$FFBC

FIRST FINANCIAL BANCORP /OH/ (FFBC) filed an SEC Form 8-K — Departure of Directors or Certain Officers; Election of Directors; Appointment of Certain Officers: Compensatory Arrangements of Certain Officers. FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE First Financial Bank Announces Leadership Promotions Designed to Strengthen its Future Cincinnati, OH – September 15, 2026 – First Financial Bancorp. (Nasdaq: FFBC) is announcing several important leadership promotions and expanded executive responsibilities

First Financial Bancorp (FFBC) reported strong Q2 earnings, with its stock up 5.2% to $52.58. Banc of California (BANC) missed expectations, with revenues of $285.7M, down 13.1% to $18.41. Wintrust Financial (WTFC) met revenue expectations but missed on net interest income, down 7.9% to $150.70. Seacoast Banking (SBCF) reported a 38.4% revenue increase but missed on tangible book value, remaining flat at $33.87.

Brown Archie M (President & CEO) sold 5,000 shares of FIRST FINANCIAL BANCORP /OH/ (FFBC) at $32.93 ($0.16M total) on 2026-09-03.

OBRIEN THOMAS MURRAY sold 16,088 indirectly-held shares of FIRST FINANCIAL BANCORP /OH/ (FFBC) at $32.77 ($0.53M total) on 2026-08-26.

ANDERSON JAMES M (Chief Financial Officer) sold 4,000 shares of FIRST FINANCIAL BANCORP /OH/ (FFBC) at $33.73 ($0.13M total) on 2026-07-31.

Simply Wall St reports First Financial Bancorp (FFBC) posted higher net interest income and net income in Q2 and the first half of 2026, and declared a quarterly dividend. It cites a fair value estimate of $36.86 versus a $33.79 last close and notes efficiency initiatives, with risks including commercial real estate credit and funding costs.

First Financial Bancorp (FFBC) reported Q2 2026 net interest income of $190.38 million and net income of $76.46 million, and declared a $0.26 per share quarterly dividend payable Sept. 15, 2026. The bank also announced an acquisition of Finward Bancorp to raise EPS and expand in Northwest Indiana and Chicagoland.

Cincinnati-based First Financial Bancorp agreed to buy Finward Bancorp for $208 million in an all-cash deal. The $22.4B-asset buyer said the combination would add $4.1B of deposits and 40+ Chicagoland branches. CEO Archie Brown said M&A may pause for integration. Finward reported 0.45% ROA and $8.1M 2025 earnings.

First Financial Bancorp (FFBC) reported record adjusted net income and stable margins, citing strong loan growth and successful acquisition integrations. The company said its announced deal for Finward Bancorp would expand its regional footprint and is expected to be accretive to earnings, with tangible book value and capital ratios remaining strong.

First Financial Bancorp agreed to acquire Finward Bancorp in an all-stock deal valued at about $208 million, based on First Financial’s July 20, 2026 closing price. Each Finward share converts to 1.35 First Financial shares. Boards approved; closing expected in Q4 2026 after approvals. Deal targets EPS up ~5% and adds deposits to exceed $4 billion in the Chicago area.