Filed by Bowne Pure Compliance
Table of Contents

 
 
UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549
FORM 10-Q
QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE
SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For The Quarterly Period Ended September 30, 2007
Commission File Number 0-16759
FIRST FINANCIAL CORPORATION
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
     
INDIANA   35-1546989
     
(State or other jurisdiction   (I.R.S. Employer
incorporation or organization)   Identification No.)
     
One First Financial Plaza, Terre Haute, IN   47807
     
(Address of principal executive office)   (Zip Code)
(812)238-6000
(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)
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 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 þ No o.
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, or a non-accelerated filer. See definition of “accelerated filer and large accelerated filer” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act. (Check one):
Large accelerated filer o      Accelerated filer þ      Non-accelerated filer o.
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act). Yes o No þ.
As of November 5, 2007, the Registrant had outstanding 13,105,359 shares of common stock, without par value.
 
 

 

 


 

FIRST FINANCIAL CORPORATION
FORM 10-Q
INDEX
         
    Page No.  
       
 
       
       
 
       
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    14  
 
       
    15  
 
       
    16  
 
       
 Exhibit 31.1
 Exhibit 31.2
 Exhibit 32.1

 

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Table of Contents

Part I – Financial Information
Item 1. Financial Statements
FIRST FINANCIAL CORPORATION
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(Dollar amounts in thousand, except per share data)
                 
    September 30,     December 31,  
    2007     2006  
    (Unaudited)        
ASSETS
               
Cash and due from banks
  $ 59,090     $ 77,682  
Federal funds sold and short-term investments
    725       21,437  
Securities available-for-sale
    600,574       559,053  
Loans:
               
Commercial, financial and agricultural
    435,822       407,995  
Real estate – construction
    30,271       33,336  
Real estate – mortgage
    687,307       691,989  
Installment
    273,074       257,065  
Lease financing
    2,330       2,604  
 
           
 
    1,428,804       1,392,989  
Less:
               
Unearned income
    (227 )     (234 )
Allowance for loan losses
    (15,507 )     (16,169 )
 
           
 
    1,413,070       1,376,586  
 
           
 
               
Accrued interest receivable
    14,051       13,972  
Premises and equipment, net
    32,640       33,267  
Bank-owned life insurance
    59,438       57,905  
Goodwill
    7,102       7,102  
Other intangible assets
    2,044       2,363  
Other real estate owned
    1,681       3,194  
Other assets
    26,091       23,437  
 
           
TOTAL ASSETS
  $ 2,216,506     $ 2,175,998  
 
           
 
               
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY
               
Deposits:
               
Noninterest-bearing
  $ 227,303     $ 227,808  
Interest-bearing:
               
Certificates of deposit of $100 or more
    206,687       189,323  
Other interest-bearing deposits
    1,061,951       1,085,551  
 
           
 
    1,495,941       1,502,682  
 
               
Short-term borrowings
    59,364       16,203  
Other borrowings
    341,048       341,805  
Other liabilities
    41,745       44,048  
 
           
TOTAL LIABILITIES
    1,938,098       1,904,738  
 
           
 
               
Shareholders’ equity
               
Common stock, $.125 stated value per share;
               
Authorized shares-40,000,000
               
Issued shares-14,450,966
               
Outstanding shares-13,105,359 in 2007 and 13,270,321 in 2006
    1,806       1,806  
Additional paid-in capital
    68,003       68,003  
Retained earnings
    249,414       235,967  
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)
    (6,905 )     (5,494 )
Treasury shares at cost-1,345,607 in 2007 and 1,180,645 in 2006
    (33,910 )     (29,022 )
 
           
 
               
TOTAL SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY
    278,408       271,260  
 
           
 
               
TOTAL LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY
  $ 2,216,506     $ 2,175,998  
 
           
See accompanying notes.

 

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Table of Contents

FIRST FINANCIAL CORPORATION
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME
(Dollar amounts in thousands, except per share data)
                                 
    Three Months Ended     Nine Months Ended  
    September 30,     September 30,  
    2007     2006     2007     2006  
    (Unaudited)     (Unaudited)  
INTEREST INCOME:
                               
Loans, including related fees
  $ 26,661     $ 25,390     $ 78,263     $ 74,203  
Securities:
                               
Taxable
    5,957       5,488       17,405       16,355  
Tax-exempt
    1,694       1,578       4,876       4,651  
Other
    603       556       2,197       2,003  
 
                       
TOTAL INTEREST INCOME
    34,915       33,012       102,741       97,212  
 
                       
 
                               
INTEREST EXPENSE:
                               
Deposits
    10,676       9,693       31,265       27,251  
Short-term borrowings
    499       254       1,180       539  
Other borrowings
    4,991       4,821       14,525       14,271  
 
                       
TOTAL INTEREST EXPENSE
    16,166       14,768       46,970       42,061  
 
                       
 
                               
NET INTEREST INCOME
    18,749       18,244       55,771       55,151  
 
                               
Provision for loan losses
    1,575       2,495       4,505       5,343  
 
                       
 
                               
NET INTEREST INCOME AFTER PROVISION FOR LOAN LOSSES
    17,174       15,749       51,266       49,808  
 
                       
 
                               
NON-INTEREST INCOME:
                               
Trust department income
    926       1,021       2,846       2,938  
Service charges and fees on deposit accounts
    3,062       2,941       8,803       8,777  
Other service charges and fees
    1,492       1,325       4,259       3,952  
Securities gains/(losses), net
          (1 )     20       8  
Insurance commissions
    1,715       1,608       4,659       4,461  
Gain on sale of mortgage loans
    211       26       615       180  
Other
    429       144       2,309       1,376  
 
                       
TOTAL NON-INTEREST INCOME
    7,835       7,064       23,511       21,692  
 
                       
 
                               
NON-INTEREST EXPENSES:
                               
Salaries and employee benefits
    9,606       10,178       29,173       30,741  
Occupancy expense
    1,003       983       3,074       2,868  
Equipment expense
    1,078       1,043       3,245       3,211  
Other
    4,441       3,466       12,802       11,277  
 
                       
TOTAL NON-INTEREST EXPENSE
    16,128       15,670       48,294       48,097  
 
                       
INCOME BEFORE INCOME TAXES
    8,881       7,143       26,483       23,403  
 
                               
Provision for income taxes
    2,519       1,688       7,285       6,014  
 
                       
NET INCOME
  $ 6,362     $ 5,455     $ 19,198     $ 17,389  
 
                       
 
                               
PER SHARE DATA:
                               
Basic and Diluted
  $ 0.48     $ 0.41     $ 1.45     $ 1.31  
 
                       
Dividends per share
  $     $     $ 0.43     $ 0.42  
 
                       
 
                               
Weighted average number of shares outstanding (in thousands)
    13,136       13,261       13,195       13,302  
 
                       
See accompanying notes

 

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Table of Contents

FIRST FINANCIAL CORPORATION
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY
Nine Months Ended
September 30, 2007 and 2006
(Dollar amounts in thousands, except per share data)
(Unaudited)
                                                 
                            Accumulated              
            Additional             Other              
    Common     Paid-in     Retained     Comprehensive     Treasury        
    Stock     Capital     Earnings     Income/(Loss)     Stock     Total  
 
Balance, January 1, 2007
  $ 1,806     $ 68,003     $ 235,967     $ (5,494 )   $ (29,022 )   $ 271,260  
 
                                               
Comprehensive income:
                                               
Net income
                    19,198                       19,198  
Change in net unrealized gains/(losses) on securities available-for-sale
                            (1,951 )             (1,951 )
Change in Pension Liability
                            540               540  
 
                                   
Total comprehensive income/(loss)
                                            17,787  
 
                                               
Adoption of FIN 48
                    (86 )                     (86 )
Cash dividends, $.43 per share
                    (5,665 )                     (5,665 )
Treasury stock purchases
                                    (4,888 )     (4,888 )
 
                                               
 
                                   
Balance, September 30, 2007
  $ 1,806     $ 68,003     $ 249,414     $ (6,905 )   $ (33,910 )   $ 278,408  
 
                                   
 
                                               
Balance, January 1, 2006
  $ 1,806     $ 67,670     $ 223,710     $ 1,903     $ (25,766 )   $ 269,323  
 
                                               
Comprehensive income:
                                               
Net income
                    17,389                       17,389  
Change in net unrealized gains/(losses) on securities available-for-sale
                            (226 )             (226 )
 
                                   
Total comprehensive income/(loss)
                                            17,163  
 
                                               
Cash dividends, $.42 per share
                    (5,573 )                     (5,573 )
Treasury stock purchases
                                    (3,422 )     (3,422 )
 
                                               
 
                                   
Balance, September 30, 2006
  $ 1,806     $ 67,670     $ 235,526     $ 1,677     $ (29,188 )   $ 277,491  
 
                                   
See accompanying notes.

 

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FIRST FINANCIAL CORPORATION
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY
Three Months Ended
September 30, 2007, and 2006
(Dollar amounts in thousands, except per share data)
(Unaudited)
                                                 
                            Accumulated              
            Additional             Other              
    Common     Paid-in     Retained     Comprehensive     Treasury        
    Stock     Capital     Earnings     Income/ (Loss)     Stock     Total  
 
Balance, July 1, 2007
  $ 1,806     $ 68,003     $ 243,052     $ (10,723 )   $ (32,343 )   $ 269,795  
 
                                               
Comprehensive income:
                    6,362                       6,362  
Change in net unrealized gains/(losses) on securities available-for-sale
                            3,708               3,708  
Change in Pension Liability
                            110               110  
 
                                   
Total comprehensive income/(loss)
                                            10,180  
 
                                               
Treasury stock purchases
                                    (1,567 )     (1,567 )
 
                                               
 
                                   
Balance, September 30, 2007
  $ 1,806     $ 68,003     $ 249,414     $ (6,905 )   $ (33,910 )   $ 278,408  
 
                                   
 
                                               
Balance, July 1, 2006
  $ 1,806     $ 67,670     $ 230,071     $ (3,632 )   $ (28,839 )   $ 267,076  
 
                                               
Comprehensive income:
                                               
Net income
                    5,455                       5,455  
Change in net unrealized gains/(losses) on securities available-for-sale
                            5,309               5,309  
 
                                   
Total comprehensive income/(loss)
                                            10,764  
 
                                               
Treasury stock purchases
                                    (349 )     (349 )
 
                                               
 
                                   
Balance, September 30, 2006
  $ 1,806     $ 67,670     $ 235,526     $ 1,677     $ (29,188 )   $ 277,491  
 
                                   
See accompanying notes.

 

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FIRST FINANCIAL CORPORATION
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(Dollar amounts in thousands, except per share data)
                 
    Nine Months Ended  
    September 30,  
    2007     2006  
    (Unaudited)  
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES:
               
 
               
Net Income
  $ 19,198     $ 17,389  
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
               
Net amortization (accretion) of premiums and discounts on investments
    (1,941 )     (1,894 )
Provision for loan losses
    4,505       5,343  
Securities (gains) losses
    (20 )     (8 )
Gain on sale of other real estate
    (163 )      
Depreciation and amortization
    2,600       2,646  
Other, net
    (5,497 )     (478 )
 
           
NET CASH FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES
    18,682       22,998  
 
           
 
               
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES:
               
 
               
Proceeds from sales of securities available-for-sale
    2,939       737  
Calls, maturities and principal reductions on securities available-for-sale
    67,929       124,118  
Purchases of securities available-for-sale
    (113,680 )     (144,942 )
Loans made to customers, net of repayments
    (47,987 )     (6,257 )
Proceeds from sales of other real estate owned
    3,400        
Net change in federal funds sold
    20,712       2,902  
Additions to premises and equipment
    (1,654 )     (2,257 )
 
           
NET CASH FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES
    (62,341 )     (25,699 )
 
           
 
               
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
               
 
               
Net change in deposits
    (6,741 )     12,684  
Net change in short-term borrowings
    43,161       (9,210 )
Dividends paid
    (5,708 )     (5,603 )
Purchase of treasury stock
    (4,888 )     (3,422 )
Proceeds for other borrowings
    81,000        
Repayments on other borrowings
    (81,757 )     (2,049 )
 
           
NET CASH FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES
    25,067       (7,600 )
 
           
 
               
NET CHANGE IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS
    (18,592 )     (10,301 )
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS, BEGINNING OF PERIOD
    77,682       78,201  
 
           
 
               
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS, END OF PERIOD
  $ 59,090     $ 67,900  
 
           
See accompanying notes.

 

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FIRST FINANCIAL CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
The accompanying September 30, 2007 and 2006 consolidated financial statements are unaudited. The December 31, 2006 consolidated financial statements are as reported in the First Financial Corporation (the “Corporation”) 2006 annual report. The information presented does not include all information and footnotes required by U.S. generally accepted accounting procedures for complete financial statements. The following notes should be read together with notes to the consolidated financial statements included in the 2006 annual report filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission as an exhibit to Form 10-K.
1. The significant accounting policies followed by the Corporation and its subsidiaries for interim financial reporting are consistent with the accounting policies followed for annual financial reporting. All adjustments, which are, in the opinion of management, necessary for a fair statement of the results for the periods reported have been included in the accompanying consolidated financial statements and are of a normal recurring nature. The Corporation reports financial information for only one segment, banking. Some items in the prior year financials were reclassified to conform to the current presentation.
2. A loan is considered to be impaired when, based upon current information and events, it is probable that the Corporation will be unable to collect all amounts due according to the contractual terms of the loan. Impairment is primarily measured based on the fair value of the loan’s collateral. The following table summarizes impaired loan information:
                 
    (000’s)  
    September 30,     December 31,  
    2007     2006  
 
           
 
Impaired loans with no related allowance for loan losses
  $     $ 503  
Impaired loans with related allowance for loan losses calculated under SFAS No. 114
  $ 2,737       4,865  
 
           
 
  $ 2,737     $ 5,368  
 
           
Interest payments on impaired loans are typically applied to principal unless collection of the principal amount is deemed to be fully assured, in which case interest is recognized on a cash basis.
3. Securities
The amortized cost and fair value of the Corporation’s investments are shown below. All securities are classified as available-for-sale.
                                 
    (000’s)     (000’s)  
    September 30, 2007     December 31, 2006  
    Amortized Cost     Fair Value     Amortized Cost     Fair Value  
 
                       
 
United States Government entity mortgage- backed securities
  $ 350,934     $ 347,090     $ 334,383     $ 330,846  
Collateralized Mortgage Obligations
    26,418       26,263       9,935       9,970  
State and Municipal Obligations
    149,390       151,651       136,124       140,070  
Corporate Obligations
    67,299       67,370       68,952       69,472  
Equity Securities
    4,678       8,200       4,556       8,695  
 
                       
 
  $ 598,719     $ 600,574     $ 553,950     $ 559,053  
 
                       
4. Short-Term Borrowings
Period–end short-term borrowings were comprised of the following:
                 
    (000’s)  
    September 30,     December 31,  
    2007     2006  
 
           
 
Federal Funds Purchased
  $ 35,013     $ 10,179  
Repurchase Agreements
    22,672       5,407  
Note Payable – U.S. Government
    1,679       617  
 
           
 
  $ 59,364     $ 16,203  
 
           

 

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5. Other Borrowings
Other borrowings at period-end are summarized as follows:
                 
    (000’s)  
    September 30,     December 31,  
    2007     2006  
 
FHLB advances
  $ 334,448     $ 335,205  
City of Terre Haute, Indiana economic development revenue bonds
    6,600       6,600  
 
           
 
  $ 341,048     $ 341,805  
 
           
6. Components of Net Periodic Benefit Cost
                                                                 
    Three Months ended September 30     Nine Months ended September 30,  
    (000’s)     (000’s)  
                    Post-Retirement                     Post-Retirement  
    Pension Benefits     Health Benefits     Pension Benefits     Health Benefits  
    2007     2006     2007     2006     2007     2006     2007     2006  
 
Service cost
  $ 787     $ 751     $ 29     $ 29     $ 2,361     $ 2,254     $ 88     $ 87  
Interest cost
    704       593       78       75       2,113       1,780       234       226  
Expected return on plan assets
    (911 )     (698 )                 (2,733 )     (2,095 )            
Amortization of transition obligation
                15       15                   45       45  
Amortization of prior service cost
    14       14                   42       42              
Amortization of net (gain) loss
    111       191       43       60       334       572       129       180  
 
                                               
Net Periodic Benefit Cost
  $ 705     $ 851     $ 165     $ 179     $ 2,117     $ 2,553     $ 496     $ 538  
 
                                               
Employer Contributions
First Financial Corporation previously disclosed in its financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2006 that it expected to contribute $1.8 and $1.2 million respectively to its Pension Plan and ESOP and $319,000 to the Post Retirement Health Benefits Plan in 2007. Plan changes to the Post Retirement Health Benefits Plan have reduced the expected contributions for 2007 to $180,000. First Financial Corporation still anticipates contributing $1.8 and $1.2 million respectively to its Pension Plan and ESOP in 2007. Contributions of $132 thousand have been made through the first nine months of 2007 for the Post Retirement Health Benefits plan.
7. New accounting standards
We adopted the provisions of Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) Interpretation No. 48, “Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes, an interpretation of FASB Statement No. 109” (“FIN 48”), on January 1, 2007. The adoption of Fin 48 was recognized as a cumulative effect adjustment, reducing retained earnings and increasing liabilities by $86 thousand on January 1, 2007.
The amount of unrecognized tax benefits as of January 1, 2007 totaled $588, which would increase income from continuing operations, and thus impact the Company’s effective tax rate, if ultimately recognized into income. Unrecognized state income tax benefits are reported net of their related deferred federal income tax benefit.
It is the Company’s policy to recognize interest and penalties related to uncertain tax positions in income tax expense, and interest was accrued and included in the $588 amount above as of January 1, 2007. There were no material changes in unrecognized tax positions as of September 30, 2007.
The Company and its subsidiaries file a consolidated U.S. federal income tax return and combined returns in the state of Indiana and Illinois. These returns are subject to examination by taxing authorities for years after 2002. We are currently under audit by the Internal Revenue Service for the 2004 and 2005 tax years. The anticipated effect on unrecognized tax benefits resulting from this audit cannot be determined at this time.
Additionally, the Company anticipates that the statute of limitations will close during 2007 on a tax position taken in the federal income tax return. Should this statute close on the position as taken in the return, the Company will recognize these tax benefits, which will reduce income tax expense by an immaterial amount.
In February 2007, the FASB issued Statement No. 159, “The Fair Value Option for Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities” (SFAS No. 159). The standard provides companies with an option to report selected financial assets and liabilities at fair value and establishes presentation and disclosure requirements designed to facilitate comparisons between companies that choose different measurement attributes for similar types of assets and liabilities. The new standard is effective for the Corporation on January 1, 2008. The Corporation has not completed its evaluation of the impact of adoption of SFAS No. 159 but currently does not expect the adoption to have a material impact on its financial statements.

 

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In September 2006, the FASB issued Statement No. 157, Fair Value Measurements. This Statement defines fair value, establishes a framework for measuring fair value and expands disclosures about fair value measurements. This Statement establishes a fair value hierarchy about the assumptions used to measure fair value and clarifies assumptions about risk and the effect of a restriction on the sale or use of an asset. The standard is effective for fiscal years beginning after November 15, 2007. The Company has not completed its evaluation of the impact of the adoption of this standard.
ITEMS 2. and 3. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations and Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk
The purpose of this discussion is to point out key factors in the Corporation’s recent performance compared with earlier periods. The discussion should be read in conjunction with the financial statements beginning on page three of this report. All figures are for the consolidated entities. It is presumed the readers of these financial statements and of the following narrative have previously read the Corporation’s annual report for 2006.
This Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q contains forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements provide current expectations or forecasts of future events and are not guarantees of future performance, nor should they be relied upon as representing management’s views as of any subsequent date. The forward-looking statements are based on management’s expectations and are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties. Although management believes that the expectations reflected in such forward-looking statements are reasonable, actual results may differ materially from those expressed or implied in such statements. Risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially include, without limitation, the Corporation’s ability to effectively execute its business plans; changes in general economic and financial market conditions; changes in interest rates; changes in the competitive environment; continuing consolidation in the financial services industry; new litigation or changes in existing litigation; losses, customer bankruptcy, claims and assessments; changes in banking regulations or other regulatory or legislative requirements affecting the Corporation’s business; and changes in accounting policies or procedures as may be required by the Financial Accounting Standards Board or other regulatory agencies. Additional information concerning factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied in the forward-looking statements is available in the Corporation’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2006, and subsequent filings with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). Copies of these filings are available at no cost on the SEC’s Web site at www.sec.gov or on the Corporation’s Web site at www.first-online.com. Management may elect to update forward-looking statements at some future point; however, it specifically disclaims any obligation to do so.
Critical Accounting Policies
Certain of the Corporation’s accounting policies are important to the portrayal of the Corporation’s financial condition and results of operations, since they require management to make difficult, complex or subjective judgments, some of which may relate to matters that are inherently uncertain. Estimates associated with these policies are susceptible to material changes as a result of changes in facts and circumstances. Facts and circumstances, which could affect these judgments, include, but without limitation, changes in interest rates, in the performance of the economy or in the financial condition of borrowers. Management believes that its critical accounting policies include determining the allowance for loan losses and the valuation of goodwill. See further discussion of these critical accounting policies in the 2006 Annual Report on Form 10-K.
Summary of Operating Results
Net income for the nine months ended September 30, 2007 was $19.2 million compared to $17.4 million for the same period in 2006. Basic earnings per share at September 30, 2007 increased to $1.45 per average share outstanding compared to the $1.31 per average share outstanding at September 30, 2006. The three months ending on September 30, 2007 produced $6.4 million and $0.48 per share compared to $5.5 million and $0.41 per share for the same period in 2006.
The primary components of income and expense affecting net income are discussed in the following analysis.
Net Interest Income
The Corporation’s primary source of earnings is net interest income, which is the difference between the interest earned on loans and other investments and the interest paid for deposits and other sources of funds. Net interest income increased to $55.7 million in the first nine months of 2007 from $55.1 million in the same period in 2006, a 1.1% increase. The net interest margin decreased to 3.89% in 2007 from 3.92% in 2006, a 0.77% decrease, driven by a greater increase in the costs of funding than the increases realized on earning assets. The net interest income increased due to the increase in earning assets. Results for the three months ended September 30, 2007 was $18.7 million compared to $18.2 million for the same period in 2006 with a similar trend in net interest margin for the quarters as on a year-to-date basis.

 

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Non-Interest Income
Non-interest income for the nine months ended September 30, 2007 was $23.5 million compared to $21.7 million for the same period of 2006. Increased other income from sale of mortgage loans and sales of other real estate owned was the major difference between the periods. Income from insurance commissions and other service fees was also increased as compared to the same period of 2006. Non-interest income for the three months ended September 30, 2007 was also higher than the same period in 2006, increasing from $7.1 million to $7.8 million, or 10.9%. This higher level of non-interest income for the quarter is also the result of increased other income from sales of other real estate, sale of mortgage loans, insurance commissions and other service fees.
Non-Interest Expenses
The Corporation’s non-interest expense for the nine months ended September 30, 2007 compared to the same period in 2006 increased by $197 thousand or 0.4%. Non-interest expense for the three months ended September 30, 2007 in comparison with the same period in 2006 also increased, from $15.7 million to $16.1 million or 2.9%. Loan production expenses were higher during the third quarter and for the first nine months of 2007 compared to the same periods of 2006. Salaries and benefits expenses were reduced by $572 thousand for the third quarter of 2007 and $1.6 million for the first nine months of 2007 compared to the same periods of 2006. The Corporation has reduced the number of full time equivalent employees by 2.6% as a continuation of the benefits of consolidating bank subsidiaries into one bank. The effective tax rate increased from 23.6% to 28.3% for the third quarter of 2007 when compared to the same quarter in 2006, and increased from 25.7% to 27.5% for the nine months ended September 30, 2007 when compared to the same period in 2006. The changes are a result of higher and lower levels of tax-exempt income for the periods.
Allowance for Loan Losses
The Corporation’s provision for loan losses decreased $920 thousand for the third quarter and $838 thousand for the first nine months of 2007 compared to the same periods of 2006. Net charge-offs were decreased $1.4 million for the three months ended September 30, 2007 and $396 thousand for the first nine months of 2007 compared to the same periods of 2006. With the modest loan growth and the improvement in non-performing and impaired loans, the allowance for loan losses has decreased from 1.13% of gross loans, or $15.8 million at September 30, 2006 to 1.09% of gross loans, or $15.5 million at September 30, 2007. Based on management’s analysis of the current portfolio, an evaluation that includes consideration of historical loss experience, non-performing loans trends, and probable incurred losses on identified problem loans, management believes the allowance is adequate.
Non-performing Loans
Non-performing loans consist of (1) non-accrual loans on which the ultimate collectability of the full amount of interest is uncertain, (2) loans which have been renegotiated to provide for a reduction or deferral of interest or principal because of a deterioration in the financial position of the borrower, and (3) loans past due ninety days or more as to principal or interest. A summary of non-performing loans at September 30, 2007 and December 31, 2006 follows:
                 
    (000’s)  
    September 30, 2007     December 31, 2006  
 
           
 
Non-accrual loans
  $ 9,082     $ 9,893  
Restructured loans
    51       52  
 
           
 
    9,133       9,945  
Accruing loans past due over 90 days
    3,225       4,691  
 
           
 
  $ 12,358     $ 14,636  
 
           
 
               
Ratio of the allowance for loan losses as a percentage of non-performing loans
    125 %     110 %
The following loan categories comprise significant components of the nonperforming loans:
    (000’s)  
    September 30, 2007     December 31, 2006  
 
           
Non-Accrual Loans:
               
1-4 family residential
  $ 1,977     $ 1,598  
Commercial loans
    5,631       6,551  
Installment loans
    1,474       1,744  
 
           
 
  $ 9,082     $ 9,893  
 
           
 
               
Past due 90 days or more:
               
1-4 family residential
  $ 1,233     $ 1,607  
Commercial loans
    1,192       2,542  
Installment loans
    800       542  
 
           
 
  $ 3,225     $ 4,691  
 
           

 

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Interest Rate Sensitivity and Liquidity
First Financial Corporation has established risk measures, limits and policy guidelines for managing interest rate risk and liquidity. Responsibility for management of these functions resides with the Asset Liability Committee. The primary goal of the Asset Liability Committee is to maximize net interest income within the interest rate risk limits approved by the Board of Directors.
Interest Rate Risk
Management considers interest rate risk to be the Corporation’s most significant market risk. Interest rate risk is the exposure to changes in net interest income as a result of changes in interest rates. Consistency in the Corporation’s net interest income is largely dependent on the effective management of this risk.
The Asset Liability position is measured using sophisticated risk management tools, including earning simulation and market value of equity sensitivity analysis. These tools allow management to quantify and monitor both short-term and long-term exposure to interest rate risk. Simulation modeling measures the effects of changes in interest rates, changes in the shape of the yield curve and the effects of embedded options on net interest income. This measure projects earnings in the various environments over the next three years. It is important to note that measures of interest rate risk have limitations and are dependent on various assumptions. These assumptions are inherently uncertain and, as a result, the model cannot precisely predict the impact of interest rate fluctuations on net interest income. Actual results will differ from simulated results due to timing, frequency and amount of interest rate changes as well as overall market conditions. The Committee has performed a thorough analysis of these assumptions and believes them to be valid and theoretically sound. These assumptions are continuously monitored for behavioral changes.
The Corporation from time to time utilizes derivatives to manage interest rate risk. Management continuously evaluates the merits of such interest rate risk products but does not anticipate the use of such products to become a major part of the Corporation’s risk management strategy.
The table below shows the Corporation’s estimated sensitivity profile as of September 30, 2007. 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 decrease 2.38% over the next 12 months and decrease 1.27% over the following 12 months. Given a 100 basis point decrease in rates, net interest income would increase 0.83% over the next 12 months and decrease 0.30% 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
    1.12       -1.12       -4.44  
Down 100
    0.83       -0.30       -2.01  
Up 100
    -2.38       -1.27       .67  
Up 200
    -6.99       -5.03       -0.73  
Typical rate shock analysis does not reflect management’s ability to react and thereby reduce the effect of rate changes, and represents a worst-case scenario.
Liquidity Risk
Liquidity is measured by each 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 $12.9 million of investments that mature throughout the coming 12 months. The Corporation also anticipates $53.4 million of principal payments from mortgage-backed securities. Given the current rate environment, the Corporation anticipates $24.6 million in securities to be called within the next 12 months. With these sources of funds, the Corporation currently anticipates adequate liquidity to meet the expected obligations of its customers.
Financial Condition
Comparing the first nine months of 2007 to the same period in 2006, average net loans are up $20.6 million. Average deposits are up $11.4 million. Average investments increased $21.4 million. Average borrowings increased $16.6 million. The average allowance for loan and lease losses declined from 1.20% at September 30, 2006 to 1.13% at September 30, 2007. The decreased amount of net-charge-offs and the improved overall credit quality allowed the Corporation to reduce its allowance percentage of loans outstanding.
Capital Adequacy
As of September 30, 2007, 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, 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 bank’s category.

 

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                    To Be Well  
    September 30, 2007     December 31, 2006     Capitalized  
Total risk-based capital ratio
                       
Corporation
    18.15 %     17.78 %     N/A  
First Financial Bank
    18.25 %     17.74 %     10.00 %
 
                       
Tier I risk-based capital ratio
                       
Corporation
    17.18 %     16.77 %     N/A  
First Financial Bank
    17.44 %     16.90 %     6.00 %
 
                       
Tier I leverage capital ratio
                       
Corporation
    12.58 %     12.43 %     N/A  
First Financial Bank
    12.54 %     12.48 %     5.00 %
ITEM 4. Controls and Procedures
First Financial Corporation’s management is responsible for establishing and maintaining effective disclosure controls and procedures, as defined under Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. As of September 30, 2007, an evaluation was performed under the supervision and with the participation of management, including the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, of the effectiveness of the design and operation of the Corporation’s disclosure controls and procedures. Based on that evaluation, management concluded that the Corporation’s disclosure controls and procedures as of September 30, 2007 were effective in ensuring material information required to be disclosed in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q was recorded, processed, summarized, and reported on a timely basis. Additionally, there were no changes in the Corporation’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the quarter ended September 30, 2007 that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, the Corporation’s internal control over financial reporting.
PART II – Other Information
ITEM 1. Legal Proceedings.
There are no material pending legal proceedings, other than routine litigation incidental to the business of the Corporation or its subsidiaries, to which the Corporation or any of the subsidiaries is a party or of which any of their respective property is subject. Further, there is no material legal proceeding in which any director, officer, principal shareholder, or affiliate of the Corporation or any of its subsidiaries, or any associate of such director, officer, principal shareholder or affiliate is a party, or has a material interest, adverse to the Corporation or any of its subsidiaries.
ITEM 1A. Risk Factors.
There have been no material changes in the risk factors from those disclosed in the Corporation’s 2006 Annual Report on Form 10-K.
ITEM 2. Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds.
(a) None.
(b) Not applicable.
(c) Purchases of Equity Securities
The Corporation periodically acquires shares of its common stock directly from shareholders in individually negotiated transactions. The Corporation has not adopted a formal policy or adopted a formal program for repurchases of shares of its common stock. Following is certain information regarding shares of common stock purchased by the Corporation during the quarter covered by this report.
                                 
                    (c)        
                    Total Number Of     (d)  
    (a)     (b)     Shares Purchased As Part     Maximum Number Of  
    Total Number Of     Average Price     Of Publicly Announced     Shares That May Yet Be  
    Shares Purchased     Paid Per Share     Plans Or Programs *     Purchased *  
July 1 – 31 2007
    15,000       27.95       N/A       N/A  
August 1 – 31, 2007
    20,000       25.80       N/A       N/A  
September 1 – 30, 2007
    21,462       30.07       N/A       N/A  
Total
    56,462       27.99       N/A       N/A  
 
*   The Corporation has not adopted a formal policy or program regarding repurchases of its shares of stock.

 

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ITEM 3. Defaults upon Senior Securities
Not applicable.
ITEM 4. Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders
Not applicable.
ITEM 5. Other Information
Not applicable.

 

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ITEM 6. Exhibits.
         
Exhibit No:   Description of Exhibit:
       
 
  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 10-Q filed for the quarter ended September 30, 2002.
       
 
  10.1    
Employment Agreement for Norman L. Lowery, dated August 29, 2007 and effective January 1, 2007, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Corporation’s Form 8-K filed September 4, 2007.
       
 
  10.2    
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.
       
 
  10.3    
2007 Schedule of Director Compensation, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.3 of the Corporation’s Form 10-K filed for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2006.
       
 
  10.4    
2007 Schedule of Named Executive Officer Compensation, incorporated by reference to the Corporation’s Form 8-K filed on December 22, 2006.
       
 
  10.5    
2005 Executives Deferred Compensation Plan, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.5 of the Corporation’s Form 8-K filed September 4, 2007.
       
 
  10.6    
2005 Executives Supplemental Retirement Plan, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.6 of the Corporation’s Form 8-K filed September 4, 2007.
       
 
  31.1    
Sarbanes-Oxley Act 302 Certification for Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2007 by Principal Executive Officer, dated November 7, 2007
       
 
  31.2    
Sarbanes-Oxley Act 302 Certification for Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2007 by Principal Financial Officer, dated November 7, 2007.
       
 
  32.1    
Certification, dated November 7, 2007, of Principal Executive Officer and Principal Financial Officer pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2005 on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2007.

 

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SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements 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  
  (Registrant)                 
 
 
Date: November 7, 2007  By   /s/ Donald E. Smith    
    Donald E. Smith, Chairman   
       
 
     
Date: November 7, 2007  By   /s/ Norman L. Lowery    
    Norman L. Lowery, Vice Chairman and CEO   
       
 
     
Date: November 7, 2007  By   /s/ Michael A. Carty    
    Michael A. Carty, Treasurer and CFO   
       

 

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Exhibit Index
         
Exhibit No:   Description of Exhibit:
       
 
  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 10-Q filed for the quarter ended September 30, 2002.
       
 
  10.1    
Employment Agreement for Norman L. Lowery, dated August 29, 2007 and effective January 1, 2007, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Corporation’s Form 8-K filed September 4, 2007.
       
 
  10.2    
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.
       
 
  10.3    
2007 Schedule of Director Compensation, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.3 of the Corporation’s Form 10-K filed for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2006.
       
 
  10.4    
2007 Schedule of Named Executive Officer Compensation, incorporated by reference to the Corporation’s Form 8-K filed on December 22, 2006.
       
 
  10.5    
2005 Executives Deferred Compensation Plan, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.5 of the Corporation’s Form 8-K filed September 4, 2007.
       
 
  10.6    
2005 Executives Supplemental Retirement Plan, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.6 of the Corporation’s Form 8-K filed September 4, 2007.
       
 
  31.1    
Sarbanes-Oxley Act 302 Certification for Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2007 by Principal Executive Officer, dated November 7, 2007
       
 
  31.2    
Sarbanes-Oxley Act 302 Certification for Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2007 by Principal Financial Officer, dated November 7, 2007.
       
 
  32.1    
Certification, dated November 7, 2007, of Principal Executive Officer and Principal Financial Officer pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2005 on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2007.

 

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