First Financial Bancorp reports Q3 EPS 36c, consensus 47c

“This quarter was impacted by a $21.55 million credit loss believed to be due to fraudulent activity associated with a commercial borrower. We have reviewed our portfolio to look for systemic issues and believe this to be isolated. We have initiated legal action and are continuing to work with law enforcement. Despite this setback, our core earnings trends remain positive, with year-to-date earnings growth of nearly 12 percent compared to 2024.” said F. Scott Dueser, Chairman and CEO of First Financial (FFIN) Bankshares, Inc. “We are optimistic as we move into the final quarter of the year and will remain focused on liquidating the collateral of the loan and moving the bank forward with continued growth and profitability by keeping our customers, shareholders, and employees first.”