Statement of Accounting Policies

General

The following summary of accounting and reporting policies is presented to aid the reader in obtaining a better understanding of the consolidated financial statements of First Commonwealth Financial Corporation and its subsidiaries (“First Commonwealth”) contained in this report.

The financial information is presented in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles and general practice for financial institutions in the United States of America. In preparing financial statements, management is required to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amount of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements. In addition, these estimates and assumptions affect revenues and expenses in the financial statements and as such, actual results could differ from those estimates.

Through its subsidiaries, which include one commercial bank, an insurance agency and a financial advisor, First Commonwealth provides a full range of loan, deposit, trust, insurance and personal financial planning services primarily to individuals and small to middle market businesses in fifteen counties in central and western Pennsylvania. First Commonwealth has determined that it has one business segment.

First Commonwealth is subject to regulations of certain state and federal agencies. These regulatory agencies periodically examine First Commonwealth for adherence to laws and regulations.

Basis of Presentation

The accompanying Consolidated Financial Statements include the accounts of First Commonwealth previously defined above. All material intercompany transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.

Equity investments of less than a majority but at least 20% ownership are accounted for by the equity method and classified as “Other assets.” Earnings on these investments are reflected in “Other income” on the Consolidated Statements of Income, as appropriate, in the period earned.

First Commonwealth’s variable interest entities (“VIEs”) are evaluated under the guidance included in ASU 2009-17. These VIEs include qualified affordable housing projects that First Commonwealth has invested in as part of its community reinvestment initiatives and vehicles that issue trust preferred securities. We periodically assess whether or not our variable interests in these VIEs, based on qualitative analysis, provide us with a controlling interest in the VIE. The analysis includes an assessment of the characteristics of the VIE. We do not have a controlling financial interest in the VIE, which would require consolidation of the VIE, as we do not have the following characteristics: (1) the power to direct the activities that most significantly impact the VIE’s economic performance; and (2) the obligation to absorb losses or the right to receive benefits from the VIE that could potentially be significant to the VIE.

Securities

Debt securities that First Commonwealth has the positive intent and ability to hold to maturity are classified as securities held to maturity and are reported at amortized cost adjusted for amortization of premium and accretion of discount on a level yield basis. Debt and equity securities that are bought and held principally for the purpose of selling them in the near term are to be classified as trading securities and reported at fair value, with unrealized gains and losses included in earnings. Debt and equity securities not classified as either held-to-maturity securities or trading securities are classified as securities available for sale and are reported at fair value, with unrealized gains and losses that are not related to impairment excluded from earnings and reported as a component of other comprehensive income, which is included in shareholders’ equity, net of deferred taxes.

First Commonwealth has securities classified as available for sale and does not engage in trading activities. First Commonwealth utilizes the specific identification method to determine the net gain or loss on debt securities and the average cost method to determine the net gain or loss on the equity securities.

First Commonwealth conducts a comprehensive review of the investment portfolio on a quarterly basis to determine whether other-than-temporary impairment has occurred. Issuer-specific securities whose market values have fallen below their book values are initially selected for more in-depth analysis based on the percentage decline in value and duration of the decline. Issuer-specific securities include obligations of U.S. Government agencies and sponsored enterprises, single issue trust preferred securities, corporate debentures and obligations of states and political subdivisions. Further analysis of these securities includes a review of research reports, analysts’ recommendations, credit rating changes, news stories, annual reports, impact of interest rate changes and any other relevant information pertaining to the affected security. Pooled trust preferred collateralized debt obligations are measured by evaluating all relevant credit and structural aspects, determining appropriate performance assumptions and performing a discounted cash flow analysis. This evaluation includes detailed credit, performance and structural evaluations for each piece of collateral. Other factors in the pooled trust preferred collateralized debt obligations valuation include terms of the structure, the cash flow waterfall (for both interest and principal), the over collateralization and interest coverage tests and events of default/liquidation. Based on this review, a determination is made on a case by case basis as to a potential impairment. Declines in the fair value of individual securities below their cost that are not expected to be recovered will result in write-downs of the individual securities to their fair value. The related write-downs are included in earnings as impairment losses.

Loans

Loans are carried at the principal amount outstanding. Interest is accrued as earned. Loans held for sale are carried at the lower of cost or fair value determined on an individual basis.

First Commonwealth considers a loan to be past due and still accruing interest when payment of interest or principal is contractually past due but the loan is both well secured and in the process of collection. For installment, mortgage, term and other loans with amortizing payments that are scheduled monthly, 90 days past due is reached when four monthly payments are due and unpaid. For demand, time and other multi-payment obligations with payments scheduled other than monthly, delinquency status is calculated using number of days instead of number of payments. Revolving credit loans, including personal credit lines and home equity lines, are considered to be 90 days past due when the borrower has not made the minimum payment for four monthly cycles.

A loan is placed in nonaccrual status when, based on current information and events, it is probable that First Commonwealth will be unable to fully collect principal or interest due according to the contractual terms of the loan. A loan is also placed in nonaccrual status when, based on regulatory definitions, the loan is maintained on a “cash basis” due to the weakened financial condition of the borrower. When a determination is made to place a loan in nonaccrual status, all accrued and unpaid interest is reversed. Nonaccrual loans are restored to accrual status when, based on a sustained period of repayment by the borrower in accordance with the contractual terms of the loan, First Commonwealth expects repayment of the remaining contractual principal and interest or when the loan otherwise becomes well-secured and in the process of collection.

First Commonwealth considers a loan to be a troubled debt restructured loan when the loan terms have been renegotiated to provide a reduction or deferral of principal or interest as a result of the financial difficulties experienced by the borrower, who could not obtain comparable terms from alternate financing sources.

A loan is considered to be impaired when, based on current information and events, it is probable that First Commonwealth will be unable to collect principal or interest that is due in accordance with contractual terms of the loan. Impaired loans include nonaccrual loans and troubled debt restructured loans. Loan impairment is measured based on the present value of expected cash flows discounted at the loan’s effective interest rate or, as a practical expedient, at the loan’s observable market price or the fair value of the collateral if the loan is collateral dependent.

For loans other than those that First Commonwealth expects repayment through liquidation of the collateral, when the remaining recorded investment in the impaired loan is less than or equal to the present value of the expected cash flows, income is applied as a reduction to loan principal rather than interest income.

Loans deemed uncollectible are charged off through the allowance for credit losses. Factors considered in assessing ultimate collectibility include past due status, financial condition of the borrower, collateral values and debt covenants including secondary sources of repayment by guarantors. Payments received on previously charged off loans are recorded as recoveries in the allowance for credit losses.

Loan Fees

Loan origination and commitment fees, net of associated direct costs, are deferred and the net amount is amortized as an adjustment to the related loan yield on the interest method, generally over the contractual life of the related loans or commitments.

Other Real Estate Owned

Real estate, other than bank premises, is recorded at fair value less estimated selling costs at the time of acquisition. After that time, other real estate is carried at the lower of cost or fair value less estimated costs to sell. Fair value is determined based on an independent appraisal. Expenses related to holding the property and rental income earned on the property are generally reflected in earnings in the current period. Depreciation is not recorded on the other real estate owned properties.

Allowance for Credit Losses

First Commonwealth maintains an allowance for credit losses at a level deemed sufficient to absorb losses that are inherent in the loan portfolio. First Commonwealth’s management determines and reviews with the Board of Directors the adequacy of the allowance on a quarterly basis to ensure that the provision for credit losses has been charged against earnings in an amount necessary to maintain the allowance at a level that is appropriate based on management’s assessment of probable estimated losses. First Commonwealth’s methodology for assessing the appropriateness of the allowance for credit losses consists of several key elements. These elements include an assessment of individual problem loans, delinquency and loss experience trends, and other relevant factors, all of which may be susceptible to significant changes.

The major loan classifications used in the allowance for credit losses calculation include pass, other assets especially mentioned (“OAEM”), substandard and doubtful. Additional information related to these credit quality categories is provided in Note 10, "Loans and Allowance for Credit Losses."

First Commonwealth consistently applies the following comprehensive methodology and procedure for determining the allowance for credit losses.

All impaired credits in excess of $100 thousand are individually reviewed quarterly. A specific reserve is established for impaired loans that is equal to the total amount of probable unconfirmed losses for the impaired loans that are reviewed. Based on this reserve as a percentage of reviewed loan balances, a reserve is also established for the impaired loan balances that are not individually reviewed.

The allowance calculation uses historical charge-off trends to estimate probable unconfirmed losses for each loan category. A multiplier known as the emergence factor is applied to the historical loss rates for non-criticized loans. The emergence factor is calculated by loan category and represents the average time period from when a loan was given a non-pass rating until the bank experiences a charge-off against the loan.. Before applying the adjusted historical loss experience percentages, loan balances are reduced by the portion of the loan balances which are subject to guarantee by a government agency.

An additional component of the allowance is determined by management based on a qualitative analysis of certain factors related to portfolio risks and economic conditions. Factors considered by management include employment trends, macroeconomic trends, commercial real estate trends and the overall lending environment. Portfolio risks include unusual changes or recent trends in specific portfolios such as unexpected changes in the trends or levels of delinquency. No matter how detailed an analysis of potential credit losses is performed, these estimates are inherently not precise. Management must make estimates using assumptions and information that is often subjective and changes rapidly.

Allowance for Off-Balance Sheet Credit Exposures

First Commonwealth maintains an allowance for off-balance sheet credit exposure at a level deemed sufficient to absorb losses that are inherent to off-balance sheet credit risk. Management determines the adequacy of the allowance on a quarterly basis, charging the provision against earnings in an amount necessary to maintain the allowance at a level that is appropriate based on management’s assessment of probable estimated losses. The Company’s methodology for assessing the appropriateness of the allowance for off-balance sheet credit exposure consists of analysis of historical usage trends as well as loss history and probability of default rates related to the off-balance sheet category. The calculation begins with historical usage trends related to lines of credit as well as letters of credit and then utilizes those figures to determine the probable usage of available lines. These values are then adjusted by a determined probability of default as well as a loss given default. This amount is adjusted quarterly and reported as part of other operating expenses on the Consolidated Statements of Income.

Bank Owned Life Insurance

First Commonwealth and the banks that First Commonwealth has acquired have purchased insurance on the lives of certain groups of employees. The policies accumulate asset values to meet future liabilities, including the payment of employee benefits such as health care. Increases in the cash surrender value are recorded as non-interest income in the Consolidated Statements of Income. Under some of these policies, the beneficiaries receive a portion of the death benefit. The net present value of the future death benefits scheduled to be paid to the beneficiaries was $3.9 million and $3.6 million as of December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively, and is reflected in "Other Liabilities" on the Consolidated Statements of Financial Condition.

Premises and Equipment

Premises and equipment are carried at cost less accumulated depreciation on First Commonwealth’s Consolidated Statements of Financial Condition. Depreciation is computed on the straight-line and accelerated methods over the estimated useful life of the asset. A straight-line depreciation method was used for substantially all furniture and equipment. The straight-line depreciation method was used for buildings and improvements. Charges for maintenance and repairs are expensed as incurred. Leasehold improvements are expensed over the term of the lease or the estimated useful life of the improvement, whichever is shorter.

Software costs are amortized on a straight-line basis over a period not to exceed seven years.

Goodwill

Intangible assets resulting from acquisitions under the purchase method of accounting consist of goodwill and other intangible assets (see “Other Intangible Assets” section below). Goodwill is not amortized and is subject to at least annual assessments for impairment by applying a fair value based test. First Commonwealth reviews goodwill annually and again at any quarter-end if a material event occurs during the quarter that may affect goodwill. If goodwill testing is required, an assessment of qualitative factors can be completed before performing the two step goodwill impairment test. If an assessment of qualitative factors determines it is more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit exceeds its carrying amount, then the two step goodwill impairment test is not required. Goodwill is evaluated for potential impairment by determining if our fair value has fallen below carrying value.

Other Intangible Assets

Other intangible assets consist of core deposits and customer lists obtained through acquisitions. Core deposit intangibles are amortized over their estimated lives using the present value of the benefit of the core deposits and straight-line methods of amortization. Customer list intangibles are amortized over the expected lives using expected cash flows based on retention of the customer base. These intangibles are evaluated for impairment on an annual basis and when events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount may not be recoverable.

Accounting for the Impairment of Long-Lived Assets

First Commonwealth reviews long-lived assets, such as premises and equipment and intangibles, for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of an asset may not be recoverable. These changes in circumstances may include a significant decrease in the market value of an asset or the extent or manner in which an asset is used. If there is an indication that the carrying amount of an asset may not be recoverable, future undiscounted cash flows expected to result from the use of the asset are estimated. If the sum of the expected cash flows is less than the carrying value of the asset, a loss is recognized for the difference between the carrying value and fair value of the asset. Long-lived assets classified as held for sale are measured at the lower of their carrying amount or fair value less cost to sell. Depreciation or amortization is discontinued on long-lived assets classified as held for sale.

Income Taxes

First Commonwealth records taxes in accordance with the asset and liability method of FASB ASC Topic 740, “Income Taxes,” whereby deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized for the future tax consequences attributable to differences between the financial statement carrying amount of existing assets and liabilities and their respective tax bases given the provisions of the enacted tax laws. Deferred tax assets are reduced, if necessary, by the amount of such benefits that are more likely than not expected to be realized based upon available evidence. In accordance with FASB ASC Topic 740, interest or penalties incurred for taxes will be recorded as a component of noninterest expense.

Comprehensive Income Disclosures

“Other Comprehensive Income” (comprehensive income, excluding net income) includes the after-tax effect of changes in unrealized holding gains and losses on available-for-sale securities, changes in the funded status of defined benefit postretirement plans and changes in the fair value of the effective portion of cash flow hedges. Comprehensive income is reported in the accompanying Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income, net of tax.

Cash and Cash Equivalents

For purposes of reporting cash flows, cash and cash equivalents include cash on hand, amounts due from banks, federal funds sold and interest-bearing bank deposits. Generally, federal funds are sold for one-day periods.

Employee Stock Ownership Plan

Accounting treatment for First Commonwealth’s Employee Stock Ownership Plan (“ESOP”) described in Note 22 “Unearned ESOP Shares” follows FASB ASC Topic 718, “Compensation—Stock Compensation” for ESOP shares acquired after December 31, 1992 (“new shares”). First Commonwealth’s ESOP borrowed funds were guaranteed by First Commonwealth. The ESOP shares purchased subject to the debt guaranteed by First Commonwealth were recorded as a reduction of common shareholders’ equity by recording unearned ESOP shares. Shares were committed to be released to the ESOP Trust for allocation to plan participants through loan payments. As the shares were committed to be released, the unearned ESOP shares account was credited for the average cost of the shares collateralizing the ESOP borrowed funds. Compensation cost was recognized for these shares in accordance with the provisions of FASB ASC Topic 718 and was based upon the fair market value of the shares that were committed to be released. Additional paid-in capital was charged or credited for the difference between the fair value of the shares committed to be released and the cost of those shares to the ESOP. The borrowed funds related to the unearned ESOP shares were paid off in November 2012.

Dividends on unallocated ESOP shares were used for debt service and are reported as a reduction of debt and accrued interest payable. Dividends on allocated ESOP shares were charged to retained earnings and allocated or paid to the plan participants. The average number of common shares outstanding used in calculating earnings per share excludes all unallocated ESOP shares.

Derivatives and Hedging Activities

First Commonwealth accounts for derivative instruments and hedging activities in accordance with FASB ASC Topic 815, “Derivatives and Hedging.” All derivatives are evaluated at inception as to whether or not they are hedging or non-hedging activities, and appropriate documentation is maintained to support the final determination. First Commonwealth recognizes all derivatives as either assets or liabilities on the Consolidated Statements of Financial Condition and measures those instruments at fair value. For derivatives designated as fair value hedges, changes in the fair value of the derivative and the hedged item related to the hedged risk are recognized in earnings. Any hedge ineffectiveness would be recognized in the income statement line item pertaining to the hedged item. For derivatives designated as cash flow hedges, changes in fair value of the effective portion of the cash flow hedges are reported in OCI. When the cash flows associated with the hedged item are realized, the gain or loss included in OCI is recognized in the Consolidated Statement of Income.

When First Commonwealth purchases a portion of a commercial loan that has an existing interest rate swap, it enters a Risk Participation Agreement with the counterparty and assumes the credit risk of the loan customer related to the swap. Any fee paid to First Commonwealth as a result of the risk participation agreement is offset by credit risk of the counterparties and is recognized in the income statement. Credit risk on the risk participation agreements is determined after considering the risk rating, probability of default and loss given default of the counterparties.

Management periodically reviews contracts from various functional areas of First Commonwealth to identify potential derivatives embedded within selected contracts. As of December 31, 2014, First Commonwealth has interest derivative positions that are not designated as hedging instruments. See Note 7, “Derivatives,” for a description of these instruments.

Earnings Per Common Share

Basic earnings per share excludes dilution and is computed by dividing income available to common shareholders by the weighted-average number of common shares outstanding for the period less any unallocated ESOP shares.

Diluted earnings per share reflects the potential dilution that could occur if securities or other contracts to issue common stock were exercised or converted into common stock or resulted in the issuance of common stock that then shared in the earnings of the entity. For all periods presented, the dilutive effect on average shares outstanding is the result of compensatory stock options outstanding and unvested restricted stock grants.

Fair Value Measurements

In accordance with FASB ASC Topic 820, “Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures,” First Commonwealth groups financial assets and financial liabilities measured at fair value into three levels, based on the markets in which the assets and liabilities are traded and the reliability of the assumptions used to determine fair value. These levels are:


•	Level 1—Valuations for assets and liabilities traded in active exchange markets, such as the New York Stock Exchange. Valuations are obtained from readily available pricing sources for market transactions involving identical assets or liabilities. Level 1 securities include equity holdings comprised of publicly traded bank stocks which were priced using quoted market prices.

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Level 2—Valuations for assets and liabilities traded in less active dealer or broker markets. Valuations are obtained for identical or comparable assets or liabilities from alternative pricing sources with reasonable levels of price transparency. Level 2 securities include U.S. Government securities issued by Agencies and Sponsored Enterprises, Obligations of States and Political Subdivisions, certain corporate securities, FHLB stock, interest rate derivatives that include interest rate swaps, risk participation agreements and foreign currency contracts, certain other real estate owned and certain impaired loans.

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Level 3—Valuations for assets and liabilities that are derived from other valuation methodologies, including option pricing models, discounted cash flow models and similar techniques, and not based on market exchange, dealer or broker traded transactions. If the inputs used to provide the evaluation are unobservable and/or there is very little, if any, market activity for the security or similar securities, the securities would be considered Level 3 securities. Level 3 valuations incorporate certain assumptions and projections in determining the fair value assigned to such assets or liabilities. The assets included in Level 3 are select Obligations of States and Political Subdivisions, corporate securities, pooled trust preferred collateralized debt obligations, nonmarketable equity investments, certain other real estate owned, certain impaired loans and loans held for sale.

In general, fair values of financial instruments are based upon quoted market prices, where available. If such quoted market prices are not available, fair value is based upon pricing models that primarily use, as inputs, observable market-based parameters. Valuation adjustments may be made to ensure that financial instruments are recorded at fair value. These adjustments may include amounts to reflect counterparty credit quality and our creditworthiness, among other things, as well as unobservable parameters. Any such valuation adjustments are applied consistently over time. See Note 19 “Fair Values of Assets and Liabilities” for additional information.