UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

WASHINGTON, D.C.  20549

FORM 10-Q

QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE

SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
 
For The Quarterly Period Ended September 30, 2009

Commission File Number 0-16759

FIRST FINANCIAL CORPORATION
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

INDIANA
 
35-1546989
(State or other jurisdiction
 
(I.R.S. Employer
incorporation or organization)
 
Identification No.)

One First Financial Plaza, Terre Haute, IN
 
47807
(Address of principal executive office)
 
(Zip Code)
     
(812)238-6000
 
(Registrant's telephone number, including area code)
 
 
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.
Yes x    No ¨.

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files).
 
Yes ¨    No ¨.

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, or a smaller reporting company.  See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,”  “accelerated filer” and “smaller reporting company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.

Large accelerated filer  ¨
 
Accelerated filer x
Non-accelerated filer ¨
(Do not check if a smaller reporting company)
 Smaller reporting company¨

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).
Yes ¨    No  x.

As of November 3, 2009, the registrant had outstanding 13,134,630 shares of common stock, without par value.

 
 

 


FIRST FINANCIAL CORPORATION
FORM 10-Q

INDEX
Page No.
   
PART I.  Financial Information
 
   
Item 1. Financial Statements:
 
   
Consolidated Balance Sheets
3
   
Consolidated Statements of Income
4
   
Consolidated Statements of Shareholders’ Equity
5
   
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
7
   
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
   
Item 2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
16
 
 
Item 3.  Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk
16
   
Item 4.  Controls and Procedures
19
   
PART II. Other Information:
 
   
Item 1. Legal Proceedings
19
   
Item 1A. Risk Factors
19
   
Item 2.  Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds
19
   
Item 3.  Defaults upon Senior Securities
19
   
Item 4.  Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders
19
   
Item 5.  Other Information
19
   
Item 6.  Exhibits
20
   
Signatures
21

 
2

 

Part I – Financial Information
Item 1. Financial Statements
FIRST FINANCIAL CORPORATION
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(Dollar amounts in thousands, except per share data)

   
September 30,
   
December 31,
 
   
2009
   
2008
 
   
(Unaudited)
       
ASSETS
           
Cash and due from banks
  $ 70,037     $ 67,298  
Federal funds sold and short-term investments
    3,000       9,530  
Securities available-for-sale
    605,223       596,915  
Loans:
               
Commercial, financial and agricultural
    542,393       499,636  
Real estate – construction
    29,656       26,137  
Real estate – mortgage
    723,823       628,027  
Installment
    329,541       302,977  
Lease financing
    2,232       1,878  
      1,627,645       1,458,655  
Less:
               
Unearned Income
    (81 )     (128 )
Allowance for loan losses
    (18,828 )     (16,280 )
      1,608,736       1,442,247  
                 
Credit card loans held-for-sale
    12,352       12,800  
Restricted Stock
    28,348       26,227  
Accrued interest receivable
    12,706       13,081  
Premises and equipment, net
    32,464       32,145  
Bank-owned life insurance
    63,535       62,107  
Goodwill
    7,102       7,102  
Other intangible assets
    5,698       1,512  
Other real estate owned
    5,131       3,200  
FDIC indemnification ssset
    12,098       -  
Other assets
    34,483       28,511  
TOTAL ASSETS
  $ 2,500,913     $ 2,302,675  
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY
               
Deposits:
               
Noninterest-bearing
  $ 283,156     $ 236,249  
Interest-bearing:
               
Certificates of deposit of $100 or more
    240,139       211,107  
Other interest-bearing deposits
    1,204,391       1,116,142  
      1,727,686       1,563,498  
Short-term borrowings
    80,792       21,500  
Other borrowings
    332,752       385,153  
Other liabilities
    50,460       45,680  
TOTAL LIABILITIES
    2,191,690       2,015,831  
Shareholders’ equity
               
Common stock, $.125 stated value per share;
               
Authorized shares-40,000,000
               
Issued shares-14,450,966
               
Outstanding shares-13,116,630 in 2009 and 13,098,615 in 2008
    1,806       1,806  
Additional paid-in capital
    68,654       68,654  
Retained earnings
    277,415       263,115  
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)
    (4,867 )     (12,946 )
Treasury shares at cost-1,334,336 in 2009 and 1,352,351 in 2008
    (33,785 )     (33,785 )
TOTAL SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY
    309,223       286,844  
TOTAL LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY
  $ 2,500,913     $ 2,302,675  
See accompanying notes.

 
3

 

FIRST FINANCIAL CORPORAT ION
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME
(Dollar amounts in thousands, except per share data)

   
Three Months Ended
   
Nine Months Ended
 
   
September 30,
   
September 30,
 
   
2009
   
2008
   
2009
   
2008
 
   
(unaudited)
   
(unaudited)
   
(unaudited)
   
(unaudited)
 
INTEREST INCOME:
                       
Loans, including related fees
  $ 24,332     $ 24,799     $ 69,969     $ 75,256  
Securities:
                               
Taxable
    5,712       6,412       17,699       18,794  
Tax-exempt
    1,672       1,609       4,961       4,787  
Other
    508       554       1439       2,095  
TOTAL INTEREST INCOME
    32,224       33,374       94,068       100,932  
INTEREST EXPENSE:
                               
Deposits
    5,012       7,378       16,789       25,971  
Short-term borrowings
    145       290       425       857  
Other borrowings
    4,200       4,602       12,948       14,084  
TOTAL INTEREST EXPENSE
    9,357       12,270       30,162       40,912  
NET INTEREST INCOME
    22,867       21,104       63,906       60,020  
Provision for loan losses
    3,690       2,215       9,380       5,875  
NET INTEREST INCOME AFTER PROVISION FOR LOAN LOSSES
    19,177       18,889       54,526       54,145  
NON-INTEREST INCOME:
                               
Trust and financial services
    1,174       981       3,120       3,090  
Service charges and fees on deposit accounts
    2,968       3,157       8,232       8,937  
Other service charges and fees
    1,871       1,640       5,055       4,511  
Securities gains/(losses), net
    -       6       2       361  
Total Impairment Losses
    (8,531 )     (6,145 )     (34,042 )     (6,145 )
Loss recognized in other comprehensive loss
    5,209       -       26,155       -  
Insurance commissions
    1,584       1,556       4,600       4,752  
Gain on sales of mortgage loans
    526       184       1,710       594  
Gain on bargain purchase
    5,409       -       5,409       -  
Other
    89       61       933       1,630  
TOTAL NON-INTEREST INCOME
    10,299       1,440       21,174       17,730  
                                 
NON-INT EREST EXP ENSE:
                               
Salaries and employee benefits
    10,619       10,043       30,813       30,501  
Occupancy expense
    1,171       1,047       3,290       3,084  
Equipment expense
    1,174       1,185       3,404       3,424  
FDIC Insurance
    692       59       2,599       158  
Other
    4,855       4,169       13,104       11,990  
TOTAL NON-INTEREST EXPENSE
    18,511       16,503       53,210       49,157  
INCOME BEFORE INCOME TAXES
    10,965       3,826       22,490       22,718  
Provision for income taxes
    3,246       324       5,620       5,123  
NET INCOME
  $ 7,719     $ 3,502     $ 16,870     $ 17,595  
PER SHARE DATA
                               
Basic and Diluted
  $ 0.59     $ 0.27     $ 1.29     $ 1.34  
Dividends Per Share
    -       -     $ 0.45     $ 0.44  
Weighted average number of shares outstanding (in thousands)
    13,117       13,199       13,117       13,108  
See accompanying notes.

 
4

 

FIRST FINANCIAL CORPORATION
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUIT Y
Three Months Ended
September 30, 2009, and 2008
(Dollar amounts in thousands, except per share data)
(Unaudited)

                     
Accoumulated
             
                     
Other
             
   
Common
   
Additional
   
Retained
   
Comprehensive
   
Treasury
       
   
Stock
   
Capital
   
Earnings
   
Income/(Loss)
   
Stock
   
Total
 
                                     
Balance, July 1, 2009
  $ 1,806     $ 68,654     $ 269,696     $ (13,714 )   $ (33,785 )   $ 292,657  
                                                 
Comprehensive income:
                                               
Net income
    -       -       7,719       -       -       7,719  
Change in net unrealized gains/(losses) on securities available for-sale
    -       -       -       8,756       -       8,756  
Change in net unrealized gains/(losses) on retirement plans
    -       -       -       91       -       91  
Total comprehensive income/(loss)
                                            16,566  
 
                                               
Balance, September 30, 2009
  $ 1,806     $ 68,654     $ 277,415     $ (4,867 )   $ (33,785 )   $ 309,223  
                                                 
Balance, July 1, 2008
  $ 1,806     $ 68,212     $ 258,341     $ (12,452 )   $ (34,190 )   $ 281,717  
                                                 
Comprehensive income:
                                               
Net income
    -       -       3,502       -       -       3,502  
Change in net unrealized gains/(losses) on securities available for-sale
    -       -       -       (5,692 )     -       (5,692 )
Change in net unrealized gains/(losses) on retirement plans
    -       -       -       128       -       128  
Total comprehensive income/(loss)
                                            (2,062 )
                                                 
Balance, September 30, 2008
  $ 1,806     $ 68,212     $ 261,843     $ (18,016 )   $ (34,190 )   $ 279,655  

See accompanying notes.

 
5

 

FIRST FINANCIAL CORPORATION
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT S OF SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUIT Y
Nine Months Ended
September 30, 2009, and 2008
(Dollar amounts in thousands, except per share data)
(Unaudited)

                     
Accoumulated
             
                     
Other
             
   
Common
   
Additional
   
Retained
   
Comprehensive
   
Treasury
       
   
Stock
   
Capital
   
Earnings
   
Income/(Loss)
   
Stock
   
Total
 
                                     
Balance, January 1, 2009
  $ 1,806     $ 68,654     $ 263,115     $ (12,946 )   $ (33,785 )   $ 286,844  
                                                 
Comprehensive income:
                                               
Net income
    -       -       16,870       -       -       16,870  
Change in net unrealized gains/(losses) on securities available for-sale
    -       -       -       11,139       -       11,139  
Change in net unrealized gains/(losses) on retirement plans
    -       -       -       273       -       273  
Total comprehensive income/(loss)
                                            28,282  
                                                 
Cumulative Effect of change in accounting principle, adoption of ASC320-10-65-65, net of tax
    -       -       3,333       (3,333 )     -       -  
                                                 
Cash Dividends, $.45 per share
    -       -       (5,903 )     -       -       (5,903 )
                                                 
Balance, September 30, 2009
  $ 1,806     $ 68,654     $ 277,415     $ (4,867 )   $ (33,785 )   $ 309,223  
                                                 
Balance, January 1, 2008
  $ 1,806     $ 68,212     $ 250,011     $ (5,181 )   $ (33,156 )   $ 281,692  
                                                 
Comprehensive income:
                                               
Net income
    -       -       17,595       -       -       17,595  
Change in net unrealized gains/(losses) on securities available for-sale
    -       -       -       (13,219 )     -       (13,219 )
Change in net unrealized gains/(losses) on retirement plans
    -       -       -       384       -       384  
Total comprehensive income/(loss)
                                            4,760  
                                                 
Cash Dividends, $.44 per share
    -       -       (5,763 )     -       -       (5,763 )
Treasury stock purchase
    -       -       -       -       (1,034 )     (1,034 )
                                                 
Balance, September 30, 2008
  $ 1,806     $ 68,212     $ 261,843     $ (18,016 )   $ (34,190 )   $ 279,655  
 
 
6

 

FIRST FINANCIAL CORPORAT ION
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOW S
(Dollar amounts in thousands, except per share data)

   
Nine Months Ended
 
   
September 30,
 
   
2009
   
2008
 
   
(Unaudited)
 
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES:
           
             
Net Income
  $ 16,870     $ 17,595  
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
               
Net amortization (accretion) of premiums and discounts on investments
    (2,018 )     (2,083 )
Net amortization (accretion) of premiums and discounts on loans
    241       -  
Provision for loan losses
    9,380       5,875  
Securities (gains) losses
    7,887       5,784  
Gain on purchase of business unit
    (5,409 )     -  
(Gain) loss on sale of other real estate
    90       (41 )
Depreciation and amortization
    2,854       2,618  
Other, net
    (6,680 )     (10,008 )
NET CASH FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES
    23,215       19,740  
                 
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES:
               
                 
Proceeds from sales of securities available-for-sale
    -       961  
Proceeds from sales of restricted stock
    -       2,386  
Calls, maturities and principal reductions on securities available-for-sale
    89,911       66,827  
Purchases of securities available-for-sale
    (65,683 )     (132,249 )
Loans made to customers, net of repayment
    (100,956 )     (56,544 )
Cash received from purchase of business unit
    30,977       -  
Proceeds from sales of other real estate owned
    2,020       1,506  
Net change in federal funds sold
    6,530       (6,464 )
Additions to premises and equipment
    (2,739 )     (1,905 )
NET CASH FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES
    (39,940 )     (125,482 )
                 
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
               
                 
Net change in deposits
    18,475       (509 )
Net change in short-term borrowings
    59,292       23,930  
Dividends paid
    (5,902 )     (5,785 )
Purchase of treasury stock
    -       (1,034 )
Proceeds from other borrowings
    120,000       283,500  
Repayments on other borrowings
    (172,401 )     (214,618 )
NET CASH FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES
    19,464       85,484  
                 
NET CHANGE IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS
    2,739       (20,258 )
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS, BEGINNING OF PERIOD
    67,298       70,082  
                 
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS, END OF PERIOD
  $ 70,037     $ 49,824  

See accompanying notes.

 
7

 

FIRST FINANCIAL CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

The accompanying September 30, 2009 and 2008 consolidated financial statements are unaudited.  The December 31, 2008 consolidated financial statements are as reported in the First Financial Corporation (the “Corporation”) 2008 annual report.  The information presented does not include all information and footnotes required by U.S. generally accepted accounting principles for complete financial statements. The following notes should be read together with notes to the consolidated financial statements included in the 2008 annual report filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission as an exhibit to Form 10-K filed for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2008.

1.  Significant Accounting Policies

       The significant accounting policies followed by the Corporation and its subsidiaries for interim financial reporting are consistent with the accounting policies followed for annual financial reporting.  All adjustments which are, in the opinion of management, necessary for a fair statement of the results for the periods reported have been included in the accompanying consolidated financial statements and are of a normal recurring nature.  The Corporation reports financial information for only one segment, banking. Some items in the prior year financials were reclassified to conform to the current presentation.
2. Allowance for Loan Losses

       The activity in the Corporation’s allowance for loan losses is shown in the following analysis:

   
September 30,
 
(Dollar amounts in thousands)
 
2009
   
2008
 
             
Balance at beginning of year
  $ 16,280     $ 15,351  
Provision for loan losses
    9,380       5,875  
Recoveries of loans previously charged off
    1,675       2,040  
Loans charged off
    (8,507 )     (7,426 )
BALANCE AT END OF PERIOD
  $ 18,828     $ 15,840  

      A loan is considered to be impaired when, based upon current information and events, it is probable that the Corporation will be unable to collect all amounts due according to the contractual terms of the loan.  Large groups of smaller balance homogeneous loans, such as consumer, residential real estate and smaller commercial loans are collectively evaluated for impairment and, accordingly, they are not separately identified for impairment disclosures. Also included in impaired loans are loans acquired in the First National Bank of Danville acquisition.  See Note 9 for further discussion of these loans.  Impairment is primarily measured based on the fair value of the loan’s collateral. The following table summarizes impaired loan information:

   
(000's)
 
   
September 30,
   
December 31,
 
   
2009
   
2008
 
Impaired Loans with related allowance for loan losses calculated under ASC No. 310
  $ 20,729     $ 16,959  
Impaired Loans with no related allowance for loan losses
    7,110       -  
    $ 27,839     $ 16,959  
                 
Amount of allowance allocated to impaired loans
  $ 5,803     $ 4,735  
 
Interest payments on impaired loans are typically applied to principal unless collection of the principal amount is deemed to be fully assured, in which case interest is recognized on a cash basis.

 
8

 

3. Securities
        The amortized cost and fair value of the Corporation’s investments are shown below.  All securities are classified as available-for-sale.

   
(000's)
 
         
September 30, 2009
       
   
Amortized
   
Unrealized
   
Unrealized
       
   
Cost
   
Gains
   
Losses
   
Fair Value
 
United States Government entity mortgage-backed securities
  $ 4,280     $ 32     $ 0     $ 4,312  
Mortgage Backed Securities - Residential
    300,215       15,485       3       315,697  
Mortgage Backed Securities - Commercial
    168       3       -       171  
Collateralized Mortgage Obligations
    113,277       3,305       3       116,579  
State and Municipal Obligations
    146,292       6,836       185       152,943  
Collateralized Debt Obligations
    22,150       -       19,980       2,170  
Other Securities
    7,005       145       177       6,973  
Equity Securities
    5,665       1,817       1,104       6,378  
    $ 599,052     $ 27,623     $ 21,452     $ 605,223  
   
(000's)
 
         
December 31, 2008
       
   
Amortized
   
Unrealized
   
Unrealized
       
   
Cost
   
Gains
   
Losses
   
Fair Value
 
                       
United States Government entity mortgage-backed securities
  $ 148     $ 6     $ 0     $ 154  
Mortgage Backed Securities - Commercial
    185       -       -       185  
Mortgage Backed Securities - Residential
    354,123       11,179       10       365,292  
Collateralized Mortgage Obligations
    68,838       1,389       -       70,227  
State and Municipal Obligations
    143,224       2,439       1,822       143,841  
Collateralized Debt Obligations
    22,177       -       20,341       1,836  
Other Securities
    9,409       -       612       8,797  
Equity Securities
    5,649       2,097       1,163       6,583  
    $ 603,753     $ 17,110     $ 23,948     $
596,915
 
 
Contractual maturities of debt securities at September 30, 2009 were as follows. Securities not due at a single maturity or with no maturity date, primarily mortgage-backed and equity securities are shown separately.

   
September 30, 2009
 
   
Available-for-Sale
 
   
Amortized
   
Fair
 
(Dollar amounts in thousands)
 
Cost
   
Value
 
Due in one year or less
  $ 12,198     $ 12,288  
Due after one but within five years
    46,826       48,684  
Due after five but within ten years
    40,638       42,881  
Due after ten years
    193,342       179,124  
      293,004       282,977  
Mortgage-backed securities and equities
    306,048       322,246  
TOTAL 
 
$
599,052    
$
605,223 
 
 
There were no gains or losses realized by the Corporation on investment sales for the nine months ended September 30, 2009 or during the year ended December 31, 2008.

 
9

 

The following tables show the securities’ gross unrealized losses and fair value, aggregated by investment category and length of time that individual securities have been in continuous unrealized loss position, at September 30, 2009 and December 31, 2008.
   
September 30, 2009
 
   
Less Than 12 Months
   
More Than 12 Months
         
Total
 
         
Unrealized
         
Unrealized
         
Unrealized
 
(Dollar amounts in thousands)
 
Fair Value
   
Losses
   
Fair Value
   
Losses
   
Fair Value
   
Losses
 
Mortgage Backed Securities - Residential
  $ 63     $ (1 )   $ 85     $ (2 )   $ 148     $ (3 )
Mortgage Backed Securities - Commercial
    12       0       0       0       12       -  
Collateralized mortgage obligations
    7,131       (3 )     7       0       7,138       (3 )
State and municipal obligations
    2,702       (25 )     4,867       (160 )     7,569       (185 )
Collateralized Debt Obligations
    0       0       2,170       (19,980 )     2,170       (19,980 )
Other Securities
                    822       (177 )     822       (177 )
Equities
    424       (20 )     1,749       (1,084 )     2,173       (1,104 )
Total temporarily impaired securities
  $ 10,332     $ (49 )   $ 9,700     $ (21,403 )   $ 20,032     $ (21,452 )

   
December 31, 2008
 
   
Less Than 12 Months
   
More Than 12 Months
         
Total
 
         
Unrealized
         
Unrealized
         
Unrealized
 
(Dollar amounts in thousands)
 
Fair Value
   
Losses
   
Fair Value
   
Losses
   
Fair Value
   
Losses
 
Mortgage Backed Securities - Residential
  $ 1,599     $ (6 )   $ 84     $ (3 )   $ 1,819     $ (10 )
Mortgage Backed Securities - Commercial
  $ 136     $ (1 )                   $ 136     $ (1 )
State and municipal obligations
    51,011       (1,797 )     321       (25 )     51,332       (1,822 )
Collateralized Debt Obligations
                    4,239       (20,341 )     4,239       (20,341 )
Other Securities
    6,394       (612 )                     6,394       (612 )
Equities
    1,668       (1,163 )     0       0       1,668       (1,163 )
Total temporarily impaired securities
  $ 60,808     $ (3,579 )   $ 4,644     $ (20,369 )   $ 65,588     $ (23,949 )
 
Management evaluates securities for other-than-temporary impairment (“OTTI”) at least on a quarterly basis, and more frequently when economic or market conditions warrant such an evaluation. The investment securities portfolio is evaluated for OTTI by segregating the portfolio into two general segments and applying the appropriate OTTI model. Investment securities classified as available for sale or held-to-maturity are generally evaluated for OTTI under FASB ASC 320, Investments - Debt and Equity Securities. However, certain purchased beneficial interests, including non-agency mortgage-backed securities, asset-backed securities, and collateralized debt obligations, that had credit ratings at the time of purchase of below AA are evaluated using the model outlined in FASB ASC 325-40, Beneficial Interests in Securitized Financial Assets.
 
In determining OTTI under the FASB ASC 320 model, management considers many factors, including: (1) the length of time and the extent to which the fair value has been less than cost, (2) the financial condition and near-term prospects of the issuer, (3) whether the market decline was affected by macroeconomic conditions, and (4) whether the entity has the intent to sell the security or more likely than not will be required to sell the security before its anticipated recovery. The assessment of whether an other-than-temporary decline exists involves a high degree of subjectivity and judgment and is based on the information available to management at a point in time.
 
The second segment of the portfolio uses the OTTI guidance provided by FASB ASC 325 that is specific to purchased beneficial interests that, on the purchase date, were rated below AA. Under the FASB ASC 325 model, the Company compares the present value of the remaining cash flows as estimated at the preceding evaluation date to the current expected remaining cash flows. An OTTI is deemed to have occurred if there has been an adverse change in the remaining expected future cash flows.
 
When OTTI occurs under either model, the amount of the OTTI recognized in earnings depends on whether an entity intends to sell the security or it is more likely than not it will be required to sell the security before recovery of its amortized cost basis, less any current-period credit loss. If an entity intends to sell or it is more likely than not it will be required to sell the security before recovery of its amortized cost basis, less any current-period credit loss, the OTTI shall be recognized in earnings equal to the entire difference between the investment’s amortized cost basis and its fair value at the balance sheet date. If an entity does not intend to sell the security and it is not more likely than not that the entity will be required to sell the security before recovery of its amortized cost basis less any current-period loss, the OTTI shall be separated into the amount representing the credit loss and the amount related to all other factors. The amount of the total OTTI related to the credit loss is determined based on the present value of cash flows expected to be collected and is recognized in earnings. The amount of the total OTTI related to other factors is recognized in other comprehensive income, net of applicable taxes. The previous amortized cost basis less the OTTI recognized in earnings becomes the new amortized cost basis of the investment.

 
10

 
 
Gross unrealized losses on investment securities were $21.5 million as of September 30, 2009 and $23.9 million as of December 31, 2008. A majority of these losses represent negative adjustments to market value relative to the illiquidity in the markets on the securities and not losses related to the creditworthiness of the issuer. Unrealized losses on equity securities relate to investments in bank stocks held at the holding company.  Bank stock values have been negatively impacted by the current economic environment and market pessimism. The largest part of this unrealized loss ($704 or 64%) relates to the Corporations ownership of stock in Fifth Third Corporation.  The stock price of this issuer has improved since last quarter and supports that the decline in value in temporary.  Based upon our review of the issuers, we do not believe these investments to be other than temporarily impaired. Management does not intend to sell these securities and it is not more likely than not that we will be required to sell them before their anticipated recovery. A significant portion of this relates to collateralized debt obligations that were separately evaluated under FASB ASC 325-40, Beneficial Interests in Securitized Financial Assets.

Based upon qualitative considerations, such as a down grade in credit rating or further defaults of underlying issuers during the quarter, and an analysis of expected cash flows, we determined that three CDO’s  included in collateralized debt obligations were other-than-temporarily impaired and wrote our investments in those  CDO’s  totaling $8.79 million down to their present value of expected cash flows through earnings of $5.46 million at September 30, 2009 to properly reflect credit losses associated those CDO’s. The issuers in these securities are primarily banks, but some of the pools do include a limited number of insurance companies. The Company uses the OTTI evaluation model to compare the present value of expected cash flows to the previous estimate to ensure there are no adverse changes in cash flows during the quarter. The OTTI model considers the structure and term of the CDO and the financial condition of the underlying issuers. Specifically, the model details interest rates, principal balances of note classes and underlying issuers, the timing and amount of interest and principal payments of the underlying issuers, and the allocation of the payments to the note classes. Cash flows are projected using a forward rate LIBOR curve, as these CDOs are variable rate instruments.  An average rate is then computed using this same forward rate curve to determine an appropriate discount rate (3 month LIBOR plus margin ranging from 160 to 180 basis points).  The current estimate of expected cash flows is based on the most recent trustee reports and any other relevant market information including announcements of interest payment deferrals or defaults of underlying trust preferred securities. Assumptions used in the model include expected future default rates and prepayments. We assume no recoveries on defaults and treat all interest payment deferrals as defaults. In addition we use the model to “stress” each CDO, or make assumptions more severe than expected activity, to determine the degree to which assumptions could deteriorate before the CDO could no longer fully support repayment of the Company’s note class.

        Collateralized debt obligations include two additional investments in CDOs consisting of pooled trust preferred securities in which the issuers are primarily banks.  One of these CDOs with an amortized cost of $2.3 million and a fair value of $979.2 thousand is rated BAA1 and is the senior tranche, is not in the scope of FASB ASC 325 and is not considered to be other-than-temporarily impaired based on its credit quality.  The other CDO, totaling $14.4 million in book value and $900.9 thousand in fair value, is rated Ca and is included in the scope of FASB ASC 325.  Previously, a $618.1 thousand OTTI charge was taken on this security. At September 30, 2009, the FASB ASC 325 cash flow projections indicated no further adverse change in cash flows on this CDO and the stress analyses continued to indicate that the collateral position is more than sufficient to cover projected future defaults.  Therefore, we believe the unrealized losses on this CDO relate to market conditions and this investment is not considered other-than-temporarily impaired as of September 30, 2009.
 
The table below presents a rollforward of the credit losses recognized in earnings for the three and nine month periods ended September 30, 2009:

   
Three Months Ended
   
Nine Months Ended
 
   
September 30,
   
September 30,
 
Beginning balance
  $ 4,565     $ 0  
Amounts related to credit loss for which an other-than-temporary impairment was not previously recognized
    -       4,171  
Additions/Subtractions
               
Amounts realized for securities sold during the period
    -       -  
Amounts related to securities for which the company intends to sell or that it will be more likely than not that the company will be required to sell prior to recovery of amortized cost basis
    -       -  
Reductions for increase in cash flows expected to be collected that are recognized over the remaining life of the security
    -       -  
Increases to the amount related to the credit loss for which other-than-temporary was previously recognized
    3,322       3,716  
Ending balance
  $ 7,887     $ 7,887  


 
11

 

4. Fair Value

      FASB ASC No. 820-10 establishes a fair value hierarchy which requires an entity to maximize the use of observable inputs and minimize the use of unobservable inputs when measuring fair value. The standard describes three levels of inputs that may be used to measure fair value:

Level 1:
Quoted prices (unadjusted) of identical assets or liabilities in active markets that the entity has the ability to access as of the measurement date.
Level 2:
Significant other observable inputs other than Level I prices such as quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities; quoted prices in markets that are not active; or other inputs that are observable or can be corroborated by observable market data.
Level 3:
Significant unobservable inputs that reflect a reporting entity’s own assumptions about the assumptions that market participants would use in pricing an asset or liability.

The fair value of securities available for sale is determined by obtaining quoted prices on nationally recognized securities exchanges (Level 1 inputs) or matrix pricing, which is a mathematical technique widely used in the industry to value debt securities without relying exclusively on quoted prices for the specific securities but rather by relying on the securities’ relationship to other benchmark quoted securities (Level 2 inputs).

For those securities that cannot be priced using quoted market prices or observable inputs a Level 3 valuation is determined. These securities are primarily trust preferred securities, which are priced using Level 3 due to current market illiquidity and certain investments in bank equities. The fair value of the trust preferred securities is computed based upon discounted cash flows estimated using interest rates, principal balances of note classes and underlying issuers, the timing and amount of interest and principal payments of the underlying issuers, and the allocation to the note classes.  Current estimates of expected cash flows is based on the most recent trustee reports and any other relevant market information, including announcements of interest payment deferrals or defaults of underlying issuers.  The payment, default and recovery assumptions are believed to reflect the assumptions of market participants. Cash flows are discounted at appropriate market rates, including consideration of credit spreads and illiquidity discounts.  The fair value of investments in bank equities is based on the prices of recent stock trades and is considered Level 3 because these stocks are not publicly traded.

     
(000's)
 
     
Fair Value Measurements Using
 
               
Securities available-for-sale (1)
   
September 30,
   
December 31,
 
     
2009
   
2008
 
Level 1
    $ 2,647     $ 2,827  
Level 2
      596,675       586,094  
Level 3
      5,901       7,994  
Carry ing Value
    $ 605,223     $ 596,915  

(1) The fair value of securities reported using Level 1 inputs include U.S. Treasuries for which quoted market prices for identical assets are readily available, and Level 3 inputs include certain investments in bank equities and collateralized debt obligations for which Level 1 and Level 2 inputs are not available.


The table below presents a reconciliation and income statement classification of gains and losses for all assets measured at fair value on a recurring basis using significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2009 and 2008.

   
(000's)
 
   
Fair Value Measurements Using Significant
 
   
Unobservable Inputs (Level 3)
 
   
Three Months Ended
   
Nine Months Ended
 
   
September 30,
   
September 30,
 
   
2009
   
2008
   
2009
   
2008
 
Beginning Balance
  $ 6,679     $ 31,833     $ 7,994     $ 33,745  
Total gains or losses (realized/unrealized)
    (778 )     (3,427 )     (2,041 )     (5,101 )
Purchase
    -       -       -       -  
Settlements
    -       -       -       -  
Pay downs and Maturities
    -       -       (52 )     (238 )
Transfers into Level 3
    -       -       -       -  
Ending Balance
  $ 5,901     $ 28,406     $ 5,901     $ 28,406  
 
 
12

 

Changes in unrealized gains and losses recorded in earnings for the nine months ended September 30, 2009 for Level 3 assets and liabilities that are still held at September 30, 2009 were approximately $7.9 million.

All impaired loans disclosed in footnote 2 are valued at Level 3 and are carried at a fair value of $22.0 million, net of a valuation allowance of $5.8 million at September 30, 2009. At December 31, 2008 impaired loans valued at Level 3 were carried at a fair value of $12.2 million, net of a valuation allowance of $4.7 million. The impact to the provision for loan losses was $2.4 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2009, and was $3.7 million for the year ended December 31, 2008. Fair value is measured based on the value of the collateral securing those loans, and is determined using several methods. Generally the fair value of real estate is determined based on appraisals by qualified licensed appraisers. If an appraisal is not available, the fair value may be determined by using a cash flow analysis, a broker’s opinion of value, the net present value of future cash flows, or an observable market price from an active market. Fair value on non real estate loans is determined using similar methods. In addition, business equipment may be valued by using the net book value from the business’ financial statements..

       The carrying amounts and estimated fair value of financial instruments at September 30, 2009 and December 31, 2008, are shown below.  Carrying amount is the estimated fair value for cash and due from banks, federal funds sold, short-term borrowings, accrued interest receivable and payable, demand deposits, short-term debt and variable-rate loans or deposits that reprice frequently and fully. Security fair values were described previously. For fixed-rate loans or deposits, variable rate loans or deposits with infrequent repricing or repricing limits, and for longer-term borrowings, fair value is based on discounted cash flows using current market rates applied to the estimated life and credit risk. Fair values of loans held for sale are based on market bids on the loans or similar loans. It was not practicable to determine the fair value of Federal Home Loan Bank stock due to restrictions placed on its transferability.  Fair value of debt is based on current rates for similar financing. The fair value of off-balance sheet items is not considered material.

The carrying amount and estimated fair value of financial instruments are presented in the table below and were determined based on the above assumptions:

   
September 30, 2009
   
December 31, 2008
 
   
Carrying
   
Fair
   
Carrying
   
Fair
 
(Dollar amounts in thousands)
 
Value
   
Value
   
Value
   
Value
 
                         
Cash and due from banks $
    70,037       70,037       67,298       67,298  
Federal funds sold
    3,000       3,000       9,530       9,530  
Securities available—for—sale
    605,223       605,223       596,915       596,915  
Loans, net *
    1,621,088       1,587,816       1,455,047       1,457,842  
Accrued interest receivable
    12,706       12,706       13,081       13,081  
Deposits
    (1,727,686 )     (1,719,217 )     (1,563,498 )     (1,554,912 )
Short—term borrowings
    (80,792 )     (80,792 )     (21,500 )     (21,500 )
Federal Home Loan Bank advances
    (326,152 )     (338,058 )     (378,553 )     (390,296 )
Other borrowings
    (6,600 )     (6,600 )     (6,600 )     (6,600 )
Accrued interest payable
    (3,152 )     (3,152 )     (3,871 )     (3,871 )
* includes credit card loans held for sale

5.  Short-Term Borrowings
 Period–end short-term borrowings were comprised of the following:

   
(000's)
 
   
September 30,
   
December 31,
 
   
2009
   
2008
 
             
Federal Funds Purchased
  $ 54,229     $ 1,111  
Repurchase Agreements
    24,281       19,405  
Note Payable - U.S. Government
    2,282       984  
    $ 80,792     $ 21,500  
 
6. Other Borrowings

 Other borrowings at period-end are summarized as follows:

   
(000's)
 
   
September 30,
   
December 31,
 
   
2009
   
2008
 
FHLB Advances
  $ 326,152     $ 378,553  
City of T erre Haute, Indiana economic development revenue bonds
    6,600       6,600  
    $ 332,752     $ 385,153  
 
 
13

 
 
7. Components of Net Periodic Benefit Cost
 
   
Three Months Ended September 30,
(000's)
   
Nine Months Ended September 30,
(000's)
 
               
Post-Retirement
               
Post-Retirement
 
   
Pension Benefits
   
Health Benefits
   
Pension Benefits
   
Health Benefits
 
   
2009
   
2008
   
2009
   
2008
   
2009
   
2008
   
2009
   
2008
 
Service cost
  $ 768     $ 758     $ 27     $ 31     $ 2,304     $ 2,273     $ 82     $ 94  
Interest cost
    693       727       60       60       2,080       2,181       180       179  
Expected return on plan assets
    (911 )     (823 )     -       -       (2,733 )     (2,469 )     -       -  
Amortization of transition obligation
    -       -       15       15       -       -       45       45  
Net amortization of prior service cost
    (5 )     (5 )     -       -       (14 )     (14 )     -       -  
Net amortization of net (gain) loss
    116       182       0       3       347       547       0       8  
Net Periodic Benefit Cost
  $ 661     $ 839     $ 102     $ 109     $ 1,984     $ 2,518     $ 307     $ 326  

Employer Contributions

First Financial Corporation previously disclosed in its financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2008 that it expected to contribute $1.7 and $1.3 million respectively to its Pension Plan and ESOP and $175,000 to the Post Retirement Health Benefits Plan in 2009. Contributions of $800 thousand have been made through the first nine months of 2009 for the Pension Plan. Contributions of $158 thousand have been made through the third quarter of 2009 for the Post Retirement Health Benefits plan.

8. New accounting standards

                FASB ASC No. 820-10, “Fair Value Measurements,” establishes a framework for measuring fair value and expands disclosures about fair value measurements. This Statement establishes a fair value hierarchy about the assumptions used to measure fair value and clarifies assumptions about risk and the effect of a restriction on the sale or use of an asset. The standard was effective for fiscal years beginning after November 15, 2007. In February 2008, the FASB issued new guidance impacting FASB ASC 820-10 (FASB Staff Position 157-2). This staff position delays the effective date of FASB ASC 820-10 for all nonfinancial assets and nonfinancial liabilities, except those that are recognized or disclosed at fair value on a recurring basis (at least annually) to fiscal years beginning after November 15, 2008, and interim periods within those fiscal years. The impact of adoption was not material. In April 2009, the FASB issued new guidance impacting FASB ASC 820, “Fair Value Measurements,”(FASB Staff Position (FSP) 157-4, “Determining Fair Value When the Volume and Level of Activity for the Asset or Liability Have Significantly Decreased and Identifying Transactions That Are Not Orderly.”) This FASB Staff Position provides additional guidance for estimating fair value when the volume and level of activity for the asset or liability have significantly decreased. It also includes guidance on identifying circumstances that indicate a transaction is not orderly. This issue is effective for reporting periods ending after June 15, 2009 and did not have a material impact..  
     FASB ASC 820-10-50 requires disclosures about fair value of financial instruments in interim reporting periods of publicly traded companies that were previously only required to be disclosed in annual financial statements.  The provisions of ASC 820-10-50 were effective for the Company’s interim period ending on June 30, 2009, and additional disclosures have been included. 
                     FASB ASC 320-10 amends current other-than-temporary impairment guidance in GAAP for debt securities to make the guidance more operational and to improve the presentation and disclosure of other-than-temporary impairments on debt and equity securities in the financial statements.  This guideance does not amend existing recognition and measurement guidance related to other-than-temporary impairments of equity securities.  The provisions of ASC 320-10 were effective for the Company’s interim period ending on June 30, 2009. As a result, some losses on securities that were recognized through earnings in prior periods were added back to retained earnings at the beginning of the period to reflect only credit losses associated with these investments and to account for the remaining OTTI as adjustments through other comprehensive income.  The effects of adoption and required disclosures can be found in Footnote 3.
             In May 2009, the FASB issued ASC No. 855-10 Subsequent Events.  FASB ASC No. 855-10 establishes the period after the balance sheet date during which management shall evaluate events or transactions that may occur for potential recognition or disclosure in the financial statements and the circumstances under which an entity shall recognize events or transactions that occur after the balance sheet date.  FASB ASC No. 855-10 also requires disclosure of the date through which subsequent events have been evaluated.  The new standard becomes effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009.  The Company adopted this standard for the interim reporting period ending June 30, 2009.   The adoption of this statement did not have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial position or results of operations.  These financial statements consider events that occurred through November 6, 2009, the date the financial statements were issued.

 
14

 

FASB ASC 105-10 In June 2009, the FASB issued FASB ASC 105-10, Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (Statement No. 168, “The FASB Accounting Standards Codification and the Hierarchy of Generally Accepted Accounting Principles”. The new guidance replaces SFAS No. 162 and establishes the FASB Accounting Standards Codification as the source of authoritative accounting principles recognized by the FASB to be applied by nongovernmental entities in the preparation of financial statements in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles ("GAAP"). Rules and interpretative releases of the Securities and Exchange Commission under federal securities laws are also sources of authoritative GAAP for SEC registrants. The new standard became effective for financial statements issued for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. The adoption of this statement did not have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial position or results of operations. Technical references to generally accepted accounting principles included in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements are provided under the new FASB ASC structure.

FASB ASC 805In December 2007, the FASB issued new guidance impacting FASB ASC 805, Business Combinations (SFAS No. 141(R) — Business Combinations). The new guidance establishes principles and requirements for how an acquiring company (1) recognizes and measures in its financial statements the identifiable assets acquired, the liabilities assumed and any noncontrolling interest in the acquiree, (2) recognizes and measures the goodwill acquired in the business combination or a gain from a bargain purchase, and (3) determines what information to disclose to enable users of the financial statements to evaluate the nature and financial effects of the business combination. The new standard became effective for the Company on January 1, 2009. See Note 9 to the consolidated financial statements for the impact on the Company of adopting SFAS No. 141(R).

9. Acquisitions

On July 2, 2009, the Bank entered into a purchase and assumption agreement with the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (“FDIC”) to assume all of the deposits (excluding brokered deposits) and certain assets of The First National Bank of Danville., a full service commercial bank headquartered in Danville, Illinois that had failed and been placed in receivership with the FDIC. The acquisition consisted of assets with a fair value of approximately $151.8 million, including $77.5 million of loans, $24.2 million of investment securities, $31.0 million of cash and cash equivalents, and $146.3 million in liabilities, including $145.7 million of deposits. A customer-related core deposit intangible asset of $4.6 million was also recorded. In addition to the excess of liabilities over assets, the Bank received approximately $14.6 million in cash from the FDIC and entered into a loss sharing agreement with the FDIC. Under the loss sharing agreement, the Bank will share in the losses on assets covered under the agreement (referred to as covered assets). On losses up to $29 million, the FDIC has agreed to reimburse the Bank for 80 percent of the losses. On losses exceeding $29 million, the FDIC has agreed to reimburse the bank for 90 percent of the losses. The loss sharing agreement is subject to following servicing procedures as specified in the agreement with the FDIC. The expected reimbursements under the loss sharing agreement were recorded as an indemnification asset at their estimated fair value of $12.1 million on the acquisition date. Based upon the acquisition date fair values of the net assets acquired, no goodwill was recorded. The transaction resulted in a gain of $5.4 million, which is included in Non-Interest Income in the September 30, 2009 Consolidated Statement of Operations. Because of the short time period between the July 2, 2009 closing of the transaction and the end of the Company’s fiscal quarter on September 30, 2009, the Company continues to analyze its estimates of the fair values of the loans acquired and the indemnification asset recorded. The Company expects to finalize its analysis of these assets and, therefore, adjustments to the recorded carrying values may occur. Pro forma income statement information is not disclosed as the acquisition is immaterial to the Corporation.

FASB ASC 310-30 “Loans and Debt Securities Acquired with Deteriorated Credit Quality” applies to a loan with evidence of deterioration of credit quality since origination, acquired by completion of a transfer for which it is probable, at acquisition, that the investor will be unable to collect all contractually required payments receivable. FASB ASC 310-10 prohibits carrying over or creating an allowance for loan losses upon initial recognition. The carrying amount of covered assets at September 30, 2009, consisted of loans accounted for in accordance with FASB ASC 310-30, loans not subject to FASB ASC 310-30 and other assets as shown in the following table:

   
ASC 310-30
   
Non ASC 310-30
             
   
Loans
   
Loans
   
Other
   
Total
 
Loans
  $ 16,737     $ 60,739     $ -     $ 77,476  
Foreclosed Assets
    -       -       1,478       1,478  
Total Covered Assets
  $ 16,737     $ 60,739     $ 1,478     $ 78,954  
 
On the acquisition date, the preliminary estimate of the contractually required payments receivable for all SOP 03 -3 loans acquired in the acquisition were $31.6 million, the cash flows expected to be collected were $18.4 million including interest, and the estimated fair value of the loans were $16.7 million. These amounts were determined based upon the estimated remaining life of the underlying loans, which include the effects of estimated prepayments. At September 30, 2009, a majority of these loans were valued based on the liquidation value of the underlying collateral, because the expected cash flows are primarily based on the liquidation of underlying collateral and the timing and amount of the cash flows could not be reasonably estimated. There was no allowance for credit losses related to these loans at September 30, 2009. Because of the short time period between the closing of the transaction and September 30, 2009, certain amounts related to the FASB ASC 310-30 loans are preliminary estimates and changes in the carrying amount and accretable yield for these loans from the acquisition date and September 30, 2009 were not material. The Company expects to finalize its analysis of these loans and, therefore, adjustments to the estimated amounts may occur.

On the acquisition date, the preliminary estimate of the contractually required payments receivable for all Non FASB ASC 310-30 loans acquired in the acquisition were $58.4 million and the estimated fair value of the loans were $60.7 million.

 
15

 

ITEMS 2.  and 3.  Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations and Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk

The purpose of this discussion is to point out key factors in the Corporation’s recent performance compared with earlier periods.  The discussion should be read in conjunction with the financial statements beginning on page three of this report.  All figures are for the consolidated entities.  It is presumed the readers of these financial statements and of the following narrative have previously read the Corporation’s annual report for 2008 filed as an exhibit to the Corporation’s 10-K filed for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2008.

This Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q contains forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements provide current expectations or forecasts of future events and are not guarantees of future performance, nor should they be relied upon as representing management’s views as of any subsequent date. The forward-looking statements are based on management’s expectations and are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties. Although management believes that the expectations reflected in such forward-looking statements are reasonable, actual results may differ materially from those expressed or implied in such statements. Risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially include, without limitation, the Corporation’s ability to effectively execute its business plans; changes in general economic and financial market conditions; changes in interest rates; changes in the competitive environment; continuing consolidation in the financial services industry; new litigation or changes in existing litigation; losses, customer bankruptcy, claims and assessments; changes in banking regulations or other regulatory or legislative requirements affecting the Corporation’s business; and changes in accounting policies or procedures as may be required by the Financial Accounting Standards Board or other regulatory agencies. Additional information concerning factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied in the forward-looking statements is available in the Corporation’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2008, and subsequent filings with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). Copies of these filings are available at no cost on the SEC’s Web site at www.sec.gov or on the Corporation’s Web site at www.first-online.com. Management may elect to update forward-looking statements at some future point; however, it specifically disclaims any obligation to do so.

Critical Accounting Policies

Certain of the Corporation’s accounting policies are important to the portrayal of the Corporation’s financial condition and results of operations, since they require management to make difficult, complex or subjective judgments, some of which may relate to matters that are inherently uncertain. Estimates associated with these policies are susceptible to material changes as a result of changes in facts and circumstances.  Facts and circumstances which could affect these judgments include, without limitation, changes in interest rates, in the performance of the economy or in the financial condition of borrowers.  Management believes that its critical accounting policies include determining the allowance for loan losses and the valuation of goodwill and valuing investment securities. See further discussion of these critical accounting policies in the 2008 Annual Report on Form 10-K.

Summary of Operating Results

Net income for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2009 was $7.72 and $16.87 million respectively compared to $3.50 and $17.60 million for the same period of 2008.  Basic earnings per share increased to $0.59 for the third quarter of 2009 compared to $0.27 for same period of 2008. Return on Assets and Return on Equity were 1.26% and 10.25% respectively for the three months ended September 30, 2009, compared to 0.61%and 4.94% for the three months ended September 30, 2008.

The primary components of income and expense affecting net income are discussed in the following analysis.

Net Interest Income

The Corporation's primary source of earnings is net interest income, which is the difference between the interest earned on loans and other investments and the interest paid for deposits and other sources of funds.  Net interest income increased $1.76 million in the three months ended September 30, 2009 to $22.9 million from $21.1 million in the same period in 2008. The net interest margin for the first nine months of 2009  is 4.11% compared to 4.02% for the same period of 2008, a 2.2% increase, driven by a greater decline in the costs of funding than the decline in the income realized on earning assets.

Non-Interest Income

Non-interest income for the three months ended September 30, 2009 was $10.3 million compared to the $1.4 million for the same period of 2008. During the quarter a gain on acquisition of business of $5.4 million was recognized as discussed in Note 9. Non-interest income was reduced by the other than temporary impairment loss on securities which was $2.8 million less in the three months ended September 30, 2009 than for the same period of 2008. Further discussion on OTTI is included in Note 3. Mortgage loan sales for the Corporation as a result of the lower interest rate environment has produced gains on sale of mortgage loans of $526 thousand, an increase of $342 thousand in the third quarter of 2009 compared to the same period of 2008.

Non-Interest Expenses

The Corporation’s non-interest expense for the quarter ended September 30, 2009 increased by $2.0 million compared to the same periods in 2008 due to increased FDIC expenses of $633 thousand and increased personnel and occupancy costs of $700 thousand associated in part with the acquisition of the business unit discussed in Note 9.

 
16

 
 
Allowance for Loan Losses

The Corporation’s provision for loan losses increased $3.51 million for 2009 compared to the same period of 2008.  The provision was $9.38 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2009, compared to $5.88 million for the same period of 2008, while net charge-offs for the same periods increased by $1.45 million. The volume of impaired and non-accrual loans both increased reflecting management’s conservative approach to the recognition of problem credits as well as from the acquisition of a failed financial institution from the FDIC. The specific allocation of probable losses for these credits increased by $2.4 million. The allowance for loan losses has increased from 1.12% of gross loans, or $16.3 million at December 31, 2008 to 1.16% of gross loans, or $18.8 million at September 30, 2009. Based on management’s analysis of the current portfolio, an evaluation that includes consideration of historical loss experience, non-performing loans trends, and probable incurred losses on identified problem loans, management believes the allowance is adequate.

Non-performing Loans

Non-performing loans consist of (1) non-accrual loans on which the ultimate collectability of the full amount of interest is uncertain, (2) loans which have been renegotiated to provide for a reduction or deferral of interest or principal because of a deterioration in the financial position of the borrower, and (3) loans past due ninety days or more as to principal or interest.  A summary of non-performing loans at September 30, 2009 and December 31, 2008 follows:

   
(000's)
 
   
September 30,
   
December 31,
 
   
2009
   
2008
 
Non-accrual loans
  $ 37,918     $ 12,486  
Restructured loans
    115       98  
Accruing loans past due over 90 days
    7,809       3,624  
    $ 45,842     $ 16,208  
Ratio of the allowance for loan losses as a percentage of non-performing loans
    41 %     100 %

The following loan categories comprise significant components of the nonperforming loans:

   
September 30,
   
December 31,
 
 
 
2009
   
2008
 
Non-accrual loans 
               
1-4 family residential
  $ 2,672     $ 1,835  
Commercial loans
    33,327       9,210  
Installment loans
    1,919       1,441  
    $ 37,918     $ 12,486  
                 
Past due 90 days or more
               
1-4 family residential
  $ 1,450     $ 1,495  
Commercial loans
    5,846       1,582  
Installment loans
    513       547  
    $ 7,809     $ 3,624  

The following table is information on the non-accrual loans at September 30, 2009 that were from the assumption of assets from The First National Bank of Danville

   
(000's)
 
   
September 30,
 
 
 
2009
 
Non-accrual loans 
     
1-4 family residential
  $ 160  
Commercial loans
    6,983  
Installment loans
    -  
    $ 7,143  
 
 
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Interest Rate Sensitivity and Liquidity

First Financial Corporation has established risk measures, limits and policy guidelines for managing interest rate risk and liquidity.  Responsibility for management of these functions resides with the Asset Liability Committee.  The primary goal of the Asset Liability Committee is to maximize net interest income within the interest rate risk limits approved by the Board of Directors.

Interest Rate Risk

Management considers interest rate risk to be the Corporation’s most significant market risk.  Interest rate risk is the exposure to changes in net interest income as a result of changes in interest rates.  Consistency in the Corporation’s net interest income is largely dependent on the effective management of this risk.

The Asset Liability position is measured using sophisticated risk management tools, including earning simulation and market value of equity sensitivity analysis.  These tools allow management to quantify and monitor both short-term and long-term exposure to interest rate risk.  Simulation modeling measures the effects of changes in interest rates, changes in the shape of the yield curve and the effects of embedded options on net interest income.  This measure projects earnings in the various environments over the next three years.  It is important to note that measures of interest rate risk have limitations and are dependent on various assumptions.  These assumptions are inherently uncertain and, as a result, the model cannot precisely predict the impact of interest rate fluctuations on net interest income.  Actual results will differ from simulated results due to timing, frequency and amount of interest rate changes as well as overall market conditions.  The Committee has performed a thorough analysis of these assumptions and believes them to be valid and theoretically sound.  These assumptions are continuously monitored for behavioral changes.

The Corporation from time to time utilizes derivatives to manage interest rate risk.  Management continuously evaluates the merits of such interest rate risk products but does not anticipate the use of such products to become a major part of the Corporation’s risk management strategy.

The table below shows the Corporation’s estimated sensitivity profile as of September 30, 2009.  The change in interest rates assumes a parallel shift in interest rates of 100 and 200 basis points.  Given a 100 basis point increase in rates, net interest income would decrease 0.10% over the next 12 months and increase 1.04% over the following 12 months.  Given a 100 basis point decrease in rates, net interest income would increase 0.55% over the next 12 months and increase 0.49% over the following 12 months.  These estimates assume all rate changes occur overnight and management takes no action as a result of this change.

Basis Point
 
Percentage Change in Net Interest Income
 
Interest Rate Change
 
12 months
   
24 months
   
36 months
 
Down 200
    1.03 %     0.95 %     0.96 %
Down 100
    0.55       0.49       0.50  
Up 100
    -0.10       1.04       3.29  
Up 200
    -1.09       0.87       5.31  

Typical rate shock analysis does not reflect management’s ability to react and thereby reduce the effect of rate changes, and represents a worst-case scenario.

Liquidity Risk
Liquidity is measured by each bank's ability to raise funds to meet the obligations of its customers, including deposit withdrawals and credit needs.  This is accomplished primarily by maintaining sufficient liquid assets in the form of investment securities and core deposits.  The Corporation has $12.7 million of investments that mature throughout the coming 12 months.  The Corporation also anticipates $152.6 million of principal payments from mortgage-backed securities.  Given the current rate environment, the Corporation anticipates $19.6 million in securities to be called within the next 12 months.  With these sources of funds, the Corporation currently anticipates adequate liquidity to meet the expected obligations of its customers.

Financial Condition

Comparing the third quarter of 2009 to the same period in 2008, loans, including credit card loans held-for-sale, net of unearned discount are up 10.01% or $149.2 million. Deposits are up $198.5 million at September 30, 2009, a 13.0% increase from the balances at the same time in 2008. Shareholders' equity increased $29.6 million from September 30, 2008. This financial performance increased book value per share 10.4% to $23.58 at September 30, 2009 from $21.35 at September 30, 2008. Book value per share is calculated by dividing the total shareholders' equity by the number of shares outstanding.

Capital Adequacy

As of September 30, 2009, the most recent notification from the respective regulatory agencies categorized the subsidiary banks as well capitalized under the regulatory framework for prompt corrective action. To be categorized as well capitalized the banks must maintain minimum total risk-based, Tier I risk-based and Tier I leverage ratios as set forth in the table. There are no conditions or events since that notification that management believes have changed the bank's category.  Below are the capital ratios for the Corporation and lead bank.

 
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September 30,
   
December 31, 2008
   
To Be Well Capitalized
 
                   
Total risk-based capital
                 
Corporation
    16.29 %     17.32 %     N/A  
First Financial Bank
    16.03 %     17.11 %     10.00 %
                         
Tier I risk-based capital
                       
Corporation
    15.33 %     16.40 %     N/A  
First Financial Bank
    15.20 %     16.34 %     6.00 %
                         
Tier I leverage capital
                       
Corporation
    12.40 %     12.72 %     N/A  
First Financial Bank
    12.24 %     12.64 %     5.00
 
ITEM 4.  Controls and Procedures

First Financial Corporation’s management is responsible for establishing and maintaining effective disclosure controls and procedures, as defined under Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.  As of September 30, 2009, an evaluation was performed under the supervision and with the participation of management, including the principal executive officer and principal financial officer, of the effectiveness of the design and operation of the Corporation's disclosure controls and procedures.  Based on that evaluation, management, including the principal executive officer and principal financial officer, concluded that the Corporation’s disclosure controls and procedures as of September 30, 2009 were effective in ensuring material information required to be disclosed in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q was recorded, processed, summarized, and reported on a timely basis.  Additionally, there was no change in the Corporation's internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the quarter ended September 30, 2009 that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the Corporation's internal control over financial reporting.
 
PART II – Other Information
 
ITEM 1. Legal Proceedings.
There are no material pending legal proceedings, other than routine litigation incidental to the business of the Corporation or its subsidiaries, to which the Corporation or any of the subsidiaries is a party or of which any of their respective property is subject.  Further, there is no material legal proceeding in which any director, officer, principal shareholder, or affiliate of the Corporation or any of its subsidiaries, or any associate of such director, officer, principal shareholder or affiliate is a party, or has a material interest, adverse to the Corporation or any of its subsidiaries.

ITEM 1 A. Risk Factors.
There have been no material changes in the risk factors from those disclosed in the Corporation’s 2008 Annual Report  on Form 10-K.

ITEM 2. Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds.

(a) None.

(b) Not applicable.

(c) Purchases of Equity Securities

The Corporation periodically acquires shares of its common stock directly from shareholders in individually negotiated transactions.  The Corporation has not adopted a formal policy or adopted a formal program for repurchases of shares of its common stock.  There were no shares purchased by the Corporation during the quarter covered by this report.

ITEM 3. Defaults upon Senior Securities.

Not applicable.

ITEM 4.  Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders

Not applicable.
 
ITEM 5. Other Information.

Not applicable.

 
19

 
 
ITEM 6.  Exhibits.

Exhibit No.: Description of Exhibit:

 
3.1
Amended and Restated Articles of Incorporation of First Financial Corporation, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3(i) of the Corporation’s Form 10-Q filed for the quarter ended September 30, 2002.

 
3.2
Code of By-Laws of First Financial Corporation, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3(ii) of the Corporation’s Form 8-K filed on July 27, 2009.

 
10.1
Employment Agreement for Norman L. Lowery, dated March 25, 2009 and effective January 1, 2009, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 of the Corporation Form 10-Q filed for the quarter ended March 31, 2009.

 
10.2
2001 Long-Term Incentive Plan of First Financial Corporation, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.3 of the Corporation’s Form 10-Q filed for the quarter ended September 30, 2002.

 
10.3
2009 Schedule of Director Compensation, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.3 of the Corporation’s Form 10-K filed for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2008.

 
10.4
2009 Schedule of Named Executive Officer Compensation, incorporated by reference to the Corporation’s Form 10-K filed for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2008.

 
31.1
Sarbanes-Oxley Act 302 Certification for Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2009 by Principal Executive Officer, dated November 6, 2009

 
31.2
Sarbanes-Oxley Act 302 Certification for Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2009 by Principal Financial Officer, dated November 6, 2009.

 
32.1
Certification, dated November 6, 2009, of Principal Executive Officer and Principal Financial Officer pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act  of 2005 on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2009.

 
20

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

 
FIRST FINANCIAL CORPORATION
 
(Registrant)
   
Date: November 6, 2009
By /s/ Donald E. Smith
 
Donald E. Smith, Chairman
   
Date: November 6, 2009
By /s/ Norman L. Lowery
 
Norman L. Lowery, Vice Chairman and CEO
   
Date: November 6, 2009
By /s/ Michael A. Carty
 
Michael A. Carty, Treasurer and CFO

 
21

 

Exhibit No.: Description of Exhibit:
 
Exhibit Index
 
3.1
Amended and Restated Articles of Incorporation of First Financial Corporation, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3(i) of the Corporation’s Form 10-Q filed for the quarter ended September 30, 2002.
   
3.2
Code of By-Laws of First Financial Corporation, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3(ii) of the Corporation’s Form 8-K filed on July 27, 2009.
   
10.1
Employment Agreement for Norman L. Lowery, dated March 25, 2009 and effective January 1, 2009, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 of the Corporation Form 10-Q filed for the quarter ended March 31, 2009.
   
10.2
2001 Long-Term Incentive Plan of First Financial Corporation, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.3 of the Corporation’s Form 10-Q filed for the quarter ended September 30, 2002.
   
10.3
2009 Schedule of Director Compensation, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.3 of the Corporation’s Form 10-K filed for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2008.
   
10.4
2009 Schedule of Named Executive Officer Compensation, incorporated by reference to the Corporation’s Form 10-K filed for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2008.
   
31.1
Sarbanes-Oxley Act 302 Certification for Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2009 by Principal Executive Officer, dated November 6, 2009
   
31.2
Sarbanes-Oxley Act 302 Certification for Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2009 by Principal Financial Officer, dated November 6, 2009.
   
32.1
Certification, dated November 6, 2009, of Principal Executive Officer and Principal Financial Officer pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act  of 2005 on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2009.
 
 
22