Edgar Filing: FIRST MERCHANTS CORP

FRME-12.31.2013-10K

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, DC 20549

_______________________________

FORM 10-K

[Mark One]

[X] ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the fiscal year ended December 31, 2013

[ ] 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 0-17071

FIRST MERCHANTS CORPORATION

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)



Indiana	35-1544218
(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization)	(I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)



200 East Jackson Muncie, Indiana	47305-2814
(Address of principal executive offices)	(Zip Code)

Registrant’s telephone number, including area code: (765)747-1500

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:



Title of Each Class	Name of each exchange on which registered
Common Stock, $0.125 stated value per share	The NASDAQ Stock 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 website, 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 or a non-accelerated filer. See definition of “accelerated filer and large accelerated filer" in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act. Large accelerated filer [ ] Accelerated filer[X] Non-accelerated filer [ ] Small 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]

The aggregate market value (not necessarily a reliable indication of the price at which more than a limited number of shares would trade) of the voting stock held by non-affiliates of the registrant was $493,952,000 as of the last business day of the registrant's most recently completed second fiscal quarter (June 30, 2013).

As of February 28, 2014 there were 35,973,832 outstanding common shares, without par value, of the registrant.

DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE



Documents	Part of Form 10-K into which incorporated
Portions of the Registrant’s Definitive	Part III (Items 10 through 14)
Proxy Statement for Annual Meeting of
Shareholders to be held May 12, 2014

Table of Contents

TABLE OF CONTENTS

FIRST MERCHANTS CORPORATION



Five-Year Summary of Selected Financial Data			3
Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Statements			4

PART I
	Item 1.	Business	5
	Item 1A.	Risk Factors	21
	Item 1B.	Unresolved Staff Comments	24
	Item 2.	Properties	25
	Item 3.	Legal Proceedings	25
	Item 4.	Mine Safety Disclosures	25
		Supplemental Information - Executive Officers of the Registrant	26

PART II
	Item 5.	Market for Registrant's Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities	27
	Item 6.	Selected Financial Data	29
	Item 7.	Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations	30
	Item 7A.	Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosure about Market Risk	43
	Item 8.	Financial Statements and Supplementary Data	44
	Item 9.	Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure	98
	Item 9A.	Controls and Procedures	98
	Item 9B.	Other Information	99

PART III
	Item 10.	Directors, Executive Officers and Corporate Governance	100
	Item 11.	Executive Compensation	100
	Item 12.	Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stockholder Matters	100
	Item 13.	Certain Relationships, Related Transactions and Director Independence	100
	Item 14.	Principal Accountant Fees and Services	100

PART IV
	Item 15.	Exhibits and Financial Statement Schedules	101

Table of Contents

FIVE-YEAR SUMMARY OF SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA



(Dollars in Thousands, Except Share Data)	2013			2012			2011			2010			2009
Operations ^{(1) (2)}
Net Interest Income Fully Taxable Equivalent (FTE) Basis	$	160,308		$	158,081		$	149,114		$	149,434		$	159,068
Less Tax Equivalent Adjustment	6,043			5,745			5,759			5,865			5,722
Net Interest Income	154,265			152,336			143,355			143,569			153,346
Provision for Loan Losses	6,648			18,534			22,630			46,483			122,176
Net Interest Income After Provision for Loan Losses	147,617			133,802			120,725			97,086			31,170
Total Other Income	54,809			64,302			49,120			48,544			51,201
Total Other Expenses	143,219			137,115			135,938			142,311			151,558
Income (Loss) Before Income Tax Expense (Benefit)	59,207			60,989			33,907			3,319			(69,187		)
Income Tax Expense (Benefit)	14,677			15,867			8,655			(3,590		)	(28,424		)
Net Income (Loss)	44,530			45,122			25,252			6,909			(40,763		)
Gain on Exchange of Preferred Stock to Trust Preferred Debt										11,353
Loss on CPP Unamortized Discount							(1,401		)	(1,301		)
Loss on Extinguishment of Trust Preferred Securities							(10,857		)
Preferred Stock Dividends and Discount Accretion	(2,380		)	(4,539		)	(3,981		)	(5,239		)	(4,979		)
Net Income (Loss) Available to Common Stockholders	$	42,150		$	40,583		$	9,013		$	11,722		$	(45,742	)

Per Share Data
Basic Net Income (Loss) Available to Common Stockholders	$	1.42		$	1.42		$	0.34		$	0.48		$	(2.17	)
Diluted Net Income (Loss) Available to Common Stockholders	1.41			1.41			0.34			0.48			(2.17		)
Cash Dividends Paid - Common	0.18			0.10			0.04			0.04			0.47
December 31 Book Value - Common	17.67			16.08			14.83			15.11			16.55
December 31 Tangible Book Value - Common	12.17			10.95			9.64			9.21			9.25
December 31 Market Value (Bid Price) - Common	22.72			14.84			8.47			8.86			5.94

Average Balances ^{(1) (2)}
Total Assets	$	4,455,411		$	4,245,996		$	4,143,850		$	4,271,715		$	4,674,590
Total Loans ⁽³⁾	3,008,555			2,819,816			2,748,684			3,050,850			3,546,316
Total Deposits	3,465,640			3,263,020			3,175,762			3,337,747			3,603,509
Securities Sold Under Repurchase Agreements (long-term portion)	5,000			10,000			12,773			24,250			24,250
Total Federal Home Loan Bank Advances	119,246			113,730			110,729			107,753			243,105
Total Subordinated Debentures and Term Loans	114,394			109,339			133,673			126,650			110,826
Total Stockholders' Equity	540,255			535,497			478,440			470,379			477,148

Year-End Balances ^{(1) (2)}
Total Assets	$	5,437,262		$	4,304,821		$	4,173,076		$	4,170,848		$	4,480,952
Total Loans ⁽³⁾	3,637,740			2,924,509			2,731,279			2,857,152			3,277,824
Total Deposits	4,231,468			3,346,383			3,134,655			3,268,880			3,536,536
Securities Sold Under Repurchase Agreements (long-term portion)				10,000			10,000			24,250			24,250
Total Federal Home Loan Bank Advances	122,140			94,238			138,095			82,684			129,749
Total Subordinated Debentures and Term Loans	126,807			112,161			194,974			226,440			194,790
Total Stockholders' Equity	634,923			552,236			514,467			454,408			463,785

Financial Ratios ^{(1) (2)}
Return on Average Assets	0.95		%	0.96		%	0.22		%	0.27		%	(0.98		)%
Return on Average Stockholders' Equity	7.80			7.58			1.88			2.49			(9.59		)
Average Earning Assets to Total Assets	90.17			90.28			90.35			90.42			94.74
Allowance for Loan Losses as % of Total Loans	1.87			2.37			2.60			2.90			2.81
Dividend Payout Ratio	12.77			7.09			11.76			8.33			n/m ⁴
Average Stockholders' Equity to Average Assets	12.13			12.61			11.55			11.01			10.21
Tax Equivalent Yield on Earning Assets	4.40			4.74			4.99			5.32			5.56
Cost of Supporting Liabilities	0.41			0.62			1.01			1.45			1.82
Net Interest Margin on Earning Assets	3.99			4.12			3.98			3.87			3.74

______________________

(1) Effective February 10, 2012, the Bank assumed substantially all of the deposits and certain other liabilities and acquired certain assets of SCB Bank, a federal savings bank headquartered in Shelbyville, Indiana, from the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (“FDIC”), as receiver for SCB Bank (the “Acquisition”), pursuant to the terms of the Purchase and Assumption Agreement - Modified Whole Bank; All Deposits (the “Agreement”), entered into by the Bank, the FDIC as receiver of SCB Bank and the FDIC. Under the terms of the Agreement, the Bank acquired $147,700,000 in assets, including approximately $11,900,000 of cash and cash equivalents, $18,900,000 of marketable securities, $1,800,000 in Federal Home Loan Bank stock, $113,000,000 in loans and $2,100,000 of premises and other assets. The asset balances are book balances and do not reflect the fair value discount of $29,000,000 from book value. The Bank assumed approximately $135,700,000 of liabilities, including approximately $125,900,000 in customer deposits, $9,600,000 of other borrowings and $402,000 in other liabilities. The bid accepted by the FDIC included no deposit premium.

(2) Effective November 12, 2013, the Corporation acquired 100 percent of CFS Bancorp, Inc. ("CFS") in an all stock transaction. CFS was headquartered in Munster, Indiana and had banking centers in northwestern Indiana and northeastern Illinois. Pursuant to the merger agreement, the shareholders of CFS received 0.65 percent of the Corporation's common stock for each share of CFS common stock held. The Corporation issued approximately 7.1 million shares of common stock, which was valued at approximately $135.6 million. Under the terms of the Agreement, the Corporation acquired $1,106,177,000 in assets, including approximately $10,992,000 of cash and cash equivalents, $213,379,000 of interest-bearing deposits, $30,302,000 of marketable securities, $6,188,000 in Federal Home Loan Bank stock, $639,782,000 in loans, $15,033,000 of premises and equipment, $36,555,000 of cash surrender value of life insurance, $20,704,000 in other real estate owned and $133,242,000 of other assets. The asset balances are book balances and do not reflect the fair value discount of $28,831,000 from book value. The Corporation assumed approximately $988,617,000 of liabilities, including approximately $954,568,000 in customer deposits, $24,830,000 of other borrowings and $9,219,000 in other liabilities. Approximately $7,313,000 of the purchase price was allocated to a core deposit intangible and $47,573,000 to goodwill.

(3) Includes loans held for sale.

(4) Not meaningful.

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FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

First Merchants Corporation (the “Corporation”) from time to time includes forward-looking statements in its oral and written communication. The Corporation may include forward-looking statements in filings with The Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”), such as Form 10-K and Form 10-Q, in other written materials and oral statements made by senior management to analysts, investors, representatives of the media and others. The Corporation intends these forward-looking statements to be covered by the safe harbor provisions for forward-looking statements contained in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, and the Corporation is including this statement for purposes of these safe harbor provisions. Forward-looking statements can often be identified by the use of words like “believe”, “continue”, “pattern”, “estimate”, “project”, “intend”, “anticipate”, “expect” and similar expressions or future or conditional verbs such as “will”, “would”, “should”, “could”, “might”, “can”, “may” or similar expressions. These forward-looking statements include:


•	statements of the Corporation’s goals, intentions and expectations;


•	statements regarding the Corporation’s business plan and growth strategies;


•	statements regarding the asset quality of the Corporation’s loan and investment portfolios; and


•	estimates of the Corporation’s risks and future costs and benefits.

These forward-looking statements are subject to significant risks, assumptions and uncertainties, including, among other things, those discussed in Item 1A, “RISK FACTORS”.

Because of these and other uncertainties, the Corporation’s actual future results may be materially different from the results indicated by these forward-looking statements. In addition, the Corporation’s past results of operations do not necessarily indicate its future results.

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PART I: ITEM 1. BUSINESS

PART I

ITEM 1. BUSINESS

GENERAL

First Merchants Corporation (the “Corporation”) is a financial holding company headquartered in Muncie, Indiana and was organized in September 1982. The Corporation’s Common Stock is traded on NASDAQ’s Global Select Market System under the symbol FRME. The Corporation has one full-service bank charter, First Merchants Bank, National Association (the “Bank”), which opened for business in Muncie, Indiana, in March 1893. The Bank also operates Lafayette Bank and Trust, Commerce National Bank and First Merchants Trust Company as divisions of First Merchants Bank, N.A. The Bank includes ninety-five banking locations in twenty-six Indiana, two Illinois and two Ohio counties. In addition to its branch network, the Corporation’s delivery channels include ATMs, check cards, remote deposit capture, interactive voice response systems and internet technology. The Corporation’s business activities are currently limited to one significant business segment, which is community banking.

Through the Bank, the Corporation offers a broad range of financial services, including accepting time deposits, savings and demand deposits; making consumer, commercial, agri-business and real estate mortgage loans; renting safe deposit facilities; providing personal and corporate trust services; providing full-service brokerage; and providing other corporate services, letters of credit and repurchase agreements.

The Corporation also operates First Merchants Insurance Services, Inc., operating as First Merchants Insurance Group, a full-service property, casualty, personal lines, and employee benefit insurance agency headquartered in Muncie, Indiana.

All inter-company transactions are eliminated during the preparation of consolidated financial statements.

As of December 31, 2013, the Corporation had consolidated assets of $5.4 billion, consolidated deposits of $4.2 billion and stockholders’ equity of $635 million. As of December 31, 2013, the Corporation and its subsidiaries had 1,449 full-time equivalent employees.

AVAILABLE INFORMATION

The Corporation makes its Annual Report on Form 10-K, Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q, Current Reports on Form 8-K and amendments to those reports filed or furnished pursuant to Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, available on its website at www.firstmerchants.com without charge, as soon as reasonably practicable, after such reports are electronically filed with, or furnished to, the Securities and Exchange Commission. These documents can also be read and copied at the Securities and Exchange Commission’s Public Reference Room at 100 F Street, NE, Washington, D.C. 20549. Please call the Securities and Exchange Commission at 1-800-SEC-0330 for further information on the public reference room. SEC filings are also available to the public at the Securities and Exchange Commission’s website at www.sec.gov. Additionally, the Corporation will also provide without charge, a copy of its Annual Report on Form 10-K to any shareholder by mail. Requests should be sent to Cynthia Holaday, Shareholder Relations, First Merchants Corporation, P.O. Box 792, Muncie, IN 47308-0792.

ACQUISITION POLICY

The Corporation anticipates that it will continue its policy of geographic expansion of its banking business through the acquisition of banks whose operations are consistent with its banking philosophy. Management routinely explores opportunities to acquire financial institutions and other financial services-related businesses and to enter into strategic alliances to expand the scope of its services and its customer base.

Effective November 12, 2013, the Corporation acquired 100 percent of CFS Bancorp ("CFS") in an all stock transaction. CFS was headquartered in Munster, Indiana and had banking centers in northwestern Indiana and northeastern Illinois. Pursuant to the merger agreement, the shareholders of CFS received 0.65 percent of the Corporation's common stock for each share of CFS Bancorp common stock held. The Corporation issued approximately 7.1 million shares of common stock, which was valued at approximately $135.6 million. Under the terms of the Agreement, the Corporation acquired $1,106,177,000 in assets, including approximately $10,992,000 of cash and cash equivalents, $213,379,000 of interest-bearing deposits, $30,302,000 of marketable securities, $6,188,000 in Federal Home Loan Bank stock, $639,782,000 in loans, $15,033,000 of premises and equipment, $36,555,000 of cash surrender value of life insurance, $20,704,000 in other real estate owned and $133,242,000 of other assets. The asset balances are book balances and do not reflect the fair value discount of $28,831,000 from book value. The Corporation assumed approximately $988,617,000 of liabilities, including approximately $954,568,000 in customer deposits, $24,830,000 of other borrowings and $9,129,000 in other liabilities. Approximately $7,313,000 of the purchase price was allocated to a core deposit intangible and $47,573,000 to goodwill.

Effective February 10, 2012, the Bank assumed substantially all of the deposits and certain other liabilities and acquired certain assets of SCB Bank, a federal savings bank headquartered in Shelbyville, Indiana, from the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (“FDIC”), as receiver for SCB Bank (the “Acquisition”), pursuant to the terms of the Purchase and Assumption Agreement - Modified Whole Bank; All Deposits (the “Agreement”), entered into by the Bank, the FDIC as receiver of SCB Bank and the FDIC. Under the terms of the Agreement, the Bank acquired $147,700,000 in assets, including approximately $11,900,000 of cash and cash equivalents, $18,900,000 of marketable securities, $1,800,000 in Federal Home Loan Bank stock, $113,000,000 in loans and $2,100,000 of premises and other assets. The asset balances are book balances and do not reflect the fair value discount of $29,000,000 from book value. The Bank assumed approximately $135,700,000 of liabilities, including approximately $125,900,000 in customer deposits, $9,600,000 of other borrowings and $402,000 in other liabilities. The bid accepted by the FDIC included no deposit premium.

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PART I: ITEM 1. BUSINESS

COMPETITION

The Bank is located in Indiana, Ohio and Illinois counties where other financial services companies provide similar banking services. In addition to the competition provided by the lending and deposit gathering subsidiaries of national manufacturers, retailers, insurance companies and investment brokers, the Bank competes vigorously with other banks, thrift institutions, credit unions and finance companies located within their service areas.

REGULATION AND SUPERVISION OF FIRST MERCHANTS CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

Bank Holding Company Regulation

The Corporation is registered as a bank holding company and has elected to be a financial holding company. It is subject to the supervision of, and regulation by the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System (“Federal Reserve”) under the Bank Holding Company Act of 1956 (the “BHC Act”), as amended. Bank holding companies are required to file periodic reports with and are subject to periodic examination by the Federal Reserve. The Federal Reserve has issued regulations under the BHC Act requiring a bank holding company to serve as a source of financial and managerial strength to the Bank. Thus, it is the policy of the Federal Reserve that a bank holding company should stand ready to use its resources to provide adequate capital funds to the Bank during periods of financial stress or adversity. Additionally, under the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation Improvement Act of 1991 (“FDICIA”), a bank holding company is required to guarantee the compliance of any subsidiary bank that may become “undercapitalized” (as defined in the FDICIA section of this Form 10-K) with the terms of any capital restoration plan filed by such subsidiary with its appropriate federal banking agency. Under the BHC Act, the Federal Reserve has the authority to require a bank holding company to terminate any activity or relinquish control of a non-bank subsidiary (other than a non-bank subsidiary of a bank) upon the determination that such activity constitutes a serious risk to the financial stability of any bank subsidiary.

The BHC Act requires the Corporation to obtain the prior approval of the Federal Reserve before:


•	acquiring direct or indirect control or ownership of any voting shares of any bank or bank holding company if, after such acquisition, the bank holding company will directly or indirectly own or control more than 5 percent of the voting shares of the bank or bank holding company;


•	merging or consolidating with another bank holding company; or


•	acquiring substantially all of the assets of any bank.

The BHC Act generally prohibits bank holding companies that have not become financial holding companies from (i) engaging in activities other than banking or managing or controlling banks or other permissible subsidiaries, and (ii) acquiring or retaining direct or indirect control of any company engaged in the activities other than those activities determined by the Federal Reserve to be closely related to banking or managing or controlling banks.

Capital Adequacy Guidelines for Bank Holding Companies

The BHC Act does not place territorial restrictions on such non-banking related activities. The Corporation is required to comply with the Federal Reserve’s risk-based capital guidelines. These guidelines require a minimum ratio of capital to risk-weighted assets of 8 percent (including certain off-balance sheet activities such as standby letters of credit). At least half of the total required capital must be “Tier 1 capital,” consisting principally of stockholders’ equity, noncumulative perpetual preferred stock, a limited amount of cumulative perpetual preferred stock and minority interest in the equity accounts of consolidated subsidiaries, less certain goodwill items. The remainder may consist of a limited amount of subordinate debt and intermediate-term preferred stock, certain hybrid capital instruments and other debt securities, cumulative perpetual preferred stock, and a limited amount of the general loan loss allowance.

In addition to the risk-based capital guidelines, the Federal Reserve has adopted a Tier 1 (leverage) capital ratio under which the Corporation must maintain a minimum level of Tier 1 capital to average total consolidated assets. The ratio is 3 percent in the case of bank holding companies, which have the highest regulatory examination ratings and are not contemplating significant growth or expansion.

The following are the Corporation’s regulatory capital ratios as of December 31, 2013:



	Corporation		Regulatory Minimum Requirement
Tier 1 risk-based capital ratio	11.71	%	4.00	%
Total risk-based capital ratio	14.54	%	8.00	%

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PART I: ITEM 1. BUSINESS

In July 2013, the United States banking regulators adopted new capital rules which modified the risk-based capital and leverage capital requirements applicable to bank holding companies and depository institutions. These rules are commonly known as "Basel III". These new rules will be phased in for the Corporation and the Bank beginning on January 1, 2015. The following is a summary of the major changes related to risk based capital:


•	higher minimum capital requirements, including a new "common equity tier 1 capital" ratio of 4.5 percent, a tier 1 capital ratio of 6 percent, a total capital ratio of 8 percent and a minimum leverage ratio of 4 percent;


•	stricter eligibility for regulatory capital instruments:


•	restrictions on the payment of capital distributions (including dividends) and certain discretionary bonus payments to executive officers if certain thresholds are not met under a new "capital conservation buffer" as defined in the rules;


•	replacement of the external credit ratings approach to standards of creditworthiness with a simplified supervisory formula approach;


•	stricter limitations on the extent to which certain mortgage servicing assets, deferred tax assets and investments in unconsolidated financial institutions may be included in common equity tier 1 capital;


•	increased risk weights for past due loans, certain commercial real estate loans and certain equity exposures.

The implementation of the new Basel III standards is not expected to have a material impact on the Corporation or the Bank.

Bank Regulation

The Bank is supervised, regulated and examined by the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (the “OCC”). The OCC has the authority to issue cease-and-desist orders if it determines that activities of the Bank regularly represent an unsafe and unsound banking practice or a violation of law. Federal law extensively regulates various aspects of the banking business such as reserve requirements, truth-in-lending and truth-in-savings disclosures, equal credit opportunity, fair credit reporting, trading in securities and other aspects of banking operations. Current federal law also requires banks, among other things, to make deposited funds available within specified time periods.

Bank Capital Requirements

The OCC has adopted risk-based capital ratio guidelines to which national banks are subject. The guidelines establish a framework that makes regulatory capital requirements more sensitive to differences in risk profiles. Risk-based capital ratios are determined by allocating assets and specified off-balance sheet commitments to four risk-weighted categories, with higher levels of capital being required for the categories perceived as representing greater risk.

Like the capital guidelines established by the Federal Reserve, these guidelines divide a bank’s capital into tiers. Banks are required to maintain a total risk-based capital ratio of 8 percent. The OCC may, however, set higher capital requirements when a bank’s particular circumstances warrant. Banks experiencing or anticipating significant growth are expected to maintain capital ratios, including tangible capital positions, well above the minimum levels.

In addition, the OCC established guidelines prescribing a minimum Tier 1 leverage ratio (Tier 1 capital to adjusted total assets as specified in the guidelines). Currently, these guidelines provide for a minimum Tier 1 leverage ratio of 3 percent for banks that meet specified criteria, including that they have the highest regulatory rating and are not experiencing or anticipating significant growth. All other banks are required to maintain a Tier 1 leverage ratio of 3 percent plus an additional 1 to 2 percent. The Bank exceeded the minimum risk-based capital guidelines of the OCC as of December 31, 2013. The capital standards applicable to the Bank will begin to change on January 1, 2015 in accordance with the Basel III rules discussed above. The implementation of the new Basel III standards is not expected to have a material impact on the Corporation or the Bank.

FDIC Improvement Act of 1991

The FDICIA requires, among other things, federal bank regulatory authorities to take “prompt corrective action” with respect to banks, which do not meet minimum capital requirements. For these purposes, FDICIA establishes five capital tiers: well capitalized, adequately capitalized, undercapitalized, significantly undercapitalized and critically undercapitalized. The Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (“FDIC”) has adopted regulations to implement the prompt corrective action provisions of FDICIA.

“Undercapitalized” banks are subject to growth limitations and are required to submit a capital restoration plan. A bank’s compliance with such plan is required to be guaranteed by the bank’s parent holding company. If an “undercapitalized” bank fails to submit an acceptable plan, it is treated as if it is significantly undercapitalized. “Significantly undercapitalized” banks are subject to one or more restrictions, including an order by the FDIC to sell sufficient voting stock to become adequately capitalized, requirements to reduce total assets and cease receipt of deposits from correspondent banks, and restrictions on compensation of executive officers. “Critically undercapitalized” institutions may not, beginning 60 days after becoming “critically undercapitalized,” make any payment of principal or interest on certain subordinated debt or extend credit for a highly leveraged transaction or enter into any transaction outside the ordinary course of business. In addition, “critically undercapitalized” institutions are subject to appointment of a receiver or conservator.

As of December 31, 2013, the Bank was “well capitalized” based on the “prompt corrective action” ratios described above. It should be noted that a bank’s capital category is determined solely for the purpose of applying the OCC’s “prompt corrective action” regulations and that the capital category may not constitute an accurate representation of the bank’s overall financial condition or prospects.

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PART I: ITEM 1. BUSINESS

Volcker Rule

In December 2013, United States banking regulators adopted final rules implementing the Volcker Rule under the Dodd-Frank Act. The Volcker Rule places certain limitations on the trading activity of insured depository institutions and their affiliates subject to certain exceptions. The restricted trading activity includes purchasing or selling certain types of securities or instruments in order to benefit from short-term price movements or to realize short-term profits. Exceptions to the Volcker Rule include trading in certain U.S. Government or other municipal securities and trading conducted in certain capacities as a broker or other agent, as a fiduciary on behalf of customers, to satisfy a debt previously contracted, repurchase and securities lending agreements and risk-mitigating hedging activities. The Volcker Rule also prohibits banking institutions from having an ownership interest in a hedge fund or private equity fund. The implementation of the new Volcker Rule is not expected to have a material impact on the Corporation or the Bank.

LEGISLATIVE AND REGULATORY INITIATIVES TO ADDRESS FINANCIAL AND ECONOMIC CRISES

Small Business Lending Program

In 2010, Congress established the Small Business Lending Fund (“SBLF”) under the Small Business Jobs Act of 2010 encouraging lending to small business by providing capital to qualified community banks with assets of less than $10 billion. On September 22, 2011, the Corporation became a participant in SBLF by entering into a Securities Purchase Agreement (the “Purchase Agreement”) with the U.S. Department of Treasury ("Treasury"), pursuant to which the Corporation issued 90,782.94 shares of the Corporation’s Senior Non-Cumulative Perpetual Preferred Stock, Series B (the “Series B Preferred Stock”), having a liquidation amount per share equal to $1,000, for a total purchase price of $90,782,940.

The Series B Preferred Stock was entitled to receive non-cumulative dividends, payable quarterly, on each January 1, April 1, July 1 and October 1, beginning October 1, 2011. The dividend rate was based on the level of the Bank's lending to small businesses. The Series B Preferred Stock was non-voting, except in limited circumstances, and was issued in a private placement exempt from registration pursuant to Section 4(2) of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended.

On January 3, 2013, the Corporation redeemed 22,695.94 shares of the Series B Preferred Stock held by the Treasury at an aggregate redemption price of $22,695,940 plus accrued but unpaid dividends. On July 2, 2013, the Corporation redeemed an additional 34,044 shares of the Series B Preferred Stock held by the Treasury at an aggregate redemption price of $34,044,000 plus accrued but unpaid dividends. On November 22, 2013, the Corporation redeemed the final 34,043 shares of the Series B Preferred Stock held by the Treasury at an aggregate redemption price of $34,043,000 plus accrued but unpaid dividends. This redemption resulted in all of the outstanding shares of Series B Preferred Stock having been redeemed and the Corporation ending its participation in the SBLF program.

Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act

On July 21, 2010, President Obama signed the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act (the “Dodd-Frank Act”) into law. The Dodd-Frank Act is likely to have a broad impact on the financial services industry, including significant regulatory and compliance changes. Many of the requirements called for in the Dodd-Frank Act will be implemented over time and most will be subject to various federal agencies implementing regulations over the course of several years. Given the uncertainty associated with the manner in which the provisions of the Dodd-Frank Act will be implemented by the various regulatory agencies through regulatory guidance, the full extent of the impact such requirements will have on the financial services industry, and on operations specifically, is currently unclear. The changes resulting from the Dodd-Frank Act may materially impact the profitability of the Corporation’s business activities, require changes to certain business practices, impose more stringent capital, liquidity and leverage requirements or otherwise adversely affect the business. At a minimum, the Dodd-Frank Act is likely to:


•	increase the cost of operations due to greater regulatory oversight, supervision and examination of banks and bank holding companies, including higher deposit insurance premiums;


•	limit the Corporation’s ability to raise additional capital through the use of trust preferred securities as new issuances of these securities may no longer be included as Tier 1 capital;


•	reduce the flexibility to generate or originate certain revenue-producing assets based on increased regulatory capital standards; and


•	limit the ability to expand consumer product and service offerings due to anticipated stricter consumer protection laws and regulations.

The timing and extent of these increases and limitations will remain unclear until the underlying implementing regulations are promulgated by the applicable federal agencies. In the interim, the Corporation’s management is currently taking steps to best prepare for the implementation and to minimize the adverse impact on the business, financial condition and results of operation.

On February 7, 2011, the FDIC adopted final rules implementing a portion of the Dodd-Frank Act relating to deposit insurance assessments. The rules modify the base amount for a financial institution’s insurance assessments from an institution’s insured deposits to the difference between an institution’s daily average consolidated assets and its daily average tangible equity. The rules also eliminated the requirement that the FDIC provide rebates to institutions on their deposit premiums once the reserve ratio exceeded 1.5 percent. These new rules became effective on April 1, 2011.

Deposit Insurance

The Bank is insured up to regulatory limits by the FDIC; and, accordingly, is subject to deposit insurance assessments to maintain the Deposit Insurance Fund administered by the FDIC. The FDIC has adopted regulations establishing a permanent risk-related deposit insurance assessment system. Under this system, the FDIC places each insured bank in one of four risk categories based on (i) the bank’s capital evaluation, and (ii) supervisory evaluations provided to the FDIC by the bank’s primary federal regulator. Each insured bank’s annual assessment rate is then determined by the risk category in which it is classified by the FDIC.

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When Dodd-Frank became effective, it permanently raised the previous Standard Maximum Deposit Insurance Amount (“SMDIA") to $250,000. The FDIC insurance coverage limit applies per depositor, per insured depository institution for each account ownership category. This provision became effective for depositors December 31, 2010.

On November 9, 2010, the FDIC implemented section 343 of the Dodd-Frank Act providing unlimited insurance coverage on noninterest-bearing transaction accounts. Beginning December 31, 2010, through December 31, 2012, all noninterest-bearing transaction accounts were fully insured, regardless of the balance of the account, at all FDIC-insured institutions. As of January 1, 2013, noninterest-bearing transaction deposit accounts are no longer insured separately from other accounts at the same FDIC-insured institution. Instead, noninterest-bearing transaction accounts will be added to other accounts, and the aggregate balance insured up to at least the Standard Maximum Deposit Insurance Amount of $250,000, at each institution.

DIVIDEND LIMITATIONS

National banking laws restrict the amount of dividends that an affiliate bank may declare in a year without obtaining prior regulatory approval. National banks are limited to the bank’s retained net income (as defined) for the current year plus those for the previous two years. At December 31, 2013, the Corporation’s affiliates (including the Bank and other affiliates) had a total of $40,982,000 retained net profits available for 2014 dividends to the Corporation without prior regulatory approval.

BROKERED DEPOSITS

Under FDIC regulations, no FDIC-insured depository institution can accept brokered deposits unless it (i) is well capitalized, or (ii) is adequately capitalized and received a waiver from the FDIC. In addition, these regulations prohibit any depository institution that is not well capitalized from (a) paying an interest rate on deposits in excess of 76 basis points over certain prevailing market rates or (b) offering “pass through” deposit insurance on certain employee benefit plan accounts unless it provides certain notice to affected depositors.

INTERSTATE BANKING AND BRANCHING

Under the Riegle-Neal Interstate Banking and Branching Efficiency Act of 1994 (“Riegle-Neal”), subject to certain concentration limits, required regulatory approvals and other requirements, (i) financial holding companies such as the Corporation are permitted to acquire banks and bank holding companies located in any state; (ii) any bank that is a subsidiary of a bank holding company is permitted to receive deposits, renew time deposits, close loans, service loans and receive loan payments as an agent for any other bank subsidiary of that holding company; and (iii) banks are permitted to acquire branch offices outside their home states by merging with out-of-state banks, purchasing branches in other states, and establishing de novo branch offices in other states.

FINANCIAL SERVICES MODERNIZATION ACT

The Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act of 1999 (the “Financial Services Modernization Act”) establishes a comprehensive framework to permit affiliations among commercial banks, insurance companies, securities firms, and other financial service providers by revising and expanding the existing BHC Act. Under this legislation, bank holding companies would be permitted to conduct essentially unlimited securities and insurance activities as well as other activities determined by the Federal Reserve Board to be financial in nature or related to financial services. As a result, the Corporation is able to provide securities and insurance services. Furthermore, under this legislation, the Corporation is able to acquire, or be acquired, by brokerage and securities firms and insurance underwriters. In addition, the Financial Services Modernization Act broadens the activities that may be conducted by national banks through the formation of financial subsidiaries. Finally, the Financial Services Modernization

Act modifies the laws governing the implementation of the Community Reinvestment Act and addresses a variety of other legal and regulatory issues affecting both day-to-day operations and long-term activities of financial institutions.

A bank holding company may become a financial holding company if each of its subsidiary banks is well capitalized, is well managed and has at least a satisfactory rating under the Community Reinvestment Act, by filing a declaration that the bank holding company wishes to become a financial holding company. Also effective March 11, 2000, no regulatory approval is required for a financial holding company to acquire a company, other than a bank or savings association, engaged in activities that are financial in nature or incidental to activities that are financial in nature, as determined by the Federal Reserve Board. The Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago approved the Corporation’s application to become a Financial Holding Company effective September 13, 2000.

USA PATRIOT ACT

As part of the USA Patriot Act, signed into law on October 26, 2001, Congress adopted the International Money Laundering Abatement and Financial Anti-Terrorism Act of 2001 (the “Act”). The Act authorizes the Secretary of the Treasury, in consultation with the heads of other government agencies, to adopt special measures applicable to financial institutions such as banks, bank holding companies, broker-dealers and insurance companies. Among its other provisions, the Act requires each financial institution: (i) to establish an anti-money laundering program; (ii) to establish due diligence policies, procedures and controls that are reasonably designed to detect and report instances of money laundering in United States private banking accounts and correspondent accounts maintained for non-United States persons or their representatives; and (iii) to avoid establishing, maintaining, administering, or managing correspondent accounts in the United States for, or on behalf of, a foreign shell bank that does not have a physical presence in any country. In addition, the Act expands the circumstances under which funds in a bank account may be forfeited and requires covered financial institutions to respond under certain circumstances to requests for information from federal banking agencies within 120 hours.

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Treasury regulations implementing the due diligence requirements were issued in 2002. These regulations required minimum standards to verify customer identity, encouraged cooperation among financial institutions, federal banking agencies, and law enforcement authorities regarding possible money laundering or terrorist activities, prohibited the anonymous use of “concentration accounts,” and required all covered financial institutions to have in place an anti-money laundering compliance program.

The Act also amended the Bank Holding Company Act and the Bank Merger Act to require the federal banking agencies to consider the effectiveness of a financial institution’s anti-money laundering activities when reviewing an application under these acts.

THE SARBANES-OXLEY ACT

The Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 (“Sarbanes-Oxley Act”), which became law on July 30, 2002, added new legal requirements for public companies affecting corporate governance, accounting and corporate reporting. The Sarbanes-Oxley Act provides for, among other things:


•	a prohibition on personal loans made or arranged by the issuer to its directors and executive officers (except for loans made by a bank subject to Regulation O);


•	independence requirements for audit committee members;


•	independence requirements for company auditors;


•	certification of financial statements on Forms 10-K and 10-Q reports by the chief executive officer and the chief financial officer;


•	the forfeiture by the chief executive officer and chief financial officer of bonuses or other incentive-based compensation and profits from the sale of an issuer’s securities by such officers in the twelve-month period following initial publication of any financial statements that later require restatement due to corporate misconduct;


•	disclosure of off-balance sheet transactions;


•	two-business day filing requirements for insiders filing Form 4s;


•	disclosure of a code of ethics for financial officers and filing a Form 8-K for a change in or waiver of such code;


•	the reporting of securities violations “up the ladder” by both in-house and outside attorneys;


•	restrictions on the use of non-GAAP financial measures in press releases and SEC filings;


•	the formation of a public accounting oversight board; and


•	various increased criminal penalties for violations of securities laws.

The Sarbanes-Oxley Act contains provisions, which became effective upon enactment on July 30, 2002, including provisions, which became effective from within 30 days to one year from enactment. The SEC has been delegated the task of enacting rules to implement various provisions. In addition, each of the national stock exchanges developed new corporate governance rules, including rules strengthening director independence requirements for boards, the adoption of corporate governance codes and charters for the nominating, corporate governance and audit committees.

ADDITIONAL MATTERS

The Corporation and the Bank are subject to the Federal Reserve Act, which restricts financial transactions between banks and affiliated companies. The statute limits credit transactions between banks, affiliated companies and its executive officers and its affiliates. The statute prescribes terms and conditions for bank affiliate transactions deemed to be consistent with safe and sound banking practices. It also restricts the types of collateral security permitted in connection with the bank’s extension of credit to an affiliate. Additionally, all transactions with an affiliate must be on terms substantially the same or at least as favorable to the institution as those prevailing at the time for comparable transactions with non-affiliated parties.

In addition to the matters discussed above, the Bank is subject to additional regulation of its activities, including a variety of consumer protection regulations affecting its lending, deposit and collection activities and regulations affecting secondary mortgage market activities.

The earnings of financial institutions are also affected by general economic conditions and prevailing interest rates, both domestic and foreign, and by the monetary and fiscal policies of the United States Government and its various agencies, particularly the Federal Reserve. The Federal Reserve regulates the supply of credit in order to influence general economic conditions, primarily through open market operations in United States Government obligations, varying the discount rate on financial institution borrowings, varying reserve requirements against financial institution deposits, and restricting certain borrowings by financial institutions and their subsidiaries. The monetary policies of the Federal Reserve have had a significant effect on the operating results of the Bank in the past and are expected to continue to do so in the future.

Additional legislation and administrative actions affecting the banking industry may be considered by the United States Congress, state legislatures and various regulatory agencies, including those referred to above. It cannot be predicted with certainty whether such legislation or administrative action will be enacted or the extent to which the banking industry, the Corporation or the Bank would be affected.

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STATISTICAL DATA

The following tables set forth statistical data on the Corporation and its subsidiaries.

DISTRIBUTION OF ASSETS, LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY; INTEREST RATES AND INTEREST DIFFERENTIAL

The daily average balance sheet amounts, the related interest income or interest expense, and average rates earned or paid are presented in the following table:



	Average Balance			Interest Income / Expense		Average Rate		Average Balance			Interest Income / Expense		Average Rate		Average Balance			Interest Income / Expense		Average Rate
(Dollars in Thousands)	2013							2012							2011
Assets:
Federal Funds Sold															$	3,270		$	3	0.1	%
Interest-bearing Deposits	$	74,964		$	158	0.2	%	$	57,842		$	100	0.2	%	69,030			282		0.4
Federal Reserve and Federal Home Loan Bank Stock	33,620			1,488		4.4		32,819			1,408		4.3		32,396			1,319		4.1
Securities: ⁽¹⁾
Taxable	617,524			15,214		2.5		670,973			17,027		2.5		648,167			19,230		3.0
Tax-Exempt ⁽²⁾	282,584			16,660		5.9		251,724			15,675		6.2		242,480			15,642		6.5
Total Securities	900,108			31,874		3.5		922,697			32,702		3.5		890,647			34,872		3.9
Mortgage Loans Held for Sale	16,137			770		4.8		20,648			1,024		5.0		9,322			554		5.9
Loans: ⁽³⁾
Commercial	2,391,221			113,613		4.8		2,166,238			114,078		5.3		2,102,933			114,079		5.4
Real Estate Mortgage	277,520			12,375		4.5		293,384			13,848		4.7		306,567			15,810		5.2
Installment	308,233			15,994		5.2		324,553			17,795		5.5		320,570			19,273		6.0
Tax-Exempt ⁽²⁾	15,444			605		3.9		14,993			739		4.9		9,292			812		8.7
Total Loans	3,008,555			143,357		4.8		2,819,816			147,484		5.2		2,748,684			150,528		5.5
Total Earning Assets	4,017,247			176,877		4.4	%	3,833,174			181,694		4.7	%	3,744,027			187,004		5.0	%
Net Unrealized Gain on Securities Available for Sale	4,521							16,116							9,225
Allowance for Loan Losses	(68,806		)					(71,038		)					(78,500		)
Cash and Due from Banks	73,161							66,109							62,659
Premises and Equipment	57,228							51,692							51,895
Other Assets	372,060							349,943							354,544
Total Assets	$	4,455,411						$	4,245,996						$	4,143,850
Liabilities:
Interest-bearing Deposits:
NOW Accounts	$	880,323		$	941	0.1	%	$	814,831		$	1,007	0.1	%	$	774,593		$	1,453	0.2	%
Money Market Deposit Accounts	603,012			1,287		0.2		501,537			1,370		0.3		469,621			1,557		0.3
Savings Deposits	377,106			421		0.1		327,644			528		0.2		297,073			668		0.2
Certificates and Other Time Deposits	807,764			7,404		0.9		935,713			11,895		1.3		1,032,781			18,603		1.8
Total Interest-bearing Deposits	2,668,205			10,053		0.4		2,579,725			14,800		0.6		2,574,068			22,281		0.9
Borrowings	400,580			6,516		1.6		411,915			8,813		2.1		455,135			15,609		3.4
Total Interest-bearing Liabilities	3,068,785			16,569		0.5		2,991,640			23,613		0.8		3,029,203			37,890		1.3
Noninterest-bearing Deposits	797,435							683,295							601,694
Other Liabilities	48,936							35,564							34,513
Total Liabilities	3,915,156							3,710,499							3,665,410
Stockholders' Equity	540,255							535,497							478,440
Total Liabilities and Stockholders' Equity	$	4,455,411		16,569		0.4		$	4,245,996		23,613		0.6		$	4,143,850		37,890		1.0
Net Interest Income				$	160,308						$	158,081						$	149,114
Net Interest Margin						4.0	%						4.1	%						4.0	%

______________________________

(1) Average balance of securities is computed based on the average of the historical amortized cost balances without the effects of the fair value adjustment.

(2) Tax-exempt securities and loans are presented on a fully taxable equivalent basis, using a marginal tax rate of 35 percent for 2013, 2012 and 2011. These totals equal $6,043, $5,745 and $5,759,

respectively.

(3) Non-accruing loans have been included in the average balances.

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ANALYSIS OF CHANGES IN NET INTEREST INCOME

The following table presents net interest income components on a tax-equivalent basis and reflects changes between periods attributable to movement in either the average balance or average interest rate for both earning assets and interest-bearing liabilities. The volume differences were computed as the difference in volume between the current and prior year times the interest rate of the prior year, while the interest rate changes were computed as the difference in rate between the current and prior year times the volume of the prior year. Volume/rate variances have been allocated on the basis of the absolute relationship between volume variances and rate variances.



	2013 Compared to 2012 Increase (Decrease) Due To									2012 Compared to 2011 Increase (Decrease) Due To									2011 Compared to 2010 Increase (Decrease) Due To
(Dollars in Thousands, Fully Taxable Equivalent Basis)	Volume			Rate			Total			Volume			Rate			Total			Volume			Rate			Total
Interest Income:
Federal Funds Sold										$	(3	)				$	(3	)	$	(18	)	$	(5	)	$	(23	)
Interest-bearing Deposits	$	33		$	25		$	58		(40		)	$	(142	)	(182		)	(149		)	50			(99		)
Federal Reserve and Federal Home Loan Bank Stock	35			45			80			17			72			89			(145		)	212			67
Securities	(800		)	(28		)	(828		)	1,222			(3,392		)	(2,170		)	9,877			(3,927		)	5,950
Mortgage Loans Held for Sale	(216		)	(38		)	(254		)	575			(105		)	470			(151		)	21			(130		)
Loans	9,718			(13,591		)	(3,873		)	3,226			(6,740		)	(3,514		)	(16,643		)	(7,561		)	(24,204		)
Totals	8,770			(13,587		)	(4,817		)	4,997			(10,307		)	(5,310		)	(7,229		)	(11,210		)	(18,439		)
Interest Expense:
NOW Accounts	77			(143		)	(66		)	72			(518		)	(446		)	80			(1,927		)	(1,847		)
Money Market Deposit Accounts	248			(331		)	(83		)	101			(288		)	(187		)	12			(975		)	(963		)
Savings Deposits	72			(179		)	(107		)	64			(204		)	(140		)	31			(175		)	(144		)
Certificates and Other Time Deposits	(1,477		)	(3,014		)	(4,491		)	(1,624		)	(5,084		)	(6,708		)	(5,926		)	(8,715		)	(14,641		)
Borrowings	(237		)	(2,060		)	(2,297		)	(1,370		)	(5,426		)	(6,796		)	1,013			(1,537		)	(524		)
Totals	(1,317		)	(5,727		)	(7,044		)	(2,757		)	(11,520		)	(14,277		)	(4,790		)	(13,329		)	(18,119		)
Change in Net Interest Income (Fully Taxable Equivalent Basis)	$	10,087		$	(7,860	)	2,227			$	7,754		$	1,213		8,967			$	(2,439	)	$	2,119		(320		)
Tax Equivalent Adjustment Using Marginal Rate of 35% for 2013, 2012, and 2011							(298		)							14									106
Change in Net Interest Income							$	1,929								$	8,981								$	(214	)

INVESTMENT SECURITIES

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 Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) 320, Investments – Debt and Equity Securities. However, certain purchased beneficial interest, including certain non-agency government-sponsored mortgage-backed securities, asset-backed securities and collateralized debt obligations are evaluated using the model outlined in ASC 325-10, Investments - Other.

In determining OTTI under ASC 320, 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 market decline was affected by macroeconomic conditions, and (4) whether the Corporation has the intent to sell the debt security or more likely than not, will be required to sell the debt 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.

When OTTI occurs, the amount of OTTI recognized in the income statement depends on whether the Corporation intends to sell the security or it is more likely than not that the Corporation will be required to sell the security before recovery of its amortized cost basis, less any recognized credit loss. If the intent is to sell or it is more likely than not that the Corporation will be required to sell the security before recovery of its amortized cost basis, less any recognized credit loss, the OTTI shall be recognized in earnings equal to the entire difference between the investment’s amortized cost basis, less any recognized credit loss, and its fair value at the balance sheet date. If the intent is not to sell the security and it is not more likely than not that the Corporation will be required to sell the security before the recovery of its amortized cost basis less any recognized credit loss, the OTTI has been 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 has been recognized in other comprehensive income, net of applicable income taxes. The previous amortized cost basis less the OTTI recognized in earnings becomes the new amortized cost basis of the investment. The Corporation’s management has evaluated all securities with unrealized losses for other-than-temporary impairment as of December 31, 2013.

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During 2013, management reviewed the trust preferred pool securities for OTTI related to credit losses using a cash flow analysis of the present value of cash flows expected to be collected. These cash flow analysis included forecasted loss rates applied at an individual security level based upon the characteristics of that individual security. Of the six partially impaired securities, remaining book values represent between 34 percent and 89 percent of par value. Discount rates used in the cash flow analysis on these variable rate securities were those margins in effect at the inception of the security added to the appropriate three-month LIBOR spot rate obtained from the forward LIBOR curve used to project future principal and interest payments. These spreads ranged from .85 percent to 1.57 percent spread over three-month LIBOR. On all but one small pool investment, the Corporation utilized Standard and Poor's to determine their fair value.

See additional information regarding the analysis of the investment portfolio in Note 5. INVESTMENT SECURITIES, in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements included in Item 8 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.

The amortized cost, gross unrealized gains, gross unrealized losses and approximate market value of the investment securities at the dates indicated were:



	Amortized Cost		Gross Unrealized Gains		Gross Unrealized Losses		Fair Value
Available for sale at December 31, 2013
U.S. Treasury	$	15,914	$	80	$	21	$	15,973
U.S. Government-sponsored agency securities	3,550		12		17		3,545
State and municipal	231,005		3,878		3,896		230,987
U.S. Government-sponsored mortgage-backed securities	279,299		3,926		1,973		281,252
Corporate obligations	6,374				3,636		2,738
Equity securities	1,706						1,706
Total available for sale	537,848		7,896		9,543		536,201
Held to maturity at December 31, 2013
State and municipal	145,941		62		91		145,912
U.S. Government-sponsored mortgage-backed securities	413,437		5,220		3,722		414,935
Total held to maturity	559,378		5,282		3,813		560,847
Total Investment Securities	$	1,097,226	$	13,178	$	13,356	$	1,097,048



(Dollars in Thousands)	Amortized Cost		Gross Unrealized Gains		Gross Unrealized Losses		Fair Value
Available for sale at December 31, 2012
U.S. Government-sponsored agency securities	$	4,475	$	165			$	4,640
State and municipal	148,187		10,025		$	18	158,194
U.S. Government-sponsored mortgage-backed securities	337,631		10,994		46		348,579
Corporate obligations	6,105				5,881		224
Equity securities	1,706						1,706
Total available for sale	498,104		21,184		5,945		513,343
Held to maturity at December 31, 2012
State and municipal	117,227		5,489		1		122,715
U.S. Government-sponsored mortgage-backed securities	243,793		11,681		15		255,459
Total held to maturity	361,020		17,170		16		378,174
Total Investment Securities	$	859,124	$	38,354	$	5,961	$	891,517



(Dollars in Thousands)	Amortized Cost		Gross Unrealized Gains		Gross Unrealized Losses		Fair Value
Available for sale at December 31, 2011
U.S. Government-sponsored agency securities	$	99	$	18			$	117
State and municipal	136,857		10,496				147,353
U.S. Government-sponsored mortgage-backed securities	358,928		10,086		$	16	368,998
Corporate obligations	5,765				5,572		193
Equity securities	1,830						1,830
Total available for sale	503,479		20,600		5,588		518,491
Held to maturity at December 31, 2011
State and municipal	120,171		3,785				123,956
U.S. Government-sponsored mortgage-backed securities	307,738		10,775				318,513
Total held to maturity	427,909		14,560				442,469
Total Investment Securities	$	931,388	$	35,160	$	5,588	$	960,960

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The cost and yields for Federal Reserve and Federal Home Loan Bank stock are included in the table below.



	2013				2012				2011
(Dollars in Thousands)	Cost		Yield		Cost		Yield		Cost		Yield
Federal Reserve and Federal Home Loan Bank Stock at December 31:
Federal Reserve Bank Stock	$	13,287	6.0	%	$	13,261	6.0	%	$	13,238	6.0	%
Federal Home Loan Bank Stock	25,703		2.0	%	19,524		2.0	%	18,032		2.0	%
Total	$	38,990	3.4	%	$	32,785	3.6	%	$	31,270	4.0	%

Federal Reserve and Federal Home Loan Bank stock have been reviewed for impairment and the analysis reflected no impairment. The Corporation’s Federal Home Loan Bank stock is primarily in the Federal Home Loan Bank of Indianapolis and it continues to produce sufficient financial results to pay dividends.

There were no issuers included in the investment security portfolio at December 31, 2013, 2012 or 2011 where the aggregate carrying value of any one issuer exceeded 10 percent of the Corporation's stockholders' equity at those dates. The term "issuer" excludes the U.S. Government and its sponsored agencies and corporations.

The maturity distribution and average yields for the securities portfolio at December 31, 2013 were:



	Within 1 Year				1-5 Years				5-10 Years
(Dollars in Thousands)	Amount		Yield ⁽¹⁾		Amount		Yield ⁽¹⁾		Amount		Yield ⁽¹⁾
Securities available for sale December 31, 2013
U.S. Treasury					$	15,973	0.9	%
U.S. Government-sponsored agency securities					112		4.9	%
State and municipal	$	9,912	6.6	%	11,490		5.4	%	$	50,739	5.4	%
Equity securities
Corporate obligations					31		0.0	%
U.S. Government-sponsored mortgage-backed securities
	$	9,912	6.6	%	$	27,606	2.7	%	$	50,739	5.4	%



	Due After Ten Years				Equity and U.S. Government- Sponsored Mortgage - Backed Securities				Total
	Amount		Yield ⁽¹⁾		Amount		Yield ⁽¹⁾		Amount		Yield ⁽¹⁾
U.S. Treasury									$	15,973	0.9	%
U.S. Government-sponsored agency securities	$	3,433	3.7	%					3,545		3.7	%
State and municipal	158,846		5.5	%					230,987		5.5	%
Equity securities					$	1,706	1.9	%	1,706		1.9	%
Corporate obligations	2,707		1.5	%					2,738		1.5	%
U.S. Government-sponsored mortgage-backed securities					281,252		3.0	%	281,252		3.0	%
	$	164,986	5.3	%	$	282,958	3.0	%	$	536,201	4.0	%



	Within 1 Year				1-5 Years				5-10 Years
(Dollars in Thousands)	Amount		Yield ⁽¹⁾		Amount		Yield ⁽¹⁾		Amount		Yield ⁽¹⁾
Securities held to maturity at December 31, 2013
State and municipal	$	4,446	1.2	%	$	17,129	3.7	%	$	77,012	6.1	%
U.S. Government-sponsored mortgage-backed securities
	$	4,446	1.2	%	$	17,129	3.7	%	$	77,012	6.1	%



	Due After Ten Years				Equity and U.S. Government- Sponsored Mortgage - Backed Securities				Total
	Amount		Yield ⁽¹⁾		Amount		Yield ⁽¹⁾		Amount		Yield ⁽¹⁾
State and municipal	$	47,354	6.1	%					$	145,941	5.6	%
U.S. Government-sponsored mortgage-backed securities					$	413,437	2.9	%	413,437		2.9	%
	$	47,354	6.1	%	$	413,437	2.9	%	$	559,378	3.6	%

_______________________________

(1) Interest yields are presented on a fully taxable equivalent basis using a 35 percent tax rate.

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PART I: ITEM 1. BUSINESS

The following tables show the Corporation’s gross unrealized losses and fair value, aggregated by investment category and length of time that individual securities have been in a continuous unrealized loss position at December 31, 2013 and 2012:



	Fair Value		Gross Unrealized Losses		Fair Value		Gross Unrealized Losses		Fair Value		Gross Unrealized Losses
	Less than 12 Months				12 Months or Longer				Total
Temporarily Impaired Investment
Securities at December 31, 2013
U.S. Treasury	$	4,875	$	21					$	4,875	$	21
U.S. Government-sponsored Agency securities	3,433		17						3,433		17
State and municipal	129,109		3,931		$	767	$	56	129,876		3,987
U.S. Government-sponsored mortgage-backed securities	330,914		5,163		5,323		532		336,237		5,695
Corporate obligations					2,711		3,636		2,711		3,636
Total Temporarily Impaired Investment Securities	$	468,331	$	9,132	$	8,801	$	4,224	$	477,132	$	13,356



	Fair Value		Gross Unrealized Losses		Fair Value		Gross Unrealized Losses		Fair Value		Gross Unrealized Losses
	Less than 12 Months				12 Months or Longer				Total
Temporarily Impaired Investment
Securities at December 31, 2012
State and municipal	$	4,524	$	19					$	4,524	$	19
U.S. Government-sponsored mortgage-backed securities	12,320		61						12,320		61
Corporate obligations					$	194	$	5,881	194		5,881
Total Temporarily Impaired Investment Securities	$	16,844	$	80	$	194	$	5,881	$	17,038	$	5,961

LOAN PORTFOLIO

The following table shows the composition of the Corporation’s loan portfolio for the years indicated:



	2013					2012					2011					2010					2009
(Dollars in Thousands)	Amount			%		Amount			%		Amount			%		Amount			%		Amount			%
Loans at December 31:
Commercial and Industrial Loans	$	761,705		21.0	%	$	622,579		21.5	%	$	532,523		19.6	%	$	530,322		18.7	%	$	675,860		20.7	%
Agricultural Production Financing and Other Loans to Farmers	114,348			3.1		112,527			3.9		104,526			3.9		95,516			3.4		121,031			3.7
Real Estate Loans:
Construction	177,082			4.9		98,639			3.4		81,780			3.0		106,615			3.8		158,725			4.9
Commercial and Farm Land	1,611,809			44.4		1,266,682			43.6		1,194,230			44.0		1,229,037			43.3		1,276,164			39.0
Residential	616,385			17.0		473,537			16.3		481,493			17.7		522,051			18.4		621,442			19.0
Home Equity	255,223			7.0		203,406			7.0		191,631			7.1		201,969			7.1		220,142			6.7
Individuals' Loans for Household and Other Personal Expenditures	69,783			1.9		75,748			2.6		84,172			3.1		115,295			4.1		154,132			4.7
Lease Financing Receivables, Net of Unearned Income	1,545					2,590			0.1		3,555			0.1		5,157			0.2		7,135			0.2
Other Loans	24,529			0.7		46,501			1.6		39,505			1.5		29,721			1.0		35,157			1.1
Loans	3,632,409			100.0	%	2,902,209			100.0	%	2,713,415			100.0	%	2,835,683			100.0	%	3,269,788			100.0	%
Allowance for Loan Losses	(67,870		)			(69,366		)			(70,898		)			(82,977		)			(92,131		)
Net Loans	$	3,564,539				$	2,832,843				$	2,642,517				$	2,752,706				$	3,177,657

Residential Real Estate Loans Held for Sale at December 31, 2013, 2012, 2011, 2010 and 2009 were $5,331,000, $22,300,000, $17,864,000, $21,469,000 and $8,036,000, respectively.

On November 12, 2013, the Corporation acquired all of the assets of CFS Bancorp, Inc. as discussed in NOTE 3. BUSINESS COMBINATIONS included in the Notes to Consolidated Condensed Financial Statements of this Form 10-K. The acquired assets included $639.6 million in loans which were acquired at a fair value discount of $36.5 million. Loans evidencing deterioration of credit quality since origination and it was probable, at acquisition, that all contractually required payments would not be collected are included in the above table.

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PART I: ITEM 1. BUSINESS

The majority of the Corporation’s loan portfolio is comprised of commercial and industrial, commercial real estate and residential real estate loans. Commercial and industrial loans made up 21.0 percent and 21.5 percent of total loans at December 31, 2013, and 2012. Commercial real estate loans made up 44.4 percent and 43.6 percent of total loans and residential real estate loans, including home equity, made up 24.0 percent and 23.3 percent of total loans at December 31, 2013, and 2012, respectively. The Bank generates loans from customers primarily in central and northwest Indiana, northeast Illinois and central Ohio. The Bank’s loans are generally secured by specific items of collateral, including real property, consumer assets, and business assets.

LOAN MATURITIES

Presented in the table below are the maturities of loans (excluding residential real estate, home equity, individuals’ loans for household and other personal expenditures and lease financing) outstanding as of December 31, 2013. Also presented are the amounts due after one year, classified according to the sensitivity to changes in interest rates.



(Dollars in Thousands)	Maturing Within 1 Year		Maturing 1-5 Years		Maturing Over 5 Years		Total
Commercial and Industrial Loans	$	522,497	$	153,306	$	85,902	$	761,705
Agricultural Production Financing and Other Loans to Farmers	99,317		13,145		1,886		114,348
Real Estate - Construction	118,542		53,622		4,918		177,082
Real Estate - Commercial and Farm Land	589,055		708,041		314,713		1,611,809
Other Loans	17,045		6,955		529		24,529
Total	$	1,346,456	$	935,069	$	407,948	$	2,689,473



(Dollars in Thousands)	Maturing 1-5 Years		Maturing Over 5 Years
Loans Maturing After One Year with:
Fixed Rate	$	699,675	$	336,604
Variable Rate	235,394		71,344
Total	$	935,069	$	407,948

NON-PERFORMING ASSETS

The table below summarizes non-performing assets and impaired loans for the years indicated:



	December 31,		December 31,		December 31,		December 31,		December 31,
(Dollars in Thousands)	2013		2012		2011		2010		2009
Non-Performing Assets:
Non-accrual loans	$	56,402	$	53,399	$	69,592	$	90,591	$	118,409
Renegotiated loans	3,048		12,681		14,308		7,139		8,833
Non-performing loans (NPL)	59,450		66,080		83,900		97,730		127,242
Other real estate owned	22,246		13,263		16,289		20,927		14,879
Non-performing assets (NPA)	81,696		79,343		100,189		118,657		142,121
90+ days delinquent and still accruing	1,350		2,037		580		1,330		3,967
NPAs & 90+ days delinquent	$	83,046	$	81,380	$	100,769	$	119,987	$	146,088
Impaired Loans	$	119,755	$	79,179	$	79,775	$	116,204	$	178,754

At December 31, 2013, non-accrual loans and other real estate owned of $56,402,000 and $22,246,000 include assets acquired from CFS Bancorp, Inc. of $22,703,000 and $12,889,000, respectively.

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PART I: ITEM 1. BUSINESS

Renegotiated loans are loans for which concessions are granted to the borrower due to deterioration in the financial condition of the borrower, resulting in the inability of the borrower to meet the original contractual terms of the loans. These concessions may include interest rate reductions, principal forgiveness, extensions of maturity date or other actions intended to minimize losses. Certain loans restructured may be excluded from restructured loan disclosures in years subsequent to the restructuring if the loans are in compliance with their modified terms. A non-accrual loan that is restructured may remain non-accrual for a period of approximately six months until the borrower can demonstrate their ability to meet the restructured terms. A borrower's performance prior to the restructuring, as well as after, will be considered in assessing whether the borrower can meet the new terms resulting in the loan being returned to accruing status in a shorter or longer period of time than the standard six months. If the borrower’s performance under the modified terms is not reasonably assured, the loan will remain non-accrual.

Interest income of $1,286,000 for the year ended December 31, 2013, was recognized on the non-accruing and renegotiated loans listed in the table above, whereas interest income of $7,623,000 would have been recognized under their original loan terms.

At December 31, 2013, the commercial impaired loan total of $119,755,000 included $69,448,000 in loans acquired from CFS Bancorp, Inc. Commercial impaired loans include all non-accrual loans, loans accounted for under ASC 310-30 and renegotiated loans, as well as substandard, doubtful and loss grade loans that were still accruing but deemed impaired according to guidance set forth in ASC 310. Also included in impaired loans are accruing loans that are contractually past due 90 days or more and troubled debt restructurings. A loan is deemed impaired under ASC310 when, based on current information or events, it is probable that all amounts due of principal and interest according to the contractual terms of the loan agreement will not be collected. A specific allowance for losses was not deemed necessary for a subset of the impaired loans totaling $114,253,000, but a specific allowance of $1,583,000 was recorded for the remaining balance of $5,502,000 and is included in the Corporation’s allowance for loan losses at December 31, 2013. A specific allowance totaling $229,000 was recorded on loans acquired from SCB with deteriorated credit quality in 2012, while no specific allowance was recorded on loans acquired from CFS with deteriorated credit quality in 2013. The average balance of the total aforementioned impaired loans for 2013 was $125,168,000.

Allowable methods for determining the amount of impairment include estimating fair value using the fair value of the collateral for collateral dependent loans. If the impaired loan is identified as collateral dependent, then the fair value method of measuring the amount of impairment is utilized. This method requires obtaining a current independent appraisal of the collateral and applying a discount factor to the value. The fair value of real estate is generally based on appraisals by qualified licensed appraisers. The appraisers typically determine the value of the real estate by utilizing an income or market valuation approach. If an appraisal is not available, the fair value may be determined by using a cash flow analysis. Fair value on other collateral such as business assets is typically ascertained by assessing, either singularly or some combination of, asset appraisals, accounts receivable aging reports, inventory listings and or customer financial statements. Both appraised values and values based on borrower’s financial information are discounted as considered appropriate based on age and quality of the information and current market conditions.

In addition to the impaired loans discussed above, management also identified loans totaling $132,400,000 as of December 31, 2013 that were deemed to be criticized, but not impaired. These loans are not included in the table above, or the impaired loan table in the footnotes to the consolidated financial statements. A criticized loan is a loan in which there are concerns as to the borrower’s ability to comply with present repayment terms, whether or not those concerns rise to the level of serious doubt.

See additional information regarding loan credit quality in Note 6. LOANS AND ALLOWANCE, in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements included as Item 8 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.

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PART I: ITEM 1. BUSINESS

SUMMARY OF LOAN LOSS EXPERIENCE

The following table summarizes the loan loss experience for the years indicated:



(Dollars in Thousands)	2013			2012			2011			2010			2009
Allowance for Loans Losses:
Balance at January 1	$	69,366		$	70,898		$	82,977		$	92,131		$	49,543
Charge Offs:
Commercial ⁽¹⁾	6,117			8,311			9,818			22,832			42,147
Commercial Real Estate ⁽²⁾	7,493			12,322			29,807			32,823			34,775
Consumer	623			1,130			1,441			2,426			3,770
Residential	3,886			5,475			7,407			9,437			8,491
Finance Leases	15			34						54			411
Total Charge Offs	18,134			27,272			48,473			67,572			89,594
Recoveries:
Commercial ⁽³⁾	4,586			1,744			8,828			6,750			5,248
Commercial Real Estate ⁽⁴⁾	3,552			3,652			2,811			1,420			993
Consumer	556			695			942			938			1,015
Residential	1,292			1,113			1,176			2,827			701
Finance Leases	4			2			7						9
Total Recoveries	9,990			7,206			13,764			11,935			7,966
Net Charge Offs	8,144			20,066			34,709			55,637			81,628
Provisions for Loan Losses	6,648			18,534			22,630			46,483			122,176
Adjustment Related to Acquisition													2,040
Balance at December 31	$	67,870		$	69,366		$	70,898		$	82,977		$	92,131
Ratio of Net Charge Offs During the Period to Average Loans Outstanding During the Period	0.27		%	0.71		%	1.26		%	1.82		%	2.30		%

The $2,040,000 adjustment related to acquisition in 2009 in the table above was an adjustment to the carrying amount of Goodwill resulting from the continued evaluation of the credit quality of Lincoln Bank’s acquired loan portfolio in accordance with ASC 805, Business Combinations. In the first quarter of 2009, immediately following the acquisition of Lincoln, further analysis of the loan portfolio identified certain loans that were determined to have a lower fair value than was originally identified.

See the information regarding the analysis of loan loss experience in the “PROVISION/ALLOWANCE FOR LOAN LOSSES” section

of Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations included as Item 7 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.

_______________________________

(1) Category includes the charge offs for commercial and industrial, agricultural production financing and other loans to farmers and other non-consumer loans.

(2) Category includes the charge offs for construction, commercial and farm land.

(3) Category includes the recoveries for commercial and industrial, agricultural production financing and other loans to farmers and other non-consumer loans.

(4) Category includes the recoveries for construction, commercial and farm land.

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PART I: ITEM 1. BUSINESS

ALLOCATION OF THE ALLOWANCE FOR LOAN LOSSES

Presented below is an analysis of the composition of the allowance for loan losses and percent of loans in each category to total loans as of December 31, 2013, 2012, 2011, 2010 and 2009.



	2013				2012				2011				2010				2009
(Dollars in Thousands)	Amount		Percent		Amount		Percent		Amount		Percent		Amount		Percent		Amount		Percent
Balance at December 31:
Commercial	$	27,176	24.8	%	$	25,913	26.9	%	$	17,731	24.9	%	$	32,508	23.1	%	$	48,771	25.5	%
Commercial Real Estate	23,102		49.3		26,703		47.1		37,919		47.1		36,341		47.1		30,188		43.9
Consumer	2,515		1.9		2,593		2.6		2,902		3.1		3,622		4.1		2,242		4.7
Residential	15,077		24.0		14,157		23.3		12,343		24.8		10,408		25.5		10,751		25.7
Finance Leases							0.1		3		0.1		98		0.2		179		0.2
Totals	$	67,870	100.0	%	$	69,366	100.0	%	$	70,898	100.0	%	$	82,977	100.0	%	$	92,131	100.0	%

Loan concentrations are considered to exist when there are amounts loaned to multiple borrowers engaged in similar activities, which would cause them to be similarly impacted by economic or other conditions. As of December 31, 2013, the only concentrations of commercial loans within a single industry (as segregated by North American Industry Classification System (“NAICS code”)), in excess of 10 percent of loans were Lessors of Nonresidential Buildings at 15.4 percent and Lessors of Residential Buildings and Dwellings at 14.0 percent.

LOAN LOSS CHARGE OFF PROCEDURES

The Corporation maintains an allowance for loan losses to cover probable credit losses identified during its loan review process. The allowance is increased by the provision for loan losses and decreased by charge offs less recoveries. All charge offs are approved by the Bank’s senior loan officers or loan committees, depending on the amount of the charge off, and are reported to the Bank’s Board of Directors. The Bank charges off loans when a determination is made that all or a portion of a loan is uncollectible.

PROVISION FOR LOAN LOSSES

In banking, loan losses are a cost of doing business. Although Bank management emphasizes the early detection and charge off of loan losses, it is inevitable that certain losses, which have not been specifically identified, exist in the portfolio. Accordingly, the provision for loan losses is charged to earnings on an anticipatory basis, and recognized loan losses are deducted from the established allowance. Over time, all net loan losses are charged to earnings. During the year, an estimate of the expected losses for the year serves as a starting point in determining the appropriate level of the provision for loan losses. Based on management’s judgment as to the appropriate level of the allowance for loan losses the amount actually provided in any period may be greater or less than net loan losses for the same period. The determination of the provision for loan losses in any period is based on management’s continuing review and evaluation of the loan portfolio, and its judgment as to the impact of current economic conditions on the portfolio. The evaluation by management includes consideration of past loan loss experience, changes in the composition of the loan portfolio, and the current condition and amount of loans outstanding. See additional information in the “PROVISION/ALLOWANCE FOR LOAN LOSSES” section of Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations included as Item 7 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.

DEPOSITS

The average balances, interest expense and average rates on deposits for the years ended December 2013, 2012 and 2011 are presented in the Part I. Item I. Business section titled "DISTRIBUTION OF ASSETS, LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY, INTEREST RATES AND INTEREST DIFFERENTIAL" of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.

As of December 31, 2013, certificates of deposit and other time deposits of $100,000 or more mature as follows:



(Dollars in Thousands)	Maturing 3 Months or Less			Maturing 3-6 Months			Maturing 6-12 Months			Maturing Over 12 Months			Total
Certificates of Deposit and Other Time Deposits	$	57,358		$	41,907		$	80,147		$	93,248		$	272,660
Percent	21		%	15		%	30		%	34		%	100		%

RETURN ON EQUITY AND ASSETS

See the information regarding return on equity and assets presented within the “FIVE – YEAR SUMMARY OF SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA” on page 3 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.

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PART I: ITEM 1. BUSINESS

SHORT-TERM BORROWINGS

Borrowings maturing in one year or less are included in the following table:



(Dollars in Thousands)	2013		2012		2011
Balance at December 31:
Federal Funds Purchased	$	125,645	$	18,862
Securities Sold Under Repurchase Agreements (Short-term Portion)	148,672		131,828		$	146,305
Federal Home Loan Bank Advances (Short-term Portion)	26,272		1,434		49,785
Subordinated Debentures and Term Loans (Short-term Portion)	105		459		78,996
Total Short-term Borrowings	$	300,694	$	152,583	$	275,086

Securities sold under repurchase agreements are categorized as borrowings maturing within one year and are secured by U.S. Treasury and U.S. Government-Sponsored Enterprise obligations, certain municipal securities and mortgage loans.

Pertinent information with respect to short-term borrowings is summarized below:



(Dollars in Thousands)	2013			2012			2011
Weighted Average Interest Rate on Outstanding Balance at December 31:
Federal Funds Purchased	0.3		%	0.2		%
Securities Sold Under Repurchase Agreements (Short-term Portion)	0.5		%	0.2		%	0.7		%
Federal Home Loan Bank Advances (Short-term Portion)	1.1		%	2.0		%	4.8		%
Subordinated Debentures and Term Loans (Short-term Portion)							2.7		%
Total Short-term Borrowings	0.5		%	0.2		%	2.0		%
Weighted Average Interest Rate During the Year:
Federal Funds Purchased	0.4		%	0.3		%	0.4		%
Securities Sold Under Repurchase Agreements (Short-term Portion)	0.6		%	0.3		%	0.9		%
Federal Home Loan Bank Advances (Short-term Portion)	0.8		%	3.4		%	4.4		%
Subordinated Debentures and Term Loans (Short-term Portion)				2.9		%	2.8		%
Total Short-term Borrowings	0.6		%	0.9		%	2.3		%
Highest Amount Outstanding at Any Month End During the Year:
Federal Funds Purchased	$	125,645		$	87,571		$	27,945
Securities Sold Under Repurchase Agreements (Short-term Portion)	151,813			150,126			152,315
Federal Home Loan Bank Advances (Short-term Portion)	76,272			52,504			104,029
Subordinated Debentures and Term Loans (Short-term Portion)	459			79,467			78,996
Total Short-term Borrowings	$	354,189		$	369,668		$	363,285
Average Amount Outstanding During the Year:
Federal Funds Purchased	$	26,789		$	20,072		$	6,180
Securities Sold Under Repurchase Agreements (Short-term Portion)	140,126			134,555			107,641
Federal Home Loan Bank Advances (Short-term Portion)	22,807			20,869			55,678
Subordinated Debentures and Term Loans (Short-term Portion)	187			19,337			78,988
Total Short-term Borrowings	$	189,909		$	194,833		$	248,487

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PART I: ITEM 1A. AND ITEM 1B.

ITEM 1A. RISK FACTORS

RISK FACTORS

There are a number of factors, including those specified below, that may adversely affect the Corporation’s business, financial results or stock price. Additional risks that the Corporation currently does not know about or currently views as immaterial may also impair the Corporation’s business or adversely impact its financial results or stock price.

INDUSTRY AND CORPORATE RISK FACTORS

The Corporation’s business and financial results are significantly affected by general business and economic conditions.

The Corporation’s business activities and earnings are affected by general business conditions in the United States and abroad. These conditions include short-term and long-term interest rates, inflation, monetary supply, fluctuations in both debt and equity capital markets, and the strength of the United States economy and the state and local economies in which the Corporation operates. For example, a prolonged economic downturn, continued increase in unemployment, or other events that affect household and/or corporate incomes could result in deterioration of credit quality, an increase in the allowance for loan losses, or reduced demand for loan or fee-based products and services. Changes in the financial performance and condition of the Corporation’s borrowers could negatively affect repayment of those borrowers’ loans. In addition, changes in securities market conditions and monetary fluctuations could adversely affect the availability and terms of funding necessary to meet the Corporation’s liquidity needs.


•	Changes in the domestic interest rate environment could reduce the Corporation’s net interest income.

The operations of financial institutions, such as the Corporation, are dependent to a large degree on net interest income, which is the difference between interest income from loans and investments and interest expense on deposits and borrowings. An institution’s net interest income is significantly affected by market rates of interest, which in turn are affected by prevailing economic conditions, by the fiscal and monetary policies of the federal government and by the policies of various regulatory agencies. Like all financial institutions, the Corporation’s balance sheet is affected by fluctuations in interest rates. Volatility in interest rates can also result in the flow of funds away from financial institutions into direct investments. Direct investments, such as U.S. Government and corporate securities and other investment vehicles, including mutual funds, generally pay higher rates of return than financial institutions, because of the absence of federal insurance premiums and reserve requirements.


•	Changes in the laws, regulations and policies governing banks and financial services companies could alter the Corporation’s business environment and adversely affect operations.

The Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System regulates the supply of money and credit in the United States. Its fiscal and monetary policies determine in a large part the Corporation’s cost of funds for lending and investing and the return that can be earned on those loans and investments, both of which affect the Corporation’s net interest margin. Federal Reserve Board policies can also materially affect the value of financial instruments that the Corporation holds, such as debt securities. The Corporation and the Bank are heavily regulated at the federal and state levels. This regulation is to protect depositors, federal deposit insurance funds and the banking system as a whole. Congress and state legislatures and federal and state agencies continually review banking laws, regulations and policies for possible changes. Changes in statutes, regulations or policies could affect the Corporation in substantial and unpredictable ways, including limiting the types of financial services and products that the Corporation offers and/or increasing the ability of non-banks to offer competing financial services and products.

The Corporation cannot predict whether any of this potential legislation will be enacted, and if enacted, the effect that it or any regulations would have on the Corporation’s financial condition or results of operations. See a description of recent legislation in the “Legislature and Regulatory Initiatives to Address Financial and Economic Crises” section of Item 1: Business of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.

Table of Contents

PART I: ITEM 1A. AND ITEM 1B.


•	The banking and financial services industry is highly competitive, and competitive pressures could intensify and adversely affect the Corporation’s financial results.

The Corporation operates in a highly competitive industry that could become even more competitive as a result of legislative, regulatory and technological changes and continued consolidation. The Corporation competes with other banks, savings and loan associations, mutual savings banks, finance companies, mortgage banking companies, credit unions and investment companies. In addition, technology has lowered barriers to entry and made it possible for non-banks to offer products and services traditionally provided by banks. Many of the Corporation’s competitors have fewer regulatory constraints and some have lower cost structures. Also, the potential need to adapt to industry changes in information technology systems, on which the Corporation and financial services industry are highly dependent, could present operational issues and require capital spending.


•	Acts or threats of terrorism and political or military actions taken by the United States or other governments could adversely affect general economic or industry conditions.

Geopolitical conditions may also affect the Corporation’s earnings. Acts or threats of terrorism and political or military actions taken by the United States or other governments in response to terrorism, or similar activity, could adversely affect general economic or industry conditions.


•	The Corporation’s allowance for loan losses may not be adequate to cover actual losses.

The Corporation maintains an allowance for loan losses to provide for loan defaults and non-performance. The allowance for loan losses represents management’s estimate of probable losses inherent in the Corporation’s loan portfolio. The Corporation’s allowance consists of three components: probable losses estimated from individual reviews of specific loans, probable losses estimated from historical loss rates, and probable losses resulting from economic, environmental, qualitative or other deterioration above and beyond what is reflected in the first two components of the allowance. The process for determining the adequacy of the allowance for loan losses is critical to the Corporation’s financial results. It requires management to make difficult, subjective and complex judgments, as a result of the need to make estimates about the effect of matters that are uncertain. Therefore, the allowance for loan losses, considering current factors at the time, including economic conditions and ongoing internal and external examination processes, will increase or decrease as deemed necessary to ensure the allowance for loan losses remains adequate. In addition, the allowance as a percentage of charge offs and nonperforming loans will change at different points in time based on credit performance, loan mix and collateral values.

In connection with recent economic developments, many financial institutions, including the Corporation, have experienced unusual and significant declines in the performance of their loan portfolios, and the values of real estate collateral supporting many loans have declined. If current trends in the housing and real estate markets continue, it is likely that loan delinquencies and credit losses may increase. Although the Corporation believes its underwriting and loan review procedures are appropriate for the various kinds of loans it makes, the Corporation’s results of operations and financial condition will be adversely affected in the event the quality of its loan portfolio deteriorates.


•	The Corporation may suffer losses in its loan portfolio despite its underwriting practices.

The Corporation seeks to mitigate the risks inherent in its loan portfolio by adhering to specific underwriting practices. The Corporation’s strategy for credit risk management includes conservative credit policies and underwriting criteria for all loans, as well as an overall credit limit for each customer significantly below legal lending limits. The strategy also emphasizes diversification on a regional geographic, industry and customer level, regular credit quality reviews and management reviews of large credit exposures and loans experiencing deterioration of credit quality. There is a continuous review of the loan portfolio, including an internally administered loan “watch” list and an independent loan review. The evaluation takes into consideration identified credit problems, as well as the possibility of losses inherent in the loan portfolio that are not specifically identified. Although the Corporation believes that its underwriting criteria are appropriate for the various kinds of loans it makes, the Corporation may incur losses on loans due to the factors previously discussed.


•	The Corporation faces operational risks because the nature of the financial services business involves a high volume of transactions.

The Corporation operates in diverse markets and relies on the ability of its employees and systems to process a high number of transactions. Operational risk is the risk of loss resulting from the Corporation’s operations, including, but not limited to, the risk of fraud by employees or persons outside of the Corporation, the execution of unauthorized transactions by employees, errors relating to transaction processing and technology, breaches of the internal control system and compliance requirements and business continuation and disaster recovery. This risk of loss also includes the potential legal actions that could arise as a result of an operational deficiency or as a result of noncompliance with applicable regulatory standards, adverse business decisions or their implementation, and customer attrition due to potential negative publicity. In the event of a breakdown in the internal control system, improper operation of systems or improper employee actions, the Corporation could suffer financial loss, face regulatory action and suffer damage to its reputation.


•	A natural disaster could harm the Corporation’s business.

Natural disasters could harm the Corporation’s operations directly through interference with communications, as well as through the destruction of facilities and operational, financial and management information systems. These events could prevent the Corporation from gathering deposits, originating loans and processing and controlling its flow of business.

Table of Contents

PART I: ITEM 1A. AND ITEM 1B.


•	The Corporation faces systems failure risks as well as security risks, including “hacking” and “identity theft”.

The computer systems and network infrastructure the Corporation uses could be vulnerable to unforeseen problems. The Corporation’s operations are dependent upon the ability to protect computer equipment against damage from fire, power loss or telecommunication failure. Any damage or failure that causes an interruption in operations could adversely affect the business and financial results. In addition, computer systems and network infrastructure present security risks, and could be susceptible to hacking or identity theft.


•	The Corporation relies on dividends from its subsidiaries for its liquidity needs.

The Corporation is a separate and distinct legal entity from its bank and non-bank subsidiaries. The Corporation receives substantially all of its cash from dividends paid by its subsidiaries. These dividends are the principal source of funds to pay dividends on the Corporation’s stock and interest and principal on its debt. Various federal and state laws and regulations limit the amount of dividends that the bank subsidiaries may pay to the Corporation.


•	The Corporation’s reported financial results depend on management’s selection of accounting methods and certain assumptions and estimates.

The Corporation’s accounting policies and methods are fundamental to how it records and reports its financial condition and results of operations. The Corporation’s management must exercise judgment in selecting and applying many of these accounting policies and methods, so they comply with Generally Accepted Accounting Principles and reflect management’s judgment of the most appropriate manner to report the Corporation’s financial condition and results. In some cases, management must select the accounting policy or method to apply from two or more alternatives, any of which might be reasonable under the circumstances yet might result in the Corporation’s reporting materially different results than would have been reported under a different alternative. Certain accounting policies are critical to presenting the Corporation’s financial condition and results, and require management to make difficult, subjective or complex judgments about matters that are uncertain. Materially different amounts could be reported under different conditions or using different assumptions or estimates. These critical accounting policies include: the allowance for loan losses; the valuation of investment securities; the valuation of goodwill and intangible assets; and pension accounting. Because of the uncertainty of estimates involved in these matters, the Corporation may be required to do one or more of the following: significantly increase the allowance for loan losses and/or sustain loan losses that are significantly higher than the reserve provided; recognize significant provision for impairment of its investment securities; recognize significant impairment on its goodwill and intangible assets; or significantly increase its pension liability. As part of its function of assisting the Corporation’s Board of Directors in discharging its responsibility of ensuring all types of risk to the organization are properly being managed, mitigated and monitored by management, the Audit Committee of the Board of Directors oversees management’s accounting policies and methods. For more information, refer to “CRITICAL ACCOUNTING POLICIES” under Item 7 Part II of Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.


•	A write-down of all or part of the Corporation’s goodwill could materially reduce its net income and net worth.

At December 31, 2013, the Corporation had goodwill of $188,948,000 recorded on its consolidated balance sheet. Under ASC 340-20, Other Assets and Deferred Costs, the Corporation is required to evaluate goodwill for impairment on an annual basis, as well as on an interim basis, if events or changes indicate that the asset may be impaired. An impairment loss must be recognized for any excess of carrying value over the fair value of goodwill. The fair value is determined based on internal valuations using management’s assumptions of future growth rates, future attrition, discount rates, multiples of earnings or other relevant factors. The resulting estimated fair value could result in material write-downs of goodwill and recording of impairment losses. Such a write-down could materially reduce the Corporation’s net income and overall net worth. The Corporation also cannot predict the occurrence of certain future events that might adversely affect the fair value of goodwill. Such events include, but are not limited to, strategic decisions made in response to economic and competitive conditions, the effect of the economic environment on the Corporation’s customer base, or a material negative change in its relationship with significant customers.


•	Changes in accounting standards could materially impact the Corporation’s financial statements.

From time to time, the Financial Accounting Standards Board changes the financial accounting and reporting standards that govern the preparation of the Corporation’s financial statements. These changes can be hard to predict and can materially impact how the Corporation records and reports its financial condition and results of operations. In some cases, the Corporation could be required to apply a new or revised standard retroactively; resulting in the restating of prior period financial statements.


•	Significant legal actions could subject the Corporation to substantial uninsured liabilities.

The Corporation is from time to time subject to claims related to its operations. These claims and legal actions, including supervisory actions by the Corporation’s regulators, could involve large monetary claims and significant defense costs. To protect itself from the cost of these claims, the Corporation maintains insurance coverage in amounts and with deductibles that it believes are appropriate for its operations. However, the Corporation’s insurance coverage may not cover all claims against the Corporation or continue to be available to the Corporation at a reasonable cost. As a result, the Corporation may be exposed to substantial uninsured liabilities, which could adversely affect the Corporation’s results of operations and financial condition


•	Negative publicity could damage the Corporation’s reputation and adversely impact its business and financial results.

Reputation risk, or the risk to the Corporation’s earnings and capital from negative publicity, is inherent in the Corporation’s business. Negative publicity can result from the Corporation’s actual or alleged conduct in any number of activities, including lending practices, corporate governance and acquisitions, and actions taken by government regulators and community organizations in response to those activities. Negative publicity can adversely affect the Corporation’s ability to keep and attract customers and can expose the Corporation to litigation and regulatory action. Although the Corporation takes steps to minimize reputation risk in dealing with customers and other constituencies, the Corporation is inherently exposed to this risk.

Table of Contents

PART I: ITEM 1A. AND ITEM 1B.


•	Acquisitions may not produce revenue enhancements or cost savings at levels or within timeframes originally anticipated and may result in unforeseen integration difficulties.

The Corporation regularly explores opportunities to acquire banks, financial institutions, or other financial services businesses or assets. The Corporation cannot predict the number, size or timing of acquisitions. Difficulty in integrating an acquired business or company may cause the Corporation not to realize expected revenue increases, cost savings, increases in geographic or product presence, and/or other projected benefits from the acquisition. The integration could result in higher than expected deposit attrition (run-off), loss of key employees, disruption of the Corporation’s business or the business of the acquired company, or otherwise adversely affect the Corporation’s ability to maintain relationships with customers and employees or achieve the anticipated benefits of the acquisition. Also, the negative effect of any divestitures required by regulatory authorities in acquisitions or business combinations may be greater than expected.


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

The Corporation has traditionally paid a quarterly 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 Corporation’s stock price can be volatile.

The Corporation’s stock price can fluctuate widely in response to a variety of factors, including: actual or anticipated variations in the Corporation’s quarterly operating results; recommendations by securities analysts; significant acquisitions or business combinations; strategic partnerships, joint ventures or capital commitments; operating and stock price performance of other companies that investors deem comparable to the Corporation; new technology used or services offered by the Corporation’s competitors; news reports relating to trends, concerns and other issues in the banking and financial services industry, and changes in government regulations. General market fluctuations, industry factors and general economic and political conditions and events, including terrorist attacks, economic slowdowns or recessions, interest rate changes, credit loss trends or currency fluctuations, could also cause the Corporation’s stock price to decrease, regardless of the Corporation’s operating results.

ITEM 1B. UNRESOLVED STAFF COMMENTS.

None.

Table of Contents

PART I: ITEM 2., ITEM 3. AND ITEM 4.

ITEM 2. PROPERTIES.

The headquarters of the Corporation and the Bank is located at 200 East Jackson Street, Muncie, Indiana. The building is owned by the Bank.

The Bank conducts business through numerous facilities owned and leased. Of the ninety-five banking offices operated by the Bank, sixty-nine are owned and twenty-six are leased from non-affiliated third parties.

None of the properties owned by the Corporation are subject to any major encumbrances. The net investment of the Corporation and subsidiaries in real estate and equipment at December 31, 2013 was $74,454,000.

ITEM 3. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS.

There is no pending legal proceeding, other than ordinary routine litigation incidental to the business of the Corporation or its subsidiaries, of a material nature to which the Corporation or its subsidiaries is a party or of which any of their properties are subject. Further, there is no material legal proceeding in which any director, officer, principal shareholder, or affiliate of the Corporation, or any associate of any such director, officer or principal shareholder, is a party, or has a material interest, adverse to the Corporation or any of its subsidiaries.

None of the routine legal proceedings, individually or in the aggregate, in which the Corporation or its affiliates are involved are expected to have a material adverse impact on the financial position or the results of operations of the Corporation.

ITEM 4. MINE SAFETY DISCLOSURES.

Not applicable.

Table of Contents

SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION

SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION - EXECUTIVE OFFICERS OF THE REGISTRANT

The names, ages, and positions with the Corporation and the Bank of all executive officers of the Corporation and all persons chosen to become executive officers are listed below. The officers are elected by the Board of Directors of the Corporation for a term of one year or until the election of their successors. There are no arrangements between any officer and any other person pursuant to which he or she was selected as an officer.

Michael C. Rechin, 55, President and Chief Executive Officer, Corporation

Chief Executive Officer of the Corporation since April 2007; Chief Operating Officer of the Corporation from November 2005 to April 2007; Executive Vice President, Corporate Banking National City Bank from 1995 to November 2005.

Mark K. Hardwick, 43, Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, Corporation

Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of the Corporation since December 2005; Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of the Corporation from April 2002 to December 2005; Corporate Controller of the Corporation from November 1997 to April 2002.

Michael J. Stewart, 48, Executive Vice President and Chief Banking Officer, Corporation

Executive Vice President and Chief Banking Officer of the Corporation since February 2008; Executive Vice President from December 2006 to February 2008 for National City Corp; Executive Vice President and Chief Credit Officer for National City Bank of Indiana from December 2002 to December 2006.

John J. Martin, 47, Executive Vice President and Chief Credit Officer, Corporation

Executive Vice President and Chief Credit Officer of the Corporation since March 2013; Senior Vice President and Chief Credit Officer of the Corporation from June 2009 to March 2013; First Vice President and Deputy Chief Credit Officer of the Corporation from July 2008 to June 2009; First Vice President and Senior Manager of Lending Process of the Corporation from January 2008 to July 2008; Senior Vice President and Regional Senior Credit Officer of National City Bank from May 2000 to December 2007.

Robert R. Connors, 64, Senior Vice President, Chief Information Officer, Corporation

Senior Vice President and Chief Information Officer of the Corporation since January 2006; Senior Vice President of Operations and Technology of the Corporation from August 2002 to January 2006.

Kimberly J. Ellington, 54, Senior Vice President and Director of Human Resources, Corporation

Senior Vice President and Director of Human Resources of the Corporation since 2004; Vice President and Director of Human Resources of the Corporation from 1999 to 2004.

Jeffrey B. Lorentson, 50, Senior Vice President and Chief Risk Officer, Corporation

Senior Vice President and Chief Risk Officer of the Corporation since June 2007; Corporate Controller of First Indiana Bank from June 2006 to June 2007; First Vice President and Corporate Controller of the Corporation from 2003 to 2006; Vice President and Corporate Controller of the Corporation from 2002 to 2003.

Table of Contents

PART II: ITEM 5. AND ITEM 6.

PART II

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

PERFORMANCE GRAPH

The following graph compares the cumulative 5-year total return to shareholders on First Merchants Corporation’s common stock relative to the cumulative total returns of the Russell 2000 index and the SNL Bank $1B - $5B index. The graph assumes that the value of the investment in the Corporation’s common stock and in each of the indexes (including reinvestment of dividends) was $100 on December 31, 2008 and tracks it through December 31, 2013.



		Period Ending
Index	12/31/2008	12/31/2009	12/31/2010	12/31/2011	12/31/2012	12/31/2013
First Merchants Corporation	100.00	28.35	42.51	40.84	72.12	111.57
Russell 2000	100.00	127.17	161.32	154.59	179.86	249.69
SNL Bank $1B-$5B	100.00	71.68	81.25	74.10	91.37	132.87

The stock price performance included in this graph is not necessarily indicative of future stock price performance.

Table of Contents

PART II: ITEM 5. AND ITEM 6.

STOCK INFORMATION



	Price Per Share
	HIGH				LOW				Dividends Declared ⁽¹⁾
Quarter	2013		2012		2013		2012		2013		2012
First Quarter	$	15.97	$	12.41	$	14.51	$	8.48	$	0.03	$	0.01
Second Quarter	17.48		12.90		14.08		10.97		0.05		0.03
Third Quarter	19.15		15.78		16.67		12.29		0.05		0.03
Fourth Quarter	23.35		15.40		17.34		12.53		0.05		0.03

Numbers rounded to nearest cent when applicable.

The table above lists per share prices and dividend payments during 2013 and 2012. Prices are as reported by the National Association of Securities Dealers Automated Quotation – Global Select Market System.

COMMON STOCK LISTING

First Merchants Corporation common stock is traded over-the-counter on the NASDAQ Global Select Market System. Quotations are carried in many daily papers. The NASDAQ symbol is FRME (Cusip #320817-10-9). At the close of business on February 28, 2014, the number of shares outstanding was 35,973,832. There were 4,453 stockholders of record on that date.

PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES BY THE ISSUER AND AFFILIATED PURCHASES

There were no purchases of the Corporation’s common stock by or on behalf of the Corporation during the quarter ended December 31, 2013.

_______________________________

(1) The “DIVIDEND LIMITATIONS” section of “BUSINESS” included as Item 1 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K, the “CAPITAL” and “LIQUIDITY” sections of “Management's Discussion & Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” included as Item 7 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K and Note 16. STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY to the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements included as Item 8 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K include discussions regarding dividend restrictions.

Table of Contents

PART II: ITEM 5. AND ITEM 6.

EQUITY COMPENSATION PLAN INFORMATION

The following table provides information about the Corporation’s common stock that may be issued under equity compensation plans as of December 31, 2013.



Plan Category	Number of securities to be issued upon exercise of outstanding options, warrants and rights	Weighted-average exercised price of outstanding options warrants and rights		Number of securities remaining available for future issuance under equity compensations plans (excluding securities reflected in first column)
Equity Compensation Plans Approved by Stockholders	958,786	$	21.32	388,075	⁽¹⁾
Equity Compensation Plans Not Approved by Stockholders ⁽²⁾				380,887
Total	958,786	$	21.32	768,962	⁽¹⁾

ITEM 6. SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA.

The selected financial data is presented within the “FIVE – YEAR SUMMARY OF SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA” on page 3 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.

_______________________________

(1) This number does not include shares remaining available for future issuance under the 2009 Long-term Equity Incentive Plan, which was approved by the Corporation’s shareholders at the 2009 annual meeting. The aggregate number of shares that are available for grants under that Plan in any calendar year is equal to the sum of: (a) 1 percent of the number of common shares of the Corporation outstanding as of the last day of the preceding calendar year; plus (b) the number of shares that were available for grants, but not granted, under the Plan in any previous year; but in no event will the number of shares available for grants in any calendar year exceed 1.5 percent of the number of common shares of the Corporation outstanding as of the last day of the preceding calendar year. The 2009 Long-term Equity Incentive Plan will expire in 2019.

(2) The only plan reflected above that was not approved by the Corporation’s stockholders relates to certain First Merchants Corporation Stock Option Agreements (“Agreements”). These Agreements provided for non-qualified stock options of the common stock of the Corporation, awarded between 1995 and 2002 to each director of First Merchants Bank, National Association (“First Merchants”) who, on the date of the grants: (a) were serving as a director of First Merchants; (b) were not an employee of the Corporation, First Merchants, or any of the Corporation’s other affiliated banks or the non-bank subsidiaries; and (c) were not serving as a director of the Corporation. The exercise price of the shares was equal to the fair market value of the shares upon the grant of the option. Options became 100 percent vested when granted and are fully exercisable six months after the date of the grant, for a period of ten years.

Table of Contents

PART II: ITEM 7. AND ITEM 7A. MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

ITEM 7. MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS.

CRITICAL ACCOUNTING POLICIES

Generally accepted accounting principles require management to apply significant judgment to certain accounting, reporting and disclosure matters. Management must use assumptions and estimates to apply those principles where actual measurement is not possible or practical. For a complete discussion of the Corporation’s significant accounting policies, see Note 1. NATURE OF OPERATIONS AND SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements included as Item 8 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K for additional detail.

RESULTS OF OPERATIONS – 2013

Net income available to stockholders was $42.2 million, or $1.41 per fully diluted common share, an increase of $1.6 million compared to $40.6 million, or $1.41 per fully diluted common share in 2012. Included in the 2013 results were $5.4 million, or $.12 per fully diluted common share, of non-recurring acquisition related expenses. On November 12, 2013, the Corporation acquired 100 percent of CFS Bancorp, Inc. ("CFS") in an all stock transaction as discussed in NOTE 3. BUSINESS COMBINATIONS, included within the Notes to Consolidated Condensed Financial Statements included as Item 8 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K. By contrast, 2012 results included a $9.1 million, or $0.21 per fully diluted common share after tax gain from the February 10, 2012, acquisition of certain assets and assumption of substantially all the deposits and certain other liabilities of SCB Bank, from the FDIC as the receiver for SCB Bank. Details of this transaction are included in NOTE 2. PURCHASE AND ASSUMPTION, included within the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements included as Item 8 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.

As of December 31, 2013, total assets equaled $5.4 billion, an increase of $1.1 billion from December 31, 2012. Loans and investments, the Corporation’s primary earning assets, totaled $4.7 billion, up $934.4 million from the prior year’s total of $3.8 billion. Investments increased by $221.2 million primarily due to liquidity provided by the CFS acquisition. Loans and loans held for sale increased $713.2 million. The Corporation acquired $603.3 million in loans and loans held for sale as a result of the CFS acquisition. Additional details of these changes are included within the “EARNING ASSETS” section of Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations included as Item 7 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.

The Corporation’s allowance for loan losses totaled $67.9 million as of year end 2013. The allowance provides 120.3 percent coverage of all non-accrual loans and 1.87 percent of total loans. Details of the Allowance for Loan and Lease Losses and non-performing loans are discussed within the “LOAN QUALITY” and “PROVISION/ALLOWANCE FOR LOAN LOSSES” sections of Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations included as Item 7 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.

Taxes, both current and deferred, increased in 2013 by $25.7 million. This change was primarily driven by a $30.7 million increase resulting from the CFS acquisition. Additional details related to the change are discussed within the “INCOME TAX” section of Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations included as Item 7 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.

The Corporation recognized increases in premises and equipment and cash surrender value of life insurance of $19.6 million and $36.6 million, respectively, as a result of the CFS acquisition. In addition, the excess of net tangible assets acquired was allocated to a core deposit intangible of $7.3 million and goodwill of $47.6 million. Additional details relating to the net tangible assets acquired are discussed in NOTE 3. BUSINESS COMBINATIONS, included within the Notes to Consolidated Condensed Financial Statements included as Item 8 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.

Deposits increased $885.1 million from December 31, 2012. As part of the CFS acquisition, the Bank acquired deposits of $955.7 million. Additional details related to the change are discussed within the “DEPOSITS & BORROWINGS” section of Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations included as Item 7 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.

On November 1, 2013, the Corporation completed the private issuance and sale to four institutional investors of an aggregate of $70 million of debt comprised of (a) 5.00 percent Fixed-to-Floating Rate Senior Notes due 2028 in the aggregate principal amount of $5 million (the “Senior Debt”) and (b) 6.75 percent Fixed-to-Floating Rate Subordinated Notes due 2028 in the aggregate principal amount of $65 million (the “Subordinated Debt”). The net proceeds of the placement were used to pay off the Corporation’s $55 million credit facility with Bank of America, N.A. which was scheduled to mature on February 15, 2015. Details of this transaction are included in NOTE 12. BORROWINGS, included within the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements included as Item 8 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.

In three separate transactions during 2013, the Corporation redeemed all 90,782.94 outstanding shares of its Senior Non-Cumulative Perpetual Preferred Stock, Series B (the "Series B Preferred Stock") held by the U.S. Department of the Treasury (the "Treasury"). The Series B Preferred Stock had been issued to the Treasury in September of 2011 as part of the Corporation's participation in the Small Business Lending Fund Program ("SBLF"). Additional details related to the Corporation's SBLF related Preferred Stock redemptions are discussed in NOTE 16. STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements included as Item 8 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.

The Corporation was able to maintain all regulatory capital ratios in excess of the regulatory definition of “well-capitalized” as discussed in the “CAPITAL” section of Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations included as Item 7 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.

Table of Contents

PART II: ITEM 7. AND ITEM 7A. MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

Net Interest Income

Net interest income is the primary source of the Corporation’s earnings. Net interest margin is a function of net interest income and the level of average earning assets. The following table presents the Corporation’s interest income, interest expense, and net interest income as a percent of average earning assets for the three-year period ending in 2013.



(Dollars in Thousands)	2013			2012			2011
Net Interest Income	$	154,265		$	152,336		$	143,355
FTE Adjustment	$	6,043		$	5,745		$	5,759
Net Interest Income on a Fully Taxable Equivalent Basis	$	160,308		$	158,081		$	149,114
Average Earning Assets	$	4,017,247		$	3,833,174		$	3,744,027
Interest Income (FTE) as a Percent of Average Earning Assets	4.40		%	4.74		%	4.99		%
Interest Expense as a Percent of Average Earning Assets	0.41		%	0.62		%	1.01		%
Net Interest Income (FTE) as a Percent of Average Earning Assets	3.99		%	4.12		%	3.98		%

In 2013, asset yields decreased 34 basis points on fully taxable equivalent basis (FTE) and interest cost decreased 21 basis points, resulting in a 13 basis point decrease in the interest margin compared to 2012. An increase in earnings assets, primarily due to a larger loan portfolio as a result of the CFS Bancorp transaction, as discussed in Note 3 Business Combination, in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements included as Item 8 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K, resulted in a positive volume variance of $10,087,000 (FTE). In addition, a low interest rate environment produced a negative rate variance of $8,158,000 (FTE), resulting in a net increase of $1,929,000 in net interest income.

In 2012, asset yields decreased 25 basis points on a fully taxable equivalent basis (FTE) and interest cost decreased 39 basis points, resulting in a 14 basis point increase in the interest margin compared to 2011. An increase in earning assets, primarily due to a larger loan portfolio as a result of the SCB Bank transaction, as discussed in NOTE 2 Purchase and Assumption, in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements included as Item 8 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K, resulted in a positive volume variance of $7,754,000 (FTE). In addition, a low interest rate environment produced a positive rate variance of $1,227,000 (FTE), resulting in a net increase of $8,981,000 in net interest income.

Average earning assets include the average balance of securities classified as available for sale, computed based on the average of the historical amortized cost balances without the effects of the fair value adjustment. In addition, annualized amounts are computed utilizing a 30/360 day basis.

Non-Interest Income

Non-interest income decreased $9,493,000 or 14.8 percent in 2013 compared to 2012. The largest item contributing to the decrease was a gross purchase gain of $9,124,000 recognized in 2012 from the purchase of certain assets and assumption of certain liabilities of SCB Bank. Details of this transaction are included within Note 2. PURCHASE AND ASSUMPTION of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements included as Item 8 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.

Additionally, earnings on cash surrender value of life insurance decreased by $805,000 compared to 2012. This decrease was primarily driven by a death benefit of $576,000 received from Bank Owned Life Insurance during 2012. Finally, gains on the sale of mortgage loans, gains on the sale of investment securities and tax credit fund income declined by $3.1 million, $1.9 million and $1.0 million, respectively, in 2013 when compared to 2012.

Offsetting these declines were significant increases in gains on sale of OREO, insurance commissions, customer service charges, fiduciary activities, and investment service commissions of $3.0 million, $917,000, $813,000, $703,000 and $463,000, respectively, in 2013 when compared to 2012.

The CFS acquisition, discussed in Note 3. BUSINESS COMBINATIONS of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements included as Item 8 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K, resulted in $1.2 million of non-interest income during the last seven weeks of 2013. Of this $1.2 million, the largest components were $581,000 of customer service charges and $325,000 of electronic interchange fees.

Non-Interest Expenses

Non-interest expenses increased $6,104,000 or 4.5 percent in 2013 compared to 2012. Salaries and employee benefits increased by $6.0 million, with the largest factor being $2.5 million of non-recurring severance expenses related to the CFS acquisition. In addition, salaries and employee benefits increased by $2.1 million due to the addition of CFS employees since acquisition. Additionally, professional and other outside services were $2.1 million higher in 2013 than 2012 due primarily to expenses associated with the acquisition and integration of CFS.

The increases in salary and employee benefits and other expenses were offset by year over year declines in other real estate owned and credit-related expenses of $1.5 million and FDIC assessment expense of $647,000.

Overall, the CFS acquisition, discussed in Note 3. BUSINESS COMBINATIONS of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements included as Item 8 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K, resulted in $8.9 million of non-interest expense during 2013.

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PART II: ITEM 7. AND ITEM 7A. MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

Income Tax Expense

Income tax expense in 2013 was $14,677,000 on pre-tax income of $59,207,000, or 24.8 percent. For the same period in 2012, the income tax expense was $15,867,000 on pre-tax income of $60,969,000. Additional details are discussed within the “INCOME TAXES” section

of the Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations included as Item 7 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.

RESULTS OF OPERATIONS – 2012

Net income available to stockholders was $40.6 million, or $1.41 per fully diluted common share, an increase of $31.6 million compared to $9.0 million, or $0.34 per fully diluted common share in 2011.

On February 10, 2012, the Bank assumed substantially all the deposits and certain other liabilities and acquired certain assets of SCB Bank, from the FDIC as the receiver for SCB Bank. This transaction generated a pre-tax gain of $9.1 million, or $0.21 per common share after tax. Details of this transaction are included in NOTE 2. PURCHASE AND ASSUMPTION, included within the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements included as Item 8 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.

In 2011, an after-tax loss of $12.3 million, or $0.47 per share, was recorded due to the accounting treatment for the extinguishment of trust preferred securities. The extinguishment of the trust preferred securities was done in conjunction with the redemption of 69,600 shares of the Corporation's fixed rate cumulative perpetual preferred stock, under the Capital Purchase Program, for $69.6 million, the issuance of 90,783 shares of the Corporation's senior non-cumulative perpetual preferred stock, through the Small Business Lending Fund, for $90.8 million, and the issuance of 2,822,000 shares of the Corporation's common stock in exchange for gross proceeds of $21.2 million. The details are discussed within Note 16. STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements included as Item 8 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.

As of December 31, 2012, total assets equaled $4.3 billion, an increase of $131.7 million from December 31, 2011. Loans and investments, the Corporation’s primary earning assets, totaled $3.8 billion, up slightly from the prior year’s total of $3.7 billion. While investments decreased $72.0 million, loans and loans held for sale increased $193.2 million. The Bank acquired $93.8 million in loans as a result of the SCB transaction. Additional details of these changes are included within the “EARNING ASSETS” section of Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations included as Item 7 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.

The Corporation’s allowance for loan losses totaled $69.4 million as of year end 2012. The allowance provides 129.9 percent coverage of all non-accrual loans and 2.37 percent of total loans. Details of the Allowance for Loan and Lease Losses and non-performing loans are discussed within the “LOAN QUALITY” and “PROVISION/ALLOWANCE FOR LOAN LOSSES” sections of Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations included as Item 7 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.

Taxes, both current and deferred, decreased in 2012 by $5.6 million. This change is primarily driven from decreases in the deferred tax assets associated with the deductibility of the provision for loan losses and pensions and other employee benefits, the utilization of federal tax credit carryforwards, and the increase in the deferred tax liability associated with the gain on the FDIC modified whole bank transaction. Details of the change is discussed within the “INCOME TAX” section of Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations included as Item 7 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.

Deposits increased $211.7 million from December 31, 2011. As part of the SCB transaction, the Bank assumed deposits of $125.9 million. The Bank also completed repayment of $79.0 million of Senior Notes (the "Notes") that matured on March 30, 2012. The Notes were originally issued by the Bank on March 31, 2009 and were guaranteed by the FDIC under its Temporary Liquidity Guarantee program. Additionally, on August 22, 2012, the Corporation exercised its option to redeem the $4,124,000 subordinated debenture associated with the CNBC Statutory Trust I. The redemption price was 104.59. The debenture had carried a fixed interest rate of 10.2 percent. Additional details of the Corporation's borrowings are discussed in NOTE 12. BORROWINGS of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements included as Item 8 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.

Net Interest Income



(Dollars in Thousands)	2012			2011			2010
Net Interest Income	$	152,336		$	143,355		$	143,569
FTE Adjustment	$	5,745		$	5,759		$	5,865
Net Interest Income on a Fully Taxable Equivalent Basis	$	158,081		$	149,114		$	149,434
Average Earning Assets	$	3,833,174		$	3,744,027		$	3,862,493
Interest Income (FTE) as a Percent of Average Earning Assets	4.74		%	4.99		%	5.32		%
Interest Expense as a Percent of Average Earning Assets	0.62		%	1.01		%	1.45		%
Net Interest Income (FTE) as a Percent of Average Earning Assets	4.12		%	3.98		%	3.87		%

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PART II: ITEM 7. AND ITEM 7A. MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

In 2012, asset yields decreased 25 basis points on a fully taxable equivalent basis (FTE) and interest cost decreased 39 basis points, resulting in a 14 basis point increase in the interest margin compared to 2011. An increase in earning assets, primarily due to a larger loan portfolio as a result of the SCB Bank transaction, as discussed in NOTE 2 PURCHASE AND ASSUMPTION, in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements included as Item 8 of this Annual Report on form 10-K, resulted in a positive volume variance of $7,754,000 (FTE). In addition, a low interest rate environment produced a positive rate variance of $1,227,000 (FTE), resulting in a net increase of $8,981,000 in net interest income.

In 2011, asset yields decreased 33 basis points on a fully taxable equivalent basis (FTE) and interest cost decreased 44 basis points, resulting in an 11 basis point increase in the net interest margin compared to 2010. A decrease in earning assets, primarily due to a smaller loan portfolio and a decline in interest-bearing liabilities, produced a negative volume variance of $2,439,000 (FTE). Furthermore, a declining interest rate environment produced a positive rate variance of $2,225,000 (FTE), resulting in a net decrease of $214,000 in net interest income.

Non-Interest Income

Non-interest income increased $15,182,000 or 30.9 percent in 2012 compared to 2011. The largest item contributing to the increase was a gross purchase gain of $9,124,000 recognized from the purchase of certain assets and assumption of certain liabilities of SCB Bank. Details of this transaction are included within Note 2. PURCHASE AND ASSUMPTION of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements included as Item 8 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.

Additionally, significant increases were realized in gains on the sale of mortgage loans, earnings on cash surrender value of life insurance and interchange from electronic card transactions of $3,210,000, $822,000, and $810,000 respectively.

Non-Interest Expenses

Non-interest expenses increased $1,177,000 or 0.9 percent in 2012 compared to 2011. Salaries and employee benefits increased by $4,663,000. Base salaries were down $81,000 while commissions and incentives were up $2,861,000 over prior year. Employees benefits were $1,752,000 higher in 2012 than 2011 primarily as a result of employee retirement plans and employee health insurance increases of $909,000 and 596,000 respectively. Additionally, other expenses were $2,050,000 higher than 2011 due primarily to expenses associated with the integration of the Shelbyville transaction.

The increases in salary and employee benefits and other expenses was offset by year over year declines in other real estate owned and credit-related expenses of $2,436,000, FDIC expenses of $2,022,000, and amortization of core deposit intangibles of $1,621,000.

Income Tax Expense

Income tax expense in 2012 was $15,867,000 on pre-tax income of $60,989,000, or 26.0 percent. For the same period in 2011, the income tax expense was $8,655,000 on pre-tax income of $33,907,000. Additional details are discussed within the “INCOME TAXES” section

of the Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations included as Item 7 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.

CAPITAL

To be categorized as well capitalized, the Bank must maintain a minimum total capital to risk-weighted assets, Tier I capital to risk-weighted assets and Tier I capital to average assets of 10 percent, 6 percent and 5 percent, respectively. The Corporation’s regulatory capital exceeded the regulatory “well capitalized” standard at December 31, 2013. See additional information on the Corporation’s and Bank’s capital ratios in Note 18. REGULATORY CAPITAL, in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements included as Item 8 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.

Tier I regulatory capital consists primarily of total stockholders’ equity and subordinated debentures issued to business trusts categorized as qualifying borrowings, less non-qualifying intangible assets and unrealized net securities gains or losses. The Corporation's Tier I capital to average assets ratio was 10.20 percent and 11.03 percent at December 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively.

At December 31, 2013, the Corporation had a Tier I risk-based capital ratio of 11.71 percent and total risk-based capital ratio of 14.54 percent, compared to 14.15 percent and 16.34 percent, respectively, at December 31, 2012. Regulatory capital guidelines require a Tier I risk-based capital ratio of at least 4 percent and a total risk-based capital ratio of at least 8 percent.

On September 22, 2011, the Corporation entered into a Securities Purchase Agreement with the Treasury, pursuant to which the Corporation issued 90,782.94 shares of the Corporation’s Senior Non-Cumulative Perpetual Preferred Stock, Series B (the “Series B Preferred Stock”), having a liquidation amount per share equal to $1,000, for a total purchase price of $90,782,940. The Purchase Agreement was entered into, and the Series B Preferred Stock was issued, pursuant to the SBLF program, a $30 billion fund established under the Small Business Jobs Act of 2010, that encourages lending to small businesses by providing capital to qualified community banks with assets of less than $10 billion.

On January 3, 2013, the Corporation redeemed 22,695.94 shares of the Series B Preferred Stock held by the Treasury at an aggregate redemption price of $22,695,940 plus accrued but unpaid dividends. Following the redemption, the Treasury held 68,087 shares of the Series B Preferred Stock representing a remaining liquidation amount of approximately $68 million.

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PART II: ITEM 7. AND ITEM 7A. MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

On July 2, 2013, the Corporation redeemed an additional 34,044 shares of the Series B Preferred Stock held by the Treasury at an aggregate redemption price of $34,044,000 plus accrued but unpaid dividends. Following the redemption, the Treasury held 34,043 shares of the Series B Preferred Stock representing a remaining liquidation amount of approximately $34 million.

On November 12, 2013, the Corporation acquired 100 percent of CFS Bancorp, Inc. ("CFS") in an all stock transaction. Pursuant to the merger agreement, the shareholders of CFS received 0.65 percent of the Corporation's common stock for each share of CFS Bancorp common stock held. The Corporation issued approximately 7.1 million shares of common stock, which was valued at approximately $135.7 million. This transaction resulted in a core deposit intangible of $7,313,000 and goodwill of $47,573,000. See Note 3. BUSINESS COMBINATIONS, to the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements included as Item 8 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K for additional information.

On November 22, 2013, the Corporation redeemed the final 34,043 shares of the Series B Preferred Stock held by the Treasury at an aggregate redemption price of $34,043,000 plus accrued but unpaid dividends. There are no shares of the Corporation's Series B Preferred Stock currently outstanding.

Management believes that all of the above capital ratios are meaningful measurements for evaluating the safety and soundness of the Corporation. Additionally, management believes the following table is meaningful when considering performance measures of the Corporation. The table below details and reconciles tangible earnings per share, return on tangible capital and tangible assets to traditional GAAP measures.



	December 31,			December 31,
(Dollars in Thousands, Except Per Share Amounts)	2013			2012
Average Goodwill	$	147,785		$	141,362
Average Core Deposit Intangible (CDI)	8,367			8,719
Average Deferred Tax on CDI	(2,633		)	(2,192		)
Intangible Adjustment	$	153,519		$	147,889
Average Stockholders' Equity (GAAP capital)	$	540,255		$	535,506
Average Cumulative Preferred Stock	(125		)	(125		)
Average Non-Cumulative Preferred Stock Issued under the Small Business Lending Fund	(47,412		)	(90,783		)
Intangible Adjustment	(153,519		)	(147,889		)
Average Tangible Capital	$	339,199		$	296,709
Average Assets	$	4,455,411		$	4,245,863
Intangible Adjustment	(153,519		)	(147,889		)
Average Tangible Assets	$	4,301,892		$	4,097,974
Net Income available to Common Stockholders	$	42,150		$	40,583
CDI amortization, net of tax	892			1,081
Tangible Net Income (Loss) available to Common Stockholders	$	43,042		$	41,664
Diluted Earnings Per Share	$	1.41		$	1.41
Diluted Tangible Earnings Per Share	$	1.43		$	1.44
Return on Average GAAP Capital	7.80		%	7.58		%
Return on Average Tangible Capital	12.69		%	14.04		%
Return on Average Assets	0.95		%	0.96		%
Return on Average Tangible Assets	1.00		%	1.02		%

Return on average tangible capital is tangible net income available to common stockholders (annualized) expressed as a percentage of average tangible capital. Return on average tangible assets is tangible net income available to common stockholders (annualized) expressed as a percentage of average tangible assets.

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PART II: ITEM 7. AND ITEM 7A. MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

LOAN QUALITY

The Corporation's primary lending focus is small business and middle market commercial, commercial real estate, residential real estate, auto and small consumer lending, which results in portfolio diversification. Commercial loans are individually underwritten and judgmentally risk rated. They are periodically monitored and prompt corrective actions are taken on deteriorating loans. Retail loans are typically underwritten with statistical decision-making tools and are managed throughout their life cycle on a portfolio basis.

At December 31, 2013, non-performing assets, which includes non-accrual loans, renegotiated loans, and other real estate owned, plus loans 90-days delinquent, totaled $83,046,000; an increase of $1,666,000 from December 31, 2012 as noted in the table below.



	December 31,		December 31,
(Dollars in Thousands)	2013		2012
Non-Performing Assets:
Non-accrual loans	$	56,402	$	53,399
Renegotiated loans	3,048		12,681
Non-performing loans (NPL)	59,450		66,080
Other real estate owned	22,246		13,263
Non-performing assets (NPA)	81,696		79,343
90+ days delinquent and still accruing	1,350		2,037
NPAs & 90+ days delinquent	$	83,046	$	81,380
Impaired Loans (includes substandard, doubtful and loss)	$	119,755	$	79,179

At December 31, 2013, non-performing loans totaled $59,450,000 and included $22,703,000 of non-accrual loans acquired in the CFS Bancorp, Inc. transaction. The new non-accruals were partially offset by a decrease in the existing portfolio, contributing to the $6,630,000 decrease in non-performing loans from December 31, 2012. Non-accrual loans totaled $56,402,000 at December 31, 2013. Renegotiated loans decreased $9,633,000 despite the continued focus on commercial and consumer loan workouts during 2013. The quality and amount of non-performing loans may increase or decrease going forward due to portfolio growth, routine problem loan recognition and resolution through collections, sales or charge offs. The performance of any loan can be affected by external factors, such as economic conditions, or internal factors, such as actions of a borrower’s management. The Corporation’s coverage ratio of allowance for loan losses to non-accrual loans decreased from 129.9 percent at December 31, 2012 to 120.3 percent at December 31, 2013. See additional information in the “PROVISION/ALLOWANCE FOR LOAN LOSSES” section of Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations included as Item 7 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.

Other real estate owned totaling $22,246,000 at December 31, 2013, included $12,889,000 of real estate assets acquired in the CFS acquisition. Current appraisals are obtained for other real estate owned to determine value as management continues to aggressively market these real estate assets.

Impaired loans include all non-accrual loans, loans accounted for under ASC 310-30 and renegotiated loans, as well as substandard, doubtful and loss grade loans that were still accruing but deemed impaired according to guidance set forth in ASC 310. Also included in impaired loans are accruing loans that are contractually past due 90 days or more and troubled debt restructurings. A loan is deemed impaired when, based on current information or events, it is probable that all amounts due of principal and interest according to the contractual terms of the loan agreement will not be collected. At December 31, 2013, the commercial impaired loan total of $119,755,000 included $69,448,000 in loans acquired in the CFS Bancorp, Inc. transaction. A specific allowance for losses was not deemed necessary for a subset of impaired loans totaling $114,253,000, but a specific allowance of $1,583,000 was recorded for the remaining balance of $5,502,000 and is included in the Corporation’s allowance for loan losses at December 31, 2013. The average balance of the total aforementioned impaired loans for 2013 was $125,168,000.

The composition of the non-performing assets and 90-day delinquent loans is detailed in the following table.



	December 31,		December 31,
(Dollars in Thousands)	2013		2012
Non Performing Assets and 90+ Days Delinquent:
Commercial and industrial loans	$	9,317	$	13,690
Agricultural production financing and other loans to farmers	30
Real estate loans
Construction	12,730		12,378
Commercial and farmland	43,229		34,999
Residential	15,340		16,620
Home Equity	1,977		3,198
Individual's loans for household and other personal expenditures	259		190
Lease financing receivables, net of unearned income			301
Other loans	164		4
Non performing assets plus 90+ days delinquent	$	83,046	$	81,380

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PART II: ITEM 7. AND ITEM 7A. MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

Although the Corporation believes its underwriting and loan review procedures are appropriate for the various kinds of loans it makes, its results of operations and financial condition could be adversely affected in the event the quality of its loan portfolio declines. Deterioration in the economic environment including housing and real estate values may result in increased levels of loan delinquencies and credit losses.

Commercial construction and land development loans were $177,082,000 at December 31, 2013, an increase of $78,443,000 from December 31, 2012. At December 31, 2013, construction and land development loans represent 4.9 percent of loans compared to 3.4 percent at December 31, 2012. Management continues to closely monitor this segment of the portfolio, as well as being selective with additional exposure to this industry.

In 2013, total net charge offs were $8,144,000, a decrease of $11,922,000 from 2012 and down $26,565,000 from 2011. The Corporation incurred three commercial loan charge offs over $1 million in 2013 totaling $4,352,000, or 53.4 percent, of total net charge offs for the year. The largest charge off, totaling $1,722,000, was incurred on a commercial loan relationship. Five recoveries of over $500,000, totaling $3,725,000 were recognized during the year. Commercial and farm real estate accounted for $3,935,000, or 48.3 percent of total net charge offs, compared to $8,399,000 and 41.9 percent in 2012. While stabilization in real estate values has been evident, charge offs continued during 2013 at an elevated level as the weak economic conditions experienced in years prior continued to impact the loan portfolio.

The table below represents loan loss experience for the years indicated.



(Dollars in Thousands)	2013			2012			2011
Allowance for Loan Losses:
Balance at January 1	$	69,366		$	70,898		$	82,977
Charge Offs	18,134			27,272			48,473
Recoveries	9,990			7,206			13,764
Net Charge Offs	8,144			20,066			34,709
Provision for Loan Losses	6,648			18,534			22,630
Balance at December 31	$	67,870		$	69,366		$	70,898
Ratio of Net Charge Offs During the Period to Average Loans Outstanding During the Period	0.27		%	0.71		%	1.26		%
Ratio of Allowance to Non-Accrual Loans	120.30		%	129.90		%	101.88		%

The distribution of the net charge offs for the years indicated is provided in the following table.



(Dollars in Thousands)	December 31, 2013			December 31, 2012			December 31, 2011
Net Charge Offs:
Commercial and industrial loans	$	1,932		$	6,133		$	1,043
Agricultural production financing and other farm loans	(317		)	(42		)	(45		)
Real estate loans
Construction	6			271			6,684
Commercial and farmland	3,935			8,399			20,312
Residential	1,347			3,052			3,871
Home Equity	1,247			1,310			2,360
Individuals loans for household and other personal expenditures	67			435			499
Lease financing receivables, net of unearned income	11			32			(7		)
Other Loans	(84		)	476			(8		)
Total Net Charge Offs	$	8,144		$	20,066		$	34,709

PROVISION/ALLOWANCE FOR LOAN LOSSES

The allowance for loan losses is maintained through the provision for loan losses, which is a charge against earnings. The provision for loan losses in 2013, 2012 and 2011 were $6,648,000, $18,534,000 and $22,630,000, respectively, showing a significant decline in each year.

The amount actually provided for loan losses in any period may be greater than or less than net loan losses, based on management’s judgment as to the appropriate level of the allowance for loan losses. The determination of the provision in any period is based on management’s continuing review and evaluation of the loan portfolio, and its judgment as to the impact of current economic conditions on the portfolio.

The amount provided for loan losses and the determination of the adequacy of the allowance are based on a continuous review of the loan portfolio, including an internally administered loan "watch" list and an independent loan review. The evaluation takes into consideration identified credit problems, as well as the possibility of losses inherent in the loan portfolio that are not specifically identified. See the “CRITICAL ACCOUNTING POLICIES” section of Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations included as Item 7 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.

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PART II: ITEM 7. AND ITEM 7A. MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

Management believes that the allowance for loan losses is adequate to cover probable incurred losses inherent in the loan portfolio at December 31, 2013. The process for determining the adequacy of the allowance for loan losses is critical to the Corporation’s financial results. It requires management to make difficult, subjective and complex judgments, as estimates about the effect of uncertain matters are needed. The allowance for loan losses considers current factors, including economic conditions and ongoing internal and external examination processes and will increase or decrease as deemed necessary to ensure the allowance for loan losses remains adequate. In addition, the allowance as a percentage of charge offs and nonperforming loans will change at different points in time based on credit performance, loan mix and collateral values.

In conformance with ASC 805 and ASC 820, loans purchased after December 31, 2008 are recorded at the acquisition date fair value. Such loans are only included in the allowance to the extent a specific impairment is identified that exceeds the fair value adjustment on an impaired loan or the historical loss and environmental factor analysis indicates losses inherent in a purchased portfolio exceeds the fair value adjustment on the portion of the purchased portfolio not deemed impaired.

At December 31, 2013, the allowance for loan losses was $67,870,000 a decrease of $1,496,000 from year-end 2012. As a percent of loans, the allowance decreased to 1.9 percent at December 31, 2013 from 2.4 percent at December 31, 2012. This decrease in the ratio of allowance to loans was primarily due to a $596,701,000 net increase in loans resulting from the acquisition of CFS Bancorp, Inc.. During 2013, the specific reserves against impaired loans decreased by $2,660,000, but the allowance increased by $1,163,000 in the ASC 450, Contingencies, allocation for loans not deemed impaired. Not included in the allowance for loan losses is the remaining fair value discount on acquired loans of $46,112,000 and $13,200,000 as of December 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively.

The allowance as a percent of originated loans remained relatively stable, reflecting the impact of the stabilizing economic environment on the Corporation’s loan portfolio, resulting in fewer charge offs and lower specific reserves. Loans are generally secured by specific items of collateral, including real property and business assets. Allowable methods for determining the amount of impairment include estimating fair value using the fair value of the collateral for collateral dependent loans. If the impaired loan is identified as collateral dependent, then the fair value method of measuring the amount of impairment is utilized. This method requires obtaining a current independent appraisal of the collateral and applying a discount factor to the value. The fair value of real estate is generally determined based on appraisals by qualified licensed appraisers. The appraisers typically determine the value of the real estate by utilizing an income or market valuation approach. Updated “as is” or “liquidation value” appraisals are obtained as individual circumstances and or market conditions warrant. Partially charged off loans measured for impairment based on their collateral value are generally not returned to performing status subsequent to receiving updated appraisals or restructure of the loan. If an appraisal is not available, the fair value may be determined by using a cash flow analysis. Fair value on other collateral such as business assets is typically ascertained by assessing, either singularly or some combination of, asset appraisals, accounts receivable aging reports, inventory listings and or customer financial statements. Both appraised values and values based on borrower’s financial information are discounted as considered appropriate based on age and quality of the information and current market conditions.

Loans deemed impaired according to guidance set forth in ASC 310 are evaluated during problem loan meetings held within each reporting period by a special assets management team. Loan collateral and customer financial information are reviewed and the level of impairment is assessed to determine appropriate and accurate reserve and or charge off amounts. Loans or portions of loans are charged off when they are considered uncollectible and of such little value that their continuance as an asset is not warranted. It is the Corporation’s policy to recognize losses promptly to prevent overstatement of assets, earnings and capital.

The following table summarizes loan loss reserves by loan segment for the periods ended December 31, 2013 and December 31, 2012.



	December 31, 2013
(Dollars in Thousands)	Commercial		Commercial Real Estate		Consumer		Residential		Finance Leases	Total
Allowance Balances:
Individually evaluated for impairment	$	585	$	763			$	6		$	1,354
Collectively evaluated for impairment	26,493		22,208		$	2,515	15,071			66,287
Loans Acquired with Deteriorated Credit Quality	98		131							229
Total Allowance for Loan Losses	$	27,176	$	23,102	$	2,515	$	15,077		$	67,870



	December 31, 2012
(Dollars in Thousands)	Commercial		Commercial Real Estate		Consumer		Residential		Finance Leases	Total
Allowance Balances:
Individually evaluated for impairment	$	1,628	$	2,565			$	50		$	4,243
Collectively evaluated for impairment	24,285		24,138		$	2,593	14,107			65,123
Total Allowance for Loan Losses	$	25,913	$	26,703	$	2,593	$	14,157		$	69,366

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PART II: ITEM 7. AND ITEM 7A. MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

The historical loss allocation for loans not deemed impaired according to ASC 310 is the product of the volume of loans within the non-impaired criticized and non-criticized risk grade classifications, each segmented by call code, and the historical loss factor for each respective classification and call code segment. The historical loss factors are based upon actual loss experience within each risk and call code classification. The historical look back period for non-criticized loans is the most recent rolling-four-quarter average and aligns with the look back period for non-impaired criticized loans. Each of the rolling-four-quarter periods used to obtain the average, includes all charge offs for the previous twelve-month period; therefore, the historical look back period goes back seven quarters. The resulting allocation is more reflective of current conditions. Criticized loans are grouped based on the risk grade assigned to the loan. Loans with a special mention grade are assigned a loss factor and loans with a classified grade, but not impaired, are assigned a separate loss factor. The loss factor computation for this allocation includes a segmented historical loss migration analysis of non-impaired loans, by risk grade, to charge off. Given the credit improvement in the loan portfolio during 2013 and the resulting decreases in originated, non-impaired criticized loans and net charge offs, the historical loss component adjusted downward in 2013.

In addition to the specific reserves and historical loss components of the allowance, consideration is given to various environmental factors to help ensure that losses inherent in the portfolio are reflected in the allowance for loan losses. The environmental component adjusts the historical loss allocations for commercial and consumer loans to reflect relevant current conditions that, in management’s opinion, have an impact on loss recognition. Environmental factors that management reviews in the analysis include: National and local economic trends and conditions; trends in growth in the loan portfolio and growth in higher risk areas; levels of, and trends in, delinquencies and non-accruals; experience and depth of lending management and staff; adequacy of, and adherence to, lending policies and procedures including those for underwriting; industry concentrations of credit; and adequacy of risk identification systems and controls through the internal loan review and internal audit processes. Each environmental factor receives an individual qualitative allocation that, in management’s opinion, reflects losses inherent in the portfolio that are not reflected in the historical loss components of the allowance. As the economic environment has seen improvement during the period, management believes losses inherent in the portfolio may not be immediately apparent for specific identification thus the environmental allocations increased to ensure the adequacy of the allowance. At December 31, 2013, the allocation related to environmental considerations totaled $48,210,000, an increase of $5,749,000 from December 31, 2012.

The Corporation’s primary market areas for lending are central Indiana, northwestern Indiana, northeastern Illinois, and Butler and Franklin counties in Ohio. When evaluating the adequacy of the allowance, consideration is given to this regional geographic concentration and the closely associated effect changing economic conditions have on the Corporation’s customers. In management’s opinion, the allowance for loan losses at December 31, 2013 is reflective of both the banking environment within the Corporation’s footprint and the Corporation’s recent loan and loss trends.

GOODWILL

Goodwill is reviewed annually for impairment. First Merchants completed its most recent annual goodwill impairment test as of October 1, 2013 and concluded, based on current events and circumstances, goodwill is not impaired. In the fourth quarter of 2013, First Merchants recorded approximately $47,573,000 of goodwill associated with the acquisition of CFS Bancorp, Inc. See Note 3. BUSINESS COMBINATIONS, in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements included as Item 8 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.

LIQUIDITY

Liquidity management is the process by which the Corporation ensures that adequate liquid funds are available for the holding company and its subsidiaries. These funds are necessary in order to meet financial commitments on a timely basis. These commitments include withdrawals by depositors, funding credit obligations to borrowers, paying dividends to stockholders, paying operating expenses, funding capital expenditures, and maintaining deposit reserve requirements. Liquidity is monitored and closely managed by the asset/liability committee.

The Corporation’s liquidity is dependent upon the receipt of dividends from the Bank, which are subject to certain regulatory limitations and access to other funding sources. Liquidity of the Bank is derived primarily from core deposit growth, principal payments received on loans, the sale and maturity of investment securities, net cash provided by operating activities, and access to other funding sources.

The principal source of asset-funded liquidity is investment securities classified as available for sale, the market values of which totaled$536,201,000 at December 31, 2013, an increase of $22,858,000, or 4.5 percent, from December 31, 2012. Securities classified as held to maturity that are maturing within a short period of time can also be a source of liquidity. Securities classified as held to maturity and that are maturing in one year or less totaled $4,446,000 at December 31, 2013. In addition, other types of assets such as cash and due from banks, federal funds sold and securities purchased under agreements to resell, and loans and interest-bearing deposits with other banks maturing within one year are sources of liquidity.

The most stable source of liability-funded liquidity for both the long-term and short-term is deposit growth and retention in the core deposit base. In addition, Federal Home Loan Bank ("FHLB") advances are utilized as a funding source. At December 31, 2013, total borrowings from the FHLB were $122,140,000. The Bank has pledged certain mortgage loans and investments to the FHLB. The total available remaining borrowing capacity from the FHLB at December 31, 2013 was $228,124,000.

On March 30, 2012, the Bank completed repayment of $79,000,000 of Senior Notes (the "Notes") that had matured. The Notes, which were originally issued by the Bank on March 31, 2009, were guaranteed by the FDIC under its Temporary Liquidity Guarantee Program ("TLGP").

On August 22, 2012, the Corporation exercised its option to redeem the $4,124,000 subordinated debenture associated with the CNBC Statutory Trust I. The redemption price premium was 104.59 percent. The debenture carried a fixed interest rate of 10.2 percent.

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PART II: ITEM 7. AND ITEM 7A. MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

For further details related to the Corporation's borrowings, see Note 12. BORROWINGS, in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements included as Item 8 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.

In the normal course of business, the Bank is a party to a number of other off-balance sheet activities that contain credit, market and operational risk that are not reflected in whole or in part in the consolidated financial statements. Such activities include: traditional off-balance sheet credit-related financial instruments, commitments under operating leases and long-term debt.

The Bank provides customers with off-balance sheet credit support through loan commitments and standby letters of credit. Summarized credit-related financial instruments at December 31, 2013 are as follows:



	December 31,
(Dollars in Thousands)	2013
Amounts of Commitments:
Loan Commitments to Extend Credit	$	1,216,470
Standby Letters of Credit	41,508
	$	1,257,978

Since many of the commitments are expected to expire unused or be only partially used, the total amount of unused commitments in the preceding table does not necessarily represent future cash requirements.

In addition to owned banking facilities, the Corporation has entered into a number of long-term leasing arrangements to support ongoing activities. The required payments under such commitments and borrowings at December 31, 2013 are as follows:



(Dollars in Thousands)	2014		2015		2016		2017		2018		2019 and after		Total
Operating Leases	$	2,804	$	2,551	$	2,067	$	1,356	$	749	$	3,158	$	12,685
Federal Funds Purchased	125,645												125,645
Securities Sold Under Repurchase Agreements	148,672												148,672
Federal Home Loan Bank Advances	26,437		30,886		28,833		2,629		13,252		20,103		122,140
Subordinated Debentures and Term Loans	105										126,702		126,807
Total	$	303,663	$	33,437	$	30,900	$	3,985	$	14,001	$	149,963	$	535,949

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PART II: ITEM 7. AND ITEM 7A. MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

INTEREST SENSITIVITY AND DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK

Asset/Liability Management has been an important factor in the Corporation's ability to record consistent earnings growth through periods of interest rate volatility and product deregulation. Management and the Board of Directors monitor the Corporation's liquidity and interest sensitivity positions at regular meetings to review how changes in interest rates may affect earnings. Decisions regarding investment and the pricing of loan and deposit products are made after analysis of reports designed to measure liquidity, rate sensitivity, the Corporation’s exposure to changes in net interest income given various rate scenarios and the economic and competitive environments.

It is the objective of the Corporation to monitor and manage risk exposure to net interest income caused by changes in interest rates. It is the goal of the Corporation’s Asset/Liability function to provide optimum and stable net interest income. To accomplish this, management uses two asset liability tools. GAP/Interest Rate Sensitivity Reports and Net Interest Income Simulation Modeling are constructed, presented and monitored quarterly. Management believes that the Corporation's liquidity and interest sensitivity position at December 31, 2013, remained adequate to meet the Corporation’s primary goal of achieving optimum interest margins while avoiding undue interest rate risk.

The following table presents the Corporation’s interest rate sensitivity analysis as of December 31, 2013.



	December 31, 2013
(Dollars in Thousands)	1-180 Days			181-365 Days			1-5 Years			Beyond 5 Years			Total
Rate-Sensitive Assets:
Interest-bearing Deposits	$	55,069											$	55,069
Investment Securities	87,624			$	72,432		$	377,883		$	557,640		1,095,579
Loans	2,023,648			383,554			931,126			231,542			3,569,870
Federal Reserve and Federal Home Loan Bank Stock							38,990						38,990
Total Rate-sensitive Assets	$	2,166,341		$	455,986		$	1,347,999		$	789,182		$	4,759,508
Rate-Sensitive Liabilities:
Interest-bearing Deposits	$	1,731,212		$	368,154		$	985,619		$	215,711		$	3,300,696
Federal Funds Purchased	125,645												125,645
Securities Sold Under Repurchase Agreements	148,672												148,672
Federal Home Loan Bank Advances	2,876			26,652			61,584			31,028			122,140
Subordinated Debentures and Term Loans	61,807									65,000			126,807
Total Rate-sensitive Liabilities	$	2,070,212		$	394,806		$	1,047,203		$	311,739		$	3,823,960
Interest Rate Sensitivity Gap by Period	$	96,129		$	61,180		$	300,796		$	477,443
Cumulative Rate Sensitivity Gap	$	96,129		$	157,309		$	458,105		$	935,548
Cumulative Rate Sensitivity Gap Ratio
at December 31, 2013	104.6		%	106.4		%	113.0		%	124.5		%
at December 31, 2012	113.1		%	116.1		%	119.7		%	130.5		%

The Corporation had a cumulative positive gap of $157,309,000 in the one-year horizon at December 31, 2013 or 2.89 percent of total assets.

The Corporation places its greatest credence in net interest income simulation modeling. The above GAP/Interest Rate Sensitivity Report is believed by the Corporation's management to have two major shortfalls. The GAP/Interest Rate Sensitivity Report fails to precisely gauge how often an interest rate sensitive product reprices, nor is it able to measure the magnitude of potential future rate movements.

Net interest income simulation modeling, or earnings-at-risk, measures the sensitivity of net interest income to various interest rate movements. The Corporation's asset liability process monitors simulated net interest income under three separate interest rate scenarios; base, rising and falling. Estimated net interest income for each scenario is calculated over a twelve-month horizon. The immediate and parallel changes to the base case scenario used in the model are presented below. The interest rate scenarios are used for analytical purposes and do not necessarily represent management's view of future market movements. Rather, these are intended to provide a measure of the degree of volatility interest rate movements may introduce into the earnings of the Corporation.

The base scenario is highly dependent on numerous assumptions embedded in the model, including assumptions related to future interest rates. While the base sensitivity analysis incorporates management's best estimate of interest rate and balance sheet dynamics under various market rate movements, the actual behavior and resulting earnings impact will likely differ from that projected. For certain assets, the base simulation model captures the expected prepayment behavior under changing interest rate environments. Assumptions and methodologies regarding the interest rate or balance behavior of indeterminate maturity products, such as savings, money market, NOW and demand deposits, reflect management's best estimate of expected future behavior.

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PART II: ITEM 7. AND ITEM 7A. MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

The comparative rising 200 basis points and falling 100 basis points scenarios below, as of December 31, 2013, assume further interest rate changes in addition to the base simulation discussed above. These changes are immediate and parallel changes to the base case scenario. In the current rate environment, many driver rates are at or near historical lows, thus total rate movements (beginning point minus ending point) to each of the various driver rates utilized by management have the following results:



	At December 31, 2013
	RISING	FALLING
Driver Rates	(200 Basis Points)	(100 Basis Points)
Prime	200	0
Federal Funds	200	0
One-Year CMT	200	(5)
Three-Year CMT	200	(50)
Five-Year CMT	200	(100)
CD's	200	(20)
FHLB	200	(33)

Results for the base, rising 200 basis points, and falling 100 basis points interest rate scenarios are listed below based upon the Corporation’s rate sensitive assets and liabilities at December 31, 2013. The net interest income shown represents cumulative net interest income over a twelve-month time horizon. Balance sheet assumptions used for the base scenario are the same for the rising and falling simulations.



	At December 31, 2013
			RISING			FALLING
(Dollars in Thousands)	Base		(200 Basis Points)			(100 Basis Points)
Net Interest Income	$	179,646	$	190,736		$	175,238
Variance from Base			$	11,090		$	(4,408	)
Percent of Change from Base			6.17		%	(2.45		)%

The comparative rising 200 basis points and falling 100 basis points scenarios below, as of December 31, 2012, assume further interest rate changes in addition to the base simulation discussed above. These changes are immediate and parallel changes to the base case scenario. In addition, total rate movements (beginning point minus ending point) to each of the various driver rates utilized by management in the base simulation are as follows:



	At December 31, 2012
	RISING	FALLING
Driver Rates	(200 Basis Points)	(100 Basis Points)
Prime	200	0
Federal Funds	200	0
One-Year CMT	200	(8)
Three-Year CMT	200	(3)
Five-Year CMT	200	(10)
CD's	200	(25)
FHLB	200	(5)

Results for the base, rising 200 basis points, and falling 100 basis points interest rate scenarios are listed below. The net interest income shown represents cumulative net interest income over a twelve-month time horizon. Balance sheet assumptions used for the base scenario are the same for the rising and falling simulations.



	At December 31, 2012
			RISING			FALLING
(Dollars in Thousands)	Base		(200 Basis Points)			(100 Basis Points)
Net Interest Income	$	145,846	$	153,621		$	144,122
Variance from Base			$	7,775		$	(1,724	)
Percent of Change from Base			5.33		%	(1.18		)%

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PART II: ITEM 7. AND ITEM 7A. MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

EARNING ASSETS

The following table presents the earning asset mix as of December 31, 2013, and December 31, 2012. Earnings assets increased by $957,278,000.

Effective November 12, 2013, the Corporation acquired 100 percent of CFS Bancorp, Inc. ("CFS") in an all stock transaction. The two most significant earning assets were loans of $603,303,000 and interest-bearing time deposits of $213,379,000. See NOTE 3. BUSINESS COMBINATIONS, included within the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements included as Item 8 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K for details of this transaction.

The balance of CFS interest-bearing time deposits were invested in the bond portfolio resulting in an increase in investments of $221,216,000 by December 31, 2013. The four largest loan segments that experienced increases were commercial and farmland, residential, commercial and industrial and construction. Decreases were experienced mainly in individual's loans and other segments.

Effective February 10, 2012, the Bank assumed substantially all the deposits and certain other liabilities and acquired certain assets of SCB Bank, from the FDIC as the receiver of SCB Bank. The two most significant earning assets acquired were loans of $93,800,000 and investment securities of approximately $18,900,000. Detail of this transaction are included in NOTE 2. PURCHASE AND ASSUMPTION, included within the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements included as Item 8 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.



	December 31,		December 31,
(Dollars in Thousands)	2013		2012
Interest-bearing Time Deposits	$	55,069	$	38,443
Investment Securities Available for Sale	536,201		513,343
Investment Securities Held to Maturity	559,378		361,020
Mortgage Loans Held for Sale	5,331		22,300
Loans	3,632,409		2,902,209
Federal Reserve and Federal Home Loan Bank Stock	38,990		32,785
	$	4,827,378	$	3,870,100

DEPOSITS AND BORROWINGS

The table below reflects the level of deposits and borrowed funds (federal funds purchased, repurchase agreements; FHLB advances; subordinated debentures and term loans) based on year-end levels at December 31, 2013 and 2012.



	December 31,		December 31,
(Dollars in Thousands)	2013		2012
Deposits	$	4,231,468	$	3,346,383
Federal Funds Purchased	125,645		18,862
Securities Sold Under Repurchase Agreements	148,672		141,828
Federal Home Loan Bank Advances	122,140		94,238
Subordinated Debentures and Term Loans	126,807		112,161
	$	4,754,732	$	3,713,472

The Corporation has leveraged its capital position with FHLB advances, as well as repurchase agreements, which are pledged against acquired investment securities as collateral for the borrowings. Further discussion regarding FHLB advances is included in Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations under the heading “LIQUIDITY”. Additionally, the interest rate risk is included as part of the Corporation’s interest simulation discussed in Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations included as Item 7 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K under the heading “INTEREST SENSITIVITY AND DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK”.

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PART II: ITEM 7. AND ITEM 7A. MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

INCOME TAXES

Income tax expense totaled $14,677,000 for 2013 compared to $15,867,000 for 2012. The Corporation’s federal statutory income tax rate is 35 percent and its state tax rate varies from 0 to 9.5 percent depending on the state in which the subsidiary company is domiciled. The Corporation’s effective tax rate is lower than the blended effective statutory federal and state rates primarily due to the Corporation’s income on tax-exempt securities and loans, income generated by the subsidiaries domiciled in a state with no state or local income tax, income tax credits generated from investments in affordable housing projects, tax-exempt earnings from bank-owned life insurance contracts and reduced state taxes, resulting from the effect of state income apportionment. The reconciliation of federal statutory to actual tax expense is shown in Note 22, INCOME TAX, in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements included as Item 8 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.

The Corporation’s tax asset, deferred and receivable increased from $30,867,000 at December 31, 2012 to $56,614,000 at December 31, 2013. In addition, the Corporation’s net deferred tax asset has increased from $26,122,000 at December 31, 2012 to $55,785,000 at December 31, 2013. The $29,663,000 increase in the Corporation’s net deferred tax asset was primarily driven by a $30,695,000 increase resulting from the CFS acquisition. Additionally, an increase in the net deferred tax asset of $8,030,000 resulted from net unrealized gains/losses associated with securities available for sale. Partially offsetting this were decreases in the net deferred tax asset of $5,527,000 related to pensions and other employee benefits and $1,702,000 related to deferred compensation.

INFLATION

Changing prices of goods, services and capital affect the financial position of every business enterprise. The level of market interest rates and the price of funds loaned or borrowed fluctuate due to changes in the rate of inflation and various other factors, including government monetary policy.

Fluctuating interest rates affect the Corporation’s net interest income and loan volume. As the inflation rate increases, the purchasing power of the dollar decreases. Those holding fixed-rate monetary assets incur a loss, while those holding fixed-rate monetary liabilities enjoy a gain. The nature of a financial holding company’s operations is such that there will generally be an excess of monetary assets over monetary liabilities, and, thus, a financial holding company will tend to suffer from an increase in the rate of inflation and benefit from a decrease.

OTHER

The Securities and Exchange Commission maintains a website that contains reports, proxy and information statements and other information regarding registrants that file electronically with the Commission, including the Corporation, and that address is www.sec.gov.

ITEM 7A. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK.

The quantitative and qualitative disclosures about market risk information are presented in the “INTEREST SENSITIVITY AND DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK” section of Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations included as Item 7 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.

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PART II: ITEM 8. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

ITEM 8. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA.

Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

Audit Committee, Board of Directors and Stockholders

First Merchants Corporation

Muncie, Indiana

We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of First Merchants Corporation (Corporation) as of December 31, 2013 and 2012, and the related consolidated statements of income, comprehensive income, stockholders' equity and cash flows for each of the years in the three-year period ended December 31, 2013. The Corporation's management is responsible for these financial statements. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements 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. Our audits 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. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.

In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of First Merchants Corporation as of December 31, 2013 and 2012, and the results of its operations and its cash flows for each of the years in the three-year period ended December 31, 2013, in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.

We also have audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States), First Merchants Corporation's internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2013, based on criteria established in Internal Control-Integrated Framework (1992) issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO) and our report dated March 14, 2014, expressed an unqualified opinion on the effectiveness of the Corporation's internal control over financial reporting.

BKD, LLP

Indianapolis, Indiana

March 14, 2014

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PART II: ITEM 8. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA

CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS



	December 31,			December 31,
(Dollars in Thousands, Except Share Data)	2013			2012
ASSETS
Cash and cash equivalents	$	109,434		$	101,460
Interest-bearing time deposits	55,069			38,443
Investment securities available for sale	536,201			513,343
Investment securities held to maturity (fair value of $560,847 and $378,174)	559,378			361,020
Mortgage loans held for sale	5,331			22,300
Loans	3,632,409			2,902,209
Less: Allowance for loan losses	(67,870		)	(69,366		)
Net loans	3,564,539			2,832,843
Premises and equipment	74,454			52,749
Federal Reserve and Federal Home Loan Bank stock	38,990			32,785
Interest receivable	18,672			16,367
Core deposit intangibles	13,818			8,154
Goodwill	188,948			141,375
Cash surrender value of life insurance	164,571			125,397
Other real estate owned	22,246			13,263
Tax asset, deferred and receivable	56,614			30,867
Other assets	28,997			14,455
TOTAL ASSETS	$	5,437,262		$	4,304,821
LIABILITIES
Deposits:
Noninterest-bearing	$	930,772		$	801,597
Interest-bearing	3,300,696			2,544,786
Total Deposits	4,231,468			3,346,383
Borrowings:
Federal funds purchased	125,645			18,862
Securities sold under repurchase agreements	148,672			141,828
Federal Home Loan Bank advances	122,140			94,238
Subordinated debentures and term loans	126,807			112,161
Total Borrowings	523,264			367,089
Interest payable	1,771			1,841
Other liabilities	45,836			37,272
Total Liabilities	4,802,339			3,752,585
COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENT LIABILITIES
STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
Preferred Stock, no-par value, $1,000 liquidation value:
Authorized - 500,000 shares
Senior Non-Cumulative Perpetual Preferred Stock, Series B
Issued and outstanding - 0 and 90,782.94 shares				90,783
Cumulative Preferred Stock, $1,000 par value, $1,000 liquidation value:
Authorized - 600 shares
Issued and outstanding - 125 shares	125			125
Common Stock, $.125 stated value:
Authorized - 50,000,000 shares
Issued and outstanding - 35,921,761 and 28,692,616 shares	4,490			3,587
Additional paid-in capital	393,783			256,843
Retained earnings	242,935			206,397
Accumulated other comprehensive loss	(6,410		)	(5,499		)
Total Stockholders' Equity	634,923			552,236
TOTAL LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY	$	5,437,262		$	4,304,821

See notes to consolidated financial statements.

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PART II: ITEM 8. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA

CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME



	December 31,			December 31,			December 31,
(Dollars in Thousands, Except Share Data)	2013			2012			2011
INTEREST INCOME
Loans receivable:
Taxable	$	142,752		$	146,745		$	149,716
Tax-exempt	393			480			528
Investment securities:
Taxable	15,214			17,027			19,230
Tax-exempt	10,829			10,189			10,167
Federal funds sold							3
Deposits with financial institutions	158			100			282
Federal Reserve and Federal Home Loan Bank stock	1,488			1,408			1,319
Total Interest Income	170,834			175,949			181,245
INTEREST EXPENSE
Deposits	10,053			14,800			22,281
Federal funds purchased	102			69			25
Securities sold under repurchase agreements	787			907			1,511
Federal Home Loan Bank advances	2,096			2,624			4,181
Subordinated debentures, revolving credit lines and term loans	3,531			5,213			9,892
Total Interest Expense	16,569			23,613			37,890
NET INTEREST INCOME	154,265			152,336			143,355
Provision for loan losses	6,648			18,534			22,630
NET INTEREST INCOME AFTER PROVISION FOR LOAN LOSSES	147,617			133,802			120,725
OTHER INCOME
Service charges on deposit accounts	12,400			11,587			11,972
Fiduciary activities	8,594			7,891			7,650
Other customer fees	11,866			11,233			10,024
Commission income	7,141			6,224			5,660
Earnings on cash surrender value of life insurance	2,613			3,418			2,596
Net gains and fees on sales of loans	7,511			10,628			7,418
Net realized gains on sales of available for sale securities	487			2,389			2,439
Other-than-temporary impairment on available for sale securities							(2,788		)
Portion of loss recognized in other comprehensive income before taxes							2,388
Net impairment losses recognized in earnings							(400		)
Gain on FDIC modified whole bank transaction				9,124
Other income	4,197			1,808			1,761
Total Other Income	54,809			64,302			49,120
OTHER EXPENSES
Salaries and employee benefits	85,413			79,398			74,735
Net occupancy	10,291			10,186			10,118
Equipment	7,737			7,201			6,794
Marketing	2,236			2,158			2,002
Outside data processing fees	5,591			5,656			5,671
Printing and office supplies	1,340			1,169			1,242
Core deposit amortization	1,649			1,927			3,548
FDIC assessments	2,862			3,509			5,531
Other real estate owned and credit-related expenses	6,661			8,178			10,614
Professional and other outside services	8,297			6,228			5,208
Other expenses	11,142			11,505			10,475
Total Other Expenses	143,219			137,115			135,938
INCOME BEFORE INCOME TAX	59,207			60,989			33,907
Income tax expense	14,677			15,867			8,655
NET INCOME	44,530			45,122			25,252
Loss on CPP unamortized discount							(1,401		)
Loss on extinguishment of trust preferred securities							(10,857		)
Preferred stock dividends and discount accretion	(2,380		)	(4,539		)	(3,981		)
NET INCOME AVAILABLE TO COMMON STOCKHOLDERS	$	42,150		$	40,583		$	9,013

NET INCOME AVAILABLE TO COMMON STOCKHOLDERS PER SHARE:
Basic	$	1.42		$	1.42		$	0.34
Diluted	$	1.41		$	1.41		$	0.34

See notes to consolidated financial statements.

Table of Contents

PART II: ITEM 8. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA

CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME



(Dollars in Thousands)	December 31, 2013			December 31, 2012			December 31, 2011
Net income	$	44,530		$	45,122		$	25,252
Other comprehensive income (loss) net of tax:
Unrealized holding gain (loss) on securities available for sale arising during the period, net of tax of $6,841, $654, and $10,658	(12,705		)	1,214			9,163
Unrealized gain (loss) on securities transferred to held-to-maturity, net of tax of $1,786, $0, and $2,864	(3,316		)				5,315
Unrealized gain (loss) on securities available for sale for which a portion of an other than temporary impairment has been recognized in income, net of tax of $767, $56, and $86	1,425			(104		)	160
Unrealized gain (loss) on cash flow hedges arising during the period, net of tax of $831, $514, and $1,146	1,543			(952		)	(2,129		)
Reclassification adjustment for net losses (gains) included in net income net of tax of $157, $759, and $714	291			(1,413		)	(1,326		)
Defined Benefit Pension Plans, net of tax of $6,382, $346, and $2,492
Net Gain (Loss) Arising During Period	10,704			(577		)	(5,722		)
Prior Service Cost Arising During Period							26
Amortization of Prior Service Cost	1,147			(65		)	1,068
	(911		)	(1,897		)	6,555
Comprehensive income	$	43,619		$	43,225		$	31,807

See notes to consolidated financial statements.

Table of Contents

PART II: ITEM 8. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA

CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY



	Preferred					Common Stock
(Dollars in Thousands, Except Share Data)	Shares		Amount			Shares		Amount			Additional Paid in Capital			Retained Earnings			Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)			Total
Balances, December 31, 2010	69,725		$	68,005		25,574,251		$	3,197		$	232,503		$	160,860		$	(10,157	)	$	454,408
Comprehensive Income
Net Income														25,252						25,252
Other Comprehensive Income, net of tax																	6,555			6,555
Cash Dividends on Common Stock ($.04 per Share)														(1,067		)				(1,067		)
Cash Dividends on Preferred Stock Under Capital Purchase Program														(3,662		)				(3,662		)
Accretion of Discount on Preferred Stock			319											(319		)
Loss on Capital Purchase Program Unamortized Discount			1,401											(1,401		)
Repurchase of Capital Purchase Program Warrants											(368		)							(368		)
Loss on Extinguishment of Trust Preferred Securities														(10,857		)				(10,857		)
Equity Adjustment Related to First Merchants Reinsurance Co. LTD														(89		)				(89		)
Preferred Stock Redeemed Under Capital Purchase Program	(69,600	)	(69,600		)															(69,600		)
Preferred Stock Issued Under the Small Business Lending Fund	90,783		90,783																	90,783
Private Stock Issuance						2,822,000		353			20,812									21,165
Share-based Compensation						72,824		9			1,306									1,315
Stock Issued Under Employee Benefit Plans						93,797		12			657									669
Stock Issued Under Dividend Reinvestment and Stock Purchase Plan						11,073		1			88									89
Stock Redeemed						(14,238	)	(2		)	(124		)							(126		)
Balances, December 31, 2011	90,908		$	90,908		28,559,707		$	3,570		$	254,874		$	168,717		$	(3,602	)	$	514,467
Comprehensive Income
Net Income														45,122						45,122
Other Comprehensive Income, net of tax																	(1,897		)	(1,897		)
Cash Dividends on Common Stock ($.10 per Share)														(2,903		)				(2,903		)
Cash Dividends on Preferred Stock Under Small Business Lending Fund														(4,539		)				(4,539		)
Share-based Compensation						86,325		11			1,481									1,492
Stock Issued Under Employee Benefit Plans						41,867		5			444									449
Stock Issued Under Dividend Reinvestment and Stock Purchase Plan						15,709		2			200									202
Stock Options Exercised						10,500		1			77									78
Stock Redeemed						(21,492	)	(2		)	(233		)							(235		)
Balances, December 31, 2012	90,908		$	90,908		28,692,616		$	3,587		$	256,843		$	206,397		$	(5,499	)	$	552,236
Comprehensive Income
Net Income														44,530						44,530
Other Comprehensive Income, net of tax																	(911		)	(911		)
Cash Dividends on Common Stock ($.18 per Share)														(5,612		)				(5,612		)
Cash Dividends on Preferred Stock Under Small Business Lending Fund														(2,380		)				(2,380		)
Preferred Stock Redemption Under Small Business Lending Fund	(90,783	)	(90,783		)															(90,783		)
Issuance of Common Stock Related to Acquisition						7,079,457		885			134,757									135,642
Share-based Compensation						116,978		15			1,758									1,773
Stock Issued Under Employee Benefit Plans						33,451		4			475									479
Stock Issued Under Dividend Reinvestment and Stock Purchase Plan						18,449		2			323									325
Stock Options Exercised						13,750		2			113									115
Stock Redeemed						(32,940	)	(5		)	(486		)							(491		)
Balances, December 31, 2013	125		$	125		35,921,761		$	4,490		$	393,783		$	242,935		$	(6,410	)	$	634,923

See notes to consolidated financial statements.

Table of Contents

PART II: ITEM 8. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA

CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS



	December 31,			December 31,			December 31,
(Dollars in Thousands)	2013			2012			2011
Cash Flow From Operating Activities:
Net income	$	44,530		$	45,122		$	25,252
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
Provision for loan losses	6,648			18,534			22,630
Depreciation and amortization	4,670			4,472			5,158
Change in deferred taxes	13,939			15,890			8,256
Share-based compensation	1,773			1,492			1,315
Mortgage loans originated for sale	(280,693		)	(393,565		)	(297,031		)
Proceeds from sales of mortgage loans	297,851			389,129			300,636
Gain on acquisition				(9,124		)
Gains on sales of securities available for sale	(487		)	(2,389		)	(2,439		)
Recognized loss on other-than-temporary-impairment							400
Change in interest receivable	(535		)	1,884			951
Change in interest payable	(364		)	(1,451		)	(1,337		)
Change in other assets	110,032
Other adjustments	(14,233		)	275			21,693
Net cash provided by operating activities	$	183,131		$	70,269		$	85,484
Cash Flows from Investing Activities:
Net change in interest-bearing deposits	$	196,753		$	14,408		$	12,365
Purchases of:
Securities available for sale	(398,491		)	(139,555		)	(200,688		)
Securities held to maturity	(11,145		)	(4,262		)	(82,700		)
Proceeds from sales of securities available for sale	25,222			52,350			75,930
Proceeds from maturities of:
Securities available for sale	93,273			112,141			60,459
Securities held to maturity	78,534			68,118			45,595
Change in Federal Reserve and Federal Home Loan Bank stock	(17		)	246			2,614
Purchase of bank owned life insurance							(25,000		)
Net change in loans	(142,861		)	(123,036		)	61,363
Net cash and cash equivalents received from acquisition	10,992			29,113
Proceeds from the sale of other real estate owned	12,346			4,428			13,612
Other adjustments	(2,768		)	(2,065		)	8,287
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities	$	(138,162	)	$	11,886		$	(28,163	)
Cash Flows from Financing Activities:
Net change in :
Demand and savings deposits	$	141,052		$	228,725		$	68,803
Certificates of deposit and other time deposits	(211,399		)	(142,906		)	(203,028		)
Borrowings	295,537			138,127			306,535
Repayment of borrowings	(163,838		)	(271,005		)	(252,509		)
Cash dividends on common stock	(5,612		)	(2,903		)	(1,067		)
Cash dividends on preferred stock	(2,380		)	(4,539		)	(3,662		)
Stock issued in private equity placement							21,165
Stock issued under employee benefit plans	479			449			669
Stock issued under dividend reinvestment and stock purchase plans	325			202			89
Stock options exercised	115			78
Cumulative preferred stock issued (SBLF)							90,783
Cumulative preferred stock redeemed (SBLF)	(90,783		)
Cumulative preferred stock redeemed (CPP)							(69,600		)
Repurchase of stock warrant (CPP)							(368		)
Stock redeemed	(491		)	(235		)	(126		)
Net cash used in financing activities	$	(36,995	)	$	(54,007	)	$	(42,316	)
Net Change in Cash and Cash Equivalents	7,974			28,148			15,005
Cash and Cash Equivalents, January 1	101,460			73,312			58,307
Cash and Cash Equivalents, December 31	$	109,434		$	101,460		$	73,312
Additional cash flow information:
Interest paid	$	16,639		$	24,697		$	39,227
Income tax paid (refunded)	7,578			11,738			(2,977		)
Loans transferred to other real estate owned	7,170			4,441			14,188
Fixed assets transferred to other real estate owned	461
Non-cash investing activities using trade date accounting	4,984			1,518

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS - CONTINUED

In conjunction with the acquisitions, liabilities were assumed as follows:



	December 31, 2013		December 31, 2012
Fair value of assets acquired	$	1,132,231	$	128,923
Cash received from acquisition			17,200
Net gain on acquisition			(9,124		)
Less: Common stock issued	135,642
Liabilities assumed	$	996,589	$	136,999

See notes to consolidated financial statements.

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PART II: ITEM 8. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(table dollar amounts in thousands, except share data)

NOTE 1

NATURE OF OPERATIONS AND SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

The accounting and reporting policies of First Merchants Corporation (the “Corporation”), and its principal wholly owned subsidiaries, First Merchants Bank, N.A. (the “Bank”), and First Merchants Insurance Services, Inc. operating as First Merchants Insurance Group (“FMIG”), conform to accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America and reporting practices followed by the banking industry. The Bank also operates Lafayette Bank and Trust, Commerce National Bank and First Merchants Trust Company as divisions of First Merchants Bank, N.A.

The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates.

The Corporation is a financial holding company whose principal activity is the ownership and management of the Bank and operates in a single significant business segment. The Bank operates under a national bank charter and provides full banking services. As a national bank, the Bank is subject to the regulation of the Office of Comptroller of the Currency (“OCC”) and the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (“FDIC”). The OCC and the FDIC regulate or monitor virtually all areas of the Bank’s operations. The Bank must undergo regular on-site examinations by the OCC and FDIC and must submit periodic reports to both.

The Bank generates commercial, mortgage, and consumer loans and receives deposits from customers located primarily in central and northwest Indiana, northeast Illinois and central Ohio counties. The Bank’s loans are generally secured by specific items of collateral, including real property, consumer assets and business assets.

A brief description of current accounting practices and current valuation methodologies are presented below.

CONSOLIDATION of the Corporation's financial statements include the accounts of the Corporation and all its subsidiaries, after elimination of all material intercompany transactions.

BUSINESS COMBINATIONS are accounted for under the acquisition method of accounting. Under the acquisition method, assets and liabilities of the business acquired are recorded at their estimated fair values as of the date of acquisition with any excess of the cost of the acquisition over the fair value of the net tangible and intangible assets acquired recorded as goodwill. Results of operations of the acquired business are included in the income statement from the date of acquisition.

AVAILABLE FOR SALE SECURITIES are recorded at fair value on a recurring basis with the unrealized gains and losses, net of applicable income taxes, recorded in other comprehensive income. Realized gains and losses are recorded in earnings and the prior fair value adjustments are reclassified within stockholders' equity. Gains and losses on sales of securities are determined on the specific-identification method. Amortization of premiums and accretion of discounts are recorded as interest income from securities.

Available for sale and held to maturity securities are evaluated 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 ASC 320. However, certain purchased beneficial interest, including certain non-agency government-sponsored mortgage-backed securities, asset-backed securities and collateralized debt obligations are evaluated using the model outlined in ASC 325-10.

In determining OTTI under ASC 320, 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 market decline was affected by macroeconomic conditions, and (4) whether the Corporation has the intent to sell the debt security or more likely than not will be required to sell the debt security before its anticipated recovery. The assessment of whether a decline exists that is other-than-temporary, involves a high degree of subjectivity and judgment and is based on the information available to management at a point in time.

When the Corporation does not intend to sell a debt security, and it is more likely than not, the Corporation will not have to sell the security before recovery of its cost basis, it recognizes the credit component of an other-than-temporary impairment of a debt security in earnings and the remaining portion in other comprehensive income. 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 has been recognized in other comprehensive income, net of applicable income taxes. The previous amortized cost basis less the OTTI recognized in earnings becomes the new amortized cost basis of the investment.

If the intent is to sell or it is more likely than not that the Corporation will be required to sell the security before recovery of its amortized cost basis, less any recognized credit loss, the OTTI is recognized in earnings equal to the entire difference between the investment’s amortized cost basis, less any recognized credit loss, and its fair value at the balance sheet date.

Table of Contents

PART II: ITEM 8. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(table dollar amounts in thousands, except share data)

HELD TO MATURITY SECURITIES are classified as held to maturity when the Corporation has the positive intent and ability to hold the securities to maturity. Securities held to maturity are carried at amortized cost. For held to maturity debt securities, the amount of an OTTI recorded in other comprehensive income for the noncredit portion of a previous other-than-temporary impairment is amortized prospectively over the remaining life of the security on the basis of the timing of future estimated cash flows of the security.

MORTGAGE LOANS HELD FOR SALE are carried at the principal amount outstanding. The carrying amount approximates fair value due to the short duration between origination and the date of sale.

LOANS held in the Corporation’s portfolio are carried at the principal amount outstanding, net of unearned income. Certain non-accrual and substantially delinquent loans may be considered to be impaired. A loan is impaired when, based on current information or events, it is probable that the Bank will be unable to collect all amounts due (principal and interest) according to the contractual terms of the loan agreement. In applying the provisions of ASC 310, the Corporation considers its investment in one-to-four family residential loans and consumer installment loans to be homogeneous and therefore excluded from separate identification for evaluation of impairment. Interest income is accrued on the principal balances of loans, except for installment loans with add-on interest, for which a method that approximates the level yield method is used. The accrual of interest on impaired loans is discontinued when, in management’s opinion, the borrower may be unable to meet payments as they become due. When interest accrual is discontinued, all unpaid accrued interest is reversed against earnings when considered uncollectable. Interest income accrued in the prior year, if any, is charged to the allowance for loan losses. Interest income is subsequently recognized only to the extent cash payments are received and the loan is returned to accruing status. Certain loan fees and direct costs are being deferred and amortized as an adjustment of yield on the loans.

Impaired loans are carried at the present value of estimated future cash flows using the loan’s existing rate, or the fair value of collateral if the loan is collateral dependent. A portion of the allowance for loan losses is allocated to impaired loans if the value of such loans is deemed to be less than the unpaid balance. If these allocations cause the allowance for loan losses to increase, such increase is reported as a component of the provision for loan losses. Loan losses are charged against the allowance when management believes the uncollectability of the loan is confirmed. The valuation would be considered Level 3, consisting of appraisals of underlying collateral and discounted cash flow analysis.

Loan commitments and letters-of-credit generally have short-term, variable-rate features and contain clauses which limit the Bank’s exposure to changes in customer credit quality. Accordingly, their carrying values, which are immaterial at the respective balance sheet dates, are reasonable estimates of fair value.

LOANS ACQUIRED IN BUSINESS COMBINATIONS with evidence of credit deterioration since origination and for which it is probable that all contractually required payments will not be collected are considered to be credit impaired. Evidence of credit quality deterioration as of purchase dates may include information such as past-due and nonaccrual status, borrower credit scores and recent loan to value percentages. Acquired credit-impaired loans are accounted for under the accounting guidance for loans and debt securities acquired with deteriorated credit quality (FASB ASC 310-30) and initially measured at fair value, which includes estimated future credit losses expected to be incurred over the life of the loans. Accordingly, allowances for credit losses related to these loans are not carried over and recorded at the acquisition date. As a result, related discounts are recognized subsequently through accretion based on the expected cash flows of the acquired loans. For purposes of applying FASB ASC 310-30, loans acquired in business combinations are aggregated into pools of loans with common risk characteristics for the initial fair value measurement.

The expected cash flows of the acquired loans in excess of the fair values recorded is referred to as the accretable yield and is recognized in interest income over the remaining estimated lives of the loans. The Corporation will continually evaluate the fair value of the loans including cash flows expected to be collected.

ALLOWANCE FOR LOAN LOSSES is maintained to absorb losses inherent in the loan portfolio and is based on ongoing, quarterly assessments of the probable losses inherent in the loan portfolio. The allowance is increased by the provision for loan losses, which is charged against current operating results. Loan losses are charged against the allowance when management believes the uncollectability of a loan balance is confirmed. Subsequent recoveries, if any, are credited to the allowance. The Corporation’s strategy for credit risk management includes conservative credit policies and underwriting criteria for all loans, as well as an overall credit limit for each customer significantly below legal lending limits. The strategy also emphasizes diversification on a regional geographic, industry and customer level, regular credit quality reviews and management reviews of large credit exposures and loans experiencing deterioration of credit quality.

The Corporation’s methodology for assessing the appropriateness of the allowance consists of three key elements – the determination of the appropriate reserves for specifically identified loans, probable losses estimated from historical loss rates, and probable losses resulting from economic, environmental, qualitative or other deterioration above and beyond what is reflected in the first two components of the allowance.

Larger commercial loans that exhibit probable or observed credit weaknesses are subject to individual review. Where appropriate, reserves are allocated to individual loans based on management’s estimate of the borrower’s ability to repay the loan given the availability of collateral, other sources of cash flow and legal options available to the Corporation. Included in the review of individual loans are those that are impaired as provided in ASC 310. Any allowances for impaired loans are measured based on the present value of expected future cash flows discounted at the loan’s effective interest rate or fair value of the underlying collateral. The Corporation evaluates the collectability of both principal and interest when assessing the need for a loss accrual. Historical loss rates are applied to other commercial loans not subject to specific reserve allocations.

Table of Contents

PART II: ITEM 8. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(table dollar amounts in thousands, except share data)

The historical allocation for commercial loans graded pass are established by loan segments using loss rates based on the Corporation’s migration analysis. This migration analysis shows the loss rates for each segment of loans based on the loan grades at the beginning of the twelve month period. This loss rate is then applied to the current portfolio of loans in each respective loan segment.

Homogenous loans, such as consumer installment and residential mortgage loans, are not individually risk graded. Reserves are established for each segment of loans using loss rates based on charge offs for the same period as the migration analysis used for commercial loans.

Historical loss allocations for commercial and consumer loans may be adjusted for significant factors that, in management’s judgment, reflect the impact of any current conditions on loss recognition. Factors which management considers in the analysis include the effects of the national and local economies, trends in loan growth and charge-off rates, changes in mix, concentration of loans in specific industries, asset quality trends (delinquencies, charge offs and non-accrual loans), risk management and loan administration, changes in the internal lending policies and credit standards, examination results from bank regulatory agencies and the Corporation’s internal loan review.

PENSION benefits are provided to the Corporation’s employees. Its accounting policies related to pensions and other post retirement benefits reflect the guidance in ASC 715, Compensation – Retirement Benefits. The Corporation does not consolidate the assets and liabilities associated with the pension plan. Instead, the Corporation recognizes the funded status of the plan in the balance sheet. The measurement of the funded status and the annual pension expense involves actuarial and economic assumptions. Various statistical and other factors, which attempt to anticipate future events, are used in calculating the expense and liabilities related to the plans. Key factors include assumptions on the expected rates of return on plan assets, discount rates, expected rates of salary increases and health care costs and trends. The Corporation considers market conditions, including changes in investment returns and interest rates in making these assumptions. The primary assumptions used in determining the Corporation’s pension and post retirement benefit obligations and related expenses are presented in Note 21. PENSION AND OTHER POST RETIREMENT BENEFIT PLANS, in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements included as Item 8 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.

PREMISES AND EQUIPMENT is carried at cost net of accumulated depreciation. Depreciation is computed using the straight-line and declining balance methods based on the estimated useful lives of the assets ranging from three to forty years. Maintenance and repairs are expensed as incurred, while major additions and improvements, which extend the useful life, are capitalized. Gains and losses on dispositions are included in current operations.

FEDERAL RESERVE AND FEDERAL HOME LOAN BANK STOCK are required investments for institutions that are members of the Federal Reserve Bank (“FRB”) and Federal Home Loan Bank systems. The required investment in the common stock is based on a predetermined formula based on the level of borrowings and other factors. These investments are carried at cost, classified as a restricted security and periodically evaluated for impairment based on ultimate recovery of par value. Both cash and stock dividends are reported as income.

INTANGIBLE ASSETS that are subject to amortization, including core deposit intangibles, are being amortized on both the straight-line and accelerated basis over three to twenty years. Intangible assets are periodically evaluated as to the recoverability of their carrying value.

GOODWILL is maintained by applying the provisions of ASC 350. For purchase acquisitions, the Corporation is required to record the assets acquired, including identified intangible assets, and the liabilities assumed at their fair value, which in many instances involves estimates based on third party valuations, such as appraisals, or internal valuations based on discounted cash flow analysis or other valuation techniques that may include estimates of attrition, inflation, asset growth rates or other relevant factors. In addition, the determination of the useful lives for which an intangible asset will be amortized is subjective.

Under ASC 350, Intangibles – Goodwill and Other, the Corporation is required to evaluate goodwill for impairment on an annual basis, as well as on an interim basis, if events or changes indicate that the asset may be impaired, indicating that the carrying value may not be recoverable. The Corporation has historically elected to test for goodwill impairment as of October 1 of each year and has determined that no impairment exists.

BANK OWNED LIFE INSURANCE has been purchased on certain officers of the Corporation. The Corporation records the life insurance at the amount that can be realized under the insurance contract at the balance sheet date, which is the cash surrender value adjusted for other charges or amounts due that are probable at settlement.

OTHER REAL ESTATE OWNED consists of assets acquired through, or in lieu of, loan foreclosure and are held for sale. They are initially recorded at fair value less cost to sell at the date of foreclosure, establishing a new cost basis. Subsequent to foreclosure, valuations are periodically performed by management and the assets are carried at the lower of carrying amount or fair value less cost to sell. Revenue and expenses from operations and changes in the valuation are included in net income or expense from foreclosed assets. Other real estate owned also includes bank premises qualifying as held for sale. Bank premises are transferred at the lower of carrying value or fair value less cost to sell.

DERIVATIVE INSTRUMENTS are carried at the fair value of the derivatives and reflects the estimated amounts that would have been received to terminate these contracts at the reporting date based upon pricing or valuation models applied to current market information.

As part of the asset/liability management program, the Corporation will utilize, from time to time, interest rate floors, caps or swaps to reduce its sensitivity to interest rate fluctuations. These are derivative instruments, which are recorded as assets or liabilities in the consolidated balance sheets at fair value. Changes in the fair values of derivatives are reported in the consolidated statements of operations or other comprehensive income (“OCI”) depending on the use of the derivative and whether the instrument qualifies for hedge accounting. The key criterion for the hedge accounting is that the hedged relationship must be highly effective in achieving offsetting changes in those cash flows that are attributable to the hedged risk, both at inception of the hedge and on an ongoing basis.

Table of Contents

PART II: ITEM 8. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(table dollar amounts in thousands, except share data)

Derivatives that qualify for the hedge accounting treatment are designated as either: a hedge of the fair value of the recognized asset or liability or of an unrecognized firm commitment (a fair value hedge) or a hedge of a forecasted transaction or the variability of cash flows to be received or paid related to a recognized asset or liability (a cash flow hedge). To date, the Corporation has only entered into a cash flow hedge. For cash flow hedges, changes in the fair values of the derivative instruments are reported in OCI to the extent the hedge is effective. The gains and losses on derivative instruments that are reported in OCI are reflected in the consolidated statements of income in the periods in which the results of operations are impacted by the variability of the cash flows of the hedged item. Generally, net interest income is increased or decreased by amounts receivable or payable with respect to the derivatives, which qualify for hedge accounting. At inception of the hedge, the Corporation establishes the method it uses for assessing the effectiveness of the hedging derivative and the measurement approach for determining the ineffective aspect of the hedge. The ineffective portion of the hedge, if any, is recognized currently in the consolidated statements of operations. The Corporation excludes the time value expiration of the hedge when measuring ineffectiveness.

The Corporation offers interest rate derivative products (e.g. interest rate swaps) to certain of its high-quality commercial borrowers. This product allows customers to enter into an agreement with the Corporation to swap their variable rate loan to a fixed rate. These derivative products are designed to reduce, eliminate or modify the risk of changes in the borrower’s interest rate or market price risk. The extension of credit incurred through the execution of these derivative products is subject to the same approvals and rigorous underwriting standards as the related traditional credit product. The Corporation limits its risk exposure to these products by entering into a mirror-image, offsetting swap agreement with a separate, well-capitalized and rated counterparty previously approved by the Credit and Asset Liability Committee. By using these interest rate swap arrangements, the Corporation is also better insulated from the interest rate risk associated with underwriting fixed-rate loans. These derivative contracts are not designated against specific assets or liabilities under ASC 815, Derivatives and Hedging, and, therefore, do not qualify for hedge accounting. The derivatives are recorded on the balance sheet at fair value and changes in fair value of both the customer and the offsetting swap agreements are recorded (and essentially offset) in non-interest income. The fair value of the derivative instruments incorporates a consideration of credit risk (in accordance with ASC 820), resulting in some volatility in earnings each period.

INCOME TAX in the consolidated statements of income includes deferred income tax provisions or benefits for all significant temporary differences in recognizing income and expenses for financial reporting and income tax purposes. The Corporation files consolidated income tax returns with its subsidiaries.

The Corporation adopted the provisions of the ASC 740, Income Taxes, which prescribes a recognition threshold and measurement attribute for the financial statement recognition and measurement of a tax position taken or expected to be taken in a tax return. ASC 740 also provides guidance on derecognition, classification, interest and penalties, accounting in interim periods, disclosure and transition. As a result of the implementation of ASC 740, the Corporation did not identify any uncertain tax positions that it believes should be recognized in the financial statements. The tax years still subject to examination by taxing authorities are years subsequent to 2009.

STOCK OPTION AND RESTRICTED STOCK AWARD PLANS are maintained by the Corporation. The compensation costs are recognized for stock options and restricted stock awards issued to employees and directors based on the fair value of these awards at the date of grant. A Black-Scholes model is utilized to estimate the fair value of stock options. The 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 appropriate service period, which is generally two or three years.

TRANSFERS OF FINANCIAL ASSETS are accounted for as sales, when control over the assets has been surrendered. Control over transferred assets is deemed to be surrendered when (1) the assets have been isolated from the Corporation and put presumptively beyond the reach of the transferor and its creditors, even in bankruptcy or other receivership, (2) 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 (3) the Corporation does not maintain effective control over the transferred assets through an agreement to repurchase them before their maturity or the ability to unilaterally cause the holder to return specific assets.

NET INCOME PER SHARE is computed by dividing net income available to common shareholders by the weighted-average number of shares of common stock outstanding. Diluted net income per share is computed by dividing net income available to common shareholders by the weighted-average number of shares of common stock outstanding, plus the dilutive effect of outstanding stock options and nonvested restricted stock.

RECLASSIFICATIONS have been made to prior financial statements to conform to the current financial statement presentation. These reclassifications had no effect on net income.

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PART II: ITEM 8. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(table dollar amounts in thousands, except share data)

NOTE 2

PURCHASE AND ASSUMPTION

Under the terms of the Agreement, the Bank acquired $147.7 million in assets, including approximately $11.9 million of cash and cash equivalents, $18.9 million of marketable securities, $1.8 million in Federal Home Loan Bank stock, $113.0 million in loans and $2.1 million of premises and other assets. The Bank assumed approximately $135.7 million of liabilities, including approximately $125.9 million in customer deposits, $9.6 million of other borrowed money and $402,000 in other liabilities. These balances are book balances and do not reflect the fair value adjustments which are shown in the following table. The acquisition did not include any loss sharing agreement with the FDIC.

The bid accepted by the FDIC included no deposit premium. The assets were acquired at a discount of $29.0 million from book value. The FDIC made a payment of $17.2 million to the Bank upon the final closing date balance sheet for SCB Bank that reflected the difference between the purchase price of the assets acquired and the value of the liabilities assumed.

The Bank engaged in this transaction with the expectation that it would be immediately accretive and add a new market area with a demographic profile consistent with many of the current Indiana markets served by the Bank.

The transaction was accounted for under the acquisition method of accounting in accordance with the Business Combination topic of the FASB Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC 310-20 and 310-30”). The statement of net assets and liabilities acquired as of February 10, 2012, are presented below. The assets and liabilities of SCB were recorded at the respective acquisition date provisional fair values, and identifiable intangible assets were recorded at provisional fair value.



Assets			Liabilities
Cash and due from banks ⁽¹⁾	$	29,113	Deposits:
Investment securities, available for sale	18,896		Non-interest bearing	$	13,715
Federal Home Loan Bank stock	1,761		NOW accounts	14,746
Loans:			Savings and money market	25,843
Commercial	51,042		Certificate of deposit	71,605
Residential mortgage	11,181		Total Deposits	125,909
Installment	31,570
Total Loans	93,793		Federal Home Loan Bank advances	10,286
			Other liabilities	804
Premises	1,516		Total Liabilities Assumed	$	136,999
Core deposit intangible	484
Other assets	560		Net Gain on Acquisition	$	9,124
Total Assets Purchased	$	146,123


(1)	Includes $17,200,000 cash received from the FDIC.

In many cases, the fair values of assets acquired and liabilities assumed were determined by estimating cash flows expected to result from those assets and liabilities and discounting them at appropriate market rates. The most significant category of assets for which this procedure was used was acquired loans. The Bank acquired the $113.0 million loan portfolio at a fair value discount of $19.2 million. The performing portion of the portfolio,$86.3 million, had an estimated fair value of $76.5 million. The excess of expected cash flows above the fair value of the performing portion of loans will be accreted to interest income over the remaining lives of the loans in accordance with ASC 310-20. Discounts or premiums on term loans are accounted for under an effective yield method. Prepayments on term loans would be accounted for in the effective yield calculation. Discounts or premiums on lines of credit are treated in a straight line method over the term of the lines of credit.

Certain loans for which specific credit-related deterioration has occurred since origination are recorded at fair value which is derived from calculating the present value of the amounts expected to be collected. Income recognition on these loans is based on reasonable expectation about the timing and amount of cash flows to be collected. Some of the acquired loans deemed impaired and considered collateral dependent, with the timing of a sale of loan collateral indeterminate, remain on non-accrual status and have little or no accretable yield.

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PART II: ITEM 8. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(table dollar amounts in thousands, except share data)

In accordance with ASC 310-30 (formerly Statement of Position (“SOP”) 03-3 as of February 10, 2012, loans acquired during 2012 for which it was probable at acquisition that all contractually required payments would not be collected are as follows:



Preliminary estimate of contractually required principal and interest at acquisition	$	31,143
Preliminary estimate of contractual cash flows not expected to be collected (nonaccretable differences)	9,688
Preliminary estimate of expected cash flows at acquisition	21,455
Preliminary estimate of interest component of expected cash flows (accretable discount)	4,152
Preliminary estimate of fair value of acquired loans accounted for under ASC 310-30	$	17,303

Pro-forma statements were determined to be impracticable due to the nature of the transaction as certain assets were not purchased.

NOTE 3

BUSINESS COMBINATION

On November 12, 2013, the Corporation acquired 100 percent of CFS Bancorp, Inc. ("CFS") in an all stock transaction. CFS was headquartered in Munster, Indiana and had 20 full-service banking centers serving the northwestern Indiana and northeastern Illinois areas. Pursuant to the merger agreement, the shareholders of CFS received 0.65 percent of the Corporation's common stock for each share of CFS Bancorp common stock held. The Corporation issued approximately 7.1 million shares of common stock, which was valued at approximately $135.6 million.

The Corporation engaged in this transaction with the expectation that it would be accretive and add a new market area with a demographic profile consistent with many of the current Indiana markets served by the Bank. Goodwill resulted from this transaction due to the expected synergies from combining operations.

Under the acquisition method of accounting, the total purchase price is allocated to CFS's net tangible and intangible assets based on their current estimated fair values on the date of the acquisition. Based on preliminary valuations of the fair value of tangible and intangible assets acquired and liabilities assumed, which are based on assumptions that are subject to change, the purchase price for the CFS acquisition was allocated as follows:



	Fair Value
Cash and cash equivalents	$	10,992
Interest-bearing time deposits	213,379
Investment securities available for sale	15,913
Investment securities held to maturity	14,372
Mortgage loans held for sale	189
Loans	603,114
Premises and equipment	19,643
Federal Home Loan Bank stock	6,188
Interest receivable	1,770
Cash surrender value of life insurance	36,555
Other real estate owned	12,857
Tax asset, deferred and receivable	30,717
Other assets	111,656
Deposits	(955,432		)
Securities sold under repurchase agreements	(9,830		)
Federal Home Loan Bank advances	(15,000		)
Interest payable	(294		)
Other liabilities	(16,033		)
Net tangible assets acquired	80,756
Core deposit intangible	7,313
Goodwill	47,573
Purchase price	$	135,642

Of the total purchase price, $7,313,000 has been allocated to a core deposit intangible that will be amortized over its estimated life of 10 years. The remaining purchase price has been allocated to goodwill, which is not deductible for tax purposes.

Prior to the end of the one year measurement period for finalizing the purchase price allocation, if information becomes available which would indicate adjustments are required to the purchase price allocation, such adjustments will be included in the purchase price allocation retrospectively.

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PART II: ITEM 8. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(table dollar amounts in thousands, except share data)

The results of operations of CFS have been included in the Corporation's consolidated financial statements since the acquisition date. The following schedule includes pro forma results for the periods ended December 31, 2013 and 2012 as if the CFS acquisition had occurred as of the beginning of the periods presented.



	2013		2012
Total revenue (net interest income plus other income)	$	243,972	$	266,034
Net income	$	38,637	$	50,092
Net income available to common shareholders	$	36,257	$	45,553
Earnings per share:
Basic	$	0.98	$	1.28
Diluted	$	0.98	$	1.27

The pro forma information includes adjustments for interest income on loans and securities acquired, amortization of intangibles arising from the transaction, interest expense on deposits acquired, premises expense for the banking centers acquired and the related income tax effects. The pro forma information for the year ended 2013 includes $4.9 million of operating revenue from CFS since the acquisition and approximately $9.5 million, net of tax, of non-recurring expenses directly attributable to the CFS acquisition.

The pro forma financial information is presented for information purposes only and is not indicative of the results of operations that actually would have been achieved had the acquisition consummated as of that time, nor is it intended to be a projection of future results.

NOTE 4

RESTRICTION ON CASH AND DUE FROM BANKS

The Corporation considers all liquid investments with original maturities of three months or less to be cash equivalents. As of December 31, 2013, cash and cash equivalents is defined to include cash on hand, deposits in other institutions and federal funds sold.

Effective October 3, 2008, the FDIC’s insurance limits temporarily increased to $250,000. On July 21, 2010, the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act (“Dodd-Frank Act”) was signed into law, which, in part, permanently raised the standard maximum deposit insurance amount to $250,000. On November 9, 2010, the FDIC implemented section 343 of the Dodd-Frank Act providing unlimited insurance coverage on noninterest-bearing transaction accounts. Beginning December 31, 2010, through December 31, 2012, all noninterest-bearing transaction accounts were fully insured, regardless of the balance of the account, at all FDIC-insured institutions. As of January 1, 2013, noninterest-bearing transaction deposit accounts are no longer insured separately from other accounts at the same FDIC-insured institution. Instead, noninterest-bearing transaction accounts are added to any of the Corporation's other accounts, and the aggregate balance insured up to at least the Standard Maximum Deposit Insurance Amount of $250,000, at each institution. At December 31, 2013, the Corporation’s interest-bearing cash accounts and noninterest-bearing transaction deposits held at other institutions exceeded federally insured limits by approximately $40,420,000. Each correspondent bank’s financial performance and market rating are reviewed on a quarterly basis to ensure the Corporation has deposits only at institutions providing minimal risk for those exceeding the federally insured limits.

Additionally, the Corporation had approximately $38,583,000 at the Federal Home Loan Bank and Federal Reserve Bank, which are government-sponsored entities not insured by the FDIC.

The Corporation is required to maintain reserve funds in cash and/or on deposit with the Federal Reserve Bank. The reserve required at December 31, 2013, was $29,015,000.

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PART II: ITEM 8. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(table dollar amounts in thousands, except share data)

NOTE 5

INVESTMENT SECURITIES

The amortized cost, gross unrealized gains, gross unrealized losses and approximate market value of the investment securities at the dates indicated were:



	Amortized Cost		Gross Unrealized Gains		Gross Unrealized Losses		Fair Value
Available for sale at December 31, 2013
U.S. Treasury	$	15,914	$	80	$	21	$	15,973
U.S. Government-sponsored agency securities	3,550		12		17		3,545
State and municipal	231,005		3,878		3,896		230,987
U.S. Government-sponsored mortgage-backed securities	279,299		3,926		1,973		281,252
Corporate obligations	6,374				3,636		2,738
Equity securities	1,706						1,706
Total available for sale	537,848		7,896		9,543		536,201
Held to maturity at December 31, 2013
State and municipal	145,941		62		91		145,912
U.S. Government-sponsored mortgage-backed securities	413,437		5,220		3,722		414,935
Total held to maturity	559,378		5,282		3,813		560,847
Total Investment Securities	$	1,097,226	$	13,178	$	13,356	$	1,097,048

Available for sale at December 31, 2012
U.S. Government-sponsored agency securities	$	4,475	$	165			$	4,640
State and municipal	148,187		10,025		$	18	158,194
U.S. Government-sponsored mortgage-backed securities	337,631		10,994		46		348,579
Corporate obligations	6,105				5,881		224
Equity securities	1,706						1,706
Total available for sale	498,104		21,184		5,945		513,343
Held to maturity at December 31, 2012
State and municipal	117,227		5,489		1		122,715
U.S. Government-sponsored mortgage-backed securities	243,793		11,681		15		255,459
Total held to maturity	361,020		17,170		16		378,174
Total Investment Securities	$	859,124	$	38,354	$	5,961	$	891,517

Certain investments in debt securities are reported in the financial statements at an amount less than their historical cost. The historical cost of these investments totaled $490,488,000 and $22,999,000 at December 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively. Total fair value of these investments was $477,132,000 and $17,038,000, which is approximately 43.6 and 1.9 percent of the Corporation's available for sale and held to maturity investment portfolio at December 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively.

Except as discussed below, management believes the declines in fair value for these securities are temporary. Should the impairment of any of these securities become other-than-temporary, the cost basis of the investment will be reduced and the resulting loss recognized in net income in the period the other-than-temporary impairment (“OTTI”) is identified.

The Corporation’s management has evaluated all securities with unrealized losses for OTTI as of December 31, 2013. The evaluations are based on the nature of the securities, the extent and duration of the loss and the intent and ability of the Corporation to hold these securities either to maturity or through the expected recovery period.

In determining the fair value of the trust preferred securities, the Corporation utilizes a third party for portfolio accounting services, including market value input. The Corporation has obtained an understanding of what inputs are being used by the vendor in pricing the portfolio and how the vendor was classifying these securities based upon these inputs. From these discussions, the Corporation’s management is comfortable that the classifications are proper. The Corporation has gained trust in the data for two reasons: (a) independent spot testing of the data is conducted by the Corporation through obtaining market quotes from various brokers on a periodic basis and (b) actual gains or loss resulting from the sale of certain securities has proven the data to be accurate over time. Discount rates used in the cash flow analysis on these variable rate securities were those margins in effect at the inception of the security added to the appropriate three-month LIBOR spot rate obtained from the forward LIBOR curve used to project future principal and interest payments. These spreads ranged from .85 percent to 1.57 percent spread over LIBOR. On all but one small pool investment, the Corporation utilized Standard and Poor's to determine their fair value.

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PART II: ITEM 8. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(table dollar amounts in thousands, except share data)

U.S. Treasury Securities

The unrealized losses on the Corporation's investment in U.S. Treasury securities were a result of interest rate changes. The Corporation expects to recover the amortized cost basis over the term of the securities. Because the decline in market value is attributable to changes in interest rates and not credit quality, and because the Corporation does not intend to sell the investments and it is not more likely than not, the Corporation will be required to sell the investments before recovery of their amortized cost basis, which may be maturity, the Corporation does not consider those investments to be other-than-temporarily impaired at December 31, 2013. As noted in the table above, the U.S. Treasury securities portfolio contains unrealized losses of $21,000 on one security.

U.S. Government-Sponsored Agency Securities

The unrealized losses on the Corporation's investment in U.S. Government-Sponsored Agency securities were a result of interest rate changes. The Corporation expects to recover the amortized cost basis over the term of the securities. Because the decline in market value is attributable to changes in interest rates and not credit quality, and because the Corporation does not intend to sell the investments and it is not more likely than not, the Corporation will be required to sell the investments before recovery of their amortized cost basis, which may be maturity, the Corporation does not consider those investments to be other-than-temporarily impaired at December 31, 2013. As noted in the table above, the U.S. Government-Sponsored Agency securities portfolio contains unrealized losses of $17,000 on three securities.

U.S. Government-Sponsored Mortgage-Backed Securities

The unrealized losses on the Corporation's investment in mortgage-backed securities were a result of interest rate changes. The Corporation expects to recover the amortized cost basis over the term of the securities. Because the decline in market value is attributable to changes in interest rates and not credit quality, and because the Corporation does not intend to sell the investments and it is not more likely than not, the Corporation will be required to sell the investments before recovery of their amortized cost basis, which may be maturity, the Corporation does not consider those investments to be other-than-temporarily impaired at December 31, 2013. As noted in the table above, the mortgage-backed securities portfolio contains unrealized losses of $1,973,000 on twenty-six securities and $3,722,000 on forty-five securities in the available for sale and held to maturity portfolios, respectively. All these securities are issued by a government-sponsored entity.

State and Municipal Securities

The unrealized losses on the Corporation's investments in securities of state and political subdivisions were caused by interest rate increases. The contractual terms of those investments do not permit the issuer to settle the securities at a price less than the amortized cost basis of the investments. Because the Corporation does not intend to sell the investments and it is not more likely than not the Corporation will be required to sell the investments before recovery of their amortized cost basis, which may be maturity, the Corporation does not consider those investments to be other-than-temporarily impaired at December 31, 2013. As noted in the table above, the state and political subdivision securities portfolio contains unrealized losses of $3,896,000 on 137 securities and $91,000 on forty-one securities in the available for sale and held to maturity portfolios respectively.

Corporate Obligations

The Corporation’s unrealized losses on trust preferred securities total $3.6 million on a book value of $6.4 million. On all but one small pool investment, the Corporation utilized Standard and Poor's to determine their fair value. The decline in value is attributable to temporary illiquidity and the financial crisis affecting these markets coupled with the potential credit loss resulting from the adverse change in expected cash flows. Due to the illiquidity in the market, it is unlikely that the Corporation would be able to recover its investment in these securities if the Corporation sold the securities at this time. Management has analyzed the cash flow characteristics of the securities and this analysis included utilizing the most recent trustee reports and any other relevant market information, including announcements of deferrals or defaults of trust preferred securities. The Corporation compared expected discounted cash flows, based on performance indicators of the underlying assets in the security, to the carrying value of the investment to determine if OTTI existed. The Corporation does not consider the remainder of the investment securities, which are classified as Level 3 inputs in the fair value hierarchy, to be other-than-temporarily impaired at December 31, 2013. The Corporation does not intend to sell the investment, and it is not more likely than not that the Corporation will be required to sell the investment before recovery of its new, lower amortized cost basis, which may be maturity.

Certain Losses Recognized on Investments

Certain debt securities have experienced fair value deterioration due to credit losses and other market factors. The following table provides information about debt securities for which only a credit loss was recognized in income and other losses are recorded in other comprehensive income.



	Accumulated Credit Losses in		Accumulated Credit Losses in
	2013		2012
Credit losses on debt securities held:
Balance, January 1	$	11,355	$	11,355
Additions related to other-than-temporary losses not previously recognized
Balance, December 31	$	11,355	$	11,355

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PART II: ITEM 8. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(table dollar amounts in thousands, except share data)

The following table shows the Corporation’s gross unrealized losses and fair value, aggregated by investment category and length of time that individual securities have been in a continuous unrealized loss position at December 31, 2013 and 2012:



	Fair Value		Gross Unrealized Losses		Fair Value		Gross Unrealized Losses		Fair Value		Gross Unrealized Losses
	Less than 12 Months				12 Months or Longer				Total
Temporarily Impaired Investment
Securities at December 31, 2013
U.S. Treasury	$	4,875	$	21					$	4,875	$	21
U.S. Government-sponsored Agency securities	3,433		17						3,433		17
State and municipal	129,109		3,931		$	767	$	56	129,876		3,987
U.S. Government-sponsored mortgage-backed securities	330,914		5,163		5,323		532		336,237		5,695
Corporate obligations					2,711		3,636		2,711		3,636
Total Temporarily Impaired Investment Securities	$	468,331	$	9,132	$	8,801	$	4,224	$	477,132	$	13,356

Temporarily Impaired Investment
Securities at December 31, 2012
State and municipal	$	4,524	$	19					$	4,524	$	19
U.S. Government-sponsored mortgage-backed securities	12,320		61						12,320		61
Corporate obligations					$	194	$	5,881	194		5,881
Total Temporarily Impaired Investment Securities	$	16,844	$	80	$	194	$	5,881	$	17,038	$	5,961

The amortized cost and fair value of securities available for sale and held to maturity at December 31, 2013 by contractual maturity are shown below. Expected maturities will differ from contractual maturities because issuers may have the right to call or prepay obligations with or without call or prepayment penalties.



	Available for Sale				Held to Maturity
	Amortized Cost		Fair Value		Amortized Cost		Fair Value
Maturity Distribution at December 31, 2013
Due in one year or less	$	9,755	$	9,912	$	4,446	$	4,442
Due after one through five years	27,096		27,606		17,129		17,324
Due after five through ten years	50,169		50,739		77,012		76,860
Due after ten years	169,823		164,986		47,354		47,286
	$	256,843	$	253,243	$	145,941	$	145,912
U.S. Government-sponsored mortgage-backed securities	279,299		281,252		413,437		414,935
Equity securities	1,706		1,706
Total Investment Securities	$	537,848	$	536,201	$	559,378	$	560,847

Securities with a carrying value of approximately $373,533,000, $345,866,000 and $306,024,000 were pledged at December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011, respectively, to secure certain deposits and securities sold under repurchase agreements, and for other purposes as permitted or required by law.

Gross gains of $487,000, $2,389,000 and $2,439,000 in 2013, 2012 and 2011, respectively, and there were no gross losses in 2013, 2012 and 2011, respectively, were realized on sales of available for sale securities.

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PART II: ITEM 8. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(table dollar amounts in thousands, except share data)

NOTE 6

LOANS AND ALLOWANCE

The Corporation's primary lending focus is small business and middle market commercial, commercial real estate, residential real estate, auto and small consumer lending, which results in portfolio diversification. The following tables show the composition of the loan portfolio, loan grades and the allowance for loan losses excluding loans held for sale. Residential real estate loans held for sale at December 31, 2013, and December 31, 2012, were $5,331,000 and $22,300,000, respectively.

The following table shows the composition of the Corporation’s loan portfolio by loan class for the years indicated:



	December 31, 2013			December 31, 2012

Commercial and industrial loans	$	761,705		$	622,579
Agricultural production financing and other loans to farmers	114,348			112,527
Real estate loans:
Construction	177,082			98,639
Commercial and farmland	1,611,809			1,266,682
Residential	616,385			473,537
Home Equity	255,223			203,406
Individuals' loans for household and other personal expenditures	69,783			75,748
Lease financing receivables, net of unearned income	1,545			2,590
Other loans	24,529			46,501
Loans	3,632,409			2,902,209
Allowance for loan losses	(67,870		)	(69,366		)
Net Loans	$	3,564,539		$	2,832,843

Purchased Loans

On February 10, 2012, the Bank assumed $113.0 million in loans as part of the Purchase and Assumption Agreement discussed in NOTE 2. PURCHASE AND ASSUMPTION included in the Notes to Consolidated Condensed Financial Statements of this Form 10-K. This loan portfolio was acquired at a fair value discount of $19.2 million.

Allowance, Credit Quality and Loan Portfolio

The Corporation maintains an allowance for loan losses to cover probable credit losses identified during its loan review process. Management believes that the allowance for loan losses is adequate to cover probable losses inherent in the loan portfolio at December 31, 2013. The process for determining the adequacy of the allowance for loan losses is critical to the Corporation’s financial results. It requires management to make difficult, subjective and complex judgments, to estimate the effect of uncertain matters. The allowance for loan losses considers current factors, including economic conditions and ongoing internal and external examinations, and will increase or decrease as deemed necessary to ensure the allowance remains adequate. In addition, the allowance as a percentage of charge offs and nonperforming loans will change at different points in time based on credit performance, loan mix and collateral values.

The allowance is increased by the provision for loan losses and decreased by charge offs less recoveries. All charge offs are approved by the Bank’s senior loan officers or loan committees, depending on the amount of the charge off. The Bank charges off a loan when a determination is made that all or a portion of the loan is uncollectible. The allowance for loan losses is maintained through the provision for loan losses, which is a charge against earnings. The amount provided for loan losses in a given period may be greater than or less than net loan losses experienced during the period, and is based on management’s judgment as to the appropriate level of the allowance for loan losses. The determination of the provision amount in a given period is based on management’s ongoing review and evaluation of the loan portfolio, including an internally administered loan "watch" list and independent loan reviews. The evaluation takes into consideration identified credit problems, the possibility of losses inherent in the loan portfolio that are not specifically identified and management’s judgment as to the impact of the current environment and economic conditions on the portfolio.

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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(table dollar amounts in thousands, except share data)

The allowance consists of specific impairment reserves as required by ASC 310-10-35, a component for historical losses in accordance with ASC 450 and the consideration of current environmental factors in accordance with ASC 450. A loan is deemed impaired when, based on current information or events, it is probable that all amounts due of principal and interest according to the contractual terms of the loan agreement will not be collected.

The historical loss allocation for loans not deemed impaired according to ASC 310 is the product of the volume of loans within the non-impaired criticized and non-criticized risk grade classifications, each segmented by call code, and the historical loss factor for each respective classification and call code segment. The historical loss factors are based upon actual loss experience within each risk and call code classification. The historical look back period for non-criticized loans looks to the most recent rolling-four-quarter average and aligns with the look back period for non-impaired criticized loans. Each of the rolling four quarter periods used to obtain the average, include all charge offs for the previous twelve-month period, therefore the historical look back period includes seven quarters. The resulting allocation is reflective of current conditions. Criticized loans are grouped based on the risk grade assigned to the loan. Loans with a special mention grade are assigned a loss factor, and loans with a classified grade but not impaired are assigned a separate loss factor. The loss factor computation for this allocation includes a segmented historical loss migration analysis of criticized risk grades to charge off.

The following table summarizes changes in the allowance for loan losses by loan segment for the twelve months ended December 31, 2013, December 31, 2012 and December 31, 2011:



	Twelve Months Ended December 31, 2013
	Commercial			Commercial Real Estate			Consumer			Residential			Finance Leases			Total
Allowance for loan losses:
Balances, January 1	$	25,913		$	26,703		$	2,593		$	14,157					$	69,366
Provision for losses	2,794			340			(11		)	3,514			$	11		6,648
Recoveries on loans	4,586			3,552			556			1,292			4			9,990
Loans charged off	(6,117		)	(7,493		)	(623		)	(3,886		)	(15		)	(18,134		)
Balances, December 31, 2013	$	27,176		$	23,102		$	2,515		$	15,077					$	67,870



	Twelve Months Ended December 31, 2012
	Commercial			Commercial Real Estate			Consumer			Residential			Finance Leases			Total
Allowance for loan losses:
Balances, January 1	$	17,731		$	37,919		$	2,902		$	12,343		$	3		$	70,898
Provision for losses	14,749			(2,546		)	126			6,176			29			18,534
Recoveries on loans	1,744			3,652			695			1,113			2			7,206
Loans charged off	(8,311		)	(12,322		)	(1,130		)	(5,475		)	(34		)	(27,272		)
Balances, December 31, 2012	$	25,913		$	26,703		$	2,593		$	14,157					$	69,366



	Twelve Months Ended December 31, 2011
	Commercial			Commercial Real Estate			Consumer			Residential			Finance Leases			Total
Allowance for loan losses:
Balances, January 1	$	32,508		$	36,341		$	3,622		$	10,408		$	98		$	82,977
Provision for losses	(13,787		)	28,574			(221		)	8,166			(102		)	22,630
Recoveries on loans	8,828			2,811			942			1,176			7			13,764
Loans charged off	(9,818		)	(29,807		)	(1,441		)	(7,407		)				(48,473		)
Balances, December 31, 2011	$	17,731		$	37,919		$	2,902		$	12,343		$	3		$	70,898

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PART II: ITEM 8. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(table dollar amounts in thousands, except share data)

The following tables show the Corporation’s allowance for credit losses and loan portfolio by loan segment for the years indicated:



	December 31, 2013
	Commercial		Commercial Real Estate		Consumer		Residential		Finance Leases		Total
Allowance Balances:
Individually evaluated for impairment	$	585	$	763			$	6			$	1,354
Collectively evaluated for impairment	26,493		22,208		$	2,515	15,071				66,287
Loans Acquired with Deteriorated Credit Quality	98		131								229
Total Allowance for Loan Losses	$	27,176	$	23,102	$	2,515	$	15,077			$	67,870
Loan Balances:
Individually evaluated for impairment	$	10,240	$	29,007			$	2,820			$	42,067
Collectively evaluated for impairment	882,794		1,690,285		$	69,783	867,094		$	1,545	3,511,501
Loans Acquired with Deteriorated Credit Quality	7,548		69,599				1,694				78,841
Loans	$	900,582	$	1,788,891	$	69,783	$	871,608	$	1,545	$	3,632,409



	December 31, 2012
	Commercial		Commercial Real Estate		Consumer		Residential		Finance Leases		Total
Allowance Balances:
Individually evaluated for impairment	$	1,628	$	2,565			$	50			$	4,243
Collectively evaluated for impairment	24,285		24,138		$	2,593	14,107				65,123
Loans Acquired with Deteriorated Credit Quality
Total Allowance for Loan Losses	$	25,913	$	26,703	$	2,593	$	14,157			$	69,366
Loan Balances:
Individually evaluated for impairment	$	14,190	$	45,394			$	8,515			$	68,099
Collectively evaluated for impairment	765,707		1,309,912		$	75,748	667,401		$	2,590	2,821,358
Loans Acquired with Deteriorated Credit Quality	1,710		10,015				1,027				12,752
Loans	$	781,607	$	1,365,321	$	75,748	$	676,943	$	2,590	$	2,902,209

The risk characteristics of the Corporation’s material portfolio segments are as follows:

Commercial

Commercial loans are primarily based on the identified cash flows of the borrower and secondarily on the underlying collateral provided by the borrower. The cash flows of borrowers, however, may not be as expected and the collateral securing these loans may fluctuate in value. Most commercial loans are secured by the assets being financed or other business assets such as accounts receivable or inventory and may incorporate a personal guarantee; however, some short-term loans may be made on an unsecured basis. In the case of loans secured by accounts receivable, the availability of funds for the repayment of these loans may be substantially dependent on the ability of the borrower to collect amounts due from its customers.

Commercial real estate

These loans are viewed primarily as cash flow loans and secondarily as loans secured by real estate. Commercial real estate lending typically involves higher loan principal amounts and the repayment of these loans is generally dependent on the successful operation of the property securing the loan or the business conducted on the property securing the loan. Commercial real estate loans may be more adversely affected by conditions in the real estate markets or in the general economy. Management monitors and evaluates commercial real estate loans based on collateral and risk grade criteria. In addition, management tracks the level of owner-occupied commercial real estate loans versus non-owner occupied loans.

Residential and Consumer

With respect to residential loans that are secured by 1-4 family residences and are generally owner occupied, the Corporation generally establishes a maximum loan-to-value ratio and requires private mortgage insurance if that ratio is exceeded. Home equity loans are typically secured by a subordinate interest in 1-4 family residences, and consumer loans are secured by consumer assets such as automobiles or recreational vehicles. Some consumer loans are unsecured such as small installment loans and certain lines of credit. Repayment of these loans is primarily dependent on the personal income and credit rating of the borrowers, which can be impacted by economic conditions in their market areas such as unemployment levels. Repayment can also be impacted by changes in property values on residential properties. Risk is mitigated by the fact that the loans are of smaller individual amounts and spread over a large number of borrowers.

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PART II: ITEM 8. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(table dollar amounts in thousands, except share data)

Loans are reclassified to a non-accruing status when, in management’s judgment, the collateral value and financial condition of the borrower do not justify accruing interest. Interest previously recorded, but not deemed collectible, is reversed and charged against current income. Payments subsequently received on non-accrual loans are applied to principal. A loan is returned to accrual status when principal and interest are no longer past due and collectability is probable, typically after a minimum of six consecutive months of performance. Payments received on impaired accruing or delinquent loans are applied to interest income as accrued.

The following table summarizes the Corporation’s non-accrual loans by loan class for the years indicated:



	December 31, 2013		December 31, 2012
Commercial and industrial loans	$	9,283	$	12,195
Agriculture Production financing and other loans to farmers	30
Real Estate Loans:
Construction	4,978		4,814
Commercial and farmland	28,095		22,612
Residential	12,068		11,476
Home Equity	1,667		1,997
Individuals' loans for household and other personal expenditures	117
Lease financing receivables, net of unearned income			301
Other Loans	164		4
Total	$	56,402	$	53,399

Commercial impaired loans include all non-accrual loans, loans accounted for under ASC 310-30 and renegotiated loans, as well as substandard, doubtful and loss grade loans that were still accruing but deemed impaired according to guidance set forth in ASC 310. Also included in impaired loans are accruing loans that are contractually past due 90 days or more and troubled debt restructurings.

The following tables show the composition of only the Corporation’s commercial impaired loans by loan class for the years indicated:



	December 31, 2013
	Unpaid Principal Balance		Recorded Investment		Related Allowance		Average Recorded Investment		Interest Income Recognized
Impaired loans with no related allowance:
Commercial and industrial loans	$	35,066	$	16,371			$	19,209	$	192
Agriculture production financing and other loans to farmers	32		30				32
Real Estate Loans:
Construction	16,109		10,625				11,621		117
Commercial and farmland	128,073		83,033				84,057		1,663
Residential	6,746		3,910				4,236		75
Home equity	3,299		112				225
Other loans	454		172				181		1
Total	$	189,779	$	114,253			$	119,561	$	2,048
Impaired loans with related allowance:
Commercial and industrial loans	$	1,390	$	1,216	$	683	$	1,240	$	9
Real Estate Loans:
Construction
Commercial and farmland	4,657		4,215		894		4,291		9
Residential	74		71		6		76
Total	$	6,121	$	5,502	$	1,583	$	5,607	$	18
Total Impaired Loans	$	195,900	$	119,755	$	1,583	$	125,168	$	2,066

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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(table dollar amounts in thousands, except share data)



	December 31, 2012
	Unpaid Principal Balance		Recorded Investment		Related Allowance		Average Recorded Investment		Interest Income Recognized
Impaired loans with no related allowance:
Commercial and industrial loans	$	28,532	$	11,730			$	15,089	$	124
Real Estate Loans:
Construction	9,787		5,164				6,471		66
Commercial and farmland	58,173		43,204				46,788		1,211
Residential	8,820		6,215				7,129		83
Home equity	4,199		1,006				1,022		13
Other loans	83		14				18		1
Total	$	109,594	$	67,333			$	76,517	$	1,498
Impaired loans with related allowance:
Commercial and industrial loans	$	4,415	$	4,155	$	1,628	$	4,225	$	33
Real Estate Loans:
Construction	1,202		1,058		105		1,175
Commercial and farmland	5,579		5,182		2,460		5,239		95
Residential	1,722		1,451		50		1,458		75
Total	$	12,918	$	11,846	$	4,243	$	12,097	$	203
Total Impaired Loans	$	122,512	$	79,179	$	4,243	$	88,614	$	1,701



	December 31, 2011
	Unpaid Principal Balance		Recorded Investment		Related Allowance		Average Recorded Investment		Interest Income Recognized
Impaired loans with no related allowance:
Commercial and industrial loans	$	23,364	$	10,116			$	13,399	$	615
Real Estate Loans:
Construction	14,301		7,701				8,836
Commercial and farmland	49,242		34,571				39,032		591
Residential	7,491		6,185				6,539		20
Home equity	4,425		1,241				1,500		15
Other loans	99		21				24
Total	$	98,922	$	59,835			$	69,330	$	1,241
Impaired loans with related allowance:
Commercial and industrial loans	$	8,691	$	8,104	$	4,142	$	8,196	$	174
Real Estate Loans:
Construction	961		961		321		961
Commercial and farmland	12,115		8,748		2,183		10,028		140
Residential	1,888		1,575		391		1,687		7
Other loans	579		552		559		590
Total	$	24,234	$	19,940	$	7,596	$	21,462	$	321
Total Impaired Loans	$	123,156	$	79,775	$	7,596	$	90,792	$	1,562

As part of the ongoing monitoring of the credit quality of the Corporation's loan portfolio, management tracks certain credit quality indicators including trends related to: (i) the level of criticized commercial loans, (ii) net charge offs, (iii) non-performing loans and (iv) the general national and local economic conditions.

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PART II: ITEM 8. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(table dollar amounts in thousands, except share data)

The Corporation utilizes a risk grading of pass, special mention, substandard, doubtful and loss to assess the overall credit quality of large commercial loans. All large commercial credit grades are reviewed at a minimum of once a year for pass grade loans. Loans with grades below pass are reviewed more frequently depending on the grade. A description of the general characteristics of these grades is as follows:


•	Pass - Loans that are considered to be of acceptable credit quality.

•

Special Mention - Loans which possess some credit deficiency or potential weakness, which deserves close attention. If left uncorrected, these potential weaknesses may result in deterioration of the repayment prospects for the asset or in the Corporation's credit position at some future date. Special mention assets are not adversely classified and do not expose the Corporation to sufficient risk to warrant adverse classification. The key distinctions of this category's classification are that it is indicative of an unwarranted level of risk; and weaknesses are considered “potential”, not “defined”, impairments to the primary source of repayment. Examples include businesses that may be suffering from inadequate management, loss of key personnel or significant customer or litigation.

•

Substandard - A substandard loan is inadequately protected by the current net worth and paying capacity of the obligor or of the collateral pledged, if any. Assets so classified have a well-defined weakness that jeopardizes the liquidation of the debt. They are characterized by the distinct possibility that the Corporation will sustain some loss if the deficiencies are not corrected. Other characteristics may include:



	o	the likelihood that a loan will be paid from the primary source of repayment is uncertain or financial deterioration is underway and very close attention is warranted to ensure that the loan is collected without loss,



	o	the primary source of repayment is gone, and the Corporation is forced to rely on a secondary source of repayment, such as collateral liquidation or guarantees,



	o	loans have a distinct possibility that the Corporation will sustain some loss if deficiencies are not corrected,



	o	unusual courses of action are needed to maintain a high probability of repayment,



	o	the borrower is not generating enough cash flow to repay loan principal; however, it continues to make interest payments,



	o	the Corporation is forced into a subordinated or unsecured position due to flaws in documentation,



	o	loans have been restructured so that payment schedules, terms and collateral represent concessions to the borrower when compared to the normal loan terms,



	o	the Corporation is seriously contemplating foreclosure or legal action due to the apparent deterioration of the loan, and



	o	there is significant deterioration in market conditions to which the borrower is highly vulnerable.

•

Doubtful - Loans that have all of the weaknesses of those classified as Substandard. However, based on currently existing facts, conditions and values, these weaknesses make full collection of principal highly questionable and improbable. Other credit characteristics may include the primary source of repayment is gone or there is considerable doubt as to the quality of the secondary sources of repayment. The possibility of loss is high, but because of certain important pending factors that may strengthen the loan, loss classification is deferred until the exact status of repayment is known.


•	Loss – Loans that are considered uncollectible and of such little value that continuing to carry them as an asset is not warranted. Loans will be classified as Loss when it is neither practical not desirable to defer writing off or reserving all or a portion of a basically worthless asset, even though partial recovery may be possible at some time in the future.

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PART II: ITEM 8. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(table dollar amounts in thousands, except share data)

The following tables summarize the credit quality of the Corporation’s loan portfolio, by loan class for the years indicated. Consumer non-performing loans include accruing consumer loans 90 plus days delinquent and consumer non-accrual loans. The entire balance of a loan is considered delinquent if the minimum payment contractually required to be made is not received by the specified date. Loans that evidenced deterioration of credit quality since origination and it was probable, at acquisition, that all contractually required payments would not be collected are included in the applicable categories below.



	December 31, 2013
	Commercial Pass		Commercial Special Mention		Commercial Substandard		Commercial Doubtful		Commercial Loss	Consumer Performing		Consumer Non Performing		Total
Commercial and Industrial loans	$	708,835	$	11,332	$	41,013	$	525						$	761,705
Agriculture production financing and other loans to farmers	114,318				30									114,348
Real Estate Loans:
Construction	162,976		1,132		12,029							$	945	177,082
Commercial and farmland	1,473,714		57,676		80,184							235		1,611,809
Residential	143,657		2,232		11,494		136			$	448,494	10,372		616,385
Home Equity	6,194		35		1,184					246,101		1,709		255,223
Individuals' loans for household and other personal expenditures										69,666		117		69,783
Lease financing receivables, net of unearned income	1,420				125									1,545
Other Loans	24,334				195									24,529
Loans	$	2,635,448	$	72,407	$	146,254	$	661		$	764,261	$	13,378	$	3,632,409



	December 31, 2012
	Commercial Pass		Commercial Special Mention		Commercial Substandard		Commercial Doubtful		Commercial Loss	Consumer Performing		Consumer Non Performing		Total
Commercial and Industrial loans	$	559,852	$	23,678	$	34,460	$	4,589						$	622,579
Agriculture production financing and other loans to farmers	112,209		224		94									112,527
Real Estate Loans:
Construction	85,728		1,384		11,356							$	171	98,639
Commercial and farmland	1,148,561		38,199		79,078		553					291		1,266,682
Residential	145,402		5,437		13,880		922			$	301,614	6,282		473,537
Home Equity	9,092		893		1,657					189,721		2,043		203,406
Individuals' loans for household and other personal expenditures										75,748				75,748
Lease financing receivables, net of unearned income										2,289		301		2,590
Other Loans	46,473				28									46,501
Loans	$	2,107,317	$	69,815	$	140,553	$	6,064		$	569,372	$	9,088	$	2,902,209

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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(table dollar amounts in thousands, except share data)

The following tables show a past due aging of the Corporation’s loan portfolio, by loan class, for the years indicated:



	December 31, 2013
	Current		30-59 Days Past Due		60-89 Days Past Due		Loans > 90 Days And Accruing		Non-Accrual		Total Past Due & Non-Accrual		Total
Commercial and industrial loans	$	749,020	$	2,628	$	774			$	9,283	$	12,685	$	761,705
Agriculture production financing and other loans to farmers	114,305		13						30		43		114,348
Real Estate Loans:
Construction	171,046		1,058						4,978		6,036		177,082
Commercial and farmland	1,573,403		3,807		5,801		$	703	28,095		38,406		1,611,809
Residential	595,192		7,156		1,475		494		12,068		21,193		616,385
Home equity	251,188		1,652		563		153		1,667		4,035		255,223
Individuals' loans for household and other personal expenditures	69,061		550		55				117		722		69,783
Lease financing receivables, net of unearned income	1,545												1,545
Other loans	24,365								164		164		24,529
Loans	$	3,549,125	$	16,864	$	8,668	$	1,350	$	56,402	$	83,284	$	3,632,409



	December 31, 2012
	Current		30-59 Days Past Due		60-89 Days Past Due		Loans > 90 Days And Accruing		Non-Accrual		Total Past Due & Non-Accrual		Total
Commercial and industrial loans	$	607,442	$	2,628	$	144	$	170	$	12,195	$	15,137	$	622,579
Agriculture production financing and other loans to farmers	112,527												112,527
Real Estate Loans:
Construction	93,426		399						4,814		5,213		98,639
Commercial and farmland	1,238,907		3,276		1,822		65		22,612		27,775		1,266,682
Residential	453,743		5,734		1,338		1,246		11,476		19,794		473,537
Home equity	199,063		1,467		323		556		1,997		4,343		203,406
Individuals' loans for household and other personal expenditures	74,919		799		30						829		75,748
Lease financing receivables, net of unearned income	2,289								301		301		2,590
Other loans	46,497								4		4		46,501
Loans	$	2,828,813	$	14,303	$	3,657	$	2,037	$	53,399	$	73,396	$	2,902,209

See the information regarding the analysis of loan loss experience in the “LOAN QUALITY" section of Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations included as Item 7 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.

On occasion, borrower experience declines in income and cash flow. As a result, these borrowers seek to reduce contractual cash outlays including debt payments. Concurrently, in an effort to preserve and protect its earning assets, specifically troubled loans, the Corporation is working to maintain its relationship with certain customers who are experiencing financial difficulty by contractually modifying the borrower's debt agreement with the Corporation. In certain loan restructuring situations, the Corporation may grant a concession to a debtor experiencing financial difficulty, resulting in a trouble debt restructuring. A concession is deemed to be granted when, as a result of the restructuring, the Corporation does not expect to collect all amounts due, including interest accrued at the original contract rate. If the payment of principal at original maturity is primarily dependent on the value of collateral, the current value of the collateral is considered in determining whether the principal will be paid.

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PART II: ITEM 8. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(table dollar amounts in thousands, except share data)

The following tables summarize troubled debt restructurings that occurred during the periods ended December 31, 2013 and December 31, 2012:



	December 31, 2013
	Pre-Modification Recorded Balance		Post-Modification Recorded Balance		Number of Loans
Commercial and industrial loans	$	295	$	316	5
Real Estate Loans:
Commercial and farmland	6,506		5,492		11
Residential	809		804		12
Individuals' loans for household and other personal expenditures	143		145		4
Total	$	7,753	$	6,757	32



	December 31, 2012
	Pre-Modification Recorded Balance		Post-Modification Recorded Balance		Number of Loans
Commercial and industrial loans	$	1,562	$	1,547	9
Real Estate Loans:
Construction	794		653		2
Commercial and farmland	10,366		10,154		14
Residential	2,302		2,172		20
Individuals' loans for household and other personal expenditures	170		197		5
Total	$	15,194	$	14,723	50

The following tables show the recorded investment of troubled debt restructurings, by modification type, that occurred during the years indicated:



	December 31, 2013
	Term Modification		Rate Modification		Combination		Total Modification
Commercial and industrial loans	$	207			$	60	$	267
Real Estate Loans:
Commercial and farmland	1,388				1,985		3,373
Residential	167		$	237	351		755
Individuals' loans for household and other personal expenditures	61		38		25		124
Total	$	1,823	$	275	$	2,421	$	4,519



	December 31, 2012
	Term Modification		Rate Modification		Combination		Total Modification
Commercial and industrial loans	$	259			$	1,029	$	1,288
Real Estate Loans:
Construction					625		625
Commercial and farmland	6,668		$	903	381		7,952
Residential	525		380		995		1,900
Individuals' loans for household and other personal expenditures			7		183		190
Total	$	7,452	$	1,290	$	3,213	$	11,955

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PART II: ITEM 8. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(table dollar amounts in thousands, except share data)

Loans secured by commercial and farm real estate made up 75 percent of the post-modification balances of the troubled debt restructured loans during the twelve months ending December 31, 2013. The second largest class of troubled debt restructurings during 2013 was residential real estate loans, accounting for 17 percent of the total post modification balances.

The following tables summarize troubled debt restructures that occurred during the twelve months ended December 31, 2013 and December 31, 2012, that subsequently defaulted during those periods:



	Twelve Months Ended December 31, 2013
	Number of Loans	Recorded Balance
Commercial and industrial loans	3	$	173
Real Estate Loans:
Commercial and farmland	2	1,034
Total	5	$	1,207



	Twelve Months Ended December 31, 2012
	Number of Loans	Recorded Balance
Commercial and industrial loans	1	$	23
Real Estate Loans:
Commercial and farmland	2	212
Residential	4	385
Total	7	$	620

For potential consumer loan restructures, impairment evaluation occurs prior to modification. Any subsequent impairment is typically addressed through the charge off process, or may be addressed through a specific reserve. Consumer troubled debt restructurings are generally included in the general historical allowance for loan loss at the post modification balance. Consumer non-accrual and delinquent troubled debt restructurings are also considered in the calculation of the non-accrual and delinquency trend environmental allowance allocation. Commercial troubled debt restructured loans risk graded special mention, substandard, doubtful and loss are individually evaluated for impairment under ASC 310. Any resulting specific reserves are included in the allowance for loan losses. Commercial 30 - 89 day delinquent troubled debt restructurings are included in the calculation of the delinquency trend environmental allowance allocation. All commercial non-impaired loans, including non-accrual and 90+ day delinquents, are included in the ASC 450 loss migration analysis.

NOTE 7

ACCOUNTING FOR CERTAIN LOANS ACQUIRED IN A PURCHASE

The Bank acquired loans in a purchase during the years ended December 31, 2013 and December 31, 2012. The following table includes the outstanding balance and carrying amount of these loans, which are included in the balance sheet amounts of loans receivable at December 31, 2013 and December 31, 2012.



	December 31, 2013						December 31, 2012
	CFS		SCB		Total		SCB
Commercial and industrial loans	$	81,303	$	8,184	$	89,487	$	12,645
Agricultural production financing and other loans to farmers			1,161		1,161		1,179
Real estate loans:
Construction	17,962				17,962		65
Commercial and farmland	311,631		23,418		335,049		30,303
Residential	166,754		9,359		176,113		13,724
Home Equity	49,042		18,236		67,278		21,544
Individuals' loans for household and other personal expenditures	2,360		269		2,629		705
Other Loans	132		407		539
Total	$	629,184	$	61,034	$	690,218	$	80,165

Carrying Amount	$	585,913	$	50,269	$	636,182	$	65,600
Allowance			229		229
Carrying Amount Net of Allowance	$	585,913	$	50,040	$	635,953	$	65,600

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PART II: ITEM 8. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(table dollar amounts in thousands, except share data)

The balance of the allowance for loan losses and the corresponding provision expense for loans acquired and accounted for under ASC310-30 was $229,000 and $0 at December 31, 2013 and December 31, 2012, respectively.

Accretable yield, or income expected to be collected, is as follows:



	Twelve Months Ended December 31, 2013									Twelve Months Ended December 31, 2012
	CFS			SCB			Total			SCB
Beginning balance				$	5,142		$	5,142
Additions	$	13,599					13,599			$	9,774
Accretion	(164		)	(2,071		)	(2,235		)	(4,632		)
Reclassification from nonaccretable				2,888			2,888
Disposals				(95		)	(95		)
Ending balance	$	13,435		$	5,864		$	19,299		$	5,142

At acquisition, certain purchased loans evidenced deterioration of credit quality since origination and it was probable, at acquisition, that all contractually required payments would not be collected.

Certain loans purchased with evidence of credit deterioration since origination and for which it is probable that all contractually required payments will not be collected are considered to be credit impaired. Evidence of credit quality deterioration as of the purchase date may include information such as past-due and non-accrual status, borrower credit scores and recent loan to value percentages. Purchased credit-impaired loans are accounted for under the accounting guidance for loans and debt securities acquired with deteriorated credit quality (ASC 310-30) and initially measured at fair value, which includes estimated future credit losses expected to be incurred over the life of the loan. Accordingly, an allowance for credit losses related to these loans is not carried over and recorded at the acquisition date. Management estimated the cash flows expected to be collected at acquisition, which incorporated the estimate of current key assumptions, such as default rates, severity and prepayment speeds.

The following table presents loans acquired during the periods ending December 31, 2013 and 2012, for which it was probable at acquisition that all contractually required payments would not be collected:



	CFS - 2013		SCB - 2012
Contractually required payments receivable at acquisition date	$	109,839	$	31,143
Nonaccretable difference	22,679		9,688
Expected cash flows at acquisition date	87,160		21,455
Accretable difference	3,502		4,152
Basis in loans at acquisition date	$	83,658	$	17,303

NOTE 8

PREMISES AND EQUIPMENT

The following table summarizes the Corporation's premises and equipment as of December 31, 2013 and 2012:



	2013			2012
Cost at December 31:
Land	$	17,992		$	14,692
Buildings and Leasehold Improvements	92,693			62,606
Equipment	54,274			42,564
Total Cost	164,959			119,862
Accumulated Depreciation and Amortization	(90,505		)	(67,113		)
Net	$	74,454		$	52,749

On November 12, 2013, the Corporation acquired 100 percent of CFS in an all stock transaction, as discussed in NOTE 3. BUSINESS COMBINATIONS, in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements included as Item 8 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K. This purchase resulted in premises and equipment acquired of approximately $19,643,000.

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PART II: ITEM 8. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(table dollar amounts in thousands, except share data)

The Corporation is committed under various non-cancelable lease contracts for certain subsidiary office facilities and equipment. Total lease expense for 2013, 2012 and 2011 was $2,608,000, $2,812,000 and $2,636,000, respectively. The future minimum rental commitments required under the operating leases in effect at December 31, 2013, expiring at various dates through the year 2028 are as follows for the years ending December 31:



	Future Minimum Rental Commitments
2014	$	2,804
2015	2,551
2016	2,067
2017	1,356
2018	749
After 2018	3,158
Total Future Minimum Obligations	$	12,685

NOTE 9

GOODWILL

In July 2012, FMIG acquired a book of business that resulted in goodwill acquired of $18,000. This transaction was deemed to be an immaterial transaction.

No impairment loss was recorded in 2013 or 2012. The Corporation tested goodwill for impairment during 2012 and 2013. In both valuations, the fair value exceeded the Corporation’s carrying value; therefore, it was concluded goodwill is not impaired. For additional details related to impairment testing, see the “GOODWILL” section of Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations included as Item 7 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.



	2013		2012
Balance, January 1	$	141,375	$	141,357
Goodwill acquired	47,573		18
Balance, December 31	$	188,948	$	141,375

NOTE 10

CORE DEPOSIT AND OTHER INTANGIBLES

On November 12, 2013, the Corporation acquired 100 percent of CFS in an all stock transaction, as discussed in NOTE 3. BUSINESS COMBINATIONS, in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements included as Item 8 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K. This purchase resulted in a core deposit intangible of approximately $7,313,000.

Effective February 10, 2012, the Bank assumed substantially all of the deposits and certain other liabilities and acquired certain assets of SCB Bank, as discussed in NOTE 2 Purchase and Assumption, in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements included as Item 8 of this Annual Report on form 10-K. This purchase resulted in a core deposit intangible of approximately $484,000. In July 2012, FMIG purchased a book of business which resulted in an other intangible of approximately $483,000.

The carrying basis and accumulated amortization of recognized core deposit and other intangibles are noted below.



	2013			2012
Gross carrying amount	$	46,389		$	45,422
Core deposit intangible and other intangibles acquired	7,313			967
Accumulated amortization	(39,884		)	(38,235		)
Core Deposit and Other Intangibles	$	13,818		$	8,154

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PART II: ITEM 8. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(table dollar amounts in thousands, except share data)

Amortization expense for the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011, was $1,649,000, $1,927,000 and $3,548,000, respectively.

Estimated amortization expense for each of the following five years is:



	Amortization Expense
2014	$	2,367
2015	2,351
2016	2,294
2017	2,211
2018	1,044
After 2018	3,551
Total Future Minimum Obligations	$	13,818

NOTE 11

DEPOSITS

The composition of the deposit portfolio is included in the table below for the years indicated:



	December 31, 2013		December 31, 2012
Demand Deposits	$	2,018,650	$	1,646,756
Savings Deposits	1,257,994		831,952
Certificates and Other Time Deposits of $100,000 or more	272,660		236,470
Other Certificates and Time Deposits	595,110		502,927
Brokered Deposits	87,054		128,278
Total Deposits	$	4,231,468	$	3,346,383

At December 31, 2013, the contractual maturities of time deposits are summarized as follows:



	Certificates and Other Time Deposits
2014	$	597,612
2015	163,985
2016	101,132
2017	48,244
2018	24,005
After 2018	19,846
	$	954,824

NOTE 12

BORROWINGS

The following table summarizes the Corporation's borrowings as of December 31, 2013 and 2012:



	December 31, 2013		December 31, 2012
Federal Funds Purchased	$	125,645	$	18,862
Securities Sold Under Repurchase Agreements	148,672		141,828
Federal Home Loan Bank Advances	122,140		94,238
Subordinated Debentures and Term Loans	126,807		112,161
Total Borrowings	$	523,264	$	367,089

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PART II: ITEM 8. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(table dollar amounts in thousands, except share data)

Securities sold under repurchase agreements consist of obligations of the Bank to other parties. The obligations are secured by U.S. Treasury and U.S. Government-Sponsored Enterprise obligations, certain municipal securities and mortgage loans. The maximum amount of outstanding agreements at any month-end during 2013 and 2012 totaled $161,814,000 and $160,127,000, respectively, and the average of such agreements totaled $140,126,000 and $144,555,000 during 2013 and 2012, respectively.

None of the Federal Home Loan Bank Advances are putable advances as of December 31, 2013 and 2012 respectively. Maturities of securities sold under repurchase agreements; Federal Home Loan Bank Advances, subordinated debentures and term loans as of December 31, 2013, are as follows:



Maturities in Years Ending December 31:	Securities Sold Under Repurchase Agreements		Federal Home Loan Bank Advances		Subordinated Debentures and Term Loans
2014	$	148,672	$	26,437	$	105
2015			30,886
2016			28,833
2017			2,629
2018			13,252
After 2018			20,103		126,702
	$	148,672	$	122,140	$	126,807

The terms of a security agreement with the FHLB require the Corporation to pledge, as collateral for advances, qualifying first mortgage loans, investment securities and multifamily loans in an amount equal to at least 155 percent of these advances depending on the type of collateral pledged. Advances, with interest rates from 0.45 to 6.81 percent, are subject to restrictions or penalties in the event of prepayment. The total available remaining borrowing capacity from the FHLB at December 31, 2013, was $228,124,000.

Subordinated Debentures and Term Loans. As of December 31, 2013, subordinated debentures and term loans totaled $126,807,000.

•

First Merchants Capital Trust II. The subordinated debenture, entered into on July 2, 2007, for $56,702,000 will mature on September 15, 2037. The Corporation could not redeem the debenture prior to September 15, 2012, and redemption is subject to the prior approval of the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System, as required by law or regulation. Interest was fixed at 6.495 percent for the period from the date of issuance through September 15, 2012; interest is now an annual floating rate equal to the three-month LIBOR plus 1.56 percent, reset quarterly. Interest is payable in March, June, September and December of each year. The interest rate at December 31, 2013 was 1.7 percent. The Corporation holds all of the outstanding common securities of First Merchants Capital Trust II.

•

On November 1, 2013, the Corporation completed the private issuance and sale to four institutional investors of an aggregate of $70 million of debt comprised of (a) 5.00 percent Fixed-to-Floating Rate Senior Notes due 2028 in the aggregate principal amount of $5 million (the "Senior Debt") and (b) 6.75 percent Fixed-to-Floating Rate Subordinated Notes due 2028 in the aggregate principal amount of $65 million (the "Subordinated Debt"). The interest rate on the Senior Debt and Subordinated Debt remains fixed for the first ten (10) years and will become floating thereafter. The net proceeds of the placement were used to pay off the Corporation's $55 million credit facility with Bank of America, N.A. which was scheduled to mature on February 15, 2015.

•

Bank of America, N.A. The Corporation had a $55 million credit facility with Bank of America, N.A. comprised of (a) a term loan in the principal amount of $5 million (the “Term Loan”) and (b) a subordinated debenture in the principal amount of $50 million (the “Subordinated Debt”). Pursuant to the terms of the underlying Loan Agreement (the “Loan Agreement”), the Term Loan and the Subordinated Debt would have matured on February 15, 2015. The Term Loan was secured by a pledge of all of the issued and outstanding shares of the Bank. On November 1, 2013, the Corporation used a portion of the proceeds from the $70 million subordinated debt placement to pay-off the Bank of America $55 million credit facility.

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PART II: ITEM 8. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(table dollar amounts in thousands, except share data)

Subordinated Debentures and Term Loans. As of December 31, 2012, subordinated debentures and term loans totaled $112,161,000.

•

First Merchants Capital Trust II. The subordinated debenture, entered into on July 2, 2007, for $56,702,000 will mature on September 15, 2037. The Corporation could not redeem the debenture prior to September 15, 2012, and redemption is subject to the prior approval of the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System, as required by law or regulation. Interest was fixed at 6.495 percent for the period from the date of issuance through September 15, 2012; interest is now an annual floating rate equal to the three-month LIBOR plus 1.56 percent, reset quarterly. Interest is payable in March, June, September and December of each year. The interest rate at December 31, 2012 was 1.87 percent. The Corporation holds all of the outstanding common securities of First Merchants Capital Trust II.

•

Bank of America, N.A. The Corporation currently has a $55 million credit facility with Bank of America, N.A. comprised of (a) a term loan in the principal amount of $5 million (the “Term Loan”) and (b) a subordinated debenture in the principal amount of $50 million (the “Subordinated Debt”). Pursuant to the terms of the underlying Loan Agreement (the “Loan Agreement”), the Term Loan and the Subordinated Debt each mature on February 15, 2015. The Term Loan is secured by a pledge of all of the issued and outstanding shares of the Bank.

The Loan Agreement contains certain customary representations and warranties and financial and negative covenants. A breach of any of these covenants could result in a default under the Loan Agreement. As of December 31, 2012, the Corporation was in compliance with these financial covenants.

The Loan Agreement provides that upon an event of default as the result of the Corporation’s failure to comply with a financial covenant, Bank of America may (a) declare the $5 million outstanding principal amount of the Term Loan immediately due and payable, (b) exercise all of its rights and remedies at law, in equity and/or pursuant to any or all collateral documents, including foreclosing on the collateral if payment of the Term Loan is not made in full, and (c) add a default rate of 3 percent per annum to the Term Loan. Because the Subordinated Debt is treated as Tier 2 capital for regulatory capital purposes, the Loan Agreement does not provide Bank of America with any right of acceleration or other remedies with regard to the Subordinated Debt upon an event of default caused by the Corporation’s breach of a financial covenant. Bank of America chose to apply the default rate through March 31, 2012 but not to accelerate the Term Loan based on the Corporation’s failure to meet these financial covenants. As of March 31, 2012, the Corporation was no longer in default due to breach of a financial covenant; therefore, the default rate of 3 percent per annum was no longer applied to the Term Loan.


•	CNBC Statutory Trust I. As part of the March 1, 2003, acquisition of CNBC Bancorp, the Corporation assumed $4,124,000 of a junior subordinated debenture entered into on February 22, 2001. On August 22, 2012, the Corporation exercised its option to redeem the $4,124,000 subordinated debt. The redemption price premium was 104.59. The debenture carried a fixed interest rate of 10.2 percent.


•	Temporary Liquidity Guarantee Program. On March 31, 2009, the Bank, entered into $79,000,000 of 2.625 percent Senior Notes (the “Notes”) due on March 30, 2012 through a pooled offering. On March 30, 2012, the Bank completed repayment of these Notes, which were guaranteed by the FDIC under its Temporary Liquidity Guarantee Program ("TLGP").

NOTE 13

DERIVATIVE INSTRUMENTS AND HEDGING ACTIVITIES

Risk Management Objective of Using Derivatives

The Corporation is exposed to certain risks arising from both its business operations and economic conditions. The Corporation principally manages its exposures to a wide variety of business and operational risks through management of its core business activities. The Corporation manages economic risks, including interest rate, liquidity, and credit risk, primarily by managing the amount, sources, and duration of its assets and liabilities and through the use of derivative financial instruments. Specifically, the Corporation enters into derivative financial instruments to manage exposures that arise from business activities that result in the receipt or payment of future known and uncertain cash amounts, the value of which are determined by interest rates. The Corporation’s derivative financial instruments are used to manage differences in the amount, timing, and duration of the Corporation’s known or expected cash payments principally related to certain variable-rate liabilities. The Corporation also has derivatives that are a result of a service the Corporation provides to certain qualifying customers, and, therefore, are not used to manage interest rate risk in the Corporation’s assets or liabilities. The Corporation manages a matched book with respect to its derivative instruments offered as a part of this service to its customers in order to minimize its net risk exposure resulting from such transactions.

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PART II: ITEM 8. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(table dollar amounts in thousands, except share data)

Fair Values of Derivative Instruments on the Balance Sheet

The table below presents the fair value of the Corporation’s derivative financial instruments as well as their classification on the Balance Sheet as of December 31, 2013 and December 31, 2012.

Asset Derivatives

Liability Derivatives

December 31, 2013

December 31, 2012

December 31, 2013

December 31, 2012

Balance Sheet Location

Fair
Value

Balance Sheet Location

Fair
Value

Balance Sheet Location

Fair
Value

Balance Sheet Location

Fair
Value

Derivatives designated as hedging instruments:

Interest rate contracts

Other Assets

1,162

Other Assets

197

Other Liabilities

1,021

Other Liabilities

3,332

Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments:

Interest rate contracts

Other Assets

2,847

Other Assets

6,103

Other Liabilities

2,932

Other Liabilities

6,434

Cash Flow Hedges of Interest Rate Risk

The Corporation’s objectives in using interest rate derivatives are to add stability to interest expense and to manage its exposure to interest rate movements. To accomplish this objective, the Corporation primarily uses interest rate swaps and interest rate caps as part of its interest rate risk management strategy. Interest rate swaps designated as cash flow hedges involve the payment of fixed amounts to a counterparty in exchange for the Corporation receiving variable payments over the life of the agreements without exchange of the underlying notional amount. Interest rate caps designated as cash flow hedges involve the receipt of variable amounts from a counterparty if interest rates rise above the strike rate on the contract in exchange for an up-front premium. As of December 31, 2013, the Corporation had five interest rate swaps with a notional amount of $56.0 million and one interest rate cap with a notional amount of $13.0 million. As of December 31, 2012, the Corporation had two interest rate swaps with a notional amount of $26.0 million and one interest rate cap with a notional amount of $13.0 million that were designated as cash flow hedges.

The effective portion of changes in the fair value of derivatives designated and that qualify as cash flow hedges is recorded in accumulated other comprehensive income and is subsequently reclassified into earnings in the period that the hedged forecasted transaction affects earnings. During 2013, $26.0 million of the interest rate swaps and the $13.0 million interest rate cap were used to hedge the variable cash outflows (LIBOR-based) associated with existing trust preferred securities when the outflows converted from a fixed rate to variable rate in September 2012. In addition, the remaining $30.0 million of interest rate swaps were used to hedge the variable cash outflows (LIBOR-based) associated with three Federal Home Loan Bank advances. The ineffective portion of the change in fair value of the derivatives is recognized directly in earnings. During the years ended December 31, 2013 and 2012, the Corporation did not recognize any ineffectiveness.

Amounts reported in accumulated other comprehensive income related to derivatives will be reclassified to interest expense as interest payments are made on the Corporation’s variable-rate liabilities. During the next twelve months, the Corporation expects to reclassify $1,368,000 from accumulated other comprehensive income to interest expense.

Non-designated Hedges

The Corporation does not use derivatives for trading or speculative purposes. Derivatives not designated as hedges are not speculative and result from a service the Corporation provides to certain customers. The Corporation executes interest rate swaps with commercial banking customers to facilitate their respective risk management strategies. Those interest rate swaps are simultaneously hedged by offsetting interest rate swaps that the Corporation executes with a third party, such that the Corporation minimizes its net risk exposure resulting from such transactions. As the interest rate swaps associated with this program do not meet the strict hedge accounting requirements, changes in the fair value of both the customer swaps and the offsetting swaps are recognized directly in earnings. As of December 31, 2013, the notional amount of customer-facing swaps was approximately $153,024,000. This amount is offset with third party counterparties, as described above.

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PART II: ITEM 8. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(table dollar amounts in thousands, except share data)

Effect of Derivative Instruments on the Income Statement

The tables below present the effect of the Corporation’s derivative financial instruments on the Income Statement for the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011.



Derivatives Not Designated as Hedging Instruments under FASB ASC 815-10	Location of Gain (Loss) Recognized in Income on Derivative	Amount of Gain (Loss) Recognized in Income on Derivative for the Year Ended December 31, 2013	Amount of Gain (Loss) Recognized in Income on Derivative for the Year Ended December 31, 2012	Amount of Gain (Loss) Recognized in Income on Derivative for the Year Ended December 31, 2011
Interest Rate Contracts	Other income	$247	$(79)	$(94)



Derivatives in Cash Flow Hedging Relationships	Amount of Gain (Loss) Recognized in Other Comprehensive Income on Derivative (Effective Portion) For the Year Ended		Location of Loss Reclassified from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Effective Portion)	Amount of Loss Reclassified from Other Comprehensive Income into Income (Effective Portion) For the Year Ended
Derivatives in Cash Flow Hedging Relationships	2013	2012		2013	2012
Interest Rate Products	$2,374	$(1,466)	Interest Expense	$(935)	$(217)

The Corporation’s exposure to credit risk occurs because of nonperformance by its counterparties. The counterparties approved by the Corporation are usually financial institutions, which are well capitalized and have credit ratings through Moody’s and/or Standard & Poor’s, at or above investment grade. The Corporation’s control of such risk is through quarterly financial reviews, comparing mark-to-market values with policy limitations, credit ratings and collateral pledging.

Credit-Risk-Related Contingent Features

The Corporation has agreements with certain of its derivative counterparties that contain a provision where if the Corporation fails to maintain its status as a well/adequate capitalized institution, then the Corporation could be required to terminate or fully collateralize all outstanding derivative contracts.

The Corporation has agreements with certain of its derivative counterparties that contain a provision where if the Corporation defaults on any of its indebtedness, including default where repayment of the indebtedness has not been accelerated by the lender, then the Corporation could also be declared in default on its derivative obligations. As of December 31, 2013, the termination value of derivatives in a net liability position related to these agreements was $2,736,000. As of December 31, 2013, the Corporation has minimum collateral posting thresholds with certain of its derivative counterparties and has posted collateral of $2,751,000. If the Corporation had breached any of these provisions at December 31, 2013, it could have been required to settle its obligations under the agreements at their termination value.

NOTE 14

FAIR VALUES OF FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS

The Corporation used fair value measurements to record fair value adjustments, to certain assets, and liabilities and to determine fair value disclosures. The accounting guidance defines fair value, establishes a framework for measuring fair value and expands disclosures about fair value measurements. ASC 820 applies only when other guidance requires or permits assets or liabilities to be measured at fair value; it does not expand the use of fair value in any new circumstances.

As defined in ASC 820, fair value is the price to sell an asset or transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants. It represents an exit price at the measurement date. Market participants are buyers and sellers, who are independent, knowledgeable, and willing and able to transact in the principal (or most advantageous) market for the asset or liability being measured. Current market conditions, including imbalances between supply and demand, are considered in determining fair value. The Corporation values its assets and liabilities in the principal market where it sells the particular asset or transfers the liability with the greatest volume and level of activity. In the absence of a principal market, the valuation is based on the most advantageous market for the asset or liability (i.e., the market where the asset could be sold or the liability transferred at a price that maximizes the amount to be received for the asset or minimizes the amount to be paid to transfer the liability).

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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(table dollar amounts in thousands, except share data)

Valuation inputs refer to the assumptions market participants would use in pricing a given asset or liability. Inputs can be observable or unobservable. Observable inputs are those assumptions which market participants would use in pricing the particular asset or liability. These inputs are based on market data and are obtained from a source independent of the Corporation. Unobservable inputs are assumptions based on the Corporation’s own information or estimate of assumptions used by market participants in pricing the asset or liability. Unobservable inputs are based on the best and most current information available on the measurement date. All inputs, whether observable or unobservable, are ranked in accordance with a prescribed fair value hierarchy which gives the highest ranking to quoted prices (unadjusted) in active markets for identical assets or liabilities (Level 1) and the lowest ranking to unobservable inputs for which there is little or no market activity (Level 3). Fair values for assets or liabilities classified as Level 2 are based on one or a combination of the following factors: (i) quoted prices for similar assets; (ii) observable inputs for the asset or liability, such as interest rates or yield curves; or (iii) inputs derived principally from or corroborated by observable market data. The level in the fair value hierarchy within which the fair value measurement in its entirety falls is determined based on the lowest level input that is significant to the fair value measurement in its entirety. The Corporation considers an input to be significant if it drives 10 percent or more of the total fair value of a particular asset or liability.

RECURRING MEASUREMENTS

Assets and liabilities are considered to be fair valued on a recurring basis if fair value is measured regularly (i.e., daily, weekly, monthly or quarterly). Recurring valuation occurs at a minimum on the measurement date. Assets and liabilities are considered to be fair valued on a nonrecurring basis if the fair value measurement of the instrument does not necessarily result in a change in the amount recorded on the balance sheet. Generally, nonrecurring valuation is the result of the application of other accounting pronouncements which require assets or liabilities to be assessed for impairment or recorded at the lower of cost or fair value. The fair value of assets or liabilities transferred in or out of Level 3 is measured on the transfer date, with any additional changes in fair value subsequent to the transfer considered to be realized or unrealized gains or losses.

Following is a description of the valuation methodologies used for instruments measured at fair value on a recurring basis and recognized in the accompanying balance sheet, as well as the general classification of such instruments pursuant to the valuation hierarchy.

Investment Securities

Where quoted, market prices are available in an active market and securities are classified within Level 1 of the valuation hierarchy. There are no securities classified within Level 1 of the hierarchy. If quoted market prices are not available, then fair values are estimated by using pricing models, quoted prices of securities with similar characteristics or discounted cash flows. Level 2 securities include agencies, government-sponsored mortgage backs, state and municipal, equity securities and U.S. Treasuries. In certain cases where Level 1 or Level 2 inputs are not available, securities are classified within Level 3 of the hierarchy and include state and municipal, corporate obligations and equity securities. Level 3 fair value on state and municipal, corporate obligations and equity securities was determined using a discounted cash flow model that incorporated market estimates of interest rates and volatility in markets that have not been active.

Third party vendors compile prices from various sources and may apply such techniques as matrix pricing to determine the value of identical or similar investment securities (Level 2). Matrix pricing is a mathematical technique widely used in the banking industry to value investment securities without relying exclusively on quoted prices for specific investment securities but rather relying on the investment securities’ relationship to other benchmark quoted investment securities. Any investment security not valued based upon the methods above are considered Level 3.

Corporate Obligations

The pooled trust preferred securities in the portfolio fall within the scope of ASC 325-10 (formerly EITF 99-20) and include $6.4 million amortized cost, with a fair value of $2.7 million. The issuers in these securities are primarily banks, but some of the pools do include a limited number of insurance companies. The Corporation uses an other-than-temporary impairment (“OTTI”) evaluation process to compare the present value of expected cash flows to determine whether an adverse change in cash flows has occurred. The OTTI process considers the structure and term of the collateralized debt obligation (“CDO”) and the financial condition of the underlying issuers. Specifically, the process 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. 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 process include expected future default rates and prepayments as well as recovery assumptions on defaults and deferrals. In addition, the process is used to “stress” each CDO, or make assumptions more severe than expected activity, to determine the degree to which assumptions could deteriorate before the CDO could no longer fully support repayment of the Corporation’s note class. In 2013, securities for which OTTI has been previously taken, had a decrease in unrealized losses of $1.4 million, net of tax, of which all was recorded in other comprehensive income.

Interest Rate Derivative Agreements

See information regarding the Corporation’s interest rate derivative products in Note 13. DERIVATIVE INSTRUMENTS AND HEDGING ACTIVITIES, in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements included as Item 8 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.

The fair value of the interest rate swap and cap instruments were transferred from Level 3 to Level 2 as of March 31, 2012 due to the availability of additional valuation information. These instruments are valued using widely accepted valuation techniques including discounted cash flow analysis using observable inputs such as contractual terms and LIBOR-based rate curves.

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PART II: ITEM 8. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(table dollar amounts in thousands, except share data)

The following table presents the fair value measurements of assets and liabilities recognized in the accompanying balance sheets measured at fair value on a recurring basis and the level within the ASC 820-10 fair value hierarchy in which the fair value measurements fall at December 31, 2013 and 2012.



			Fair Value Measurements Using:
			Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets	Significant Other Observable Inputs		Significant Unobservable Inputs
December 31, 2013	Fair Value		(Level 1)	(Level 2)		(Level 3)
U.S. Treasury	$	15,973		$	15,973
U.S. Government-sponsored agency securities	3,545			3,545
State and municipal	230,987			223,752		$	7,235
U.S. Government-sponsored mortgage-backed securities	281,252			281,252
Corporate obligations	2,738					2,738
Equity securities	1,706			1,702		4
Interest rate swap asset	3,619			3,619
Interest rate cap	390			390
Interest rate swap liability	3,953			3,953



			Fair Value Measurements Using:
			Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets	Significant Other Observable Inputs		Significant Unobservable Inputs
December 31, 2012	Fair Value		(Level 1)	(Level 2)		(Level 3)
U.S. Government-sponsored agency securities	$	4,640		$	4,640
State and municipal	158,194			140,094		$	18,100
U.S. Government-sponsored mortgage-backed securities	348,579			348,579
Corporate obligations	224					224
Equity securities	1,706			1,702		4
Interest rate swap asset	6,103			6,103
Interest rate cap	197			197
Interest rate swap liability	9,766			9,766

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PART II: ITEM 8. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(table dollar amounts in thousands, except share data)

LEVEL 3 RECONCILIATION

The following is a reconciliation of the beginning and ending balances of recurring fair value measurements recognized in the accompanying balance sheet using significant unobservable Level 3 inputs for year ended December 31, 2013 and 2012.



	Year Ended December 31, 2013
	Available for Sale Securities
Beginning Balance	$	18,328
Total realized and unrealized gains and losses
Included in net income
Included in other comprehensive income	1,330
Purchases, issuances, and settlements	7,590
Transfers in/(out) of Level 3	(16,434		)
Principal payments	(837		)
Ending balance	$	9,977



	Year Ended December 31, 2012
	Available for Sale Securities			Interest Rate Swap Asset			Interest Rate Cap			Interest Rate Swap Liability
Beginning Balance	$	20,838		$	5,241		$	424		$	7,797
Total realized and unrealized gains and losses
Included in net income				(860		)				(863		)
Included in other comprehensive income	(1,141		)	481			(15		)
Purchases, issuances, and settlements
Transfers in/(out) of Level 3				(4,862		)	(409		)	(6,934		)
Principal payments	(1,369		)
Ending balance	$	18,328

There were no gains or losses for the period included in earnings that were attributable to the changes in unrealized gains or losses related to assets or liabilities held at December 31, 2013 or December 31, 2012.

TRANSFERS BETWEEN LEVELS



	Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets	Significant Other Observable Inputs			Significant Unobservable Inputs
December 31, 2013	(Level 1)	(Level 2)			(Level 3)			Reason for Transfer
Transfers to/(from) Level:
Available for sale securities		$	(350	)	$	350		Selected state and municipal securities were transferred from Level 2 to Level 3 due to limited availability of similar securities in active markets
Available for sale securities transferred to held to maturity					$	(16,784	)	Selected state and municipal securities were transferred from available for sale to held to maturity. These securities are valued at amortized cost and are no longer classified within the fair value hierarchy.



	Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets	Significant Other Observable Inputs		Significant Unobservable Inputs
December 31, 2012	(Level 1)	(Level 2)		(Level 3)			Reason for Transfer
Transfers to/(from) Level:							The interest rate swap and cap instruments were transferred from Level 3 to Level 2 as of March 31, 2012 due to the availability of additional valuation information. These instruments are valued using widely accepted valuation techniques including discounted cash flow analysis using observable inputs such as contractual terms and LIBOR-based rate curves.
Interest rate swap asset		$	4,862	$	(4,862	)
Interest rate cap		$	409	$	(409	)
Interest rate swap liability		$	6,934	$	(6,934	)

In 2013, approximately $350,000 of selected state and municipal securities were transferred from Level 2 to Level 3 due to limited availability of similar securities in active markets. Additionally, the Corporation transferred $16,784,000 of selected state and municipal securities from available for sale to held to maturity. These securities are valued at amortized cost and are no longer classified within the fair value hierarchy. All securities transferred to held to maturity were previously classified as Level 3 in the fair value hierarchy.

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PART II: ITEM 8. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(table dollar amounts in thousands, except share data)

NONRECURRING MEASUREMENTS

Following is a description of valuation methodologies used for instruments measured at fair value on a non-recurring basis and recognized in the accompanying balance sheet, as well as the general classification of such instruments pursuant to the valuation hierarchy for year ended December 31, 2013 and 2012.



			Fair Value Measurements Using
			Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets	Significant Other Observable Inputs	Significant Unobservable Inputs
December 31, 2013	Fair Value		(Level 1)	(Level 2)	(Level 3)
Impaired Loans (collateral dependent)	$	12,117			$	12,117
Other real estate owned	$	6,877			$	6,877



			Fair Value Measurements Using
			Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets	Significant Other Observable Inputs	Significant Unobservable Inputs
December 31, 2012	Fair Value		(Level 1)	(Level 2)	(Level 3)
Impaired Loans (collateral dependent)	$	17,703			$	17,703
Other real estate owned	$	7,684			$	7,684

Impaired Loans (collateral dependent)

Loans for which it is probable that the Corporation will not collect all principal and interest due according to contractual terms are measured for impairment. Allowable methods for determining the amount of impairment include estimating fair value of the collateral for collateral dependent loans. If the impaired loan is identified as collateral dependent, then the fair value method of measuring the amount of impairment is utilized. This method requires obtaining a current independent appraisal of the collateral and applying a discount factor to the value. A portion of the allowance for loan losses is allocated to impaired loans if the value of such loans is deemed to be less than the unpaid balance. If these allocations cause the allowance for loan losses to increase, such increase is reported as a component of the provision for loan losses. Loan losses are charged against the allowance when management believes the uncollectability of the loan is confirmed. During 2013, certain impaired loans were partially charged off or re-evaluated. Impaired loans that are collateral dependent are classified within Level 3 of the fair value hierarchy when impairment is determined using the fair value method.

Other Real Estate Owned

The fair value for impaired loans and other real estate owned is measured based on the value of the collateral securing those loans or real estate and is determined using several methods. The fair value of real estate is generally determined based on appraisals by qualified licensed appraisers. The appraisers typically determine the value of the real estate by utilizing an income or market valuation approach. If an appraisal is not available, the fair value may be determined by using a cash flow analysis. Fair value on other collateral such as business assets is typically ascertained by assessing, either singularly or some combination of, asset appraisals, accounts receivable aging reports, inventory listings and or customer financial statements. Both appraised values and values based on borrower’s financial information are discounted as considered appropriate based on age and quality of the information and current market conditions.

UNOBSERVABLE (LEVEL 3) INPUTS

The following table presents quantitative information about unobservable inputs used in recurring and nonrecurring Level 3 fair value measurements, other than goodwill, at December 31, 2013 .



	Fair Value		Valuation Technique	Unobservable Inputs	Range (Weighted-Average)
State and municipal securities	$	7,235	Discounted cash flow	Maturity Call Date US Muni BQ curve Discount rate	1 month to 15 years BBB- 1% - 5%

Corporate obligations/Equity securities	$	2,742	Discounted cash flow	Risk free rate plus Premium for illiquidity	3 month LIBOR plus 200 bps

Impaired loans (collateral dependent)	$	12,117	Collateral based measurements	Discount to reflect current market conditions and ultimate collectability	0% - 50% (3%)

Other real estate owned	$	6,877	Appraisals	Discount to reflect current market conditions	0% - 20% (2%)

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PART II: ITEM 8. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(table dollar amounts in thousands, except share data)

The following is a discussion of the sensitivity of significant unobservable inputs on recurring fair value measurements, the interrelationships between those inputs and other unobservable inputs used in recurring fair value measurement and of how those inputs might magnify or mitigate the effect of changes in the unobservable inputs on the fair value measurement.

State and Municipal Securities

The significant unobservable inputs used in the fair value measurement of the Corporation's state and municipal securities are premiums for unrated securities and marketability discounts. Significant increases or decreases in either of those inputs in isolation would result in a significantly lower or higher fair value measurement. Generally, changes in either of those inputs will not affect the other input.

Corporate Obligations/Equity Securities

The significant unobservable inputs used in the fair value measurement of the Corporation's corporate obligations and equity securities are premiums for unrated securities and marketability discounts. Significant increases or decreased in either of those inputs in isolation would result in a significantly lower or higher fair value measurement. Generally changes in either of those inputs will not affect the other input.

FAIR VALUE OF FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS

The following table presents estimated fair values of the Corporation's financial instruments and the level within the fair value hierarchy in which the fair value measurements fall at December 31, 2013 and December 31, 2012.



	2013
	Carrying Amount		Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1)		Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2)		Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3)
Assets at December 31:
Cash and cash equivalents	$	109,434	$	109,434
Interest-bearing time deposits	55,069		55,069
Investment securities available for sale	536,201				$	526,224	$	9,977
Investment securities held to maturity	559,378				525,998		34,849
Mortgage loans held for sale	5,331				5,331
Loans	3,564,539						3,506,615
FRB and FHLB stock	38,990				38,990
Interest rate swap asset	4,009				4,009
Interest receivable	18,672				18,672
Liabilities at December 31:
Deposits	$	4,231,468	$	3,082,117	$	934,937
Borrowings:
Federal funds purchased	125,645				125,645
Securities sold under repurchase agreements	148,672				148,852
FHLB Advances	122,140				122,962
Subordinated debentures and term loans	126,807				82,607
Interest rate swap liability	3,953				3,953
Interest payable	1,771				1,771

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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(table dollar amounts in thousands, except share data)



	2012
	Carrying Amount		Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1)		Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2)		Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3)
Assets at December 31:
Cash and cash equivalents	$	101,460	$	101,460
Interest-bearing time deposits	38,443		38,443
Investment securities available for sale	513,343				$	495,015	$	18,328
Investment securities held to maturity	361,020				366,590		11,584
Mortgage loans held for sale	22,300				22,300
Loans	2,832,843						2,852,614
FRB and FHLB stock	32,785				32,785
Interest rate swap asset	6,300				6,300
Interest receivable	16,367				16,367
Liabilities at December 31:
Deposits	$	3,346,383	$	2,478,706	$	865,793
Borrowings:
Federal funds purchased	18,862				18,862
Securities sold under repurchase agreements	141,828				142,318
FHLB Advances	94,238				97,357
Subordinated debentures and term loans	112,161				62,133
Interest rate swap liability	9,766				9,766
Interest payable	1,841				1,841

Cash and cash equivalents: The fair value of cash and cash equivalents approximates carrying value.

Interest-bearing time deposits: The fair value of interest-bearing time deposits approximates carrying value.

Investment securities: Fair value is based on quoted market prices, if available. If a quoted market price is not available, fair value is estimated using quoted market prices for similar securities.

Mortgage loans held for sale: The carrying amount approximates fair value due to the short duration between origination and date of sale.

Loans: The fair value for loans is estimated using discounted cash flow analysis, using interest rates currently being offered for loans with similar terms to borrowers of similar credit quality. See Impaired Loans above.

Federal Reserve and Federal Home Loan Bank stock: The fair value of Federal Reserve Bank and Federal Home Loan Bank stock is based on the price which it may be resold to the Federal Reserve and Federal Home Loan Bank.

Derivative instruments: The fair value of interest rate swaps reflect the estimated amounts that would have been received to terminate these contracts at the reporting date based upon pricing or valuation models applied to current market information. Interest rate caps are valued using the market standard methodology of discounting the future expected cash receipts that would occur if variable interest rates rose above the strike rate of the caps. The projected cash receipts on the caps are based on an expectation of future interest rates derived from observed market interest rate curves and volatilities.

Interest receivable and Interest payable: The fair value of interest receivable/payable approximates carrying value.

Deposits: The fair values of noninterest-bearing and interest-bearing demand accounts and savings deposits are equal to the amount payable on demand at the balance sheet date. The carrying amounts for variable rate, fixed-term certificates of deposit approximate their fair values at the balance sheet date. Fair values for fixed-rate certificates of deposit and other time deposits are estimated using a discounted cash flow calculation that applies interest rates currently being offered to a schedule of aggregated expected monthly maturities on such time deposits.

Borrowings: The fair value of borrowings is estimated using a discounted cash flow calculation, based on current rates for similar debt.

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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(table dollar amounts in thousands, except share data)

NOTE 15

COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENT LIABILITIES

In the normal course of business there are outstanding commitments and contingent liabilities, such as commitments to extend credit and standby letters of credit, which are not included in the accompanying financial statements. The Corporation's exposure to credit loss in the event of nonperformance by the other party to the financial instruments for commitments to extend credit and standby letters of credit is represented by the contractual or notional amount of those instruments. The Bank uses the same credit policies in making such commitments as they do for instruments that are included in the consolidated balance sheets.

Financial instruments, whose contract amount represents credit risk as of December 31, were as follows:



	2013		2012
Amounts of commitments:
Loan commitments to extend credit	$	1,216,470	$	873,455
Standby letters of credit	$	41,508	$	21,734

Commitments to extend credit are agreements to lend to a customer, as long as there is no violation of any condition established in the contract. Commitments generally have fixed expiration dates or other termination clauses and may require payment of a fee. Since many of the commitments are expected to expire without being drawn upon, the total commitment amounts do not necessarily represent future cash requirements. The Bank evaluates each customer’s creditworthiness on a case-by-case basis. The amount of collateral obtained, if deemed necessary by the Bank upon extension of credit, is based on management's credit evaluation. Collateral held varies, but may include accounts receivable, inventory, property and equipment, and income-producing commercial properties.

Standby letters of credit are conditional commitments issued by the Bank to guarantee the performance of a customer to a third party.

The Corporation and subsidiaries are also subject to claims and lawsuits, which arise primarily in the ordinary course of business. It is the opinion of management that the disposition or ultimate resolution of such claims and lawsuits will not have a material adverse effect on the consolidated financial position of the Corporation.

NOTE 16

STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY

National banking laws restrict the maximum amount of dividends that a bank may pay in any calendar year. National banks are limited to the bank’s retained net income (as defined) for the current year plus those for the previous two years. The amount at December 31, 2013, available for 2014 dividends from the Corporation’s subsidiaries (both banking and non-banking) was $40,982,000.

Total stockholders' equity for all subsidiaries at December 31, 2013, was $744,116,000 of which $703,134,000 was restricted from dividend distribution to the Corporation.

The Corporation has a Dividend Reinvestment and Stock Purchase Plan, enabling stockholders to elect to have their cash dividends on all shares held automatically reinvested in additional shares of the Corporation’s common stock. In addition, stockholders may elect to make optional cash payments up to an aggregate of $2,500 per quarter for the purchase of additional shares of common stock. The stock is credited to participant accounts at fair market value. Dividends are reinvested on a quarterly basis.

Preferred Stock

On September 22, 2011, the Corporation entered into a Securities Purchase Agreement (the “Purchase Agreement”) with the Treasury, pursuant to which the Corporation issued 90,782.94 shares of the Corporation’s Senior Non-Cumulative Perpetual Preferred Stock, Series B (the “Series B Preferred Stock”), having a liquidation amount per share equal to $1,000, for a total purchase price of $90,782,940. The Purchase Agreement was entered into, and the Series B Preferred Stock was issued, pursuant to the SBLF program, a $30 billion fund established under the Small Business Jobs Act of 2010, that encourages lending to small businesses by providing capital to qualified community banks with assets of less than $10 billion.

On January 3, 2013, the Corporation redeemed 22,695.94 shares of the Series B Preferred Stock held by the Treasury at an aggregate redemption price of $22,695,940 plus accrued but unpaid dividends. Following the redemption, the Treasury held 68,087 shares of the Series B Preferred Stock representing a remaining liquidation amount of approximately $68 million.

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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(table dollar amounts in thousands, except share data)

CFS Bancorp, Inc. Acquisition

On November 12, 2013, the Corporation acquired 100 percent of CFS Bancorp, Inc. ("CFS") in an all stock transaction. Pursuant to the merger agreement, the shareholders of CFS received 0.65 percent of the Corporation's common stock for each share of CFS Bancorp common stock held. The Corporation issued approximately 7.1 million shares of common stock, which was valued at approximately $135.6 million. See Note 3. BUSINESS COMBINATIONS, to the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements included as Item 8 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K for additional information.

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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(table dollar amounts in thousands, except share data)

NOTE 17

ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS)

The following table summarizes the changes in the balances of each component of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax, as of December 31, 2013 and 2012:



	Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)
	Unrealized Gains (Losses) on Securities Available for Sale			Unrealized Gains (Losses) on Securities Available for Sale for which a Portion of Other-Than-Temporary Impairment has been Recognized in Income			Unrealized Gains (Losses) on Cash Flow Hedges			Unrealized Gains (Losses) on Defined Benefit Plans			Total
Balance at December 31, 2012	$	17,904		$	(3,272	)	$	(2,652	)	$	(17,479	)	$	(5,499	)
Other comprehensive income before reclassifications	(16,021		)	1,425			1,543			10,704			(2,349		)
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income	(317		)				608			1,147			1,438
Period change	(16,338		)	1,425			2,151			11,851			(911		)
Balance at December 31, 2013	$	1,566		$	(1,847	)	$	(501	)	$	(5,628	)	$	(6,410	)


Balance at December 31, 2011	$	18,244		$	(3,168	)	$	(1,841	)	$	(16,837	)	$	(3,602	)
Other comprehensive income before reclassifications	1,214			(104		)	(952		)	(577		)	(419		)
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income	(1,554		)				141			(65		)	(1,478		)
Period change	(340		)	(104		)	(811		)	(642		)	(1,897		)
Balance at December 31, 2012	$	17,904		$	(3,272	)	$	(2,652	)	$	(17,479	)	$	(5,499	)

The following table presents the reclassification adjustments out of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) that were included in net income in the Consolidated Condensed Statements of Income for the twelve months ended December 31, 2013 and 2012:



	Amount Reclassified from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) For the Year Ended December 31,
Details about Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) Components	2013			2012			2011			Affected Line Item in the Statements of Income
Unrealized gains (losses) on available for sale securities (1)
Realized securities gains reclassified into income	$	487		$	2,389		$	2,439		Other income - net realized gains on sales of available for sale securities
Related income tax expense	(170		)	(835		)	(854		)	Income tax expense
	$	317		$	1,554		$	1,585

Unrealized gains (losses) on cash flow hedges (2)
Interest rate contracts	$	(935	)	$	(217	)				Interest expense - subordinated debentures and term loans
Related income tax benefit	327			76						Income tax expense
	$	(608	)	$	(141	)

Unrealized gains (losses) on defined benefit plans
Amortization of net loss and prior service costs	$	(1,765	)	$	100		$	252		Other expenses - salaries and employee benefits
Related income tax benefit (expense)	618			(35		)	(88		)	Income tax expense
	$	(1,147	)	$	65		$	164

Total reclassifications for the period, net of tax	$	(1,438	)	$	1,478		1,749

⁽¹⁾For additional detail related to unrealized gains (losses) on available for sale securities and related amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income see NOTE 5. INVESTMENT SECURITIES.

⁽²⁾ For additional detail related to unrealized gains (losses) on cash flow hedges and related amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income see NOTE 13. DERIVATIVE INSTRUMENTS AND HEDGING ACTIVITIES.

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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(table dollar amounts in thousands, except share data)

NOTE 18

REGULATORY CAPITAL

The Corporation and the Bank are subject to various regulatory capital requirements administered by the federal banking agencies and are assigned to a capital category. The assigned capital category is largely determined by three ratios that are calculated according to the regulations: total risk adjusted capital, Tier 1 capital, and Tier 1 leverage ratios. The ratios are intended to measure capital relative to assets and credit risk associated with those assets and off-balance sheet exposures of the entity. The capital category assigned to an entity can also be affected by qualitative judgments made by regulatory agencies about the risk inherent in the entity's activities that are not part of the calculated ratios.

There are five capital categories defined in the regulations, ranging from well capitalized to critically undercapitalized. Classification of a bank in any of the undercapitalized categories can result in actions by regulators that could have a material effect on a bank's operations.

At December 31, 2013, the management of the Corporation believes that it meets all capital adequacy requirements to which it is subject. The most recent notifications from the regulatory agencies categorized the Bank as well capitalized under the regulatory framework for prompt corrective action. To be categorized as well capitalized, a bank must maintain a minimum total capital to risk-weighted assets, Tier I capital to risk-weighted assets and Tier I capital to average assets of 10 percent, 6 percent and 5 percent, respectively. It should be noted that a bank's capital category is determined solely for the purpose of applying the OCC's "prompt corrective action" regulations and that the capital category may not constitute an accurate representation of the Bank's overall financial condition or prospects.

Actual and required capital amounts and ratios are listed below.



	2013								2012
					Required For								Required For
	Actual				Adequate Capital				Actual				Adequate Capital
December 31,	Amount		Ratio		Amount		Ratio		Amount		Ratio		Amount		Ratio
Total Capital (to Risk-weighted Assets)
First Merchants Corporation	$	599,966	14.54	%	$	330,107	8.00	%	$	526,792	16.34	%	$	257,927	8.00	%
First Merchants Bank	599,272		14.56		329,344		8.00		515,337		16.01		257,446		8.00
Tier I Capital (to Risk-weighted Assets)
First Merchants Corporation	$	483,186	11.71	%	$	165,053	4.00	%	$	456,132	14.15	%	$	128,964	4.00	%
First Merchants Bank	547,655		13.30		164,672		4.00		474,782		14.75		128,723		4.00
Tier I Capital (to Average Assets)
First Merchants Corporation	$	483,186	10.20	%	$	189,485	4.00	%	$	456,132	11.03	%	$	165,460	4.00	%
First Merchants Bank	547,655		11.58		189,095		4.00		474,782		11.50		165,124		4.00

NOTE 19

LOAN SERVICING

Mortgage loans serviced for others are not included in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets. The loans are serviced primarily for the Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation and Fannie Mae, and the unpaid balances totaled $271,871,000, $167,879,000 and $136,867,000 at December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011, respectively. The amount of capitalized servicing assets is considered immaterial.

NOTE 20

SHARE-BASED COMPENSATION

Stock options and restricted stock awards ("RSAs") have been issued to directors, officers and other management employees under the Corporation's 1999 Long-term Equity Incentive Plan and the 2009 Long-term Equity Incentive Plan. The stock options, which have a ten-year life, become 100 percent vested ranging from six months to two years and are fully exercisable when vested. Option exercise prices equal the Corporation's common stock closing price on NASDAQ on the date of grant. RSAs provide for the issuance of shares of the Corporation's common stock at no cost to the holder and generally vest after three years. The RSAs vest only if the employee is actively employed by the Corporation on the vesting date and, therefore, any unvested shares are forfeited. RSAs for employees retired from the Corporation are either immediately vested at retirement or continue to vest after retirement, depending on which plan under which the shares were granted. Deferred stock units ("DSUs") have been credited to non-employee directors who have elected to defer payment of compensation under the Corporation's 2008 Equity Compensation Plan for Non-employee Directors. DSUs credited are equal to the restricted shares that the non-employee director would have received under the plan. As of December 31, 2013, the Corporation did not have any outstanding DSUs.

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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(table dollar amounts in thousands, except share data)

The Corporation’s 2009 Employee Stock Purchase Plan (“ESPP”) provides eligible employees of the Corporation and its subsidiaries an opportunity to purchase shares of common stock of the Corporation through quarterly offerings financed by payroll deductions. The price of the stock to be paid by the employees shall be equal to 85 percent of the average of the closing price of the Corporation’s common stock on each trading day during the offering period. However, in no event shall such purchase price be less than the lesser of an amount equal to 85 percent of the market price of the Corporation’s stock on the offering date or an amount equal to 85 percent of the market value on the date of purchase. Common stock purchases are made quarterly and are paid through advance payroll deductions up to a calendar year maximum of $25,000.

Compensation expense related to unvested share-based awards is recorded by recognizing the unamortized grant date fair value of these awards over the remaining service periods of those awards, with no change in historical reported fair values and earnings. Awards are valued at fair value in accordance with provisions of share-based compensation guidance and are recognized on a straight-line basis over the service periods of each award. To complete the exercise of vested stock options, RSA’s and ESPP options, the Corporation generally issues new shares from its authorized but unissued share pool. Share-based compensation for the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012, and 2011 was $1,773,000, $1,492,000, and $1,315,000, respectively, and has been recognized as a component of salaries and benefits expense in the accompanying CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME.

The estimated fair value of the stock options granted during 2013, 2012, and 2011 was calculated using a Black-Scholes option pricing model. The following summarizes the assumptions used in the Black-Scholes model:



	2013			2012			2011
Risk-free interest rate	1.25	%		1.36	%		2.74	%
Expected price volatility	45.68	%		46.22	%		45.43	%
Dividend yield	2.96	%		3.29	%		3.65	%
Forfeiture rate	4.73	%		4.77	%		5.00	%
Weighted-average expected life, until exercise	7.27		years	7.20		years	6.91		years

The Black-Scholes model incorporates assumptions used to value share-based awards. The risk-free rate of interest, for periods equal to the expected life of the option, is based on a U.S. government instrument over a similar contractual term of the equity instrument. Expected price volatility is based on historical volatility of the Corporation’s common stock. In addition, the Corporation generally uses historical information to determine the dividend yield and weighted-average expected life of the options until exercise. Separate groups of employees that have similar historical exercise behavior with regard to option exercise timing and forfeiture rates are considered separately for valuation and attribution purposes.

Share-based compensation expense recognized in the CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME is based on awards ultimately expected to vest and is reduced for estimated forfeitures. Share-based compensation guidance requires forfeitures to be estimated at the time of grant and revised, if necessary, in subsequent periods, if actual forfeitures differ from those estimates. Pre-vesting forfeitures were estimated to be approximately 5 percent for the year ended December 31, 2013, based on historical experience.

The following table summarizes the components of the Corporation's share-based compensation awards recorded as expense:



	Year Ended December 31,			Year Ended December 31,			Year Ended December 31,
	2013			2012			2011
Stock and ESPP Options
Pre-tax compensation expense	$	253		$	284		$	237
Income tax benefit	(16		)	(23		)	(21		)
Stock and ESPP option expense, net of income taxes	$	237		$	261		$	216
Restricted Stock Awards
Pre-tax compensation expense	$	1,520		$	1,208		$	1,078
Income tax benefit	(531		)	(428		)	(371		)
Restricted stock awards expense, net of income taxes	$	989		$	780		$	707
Total Share-Based Compensation:
Pre-tax compensation expense	$	1,773		$	1,492		$	1,315
Income tax benefit	(547		)	(451		)	(392		)
Total share-based compensation expense, net of income taxes	$	1,226		$	1,041		$	923

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PART II: ITEM 8. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(table dollar amounts in thousands, except share data)

As of December 31, 2013, unrecognized compensation expense related to stock options and RSAs totaling $36,000 and $2,665,000, respectively, is expected to be recognized over weighted-average periods of 0.39 years and 1.33 years, respectively.

Stock option activity under the Corporation's stock option plans, as of December 31, 2013, and changes during the year ended December 31, 2013, were as follows:



	Number of Shares		Weighted-Average Exercise Price		Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Term (in Years)	Aggregate Intrinsic Value
Outstanding at January 1, 2013	906,636		$	21.58
Granted	184,269		$	16.50
Exercised	(13,750	)	$	7.77
Canceled	(118,369	)	$	23.42
Outstanding December 31, 2013	958,786		$	21.32	3.28	3,064,900
Vested and Expected to Vest at December 31, 2013	958,786		$	21.32	3.28	3,064,900
Exercisable at December 31, 2013	907,986		$	21.74	2.98	2,603,971

The weighted-average grant date fair value was $5.73, $3.97 and $3.09 for stock options granted during the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011, respectively.

The aggregate intrinsic value in the table above represents the total pre-tax intrinsic value (the difference between the Corporation's closing stock price on the last trading day of 2013 and the exercise price, multiplied by the number of in-the-money options) that would have been received by the option holders had all option holders exercised their stock options on December 31, 2013. The amount of aggregate intrinsic value will change based on the fair market value of the Corporation's common stock.

The aggregate intrinsic value of stock options exercised during the years ended December 31, 2013 and December 31, 2012 was $143,000 and $60,000, respectively. There were no stock options exercised during the year ended 2011. Cash receipts of stock options exercised during 2013 and 2012 were $115,000 and $78,000.

The following table summarizes information on unvested RSAs outstanding as of December 31, 2013:



	Number of Shares		Weighted-Average Grant Date Fair Value
Unvested RSAs at January 1, 2013	401,375		$	9.29
Granted	146,639		$	16.35
Forfeited	(2,025	)	$	11.73
Vested	(116,987	)	$	6.27
Unvested RSAs at December 31, 2013	429,002		$	12.51

The grant date fair value of ESPP options was estimated at the beginning of the October 1, 2013, quarterly offering period of approximately $16,000. The ESPP options vested during the three months ending December 31, 2013, leaving no unrecognized compensation expense related to unvested ESPP options at December 31, 2013.

NOTE 21

PENSION AND OTHER POST RETIREMENT BENEFIT PLANS

The Corporation’s defined-benefit pension plans cover approximately 24 percent of the Corporation’s employees. In 2005, the Board of Directors of the Corporation approved the curtailment of the accumulation of defined benefits for future services provided by certain participants in the First Merchants Corporation Retirement Plan. No additional pension benefits have been earned by any employees who had not attained both the age of 55 and accrued at least 10 years of vesting service as of March 1, 2005. The benefits are based primarily on years of service and employees’ pay near retirement. Contributions are intended to provide not only for benefits attributed to service-to-date, but also for those expected to be earned in the future. The Corporation also maintains post retirement benefit plans that provide health insurance benefits to retirees. The plans allow retirees to be carried under the Corporation’s health insurance plan, generally from ages 55 to 65. The retirees pay 100 percent of the premiums due for their coverage.

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PART II: ITEM 8. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(table dollar amounts in thousands, except share data)

The table below sets forth the plans’ funded status and amounts recognized in the consolidated balance sheet at December 31, using measurement dates of December 31, 2013 and December 31, 2012.



	2013			2012
Change in benefit obligation
Benefit obligation at beginning of year	$	69,166		$	68,769
Service Cost	131			161
Interest Cost	2,670			2,990
Actuarial Loss (Gain)	(5,597		)	3,168
Benefits paid	(4,100		)	(5,922		)
Benefit obligation at end of year	62,270			69,166
Change in plan assets
Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year	62,865			62,078
Actual return on plan assets	10,610			6,141
Employer contributions	496			568
Benefits Paid	(4,100		)	(5,922		)
End of Year	69,871			62,865
Funded Status at End of Year	$	7,601		$	(6,301	)
Assets and Liabilities Recognized in the Balance Sheets:
Deferred Tax Asset	$	4,266		$	9,200
Assets	$	12,383
Liabilities	$	4,782		$	6,301
Amounts Recognized in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income Not Yet Recognized as Components of Net Periodic Benefit Cost Consist of:
Accumulated Loss	$	(7,922	)	$	(17,085	)
Prior Service Credit	(28		)	(41		)
	$	(7,950	)	$	(17,126	)

The accumulated benefit obligation for all defined benefit plans was $4,782,000 and $69,139,000 at December 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively.

Information for pension plans with an accumulated benefit obligation in excess of plan assets is included in the table below.



	December 31, 2013		December 31, 2012
Projected Benefit Obligation	$	4,782	$	69,166
Accumulated Benefit Obligation	$	4,782	$	69,139
Fair Value of Plan Assets			$	62,865

The following table shows the components of net periodic pension costs:



	December 31, 2013			December 31, 2012
Service Cost	$	131		$	161
Interest Cost	2,670			2,990
Expected Return on Plan Assets	(4,265		)	(4,216		)
Amortization of Prior Service Costs	25			25
Amortization of Net Loss	2,131			2,207
Net Periodic Pension Cost	$	692		$	1,167

Other changes in plan assets and benefit obligations recognized in other comprehensive income:



	December 31, 2013			December 31, 2012
Net Periodic Pension Cost	$	692		$	1,167
Net gain (loss)	(11,942		)	1,242
Actuarial gain (loss)	(2,131		)	(2,207		)
Amortization of prior service (cost) credit	(25		)	(25		)
Total Recognized in Other Comprehensive Income	(14,098		)	(990		)
Total Recognized in NPPC and OCI	$	(13,406	)	$	177

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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(table dollar amounts in thousands, except share data)

The estimated net loss and transition obligation for the defined benefit pension plans that will be amortized from accumulated other comprehensive income into net periodic pension cost over the next fiscal year are:



	December 31, 2013			December 31, 2012
Amortization of Net Loss	$	(533	)	$	(2,158	)
Amortization of Prior Service Cost	(25		)	(25		)
Total	$	(558	)	$	(2,183	)

Significant assumptions include:



	December 31, 2013		December 31, 2012
Weighted-average Assumptions Used to Determine Benefit Obligation:
Discount Rate	4.80	%	4.00	%
Rate of Compensation Increase for accruing active participants	3.00	%	3.00	%
Weighted-average Assumptions Used to Determine Benefit Cost:
Discount Rate	4.00	%	4.50	%
Expected Return on Plan Assets	7.00	%	7.00	%
Rate of Compensation Increase for accruing active participants	3.00	%	4.00	%

At December 31, 2013 and December 31, 2012, the Corporation based its estimate of the expected long-term rate of return on analysis of the historical returns of the plans and current market information available. The plans’ investment strategies are to provide for preservation of capital with an emphasis on long-term growth without undue exposure to risk. The assets of the plans’ are invested in accordance with the plans’ Investment Policy Statement, subject to strict compliance with Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 ("ERISA") and any other applicable statutes.

The plans’ risk management practices include quarterly evaluations of investment managers, including reviews of compliance with investment manager guidelines and restrictions; ability to exceed performance objectives; adherence to the investment philosophy and style; and ability to exceed the performance of other investment managers. The evaluations are reviewed by management with appropriate follow-up and actions taken, as deemed necessary. The Investment Policy Statement generally allows investments in cash and cash equivalents, real estate, fixed income debt securities and equity securities, and specifically prohibits investments in derivatives, options, futures, private placements, short selling, non-marketable securities and purchases of non-investment grade bonds.

At December 31, 2013, the maturities of the plans’ debt securities ranged from 2 days to 9.61 years, with a weighted average maturity of 4.63 years. At December 31, 2012, the maturities of the plans’ debt securities ranged from 31 days to 9.08 years, with a weighted average maturity of 4.97 years.

The following benefit payments, which reflect expected future service, as appropriate, are expected to be paid as of December 31, 2013. The minimum contribution required in 2014 will likely be zero but the Corporation may decide to make a discretionary contribution during the year.



2014	$	4,195
2015	4,318
2016	4,317
2017	4,219
2018	4,241
After 2018	21,458
	$	42,748

Plan assets are re-balanced quarterly. At December 31, 2013 and 2012, plan assets by category are as follows:



	December 31, 2013				December 31, 2012
	Actual		Target		Actual		Target
Cash and cash equivalents	2.7	%	2.0	%	1.3	%	3.0	%
Equity securities	62.2		60.0		53.7		51.0
Debt securities	33.2		36.0		43.0		44.0
Alternative investments	1.9		2.0		2.0		2.0
	100.0	%	100.0	%	100.0	%	100.0	%

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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(table dollar amounts in thousands, except share data)

Citizens Financial Bank participated in the Pentegra Defined Benefit Plan for Financial Institutions (the "Pentegra Plan”), an industry-wide, tax-qualified defined-benefit pension plan. The Pentegra Plan operates as a multi-employer plan for accounting purposes and as a multiple employer plan under ERISA and the Internal Revenue Code. On September 30, 2013, the Board of Citizens Financial Bank approved a resolution to withdraw as a Participating Employer in the Pentegra Plan. Upon completion of the withdrawal from the Pentegra Plan, the assets and liabilities will be merged into the First Merchants Corporation Retirement Plan. A liability of $6 million has been recorded as the estimated final contribution to the Pentegra Plan to complete the withdrawal. The merging of the plan assets and liabilities is expected in early 2014.

The First Merchants Corporation Retirement and Income Savings Plan (the “Savings Plan”), a Section 401(k) qualified defined contribution plan, was amended on March 1, 2005 to provide enhanced retirement benefits, including employer and matching contributions, for eligible employees of the Corporation and its subsidiaries. The Corporation matches employees’ contributions primarily at the rate of 50 percent for the first 6 percent of base salary contributed by participants.

Beginning in 2005, employees who have completed 1000 hours of service and are an active employee on the last day of the year receive an additional retirement contribution after year-end. The amount of a participant’s retirement contribution varies from 2 to 7 percent of salary based upon years of service. Employees hired after January 1, 2010 do not participate in the additional retirement contribution. The amount of a participant’s retirement contribution varied from 2 to 7 percent of salary based upon years of service through December 31, 2012. Effective January 1, 2013, the amount of all participant’s retirement contribution is 2 percent, regardless of years of service. Full vesting occurs after five years of service. The Corporation’s expense for the Savings Plan, including the additional retirement contribution, was $3,138,000 for 2013, $2,914,000 for 2012 and $2,824,000 for 2011.

The Corporation maintains post retirement benefit plans that provide health insurance benefits to retirees. The plans allow retirees to be carried under the Corporation’s health insurance plan, generally from ages 55 to 65. The retirees pay 100 percent of the premiums due for their coverage. The accrued benefits payable under the plans totaled $1,534,000 and $4,035,000 at December 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively. Post retirement plan expense totaled $519,000, $477,000 and $528,000 for the years ending December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011, respectively.

Pension Plan Assets

Following is a description of the valuation methodologies used for pension plan assets measured at fair value on a recurring basis, as well as the general classification of pension plan assets pursuant to the valuation hierarchy.

Where quoted market prices are available in an active market, plan assets are classified within Level 1 of the valuation hierarchy. Level 1 plan assets total $51,176,000 and include cash and cash equivalents, common stocks, mutual funds and corporate bonds and notes. If quoted market prices are not available, then fair values are estimated by using pricing models, quoted prices of plan assets with similar characteristics or discounted cash flows. Level 2 plan assets total $18,695,000 and include governmental agencies, taxable municipals, common collective trust investments (which are classified below as Party-in-Interest investments -- common bond fund and common equity fund) and certificates of deposit. In certain cases where Level 1 or Level 2 inputs are not available, plan assets are classified within Level 3 of the hierarchy. There are no assets classified within Level 3 of the hierarchy at December 31, 2013.



			Fair Value Measurements Using
			Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets		Significant Other Observable Inputs		Significant Unobservable Inputs
December 31, 2013	Fair Value		(Level 1)		(Level 2)		(Level 3)
Cash & Cash Equivalents	$	1,864	$	1,864
Corporate Bonds and Notes	6,076		6,076
Government Agency and Municipal Bonds and Notes	8,263				$	8,263
Certificates of Deposit	607				607
Party-in-Interest Investments
Common Stock	1,375		1,375
Common Bond Fund	5,318				5,318
Common Equity Fund	4,507				4,507
Mutual Funds
Taxable Bond	3,901		3,901
Large Cap Equity	20,617		20,617
Mid Cap Equity	8,721		8,721
Small Cap Equity	3,584		3,584
International Equity	3,727		3,727
Specialty Alternative Equity	1,311		1,311
	$	69,871	$	51,176	$	18,695	$	—

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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(table dollar amounts in thousands, except share data)

NOTE 22

INCOME TAX

The reconciliation between the statutory and actual income tax expense (benefit) is summarized in the following table for the years indicated:



	2013			2012			2011
Income Tax Expense for the Year Ended December 31:
Currently Payable:
Federal	$	738		$	(23	)	$	399
State
Deferred:
Federal	13,939			15,890			8,256
State
Total Income Tax Expense	$	14,677		$	15,867		$	8,655
Reconciliation of Federal Statutory to Actual Tax Expense:
Federal Statutory Income Tax at 35%	$	20,722		$	21,347		$	11,867
Tax-exempt Interest Income	(3,923		)	(3,716		)	(3,714		)
Non-deductible Interest Expense							649
Stock Compensation	50			76			69
Earnings on Life Insurance	(905		)	(1,187		)	(899		)
Tax Credits	(857		)	(73		)	(99		)
Other	(410		)	(580		)	782
Actual Tax Expense	$	14,677		$	15,867		$	8,655

Tax expense applicable to security gains and losses, including unrealized losses relating to other-than-temporary impairment charges, for the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011, was $157,000, $759,000 and $714,000, respectively.

The Corporation or one of its subsidiaries files income tax returns in the U.S. federal jurisdiction and various state jurisdictions. With a few exceptions, the Corporation is no longer subject to U.S. federal, state and local or non-U.S. income tax examinations by tax authorities for years before 2010.

The tax effects of temporary differences related to deferred taxes shown on the balance sheets were:



	2013			2012
Deferred Tax Asset at December 31:
Assets:
Differences in Accounting for Loan Losses	$	28,064		$	28,788
Differences in Accounting for Loan Fees	736			941
Differences in Accounting for Loans and Securities	13,579			477
Deferred Compensation	5,479			7,181
Difference in Accounting for Pensions and Other Employee Benefits				1,953
Federal & State Income Tax Loss Carryforward and Credits	24,981			9,356
Net Unrealized Loss on Securities Available for Sale	151
Other	12,828			9,356
Total Assets	85,818			58,052
Liabilities:
Differences in Depreciation Methods	8,008			6,050
Difference in Accounting for Pensions and Other Employee Benefits	1,096
State Income Tax	354			354
Net Unrealized Gain on Securities Available for Sale				7,879
Gain on FDIC Modified Whole Bank Transaction	2,147			2,737
Other	1,257			1,051
Total Liabilities	12,862			18,071
Net Deferred Tax Asset Before Valuation Allowance	72,956			39,981
Valuation allowance:
Beginning Balance	(13,859		)	(15,701		)
Decrease/(Increase) During the Year	(3,312		)	1,842
Ending Balance	(17,171		)	(13,859		)
Net Deferred Tax Asset	$	55,785		$	26,122

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PART II: ITEM 8. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(table dollar amounts in thousands, except share data)

The $29,663,000 increase in the Corporation’s net deferred tax asset was primarily driven by a $30,265,000 increase resulting from the CFS acquisition. Additionally, an increase in the net deferred tax asset of $8,030,000 resulted from net unrealized gains/losses associated with securities available for sale. Partially offsetting this were decreases in the net deferred tax asset of $5,880,000 related to pensions and other employee benefits and $1,702,000 related to deferred compensation.

The Corporation has recorded a valuation allowance of $17,171,000 related to deferred state taxes as it does not anticipate having future state taxable income sufficient to fully utilize the deferred state tax asset. This is primarily due to the Corporation’s current tax structure as discussed in the “INCOME TAXES” section of Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations included as item 7 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.

As of December 31, 2013, the Corporation had approximately $136,769,000 of state tax loss carryforward available to offset future franchise tax. This state loss carryforward has a full valuation allowance.

The Corporation has approximately $13,393,000 of additional paid-in capital that is considered restricted resulting from the CFS acquisition. CFS qualified as a bank under provisions of the Internal Revenue Code which permitted it to deduct from taxable income an allowance for bad debts which differed from the provision for losses charged to income. No provision for income taxes had been provided. If in the future this portion of additional paid-in capital is distributed, or the Corporation no longer qualifies as a bank for income tax purposes, income taxes may be imposed at the then applicable tax rates. The unrecorded deferred tax liability at December 31, 2013, would have been approximately $4,688,000.

NOTE 23

NET INCOME PER SHARE

Basic net income per share is computed by dividing net income by the weighted-average shares outstanding during the reporting period. Diluted net income per share is computed by dividing net income by the combination of all dilutive common share equivalents, comprised of shares issuable under the Corporation’s share-based compensation plans, and the weighted-average shares outstanding during the reporting period.

Dilutive common share equivalents include the dilutive effect of in-the-money share-based awards, which are calculated based on the average share price for each period using the treasury stock method. Under the treasury stock method, the exercise price of share-based awards, the amount of compensation expense, if any, for future service that the Corporation has not yet recognized, and the amount of estimated tax benefits that would be recorded in additional paid-in capital when share-based awards are exercised, are assumed to be used to repurchase common stock in the current period.

The following table reconciles basic and diluted net income per share for the years indicated:



	2013						2012						2011
				Weighted-Average Shares						Weighted-Average Shares						Weighted-Average Shares
Basic net income per share:	$	44,530					$	45,122					$	25,252
Loss on CPP unamortized discount													(1,401		)
Loss on extinguishment of trust preferred securities													(10,857		)
Preferred stock dividends	(2,380		)				(4,539		)				(3,981		)
Net income available to common stockholders	42,150			29,731,420	$	1.42	40,583			28,632,915	$	1.42	9,013			26,550,043	$	0.34
Effect of dilutive stock options and warrants				276,960						213,769						143,805
Diluted net income per share:
Net income available to common stockholders	$	42,150		30,008,380	$	1.41	$	40,583		28,846,684	$	1.41	$	9,013		26,693,848	$	0.34

Options to purchase 800,674, 820,706, and 1,029,577 shares of common stock with weighted average exercise prices of $21.32, $21.58, and $22.57 at December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011 respectively, were excluded from the computation of diluted net income per share because the options exercise price was greater than the average market price of the common stock.

Table of Contents

PART II: ITEM 8. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(table dollar amounts in thousands, except share data)

NOTE 24

QUARTERLY RESULTS OF OPERATIONS (UNAUDITED)

The following table sets forth certain quarterly results for the years ended December 31, 2013 and 2012:



	2013												2012
	First			Second			Third			Fourth			First			Second			Third			Fourth
Interest income	$	43,738		$	40,653		$	40,736		$	45,707		$	43,469		$	44,169		$	45,347		$	42,964
Interest expense	4,280			4,003			3,714			4,572			7,353			6,116			5,445			4,699
Net interest income	39,458			36,650			37,022			41,135			36,116			38,053			39,902			38,265
Provision for loan losses	2,102			1,997			1,533			1,016			4,875			4,545			4,609			4,505
Net interest income after provision for loan losses	37,356			34,653			35,489			40,119			31,241			33,508			35,293			33,760
Non-interest income	13,877			14,059			11,800			15,073			22,658			13,165			14,273			14,206
Non-interest expense	34,700			33,742			34,219			40,558			34,028			34,180			34,404			34,503
Income before income tax expense	16,533			14,970			13,070			14,634			19,871			12,493			15,162			13,463
Income tax expense	4,668			4,155			2,667			3,187			5,500			3,288			3,926			3,153
Net income	11,865			10,815			10,403			11,447			14,371			9,205			11,236			10,310
Preferred stock dividends	(857		)	(852		)	(430		)	(241		)	(1,135		)	(1,135		)	(1,134		)	(1,135		)
Net income available to common stockholders	$	11,008		$	9,963		$	9,973		$	11,206		$	13,236		$	8,070		$	10,102		$	9,175

Basic EPS	$	0.38		$	0.35		$	0.35		$	0.34		$	0.46		$	0.29		$	0.35		$	0.32
Diluted EPS	$	0.38		$	0.34		$	0.35		$	0.34		$	0.46		$	0.28		$	0.35		$	0.32
Average Shares Outstanding:
Basic	28,716,987			28,783,407			28,806,809			32,597,145			28,582,616			28,624,609			28,649,996			28,673,802
Diluted	28,971,238			29,023,513			29,081,472			32,912,605			28,754,713			28,815,019			28,888,076			28,930,392

Table of Contents

PART II: ITEM 8. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(table dollar amounts in thousands, except share data)

NOTE 25

CONDENSED FINANCIAL INFORMATION (parent company only)

Presented below is condensed financial information as to financial position, results of operations, and cash flows of the Corporation.

Condensed Balance Sheets



	December 31, 2013		December 31, 2012
Assets
Cash	$	13,228	$	35,160
Investment in Subsidiaries	745,818		633,971
Goodwill	448		448
Other Assets	8,695		6,638
Total Assets	$	768,189	$	676,217
Liabilities
Borrowings	$	126,702	$	111,702
Other Liabilities	6,564		12,279
Total Liabilities	133,266		123,981
Stockholders' Equity	634,923		552,236
Total Liabilities and Stockholders' Equity	$	768,189	$	676,217

Condensed Statements of Income and Comprehensive Income



	December 31, 2013			December 31, 2012			December 31, 2011
Income
Dividends from Subsidiaries	$	63,732		$	30,096		$	4,677
Other Income	45			85			(11		)
Total Income	63,777			30,181			4,666
Expenses
Interest Expense	3,531			4,655			7,661
Salaries and Employee Benefits	3,284			3,194			2,688
Net Occupancy and Equipment Expenses	258			312			31
Telephone Expenses	42			30			21
Postage and Courier Expenses				1			2
Other Expenses	2,617			1,502			1,501
Total Expenses	9,732			9,694			11,904
Income (Loss) Before Income Tax Benefit and Equity in Undistributed Income of Subsidiaries	54,045			20,487			(7,238		)
Income Tax Benefit	3,153			3,316			3,256
Income (Loss) Before Equity in Undistributed Income of Subsidiaries	57,198			23,803			(3,982		)
Equity in Undistributed (Distributions in Excess of) Income of Subsidiaries	(12,668		)	21,319			29,234
Net Income	44,530			45,122			25,252
Loss on CPP Unamortized Discount							(1,401		)
Loss on Extinguishment of Trust Preferred Securities							(10,857		)
Preferred Stock Dividends and Discount Accretion	(2,380		)	(4,539		)	(3,981		)
Net Income Available to Common Stockholders	$	42,150		$	40,583		$	9,013

Net Income	$	44,530		$	45,122		$	25,252
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)	(911		)	(1,897		)	6,555
Comprehensive Income	$	43,619		$	43,225		$	31,807

Table of Contents

PART II: ITEM 8. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(table dollar amounts in thousands, except share data)

Condensed Statement of Cash Flows



	Year Ended December 31,
	2013			2012			2011
Operating Activities:
Net Income	$	44,530		$	45,122		$	25,252
Adjustments to Reconcile Net Income to Net Cash:
Share-based Compensation	778			632			524
Distributions in Excess of (Equity in Undistributed) Income of Subsidiaries	12,668			(21,319		)	(29,234		)
Net Change in:
Other Assets	(1,354		)	1,902			5,747
Other Liabilities	(8,438		)	1,122			1,091
Investment in Subsidiaries - Operating Activities	12,991			(1,755		)	(6,593		)
Net Cash Provided (Used) by Operating Activities	$	61,175		$	25,704		$	(3,213	)
Investing Activities:
Investment in Subsidiaries				$	(126	)	$	704
Other	$	240
Net Cash Provided (Used) in Investing Activities	$	240		$	(126	)	$	704
Financing Activities:
Cash Dividends	$	(7,992	)	$	(7,442	)	$	(4,729	)
Repayment of Borrowings	(55,000		)	(4,124		)	(46,400		)
Proceeds from issuance of long-term debt	70,000
Preferred stock redemption under Capital Purchase Program							(69,600		)
Preferred stock issued under Small Business Lending Fund							90,783
Preferred stock redemption under Small Business Lending Fund	(90,783		)
Repurchase of Common Stock Warrants under Capital Purchase Program							(368		)
Common Stock Issued							21,165
Stock Issued Under Employee Benefit Plans	479			449			669
Stock Issued Under Dividend Reinvestment and Stock Purchase Plan	325			202			89
Stock Options Exercised	115			78
Stock Redeemed	(491		)	(235		)	(126		)
Other							298
Net Cash Used by Financing Activities	$	(83,347	)	$	(11,072	)	$	(8,219	)
Net Change in Cash	(21,932		)	14,506			(10,728		)
Cash, Beginning of the Year	35,160			20,654			31,382
Cash, End of Year	$	13,228		$	35,160		$	20,654

Table of Contents

PART II: ITEM 8. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(table dollar amounts in thousands, except share data)

NOTE 26

ACCOUNTING MATTERS

In January 2014, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) issued Accounting Standards Update (ASU) 2014-04, "Reclassification of Residential Real Estate Collateralized Consumer Mortgage Loans upon Foreclosure,” to reduce diversity by clarifying when a creditor should be considered to have received physical possession of residential real estate property collateralizing a consumer mortgage loan such that the loan receivable should be derecognized and the real estate property recognized. The ASU is effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those years, beginning after December 15, 2014. Adoption of the ASU is not expected to have a significant effect on the Corporation’s consolidated financial statements.

In January 2014, the FASB issued ASU 2014-01, "Accounting for Investments in Qualified Affordable Housing Projects,” to permit entities to make an accounting policy election to account for their investments in qualified affordable housing projects using the proportional amortization method if certain conditions are met. The ASU modifies the conditions that an entity must meet to be eligible to use a method other than the equity or cost methods to account for qualified affordable housing project investments. The ASU is effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those years, beginning after December 15, 2014. Adoption of the ASU is not expected to have a significant effect on the Corporation’s consolidated financial statements.

In July 2013, the FASB issued ASU 2013-11, "Presentation of an Unrecognized Tax Benefit When a Net Operating Loss Carryforward, a Similar Tax Loss, or a Tax Credit Carryforward Exists,” to require presentation in the financial statements of an unrecognized tax benefit or a portion of an unrecognized tax benefit, as a reduction to a deferred tax asset for a net operating loss (NOL) carryforward, a similar tax loss, or a tax credit carryforward, except as follows. When an NOL carryforward, a similar tax loss, or a tax credit carryforward is not available at the reporting date under the tax law of the applicable jurisdiction to settle any additional income taxes that would result from the disallowance of a tax position, or when the tax law of the applicable jurisdiction does not require the entity to use, and the entity does not intend to use, the deferred tax asset for such purpose, the unrecognized tax benefit should be presented in the financial statements as a liability and should not be combined with deferred tax assets. The ASU is effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those years, beginning after December 15, 2013. Adoption of the ASU is not expected to have a significant effect on the Corporation’s consolidated financial statements.

In July 2013, the FASB issued ASU 2013-10, "Inclusion of the Fed Funds Effective Swap Rate (or Overnight Index Swap Rate) as a Benchmark Interest Rate for Hedge Accounting Purposes,” to allow the Fed Funds Effective Swap Rate to be used as a U.S. benchmark interest rate for hedge accounting purposes, in addition to the current benchmark rates of direct Treasury obligations of the U.S. government and LIBOR (London Interbank Offered Rate). The amendments were effective on a prospective basis for new or newly-designated hedging relationships on July 17, 2013. Adoption of the ASU is not expected to have a significant effect on the Corporation’s consolidated financial statements.

In February 2013, the FASB issued ASU No. 2013-02, “Reporting of Amounts Reclassified Out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income,” to amend Topic 220, Comprehensive Income, to improve the transparency of reporting reclassifications out of accumulated other comprehensive income. The amendments require an entity to present, either in the income statement or in the notes, significant amounts reclassified out of accumulated other comprehensive income by the respective line items of net income, but only if the amount reclassified is required under U.S. GAAP to be reclassified to net income in its entirety in the same reporting period. For other amounts that are not required under U.S. GAAP to be reclassified in their entirety, an entity is required to cross-reference to other disclosures that provide additional detail about those amounts. This ASU was effective for annual and interim periods beginning January 1, 2013. Adoption of the ASU is not expected to have a significant effect on the Corporation’s consolidated financial statements.

NOTE 27

CONTINGENT LIABILITIES

On April 16, 2013, First Merchants was named in a class action lawsuit in Delaware County Circuit Court challenging First Merchant's checking account practices associated with the assessment of overdraft fees. The plaintiff sought damages and other relief, including restitution and injunctive relief. First Merchants removed the case from state court to federal district court. First Merchants then filed a motion to stay the federal action pending arbitration. The motion was granted by the court and the action was stayed. To the extent the plaintiff desires to further pursue the matter, the plaintiff must do so through a separate arbitration proceeding. To date, there has been no effort by the plaintiff to initiate arbitration proceedings and no further activity in the court proceedings. If arbitration is pursued, First Merchants believes it has meritorious defenses to the claims brought by the plaintiff.

Table of Contents

PART II: ITEM 9., ITEM 9A. AND ITEM 9B.

ITEM 9. CHANGES IN AND DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCOUNTANTS ON ACCOUNTING AND FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE.

In connection with its audits for the two most recent fiscal years ended December 31, 2013, there have been no disagreements with the Corporation’s independent registered public accounting firm on any matter of accounting principles or practices, financial statement disclosure or audit scope or procedure, nor have there been any changes in accountants.

ITEM 9A. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES

At the end of the period covered by this report (the “Evaluation Date”), the Corporation carried out an evaluation, under the supervision and with the participation of the Corporation’s management, including the Corporation’s Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, of the effectiveness of the design and operation of its disclosure controls and procedures pursuant to Rule 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (“Exchange Act”). Based upon that evaluation, the Corporation’s Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer concluded that, as of the Evaluation Date, the Corporation’s disclosure controls and procedures are effective. Disclosure controls and procedures are controls and procedures that are designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed in Corporation reports filed or submitted under the Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the Securities and Exchange Commission’s rules and forms.

MANAGEMENT’S REPORT ON INTERNAL CONTROL OVER FINANCIAL REPORTING

Management of the Corporation is responsible for establishing and maintaining effective internal control over financial reporting as defined in Rule 13a-15(f) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. The Corporation’s internal control over financial reporting is designed to provide reasonable assurance to the Corporation’s management and Board of Directors regarding the preparation and fair presentation of published financial statements. As part of its function of assisting the Corporation’s Board of Directors in discharging its responsibility of ensuring all types of risk to the organization are properly being managed, mitigated and monitored by management, the Audit Committee of the Board of Directors oversees management’s internal controls over financial reporting.

Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Accordingly, even those systems determined to be effective can provide only reasonable assurance with respect to financial statement preparation and presentation.

Management assessed the effectiveness of the Corporation’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2013. In making this assessment, management used the criteria set forth in “Internal Control - Integrated Framework” (1992) issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations (“COSO”) of the Treadway Commission. Based on this assessment, management has determined that the Corporation’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2013 is effective based on the specified criteria.

There have been no changes in the Corporation’s internal controls over financial reporting identified in connection with the evaluation referenced above that occurred during the Corporation’s last fiscal quarter that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, the Corporation’s internal control over financial reporting.

BKD, LLP, the independent registered public accounting firm that audited the financial statements included in Item 8 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K, has issued an attestation report on the Corporation’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2013, which appears as follows.

Table of Contents

PART II: ITEM 9., ITEM 9A. AND ITEM 9B.

REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM ON INTERNAL CONTROL OVER FINANCIAL REPORTING

Audit Committee, Board of Directors and Stockholders

First Merchants Corporation

Muncie, Indiana

We have audited First Merchants Corporation's (Corporation) internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2013, based on criteria established in Internal Control - Integrated Framework (1992) issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO). The Corporation's management is responsible 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 the Corporation's internal control over financial reporting based on our audit.

We conducted our audit in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether effective internal control over financial reporting was maintained in all material respects. Our audit 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 audit also included performing such other procedures as we considered necessary in the circumstances. We believe that our audit provides a reasonable basis for our opinion.

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, First Merchants Corporation maintained, in all material respects, effective internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2013 based on criteria established in Internal Control - Integrated Framework (1992) issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO).

We have also audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States), the consolidated financial statements of First Merchants Corporation and our report dated March 14, 2014, expressed an unqualified opinion thereon.

BKD, LLP

Indianapolis, Indiana

March 14, 2014

ITEM 9B. OTHER INFORMATION

None

Table of Contents

PART III: ITEM 10., ITEM 11., ITEM 12., ITEM 13. AND ITEM 14.

PART III

ITEM 10. DIRECTORS, EXECUTIVE OFFICERS AND CORPORATE GOVERNANCE

The information in the Corporation’s Proxy Statement dated April 2, 2014 furnished to its stockholders in connection with an annual meeting to be held May 12, 2014 (the “2014 Proxy Statement”), under the captions "BOARD OF DIRECTORS”; “CORPORATE GOVERNANCE”; "BOARD COMMITTEES - AUDIT COMMITTEE"; and "SECTION 16(a) BENEFICIAL OWNERSHIP REPORTING COMPLIANCE", is expressly incorporated herein by reference. The information required under this item relating to executive officers is set forth in Part I, “Supplemental Information - Executive Officers of the Registrant” of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.

The Corporation has adopted a Code of Ethics that applies to its Chief Executive Officer, Chief Financial Officer, Chief Banking Officer, Corporate Controller and Corporate Treasurer . It is part of the Corporation’s Code of Business Conduct, which applies to all employees and directors of the Corporation and its affiliates. A copy of the Code of Business Conduct may be obtained, free of charge, by writing to First Merchants Corporation at 200 East Jackson Street, Muncie, IN 47305. In addition, the Code of Ethics is maintained on the Corporation’s website, which can be accessed at www.firstmerchants.com.

ITEM 11. EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION

The information in the Corporation’s 2014 Proxy Statement, under the captions, "BOARD COMMITTEES - COMPENSATION AND HUMAN RESOURCES COMMITTEE - Compensation and Human Resources Committee Interlocks and Insider Participation and Compensation and Human Resources Committee Report"; "BOARD COMMITTEES - RISK AND CREDIT POLICY COMMITTEE"; "COMPENSATION OF EXECUTIVE OFFICERS"; and "COMPENSATION OF DIRECTORS" is expressly incorporated herein by reference.

ITEM 12. SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT AND RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS

The information in the Corporation’s 2014 Proxy Statement, under the captions, "SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT", is expressly incorporated herein by reference. The information required under this item relating to equity compensation plans is set forth in Part II, Item 5 under the table entitled “Equity Compensation Plan Information” on this Annual Report on Form 10-K.

ITEM 13. CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS, AND DIRECTOR INDEPENDENCE

The information in the Corporation’s 2014 Proxy Statement, under the captions, "CORPORATE GOVERNANCE - BOARD INDEPENDENCE"; and "TRANSACTIONS WITH RELATED PERSONS", is expressly incorporated herein by reference.

ITEM 14. PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTANT FEES AND SERVICES

The information in the Corporation’s 2014 Proxy Statement, under the caption "INDEPENDENT AUDITOR", is expressly incorporated herein by reference.

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PART IV: ITEM 15. FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES AND EXHIBITS

PART IV

ITEM 15. EXHIBITS AND FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES

FINANCIAL INFORMATION

(a) 1. The following financial statements are filed as part of this document under Item 8 hereof:

Independent accountants' report

Consolidated balance sheets at December 31, 2013 and 2012

Consolidated statements of income, years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011

Consolidated statements of comprehensive income, years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011

Consolidated statements of stockholders' equity, years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011

Consolidated statements of cash flows, years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011

Notes to consolidated financial statements

(a) 2. Financial statement schedules:

All schedules are omitted because they are not applicable or not required, or because the required information is included in the consolidated financial statements or related notes.

(a) 3. Exhibits:



Exhibit No:	Description of Exhibits:



2.1	Agreement of Reorganization and Merger between First Merchants Corporation and CFS Bancorp, Inc. dated May 13, 2013 (Incorporated by reference to registrant’s Form 8-K filed May 13, 2013). Upon request, the registrant agrees to furnish supplementally to the Commission a copy of the Disclosure Letters referenced in the Agreement of Reorganization and Merger.
3.1	First Merchants Corporation Articles of Incorporation, as amended (Incorporated by reference to registrant’s Form 10-Q filed on November 9, 2011)
3.2	Bylaws of First Merchants Corporation dated October 28, 2009 (Incorporated by reference to registrant’s Form 10-Q filed on November 9, 2009)
3.3	First Merchants Corporation Articles of Amendment of the Articles of Incorporation for the Series B Preferred Stock (Incorporated by reference to registrant’s Form 8-K filed on September 23, 2011)
4.1	First Merchants Corporation Amended and Restated Declaration of Trust of First Merchants Capital Trust II dated as of July 2, 2007 (Incorporated by reference to registrant's Form 8-K filed on July 3, 2007)
4.2	Indenture dated as of July 2, 2007 (Incorporated by reference to registrant's Form 8-K filed on July 3, 2007)
4.3	Guarantee Agreement dated as of July 2, 2007 (Incorporated by reference to registrant's Form 8-K filed on July 3, 2007)
4.4	Form of Capital Securities Certification of First Merchants Capital Trust II (Incorporated by reference to registrant's Form 8-K filed on July 3, 2007)
4.5	First Merchants Corporation Dividend Reinvestment and Stock Purchase Plan (Incorporated by reference to registrant’s Post-Effective Amendment No. 1 to Form S-3 filed on August 21, 2009)
4.6	Upon request, the registrant agrees to furnish supplementally to the Commission a copy of the instruments defining the rights of holders of is (a) 5.00% Fixed-to-Floating Rate Senior Notes due 2028 in the aggregate principal amount of $5 million and (b) 6.75% Fixed-to-Floating Rate Subordinated Notes due 2028 in aggregate principal amount of $65 million. (Incorporated by reference to the registrant's Form 8-K filed on November 4, 2013)
10.1	First Merchants Corporation Senior Management Incentive Compensation Program, dated February 11, 2014 (Incorporated by reference to registrant's Form 10-K filed on March 14, 2014) (1)
10.2	First Merchants Corporation Equity Compensation Plan for Non-Employee Directors, effective April 29, 2008 (Incorporated by reference to the registrant's Form 10-Q filed on August 11, 2008) (1)
10.3	First Merchants Corporation Change of Control Agreement, as amended, with Michael C. Rechin dated June 1, 2011 (2) (Incorporated by reference to registrant’s Form 10-Q filed on August 9, 2011) (1)
10.4	First Merchants Corporation Change of Control Agreement, as amended, with Mark K. Hardwick dated June 1, 2011 (2) (Incorporated by reference to registrant’s Form 10-Q filed on August 9, 2011) (1)
10.5	First Merchants Corporation Change of Control Agreement, as amended, with Michael J. Stewart dated June 1, 2011 (Incorporated by reference to registrant’s Form 10-Q filed on August 9, 2011) (1)
10.6	First Merchants Corporation Change of Control Agreement, as amended, with John J. Martin dated June 1, 2011 (Incorporated by reference to registrant’s Form 10-Q filed on August 9, 2011) (1)
10.7	First Merchants Corporation Change of Control Agreement, as amended, with Jami L. Bradshaw dated June 1, 2011 (Incorporated by reference to registrant’s Form 10-Q filed on August 9, 2011) (1)
10.8	First Merchants Corporation Change of Control Agreement, as amended, with Robert R. Connors dated June 1, 2011 (Incorporated by reference to registrant’s Form 10-Q filed on August 9, 2011) (1)
10.9	First Merchants Corporation Change of Control Agreement, as amended, with Kimberly J. Ellington dated June 1, 2011 (Incorporated by reference to registrant’s Form 10-Q filed on August 9, 2011) (1)
10.10	First Merchants Corporation Change of Control Agreement, as amended, with Jeffery B. Lorentson dated June 1, 2011 (Incorporated by reference to registrant’s Form 10-Q filed on August 9, 2011) (1)
10.11	Resolution of the Board of Directors of First Merchants Corporation on director compensation dated December 4, 2007 (Incorporated by reference to the registrant's Form 10-K for year ended December 31, 2007) (1)

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PART IV: ITEM 15. FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES AND EXHIBITS



10.12	First Merchants Corporation Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan and amendments thereto (Incorporated by reference to registrant's Form 10-K for year ended December 31, 1997) (1)
10.13	First Merchants Corporation 2009 Long-Term Equity Incentive Plan effective May 6, 2009 (Incorporated by reference to registrant's form 8-K filed on May 11, 2009) (1)
10.14	First Merchants Corporation Defined Contribution Supplemental Retirement Plan dated January 1, 2006 (Incorporated by reference to registrant's Form 8-K filed on February 6, 2007) (1)
10.15	First Merchants Corporation Participation Agreement of Michael C. Rechin dated January 26, 2007 (Incorporated by reference to registrant's Form 8-K filed on February 6, 2007) (1)
10.16	First Merchants Corporation 2009 Employee Stock Purchase Plan effective July 1, 2009 (Incorporated by reference to registrant's Form 8-K filed on May 11, 2009) (1)
10.17	2011 Executive Deferred Compensation Plan, effective January 1, 2011 (Incorporated by reference to registrant’s Form 8-K filed on November 3, 2011) (1)
10.18	Voting Agreement dated May 13, 2013 by and among First Merchants Corporation and certain shareholders of CFS Bancorp, Inc. (Incorporated by reference to registrant’s Form 8-K filed May 13, 2013).
21	Subsidiaries of registrant (2)
23	Consent of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm (2)
24	Limited Power of Attorney (2)
31.1	Certification of Chief Executive Officer Pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes - Oxley Act of 2002 (2)
31.2	Certification of Chief Financial Officer Pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes - Oxley Act of 2002 (2)
32	Certifications Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as Adopted Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 (2)
99.1	Financial statements and independent registered public accounting firm’s report for First Merchants Corporation 2009 Employee Stock Purchase Plan (2004) (2)
101.INS	XBRL Instance Document (3)
101.SCH	XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Document (3)
101.CAL	XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase Document (3)
101.DEF	XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase Document (3)
101.LAB	XBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase Document (3)
101.PRE	XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase Document (3)



	(1) Management contract or compensatory plan
	(2) Filed herewith.
	(3) Furnished herewith.

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PART IV: ITEM 15. FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES AND EXHIBITS

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, on this 14th day of March, 2014.



	FIRST MERCHANTS CORPORATION


	By:	/s/ Michael C. Rechin
	Michael C. Rechin,
	President and Chief Executive Officer

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this report on Form 10-K has been signed by the following persons on behalf of the registrant and in the capacities indicated, on this 14^th day of March, 2014.



/s/ Michael C. Rechin	/s/ Mark K. Hardwick
Michael C. Rechin, President and	Mark K. Hardwick, Executive Vice
Chief Executive Officer	President and Chief Financial Officer
(Principal Executive Officer)	(Principal Financial and Accounting Officer)

/s/ Michael R. Becher*	/s/ Michael C. Rechin
Michael R. Becher, Director	Michael C. Rechin, Director

/s/ Roderick English*	/s/ Charles E. Schalliol*
Roderick English, Director	Charles E. Schalliol, Director

/s/ Dr. Jo Ann M. Gora*	/s/ Patrick A. Sherman*
Dr. Jo Ann M. Gora, Director	Patrick A. Sherman, Director

/s/ F. Howard Halderman*	/s/ Terry L. Walker*
F. Howard Halderman, Director	Terry L. Walker, Director

/s/ William L. Hoy*	/s/ Jean L. Wojtowicz*
William L. Hoy, Director	Jean L. Wojtowicz, Director

/s/ Gary J. Lehman*
Gary J. Lehman, Director



*	By Mark K. Hardwick as Attorney-in Fact pursuant to a Limited Power of Attorney executed by the directors listed above, which Power of Attorney is being filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission as an exhibit hereto.



	By:	/s/ Mark K. Hardwick
	Mark K. Hardwick
	As Attorney-in-Fact March 14, 2014

103