First Financial Bancorp. Q1 FY2026 earnings call

Completed the Bank Financial acquisition and the conversion of Westfield Bank. Adjusted earnings per share increased driven by robust net interest margin and strong fee income. Net interest margin was resilient despite Fed Fund's rate cut. Loan production increased. Adjusted fee income was strong. Expenses were well controlled. Asset quality indicators were stable. Discussed progress of recent acquisitions including Westfield Bank conversion and Bank Financial purchase.

Adjusted earnings per share were 77 cents with an adjusted return on assets of 1.45% and an adjusted return on tangible common equity of 19.2%. Adjusted earnings per share increased 22% compared to the first quarter of last year. Net interest margin was 3.99%, increasing one basis point during the quarter. Loan balances increased $71 million during the period, with $228 million acquired in the Bank Financial transaction and a $152 million decrease in ICRE balances. Adjusted non-interest income was $75.6 million, 24% higher than in the first quarter of 2025. Net charge-offs were 35 basis points of total loans. Capital ratios are strong and continue to climb.

Expect mid-single-digit loan growth on an annualized basis during the second quarter. Net interest margin to remain steady in the 3.99 to 4.04% range assuming no rate cuts. Second quarter credit costs to approximate first quarter levels. Fee income expected to be between $75 and $77 million. Non-interest expenses expected to be between $151 and $154 million. Cost savings from Westfield acquisition to be realized beginning in the third quarter and from Bank Financial acquisition beginning in the fourth quarter.

Uncertainty in the economy due to the impact of the war in Iran. Aggressive pricing and loosening of covenants in the market which could pose risks.

Q: Daniel Tamayo asked about loan growth and payoffs.

A: Archie and others explained about ICRE payoffs including property sales, secondary market, larger banks coming back in and REIT exits and expectations of slowdown in second quarter.

Q: Brandon Root asked about deposit costs and cost savings.

A: Jamie explained about cost of deposits and stair step down of expenses.

Q: Carl Shepherd asked about margin and Westfield markets.

A: Archie and Jamie answered about margin guide and branch in Westfield markets.

Q: Brian Foreign asked about capital and buybacks.

A: Jamie discussed about capital ratios and evaluation of buybacks.

Q: Brandon Nozzle asked about balance sheet and AEA.

A: Jamie explained about loan sale timing and AEA expectations.

Q: Brandon Nozzle asked about margin's fair value accretion and growth expectations.

A: Jamie answered about fair value accretion and growth dissection between core and specialty businesses