Exhibit 99.1

First Financial Bancorp Announces Record Third Quarter

Financial Results and Quarterly Dividend

•Earnings per diluted share of $0.77; $0.84 on an adjusted(1) basis; 11% increase from the third quarter of 2025 and highest in Company history

•Return on average assets of 1.44%; 1.56% on an adjusted(1) basis

•Net interest margin on FTE basis(1) of 4.07%; 9 bp increase from linked quarter

•Loan growth of $170 million, or 4.9% on an annualized basis

•Record adjusted(1) noninterest income; $5.7 million, or 8%, increase from the linked quarter

•ROTCE of 18.7%; 20.2% on adjusted(1) basis

•Received Federal regulatory approval for Finward acquisition; expected to close 1/1/27

Cincinnati, Ohio - October 27, 2026. First Financial Bancorp. (Nasdaq: FFBC) (“First Financial” or the “Company”) announced financial results for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2026.

For the three months ended September 30, 2026, the Company reported net income of $81.2 million, or $0.77 per diluted common share. These results compare to net income of $76.5 million, or $0.73 per diluted common share, for the second quarter of 2026. For the nine months ended September 30, 2026, First Financial had earnings per diluted share of $2.21 compared to $2.02 for the same period in 2025.

Return on average assets for the third quarter of 2026 was 1.44% while return on average tangible common equity was 18.67%(1). These compare to return on average assets of 1.37% and return on average tangible common equity of 17.95%(1) in the second quarter of 2026.

Third quarter 2026 highlights include:

•Robust net interest margin of 4.05%, or 4.07% on a fully tax-equivalent basis(1)

◦9 bp increase from second quarter driven by 13 bp increase in asset yields, partially offset by a 4 bp increase in funding costs

•Noninterest income of $77.7 million; $77.6 million on an adjusted(1) basis

◦Double digit percentage growth from linked quarter in wealth management income, bankcard income, and client derivative fees

◦Foreign exchange income increased $4.4 million, or 33.5%, from linked quarter

◦Strong leasing business income of $23.0 million

•Noninterest expenses of $165.7 million; $156.9 million on an adjusted(1) basis

◦Adjustments(1) include $7.5 million of acquisition related expenses, $0.8 million of amortization of tax credit investments and $0.6 million of other expenses not expected to recur

◦Increase from prior quarter driven by compensation costs tied to fee income, as well as increases in credit collection and healthcare costs

◦Efficiency ratio of 60.5%; 57.3% as adjusted(1)

•Solid loan growth during the quarter

◦Loan balances increased $170.2 million, or 4.9% on an annualized basis, compared to linked quarter

◦Quarterly growth driven by C&I, Consumer and Summit

•Moderate deposit growth during the quarter

◦Average deposit balances increased $52.4 million, or 1.2% on an annualized basis

◦Growth in interest-bearing demand accounts, money market accounts and retail CDs offset a decline in brokered CDs, savings, and noninterest-bearing accounts

◦Excluding brokered CDs, average deposits increased $144.0 million

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(1) Non-GAAP measure. For details on the calculation of these non-GAAP financial measures and a reconciliation to the GAAP financial measure, see the sections titled “Use of Non-GAAP Financial Measures” in this release and “Appendix: Non-GAAP to GAAP Reconciliation” in the accompanying slide presentation.

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•Total Allowance for Credit Losses of $209.8 million; Total quarterly provision expense of $8.9 million

◦Loans and leases - ACL of $191.7 million

◦ACL to total loans of 1.38%

◦Unfunded Commitments - ACL of $18.2 million

◦Annualized net charge-offs were $7.2 million in third quarter, or 21 bps of total loans

◦Nonperforming assets increased 2 bps to 0.45% of total assets

◦Classified assets increased to 1.26% of total assets primarily due to the downgrade of a single ICRE relationship

•Capital ratios remain strong despite significant decline in AOCI

◦Total capital ratio increased 8 bps to 15.83%

◦Tier 1 common equity increased 21 bps to 12.54%

◦Tangible common equity of 7.81%(1); 9.65%(1) excluding impact from AOCI

◦Tangible book value per share of $15.65(1); 5.9% decrease from linked quarter

Additionally, the Board of Directors approved a quarterly dividend of $0.26 per common share for the next regularly scheduled dividend, payable on December 15, 2026 to shareholders of record as of December 1, 2026.

Archie Brown, President and CEO, commented on third quarter results, “I am very pleased with our performance in the third quarter. Adjusted(1) net income was $87.8 million and adjusted(1) earnings per share were $0.84, which resulted in an adjusted(1) return on assets of 1.56% and an adjusted(1) return on tangible common equity of 20.2%. Earnings per share increased 11% from the third quarter of 2025 and were the highest in the Company’s history. We delivered record third quarter revenue of $273.9 million, driven by a strong net interest margin of 4.07% and record adjusted(1) fee revenue of $77.6 million.”

Mr. Brown continued, “Loan balances increased moderately during the quarter, consistent with our prior quarter outlook, with particularly strong growth in our C&I portfolio. Loan pipelines remain healthy as we enter the fourth quarter, and we expect low to mid single digit loan growth as we close out 2026.”

Mr. Brown continued, discussing fees and expenses, “We are very encouraged by the strength and diversification of our fee income, as adjusted(1) noninterest income was a record $77.6 million and 28% of total revenues. Growth from the linked quarter was driven by strong performances from foreign exchange, wealth management, client derivatives and bankcard income.

“As a result of our strong fee income and overall operating performance, expenses were elevated during the quarter, driven primarily by incentive costs associated with our record revenues, as well as higher health care claims and increased credit and collection costs. We expect expenses to moderate in the fourth quarter."

Mr. Brown commented on asset quality and capital, “Credit quality trends were stable during the third quarter. Net charge-offs and nonperforming assets were comparable to second quarter levels, while classified assets increased significantly. The increase in classified assets was primarily driven by the downgrade of a single ICRE relationship with multiple loans, and we expect to resolve the workout of this relationship over the next few quarters.

"All regulatory capital ratios increased from the second quarter; however, tangible book value per share and tangible common equity declined in response to the sharp increase in interest rates during the second half of the quarter. Tangible book value per share decreased 6% from the linked quarter to $15.65, while tangible common equity declined 43 basis points from June 30, to 7.81% at the end of September.”

Mr. Brown concluded, “We delivered another strong quarter and have had an excellent year to date. We are pleased to have received Federal regulatory approval for our acquisition of Finward and expect to close the transaction on January 1, 2027, subject to the receipt of state regulatory and Finward shareholder approvals. Looking ahead, we remain focused on closing the year on a strong note, completing the Finward transaction, and carrying our momentum into 2027.

"Finally, I want to acknowledge the recently announced changes to our senior leadership structure. These changes were designed to promote continuity, reinforce our commitment to strong financial performance, and maintain our engagement-centric culture. I have tremendous confidence in Jamie and the rest of our leadership team, and the positive impact we are already seeing from these organizational changes underscores the strength of our people, our culture, and our continued commitment to serving our clients and communities.”

Full detail of the Company’s third quarter 2026 performance is provided in the accompanying financial statements and slide presentation.

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(1) Non-GAAP measure. For details on the calculation of these non-GAAP financial measures and a reconciliation to the GAAP financial measure, see the sections titled “Use of Non-GAAP Financial Measures” in this release and “Appendix: Non-GAAP to GAAP Reconciliation” in the accompanying slide presentation.

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Teleconference / Webcast Information

First Financial’s executive management will host a conference call to discuss the Company’s financial and operating results on Wednesday, October 28, 2026 at 8:30 a.m. Eastern Time. Members of the public who would like to listen to the conference call should dial (833) 461-5787 (U.S. toll free), meeting ID 257491860. The number should be dialed five to ten minutes prior to the start of the conference call. The conference call will also be accessible as an audio webcast via the Investor Relations section of the Company’s website at www.bankatfirst.com. The webcast will be archived on the Investor Relations section of the Company’s website for 12 months.

Press Release and Additional Information on Website

This press release as well as supplemental information are available to the public through the Investor Relations section of First Financial's website at www.bankatfirst.com.

Use of Non-GAAP Financial Measures

This earnings release contains GAAP financial measures and Non-GAAP financial measures where management believes it to be helpful in understanding the Company’s results of operations or financial position. Where Non-GAAP financial measures are used, the comparable GAAP financial measures, as well as a reconciliation to the comparable GAAP financial measure, can be found in the section titled “Appendix: Non-GAAP to GAAP Reconciliation” in the accompanying slide presentation.

No Offer or Solicitation

This presentation does not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy any securities or the solicitation of any vote or approval with respect to the proposed transaction between First Financial and Finward. No offer of securities shall be made except by means of a prospectus meeting the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and no offer to sell or solicitation of an offer to buy shall be made in any jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful prior to registration or qualification under the securities laws of such jurisdiction.

Important Additional Information and Where to Find It

In connection with the proposed transaction, First Financial filed a Registration Statement on Form S-4 (the “Registration Statement”) with the SEC to register the shares of First Financial capital stock to be issued in connection with the proposed transaction, which became effective with the SEC on September 28, 2026. The Registration Statement includes a proxy statement of Finward and a prospectus of First Financial (the “Proxy Statement/Prospectus”), and First Financial and Finward may file with the SEC other relevant documents concerning the proposed transaction. BEFORE MAKING ANY VOTING OR INVESTMENT DECISION, INVESTORS AND SHAREHOLDERS ARE URGED TO READ THE REGISTRATION STATEMENT AND PROXY STATEMENT/PROSPECTUS REGARDING THE PROPOSED TRANSACTION AND ANY OTHER RELEVANT DOCUMENTS FILED WITH THE SEC, AS WELL AS ANY AMENDMENTS OR SUPPLEMENTS TO THOSE DOCUMENTS, BECAUSE THEY WILL CONTAIN IMPORTANT INFORMATION ABOUT FIRST FINANCIAL, FINWARD AND THE PROPOSED TRANSACTION AND RELATED MATTERS.

A copy of the Registration Statement, Proxy Statement/Prospectus, as well as other filings containing information about First Financial and Finward, may be obtained, free of charge, at the SEC’s website (www.sec.gov). Copies of documents filed with the SEC by First Financial will be made available free of charge in the "Investor Relations" section of First Financial's website, https://www.bankatfirst.com/about/investor-relations.html. Copies of documents filed with the SEC by Finward will be made available free of charge in the "Investor Relations" section of Finward's website, https://www.investorrelations.ibankpeoples.com. The information on First Financial’s and Finward’s websites is not, and shall not be deemed to be, a part of this communication or incorporated into other filings either First Financial makes with the SEC.

Participants in the Solicitation

First Financial, Finward and certain of their respective directors, executive officers, management and employees may be deemed to be participants in the solicitation of proxies in respect of the proposed transaction between First

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Financial and Finward. Information concerning First Financial’s participants is set forth in the Proxy Statement, dated April 16, 2026, for First Financial’s 2026 annual meeting of stockholders as filed with the SEC on Schedule 14A. Information concerning Finward’s participants is set forth in the Proxy Statement, dated April 3, 2026, for Finward’s 2026 annual meeting of stockholders as filed with the SEC on Schedule 14A. Additional information regarding the participants in the solicitation of proxies in respect of the proposed transaction and interests of participants of First Financial and Finward in the solicitation of proxies in respect of the proposed transaction is included in the Registration Statement and Proxy Statement/Prospectus to be filed with the SEC. Free copies of these documents, when available, may be obtained as described in the preceding paragraph.

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Forward-Looking Statements

Certain statements in this press release constitute “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Rule 175 promulgated thereunder, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and Rule 3b-6 promulgated thereunder, which statements involve inherent risks and uncertainties. Examples of forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, statements regarding the operations of First Financial Bancorp. and its subsidiaries (the "Company", "First Financial", "we", "us", or "our") such as (i) our future operating or financial performance, including revenues, income or loss and earnings per share, (ii) future common stock dividends, (iii) our capital structure, including future capital levels, (iv) our plans, objectives and strategies, and (v) the uncertainties and assumptions that underlie our forward-looking statements. Such statements are often characterized by the use of qualified words (and their derivatives) such as “may,” “will,” “anticipate,” “could,” “should,” “would,” “believe,” “contemplate,” “expect,” “estimate,” “continue,” “plan,” “project” and “intend,” as well as words of similar meaning or other statements concerning opinions or judgment of First Financial or their respective management about future events. Forward-looking statements are based on assumptions as of the time they are made and are subject to risks, uncertainties and other factors that are difficult to predict with regard to timing, extent, likelihood and degree of occurrence, which could cause actual results to differ materially from anticipated results expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Such risks, uncertainties and assumptions include, among others, the following:

•economic, market, liquidity, credit, interest rate, operational and technological risks associated with First Financial’s business;

•future credit quality and performance, including our expectations regarding future loan losses and our allowance for credit losses;

•the effect of and changes in policies and laws or regulatory agencies, including the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act and other legislation and regulation relating to the banking industry;

•management’s ability to effectively execute its business plans;

•pursuit of mergers and acquisitions, including costs or difficulties related to any acquisitions and/or integrations of any acquired companies;

•the possibility that any of the anticipated benefits of First Financial’s prior, in process, or contemplated acquisitions will not be realized or will not be realized within the expected time period;

•the possibility that any of acquisitions that have not yet been consummated, such as the acquisition of Finward Bancorp, is not consummated for any reason, including the failure to satisfy any closing conditions, termination of a merger agreement by either party, or the failure to receive any required regulatory or shareholder approvals;

•the effect of changes in accounting policies and practices;

•changes in consumer spending, borrowing and saving and changes in unemployment;

•changes in customers’ performance and creditworthiness;

•the costs and effects of litigation and of unexpected or adverse outcomes in such litigation;

•current and future economic and market conditions, including the effects of changes in housing prices, fluctuations in unemployment rates, U.S. fiscal debt, budget and tax matters, geopolitical matters, trade and tariff policies, and any slowdown in global economic growth;

•our capital and liquidity requirements (including under regulatory capital standards, such as the Basel III capital standards) and our ability to generate capital internally or raise capital on favorable terms;

•financial services reform and other current, pending or future legislation or regulation that could have a negative effect on our revenue and businesses, including the Dodd-Frank Act and other legislation and regulation relating to bank products and services;

•the effect of the current interest rate environment or changes in interest rates or in the level or composition of our assets or liabilities on our net interest income, net interest margin and our mortgage originations, mortgage servicing rights and mortgage loans held for sale;

•the effect of a fall in stock market prices on our brokerage, asset and wealth management businesses;

•a failure in or breach of our operational or security systems or infrastructure, or those of our third-party vendors or other service providers, including as a result of cyber attacks;

•the effect of changes in the level of checking or savings account deposits on our funding costs and net interest margin; and

•our ability to develop and execute effective business plans and strategies.

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These factors are not necessarily all of the factors that could cause First Financial's actual results, performance or achievements to differ materially from those expressed in or implied by any of the forward-looking statements. Other factors, including unknown or unpredictable factors, also could harm the results of First Financial. Although First Financial believes that its expectations with respect to forward-looking statements are based upon reasonable assumptions within the bounds of its existing knowledge of its business and operations, there can be no assurance that actual results of First Financial will not differ materially from any projected future results expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Additional factors that could cause results to differ materially from those described above can be found in First Financial’s most recent annual report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2025, quarterly reports on Form 10-Q, and other documents subsequently filed by First Financial with the Securities Exchange Commission (“SEC”). Investors are cautioned not to rely too heavily on any such forward-looking statements. First Financial urges you to consider all of these risks, uncertainties and other factors carefully in evaluating all such forward-looking statements made by First Financial. Forward-looking statements speak only as of the date they are made, and First Financial undertakes no obligation to update or clarify these forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except to the extent required by applicable law.

About First Financial Bancorp.

First Financial Bancorp. is a Cincinnati, Ohio based bank holding company. As of September 30, 2026, the Company had $22.3 billion in assets, $13.9 billion in loans, $17.7 billion in deposits and $2.9 billion in shareholders’ equity. The Company’s subsidiary, First Financial Bank, founded in 1863, provides banking and financial services products through its six lines of business: Commercial, Retail Banking, Investment Commercial Real Estate, Mortgage Banking, Commercial Finance and Wealth Management. These business units provide traditional banking services to business and retail clients. Wealth Management provides wealth planning, portfolio management, trust and estate, brokerage and retirement plan services and had approximately $4.5 billion in assets under management as of September 30, 2026. The Company operated 151 full service banking centers as of September 30, 2026, located in Ohio, Indiana, Kentucky and Illinois, while the Commercial Finance business lends into targeted industry verticals on a nationwide basis. In 2025, First Financial Bank received its second consecutive Outstanding rating from the Federal Reserve for its performance under the Community Reinvestment Act and was recognized as a Gallup Exceptional Workplace Award winner, one of only 70 Gallup clients worldwide to receive this designation. Additional information about the Company, including its products, services and banking locations, is available at www.bankatfirst.com.

Contact Information

Investors/Analysts                    Media

Jamie Anderson                        Tim Condron

President & Chief Financial Officer            Director of Corporate Communications

(513) 887-5400                        (513) 979-5796

InvestorRelations@bankatfirst.com            media@bankatfirst.com    

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Selected Financial Information

September 30, 2026

(unaudited)

Contents			Page
Consolidated Financial Highlights			2
Consolidated Statements of Income			3
Consolidated Quarterly Statements of Income			4-5
Consolidated Statements of Condition			6
Average Consolidated Statements of Condition			7
Net Interest Margin Rate / Volume Analysis			8-9
Credit Quality			10
Capital Adequacy			11

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FIRST FINANCIAL BANCORP.
CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS
(Dollars in thousands, except per share data)
(Unaudited)
			Three Months Ended,																														Nine months ended,
			Sep. 30,						June 30,						Mar. 31,						Dec. 31,						Sep. 30,						September 30,
			2026						2026						2026						2025						2025						2026						2025
RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
Net income			$	81,182					$	76,456					$	74,445					$	62,393					$	71,923					$	232,083					$	193,212
Net earnings per share - basic			$	0.78					$	0.74					$	0.72					$	0.65					$	0.76					$	2.23					$	2.04
Net earnings per share - diluted			$	0.77					$	0.73					$	0.71					$	0.64					$	0.75					$	2.21					$	2.02
Dividends declared per share			$	0.26					$	0.25					$	0.25					$	0.25					$	0.25					$	0.76					$	0.73
KEY FINANCIAL RATIOS
Return on average assets			1.44		%				1.37		%				1.34		%				1.22		%				1.54		%				1.39		%				1.40		%
Return on average shareholders' equity			10.87		%				10.39		%				10.24		%				9.18		%				11.08		%				10.50		%				10.26		%
Return on average tangible shareholders' equity (1)			18.67		%				17.95		%				17.78		%				16.27		%				19.11		%				18.14		%				18.03		%
Net interest margin			4.05		%				3.96		%				3.97		%				3.96		%				3.99		%				3.99		%				3.95		%
Net interest margin (fully tax equivalent) (1)(2)			4.07		%				3.98		%				3.99		%				3.98		%				4.02		%				4.01		%				3.98		%
Ending shareholders' equity as a percent of ending assets			12.91		%				13.31		%				12.91		%				13.11		%				14.18		%				12.91		%				14.18		%
Ending tangible shareholders' equity as a percent of:
Ending tangible assets (1)			7.81		%				8.24		%				7.87		%				7.79		%				8.87		%				7.81		%				8.87		%
Risk-weighted assets (1)			9.86		%				10.62		%				10.51		%				9.76		%				10.94		%				9.86		%				10.94		%
Average shareholders' equity as a percent of average assets			13.28		%				13.18		%				13.12		%				13.31		%				13.87		%				13.19		%				13.64		%
Average tangible shareholders' equity as a percent of average tangible assets (1)			8.18		%				8.08		%				8.01		%				7.97		%				8.54		%				8.09		%				8.25		%
Book value per share			$	27.39					$	28.46					$	28.02					$	28.11					$	27.48					$	27.39					$	27.48
Tangible book value per share (1)			$	15.65					$	16.64					$	16.15					$	15.74					$	16.19					$	15.65					$	16.19
Common equity tier 1 ratio (3)			12.54		%				12.33		%				12.22		%				11.32		%				12.91		%				12.54		%				12.91		%
Tier 1 ratio (3)			12.81		%				12.61		%				12.50		%				11.60		%				13.23		%				12.81		%				13.23		%
Total capital ratio (3)			15.83		%				15.75		%				15.70		%				15.46		%				15.32		%				15.83		%				15.32		%
Leverage ratio (3)			9.96		%				9.66		%				9.39		%				9.53		%				10.50		%				9.96		%				10.50		%
AVERAGE BALANCE SHEET ITEMS
Loans (4)			$	13,821,897					$	13,619,039					$	14,028,324					$	12,812,267					$	11,806,065					$	13,822,331					$	11,774,842
Investment securities			4,925,893						5,079,730						4,769,261						3,988,846						3,552,014						4,925,535						3,481,357
Interest-bearing deposits with other banks			499,575						605,647						596,094						647,347						610,074						566,752						589,546
Total earning assets			$	19,247,365					$	19,304,416					$	19,393,679					$	17,448,460					$	15,968,153					$	19,314,618					$	15,845,745
Total assets			$	22,321,112					$	22,391,439					$	22,459,721					$	20,256,539					$	18,566,188					$	22,390,250					$	18,452,133
Noninterest-bearing deposits			$	3,797,339					$	3,811,391					$	3,745,002					$	3,436,709					$	3,124,277					$	3,784,769					$	3,119,587
Interest-bearing deposits			13,941,854						13,875,384						13,900,550						12,521,948						11,387,648						13,906,081						11,250,530
Total deposits			$	17,739,193					$	17,686,775					$	17,645,552					$	15,958,657					$	14,511,925					$	17,690,850					$	14,370,117
Borrowings			$	778,982					$	891,636					$	1,012,161					$	848,650					$	823,346					$	893,406					$	911,100
Shareholders' equity			$	2,963,270					$	2,951,237					$	2,947,585					$	2,695,581					$	2,575,203					$	2,954,088					$	2,516,675
CREDIT QUALITY RATIOS
Allowance to ending loans			1.38		%				1.38		%				1.36		%				1.39		%				1.38		%				1.38		%				1.38		%
Allowance to nonaccrual loans			191.25		%				197.51		%				182.73		%				183.18		%				213.18		%				191.25		%				213.18		%
Nonaccrual loans to total loans			0.72		%				0.70		%				0.75		%				0.76		%				0.65		%				0.72		%				0.65		%
Nonperforming assets to ending loans, plus OREO			0.72		%				0.70		%				0.75		%				0.76		%				0.65		%				0.72		%				0.65		%
Nonperforming assets to total assets			0.45		%				0.43		%				0.44		%				0.48		%				0.41		%				0.45		%				0.41		%
Classified assets to total assets			1.26		%				1.01		%				1.02		%				1.11		%				1.18		%				1.26		%				1.18		%
Net charge-offs to average loans (annualized)			0.21		%				0.20		%				0.35		%				0.27		%				0.18		%				0.25		%				0.25		%

(1) Non-GAAP measure. For details on the calculation of these non-GAAP financial measures and a reconciliation to the GAAP financial measure, see the sections titled “Use of Non-GAAP Financial Measures” in this release and “Appendix: Non-GAAP to GAAP Reconciliation” in the accompanying slide presentation.

(2) The tax equivalent adjustment to net interest income recognizes the income tax savings when comparing taxable and tax-exempt assets and assumes a 21% tax rate. Management believes that it is a standard practice in the banking industry to present net interest margin and net interest income on a fully tax equivalent basis. Therefore, management believes these measures provide useful information to investors by allowing them to make peer comparisons. Management also uses these measures to make peer comparisons.

(3) September 30, 2026 regulatory capital ratios are preliminary.

(4) Includes loans held for sale.

2

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FIRST FINANCIAL BANCORP.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME
(Dollars in thousands, except per share data)
(Unaudited)
			Three months ended,																		Nine months ended,
			September 30,																		September 30,
			2026						2025						% Change						2026						2025						% Change
Interest income
Loans and leases, including fees			$	228,730					$	204,865					11.6		%				$	672,845					$	603,488					11.5		%
Investment securities
Taxable			53,631						36,421						47.3		%				157,026						107,065						46.7		%
Tax-exempt			2,425						2,195						10.5		%				7,423						6,632						11.9		%
Total investment securities interest			56,056						38,616						45.2		%				164,449						113,697						44.6		%
Other earning assets			4,514						6,773						(33.4)		%				15,345						19,388						(20.9)		%
Total interest income			289,300						250,254						15.6		%				852,639						736,573						15.8		%
Interest expense
Deposits			82,263						77,766						5.8		%				241,248						231,891						4.0		%
Short-term borrowings			4,070						5,979						(31.9)		%				14,235						19,917						(28.5)		%
Long-term borrowings			6,711						6,023						11.4		%				20,913						16,714						25.1		%
Total interest expense			93,044						89,768						3.6		%				276,396						268,522						2.9		%
Net interest income			196,256						160,486						22.3		%				576,243						468,051						23.1		%
Provision for credit losses-loans and leases			8,975						8,612						4.2		%				27,938						26,837						4.1		%
Provision for credit losses-unfunded commitments			(72)						453						(115.9)		%				(2,305)						730						(415.8)		%
Net interest income after provision for credit losses			187,353						151,421						23.7		%				550,610						440,484						25.0		%
Noninterest income
Service charges on deposit accounts			9,031						7,829						15.4		%				26,940						23,058						16.8		%
Wealth management fees			9,135						7,351						24.3		%				27,869						23,275						19.7		%
Bankcard income			3,862						3,589						7.6		%				10,474						10,636						(1.5)		%
Client derivative fees			2,511						1,876						33.8		%				7,964						5,121						55.5		%
Foreign exchange income			17,485						16,666						4.9		%				46,899						42,970						9.1		%
Leasing business income			22,967						20,997						9.4		%				67,325						60,497						11.3		%
Net gains from sales of loans			5,650						6,835						(17.3)		%				18,355						17,844						2.9		%
Net gain (loss) on investment securities			247						(42)						688.1		%				(1,350)						(9,748)						86.2		%
Gain on bargain purchase			37						0						100.0		%				12,118						0						100.0		%
Other			6,733						8,424						(20.1)		%				16,761						19,018						(11.9)		%
Total noninterest income			77,658						73,525						5.6		%				233,355						192,671						21.1		%
Noninterest expenses
Salaries and employee benefits			94,385						80,607						17.1		%				281,158						230,762						21.8		%
Net occupancy			7,591						6,003						26.5		%				22,679						17,867						26.9		%
Furniture and equipment			4,834						3,582						35.0		%				13,837						10,836						27.7		%
Data processing			12,685						9,591						32.3		%				38,893						27,370						42.1		%
Marketing			3,801						2,359						61.1		%				10,069						7,114						41.5		%
Professional services			3,566						2,314						54.1		%				14,939						8,602						73.7		%
Amortization of tax credit investments			774						112						591.1		%				2,112						335						530.4		%
FDIC assessments			3,170						2,611						21.4		%				9,693						8,281						17.1		%
Intangible amortization			6,230						2,359						164.1		%				18,720						7,076						164.6		%
Leasing business expense			14,315						13,911						2.9		%				43,077						39,868						8.0		%
Other			14,385						10,820						32.9		%				41,509						32,905						26.1		%
Total noninterest expenses			165,736						134,269						23.4		%				496,686						391,016						27.0		%
Income before income taxes			99,275						90,677						9.5		%				287,279						242,139						18.6		%
Income tax expense			18,093						18,754						(3.5)		%				55,196						48,927						12.8		%
Net income			$	81,182					$	71,923					12.9		%				$	232,083					$	193,212					20.1		%
ADDITIONAL DATA
Net earnings per share - basic			$	0.78					$	0.76											$	2.23					$	2.04
Net earnings per share - diluted			$	0.77					$	0.75											$	2.21					$	2.02
Dividends declared per share			$	0.26					$	0.25											$	0.76					$	0.73
Return on average assets			1.44		%				1.54		%										1.39		%				1.40		%
Return on average shareholders' equity			10.87		%				11.08		%										10.50		%				10.26		%
Interest income			$	289,300					$	250,254					15.6		%				$	852,639					$	736,573					15.8		%
Tax equivalent adjustment			1,114						1,248						(10.7)		%				3,461						3,707						(6.6)		%
Interest income - tax equivalent			290,414						251,502						15.5		%				856,100						740,280						15.6		%
Interest expense			93,044						89,768						3.6		%				276,396						268,522						2.9		%
Net interest income - tax equivalent			$	197,370					$	161,734					22.0		%				$	579,704					$	471,758					22.9		%
Net interest margin			4.05		%				3.99		%										3.99		%				3.95		%
Net interest margin (fully tax equivalent) (1)			4.07		%				4.02		%										4.01		%				3.98		%
Full-time equivalent employees			2,251						1,986
(1) The tax equivalent adjustment to net interest income recognizes the income tax savings when comparing taxable and tax-exempt assets and assumes a 21% tax rate. Management believes that it is a standard practice in the banking industry to present net interest income on a fully tax equivalent basis. Therefore, management believes these measures provide useful information to investors by allowing them to make peer comparisons. Management also uses these measures to make peer comparisons.

3

---

FIRST FINANCIAL BANCORP.
CONSOLIDATED QUARTERLY STATEMENTS OF INCOME
(Dollars in thousands, except per share data)
(Unaudited)
									2026
									Third						Second						First						Year to						% Change
									Quarter						Quarter						Quarter						Date						Linked Qtr.
Interest income
Loans and leases, including fees									$	228,730					$	219,164					$	224,951					$	672,845					4.4		%
Investment securities
Taxable									53,631						53,904						49,491						157,026						(0.5)		%
Tax-exempt									2,425						2,472						2,526						7,423						(1.9)		%
Total investment securities interest									56,056						56,376						52,017						164,449						(0.6)		%
Other earning assets									4,514						5,381						5,450						15,345						(16.1)		%
Total interest income									289,300						280,921						282,418						852,639						3.0		%
Interest expense
Deposits									82,263						79,250						79,735						241,248						3.8		%
Short-term borrowings									4,070						4,997						5,168						14,235						(18.6)		%
Long-term borrowings									6,711						6,297						7,905						20,913						6.6		%
Total interest expense									93,044						90,544						92,808						276,396						2.8		%
Net interest income									196,256						190,377						189,610						576,243						3.1		%
Provision for credit losses-loans and leases									8,975						12,933						6,030						27,938						(30.6)		%
Provision for credit losses-unfunded commitments									(72)						(4,743)						2,510						(2,305)						(98.5)		%
Net interest income after provision for credit losses									187,353						182,187						181,070						550,610						2.8		%
Noninterest income
Service charges on deposit accounts									9,031						8,896						9,013						26,940						1.5		%
Wealth management fees									9,135						8,252						10,482						27,869						10.7		%
Bankcard income									3,862						3,032						3,580						10,474						27.4		%
Client derivative fees									2,511						1,443						4,010						7,964						74.0		%
Foreign exchange income									17,485						13,101						16,313						46,899						33.5		%
Leasing business income									22,967						22,750						21,608						67,325						1.0		%
Net gains from sales of loans									5,650						6,658						6,047						18,355						(15.1)		%
Net gain (loss) on investment securities									247						(337)						(1,260)						(1,350)						173.3		%
Gain on bargain purchase									37						3,189						8,892						12,118						(98.8)		%
Other									6,733						6,807						3,221						16,761						(1.1)		%
Total noninterest income									77,658						73,791						81,906						233,355						5.2		%
Noninterest expenses
Salaries and employee benefits									94,385						86,917						99,856						281,158						8.6		%
Net occupancy									7,591						7,535						7,553						22,679						0.7		%
Furniture and equipment									4,834						4,310						4,693						13,837						12.2		%
Data processing									12,685						13,554						12,654						38,893						(6.4)		%
Marketing									3,801						3,616						2,652						10,069						5.1		%
Professional services									3,566						7,387						3,986						14,939						(51.7)		%
Amortization of tax credit investments									774						669						669						2,112						15.7		%
FDIC assessments									3,170						2,878						3,645						9,693						10.1		%
Intangible amortization									6,230						6,229						6,261						18,720						0.0		%
Leasing business expense									14,315						14,633						14,129						43,077						(2.2)		%
Other									14,385						13,814						13,310						41,509						4.1		%
Total noninterest expenses									165,736						161,542						169,408						496,686						2.6		%
Income before income taxes									99,275						94,436						93,568						287,279						5.1		%
Income tax expense									18,093						17,980						19,123						55,196						0.6		%
Net income									$	81,182					$	76,456					$	74,445					$	232,083					6.2		%
ADDITIONAL DATA
Net earnings per share - basic									$	0.78					$	0.74					$	0.72					$	2.23
Net earnings per share - diluted									$	0.77					$	0.73					$	0.71					$	2.21
Dividends declared per share									$	0.26					$	0.25					$	0.25					$	0.76
Return on average assets									1.44		%				1.37		%				1.34		%				1.39		%
Return on average shareholders' equity									10.87		%				10.39		%				10.24		%				10.50		%
Interest income									$	289,300					$	280,921					$	282,418					$	852,639					3.0		%
Tax equivalent adjustment									1,114						1,161						1,186						3,461						(4.0)		%
Interest income - tax equivalent									290,414						282,082						283,604						856,100						3.0		%
Interest expense									93,044						90,544						92,808						276,396						2.8		%
Net interest income - tax equivalent									$	197,370					$	191,538					$	190,796					$	579,704					3.0		%
Net interest margin									4.05		%				3.96		%				3.97		%				3.99		%
Net interest margin (fully tax equivalent) (1)									4.07		%				3.98		%				3.99		%				4.01		%
Full-time equivalent employees									2,251						2,371						2,319
(1) The tax equivalent adjustment to net interest income recognizes the income tax savings when comparing taxable and tax-exempt assets and assumes a 21% tax rate. Management believes that it is a standard practice in the banking industry to present net interest income on a fully tax equivalent basis. Therefore, management believes these measures provide useful information to investors by allowing them to make peer comparisons. Management also uses these measures to make peer comparisons.

4

---

FIRST FINANCIAL BANCORP.
CONSOLIDATED QUARTERLY STATEMENTS OF INCOME
(Dollars in thousands, except per share data)
(Unaudited)
									2025
									Fourth						Third						Second						First						Full
									Quarter						Quarter						Quarter						Quarter						Year
Interest income
Loans and leases, including fees									$	215,663					$	204,865					$	201,460					$	197,163					$	819,151
Investment securities
Taxable									40,971						36,421						36,243						34,401						148,036
Tax-exempt									2,363						2,195						2,233						2,204						8,995
Total investment securities interest									43,334						38,616						38,476						36,605						157,031
Other earning assets									6,334						6,773						5,964						6,651						25,722
Total interest income									265,331						250,254						245,900						240,419						1,001,904
Interest expense
Deposits									78,861						77,766						75,484						78,641						310,752
Short-term borrowings									4,925						5,979						6,393						7,545						24,842
Long-term borrowings									7,550						6,023						5,754						4,937						24,264
Total interest expense									91,336						89,768						87,631						91,123						359,858
Net interest income									173,995						160,486						158,269						149,296						642,046
Provision for credit losses-loans and leases									9,688						8,612						9,084						9,141						36,525
Provision for credit losses-unfunded commitments									412						453						718						(441)						1,142
Net interest income after provision for credit losses									163,895						151,421						148,467						140,596						604,379
Noninterest income
Service charges on deposit accounts									8,308						7,829						7,766						7,463						31,366
Wealth management fees									9,288						7,351						7,787						8,137						32,563
Bankcard income									3,590						3,589						3,737						3,310						14,226
Client derivative fees									2,681						1,876						1,674						1,571						7,802
Foreign exchange income									22,696						16,666						13,760						12,544						65,666
Leasing business income									19,523						20,997						20,797						18,703						80,020
Net gains from sales of loans									7,041						6,835						6,687						4,322						24,885
Net gain (loss) on investment securities									(12,576)						(42)						243						(9,949)						(22,324)
Other									4,216						8,424						5,612						4,982						23,234
Total noninterest income									64,767						73,525						68,063						51,083						257,438
Noninterest expenses
Salaries and employee benefits									85,123						80,607						74,917						75,238						315,885
Net occupancy									6,315						6,003						5,845						6,019						24,182
Furniture and equipment									3,940						3,582						3,441						3,813						14,776
Data processing									10,465						9,591						9,020						8,759						37,835
Marketing									3,056						2,359						2,737						2,018						10,170
Professional services									6,231						2,314						3,549						2,739						14,833
Amortization of tax credit investments									800						112						111						112						1,135
FDIC assessments									2,923						2,611						2,611						3,059						11,204
Intangible amortization									3,927						2,359						2,358						2,359						11,003
Leasing business expense									13,837						13,911						13,155						12,802						53,705
Other									12,914						10,820						10,927						11,158						45,819
Total noninterest expenses									149,531						134,269						128,671						128,076						540,547
Income before income taxes									79,131						90,677						87,859						63,603						321,270
Income tax expense									16,738						18,754						17,863						12,310						65,665
Net income									$	62,393					$	71,923					$	69,996					$	51,293					$	255,605
ADDITIONAL DATA
Net earnings per share - basic									$	0.65					$	0.76					$	0.74					$	0.54					$	2.68
Net earnings per share - diluted									$	0.64					$	0.75					$	0.73					$	0.54					$	2.66
Dividends declared per share									$	0.25					$	0.25					$	0.24					$	0.24					$	0.98
Return on average assets									1.22		%				1.54		%				1.52		%				1.13		%				1.35		%
Return on average shareholders' equity									9.18		%				11.08		%				11.16		%				8.46		%				9.98		%
Interest income									$	265,331					$	250,254					$	245,900					$	240,419					$	1,001,904
Tax equivalent adjustment									1,227						1,248						1,246						1,213						4,934
Interest income - tax equivalent									266,558						251,502						247,146						241,632						1,006,838
Interest expense									91,336						89,768						87,631						91,123						359,858
Net interest income - tax equivalent									$	175,222					$	161,734					$	159,515					$	150,509					$	646,980
Net interest margin									3.96		%				3.99		%				4.01		%				3.84		%				3.95		%
Net interest margin (fully tax equivalent) (1)									3.98		%				4.02		%				4.05		%				3.88		%				3.98		%
Full-time equivalent employees									2,164						1,986						2,033						2,021
(1) The tax equivalent adjustment to net interest income recognizes the income tax savings when comparing taxable and tax-exempt assets and assumes a 21% tax rate. Management believes that it is a standard practice in the banking industry to present net interest income on a fully tax equivalent basis. Therefore, management believes these measures provide useful information to investors by allowing them to make peer comparisons. Management also uses these measures to make peer comparisons.

5

---

FIRST FINANCIAL BANCORP.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CONDITION
(Dollars in thousands)
(Unaudited)
			Sep. 30,						June 30,						Mar. 31,						Dec. 31,						Sep. 30,						% Change						% Change
			2026						2026						2026						2025						2025						Linked Qtr.						Comp Qtr.
ASSETS
Cash and due from banks			$	176,102					$	206,361					$	170,641					$	178,553					$	174,659					(14.7)		%				0.8		%
Interest-bearing deposits with other banks			566,778						579,194						1,032,259						597,338						565,080						(2.1)		%				0.3		%
Investment securities available-for-sale			4,635,304						4,733,713						4,953,023						3,971,932						3,422,595						(2.1)		%				35.4		%
Investment securities held-to-maturity			38,321						46,067						49,631						58,545						71,595						(16.8)		%				(46.5)		%
Other investments			139,535						137,755						137,018						129,564						117,120						1.3		%				19.1		%
Loans held for sale			22,958						33,125						18,280						16,953						21,466						(30.7)		%				7.0		%
Loans and leases
Commercial and industrial			4,948,380						4,842,347						4,693,786						4,632,241						3,838,630						2.2		%				28.9		%
Lease financing			678,423						659,328						649,645						638,527						596,734						2.9		%				13.7		%
Construction real estate			606,696						599,258						591,080						677,339						627,960						1.2		%				(3.4)		%
Commercial real estate			4,542,568						4,548,887						4,473,468						4,384,556						4,048,370						(0.1)		%				12.2		%
Residential real estate			1,806,123						1,805,044						1,831,338						1,832,184						1,494,464						0.1		%				20.9		%
Home equity			1,105,790						1,058,175						1,026,839						1,005,204						935,975						4.5		%				18.1		%
Installment			150,485						156,470						162,314						188,694						109,764						(3.8)		%				37.1		%
Credit card			66,617						65,405						66,371						65,325						62,654						1.9		%				6.3		%
Total loans			13,905,082						13,734,914						13,494,841						13,424,070						11,714,551						1.2		%				18.7		%
Less:
Allowance for credit losses			(191,650)						(189,912)						(183,716)						(186,487)						(161,916)						0.9		%				18.4		%
Net loans			13,713,432						13,545,002						13,311,125						13,237,583						11,552,635						1.2		%				18.7		%
Premises and equipment			229,669						229,763						228,384						204,760						198,251						0.0		%				15.8		%
Operating leases			237,160						241,742						220,061						214,003						214,667						(1.9)		%				10.5		%
Goodwill			1,099,936						1,099,936						1,099,543						1,099,524						1,007,656						0.0		%				9.2		%
Other intangibles			135,077						140,705						145,927						118,832						73,797						(4.0)		%				83.0		%
Accrued interest and other assets			1,319,883						1,446,316						1,413,923						1,301,792						1,134,985						(8.7)		%				16.3		%
Total Assets			$	22,314,155					$	22,439,679					$	22,779,815					$	21,129,379					$	18,554,506					(0.6)		%				20.3		%
LIABILITIES
Deposits
Interest-bearing demand			$	3,820,903					$	3,804,301					$	3,658,155					$	3,360,613					$	2,983,132					0.4		%				28.1		%
Savings			6,408,902						6,423,986						6,460,546						5,973,532						5,029,097						(0.2)		%				27.4		%
Time			3,636,887						3,650,043						3,817,268						3,622,227						3,293,707						(0.4)		%				10.4		%
Total interest-bearing deposits			13,866,692						13,878,330						13,935,969						12,956,372						11,305,936						(0.1)		%				22.6		%
Noninterest-bearing			3,831,099						3,704,899						3,982,753						3,465,470						3,127,512						3.4		%				22.5		%
Total deposits			17,697,791						17,583,229						17,918,722						16,421,842						14,433,448						0.7		%				22.6		%
FHLB short-term borrowings			575,000						570,000						550,000						675,000						550,000						0.9		%				4.5		%
Other			76,860						39,532						70,457						332						45,167						94.4		%				70.2		%
Total short-term borrowings			651,860						609,532						620,457						675,332						595,167						6.9		%				9.5		%
Long-term debt			364,925						382,550						380,176						514,052						221,823						(4.6)		%				64.5		%
Total borrowed funds			1,016,785						992,082						1,000,633						1,189,384						816,990						2.5		%				24.5		%
Accrued interest and other liabilities			718,097						876,880						919,835						748,937						672,213						(18.1)		%				6.8		%
Total Liabilities			19,432,673						19,452,191						19,839,190						18,360,163						15,922,651						(0.1)		%				22.0		%
SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
Common stock			1,790,583						1,792,158						1,789,676						1,647,618						1,641,315						(0.1)		%				9.1		%
Retained earnings			1,589,622						1,535,765						1,485,573						1,437,286						1,399,577						3.5		%				13.6		%
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)			(387,095)						(223,720)						(217,430)						(189,942)						(223,000)						73.0		%				73.6		%
Treasury stock, at cost			(111,628)						(116,715)						(117,194)						(125,746)						(186,037)						(4.4)		%				(40.0)		%
Total Shareholders' Equity			2,881,482						2,987,488						2,940,625						2,769,216						2,631,855						(3.5)		%				9.5		%
Total Liabilities and Shareholders' Equity			$	22,314,155					$	22,439,679					$	22,779,815					$	21,129,379					$	18,554,506					(0.6)		%				20.3		%

6

---

FIRST FINANCIAL BANCORP.
AVERAGE CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CONDITION
(Dollars in thousands)
(Unaudited)
			Quarterly Averages																														Year-to-Date Averages
			Sep. 30,						June 30,						Mar. 31,						Dec. 31,						Sep. 30,						Sep. 30,
			2026						2026						2026						2025						2025						2026						2025
ASSETS
Cash and due from banks			$	183,151					$	182,261					$	227,115					$	178,403					$	165,210					$	197,348					$	168,108
Interest-bearing deposits with other banks			499,575						605,647						596,094						647,347						610,074						566,752						589,546
Investment securities			4,925,893						5,079,730						4,769,261						3,988,846						3,552,014						4,925,535						3,481,357
Loans held for sale			33,515						32,458						451,139						32,425						26,366						170,841						20,594
Loans and leases
Commercial and industrial			4,863,566						4,723,431						4,771,066						4,310,399						3,890,886						4,786,360						3,853,411
Lease financing			662,208						646,520						630,204						617,518						592,510						646,428						586,267
Construction real estate			615,131						583,146						643,270						679,884						711,011						613,746						763,731
Commercial real estate			4,551,002						4,546,901						4,446,231						4,240,042						3,993,549						4,515,095						3,990,073
Residential real estate			1,791,576						1,812,228						1,834,467						1,717,439						1,489,942						1,812,600						1,483,760
Home equity			1,079,269						1,043,805						1,016,080						981,406						919,368						1,046,616						889,985
Installment			153,945						158,760						166,979						164,013						114,058						159,847						119,610
Credit card			71,685						71,790						68,888						69,141						68,375						70,798						67,411
Total loans			13,788,382						13,586,581						13,577,185						12,779,842						11,779,699						13,651,490						11,754,248
Less:
Allowance for credit losses			(192,456)						(186,331)						(200,745)						(179,275)						(162,417)						(193,147)						(159,613)
Net loans			13,595,926						13,400,250						13,376,440						12,600,567						11,617,282						13,458,343						11,594,635
Premises and equipment			230,932						230,343						230,154						202,956						199,167						230,479						198,858
Operating leases			237,488						234,460						215,318						211,091						217,404						229,170						211,801
Goodwill			1,099,934						1,099,742						1,099,543						1,069,781						1,007,656						1,099,741						1,007,656
Other intangibles			138,310						143,403						149,631						104,184						74,448						143,740						76,234
Accrued interest and other assets			1,376,388						1,383,145						1,345,026						1,220,939						1,096,567						1,368,301						1,103,344
Total Assets			$	22,321,112					$	22,391,439					$	22,459,721					$	20,256,539					$	18,566,188					$	22,390,250					$	18,452,133
LIABILITIES
Deposits
Interest-bearing demand			$	3,814,405					$	3,762,177					$	3,626,103					$	3,276,425					$	3,036,296					$	3,734,918					$	3,064,404
Savings			6,458,303						6,434,399						6,406,223						5,740,651						5,054,563						6,433,166						4,993,198
Time			3,669,146						3,678,808						3,868,224						3,504,872						3,296,789						3,737,997						3,192,928
Total interest-bearing deposits			13,941,854						13,875,384						13,900,550						12,521,948						11,387,648						13,906,081						11,250,530
Noninterest-bearing			3,797,339						3,811,391						3,745,002						3,436,709						3,124,277						3,784,769						3,119,587
Total deposits			17,739,193						17,686,775						17,645,552						15,958,657						14,511,925						17,690,850						14,370,117
Federal funds purchased and securities sold
under agreements to repurchase			46,803						3,351						16,278						2,283						12,434						22,256						6,461
FHLB short-term borrowings			357,140						508,931						538,084						444,511						497,092						467,389						527,445
Other			0						0						0						13,891						21,519						0						48,756
Total short-term borrowings			403,943						512,282						554,362						460,685						531,045						489,645						582,662
Long-term debt			375,039						379,354						457,799						387,965						292,301						403,761						328,438
Total borrowed funds			778,982						891,636						1,012,161						848,650						823,346						893,406						911,100
Accrued interest and other liabilities			839,667						861,791						854,423						753,651						655,714						851,906						654,241
Total Liabilities			19,357,842						19,440,202						19,512,136						17,560,958						15,990,985						19,436,162						15,935,458
SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
Common stock			1,792,381						1,790,690						1,795,255						1,644,923						1,639,986						1,792,765						1,639,591
Retained earnings			1,545,957						1,499,207						1,448,012						1,406,388						1,369,069						1,498,084						1,324,830
Accumulated other comprehensive loss			(259,303)						(221,515)						(173,065)						(209,767)						(247,746)						(218,277)						(260,129)
Treasury stock, at cost			(115,765)						(117,145)						(122,617)						(145,963)						(186,106)						(118,484)						(187,617)
Total Shareholders' Equity			2,963,270						2,951,237						2,947,585						2,695,581						2,575,203						2,954,088						2,516,675
Total Liabilities and Shareholders' Equity			$	22,321,112					$	22,391,439					$	22,459,721					$	20,256,539					$	18,566,188					$	22,390,250					$	18,452,133

7

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FIRST FINANCIAL BANCORP.
NET INTEREST MARGIN RATE/VOLUME ANALYSIS
(Dollars in thousands)
(Unaudited)
						Quarterly Averages																																																																																							Year-to-Date Averages
						September 30, 2026																		June 30, 2026																		September 30, 2025																											September 30, 2026												September 30, 2025
						Balance						Interest						Yield						Balance						Interest						Yield						Balance						Interest						Yield																																							Balance						Yield						Balance						Yield
Earning assets
Investments:
Investment securities						$	4,925,893					$	56,056					4.51		%				$	5,079,730					$	56,376					4.45		%				$	3,552,014					$	38,616					4.31		%																																					$	4,925,535					4.46		%				$	3,481,357					4.37		%
Interest-bearing deposits with other banks						499,575						4,514						3.58		%				605,647						5,381						3.56		%				610,074						6,773						4.40		%																																					566,752						3.62		%				589,546						4.40		%
Gross loans (1)						13,821,897						228,730						6.57		%				13,619,039						219,164						6.45		%				11,806,065						204,865						6.88		%																																					13,822,331						6.51		%				11,774,842						6.85		%
Total earning assets						19,247,365						289,300						5.96		%				19,304,416						280,921						5.84		%				15,968,153						250,254						6.22		%																																					19,314,618						5.90		%				15,845,745						6.21		%
Nonearning assets
Allowance for credit losses						(192,456)																		(186,331)																		(162,417)																																																			(193,147)												(159,613)
Cash and due from banks						183,151																		182,261																		165,210																																																			197,348												168,108
Accrued interest and other assets						3,083,052																		3,091,093																		2,595,242																																																			3,071,431												2,597,893
Total assets						$	22,321,112																	$	22,391,439																	$	18,566,188																																																		$	22,390,250											$	18,452,133
Interest-bearing liabilities
Deposits:
Interest-bearing demand						$	3,814,405					$	15,985					1.66		%				$	3,762,177					$	14,288					1.52		%				$	3,036,296					$	14,592					1.91		%																																					$	3,734,918					1.56		%				$	3,064,404					1.92		%
Savings						6,458,303						34,149						2.10		%				6,434,399						33,405						2.08		%				5,054,563						30,854						2.42		%																																					6,433,166						2.08		%				4,993,198						2.44		%
Time						3,669,146						32,129						3.47		%				3,678,808						31,557						3.44		%				3,296,789						32,320						3.89		%																																					3,737,997						3.49		%				3,192,928						4.05		%
Total interest-bearing deposits						13,941,854						82,263						2.34		%				13,875,384						79,250						2.29		%				11,387,648						77,766						2.71		%																																					13,906,081						2.32		%				11,250,530						2.76		%
Borrowed funds
Short-term borrowings						403,943						4,070						4.00		%				512,282						4,997						3.91		%				531,045						5,979						4.47		%																																					489,645						3.89		%				582,662						4.57		%
Long-term debt						375,039						6,711						7.10		%				379,354						6,297						6.66		%				292,301						6,023						8.17		%																																					403,761						6.93		%				328,438						6.80		%
Total borrowed funds						778,982						10,781						5.49		%				891,636						11,294						5.08		%				823,346						12,002						5.78		%																																					893,406						5.26		%				911,100						5.38		%
Total interest-bearing liabilities						14,720,836						93,044						2.51		%				14,767,020						90,544						2.46		%				12,210,994						89,768						2.92		%																																					14,799,487						2.50		%				12,161,630						2.95		%
Noninterest-bearing liabilities
Noninterest-bearing demand deposits						3,797,339																		3,811,391																		3,124,277																																																			3,784,769												3,119,587
Other liabilities						839,667																		861,791																		655,714																																																			851,906												654,241
Shareholders' equity						2,963,270																		2,951,237																		2,575,203																																																			2,954,088												2,516,675
Total liabilities & shareholders' equity						$	22,321,112																	$	22,391,439																	$	18,566,188																																																		$	22,390,250											$	18,452,133
Net interest income						$	196,256																	$	190,377																	$	160,486																																																		$	576,243											$	468,051
Net interest spread																		3.45		%																3.38		%																3.30		%																																											3.40		%										3.26		%
Net interest margin																		4.05		%																3.96		%																3.99		%																																											3.99		%										3.95		%
Tax equivalent adjustment																		0.02		%																0.02		%																0.03		%																																											0.02		%										0.03		%
Net interest margin (fully tax equivalent)																		4.07		%																3.98		%																4.02		%																																											4.01		%										3.98		%
(1) Loans held for sale and nonaccrual loans are included in gross loans.

8

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FIRST FINANCIAL BANCORP.
NET INTEREST MARGIN RATE/VOLUME ANALYSIS (1)
(Dollars in thousands)
(Unaudited)
						Linked Qtr. Income Variance																		Comparable Qtr. Income Variance																		Year-to-Date Income Variance
						Rate									Volume						Total						Rate						Volume						Total						Rate						Volume						Total
Earning assets
Investment securities						$	802								$	(1,122)					$	(320)					$	1,805					$	15,635					$	17,440					$	2,535					$	48,217					$	50,752
Interest-bearing deposits with other banks						32									(899)						(867)						(1,261)						(998)						(2,259)						(3,426)						(617)						(4,043)
Gross loans (2)						3,759									5,807						9,566						(9,494)						33,359						23,865						(30,311)						99,668						69,357
Total earning assets						4,593									3,786						8,379						(8,950)						47,996						39,046						(31,202)						147,268						116,066
Interest-bearing liabilities
Total interest-bearing deposits						$	1,731								$	1,282					$	3,013					$	(10,574)					$	15,071					$	4,497					$	(36,713)					$	46,070					$	9,357
Borrowed funds
Short-term borrowings						108									(1,035)						(927)						(628)						(1,281)						(1,909)						(2,978)						(2,704)						(5,682)
Long-term debt						417									(3)						414						(793)						1,481						688						298						3,901						4,199
Total borrowed funds						525									(1,038)						(513)						(1,421)						200						(1,221)						(2,680)						1,197						(1,483)
Total interest-bearing liabilities						2,256									244						2,500						(11,995)						15,271						3,276						(39,393)						47,267						7,874
Net interest income (1)						$	2,337								$	3,542					$	5,879					$	3,045					$	32,725					$	35,770					$	8,191					$	100,001					$	108,192
(1) Not tax equivalent.
(2) Loans held for sale and nonaccrual loans are included in gross loans.

9

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FIRST FINANCIAL BANCORP.
CREDIT QUALITY
(Dollars in thousands)
(Unaudited)
			Three Months Ended,																														Nine months ended
			Sep. 30,						June 30,						Mar. 31,						Dec. 31,						Sep. 30,						Sep. 30,						Sep. 30,
			2026						2026						2026						2025						2025						2026						2025
ALLOWANCE FOR CREDIT LOSS ACTIVITY
Balance at beginning of period			$	189,912					$	183,716					$	186,487					$	161,916					$	158,522					$	186,487					$	156,791
Initial allowance on purchased loans			0						0						2,829						23,652						0						2,829						0
Provision for credit losses			8,975						12,933						6,030						9,688						8,612						27,938						26,837
Gross charge-offs
Commercial and industrial			984						2,437						10,788						6,636						2,165						14,209						15,339
Lease financing			976						1,314						43						918						298						2,333						2,358
Construction real estate			110						0						0						0						245						110						245
Commercial real estate			5,129						2,484						29						433						3,105						7,642						3,105
Residential real estate			11						84						127						151						0						222						16
Home equity			137						262						119						95						92						518						278
Installment			676						1,034						1,058						1,197						1,194						2,768						3,635
Credit card			520						704						496						729						577						1,720						1,540
Total gross charge-offs			8,543						8,319						12,660						10,159						7,676						29,522						26,516
Recoveries
Commercial and industrial			387						463						100						264						202						950						687
Lease financing			0						114						23						201						291						137						331
Construction real estate			0						0						0						0						0						0						0
Commercial real estate			8						8						28						5						1,138						44						1,232
Residential real estate			24						18						30						13						58						72						124
Home equity			60						157						116						117						94						333						312
Installment			688						660						598						682						609						1,946						1,888
Credit card			139						162						135						108						66						436						230
Total recoveries			1,306						1,582						1,030						1,390						2,458						3,918						4,804
Total net charge-offs			7,237						6,737						11,630						8,769						5,218						25,604						21,712
Ending allowance for credit losses			$	191,650					$	189,912					$	183,716					$	186,487					$	161,916					$	191,650					$	161,916
NET CHARGE-OFFS TO AVERAGE LOANS AND LEASES (ANNUALIZED)
Commercial and industrial			0.05		%				0.17		%				0.91		%				0.59		%				0.20		%				0.37		%				0.51		%
Lease financing			0.58		%				0.74		%				0.01		%				0.46		%				0.00		%				0.45		%				0.46		%
Construction real estate			0.07		%				0.00		%				0.00		%				0.00		%				0.14		%				0.02		%				0.04		%
Commercial real estate			0.45		%				0.22		%				0.00		%				0.04		%				0.20		%				0.22		%				0.06		%
Residential real estate			0.00		%				0.01		%				0.02		%				0.03		%				(0.02)		%				0.01		%				(0.01)		%
Home equity			0.03		%				0.04		%				0.00		%				(0.01)		%				0.00		%				0.02		%				(0.01)		%
Installment			(0.03)		%				0.94		%				1.12		%				1.25		%				2.03		%				0.69		%				1.95		%
Credit card			2.11		%				3.03		%				2.13		%				3.56		%				2.97		%				2.42		%				2.60		%
Total net charge-offs			0.21		%				0.20		%				0.35		%				0.27		%				0.18		%				0.25		%				0.25		%
COMPONENTS OF NONACCRUAL LOANS, NONPERFORMING ASSETS, AND UNDERPERFORMING ASSETS
Nonaccrual loans
Commercial and industrial			$	21,127					$	20,305					$	22,576					$	27,461					$	23,832					$	21,127					$	23,832
Lease financing			1,459						7,558						5,857						5,660						5,885						1,459						5,885
Construction real estate			351						698						715						1,120						1,120						351						1,120
Commercial real estate			53,870						44,404						49,481						45,590						24,443						53,870						24,443
Residential real estate			18,358						18,260						17,439						18,302						16,452						18,358						16,452
Home equity			4,093						4,095						3,687						2,927						3,567						4,093						3,567
Installment			952						832						786						748						652						952						652
Total nonaccrual loans			100,210						96,152						100,541						101,808						75,951						100,210						75,951
Other real estate owned (OREO)			160						174						238						184						111						160						111
Total nonperforming assets			100,370						96,326						100,779						101,992						76,062						100,370						76,062
Accruing loans past due 90 days or more			937						650						1,366						411						592						937						592
Total underperforming assets			$	101,307					$	96,976					$	102,145					$	102,403					$	76,654					$	101,307					$	76,654
Total classified assets			$	281,407					$	226,826					$	232,368					$	235,451					$	218,794					$	281,407					$	218,794
CREDIT QUALITY RATIOS
Allowance for credit losses to
Nonaccrual loans			191.25		%				197.51		%				182.73		%				183.18		%				213.18		%				191.25		%				213.18		%
Total ending loans			1.38		%				1.38		%				1.36		%				1.39		%				1.38		%				1.38		%				1.38		%
Nonaccrual loans to total loans			0.72		%				0.70		%				0.75		%				0.76		%				0.65		%				0.72		%				0.65		%
Nonperforming assets to
Ending loans, plus OREO			0.72		%				0.70		%				0.75		%				0.76		%				0.65		%				0.72		%				0.65		%
Total assets			0.45		%				0.43		%				0.44		%				0.48		%				0.41		%				0.45		%				0.41		%
Classified assets to total assets			1.26		%				1.01		%				1.02		%				1.11		%				1.18		%				1.26		%				1.18		%

10

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FIRST FINANCIAL BANCORP.
CAPITAL ADEQUACY
(Dollars in thousands, except per share data)
(Unaudited)
			Three Months Ended,																														Nine months ended,
			Sep. 30						June 30,						Mar. 31,						Dec. 31,						Sep. 30,						Sep. 30,						Sep. 30,
			2026						2026						2026						2025						2025						2026						2025
PER COMMON SHARE
Market Price
High			$	36.18					$	33.90					$	31.16					$	26.98					$	26.79					$	36.18					$	29.04
Low			$	31.22					$	28.06					$	25.09					$	23.26					$	23.55					$	25.09					$	22.05
Close			$	31.32					$	33.83					$	27.88					$	25.02					$	25.25					$	31.32					$	25.25
Average shares outstanding - basic			103,962,646						103,938,322						103,705,269						96,724,148						94,889,341						103,869,688						94,799,411
Average shares outstanding - diluted			105,000,875						104,936,741						104,615,405						97,593,800						95,753,798						104,852,419						95,674,093
Ending shares outstanding			105,188,323						104,956,458						104,932,829						98,521,726						95,757,250						105,188,323						95,757,250
Total shareholders' equity			$	2,881,482					$	2,987,488					$	2,940,625					$	2,769,216					$	2,631,855					$	2,881,482					$	2,631,855
REGULATORY CAPITAL			Preliminary																														Preliminary
Common equity tier 1 capital			$	2,093,397					$	2,029,668					$	1,970,561					$	1,798,266					$	1,828,843					$	2,093,397					$	1,828,843
Common equity tier 1 capital ratio			12.54		%				12.33		%				12.22		%				11.32		%				12.91		%				12.54		%				12.91		%
Tier 1 capital			$	2,139,109					$	2,075,286					$	2,016,070					$	1,843,672					$	1,874,191					$	2,139,109					$	1,874,191
Tier 1 ratio			12.81		%				12.61		%				12.50		%				11.60		%				13.23		%				12.81		%				13.23		%
Total capital			$	2,643,368					$	2,591,169					$	2,531,334					$	2,457,377					$	2,170,546					$	2,643,368					$	2,170,546
Total capital ratio			15.83		%				15.75		%				15.70		%				15.46		%				15.32		%				15.83		%				15.32		%
Total capital in excess of minimum requirement			$	890,577					$	863,256					$	837,959					$	788,889					$	683,018					$	890,577					$	683,018
Total risk-weighted assets			$	16,693,251					$	16,456,311					$	16,127,377					$	15,890,363					$	14,166,935					$	16,693,251					$	14,166,935
Leverage ratio			9.96		%				9.66		%				9.39		%				9.53		%				10.50		%				9.96		%				10.50		%
OTHER CAPITAL RATIOS
Ending shareholders' equity to ending assets			12.91		%				13.31		%				12.91		%				13.11		%				14.18		%				12.91		%				14.18		%
Ending tangible shareholders' equity to ending tangible assets (1)			7.81		%				8.24		%				7.87		%				7.79		%				8.87		%				7.81		%				8.87		%
Average shareholders' equity to average assets			13.28		%				13.18		%				13.12		%				13.31		%				13.87		%				13.19		%				13.64		%
Average tangible shareholders' equity to average tangible assets (1)			8.18		%				8.08		%				8.01		%				7.97		%				8.54		%				8.09		%				8.25		%
REPURCHASE PROGRAM (2)
Shares repurchased			0						0						0						0						0						0						0
Average share repurchase price			N/A						N/A						N/A						N/A						N/A						N/A						N/A
Total cost of shares repurchased			N/A						N/A						N/A						N/A						N/A						N/A						N/A
(1) Non-GAAP measure. For details on the calculation of these non-GAAP financial measures and a reconciliation to the GAAP financial measure, see the sections titled “Use of Non-GAAP Financial Measures” in this release and “Appendix: Non-GAAP to GAAP Reconciliation” in the accompanying slide presentation.
(2) Represents share repurchases as part of publicly announced plans.
N/A = Not applicable

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