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First Financial Bancorp Reports Strong Performance in Third Quarter 2025

CINCINNATI, Oct. 23, 2025 /PRNewswire/ - First Financial Bancorp (Nasdaq: FFBC), a leader in the banking industry, has declared an outstanding financial performance for the third quarter of 2025. The company's net income reached $71.9 million, translating to earnings of $0.75 per diluted share. This result marks a significant rise from the previous quarter, where net income was recorded at $70 million, or $0.73 per diluted share.

Financial Highlights

First Financial's quarterly report displays impressive metrics that highlight the strength of their financial framework:

• - Earnings: Adjusted earnings per diluted share climbed to $0.76, underlining the firm's growth trajectory.
• - Return on Assets: The return on average assets registered at 1.54%, further supporting its successful operational model.
• - Net Interest Margin: The net interest margin, on a fully tax-equivalent basis, was recorded at 4.02%, showcasing financial stability and profitability amidst changing market conditions.
• - Noninterest Income: The company achieved a record noninterest income of $73.5 million, indicating robust performance across multiple revenue streams.

In the nine-month period ending September 30, 2025, First Financial Bancorp reported earnings of $2.02 per diluted share, up from $1.72 in the previous year.

Strategic Acquisitions

In addition to these remarkable financial results, First Financial has recently obtained regulatory approval for the acquisition of Westfield Bank, slated to close on November 1, 2025. This strategic move will enhance its presence and better align with growth objectives. Looking forward, the application for acquiring BankFinancial is also in motion, slated for potential completion early in the first quarter of 2026.

Cost Management and Efficiency

Under the leadership of President and CEO Archie Brown, First Financial has demonstrated efficient cost management. The company's noninterest expenses rose to $134.3 million but have largely been mitigated through ongoing workforce optimization initiatives, reducing full-time equivalents by about 200 employees, or 9%, over a two-year span. The management continues to focus on achieving further efficiencies, particularly following recent transactions.

Asset Quality

Throughout the third quarter, asset quality indicators remained stable. Nonperforming assets reported at 0.41% of total assets and annualized net charge-offs were 0.18%, a slight decrease from the linked quarter. This stability reflects the company's competent risk management strategies, ensuring robust fiscal health.

Brown expressed optimism about the company's outlook, stating, "Our healthy loan pipelines as we approach the final quarter suggest a promising return to mid-single digit loan growth as we conclude 2025."

Furthermore, the tangible book value per share surged by 5% from the previous quarter, hitting $16.19, which points to the overall strengthening of the company’s equity position over the year.

Future Outlook

First Financial Bancorp's performance in the first nine months of 2025 has established it as an industry leader in profitability. As the company anticipates another strong quarter ahead, it lays the groundwork for substantial momentum heading into the new year. With its strategic acquisitions and sustained financial strength, First Financial is well-positioned for continued expansion and success.

For more details on First Financial's third quarter performance, stakeholders and interested parties can access the complete financial statement on the Investor Relations section of the First Financial website: bankatfirst.com.

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First Financial Bancorp is a prominent bank holding company based in Cincinnati, Ohio. Its comprehensive banking services and commitment to community reinvestment have earned it recognition as one of the best institutions in the region.

This report is just a glimpse into First Financial Bancorp's ongoing success and commitment to maintaining its leadership in the financial sector.