What share repurchase plan did First Financial Bancorp approve in 2026?

In April 2026, First Financial Bancorp’s board authorized a new share repurchase plan for up to 5,000,000 common shares. This represents approximately 4.8% of issued and outstanding shares as of March 31, 2026, and replaces a prior plan that expired at year-end 2025.

First Financial (NASDAQ: FFBC) posts Q1 profit growth and OKs 5M-share buyback

Q: How did First Financial Bancorp (FFBC) perform in Q1 2026?

First Financial Bancorp reported net income of $74.4 million , or $0.71 per diluted share in Q1 2026. Adjusted net income was $80.5 million , or $0.77 per diluted share, driven by record adjusted revenue of $265.3 million and a solid net interest margin.

Q: What was First Financial Bancorp’s net interest margin for Q1 2026?

First Financial Bancorp’s Q1 2026 net interest margin was 3.97% on a GAAP basis and 3.99% on a fully tax-equivalent basis. This margin slightly increased from the prior quarter, supported by a 13 basis point decline in funding costs that offset lower asset yields.

Q: How did the BankFinancial acquisition affect First Financial Bancorp’s Q1 2026 results?

The BankFinancial acquisition contributed $1.4 billion of assets, $227.7 million of loans, and about $1.2 billion to average deposits in Q1 2026. It also generated an $8.9 million bargain purchase gain and drove part of the increase in noninterest expense and deposit growth.

Filing Impact

(High)

Filing Sentiment

(Neutral)

Form Type

8-K

Rhea-AI Filing Summary

First Financial Bancorp. reported solid first quarter 2026 results and launched a new share repurchase program. Net income was $74.4 million, or $0.71 per diluted share, with adjusted earnings of $80.5 million, or $0.77 per diluted share, and record adjusted revenue of $265.3 million.

Profitability remained strong, with return on average assets of 1.34% (1.45% adjusted) and return on average tangible common equity of 17.78% (19.22% adjusted). The net interest margin on a fully tax-equivalent basis was 3.99%, supported by lower funding costs. Loans ended at $13.5 billion and deposits at $17.9 billion as of March 31, 2026, aided by the BankFinancial acquisition. Asset quality metrics were stable, with annualized net charge-offs at 0.35% of average loans and nonperforming assets at 0.44% of total assets. Capital ratios stayed robust, including a total capital ratio of 15.71% and common equity tier 1 of 12.23%. The board authorized a new repurchase plan for up to 5,000,000 shares, about 4.8% of shares outstanding.

Positive

Strong earnings growth and profitability: Q1 2026 net income reached $74.4 million with adjusted EPS of $0.77, ROA of 1.45% (adjusted) and adjusted ROTCE of 19.22%, supported by record adjusted revenue of $265.3 million.
Robust capital and shareholder return capacity: Regulatory capital ratios remained high, including a total capital ratio of 15.71% and CET1 of 12.23%, while the board authorized repurchases of up to 5,000,000 shares, about 4.8% of shares outstanding.

Negative

None.

Insights

Strong Q1 earnings, healthy balance sheet, and a sizable new buyback.

First Financial Bancorp. delivered net income of $74.4 million and adjusted earnings of $80.5 million, with record adjusted revenue of $265.3 million. The fully tax-equivalent net interest margin of 3.99% shows that loan yields and funding costs remain well managed despite rate cuts.

Balance sheet growth was driven by acquisitions, with period-end loans at $13.5 billion and deposits at $17.9 billion as of March 31, 2026. Credit costs were moderate: annualized net charge-offs were 0.35% of average loans and nonperforming assets were 0.44% of total assets, while the allowance for credit losses covered 1.36% of total loans.

Capital remained a clear strength, with a total capital ratio of 15.71% and common equity tier 1 at 12.23%. Tangible book value per share rose to $16.15, up 2.6% from the prior quarter. The authorization to repurchase up to 5,000,000 shares, roughly 4.8% of shares outstanding, signals confidence in capital levels and future performance, subject to market conditions and management’s deployment decisions.

8-K Event Classification

3 items: 2.02, 8.01, 9.01

3 items

Item 2.02 Results of Operations and Financial Condition Financial

Disclosure of earnings results, typically an earnings press release or preliminary financials.

Item 8.01 Other Events Other

Voluntary disclosure of events the company deems important to shareholders but not covered by other items.

Item 9.01 Financial Statements and Exhibits Exhibits

Financial statements, pro forma financial information, and exhibit attachments filed with this report.

Key Figures

Net income: $74.4 million Adjusted net income: $80.5 million Adjusted EPS: $0.77 per diluted share +5 more

8 metrics

Net income $74.4 million For the quarter ended March 31, 2026

Adjusted net income $80.5 million Q1 2026, after non-GAAP adjustments

Adjusted EPS $0.77 per diluted share Q1 2026 non-GAAP earnings per share

Net interest margin (FTE) 3.99% Q1 2026 fully tax-equivalent net interest margin

Loans outstanding $13.5 billion Ending loan balances as of March 31, 2026

Deposits $17.9 billion Ending deposit balances as of March 31, 2026

Allowance for credit losses $206.7 million Total ACL, including loans and unfunded commitments, Q1 2026

Share repurchase authorization 5,000,000 shares New plan, about 4.8% of shares outstanding as of March 31, 2026

Key Terms

net interest margin, allowance for credit losses, tangible common equity, nonperforming assets, +2 more

6 terms

net interest margin financial

"Net interest margin on FTE basis(1) of 3.99%"

Net interest margin measures how much a bank earns from lending and investing compared with what it pays for funding, expressed as a percentage of its interest-earning assets. Think of it like a grocery store’s markup: it shows the gap between buying cost and selling price per dollar of goods — here, the cost is interest paid and the sale is interest received. Investors watch it because a higher margin usually means a bank is more profitable and better at managing interest rate and credit conditions.

allowance for credit losses financial

"Total Allowance for Credit Losses of $206.7 million; Total quarterly provision expense of $8.5 million"

Allowance for credit losses is a reserve set aside by a financial institution to cover potential losses from borrowers who may not repay their loans. It acts like a safety net, helping the institution prepare for loans that might turn sour. For investors, it signals how cautious the institution is about the quality of its loans and potential risks to its financial health.

tangible common equity financial

"Tangible common equity of 7.88%(1); 8.89%(1) excluding impact from AOCI"

Tangible common equity is the portion of a company’s net worth that belongs to ordinary shareholders after removing intangible items (like goodwill or patents) and any preferred claims; it’s often expressed on a per-share basis. Think of it as the hard, sellable value left for common owners if you removed non-physical assets and paid off debts—investors use it to judge how much real cushion a company has and whether the stock might be under- or over-valued.

nonperforming assets financial

"Nonperforming assets decreased slightly to 0.44% of total assets; Classified assets decreased to 1.02% of total assets"

Nonperforming assets are loans or investments that are not generating expected payments or returns because the borrower has fallen behind on payments or the investment has lost value. They matter to investors because a high level of nonperforming assets can indicate financial trouble for a bank or institution, potentially affecting its stability and profitability.

bargain purchase gain financial

"Adjustments include a $1.3 million loss on securities, an $8.9 million gain on bargain purchase, and a $1.4 million loss"

A bargain purchase gain happens when a buyer acquires another company's assets for less than those assets' estimated fair value, producing an immediate accounting profit for the buyer. For investors, it matters because that one-time gain boosts the acquirer's reported earnings and can signal a very favorable deal — like finding a valuable item at a steep discount — but it may also prompt scrutiny about whether asset values or the deal terms were estimated correctly.

Gallup Exceptional Workplace Award other

"2nd consecutive Gallup Exceptional Workplace Award for outstanding associate engagement"

Earnings Snapshot

Net income: $74.4 million · Guidance included

Q1 2026

Net income $74.4 million

Adjusted EPS $0.77 22% increase vs Q1 2025, per management commentary

Net interest margin (FTE) 3.99% 1 bp increase vs Q4 2025

Return on average assets (adjusted) 1.45%

Return on average tangible common equity (adjusted) 19.22%

Guidance

Management expects 2026 loan balances to grow at a mid single-digit annualized rate, a Q2 2026 net interest margin between 3.99% and 4.04% assuming no further rate cuts, and stable credit costs with steady allowance coverage.

Understanding 8-K Material Events →

04/23/2026 - 04:16 PM

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

FORM 8-K

CURRENT REPORT

Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the

Securities Exchange Act of 1934

Date of Report (Date of earliest event reported): April 23, 2026

FIRST FINANCIAL BANCORP.

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

Ohio

001-34762

31-1042001

(State or other jurisdiction of
incorporation or organization)

(Commission File Number)

(I.R.S. employer
identification number)

255 East Fifth Street, Suite 900

Cincinnati,

Ohio

45202

(Address of principal executive offices)

(Zip Code)

Registrant's telephone number, including area code: (877) 322-9530

Check the appropriate box below if the Form 8-K filing is intended to simultaneously satisfy the filing obligation of the registrant under any of the following provisions (see General Instruction A.2. below):

☐ Written communications pursuant to Rule 425 under the Securities Act (17 CFR 230.425)

☐ Soliciting material pursuant to Rule 14a-12 under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14a-12)

☐ Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 14d-2(b) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14d-2(b))

☐ Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 13e-4(c) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.13e-4(c))

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

Title of each class

Trading symbol

Name of exchange on which registered

Common stock, No par value

FFBC

The NASDAQ Stock Market LLC

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is an emerging growth company as defined in as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act of 1933 (§230.405 of this chapter) or Rule 12b-2 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (§240.12b-2 of this chapter).

Emerging growth company ☐

If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act. ☐

Item 2.02 Results of Operations and Financial Condition.

On April 23, 2026, First Financial Bancorp. (the "Company") issued its earnings press release that included its results of operations and financial condition for the first three months of 2026. A copy of the earnings press release is attached as Exhibit 99.1.

The Company also provided electronic presentation slides that will be used in connection with the earnings conference call. A copy of the electronic presentation slides is included in this Report as Exhibit 99.2 and will be available on the Company's website, www.bankatfirst.com.

The information set forth in this Current Report on Form 8-K (including the information in Exhibits 99.1 and 99.2 attached hereto) is being furnished to the Securities and Exchange Commission and is not deemed to be "filed" for purposes of Section 18 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the "Exchange Act") , or otherwise subject to the liabilities under the Exchange Act. Such information shall not be incorporated by reference into any registration statement or other document filed under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or the Exchange Act, except as shall be expressly set forth by specific reference in such filing.

Item 8.01 Other Events.

Also on April 23, 2026, the Company announced that the Board of Directors has authorized the purchase of up to 5,000,000 shares of the Company’s common stock, representing approximately 4.8% of the Company's issued and outstanding shares of common stock as of March 31, 2026. The stock repurchase plan was effective on April 21, 2026, in replacement of the stock repurchase plan previously authorized in December 2023 that expired on December 31, 2025. The current stock repurchase plan will expire on December 31, 2027.

The Board of Directors reauthorized the stock repurchase plan based on the continued strength of the Company’s balance sheet and capital position. The Board believes that a stock repurchase plan is an important tool that can be utilized to enhance long term shareholder value. Share repurchases will be made periodically as permitted by securities laws and other legal requirements and will be subject to market conditions as well as other factors. Purchases may be made in the open market, through block trades or otherwise, and in privately negotiated transactions. Share purchases may be commenced or suspended at any time or periodically without prior notice. A copy of the announcement is attached as Exhibit 99.1.

Item 9.01 Financial Statements and Exhibits.

(d) Exhibits:

The following exhibits shall not be deemed to be "filed" for purposes of the Exchange Act:

Exhibit No. Description

99.1 First Financial Bancorp. Press Release dated April 23, 2026

99.2 First Financial Bancorp. presentation materials

104 Cover Page Interactive Data File (embedded within the Inline XBRL document)

SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned hereunto duly authorized.

FIRST FINANCIAL BANCORP.


		By: /s/ James M. Anderson
		James M. Anderson
		Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer

Date:	April 23, 2026

Exhibit 99.1

First Financial Bancorp Announces First Quarter 2026 Financial Results

•Earnings per diluted share of $0.71; $0.77 on an adjusted(1) basis

•Return on average assets of 1.34%; 1.45% on an adjusted(1) basis

•Net interest margin on FTE basis(1) of 3.99%

•Record quarterly revenue of $265.3 million on an adjusted(1) basis

•Noninterest income of $75.6 million on an adjusted(1) basis

•$150 million of subordinated debt redeemed

•ROTCE of 17.8%; 19.2% on adjusted(1) basis

•2nd consecutive Gallup Exceptional Workplace Award for outstanding associate engagement

•BankFinancial acquisition closed January 1, 2026

•Board of Directors authorized 5,000,000 share repurchase plan

Cincinnati, Ohio - April 23, 2026. First Financial Bancorp. (Nasdaq: FFBC) (“First Financial” or the “Company”) announced financial results for the three months ended March 31, 2026.

For the three months ended March 31, 2026, the Company reported net income of $74.4 million, or $0.71 per diluted common share. These results compare to net income of $62.4 million, or $0.64 per diluted common share, for the fourth quarter of 2025.

Return on average assets for the first quarter of 2026 was 1.34% while return on average tangible common equity was 17.78%(1). These compare to return on average assets of 1.22% and return on average tangible common equity of 16.27%(1) in the fourth quarter of 2025.

First quarter 2026 highlights include:

•Robust net interest margin of 3.97%, or 3.99% on a fully tax-equivalent basis(1)

◦1 bp increase from fourth quarter

◦Increase from linked quarter driven by a 13 bp decline in funding costs, which was partially offset by a 12 bp decrease in asset yields

•Noninterest income of $81.9 million; $75.6 million on an adjusted(1) basis

◦Adjustments include a $1.3 million loss on securities, an $8.9 million gain on bargain purchase, and a $1.4 million loss on the surrender of a bank owned life insurance policy

◦Leasing business income remains strong at $21.6 million, a 10.7% increase from fourth quarter

◦Record wealth management income increased 12.9%, to $10.5 million

◦Foreign exchange income of $16.3 million

•Noninterest expenses of $169.4 million, or $154.8 million as adjusted(1); 9.1% increase from linked quarter

◦Adjustments(1) include $14.3 million of acquisition related expenses, $0.7 million of tax credit investment writedowns and $0.4 million of efficiency and other noninterest expenses

◦Increase driven by the BankFinancial and Westfield acquisitions

◦Efficiency ratio of 62.4%; 58.4% as adjusted(1)

•Modest loan growth during the quarter

◦End of period loan balances increased $70.8 million; includes $227.7 million acquired in BankFinancial transaction offset primarily by $151.9 million decrease in ICRE

◦Decline in legacy loan balances driven by elevated payoffs

◦Originations increased approximately 45% compared to the first quarter of 2025

◦Significant increase in loan pipelines since January

___________________________________________________________________________________________

(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.

•Strong average deposit growth during the quarter

◦Total average deposit balances increased $1.7 billion; includes $1.2 billion impact from the BankFinancial acquisition and full quarter impact from Westfield

◦Seasonal decline in public funds

•Total Allowance for Credit Losses of $206.7 million; Total quarterly provision expense of $8.5 million

◦Loans and leases - ACL of $183.7 million; $2.8 million initial ACL related to BankFinancial

◦ACL to total loans of 1.36%

◦Unfunded Commitments - ACL of $23.0 million; $0.3 million related to BankFinancial

◦Annualized net charge-offs were 35 bps of total loans

◦Nonperforming assets decreased slightly to 0.44% of total assets; Classified assets decreased to 1.02% of total assets

•Capital ratios remain strong

◦Total capital ratio increased 25 bps to 15.71%

◦Tier 1 common equity increased 91 bps to 12.23%

◦Tangible common equity of 7.88%(1); 8.89%(1) excluding impact from AOCI

◦Tangible book value per share of $16.15(1); 2.6% increase from linked quarter

Additionally, the Board of Directors has authorized a new share repurchase program that replaces the previously authorized program. Under the new plan, which expires in December 2027, management is authorized to purchase up to 5 million shares.

Archie Brown, President and CEO, commented on the First Quarter results, “I am very pleased with our overall performance in the first quarter. The first quarter was a busy one as we closed the BankFinancial acquisition, completed the conversion of Westfield Bank, and wrapped up the sale of the BankFinancial multi-family loan portfolio. Adjusted(1) earnings per share were $0.77, with an adjusted(1) return on assets of 1.45% and an adjusted(1) return on tangible common equity of 19.2%. Adjusted(1) earnings per share increased 22% compared to the first quarter of last year, driven by a robust net interest margin and strong fee income. Our net interest margin was resilient, despite the fed funds rate cut in December, as the expected decline in loan yields was offset by a similar decline in deposits costs. Assuming no short-term rate reductions by the Federal Reserve, we expect the margin to remain stable in the near term.”

Mr. Brown continued, “Loan balances increased slightly for the quarter due to the BankFinancial acquisition. Excluding the BankFinancial portfolio, loans declined for the quarter as seasonally strong loan production was offset by extended payoff pressure in the ICRE portfolio. Compared to the first quarter of 2025, originations increased by approximately 45%, and excluding Westfield and BankFinancial, originations were up by over 25%. Our expectation for loan growth for 2026 has not materially changed. Loan pipelines are very healthy, and we expect strong production in the second quarter. We also expect payoff activity in ICRE to approach more normal levels, leading to solid loan growth in the second quarter.”

Mr. Brown commented on fee income and expenses, “Adjusted(1) fee income was very strong for the quarter. Historically, fee income significantly dips early in the year, however we successfully combated this trend in the first quarter. Adjusted(1) noninterest income was $75.6 million, which was 24% higher than in the first quarter of 2025 and only a slight decline from the linked quarter. These results were driven by record Wealth Management income, strong client derivative income and record leasing business income. Additionally, expenses were well controlled during the quarter with total noninterest expenses coming in well below our expectations and acquisition-related cost savings exceeding our initial estimates."

Mr. Brown commented on asset quality and capital, “Net charge-offs were 35 basis points of total loans and were impacted by one large commercial relationship. Other asset quality indicators were stable with nonperforming assets slightly declining from the linked quarter to 44 basis points. While there is more uncertainty in the economy due to the impact of the war in Iran, our current expectations are for asset quality to gradually improve throughout the year, similar to our performance in 2025. Capital ratios are strong and continued to climb in the first quarter. All regulatory ratios were well in excess of regulatory minimums and tangible common equity increased to 7.9%. Tangible book value per share was $16.15, which was a 2.6% increase over the linked quarter, and a 9% increase compared to the first quarter of 2025. Tangible book value was at approximately the same level as the third quarter of 2025, prior to the Westfield Bank acquisition. This month, the Board of Directors authorized a 5 million share repurchase plan, replacing the plan we had in place through 2025, and we are evaluating opportunities to employ buybacks as part of our overall capital planning."

On the recent acquisitions, Mr. Brown commented, "During the first quarter we successfully completed the conversion of Westfield Bank. For the first quarter, deposit and loan balances were stable, we maintained high associate retention, and we have achieved the financial results that we expected from the transaction to date. We are happy with the quality of the bank we acquired and with the talented team that has joined us. We also completed the purchase of BankFinancial on January 1st and plan to convert systems in early June. We remain excited about the opportunities in the Chicago market and continue to see high growth potential from this transaction."

Mr. Brown concluded, “In closing, I want to thank our associates for the incredible work they have done this year integrating Westfield into First Financial and the work they are now doing as they prepare for the BankFinancial conversion. I also want to mention how proud I am that First Financial was selected for the Gallup Exceptional Workplace Award for associate engagement. This marks the second consecutive year that we have received this honor, which is awarded to 4% of the thousands of companies that Gallup works with worldwide. We have partnered with Gallup for more than six years and we have made associate engagement a core tenant of our corporate strategy. I want to commend our associates and leaders who work throughout the year to drive engagement, knowing that by doing so, we are also improving the client experience and shareholder value.”

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

Teleconference / Webcast Information

First Financial’s executive management will host a conference call to discuss the Company’s financial and operating results on Friday, April 24, 2026 at 8:30 a.m. Eastern Time. Members of the public who would like to listen to the conference call should dial (888) 550-5723 (U.S. toll free) or (646) 960-0471 (U.S. local), access code 5048068. The number should be dialed five to ten minutes prior to the start of the conference call. A replay of the conference call will be available beginning one hour after the completion of the live call at (800) 770-2030 (U.S. toll free), (609) 800-9099 (U.S. toll), access code 5048068. The recording will be available until May 8, 2026. 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.

Forward-Looking Statements

Certain statements contained in this report which are not statements of historical fact constitute forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Words such as ‘‘believes,’’ ‘‘anticipates,’’ “likely,” “expected,” “estimated,” ‘‘intends’’ and other similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements but are not the exclusive means of identifying such statements. Examples of forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, statements we make about (i) our future operating or financial performance, including revenues, income or loss and earnings or loss per share, (ii) future common stock dividends, (iii) our capital structure, including future capital levels, (iv) our plans, objectives and strategies, and (v) the assumptions that underlie our forward-looking statements.

As with any forecast or projection, forward-looking statements are subject to inherent uncertainties, risks and changes in circumstances that may cause actual results to differ materially from those set forth in the forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are not historical facts but instead express only management’s beliefs regarding future results or events, many of which, by their nature, are inherently uncertain and outside of management’s control. It is possible that actual results and outcomes may differ, possibly materially, from the anticipated results or outcomes indicated in these forward-looking statements. Important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those in our forward-looking statements include the following, without limitation:

•economic, market, liquidity, credit, interest rate, operational and technological risks associated with the Company’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;

•mergers and acquisitions, including costs or difficulties related to the integration of acquired companies;

•the possibility that any of the anticipated benefits of the Company’s acquisitions will not be realized or will not be realized within the expected time period;

•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.

Additional factors that may cause our actual results to differ materially from those described in our forward-looking statements can be found in our Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2025, as well as our other filings with the SEC, which are available on the SEC website at www.sec.gov.

All forward-looking statements included in this filing are made as of the date hereof and are based on information available at the time of the filing. Except as required by law, the Company does not assume any obligation to update any forward-looking statement.

About First Financial Bancorp.

First Financial Bancorp. is a Cincinnati, Ohio based bank holding company. As of March 31, 2026, the Company had $22.8 billion in assets, $13.5 billion in loans, $17.9 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 $4.1 billion in assets under management as of March 31, 2026. The Company operated 153 full service banking centers as of March 31, 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

Chief Financial Officer Director of Corporate Communications

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

InvestorRelations@bankatfirst.com media@bankatfirst.com

Selected Financial Information

March 31, 2026

(unaudited)


Contents			Page
Consolidated Financial Highlights			2

Consolidated Quarterly Statements of Income			3
Consolidated Statements of Condition			4
Average Consolidated Statements of Condition			5
Net Interest Margin Rate / Volume Analysis			6-7
Credit Quality			8
Capital Adequacy			9


FIRST FINANCIAL BANCORP.
CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS
(Dollars in thousands, except per share data)
(Unaudited)

	Three Months Ended,
	Mar. 31,			Dec. 31,			Sep. 30,			June 30,			Mar. 31,
	2026			2025			2025			2025			2025
RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
Net income	$	74,445		$	62,393		$	71,923		$	69,996		$	51,293
Net earnings per share - basic	$	0.72		$	0.65		$	0.76		$	0.74		$	0.54
Net earnings per share - diluted	$	0.71		$	0.64		$	0.75		$	0.73		$	0.54
Dividends declared per share	$	0.25		$	0.25		$	0.25		$	0.24		$	0.24

KEY FINANCIAL RATIOS
Return on average assets	1.34		%	1.22		%	1.54		%	1.52		%	1.13		%
Return on average shareholders' equity	10.24		%	9.18		%	11.08		%	11.16		%	8.46		%
Return on average tangible shareholders' equity (1)	17.78		%	16.27		%	19.11		%	19.61		%	15.16		%

Net interest margin	3.97		%	3.96		%	3.99		%	4.01		%	3.84		%
Net interest margin (fully tax equivalent) (1)(2)	3.99		%	3.98		%	4.02		%	4.05		%	3.88		%

Ending shareholders' equity as a percent of ending assets	12.92		%	13.11		%	14.18		%	13.73		%	13.55		%
Ending tangible shareholders' equity as a percent of:
Ending tangible assets (1)	7.88		%	7.79		%	8.87		%	8.40		%	8.16		%
Risk-weighted assets (1)	10.52		%	9.76		%	10.94		%	10.44		%	10.10		%

Average shareholders' equity as a percent of average assets	13.12		%	13.31		%	13.87		%	13.66		%	13.38		%
Average tangible shareholders' equity as a percent of average tangible assets (1)	8.01		%	7.97		%	8.54		%	8.26		%	7.94		%

Book value per share	$	28.02		$	28.11		$	27.48		$	26.71		$	26.13
Tangible book value per share (1)	$	16.15		$	15.74		$	16.19		$	15.40		$	14.80

Common equity tier 1 ratio (3)	12.23		%	11.32		%	12.91		%	12.57		%	12.29		%
Tier 1 ratio (3)	12.51		%	11.60		%	13.23		%	12.89		%	12.61		%
Total capital ratio (3)	15.71		%	15.46		%	15.32		%	14.98		%	14.90		%
Leverage ratio (3)	9.39		%	9.53		%	10.50		%	10.28		%	10.01		%

AVERAGE BALANCE SHEET ITEMS
Loans (4)	$	14,028,324		$	12,812,267		$	11,806,065		$	11,792,840		$	11,724,727

Investment securities	4,769,261			3,988,846			3,552,014			3,478,921			3,411,593
Interest-bearing deposits with other banks	596,094			647,347			610,074			542,815			615,812
Total earning assets	$	19,393,679		$	17,448,460		$	15,968,153		$	15,814,576		$	15,752,132
Total assets	$	22,459,523		$	20,256,539		$	18,566,188		$	18,419,437		$	18,368,604
Noninterest-bearing deposits	$	3,745,002		$	3,436,709		$	3,124,277		$	3,143,081		$	3,091,037
Interest-bearing deposits	13,900,550			12,521,948			11,387,648			11,211,694			11,149,633
Total deposits	$	17,645,552		$	15,958,657		$	14,511,925		$	14,354,775		$	14,240,670
Borrowings	$	1,012,161		$	848,650		$	823,346		$	910,573		$	1,001,337
Shareholders' equity	$	2,947,585		$	2,695,581		$	2,575,203		$	2,515,747		$	2,457,785

CREDIT QUALITY RATIOS
Allowance to ending loans	1.36		%	1.39		%	1.38		%	1.34		%	1.33		%
Allowance to nonaccrual loans	182.73		%	183.18		%	213.18		%	206.08		%	261.07		%


Nonaccrual loans to total loans	0.75		%	0.76		%	0.65		%	0.65		%	0.51		%
Nonperforming assets to ending loans, plus OREO	0.75		%	0.76		%	0.65		%	0.65		%	0.51		%
Nonperforming assets to total assets	0.44		%	0.48		%	0.41		%	0.41		%	0.32		%
Classified assets to total assets	1.02		%	1.11		%	1.18		%	1.15		%	1.16		%
Net charge-offs to average loans (annualized)	0.35		%	0.27		%	0.18		%	0.21		%	0.36		%

(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) March 31, 2026 regulatory capital ratios are preliminary.

(4) Includes loans held for sale.


FIRST FINANCIAL BANCORP.
CONSOLIDATED QUARTERLY STATEMENTS OF INCOME
(Dollars in thousands, except per share data)
(Unaudited)

	2026			2025
	First			Fourth			Third			Second			First			Full
	Quarter			Quarter			Quarter			Quarter			Quarter			Year
Interest income
Loans and leases, including fees	$	224,951		$	215,663		$	204,865		$	201,460		$	197,163		$	819,151
Investment securities
Taxable	49,491			40,971			36,421			36,243			34,401			148,036
Tax-exempt	2,526			2,363			2,195			2,233			2,204			8,995
Total investment securities interest	52,017			43,334			38,616			38,476			36,605			157,031
Other earning assets	5,450			6,334			6,773			5,964			6,651			25,722
Total interest income	282,418			265,331			250,254			245,900			240,419			1,001,904

Interest expense
Deposits	79,735			78,861			77,766			75,484			78,641			310,752
Short-term borrowings	5,168			4,925			5,979			6,393			7,545			24,842
Long-term borrowings	7,905			7,550			6,023			5,754			4,937			24,264
Total interest expense	92,808			91,336			89,768			87,631			91,123			359,858
Net interest income	189,610			173,995			160,486			158,269			149,296			642,046
Provision for credit losses-loans and leases	6,030			9,688			8,612			9,084			9,141			36,525
Provision for credit losses-unfunded commitments	2,510			412			453			718			(441)			1,142
Net interest income after provision for credit losses	181,070			163,895			151,421			148,467			140,596			604,379

Noninterest income
Service charges on deposit accounts	9,013			8,308			7,829			7,766			7,463			31,366
Wealth management fees	10,482			9,288			7,351			7,787			8,137			32,563
Bankcard income	3,580			3,590			3,589			3,737			3,310			14,226
Client derivative fees	4,010			2,681			1,876			1,674			1,571			7,802
Foreign exchange income	16,313			22,696			16,666			13,760			12,544			65,666
Leasing business income	21,608			19,523			20,997			20,797			18,703			80,020
Net gains from sales of loans	6,047			7,041			6,835			6,687			4,322			24,885
Net gain (loss) on investment securities	(1,260)			(12,576)			(42)			243			(9,949)			(22,324)

Gain on bargain purchase	8,892			0			0			0			0			0
Other	3,221			4,216			8,424			5,612			4,982			23,234
Total noninterest income	81,906			64,767			73,525			68,063			51,083			257,438

Noninterest expenses
Salaries and employee benefits	99,856			85,123			80,607			74,917			75,238			315,885
Net occupancy	7,553			6,315			6,003			5,845			6,019			24,182
Furniture and equipment	4,693			3,940			3,582			3,441			3,813			14,776
Data processing	12,654			10,465			9,591			9,020			8,759			37,835
Marketing	2,652			3,056			2,359			2,737			2,018			10,170

Professional services	3,986			6,231			2,314			3,549			2,739			14,833
Amortization of tax credit investments	669			800			112			111			112			1,135

FDIC assessments	3,645			2,923			2,611			2,611			3,059			11,204
Intangible amortization	6,261			3,927			2,359			2,358			2,359			11,003
Leasing business expense	14,129			13,837			13,911			13,155			12,802			53,705
Other	13,310			12,914			10,820			10,927			11,158			45,819
Total noninterest expenses	169,408			149,531			134,269			128,671			128,076			540,547
Income before income taxes	93,568			79,131			90,677			87,859			63,603			321,270
Income tax expense	19,123			16,738			18,754			17,863			12,310			65,665
Net income	$	74,445		$	62,393		$	71,923		$	69,996		$	51,293		$	255,605

ADDITIONAL DATA
Net earnings per share - basic	$	0.72		$	0.65		$	0.76		$	0.74		$	0.54		$	2.68
Net earnings per share - diluted	$	0.71		$	0.64		$	0.75		$	0.73		$	0.54		$	2.66
Dividends declared per share	$	0.25		$	0.25		$	0.25		$	0.24		$	0.24		$	0.98

Return on average assets	1.34		%	1.22		%	1.54		%	1.52		%	1.13		%	1.35		%
Return on average shareholders' equity	10.24		%	9.18		%	11.08		%	11.16		%	8.46		%	9.98		%

Interest income	$	282,418		$	265,331		$	250,254		$	245,900		$	240,419		$	1,001,904
Tax equivalent adjustment	1,186			1,227			1,248			1,246			1,213			4,934
Interest income - tax equivalent	283,604			266,558			251,502			247,146			241,632			1,006,838
Interest expense	92,808			91,336			89,768			87,631			91,123			359,858
Net interest income - tax equivalent	$	190,796		$	175,222		$	161,734		$	159,515		$	150,509		$	646,980

Net interest margin	3.97		%	3.96		%	3.99		%	4.01		%	3.84		%	3.95		%
Net interest margin (fully tax equivalent) (1)	3.99		%	3.98		%	4.02		%	4.05		%	3.88		%	3.98		%

Full-time equivalent employees	2,319			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.


FIRST FINANCIAL BANCORP.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CONDITION
(Dollars in thousands)
(Unaudited)

	Mar. 31,		Dec. 31,		Sep. 30,		June 30,		Mar. 31,		% Change		% Change
	2026		2025		2025		2025		2025		Linked Qtr.		Comp Qtr.
ASSETS
Cash and due from banks	$	170,641	$	178,553	$	174,659	$	210,187	$	190,610	(4.4)	%	(10.5)	%
Interest-bearing deposits with other banks	1,032,259		597,338		565,080		570,173		633,349		72.8	%	63.0	%
Investment securities available-for-sale	4,953,023		3,971,932		3,422,595		3,386,562		3,260,981		24.7	%	51.9	%
Investment securities held-to-maturity	49,631		58,545		71,595		72,994		76,469		(15.2)	%	(35.1)	%
Other investments	137,018		129,564		117,120		122,322		120,826		5.8	%	13.4	%
Loans held for sale	18,280		16,953		21,466		26,504		17,927		7.8	%	2.0	%
Loans and leases
Commercial and industrial	4,693,786		4,632,241		3,838,630		3,927,771		3,832,350		1.3	%	22.5	%
Lease financing	649,645		638,527		596,734		587,176		573,608		1.7	%	13.3	%
Construction real estate	591,080		677,339		627,960		732,777		824,775		(12.7)	%	(28.3)	%
Commercial real estate	4,473,468		4,384,556		4,048,370		3,961,513		3,956,880		2.0	%	13.1	%
Residential real estate	1,831,338		1,832,184		1,494,464		1,492,688		1,479,704		0.0	%	23.8	%
Home equity	1,026,839		1,005,204		935,975		903,299		872,502		2.2	%	17.7	%
Installment	162,314		188,694		109,764		116,598		119,672		(14.0)	%	35.6	%
Credit card	66,371		65,325		62,654		64,374		64,639		1.6	%	2.7	%
Total loans	13,494,841		13,424,070		11,714,551		11,786,196		11,724,130		0.5	%	15.1	%
Less:
Allowance for credit losses	(183,716)		(186,487)		(161,916)		(158,522)		(155,482)		(1.5)	%	18.2	%
Net loans	13,311,125		13,237,583		11,552,635		11,627,674		11,568,648		0.6	%	15.1	%
Premises and equipment	228,384		204,760		198,251		197,741		197,968		11.5	%	15.4	%
Operating leases	220,061		214,003		214,667		217,100		213,648		2.8	%	3.0	%
Goodwill	1,099,543		1,099,524		1,007,656		1,007,656		1,007,656		0.0	%	9.1	%
Other intangibles	145,927		118,832		73,797		75,458		77,002		22.8	%	89.5	%

Accrued interest and other assets	1,396,114		1,301,792		1,134,985		1,119,884		1,089,983		7.2	%	28.1	%
Total Assets	$	22,762,006	$	21,129,379	$	18,554,506	$	18,634,255	$	18,455,067	7.7	%	23.3	%

LIABILITIES
Deposits
Interest-bearing demand	$	3,658,155	$	3,360,613	$	2,983,132	$	3,057,232	$	3,004,601	8.9	%	21.8	%
Savings	6,460,546		5,973,532		5,029,097		4,979,124		4,886,613		8.2	%	32.2	%
Time	3,817,268		3,622,227		3,293,707		3,201,711		3,144,440		5.4	%	21.4	%
Total interest-bearing deposits	13,935,969		12,956,372		11,305,936		11,238,067		11,035,654		7.6	%	26.3	%
Noninterest-bearing	3,982,753		3,465,470		3,127,512		3,131,926		3,161,302		14.9	%	26.0	%
Total deposits	17,918,722		16,421,842		14,433,448		14,369,993		14,196,956		9.1	%	26.2	%


FHLB short-term borrowings	550,000		675,000		550,000		680,000		735,000		(18.5)	%	(25.2)	%
Other	70,457		332		45,167		4,699		64,792		21,122.0	%	8.7	%
Total short-term borrowings	620,457		675,332		595,167		684,699		799,792		(8.1)	%	(22.4)	%
Long-term debt	380,176		514,052		221,823		344,955		345,878		(26.0)	%	9.9	%
Total borrowed funds	1,000,633		1,189,384		816,990		1,029,654		1,145,670		(15.9)	%	(12.7)	%
Accrued interest and other liabilities	902,026		748,937		672,213		676,453		611,206		20.4	%	47.6	%
Total Liabilities	19,821,381		18,360,163		15,922,651		16,076,100		15,953,832		8.0	%	24.2	%

SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
Common stock	1,789,676		1,647,618		1,641,315		1,638,796		1,637,041		8.6	%	9.3	%
Retained earnings	1,485,573		1,437,286		1,399,577		1,351,674		1,304,636		3.4	%	13.9	%
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)	(217,430)		(189,942)		(223,000)		(246,384)		(253,888)		14.5	%	(14.4)	%
Treasury stock, at cost	(117,194)		(125,746)		(186,037)		(185,931)		(186,554)		(6.8)	%	(37.2)	%
Total Shareholders' Equity	2,940,625		2,769,216		2,631,855		2,558,155		2,501,235		6.2	%	17.6	%
Total Liabilities and Shareholders' Equity	$	22,762,006	$	21,129,379	$	18,554,506	$	18,634,255	$	18,455,067	7.7	%	23.3	%


FIRST FINANCIAL BANCORP.
AVERAGE CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CONDITION
(Dollars in thousands)
(Unaudited)

	Quarterly Averages
	Mar. 31,		Dec. 31,		Sep. 30,		June 30,		Mar. 31,
	2026		2025		2025		2025		2025
ASSETS
Cash and due from banks	$	227,115	$	178,403	$	165,210	$	174,375	$	164,734

Interest-bearing deposits with other banks	596,094		647,347		610,074		542,815		615,812
Investment securities	4,769,261		3,988,846		3,552,014		3,478,921		3,411,593
Loans held for sale	451,139		32,425		26,366		25,026		10,212
Loans and leases
Commercial and industrial	4,771,066		4,310,399		3,890,886		3,881,001		3,787,207
Lease financing	630,204		617,518		592,510		581,091		585,119
Construction real estate	643,270		679,884		711,011		784,028		797,100
Commercial real estate	4,446,231		4,240,042		3,993,549		3,958,730		4,018,211
Residential real estate	1,834,467		1,717,439		1,489,942		1,485,479		1,475,703
Home equity	1,016,080		981,406		919,368		891,761		858,153
Installment	166,979		164,013		114,058		117,724		127,192
Credit card	68,888		69,141		68,375		68,000		65,830
Total loans	13,577,185		12,779,842		11,779,699		11,767,814		11,714,515
Less:
Allowance for credit losses	(200,745)		(179,275)		(162,417)		(158,170)		(158,206)
Net loans	13,376,440		12,600,567		11,617,282		11,609,644		11,556,309
Premises and equipment	230,154		202,956		199,167		198,407		198,998
Operating leases	215,318		211,091		217,404		212,684		205,181
Goodwill	1,099,543		1,069,781		1,007,656		1,007,656		1,007,656
Other intangibles	149,631		104,184		74,448		76,076		78,220

Accrued interest and other assets	1,344,828		1,220,939		1,096,567		1,093,833		1,119,889
Total Assets	$	22,459,523	$	20,256,539	$	18,566,188	$	18,419,437	$	18,368,604

LIABILITIES
Deposits
Interest-bearing demand	$	3,626,103	$	3,276,425	$	3,036,296	$	3,066,986	$	3,090,526
Savings	6,406,223		5,740,651		5,054,563		5,005,526		4,918,004
Time	3,868,224		3,504,872		3,296,789		3,139,182		3,141,103
Total interest-bearing deposits	13,900,550		12,521,948		11,387,648		11,211,694		11,149,633
Noninterest-bearing	3,745,002		3,436,709		3,124,277		3,143,081		3,091,037
Total deposits	17,645,552		15,958,657		14,511,925		14,354,775		14,240,670
Federal funds purchased and securities sold
under agreements to repurchase	16,278		2,283		12,434		4,780		2,055
FHLB short-term borrowings	538,084		444,511		497,092		532,198		553,667
Other	0		13,891		21,519		26,226		99,378
Total short-term borrowings	554,362		460,685		531,045		563,204		655,100
Long-term debt	457,799		387,965		292,301		347,369		346,237
Total borrowed funds	1,012,161		848,650		823,346		910,573		1,001,337
Accrued interest and other liabilities	854,225		753,651		655,714		638,342		668,812
Total Liabilities	19,511,938		17,560,958		15,990,985		15,903,690		15,910,819

SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
Common stock	1,795,255		1,644,923		1,639,986		1,637,782		1,641,016
Retained earnings	1,448,012		1,406,388		1,369,069		1,322,168		1,282,300
Accumulated other comprehensive loss	(173,065)		(209,767)		(247,746)		(257,873)		(275,068)
Treasury stock, at cost	(122,617)		(145,963)		(186,106)		(186,330)		(190,463)
Total Shareholders' Equity	2,947,585		2,695,581		2,575,203		2,515,747		2,457,785
Total Liabilities and Shareholders' Equity	$	22,459,523	$	20,256,539	$	18,566,188	$	18,419,437	$	18,368,604


FIRST FINANCIAL BANCORP.
NET INTEREST MARGIN RATE/VOLUME ANALYSIS
(Dollars in thousands)
(Unaudited)

	Quarterly Averages
	March 31, 2026						December 31, 2025						March 31, 2025
	Balance		Interest		Yield		Balance		Interest		Yield		Balance		Interest		Yield
Earning assets
Investments:
Investment securities	$	4,769,261	$	52,017	4.42	%	$	3,988,846	$	43,334	4.31	%	$	3,411,593	$	36,605	4.35	%
Interest-bearing deposits with other banks	596,094		5,450		3.71	%	647,347		6,334		3.88	%	615,812		6,651		4.38	%
Gross loans (1)	14,028,324		224,951		6.50	%	12,812,267		215,663		6.68	%	11,724,727		197,163		6.82	%
Total earning assets	19,393,679		282,418		5.91	%	17,448,460		265,331		6.03	%	15,752,132		240,419		6.19	%

Nonearning assets
Allowance for credit losses	(200,745)						(179,275)						(158,206)
Cash and due from banks	227,115						178,403						164,734
Accrued interest and other assets	3,039,474						2,808,951						2,609,944
Total assets	$	22,459,523					$	20,256,539					$	18,368,604

Interest-bearing liabilities
Deposits:
Interest-bearing demand	$	3,626,103	$	13,281	1.49	%	$	3,276,425	$	13,818	1.67	%	$	3,090,526	$	15,188	1.99	%
Savings	6,406,223		32,480		2.06	%	5,740,651		32,343		2.24	%	4,918,004		30,355		2.50	%
Time	3,868,224		33,974		3.56	%	3,504,872		32,700		3.70	%	3,141,103		33,098		4.27	%
Total interest-bearing deposits	13,900,550		79,735		2.33	%	12,521,948		78,861		2.50	%	11,149,633		78,641		2.86	%
Borrowed funds
Short-term borrowings	554,362		5,168		3.78	%	460,685		4,925		4.24	%	655,100		7,545		4.67	%
Long-term debt	457,799		7,905		7.00	%	387,965		7,550		7.72	%	346,237		4,937		5.78	%
Total borrowed funds	1,012,161		13,073		5.24	%	848,650		12,475		5.83	%	1,001,337		12,482		5.06	%
Total interest-bearing liabilities	14,912,711		92,808		2.52	%	13,370,598		91,336		2.71	%	12,150,970		91,123		3.04	%

Noninterest-bearing liabilities
Noninterest-bearing demand deposits	3,745,002						3,436,709						3,091,037
Other liabilities	854,225						753,651						668,812
Shareholders' equity	2,947,585						2,695,581						2,457,785
Total liabilities & shareholders' equity	$	22,459,523					$	20,256,539					$	18,368,604

Net interest income	$	189,610					$	173,995					$	149,296
Net interest spread					3.39	%					3.32	%					3.15	%
Net interest margin					3.97	%					3.96	%					3.84	%

Tax equivalent adjustment					0.02	%					0.02	%					0.04	%
Net interest margin (fully tax equivalent)					3.99	%					3.98	%					3.88	%


(1) Loans held for sale and nonaccrual loans are included in gross loans.


FIRST FINANCIAL BANCORP.
NET INTEREST MARGIN RATE/VOLUME ANALYSIS (1)
(Dollars in thousands)
(Unaudited)


	Linked Qtr. Income Variance						Comparable Qtr. Income Variance
	Rate		Volume		Total			Rate		Volume		Total
Earning assets
Investment securities	$	1,138	$	7,545	$	8,683		$	604	$	14,808	$	15,412
Interest-bearing deposits with other banks	(284)		(600)		(884)			(1,021)		(180)		(1,201)
Gross loans (2)	(5,646)		14,934		9,288			(9,151)		36,939		27,788
Total earning assets	(4,792)		21,879		17,087			(9,568)		51,567		41,999

Interest-bearing liabilities
Total interest-bearing deposits	$	(5,438)	$	6,312	$	874		$	(14,686)	$	15,780	$	1,094
Borrowed funds
Short-term borrowings	(535)		778		243			(1,438)		(939)		(2,377)
Long-term debt	(702)		1,057		355			1,042		1,926		2,968
Total borrowed funds	(1,237)		1,835		598			(396)		987		591
Total interest-bearing liabilities	(6,675)		8,147		1,472			(15,082)		16,767		1,685
Net interest income (1)	$	1,883	$	13,732	$	15,615		$	5,514	$	34,800	$	40,314


(1) Not tax equivalent.
(2) Loans held for sale and nonaccrual loans are included in gross loans.


FIRST FINANCIAL BANCORP.
CREDIT QUALITY
(Dollars in thousands)
(Unaudited)
	Three Months Ended,
	Mar. 31,			Dec. 31,			Sep. 30,			June 30,			Mar. 31,
	2026			2025			2025			2025			2025
ALLOWANCE FOR CREDIT LOSS ACTIVITY
Balance at beginning of period	$	186,487		$	161,916		$	158,522		$	155,482		$	156,791
Initial allowance on purchased loans	2,829			23,652			0			0			0
Provision for credit losses	6,030			9,688			8,612			9,084			9,141
Gross charge-offs
Commercial and industrial	10,788			6,636			2,165			4,996			8,178
Lease financing	43			918			298			606			1,454
Construction real estate	0			0			245			0			0
Commercial real estate	29			433			3,105			0			0
Residential real estate	127			151			0			16			0
Home equity	119			95			92			100			86
Installment	1,058			1,197			1,194			1,120			1,321
Credit card	496			729			577			489			474
Total gross charge-offs	12,660			10,159			7,676			7,327			11,513
Recoveries
Commercial and industrial	100			264			202			290			195
Lease financing	23			201			291			11			29
Construction real estate	0			0			0			0			0
Commercial real estate	28			5			1,138			70			24
Residential real estate	30			13			58			42			24
Home equity	116			117			94			74			144
Installment	598			682			609			716			563
Credit card	135			108			66			80			84
Total recoveries	1,030			1,390			2,458			1,283			1,063
Total net charge-offs	11,630			8,769			5,218			6,044			10,450
Ending allowance for credit losses	$	183,716		$	186,487		$	161,916		$	158,522		$	155,482

NET CHARGE-OFFS TO AVERAGE LOANS AND LEASES (ANNUALIZED)
Commercial and industrial	0.91		%	0.59		%	0.20		%	0.49		%	0.85		%
Lease financing	0.01		%	0.46		%	0.00		%	0.41		%	0.99		%
Construction real estate	0.00		%	0.00		%	0.14		%	0.00		%	0.00		%
Commercial real estate	0.00		%	0.04		%	0.20		%	(0.01)		%	0.00		%
Residential real estate	0.02		%	0.03		%	(0.02)		%	(0.01)		%	(0.01)		%
Home equity	0.00		%	(0.01)		%	0.00		%	0.01		%	(0.03)		%
Installment	1.12		%	1.25		%	2.03		%	1.38		%	2.42		%
Credit card	2.13		%	3.56		%	2.97		%	2.41		%	2.40		%

Total net charge-offs	0.35		%	0.27		%	0.18		%	0.21		%	0.36		%

COMPONENTS OF NONACCRUAL LOANS, NONPERFORMING ASSETS, AND UNDERPERFORMING ASSETS
Nonaccrual loans
Commercial and industrial	$	22,576		$	27,461		$	23,832		$	24,489		$	7,649
Lease financing	5,857			5,660			5,885			6,243			6,487
Construction real estate	715			1,120			1,120			1,365			0
Commercial real estate	49,481			45,590			24,443			23,905			25,736
Residential real estate	17,439			18,302			16,452			16,995			16,044
Home equity	3,687			2,927			3,567			3,226			2,920
Installment	786			748			652			701			719
Total nonaccrual loans	100,541			101,808			75,951			76,924			59,555


Other real estate owned (OREO)	238			184			111			204			213
Total nonperforming assets	100,779			101,992			76,062			77,128			59,768
Accruing loans past due 90 days or more	1,366			411			592			714			228
Total underperforming assets	$	102,145		$	102,403		$	76,654		$	77,842		$	59,996
Total classified assets	$	232,368		$	235,451		$	218,794		$	214,346		$	213,351

CREDIT QUALITY RATIOS
Allowance for credit losses to
Nonaccrual loans	182.73		%	183.18		%	213.18		%	206.08		%	261.07		%
Total ending loans	1.36		%	1.39		%	1.38		%	1.34		%	1.33		%
Nonaccrual loans to total loans	0.75		%	0.76		%	0.65		%	0.65		%	0.51		%
Nonperforming assets to
Ending loans, plus OREO	0.75		%	0.76		%	0.65		%	0.65		%	0.51		%
Total assets	0.44		%	0.48		%	0.41		%	0.41		%	0.32		%



Classified assets to total assets	1.02		%	1.11		%	1.18		%	1.15		%	1.16		%


FIRST FINANCIAL BANCORP.
CAPITAL ADEQUACY
(Dollars in thousands, except per share data)
(Unaudited)
	Three Months Ended,
	Mar. 31,			Dec. 31,			Sep. 30,			June 30,			Mar. 31,
	2026			2025			2025			2025			2025
PER COMMON SHARE
Market Price
High	$	31.16		$	26.98		$	26.79		$	25.19		$	29.04
Low	$	25.09		$	23.26		$	23.55		$	22.05		$	24.25
Close	$	27.88		$	25.02		$	25.25		$	24.26		$	24.98

Average shares outstanding - basic	103,705,269			96,724,148			94,889,341			94,860,428			94,645,787
Average shares outstanding - diluted	104,615,405			97,593,800			95,753,798			95,741,696			95,524,262
Ending shares outstanding	104,932,829			98,521,726			95,757,250			95,760,617			95,730,353

Total shareholders' equity	$	2,940,625		$	2,769,216		$	2,631,855		$	2,558,155		$	2,501,235

REGULATORY CAPITAL	Preliminary
Common equity tier 1 capital	$	1,970,561		$	1,798,266		$	1,828,843		$	1,776,038		$	1,724,134
Common equity tier 1 capital ratio	12.23		%	11.32		%	12.91		%	12.57		%	12.29		%
Tier 1 capital	$	2,016,070		$	1,843,672		$	1,874,191		$	1,821,316		$	1,769,357
Tier 1 ratio	12.51		%	11.60		%	13.23		%	12.89		%	12.61		%
Total capital	$	2,531,124		$	2,457,377		$	2,170,546		$	2,116,180		$	2,090,211
Total capital ratio	15.71		%	15.46		%	15.32		%	14.98		%	14.90		%
Total capital in excess of minimum requirement	$	839,542		$	788,889		$	683,018		$	632,563		$	617,347
Total risk-weighted assets	$	16,110,302		$	15,890,363		$	14,166,935		$	14,129,683		$	14,027,274
Leverage ratio	9.39		%	9.53		%	10.50		%	10.28		%	10.01		%

OTHER CAPITAL RATIOS
Ending shareholders' equity to ending assets	12.92		%	13.11		%	14.18		%	13.73		%	13.55		%
Ending tangible shareholders' equity to ending tangible assets (1)	7.88		%	7.79		%	8.87		%	8.40		%	8.16		%
Average shareholders' equity to average assets	13.12		%	13.31		%	13.87		%	13.66		%	13.38		%
Average tangible shareholders' equity to average tangible assets (1)	8.01		%	7.97		%	8.54		%	8.26		%	7.94		%

REPURCHASE PROGRAM (2)
Shares repurchased	0			0			0			0			0
Average share repurchase price	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

(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

earnings presentation • First Quarter 2026 Exhibit 99.2

forward looking statements disclosure 2 Certain statements contained in this report which are not statements of historical fact constitute forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Words such as ‘‘believes,’’ ‘‘anticipates,’’ “likely,” “expected,” “estimated,” ‘‘intends’’ and other similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements but are not the exclusive means of identifying such statements. Examples of forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, statements we make about (i) our future operating or financial performance, including revenues, income or loss and earnings or loss per share, (ii) future common stock dividends, (iii) our capital structure, including future capital levels, (iv) our plans, objectives and strategies, and (v) the assumptions that underlie our forward-looking statements. As with any forecast or projection, forward-looking statements are subject to inherent uncertainties, risks and changes in circumstances that may cause actual results to differ materially from those set forth in the forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are not historical facts but instead express only management’s beliefs regarding future results or events, many of which, by their nature, are inherently uncertain and outside of management’s control. It is possible that actual results and outcomes may differ, possibly materially, from the anticipated results or outcomes indicated in these forward-looking statements. Important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those in our forward-looking statements include the following, without limitation: • economic, market, liquidity, credit, interest rate, operational and technological risks associated with the Company’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; (iv) management’s ability to effectively execute its business plans; • mergers and acquisitions, including costs or difficulties related to the integration of acquired companies; • the possibility that any of the anticipated benefits of the Company’s acquisitions will not be realized or will not be realized within the expected time period; • 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;

forward looking statements disclosure 3 • 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. Additional factors that may cause our actual results to differ materially from those described in our forward-looking statements can be found in our Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2025, as well as our other filings with the SEC, which are available on the SEC website at www.sec.gov. All forward-looking statements included in this filing are made as of the date hereof and are based on information available at the time of the filing. Except as required by law, the Company does not assume any obligation to update any forward-looking statement.

1Q 2026 results 142nd Consecutive Quarter of Profitability 4 • EOP assets increased $1.6 billion compared to the linked quarter to $22.8 billion; $1.4 billion from BankFinancial • EOP loans increased $70.8 million compared to the linked quarter to $13.5 billion; $227.7 million from BankFinancial • Average deposits increased $1.7 billion compared to the linked quarter to $17.6 billion • EOP investment securities increased $972.2 million compared to the linked quarter Balance Sheet Profitability Asset Quality Income Statement Capital • Noninterest income – $81.9 million; $75.6 million as adjusted1 • Noninterest expense – $169.4 million; $154.8 million as adjusted1 • Efficiency ratio – 62.4%. Adjusted1 efficiency ratio – 58.4% • Effective tax rate of 20.4%. Adjusted1 effective tax rate of 21.0% • Net interest income – $189.6 million • Net interest margin of 3.97% on a GAAP basis; 3.99% on a fully tax equivalent basis1 • Net income – $74.4 million or $0.71 per diluted share. Adjusted1 net income – $80.5 million or $0.77 per diluted share • Return on average assets – 1.34%. Adjusted 1 return on average assets – 1.45% • Return on average shareholders’ equity – 10.24%. Adjusted1 return on average shareholders’ equity – 11.07% • Return on average tangible common equity – 17.78%. Adjusted1 return on average tangible common equity – 19.22% • Provision expense – $8.5 million • Net charge-offs – $11.6 million. NCOs / Avg. Loans – 0.35% annualized • Classified Assets / Total Assets – 1.02% • NPA / Total Assets – 0.44% • ACL / Total Loans – 1.36%; $2.8 million total reserve build due to BankFinancial • Total capital ratio – 15.71% • Tier 1 common equity ratio – 12.23% • Tangible common equity ratio – 7.88%. Adjusted1 tangible common equity ratio – 8.89% • Tangible book value per share – $16.15 • Board of Directors authorized 5 million share repurchase plan 1 Non-GAAP financial measure which management believes facilitates a better understanding of the Company’s financial condition. See Appendix for Non-GAAP reconciliation.

1Q 2026 highlights • Strong adjusted1 quarterly earnings driven by robust net interest margin • Adjusted1 earnings per share – $0.77 • Adjusted1 return on assets – 1.45% • Adjusted1 pre-tax, pre-provision return on assets – 1.99% • Adjusted1 return on average tangible common equity – 19.22% • Modest loan growth during the quarter • EOP loan balances increased $71 million compared to the linked quarter • Growth included $228 million from the BankFinancial acquisition, offset primarily by $152 million decline in ICRE balances • Originations increased approximately 45% compared to the first quarter of 2025, and by over 25% excluding acquisitions • Loan pipelines have increased significantly since January • Total average deposit balances increased $1.7 billion • Includes $1.2 billion impact from the BankFinancial acquisition and full quarter impact from Westfield • Seasonal decline in public funds • Average noninterest bearing deposits were 20% of average total deposits • Net interest margin (FTE)¹ of 3.99% increased 1 bp from linked quarter • 13 bp decrease in cost of funds o 3 bp decline from BankFinancial acquisition • 12 bp decrease in asset yields 5 1 Non-GAAP financial measure which management believes facilitates a better understanding of the Company’s financial condition. See Appendix for Non-GAAP reconciliations. .

• Noninterest income of $81.9 million; $75.6 million as adjusted1; significantly outpacing expectations • Adjustments include $1.3 million loss on securities, $8.9 million gain on bargain purchase related to the BankFinancial acquisition, and $1.4 million loss on the surrender of a bank owned life insurance policy • Record wealth management income of $10.5 million; 12.9% increase from linked quarter • Double digit percentage growth in client derivative fees and leasing business income • Foreign exchange income of $16.3 million • 24% increase in adjusted1 fee income compared to 1Q25 • Adjusted1 noninterest expense of $154.8 million; 9.1% increase from fourth quarter; outperformed expectations • Adjustments1 include $14.3 million of acquisition related expenses, $0.7 million of tax credit write-downs, and $0.4 million of efficiency and other noninterest expenses • Increase driven by the BankFinancial and Westfield acquisitions • Efficiency ratio of 62.4%; 58.4% as adjusted1 • Credit quality in line with expectations • Total ACL of $206.7 million; provision expense of $8.5 million o Loans and leases - ACL of $183.7 million; $2.8 million related to BankFinancial o 1.36% of total loans o Unfunded Commitments - ACL of $23.0 million; $0.3 million related to BankFinancial • $11.6 million in net charge-offs; 0.35% of loans on an annualized basis • Nonperforming assets decreased slightly to 0.44% of total assets; Classified assets declined to 1.02% of total assets • Capital ratios remain strong • Total capital ratio of 15.71%; 25 bp increase from linked quarter • Tier 1 common equity of 12.23%; 91 bp increase from linked quarter • Tangible book value of $16.15; increased $0.41, or 2.6% from linked quarter • Tangible common equity increased slightly to 7.88%; 8.89%1 excluding ($217.4) million of AOCI • Board of Directors authorized 5,000,000 share repurchase plan 1Q 2026 highlights 6 1 Non-GAAP financial measure which management believes facilitates a better understanding of the Company’s financial condition. See Appendix for Non-GAAP reconciliations. .

acquisition update 7 Westfield Bank BankFinancial • Successful conversion in March • Stable loan and deposit balances • Successful retention of client- facing teams • On track to achieve financial targets, cost savings and EPS contribution • Full impact from cost savings expected at the beginning of 3Q26 • Opened Wadsworth, OH branch in February • Closed on January 1st • Conversion scheduled for June • Sold $427 million of multi-family loans • $8.9 million bargain purchase gain recorded • Full impact from cost savings expected at the beginning of 4Q26

adjusted net income1 8 1 Non-GAAP financial measure which management believes facilitates a better understanding of the Company’s financial condition. See Appendix for Non-GAAP reconciliations. All dollars shown in thousands, except per share amounts The table below lists certain adjustments that the Company believes are significant to understanding its quarterly performance. As Reported Adjusted 1 As Reported Adjusted 1 Net interest income 189,610$ 189,610$ 173,995$ 173,995$ Provision for credit losses-loans and leases 6,030$ 6,030$ 9,688$ 9,688$ Provision for credit losses-unfunded commitments 2,510$ 2,510$ 412$ 412$ Noninterest income 81,906$ 81,906$ 64,767$ 64,767$ less: gains (losses) on security transactions - (1,260) A - (12,576) A - 8,892 A - - A less: other - (1,371) A - - A Total noninterest income 81,906$ 75,645$ 64,767$ 77,343$ Noninterest expense 169,408$ 169,408$ 149,531$ 149,531$ less: tax credit investment writedown - 669 A - 800 A less: merger-related expenses - 14,257 A - 5,658 A less: other - (357) A - 1,177 A Total noninterest expense 169,408$ 154,839$ 149,531$ 141,896$ Income before income taxes 93,568$ 101,876$ 79,131$ 99,342$ Income tax expense 19,123$ 19,123$ 16,738$ 16,738$ plus: after-tax impact of tax credit investment @ 21% - 528 - 632 plus: tax effect of adjustments (A) @ 21% statutory rate - 1,745 - 4,244 Total income tax expense 19,123$ 21,396$ 16,738$ 21,614$ Net income 74,445$ 80,480$ 62,393$ 77,728$ Net earnings per share - diluted 0.71$ 0.77$ 0.64$ 0.80$ Pre-tax, pre-provision return on average assets 1.84% 1.99% 1.75% 2.14% 1Q 2026 4Q 2025 less: gain on bargain purchase

profitability 9 Return on Average Assets Return on Avg Tangible Common Equity Diluted EPS 1 Non-GAAP financial measure which management believes facilitates a better understanding of the Company’s financial condition. See Appendix for Non-GAAP reconciliation. Adjusted1 Pre-tax, Pre-Provision Earnings $0.71$0.64 $0.75$0.73 $0.54 $0.77 $0.80 $0.76 $0.74 $0.63 1Q264Q253Q252Q251Q25 Diluted EPS Adjusted EPS 1 1.34%1.22% 1.54%1.52% 1.13% 1.45%1.52%1.55%1.54% 1.33% 1Q264Q253Q252Q251Q25 ROA Adjusted ROA1 17.78%16.27% 19.11%19.61% 15.16% 19.22%20.27%19.29%19.76% 17.80% 1Q264Q253Q252Q251Q25 ROATCE Adjusted ROATCE 1 $110.4$109.4$100.7$98.5 $83.7 1.99% 2.14%2.15%2.14% 1.85% 1Q264Q253Q252Q251Q25 Pre-tax, pre-provision earnings Pre-tax, pre-provision ROA1 1

net interest income & margin 10 1Q26 NIM (FTE) Progression Net Interest Income All dollars shown in millions 1 1 1 Non-GAAP financial measure which management believes facilitates a better understanding of the Company’s financial condition. See Appendix for Non-GAAP reconciliation. 1 3.82%3.81%3.89%3.95% 3.80% 0.07%0.12% 0.13%0.10% 0.08% 0.10%0.05% 3.99%3.98%4.02%4.05% 3.88% 1Q264Q253Q252Q251Q25 Basic Margin (FTE) Loan Fees Loan Accretion $181.4 $166.6 $155.4$154.3$146.2 $3.2 $5.2 $5.1$4.0 $3.1 $4.9 $2.2 $189.6 $174.0 $160.5$158.3 $149.3 1Q264Q253Q252Q251Q25 Basic NII Loan Fees Loan Accretion 4Q25 3.98% Asset yields/mix -0.17% Loan accretion 0.05% Funding costs/mix 0.13% 1Q26 3.99% Net Interest Margin (FTE)

average balance sheet 11 Average Securities All dollars shown in millions 1 Includes loans fees and loan accretion 1 $4,769$3,989$3,552$3,479$3,412 4.42% 4.31%4.31% 4.44%4.35% 1Q264Q253Q252Q251Q25 Investment Securities Investment Securities Yield $14,028$12,812$11,806$11,793$11,725 6.50% 6.68% 6.88%6.85%6.82% 1Q264Q253Q252Q251Q25 Loans Loan Yield $17,646$15,959$14,512$14,355$14,241 1.83% 1.96% 2.13%2.11% 2.24% 1Q264Q253Q252Q251Q25 Deposits Cost of Deposits 1 Average Loans Average Deposits

12 Borrowing Capacity • Interest-bearing deposits with other banks of $1.0 billion • Investment securities portfolio: • 99.0% of investment portfolio classified as available-for-sale • $840.3 million of expected cash flow from securities portfolio in next 12 months • $520.5 million of floating rate securities with minimal losses • Portfolio duration of 4.3 years at March 31, 2026 borrowing capacity & cash/investment liquidity Cash/Investment Liquidity All dollars shown in thousands FHLB borrowing availability 1,431,938$ Fed Discount Window availability 839,235 Brokered CDs/Deposit placement services 3,117,338 Fed funds 1,013,000 Total as of March 31, 2026 6,401,511$

loan portfolio 13 Loan LOB Mix (EOP) Net Loan Change-LOB (Linked Quarter) All dollars shown in millions Total growth/(decline): $70.8 million ICRE $3,752 28% Commercial & Small Business Banking $4,009 30% Oak Street $1,185 9% Summit $1,084 8% Agile $298 2% Consumer $1,239 9% Mortgage $1,928 14% Total $13.5 billion -$151.9 -$4.4 -$15.8 $45.1 $11.9 -$14.5 -$27.3 $227.7 ICRE Commercial & Small Business Banking Oak Street Summit Agile Consumer Mortgage BankFinancial

loan concentrations 14 C&I and Owner Occupied CRE Loans by Sector1 Investor CRE Loans by Property Type All dollars shown in millions 1 Excludes Agile Premium Finance NAICS Sector 3/31/26 % of Total Loans Finance and Insurance $1,518.0 11.2% Manufacturing 672.6 5.0% Construction 510.1 3.8% Real Estate and Rental and Leasing 413.5 3.1% Health Care and Social Assistance 331.2 2.5% Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services 320.0 2.4% Retail Trade 285.2 2.1% Accommodation and Food Services 280.8 2.1% Wholesale Trade 255.2 1.9% Transportation and Warehousing 172.7 1.3% Agriculture, Forestry, Fishing and Hunting 168.3 1.2% Other Services (except Public Administration) 139.8 1.0% Administrative and Support and Waste Manageme 133.1 1.0% Arts, Entertainment, and Recreation 82.6 0.6% Management of Companies and Enterprises 71.6 0.5% Public Administration 65.9 0.5% Information 62.9 0.5% Utilities 57.4 0.4% Educational Services 46.0 0.3% Mining, Quarrying, and Oil and Gas Extraction 14.5 0.1% Other 1.9 0.0% Grand Total $5,603.3 41.5% Property Type 3/31/26 % of Total Loans Residential Multi Family 5+ $1,160.4 8.6% Retail Property 833.2 6.2% Industrial 417.8 3.1% Office 400.2 3.0% Hospital/Nursing Home 315.3 2.3% Land 190.0 1.4% Other 123.3 0.9% Residential 1-4 Family 111.7 0.8% Hotel 110.0 0.8% Other Real Estate 49.1 0.4% Industrial 41.1 0.3% Grand Total $3,752.3 27.8% • CRE balances approximately 180% of risk- based capital

area of focus – NDFI exposure 15 All dollars shown in millions NDFI Private Credit Exposure • Direct Exposure • $123.9 million outstanding • Primarily subscription lines to well- established funds that are either an institutional investor or publicly traded • $185.0 million committed • Loans to NDFI totaled $423.6 million, or 3.1% of the total loan portfolio • All NDFI loans pass rated at 3/31 • Average loan size is $8.1 million; median size is $6.8 million • Exposure primarily contained to Mortgage Credit Intermediaries (primarily REITs) • 65% of total NFDI loans

deposits 16 Deposit Product Mix (Avg) 1Q26 Average Deposit Progression1 1 Includes full quarter impact from Westfield All dollars shown in millions Total growth/(decline)1: $1.7 billion Noninterest- bearing $3,612 21% Interest-bearing demand $2,319 13% Savings $1,182 7% Money Market $4,539 26% Retail CDs $2,511 14% Brokered Deposits $1,464 8% Public Funds $2,019 11% Total $17.6 billion $96.8 $70.0 $16.9 $277.5 $87.3 $19.0 -$104.9 $1,224.2 Noninterest-bearing Interest-bearing demand Savings Money Market Retail CDs Brokered Deposits Public Funds BankFinancial

average deposit trends 17 All dollars shown in millions Business Public Funds Personal Uninsured Deposits $8,644 $7,407$6,684$6,696$6,665 1Q264Q253Q252Q251Q25 $5,337 $4,841 $4,307$4,163$4,190 1Q264Q253Q252Q251Q25 Uninsured deposits (per call report instructions) 7,394$ Less: Public funds 1,937 Less: Intercompany deposits 386 Adjusted uninsured deposits 5,071 Borrowing capacity 6,402 Borrowing capacity in excess of adjusted uninsured deposits $ 1,331 Borrowing capacity as a % of adjusted uninsured deposits 126.2% Adjusted uninsured deposits to total deposits 28.3%

noninterest income 18 Noninterest Income 1 Non-GAAP financial measure which management believes facilitates a better understanding of the Company’s financial condition. See Appendix for Non-GAAP reconciliations. 1Q26 Highlights • Adjustments include a $1.3 million loss on securities, $8.9 million gain on bargain purchase, and a $1.4 million loss on surrender of bank owned life insurance policy • Adjusted1 noninterest income 29% of net revenue • Foreign exchange income of $16.3 million; • Record wealth management income of $10.5 million; increased $1.2 million, or 12.9% from linked quarter • Record leasing business income of $21.6 million; increased $2.1 million, or 10.7% from the linked quarter All dollars shown in millions Service Charges $9.0 11% Wealth Mgmt $10.5 13% Bankcard $3.6 4% Client derivative fees $4.0 5% Foreign exchange $16.3 20% Leasing business $21.6 26% Mortgage banking $6.0 7% Gain on bargain purchase $8.9 11% Other $2.0 3% Total $81.9 million $75.6 million as adjusted 1

noninterest expense 19 Noninterest Expense 1Q26 Highlights 1 Non-GAAP financial measure which management believes facilitates a better understanding of the Company' Company’s financial condition. See Appendix for Non-GAAP reconciliations. All dollars shown in millions • Adjusted1 noninterest expense increased $12.9 million, or 9.1% from linked quarter • Efficiency ratio of 62.4%; 58.4% as adjusted1 • Increase driven by the Westfield and BankFinancial acquisitions • $14.6 million of adjustments1 include: • $14.3 million of acquisition related expenses • $0.7 million of tax credit investment write-down • $0.4 million of other costs not expected to recur Full-time Equivalent Employees 2 Includes 169 FTE from Westfield acquisition 3 Includes 156 FTE from BankFinancial acquisition Salaries and benefits $99.9 59% Occupancy and equipment $12.2 7% Data processing $12.7 8% Professional services $4.0 2% Intangible amortization $6.3 4% Leasing business expense $14.1 8% Other $20.3 12% $169.4 Total 63.9% 56.9% 57.4% 62.6% 62.4% 60.2% 56.4% 57.0% 56.5% 58.4% 1Q25 2Q25 3Q25 4Q25 1Q26 Efficiency Ratio Adjusted Efficiency Ratio1 Efficiency Ratio 2,319 2,164 1,986 2,033 2,021 1Q264Q253Q252Q251Q25 Full-time equivalent employees 2 3

allowance for credit losses 20 1Q26 Highlights All dollars shown in millions • $206.7 million combined ACL; $8.5 million combined provision expense • $183.7 million ACL – loans and leases; $2.8 million related to BankFinancial • ACL 1.36% of total loans • Utilized Moody’s March baseline forecast in quantitative model • $23.0 million ACL – unfunded commitments; $0.3 million related to BankFinancial ACL / Total Loans $155.5 $158.5 $161.9 $186.5 $183.7 $16.4 $17.1 $17.6 $20.2 $23.0$171.9 $175.7 $179.5 $206.7 $206.7 1.33% 1.34% 1.38% 1.39% 1.36% 1Q25 2Q25 3Q25 4Q25 1Q26 ACL-loans and leases ACL-unfunded commitments ACL / Total Loans

asset quality 21 Classified Assets / Total Assets 1 Provision includes both loans & leases and unfunded commitments All dollars shown in millions Nonperforming Assets / Total Assets Net Charge Offs & Provision Expense1 $10.5 $6.0 $5.2 $8.8 $11.6 $8.7 $9.8 $9.1 $10.1 $8.5 0.35% 0.27% 0.18% 0.21% 0.36% 1Q25 2Q25 3Q25 4Q25 1Q26 NCOs Provision Expense NCOs / Average Loans $232.4 $235.5 $218.8$214.3$213.4 1.02%1.11%1.18%1.15%1.16% 1Q264Q253Q252Q251Q25 Classified Assets Classified Assets / Total Assets $100.8$102.0 $76.1$77.1 $59.8 0.44%0.48% 0.41%0.41%0.32% 1Q264Q253Q252Q251Q25 NPAs NPAs / Total Assets

capital 22 Tangible Common Equity Ratio 3/31 Risk Weighted Assets = $16,110,302 All capital numbers are considered preliminary. 1 Non-GAAP financial measure which management believes facilitates a better understanding of the Company’s financial condition. See Appendix for Non-GAAP reconciliation. Adjusted TCE excludes impact from AOCI Tier 1 Capital RatioTier 1 Common Equity Ratio Total Capital Ratio 8.16% 8.40% 8.87% 7.79% 7.88% 9.62% 9.81% 10.15% 8.74% 8.89% 1Q25 2Q25 3Q25 4Q25 1Q26 TCE ratio Adjusted TCE ratio¹ 12.23% 11.32% 12.91%12.57%12.29% 7.00% 1Q264Q253Q252Q251Q25 Tier 1 Common Equity Ratio Basel III minimum 12.51% 11.60% 13.23%12.89%12.61% 8.50% 1Q264Q253Q252Q251Q25 Tier 1 Capital Ratio Basel III minimum 15.71%15.46%15.32%14.98%14.90% 10.50% 1Q264Q253Q252Q251Q25 Total Capital Ratio Basel III minimum

capital strategy 23 Strategy & DeploymentTangible Book Value Per Share • 3.6% annualized dividend yield as of March 31st • 35% of 1Q26 earnings returned to shareholders through common dividend • Most recent internal stress testing indicates capital ratios above regulatory minimums in all modeled scenarios • Common dividend of $0.25 • No shares repurchased in 1Q26 • Board of Directors approved 5,000,000 share repurchase plan • Increase in TBV per share from linked quarter driven by strong earnings • 9.1% increase since 1Q25; • Approximates pre-Westfield/BFIN level 1 Excludes impact from AOCI $14.80 $15.40 $16.19 $15.74 $16.15 $17.45 $17.98 $18.52 $17.67 $18.23 1Q25 2Q25 3Q25 4Q25 1Q26 Tangible Book Value per Share TBV per share-adjusted1

outlook commentary1 • Loan balances expected to increase mid single digits on an annualized basis • Core deposit balances expected to be relatively flat 24 • Total noninterest expense expected to be $151 - 154 million • Incentive expense will fluctuate with fee income Noninterest Expense Net Interest Margin Balance Sheet Credit • Stable credit costs expected • Stable ACL coverage as a percentage of loans expected Noninterest Income • Total expected fee income of $75 - 77 million • Includes $14 - 16 million foreign exchange • Includes $20 - 22 million leasing business income 1 See Forward Looking Statement Disclosure on page 2-3 of this presentation for a discussion of factors that could affect management’s expectations and results in future periods. • Expected to be 3.99% - 4.04%; assumes no rate cuts Capital • Common dividend unchanged at $0.25 Noninterest Expense Net Interest argin Balance Sheet redit Noninterest Income

25 overview of Westfield – closed 11/1/25 Westfield Bank Lines of Business • Commercial Banking / Treasury Management • Agency Banking and Premium Finance • Registered Investment Advisor Banking • Consumer - Mortgage• Consumer - Retail • Private Banking $2.1B in assets Consolidated Financial Highlights as of November 1, 2025 $1.6B in loans Headquarters: Westfield Center, OH Branches: 7 Active at close 1 opened in Feb 2026 Employees: 169 • Westfield Bancorp, the holding company for Westfield Bank, FSB (“Westfield Bank”), was 100% owned by Ohio Farmers Insurance Company (“OFIC”) (d/b/a Westfield), a mutual insurance company founded in 1848. $1.8B in deposits

26 overview of BankFinancial – at close 1/1/26 Key franchise highlights Financial summary Balance Sheet & Capital (As of 4Q25 Unless Otherwise Stated, %) 46Cash & Securities / Assets 58Loan / Deposit Ratio 78Non-Time Deposit Composition 11.2TCE / TA 21.1CET1 Ratio1 (0.01)NCOs / Avg. Loans (MRQ, annualized) Profitability – (4Q25, %) 0.06Return on Avg. Assets 3.23Net Interest Margin 96Efficiency Ratio 11Fee Income Ratio Loan & Deposit composition $1.4BnTotal Assets $1.2BnTotal Deposits Burr Ridge, IllinoisHeadquarters 1924Year Founded 17 Full-Service Retail BranchesBranches BFIN (NASDAQ-Listed)Ticker $427 millionMultifamily Loans Sold in Mar 2026 1 Attractive low cost, core deposit franchise 2 Significant scarcity value in Chicago MSA 3 Strong capitalization and excess liquidity profile 4 Limited borrowings and no brokered deposits 5 Robust credit quality and underwriting philosophy Loan composition Deposit composition Overview of BankFinancial 1 Data for the quarter ended 9/30/25 Note: All consolidated financial data as of 4Q25 unless otherwise noted Loans: $700.2 million Yield on Loans: 5.22% Deposits: $1.2 billion Cost of Deposits: 1.45% Money Market 25% Interest Bearing Checking 24% Certificates of Deposit 22% Noninterest Bearing 16% Savings 13% Multifamily 66% Equipment Finance 14% Non-Res. RE 13% Commercial Finance 5% 1-4 Family 2% Consumer 0%

The Company’s Investor Presentation contains certain financial information determined by methods other than in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States (GAAP). Such non-GAAP financial information should be considered supplemental to, and not as a substitute for, or superior to, financial measures calculated in accordance with GAAP. However, we believe that non-GAAP reporting provides meaningful information and therefore we use it to supplement our GAAP information. We have chosen to provide this supplemental information to investors, analysts and other interested parties to enable them to perform additional analyses of operating results, to illustrate the results of operations giving effect to the non-GAAP adjustments and to provide an additional measure of performance. We believe this information is helpful in understanding the results of operations separate and apart from items that may, or could, have a disproportional positive or negative impact in any given period. For a reconciliation of the differences between the non-GAAP financial measures and the most comparable GAAP measures, please refer to the following reconciliation tables. to GAAP Reconciliation 27 appendix: non-GAAP measures

appendix: non-GAAP to GAAP reconciliation 28 All dollars shown in thousands Net interest income and net interest margin - fully tax equivalent Mar. 31, Dec. 31, Sep. 30, June 30, Mar. 31, 2026 2025 2025 2025 2025 Net interest income 189,610$ 173,995$ 160,486$ 158,269$ 149,296$ Tax equivalent adjustment 1,186 1,227 1,248 1,246 1,213 Net interest income - tax equivalent 190,796$ 175,222$ 161,734$ 159,515$ 150,509$ Average earning assets 19,393,679$ 17,448,460$ 15,968,153$ 15,814,576$ 15,752,132$ Net interest margin1 3.97 % 3.96 % 3.99 % 4.01 % 3.84 % Net interest margin (fully tax equivalent)1 3.99 % 3.98 % 4.02 % 4.05 % 3.88 % Three months ended 1 Margins are calculated using net interest income annualized divided by average earning assets. 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.

appendix: non-GAAP to GAAP reconciliation 29 All dollars shown in thousands Additional non-GAAP ratios Mar. 31, Dec. 31, Sep. 30, June 30, Mar. 31, (Dollars in thousands, except per share data) 2026 2025 2025 2025 2025 Net income (a) 74,445$ 62,393$ 71,923$ 69,996$ 51,293$ Average total shareholders' equity 2,947,585 2,695,581 2,575,203 2,515,747 2,457,785 Less: Goodwill (1,099,543) (1,069,781) (1,007,656) (1,007,656) (1,007,656) Other intangibles (149,631) (104,184) (74,448) (76,076) (78,220) Average tangible equity (b) 1,698,411 1,521,616 1,493,099 1,432,015 1,371,909 Total shareholders' equity 2,940,625 2,769,216 2,631,855 2,558,155 2,501,235 Less: Goodwill (1,099,543) (1,099,524) (1,007,656) (1,007,656) (1,007,656) Other intangibles (145,927) (118,832) (73,797) (75,458) (77,002) Ending tangible common equity (c) 1,695,155 1,550,860 1,550,402 1,475,041 1,416,577 Less: AOCI (217,430) (189,942) (223,000) (246,384) (253,888) Adjusted ending tangible common equity (d) 1,912,585 1,740,802 1,773,402 1,721,425 1,670,465 Total assets 22,762,006 21,129,379 18,554,506 18,634,255 18,455,067 Less: Goodwill (1,099,543) (1,099,524) (1,007,656) (1,007,656) (1,007,656) Other intangibles (145,927) (118,832) (73,797) (75,458) (77,002) Ending tangible assets (e) 21,516,536 19,911,023 17,473,053 17,551,141 17,370,409 Risk-weighted assets (f) 16,110,302 15,890,363 14,166,935 14,129,683 14,027,274 Total average assets 22,459,523 20,256,539 18,566,188 18,419,437 18,368,604 Less: Goodwill (1,099,543) (1,069,781) (1,007,656) (1,007,656) (1,007,656) Other intangibles (149,631) (104,184) (74,448) (76,076) (78,220) Average tangible assets (g) 21,210,349$ 19,082,574$ 17,484,084$ 17,335,705$ 17,282,728$ Ending shares outstanding (h) 104,932,829 98,521,726 95,757,250 95,760,617 95,730,353 Ratios Return on average tangible shareholders' equity (a)/(b) 17.78% 16.27% 19.11% 19.61% 15.16% Ending tangible common equity as a percent of: Ending tangible assets (c)/(e) 7.88% 7.79% 8.87% 8.40% 8.16% Risk-weighted assets (c)/(f) 10.52% 9.76% 10.94% 10.44% 10.10% Adjusted ending tangible common equity to ending tangible assets (d)/(e) 8.89% 8.74% 10.15% 9.81% 9.62% Average tangible equity as a percent of average tangible assets (b)/(g) 8.01% 7.97% 8.54% 8.26% 7.94% Tangible book value per share (c)/(h) 16.15$ 15.74$ 16.19$ 15.40$ 14.80$ Three months ended,

appendix: non-GAAP to GAAP reconciliation 30 All dollars shown in thousands Additional non-GAAP measures 3Q25 2Q25 As Reported Adjusted As Reported Adjusted As Reported Adjusted As Reported Adjusted Net interest income (f) 189,610$ 189,610$ 173,995$ 173,995$ 160,486$ 160,486$ 158,269$ 158,269$ Provision for credit losses-loans and leases (j) 6,030 6,030 9,688 9,688 8,612 8,612 9,084 9,084 Provision for credit losses-unfunded commitments (j) 2,510 2,510 412 412 453 453 718 718 Noninterest income 81,906 81,906 64,767 64,767 73,525 73,525 68,063 68,063 less: gains (losses) on security transactions (1,260) (12,576) (42) 242 less: gain on bargain purchase 8,892 - - - less: other (1,371) - - - Total noninterest income (g) 81,906 75,645 64,767 77,343 73,525 73,567 68,063 67,821 Noninterest expense 169,408 169,408 149,531 149,531 134,269 134,269 128,671 128,671 less: tax credit investment writedown 669 800 112 111 less: merger-related expenses 14,257 5,658 - - less: Other (357) 1,177 827 960 Total noninterest expense (e) 169,408 154,839 149,531 141,896 134,269 133,330 128,671 127,600 Income before income taxes (i) 93,568 101,876 79,131 99,342 90,677 91,658 87,859 88,688 Income tax expense 19,123 19,123 16,738 16,738 18,754 18,754 17,863 17,863 plus: tax effect of adjustments 528 632 89 88 plus: after-tax impact of tax credit investments @ 21% 1,745 4,244 206 174 Total income tax expense (h) 19,123 21,396 16,738 21,614 18,754 19,049 17,863 18,125 Net income (a) 74,445$ 80,480$ 62,393$ 77,728$ 71,923$ 72,609$ 69,996$ 70,563$ Average diluted shares (b) 104,615 104,615 97,594 97,594 95,754 95,754 95,742 95,742 Average assets (c) 22,459,523 22,459,523 20,256,539 20,256,539 18,566,188 18,566,188 18,419,437 18,419,437 Average shareholders' equity (k) 2,947,585 2,947,585 2,695,581 2,695,581 2,575,203 2,575,203 2,515,747 2,515,747 Less: Goodwill and other intangibles (1,249,174) (1,249,174) (1,173,965) (1,173,965) (1,082,104) (1,082,104) (1,083,732) (1,083,732) Average tangible equity (d) 1,698,411 1,698,411 1,521,616 1,521,616 1,493,099 1,493,099 1,432,015 1,432,015 Ratios Net earnings per share - diluted (a)/(b) 0.71$ 0.77$ 0.64$ 0.80$ 0.75$ 0.76$ 0.73$ 0.74$ Return on average assets - (a)/(c) 1.34% 1.45% 1.22% 1.52% 1.54% 1.55% 1.52% 1.54% Pre-tax, pre-provision return on average assets - ((a)+(j)+(h))/(c) 1.84% 1.99% 1.75% 2.14% 2.13% 2.15% 2.13% 2.14% Return on average shareholders' equity (a)/(k) 10.24% 11.07% 9.18% 11.44% 11.08% 11.19% 11.16% 11.25% Return on average tangible shareholders' equity - (a)/(d) 17.78% 19.22% 16.27% 20.27% 19.11% 19.29% 19.61% 19.76% Efficiency ratio - (e)/((f)+(g)) 62.4% 58.4% 62.6% 56.5% 57.4% 57.0% 56.9% 56.4% Effective tax rate - (h)/(i) 20.4% 21.0% 21.2% 21.8% 20.7% 20.8% 20.3% 20.4% (Dollars in thousands, except per share data) 1Q26 4Q25

31 First Financial Bancorp First Financial Center 255 East Fifth Street Cincinnati, OH 45202

Source: View Original Filing on SEC EDGAR

FAQ

How did First Financial Bancorp (FFBC) perform in Q1 2026?

First Financial Bancorp reported net income of $74.4 million, or $0.71 per diluted share in Q1 2026. Adjusted net income was $80.5 million, or $0.77 per diluted share, driven by record adjusted revenue of $265.3 million and a solid net interest margin.

What were First Financial Bancorp’s key profitability metrics in Q1 2026?

In Q1 2026, First Financial Bancorp posted a return on average assets of 1.34% and an adjusted ROA of 1.45%. Return on average tangible common equity was 17.78%, rising to 19.22% on an adjusted basis, reflecting efficient capital use and strong earnings.

What was First Financial Bancorp’s net interest margin for Q1 2026?

First Financial Bancorp’s Q1 2026 net interest margin was 3.97% on a GAAP basis and 3.99% on a fully tax-equivalent basis. This margin slightly increased from the prior quarter, supported by a 13 basis point decline in funding costs that offset lower asset yields.

How strong were First Financial Bancorp’s credit quality metrics in Q1 2026?

Credit quality remained stable in Q1 2026, with annualized net charge-offs at 0.35% of average loans and an allowance for credit losses equal to 1.36% of total loans. Nonperforming assets were 0.44% of total assets and classified assets were 1.02% of total assets.

What capital levels did First Financial Bancorp report as of March 31, 2026?

As of March 31, 2026, First Financial Bancorp reported a total capital ratio of 15.71% and a common equity tier 1 ratio of 12.23%. Tangible common equity to tangible assets was 7.88%, or 8.89% excluding accumulated other comprehensive income, with tangible book value per share at $16.15.

How did the BankFinancial acquisition affect First Financial Bancorp’s Q1 2026 results?

The BankFinancial acquisition contributed $1.4 billion of assets, $227.7 million of loans, and about $1.2 billion to average deposits in Q1 2026. It also generated an $8.9 million bargain purchase gain and drove part of the increase in noninterest expense and deposit growth.

Filing Exhibits & Attachments

6 documents

First Financial (NASDAQ: FFBC) posts Q1 profit growth and OKs 5M-share buyback

Rhea-AI Filing Summary

Positive

Negative

Insights

8-K Event Classification

Key Figures

Key Terms

Earnings Snapshot

FAQ

How did First Financial Bancorp (FFBC) perform in Q1 2026?

What were First Financial Bancorp’s key profitability metrics in Q1 2026?

What was First Financial Bancorp’s net interest margin for Q1 2026?

How strong were First Financial Bancorp’s credit quality metrics in Q1 2026?

What capital levels did First Financial Bancorp report as of March 31, 2026?

How did the BankFinancial acquisition affect First Financial Bancorp’s Q1 2026 results?

Filing Exhibits & Attachments

Press Releases

Other Documents

First Financial (NASDAQ: FFBC) posts Q1 profit growth and OKs 5M-share buyback

Rhea-AI Filing Summary

Positive

Negative

Insights

Bank equity analyst positive

8-K Event Classification

Key Figures

Key Terms

Earnings Snapshot

FAQ

How did First Financial Bancorp (FFBC) perform in Q1 2026?

What were First Financial Bancorp’s key profitability metrics in Q1 2026?

What was First Financial Bancorp’s net interest margin for Q1 2026?

How strong were First Financial Bancorp’s credit quality metrics in Q1 2026?

What capital levels did First Financial Bancorp report as of March 31, 2026?

What share repurchase plan did First Financial Bancorp approve in 2026?

How did the BankFinancial acquisition affect First Financial Bancorp’s Q1 2026 results?

Filing Exhibits & Attachments

Press Releases

Other Documents