-----BEGIN PRIVACY-ENHANCED MESSAGE----- Proc-Type: 2001,MIC-CLEAR Originator-Name: webmaster@www.sec.gov Originator-Key-Asymmetric: MFgwCgYEVQgBAQICAf8DSgAwRwJAW2sNKK9AVtBzYZmr6aGjlWyK3XmZv3dTINen TWSM7vrzLADbmYQaionwg5sDW3P6oaM5D3tdezXMm7z1T+B+twIDAQAB MIC-Info: RSA-MD5,RSA, K5SyqIoJcGKSOlSFKqJS9cSo4vf21IzboUBvv7jdH/jKG33yESfoygyeeggyGR4p K5gk5qJhSwzQDWwWZGYe/w== 0001362310-08-001440.txt : 20080314 0001362310-08-001440.hdr.sgml : 20080314 20080314164936 ACCESSION NUMBER: 0001362310-08-001440 CONFORMED SUBMISSION TYPE: 10-K PUBLIC DOCUMENT COUNT: 10 CONFORMED PERIOD OF REPORT: 20071231 FILED AS OF DATE: 20080314 DATE AS OF CHANGE: 20080314 FILER: COMPANY DATA: COMPANY CONFORMED NAME: FIRST FINANCIAL CORP /IN/ CENTRAL INDEX KEY: 0000714562 STANDARD INDUSTRIAL CLASSIFICATION: STATE COMMERCIAL BANKS [6022] IRS NUMBER: 351546989 STATE OF INCORPORATION: IN FISCAL YEAR END: 1231 FILING VALUES: FORM TYPE: 10-K SEC ACT: 1934 Act SEC FILE NUMBER: 000-16759 FILM NUMBER: 08690042 BUSINESS ADDRESS: STREET 1: ONE FIRST FINANCIAL PLAZA CITY: TERRE HAUTE STATE: IN ZIP: 47807 BUSINESS PHONE: (812) 238-6000 MAIL ADDRESS: STREET 1: ONE FIRST FINANCIAL PLAZA CITY: TERRE HAUTE STATE: IN ZIP: 47807 FORMER COMPANY: FORMER CONFORMED NAME: TERRE HAUTE FIRST CORP DATE OF NAME CHANGE: 19850808 10-K 1 c72705e10vk.htm 10-K Filed by Bowne Pure Compliance
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UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
FORM 10-K
     
þ   ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the fiscal year ended December 31, 2007
OR
     
o   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 0-16759
FIRST FINANCIAL CORPORATION
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
     
INDIANA   35-1546989
(State of Incorporation)   (I.R.S. Employer Identification Number)
     
One First Financial Plaza    
Terre Haute, Indiana   47807
(Address of Registrant’s Principal Executive Offices)   (Zip Code)
(812) 238-6000
(Registrant’s Telephone Number, Including Area Code)
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:
     
Title of each class   Name of Exchange on Which Registered
     
Common Stock, no par value   The NADAQ 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  o    No  þ
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  o    No  þ
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  þ    No  o
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 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.  þ
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, or a smaller reporting company. See definition of “accelerated filer”, “large accelerated filer”, and “smaller reporting company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act of 1934.
Large accelerated filer o   Accelerated filer þ   Non-accelerated filer o   Smaller reporting company o
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Act).    Yes  o    No  þ
As of June 30, 2007 the aggregate market value of the voting stock held by nonaffiliated of the registrant based on the average bid and ask prices of such stock was $347,765,670. (For purposes of this calculation, the Corporation excluded the stock owned by certain beneficial owners and management and the Corporation’s ESOP.)
Shares of Common Stock outstanding as of March 12, 2008—13,105,169 shares.
DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE
Portions of the 2007 Annual Report to Shareholders are incorporated by reference into Parts I and II. Portions of the Definitive Proxy Statement for the First Financial Corporation Annual Meeting of Shareholders to be held April 16, 2008 are incorporated by reference into Part III.
 
 

 


 

Form 10-K Cross-Reference Index
         
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 Exhibit 10.3
 Exhibit 10.4
 Exhibit 13
 Exhibit 21
 Exhibit 31.1
 Exhibit 31.2
 Exhibit 32.1
 Exhibit 32.2

 

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PART I
ITEM 1. BUSINESS
First Financial Corporation (the “Corporation”) is a financial holding company. The Corporation was originally organized as an Indiana corporation in 1984 to operate as a bank holding company. For more information on the Corporation’s business, please refer to the following sections of the 2007 Annual Report to Shareholders, which are incorporated by reference into this Form 10-K:
  1.  
The first 4 paragraphs on page 35.
 
  2.  
The first 5 paragraphs of Note 1 to the Consolidated Financial Statements on Page 14.
As a financial holding company, the Corporation is subject to regulation under the Bank Holding Company Act of 1956, as amended (the BHC Act), is subject to periodic examination by the Federal Reserve and is required to file periodic reports of its operations and any additional information that the Federal Reserve may require. With some limited exceptions, the BHC Act requires every holding company to obtain the prior approval of the Federal Reserve before acquiring another bank holding company or acquiring more than five percent of the voting shares of a bank (unless it already owns or controls the majority of such shares).
The BHC Act restricts the Corporation’s non-banking activities to those which are determined by the Federal Reserve Board to be financial in nature, incidental to such financial activity, or complementary to a financial activity. The BHC Act does not place territorial restrictions on the activities of non-bank subsidiaries of financial holding companies. The Corporation’s banking subsidiaries are subject to limitations with respect to transactions with affiliates.
The Corporation and the Bank are also subject to certain regulatory restrictions, capital adequacy guidelines and various legal and regulatory restrictions on the payment of dividends, as summarized in Note 16 to the Consolidated Financial Statements.
In accordance with Federal Reserve Board policy, the Corporation is expected to act as a source of financial strength to the Bank and to commit resources to support the Bank in circumstances in which the Corporation might not otherwise do so.
The Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 addresses, among other issues, corporate governance, auditing and accounting, executive compensation, and enhanced and timely disclosure of corporation information.
The Corporation’s earnings are affected by domestic economic conditions and the monetary and fiscal policies of the United States government and its agencies. The Federal Reserve Bank’s monetary policies have had, and are likely to continue to have, an important impact on the operating results of commercial banks through its power to implement national monetary policy in order, among other things, to curb inflation or combat a recession. The monetary policies of the Federal Reserve Board have major effects upon the levels of bank loans, investments and deposits through its open market operations in United States government securities and through its regulation of the discount rate on borrowings of member banks and the reserve requirements against member bank deposits. It is not possible to predict the nature or impact of future changes in monetary and fiscal policies.
The Bank is subject to the provisions of the National Bank Act, is under the supervision of, and is subject to periodic examination by, the Comptroller of the Currency (the OCC), is subject to the rules and regulations of the OCC, Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System, and the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC). The Bank is also subject to certain laws of each state in which it is located.
The Federal Reserve adopted final amendments to Regulation CC and its commentary to implement the Check Clearing for the 21st Century Act (the “Check 21 Act”). To facilitate check truncation and electronic check exchange, the Check 21 Act authorizes a new negotiable instrument called a “substitute check” and provides that a properly prepared substitute check is the legal equivalent of the original check for all purposes. A substitute check is a paper reproduction of the original check that can be processed just like the original check. The Check 21 Act does not require any bank to create substitute checks or to accept checks electronically. The Federal Reserve’s amendments: (i) set forth the requirements of the Check 21 Act that apply to all banks, including those that choose not to create substitute checks; (ii) provide a model disclosure and model notices relating to substitute checks; and (iii) set forth bank endorsement and identification requirements for substitute checks. The amendments also clarify some existing provisions of the rule and commentary.

 

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The Uniting and Strengthening America by Providing Appropriate Tools Required to Intercept and Obstruct Terrorism Act of 2001 (the “USA Patriot Act”) is intended to strengthen the ability of U.S. Law Enforcement to combat terrorism on a variety of fronts. The potential impact of the USA Patriot Act on financial institutions is significant and wide-ranging. The USA Patriot Act contains sweeping anti-money laundering and financial transparency laws and requires financial institutions to implement additional policies and procedures with respect to, or additional measures designed to address, any or all of the following matters, among others: money laundering and currency crimes, customer identification verification, cooperation among financial institutions, suspicious activities and currency transaction reporting.
Federal law extensively regulates other various aspects of the banking business such as reserve requirements. Current federal law also requires banks, among other things to make deposited funds available within specified time periods. In addition, with certain exceptions, a bank and a subsidiary may not extend credit, lease or sell property or furnish any services or fix or vary the consideration for the foregoing on the condition that (i) the customer must obtain or provide some additional credit, property or services from, or to, any of them, or (ii) the customer may not obtain some other credit, property or service from a competitor, except to the extent reasonable conditions are imposed to assure the soundness of credit extended.
Interest and other charges collected or contracted by the Bank are subject to state usury laws and federal laws concerning interest rates. The Bank’s loan operations are also subject to federal and state laws applicable to credit transactions, such as the:
   
Truth-In-Lending Act and state consumer protection laws governing disclosures of credit terms and prohibiting certain practices with regard 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 and other fair lending laws, prohibiting discrimination on the basis of race, creed or other prohibited factors in extending credit;
 
   
Fair Credit Reporting Act of 1978 and Fair and Accurate Credit Transactions Act of 2003, governing the use and provision of information to credit reporting agencies;
 
   
Fair Debt Collection Practices 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 deposit operations of the Bank also are subject to the:
   
Customer Information Security Guidelines. The federal bank regulatory agencies have adopted final guidelines (the “Guidelines”) for safeguarding confidential customer information. The Guidelines require each financial institution, under the supervision and ongoing oversight of its Board of Directors, to create a comprehensive written information security program designed to ensure the security and confidentiality of customer information, protect against any anticipated threats or hazards to the security or integrity of such information; protect against unauthorized access to or use of such information that could result in substantial harm or inconvenience to any customer; and implement response programs for security breaches.
 
   
Electronic Funds Transfer Act and Regulation E. The Electronic Funds Transfer Act, which is implemented by Regulation E, governs 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.
 
   
Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act, Fair and Accurate Credit Transactions Act. The Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act, the Fair and Accurate Credit Transactions Act, and the implementing regulations govern consumer financial privacy, provide disclosure requirements and restrict the sharing of certain consumer financial information with other parties.
The federal banking agencies have established guidelines which prescribe standards for depository institutions relating to internal controls, information systems, internal audit systems, loan documentation, credit underwriting, interest rate exposure, asset growth, asset quality, earnings, compensation fees and benefits, and management compensation. The agencies may require an institution which fails to meet the standards set forth in the guidelines to submit a compliance plan. Failure to submit an acceptable plan or adhere to an accepted plan may be grounds for further enforcement action.

 

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The federal banking agencies may assess civil and criminal penalties against depository institutions and certain “institution-affiliated parties,” including management, employees, and agents of a financial institution, as well as independent contractors and consultants such as attorneys and accountants and others who participate in the conduct of the financial institution’s affairs. In addition, regulators may commence enforcement actions against institutions and institution-affiliated parties. Possible enforcement actions include the termination of deposit insurance. Furthermore, regulators may issue cease-and-desist orders to, among other things, require affirmative action to correct any harm resulting from a violation or practice, including restitution, reimbursement, indemnifications or guarantees against loss. A financial institution may also be ordered to restrict its growth, dispose of certain assets, rescind agreements or contracts, or take other actions as determined by the regulator to be appropriate.
Available Information
The Corporation files annual reports on Form 10-K, quarterly reports on Form 10-Q, proxy statements and other information with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Such reports, proxy statements and other information can be read and copied at the public reference facilities maintained by the Securities and Exchange Commission at the Public Reference Room, 100 F Street, NE, Washington, D.C. 20549. Information regarding the operation of the Public Reference Room may be obtained by calling the Securities and Exchange Commission at 1-800-SEC-0330. The Securities and Exchange Commission maintains a web site (http://www.sec.gov) that contains reports, proxy statements, and other information. The Corporation’s filings are also accessible at no cost on the Corporation’s website at www.first-online.com.
ITEM 1A. RISK FACTORS
The Corporation Is Subject To Interest Rate Risk
Interest and fees on loans and securities, net of interest paid on deposits and borrowings, are a large part of the Corporation’s net income. Interest rates are key drivers of the Corporation’s net interest margin and subject to many factors beyond the control of management. As interest rates change, net interest income is affected. Rapid increases in interest rates in the future could result in interest expense increasing faster than interest income because of mismatches in financial instrument maturities. Further, substantially higher interest rates generally reduce loan demand and may result in slower loan growth. Decreases or increases in interest rates could have a negative effect on the spreads between the interest rates earned on assets and the rates of interest paid on liabilities, and therefore decrease net interest income.
The Corporation Is Subject To Lending Risk
There are inherent risks associated with the Corporation’s lending activities. These risks include, among other things, the impact of changes in interest rates and changes in the economic conditions in the markets where the Corporation operates as well as those across Indiana, Illinois and the United States. Increases in interest rates and/or weakening economic conditions could adversely impact the ability of borrowers to repay outstanding loans or the value of the collateral securing these loans. The Corporation is also subject to various laws and regulations that affect its lending activities. Failure to comply with the applicable laws and regulations could subject the Corporation to regulatory enforcement action that could result in the assessment of significant civil money penalties against the Corporation.
The Corporation’s Allowance for Possible Loan Losses May Be Insufficient
The Corporation maintains an allowance for possible loan losses, which is a reserve established through a provision for possible loan losses charged to expense, that represents management’s best estimate of probable losses that have been incurred within the existing portfolio of loans. The level of the allowance reflects management’s continuing evaluation of industry concentrations; specific credit risks; loan loss experience; current loan portfolio quality; present economic, political and regulatory conditions and unidentified losses inherent in the current loan portfolio. The determination of the appropriate level of the allowance for possible loan losses inherently involves a high degree of subjectivity and requires the Corporation to make significant estimates of current credit risks and future trends, all of which may undergo material changes. Changes in economic conditions affecting borrowers, new information regarding existing loans, identification of additional problem loans and other factors, both within and outside of the Corporation’s control, may require an increase in the allowance for possible loan losses. In addition, bank regulatory agencies periodically review the Corporation’s allowance for loan losses and may require an increase in the provision for possible loan losses or the recognition of further loan charge-offs, based on judgments different than those of management. In addition, if charge-offs in future periods exceed the allowance for possible loan losses; the Corporation will need additional provisions to increase the allowance for possible loan losses. Any increase in the allowance for possible loan losses will result in a decrease in net income and, possibly, capital, and may have a material adverse effect on the Corporation’s financial condition and results of operations.

 

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The Corporation Operates In a Highly Competitive Industry and Market Area
The Corporation faces substantial competition in all areas of its operations from a variety of different competitors. Such competitors include banks and many other types of financial institutions, including, without limitation, savings and loans, credit unions, finance companies, brokerage firms, insurance companies, factoring companies and other financial intermediaries. The financial services industry could become even more competitive as a result of legislative, regulatory and technological changes and continued consolidation. Banks, securities firms and insurance companies can merge under the umbrella of a financial holding company, which can offer virtually any type of financial service, including banking, securities underwriting, insurance (both agency and underwriting) and merchant banking. Also, technology has lowered barriers to entry and made it possible for non-banks to offer products and services traditionally provided by banks, such as automatic transfer and automatic payment systems. Many of the Corporation’s competitors have fewer regulatory constraints and may have lower cost structures.
The Corporation’s ability to compete successfully depends on a number of factors, including, among other things:
   
The ability to develop, maintain and build upon long-term customer relationships based on top quality service, and safe, sound assets.
 
   
The ability to expand the Corporation’s market position.
 
   
The scope, relevance and pricing of products and services offered to meet customer needs and demands.
 
   
The rate at which the Corporation introduces new products and services relative to its competitors.
 
   
Customer satisfaction with the Corporation’s level of service.
 
   
Industry and general economic trends.
Failure to perform in any of these areas could significantly weaken the Corporation’s competitive position, which could adversely affect the Corporation’s growth and profitability, which, in turn, could have a material adverse effect on the corporation’s financial condition and results of operations.
The Corporation Is Subject To Extensive Government Regulation and Supervision
The Corporation, primarily through the Bank, is subject to extensive federal regulation and supervision. Banking regulations are primarily intended to protect depositors’ funds, federal deposit insurance funds and the banking system as a whole, not shareholders. These regulations affect the Corporation’s lending practices, capital structure, investment practices, and growth, among other things. Congress and federal regulatory agencies continually review banking laws, regulations and policies for possible changes. Changes to statutes, regulations or regulatory policies, including changes in interpretation or implementation of statutes, regulations or policies, could affect the Corporation in substantial and unpredictable ways. Such changes could subject the Corporation to additional costs, limit the types of financial services and products the Corporation may offer and/or increase the ability of non-banks to offer competing financial services and products among other things. Failure to comply with laws, regulations or policies could result in sanctions by regulatory agencies, civil money penalties and/or reputation damage, which could have a material adverse effect on the Corporation’s business, financial condition and results of operations. While the Corporation has policies and procedures designed to prevent any such violations, there can be no assurance that such violations will not occur.
The Corporation’s Controls and Procedures May Fail or Be Circumvented
Management regularly reviews and updates the Corporation’s internal controls, disclosure controls and procedures, and corporate governance policies and procedures. Any system of controls, however well designed and operated, is based in part on certain assumptions and can provide only reasonable, not absolute, assurances that the objectives of the system are met. Any failure or circumvention of the Corporation’s controls and procedures or failure to comply with regulations related to controls and procedures could have a material adverse effect on the Corporation’s business, results of operations and financial condition.
The Corporation Is Dependent On Certain Key Management and Staff
The Corporation relies on key personnel to manage and operate its business. The loss of key staff may adversely affect our ability to maintain and manage these portfolios effectively, which could negatively affect our revenues. In addition, loss of key personnel could result in increased recruiting and hiring expenses, which could cause a decrease in the Corporation’s net income.

 

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The Corporation’s Information Systems May Experience an Interruption or Breach in Security
The Corporation relies heavily on communications and information systems to conduct its business. Any failure, interruption or breach in security of these systems could result in failures or disruptions in the Corporation’s customer relationship management, general ledger, deposit, loan and other systems. While the Corporation has policies and procedures designed to prevent or limit the effect of the failure, interruption or security breach of its information systems, there can be no assurance that any such failures, interruptions or security breaches will not occur or, it they do occur, that they will be adequately addressed. The occurrence of any failures, interruptions or security breaches of the Corporation’s information systems could damage the Corporation’s reputation, result in a loss of customer business, subject the Corporation to additional regulatory scrutiny, or expose the Corporation to civil litigation and possible financial liability, any of which could have a material adverse effect on the Corporation’s financial condition and results of operations.
The Corporation Continually Encounters Technological Change
The financial services industry is continually undergoing rapid technological change with frequent introductions of new technology-driven products and services. The effective use of technology increases efficiency and enables financial institutions to better serve customers and to reduce costs. The Corporation’s future success depends, in part, upon its ability to address the needs of its customers by using technology to provide products and services that will satisfy customer demands, as well as to create additional efficiencies in the Corporation’s operations. Failure to successfully keep pace with the technological change affecting the financial services industry could have a material adverse impact on the Corporation’s business and, in turn, the Corporation’s financial condition and results of operations.
ITEM 1B. UNRESOLVED STAFF COMMENTS
None.
ITEM 2. PROPERTIES
First Financial Corporation is located in a four-story office building in downtown Terre Haute, Indiana that was first occupied in June 1988. It is leased to First Financial Bank N.A., a wholly-owned subsidiary (the Bank). The Bank also owns three other facilities in downtown Terre Haute. Two are leased to other parties and the third is a 50,000-square-foot building housing operations and administrative staff and equipment. In addition, the Bank holds in fee five other branch buildings. One of the branch buildings is a single-story 36,000-square-foot building which is located in a Terre Haute suburban area. Six other branch bank buildings are leased by the Bank. The expiration dates on five of the leases are June 30, 2012, May 31, 2011, February 14, 2011, December 31, 2008, and February 14, 2011. The sixth lease is on a month-to-month basis.
Facilities of the Corporation’s banking centers in Clay County include three offices in Brazil, Indiana and offices in Clay City and Poland, Indiana. All five buildings are held in fee.
Facilities of the Corporation’s banking centers in Vermillion County include two offices in Clinton, Indiana and offices in Cayuga and Newport, Indiana. All four buildings are held in fee.
Facilities of the Corporation’s banking centers in Sullivan County include offices in Sullivan, Carlisle, Dugger, Farmersburg and Hymera, Indiana. All five buildings are held in fee.
Facilities of the Corporation’s banking center in Greene County include an office in Worthington, Indiana. This building is held in fee.
Facilities of the Corporation’s banking centers in Knox County include offices in Monroe City, Sandborn and Vincennes, Indiana. All three buildings are held in fee.
Facilities of the Corporation’s banking centers in Parke County include two offices in Rockville, Indiana and offices in Marshall, Montezuma and Rosedale, Indiana. All five buildings are held in fee.
Facilities of the Corporation’s banking center in Putnam County include an office in Greencastle, Indiana. This building is held in fee.
Facilities of the Corporation’s banking centers in Crawford County include its main office and a drive-up facility in Robinson, Illinois and a branch facility in Oblong, Illinois. All three of the buildings are held in fee.

 

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Facilities of the Corporation’s banking centers in Lawrence County include offices in Sumner and Lawrenceville, Illinois. Both of the buildings are held in fee.
Facilities of the Corporation’s banking center in Wayne County include an office in Fairfield, Illinois. This building is held in fee.
Facilities of the Corporation’s banking center in Jasper County include an office in Newton, Illinois. This building is held in fee.
Facilities of the Corporation’s banking center in Coles County include an office in Charleston, Illinois. This building is held in fee.
Facilities of the Corporation’s banking center in Clark County include an office in Marshall, Illinois. This building is held in fee.
Facilities of the Corporation’s banking center in Vermilion County include an office in Ridge Farm, Illinois. This building is held in fee.
Facilities of the Corporation’s banking centers in Richland County include two offices in Olney, Illinois. One building is held in fee and the other building is leased. The expiration date on the lease is March 1, 2010.
The facility of the Corporation’s subsidiary, The Morris Plan Company, includes an office facility in Terre Haute, Indiana. The building is leased by The Morris Plan Company. The expiration date on the lease is August 31, 2008.
Facilities of the Corporation’s subsidiary, Forrest Sherer, Inc., include its main office and one satellite office in Terre Haute, Indiana. The buildings are held in fee by Forrest Sherer, Inc.
ITEM 3 LEGAL PROCEEDINGS
There are no material pending legal proceedings which involve the Corporation or its subsidiaries, other than ordinary routine litigation incidental to its business.
ITEM 4. SUBMISSION OF MATTERS TO A VOTE OF SECURITY HOLDERS
None

 

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PART II
ITEM 5. 
MARKET FOR REGISTRANT’S COMMON EQUITY, RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS AND ISSUER PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES.
See “Market and Dividend Information” on page 46 of the 2007 Annual Report. That portion of the Annual Report is incorporated by reference into this Form 10-K.
The Corporation periodically acquires shares of its common stock directly from shareholders in individually negotiated transactions. The Corporation has not adopted a formal policy or adopted a formal program for repurchases of shares of its common stock. Following is certain information regarding shares of common stock purchased by the Corporation during the quarter covered by this report.
                                 
                    (c)        
                    Total Number Of        
    (a)     (b)     Shares Purchased As     (d)  
    Total Number     Average     Part Of Publicly     Maximum Number  
    Of Shares     Price Paid Per     Announced Plans Or     Of Shares That May  
    Purchased     Share     Programs *     Yet Be Purchased *  
October 1 – 31 2007
                N/A       N/A  
November 1 – 30, 2007
                N/A       N/A  
December 1 – 30, 2007
    10,000       27.90       N/A       N/A  
Total
    10,000       27.90       N/A       N/A  
 
 
The Corporation has not adopted a formal policy or program regarding repurchases of its shares of stock.
         The Corporation contributed 41,000 shares of treasury stock to the ESOP plan in November of 2007.
ITEM 6. SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA
See “Five Year Comparison of Selected Financial Data” on page 9 of the 2007 Annual Report to Shareholders. That portion of the Annual Report is incorporated by reference into this Form 10-K.
ITEM 7. 
MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATION
See “Management’s Discussion and Analysis” on pages 34 through 44 of the 2007 Annual Report to Shareholders. That portion of the Annual Report is incorporated by reference into this Form 10-K.
ITEM 7A. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK
See “Interest Rate Sensitivity and Liquidity” section of “Management’s Discussion and Analysis” on pages 43 and 44 of the 2007 Annual Report to Shareholders. That portion of the Annual Report is incorporated by reference into this Form 10-K.
ITEM 8. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA
See “Consolidated Balance Sheets” on page 10, “Consolidated Statements of Income” on page 11, “Consolidated Statements of Changes in Shareholders Equity” on page 12, “Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows” on page 13, and “Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements” on pages 14-32. “Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm on Financial Statements” can be found on page 32 of the 2007 Annual Report to Shareholders. Those portions of the Annual Report are incorporated by reference into this Form 10-K.

 

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Statistical disclosure by the Corporation includes the following information in the 2007 Annual Report to Shareholders, which is incorporated by reference into this Form 10-K:
  1.  
“Volume/Rate Analysis,” on page 36.
 
  2.  
“Securities,” on page 38.
 
  3.  
“Loan Portfolio,” on page 39.
 
  4.  
“Allowance for Loan Losses,” on pages 40 and 41.
 
  5.  
“Nonperforming Loans,” on pages 41.
 
  6.  
“Deposits,” on page 42.
 
  7.  
“Consolidated Balance Sheet-Average Balances and Interest Rates,” on page 45.
ITEM 9. 
CHANGES IN AND DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCOUNTANTS ON ACCOUNTING AND FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE
None
ITEM 9A. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES
Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures
As of the end of the period covered by this report, we carried out an evaluation (the “Evaluation”), under the supervision and with the participation of our President and Chief Executive Officer (“CEO”), who serves as our principal executive officer, and Chief Financial Officer (“CFO”), who serves as our principal financial officer, of the effectiveness of our disclosure controls and procedures (“Disclosure Controls”). Based on the Evaluation, our CEO and CFO concluded that our Disclosure Controls are effective and designed to ensure that the information required to be included in our periodic SEC reports is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the SEC’s rules and forms.
Changes in Internal Controls over Financial Reporting
There was no change in the Corporation’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the Corporation’s fourth fiscal quarter of 2007 that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the Corporation’s internal control over financial reporting.
Management’s Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting
See “Management’s Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting” on page 34 of the 2007 Annual Report to Shareholders and “Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting” on page 33 of the 2007 Annual Report to Shareholders. That portion of the annual report is incorporated by reference in response to this Item 9A of the Form 10-K.
ITEM 9B. OTHER INFORMATION
The Company established the compensation to be paid to Directors for the year 2008 on December 18, 2007. These amounts are set forth on Exhibit 10.3 to this Form 10-K.
The Company established the compensation to be paid to Named Executive Officers for the year 2008 on December 18, 2007. These amounts are set forth on Exhibit 10.4 to this Form 10-K.

 

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Table of Contents

PART III
ITEM 10. DIRECTORS, EXECUTIVE OFFICERS AND CORPORATE GOVERNANCE
In accordance with the provisions of General Instruction G to Form 10-K, the information required for disclosure under Item 10 is not set forth herein because the Corporation intends to file with the Securities and Exchange Commission a definitive Proxy Statement pursuant to Regulation 14A not later than 120 days following the end of its 2007 fiscal year, which Proxy Statement will contain such information. The information required by Item 10 is incorporated by reference to such Proxy Statement.
ITEM 11. EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION
In accordance with the provisions of General Instruction G to Form 10-K, the information required for disclosure under Item 11 is not set forth herein because the Corporation intends to file with the Securities and Exchange Commission a definitive Proxy Statement pursuant to Regulation 14A not later than 120 days following the end of its 2007 fiscal year, which Proxy Statement will contain such information. The information required by Item 11 is incorporated by reference to such Proxy Statement.
ITEM 12.  
SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT AND RELATED SHAREHOLDER MATTERS
In accordance with the provisions of General Instruction G to Form 10-K, the information required for disclosure under Item 12 is not set forth herein because the Corporation intends to file with the Securities and Exchange Commission a definitive Proxy Statement pursuant to Regulation 14A not later than 120 days following the end of its 2007 fiscal year, which Proxy Statement will contain such information. The information required by Item 12 is incorporated by reference to such Proxy Statement.
ITEM 13. CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS AND DIRECTOR INDEPENDENCE
In accordance with the provisions of General Instruction G to Form 10-K, the information required for disclosure under Item 13 is not set forth herein because the Corporation intends to file with the Securities and Exchange Commission a definitive Proxy Statement pursuant to Regulation 14A not later than 120 days following the end of its 2007 fiscal year, which Proxy Statement will contain such information. The information required by Item 13 is incorporated by reference to such Proxy Statement.
ITEM 14. PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTANT FEES AND SERVICES
In accordance with the provisions of General Instruction G to Form 10-K, the information required for disclosure under Item 14 is not set forth herein because the Corporation intends to file with the Securities and Exchange Commission a definitive Proxy Statement pursuant to Regulation 14A not later than 120 days following the end of its 2007 fiscal year, which Proxy Statement will contain such information. The information required by Item 14 is incorporated by reference to such Proxy Statement.

 

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Table of Contents

PART IV
ITEM 15. EXHIBITS AND FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES
  (a) (1)
The following consolidated financial statements of the Registrant and its subsidiaries are included in the 2007 Annual Report to Shareholders of First Financial Corporation attached:
     
Consolidated Balance Sheets—December 31, 2007 and 2006
 
     
Consolidated Statements of Income—Years ended December 31, 2007, 2006, and 2005
 
     
Consolidated Statements of Changes in Shareholders’ Equity—Years ended December 31, 2007, 2006, and 2005
 
     
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows—Years ended December 31, 2007, 2006, and 2005
 
     
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
 
  (2)  
Schedules to the Consolidated Financial Statements required by Article 9 of Regulation S-X are not required, inapplicable, or the required information has been disclosed elsewhere.
 
  (3)  
Listing of Exhibits:
     
Exhibit Number   Description
3.1
  Amended and Restated Articles of Incorporation of First Financial Corporation, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3(i) of the Corporation’s Form 10-Q filed for the quarter ended September 30, 2002
3.2
  Code of By-Laws of First Financial Corporation, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3(ii) of the Corporation’s Form 10-Q filed for the quarter ended September 30, 2002
10.1
  Employment Agreement for Norman L. Lowery, dated August 29, 2007 and effective January 1, 2007, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Corporation’s Form 8-K filed September 4, 2007.
10.2
  2001 Long-Term Incentive Plan of First Financial Corporation, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.3 of the Corporation’s Form 10-Q filed for the quarter ended September 30, 2002
10.3
  2008 Schedule of Director Compensation
10.4
  2008 Schedule of Named Executive Officer Compensation
13
  Annual Report
21
  Subsidiaries
31.1
  Certification pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a) for Annual Report of Form 10-K by Principal Executive Officer
31.2
  Certification pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a) for Annual Report of Form 10-K by Principal Financial Officer
32.1
  Certification pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350 of Principal Executive Officer
32.2
  Certification pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350 of Principal Financial Officer
  (b)  
Exhibits-Exhibits to (a) (3) listed above are attached to this report.
 
  (c)  
Financial Statements Schedules-No schedules are required to be submitted. See response to ITEM 15(a) (2).

 

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Table of Contents

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 Financial Corporation
 
 
  /s/ Michael A. Carty    
  Michael A. Carty, Secretary, Treasurer & CFO   
  (Principal Financial Officer and Principal Accounting Officer)   
 
Date: March 12, 2008

 

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Table of Contents

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   DATE
     
/s/ Donald E. Smith
 
Donald E. Smith, President and Director
  March 12, 2008 
     
/s/ Michael A. Carty
 
Michael A. Carty, Secretary, Treasurer & CFO
(Principal Financial Officer and Principal Accounting Officer)
  March 12, 2008 
     
/s/ W. Curtis Brighton
 
W. Curtis Brighton, Director
  March 12, 2008 
     
/s/ B. Guille Cox, Jr.
 
B. Guille Cox, Jr., Director
  March 12, 2008 
     
/s/ Thomas T. Dinkel
 
Thomas T. Dinkel, Director
  March 12, 2008 
     
/s/ Anton H. George
 
Anton H. George, Director
  March 12, 2008 
     
/s/ Gregory L. Gibson
 
Gregory L. Gibson, Director
  March 12, 2008 
     
/s/ Norman L. Lowery
 
Norman L. Lowery, Vice Chairman, CEO & Director
(Principal Executive Officer)
  March 12, 2008 
     
/s/ Patrick O’Leary   March 12, 2008
     
Patrick O’Leary, Director    
     
/s/ Ronald K. Rich
 
Ronald K. Rich, Director
  March 12, 2008 
     
/s/ Virginia L. Smith
 
Virginia L. Smith, Director
  March 12, 2008 

 

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Table of Contents

EXHIBIT INDEX
     
Exhibit    
Number   Description
10.3
  2008 Schedule of Director Compensation
 
   
10.4
  2008 Schedule of Named Executive Officers Compensation
 
   
13
  Annual Report
 
   
21
  Subsidiaries
 
   
31.1
  Certification Pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a) for Annual Report of Form 10-K by Principal Executive Officer
 
   
31.2
  Certification Pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a) for Annual Report of Form 10-K by Principal Financial Officer
 
   
32.1
  Certification Pursuant to Rule 18 U.S.C. Section 1350 of Principal Executive Officer
 
   
31.1
  Certification Pursuant to Rule 18 U.S.C. Section 1350 of Principal Financial Officer

 

14

EX-10.3 2 c72705exv10w3.htm EXHIBIT 10.3 Filed by Bowne Pure Compliance
 

EXHIBIT 10.3 — Schedule of Director Compensation
Compensation of Directors. Each director of the Corporation is also a director of First Financial Bank (“FFB”), the lead subsidiary bank of the Corporation, and receives directors’ fees from each organization. For 2008 a director of the Corporation and FFB will receive a fee of $750 for each board meeting attended.
Non-employee directors also receive a fee for meetings attended of the Audit Committee of $1,000, the Compensation Committee of $1,000, the Governance/Nominating Committee of $500, and the Loan Discount Committee of $300. Each director also will receive from FFB a semi-annual director’s fee of $2,500 on July l5th and December 16th. No non-employee director served as a director of any other subsidiary of the Corporation.
Directors of the Corporation and FFB who are not yet 70 years of age may participate in a deferred director’s fee program at each institution. Under this program, a director may defer $6,000 of his or her director’s fees each year over a five-year period. When the director reaches the age of 65 or age 70, the director may elect to receive payments over a ten-year period. The amount of the deferred fees is used to purchase an insurance product which funds these payments. Each year from the initial date of deferral until payments begin at age 65 or 70, the Corporation accrues a non-cash expense which will equal in the aggregate the amount of the payments to be made to the director over the ten-year period. The Corporation expects that the cash surrender value of the insurance policy will offset the amount of expenses accrued. If a director fails for any reason other than death to serve as a director during the entire five-year period, or the director fails to attend at least 60 regular or special meetings, the amount to be received at age 65 or 70, as applicable, will be pro-rated appropriately.
Directors also may be compensated under the Corporation’s 2005 Long-Term Incentive Plan. Under this plan, directors may receive 90, 100 or 110 percent of the director’s “award amount” if the Corporation and FFB attain certain goals established by the Corporation’s Compensation Committee. See Exhibit 10.3 to this Form 10-K for a description of this plan.

 

 

EX-10.4 3 c72705exv10w4.htm EXHIBIT 10.4 Filed by Bowne Pure Compliance
 

EXHIBIT 10.4 — Schedule of Named Executive Officers Compensation
On December 18, 2007, the Compensation Committee of First Financial Corporation (the “Corporation”) set the 2008 annual base salaries of the named executive officers and approved the bonus amounts payable to the named executive officers for 2007. These amounts are set forth in the table below.
                 
Name and Principal Position   2007 Bonus Award     2008 Base Salary  
Donald E. Smith
  $ 160,000     $ 580,987  
President and Chairman of the Corporation; Chairman of First Financial Bank, NA
               
 
               
Norman L. Lowery
  $ 150,000     $ 467,960  
Vice Chairman, CEO and Vice President of the Corporation;
President and CEO of First Financial Bank, NA
               
 
               
Michael A. Carty
  $ 20,000     $ 187,304  
CFO, Secretary and Treasurer of the Corporation;
Senior Vice President and CFO of First Financial Bank, NA
               
 
               
Richard O. White
  $ 12,000     $ 157,630  
Senior Vice President of First Financial Bank, NA
               
 
               
Thomas S. Clary
  $ 15,000     $ 156,499  
Senior Vice President and CCO of First Financial Bank, NA
               

 

 

EX-13 4 c72705exv13.htm EXHIBIT 13 Filed by Bowne Pure Compliance
 

Exhibit 13
2007 ANNUAL REPORT
Five Year Comparison of Selected Financial Data
                                         
(Dollar amounts in thousands,                              
except per share amounts)   2007     2006     2005     2004     2003  
 
                                       
BALANCE SHEET DATA:
                                       
Total assets
  $ 2,231,562     $ 2,175,998     $ 2,136,918     $ 2,183,992     $ 2,223,057  
Securities
    586,633       559,053       536,291       507,990       576,950  
Loans, net of unearned fees*
    1,443,067       1,392,755       1,395,741       1,463,871       1,429,525  
Deposits
    1,529,721       1,502,682       1,464,918       1,443,121       1,479,347  
Borrowings
    368,616       358,008       370,090       438,013       451,862  
Shareholders’ equity
    281,692       271,260       269,323       268,335       255,279  
 
                                       
INCOME STATEMENT DATA:
                                       
Interest income
    137,734       130,832       121,647       116,888       122,661  
Interest expense
    62,961       57,129       47,469       44,686       48,225  
Net interest income
    74,773       73,703       74,178       72,202       74,436  
Provision for loan losses
    6,580       6,983       11,698       8,292       7,455  
Other income
    31,497       28,826       32,025       35,754       30,819  
Other expenses
    64,726       64,656       63,538       63,656       62,461  
Net income
    25,580       23,539       23,054       28,009       26,493  
 
                                       
PER SHARE DATA:
                                       
Net income
    1.94       1.77       1.72       2.07       1.95  
Cash dividends
    0.87       0.85       .82       .79       .70  
 
                                       
PERFORMANCE RATIOS:
                                       
Net income to average assets
    1.16 %     1.10 %     1.07 %     1.28 %     1.21 %
Net income to average shareholders’ equity
    9.20       8.57       8.52       10.45       10.57  
Average total capital to average assets
    13.35       13.56       13.35       13.24       12.45  
Average shareholders’ equity to average assets
    12.64       12.79       12.51       12.23       11.43  
Dividend payout
    44.76       44.18       47.57       38.13       35.88  
     
*  
2007 includes $14,068 of credit card loans that are held-for-sale.

 

9


 

FIRST FINANCIAL CORPORATION
Consolidated Balance Sheets
                 
    December 31,  
(Dollar amounts in thousands, except per share data)   2007     2006  
 
ASSETS
               
Cash and due from banks
  $ 70,082     $ 77,682  
Federal funds sold
    4,201       21,437  
Securities available-for-sale
    586,633       559,053  
Loans, net of allowance of $15,351 in 2007 and $16,169 in 2006
    1,413,648       1,376,586  
Credit card loans held-for-sale
    14,068        
Accrued interest receivable
    13,698       13,972  
Premises and equipment, net
    32,632       33,267  
Bank-owned life insurance
    59,950       57,905  
Goodwill
    7,102       7,102  
Other intangible assets
    1,937       2,363  
Other real estate owned
    1,472       3,194  
Other assets
    26,139       23,437  
 
           
Total Assets
  $ 2,231,562     $ 2,175,998  
 
           
 
               
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY
               
Deposits:
               
Non-interest-bearing
  $ 225,549     $ 227,808  
Interest-bearing:
               
Certificates of deposit of $100 or more
    193,901       189,323  
Other interest-bearing deposits
    1,110,271       1,085,551  
 
           
 
    1,529,721       1,502,682  
 
Short-term borrowings
    27,331       16,203  
Other borrowings
    341,285       341,805  
Other liabilities
    51,533       44,048  
 
           
Total Liabilities
    1,949,870       1,904,738  
 
               
Shareholders’ equity
               
Common stock, $.125 stated value per share,
               
Authorized shares — 40,000,000
               
Issued shares — 14,450,966
               
Outstanding shares — 13,136,359 in 2007 and 13,270,321 in 2006
    1,806       1,806  
Additional paid-in capital
    68,212       68,003  
Retained earnings
    250,011       235,967  
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)
    (5,181 )     (5,494 )
Less: Treasury shares at cost — 1,314,607 in 2007 and 1,180,645 in 2006
    (33,156 )     (29,022 )
 
           
 
               
Total Shareholders’ Equity
    281,692       271,260  
 
           
 
               
Total Liabilities And Shareholders’ Equity
  $ 2,231,562     $ 2,175,998  
 
           
See accompanying notes.

 

10


 

2007 ANNUAL REPORT
Consolidated Statements of Income
                         
    Years Ended December 31,  
(Dollar amounts in thousands, except per share data)   2007     2006     2005  
 
                       
INTEREST AND DIVIDEND INCOME:
                       
Loans, including related fees
  $ 104,950     $ 99,850     $ 96,388  
Securities:
                       
Taxable
    23,336       21,877       16,802  
Tax-exempt
    6,635       6,243       6,306  
Other
    2,813       2,862       2,151  
 
                 
Total Interest and Dividend Income
    137,734       130,832       121,647  
 
INTEREST EXPENSE:
                       
Deposits
    41,956       37,285       27,184  
Short-term borrowings
    1,611       746       783  
Other borrowings
    19,394       19,098       19,502  
 
                 
Total Interest Expense
    62,961       57,129       47,469  
 
                 
Net Interest Income
    74,773       73,703       74,178  
Provision for loan losses
    6,580       6,983       11,698  
 
                 
Net Interest Income After Provision For Loan Losses
    68,193       66,720       62,480  
 
NON-INTEREST INCOME:
                       
Trust and financial services
    3,697       3,766       3,626  
Service charges and fees on deposit accounts
    11,877       11,639       11,732  
Other service charges and fees
    5,783       5,279       6,440  
Securities gains (losses)
    211       6       571  
Insurance commissions
    6,541       6,323       5,995  
Gain on sale of mortgage loans
    816       191       1,289  
Other
    2,572       1,622       2,372  
 
                 
Total Non-Interest Income
    31,497       28,826       32,025  
 
NON-INTEREST EXPENSES:
                       
Salaries and employee benefits
    39,432       39,739       38,617  
Occupancy expense
    4,034       3,994       3,796  
Equipment expense
    4,322       4,305       3,861  
Other
    16,938       16,618       17,264  
 
                 
Total Non-Interest Expense
    64,726       64,656       63,538  
 
                 
Income Before Income Taxes
    34,964       30,890       30,967  
Provision for income taxes
    9,384       7,351       7,913  
 
                 
Net Income
  $ 25,580     $ 23,539     $ 23,054  
 
                 
EARNINGS PER SHARE:
                       
Basic and Diluted
  $ 1.94     $ 1.77     $ 1.72  
 
                 
Weighted average number of shares outstanding (in thousands)
    13,178       13,295       13,433  
 
                 
See accompanying notes.

 

11


 

FIRST FINANCIAL CORPORATION
Consolidated Statements of Changes in Shareholders’ Equity
                                                 
                            Accumulated              
                            Other              
    Common     Additional     Retained     Comprehensive     Treasury        
(Dollar amounts in thousands, except per share data)   Stock     Paid-In Capital     Earnings     Income (Loss)     Stock     Total  
 
                                               
Balance, January 1, 2005
  $ 1,806     $ 67,519     $ 211,623     $ 8,357     $ (20,970 )   $ 268,335  
 
                                               
Comprehensive income:
                                               
Net income
                23,054                   23,054  
Other comprehensive income, net of tax:
                                               
Change in net unrealized gains/losses on securities available-for-sale, net
                      (6,454 )           (6,454 )
 
                                             
Total comprehensive income
                                            16,600  
 
                                               
Contribution of 36,000 shares to ESOP
          151                   993       1,144  
Treasury stock purchases (79,000 shares)
                            (5,789 )     (5,789 )
Cash dividends, $ .79 per share
                (10,967 )                 (10,967 )
 
                                   
 
                                               
Balance, December 31, 2005
    1,806       67,670       223,710       1,903       (25,766 )     269,323  
 
                                               
Comprehensive income:
                                               
Net income
                23,539                   23,539  
Other comprehensive loss, net of tax:
                                               
Change in net unrealized gains/losses on securities available-for-sale, net
                      1,161             1,161  
 
                                             
Total comprehensive income
                                            24,700  
 
                                               
Adjustment to initially apply SFAS No. 158, net of tax (Note 1)
                      (8,558 )           (8,558 )
Contribution of 34,000 shares to ESOP
          333                   831       1,164  
Treasury stock purchases (137,249 shares)
                            (4,087 )     (4,087 )
Cash dividends, $ .85 per share
                (11,282 )                 (11,282 )
 
                                   
 
                                               
Balance, December 31, 2006
    1,806       68,003       235,967       (5,494 )     (29,022 )     271,260  
 
                                               
Comprehensive income:
                                               
Net income
                25,580                   25,580  
Other comprehensive loss, net of tax:
                                               
Change in net unrealized gains/losses on securities available-for-sale, net
                      1,110             1,110  
Change in unrealized gains/losses on retirement plans
                      (797 )           (797 )
 
                                             
Total comprehensive income
                                            25,893  
 
                                               
Adjustment to initially apply FIN No. 48, net of tax (Note 1)
                (86 )                 (86 )
Contribution of 41,000 shares to ESOP
          209                   1,033       1,242  
Treasury stock purchases (174,962 shares)
                            (5,167 )     (5,167 )
Cash dividends, $ .87 per share
                (11,450 )                 (11,450 )
 
                                   
 
                                               
Balance, December 31, 2007
  $ 1,806     $ 68,212     $ 250,011     $ (5,181 )   $ (33,156 )   $ 281,692  
 
                                   
See accompanying notes.

 

12


 

2007 ANNUAL REPORT
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
                         
    Years Ended December 31,  
(Dollar amounts in thousands, except per share data)   2007     2006     2005  
 
                       
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES:
                       
Net income
  $ 25,580     $ 23,539     $ 23,054  
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by
operating activities:
                       
Net (accretion) amortization on securities
    (2,619 )     (2,540 )     (1,462 )
Provision for loan losses
    6,580       6,983       11,698  
Securities (gains) losses
    (211 )     (6 )     (571 )
Depreciation and amortization
    3,443       3,515       3,363  
Provision for deferred income taxes
    27       (3,579 )     1,716  
Net change in accrued interest receivable
    274       (1,435 )     (521 )
Contribution of shares to ESOP
    1,242       1,164       1,144  
Gains on sales of other real estate
    (116 )            
Other, net
    1,302       9,688       592  
 
                 
Net Cash from Operating Activities
    35,502       37,329       39,013  
 
                 
 
                       
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES:
                       
Sales of securities available-for-sale
    3,170       5,080       11,376  
Calls, maturities and principal reductions on securities available-
for-sale
    94,587       157,031       373,741  
Purchases of securities available-for-sale
    (120,657 )     (180,393 )     (422,141 )
Loans made to customers, net of repayments
    (60,485 )     (6,510 )     49,806  
Net change in federal funds sold
    17,236       (18,455 )     2,418  
Purchase of bank-owned life insurance
                (5,000 )
Purchase of customer list
                (338 )
Sale of other real estate
    4,322              
Additions to premises and equipment
    (2,382 )     (5,015 )     (2,908 )
 
                 
Net Cash from Investing Activities
    (64,209 )     (48,262 )     6,954  
 
                 
 
                       
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
                       
Net change in deposits
    27,039       37,764       21,797  
Net change in other short-term borrowings
    11,128       (10,021 )     (49,303 )
Dividends paid
    (11,373 )     (11,181 )     (10,779 )
Purchases of treasury stock
    (5,167 )     (4,087 )     (5,789 )
Proceeds from other borrowings
    81,750              
Repayments on other borrowings
    (82,270 )     (2,061 )     (18,620 )
 
                 
Net Cash from Financing Activities
    21,107       10,414       (62,694 )
 
                 
Net Change in Cash and Cash Equivalents
    (7,600 )     (519 )     (16,727 )
Cash and Cash Equivalents, Beginning of Year
    77,682       78,201       94,928  
 
                 
Cash and Cash Equivalents, End of Year
  $ 70,082     $ 77,682     $ 78,201  
 
                 
 
                       
SUPPLEMENTAL DISCLOSURES OF CASH FLOW AND NONCASH INFORMATION:
                       
Cash paid during the year for:
                       
Interest
  $ 62,080     $ 56,150     $ 46,919  
 
                 
Income taxes
  $ 8,494     $ 11,202     $ 5,413  
 
                 
 
                       
Transfers from loans to loans held-for-sale
  $ 14,608              
 
                 
See accompanying notes.

 

13


 

FIRST FINANCIAL CORPORATION
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
1.  
BUSINESS AND SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES:
 
   
BUSINESS
 
   
Organization: The consolidated financial statements of First Financial Corporation and its subsidiaries (the Corporation) include the parent company and its wholly-owned subsidiaries, First Financial Bank, N.A. of Vigo County, Indiana, The Morris Plan Company of Terre Haute (Morris Plan), First Financial Reinsurance Company, a corporation incorporated in the country of Turks and Caicos Islands (FFRC), and Forrest Sherer Inc., a full-line insurance agency headquartered in Terre Haute, Indiana. Inter-company transactions and balances have been eliminated. First Financial Reinsurance Company was dissolved during 2007 with no material impact to the financial statements of the Corporation.
 
   
First Financial Bank also has two investment subsidiaries, Portfolio Management Specialists A (Specialists A) and Portfolio Management Specialists B (Specialists B), which were established to hold and manage certain assets as part of a strategy to better manage various income streams and provide opportunities for capital creation as needed. Specialists A and Specialists B subsequently entered into a limited partnership agreement, Global Portfolio Limited Partners. Portfolio Management Specialists B also owns First Financial Real Estate, LLC. At December 31, 2007, $531.0 million of securities and loans were owned by these subsidiaries. Specialists A, Specialists B, Global Portfolio Limited Partners and First Financial Real Estate LLC are included in the consolidated financial statements.
 
   
The Corporation, which is headquartered in Terre Haute, Indiana, offers a wide variety of financial services including commercial, mortgage and consumer lending, lease financing, trust account services and depositor services through its four subsidiaries. The Corporation’s primary source of revenue is derived from loans to customers, primarily middle-income individuals, and investment activities.
 
   
The Corporation operates 48 branches in west-central Indiana and east-central Illinois. First Financial Bank is the largest bank in Vigo County. It operates 12 full-service banking branches within the county; five in Clay County, Indiana; one in Greene County, Indiana; three in Knox County, Indiana; five in Parke County, Indiana; one in Putnam County, Indiana; five in Sullivan County, Indiana; four in Vermillion County, Indiana; one in Clark County, Illinois; one in Coles County, Illinois; three in Crawford County, Illinois; one in Jasper County, Illinois; two in Lawrence County, Illinois; two in Richland County, Illinois; one in Vermilion County, Illinois; and one in Wayne County, Illinois. It also has a main office in downtown Terre Haute and an operations center/office building in southern Terre Haute.
 
   
Regulatory Agencies: First Financial Corporation is a multi-bank holding company and as such is regulated by various banking agencies. The holding company is regulated by the Seventh District of the Federal Reserve System. The national bank subsidiary is regulated by the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency. The state bank subsidiary is jointly regulated by the state banking organization and the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation.
 
   
Significant Accounting Policies
 
   
Use of Estimates: To prepare financial statements in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles, management makes estimates and assumptions based on available information. These estimates and assumptions affect the amounts reported in the financial statements and disclosures provided, and actual results could differ. The allowance for loan losses, carrying value of intangible assets, loan servicing rights and the fair values of financial instruments are particularly subject to change.
 
   
Cash Flows: Cash and cash equivalents include cash and demand deposits with other financial institutions. Net cash flows are reported for customer loan and deposit transactions and short-term borrowings.
 
   
Securities: The Corporation classifies all securities as “available for sale.” Securities are classified as available for sale when they might be sold before maturity. Securities available for sale are carried at fair value with unrealized holdings gains and losses, net of taxes, reported in other comprehensive income within shareholders’ equity.
 
   
Interest income includes amortization of purchase premium or discount. Premiums and discounts are amortized on the level yield method without anticipating prepayments. Mortgage-backed securities are amortized over the expected life. Realized gains and losses on sales are based on the amortized cost of the security sold. Declines in the fair value of securities below their cost that are other than temporary are reflected as realized losses. In estimating other-than-temporary losses, management considers: 1) the length of time and extent that fair value has been less than cost; 2) the financial condition and near term prospects of the issuer; and 3) the Corporation’s ability and intent to hold the security for a period sufficient to allow for any anticipated recovery in fair value.
 
   
Loans: Loans that management has the intent and ability to hold for the foreseeable future until maturity or pay-off are reported at the principal balance outstanding, net of unearned interest, deferred loan fees and costs, and allowance for loan losses. Loans held for sale are reported at the lower of cost or market, on an aggregate basis.
 
   
Interest income is accrued on the unpaid principal balance and includes amortization of net deferred loan fees and costs over the loan term without anticipating prepayments. Interest income is not reported when full loan repayment is in doubt, typically when the loan is impaired or payments are significantly past due.
 
   
All interest accrued but not received for loans placed on nonaccrual is reversed against interest income. Interest received on such loans is accounted for on the cash-basis or cost-recovery method, until qualifying for return to accrual. Loans are returned to accrual status when all the principal and interest amounts contractually due are brought current and future payments are reasonably assured. In all cases, loans are placed on non-accrual or charged-off if collection of principal or interest is considered doubtful.

14


 

2007 ANNUAL REPORT
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
   
Allowance for Loan Losses: The allowance for loan losses is a valuation allowance for probable incurred credit losses. 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. Management estimates the allowance balance required using past loan loss experience, the nature and volume of the portfolio, information about specific borrower situations and estimated collateral values, economic conditions and other factors. Allocations of the allowance may be made for specific loans, but the entire allowance is available for any loan that, in management’s judgment, should be charged off. The allowance consists of specific and general components. The specific component relates to loans that are individually classified as impaired or loans otherwise classified as substandard or doubtful. The general component covers non-classified loans and is based on historical loss experience adjusted for current factors.
 
   
A loan is impaired when full payment under the loan terms is not expected. Impairment is evaluated in total for smaller-balance loans of similar nature such as residential mortgages, consumer and credit card loans, and on an individual basis for other loans. If a loan is impaired, a portion of the allowance is allocated so that the loan is reported, net, at the present value of estimated future cash flows, using the loan’s existing rate, or at the fair value of collateral if repayment is expected solely from the collateral. Large groups of smaller balance homogeneous loans, such as consumer and residential real estate loans, are collectively evaluated for impairment and, accordingly, they are not separately identified for impairment disclosures.
 
   
Foreclosed Assets: Assets acquired through or instead of loan foreclosures are initially recorded at fair value less estimated selling costs when acquired, establishing a new cost basis. If fair value declines, a valuation allowance is recorded through expense. Costs after acquisition are expensed.
 
   
Premises and Equipment: Land is carried at cost. Premises and equipment are stated at cost less accumulated depreciation. Depreciation is computed over the useful lives of the assets, which range from 3 to 33 years for furniture and equipment and 5 to 39 years for buildings and leasehold improvements.
 
   
Federal Home Loan Bank (FHLB) Stock: The Corporation is a member of the FHLB system. Members are required to own a certain amount of stock based on the level of borrowings and other factors, and may invest in additional amounts. FHLB stock is carried at cost and periodically evaluated for impairment. Because this stock is viewed as a long-term investment, impairment is based on ultimate recovery of par value. Both cash and stock dividends are reported as income. FHLB stock is included with securities.
 
   
Servicing Rights: Servicing rights are recognized separately when they are acquired through sales of loans. For sales of mortgage loans prior to January 1, 2007, a portion of the cost of the loan was allocated to the servicing right based on relative fair values. The Corporation adopted SFAS No. 156 on January 1, 2007, and for sales of mortgage loans beginning in 2007, servicing rights are initially recorded at fair value with the income statement effect recorded in gains on sales of loans. Fair value is based on market prices for comparable mortgage servicing contracts, when available, or alternatively, is based on third-party valuations that incorporate assumptions that market participants would use in estimating future net servicing income, such as the cost to service, the discount rate, ancillary income, prepayment speeds and default rates and losses. All classes of servicing assets are subsequently measured using the amortization method, which requires servicing rights to be amortized into non-interest income in proportion to, and over the period of, the estimated future net servicing income of the underlying loans.
 
   
Servicing assets are evaluated for impairment based upon the fair value of the rights as compared to carrying amount. Impairment is determined by stratifying rights into groupings based on predominant risk characteristics, such as interest rate, loan type and investor type. Impairment is recognized through a valuation allowance for an individual grouping, to the extent that fair value is less than the carrying amount. If the Corporation later determines that all or a portion of the impairment no longer exists for a particular grouping, a reduction of the allowance may be recorded as an increase to income. Changes in valuation allowances are reported with Other Service Fees on the income statement. The fair values of servicing rights are subject to significant fluctuations as a result of changes in estimated and actual prepayment speeds and default rates and losses.
 
   
Servicing fee income, which is included in Other Service Fees on the income statement, is for fees earned for servicing loans. The fees are based on a contractual percentage of the outstanding principal or a fixed amount per loan and are recorded as income when earned. The amortization of mortgage servicing rights is netted against loan servicing fee income. Servicing fees totaled $947 thousand, $1.01 million and $1.00 million for the years ended December 31, 2007, 2006 and 2005. Late fees and ancillary fees related to loan servicing are not material .
 
   
Bank-Owned Life Insurance: The Corporation has purchased life insurance policies on certain key executives. Bank-owned life insurance is recorded at its cash surrender value, or the amount that can be realized. Income on the investments in life insurance is included in other interest income.
 
   
Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets: Goodwill results from business acquisitions and represents the excess of the purchase price over the fair value of acquired tangible assets and liabilities and identifiable intangible assets. Goodwill is assessed at least annually for impairment and any such impairment will be recognized in the period identified.
 
   
Other intangible assets consist of core deposit and acquired customer relationship intangible assets arising from the whole bank, insurance agency and branch acquisitions. They are initially measured at fair value and then are amortized over their estimated useful lives, which are 12 and 10 years, respectively.
 
   
Long-Term Assets: Premises and equipment and other long-term assets are reviewed for impairment when events indicate their carrying amount may not be recoverable from future undiscounted cash flows. If impaired, the assets are recorded at fair value.
 
   
Benefit Plans: Pension expense is the net of service and interest cost, return on plan assets and amortization of gains and losses not immediately recognized. The amount contributed is determined by a formula as decided by the Board of Directors. Deferred compensation and supplemental retirement plan expense allocates the benefits over years of service.

15


 

FIRST FINANCIAL CORPORATION
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
   
Employee Stock Ownership Plan: Shares of treasury stock are issued to the ESOP and compensation expense is recognized based upon the total market price of shares when contributed.
 
   
Deferred Compensation Plan: A deferred compensation plan covers all directors. Under the plan, the Corporation pays each director, or their beneficiary, the amount of fees deferred plus interest over 10 years, beginning when the director achieves age 65. A liability is accrued for the obligation under these plans. The expense incurred for the deferred compensation for each of the last three years was $177 thousand, $201 thousand and $164 thousand, resulting in a deferred compensation liability of $2.3 million and $2.2 million as of year-end 2007 and 2006.
 
   
Long-Term Incentive Plan: A long-term incentive plan provides for the payment of incentive rewards as a 15-year annuity to all directors and certain key officers. The plan expires December 31, 2009, and compensation expense is recognized over the service period. Payments under the plan generally do not begin until the earlier of January 1, 2015, or the January 1 immediately following the year in which the participant reaches age 65. Compensation expense for each of the last three years was $2.0 million, $1.7 million and $1.6 million, resulting in a liability of $11.3 million and $9.4 million as of year-end 2007 and 2006.
 
   
Income Taxes: Income tax expense is the total of the current year income tax due or refundable and the change in deferred tax assets and liabilities. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are the expected future tax amounts for the temporary differences between carrying amounts and tax bases of assets and liabilities, computed using enacted tax rates. A valuation allowance, if needed, reduces deferred tax assets to the amount expected to be realized.
 
   
The Corporation adopted FASB Interpretation 48, “Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes” (FIN 48), as of January 1, 2007. A tax position is recognized as a benefit only if it is “more likely than not” that the tax position would be sustained in a tax examination, with a tax examination being presumed to occur. The amount recognized is the largest amount of tax benefit that is greater than 50% likely of being realized on examination. For tax positions not meeting the “more likely than not” test, no tax benefit is recorded. The adoption of FIN 48 on January 1, 2007 reduced retained earnings and increased liabilities by $86 thousand.
 
   
The Corporation recognizes interest and/or penalties related to income tax matters in income tax expense.
 
   
Loan Commitments and Related Financial Instruments: Financial instruments include credit instruments, such as commitments to make loans and standby letters of credit, issued to meet customer financing needs. The face amount for these items represents the exposure to loss, before considering customer collateral or ability to repay. Such financial instruments are recorded when they are funded.
 
   
Earnings Per Share: Earnings per common share is net income divided by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during the period. The Corporation does not have any potentially dilutive securities. Earnings and dividends per share are restated for stock splits and dividends through the date of issue of the financial statements.
 
   
Comprehensive Income: Comprehensive income consists of net income and other comprehensive income. Other comprehensive income includes unrealized gains and losses on securities available for sale, which are also recognized as separate components of equity.
 
   
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 of range of loss can be reasonably estimated. Management does not believe there are currently such matters that will have a material effect on the financial statements.
 
   
Dividend Restriction: Banking regulations require maintaining certain capital levels and may limit the dividends paid by the bank to the holding company or by the holding company to shareholders.
 
   
Fair Value of Financial Instruments: Fair values of financial instruments are estimated using relevant market information and other assumptions, as more fully disclosed in a separate note. Fair value estimates involve uncertainties and matters of significant judgment regarding interest rates, credit risk, prepayments and other factors, especially in the absence of broad markets for particular items. Changes in assumptions or market conditions could significantly affect the estimates.
 
   
Operating Segment: While the Corporation’s chief decision-makers monitor the revenue streams of the various products and services, the operating results of significant segments are similar and operations are managed and financial performance is evaluated on a corporate-wide basis. Accordingly, all of the Corporation’s financial service operations are considered by management to be aggregated in one reportable operating segment, which is banking.
 
   
Adoption of New Accounting Standards: In February 2006, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) issued Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 155, “Accounting for Certain Hybrid Financial Instruments” (SFAS No. 155), which permits fair value remeasurement for hybrid financial instruments that contain an embedded derivative that otherwise would require bifurcation. Additionally, SFAS No. 155 clarifies the accounting guidance for beneficial interests in securitizations. Under SFAS No. 155, all beneficial interests in a securitization will require an assessment in accordance with SFAS No. 133 to determine if an embedded derivative exists within the instrument. In January 2007, the FASB issued “Derivatives Implementation Group Issue B40, Application of Paragraph 13(b) to Securitized Interests in Prepayable Financial Assets” (DIG Issue B40). DIG Issue B40 provides an exemption from the embedded derivative test of paragraph 13(b) of SFAS No. 133 for instruments that would otherwise require bifurcation if the test is met solely because of a prepayment feature included within the securitized interest and prepayment is not controlled by the security holder. SFAS No. 155 and DIG Issue B40 are effective for fiscal years beginning after September 15, 2006. The adoption of SFAS No. 155 and DIG Issue B40 did not have a material impact on the Corporation’s consolidated financial position or results of operations.

16


 

2007 ANNUAL REPORT
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
   
In September 2006, the FASB Emerging Issues Task Force finalized Issue No. 06-5, “Accounting for Purchases of Life Insurance–Determining the Amount That Could Be Realized in Accordance with FASB Technical Bulletin No. 85-4 (Accounting for Purchases of Life Insurance) {Issue}.” This Issue requires that a policyholder consider contractual terms of a life insurance policy in determining the amount that could be realized under the insurance contract. It also requires that if the contract provides for a greater surrender value if all individual policies in a group are surrendered at the same time, that the surrender value be determined based on the assumption that policies will be surrendered on an individual basis. Lastly, the Issue requires disclosure when there are contractual restrictions on the Corporation’s ability to surrender a policy. The adoption of EITF 06-5 on January 1, 2007 had no impact on the Corporation’s financial conditions or results of operation.
 
   
Effect of Newly Issued But Not Yet Effective Accounting Standards: In September 2006, the FASB issued Statement No. 157, “Fair Value Measurements.” This Statement defines fair value, establishes a framework for measuring fair value and expands disclosures about fair value measurements. This Statement establishes a fair value hierarchy about the assumptions used to measure fair value and clarifies assumptions about risk and the effect of a restriction on the sale or use of an asset. The standard is effective for fiscal years beginning after November 15, 2007. The impact of adoption is not expected to be material.
 
   
In February 2007, the FASB issued Statement No. 159, “The Fair Value Option for Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities.” The standard provides companies with an option to report selected financial assets and liabilities at fair value and establishes presentation and disclosure requirements designed to facilitate comparisons between companies that choose different measurement attributes for similar types of assets and liabilities. The new standard is effective for the Corporation on January 1, 2008. The Corporation did not elect the fair value option for any financial assets or financial liabilities as of January 1, 2008.
 
   
In September 2006, the FASB Emerging Issues Task Force finalized Issue No. 06-4, “Accounting for Deferred Compensation and Postretirement Benefit Aspects of Endorsement Split-Dollar Life Insurance Arrangements.” This issue requires that a liability be recorded during the service period when a split-dollar life insurance agreement continues after participants’ employment or retirement. The required accrued liability will be based on either the post-employment benefit cost for the continuing life insurance or based on the future death benefit depending on the contractual terms of the underlying agreement. This issue is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2007. There was no impact to the adoption of this issue as the Corporation has no split-dollar life insurance arrangements.
 
   
Reclassifications: Some items in prior year financial statements were reclassified to conform to the current presentation.
 
2.  
FAIR VALUES OF FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS:
 
   
Carrying amount is the estimated fair value for cash and due from banks, federal funds sold, short-term borrowings, Federal Home Loan Bank stock, accrued interest receivable and payable, demand deposits, short-term debt and variable-rate loans or deposits that reprice frequently and fully. Security fair values are based on market prices or dealer quotes, and if no such information is available, on the rate and term of the security and information about the issuer. For fixed-rate loans or deposits, variable rate loans or deposits with infrequent repricing or repricing limits, and for longer-term borrowings, fair value is based on discounted cash flows using current market rates applied to the estimated life and credit risk. Fair values for impaired loans are estimated using discounted cash flow analysis or underlying collateral values. Fair values of loans held for sale are based on market bids on the loans or similar loans. Fair value of debt is based on current rates for similar financing. The fair value of off-balance sheet items is not considered material.
 
   
The carrying amount and estimated fair value of financial instruments are presented in the table below and were determined based on the above assumptions:
                                 
    December 31,  
    2007     2006  
    Carrying     Fair     Carrying     Fair  
(Dollar amounts in thousands)   Value     Value     Value     Value  
Cash and due from banks
  $ 70,082     $ 70,082     $ 77,682     $ 77,682  
Federal funds sold
    4,201       4,201       21,437       21,437  
Securities available-for-sale
    586,633       586,633       559,053       559,053  
Loans, net
    1,427,716       1,427,272       1,376,586       1,366,848  
Accrued interest receivable
    13,698       13,698       13,972       13,972  
Deposits
    (1,529,721 )     (1,536,205 )     (1,502,682 )     (1,506,761 )
Short-term borrowings
    (27,331 )     (27,331 )     (16,203 )     (16,203 )
Federal Home Loan Bank advances
    (334,685 )     (339,300 )     (335,205 )     (336,231 )
Other borrowings
    (6,600 )     (6,600 )     (6,600 )     (6,600 )
Accrued interest payable
    (5,549 )     (5,549 )     (4,668 )     (4,668 )

 

17


 

FIRST FINANCIAL CORPORATION
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
3.  
RESTRICTIONS ON CASH AND DUE FROM BANKS:
 
   
Certain affiliate banks are required to maintain average reserve balances with the Federal Reserve Bank that do not earn interest. The amount of those reserve balances was approximately $9.3 million and $7.4 million at December 31, 2007 and 2006, respectively.
 
4.  
SECURITIES:
 
   
The fair value of securities available-for-sale and related gross unrealized gains and losses recognized in accumulated other comprehensive income were as follows:
                                 
    December 31, 2007  
    Amortized     Unrealized     Fair  
(Dollar amounts in thousands)   Cost     Gains     Losses     Value  
U.S. Government sponsored entities and entity mortgage-backed securities
  $ 288,742     $ 2,181     $ (1,219 )   $ 289,704  
Collateralized mortgage obligations
    76,730       587       (143 )     77,174  
State and municipal
    142,862       3,824       (171 )     146,515  
Corporate obligations
    66,623       52       (1,219 )     65,456  
Equities
    4,721       3,063             7,784  
 
                       
Total
  $ 579,678     $ 9,707     $ (2,752 )   $ 586,633  
 
                       
                                 
    December 31, 2006  
    Amortized     Unrealized     Fair  
(Dollar amounts in thousands)   Cost     Gains     Losses     Value  
U.S. Government sponsored entities and entity mortgage-backed securities
  $ 283,968     $ 914     $ (4,126 )   $ 280,756  
Collateralized mortgage obligations
    60,350       148       (438 )     60,060  
State and municipal
    136,124       4,163       (217 )     140,070  
Corporate obligations
    68,952       520             69,472  
Equities
    4,556       4,139             8,695  
 
                       
Total
  $ 553,950     $ 9,884     $ (4,781 )   $ 559,053  
 
                       
   
As of December 31, 2007, the Corporation does not have any securities from any issuer, other than the U.S. Government, with an aggregate book or fair value that exceeds ten percent of shareholders’ equity.
 
   
Securities with a carrying value of approximately $71.6 million and $51.4 million at December 31, 2007 and 2006, respectively, were pledged as collateral for short-term borrowings and for other purposes.
 
   
Below is a summary of the gross gains and losses realized by the Corporation on investment sales during the years ended December 31, 2007, 2006 and 2005, respectively.
                         
(Dollar amounts in thousands)   2007     2006     2005  
Proceeds
  $ 3,170           $ 11,376  
Gross gains
    192             537  
Gross losses
    10              
   
Additional gains of $29 thousand in 2007 and $6 thousand in 2006 resulted from redemption premiums on called securities.
 
   
The Corporation evaluates securities for other-than-temporary impairment on a quarterly basis. Factors considered include length of time impaired, reason for impairment, outlook and the Corporation’s ability to hold the investment to allow for recovery of fair value. There were no securities considered to be other-than-temporarily impaired at December 31, 2007 or December 31, 2006.

 

18


 

2007 ANNUAL REPORT
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
   
Contractual maturities of debt securities at year-end 2007 were as follows. Securities not due at a single maturity or with no maturity date, primarily mortgage-backed and equity securities, are shown separately.
                 
    Available-for-Sale  
    Amortized     Fair  
(Dollar amounts in thousands)   Cost     Value  
Due in one year or less
  $ 14,128     $ 14,184  
Due after one but within five years
    42,137       43,347  
Due after five but within ten years
    47,328       49,317  
Due after ten years
    189,970       182,651  
 
           
 
    286,563       289,499  
Mortgage-backed securities and equities
    293,115       297,134  
 
           
Total
  $ 579,678     $ 586,633  
 
           
   
The following tables show the securities’ gross unrealized losses and fair value, aggregated by investment category and length of time that individual securities have been in continuous unrealized loss position, at December 31, 2007 and 2006.
                                                 
    December 31, 2007  
    Less Than 12 Months     More Than 12 Months     Total  
            Unrealized             Unrealized             Unrealized  
(Dollar amounts in thousands)   Fair Value     Losses     Fair Value     Losses     Fair Value     Losses  
U.S. Government entity mortgage-backed securities
  $ 226     $ (1 )   $ 110,861     $ (1,218 )   $ 111,087     $ (1,219 )
Collateralized mortgage obligations
    21,680       (104 )     5,377       (39 )     27,057       (143 )
State and municipal obligations
    10,411       (61 )     9,307       (110 )     19,718       (171 )
Corporate obligations
    29,795       (1,219 )                 29,795       (1,219 )
 
                                   
Total temporarily impaired securities
  $ 62,112     $ (1,385 )   $ 125,545     $ (1,367 )   $ 187,657     $ (2,752 )
 
                                   
                                                 
    December 31, 2006  
    Less Than 12 Months     More Than 12 Months     Total  
            Unrealized             Unrealized             Unrealized  
(Dollar amounts in thousands)   Fair Value     Losses     Fair Value     Losses     Fair Value     Losses  
U.S. Government entity mortgage-backed securities
  $ 47,001     $ (183 )   $ 162,684     $ (3,943 )   $ 209,685     $ (4,126 )
Collateralized mortgage obligations
    14,138       (13 )     29,740       (425 )     43,878       (438 )
State and municipal obligations
    5,950       (62 )     13,422       (155 )     19,372       (217 )
Corporate obligations
                                   
 
                                   
Total temporarily impaired securities
  $ 67,089     $ (258 )   $ 205,846     $ (4,523 )   $ 272,935     $ (4,781 )
 
                                   
   
These losses represent negative adjustments to market value relative to the rate of interest paid on the securities and not losses related to the creditworthiness of the issuer. Management has the intent and ability to hold for the foreseeable future and believes the value will recover as the securities approach maturity or market rates change.

 

19


 

FIRST FINANCIAL CORPORATION
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
5.  
LOANS:
 
   
Loans are summarized as follows:
                 
    December 31,  
(Dollar amounts in thousands)   2007     2006  
Commercial, financial and agricultural
  $ 461,086     $ 407,995  
Real estate — construction
    29,637       33,336  
Real estate — residential
    437,051       447,865  
Real estate — commercial
    236,304       244,124  
Consumer
    262,858       257,065  
Lease financing
    2,275       2,064  
 
           
Total gross loans
    1,429,211       1,392,989  
Less: unearned income
    (212 )     (234 )
Allowance for loan losses
    (15,351 )     (16,169 )
 
           
Total
  $ 1,413,648     $ 1,376,586  
 
           
   
The Corporation’s credit card portfolio was reclassified to held-for-sale at December 31, 2007, which reduced the allowance for loan losses allocation for this type of loan by $242 thousand.
 
   
In the normal course of business, the Corporation’s subsidiary banks make loans to directors and executive officers and to their associates. In 2007 the aggregate dollar amount of these loans to directors and executive officers who held office at the end of the year amounted to $24.3 million at the beginning of the year. During 2007, advances of $30.4 million and repayments of $18.0 million were made with respect to related party loans for an aggregate dollar amount outstanding of $36.7 million at December 31, 2007.
 
   
Loans serviced for others, which are not reported as assets, total $364.0 million and $382.2 million at year-end 2007 and 2006. Custodial escrow balances maintained in connection with serviced loans were $933 thousand and $1.38 million at year-end 2007 and 2006.
 
   
Activity for capitalized mortgage servicing rights (included in other assets) was as follows:
                         
    December 31,  
(Dollar amounts in thousands)   2007     2006     2005  
Servicing rights:
                       
Beginning of year
  $ 2,319     $ 2,931     $ 2,960  
Additions
    218       114       735  
Amortized to expense
    (628 )     (726 )     (764 )
 
                 
End of year
  $ 1,909     $ 2,319     $ 2,931  
 
                 
   
Third party valuations are conducted periodically for mortgage servicing rights. Based on these valuations, fair values were approximately $3.3 million and $3.4 million at year end 2007 and 2006. There was no valuation allowance in 2007, 2006 or 2005.
6.  
ALLOWANCE FOR LOAN LOSSES:
 
   
Changes in the allowance for loan losses are summarized as follows:
                         
    December 31,  
(Dollar amounts in thousands)   2007     2006     2005  
Balance at beginning of year
  $ 16,169     $ 16,042     $ 19,918  
Provision for loan losses
    6,580       6,983       11,698  
Recoveries of loans previously charged off
    2,778       3,653       1,918  
Loans charged off
    (10,176 )     (10,509 )     (17,492 )
 
                 
Balance at End of Year
  $ 15,351     $ 16,169     $ 16,042  
 
                 

 

20


 

2007 ANNUAL REPORT
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
   
Impaired loans were as follows:
                 
    December 31,  
(Dollar amounts in thousands)   2007     2006  
Year-end loans with no allocated allowance for loan losses
  $     $ 503  
Year-end loans with allocated allowance for loan losses
    2,203       4,865  
 
           
Total
  $ 2,203     $ 5,368  
 
           
 
               
Amount of the allowance for loan losses allocated
  $ 729     $ 2,480  
Nonperforming loans:
               
Loans past due over 90 days still on accrual
    4,462       4,691  
Non-accrual loans
    7,971       9,893  
   
Nonperforming loans include both smaller balance homogeneous loans that are collectively evaluated for impairment and individually classified impaired loans.
                         
(Dollar amounts in thousands)   2007     2006     2005  
Average of impaired loans during the year
  $ 3,505     $ 3,336     $ 11,992  
Interest income recognized during impairment
    11       13       126  
Cash-basis interest income recognized
    1             11  
7.  
PREMISES AND EQUIPMENT:
 
   
Premises and equipment are summarized as follows:
                 
    December 31,  
(Dollar amounts in thousands)   2007     2006  
Land
  $ 5,653     $ 5,653  
Building and leasehold improvements
    38,948       38,047  
Furniture and equipment
    30,916       31,717  
 
           
 
    75,517       75,417  
Less accumulated depreciation
    (42,885 )     (42,150 )
 
           
Total
  $ 32,632     $ 33,267  
 
           
   
Aggregate depreciation expense was $3.02 million, $3.02 million and $2.79 million for 2007, 2006 and 2005, respectively.
 
8.  
GOODWILL AND INTANGIBLE ASSETS:
 
   
The Corporation completed its annual impairment testing of goodwill during the second quarter of 2007 and 2006. Management does not believe any amount of goodwill is impaired.
 
   
Intangible assets subject to amortization at December 31, 2007 and 2006 are as follows:
                                 
    2007     2006  
    Gross     Accumulated     Gross     Accumulated  
(Dollar amounts in thousands)   Amount     Amortization     Amount     Amortization  
Customer list intangible
  $ 3,446     $ 2,303     $ 3,446     $ 1,997  
Core deposit intangible
    2,193       1,399       2,193       1,279  
Non-compete agreements
    500       500       500       500  
 
                       
 
  $ 6,139     $ 4,202     $ 6,139     $ 3,776  
 
                       
   
Aggregate amortization expense was $426 thousand, $497 thousand and $571 thousand for 2007, 2006 and 2005, respectively.
 
   
Estimated amortization expense for the next five years is as follows:
         
    In thousands  
2008
  $ 425  
2009
    425  
2010
    425  
2011
    245  
2012
    154  

 

21


 

FIRST FINANCIAL CORPORATION
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
9.  
DEPOSITS:
 
   
Scheduled maturities of time deposits for the next five years are as follows:
         
2008
  $ 513,361  
2009
    87,915  
2010
    27,931  
2011
    9,466  
2012
    9,713  
10.  
SHORT-TERM BORROWINGS:
 
   
A summary of the carrying value of the Corporation’s short-term borrowings at December 31, 2007 and 2006 is presented below:
                 
(Dollar amounts in thousands)   2007     2006  
Federal funds purchased
  $ 3,032     $ 10,179  
Repurchase agreements
    22,656       5,407  
Other short-term borrowings
    1,643       617  
 
           
 
  $ 27,331     $ 16,203  
 
           
                 
(Dollar amounts in thousands)   2007     2006  
Average amount outstanding
  $ 32,042     $ 15,691  
Maximum amount outstanding at a month end
    59,364       38,940  
Average interest rate during year
    5.03 %     4.77 %
Interest rate at year-end
    4.57 %     4.74 %
   
Federal funds purchased are generally due in one day and bear interest at market rates. Other borrowings, primarily note payable–U.S. government, are due on demand, secured by a pledge of securities and bear interest at market rates.
 
   
Substantially all repurchase agreement liabilities represent amounts advanced by various customers. Securities are pledged to cover these liabilities, which are not covered by federal deposit insurance. The Corporation maintains possession of and control over these securities.
 
11.  
OTHER BORROWINGS:
 
   
Other borrowings at December 31, 2007 and 2006 are summarized as follows:
                 
(Dollar amounts in thousands)   2007     2006  
FHLB advances
  $ 334,685     $ 335,205  
City of Terre Haute, Indiana economic development revenue bonds
    6,600       6,600  
 
           
Total
  $ 341,285     $ 341,805  
 
           
   
The aggregate minimum annual retirements of other borrowings are as follows:
         
2008
  $ 90,232  
2009
    47,416  
2010
    202,344  
2011
    634  
2012
    90  
Thereafter
    569  
 
     
 
  $ 341,285  
 
     

 

22


 

2007 ANNUAL REPORT
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
   
The Corporation’s subsidiary banks are members of the Federal Home Loan Bank (FHLB) and accordingly are permitted to obtain advances. The advances from the FHLB, aggregating $334.7 million at December 31, 2007, and $335.2 million at December 31, 2006, accrue interest, payable monthly, at annual rates, primarily fixed, varying from 3.6% to 6.6% in 2007 and 4.9% to 6.6% in 2006. The advances are due at various dates through August 2017. FHLB advances are, generally, due in full at maturity. They are secured by eligible securities totaling $197.5 million at December 31, 2006, and $203.6 million at December 31, 2007, and a blanket pledge on real estate loan collateral. Based on this collateral and the Corporation’s holdings of FHLB stock, the Corporation is eligible to borrow up to $428.8 million at year end 2007. Certain advances may be prepaid, without penalty, prior to maturity. The FHLB can adjust the interest rate from fixed to variable on certain advances, but those advances may then be prepaid, without penalty.
 
   
The economic development revenue bonds (bonds) require periodic interest payments each year until maturity or redemption. The interest rate, which was 3.46% at December 31, 2007, and 3.97% at December 31, 2006, is determined by a formula which considers rates for comparable bonds and is adjusted periodically. The bonds are collateralized by a first mortgage on the Corporation’s headquarters building. The bonds mature December 1, 2015, but bondholders may periodically require earlier redemption.
 
   
The debt agreement for the bonds requires the Corporation to meet certain financial covenants. These covenants require the Corporation to maintain a Tier I capital ratio of at least 6.2% and net income to average assets of 0.6%. At December 31, 2007 and 2006, the Corporation was in compliance with all of its debt covenants.
 
   
The Corporation maintains a letter of credit with another financial institution, which could be used to repay the bonds, should they be called. The letter of credit expired November 1, 2007, and was automatically extended for one year. Assuming redemption will be funded by the letter of credit, or by other similar borrowings, there are no anticipated principal maturities of the bonds within the next five years.
 
12.  
INCOME TAXES:
 
   
Income tax expense is summarized as follows:
                         
(Dollar amounts in thousands)   2007     2006     2005  
Federal:
                       
Currently payable
  $ 8,520     $ 10,409     $ 6,202  
Deferred
    242       (3,335 )     1,334  
 
                 
 
    8,762       7,074       7,536  
 
                       
State:
                       
Currently payable
    837       521       (5 )
Deferred
    (215 )     (244 )     382  
 
                 
 
    622       277       377  
 
                 
Total
  $ 9,384     $ 7,351     $ 7,913  
 
                 
   
The reconciliation of income tax expense with the amount computed by applying the statutory federal income tax rate of 35% to income before income taxes is summarized as follows:
                         
(Dollar amounts in thousands)   2007     2006     2005  
Federal income taxes computed at the statutory rate
  $ 12,238     $ 10,812     $ 10,839  
Add (deduct) tax effect of:
                       
Tax exempt income
    (3,263 )     (3,056 )     (2,902 )
State tax, net of federal benefit
    404       180       245  
Affordable housing credits
    (113 )     (329 )     (327 )
Other, net
    118       (256 )     58  
 
                 
 
                       
Total
  $ 9,384     $ 7,351     $ 7,913  
 
                 

 

23


 

FIRST FINANCIAL CORPORATION
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
   
The tax effects of temporary differences that give rise to significant portions of the deferred tax assets and liabilities at December 31, 2007 and 2006, are as follows:
                 
(Dollar amounts in thousands)   2007     2006  
Deferred tax assets:
               
Net unrealized losses on retirement plans
  $ 5,913     $ 5,705  
Loan losses provision
    6,146       6,448  
Deferred compensation
    5,476       4,675  
Compensated absences
    520       513  
Post-retirement benefits
    1,172       1,068  
Other
    1,036       1,025  
 
           
Gross Deferred Assets
    20,263       19,434  
 
           
 
               
Deferred tax liabilities:
               
Net unrealized gains on securities available-for-sale
    (2,782 )     (2,042 )
Depreciation
    (1,379 )     (1,435 )
Federal Home Loan Bank stock dividends
    (751 )     (751 )
Mortgage servicing rights
    (763 )     (924 )
Pensions
    (2,369 )     (2,361 )
Other
    (2,138 )     (1,281 )
 
           
Gross Deferred Liabilities
    (10,182 )     (8,794 )
 
           
Net Deferred Tax Assets (Liabilities)
  $ 10,081     $ 10,640  
 
           
   
Unrecognized Tax Benefits — A reconciliation of the beginning and ending amount of unrecognized tax benefits is as follows:
         
Balance at January 1, 2007
  $ 601  
Additions based on tax positions related to the current year
    290  
Additions for tax positions of prior years
     
Reductions for tax positions of prior years
     
Reductions due to the statute of limitations
    (88 )
Settlements
     
 
     
 
       
Balance at December 31, 2007
  $ 803  
 
     
   
Of this total, $803 represents the amount of unrecognized tax benefits that, if recognized, would favorably affect the effective income tax rate in future periods. The Corporation does not expect the total amount of unrecognized tax benefits to significantly increase or decrease in the next 12 months.
 
   
The total amount of interest and penalties recorded in the income statement for the year ended December 31, 2007 was $30, and the amount accrued for interest and penalties at December 31, 2007 was $112.
 
   
The Corporation and its subsidiaries are subject to U.S. federal income tax as well as income tax of the states of Indiana and Illinois. The Corporation is no longer subject to examination by taxing authorities for years before 2004. We are currently under audit by the Internal Revenue Service for the 2004 and 2005 tax years. The anticipated effect on unrecognized tax benefits resulting from this audit cannot be determined at this time.
 
13.  
FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS WITH OFF-BALANCE-SHEET RISK:
 
   
The Corporation 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 conditional commitments and commercial letters of credit. The financial instruments involve to varying degrees, elements of credit and interest rate risk in excess of amounts recognized in the financial statements. The Corporation’s maximum exposure to credit loss in the event of nonperformance by the other party to the financial instrument for commitments to make loans is limited generally by the contractual amount of those instruments. The Corporation follows the same credit policy to make such commitments as is followed for those loans recorded in the consolidated financial statements.

 

24


 

2007 ANNUAL REPORT
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
   
Commitment and contingent liabilities are summarized as follows at December 31:
                 
(Dollar amounts in thousands)   2007     2006  
Home equity
  $ 38,612     $ 38,205  
Credit card lines
    48,523       46,238  
Commercial operating lines
    134,068       159,630  
Other commitments
    54,453       51,018  
 
           
 
  $ 275,656     $ 295,091  
 
               
Commercial letters of credit
    17,336       17,289  
   
The majority of commercial operating lines and home equity lines are variable rate, while the majority of other commitments to fund loans are fixed rate. Since many commitments to make loans expire without being used, these amounts do not necessarily represent future cash commitments. Collateral obtained upon exercise of the commitment is determined using management’s credit evaluation of the borrower, and may include accounts receivable, inventory, property, land and other items. The approximate duration of these commitments is generally one year or less.
 
14.  
RETIREMENT PLANS:
 
   
Substantially all employees of the Corporation are covered by a retirement program that consists of a defined benefit plan and an employee stock ownership plan (ESOP). Plan assets consist primarily of the Corporation’s stock and obligations of U.S. Government agencies. Benefits under the defined benefit plan are actuarially determined based on an employee’s service and compensation, as defined, and funded as necessary.
 
   
Assets in the ESOP are considered in calculating the funding to the defined benefit plan required to provide such benefits. Any shortfall of benefits under the ESOP are to be provided by the defined benefit plan. The ESOP may provide benefits beyond those determined under the defined benefit plan. Contributions to the ESOP are determined by the Corporation’s Board of Directors. The Corporation made contributions to the defined benefit plan of $1.02 million, $1.96 million and $1.41 million in 2007, 2006 and 2005. The Corporation contributed $1.24 million, $1.16 million and $1.14 million to the ESOP in 2007, 2006 and 2005.
 
   
The Corporation uses a measurement date of December 31, 2007.
 
   
Net periodic benefit cost and other amounts recognized in other comprehensive income included the following components:
                         
(Dollar amounts in thousands)   2007     2006     2005  
Service cost – benefits earned
  $ 3,073     $ 2,919     $ 2,725  
Interest cost on projected benefit obligation
    2,773       2,328       2,451  
Expected return on plan assets
    (3,644 )     (2,793 )     (3,285 )
Net amortization and deferral
    444       744       229  
 
                 
Net periodic pension cost
  $ 2,646     $ 3,198     $ 2,120  
 
                       
Net loss (gain) during the period
  $ 3,422     $     $  
Amortization of prior service cost
    18              
Amortization of unrecognized gain (loss)
    (462 )            
 
                 
Total recognized in other comprehensive income
  $ 2,978     $     $  
 
                 
 
Total recognized net periodic pension cost and other comprehensive income
  $ 5,624     $     $  
 
                 
   
The estimated net loss and prior service costs for the defined benefit pension plan that will be amortized from accumulated other comprehensive income into net periodic benefit cost over the next fiscal year are $729 thousand and $(18) thousand.
 
   
The information on the following page sets forth the change in projected benefit obligation, reconciliation of plan assets, and the funded status of the Corporation’s retirement program. Actuarial present value of benefits is based on service to date and present pay levels.

 

25


 

FIRST FINANCIAL CORPORATION
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
                 
(Dollar amounts in thousands)   2007     2006  
Change in benefit obligation:
               
Benefit obligation at January 1
  $ 49,920     $ 42,541  
Service cost
    3,073       2,919  
Interest cost
    2,773       2,328  
Actuarial (gain) loss
    (4,938 )     3,602  
Benefits paid
    (1,384 )     (1,470 )
 
           
Benefit obligation at December 31
    49,444       49,920  
 
           
 
               
Reconciliation of fair value of plan assets:
               
Fair value of plan assets at January 1
    45,056       34,488  
Actual return on plan assets
    (5,136 )     8,911  
Employer contributions
    2,267       3,127  
Benefits paid
    (1,384 )     (1,470 )
 
           
Fair value of plan assets at December 31
    40,803       45,056  
 
           
 
Funded status at December 31 (plan assets less benefit obligations)
  $ (8,641 )   $ (4,864 )
 
           
   
Amounts recognized in accumulated other comprehensive income at December 31, 2007 and 2006 consist of:
                 
(Dollar amounts in thousands)   2007     2006  
Net loss (gain)
  $ 14,314     $ 10,935  
Prior service cost (credit)
    (121 )     (140 )
 
           
 
  $ 14,193     $ 10,795  
 
           
   
The accumulated benefit obligation for the defined benefit pension plan was $40,298 and $42,152 at year-end 2007 and 2006.
                 
    2007     2006  
Principal assumptions used:
               
Discount rate
    5.91 %     5.50 %
Rate of increase in compensation levels
    3.75       3.75  
Expected long-term rate of return on plan assets
    8.00       8.00  
   
The expected long-term rate of return was estimated using market benchmarks for equities and bonds applied to the plan’s target asset allocation. Management estimated the rate by which plan assets would perform based on historical experience as adjusted for changes in asset allocations and expectations for future return on equities as compared to past periods.
 
   
Plan Assets — The Corporation’s pension plan weighted-average asset allocation for the years 2007 and 2006 by asset category are as follows:
                                                 
                    Pension Plan     ESOP  
    Pension Plan     ESOP     Percentage of Plan     Percentage of Plan  
    Target Allocation     Target Allocation     Assets at December 31,     Assets at December 31,  
Asset Category   2008     2008     2007     2006     2007     2006  
Equity securities
    50-60 %     100-100 %     60 %     64 %     100 %     94 %
Debt securities
    30-40       0-0       39       35       0       0  
Other
    1-5       0-0       1       1       0       6  
 
                                       
TOTAL
                    100 %     100 %     100 %     100 %
   
The investment objective for the retirement program is to maximize total return without exposure to undue risk. Asset allocation favors equities, with a target allocation of approximately 88%. This target includes the Corporation’s ESOP, which is 100% invested in corporate stock. Other investment allocations include fixed income securities and cash.
 
   
Equity securities include First Financial Corporation common stock in the amount of $24.9 million (60 percent of total plan assets) and $30.1 million (67 percent of total plan assets) at December 31, 2007 and 2006, respectively.
 
   
Contributions — The Corporation expects to contribute $1.7 million to its pension plan and $1.3 million to its ESOP in 2008.

 

26


 

2007 ANNUAL REPORT
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
   
Estimated Future Payments — The following benefit payments, which reflect expected future service, are expected:
         
    Pension Benefits  
    (Dollar amounts in thousands)  
2008
  $ 623  
2009
    706  
2010
    849  
2011
    964  
2012
    1,192  
2013–2017
    9,297  
   
Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan — The Corporation has established a Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan (SERP) for certain executive officers. The provisions of the SERP allow the Plan’s participants who are also participants in the Corporation’s defined benefit pension plan to receive supplemental retirement benefits to help recompense for benefits lost due to imposition of IRS limitations on benefits under the Corporation’s tax qualified defined benefit pension plan. Expenses related to the plan were $183 thousand in 2007 and $199 thousand in 2006. The SERP has expected benefit payments $138 thousand in five years and $661 thousand after five years, which reflects expected future service. The plan is unfunded and has a measurement date of December 31. The amounts recognized in other comprehensive income in the current year are as follows:
                         
(Dollar amounts in thousands)   2007     2006     2005  
Net loss (gain) during the period
  $ (179 )   $     $  
Amortization of prior service cost
    (74 )            
Amortization of unrecognized gain (loss)
    17              
 
                 
Total recognized in other comprehensive income
  $ (236 )   $     $  
 
                 
   
The Corporation has $945 thousand and $1.0 million recognized in the balance sheet as a liability at December 31, 2007 and 2006. Amounts recognized in accumulated other comprehensive income consist of $114 thousand net gain and $296 thousand in prior service cost at December 31, 2007 and $165 thousand net gain and $370 thousand in prior service cost at December 31, 2006. The estimated loss and prior service costs for the SERP that will be amortized from accumulated other comprehensive income into net periodic benefit cost over the next fiscal year are $(5) thousand and $74 thousand.
 
   
The Corporation also provides medical benefits to its employees subsequent to their retirement. The Corporation uses a measurement date of December 31, 2007. During 2007 the Corporation changed the post-retirement medical plan from being self-insured to fully insured. Accrued post-retirement benefits as of December 31, 2007 and 2006 are as follows:
                 
    December 31,  
(Dollar amounts in thousands)   2007     2006  
Change in benefit obligation:
               
Benefit obligation at January 1
  $ 5,592     $ 5,500  
Service cost
    118       116  
Interest cost
    310       302  
Plan participants’ contributions
    15       144  
Actuarial (gain) loss
    (1,786 )     5  
Benefits paid
    (191 )     (475 )
 
           
Benefit obligation at December 31
  $ 4,058     $ 5,592  
 
           
 
               
Funded status at December 31
  $ (4,058 )   $ (5,592 )
 
           
   
Amounts recognized in accumulated other comprehensive income consist of a net loss of $531 thousand and $361 thousand in transition obligation at December 31, 2007 and $2.5 million net loss and $422 thousand in transition obligation at December 31, 2006. The post-retirement benefits paid in 2007 and 2006 of $191 thousand and $475 thousand, respectively, were fully funded by company and participant contributions.

 

27


 

FIRST FINANCIAL CORPORATION
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
   
The estimated net loss and transition obligation for the post-retirement benefit plan that will be amortized from accumulated other comprehensive income into net periodic benefit cost over the next fiscal year is $11 thousand and $60 thousand.
 
   
Weighted-average assumptions as of December 31:
                 
    December 31,  
    2007     2006  
Discount rate
    6.00 %     5.75 %
Initial weighted health care cost trend rate
    9.00       9.50  
Ultimate health care cost trend rate
    5.00       5.00  
Year in which the rate is assumed to stabilize and remain unchanged
    2016       2016  
   
Post-retirement health benefit expense included the following components:
                         
    Years Ended December 31,  
(Dollar amounts in thousands)   2007     2006     2005  
Service cost
  $ 118     $ 116     $ 141  
Interest cost
    310       302       319  
Amortization of transition obligation
    60       60       60  
Recognized actuarial loss
    172       240       250  
 
                 
Net periodic benefit cost
  $ 660     $ 718     $ 770  
 
                       
Net loss (gain) during the period
  $ (1,506 )   $     $  
Amortization of prior service cost
    (60 )            
Amortization of unrecognized gain (loss)
    (172 )            
 
                 
Total recognized in other comprehensive income
  $ (1,738 )   $     $  
 
                 
 
Total recognized net periodic benefit cost and other comprehensive income
  $ (1,078 )   $     $  
 
                 
   
Assumed health care cost trend rates have a significant effect on the amounts reported for the health care plans. A one-percentage-point change in the assumed health care cost trend rates would have the following effects:
                 
    1% Point     1% Point  
(Dollar amounts in thousands)   Increase     Decrease  
Effect on total of service and interest cost components
  $ 9     $ (8 )
Effect on post-retirement benefit obligation
    163       (138 )
   
Contributions — The Corporation expects to contribute $185 thousand to its other post-retirement benefit plan in 2008.
 
   
Estimated Future Payments — The following benefit payments, which reflect expected future service, are expected:
         
    Post-Retirement Medical Benefits  
    (Dollar amounts in thousands)  
2008
  $ 165  
2009
    173  
2010
    182  
2011
    191  
2012
    201  
2013–2017
    1,123  

 

28


 

2007 ANNUAL REPORT
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
15.  
OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS):
 
   
Other comprehensive income (loss) components and related taxes were as follows:
                         
    December 31,  
(Dollar amounts in thousands)   2007     2006     2005  
Unrealized holding gains and (losses) on securities available-for-sale
  $ 2,063     $ 1,938     $ (10,186 )
Reclassification adjustments for (gains) and losses later recognized in income
    (211 )     (6 )     (571 )
 
                 
Net unrealized gains and losses
    1,852       1,932       (10,757 )
Tax effect
    (742 )     (771 )     4,303  
 
                 
Other comprehensive income (loss)
  $ 1,110     $ 1,161     $ (6,454 )
 
                 
 
                       
Unrecognized gains and (losses) on benefit plans
  $ (1,737 )   $     $  
Amortization of prior service cost included in net periodic pension cost
    116              
Amortization of unrecognized gains (losses) included in net periodic
pension cost
    617              
 
                 
Benefit plans, net
    (1,004 )            
Tax effect
    207              
 
                 
Other comprehensive income (loss)
  $ (797 )   $     $  
 
                 
   
The following is a summary of the accumulated other comprehensive income balances, net of tax:
                         
    Balance     Current     Balance  
    at     Period     at  
(Dollar amounts in thousands)   12/31/06     Change     12/31/07  
Unrealized gains (losses) on securities available-for-sale
  $ 3,064     $ 1,110     $ 4,174  
Unrealized loss on benefit plans
    (8,558 )     (797 )     (9,355 )
 
                 
Total
  $ (5,494 )   $ 313     $ (5,181 )
 
                 
16.  
REGULATORY MATTERS:
 
   
The Corporation and its bank affiliates 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 Corporation’s financial statements.
 
   
Further, the Corporation’s primary source of funds to pay dividends to shareholders is dividends from its subsidiary banks and compliance with these capital requirements can affect the ability of the Corporation and its banking affiliates to pay dividends. At December 31, 2007, approximately $24.2 million of undistributed earnings of the subsidiary banks, included in consolidated retained earnings, were available for distribution to the Corporation without regulatory approval.
 
   
Under capital adequacy guidelines and the regulatory framework for prompt corrective action, the Corporation and Banks must meet specific capital guidelines that involve quantitative measures of the Corporation’s assets, liabilities, and certain off-balance-sheet items as calculated under regulatory accounting practices. The Corporation’s and Banks’ 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 Corporation and Banks to maintain minimum amounts and ratios of Total and Tier I Capital to risk-weighted assets, and of Tier I Capital to average assets. Management believes, as of December 31, 2007 and 2006, that the Corporation meets all capital adequacy requirements to which it is subject.
 
   
As of December 31, 2007, the most recent notification from the respective regulatory agencies categorized the subsidiary banks as well capitalized under the regulatory framework for prompt corrective action. To be categorized as well capitalized, the banks must maintain minimum total risk-based, Tier I risk-based and Tier I leverage ratios as set forth in the table. There are no conditions or events since that notification that management believes have changed the banks’ category.

 

29


 

FIRST FINANCIAL CORPORATION
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
   
The following table presents the actual and required capital amounts and related ratios for the Corporation and First Financial Bank, N.A., at year end 2007 and 2006.
                                                 
                                    To Be Well Capitalized  
                    For Capital     Under Prompt Corrective  
    Actual   Adequacy Purposes     Action Provisions  
(Dollar amounts in thousands)   Amount     Ratio     Amount     Ratio     Amount     Ratio  
Total risk-based capital
                                               
Corporation – 2007
  $ 292,995       18.18 %   $ 128,965       8.00 %     N/A       N/A  
Corporation – 2006
    283,226       17.78 %     127,423       8.00 %     N/A       N/A  
First Financial Bank – 2007
    281,819       18.13 %     124,355       8.00 %     155,443       10.00 %
First Financial Bank – 2006
    272,455       17.74 %     122,834       8.00 %     153,542       10.00 %
 
                                               
Tier I risk-based capital
                                               
Corporation – 2007
  $ 277,644       17.22 %   $ 64,483       4.00 %     N/A       N/A  
Corporation – 2006
    267,057       16.77 %     63,711       4.00 %     N/A       N/A  
First Financial Bank – 2007
    269,412       17.33 %     62,177       4.00 %     93,266       6.00 %
First Financial Bank – 2006
    259,431       16.90 %     61,417       4.00 %     92,125       6.00 %
 
                                               
Tier I leverage capital
                                               
Corporation – 2007
  $ 277,644       12.44 %   $ 89,273       4.00 %     N/A       N/A  
Corporation – 2006
    267,057       12.43 %     85,919       4.00 %     N/A       N/A  
First Financial Bank – 2007
    269,412       12.60 %     85,499       4.00 %     106,874       5.00 %
First Financial Bank – 2006
    259,431       12.48 %     83,146       4.00 %     103,932       5.00 %
17.  
PARENT COMPANY CONDENSED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS:
 
   
The parent company’s condensed balance sheets as of December 31, 2007 and 2006, and the related condensed statements of income and cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2007, are as follows:
CONDENSED BALANCE SHEETS
                 
    December 31,  
(Dollar amounts in thousands)   2007     2006  
ASSETS
               
Cash deposits in affiliated banks
  $ 7,040     $ 7,730  
Investments in subsidiaries
    281,510       270,693  
Land and headquarters building, net
    5,807       6,043  
Other
    9,035       9,120  
 
           
Total Assets
  $ 303,392     $ 293,586  
 
           
 
               
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY
               
 
               
Liabilities
               
Borrowings (including $3.4 and $4.0 million from subsidiary)
  $ 10,036     $ 10,636  
Dividends payable
    5,785       5,708  
Other liabilities
    5,879       5,982  
 
           
Total Liabilities
    21,700       22,326  
Shareholders’ equity
    281,692       271,260  
 
           
 
Total Liabilities and Shareholders’ Equity
  $ 303,392     $ 293,586  
 
           

 

30


 

2007 ANNUAL REPORT
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
CONDENSED STATEMENTS OF INCOME
                         
    Years Ended December 31,  
(Dollar amounts in thousands)   2007     2006     2005  
Dividends from subsidiaries
  $ 16,500     $ 14,192     $ 33,828  
Other income
    1,026       984       1,013  
Interest on borrowings
    (655 )     (615 )     (943 )
Other operating expenses
    (3,343 )     (3,074 )     (3,017 )
 
                 
 
                       
Income before income taxes and equity in undistributed earnings of subsidiaries
    13,528       11,487       30,881  
Income tax benefit
    1,230       1,121       1,177  
 
                 
Income before equity in undistributed earnings of subsidiaries
    14,758       12,608       32,058  
 
                       
Equity in undistributed (dividends in excess of) earnings of subsidiaries
    10,822       10,931       (9,004 )
 
                 
Net income
  $ 25,580     $ 23,539     $ 23,054  
 
                 
CONDENSED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
                         
    Years Ended December 31,  
(Dollar amounts in thousands)   2007     2006     2005  
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES:
                       
Net income
  $ 25,580     $ 23,539     $ 23,054  
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
                       
Provision for depreciation and amortization
    260       260       258  
(Equity in undistributed earnings) dividends in excess of subsidiaries
    (10,822 )     (10,931 )     9,004  
Contribution of shares to ESOP
    1,242       1,164       1,144  
Increase (decrease) in other liabilities
    239       872       479  
(Increase) decrease in other assets
    (41 )     (227 )     (392 )
 
                 
Net Cash from Operating Activities
    16,458       14,677       33,547  
 
                       
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES:
                       
Purchase of furniture and fixtures
    (8 )     (43 )     (325 )
 
                 
Net Cash from Investing Activities
    (8 )     (43 )     (325 )
 
                 
 
                       
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
                       
Principal payments on long-term borrowings
    (600 )           (18,000 )
Purchase of treasury stock
    (5,167 )     (4,087 )     (5,789 )
Dividends paid
    (11,373 )     (11,181 )     (10,779 )
 
                 
Net Cash from Financing Activities
    (17,140 )     (15,268 )     (34,568 )
 
                 
Net (Decrease) Increase in Cash
    (690 )     (634 )     (1,346 )
Cash, Beginning of Year
    7,730       8,364       9,710  
 
                 
Cash, End of Year
  $ 7,040     $ 7,730     $ 8,364  
 
                 
Supplemental disclosures of cash flow information:
                       
Cash paid during the year for:
                       
Interest
  $ 657     $ 612     $ 938  
 
                 
Income taxes
  $ 8,494     $ 11,202     $ 5,413  
 
                 

 

31


 

FIRST FINANCIAL CORPORATION
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
18.  
SELECTED QUARTERLY DATA (UNAUDITED)
                                                 
    2007  
                    Net     Provision              
    Interest     Interest     Interest     for Loan     Net     Net Income  
(Dollar amounts in thousands)   Income     Expense     Income     Losses     Income     Per Share  
March 31
  $ 33,622     $ 15,165     $ 18,457     $ 1,690     $ 6,423     $ .48  
June 30
  $ 34,204     $ 15,639     $ 18,565     $ 1,240     $ 6,413     $ .49  
September 30
  $ 34,915     $ 16,166     $ 18,749     $ 1,575     $ 6,362     $ .48  
December 31
  $ 34,993     $ 15,991     $ 19,002     $ 2,075     $ 6,382     $ .49  
                                                 
    2006  
                    Net     Provision              
    Interest     Interest     Interest     for Loan     Net     Net Income  
(Dollar amounts in thousands)   Income     Expense     Income     Losses     Income     Per Share  
March 31
  $ 31,423     $ 13,027     $ 18,396     $ 2,203     $ 5,509     $ .41  
June 30
  $ 32,777     $ 14,266     $ 18,511     $ 645     $ 6,425     $ .48  
September 30
  $ 33,012     $ 14,768     $ 18,244     $ 2,495     $ 5,455     $ .41  
December 31
  $ 33,620     $ 15,068     $ 18,552     $ 1,640     $ 6,150     $ .47  
 
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm on Financial Statements
To the Shareholders and Board of Directors of First Financial Corporation:
We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of First Financial Corporation as of December 31, 2007 and 2006, and the related consolidated statements of income, changes in shareholders’ equity, and cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2007. These financial statements are the responsibility of the Corporation’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements 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 audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. An audit also includes assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.
In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of First Financial Corporation as of December 31, 2007 and 2006, and the results of its operations and its cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2007, in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles.
We have also audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States), First Financial Corporation’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2007, based on criteria established in Internal Control–Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission, and our report, dated February 28, 2008, expressed an unqualified opinion thereon.
(SIGNATURE)
Indianapolis, Indiana
February 28, 2008

 

32


 

2007 ANNUAL REPORT
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting
To the Shareholders and Board of Directors of First Financial Corporation:
We have audited First Financial Corporation’s (Corporation) internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2007, based on criteria established in “Internal Control–Integrated Framework” issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO). First Financial Corporation’s management is responsible 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 the Corporation’s internal control over financial reporting based on our audit.
We conducted our audit in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether effective internal control over financial reporting was maintained in all material respects. Our audit 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, and performing such other procedures as we considered necessary in the circumstances. We believe that our audit provides a reasonable basis for our opinion.
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 U.S. 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 U. S. 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, First Financial Corporation maintained, in all material respects, effective internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2007, based on criteria established in “Internal Control–Integrated Framework” issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO).
We have also audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States), the consolidated balance sheets as of December 31, 2007 and 2006, and the related consolidated statements of income, changes in shareholders’ equity, and cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2007 of First Financial Corporation and our report dated February 28, 2008 expressed an unqualified opinion.
(SIGNATURE)
Indianapolis, Indiana
February 28, 2008

 

33


 

FIRST FINANCIAL CORPORATION
Management’s Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting
The management of First Financial Corporation (the “Corporation”) has prepared and is responsible for the preparation and accuracy of the consolidated financial statements and related financial information included in the Annual Report.
The management of the Corporation 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 Corporation’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 Corporation’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 Corporation; (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 Corporation are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors of the Corporation; and (iii) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use or disposition of the Corporation’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.
Management assessed the Corporation’s system of internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2007, in relation to criteria for effective internal control over financial reporting as described in “Internal Control–Integrated Framework,” issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission. Based on this assessment, management concluded that, as of December 31, 2007, its system of internal control over financial reporting is effective and meets the criteria of the “Internal Control–Integrated Framework.”
Crowe Chizek and Company LLC, independent registered public accounting firm, has issued a report dated February 28, 2008 on the Corporation’s internal control over financial reporting.
Management’s Discussion and Analysis
Management’s discussion and analysis reviews the financial condition of First Financial Corporation at December 31, 2007 and 2006, and the results of its operations for the three years ended December 31, 2007. Where appropriate, factors that may affect future financial performance are also discussed. The discussion should be read in conjunction with the accompanying consolidated financial statements, related footnotes and selected financial data.
A cautionary note about forward-looking statements: In its oral and written communication, First Financial Corporation from time to time includes forward-looking statements, within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Such forward-looking statements can include statements about estimated cost savings, plans and objectives for future operations and expectations about performance, as well as economic and market conditions and trends. They often can be identified by the use of words such as “expect,” “may,” “could,” “intend,” “project,” “estimate,” “believe” or “anticipate.” First Financial Corporation may include forward-looking statements in filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, in other written materials such as this Annual Report and in oral statements made by senior management to analysts, investors, representatives of the media and others. It is intended that these forward-looking statements speak only as of the date they are made, and First Financial Corporation undertakes no obligation to update any forward-looking statement to reflect events or circumstances after the date on which the forward-looking statement is made or to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events.
By their nature, forward-looking statements are based on assumptions and are subject to risks, uncertainties and other factors. Actual results may differ materially from those contained in the forward-looking statement. The discussion in this “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Results of Operations and Financial Condition” lists some of the factors which could cause actual results to vary materially from those in any forward-looking statements. Other uncertainties which could affect First Financial Corporation’s future performance include the effects of competition, technological changes and regulatory developments; changes in fiscal, monetary and tax policies; market, economic, operational, liquidity, credit and interest rate risks associated with First Financial Corporation’s business; inflation; competition in the financial services industry; changes in general economic conditions, either nationally or regionally, resulting in, among other things, credit quality deterioration; and changes in securities markets. Investors should consider these risks, uncertainties and other factors in addition to those mentioned by First Financial Corporation in its other filings from time to time when considering any forward-looking statement.

 

34


 

2007 ANNUAL REPORT
Management’s Discussion and Analysis
First Financial Corporation (the Corporation) is a financial services company. The Corporation, which is headquartered in Terre Haute, Ind., offers a wide variety of financial services including commercial, mortgage and consumer lending, lease financing, trust account services and depositor services through its three subsidiaries. At the close of business in 2007 the Corporation and its subsidiaries had 790 full-time equivalent employees.
First Financial Bank is the largest bank in Vigo County, Ind. It operates 12 full-service banking branches within the county; five in Clay County, Ind.; one in Greene County, Ind.; three in Knox County, Ind.; five in Parke County, Ind.; one in Putnam County, Ind., five in Sullivan County, Ind.; four in Vermillion County, Ind.; one in Clark County, Ill.; one in Coles County, Ill.; three in Crawford County, Ill.; one in Jasper County, Ill.; two in Lawrence County, Ill.; two in Richland County, Ill.; one in Vermilion County, Ill.; and one in Wayne County, Ill. In addition to its branches, it has a main office in downtown Terre Haute and a 50,000-square-foot commercial building on South Third Street in Terre Haute, which serves as the Corporation’s operations center and provides additional office space. Morris Plan has one office and is located in Vigo County.
First Financial Bank and Morris Plan face competition from other financial institutions. These competitors consist of commercial banks, a mutual savings bank and other financial institutions, including consumer finance companies, insurance companies, brokerage firms and credit unions.
The Corporation’s business activities are centered in west-central Indiana and east-central Illinois. The Corporation has no foreign activities other than periodically investing available funds in time deposits held in foreign branches of domestic banks.
Forrest Sherer Inc. is a premier regional supplier of insurance, surety and other financial products. The Forrest Sherer brand is well recognized in the Midwest, with more than 60 professionals and over 86 years of successful service to both businesses and households in their market area. The agency has representation agreements with more than 40 regional and national insurers to market their products of property and casualty insurance, surety bonds, employee benefit plans, life insurance and annuities.
Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates
The Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations, as well as disclosures found elsewhere in this report are based upon First Financial Corporation’s consolidated financial statements, which have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. The preparation of these financial statements requires the Corporation to make estimates and judgments that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenues, and expenses. Material estimates that are particularly susceptible to significant change in the near term relate to the determination of the allowance for loan losses and goodwill. Actual results could differ from those estimates.
   
Allowance for loan losses. The allowance for loan losses represents management’s estimate of losses inherent in the existing loan portfolio. The allowance for loan losses is increased by the provision for loan losses charged to expense and reduced by loans charged off, net of recoveries. The allowance for loan losses is determined based on management’s assessment of several factors: reviews and evaluations of specific loans, changes in the nature and volume of the loan portfolio, current economic conditions and the related impact on segments of the loan portfolio, historical loan loss experience and the level of classified and nonperforming loans.
 
   
Loans are considered impaired if, based on current information and events, it is probable that the Corporation will be unable to collect the scheduled payments of principal or interest according to the contractual terms of the loan agreement. When a loan is deemed impaired, impairment is measured by using the fair value of underlying collateral, the present value of the future cash flows discounted at the effective interest rate stipulated in the loan agreement, or the estimated market value of the loan. In measuring the fair value of the collateral, management uses assumptions (e.g., discount rate) and methodologies (e.g., comparison to the recent selling price of similar assets) consistent with those that would be utilized by unrelated third parties.
 
   
Changes in the financial condition of individual borrowers, economic conditions, historical loss experience, or the condition of the various markets in which collateral may be sold may affect the required level of the allowance for loan losses and the associated provision for loan losses. Should cash flow assumptions or market conditions change, a different amount may be recorded for the allowance for loan losses and the associated provision for loan losses.
 
   
Goodwill. The carrying value of goodwill requires management to use estimates and assumptions about the fair value of the reporting unit compared to its book value. An impairment analysis is prepared on an annual basis. Fair values of the reporting units are determined by an analysis which considers cash flows streams, profitability and estimated market values of the reporting unit. The majority of the Corporation’s goodwill is recorded at Forest Sherer, Inc.
Management believes the accounting estimates related to the allowance for loan losses and the valuation of goodwill are “critical accounting estimates” because: (1) the estimates are highly susceptible to change from period to period because they require management to make assumptions concerning, among other factors, the changes in the types and volumes of the portfolios, valuation assumptions, and economic conditions, and (2) the impact of recognizing an impairment or loan loss could have a material effect on the Corporation’s assets reported on the balance sheet as well as net income.

 

35


 

FIRST FINANCIAL CORPORATION
Results of Operations — Summary for 2007
Net income for 2007 was $25.6 million, or $1.94 per share. This represents an 8.7% increase in net income and a 9.6% increase in earnings per share, compared to 2006. Return on assets at December 31, 2007 increased 5.5% to 1.16% compared to 1.10% at December 31, 2006.
NET INTEREST INCOME
The principal source of the Corporation’s earnings is net interest income, which represents the difference between interest earned on loans and investments and the interest cost associated with deposits and other sources of funding.
Net interest income was increased in 2007 to $74.8 million compared to $73.7 million in 2006. Total average interest-earning assets grew to $2.06 billion in 2007 from $2.01 billion in 2006. The tax-equivalent yield on these assets increased to 6.98% in 2007 from 6.77% in 2006. Total average interest-bearing liabilities increased to $1.65 billion in 2007 from $1.64 billion in 2006. The average cost of these interest-bearing liabilities increased to 3.81% in 2007 from 3.48% in 2006.
The net interest margin decreased slightly from 3.93% in 2006 to 3.92% in 2007. This decrease is primarily the result of the increased costs of funding provided by interest-bearing liabilities. Earning asset yields increased 21 basis points while the rate on interest-bearing liabilities increased by 33 basis points.
The following table sets forth the components of net interest income due to changes in volume and rate. The table information compares 2007 to 2006 and 2006 to 2005.
                                                                 
    2007 Compared to 2006     2006 Compared to 2005  
    Increase (Decrease) Due to     Increase (Decrease) Due to  
                    Volume/                             Volume/        
(Dollar amounts in thousands)   Volume     Rate     Rate     Total     Volume     Rate     Rate     Total  
Interest earned on interest-earning assets:
                                                               
Loans (1) (2)
  $ 1,808     $ 3,459     $ 62     $ 5,329     $ (3,842 )   $ 7,662     $ (304 )   $ 3,516  
Taxable investment securities
    698       940       30       1,668       1,875       2,878       321       5,074  
Tax-exempt investment securities (2)
    870       (290 )     (20 )     560       302       238       6       546  
Federal funds sold
    (70 )     54       (5 )     (21 )     88       175       31       294  
 
                                               
Total interest income
    3,306       4,163       67       7,536       (1,577 )     10,953       54       9,430  
 
                                               
 
                                                               
Interest paid on interest-bearing liabilities:
                                                               
Transaction accounts
    (55 )     1,853       (9 )     1,789       (765 )     5,138       (559 )     3,814  
Time deposits
    (82 )     2,980       (9 )     2,889       801       5,276       210       6,287  
Short-term borrowings
    775       44       46       865       (304 )     437       (170 )     (37 )
Other borrowings
    42       254       1       297       (750 )     360       (14 )     (404 )
 
                                               
Total interest expense
    680       5,131       29       5,840       (1,018 )     11,211       (533 )     9,660  
 
                                               
Net interest income
  $ 2,626     $ (968 )   $ 38     $ 1,696     $ (559 )   $ (258 )   $ 587     $ (230 )
 
                                               
 
(1)  
For purposes of these computations, nonaccruing loans are included in the daily average loan amounts outstanding.
 
(2)  
Interest income includes the effect of tax equivalent adjustments using a federal tax rate of 35%.

 

36


 

2007 ANNUAL REPORT
Results of Operations — Summary for 2007
PROVISION FOR LOAN LOSSES
The provision for loan losses charged to expense is based upon credit loss experience and the results of a detailed analysis estimating an appropriate and adequate allowance for loan losses. The analysis includes the evaluation of impaired loans as prescribed under Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (SFAS) Nos. 114 and 118, pooled loans as prescribed under SFAS No. 5, and economic and other risk factors as outlined in various Joint Interagency Statements issued by the bank regulatory agencies. For the year ended December 31, 2007, the provision for loan losses was $6.6 million, a decrease of $403 thousand, or 5.8%, compared to 2006. The decrease was the result of several components related to the analysis of the Corporation’s Allowance for Loan and Lease Losses, including improving nonperforming and impaired loan trends.
Net charge-offs for 2007 were $7.4 million as compared to $6.8 million for 2006 and $15.6 million for 2005. Delinquent loans as a percentage of total outstanding loans declined to 2.1% at December 31, 2007 compared to 2.3% at December 31, 2006. Non-accrual loans decreased 19.2% to $8.0 million at December 31, 2007 from $9.9 million at December 31, 2006. At December 31, 2007, the resulting allowance for loan losses was $15.4 million or 1.07% of total loans, net of unearned income. A year earlier the allowance was $16.2 million or 1.16% of total loans.
NON-INTEREST INCOME
Non-interest income of $31.5 million increased $2.7 million from the $28.8 million earned in 2006. This increase was in all areas with the exception of brokerage fees. Gain on investment securities and mortgage sales accounted for 31% of the increase.
NON-INTEREST EXPENSES
Non-interest expenses remained stable at $64.7 million for 2007 and 2006. Salaries and employee benefits decreased $307 thousand while other expenses increased $320 thousand. Occupancy and equipment expenses were relatively unchanged. Benefits of the consolidation of bank subsidiaries near the end of 2005 are still being realized.
INCOME TAXES
The Corporation’s federal income tax provision was $9.4 million in 2007 compared to a provision of $7.4 million in 2006. The overall effective tax rate in 2007 of 26.8% compares to a 2006 effective rate of 23.8%. The Corporation had reduced amounts of tax-exempt income relative to the total income in 2007 compared to 2006.
COMPARISON OF 2006 TO 2005
Net income for 2006 was $23.5 million or $1.77 per share compared to $23.1 million in 2005 or $1.72 per share. This stable income was the result of a reduced provision for loan losses effectively offsetting the decrease in net interest and non-interest income combined with a slight increase in non-interest expense in 2006. Total average interest-earning assets were unchanged in 2006 compared to 2005. The tax equivalent net interest margin increased slightly to 3.93% in 2006 from 3.92% in 2005. This increase was primarily the result of increased funding provided by non-interest bearing liabilities.
The provision for loan losses decreased $4.7 million from $11.7 million in 2005 to $7.0 million in 2006, and net charge-offs decreased $8.8 million from $15.6 million in 2005 to $6.8 million in 2006.
Net non-interest income and expense declined $4.3 million from 2005 to 2006. Non-interest expenses increased $1.1 million while non-interest income decreased $3.2 million. The decrease in non-interest income resulted primarily from reduced gains on sales of investment securities and loans in 2006.
The provision for income taxes fell $562 thousand from 2005 to 2006, decreasing the effective tax rate from 25.6% in 2005 to 23.8% in 2006.

 

37


 

FIRST FINANCIAL CORPORATION
Financial Condition — Summary
The Corporation’s total assets increased 2.6% or $55.6 million at December 31, 2007, from a year earlier. Available-for-sale securities increased $27.6 million at December 31, 2007, from the previous year. Loans, net of unearned income, increased by $36.2 million, to $1.43 billion. Deposits increased $27.0 million while borrowings increased by $10.6 million.
Total shareholders’ equity increased $10.4 million to $281.7 million at December 31, 2007. Net income was partially offset by higher dividends and the continued repurchase of corporate stock. The Corporation had increased purchases of treasury stock in 2007, acquiring 174,962 shares at a cost of $5.2 million compared to 137,249 shares during 2006 at a cost of $4.1 million. There were also 41,000 shares from the treasury with a value of $1.24 million that were contributed to the ESOP plan. Restructuring of the investment portfolio with maturities and purchases increased other comprehensive income as the Corporation recorded a net unrealized gain on available-for-sale securities of $1.1 million. Other comprehensive income was then reduced because of the increase in the unrealized loss on post-retirement benefits in accordance with SFAS No. 158.
Following is an analysis of the components of the Corporation’s balance sheet.
SECURITIES
The Corporation’s investment strategy seeks to maximize income from the investment portfolio while using it as a risk management tool and ensuring safety of principal and capital. During 2007 the portfolio’s balance increased by 4.93%. During 2007 the Federal Reserve decreased the fed funds rate by 1.00% to 4.25%. The average life of the portfolio declined from 4.38 years in 2006 to 4.08 years in 2007. The portfolio structure will continue to provide cash flows to be reinvested during 2008.
Year-end securities maturity schedules were comprised of the following:
                                                                         
    1 Year and Less     1 to 5 Years     5 to 10 Years     Over 10 Years     2007  
(Dollar amounts in thousands)   Balance     Rate     Balance     Rate     Balance     Rate     Balance     Rate     Total  
U.S. government sponsored entity mortgage-backed securities and agencies
  $ 212       5.08 %   $ 1,366       4.60 %   $ 65,393       4.44 %   $ 222,733       5.26 %   $ 289,704  
Collateralized mortgage obligations (1)
                4       11.50       27       6.94       77,143       5.27       77,174  
States and political subdivisions
    6,933       5.49       43,192       7.37       49,290       7.54       47,100       6.19       146,515  
Corporate obligations
    7,048       6.40                               58,408       5.07       65,456  
 
                                                             
Total
    14,193       5.93       44,562       7.29       114,710       5.77       405,384       5.34       578,849  
 
                                                             
Equities
                                        7,784             7,784  
 
                                                             
TOTAL
  $ 14,193             $ 44,562             $ 114,710             $ 413,168             $ 586,633  
 
                                                             
 
(1)  
Distribution of maturities is based on the estimated average life of the asset.

 

38


 

2007 ANNUAL REPORT
Financial Condition — Summary
LOAN PORTFOLIO
Loans outstanding by major category as of December 31 for each of the last five years and the maturities at year-end 2007 are set forth in the following analyses.
                                         
(Dollar amounts in thousands)   2007     2006     2005     2004     2003  
Loan Category
                                       
 
                                       
Commercial, financial and agricultural
  $ 461,086     $ 407,995     $ 382,214     $ 401,724     $ 374,638  
Real estate — construction
    29,637       33,336       31,918       32,810       35,361  
Real estate — mortgage
    673,355       691,989       707,008       753,826       766,911  
Consumer
    262,858       257,065       272,062       272,261       248,290  
Lease financing
    2,275       2,604       2,845       3,658       4,884  
 
                             
Total
  $ 1,429,211     $ 1,392,989     $ 1,396,047     $ 1,464,279     $ 1,430,084  
 
                             
 
                                       
Credit card loans held-for-sale
  $ 14,068                          
 
                                     
                                 
            After One              
    Within     But Within     After Five        
(Dollar amounts in thousands)   One Year     Five Years     Years     Total  
Maturity Distribution
                               
 
                               
Commercial, financial and agricultural
  $ 223,954     $ 193,781     $ 43,351     $ 461,086  
Real estate — construction
    12,869       7,441       9,327       29,637  
 
                       
Total
  $ 236,823     $ 201,222     $ 52,678       490,723  
 
                         
 
                               
Real estate — mortgage
                            673,355  
Consumer
                            262,858  
Lease financing
                            2,275  
 
                             
Total
                          $ 1,429,211  
 
                             
 
                               
Credit card loans held-for-sale
                          $ 14,068  
 
                             
 
                               
Loans maturing after one year with:
                               
Fixed interest rates
          $ 73,688     $ 42,213          
Variable interest rates
            127,534       10,465          
 
                           
 
Total
          $ 201,222     $ 52,678          
 
                           

 

39


 

FIRST FINANCIAL CORPORATION
Financial Condition — Summary
ALLOWANCE FOR LOAN LOSSES
The activity in the Corporation’s allowance for loan losses is shown in the following analysis:
                                         
(Dollar amounts in thousands)   2007     2006     2005     2004     2003  
Amount of loans outstanding at December 31,
  $ 1,429,211     $ 1,392,989     $ 1,396,047     $ 1,464,279     $ 1,430,084  
 
                             
Average amount of loans by year
  $ 1,409,051     $ 1,384,138     $ 1,441,247     $ 1,452,572     $ 1,417,026  
 
                             
 
                                       
Allowance for loan losses at beginning of year
  $ 16,169     $ 16,042     $ 19,918     $ 21,239     $ 21,249  
Loans charged off:
                                       
Commercial, financial and agricultural
    3,433       2,066       6,093       4,080       2,253  
Real estate — mortgage
    1,026       1,617       2,590       623       1,101  
Consumer
    5,712       6,826       8,809       6,680       5,586  
Leasing
    5                   1        
 
                             
Total loans charged off
    10,176       10,509       17,492       11,384       8,940  
 
                             
 
                                       
Recoveries of loans previously charged off:
                                       
Commercial, financial and agricultural
    389       1,262       284       452       432  
Real estate — mortgage
    139       187       343       37       166  
Consumer
    2,250       2,204       1,291       1,281       877  
Leasing
                      1        
 
                             
Total recoveries
    2,778       3,653       1,918       1,771       1,475  
 
                             
 
                                       
Net loans charged off
    7,398       6,856       15,574       9,613       7,465  
Provision charged to expense
    6,580       6,983       11,698       8,292       7,455  
 
                             
 
                                       
Balance at end of year
  $ 15,351     $ 16,169     $ 16,042     $ 19,918     $ 21,239  
 
                             
 
                                       
Ratio of net charge-offs during period to average loans outstanding
    .53 %     .50 %     1.08 %     .66 %     .53 %
 
                             
The allowance is maintained at an amount management believes sufficient to absorb probable incurred losses in the loan portfolio. Monitoring loan quality and maintaining an adequate allowance is an ongoing process overseen by senior management and the loan review function. On at least a quarterly basis, a formal analysis of the adequacy of the allowance is prepared and reviewed by management and the Board of Directors. This analysis serves as a point in time assessment of the level of the allowance and serves as a basis for provisions for loan losses. The loan quality monitoring process includes assigning loan grades and the use of a watch list to identify loans of concern.
The analysis of the allowance for loan losses includes the allocation of specific amounts of the allowance to individual problem loans, generally based on an analysis of the collateral securing those loans. Portions of the allowance are also allocated to loan portfolios, based upon a variety of factors including historical loss experience, trends in the type and volume of the loan portfolios, trends in delinquent and non-performing loans, and economic trends affecting our market. These components are added together and compared to the balance of our allowance at the evaluation date. The following table presents the allocation of the allowance to the loan portfolios at year-end.

 

40


 

2007 ANNUAL REPORT
Financial Condition — Summary
                                         
    Years Ended December 31,  
(Dollar amounts in thousands)   2007     2006     2005     2004     2003  
Commercial, financial and agricultural
  $ 10,090     $ 9,043     $ 8,148     $ 11,840     $ 13,844  
Real estate — mortgage
    1,245       1,364       867       850       1,254  
Consumer
    4,016       5,762       7,027       7,228       6,141  
 
                             
 
                                       
Total Allowance for Loan Losses
  $ 15,351     $ 16,169     $ 16,042     $ 19,918     $ 21,239  
 
                             
NONPERFORMING LOANS
Management monitors the components and status of nonperforming loans as a part of the evaluation procedures used in determining the adequacy of the allowance for loan losses. It is the Corporation’s policy to discontinue the accrual of interest on loans where, in management’s opinion, serious doubt exists as to collectibility. The amounts shown below represent non-accrual loans, loans which have been restructured to provide for a reduction or deferral of interest or principal because of deterioration in the financial condition of the borrower and those loans which are past due more than 90 days where the Corporation continues to accrue interest.
                                         
(Dollar amounts in thousands)   2007     2006     2005     2004     2003  
Non-accrual loans
  $ 7,971     $ 9,893     $ 8,464     $ 19,862     $ 8,429  
Restructured loans
    50       52       57       430       542  
Accruing loans past due over 90 days
    4,462       4,691       6,354       7,813       5,384  
 
                             
 
  $ 12,483     $ 14,636     $ 14,875     $ 28,105     $ 14,355  
 
                             
The ratio of the allowance for loan losses as a percentage of nonperforming loans was 123% at December 31, 2007, compared to 110% in 2006. The following loan categories comprise significant components of the nonperforming loans at December 31, 2007 and 2006:
                                 
(Dollar amounts in thousands)   2007     2006  
Non-accrual loans:
                               
1-4 family residential
  $ 2,574       32 %   $ 1,598       16 %
Commercial loans
    3,938       50       6,551       66  
Consumer loans
    1,459       18       1,744       18  
 
                       
 
  $ 7,971       100 %   $ 9,893       100 %
 
                       
 
                               
Past due 90 days or more:
                               
1-4 family residential
  $ 1,230       28 %   $ 1,607       34 %
Commercial loans
    2,795       62       2,542       54  
Consumer loans
    437       10       542       12  
 
                       
 
  $ 4,462       100 %   $ 4,691       100 %
 
                       

 

41


 

FIRST FINANCIAL CORPORATION
Financial Condition — Summary
DEPOSITS
The information below presents the average amount of deposits and rates paid on those deposits for 2007, 2006 and 2005.
                                                 
    2007     2006     2005  
(Dollar amounts in thousands)   Amount     Rate     Amount     Rate     Amount     Rate  
Non-interest-bearing demand deposits
  $ 226,822             $ 206,839             $ 153,027          
Interest-bearing demand deposits
    198,368       0.94 %     201,928       1.14 %     294,344       0.77 %
Savings deposits
    410,919       2.62 %     410,458       1.87 %     392,791       1.21 %
Time deposits:
                                               
$100,000 or more
    189,501       4.66 %     188,572       4.27 %     185,436       3.11 %
Other time deposits
    477,114       4.30 %     480,116       4.01 %     457,685       3.11 %
 
                                         
TOTAL
  $ 1,502,724             $ 1,487,913             $ 1,483,283          
 
                                         
The maturities of certificates of deposit of $100 thousand or more outstanding at December 31, 2007, are summarized as follows:
         
3 months or less
  $ 11,402  
Over 3 through 6 months
    35,587  
Over 6 through 12 months
    44,677  
Over 12 months
    102,235  
 
     
TOTAL
  $ 193,901  
 
     

 

42


 

2007 ANNUAL REPORT
Financial Condition — Summary
OTHER BORROWINGS
Advances from the Federal Home Loan Bank decreased slightly to $334.7 million in 2007 compared to $335.2 million in 2006. The Asset/Liability Committee reviews these investments and funding sources and considers the related strategies on a weekly basis. See Interest Rate Sensitivity and Liquidity below for more information.
CAPITAL RESOURCES
Bank regulatory agencies have established capital adequacy standards which are used extensively in their monitoring and control of the industry. These standards relate capital to level of risk by assigning different weightings to assets and certain off-balance-sheet activity. As shown in the footnote to the consolidated financial statements (“Regulatory Matters”), the Corporation’s capital exceeds the requirements to be considered well capitalized at December 31, 2007.
First Financial Corporation’s objective continues to be to maintain adequate capital to merit the confidence of its customers and shareholders. To warrant this confidence, the Corporation’s management maintains a capital position which they believe is sufficient to absorb unforeseen financial shocks without unnecessarily restricting dividends to its shareholders. The Corporation’s dividend payout ratio for 2007 and 2006 was 44.8% and 44.2%, respectively. The Corporation expects to continue its policy of paying regular cash dividends, subject to future earnings and regulatory restrictions and capital requirements.
INTEREST RATE SENSITIVITY AND LIQUIDITY
First Financial Corporation has established risk measures, limits and policy guidelines for managing interest rate risk and liquidity. Responsibility for management of these functions resides with the Asset Liability Committee. The primary goal of the Asset Liability Committee is to maximize net interest income within the interest rate risk limits approved by the Board of Directors.
Interest Rate Risk: Management considers interest rate risk to be the Corporation’s most significant market risk. Interest rate risk is the exposure to changes in net interest income as a result of changes in interest rates. Consistency in the Corporation’s net interest income is largely dependent on the effective management of this risk.
The Asset Liability position is measured using sophisticated risk management tools, including earnings simulation and market value of equity sensitivity analysis. These tools allow management to quantify and monitor both short- and long-term exposure to interest rate risk. Simulation modeling measures the effects of changes in interest rates, changes in the shape of the yield curve and the effects of embedded options on net interest income. This measure projects earnings in the various environments over the next three years. It is important to note that measures of interest rate risk have limitations and are dependent on various assumptions. These assumptions are inherently uncertain and, as a result, the model cannot precisely predict the impact of interest rate fluctuations on net interest income. Actual results will differ from simulated results due to timing, frequency and amount of interest rate changes as well as overall market conditions. The Committee has performed a thorough analysis of these assumptions and believes them to be valid and theoretically sound. These assumptions are continuously monitored for behavioral changes.
The Corporation from time to time utilizes derivatives to manage interest rate risk. Management continuously evaluates the merits of such interest rate risk products but does not anticipate the use of such products to become a major part of the Corporation’s risk management strategy.
The table on the following page shows the Corporation’s estimated sensitivity profile as of December 31, 2007. The change in interest rates assumes a parallel shift in interest rates of 100 and 200 basis points. Given a 100 basis point increase in rates, net interest income would decrease 0.54% over the next 12 months and increase 0.93% over the following 12 months. Given a 100 basis point decrease in rates, net interest income would increase 0.27% over the next 12 months and decrease 1.31% over the following 12 months. These estimates assume all rate changes occur overnight and management takes no action as a result of this change.

 

43


 

FIRST FINANCIAL CORPORATION
Financial Condition — Summary
                         
Basis Point   Percentage Change in Net Interest Income  
Interest Rate Change   12 months     24 months     36 months  
Down 200
    0.46 %     -3.63 %     -7.16 %
Down 100
    0.27       -1.31       -2.92  
Up 100
    -0.54       0.93       2.48  
Up 200
    -4.32       -1.59       2.51  
Typical rate shock analysis does not reflect management’s ability to react and thereby reduce the effects of rate changes, and represents a worst-case scenario.
Liquidity Risk: Liquidity is measured by the bank’s ability to raise funds to meet the obligations of its customers, including deposit withdrawals and credit needs. This is accomplished primarily by maintaining sufficient liquid assets in the form of investment securities and core deposits. The Corporation has $13.8 million of investments that mature throughout the coming 12 months. The Corporation also anticipates $66.9 million of principal payments from mortgage-backed securities. Given the current rate environment, the Corporation anticipates $28.2 million in securities to be called within the next 12 months.
CONTRACTUAL OBLIGATIONS, COMMITMENTS, CONTINGENT LIABILITIES AND OFF-BALANCE SHEET ARRANGEMENTS
The Corporation has various financial obligations, including contractual obligations and commitments, that may require future cash payments.
Contractual Obligations: The following table presents, as of December 31, 2007, significant fixed and determinable contractual obligations to third parties by payment date. Further discussion of the nature of each obligation is included in the referenced note to the consolidated financial statements.
                                                 
    Payments Due In  
    Note     One Year     One to     Three to     Over Five        
(Dollar amounts in thousands)   Reference     or Less     Three Years     Five Years     Years     Total  
Deposits without a stated maturity
          $ 881,114     $     $     $     $ 881,114  
Consumer certificates of deposit
            513,361       115,846       19,179       221       648,607  
Short-term borrowings
    10       27,331                         27,331  
Other borrowings
    11       90,232       249,760       724       569       341,285  
Commitments: The following table details the amount and expected maturities of significant commitments as of December 31, 2007. Further discussion of these commitments is included in Note 13 to the consolidated financial statements.
                         
    Total Amount     One Year     Over One  
(Dollar amounts in thousands)   Committed     or Less     Year  
Commitments to extend credit:
                       
Unused loan commitments
  $ 275,656     $ 178,285     $ 97,371  
Commercial letters of credit
    17,336       13,685       3,651  
Commitments to extend credit, including loan commitments, standby and commercial letters of credit do not necessarily represent future cash requirements, in that these commitments often expire without being drawn upon.
OUTLOOK
The Corporation’s primary market is west-central Indiana and east-central Illinois. Typically, this market does not expand or contract at rates that are experienced by both the state and national economies. This area continues to be driven primarily by the retail, higher education and health care industries. During 2007 most of the Corporation’s markets experienced stable labor market conditions. There are limited significant growth opportunities currently available.

 

44


 

2007 ANNUAL REPORT
Consolidated Balance Sheet — Average Balances And Interest Rates
                                                                         
    December 31,  
    2007     2006     2005  
    Average             Yield/     Average             Yield/     Average             Yield/  
(Dollar amounts in thousands)   Balance     Interest     Rate     Balance     Interest     Rate     Balance     Interest     Rate  
ASSETS
                                                                       
Interest-earning assets:
                                                                       
Loans (1) (2)
  $ 1,409,051       105,804       7.51 %   $ 1,384,138       100,475       7.26 %   $ 1,441,247       96,957       6.73 %
Taxable investment securities
    444,220       23,545       5.30       430,492       21,877       5.08       387,269       16,802       4.34  
Tax-exempt investments (2)
    188,012       13,354       7.10       176,044       12,794       7.27       171,802       12,248       7.13  
Federal funds sold
    14,756       768       5.20       16,203       788       4.87       13,772       496       3.60  
 
                                                     
Total interest-earning assets
    2,056,039       143,471       6.98 %     2,006,877       135,934       6.77 %     2,014,090       126,503       6.28 %
 
                                                           
 
                                                                       
Non-interest earning assets:
                                                                       
Cash and due from banks
    61,655                       66,302                       74,005                  
Premises and equipment, net
    32,762                       31,309                       30,720                  
Other assets
    64,801                       59,363                       62,779                  
Less allowance for loan losses
    (15,665 )                     (16,533 )                     (18,298 )                
 
                                                                 
Totals
  $ 2,199,592                     $ 2,147,318                     $ 2,163,296                  
 
                                                                 
 
                                                                       
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY
                                                                       
Interest-bearing liabilities:
                                                                       
Transaction accounts
  $ 609,287       12,634       2.07 %   $ 612,387       10,845       1.77 %   $ 687,135       7,031       1.02 %
Time deposits
    666,615       29,322       4.40       668,687       26,440       3.95       643,121       20,153       3.13  
Short-term borrowings
    32,140       1,611       5.01       15,759       746       4.73       25,766       783       3.04  
Other borrowings
    343,767       19,394       5.64       343,014       19,098       5.57       356,728       19,502       5.47  
 
                                                     
Total interest-bearing liabilities:
    1,651,809       62,961       3.81 %     1,639,847       57,129       3.48 %     1,712,750       47,469       2.77 %
 
                                                           
 
                                                                       
Non interest-bearing liabilities:
                                                                       
Demand deposits
    226,822                       206,839                       153,027                  
Other
    42,974                       25,958                       26,942                  
 
                                                                 
 
    1,921,605                       1,872,644                       1,892,719                  
 
                                                                       
Shareholders’ equity
    277,987                       274,674                       270,577                  
 
                                                                 
Totals
  $ 2,199,592                     $ 2,147,318                     $ 2,163,296                  
 
                                                                 
 
                                                                       
Net interest earnings
          $ 80,510                     $ 78,805                     $ 79,034          
 
                                                                 
 
                                                                       
Net yield on interest-earning assets
                    3.92 %                     3.93 %                     3.92 %
 
                                                                 
(1)  
For purposes of these computations, nonaccruing loans are included in the daily average loan amounts outstanding.
 
(2)  
Interest income includes the effect of tax equivalent adjustments using a federal tax rate of 35%.

 

45


 

FIRST FINANCIAL CORPORATION
MARKET AND DIVIDEND INFORMATION
At year-end 2007 shareholders owned 13,136,359 shares of the Corporation’s common stock. The stock is traded on the NASDAQ Global under the symbol THFF.
Historically, the Corporation has paid cash dividends semi-annually and currently expects that comparable cash dividends will continue to be paid in the future. The following table gives quarterly high and low trade prices and dividends per share during each quarter for 2007 and 2006.
                                                 
    2007     2006  
                    Cash                     Cash  
    Trade Price     Dividends     Trade Price     Dividends  
Quarter ended   High     Low     Declared     High     Low     Declared  
March 31
  $ 35.74     $ 28.20             $ 29.80     $ 27.00          
June 30
  $ 32.45     $ 27.26     $ .43     $ 31.91     $ 27.42     $ .42  
September 30
  $ 32.78     $ 23.48             $ 33.45     $ 28.21          
December 31
  $ 32.29     $ 26.93     $ .44     $ 35.92     $ 31.50     $ .43  
TOTAL RETURN PERFORMANCE
                                                 
    Period Ending  
Index   12/31/02     12/31/03     12/31/04     12/31/05     12/31/06     12/31/07  
First Financial Corporation
  $ 100.00     $ 126.43     $ 151.23     $ 120.06     $ 161.93     $ 133.53  
Russell 2000
    100.00       147.25       174.24       182.18       215.64       212.26  
SNL $1B-$5B Bank Index
    100.00       135.99       167.83       164.97       190.90       139.06  

 

46

EX-21 5 c72705exv21.htm EXHIBIT 21 Filed by Bowne Pure Compliance
 

Exhibit 21 — Subsidiaries of the Registrant
First Financial Bank N.A. is a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Registrant. It is a national banking association. The bank conducts its business under the name of First Financial Bank N.A.
The Morris Plan Company is a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Registrant. It is an Indiana corporation. The company conducts its business under the name of The Morris Plan Company of Terre Haute, Inc.
Forrest Sherer, Inc. is a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Registrant. It is an Indiana corporation. It is a full-line insurance agency and conducts its business under the name Forrest Sherer, Inc.

 

 

EX-31.1 6 c72705exv31w1.htm EXHIBIT 31.1 Filed by Bowne Pure Compliance
 

Exhibit 31.1 — Certification pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a) for Annual Report of Form 10-K by Principal Executive Officer
I, Norman L. Lowery, certify that:
  1  
I have reviewed this annual report on Form 10-K of First Financial Corporation;
 
  2  
Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report;
 
  3  
Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this report;
 
  4  
The registrant’s other certifying officer(s) and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and l5d—15(f)) for the registrant and have:
  a.  
Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared;
 
  b.  
Designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to be designed under our supervision, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purpose in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles;
 
  c.  
Evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant’s disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and
 
  d.  
Disclosed in this report any change in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the registrant’s most recent fiscal quarter (the registrant’s fourth fiscal quarter in the case of an annual report) that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting; and
  5  
The registrant’s other certifying officer(s) and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the registrant’s auditors and the audit committee of the registrant’s board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions):
  a.  
All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrant’s ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and
 
  b.  
Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting.
         
Date: March 12, 2008    
 
       
By
  /s/ Norman L. Lowery    
 
       
 
  Norman L. Lowery,
Vice Chairman and CEO
   

 

 

EX-31.2 7 c72705exv31w2.htm EXHIBIT 31.2 Filed by Bowne Pure Compliance
 

Exhibit 31.2 — 
Certification pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a) for Annual Report of Form 10-K by Principal Financial Officer
I, Michael A. Carty, certify that:
  1  
I have reviewed this annual report on Form 10-K of First Financial Corporation;
 
  2  
Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report;
 
  3  
Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this report;
 
  4  
The registrant’s other certifying officer(s) and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and l5d—15(f)) for the registrant and have:
  a.  
Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared;
 
  b.  
Designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to be designed under our supervision, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purpose in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles;
 
  c.  
Evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant’s disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and
 
  d.  
Disclosed in this report any change in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the registrant’s most recent fiscal quarter (the registrant’s fourth fiscal quarter in the case of an annual report) that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting; and
  5  
The registrant’s other certifying officer(s) and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the registrant’s auditors and the audit committee of the registrant’s board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions):
  a.  
All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrant’s ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and
 
  b.  
Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting.
         
Date: March 12, 2008    
 
       
By
  /s/ Michael A. Carty    
 
       
 
  Michael A. Carty,    
 
  Treasurer and CFO    

 

 

EX-32.1 8 c72705exv32w1.htm EXHIBIT 32.1 Filed by Bowne Pure Compliance
 

Exhibit 32.1 — 
Certification Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as Adopted Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
In connection with the Annual Report of First Financial Corporation (the “Corporation”) on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2007 as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on the date hereof (the “Report”), I, Norman L. Lowery, Vice Chairman and CEO of the Corporation, certify, pursuant to 18 U.S.C. section 1350, as adopted pursuant to section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, that:
  (1)  
the Report fully complies with the requirements of section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934; and
 
  (2)  
the information contained in the Report fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and results of operations of the Corporation.
This certification is furnished solely pursuant to 18 U.S.C. section 1350 and is not being filed for any other purpose.
     
Date: March 12, 2008
   
 
   
/s/ Norman L. Lowery
   
 
   
Norman L. Lowery
   

 

 

EX-32.2 9 c72705exv32w2.htm EXHIBIT 32.2 Filed by Bowne Pure Compliance
 

Exhibit 32.2 — 
Certification Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as Adopted Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
In connection with the Annual Report of First Financial Corporation (the “Corporation”) on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2007 as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on the date hereof (the “Report”), I, Michael A. Carty, Secretary, Treasurer and CFO of the Corporation, certify, pursuant to 18 U.S.C. section 1350, as adopted pursuant to section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, that:
  (1)  
the Report fully complies with the requirements of section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934; and
 
  (2)  
the information contained in the Report fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and results of operations of the Corporation.
This certification is furnished solely pursuant to 18 U.S.C. section 1350 and is not being filed for any other purpose.
     
Date: March 12, 2008
   
 
   
/s/ Michael A. Carty                  
               
 
   
Michael A. Carty
               

 

 

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