,518,333 |  |  | $ | 150,113 |  |  | 5.96 | % |  | $ | 1,815,925 |  |  | $ | 98,683 |  |  | 5.43 | % |  | $ | 1,741,084 |  |  | $ | 91,278 |  |  | 5.24 | %
Lease financing (2) |  | 91,476 |  |  | 3,911 |  |  | 4.28 | % |  | 86,662 |  |  | 3,999 |  |  | 4.61 | % |  | 96,337 |  |  | 3,968 |  |  | 4.12 | %
Construction-real estate |  | 540,014 |  |  | 28,761 |  |  | 5.33 | % |  | 429,868 |  |  | 18,076 |  |  | 4.21 | % |  | 357,171 |  |  | 13,894 |  |  | 3.89 | %
Commercial-real estate |  | 3,310,697 |  |  | 178,235 |  |  | 5.38 | % |  | 2,448,570 |  |  | 110,586 |  |  | 4.52 | % |  | 2,359,480 |  |  | 106,122 |  |  | 4.50 | %
Residential-real estate |  | 821,454 |  |  | 38,543 |  |  | 4.69 | % |  | 499,397 |  |  | 19,588 |  |  | 3.92 | % |  | 521,654 |  |  | 21,037 |  |  | 4.03 | %
Installment and other consumer |  | 868,724 |  |  | 49,202 |  |  | 5.66 | % |  | 565,441 |  |  | 31,251 |  |  | 5.53 | % |  | 552,891 |  |  | 28,177 |  |  | 5.10 | %
Total loans and leases |  | 8,150,698 |  |  | 448,765 |  |  | 5.51 | % |  | 5,845,863 |  |  | 282,183 |  |  | 4.83 | % |  | 5,628,617 |  |  | 264,476 |  |  | 4.70 | %
Indemnification asset |  | 370 |  |  | 0 |  |  | 0.00 | % |  | 9,535 |  |  | (3,871 | ) |  | (40.60 | )% |  | 14,831 |  |  | (4,509 | ) |  | (30.40 | )%
Investment securities (3) |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Taxable |  | 2,451,352 |  |  | 79,076 |  |  | 3.23 | % |  | 1,791,729 |  |  | 50,568 |  |  | 2.82 | % |  | 1,693,105 |  |  | 43,103 |  |  | 2.55 | %
Tax-exempt (2) |  | 445,815 |  |  | 16,997 |  |  | 3.81 | % |  | 209,658 |  |  | 9,105 |  |  | 4.34 | % |  | 165,773 |  |  | 6,977 |  |  | 4.21 | %
Total investment securities (3) |  | 2,897,167 |  |  | 96,073 |  |  | 3.32 | % |  | 2,001,387 |  |  | 59,673 |  |  | 2.98 | % |  | 1,858,878 |  |  | 50,080 |  |  | 2.69 | %
Interest-bearing deposits with other banks |  | 32,090 |  |  | 691 |  |  | 2.15 | % |  | 30,933 |  |  | 347 |  |  | 1.12 | % |  | 21,907 |  |  | 118 |  |  | 0.54 | %
Total earning assets |  | 11,080,325 |  |  | 545,529 |  |  | 4.93 | % |  | 7,887,718 |  |  | 338,332 |  |  | 4.29 | % |  | 7,524,233 |  |  | 310,165 |  |  | 4.12 | %
Nonearning assets |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Allowance for loan and lease losses |  | (56,115 | ) |  |  |  |  |  | (56,599 | ) |  |  |  |  |  | (56,860 | ) |  |  |  |
Cash and due from banks |  | 188,971 |  |  |  |  |  |  | 116,409 |  |  |  |  |  |  | 119,444 |  |  |  |  |
Accrued interest and other assets |  | 1,398,257 |  |  |  |  |  |  | 663,875 |  |  |  |  |  |  | 664,886 |  |  |  |  |
Total assets |  | $ | 12,611,438 |  |  |  |  |  |  | $ | 8,611,403 |  |  |  |  |  |  | $ | 8,251,703 |  |  |  |  |
Interest-bearing liabilities |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Deposits |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Interest-bearing demand |  | $ | 2,169,396 |  |  | $ | 8,446 |  |  | 0.39 | % |  | $ | 1,491,114 |  |  | $ | 4,242 |  |  | 0.28 | % |  | $ | 1,465,804 |  |  | $ | 2,119 |  |  | 0.14 | %
Savings |  | 2,990,731 |  |  | 18,050 |  |  | 0.60 | % |  | 2,412,788 |  |  | 15,941 |  |  | 0.66 | % |  | 2,022,564 |  |  | 5,559 |  |  | 0.27 | %
Time |  | 1,938,709 |  |  | 30,466 |  |  | 1.57 | % |  | 1,189,963 |  |  | 14,999 |  |  | 1.26 | % |  | 1,355,875 |  |  | 14,935 |  |  | 1.10 | %
Total interest-bearing deposits |  | 7,098,836 |  |  | 56,962 |  |  | 0.80 | % |  | 5,093,865 |  |  | 35,182 |  |  | 0.69 | % |  | 4,844,243 |  |  | 22,613 |  |  | 0.47 | %
Borrowed funds |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Short-term borrowings |  | 947,427 |  |  | 18,033 |  |  | 1.90 | % |  | 830,365 |  |  | 8,193 |  |  | 0.99 | % |  | 880,457 |  |  | 4,506 |  |  | 0.51 | %
Long-term debt |  | 438,567 |  |  | 16,152 |  |  | 3.68 | % |  | 120,794 |  |  | 6,153 |  |  | 5.09 | % |  | 119,622 |  |  | 6,160 |  |  | 5.15 | %
Total borrowed funds |  | 1,385,994 |  |  | 34,185 |  |  | 2.47 | % |  | 951,159 |  |  | 14,346 |  |  | 1.51 | % |  | 1,000,079 |  |  | 10,666 |  |  | 1.07 | %
Total interest-bearing liabilities |  | 8,484,830 |  |  | 91,147 |  |  | 1.07 | % |  | 6,045,024 |  |  | 49,528 |  |  | 0.82 | % |  | 5,844,322 |  |  | 33,279 |  |  | 0.57 | %
Noninterest-bearing liabilities |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Noninterest-bearing demand deposits |  | 2,217,349 |  |  |  |  |  |  | 1,540,384 |  |  |  |  |  |  | 1,456,802 |  |  |  |  |
Other liabilities |  | 156,998 |  |  |  |  |  |  | 128,564 |  |  |  |  |  |  | 105,795 |  |  |  |  |
Shareholders' equity |  | 1,752,261 |  |  |  |  |  |  | 897,431 |  |  |  |  |  |  | 844,784 |  |  |  |  |
Total liabilities and shareholders' equity |  | $ | 12,611,438 |  |  |  |  |  |  | $ | 8,611,403 |  |  |  |  |  |  | $ | 8,251,703 |  |  |  |  |
Net interest income and interest rate spread (fully tax equivalent) |  |  |  | $ | 454,382 |  |  | 3.86 | % |  |  |  | $ | 288,804 |  |  | 3.47 | % |  |  |  | $ | 276,886 |  |  | 3.55 | %
Net interest margin (fully tax equivalent) |  |  |  |  |  | 4.10 | % |  |  |  |  |  | 3.66 | % |  |  |  |  |  | 3.68 | %
Interest income and yield |  |  |  | $ | 540,382 |  |  | 4.88 | % |  |  |  | $ | 333,073 |  |  | 4.22 | % |  |  |  | $ | 305,950 |  |  | 4.07 | %
Interest expense and rate |  |  |  | 91,147 |  |  | 1.07 | % |  |  |  | 49,528 |  |  | 0.82 | % |  |  |  | 33,279 |  |  | 0.57 | %
Net interest income and spread |  |  |  | $ | 449,235 |  |  | 3.81 | % |  |  |  | $ | 283,545 |  |  | 3.40 | % |  |  |  | $ | 272,671 |  |  | 3.50 | %
Net interest margin |  |  |  |  |  | 4.05 | % |  |  |  |  |  | 3.59 | % |  |  |  |  |  | 3.62 | %
(1) Nonaccrual loans are included in average loan balance and loan fees are included in interest income. |  |  |  |  |  |
(2) Interest income on tax-exempt investments and on certain tax-exempt loans and leases has been adjusted to a tax equivalent basis using a 21.00% tax rate for 2018 and a 35.00% tax rate for 2017 and 2016.
(3) Includes investment securities held-to-maturity, investment securities available-for-sale, trading investment securities and other investments.
(4) Includes loans held-for-sale. |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |

38 First Financial Bancorp 2018 Annual Report

Management’s Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting
First Financial’s management is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting. First Financial’s internal control over financial reporting is a process designed under the supervision of First Financial’s chief executive officer and chief financial officer to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. Any system of internal control, no matter how well designed, has inherent limitations, including the possibility that a control can be circumvented or overridden and misstatements due to error or fraud may occur and not be detected. Also, because of changes in conditions, internal control effectiveness may vary over time. Accordingly, even an effective system of internal control will provide only reasonable assurance with respect to financial statement preparation. As of December 31, 2018, First Financial’s management, including the chief executive officer and the chief financial officer, evaluated the effectiveness of First Financial’s internal controls over financial reporting, using as its framework for that evaluation the Internal Control – Integrated Framework published by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations (COSO) of the Treadway Commission (2013 framework). Based on the evaluation, we believe that, as of December 31, 2018, our internal control over financial reporting is effective based on those criteria.
Crowe LLP, the independent registered public accounting firm that audited the consolidated financial statements included in this Form 10-K, has issued an attestation report on First Financial’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2018. The report, which expresses an unqualified opinion on First Financial’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2018, is included in the information that follows under the heading “Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm."

/s/ Archie M. Brown, Jr. |  | /s/ James M. Anderson |
President and Chief Executive Officer |  | Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer |
February 22, 2019 |  | February 22, 2019 |

First Financial Bancorp 2018 Annual Report 39

|  | Crowe LLP Independent Member Crowe Global

Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

Shareholders and the Board of Directors of First Financial Bancorp
Cincinnati, Ohio
Opinions on the Financial Statements and Internal Control over Financial Reporting
We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of First Financial Bancorp (the "Company") as of December 31, 2018 and 2017, the related consolidated statements of income, comprehensive income, shareholders’ equity, and cash flows each of the years in the three-year period ended December 31, 2018 and the related notes (collectively referred to as the "financial statements"). We also have audited the Company’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2018, based on criteria established in Internal Control - Integrated Framework: (2013) issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO).
In our opinion, the financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of the Company as of December 31, 2018 and 2017, and the results of its operations and its cash flows for the years then ended in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. Also in our opinion, the Company maintained, in all material respects, effective internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2018, based on criteria established in Internal Control - Integrated Framework: (2013) issued by COSO.
Basis for Opinions
The Company’s management is responsible for these financial statements, for maintaining effective internal control over financial reporting, and for its assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting, included in the accompanying Management’s Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the Company’s financial statements and an opinion on the Company’s internal control over financial reporting based on our audits. We are a public accounting firm registered with the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) ("PCAOB") and are required to be independent with respect to the Company in accordance with the U.S. federal securities laws and the applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the PCAOB.
We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audits to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement, whether due to error or fraud, and whether effective internal control over financial reporting was maintained in all material respects.
Our audits of the financial statements included performing procedures to assess the risks of material misstatement of the financial statements, whether due to error or fraud, and performing procedures that respond to those risks. Such procedures included examining, on a test basis, evidence regarding the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. Our audits also included evaluating the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall presentation of the financial statements. Our audit of internal control over financial reporting included obtaining an understanding of internal control over financial reporting, assessing the risk that a material weakness exists, and testing and evaluating the design and operating effectiveness of internal control based on the assessed risk. Our audits also included performing such other procedures as we considered necessary in the circumstances. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinions.
Definition and Limitations of Internal Control Over Financial Reporting
A company’s internal control over financial reporting is a process designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. A company’s internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that (1) pertain
40 First Financial Bancorp 2018 Annual Report

to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of the company; (2) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and that receipts and expenditures of the company are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors of the company; and (3) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use, or disposition of the company’s assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements.
Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.
Crowe LLP
We have served as the Company's auditor since 2015, which is the year the engagement letter was signed for the audit of the 2016 financial statements.

Indianapolis, Indiana |
February 22, 2019

First Financial Bancorp 2018 Annual Report 41

Consolidated Balance Sheets

|  | December 31,
(Dollars in thousands) |  | 2018 |  | 2017
Assets |  |  |  |
Cash and due from banks |  | $ | 236,221 |  |  | $ | 150,650 |
Interest-bearing deposits with other banks |  | 37,738 |  |  | 33,974 |
Investment securities available-for-sale, at fair value (amortized cost $2,792,326 at December 31, 2018 and $1,348,227 at December 31, 2017) |  | 2,779,255 |  |  | 1,349,408 |
Investment securities held-to-maturity (fair value $424,118 at December 31, 2018 and $653,101 at December 31, 2017) |  | 429,328 |  |  | 654,008 |
Other investments |  | 115,660 |  |  | 53,140 |
Loans held for sale |  | 4,372 |  |  | 11,502 |
Loans and leases |  |  |  |  |  |
Commercial & industrial |  | 2,514,661 |  |  | 1,912,743 |
Lease financing |  | 93,415 |  |  | 89,347 |
Construction real estate |  | 548,935 |  |  | 467,730 |
Commercial real estate |  | 3,754,681 |  |  | 2,490,091 |
Residential real estate |  | 955,646 |  |  | 471,391 |
Home equity |  | 817,282 |  |  | 493,604 |
Installment |  | 93,212 |  |  | 41,586 |
Credit card |  | 46,382 |  |  | 46,691 |
Total loans and leases |  | 8,824,214 |  |  | 6,013,183 |
Less: Allowance for loan and lease losses |  | 56,542 |  |  | 54,021 |
Net loans and leases |  | 8,767,672 |  |  | 5,959,162 |
Premises and equipment |  | 215,652 |  |  | 125,036 |
Goodwill |  | 880,251 |  |  | 204,084 |
Other intangibles |  | 40,805 |  |  | 3,786 |
Accrued interest and other assets |  | 479,706 |  |  | 352,173 |
Total assets |  | $ | 13,986,660 |  |  | $ | 8,896,923 |
Liabilities |  |  |  |  |  |
Deposits |  |  |  |  |  |
Interest-bearing demand |  | $ | 2,307,071 |  |  | $ | 1,453,463 |
Savings |  | 3,167,325 |  |  | 2,462,420 |
Time |  | 2,173,564 |  |  | 1,317,105 |
Total interest-bearing deposits |  | 7,647,960 |  |  | 5,232,988 |
Noninterest-bearing |  | 2,492,434 |  |  | 1,662,058 |
Total deposits |  | 10,140,394 |  |  | 6,895,046 |
Federal funds purchased |  | 183,591 |  |  | 72,265 |
FHLB short-term borrowings |  | 857,100 |  |  | 742,300 |
Total short-term borrowings |  | 1,040,691 |  |  | 814,565 |
Long-term debt |  | 570,739 |  |  | 119,654 |
Total borrowed funds |  | 1,611,430 |  |  | 934,219 |
Accrued interest and other liabilities |  | 156,587 |  |  | 136,994 |
Total liabilities |  | 11,908,411 |  |  | 7,966,259 |
Shareholders' equity |  |  |  |  |  |
Common stock - no par value |  |  |  |  |  |
Authorized - 160,000,000 shares; Issued - 104,281,794 shares in 2018 and 68,730,731 shares in 2017 |  | 1,633,256 |  |  | 573,109 |
Retained earnings |  | 600,014 |  |  | 491,847 |
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) |  | (44,408 | ) |  | (20,390 | )
Treasury stock, at cost, 6,387,508 shares in 2018 and 6,661,644 shares in 2017 |  | (110,613 | ) |  | (113,902 | )
Total shareholders' equity |  | 2,078,249 |  |  | 930,664 |
Total liabilities and shareholders' equity |  | $ | 13,986,660 |  |  | $ | 8,896,923 |

See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.
42 First Financial Bancorp 2018 Annual Report

Consolidated Statements of Income

|  | Years ended December 31,
(Dollars in thousands except per share data) |  | 2018 |  | 2017 |  | 2016
Interest income |  |  |  |  |  |
Loans and leases, including fees |  | $ | 447,187 |  |  | $ | 280,111 |  |  | $ | 262,703 |
Investment securities |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Taxable |  | 79,076 |  |  | 50,568 |  |  | 43,103 |
Tax-exempt |  | 13,428 |  |  | 5,918 |  |  | 4,535 |
Total interest on investment securities |  | 92,504 |  |  | 56,486 |  |  | 47,638 |
Other earning assets |  | 691 |  |  | (3,524 | ) |  | (4,391 | )
Total interest income |  | 540,382 |  |  | 333,073 |  |  | 305,950 |
Interest expense |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Deposits |  | 56,962 |  |  | 35,182 |  |  | 22,613 |
Short-term borrowings |  | 18,033 |  |  | 8,193 |  |  | 4,506 |
Long-term borrowings |  | 16,152 |  |  | 6,153 |  |  | 6,160 |
Total interest expense |  | 91,147 |  |  | 49,528 |  |  | 33,279 |
Net interest income |  | 449,235 |  |  | 283,545 |  |  | 272,671 |
Provision for loan and lease losses |  | 14,586 |  |  | 3,582 |  |  | 10,140 |
Net interest income after provision for loan and lease losses |  | 434,649 |  |  | 279,963 |  |  | 262,531 |
Noninterest income |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Service charges on deposit accounts |  | 35,108 |  |  | 19,775 |  |  | 18,933 |
Trust and wealth management fees |  | 15,082 |  |  | 14,073 |  |  | 13,200 |
Bankcard income |  | 20,245 |  |  | 13,298 |  |  | 12,132 |
Client derivative fees |  | 7,682 |  |  | 6,418 |  |  | 4,570 |
Net gain from sales of loans |  | 6,071 |  |  | 5,169 |  |  | 6,804 |
Net gain (loss) on sales of investment securities |  | (161 | ) |  | 1,649 |  |  | 234 |
Other |  | 19,355 |  |  | 15,760 |  |  | 13,728 |
Total noninterest income |  | 103,382 |  |  | 76,142 |  |  | 69,601 |
Noninterest expenses |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Salaries and employee benefits |  | 188,990 |  |  | 137,240 |  |  | 128,549 |
Net occupancy |  | 24,215 |  |  | 17,397 |  |  | 18,329 |
Furniture and equipment |  | 14,908 |  |  | 8,443 |  |  | 8,663 |
Data processing |  | 28,077 |  |  | 14,022 |  |  | 11,406 |
Marketing |  | 7,598 |  |  | 3,201 |  |  | 3,965 |
Communication |  | 3,167 |  |  | 1,819 |  |  | 1,889 |
Professional services |  | 12,272 |  |  | 15,023 |  |  | 6,303 |
State intangible tax |  | 4,152 |  |  | 2,655 |  |  | 2,034 |
FDIC assessments |  | 3,969 |  |  | 3,944 |  |  | 4,293 |
Loss (gain) - other real estate owned |  | 373 |  |  | 642 |  |  | (1,212 | )
Other |  | 36,089 |  |  | 35,556 |  |  | 17,182 |
Total noninterest expenses |  | 323,810 |  |  | 239,942 |  |  | 201,401 |
Income before income taxes |  | 214,221 |  |  | 116,163 |  |  | 130,731 |
Income tax expense |  | 41,626 |  |  | 19,376 |  |  | 42,205 |
Net income |  | $ | 172,595 |  |  | $ | 96,787 |  |  | $ | 88,526 |
Earnings per common share |  |  |  |  |  |
Basic |  | $ | 1.95 |  |  | $ | 1.57 |  |  | $ | 1.45 |
Diluted |  | $ | 1.93 |  |  | $ | 1.56 |  |  | $ | 1.43 |
Average common shares outstanding - basic |  | 88,582,090 |  |  | 61,529,460 |  |  | 61,206,093 |
Average common shares outstanding - diluted |  | 89,614,205 |  |  | 62,171,590 |  |  | 61,985,422 |

See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.
First Financial Bancorp 2018 Annual Report 43

Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income

|  | Years ended December 31,
(Dollars in thousands) |  | 2018 |  | 2017 |  | 2016
Net income |  | $ | 172,595 |  |  | $ | 96,787 |  |  | $ | 88,526 |
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax: |  |  |  |  |  |
Unrealized gain (loss) on debt securities arising during the period |  | (11,229 | ) |  | 4,367 |  |  | 384 |
Change in retirement obligation |  | (8,180 | ) |  | 3,172 |  |  | 1,245 |
Unrealized gain (loss) on derivatives |  | 484 |  |  | 514 |  |  | 508 |
Other comprehensive income (loss) |  | (18,925 | ) |  | 8,053 |  |  | 2,137 |
Comprehensive income |  | $ | 153,670 |  |  | $ | 104,840 |  |  | $ | 90,663 |

See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.
First Financial Bancorp 2018 Annual Report 44

Consolidated Statements of Changes in Shareholders' Equity

|  |  |  |  |  |  |  | Accumulated |  |  |  |  |  |
|  | Common |  | Common |  |  |  | other |  |  |  |
|  | stock |  | stock |  | Retained |  | comprehensive |  | Treasury stock |  |
(Dollars in thousands, except share amounts) |  | shares |  | amount |  | earnings |  | income (loss) |  | Shares |  | Amount |  | Total
Balance at January 1, 2016 |  | 68,730,731 |  |  | $ | 571,155 |  |  | $ | 388,240 |  |  | $ | (30,580 | ) |  | (7,089,051 | ) |  | $ | (119,439 | ) |  | $ | 809,376 |
Net income |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | 88,526 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | 88,526 |
Other comprehensive income (loss) |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | 2,137 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | 2,137 |
Cash dividends declared: |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Common stock at $0.64 per share |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | (39,578 | ) |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | (39,578 | )
Warrant exercises |  |  |  | (1,507 | ) |  |  |  |  |  | 89,383 |  |  | 1,507 |  |  | 0 |
Excess tax benefit on share-based compensation |  |  |  |  | 264 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | 264 |
Exercise of stock options, net of shares purchased |  |  |  | (379 | ) |  |  |  |  |  | 65,515 |  |  | 1,105 |  |  | 726 |
Restricted stock awards, net of forfeitures |  |  |  |  | (4,505 | ) |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | 182,974 |  |  | 2,924 |  |  | (1,581 | )
Share-based compensation expense |  |  |  |  | 5,354 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | 5,354 |
Balance at December 31, 2016 |  | 68,730,731 |  |  | 570,382 |  |  | 437,188 |  |  | (28,443 | ) |  | (6,751,179 | ) |  | (113,903 | ) |  | 865,224 |
Net income |  |  |  |  |  | 96,787 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | 96,787 |
Other comprehensive income (loss) |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | 8,053 |  |  |  |  |  |  | 8,053 |
Cash dividends declared: |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Common stock at $0.68 per share |  |  |  |  |  | (42,128 | ) |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | (42,128 | )
Warrant exercises |  |  |  | (99 | ) |  |  |  |  |  | 5,843 |  |  | 99 |  |  | 0 |
Exercise of stock options, net of shares purchased |  |  |  | (912 | ) |  |  |  |  |  | 58,212 |  |  | 987 |  |  | 75 |
Restricted stock awards, net of forfeitures |  |  |  | (1,708 | ) |  |  |  |  |  | 25,480 |  |  | (1,085 | ) |  | (2,793 | )
Share-based compensation expense |  |  |  | 5,446 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | 5,446 |
Balance at December 31, 2017, as previously reported |  | 68,730,731 |  |  | 573,109 |  |  | 491,847 |  |  | (20,390 | ) |  | (6,661,644 | ) |  | (113,902 | ) |  | 930,664 |
Impact of cumulative effect of adoption of new accounting standard |  |  |  |  |  | 5,093 |  |  | (5,093 | ) |  |  |  |  |  | 0 |
Net income |  |  |  |  |  | 172,595 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | 172,595 |
Other comprehensive income (loss) |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | (18,925 | ) |  |  |  |  |  | (18,925 | )
Cash dividends declared: |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Common stock at $0.78 per share |  |  |  |  |  | (69,521 | ) |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | (69,521 | )
Common stock issued in connection with business combinations |  | 35,551,063 |  |  | 1,043,424 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | 1,043,424 |
Stock options and warrants acquired and converted in connection with business combinations |  |  |  | 16,037 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | 16,037 |
Warrant exercises |  |  |  | (1,120 | ) |  |  |  |  |  | 65,354 |  |  | 1,120 |  |  | 0 |
Exercise of stock options, net of shares purchased |  |  |  | (282 | ) |  |  |  |  |  | 32,941 |  |  | 566 |  |  | 284 |
Restricted stock awards, net of forfeitures |  |  |  | (4,131 | ) |  |  |  |  |  | 175,841 |  |  | 1,603 |  |  | (2,528 | )
Share-based compensation expense |  |  |  | 6,219 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | 6,219 |
Balance at December 31, 2018 |  | 104,281,794 |  |  | $ | 1,633,256 |  |  | $ | 600,014 |  |  | $ | (44,408 | ) |  | (6,387,508 | ) |  | $ | (110,613 | ) |  | $ | 2,078,249 |

See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.
First Financial Bancorp 2018 Annual Report 45

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows

|  | Year ended December 31,
(Dollars in thousands) |  | 2018 |  | 2017 |  | 2016
Operating activities |  |  |  |  |  |
Net income |  | $ | 172,595 |  |  | $ | 96,787 |  |  | $ | 88,526 |
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by (used in) operating activities: |  |  |  |
Provision for loan and lease losses |  | 14,586 |  |  | 3,582 |  |  | 10,140 |
Depreciation and amortization |  | 24,171 |  |  | 12,645 |  |  | 13,037 |
Stock-based compensation expense |  | 6,219 |  |  | 5,446 |  |  | 5,354 |
Pension expense (income) |  | 859 |  |  | (628 | ) |  | (1,153 | )
Net amortization (accretion) on investment securities |  | 10,846 |  |  | 10,798 |  |  | 8,476 |
Net (gains) losses on sales of investments securities |  | 161 |  |  | (1,649 | ) |  | (234 | )
Originations of loans held for sale |  | (157,771 | ) |  | (157,796 | ) |  | (232,526 | )
Net (gains) losses on sales of loans held for sale |  | (6,071 | ) |  | (5,169 | ) |  | (6,804 | )
Proceeds from sales of loans held for sale |  | 167,374 |  |  | 163,300 |  |  | 246,829 |
Deferred income taxes |  | 6,267 |  |  | (4,488 | ) |  | 346 |
Decrease (increase) cash surrender value of life insurance |  | (5,454 | ) |  | (3,792 | ) |  | (186 | )
Decrease (increase) in interest receivable |  | (3,808 | ) |  | (5,707 | ) |  | (1,456 | )
Decrease in indemnification asset |  | 1,900 |  |  | 10,117 |  |  | 5,613 |
(Decrease) increase in interest payable |  | 5,207 |  |  | 55 |  |  | 46 |
Decrease (increase) in other assets |  | 34,360 |  |  | (21,455 | ) |  | (1,108 | )
(Decrease) increase in other liabilities |  | (10,043 | ) |  | 21,478 |  |  | 7,700 |
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities |  | 261,398 |  |  | 123,524 |  |  | 142,600 |
Investing activities |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Proceeds from sales of investment securities available-for-sale |  | 290,745 |  |  | 189,962 |  |  | 206,990 |
Proceeds from calls, paydowns and maturities of securities available-for-sale |  | 387,351 |  |  | 224,690 |  |  | 186,132 |
Purchases of securities available-for-sale |  | (852,131 | ) |  | (723,131 | ) |  | (396,984 | )
Proceeds from sales of securities held-to-maturity |  | 0 |  |  | 0 |  |  | 4,862 |
Proceeds from calls, paydowns and maturities of securities held-to-maturity |  | 36,671 |  |  | 121,903 |  |  | 127,021 |
Purchases of securities held-to-maturity |  | (14,014 | ) |  | (23,402 | ) |  | (11,196 | )
Purchases of other investment securities |  | (31,385 | ) |  | (2,353 | ) |  | (4,239 | )
Net decrease (increase) in interest-bearing deposits with other banks |  | (3,764 | ) |  | 48,476 |  |  | (48,716 | )
Net decrease (increase) in loans and leases |  | (28,577 | ) |  | (266,043 | ) |  | (376,848 | )
Proceeds from disposal of other real estate owned |  | 3,797 |  |  | 6,983 |  |  | 9,356 |
Purchases of premises and equipment |  | (18,228 | ) |  | (6,537 | ) |  | (9,726 | )
Net cash acquired from business combinations |  | 64,895 |  |  | 0 |  |  | 0 |
Net cash paid for branch divestitures |  | (41,197 | ) |  | 0 |  |  | 0 |
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities |  | (205,837 | ) |  | (429,452 | ) |  | (313,348 | )
Financing activities |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Net (decrease) increase in total deposits |  | (18,690 | ) |  | 369,258 |  |  | 346,164 |
Net (decrease) increase in short-term borrowings |  | 30,531 |  |  | 6,653 |  |  | (130,513 | )
Payments on long-term borrowings |  | (52,460 | ) |  | (94 | ) |  | (86 | )
Proceeds from FHLB borrowings |  | 150,000 |  |  | 0 |  |  | 0 |
Cash dividends paid on common stock |  | (79,655 | ) |  | (41,178 | ) |  | (39,125 | )
Proceeds from exercise of stock options |  | 284 |  |  | 341 |  |  | 801 |
Excess tax benefit on share-based compensation |  | 0 |  |  | 0 |  |  | 264 |
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities |  | 30,010 |  |  | 334,980 |  |  | 177,505 |
Cash and due from banks |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Net (decrease) increase in Cash and due from banks |  | 85,571 |  |  | 29,052 |  |  | 6,757 |
Cash and due from banks at beginning of year |  | 150,650 |  |  | 121,598 |  |  | 114,841 |
Cash and due from banks at end of year |  | $ | 236,221 |  |  | $ | 150,650 |  |  | $ | 121,598 |

46 First Financial Bancorp 2018 Annual Report

Supplemental disclosures |  |  |  |  |  |
Interest paid |  | $ | 84,125 |  |  | $ | 49,474 |  |  | $ | 33,233 |
Income taxes paid |  | $ | 16,004 |  |  | $ | 38,329 |  |  | $ | 37,566 |
Acquisition of other real estate owned through foreclosure |  | $ | 1,821 |  |  | $ | 4,119 |  |  | $ | 2,872 |
Issuance of restricted stock awards |  | $ | 8,797 |  |  | $ | 6,416 |  |  | $ | 5,759 |
Securities transferred from AFS to HTM |  | $ | 372,128 |  |  | $ | 0 |  |  | $ | 0 |
Common stock issued in bank acquisitions |  | $ | 1,043,424 |  |  | $ | 0 |  |  | $ | 0 |
Supplemental schedule for investing activities |  |  |  |  |  |
Business combinations |  |  |  |  |  |
Assets acquired, net of purchase consideration |  | $ | 3,342,781 |  |  | $ | 0 |  |  | $ | 0 |
Liabilities assumed |  | $ | 4,018,948 |  |  | $ | 0 |  |  | $ | 0 |
Goodwill |  | $ | 676,167 |  |  | $ | 0 |  |  | $ | 0 |

See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.
First Financial Bancorp 2018 Annual Report 47

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
1. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

Basis of presentation. The Consolidated Financial Statements of First Financial Bancorp., a financial holding company, principally serving Ohio, Indiana, Kentucky and Illinois, include the accounts and operations of First Financial and its wholly owned subsidiary, First Financial Bank. All significant intercompany transactions and accounts have been eliminated in consolidation. Certain reclassifications of prior years' amounts have been made to conform to current year presentation. Such reclassifications had no effect on net earnings.
Use of estimates. The preparation of Consolidated Financial Statements in conformity with GAAP requires management to make estimates, assumptions and judgments that affect the amounts reported in the Consolidated Financial Statements and accompanying Notes. Actual realized amounts could differ materially from those estimates.
Cash and due from banks. Cash and due from banks consist of currency, coin and cash items due from banks. Cash items due from banks include noninterest bearing deposits held at other banks.
Investment securities. First Financial classifies debt securities into three categories: HTM, trading and AFS. Management classifies investment securities into the appropriate category at the time of purchase and re-evaluates that classification as deemed appropriate.
Investment securities are classified as HTM when First Financial has the positive intent and ability to hold the securities to maturity. HTM securities are recorded at amortized cost.
Investment securities classified as trading are held principally for resale in the near-term and are recorded at fair value. Fair value is determined using quoted market prices. Gains or losses on trading securities, both realized and unrealized, are reported in noninterest income.
Investment securities not classified as either HTM or trading are classified as AFS. AFS securities are recorded at fair value, with the unrealized gains and losses, net of tax, reported as a separate component of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) in shareholders' equity.
The amortized cost of investment securities classified as either HTM or AFS is adjusted for amortization of premiums and accretion of discounts to maturity, or in the case of mortgage-backed securities, over the estimated life of the security. Such amortization and accretion are considered an adjustment to the yield on the security and included in interest income from investments. Interest and dividends are included in interest income from investment securities in the Consolidated Statements of Income.
Realized gains and losses are based on the amortized cost of the security sold using the specific identification method. AFS and HTM securities are reviewed quarterly for potential impairment. In performing this review, management considers the length of time and extent to which the fair value of the security has been less than amortized cost, the financial condition and near-term prospects of the issuer and the ability and intent of First Financial to hold the security for a period sufficient to allow for any anticipated recovery in fair value. If the fair value of a security is less than the amortized cost and the impairment is determined to be other-than-temporary, the security is written down, establishing a new and reduced cost basis. The related charge is recorded in the Consolidated Statements of Income.
Other investments. Other investments include holdings in FRB stock and FHLB stock, which are both carried at cost, as well as equity securities which are carried at fair value. Changes in the fair value of equity securities are recorded Other noninterest income in the Consolidated Statements of Income.
Loans held for sale. Loans held for sale consist of residential real estate loans newly originated for the purpose of sale to third parties, and in certain circumstances, loans previously originated that have been specifically identified by management for sale based on predetermined criteria. Loans originated to held for sale status are carried at fair value. Any subsequent change in the carrying value of transferred loans, not to exceed original cost, is recorded in the Consolidated Statements of Income. First Financial sells loans with servicing retained or released depending on pricing and market conditions.
48 First Financial Bancorp 2018 Annual Report

Loans and leases. Loans and leases for which First Financial has the intent and ability to hold for the foreseeable future, or until maturity or payoff, are classified in the Consolidated Balance Sheets as loans and leases. Loans and leases are carried at the principal amount outstanding, net of unamortized deferred loan origination fees and costs, and net of unearned income. Loan origination and commitment fees received, as well as certain direct loan origination costs paid, are deferred, and the net amount is amortized as an adjustment to the related loan's yield.
Interest income on loans and leases is recorded on an accrual basis. When a loan is classified as nonaccrual, the accrual of interest income is discontinued and previously accrued, but unpaid interest is reversed. Any payments received while a loan is classified as nonaccrual are applied as a reduction to the carrying value of the loan. A loan may return to accrual status if collection of future principal and interest payments is no longer doubtful.
Acquired loans. Acquired loans are recorded at their estimated fair value at the time of acquisition. Estimated fair values for acquired loans are based on a discounted cash flow methodology that considers various factors including the type of loan and related collateral, classification status, interest rate, term of loan, whether or not the loan was amortizing and a discount rate reflecting the Company's assessment of risk inherent in the cash flow estimates. Acquired loans are grouped together according to similar characteristics and treated in the aggregate when applying various valuation techniques.
First Financial evaluates acquired loans for impairment in accordance with the provisions of FASB ASC Topic 310-30, Loans and Debt Securities Acquired with Deteriorated Credit Quality. Acquired loans with evidence of credit deterioration since origination are accounted for under FASB ASC Topic 310-30 and are referred to as purchased impaired loans. Accretion of the difference between the carrying value of the loans and the expected cash flows (accretable difference) is recognized on purchased impaired loans through interest income.
Acquired loans outside of the scope of FASB ASC Topic 310-30 are accounted for under FASB ASC Topic 310-20, Receivables-Nonrefundable Fees and Costs. Discounts created when the loans were recorded at their estimated fair values at acquisition are amortized over the remaining term of the loan as an adjustment to the related loan's yield. The accrual of interest income is discontinued when the collection of a loan or interest, in whole or in part, is doubtful.
Allowance for loan and lease losses. For each reporting period, management maintains the ALLL at a level that it considers sufficient to absorb probable incurred loan and lease losses inherent in the portfolio. Management determines the adequacy of the ALLL based on historical loss experience as well as other significant factors such as composition of the portfolio, economic conditions, geographic footprint, the results of periodic internal and external evaluations of delinquent, nonaccrual and classified loans and any other adverse situations that may affect a specific borrower's ability to repay, including the timing of future payments.
Management's determination of the adequacy of the ALLL is based on an assessment of the probable incurred loan and lease losses inherent in the portfolio given the conditions at the time. The ALLL is increased by provision expense and decreased by charge-offs net of recoveries of amounts previously charged-off. First Financial's policy is to charge-off all, or a portion of a loan, when, in management's opinion, it is unlikely to collect the principal amount owed in full through payments from the borrower or the liquidation of collateral.
Commercial loan and lease relationships greater than $250,000 that are considered impaired, or designated as a TDR, are evaluated to determine the need for a specific allowance based on the borrower's overall financial condition, resources, payment record, guarantor support and the realizable value of any collateral.
The allowance for non-impaired commercial loans and leases, as well as impaired commercial loan and lease relationships less than $250,000, includes a process of estimating the probable losses incurred in the portfolio by loan type, based on First Financial's internal system of credit risk ratings and historical loss data. These estimates may also be adjusted based upon trends in the values of the underlying collateral, delinquent and nonaccrual loans, prevailing economic conditions and changes in lending strategies, among other influencing factors.
Consumer loans are generally evaluated by loan type, as these loans exhibit homogeneous characteristics. The allowance for consumer loans, which includes residential real estate, installment, home equity, credit card loans and overdrafts, is established by estimating probable losses incurred in each particular category of consumer loans. The estimate of losses is primarily based on historical loss rates for each category and may be adjusted for trends in delinquent and nonaccrual loans, prevailing economic conditions and other significant influencing factors. Consumer loans greater than $250,000 classified as TDRs are individually evaluated to determine an appropriate allowance.
First Financial Bancorp 2018 Annual Report 49

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
For purchased impaired loans, expected cash flows are re-estimated periodically with declines in gross expected cash flows recorded as provision expense during the period.
Reserve for unfunded commitments. First Financial maintains a reserve that it considers sufficient to absorb probable losses incurred in standby letters of credit and outstanding loan commitments. First Financial determines the adequacy of the reserve based upon an evaluation of the unfunded credit facilities, which includes consideration of historical commitment utilization experience, credit risk ratings and historical loss rates, consistent with the Company's ALLL methodology. The reserve for unfunded commitments is included in Accrued interest and other liabilities on the Consolidated Balance Sheets and adjustments are recorded in Other noninterest expense in the Consolidated Statements of Income.
Premises and equipment. Premises and equipment are stated at cost, less accumulated depreciation and amortization. Depreciation and amortization are principally computed on the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of the assets. Useful lives generally range from 10 to 40 years for building and building improvements; 3 to 10 years for furniture, fixtures and equipment; and 3 to 5 years for software, hardware and data handling equipment. Land improvements are depreciated over 20 years and leasehold improvements are depreciated over the lesser of the term of the respective lease or the useful life of the asset. Premises and equipment are evaluated for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of an asset may not be recoverable. Maintenance and repairs are expensed as incurred.
Bank-owned life insurance. First Financial purchases life insurance policies on the lives of certain employees and is the owner and beneficiary of the policies. The Bank invests in these policies to provide an efficient form of funding for long-term retirement and other employee benefits costs. The policies are included within Accrued interest and other assets in the Consolidated Balance Sheets at each policy’s respective cash surrender value with changes recorded in Other noninterest income in the Consolidated Statements of Income.
Goodwill. Under accounting for business combinations, the net assets of entities acquired by First Financial are recorded at their estimated fair value at the date of acquisition. The excess cost of the acquisition over the fair value of net assets acquired is recorded as goodwill. Goodwill and intangible assets deemed to have indefinite lives, if any, are not amortized, but are subject to annual impairment tests. The Company is required to evaluate goodwill for impairment on an annual basis or whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying value may not be recoverable. First Financial performs its annual impairment test effective October 1, absent events or changes in circumstances that indicate the carrying value of goodwill may not be recoverable.
The Company’s goodwill is accounted for in a single reporting unit representing the consolidated entity. Fair value is estimated using the market capitalization of the Company as of the annual impairment testing date. First Financial also utilizes additional information and analyses to corroborate the use of the Company’s market capitalization as a proper indicator of fair value for purposes of the annual goodwill impairment test.
Core deposit intangibles. CDI represent the estimated value of acquired customer deposit relationships. CDI are recorded at fair value at the date of acquisition and are based on a discounted cash flow methodology that gives appropriate consideration to expected customer attrition rates, cost of the deposit base, reserve requirements and the net maintenance cost attributable to customer deposits. Core deposit intangibles are recorded in Other intangibles on the Consolidated Balance Sheets and are amortized on an accelerated basis over their estimated useful lives.
Other real estate owned. OREO consists of properties acquired by the Company primarily through the loan foreclosure or repossession process, or other resolution activity that results in partial or total satisfaction of problem loans. OREO properties are recorded at fair value, less estimated disposal costs (net realizable value). Losses arising at the time of acquisition of such properties are charged against the ALLL. Management performs periodic valuations to assess the adequacy of recorded OREO balances and subsequent changes in the carrying value of OREO properties are recorded in the Consolidated Statements of Income. Improvements to OREO properties may be capitalized if the improvements contribute to the overall value of the property, but may not be capitalized in excess of the net realizable value of the property. When management disposes of an OREO property, any gains or losses realized at the time of disposal are reflected in the Consolidated Statements of Income.
Affordable housing projects. First Financial has investments in certain qualified affordable housing projects. These projects are indirect federal subsidies that provide tax incentives to encourage investment in the development, acquisition and rehabilitation of affordable rental housing, and allow investors to claim tax credits and other tax benefits (such as deductions from taxable income for operating losses) on their federal income tax returns. The principal risk associated with qualified affordable housing investments is the potential for noncompliance with the tax code requirements, such as, failure to rent properties to qualified tenants, resulting in unavailability or recapture of the tax credits and other tax benefits. Investments in
50 First Financial Bancorp 2018 Annual Report

affordable housing projects are accounted for under the proportional amortization method and are included in Accrued interest and other assets in the Consolidated Balance Sheets.
Investments in historic tax credits. First Financial has noncontrolling financial investments in private investment funds and partnerships which are not consolidated. These investments may generate a return through the realization of federal and state income tax credits, as well as other tax benefits, such as tax deductions from net operating losses of the investments over a period of time. Investments in historic tax credits are accounted for under the equity method of accounting. The Company’s recorded investment in these entities is carried in Accrued interest and other assets on the Consolidated Balance Sheets.
Income taxes. First Financial and its subsidiaries file a consolidated federal income tax return. Each subsidiary provides for income taxes on a separate return basis, and remits to First Financial amounts determined to be currently payable. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured using enacted tax rates expected to apply to taxable income in the years in which temporary differences are expected to be recovered or settled. The effect on deferred tax assets and liabilities of a change in tax rates is recognized in income in the period that includes the enactment date. Interest and penalties on income tax assessments or income tax refunds are recognized as a component of noninterest expense in the Consolidated Statements of Income.
Pension. First Financial sponsors a non-contributory defined benefit pension plan covering substantially all employees. The measurement of the accrued benefit liability and the annual pension expense involves actuarial and economic assumptions, which include the discount rate, the expected return on plan assets and the rate of compensation increase.
Derivative instruments. First Financial accounts for its derivative financial instruments in accordance with FASB ASC Topic 815, Derivatives and Hedging. FASB ASC Topic 815 requires all derivative instruments to be carried at fair value on the balance sheet.
The accounting for changes in the fair value of derivatives is based on the intended use of the derivative and the resulting designation. Derivatives used to hedge the exposure to changes in the fair value of an asset, liability or firm commitment attributable to a particular risk, such as interest rate risk, are considered fair value hedges. Derivatives used to hedge the exposure to variability in expected future cash flows, or other types of forecasted transactions, are considered cash flow hedges.
Client derivatives - First Financial utilizes interest rate swaps as a means to offer commercial borrowers fixed rate funding while providing the Company with floating rate assets. Upon entering into an interest rate swap with a borrower, the Bank simultaneously enters into an offsetting swap agreement with an institutional counterparty, with substantially matching terms. These matched interest rate swap agreements generally involve the receipt by First Financial of floating rate amounts from the counterparties in exchange for payments to these counterparties by First Financial of fixed rate amounts received from commercial borrowers over the life of the agreements.
First Financial's matched interest rate swaps qualify as derivatives, but are not designated as hedging instruments. The net interest receivable or payable on matched interest rate swaps is accrued and recognized as an adjustment to interest income. The fair values of client derivatives are included within Accrued interest and other assets and Accrued interest and other liabilities in the Consolidated Balance Sheets.
Credit derivatives - In conjunction with participating interests in commercial loans, First Financial periodically enters into risk participation agreements with counterparties whereby First Financial assumes a portion of the credit exposure associated with an interest rate swap on the participated loan in exchange for a fee. Under these agreements, First Financial will make payments to the counterparty if the loan customer defaults on its obligation to perform under the interest rate swap contract with the counterparty. The fair value of these agreements is recorded in the Consolidated Balance Sheets in Accrued interest and other liabilities.
Mortgage derivatives - First Financial enters into IRLCs and forward commitments for the future delivery of mortgage loans to third party investors, which are considered derivatives. When borrowers secure an IRLC with First Financial and the loan is intended to be sold, First Financial will enter into forward commitments for the future delivery of the loans to third party investors in order to hedge against the effect of changes in interest rates impacting IRLCs and and Loans held for sale. The fair value of these agreements is recorded in the Consolidated Balance Sheets in Accrued interest and other assets.
Stock-based compensation. First Financial grants stock-based awards, including restricted stock awards and options to purchase the Company’s common stock. Stock option grants are for a fixed number of shares to employees and directors with an exercise price equal to the fair value of the shares at the date of grant. Stock-based compensation expense is recognized in the Consolidated Statements of Income on a straight-line basis over the vesting period. As compensation expense is
First Financial Bancorp 2018 Annual Report 51

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
recognized, a deferred tax asset is recorded that represents an estimate of the future tax deduction from exercise. At the time stock-based awards are exercised, canceled or expire, First Financial may be required to recognize an adjustment to tax expense.
Earnings per share. Basic earnings per common share is computed by dividing net income available to common shareholders by the weighted average number of shares of common stock outstanding during the period. Diluted earnings per common share is computed by dividing net income available to common shareholders by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding, unvested shares and dilutive common stock equivalents outstanding during the period. Common stock equivalents, which consist of common stock issuable under the assumed exercise of stock options granted under First Financial's stock-based compensation plans and the assumed conversion of common stock warrants, are calculated using the treasury stock method.
Segments and related information. While the Company monitors the operating results of its six lines of business, operations are managed and financial performance is evaluated on a consolidated basis. Accordingly, and consistent with prior years, all of the Company's operations are considered by management to be aggregated in one reportable operating segment.
2. Recently Adopted and Issued Accounting Standards

In May 2014, the FASB issued an update (ASU 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers) which outlines a single
comprehensive model for entities to use in accounting for revenue arising from contracts with customers and supersedes most
current revenue recognition guidance, including industry-specific guidance. Under the revised standard, an entity recognizes
revenue to depict the transfer of promised goods or services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration to which
the entity expects to be entitled in exchange for those goods or services. The ASU applies to all contracts with customers
except those that are within the scope of other topics in the FASB Accounting Standards Codification. Certain of the ASU’s
provisions also apply to transfers of nonfinancial assets, including in-substance nonfinancial assets that are not an output of an
entity’s ordinary activities, such as sales of property, plant, and equipment; real estate; or intangible assets. The ASU also
requires significantly expanded disclosures about revenue recognition. For further detail, see Note 16 – Revenue Recognition.
In January 2016, the FASB issued an update (ASU 2016-01, Financial Instruments-Overall: Recognition and Measurement of
Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities) which requires entities to measure many equity investments at fair value and
recognize changes in fair value in net income. This update does not apply to equity investments that result in consolidation,
those accounted for under the equity method and certain others, and will eliminate use of the available for sale classification for
equity securities while providing a new measurement alternative for equity investments that do not have readily determinable
fair values and do not qualify for the net asset value practical expedient. This update also requires public business entities to
use the exit price notion when measuring the fair value of financial instruments for disclosure purposes. The guidance in this
ASU became effective in the first quarter of 2018 and did not have a material impact on the Consolidated Financial Statements.
At adoption, First Financial reclassified $0.2 million of net unrealized gain on AFS equity securities from AOCI to Retained Earnings. Additionally, in accordance with the guidance, the Company measured the fair value of its financial instruments as of December 31, 2018 using an exit price notion. For further detail, see Note 21 – Fair Value Disclosures.
In February 2016, the FASB issued an update (ASU 2016-02, Leases) which requires lessees to record most leases on their balance sheet and recognize leasing expenses in the income statement. Operating leases, except for short-term leases that are subject to an accounting policy election, will be recorded on the balance sheet for lessees by establishing a lease liability and corresponding right-of-use asset. The guidance in this ASU will become effective for interim and annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2018, with early adoption permitted. First Financial plans to record a cumulative effect adjustment effective at the beginning of 2019 which will include approximately $62.5 million of lease assets and $68.1 million of related lease liabilities, but the adoption is not expected to have a material impact to net income.
In June 2016, the FASB issued an update (ASU 2016-13, Financial Instruments-Credit Losses: Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial Instruments) which significantly changes how entities are required to measure credit losses for most financial assets and certain other instruments that are not measured at fair value through net income. This update will replace the current incurred loss approach for estimating credit losses with an expected loss model for instruments measured at amortized cost, including loans and leases. Expected credit losses are required to be based on amortized cost and reflect losses expected over the remaining contractual life of the asset. Management is expected to consider any available information relevant to assessing the collectibility of contractual cash flows, such as information about past events, current conditions, voluntary prepayments and reasonable and supportable forecasts, when developing expected credit loss estimates.
52 First Financial Bancorp 2018 Annual Report

In addition to the new framework for calculating the ALLL, this update requires allowances for AFS debt securities rather than a reduction of the security's carrying amount under the current other-than-temporary impairment model. This update also simplifies the accounting model for purchased credit-impaired debt securities and loans and will require new and updated footnote disclosures.
The guidance in this ASU will become effective for interim and annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2019.
First Financial currently expects to recognize a one-time cumulative effect adjustment to the ALLL as of January 1, 2020. However, in April 2018, the federal banking regulators proposed transitional arrangements to permit banking organizations to phase in the day-one impact of the adoption of this standard on regulatory capital over a three year period. First Financial has formed an internal management committee and engaged a third party vendor to assist with the transition to the guidance set forth in this update. The committee is currently evaluating the impact of this update on First Financial’s Consolidated Financial Statements, but the ALLL is expected to increase upon adoption since the allowance will be required to cover the full expected life of the portfolio. The extent of this increase is still being evaluated and will depend on economic conditions and the composition of the loan and lease portfolio at the time of adoption.
In August 2016, the FASB issued an update (ASU 2016-15 Statement of Cash Flows: Classification of Certain Cash Receipts and Cash Payments) which may change how an entity classifies certain cash receipts and cash payments on its statement of cash flows to reduce diversity in practice. The update also provides guidance on when an entity should separate cash flows and classify them into more than one class and when an entity should classify the aggregate of those cash flows into a single class based on the predominance principle. The guidance in this ASU became effective in the first quarter of 2018 and did not have a
material impact on the Consolidated Financial Statements.
In January 2017, the FASB issued an update (ASU 2017-04, Intangibles - Goodwill and Other (Topic 350), Simplifying the Test for Goodwill Impairment) which simplifies the subsequent measurement of goodwill by eliminating Step 2 from goodwill impairment testing. This update requires an entity to perform its annual, or interim, goodwill impairment test by comparing the fair value of a reporting unit with its carrying amount, and recognize an impairment charge for the amount by which the carrying amount exceeds the reporting unit’s fair value, with any loss recognized not to exceed the total amount of goodwill allocated to that reporting unit. Additionally, the update requires consideration of the income tax effects from any tax deductible goodwill on the carrying amount of the reporting unit when measuring the goodwill impairment loss, if applicable, and eliminates the requirements for any reporting unit with a zero or negative carrying amount to perform a qualitative assessment. First Financial early adopted the provisions set forth in this update in 2017. Adoption of this update did not have a material impact on First Financial's Consolidated Financial Statements.
In March 2017, the FASB issued an update (ASU 2017-07, Compensation - Retirement Benefits (Topic 715), Improving the
Presentation of the Net Periodic Pension Cost and Net Periodic Postretirement Benefit Cost) which requires disaggregation of
the service cost component from the other components of net benefit cost. This update also provides explicit guidance on how
to present the service cost component and the other components of net benefit cost in the income statement and allows only the
service cost component of net benefit cost to be eligible for capitalization. The guidance in this ASU became effective in the
first quarter of 2018 and updated its footnote presentation accordingly. This updated did not have a material impact on the Consolidated Financial Statements. For further detail, see Note 15 - Employee Benefit Plans in the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements.
In March 2017, the FASB issued an update (ASU 2017-08, Receivables - Nonrefundable Fees and Other Costs (Subtopic 310-20), Premium Amortization on Purchased Callable Debt Securities) which amends the amortization period for certain purchased callable debt securities held at a premium and shortens the amortization period for the premium to the earliest call date rather than as an adjustment of yield over the contractual life of the instrument. This update more closely aligns the amortization period of premiums and discounts to expectations incorporated in market pricing on the underlying securities, as in most cases, market participants price securities to the call date that produces the worst yield when the coupon is above current market rates (that is, the security is trading at a premium) and price securities to maturity when the coupon is below market rates (that is, the security is trading at a discount) in anticipation that the borrower will act in its economic best interest in an attempt to more closely align interest income recorded on bonds held at a premium or a discount with the economics of the underlying instrument. The guidance in this ASU will become effective for reporting periods, beginning after December 15, 2018, with early adoption permitted. First Financial is currently evaluating the impact of this update on its Consolidated Financial Statements.
In May 2017, the FASB issued an update (ASU 2017-09, Compensation - Stock Compensation (Topic 718), Scope of
Modification Accounting), which provides clarity and reduces the diversity in practice, cost and complexity when accounting
for a change to the terms or conditions of a share-based payment award. The amendments in this update provide guidance
First Financial Bancorp 2018 Annual Report 53

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
about which changes to the terms or conditions of a share-based payment award require an entity to apply modification
accounting in Topic 718 clarifying that an entity will not apply modification accounting to a share-based payment award if the
award's fair value (or calculated value or intrinsic value), vesting conditions and classification as an equity or liability
instrument are the same immediately before and after the change. The guidance in this ASU became effective in the first
quarter of 2018 and did not have a material impact on the Consolidated Financial Statements.
In August 2017, the FASB issued an update (ASU 2017-12, Derivatives and Hedging: Targeted Improvements to Accounting for Hedging Activities) to better align financial reporting for hedging activities with the economic objectives of those activities. This update aligns certain aspects of hedge documentation, effectiveness assessments, accounting and disclosures, and expands permissible hedge strategies as of the date of adoption. The guidance in this ASU will become effective for reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2018, with early adoption permitted, and will require a modified retrospective transition method with recognition of the cumulative effect of the change on the opening balance of each affected component of equity. Amended disclosures will be required prospectively. First Financial is currently evaluating the impact of this update on its Consolidated Financial Statements and may reclassify securities from HTM to AFS as a result.
In February 2018, the FASB issued an update (ASU 2018-02, Income statement-Reporting Comprehensive Income:
Reclassification of Certain Tax Effects from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income), which allows a reclassification from
accumulated other comprehensive income to retained earnings for stranded tax effects resulting from the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act. Consequently, the amendments eliminated the stranded tax effects resulting from the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act and will improve
the usefulness of information reported to financial statement users. The amendments only relate to the reclassification of the
income tax effects of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, and the underlying guidance that requires that the effect of a change in tax
laws or rates be included in income from continuing operations is not effected. The amendments in this update also require
certain disclosures about stranded tax effects. The guidance in this ASU will become effective for reporting periods beginning
after December 15, 2018, with early adoption permitted, and is applied either in the period of adoption or retrospectively to
each period in which the effect of the change in the U.S. federal corporate income tax rate in the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act is
recognized. First Financial early adopted the provisions set forth in this update in the first quarter of 2018, and as a result,
reclassified $4.9 million from accumulated other comprehensive income to retained earnings. There were no other income tax
effects related to the Act that were reclassified as a result of the adoption of this update.
3. Restrictions on Cash and Dividends

First Financial is required by the FRB to hold cash in reserve against deposit liabilities when total reservable deposit liabilities exceed the regulatory exemption known as the reserve requirement. The reserve requirement is calculated based on a two-week average of daily net transaction account deposits as defined by the FRB and may be satisfied with average vault cash during the following two-week maintenance period. When vault cash is not sufficient to meet the reserve requirement, the remaining amount must be satisfied with average funds held at the FRB. First Financial's deposit at the FRB is recorded in Interest-bearing deposits with other banks on the Consolidated Balance Sheets. The average required reserve balances, based upon the average level of First Financial's transaction deposits were $85.9 million and $66.7 million for 2018 and 2017, respectively.
Dividends paid by First Financial to its shareholders are principally funded through dividends paid to the Company by its subsidiaries, however, certain restrictions exist regarding the ability of the Bank to transfer funds to First Financial in the form of cash dividends, loans or advances. The approval of the Federal Reserve Board and the ODFI is required for the Bank to pay dividends in excess of the regulatory limit, which is equal to the net income of the current year through the dividend date combined with the Bank's retained net income from the two preceding years. As of December 31, 2018, First Financial's subsidiaries had retained earnings of $637.2 million, of which $181.3 million was available for distribution to First Financial without prior regulatory approval.
54 First Financial Bancorp 2018 Annual Report

4. Investment Securities

The following is a summary of HTM and AFS investment securities as of December 31, 2018:

|  | Held-to-maturity |  | Available-for-sale
(Dollars in thousands) |  | Amortized cost |  | Unrecognized gain |  | Unrecognized loss |  | Fair value |  | Amortized cost |  | Unrealized gain |  | Unrealized loss |  | Fair value
U.S. Treasuries |  | $ | 0 |  |  | $ | 0 |  |  | $ | 0 |  |  | $ | 0 |  |  | $ | 99 |  |  | $ | 0 |  |  | $ | (2 | ) |  | $ | 97 |
Securities of U.S. government agencies and corporations |  | 0 |  |  | 0 |  |  | 0 |  |  | 0 |  |  | 32,095 |  |  | 57 |  |  | (233 | ) |  | 31,919 |
Mortgage-backed securities - residential |  | 25,565 |  |  | 0 |  |  | (1,045 | ) |  | 24,520 |  |  | 565,071 |  |  | 691 |  |  | (7,163 | ) |  | 558,599 |
Mortgage-backed securities - commercial |  | 147,780 |  |  | 258 |  |  | (4,385 | ) |  | 143,653 |  |  | 423,797 |  |  | 819 |  |  | (3,581 | ) |  | 421,035 |
Collateralized mortgage obligations |  | 12,540 |  |  | 0 |  |  | (633 | ) |  | 11,907 |  |  | 928,586 |  |  | 4,319 |  |  | (6,158 | ) |  | 926,747 |
Obligations of state and other political subdivisions |  | 243,443 |  |  | 1,954 |  |  | (1,359 | ) |  | 244,038 |  |  | 257,300 |  |  | 2,554 |  |  | (1,429 | ) |  | 258,425 |
Asset-backed securities |  | 0 |  |  | 0 |  |  | 0 |  |  | 0 |  |  | 511,430 |  |  | 611 |  |  | (2,810 | ) |  | 509,231 |
Other securities |  | 0 |  |  | 0 |  |  | 0 |  |  | 0 |  |  | 73,948 |  |  | 358 |  |  | (1,104 | ) |  | 73,202 |
Total |  | $ | 429,328 |  |  | $ | 2,212 |  |  | $ | (7,422 | ) |  | $ | 424,118 |  |  | $ | 2,792,326 |  |  | $ | 9,409 |  |  | $ | (22,480 | ) |  | $ | 2,779,255 |

The following is a summary of HTM and AFS investment securities as of December 31, 2017:

|  | Held-to-maturity |  | Available-for-sale
(Dollars in thousands) |  | Amortized cost |  | Unrecognized gain |  | Unrecognized loss |  | Fair value |  | Amortized cost |  | Unrealized gain |  | Unrealized loss |  | Fair value
U.S. Treasuries |  | $ | 0 |  |  | $ | 0 |  |  | $ | 0 |  |  | $ | 0 |  |  | $ | 98 |  |  | $ | 0 |  |  | $ | (1 | ) |  | $ | 97 |
Securities of U.S. government agencies and corporations |  | 11,168 |  |  | 0 |  |  | (76 | ) |  | 11,092 |  |  | 15,695 |  |  | 220 |  |  | 0 |  |  | 15,915 |
Mortgage-backed securities - residential |  | 162,093 |  |  | 2,042 |  |  | (1,535 | ) |  | 162,600 |  |  | 290,793 |  |  | 849 |  |  | (2,599 | ) |  | 289,043 |
Mortgage-backed securities - commercial |  | 255,027 |  |  | 1,372 |  |  | (3,000 | ) |  | 253,399 |  |  | 150,356 |  |  | 164 |  |  | (1,417 | ) |  | 149,103 |
Collateralized mortgage obligations |  | 143,545 |  |  | 354 |  |  | (1,602 | ) |  | 142,297 |  |  | 306,095 |  |  | 1,158 |  |  | (1,861 | ) |  | 305,392 |
Obligations of state and other political subdivisions |  | 82,175 |  |  | 1,804 |  |  | (266 | ) |  | 83,713 |  |  | 124,269 |  |  | 2,162 |  |  | (676 | ) |  | 125,755 |
Asset-backed securities |  | 0 |  |  | 0 |  |  | 0 |  |  | 0 |  |  | 377,655 |  |  | 1,628 |  |  | (306 | ) |  | 378,977 |
Other securities |  | 0 |  |  | 0 |  |  | 0 |  |  | 0 |  |  | 83,266 |  |  | 2,147 |  |  | (287 | ) |  | 85,126 |
Total |  | $ | 654,008 |  |  | $ | 5,572 |  |  | $ | (6,479 | ) |  | $ | 653,101 |  |  | $ | 1,348,227 |  |  | $ | 8,328 |  |  | $ | (7,147 | ) |  | $ | 1,349,408 |

During the year ended December 31, 2018, proceeds on the sale of $290.7 million of AFS securities resulted in gains of $0.5 million and losses of $0.6 million, with insignificant tax expense. During the year ended December 31, 2017, proceeds on the sale of $190.0 million of AFS securities resulted in gains of $1.8 million and losses of $0.2 million and tax expense of $0.6 million. During the year ended December 31, 2016, proceeds on the sale of $207.0 million of AFS securities resulted in gains of $1.2 million and losses of $1.0 million and tax expense of $0.1 million. In addition to the sale of certain securities, First Financial reclassified $372.1 million of HTM securities to AFS to align with post-merger investment strategies during the second quarter 2018.
The carrying value of investment securities pledged as collateral to secure public deposits, repurchase agreements and for other purposes as required by law totaled $1.2 billion at December 31, 2018 and $0.8 billion at December 31, 2017.
First Financial Bancorp 2018 Annual Report 55

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
The following table provides a summary of investment securities by contractual maturity as of December 31, 2018, except for residential and commercial mortgage-backed securities, collateralized mortgage obligations and asset-backed securities, which are shown as single totals, due to the unpredictability of the timing in principal repayments:

|  | Held-to-maturity |  | Available-for-sale
(Dollars in thousands) |  | Amortized cost |  | Fair value |  | Amortized cost |  | Fair value
Due in one year or less |  | $ | 0 |  |  | $ | 0 |  |  | $ | 5,972 |  |  | $ | 5,977 |
Due after one year through five years |  | 275 |  |  | 279 |  |  | 63,995 |  |  | 64,040 |
Due after five years through ten years |  | 21,110 |  |  | 21,374 |  |  | 133,360 |  |  | 133,594 |
Due after ten years |  | 222,058 |  |  | 222,385 |  |  | 160,115 |  |  | 160,032 |
Mortgage-backed securities - residential |  | 25,565 |  |  | 24,520 |  |  | 565,071 |  |  | 558,599 |
Mortgage-backed securities - commercial |  | 147,780 |  |  | 143,653 |  |  | 423,797 |  |  | 421,035 |
Collateralized mortgage obligations |  | 12,540 |  |  | 11,907 |  |  | 928,586 |  |  | 926,747 |
Asset-backed securities |  | 0 |  |  | 0 |  |  | 511,430 |  |  | 509,231 |
Total |  | $ | 429,328 |  |  | $ | 424,118 |  |  | $ | 2,792,326 |  |  | $ | 2,779,255 |

Unrealized gains and losses on debt securities are generally due to fluctuations in current market yields relative to the yields of the securities at their amortized cost. All securities with unrealized losses are reviewed quarterly to determine if any impairment is considered other than temporary, requiring a write-down to fair value. First Financial considers the percentage loss on a security, duration of the loss, average life or duration of the security, credit rating of the security and payment performance, in addition to the Company’s intent and ability to hold the security to maturity, when determining whether any impairment is other than temporary. At this time First Financial does not intend to sell, and it is not more likely than not that the Company will be required to sell, debt securities temporarily impaired prior to maturity or recovery of the recorded value. First Financial had no other than temporary impairment related to its investment securities portfolio as of December 31, 2018 or 2017.
As of December 31, 2018, the Company's investment securities portfolio consisted of 1,417 securities, of which 504 securities were in an unrealized loss position. As of December 31, 2017, the Company's investment securities portfolio consisted of 775 securities, of which 237 were in an unrealized loss position.
The following tables provide the fair value and gross unrealized losses on investment securities in an unrealized loss position, aggregated by investment category and the length of time the individual securities have been in a continuous loss position:

|  | December 31, 2018
|  | Less than 12 months |  | 12 months or more |  | Total
(Dollars in thousands) |  | Fair value |  | Unrealized loss |  | Fair value |  | Unrealized loss |  | Fair value |  | Unrealized loss
U.S. Treasuries |  | $ | 0 |  |  | $ | 0 |  |  | $ | 97 |  |  | $ | (2 | ) |  | $ | 97 |  |  | $ | (2 | )
Securities of U.S. government agencies and corporations |  | 0 |  |  | 0 |  |  | 16,777 |  |  | (233 | ) |  | 16,777 |  |  | (233 | )
Mortgage-backed securities - residential |  | 186,029 |  |  | (935 | ) |  | 264,795 |  |  | (7,273 | ) |  | 450,824 |  |  | (8,208 | )
Mortgage-backed securities - commercial |  | 147,754 |  |  | (369 | ) |  | 232,363 |  |  | (7,597 | ) |  | 380,117 |  |  | (7,966 | )
Collateralized mortgage obligations |  | 194,795 |  |  | (1,546 | ) |  | 240,514 |  |  | (5,245 | ) |  | 435,309 |  |  | (6,791 | )
Obligations of state and other political subdivisions |  | 62,805 |  |  | (299 | ) |  | 86,644 |  |  | (2,489 | ) |  | 149,449 |  |  | (2,788 | )
Asset-backed securities |  | 336,437 |  |  | (2,312 | ) |  | 37,105 |  |  | (498 | ) |  | 373,542 |  |  | (2,810 | )
Other securities |  | 33,752 |  |  | (884 | ) |  | 4,570 |  |  | (220 | ) |  | 38,322 |  |  | (1,104 | )
Total |  | $ | 961,572 |  |  | $ | (6,345 | ) |  | $ | 882,865 |  |  | $ | (23,557 | ) |  | $ | 1,844,437 |  |  | $ | (29,902 | )

56 First Financial Bancorp 2018 Annual Report

|  | December 31, 2017
|  | Less than 12 months |  | 12 months or more |  | Total
(Dollars in thousands) |  | Fair value |  | Unrealized loss |  | Fair value |  | Unrealized loss |  | Fair value |  | Unrealized loss
U.S. Treasuries |  | $ | 97 |  |  | $ | (1 | ) |  | $ | 0 |  |  | $ | 0 |  |  | $ | 97 |  |  | $ | (1 | )
Securities of U.S. Government agencies and corporations |  | 11,092 |  |  | (76 | ) |  | 0 |  |  | 0 |  |  | 11,092 |  |  | (76 | )
Mortgage-backed securities - residential |  | 175,183 |  |  | (1,109 | ) |  | 108,782 |  |  | (3,025 | ) |  | 283,965 |  |  | (4,134 | )
Mortgage-backed securities - commercial |  | 132,818 |  |  | (1,713 | ) |  | 72,139 |  |  | (2,704 | ) |  | 204,957 |  |  | (4,417 | )
Collateralized mortgage obligations |  | 164,909 |  |  | (1,138 | ) |  | 101,436 |  |  | (2,325 | ) |  | 266,345 |  |  | (3,463 | )
Obligations of state and other political subdivisions |  | 38,450 |  |  | (507 | ) |  | 21,639 |  |  | (435 | ) |  | 60,089 |  |  | (942 | )
Asset-backed securities |  | 44,941 |  |  | (200 | ) |  | 24,396 |  |  | (106 | ) |  | 69,337 |  |  | (306 | )
Other securities |  | 2,605 |  |  | (1 | ) |  | 7,124 |  |  | (286 | ) |  | 9,729 |  |  | (287 | )
Total |  | $ | 570,095 |  |  | $ | (4,745 | ) |  | $ | 335,516 |  |  | $ | (8,881 | ) |  | $ | 905,611 |  |  | $ | (13,626 | )

For further detail on the fair value of investment securities, see Note 21 – Fair Value Disclosures.
5. Loans and Leases

First Financial offers clients a variety of commercial and consumer loan and lease products with various interest rates and payment terms. Commercial loan categories include C&I, CRE, construction real estate and lease financing. Consumer loan categories include residential real estate, home equity, installment and credit card.
Lending activities are primarily concentrated in states where the Bank operates banking centers (Ohio, Indiana, Kentucky and Illinois). First Financial also offers two nationwide lending platforms, one that provides equipment and leasehold improvement financing for franchisees in the quick service and casual dining restaurant sector and another that provides loans primarily to insurance agents and brokers that are secured by commissions and cash collateral accounts.
Credit quality. To facilitate the monitoring of credit quality for commercial loans, and for purposes of determining an appropriate ALLL, First Financial utilizes the following categories of credit grades:
Pass - Higher quality loans that do not fit any of the other categories described below.
Special Mention - First Financial assigns a special mention rating to loans and leases with potential weaknesses that deserve management's close attention. If left uncorrected, these potential weaknesses may result in deterioration of the repayment prospects for the loan or lease or in First Financial's credit position at some future date.
Substandard - First Financial assigns a substandard rating to loans or leases that are inadequately protected by the current sound financial worth and paying capacity of the borrower or the collateral pledged, if any. Substandard loans and leases have well-defined weaknesses that jeopardize repayment of the debt. Substandard loans and leases are characterized by the distinct possibility that the Company will sustain some loss if the deficiencies are not addressed.
Doubtful - First Financial assigns a doubtful rating to loans and leases with all of the attributes of a substandard rating with the added characteristic that the weaknesses make collection or liquidation in full highly questionable and improbable, on the basis of currently existing facts, conditions and values. The possibility of loss is extremely high, but because of certain important and reasonably specific pending factors that may work to the advantage and strengthening of the credit quality of the loan or lease, its classification as an estimated loss is deferred until its more exact status may be determined. Pending factors include proposed merger, acquisition or liquidation procedures, capital injection, perfecting liens on additional collateral and refinancing plans.
First Financial Bancorp 2018 Annual Report 57

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
The credit grades previously described are derived from standard regulatory rating definitions and are assigned upon initial approval of credit to borrowers and updated periodically thereafter.
First Financial considers repayment performance as the best indicator of credit quality for consumer loans. Consumer loans that have principal and interest payments that are past due by 90 days or more are generally classified as nonperforming. Additionally, consumer loans that have been modified in a TDR are classified as nonperforming. Purchased impaired loans are not classified as nonperforming as the loans are considered to be performing under FASB ASC Topic 310-30.
Commercial and consumer credit exposure by risk attribute was as follows:

|  | As of December 31, 2018
|  |  |  | Real Estate |  |  |  |
(Dollars in thousands) |  | Commercial & industrial |  | Construction |  | Commercial |  | Lease financing |  | Total
Pass |  | $ | 2,432,834 |  |  | $ | 548,323 |  |  | $ | 3,664,434 |  |  | $ | 90,902 |  |  | $ | 6,736,493 |
Special Mention |  | 24,594 |  |  | 603 |  |  | 38,653 |  |  | 0 |  |  | 63,850 |
Substandard |  | 57,233 |  |  | 9 |  |  | 51,594 |  |  | 2,513 |  |  | 111,349 |
Doubtful |  | 0 |  |  | 0 |  |  | 0 |  |  | 0 |  |  | 0 |
Total |  | $ | 2,514,661 |  |  | $ | 548,935 |  |  | $ | 3,754,681 |  |  | $ | 93,415 |  |  | $ | 6,911,692 |

|  | Residential real estate |  | Home Equity |  | Installment |  | Credit card |  | Total
Performing |  | $ | 939,936 |  |  | $ | 811,108 |  |  | $ | 93,038 |  |  | $ | 46,382 |  |  | $ | 1,890,464 |
Nonperforming |  | 15,710 |  |  | 6,174 |  |  | 174 |  |  | 0 |  |  | 22,058 |
Total |  | $ | 955,646 |  |  | $ | 817,282 |  |  | $ | 93,212 |  |  | $ | 46,382 |  |  | $ | 1,912,522 |

|  | As of December 31, 2017
|  |  |  | Real Estate |  |  |  |
(Dollars in thousands) |  | Commercial & industrial |  | Construction |  | Commercial |  | Lease financing |  | Total
Pass |  | $ | 1,882,464 |  |  | $ | 467,687 |  |  | $ | 2,446,999 |  |  | $ | 88,078 |  |  | $ | 4,885,228 |
Special Mention |  | 6,226 |  |  | 0 |  |  | 4,436 |  |  | 0 |  |  | 10,662 |
Substandard |  | 24,053 |  |  | 43 |  |  | 38,656 |  |  | 1,269 |  |  | 64,021 |
Doubtful |  | 0 |  |  | 0 |  |  | 0 |  |  | 0 |  |  | 0 |
Total |  | $ | 1,912,743 |  |  | $ | 467,730 |  |  | $ | 2,490,091 |  |  | $ | 89,347 |  |  | $ | 4,959,911 |

|  | Residential real estate |  | Home equity |  | Installment |  | Credit card |  | Total
Performing |  | $ | 463,459 |  |  | $ | 489,148 |  |  | $ | 41,331 |  |  | $ | 46,691 |  |  | $ | 1,040,629 |
Nonperforming |  | 7,932 |  |  | 4,456 |  |  | 255 |  |  | 0 |  |  | 12,643 |
Total |  | $ | 471,391 |  |  | $ | 493,604 |  |  | $ | 41,586 |  |  | $ | 46,691 |  |  | $ | 1,053,272 |

Delinquency. Loans are considered past due or delinquent when the contractual principal or interest due in accordance with the terms of the loan agreement or any portion thereof remains unpaid after the due date of the scheduled payment.
58 First Financial Bancorp 2018 Annual Report

Loan delinquency, including nonaccrual loans, was as follows:

|  | As of December 31, 2018
(Dollars in thousands) |  | 30 – 59 days past due |  | 60 – 89 days past due |  | > 90 days past due |  | Total past due |  | Current |  | Subtotal |  | Purchased impaired |  | Total |  | > 90 days past due and still accruing
Loans |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Commercial & industrial |  | $ | 13,369 |  |  | $ | 41 |  |  | $ | 7,423 |  |  | $ | 20,833 |  |  | $ | 2,488,450 |  |  | $ | 2,509,283 |  |  | $ | 5,378 |  |  | $ | 2,514,661 |  |  | $ | 0 |
Lease financing |  | 352 |  |  | 0 |  |  | 0 |  |  | 352 |  |  | 93,063 |  |  | 93,415 |  |  | 0 |  |  | 93,415 |  |  | 0 |
Construction real estate |  | 0 |  |  | 0 |  |  | 0 |  |  | 0 |  |  | 548,687 |  |  | 548,687 |  |  | 248 |  |  | 548,935 |  |  | 0 |
Commercial real estate |  | 6,279 |  |  | 1,158 |  |  | 12,644 |  |  | 20,081 |  |  | 3,682,455 |  |  | 3,702,536 |  |  | 52,145 |  |  | 3,754,681 |  |  | 0 |
Residential real estate |  | 11,060 |  |  | 2,976 |  |  | 4,535 |  |  | 18,571 |  |  | 902,404 |  |  | 920,975 |  |  | 34,671 |  |  | 955,646 |  |  | 0 |
Home equity |  | 5,245 |  |  | 1,228 |  |  | 2,578 |  |  | 9,051 |  |  | 804,835 |  |  | 813,886 |  |  | 3,396 |  |  | 817,282 |  |  | 0 |
Installment |  | 420 |  |  | 37 |  |  | 145 |  |  | 602 |  |  | 92,128 |  |  | 92,730 |  |  | 482 |  |  | 93,212 |  |  | 0 |
Credit card |  | 541 |  |  | 96 |  |  | 63 |  |  | 700 |  |  | 45,682 |  |  | 46,382 |  |  | 0 |  |  | 46,382 |  |  | 63 |
Total |  | $ | 37,266 |  |  | $ | 5,536 |  |  | $ | 27,388 |  |  | $ | 70,190 |  |  | $ | 8,657,704 |  |  | $ | 8,727,894 |  |  | $ | 96,320 |  |  | $ | 8,824,214 |  |  | $ | 63 |

|  | As of December 31, 2017
(Dollars in thousands) |  | 30 - 59 days past due |  | 60 - 89 days past due |  | > 90 days past due |  | Total past due |  | Current |  | Subtotal |  | Purchased impaired |  | Total |  | > 90 days past due and still accruing
Loans |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Commercial & industrial |  | $ | 755 |  |  | $ | 1,657 |  |  | $ | 5,078 |  |  | $ | 7,490 |  |  | $ | 1,901,821 |  |  | $ | 1,909,311 |  |  | $ | 3,432 |  |  | $ | 1,912,743 |  |  | $ | 0 |
Lease financing |  | 485 |  |  | 0 |  |  | 0 |  |  | 485 |  |  | 88,862 |  |  | 89,347 |  |  | 0 |  |  | 89,347 |  |  | 0 |
Construction real estate |  | 234 |  |  | 0 |  |  | 0 |  |  | 234 |  |  | 467,216 |  |  | 467,450 |  |  | 280 |  |  | 467,730 |  |  | 0 |
Commercial real estate |  | 1,716 |  |  | 201 |  |  | 8,777 |  |  | 10,694 |  |  | 2,419,969 |  |  | 2,430,663 |  |  | 59,428 |  |  | 2,490,091 |  |  | 0 |
Residential real estate |  | 526 |  |  | 811 |  |  | 1,992 |  |  | 3,329 |  |  | 430,500 |  |  | 433,829 |  |  | 37,562 |  |  | 471,391 |  |  | 0 |
Home equity |  | 2,716 |  |  | 394 |  |  | 1,753 |  |  | 4,863 |  |  | 485,127 |  |  | 489,990 |  |  | 3,614 |  |  | 493,604 |  |  | 0 |
Installment |  | 179 |  |  | 29 |  |  | 205 |  |  | 413 |  |  | 40,529 |  |  | 40,942 |  |  | 644 |  |  | 41,586 |  |  | 0 |
Credit card |  | 285 |  |  | 87 |  |  | 62 |  |  | 434 |  |  | 46,257 |  |  | 46,691 |  |  | 0 |  |  | 46,691 |  |  | 62 |
Total |  | $ | 6,896 |  |  | $ | 3,179 |  |  | $ | 17,867 |  |  | $ | 27,942 |  |  | $ | 5,880,281 |  |  | $ | 5,908,223 |  |  | $ | 104,960 |  |  | $ | 6,013,183 |  |  | $ | 62 |

Nonaccrual. Loans are classified as nonaccrual when, in the opinion of management, collection of principal or interest is doubtful or when principal or interest payments are 90 days or more past due. Generally, loans are classified as nonaccrual due to the continued failure to adhere to contractual payment terms by the borrower, coupled with other pertinent factors. When a loan is classified as nonaccrual, the accrual of interest income is discontinued and previously accrued but unpaid interest is reversed. Any payments received while a loan is on nonaccrual status are applied as a reduction to the carrying value of the loan. A loan classified as nonaccrual may return to accrual status if none of the principal and interest is due and unpaid, and the Bank expects repayment of the remaining contractual principal and interest.
Purchased impaired loans are classified as performing, even though they may be contractually past due, as any nonpayment of contractual principal or interest is considered in the periodic re-estimation of expected cash flows and is included in the resulting recognition of current period provision for loan and lease losses or prospective yield adjustments.
Troubled debt restructurings. A loan modification is considered a TDR when the borrower is experiencing financial difficulty and concessions are made by the Company that would not otherwise be considered for a borrower with similar credit characteristics. The most common types of modifications include interest rate reductions, maturity extensions and modifications to principal amortization, including interest-only structures. Modified terms are dependent upon the financial position and needs of the individual borrower. If the modification agreement is violated, the loan is managed by the Company’s credit administration group for resolution, which may result in foreclosure in the case of real estate.
First Financial Bancorp 2018 Annual Report 59

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
TDRs are generally classified as nonaccrual for a minimum period of six months and may qualify for return to accrual status once they have demonstrated performance with the restructured terms of the loan agreement.
First Financial had 196 TDRs totaling $38.5 million at December 31, 2018, including $16.1 million of loans on accrual status and $22.4 million of loans classified as nonaccrual. First Financial had no commitments outstanding to lend additional funds to borrowers whose loan terms have been modified through TDRs, and the ALLL included reserves of $1.5 million related to TDRs as of December 31, 2018. For the years ended December 31, 2018, 2017 and 2016, First Financial charged off $0.9 million, $0.3 million and $0.5 million, respectively, for the portion of TDRs determined to be uncollectible. Additionally, as of December 31, 2018, approximately $7.9 million of the accruing TDRs have been performing in accordance with the restructured terms for more than one year.
First Financial had 214 TDRs totaling $23.9 million at December 31, 2017, including $17.5 million of loans on accrual status and $6.4 million of loans classified as nonaccrual. First Financial had an insignificant amount of commitments outstanding to lend additional funds to borrowers whose loan terms have been modified through TDRs. At December 31, 2017 the ALLL included reserves of $1.3 million related to TDRs, and $17.2 million of the accruing TDRs had been performing in accordance with the restructured terms for more than one year.
First Financial had 247 TDRs totaling $35.4 million at December 31, 2016, including $30.2 million of loans on accrual status and $5.1 million of loans classified as nonaccrual. First Financial had $0.9 million of commitments outstanding to lend additional funds to borrowers whose loan terms have been modified through TDRs. At December 31, 2016, the ALLL included reserves of $1.9 million related to TDRs, and $22.6 million of the accruing TDRs had been performing in accordance with the restructured terms for more than one year.
The following table provides information on loan modifications classified as TDRs during the years ended December 31, 2018, 2017 and 2016:

|  | Years ended December 31,
|  | 2018 |  | 2017 |  | 2016
(Dollars in thousands) |  | Number of loans |  | Pre-modification loan balance |  | Period end balance |  | Number of loans |  | Pre-modification loan balance |  | Period end balance |  | Number of loans |  | Pre-modification loan balance |  | Period end balance
Commercial & industrial |  | 17 |  |  | $ | 23,943 |  |  | $ | 23,890 |  |  | 7 |  | $ | 5,724 |  |  | $ | 5,661 |  |  | 18 |  | $ | 3,402 |  |  | $ | 3,508 |
Construction real estate |  | 0 |  |  | 0 |  |  | 0 |  |  | 0 |  | 0 |  |  | 0 |  |  | 0 |  | 0 |  |  | 0 |
Commercial real estate |  | 8 |  |  | 3,385 |  |  | 3,150 |  |  | 8 |  | 1,816 |  |  | 1,758 |  |  | 16 |  | 5,200 |  |  | 4,752 |
Residential real estate |  | 13 |  |  | 1,148 |  |  | 1,073 |  |  | 6 |  | 416 |  |  | 315 |  |  | 5 |  | 840 |  |  | 787 |
Home equity |  | 5 |  |  | 95 |  |  | 192 |  |  | 1 |  | 39 |  |  | 39 |  |  | 5 |  | 165 |  |  | 156 |
Installment |  | 0 |  |  | 0 |  |  | 0 |  |  | 0 |  | 0 |  |  | 0 |  |  | 3 |  | 9 |  |  | 9 |
Total |  | 43 |  |  | $ | 28,571 |  |  | $ | 28,305 |  |  | 22 |  |  | $ | 7,995 |  |  | $ | 7,773 |  |  | 47 |  |  | $ | 9,616 |  |  | $ | 9,212 |

The following table provides information on how TDRs were modified during the years ended December 31, 2018, 2017 and 2016:

|  | Years Ended December 31,
(Dollars in thousands) |  | 2018 |  | 2017 |  | 2016
Extended maturities |  | $ | 4,093 |  |  | $ | 3,261 |  |  | $ | 2,571 |
Adjusted interest rates |  | 52 |  | 2,767 |  | 0
Combination of rate and maturity changes |  | 0 |  | 489 |  |  | 3,046 |
Forbearance |  | 23,175 |  | 1,181 |  |  | 88 |
Other (1) |  | 985 |  | 75 |  |  | 3,507 |
Total |  | $ | 28,305 |  |  | $ | 7,773 |  |  | $ | 9,212 |

(1) Other includes covenant modifications and other concessions or combination of concessions that do not consist of interest rate adjustments, forbearance and maturity extensions.
60 First Financial Bancorp 2018 Annual Report

First Financial considers repayment performance as an indication of the effectiveness of the Company's loan modifications. Borrowers that are 90 days or more past due on any principal or interest payments, or who prematurely terminate a restructured loan agreement without paying off the contractual principal balance (for example, in a deed-in-lieu arrangement), are considered to be in payment default of the terms of the TDR agreement.
For the twelve months ended December 31, 2018, there was one TDR with an insignificant balance for which there was a payment default during the period that occurred within twelve months of the loan modification. For the twelve months ended December 31, 2017 and 2016, there was one TDR and four TDRs, respectively, with balances of $1.5 million and $0.3 million, respectively, for which there was a payment default during the period that occurred within twelve months of the loan modification.

Impaired loans. Loans classified as nonaccrual and loans modified as TDRs are considered impaired. The following table provides information on impaired loans, excluding purchased impaired loans, as of December 31:

(Dollars in thousands) |  | 2018 |  | 2017 |  | 2016
Impaired loans |  |  |  |  |  |
Nonaccrual loans (1) |  |  |  |  |  |
Commercial & industrial |  | $ | 30,925 |  |  | $ | 5,229 |  |  | $ | 2,419 |
Lease financing |  | 22 |  |  | 82 |  |  | 195 |
Construction real estate |  | 9 |  |  | 29 |  |  | 0 |
Commercial real estate |  | 20,500 |  |  | 10,616 |  |  | 6,098 |
Residential real estate |  | 13,495 |  |  | 4,140 |  |  | 5,251 |
Home equity |  | 5,580 |  |  | 3,743 |  |  | 3,400 |
Installment |  | 169 |  |  | 243 |  |  | 367 |
Total nonaccrual loans |  | 70,700 |  |  | 24,082 |  |  | 17,730 |
Accruing troubled debt restructurings |  | 16,109 |  |  | 17,545 |  |  | 30,240 |
Total impaired loans |  | $ | 86,809 |  |  | $ | 41,627 |  |  | $ | 47,970 |
Interest income effect |  |  |  |  |  |
Gross amount of interest that would have been recorded under original terms |  | $ | 4,656 |  |  | $ | 3,397 |  |  | $ | 2,848 |
Interest included in income |  |  |  |  |  |
Nonaccrual loans |  | 715 |  |  | 535 |  |  | 375 |
Troubled debt restructurings |  | 642 |  |  | 710 |  |  | 876 |
Total interest included in income |  | 1,357 |  |  | 1,245 |  |  | 1,251 |
Net impact on interest income |  | $ | 3,299 |  |  | $ | 2,152 |  |  | $ | 1,597 |
Commitments outstanding to borrowers with nonaccrual loans |  | $ | 200 |  |  | $ | 0 |  |  | $ | 0 |

(1) Nonaccrual loans include nonaccrual TDRs of $22.4 million, $6.4 million and $5.1 million as of December 31, 2018, 2017 and 2016, respectively.
First Financial individually reviews all impaired commercial loan relationships greater than $250,000, as well as consumer loan TDRs greater than $250,000, to determine if a specific allowance is necessary based on the borrower’s overall financial condition, resources, and payment record, support from guarantors and the realizable value of any collateral. Specific allowances are based on discounted cash flows using the loan's initial effective interest rate or the fair value of the collateral for certain collateral dependent loans.
First Financial Bancorp 2018 Annual Report 61

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
First Financial's investment in impaired loans, excluding purchased impaired loans, is as follows:

|  | December 31, 2018 |  | December 31, 2017
(Dollars in thousands) |  | Current balance |  | Contractual principal balance |  | Related allowance |  | Current balance |  | Contractual principal balance |  | Related allowance
Loans with no related allowance recorded |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Commercial & industrial |  | $ | 36,694 |  |  | $ | 42,561 |  |  | $ | 0 |  |  | $ | 7,162 |  |  | $ | 8,460 |  |  | $ | 0 |
Lease financing |  | 22 |  |  | 22 |  |  | 0 |  |  | 82 |  |  | 82 |  |  | 0 |
Construction real estate |  | 9 |  |  | 26 |  |  | 0 |  |  | 29 |  |  | 60 |  |  | 0 |
Commercial real estate |  | 23,513 |  |  | 31,375 |  |  | 0 |  |  | 18,423 |  |  | 20,837 |  |  | 0 |
Residential real estate |  | 17,297 |  |  | 19,975 |  |  | 0 |  |  | 6,876 |  |  | 8,145 |  |  | 0 |
Home equity |  | 6,351 |  |  | 7,461 |  |  | 0 |  |  | 4,356 |  |  | 5,399 |  |  | 0 |
Installment |  | 174 |  |  | 563 |  |  | 0 |  |  | 255 |  |  | 422 |  |  | 0 |
Total |  | 84,060 |  |  | 101,983 |  |  | 0 |  |  | 37,183 |  |  | 43,405 |  |  | 0 |
Loans with an allowance recorded |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Commercial & industrial |  | 939 |  |  | 939 |  |  | 667 |  |  | 169 |  |  | 169 |  |  | 169 |
Lease financing |  | 0 |  |  | 0 |  |  | 0 |  |  | 0 |  |  | 0 |  |  | 0 |
Construction real estate |  | 0 |  |  | 0 |  |  | 0 |  |  | 0 |  |  | 0 |  |  | 0 |
Commercial real estate |  | 1,509 |  |  | 1,509 |  |  | 461 |  |  | 3,119 |  |  | 3,120 |  |  | 448 |
Residential real estate |  | 301 |  |  | 301 |  |  | 32 |  |  | 1,056 |  |  | 1,063 |  |  | 160 |
Home equity |  | 0 |  |  | 0 |  |  | 0 |  |  | 100 |  |  | 100 |  |  | 2 |
Installment |  | 0 |  |  | 0 |  |  | 0 |  |  | 0 |  |  | 0 |  |  | 0 |
Total |  | 2,749 |  |  | 2,749 |  |  | 1,160 |  |  | 4,444 |  |  | 4,452 |  |  | 779 |
Total |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Commercial & industrial |  | 37,633 |  |  | 43,500 |  |  | 667 |  |  | 7,331 |  |  | 8,629 |  |  | 169 |
Lease financing |  | 22 |  |  | 22 |  |  | 0 |  |  | 82 |  |  | 82 |  |  | 0 |
Construction real estate |  | 9 |  |  | 26 |  |  | 0 |  |  | 29 |  |  | 60 |  |  | 0 |
Commercial real estate |  | 25,022 |  |  | 32,884 |  |  | 461 |  |  | 21,542 |  |  | 23,957 |  |  | 448 |
Residential real estate |  | 17,598 |  |  | 20,276 |  |  | 32 |  |  | 7,932 |  |  | 9,208 |  |  | 160 |
Home equity |  | 6,351 |  |  | 7,461 |  |  | 0 |  |  | 4,456 |  |  | 5,499 |  |  | 2 |
Installment |  | 174 |  |  | 563 |  |  | 0 |  |  | 255 |  |  | 422 |  |  | 0 |
Total |  | $ | 86,809 |  |  | $ | 104,732 |  |  | $ | 1,160 |  |  | $ | 41,627 |  |  | $ | 47,857 |  |  | $ | 779 |

62 First Financial Bancorp 2018 Annual Report

|  | Years ended December 31,
|  | 2018 |  | 2017 |  | 2016
(Dollars in thousands) |  | Average balance |  | Interest income recognized |  | Average balance |  | Interest income recognized |  | Average balance |  | Interest income recognized
Loans with no related allowance recorded |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Commercial & industrial |  | $ | 14,498 |  |  | $ | 360 |  |  | $ | 13,167 |  |  | $ | 280 |  |  | $ | 13,619 |  |  | $ | 309 |
Lease financing |  | 21 |  |  | 0 |  |  | 112 |  |  | 4 |  |  | 150 |  |  | 3 |
Construction real estate |  | 20 |  |  | 2 |  |  | 601 |  |  | 1 |  |  | 0 |  |  | 0 |
Commercial real estate |  | 24,738 |  |  | 490 |  |  | 20,935 |  |  | 563 |  |  | 14,252 |  |  | 357 |
Residential real estate |  | 11,359 |  |  | 301 |  |  | 7,616 |  |  | 196 |  |  | 7,752 |  |  | 199 |
Home equity |  | 5,541 |  |  | 114 |  |  | 4,032 |  |  | 99 |  |  | 4,830 |  |  | 86 |
Installment |  | 274 |  |  | 2 |  |  | 332 |  |  | 4 |  |  | 366 |  |  | 7 |
Total |  | 56,451 |  |  | 1,269 |  |  | 46,795 |  |  | 1,147 |  |  | 40,969 |  |  | 961 |
Loans with an allowance recorded |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Commercial & industrial |  | 900 |  |  | 44 |  |  | 1,204 |  |  | 28 |  |  | 1,098 |  |  | 37 |
Lease financing |  | 0 |  |  | 0 |  |  | 0 |  |  | 0 |  |  | 214 |  |  | 8 |
Construction real estate |  | 0 |  |  | 0 |  |  | 0 |  |  | 0 |  |  | 0 |  |  | 0 |
Commercial real estate |  | 1,402 |  |  | 18 |  |  | 2,634 |  |  | 40 |  |  | 7,792 |  |  | 211 |
Residential real estate |  | 895 |  |  | 23 |  |  | 1,112 |  |  | 26 |  |  | 1,374 |  |  | 30 |
Home equity |  | 80 |  |  | 3 |  |  | 101 |  |  | 4 |  |  | 101 |  |  | 4 |
Installment |  | 0 |  |  | 0 |  |  | 0 |  |  | 0 |  |  | 0 |  |  | 0 |
Total |  | 3,277 |  |  | 88 |  |  | 5,051 |  |  | 98 |  |  | 10,579 |  |  | 290 |
Total |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Commercial & industrial |  | 15,398 |  |  | 404 |  |  | 14,371 |  |  | 308 |  |  | 14,717 |  |  | 346 |
Lease financing |  | 21 |  |  | 0 |  |  | 112 |  |  | 4 |  |  | 364 |  |  | 11 |
Construction real estate |  | 20 |  |  | 2 |  |  | 601 |  |  | 1 |  |  | 0 |  |  | 0 |
Commercial real estate |  | 26,140 |  |  | 508 |  |  | 23,569 |  |  | 603 |  |  | 22,044 |  |  | 568 |
Residential real estate |  | 12,254 |  |  | 324 |  |  | 8,728 |  |  | 222 |  |  | 9,126 |  |  | 229 |
Home equity |  | 5,621 |  |  | 117 |  |  | 4,133 |  |  | 103 |  |  | 4,931 |  |  | 90 |
Installment |  | 274 |  |  | 2 |  |  | 332 |  |  | 4 |  |  | 366 |  |  | 7 |
Total |  | $ | 59,728 |  |  | $ | 1,357 |  |  | $ | 51,846 |  |  | $ | 1,245 |  |  | $ | 51,548 |  |  | $ | 1,251 |

First Financial Bancorp 2018 Annual Report 63

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
OREO. OREO is comprised of properties acquired by the Company primarily through the loan foreclosure or repossession process, or other resolution activities that result in partial or total satisfaction of problem loans.
Changes in OREO were as follows:

|  | Years ended December 31,
(Dollars in thousands) |  | 2018 |  | 2017 |  | 2016
Balance at beginning of year |  | $ | 2,781 |  |  | $ | 6,284 |  |  | $ | 13,254 |
Additions |  |  |  |  |  |
Commercial |  | 1,269 |  |  | 1,732 |  |  | 1,850 |
Residential |  | 1,913 |  |  | 2,387 |  |  | 1,022 |
Total additions |  | 3,182 |  |  | 4,119 |  |  | 2,872 |
Disposals |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Commercial |  | (2,967 | ) |  | (5,409 | ) |  | (6,993 | )
Residential |  | (830 | ) |  | (1,574 | ) |  | (2,363 | )
Total disposals |  | (3,797 | ) |  | (6,983 | ) |  | (9,356 | )
Valuation adjustments |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Commercial |  | (355 | ) |  | (439 | ) |  | (345 | )
Residential |  | (410 | ) |  | (200 | ) |  | (141 | )
Total valuation adjustments |  | (765 | ) |  | (639 | ) |  | (486 | )
Balance at end of year |  | $ | 1,401 |  |  | $ | 2,781 |  |  | $ | 6,284 |

6. Allowance for Loan and Lease Losses

Management maintains the ALLL at a level that it considers sufficient to absorb probable incurred loan and lease losses inherent in the portfolio. Management determines the adequacy of the ALLL based on historical loss experience as well as other significant factors such as composition of the portfolio, economic conditions, geographic footprint, the results of periodic internal and external evaluations of delinquent, nonaccrual and classified loans and any other adverse situations that may affect a specific borrower's ability to repay, including the timing of future payments. For further discussion of First Financial's allowance methodology, see Note 1 – Summary of Significant Accounting Policies.
The ALLL is increased by provision expense and decreased by charge-offs, net of recoveries of amounts previously charged-off. First Financial's policy is to charge-off all or a portion of a loan when, in management's opinion, it is unlikely to collect the principal amount owed in full, either through payments from the borrower, or from the liquidation of collateral.
Changes in the ALLL by loan category as of December 31 were as follows:

|  | 2018
|  |  |  |  |  | Real Estate |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
(Dollars in thousands) |  | Commercial & industrial |  | Lease financing |  | Construction |  | Commercial |  | Residential |  | Home equity |  | Installment |  | Credit card |  | Total
Allowance for loan and lease losses |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Balance at beginning of year |  | $ | 17,598 |  |  | $ | 675 |  |  | $ | 3,577 |  |  | $ | 20,930 |  |  | $ | 4,683 |  |  | $ | 4,935 |  |  | $ | 307 |  |  | $ | 1,316 |  |  | $ | 54,021 |
Provision for loan and lease losses |  | 10,615 |  |  | 454 |  |  | (310 | ) |  | 847 |  |  | 492 |  |  | 829 |  |  | (85 | ) |  | 1,744 |  |  | 14,586 |
Gross charge-offs |  | (11,533 | ) |  | 0 |  |  | 0 |  |  | (4,835 | ) |  | (422 | ) |  | (1,725 | ) |  | (435 | ) |  | (1,720 | ) |  | (20,670 | )
Recoveries |  | 2,066 |  |  | 1 |  |  | 146 |  |  | 4,106 |  |  | 211 |  |  | 1,309 |  |  | 575 |  |  | 191 |  |  | 8,605 |
Total net charge-offs |  | (9,467 | ) |  | 1 |  |  | 146 |  |  | (729 | ) |  | (211 | ) |  | (416 | ) |  | 140 |  |  | (1,529 | ) |  | (12,065 | )
Ending allowance for loan and lease losses |  | $ | 18,746 |  |  | $ | 1,130 |  |  | $ | 3,413 |  |  | $ | 21,048 |  |  | $ | 4,964 |  |  | $ | 5,348 |  |  | $ | 362 |  |  | $ | 1,531 |  |  | $ | 56,542 |

64 First Financial Bancorp 2018 Annual Report

|  | 2017
|  |  |  |  |  | Real Estate |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
(Dollars in thousands) |  | Commercial & industrial |  | Lease financing |  | Construction |  | Commercial |  | Residential |  | Home equity |  | Installment |  | Credit card |  | Total
Allowance for loan and lease losses |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Balance at beginning of year |  | $ | 19,225 |  |  | $ | 716 |  |  | $ | 3,282 |  |  | $ | 26,540 |  |  | $ | 3,208 |  |  | $ | 3,043 |  |  | $ | 388 |  |  | $ | 1,559 |  |  | $ | 57,961 |
Provision for loan and lease losses |  | 6,917 |  |  | (42 | ) |  | 207 |  |  | (7,291 | ) |  | 1,695 |  |  | 1,778 |  |  | (90 | ) |  | 408 |  |  | 3,582 |
Gross charge-offs |  | (10,194 | ) |  | 0 |  |  | (1 | ) |  | (1,038 | ) |  | (435 | ) |  | (913 | ) |  | (225 | ) |  | (857 | ) |  | (13,663 | )
Recoveries |  | 1,650 |  |  | 1 |  |  | 89 |  |  | 2,719 |  |  | 215 |  |  | 1,027 |  |  | 234 |  |  | 206 |  |  | 6,141 |
Total net charge-offs |  | (8,544 | ) |  | 1 |  |  | 88 |  |  | 1,681 |  |  | (220 | ) |  | 114 |  |  | 9 |  |  | (651 | ) |  | (7,522 | )
Ending allowance for loan and lease losses |  | $ | 17,598 |  |  | $ | 675 |  |  | $ | 3,577 |  |  | $ | 20,930 |  |  | $ | 4,683 |  |  | $ | 4,935 |  |  | $ | 307 |  |  | $ | 1,316 |  |  | $ | 54,021 |

|  | 2016
|  |  |  |  |  | Real Estate |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
(Dollars in thousands) |  | Commercial & industrial |  | Lease financing |  | Construction |  | Commercial |  | Residential |  | Home equity |  | Installment |  | Credit card |  | Total
Allowance for loan and lease losses |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Balance at beginning of year |  | $ | 16,995 |  |  | $ | 821 |  |  | $ | 1,810 |  |  | $ | 23,656 |  |  | $ | 4,014 |  |  | $ | 3,943 |  |  | $ | 386 |  |  | $ | 1,773 |  |  | $ | 53,398 |
Provision for loan and lease losses |  | 3,705 |  |  | (106 | ) |  | 1,280 |  |  | 5,365 |  |  | (655 | ) |  | (175 | ) |  | 53 |  |  | 673 |  |  | 10,140 |
Gross charge-offs |  | (2,630 | ) |  | 0 |  |  | (93 | ) |  | (4,983 | ) |  | (387 | ) |  | (1,445 | ) |  | (386 | ) |  | (1,190 | ) |  | (11,114 | )
Recoveries |  | 1,155 |  |  | 1 |  |  | 285 |  |  | 2,502 |  |  | 236 |  |  | 720 |  |  | 335 |  |  | 303 |  |  | 5,537 |
Total net charge-offs |  | (1,475 | ) |  | 1 |  |  | 192 |  |  | (2,481 | ) |  | (151 | ) |  | (725 | ) |  | (51 | ) |  | (887 | ) |  | (5,577 | )
Ending allowance for loan and lease losses |  | $ | 19,225 |  |  | $ | 716 |  |  | $ | 3,282 |  |  | $ | 26,540 |  |  | $ | 3,208 |  |  | $ | 3,043 |  |  | $ | 388 |  |  | $ | 1,559 |  |  | $ | 57,961 |

The ALLL balance and the recorded investment in loans by portfolio segment and based on impairment method as of December 31 were as follows:

|  | December 31, 2018
|  |  |  |  |  | Real Estate |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
(Dollars in thousands) |  | Commercial & industrial |  | Lease financing |  | Construction |  | Commercial |  | Residential |  | Home equity |  | Installment |  | Credit card |  | Total
Ending allowance on loans individually evaluated for impairment |  | $ | 667 |  |  | $ | 0 |  |  | $ | 0 |  |  | $ | 461 |  |  | $ | 32 |  |  | $ | 0 |  |  | $ | 0 |  |  | $ | 0 |  |  | $ | 1,160 |
Ending allowance on loans collectively evaluated for impairment |  | 18,079 |  |  | 1,130 |  |  | 3,413 |  |  | 20,587 |  |  | 4,932 |  |  | 5,348 |  |  | 362 |  |  | 1,531 |  |  | 55,382 |
Ending allowance for loan and lease losses |  | $ | 18,746 |  |  | $ | 1,130 |  |  | $ | 3,413 |  |  | $ | 21,048 |  |  | $ | 4,964 |  |  | $ | 5,348 |  |  | $ | 362 |  |  | $ | 1,531 |  |  | $ | 56,542 |
Loans and Leases |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Ending balance of loans individually evaluated for impairment |  | $ | 37,633 |  |  | $ | 22 |  |  | $ | 9 |  |  | $ | 25,022 |  |  | $ | 17,598 |  |  | $ | 6,351 |  |  | $ | 174 |  |  | $ | 0 |  |  | $ | 86,809 |
Ending balance of loans collectively evaluated for impairment |  | 2,477,028 |  |  | 93,393 |  |  | 548,926 |  |  | 3,729,659 |  |  | 938,048 |  |  | 810,931 |  |  | 93,038 |  |  | 46,382 |  |  | 8,737,405 |
Total loans |  | $ | 2,514,661 |  |  | $ | 93,415 |  |  | $ | 548,935 |  |  | $ | 3,754,681 |  |  | $ | 955,646 |  |  | $ | 817,282 |  |  | $ | 93,212 |  |  | $ | 46,382 |  |  | $ | 8,824,214 |

First Financial Bancorp 2018 Annual Report 65

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

|  | December 31, 2017
|  |  |  |  |  | Real Estate |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
(Dollars in thousands) |  | Commercial & industrial |  | Lease financing |  | Construction |  | Commercial |  | Residential |  | Home equity |  | Installment |  | Credit card |  | Total
Ending allowance on loans individually evaluated for impairment |  | $ | 169 |  |  | $ | 0 |  |  | $ | 0 |  |  | $ | 448 |  |  | $ | 160 |  |  | $ | 2 |  |  | $ | 0 |  |  | $ | 0 |  |  | $ | 779 |
Ending allowance on loans collectively evaluated for impairment |  | 17,429 |  |  | 675 |  |  | 3,577 |  |  | 20,482 |  |  | 4,523 |  |  | 4,933 |  |  | 307 |  |  | 1,316 |  |  | 53,242 |
Ending allowance for loan and lease losses |  | $ | 17,598 |  |  | $ | 675 |  |  | $ | 3,577 |  |  | $ | 20,930 |  |  | $ | 4,683 |  |  | $ | 4,935 |  |  | $ | 307 |  |  | $ | 1,316 |  |  | $ | 54,021 |
Loans and Leases |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Ending balance of loans individually evaluated for impairment |  | $ | 7,331 |  |  | $ | 82 |  |  | $ | 29 |  |  | $ | 21,542 |  |  | $ | 7,932 |  |  | $ | 4,456 |  |  | $ | 255 |  |  | $ | 0 |  |  | $ | 41,627 |
Ending balance of loans collectively evaluated for impairment |  | 1,905,412 |  |  | 89,265 |  |  | 467,701 |  |  | 2,468,549 |  |  | 463,459 |  |  | 489,148 |  |  | 41,331 |  |  | 46,691 |  |  | 5,971,556 |
Total loans |  | $ | 1,912,743 |  |  | $ | 89,347 |  |  | $ | 467,730 |  |  | $ | 2,490,091 |  |  | $ | 471,391 |  |  | $ | 493,604 |  |  | $ | 41,586 |  |  | $ | 46,691 |  |  | $ | 6,013,183 |

7. Premises and Equipment

Premises and equipment at December 31 were as follows:

(Dollars in thousands) |  | 2018 |  | 2017
Land and land improvements |  | $ | 57,701 |  |  | $ | 41,711 |
Buildings |  | 161,817 |  |  | 104,576 |
Furniture and fixtures |  | 66,567 |  |  | 55,165 |
Leasehold improvements |  | 29,086 |  |  | 19,377 |
Construction in progress |  | 5,731 |  |  | 1,721 |
|  | 320,902 |  |  | 222,550 |
Less: Accumulated depreciation and amortization |  | 105,250 |  |  | 97,514 |
Total |  | $ | 215,652 |  |  | $ | 125,036 |

Rental expense recorded under operating leases in 2018, 2017 and 2016 was $9.1 million, $7.1 million and $7.9 million, respectively.
First Financial's future minimum lease payments for operating leases are as follows:

(Dollars in thousands) |  |
2019 |  | $ | 9,568 |
2020 |  | 9,179 |
2021 |  | 8,284 |
2022 |  | 5,016 |
2023 |  | 4,269 |
Thereafter |  | 15,496 |
Total |  | $ | 51,812 |

66 First Financial Bancorp 2018 Annual Report

8. Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets

Goodwill. Assets and liabilities acquired in a business combination are recorded at their estimated fair values as of the acquisition date. The excess cost of the acquisition over the fair value of net assets acquired is recorded as goodwill.
Changes in the carrying amount of goodwill for the years ended December 31, 2018, 2017 and 2016 are shown below.

(Dollars in thousands) |  | 2018 |  | 2017 |  | 2016
Balance at beginning of year |  | $ | 204,084 |  |  | $ | 204,084 |  |  | $ | 204,084 |
Goodwill resulting from business combinations |  | 676,167 |  |  | 0 |  |  | 0 |
Balance at end of year |  | $ | 880,251 |  |  | $ | 204,084 |  |  | $ | 204,084 |

First Financial recorded additions to goodwill resulting from the merger with MSFG in 2018. During 2017 and 2016, no additions to goodwill were recorded.
Goodwill is evaluated for impairment on an annual basis as of October 1 of each year, or whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the fair value of a reporting unit may be below its carrying value. First Financial performed its annual impairment test of goodwill as of October 1, 2018 and no impairment was indicated. As of December 31, 2018, no events or changes in circumstances indicated that the fair value of a reporting unit was below its carrying value.
Other intangible assets. As of December 31, 2018 and 2017, First Financial had $40.8 million and $3.8 million, respectively, of other intangible assets on the Consolidated Balance Sheets which primarily consist of CDI. CDI represents the estimated fair value of acquired customer deposit relationships on the date of acquisition and are amortized on an accelerated basis over their estimated useful lives. CDI was $37.9 million and $3.3 million as of December 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017, respectively, and First Financial recorded $41.7 million of additions to CDI in 2018, while no additions were recorded in 2017 or 2016. First Financial's CDI have an estimated weighted average remaining life of 8.9 years as of December 31, 2018.
Amortization expense recognized on intangible assets for 2018, 2017 and 2016 was $7.7 million, $1.3 million and $1.6 million, respectively. The estimated amortization expense of intangible assets for the next five years is as follows:

(Dollars in thousands) |  |
2019 |  | $ | 8,800 |
2020 |  | 7,010 |
2021 |  | 5,602 |
2022 |  | 3,417 |
2023 |  | 3,155 |

9. Deposits

Time deposits that meet or exceed the FDIC insurance limit of $250,000 at December 31, 2018 and 2017 were $284.9 million and $174.8 million, respectively.
First Financial Bancorp 2018 Annual Report 67

Scheduled maturities of time deposits for the next five years were as follows:

(Dollars in thousands) |  |
2019 |  | $ | 1,407,996 |
2020 |  | 471,183 |
2021 |  | 163,575 |
2022 |  | 110,170 |
2023 |  | 20,112 |
Thereafter |  | 528 |
Total |  | $ | 2,173,564 |

10. Borrowings

Short-term borrowings on the Consolidated Balance Sheets include repurchase agreements utilized for corporate sweep accounts with cash management account agreements in place, overnight advances from the FHLB and a short-term line of credit. All repurchase agreements are subject to terms and conditions agreed to by the Bank and the client. To secure its liability to the client, the Bank is authorized to sell or repurchase U.S. Treasury, government agency and mortgage-backed securities.
The following shows the remaining contractual maturity of repurchase agreements by collateral pledged:

(Dollars in thousands) |  | Overnight and Continuous
Repurchase agreements |  |
Mortgage-backed securities |  | $ | 22,369 |
Collateralized mortgage obligations |  | 62,222 |
Total |  | $ | 84,591 |

Securities sold under agreements to repurchase are secured by securities with a carrying amount of $85.5 million and $72.8 million, as of December 31, 2018 and 2017, respectively.
First Financial has a $30.0 million short-term credit facility with an unaffiliated bank that matures in September, 2019. This facility can have a variable or fixed interest rate and provides First Financial additional liquidity, if needed, for various corporate activities including the repurchase of First Financial common stock and the payment of dividends to shareholders. As of December 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017, there was no outstanding balance. The credit agreement requires First Financial to comply with certain covenants including those related to asset quality and capital levels, and First Financial was in compliance with all covenants associated with this facility as of December 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017.
First Financial Bancorp 2018 Annual Report 68

The following is a summary of short-term borrowings for the last three years:

|  | 2018 |  | 2017 |  | 2016
(Dollars in thousands) |  | Amount |  | Rate |  | Amount |  | Rate |  | Amount |  | Rate
At December 31, |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Federal funds purchased and securities sold under agreements to repurchase |  | $ | 183,591 |  |  | 1.65 | % |  | $ | 72,265 |  |  | 0.19 | % |  | $ | 120,212 |  |  | 0.12 | %
FHLB borrowings |  | 857,100 |  |  | 2.48 | % |  | 742,300 |  |  | 1.43 | % |  | 687,700 |  |  | 0.66 | %
Total |  | $ | 1,040,691 |  |  | 2.33 | % |  | $ | 814,565 |  |  | 1.32 | % |  | $ | 807,912 |  |  | 0.58 | %
Average for the year |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Federal funds purchased and securities sold under agreements to repurchase |  | $ | 87,221 |  |  | 0.58 | % |  | $ | 69,766 |  |  | 0.19 | % |  | $ | 89,157 |  |  | 0.05 | %
FHLB borrowings |  | 857,028 |  |  | 2.03 | % |  | 760,558 |  |  | 1.05 | % |  | 791,259 |  |  | 0.55 | %
Other short-term borrowings |  | 3,178 |  |  | 4.36 | % |  | 41 |  |  | 4.07 | % |  | 41 |  |  | 3.56 | %
Total |  | $ | 947,427 |  |  | 1.90 | % |  | $ | 830,365 |  |  | 0.98 | % |  | $ | 880,457 |  |  | 0.50 | %
Maximum month-end balances |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Federal funds purchased and securities sold under agreements to repurchase |  | $ | 183,591 |  |  |  |  | $ | 130,633 |  |  |  |  | $ | 122,242 |  |  |
FHLB borrowings |  | 1,170,800 |  |  |  |  | 957,700 |  |  |  |  | 1,035,000 |  |  |
Other short-term borrowings |  | 10,000 |  |  |  |  | 0 |  |  |  |  | 0 |  |  |

In 2015, First Financial issued $120.0 million of subordinated notes, which have a fixed interest rate of 5.13% payable semiannually and mature in August 2025. These notes are not redeemable by the Company or callable by the holders of the notes prior to maturity. In addition, First Financial acquired $49.5 million of variable rate subordinated notes in the MSFG merger that were issued to previously formed trusts in exchange for the trust proceeds. Interest on the acquired subordinated notes is payable quarterly, in arrears, and the Company has the option to defer interest payments for a period not to exceed 20 consecutive quarters. The acquired subordinated notes mature 30 years after the date of original issuance and may be called at par following the 5 year anniversary of issuance. First Financial also acquired $8.4 million of 7.40% fixed rate private placement subordinated debt in conjunction with the MSFG merger that was issued in 2015 and matures in 2025. These notes are redeemable by the Company at par following the 5 year anniversary of issuance. The subordinated notes are treated as Tier 2 capital for regulatory capital purposes and are included in Long-term debt on the Consolidated Balance Sheets.
In addition to subordinated notes, long-term debt also includes FHLB long-term advances. These instruments are primarily utilized to reduce overnight liquidity risk and to mitigate interest rate sensitivity on the Consolidated Balance Sheets.
FHLB advances, both short-term and long-term, must be collateralized with qualifying assets, typically certain commercial and residential real estate loans, as well as certain government and agency securities. For ease of borrowing execution, First Financial utilizes a blanket collateral agreement with the FHLB, and at December 31, 2018, had collateral pledged with a book value of $5.7 billion.
The following is a summary of First Financial's long-term debt:

|  | 2018 |  | 2017
(Dollars in thousands) |  | Amount |  | Average Rate |  | Amount |  | Average Rate
Subordinated debt |  | $ | 170,550 |  |  | 5.28 | % |  | $ | 120,000 |  |  | 5.13 | %
Unamortized debt issuance costs |  | (1,185 | ) |  | n/a |  |  | (1,362 | ) |  | n/a |
FHLB |  | 400,599 |  |  | 2.08 | % |  | 241 |  |  | 1.09 | %
Capital loan with municipality |  | 775 |  |  | 0.00 | % |  | 775 |  |  | 0.00 | %
Total long-term debt |  | $ | 570,739 |  |  | 3.04 | % |  | $ | 119,654 |  |  | 5.14 | %

First Financial Bancorp 2018 Annual Report 69

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
As of December 31, 2018, First Financial's long-term debt matures as follows:

(Dollars in thousands) |  |
2019 |  | $ | 157,914 |
2020 |  | 104,274 |
2021 |  | 19,007 |
2022 |  | 49,404 |
2023 |  | 0 |
Thereafter |  | 240,140 |
Total |  | $ | 570,739 |

11. Derivatives

First Financial uses certain derivative instruments, including rate caps, floors and swaps, to meet the needs of its clients while managing the interest rate risk associated with certain transactions. First Financial does not use derivatives for speculative purposes. For discussion of First Financial's accounting for derivative instruments, see Note 1 – Summary of Significant Accounting Policies.
First Financial primarily utilizes interest rate swaps as a means to offer borrowers credit-based products that meet their needs and may also utilize interest rate swaps to manage the interest rate risk profile of the Company.
Interest rate payments are exchanged with counterparties, based on the notional amount as established in the interest rate agreement. As only interest rate payments are exchanged, the cash requirements and credit risk associated with interest rate swaps are significantly less than the notional amount and the Company’s credit risk exposure is limited to the market value of the instruments. First Financial manages this market value credit risk through counterparty credit policies, which require the Company to maintain a total derivative notional position of less than 35% of assets, total credit exposure of less than 3% of capital and no single counterparty credit risk exposure greater than $20.0 million. The Company is currently below all single counterparty and portfolio limits.
Client derivatives. First Financial utilizes interest rate swaps as a means to offer commercial borrowers fixed rate funding while providing the Company with floating rate assets. The following table details the location and amounts recognized in the Consolidated Balance Sheets for client derivatives:

|  |  |  | December 31, 2018 |  | December 31, 2017
|  |  |  |  |  | Estimated fair value |  |  |  | Estimated fair value
(Dollars in thousands) |  | Balance Sheet Classification |  | Notional amount |  | Gain |  | Loss |  | Notional amount |  | Gain |  | Loss
Client derivatives |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Matched interest rate swaps with borrower |  | Accrued interest and other assets and other liabilities |  | $ | 1,359,990 |  |  | $ | 17,402 |  |  | $ | (11,787 | ) |  | $ | 837,040 |  |  | $ | 7,153 |  |  | $ | (5,529 | )
Matched interest rate swaps with counterparty |  | Accrued interest and other liabilities |  | 1,359,990 |  |  | 11,787 |  |  | (17,401 | ) |  | 837,040 |  |  | 5,529 |  |  | (7,158 | )
Total |  |  |  | $ | 2,719,980 |  |  | $ | 29,189 |  |  | $ | (29,188 | ) |  | $ | 1,674,080 |  |  | $ | 12,682 |  |  | $ | (12,687 | )

At December 31, 2018, the Company had a total counterparty notional amount outstanding of $1.4 billion, spread among thirteen counterparties, with an outstanding liability from these contracts of $4.9 million. At December 31, 2017, the Company had a total counterparty notional amount outstanding of $837.5 million, spread among thirteen counterparties, with an outstanding liability from these contracts of $1.3 million.
First Financial monitors its derivative credit exposure to borrowers by monitoring the creditworthiness of the related loan customers through the Company's normal credit review processes. Additionally, the Company's ALLL committee monitors derivative credit risk exposure related to problem loans. First Financial considers the market value of a derivative instrument to be part of the carrying value of the related loan for these purposes as the borrower is contractually obligated to pay First Financial this amount in the event the derivative contract is terminated.
In connection with its use of derivative instruments, First Financial and its counterparties are required to post cash collateral to offset the market position of the derivative instruments. First Financial maintains the right to offset these derivative positions
70 First Financial Bancorp 2018 Annual Report

with the collateral posted against them by or with the relevant counterparties. First Financial classifies the derivative cash collateral outstanding with its counterparties as an adjustment to the fair value of the derivative contracts within Accrued interest and other assets or Accrued interest and other liabilities in the Consolidated Balance Sheets.
The following table discloses the gross and net amounts of client derivative liabilities recognized in the Consolidated Balance Sheets:

|  | December 31, 2018 |  | December 31, 2017
(Dollars in thousands) |  | Gross amounts of recognized liabilities |  | Gross amounts offset in the Consolidated Balance Sheets |  | Net amounts of liabilities presented in the Consolidated Balance Sheets |  | Gross amounts of recognized liabilities |  | Gross amounts offset in the Consolidated Balance Sheets |  | Net amounts of liabilities presented in the Consolidated Balance Sheets
Client derivatives |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Matched interest rate swaps |  | $ | 29,189 |  |  | $ | (14,577 | ) |  | $ | 14,612 |  |  | $ | 12,687 |  |  | $ | 2,279 |  |  | $ | 14,966 |

The following table details the derivative financial instruments, the average remaining maturities and the weighted-average interest rates being paid and received by First Financial at December 31, 2018:

|  |  |  |  |  |  |  | Weighted-Average Rate
(Dollars in thousands) |  | Notional amount |  | Average maturity (years) |  | Fair value |  | Receive |  | Pay
Client derivatives |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Receive fixed, matched interest rate swaps with borrower |  | $ | 1,359,990 |  |  | 6.2 |  | $ | 5,615 |  |  | 4.70 | % |  | 4.67 | %
Pay fixed, matched interest rate swaps with counterparty |  | 1,359,990 |  |  | 6.2 |  | (5,614 | ) |  | 4.67 | % |  | 4.70 | %
Total client derivatives |  | $ | 2,719,980 |  |  | 6.2 |  | $ | 1 |  |  | 4.68 | % |  | 4.68 | %

Credit derivatives. In conjunction with participating interests in commercial loans, First Financial periodically enters into risk participation agreements with counterparties whereby First Financial assumes a portion of the credit exposure associated with an interest rate swap on the participated loan in exchange for a fee. Under these agreements, First Financial will make payments to the counterparty if the loan customer defaults on its obligation to perform under the interest rate swap contract with the counterparty. The total notional value of these agreements totaled $138.4 million as of December 31, 2018 and $95.9 million as of December 31, 2017. The fair value of these agreements were recorded in Accrued interest and other liabilities on the Consolidated Balance Sheets was $0.1 million at both December 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017.
Mortgage Derivatives. First Financial enters into IRLCs and forward commitments for the future delivery of mortgage loans to third party investors, which are considered derivatives. When borrowers secure an IRLC with First Financial and the loan is intended to be sold, First Financial will enter into forward commitments for the future delivery of the loans to third party investors in order to hedge against the effect of changes in interest rates impacting IRLCs and and loans held for sale. At December 31, 2018, the notional amount of the IRLCs was $20.8 million and the notional amount of forward commitments was $12.3 million. As of December 31, 2017, the notional amount of IRLCs was $12.3 million and the notional amount of forward commitments was $15.4 million. The fair value of these agreements was recorded on the Consolidated Balance Sheets in Accrued interest and other assets and was insignificant at December 31, 2018 and $0.1 million at December 31, 2017.
12. Commitments and Contingencies

First Financial offers a variety of financial instruments including letters of credit and outstanding commitments to extend credit to assist clients in meeting their requirement for liquidity and credit enhancement. GAAP does not require these financial instruments to be recorded in the Consolidated Financial Statements.
First Financial utilizes the same credit policies in issuing commitments and conditional obligations as it does for credit instruments recorded on the Consolidated Balance Sheets. First Financial’s exposure to credit loss in the event of nonperformance by the counterparty is represented by the contractual amounts of those instruments. First Financial utilizes the ALLL methodology to maintain a reserve that it considers sufficient to absorb probable losses incurred in letters of credit and outstanding loan commitments and records the reserve within Accrued interest and other liabilities on the Consolidated Balance
First Financial Bancorp 2018 Annual Report 71

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
Sheets. First Financial had $0.7 million and $0.5 million of reserves for unfunded commitments recorded in Accrued interest and other liabilities on the Consolidated Balance Sheets as of December 31, 2018 and 2017, respectively.
Loan commitments. Loan commitments are agreements to extend credit to a client absent any violation of any condition established in the commitment agreement. Commitments generally have fixed expiration dates or other termination clauses and may require payment of a fee. Since many of the commitments are expected to expire without being drawn upon, the total commitment amounts do not necessarily represent future cash requirements. The amount of collateral obtained, if deemed necessary by First Financial upon extension of credit, is based on management’s credit evaluation of the client. The collateral held varies, but may include securities, real estate, inventory, plant or equipment. First Financial had commitments outstanding to extend credit, totaling $3.0 billion and $2.1 billion at December 31, 2018 and 2017, respectively. As of December 31, 2018, loan commitments with a fixed interest rate totaled $174.0 million while commitments with variable interest rates totaled $2.9 billion. The fixed rate loan commitments have interest rates ranging from 0.00% to 21.00% for both December 31, 2018 and 2017. The fixed rate loan commitments have maturities ranging from 1 to 30 years for December 31, 2018 and 1 and 29 years for December 31, 2017.
Letters of credit. Letters of credit are conditional commitments issued by First Financial to guarantee the performance of a client to a third party. First Financial’s portfolio of letters of credit consists primarily of performance assurances made on behalf of clients who have a contractual commitment to produce or deliver goods or services. The risk to First Financial arises from its obligation to make payment in the event of the client's contractual default to produce the contracted good or service to a third party. First Financial has issued letters of credit aggregating $32.7 million and $25.3 million at December 31, 2018, and 2017, respectively. Management conducts regular reviews of these instruments on an individual client basis.
Investments in affordable housing projects. First Financial has made investments in certain qualified affordable housing tax credits. These credits are an indirect federal subsidy that provide tax incentives to encourage investment in the development, acquisition and rehabilitation of affordable rental housing, and allow investors to claim tax credits and other tax benefits (such as deductions from taxable income for operating losses) on their federal income tax returns. The principal risk associated with qualified affordable housing investments is the potential for noncompliance with the tax code requirements, such as failure to rent property to qualified tenants, resulting in the unavailability or recapture of the tax credits and other tax benefits. Investments in affordable housing projects are accounted for under the proportional amortization method and are included in Accrued interest and other assets in the Consolidated Balance Sheets.
First Financial's affordable housing commitments totaled $39.4 million and $35.9 million as of December 31, 2018 and 2017, respectively. The Company recognized tax credits of $4.9 million and $3.2 million related to its investments in affordable housing projects for the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017, respectively. The Company recognized amortization expense which was included in income tax expense of $5.7 million and $4.2 million for the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017, respectively. First Financial had no affordable housing contingent commitments as of December 31, 2018 or December 31, 2017.
Investments in historic tax credits. First Financial has noncontrolling financial investments in private investment funds and partnerships which are not consolidated. These investments may generate a return through the realization of federal and state income tax credits, as well as other tax benefits, such as tax deductions from net operating losses of the investments over a period of time. Investments in historic tax credits are accounted for under the equity method of accounting and are included in Accrued interest and other assets on the Consolidated Balance Sheets. The Company’s recorded investment in these entities was approximately $3.9 million at December 31, 2018, and $3.0 million at December 31, 2017. The maximum exposure to loss related to these investments was $3.9 million at December 31, 2018 and $3.0 million at December 31, 2017, representing the Company’s investment balance and its unfunded commitments to invest additional amounts. Investments in historic tax credits resulted in $0.5 million and $13.7 million of tax credits for the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017, respectively. Recognition of a single historic tax credit investment resulted in a $12.5 million reduction in income tax expense and $11.3 million of other noninterest expenses during 2017.
Contingencies/Litigation. First Financial and its subsidiaries are engaged in various matters of litigation from time to time, and have a number of unresolved claims pending. Additionally, as part of the ordinary course of business, First Financial and its subsidiaries are parties to litigation involving claims to the ownership of funds in particular accounts, the collection of delinquent accounts, challenges to security interests in collateral and foreclosure interests, that is incidental to our regular business activities. While the ultimate liability with respect to these litigation matters and claims cannot be determined at this time, First Financial believes that damages, if any, and other amounts relating to pending matters are not probable or cannot be reasonably estimated as of December 31, 2018. Reserves are established for these various matters of litigation, when
72 First Financial Bancorp 2018 Annual Report

appropriate, under FASB ASC Topic 450, Contingencies, based in part upon the advice of legal counsel. First Financial had no reserves related to litigation matters as of December 31, 2018 or December 31, 2017.
13. Related Party Transactions

Loans to directors, executive officers, principal holders of First Financial’s common stock and certain related persons were as follows:

(Dollars in thousands) |  | 2018
Beginning balance |  | $ | 9,873 |
Additions |  | 2,108 |
Deductions |  | (9,249 | )
Ending balance |  | $ | 2,732 |
Loans 90 days or more past due |  | $ | 0 |

Related parties of First Financial, as defined for inclusion in the table above, were clients of, and had transactions with, subsidiaries of First Financial during the periods noted. Similar transactions with related parties may be expected in future periods.
14. Income Taxes

Income tax expense consisted of the following components:

(Dollars in thousands) |  | 2018 |  | 2017 |  | 2016
Current expense |  |  |  |  |  |
Federal |  | $ | 34,330 |  |  | $ | 22,599 |  |  | $ | 40,537 |
State |  | 1,029 |  |  | 1,265 |  |  | 1,322 |
Total current expense |  | 35,359 |  |  | 23,864 |  |  | 41,859 |
Deferred expense (benefit) |  |  |  |  |  |
Federal |  | 4,675 |  |  | (4,657 | ) |  | 528 |
State |  | 1,592 |  |  | 169 |  |  | (182 | )
Total deferred expense (benefit) |  | 6,267 |  |  | (4,488 | ) |  | 346 |
Income tax expense |  | $ | 41,626 |  |  | $ | 19,376 |  |  | $ | 42,205 |

The difference between the federal income tax rates applied to income before income taxes, and the effective rates were due to the following:

(Dollars in thousands) |  | 2018 |  | 2017 |  | 2016
Income taxes computed at federal statutory rate on income before income taxes (21% in 2018; 35% in 2017 and 2016) |  | $ | 44,986 |  |  | $ | 40,657 |  |  | $ | 45,756 |
Benefit from tax-exempt income |  | (4,499 | ) |  | (3,427 | ) |  | (2,911 | )
Tax credits |  | (5,439 | ) |  | (16,806 | ) |  | (2,691 | )
Tax rate reduction impact |  | 0 |  |  | (8,191 | ) |  | 0 |
Basis reduction on historic tax credit |  | 0 |  |  | 4,599 |  |  | 0 |
Tax benefit of equity compensation |  | (565 | ) |  | (1,449 | ) |  | (72 | )
State income taxes, net of federal tax benefit |  | 2,070 |  |  | 932 |  |  | 741 |
Affordable housing investments |  | 4,725 |  |  | 2,798 |  |  | 1,923 |
Other |  | 348 |  |  | 263 |  |  | (541 | )
Income tax expense |  | $ | 41,626 |  |  | $ | 19,376 |  |  | $ | 42,205 |

First Financial Bancorp 2018 Annual Report 73

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
On December 22, 2017, the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act was signed into law. As a result, First Financial revalued its deferred tax assets and liabilities as well as its investments in affordable housing projects utilizing a 21% federal rate compared to a 35% rate in prior periods.
The major components of the temporary differences that gave rise to deferred tax assets and liabilities at December 31, 2018, and 2017, were as follows:

(Dollars in thousands) |  | 2018 |  | 2017
Deferred tax assets |  |  |  |
Allowance for loan and lease losses |  | $ | 12,782 |  |  | $ | 12,134 |
Fair value adjustments on business combinations |  | 11,199 |  |  | 369 |
Deferred compensation |  | 392 |  |  | 384 |
Postretirement benefits other than pension liability |  | 676 |  |  | 564 |
Accrued stock-based compensation |  | 1,145 |  |  | 932 |
OREO write-downs |  | 118 |  |  | 97 |
Interest on nonaccrual loans |  | 1,160 |  |  | 616 |
Accrued expenses |  | 5,808 |  |  | 3,051 |
Net unrealized losses on investment securities and derivatives |  | 3,221 |  |  | 249 |
State net operating loss |  | 3,119 |  |  | 0 |
Federal tax credit carryforwards |  | 873 |  |  | 0 |
Other |  | 425 |  |  | 339 |
Total deferred tax assets |  | 40,918 |  |  | 18,735 |
Deferred tax liabilities |  |  |  |
Tax depreciation in excess of book depreciation |  | (9,530 | ) |  | (2,510 | )
FHLB and FRB stock |  | (4,044 | ) |  | (3,384 | )
Mortgage-servicing rights |  | (2,285 | ) |  | (343 | )
Leasing activities |  | (3,881 | ) |  | (2,792 | )
Retirement obligation |  | (6,614 | ) |  | (8,888 | )
Intangible assets |  | (12,310 | ) |  | (11,559 | )
Deferred loan fees and costs |  | (131 | ) |  | (371 | )
Prepaid expenses |  | (582 | ) |  | (210 | )
Limited partnership investments |  | (2,367 | ) |  | (1,230 | )
Other |  | (1,867 | ) |  | (2,415 | )
Total deferred tax liabilities |  | (43,611 | ) |  | (33,702 | )
Total net deferred tax liability |  | $ | (2,693 | ) |  | $ | (14,967 | )

In conjunction with the MSFG merger, First Financial acquired $3.9 million of state net operating losses, which begin to expire in 2022. The Company expects to fully utilize these net operating losses and, therefore, a valuation allowance is not required at December 31, 2018. The Company also acquired $0.9 million of federal alternative minimum tax credit carryforwards in its merger with MSFG, which are expected to be fully utilized in 2019. The acquired MSFG state net operating loss and federal tax credits are subject to IRC Section 382 and are limited annually.
The realization of the Company’s deferred tax assets is dependent upon the Company’s ability to generate taxable income in future periods, the reversal of deferred tax liabilities during the same period and the ability to carry back any losses. The Company has evaluated the available evidence supporting the realization of its deferred tax assets and determined it is more likely than not that the assets will be realized and thus no valuation allowance was recorded at December 31, 2018 and 2017.
With the acquisition of Mainsource in 2018, the Bank’s retained earnings at December 31, 2018 included base-year bad debt reserves, created for tax purposes prior to 1988, of $16.1 million. Base-year reserves are subject to recapture in the event the Bank redeems its stock, makes distributions in excess of current and accumulated earnings and profits (as calculated for federal income tax purposes), loses its “bank” status or liquidates. The Bank has no intention of meeting any of the criteria for recapture. Accordingly, a deferred income tax liability of $3.4 million has not be recorded.
74 First Financial Bancorp 2018 Annual Report

At both December 31, 2018 and 2017, First Financial had $2.9 million of unrecognized tax benefits, as determined in FASB ASC Topic 740-10, Income Taxes, that, if recognized, would favorably affect the effective income tax rate in future periods. A progression of unrecognized tax benefits as of December 31, 2018 and 2017 is as follows:

(Dollars in thousands) |  | 2018 |  | 2017
Balance at beginning of year |  | $ | 3,735 |  |  | $ | 3,735 |
Additions for tax positions of prior years |  | 0 |  |  | 0 |
Balance at end of year |  | $ | 3,735 |  |  | $ | 3,735 |

The unrecognized tax benefits relate to state income tax exposures where First Financial believes it is likely that, upon examination, a state may take a position contrary to the position taken by the Company. The Company believes that resolution regarding our uncertain tax positions is reasonably possible within the next twelve months and could result in full, partial or no recognition of the benefit.
First Financial recognizes interest accrued related to unrecognized tax benefits and penalties as income tax expense. At December 31, 2018 and 2017, the Company had no interest or penalties recorded.
First Financial and its subsidiaries are subject to U.S. federal income tax as well as state and local income tax in several jurisdictions. Tax years prior to 2015 have been closed and are no longer subject to U.S. federal income tax examinations. Tax years 2015 through 2017 remain open to examination by the federal taxing authority.
First Financial is no longer subject to state and local income tax examinations for years prior to 2011. Tax years 2011 through 2017 remain open to state and local examination by various other jurisdictions.
15. Employee Benefit Plans

Pension plan. First Financial sponsors a non-contributory defined benefit pension plan covering substantially all employees and uses a December 31 measurement date for the plan. Plan assets were primarily invested in fixed income and equity mutual funds. The pension plan does not directly own any shares of First Financial common stock or any other First Financial security or product.
The investment objective of the Plan is to structure the assets to mirror the liabilities of the Plan, with the fixed income component matching the identified near and long-term plan distributions and the equity component generating growth of capital to meet other future Plan liabilities. The determination of the overall expected long-term return on plan assets was based on the composition of plan assets and a consensus of estimates from similarly managed portfolios of expected future returns.
As a result of the plan’s updated actuarial projections for 2018, First Financial recorded expense related to its pension plan of $0.9 million for 2018. During 2017 and 2016, First Financial recorded income of $0.6 million and $1.2 million, respectively. First Financial made no cash contributions to the pension plan in 2018, 2017 or 2016 and does not expect to make any contributions in 2019.
First Financial Bancorp 2018 Annual Report 75

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
The following tables set forth information concerning amounts recognized in First Financial's Consolidated Balance Sheets and Consolidated Statements of Income related to the Company's pension plan:

|  | December 31,
(Dollars in thousands) |  | 2018 |  | 2017
Change in benefit obligation |  |  |  |
Benefit obligation at beginning of year |  | $ | 71,154 |  |  | $ | 62,729 |
Service cost |  | 6,501 |  |  | 4,894 |
Interest cost |  | 2,394 |  |  | 2,325 |
Actuarial (gain) loss |  | (4,032 | ) |  | 6,107 |
Benefits paid, excluding settlement |  | (7,731 | ) |  | (4,901 | )
Benefit obligation at end of year |  | 68,286 |  |  | 71,154 |
Change in plan assets |  |  |  |
Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year |  | 144,349 |  |  | 131,011 |
Actual return on plan assets |  | (6,540 | ) |  | 18,239 |
Benefits paid, excluding settlement |  | (7,731 | ) |  | (4,901 | )
Fair value of plan assets at end of year |  | 130,078 |  |  | 144,349 |
Amounts recognized in the Consolidated Balance Sheets |  |  |  |
Assets |  | 61,792 |  |  | 73,195 |
Liabilities |  | 0 |  |  | 0 |
Net amount recognized |  | $ | 61,792 |  |  | $ | 73,195 |
Amounts recognized in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) |  |  |  |
Net actuarial loss |  | $ | 43,711 |  |  | $ | 33,580 |
Net prior service cost |  | (1,508 | ) |  | (1,921 | )
Deferred tax assets |  | (9,613 | ) |  | (12,028 | )
Net amount recognized |  | $ | 32,590 |  |  | $ | 19,631 |
Change in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) |  | $ | 12,959 |  |  | $ | (3,172 | )
Accumulated benefit obligation |  | $ | 66,320 |  |  | $ | 69,678 |

76 First Financial Bancorp 2018 Annual Report

Components of net periodic benefit cost |  |  |  |  |  |
|  | December 31,
(Dollars in thousands) |  | 2018 |  | 2017 |  | 2016
Service cost |  | $ | 6,501 |  |  | $ | 4,894 |  |  | $ | 5,034 |
Interest cost |  | 2,394 |  |  | 2,325 |  |  | 2,262 |
Expected return on assets |  | (9,811 | ) |  | (9,358 | ) |  | (9,644 | )
Amortization of prior service cost |  | (413 | ) |  | (413 | ) |  | (413 | )
Recognized net actuarial loss |  | 2,188 |  |  | 1,924 |  |  | 1,608 |
Net periodic benefit (income) cost |  | 859 |  |  | (628 | ) |  | (1,153 | )
Other changes recognized in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) |  |  |  |
Net actuarial (gain) loss |  | 12,319 |  |  | (2,775 | ) |  | (884 | )
Prior service cost |  | 0 |  |  | 0 |  |  | 0 |
Amortization of prior service cost |  | 413 |  |  | 413 |  |  | 413 |
Amortization of gain |  | (2,188 | ) |  | (1,924 | ) |  | (1,608 | )
Total recognized in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) |  | 10,544 |  |  | (4,286 | ) |  | (2,079 | )
Total recognized in net periodic benefit cost and accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) |  | $ | 11,403 |  |  | $ | (4,914 | ) |  | $ | (3,232 | )
Amount expected to be recognized in net periodic pension expense in the coming year |  |  |  |
Amortization of (gain) loss |  | $ | 1,867 |  |  | $ | 2,090 |  |  | $ | 1,754 |
Amortization of prior service credit |  | (413 | ) |  | (413 | ) |  | (413 | )

Pension plan assumptions |  |  |  |  |  |
|  | December 31,
|  | 2018 |  | 2017 |  | 2016
Benefit obligations |  |  |  |  |  |
Discount rate |  | 4.31 | % |  | 3.43 | % |  | 3.88 | %
Rate of compensation increase |  | 3.50 | % |  | 3.50 | % |  | 3.50 | %
Net periodic benefit cost |  |  |  |  |  |
Discount rate |  | 3.43 | % |  | 3.88 | % |  | 4.05 | %
Expected return on plan assets |  | 7.25 | % |  | 7.25 | % |  | 7.50 | %
Rate of compensation increase |  | 3.50 | % |  | 3.50 | % |  | 3.50 | %

The fair value of the plan assets as of December 31, 2018 by asset category is shown in the table that follows:

|  | Fair Value Measurements
(Dollars in thousands) |  | Total |  | Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1) |  | Significant Observable Inputs (Level 2) |  | Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3)
Asset Category |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Cash |  | $ | 216 |  |  | $ | 216 |  |  | $ | 0 |  |  | $ | 0 |
U. S. Government agencies |  | 8,053 |  |  | 0 |  |  | 8,053 |  |  | 0 |
Fixed income mutual funds |  | 74,453 |  |  | 74,453 |  |  | 0 |  |  | 0 |
Equity mutual funds |  | 47,356 |  |  | 47,356 |  |  | 0 |  |  | 0 |
Total |  | $ | 130,078 |  |  | $ | 122,025 |  |  | $ | 8,053 |  |  | $ | 0 |

First Financial Bancorp 2018 Annual Report 77

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
The fair value of the plan assets as of December 31, 2017 by asset category is shown in the table that follows:

|  | Fair Value Measurements
(Dollars in thousands) |  | Total |  | Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1) |  | Significant Observable Inputs (Level 2) |  | Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3)
Asset Category |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Cash |  | $ | 175 |  |  | $ | 175 |  |  | $ | 0 |  |  | $ | 0 |
U. S. Government agencies |  | 6,853 |  |  | 0 |  |  | 6,853 |  |  | 0 |
Fixed income mutual funds |  | 69,154 |  |  | 69,154 |  |  | 0 |  |  | 0 |
Equity mutual funds |  | 68,167 |  |  | 68,167 |  |  | 0 |  |  | 0 |
Total |  | $ | 144,349 |  |  | $ | 137,496 |  |  | $ | 6,853 |  |  | $ | 0 |

The level within the fair value hierarchy is based on the lowest level of input that is significant in the fair value measurement. See Note 21 – Fair Value Disclosures for further information related to the framework for measuring fair value and the fair value hierarchy.
The following benefit payments, which reflect expected future service, are expected to be paid:

(Dollars in thousands) |  |
2019 |  | $ | 4,396 |
2020 |  | 5,280 |
2021 |  | 5,229 |
2022 |  | 4,739 |
2023 |  | 4,917 |
Thereafter |  | 29,948 |

401(k) plan. First Financial sponsors a defined contribution 401(k) plan which covers substantially all employees. Employees may contribute up to 50.0% of their earnings into the plan, not to exceed applicable limitations prescribed by the Internal Revenue Service. First Financial's contributions to the 401(k) plan are discretionary and vest immediately. First Financial measures the Company's performance compared to its identified peer group in determining whether to recommend a Company contribution, with the amount of the recommended contribution not to exceed 3% of the employee's annual earnings. First Financial recorded no expense related to the Company's contributions to the 401(k) plan during the year ended December 31, 2018. First Financial recorded $1.9 million and $0.8 million of expense related to the Company's contributions to the 401(k) plan during 2017 and 2016, respectively.
16. Revenue Recognition

On January 1, 2018, the Company adopted ASU No. 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers using the modified retrospective method applied to all contracts not completed as of January 1, 2018. Results for reporting periods beginning after January 1, 2018 are presented under the guidance set forth in this update while prior period amounts continue to be reported in accordance with legacy GAAP. Adoption of this update did not result in a change to the accounting for any of the in-scope revenue streams. As such, no cumulative effect adjustment to retained earnings was recorded.
The majority of the Company's revenues come from interest income and other sources, including loans, leases, securities and derivatives, that are outside the scope of this guidance. The Company's services that fall within the scope of this ASU are presented within Noninterest income and are recognized as revenue as the Company satisfies its obligation to the customer. Services within the scope of this guidance include service charges on deposits, trust and wealth management fees, bankcard income, gain/loss on the sale of OREO and investment brokerage fees.
Service charges on deposit accounts. The Company earns fees from its deposit customers for transaction-based, account maintenance and overdraft services. Transaction-based fees, which include services such as ATM use fees, stop payment charges, statement rendering and ACH fees, are recognized at the time the transaction is executed as that is the point in time the
78 First Financial Bancorp 2018 Annual Report

Company fulfills the customer's request. Account maintenance fees, which relate primarily to monthly maintenance, are earned over the course of a month, representing the period over which the Company satisfies the performance obligation. Similarly, overdraft fees are recognized at the point in time that the overdraft occurs as this corresponds with the Company's performance obligation. Service charges on deposit accounts are withdrawn from the customer's account balance.
Trust and wealth management fees. Trust and wealth management fees are primarily asset-based, but can also include flat fees based upon a specific service rendered, such as tax preparation services. The Company’s performance obligation is generally satisfied over time and the resulting fees are recognized monthly, based upon the month-end market value of the assets under management and the applicable fees. The Company does not earn performance-based incentives. Optional services such as real estate sales and tax return preparation services are also available to existing trust and wealth management customers. The Company’s performance obligation for these transactional-based services is generally satisfied, and related revenue recognized, as incurred.
Bankcard income. The Company earns interchange fees from cardholder transactions conducted through the Visa payment network. Interchange fees from cardholder transactions represent a percentage of the underlying transaction value and are recognized concurrent with the transaction processing services provided to the cardholder. Interchange income is presented on the Consolidated Statements of Income net of expenses. Gross interchange income for 2018 was $31.3 million, which was partially offset by $11.0 million of expenses within Noninterest income.
Gain/loss on sale of OREO. The Company records a gain or loss from the sale of OREO when control of the property transfers to the buyer, which generally occurs at the time of the executed deed. When the Company finances the sale of OREO to the buyer, the Company assesses whether the buyer is committed to perform their obligations under the contract and whether collectibility of the transaction price is probable. Once these criteria are met, the OREO asset is derecognized and the gain or loss on sale is recorded upon the transfer of control of the property to the buyer.
Other. Other noninterest income consists of other recurring revenue streams such as transaction fees, safe deposit rental income, insurance commissions, merchant referral income and brokerage revenue. Transaction fees primarily include check printing sales commissions, collection fees and wire transfer fees which arise from in-branch transactions. Safe deposit rental income arises from services charged to the customer on an annual basis and recognized upon receipt of payment. Insurance commissions are agent commissions earned by the Company and earned upon the effective date of the bound coverage. Merchant referral income is associated with a program whereby the Company receives a share of processing revenue that is generated from clients that were referred by First Financial to the service provider. Revenue is recognized at the point in time when the transaction occurs. Brokerage revenue represents fees from investment brokerage services provided to customers by a third party provider. The Company receives commissions from the third-party service provider on a monthly basis based upon customer activity for the month. The fees are recognized monthly and a receivable is recorded until commissions are paid the following month. Because the Company (i) acts as an agent in arranging the relationship between the customer and the third-party service provider and (ii) does not control the services rendered to the customers, investment brokerage fees are presented net of related costs.
First Financial Bancorp 2018 Annual Report 79

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
17. Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)

Shareholders’ equity is affected by transactions and valuations of asset and liability positions that require adjustments to accumulated other comprehensive income (loss). The related tax effects allocated to other comprehensive income and accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) are as follows:

|  | December 31, 2018
|  | Total other comprehensive income (loss) |  | Total accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)
(Dollars in thousands) |  | Prior to reclass |  | Reclass from |  | Pre-tax |  | Tax effect |  | Net of tax |  | Beginning balance |  | Net activity |  | Cumulative effect of new standard |  | Ending balance
Unrealized gain (loss) on debt securities |  | $ | (14,461 | ) |  | $ | (161 | ) |  | $ | (14,300 | ) |  | $ | 3,071 |  |  | $ | (11,229 | ) |  | $ | (182 | ) |  | $ | (11,229 | ) |  | $ | (190 | ) |  | $ | (11,601 | )
Unrealized gain (loss) on derivatives |  | 628 |  |  | 0 |  |  | 628 |  |  | (144 | ) |  | 484 |  |  | (577 | ) |  | 484 |  |  | (124 | ) |  | (217 | )
Retirement obligation |  | (12,319 | ) |  | (1,775 | ) |  | (10,544 | ) |  | 2,364 |  |  | (8,180 | ) |  | (19,631 | ) |  | (8,180 | ) |  | (4,779 | ) |  | (32,590 | )
Total |  | $ | (26,152 | ) |  | $ | (1,936 | ) |  | $ | (24,216 | ) |  | $ | 5,291 |  |  | $ | (18,925 | ) |  | $ | (20,390 | ) |  | $ | (18,925 | ) |  | $ | (5,093 | ) |  | $ | (44,408 | )

|  | December 31, 2017
|  | Total other comprehensive income (loss) |  | Total accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)
(Dollars in thousands) |  | Prior to reclass |  | Reclass from |  | Pre-tax |  | Tax-effect |  | Net of tax |  | Beginning Balance |  | Net Activity |  | Ending Balance
Unrealized gain (loss) on debt securities |  | $ | 8,447 |  |  | $ | 1,649 |  |  | $ | 6,798 |  |  | $ | (2,431 | ) |  | $ | 4,367 |  |  | $ | (4,549 | ) |  | $ | 4,367 |  |  | $ | (182 | )
Unrealized gain (loss) on derivatives |  | 810 |  |  | 0 |  |  | 810 |  |  | (296 | ) |  | 514 |  |  | (1,091 | ) |  | 514 |  |  | (577 | )
Retirement obligation |  | 2,775 |  |  | (1,511 | ) |  | 4,286 |  |  | (1,114 | ) |  | 3,172 |  |  | (22,803 | ) |  | 3,172 |  |  | (19,631 | )
Total |  | $ | 12,032 |  |  | $ | 138 |  |  | $ | 11,894 |  |  | $ | (3,841 | ) |  | $ | 8,053 |  |  | $ | (28,443 | ) |  | $ | 8,053 |  |  | $ | (20,390 | )

|  | December 31, 2016
|  | Total other comprehensive income (loss) |  | Total accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)
(Dollars in thousands) |  | Prior to reclass |  | Reclass from |  | Pre-tax |  | Tax-effect |  | Net of tax |  | Beginning Balance |  | Net Activity |  | Ending Balance
Unrealized gain (loss) on debt securities |  | $ | 751 |  |  | $ | 234 |  |  | $ | 517 |  |  | $ | (133 | ) |  | $ | 384 |  |  | $ | (4,933 | ) |  | $ | 384 |  |  | $ | (4,549 | )
Unrealized gain (loss) on derivatives |  | 809 |  |  | 0 |  |  | 809 |  |  | (301 | ) |  | 508 |  |  | (1,599 | ) |  | 508 |  |  | (1,091 | )
Retirement obligation |  | 884 |  |  | (1,195 | ) |  | 2,079 |  |  | (834 | ) |  | 1,245 |  |  | (24,048 | ) |  | 1,245 |  |  | (22,803 | )
Total |  | $ | 2,444 |  |  | $ | (961 | ) |  | $ | 3,405 |  |  | $ | (1,268 | ) |  | $ | 2,137 |  |  | $ | (30,580 | ) |  | $ | 2,137 |  |  | $ | (28,443 | )

80 First Financial Bancorp 2018 Annual Report

The following table details the activity reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income into income during the period:

|  | Amount Reclassified from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (1) |  |
|  | December 31, |  |
(Dollars in thousands) |  | 2018 |  | 2017 |  | 2016 |  | Affected Line Item in the Consolidated Statements of Income
Realized gains and losses on securities available-for-sale |  | $ | (161 | ) |  | $ | 1,649 |  |  | $ | 234 |  |  | Net gain (loss) on sales of investment securities
Defined benefit pension plan |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Amortization of prior service cost (2) |  | 413 |  |  | 413 |  |  | 413 |  |  | Other noninterest expense
Recognized net actuarial loss (2) |  | (2,188 | ) |  | (1,924 | ) |  | (1,608 | ) |  | Other noninterest expense
Amortization and settlement charges of defined benefit pension items |  | (1,775 | ) |  | (1,511 | ) |  | (1,195 | ) |  |
Total reclassifications for the period, before tax |  | $ | (1,936 | ) |  | $ | 138 |  |  | $ | (961 | ) |  |

(1) Negative amounts are debits to profit/loss.
(2) Included in the computation of net periodic pension cost (see Note 15 - Employee Benefit Plans for additional details).
18. Capital

Risk-based capital. First Financial and its subsidiary, First Financial Bank, are subject to regulatory capital requirements administered by federal banking agencies. Capital adequacy guidelines and, additionally for banks, prompt corrective action regulations involve quantitative measures of assets, liabilities and certain off-balance sheet items calculated under regulatory accounting practices. Capital amounts and classifications are also subject to qualitative judgments by regulators. Failure to meet minimum capital requirements can initiate regulatory action.
The Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System approved Basel III in order to strengthen the regulatory capital framework for all banking organizations, subject to a phase-in period for certain provisions. Basel III established and defined quantitative measures to ensure capital adequacy. These measures require First Financial to maintain minimum amounts and ratios of Common Equity tier 1 capital, total and tier 1 capital to risk-weighted assets and tier 1 capital to average assets (leverage ratio).
Basel III includes a minimum ratio of common equity tier 1 capital to risk-weighted assets of 6.375% at December 31, 2018, which includes a capital conservation buffer that began on January 1, 2016 at 0.625% and is phased in over a four-year period, increasing by the same amount each subsequent January 1, until fully phased-in at 2.5% of risk-weighted assets on January 1, 2019. Further, the minimum ratio of tier 1 capital to risk-weighted assets increased to 7.875% at December 31, 2018 and all banks are subject to a 4.0% minimum leverage ratio. The required total risk-based capital ratio is unchanged. Failure to maintain the required common equity Tier 1 capital conservation buffer will result in potential restrictions on a bank’s ability to pay dividends, repurchase stock and pay discretionary compensation to its employees. The capital requirements also provide strict eligibility criteria for regulatory capital instruments and change the method for calculating risk-weighted assets in an effort to better identify riskier assets, such as highly volatile commercial real estate and nonaccrual loans. As of December 31, 2018, management believes the Company and the Bank meet all capital adequacy requirements to which they are subject.
First Financial Bancorp 2018 Annual Report 81

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
The following tables present the actual and required capital amounts and ratios as of December 31, 2018 and 2017 under the Basel III Capital Rules. The minimum required capital amounts presented include the minimum required capital levels based on the current phase-in provisions of the Basel III Capital Rules as well as the minimum required capital levels as of January 1, 2019 when the Basel III Capital Rules have been fully phased-in. Capital levels required to be considered "well capitalized" are based upon prompt corrective action regulations, as amended to reflect the changes under the Basel III Capital Rules. All of First Financial's regulatory capital ratios exceeded the amounts necessary to be classified as “well capitalized,” and total regulatory capital exceeded the “minimum” requirement by $432.8 million on a consolidated basis at December 31, 2018.

|  | Actual |  | Minimum capital required - Basel III |  | Required to be considered well capitalized |  | Minimum capital required - Basel III fully phased-in
(Dollars in thousands) |  | Capital amount |  | Ratio |  | Capital amount |  | Ratio |  | Capital amount |  | Ratio |  | Capital amount |  | Ratio
December 31, 2018 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Common equity tier 1 capital to risk-weighted assets |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Consolidated |  | $ | 1,215,613 |  |  | 11.87 | % |  | $ | 652,874 |  |  | 6.375 | % |  | N/A |  |  | N/A |  |  | $ | 716,881 |  |  | 7.00 | %
First Financial Bank |  | 1,279,492 |  |  | 12.50 | % |  | 652,590 |  |  | 6.375 | % |  | $ | 665,386 |  |  | 6.50 | % |  | 716,570 |  |  | 7.00 | %
Tier 1 capital to risk-weighted assets |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Consolidated |  | 1,257,366 |  |  | 12.28 | % |  | 806,491 |  |  | 7.875 | % |  | N/A |  |  | N/A |  |  | 870,499 |  |  | 8.50 | %
First Financial Bank |  | 1,279,596 |  |  | 12.50 | % |  | 806,141 |  |  | 7.875 | % |  | $ | 818,937 |  |  | 8.00 | % |  | 870,120 |  |  | 8.50 | %
Total capital to risk-weighted assets |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Consolidated |  | 1,444,146 |  |  | 14.10 | % |  | 1,011,314 |  |  | 9.875 | % |  | N/A |  |  | N/A |  |  | 1,075,322 |  |  | 10.50 | %
First Financial Bank |  | 1,344,388 |  |  | 13.13 | % |  | 1,010,875 |  |  | 9.875 | % |  | 1,023,671 |  |  | 10.00 | % |  | 1,074,855 |  |  | 10.50 | %
Leverage |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Consolidated |  | 1,257,366 |  |  | 9.71 | % |  | 517,958 |  |  | 4.00 | % |  | N/A |  |  | N/A |  |  | 517,958 |  |  | 4.00 | %
First Financial Bank |  | 1,279,596 |  |  | 9.89 | % |  | 517,710 |  |  | 4.00 | % |  | 647,138 |  |  | 5.00 | % |  | 517,710 |  |  | 4.00 | %

|  | Actual |  | Minimum capital required - Basel III |  | Required to be considered well capitalized |  | Minimum capital required - Basel III fully phased-in
(Dollars in thousands) |  | Capital amount |  | Ratio |  | Capital amount |  | Ratio |  | Capital amount |  | Ratio |  | Capital amount |  | Ratio
December 31, 2017 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Common equity tier 1 capital to risk-weighted assets |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Consolidated |  | $ | 755,735 |  |  | 10.63 | % |  | $ | 408,746 |  |  | 5.75 | % |  | N/A |  |  | N/A |  |  | $ | 497,604 |  |  | 7.00 | %
First Financial Bank |  | 794,251 |  |  | 11.21 | % |  | 407,220 |  |  | 5.75 | % |  | $ | 460,336 |  |  | 6.50 | % |  | 495,746 |  |  | 7.00 | %
Tier 1 capital to risk-weighted assets |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Consolidated |  | 755,839 |  |  | 10.63 | % |  | 515,376 |  |  | 7.25 | % |  | N/A |  |  | N/A |  |  | 604,233 |  |  | 8.50 | %
First Financial Bank |  | 794,355 |  |  | 11.22 | % |  | 513,452 |  |  | 7.25 | % |  | 566,567 |  |  | 8.00 | % |  | 601,978 |  |  | 8.50 | %
Total capital to risk-weighted assets |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Consolidated |  | 929,148 |  |  | 13.07 | % |  | 657,548 |  |  | 9.25 | % |  | N/A |  |  | N/A |  |  | 746,406 |  |  | 10.50 | %
First Financial Bank |  | 856,363 |  |  | 12.09 | % |  | 655,093 |  |  | 9.25 | % |  | 708,209 |  |  | 10.00 | % |  | 743,619 |  |  | 10.50 | %
Leverage |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Consolidated |  | 755,839 |  |  | 8.84 | % |  | 342,198 |  |  | 4.00 | % |  | N/A |  |  | N/A |  |  | 342,198 |  |  | 4.00 | %
First Financial Bank |  | 794,355 |  |  | 9.29 | % |  | 342,113 |  |  | 4.00 | % |  | 427,642 |  |  | 5.00 | % |  | 342,113 |  |  | 4.00 | %

82 First Financial Bancorp 2018 Annual Report

Share repurchases. In October 2012, First Financial's board of directors approved a share repurchase plan under which the Company has the ability to repurchase up to 5,000,000 common shares. The Company did not repurchase any shares under this plan during 2016, 2017 or 2018. At December 31, 2018, 3,509,133 common shares remained available for purchase under this repurchase plan.
ATM Offering. In March 2017, First Financial initiated an "at-the-market" equity offering program to provide flexibility with respect to capital planning and to support future growth. First Financial was not active through the ATM program during the period.
19. Stock Options and Awards

First Financial follows the provisions of FASB ASC Topic 718, Compensation-Stock Compensation, which requires measurement of compensation cost for all stock-based awards at fair value on the date of grant and recognition of compensation expense over the service period for all awards expected to vest. First Financial recorded share-based compensation expense of $6.2 million for the year ended December 31, 2018 and $5.4 million for the years ended December 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016, within salaries and employee benefits expense related to stock options and restricted stock awards. Total unrecognized compensation cost related to non-vested share-based compensation was $6.9 million at December 31, 2018 and is expected to be recognized over a weighted average period of 1.94 years.
As of December 31, 2018, First Financial had a single active stock-based compensation plan, the Amended and Restated 2012 Stock Plan, under which additional awards may be granted.
In May 2012, shareholders approved the First Financial Bancorp. 2012 Stock Plan. In May 2017, the shareholders amended and restated the 2012 Stock Plan as the First Financial Bancorp. Amended and Restated 2012 Stock Plan. At December 31, 2018, there were 1,877,079 shares available for issuance under the Amended and Restated 2012 Stock Plan.
In April 2018, in conjunction with the MSFG merger, First Financial assumed the existing MSFG options which were converted into 83,551 options to purchase First Financial common stock. The converted MSFG options remain subject to all of the terms and conditions of the plan and grant agreements under which the MSFG Stock Options were originally issued. The assumed options were exercisable at the time of the merger and remain outstanding for 10 years after the initial grant date with all options expiring at the end of the exercise period. At December 31, 2018, 62,410 options were outstanding under the Plan, all of which expire on or before February 3, 2024.
First Financial utilizes the Black-Scholes valuation model to determine the fair value of stock options granted. In addition to the stock option strike price, the Black-Scholes valuation model incorporates the following assumptions: the expected dividend yield based on historical dividend payouts; the expected stock price volatility based on the historical volatility of Company stock for a period approximating the expected life of the options; the risk-free rate based on the U.S. Treasury yield curve in effect at the time of grant for periods corresponding with the expected life of the option; and the expected option life represented by the period of time the options are expected to be outstanding, and is based on historical trends. No options were granted in 2018, 2017 or 2016.
Stock option activity for the year ended December 31, 2018, is summarized as follows:

(Dollars in thousands, except share and per share data) |  | Number of shares |  | Weighted average exercise price |  | Weighted average remaining contractual life |  | Aggregate intrinsic value
Outstanding at beginning of year |  | 11,800 |  |  | $ | 11.64 |  |  |  |  |
Granted |  | 0 |  |  | 0.00 |  |  |  |  |
Assumed |  | 83,551 |  |  | 8.54 |  |  |  |  |
Exercised |  | (32,941 | ) |  | 8.62 |  |  |  |  |
Forfeited or expired |  | 0 |  |  | 0.00 |  |  |  |  |
Outstanding at end of year |  | 62,410 |  |  | $ | 9.08 |  |  | 3.72 |  | $ | 914 |
Exercisable at end of year |  | 62,410 |  |  | $ | 9.08 |  |  | 3.72 |  | $ | 914 |

First Financial Bancorp 2018 Annual Report 83

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
The intrinsic value of stock options is defined as the difference between the current market value and the exercise price. First Financial uses treasury shares purchased under the Company's share repurchase program to satisfy share-based exercises.

|  | 2018 |  | 2017 |  | 2016
Total intrinsic value of options exercised |  | $ | 734 |  |  | $ | 1,533 |  |  | $ | 661 |
Cash received from exercises |  | $ | 284 |  |  | $ | 341 |  |  | $ | 801 |
Tax benefit from exercises |  | $ | 1,439 |  |  | $ | 1,991 |  |  | $ | 1,958 |

Restricted stock awards are recorded at fair value as of the grant date as a component of shareholders' equity and amortized on a straight-line basis to salaries and benefits expense over the specified vesting periods, which is currently three years for employees and one year for non-employee directors. The vesting of these awards for employees and non-employee directors may require a service period to be met, and certain awards may also require performance measures to be met.
Activity in restricted stock for the previous three years ended December 31 is summarized as follows:

|  | 2018 |  | 2017 |  | 2016
|  | Number of shares |  | Weighted average grant date fair value |  | Number of shares |  | Weighted average grant date fair value |  | Number of shares |  | Weighted average grant date fair value
Nonvested at beginning of year |  | 468,372 |  |  | $ | 21.63 |  |  | 648,817 |  |  | $ | 17.82 |  |  | 643,641 |  |  | $ | 17.21 |
Granted |  | 303,930 |  |  | 28.94 |  |  | 234,529 |  |  | 27.36 |  |  | 317,695 |  |  | 18.13 |
Vested |  | (267,031 | ) |  | 20.94 |  |  | (307,825 | ) |  | 18.12 |  |  | (263,713 | ) |  | 16.82 |
Forfeited |  | (42,825 | ) |  | 26.38 |  |  | (107,149 | ) |  | 21.18 |  |  | (48,806 | ) |  | 17.37 |
Nonvested at end of year |  | 462,446 |  |  | $ | 26.39 |  |  | 468,372 |  |  | $ | 21.63 |  |  | 648,817 |  |  | $ | 17.82 |

The fair value of restricted stock is determined based on the number of shares granted and the quoted price of First Financial's common stock. The fair value of restricted stock vested during 2018, 2017 and 2016 was $5.6 million, $5.6 million and $4.4 million, respectively.
20. Earnings per Common Share

The following table sets forth the computation of basic and diluted earnings per share:

(Dollars in thousands, except share and per share data) |  | 2018 |  | 2017 |  | 2016
Numerator |  |  |  |  |  |
Net income |  | $ | 172,595 |  |  | $ | 96,787 |  |  | $ | 88,526 |
Denominator |  |  |  |  |  |
Basic earnings per common share - weighted average shares |  | 88,582,090 |  |  | 61,529,460 |  |  | 61,206,093 |
Effect of dilutive securities |  |  |  |  |  |
Employee stock awards |  | 514,680 |  |  | 581,329 |  |  | 729,335 |
Warrants |  | 517,435 |  |  | 60,801 |  |  | 49,994 |
Diluted earnings per common share - adjusted weighted average shares |  | 89,614,205 |  |  | 62,171,590 |  |  | 61,985,422 |
Earnings per share available to common shareholders |  |  |  |  |  |
Basic |  | $ | 1.95 |  |  | $ | 1.57 |  |  | $ | 1.45 |
Diluted |  | $ | 1.93 |  |  | $ | 1.56 |  |  | $ | 1.43 |

First Financial had warrants outstanding to purchase the Company's common stock as of December 31, 2018. These warrants were acquired in the MSFG merger and represent the right to purchase 804,858 shares of First Financial's common stock at an exercise price of $10.62 per share and were exercised in January 2019. At December 31, 2017 and 2016, First Financial had
84 First Financial Bancorp 2018 Annual Report

warrants outstanding representing the right to purchase 104,200 shares and 114,678 shares of common stock at an exercise price of exercise price of $12.12 and expired on December 23, 2018.
Stock options and warrants with exercise prices greater than the average market price of the common shares were not included in the computation of net income per diluted share, as they would have been antidilutive. Using the period end price, there were no antidilutive options at December 31, 2018, 2017, or 2016.
As of December 31, 2018, 2017, and 2016, First Financial was authorized to issue 10,000,000 preferred shares, however no preferred shares were issued or outstanding.
21. Fair Value Disclosures

The fair value framework as disclosed in the Fair Value Topic includes a hierarchy which focuses on prioritizing the inputs used in valuation techniques. The fair value hierarchy gives the highest priority to quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities (Level 1), a lower priority to observable inputs other than quoted prices in active markets for identical assets and liabilities (Level 2) and the lowest priority to unobservable inputs (Level 3). When determining the fair value measurements for assets and liabilities, First Financial looks to active markets to price identical assets or liabilities whenever possible and classifies such items in Level 1. When identical assets and liabilities are not traded in active markets, First Financial looks to observable market data for similar assets and liabilities and classifies such items as Level 2. Certain assets and liabilities are not actively traded in observable markets and First Financial must use alternative techniques, based on unobservable inputs, to determine the fair value and classifies such items as Level 3. The level within the fair value hierarchy is based on the lowest level of input that is significant in the fair value measurement.
The estimated fair values of First Financial's financial instruments not measured at fair value on a recurring or nonrecurring basis in the consolidated financial statements were as follows:

|  | Carrying |  | Estimated fair value
(Dollars in thousands) |  | value |  | Total |  | Level 1 |  | Level 2 |  | Level 3
December 31, 2018 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Financial assets |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Cash and short-term investments |  | $ | 273,959 |  |  | $ | 273,959 |  |  | $ | 273,959 |  |  | $ | 0 |  |  | $ | 0 |
Investment securities held-to-maturity |  | 429,328 |  |  | 424,118 |  |  | 0 |  |  | 424,118 |  |  | 0 |
Other investments |  | 115,660 |  |  | N/A |  |  | N/A |  |  | N/A |  |  | N/A |
Loans held for sale |  | 4,372 |  |  | 4,372 |  |  | 0 |  |  | 4,372 |  |  | 0 |
Loans and leases, net of ALLL |  | 8,767,672 |  |  | 8,662,868 |  |  | 0 |  |  | 0 |  |  | 8,662,868 |
Accrued interest receivable |  | 41,816 |  |  | 41,816 |  |  | 0 |  |  | 13,819 |  |  | 27,997 |
Financial liabilities |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Deposits |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Noninterest-bearing |  | $ | 2,492,434 |  |  | $ | 2,492,434 |  |  | $ | 0 |  |  | $ | 2,492,434 |  |  | $ | 0 |
Interest-bearing demand |  | 2,307,071 |  |  | 2,307,071 |  |  | 0 |  |  | 2,307,071 |  |  | 0 |
Savings |  | 3,167,325 |  |  | 3,167,325 |  |  | 0 |  |  | 3,167,325 |  |  | 0 |
Time |  | 2,173,564 |  |  | 2,146,645 |  |  | 0 |  |  | 2,146,645 |  |  | 0 |
Total deposits |  | 10,140,394 |  |  | 10,113,475 |  |  | 0 |  |  | 10,113,475 |  |  | 0 |
Short-term borrowings |  | 1,040,691 |  |  | 1,040,691 |  |  | 1,040,691 |  |  | 0 |  |  | 0 |
Long-term debt |  | 570,739 |  |  | 557,933 |  |  | 0 |  |  | 557,933 |  |  | 0 |
Accrued interest payable |  | 12,126 |  |  | 12,126 |  |  | 2,035 |  |  | 10,091 |  |  | 0 |

First Financial Bancorp 2018 Annual Report 85

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

|  | Carrying |  | Estimated Fair Value
(Dollars in thousands) |  | Value |  | Total |  | Level 1 |  | Level 2 |  | Level 3
December 31, 2017 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Financial assets |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Cash and short-term investments |  | $ | 184,624 |  |  | $ | 184,624 |  |  | $ | 184,624 |  |  | $ | 0 |  |  | $ | 0 |
Investment securities held-to-maturity |  | 654,008 |  |  | 653,101 |  |  | 0 |  |  | 653,101 |  |  | 0 |
Other investments |  | 53,140 |  |  | N/A |  |  | N/A |  |  | N/A |  |  | N/A |
Loans held for sale |  | 11,502 |  |  | 11,502 |  |  | 0 |  |  | 11,502 |  |  | 0 |
Loans and leases, net of ALLL |  | 5,959,162 |  |  | 6,006,656 |  |  | 0 |  |  | 0 |  |  | 6,006,656 |
Accrued interest receivable |  | 24,496 |  |  | 24,496 |  |  | 0 |  |  | 8,265 |  |  | 16,231 |
Financial liabilities |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Deposits |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Noninterest-bearing |  | $ | 1,662,058 |  |  | $ | 1,662,058 |  |  | $ | 0 |  |  | $ | 1,662,058 |  |  | $ | 0 |
Interest-bearing demand |  | 1,453,463 |  |  | 1,453,463 |  |  | 0 |  |  | 1,453,463 |  |  | 0 |
Savings |  | 2,462,420 |  |  | 2,462,420 |  |  | 0 |  |  | 2,462,420 |  |  | 0 |
Time |  | 1,317,105 |  |  | 1,306,674 |  |  | 0 |  |  | 1,306,674 |  |  | 0 |
Total deposits |  | 6,895,046 |  |  | 6,884,615 |  |  | 0 |  |  | 6,884,615 |  |  | 0 |
Short-term borrowings |  | 814,565 |  |  | 814,565 |  |  | 814,565 |  |  | 0 |  |  | 0 |
Long-term debt |  | 119,654 |  |  | 117,908 |  |  | 0 |  |  | 117,908 |  |  | 0 |
Accrued interest payable |  | 5,104 |  |  | 5,104 |  |  | 204 |  |  | 4,900 |  |  | 0 |

The methods utilized to estimate the fair value of financial instruments at December 31, 2017 did not necessarily represent an exit price. In accordance with our adoption of ASU 2016-01 in 2018, the methods utilized to measure the fair value of financial instruments at December 31, 2018 represent an approximation of exit price, however, an actual exit price may differ.
The following methods, assumptions and valuation techniques were used by First Financial to measure different financial assets and liabilities at fair value on a recurring or nonrecurring basis.
Investment securities. Investment securities classified as available-for-sale are recorded at fair value on a recurring basis. Fair value measurement is based upon quoted market prices, when available (Level 1). If quoted market prices are not available, fair values are measured utilizing independent valuation techniques of identical or similar investment securities. First Financial compiles prices from various sources who may apply such techniques as matrix pricing to determine the value of identical or similar investment securities (Level 2). Matrix pricing is a mathematical technique widely used in the banking industry to value investment securities without relying exclusively on quoted prices for the specific investment securities but rather relying on the investment securities’ relationship to other benchmark quoted investment securities. Any investment securities not valued based upon the methods previously described are considered Level 3.
First Financial utilizes values provided by third-party pricing vendors to price the investment securities portfolio in accordance with the fair value hierarchy of the Fair Value Topic and reviews the pricing methodologies utilized by the pricing vendors to ensure that the fair value determination is consistent with the applicable accounting guidance. First Financial’s pricing process includes a series of quality assurance activities where prices are compared to recent market conditions, historical prices and other independent pricing services. Further, the Company periodically validates the fair value of a sample of securities in the portfolio by comparing the fair values to prices from other independent sources for the same or similar securities. First Financial analyzes unusual or significant variances, conducts additional research with the pricing vendor, and if necessary, takes appropriate action based on its findings. The results of the quality assurance process are incorporated into the selection of pricing providers by the portfolio manager.
Impaired loans. The fair value of impaired loans are specifically reviewed for purposes of determining the appropriate amount of impairment to be allocated to the ALLL. Fair value is generally measured based on the value of the collateral securing the loans. Collateral may be in the form of real estate or business assets including equipment, inventory and accounts receivable. The value of real estate collateral is determined utilizing an income or market valuation approach based on an appraisal
86 First Financial Bancorp 2018 Annual Report

conducted by an independent, licensed third-party appraiser (Level 3). The value of business equipment is based on an outside appraisal, if deemed significant, or the net book value on the applicable borrower financial statements. Likewise, values for inventory and accounts receivable collateral are based on borrower financial statement balances or aging reports on a discounted basis as appropriate (Level 3). Impaired loans are measured at fair value on a nonrecurring basis. Any fair value adjustments are recorded in the period incurred as provision for loan and lease losses on the Consolidated Statements of Income.
OREO. Assets acquired through loan foreclosure are recorded at fair value less costs to sell, with any difference between the fair value of the property and the carrying value of the loan recorded as a charge-off. If the fair value is higher than the carrying amount of the loan, the excess is recognized first as a recovery and then as noninterest income. Subsequent declines in value are reported as adjustments to the carrying amount and are recorded in noninterest expense. The carrying value of OREO is not re-measured to fair value on a recurring basis, but is subject to fair value adjustments when the carrying value differs from the fair value, less estimated selling costs. Fair value is based on recent real estate appraisals and is updated at least annually. The Company classifies OREO in level 3 of the fair value hierarchy.
Derivatives. The fair values of derivative instruments are based primarily on a net present value calculation of the cash flows related to the interest rate swaps at the reporting date, using primarily observable market inputs such as interest rate yield curves which represents the cost to terminate the swap if First Financial should choose to do so. Additionally, First Financial utilizes an internally-developed model to value the credit risk component of derivative assets and liabilities, which is recorded as an adjustment to the fair value of the derivative asset or liability on the reporting date. Derivative instruments are classified as Level 2 in the fair value hierarchy.
First Financial Bancorp 2018 Annual Report 87

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
The financial assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis in the consolidated financial statements were as follows:

|  | Fair Value Measurements Using |  | Assets/Liabilities
(Dollars in thousands) |  | Level 1 |  | Level 2 |  | Level 3 |  | at Fair Value
December 31, 2018 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Assets |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Derivatives |  | $ | 0 |  |  | $ | 29,543 |  |  | $ | 0 |  |  | $ | 29,543 |
Investment securities available-for-sale |  | 97 |  |  | 2,779,158 |  |  | 0 |  |  | 2,779,255 |
Total |  | $ | 97 |  |  | $ | 2,808,701 |  |  | $ | 0 |  |  | $ | 2,808,798 |
Liabilities |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Derivatives |  | $ | 0 |  |  | $ | 29,336 |  |  | $ | 0 |  |  | $ | 29,336 |

|  | Fair Value Measurements Using |  | Assets/Liabilities
(Dollars in thousands) |  | Level 1 |  | Level 2 |  | Level 3 |  | at Fair Value
December 31, 2017 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Assets |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Derivatives |  | $ | 0 |  |  | $ | 12,757 |  |  | $ | 0 |  |  | $ | 12,757 |
Investment securities available-for-sale |  | 2,969 |  |  | 1,346,439 |  |  | 0 |  |  | 1,349,408 |
Total |  | $ | 2,969 |  |  | $ | 1,359,196 |  |  | $ | 0 |  |  | $ | 1,362,165 |
Liabilities |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Derivatives |  | $ | 0 |  |  | $ | 12,755 |  |  | $ | 0 |  |  | $ | 12,755 |

Certain financial assets and liabilities are measured at fair value on a nonrecurring basis. Adjustments to the fair market value of these assets usually result from the application of fair value accounting or write-downs of individual assets. The following table summarizes financial assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a nonrecurring basis:

|  | Fair Value Measurements Using
(Dollars in thousands) |  | Level 1 |  | Level 2 |  | Level 3
December 31, 2018 |  |  |  |  |  |
Assets |  |  |  |  |  |
Impaired loans |  | $ | 0 |  |  | $ | 0 |  |  | $ | 1,320 |
OREO |  | 0 |  |  | 0 |  |  | 1,089 |

|  | Fair Value Measurements Using
(Dollars in thousands) |  | Level 1 |  | Level 2 |  | Level 3
December 31, 2017 |  |  |  |  |  |
Assets |  |  |  |  |  |
Impaired loans |  | $ | 0 |  |  | $ | 0 |  |  | $ | 2,671 |
OREO |  | 0 |  |  | 0 |  |  | 1,086 |

88 First Financial Bancorp 2018 Annual Report

22. Business Combination

On April 1, 2018, First Financial completed its acquisition of MainSource Financial Group, Inc. and its banking subsidiary, MainSource Bank. Therefore, results of MSFG have been included in the results of operations beginning on April 1, 2018. Under the terms of the merger agreement, shareholders of MSFG received 1.3875 common shares of First Financial common stock for each share of MSFG common stock, with cash paid in lieu of fractional shares. Including outstanding options and warrants to purchase MSFG common stock, the total purchase consideration was $1.1 billion and resulted in goodwill of $676.2 million. The goodwill arising from the acquisition largely reflected synergies and cost savings resulting from combining the operations of the companies. First Financial incurred $37.8 million of merger related expenses related to the acquisition of MSFG during the year ended December 31, 2018.
The acquisition is expected to provide additional revenue growth and diversification. The goodwill is not deductible for income tax purposes as the transaction was accounted for as a tax-free exchange. For further detail, see Note 8 – Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets.
The MainSource transaction was accounted for using the acquisition method of accounting and accordingly, assets acquired, liabilities assumed and consideration exchanged were recorded at estimated fair value on the acquisition date, in accordance with FASB ASC Topic 805, Business Combinations. The fair value measurements of assets acquired and liabilities assumed 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 become available. The Company continues to finalize the fair values of loans, intangible assets and liabilities. As a result, the fair value adjustments are preliminary and may change as information becomes available. Fair value adjustments will be finalized no later than April 2019.
First Financial Bancorp 2018 Annual Report 89

The following table provides the purchase price calculation as of the acquisition date, identifiable assets purchased and liabilities assumed at their estimated fair value. As a condition of the merger, certain acquired assets and liabilities held for sale were divested subsequent to the closing of the merger. There was no gain or loss recorded in the Consolidated Statement of Income in conjunction with this divestiture.

(Dollars in thousands) |  | MainSource
Purchase consideration |  |
Cash consideration |  | $ | 43 |
Stock consideration |  | 1,043,424 |
Warrant consideration |  | 14,460 |
Options consideration |  | 1,577 |
Total purchase consideration |  | 1,059,504 |
Assets acquired |  |
Cash |  | 71,688 |
Investment securities available-for-sale |  | 900,935 |
Investment securities held-to-maturity |  | 171,423 |
Other investments |  | 28,763 |
Loans |  | 2,792,740 |
Premises and equipment |  | 98,381 |
Intangible assets |  | 42,887 |
Other assets |  | 167,693 |
Assets held for sale |  | 127,775 |
Total assets acquired |  | 4,402,285 |
Liabilities assumed |  |
Deposits |  | 3,264,038 |
Subordinated notes |  | 49,027 |
FHLB advances |  | 291,887 |
Other borrowings |  | 205,620 |
Other liabilities |  | 32,654 |
Liabilities held for sale |  | 175,722 |
Total liabilities assumed |  | 4,018,948 |
Net identifiable assets |  | 383,337 |
Goodwill |  | $ | 676,167 |

The fair value of net assets acquired includes fair value adjustments to certain loans that were not considered impaired as of the acquisition date as the Company believes that all contractual cash flows will be collected. The fair value adjustments were determined using discounted cash flows. In conjunction with the MSFG merger, First Financial acquired non-impaired loans with a fair value and gross contractual amounts receivable of $2.8 billion and $2.9 billion on the date of acquisition.
First Financial Bancorp 2018 Annual Report 90

The following table presents supplemental pro forma information as if the acquisition had occurred at the beginning of 2017. The pro forma information includes adjustments for interest income on acquired loans, amortization of intangible assets arising from the transaction, depreciation expense on property acquired, interest expense on deposits acquired, merger-related expenses incurred and the related income tax effects. The pro forma financial information is not necessarily indicative of the results of operations that would have occurred had the transactions been effected on the assumed date. The disclosures regarding the results of operations for MSFG subsequent to its acquisition date are omitted as this information is not practical to obtain.

|  | Twelve months ended
|  | December 31,
(Dollars in thousands, except per share data) (Unaudited) |  | 2018 |  | 2017
Pro Forma Condensed Combined Income Statement Information
Net interest income |  | $ | 484,915 |  |  | $ | 454,579 |
Net income |  | 221,122 |  |  | 130,402 |
Basic earnings per share |  | $ | 2.27 |  |  | $ | 1.34 |
Diluted earnings per share |  | $ | 2.25 |  |  | $ | 1.33 |

23. First Financial Bancorp (Parent Company Only) Financial Information

Balance Sheets

|  | December 31,
(Dollars in thousands) |  | 2018 |  | 2017
Assets |  |  |  |
Cash |  | $ | 86,878 |  |  | $ | 57,719 |
Investment securities, available for sale |  | 694 |  |  | 442 |
Subordinated notes from subsidiaries |  | 7,500 |  |  | 7,500 |
Investment in subsidiaries |  |  |  |
Commercial banks |  | 2,078,655 |  |  | 970,290 |
Nonbanks |  | 7,194 |  |  | 0 |
Total investment in subsidiaries |  | 2,085,849 |  |  | 970,290 |
Premises and equipment |  | 1,361 |  |  | 1,378 |
Other assets |  | 71,817 |  |  | 26,778 |
Total assets |  | $ | 2,254,099 |  |  | $ | 1,064,107 |
Liabilities |  |  |  |
Subordinated debentures |  | $ | 171,416 |  |  | $ | 118,638 |
Dividends payable |  | 465 |  |  | 10,965 |
Other liabilities |  | 3,969 |  |  | 3,840 |
Total liabilities |  | 175,850 |  |  | 133,443 |
Shareholders’ equity |  | 2,078,249 |  |  | 930,664 |
Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity |  | $ | 2,254,099 |  |  | $ | 1,064,107 |

First Financial Bancorp 2018 Annual Report 91

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
Statements of Income and Comprehensive Income

|  | Years Ended December 31,
(Dollars in thousands) |  | 2018 |  | 2017 |  | 2016
Income |  |  |  |  |  |
Interest income |  | $ | 23 |  |  | $ | 6 |  |  | $ | 48 |
Noninterest income |  | 0 |  |  | 86 |  |  | 2,596 |
Dividends from subsidiaries |  | 107,340 |  |  | 54,600 |  |  | 52,700 |
Total income |  | 107,363 |  |  | 54,692 |  |  | 55,344 |
Expenses |  |  |  |  |  |
Interest expense |  | 8,798 |  |  | 6,152 |  |  | 6,151 |
Salaries and employee benefits |  | 6,413 |  |  | 5,519 |  |  | 5,445 |
Miscellaneous professional services |  | 5,130 |  |  | 970 |  |  | 711 |
Other |  | 5,648 |  |  | 4,819 |  |  | 4,841 |
Total expenses |  | 25,989 |  |  | 17,460 |  |  | 17,148 |
Income before income taxes and equity in undistributed net earnings of subsidiaries |  | 81,374 |  |  | 37,232 |  |  | 38,196 |
Income tax expense (benefit) |  | (6,687 | ) |  | (7,080 | ) |  | (5,302 | )
Equity in undistributed earnings (loss) of subsidiaries |  | 84,534 |  |  | 52,475 |  |  | 45,028 |
Net income |  | $ | 172,595 |  |  | $ | 96,787 |  |  | $ | 88,526 |
Comprehensive income |  | $ | 153,670 |  |  | $ | 104,840 |  |  | $ | 90,663 |

92 First Financial Bancorp 2018 Annual Report

Statements of Cash Flows

|  | Years Ended December 31,
(Dollars in thousands) |  | 2018 |  | 2017 |  | 2016
Operating activities |  |  |  |  |  |
Net income |  | $ | 172,595 |  |  | $ | 96,787 |  |  | $ | 88,526 |
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities |  |  |  |
Equity in undistributed (earnings) loss of subsidiaries |  | (84,534 | ) |  | (52,475 | ) |  | (45,028 | )
Depreciation and amortization |  | 194 |  |  | 193 |  |  | 192 |
Stock-based compensation expense |  | 6,219 |  |  | 5,446 |  |  | 5,354 |
Deferred income taxes |  | 739 |  |  | (360 | ) |  | 584 |
(Decrease) increase in dividends payable |  | (10,500 | ) |  | 579 |  |  | 135 |
Increase (decrease) in other liabilities |  | 9,979 |  |  | (889 | ) |  | (389 | )
Decrease (increase) in other assets |  | 16,346 |  |  | (6,951 | ) |  | (9,065 | )
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities |  | 111,038 |  |  | 42,330 |  |  | 40,309 |
Investing activities |  |  |  |  |  |
Capital contributions to subsidiaries |  | (3,000 | ) |  | 0 |  |  | (53,000 | )
Net cash acquired (paid) from business combinations |  | 11,353 |  |  | 0 |  |  | 0 |
Proceeds from calls and maturities of investment securities |  | 0 |  |  | 0 |  |  | 5,978 |
Purchases of investment securities |  | 0 |  |  | 0 |  |  | (333 | )
Net cash (used in) provided by investing activities |  | 8,353 |  |  | 0 |  |  | (47,355 | )
Financing activities |  |  |  |  |  |
(Decrease) increase in short-term borrowings |  | (8,333 | ) |  | 0 |  |  | 0 |
Cash dividends paid on common stock |  | (79,655 | ) |  | (41,178 | ) |  | (39,125 | )
Proceeds from exercise of stock options, net of shares purchased |  | 284 |  |  | 341 |  |  | 801 |
Excess tax benefit on share-based compensation |  | 0 |  |  | 0 |  |  | 264 |
Other |  | (2,528 | ) |  | (3,059 | ) |  | (1,681 | )
Net cash (used in) provided by financing activities |  | (90,232 | ) |  | (43,896 | ) |  | (39,741 | )
Net increase (decrease) in cash |  | 29,159 |  |  | (1,566 | ) |  | (46,787 | )
Cash at beginning of year |  | 57,719 |  |  | 59,285 |  |  | 106,072 |
Cash at end of year |  | $ | 86,878 |  |  | $ | 57,719 |  |  | $ | 59,285 |

First Financial Bancorp 2018 Annual Report 93

Quarterly Financial And Common Stock Data (Unaudited)
|  | Three months ended
(Dollars in thousands, except per share data) |  | December 31 |  | September 30 |  | June 30 |  | March 31
2018 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Interest income |  | $ | 153,429 |  |  | $ | 149,220 |  |  | $ | 147,379 |  |  | $ | 90,354 |
Interest expense |  | 27,470 |  |  | 25,735 |  |  | 23,400 |  |  | 14,542 |
Net interest income |  | 125,959 |  |  | 123,485 |  |  | 123,979 |  |  | 75,812 |
Provision for loan and lease losses |  | 5,310 |  |  | 3,238 |  |  | 3,735 |  |  | 2,303 |
Noninterest income |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Gain on sale of investment securities |  | 36 |  |  | (167 | ) |  | (30 | ) |  | 0 |
All other |  | 29,468 |  |  | 28,851 |  |  | 28,286 |  |  | 16,938 |
Total noninterest income |  | 29,504 |  |  | 28,684 |  |  | 28,256 |  |  | 16,938 |
Noninterest expenses |  | 83,352 |  |  | 85,415 |  |  | 102,755 |  |  | 52,288 |
Income before income taxes |  | 66,801 |  |  | 63,516 |  |  | 45,745 |  |  | 38,159 |
Income tax expense |  | 11,787 |  |  | 12,859 |  |  | 9,327 |  |  | 7,653 |
Net income |  | $ | 55,014 |  |  | $ | 50,657 |  |  | $ | 36,418 |  |  | $ | 30,506 |
Earnings per common share: |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Basic |  | $ | 0.56 |  |  | $ | 0.52 |  |  | $ | 0.37 |  |  | $ | 0.49 |
Diluted |  | $ | 0.56 |  |  | $ | 0.51 |  |  | $ | 0.37 |  |  | $ | 0.49 |
Cash dividends paid per common share |  | $ | 0.20 |  |  | $ | 0.20 |  |  | $ | 0.19 |  |  | $ | 0.36 |
Market price |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
High |  | $ | 29.58 |  |  | $ | 32.35 |  |  | $ | 33.55 |  |  | $ | 29.35 |
Low |  | $ | 22.40 |  |  | $ | 29.40 |  |  | $ | 28.10 |  |  | $ | 26.40 |
2017 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Interest income |  | $ | 88,538 |  |  | $ | 84,918 |  |  | $ | 80,789 |  |  | $ | 78,828 |
Interest expense |  | 12,924 |  |  | 14,439 |  |  | 12,269 |  |  | 9,896 |
Net interest income |  | 75,614 |  |  | 70,479 |  |  | 68,520 |  |  | 68,932 |
Provision for loan and lease losses |  | (205 | ) |  | 2,953 |  |  | 467 |  |  | 367 |
Noninterest income |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Gain on sale of investment securities |  | 19 |  |  | 276 |  |  | 838 |  |  | 516 |
All other |  | 18,363 |  |  | 22,666 |  |  | 16,616 |  |  | 16,848 |
Total noninterest income |  | 18,382 |  |  | 22,942 |  |  | 17,454 |  |  | 17,364 |
Noninterest expenses |  | 82,898 |  |  | 54,443 |  |  | 51,556 |  |  | 51,045 |
Income before income taxes |  | 11,303 |  |  | 36,025 |  |  | 33,951 |  |  | 34,884 |
Income tax expense |  | (13,508 | ) |  | 11,199 |  |  | 11,215 |  |  | 10,470 |
Net income |  | $ | 24,811 |  |  | $ | 24,826 |  |  | $ | 22,736 |  |  | $ | 24,414 |
Earnings per common share: |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Basic |  | $ | 0.40 |  |  | $ | 0.40 |  |  | $ | 0.37 |  |  | $ | 0.40 |
Diluted |  | $ | 0.40 |  |  | $ | 0.40 |  |  | $ | 0.37 |  |  | $ | 0.39 |
Cash dividends paid per common share |  | $ | 0.17 |  |  | $ | 0.17 |  |  | $ | 0.17 |  |  | $ | 0.16 |
Market price |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
High |  | $ | 29.15 |  |  | $ | 28.50 |  |  | $ | 28.95 |  |  | $ | 28.90 |
Low |  | $ | 25.30 |  |  | $ | 23.10 |  |  | $ | 25.05 |  |  | $ | 26.00 |

First Financial Bancorp common stock trades on the Nasdaq Stock Market under the symbol FFBC.
94 First Financial Bancorp 2018 Annual Report

Total Return to Shareholders

The following graph compares the five-year cumulative total return to shareholders of First Financial Bancorp common stock with that of companies that comprise the Nasdaq Composite Index and the KBW Regional Bank Index. The KBW Regional Bank Index is comprised of 50 bank holding companies headquartered throughout the country and is used frequently by investors when comparing First Financial Bancorp's stock performance to that of other similarly sized institutions. First Financial Bancorp is included in the KBW Regional Bank Index.
The following table assumes $100 invested on December 31, 2013 in First Financial Bancorp, the Nasdaq Composite Index and the KBW Regional Bank Index, and assumes that dividends are reinvested.
COMPARISON OF FIVE-YEAR CUMULATIVE TOTAL RETURN
AMONG FIRST FINANCIAL BANCORP, NASDAQ COMPOSITE INDEX
AND KBW REGIONAL BANK INDEX

| 2013 | 2014 | 2015 | 2016 | 2017 | 2018
First Financial Bancorp | 100.00 |  | 110.55 |  | 111.30 |  | 180.72 |  | 171.78 |  | 158.79 |
Nasdaq Composite Index | 100.00 |  | 114.82 |  | 122.99 |  | 134.01 |  | 173.85 |  | 168.96 |
KBW Regional Bank Index | 100.00 |  | 102.43 |  | 108.57 |  | 151.04 |  | 153.77 |  | 126.88 |

First Financial Bancorp 2018 Annual Report 95

Shareholder Information Annual Meeting of Shareholders Investor Relations The annual meeting of shareholders will be held on Corporate and investor information, including news Tuesday, May 28, 2019, at 10:00 AM (EDT) via a releases, webcasts, investor presentations, annual reports, virtual shareholder meeting. proxy statements and SEC filings, as well as information on the Company’s corporate governance practices are Common Stock Listing available within the Investor Relations section of our First Financial Bancorp’s common stock trades website at www.bankatfirst.com/investor. on the Nasdaq Stock Market (NASDAQ) under the symbol FFBC. Shareholders, analysts and other investment professionals who would like corporate and financial information on Registrar and Transfer Agent First Financial Bancorp should contact: Computershare Shareholder Services serves as the registrar and transfer agent for First Financial Bancorp Jamie Anderson common stock for registered shareholders. Shareholder Chief Financial Officer account inquiries, including changes of address or First Financial Bancorp ownership, transferring stock and replacing lost 255 East Fifth Street, 29th Floor certificates or dividend checks should be directed to Cincinnati, OH 45202 Computershare Shareholder Services at: (513) 887-5400 Email: InvestorRelations@bankatfirst.com Transfer Agent Computershare Shareholder Services Securities and Exchange Commission Filings P.O. Box 505000 All reports filed electronically by First Financial Bancorp with Louisville, KY 40233 the United States Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), (800) 368-5948 including the Annual Report on Form 10-K, quarterly reports on Form 10-Q, and current event reports on Form 8-K, as Shareholders of record can also access their shareholder well as any amendments to those reports, are accessible at account records and request information related to their no cost within the Investor Relations section of our website shareholder account via the internet. To register for online at www.bankatfirst.com/investor, or by contacting Investor account access, go to: www.computershare.com/investor. Relations. These filings are also accessible on the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov. Dividend Reinvestment and Stock Purchase Plan Shareholders of record holding 25 shares or more are eligible to participate in our Dividend Reinvestment Plan. Shareholders of record may elect to have cash dividends automatically reinvested in additional common shares and can also purchase additional common shares by making optional cash payments. To obtain a prospectus, enroll in the plan, or to contact Investor Relations, please visit the Investor Relations section of our website at www.bankatfirst.com/investor.
96 First Financial Bancorp 2018 Annual Report

2018 ANNUAL REPORT First Financial Bancorp First Financial Center 255 East Fifth Street Suite 800 Cincinnati, OH 45202-4248 www.bankatfirst.com