UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

FORM 10-K

(Mark One)

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

For the fiscal year ended September 30, 2017

OR

¨ TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the transition period from _____________ to _____________

Commission File Number: 1-34155

FIRST SAVINGS FINANCIAL GROUP, INC.

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

Indiana (State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization)	37-1567871 (I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)
501 East Lewis & Clark Parkway, Clarksville, Indiana (Address of principal executive offices)	47129 (Zip Code)

Registrant’s telephone number, including area code: (812) 283-0724

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

Title of each class	Name of each exchange on which registered
Common Stock, par value $0.01 per share	NASDAQ Stock Market, LLC

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act:      None

Indicate by check mark if the registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act. Yes ¨ No x

Indicate by check mark if the registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or Section 15(d) of the Act. Yes ¨ No x

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days. Yes x No ¨

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate 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 x No ¨

Indicate by check mark if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to Item 405 of Regulation S-K is not contained herein, and will not be contained, to the best of the registrant’s knowledge, in definitive proxy or information statements incorporated by reference in Part III of this Form 10-K or any amendment to this Form 10-K. ¨

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

Large Accelerated Filer ¨	Accelerated Filer x
Non-accelerated Filer ¨	Smaller Reporting Company ¨
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. ¨

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

The aggregate market value of the voting and non-voting common equity held by nonaffiliates was $85.8 million, based upon the closing price of $48.72 per share as quoted on the NASDAQ Stock Market as of the last business day of the registrant’s most recently completed second fiscal quarter ended March 31, 2017.

The number of shares outstanding of the registrant’s common stock as of December 1, 2017 was 2,243,139.

DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE

Portions of the Proxy Statement for the 2018 Annual Meeting of Stockholders are incorporated by reference in Part III of this Form 10-K.

INDEX

		Page
	Part I
Item 1.	Business	2
Item 1A.	Risk Factors	18
Item 1B.	Unresolved Staff Comments	26
Item 2.	Properties	26
Item 3.	Legal Proceedings	27
Item 4.	Mine Safety Disclosures	27
	Part II
Item 5.	Market for Registrant’s Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities	28
Item 6.	Selected Financial Data	30
Item 7.	Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations	33
Item 7A.	Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk	53
Item 8.	Financial Statements and Supplementary Data	53
Item 9.	Changes in and Disagreements With Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure	53
Item 9A.	Controls and Procedures	54
Item 9B.	Other Information	54
	Part III
Item 10.	Directors, Executive Officers and Corporate Governance	55
Item 11.	Executive Compensation	55
Item 12.	Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related  Stockholder Matters	55
Item 13.	Certain Relationships and Related Transactions, and Director Independence	55
Item 14.	Principal Accounting Fees and Services	55
	Part IV
Item 15.	Exhibits and Financial Statement Schedules	56
Item 16.	Form 10-K Summary	56
SIGNATURES

1

This annual report contains forward-looking statements that are based on assumptions and may describe future plans, strategies and expectations of First Savings Financial Group, Inc. These forward-looking statements are generally identified by use of the words “believe,” “expect,” “intend,” “anticipate,” “estimate,” “project” or similar expressions. First Savings Financial Group’s ability to predict results or the actual effect of future plans or strategies is inherently uncertain. Factors which could have a material adverse effect on the operations of First Savings Financial Group and its subsidiary include, but are not limited to, changes in interest rates, national and regional economic conditions, legislative and regulatory changes, monetary and fiscal policies of the U.S. government, including policies of the U.S. Treasury and the Federal Reserve Board, the quality and composition of the loan or investment portfolios, demand for loan products, deposit flows, competition, demand for financial services in First Savings Financial Group’s market area, changes in real estate market values in First Savings Financial Group’s market area, changes in relevant accounting principles and guidelines and inability of third party service providers to perform. Additional factors that may affect our results are discussed in Item 1A to this Annual Report on Form 10-K titled “Risk Factors” below.

These risks and uncertainties should be considered in evaluating forward-looking statements and undue reliance should not be placed on such statements. Except as required by applicable law or regulation, First Savings Financial Group does not undertake, and specifically disclaims any obligation, to release publicly the result of any revisions that may be made to any forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances after the date of the statements or to reflect the occurrence of anticipated or unanticipated events.

Unless the context indicates otherwise, all references in this annual report to “First Savings Financial Group,” “Company,” “we,” “us” and “our” refer to First Savings Financial Group and its subsidiaries.

PART I

Item 1. BUSINESS

General

First Savings Financial Group, Inc., an Indiana corporation, was incorporated in May 2008 and serves as the holding company for First Savings Bank (the “Bank” or “First Savings Bank”). First Savings Financial Group’s principal business activity is the ownership of the outstanding common stock of First Savings Bank. First Savings Financial Group does not own or lease any property but instead uses the premises, equipment and other property of First Savings Bank with the payment of appropriate rental fees, as required by applicable law and regulations, under the terms of an expense allocation agreement. Accordingly, the information set forth in this annual report including the consolidated financial statements and related financial data contained herein, relates primarily to the Bank.

First Savings Bank converted from a federally-chartered savings bank to an Indiana-chartered commercial bank and became a member the Federal Reserve System effective December 19, 2014. As a result of the Bank’s charter conversion, First Savings Financial Group converted to a bank holding company and simultaneously elected financial holding company status effective December 19, 2014.

First Savings Bank operates as a community-oriented financial institution offering traditional financial services to consumers and businesses in its primary market area. We attract deposits from the general public and use those funds to originate primarily residential and commercial mortgage loans. We also originate commercial business loans, residential and commercial construction loans, multi-family loans, land and land development loans, and consumer loans. We conduct our lending and deposit activities primarily with individuals and small businesses in our primary market area, except as otherwise discussed herein.

Our website address is www.fsbbank.net. Information on our website should not be considered a part of this annual report.

2

Market Area

We are located in South Central Indiana along the axis of Interstate 65 and Interstate 64, directly across the Ohio River from Louisville, Kentucky. We consider Clark, Floyd, Harrison, Crawford and Washington counties, Indiana, in which all of our offices are located, and the surrounding areas to be our primary market area. The current top employment sectors in these counties are the private retail, service and manufacturing industries, which are likely to continue to be supported by the projected growth in population and median household income. These counties are well-served by barge transportation, rail service, and commercial and general aviation services, including the United Parcel Service’s major hub, which are located in our primary market area.

Competition

We face significant competition for the attraction of deposits and origination of loans. Our most direct competition for deposits has historically come from the several financial institutions operating in our primary market area and from other financial service companies such as securities and mortgage brokerage firms, credit unions and insurance companies. We also face competition for investors’ funds from money market funds, mutual funds and other corporate and government securities. At June 30, 2017, which is the most recent date for which data is available from the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (“FDIC”), we held approximately 14.59%, 2.70%, 36.55%, 80.50% and 16.16% of the FDIC-insured deposits in Clark, Floyd, Harrison, Crawford and Washington Counties, Indiana, respectively. This data does not reflect deposits held by credit unions with which we also compete. In addition, banks owned by large national and regional holding companies and other community-based banks also operate in our primary market area. Some of these institutions are larger than us and, therefore, may have greater resources.

Our competition for loans comes primarily from financial institutions in our primary market area and from other financial service providers, such as mortgage companies, mortgage brokers and credit unions. Competition for loans also comes from non-depository financial service companies entering the mortgage market, such as insurance companies, securities companies, and specialty and captive finance companies.

We expect competition to increase in the future as a result of legislative, regulatory and technological changes and the continuing trend of consolidation in the financial services industry. Technological advances, for example, have lowered barriers to entry, allowing banks to expand their geographic reach by providing services over the Internet, and made it possible for non-depository institutions to offer products and services that traditionally have been provided by banks. Changes in federal law now permit affiliation among banks, securities firms and insurance companies, which promotes a competitive environment in the financial services industry. Competition for deposits and the origination of loans could limit our growth in the future.

Lending Activities

Consistent with the Bank’s conversion to an Indiana-chartered commercial bank in December 2014, the Bank is continuing the process of transforming the composition of its balance sheet from that of a traditional thrift institution to that of a commercial bank. We intend to continue to emphasize residential lending, primarily secured by owner-occupied properties, but also to continue concentrating on ways to expand our consumer/retail banking capabilities and our commercial banking services with a focus on serving small businesses and emphasizing relationship banking in our primary market area.

The largest segments of our loan portfolio are commercial real estate loans and residential real estate mortgage loans, which are primarily one- to four-family residential loans, and, to a lesser extent, multi-family real estate and commercial business loans. We also originate residential and commercial construction loans, land and land development loans, and consumer loans. We generally originate loans for investment purposes, although, depending on the interest rate environment and our asset/liability management goals, we may sell into the secondary market the 25-year and 30-year fixed-rate residential mortgage loans that we originate, as well as the portion of loans guaranteed by the U.S. Small Business Administration (“SBA”) that we originate under its 7(a) program. We do not offer, have not offered and have not purchased or acquired Alt-A, sub-prime or no-documentation loans.

3

One- to Four-Family Residential Loans. Our origination of residential mortgage loans enables borrowers to purchase or refinance existing homes located in Clark, Floyd, Harrison, Crawford and Washington Counties, Indiana, and the surrounding areas. A significant portion of the residential mortgage loans that we had originated before 2005 are secured by non-owner occupied properties. Loans secured by non-owner occupied properties generally carry a greater risk of loss than loans secured by owner-occupied properties. See “Item 1A. Risk Factors – Risks Related to Our Business – Our concentration in non-owner occupied real estate loans may expose us to increased credit risk” and “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations – Risk Management – Analysis of Nonperforming and Classified Assets.” Since 2005, we have de-emphasized non-owner occupied residential mortgage lending and have focused, and intend to continue to focus, our residential mortgage lending primarily on originating residential mortgage loans secured by owner-occupied properties.

Our residential lending policies and procedures conform to the secondary market guidelines. We generally offer a mix of adjustable-rate mortgage loans and fixed-rate mortgage loans with terms of 10 to 30 years. Borrower demand for adjustable-rate loans compared to fixed-rate loans is a function of the level of interest rates, the expectations of changes in the level of interest rates, and the difference between the interest rates and loan fees offered for fixed-rate mortgage loans as compared to an initially discounted interest rate and loan fees for multi-year adjustable-rate mortgages. The relative amount of fixed-rate mortgage loans and adjustable-rate mortgage loans that can be originated at any time is largely determined by the demand for each in a competitive environment. The loan fees, interest rates and other provisions of mortgage loans are determined by us based on our own pricing criteria and competitive market conditions.

Interest rates and payments on our adjustable-rate mortgage loans generally adjust annually after an initial fixed period that typically ranges from one to five years. Interest rates and payments on our adjustable-rate loans generally are adjusted to a rate typically equal to a margin above the one year U.S. Treasury index. The maximum amount by which the interest rate may be increased or decreased is generally one percentage point per adjustment period and the lifetime interest rate cap is generally six percentage points over the initial interest rate of the loan. However, a portion of the adjustable-rate mortgage loan portfolio has a maximum amount by which the interest rate may be increased or decreased of two percentage points per adjustment period and a lifetime interest rate cap generally of six percentage points over the initial interest rate of the loan.

While one to four family residential real estate loans are normally originated with up to 30-year terms, such loans typically remain outstanding for substantially shorter periods because borrowers often prepay their loans in full either upon sale of the property pledged as security or upon refinancing the original loan. Therefore, average loan maturity is a function of, among other factors, the level of purchase and sale activity in the real estate market, prevailing interest rates and the interest rates payable on outstanding loans on a regular basis. We do not offer loans with negative amortization and generally do not offer interest-only loans.

We generally do not make conventional loans with loan-to-value ratios exceeding 80%, including that for non-owner occupied residential real estate loans whose loan-to-value ratios generally may not exceed 75%, or 65% where the borrower has more than five non-owner occupied loans outstanding. Non-owner occupied loans originated before 2005, however, were generally originated with loan-to-value ratios up to 80%. Loans with loan-to-value ratios in excess of 80% generally require private mortgage insurance. However, the total balance of residential mortgage loans secured by one-to-four family residential properties with loan-to-value ratios exceeding 90% amounted to $16.2 million, of which some do not have private mortgage insurance or government guaranty. We generally require all properties securing mortgage loans to be appraised by a board-approved independent appraiser. We also generally require title insurance on all first mortgage loans with principal balances of $250,000 or more. Borrowers must obtain hazard insurance, and flood insurance is required for all loans located in flood hazard areas.

At September 30, 2017, our largest one to four family residential loan had an outstanding balance of $1.5 million. This loan, which was originated in September 2016 and is secured by 12 duplexes containing 24 living units, was performing in accordance with its original terms at September 30, 2017.

4

Commercial Real Estate Loans. We offer fixed and adjustable-rate mortgage loans secured by commercial real estate. Our commercial real estate loans are generally secured by small to moderately-sized office, retail and industrial properties located in our primary market area and are typically made to small business owners and professionals such as attorneys and accountants.

We originate fixed-rate commercial real estate loans, generally with terms up to five years and payments based on an amortization schedule of 15 to 20 years, resulting in “balloon” balances at maturity. We also offer adjustable-rate commercial real estate loans, generally with terms up to five years and with interest rates typically equal to a margin above the prime lending rate or the London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR). Loans are secured by first mortgages, generally are originated with a maximum loan-to-value ratio of 80% and often require specified debt service coverage ratios depending on the characteristics of the project. Rates and other terms on such loans generally depend on our assessment of credit risk after considering such factors as the borrower’s financial condition and credit history, loan-to-value ratio, debt service coverage ratio and other factors.

During 2013, we began a commercial real estate lending program that is focused on loans to high net worth individuals that are secured by low loan-to-value, single-tenant commercial properties that are generally leased to investment grade national-brand retailers, the borrowers and collateral properties for which are outside of our primary market area. This program is designed to diversify the Company’s geographic and credit risk profile given the geographic dispersion of the loans and collateral, and the investment grade credit of the national-brand lessees. The terms of the loans are generally consistent with the aforementioned terms of in-market commercial real estate loans; however, these cannot exceed 70% loan-to-value and loan maturities cannot exceed the expiration of the underlying leases. In addition, the Company has established guidelines with respect to concentrations by state, lessee and industry of lessees as a percent of the overall loan portfolio, and as a percent of capital. The average size of these loans originated was $1.1 million and the portfolio balance was $134.4 million at September 30, 2017. Our largest such loan, which was originated in February 2017 and secured by a single-tenant commercial retail building, had an outstanding balance of $3.9 million at September 30, 2017 and was performing in accordance with its original terms at September 30, 2017.

At September 30, 2017, our largest commercial real estate loan had an outstanding balance of $9.1 million. This loan, which was originated in September 2016, is secured by a commercial real estate development formerly owned by the Company that includes one multi-tenant, two single-tenant, and two two-tenant retail buildings. It was performing in accordance with its original terms at September 30, 2017.

Construction Loans. We originate construction loans for one to four family homes and commercial properties such as small industrial buildings, warehouses, retail shops and office units. Construction loans are typically for a term of 12 months with monthly interest only payments. Except for speculative loans, discussed below, repayment of construction loans typically comes from the proceeds of a permanent mortgage loan for which a commitment is typically in place when the construction loan is originated. We originate construction loans to a limited group of well-established builders in our primary market area and we limit the number of projects with each builder. Interest rates on these loans are generally tied to the prime lending rate. Construction loans, other than land development loans, generally will not exceed the lesser of 80% of the appraised value or 90% of the direct costs, excluding items such as developer fees, operating deficits or other items that do not relate to the direct development of the project. Generally, commercial construction loans require the personal guarantee of the owners of the business. We also offer construction loans for the financing of pre-sold homes, which convert into permanent loans at the end of the construction period. Such loans generally have a six month construction period with interest only payments due monthly, followed by an automatic conversion to a 15 year to 30 year permanent loan with monthly payments of principal and interest. Occasionally, a construction loan to a builder of a speculative home will be converted to a permanent loan if the builder has not secured a buyer within a limited period of time after the completion of the home. We generally disburse funds on a percentage-of-completion basis following an inspection by a third party inspector.

5

We also originate speculative construction loans to builders who have not identified a buyer or lessee for the completed property at the time of origination. At September 30, 2017, we had approved commitments for speculative construction loans of $10.4 million, of which $4.1 million was outstanding. We require a maximum loan-to-value ratio of 80% for speculative construction loans. At September 30, 2017, our largest construction loan relationship was for a commitment of $11.3 million, of which $7.5 million was outstanding but 80% of this loan is participated to other financial institutions. This loan, which was originated in June 2016 and is secured by a national brand hotel, was performing in accordance with its original terms at September 30, 2017.

Land and Land Development Loans. On a limited basis, we originate loans to developers for the purpose of developing vacant land in our primary market area, typically for residential subdivisions. Land development loans are generally interest-only loans for a term of 18 to 24 months. We generally require a maximum loan-to-value ratio of 75% of the appraisal market value upon completion of the project. We generally do not require any cash equity from the borrower if there is sufficient indicated equity in the collateral property. Development plats and cost verification documents are required from borrowers before approving and closing the loan. Our loan officers are required to personally visit the proposed development site and the sites of competing developments. We also originate loans to individuals secured by undeveloped land held for investment purposes. At September 30, 2017, our largest land development loan had an outstanding balance of $2.9 million. This loan, which was originated in April 2017, was performing in accordance with its original terms at September 30, 2017.

Multi-Family Real Estate Loans. We offer multi-family mortgage loans that are generally secured by properties in our primary market area. Multi-family loans are secured by first mortgages and generally are originated with a maximum loan-to-value ratio of 80% and generally require specified debt service coverage ratios depending on the characteristics of the project. Rates and other terms on such loans generally depend on our assessment of the credit risk after considering such factors as the borrower’s financial condition and credit history, loan-to-value ratio, debt service coverage ratio and other factors. At September 30, 2017, our largest multi-family mortgage loan had an outstanding balance of $3.7 million. This loan, which was originated in March 2017, was performing in accordance with its original terms at September 30, 2017.

Consumer Loans. Although we offer a variety of consumer loans, our consumer loan portfolio consists primarily of home equity loans, both fixed rate amortizing term loans with terms up to 15 years and adjustable rate lines of credit with interest rates equal to a margin above the prime lending rate. We also offer auto and truck loans, personal loans and small boat loans. Consumer loans typically have shorter maturities and higher interest rates than traditional one-to four-family lending. We typically do not make home equity loans with loan-to-value ratios exceeding 90%, including any first mortgage loan balance. The procedures for underwriting consumer loans include an assessment of the applicant’s payment history on other debts and ability to meet existing obligations and payments on the proposed loan. Although the applicant’s creditworthiness is a primary consideration, the underwriting process also includes a comparison of the value of the collateral, if any, to the proposed loan amount. At September 30, 2017, our largest consumer loan was a home equity line of credit with a commitment of $300,000, of which $300,000 was outstanding. This loan, which was originated in July 2017 and is secured by a first mortgage on a personal residence, was performing in accordance with its original terms at September 30, 2017.

Commercial Business Loans. We typically offer commercial business loans to small businesses located in our primary market area. Commercial business loans are generally secured by equipment and general business assets. Key loan terms and covenants vary depending on the collateral, the borrower’s financial condition, credit history and other relevant factors, and personal guarantees are typically required as part of the loan commitment. At September 30, 2017, our largest commercial business loan was for a commitment of $7.5 million, of which $6.8 million was outstanding but $2.5 million had been participated to other financial institutions. This loan, which was originated in September 2016 is made to a local hospital, was performing in accordance with its original terms at September 30, 2017.

6

Loan Underwriting Risks

Adjustable Rate Loans. While we anticipate that adjustable rate loans will better offset the adverse effects of an increase in interest rates as compared to fixed rate mortgages, an increased monthly mortgage payment required of adjustable rate loan borrowers in a rising interest rate environment could cause an increase in delinquencies and defaults. The marketability of the underlying property also may be adversely affected in a high interest rate environment. In addition, although adjustable-rate mortgage loans make our asset base more responsive to changes in interest rates, the extent of this interest sensitivity is limited by the annual and lifetime interest rate adjustment limits.

Non-Owner Occupied Residential Real Estate Loans. Loans secured by rental properties represent a unique credit risk to us and, as a result, we adhere to special underwriting guidelines. Of primary concern in non-owner occupied real estate lending is the consistency of rental income of the property. Payments on loans secured by rental properties often depend on the maintenance of the property and the payment of rent by its tenants. Payments on loans secured by rental properties often depend on successful operation and management of the properties. As a result, repayment of such loans may be subject to adverse conditions in the real estate market or the economy. To monitor cash flows on rental properties, we require borrowers and loan guarantors, if any, to provide annual financial statements and we consider and review a rental income cash flow analysis of the borrower and consider the net operating income of the property, the borrower’s expertise, credit history and profitability, and the value of the underlying property. We generally require collateral on these loans to be a first mortgage along with an assignment of rents and leases. If the borrower holds loans on more than four rental properties, a loan officer or collection officer is generally required to inspect these properties annually to determine if they are being properly maintained and rented. We have generally limited these loan relationships to an aggregate total of $500,000.

Multi-Family and Commercial Real Estate Loans. Loans secured by multi-family and commercial real estate generally have larger balances and involve a greater degree of risk than one to four family residential mortgage loans. Of primary concern in multi-family and commercial real estate lending is the borrower’s creditworthiness and the feasibility and cash flow potential of the project. Payments on loans secured by income properties often depend on successful operation and management of the properties. As a result, repayment of such loans may be subject to adverse conditions in the real estate market or the economy. To monitor cash flows on income properties, we require borrowers and loan guarantors, if any, to provide annual financial statements on multi-family and commercial real estate loans. In addition, some loans may contain covenants regarding ongoing cash flow coverage requirements. In reaching a decision on whether to make a multi-family or commercial real estate loan, we consider and review a global cash flow analysis of the borrower and consider the net operating income of the property, the borrower’s expertise, credit history and profitability, and the value of the underlying property. An environmental survey or environmental risk insurance is obtained when the possibility exists that hazardous materials may have existed on the site, or the site may have been impacted by adjoining properties that handled hazardous materials.

Construction and Land and Land Development Loans. Construction financing is generally considered to involve a higher degree of risk of loss than long-term financing on improved, occupied real estate. Risk of loss on a construction loan depends largely upon the accuracy of the initial estimate of the property’s value at completion of construction and the estimated cost of construction. During the construction phase, a number of factors could result in delays and cost overruns. If the estimate of construction costs proves to be inaccurate, we may be required to advance funds beyond the amount originally committed to permit completion of the building. If the estimate of value proves to be inaccurate, we may be confronted, at or before the maturity of the loan, with a building having a value which is insufficient to assure full repayment if liquidation is required. If we are forced to foreclose on a building before or at completion due to a default, we may be unable to recover all of the unpaid balance of, and accrued interest on, the loan as well as related foreclosure and holding costs. In addition, speculative construction loans, which are loans made to home builders who, at the time of loan origination, have not yet secured an end buyer for the home under construction, typically carry higher risks than those associated with traditional construction loans. These increased risks arise because of the risk that there will be inadequate demand to ensure the sale of the property within an acceptable time. As a result, in addition to the risks associated with traditional construction loans, speculative construction loans carry the added risk that the builder will have to pay the property taxes and other carrying costs of the property until an end buyer is found. Land and land development loans have substantially similar risks to speculative construction loans.

7

Consumer Loans. Consumer loans may entail greater risk than do residential mortgage loans, particularly in the case of consumer loans that are secured by assets that depreciate rapidly, such as motor vehicles and boats. In such cases, repossessed collateral for a defaulted consumer loan may not provide an adequate source of repayment for the outstanding loan and a small remaining deficiency often does not warrant further substantial collection efforts against the borrower. In the case of home equity loans, real estate values may be reduced to a level that is insufficient to cover the outstanding loan balance after accounting for the first mortgage loan balance. Consumer loan collections depend on the borrower’s continuing financial stability, and therefore are likely to be adversely affected by various factors, including job loss, divorce, illness or personal bankruptcy. Furthermore, the application of various federal and state laws, including federal and state bankruptcy and insolvency laws, may limit the amount that can be recovered on such loans.

Commercial Business Loans. Unlike residential mortgage loans, which generally are made on the basis of the borrower’s ability to make repayment from his or her employment income or other income, and which are secured by real property whose value tends to be more easily ascertainable, commercial business loans are of higher risk and typically are made on the basis of the borrower’s ability to make repayment from the cash flow of the borrower’s business. As a result, the availability of funds for the repayment of commercial business loans may depend substantially on the success of the business itself. Further, any collateral securing such loans may depreciate over time, may be difficult to appraise and may fluctuate in value.

Loan Originations, Sales and Purchases. Loan originations come from a number of sources. The primary sources of loan originations are existing customers, walk-in traffic, advertising, and referrals from customers and centers of influence, such as real estate agents, attorneys, accountants and other professionals.

We have not historically sold whole loans, other than long term fixed rate residential mortgage loans that we originate, which we generally sell in the secondary market. We have not historically purchased whole loans; however, we acquired four brokered whole loans during the year ended September 30, 2012. The loans were purchased at an average of 90% of their principal balance and are secured by multi-family and retail shopping centers located in Indiana. At September 30, 2017, three of these loans remained outstanding with a total principal balance of $4.0 million and were performing in accordance with their original terms.

While we generally do not sell participation interests in loans originated by us or purchase participation interests in loans originated by other financial institutions in order to supplement our lending portfolio, we may sell or purchase participation interests in loans from time to time depending on various factors. At September 30, 2017, $38.0 million of loans included sold participation interests of $19.8 million, for a net position of $18.2 million outstanding in our portfolio. At September 30, 2017, acquired participation interests of loans from one lending relationship totaled $771,000 and this was our largest purchased participation interest with a single borrower. This loan, which was originated in January 2014 and is secured by a first mortgage on an industrial building, was performing in accordance with its original terms at September 30, 2017.

Beginning in April 2015, the Bank hired a management team, business development officers (loan officers), underwriters and supporting staff that are seasoned and experienced in SBA lending in order to enhance the Company’s proficiency in SBA 7(a) program loan originations and sales. The Bank intends to continue hiring additional business development officers and appropriate supporting staff in order to grow this program, the borrowers and collateral for which are outside of our primary market area. The primary purpose of the program is to originate SBA 7(a) program loans and sell the amounts guaranteed by the SBA in the secondary market. The program is also designed to diversify the Company’s geographic and interest rate risk profile with respect to the retained unguaranteed amounts given the geographic dispersion of the loans and collateral, and their floating rate structure. The Company originated SBA loans with a total commitment of $91.3 million during the year end September 30, 2017. At September 30, 2017, $110.6 million of SBA loans included sold guaranteed portions of $61.2 million, for a net position of $49.4 million outstanding in our portfolio. The amount outstanding in the Bank’s portfolio at September 30, 2017 included $24.9 million in SBA loans held for sale, $7.6 million in the unguaranteed portion of SBA loans not yet sold and $17.8 million in the unguaranteed portion of SBA loans sold. All SBA loans held for sale were carried at the lower of cost or market value at September 30, 2017 and 2016.

Our decision to sell or purchase loans is based on prevailing market interest rate conditions, interest rate management, regulatory lending restrictions and liquidity needs.

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Loan Approval Procedures and Authority. Our conventional lending activities follow written, non-discriminatory underwriting standards and loan origination procedures established by our Board of Directors and management. Certain of our employees have been granted individual lending limits, which vary depending on the individual, the type of loan and whether the loan is secured or unsecured. Generally, all loan requests for non-SBA 7(a) program lending relationships that exceed the individual officer lending limits, which is generally $250,000 secured or $50,000 unsecured, require committee or Board of Directors approval. Loans resulting in aggregated lending relationships in excess of individual office lending limits but less than $1.5 million require approval by the Officer Loan Committee and loans resulting in aggregated lending relationships in excess of $1.5 million but less than $3.0 million require approval of the Executive Loan Committee. The Executive Loan Committee consists of the President, Area President, Chief Lending Officer, Chief of Credit Administration and two senior commercial lending officers, and the Officer Loan Committee consists of the same but also includes certain other officers designated by the Board of Directors. Loans resulting in aggregated lending relationships in excess of $3.0 million require approval by both the Executive Loan Committee and the Board of Directors.

Our SBA 7(a) program lending activities also follow underwriting standards and loan origination procedures established by our Board of Directors and management. Certain of our employees have been granted individual lending limits, which is $2.0 million for the aggregate loan balance, of which 75% or greater is guaranteed by the SBA. Generally, all SBA 7(a) program loan requests for lending relationships that exceed the individual officer lending limits require approval by the SBA Officer Loan Committee. The SBA Officer Loan Committee consists of the President, Chief Lending Officer, Chief of Credit Administration, Chief of SBA Lending, Senior SBA Lending Officer and a senior commercial lending officer. The aggregated lending relationships for the SBA 7(a) program may not exceed $5.0 million according to SBA guidelines and therefore no loan requests require approval by the Board of Directors given that the portion of SBA 7(a) program loans that are not guaranteed by the SBA may not exceed $1.25 million.

Loans to One Borrower. The maximum amount that we may lend to one borrower and the borrower’s related entities is limited, by regulation, to generally 15% of our stated capital and reserves. At September 30, 2017, our regulatory limit on loans to one borrower was $12.7 million. At that date, our largest lending relationship was for a commitment of $9.1 million, of which $9.1 million was outstanding, and was performing according to its original terms at that date.

Loan Commitments. We issue commitments for residential and commercial mortgage loans conditioned upon the occurrence of certain events. Commitments to originate mortgage loans are legally binding agreements to lend to our customers. Generally, our loan commitments expire after 30 days.

Investment Activities

We have legal authority to invest in various types of liquid assets, including U.S. Treasury obligations, securities of various U.S. government agencies and sponsored enterprises, securities of various state and municipal governments, mortgage-backed securities, collateralized mortgage obligations and certificates of deposit of federally insured institutions. Within certain regulatory limits, we also may invest a portion of our assets in other permissible securities. As a member of the Federal Reserve System and Federal Home Loan Bank System, in particular a member of the Federal Home Loan Bank of Indianapolis (“FHLB”), First Savings Bank is also required to acquire and hold shares of capital stock in the Federal Reserve Bank and FHLB.

At September 30, 2017, our investment portfolio consisted primarily of U.S. government agency and sponsored enterprises securities, mortgage backed securities and collateralized mortgage obligations issued by U.S. government agencies and sponsored enterprises, municipal bonds, privately-issued collateralized mortgage obligations and asset-backed securities, and a pass-through asset-backed security guaranteed by the SBA. We also have a managed brokerage account that invests in small and medium lot, investment grade municipal bonds and these securities are classified as trading account securities. The brokerage account is managed by an investment advisory firm registered with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. At September 30, 2017, trading account securities recorded at fair value totaled $7.2 million.

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Our investment objectives are to provide and maintain liquidity, to establish an acceptable level of interest rate and credit risk, and to provide an alternate source of low-risk investments at a favorable return when loan demand is weak. Our Board of Directors has the overall responsibility for the investment portfolio, including approval of the investment policy. Messrs. Myers, our President and Chief Executive Officer, and Schoen, our Chief Financial Officer, are responsible for implementation of the investment policy and monitoring our investment performance. Our Board of Directors reviews the status of our investment portfolio on a quarterly basis, or more frequently if warranted.

Deposit Activities and Other Sources of Funds

General. Deposits, borrowings, and loan and investment security repayments are the major sources of our funds for lending and other investment purposes. Scheduled loan repayments are a relatively stable source of funds, while deposit inflows and outflows, loan prepayments and investment security calls are significantly influenced by general interest rates and money market conditions.

Deposit Accounts. Deposits are attracted from within our primary market area through the offering of a broad selection of deposit instruments, including non-interest-bearing demand deposits (such as checking accounts), interest-bearing demand accounts (such as NOW and money market accounts), regular savings accounts and time deposits. Deposit account terms vary according to the minimum balance required, the time periods the funds must remain on deposit and the interest rate, among other factors. In determining the terms of our deposit accounts, we consider the rates offered by our competition, our liquidity needs, profitability to us, matching deposit and loan products and customer preferences and concerns. We generally review our deposit mix and pricing weekly. Our deposit pricing strategy has typically been to offer competitive rates on all types of deposit products, and to periodically offer special rates in order to attract deposits of a specific type or term.

Borrowings. We use advances from the FHLB to supplement our investable funds. First Savings Bank is a member of the Federal Home Loan Bank System, which consists of 12 regional Federal Home Loan Banks. The Federal Home Loan Bank System functions as a central reserve bank providing credit for member financial institutions. First Savings Bank, as a member of the FHLB, is required to acquire and hold shares of capital stock in the FHLB and is authorized to apply for advances on the security of such stock and certain of our mortgage loans and other assets (principally securities which are obligations of the U.S., U.S. government agencies or U.S. government-sponsored enterprises), provided certain standards related to creditworthiness have been met. Advances are made under several different programs, each having its own interest rate and range of maturities. Depending on the program, limitations on the amount of advances are based either on a fixed percentage of an institution’s net worth or on the FHLB’s assessment of the institution’s creditworthiness. We have two federal funds purchased line of credit facilities with other financial institutions that are subject to continued borrower eligibility and are intended to support short-term liquidity needs. We also utilize brokered certificates of deposit and retail repurchase agreements as sources of borrowings and may use broker repurchase agreements and internet certificates of deposit from time to time, depending on our liquidity needs and pricing of these facilities versus other funding alternatives.

Personnel

As of September 30, 2017, we had 176 full-time employees and 25 part-time employees, none of whom is represented by a collective bargaining unit.

Subsidiaries

The Company has two wholly-owned subsidiaries, First Savings Bank and First Savings Insurance Risk Management, Inc. (the “Captive”). The Bank has three subsidiaries, Southern Indiana Financial Corporation, Q2 Business Capital, LLC, and First Savings Investments, Inc. The Captive, an insurance subsidiary of the Company formed during the fourth fiscal quarter of 2014, is a Nevada corporation that provides property and casualty insurance to the Company, the Bank and the Bank’s active subsidiaries. In addition, the Captive provides reinsurance to eight other third-party insurance captives for which insurance may not be currently available or economically feasible in the insurance marketplace. Southern Indiana Financial Corporation is an independent insurance agency, offering various types of annuities and life insurance policies, but is currently inactive.

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On April 25, 2017, the Bank formed Q2 Business Capital, LLC (“Q2”), which is an Indiana limited liability company that specializes in the origination and servicing of SBA loans. The Bank owns 51% of Q2 with the option to purchase the minority interest between July 1, 2020 and September 30, 2020. In accordance with Q2’s operating agreement, the Bank will be allocated the first $1.7 million of cumulative net income of Q2 with any additional profits and losses allocated 51% to the Bank and 49% to Q2’s minority members.

REGULATION AND SUPERVISION

General

First Savings Bank, as an Indiana commercial bank, is subject to extensive regulation, examination and supervision by the Indiana Department of Financial Institutions (“INDFI”). As a member bank of the Federal Reserve System, First Savings Bank’s primary federal regulator is the Federal Reserve Board (“FRB”). First Savings Bank is also a member of the Federal Home Loan Bank System and its deposit accounts are insured up to applicable limits by the Deposit Insurance Fund of the FDIC. First Savings Bank must file reports with its regulatory agencies concerning its activities and financial condition in addition to obtaining regulatory approvals before entering into certain transactions such as mergers with, or acquisitions of, other financial institutions. There are periodic examinations by the INDFI and FRB to evaluate First Savings Bank’s safety and soundness and compliance with various regulatory requirements. This regulatory structure is intended primarily for the protection of the Deposit Insurance Fund and depositors. The regulatory structure also gives the regulatory authorities extensive discretion in connection with their supervisory and enforcement activities and examination policies, including policies with respect to the classification of assets and the establishment of an adequate allowance for loan losses for regulatory purposes. Any change in such policies, whether by the INDFI, FRB, or Congress, could have a material adverse impact on First Savings Financial Group and First Savings Bank and their operations.

Certain of the regulatory requirements that are or will be applicable to First Savings Bank and First Savings Financial Group are described below. This description of statutes and regulations is not intended to be a complete explanation of such statutes and regulations and their effects on First Savings Bank and First Savings Financial Group.

Regulation of First Savings Bank

Business Activities. The activities of Indiana banks, such as First Savings Bank, are governed by Indiana and federal laws and regulations. Those laws and regulations delineate the nature and extent of the business activities in which banks may engage

Federal law generally limits the activities as principal and equity investments of FDIC insured state banks to those permitted for national banks. Activities as principal of state bank subsidiaries are also limited to those permitted for subsidiaries of national banks, absent regulatory approval for a particular subsidiary activity. In addition, federal law limits the authority of Federal Reserve System member banks, such as First Savings Bank, to purchase investment securities. Generally, such authority is limited to investment securities permissible for national banks, which includes investment grade, marketable debt obligations. Certain activities, such as the establishment of new branches and mergers and acquisitions, require the prior approval of both the INDFI and the FRB.

Loans to One Borrower. Indiana law establishes limits on a bank’s loans to one borrower. Generally, subject to certain exceptions, an Indiana bank may not make a loan or extend credit to a single or related group of borrowers in excess of 15% of its unimpaired capital and surplus. An additional amount may be lent, equal to 10% of unimpaired capital and surplus, if secured by specified readily-marketable collateral. These limits are similar to those applicable to First Savings Bank under its previous federal savings bank charter.

Capital Requirements. Federal regulations require FDIC insured depository institutions, including state chartered Federal Reserve System member banks, to meet several minimum capital standards: a common equity Tier 1 capital to risk-based assets ratio of 4.5%, a Tier 1 capital to risk-based assets ratio of 6.0%, a total capital to risk-based assets of 8% and a 4% Tier 1 capital to total assets leverage ratio. The existing capital requirements were effective January 1, 2015.

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As noted, the capital standards require the maintenance of common equity Tier 1 capital, Tier 1 capital and total capital to risk-weighted assets of at least 4.5%, 6% and 8%, respectively, and a leverage ratio of at least 4% Tier 1 capital. Common equity Tier 1 capital is generally defined as common stockholders’ equity and retained earnings. Tier 1 capital is generally defined as common equity Tier 1 and Additional Tier 1 capital. Additional Tier 1 capital generally includes certain noncumulative perpetual preferred stock and related surplus and minority interests in equity accounts of consolidated subsidiaries. Total capital includes Tier 1 capital (common equity Tier 1 capital plus Additional Tier 1 capital) and Tier 2 capital. Tier 2 capital is comprised of capital instruments and related surplus meeting specified requirements, and may include cumulative preferred stock and long-term perpetual preferred stock, mandatory convertible securities, intermediate preferred stock and subordinated debt. Also included in Tier 2 capital is the allowance for loan and lease losses limited to a maximum of 1.25% of risk-weighted assets and, for institutions that have exercised an opt-out election regarding the treatment of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (“AOCI”), up to 45% of net unrealized gains on available-for-sale equity securities with readily determinable fair market values. Institutions that have not exercised the AOCI opt-out have AOCI incorporated into common equity Tier 1 capital (including unrealized gains and losses on available-for-sale-securities). Calculation of all types of regulatory capital is subject to deductions and adjustments specified in the regulations.

In determining the amount of risk-weighted assets for purposes of calculating risk-based capital ratios, assets, including certain off-balance sheet assets (e.g., recourse obligations, direct credit substitutes, residual interests) are multiplied by a risk weight factor assigned by the regulations based on the risks believed inherent in the type of asset. Higher levels of capital are required for asset categories believed to present greater risk. For example, a risk weight of 0% is assigned to cash and U.S. government securities, a risk weight of 50% is generally assigned to prudently underwritten first lien one to four- family residential mortgages, a risk weight of 100% is assigned to commercial and consumer loans, a risk weight of 150% is assigned to certain past due loans and a risk weight of between 0% to 600% is assigned to permissible equity interests, depending on certain specified factors.

In addition to establishing the minimum regulatory capital requirements, the regulations limit capital distributions by the institution and certain discretionary bonus payments to management if an institution does not hold a “capital conservation buffer” consisting of 2.5% of common equity Tier 1 capital to risk-weighted assets above the amount necessary to meet its minimum risk-based capital requirements. The capital conservation buffer requirement was phased in beginning January 1, 2016 at 0.625% of risk-weighted assets and is increasing each year until fully implemented at 2.5% on January 1, 2019.

The FRB has authority to establish individual minimum capital requirements in appropriate cases upon a determination that an institution’s capital level is or may become inadequate in light of the particular risks or circumstances.

As of September 30, 2017, First Savings Bank met all applicable capital adequacy requirements.

Prompt Corrective Regulatory Action. Federal law establishes a system of prompt corrective action to resolve the problems of undercapitalized institutions. The law requires that certain supervisory actions be taken against undercapitalized institutions, the severity of which depends on the degree of undercapitalization. The FRB has adopted regulations to implement the prompt corrective action legislation as to state member banks. The regulations were amended to incorporate the previously mentioned increased regulatory capital standards that were effective January 1, 2015. An institution is deemed to be “well capitalized” if it has a total risk-based capital ratio of 10.0% or greater, a Tier 1 risk-based capital ratio of 8.0% or greater, a leverage ratio of 5.0% or greater and a common equity Tier 1 ratio of 6.5% or greater. An institution is “adequately capitalized” if it has a total risk-based capital ratio of 8.0% or greater, a Tier 1 risk-based capital ratio of 6.0% or greater, a leverage ratio of 4.0% or greater and a common equity Tier 1 ratio of 4.5% or greater. An institution is “undercapitalized” if it has a total risk-based capital ratio of less than 8.0%, a Tier 1 risk-based capital ratio of less than 6.0%, a leverage ratio of less than 4.0% or a common equity Tier 1 ratio of less than 4.5%. An institution is deemed to be “significantly undercapitalized” if it has a total risk-based capital ratio of less than 6.0%, a Tier 1 risk-based capital ratio of less than 4.0%, a leverage ratio of less than 3.0% or a common equity Tier 1 ratio of less than 3.0%. An institution is considered to be “critically undercapitalized” if it has a ratio of tangible equity (as defined in the regulations) to total assets that is equal to or less than 2.0%.

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Subject to a narrow exception, a receiver or conservator is required to be appointed for an institution that is “critically undercapitalized” within specified time frames. The regulations also provide that a capital restoration plan must be filed with the FRB within 45 days of the date an institution is deemed to have received notice that it is “undercapitalized,” “significantly undercapitalized” or “critically undercapitalized.” Compliance with the plan must be guaranteed by any parent holding company up to the lesser of 5% of the institution’s total assets when it was deemed to be undercapitalized or the amount necessary to achieve compliance with applicable capital requirements. In addition, numerous mandatory supervisory actions become immediately applicable to an undercapitalized institution including, but not limited to, increased monitoring by regulators and restrictions on growth, capital distributions and expansion. The FRB could also take any one of a number of discretionary supervisory actions, including the issuance of a capital directive and the replacement of senior executive officers and directors. Significantly and critically undercapitalized institutions are subject to additional mandatory and discretionary measures.

Insurance of Deposit Accounts. First Savings Bank’s deposits are insured up to applicable limits by the Deposit Insurance Fund of the FDIC. Currently, deposit insurance per account owner is $250,000. Under the FDIC’s existing risk-based assessment system, insured institutions are assigned to one of four risk categories based on supervisory evaluations, regulatory capital levels and certain other factors, with less risky institutions paying lower assessments. An institution’s assessment rate depends upon the category to which it is assigned and certain specified adjustments. The assessment rates (inclusive of adjustments) currently range from two and one half to 45 basis points of total capital less tangible assets, depending upon the particular institution’s risk category. The rate schedules will automatically adjust in the future when the Deposit Insurance Fund reaches certain milestones. No institution may pay a dividend if in default of the federal deposit insurance assessment.

The Dodd-Frank Act increased the minimum target Deposit Insurance Fund ratio from 1.15% of estimated insured deposits to 1.35% of estimated insured deposits. The FDIC must seek to achieve the 1.35% ratio by September 30, 2020. Insured institutions with assets of $10 billion or more are supposed to fund the increase. The Dodd-Frank Act eliminated the 1.5% maximum fund ratio, instead leaving it to the discretion of the FDIC. The FDIC has exercised that discretion by establishing a target fund ratio of 2%, which it has established as a long term goal.

The FDIC has authority to increase insurance assessments. A significant increase in insurance premiums would likely have an adverse effect on the operating expenses and results of operations of First Savings Bank. Management cannot predict what insurance assessment rates will be in the future.

Insurance of deposits may be terminated by the FDIC upon a finding that the institution has engaged in unsafe or unsound practices, is in an unsafe or unsound condition to continue operations or has violated any applicable law, regulation, rule, order or condition imposed by the FRB or FDIC. The management of First Savings Bank does not know of any practice, condition or violation that might lead to termination of deposit insurance.

Limitation on Dividends. Indiana law authorizes a bank’s board of directors to declare dividends out of profits as deemed expedient. However, application to and the prior approval of the INDFI and FRB is required before payment of a dividend if total dividends for the calendar year exceed net income for the year to date plus the amount of retained net income for the preceding two years. Federal law specifies that a bank may not pay a dividend if it fails to satisfy any applicable federal capital requirement after the dividend.

If First Savings Bank’s capital ever fell below its regulatory requirements or the FRB notified it that it was in need of increased supervision, its ability to pay dividends or otherwise make capital distributions could be restricted. In addition, the INDFI and/or FRB could prohibit a proposed capital distribution, which would otherwise be permitted by the regulation, if the regulator determined that such distribution would constitute an unsafe or unsound practice.

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Standards for Safety and Soundness. The federal banking agencies have adopted Interagency Guidelines prescribing Standards for Safety and Soundness in various areas such as internal controls and information systems, internal audit, loan documentation and credit underwriting, interest rate exposure, asset growth and quality, earnings and compensation, fees and benefits. The guidelines set forth the safety and soundness standards that the federal banking agencies use to identify and address problems at insured depository institutions before capital becomes impaired. If the FRB determines that a state member bank fails to meet any standard prescribed by the guidelines, the FRB may require the institution to submit an acceptable plan to achieve compliance with the standard.

Community Reinvestment Act. All federally-insured banks have a responsibility under the Community Reinvestment Act and related regulations to help meet the credit needs of their communities, including low- and moderate-income neighborhoods. An institution’s failure to satisfactorily comply with the provisions of the Community Reinvestment Act could result in denials of regulatory applications. First Savings Bank received a “satisfactory” Community Reinvestment Act rating in its most recently completed examination.

Transactions with Related Parties. Federal law limits First Savings Bank’s authority to engage in transactions with “affiliates” (e.g., any entity that controls or is under common control with First Savings Bank, including First Savings Financial Group and its other subsidiaries). The aggregate amount of covered transactions with any individual affiliate is limited to 10% of the capital and surplus of a bank. The aggregate amount of covered transactions with all affiliates is limited to 20% of a bank’s capital and surplus. Certain transactions with affiliates are required to be secured by collateral in an amount and of a type specified by federal law. The purchase of low quality assets from affiliates is generally prohibited. Transactions with affiliates must generally be on terms and under circumstances that are at least as favorable to the institution as those prevailing at the time for comparable transactions with non-affiliated companies.

The Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 generally prohibits loans by First Savings Financial Group to its executive officers and directors. However, the law contains a specific exception for loans by a depository institution to its executive officers and directors in compliance with federal banking laws. Under such laws, First Savings Bank’s authority to extend credit to executive officers, directors and 10% shareholders (“insiders”), as well as entities such persons control, is limited. The laws limit both the individual and aggregate amount of loans that First Savings Bank may make to insiders based, in part, on First Savings Bank’s capital level and requires that certain board approval procedures be followed. Such loans are required to be made on terms substantially the same as those offered to unaffiliated individuals and not involve more than the normal risk of repayment. There is an exception for loans made pursuant to a benefit or compensation program that is widely available to all employees of the institution and does not give preference to insiders over other employees. Loans to executive officers are subject to additional limitations based on the type of loan involved.

Enforcement. The INDFI maintains enforcement authority over First Savings Bank, including the power to issue cease and desist orders and civil money penalties and remove directors, officers or employees. The INDFI also has the power to appoint a conservator or receiver for a bank upon insolvency, imminent insolvency, unsafe or unsound condition or certain other situations. The FRB has primary federal enforcement responsibility over Federal Reserve System member state banks and has authority to bring actions against the institution and all institution-affiliated parties, including shareholders, and any attorneys, appraisers and accountants who knowingly or recklessly participate in wrongful actions likely to have an adverse effect on the bank. Formal enforcement action may range from the issuance of a capital directive or cease and desist order to removal of officers and/or directors. Civil penalties cover a wide range of violations and can amount to $25,000 per day, or even $1 million per day in especially egregious cases. The FDIC, as deposit insurer, has the authority to recommend to the FRB that enforcement action be taken with respect to a member bank. If action is not taken by the FRB, the FDIC has authority to take such action under certain circumstances. In general, regulatory enforcement actions occur with respect to situations involving unsafe or unsound practices or conditions, violations of law or regulation or breaches of fiduciary duty. Federal and Indiana law also establish criminal penalties for certain violations.

Assessments. Indiana banks are required to pay assessments to the INDFI to fund the agency’s operations. The assessments paid to the INDFI by First Savings Bank for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2017 totaled $54,000.

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Federal Home Loan Bank System. First Savings Bank is a member of the Federal Home Loan Bank System, which consists of 12 regional Federal Home Loan Banks. The Federal Home Loan Bank System provides a central credit facility primarily for member institutions. First Savings Bank, as a member of the FHLB, is required to acquire and hold shares of capital stock in the FHLB. First Savings Bank was in compliance with this requirement with an investment in FHLB capital stock at September 30, 2017 of $6.0 million.

Federal Reserve Board System. The FRB regulations require banks to maintain reserves against their transaction accounts (primarily Negotiable Order of Withdrawal (NOW) and regular checking accounts). As of September 30, 2017 and through the date of filing, First Savings Bank was in compliance with this requirement.

Other Regulations

First Savings Bank’s operations are also subject to federal laws applicable to credit transactions, including the:

• Truth-In-Lending Act, governing disclosures of credit terms to consumer borrowers;

• Home Mortgage Disclosure Act of 1975, requiring financial institutions to provide information to enable the public and public officials to determine whether a financial institution is fulfilling its obligation to help meet the housing needs of the community it serves;

• Equal Credit Opportunity Act, prohibiting discrimination on the basis of race, creed or other prohibited factors in extending credit;

• Fair Credit Reporting Act of 1978, governing the use and provision of information to credit reporting agencies;

• Fair Debt Collection Act, governing the manner in which consumer debts may be collected by collection agencies; and

• Rules and regulations of the various federal agencies charged with the responsibility of implementing such federal laws.

The operations of First Savings Bank also are subject to laws such as the:

• Right to Financial Privacy Act, which imposes a duty to maintain confidentiality of consumer financial records and prescribes procedures for complying with administrative subpoenas of financial records;

• Electronic Funds Transfer Act and Regulation E promulgated thereunder, which govern automatic deposits to and withdrawals from deposit accounts and customers’ rights and liabilities arising from the use of automated teller machines and other electronic banking services; and

• Check Clearing for the 21st Century Act (also known as “Check 21”), which gives “substitute checks,” such as digital check images and copies made from that image, the same legal standing as the original paper check.

Holding Company Regulation

General. As a bank holding company, First Savings Financial Group is subject to FRB regulation, examination, supervision and reporting requirements. In addition, the FRB has enforcement authority over First Savings Financial Group and its non-savings institution subsidiaries. Among other things, this authority permits the FRB to restrict or prohibit activities that are determined to be a serious risk to First Savings Bank. The INDFI also has examination and enforcement authority since First Savings Financial Group controls an Indiana bank.

As a bank holding company, First Savings Financial Group is required to obtain the prior approval of the FRB to acquire all, or substantially all, of the assets of any other bank or bank holding company. Prior FRB approval is required for any bank holding company to acquire direct or indirect ownership or control of any voting securities of any bank or bank holding company if, after such acquisition, the acquiring bank holding company would, directly or indirectly, own or control more than 5% of any class of voting shares of the bank or bank holding company. In addition to the approval of the FRB, prior approval may for such acquisitions also be necessary from other agencies including the INDFI and agencies that regulate the target.

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A bank holding company is generally prohibited from engaging in nonbanking activities, or acquiring direct or indirect control of more than 5% of the voting securities of any company engaged in non-banking activities. One of the principal exceptions to this prohibition is for activities found by the FRB to be so closely related to banking or managing or controlling banks as to be a proper incident thereto. Some of the principal activities that the FRB has determined by regulation to be so closely related to banking are: (i) making or servicing loans; (ii) performing certain data processing services; (iii) providing discount brokerage services; (iv) acting as fiduciary, investment or financial advisor; (v) leasing personal or real property; (vi) making investments in corporations or projects designed primarily to promote community welfare; and (vii) acquiring a savings and loan association whose direct and indirect activities are limited to those permitted for bank holding companies. 

The Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act of 1999 authorized a bank holding company that meets specified conditions, including being “well capitalized” and “well managed,” to opt to become a “financial holding company” and thereby engage in a broader array of financial activities than previously permitted. First Savings Financial Group has elected to become a financial holding company because of the activities of the Captive.

Bank holding companies are generally subject to consolidated capital requirements established by the FRB. The Dodd-Frank Act required the FRB to amend its consolidated minimum capital requirements for bank holding companies to make them no less stringent than those applicable to insured depository institutions themselves. Bank holding companies of under $1 billion in consolidated assets, such as First Savings Financial Group, are exempt from consolidated regulatory capital requirements, unless the FRB determines otherwise in particular cases.

The FRB’s policies also require that a bank holding company serve as a source of financial strength to its subsidiary banks by standing ready to use available resources to provide adequate capital funds to those banks during periods of financial stress or adversity and by maintaining the financial flexibility and capital-raising capacity to obtain additional resources for assisting its subsidiary banks where necessary. The Dodd-Frank Act codified the source of strength doctrine. 

A bank holding company is generally required to give the FRB prior written notice of any purchase or redemption of then outstanding equity securities if the gross consideration for the purchase or redemption, when combined with the net consideration paid for all such purchases or redemptions during the preceding 12 months, is equal to 10% or more of the company’s consolidated net worth. The FRB may disapprove such a purchase or redemption if it determines that the proposal would constitute an unsafe and unsound practice, or violate any law, regulation, FRB order or directive, or any condition imposed by, or written agreement with, the FRB. There is an exception to this approval requirement for well-capitalized bank holding companies that meet certain other conditions. 

The FRB has issued a policy statement regarding the payment of dividends and the repurchase of shares of common stock by bank holding companies.  In general, the policy provides that dividends should be paid only out of current earnings and only if the prospective rate of earnings retention by the holding company appears consistent with the organization’s capital needs, asset quality and overall financial condition. Regulatory guidance provides for prior regulatory consultation with respect to dividends in certain circumstances such as where the company’s net income for the past four quarters, net of dividends’ previously paid over that period, is insufficient to fully fund the dividend or the company’s overall rate of earnings retention is inconsistent with the company’s capital needs and overall financial condition. The ability of a holding company to pay dividends may be limited if a subsidiary bank becomes undercapitalized. The guidance also provides for regulatory consultation prior to a bank holding company redeeming or repurchasing regulatory capital instruments when the holding company is experiencing financial weaknesses or where the redemption or repurchase of common or preferred stock cause a net reduction in the amount of such equity instruments outstanding at the end of a quarter compared to the beginning of the quarter in which the redemption or repurchase occurs. These regulatory policies could affect the ability of First Savings Financial Group to pay dividends, repurchase shares of its stock or otherwise engage in capital distributions.

The status of First Savings Financial Group as a registered bank holding company under the Bank Holding Company Act does not exempt it from certain federal and state laws and regulations applicable to corporations generally including, without limitation, certain provisions of the federal securities laws. 

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Acquisition of Control. Under the federal Change in Bank Control Act, no person may acquire control of a bank holding company such as First Savings Financial Group unless the FRB has been given 60 days’ prior written notice and has not issued a notice disapproving the proposed acquisition, taking into consideration certain factors, including the financial and managerial resources of the acquirer and the competitive effects of the acquisition.  Control, as defined under federal law, means ownership, control of or holding irrevocable proxies representing more than 25% of any class of voting stock, control in any manner of the election of a majority of the company’s directors, or a determination by the regulator that the acquirer has the power to direct, or directly or indirectly to exercise a controlling influence over, the management or policies of the institution.  Acquisition of more than 10% of any class of a bank holding company’s voting stock constitutes a rebuttable presumption of control under the regulations under certain circumstances including where, is the case with First Savings Financial Group, the issuer has registered securities under Section 12 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. Indiana law requires INDFI approval for changes in control of companies controlling Indiana banks, with “control” defined to mean power to direct the management or policies of the holding company or power to vote at least 25% of the company’s voting securities.

Federal Securities Laws

First Savings Financial Group’s common stock is registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. First Savings Financial Group is subject to the information, proxy solicitation, insider trading restrictions and other requirements under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.

INCOME TAXATION

Federal Taxation

General. We report our income on a fiscal year basis using the accrual method of accounting. The federal income tax laws apply to us in the same manner as to other corporations with some exceptions, including particularly our reserve for bad debts discussed below. The following discussion of tax matters is intended only as a summary and does not purport to be a comprehensive description of the tax rules applicable to us. For its 2016 fiscal year, the Company’s maximum federal income tax rate was 34%.

First Savings Financial Group and First Savings Bank have entered into a tax allocation agreement. Because First Savings Financial Group owns 100% of the issued and outstanding capital stock of First Savings Bank, First Savings Financial Group and First Savings Bank are members of an affiliated group within the meaning of Section 1504(a) of the Internal Revenue Code, of which group First Savings Financial Group is the common parent corporation. As a result of this affiliation, First Savings Bank may be included in the filing of a consolidated federal income tax return with First Savings Financial Group and, if a decision to file a consolidated tax return is made, the parties agree to compensate each other for their individual share of the consolidated tax liability and/or any tax benefits provided by them in the filing of the consolidated federal income tax return.

Our Federal income tax returns have not been audited during the last five years.

Bad Debt Reserves. For fiscal years beginning before June 30, 1996, thrift institutions that qualified under certain definitional tests and other conditions of the Internal Revenue Code, as the Bank did prior to its conversion to a commercial bank in December 2014, were permitted to use certain favorable provisions to calculate their deductions from taxable income for annual additions to their bad debt reserve. A reserve could be established for bad debts on qualifying real property loans, generally secured by interests in real property improved or to be improved, under the percentage of taxable income method or the experience method. The reserve for nonqualifying loans was computed using the experience method. Federal legislation enacted in 1996 repealed the reserve method of accounting for bad debts and the percentage of taxable income method for tax years beginning after 1995 and required savings institutions to recapture or take into income certain portions of their accumulated bad debt reserves. Approximately $4.6 million of our accumulated bad debt reserves would not be recaptured into taxable income unless First Savings Bank makes a “non-dividend distribution” to First Savings Financial Group as described below.

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Distributions. If First Savings Bank makes “non-dividend distributions” to First Savings Financial Group, the distributions will be considered to have been made from First Savings Bank’s unrecaptured tax bad debt reserves, including the balance of its reserves as of September 30, 1988, to the extent of the “non-dividend distributions,” and then from First Savings Bank’s supplemental reserve for losses on loans, to the extent of those reserves, and an amount based on the amount distributed, but not more than the amount of those reserves, will be included in First Savings Bank’s taxable income. Non-dividend distributions include distributions in excess of First Savings Bank’s current and accumulated earnings and profits, as calculated for federal income tax purposes, distributions in redemption of stock, and distributions in partial or complete liquidation. Dividends paid out of First Savings Bank’s current or accumulated earnings and profits will not be so included in First Savings Bank’s taxable income.

The amount of additional taxable income triggered by a non-dividend distribution is an amount that, when reduced by the tax attributable to the income, is equal to the amount of the distribution. Therefore, if First Savings Bank makes a non-dividend distribution to First Savings Financial Group, approximately one and one-half times the amount of the distribution not in excess of the amount of the reserves would be includable in income for federal income tax purposes, assuming a 34% federal corporate income tax rate. First Savings Bank does not intend to pay dividends that would result in a recapture of any portion of its bad debt reserves.

State Taxation

Indiana. Effective July 1, 2013, Indiana amended its tax code to provide for reductions in the franchise tax rate. For the Company’s tax year ended September 30, 2017, Indiana imposed a 7.0% franchise tax based on a financial institution’s adjusted gross income as defined by statute. The Indiana franchise tax rate will be reduced to 6.5%, 6.5%, 6.25%, 6.0%, 5.5%, 5.0% and 4.9% for the Company’s tax years ending September 30, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023, and 2024 and years thereafter, respectively. In computing adjusted gross income, deductions for municipal interest, U.S. Government interest, the bad debt deduction computed using the reserve method and pre-1990 net operating losses are disallowed.

Our state income tax returns have not been audited during the last five years.

Item 1A. RISK FACTORS

Our concentration in non-owner occupied residential real estate loans may expose us to increased credit risk.

At September 30, 2017, $28.8 million, or 16.8% of our residential mortgage loan portfolio and 4.7% of our total loan portfolio, consisted of loans secured by non-owner occupied residential properties. Loans secured by non-owner occupied properties generally expose a lender to greater risk of non-payment and loss than loans secured by owner occupied properties because repayment of such loans depend primarily on the tenant’s continuing ability to pay rent to the property owner, who is our borrower, or, if the property owner is unable to find a tenant, the property owner’s ability to repay the loan without the benefit of a rental income stream. In addition, the physical condition of non-owner occupied properties is often below that of owner occupied properties due to lax property maintenance standards, which has a negative impact on the value of the collateral properties. Furthermore, some of our non-owner occupied residential loan borrowers have more than one loan outstanding with us. At September 30, 2017, we had nine non-owner occupied residential loan relationships, each having an outstanding balance over $500,000, with aggregate outstanding balances of $8.5 million. Consequently, an adverse development with respect to one credit relationship may expose us to a greater risk of loss compared to an adverse development with respect to an owner occupied residential mortgage loan. At September 30, 2017, nonperforming non-owner occupied residential loans amounted to $63,000. Non-owner occupied residential properties held as real estate owned amounted to $189,000 at September 30, 2017. For more information about the credit risk we face, see “Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations — Risk Management.”

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Our emphasis on commercial real estate lending and commercial business lending may expose us to increased lending risks.

At September 30, 2017, $325.8 million, or 52.6%, of our loan portfolio consisted of commercial real estate loans and commercial business loans. Subject to market conditions, we intend to increase our origination of these loans. Commercial real estate loans generally expose a lender to greater risk of non-payment and loss than one- to four-family residential mortgage loans because repayment of the loans often depends on the successful operation of the property and the income stream of the borrowers. Commercial real estate loans also typically involve larger loan balances to single borrowers or groups of related borrowers both at origination and at maturity because many of our commercial real estate loans are not fully-amortizing, but result in “balloon” balances at maturity. Commercial business loans expose us to additional risks since they typically are made on the basis of the borrower’s ability to make repayments from the cash flow of the borrower’s business and are secured by non-real estate collateral that may depreciate over time. In addition, some of our commercial borrowers have more than one loan outstanding with us. Consequently, an adverse development with respect to one loan or one credit relationship may expose us to a greater risk of loss compared to an adverse development with respect to a one- to four-family residential mortgage loan. At September 30, 2017, nonperforming commercial business loans and nonperforming commercial real estate loans totaled $81,000 and $1.3 million, respectively. For more information about the credit risk we face, see “Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations — Risk Management.”

Our construction loan and land and land development loan portfolios may expose us to increased credit risk.

At September 30, 2017, $68.7 million, or 11.1% of our loan portfolio consisted of construction loans, and land and land development loans, and $10.4 million, or 12.3% of the construction loan portfolio (excluding portions participated to other financial institutions), consisted of speculative construction loans at that date. Speculative construction loans are loans made to builders who have not identified a buyer for the completed property at the time of loan origination. Subject to market conditions, we intend to continue to emphasize the origination of construction loans and land and land development loans. These loan types generally expose a lender to greater risk of nonpayment and loss than residential mortgage loans because the repayment of such loans often depends on the successful operation or sale of the property and the income stream of the borrowers and such loans typically involve larger balances to a single borrower or groups of related borrowers. In addition, many borrowers of these types of loans have more than one loan outstanding with us so an adverse development with respect to one loan or credit relationship can expose us to significantly greater risk of non-payment and loss. Furthermore, we may need to increase our allowance for loan losses through future charges to income as the portfolio of these types of loans grows, which would adversely affect our earnings. For more information about the credit risk we face, see “Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations — Risk Management.”

We may suffer losses in our loan portfolio despite our underwriting practices.

Our results of operations are significantly affected by the ability of borrowers to repay their loans. Lending money is an essential part of the banking business. However, borrowers do not always repay their loans. The risk of non-payment is historically small, but if nonpayment levels are greater than anticipated, our earnings and overall financial condition, as well as the value of our common stock, could be adversely affected. No assurance can be given that our underwriting practices or monitoring procedures and policies will reduce certain lending risks. Loan losses can cause insolvency and failure of a financial institution and, in such an event, our stockholders could lose their entire investment. In addition, future provisions for loan losses could materially and adversely affect our earnings and financial condition. Furthermore, the application of various federal and state laws, including bankruptcy and insolvency laws, may limit the amount that can be recovered on these loans. For more information about the credit risk we face, see “Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations — Risk Management.”

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Our allowance for loan losses may not be adequate to cover actual losses.

Like all financial institutions, we maintain an allowance for loan losses to provide for probable incurred losses due to loan defaults, non-performance, and other qualitative factors. Our allowance for loan losses is based on our historical loss experience as well as an evaluation of the risks associated with our loan portfolio, including the size and composition of the loan portfolio, loan portfolio performance, fair value of collateral securing the loans, current economic conditions and geographic concentrations within the portfolio. Our allowance for loan losses may not be adequate to cover actual loan losses, and future provisions for loan losses could materially and adversely affect our earnings and financial condition. For more information about our analysis and determination of allowance for loan losses, see “Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations — Risk Management.”

Our SBA lending program is dependent upon the federal government and we face specific risks associated with originating SBA loans.

Our SBA lending program is dependent upon the federal government. As an SBA Preferred Lender, we enable our clients to obtain SBA loans without being subject to the potentially lengthy SBA approval process necessary for lenders that are not SBA Preferred Lenders. The SBA periodically reviews the lending operations of participating lenders to assess, among other things, whether the lender exhibits prudent risk management. When weaknesses are identified, the SBA may request corrective actions or impose enforcement actions, including revocation of the lender’s Preferred Lender status. If we lose our status as a Preferred Lender, we may lose some or all of our customers to lenders who are SBA Preferred Lenders. Also, any changes to the SBA program, including changes to the level of guarantee provided by the federal government on SBA loans, could adversely affect our business and earnings.

We generally sell the guaranteed portion of our SBA 7(a) program loans in the secondary market. These sales have resulted in premium income for us at the time of sale and created a stream of future servicing income. We may not be able to continue originating these loans or selling them in the secondary market. Furthermore, even if we are able to continue originating and selling SBA 7(a) program loans in the secondary market, we might not continue to realize premiums upon the sale of the guaranteed portion of these loans. When we sell the guaranteed portion of our SBA 7(a) program loans, we incur credit risk on the non-guaranteed portion of the loans, and if a customer defaults on the non-guaranteed portion of a loan, we share any loss and recovery related to the loan pro-rata with the SBA. If the SBA establishes that a loss on an SBA guaranteed loan is attributable to significant technical deficiencies in the manner in which the loan was originated, funded or serviced by us, the SBA may seek recovery of the principal loss related to the deficiency from us, which could adversely affect our business and earnings.

The laws, regulations and standard operating procedures that are applicable to SBA loan products may change in the future. We cannot predict the effects of these changes on our business and profitability. Because government regulation greatly affects the business and financial results of all commercial banks and bank holding companies, changes in the laws, regulations and procedures applicable to SBA loans could adversely affect our business and earnings.

If an other-than-temporary-impairment is recorded in connection with our investment portfolio it could have a significant negative impact on our profitability.

Our investment portfolio consists primarily of U.S. government agency and sponsored enterprises securities, mortgage backed securities and collateralized mortgage obligations issued by U.S. government agencies and sponsored enterprises, municipal bonds, and privately-issued collateralized mortgage obligations and asset-backed securities. We must evaluate these securities for other-than-temporary impairment loss (“OTTI”) on a periodic basis. The privately-issued collateralized mortgage obligations and asset-backed securities exhibit signs of weakness, which may necessitate an OTTI charge in the future should the financial condition of the pools deteriorate further. Any future OTTI charges could have a significant adverse effect our earnings.

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Recessionary conditions could result in increases in our level of nonperforming loans and/or reduce demand for our products and services, which would lead to lower revenue, higher loan losses and lower earnings.

Recessionary conditions and/or continued negative developments in the domestic and international credit markets may significantly affect the markets in which we do business, the value of our loans and investments, and our ongoing operations, costs and profitability. Declines in real estate values and sales volumes and increased unemployment levels may result in higher than expected loan delinquencies, increases in our levels of nonperforming and classified assets and a decline in demand for our products and services. These negative events may cause us to incur losses and may adversely affect our capital, liquidity, and financial condition.

Changing interest rates may hurt our earnings and asset value.

Our net interest income is the interest we earn on loans and investments less the interest we pay on our deposits and borrowings. Our net interest margin is the difference between the yield we earn on our assets and the interest rate we pay for deposits and our other sources of funding. Changes in interest rates—up or down—could adversely affect our net interest margin and, as a result, our net interest income. Although the yield we earn on our assets and our funding costs tend to move in the same direction in response to changes in interest rates, one can rise or fall faster than the other, causing our net interest margin to expand or contract. Our liabilities tend to be shorter in duration than our assets, so they may adjust faster in response to changes in interest rates. As a result, when interest rates rise, our funding costs may rise faster than the yield we earn on our assets, causing our net interest margin to contract until the yield catches up. Changes in the slope of the “yield curve”—or the spread between short-term and long-term interest rates—could also reduce our net interest margin. Normally, the yield curve is upward sloping, meaning short-term rates are lower than long-term rates. Because our liabilities tend to be shorter in duration than our assets, when the yield curve flattens or even inverts, we could experience pressure on our net interest margin as our cost of funds increases relative to the yield we can earn on our assets. Also, interest rate decreases can lead to increased prepayments of loans and mortgage-backed securities as borrowers refinance their loans to reduce borrowing costs. Under these circumstances, we are subject to reinvestment risk as we may have to redeploy such repayment proceeds into lower yielding investments, which would likely hurt our income. At September 30, 2017, approximately $247.3 million, or 39.9% of the total loan portfolio, consisted of fixed rate mortgage loans. This investment in fixed-rate mortgage loans exposes the Company to increased levels of interest rate risk.

Changes in interest rates also affect the value of our interest-earning assets, and in particular our securities portfolio. Generally, the value of fixed-rate securities fluctuates inversely with changes in interest rates. Unrealized gains and losses on securities available for sale are reported as a separate component of equity, net of tax. Decreases in the fair value of securities available for sale resulting from increases in interest rates could have an adverse effect on stockholders’ equity. For further discussion of how changes in interest rates could impact us, see “Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations —Risk Management — Interest Rate Risk Management.”

Liquidity risk could impair our ability to fund operations and jeopardize our financial condition.

Liquidity is essential to our business. An inability to raise funds through deposits, borrowings, the sale of loans and other sources could have a material adverse effect on our liquidity. Our access to funding sources in amounts adequate to finance our activities could be impaired by factors that affect us specifically or the financial services industry in general. Factors that could detrimentally impact our access to liquidity sources include a decrease in the level of our business activity due to a market downturn or adverse regulatory action against us. Our ability to acquire deposits or borrow could also be impaired by factors that are not specific to us, such as a severe disruption of the financial markets or negative views and expectations about the prospects for the financial services industry as a whole.

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If the goodwill that we recorded in connection with a business acquisition becomes impaired, it could have a significant negative impact on our profitability.

Goodwill represents the amount of consideration exchanged over the fair value of net assets we acquired in the purchase of another financial institution.  We review goodwill for impairment at least annually, or more frequently if events or changes in circumstances indicate the carrying value of the asset might be impaired.  At September 30, 2017, our goodwill totaled $7.9 million.  While we have recorded no such impairment charges since we initially recorded the goodwill, there can be no assurance that our future evaluations of goodwill will not result in findings of impairment and related write-downs, which may have a material adverse effect on our financial condition and results of operations.

Strong competition within our primary market area could hurt our profits and slow growth.

We face intense competition both in making loans and attracting deposits. This competition has made it more difficult for us to make new loans and attract deposits. Price competition for loans and deposits might result in us earning less on our loans and paying more on our deposits, which would reduce net interest income. Competition also makes it more difficult to grow loans and deposits. At June 30, 2017, which is the most recent date for which data is available from the FDIC, we held approximately 14.59%, 2.70%, 36.55%, 80.50% and 16.16% of the FDIC-insured deposits in Clark, Floyd, Harrison, Crawford and Washington Counties, Indiana, respectively. Some of the institutions with which we compete have substantially greater resources and lending limits than we have and may offer services that we do not provide. We expect competition to increase in the future as a result of legislative, regulatory and technological changes and the continuing trend of consolidation in the financial services industry. Our profitability depends upon our continued ability to compete successfully in our primary market area. See “Item 1. Business — Market Area” and “Item 1. Business — Competition” for more information about our primary market area and the competition we face.

Because the nature of the financial services business involves a high volume of transactions, we face significant operational risks.

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

A disruption, failure in or breach, including cyber-attacks, of our operational, communications, information or security systems, or those of our third party vendors and other service providers, could disrupt our businesses, result in the disclosure or misuse of confidential or proprietary information, damage our reputation, increase our costs and cause losses.

We rely heavily on communications and information systems to conduct our business and face the risk of operational disruption, failure, termination or capacity constraints of any of the third parties that facilitate our business activities, including exchanges, clearing agents, clearing houses or other financial intermediaries. Any failure or interruption of these systems could result in failures or disruptions in our customer relationship management, general ledger, deposit, loan and other systems. While we have policies and procedures designed to prevent or limit the effect of the failure or interruption of these information systems, there can be no assurance that any such failures or interruptions will not occur or, if they do occur, that they will be adequately addressed. The occurrence of any failures or interruptions of these information systems could damage our reputation, result in a loss of customer business, subject us to additional regulatory scrutiny, or expose us to civil litigation and possible financial liability, any of which could have a material adverse effect on our financial condition and results of operations.

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We rely on the secure processing, storage and transmission of confidential and other information on our computer systems and networks. Although we take numerous protective measures to maintain the confidentiality, integrity and availability of our and our clients’ information across all geographic and product lines, and endeavor to modify these protective measures as circumstances warrant, the nature of the threats continues to evolve. As a result, our computer systems, software and networks and those of our customers may be vulnerable to unauthorized access, loss or destruction of data (including confidential client information), account takeovers, unavailability of service, computer viruses or other malicious code, cyber-attacks and other events that could have an adverse security impact and result in significant losses by us and/or our customers. Despite the defensive measures we take to manage our internal technological and operational infrastructure, these threats may originate externally from third parties, such as foreign governments, organized crime and other hackers, and outsource or infrastructure-support providers and application developers, or the threats may originate from within our organization. Given the increasingly high volume of our transactions, certain errors may be repeated or compounded before they can be discovered and rectified.

We are inherently exposed to risks caused by the use of computer, internet and telecommunications systems, and susceptible to fraudulent activity that may be committed against us or our clients, which may result in financial losses to us or our clients, privacy breaches against our clients or damage to our reputation. These risks include fraud by employees, customers and other outside entities targeting us and/or our customers, and such fraudulent activity may take many forms, including internet fraud, check fraud, electronic fraud, wire fraud, phishing, and other dishonest acts. In recent periods, there has been a rise in electronic fraudulent activity within the financial services industry, especially in the commercial banking sector, due to cyber criminals targeting commercial bank accounts. Consistent with industry trends, we have also experienced an increase in attempted electronic fraudulent activity in recent periods. Given such increase in electronic fraudulent activity and the growing level of use of electronic, internet-based and networked systems to conduct business directly or indirectly with our clients, certain fraud losses may not be avoidable regardless of the preventative and detection systems in place.

Although, to date, we have not experienced any material losses relating to cyber-attacks or other information security breaches, there can be no assurance that we will not suffer such losses in the future. Our risk and exposure to these matters remains heightened because of, among other things, the evolving nature of these threats, the outsourcing of some of our business operations and the continued uncertain global economic environment. As cyber threats continue to evolve, we may be required to expend significant additional resources to continue to modify or enhance our protective measures or to investigate and remediate any information security vulnerabilities.

We maintain an insurance policy which we believe provides sufficient coverage at a manageable expense for an institution of our size and scope with similar technological systems. However, we cannot assure that this policy will afford coverage for all possible losses or would be sufficient to cover all financial losses, damages, penalties, including lost revenues, should we experience any one or more of our or a third party’s systems failing or experiencing attack.

We operate in a highly regulated environment and we may be adversely affected by changes in laws and regulations.

The Bank is subject to extensive regulation, supervision and examination by the INDFI, its chartering authority, the FRB, its primary federal regulator, and the FDIC, as insurer of its deposits. The Company is also subject to regulation and supervision by the Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis. Such regulation and supervision governs the activities in which an institution and its holding company may engage, and are intended primarily for the protection of the insurance fund and the depositors and borrowers of the Bank rather than for holders of the Company’s common stock. Regulatory authorities have extensive discretion in their supervisory and enforcement activities, including the imposition of restrictions on our operations, the classification of our assets and determination of the level of our allowance for loan losses. If our regulators require us to charge-off loans or increase our allowance for loan losses, our earnings would suffer. Any change in such regulation and oversight, whether in the form of regulatory policy, regulations, legislation or supervisory action, may have a material impact on our operations.

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The Dodd-Frank Act has created a new federal agency to administer consumer protection and fair lending laws, a function that was formerly performed by the depository institution regulators. The Dodd-Frank Act contains various other provisions designed to enhance the regulation of depository institutions including the implementation of more stringent capital adequacy rules. The full impact of the Dodd-Frank Act on our business and operations will not be known for years until regulations implementing the statute are written and adopted. The Dodd-Frank Act may have a material impact on our operations, particularly through increased regulatory burden and compliance costs. Any future legislative changes could have a material impact on our profitability, the value of assets held for investment or collateral for loans. Future legislative changes could require changes to business practices or force us to discontinue businesses and potentially expose us to additional costs, liabilities, enforcement action and reputational risk.

In addition to the enactment of the Dodd-Frank Act, the federal regulatory agencies have taken stronger supervisory actions against financial institutions that have experienced increased loan losses and other weaknesses as a result of the recent economic crisis. The actions include entering into written agreements and cease and desist orders that place certain limitations on operations. Federal bank regulators have also been using with more frequency their ability to impose individual minimum capital requirements on banks, which requirements may be higher than those required under the Dodd-Frank Act or that would otherwise qualify a bank as being “well capitalized” under applicable prompt corrective action regulations. If we were to become subject to a regulatory agreement or higher individual minimum capital requirements, such action may have a negative impact on our ability to execute our business plan, as well as our ability to grow, pay dividends or engage in mergers and acquisitions and may result in restrictions in our operations. For a further discussion, see “Item 1. Business – Regulation and Supervision.”

We rely heavily on our management team and the unexpected loss of any of those personnel could adversely affect our operations, and we depend on our ability to attract and retain key personnel.

We are a customer-focused and relationship-driven organization. We expect our future growth to be driven in a large part by the relationships maintained with our customers by our executive and other senior officers. Although we are party to non-compete and non-solicitation agreements with certain executive, senior and other officers, the unexpected loss of any of our key employees could have an adverse effect on our business, results of operations and financial condition.

The implementation of our business strategy will also require us to continue to attract, hire, motivate and retain skilled personnel to develop new customer relationships as well as new financial products and services. The market for qualified employees in the businesses in which we operate is competitive and we may not be successful in attracting, hiring or retaining key personnel. Our inability to attract, hire or retain key personnel could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations and financial condition.

Our ability to pay dividends is subject to certain limitations and restrictions, and there is no guarantee that we will be able to continue paying the same level of dividends in the future that we paid in 2017 or that we will be able to pay future dividends at all.

Our ability to declare and pay dividends is subject to the guidelines of the FRB regarding capital adequacy and dividends, other regulatory restrictions, and the need to maintain sufficient consolidated capital. The ability of the Bank to pay dividends to the Company is subject to regulation by the INDFI, applicable Indiana law and the FRB, and is limited by the Bank’s obligations to maintain sufficient capital and liquidity. In addition, banking regulators may propose guidelines seeking greater liquidity and regulations requiring greater capital requirements. If such new regulatory requirements were not met, the Bank would not be able to pay dividends to the Company, and consequently we may be unable to pay dividends on our common stock.

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There is a limited trading market for our stock and you may not be able to resell your shares at or above the price you paid for them.

The price of the common stock purchased may decrease significantly. Although our common stock is quoted on the NASDAQ Capital Market under the symbol "FSFG", trading activity in the stock historically has been sporadic. A public trading market having the desired characteristics of liquidity and order depends on the presence in the market of willing buyers and sellers at any given time. The presence of willing buyers and sellers depends on the individual decisions of investors and general economic conditions, all of which are beyond our control.

Insiders have substantial control over us, and this control may limit our shareholders’ ability to influence corporate matters and may delay or prevent a third party from acquiring control over us.

As of December 1, 2017, our directors, executive officers, and their related entities and persons currently beneficially own, in the aggregate, approximately 13.3% of our outstanding common stock. The significant concentration of stock ownership may adversely affect the trading price of our common stock due to investors’ perception that conflicts of interest may exist or arise. In addition, these shareholders will be able to exercise influence over all matters requiring shareholder approval, including the election of directors and approval of corporate transactions, such as a merger or other sale of our company or its assets. This concentration of ownership could limit your ability to influence corporate matters and may have the effect of delaying or preventing a change in control, including a merger, consolidation or other business combination involving us, or discouraging a potential acquirer from making a tender offer or otherwise attempting to obtain control, even if that change in control would benefit our other shareholders. For information regarding the ownership of our outstanding stock by our directors, executive officers, and their related entities and persons, see “Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Shareholder Matters” in this Report.

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Item 1B. UNRESOLVED STAFF COMMENTS

None.

Item 2. PROPERTIES

We conduct our business through our main office and branch offices. The following table sets forth certain information relating to these facilities as of September 30, 2017.

Location	Year Opened	Owned/ Leased
Main Office:
Clarksville Main Office 501 East Lewis & Clark Parkway Clarksville, Indiana	1968	Owned
Branch Offices:
Jeffersonville - Allison Lane Office 2213 Allison Lane Jeffersonville, Indiana	1975	Owned
Charlestown Office 1100 Market Street Charlestown, Indiana	1993	Owned
Georgetown Office 1000 Copperfield Drive Georgetown, Indiana	2003	Owned
Jeffersonville - Court Avenue Office 202 East Court Avenue Jeffersonville, Indiana	1986	Owned
Sellersburg Office 125 Hunter Station Way Sellersburg, Indiana	1995	Owned
Corydon Office 900 Hwy 62 NW Corydon, Indiana	1996	Owned
Salem Office 1336 S Jackson Street Salem, Indiana	1995	Owned
English Office 200 Indiana Avenue English, Indiana	1925	Owned
Marengo Office 125 W Old Short Street Marengo, Indiana	1984	Owned
Leavenworth Office 510 Hwy 62 Leavenworth, Indiana	1969	Owned
Lanesville Office 7340 Main Street NE Lanesville, Indiana	1948	Owned
Elizabeth Office 8160 Beech Street SE Elizabeth, Indiana	1975	Owned
New Albany Office 2218 State Street New Albany, Indiana	2013	Leased

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The Bank owns two former branch office locations that have been closed and the operations of which were consolidated into existing branch office operations. The property located in Floyds Knobs, Indiana is utilized by the Bank as an operation center. The property located in Milltown, Indiana, is valued at $70,000 and is included in “other real estate owned, held for sale” at September 30, 2017 on the balance sheet of the Consolidated Financial Statements beginning on page F-1 of this annual report.

The Company owned a 4.077 acre parcel of land in New Albany, Indiana, which was developed by FFCC. The retail development included over 36,000 square feet of leasable class-A retail space and included the Bank’s New Albany branch office location. The retail development was sold September 29, 2016, at which time a 10-year lease with several renewal options for the branch office location was executed between the Bank and the buyer.

The Company purchased an 8.097 acre parcel of land in Jeffersonville, Indiana, in July 2013 upon which it may locate a new main office and subsequently divest of additional unused acreage in future years. However, there were no formal plans as of September 30, 2017 to proceed with a new main office location or divestiture of the additional acreage. This land, with a carrying value of approximately $1.7 million, was included in “premises and equipment” at September 30, 2017 on the balance sheet of the Consolidated Financial Statements beginning on page F-1 of this annual report.

The Company also rents additional office space and equipment under operating lease agreements that expire at different dates through May 2021. See Note 19 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements beginning on page F-1 of this annual report for additional information regarding the Company’s operating leases.

Item 3. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS

Periodically, there have been various claims and lawsuits against us, such as claims to enforce liens, condemnation proceedings on properties in which we hold security interests, claims involving the making and servicing of real property loans and other issues incident to our business. We are not a party to any pending legal proceedings that we believe would have a material adverse effect on our financial condition, results of operations or cash flows.

Item 4. MINE SAFETY DISCLOSURES

Not applicable.

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PART II

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

Market for Common Equity and Related Stockholder Matters

The Company’s common stock is listed on the NASDAQ Capital Market (“NASDAQ”) under the trading symbol “FSFG.” As of December 1, 2017, the Company had approximately 240 holders of record and 2,243,139 shares of common stock outstanding. The figure of shareholders of record does not reflect the number of persons whose shares are in nominee or “street” name accounts through brokers. See Item 1, “Business—Regulation and Supervision—Limitation on Capital Distributions” and Note 23 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements beginning on page F-1 of this annual report for information regarding dividend restrictions applicable to the Company. 

The following table provides quarterly market price and dividend information per common share for the fiscal years ended September 30, 2017 and 2016 as reported by NASDAQ.

	High		Low				Market price
	Sale		Sale		Dividends		end of period
2017:
Fourth Quarter	$	55.50	$	51.27	$	0.14	$	53.40
Third Quarter		58.97		48.16		0.14		52.78
Second Quarter		50.73		44.10		0.14		48.72
First Quarter		48.49		35.16		0.13		47.00
2016:
Fourth Quarter	$	36.20	$	34.54	$	0.13	$	36.16
Third Quarter		36.30		32.80		0.13		34.54
Second Quarter		36.00		32.50		0.13		33.98
First Quarter		36.98		33.89		0.12		36.43

The Company currently intends to maintain a policy of paying regular quarterly cash dividends; however, the Company cannot guarantee that it will pay dividends or that if paid, it will not reduce or eliminate dividends in the future.

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Purchases of Equity Securities

The following table presents information regarding the Company’s stock repurchase activity during the quarter ended September 30, 2017:

Period	(a) Total number of shares purchased		(b) Average price  paid per share		(c) Total number of shares purchased as part of publicly announced plans or programs (1)		(d) Maximum number of shares that may yet be purchased under the plans or programs
July 1, 2017 through July 31, 2017		—		—		—		67,201
August 1, 2017 through August 31, 2017		—		—		—		67,201
September 1, 2017 through September 30, 2017		—		—		—		67,201
Total		—		—		—		67,201

(1) On November 16, 2012, the Company announced that its Board of Directors authorized a stock repurchase program to acquire up to 230,217 shares, or 10.0% of the Company’s outstanding common stock. Under the program, which has no expiration date, repurchases are to be conducted through open market purchases or privately negotiated transactions, and are to be made from time to time depending on market conditions and other factors. There is no guarantee as to the exact number of shares to be repurchased by the Company. Repurchased shares will be held in treasury.

Equity Compensation Plan Information

The following table sets forth information as of September 30, 2017 about Company common stock that may be issued under the Company’s equity compensation plans. All plans were approved by the Company’s stockholders.

Plan category	Number of securities to be issued upon exercise of outstanding options, warrants and rights (a)		Weighted-average exercise price of outstanding options, warrants and rights (b)		Number of securities remaining available for future issuance under equity compensation plans (excluding securities reflected in column (a)) (c)
Equity compensation plans approved by security holders		197,529	$	20.15		19,940
Equity compensation plans not approved by security holders		N/A		N/A		N/A
Total		197,529	$	20.15		19,940

In December 2015 the Company adopted the 2016 Equity Incentive Plan (“2016 Plan”), which the Company’s shareholders approved in February 2016. The 2016 Plan provides for the award of stock options and restricted stock. The aggregate number of shares of the Company’s common stock available for issuance under the Plan may not exceed 88,000 shares, consisting of 66,000 stock options and 22,000 shares of restricted stock. As of September 30, 2017, grants outstanding under the 2016 plan included 17,265 restricted shares, 42,895 incentive stock options and 7,900 non-statutory stock options to directors, officers and key employees. The restricted shares and stock options granted will vest ratably over five years and, once vested, the stock options are exercisable in whole or in part for a period up to ten years from the date of the award.

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Item 6. SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA

The following tables contain certain information concerning our consolidated financial position and results of operations, which is derived in part from our audited consolidated financial statements. The following is only a summary and should be read in conjunction with the audited consolidated financial statements and notes thereto beginning on page F-1 of this annual report.

	At September 30,
(In thousands)	2017		2016		2015		2014		2013
Financial Condition Data:
Total assets	$	891,133	$	796,516	$	749,946	$	713,129	$	660,455
Cash and cash equivalents		34,259		29,342		24,994		20,330		20,815
Trading account securities		7,175		9,255		9,044		5,319		3,210
Securities available-for-sale		178,099		174,493		178,328		184,697		164,167
Securities held-to-maturity		2,878		3,166		4,620		5,419		6,417
Loans, net		586,456		518,611		457,112		433,876		408,375
Deposits		669,382		579,467		533,297		533,194		477,726
Borrowings from FHLB		118,065		121,633		104,867		79,548		89,348
Other borrowings		1,348		1,345		5,974		6,150		6,308
Stockholders’ equity		93,115		86,580		94,357		87,080		82,253

	For the Year Ended September 30,
(In thousands)	2017		2016			2015		2014		2013
Operating Data:
Interest income	$	33,917	$	29,456		$	27,987	$	27,494	$	27,175
Interest expense		4,457		4,167			3,778		3,555		3,936
Net interest income		29,460		25,289			24,209		23,939		23,239
Provision for loan losses		1,301		637			859		1,246		1,858
Net interest income after provision for loan losses		28,159		24,652			23,350		22,693		21,381
Noninterest income		8,625		3,372			5,976		5,046		4,258
Noninterest expense		24,951		22,435			20,999		20,272		19,132
Income before income taxes		11,833		5,589			8,327		7,467		6,507
Income tax expense (benefit)		2,520		(2,322	)		1,576		2,077		1,811
Net income		9,313		7,911			6,751		5,390		4,696
Less: Preferred stock dividends declared		-		62			171		171		171
Net income available to common shareholders	$	9,313	$	7,849		$	6,580	$	5,219	$	4,525

	For the Year Ended September 30,
	2017		2016		2015		2014		2013
Per Share Data:
Net income per common share, basic	$	4.20	$	3.57	$	3.07	$	2.46	$	2.09
Net income per common share, diluted		3.97		3.41		2.93		2.34		1.99
Dividends per common share		0.55		0.51		0.47		0.43		0.70

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	At or For the Year Ended September 30,
	2017			2016			2015			2014			2013
Performance Ratios:
Return on average assets		1.10	%		1.03	%		0.93	%		0.78	%		0.72	%
Return on average equity		10.56			9.04			7.43			6.38			5.63
Return on average common stockholders’ equity		10.56			9.73			9.16			8.01			7.09
Interest rate spread (1)		3.84			3.71			3.74			3.86			3.98
Net interest margin (2)		3.95			3.81			3.84			3.93			4.09
Other expenses to average assets		2.96			2.93			2.88			2.92			2.94
Efficiency ratio (3)		65.13			68.20			69.57			69.94			69.58
Average interest-earning assets to average interest-bearing liabilities		120.21			117.86			116.90			114.66			115.27
Dividend payout ratio		13.20			14.03			14.74			16.96			33.48
Average equity to average assets		10.45			11.45			12.47			12.17			12.81
Capital Ratios (4):
Total capital (to risk-weighted assets):
Consolidated		12.69	%		11.82	%		16.21	%		N/A			N/A
Bank		12.22			11.33			13.13			14.87	%		17.04	%
Tier 1 capital (to risk-weighted assets):
Consolidated		11.53			10.66			14.96			N/A			N/A
Bank		11.05			10.16			11.88			13.62			15.78
Common equity Tier 1 capital (to risk-weighted assets):
Consolidated		11.53			10.66			14.96			N/A			N/A
Bank		11.05			10.16			11.88			N/A			N/A
Tier 1 capital (to average adjusted total assets):
Consolidated		9.14			8.43			11.01			N/A			N/A
Bank		8.79			8.09			8.67			9.14			10.36

(1) Represents the difference between the weighted average yield on average interest-earning assets and the weighted average cost on average interest-bearing liabilities. Tax exempt income is reported on a tax equivalent basis using a federal marginal tax rate of 34%.

(2) Represents net interest income as a percent of average interest-earning assets. Tax exempt income is reported on a tax equivalent basis using a federal marginal tax rate of 34%.

(3) Represents other expenses divided by the sum of net interest income and other income. The efficiency ratios for 2017 and 2016 exclude the loss on tax credit investment of $226,000 and $4.2 million, respectively. This is a non-GAAP financial measure that management believes is useful to investors in understanding the Company’s performance.

(4) First Savings Financial Group was not subject to the regulatory capital requirements until its conversion from a savings and loan holding company to a bank holding company in December 2014. Therefore, the capital amounts and ratios presented for the years ended September 30, 2014 and 2013 are for the Bank only.

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	At or For the Year Ended September 30,
	2017			2016			2015			2014			2013
Asset Quality Ratios:
Allowance for loan losses as a percent of total loans		1.36	%		1.35	%		1.43	%		1.42	%		1.34	%
Allowance for loan losses as a percent of nonperforming loans		206.64			182.76			150.37			145.96			61.15
Net charge-offs to average outstanding loans during the period		0.06			0.03			0.11			0.12			0.30
Nonperforming loans as a percent of total loans		0.66			0.74			0.95			0.97			2.19
Nonperforming assets as a percent of total assets		1.33			1.49			1.75			1.79			2.39
Other Data:
Number of full service branch offices		14			14			14			15			15
Number of deposit accounts		33,594			33,407			33,430			34,049			34,788
Number of loans		5,679			5,409			5,373			5,482			5,663

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Item 7. MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATION

Overview

Income. Our primary source of pre-tax income is net interest income. Net interest income is the difference between interest income, which is the income that we earn on our loans and investments, and interest expense, which is the interest that we pay on our deposits and borrowings. Other significant sources of pre-tax income are service charges (mostly from service charges on deposit accounts and loan servicing fees), increases in the cash surrender value of life insurance, fees from sale of residential mortgage and SBA loans originated for sale in the secondary market, commissions on sales of securities and insurance products, rents from real estate leasing, and net realized and unrealized gains on trading account securities. We also recognize income from the sale of investment securities.

Allowance for Loan Losses. The allowance for loan losses is a valuation allowance for probable incurred losses in the loan portfolio. We evaluate the need to establish allowances against losses on loans on a quarterly basis. When additional allowances are necessary, a provision for loan losses is charged to earnings.

Expenses. The noninterest expenses we incur in operating our business consist of salaries and employee benefits expenses, occupancy expenses, data processing expenses, professional service fees, federal deposit insurance premiums, advertising, net losses on foreclosed real estate and other miscellaneous expenses. Salaries and employee benefits consist primarily of: salaries and wages paid to our employees; payroll taxes; and expenses for health insurance, retirement plans and other employee benefits. We also recognize annual employee compensation expenses related to the equity incentive plan as the equity incentive awards vest. Occupancy expenses, which are the fixed and variable costs of buildings and equipment, consist primarily of depreciation charges, furniture and equipment expenses, maintenance, real estate taxes and costs of utilities. Depreciation of premises and equipment is computed using the straight-line method based on the useful lives of the related assets, which range from three to 40 years. Data processing expenses are the fees we pay to third parties for processing customer information, deposits and loans. Professional fees expense represents the fees we pay to third parties for legal, accounting, investment advisory and other consulting services. Federal deposit insurance premiums are payments we make to the FDIC to insure of our deposit accounts. Other expenses include expenses for office supplies, postage, telephone, insurance, regulatory assessments and other miscellaneous operating expenses.

Critical Accounting Policies

The accounting and reporting policies of the Company comply with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“U.S. GAAP”) and conform to general practices within the banking industry. The preparation of financial statements in conformity with U.S. GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions. The financial position and results of operations can be affected by these estimates and assumptions, which are integral to understanding reported results. Critical accounting policies are those policies that require management to make assumptions about matters that are highly uncertain at the time an accounting estimate is made; and different estimates that the Company reasonably could have used in the current period, or changes in the accounting estimate that are reasonably likely to occur from period to period, would have a material impact on the Company’s financial condition, changes in financial condition or results of operations. Most accounting policies are not considered by management to be critical accounting policies. Several factors are considered in determining whether or not a policy is critical in the preparation of financial statements. These factors include, among other things, whether the estimates are significant to the financial statements, the nature of the estimates, the ability to readily validate the estimates with other information including third parties or available prices, and sensitivity of the estimates to changes in economic conditions and whether alternative accounting methods may be utilized under generally accepted accounting principles. Significant accounting policies, including the impact of recent accounting pronouncements, are discussed in Note 1 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements. The policies considered to be the critical accounting policies are described below.

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Allowance for Loan Losses. The allowance for loan losses is the amount estimated by management as necessary to cover probable incurred losses in the loan portfolio at the balance sheet date. The allowance is established through the provision for loan losses, which is charged to income. Determining the amount of the allowance for loan losses necessarily involves a high degree of judgment. Among the material estimates required to establish the allowance are: loss exposure at default; the amount and timing of future cash flows on impacted loans; value of collateral; and determination of loss factors to be applied to the various elements of the portfolio. All of these estimates are susceptible to significant change. Management reviews the level of the allowance at least quarterly and establishes the provision for loan losses based upon an evaluation of the portfolio, past loss experience, current economic conditions and other factors related to the collectability of the loan portfolio. Although we believe that we use the best information available to establish the allowance for loan losses, future adjustments to the allowance may be necessary if economic or other conditions differ substantially from the assumptions used in making the evaluation. In addition, the banking regulators, as an integral part of their examination process, periodically review our allowance for loan losses and may require us to recognize adjustments to the allowance based on their judgments about information available to them at the time of their examination. A large loss could deplete the allowance and require increased provisions to replenish the allowance, which would adversely affect earnings. During the year ended September 30, 2017, the Company changed from using a 36-month historical loss period as the basis for the general component of its allowance for loan losses to a 60-month historical loss period due to the Company’s loss history and changes in the composition of the loan portfolio. Other than the change from a 36-month loss period to a 60-month loss period, there were no substantive changes to the Company’s methodology or assumptions used to estimate the allowance for loan losses during the year ended September 30, 2017 compared to prior years.

Valuation Methodologies. In the ordinary course of business, management applies various valuation methodologies to assets and liabilities that often involve a significant degree of judgment, particularly when active markets do not exist for the items being valued. Generally, in evaluating various assets for potential impairment, management compares the fair value to the carrying value. Quoted market prices are referred to when estimating fair values for certain assets, such as investment securities. However, for those items for which market-based prices do not exist, management utilizes significant estimates and assumptions to value such items. Examples of these items include loans held for sale, loan servicing rights, goodwill and other intangible assets, foreclosed and other repossessed assets, estimated present value of impaired loans, value ascribed to stock-based compensation and certain other financial investments. The use of different assumptions could produce significantly different results, which could have material positive or negative effects on the Company’s results of operations.

Deferred Tax Assets. Income tax expense involves estimates related to the valuation allowance on deferred tax assets. A valuation allowance reduces deferred tax assets to the amount management believes is more likely than not to be realized. In evaluating the realization of deferred tax assets, management considers the likelihood that sufficient taxable income of appropriate character will be generated within carryback and carryforward periods, including consideration of available tax planning strategies.

Balance Sheet Analysis

Cash and Cash Equivalents. At September 30, 2017 and 2016, cash and cash equivalents totaled $34.3 million and $29.3 million, respectively. The Bank is required to maintain reserve balances on hand and with the Federal Reserve Bank, which are unavailable for investment but interest-bearing.

Loans. Our primary lending activity is the origination of loans secured by real estate. We originate one to four family mortgage loans, multifamily loans, commercial real estate loans, commercial business loans and construction loans. To a lesser extent, we originate various consumer loans including home equity lines of credit.

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At September 30, 2017, residential mortgage loans totaled $171.9 million, or 27.7% of total loans, compared to $178.4 million, or 32.2% of total loans at September 30, 2016. Total residential mortgage loan balances decreased in 2017 primarily due to repayments and refinancings that were sold in the secondary market. We generally originate loans for investment purposes, although, depending on the interest rate environment, we typically sell 25-year and 30-year fixed rate residential mortgage loans that we originate into the secondary market in order to limit exposure to interest rate risk and to earn noninterest income. Management intends to continue offering short-term adjustable rate residential mortgage loans and generally sell long-term fixed rate mortgage loans in the secondary market with servicing released.

Commercial real estate loans totaled $273.1 million, or 44.1% of total loans at September 30, 2017, compared to $217.4 million, or 39.3% of total loans at September 30, 2016. The balance of commercial real estate loans has increased primarily due to the previously discussed lending program that is focused on loans secured by low loan-to-value, single-tenant commercial properties that are generally leased to investment grade national brand retailers, the borrowers and collateral properties for which are outside of our primary market area. Management continues to focus on pursuing nonresidential loan opportunities in order to further diversify the loan portfolio.

Multi-family real estate loans totaled $21.1 million, or 3.4% of total loans at September 30, 2017, compared to $18.4 million, or 3.3% of total loans at September 30, 2016. These loans are primarily secured by apartment buildings and other multi-tenant developments in our primary market area.

Residential construction loans totaled $29.1 million, or 4.7% of total loans at September 30, 2017, of which $10.4 million were speculative construction loans. At September 30, 2016, residential construction loans totaled $24.3 million, or 4.4% of total loans, of which $10.6 million were speculative loans. The increase in residential construction loans is due primarily to the continuing recovery of the housing market.

Commercial construction loans totaled $29.9 million, or 4.8% of total loans, at September 30, 2017 compared to $33.7 million, or 6.1% of total loans at September 30, 2016. The decrease is due primarily to a decrease in originations of commercial construction during the year.

Land and land development loans totaled $9.7 million, or 1.6% of total loans at September 30, 2017, compared to $11.1 million, or 2.0% of total loans at September 30, 2016. These loans are primarily secured by vacant lots to be improved for residential and nonresidential development, and farmland.

Commercial business loans totaled $52.7 million, or 8.5% of total loans, at September 30, 2017 compared to $42.0 million, or 7.6% of total loans, at September 30, 2016. The increase is due primarily to the increase of commercial business lending opportunities in our primary market area. Management continues to focus on pursuing commercial business loan opportunities in order to further diversify the loan portfolio.

Consumer loans totaled $32.3 million, or 5.2% of total loans, at September 30, 2017 compared to $28.3 million, or 5.1% of total loans, at September 30, 2016. In general, organic consumer loans including automobile loans, home equity lines of credit, unsecured loans and loans secured by deposits, has only slightly increased due to pay-downs, payoffs, charge-offs and management’s decision to focus on other lending opportunities with less inherent credit risk. Home equity lines of credit increased $1.6 million, or 7.3%, automobile loans increased $2.2 million, or 45.3%, and other consumer loans increased $221,000, or 10.5%, from September 30, 2016 to September 30, 2017.

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The following table sets forth the composition of our loan portfolio at the dates indicated.

	At September 30,
	2017						2016						2015						2014						2013
(Dollars in thousands)	Amount			Percent			Amount			Percent			Amount			Percent			Amount			Percent			Amount			Percent
Real estate mortgage:
Residential	$	171,863			27.73	%	$	178,364			32.22	%	$	181,873			37.70	%	$	182,743			40.94	%	$	184,390			44.10	%
Commercial		273,106			44.06			217,378			39.27			172,995			35.86			153,896			34.48			117,782			28.17
Multi-family		21,121			3.41			18,431			3.32			21,647			4.49			21,286			4.77			26,759			6.40
Residential construction		29,074			4.69			24,275			4.39			19,723			4.08			14,528			3.25			12,537			3.00
Commercial construction		29,882			4.82			33,685			6.09			15,548			3.22			8,354			1.87			6,730			1.61
Land and land development		9,733			1.57			11,137			2.01			11,061			2.29			11,290			2.53			11,396			2.73
Total		534,779			86.28			483,270			87.30			422,847			87.64			392,097			87.84			359,594			86.01
Commercial business		52,724			8.51			41,967			7.58			32,574			6.75			28,448			6.37			31,627			7.56
Consumer:
Home equity lines of credit		22,939			3.70			21,370			3.86			19,423			4.03			17,903			4.01			17,133			4.10
Auto loans		7,057			1.14			4,858			0.88			5,452			1.13			5,619			1.26			6,519			1.56
Other		2,323			0.37			2,102			0.38			2,159			0.45			2,320			0.52			3,266			0.77
Total		32,319			5.21			28,330			5.12			27,034			5.61			25,842			5.79			26,918			6.43
Gross loans		619,822			100.00	%		553,567			100.00	%		482,455			100.00	%		446,387			100.00	%		418,139			100.00	%
Undisbursed portion of construction loans		(25,483	)					(27,623	)					(18,599	)					(6,271	)					(4,389	)
Principal loan balance		594,339						525,944						463,856						440,116						413,750
Deferred loan origination fees and costs, net		209						(211	)					(120	)					10						163
Allowance for loan losses		(8,092	)					(7,122	)					(6,624	)					(6,250	)					(5,538	)
Loans, net	$	586,456					$	518,611					$	457,112					$	433,876					$	408,375

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Loan Maturity

The following table sets forth certain information at September 30, 2017 regarding the dollar amount of loan principal repayments becoming due during the period indicated. The table does not include any estimate of prepayments which significantly shorten the average life of all loans and may cause our actual repayment experience to differ from that shown below. Demand loans having no stated schedule of repayments and no stated maturity are reported as due in one year or less.

	At September 30, 2017
(In thousands)	Residential Real Estate (1)		Commercial Real Estate (2)		Construction (3)		Commercial Business		Consumer		Total Loans
Amounts due in:
One year or less	$	13,429	$	40,653	$	58,956	$	21,358	$	6,112	$	140,508
More than one year to five years		35,299		103,522		-		19,767		14,145		172,733
More than five years		144,256		138,664		-		11,599		12,062		306,581
Total	$	192,984	$	282,839	$	58,956	$	52,724	$	32,319	$	619,822

(1)       Includes multi-family loans.

(2)       Includes farmland and land and land development loans.

(3)       Includes construction loans for which the Bank has committed to provide permanent financing.

Fixed vs. Adjustable Rate Loans

The following table sets forth the dollar amount of all loans at September 30, 2017 that are due after September 30, 2018, and have either fixed interest rates or adjustable interest rates. The amounts shown below exclude unearned loan origination fees.

(In thousands)	Fixed Rates		Adjustable Rates		Total
Residential real estate (1)	$	77,020	$	102,535	$	179,555
Commercial real estate (2)		96,188		145,998		242,186
Commercial business		18,998		12,368		31,366
Consumer		6,583		19,624		26,207
Total	$	198,789	$	280,525	$	479,314

(1)       Includes multi-family loans.

(2)       Includes farmland and land and land development loans.

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Trading Account Securities. Our trading account securities represent an investment in a managed brokerage account that invests in small and medium lot, investment grade municipal bonds. The brokerage account is managed by an investment advisory firm registered with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. At September 30, 2017 and 2016, trading account securities recorded at fair value totaled $7.2 million and $9.3 million, respectively.

Securities Available for Sale. Our available for sale securities portfolio consists primarily of U.S. government agency and sponsored enterprises securities, mortgage backed securities and collateralized mortgage obligations issued by U.S. government agencies and sponsored enterprises, municipal bonds, privately-issued collateralized mortgage obligations and asset-backed securities, and a pass-through asset-backed security guaranteed by the SBA. Available for sale securities increased by $3.6 million, from $174.5 million at September 30, 2016 to $178.1 million at September 30, 2017, due primarily to purchases of $32.0 million, which more than offset maturities and calls of $3.7 million, sales of $4.3 million and principal repayments of $17.0 million and a decrease in unrealized gains of $2.8 million.

Securities Held to Maturity. Our held to maturity securities portfolio consists of mortgage-backed securities issued by government sponsored enterprises and municipal bonds. Held to maturity securities decreased by $288,000 from September 30, 2016 to September 30, 2017, due primarily to maturities and principal repayments.

The following table sets forth the amortized costs and fair values of our investment securities at the dates indicated.

	At September 30,
	2017				2016				2015
(In thousands)	Amortized Cost		Fair Value		Amortized Cost		Fair Value		Amortized Cost		Fair Value
Securities available for sale:
Agency bonds and notes	$	-	$	-	$	1,024	$	1,032	$	5,564	$	5,582
Agency mortgage-backed securities		36,439		36,736		46,376		47,405		47,418		48,278
Agency CMO		14,605		14,576		16,053		16,095		18,943		19,014
Privately-issued CMO		1,825		2,001		2,359		2,652		3,005		3,470
Privately-issued asset-backed		2,691		3,448		3,675		4,532		4,820		6,109
SBA certificates		913		912		1,220		1,227		1,472		1,480
Municipal		115,193		120,426		94,567		101,550		90,380		94,395
Total	$	171,666	$	178,099	$	165,274	$	174,493	$	171,602	$	178,328
Securities held to maturity:
Agency mortgage-backed securities	$	179	$	195	$	260	$	283	$	345	$	376
Municipal		2,699		3,111		2,906		3,371		4,275		4,815
Total	$	2,878	$	3,306	$	3,166	$	3,654	$	4,620	$	5,191

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The following table sets forth the stated maturities and weighted average yields of debt securities at September 30, 2017. Weighted average yields on tax-exempt securities are presented on a tax equivalent basis using a federal marginal tax rate of 34%. Certain mortgage-backed securities and collateralized mortgage obligations have adjustable interest rates and will reprice annually within the various maturity ranges. These repricing schedules are not reflected in the table below. Weighted average yield calculations on investments available for sale do not give effect to changes in fair value that are reflected as a component of equity.

	One Year or Less					More than One Year to Five Years					More than Five Years to Ten Years					More than Ten Years					Total
(Dollars in thousands)	Carrying Value		Weighted Average Yield			Carrying Value		Weighted Average Yield			Carrying Value		Weighted Average Yield			Carrying Value		Weighted Average Yield			Carrying Value		Weighted Average Yield
Securities available for sale:
Agency mortgage-backed securities	$	–		–	%	$	7,760		1.87	%	$	10,284		2.02	%	$	18,692		2.99	%	$	36,736		2.49	%
Agency CMO		109		1.66			2,554		1.85			2,306		2.23			9,607		2.07			14,576		2.05
Privately-issued CMO		–		–			–		–			–		–			2,001		8.40			2,001		8.40
Privately-issued ABS		–		–			–		–			–		–			3,448		15.22			3,448		15.22
SBA certificates		–		–			–		–			912		2.35			–		–			912		2.35
Municipal		1,096		6.25			13,976		4.11			27,634		4.98			77,720		4.71			120,426		4.72
Total	$	1,205		5.84	%	$	24,290		3.16	%	$	41,136		4.02	%	$	111,468		4.59	%	$	178,099		4.27	%
Securities held to maturity:
Agency mortgage-backed securities	$	–		–	%	$	–		–	%	$	–		–	%	$	179		4.66	%	$	179		4.66	%
Municipal		227		6.82			995		6.87			1,028		6.88			449		6.63			2,699		6.83
Total	$	227		6.82	%	$	995		6.87	%	$	1,028		6.88	%	$	628		6.06	%	$	2,878		6.69	%

As of September 30, 2017, we did not own any investment securities of a single issuer that had an aggregate book value in excess of 10% of the Company’s stockholders’ equity at that date, other than securities and obligations issued by U.S. government agencies and sponsored enterprises.

Deposits. Deposit accounts, generally obtained from individuals and businesses throughout our primary market area, are our primary source of funds for lending and investments. Our deposit accounts are comprised of noninterest-bearing accounts, interest-bearing savings, checking and money market accounts and time deposits. Deposits increased $89.9 million from $579.5 million at September 30, 2016 to $669.4 million at September 30, 2017. The Bank recognized increases in time deposits of $20.7 million, interest-bearing checking accounts of $36.3 million, noninterest-bearing checking accounts of $16.4 million, money market deposit accounts of $10.1 million and savings accounts of $6.4 million when comparing the two years. Brokered certificates of deposit totaled $106.9 million at September 30, 2017 compared to $81.5 million at September 30, 2016. We have continued to promote relationship oriented deposit accounts but at times also utilize brokered certificates of deposit as a lower cost alternative to retail time deposits. In addition, we have continued to develop and promote cash management services including sweep accounts and remote deposit capture in order to increase the level of commercial deposit accounts. We believe that the development and promotion of these products has made us more competitive in attracting commercial deposits during recent periods.

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The following table sets forth the balances of our deposit accounts at the dates indicated.

	At September 30,
(In thousands)	2017		2016		2015
Non-interest-bearing demand deposits	$	96,283	$	79,859	$	71,184
NOW accounts		182,068		145,816		136,670
Money market accounts		70,775		60,702		57,008
Savings accounts		90,360		83,911		74,539
Time deposits		229,896		209,179		193,896
Total	$	669,382	$	579,467	$	533,297

The following table indicates the amount of jumbo certificates of deposit by time remaining until maturity as of September 30, 2017. Jumbo certificates of deposit require minimum deposits of $100,000.

(In thousands)	Amount
Three months or less	$	5,512
Over three through six months		4,677
Over six through twelve months		10,462
Over twelve months		21,571
Total	$	42,222

Borrowings. We use borrowings from the FHLB consisting of advances and borrowings under a line of credit arrangement to supplement our supply of funds for loans and investments. We also utilize retail repurchase agreements as a source of borrowings.

The following table sets forth certain information regarding the Bank’s use of FHLB borrowings.

	Year Ended September 30,
(Dollars in thousands)	2017			2016			2015
Maximum amount of FHLB borrowings outstanding at any month-end during period	$	122,089		$	121,633		$	119,085
Average FHLB borrowings outstanding during period		110,952			100,894			94,413
Weighted average interest rate during period		1.50	%		1.50	%		1.24	%
Balance outstanding at end of period	$	118,065		$	121,633		$	104,867
Weighted average interest rate at end of period		1.54	%		1.50	%		1.48	%

The outstanding balance of borrowings from the FHLB decreased $3.5 million, from $121.6 million at September 30, 2016 to $118.1 million at September 30, 2017. FHLB borrowings are primarily used to fund loan demand and to purchase available for sale securities.

The following table sets forth certain information regarding the Bank’s use of borrowings under retail repurchase agreements.

	Year Ended September 30,
(Dollars in thousands)	2017			2016			2015
Maximum amount of retail repurchase agreements outstanding at any month-end during period	$	1,348		$	1,345		$	1,342
Average retail repurchase agreements outstanding during period		1,346			1,343			1,340
Weighted average interest rate during period		0.25	%		0.25	%		0.25	%
Balance outstanding at end of period	$	1,348		$	1,345		$	1,342
Weighted average interest rate at end of period		0.25	%		0.25	%		0.25	%

Stockholders’ Equity. Stockholders’ equity increased $6.5 million, from $86.6 million at September 30, 2016 to $93.1 million at September 30, 2017. The increase is due to an increase in retained net income of $8.1 million during the year ended September 30, 2017.

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Results of Operations for the Years Ended September 30, 2017, 2016 and 2015 

Overview. The Company reported net income and net income available to common shareholders of $9.3 million ($3.97 per common share diluted) for the year ended September 30, 2017, compared to net income of $7.9 million and net income available to common shareholders of $7.8 million ($3.41 per common share diluted) for the year ended September 30, 2016. The increase in net income and net income available to common shareholders was due to increases in net interest income of $4.2 million and noninterest income of $5.3 million offset by increases in provision for loan losses of $664,000, noninterest expense of $2.5 million, and income tax expense of $4.8 million.

Net income and net income available to common shareholders increased to $7.9 million and $7.8 million ($3.41 per common share diluted) for the year ended September 30, 2016, respectively, compared to net income of $6.8 million and net income available to common shareholders of $6.6 million ($2.93 per common share diluted) for the year ended September 30, 2015. During the year ended September 30, 2016, the Company recognized a $4.7 million historic structure rehabilitation tax credit related to its equity investment in a community-based economic development (“CBED”) project, which resulted in a net tax benefit of $2.3 million for the year. As a result of the recognition of the tax credit, the Company also recognized a $4.2 million impairment loss in noninterest income during the year ended September 30, 2016 related to the equity investment in the CBED project. The net impact of the tax benefit and the impairment loss was a $332,000 increase in net income for the year ended September 30, 2016. During the year ended September 30, 2016, the Company also recognized $2.0 million in other income related to the gain on sale of its commercial real estate development in New Albany, Indiana (“Wesley Commons”).

Net Interest Income. For the year ended September 30, 2017, net interest income increased $4.2 million or 16.5%, as compared to 2016, primarily as the result of an increase in the average balance of interest earning assets and an increase in the interest rate spread from 2016 to 2017. The interest rate spread, the difference between the average tax-equivalent yield on interest-earning assets and the average cost of interest-bearing liabilities, increased from 3.71% for 2016 to 3.84% for 2017 due primarily to an increase in the average balance of interest-bearing assets from $696.6 million for 2016 to $786.7 million for 2017 and a decrease in the average cost of interest-bearing liabilities from 0.70% for 2016 to 0.68% for 2017. For the year ended September 30, 2016, net interest income increased $1.1 million or 4.5% as compared 2015, primarily as the result of an increase in the average balance of interest earning assets from 2015 to 2016, which more than offset a decrease in the interest rate spread from 2015 to 2016. The interest rate spread decreased from 3.74% for 2015 to 3.71% for 2016 due primarily to an increase in the average balance of interest-bearing liabilities from $565.9 million for 2015 to $591.1 million for 2016, and an increase in the average cost of interest-bearing liabilities from 0.67% for 2015 to 0.70% for 2016.

For the year ended September 30, 2017, total interest income increased $4.5 million, or 15.1%, as compared to 2016. The increase in total interest income is due primarily to an increase in the average balance of interest earning assets of $90.0 million, from $696.6 million for 2016 to $786.6 million for 2017, and the average tax-equivalent yield on interest-earning assets increased from 4.41% for 2016 to 4.52% for 2017. The increase in the average balance of interest-earning assets primarily relates to increases in the average balance of loans of $86.3 million and interest-bearing deposits with banks of $4.4 million. For the year ended September 30, 2016, total interest income increased $1.5 million, or 5.2%, from $28.0 million for the year ended September 30, 2015 to $29.5 million for the year ended September 30, 2016. The increase in total interest income is due primarily to an increase in the average balance of interest earning assets of $35.0 million, from $661.6 million for 2015 to $696.6 million for 2016, with the average tax-equivalent yield on interest-earning assets of 4.41% for both 2015 and 2016. The increase in the average balance of interest-earning assets primarily relates to increases in the average balance of loans of $36.3 million and interest-bearing deposits with banks of $4.5 million.

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Interest income on loans increased $4.2 million, or 18.4%, from $22.9 million for 2016 to $27.1 million for 2017, due primarily to an increase in the average balance of loans outstanding of $86.3 million, from $488.7 million for 2016 to $575.0 million, and an increase in the average tax-equivalent yield on loans from 4.70% for 2016 to 4.73% for 2017. In 2016, interest income on loans increased $1.5 million, or 6.7%, from $21.4 million for 2015 to $22.9 million for 2016, due primarily to an increase in the average balance of loans outstanding of $36.3 million, from $452.4 million for 2015 to $488.7 million for 2016, which more than offset the change in loan interest income due to a decrease in the average tax-equivalent yield on loans from 4.76% for 2015 to 4.70% for 2016. The increase in the average balance of loans outstanding for both 2017 and 2016 is due primarily to an increase in commercial real estate mortgage loans, as a result of the previously discussed lending program that is focused on loans secured by low loan-to-value, single-tenant commercial properties that are generally leased to investment grade national-brand retailers, the borrowers and collateral properties for which are outside of our primary market area.

Interest income on investment securities increased $166,000, or 2.7%, from $6.2 million for 2016 to $6.3 million for 2017, despite a decrease in the average balance of investment securities of $682,000, from $179.6 million for 2016 to $178.9 million for 2017, due to an increase in the average tax-equivalent yield on investment securities. In 2016, interest income on investment securities decreased $36,000, or 0.6%, totaling $6.2 million for both 2015 and 2016, due primarily to a decrease in the average balance of investment securities of $5.6 million, from $185.2 million for 2015 to $179.6 million for 2016, which more than offset the increase in the average tax-equivalent yield on investment securities. The increase in the average tax-equivalent yield on investment securities for both 2017 and 2016 was due primarily to an increased investment in municipal bonds, which generally provide a higher rate of interest than securities issued by U.S. government agencies and sponsored enterprises.

Total interest expense increased $290,000, or 6.9%, due primarily to an increase in the average balance of interest-bearing liabilities of $63.3 million, from $591.1 million for 2016 to $654.4 million for 2017, which more than offset a decrease in the average cost of funds from 0.70% for 2016 to 0.68% for 2017. The average balance of interest-bearing deposits increased $55.7 million, or 11.5%, from $484.2 million for 2016 to $539.9 million for 2017, and the average cost of funds for deposits was 0.51% for both 2016 and 2017. The average balance of borrowings increased $7.5 million, or 7.1%, from $106.9 million for 2016 to $114.4 million for 2017, and the average cost of funds for borrowings was 1.57% for 2016 compared to 1.48% for 2017. In 2016, total interest expense increased $389,000, or 10.3%, due primarily to an increase in the average balance of interest-bearing liabilities of $25.2 million, from $565.9 million for 2015 to $591.1 million for 2016, and an increase in the average cost of funds from 0.67% for 2015 to 0.70% for 2016. The average balance of interest-bearing deposits increased $18.8 million, or 4.0%, from $465.4 million for 2015 to $484.2 million for 2016, and the average cost of funds for deposits was 0.52% for 2015 compared to 0.51% for 2016. The average balance of borrowings increased $6.4 million, or 6.4%, from $100.5 million for 2015 to $106.9 million for 2016, and the average cost of funds for borrowings was 1.34% for 2015 compared to 1.57% for 2016.

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Average Balances and Yields.

The following tables present information regarding average balances of assets and liabilities, the total dollar amounts of interest income and dividends from average interest-earning assets, the total dollar amounts of interest expense on average interest-bearing liabilities, and the resulting annualized average yields and costs. The yields and costs for the periods indicated are derived by dividing income or expense by the average balances of assets or liabilities, respectively, for the periods presented. Nonaccrual loans are included in average balances only. Loan fees are included in interest income on loans and are not material. Tax exempt income on loans and investment securities has been calculated on a tax equivalent basis using a federal marginal tax rate of 34%.

	Year Ended September 30,
	2017								2016								2015
(Dollars in thousands)	Average Balance		Interest and Dividends			Yield/ Cost			Average Balance		Interest and Dividends			Yield/ Cost			Average Balance		Interest and Dividends			Yield/ Cost
Assets:
Interest-bearing deposits with banks	$	25,835	$	184			0.71	%	$	21,481	$	109			0.51	%	$	16,971	$	48			0.28	%
Loans		574,957		27,188			4.73			488,702		22,955			4.70			452,426		21,526			4.76
Investment securities		137,756		6,993			5.08			130,947		6,346			4.85			135,819		6,235			4.59
Mortgage-backed securities		41,167		886			2.15			48,658		1,018			2.09			49,381		1,038			2.10
FRB and FHLB stock		6,936		313			4.51			6,859		310			4.52			6,976		303			4.34
Total interest-earning assets		786,651		35,564			4.52			696,647		30,738			4.41			661,573		29,150			4.41
Non-interest-earning assets		56,520								67,843								66,898
Total assets	$	843,171							$	764,490							$	728,471
Liabilities and equity:
NOW accounts	$	171,831	$	404			0.24		$	147,851	$	306			0.21		$	127,265	$	242			0.19
Money market deposit accounts		65,016		199			0.31			57,857		148			0.26			66,153		206			0.31
Savings accounts		88,418		63			0.07			80,001		57			0.07			72,320		47			0.06
Time deposits		214,673		2,096			0.98			198,522		1,979			1.00			199,694		1,932			0.97
Total interest-bearing deposits		539,938		2,762			0.51			484,231		2,490			0.51			465,432		2,427			0.52
Borrowings (1)		114,436		1,695			1.48			106,852		1,677			1.57			100,480		1,351			1.34
Total interest-bearing liabilities		654,374		4,457			0.68			591,083		4,167			0.70			565,912		3,778			0.67
Non-interest-bearing deposits		93,083								75,368								62,008
Other non-interest-bearing liabilities		7,563								10,491								9,699
Total liabilities		755,020								676,942								637,619
Total equity		88,151								87,548								90,852
Total liabilities and equity	$	843,171							$	764,490							$	728,471
Net interest income (taxable equivalent basis				31,107								26,571								25,372
Less: taxable equivalent adjustment				(1,647	)							(1,282	)							(1,163	)
Net interest income			$	29,460							$	25,289							$	24,209
Interest rate spread							3.84	%							3.71	%							3.74	%
Net interest margin							3.95								3.81								3.84
Average interest-earning assets to average interest-bearing liabilities							120.21								117.86								116.90

(1) Includes FHLB borrowings, repurchase agreements and other long-term debt.

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Rate/Volume Analysis. The following table sets forth the effects of changing rates and volumes on our net interest income. The rate column shows the effects attributable to changes in rate (changes in rate multiplied by prior volume). The volume column shows the effects attributable to changes in volume (changes in volume multiplied by prior rate). The net column represents the sum of the prior columns. Changes attributable to changes in both rate and volume have been allocated proportionally based on the absolute dollar amounts of change in each.

	Year Ended September 30, 2017 Compared to Year Ended September 30, 2016									Year Ended September 30, 2016 Compared to Year Ended September 30, 2015
	Increase (Decrease) Due to									Increase (Decrease) Due to
(In thousands)	Volume			Rate			Net			Volume			Rate			Net
Interest income:
Interest-bearing deposits with banks	$	25		$	50		$	75		$	15		$	46		$	61
Loans		4,086			147			4,233			1,695			(266	)		1,429
Investment securities		338			309			647			(193	)		304			111
Mortgage-backed securities		(162	)		30			(132	)		(15	)		(5	)		(20	)
Other interest-earning assets		5			(2	)		3			(4	)		11			7
Total interest-earning assets		4,292			534			4,826			1,498			90			1,588
Interest expense:
Deposits		272			-			272			121			(58	)		63
Borrowings (1)		89			(71	)		18			88			238			326
Total interest-bearing liabilities		361			(71	)		290			209			180			389
Net increase (decrease) in net interest income (taxable equivalent basis)	$	3,931		$	605		$	4,536		$	1,289		$	(90	)	$	1,199

(1) Includes FHLB borrowings, repurchase agreements and other long-term debt.

Provision for Loan Losses. The provision for loan losses increased $664,000, or 104.2%, from $637,000 for the year ended September 30, 2016 to $1.3 million for the year ended September 30, 2017 due primarily to an increase in the gross loan portfolio of $66.2 million. Net charge-offs in 2017 were $331,000 compared to $139,000 for 2016 and nonperforming loans increased $19,000 to $3.9 million at September 30, 2017. In 2016, the provision for loan losses decreased $222,000, or 25.8%, from $859,000 for the year ended September 30, 2015 to $637,000 for the year ended September 30, 2016 as the gross loan portfolio increased $71.1 million, from $482.5 million at September 30, 2015 to $553.6 million at September 30, 2016. Net charge-offs in 2016 were $139,000 compared to $485,000 for 2015 and nonperforming loans decreased $508,000 from $4.4 million at September 30, 2015 to $3.9 million at September 30, 2016. The consistent application of management’s allowance for loan losses methodology resulted in an increase in the level of the allowance for loan losses for 2017 consistent with the growth in the commercial real estate mortgage loan portfolio. See “Analysis of Nonperforming and Classified Assets” included herein. It is management’s assessment that the allowance for loan losses at September 30, 2017 was adequate and appropriately reflected the probable incurred losses in the Bank’s loan portfolio at that date.

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Noninterest Income. Noninterest income increased $5.4 million, or 155.8%, from $3.4 million for the year ended September 30, 2016 to $8.6 million for the year ended September 30, 2017. The increase was due primarily to a $4.2 million impairment loss on a historic tax credit investment during the year ended September 30, 2016 compared to a $226,000 loss in 2017, as well as an increase in net gain on sales of loans guaranteed by the SBA of $3.5 million. The total net gain on sales of loans guaranteed by the SBA was $4.2 million for the year ended September 30, 2017 as compared to $715,000 for the year ended September 30, 2016. The aforementioned increases in noninterest income were offset by decreases in the net gain on sale of real estate development and net gain on trading account securities of $1.9 million and $548,000, respectively. The decrease in the net gain on sale of real estate development is due to the sale of the Company’s commercial real estate development in September 2016. The net gain on trading account securities was $200,000 for the year ended September 30, 2017 as compared to $748,000 for the year ended September 30, 2016. In 2016, noninterest income decreased $2.6 million, or 43.6%, from $6.0 million for the year ended September 30, 2015 to $3.4 million for the year ended September 30, 2016. The decrease was due primarily to the aforementioned $4.2 million impairment loss on the CBED project investment in 2016, a $105,000 decrease in service charges on deposit accounts, a $139,000 decrease in real estate lease income and an $831,000 gain on life insurance policies in 2015, which more than offset increases in net gain on sale of premises and equipment, net gain on sale of real estate development, net gain on sale of loans, and net gain on trading account securities of $168,000, $1.9 million, $321,000 and $308,000, respectively. The increases in net gain on sale of premises and equipment and net gain on sale of real estate development are due primarily to the aforementioned $2.0 million gain on sale of Wesley Commons in September 2016. The increase in net gain on sale of loans is due primarily to the sale of loans guaranteed by the SBA.

Noninterest Expense. Noninterest expenses increased $2.6 million, or 11.2%, from $22.4 million for the year ended September 30, 2016 to $25.0 million for the year ended September 30, 2017. The increase was due primarily to an increase in compensation and benefits of $2.2 million, which more than offset a decrease in data processing of $230,000. The increase in compensation and benefits was attributable to the addition of new employees to support the Company’s SBA lending activities as well as normal salary and benefits increases. The decrease in data processing was primarily due to new contracts signed in 2017, which resulted in a decrease in monthly processing fees. In 2016, noninterest expenses increased $1.4 million, or 6.8%, from $21.0 million for the year ended September 30, 2015 to $22.4 million for the year ended September 30, 2016. The increase was due primarily to increases in compensation and benefits and data processing expenses of $1.0 million and $197,000, respectively. The increase in compensation and benefits expense is due primarily to increased staffing as a result of the Company’s enhanced focus on its SBA lending activities, and normal salary, wage and benefits increases, which more than offset a decrease in ESOP compensation expense. The ESOP loan was repaid in full during the quarter ended December 31, 2015 and, as a result, no ESOP compensation expense was recognized during the remainder of the 2016 fiscal year. The increase in data processing expense is due primarily to the replacement of customer magnetic strip debit cards with EMV chip debit cards and data processing expense related to SBA lending activities. 

Income Tax Expense. The Company recognized an income tax expense of $2.5 million for the year ended September 30, 2017, compared to income tax benefit of $2.3 million for the year ended September 30, 2016 and income tax expense of $1.6 million for the year ended September 30, 2015. The effective tax rate was 21.3% and 18.9%, for the years ended September 30, 2017 and 2015, respectively. The tax benefit for 2016 was due to the aforementioned recognition of the $4.7 million tax credit as a result of the CBED project investment.

45

Risk Management

Overview. Managing risk is essential to successfully managing a financial institution. Our most prominent risk exposures are credit risk, interest rate risk and market risk. Credit risk is the risk of not collecting the interest and/or the principal balance of a loan or investment when it is due. Interest rate risk is the potential reduction of interest income as a result of changes in interest rates. Market risk arises from fluctuations in interest rates that may result in changes in the values of financial instruments, such as available-for-sale securities that are accounted for on a mark-to-market basis. Other risks that we face are operational risks, liquidity risks and reputation risk. Operational risks include risks related to fraud, regulatory compliance, processing errors, technology and disaster recovery. Liquidity risk is the possible inability to fund obligations to depositors, lenders or borrowers. Reputation risk is the risk that negative publicity or press, whether true or not, could cause a decline in our customer base or revenue or in the value of our common stock. The Company has implemented an enterprise risk management structure in order to better manage and mitigate these identified and perceived risks.

Credit Risk Management. Our strategy for credit risk management focuses on having well-defined credit policies and uniform underwriting criteria and providing prompt attention to potential problem loans.

When a borrower fails to make a required loan payment, we take a number of steps to have the borrower cure the delinquency and restore the loan to current status. When the loan becomes 15 days past due, a late notice is sent to the borrower and a late fee is assessed. When the loan becomes 30 days past due, a more formal letter is sent. Between 15 and 30 days past due, telephone calls are also made to the borrower. After 30 days, we regard the borrower as in default. The borrower may be sent a letter from our attorney and we may commence collection proceedings. If a foreclosure action is instituted and the loan is not brought current, paid in full, or refinanced before the foreclosure sale, the real property securing the loan generally is sold at foreclosure. Generally, when a consumer loan becomes 60 days past due, we institute collection proceedings and attempt to repossess any personal property that secures the loan. Generally, we institute foreclosure proceedings when a loan is 60 days past due. Management obtains the approval of the Board of Directors to proceed with foreclosure of property. Management informs the Board of Directors monthly of all loans in nonaccrual status, all loans in foreclosure and all repossessed property and assets that we own.

Analysis of Nonperforming and Classified Assets. We consider nonaccrual loans, troubled debt restructurings (“TDRs”), repossessed assets and loans that are 90 days or more past due to be nonperforming assets. Loans are generally placed on nonaccrual status when they become 90 days delinquent at which time the accrual of interest ceases and the allowance for any uncollectible accrued interest is established and charged against operations. Typically, payments received on a nonaccrual loan are first applied to the outstanding principal balance.

Real estate that we acquire as a result of foreclosure or by deed-in-lieu of foreclosure is classified as other real estate owned until it is sold. When property is acquired it is recorded at its fair market value less estimated costs to sell at the date of foreclosure. Holding costs and declines in fair value after acquisition of the property result in charges against income.

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The following table provides information with respect to our nonperforming assets at the dates indicated. Included in nonperforming loans are loans for which the Bank has modified the repayment terms, and therefore are considered to be TDRs. The Bank had 35 TDRs totaling $7.0 million, which were performing according to their terms and on accrual status, as of September 30, 2017.

	At September 30,
(Dollars in thousands)	2017			2016			2015			2014			2013
Nonaccrual loans	$	3,823		$	3,875		$	4,153		$	3,804		$	8,893
Accruing loans past due 90 days or more		93			22			252			478			164
Total nonperforming loans		3,916			3,897			4,405			4,282			9,057
Performing TDRs		7,041			7,486			8,090			7,537			5,930
Real estate owned		852			519			618			953			799
Other nonperforming assets		–			–			–			12			2
Total nonperforming assets	$	11,809		$	11,902		$	13,113		$	12,784		$	15,788
Total nonperforming loans to total loans		0.66	%		0.74	%		0.95	%		0.97	%		2.19	%
Total nonperforming loans to total assets		0.44			0.49			0.59			0.60			1.37
Total nonperforming assets to total assets		1.33			1.49			1.75			1.79			2.39

Federal regulations require us to review and classify our assets on a regular basis. In addition, the Bank’s regulators have the authority to identify problem assets and, if appropriate, require them to be classified. There are three classifications for problem assets: substandard, doubtful and loss. “Substandard assets” must have one or more defined weaknesses and are characterized by the distinct possibility that we will sustain some loss if the deficiencies are not corrected. “Doubtful assets” have the weaknesses of substandard assets with the additional characteristic that the weaknesses make collection or liquidation in full on the basis of currently existing facts, conditions and values questionable, and there is a high possibility of loss. An asset classified “loss” is considered uncollectible and of such little value that continuance as an asset of the institution, without establishment of a specific allowance or charge-off, is not warranted. The regulations also provide for a “special mention” category, described as assets which do not currently expose us to a sufficient degree of risk to warrant classification but do possess credit deficiencies or potential weaknesses deserving our close attention. When we classify an asset as doubtful we may establish a specific allowance for loan losses. If we classify an asset as loss, we charge off an amount equal to 100% of the portion of the asset classified loss.

Classified assets includes loans that are classified due to factors other than payment delinquencies, such as lack of current financial statements and other required documentation, insufficient cash flows or other deficiencies, and, therefore, are not included as nonperforming assets. Other than as disclosed in the above tables, there are no other loans where management has serious doubts about the ability of the borrowers to comply with the present loan repayment terms. Classified assets also include investment securities that have experienced a downgrade of the security’s credit quality rating by various rating agencies.

At September 30, 2017, the Company held fifteen privately-issued CMO and ABS securities with an aggregate carrying value of $1.8 million and fair value of $2.4 million that have been downgraded to a substandard regulatory classification due to a downgrade of the security’s credit quality rating by various rating agencies. Based on an independent third party analysis, the Bank expects to collect the contractual principal and interest cash flows for these securities and, as a result, no other-than-temporary impairment has been recognized on the privately-issued CMO or ABS portfolios. At September 30, 2016, the Company held seventeen privately-issued CMO and ABS securities with an aggregate carrying value of $2.0 million and fair value of $2.8 million that had been downgraded to a substandard regulatory classification due to a downgrade of the security’s credit quality rating by various rating agencies.

47

Analysis and Determination of the Allowance for Loan Losses.

The allowance for loan losses is a valuation allowance for probable losses inherent in the loan portfolio. We evaluate the need to establish allowances against losses on loans on a quarterly basis. When additional allowances are necessary, a provision for loan losses is charged to earnings.

Our methodology for assessing the appropriateness of the allowance for loan losses consists of a specific allowance for impaired loans and a general allowance on the remainder of the loan portfolio. Although we determine the amount of each element of the allowance separately, the entire allowance for loan losses is available to absorb losses in the loan portfolio.

Specific Allowance for Impaired Loans. We consider loans classified as substandard or doubtful and TDRs to be impaired and establish a specific allowance when the discounted cash flows (or collateral value or observable market price) of the impaired loan is lower than the carrying value of the loan.

General Allowance on the Remainder of the Loan Portfolio. We establish a general allowance for loans that are not currently classified as impaired in order to recognize the inherent losses associated with lending activities. The general allowance covers unimpaired loans and is based on historical loss experience adjusted for qualitative factors such as changes in economic conditions, changes in the volume of past due and nonaccrual loans and classified assets, changes in the nature and volume of the portfolio, changes in the value of underlying collateral for collateral dependent loans, concentrations of credit, and other factors.

The following table sets forth the breakdown of the allowance for loan losses by loan category at the dates indicated.

	At September 30,
	2017								2016								2015
(Dollars in thousands)	Amount		% of Allowance to Total Allowance			% of Loans in Category to Total Loans			Amount		% of Allowance to Total Allowance			% of Loans in Category to Total Loans			Amount		% of Allowance to Total Allowance			% of Loans in Category to Total Loans
Residential real estate	$	252		3.11	%		27.73	%	$	335		4.70	%		32.22	%	$	444		6.70	%		37.70	%
Commercial real estate		5,739		70.92			44.06			5,160		72.46			39.27			4,327		65.32			35.86
Multi-family		106		1.31			3.41			109		1.53			3.32			156		2.36			4.49
Construction		810		10.01			9.51			845		11.86			10.48			551		8.32			7.30
Land and land development		223		2.76			1.57			295		4.14			2.01			369		5.57			2.29
Commercial business		839		10.37			8.51			284		3.99			7.58			678		10.24			6.75
Consumer		123		1.52			5.21			94		1.32			5.12			99		1.49			5.61
Total allowance for loan losses	$	8,092		100.00	%		100.00	%	$	7,122		100.00	%		100.00	%	$	6,624		100.00	%		100.00	%

	At September 30,
	2014								2013
(Dollars in thousands)	Amount		% of Allowance to Total Allowance			% of Loans in Category to Total Loans			Amount		% of Allowance to Total Allowance			% of Loans in Category to Total Loans
Residential real estate	$	577		9.23	%		40.94	%	$	780		14.08	%		44.10	%
Commercial real estate		3,808		60.93			34.48			2,826		51.03			28.17
Multi-family		146		2.34			4.77			249		4.50			6.40
Construction		443		7.09			5.12			229		4.14			4.61
Land and land development		302		4.83			2.53			299		5.40			2.73
Commercial business		795		12.72			6.37			907		16.38			7.56
Consumer		179		2.86			5.79			248		4.47			6.43
Total allowance for loan losses	$	6,250		100.00	%		100.00	%	$	5,538		100.00	%		100.00	%

48

Although we believe that we use the best information available to establish the allowance for loan losses, future adjustments to the allowance for loan losses may be necessary and our results of operations could be adversely affected if circumstances differ substantially from the assumptions used in making the determinations. Furthermore, while we believe we have established our allowance for loan losses in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles, there can be no assurance that the banking regulators, in reviewing our loan portfolio, will not require us to increase our allowance for loan losses. The banking regulators may require us to increase our allowance for loan losses based on judgments different from ours. In addition, because future events affecting borrowers and collateral cannot be predicted with certainty, there can be no assurance that the existing allowance for loan losses is adequate or that increases will not be necessary should the quality of any loans deteriorate as a result of the factors discussed above. Any material increase in the allowance for loan losses may adversely affect our financial condition and results of operations.

Analysis of Loan Loss Experience. The following table sets forth an analysis of the allowance for loan losses for the periods indicated.

	Year Ended September 30,
(Dollars in thousands)	2017			2016			2015			2014			2013
Allowance for loan losses at beginning of period	$	7,122		$	6,624		$	6,250		$	5,538		$	4,906
Provision for loan losses		1,301			637			859			1,246			1,858
Charge offs:
Residential real estate		169			207			283			278			284
Commercial real estate		–			–			40			224			11
Multi-family		–			–			–			–			–
Construction		–			–			–			–			–
Land and land development		–			–			–			–			–
Commercial business		200			10			126			234			1,013
Consumer		116			108			144			136			111
Total charge-offs		485			325			593			872			1,419
Recoveries:
Residential real estate		71			115			41			28			65
Commercial real estate		10			–			–			219			25
Multi-family		–			–			–			–			–
Land and land development		–			–			–			–			–
Construction		–			–			–			–			–
Commercial business		17			1			1			–			41
Consumer		56			70			66			91			62
Total recoveries		154			186			108			338			193
Net charge-offs		331			139			485			534			1,226
Allowance for loan losses at end of period	$	8,092		$	7,122		$	6,624		$	6,250		$	5,538
Allowance for loan losses to nonperforming loans		206.64	%		182.76	%		150.37	%		145.96	%		61.15	%
Allowance for loan losses to total loans outstanding at the end of the period		1.36			1.35			1.43			1.42			1.34
Net charge-offs to average loans outstanding during the period		0.06			0.03			0.11			0.12			0.30

Interest Rate Risk Management. We manage the interest rate sensitivity of our interest-bearing liabilities and interest-earning assets in an effort to minimize the adverse effects of changes in the interest rate environment. Deposit accounts typically react more quickly to changes in market interest rates than mortgage loans because of the shorter maturities of deposits. As a result, sharp increases in interest rates may adversely affect our earnings while decreases in interest rates may beneficially affect our earnings. To reduce the potential volatility of our earnings, we have sought to improve the match between asset and liability maturities and rates, while maintaining an acceptable interest rate spread. Our strategy for managing interest rate risk emphasizes: adjusting the maturities of borrowings; adjusting the investment portfolio mix and duration and generally selling in the secondary market substantially all newly originated, fixed rate one-to four-family residential real estate loans. We currently do not participate in hedging programs, interest rate swaps or other activities involving the use of derivative financial instruments.

49

We have an Asset/Liability Management Committee, which includes members of management approved by the Board of Directors, to communicate, coordinate and control all aspects involving asset/liability management. The committee establishes and monitors the volume, maturities, pricing and mix of assets and funding sources with the objective of managing assets and funding sources to provide results that are consistent with liquidity, growth, risk limits and profitability goals.

Our goal is to manage asset and liability positions to moderate the effects of interest rate fluctuations on net interest income and net income.

Market Risk Analysis. An element in our ongoing interest rate risk management process is to measure and monitor interest rate risk using a Net Interest Income at Risk simulation to model the interest rate sensitivity of the balance sheet and to quantify the impact of changing interest rates on the Company. The model quantifies the effects of various possible interest rate scenarios on projected net interest income over a one-year horizon. The model assumes a semi-static balance sheet and measures the impact on net interest income relative to a base case scenario of hypothetical changes in interest rates over twelve months and provides no effect given to any steps that management might take to counter the effect of the interest rate movements. The scenarios include prepayment assumptions, changes in the level of interest rates, the shape of the yield curve, and spreads between market interest rates in order to capture the impact from re-pricing, yield curve, option, and basis risks.

Results of our simulation modeling, which assumes an immediate and sustained parallel shift in market interest rates, project that the Company’s net interest income could change as follows over a one-year horizon, relative to our base case scenario, based on September 30, 2017 and 2016 financial information.

	At September 30, 2017						At September 30, 2016
Immediate Change	One Year Horizon						One Year Horizon
in the Level	Dollar			Percent			Dollar			Percent
of Interest Rates	Change			Change			Change			Change
	(Dollars in thousands)
300bp	$	319			1.04	%	$	274			1.07	%
200bp		332			1.08			219			0.85
100bp		155			0.51			165			0.65
Static		-			-			-			-
(100)bp		(463	)		(1.51	)		(668	)		(2.61	)

At September 30, 2017, our simulated exposure to an increase in interest rates shows that an immediate and sustained increase in rates of 1.00% will increase our net interest income by $155,000 or 0.51% over a one year horizon compared to a flat interest rate scenario. Furthermore, rate increases of 2.00% and 3.00% would cause net interest income to increase by 1.08% and 1.04%, respectively. Conversely, an immediate and sustained decrease in rates of 1.00% will decrease our net interest income by $463,000, or 1.51%, over a one year horizon compared to a flat interest rate scenario.

The Company also has longer term interest rate risk exposure, which may not be appropriately measured by Net Interest Income at Risk modeling, and therefore uses an Economic Value of Equity (“EVE”) interest rate sensitivity analysis in order to evaluate the impact of its interest rate risk on earnings and capital. This is measured by computing the changes in net EVE for its cash flows from assets, liabilities and off-balance sheet items in the event of a range of assumed changes in market interest rates. EVE modeling involves discounting present values of all cash flows for on and off balance sheet items under different interest rate scenarios and provides no effect given to any steps that management might take to counter the effect of the interest rate movements. The discounted present value of all cash flows represents the Company’s EVE and is equal to the market value of assets minus the market value of liabilities, with adjustments made for off-balance sheet items. The amount of base case EVE and its sensitivity to shifts in interest rates provide a measure of the longer term re-pricing and option risk in the balance sheet.

50

Results of our simulation modeling, which assumes an immediate and sustained parallel shift in market interest rates, project that the Company’s EVE could change as follows, relative to our base case scenario, based on September 30, 2017 and 2016 financial information.

	At September 30, 2017
Immediate Change	Economic Value of Equity								Economic Value of Equity as a
in the Level	Dollar		Dollar			Percent			Percent of Present Value of Assets
of Interest Rates	Amount		Change			Change			EVE Ratio			Change
	(Dollars in thousands)
300bp	$	128,282	$	(11,951	)		(8.52	)%		16.20	%		33	bp
200bp		135,642		(4,591	)		(3.27	)		16.48			61	bp
100bp		140,196		(37	)		(0.03	)		16.41			54	bp
Static		140,233		-			-			15.87			-	bp
(100)bp		132,724		(7,509	)		(5.35	)		14.66			(121	)bp

	At September 30, 2016
Immediate Change	Economic Value of Equity								Economic Value of Equity as a
in the Level	Dollar		Dollar			Percent			Percent of Present Value of Assets
of Interest Rates	Amount		Change			Change			EVE Ratio			Change
	(Dollars in thousands)
300bp	$	122,285	$	(1,520	)		(1.23	)%		16.86	%		148	bp
200bp		127,900		4,095			3.31			16.94			156	bp
100bp		129,094		5,289			4.27			16.50			112	bp
Static		123,805		-			-			15.38			-	bp
(100)bp		108,223		(15,582	)		(12.59	)		13.29			(209	)bp

The previous table indicates that at September 30, 2017, the Company would expect a decrease in its EVE in the event of a sudden and sustained 100, 200 and 300 basis point increase and/or 100 basis point decrease in prevailing interest rates. The expected decrease in the Company’s EVE given a larger increase in rates is primarily attributable to the relatively high percentage of fixed-rate loans in the Company’s loan portfolio, which at September 30, 2017 comprised approximately 39.9% of the loan portfolio.

The models are driven by expected behavior in various interest rate scenarios and many factors besides market interest rates affect the Company’s net interest income and EVE. For this reason, we model many different combinations of interest rates and balance sheet assumptions to understand its overall sensitivity to market interest rate changes. Therefore, as with any method of measuring interest rate risk, certain shortcomings are inherent in the method of analysis presented in the foregoing tables and it is recognized that the model outputs are not guarantees of actual results. For example, although certain assets and liabilities may have similar maturities or periods to repricing, they may react in different degrees to changes in market interest rates. Also, the interest rates on certain types of assets and liabilities may fluctuate in advance of changes in market interest rates, while interest rates on other types may lag behind changes in market rates. Additionally, certain assets, such as adjustable-rate mortgage loans, have features that restrict changes in interest rates on a short-term basis and over the life of the asset. Further, in the event of a change in interest rates, expected rates of prepayments on loans and early withdrawals from time deposits could deviate significantly from those assumed in calculating the table.

Liquidity Management. Liquidity is the ability to meet current and future short-term financial obligations. Our primary sources of funds consist of deposit inflows, loan repayments, maturities and sales of investment securities and borrowings from the FHLB. While maturities and scheduled amortization of loans and securities are predictable sources of funds, deposit flows and mortgage prepayments are greatly influenced by general interest rates, economic conditions and competition.

51

The Bank regularly adjusts its investments in liquid assets based upon our assessment of (1) expected loan demand, (2) expected deposit flows, (3) yields available on interest-earning deposits and securities and (4) the objectives of our asset/liability management policy.

The Bank’s most liquid assets are cash and cash equivalents and interest-bearing deposits. The levels of these assets depend on our operating, financing, lending and investing activities during any given period. At September 30, 2017, cash and cash equivalents totaled $34.3 million. Securities classified as trading and available-for-sale, amounting to $7.2 million and $178.1 million, respectively, at September 30, 2017, provide additional sources of liquidity. At September 30, 2017, we had the ability to borrow a total of approximately $133.1 million from the FHLB, of which $118.1 million was borrowed and outstanding. In addition, we had the ability to borrow the lesser of $20 million or 25% of the Bank’s equity capital, excluding reserves, using a federal funds purchased line of credit facility with another financial institution at September 30, 2017. We also had a second federal funds line of credit facility with another financial institution from which we had the ability to borrow an additional $15 million. The Bank had no outstanding federal funds purchased under either facility at September 30, 2017.

At September 30, 2017, the Bank had $124.1 million in commitments to extend credit outstanding. Time deposits due within one year of September 30, 2017 totaled $134.9 million, or 58.7% of time deposits. We believe the large percentage of time deposits that mature within one year reflects customers’ hesitancy to invest their funds for long periods due to the recent low interest rate environment and local competitive pressure. If these maturing time deposits do not remain with us, we will be required to seek other sources of funds, including other certificates of deposit and borrowings. Depending on market conditions, we may be required to pay higher rates on such deposits or other borrowings than we currently pay on the time deposits due on or before September 30, 2018. We believe, however, based on past experience that a significant portion of our time deposits will remain with us. We have the ability to attract and retain deposits by adjusting the interest rates offered.

The Company is a separate legal entity from the Bank and must provide for its own liquidity to pay its operating expenses and other financial obligations, to pay any dividends and to repurchase any of its outstanding common stock. The Company’s primary source of income is dividends received from the Bank. The amount of dividends that the Bank may declare and pay to the Company in any calendar year, without the receipt of prior approval from banking regulators, cannot exceed net income for that year to date plus retained net income (as defined) for the preceding two calendar years. At September 30, 2017, the Company had liquid assets of $1.3 million on a stand-alone, unconsolidated basis.

The following tables present certain of our contractual obligations as of September 30, 2017.

			Payments due by period
(In thousands)	Total		Less than One Year		One to Three Years		Three to Five Years		More Than Five Years
Deferred director fee agreements	$	1,330	$	122	$	182	$	135	$	891
Deferred compensation agreements		80		–		–		–		80
Operating lease obligations		1,205		227		324		226		428
Repurchase agreements		1,348		1,348		–		–		–
FHLB borrowings		118,065		28,065		40,000		20,000		30,000
Total	$	122,028	$	29,762	$	40,506	$	20,361	$	31,399

Our primary investing activities are the origination of loans and the purchase of securities. Our primary financing activities consist of activity in deposit accounts and FHLB borrowings. Deposit flows are affected by the overall level of interest rates, the interest rates and products offered by us and our local competitors and other factors. We generally manage the pricing of our deposits to be competitive. Occasionally, we offer promotional rates on certain deposit products to attract deposits.

Capital Management. The Bank is subject to various regulatory capital requirements administered by the federal banking agencies, including a risk-based capital measure. The risk-based capital guidelines include both a definition of capital and a framework for calculating risk-weighted assets by assigning balance sheet assets and off-balance sheet items to broad risk categories. At September 30, 2017, the Bank exceeded all of its regulatory capital requirements. The Bank is considered “well capitalized” under regulatory guidelines. See “Item 1. Business — Regulation and Supervision — Regulation of Federal Savings Associations — Capital Requirement.”

52

Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements. In the normal course of operations, we engage in a variety of financial transactions that, in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, are not recorded in our financial statements. These transactions involve, to varying degrees, elements of credit, interest rate and liquidity risk. Such transactions are used primarily to manage customers’ requests for funding and take the form of loan commitments and lines of credit.

For the year ended September 30, 2017, we did not engage in any off-balance sheet transactions reasonably likely to have a material effect on our financial condition, results of operations or cash flows.

Effect of Inflation and Changing Prices

The consolidated financial statements and related financial data presented in this annual report have been prepared according to accounting principles generally accepted in the United States, which require the measurement of financial position and operating results in terms of historical dollars without considering the change in the relative purchasing power of money over time due to inflation. The primary impact of inflation on our operations is reflected in increased operating costs. Unlike most industrial companies, virtually all the assets and liabilities of a financial institution are monetary in nature. As a result, interest rates generally have a more significant impact on a financial institution’s performance than do general levels of inflation. Interest rates do not necessarily move in the same direction or to the same extent as the prices of goods and services.

Item 7A. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK

The information required by this item is incorporated herein by reference to Part II, “Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operation.”

Item 8. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA

Information required by this item is included herein beginning on page F-1.

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

None.

53

Item 9A. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES

(a) Disclosure Controls and Procedures

The Company’s management, including the Company’s principal executive officer and principal financial officer, have evaluated the effectiveness of the Company’s “disclosure controls and procedures,” as such term is defined in Rule 13a-15(e) promulgated under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, (the “Exchange Act”). Based upon their evaluation, the principal executive officer and principal financial officer concluded that, as of the end of the period covered by this report, the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures were effective for the purpose of ensuring that the information required to be disclosed in the reports that the Company files or submits under the Exchange Act with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) (1) is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the SEC’s rules and forms, and (2) is accumulated and communicated to the Company’s management, including its principal executive and principal financial officers, as appropriate to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure.

(b) Internal Control over Financial Reporting

The management of the Company is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting. The internal control process has been designed under our supervision to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of the Company’s financial statements for external reporting purposes in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.

Management conducted an assessment of the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting as of September 30, 2017, utilizing the framework established in 2013 Internal Control – Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO). Based on this assessment, management has determined that the Company’s internal control over financial reporting as of September 30, 2017 is effective.

Our internal control over financial reporting includes policies and procedures that pertain to the maintenance of records that accurately and fairly reflect, in reasonable detail, transactions and dispositions of assets; and provide reasonable assurances that: (1) transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States; (2) receipts and expenditures are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and the directors of the Company; and (3) unauthorized acquisition, use, or disposition of the Company’s assets that could have a material effect on the Company’s financial statements are prevented or timely detected.

All internal control systems, no matter how well designed, have inherent limitations. Therefore, even those systems determined to be effective can provide only reasonable assurance with respect to financial statement preparation and presentation. Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.

This annual report does not include an attestation report of the Company’s registered public accounting firm regarding internal control over financial reporting. Management’s report was not subject to attestation by the Company’s registered public accounting firm pursuant to rules of the SEC that permit the Company to provide only management’s report in this annual report.

(c) Changes to Internal Control over Financial Reporting

There were no changes in the Company’s internal control over financial reporting during the three months ended September 30, 2017 that have materially affected, or are reasonable likely to materially affect, the Company’s internal control over financial reporting.

Item 9B. OTHER INFORMATION

None.

54

PART III

Item 10. DIRECTORS, EXECUTIVE OFFICERS AND CORPORATE GOVERNANCE

The information relating to the directors and officers of the Company, information regarding compliance with Section 16(a) of the Exchange Act and information regarding the audit committee and audit committee financial expert is incorporated herein by reference to the sections captioned “Item 1 – Election of Directors,” “Section 16(a) Beneficial Ownership Reporting Compliance,” and “Audit Committee” in the Company’s Proxy Statement for the 2018 Annual Meeting of Stockholders (the “Proxy Statement”).

The Company has adopted a code of ethics and business conduct which applies to all of the Company’s and the Bank’s directors, officers and employees. A copy of the code of ethics and business conduct is available to stockholders on the Investor Relations portion of the Bank’s website at www.fsbbank.net.

Item 11. EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION

The information regarding executive compensation is incorporated herein by reference to the sections captioned “Director Compensation” and “Executive Compensation” in the Proxy Statement.

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

(a) Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners

Information required by this item is incorporated herein by reference to the section captioned “Stock Ownership” in the Proxy Statement.

(b) Security Ownership of Management

Information required by this item is incorporated herein by reference to the section captioned “Stock Ownership” in the Proxy Statement.

(c) Changes in Control

Management of the Company knows of no arrangements, including any pledge by any person of securities of the Company, the operation of which may at a subsequent date result in a change in control of the registrant.

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

The information relating to certain relationships and related transactions and director independence is incorporated herein by reference to the sections captioned “Transactions with Related Persons” and “Director Independence” in the Proxy Statement.

Item 14. PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTING FEES AND SERVICES

The information relating to the principal accountant fees and expenses is incorporated herein by reference to the section captioned “Ratification of the Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm” in the Proxy Statement.

55

PART IV

Item 15. EXHIBITS AND FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES

(1)	The financial statements required in response to this item are incorporated by reference from Item 8 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.
(2)	All financial statement schedules are omitted because they are not required or applicable, or the required information is shown in the consolidated financial statements or the notes thereto.
(3)	Exhibits

No.	Description
3.1	Articles of Incorporation of First Savings Financial Group, Inc. (1)
3.2	Articles of Amendment to the Articles of Incorporation for the Series A Preferred Stock (2)
3.3	Bylaws of First Savings Financial Group, Inc. (1)
4.0	Specimen Stock Certificate of First Savings Financial Group, Inc. (1)
10.1	Amended and Restated Employment Agreement by and among First Savings Financial Group, Inc., First Savings Bank and Larry W. Myers, dated October 7, 2009* (3)
10.2	Amended and Restated Employment Agreement by and among First Savings Financial Group, Inc., First Savings Bank and John P. Lawson, Jr., dated October 7, 2009* (3)
10.3	Amended and Restated Employment Agreement by and among First Savings Financial Group, Inc., First Savings Bank and Anthony A. Schoen, dated October 7, 2009* (3)
10.4	Amended and Restated Employment Agreement by and among First Savings Financial Group, Inc., First Savings Bank and Samuel E. Eckart, dated October 7, 2009* (3)
10.5	First Savings Bank, F.S.B. Employee Severance Compensation Plan* (4)
10.6	First Savings Bank, F.S.B. Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan* (4)
10.7	Agreement and plan of Reorganization dated July 21, 2017 (2)
10.8	Amended and Restated Director Deferred Compensation Agreement* (1)
21.0	Subsidiaries of the Registrant
23.0	Consent of Monroe Shine & Co., Inc.
31.1	Rule 13a-14(a)/15d-14(a) Certificate of Chief Executive Officer
31.2	Rule 13a-14(a)/15d-14(a) Certificate of Chief Financial Officer
32.0	Section 1350 Certificate of Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer
101.0	The following materials from the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended September 30, 2017, formatted in XBRL (Extensible Business Reporting Language): (i) the Consolidated Balance Sheets, (ii) the Consolidated Statements of Income, (iii) the Consolidated Statement of Changes in Stockholders’ Equity, (iv) the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows and (v) the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements.

*	Management contract or compensatory plan, contract or arrangement
(1)	Incorporated herein by reference to the exhibits to the Company’s Registration Statement on Form S-1 (File No. 333-151636), as amended, initially filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on June 13, 2008.
(2)	Incorporated by reference to the exhibits to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on July 26, 2017.
(3)	Incorporated herein by reference to the exhibits to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on October 8, 2009.
(4)	Incorporated herein by reference to the exhibits to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on October 10, 2008.

Item 16. FORM 10-K SUMMARY

Not applicable.

56

SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.

	FIRST SAVINGS FINANCIAL GROUP, INC.
Date: December 14, 2017	By:	/s/ Larry W. Myers
		Larry W. Myers
		President, Chief Executive Officer
		and Director

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this report has been signed below by the following persons on behalf of the registrant and in the capacities and on the dates indicated.

Name	Title	Date
/s/ Larry W. Myers	President, Chief Executive Officer	December 14, 2017
Larry W. Myers	and Director
	(principal executive officer)
/s/ Anthony A. Schoen	Chief Financial Officer	December 14, 2017
Anthony A. Schoen	(principal accounting and financial officer)
/s/ John P. Lawson, Jr.	Chief Operating Officer and Director	December  14, 2017
John P. Lawson, Jr.
/s/ Samuel E. Eckart	Director	December 14, 2017
Samuel E. Eckart
/s/ Cecile A. Blau	Director	December 14, 2017
Cecile A. Blau
/s/ Martin A. Padgett	Director	December 14, 2017
Martin A. Padgett
/s/ Michael F. Ludden	Director	December 14, 2017
Michael F. Ludden
/s/ Douglas A. York	Director	December 14, 2017
Douglas A. York
/s/ L. Chris Fordyce	Director	December 14, 2017
L. Chris Fordyce
/s/ Frank N. Czeschin	Director	December 14, 2017
Frank N. Czeschin
/s/ John E. Colin	Director	December 14, 2017
John E. Colin
/s/ Pamela Bennett-Martin	Director	December 14, 2017
Pamela Bennett-Martin

FIRST SAVINGS FINANCIAL GROUP, INC.

CLARKSVILLE, INDIANA

CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

YEARS ENDED

SEPTEMBER 30, 2017, 2016 AND 2015

FIRST SAVINGS FINANCIAL GROUP, INC.

CONTENTS

	Page
Management’s Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting	F-2
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm	F-3
Consolidated Balance Sheets	F-4
Consolidated Statements of Income	F-5
Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income	F-6
Consolidated Statements of Changes in Stockholders' Equity	F-7
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows	F-8
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements	F-9

F-1 

Management’s Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting

The management of First Savings Financial Group, Inc. (“the Company”) is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting as defined in Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.  The Company’s internal control over financial reporting is designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles.  The Company’s internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that: (i) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of the Company; (ii) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and that receipts and expenditures of the Company are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors of the Company; and (iii) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use or disposition of the Company’s assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements.

The system of internal control over financial reporting as it relates to the consolidated financial statements is evaluated for effectiveness by management. Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.

Management assessed First Savings Financial Group, Inc.’s system of internal control over financial reporting as of September 30, 2017, in relation to criteria for effective internal control over financial reporting as described in the 2013 “Internal Control Integrated Framework,” issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO).  Based on this assessment, management concluded that, as of September 30, 2017, its system of internal control over financial reporting is effective and meets the criteria of the “Internal Control Integrated Framework.”

Monroe Shine & Co., Inc., independent registered public accounting firm, has issued an audit report dated December 14, 2017 on the Company’s internal control over financial reporting.

/s/ Larry W. Myers	/s/ Anthony A. Schoen
Larry W. Myers	Anthony A. Schoen
President and	Chief Financial Officer
Chief Executive Officer

December 14, 2017

F-2 

Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

Board of Directors and Shareholders

First Savings Financial Group, Inc.

Clarksville, Indiana

We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of First Savings Financial Group, Inc. (the “Company”) as of September 30, 2017 and 2016, and the related consolidated statements of income, comprehensive income, changes in stockholders' equity, and cash flows for each of the years in the three-year period ended September 30, 2017. We also have audited First Savings Financial Group, Inc.’s internal control over financial reporting as of September 30, 2017, based on criteria established in Internal Control – Integrated Framework (2013) issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (“COSO”). The Company's management is responsible for these consolidated financial statements, for maintaining effective internal control over financial reporting, and for its assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting, included in the accompanying Management’s Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these consolidated financial statements and an opinion on the Company’s internal control over financial reporting based on our audits.

We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audits to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the consolidated financial statements are free of material misstatement and whether effective internal control over financial reporting was maintained in all material respects. Our audits of the consolidated financial statements included examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the consolidated financial statements, assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. Our audit of internal control over financial reporting included obtaining an understanding of internal control over financial reporting, assessing the risk that a material weakness exists, and testing and evaluating the design and operating effectiveness of internal control based on the assessed risk. Our audits also included performing such other procedures as we considered necessary in the circumstances. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinions.

A company’s internal control over financial reporting is a process designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. A company’s internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that (1) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of the company; (2) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and that receipts and expenditures of the company are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors of the company; and (3) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use, or disposition of the company’s assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements.

Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.

In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of First Savings Financial Group, Inc. as of September 30, 2017 and 2016, and the results of its operations and its cash flows for each of the years in the three-year period ended September 30, 2017, in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. Also in our opinion, First Savings Financial Group, Inc. maintained, in all material respects, effective internal control over financial reporting as of September 30, 2017, based on criteria established in Internal Control – Integrated Framework (2013) issued by COSO.

New Albany, Indiana

December 14, 2017

Monroe Shine & Co., Inc. ¨ Certified Public Accountants and Business Consultants

F-3 

FIRST SAVINGS FINANCIAL GROUP, INC.

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

SEPTEMBER 30, 2017 AND 2016

(In thousands, except share and per share data)	2017			2016
ASSETS
Cash and due from banks	$	11,017		$	11,449
Interest-bearing deposits with banks		23,242			17,893
Total cash and cash equivalents		34,259			29,342
Interest-bearing time deposits		2,435			3,100
Trading account securities, at fair value		7,175			9,255
Securities available for sale, at fair value		178,099			174,493
Securities held to maturity		2,878			3,166
Loans held for sale, residential mortgage		727			384
Loans held for sale, Small Business Administration		24,908			5,087
Loans, net of allowance for loan losses of $8,092 and $7,122		586,456			518,611
Federal Reserve Bank and Federal Home Loan Bank stock, at cost		6,936			6,936
Premises and equipment		11,270			11,674
Other real estate owned, held for sale		852			519
Accrued interest receivable:
Loans		1,907			1,451
Securities		1,491			1,355
Cash surrender value of life insurance		18,297			18,214
Goodwill		7,936			7,936
Core deposit intangibles		693			1,037
Other assets		4,814			3,956
Total Assets	$	891,133		$	796,516
LIABILITIES
Deposits:
Noninterest-bearing	$	96,283		$	79,859
Interest-bearing		573,099			499,608
Total deposits		669,382			579,467
Repurchase agreements		1,348			1,345
Borrowings from Federal Home Loan Bank		118,065			121,633
Accrued interest payable		283			195
Advance payments by borrowers for taxes and insurance		1,212			1,014
Accrued expenses and other liabilities		7,728			6,282
Total Liabilities		798,018			709,936
STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
Preferred stock of $.01 par value per share; authorized 1,000,000 shares; none issued		-			-
Common stock of $.01 par value per share; authorized 20,000,000 shares; issued 2,559,307 shares (2,542,042 at September 30, 2016); outstanding 2,242,454 shares (2,204,787 shares at September 30, 2016)		25			25
Additional paid-in capital		27,798			27,182
Retained earnings - substantially restricted		67,583			59,499
Accumulated other comprehensive income		4,158			5,944
Unearned stock compensation		(571	)		-
Less treasury stock, at cost - 316,853 shares (337,255 shares at September 30, 2016)		(5,878	)		(6,070	)
Total Stockholders' Equity		93,115			86,580
Total Liabilities and Stockholders' Equity	$	891,133		$	796,516

See notes to consolidated financial statements.

F-4 

FIRST SAVINGS FINANCIAL GROUP, INC.

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME

YEARS ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 2017, 2016 AND 2015

(In thousands, except share and per share data)	2017			2016			2015
INTEREST INCOME
Loans, including fees	$	27,093		$	22,876		$	21,439
Securities:
Taxable		3,315			3,691			3,971
Tax-exempt		3,012			2,470			2,226
Dividend income		313			310			303
Interest-bearing deposits with banks		184			109			48
Total interest income		33,917			29,456			27,987
INTEREST EXPENSE
Deposits		2,762			2,490			2,427
Federal funds purchased		23			1			-
Repurchase agreements		3			3			3
Borrowings from Federal Home Loan Bank		1,669			1,512			1,172
Loans payable		-			161			176
Total interest expense		4,457			4,167			3,778
Net interest income		29,460			25,289			24,209
Provision for loan losses		1,301			637			859
Net interest income after provision for loan losses		28,159			24,652			23,350
NONINTEREST INCOME
Service charges on deposit accounts		1,355			1,221			1,326
Net gain on sales of available for sale securities		30			-			-
Net gain on trading account securities		200			748			440
Net gain on sales of loans, residential mortgage		530			430			411
Net gain on sales of loans, Small Business Administration		4,204			715			413
Increase in cash surrender value of life insurance		433			448			479
Gain on life insurance		189			-			831
Commission income		379			369			373
Real estate lease income		-			489			628
Net gain on sale of premises and equipment		38			168			-
Net gain on sale of real estate development		-			1,862			-
Loss on tax credit investment		(226	)		(4,236	)		-
Other income		1,493			1,158			1,075
Total noninterest income		8,625			3,372			5,976
NONINTEREST EXPENSE
Compensation and benefits		15,089			12,858			11,809
Occupancy and equipment		2,788			2,698			2,622
Data processing		1,357			1,587			1,390
Advertising		538			545			530
Professional fees		1,527			1,259			1,172
FDIC insurance premiums		490			502			460
Net (gain) loss on other real estate owned		(113	)		28			1
Other operating expenses		3,275			2,958			3,015
Total noninterest expense		24,951			22,435			20,999
Income before income taxes		11,833			5,589			8,327
Income tax (benefit) expense		2,520			(2,322	)		1,576
Net Income	$	9,313		$	7,911		$	6,751
Preferred stock dividends declared		-			62			171
Net Income Available to Common Shareholders	$	9,313		$	7,849		$	6,580
Net income per common share:
Basic	$	4.20		$	3.57		$	3.07
Diluted	$	3.97		$	3.41		$	2.93
Weighted average common shares outstanding:
Basic		2,219,088			2,200,258			2,140,632
Diluted		2,346,008			2,303,628			2,247,966
Dividends per common share	$	0.55		$	0.51		$	0.47

See notes to consolidated financial statements.

F-5 

FIRST SAVINGS FINANCIAL GROUP, INC.

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME

YEARS ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 2017, 2016 AND 2015

(In thousands)	2017			2016			2015
Net Income	$	9,313		$	7,911		$	6,751
OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS), NET OF TAX
Unrealized gains (losses) on securities available for sale:
Unrealized holding gains (losses) arising during the period		(2,743	)		2,631			549
Income tax benefit (expense)		977			(897	)		(192	)
Net of tax amount		(1,766	)		1,734			357
Less: reclassification adjustment for realized gains included in net income		(30	)		-			-
Income tax expense		10			-			-
Net of tax amount		(20	)		-			-
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)		(1,786	)		1,734			357
Comprehensive Income	$	7,527		$	9,645		$	7,108

See notes to consolidated financial statements.

F-6 

FIRST SAVINGS FINANCIAL GROUP, INC.

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY

YEARS ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 2017, 2016 AND 2015

									Accumulated			Unearned
									Other			Stock
	Common		Additional			Retained			Comprehensive			Compensation			Treasury
(In thousands, except share and per share data)	Stock		Paid-in Capital			Earnings			Income			and ESOP			Stock			Total
Balances at October 1, 2014	$	25	$	43,199		$	47,175		$	3,853		$	(699	)	$	(6,473	)	$	87,080
Net income		-		-			6,751			-			-			-			6,751
Other comprehensive income		-		-			-			357			-			-			357
Preferred stock dividends		-		-			(171	)		-			-			-			(171	)
Common stock dividends ($0.47 per share)		-		-			(995	)		-			-			-			(995	)
Stock compensation expense		-		243			-			-			162			-			405
Shares released by ESOP trust		-		563			-			-			340			-			903
Stock options exercises - 20,972 shares		-		(89	)		-			-			-			367			278
Purchase of 9,274 treasury shares		-		-			-			-			-			(251	)		(251	)
Balances at September 30, 2015	$	25	$	43,916		$	52,760		$	4,210		$	(197	)	$	(6,357	)	$	94,357
Net income		-		-			7,911			-			-			-			7,911
Other comprehensive income		-		-			-			1,734			-			-			1,734
Preferred stock dividends		-		-			(62	)		-			-			-			(62	)
Common stock dividends ($0.51 per share)		-		-			(1,110	)		-			-			-			(1,110	)
Shares released by ESOP trust		-		504			-			-			197			-			701
Stock options exercises - 26,210 shares		-		(118	)		-			-			-			466			348
Redemption of preferred stock - 17,120 shares		-		(17,120	)		-			-			-			-			(17,120	)
Purchase of 4,933 treasury shares		-		-			-			-			-			(179	)		(179	)
Balances at September 30, 2016	$	25	$	27,182		$	59,499		$	5,944		$	-		$	(6,070	)	$	86,580
Net income		-		-			9,313			-			-			-			9,313
Other comprehensive loss		-		-			-			(1,786	)		-			-			(1,786	)
Common stock dividends ($0.55 per share)		-		-			(1,229	)		-			-			-			(1,229	)
Restricted stock grants - 17,265 shares		-		692			-			-			(692	)		-			-
Stock compensation expense		-		55			-			-			121			-			176
Stock option exercises - 26,858 shares		-		(131	)		-			-			-			486			355
Purchase of 6,456 treasury shares		-		-			-			-			-			(294	)		(294	)
Balances at September 30, 2017	$	25	$	27,798		$	67,583		$	4,158		$	(571	)	$	(5,878	)	$	93,115

See notes to consolidated financial statements.

F-7 

FIRST SAVINGS FINANCIAL GROUP, INC.

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

YEARS ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 2017, 2016 AND 2015

(In thousands)	2017			2016			2015
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES
Net income	$	9,313		$	7,911		$	6,751
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by (used in) operating activities:
Provision for loan losses		1,301			637			859
Depreciation and amortization		1,164			1,461			1,452
Amortization of premiums and accretion of discounts on securities, net		702			553			679
Decrease (increase) in trading account securities		2,080			(211	)		(3,725	)
Loans originated for sale		(89,738	)		(27,572	)		(16,980	)
Proceeds on sales of loans		75,638			28,797			11,324
Net gain on sales of loans		(4,734	)		(1,145	)		(824	)
Net realized and unrealized gain on other real estate owned		(170	)		(49	)		(1	)
Net gain on sales of available for sale securities		(30	)		-			-
Gain on life insurance		(189	)		-			(831	)
Increase in cash surrender value of life insurance		(433	)		(448	)		(479	)
Net gain on sale of premises, equipment and real estate development		(38	)		(2,030	)		-
Loss on tax credit investment		226			4,236			-
Deferred income taxes		1,836			(2,431	)		(36	)
ESOP and stock compensation expense		176			628			1,108
Increase in accrued interest receivable		(592	)		(151	)		(144	)
Increase in accrued interest payable		88			9			11
Change in other assets and liabilities, net		1,181			(1,001	)		273
Net Cash Provided By (Used In) Operating Activities		(2,219	)		9,194			(563	)
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES
Investment in interest-bearing time deposits		(455	)		(245	)		(1,600	)
Proceeds from maturities of interest-bearing time deposit maturities		1,120			245			-
Purchase of securities available for sale		(32,005	)		(15,659	)		(23,669	)
Proceeds from sales of securities available for sale		4,255			-			-
Proceeds from maturities of securities available for sale		3,665			6,725			11,227
Proceeds from maturities of securities held to maturity		208			1,381			666
Principal collected on securities		17,103			14,894			18,814
Net increase in loans		(71,593	)		(52,550	)		(24,519	)
Purchase of Federal Reserve Bank stock		-			-			(945	)
Purchase of Federal Home Loan Bank stock		-			(216	)		(533	)
Proceeds from redemption of Federal Home Loan Bank stock		-			-			1,275
Proceeds from life insurance		-			1,564			425
Investment in historic tax credit entity		(344	)		(3,285	)		(417	)
Proceeds from sale of other real estate owned		208			472			809
Investment in real estate development and construction		-			(35	)		(73	)
Purchase of premises and equipment		(426	)		(318	)		(475	)
Proceeds from sale of premises, equipment and real estate development		19			1,866			-
Net Cash Used In Investing Activities		(78,245	)		(45,161	)		(19,015	)
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES
Net increase in deposits		89,915			46,170			103
Net increase in repurchase agreements		3			3			4
Increase (decrease) in Federal Home Loan Bank line of credit		(3,568	)		6,766			5,319
Proceeds from Federal Home Loan Bank advances		15,000			35,000			300,000
Repayment of Federal Home Loan Bank advances		(15,000	)		(25,000	)		(280,000	)
Repayment of other long-term debt		-			(4,632	)		(180	)
Net increase in advance payments by borrowers for taxes and insurance		198			131			135
Redemption of preferred stock		-			(17,120	)		-
Proceeds from exercise of stock options		62			169			159
Purchase of treasury stock		-			-			(132	)
Dividends paid on preferred stock		-			(62	)		(171	)
Dividends paid on common stock		(1,229	)		(1,110	)		(995	)
Net Cash Provided By Financing Activities		85,381			40,315			24,242
Net Increase in Cash and Cash Equivalents		4,917			4,348			4,664
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year		29,342			24,994			20,330
Cash and Cash Equivalents at End of Year	$	34,259		$	29,342		$	24,994

See notes to consolidated financial statements.

F-8 

FIRST SAVINGS FINANCIAL GROUP, INC.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

SEPTEMBER 30, 2017, 2016 AND 2015

(1) SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

Nature of Operations

First Savings Financial Group, Inc. (the “Company”) is a financial holding company and the parent of First Savings Bank (the “Bank”) and First Savings Insurance Risk Management, Inc. (the “Captive”).

The Bank, which is a wholly-owned Indiana-chartered commercial bank subsidiary of the Company, provides a variety of banking services to individuals and business customers through fourteen locations in southern Indiana. The Bank attracts deposits primarily from the general public and uses those funds, along with other borrowings, primarily to originate residential mortgage, commercial mortgage, construction, commercial business and consumer loans, and to a lesser extent, to invest in mortgage-backed securities and other securities. The Bank has two wholly owned subsidiaries: First Savings Investments, Inc., a Nevada corporation that manages a securities portfolio and Southern Indiana Financial Corporation, which is currently inactive.

At September 30, 2016, the Bank had a third wholly owned subsidiary, FFCC, Inc. (“FFCC”), which was an Indiana corporation that participated in commercial real estate development and leasing. In accordance with the Plan of Complete Liquidation adopted by FFCC’s board of directors and approval by the Bank as its sole shareholder on December 21, 2016, FFCC voluntarily dissolved and completely liquidated effective December 31, 2016. As a result of the liquidation, FFCC distributed its net assets to the Bank on December 31, 2016.

On April 25, 2017, the Bank formed Q2 Business Capital, LLC (“Q2”), which is an Indiana limited liability company that specializes in the origination and servicing of U.S. Small Business Administration (“SBA”) loans. The Bank owns 51% of Q2 with the option to purchase the minority interest between July 1, 2020 and September 30, 2020. In accordance with Q2’s operating agreement, the Bank will be allocated the first $1.7 million of cumulative net income of Q2 with any additional profits and losses allocated 51% to the Bank and 49% to Q2’s minority members.

The Captive, which is a wholly-owned insurance subsidiary of the Company formed during the fourth fiscal quarter of 2014, is a Nevada corporation that provides property and casualty insurance to the Company, the Bank and the Bank’s active subsidiaries. In addition, the Captive provides reinsurance to eight other third-party insurance captives for which insurance may not be currently available or economically feasible in the insurance marketplace.

Basis of Consolidation and Reclassifications

The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Company and its subsidiaries and have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America and conform to general practices within the banking industry. Intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated. Certain prior year amounts have been reclassified to conform to the current year presentation. The reclassifications had no effect on net income or stockholders’ equity.

Statements of Cash Flows

For purposes of the statements of cash flows, the Company has defined cash and cash equivalents as cash on hand, amounts due from banks (including cash items in process of clearing), interest-bearing deposits with other banks having an original maturity of 90 days or less and money market funds.

F-9 

FIRST SAVINGS FINANCIAL GROUP, INC.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

SEPTEMBER 30, 2017, 2016 AND 2015

(1 - continued)

Use of Estimates

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

Material estimates that are particularly susceptible to significant change relate to the determination of the allowance for loan losses and the valuation of real estate and other assets acquired in connection with foreclosures or in satisfaction of loans. In connection with the determination of the allowances for loan losses and other real estate owned, management obtains independent appraisals for significant properties.

A majority of the Bank’s loan portfolio consists of single-family residential and commercial real estate loans to customers in the southern Indiana and Louisville, Kentucky metropolitan area. Accordingly, the ultimate collectability of a substantial portion of the Bank’s loan portfolio and the recovery of the carrying amount of other real estate owned are susceptible to changes in local market conditions.

While management uses available information to recognize losses on loans and other real estate owned, further reductions in the carrying amounts of loans and other real estate owned may be necessary based on changes in local economic conditions. In addition, regulatory agencies, as an integral part of their examination process, periodically review the estimated losses on loans and other real estate owned. Such agencies may require the Bank to recognize additional losses based on their judgments about information available to them at the time of their examination. Because of these factors, it is reasonably possible the estimated losses on loans and other real estate owned may change materially in the near term. However, the amount of the change that is reasonably possible cannot be estimated.

Investment Securities

Trading Account Securities: Securities purchased with the intention of recognizing short-term profits or which are actively bought and sold are classified as trading account securities and reported at fair value. The net realized and unrealized gains and losses on trading account securities are reported in noninterest income. Realized gains and losses on trading account securities are determined using the specific identification method. 

Securities Available for Sale: Securities available for sale consist primarily of municipal obligations, mortgage-backed securities and collateralized mortgage obligations (“CMOs”), and are stated at fair value. The Company holds municipal bonds issued by municipal governments within the U.S.; mortgage-backed securities and CMOs issued by the Government National Mortgage Association (“GNMA”), a U.S. government agency, and the Federal National Mortgage Association (“FNMA”) and the Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation (“FHLMC”), government-sponsored enterprises; debt securities issued by government-sponsored enterprises; and privately-issued CMOs and asset-backed securities (“ABSs”). The Company also holds a pass-through asset-backed security guaranteed by the SBA representing participating interests in pools of long-term debentures issued by state and local development companies certified by the SBA. Mortgage-backed securities represent participating interests in pools of long-term first mortgage loans originated and serviced by issuers of the securities. CMOs and ABSs are complex mortgage-backed securities that restructure the cash flows and risks of the underlying mortgage collateral.

F-10 

FIRST SAVINGS FINANCIAL GROUP, INC.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

SEPTEMBER 30, 2017, 2016 AND 2015

(1 - continued)

Investment Securities - continued

Amortization of premiums and accretion of discounts are recognized in interest income using methods approximating the interest method over the period to maturity, adjusted for anticipated prepayments. Unrealized gains and losses, net of tax, on securities available for sale are included in other comprehensive income and the accumulated unrealized holding gains and losses are reported as a separate component of equity until realized. Realized gains and losses on the sale of securities available for sale are determined using the specific identification method and are included in other noninterest income and, when applicable, are reported as a reclassification adjustment, net of tax, in other comprehensive income.

Securities Held to Maturity: Debt securities for which the Company has the positive intent and ability to hold to maturity are reported at cost, adjusted for amortization of premiums and accretion of discounts that are recognized in interest income using methods approximating the interest method over the period to maturity, adjusted for anticipated prepayments. The Company classifies certain mortgage-backed securities and municipal obligations as held to maturity.

Declines in the fair value of individual available for sale and held to maturity securities below their amortized cost that are other than temporary result in write-downs of the individual securities to their fair value. The related write-downs are included in earnings as realized losses. In estimating other-than-temporary impairment losses, management considers (1) the length of time and the extent to which the fair value has been less than amortized cost, (2) the financial condition and near-term prospects of the issuer, and (3) the intent and ability of the Company to retain its investment for a period of time sufficient to allow for any anticipated recovery in fair value.

Investments in non-marketable equity securities such as Federal Reserve Bank (“FRB”) stock and Federal Home Loan Bank of Indianapolis (“FHLB”) stock are carried at cost and are classified as restricted securities. Impairment testing on these investments is based on applicable accounting guidance and the cost basis is reduced when impairment is deemed to be other-than-temporary.

Loans Held for Sale

Residential mortgage loans originated and intended for sale in the secondary market are carried at the lower of aggregate cost or market value. Aggregate market value is determined based on the quoted prices under a “best efforts” sales agreement with a third party. Net unrealized losses are recognized through a valuation allowance by charges to income. Realized gains on sales of residential mortgage loans are determined using the specific identification method and are included in noninterest income. Residential mortgage loans are sold with servicing released.

Commitments to originate residential mortgage loans held for sale are considered derivative financial instruments to be accounted for at fair value. The Bank’s residential mortgage loan commitments subject to derivative accounting are fixed rate mortgage loan commitments at market rates when initiated. At September 30, 2017, the Bank had commitments to originate $228,000 of fixed-rate mortgage loans intended for sale in the secondary market after the loans are closed. Fair value is estimated based on fees that would be charged on commitments with similar terms.

F-11 

FIRST SAVINGS FINANCIAL GROUP, INC.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

SEPTEMBER 30, 2017, 2016 AND 2015

(1 - continued)

Loans Held for Sale - continued

The Bank originates loans to customers under the SBA 7(a) and other programs that generally provide for SBA guarantees of 75% to 90% of each loan. The Bank intends to sell the guaranteed portion of the SBA loans. The guaranteed portion of the SBA loans was classified as loans held for sale at September 30, 2017 and 2016. At September 30, 2017 and 2016, SBA loans held for sale totaling $24.9 million and $5.1 million, respectively, were carried at the lower of aggregate cost or fair value. Realized gains and losses on sales of SBA loans held for sale are determined using the allocation of participating interests sold and retained and are included in noninterest income. Direct loan origination costs and fees related to SBA loans held for sale are deferred upon origination and are recognized as an adjustment to the gain or loss on the date of sale. SBA loans held for sale are sold on a servicing retained basis.

Transfers of Financial Assets

The Company accounts for transfers and servicing of financial assets in accordance with Financial Accounting Standards Board Accounting Standards Codification (“FASB ASC”) 860, Transfers and Servicing. Transfers of financial assets are accounted for as sales only when control over the assets has been surrendered. Control over transferred assets is deemed to be surrendered when (1) the assets have been isolated from the Company, (2) the transferee obtains the right (free from conditions that constrain it from taking advantage of that right) to pledge or exchange the transferred assets and (3) the Company does not maintain effective control over the transferred assets through an agreement to repurchase them before their maturity.

Transfers of a portion of a loan must meet the criteria of a participating interest. If it does not meet the criteria of a participating interest, the transfer must be accounted for as a secured borrowing. In order to meet the criteria for a participating interest, all cash flows from the loan must be divided proportionately, the rights of each loan holder must have the same priority, and the loan holders must have no recourse to the transferor other than standard representations and warranties and no loan holder has the right to pledge or exchange the entire loan.

The Company sells financial assets in the normal course of business, the majority of which are related to the SBA-guaranteed portion of loans, as well as residential mortgage loan sales through established programs, commercial loan sales through participation agreements, and other individual or portfolio loan and securities sales. In accordance with accounting guidance for asset transfers, the Company considers any ongoing involvement with transferred assets in determining whether the assets can be derecognized from the balance sheet. With the exception of servicing and certain performance-based guarantees, the Company's continuing involvement with financial assets sold is minimal and generally limited to market customary representation and warranty clauses.

When the Company sells financial assets, it may retain servicing rights and/or other interests in the financial assets. The gain or loss on sale depends on the previous carrying amount of the transferred financial assets, the servicing right recognized, and the consideration received and any liabilities incurred in exchange for the transferred assets. Upon transfer, any servicing assets and other interests held by the Company are carried at the lower of cost or fair value.

F-12 

FIRST SAVINGS FINANCIAL GROUP, INC.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

SEPTEMBER 30, 2017, 2016 AND 2015

(1 - continued)

Loans and Allowance for Loan Losses

Loans Held for Investment

Loans are stated at unpaid principal balances, less net deferred loan fees and the allowance for loan losses. The Company grants real estate mortgage, commercial business and consumer loans. A substantial portion of the loan portfolio is represented by residential and commercial mortgage loans to customers in the southern Indiana and Louisville, Kentucky metropolitan area. The ability of the Company’s customers to honor their contracts is dependent upon the real estate and general economic conditions in this area.

Loan origination and commitment fees, as well as certain direct costs of underwriting and closing loans, are deferred and amortized as a yield adjustment to interest income over the lives of the related loans using the interest method. Amortization of deferred loan fees is discontinued when a loan is placed on nonaccrual status.

Nonaccrual Loans

The recognition of income on a loan is discontinued and previously accrued interest is reversed when interest or principal payments become 90 days past due unless, in the opinion of management, the outstanding interest remains collectible. Past due status is determined based on contractual terms. Generally, by applying the cash receipts method, interest income on nonaccrual loans is subsequently recognized only as received until the loan is returned to accrual status. The cash receipts method is used when the likelihood of further loss on the loan is remote. Otherwise, the Company applies the cost recovery method and applies all payments as a reduction of the unpaid principal balance until the loan qualifies for return to accrual status. Interest income on impaired loans is recognized using the cost recovery method, unless the likelihood of further loss is considered remote.

A loan is restored to accrual status when all principal and interest payments are brought current and the borrower has demonstrated the ability to make future payments of principal and interest as scheduled, which generally requires that the borrower demonstrate a period of performance of at least six consecutive months.

Loan Charge-Offs

For portfolio segments other than consumer loans, the Company’s practice is to charge-off any loan or portion of a loan when the loan is determined by management to be uncollectible due to the borrower’s failure to meet repayment terms, the borrower’s deteriorating or deteriorated financial condition, depreciation of the underlying collateral, the loan’s classification as a loss by regulatory examiners, or for other reasons. A partial charge-off is recorded on a loan when the uncollectibility of a portion of the loan has been confirmed, such as when a loan is discharged in bankruptcy, the collateral is liquidated, a loan is restructured at a reduced principal balance, or other identifiable events that lead management to determine the full principal balance of the loan will not be repaid. A specific reserve is recognized as a component of the allowance for estimated losses on loans individually evaluated for impairment. Partial charge-offs of loans are included in the Company’s historical loss experience used to estimate the general component of the allowance for loan losses as discussed below.

Consumer loans not secured by real estate are typically charged off at 90 days past due, or earlier if deemed uncollectible, unless the loans are in the process of collection. Overdrafts are charged off after 45 days past due. Charge-offs are typically recorded on loans secured by real estate when the property is foreclosed upon when the carrying value of the loan exceeds the property’s fair value less the estimated costs to sell.

F-13 

FIRST SAVINGS FINANCIAL GROUP, INC.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

SEPTEMBER 30, 2017, 2016 AND 2015

(1 - continued)

Loans and Allowance for Loan Losses - continued

Allowance for Loan Losses

The allowance for loan losses reflects management’s judgment of probable incurred loan losses at the balance sheet date. Additions to the allowance for loan losses are made by the provision for loan losses charged to earnings. Loan losses are charged against the allowance when management believes the uncollectibility of a loan balance is confirmed. Subsequent recoveries, if any, are credited to the allowance.

The Company evaluates the allowance for loan losses on a quarterly basis based upon management’s periodic review of the collectability of the loans in light of historical experience, the nature and volume of the loan portfolio, adverse situations that may affect the borrower’s ability to repay, estimated value of any underlying collateral, and prevailing economic conditions. This evaluation is inherently subjective as it requires estimates that are susceptible to significant revision as more information becomes available.

The allowance consists of specific and general components. The specific component relates to loans that are individually evaluated for impairment. A specific reserve is established when the underlying discounted collateral value (or present value of estimated future cash flows) of the impaired loan is lower than the carrying value of that loan.

The general component covers loans not considered to be impaired. Such loans are pooled by segment and losses are modeled using annualized historical loss experience adjusted for qualitative factors. The historical loss experience is determined by portfolio segment and is based on the actual loss history experienced by the Company over the most recent 60 month period. Prior to 2017, management used a 36-month historical loss period as the basis for its allowance for loan losses methodology. However, based on the Company’s loss history and changes in the loan portfolio, management determined that a 60-month historical loss history was appropriate and updated its methodology in 2017.

This actual loss experience is then adjusted for qualitative factors that are reviewed on a quarterly basis based on the risks present for each portfolio segment. Management considers changes and trends in the following qualitative loss factors: levels of and trends in delinquencies and impaired loans; levels of and trends in charge-offs and recoveries; trends in the volume and term of new loan originations; national and local economic trends and conditions; changes in lending policies, procedures and practices; changes in the experience and ability of lending management and other staff; changes in the quality and depth of the internal loan review process; trends in collateral valuation in the Company’s lending area; and other factors as determined by management. Each qualitative factor is evaluated and a qualitative factor adjustment is applied to the actual historical loss factors in determining the adjusted loss factors used in management’s allowance for loan losses adequacy calculation.

Management exercises significant judgment in evaluating the relevant historical loss experience and the qualitative factors. Management also monitors the differences between estimated and actual incurred loan losses for loans considered impaired in order to evaluate the effectiveness of the estimation process and make any changes in the methodology as necessary.

The following portfolio segments are considered in the allowance for loan loss analysis: residential real estate, commercial real estate, multi-family residential real estate, construction, land and land development, commercial business and consumer.

F-14 

FIRST SAVINGS FINANCIAL GROUP, INC.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

SEPTEMBER 30, 2017, 2016 AND 2015

(1 - continued)

Loans and Allowance for Loan Losses - continued

Residential real estate loans primarily consist of loans to individuals for the purchase or refinance of their primary residence, with a small portion of the segment secured by non-owner-occupied residential investment properties. The risks associated with residential real estate loans are closely correlated to the local housing market and general economic conditions, as repayment of the loans is primarily dependent on the borrower’s or tenant’s personal cash flow and employment status.

Commercial real estate loans are comprised of loans secured by various types of collateral including office buildings, warehouses, retail space and mixed use buildings located in the Company’s primary lending area and in other states. Risks related to commercial real estate lending are related to the market value of the property taken as collateral, the underlying cash flows and general economic conditions. Repayment of these loans is generally dependent on the ability of the borrower to attract tenants at lease rates that provide for adequate debt service and can be impacted by general economic conditions, which impact vacancy rates. The Company generally obtains loan guarantees from financially capable parties for commercial real estate loans.

Multi-family residential real estate loans primarily consist of loans secured by apartment buildings and other multi-tenant developments generally located in the Company’s primary lending area. Repayment of these loans is primarily dependent on the borrower’s ability to attract tenants and collect rents that provide for adequate debt service. The risks associated with these loans are closely correlated to the local housing market and general economic conditions.

Construction loans consist of single-family residential properties, multi-family properties and commercial projects, and include both owner-occupied and speculative investment properties. Risks inherent in construction lending are related to the market value of the property held as collateral, the cost and timing of constructing or improving a property, the borrower’s ability to use funds generated by a project to service a loan until a project is completed, movements in interest rates and the real estate market during the construction phase, and the ability of the borrower to obtain permanent financing.

Land and land development loans primarily consist of loans secured by farmland and vacant land held for long-term investment or development. The risks associated with land and land development loans are related to the market value of the property taken as collateral and the underlying cash flows for loans secured by farmland, and general economic conditions.

Commercial business loans include lines of credit to businesses, term loans and letters of credit secured by business assets such as equipment, accounts receivable, inventory, or other assets excluding real estate and are generally made to finance capital expenditures or fund operations. Commercial loans contain risks related to the value of the collateral securing the loan and the repayment is primarily dependent upon the financial success and viability of the borrower. As with commercial real estate loans, the Company generally obtains loan guarantees from financially capable parties for commercial business loans.

Consumer loans consist primarily of home equity lines of credit and other loans secured by junior liens on the borrower’s personal residence, home improvement loans, automobile and truck loans, boat loans, mobile home loans, loans secured by savings deposits and other personal loans. The risks associated with these loans are related to the local housing market and local economic conditions including the unemployment level.

Other than the change from a 36-month historical loss period to a 60-month historical loss period in 2017 discussed above, there were no significant changes to the Company’s accounting policies or methodology used to estimate the allowance for loan losses during the years ended September 30, 2017, 2016, and 2015.

F-15 

FIRST SAVINGS FINANCIAL GROUP, INC.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

SEPTEMBER 30, 2017, 2016 AND 2015

(1 - continued)

Loans and Allowance for Loan Losses – continued

Impaired Loans

A loan is considered impaired when, based on current information and events, it is probable that the Company will be unable to collect the scheduled payments of principal or interest when due according to the contractual terms of the loan agreement. Factors considered by management in determining impairment include payment status, collateral value, and the probability of collecting scheduled principal and interest payments when due. Loans that experience insignificant payment delays and payment shortfalls generally are not classified as impaired. Management determines the significance of payment delays and payment shortfalls on a case-by-case basis, taking into consideration all of the circumstances surrounding the loan and the borrower, including the length of the delay, the reasons for the delay, the borrower’s prior payment record, and the amount of the shortfall in relation to the principal and interest owed. Impairment is measured on a loan-by-loan basis by either the present value of expected future cash flows discounted at the loan’s effective interest rate, the loan’s obtainable market price, or the fair value of the collateral if the loan is collateral dependent.

Values for collateral dependent loans are generally based on appraisals obtained from independent licensed real estate appraisers, with adjustments applied for estimated costs to sell the property, costs to complete unfinished or repair damaged property and other known defects. New appraisals are generally obtained for all significant properties when a loan is identified as impaired. Generally, a property is considered significant if the value of the property is estimated to exceed $250,000. Subsequent appraisals are obtained as needed or if management believes there has been a significant change in the market value of a collateral property securing an impaired loan. In instances where it is not deemed necessary to obtain a new appraisal, management would base its impairment and allowance for loan loss analysis on the original appraisal with adjustments for current conditions based on management’s assessment of market factors and management’s inspection of the property.

Troubled Debt Restructurings

The modification of a loan is considered to be a troubled debt restructuring (“TDR”) if the debtor is experiencing financial difficulties and the Company grants a concession to the debtor that it would not otherwise consider. By granting the concession, the Company expects to obtain more cash or other value from the debtor, or to increase the probability of receipt, than would be expected by not granting the concession. The concession may include, but is not limited to, reduction of the stated interest rate of the loan, reduction of accrued interest, extension of the maturity date or reduction of the face amount of the debt. A concession will be granted when, as a result of the restructuring, the Company does not expect to collect all amounts due, including interest at the original stated rate. A concession may also be granted if the debtor is not able to access funds elsewhere at a market rate for debt with similar risk characteristics as the restructured debt. The Company’s determination of whether a loan modification is a TDR considers the individual facts and circumstances surrounding each modification.

A TDR can involve loans remaining on nonaccrual, moving to nonaccrual or continuing on accrual status, depending on the individual facts and circumstances of the borrower. Generally, a nonaccrual loan that is restructured in a TDR remains on nonaccrual status for a period of at least six months following the restructuring in order to ensure that the borrower performs in accordance with the restructured terms, including consistent and timely payments of at least six consecutive months according to the restructured terms.

F-16 

FIRST SAVINGS FINANCIAL GROUP, INC.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

SEPTEMBER 30, 2017, 2016 AND 2015

(1 - continued)

Real Estate Development and Construction

Real estate that is developed and on which buildings are constructed for the purpose of leasing or sale to third parties by the Company is stated at cost, including interest capitalized during the construction period, less accumulated depreciation. The Company uses the straight line method of computing depreciation at rates adequate to amortize the cost of the applicable assets over their estimated useful lives. Maintenance and repairs are expensed as incurred. The cost and related accumulated depreciation of assets sold, or otherwise disposed of, are removed from the related accounts and any gain or loss is included in earnings.

Premises and Equipment

Premises and equipment are stated at cost, less accumulated depreciation. The Company uses the straight line method of computing depreciation at rates adequate to amortize the cost of the applicable assets over their estimated useful lives. Maintenance and repairs are expensed as incurred. The cost and related accumulated depreciation of assets sold, or otherwise disposed of, are removed from the related accounts and any gain or loss is included in earnings.

Other Real Estate Owned

Other real estate owned includes formally foreclosed property and former banking facilities held for sale. At the time of foreclosure, foreclosed real estate is recorded at its fair value less estimated costs to sell, which becomes the property’s new cost basis. Any write-downs based on the property’s fair value at the date of acquisition are charged to the allowance for loan losses. After foreclosure or the decision to classify property as held for sale, valuations are periodically performed by management and property held for sale is carried at the lower of the new cost basis or fair value, less estimated costs to sell. Costs incurred in maintaining other real estate owned and subsequent impairment adjustments to the carrying amount of a property, if any, are included in noninterest expense.

Cash Surrender Value of Life Insurance

The Bank has purchased life insurance policies on certain directors, officers and key employees to help offset costs associated with the Bank’s compensation and benefit programs. The Bank is the owner and is a joint or sole beneficiary of the policies. Bank-owned life insurance is recorded at the amount that can be realized under the insurance contract at the balance sheet date, which is the cash surrender value adjusted for other charges or other amounts due that are probable at settlement. Income from the increase in cash surrender value of the policies and income from the recognition of death benefits is reported in noninterest income.

Goodwill and Other Intangibles

Goodwill recognized in a business combination represents the excess of the fair value of consideration transferred over the fair value of assets acquired and liabilities assumed. Goodwill is evaluated for possible impairment at least annually or more frequently upon the occurrence of an event or change in circumstances that would more likely than not reduce the fair value of the reporting unit below its carrying amount. Such circumstances could include, but are not limited to: (1) a significant adverse change in legal factors or in business climate, (2) unanticipated competition, or (3) an adverse action or assessment by a regulator.

Other intangible assets consist of acquired core deposit intangibles. Core deposit intangibles are amortized over the estimated economic lives of the acquired core deposits. The carrying amount of core deposit intangibles and the remaining estimated economic life are evaluated annually or whenever events or circumstances indicate the carrying amount may not be recoverable or the remaining period of amortization requires revision.

F-17 

FIRST SAVINGS FINANCIAL GROUP, INC.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

SEPTEMBER 30, 2017, 2016 AND 2015

(1 - continued)

Securities Lending and Financing Arrangements

Securities purchased under agreements to resell (reverse repurchase agreements) and securities sold under agreements to repurchase (repurchase agreements) are treated as collateralized lending and borrowing transactions, respectively, and are carried at the amounts at which the securities were initially acquired or sold.

Benefit Plans

The Bank provides a contributory defined contribution plan available to all eligible employees. The Company also established a leveraged employee stock ownership plan (“ESOP”) on October 6, 2008 that includes substantially all employees. The Company accounts for the ESOP in accordance with FASB ASC 718-40, Employee Stock Ownership Plans. Dividends declared on allocated shares are recorded as a reduction of retained earnings and paid to the participants’ accounts or used for additional debt service on the ESOP loan. Dividends declared on unallocated shares are not considered dividends for financial reporting purposes and are used for additional debt service on the ESOP loan. As shares are committed to be released for allocation to participants’ accounts, compensation expense is recognized based on the average fair value of the shares and the shares become available for earnings per share calculations.

Stock Based Compensation

The Company has adopted the fair value based method of accounting for stock-based compensation prescribed in FASB ASC 718-20, Compensation – Stock Compensation, for its stock plans.

Income Taxes

When income tax returns are filed, it is highly certain that some positions taken would be sustained upon examination by the taxing authorities, while other positions are subject to some degree of uncertainty regarding the merits of the position taken or the amount of the position that would be sustained. The Company recognizes the benefits of a tax position in the consolidated financial statements of the period during which, based on all available evidence, management believes it is more-likely-than-not (more than 50 percent probable) that the tax position would be sustained upon examination. Income tax positions that meet the more-likely-than-not threshold are measured as the largest amount of income tax benefit that is more than 50 percent likely of being realized upon settlement with the applicable taxing authority. The portion of the benefits associated with the income tax positions claimed on income tax returns that exceeds the amount measured as described above is reflected as a liability for unrecognized income tax benefits in the consolidated balance sheets, along with any associated interest and penalties that would be payable to the taxing authorities, if there were an examination. Interest and penalties associated with unrecognized income tax benefits are classified as additional income taxes in the consolidated statements of income.

F-18 

FIRST SAVINGS FINANCIAL GROUP, INC.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

SEPTEMBER 30, 2017, 2016 AND 2015

(1 - continued)

Income Taxes – continued

Income taxes are provided for the tax effects of the transactions reported in the financial statements and consist of taxes currently due plus deferred income taxes. Income tax reporting and financial statement reporting rules differ in many respects. As a result, there will often be a difference between the carrying amount of an asset or liability as presented in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets and the amount that would be recognized as the tax basis of the same asset or liability computed based on the effects of tax positions recognized, as described in the preceding paragraph. These differences are referred to as temporary differences because they are expected to reverse in future years. Deferred income tax assets are recognized for temporary differences where their future reversal will result in future tax benefits. Deferred income tax assets are also recognized for the future tax benefits expected to be realized from net operating loss or tax credit carryforwards. Deferred income tax liabilities are recognized for temporary differences where their future reversal will result in the payment of future income taxes. Deferred income tax assets are reduced by a valuation allowance when, in the opinion of management, it is more likely than not that some portion or all of the deferred income tax assets will not be realized. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are reflected at income tax rates applicable to the period in which the deferred tax assets or liabilities are expected to be realized or settled. As changes in tax laws or rates are enacted, deferred tax assets and liabilities are adjusted through the provision for income taxes.

Advertising Costs

Advertising costs are charged to operations when incurred.

Comprehensive Income

Comprehensive income consists of reported net income and other comprehensive income. Other comprehensive income, recognized as a separate component of equity, includes the change in unrealized gains and losses on securities available for sale. Amounts reclassified out of unrealized gains or losses on securities available for sale included in accumulated other comprehensive income are included in the net gain on sales of available for sale securities line item in the consolidated statements of income.

Loss Contingencies

Loss contingencies, including claims and legal actions arising in the ordinary course of business, are recorded as liabilities when the likelihood of loss is probable and an amount or range of loss can be reasonably estimated.

F-19 

FIRST SAVINGS FINANCIAL GROUP, INC.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

SEPTEMBER 30, 2017, 2016 AND 2015

(1 - continued)

Recent Accounting Pronouncements

The following are summaries of recently issued or adopted accounting pronouncements that impact the accounting and reporting practices of the Company:

In February 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-02, Leases (Topic 842). The guidance supersedes existing guidance on accounting for leases with the main difference being that operating leases are to be recorded in the statement of financial position as right-of-use assets and lease liabilities, initially measured at the present value of the lease payments. For operating leases with a term of 12 months or less, a lessee is permitted to make an accounting policy election not to recognize lease assets and liabilities. For public business entities, the guidance is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2018, including interim periods within those fiscal years. Early application of the guidance is permitted. In transition, entities are required to recognize and measure leases at the beginning of the earliest period presented using a modified retrospective approach. Management is evaluating the new guidance, but does not expect the adoption of this guidance to have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial position or results of operations.

In June 2016, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) No. 2016-13, Financial Instruments – Credit Losses (Topic 326). The update replaces the incurred loss methodology for recognizing credit losses under current GAAP with a methodology that reflects expected credit losses and requires consideration of a broader range of reasonable and supportable information to inform credit loss estimates. Under the new guidance, an entity will measure all expected credit losses for financial instruments held at the reporting date based on historical experience, current conditions and reasonable and supportable forecasts. The expected loss model will apply to loans and leases, unfunded lending commitments, held-to-maturity debt securities and other debt instruments measured at amortized cost. The impairment model for available-for-sale debt securities will require the recognition of credit losses through a valuation allowance when fair value is less than amortized cost, regardless of whether the impairment is considered to be other-than-temporary. For the Company, the amendments in the update are effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2019, including interim periods within those fiscal years. Early adoption is permitted as of fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2018, including interim periods within those fiscal years. The Company is currently assessing the impact the guidance will have upon adoption, but management expects to recognize a one-time cumulative-effect adjustment to the allowance for loan losses as of the beginning of the first reporting period in which the new standard is effective.

In January 2017, the FASB issued ASU No. 2017-04, Intangibles – Goodwill and Other (Topic 350) – Simplifying the Test for Goodwill Impairment. The update simplifies the measurement of goodwill impairment by eliminating Step 2 from the goodwill impairment test. Instead, an entity should perform its annual, or interim, goodwill impairment test by comparing the fair value of a reporting unit with its carrying amount and recognize an impairment charge for the amount by which the carrying amount exceeds the reporting unit’s fair value. However, the loss should not exceed the total amount of goodwill allocated to the reporting unit. The amendments in the update are effective for the Company for its annual or any interim goodwill impairment tests in fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2019. Early adoption is permitted for interim and annual goodwill impairment tests performed on testing dates after January 1, 2017. The adoption of this update is not expected to have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial position or results of operations.

F-20 

FIRST SAVINGS FINANCIAL GROUP, INC.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

SEPTEMBER 30, 2017, 2016 AND 2015

(1 - continued)

Recent Accounting Pronouncements - continued

In March 2017, the FASB issued ASU No. 2017-08, Receivables – Nonrefundable Fees and Other Costs (Subtopic 310-20) – Premium Amortization on Purchased Callable Debt Securities. The update shortens the amortization period for certain callable debt securities held at a premium. Specifically, the update requires the premium to be amortized to the earliest call date. The update does not require an accounting change for securities held at a discount; the discount continues to be amortized to maturity. The amendments in the update are effective for public business entities for fiscal years, and interim periods within those fiscal years, beginning after December 15, 2018. Early adoption is permitted, including adoption in an interim period. If an entity early adopts the amendments in an interim period, any adjustments should be reflected as of the beginning of the fiscal year that includes that interim period. An entity should apply the amendments in this update on a modified retrospective basis through a cumulative-effect adjustment directly to retained earnings as of the beginning of the period of adoption. Additionally, in the period of adoption, an entity should provide disclosures about a change in accounting principle. The Company is currently assessing the impact the guidance will have upon adoption, but the adoption of this update is not expected to have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial position or results of operations.

(2) RESTRICTION ON CASH AND DUE FROM BANKS

The Bank is required to maintain reserve balances on hand and with the Federal Reserve Bank, which are unavailable for investment but are interest-bearing. The average amount of those reserve balances was approximately $12.9 million, $10.3 million, and $8.4 million for the years ended September 30, 2017, 2016, and 2015, respectively.

F-21 

FIRST SAVINGS FINANCIAL GROUP, INC.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

SEPTEMBER 30, 2017, 2016 AND 2015

(3) INVESTMENT SECURITIES

Investment securities have been classified according to management’s intent.

Trading Account Securities

The Company invests in small and medium lot, investment grade municipal bonds through a managed brokerage account. The brokerage account is managed by an investment advisory firm registered with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. Trading account securities recorded at fair value totaled $7.2 million and $9.3 million as of September 30, 2017 and 2016, respectively.

The following is a summary of the reported net gains on trading account securities for the years ended September 30, 2017, 2016 and 2015:

(In thousands)	2017			2016			2015
Net realized gain on sales	$	229		$	795		$	394
Net unrealized gain/(loss) on securities held as of the balance sheet date		(29	)		(47	)		46
Net gain on trading account securities	$	200		$	748		$	440

Securities Available for Sale and Held to Maturity

The amortized cost of securities available for sale and held to maturity and their approximate fair values are as follows:

(In thousands)	Amortized Cost		Gross Unrealized Gain		Gross Unrealized Losses		Fair Value
September 30, 2017:
Securities available for sale:
Agency mortgage-backed	$	36,439	$	382	$	85	$	36,736
Agency CMO		14,605		37		66		14,576
Privately-issued CMO		1,825		204		28		2,001
Privately-issued ABS		2,691		757		-		3,448
SBA certificates		913		-		1		912
Municipal bonds		115,193		5,409		176		120,426
Total securities available for sale	$	171,666	$	6,789	$	356	$	178,099
Securities held to maturity:
Agency mortgage-backed	$	179	$	16	$	-	$	195
Municipal bonds		2,699		412		-		3,111
Total securities held to maturity	$	2,878	$	428	$	-	$	3,306

F-22 

FIRST SAVINGS FINANCIAL GROUP, INC.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

SEPTEMBER 30, 2017, 2016 AND 2015

(3 – continued)

(In thousands)	Amortized Cost		Gross Unrealized Gain		Gross Unrealized Losses		Fair Value
September 30, 2016:
Securities available for sale:
Agency bonds and notes	$	1,024	$	8	$	-	$	1,032
Agency mortgage-backed		46,376		1,029		-		47,405
Agency CMO		16,053		108		66		16,095
Privately-issued CMO		2,359		293		-		2,652
Privately-issued ABS		3,675		864		7		4,532
SBA certificates		1,220		7		-		1,227
Municipal bonds		94,567		7,002		19		101,550
Total securities available for sale	$	165,274	$	9,311	$	92	$	174,493
Securities held to maturity:
Agency mortgage-backed	$	260	$	23	$	-	$	283
Municipal bonds		2,906		465		-		3,371
Total securities held to maturity	$	3,166	$	488	$	-	$	3,654

The amortized cost and fair value of available for sale and held to maturity debt securities as of September 30, 2017 by contractual maturity are shown below. Expected maturities of mortgage and other asset-backed securities may differ from contractual maturities because the mortgages and other assets underlying the obligations may be prepaid without penalty.

	Available for Sale				Held to Maturity
(In thousands)	Amortized Cost		Fair Value		Amortized Cost		Fair Value
Due within one year	$	1,085	$	1,096	$	227	$	259
Due after one year through five years		13,366		13,976		995		1,137
Due after five years through ten years		25,923		27,634		1,028		1,194
Due after ten years		74,819		77,720		449		521
CMO		16,430		16,577		-		-
ABS		2,691		3,448		-		-
SBA certificates		913		912		-		-
Mortgage-backed securities		36,439		36,736		179		195
	$	171,666	$	178,099	$	2,878	$	3,306

F-23 

FIRST SAVINGS FINANCIAL GROUP, INC.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

SEPTEMBER 30, 2017, 2016 AND 2015

(3 – continued)

Information pertaining to securities with gross unrealized losses at September 30, 2017 and 2016, aggregated by investment category and the length of time that individual securities have been in a continuous loss position, follows:

(Dollars in thousands)	Number of Investment Positions		Fair Value		Gross Unrealized Losses
September 30, 2017:
Securities available for sale:
Continuous loss position less than twelve months:
Agency mortgage-backed		12	$	13,332	$	85
Agency CMO		9		9,062		52
Privately-issued CMO		2		113		28
Municipal bonds		9		6,522		157
Total less than twelve months		32		29,029		322
Continuous loss position more than twelve months:
Agency CMO		3		2,605		14
SBA certificates		1		912		1
Municipal bonds		1		513		19
Total more than twelve months		5		4,030		34
Total securities available for sale		37	$	33,059	$	356
September 30, 2016:
Securities available for sale:
Continuous loss position less than twelve months:
Agency CMO		3	$	3,946	$	12
Privately-issued ABS		2		66		7
Municipal bonds		4		2,147		19
Total less than twelve months		9		6,159		38
Continuous loss position more than twelve months:
Agency CMO		2		4,683		54
Total more than twelve months		2		4,683		54
Total securities available for sale		11	$	10,842	$	92

At September 30, 2017 and 2016, the Company did not have any securities held to maturity with an unrealized loss.

F-24 

FIRST SAVINGS FINANCIAL GROUP, INC.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

SEPTEMBER 30, 2017, 2016 AND 2015

(3 – continued)

Management evaluates securities for other-than-temporary impairment at least on a quarterly basis, and more frequently when economic or market concerns warrant such evaluation. Consideration is given to (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, and (3) the intent and ability of the Company to retain its investment in the issuer for a period of time sufficient to allow for any anticipated recovery in fair value.

The total available for sale debt securities in loss positions at September 30, 2017, which consisted of U.S. government agency mortgaged-backed, agency CMOs, privately-issued CMOs, SBA certificates, and municipal bonds, had depreciated approximately 1.07% from the Company’s amortized cost basis and are fixed and variable rate securities with a weighted-average yield of 2.16% and a weighted-average coupon rate of 2.71% at September 30, 2017. All of the agency and municipal securities are issued by U.S. government-sponsored enterprises and municipal governments, and are generally secured by first mortgage loans and municipal project revenues.

The Company evaluates the existence of a potential credit loss component related to the decline in fair value of the privately-issued CMO and ABS portfolios each quarter using an independent third party analysis. At September 30, 2017, the Company held fifteen privately-issued CMO and ABS securities acquired in a 2009 bank acquisition with an aggregate carrying value of $1.8 million and fair value of $2.4 million that have been downgraded to a substandard regulatory classification due to a downgrade of the security’s credit quality rating by various rating agencies.

F-25 

FIRST SAVINGS FINANCIAL GROUP, INC.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

SEPTEMBER 30, 2017, 2016 AND 2015

(3 – continued)

At September 30, 2017, the two privately-issued CMOs in loss positions had depreciated approximately 19.86% from the Company’s carrying value and include securities collateralized by residential mortgage loans and residential home equity lines of credit. These two securities had an aggregate fair value of $113,000 and an aggregate unrealized loss of $28,000 at September 30, 2017 and were rated below investment grade by a nationally recognized statistical rating organization (“NRSRO”). Based on the independent third party analysis of the expected cash flows, management has determined that the declines in value for these securities are temporary and, as a result, no other-than-temporary impairment has been recognized on the privately-issued CMO and ABS portfolios. While the Company did not recognize a credit-related impairment loss at September 30, 2017, additional deterioration in market and economic conditions may have an adverse impact on the credit quality in the future and therefore, require a credit-related impairment charge.

The unrealized losses on U.S. government agency CMOs and municipal bonds relate principally to current interest rates for similar types of securities. In analyzing an issuer’s financial condition, management considers whether the securities are issued by the federal government, its agencies, or other governments, whether downgrades by bond rating agencies have occurred, and the results of reviews of the issuer’s financial condition. As management has the ability to hold debt securities to maturity, or for the foreseeable future if classified as available for sale, no declines are deemed to be other-than-temporary.

The following is a summary of the reported gross gains and losses on sales of available for sale securities for the years ended September 30, 2017, 2016 and 2015:

(In thousands)	2017			2016		2015
Gross realized gains on sales	$	96		$	-	$	-
Gross realized losses on sales		(66	)		-		-
Net realized gain on sales of available for sale securities	$	30		$	-	$	-

Certain available for sale debt securities were pledged under repurchase agreements and to secure FHLB borrowings at September 30, 2017 and 2016, and may be pledged to secure federal funds borrowings (see Notes 11, 12 and 13).

At September 30, 2017 and 2016, there were no holdings of securities of any one issuer, other than the U.S government and its agencies, with an aggregate book value greater than 10% of stockholders’ equity.

F-26 

FIRST SAVINGS FINANCIAL GROUP, INC.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

SEPTEMBER 30, 2017, 2016 AND 2015

(4) LOANS AND ALLOWANCE FOR LOAN LOSSES

Loans at September 30, 2017 and 2016 consisted of the following:

(In thousands)	2017			2016
Real estate mortgage:
1-4 family residential	$	171,863		$	178,364
Commercial		273,106			217,378
Multifamily residential		21,121			18,431
Residential construction		29,074			24,275
Commercial construction		29,882			33,685
Land and land development		9,733			11,137
Commercial business		52,724			41,967
Consumer:
Home equity		22,939			21,370
Auto		7,057			4,858
Other consumer		2,323			2,102
Gross loans		619,822			553,567
Undisbursed portion of construction loans		(25,483	)		(27,623	)
Principal loan balance		594,339			525,944
Deferred loan origination fees and costs, net		209			(211	)
Allowance for loan losses		(8,092	)		(7,122	)
Loans, net	$	586,456		$	518,611

At September 30, 2017, there were no residential mortgage loans serviced for the benefit of others. At September 30, 2016, residential mortgage loans serviced for the benefit of others amounted to $32,000.

The Bank has entered into loan transactions with certain directors, officers and their affiliates (related parties). In the opinion of management, such indebtedness was incurred in the ordinary course of business on substantially the same terms as those prevailing at the time for comparable transactions with other persons and does not involve more than normal risk of collectability or present other unfavorable features.

The following is a summary of activity for related party loans for the years ended September 30, 2017 and 2016:

(In thousands)	2017			2016
Beginning balance	$	10,646		$	11,076
New loans and advances		2,049			1,945
Repayments		(2,204	)		(2,307	)
Reclassifications due to officer and director changes		(192	)		(68	)
Ending balance	$	10,299		$	10,646

F-27 

FIRST SAVINGS FINANCIAL GROUP, INC.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

SEPTEMBER 30, 2017, 2016 AND 2015

(4 – continued)

The following table provides the components of the recorded investment in loans as of September 30, 2017:

	Residential Real Estate		Commercial Real Estate		Multifamily			Construction			Land & Land Development		Commercial Business		Consumer			Total
	(In thousands)
Recorded Investment in Loans:
Principal loan balance	$	171,863	$	273,106	$	21,121		$	33,473		$	9,733	$	52,724	$	32,319		$	594,339
Accrued interest receivable		493		929		37			137			31		221		59			1,907
Net deferred loan origination fees and costs		50		26		(15	)		(17	)		2		184		(21	)		209
Recorded investment in loans	$	172,406	$	274,061	$	21,143		$	33,593		$	9,766	$	53,129	$	32,357		$	596,455
Recorded Investment in Loans as Evaluated for Impairment:
Individually evaluated for impairment	$	4,969	$	5,477	$	-		$	-		$	30	$	192	$	196		$	10,864
Collectively evaluated for impairment		167,437		268,584		21,143			33,593			9,736		52,937		32,161			585,591
Recorded investment in loans	$	172,406	$	274,061	$	21,143		$	33,593		$	9,766	$	53,129	$	32,357		$	596,455

F-28 

FIRST SAVINGS FINANCIAL GROUP, INC.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

SEPTEMBER 30, 2017, 2016 AND 2015

(4 – continued)

The following table provides the components of the recorded investment in loans as of September 30, 2016:

	Residential Real Estate		Commercial Real Estate			Multifamily			Construction			Land & Land Development		Commercial Business		Consumer			Total
	(In thousands)
Recorded Investment in Loans:
Principal loan balance	$	178,364	$	217,378		$	18,431		$	30,337		$	11,137	$	41,967	$	28,330		$	525,944
Accrued interest receivable		505		592			38			95			23		143		55			1,451
Net deferred loan origination fees and costs		158		(254	)		(17	)		(126	)		4		37		(13	)		(211	)
Recorded investment in loans	$	179,027	$	217,716		$	18,452		$	30,306		$	11,164	$	42,147	$	28,372		$	527,184
Recorded Investment in Loans as Evaluated for Impairment:
Individually evaluated for impairment	$	4,342	$	6,298		$	-		$	-		$	241	$	231	$	249		$	11,361
Collectively evaluated for impairment		174,685		211,418			18,452			30,306			10,923		41,916		28,123			515,823
Recorded investment in loans	$	179,027	$	217,716		$	18,452		$	30,306		$	11,164	$	42,147	$	28,372		$	527,184

F-29 

FIRST SAVINGS FINANCIAL GROUP, INC.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

SEPTEMBER 30, 2017, 2016 AND 2015

(4 – continued)

The following table presents the balance in the allowance for loan losses by portfolio segment and based on impairment method as of September 30, 2017 and 2016:

	Residential Real Estate		Commercial Real Estate		Multifamily		Construction		Land & Land Development		Commercial Business		Consumer		Total
	(In thousands)
2017:
Individually evaluated for impairment	$	2	$	-	$	-	$	-	$	-	$	-	$	21	$	23
Collectively evaluated for impairment		250		5,739		106		810		223		839		102		8,069
Ending balance	$	252	$	5,739	$	106	$	810	$	223	$	839	$	123	$	8,092
2016:
Individually evaluated for impairment	$	43	$	-	$	-	$	-	$	-	$	-	$	5	$	48
Collectively evaluated for impairment		292		5,160		109		845		295		284		89		7,074
Ending balance	$	335	$	5,160	$	109	$	845	$	295	$	284	$	94	$	7,122

F-30 

FIRST SAVINGS FINANCIAL GROUP, INC.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

SEPTEMBER 30, 2017, 2016 AND 2015

(4 – continued)

The following table presents the activity in the allowance for loan losses by portfolio segment for the years ended September 30, 2017, 2016, and 2015:

	Residential Real Estate			Commercial Real Estate			Multifamily			Construction			Land & Land Development			Commercial Business			Consumer			Total
	(In thousands)
2017:
Beginning balance	$	335		$	5,160		$	109		$	845		$	295		$	284		$	94		$	7,122
Provisions		15			569			(3	)		(35	)		(72	)		738			89			1,301
Charge-offs		(169	)		-			-			-			-			(200	)		(116	)		(485	)
Recoveries		71			10			-			-			-			17			56			154
Ending balance	$	252		$	5,739		$	106		$	810		$	223		$	839		$	123		$	8,092
2016:
Beginning balance	$	444		$	4,327		$	156		$	551		$	369		$	678		$	99		$	6,624
Provisions		(17	)		833			(47	)		294			(74	)		(385	)		33			637
Charge-offs		(207	)		-			-			-			-			(10	)		(108	)		(325	)
Recoveries		115			-			-			-			-			1			70			186
Ending balance	$	335		$	5,160		$	109		$	845		$	295		$	284		$	94		$	7,122
2015:
Beginning balance	$	577		$	3,808		$	146		$	443		$	302		$	795		$	179		$	6,250
Provisions		109			559			10			108			67			8			(2	)		859
Charge-offs		(283	)		(40	)		-			-			-			(126	)		(144	)		(593	)
Recoveries		41			-			-			-			-			1			66			108
Ending balance	$	444		$	4,327		$	156		$	551		$	369		$	678		$	99		$	6,624

F-31 

FIRST SAVINGS FINANCIAL GROUP, INC.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

SEPTEMBER 30, 2017, 2016 AND 2015

(4 – continued)

The following table presents impaired loans individually evaluated for impairment as of and for the year ended September 30, 2017. The Company did not recognize any interest income on impaired loans using the cash receipts method of accounting for the year ended September 30, 2017.

	Recorded Investment		Unpaid Principal Balance		Related Allowance		Average Recorded Investment		Interest Income Recognized
	(In thousands)
Loans with no related allowance recorded:
Residential real estate	$	4,745	$	4,980	$	-	$	4,377	$	144
Commercial real estate		5,477		5,645		-		5,997		204
Multifamily		-		-		-		-		-
Construction		-		-		-		-		-
Land and land development		30		30		-		221		1
Commercial business		192		199		-		209		6
Consumer		95		95		-		141		4
	$	10,539	$	10,949	$	-	$	10,945	$	359
Loans with an allowance recorded:
Residential real estate	$	224	$	268	$	2	$	294	$	-
Commercial real estate		-		-		-		-		-
Multifamily		-		-		-		-		-
Construction		-		-		-		-		-
Land and land development		-		-		-		-		-
Commercial business		-		-		-		130		-
Consumer		101		101		21		94		-
	$	325	$	369	$	23	$	518	$	-
Total:
Residential real estate	$	4,969	$	5,248	$	2	$	4,671	$	144
Commercial real estate		5,477		5,645		-		5,997		204
Multifamily		-		-		-		-		-
Construction		-		-		-		-		-
Land and land development		30		30		-		221		1
Commercial business		192		199		-		339		6
Consumer		196		196		21		235		4
	$	10,864	$	11,318	$	23	$	11,463	$	359

F-32 

FIRST SAVINGS FINANCIAL GROUP, INC.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

SEPTEMBER 30, 2017, 2016 AND 2015

(4 – continued)

The following table presents impaired loans individually evaluated for impairment as of and for the year ended September 30, 2016. The Company did not recognize any interest income on impaired loans using the cash receipts method of accounting for the year ended September 30, 2016.

	Recorded Investment		Unpaid Principal Balance		Related Allowance		Average Recorded Investment		Interest Income Recognized
	(In thousands)
Loans with no related allowance recorded:
Residential real estate	$	3,891	$	4,171	$	-	$	5,044	$	144
Commercial real estate		6,298		6,394		-		6,595		197
Multifamily		-		-		-		-		-
Construction		-		-		-		-		-
Land and land development		241		238		-		18		-
Commercial business		231		224		-		281		5
Consumer		175		175		-		198		5
	$	10,836	$	11,202	$	-	$	12,136	$	351
Loans with an allowance recorded:
Residential real estate	$	451	$	450	$	43	$	86	$	-
Commercial real estate		-		-		-		-		-
Multifamily		-		-		-		-		-
Construction		-		-		-		-		-
Land and land development		-		-		-		-		-
Commercial business		-		-		-		-		-
Consumer		74		74		5		79		-
	$	525	$	524	$	48	$	165	$	-
Total:
Residential real estate	$	4,342	$	4,621	$	43	$	5,130	$	144
Commercial real estate		6,298		6,394		-		6,595		197
Multifamily		-		-		-		-		-
Construction		-		-		-		-		-
Land and land development		241		238		-		18		-
Commercial business		231		224		-		281		5
Consumer		249		249		5		277		5
	$	11,361	$	11,726	$	48	$	12,301	$	351

F-33 

FIRST SAVINGS FINANCIAL GROUP, INC.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

SEPTEMBER 30, 2017, 2016 AND 2015

(4 – continued)

The following table presents information related to impaired loans individually evaluated for impairment for the year ended September 30, 2015. The Company recognized $5,000 of interest income on impaired commercial real estate loans using the cash receipts method of accounting for the year ended September 30, 2015.

	Average Recorded Investment		Interest Income Recognized
	(In thousands)
Loans with no related allowance recorded:
Residential real estate	$	5,590	$	143
Commercial real estate		6,136		223
Multifamily		-		-
Construction		-		-
Land and land development		-		-
Commercial business		255		1
Consumer		238		6
	$	12,219	$	373
Loans with an allowance recorded:
Residential real estate	$	115	$	-
Commercial real estate		9		-
Multifamily		-		-
Construction		-		-
Land and land development		-		-
Commercial business		4		-
Consumer		90		-
	$	218	$	-
Total:
Residential real estate	$	5,705	$	143
Commercial real estate		6,145		223
Multifamily		-		-
Construction		-		-
Land and land development		-		-
Commercial business		259		1
Consumer		328		6
	$	12,437	$	373

F-34 

FIRST SAVINGS FINANCIAL GROUP, INC.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

SEPTEMBER 30, 2017, 2016 AND 2015

(4 – continued)

Nonperforming loans consist of nonaccrual loans and loans over 90 days past due and still accruing interest. The following table presents the recorded investment in nonperforming loans at September 30, 2017 and 2016:

	At September 30, 2017						At September 30, 2016
	Nonaccrual Loans		Loans 90+ Days Past Due Still Accruing		Total Nonperforming Loans		Nonaccrual Loans		Loans 90+ Days Past Due Still Accruing		Total Nonperforming Loans
	(In thousands)
Residential real estate	$	2,358	$	83	$	2,441	$	1,752	$	22	$	1,774
Commercial real estate		1,253		-		1,253		1,606		-		1,606
Multifamily		-		-		-		-		-		-
Construction		-		-		-		-		-		-
Land and land development		30		-		30		241		-		241
Commercial business		81		-		81		136		-		136
Consumer		101		10		111		140		-		140
Total	$	3,823	$	93	$	3,916	$	3,875	$	22	$	3,897

F-35 

FIRST SAVINGS FINANCIAL GROUP, INC.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

SEPTEMBER 30, 2017, 2016 AND 2015

(4 – continued)

The following table presents the aging of the recorded investment in past due loans at September 30, 2017:

	30-59 Days Past Due		60-89 Days Past Due		90+ Days Past Due		Total Past Due		Current		Total Loans
	(In thousands)
Residential real estate	$	2,288	$	1,255	$	1,540	$	5,083	$	167,323	$	172,406
Commercial real estate		-		-		-		-		274,061		274,061
Multifamily		176		-		-		176		20,967		21,143
Construction		-		-		-		-		33,593		33,593
Land and land development		48		-		30		78		9,688		9,766
Commercial business		201		-		-		201		52,928		53,129
Consumer		29		11		10		50		32,307		32,357
Total	$	2,742	$	1,266	$	1,580	$	5,588	$	590,867	$	596,455

The following table presents the aging of the recorded investment in past due loans at September 30, 2016:

	30-59 Days Past Due		60-89 Days Past Due		90+ Days Past Due		Total Past Due		Current		Total Loans
	(In thousands)
Residential real estate	$	2,019	$	860	$	1,070	$	3,949	$	175,078	$	179,027
Commercial real estate		367		-		94		461		217,255		217,716
Multifamily		-		-		-		-		18,452		18,452
Construction		-		-		-		-		30,306		30,306
Land and land development		-		-		241		241		10,923		11,164
Commercial business		40		-		42		82		42,065		42,147
Consumer		76		1		40		117		28,255		28,372
Total	$	2,502	$	861	$	1,487	$	4,850	$	522,334	$	527,184

F-36 

FIRST SAVINGS FINANCIAL GROUP, INC.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

SEPTEMBER 30, 2017, 2016 AND 2015

(4 – continued)

The Company categorizes loans into risk categories based on relevant information about the ability of borrowers to service their debt such as: current financial information, public information, historical payment experience, credit documentation, and current economic trends, among other factors. The Company classifies loans based on credit risk at least quarterly. The Company uses the following regulatory definitions for risk ratings:

Special Mention: Loans classified as special mention have a potential weakness that deserves management’s close attention. If left uncorrected, these potential weaknesses may result in deterioration of the repayment prospects for the loan or of the institution’s credit position at some future date.

Substandard: Loans classified as substandard are inadequately protected by the current net worth and paying capacity of the obligor or of the collateral pledged, if any. Loans so classified have a well-defined weakness or weaknesses that jeopardize the liquidation of the debt. They are characterized by the distinct possibility that the institution will sustain some loss if the deficiencies are not corrected.

Doubtful: Loans classified as doubtful have all the weaknesses inherent in those classified as substandard, with the added characteristic that the weaknesses make collection or liquidation in full, on the basis of currently existing facts, conditions, and values, highly questionable and improbable.

Loss: Loans classified as loss are considered uncollectible and of such little value that their continuance on the Company’s books as an asset is not warranted.

Loans not meeting the criteria above that are analyzed individually as part of the above described process are considered to be pass rated loans. The following table presents the recorded investment in loans by risk category as of the date indicated:

	Residential Real Estate		Commercial Real Estate		Multifamily		Construction		Land and Land Development		Commercial Business		Consumer		Total
	(In thousands)
September 30, 2017:
Pass	$	165,192	$	268,481	$	20,299	$	33,500	$	9,736	$	52,398	$	32,172	$	581,778
Special Mention		895		1,982		844		93		-		641		53		4,508
Substandard		6,152		3,598		-		-		30		90		111		9,981
Doubtful		167		-		-		-		-		-		21		188
Loss		-		-		-		-		-		-		-		-
Total	$	172,406	$	274,061	$	21,143	$	33,593	$	9,766	$	53,129	$	32,357	$	596,455
September 30, 2016:
Pass	$	173,477	$	211,247	$	18,452	$	30,206	$	10,924	$	41,986	$	28,197	$	514,489
Special Mention		459		-		-		100		-		25		-		584
Substandard		5,002		6,469		-		-		240		136		160		12,007
Doubtful		89		-		-		-		-		-		15		104
Loss		-		-		-		-		-		-		-		-
Total	$	179,027	$	217,716	$	18,452	$	30,306	$	11,164	$	42,147	$	28,372	$	527,184

F-37 

FIRST SAVINGS FINANCIAL GROUP, INC.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

SEPTEMBER 30, 2017, 2016 AND 2015

(4 – continued)

Troubled Debt Restructurings

The following table summarizes TDRs by accrual status at September 30, 2017 and 2016. There was no specific reserve included in the allowance for loan losses related to TDRs at September 30, 2017 and 2016.

	Accruing		Nonaccrual		Total
	(In thousands)
September 30, 2017:
Residential real estate	$	2,610	$	25	$	2,635
Commercial real estate		4,225		1,253		5,478
Commercial business		111		82		193
Consumer		95		-		95
Total	$	7,041	$	1,360	$	8,401
September 30, 2016:
Residential real estate	$	2,590	$	-	$	2,590
Commercial real estate		4,692		1,512		6,204
Commercial business		95		120		215
Consumer		109		-		109
Total	$	7,486	$	1,632	$	9,118

The following table summarizes information in regard to TDRs that were restructured during the years ended September 30, 2017, 2016, and 2015.

	Number of Loans		Pre- Modification Principal Balance		Post- Modification Principal Balance
			(Dollars in thousands)
September 30, 2017:
Residential real estate		2	$	473	$	474
Commercial real estate		1		233		233
Land and land development		1		31		32
Commercial business		1		103		103
Total		5	$	840	$	842
September 30, 2016:
Residential real estate		5	$	181	$	247
Commercial real estate		1		94		131
Commercial business		3		186		216
Total		9	$	461	$	594
September 30, 2015:
Residential real estate		2	$	165	$	172
Commercial real estate		1		1,523		1,523
Consumer		1		3		3
Total		4	$	1,691	$	1,698

F-38 

FIRST SAVINGS FINANCIAL GROUP, INC.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

SEPTEMBER 30, 2017, 2016 AND 2015

(4 – continued)

At September 30, 2017 and 2016, the Company had committed to lend $17,000 and $0, respectively, to customers with outstanding loans classified as TDRs.

For the TDRs listed above, the terms of modification included temporary interest-only payment periods, reduction of the stated interest rate, extension of the maturity date, deferral of the contractual principal and interest payments, and the renewal of matured loans where the debtor was unable to access funds elsewhere at a market interest rate for debt with similar risk characteristics.

There was no specific allowance for loan losses related to TDRs modified during the years ended September 30, 2017 and 2016. In the event that a TDR subsequently defaults, the Company evaluates the restructuring for possible impairment. As a result, the related allowance for loan losses may be increased or charge-offs may be taken to reduce the carrying amount of the loan.

During the years ended September 30, 2017, 2016, and 2015, the Company did not have any TDRs that were modified within the previous twelve months for which there was a payment default (defined as more than 90 days past due or in the process of foreclosure).

Loan Servicing Rights

The Company originates loans to commercial customers under the SBA 7(a) and other programs. During the year ended September 30, 2016, the Company began selling the guaranteed portion of the SBA loans with servicing retained. Loan servicing rights on originated SBA loans that have been sold are initially recorded at fair value. Capitalized servicing rights are then amortized in proportion to and over the period of estimated net servicing income. Impairment of servicing rights is assessed using the present value of estimated future cash flows.

The aggregate fair value of loan servicing rights at September 30, 2017 and 2016 approximated its carrying value. A valuation model employed by an independent third party calculates the present value of future cash flows and is used to estimate fair value at the date of sale and on a quarterly basis for impairment analysis purposes. Management periodically compares the valuation model inputs and results to published industry data in order to validate the model results and assumptions. Key assumptions used to estimate the fair value of the loan servicing rights at September 30, 2017 and 2016 were as follows:

	Range of Assumption (Weighted Average)
Assumption	2017	2016
Discount rate	9.12% to 13.90% (11.66%)	8.54% to 14.46% (12.27%)
Prepayment rate	2.94% to 8.87% (6.63%)	4.25% to 8.71% (6.75%)

For purposes of impairment, risk characteristics such as interest rate, loan type, term and investor type are used to stratify the loan servicing rights. Impairment is recognized through a valuation allowance to the extent that fair value is less than the carrying amount. Changes in the valuation allowance are reported in net gain on sales of loans in the consolidated statements of income.

F-39 

FIRST SAVINGS FINANCIAL GROUP, INC.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

SEPTEMBER 30, 2017, 2016 AND 2015

(4 – continued)

The unpaid principal balance of SBA loans serviced for others was $61.2 million and $13.6 million at September 30, 2017 and 2016, respectively. An analysis of loan servicing fees on SBA loans for the years ended September 30, 2017, 2016 and 2015 is as follows:

(In thousands)	2017			2016			2015
Late fees and ancillary fees earned	$	47		$	37		$	-
Net servicing costs		(9	)		(59	)		-
SBA net servicing fees	$	38		$	(22	)	$	-

Contractually specified late fees and ancillary fees earned on SBA loans are included in interest income on loans in the consolidated statements of income. Net servicing costs (contractually specified servicing fees offset by direct servicing expenses) related to SBA loans are included in other noninterest income in the consolidated statements of income.

An analysis of loan servicing rights for the years ended September 30, 2017, 2016 and 2015 is as follows:

(In thousands)	2017			2016			2015
Balance as of October 1	$	310		$	-		$	-
Servicing rights capitalized		1,188			345			-
Amortization		(109	)		(35	)		-
Change in valuation allowance		-			-			-
Balance as of September 30	$	1,389		$	310		$	-

Residential mortgage loans originated for sale in the secondary market continue to be sold with servicing released.

F-40 

FIRST SAVINGS FINANCIAL GROUP, INC.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

SEPTEMBER 30, 2017, 2016 AND 2015

(5) REAL ESTATE DEVELOPMENT AND CONSTRUCTION

The Company developed a parcel of land in New Albany, Indiana for retail purposes through the Bank’s subsidiary, FFCC. The total cost of the development was $7.6 million, and the development costs were partially funded by a loan from another financial institution (see Note 14). On August 12, 2016, the Bank and FFCC executed a purchase and sale agreement for the sale of the development and property owned by the Bank to an unaffiliated third party. The sale closed on September 29, 2016. The net sales proceeds were $10.8 million, $8.8 million of which was allocated to the development owned by FFCC and $2.0 million of which was allocated to property owned by the Bank. The sale of the development resulted in a gain of $1.9 million recognized in noninterest income in the accompanying consolidated statements of income.

Depreciation expense recognized for real estate development and construction for the years ended September 30, 2017, 2016 and 2015 is as follows:

(In thousands)	2017		2016		2015
Depreciation expense recognized	$	-	$	198	$	196

(6) INVESTMENT IN HISTORIC TAX CREDIT ENTITY

On October 15, 2014, the Bank entered into an agreement to participate in the rehabilitation of a certified historic structure located in Louisville, Kentucky with a regional commercial developer. As part of the agreement, the Bank committed to invest $4.2 million into a limited liability company organized in the state of Kentucky by the commercial developer, for which it received a 99% equity interest in the entity and will receive an allocation of 99% of the operating profit and losses and any historic tax credits generated by the entity. The tax credits initially expected to be allocated to the Bank include federal rehabilitation investment credits totaling $4.7 million available under Internal Revenue Code Section 47. Subsequently, during the quarter ended March 31, 2017, the estimate of tax credits increased to $5.0 million and the Bank’s investment in equity increased to $4.5 million, or 90% of the anticipated credits to be received.

The Bank’s investment in the historic tax credit entity is accounted for using the equity method of accounting. In conjunction with receipts of certificates of occupancy for the project, the Company recognized losses in noninterest income of $226,000, $4.2 million, and $0 for the years ended September 30, 2017, 2016, and 2015, respectively. The Company recorded historic tax credits in income tax (benefit) expense of $249,000, $4.7 million, and $0 for the years ended September 30, 2017, 2016, and 2015, respectively.

At September 30, 2017, there were no unfunded capital contribution commitments. At September 30, 2016, the Bank’s remaining unfunded capital contribution commitment of $118,000 was included in other liabilities in the accompanying consolidated balance sheet.

F-41 

FIRST SAVINGS FINANCIAL GROUP, INC.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

SEPTEMBER 30, 2017, 2016 AND 2015

(7) PREMISES AND EQUIPMENT

Premises and equipment consisted of the following:

(In thousands)	2017			2016
Land and land improvements	$	4,413		$	4,411
Office buildings		9,381			9,316
Leasehold improvements		61			61
Furniture, fixtures and equipment		4,948			4,681
		18,803			18,469
Less:  accumulated depreciation		(7,533	)		(6,795	)
Totals	$	11,270		$	11,674

Depreciation expense recognized for premises and equipment for the years ended September 30, 2017, 2016 and 2015 is as follows:

(In thousands)	2017		2016		2015
Depreciation expense	$	820	$	919	$	912

As discussed further in Note 5, the Bank sold property in conjunction with the sale of a real estate development owned by FFCC in September 2016. The Bank’s property sold in the transaction consisted of a retail branch operated by the Bank and other retail space leased to a third-party tenant. In accordance with the purchase and sale agreement, the Bank executed a lease agreement with the buyer to lease back the portion of the property consisting of the retail branch. The lease has an initial term of 10 years and may be extended for up to six consecutive five-year periods. The Bank is accounting for the leaseback as an operating lease. The total gain realized on the sale of the property was $471,000, with $307,000 attributable to the retail branch property operated by the Bank and $164,000 attributable to the other retail space. The gain on the other retail space has been recognized in noninterest income in the accompanying consolidated statements of income. The gain attributable to the retail branch property has been deferred and will be recognized in income in proportion to the rent charged over the term of the lease. At September 30, 2017 and 2016, the remaining deferred gain of $278,000 and $307,000, respectively, is included in other liabilities in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets. See Note 19 for additional information regarding the Company’s operating leases.

F-42 

FIRST SAVINGS FINANCIAL GROUP, INC.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

SEPTEMBER 30, 2017, 2016 AND 2015

(8) OTHER REAL ESTATE OWNED

Other real estate owned asset activity was as follows for the years ended September 30, 2017, 2016 and 2015:

(In thousands)	2017			2016			2015
Balance as of October 1	$	519		$	618		$	952
Transfers from loans to other real estate owned		703			648			814
Direct write-downs		(28	)		(100	)		(73	)
Sales		(337	)		(621	)		(1,075	)
Other adjustments		(5	)		(26	)		-
Balance as of September 30	$	852		$	519		$	618

The Bank was in process of foreclosure of residential real estate loans with outstanding balances of $1.6 million and $837,000 as of September 30, 2017 and 2016, respectively.

Net (gain) loss on other real estate owned for the years ended September 30, 2017, 2016 and 2015 was as follows:

(In thousands)	2017			2016			2015
Net (gain) loss on sales	$	(198	)	$	(150	)	$	(123	)
Direct write-downs		28			100			73
Operating expenses, net of rental income		57			78			51
	$	(113	)	$	28		$	1

F-43 

FIRST SAVINGS FINANCIAL GROUP, INC.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

SEPTEMBER 30, 2017, 2016 AND 2015

(9) GOODWILL AND OTHER INTANGIBLES

Goodwill and the core deposit intangibles acquired in the acquisitions of Community First Bank (“Community First”) on September 30, 2009 and the First Federal Savings Bank of Elizabethtown, Inc. (“First Federal”) branches on July 6, 2012 are evaluated for impairment at least annually or more frequently upon the occurrence of an event or when circumstances indicate that the carrying amount is greater than its fair value. No impairment of goodwill or the core deposit intangibles was recognized during 2017, 2016, and 2015.

The changes in the carrying amount of goodwill for the years ended September 30, 2017, 2016 and 2015 are summarized as follows:

(In thousands)	2017		2016		2015
Beginning balance	$	7,936	$	7,936	$	7,936
Changes in goodwill		-		-		-
Ending balance	$	7,936	$	7,936	$	7,936

The following is a summary of other intangible assets subject to amortization:

(In thousands)	2017			2016
Core deposit intangible acquired in Community First acquisition	$	2,741		$	2,741
Core deposit intangible acquired in First Federal branch acquisition		566			566
Less accumulated amortization		(2,614	)		(2,270	)
Ending balance	$	693		$	1,037

Amortization expense on intangibles for the years ended September 30, 2017, 2016 and 2015 is summarized as follows:

(In thousands)	2017		2016		2015
Amortization expense	$	344	$	344	$	344

Estimated amortization expense for the core deposit intangibles for each of the ensuing five years and in the aggregate is as follows:

Years ending September 30:	(In thousands)
2018	$	344
2019		148
2020		50
2021		50
2022		50
2023 and thereafter		51
Total	$	693

F-44 

FIRST SAVINGS FINANCIAL GROUP, INC.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

SEPTEMBER 30, 2017, 2016 AND 2015

(10) DEPOSITS

The aggregate amount of time deposit accounts with balances that met or exceeded the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (“FDIC”) insurance limit of $250,000 was $11.3 million and $13.8 million at September 30, 2017 and 2016, respectively.

At September 30, 2017, scheduled maturities of time deposits were as follows:

Years ending September 30:	(In thousands)
2018	$	134,916
2019		44,445
2020		21,540
2021		16,612
2022		12,383
Total	$	229,896

The Bank held deposits for related parties of $5.6 million and $5.7 million at September 30, 2017 and 2016, respectively.

(11) FEDERAL FUNDS PURCHASED

The Bank has entered into a federal funds purchased line of credit facility with another financial institution that established a line of credit not to exceed the lesser of $20 million or 25% of the Bank’s equity capital, excluding reserves. Availability under the line of credit is subject to continued borrower eligibility and expires on June 30, 2018 unless it is extended.  The line of credit is intended to support short-term liquidity needs, and the agreement states that the Bank may borrow under the facility for up to seven consecutive days without pledging collateral to secure the borrowing. At September 30, 2017 and 2016, the Bank had no outstanding federal funds purchased under the facility.

The Bank has also entered into a separate federal funds purchased line of credit facility with another financial institution that established a discretionary line of credit not to exceed $15 million. The line of credit is intended to support short-term liquidity needs. At September 30, 2017 and 2016, the Bank had no outstanding federal funds purchased under the facility.

F-45 

FIRST SAVINGS FINANCIAL GROUP, INC.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

SEPTEMBER 30, 2017, 2016 AND 2015

(12) REPURCHASE AGREEMENTS

Repurchase agreements include retail repurchase agreements representing overnight borrowings from deposit customers.

Repurchase agreements at September 30, 2017, 2016 and 2015 are summarized as follows:

	2017					2016					2015
(Dollars in thousands)	Weighted Average Rate			Amount		Weighted Average Rate			Amount		Weighted Average Rate			Amount
Retail repurchase agreements		0.25	%	$	1,348		0.25	%	$	1,345		0.25	%	$	1,342

Information concerning borrowings under retail repurchase agreements as of and for the years ended September 30, 2017, 2016 and 2015 is summarized as follows:

(Dollars in thousands)	2017			2016			2015
Weighted average interest rate during the year		0.25	%		0.25	%		0.25	%
Average balance during the year	$	1,346		$	1,343		$	1,340
Maximum month-end balance during the year		1,348			1,345			1,342

Available for sale securities underlying the repurchase agreements had a fair value of $2.2 million and $1.4 million at September 30, 2017 and 2016, respectively.

F-46 

FIRST SAVINGS FINANCIAL GROUP, INC.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

SEPTEMBER 30, 2017, 2016 AND 2015

(13) BORROWINGS FROM FEDERAL HOME LOAN BANK

At September 30, 2017 and 2016 borrowings from the FHLB were as follows:

	2017					2016
(Dollars in thousands)	Weighted Average Rate			Amount		Weighted Average Rate			Amount
Advances maturing in:
2017		-	%	$	-		1.10	%	$	15,000
2018		1.04			10,000		1.04			10,000
2019		1.57			15,000		-			-
2020		1.86			25,000		1.86			25,000
2021		1.87			10,000		1.87			10,000
2022 and beyond		1.45			40,000		1.45			40,000
Total advances					100,000					100,000
Line of credit balance		1.38			18,065		0.67			21,633
Total borrowings from FHLB				$	118,065				$	121,633

The Bank entered into an Advances, Pledge and Security Agreement with the FHLB, allowing the Bank to initiate advances from the FHLB. The advances are secured under a blanket collateral agreement. At September 30, 2017, the eligible blanket collateral included residential mortgage loans with a carrying value of $162.9 million, commercial real estate loans with a carrying value of $201.4 million and available for sale securities with a fair value of $19.6 million.

On August 12, 2016, the Bank entered into an Overdraft Line of Credit Agreement with the FHLB which established a line of credit not to exceed $25.0 million secured under the blanket collateral agreement. This agreement expires on August 12, 2018. At September 30, 2017, $18.1 million was outstanding under this agreement.

On June 19, 2014, the Bank entered into a Letter of Credit Agreement with the FHLB which established a letter of credit not to exceed $3.3 million secured under the blanket collateral agreement. This agreement was extended in June 2017, lowering the amount to $2.7 million, and now expires on June 30, 2018. At September 30, 2017, there was no outstanding balance under this agreement.

On May 24, 2017, the Bank entered into an advance agreement with the FHLB which established a commitment to advance $2.2 million through November 22, 2017 at a term not to exceed 20 years at the FHLB’s current Community Investment Program Advance Rate. At September 30, 2017, there was no outstanding balance under this agreement.

F-47 

FIRST SAVINGS FINANCIAL GROUP, INC.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

SEPTEMBER 30, 2017, 2016 AND 2015

(14) OTHER LONG-TERM DEBT

On July 27, 2012, FFCC entered into a loan agreement with another financial institution to finance the retail development and construction project discussed in Note 5. The loan had a maximum commitment of $5.0 million and was for a ten-year term with a fixed interest rate of 4.0% for the first six years of the loan term, then adjusting annually thereafter to the one-year LIBOR rate plus 250 basis points. The loan provided for 12 interest only monthly payments through July 27, 2013, followed by 107 monthly payments sufficient to fully amortize the loan over a 20 year period and a balloon payment of all outstanding principal and interest at maturity on July 27, 2022. The loan was secured by a mortgage and assignment of leases and rents on the retail development property. The real estate development was sold on September 29, 2016, at which time the loan was repaid in full.

Interest expense recognized on other long-term debt for the years ended September 30, 2017, 2016 and 2015 is as follows:

(In thousands)	2017		2016		2015
Interest expense	$	-	$	161	$	176

(15) DEFERRED COMPENSATION PLANS

The Bank has deferred compensation agreements with former and current officers. The agreements provide for the payment of specific benefits following retirement. The balance of the accrued benefit for these agreements was $80,000 and $3,000 at September 30, 2017 and 2016, respectively.

Deferred compensation expense for the years ended September 30, 2017, 2016 and 2015 is as follows:

(In thousands)	2017		2016		2015
Deferred compensation expense	$	80	$	2	$	5

The Company has a directors’ deferred compensation plan whereby a director, at his or her election on an annual basis, may defer all or a portion of the director fees into an account with the Company. The Company accrues interest on the deferred obligation at an annual rate equal to the prime rate for the immediately preceding calendar quarter plus 2%, but in no event at a rate in excess of 8%. The deferral period extends until separation from service by the director. The benefits under the plan are payable in a lump sum or in monthly installments over a period of up to ten years following the separation from service; however, the agreements provide for payment of benefits in the event of disability, early retirement, termination of service or death. The balance of the accrued benefit for the director plan was $1.3 million and $1.2 million at September 30, 2017 and 2016, respectively.

Deferred directors fees expense for the years ended September 30, 2017, 2016 and 2015 is as follows:

(In thousands)	2017		2016		2015
Deferred directors fee expense	$	194	$	195	$	164

F-48 

FIRST SAVINGS FINANCIAL GROUP, INC.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

SEPTEMBER 30, 2017, 2016 AND 2015

(16) BENEFIT PLANS

Defined Contribution Plan:

The Bank has a qualified contributory defined contribution plan available to all eligible employees. The plan allows participating employees to make tax-deferred contributions under Internal Revenue Code Section 401(k).

Company contributions to the plan for the years ended September 30, 2017, 2016 and 2015 is as follows:

(In thousands)	2017		2016		2015
Company contributions to the plan	$	493	$	387	$	378

Employee Stock Ownership Plan:

On October 6, 2008, the Company established a leveraged ESOP covering substantially all employees. The ESOP trust acquired 203,363 shares of Company common stock at a cost of $10.00 per share financed by a term loan with the Company. The employer loan and the related interest income are not recognized in the consolidated financial statements as the debt is serviced from Company contributions. Dividends payable on allocated shares are charged to retained earnings and are satisfied by the allocation of cash dividends to participant accounts or by utilizing the dividends as additional debt service on the ESOP loan. Dividends payable on unallocated shares are not considered dividends for financial reporting purposes. Shares held by the ESOP trust are allocated to participant accounts based on the ratio of the current year principal and interest payments to the total of the current year and future years’ principal and interest to be paid on the employer loan. Compensation expense is recognized based on the average fair value of shares released for allocation to participant accounts during the year with a corresponding credit to stockholders’ equity.

Compensation expense recognized for the years ended September 30, 2017, 2016 and 2015 is as follows:

(In thousands)	2017		2016		2015
Compensation expense	$	-	$	628	$	851

The employer loan was fully repaid in December 2015 and all shares of Company stock were allocated to participant accounts as of September 30, 2016. The ESOP trust held 161,115 and 172,870 shares of Company common stock allocated to participant accounts at September 30, 2017 and 2016, respectively.

F-49 

FIRST SAVINGS FINANCIAL GROUP, INC.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

SEPTEMBER 30, 2017, 2016 AND 2015

(17) STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION PLANS

The Company maintains two equity incentive plans under which stock options and restricted stock have or can be granted, the 2010 Equity Incentive Plan (“2010 Plan”) approved by the Company’s shareholders in February 2010 and the 2016 Equity Incentive Plan (“2016 Plan”) approved by the Company’s shareholders in February 2016. At September 30, 2017, all available awards had been granted under the 2010 Plan. The aggregate number of shares of the Company’s common stock available for issuance under the 2016 Plan may not exceed 88,000 shares, consisting of 66,000 stock options and 22,000 shares of restricted stock. At September 30, 2017, 19,440 shares of the Company’s common stock were available for issuance under the 2016 Plan, consisting of 14,705 stock options and 4,735 shares of restricted stock.

Stock based compensation expense related to stock options and restricted stock for the years ended September 30, 2017, 2016 and 2015 is as follows:

(In thousands)	2017		2016		2015
Stock option expense	$	55	$	-	$	95
Restricted stock expense		121		-		162

Stock Options:

Under the plans, the Company may grant both non-statutory and incentive stock options that may not have a term exceeding ten years. In the case of incentive stock options, the aggregate fair value (determined at the time the incentive stock options are granted) which are first exercisable during any calendar year shall not exceed $100,000. Exercise prices generally may not be less than the fair market value of the underlying stock at the date of the grant. The terms of the plans also include provisions whereby all unearned options and restricted shares become immediately exercisable and fully vested upon a change in control.

Stock options granted generally vest ratably over five years and are exercisable in whole or in part for a period up to ten years from the date of the grant. Compensation expense is measured based on the fair market value of the options at the grant date and is recognized ratably over the period during which the shares are earned (the vesting period). The fair market value of stock options granted is estimated at the date of grant using a binomial option pricing model. Expected volatilities are based on historical volatility of the Company’s stock. The expected term of options granted represents the period of time that options are expected to be outstanding. The risk free rate for the expected life of the options is based on the U.S. Treasury yield curve in effect at the grant date.

The fair value of options granted during the year ended September 30, 2017 was determined using the following assumptions:

Expected dividend yield		1.75	%
Risk-free interest rate		2.13	%
Expected volatility		14.6	%
Expected life of options		7.5 years
Weighted average fair value at grant date	$	6.13

F-50 

FIRST SAVINGS FINANCIAL GROUP, INC.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

SEPTEMBER 30, 2017, 2016 AND 2015

(17 - continued)

A summary of stock option activity as of September 30, 2017, and changes during the year then ended is presented below.

	Number of Shares			Weighted Average Exercise Price		Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Term (Years)		Aggregate Intrinsic Value
Outstanding at beginning of year		187,050		$	13.25
Granted		51,295			40.09
Exercised		(26,858	)		13.25
Forfeited or expired		(13,958	)		14.21
Outstanding at end of year		197,529		$	20.15		4.3	$	6,567,000
Vested and expected to vest		197,529		$	20.15		4.3	$	6,567,000
Exercisable at end of year		146,734		$	13.25		2.6	$	5,891,000

The intrinsic value of stock options exercised during the year ended September 30, 2017 was $860,000. At September 30, 2017, there was $259,000 of unrecognized compensation expense related to nonvested stock options. The compensation expense is expected to be recognized over the remaining vesting period of 4.14 years.

Restricted Stock:

The vesting period of restricted stock granted under the plans is generally five years beginning one year after the date of grant of the awards. Compensation expense is measured based on the fair market value of the restricted stock at the grant date and is recognized ratably over the vesting period.

A summary of the Company’s nonvested restricted shares activity as of September 30, 2017 and changes during the year then ended is presented below.

			Weighted
	Number		Average
	of		Grant Date
	Shares		Fair Value
Nonvested at October 1, 2016		-		-
Granted		17,265	$	40.09
Vested		-		-
Forfeited		-		-
Nonvested at September 30, 2017		17,265	$	40.09

There were no restricted shares vested during the years ended September 30, 2017 and 2016. The total fair value of restricted shares that vested during the year ended September 30, 2015 was $575,000. At September 30, 2017 there was $571,000 of unrecognized compensation expense related to nonvested restricted shares. The compensation expense is expected to be recognized over the remaining vesting period of 4.14 years.

F-51 

FIRST SAVINGS FINANCIAL GROUP, INC.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

SEPTEMBER 30, 2017, 2016 AND 2015

(18) INCOME TAXES

The components of consolidated income tax expense (benefit) were as follows for the years ended September 30, 2017, 2016 and 2015:

(In thousands)	2017		2016			2015
Current	$	683	$	109		$	1,463
Valuation allowance		76		1,597			-
Deferred		1,761		(4,028	)		113
Income tax expense (benefit)	$	2,520	$	(2,322	)	$	1,576

The reconciliation of income tax expense (benefit) with the amount which would have been provided at the federal statutory rate of 34 percent follows for the years ended September 30, 2017, 2016 and 2015:

(In thousands)	2017			2016			2015
Provision at federal statutory rate	$	4,023		$	1,900		$	2,831
State income tax-net of federal tax benefit		234			27			93
Tax-exempt interest income		(1,082	)		(877	)		(772	)
Bank owned life insurance		(210	)		(151	)		(444	)
Captive insurance net premiums		(275	)		(297	)		(313	)
Increase in deferred tax valuation allowance		76			1,597			-
Historic tax credit		(249	)		(4,660	)		-
Other		3			139			181
Income tax expense (benefit)	$	2,520		$	(2,322	)	$	1,576

F-52 

FIRST SAVINGS FINANCIAL GROUP, INC.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

SEPTEMBER 30, 2017, 2016 AND 2015

(18 - continued)

Significant components of deferred tax assets and liabilities at September 30, 2017 and 2016 are as follows:

(In thousands)	2017			2016
Deferred tax assets:
Allowance for loan losses	$	2,846		$	2,745
Deferred compensation plans		529			461
Equity incentive plans		117			69
Other-than-temporary impairment loss on available for sale securities		7			14
Valuation allowance on other real estate owned		101			96
Interest on nonaccrual loans		186			193
Discount on unguaranteed portion of SBA loans		-			121
Loss on tax credit investment		1,673			1,597
Historic tax credit carryforward		171			2,306
Deferred loan fees and costs, net		205			80
Investment in subsidiary		69			-
Other		311			207
Gross deferred tax assets		6,215			7,889
Valuation allowance		(1,673	)		(1,597	)
Net deferred tax assets		4,542			6,292
Deferred tax liabilities:
Unrealized gain on securities available for sale		(2,234	)		(3,232	)
Accumulated depreciation		(811	)		(825	)
Installment sale		(481	)		(520	)
Loan servicing rights		-			(118	)
Acquisition purchase accounting adjustments		(574	)		(507	)
FHLB stock dividends		(129	)		(130	)
Unrealized gain on trading account securities		(2	)		(13	)
Prepaid expenses		(589	)		(413	)
Other		(141	)		(114	)
Deferred tax liabilities		(4,961	)		(5,872	)
Net deferred tax asset (liability)	$	(419	)	$	420

F-53 

FIRST SAVINGS FINANCIAL GROUP, INC.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

SEPTEMBER 30, 2017, 2016 AND 2015

(18 - continued)

Tax laws enacted in 2013 and 2014 decrease the Indiana financial institutions tax rate beginning in 2014 and ending in 2023. Deferred taxes have been adjusted to reflect the newly enacted rates and the period in which temporary differences are expected to reverse.

In assessing the ability of the Company to realize the benefit of the deferred tax assets, management considers whether it is more likely than not that some portion or all of the deferred tax assets will not be realized. The ultimate realization of deferred tax assets is dependent upon the generation of future taxable income during the periods in which those temporary differences become deductible. Management considers the scheduled reversal of deferred tax liabilities, availability of operating loss carrybacks, projected future taxable income, and tax planning strategies in making this assessment. Based upon the level of historical taxable income and projections for future taxable income over the periods which deferred tax assets are deductible, management believes it is more likely than not the Company will generate sufficient taxable income to realize the benefits of these deductible differences at September 30, 2017, except for a valuation allowance of $1.7 million on the net deferred tax asset related to losses on a historic tax credit investment totaling $4.5 million. In assessing the need for a valuation allowance for the deferred tax assets for the historic tax credit investment, the Company considered all positive and negative evidence in assessing whether the weight of available evidence supports the recognition of some or all of the deferred tax assets related to the investment. Because of the tax nature of the loss to be recognized when the investment is ultimately sold (which for tax purposes will give rise to a capital loss for the historic tax credit investment), the Company may not be able to generate capital gains in the future to be able to utilize the capital losses from the investment. Therefore, the Company’s assessment of the deferred tax asset warrants the need for a valuation allowance.

At September 30, 2017 and 2016, the Company had a federal historic tax credit of $171,000 and $2.3 million respectively, available to reduce federal income taxes in subsequent years. The carryover expires during the year ending September 30, 2036.

At September 30, 2017 and 2016, the Company had no liability for unrecognized income tax benefits and does not anticipate any increase in the liability for unrecognized tax benefits during the next twelve months. The Company believes that its income tax positions would be sustained upon examination and does not anticipate any adjustments that would result in a material change to its financial position or results of operations. The Company files consolidated U.S. federal and Indiana state income tax returns. Returns filed in these jurisdictions for tax years ending on or after September 30, 2013 are subject to examination by the relevant taxing authorities. Each entity included in the consolidated federal and state income tax returns filed by the Company are charged or given credit for the applicable tax as though separate returns were filed.

Retained earnings of the Bank at September 30, 2017 and 2016 include approximately $4.6 million for which no deferred federal income tax liability has been recognized. This amount represents an allocation of income to bad debt deductions as of September 30, 1988 for tax purposes only. Reduction of such allocated amounts for purposes other than tax bad debt losses, including redemption of bank stock, excess dividends or loss of “bank” status, would create income for tax purposes only, subject to the then-current corporate income tax rate. The unrecorded deferred income tax liability on these amounts was approximately $1.5 million at September 30, 2017 and 2016.

F-54 

FIRST SAVINGS FINANCIAL GROUP, INC.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

SEPTEMBER 30, 2017, 2016 AND 2015

(19) OPERATING LEASES

The Bank and Q2 rent office space and equipment under operating lease agreements that expire at different dates through September 2026. The following is a schedule by years of future minimum lease payments required under operating leases that have initial or remaining noncancelable lease terms in excess of one year as of September 30, 2017:

Years ending September 30:	(In thousands)
2018	$	227
2019		189
2020		135
2021		119
2022		107
2023 and thereafter		428
Total	$	1,205

Rent expense under operating leases for the years ended September 30, 2017, 2016 and 2015 is as follows:

(In thousands)	2017		2016		2015
Rent expense	$	278	$	95	$	56

F-55 

FIRST SAVINGS FINANCIAL GROUP, INC.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

SEPTEMBER 30, 2017, 2016 AND 2015

(20) FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS WITH OFF-BALANCE-SHEET RISK

The Bank is a party to financial instruments with off-balance-sheet risk in the normal course of business to meet the financing needs of its customers. These financial instruments include commitments to extend credit and standby letters of credit. These instruments involve, to varying degrees, elements of credit and interest rate risk in excess of the amounts recognized in the balance sheet.

The Bank’s exposure to credit loss in the event of nonperformance by the other party to the financial instruments for commitments to extend credit and standby letters of credit is represented by the contractual notional amount of those instruments. The Bank uses the same credit policies in making commitments and conditional obligations as it does for on-balance-sheet instruments.

Commitments to extend credit are agreements to lend to a customer as long as there is no violation of any condition established in the contract. Commitments generally have fixed expiration dates or other termination clauses and may require payment of a fee. Since many of the commitments are expected to expire without being drawn upon, the total commitment amounts do not necessarily represent future cash requirements. The Bank evaluates each customer’s creditworthiness on a case-by-case basis. The amount and type of collateral obtained, if deemed necessary by the Bank upon extension of credit, varies and is based on management’s credit evaluation of the counterparty. Commitments under outstanding standby letters of credit totaled $5.7 million and $3.7 million at September 30, 2017 and 2016, respectively.

Standby letters of credit are conditional lending commitments issued by the Bank to guarantee the performance of a customer to a third party. Standby letters of credit generally have fixed expiration dates or other termination clauses and may require payment of a fee. The credit risk involved in issuing letters of credit is essentially the same as that involved in extending loan facilities to customers. The Bank’s policy for obtaining collateral, and the nature of such collateral, is essentially the same as that involved in making commitments to extend credit.

The Bank has not been obligated to perform on any financial guarantees and has incurred no losses on its commitments in 2017 or 2016.

The following is a summary of the commitments to extend credit at September 30, 2017 and 2016:

(In thousands)	2017		2016
Loan commitments:
Fixed rate	$	17,069	$	7,189
Adjustable rate		29,933		45,526
Guarantees of third-party revolving credit		153		86
Undisbursed portion of home equity lines of credit		28,422		24,418
Undisbursed portion of commercial and personal lines of credit		23,066		26,759
Undisbursed portion of construction loans in process		25,483		27,623
Total commitments to extend credit	$	124,126	$	131,601

F-56 

FIRST SAVINGS FINANCIAL GROUP, INC.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

SEPTEMBER 30, 2017, 2016 AND 2015

(21) FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS

FASB ASC Topic 820, Fair Value Measurements, provides the framework for measuring fair value. That framework provides a fair value hierarchy that prioritizes the inputs to valuation techniques used to measure fair value. The hierarchy gives the highest priority to unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities (Level 1 measurements) and the lowest priority to unobservable inputs (Level 3 measurements). The three levels of the fair value hierarchy under FASB ASC Topic 820 are described as follows:

Level 1: Inputs to the valuation methodology are quoted prices, unadjusted, for identical assets or liabilities in active markets. A quoted market price in an active market provides the most reliable evidence of fair value and shall be used to measure fair value whenever available.

Level 2: Inputs to the valuation methodology include quoted market prices for similar assets or liabilities in active markets; quoted market prices for identical or similar assets or liabilities in markets that are not active; or inputs that are derived principally from or can be corroborated by observable market data by correlation or other means.

Level 3: Inputs to the valuation methodology are unobservable and significant to the fair value measurement. Level 3 assets and liabilities include financial instruments whose value is determined using discounted cash flow methodologies, as well as instruments for which the determination of fair value requires significant management judgment or estimation.

A description of the valuation methodologies used for instruments measured at fair value, as well as the general classification of such instruments pursuant to the valuation hierarchy, is set forth below. These valuation methodologies were applied to all of the Company’s financial assets carried at fair value or the lower of cost or fair value.

F-57 

FIRST SAVINGS FINANCIAL GROUP, INC.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

SEPTEMBER 30, 2017, 2016 AND 2015

(21 – continued)

The table below presents the balances of financial assets measured at fair value on a recurring and nonrecurring basis as of September 30, 2017. The Company had no liabilities measured at fair value as of September 30, 2017.

	Carrying Value
(In thousands)	Level 1		Level 2		Level 3		Total
September 30, 2017:
Assets Measured – Recurring Basis
Trading account securities	$	-	$	7,175	$	-	$	7,175
Securities available for sale:
Agency mortgage-backed	$	-	$	36,736	$	-	$	36,736
Agency CMO		-		14,576		-		14,576
Privately-issued CMO		-		2,001		-		2,001
Privately-issued ABS		-		3,448		-		3,448
SBA certificates		-		912		-		912
Municipal bonds		-		120,426		-		120,426
Total securities available for sale	$	-	$	178,099	$	-	$	178,099
Assets Measured – Nonrecurring Basis
Impaired loans:
Residential real estate	$	-	$	-	$	4,967	$	4,967
Commercial real estate		-		-		5,477		5,477
Land and land development		-		-		30		30
Commercial business		-		-		192		192
Consumer		-		-		175		175
Total impaired loans	$	-	$	-	$	10,841	$	10,841
Loans held for sale:
Residential mortgage loans held for sale	$	-	$	727	$	-	$	727
SBA loans held for sale		-		24,908		-		24,908
Total loans held for sale	$	-	$	25,635	$	-	$	25,635
Loans servicing rights	$	-	$	-	$	1,389	$	1,389
Other real estate owned, held for sale:
Residential real estate	$	-	$	-	$	310	$	310
Commercial real estate		-		-		260		260
Land and land development		-		-		282		282
Total other real estate owned	$	-	$	-	$	852	$	852

F-58 

FIRST SAVINGS FINANCIAL GROUP, INC.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

SEPTEMBER 30, 2017, 2016 AND 2015

(21 – continued)

The table below presents the balances of financial assets measured at fair value on a recurring and nonrecurring basis as of September 30, 2016. The Company had no liabilities measured at fair value as of September 30, 2016.

	Carrying Value
(In thousands)	Level 1		Level 2		Level 3		Total
September 30, 2016:
Assets Measured – Recurring Basis
Trading account securities	$	-	$	9,255	$	-	$	9,255
Securities available for sale:
Agency bonds and notes	$	-	$	1,032	$	-	$	1,032
Agency mortgage-backed		-		47,405		-		47,405
Agency CMO		-		16,095		-		16,095
Privately-issued CMO		-		2,652		-		2,652
Privately-issued ABS		-		4,532		-		4,532
SBA certificates		-		1,227		-		1,227
Municipal bonds		-		101,550		-		101,550
Total securities available for sale	$	-	$	174,493	$	-	$	174,493
Assets Measured – Nonrecurring Basis
Impaired loans:
Residential real estate	$	-	$	-	$	4,299	$	4,299
Commercial real estate		-		-		6,298		6,298
Land and land development		-		-		241		241
Commercial business		-		-		231		231
Consumer		-		-		244		244
Total impaired loans	$	-	$	-	$	11,313	$	11,313
Loans held for sale:
Residential mortgage loans held for sale	$	-	$	384	$	-	$	384
SBA loans held for sale		-		5,087		-		5,087
Total loans held for sale	$	-	$	5,471	$	-	$	5,471
Loans servicing rights	$	-	$	-	$	310	$	310
Other real estate owned, held for sale:
Residential real estate	$	-	$	-	$	397	$	397
Commercial real estate		-		-		122		122
Total other real estate owned	$	-	$	-	$	519	$	519

F-59 

FIRST SAVINGS FINANCIAL GROUP, INC.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

SEPTEMBER 30, 2017, 2016 AND 2015

(21 - continued)

Fair value is based upon quoted market prices, where available. If quoted market prices are not available, fair value is based on internally-developed models or obtained from third parties that primarily use, as inputs, observable market-based parameters or a matrix pricing model that employs the Bond Market Association’s standard calculations for cash flow and price/yield analysis and observable market-based parameters. Valuation adjustments may be made to ensure that financial instruments are recorded at fair value, or the lower of cost or fair value. These adjustments may include unobservable parameters. Any such valuation adjustments have been applied consistently over time. The Company’s valuation methodologies may produce a fair value calculation that may not be indicative of net realizable value or reflective of future fair values. While management believes the Company’s valuation methodologies are appropriate and consistent with other market participants, the use of different methodologies or assumptions to determine the fair value of certain financial instruments could result in a different estimate of fair value at the reporting date.

Trading Account Securities and Securities Available for Sale. Securities classified as trading and available for sale are reported at fair value on a recurring basis.  These securities are classified as Level 1 of the valuation hierarchy where quoted market prices from reputable third-party brokers are available in an active market. If quoted market prices are not available, the Company obtains fair value measurements from an independent pricing service.  These securities are reported using Level 2 inputs and the fair value measurements consider observable data that may include dealer quotes, market spreads, cash flows, U.S. government and agency yield curves, live trading levels, trade execution data, market consensus prepayment speeds, credit information, and the security’s terms and conditions, among other factors. For securities where quoted market prices, market prices of similar securities or prices from an independent third party pricing service are not available, fair values are calculated using discounted cash flows or other market indicators and are classified within Level 3 of the fair value hierarchy. Changes in fair value of trading account securities are reported in noninterest income. Changes in fair value of securities available for sale are recorded in other comprehensive income, net of income tax effect.

Impaired Loans. Impaired loans are reviewed and evaluated on at least a quarterly basis for additional impairment and adjusted accordingly. The fair value of impaired loans is classified as Level 3 in the fair value hierarchy.

Impaired loans are measured at the present value of estimated future cash flows using the loan's effective interest rate or the fair value of the collateral if the loan is a collateral-dependent loan. At September 30, 2017 and 2016, all impaired loans were considered to be collateral-dependent for the purpose of determining fair value. Collateral may be real estate and/or business assets, including equipment, inventory and/or accounts receivable, and its fair value is generally determined based on real estate appraisals or other independent evaluations by qualified professionals. The appraisals are then discounted to reflect management’s estimate of the fair value of the collateral given the current market conditions and the condition of the collateral. At September 30, 2017 and 2016, the significant unobservable inputs used in the fair value measurement of impaired loans included a discount from appraised value ranging from 0.0% to 15.0% and estimated costs to sell the collateral ranging from 0.0% to 6.0%.

Provisions for loan losses recognized for impaired loans for the years ended September 30, 2017, 2016 and 2015 is as follows:

(In thousands)	2017		2016		2015
Provision for loan losses recognized	$	182	$	43	$	58

F-60 

FIRST SAVINGS FINANCIAL GROUP, INC.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

SEPTEMBER 30, 2017, 2016 AND 2015

(21 - continued)

Loans Held for Sale. Loans held for sale is comprised of residential mortgage loans and SBA loans held for sale, both of which are carried at the lower of cost or market value. The fair value of loans held for sale is based on specific prices of the underlying contracts for sale to investors, and is classified as level 2 in the fair value hierarchy.

Loan Servicing Rights. Loan servicing rights represent the value associated with servicing SBA loans that have been sold. The fair value of loan servicing rights is determined on a quarterly basis by an independent third party valuation model using market-based discount rate and prepayment assumptions, and is classified as Level 3 in the fair value hierarchy. At September 30, 2017, the significant unobservable inputs used in the fair value measurement of loan servicing rights included discount rates ranging from 9.12% to 13.90% with a weighted average of 11.66% and prepayment speed assumptions ranging from 2.94% to 8.87% with a weighted average rate of 6.63%. At September 30, 2016, the significant unobservable inputs used in the fair value measurement of loan servicing rights included discount rates ranging from 8.54% to 14.46% with a weighted average of 12.27% and prepayment speed assumptions ranging from 4.25% to 8.71% with a weighted average rate of 6.75%. Impairment of the loan servicing rights is recognized on a quarterly basis through a valuation allowance to the extent that fair value is less than the carrying amount. The Company did not recognize any impairment charges on loan servicing rights for the years ended September 30, 2017 and 2016.

Other Real Estate Owned. Other real estate owned held for sale is reviewed and evaluated on at least a quarterly basis for additional impairment and adjusted accordingly. Fair value of other real estate owned is classified as Level 3 in the fair value hierarchy.

Other real estate owned is reported at fair value less estimated costs to dispose of the property. The fair values are determined by real estate appraisals which are then discounted to reflect management’s estimate of the fair value of the property given current market conditions and the condition of the collateral. At September 30, 2017, the significant unobservable inputs used in the fair value measurement of other real estate owned included a discount from appraised value (including estimated costs to sell the property) ranging from 16.1% to 58.8% with a weighted average of 46.6%. At September 30, 2016, the significant unobservable inputs used in the fair value measurement of other real estate owned included a discount from appraised value (including estimated costs to sell the property) ranging from 15.0% to 34.2% with a weighted average of 24.6%.

Charges to write down real estate owned to fair value for the years ended September 30, 2017, 2016 and 2015 is as follows:

(In thousands)	2017		2016		2015
Charges to write down real estate owned	$	28	$	100	$	73

Transfers Between Categories. There have been no changes in the valuation techniques and related inputs used for assets measured at fair value on a recurring and nonrecurring basis during the years ended September 30, 2017 and 2016. There were no transfers into or out of Level 3 financial assets or liabilities for the years ended September 30, 2017 and 2016. In addition, there were no transfers into or out of Levels 1 and 2 of the fair value hierarchy during the years ended September 30, 2017 and 2016.

F-61 

FIRST SAVINGS FINANCIAL GROUP, INC.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

SEPTEMBER 30, 2017, 2016 AND 2015

(21 - continued)

Fair Value of Financial Instruments

The following tables summarize the carrying value and estimated fair value of financial instruments and the level within the fair value hierarchy in which the fair value measurements fall at September 30, 2017 and 2016.

	Carrying		Fair Value Measurements Using:
(In thousands)	Amount		Level 1		Level 2		Level 3
September 30, 2017:
Financial assets:
Cash and due from banks	$	11,017	$	11,017	$	-	$	-
Interest-bearing deposits with banks		23,242		23,242		-		-
Interest-bearing time deposits		2,435		-		2,435		-
Trading account securities		7,175		-		7,175		-
Securities available for sale		178,099		-		178,099		-
Securities held to maturity		2,878		-		3,306		-
Loans, net		586,456		-		-		579,074
Residential mortgage loans held for sale		727		-		727		-
SBA loans held for sale		24,908		-		27,980		-
FRB and FHLB stock		6,936		N/A		N/A		N/A
Accrued interest receivable		3,398		-		3,398		-
Loan servicing rights (included in other assets)		1,389		-		-		1,456
Financial liabilities:
Deposits		669,382		-		-		670,050
Short-term repurchase agreements		1,348		-		1,348		-
Borrowings from FHLB		118,065		-		117,920		-
Accrued interest payable		283		-		283		-
Advance payments by borrowers for taxes and insurance		1,212		-		1,212		-

F-62 

FIRST SAVINGS FINANCIAL GROUP, INC.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

SEPTEMBER 30, 2017, 2016 AND 2015

(21 - continued)

	Carrying		Fair Value Measurements Using:
(In thousands)	Amount		Level 1		Level 2		Level 3
September 30, 2016:
Financial assets:
Cash and due from banks	$	11,449	$	11,449	$	-	$	-
Interest-bearing deposits with banks		17,893		17,893		-		-
Interest-bearing time deposits		3,100		-		3,114		-
Trading account securities		9,255		-		9,255		-
Securities available for sale		174,493		-		174,493		-
Securities held to maturity		3,166		-		3,654		-
Loans, net		518,611		-		-		522,560
Residential mortgage loans held for sale		384		-		384		-
SBA loans held for sale		5,087		-		5,722		-
FRB and FHLB stock		6,936		N/A		N/A		N/A
Accrued interest receivable		2,806		-		2,806		-
Loan servicing rights (included in other assets)		310		-		-		312
Financial liabilities:
Deposits		579,467		-		-		581,844
Short-term repurchase agreements		1,345		-		1,345		-
Borrowings from FHLB		121,633		-		123,794		-
Accrued interest payable		195		-		195		-
Advance payments by borrowers for taxes and insurance		1,014		-		1,014		-

The carrying amounts in the preceding tables are included in the consolidated balances sheets under the applicable captions. The contract or notional amounts of the Bank’s financial instruments with off-balance-sheet risk are disclosed in Note 20, and the fair value of these instruments is considered immaterial.

The following methods and assumptions were used to estimate the fair value of each class of financial instrument for which it is practicable to estimate:

Cash and Cash Equivalents

For cash and short-term instruments, including cash and due from banks, interest-bearing deposits with banks with original maturities of 90 days or less and money market funds, the carrying amount is a reasonable estimate of fair value.

Investments and Interest-Bearing Time Deposits

For debt securities and interest-bearing time deposits, the Company obtains fair value measurements from an independent pricing service and the fair value measurements consider observable data that may include dealer quotes, market spreads, cash flows, U.S. government and agency yield curves, live trading levels, trade execution data, market consensus prepayment speeds, credit information, and the security’s terms and conditions, among other factors.

F-63 

FIRST SAVINGS FINANCIAL GROUP, INC.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

SEPTEMBER 30, 2017, 2016 AND 2015

(21 - continued)

Loans

The fair value of loans, excluding loans held for sale, is estimated by discounting the future cash flows using the current rates at which similar loans would be made to borrowers with similar credit ratings and terms. Impaired loans are valued at the lower of their carrying value or fair value, as previously described. The carrying amount of accrued interest receivable approximates its fair value.

The fair value of loans held for sale is estimated based on specific prices of underlying contracts for sales to investors, as previously discussed.

FRB and FHLB stock

It is not practical to determine the fair value of FRB and FHLB stock due to restrictions placed on transferability.

Loan Servicing Rights

The fair value of loan serving rights is determined by a valuation model employed by an independent third party using market-based discount rate and prepayment assumptions, as previously described.

Deposits

The fair value of demand and savings deposits and other transaction accounts is the amount payable on demand at the balance sheet date. The fair value of fixed-maturity time deposits is estimated by discounting the future cash flows using the rates currently offered for deposits with similar remaining maturities. The carrying amount of accrued interest payable approximates its fair value.

Borrowed Funds

Borrowed funds include borrowings from the FHLB and repurchase agreements. Fair value for FHLB advances and long-term repurchase agreements is estimated by discounting the future cash flows at current interest rates for FHLB advances of similar maturities. For short-term repurchase agreements and FHLB line of credit borrowings, the carrying value is a reasonable estimate of fair value.

(22) PREFERRED STOCK

On August 11, 2011, the Company entered into a Securities Purchase Agreement (“Purchase Agreement”) with the United States Department of the Treasury, pursuant to which the Company issued 17,120 shares of its Senior Non-Cumulative Perpetual Preferred Stock, Series A (“Series A Preferred Stock”), having a liquidation amount per share equal to $1,000, for a total purchase price of $17,120,000. The Purchase Agreement was entered into, and the Series A Preferred Stock was issued, pursuant to the Small Business Lending Fund (“SBLF”) program, a $30 billion fund established under the Small Business Jobs Act of 2010, that encourages lending to small businesses by providing Tier 1 capital to qualified community banks with assets of less than $10 billion.

The Series A Preferred Stock could be redeemed at any time at the Company’s option, at a redemption price of one hundred percent (100%) of the liquidation amount plus accrued but unpaid dividends to the date of redemption for the current period, subject to the approval of its federal banking regulator.  The Series A Preferred Stock was redeemed by the Company for the full liquidation amount of $17,120,000 on February 11, 2016.

F-64 

FIRST SAVINGS FINANCIAL GROUP, INC.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

SEPTEMBER 30, 2017, 2016 AND 2015

(23) CAPITAL REQUIREMENTS AND RESTRICTION ON DIVIDENDS

The Company and Bank are subject to various regulatory capital requirements administered by the federal banking agencies. Failure to meet minimum capital requirements can initiate certain mandatory and possibly additional discretionary actions by regulators that, if undertaken, could have a direct material effect on the Company’s consolidated financial statements. Under capital adequacy guidelines and the regulatory framework for prompt corrective action, the Company and Bank must meet specific capital guidelines that involve quantitative measures of the Company’s and Bank’s assets, liabilities, and certain off-balance-sheet items as calculated under regulatory accounting practices. The Company’s and Bank’s capital amounts and classification are also subject to qualitative judgments by the regulators about components, risk weightings, and other factors.

Quantitative measures established by regulation to ensure capital adequacy require the Company and Bank to maintain minimum amounts and ratios (set forth in the table below) of total, Tier 1 and common equity Tier 1 capital (as defined in the regulations) to risk-weighted assets (as defined), and Tier 1 capital (as defined) to average assets (as defined). The final rules implementing the Basel Committee on Banking Supervision’s capital guidelines for U.S. banks (“Basel III rules”) became effective for the Company and the Bank on January 1, 2015, with full compliance with all of the requirements being phased in over a multi-year schedule through 2019. Under the Basel III rules, the Bank must hold a conservation buffer above the adequately capitalized risk-based capital ratios disclosed in the table below. The capital conservation buffer is being phased in from 0.0% for 2015 to 2.5% by 2019. The capital conservation buffer is 1.25% for 2017 and 0.625% for 2016. Management believes that the Company and Bank met all capital adequacy requirements to which they are subject as of September 30, 2017 and 2016.

As of September 30, 2017, the most recent notification from the FRB categorized the Bank as well capitalized under the regulatory framework for prompt corrective action. To be categorized as well capitalized, the Bank must maintain minimum total risk-based, Tier I risk-based, common equity Tier 1 risk-based and Tier I leverage ratios as set forth in the table below. There are no conditions or events since that notification that management believes have changed the Bank’s category.

F-65 

FIRST SAVINGS FINANCIAL GROUP, INC.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

SEPTEMBER 30, 2017, 2016 AND 2015

(23 - continued)

The Company’s and Bank’s actual capital amounts and ratios are also presented in the table. No amount was deducted from capital for interest-rate risk in either year.

	Actual				Minimum for Capital Adequacy Purposes				Minimum To Be Well Capitalized Under Prompt Corrective Action Provisions
(Dollars in thousands)	Amount		Ratio		Amount		Ratio		Amount		Ratio
As of September 30, 2017:
Total capital (to risk-weighted assets):
Consolidated	$	88,179		12.69%	$	55,587		8.00%		N/A		N/A
Bank		84,720		12.22%		55,476		8.00%	$	69,345		10.00%
Tier I capital (to risk-weighted assets):
Consolidated	$	80,087		11.53%	$	41,690		6.00%		N/A		N/A
Bank		76,628		11.05%		41,607		6.00%	$	55,476		8.00%
Common equity tier I capital (to risk-weighted assets):
Consolidated	$	80,087		11.53%	$	31,267		4.50%		N/A		N/A
Bank		76,628		11.05%		31,205		4.50%	$	45,074		6.50%
Tier I capital (to average adjusted total assets):
Consolidated	$	80,087		9.14%	$	35,031		4.00%		N/A		N/A
Bank		76,628		8.79%		34,887		4.00%	$	43,608		5.00%
As of September 30, 2016:
Total capital (to risk-weighted assets):
Consolidated	$	72,227		11.82%	$	48,874		8.00%		N/A		N/A
Bank		69,056		11.33%		48,748		8.00%	$	60,934		10.00%
Tier I capital (to risk-weighted assets):
Consolidated	$	65,105		10.66%	$	36,655		6.00%		N/A		N/A
Bank		61,934		10.16%		36,561		6.00%	$	48,748		8.00%
Common equity tier I capital (to risk-weighted assets):
Consolidated	$	65,105		10.66%	$	27,491		4.50%		N/A		N/A
Bank		61,934		10.16%		27,420		4.50%	$	39,607		6.50%
Tier I capital (to average adjusted total assets):
Consolidated	$	65,105		8.43%	$	30,881		4.00%		N/A		N/A
Bank		61,934		8.09%		30,621		4.00%	$	38,277		5.00%

F-66 

FIRST SAVINGS FINANCIAL GROUP, INC.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

SEPTEMBER 30, 2017, 2016 AND 2015

(23 - continued)

Dividend Restriction

As an Indiana corporation, the Company is subject to Indiana law with respect to the payment of dividends. Under Indiana law, the Company may pay dividends so long as it is able to pay its debts as they become due in the usual course of business and its assets exceed the sum of its total liabilities, plus the amount that would be needed, if the Company were to be dissolved at the time of the dividend, to satisfy any rights that are preferential to the rights of the persons receiving the dividend. The ability of the Company to pay dividends depends primarily on the ability of the Bank to pay dividends to the Company.

The payment of dividends by the Bank is subject to banking regulations and applicable Indiana state law. The amount of dividends that the Bank may pay to the Company in any calendar year without prior approval from banking regulators cannot exceed net income for that year to date plus retained net income (as defined) for the preceding two calendar years. The Bank may not declare or pay a cash dividend or repurchase any of its capital stock if the effect thereof would cause the regulatory capital of the Bank to be reduced below regulatory capital requirements imposed by banking regulators or the FDIC, or below the amount of the liquidation account established upon completion of the conversion.

Liquidation Account

Upon completion of its conversion from mutual to stock form on October 6, 2008, the Bank established a liquidation account in an amount equal to its retained earnings at March 31, 2008, totaling $29.3 million. The liquidation account is maintained for the benefit of depositors as of the March 31, 2007 eligibility record date (or the June 30, 2008 supplemental eligibility record date) who maintain their deposits in the Bank after conversion.

In the event of complete liquidation, and only in such an event, each eligible depositor is entitled to receive a liquidation distribution from the liquidation account in the proportionate amount of the then current adjusted balance for deposits held, before any liquidation distribution may be made with respect to the stockholders. Except for the repurchase of stock and payment of dividends by the Bank, the existence of the liquidation account does not restrict the use or application of retained earnings of the Bank.

F-67 

FIRST SAVINGS FINANCIAL GROUP, INC.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

SEPTEMBER 30, 2017, 2016 AND 2015

(24) PARENT COMPANY CONDENSED FINANCIAL INFORMATION

Condensed financial information for First Savings Financial Group, Inc. (parent company only) follows:

Balance Sheets

	As of September 30,
(In thousands)	2017		2016
Assets:
Cash and due from banks	$	1,290	$	849
Time deposits		10		-
Other assets		566		662
Investment in subsidiaries		91,681		85,464
	$	93,547	$	86,975
Liabilities and Equity:
Accrued expenses		432		395
Stockholders' equity		93,115		86,580
	$	93,547	$	86,975

Statements of Income

	Years Ended September 30,
(In thousands)	2017			2016			2015
Dividend income from subsidiaries	$	1,850		$	4,000		$	8,500
Other income		-			-			2
Other operating expenses		(778	)		(1,027	)		(1,650	)
Income before income taxes and equity in  undistributed net income of subsidiaries		1,072			2,973			6,852
Income tax benefit		239			282			414
Income before equity in undistributed net  income of subsidiaries		1,311			3,255			7,266
Equity in undistributed net income of subsidiaries		8,002			4,656			(515	)
Net income	$	9,313		$	7,911		$	6,751

F-68 

FIRST SAVINGS FINANCIAL GROUP, INC.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

SEPTEMBER 30, 2017, 2016 AND 2015

(24 - continued)

Statements of Cash Flows

	Years Ended September 30,
(In thousands)	2017			2016			2015
Operating Activities:
Net income	$	9,313		$	7,911		$	6,751
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
Equity in undistributed net income of subsidiaries		(8,002	)		(4,656	)		515
ESOP and stock compensation expense		176			628			1,108
Net change in other assets and liabilities		131			368			67
Net cash provided by operating activities		1,618			4,251			8,441
Investing Activities:
Investment in interest-bearing time deposits		(10	)		-			-
Net cash used by investing activities		(10	)		-			-
Financing Activities:
Redemption of preferred stock		-			(17,120	)		-
Exercise of stock options		62			169			159
Purchase of treasury stock		-			-			(132	)
Dividends paid		(1,229	)		(1,172	)		(1,166	)
Net cash used in financing activities		(1,167	)		(18,123	)		(1,139	)
Net increase (decrease) in cash and due from banks		441			(13,872	)		7,302
Cash and due from banks at beginning of year		849			14,721			7,419
Cash and due from banks at end of year	$	1,290		$	849		$	14,721

(25) CONCENTRATION OF CREDIT RISK

At September 30, 2017 and 2016, the Bank had a concentration of credit risk with correspondent banks in excess of the federal deposit insurance limit of $7.2 million and $7.5 million, respectively.

F-69 

FIRST SAVINGS FINANCIAL GROUP, INC.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

SEPTEMBER 30, 2017, 2016 AND 2015

(26) SUPPLEMENTAL DISCLOSURE OF CASH FLOW INFORMATION

	Years Ended September 30,
(In thousands)	2017			2016		2015
Cash payments for:
Interest	$	4,400		$	4,218	$	3,890
Income taxes (net of refunds received)		(598	)		743		914
Non-cash activities:
Transfers from (to) loans held for sale (from) to loans		(854	)		1,319		-
Transfers from loans to other real estate owned		703			648		814
Proceeds from sales of other real estate owned financed through loans		189			299		340
Proceeds from sales of premises, equipment and real estate development financed through loans		-			8,950		-
Cashless exercise of stock options		294			179		119

(27) SELECTED QUARTERLY FINANCIAL INFORMATION (UNAUDITED)

(In thousands, except per share data)	First Quarter		Second Quarter		Third Quarter		Fourth Quarter
September 30, 2017:
Interest income	$	8,011	$	8,219	$	8,664	$	9,023
Interest expense		1,022		1,032		1,132		1,271
Net interest income		6,989		7,187		7,532		7,752
Provision for loan losses		306		375		321		299
Net interest income after provision for loan losses		6,683		6,812		7,211		7,453
Noninterest income		1,875		1,861		2,123		2,766
Noninterest expenses		5,540		6,066		6,305		7,040
Income before income taxes		3,018		2,607		3,029		3,179
Income tax expense		681		413		586		840
Net income		2,337		2,194		2,443		2,339
Less: Preferred stock dividends declared		-		-		-		-
Net income available to common shareholders	$	2,337	$	2,194	$	2,443	$	2,339
Net income per common share, basic	$	1.06	$	0.99	$	1.10	$	1.05
Net income per common share, diluted	$	1.00	$	0.94	$	1.04	$	0.99

F-70 

FIRST SAVINGS FINANCIAL GROUP, INC.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

SEPTEMBER 30, 2017, 2016 AND 2015

(27 - continued)

(In thousands, except per share data)	First Quarter		Second Quarter		Third Quarter			Fourth Quarter
September 30, 2016:
Interest income	$	7,126	$	7,147	$	7,422		$	7,761
Interest expense		968		1,028		1,115			1,056
Net interest income		6,158		6,119		6,307			6,705
Provision for loan losses		-		125		303			209
Net interest income after provision for loan losses		6,158		5,994		6,004			6,496
Noninterest income		1,444		1,262		(2,576	)		3,242
Noninterest expenses		5,892		5,232		5,590			5,721
Income (loss) before income taxes		1,710		2,024		(2,162	)		4,017
Income tax expense (benefit)		467		389		(4,389	)		1,211
Net income		1,243		1,635		2,227			2,806
Less: Preferred stock dividends declared		43		19		-			-
Net income available to common shareholders	$	1,200	$	1,616	$	2,227		$	2,806
Net income per common share, basic	$	0.55	$	0.73	$	1.01		$	1.27
Net income per common share, diluted	$	0.52	$	0.70	$	0.97		$	1.22

F-71 

FIRST SAVINGS FINANCIAL GROUP, INC.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

SEPTEMBER 30, 2017, 2016 AND 2015

(27 - continued)

(In thousands, except per share data)	First Quarter		Second Quarter		Third Quarter		Fourth Quarter
September 30, 2015:
Interest income	$	7,009	$	6,924	$	6,915	$	7,139
Interest expense		931		952		933		962
Net interest income		6,078		5,972		5,982		6,177
Provision for loan losses		207		212		208		232
Net interest income after provision for loan losses		5,871		5,760		5,774		5,945
Noninterest income		1,111		1,078		1,937		1,850
Noninterest expenses		5,374		4,876		5,197		5,552
Income before income taxes		1,608		1,962		2,514		2,243
Income tax expense		408		435		318		415
Net income		1,200		1,527		2,196		1,828
Less: Preferred stock dividends declared		43		43		43		42
Net income available to common shareholders	$	1,157	$	1,484	$	2,153	$	1,786
Net income per common share, basic	$	0.55	$	0.69	$	1.00	$	0.83
Net income per common share, diluted	$	0.52	$	0.66	$	0.95	$	0.80

(28) SEGMENT REPORTING

The Company’s operations include two primary segments: core banking and SBA lending. The core banking segment originates residential, commercial and consumer loans and attracts deposits from its customer base. Net interest income from loans and investments funded by deposits and borrowings is the primary revenue for the core banking segment. The SBA lending segment originates loans guaranteed by the SBA, subsequently selling the guaranteed portion to outside investors. Net gains on sales of loans and net interest income are the primary sources of revenue for the SBA lending segment.

The core banking segment is comprised primarily by the Bank and First Savings Investments, Inc., while the SBA lending segment’s revenues are comprised primarily of net interest income and gains on the sales of SBA loans generated by Q2 beginning January 1, 2017 and SBA loan related income of the Bank prior to the formation of Q2.

The following segment financial information has been derived from the internal financial statements of the Company which are used by management to monitor and manage financial performance. The accounting policies of the two segments are the same as those of the Company. Holding company amounts are the primary differences between segment amounts and consolidated totals, and are reflected in the column labeled “Other” below, along with amounts to eliminate transactions between segments.

F-72 

FIRST SAVINGS FINANCIAL GROUP, INC.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

SEPTEMBER 30, 2017, 2016 AND 2015

(28 - continued)

	Core Banking		SBA Lending		Other			Consolidated Totals
	(In thousands)
Year Ended September 30, 2017:
Net interest income	$	27,637	$	1,802	$	21		$	29,460
Net gains on sales of loans, SBA		-		4,204		-			4,204
Noncash items:
Provision for loan losses		868		433		-			1,301
Depreciation and amortization		1,120		44		-			1,164
Income tax expense (benefit)		2,754		-		(234	)		2,520
Segment profit		7,109		1,924		280			9,313
Segment assets at September 30, 2017		885,669		51,821		(46,357	)		891,133

	Core Banking			SBA Lending			Other			Consolidated Totals
	(In thousands)
Year Ended September 30, 2016:
Net interest income	$	24,880		$	390		$	19		$	25,289
Net gains on sales of loans, SBA		-			715			-			715
Noncash items:
Provision for loan losses		501			136			-			637
Depreciation and amortization		1,426			35			-			1,461
Income tax benefit		(2,045	)		-			(277	)		(2,322	)
Segment profit (loss)		9,604			(1,830	)		137			7,911
Segment assets at September 30, 2016		785,287			11,954			(725	)		796,516

	Core Banking		SBA Lending			Other			Consolidated Totals
	(In thousands)
Year Ended September 30, 2015:
Net interest income	$	24,056	$	145		$	8		$	24,209
Net gains on sales of loans, SBA		-		413			-			413
Noncash items:
Provision for loan losses		859		-			-			859
Depreciation and amortization		1,442		10			-			1,452
Income tax expense (benefit)		1,989		-			(413	)		1,576
Segment profit (loss)		7,201		(139	)		(311	)		6,751
Segment assets at September 30, 2015		741,952		6,073			1,921			749,946

(29) PENDING ACQUISITION

On July 21, 2017, the Company entered into a definitive agreement to acquire Dearmin Bancorp, Inc. (“Dearmin”) and its majority owned subsidiary, The First National Bank of Odon (“FNBO”) pursuant to which FNBO will be merged into the Bank. The all-cash transaction is valued at $10.6 million, subject to possible adjustment. The closing of the transaction is subject to certain customary conditions, including shareholder and regulatory approval. Closing is expected to occur in the first calendar quarter of 2018.

F-73 

FIRST SAVINGS FINANCIAL GROUP, INC.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

SEPTEMBER 30, 2017, 2016 AND 2015

(30) SUPPLEMENTAL DISCLOSURE FOR EARNINGS PER SHARE

Basic earnings per common share is computed by dividing net income available to common shareholders by the weighted average number of shares of common stock outstanding during the periods presented. Diluted earnings per common share include the dilutive effect of additional potential common shares issuable under stock options, restricted stock and other potentially dilutive securities outstanding. Earnings and dividends per share are restated for stock splits and dividends through the date of issuance of the financial statements. Earnings per share information is presented below for the years ended September 30, 2017, 2016 and 2015.

	Years Ended September 30,
(In thousands, except share and per share data)	2017		2016			2015
Basic:							-
Earnings:							-
Net income	$	9,313	$	7,911		$	6,751
Less: Preferred stock dividends declared		-		(62	)		(171	)
Net income available to common shareholders	$	9,313	$	7,849		$	6,580
Shares:
Weighted average common shares outstanding		2,219,088		2,200,258			2,140,632
Net income per common share, basic	$	4.20	$	3.57		$	3.07
Diluted:
Earnings:
Net income	$	9,313	$	7,911		$	6,751
Less: Preferred stock dividends declared		-		(62	)		(171	)
Net income available to common shareholders	$	9,313	$	7,849		$	6,580
Shares:
Weighted average common shares outstanding		2,219,088		2,200,258			2,140,632
Add:  Dilutive effect of outstanding options		123,557		103,370			101,862
Add:  Dilutive effect of restricted stock		3,363		-			5,472
Weighted average common shares outstanding, as adjusted		2,346,008		2,303,628			2,247,966
Net income per common share, diluted	$	3.97	$	3.41		$	2.93

Unearned ESOP and nonvested restricted stock shares are not considered as outstanding for purposes of computing weighted average common shares outstanding. 

F-74