10-K


UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
 
FORM 10-K
x
ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
 
For the fiscal year ended December 31, 2015
 
OR
¨
TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
 
For the transition period from    _________     to    ___________
 
Commission file number 0-16759
FIRST FINANCIAL CORPORATION
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter) 
INDIANA
35-1546989
(State of Incorporation)
(I.R.S. Employer Identification Number)
One First Financial Plaza
Terre Haute, Indiana
 
47807
(Address of Registrant’s Principal Executive Offices)
(Zip Code)
 
(812) 238-6000
(Registrant’s Telephone Number, Including Area Code)
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:
 
Title of each class
Name of Exchange on Which Registered
Common Stock, no par value
The NASDAQ Stock Market LLC
(NASDAQ Global Select Market)
 
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act:
None
 
Indicate by check mark if the registrant is a well-known-seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act.    Yes  ¨    No  x
 
Indicate by check mark if the registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or Section 15(d) of the Act.    Yes  ¨    No  x
 
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.    Yes  x    No  ¨
 
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§ 232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files). Yes  x    No  ¨
 
Indicate by check mark if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to Item 405 of Regulation S-K is not contained herein, and will not be contained, to the best of registrant’s knowledge, in definitive proxy or information statements incorporated by reference in Part III of this Form 10-K or any amendment to this Form 10-K.  ¨
 




Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, or a smaller reporting company. See definition of “accelerated filer”, “large accelerated filer”, and “smaller reporting company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act of 1934.
 
Large accelerated filer ¨       Accelerated filer x       Non-accelerated filer ¨       Smaller reporting company ¨
 
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Act).    Yes  ¨    No  x
 
As of June 30, 2015 the aggregate market value of the stock held by non-affiliates of the registrant based on the average bid and ask prices of such stock was $420,248,048. (For purposes of this calculation, the Corporation excluded the stock owned by certain beneficial owners and management and the Corporation’s Employee Stock Ownership Plan.)
 
Shares of Common Stock outstanding as of March 1, 2016—12,656,606 shares.
 
DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE
 
Portions of the Definitive Proxy Statement for the First Financial Corporation Annual Meeting of Shareholders to be held April 20, 2016 are incorporated by reference into Part III.
 

 





FIRST FINANCIAL CORPORATION
2015 ANNUAL REPORT ON FORM 10-K
TABLE OF CONTENTS
 
PAGE
PART I
 
Item 1.    Business
Item 1A. Risk Factors
Item 1B. Unresolved Staff Comments
Item  2.  Properties
Item  3.   Legal Proceedings
Item  4.   Mine Safety Disclosures
PART II
 
Item 5.    Market for Registrant’s Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities
Item 6.    Selected Financial Data
Item 7.    Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
Item  7A. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk
Item 8.    Financial Statements and Supplementary Data
Item 9.    Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosures
Item  9A. Controls and Procedures
Item 9B.  Other Information
PART III
 
Item 10.    Directors, Executive Officers and Corporate Governance
Item 11.    Executive Compensation
Item 12.   Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Shareholder Matters
Item 13.   Certain Relationships and Related Transactions and Director Independence
Item 14.   Principal Accountant Fees and Services
PART IV
 
Item 15.   Exhibits and Financial Statement Schedules
Signatures
Exhibit 21
 
Exhibit 31.1
 
Exhibit 31.2
 
Exhibit 32.1
 
Exhibit 32.2
 


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FIRST FINANCIAL CORPORATION
2015 ANNUAL REPORT ON FORM 10-K
 
PART I 
 
ITEM 1.
BUSINESS
 
FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS
 
A cautionary note about forward-looking statements: In its oral and written communication, First Financial Corporation from time to time includes forward-looking statements, within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Such forward-looking statements can include statements about estimated cost savings, plans and objectives for future operations and expectations about performance, as well as economic and market conditions and trends. They often can be identified by the use of words such as "expect," "may," "could," "intend," "project," "estimate," "believe" or "anticipate" or words of similar import. By their nature, forward-looking statements are based on assumptions and are subject to risks, uncertainties and other factors. Actual results may differ materially from those contained in the forward-looking statement. First Financial Corporation may include forward-looking statements in filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, in other written materials such as this Annual Report and in oral statements made by senior management to analysts, investors, representatives of the media and others. It is intended that these forward-looking statements speak only as of the date they are made, and First Financial Corporation undertakes no obligation to update any forward-looking statement to reflect events or circumstances after the date on which the forward-looking statement is made or to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events.
 
The discussion in Item 1A (Risk Factors) and Item 7 (Management's Discussion and Analysis of Results of Operations and Financial Condition) of this Annual Report on Form 10-K, lists some of the factors which could cause actual results to vary materially from those in any forward-looking statements. Other uncertainties which could affect First Financial Corporation's future performance include the effects of competition, technological changes and regulatory developments; changes in fiscal, monetary and tax policies; market, economic, operational, liquidity, credit and interest rate risks associated with First Financial Corporation's business; inflation; competition in the financial services industry; changes in general economic conditions, either nationally or regionally, resulting in, among other things, credit quality deterioration; and changes in securities markets. Investors should consider these risks, uncertainties and other factors in addition to those mentioned by First Financial Corporation in its other filings from time to time when considering any forward-looking statement.
 
GENERAL
 
First Financial Corporation (the “Corporation”) is a financial holding company. The Corporation was originally organized as an Indiana corporation in 1984 to operate as a bank holding company.
 
The Corporation, which is headquartered in Terre Haute, Indiana, offers a wide variety of financial services including commercial, mortgage and consumer lending, lease financing, trust account services, depositor services and insurance services through its four subsidiaries. At the close of business in 2015 the Corporation and its subsidiaries had 896 full-time equivalent employees.

The risk characteristics of each loan portfolio segment are as follows:
Commercial
Commercial loans are predominately loans to expand a business or finance asset purchases. The underlying risk in the Commercial loan segment is primarily a function of the reliability and sustainability of the cash flows of the borrower and secondarily on the underlying collateral securing the transaction. From time to time, the cash flows of borrowers may be less than historical or as planned. In addition, the underlying collateral securing these loans may fluctuate in value. Most commercial loans are secured by the assets financed or other business assets and most commercial loans are further supported by a personal guarantee. However, in some instances, short term loans are made on an unsecured basis. Agriculture production loans are typically secured by growing crops and generally secured by other assets such as farm equipment. Production loans are subject to weather and market pricing risks. The Corporation has established underwriting standards and guidelines for all commercial loan types.
The Corporation strives to maintain a geographically diverse commercial real estate portfolio. Commercial real estate loans are primarily underwritten based upon the cash flows of the underlying real estate or from the cash flows of the business conducted at the real estate. Generally, these types of loans will be fully guaranteed by the principal owners of the real estate and loan amounts must be supported by adequate collateral value. Commercial real estate loans may be adversely affected by factors in the local market, the regional economy, or industry specific factors. In addition, Commercial Construction loans are a specific type of commercial real estate loan which inherently carry more risk than loans for completed projects. Since these types of loans are

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underwritten utilizing estimated costs, feasibility studies, and estimated absorption rates, the underlying value of the project may change based upon the inaccuracy of these projections. Commercial construction loans are closely monitored, subject to industry standards, and disbursements are controlled during the construction process.
Residential
Retail real estate mortgages that are secured by 1-4 family residences are generally owner occupied and include residential real estate and residential real estate construction loans. The Corporation typically establishes a maximum loan-to-value ratio and generally requires private mortgage insurance if the ratio is exceeded. The Corporation sells substantially all of its long-term fixed mortgages to secondary market purchasers. Mortgages sold to secondary market purchasers are underwritten to specific guidelines. The Corporation originates some mortgages that are maintained in the bank’s loan portfolio. Portfolio loans are generally adjustable rate mortgages and are underwritten to conform to Qualified Mortgage standards. Several factors are considered in underwriting all Mortgages including the value of the underlying real estate, debt-to-income ratio and credit history of the borrower. Repayment is primarily dependent upon the personal income of the borrower and can be impacted by changes in borrower’s circumstances such as changes in employment status and changes in real estate property values. Risk is mitigated by the sale of substantially all long-term fixed rate mortgages, the underwriting of portfolio loans to Qualified Mortgage standards and the fact that mortgages are generally smaller individual amounts spread over a large number of borrowers.
Consumer
The consumer portfolio primarily consists of home equity loans and lines (typically secured by a subordinate lien on a 1-4 family residence), secured loans (typically secured by automobiles, boats, recreational vehicles, or motorcycles), cash/CD secured, and unsecured loans. Pricing, loan terms, and loan to value guidelines vary by product line. The underlying value of collateral dependent loans may vary based on a number of economic conditions, including fluctuations in home prices and unemployment levels. Underwriting of consumer loans is based on the individual credit profile and analysis of the debt repayment capacity for each borrower. Payments for consumer loans is typically set-up on equal monthly installments, however, future repayment may be impacted by a change in economic conditions or a change in the personal income levels of individual customers. Overall risks within the consumer portfolio are mitigated by the mix of various loan products, lending in various markets and the overall make-up of the portfolio (small loan sizes and a large number of individual borrowers).
 
COMPANY PROFILE
 
First Financial Bank, N.A. (the “Bank”) is the largest bank in Vigo County, Ind. It operates 11 full-service banking branches within the county; three in Clay County, Ind.; one in Daviess County, Ind.; one in Gibson County, Ind.; one in Greene County, Ind.; three in Knox County, Ind.; four in Parke County, Ind.; one in Putnam County, Ind., four in Sullivan County, Ind.; one in Vanderburgh, County.; four in Vermillion County, Ind.; five in Champaign County, Illinois; one in Clark County, Ill.; three in Coles County, Ill.; two in Crawford County, Ill.; two in Franklin County, Ill.; one in Jasper County, Ill.; two in Jefferson County, Ill.; one in Lawrence County, Ill.; two in Livingston County, Illinois; two in Marion County, Ill.; one in Montgomery County, Ill.; three in McLean County, Illinois; two in Richland County, Ill.; six in Vermilion County, Ill.; and one in Wayne County, Ill. In addition to its branches, it has a main office in downtown Terre Haute and a 50,000-square-foot commercial building on South Third Street in Terre Haute, which serves as the Corporation's operations center and provides additional office space. The Morris Plan Company of Terre Haute, Inc. (“Morris Plan”) has one office and is located in Vigo County. Forrest Sherer Inc. is a regional supplier of insurance, surety and other financial products. Forrest Sherer has more than 58 professionals and over 91 years of service to both businesses and households in their market area. The agency has representation agreements with more than 40 regional and national insurers to market their products of property and casualty insurance, surety bonds, employee benefit plans, life insurance and annuities. FFB Risk Management Co., Inc. located in Las Vegas, Nevada is a captive insurance subsidiary which insures various liability and property damage policies for First Financial Corporation subsidiaries.
 
COMPETITION
 
First Financial Bank and Morris Plan face competition from other financial institutions. These competitors consist of commercial banks, a mutual savings bank and other financial institutions, including consumer finance companies, insurance companies, brokerage firms and credit unions.

The Corporation's business activities are centered in west-central Indiana and east-central Illinois. The Corporation has no foreign activities other than periodically investing available funds in time deposits held in foreign branches of domestic banks.






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REGULATION AND SUPERVISION
 
The Corporation and its subsidiaries operate in highly regulated environments and are subject to supervision and regulation by several governmental regulatory agencies, including the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System (the “Federal Reserve”), the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (the “OCC”), the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (the “FDIC”), and the Indiana Department of Financial Institutions (the “DFI”). The laws and regulations established by these agencies are generally intended to protect depositors, not shareholders. Changes in applicable laws, regulations, governmental policies, income tax laws and accounting principles may have a material effect on the Corporation’s business and prospects. The following summary is qualified by reference to the statutory and regulatory provisions discussed.

The Dodd-Frank Act

The Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act (the “Dodd-Frank Act” or “Dodd-Frank”), which was enacted in July 2010, significantly restructured the financial regulatory regime in the United States. Although the Dodd-Frank Act’s provisions that have received the most public attention generally have been those applying to or more likely to affect larger institutions such as bank holding companies with total consolidated assets of $50 billion or more, it contains numerous other provisions that affect all bank holding companies and banks, including the Corporation, the Bank, and Morris Plan, some of which are described in more detail below.

Because full implementation of the Dodd-Frank Act will occur over several years, it is difficult to anticipate the overall financial impact on the Corporation, its customers or the financial industry generally. However, the impact is expected to be substantial and may have an adverse impact on the Corporation’s financial performance and growth opportunities.

The Volcker Rule

The Dodd-Frank Act requires the federal financial regulatory agencies to adopt rules that prohibit banks and their affiliates from engaging in proprietary trading and investing in and sponsoring certain unregistered investment companies (defined as hedge funds and private equity funds). The statutory provision is commonly called the “Volcker Rule”. Although the Corporation is continuing to evaluate the impact of the Volcker Rule and the final rules adopted thereunder, the Corporation does not currently anticipate that the Volcker Rule will have a material effect on the operations of the Bank, Morris Plan, or their respective subsidiaries, as the Corporation does not engage in the businesses prohibited by the Volcker Rule. The Corporation may incur costs to adopt additional policies and systems to ensure compliance with the Volcker Rule, but any such costs are not expected to be material.

Consumer Financial Protection Bureau

The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (the “CFPB”), created by the Dodd-Frank Act, is responsible for administering federal consumer financial protection laws. The CFPB, which began operations on July 21, 2011, is an independent bureau within the Federal Reserve and has broad rule-making, supervisory and examination authority to set and enforce rules in the consumer protection area over financial institutions that have assets of $10 billion or more. The CFPB also has data collecting powers for fair lending purposes for both small business and mortgage loans, as well as authority to prevent unfair, deceptive and abusive practices. Abusive acts or practices are defined as those that:
(1)
materially interfere with a consumer’s ability to understand a term or condition of a consumer financial product or service, or
(2)
take unreasonable advantage of a consumer’s:
lack of financial savvy,
inability to protect himself in the selection or use of consumer financial products or services,
or
reasonable reliance on a covered entity to act in the consumer’s interests.

The CFPB has the authority to investigate possible violations of federal consumer financial law, hold hearings and commence civil litigation. The CFPB can issue cease-and-desist orders against banks and other entities that violate consumer financial laws. The CFPB may also institute a civil action against an entity in violation of federal consumer financial law in order to impose a civil penalty or an injunction.


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BASEL III

In July 2013, the federal banking agencies published the Basel III Capital Rules establishing a new comprehensive capital framework for U.S. banking organizations. The rules implement the Basel Committee’s December 2010 framework known as “Basel III” for strengthening international capital standards as well as certain provisions of the Dodd-Frank Act.

The Basel III Capital Rules became effective on January 1, 2015 (subject to a phase-in period) and, among other things, introduced a new capital measure known as “Common Equity Tier 1” (“CET1”), which generally consists of common equity Tier 1 capital instruments and related surplus, retained earnings, and common equity Tier 1 minority interests, minus certain adjustments and deductions.

The Basel III Capital Rules provide for a number of deductions from and adjustments to CET1. These include, for example, the requirement that mortgage servicing rights, deferred tax assets arising from temporary differences that could not be realized through net operating loss carrybacks and significant investments in non-consolidated financial entities be deducted from CET1 to the extent that any one such category exceeds 10% of CET1 or all such categories in the aggregate exceed 15% of CET1. Under the former capital standards, the effects of accumulated other comprehensive income items included in capital were excluded for the purposes of determining regulatory capital ratios. Under the Basel III Capital Rules, the effects of certain accumulated other comprehensive items are not excluded; however, non-advanced approaches banking organizations, including the Corporation, may make a one-time permanent election to continue to exclude these items. The Corporation, the Bank and Morris Plan all made this election in order to avoid significant variations in the level of capital depending upon the impact of interest rate fluctuations on the fair value of the Corporation’s available-for-sale securities portfolio. The Basel III Capital Rules also preclude certain hybrid securities, such as trust preferred securities, as Tier 1 capital of bank holding companies, subject to phase-out. The Corporation has no trust preferred securities. Implementation of the deductions and other adjustments to CET1 began on January 1, 2015 and will be phased-in over a four-year period (beginning at 40% on January 1, 2015 and an additional 20% per year thereafter).

The Basel III Capital Rules prescribe a standardized approach for risk weightings that expand the risk-weighting categories from the current four Basel I-derived categories (0%, 20%, 50% and 100%) to a much larger and more risk-sensitive number of categories, depending on the nature of the assets, generally ranging from 0% for U.S. government and agency securities, to 600% for certain equity exposures, and resulting in higher risk weights for a variety of asset categories. Specifics changes from former capital rules impacting the Corporation’s determination of risk-weighted assets include, among other things:

Applying a 150% risk weight instead of a 100% risk weight for certain high volatility commercial real estate acquisition, development and construction loans;
    
Assigning a 150% risk weight to exposures (other than residential mortgage exposures) that are 90 days past due;
    
Providing for a 20% credit conversion factor for the unused portion of a commitment with an original maturity of one year or less that is not unconditionally cancellable (currently set at 0%); and
    
Providing for a risk weight, generally not less than 20% with certain exceptions, for securities lending transactions based on the risk weight category of the underlying collateral securing the transaction.

When fully phased in on January 1, 2019, the Basel III Capital Rules will require the Corporation and its banking subsidiaries to maintain:

a minimum ratio of CET1 to risk-weighted assets of at least 4.5%, plus a 2.5% “capital conservation buffer” (which is added to the 4.5% CET1 ratio as that buffer is phased in, effectively resulting in a minimum ratio of CET1 to risk-weighted assets of at least 7% upon full implementation);
a minimum ratio of Tier 1 capital to risk-weighted assets of at least 6.0%, plus the capital conservation buffer (which is added to the 6.0% Tier 1 capital ratio as that buffer is phased in, effectively resulting in a minimum Tier 1 capital ratio of 8.5% upon full implementation);
a minimum ratio of Total capital (that is, Tier 1 plus Tier 2) to risk-weighted assets of at least 8.0%, plus the capital conservation buffer (which is added to the 8.0% total capital ratio as that buffer is phased in, effectively resulting in a minimum total capital ratio of 10.5% upon full implementation), and
a minimum leverage ratio of 4%, calculated as the ratio of Tier 1 capital to average assets.


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The capital conservation buffer is designed to absorb losses during periods of economic stress. Banking institutions with a ratio of CET1 to risk-weighted assets above the minimum but below the conservation buffer (or below the combined capital conservation buffer and countercyclical capital buffer, when the latter is applied) will face constraints on dividends, equity repurchases and compensation based on the amount of the shortfall. The implementation of the capital conservation buffer began on January 1, 2016 at the 0.625% level and will be phased in over a four-year period (increasing by that amount on each subsequent January 1, until it reaches 2.5% on January 1, 2019).

Under the Basel III Capital Rules, the minimum capital ratios as of January 1, 2016 are as follows:

5.125% CET1 to risk-weighted assets;
6.625% Tier 1 capital to risk-weighted assets; and
8.625% Total capital to risk-weighted assets.

Certain regulatory capital ratios for the Corporation as of December 31, 2015, are shown below:

17.69% CET1 to risk-weighted assets;
17.69% Tier 1 capital to risk-weighted assets;
18.62% Total capital to risk-weighted assets; and
12.92% leverage ratio.

Certain regulatory capital ratios for the Bank as of December 31, 2015, are shown below:

17.23% CET1 to risk-weighted assets;
17.23% Tier 1 capital to risk-weighted assets;
18.05% Total capital to risk-weighted assets; and
12.50% leverage ratio.

Certain regulatory capital ratios for Morris Plan as of December 31, 2015, are shown below:

30.93% CET1 to risk-weighted assets;
30.93% Tier 1 capital to risk-weighted assets;
32.22% Total capital to risk-weighted assets; and
28.06% leverage ratio.


The Corporation

The Bank Holding Company Act. Because the Corporation owns all of the outstanding capital stock of the Bank, it is registered as a bank holding company under the federal Bank Holding Company Act of 1956 (“Act”) and is subject to periodic examination by the Federal Reserve and required to file periodic reports of its operations and any additional information that the Federal Reserve may require.

In general, the Act limits the business of bank holding companies to banking, managing or controlling banks and other activities that the Federal Reserve has determined to be so closely related to banking as to be a proper incident thereto. In addition, bank holding companies that qualify and elect to be financial holding companies such as the Corporation, may engage in any activity, or acquire and retain the shares of a company engaged in any activity, that is either (i) financial in nature or incidental to such financial activity (as determined by the Federal Reserve in consultation with the Secretary of the Treasury) or (ii) complementary to a financial activity and does not pose a substantial risk to the safety and soundness of depository institutions or the financial system generally (as solely determined by the Federal Reserve), without prior approval of the Federal Reserve.

Investments, Control, and Activities. With some limited exceptions, the Bank Holding Company Act requires every bank holding company to obtain the prior approval of the Federal Reserve before acquiring another bank holding company or acquiring more than five percent of the voting shares of a bank (unless it already owns or controls the majority of such shares).

Bank holding companies are prohibited, with certain limited exceptions, from engaging in activities other than those of banking or of managing or controlling banks. They are also prohibited from acquiring or retaining direct or indirect ownership or control of voting shares or assets of any company which is not a bank or bank holding company, other than subsidiary companies furnishing services to or performing services for their subsidiaries, and other subsidiaries engaged in activities which the Federal Reserve

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determines to be so closely related to banking or managing or controlling banks as to be incidental to these operations. The Bank Holding Company Act does not place territorial restrictions on the activities of such nonbanking-related activities.

Bank holding companies which meet certain management, capital, and Community Reinvestment Act of 1977 (“CRA”) standards may elect to become a financial holding company, which would allow them to engage in a substantially broader range of nonbanking activities than is permitted for a bank holding company, including insurance underwriting and making merchant banking investments in commercial and financial companies.

The Corporation is a financial holding company (“FHC”) within the meaning of the Gramm-Leach-Bliley Financial Modernization Act of 1999 (“GLB Act”). The GLB Act restricts the business of FHC’s to financial and related activities, and provides the following:

 
 
·
 
it allows bank holding companies that qualify as “financial holding companies” to engage in a broad range of financial and related activities;
 
 
·
 
it allows insurers and other financial services companies to acquire banks;
 
 
·
 
it removes various restrictions that applied to bank holding company ownership of securities firms and mutual fund advisory companies; and
 
 
·
 
it establishes the overall regulatory structure applicable to bank holding companies that also engage in insurance and securities operations.

As a qualified FHC, the Corporation is eligible to engage in, or acquire companies engaged in, the broader range of activities that are permitted by the GLB Act. These activities include those that are determined to be “financial in nature,” including insurance underwriting, securities underwriting and dealing, and making merchant banking investments in commercial and financial companies. If any of the Corporation’s banking subsidiaries ceases to be “well capitalized” or “well managed” under applicable regulatory standards, the Federal Reserve Board may, among other things, place limitations on the Corporation’s ability to conduct these broader financial activities or, if the deficiencies persist, require the divestiture of the banking subsidiary. In addition, if any of the Corporation’s banking subsidiaries receives a rating of less than satisfactory under the CRA, the Corporation would be prohibited from engaging in any additional activities other than those permissible for bank holding companies that are not financial holding companies. The Corporation’s banking subsidiaries currently meet these capital, management and CRA requirements.


Dividends. The Federal Reserve's policy is that a bank holding company experiencing earnings weakness should not pay cash dividends exceeding its net income or which could only be funded in ways that weaken the bank holding company's financial health, such as by borrowing. Additionally, the Federal Reserve possesses enforcement powers over bank holding companies and their non-bank subsidiaries to prevent or remedy actions that represent unsafe or unsound practices or violations of applicable statutes and regulations. Among these powers is the ability to proscribe the payment of dividends by banks and bank holding companies.

Source of Strength. In accordance with Federal Reserve policy, the Corporation is expected to act as a source of financial strength to the Bank and Morris Plan and to commit resources to support the Bank and Morris Plan in circumstances in which the Corporation might not otherwise do so.

Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002. The Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 (the “Sarbanes-Oxley Act”) represents a comprehensive revision of laws affecting corporate governance, accounting obligations and corporate reporting. Among other requirements, the Sarbanes-Oxley Act established: (i) requirements for audit committees of public companies, including independence and expertise standards; (ii) additional responsibilities regarding financial statements for the chief executive officers and chief financial officers of reporting companies; (iii) standards for auditors and regulation of audits; (iv) increased disclosure and reporting obligations for reporting companies regarding various matters relating to corporate governance, and (v) new and increased civil and criminal penalties for violation of the securities laws.

The Bank and Morris Plan

General Regulatory Supervision. The Bank is a national bank organized under the laws of the United States of America and is subject to the supervision of the OCC, whose examiners conduct periodic examinations of the Bank. The Bank must undergo regular on-site examinations by the OCC and must submit quarterly and annual reports to the OCC concerning its activities and financial condition.


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Morris Plan is an Indiana-chartered institution and is subject to the supervision of the FDIC and the DFI, whose examiners conduct periodic examinations of Morris Plan. Morris Plan must undergo regular on-site examinations by the FDIC and the DFI and must submit quarterly and annual reports to the FDIC and the DFI concerning its activities and financial condition.

The deposits of the Bank and Morris Plan are insured by the FDIC and are subject to the FDIC's rules and regulations respecting the insurance of deposits. See “Deposit Insurance”.

Lending Limits. The total loans and extensions of credit to a borrower outstanding at one time and not fully secured may not exceed 15 percent of the bank's capital and unimpaired surplus. In addition, the total amount of outstanding loans and extensions of credit to any borrower outstanding at one time and fully secured by readily marketable collateral may not exceed 10 percent of the unimpaired capital and unimpaired surplus of the bank (this limitation is separate from and in addition to the above limitation). If a loan is secured by United States obligations, such as treasury bills, it is not subject to this legal lending limit.

Deposit Insurance. The Dodd-Frank Act has permanently increased the maximum amount of deposit insurance for financial institutions per insured depositor to $250,000.

The deposits of the Bank and Morris Plan are insured up to the applicable limits under the Deposit Insurance Fund (“DIF”). The FDIC maintains the DIF by assessing depository institutions an insurance premium. Pursuant to the Dodd-Frank Act, the FDIC is required to set a DIF reserve ratio of 1.35% of estimated insured deposits and is required to achieve this ratio by September 30, 2020.

In connection with the Dodd-Frank Act’s requirement that insurance assessments be based on assets, the FDIC bases assessments on an institution’s average consolidated assets (less average tangible equity) as opposed to its deposit level. This may shift the burden of deposit premiums toward larger depository institutions which rely on funding sources other than U.S. deposits.

Under the FDIC’s risk-based assessment system, insured institutions are required to pay deposit insurance premiums based on the risk that each institution poses to the DIF. An institution’s risk to the DIF is measured by its regulatory capital levels, supervisory evaluations, and certain other factors. An institution’s assessment rate depends upon the risk category to which it is assigned. As noted above, pursuant to the Dodd-Frank Act, the FDIC will calculate an institution’s assessment level based on its total average consolidated assets during the assessment period less average tangible equity (i.e., Tier 1 capital) as opposed to an institution’s deposit level which was the previous basis for calculating insurance assessments. Pursuant to the Dodd-Frank Act, institutions will be placed into one of four risk categories for purposes of determining the institution’s actual assessment rate. The FDIC will determine the risk category based on the institution’s capital position (well capitalized, adequately capitalized, or undercapitalized) and supervisory condition (based on exam reports and related information provided by the institution’s primary federal regulator). The Bank paid a total FDIC assessment of $1.7 million and Morris Plan paid a total FDIC assessment of $31 thousand in 2015.

In addition to the FDIC insurance premiums, the Bank and the Morris Plan are required to make quarterly payments on bonds issued by the Financing Corporation (“FICO”), an agency of the Federal government established to recapitalize a predecessor deposit insurance fund. These assessments will continue until the FICO bonds are repaid.

Transactions with Affiliates and Insiders. Pursuant to Sections 23A and 23B of the Federal Reserve Act and Regulation W, the Bank and Morris Plan are subject to limitations on the amount of loans or extensions of credit to, or investments in, or certain other transactions with, affiliates (including the Corporation) and insiders and on the amount of advances to third parties collateralized by the securities or obligations of affiliates. Furthermore, within the foregoing limitations as to amount, each covered transaction must meet specified collateral requirements. Compliance is also required with certain provisions designed to avoid the taking of low quality assets. The Bank and Morris Plan are also prohibited from engaging in certain transactions with certain affiliates and insiders unless the transactions are on terms substantially the same, or at least as favorable to such institution or its subsidiaries, as those prevailing at the time for comparable transactions with nonaffiliated companies.
        
Extensions of credit by the Bank or Morris Plan to their executive officers, directors, certain principal shareholders, and their related interests must:

be made on substantially the same terms, including interest rates and collateral, as those prevailing at the time for comparable transactions with third parties; and
not involve more than the normal risk of repayment or present other unfavorable features.

The Dodd-Frank Act also included specific changes to the law related to the definition of a “covered transaction” in Sections 23A and 23B and limitations on asset purchases from insiders. With respect to the definition of a “covered transaction,” the Dodd-Frank Act now defines that term to include the acceptance of debt obligations issued by an affiliate as collateral for an institution’s

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loan or extension of credit to another person or company. In addition, a “derivative transaction” with an affiliate is now deemed to be a “covered transaction” to the extent that such a transaction causes an institution or its subsidiary to have a credit exposure to the affiliate. A separate provision of the Dodd-Frank Act states that an insured depository institution may not “purchase an asset from, or sell an asset to” a bank insider (or their related interests) unless (1) the transaction is conducted on market terms between the parties and (2) if the proposed transaction represents more than 10 percent of the capital stock and surplus of the insured institution, it has been approved in advance by a majority of the institution’s non-interested directors.

Dividends. Applicable law provides that a financial institution, such as the Bank or Morris Plan, may pay dividends from its undivided profits in an amount declared by its Board of Directors, subject to prior regulatory approval if the proposed dividend, when added to all prior dividends declared during the current calendar year, would be greater than the current year's net income and retained earnings for the previous two calendar years.

Federal law generally prohibits the Bank or Morris Plan from paying a dividend to the Corporation if it would thereafter be undercapitalized. The FDIC may prevent a financial institution from paying dividends if it is in default of payment of any assessment due to the FDIC. In addition, payment of dividends by a bank may be prevented by the applicable federal regulatory authority if such payment is determined, by reason of the financial condition of such bank, to be an unsafe and unsound banking practice.

Community Reinvestment Act. The CRA requires that the federal banking regulators evaluate the records of a financial institution in meeting the credit needs of its local community, including low and moderate income neighborhoods. These factors are also considered in evaluating mergers, acquisitions, and applications to open a branch or facility. Failure to adequately meet these criteria could result in the imposition of additional requirements and limitations on the Bank or on Morris Plan.

Interest Rate and Market Risk. The federal bank regulators also have issued a joint policy statement to provide guidance on sound practices for managing interest rate risk. The statement sets forth the factors the federal regulatory examiners will use to determine the adequacy of a bank's capital for interest rate risk. These qualitative factors include the adequacy and effectiveness of the bank's internal interest rate risk management process and the level of interest rate exposure. Other qualitative factors that will be considered include the size of the bank, the nature and complexity of its activities, the adequacy of its capital and earnings in relation to the bank's overall risk profile, and its earning exposure to interest rate movements. The interagency supervisory policy statement describes the responsibilities of a bank's board of directors in implementing a risk management process and the requirements of the bank's senior management in ensuring the effective management of interest rate risk. Further, the statement specifies the elements that a risk management process must contain.

The federal banking regulators have also issued regulations revising the risk-based capital standards to include a supervisory framework for measuring market risk. The effect of these regulations is that any bank holding company or bank which has significant exposure to market risk must measure such risk using its own internal model, subject to the requirements contained in the regulations, and must maintain adequate capital to support that exposure. These regulations apply to any bank holding company or bank whose trading activity equals 10% or more of its total assets, or whose trading activity equals $1 billion or more. Examiners may require a bank holding company or bank that does not meet the applicability criteria to comply with the capital requirements if necessary for safety and soundness purposes. These regulations contain supplemental rules to determine qualifying and excess capital, calculate risk-weighted assets, calculate market risk-equivalent assets and calculate risk-based capital ratios adjusted for market risk.

Prompt Corrective Action. The Federal Deposit Insurance Act, as amended (“FDIA”), requires among other things, the federal banking agencies to take “prompt corrective action” in respect of depository institutions that do not meet minimum capital requirements. The FDIA includes the following five capital tiers: “well capitalized,” “adequately capitalized,” “undercapitalized,” “significantly undercapitalized” and “critically undercapitalized.” A depository institution’s capital tier will depend upon how its capital levels compare with various relevant capital measures and certain other factors, as established by regulation. The relevant capital measures are the total risk-based capital ratio, the Tier 1 risk-based capital ratio, the common equity Tier 1 risk-based capital ratio and the leverage ratio.

A bank will be (i) “well capitalized” if the institution has a total risk-based capital ratio of 10.0% or greater, a Tier 1 risk-based capital ratio of 8.0% or greater, a common equity tier 1 risk-based capital ratio of 6.5% or greater and a leverage ratio of 5.0% or greater, and is not subject to any order or written directive by any such regulatory authority to meet and maintain a specific capital level for any capital measure; (ii) “adequately capitalized” if the institution has a total risk-based capital ratio of 8.0% or greater, a Tier 1 risk-based capital ratio of 6.0% or greater, a common equity Tier 1 risk-based capital ratio of 4.5% or greater and a leverage ratio of 4.0% or greater and is not “well capitalized”; (iii) “undercapitalized” if the institution has a total risk-based capital ratio that is less than 8.0%, a Tier 1 risk-based capital ratio of less than 6.0%, a common equity Tier 1 risk-based capital ratio of 4.5%, or a leverage ratio of less than 4.0%; (iv) “significantly undercapitalized” if the institution has a total risk-based capital ratio of less than 6.0%, a Tier 1 risk-based capital ratio of less than 4.0%, a common equity Tier 1 risk-based capital ratio of less than

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3.0%, or a leverage ratio of less than 3.0%; and (v) “critically undercapitalized” if the institution’s tangible equity is equal to or less than 2.0% of average quarterly tangible assets. An institution may be downgraded to, or deemed to be in, a capital category that is lower than indicated by its capital ratios if it is determined to be in an unsafe or unsound condition or if it receives an unsatisfactory examination rating with respect to certain matters. A bank’s capital category is determined solely for the purpose of applying prompt corrective action regulations, and the capital category may not constitute an accurate representation of the bank’s overall financial condition or prospects for other purposes.

The FDIA generally prohibits a depository institution from making any capital distributions (including payment of a dividend) or paying any management fee to its parent holding company if the depository institution would thereafter be “undercapitalized.” “Undercapitalized” institutions are subject to growth limitations and are required to submit a capital restoration plan. The agencies may not accept such a plan without determining, among other things, that the plan is based on realistic assumptions and is likely to succeed in restoring the depository institution’s capital. In addition, for a capital restoration plan to be acceptable, the depository institution’s parent holding company must guarantee that the institution will comply with such capital restoration plan. The bank holding company must also provide appropriate assurances of performance. The aggregate liability of the parent holding company is limited to the lesser of (i) an amount equal to 5.0% of the depository institution’s total assets at the time it became undercapitalized and (ii) the amount which is necessary (or would have been necessary) to bring the institution into compliance with all capital standards applicable with respect to such institution as of the time it fails to comply with the plan. If a depository institution fails to submit an acceptable plan, it is treated as if it is “significantly undercapitalized.”

“Significantly undercapitalized” depository institutions may be subject to a number of requirements and restrictions, including orders to sell sufficient voting stock to become “adequately capitalized,” requirements to reduce total assets, and cessation of receipt of deposits from correspondent banks. “Critically undercapitalized” institutions are subject to the appointment of a receiver or conservator.

The appropriate federal banking agency may, under certain circumstances, reclassify a well-capitalized insured depository institution as adequately capitalized. The FDIA provides that an institution may be reclassified if the appropriate federal banking agency determines (after notice and opportunity for hearing) that the institution is in an unsafe or unsound condition or deems the institution to be engaging in an unsafe or unsound practice.

The appropriate agency is also permitted to require an adequately capitalized or undercapitalized institution to comply with the supervisory provisions as if the institution were in the next lower category (but not treat a significantly undercapitalized institution as critically undercapitalized) based on supervisory information other than the capital levels of the institution.

The Corporation believes that, as of December 31, 2015, the Bank and Morris Plan were each “well capitalized” based on the aforementioned ratios.

Incentive Compensation. The Dodd-Frank Act requires the federal bank regulatory agencies and the SEC to establish joint regulations or guidelines prohibiting incentive-based payment arrangements at specified regulated entities, such as the Corporation and the Bank, having at least $1 billion in total assets that encourage inappropriate risks by providing an executive officer, employee, director or principal shareholder with excessive compensation, fees, or benefits or that could lead to material financial loss to the entity. In addition, these regulators must establish regulations or guidelines requiring enhanced disclosure to regulators of incentive-based compensation arrangements. The agencies proposed such regulations in April 2011, but the regulations have not been finalized. If the regulations are adopted in the form initially proposed, they will impose limitations on the manner in which the Corporation may structure compensation for its executives.

The Federal Reserve Board, OCC and FDIC have issued a comprehensive final guidance on incentive compensation policies intended to ensure that the incentive compensation policies of banking organizations do not undermine the safety and soundness of such organizations by encouraging excessive risk-taking. The guidance, which covers all employees that have the ability to materially affect the risk profile of an organization, either individually or as part of a group, is based upon the key principles that a banking organization’s incentive compensation arrangements should (i) provide incentives that do not encourage risk-taking beyond the organization’s ability to effectively identify and manage risks, (ii) be compatible with effective internal controls and risk management, and (iii) be supported by strong corporate governance, including active and effective oversight by the organization’s board of directors. These three principles are incorporated into the proposed joint compensation regulations under the Dodd-Frank Act, discussed above.

The Federal Reserve Board will review, as part of the regular, risk-focused examination process, the incentive compensation arrangements of banking organizations, such as the Corporation, that are not “large, complex banking organizations.” These reviews will be tailored to each organization based on the scope and complexity of the organization’s activities and the prevalence of

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incentive compensation arrangements. The findings of the supervisory initiatives will be included in reports of examination. Deficiencies will be incorporated into the organization’s supervisory ratings, which can affect the organization’s ability to make acquisitions and take other actions. Enforcement actions may be taken against a banking organization if its incentive compensation arrangements, or related risk-management control or governance processes, pose a risk to the organization’s safety and soundness and the organization is not taking prompt and effective measures to correct the deficiencies.

Ability-to-Repay Requirement and Qualified Mortgage Rule. The Dodd-Frank Act contains additional provisions that affect consumer mortgage lending. First, it significantly expands underwriting requirements applicable to loans secured by 1-4 family residential real property and augments federal law combating predatory lending practices. In addition to numerous new disclosure requirements, the Dodd-Frank Act imposes new standards for mortgage loan originations on all lenders, including banks and savings associations, in an effort to encourage lenders to verify a borrower’s ability to repay, while also establishing a presumption of compliance for certain “qualified mortgages.” Most significantly, the new standards limit the total points and fees that the Bank and/or a broker may charge on conforming and jumbo loans to 3% of the total loan amount.

The CFPB has issued a final rule that implements the Dodd-Frank Act’s ability-to-repay requirements, and clarifies the presumption of compliance for “qualified mortgages.”  Further, the final rule also clarifies that qualified mortgages do not include “no-doc” loans and loans with negative amortization, interest-only payments, balloon payments, terms in excess of 30 years, or points and fees paid by the borrower that exceed 3% of the loan amount, subject to certain exceptions. In addition, for qualified mortgages, the monthly payment must be calculated on the highest payment that will occur in the first five years of the loan, and the borrower’s total debt-to-income ratio generally may not be more than 43%. The final rule also provides that certain mortgages that satisfy the general product feature requirements for qualified mortgages and that also satisfy the underwriting requirements of Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac (while they operate under federal conservatorship or receivership) or the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, Department of Veterans Affairs, or Department of Agriculture or Rural Housing Service are also considered to be qualified mortgages. This second category of qualified mortgages will phase out as the aforementioned federal agencies issue their own rules regarding qualified mortgages, the conservatorship of Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac ends, and, in any event, after seven years.

As set forth in the Dodd-Frank Act, subprime (or higher-priced) mortgage loans are subject to the ability-to-repay requirement, and the final rule provides for a rebuttable presumption of lender compliance for those loans. The final rule also applies the ability-to-repay requirement to prime loans, while also providing a conclusive presumption of compliance (i.e., a safe harbor) for prime loans that are also qualified mortgages. Additionally, the final rule generally prohibits prepayment penalties (subject to certain exceptions) and sets forth a 3-year record retention period with respect to documenting and demonstrating the ability-to-repay requirement and other provisions.

USA Patriot Act. The Uniting and Strengthening America by Providing Appropriate Tools Required to Intercept and Obstruct Terrorism Act of 2001 (the “USA Patriot Act”) is intended to strengthen the ability of U.S. Law Enforcement to combat terrorism on a variety of fronts. The potential impact of the USA Patriot Act on financial institutions is significant and wide-ranging. The USA Patriot Act contains sweeping anti-money laundering and financial transparency laws and requires financial institutions to implement additional policies and procedures with respect to, or additional measures designed to address, any or all of the following matters, among others: money laundering and currency crimes, customer identification verification, cooperation among financial institutions, suspicious activities and currency transaction reporting.

S.A.F.E. Act Requirements. Regulations issued under the Secure and Fair Enforcement for Mortgage Licensing Act of 2008 ( the “S.A.F.E. Act” ) require residential mortgage loan originators who are employees of institutions regulated by the foregoing agencies, including national banks, to meet the registration requirements of the S.A.F.E. Act. The S.A.F.E. Act requires residential mortgage loan originators who are employees of regulated financial institutions to be registered with the Nationwide Mortgage Licensing System and Registry, a database created by the Conference of State Bank Supervisors and the American Association of Residential Mortgage Regulators to support the licensing of mortgage loan originators by the states. Employees of regulated financial institutions are generally prohibited from originating residential mortgage loans unless they are registered.

Other Regulations

Federal law extensively regulates other various aspects of the banking business such as reserve requirements. Current federal law also requires banks, among other things to make deposited funds available within specified time periods. In addition, with certain exceptions, a bank and a subsidiary may not extend credit, lease or sell property or furnish any services or fix or vary the consideration for the foregoing on the condition that (i) the customer must obtain or provide some additional credit, property or services from, or to, any of them, or (ii) the customer may not obtain some other credit, property or service from a competitor, except to the extent reasonable conditions are imposed to assure the soundness of credit extended.


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Interest and other charges collected or contracted by the Bank or Morris Plan are subject to state usury laws and federal laws concerning interest rates. The loan operations are also subject to federal and state laws applicable to credit transactions, such as the:

Truth-In-Lending Act and state consumer protection laws governing disclosures of credit terms and prohibiting certain practices with regard to consumer borrowers;
Home Mortgage Disclosure Act of 1975, requiring financial institutions to provide information to enable the public and public officials to determine whether a financial institution is fulfilling its obligation to help meet the housing needs of the community it serves;
Equal Credit Opportunity Act and other fair lending laws, prohibiting discrimination on the basis of race, creed or other prohibited factors in extending credit;
Fair Credit Reporting Act of 1978 and Fair and Accurate Credit Transactions Act of 2003, governing the use and provision of information to credit reporting agencies;
Fair Debt Collection Practices Act, governing the manner in which consumer debts may be collected by collection agencies; and rules and regulations of the various federal agencies charged with the responsibility of implementing such federal laws.

The deposit operations also are subject to the:

Customer Information Security Guidelines. The federal bank regulatory agencies have adopted final guidelines (the “Guidelines”) for safeguarding confidential customer information. The Guidelines require each financial institution, under the supervision and ongoing oversight of its Board of Directors, to create a comprehensive written information security program designed to ensure the security and confidentiality of customer information, protect against any anticipated threats or hazards to the security or integrity of such information; protect against unauthorized access to or use of such information that could result in substantial harm or inconvenience to any customer; and implement response programs for security breaches.
Electronic Funds Transfer Act and Regulation E. The Electronic Funds Transfer Act, which is implemented by Regulation E, governs automatic deposits to and withdrawals from deposit accounts and customers' rights and liabilities arising from the use of automated teller machines and other electronic banking service.
Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act, Fair and Accurate Credit Transactions Act. The Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act, the Fair and Accurate Credit Transactions Act, and the implementing regulations govern consumer financial privacy, provide disclosure requirements and restrict the sharing of certain consumer financial information with other parties.

The federal banking agencies have established guidelines which prescribe standards for depository institutions relating to internal controls, information systems, internal audit systems, loan documentation, credit underwriting, interest rate exposure, asset growth, asset quality, earnings, compensation fees and benefits, and management compensation. The agencies may require an institution which fails to meet the standards set forth in the guidelines to submit a compliance plan. Failure to submit an acceptable plan or adhere to an accepted plan may be grounds for further enforcement action.

As noted above, the new Bureau of Consumer Financial Protection has authority for amending existing consumer compliance regulations and implementing new such regulations. In addition, the Bureau has the power to examine the compliance of financial institutions with an excess of $10 billion in assets with these consumer protection rules. The Bank’s and Morris Plan’s compliance with consumer protection rules will be examined by the OCC and the FDIC, respectively, since neither the Bank nor Morris Plan meet this $10 billion asset level threshold.

Enforcement Powers. Federal regulatory agencies may assess civil and criminal penalties against depository institutions and certain “institution-affiliated parties”, including management, employees, and agents of a financial institution, as well as independent contractors and consultants such as attorneys and accountants and others who participate in the conduct of the financial institution's affairs.

In addition, regulators may commence enforcement actions against institutions and institution-affiliated parties. Possible enforcement actions include the termination of deposit insurance. Furthermore, regulators may issue cease-and-desist orders to, among other things, require affirmative action to correct any harm resulting from a violation or practice, including restitution, reimbursement, indemnifications or guarantees against loss. A financial institution may also be ordered to restrict its growth, dispose of certain assets, rescind agreements or contracts, or take other actions as determined by the regulator to be appropriate.

Effect of Governmental Monetary Policies. The Corporation's earnings are affected by domestic economic conditions and the monetary and fiscal policies of the United States government and its agencies. The Federal Reserve Bank's monetary policies have had, and are likely to continue to have, an important impact on the operating results of commercial banks through its power

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to implement national monetary policy in order, among other things, to curb inflation or combat a recession. The monetary policies of the Federal Reserve have major effects upon the levels of bank loans, investments and deposits through its open market operations in United States government securities and through its regulation of the discount rate on borrowings of member banks and the reserve requirements against member bank deposits. It is not possible to predict the nature or impact of future changes in monetary and fiscal policies.

Available Information

The Corporation files annual reports on Form 10-K, quarterly reports on Form 10-Q, proxy statements and other information with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Such reports, proxy statements and other information can be read and copied at the public reference facilities maintained by the Securities and Exchange Commission at the Public Reference Room, 100 F Street, NE, Washington, D.C. 20549. Information regarding the operation of the Public Reference Room may be obtained by calling the Securities and Exchange Commission at 1-800-SEC-0330. The Securities and Exchange Commission maintains a web site (http://www.sec.gov) that contains reports, proxy statements, and other information. The Corporation’s filings are also accessible at no cost on the Corporation's website at www.first-online.com.


ITEM 1A.
RISK FACTORS

 An investment in the Corporation’s common stock is subject to risks inherent to the Corporation’s business. The material risks and uncertainties that management believes affect the Corporation are described below. Before making an investment decision, you should carefully consider the risks and uncertainties described below together with all of the other information included or incorporated by reference in this report. The risks and uncertainties described below are not the only ones facing the Corporation. Additional risks and uncertainties that management is not aware of or focused on or that management currently deems immaterial may also impair the Corporation’s business operations. This report is qualified in its entirety by these risk factors.

If any of the following risks actually occur, the Corporation’s business, financial condition and results of operations could be materially and adversely affected. If this were to happen, the market price of the Corporation’s common stock could decline significantly, and you could lose all or part of your investment.

Risks Related to the Corporation’s Business

Difficult conditions in the capital markets and the economy generally may materially adversely affect the Corporation’s business and results of operations

In recent years, the U.S. economy has faced a severe economic crisis including a major recession. Although the economy has been in the recovery phase since 2009, the recovery is weak and there can be no assurance that the economy will not enter into another recession, whether in the near term or long term. The Corporation’s financial performance generally, and in particular the ability of borrowers to pay interest on and repay principal of outstanding loans and the value of collateral securing those loans, as well as demand for loans and other products and services that the Corporation offers, is highly dependent upon the business environment in the markets where the Corporation operates and in the United States as a whole.

New capital rules that were recently issued generally require insured depository institutions and their holding companies to hold more capital. The impact of the new rules on our financial condition and operations is uncertain but could be materially adverse.

The Federal Reserve, the FDIC and the OCC have adopted final rules for the Basel III capital framework which became effective on January 1, 2015. These rules substantially amended the regulatory risk-based capital rules formerly applicable to the Corporation and its banking subsidiaries. The rules phase in overtime beginning in 2015 and will become fully effective in 2019. The rules provide for minimum capital ratios of (i) common equity Tier 1 risk-weighted capital ratio of 4.5%, (ii) Tier 1 risk-based capital ratio (common Tier 1 capital plus Additional Tier 1 capital) of 6%, and (iii) total risk-based capital ratio of 8% (the current requirement). Beginning in 2016, a capital conservation buffer will phase in over three years, ultimately resulting in a requirement of 2.5% on top of the common Tier 1, Tier 1 and total capital requirements, resulting in a required common equity Tier 1 risk-based ratio of 7%, a Tier 1 risk-based ratio of 8.5%, and a total risk-based capital ratio of 10.5%. Failure to satisfy any of these three capital requirements will result in limits on paying dividends, engaging in share repurchases and paying discretionary bonuses. These limitations will establish a maximum percentage of eligible retained income that could be utilized for such actions.


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The geographic concentration of the Corporation’s markets makes the Corporation’s business highly susceptible to local economic conditions
Unlike larger banking organizations that are more geographically diversified, the Corporation’s operations are currently concentrated in west central Indiana and east central Illinois. As a result of this geographic concentration, the Corporation’s financial results depend largely upon economic conditions in these market areas. Deterioration in economic conditions in the Corporation’s market could result in one or more of the following:

an increase in loan delinquencies;
an increase in problem assets and foreclosures;
a decrease in the demand for the Corporation’s products and services; and
a decrease in the value of collateral for loans, especially real estate, in turn reducing customers’ borrowing power, the value of assets associated with problem loans and collateral coverage.

The Corporation operates in a highly competitive industry and market area

The Corporation faces substantial competition in all areas of its operations from a variety of different competitors, many of which are larger and may have more financial resources. Such competitors include banks and many other types of financial institutions, including, without limitation, savings and loans, credit unions, finance companies, brokerage firms, insurance companies, factoring companies and other financial intermediaries. The financial services industry could become even more competitive as a result of legislative, regulatory and technological changes and continued consolidation. Banks, securities firms and insurance companies can merge under the umbrella of a financial holding company, which can offer virtually any type of financial service, including banking, securities underwriting, insurance (both agency and underwriting) and merchant banking. Also, technology has lowered barriers to entry and made it possible for non-banks to offer products and services traditionally provided by banks, such as automatic transfer and automatic payment systems. Many of the Corporation's competitors have fewer regulatory constraints and may have lower cost structures. Additionally, due to their size, many competitors may be able to achieve economies of scale and, as a result, may offer a broader range of products and services as well as better pricing for those products and services than the Corporation can.

The Corporation's ability to compete successfully depends on a number of factors, including, among other things:

the ability to develop, maintain and build upon long-term customer relationships based on top quality service, and safe, sound assets;
the ability to expand the Corporation's market position;
the scope, relevance and pricing of products and services offered to meet customer needs and demands;
the rate at which the Corporation introduces new products and services relative to its competitors;
customer satisfaction with the Corporation's level of service; and
industry and general economic trends.

Failure to perform in any of these areas could significantly weaken the Corporation's competitive position, which could adversely affect the Corporation's growth and profitability, which, in turn, could have a material adverse effect on the Corporation's financial condition and results of operations.

The Corporation is dependent on certain key management and staff

The Corporation relies on key personnel to manage and operate its business. The loss of key staff may adversely affect the Corporation’s ability to maintain and manage these portfolios effectively, which could negatively affect the Corporation’s revenues. In addition, loss of key personnel could result in increased recruiting and hiring expenses, which could cause a decrease in the Corporation's net income.

Recently enacted and potential further financial regulatory reforms could have a significant impact on our business, financial condition and results of operations

The Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act (the “Dodd-Frank Act”), enacted in July 2010, instituted major changes to the banking and financial institutions regulatory regimes in light of the recent performance of and government intervention in the financial services sector. Many aspects of the Dodd-Frank Act are subject to rulemaking and will take effect over several years, making it difficult to anticipate the overall financial impact on the Corporation. The changes resulting from

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the Dodd-Frank Act will impose more stringent capital, liquidity and leverage requirements and may impact the profitability of business activities, require changes to certain business practices, or otherwise adversely affect the Corporation’s business.

Further, the Corporation may be required to invest significant management attention and resources to evaluate and make any changes necessary to comply with new statutory and regulatory requirements under the Dodd-Frank Act, which may negatively impact results of operations and financial condition. Congress and federal regulatory agencies continually review banking laws, regulations and policies for possible changes. Changes to statutes, regulations or regulatory policies, including changes in interpretation or implementation of statutes, regulations or policies, could affect the Corporation in substantial and unpredictable ways. Such changes could subject the Corporation to additional costs, limit the types of financial services and products the Corporation may offer and/or increase the ability of non- banks to offer competing financial services and products, among other things.

The Corporation cannot predict whether there will be additional proposed laws or reforms that would affect the U.S. financial system or financial institutions, whether or when such changes may be adopted, how such changes may be interpreted and enforced or how such changes may impact the Corporation’s financial condition and results of operations. However, the costs of complying with any additional laws or regulations could have a material adverse effect on the Corporation’s financial condition and results of operations.

The Corporation is subject to extensive government regulation and supervision

The Corporation, primarily through the Bank and Morris Plan, is subject to extensive federal regulation and supervision. Banking regulations are primarily intended to protect depositors' funds, federal deposit insurance funds and the banking system as a whole, not shareholders. These regulations affect the Corporation's lending practices, capital structure, investment practices, and growth, among other things. Failure to comply with laws, regulations or policies could result in sanctions by regulatory agencies, civil money penalties and/or reputation damage, which could have a material adverse effect on the Corporation's business, financial condition and results of operations. While the Corporation has policies and procedures designed to prevent any such violations, there can be no assurance that such violations will not occur.

The Corporation is subject to lending risk

There are inherent risks associated with the Corporation's lending activities. These risks include, among other things, the impact of changes in interest rates and changes in the economic conditions in the markets where the Corporation operates as well as those across Indiana, Illinois and the United States. Increases in interest rates and/or weakening economic conditions could adversely impact the ability of borrowers to repay outstanding loans or the value of the collateral securing these loans.

The Corporation originates commercial real estate loans, commercial loans, consumer loans and residential real estate loans primarily within its market areas. Commercial real estate, commercial, and consumer loans may expose a lender to greater credit risk than loans secured by residential real estate because the collateral securing these loans may not be sold as easily as residential real estate. The Corporation is also subject to various laws and regulations that affect its lending activities. Failure to comply with applicable laws and regulations could subject the Corporation to regulatory enforcement action that could result in the assessment of significant civil money penalties against the Corporation.

The Corporation's allowance for loan losses may be insufficient

The Corporation maintains an allowance for loan losses, which is a reserve established through a provision for loan losses charged to expense, that represents management's best estimate of probable incurred losses that are inherent within the existing portfolio of loans. The level of the allowance reflects management's continuing evaluation of industry concentrations; specific credit risks; loan loss experience; current loan portfolio quality; present economic, political and regulatory conditions and unidentified losses inherent in the current loan portfolio. The determination of the appropriate level of the allowance for loan losses inherently involves a high degree of subjectivity and requires the Corporation to make significant estimates of current credit risks and future trends, all of which may undergo material changes. Changes in economic conditions affecting borrowers, new information regarding existing loans, identification of additional problem loans and other factors, both within and outside of the Corporation's control, may require an increase in the allowance for loan losses. In addition, bank regulatory agencies periodically review the Corporation's allowance for loan losses and may require an increase in the provision for loan losses or the recognition of further loan charge- offs, based on judgments different than those of management. If charge-offs in future periods exceed the allowance for loan losses, the Corporation will need additional provisions to increase the allowance for loan losses. Any increases in the allowance for loan losses will result in a decrease in net income and, possibly, capital, and may have a material adverse effect on the Corporation's financial condition and results of operations.

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The Corporation may foreclose on collateral property and would be subject to the increased costs associated with ownership of real property, resulting in reduced revenues and earnings

The Corporation forecloses on collateral property from time to time to protect its investment and thereafter owns and operates such property, in which case it is exposed to the risks inherent in the ownership of real estate. The amount that the Corporation, as a mortgagee, may realize after a default is dependent upon factors outside of its control, including, but not limited to: (i) general or local economic conditions; (ii) neighborhood values; (iii) interest rates; (iv) real estate tax rates; (v) operating expenses of the mortgaged properties; (vi) environmental remediation liabilities; (vii) ability to obtain and maintain adequate occupancy of the properties; (viii) zoning laws; (ix) governmental rules, regulations and fiscal policies; and (x) natural disasters. Certain expenditures associated with the ownership of real estate, principally real estate taxes, insurance, and maintenance costs, may adversely affect the income from the real estate. Therefore, the cost of operating real property may exceed the income earned from such property, and the Corporation may have to advance funds in order to protect its investment, or it may be required to dispose of the real property at a loss. These expenditures and costs could adversely affect the Corporation’s ability to generate revenues, resulting in reduced levels of profitability.

The Corporation is subject to environmental liability risk associated with lending activities

A significant portion of the Corporation’s loan portfolio is secured by real property. During the ordinary course of business, the Corporation may foreclose on and take title to properties securing certain loans. In doing so, there is a risk that hazardous or toxic substances could be found on these properties. If hazardous or toxic substances are found, the Corporation may be liable for remediation costs, as well as for personal injury and property damage. Environmental laws may require the Corporation to incur substantial expenses and may materially reduce the affected property’s value or limit the Corporation’s ability to use or sell the affected property. In addition, future laws or more stringent interpretations or enforcement policies with respect to existing laws may increase the Corporation’s exposure to environmental liability. Environmental reviews of real property before initiating foreclosure actions may not be sufficient to detect all potential environmental hazards. The remediation costs and any other financial liabilities associated with an environmental hazard could have a material adverse effect on the Corporation’s business, financial condition and results of operations.

The Corporation is subject to interest rate risk

The Corporation’s earnings and cash flows are largely dependent upon the Corporation’s net interest income. Net interest income is the difference between interest income earned on interest earning assets such as loans and securities and interest expense paid on interest bearing liabilities such as deposits and borrowed funds. Interest rates are highly sensitive to many factors that are beyond the Corporation’s control, including general economic conditions and policies of various governmental and regulatory agencies. Changes in monetary policy, including changes in interest rates, could influence not only the interest that is received on loans and securities and the interest that is paid on deposits and borrowings, but such changes could also affect (i) the Corporation’s ability to originate loans and obtain deposits, and (ii) the fair value of the Corporation’s financial assets and liabilities. Currently, the Corporation is in an asset-sensitive position. In a rising interest rate environment, the Corporation may be unable to sell its lower-yielding mortgage loans, thus impacting its ability to generate higher yielding loans which could adversely impact earnings.

The Corporation’s accounting estimates and risk management processes rely on analytical and forecasting models

The processes the Corporation uses to estimate its probable loan losses and to measure the fair value of financial instruments, as well as the processes used to estimate the effects of changing interest rates and other market measures on the Corporation’s financial condition and results of operations, depends upon the use of analytical and forecasting models. These models reflect assumptions that may not be accurate, particularly in times of market stress or other unforeseen circumstances. Even if these assumptions are adequate, the models may prove to be inadequate or inaccurate because of other flaws in their design or their implementation. If the models the Corporation uses for interest rate risk and asset-liability management are inadequate, the Corporation may incur increased or unexpected losses upon changes in market interest rates or other market measures. If the models the Corporation uses for determining its probable loan losses are inadequate, the allowance for loan losses may not be sufficient to support future charge-offs. If the models the Corporation uses to measure the fair value financial instruments are inadequate, the fair value of such financial instruments may fluctuate unexpectedly or may not accurately reflect what the Corporation could realize upon sale or settlement of such financial instruments. Any such failure in the Corporation’s analytical or forecasting models could have a material adverse effect on the Corporation’s business, financial condition and results of operations.



17



The Corporation’s earnings could be adversely impacted by incidences of fraud and compliance failure

The Corporation’s internal operations are subject to certain risks, including but not limited to, data processing system failures and errors, customer or employee fraud and catastrophic failures resulting from terrorist acts or natural disasters. Operational risk resulting from inadequate or failed internal processes, people, and systems includes the risk of fraud by employees or persons outside of our company, the execution of unauthorized transactions by employees, errors relating to transaction processing and systems, and breaches of the internal control system and compliance requirements. This risk of loss also includes potential legal actions that could arise as a result of the operational deficiency or as a result of noncompliance with applicable regulatory standards. The Corporation’s internal controls, disclosure controls and procedures, and corporate governance policies and procedures are based in part on certain assumptions and can provide only reasonable, not absolute, assurances that the objectives of the system are met. Any failure or circumvention of the Corporation’s controls and procedures or failure to comply with regulations related to controls and procedures could have a material adverse effect on the Corporation’s business, financial condition and results of operations.

Risks associated with cyber-security could negatively affect our earnings

The financial services industry has experienced an increase in both the number and severity of reported cyber attacks aimed at gaining unauthorized access to bank systems as a way to misappropriate assets and sensitive information, corrupt and destroy data, or cause operational disruptions. We have established policies and procedures to prevent or limit the impact of security breaches, but such events may still occur or may not be adequately addressed if they do occur. Although we rely on security safeguards to secure our data, these safeguards may not fully protect our systems from compromises or breaches.

We also rely on the integrity and security of a variety of third party processors, payment, clearing and settlement systems, as well as the various participants involved in these systems, many of which have no direct relationship with us. Failure by these participants or their systems to protect our customers' transaction data may put us at risk for possible losses due to fraud or operational disruption.

Our customers are also the target of cyber attacks and identity theft. Large scale identity theft could result in customers' accounts being compromised and fraudulent activities being performed in their name. We have implemented certain safeguards against these types of activities but they may not fully protect us from fraudulent financial losses.

The occurrence of a breach of security involving our customers' information, regardless of its origin, could damage our reputation and result in a loss of customers and business and subject us to additional regulatory scrutiny, and could expose us to litigation and possible financial liability. Any of these events could have a material adverse effect on our financial condition and results of operations.

The Corporation has opened new offices that may not be profitable

The Corporation has placed a strategic emphasis on expanding its banking office network. Executing this strategy carries risks of slower than anticipated growth in the new offices, which require a significant investment of both financial and personnel resources. Lower than expected loan and deposit growth in new offices can decrease anticipated revenues and net income generated by those offices, and opening new offices could result in more additional expenses than anticipated and divert resources from current core operations.

Potential acquisitions may disrupt the Corporation’s business and dilute stockholder value

The Corporation generally seeks merger or acquisition partners that are culturally similar and have experienced management and possess either significant market presence or have potential for improved profitability through financial management, economies of scale or expanded services. Acquiring other banks, businesses, or branches involves various risks commonly associated with acquisitions, including, among other things:
    
potential exposure to unknown or contingent liabilities of the target company;
exposure to potential asset quality issues of the target company;
potential disruption to the Corporation’s business;
potential diversion of the Corporation’s management’s time and attention;
the possible loss of key employees and customers of the target company;
difficulty in estimating the value of the target company; and
potential changes in banking or tax laws or regulations that may affect the target company.

18



Acquisitions typically involve the payment of a premium over book and market values, and, therefore, some dilution of the Corporation’s tangible book value and net income per common share may occur in connection with any future transaction. Furthermore, failure to realize the expected revenue increases, cost savings, increases in geographic or product presence, and/or other projected benefits from an acquisition could have a material adverse effect on the Corporation’s business, financial condition and results of operations.

New lines of business or new products and services may subject the Corporation to additional risks

From time to time, the Corporation may implement new lines of business or offer new products and services within existing lines of business. There are substantial risks and uncertainties associated with these efforts, particularly in instances where the markets are not fully developed. In developing and marketing new lines of business and/or new products and services the Corporation may invest significant time and resources. Initial timetables for the introduction and development of new lines of business and/or new products or services may not be achieved and price and profitability targets may not prove feasible. External factors, such as compliance with regulations, competitive alternatives, and shifting market preferences, may also impact the successful implementation of a new line of business or a new product or service. Furthermore, any new line of business and/or new product or service could have a significant impact on the effectiveness of the Corporation’s system of internal controls. Failure to successfully manage these risks in the development and implementation of new lines of business or new products or services could have a material adverse effect on the Corporation’s business, financial condition and results of operations.

Future growth or operating results may require the Corporation to raise additional capital but that capital may not be available or it may be dilutive

The Corporation is required by federal and state regulatory authorities to maintain adequate levels of capital to support its operations. To the extent the Corporation’s future operating results erode capital or the Corporation elects to expand through loan growth or acquisition it may be required to raise capital. The Corporation’s ability to raise capital will depend on conditions in the capital markets, which are outside of its control, and on the Corporation’s financial performance. Accordingly, the Corporation cannot be assured of its ability to raise capital when needed or on favorable terms. If the Corporation cannot raise additional capital when needed, it will be subject to increased regulatory supervision and the imposition of restrictions on its growth and business. These could negatively impact the Corporation’s ability to operate or further expand its operations through acquisitions or the establishment of additional branches and may result in increases in operating expenses and reductions in revenues that could have a material adverse effect on its financial condition and results of operations.

The Corporation is subject to claims and litigation pertaining to Intellectual Property

Banking and other financial services companies, such as the Corporation, rely on technology companies to provide information technology products and services necessary to support the Corporations’ day-to-day operations. Technology companies frequently enter into litigation based on allegations of patent infringement or other violations of intellectual property rights. In addition, patent holding companies seek to monetize patents they have purchased or otherwise obtained. Competitors of the Corporation’s vendors, or other individuals or companies, have from time to time claimed to hold intellectual property sold to the Corporation by its vendors. Such claims may increase in the future as the financial services sector becomes more reliant on information technology vendors. The plaintiffs in these actions frequently seek injunctions and substantial damages.

Regardless of the scope or validity of such patents or other intellectual property rights, or the merits of any claims by potential or actual litigants, the Corporation may have to engage in protracted litigation. Such litigation is often expensive, time-consuming, disruptive to the Corporation’s operations, and distracting to management. If the Corporation is found to infringe upon one or more patents or other intellectual property rights, it may be required to pay substantial damages or royalties to a third-party. In certain cases, the Corporation may consider entering into licensing agreements for disputed intellectual property, although no assurance can be given that such licenses can be obtained on acceptable terms or that litigation will not occur. These licenses may also significantly increase the Corporation’s operating expenses. If legal matters related to intellectual property claims were resolved against the Corporation or settled, the Corporation could be required to make payments in amounts that could have a material adverse effect on its business, financial condition and results of operations.

The value of the Corporation’s goodwill and other intangible assets may decline in the future

As of December 31, 2015, the Corporation had $42.7 million of goodwill and other intangible assets. A significant decline in the Corporation’s expected future cash flows, a significant adverse change in the business climate, slower growth rates or a significant and sustained decline in the price of the Corporation’s common stock may necessitate taking charges in the future

19



related to the impairment of the Corporation’s goodwill and other intangible assets. If the Corporation were to conclude that a future write-down of goodwill and other intangible assets is necessary, the Corporation would record the appropriate charge, which could have a material adverse effect on the Corporation’s business, financial condition and results of operations.

The Corporation’s operations rely on certain external vendors

The Corporation relies on certain external vendors to provide products and services necessary to maintain day-to-day operations of the Corporation. Accordingly, the Corporation’s operations are exposed to risk that these vendors will not perform in accordance with the contracted arrangements under service level agreements. The failure of an external vendor to perform in accordance with the contracted arrangements under service level agreements, because of changes in the vendor’s organizational structure, financial condition, support for existing products and services or strategic focus or for any other reason, could be disruptive to the Corporation’s operations, which could have a material adverse impact on the Corporation’s business and, in turn, the Corporation’s financial condition and results of operations.

The Corporation may be adversely affected by the soundness of other financial institutions

Financial services institutions are interrelated as a result of trading, clearing, counterparty, or other relationships. The Corporation has exposure to many different industries and counterparties, and routinely executes transactions with counterparties in the financial services industry, including commercial banks, brokers and dealers, investment banks, and other institutional clients. Many of these transactions expose the Corporation to credit risk in the event of a default by a counterparty or client. In addition, the Corporation’s credit risk may be exacerbated when the collateral held by the Corporation cannot be realized upon or is liquidated at prices not sufficient to recover the full amount of the credit or derivative exposure due to the Corporation. Any such losses could have a material adverse effect on the Corporation’s business, financial condition and results of operations.

The Corporation relies on dividends from its subsidiaries for most of its revenue

The Corporation is a separate and distinct legal entity from its subsidiaries. It receives substantially all of its revenue from dividends from its subsidiaries. These dividends are the principal source of funds to pay dividends on the Corporation’s common stock and interest and principal on the Corporation’s debt. Various federal and state laws and regulations limit the amount of dividends that the Bank and Morris Plan may pay to the Corporation. Also, the Corporation’s right to participate in a distribution of assets upon a subsidiary’s liquidation or reorganization is subject to the prior claims of the subsidiary’s creditors. In the event the Bank is unable to pay dividends to the Corporation, the Corporation may not be able to service debt, pay obligations or pay dividends on the Corporation’s common stock. The inability to receive dividends from the Bank could have a material adverse effect on the Corporation’s business, financial condition and results of operations.

Risks Related to the Corporation’s Common Stock

The Corporation may not be able to pay dividends in the future in accordance with past practice

The Corporation has historically paid a semi-annual dividend to common stockholders. The payment of dividends is subject to legal and regulatory restrictions. Any payment of dividends in the future will depend, in large part, on the Corporation’s earnings, capital requirements, financial condition and other factors considered relevant by the Corporation’s Board of Directors.

The price of the Corporation’s common stock may be volatile, which may result in losses for investors

General market price declines or market volatility in the future could adversely affect the price of the Corporation’s common stock. In addition, the following factors may cause the market price for shares of the Corporation’s common stock to fluctuate:

announcements of developments related to the Corporation’s business;
fluctuations in the Corporation’s results of operations;
sales or purchases of substantial amounts of the Corporation’s securities in the marketplace;
general conditions in the Corporation’s banking niche or the worldwide economy;
a shortfall or excess in revenues or earnings compared to securities analysts’ expectations;
changes in analysts’ recommendations or projections; and
the Corporation’s announcement of new acquisitions or other projects.




20



An investment in the Corporation’s common stock is not an insured deposit

The Corporation’s common stock is not a bank deposit and, therefore, is not insured against loss by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC), any other deposit insurance fund or by any other public or private entity. Investment in the Corporation’s common stock is inherently risky for the reasons described in this “Risk Factors” section and elsewhere in this report and is subject to the same market forces that affect the price of common stock in any company. As a result, if you acquire the Corporation’s common stock, you could lose some or all of your investment.

ITEM 1B.
UNRESOLVED STAFF COMMENTS
 
None.

ITEM 2.
PROPERTIES
 
The Corporation is located in a four-story office building in downtown Terre Haute, Indiana that was first occupied in June 1988. It is leased to the Bank. The Bank also owns two other facilities in downtown Terre Haute. One is available for lease and the other is a 50,000-square-foot building housing operations and administrative staff and equipment. In addition, the Bank holds in fee six other branch buildings. One of the branch buildings is a single-story 36,000-square-foot building which is located in a Terre Haute suburban area. Four other branch bank buildings are leased by the Bank. The expiration dates on the leases are May 31, 2016, February 14, 2021, May 31, 2017, and December 31, 2019.
 
Facilities of the Corporation’s banking center in Daviess County include an office in Washington, Indiana. This building is held in fee.
 
Facilities of the Corporation’s banking centers in Clay County include two offices in Brazil, Indiana and an office in Clay City, Indiana. All three buildings are held in fee.
 
Facilities of the Corporation’s banking centers in Vermillion County include two offices in Clinton, Indiana and offices in Cayuga and Newport, Indiana. All four buildings are held in fee.
 
Facilities of the Corporation’s banking centers in Sullivan County include offices in Sullivan, Dugger, Farmersburg and Hymera, Indiana. All four buildings are held in fee.
 
Facilities of the Corporation’s banking center in Gibson County include an office in Princeton, Indiana. This building is held in fee.
 
Facilities of the Corporation’s banking center in Greene County include an office in Worthington, Indiana. This building is held in fee.
 
Facilities of the Corporation’s banking centers in Knox County include offices in Sandborn and two in Vincennes, Indiana. All three buildings are held in fee.
 
Facilities of the Corporation’s banking centers in Parke County include two offices in Rockville, Indiana and offices in Marshall and Montezuma, Indiana. All four buildings are held in fee.
 
Facilities of the Corporation’s banking center in Putnam County include an office in Greencastle, Indiana. This building is held in fee.
 
Facilities of the Corporation’s banking center in Vanderburgh County include an office in Evansville, Indiana. This building is held in fee.
 
Facilities of the Corporation’s banking centers in Crawford County include its main office and a drive-up facility in Robinson, Illinois. Both buildings are held in fee.
 
Facilities of the Corporation’s banking centers in Franklin County include an office in Benton, Illinois and an office in West Frankfort, Illinois. Both buildings are held in fee.

Facilities of the Corporation’s banking centers in Jefferson County include an office and a drive-up facility in Mt. Vernon, Illinois. Both buildings are held in fee.

21



Facilities of the Corporation’s banking center in Lawrence County include an office in Lawrenceville, Illinois. This building is held in fee.
 
Facilities of the Corporation’s banking centers in Livingston include two offices in Pontiac, Illinois. Both buildings are held in fee.
 
Facilities of the Corporation’s banking centers in Marion County include an office and a drive-up facility in Salem, Illinois. Both buildings are held in fee.

Facilities of the Corporation’s banking center in McLean County include two offices in Bloomington, Illinois, and an office in Gridley, Illinois. A banking center in Bloomington is leased and the lease expires on June 30, 2021. The other buildings are held in fee.
 
Facilities of the Corporation’s banking center in Montgomery County include an office in Hillsboro, Illinois. This building is held in fee. The Corporation entered into an agreement to sell this office to First Community Bank of Hillsboro, Hillsboro, Illinois, on February 4, 2016.

Facilities of the Corporation’s banking center in Wayne County include an office in Fairfield, Illinois. This building is held in fee.
 
Facilities of the Corporation’s banking center in Jasper County include an office in Newton, Illinois. This building is held in fee.
 
Facilities of the Corporation’s banking centers in Coles County include two offices in Charleston, Illinois and an office in Mattoon, Illinois. These buildings are held in fee.
 
Facilities of the Corporation’s banking center in Clark County include an office in Marshall, Illinois. This building is held in fee.
 
Facilities of the Corporation’s banking center in Champaign County include two offices in Champaign, Illinois, an office in Mahomet, Illinois, and two offices in Urbana, Illinois. One of the banking centers in Champaign is held in fee while the land is leased. The land lease expires September 6, 2036. One of the banking centers in Champaign is leased and the lease expires on December 31, 2017. The banking center in Mahomet is leased and the lease expires on June 4, 2019. One of the banking centers in Urbana is held in fee while the other banking center in Urbana is held in fee while the land is leased and the lease expires on November 30, 2017.

Facilities of the Corporation’s banking center in Vermilion County include four offices in Danville, Illinois, an office in Westville, Illinois, and an office in Ridge Farm, Illinois. One of the buildings in Danville is leased and the lease expires on December 31, 2018 and the other five buildings are held in fee.
 
Facilities of the Corporation’s banking centers in Richland County include two offices in Olney, Illinois. One building is held in fee and the other building is leased. The expiration date on the lease is April 30, 2020.
 
The facility of the Corporation’s subsidiary, The Morris Plan Company, includes an office facility in Terre Haute, Indiana. The building is leased by The Morris Plan Company. The expiration date on the lease is October 31, 2020.
 
Facilities of the Corporation’s subsidiary, Forrest Sherer, Inc., include its main office and one satellite office in Terre Haute, Indiana. The buildings are held in fee by Forrest Sherer, Inc.
 
Facilities of the Corporation’s subsidiary, FFB Risk Management Co., Inc., include an office facility in Las Vegas, Nevada. This office facility is leased.

ITEM 3.
LEGAL PROCEEDINGS
 
(a) There are no material pending legal proceedings to which the Corporation or its subsidiaries is a party or of which any of their property is the subject, other than ordinary routine litigation incidental to its business.
(b) Not applicable.
 

22




ITEM 4.
MINE SAFETY DISCLOSURES
 
Not applicable

PART II
 
ITEM 5.
MARKET FOR REGISTRANT’S COMMON EQUITY, RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS AND ISSUER PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES.

MARKET AND DIVIDEND INFORMATION
 
(a) As of March 1, 2016 shareholders owned 12,656,606 shares of the Corporation's common stock. The stock is traded on the NASDAQ Global Select Market under the symbol “THFF”. On March 1, 2016, approximately 4,515 shareholders of record held our common stock.
 
Historically, the Corporation has paid cash dividends semi-annually and currently expects that comparable cash dividends will continue to be paid in the future. The following table gives quarterly high and low trade prices and dividends per share during each quarter for 2015 and 2014.
 
 
2015
 
2014
 
 
 
 
 
 
Cash
 
 
 
 
 
Cash
 
 
Trade Price
 
Dividends
 
Trade Price
 
Dividends
Quarter ended
 
High
 
Low
 
Declared
 
High
 
Low
 
Declared
March 31
 
$
35.99

 
$
32.41

 
 

 
$
35.18

 
$
30.60

 
 

June 30
 
$
36.39

 
$
33.38

 
$
0.49

 
$
33.97

 
$
31.31

 
$
0.49

September 30
 
$
35.83

 
$
32.00

 
 

 
$
33.32

 
$
30.57

 
 

December 31
 
$
37.49

 
$
32.19

 
$
0.49

 
$
35.91

 
$
30.99

 
$
0.49































23



 The graph below represents the five-year total return of the Corporation’s stock. The five year total return for our stock during this time was 10.72%. During this same period, the return on The Russell 2000 Index was 55.18% and the SNL Index of Banks $1 - $5 Billion had a return of 91.39%.





 
 
 
 
Period Ending
 
 
Index
 
12/31/2010

 
12/31/2011

 
12/31/2012

 
12/31/2013

 
12/31/2014

 
12/31/2015

First Financial Corporation
 
100.00

 
97.56

 
91.63

 
112.54

 
112.83

 
110.72

Russell 2000
 
100.00

 
95.82

 
111.49

 
154.78

 
162.35

 
155.18

SNL Bank $1B-$5B
 
100.00

 
91.20

 
112.45

 
163.52

 
170.98

 
191.39


(b) Not applicable.

(c) The Corporation periodically acquires shares of its common stock directly from shareholders in individually negotiated transactions. On August 25, 2014 First Financial Corporation issued a press release announcing that it's Board of Directors has authorized a stock repurchase program pursuant to which up to 5% of the Corporation's outstanding shares of common stock, or 667,700 shares may be repurchased. There were 257,989 purchases of common stock by the Corporation during the year ended December 31, 2015. The Corporation contributed 36,149 shares of treasury stock to the ESOP in November of 2015. There were no shares of common stock purchased by the Corporation during the fourth quarter of the fiscal year covered by this report.
 
 
 
 
 


24



ITEM 6.
SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA
 
FIVE YEAR COMPARISON OF SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA
(Dollar amounts in thousands, except per share amounts)
 
2015
 
2014
 
2013
 
2012
 
2011
BALANCE SHEET DATA
 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Total assets
 
$
2,979,585

 
$
3,002,485

 
$
3,018,718

 
$
2,895,408

 
$
2,954,061

Securities
 
891,082

 
897,053

 
914,560

 
691,000

 
666,287

Loans, net of unearned fees
 
1,763,808

 
1,781,428

 
1,791,428

 
1,851,936

 
1,893,679

Deposits
 
2,442,369

 
2,457,197

 
2,458,791

 
2,276,134

 
2,274,499

Borrowings
 
46,508

 
60,901

 
117,880

 
160,256

 
246,449

Shareholders’ equity
 
410,316

 
394,214

 
386,195

 
372,122

 
346,961

INCOME STATEMENT DATA
 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Interest income
 
108,676

 
113,358

 
116,221

 
122,305

 
116,341

Interest expense
 
4,169

 
5,526

 
8,961

 
13,393

 
17,147

Net interest income
 
104,507

 
107,832

 
107,260

 
108,912

 
99,194

Provision for loan losses
 
4,700

 
5,072

 
7,860

 
8,773

 
5,755

Other income
 
39,179

 
40,785

 
40,455

 
39,547

 
33,340

Other expenses
 
98,398

 
95,584

 
94,554

 
93,056

 
75,187

Net income
 
30,196

 
33,772

 
31,534

 
32,812

 
37,195

PER SHARE DATA:
 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Net Income
 
2.35

 
2.55

 
2.37

 
2.48

 
2.83

Cash dividends
 
0.98

 
0.98

 
0.96

 
0.95

 
0.94

PERFORMANCE RATIOS:
 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Net income to average assets
 
1.01
%
 
1.12
%
 
1.06
%
 
1.13
%
 
1.49
%
Net income to average shareholders’ equity
 
7.46

 
8.37

 
8.35

 
9.02

 
10.88

Average total capital to average assets
 
14.26

 
13.99

 
13.45

 
13.25

 
14.57

Average shareholders’ equity to average assets
 
13.60

 
13.36

 
12.69

 
12.55

 
13.68

Dividend payout
 
41.51

 
38.16

 
40.58

 
38.40

 
33.29

  

25



ITEM 7.
MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATION
 
CRITICAL ACCOUNTING POLICIES AND ESTIMATES

The Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations, as well as disclosures found elsewhere in this report are based upon First Financial Corporation's consolidated financial statements, which have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. The preparation of these financial statements requires the Corporation to make estimates and judgments that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenues, and expenses. Material estimates that are particularly susceptible to significant change in the near term relate to the determination of the allowance for loan losses, securities valuation and goodwill. Actual results could differ from those estimates.

Allowance for loan losses. The allowance for loan losses represents management's estimate of probable incurred losses in the existing loan portfolio. The allowance for loan losses is increased by the provision for loan losses charged to expense and reduced by loans charged off, net of recoveries. The allowance for loan 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 and nonperforming loans. Loans are considered impaired if, based on current information and events, it is probable that the Corporation will be unable to collect the scheduled payments of principal or interest according to the contractual terms of the loan agreement. When a loan is deemed impaired, impairment is measured by using the fair value of underlying collateral, for loans deemed to be collateral dependent, the present value of the future cash flows discounted at the effective interest rate stipulated in the loan agreement, or the estimated market value of the loan. In measuring the fair value of the collateral, management uses assumptions (e.g., discount rate) and methodologies (e.g., comparison to the recent selling price of similar assets) consistent with those that would be utilized by unrelated third parties.
 
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 loan losses and the associated provision for loan losses. Should cash flow assumptions or market conditions change, a different amount may be recorded for the allowance for loan losses and the associated provision for loan losses.
 
Securities valuation and potential impairment. Securities available-for-sale are carried at fair value, with unrealized holding gains and losses reported separately in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax. The Corporation obtains market values from a third party on a monthly basis in order to adjust the securities to fair value. Equity securities that do not have readily determinable fair values are carried at cost. Additionally, all securities are required to be evaluated for other than temporary impairment (OTTI). In determining whether a fair value decline is other than temporary, management considers the reason for the decline, the extent of the decline, the duration of the decline and whether the Corporation intends to sell a security or is more likely than not to be required to sell a security before recovery of its amortized cost. If an entity intends to sell or it is more likely than not it will be required to sell the security before recovery of its amortized cost basis, the OTTI shall be recognized in earnings equal to the entire difference between the investment's amortized cost basis and its fair value at the balance sheet date. If an entity does not intend to sell the security and it is not more likely than not that the entity will be required to sell the security before recovery of its amortized cost basis less any current-period loss, the OTTI shall be separated into the amount representing the credit loss and the amount related to all other factors. The amount of the total OTTI related to the credit loss is determined based on the present value of cash flows expected to be collected and is recognized in earnings.
 
Changes in credit ratings, financial condition of underlying debtors, default experience and market liquidity affect the conclusions on whether securities are other-than-temporarily impaired. Additional losses may be recorded through earnings for other than temporary impairment, should there be an adverse change in the expected cash flows for these investments.
 
Goodwill. The carrying value of goodwill requires management to use estimates and assumptions about the fair value of the reporting unit compared to its book value. An impairment analysis is prepared on an annual basis. Fair values of the reporting units are determined by an analysis which considers cash flows streams, profitability and estimated market values of the reporting unit. The majority of the Corporation's goodwill is recorded at First Financial Bank, N. A.
 
Management believes the accounting estimates related to the allowance for loan losses, valuation of investment securities and the valuation of goodwill are "critical accounting estimates" because: (1) the estimates are highly susceptible to change from period to period because they require management to make assumptions concerning, among other factors, the changes in the types and volumes of the portfolios, valuation assumptions, and economic conditions, and (2) the impact of recognizing an impairment or loan loss could have a material effect on the Corporation's assets reported on the balance sheet as well as net income.
 


26



RESULTS OF OPERATIONS - SUMMARY FOR 2015
 
COMPARISON OF 2015 TO 2014
 
Net income for 2015 was $30.2 million, or $2.35 per share. This represents a 10.6% decrease in net income and a 7.8% decrease in earnings per share, compared to 2014. Return on assets at December 31, 2015 decreased 9.8% to 1.01% compared to 1.12% at December 31, 2014.
 
The primary components of income and expense affecting net income are discussed in the following analysis.
 
NET INTEREST INCOME
 
The principal source of the Corporation's earnings is net interest income, which represents the difference between interest earned on loans and investments and the interest cost associated with deposits and other sources of funding. Net interest income decreased in 2015 to $104.5 million compared to $107.8 million in 2014. Total average interest earning assets decreased to $2.74 billion in 2015 from $2.79 billion in 2014. The tax-equivalent yield on these assets decreased to 4.19% in 2015 from 4.28% in 2014. Total average interest-bearing liabilities decreased to $1.949 billion in 2015 from $2.035 billion in 2014. The average cost of these interest-bearing liabilities decreased to 0.21% in 2015 from 0.27% in 2014.
 
The net interest margin decreased from 4.08% in 2014 to 4.04% in 2015. This decrease is primarily the result of the decreased income provided by earning assets. Earning asset yields decreased 9 basis points while the rate on interest-bearing liabilities decreased by 6 basis points.






































27



CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEET - AVERAGE BALANCES AND INTEREST RATES
 
 
December 31,
 
 
2015
 
2014
 
2013
(Dollar amounts in thousands)
 
Average
Balance
 
Interest
 
Yield/
Rate
 
Average
Balance
 
Interest
 
Yield/
Rate
 
Average
Balance
 
Interest
 
Yield/
Rate
ASSETS
 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Interest-earning assets:
 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Loans (1) (2)
 
$
1,761,888

 
85,529

 
4.85
%
 
$
1,795,235

 
89,011

 
4.96
%
 
$
1,807,599

 
92,207

 
5.10
%
Taxable investment securities
 
705,118

 
15,814

 
2.24
%
 
737,566

 
17,015

 
2.31
%
 
641,383

 
16,157

 
2.52
%
Tax-exempt investments (2)
 
259,191

 
13,518

 
5.22
%
 
249,040

 
13,506

 
5.42
%
 
242,484

 
13,523

 
5.58
%
Federal funds sold
 
18,272

 
52

 
0.28
%
 
11,583

 
34

 
0.29
%
 
42,460

 
32

 
0.08
%
Total interest-earning assets
 
2,744,469

 
114,913

 
4.19
%
 
2,793,424

 
119,566

 
4.28
%
 
2,733,926

 
121,919

 
4.46
%
Non-interest earning assets:
 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Cash and due from banks
 
73,066

 
 

 
 

 
69,522

 
 

 
 

 
75,945

 
 

 
 

Premises and equipment, net
 
50,877

 
 

 
 

 
51,929

 
 

 
 

 
48,625

 
 

 
 

Other assets
 
128,177

 
 

 
 

 
124,402

 
 

 
 

 
140,227

 
 

 
 

Less allowance for loan losses
 
(19,658
)
 
 

 
 

 
(19,209
)
 
 

 
 

 
(22,623
)
 
 

 
 

TOTALS
 
$
2,976,931

 
 

 
 

 
$
3,020,068

 
 

 
 

 
$
2,976,100

 
 

 
 

LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Interest-bearing liabilities:
 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Transaction accounts
 
$
1,463,662

 
1,429

 
0.10
%
 
$
1,415,431

 
1,340

 
0.09
%
 
$
1,321,848

 
1,374

 
0.10
%
Time deposits
 
437,961

 
2,505

 
0.57
%
 
519,166

 
3,284

 
0.63
%
 
579,815

 
4,512

 
0.78
%
Short-term borrowings
 
32,644

 
70

 
0.21
%
 
45,743

 
99

 
0.22
%
 
37,968

 
78

 
0.21
%
Other borrowings
 
14,463

 
165

 
1.14
%
 
54,769

 
803

 
1.47
%
 
105,161

 
2,997

 
2.85
%
Total interest-bearing liabilities:
 
1,948,730

 
4,169

 
0.21
%
 
2,035,109

 
5,526

 
0.27
%
 
2,044,792

 
8,961

 
0.44
%
Non interest-bearing liabilities:
 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Demand deposits
 
544,708

 
 

 
 

 
526,656

 
 

 
 

 
479,659

 
 

 
 

Other
 
78,648

 
 

 
 

 
54,890

 
 

 
 

 
73,963

 
 

 
 

 
 
2,572,086

 
 

 
 

 
2,616,655

 
 

 
 

 
2,598,414

 
 

 
 

Shareholders' equity
 
404,845

 
 

 
 

 
403,413

 
 

 
 

 
377,686

 
 

 
 

TOTALS
 
$
2,976,931

 
 

 
 

 
$
3,020,068

 
 

 
 

 
$
2,976,100

 
 

 
 

Net interest earnings
 
 

 
$
110,744

 
 

 
 

 
$
114,040

 
 

 
 

 
$
112,958

 
 

Net yield on interest- earning assets
 
 

 
 

 
4.04
%
 
 

 
 

 
4.08
%
 
 

 
 

 
4.13
%
 
(1)For purposes of these computations, non-accruing loans are included in the daily average loan amounts outstanding.
(2)Interest income includes the effect of tax equivalent adjustments using a federal tax rate of 35%.



















28



The following table sets forth the components of net interest income due to changes in volume and rate. The table information compares 2015 to 2014 and 2014 to 2013.
 
 
 
2015 Compared to 2014 Increase
(Decrease) Due to
 
2014 Compared to 2013 Increase
(Decrease) Due to
(Dollar amounts in thousands)
 
Volume
 
Rate
 
Volume/
Rate
 
Total
 
Volume
 
Rate
 
Volume/
Rate
 
Total
Interest earned on interest-earning assets:
 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Loans (1) (2)
 
$
(1,653
)
 
$
(1,864
)
 
$
35

 
$
(3,482
)
 
$
(631
)
 
$
(2,584
)
 
$
18

 
$
(3,197
)
Taxable investment securities
 
(749
)
 
(473
)
 
21

 
(1,201
)
 
2,423

 
(1,361
)
 
(204
)
 
858

Tax-exempt investment securities (2)
 
551

 
(517
)
 
(22
)
 
12

 
366

 
(372
)
 
(10
)
 
(16
)
Federal funds sold
 
20

 
(1
)
 
(1
)
 
18

 
(23
)
 
93

 
(67
)
 
3

Total interest income
 
$
(1,831
)
 
$
(2,855
)
 
$
33

 
$
(4,653
)
 
$
2,135

 
$
(4,224
)
 
$
(263
)
 
$
(2,352
)
Interest paid on interest-bearing liabilities:
 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Transaction accounts
 
46

 
42

 
1

 
89

 
97

 
(123
)
 
(9
)
 
(35
)
Time deposits
 
(514
)
 
(316
)
 
51

 
(779
)
 
(472
)
 
(843
)
 
88

 
(1,227
)
Short-term borrowings
 
(28
)
 
(1
)
 

 
(29
)
 
16

 
4

 
1

 
21

Other borrowings
 
(591
)
 
(178
)
 
131

 
(638
)
 
(1,436
)
 
(1,455
)
 
697

 
(2,194
)
Total interest expense
 
(1,087
)
 
(453
)
 
183

 
(1,357
)
 
(1,795
)
 
(2,417
)
 
777

 
(3,435
)
Net interest income
 
$
(744
)
 
$
(2,402
)
 
$
(150
)
 
$
(3,296
)
 
$
3,930

 
$
(1,807
)
 
$
(1,040
)
 
$
1,083

 
(1)For purposes of these computations, non-accruing loans are included in the daily average loan amounts outstanding.
(2)Interest income includes the effect of tax equivalent adjustments using a federal tax rate of 35%.
 
PROVISION FOR LOAN LOSSES
 
The provision for loan losses charged to expense is based upon credit loss experience and the results of a detailed analysis estimating an appropriate and adequate allowance for loan losses. The analysis includes the evaluation of impaired loans as prescribed under Accounting Standards Codification (ASC-310), pooled loans as prescribed under ASC 450-10, and economic and other risk factors as outlined in various Joint Interagency Statements issued by the bank regulatory agencies. For the year ended December 31, 2015, the provision for loan losses was $4.7 million, a decrease of $372 thousand, or 7.3%, compared to 2014.
 
Net charge-offs for 2015 were $3.6 million as compared to $5.6 million for 2014 and $8.4 million for 2013. Non-accrual loans decreased to $14.6 million at December 31, 2015 from $15.0 million at December 31, 2014. Loans past due 90 days and still on accrual increased to $964 thousand compared to $780 thousand at December 31, 2014.
 
NON-INTEREST INCOME
 
Non-interest income of $39.2 million decreased $1.6 million from the $40.8 million earned in 2014. Increased income from interchange income and sale of mortgages partially offset the reduced investment service income and income from the Corporation's insurance agency for 2015.

NON-INTEREST EXPENSES
 
Non-interest expenses increased to $98.4 million for 2015 from $95.6 million for 2014. Employee fringe benefits increased $4.3 million while most other expenses decreased. Employee benefits increased $4.3 million due to the lower discount rate and the use of the updated mortality table. The pension plan was frozen for the majority of employees as of December 31, 2012. Occupancy expenses decreased $240 thousand and equipment expense decreased $278 thousand for the year ended 2015.

INCOME TAXES
 
The Corporation's federal income tax provision was $10.4 million in 2015 compared to $14.2 million in 2014. The overall effective tax rate in 2015 of 25.6% decreased as compared to a 2014 effective rate of 29.6%, principally due to lower income before income taxes with a similar level of non-taxable earnings as 2014.
.




29





 COMPARISON OF 2014 TO 2013
 
Net income for 2014 was $33.8 million or $2.55 per share compared to $31.5 million in 2013 or $2.37 per share. This increase in net income was driven by the reduced provision for loan losses of $2.8 million partially offset by a lower net interest margin of 5 basis points from 4.13% to 4.08%.

Net interest income increased $572 thousand in 2014 compared to 2013 as total average interest-earning assets increased. The provision for loan losses decreased $2.8 million from $7.9 million in 2013 to $5.1 million in 2014. Non-interest expenses increased $1.0 million while non-interest income increased $300 thousand. The increase in non-interest income resulted primarily from electronic banking fees and deposit fees. The increase in non-interest expense was primarily occupancy and equipment costs.

The provision for income taxes increased $422 thousand from 2013 to 2014 and the effective tax rate decreased 81 basis points, or 2.7% in 2014 from 2013.
 
COMPARISON AND DISCUSSION OF 2015 BALANCE SHEET TO 2014
 
The Corporation's total assets decreased 0.8% or $23.0 million at December 31, 2015, from a year earlier. Available-for-sale securities decreased $6.0 million at December 31, 2015, from the previous year. Loans, net of deferred fees and costs, decreased by $17.6 million to $1.76 billion. Deposits decreased $14.8 million while borrowings decreased by $14.4 million. Total shareholders' equity increased $16.1 million to $410.3 million at December 31, 2015. Net income was partially offset by dividends. There were also 36,149 shares from the treasury with a value of $1.30 million that were contributed to the ESOP plan in 2015 compared to 36,368 shares with a value of $1.25 million in 2014.


Following is an analysis of the components of the Corporation's balance sheet.
 
SECURITIES
The Corporation's investment strategy seeks to maximize income from the investment portfolio while using it as a risk management tool and ensuring safety of principal and capital. During 2015 the portfolio's balance decreased by 0.7%. The average life of the portfolio increased from 4.2 years in 2014 to 4.5 years in 2015. The portfolio structure will continue to provide cash flows to be reinvested during 2016.
 
 
 
1 year and less
 
1 to 5 years
 
5 to 10 years
 
Over 10 Years
 
2015
(Dollar amounts in thousands)
 
Balance
 
Rate
 
Balance
 
Rate
 
Balance
 
Rate
 
Balance
 
Rate
 
Total
U.S. government sponsored entity mortgage-backed securities and agencies (1)
 
$
5

 
7.90
%
 
$
15,267

 
4.85
%
 
$
56,178

 
5.72
%
 
$
152,416

 
5.08
%
 
$
223,866

Collateralized mortgage obligations (1)
 

 
%
 
2,973

 
5.49
%
 
582

 
5.57
%
 
434,079

 
2.38
%
 
437,634

States and political subdivisions
 
4,649

 
3.67
%
 
57,884

 
3.66
%
 
98,926

 
3.50
%
 
53,248

 
3.34
%
 
214,707

Corporate obligations
 

 
%
 

 
%
 

 
%
 
14,875

 
%
 
14,875

TOTAL
 
$
4,654

 
3.67
%
 
$
76,124

 
3.97
%
 
$
155,686

 
4.31
%
 
$
654,618

 
3.03
%
 
$
891,082

 (1) Distribution of maturities is based on the estimated life of the asset.
 
 
 
1 year and less
 
1 to 5 years
 
5 to 10 years
 
Over 10 Years
 
2014
(Dollar amounts in thousands)
 
Balance
 
Rate
 
Balance
 
Rate
 
Balance
 
Rate
 
Balance
 
Rate
 
Total
U.S. government sponsored entity mortgage-backed securities and agencies (1)
 
$
18

 
3.70
%
 
$
13,092

 
5.28
%
 
$
29,790

 
5.25
%
 
$
146,520

 
5.61
%
 
$
189,420

Collateralized mortgage obligations (1)
 
24

 
4.99
%
 
1,813

 
5.04
%
 
3,919

 
4.89
%
 
478,899

 
2.40
%
 
484,655

States and political subdivisions
 
7,700

 
4.22
%
 
38,891

 
3.58
%
 
90,909

 
3.53
%
 
70,175

 
3.60
%
 
207,675

Corporate obligations
 

 
%
 

 
%
 

 
%
 
15,303

 
%
 
15,303

TOTAL
 
7,742

 
4.22
%
 
53,796

 
4.04
%
 
124,618

 
3.98
%
 
710,897

 
3.13
%
 
897,053

 (1) Distribution of maturities is based on the estimated life of the asset.


30



LOAN PORTFOLIO
 
Loans outstanding by major category as of December 31 for each of the last five years and the maturities at year end 2015 are set forth in the following analyses.  
(Dollar amounts in thousands)
 
2015
 
2014
 
2013
 
2012
 
2011
Loan Category
 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Commercial
 
$
1,043,980

 
$
1,044,522

 
$
1,042,138

 
$
1,088,144

 
$
1,099,324

Residential
 
444,447

 
469,172

 
482,377

 
496,237

 
505,600

Consumer
 
272,896

 
266,656

 
268,033

 
268,507

 
289,717

TOTAL
 
$
1,761,323

 
$
1,780,350

 
$
1,792,548

 
$
1,852,888

 
$
1,894,641

 
 
 
Within
 
After  One
But Within
 
After Five
 
 
(Dollar amounts in thousands)
 
One Year
 
Five Years
 
Years
 
Total
MATURITY DISTRIBUTION
 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Commercial, financial and agricultural
 
$
374,204

 
$
526,844

 
$
142,932

 
$
1,043,980

TOTAL
 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Residential
 
 

 
 

 
 

 
444,447

Consumer
 
 

 
 

 
 

 
272,896

TOTAL
 
 

 
 

 
 

 
$
1,761,323

Loans maturing after one year with:
 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Fixed interest rates
 
 

 
$
173,305

 
$
137,303

 
 

Variable interest rates
 
 

 
353,539

 
5,629

 
 

TOTAL
 
 

 
$
526,844

 
$
142,932

 
 

 
ALLOWANCE FOR LOAN LOSSES
 
The activity in the Corporation's allowance for loan losses is shown in the following analysis:
(Dollar amounts in thousands)
 
2015
 
2014
 
2013
 
2012
 
2011
Amount of loans outstanding at December 31,
 
$
1,761,323

 
$
1,780,350

 
$
1,792,548

 
$
1,852,888

 
$
1,894,641

Average amount of loans by year
 
$
1,761,888

 
$
1,795,235

 
$
1,807,599

 
$
1,863,014

 
$
1,637,471

Allowance for loan losses at beginning of year
 
$
18,839

 
$
20,068

 
$
21,958

 
$
19,241

 
$
22,336

Loans charged off:
 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Commercial
 
2,852

 
3,522

 
4,830

 
4,176

 
5,336

Residential
 
866

 
1,143

 
4,942

 
2,598

 
2,811

Consumer
 
4,810

 
4,785

 
3,615

 
3,640

 
2,969

Total loans charged off
 
8,528

 
9,450

 
13,387

 
10,414

 
11,116

Recoveries of loans previously charged off:
 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Commercial
 
2,429

 
934

 
3,149

 
644

 
938

Residential
 
452

 
798

 
472

 
100

 
95

Consumer
 
2,054

 
2,104

 
1,401

 
1,387

 
1,108

Total recoveries
 
4,935

 
3,836

 
5,022

 
2,131

 
2,141

Net loans charged off
 
3,593

 
5,614

 
8,365

 
8,283

 
8,975

Provision charged to expense *
 
4,700

 
4,385

 
6,475

 
11,000

 
5,880

Balance at end of year
 
$
19,946

 
$
18,839

 
$
20,068

 
$
21,958

 
$
19,241

Ratio of net charge-offs during period to average loans outstanding
 
0.20
%
 
0.31
%
 
0.46
%
 
0.44
%
 
0.55
%


31



 * In 2014 and 2013 the provision charged to expense was increased by $687 thousand and $1.4 million, respectively for the decrease to the FDIC indemnification asset. In 2012, and 2011 the provision was reduced with a corresponding increase in the FDIC indemnification asset by $2.2 million and $125 thousand, respectively.

The allowance is maintained at an amount management believes sufficient to absorb probable incurred losses in the loan portfolio. Monitoring loan quality and maintaining an adequate allowance is an ongoing process overseen by senior management and the loan review function. On at least a quarterly basis, a formal analysis of the adequacy of the allowance is prepared and reviewed by management and the Board of Directors. This analysis serves as a point in time assessment of the level of the allowance and serves as a basis for provisions for loan losses. The loan quality monitoring process includes assigning loan grades and the use of a watch list to identify loans of concern.
 
Included in the $1.8 billion of loans outstanding at December 31, 2015 are $6.5 million of covered loans, those loans acquired with the purchase of the First National Bank of Danville from the FDIC that are covered by the loss sharing agreement.
 
Also included are loans acquired on December 30, 2011 in the Freestar acquisition. The acquired portfolio includes purchased credit impaired loans with a contractual balance due of $5.4 million and a carrying value of $5.0 million.
 
The analysis of the allowance for loan losses includes the allocation of specific amounts of the allowance to individual impaired loans, generally based on an analysis of the collateral securing those loans. Portions of the allowance are also allocated to loan portfolios, based upon a variety of factors including historical loss experience, trends in the type and volume of the loan portfolios, trends in delinquent and non-performing loans, and economic trends affecting our market. These components are added together and compared to the balance of our allowance at the evaluation date. The allowance for loan losses as a percentage of total loans increased to 1.13% at year end 2015 compared to 1.05% at year end 2014. The Corporation’s unallocated allowance position of $1.7 million at December 31, 2015 has decreased from $2.2 million at December 31, 2014 and decreased from $2.4 million at December 31, 2013. The calculation of historical losses used in the allowance computation averages the net charge off activity and qualitative factors supplement historical losses and consider internal and external factors that influence management's expectations of loss in the portfolio and the unallocated portion of the allowance reflects management's uncertainty about whether the more modest levels of net charge offs in the recent years, particularly in the commercial segment of the portfolio, are sustainable and representative of the risk in the loan portfolio. Non-performing loans of $25.5 million at December 31, 2015 decreased from $30.6 million at December 31, 2014 due in large part to the resolution of certain larger commercial credits, and net charge-offs declined to $3.6 million in 2015 compared to $5.6 million in 2014. Management believes the allowance for loan losses balance at year end 2015, including the unallocated portion, is reasonable based on their analysis of specific loans and the credit trends reflected within the loan portfolio. The table below presents the allocation of the allowance to the loan portfolios at year-end.
 
 
 
Years Ended December 31,
(Dollar amounts in thousands)
 
2015
 
2014
 
2013
 
2012
 
2011
Commercial
 
$
11,482

 
$
10,915

 
$
12,450

 
$
10,987

 
$
12,119

Residential
 
1,834

 
1,374

 
1,585

 
5,426

 
2,728

Consumer
 
4,945

 
4,370

 
3,650

 
3,879

 
3,889

Unallocated
 
1,685

 
2,180

 
2,383

 
1,666

 
505

TOTAL ALLOWANCE FOR LOAN LOSSES
 
$
19,946

 
$
18,839

 
$
20,068

 
$
21,958

 
$
19,241


NONPERFORMING LOANS
 
Management monitors the components and status of nonperforming loans as a part of the evaluation procedures used in determining the adequacy of the allowance for loan losses. It is the Corporation's policy to discontinue the accrual of interest on loans where, in management's opinion, serious doubt exists as to collectability. The amounts shown below represent non-accrual loans, loans which have been restructured to provide for a reduction or deferral of interest or principal because of deterioration in the financial condition of the borrower and those loans which are past due more than 90 days where the Corporation continues to accrue interest. Non-accrual restructured loans decreased in 2014 primarily due to the sale in 2014 of two large commercial credits and in 2013 of one large commercial credit. Restructured loans declined in 2015 as there was a lower dollar amount of loans added and there was one large commercial credit that was paid off. Additional information regarding restructured loans is available in the footnotes to the financial statements.

32



(Dollar amounts in thousands)
 
2015
 
2014
 
2013
 
2012
 
2011
Non-accrual loans
 
$
14,634

 
$
15,034

 
$
19,779

 
$
36,794

 
$
38,102

Accruing restructured loans
 
4,851

 
4,616

 
4,199

 
3,831

 
3,356

Non-accrual restructured loans
 
5,009

 
10,142

 
13,102

 
17,454

 
13,981

Accruing loans past due over 90 days
 
964

 
780

 
2,073

 
3,362

 
2,047

 
 
$
25,458

 
$
30,572

 
$
39,153

 
$
61,441

 
$
57,486

 
The ratio of the allowance for loan losses as a percentage of nonperforming loans was 78% at December 31, 2015, compared to 62% in 2014. The ratio of nonperforming loans excluding covered loans was 80% at December 31, 2015 and 62% at December 31, 2014. There were no covered loans included in restructured loans in 2015 and 2014. In the footnotes to the financial statements the amount reported for nonperforming loans is the recorded investment which includes accrued interest receivable. The following loan categories comprise significant components of the nonperforming loans at December 31, 2015 and 2014:
(Dollar amounts in thousands)
 
2015
 
2014
Non-accrual loans:
 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Commercial loans
 
$
8,146

 
56
%
 
$
9,212

 
61
%
Residential loans
 
5,481

 
37
%
 
4,651

 
31
%
Consumer loans
 
1,007

 
7
%
 
1,171

 
8
%
 
 
$
14,634

 
100
%
 
$
15,034

 
100
%
Past due 90 days or more:
 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Commercial loans
 
$

 
%
 
$

 
%
Residential loans
 
820

 
85
%
 
624

 
80
%
Consumer loans
 
144

 
15
%
 
156

 
20
%
 
 
$
964

 
100
%
 
$
780

 
100
%
 
 
 
Covered Loans  (also included above)
(Dollar amounts in thousands)
 
2015
 
2014
Non-accrual loans:
 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Commercial loans
 
$
23

 
9
%
 
$
35

 
13
%
Residential loans
 
220

 
91
%
 
239

 
87
%
Consumer loans
 

 
%
 

 
%
 
 
$
243

 
100
%
 
$
274

 
100
%
Past due 90 days or more:
 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Commercial loans
 
$

 
%
 
$

 
%
Residential loans
 
184

 
100
%
 
37

 
100
%
Consumer loans
 

 
%
 

 
%
 
 
$
184

 
100
%
 
$
37

 
100
%
 
Management considers the present allowance to be appropriate and adequate to cover probable incurred losses inherent in the loan portfolio based on the current economic environment. However, future economic changes cannot be predicted. Deteriorating economic conditions could result in an increase in the risk characteristics of the loan portfolio and an increase in the potential for loan losses.












33



DEPOSITS
 
The information below presents the average amount of deposits and rates paid on those deposits for 2015, 2014 and 2013.
 
 
 
2015
 
2014
 
2013
(Dollar amounts in thousands)
 
Amount
 
Rate
 
Amount
 
Rate
 
Amount
 
Rate
Non-interest-bearing demand deposits
 
$
544,708

 
 

 
$
526,656

 
 

 
$
479,659

 
 

Interest-bearing demand deposits
 
591,412

 
0.12
%
 
567,267

 
0.11
%
 
541,235

 
0.12
%
Savings deposits
 
872,250

 
0.08
%
 
848,164

 
0.08
%
 
780,613

 
0.09
%
Time deposits: $100,000 or more
 
117,066

 
0.59
%
 
142,153

 
0.73
%
 
169,567

 
0.90
%
Other time deposits
 
320,895

 
0.57
%
 
377,013

 
0.59
%
 
410,248

 
0.73
%
TOTAL
 
$
2,446,331

 
 

 
$
2,461,253

 
 

 
$
2,381,322

 
 

  

The maturities of certificates of deposit of more than $100 thousand outstanding at December 31, 2015, are summarized as follows:
(Dollar amounts in thousands)
 
3 months or less
$
8,501

Over 3 through 6 months
32,398

Over 6 through 12 months
39,267

Over 12 months
52,780

TOTAL
$
132,946

 
OTHER BORROWINGS
 
Advances from the Federal Home Loan Bank decreased to $12.7 million in 2015 compared to $12.9 million in 2014. The Asset/Liability Committee reviews these investments and funding sources and considers the related strategies on a monthly basis. See Interest Rate Sensitivity and Liquidity below for more information.
 
CAPITAL RESOURCES
 
Bank regulatory agencies have established capital adequacy standards which are used extensively in their monitoring and control of the industry. These standards relate capital to level of risk by assigning different weightings to assets and certain off-balance-sheet activity. As shown in the footnote to the consolidated financial statements ("Regulatory Matters"), the Corporation's subsidiary banking institutions capital exceeds the requirements to be considered well capitalized at December 31, 2015.
 
First Financial Corporation's objective continues to be to maintain adequate capital to merit the confidence of its customers and shareholders. To warrant this confidence, the Corporation's management maintains a capital position which they believe is sufficient to absorb unforeseen financial shocks without unnecessarily restricting dividends to its shareholders. The Corporation's dividend payout ratio for 2015 and 2014 was 41.5% and 38.2%, respectively. The Corporation expects to continue its policy of paying regular cash dividends, subject to future earnings and regulatory restrictions and capital requirements.
 
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 earnings simulation and market value of equity sensitivity analysis. These tools allow management to quantify and monitor both short-and long-term exposure to interest rate risk. Simulation modeling measures the effects of

34



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.

The table below shows the Corporation's estimated sensitivity profile as of December 31, 2015. The change in interest rates assumes a parallel shift in interest rates of 100 and 200 basis points. Given a 100 basis point increase in rates, net interest income would increase 3.54% over the next 12 months and increase 7.09% over the following 12 months. Given a 100 basis point decrease in rates, net interest income would decrease 0.45% over the next 12 months and decrease 1.93% 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 200
 
-0.66
 %
 
-3.02
 %
 
-5.10
 %
Down 100
 
-0.45
 %
 
-1.93
 %
 
-3.24
 %
Up 100
 
3.54
 %
 
7.09
 %
 
11.07
 %
Up 200
 
2.15
 %
 
8.47
 %
 
16.14
 %
 
Typical rate shock analysis does not reflect management's ability to react and thereby reduce the effects of rate changes, and represents a worst-case scenario.
 
Liquidity Risk Liquidity is measured by the bank's ability to raise funds to meet the obligations of its customers, including deposit withdrawals and credit needs. This is accomplished primarily by maintaining sufficient liquid assets in the form of investment securities and core deposits. The Corporation has $4.7 million of investments that mature throughout the coming 12 months. The Corporation also anticipates $129.6 million of principal payments from mortgage-backed securities. Given the current rate environment, the Corporation anticipates $27.4 million in securities to be called within the next 12 months.

The Corporation also has additional sources of liquidity available through secured and unsecured borrowing capacity. These include upstream corresondents, the Federal Home Loan Bank and the Federal Reserve Bank.
 
CONTRACTUAL OBLIGATIONS, COMMITMENTS, CONTINGENT LIABILITIES AND OFF-BALANCE SHEET ARRANGEMENTS
 
The Corporation has various financial obligations, including contractual obligations and commitments that may require future cash payments.
 
Contractual Obligations: The following table presents, as of December 31, 2015, significant fixed and determinable contractual obligations to third parties by payment date. Further discussion of the nature of each obligation is included in the referenced note to the consolidated financial statements.
 
 
Payments Due in
 
 
Note
 
One year
 
One year to
 
Three to
 
Over Five
 
 
(Dollar amounts in thousands)
 
Reference
 
or less
 
Three Years
 
Five Years
 
Years
 
Total
Deposits without a stated maturity
 
 

 
$
2,030,476

 
$

 
$

 
$

 
$
2,030,476

Consumer certificates of deposit
 
 

 
221,863

 
146,566

 
42,958

 
506

 
411,893

Short-term borrowings
 
11

 
33,831

 

 

 

 
33,831

Other borrowings
 
12

 
12,545

 
132

 


 

 
12,677

 
The Corporation has obligations under its pension, supplemental executive retirement plan and post-retirement medical benefits plan as described in Note 15 to the consolidated financial statements.

35




The Corporation has lease obligations on certain branch properties and equipment as described in Note 8 to the consolidated financial statements.
 
Commitments: The following table details the amount and expected maturities of significant commitments as of December 31, 2015. Further discussion of these commitments is included in Note 14 to the consolidated financial statements.
 
 
 
Total Amount
 
One year
 
Over One
(Dollar amounts in thousands)
 
Committed
 
or less
 
Year
Commitments to extend credit:
 
 

 
 

 
 

Unused loan commitments
 
$
364,756

 
$
184,765

 
$
179,991

Commercial letters of credit
 
7,195

 
5,489

 
1,706

 
Commitments to extend credit, including loan commitments, standby and commercial letters of credit do not necessarily represent future cash requirements, in that these commitments often expire without being drawn upon.
 

ITEM 7A.
QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK
 
The information contained under the caption “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations — Market Risk” on page 34 of this Form 10-K is incorporated herein by reference in response to this item.
 



36



ITEM 8.
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA
 
MANAGEMENT'S REPORT ON INTERNAL CONTROL OVER FINANCIAL REPORTING
 
The management of First Financial Corporation (the "Corporation") has prepared and is responsible for the preparation and accuracy of the consolidated financial statements and related financial information included in the Annual Report.
 
The management of the Corporation is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting as defined in Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. The Corporation's internal control over financial reporting is 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. The Corporation's internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that: (i) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of the Corporation; (ii) 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 Corporation are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors of the Corporation; and (iii) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use or disposition of the Corporation'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.
 
Management assessed the Corporation's system of internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2015, in relation to criteria for effective internal control over financial reporting as described in "Internal Control—Integrated Framework," issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO) in 2013. Based on this assessment, management concluded that, as of December 31, 2015, its system of internal control over financial reporting is effective and meets the criteria of the "Internal Control—Integrated Framework."
 
Crowe Horwath LLP, independent registered public accounting firm, has audited the Corporation's internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2015 and has issued a report dated March 9, 2016.
 

37




REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM
 
To the Shareholders and Board of Directors of First Financial Corporation:

We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of First Financial Corporation as of December 31, 2015 and 2014 and the related consolidated statements of income and comprehensive income, changes in shareholders' equity, and cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2015. We also have audited First Financial Corporation's internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2015, based on criteria established in 2013 in Internal Control—Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO). First Financial Corporation'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 these financial statements and an opinion on the company's internal control over financial reporting based on our audits.
 
We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audits to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement and whether effective internal control over financial reporting was maintained in all material respects. Our audits of the financial statements included examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements, assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, and evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. 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.
 
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 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.
 
In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of First Financial Corporation as of December 31, 2015 and 2014, and the results of its operations and its cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2015, in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. Also in our opinion First Financial Corporation maintained, in all material respects, effective internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2015, based on criteria established in 2013 in Internal Control —Integrated Framework issued by the COSO.
 
 

Crowe Horwath LLP
 
Indianapolis, Indiana
March 9, 2016


38



CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
 
 
December 31,
(Dollar amounts in thousands, except per share data)
 
2015
 
2014
ASSETS
 
 

 
 

Cash and due from banks
 
$
88,695

 
$
78,102

Federal funds sold
 
9,815

 
8,000

Securities available-for-sale
 
891,082

 
897,053

Loans, net of allowance of $19,946 in 2015 and $18,839 in 2014
 
1,743,862

 
1,762,589

Restricted Stock
 
10,838

 
16,404

Accrued interest receivable
 
11,733

 
11,593

Premises and equipment, net
 
50,531

 
51,802

Bank-owned life insurance
 
82,323

 
80,730

Goodwill
 
39,489

 
39,489

Other intangible assets
 
3,178

 
3,901

Other real estate owned
 
3,466

 
3,965

Other assets
 
44,573

 
48,857

TOTAL ASSETS
 
$
2,979,585

 
$
3,002,485

LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY
 
 

 
 

Deposits:
 
 

 
 

Non-interest-bearing
 
$
563,302

 
$
556,389

Interest-bearing:
 
 

 
 

Certificates of deposit that meet or exceed the FDIC insurance limit
 
46,753

 
53,733

Other interest-bearing deposits
 
1,832,314

 
1,847,075

 
 
2,442,369

 
2,457,197

Short-term borrowings
 
33,831

 
48,015

Other borrowings
 
12,677

 
12,886

Other liabilities
 
80,392

 
90,173

TOTAL LIABILITIES
 
2,569,269

 
2,608,271

Shareholders’ equity
 
 

 
 

Common stock, $.125 stated value per share;
 
 

 
 

Authorized shares-40,000,000
 
 

 
 

Issued shares-14,557,815 in 2015 and 14,538,132 in 2014
 
 

 
 

Outstanding shares-12,740,018 in 2015 and 12,942,175 in 2014
 
1,817

 
1,815

Additional paid-in capital
 
73,396

 
72,405

Retained earnings
 
395,633

 
377,970

Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)
 
(9,401
)
 
(14,529
)
Less: Treasury shares at cost-1,817,797 in 2015 and 1,595,957 in 2014
 
(51,129
)
 
(43,447
)
TOTAL SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY
 
410,316

 
394,214

TOTAL LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY
 
$
2,979,585

 
$
3,002,485


See accompanying notes. 
 

39



CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME AND COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
 
 
Years Ended December 31,
(Dollar amounts in thousands, except per share data)
 
2015
 
2014
 
2013
INTEREST AND DIVIDEND INCOME:
 
 

 
 

 
 

Loans, including related fees
 
$
84,022

 
$
87,530

 
$
91,242

Securities:
 
 

 
 

 
 

Taxable
 
15,815

 
17,015

 
16,157

Tax-exempt
 
7,194

 
7,084

 
7,046

Other
 
1,645

 
1,729

 
1,776

TOTAL INTEREST AND DIVIDEND INCOME
 
108,676

 
113,358

 
116,221

INTEREST EXPENSE:
 
 

 
 

 
 

Deposits
 
3,934

 
4,624

 
5,886

Short-term borrowings
 
70

 
99

 
78

Other borrowings
 
165

 
803

 
2,997

TOTAL INTEREST EXPENSE
 
4,169

 
5,526

 
8,961

NET INTEREST INCOME
 
104,507

 
107,832

 
107,260

Provision for loan losses
 
4,700

 
5,072

 
7,860

NET INTEREST INCOME AFTER PROVISION FOR LOAN LOSSES
 
99,807

 
102,760

 
99,400

NON-INTEREST INCOME:
 
 

 
 

 
 

Trust and financial services
 
5,586

 
5,860

 
6,035

Service charges and fees on deposit accounts
 
10,145

 
10,772

 
10,162

Other service charges and fees
 
11,798

 
11,697

 
11,081

Securities gain (loss), net
 
17

 
(3
)
 
423

Insurance commissions
 
6,945

 
7,646

 
7,750

Gain on sale of mortgage loans
 
1,998

 
1,849

 
3,052

Other
 
2,690

 
2,964

 
1,952

TOTAL NON-INTEREST INCOME
 
39,179

 
40,785

 
40,455

NON-INTEREST EXPENSES:
 
 

 
 

 
 

Salaries and employee benefits
 
60,109

 
55,936

 
55,097

Occupancy expense
 
6,978

 
7,218

 
6,102

Equipment expense
 
6,991

 
7,269

 
6,348

Federal Deposit Insurance
 
1,769

 
1,931

 
2,052

Other
 
22,551

 
23,230

 
24,955

TOTAL NON-INTEREST EXPENSE
 
98,398

 
95,584

 
94,554

INCOME BEFORE INCOME TAXES
 
40,588

 
47,961

 
45,301

Provision for income taxes
 
10,392

 
14,189

 
13,767

NET INCOME
 
30,196

 
33,772

 
31,534

OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
 
 

 
 

 
 

Change in unrealized gains/(losses) on securities, net of reclassifications and taxes
 
(1,225
)
 
13,913

 
(17,066
)
Change in funded status of post-retirement benefits, net of taxes
 
6,353

 
(14,473
)
 
10,569

COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
 
$
35,324

 
$
33,212

 
$
25,037

EARNINGS PER SHARE:
 
 

 
 

 
 

BASIC AND DILUTED
 
$
2.35

 
$
2.55

 
$
2.37

Weighted average number of shares outstanding (in thousands)
 
12,836

 
13,226

 
13,310

See accompanying notes.

40



CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
 
 
Common
 
Additional
 
Retained
 
Accumulated
Other
Comprehensive
 
Treasury
 
 
(Dollar amounts in thousands, except per share data)
 
Stock
 
Capital
 
Earnings
 
Income/(Loss)
 
Stock
 
Total
Balance, January 1, 2013
 
$
1,808

 
$
69,989

 
$
338,342

 
$
(7,472
)
 
$
(30,545
)
 
$
372,122

Net income
 

 

 
31,534

 

 

 
31,534

Other comprehensive income (loss)
 

 

 

 
(6,497
)
 

 
(6,497
)
Omnibus Equity Incentive Plan, net
 
3

 
770

 

 

 
(162
)
 
611

Contribution of 35,531 shares to ESOP
 

 
315

 

 

 
903

 
1,218

Cash Dividends, $.96 per share
 

 

 
(12,793
)
 

 

 
(12,793
)
Balance, December 31, 2013
 
1,811

 
71,074

 
357,083

 
(13,969
)
 
(29,804
)
 
386,195

Net income
 

 

 
33,772

 

 

 
33,772

Other comprehensive income (loss)
 

 

 

 
(560
)
 

 
(560
)
Omnibus Equity Incentive Plan, net
 
4

 
1,068

 

 

 

 
1,072

Treasury stock purchase (459,241 shares)
 

 

 

 

 
(14,633
)
 
(14,633
)
Contribution of 36,368 shares to ESOP
 

 
263

 

 

 
990

 
1,253

Cash Dividends, $.98 per share
 

 

 
(12,885
)
 

 

 
(12,885
)
Balance, December 31, 2014
 
1,815

 
72,405

 
377,970

 
(14,529
)
 
(43,447
)
 
394,214

Net income
 

 

 
30,196

 

 

 
30,196

Other comprehensive income (loss)
 

 

 

 
5,128

 

 
5,128

Omnibus Equity Incentive Plan, net
 
2

 
713

 

 

 

 
715

Treasury stock purchases (257,989 shares)
 

 

 

 

 
(8,698
)
 
(8,698
)
Contribution of 36,149 shares to ESOP
 

 
278

 

 

 
1,016

 
1,294

Cash Dividends, $.98 per share
 

 

 
(12,533
)
 

 

 
(12,533
)
Balance, December 31, 2015
 
$
1,817

 
$
73,396

 
$
395,633

 
$
(9,401
)
 
$
(51,129
)
 
$
410,316

See accompanying notes.


41



CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
 
 
Years Ended December 31,
(Dollar amounts in thousands, except per share data)
 
2015
 
2014
 
2013
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES:
 
 

 
 

 
 

Net Income
 
$
30,196

 
$
33,772

 
$
31,534

Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
 
 

 
 

 
 

Net (accretion) amortization on securities
 
2,940

 
3,405

 
2,712

Provision for loan losses
 
4,700

 
5,072

 
7,860

Securities (gains) losses
 
(17
)
 
3

 
(423
)
Depreciation and amortization
 
5,490

 
5,977

 
5,482

Provision for deferred income taxes
 
(924
)
 
2,873

 
(39
)
Net change in accrued interest receivable
 
(140
)
 
(39
)
 
470

Contribution of shares to ESOP
 
1,294

 
1,253

 
1,218

Stock compensation expense
 
684

 
1,072

 
733

Gain on sale of mortgage loans
 
(1,998
)
 
(1,849
)
 
(3,052
)
Loss (gain) on sales of other real estate
 
116

 
(357
)
 
182

Origination of loans held for sale
 
(72,303
)
 
(66,300
)
 
(112,483
)
Proceeds from loans held for sale
 
75,542

 
68,438

 
121,092

Other, net
 
(4,325
)
 
4,524

 
7,411

NET CASH FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES
 
41,255

 
57,844

 
62,697

CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES:
 
 

 
 

 
 

Sales of securities available-for-sale
 
3,735

 
356

 
5,110

Calls, maturities and principal reductions on securities available-for-sale
 
150,315

 
136,141

 
158,317

Purchases of securities available-for-sale
 
(149,181
)
 
(99,954
)
 
(417,997
)
Loans made to customers, net of payments
 
12,901

 
325

 
41,643

Net change in federal funds sold
 
(1,815
)
 
(3,724
)
 
16,524

Redemption of restricted stock
 
5,587

 
4,670

 
250

Purchase of restricted stock
 
(21
)
 
(17
)
 
(15
)
Purchase of customer list
 
(103
)
 

 

Cash received (disbursed) from acquisitions
 

 

 
177,610

Sale of other real estate
 
1,638

 
3,034

 
4,714

Additions to premises and equipment
 
(3,393
)
 
(5,296
)
 
(2,522
)
NET CASH FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES
 
19,663

 
35,535

 
(16,366
)
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
 
 

 
 

 
 

Net change in deposits
 
(14,899
)
 
(2,151
)
 
(7,544
)
Net change in short-term borrowings
 
(14,184
)
 
(11,577
)
 
19,041

Dividends paid
 
(12,632
)
 
(12,949
)
 
(12,766
)
Purchases of treasury stock
 
(8,698
)
 
(14,633
)
 
(162
)
Proceeds from other borrowings
 
36,900

 
572,000

 
135,000

Repayments on other borrowings
 
(36,812
)
 
(617,000
)
 
(196,097
)
NET CASH FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES
 
(50,325
)
 
(86,310
)
 
(62,528
)
NET CHANGE IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS
 
10,593

 
7,069

 
(16,197
)
CASH AND DUE FROM BANKS, BEGINNING OF YEAR
 
78,102

 
71,033

 
87,230

CASH AND DUE FROM BANKS, END OF YEAR
 
$
88,695

 
$
78,102

 
$
71,033

                                                                                            Continued
 
 
 
 
 
 

42



SUPPLEMENTAL DISCLOSURES OF CASH FLOW AND NONCASH INFORMATION:
 
 

 
 

 
 

Cash paid for the year for:
 
 

 
 

 
 

Interest
 
$
4,237

 
$
5,527

 
$
9,375

Income Taxes
 
$
12,869

 
$
9,354

 
$
13,822


See accompanying notes.


43



NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
 
1.
BUSINESS AND SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES:
 
BUSINESS
 
Organization: The consolidated financial statements of First Financial Corporation and its subsidiaries (the Corporation) include the parent company and its wholly-owned subsidiaries, First Financial Bank, N.A. headquartered in Vigo County, Indiana, The Morris Plan Company of Terre Haute (Morris Plan), Forrest Sherer Inc., a full-line insurance agency headquartered in Terre Haute, Indiana, and FFB Risk Management Co., Inc., a captive insurance subsidiary headquartered in Las Vegas, Nevada. Inter-company transactions and balances have been eliminated.
 
First Financial Bank also has two investment subsidiaries, Portfolio Management Specialists A (Specialists A) and Portfolio Management Specialists B (Specialists B), which were established to hold and manage certain assets as part of a strategy to better manage various income streams and provide opportunities for capital creation as needed. Specialists A and Specialists B subsequently entered into a limited partnership agreement, Global Portfolio Limited Partners. Portfolio Management Specialists B also owns First Financial Real Estate, LLC. At December 31, 2015, $718.3 million of securities and loans were owned by these subsidiaries. Specialists A, Specialists B, Global Portfolio Limited Partners and First Financial Real Estate LLC are included in the consolidated financial statements.
 
The Corporation, which is headquartered in Terre Haute, Indiana, offers a wide variety of financial services including commercial, mortgage and consumer lending, lease financing, trust account services and depositor services through its four subsidiaries. The Corporation's primary source of revenue is derived from loans to customers and investment activities.
 
The Corporation operates 71 branches in west-central Indiana and east-central Illinois. First Financial Bank is the largest bank in Vigo County. It operates 11 full-service banking branches within the county; one in Daviess County, Indiana.; four in Clay County, Indiana; one in Gibson County, Indiana.; one in Greene County, Indiana; three in Knox County, Indiana; five in Parke County, Indiana; one in Putnam County, Indiana; four in Sullivan County, Indiana; one in Vanderburgh County, Indiana,; four in Vermillion County, Indiana; five in Champaign County, Illinois; one in Clark County, Illinois; three in Coles County, Illinois; two in Crawford County, Illinois; two in Franklin County, Illinois; one in Jasper County, Illinois; two in Jefferson County, Illinois; one in Lawrence County, Illinois; two in Livingston County, Illinois; two in Marion County, Illinois; three in McLean County, Illinois; one in Montgomery County, Illinois; two in Richland County, Illinois; seven in Vermilion County, Illinois; and one in Wayne County, Illinois. It also has a main office in downtown Terre Haute and an operations center/office building in southern Terre Haute.
 
Regulatory Agencies: First Financial Corporation is a multi-bank holding company and as such is regulated by various banking agencies. The holding company is regulated by the Seventh District of the Federal Reserve System. The national bank subsidiary is regulated by the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency. The state bank subsidiary is jointly regulated by the state banking organization and the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation. FFB Risk Management Company is regulated by the State of Nevada Division of Insurance.
 
SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
 
Use of Estimates: To prepare financial statements in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles, management makes estimates and assumptions based on available information. These estimates and assumptions affect the amounts reported in the financial statements and disclosures provided, and actual results could differ.
 
Cash Flows: Cash and cash equivalents include cash and demand deposits with other financial institutions. Net cash flows are reported for customer loan and deposit transactions and short-term borrowings. Non-cash transactions include loans transferred to other real estate of $1.3 million, $1.4 million and $2.5 million for the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013 respectively.
 
Securities: The Corporation classifies all securities as "available for sale." Securities are classified as available for sale when they might be sold before maturity. Securities available for sale are carried at fair value with unrealized holdings gains and losses, net of taxes, reported in other comprehensive income within shareholders' equity.
 
Interest income includes amortization of purchase premium or discount. Premiums and discounts are amortized on the level yield method without anticipating prepayments. Mortgage-backed securities are amortized over the expected life. Realized gains and losses on sales are based on the amortized cost of the security sold. Management evaluates securities for other-than temporary impairment (OTTI) at least on a quarterly basis, and more frequently when economic or market conditions warrant such an evaluation.

44



 
Loans: Loans that management has the intent and ability to hold for the foreseeable future until maturity or pay-off are reported at the principal balance outstanding, net of unearned interest, purchase premiums and discounts, deferred loan fees and costs, and allowance for loan losses. Loans held for sale are reported at the lower of cost or fair value, on an aggregate basis. Interest income is accrued on the unpaid principal balance and includes amortization of net deferred loan fees and costs over the loan term without anticipating prepayments. The recorded investment in loans includes accrued interest receivable and net deferred loan fees and costs. Interest income is not reported when full loan repayment is in doubt, typically when the loan is impaired or payments are significantly past due. Past-due status is based on the contractual terms of the loan.
 
All interest accrued but not received for loans placed on non-accrual is reversed against interest income. Interest received on such loans is accounted for on the cash-basis or cost-recovery method, until qualifying for return to accrual. Loans are returned to accrual status when all the principal and interest amounts contractually due are brought current and future payments are reasonably assured. In all cases, loans are placed on non-accrual or charged-off if collection of principal or interest is considered doubtful. The above policies are consistent for all segments of loans.

Certain Purchased Loans: The Corporation purchases individual loans and groups of loans, some of which have shown evidence of credit deterioration since origination. These purchased loans are recorded at the amount paid, such that there is no carryover of the seller's allowance for loan losses. After acquisition, losses are recognized by an increase in the allowance for loan losses. Such purchased loans are accounted for individually. The Corporation estimates the amount and timing of expected cash flows for each purchased loan, and the expected cash flows in excess of amount paid are recorded as interest income over the remaining life of the loan (accretable yield). The excess of the loan's contractual principal and interest over expected cash flows is not recorded (nonaccretable difference).
 
Over the life of the loan, expected cash flows continue to be estimated. If the present value of expected cash flows is less than the carrying amount, a provision for loan loss is recorded. If the present value of expected cash flows is greater than the carrying amount, it is recognized as part of future interest income.
 
Concentration of Credit Risk: Most of the Corporation's business activity is with customers located within west central Indiana and east central Illinois. Therefore, the Corporation's exposure to credit risk is significantly affected by changes in the economy of this area. A major economic downturn in this area would have a negative effect on the Corporation's loan portfolio.
The risk characteristics of each loan portfolio segment are as follows:
Commercial
Commercial loans are predominately loans to expand a business or finance asset purchases. The underlying risk in the Commercial loan segment is primarily a function of the reliability and sustainability of the cash flows of the borrower and secondarily on the underlying collateral securing the transaction. From time to time, the cash flows of borrowers may be less than historical or as planned. In addition, the underlying collateral securing these loans may fluctuate in value. Most commercial loans are secured by the assets financed or other business assets and most commercial loans are further supported by a personal guarantee. However, in some instances, short term loans are made on an unsecured basis. Agriculture production loans are typically secured by growing crops and generally secured by other assets such as farm equipment. Production loans are subject to weather and market pricing risks. The Corporation has established underwriting standards and guidelines for all commercial loan types.
The Corporation strives to maintain a geographically diverse commercial real estate portfolio. Commercial real estate loans are primarily underwritten based upon the cash flows of the underlying real estate or from the cash flows of the business conducted at the real estate. Generally, these types of loans will be fully guaranteed by the principal owners of the real estate and loan amounts must be supported by adequate collateral value. Commercial real estate loans may be adversely affected by factors in the local market, the regional economy, or industry specific factors. In addition, Commercial Construction loans are a specific type of commercial real estate loan which inherently carry more risk than loans for completed projects. Since these types of loans are underwritten utilizing estimated costs, feasibility studies, and estimated absorption rates, the underlying value of the project may change based upon the inaccuracy of these projections. Commercial construction loans are closely monitored, subject to industry standards, and disbursements are controlled during the construction process.
Residential
Retail real estate mortgages that are secured by 1-4 family residences are generally owner occupied and include residential real estate and residential real estate construction loans. The Corporation typically establishes a maximum loan-to-value ratio and generally requires private mortgage insurance if the ratio is exceeded. The Corporation sells substantially all of its long-term fixed mortgages to secondary market purchasers. Mortgages sold to secondary market purchasers are underwritten to specific guidelines. The Corporation originates some mortgages that are maintained in the bank’s loan portfolio. Portfolio loans are generally adjustable rate mortgages and are underwritten to conform to Qualified Mortgage standards. Several factors are considered in underwriting

45



all Mortgages including the value of the underlying real estate, debt-to-income ratio and credit history of the borrower. Repayment is primarily dependent upon the personal income of the borrower and can be impacted by changes in borrower’s circumstances such as changes in employment status and changes in real estate property values. Risk is mitigated by the sale of substantially all long-term fixed rate mortgages, the underwriting of portfolio loans to Qualified Mortgage standards and the fact that mortgages are generally smaller individual amounts spread over a large number of borrowers.
Consumer
The consumer portfolio primarily consists of home equity loans and lines (typically secured by a subordinate lien on a 1-4 family residence), secured loans (typically secured by automobiles, boats, recreational vehicles, or motorcycles), cash/CD secured, and unsecured loans. Pricing, loan terms, and loan to value guidelines vary by product line. The underlying value of collateral dependent loans may vary based on a number of economic conditions, including fluctuations in home prices and unemployment levels. Underwriting of consumer loans is based on the individual credit profile and analysis of the debt repayment capacity for each borrower. Payments for consumer loans is typically set-up on equal monthly installments, however, future repayment may be impacted by a change in economic conditions or a change in the personal income levels of individual customers. Overall risks within the consumer portfolio are mitigated by the mix of various loan products, lending in various markets and the overall make-up of the portfolio (small loan sizes and a large number of individual borrowers).

Allowance for Loan Losses: The allowance for loan losses is a valuation allowance for probable incurred credit losses. Loan losses are charged against the allowance when management believes the uncollectibility of a loan balance is confirmed. Subsequent recoveries, if any, are credited to the allowance. Management estimates the allowance balance required using past loan loss experience, the nature and volume of the portfolio, information about specific borrower situations and estimated collateral values, economic conditions and other factors. Allocations of the allowance may be made for specific loans, but the entire allowance is available for any loan that, in management's judgment, should be charged off. The allowance consists of specific and general components. The specific component relates to loans that are individually classified as impaired. The general component covers non-classified loans as well as non-impaired classified loans and is based on historical loss experience adjusted for current factors.

A loan is impaired when full payment under the loan terms is not expected. Loans for which the terms have been modified, and for which the borrower is experiencing financial difficulties, are considered troubled debt restructurings and classified as impaired. Impairment is evaluated in total for smaller-balance loans of similar nature such as residential mortgages and consumer loans, and on an individual basis for other loans. If a loan is impaired, a portion of the allowance is allocated so that the loan is reported, net, at the present value of estimated future cash flows, using the loan's existing rate, or at the fair value of collateral if repayment is expected solely from the collateral. Large groups of smaller balance homogeneous loans, such as consumer and residential real estate loans, are collectively evaluated for impairment and, accordingly, they are not separately identified for impairment disclosures.
 
The general component covers non-classified loans as well as non-impaired classified loans and is based on historical loss experience adjusted for current factors. The historical loss experience is based on the actual loss history experienced over the most recent four years. This actual loss experience is supplemented with other current factors based on the risks present for each portfolio segment. These current factors include consideration of the following: levels of and trends in delinquent, classified, and impaired loans; levels of and trends in charge-offs and recoveries; national and local economic trends and conditions; changes in lending policies and procedures; trends in volume and terms of loans; experience, ability, and depth of lending management and other relevant staff; credit concentrations; value of underlying collateral for collateral dependent loans; and other external factors such as competition and legal and regulatory requirements. The following portfolio segments have been identified: commercial loans, residential loans and consumer loans. A characteristic of the commercial loan segment is that the loans are for business purchases. A characteristic of the residential loan segment is that the loans are secured by residential properties. A characteristic of the consumer loan segment is that the loans are for automobiles and other consumer purchases. Commercial loans are generally well secured, which mitigates the risk of loss and has contributed to the low historical loss rate. However, concentrations in commercial real estate, along with the potential impact of rising interest rates to commercial real estate, raises the risk of loss on commercial loans. For these reasons, commercial loans have the highest adjustment to the historical loss rate. Continued weakness in local economic conditions along with declining auto values resulted in consumer loans having the next highest level of adjustment to the historical loss rate. The residential loan portfolio segment had the lowest level of adjustment to the historical loss rate.

Troubled debt restructurings are separately identified for impairment disclosures and are measured at the present value of estimated future cash flows using the loan's effective rate at inception. If a troubled debt restructuring is considered to be a collateral dependent loan, the loan is reported, net, at the fair value of the collateral. For troubled debt restructurings that subsequently default, the Corporation determines the amount of reserve in accordance with the accounting policy for the allowance for loan losses.


46



FDIC Indemnification Asset: The FDIC indemnification asset results from the loss share agreements in the 2009 FDIC-assisted transaction. The asset is measured separately from the related covered assets as they are not contractually embedded in the assets and are not transferable with the assets should the Corporation choose to dispose of them. It represents the acquisition date fair value of expected reimbursements from the FDIC which was determined to be $12.1 million. Pursuant to the terms of the loss sharing agreement, covered loans and other real estate are subject to a stated loss threshold whereby the FDIC will reimburse the Corporation for up to 95% of losses incurred. These expected reimbursements do not include reimbursable amounts related to future covered expenditures. These cash flows are discounted to reflect a metric of uncertainty of the timing and receipt of the loss sharing reimbursement from the FDIC. This asset decreases when losses are realized and claims are paid by the FDIC or when customers repay their loans in full and expected losses do not occur. This asset also increases when estimated future losses increase. When estimated future losses increase, the Corporation records a provision for loan losses and increases its allowance for loan losses accordingly. The related increase or decrease in the FDIC indemnification asset is recorded as an (increase) or offset to the provision for loan losses. During 2014 and 2013, the provision for loan losses was (increased)/ offset by ($687 thousand) and ($1.4 million ) related to the changes in the FDIC indemnification asset. There were not any changes to the provision for loan losses related to the FDIC indemnification asset in 2015. At December 31, 2015 and 2014, the balance of the indemnification asset was not material and is included in other assets.
 
Foreclosed Assets: Assets acquired through or instead of loan foreclosures are initially recorded at fair value less estimated selling costs when acquired, establishing a new cost basis. Physical possession of residential real estate property collateralizing a consumer mortgage loan occurs when legal title is obtained upon completion of foreclosure or when the borrower conveys all interest in the property to satisfy the loan through completion of a deed in lieu of foreclosure or similar legal agreement. These assets are subsequently accounted for at lower of cost or fair value less estimated costs to sell. If fair value declines, a valuation allowance is recorded through expense. Costs after acquisition are expensed.

Premises and Equipment: Land is carried at cost. Premises and equipment are stated at cost less accumulated depreciation. Depreciation is computed over the useful lives of the assets, which range from 3 to 5 years for furniture and equipment and 33 to 39 years for buildings and leasehold improvements.
 
Restricted Stock: Restricted stock includes Federal Home Loan Bank (FHLB) of Indianapolis and Chicago and Federal Reserve stock. This restricted stock is carried at cost and periodically evaluated for impairment. Because this stock is viewed as a long-term investment, impairment is based on ultimate recovery of par value. Both cash and stock dividends are reported as income.
 
Servicing Rights: Servicing rights are recognized separately when they are acquired through sales of loans. When mortgage loans are sold, servicing rights are initially recorded at fair value with the income statement effect recorded in gains on sales of loans. Fair value is based on market prices for comparable mortgage servicing contracts, when available, or alternatively, is based on third-party valuations that incorporate assumptions that market participants would use in estimating future net servicing income, such as the cost to service, the discount rate, ancillary income, prepayment speeds and default rates and losses. All classes of servicing assets are subsequently measured using the amortization method, which requires servicing rights to be amortized into non-interest income in proportion to, and over the period of, the estimated future net servicing income of the underlying loans.
 
Servicing assets are evaluated for impairment based upon the fair value of the rights as compared to carrying amount. Impairment is determined by stratifying rights into groupings based on predominant risk characteristics, such as interest rate, loan type and investor type. Impairment is recognized through a valuation allowance for an individual grouping, to the extent that fair value is less than the carrying amount. If the Corporation later determines that all or a portion of the impairment no longer exists for a particular grouping, a reduction of the allowance may be recorded as an increase to income. Changes in valuation allowances are reported with Other Service Fees on the income statement. The fair values of servicing rights are subject to significant fluctuations as a result of changes in estimated and actual prepayment speeds and default rates and losses.
 
Servicing fee income, which is included in Other Service Fees on the income statement, is for fees earned for servicing loans.
 
The fees are based on a contractual percentage of the outstanding principal or a fixed amount per loan and are recorded as income when earned. The amortization of mortgage servicing rights is netted against loan servicing fee income. Servicing fees totaled $1.3 million, $1.4 million and $1.4 million for the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013. Late fees and ancillary fees related to loan servicing are not material.
 
Stock based compensation: Compensation cost is recognized for restricted stock awards and units issued to employees based on the fair value of these awards at the date of grant. Market price of the Corporation’s common stock at the date of grant is used for restricted stock awards. Compensation expense is recognized over the requisite service period.



47



Transfers of Financial Assets: Transfers of financial assets are accounted for as sales, when control over the assets has been
relinquished. Control over transferred assets is deemed to be surrendered when the assets have been isolated from the Corporation, the transferee obtains the right (free of conditions that constrain it from taking advantage of that right) to pledge or exchange the transferred assets, and the Corporation does not maintain effective control over the transferred assets through an agreement to repurchase them before their maturity.
 
Bank-Owned Life Insurance: The Corporation has purchased life insurance policies on certain key executives. Bank-owned life insurance is recorded at its cash surrender value, or the amount that can be realized. Income on the investments in life insurance is included in other interest income.
 
Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets: Goodwill resulting from business combinations prior to January 1, 2009 represents the excess of the purchase price over the fair value of the net assets of businesses acquired. Goodwill resulting from business combinations after January 1, 2009 represents the future economic benefits arising from other assets acquired that are not individually identified and separately recognized. Goodwill and intangible assets acquired in a purchase business combination and determined to have an indefinite useful life are not amortized, but tested for impairment at least annually. The Corporation has selected December 31 as the date to perform the annual impairment test. Intangible assets with definite useful lives are amortized over their estimated useful lives to their estimated residual values. Goodwill is the only intangible asset with an indefinite life on our balance sheet.
 
Other intangible assets consist of core deposit and acquired customer list intangible assets arising from the whole bank, insurance agency and branch acquisitions. They are initially measured at fair value and then are amortized on an accelerated basis over their estimated useful lives, which are 10 and 12 years, respectively.
 
Long-Term Assets: Premises and equipment and other long-term assets are reviewed for impairment when events indicate their carrying amount may not be recoverable from future undiscounted cash flows. If impaired, the assets are recorded at fair value.
 
Benefit Plans: Pension expense is the net of service and interest cost, return on plan assets and amortization of gains and losses not immediately recognized. The amount contributed is determined by a formula as decided by the Board of Directors. Deferred compensation and supplemental retirement plan expense allocates the benefits over years of service.
 
Employee Stock Ownership Plan: Shares of treasury stock are issued to the ESOP and compensation expense is recognized based upon the total market price of shares when contributed.
 
Deferred Compensation Plan: Prior to 2011, a deferred compensation plan covered all directors. Under the plan, the Corporation pays each director, or their beneficiary, the amount of fees deferred plus interest over 10 years, beginning when the director achieves age 65. A liability is accrued for the obligation under these plans. The expense incurred for the deferred compensation for each of the last three years was $142 thousand, $138 thousand and $149 thousand, resulting in a deferred compensation liability of $2.2 million at December 31, 2015 and $2.4 million at December 31, 2014. There are no deferred compensation plans now in effect for directors.

Incentive Plans: A long-term incentive plan established in 2000 provides for the payment of incentive rewards as a 15-year annuity to all directors and certain key officers. That plan was in place through December 31, 2009, and compensation expense is recognized over the service period. Payments under the plan generally did not begin until the earlier of January 1, 2015, or the January 1 immediately following the year in which the participant reaches age 65. There was no compensation expense related to this plan for 2015, 2014 and 2013. There is a liability of $13.2 million and $14.0 million as of year-end 2015 and 2014. In 2011 the Corporation adopted the 2011 Short-term Incentive Plan and the 2011 Omnibus Equity Incentive Plan designed to reward key officers based on certain performance measures. The short-term portion of the plan is paid out within 75 days of year end and the long-term plan vests over a three year period and is paid out within 75 days of the end of each vesting period. The compensation expense related to the plans in 2015, 2014 and 2013 was $1.4 million, $1.7 million and $1.5 million, respectively, and resulted in a liability of $816 thousand at December 31, 2015 and $782 thousand at December 31, 2014.
 
The Omnibus Equity Incentive Plan is a long term incentive plan that was designed to align the interests of participants with the interest of shareholders. Under the plan, awards may be made based on certain performance measures. The grants are made in restricted stock units that are subject to a vesting schedule.
 
Income Taxes: Income tax expense is the total of the current year income tax due or refundable and the change in deferred tax assets and liabilities. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are the expected future tax amounts for the temporary differences between carrying amounts and tax bases of assets and liabilities, computed using enacted tax rates. A valuation allowance, if needed, reduces deferred tax assets to the amount expected to be realized.

48



 A tax position is recognized as a benefit only if it is "more likely than not" that the tax position would be sustained in a tax examination, with a tax examination being presumed to occur. The amount recognized is the largest amount of tax benefit that is greater than 50% likely of being realized on examination. For tax positions not meeting the "more likely than not" test, no tax benefit is recorded
 
The Corporation recognizes interest and/or penalties related to income tax matters in income tax expense.
 
Loan Commitments and Related Financial Instruments: Financial instruments include credit instruments, such as commitments to make loans and standby letters of credit, issued to meet customer financing needs. The face amount for these items represents the exposure to loss, before considering customer collateral or ability to repay. Such financial instruments are recorded when they are funded.
 
Earnings Per Share: Earnings per common share is net income divided by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during the period. The Corporation does not have any potentially dilutive securities as the restricted stock awards are included in outstanding shares.. Earnings and dividends per share are restated for stock splits and dividends through the date of issue of the financial statements.
 
Comprehensive Income: Comprehensive income consists of net income and other comprehensive income. Other comprehensive income includes unrealized gains and losses on securities available for sale and changes in the funded status of the retirement plans, which are also recognized as separate components of equity.
 
Loss Contingencies: Loss contingencies, including claims and legal actions arising in the ordinary course of business, are recorded as liabilities when the likelihood of loss is probable and an amount of range of loss can be reasonably estimated. Management does not believe there are currently such matters that will have a material effect on the financial statements.
 
Dividend Restriction: Banking regulations require maintaining certain capital levels and may limit the dividends paid by the bank to the holding company or by the holding company to shareholders.
 
Fair Value of Financial Instruments: Fair values of financial instruments are estimated using relevant market information and other assumptions, as more fully disclosed in a separate note. Fair value estimates involve uncertainties and matters of significant judgment regarding interest rates, credit risk, prepayments and other factors, especially in the absence of broad markets for particular items. Changes in assumptions or market conditions could significantly affect the estimates.
 
Operating Segment: While the Corporation's chief decision-makers monitor the revenue streams of the various products and services, the operating results of significant segments are similar and operations are managed and financial performance is evaluated on a corporate-wide basis. Accordingly, all of the Corporation's financial service operations are considered by management to be aggregated in one reportable operating segment, which is banking.
 
Adoption of New Accounting Standards: In May 2014, the FASB and the International Accounting Standards Board (the "IASB") jointly issued a comprehensive new revenue recognition standard that will supersede nearly all existing revenue recognition guidance under GAAP and International Financial Reporting Standards ("IFRS"). Previous revenue recognition guidance in GAAP comprised broad revenue recognition concepts together with numerous revenue requirements for particular industries or transactions, which sometimes resulted in different accounting for economically similar transactions. In contrast, IFRS provided limited revenue recognition guidance and, consequently, could be difficult to apply to complex transactions. Accordingly, the FASB and the IASB initiated a joint project to clarify the principles for recognizing revenue and to develop a common revenue standard for U.S. GAAP and IFRS that would: (1) Remove inconsistencies and weaknesses in revenue requirements; (2) Provide a more robust framework for addressing revenue issues; (3) Improve comparability of revenue recognition practices across entities, industries, jurisdictions, and capital markets; (4) Provide more useful information to users of financial statements through improved disclosure requirements; and (5) Simplify the preparation of financial statements by reducing the number of requirements to which an entity must refer. To meet those objectives, the FASB issued ASU No. 2014-09, "Revenue from Contracts with Customers." The standard’s core principle is that a company will recognize revenue when it transfers promised goods or services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration to which the company expects to be entitled in exchange for those goods or services. In doing so, companies generally will be required to use more judgment and make more estimates than under current guidance. These may include identifying performance obligations in the contract, estimating the amount of variable consideration to include in the transaction price and allocating the transaction price to each separate performance obligation. The standard is effective for public entities for interim and annual periods beginning after December 15, 2017. For financial reporting purposes, the standard allows for either full retrospective adoption, meaning the standard is applied to all of the periods presented, or modified retrospective adoption, meaning the standard is applied only to the most current period presented in the financial statements with the cumulative effect of initially applying the standard recognized at the date of initial application. The Corporation is currently evaluating the

49



provisions of ASU No. 2014-09 and will be closely monitoring developments and additional guidance to determine the potential impact the new standard will have on the Corporation's Consolidated Financial Statements.

In June 2014, the FASB issued ASU No. 2014-11, "Repurchase-to-Maturity Transactions, Repurchase Financings, and Disclosures." The new guidance aligns the accounting for repurchase-to-maturity transactions and repurchase agreements executed as repurchase financings with the accounting for other typical repurchase agreements. Going forward, these transactions would all be accounted for as secured borrowings. The guidance eliminates sale accounting for repurchase-to-maturity transactions and supersedes the guidance under which a transfer of a financial asset and a contemporaneous repurchase financing could be accounted for on a combined basis as a forward agreement, which has resulted in outcomes referred to as off-balance-sheet accounting. The amendments in the ASU require a new disclosure for transactions economically similar to repurchase agreements in which the transferor retains substantially all of the exposure to the economic return on the transferred financial assets throughout the term of the transaction. The amendments in the ASU also require expanded disclosures, effective for the current reporting period of June 30, 2015, about the nature of collateral pledged in repurchase agreements and similar transactions accounted for as secured borrowings (see Note 5 to the Consolidated Financial Statements). The Corporation adopted the amendments in this ASU effective January 1, 2015. As of June 30, 2015, all of the Company's repurchase agreements were typical in nature (i.e., not repurchase-to-maturity transactions or repurchase agreements executed as a repurchase financing) and are accounted for as secured borrowings. As such, the adoption of ASU No. 2014-11 did not have a material impact on the Corporation's Consolidated Financial Statements.
ASU 2015-01, “Income Statement - Extraordinary and Unusual Items - Simplifying Income Statement Presentation by Eliminating the Concept of Extraordinary Items.” ASU 2015-01 eliminates from U.S. GAAP the concept of extraordinary items, which, among other things, required an entity to segregate extraordinary items considered to be unusual and infrequent from the results of ordinary operations and show the item separately in the income statement, net of tax, after income from continuing operations. ASU 2015-01 is effective for us beginning January 1, 2016, though early adoption is permitted. ASU 2015-01 did not have a significant impact on our financial statements upon adoption in 2016.

ASU 2015-02, “Consolidation - Amendments to the Consolidation Analysis.” ASU 2015-02 implements changes to both the variable interest consolidation model and the voting interest consolidation model. ASU 2015-02 (i) eliminates certain criteria that must be met when determining when fees paid to a decision maker or service provider do not represent a variable interest, (ii) amends the criteria for determining whether a limited partnership is a variable interest entity and (iii)  eliminates the presumption that a general partner controls a limited partnership in the voting model. ASU 2015-02 will be effective for us on January 1, 2016 and did not have a significant impact on our financial statements.

ASU 2016-1, “No. 2016-01, Financial Instruments - Recognition and Measurement of Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities. ASU 2016-1, among other things, (i) requires equity investments, with certain exceptions, to be measured at fair value with changes in fair value recognized in net income, (ii) simplifies the impairment assessment of equity investments without readily determinable fair values by requiring a qualitative assessment to identify impairment, (iii) eliminates the requirement for public business entities to disclose the methods and significant assumptions used to estimate the fair value that is required to be disclosed for financial instruments measured at amortized cost on the balance sheet, (iv) requires public business entities to use the exit price notion when measuring the fair value of financial instruments for disclosure purposes, (v) requires an entity to present separately in other comprehensive income the portion of the total change in the fair value of a liability resulting from a change in the instrument-specific credit risk when the entity has elected to measure the liability at fair value in accordance with the fair value option for financial instruments, (vi) requires separate presentation of financial assets and financial liabilities by measurement category and form of financial asset on the balance sheet or the accompanying notes to the financial statements and (viii) clarifies that an entity should evaluate the need for a valuation allowance on a deferred tax asset related to available-for-sale. ASU 2016-1 will be effective for us on January 1, 2018 and is not expected to have a significant impact on our financial statements.


2.
FAIR VALUES OF FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS:
 
Accounting guidance establishes a fair value hierarchy which requires an entity to maximize the use of observable inputs and minimize the use of unobservable inputs when measuring fair value. The standard describes three levels of inputs that may be used to measure fair value:
 
Level 1: Quoted prices (unadjusted) of identical assets or liabilities in active markets that the entity has the ability to access as of the measurement date.
 
Level 2: Significant other observable inputs other than Level 1 prices such as such as quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities; quoted prices in markets that are not active; or other inputs that are observable or can be corroborated by observable market data.

50



 
Level 3: Significant unobservable inputs that reflect a reporting entity's own assumptions about the assumptions that market participants would use in pricing an asset or liability.
 
The fair value of securities available-for-sale is determined by obtaining quoted prices on nationally recognized securities exchanges (Level 1 inputs) or matrix pricing, which is a mathematical technique widely used in the industry to value debt securities without relying exclusively on quoted prices for the specific securities but rather by relying on the securities' relationship to other benchmark quoted securities (Level 2 inputs).

 For those securities that cannot be priced using quoted market prices or observable inputs, a Level 3 valuation is determined. These securities are primarily trust preferred securities, which are priced using Level 3 due to current market illiquidity, and state and municipal securities. The fair value of the trust preferred securities is obtained from a third party provider without adjustment. Management obtains values from other pricing sources to validate the Standard & Poors pricing that they currently utilize. The fair value of state and municipal obligations are derived by comparing the securities to current market rates plus an appropriate credit spread to determine an estimated value. Illiquidity spreads are then considered. Credit reviews are performed on each of the issuers. The significant unobservable inputs used in the fair value measurement of the Corporation’s state and municipal obligations are credit spreads related to specific issuers. Significantly higher credit spread assumptions would result in significantly lower fair value measurement. Conversely, significantly lower credit spreads would result in a significantly higher fair value measurement.
 
The fair value of derivatives is based on valuation models using observable market data as of the measurement date (Level 2 inputs).
 
 
 
December 31, 2015
Fair Value Measurement Using
(Dollar amounts in thousands)
 
Level 1
 
Level 2
 
Level 3
 
Carrying Value
U.S. Government entity mortgage-backed securities
 
$

 
$
10,693

 
$

 
$
10,693

Mortgage-backed securities, residential
 

 
213,164

 

 
213,164

Mortgage-backed securities, commercial
 

 
9

 

 
9

Collateralized mortgage obligations
 

 
437,634

 

 
437,634

State and municipal obligations
 

 
209,982

 
4,725

 
214,707

Collateralized debt obligations
 

 

 
14,875

 
14,875

TOTAL
 
$

 
$
871,482

 
$
19,600

 
$
891,082

Derivative Assets
 
 

 
$
1,176

 
 

 
 

Derivative Liabilities
 
 

 
(1,176
)
 
 

 
 

 
 
December 31, 2014
Fair Value Measurement Using
(Dollar amounts in thousands)
 
Level 1
 
Level 2
 
Level 3
 
Carrying Value
U.S. Government entity mortgage-backed securities
 
$

 
$
1,467

 
$

 
$
1,467

Mortgage-backed securities, residential
 

 
187,936

 

 
187,936

Mortgage-backed securities, commercial
 

 
17

 

 
17

Collateralized mortgage obligations
 

 
484,655

 

 
484,655

State and municipal obligations
 

 
201,775

 
5,900

 
207,675

Collateralized debt obligations
 

 

 
15,303

 
15,303

TOTAL
 
$

 
$
875,850

 
$
21,203

 
$
897,053

Derivative Assets
 
 

 
$
1,062

 
 

 
 

Derivative Liabilities
 
 

 
(1,062
)
 
 

 
 


There were no transfers between Level 1 and Level 2 during 2015 and 2014.






51



The table below presents a reconciliation and income statement classification of gains and losses for all assets measured at fair value on a recurring basis using significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) for the twelve months ended December 31, 2015 and 2014.
 
 
Fair Value Measurements Using Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3)
December 31, 2015
 
 
State and municipal obligations
 
Collateralized debt obligations
 
Total
Beginning balance, January 1
 
$
5,900

 
$
15,303

 
$
21,203

Total realized/unrealized gains or losses
 
 

 
 

 
 

Included in earnings
 

 

 

Included in other comprehensive income
 

 
(268
)
 
(268
)
Purchases
 

 

 

Settlements
 
(1,175
)
 
(160
)
 
(1,335
)
Ending balance, December 31
 
$
4,725

 
$
14,875

 
$
19,600

 
 
 
Fair Value Measurements Using SignificantUnobservable Inputs (Level 3)
December 31, 2014
 
 
State and
municipal
obligations
 
Collateralized
debt
obligations
 
Total
Beginning balance, January 1
 
$
4,525

 
$
9,044

 
$
13,569

Total realized/unrealized gains or losses
 
 

 
 

 
 

Included in earnings
 

 

 

Included in other comprehensive income
 

 
7,100

 
7,100

Transfers
 
4,000

 

 
4,000

Settlements
 
(2,625
)
 
(841
)
 
(3,466
)
Ending balance, December 31
 
$
5,900

 
$
15,303

 
$
21,203

  
There were no unrealized gains and losses recorded in earnings for the years ended December 31, 2015 or 2014.
 
Certain local municipal securities with a fair value of $4.0 million as of December 31, 2014 were purchased and added to Level 3 because we were unable to obtain observable market data from our provider for these investments.
 
Impaired loans disclosed in footnote 7, which are measured for impairment using the fair value of collateral, are valued at Level 3. They are carried at a fair value of $2.4 million, after a valuation allowance of $1.2 million at December 31, 2015 and at a fair value of $11.5 million, net of a valuation allowance of $1.9 million at December 31, 2014. The impact to the provision for loan losses for the twelve months ended December 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014 was a $271 thousand decrease and a $1.2 million decrease, respectively. Other real estate owned is valued at Level 3. Other real estate owned at December 31, 2015 with a value of $3.5 million was reduced $743 thousand for fair value adjustment. At December 31, 2015 other real estate owned was comprised of $2.8 million from commercial loans and $655 thousand from residential loans. Other real estate owned at December 31, 2014 with a value of $4.0 million was reduced $1.1 million for fair value adjustment. At December 31, 2014 other real estate owned was comprised of $3.0 million from commercial loans and $1.0 million from residential loans.
 
Fair value is measured based on the value of the collateral securing those loans, and is determined using several methods. Generally the fair value of real estate is determined based on appraisals by qualified licensed appraisers. Appraisals for real estate generally use three methods to derive value: cost, sales or market comparison and income approach. The cost method bases value on the cost to replace current property. The market comparison evaluates the sales price of similar properties in the same market area. The income approach considers net operating income generated by the property and the investor’s required return. The final fair value is based on a reconciliation of these three approaches. If an appraisal is not available, the fair value may be determined by using a cash flow analysis, a broker’s opinion of value, the net present value of future cash flows, or an observable market price from an active market. Fair value of other real estate is based upon the current appraised values of the properties as determined by qualified licensed appraisers and the Company’s judgment of other relevant market conditions. Appraisals are obtained annually

52



and reductions in value are recorded as a valuation through a charge to expense. The primary unobservable input used by management in estimating fair value are additional discounts to the appraised value to consider market conditions and the age of the appraisal, which are based on management’s past experience in resolving these types of properties. These discounts range from 0% to 50%. Values for non-real estate collateral, such as business equipment, are based on appraisals performed by qualified licensed appraisers or the customers financial statements. Values for non real estate collateral use much higher discounts than real estate collateral. Other real estate and impaired loans carried at fair value are primarily comprised of smaller balance properties.

The following tables present quantitative information about recurring and non-recurring Level 3 fair value measurements at December 31, 2015 and 2014.
2015
 
Fair Value
 
Valuation Technique(s)
 
Unobservable Input(s)
 
Range
State and municipal obligations
 
$
4,725

 
Discounted cash flow
 
Discount rate
 
3.05%-5.50%

 
 
 

 
 
 
Probability of default
 
%
Other real estate
 
$
3,466

 
Sales comparison/income approach
 
Discount rate for age of appraisal and market conditions
 
5.00%-20.00%

Impaired Loans
 
$
2,352

 
Sales comparison/income approach
 
Discount rate for age of appraisal and market conditions
 
 0.00%-50.00%

2014
 
Fair Value
 
Valuation Technique(s)
 
Unobservable Input(s)
 
Range
State and municipal obligations
 
$
5,900

 
Discounted cash flow
 
Discount rate
 
3.05%-5.50%

 
 
 

 
 
 
Probability of default
 
%
Other real estate
 
$
3,965

 
Sales comparison/income approach
 
Discount rate for age of appraisal and market conditions
 
5.00%-20.00%

Impaired Loans
 
$
11,477

 
Sales comparison/income approach
 
Discount rate for age of appraisal and market conditions
 
 0.00%-50.00%


The following tables present impaired collateral dependent loans measured at fair value on a non-recurring basis by class of loans as of December 31, 2015 and 2014
 
 
December 31, 2015
 
 
(Dollar amounts in thousands)
 
Carrying Value
 
Allowance
for Loan
Losses
Allocated
 
Fair Value
Commercial
 
 

 
 

 
 

Commercial & Industrial
 
$
998

 
$
212

 
$
786

Farmland
 

 

 

Non Farm, Non Residential
 
1,415

 
741

 
674

Agriculture
 

 

 

All Other Commercial
 
225

 

 
225

Residential
 
 

 
 

 
 

First Liens
 
873

 
206

 
667

Home Equity
 

 

 

Junior Liens
 

 

 

Multifamily
 

 

 

All Other Residential
 

 

 

Consumer
 
 

 
 

 
 

Motor Vehicle
 

 

 

All Other Consumer
 

 

 

TOTAL
 
$
3,511

 
$
1,159

 
$
2,352


53



 
 
December 31, 2014
 
 
(Dollar amounts in thousands)
 
Carrying Value
 
Allowance
for Loan
Losses
Allocated
 
Fair Value
Commercial
 
 

 
 

 
 

Commercial & Industrial
 
$
5,874

 
$
1,056

 
$
4,818

Farmland
 

 

 

Non Farm, Non Residential
 
6,654

 
753

 
5,901

Agriculture
 

 

 

All Other Commercial
 
827

 
102

 
725

Residential
 
 

 
 

 
 

First Liens
 
33

 

 
33

Home Equity
 

 

 

Junior Liens
 

 

 

Multifamily
 

 

 

All Other Residential
 

 

 

Consumer
 
 

 
 

 
 

Motor Vehicle
 

 

 

All Other Consumer
 

 

 

TOTAL
 
$
13,388

 
$
1,911

 
$
11,477


The carrying amounts and estimated fair values of financial instruments are shown below. Carrying amount is the estimated fair value for cash and due from banks, federal funds sold, accrued interest receivable and payable, demand deposits, short-term and certain other borrowings, and variable-rate loans or deposits that reprice frequently and fully. Security fair values are determined as previously described. It is not practicable to determine the fair value of restricted stock due to restrictions placed on their transferability. For fixed-rate loans or deposits, variable rate loans or deposits with infrequent repricing or repricing limits, and for longer-term borrowings, fair value is based on discounted cash flows using current market rates applied to the estimated life and credit risk. The methods utilized to estimate the fair value of loans do not necessarily represent an exit price. Fair values for impaired loans are estimated using discounted cash flow analysis or underlying collateral values. Fair value of debt is based on current rates for similar financing. The fair value of off-balance sheet items is not considered material.
 
The carrying amount and estimated fair value of assets and liabilities are presented in the table below and were determined based on the above assumptions:
 
 
 
December 31, 2015
 
 
 
 
 
 
Carrying
 
Fair Value 
(Dollar amounts in thousands)
 
Value
 
Level 1
 
Level 2
 
Level 3
 
Total
Cash and due from banks
 
$
88,695

 
$
19,715

 
$
68,980

 
$

 
$
88,695

Federal funds sold
 
9,815

 

 
9,815

 

 
9,815

Securities available-for-sale
 
891,082

 

 
871,482

 
19,600

 
891,082

Restricted stock
 
10,838

 
n/a

 
n/a

 
n/a

 
n/a

Loans, net
 
1,743,862

 

 

 
1,789,938

 
1,789,938

Accrued interest receivable
 
11,733

 

 
3,366

 
8,367

 
11,733

Deposits
 
(2,442,369
)
 

 
(2,442,612
)
 

 
(2,442,612
)
Short-term borrowings
 
(33,831
)
 

 
(33,831
)
 

 
(33,831
)
Federal Home Loan Bank advances
 
(12,677
)
 

 
(12,971
)
 

 
(12,971
)
Accrued interest payable
 
(389
)
 

 
(389
)
 

 
(389
)
 

54



 
 
December 31, 2014
 
 
 
 
 
 
Carrying
 
Fair Value 
(Dollar amounts in thousands)
 
Value
 
Level 1
 
Level 2
 
Level 3
 
Total
Cash and due from banks
 
$
78,102

 
$
22,597

 
$
55,505

 
$

 
$
78,102

Federal funds sold
 
8,000

 

 
8,000

 

 
8,000

Securities available-for-sale
 
897,053

 

 
875,850

 
21,203

 
897,053

Restricted stock
 
16,404

 
n/a

 
n/a

 
n/a

 
n/a

Loans, net
 
1,762,589

 

 

 
1,810,885

 
1,810,885

Accrued interest receivable
 
11,593

 

 
3,183

 
8,410

 
11,593

Deposits
 
(2,457,197
)
 

 
(2,459,703
)
 

 
(2,459,703
)
Short-term borrowings
 
(48,015
)
 

 
(48,015
)
 

 
(48,015
)
Federal Home Loan Bank advances
 
(12,886
)
 

 
(13,605
)
 

 
(13,605
)
Accrued interest payable
 
(456
)
 

 
(456
)
 

 
(456
)
  
3.
RESTRICTIONS ON CASH AND DUE FROM BANKS:
 
Certain affiliate banks are required to maintain average reserve balances with the Federal Reserve Bank. The amount of those reserve balances was approximately $11.5 million and $10.5 million at December 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively.

4.
SECURITIES:
 
The fair value of securities available-for-sale and related gross unrealized gains and losses recognized in accumulated other comprehensive income were as follows:
 
 
December 31, 2015
 
 
Amortized
 
Unrealized
 
 
(Dollar amounts in thousands)
 
Cost
 
Gains
 
Losses
 
Fair Value
U.S. Government entity mortgage-backed securities
 
$
10,670

 
$
46

 
$
(23
)
 
$
10,693

Mortgage-backed securities, residential
 
208,705

 
5,089

 
(630
)
 
213,164

Mortgage-backed securities, commercial
 
9

 

 

 
9

Collateralized mortgage obligations
 
441,500

 
2,141

 
(6,007
)
 
437,634

State and municipal obligations
 
206,291

 
8,475

 
(59
)
 
214,707

Collateralized debt obligations
 
9,621

 
5,254

 

 
14,875

TOTAL
 
$
876,796

 
$
21,005

 
$
(6,719
)
 
$
891,082

 
 
December 31, 2014
 
 
Amortized
 
Unrealized
 
 
(Dollar amounts in thousands)
 
Cost
 
Gains
 
Losses
 
Fair Value
U.S. Government entity mortgage-backed securities
 
$
1,411

 
$
56

 
$

 
$
1,467

Mortgage-backed securities, residential
 
180,673

 
7,593

 
(330
)
 
187,936

Mortgage-backed securities, commercial
 
17

 

 

 
17

Collateralized mortgage obligations
 
489,765

 
2,513

 
(7,623
)
 
484,655

State and municipal obligations
 
198,875

 
9,019

 
(219
)
 
207,675

Collateralized debt obligations
 
10,205

 
5,115

 
(17
)
 
15,303

TOTAL
 
$
880,946

 
$
24,296

 
$
(8,189
)
 
$
897,053

 
As of December 31, 2015, the Corporation does not have any securities from any issuer, other than the U.S. Government, with an aggregate book or fair value that exceeds ten percent of shareholders' equity.
 
Securities with a carrying value of approximately $406.8 million and $412.5 million at December 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively, were pledged as collateral for short-term borrowings and for other purposes.
 



55



Below is a summary of the gross gains and losses realized by the Corporation on investment sales and calls during the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013, respectively.
 
(Dollar amounts in thousands)
 
2015
 
2014
 
2013
Proceeds
 
$
3,735

 
$
356

 
$
5,110

Gross gains
 
23

 
2

 
428

Gross losses
 
(6
)
 
(5
)
 
(5
)
 
Gains of $23 thousand and losses of $6 thousand in 2015 and gains of $2 thousand and losses of $4 thousand in 2014 and $5 thousand gains of $5 thousand in 2013 resulted from redemption premiums on called securities.
 
Contractual maturities of debt securities at year-end 2015 were as follows. Securities not due at a single maturity or with no maturity date, primarily mortgage-backed and collateralized mortgage obligations, are shown separately.
 
 
Available-for-Sale
 
 
Amortized
 
Fair
(Dollar amounts in thousands)
 
Cost
 
Value
Due in one year or less
 
$
4,531

 
$
4,649

Due after one but within five years
 
56,200

 
57,884

Due after five but within ten years
 
94,236

 
98,926

Due after ten years
 
71,615

 
78,816

 
 
226,582

 
240,275

Mortgage-backed securities and collateralized mortgage obligations
 
650,214

 
650,807

TOTAL
 
$
876,796

 
$
891,082


The following tables show the securities' gross unrealized losses and fair value, aggregated by investment category and length of time that individual securities have been in continuous unrealized loss position, at December 31, 2015 and 2014.
 
 
December 31, 2015
 
 
Less Than 12 Months
 
More Than 12 Months
 
Total
 
 
 
 
Unrealized
 
 
 
Unrealized
 
 
 
Unrealized
(Dollar amounts in thousands)
 
Fair Value
 
Losses
 
Fair Value
 
Losses
 
Fair Value
 
Losses
U.S. Government entity mortgage-backed securities
 
$
9,455

 
$
(23
)
 

 

 
$
9,455

 
$
(23
)
Mortgage-backed securities, residential
 
69,940

 
(428
)
 
11,766

 
(202
)
 
81,706

 
(630
)
Collateralized mortgage obligations
 
151,484

 
(1,535
)
 
139,435

 
(4,472
)
 
290,919

 
(6,007
)
State and municipal obligations
 
3,547

 
(16
)
 
3,045

 
(43
)
 
6,592

 
(59
)
Total temporarily impaired securities
 
$
234,426

 
$
(2,002
)
 
$
154,246

 
$
(4,717
)
 
$
388,672

 
$
(6,719
)
 
 
 
December 31, 2014
 
 
Less Than 12 Months
 
More Than 12 Months
 
Total
 
 
 
 
Unrealized
 
 
 
Unrealized
 
 
 
Unrealized
(Dollar amounts in thousands)
 
Fair Value
 
Losses
 
Fair Value
 
Losses
 
Fair Value
 
Losses
Mortgage-backed securities, residential
 
$

 
$

 
$
23,849

 
$
(330
)
 
$
23,849

 
$
(330
)
Collateralized mortgage obligations
 
50,832

 
(128
)
 
264,940

 
(7,495
)
 
315,772

 
(7,623
)
State and municipal obligations
 
6,500

 
(35
)
 
10,547

 
(184
)
 
17,047

 
(219
)
Collateralized debt obligations
 

 

 
200

 
(17
)
 
200

 
(17
)
Total temporarily impaired securities
 
$
57,332

 
$
(163
)
 
$
299,536

 
$
(8,026
)
 
$
356,868

 
$
(8,189
)
 
The Corporation held 101 investment securities with an amortized cost greater than fair value as of December 31, 2015. The unrealized losses on collateralized mortgage obligations, all mortgage-backed securities and state and municipal obligations represent negative adjustments to fair value relative to the rate of interest paid on the securities and not losses related to the

56



creditworthiness of the issuer. Gross unrealized losses on investment securities were $6.7 million as of December 31, 2015 and $8.2 million as of December 31, 2014. Management does not intend to sell and it is not more likely than not that management would be required to sell the securities prior to their anticipated recovery. Management believes the value will recover as the securities approach maturity or market rates change.
 
Management evaluates securities for other-than-temporary impairment ("OTTI") at least on a quarterly basis, and more frequently when economic or market conditions warrant such an evaluation. The investment securities portfolio is evaluated for OTTI by segregating the portfolio into two general segments and applying the appropriate OTTI model.
 
Investment securities are generally evaluated for OTTI under FASB ASC 320, Investments—Debt and Equity Securities. However, certain purchased beneficial interests, including non-agency mortgage-backed securities, asset-backed securities, and collateralized debt obligations, that had credit ratings at the time of purchase of below AA are evaluated using the model outlined in FASB ASC 325-40, Beneficial Interests in Securitized Financial Assets.
 
In determining OTTI under the FASB ASC-320 model, management considers many factors, including: (1)the length of time and the extent to which the fair value has been less than cost, (2)the financial condition and near-term prospects of the issuer, (3) whether the fair value decline was affected by macroeconomic conditions, and (4) whether the entity has the intent to sell the security or more likely than not will be required to sell the security before its anticipated recovery. The assessment of whether an other-than-temporary decline exists involves a high degree of subjectivity and judgment and is based on the information available to management at a point in time.
 
The second segment of the portfolio uses the OTTI guidance provided by FASB ASC-325 that is specific to purchase beneficial interests that, on the purchase date, were rated below AA. Under the FASB ASC-325 model, the Corporation compares the present value of the remaining cash flows as estimated at the preceding evaluation date to the current expected remaining cash flows. An OTTI is deemed to have occurred if there has been an adverse change in the remaining expected future cash flows.
 
When OTTI occurs under either model, the amount of the OTTI recognized in earnings depends on whether an entity intends to sell the security or it is more likely than not it will be required to sell the security before recovery of its amortized cost basis, less any current-period credit loss. If an entity intends to sell or it is more likely than not it will be required to sell the security before recovery of its amortized cost basis, less any current-period credit loss, the OTTI shall be recognized in earnings equal to the entire difference between the investment's amortized cost basis and its fair value at the balance sheet date. If an entity does not intend to sell the security and it is not more likely than not that the entity will be required to sell the security before recovery of its amortized cost basis less any current-period loss, the OTTI shall be separated into the amount representing the credit loss and the amount related to all other factors. The amount of the total OTTI related to the credit loss is determined based on the present value of cash flows expected to be collected and is recognized in earnings. The amount of the total OTTI related to other factors is recognized in other comprehensive income, net of applicable taxes. The previous amortized cost basis less the OTTI recognized in earnings becomes the new amortized cost basis of the investment.
 
In prior years, a significant portion of the total unrealized losses relates to collateralized debt obligations that were separately evaluated under FASB ASC 325-40, Beneficial Interests in Securitized Financial Assets. Based upon qualitative considerations, such as a downgrade in credit rating or further defaults of underlying issuers during the year, and an analysis of expected cash flows, we determined that three CDOs included in collateralized debt obligations were other-than-temporarily impaired. Those three CDO’s have a contractual balance of $25.8 million at December 31, 2015 which has been reduced to $14.9 million by $2.2 million of interest payments received, $14.0 million of cumulative OTTI charges recorded through earnings to date and increased by $5.3 million recorded in other comprehensive income. The severity of the OTTI recorded varies by security, based on the analysis described below, and ranges, at December 31, 2015 from 28% to 92%. The temporary impairment recorded in other comprehensive income is due to factors other than credit loss, mainly current market illiquidity. These securities are collateralized by trust preferred securities issued primarily by bank holding companies, but certain pools do include a limited number of insurance companies. The Corporation uses the OTTI evaluation model to compare the present value of expected cash flows to the previous estimate to determine if there are adverse changes in cash flows during the year. The OTTI model considers the structure and term of the CDO and the financial condition of the underlying issuers. Specifically, the model details interest rates, principal balances of note classes and underlying issuers, the timing and amount of interest and principal payments of the underlying issuers, and the allocation of the payments to the note classes. Cash flows are projected using a forward rate LIBOR curve, as these CDOs are variable-rate instruments. An average rate is then computed using this same forward rate curve to determine an appropriate discount rate (3 month LIBOR plus margin ranging from 160 to 180 basis points). The current estimate of expected cash flows is based on the most recent trustee reports and any other relevant market information, including announcements of interest payment deferrals or defaults of underlying trust preferred securities. Assumptions used in the model include expected future default rates and prepayments. We assume no recoveries on defaults and treat all interest payment deferrals as defaults. In addition we use the model to “stress” each CDO, or make assumptions more severe than expected activity, to determine the degree to which assumptions

57



could deteriorate before the CDO could no longer fully support repayment of the Corporation’s note class. In the current year the fair value of these securities exceeds their carrying value so managment determined there was no OTTI. There was no OTTI recorded in 2014 or 2013.

In the third quarter of 2013, the Corporation received a $1.3 million payment on a CDO that had a book value of $0.2 million. The payment in excess of book value is recognized as interest income. This CDO had the highest severity of recorded impairment and while a payment by the issuer was expected, such payment was not projected until maturity in the OTTI evaluation at June 30, 2013. The future payments, if any, on this CDO cannot be predicted with enough accuracy that such future payments will be recorded as interest income when received.
 
Collateralized debt obligations include one additional investment in a CDO consisting of pooled trust preferred securities in which the issuers are primarily banks. This CDO was paid in full in 2015.
 
Management has consistently used Standard & Poors pricing to value these investments. There are a number of other pricing sources available to determine fair value for these investments. These sources utilize a variety of methods to determine fair value. The result is a wide range of estimates of fair value for these securities. The Standard & Poors pricing ranges from 44.98 to 63.92 while Moody’s Investor Service pricing ranges from 7.30 to 16.47, with others falling somewhere in between. We recognize that the Standard & Poors pricing utilized is an estimate, but have been consistent in using this source and its estimate of fair value.
 
The table below presents a rollforward of the credit losses recognized in earnings for the years presented:
 
(Dollar amounts in thousands)
 
2015
 
2014
 
2013
Beginning balance, January 1,
 
$
14,050

 
$
14,079

 
$
14,983

Amounts related to credit loss for which other-than-
 
 

 
 

 
 

temporary impairment was not previously recognized
 


 


 


Amounts realized for securities sold during the period
 


 


 


Reductions for increase in cash flows expected to be collected
 
 

 
 

 
 

that are recognized over the remaining life of the security
 
(55
)
 
(29
)
 
(904
)
Increases to the amount related to the credit loss for which other-
 
 

 
 

 
 

than-temporary impairment was previously recognized
 

 

 

Ending balance, December 31,
 
$
13,995

 
$
14,050

 
$
14,079

 
5. LOANS:
 
Loans are summarized as follows:
 
 
December 31,
(Dollar amounts in thousands)
 
2015
 
2014
Commercial
 
$
1,043,980

 
$
1,044,522

Residential
 
444,447

 
469,172

Consumer
 
272,896

 
266,656

Total gross loans
 
1,761,323

 
1,780,350

Deferred (fees) costs
 
2,485

 
1,078

Allowance for loan losses
 
(19,946
)
 
(18,839
)
TOTAL
 
$
1,743,862

 
$
1,762,589

 
Loans in the above summary include loans totaling $6.5 million and $7.3 million at December 31, 2015 and 2014 that are subject to the FDIC loss share arrangement (“covered loans”) discussed in footnote 6.

The Corporation periodically sells residential mortgage loans it originates based on the overall loan demand of the Corporation and the outstanding balances in the residential mortgage portfolio. At December 31, 2015 and 2014, loans held for sale included $5.9 million and $3.0 million, respectively, and are included in the totals above.
 
In the normal course of business, the Corporation’s subsidiary banks make loans to directors and executive officers and to their associates. In 2015, the aggregate dollar amount of these loans to directors and executive officers who held office amounted to

58



$40.6 million at the beginning of the year. During 2015, advances of $17.8 million, repayments of $7.7 million were made with respect to related party loans for an aggregate dollar amount outstanding of $50.6 million at December 31, 2015.
 
Loans serviced for others, which are not reported as assets, total $511.4 million and $521.7 million at year-end 2015 and 2014. Custodial escrow balances maintained in connection with serviced loans were $2.80 million and $2.59 million at year-end 2015 and 2014.
 
Activity for capitalized mortgage servicing rights (included in other assets) was as follows:
 
 
December 31,
(Dollar amounts in thousands)
 
2015
 
2014
 
2013
Servicing rights:
 
 

 
 

 
 

Beginning of year
 
$
1,863

 
$
2,065

 
$
2,225

Additions
 
531

 
414

 
588

Amortized to expense
 
(648
)
 
(616
)
 
(748
)
End of year
 
$
1,746

 
$
1,863

 
$
2,065



Third party valuations are conducted periodically for mortgage servicing rights. Based on these valuations, fair values were approximately $3.1 million and $2.9 million at year end 2015 and 2014. There was no valuation allowance in 2015 or 2014.
 
Fair value for 2015 was determined using a discount rate of 10%, prepayment speeds ranging from 105% to 385%, depending on the stratification of the specific right. Fair value at year end 2014 was determined using a discount rate of 10%, prepayment speeds ranging from 112% to 403%, depending on the stratification of the specific right. Mortgage servicing rights are amortized over 8 years, the expected life of the sold loans. 

6.
ACQUISITIONS, DIVESTITURES AND FDIC INDEMNIFICATION ASSET:

The Bank is party to a loss sharing agreement with the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (“FDIC”) as a result of a 2009 acquisition. Under the loss-sharing agreement (“LSA”), the Bank will share in the losses on assets covered under the agreement (referred to as covered assets). On losses up to $29 million, the FDIC agreed to reimburse the Bank for 80% of the losses. On losses exceeding $29 million, the FDIC agreed to reimburse the Bank for 95% of the losses. The loss-sharing agreement is subject to following servicing procedures as specified in the agreement with the FDIC. Loans acquired that are subject to the loss-sharing agreement with the FDIC are referred to as covered loans for disclosure purposes. Since the acquisition date the Bank has been reimbursed $24.3 million for losses and carrying expenses. In 2014 the non-single family (NSF) loss period ended eliminating future loss reimbursements only to the extent of recoveries received. There is no estimate for the loans subject to the loss-sharing agreement identified in the allowance for loan loss evaluation as future potential losses at December 31, 2015. Loans covered by the loss share agreement excluding AS 310-30 loans at December 31, 2015 and 2014 totaled $6.5 million and $7.3 million, respectively.
 
FASB ASC 310-30, Loans and Debt Securities Acquired with Deteriorated Credit Quality, applies to a loan with evidence of deterioration of credit quality since origination, acquired by completion of a transfer for which it is probable, at acquisition, that the investor will be unable to collect all contractually required payments receivable. FASB ASC 310-30 prohibits carrying over or creating an allowance for loan losses upon initial recognition. The carrying amount of loans accounted for in accordance with FASB ASC 310-30 at December 31, 2015 and 2014, are shown in the following tables:
 
 
 
 
 
 
2015
(Dollar amounts in thousands)
 
Commercial
 
Consumer
 
Total
Beginning balance
 
$
4,803

 
$
1,571

 
$
6,374

Discount accretion
 

 

 

Disposals
 
(681
)
 
(91
)
 
(772
)
ASC 310-30 Loans
 
$
4,122

 
$
1,480

 
$
5,602

 

59



 
 
 
 
 
 
2014
(Dollar amounts in thousands)
 
Commercial
 
Consumer
 
Total
Beginning balance
 
$
7,676

 
$
2,409

 
$
10,085

Discount accretion
 

 

 

Disposals
 
(2,873
)
 
(838
)
 
(3,711
)
ASC 310-30 Loans
 
$
4,803

 
$
1,571

 
$
6,374


In February 2016, the Board of First Financial Corporation approved a plan to market the Corporation's insurance subsidiary, Forrest Sherer, Inc. (FSI) for sale. Management has engaged a third party to market FSI and based on market analysis, no impairment is indicated. The Corporation has entered into an exclusivity agreement with a possible third party buyer, subject to due diligence and negotiating a definitive agreement. FSI has $13.0 million in total assets and total equity of $10.0 million at December 31, 2015. FSI has total revenue of $7.6 million, $8.3 million and$8.2 million in 2015, 2014 and 2013, respectively. The net income was $168 thousand, $554 thousand and $592 thousand for 2015, 2014 and 2013, respectively. 

7. ALLOWANCE FOR LOAN LOSSES:

The following table presents the activity of the allowance for loan losses by portfolio segment for the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013.

Allowance for Loan Losses:
 
 
 
December 31, 2015
 
 
(Dollar amounts in thousands)
 
Commercial
 
Residential
 
Consumer
 
Unallocated
 
Total
Beginning balance
 
$
10,915

 
$
1,374

 
$
4,370

 
$
2,180

 
$
18,839

Provision for loan losses
 
990

 
874

 
3,331

 
(495
)
 
4,700

Loans charged -off
 
(2,852
)
 
(866
)
 
(4,810
)
 

 
(8,528
)
Recoveries
 
2,429

 
452

 
2,054

 

 
4,935

Ending Balance
 
$
11,482

 
$
1,834

 
$
4,945

 
$
1,685

 
$
19,946


Allowance for Loan Losses:
 
 
 
December 31, 2014
 
 
(Dollar amounts in thousands)
 
Commercial
 
Residential
 
Consumer
 
Unallocated
 
Total
Beginning balance
 
$
12,450

 
$
1,585

 
$
3,650

 
$
2,383

 
$
20,068

Provision for loan losses*
 
1,053

 
134

 
3,401

 
(203
)
 
4,385

Loans charged -off
 
(3,522
)
 
(1,143
)
 
(4,785
)
 

 
(9,450
)
Recoveries
 
934

 
798

 
2,104

 

 
3,836

Ending Balance
 
$
10,915

 
$
1,374

 
$
4,370

 
$
2,180

 
$
18,839

* Provision before increase of $687 thousand in 2014 for decrease in FDIC indemnification asset
  
Allowance for Loan Losses:
 
 
 
December 31, 2013
 
 
(Dollar amounts in thousands)
 
Commercial
 
Residential
 
Consumer
 
Unallocated
 
Total
Beginning balance
 
$
10,987

 
$
5,426

 
$
3,879

 
$
1,666

 
$
21,958

Provision for loan losses*
 
3,144

 
629

 
1,985

 
717

 
6,475

Loans charged -off
 
(4,830
)
 
(4,942
)
 
(3,615
)
 

 
(13,387
)
Recoveries
 
3,149

 
472

 
1,401

 

 
5,022

Ending Balance
 
$
12,450

 
$
1,585

 
$
3,650

 
$
2,383

 
$
20,068

* Provision before increase of $1.4 million in 2013 for decrease in FDIC indemnification asset
 






60





The following tables present the allocation of the allowance for loan losses and the recorded investment in loans by portfolio segment and based on impairment method at December 31, 2015 and 2014:
 
Allowance for Loan Losses:
 
 
 
December 31, 2015
 
 
 
 
(Dollar amounts in thousands)
 
Commercial
 
Residential
 
Consumer
 
Unallocated
 
Total
Individually evaluated for impairment
 
$
953

 
$
206

 
$

 
$

 
$
1,159

Collectively evaluated for impairment
 
10,342

 
1,628

 
4,945

 
1,685

 
18,600

Acquired with deteriorated credit quality
 
187

 

 

 

 
187

BALANCE AT END OF YEAR
 
$
11,482

 
$
1,834

 
$
4,945

 
$
1,685

 
$
19,946

Loans
 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

(Dollar amounts in thousands)
 
Commercial   
 
Residential   
 
Consumer   
 
 
 
Total   
Individually evaluated for impairment
 
$
8,823

 
$
902

 
$

 
 

 
$
9,725

Collectively evaluated for impairment
 
1,037,086

 
443,224

 
274,134

 
 

 
1,754,444

Acquired with deteriorated credit quality
 
4,092

 
1,529

 

 
 

 
5,621

BALANCE AT END OF YEAR
 
$
1,050,001

 
$
445,655

 
$
274,134

 
 

 
$
1,769,790


Allowance for Loan Losses:
 
 
 
December 31, 2014
 
 
 
 
(Dollar amounts in thousands)
 
Commercial
 
Residential
 
Consumer
 
Unallocated
 
Total
Individually evaluated for impairment
 
$
1,911

 
$

 
$

 
$

 
$
1,911

Collectively evaluated for impairment
 
8,733

 
1,365

 
4,370

 
2,180

 
16,648

Acquired with deteriorated credit quality
 
271

 
9

 

 

 
280

BALANCE AT END OF YEAR
 
$
10,915

 
$
1,374

 
$
4,370

 
$
2,180

 
$
18,839

Loans
 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

(Dollar amounts in thousands)
 
Commercial   

 
Residential   

 
Consumer   

 
 

 
Total   

Individually evaluated for impairment
 
$
14,573

 
$
33

 
$

 
 

 
$
14,606

Collectively evaluated for impairment
 
1,030,949

 
468,872

 
267,880

 
 

 
1,767,701

Acquired with deteriorated credit quality
 
4,887

 
1,631

 

 
 

 
6,518

BALANCE AT END OF YEAR
 
$
1,050,409

 
$
470,536

 
$
267,880

 
 

 
$
1,788,825























61







The following table presents loans individually evaluated for impairment by class of loan.
 
December 31, 2015
 
 
 
 
 
Allowance
 
 
 
 
 
Cash Basis
 
 
Unpaid
 
 
 
for Loan
 
Average
 
Interest
 
Interest
 
 
Principal
 
Recorded
 
Losses
 
Recorded
 
Income
 
Income
 
 
Balance
 
Investment
 
Allocated
 
Investment
 
Recognized
 
Recognized
With no related allowance recorded:
 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Commercial
 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Commercial & Industrial
 
$
1,516

 
$
1,223

 
$

 
$
1,796

 
$

 
$

Farmland
 

 

 

 

 

 

Non Farm, Non Residential
 
3,202

 
3,202

 

 
2,080

 

 

Agriculture
 

 

 

 

 

 

All Other Commercial
 
1,760

 
1,760

 

 
1,175

 

 

Residential
 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

First Liens
 
29

 
29

 

 
18

 

 

Home Equity
 

 

 

 

 

 

Junior Liens
 

 

 

 

 

 

Multifamily
 

 

 

 

 

 

All Other Residential
 

 

 

 

 

 

Consumer
 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Motor Vehicle
 

 

 

 

 

 

All Other Consumer
 

 

 

 

 

 

With an allowance recorded:
 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Commercial
 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Commercial & Industrial
 
998

 
998

 
212

 
3,463

 

 

Farmland
 

 

 

 

 

 

Non Farm, Non Residential
 
1,415

 
1,415

 
741

 
3,682

 


 

Agriculture
 

 

 

 

 

 

All Other Commercial
 
225

 
225

 

 
483

 

 

Residential
 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

First Liens
 
873

 
873

 
206

 
460

 

 

Home Equity
 

 

 

 

 

 

Junior Liens
 

 

 

 


 

 

Multifamily
 

 

 

 

 

 

All Other Residential
 

 

 

 

 

 

Consumer
 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Motor Vehicle
 

 

 

 

 

 

All Other Consumer
 

 

 

 

 

 

TOTAL
 
$
10,018

 
$
9,725

 
$
1,159

 
$
13,157

 
$

 
$

 






62










December 31, 2014
 
 
 
 
 
Allowance
 
 
 
 
 
Cash Basis
 
 
Unpaid
 
 
 
for Loan
 
Average
 
Interest
 
Interest
 
 
Principal
 
Recorded
 
Losses
 
Recorded
 
Income
 
Income
 
 
Balance
 
Investment
 
Allocated
 
Investment
 
Recognized
 
Recognized
With no related allowance recorded:
 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Commercial
 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Commercial & Industrial
 
$
1,200

 
$
926

 
$

 
$
2,589

 
$

 
$

Farmland
 

 

 

 

 

 

Non Farm, Non Residential
 

 

 

 
58

 

 

Agriculture
 

 

 

 

 

 

All Other Commercial
 
292

 
292

 

 
58

 

 

Residential
 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

First Liens
 

 

 

 
5

 

 

Home Equity
 

 

 

 

 

 

Junior Liens
 

 

 

 

 

 

Multifamily
 

 

 

 

 

 

All Other Residential
 

 

 

 

 

 

Consumer
 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Motor Vehicle
 

 

 

 

 

 

All Other Consumer
 

 

 

 

 

 

With an allowance recorded:
 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Commercial
 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Commercial & Industrial
 
7,388

 
5,874

 
1,056

 
6,177

 

 

Farmland
 

 

 

 

 

 

Non Farm, Non Residential
 
6,654

 
6,654

 
753

 
6,698

 


 

Agriculture
 

 

 

 

 

 

All Other Commercial
 
827

 
827

 
102

 
1,112

 

 

Residential
 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

First Liens
 
33

 
33

 

 
35

 

 

Home Equity
 

 

 

 

 

 

Junior Liens
 

 

 

 


 

 

Multifamily
 

 

 

 

 

 

All Other Residential
 

 

 

 

 

 

Consumer
 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Motor Vehicle
 

 

 

 

 

 

All Other Consumer
 

 

 

 

 

 

TOTAL
 
$
16,394

 
$
14,606

 
$
1,911

 
$
16,732

 
$

 
$

 

 

63



December 31, 2013
 
 
 
 
 
Cash Basis
 
 
Average
 
Interest
 
Interest
 
 
Recorded
 
Income
 
Income
 
 
Investment
 
Recognized
 
Recognized
With no related allowance recorded:
 
 

 
 

 
 

Commercial
 
 

 
 

 
 

Commercial & Industrial
 
$
1,555

 
$

 
$

Farmland
 

 

 

Non Farm, Non Residential
 
26

 

 

Agriculture
 

 

 

All Other Commercial
 

 

 

Residential
 
 

 
 

 
 

First Liens
 
7

 

 

Home Equity
 

 

 

Junior Liens
 

 

 

Multifamily
 

 

 

All Other Residential
 

 

 

Consumer
 
 

 
 

 
 

Motor Vehicle
 

 

 

All Other Consumer
 

 

 

With an allowance recorded:
 
 

 
 

 
 

Commercial
 
 

 
 

 
 

Commercial & Industrial
 
13,029

 
217

 
217

Farmland
 
356

 
113

 
113

Non Farm, Non Residential
 
7,921

 

 

Agriculture
 

 

 

All Other Commercial
 
2,979

 

 

Residential
 
 

 
 

 
 

First Liens
 
524

 

 

Home Equity
 
113

 

 

Junior Liens
 

 

 

Multifamily
 
2,216

 

 

All Other Residential
 

 

 

Consumer
 
 

 
 

 
 

Motor Vehicle
 

 

 

All Other Consumer
 

 

 

TOTAL
 
$
28,726

 
$
330

 
$
330

















64



The following table presents the recorded investment in nonperforming loans by class of loans.
 
 
December 31, 2015
 
 
 
 
Loans Past
 
Troubled Debt
 
 
 
 
Due Over
90 Day Still
 
Restructured
 
 
(Dollar amounts in thousands)
 
Accruing
 
Accrual
 
Non-accrual
 
Non-accrual
Commercial
 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Commercial & Industrial
 
$

 
$
5

 
$
422

 
$
3,187

Farmland
 

 

 

 
219

Non Farm, Non Residential
 

 
6

 
3,152

 
2,545

Agriculture
 

 

 

 
378

All Other Commercial
 

 

 

 
1,817

Residential
 
 

 


 
 
 
 

First Liens
 
809

 
4,577

 
1,034

 
4,839

Home Equity
 
10

 

 

 
320

Junior Liens
 
45

 

 

 
211

Multifamily
 

 

 

 

All Other Residential
 

 

 

 
111

Consumer
 
 

 
 

 
 
 
 

Motor Vehicle
 
148

 

 
2

 
213

All Other Consumer
 
4

 

 
400

 
794

TOTAL
 
$
1,016

 
$
4,588

 
$
5,010

 
$
14,634

 
 
 
December 31, 2014
 
 
Loans Past
 
Troubled Debt
 
 
 
 
Due Over
90 Day Still
 
Restructured
 
 
(Dollar amounts in thousands)
 
Accruing
 
Accrual
 
Non-accrual
 
Non-accrual
Commercial
 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Commercial & Industrial
 
$

 
$
7

 
$
4,961

 
$
3,720

Farmland
 

 

 

 
79

Non Farm, Non Residential
 

 
10

 
3,987

 
3,388

Agriculture
 

 

 

 
767

All Other Commercial
 

 

 

 
1,258

Residential
 
 

 
 

 
 
 
 

First Liens
 
603

 
4,357

 
842

 
3,861

Home Equity
 
88

 

 

 
404

Junior Liens
 
12

 

 

 
275

Multifamily
 

 

 

 

All Other Residential
 
5

 

 

 
111

Consumer
 
 

 
 

 
 
 
 

Motor Vehicle
 
162

 
257

 
83

 
210

All Other Consumer
 
3

 
1

 
269

 
961

TOTAL
 
$
873

 
$
4,632

 
$
10,142

 
$
15,034






65



Covered loans included in loans past due over 90 days still on accrual are $37 thousand at December 31, 2015 and $37 thousand at December 31, 2014. Covered loans included in non-accrual loans are $242 thousand at December 31, 2015 and $274 thousand at December 31, 2014. No covered loans are deemed impaired at December 31, 2015. Non-performing loans include both smaller balance homogeneous loans that are collectively evaluated for impairment and individually classified impaired loans.
 
During the years ending December 31, 2015 and 2014, the terms of certain loans were modified as troubled debt restructurings (TDRs). The following tables present the activity for TDR's.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
2015
(Dollar amounts in thousands)
 
Commercial
 
Residential
 
Consumer
 
Total
January 1,
 
$
8,955

 
$
5,189

 
$
614

 
$
14,758

    Added
 

 
748

 
342

 
1,090

    Charged Off
 

 
(65
)
 
(52
)
 
(117
)
    Payments
 
(5,371
)
 
(279
)
 
(221
)
 
(5,871
)
December 31,
 
$
3,584

 
$
5,593

 
$
683

 
$
9,860

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
2014
(Dollar amounts in thousands)
 
Commercial
 
Residential
 
Consumer
 
Total
January 1,
 
$
12,327

 
$
4,330

 
$
644

 
$
17,301

    Added
 
441

 
1,523

 
347

 
2,311

    Charged Off
 
(1,069
)
 
(93
)
 
(109
)
 
(1,271
)
    Payments
 
(2,744
)
 
(571
)
 
(268
)
 
(3,583
)
December 31,
 
$
8,955

 
$
5,189

 
$
614

 
$
14,758


Modification of the terms of such loans typically include one or a combination of the following: a reduction of the stated interest rate of the loan; an extension of the maturity date at a stated rate of interest lower than the current market rate for new debt with similar risk; or a permanent reduction of the recorded investment in the loan. No modification in 2015 or 2014 resulted in the permanent reduction of the recorded investment in the loan. Modifications involving a reduction of the stated interest rate of the loan were for periods ranging from twelve months to five years. Modifications involving an extension of the maturity date were for periods ranging from twelve months to ten years.

During the years ended December 31, 2015 and 2014 the Corporation modified 57 and 69 loans respectively as troubled debt restructrings. In 2015 all of the loans modified were smaller balance consumer loans and in 2014 there were 40 of the 69 loans modified that were consumer in nature. There were no loans that were charged off within 12 months of the modification for 2015 or 2014.
 
The Corporation has allocated $25 thousand and $742 thousand of specific reserves to customers whose loan terms have been modified in troubled debt restructurings at both December 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively. The Corporation has not committed to lend additional amounts as of December 31, 2015 and 2014 to customers with outstanding loans that are classified as troubled debt restructurings.
















66




The following table presents the aging of the recorded investment in loans by past due category and class of loans.
 
 
 
 
 
 
Greater
 
 
 
 
 
 
December 31, 2015
 
30-59 Days
 
60-89 Days
 
than 90 days
 
Total
 
 
 
 
(Dollar amounts in thousands)
 
Past Due
 
Past Due
 
Past Due
 
Past Due
 
Current
 
Total
Commercial
 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Commercial & Industrial
 
$
326

 
$
274

 
$
1,405

 
$
2,005

 
$
476,984

 
$
478,989

Farmland
 
135

 

 

 
135

 
106,725

 
106,860

Non Farm, Non Residential
 
1,824

 
90

 
310

 
2,224

 
206,844

 
209,068

Agriculture
 
65

 
38

 
324

 
427

 
143,116

 
143,543

All Other Commercial
 
25

 
32

 

 
57

 
111,484

 
111,541

Residential
 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

First Liens
 
4,960

 
1,181

 
1,671

 
7,812

 
285,913

 
293,725

Home Equity
 
85

 
23

 
114

 
222

 
37,502

 
37,724

Junior Liens
 
179

 
29

 
177

 
385

 
32,876

 
33,261

Multifamily
 

 

 

 

 
70,735

 
70,735

All Other Residential
 
15

 

 

 
15

 
10,195

 
10,210

Consumer
 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Motor Vehicle
 
3,212

 
568

 
181

 
3,961

 
247,882

 
251,843

All Other Consumer
 
38

 
10

 
5

 
53

 
22,238

 
22,291

TOTAL
 
$
10,864

 
$
2,245

 
$
4,187

 
$
17,296

 
$
1,752,494

 
$
1,769,790


 
 
 
 
 
 
Greater
 
 
 
 
 
 
December 31, 2014
 
30-59 Days
 
60-89 Days
 
than 90 days
 
Total
 
 
 
 
(Dollar amounts in thousands)
 
Past Due
 
Past Due
 
Past Due
 
Past Due
 
Current
 
Total
Commercial
 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Commercial & Industrial
 
$
574

 
$
416

 
$
3,046

 
$
4,036

 
$
451,549

 
$
455,585

Farmland
 

 

 

 

 
95,452

 
95,452

Non Farm, Non Residential
 
1,528

 
68

 
202

 
1,798

 
232,440

 
234,238

Agriculture
 
246

 
18

 
502

 
766

 
149,099

 
149,865

All Other Commercial
 
255

 

 

 
255

 
115,014

 
115,269

Residential
 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

First Liens
 
6,011

 
963

 
1,522

 
8,496

 
308,068

 
316,564

Home Equity
 
141

 
33

 
310

 
484

 
40,043

 
40,527

Junior Liens
 
270

 
83

 
217

 
570

 
31,487

 
32,057

Multifamily
 

 

 

 

 
72,310

 
72,310

All Other Residential
 
112

 

 
5

 
117

 
8,961

 
9,078

Consumer
 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Motor Vehicle
 
3,026

 
557

 
180

 
3,763

 
242,406

 
246,169

All Other Consumer
 
114

 
7

 
3

 
124

 
21,587

 
21,711

TOTAL
 
$
12,277

 
$
2,145

 
$
5,987

 
$
20,409

 
$
1,768,416

 
$
1,788,825

 
Credit Quality Indicators:
 
The Corporation categorizes loans into risk categories based on relevant information about the ability of borrowers to service their debt such as: current financial information, historical payment experience, credit documentation, public information, and current economic trends, among other factors. The Corporation analyzes loans individually by classifying the loans as to credit risk. This analysis includes non-homogeneous loans, such as commercial loans, with an outstanding balance greater than $100 thousand.

67



Any consumer loans outstanding to a borrower who had commercial loans analyzed will be similarly risk rated. This analysis is performed on a quarterly basis. The Corporation uses the following definitions for risk ratings:

Special Mention: Loans classified as special mention have a potential weakness that deserves management’s close attention. If left uncorrected, these potential weaknesses may result in deterioration of the repayment prospects for the loan or of the institution’s credit position at some future date.
 
Substandard: Loans classified as substandard are inadequately protected by the current net worth and debt service capacity of the borrower or of any pledged collateral. These loans have a well-defined weakness or weaknesses which have clearly jeopardized repayment of principal and interest as originally intended. They are characterized by the distinct possibility that the institution will sustain some future loss if the deficiencies are not corrected.

Doubtful: Loans classified as doubtful have all the weaknesses inherent in those graded substandard, with the added characteristic that the severity of the weaknesses makes collection or liquidation in full highly questionable or improbable based upon currently existing facts, conditions, and values.
 
Furthermore, non-homogeneous loans which were not individually analyzed, but are 90+ days past due or on non-accrual are classified as substandard. Loans included in homogeneous pools, such as residential or consumer, may be classified as substandard due to 90+ days delinquency, non-accrual status, bankruptcy, or loan restructuring.
 
Loans not meeting the criteria above that are analyzed individually as part of the above described process are considered to be pass rated loans. Loans listed as not rated are either less than $100 thousand or are included in groups of homogeneous loans. As of December 31, 2015 and 2014, and based on the most recent analysis performed, the risk category of loans by class of loans is as follows:
 
December 31, 2015
 
 
 
Special
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
(Dollar amounts in thousands)
 
Pass
 
Mention
 
Substandard
 
Doubtful
 
Not Rated
 
Total
Commercial
 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Commercial & Industrial
 
$
417,880

 
$
20,422

 
$
32,778

 
$
757

 
$
5,638

 
$
477,475

Farmland
 
93,418

 
6,387

 
5,208

 

 
16

 
105,029

Non Farm, Non Residential
 
180,659

 
8,114

 
19,857

 

 

 
208,630

Agriculture
 
121,244

 
11,964

 
8,419

 
27

 
170

 
141,824

All Other Commercial
 
95,850

 
2,649

 
10,887

 
101

 
1,535

 
111,022

Residential
 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

First Liens
 
96,146

 
4,594

 
8,598

 
699

 
182,791

 
292,828

Home Equity
 
11,701

 
387

 
669

 
10

 
24,895

 
37,662

Junior Liens
 
7,493

 
86

 
505

 
58

 
25,033

 
33,175

Multifamily
 
68,972

 
1,602

 

 

 
23

 
70,597

All Other Residential
 
886

 

 
24

 

 
9,275

 
10,185

Consumer
 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Motor Vehicle
 
10,287

 
356

 
534

 

 
239,543

 
250,720

All Other Consumer
 
2,930

 
77

 
125

 
14

 
19,030

 
22,176

TOTAL
 
$
1,107,466

 
$
56,638

 
$
87,604

 
$
1,666

 
$
507,949

 
$
1,761,323

 

68



December 31, 2014
 
 
 
Special
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
(Dollar amounts in thousands)
 
Pass
 
Mention
 
Substandard
 
Doubtful
 
Not Rated
 
Total
Commercial
 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Commercial & Industrial
 
$
393,449

 
$
29,081

 
$
24,013

 
$
2,900

 
$
4,717

 
$
454,160

Farmland
 
85,772

 
7,618

 
436

 

 
13

 
93,839

Non Farm, Non Residential
 
186,346

 
21,765

 
25,613

 
36

 

 
233,760

Agriculture
 
138,713

 
7,399

 
1,746

 
177

 
67

 
148,102

All Other Commercial
 
101,942

 
4,356

 
7,055

 
33

 
1,275

 
114,661

Residential
 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

First Liens
 
104,854

 
5,929

 
7,733

 
1,035

 
196,008

 
315,559

Home Equity
 
12,592

 
375

 
1,374

 
6

 
26,116

 
40,463

Junior Liens
 
8,112

 
173

 
561

 
63

 
23,053

 
31,962

Multifamily
 
69,080

 
1,801

 
1,249

 

 
3

 
72,133

All Other Residential
 
1,799

 

 
28

 

 
7,228

 
9,055

Consumer
 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Motor Vehicle
 
11,135

 
402

 
224

 

 
233,302

 
245,063

All Other Consumer
 
3,169

 
141

 
87

 
21

 
18,175

 
21,593

TOTAL
 
$
1,116,963

 
$
79,040

 
$
70,119

 
$
4,271

 
$
509,957

 
$
1,780,350


8.
PREMISES AND EQUIPMENT:
 
Premises and equipment are summarized as follows:
 
 
December 31,
(Dollar amounts in thousands)
 
2015
 
2014
Land
 
$
11,627

 
$
11,353

Building and leasehold improvements
 
55,532

 
55,074

Furniture and equipment
 
46,796

 
45,602

 
 
113,955

 
112,029

Less accumulated depreciation
 
(63,424
)
 
(60,227
)
TOTAL
 
$
50,531

 
$
51,802

 
Aggregate depreciation expense was $4.66 million, $4.98 million and $4.29 million for 2015, 2014 and 2013, respectively.
 
The Company leases certain branch properties and equipment under operating leases. Rent expense was $0.9 million, $0.9 million, and $1.0 million for 2015, 2014, and 2013. Rent commitments, before considering renewal options that generally are present, were as follows:
2016
$
906

2017
566

2018
440

2019
320

2020
185

Thereafter
1,192

 
$
3,609

 


69



9.
GOODWILL AND INTANGIBLE ASSETS:
 
The Corporation completed its annual impairment testing of goodwill during the fourth quarter of 2015 and 2014. Management does not believe any amount of goodwill is impaired.

Intangible assets subject to amortization at December 31, 2015 and 2014 are as follows:  
 
 
2015
 
2014
 
 
Gross
 
Accumulated
 
Gross
 
Accumulated
(Dollar amounts in thousands)
 
Amount
 
Amortization
 
Amount
 
Amortization
Customer list intangible
 
$
4,771

 
$
4,309

 
$
4,669

 
$
4,227

Core deposit intangible
 
10,836

 
8,120

 
10,836

 
7,377

 
 
$
15,607

 
$
12,429

 
$
15,505

 
$
11,604

 
 Aggregate amortization expense was $826 thousand, $1.03 million and $1.20 million for 2015, 2014 and 2013, respectively.
 
Estimated amortization expense for the next five years is as follows:
 
In thousands

2016
$
689

2017
560

2018
515

2019
431

2020
328


10.
DEPOSITS:

 Scheduled maturities of time deposits for the next five years are as follows:
(dollar amounts in thousands)
 
2016
$
221,863

2017
93,701

2018
52,865

2019
24,487

2020
18,471

 
11.
SHORT-TERM BORROWINGS:
 
A summary of the carrying value of the Corporation's short-term borrowings at December 31, 2015 and 2014 is presented below:
(Dollar amounts in thousands)
 
2015
 
2014
Federal funds purchased
 
$
850

 
$
21,192

Repurchase-agreements
 
32,981

 
26,823

 
 
$
33,831

 
$
48,015

 
(Dollar amounts in thousands)
 
2015
 
2014
Average amount outstanding
 
$
32,617

 
$
45,697

Maximum amount outstanding at a month end
 
84,819

 
96,452

Average interest rate during year
 
0.21
%
 
0.22
%
Interest rate at year-end
 
0.23
%
 
0.20
%
 
Federal funds purchased are generally due in one day and bear interest at market rates. The Corporation enters into sales of securities under agreements to repurchase. The amounts received under these agreements represent short-term borrowings and are reflected as a liability in the consolidated balance sheets. The securities underlying these agreements are included in investment securities

70



in the consolidated balance sheets. The Corporation has no control over the market value of the securities, which fluctuates due to market conditions. However, the Corporation is obligated to promptly transfer additional securities if the market value of the securities falls below the repurchase agreement price. The Corporation manages this risk by maintaining an unpledged securities portfolio that it believes is sufficient to cover a decline in the market value of the securities sold under agreements to repurchase.
Securities are pledged to cover these liabilities, which are not covered by federal deposit insurance. The Corporation maintains possession of and control over these securities.
 
Collateral pledged to repurchase agreements by remaining maturity are as follows:
 
 
December 31, 2015
Repurchase Agreements and Repurchase to Maturity Transactions
 
Remaining Contractual Maturity of the Agreements
(Dollar amounts in thousands)
 
Overnight and continuous
 
Up to 30 days
 
30 - 90 days
 
Greater than 90 days
 
Total
Mortgage Backed Securities - Residential and Collateralized Mortgage Obligations
 
$
10,420

 
$
11,049

 
$
10,794

 
$
718

 
$
32,981


 
 
December 31, 2014
Repurchase Agreements and Repurchase to Maturity Transactions
 
Remaining Contractual Maturity of the Agreements
(Dollar amounts in thousands)
 
Overnight and continuous
 
Up to 30 days
 
30 - 90 days
 
Greater than 90 days
 
Total
Mortgage Backed Securities - Residential and Collateralized Mortgage Obligations
 
$
14,786

 
$
5,749

 
$
5,670

 
$
618

 
$
26,823


12.
OTHER BORROWINGS:
 
Other borrowings at December 31, 2015 and 2014 are summarized as follows:
 
(Dollar amounts in thousands)
 
2015
 
2014
FHLB advances
 
$
12,677

 
$
12,886


The aggregate minimum annual retirements of other borrowings are as follows:
2016
$
12,423

2017
254

2018

2019

2020

Thereafter

 
$
12,677

 
The Corporation's subsidiary banks are members of the Federal Home Loan Bank (FHLB) and accordingly are permitted to obtain advances. The advances from the FHLB, aggregating $12.7 million, including $12.5 million at December 31, 2015 contractually due and a purchase premium of $223 thousand, and $12.9 million, including $12.4 million at December 31, 2014 contractually due and a purchase premium of $519 thousand, accrue interest, payable monthly, at annual rates, primarily fixed, varying from 0.6% to 6.6% in 2015 and 3.1% to 6.6% in 2014. The advances are due at various dates through August 2017. FHLB advances are, generally, due in full at maturity. They are secured by eligible securities totaling $70.3 million at December 31, 2015, and $83.6 million at December 31, 2014, and a blanket pledge on real estate loan collateral. Based on this collateral and the Corporation's holdings of FHLB stock, the Corporation is eligible to borrow up to $171.9 million at year end 2015. Certain advances may be prepaid, without penalty, prior to maturity. The FHLB can adjust the interest rate from fixed to variable on certain advances, but those advances may then be prepaid, without penalty. 


71



13.
INCOME TAXES:
 
Income tax expense is summarized as follows:
(Dollar amounts in thousands)
 
2015
 
2014
 
2013
Federal:
 
 

 
 

 
 

Currently payable
 
$
9,890

 
$
9,388

 
$
10,177

Deferred
 
(774
)
 
2,120

 
740

 
 
9,116

 
11,508

 
10,917

State:
 
 

 
 

 
 

Currently payable
 
1,426

 
1,928

 
3,629

Deferred
 
(150
)
 
753

 
(779
)
 
 
1,276

 
2,681

 
2,850

TOTAL
 
$
10,392

 
$
14,189

 
$
13,767

 
The reconciliation of income tax expense with the amount computed by applying the statutory federal income tax rate of 35% to income before income taxes is summarized as follows:
(Dollar amounts in thousands)
 
2015
 
2014
 
2013
Federal income taxes computed at the statutory rate
 
$
14,206

 
$
16,786

 
$
15,856

Add (deduct) tax effect of:
 
 

 
 

 
 

Tax exempt income
 
(4,047
)
 
(4,016
)
 
(3,760
)
ESOP dividend deduction
 
(164
)
 
(284
)
 
(105
)
State tax, net of federal benefit
 
829

 
1,743

 
1,852

Affordable housing credits
 
(148
)
 
(148
)
 
(148
)
Other, net
 
(284
)
 
108

 
72

TOTAL
 
$
10,392

 
$
14,189

 
$
13,767

 
The tax effects of temporary differences that give rise to significant portions of the deferred tax assets and liabilities at December 31, 2015 and 2014, are as follows: 
(Dollar amounts in thousands)
 
2015
 
2014
Deferred tax assets:
 
 

 
 

Other than temporary impairment
 
$
5,411

 
$
5,417

Net unrealized losses on retirement plans
 
12,007

 
16,068

Loan loss provisions
 
7,755

 
7,232

Deferred compensation
 
6,257

 
6,637

Compensated absences
 
917

 
894

Post-retirement benefits
 
2,026

 
2,014

Deferred loss on acquisition
 
1,177

 
1,377

Other
 
2,887

 
2,185

GROSS DEFERRED ASSETS
 
38,437

 
41,824

Deferred tax liabilities:
 
 

 
 

Net unrealized gains on securities available-for-sale
 
(5,234
)
 
(5,831
)
Depreciation
 
(2,632
)
 
(2,423
)
Mortgage servicing rights
 
(539
)
 
(561
)
Pensions
 
(424
)
 
(2,182
)
Intangibles
 
(2,283
)
 
(1,652
)
Other
 
(2,863
)
 
(2,173
)
GROSS DEFERRED LIABILITIES
 
(13,975
)
 
(14,822
)
NET DEFERRED TAX ASSETS
 
$
24,462

 
$
27,002

Unrecognized Tax Benefits — A reconciliation of the beginning and ending amount of unrecognized tax benefits is as follows:

72



(Dollar amounts in thousands)
 
2015
 
2014
 
2013
Balance at January 1
 
$
589

 
$
676

 
$
777

Additions based on tax positions related to the current year
 
68

 
72

 
65

Additions based on tax positions related to prior years
 

 

 

Reductions due to the statute of limitations
 
(144
)
 
(159
)
 
(166
)
Balance at December 31
 
$
513

 
$
589

 
$
676

 
Of this total, $513 represents the amount of unrecognized tax benefits that, if recognized, would favorably affect the effective income tax rate in future periods. The Corporation does not expect the total amount of unrecognized tax benefits to significantly increase or decrease in the next 12 months.
 
The total amount of interest and penalties recorded in the income statement for the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013 was an expense decrease of $17, $21 and $31, respectively. The amount accrued for interest and penalties at December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013 was $27, $44 and $65, respectively.
 
The Corporation and its subsidiaries are subject to U.S. federal income tax as well as income tax of the states of Indiana and Illinois. The Corporation is no longer subject to examination by taxing authorities for years before 2012.

14.
FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS WITH OFF-BALANCE-SHEET RISK:
 
The Corporation is a party to financial instruments with off-balance-sheet risk in the normal course of business to meet the financing needs of its customers. These financial instruments include conditional commitments and commercial letters of credit. The financial instruments involve to varying degrees, elements of credit and interest rate risk in excess of amounts recognized in the financial statements. The Corporation's maximum exposure to credit loss in the event of nonperformance by the other party to the financial instrument for commitments to make loans is limited generally by the contractual amount of those instruments. The Corporation follows the same credit policy to make such commitments as is followed for those loans recorded in the consolidated financial statements.
 
Commitment and contingent liabilities are summarized as follows at December 31:
(Dollar amounts in thousands)
 
2015
 
2014
Home Equity
 
$
52,711

 
$
54,388

Commercial Operating Lines
 
259,019

 
249,354

Other Commitments
 
53,026

 
50,850

TOTAL
 
$
364,756

 
$
354,592

Commercial letters of credit
 
$
7,195

 
$
7,684

  
The majority of commercial operating lines and home equity lines are variable rate, while the majority of other commitments to fund loans are fixed rate. Fixed rate commitments had a range of interest rates from 3.25% to 6.50% in 2015. In 2014 this range of rates was from 3.25% to 5.25%. Since many commitments to make loans expire without being used, these amounts do not necessarily represent future cash commitments. Collateral obtained upon exercise of the commitment is determined using management's credit evaluation of the borrower, and may include accounts receivable, inventory, property, land and other items. The approximate duration of these commitments is generally one year or less.
 
Derivatives: The Corporation enters into derivative instruments for the benefit of its customers. At the inception of a derivative contract, the Corporation designates the derivative as an instrument with no hedging designation ("standalone derivative"). Changes in the fair value of derivatives are reported currently in earnings as non-interest income. Net cash settlements on derivatives that do not qualify for hedge accounting are reported in non-interest income.
 
First Financial Bank offers clients the ability on certain transactions to enter into interest rate swaps. Typically, these are pay fixed, receive floating swaps used in conjunction with commercial loans. These derivative contracts do not qualify for hedge accounting. The Bank hedges the exposure to these contracts by entering into offsetting contracts with substantially matching terms. The notional amount of these interest rate swaps was $21.3 and $13.1 million at December 31, 2015 and 2014. The fair value of these contracts combined was zero, as gains offset losses. The gross gain and loss associated with these interest rate swaps was $1.2 million and $1.1 million at December 31, 2015 and 2014.


73



15.
RETIREMENT PLANS:
 
Employees of the Corporation are covered by a retirement program that consists of a defined benefit plan and an employee stock ownership plan (ESOP). Plan assets consist primarily of the Corporation's stock and obligations of U.S. Government agencies. Benefits under the defined benefit plan are actuarially determined based on an employee's service and compensation, as defined, and funded as necessary. This plan was frozen for the majority of employees as of December 31, 2012.Those employees will be eligible to participate in a 401K plan that the Corporation can contribute a discretionary match of the pay contributed by the employee. In addition the ESOP plan will continue in place for all employees.
 
Assets in the ESOP are considered in calculating the funding to the defined benefit plan required to provide such benefits. Any shortfall of benefits under the ESOP are to be provided by the defined benefit plan. The ESOP may provide benefits beyond those determined under the defined benefit plan. Contributions to the ESOP are determined by the Corporation's Board of Directors. The Corporation made contributions to the defined benefit plan of $1.84 million, $3.24 million and $2.11 million in 2015, 2014 and 2013. The Corporation contributed $1.29 million, $1.25 million and $1.22 million to the ESOP in 2015, 2014 and 2013. There were contributions of $746 thousand, $716 thousand and $629 thousand to the ESOP for employees no longer participating in the defined benefit plan in 2015, 2014 and 2013 respectively.
 
The Corporation uses a measurement date of December 31.
 
Net periodic benefit cost and other amounts recognized in other comprehensive income included the following components:
(Dollar amounts in thousands)
 
2015
 
2014
 
2013
Service cost - benefits earned
 
$
2,153

 
$
2,040

 
$
2,238

Interest cost on projected benefit obligation
 
3,516

 
3,756

 
3,383

Loss due to settlement
 

 
2,676

 

Expected return on plan assets
 
(3,452
)
 
(3,794
)
 
(3,309
)
Net amortization and deferral
 
2,065

 
750

 
2,075

Net periodic pension cost
 
4,282

 
5,428

 
4,387

Net loss (gain) during the period
 
(1,894
)
 
23,111

 
(14,697
)
Adjustment to loss due to settlement
 

 
(2,676
)
 

Settlement
 

 
(7,148
)
 

Amortization of prior service cost
 
(1
)
 
9

 
16

Amortization of unrecognized gain (loss)
 
(2,064
)
 
(759
)
 
(2,091
)
Total recognized in other comprehensive (income) loss
 
(3,959
)
 
12,537

 
(16,772
)
Total recognized net periodic pension cost and other comprehensive income
 
$
323

 
$
17,965

 
$
(12,385
)
 
The estimated net loss and prior service costs (credits) for the defined benefit pension plan that will be amortized from accumulated other comprehensive income into net periodic benefit cost over the next fiscal year are $1.9 million and $1 thousand.
 
















74



The information below sets forth the change in projected benefit obligation, reconciliation of plan assets, and the funded status of the Corporation's retirement program. Actuarial present value of benefits is based on service to date and present pay levels.
(Dollar amounts in thousands)
 
2015
 
2014
Change in benefit obligation:
 
 

 
 

Benefit obligation at January 1
 
$
98,135

 
$
81,469

Service cost
 
2,153

 
2,040

Interest cost
 
3,516

 
3,756

Actuarial (gain) loss
 
(8,802
)
 
22,274

Settlement
 

 
(7,148
)
Benefits paid
 
(4,147
)
 
(4,256
)
Benefit obligation at December 31
 
90,855

 
98,135

Reconciliation of fair value of plan assets:
 
 

 
 

Fair value of plan assets at January 1
 
62,565

 
67,233

Actual return on plan assets
 
(205
)
 
2,957

Employer contributions
 
2,389

 
3,779

Settlement
 

 
(7,148
)
Benefits paid
 
(4,147
)
 
(4,256
)
Fair value of plan assets at December 31
 
60,602

 
62,565

Funded status at December 31 (plan assets less benefit obligation)
 
$
(30,253
)
 
$
(35,570
)

Amounts recognized in accumulated other comprehensive income at December 31, 2015 and 2014 consist of:
(Dollar amounts in thousands)
 
2015
 
2014
Net loss (gain)
 
$
33,502

 
$
29,544

Prior service cost (credit)
 
6

 
5

 
 
$
33,508

 
$
29,549


The accumulated benefit obligation for the defined benefit pension plan was $85.1 million and $91.5 million at year-end
2015 and 2014.
Principal assumptions used to determine pension benefit obligation at year end:
 
2015
 
2014
Discount rate
 
4.34
%
 
3.95
%
Rate of increase in compensation levels
 
3.00

 
3.00

Principal assumptions used to determine net periodic pension cost:
 
2015
 
2014
Discount rate
 
3.95
%
 
4.95
%
Rate of increase in compensation levels
 
3.00

 
3.50

Expected long-term rate of return on plan assets
 
6.00

 
6.00


The expected long-term rate of return was estimated using market benchmarks for equities and bonds applied to the plan's target asset allocation. Management estimated the rate by which plan assets would perform based on historical experience as adjusted for changes in asset allocations and expectations for future return on equities as compared to past periods.










75



Plan Assets — The Corporation's pension plan weighted-average asset allocation for the years 2015 and 2014 by asset category are as follows:
 
 
Pension Plan
Target Allocation
 
ESOP
Target Allocation
 
Pension
Pecentage of Plan
Assets at December 31,
 
ESOP
Pecentage of Plan
Assets at December 31,
ASSET CATEGORY
 
2015
 
2015
 
2015
 
2014
 
2015
 
2014
Equity securities
 
40-65%
 
95-99%
 
63
%
 
59
%
 
100
%
 
99
%
Debt securities
 
35-60%
 
0-0%
 
35
%
 
38
%
 
%
 
%
Other
 
0-10%
 
0-5%
 
2
%
 
3
%
 
%
 
1
%
TOTAL
 
 
 
 
 
100
%
 
100
%
 
100
%
 
100
%
 
Fair Value of Plan Assets — Fair value is the exchange price that would be received for an asset in the principal or most advantageous market for the asset in an orderly transaction between market participants on the measurement date. It also establishes a fair value hierarchy which requires an entity to maximize the use of observable inputs and minimize the use of unobservable inputs when measuring fair value.

The Corporation used the following methods and significant assumptions to estimate the fair value of each type of financial instrument:
 
Equity, Debt, Investment Funds and Other Securities — The fair values for investment securities are determined by quoted market prices, if available (Level 1). For securities where quoted prices are not available, fair values are calculated based on market prices of similar securities (Level 2). For securities where quoted prices or market prices of similar securities are not available, fair values are calculated using discounted cash flows or other market indicators (Level 3).

The fair value of the plan assets at December 31, 2015 and 2014, by asset category, is as follows:
 
 
 
 
Fair Value Measurments at
December 31, 2015 Using:
 
 
 
 
Quoted Prices
in Active
Markets for
Identical Assets
 
Significant
Other
Observable
Inputs
 
Significant
Observable
Inputs
(Dollar amounts in thousands)
 
Total
 
(Level 1)
 
(Level 2)
 
(Level 3)
Plan assets
 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Equity securities
 
$
44,052

 
$
44,052

 
$

 
$

Debt securities
 
14,264

 

 
14,264

 

Investment Funds
 
2,286

 
2,286

 

 

Total plan assets
 
$
60,602

 
$
46,338

 
$
14,264

 
$

 
 
 
 
Fair Value Measurments at
December 31, 2014 Using:
 
 
 
 
Quoted Prices
in Active
Markets for
Identical Assets
 
Significant
Other
Observable
Inputs
 
Significant
Observable
Inputs
(Dollar amounts in thousands)
 
Total
 
(Level 1)
 
(Level 2)
 
(Level 3)
Plan assets
 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Equity securities
 
$
44,732

 
$
44,732

 
$

 
$

Debt securities
 
15,245

 

 
15,245

 

Investment Funds
 
2,588

 
2,588

 

 

Total plan assets
 
$
62,565

 
$
47,320

 
$
15,245

 
$

 
The investment objective for the retirement program is to maximize total return without exposure to undue risk. Asset allocation favors equities. This target includes the Corporation's ESOP, which is fully invested in corporate stock. Other investment allocations include fixed income securities and cash.

76



 
The plan is prohibited from investing in the following: private placement equity and debt transactions; letter stock and uncovered options; short-sale margin transactions and other specialized investment activity; and fixed income or interest rate futures. All other investments not prohibited by the plan are permitted.
 
Equity securities in the defined benefit plan include First Financial Corporation common stock in the amount of $20.4 million (34 percent of total plan assets) and $22.5 million (36 percent of total plan assets) at December 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively. In addition the ESOP for non plan participants holds an estimated $2.1 million and $1.4 million of First Financial Corporation stock at December 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014 respectively. Other equity securities are predominantly stocks in large cap U.S. companies.
 
Contributions — The Corporation expects to contribute $2.7 million to its pension plan and $1.1 million to its ESOP in 2016.
 
Estimated Future Payments — The following benefit payments, which reflect expected future service, are expected:
PENSION BENEFITS
(Dollar amounts in thousands)
2016
$
4,752

2017
4,879

2018
5,000

2019
5,281

2020
5,428

2021-2025
30,078

 
Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan — The Corporation has established a Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan (SERP) for certain executive officers. The provisions of the SERP allow the Plan's participants who are also participants in the Corporation's defined benefit pension plan to receive supplemental retirement benefits to help recompense for benefits lost due to the imposition of IRS limitations on benefits under the Corporation's tax qualified defined benefit pension plan. Expenses related to the plan were $437 thousand in 2015 and $268 thousand in 2014. The plan is unfunded and has a measurement date of December 31. The amounts recognized in other comprehensive income in the current year are as follows:
 
(Dollar amounts in thousands)
 
2015
 
2014
 
2013
Net loss (gain) during the period
 
$
(255
)
 
$
932

 
$
(333
)
Amortization of prior service cost
 

 

 

Amortization of unrecognized gain (loss)
 
(88
)
 
(7
)
 
(68
)
Total recognized in other comprehensive (income) loss
 
$
(343
)
 
$
925

 
$
(401
)
 
The Corporation has $3.7 million and $3.6 million recognized in the balance sheet as a liability at December 31, 2015 and 2014. Amounts in accumulated other comprehensive income consist of $900 thousand net loss at December 31, 2015 and $1.2 million net loss at December 31, 2014. The estimated loss for the SERP that will be amortized from accumulated other comprehensive income into net periodic benefit cost over the next fiscal year is $57 thousand.

Estimated Future Payments — The following benefit payments, which reflect expected future service, are expected:
(Dollar amounts on thousands)
2016
$

2017
315

2018
320

2019
325

2020
331

2021-2025
1,762






77



Post-retirement medical benefits
 
The Corporation also provides medical benefits to certain employees subsequent to their retirement. The Corporation uses a measurement date of December 31. Accrued post-retirement benefits as of December 31, 2015 and 2014 are as follows:
 
 
December 31,
(Dollar amounts in thousands)
 
2015
 
2014
Change in benefit obligation:
 
 

 
 

Benefit obligation at January 1
 
$
4,559

 
$
4,088

Service cost
 
63

 
53

Interest cost
 
173

 
175

Plan participants' contributions
 
57

 
39

Actuarial (gain) loss
 
(200
)
 
456

Benefits paid
 
(269
)
 
(252
)
Benefit obligation at December 31
 
$
4,383

 
$
4,559

Funded status at December 31
 
$
4,383

 
$
4,559

 
Amounts recognized in accumulated other comprehensive income consist of a net loss of $318 thousand at December 31, 2015 and $521 thousand net loss at December 31, 2014. The post-retirement benefits paid in 2015 and 2014 of $269 thousand and $252 thousand, respectively, were fully funded by company and participant contributions.
 
There is no estimated transition obligation for the post-retirement benefit plan that will be amortized from accumulated other comprehensive income into net periodic benefit cost over the next fiscal year.
 
Weighted average assumptions at December 31:
 
 
December 31,
 
 
2015
 
2014
Discount rate
 
4.34
%
 
3.95
%
Initial weighted health care cost trend rate
 
5.00
%
 
7.50
%
Ultimate health care cost trend rate
 
5.00

 
5.00

Year that the rate is assumed to stabilize and remain unchanged
 
2015

 
2015

 
Post-retirement health benefit expense included the following components:
 
 
Years Ended December 31,
(Dollar amounts in thousands)
 
2015
 
2014
 
2013
Service cost
 
$
63

 
$
53

 
$
68

Interest cost
 
173

 
175

 
173

Amortization of transition obligation
 

 

 
60

Recognized actuarial loss
 

 

 

Net periodic benefit cost
 
236

 
228

 
301

Net loss (gain) during the period
 
(200
)
 
456

 
(338
)
Amortization of prior service cost
 

 

 
(59
)
Total recognized in other comprehensive income (loss)
 
(200
)
 
456

 
(397
)
Total recognized net periodic benefit cost and other comprehensive income
 
$
36

 
$
684

 
$
(96
)









78



Assumed health care cost trend rates have a significant effect on the amounts reported for the health care plans. A one-percentage-point change in the assumed health care cost trend rates would have the following effects:
 
 
1% Point
 
1% Point
(Dollar amounts in thousands)
 
Increase
 
Decrease
Effect on total of service and interest cost components
 
$
2

 
$
1

Effect on post-retirement benefit obligation
 
37

 
34

 
Contributions — The Corporation expects to contribute $262 thousand to its other post-retirement benefit plan in 2016.
 
Estimated Future Payments — The following benefit payments, which reflect expected future service, are expected:
(Dollar amounts in thousands)
2016
$
262

2017
268

2018
267

2019
269

2020
275

2021-2025
1,387

 
The Corporation's post retirement benefit plans described above were all impacted by the introduction of new mortality tables that were introduced in 2014. Each plan experienced an increase in benefit obligation during 2014 of which approximately $8.5 million is attributable to the adoption of these new tables.

16.
STOCK BASED COMPENSATION:
 
On February 5, 2011, the Corporation's Board of Directors adopted and approved the First Financial Corporation 2011 Omnibus Equity Incentive Plan (the "2011 Stock Incentive Plan") effective upon the approval of the Plan by the Company's shareholders, which occurred on April 20, 2011 at the Corporation’s annual meeting of shareholders. The 2011 Stock Incentive Plan provides for the grant of non qualified stock options, incentive stock options, stock appreciation rights, restricted stock, restricted stock units and incentive awards. An aggregate of 700,000 shares of common stock are reserved for issuance under the 2011 Stock Incentive Plan. Shares issuable under the 2011 Stock Incentive Plan may be authorized and unissued shares of common stock or treasury shares.
 
During the first quarter of 2015 and 2014, the Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors of the Company granted restricted stock awards to certain executive officers pursuant to the Corporation's annual performance-based stock incentive bonus plan. Compensation expense is recognized over the vesting period of the awards based on the fair value of the stock at the grant date. The value of the awards was determined by dividing the award amount by the closing price of a share of Company common stock on the grant dates. The restricted stock awards vest as follows — 33% on the first anniversary, 33% on the second anniversary and the remaining 34% on the third anniversary of the earned date. The Corporation has the right retain shares to satisfy any withholding tax obligation. A total of 111,564 shares of restricted common stock of the Company were granted under the 2011 Stock Incentive Plan. A total of 588,436 remain to be granted under this plan.
 















79



Restricted Stock
 
Restricted stock awards require certain service-based or performance requirements and have a vesting period of 3 years. Compensation expense is recognized over the vesting period of the award based on the fair value of the stock at the date of issue. Compensation related to the plan was $684 thousand, $1.02 million and $733 thousand in 2015, 2014 and 2013, respectively.
 
 
 
 
 
2015
 
 
 
2014
 
 
Number
 
Weighted Average
Grant Date
 
Number
 
Weighted Average
Grant Date
(shares in thousands)
 
Outstanding
 
Fair Value
 
Outstanding
 
Fair Value
Nonvested balance at January 1,
 
22,084

 
31.63

 
30,496

 
33.49

Granted during the year
 
19,683

 
33.87

 
22,019

 
32.17

Vested during the year
 
(21,301
)
 
32.13

 
(30,431
)
 
33.52

Forfeited during the year
 

 

 

 

Nonvested balance at December 31,
 
20,466

 
33.26

 
22,084

 
31.63

 
As of December 31, 2015 and 2014, there was $680 thousand and $698 thousand, respectively of total unrecognized compensation cost related to non-vested shares granted under the Plan. The cost is expected to be recognized over a weighted-average period of 1.5 years. The total fair value of the shares vested during the years ended December 31, 2015 and 2014 was $723 thousand and $1.1 million, respectively.

17.    OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS):
 
The following table summarizes the changes, net of tax within each classification of accumulated other comprehensive income for the years ended December 31, 2015 and 2014.
 
 
Unrealized
 
 
 
 
 
 
gains and
 
2015
 
 
Losses on
available-
for-sale
 
Retirement
 
 
(Dollar amounts in thousands)
 
Securities
 
plans
 
Total
Beginning balance, January 1
 
$
10,278

 
$
(24,807
)
 
$
(14,529
)
Change in other comprehensive income before reclassification
 
(1,214
)
 
1,433

 
219

Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income
 
(11
)
 
4,920

 
4,909

Net current period other comprehensive income (loss)
 
(1,225
)
 
6,353

 
5,128

Ending balance, December 31
 
$
9,053

 
$
(18,454
)
 
$
(9,401
)

 
 
Unrealized
 
 
 
 
 
 
gains and
 
2014
 
 
Losses on
available-
for-sale
 
Retirement
 
 
(Dollar amounts in thousands)
 
Securities
 
plans
 
Total
Beginning balance, January 1
 
$
(3,635
)
 
$
(10,334
)
 
$
(13,969
)
Change in other comprehensive income before reclassification
 
13,911

 
(14,934
)
 
(1,023
)
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income
 
2

 
461

 
463

Net current period other comprehensive income (loss)
 
13,913

 
(14,473
)
 
(560
)
Ending balance, December 31
 
$
10,278

 
$
(24,807
)
 
$
(14,529
)

80



 
 
Balance
at
 
Current
Period
 
Balance
at
(Dollar amounts in thousands)
 
1/1/2015
 
Change
 
12/31/2015
Unrealized gains (losses) on securities available-for-sale
 
 
 
 
 
 
without other than temporary impairment
 
$
7,164

 
$
(1,081
)
 
$
6,083

Unrealized gains (losses) on securities available-for-sale
 
 

 
 

 
 

with other than temporary impairment
 
3,114

 
(144
)
 
2,970

Total unrealized gain (loss) on securities available-for-sale
 
$
10,278

 
$
(1,225
)
 
$
9,053

Unrealized loss on retirement plans
 
(24,807
)
 
6,353

 
(18,454
)
TOTAL
 
$
(14,529
)
 
$
5,128

 
$
(9,401
)
 
 
 
Balance
at
 
Current
Period
 
Balance
at
(Dollar amounts in thousands)
 
1/1/2014
 
Change
 
12/31/2014
Unrealized gains (losses) on securities available-for-sale
 
 

 
 

 
 

without other than temporary impairment
 
$
(2,499
)
 
$
9,663

 
$
7,164

Unrealized gains (losses) on securities available-for-sale
 
 

 
 

 
 

with other than temporary impairment
 
(1,136
)
 
4,250

 
3,114

Total unrealized gain (loss) on securities available-for-sale
 
$
(3,635
)
 
$
13,913

 
$
10,278

Unrealized loss on retirement plans
 
(10,334
)
 
(14,473
)
 
(24,807
)
TOTAL
 
$
(13,969
)
 
$
(560
)
 
$
(14,529
)
 
 
Balance as of December 31, 2015
 
 
Details about accumulated
 
Amount reclassified from
 
Affected line item in
other comprehensive
 
accumulated other
 
the statement where
income components
 
comprehensive income
 
net income is presented
 
 
(in thousands)
 
 
Unrealized gains and losses
 
$
17

 
Net securities gains (losses)
on available-for-sale
 
(6
)
 
Income tax expense
securities
 
$
11

 
Net of tax
 
 
 
 
 
Amortization of
 
$
(8,066
)
 
(a)
retirement plan items
 
3,146

 
Income tax expense
 
 
$
(4,920
)
 
Net of tax
Total reclassifications for the period
 
$
(4,909
)
 
Net of tax
(a) Included in the computation of net periodic benefit cost which is included in salaries and benefits. (see Footnote 15 for additional details).


81



 
 
Balance as of December 31, 2014
 
 
Details about accumulated
 
Amount reclassified from
 
Affected line item in
other comprehensive
 
accumulated other
 
the statement where
income components
 
comprehensive income
 
net income is presented
 
 
(in thousands)
 
 
Unrealized gains and losses
 
$
(3
)
 
Net securities gains (losses)
on available-for-sale
 
1

 
Income tax expense
securities
 
$
(2
)
 
Net of tax
 
 
 
 
 
Amortization of
 
$
(756
)
 
(a)
retirement plan items
 
295

 
Income tax expense
 
 
$
(461
)
 
Net of tax
Total reclassifications for the period
 
$
(463
)
 
Net of tax
(a) Included in the computation of net periodic benefit cost which is included in salaries and benefits. (see Footnote 15 for additional details).

 
 
Balance at December 31, 2013
 
 
Details about accumulated
 
Amount reclassified from
 
Affected line item in
other comprehensive
 
accumulated other
 
the statement where
income components
 
comprehensive income
 
net income is presented
 
 
(in thousands)
 
 
Unrealized gains and losses
 
$
423

 
Net securities gains (losses)
on available-for-sale
 
(169
)
 
Income tax expense
securities
 
$
254

 
Net of tax
 
 
 
 
 
Amortization of
 
$
(17,615
)
 
(a)
retirement plan items
 
7,046

 
Income tax expense
 
 
$
(10,569
)
 
Net of tax
Total reclassifications for the period
 
$
(10,315
)
 
Net of tax

(a) Included in the computation of net periodic benefit cost which is included in salaries and benefits. (see Footnote 15 for additional details).

18.
REGULATORY MATTERS:
 
The Corporation and its bank affiliates are subject to various regulatory capital requirements administered by the federal banking agencies. Failure to meet minimum capital requirements can initiate certain mandatory—and possibly additional discretionary—actions by regulators that, if undertaken, could have a direct material effect on the Corporation's financial statements.
 
Further, the Corporation's primary source of funds to pay dividends to shareholders is dividends from its subsidiary banks and compliance with these capital requirements can affect the ability of the Corporation and its banking affiliates to pay dividends. At December 31, 2015, approximately $41.6 million of undistributed earnings of the subsidiary banks, included in consolidated retained earnings, were available for distribution to the Corporation without regulatory approval. Under capital adequacy guidelines and the regulatory framework for prompt corrective action, the Corporation and Banks must meet specific capital guidelines that involve quantitative measures of the Corporation's assets, liabilities, and certain off-balance-sheet items as calculated under regulatory accounting practices. The Corporation's and Banks' capital amounts and classification are also subject to qualitative judgments by the regulators about components, risk weightings and other factors.
 
Quantitative measures established by regulation to ensure capital adequacy require the Corporation and Banks to maintain minimum amounts and ratios of Total, Common equity tier I capital and Tier I Capital to risk-weighted assets, and of Tier I Capital to average

82



assets. Management believes, as of December 31, 2015 and 2014, that the Corporation meets all capital adequacy requirements to which it is subject.
 
As of December 31, 2015, the most recent notification from the respective regulatory agencies categorized the subsidiary banks as well capitalized under the regulatory framework for prompt corrective action. To be categorized as well capitalized, the banks must maintain minimum total risk-based, Common equity tier I capital, Tier I risk-based and Tier I leverage ratios as set forth in the table. There are no conditions or events since that notification that management believes have changed the banks' category.

The following table presents the actual and required capital amounts and related ratios for the Corporation and First Financial Bank, N.A., at year-end 2015 and 2014
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
To Be Well Capitalized
 
 
 
 
 
 
For Capital
 
Under Prompt Corrective
 
 
Actual
 
Adequacy Purposes
 
Action Provisions
(Dollar amounts in thousands)
 
Amount
 
Ratio
 
Amount
 
Ratio
 
Amount
 
Ratio
Total risk-based capital
 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Corporation – 2015
 
$
398,903

 
18.62
%
 
$
171,346

 
8.00
%
 
N/A

 
N/A

Corporation – 2014
 
$
386,622

 
17.86
%
 
$
173,211

 
8.00
%
 
N/A

 
N/A

First Financial Bank – 2015
 
372,922

 
18.05
%
 
165,261

 
8.00
%
 
206,576

 
10.00
%
First Financial Bank – 2014
 
358,631

 
17.13
%
 
167,472

 
8.00
%
 
209,340

 
10.00
%
Common equity tier I capital
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Corporation – 2015
 
$
378,957

 
17.69
%
 
$
96,382

 
4.50
%
 
N/A

 
N/A

Corporation – 2014
 

N/A

 
N/A

 

N/A

 
N/A

 
N/A

 
N/A

First Financial Bank – 2015
 
355,853

 
17.23
%
 
92,959

 
4.50
%
 
134,274

 
6.50
%
First Financial Bank – 2014
 
N/A

 
N/A

 
N/A

 
N/A

 
N/A

 
N/A

Tier I risk-based capital
 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Corporation – 2015
 
$
378,957

 
17.69
%
 
$
128,509

 
6.00
%
 
N/A

 
N/A

Corporation – 2014
 
$
367,783

 
16.99
%
 
$
129,908

 
6.00
%
 
N/A

 
N/A

First Financial Bank – 2015
 
355,853

 
17.23
%
 
123,945

 
6.00
%
 
165,261

 
8.00
%
First Financial Bank – 2014
 
342,452

 
16.36
%
 
125,604

 
6.00
%
 
167,472

 
8.00
%
Tier I leverage capital
 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Corporation – 2015
 
$
378,957

 
12.92
%
 
$
117,352

 
4.00
%
 
N/A

 
N/A

Corporation – 2014
 
$
367,783

 
12.33
%
 
$
119,356

 
4.00
%
 
N/A

 
N/A

First Financial Bank – 2015
 
355,853

 
12.50
%
 
113,888

 
4.00
%
 
142,360

 
5.00
%
First Financial Bank – 2014
 
342,452

 
11.83
%
 
115,770

 
4.00
%
 
144,712

 
5.00
%
 

83



19.
PARENT COMPANY CONDENSED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS:
 
The parent company’s condensed balance sheets as of December 31, 2015 and 2014, and the related condensed statements of income and comprehensive income and cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2015, are as follows: 
 
 
December 31,
(Dollar amounts in thousands)
 
2015
 
2014
ASSETS
 
 

 
 

Cash deposits in affiliated banks
 
$
1,782

 
$
3,639

Investments in subsidiaries
 
413,117

 
396,486

Land and headquarters building, net
 
5,588

 
5,791

Other
 
12

 
103

Total Assets
 
$
420,499

 
$
406,019

LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
 
 

 
 

Liabilities
 
 

 
 

Dividends payable
 
$
6,243

 
$
6,341

Other liabilities
 
3,940

 
5,464

TOTAL LIABILITIES
 
10,183

 
11,805

Shareholders' Equity
 
410,316

 
394,214

TOTAL LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
 
$
420,499

 
$
406,019

CONDENSED STATEMENTS OF INCOME AND COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
 
 
 
 
 
 
Years Ended December 31,
(Dollar amounts in thousands)
 
2015
 
2014
 
2013
Dividends from subsidiaries
 
$
19,397

 
$
26,530

 
$
7,130

Other income
 
795

 
724

 
1,144

Other operating expenses
 
(2,314
)
 
(2,747
)
 
(3,113
)
Income before income taxes and equity in undistributed earnings of subsidiaries
 
17,878

 
24,507

 
5,161

Income tax benefit
 
815

 
1,156

 
988

Income before equity in undistributed earnings of subsidiaries
 
18,693

 
25,663

 
6,149

Equity in undistributed earnings of subsidiaries
 
11,503

 
8,109

 
25,385

Net income
 
$
30,196

 
$
33,772

 
$
31,534

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Comprehensive income
 
$
35,324

 
$
33,212

 
$
25,037

 

84



CONDENSED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Years Ended December 31,
(Dollar amounts in thousands)
 
2015
 
2014
 
2013
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES:
 
 

 
 

 
 

Net Income
 
$
30,196

 
$
33,772

 
$
31,534

Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
 
 

 
 

 
 

Depreciation and amortization
 
203

 
196

 
173

Equity in undistributed earnings
 
(11,503
)
 
(8,109
)
 
(25,385
)
Contribution of shares to ESOP
 
1,294

 
1,253

 
1,218

Securities (gains) losses
 

 

 
(420
)
Restricted stock compensation
 
684

 
1,072

 
611

Increase (decrease) in other liabilities
 
(1,524
)
 
(473
)
 
(512
)
(Increase) decrease in other assets
 
188

 
155

 
485

NET CASH FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES
 
19,538

 
27,866

 
7,704

CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES:
 
 

 
 

 
 

Sales of securities available-for-sale
 

 

 
740

Purchase of furniture and fixtures
 
(65
)
 
(1,299
)
 
(5
)
NET CASH FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES
 
(65
)
 
(1,299
)
 
735

CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
 
 

 
 

 
 

Purchase of treasury stock
 
(8,698
)
 
(14,633
)
 

Dividends paid
 
(12,632
)
 
(12,949
)
 
(12,766
)
NET CASH FROM FINANCING ACTIVITES
 
(21,330
)
 
(27,582
)
 
(12,766
)
NET (DECREASE) INCREASE IN CASH
 
(1,857
)
 
(1,015
)
 
(4,327
)
CASH, BEGINNING OF YEAR
 
3,639

 
4,654

 
8,981

CASH, END OF YEAR
 
$
1,782

 
$
3,639

 
$
4,654

Supplemental disclosures of cash flow information:
 
 

 
 

 
 

Cash paid during the year for:
 
 

 
 

 
 

Interest
 
$

 
$

 
$

Income taxes
 
$
12,869

 
$
9,354

 
$
13,822

 
20.
SELECTED QUARTERLY DATA (UNAUDITED):
 
 
 
2015
(Dollar amounts in thousands)
 
Interest
Income
 
Interest
Expense
 
Net Interest
Income
 
Provision
For Loan
Losses
 
Net Income
 
Net Income
Per Share
March 31
 
$
27,078

 
$
1,083

 
$
25,995

 
$
1,450

 
$
7,761

 
$
0.60

June 30
 
$
26,977

 
$
1,053

 
$
25,924

 
$
1,150

 
$
6,923

 
$
0.54

September 30
 
$
27,603

 
$
1,027

 
$
26,576

 
$
1,050

 
$
8,398

 
$
0.65

December 31
 
$
27,018

 
$
1,006

 
$
26,012

 
$
1,050

 
$
7,114

 
$
0.56

 
 
2014
(Dollar amounts in thousands)
 
Interest
Income
 
Interest
Expense
 
Net
Interest
Income
 
Provision
For Loan
Losses
 
Net Income
 
Net Income
Per Share
March 31
 
$
28,824

 
$
1,682

 
$
27,142

 
$
1,960

 
$
7,831

 
$
0.59

June 30
 
$
28,115

 
$
1,509

 
$
26,606

 
$
(356
)
 
$
8,488

 
$
0.63

September 30
 
$
28,376

 
$
1,231

 
$
27,145

 
$
1,506

 
$
8,272

 
$
0.62

December 31
 
$
28,043

 
$
1,104

 
$
26,939

 
$
1,962

 
$
9,181

 
$
0.71


85



 
ITEM 9.
CHANGES IN AND DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCOUNTANTS ON ACCOUNTING AND FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE
 
None
 
ITEM 9A.
CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES
 
Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures
As of the end of the period covered by this report, we carried out an evaluation (the “Evaluation”), under the supervision and with the participation of our Chief Executive Officer (“CEO”), who serves as our principal executive officer, and Chief Financial Officer (“CFO”), who serves as our principal financial officer, of the effectiveness of our disclosure controls and procedures (“Disclosure Controls”). Based on the Evaluation, our CEO and CFO concluded that our Disclosure Controls are effective and designed to ensure that the information required to be included in our periodic SEC reports is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the SEC’s rules and forms.
 
Changes in Internal Controls Over Financial Reporting
There was no change in the Corporation’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the Corporation’s fourth fiscal quarter of 2015 that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the Corporation’s internal control over financial reporting.
 
Management’s Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting and Attestation Report of the Registered Public Accounting Firm
“Management’s Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting” and “Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm” are included in Item 8 hereof and incorporated by reference.
 
ITEM 9B.
OTHER INFORMATION     Not applicable.

PART III
 
ITEM 10.   DIRECTORS, EXECUTIVE OFFICERS AND CORPORATE GOVERNANCE
 
In accordance with the provisions of General Instruction G to Form 10-K, the information required for disclosure under Item 10 is not set forth herein because the Corporation intends to file with the Securities and Exchange Commission a definitive Proxy Statement pursuant to Regulation 14A not later than 120 days following the end of its 2015 fiscal year, which Proxy Statement will contain such information. The information required by Item 10 is incorporated herein by reference to such Proxy Statement.
 
ITEM 11.   EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION
 
In accordance with the provisions of General Instruction G to Form 10-K, the information required for disclosure under Item 11 is not set forth herein because the Corporation intends to file with the Securities and Exchange Commission a definitive Proxy Statement pursuant to Regulation 14A not later than 120 days following the end of its 2015 fiscal year, which Proxy Statement will contain such information. The information required by Item 11 is incorporated herein by reference to such Proxy Statement.


86



ITEM 12.
SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT AND RELATED SHAREHOLDER MATTERS
 
In accordance with the provisions of General Instruction G to Form 10-K, certain information required for disclosure under Item 12 (relating to Item 403 of Regulation S-K) is not set forth herein because the Corporation intends to file with the Securities and Exchange Commission a definitive Proxy Statement pursuant to Regulation 14A not later than 120 days following the end of its 2015 fiscal year, which Proxy Statement will contain such information. Such information required by Item 12 is incorporated herein by reference to such Proxy Statement.

Following is the information required by Item 12 relating to Item 201 (d) of Regulation S-K.

Equity Compensation Plan Information
 
The following table provides certain information as of December 31, 2015 with respect to the Corporation’s equity compensation plans under which equity securities of the Company are authorized for issuance.
Plan Category
 
Number of Securities to be
issued upon exercise of
outstanding options, warrants
and rights
 
Weighted average exercise price
of outstanding options, warrants
and rights
 
Number of securities
remaining (1)
Equity compensation plans approved by security holders (2)
 

 

 
588,436

Equity compensation plans not approved by security holders (3)
 

 

 

Total
 

 

 
588,436

(1)
Available for future issuance under equity compensation plans (excluding securities reflected in the first column).
(2)
Includes the First Financial Corporation 2011 Omnibus Equity Incentive Plan.
(3)
The Corporation has no equity compensation plan that has not been authorized by its stockholders.

ITEM 13.
CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS AND DIRECTOR INDEPENDENCE
 
In accordance with the provisions of General Instruction G to Form 10-K, the information required for disclosure under Item 13 is not set forth herein because the Corporation intends to file with the Securities and Exchange Commission a definitive Proxy Statement pursuant to Regulation 14A not later than 120 days following the end of its 2015 fiscal year, which Proxy Statement will contain such information. The information required by Item 13 is incorporated herein by reference to such Proxy Statement.
 

87



ITEM 14.
PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTANT FEES AND SERVICES
 
In accordance with the provisions of General Instruction G to Form 10-K, the information required for disclosure under Item 14 is not set forth herein because the Corporation intends to file with the Securities and Exchange Commission a definitive Proxy Statement pursuant to Regulation 14A not later than 120 days following the end of its 2015 fiscal year, which Proxy Statement will contain such information. The information required by Item 14 is incorporated herein by reference to such Proxy Statement.

PART IV

ITEM 15.        EXHIBITS, FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES
 
(a) (1)  The following consolidated financial statements of the Registrant and its subsidiaries are filed as part of this document under “Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data.” 
Consolidated Balance Sheets—December 31, 2015 and 2014  
Consolidated Statements of Income and Comprehensive Income—Years ended December 31, 2015, 2014, and 2013  
Consolidated Statements of Changes in Shareholders’ Equity—Years ended December 31, 2015, 2014, and 2013  
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows—Years ended December 31, 2015, 2014, and 2013  
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
(a) (2)     Schedules to the Consolidated Financial Statements required by Article 9 of Regulation S-X are not required, inapplicable, or the required information has been disclosed elsewhere. 
(a) (3) Listing of Exhibits:
Exhibit Number
Description
3.1
Amended and Restated Articles of Incorporation of First Financial Corporation, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3(i) of the Corporation’s Form 10-Q filed for the quarter ended September 30, 2002.
3.2
Code of By-Laws of First Financial Corporation, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3(ii) of the Corporation’s Form 8-K filed August 24, 2012.
10.1*
Employment Agreement for Norman L. Lowery, effective July 1, 2015, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.01 of the Corporation’s Form 8-K filed June 24, 2015.
10.2*
2001 Long-Term Incentive Plan of First Financial Corporation, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.3 of the Corporation’s Form 10-Q filed for the quarter ended September 30, 2002.
10.5*
2005 Long-Term Incentive Plan of First Financial Corporation, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.7 of the Corporation’s Form 8-K filed September 4, 2007.
10.6*
2005 Executives Deferred Compensation Plan, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.5 of the Corporation’s Form 8-K filed September 4, 2007.
10.7*
2005 Executives Supplemental Retirement Plan, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.6 of the Corporation’s Form 8-K filed September 4, 2007.
10.9*
First Financial Corporation 2010 Long-Term Incentive Compensation Plan, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.9 to the Corporation’s Form 10-K filed March 15, 2011.
10.10*
First Financial Corporation 2011 Short Term Incentive Compensation Plan, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.10 to the Corporation’s Form 10-K filed March 15, 2011.
10.11*
First Financial Corporation 2011 Omnibus Equity Incentive Plan, incorporated by reference to exhibit 10.11 to the Corporation’s Form 10-Q filed May 9, 2011.
10.12*
Form of Restricted Stock Award Agreement, incorporated by reference to exhibit 10.12 to the Corporations 10-Q filed May 10, 2012.
 
                                                            continued


88



Exhibit Number
Description
10.13*
Employment Agreement for Norman D. Lowery, dated December 28, 2015, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 of the Corporation’s Form 8-K filed December 29, 2015.
10.14*
Employment Agreement for Rodger A. McHargue, dated December 28, 2015, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 of the Corporation’s Form 8-K filed December 29, 2015.
10.15*
Employment Agreement for Steven H. Holliday, dated December 28, 2015, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.3 of the Corporation’s Form 8-K filed December 29, 2015.
10.16*
Employment Agreement for Karen L. Stinson-Milienu, dated December 28, 2015, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.4 of the Corporation’s Form 8-K filed December 29, 2015.
21
Subsidiaries
31.1
Certification pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a) for Annual Report of Form 10-K by Principal Executive Officer
31.2
Certification pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a) for Annual Report of Form 10-K by Principal Financial Officer
32.1
Certification pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350 of Principal Executive Officer
32.2
Certification pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350 of Principal Financial Officer
101.
The following material from First Financial Corporation’s Form 10-K Report for the annual period ended December 31, 2015, formatted in XBRL pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T:  (i) the Consolidated Balance Sheets, (ii) the Consolidated Statements of Income and Comprehensive Income, (iii) the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows, (iv) the Consolidated Statements of Changes in Shareholders’ Equity, and (v) the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements**
 * Indicates management contract or compensatory plan or arrangement required to be filed as an exhibit to this report.
 **Furnished, not filed, for purposes of Sections 11 and 12 of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 18 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. 
(b)Exhibits-Filed Exhibits to (a) (3) listed above are attached to this report.
(c)Financial Statements Schedules-No schedules are required to be submitted. See response to ITEM 15(a) (2).

89



SIGNATURES
 
Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.
 

 
First Financial Corporation
 
 
Date: March 9, 2016
/s/ Rodger A. McHargue
 
Rodger A. McHargue, Chief Financial Officer
 
(Principal Financial Officer and Principal Accounting Officer)
 


90




Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this report has been signed below by the following persons on behalf of the registrant and in the capacities and on the dates indicated.
 
NAME
DATE
 
 
/s/ Rodger A. McHargue
March 9, 2016
Rodger A. McHargue, Chief Financial Officer
 
(Principal Financial Officer and Principal Accounting Officer)
 
 
 
/s/ W. Curtis Brighton
March 9, 2016
W. Curtis Brighton, Director
 
 
 
/s/ B. Guille Cox, Jr.
March 9, 2016
B. Guille Cox, Jr., Director
 
 
 
/s/ Thomas T. Dinkel
March 9, 2016
Thomas T. Dinkel, Director
 
 
 
/s/ Anton H. George
March 9, 2016
Anton H. George, Director
 
 
 
/s/ Gregory L. Gibson
March 9, 2016
Gregory L. Gibson, Director
 
 
 
/s/ Norman L. Lowery
March 9, 2016
Norman L. Lowery, Vice Chairman, President, CEO & Director
 
(Principal Executive Officer)
 
 
 
/s/ Ronald K. Rich
March 9, 2016
Ronald K. Rich, Director
 
 
 
/s/ Virginia L. Smith
March 9, 2016
Virginia L. Smith, Director
 
 
 
/s/ William J. Voges
March 9, 2016
William J. Voges, Director
 
 
 
/s/ William R. Krieble
March 9, 2016
William R. Krieble, Director
 


91



EXHIBIT INDEX
 
Exhibit
 
Number
Description
 
 
21
Subsidiaries
 
 
31.1
Certification Pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a) for Annual Report of Form 10-K by Principal Executive Officer
 
 
31.2
Certification Pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a) for Annual Report of Form 10-K by Principal Financial Officer
 
 
32.1
Certification Pursuant to Rule 18 U.S.C. Section 1350 of Principal Executive Officer
 
 
32.2
Certification Pursuant to Rule 18 U.S.C. Section 1350 of Principal Financial Officer
 
 
101.
The following material from First Financial Corporation’s Form 10-K Report for the annual period ended December 31, 2015, formatted in XBRL pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T:  (i) the Consolidated Balance Sheets, (ii) the Consolidated Statements of Income and Comprehensive Income, (iii) the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows, (iv) the Consolidated Statements of Changes in Shareholders’ Equity, and (v) the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.*
 
*Furnished, not filed, for purposes of Sections 11 and 12 of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 18 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.


92