The purpose of this discussion is to point out key factors in the Corporation's recent performance compared with earlier periods. The discussion should be read in conjunction with the financial statements beginning on page three of this report. All figures are for the consolidated entities. It is presumed the readers of these financial statements and of the following narrative have previously read the Corporation's financial statements for 2022 in the 10-K filed for the fiscal year endedDecember 31, 2022 . This Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q contains forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements provide current expectations or forecasts of future events and are not guarantees of future performance, nor should they be relied upon as representing management's views as of any subsequent date. The forward-looking statements are based on management's expectations and are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties. Although management believes that the expectations reflected in such forward-looking statements are reasonable, actual results may differ materially from those expressed or implied in such statements. Risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially include, without limitation, the Corporation's ability to effectively execute its business plans; changes in general economic and financial market conditions; changes in interest rates; changes in the competitive environment; continuing consolidation in the financial services industry; new litigation or changes in existing litigation; losses, customer bankruptcy, claims and assessments; changes in banking regulations or other regulatory or legislative requirements affecting the Corporation's business; and changes in accounting policies or procedures as may be required by theFinancial Accounting Standards Board or other regulatory agencies. Additional information concerning factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied in the forward-looking statements is available in the Corporation's Form 10-K for the year endedDecember 31, 2022 , and subsequent filings with theUnited States Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). Copies of these filings are available at no cost on theSEC's Web site at www.sec.gov or on the Corporation's Web site at www.first-online.com. Management may elect to update forward-looking statements at some future point; however, it specifically disclaims any obligation to do so. Critical Accounting Policies Certain of the Corporation's accounting policies are important to the portrayal of the Corporation's financial condition and results of operations, since they require management to make difficult, complex or subjective judgments, some of which may relate to matters that are inherently uncertain. Estimates associated with these policies are susceptible to material changes as a result of changes in facts and circumstances. Facts and circumstances which could affect these judgments include, without limitation, changes in interest rates, in the performance of the economy or in the financial condition of borrowers. Management believes that its critical accounting policies include determining the allowance for credit losses and the valuation of goodwill and valuing investment securities. See further discussion of these critical accounting policies in the 2022 Form 10-K. Allowance for credit losses. The allowance for credit losses (ACL) represents management's estimate of expected losses inherent within the existing loan portfolio. The allowance for credit losses is increased by the provision for credit losses charged to expense and reduced by loans charged off, net of recoveries. The allowance for credit losses is determined based on management's assessment of several factors: reviews and evaluations of specific loans, changes in the nature and volume of the loan portfolio, current economic conditions, nonperforming loans, determination of acquired loans as purchase credit deteriorated, and reasonable and supportable forecasts. Loans are individually evaluated when they do not share risk characteristics with other loans in the respective pool. Loans evaluated individually are excluded from the collective evaluation. Management elected the collateral dependent practical expedient upon adoption of ASC 326. Expected credit losses on individually evaluated loans are based on the fair value of the collateral at the reporting date, adjusted for selling costs as appropriate. Management utilizes a cohort methodology to determine the allowance for credit losses. This method identifies and captures the balance of a pool of loans with similar risk characteristics, as of a particular point in time to form a cohort, then tracks the respective losses generated by that cohort of loans over their remaining life. The cohorts track loan balances and historical loss experience since 2008, and management extends the look back period each quarter to capture all available data points in the historical loss rate calculation. The quantitative component of the ACL involves assumptions that require a significant level of estimation; these include historical losses as a predictor of future performance, appropriateness of selected delay periods, and the reasonableness of the portfolio segmentation. A historical data set is expected to provide the best indication of future credit performance. Delay periods represent the amount of time it takes a cohort of loans to become seasoned, or incur sufficient attrition through pay downs, renewals, or charge-offs. Portfolio segmentation relates to the pooling of loans with similar risk characteristics, such as industry types, collateral, and
consumer purpose. 28 Table of Contents
On an annual basis, in the first quarter, management performs a recalibration of the delay periods and portfolio segmentation to determine whether they are reasonable and appropriate based on the information available at that time.
Management considers qualitative adjustments to expected credit loss estimates for information not already captured in the loss estimation process. Where past performance may not be representative of future losses, loss rates are adjusted for qualitative and economic forecast factors. Management uses the peak three consecutive quarter net charge off rate to capture maximum potential volatility over the reasonable and supportable forecast period. Historical losses utilized in setting the qualitative factor ranges are anchored to 2008 and may be supplemented by peer information when needed. The qualitative factor ranges are recalibrated annually to capture recent behavior that is indicative of the credit profile of the current portfolio. Qualitative factors include items, such as changes in lending policies or procedures, asset specific risks, and economic uncertainty in forward-looking forecasts. Economic indicators utilized in forecasting include unemployment rate, gross domestic product, housing starts, and interest rates. Management uses a two-year reasonable and supportable period across all loan segments to forecast economic conditions. Management believes the two-year time horizon aligns with available industry guidance and various forecasting sources. Economic forecast adjustments are overlaid onto historical loss rates. As such, reversion from forecast rates to historical loss rates is immediate. The ACL and allowance for unfunded commitments were$39.6 million and$2.1 million , respectively atMarch 31, 2023 , compared to$39.8 million and$2.1 million , respectively atDecember 31, 2022 . The qualitative amount of the reserve decreased$92 thousand to$10.9 million . The quantitative amount is$28.4 million atMarch 31, 2023 , compared to$28.6 million atDecember 31, 2022 . There was no change in the allowance for unfunded commitments. See additional discussion of ACL in the Allowance for Credit Losses section below. Based on management's analysis of the current portfolio, management believes the allowance is adequate. Changes in the financial condition of individual borrowers, economic conditions, historical loss experience, or the condition of the various markets in which collateral may be sold may affect the required level of the allowance for credit losses and the associated provision for credit losses. As management monitors these changes, as well as those factors discussed above, adjustments may be recorded to the allowance for credit losses and the associated provision for credit losses in the future. Summary of Operating Results Net income for the three months endedMarch 31, 2023 was$16.0 million , compared to$20.9 million for the same period in 2022. Basic earnings per share decreased to$1.33 for the first quarter of 2023 compared to$1.67 for the same period in 2022. Return on Assets and Return on Equity were 1.32% and 13.10% respectively, for the three months endedMarch 31, 2023 compared to 1.63% and 14.81% for the three months endedMarch 31, 2022 . In light of recent events in the banking sector, including recent bank failures, continuing interest rate hikes and recessionary concerns, the Corporation has proactively positioned the balance sheet to mitigate the risks affecting the Corporation and the overall banking industry in order to serve its clients and communities.
Liquidity remains strong, with cash and available for sale securities
representing approximately 29.5% of assets at
maintains the ability to access considerable sources of contingent liquidity at
? the
considers the Corporation's current liquidity position to be adequate to meet
both short-term and long-term liquidity needs. Refer to the section Liquidity
Risk for additional information.
Capital remains strong, with ratios of the Corporation, and its subsidiary
? bank, well above the standards to be considered well-capitalized under
regulatory requirements. Refer to the section Capital Adequacy, included
elsewhere in this report for additional details.
Asset quality remains solid, with a non-performing asset ratio of 0.31% of
total assets as of
? and leases, reflecting the Company's disciplined underwriting and conservative
lending philosophy which has supported the Corporation's strong credit
performance during prior financial crises. Refer to the section Non-Performing
Loan for additional information. 29 Table of Contents
The Corporation will continue its safe and sound banking practices, but the continuing impact of the crisis and further extent on the Corporation's operations and financial results for the remainder of 2023 is uncertain and cannot be predicted.
OnOctober 31, 2022 ,First Financial Corporation issued a press release announcing plans to optimize its banking center network as part of a plan to improve operating efficiencies and accommodate changing customer preferences. Subject to regulatory requirements, the Corporation closed and consolidated seven of its seventy-two branches onJanuary 31, 2023 . The buildings and land on the owned branches recorded impairment onDecember 31, 2022 for$1.3 million . These consolidations are projected to save the Corporation approximately$1.5 million per year in operating expenses.
The primary components of income and expense affecting net income are discussed in the following analysis.
Net Interest Income The Corporation's primary source of earnings is net interest income, which is the difference between the interest earned on loans and other investments and the interest paid for deposits and other sources of funds. Net interest income increased$6.5 million in the three months endedMarch 31, 2023 to$44.3 million from$37.8 million in the same period in 2022. The net interest margin for the three months endedMarch 31, 2023 is 3.96% compared to 3.16% for the same period in 2022, a 25.32% increase. Interest rates increased significantly throughout 2022 and in the first quarter of 2023, due to federal rate adjustments.
Non-Interest Income
Non-interest income for the three months endedMarch 31, 2023 was$9.4 million compared to$13.7 million for the same period of 2022. The change in non-interest income from 2022 to 2023 was primarily driven by a$4.0 million legal settlement received in February, 2022. The Corporation does not expect this income to reoccur. Non-Interest Expenses
The Corporation's non-interest expense for the quarter ended
Allowance for Credit Losses
The Corporation's provision for credit losses increased to$1.8 million for the first quarter of 2023 as compared to negative provision of$6.6 million for the same period in 2022. Net charge-offs for the first quarter of 2023 were$2.0 million compared to$1.2 million for the same period of 2022. The negative provision for first quarter 2022 was the result of several factors. The first was the annual model recalibration. Each year, in the first quarter, management reviews each model variable to determine if adjustments are necessary to improve the model's predictability. In the first quarter 2022 the delay periods were shortened to pick up more recent losses. Also, the qualitative factor maximum scorecard ranges for certain cohorts were reduced, which reduced the reserve. Secondly, management removed two qualitative factors that were deemed no longer applicable. The first was related to an acquisition, which management believed to have seasoned adequately that it was no longer warranted. The second was related to the CECL model and the related uncertainty. The uncertainty surrounded the newness of the model and potential regulatory scrutiny. Following two exam cycles, management elected to remove the factor. Also, during the quarter, historical loss rates continued to decline, which lowers the required reserve. The historical loss rate declined in most segments. Based on management's analysis of the current portfolio, an evaluation that includes consideration of changes in CECL model assumptions of credit quality, economic conditions, and loan composition, management believes the allowance is adequate. In the first quarter 2023, no significant changes were made.
Income Tax Expense
The Corporation's effective income tax rate for the first three months of 2023 was 18.42% compared to 21.79% for the same period in 2022. Pretax income for the first quarter 2022 was significantly higher than pretax income for first quarter 2023. Since our permanent differences remained similar, income was the driving factor for the decrease in effective tax rate. 30 Table of Contents Non-performing Loans
Non-performing loans consist of (1) non-accrual loans on which the ultimate collectability of the full amount of interest is uncertain, and (2) loans past due ninety days or more as to principal or interest. Non-performing loans decreased to$12.1 million atMarch 31, 2023 compared to$12.7 million atDecember 31, 2022 . Nonperforming loans decreased 43.4% compared to$8.4 million as ofMarch 31, 2022 . A summary of non-performing loans atMarch 31, 2023 andDecember 31, 2022 follows: (000's) March 31, 2023 December 31, 2022 Non-accrual loans$ 10,920 $ 11,554 Accruing loans past due over 90 days 1,157 1,119$ 12,077 $ 12,673
Ratio of the allowance for credit losses as a percentage of non-performing loans
328.1 % 414.4 %
The following loan categories comprise significant components of the nonperforming non-restructured loans:
March 31, 2023 December 31, 2022 Non-accrual loans Commercial loans $ 4,098 $ 4,874 Residential loans 3,422 3,715 Consumer loans 3,400 2,965$ 10,920 $ 11,554 Past due 90 days or more Commercial loans $ 293 $ 112 Residential loans 863 1,007 Consumer loans 1 - $ 1,157 $ 1,119
Interest Rate Sensitivity and Liquidity
First Financial Corporation has established risk measures, limits and policy guidelines for managing interest rate risk and liquidity. Responsibility for management of these functions resides with the Asset Liability Committee. The primary goal of the Asset Liability Committee is to maximize net interest income within the interest rate risk limits approved by the Board of Directors.
Interest Rate Risk
Management considers interest rate risk to be the Corporation's most significant market risk. Interest rate risk is the exposure to changes in net interest income as a result of changes in interest rates. Consistency in the Corporation's net interest income is largely dependent on the effective management of this risk.
The Asset Liability position is measured using sophisticated risk management tools, including earning simulation and market value of equity sensitivity analysis. These tools allow management to quantify and monitor both short-term and long-term exposure to interest rate risk. Simulation modeling measures the effects of changes in interest rates, changes in the shape of the yield curve and the effects of embedded options on net interest income. This measure projects earnings in the various environments over the next three years. It is important to note that measures of interest rate risk have limitations and are dependent on various assumptions. These assumptions are inherently uncertain and, as a result, the model cannot precisely predict the impact of interest rate fluctuations on net interest income. Actual results will differ from simulated results due to timing, frequency and amount of interest rate changes as well as overall market conditions. The Committee has performed a thorough analysis of these assumptions and believes them to be valid and theoretically sound. These assumptions are continuously monitored for behavioral changes. The Corporation from time to time utilizes derivatives to manage interest rate risk. Management continuously evaluates the merits of such interest rate risk products but does not anticipate the use of such products to become a major part of the Corporation's risk management strategy. 31 Table of Contents
The table below shows the Corporation's estimated sensitivity profile as ofMarch 31, 2023 . The change in interest rates assumes a parallel shift in interest rates of 100, 200, and 300 basis points. Given a 100 basis point increase in rates, net interest income would increase 1.22% over the next 12 months and increase 3.86% over the following 12 months. Given a 100 basis point decrease in rates, net interest income would decrease 2.57% over the next 12 months and decrease 6.00% over the following 12 months. These estimates assume all rate changes occur overnight and management takes no action as a result of this change. Basis Point Percentage Change in Net Interest Income Interest Rate Change 12 months 24 months 36 months Down 300 (7.10) % (18.15) % (26.53) % Down 200 (5.09) (12.30) (17.94) Down 100 (2.57) (6.00) (8.81) Up 100 1.22 3.86 6.66 Up 200 (0.50) 4.78 10.37 Up 300 (0.37) 7.55 16.00
Typical rate shock analysis does not reflect management's ability to react and thereby reduce the effect of rate changes, and represents a worst-case scenario.
Liquidity Risk
Liquidity represents an institution's ability to provide funds to satisfy demands from depositors, borrowers, and other creditors by either converting assets into cash or accessing new or existing sources of incremental funds. Generally the Corporation relies on deposits, loan repayments and repayments of investment securities as its primary sources of funds. The Corporation has$8.5 million of investments that mature throughout the next 12 months. The Corporation also anticipates$113.7 million of principal payments from mortgage-backed and other securities. Given the current rate environment, the Corporation anticipates$11.2 million in securities to be called within the next 12 months. The Corporation also has$93.8 million of unused borrowing capacity available with theFederal Home Loan Bank of Indianapolis ,$118.5 million available with theFederal Reserve Bank , and$125 million of available fed funds lines with correspondent banks. With these sources of funds, the Corporation currently anticipates adequate liquidity to meet the expected obligations of its customers. Financial Condition Comparing the first three months of 2023 to year-endedDecember 31, 2022 , loans net of deferred loan costs, have increased$13 million to$3.1 billion . Deposits decreased 4.66% to$4.2 billion atMarch 31, 2023 compared toDecember 31, 2022 . The decline was in part driven by a decline in interest bearing public funds checking, which historically declines in the first quarter each year, and a decline in institutional deposits as a result of a pricing decision. Shareholders' equity increased 6.36% or$30.2 million . This financial performance increased book value per share 6.21% to$41.89 atMarch 31, 2023 from$39.44 atDecember 31, 2022 . Book value per share is calculated by dividing the total shareholders' equity by the number of shares outstanding. Accumulated other comprehensive income increased$14.4 million primarily due to the market value of the securities portfolio, which reflected the increase in securities pricing. 32 Table of Contents Capital Adequacy TheFederal Reserve ,OCC andFederal Deposit Insurance Corporation (collectively, joint agencies) establish regulatory capital guidelines forU.S. banking organizations. Regulatory capital guidelines require that capital be measured in relation to the credit and market risks of both on- and off-balance sheet items using various risk weights. OnJanuary 1, 2015 , theBasel 3 rules became effective and include transition provisions throughJanuary 1, 2019 . UnderBasel 3, Total capital consists of two tiers of capital, Tier 1 and Tier 2. Tier 1 capital is further composed of Common equity tier 1 capital and additional tier 1 capital. Common equity tier 1 capital primarily includes qualifying common shareholders' equity, retained earnings and certain minority interests.Goodwill , disallowed intangible assets and certain disallowed deferred tax assets are excluded from Common equity tier 1 capital. Additional tier 1 capital primarily includes qualifying non-cumulative preferred stock, trust preferred securities (Trust Securities ) subject to phase-out and certain minority interests. Certain deferred tax assets are also excluded. Tier 2 capital primarily consists of qualifying subordinated debt, a limited portion of the allowance for loan and lease losses,Trust Securities subject to phase-out and reserves for unfunded lending commitments. The Corporation's Total capital is the sum of Tier 1 capital plus Tier 2 capital. To meet adequately capitalized regulatory requirements, an institution must maintain a Tier 1 capital ratio of 8.50 percent and a Total capital ratio of 10.50 percent. A "well-capitalized" institution must generally maintain capital ratios 200 bps higher than the minimum guidelines. The risk-based capital rules have been further supplemented by a Tier 1 leverage ratio, defined as Tier 1 capital divided by quarterly average total assets, after certain adjustments. BHCs must have a minimum Tier 1 leverage ratio of at least 4.0 percent. National banks must maintain a Tier 1 leverage ratio of at least 5.0 percent to be classified as "well capitalized." Failure to meet the capital requirements established by the joint agencies can lead to certain mandatory and discretionary actions by regulators that could have a material adverse effect on the Corporation's financial position. Below are the capital ratios for the Corporation and lead bank.
The fully phased in capital conservation buffer set the minimum ratios for common equity Tier 1 capital at 7%, the Tier 1 capital at 8.5% and the total capital at 10.5%. Currently the Corporation exceeds all of these minimums.
March 31, 2023 December 31, 2022 To Be Well Capitalized Common equity tier 1 capital Corporation 14.27 % 13.58 % N/A First Financial Bank 12.74 % 12.09 % - % Total risk-based capital Corporation 15.32 % 14.61 % N/A First Financial Bank 13.81 % 13.14 % - % Tier I risk-based capital Corporation 14.27 % 13.58 % N/A First Financial Bank 12.74 % 12.09 % - % Tier I leverage capital Corporation 11.30 % 10.78 % N/A First Financial Bank 10.00 % 9.50 % - % 33 Table of Contents
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