Accounting Policies, by Policy (Policies)

9 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2014

Basis of Presentation – The accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated interim financial statements of First Midwest Bancorp, Inc. (the “Company”), a Delaware corporation, were prepared in accordance with the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC") for quarterly reports on Form 10-Q and reflect all adjustments that management deems necessary for the fair presentation of the financial position and results of operations for the periods presented. The results of operations for the quarter and nine months ended September 30, 2014 are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected for the year ending December 31, 2014.

The accounting and reporting policies of the Company and its subsidiaries conform to U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”) and general practices within the banking industry. The accompanying quarterly statements do not include certain information and footnote disclosures required by GAAP for complete annual financial statements. Therefore, these financial statements should be read in conjunction with the Company’s 2013 Annual Report on Form 10-K (“2013 10-K”). The Company uses the accrual basis of accounting for financial reporting purposes. Certain reclassifications were made to prior year amounts to conform to the current year presentation

Principles of Consolidation

Principles of Consolidation – The accompanying condensed consolidated financial statements include the financial position and results of operations of the Company and its subsidiaries after elimination of all significant intercompany accounts and transactions. Assets held in a fiduciary or agency capacity are not assets of the Company or its subsidiaries and are not included in the condensed consolidated financial statements.

Use of Estimates

Use of Estimates – The preparation of the condensed consolidated financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts reported in the condensed consolidated financial statements and accompanying notes. Although these estimates and assumptions are based on the best available information, actual results could differ from those estimates.

The accounting policies related to business combinations, loans, the allowance for credit losses, the FDIC indemnification asset, and derivative financial instruments are presented below. For a summary of all other significant accounting policies, please refer to Note 1, “Summary of Significant Accounting Policies,” in the Company’s 2013 10-K.

Business Combinations

Business Combinations – Business combinations are accounted for under the acquisition method of accounting. Assets acquired and liabilities assumed are recorded at their estimated fair values as of the date of acquisition, with any excess of the purchase price of the acquisition over the fair value of the net tangible and intangible assets acquired recorded as goodwill. Alternatively, a gain is recorded if the fair value of assets purchased exceeds the fair value of liabilities assumed and consideration paid. The results of operations of the acquired business are included in the Consolidated Statements of Income from the effective date of the acquisition.

Loans

Loans – Loans held-for-investment are loans that the Company intends to hold until they are paid in full and are carried at the principal amount outstanding, including certain net deferred loan origination fees. Interest income on loans is accrued based on principal amounts outstanding. Loan origination fees, commitment fees, and certain direct loan origination costs are deferred, and the net amount is amortized as a yield adjustment over the contractual life of the related loans or commitments and included in interest income. Fees related to standby letters of credit are amortized into fee income over the contractual life of the commitment. Other credit-related fees are recognized as fee income when earned. Loans held-for-sale are carried at the lower of aggregate cost or fair value and included in other assets in the Consolidated Statements of Financial Condition.

Acquired and Covered Loans

Acquired and Covered Loans - Acquired loans consist primarily of loans that were acquired in business combinations. Covered loans consist of loans acquired by the Company in FDIC-assisted transactions, the majority of which are covered by loss share agreements with the FDIC (the “FDIC Agreements”), under which the FDIC reimburses the Company for the majority of the losses and eligible expenses related to these assets. No allowance for credit losses is recorded on acquired and covered loans at the acquisition date since business combination accounting requires that they are recorded at fair value.

Acquired and covered loans are separated into (i) non-purchased credit impaired ("Non-PCI") and (ii) purchased credit impaired ("PCI") loans. Non-PCI loans include loans that did not have evidence of credit deterioration since origination. PCI loans include loans that had evidence of credit deterioration since origination and for which it was probable at acquisition that the Company would not collect all contractually required principal and interest payments. Evidence of credit deterioration was evaluated using various indicators, such as past due and non-accrual status. Other key considerations included past performance of the institutions' credit underwriting standards, completeness and accuracy of credit files, maintenance of risk ratings, and age of appraisals. Leases and revolving loans do not qualify to be accounted for as PCI loans.

The acquisition adjustment related to Non-PCI loans is amortized into interest income over the contractual life of the related loans. As the acquisition adjustment is accreted into income over future periods, an allowance for credit losses will be established as necessary to reflect credit deterioration.

PCI loans are accounted for prospectively based on estimates of expected future cash flows. To estimate the fair value, the Company generally aggregates purchased consumer loans and certain smaller balance commercial loans into pools of loans with common risk characteristics, such as delinquency status, credit score, and internal risk rating. The fair values of larger balance commercial loans are estimated on an individual basis. Expected future cash flows in excess of the fair value of loans at the purchase date (“accretable yield”) are recorded as interest income over the life of the loans if the timing and amount of the expected future cash flows can be reasonably estimated. The non-accretable yield represents the difference between contractually required payments and the expected future cash flows determined at acquisition. Subsequent increases in expected future cash flows are recognized as interest income prospectively. The present value of any decreases in expected future cash flows is recognized by recording a charge-off through the allowance for loan and covered loan losses or establishing an allowance for loan and covered loan losses.

Non-accrual Loans

Non-accrual Loans – Generally, corporate loans are placed on non-accrual status (i) when either principal or interest payments become 90 days or more past due unless the loan is sufficiently collateralized such that full repayment of both principal and interest is expected and is in the process of collection within a reasonable period or (ii) when an individual analysis of a borrower’s creditworthiness warrants a downgrade to non-accrual regardless of past due status. When a loan is placed on non-accrual status, unpaid interest credited to income in the current year is reversed, and unpaid interest accrued in prior years is charged against the allowance for loan losses. After the loan is placed on non-accrual, all debt service payments are applied to the principal on the loan. Future interest income may only be recorded on a cash basis after recovery of principal is reasonably assured. Non-accrual loans are returned to accrual status when the financial position of the borrower and other relevant factors indicate that the Company will collect all principal and interest.

Commercial loans and loans secured by real estate are charged-off when deemed uncollectible. A loss is recorded if the net realizable value of the underlying collateral is less than the outstanding principal and interest. Consumer loans that are not secured by real estate are subject to mandatory charge-off at a specified delinquency date and are usually not classified as non-accrual prior to being charged-off. Closed-end consumer loans, which include installment, automobile, and single payment loans, are usually charged-off no later than the end of the month in which the loan becomes 120 days past due.

PCI loans are generally considered accruing loans unless reasonable estimates of the timing and amount of expected future cash flows cannot be determined. Loans without reasonable future cash flow estimates are classified as non-accrual loans, and interest income is not recognized on those loans until the timing and amount of the expected future cash flows can be reasonably determined.

Troubled Debt Restructurings (“TDRs”)

Troubled Debt Restructurings (“TDRs”) – A restructuring is considered a TDR when (i) the borrower is experiencing financial difficulties and (ii) the creditor grants a concession, such as forgiveness of principal, reduction of the interest rate, changes in payments, or extension of the maturity date. Loans are not classified as TDRs when the modification is short-term or results in an insignificant delay in payments. The Company’s TDRs are determined on a case-by-case basis.

The Company does not accrue interest on a TDR unless it believes collection of all principal and interest under the modified terms is reasonably assured. For a TDR to begin accruing interest, the borrower must demonstrate both some level of past performance and the future capacity to perform under the modified terms. Generally, six months of consecutive payment performance under the restructured terms is required before a TDR is returned to accrual status. However, the period could vary depending on the individual facts and circumstances of the loan. An evaluation of the borrower’s current creditworthiness is used to assess the borrower’s capacity to repay the loan under the modified terms. This evaluation includes an estimate of expected future cash flows, evidence of strong financial position, and estimates of the value of collateral, if applicable. For TDRs to be removed from TDR status in the calendar year after the restructuring, the loans must (i) have an interest rate and terms that reflect market conditions at the time of restructuring, and (ii) be in compliance with the modified terms. If the loan was restructured at below market rates and terms, it continues to be separately reported as restructured until it is paid in full or charged-off.

Impaired Loans

Impaired Loans – Impaired loans consist of corporate non-accrual loans and TDRs.

A loan is considered impaired when it is probable that the Company will not collect all contractual principal and interest. With the exception of accruing TDRs, impaired loans are classified as non-accrual and are exclusive of smaller homogeneous loans, such as home equity, 1-4 family mortgages, and installment loans. Impaired loans with balances under a specified threshold are not individually evaluated for impairment. For all other impaired loans, impairment is measured by comparing the estimated value of the loan to the recorded book value. The value of collateral-dependent loans is based on the fair value of the underlying collateral, less costs to sell. The value of other loans is measured using the present value of expected future cash flows discounted at the loan’s initial effective interest rate.

90-Days Past Due Loans

90-Days Past Due Loans –The Company’s accrual of interest on loans is discontinued at the time the loan is 90 days past due unless the credit is sufficiently collateralized and in the process of renewal or collection.

Allowance for Credit Losses

Allowance for Credit Losses – The allowance for credit losses is comprised of the allowance for loan losses, the allowance for covered loan losses, and the reserve for unfunded commitments, and is maintained by management at a level believed adequate to absorb estimated losses inherent in the existing loan portfolio. Determination of the allowance for credit losses is subjective since it requires significant estimates and management judgment, including the amounts and timing of expected future cash flows on impaired loans, estimated losses on pools of homogeneous loans, consideration of current economic trends, and other factors.

Loans deemed to be uncollectible are charged-off against the allowance for loan and covered loan losses, while recoveries of amounts previously charged-off are credited to the allowance for loan and covered loan losses. Additions to the allowance for loan and covered loan losses are charged to expense through the provision for loan and covered loan losses. The amount of provision depends on a number of factors, including net charge-off levels, loan growth, changes in the composition of the loan portfolio, and the Company’s assessment of the allowance for loan and covered loan losses based on the methodology discussed below.

Allowance for Loan Losses – The allowance for loan losses consists of (i) specific reserves for individual loans where the recorded investment exceeds the value, (ii) an allowance based on a loss migration analysis that uses historical credit loss experience for each loan category, and (iii) an allowance based on other internal and external qualitative factors.

The specific reserves component of the allowance for loan losses is based on a periodic analysis of impaired loans exceeding a fixed dollar amount. If the value of an impaired loan is less than the recorded book value, the Company either establishes a valuation allowance (i.e., a specific reserve) equal to the excess of the book value over the value of the loan as a component of the allowance for loan losses or charges off the amount if it is a confirmed loss.

The general reserve component is based on a loss migration analysis, which examines actual loss experience by loan category for a rolling 8-quarter period and the related internal risk rating for corporate loans. The loss migration analysis is updated quarterly primarily using actual loss experience. This component is then adjusted based on management’s consideration of many internal and external qualitative factors, including:


•	Changes in the composition of the loan portfolio, trends in the volume of loans, and trends in delinquent and non-accrual loans that could indicate that historical trends do not reflect current conditions.


•	Changes in credit policies and procedures, such as underwriting standards and collection, charge-off, and recovery practices.


•	Changes in the experience, ability, and depth of credit management and other relevant staff.


•	Changes in the quality of the Company’s loan review system and Board of Directors oversight.


•	The effect of any concentration of credit and changes in the level of concentrations, such as loan type or risk rating.


•	Changes in the value of the underlying collateral for collateral-dependent loans.


•	Changes in the national and local economy that affect the collectability of various segments of the portfolio.


•	The effect of other external factors, such as competition and legal and regulatory requirements, on the Company’s loan portfolio.

Allowance for Covered Loan Losses – The Company’s allowance for covered loan losses reflects the difference between the carrying value and the expected future cash flows of the covered PCI loans. On a periodic basis, the adequacy of this allowance is determined through a re-estimation of expected future cash flows on all of the outstanding covered PCI loans using either a probability of default/loss given default (“PD/LGD”) methodology or a specific review methodology. The PD/LGD model is a loss model that estimates expected future cash flows using a probability of default curve and loss given default estimates.

Reserve for Unfunded Commitments – The Company also maintains a reserve for unfunded commitments, including letters of credit, for the risk of loss inherent in these arrangements. The reserve for unfunded commitments is estimated using the loss migration analysis from the allowance for loan losses, adjusted for probabilities of future funding requirements. The reserve for unfunded commitments is included in other liabilities in the Consolidated Statements of Financial Condition.

The establishment of the allowance for credit losses involves a high degree of judgment given the difficulty of assessing the factors impacting loan repayment and estimating the timing and amount of losses. While management utilizes its best judgment and information available, the adequacy of the allowance for credit losses depends on a variety of factors beyond the Company’s control, including the performance of its loan portfolio, the economy, changes in interest rates and property values, and the interpretation of loan risk classifications by regulatory authorities.

FDIC Indemnification Asset

FDIC Indemnification Asset – The majority of loans and OREO acquired through FDIC-assisted transactions are covered by the FDIC Agreements. The FDIC indemnification asset represents the present value of future expected reimbursements from the FDIC. Since the indemnified items are covered loans and covered OREO, which are initially measured at fair value, the FDIC indemnification asset is also initially measured at fair value by discounting the expected future cash flows to be received from the FDIC. These expected future cash flows are estimated by multiplying estimated losses on covered PCI loans and covered OREO by the reimbursement rates in the FDIC Agreements.

The balance of the FDIC indemnification asset is adjusted periodically to reflect changes in expected future cash flows. Decreases in estimated reimbursements from the FDIC are recorded prospectively through amortization and increases in estimated reimbursements from the FDIC are recognized by an increase in the carrying value of the indemnification asset. Payments from the FDIC for reimbursement of losses result in a reduction of the FDIC indemnification asset.

Derivative Financial Instruments

Derivative Financial Instruments – In the ordinary course of business, the Company enters into derivative transactions as part of its overall interest rate risk management strategy to minimize significant unplanned fluctuations in earnings and expected future cash flows caused by interest rate volatility. All derivative instruments are recorded at fair value as either other assets or other liabilities in the Consolidated Statements of Financial Condition. Subsequent changes in a derivative’s fair value are recognized in earnings unless specific hedge accounting criteria are met.

On the date the Company enters into a derivative contract, the derivative is designated as a fair value hedge, a cash flow hedge, or a non-hedge derivative instrument. Fair value hedges are designed to mitigate exposure to changes in the fair value of an asset or liability attributable to a particular risk, such as interest rate risk. Cash flow hedges are designed to mitigate exposure to variability in expected future cash flows to be received or paid related to an asset, liability, or other type of forecasted transaction. The Company formally documents all relationships between hedging instruments and hedged items, including its risk management objective and strategy.

At the hedge’s inception and quarterly thereafter, a formal assessment is performed to determine the effectiveness of the derivative in offsetting changes in the fair values or expected future cash flows of the hedged items in the current period and prospectively. If a derivative instrument designated as a hedge is terminated or ceases to be highly effective, hedge accounting is discontinued prospectively, and the gain or loss is amortized into earnings. For fair value hedges, the gain or loss is amortized over the remaining life of the hedged asset or liability. For cash flow hedges, the gain or loss is amortized over the same period that the forecasted hedged transactions impact earnings. If the hedged item is disposed of, any fair value adjustments are included in the gain or loss from the disposition of the hedged item. If the forecasted transaction is no longer probable, the gain or loss is included in earnings immediately.

For effective fair value hedges, changes in the fair value of the derivative instruments, as well as changes in the fair value of the hedged item, are recognized in earnings. For cash flow hedges, the effective portion of the change in fair value of the derivative instrument is reported as a component of accumulated other comprehensive loss and is reclassified to earnings when the hedged transaction is reflected in earnings.

Ineffectiveness is calculated based on the change in fair value of the hedged item compared with the change in fair value of the hedging instrument. For all types of hedges, any ineffectiveness in the hedging relationship is recognized in earnings during the period the ineffectiveness occurs.