Recent Updates — FFBC

The Board of Directors appointed Timothy A. Massa as an independent director effective October 27, 2026, increasing the board size from ten to eleven members upon recommendation of the Corporate Governance and Nominating Committee. Mr. Massa brings thirty-seven years of executive human capital leadership experience, including twelve years on Kroger’s senior leadership team as Executive Vice President and Chief Associate Experience Officer. He will serve until the 2027 annual meeting and receive a pro-rated cash retainer and stock award valued at $32.54 per share. First Financial Bancorp is a Cincinnati-based bank holding company providing commercial, retail banking, wealth management, and mortgage services through 151 branches in Ohio, Indiana, Kentucky, and Illinois.

First Financial Bancorp reported third-quarter net income of $81.2 million, or $0.77 per diluted share, up 11% from the prior year period. The company also announced a quarterly cash dividend of $0.26 per share, payable on December 15, 2026 to shareholders of record as of December 1, 2026. Additionally, First Financial received federal regulatory approval for its proposed acquisition of Finward Bancorp and expects the transaction to close on January 1, 2027, subject to state regulatory and shareholder approvals. The company operates as a bank holding company providing commercial, retail, and wealth management services.

First Financial Bancorp appointed James M. Anderson as President of the Company and First Financial Bank effective September 14, 2026, while retaining his role as Chief Financial Officer. Archie M. Brown continues as CEO. The Board also promoted Amanda N. Neeley to Chief Banking Officer and Malcolm A. Myers to Chief Operating Officer. Compensation changes include base salary increases for Anderson ($640,000) and Neeley ($500,000), along with one-time restricted stock grants valued at $1.5 million, $1 million, and $250,000 respectively. The company operates in the banking industry.

First Financial Bancorp announced its second quarter 2026 financial results and a proposed strategic acquisition of Finward Bancorp. For the quarter, the company reported adjusted net income of $83.9 million, or $0.80 per diluted share, and an adjusted return on average assets of 1.50%. The company also announced a $0.01 increase in its quarterly cash dividend to $0.26 per share, payable in the third quarter of 2026. Regarding the Finward Bancorp transaction, First Financial intends to issue approximately 5.9 million shares in a 1.35x fixed exchange ratio, a deal valued at $208 million. The acquisition is expected to provide mid-single digit EPS accretion and expand the company's presence in the Chicago and Northwest Indiana markets. First Financial Bancorp is a financial holding company providing banking, wealth management, and specialty lending services.

First Financial Bancorp entered into a definitive merger agreement to acquire Finward Bancorp in an all-stock transaction valued at approximately $208 million. Under the terms, Finward shareholders will receive 1.35 shares of First Financial common stock for each share held. The acquisition, which includes Finward's subsidiary Peoples Bank, is expected to close in the fourth quarter of 2026 and is projected to be 5% accretive to earnings per share. Separately, the company reported second quarter 2026 net income of $76.5 million, or $0.73 per diluted share, and announced a quarterly dividend increase to $0.26 per share. First Financial Bancorp is a bank holding company providing commercial, retail, and wealth management services.