FORM 10-Q

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549

___________________

 

x QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15 (d) OF THE

 

SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

 

For the quarterly period ended September 30, 2009

 

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 0-17071

 

FIRST MERCHANTS CORPORATION

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

 

Indiana 35-1544218

(State or other jurisdiction of (I.R.S. Employer

incorporation or organization) Identification No.)

 

200 East Jackson Street, Muncie, IN 47305-2814

(Address of principal executive offices) (Zip code)

 

(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code): (765) 747-1500

 

Not Applicable

(Former name, former address and former fiscal year,

if changed since last report)

 

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 x No o

 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (Section 232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files).

 

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 “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer” and “smaller reporting company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act. (Check one): Large accelerated filer o Accelerated filer x Non-accelerated filer o (Do not check if smaller reporting company) Smaller reporting company o

 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act). Yes o No x

 

As of October 30, 2009, there were 21,406,365 outstanding common shares, of the registrant.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

INDEX

 

 

 

 

 

PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION

ITEM 1. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

CONSOLIDATED CONDENSED BALANCE SHEETS

(Dollars in thousands)

(Unaudited)

 

 

 

See notes to consolidated condensed financial statements.

 

 

 

 

CONSOLIDATED CONDENSED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS

(Dollars in thousands, except per share amounts)

(Unaudited)

 

 

See notes to consolidated condensed financial statements.

 

 

 

CONSOLIDATED CONDENSED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS)

(Dollars in thousands)

(Unaudited)

 

 

 

See notes to consolidated condensed financial statements

 

The components of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), included in stockholders’ equity, are as follows:

 

 

 

 

 

 

CONSOLIDATED CONDENSED STATEMENTS OF STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY

(Dollars in thousands)

(Unaudited)

 

 

 

See notes to consolidated condensed financial statements.

 

 

 

CONSOLIDATED CONDENSED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

(Dollars in thousands)

(Unaudited)

 

 

See notes to consolidated condensed financial statements.

 

 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED CONDENSED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Table dollars in thousands)

(Unaudited)

NOTE 1. General

 

Financial Statement Preparation

 

The significant accounting policies followed by First Merchants Corporation (“Corporation”) and its wholly owned subsidiaries for interim financial reporting are consistent with the accounting policies followed for annual financial reporting. All adjustments, which are of a normal recurring nature and are in the opinion of management necessary for a fair statement of the results for the periods reported, have been included in the accompanying consolidated condensed financial statements.

 

The consolidated condensed balance sheet of the Corporation as of December 31, 2008 has been derived from the audited consolidated balance sheet of the Corporation as of that date. Certain information and note disclosures normally included in the Corporation’s annual financial statements prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America have been condensed or omitted. These consolidated condensed financial statements should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and notes thereto included in the Corporation’s Form 10-K annual report filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The results of operations for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2009 are not necessarily indicative of the results to be expected for the year.

 

NOTE 2. Share-Based Compensation

 

Stock options and restricted stock awards (“RSAs”) have been issued to directors, officers and other management employees under the Corporation’s 1994 Stock Option Plan, the 1999 Long-term Equity Incentive Plan and the 2009 Long-term Equity Incentive Plan. The stock options, which have a ten-year life, become 100 percent vested ranging from three months to two years and are fully exercisable when vested. Option exercise prices equal the Corporation’s common stock closing price on NASDAQ on the date of grant. RSAs provide for the issuance of shares of the Corporation’s common stock at no cost to the holder and generally vest after three years. The RSAs vest only if the employee is actively employed by the Corporation on the vesting date and, therefore, any unvested shares are forfeited. Deferred stock units (“DSUs”) have been credited to non-employee directors who have elected to defer payment of compensation under the Corporation’s 2008 Equity Compensation Plan for Non-employee Directors. DSUs credited are equal to the restricted shares that the non-employee director would have received under the plan. As of September 30, 2009, there were 2,838 DSUs credited to the non-employee directors.

 

The Corporation’s 2009 Employee Stock Purchase Plan (“ESPP”) provides eligible employees of the Corporation and its subsidiaries an opportunity to purchase shares of common stock of the Corporation through quarterly offerings financed by payroll deductions. The price of the stock to be paid by the employees shall be equal to 85% of the average of the closing price of the Corporation’s common stock on each trading day during the offering period. However, in no event shall such purchase price be less than the lesser of an amount equal to 85% of the market price of the Corporation’s stock on the offering date or an amount equal to 85% of the market value on the date of purchase. Common stock purchases are made quarterly and are paid through advance payroll deductions up to a calendar year maximum of $25,000.

 

Accounting Standards Codification (ASC) 718 requires the Corporation to record compensation expense related to unvested share-based awards by recognizing the unamortized grant date fair value of these awards over the remaining service periods of those awards, with no change in historical reported fair values and earnings. Awards are valued at fair value in accordance with provisions of FASB ASC 718 and are recognized on a straight-line basis over the service periods of each award. To complete the exercise of vested stock options, RSA’s and ESPP options, the Corporation generally issues new shares from its authorized but unissued share pool. Share-based compensation for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2009 were $592,000 and $1,685,000, respectively, compared to $488,000 and $1,390,000 for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2008. Share-based compensation has been recognized as a component of salaries and benefits expense in the accompanying Consolidated Condensed Statements of Operations.

 

The estimated fair value of the stock options granted during 2009 and in prior years was calculated using a Black Scholes option pricing model. The following summarizes the assumptions used in the 2009 Black Scholes model:

 

 

 

 

 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED CONDENSED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Table dollars in thousands)

(Unaudited)

NOTE 2. Share-Based Compensation continued

 

 

The Black Scholes model incorporates assumptions to value share-based awards. The risk-free rate of interest, for periods equal to the expected life of the option, is based on a zero-coupon U.S. government instrument over a similar contractual term of the equity instrument. Expected price volatility is based on historical volatility of the Corporation’s common stock. In addition, the Corporation generally uses historical information to determine the dividend yield and weighted-average expected life of the options until exercise. Separate groups of employees that have similar historical exercise behavior with regard to option exercise timing and forfeiture rates are considered separately for valuation and attribution purposes.

 

Share-based compensation expense recognized in the Consolidated Condensed Statements of Operations is based on awards ultimately expected to vest and is reduced for estimated forfeitures FASB ASC 718 requires forfeitures to be estimated at the time of grant and revised, if necessary, in subsequent periods, if actual forfeitures differ from those estimates. Pre-vesting forfeitures were estimated to be 4 percent for the nine months ended September 30, 2009, based on historical experience.

 

The following table summarizes the components of the Corporation’s share-based compensation awards recorded as expense:

 

 

As of September 30, 2009, unrecognized compensation expense related to stock options and RSAs totaling $654,000 and $1,767,000, respectively, is expected to be recognized over weighted-average periods of 1.01 and 1.61 years, respectively.

 

Stock option activity under the Corporation’s stock option plans as of September 30, 2009 and changes during the nine months ended September 30, 2009 were as follows:

 

 

 

 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED CONDENSED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Table dollars in thousands)

(Unaudited)

NOTE 2. Share-Based Compensation continued

 

The weighted-average grant date fair value was $4.51 for stock options granted during the nine months ended September 30, 2009.

 

The aggregate intrinsic value in the table above represents the total pre-tax intrinsic value (the difference between the Corporation’s closing stock price on the last trading day of the first nine months of 2009 and the exercise price, multiplied by the number of in-the-money options) that would have been received by the option holders had all option holders exercised their stock options on September 30, 2009. The amount of aggregate intrinsic value will change based on the fair market value of the Corporation’s common stock. There were no stock options exercised during the nine months of 2009.

 

The following table summarizes information on unvested RSAs outstanding as of September 30, 2009:

 

 

The grant date fair value of ESPP options was estimated at the beginning of the July 1, 2009 quarterly offering period of approximately $57,000. The ESPP options vested during the three month period ending September 30, 2009. At September 30, 2009, there was no unrecognized compensation expense related to unvested ESPP options.

 

NOTE 3. Derivative Financial Instruments

 

The Corporation offers interest rate derivative products (e.g. interest rate swaps) to certain of its high-quality commercial borrowers. This product allows customers to enter into an agreement with the Corporation to swap their variable rate loan to a fixed rate. These derivative products are designed to reduce, eliminate or modify the risk of changes in the borrower's interest rate or market price risk. The extension of credit incurred through the execution of these derivative products is subject to the same approvals and underwriting standards as the related traditional credit product. The Corporation limits its risk exposure to these products by entering into a mirror-image, offsetting swap agreement with a separate, well-capitalized and rated counterparty previously approved by the Corporation’s Asset Liability Committee. By using these interest rate swap arrangements, the Corporation is also better insulated from the interest rate risk associated with underwriting fixed-rate loans. These derivative contracts are not designated against specific assets or liabilities under FASB ASC 815-10 and, therefore, do not qualify for hedge accounting. The derivatives are recorded on the balance sheet at fair value and changes in fair value of both the customer and the offsetting swap agreements are recorded (and essentially offset) in non-interest income. The fair value of the derivative instruments incorporates a consideration of credit risk (in accordance with FASB ASC 820-10), resulting in some insignificant volatility in earnings each period. The notional amounts of the interest rate swaps were $69,395,000 at September 30, 2009.

 

The tables summarize the fair value of derivative financial instruments utilized by the Corporation:

 

 

 

 

 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED CONDENSED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Table dollars in thousands)

(Unaudited)

 

NOTE 3. Derivative Financial Instruments continued

 

The effect of derivative instruments on the consolidated statement of operations for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2009 and 2008 is as follows:

 

 

 

Note 4. Disclosures About Fair Value of Assets and Liabilities

 

Effective January 1, 2008, the Corporation adopted Statement of FASB ASC 820-10 (formerly SFAS No. 157), Fair Value Measurements. FASB ASC 820-10 defines fair value, establishes a framework for measuring fair value and expands disclosures about fair value measurements.

 

FASB ASC 820-10 defines fair value as the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. FASB ASC 820-10 also establishes a fair value hierarchy which requires an entity to maximize the use of observable inputs and minimize the use of unobservable inputs when measuring fair value. The standard describes three levels of inputs that may be used to measure fair value:

 

Level 1 Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities

 

Level 2 Observable inputs other than Level 1 prices, such as quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities; quoted prices in active markets that are not active; or other inputs that are observable or can be corroborated by observable market data for substantially the full term of the assets or liabilities

 

Level 3 Unobservable inputs that are supported by little or no market activity and that are significant to the fair value of the assets or liabilities

 

Following is a description of the valuation methodologies used for instruments measured at fair value on a recurring basis and recognized in the accompanying balance sheet, as well as the general classification of such instruments pursuant to the valuation hierarchy.

 

Available-for-sale securities

 

Where quoted, market prices are available in an active market and securities are classified within Level 1 of the valuation hierarchy. There are no securities classified within Level 1 of the hierarchy. If quoted market prices are not available, then fair values are estimated by using pricing models, quoted prices of securities with similar characteristics or discounted cash flows. Level 2 securities include agencies, mortgage backs, state and municipal and corporate obligations. In certain cases where Level 1 or Level 2 inputs are not available, securities are classified within Level 3 of the hierarchy and include corporate obligations and marketable equity securities. Level 3 fair value on corporate obligations and marketable equity securities was determined using a discounted cash flow model that incorporated market estimates of interest rates and volatility in markets that have not been active.

 

 

 

 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED CONDENSED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Table dollars in thousands)

(Unaudited)

 

Note 4. Disclosures About Fair Value of Assets and Liabilities continued

 

Third party vendors compile prices from various sources and may apply such techniques as matrix pricing to determine the value of identical or similar investment securities (Level 2). Matrix pricing is a mathematical technique widely used in the banking industry to value investment securities without relying exclusively on quoted prices for specific investment securities but rather relying on the investment securities’ relationship to other benchmark quoted investment securities. Any investment security not valued based upon the methods above are considered Level 3.

 

Pooled Trust Preferred Securities

 

Ten of the pooled trust preferred securities in the portfolio fall within the scope of FASB ASC 325-10 (EITF 99-20) and include $9.9 million amortized cost, with a fair value of $6.0 million. These securities were rated A or better at inception, but at September 30, 2009, Moody’s ratings on these securities now range from Ca to Caa3. The issuers in these securities are primarily banks, but some of the pools do include a limited number of insurance companies. The Corporation uses an other-than-temporary impairment (“OTTI”) evaluation process to compare the present value of expected cash flows to the previous estimate to determine whether an adverse change in cash flows has occurred during the quarter. The OTTI process considers the structure and term of the collateralized debt obligation (“CDO”) and the financial condition of the underlying issuers. Specifically, the process details interest rates, principal balances of note classes and underlying issuers, the timing and amount of interest and principal payments of the underlying issuers, and the allocation of the payments to the note classes. The current estimate of expected cash flows is based on the most recent trustee reports and any other relevant market information including announcements of interest payment deferrals or defaults of underlying trust preferred securities. Assumptions used in the process include expected future default rates and prepayments as well as recovery assumptions on defaults and deferrals. In addition, the process is used to “stress” each CDO, or make assumptions more severe than expected activity, to determine the degree to which assumptions could deteriorate before the CDO could no longer fully support repayment of the Corporation’s note class. Upon completion of the September 30, 2009 analysis, the conclusion was other-than-temporary impairment on eight of these securities, all of which experienced additional defaults or deferrals during the third quarter. For the nine months ended September 30, 2009, eight of the ten securities had OTTI losses of $9.5 million, of which $3.8 million was recorded as expense and $5.7 million was recorded in other comprehensive income.

 

Interest rate swap agreements

 

See information regarding the Corporation’s interest rate derivative products in Note 3. Derivative Financial Instruments, included within the Notes to Consolidated Condensed Financial Statements of this Form 10Q.

 

The fair value is estimated by a third party using inputs that are primarily unobservable and cannot be corroborated by observable market data and, therefore, are classified within Level 3 of the valuation hierarchy.

 

The following table presents the fair value measurements of assets and liabilities recognized in the accompanying balance sheet measured at fair value on a recurring basis and the level within the FASB ASC 820-10 fair value hierarchy in which the fair value measurements fall at September 30, 2009.

 

 

 

 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED CONDENSED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Table dollars in thousands)

(Unaudited)

 

NOTE 4. Disclosures About Fair Value of Assets and Liabilities continued

 

The following table presents the fair value measurements of assets and liabilities recognized in the accompanying balance sheet measured at fair value on a recurring basis and the level within the FASB ASC 820-10 fair value hierarchy in which the fair value measurements fall at December 31, 2008.

 

 

 

 

The following is a reconciliation of the beginning and ending balances of recurring fair value measurements recognized in the accompanying balance sheet using significant unobservable Level 3 inputs for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2009 and 2008.

 

 

 

 

 

Following is a description of valuation methodologies used for instruments measured at fair value on a non-recurring basis and recognized in the accompanying balance sheet, as well as the general classification of such instruments pursuant to the valuation hierarchy.

 

 

 

 

 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED CONDENSED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Table dollars in thousands)

(Unaudited)

 

NOTE 4. Disclosures About Fair Value of Assets and Liabilities continued

 

Impaired Loans and Other Real Estate Owned

 

Loan impairment is reported when substantial doubt about the collectability of scheduled payments exists. Impaired loans are carried at the present value of estimated future cash flows using the loan’s existing rate, or the fair value of collateral if the loan is collateral dependent. A portion of the allowance for loan losses is allocated to impaired loans if the value of such loans is deemed to be less than the unpaid balance. If these allocations cause the allowance for loan losses to increase, such increase is reported as a component of the provision for loan losses. Loan losses are charged against the allowance when management believes the uncollectability of the loan is confirmed. During 2009, certain impaired loans were partially charged-off or re-evaluated. The valuation would be considered Level 3, consisting of appraisals of underlying collateral and discounted cash flow analysis.

 

The fair value for impaired loans and other real estate owned is measured based on the value of the collateral securing those loans/real estate and is determined using several methods. The fair value of real estate is generally determined based on appraisals by qualified licensed appraisers. The appraisers typically determine the value of the real estate by utilizing an income or market valuation approach. If an appraisal is not available, the fair value may be determined by using a cash flow analysis. Fair value on other collateral such as business assets is typically calculated by using financial information such as financial statements and aging reports provided by the borrower and is discounted as considered appropriate.

 

 

 

 

The estimated fair values of the Corporation’s financial instruments are as follows:

 

 

 

 

 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED CONDENSED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Table dollars in thousands)

(Unaudited)

NOTE 4. Disclosures About Fair Value of Assets and Liabilities continued

 

Cash and Due from Banks: The fair value of cash and cash equivalents approximates carrying value.

 

Interest-Bearing Time Deposits: The fair value of interest-bearing time deposits approximates carrying value.

 

Held to Maturity Securities: Fair value is based on quoted market prices, if available. If a quoted market price is not available, fair value is estimated using quoted market prices for similar securities.

 

Mortgage Loans Held for Sale: The fair value of mortgage loans held for sale approximates carrying value.

 

Loans: For both short-term loans and variable-rate loans that reprice frequently and with no significant change in credit risk, fair values are based on carrying values. The fair value for other loans is estimated using discounted cash flow analysis, using interest rates currently being offered for loans with similar terms to borrowers of similar credit quality. See Impaired Loans above.

 

Loan commitments and letters-of-credit generally have short-term, variable-rate features and contain clauses which limit the Corporation’s exposure to changes in customer credit quality. Accordingly, their carrying values, which are immaterial at the respective balance sheet dates, are reasonable estimates of fair value.

 

Federal Reserve (“FRB”) and Federal Home Loan Bank (“FHLB”) stock: The fair value of FRB and FHLB stock is based on the price at which it may be resold to the FRB and FHLB.

 

Interest Receivable and Interest Payable: The fair value of interest receivable/payable approximates carrying value.

 

Deposits: The fair values of noninterest-bearing demand accounts, interest-bearing demand accounts and savings deposits are equal to the amount payable on demand at the balance sheet date. The carrying amounts for variable rate, fixed-term certificates of deposit approximate their fair values at the balance sheet date. Fair values for fixed-rate certificates of deposit and other time deposits are estimated using a discounted cash flow calculation that applies interest rates currently being offered on certificates to a schedule of aggregated expected monthly maturities on such time deposits.

 

Borrowings: The fair value of borrowings is estimated using a discounted cash flow calculation, based on current rates for similar debt, except for short-term and adjustable rate borrowing arrangements. At September 30, the fair value for these instruments approximates carrying value.

 

NOTE 5. Investment Securities

 

The amortized cost and approximate fair values of securities are as follows:

 

 

 

 

 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED CONDENSED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Table dollars in thousands)

(Unaudited)

 

NOTE 5. Investment Securities continued

 

 

The amortized cost and fair value of available for sale securities and held to maturity securities at September 30, 2009, by contractual maturity, are shown below. Expected maturities will differ from contractual maturities because issuers may have the right to call or prepay obligations with or without call or prepayment penalties.

 

 

 

The carrying value of securities pledged as collateral, to secure public deposits and for other purposes, was $284,869,000 at September 30, 2009.

 

The book value of securities sold under agreements to repurchase amounted to $90 million at September 30, 2009.

 

Gross gains of $5,228,000 and $9,174,000 resulting from sales and redemptions of available for sale securities were realized for three and nine months ended September 30, 2009. Gross losses of $17,000 resulting from sales and redemptions of available for sale securities were realized for both the three and nine months ended September 30, 2009. The Corporation has recognized a loss of $1,227,000 and $3,750,000 in the three and nine months ended September 30, 2009, equal to the credit loss, establishing a new, lower amortized cost basis. The credit loss was calculated by comparing expected discounted cash flows based on performance indicators of the underlying assets in the security to the carrying value of the investment. Because the Corporation does not intend to sell the investment and it is not more likely than not the Corporation will be required to sell the investment before recovery of its new, lower amortized cost basis, which may be maturity, it does not consider the remainder of the investment securities to be other-than-temporarily impaired at September 30, 2009.

 

 

 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED CONDENSED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Table dollars in thousands)

(Unaudited)

 

NOTE 5. Investment Securities continued

 

Gross gains of $188,000 and $274,000 resulting from sales of available for sale securities were realized in the three and nine months ended September 30, 2008. Losses recognized from the sales of available for sale securities were $3,000 for both the three and nine months ended September 30, 2008. Other-than-temporary impairment losses of $1,440,000 were recognized in the three and nine months ended September 30, 2009.

 

Certain investments in debt (and marketable equity) securities are reported in the financial statements at an amount less than their historical cost. Total fair value of these investments at September 30, 2009, was $17,018,000 and $60,343,000, which is approximately 3.5 percent and 12.5 percent of the Corporation’s available for sale and held to maturity investment portfolio at September 30, 2009 and December 31, 2008.

 

Except as discussed below, management believes the declines in fair value for these securities are temporary. Should the impairment of any of these securities become other-than-temporary, the cost basis of the investment will be reduced and the resulting loss recognized in net income in the period the other-than-temporary impairment is identified.

 

The following table shows the Corporation’s investments’ gross unrealized losses and fair value, aggregated by investment category and length of time that individual securities have been in a continuous unrealized loss position at September 30, 2009 and December 31, 2008:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED CONDENSED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Table dollars in thousands)

(Unaudited)

 

NOTE 5. Investment Securities continued

 

Mortgage-backed Securities

 

The unrealized losses on the Corporation’s investment in mortgage-backed securities were a result of interest rate increases. The Corporation expects to recover the amortized cost basis over the term of the securities. Because the decline in market value is attributable to changes in interest rates and not credit quality, and because the Corporation does not intend to sell the investments and it is not more likely than not the Corporation will be required to sell the investments before recovery of their amortized cost basis, which may be maturity, the Corporation does not consider those investments to be other-than-temporarily impaired at September 30, 2009.

 

State and Political Subdivisions

 

The unrealized losses on the Corporation’s investments in securities of state and political subdivisions were caused by interest rate increases. The contractual terms of those investments do not permit the issuer to settle the securities at a price less than the amortized cost basis of the investments. Because the Corporation does not intend to sell the investments and it is not more likely than not the Corporation will be required to sell the investments before recovery of their amortized cost basis, which may be maturity, the Corporation does not consider those investments to be other-than-temporarily impaired at September 30, 2009.

 

Other Securities

 

The Corporation’s unrealized losses on pooled trust preferred securities total $6.2 million on a book value of $9.9 million. The decline in value is attributable to temporary illiquidity and the financial crisis affecting these markets coupled with the potential credit loss resulting from the adverse change in expected cash flows. Due to the illiquidity in the market, it is unlikely that the Corporation would be able to recover its investment in these securities if the Corporation sold the securities at this time. The Corporation has analyzed the cash flow characteristics of the securities and this analysis included utilizing the most recent trustee reports and any other relevant market information including announcements of deferrals or defaults of trust preferred securities. The Corporation has recognized a loss of $1,227,000 in the third quarter of 2009, equal to the credit loss, establishing a new, lower amortized cost basis. The credit loss was calculated by comparing expected discounted cash flows based on performance indicators of the underlying assets in the security to the carrying value of the investment. Because the Corporation does not intend to sell the investment and it is not more likely than not the Corporation will be required to sell the investment before recovery of its new, lower amortized cost basis, which may be maturity, it does not consider the remainder of the investment securities to be other-than-temporarily impaired at September 30, 2009. The Corporation previously recognized other-than-temporary impairment of $478,000 in the first quarter of 2009 equal to the credit loss and $2,045,000 in the second quarter of 2009 equal to the credit loss.

 

Credit Losses Recognized on Investments

 

Certain debt securities have experienced fair value deterioration due to credit losses and other market factors. The following table provides information about debt securities for which only a credit loss was recognized in income and other losses are recorded in other comprehensive income.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED CONDENSED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Table dollars in thousands)

(Unaudited)

 

NOTE 6. Loans and Allowance

 

 

 

See the information regarding the analysis of loan loss experience in the Asset Quality/Provision for Loan Losses section of Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations included as ITEM 2 of this Form 10-Q.

 

NOTE 7. Net Income (Loss) Per Share

 

Basic net income (loss) per share is computed by dividing net income (loss) by the weighted-average shares outstanding during the reporting period. Diluted net income (loss) per share is computed by dividing net income (loss) by the combination of all dilutive common share equivalents, comprised of shares issuable under the Corporation’s share-based compensation plans, and the weighted-average shares outstanding during the reporting period.

 

Dilutive common share equivalents include the dilutive effect of in-the-money share-based awards, which are calculated based on the average share price for each period using the treasury stock method. Under the treasury stock method, the exercise price of share-based awards, the amount of compensation expense, if any, for future service that the Corporation has not yet recognized, and the amount of estimated tax benefits that would be recorded in additional paid-in capital when share-based awards are exercised, are assumed to be used to repurchase common stock in the current period.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED CONDENSED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Table dollars in thousands)

(Unaudited)

 

NOTE 7. Net Income (Loss) Per Share continued

 

 

Stock options to purchase 1,103,043 and 806,789 shares for the three months ended September 30, 2009 and 2008, respectively, were not included in the earnings (loss) per share calculation because the exercise price exceeded the average market price.

 

 

Stock options to purchase 1,101,107 and 703,124 shares for the nine months ended September 30, 2009 and 2008, respectively, were not included in the earnings (loss) per share calculation because the exercise price exceeded the average market price.

 

Note 8. Goodwill

 

Goodwill is reviewed for impairment annually in accordance with FASB ASC 350. Due to the declining stock price, the Corporation engaged a third party to perform the evaluation in the first quarter of 2009. The evaluation included a weighted average of three approaches. The asset approach values each asset and liability separately, which are then summed to produce an indication of the equity value of the business. The market approach compares the subject to similar businesses that have been sold. The income approach determines the value of a business using a discounted cash flow based on expectations of future earnings or cash flows. This review was completed in the first quarter of 2009 and the results of the evaluation showed that the carrying value of First Merchants Corporation, as of March 31, 2009, did not exceed its fair value, and therefore management concluded that goodwill is not impaired.

 

As a result of the loss in the second quarter of 2009, management engaged the third party to perform an updated evaluation using the same process used in the first quarter evaluation. Again, the results of the evaluation showed that the carrying value of First Merchants Corporation did not exceed its fair value, and therefore management concluded that goodwill is not impaired at September 30, 2009.

 

 

 

 

 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED CONDENSED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Table dollars in thousands)

(Unaudited)

 

Note 9. Subsequent Events

 

Subsequent events have been evaluated through November 9, 2009, the date the financial statements were available to be issued. There were no items that would have a material impact to the financial statements presented in this Form 10-Q.

 

Note 10. Impact of Accounting Changes

 

Accounting Standards Update (ASU) No. 2009-12,Investments in Certain Entities that Calculate Net Asset Value per Share. Issued in September 2009, this ASU permits, as a practical expedient, a reporting entity to measure the fair value of an investment that is within the scope of this ASU on the basis of the net asset value per share of the investment (or its equivalent) if the net asset value of the investment (or its equivalent) is calculated in a manner consistent with the measurement principles of Topic 946 as of the reporting entity’s measurement date.  The ASU also requires disclosures by major category of investment about the attributes of investments within the scope of the Update.  ASU 2009-12 is effective for interim and annual periods ending after December 15, 2009.  The Corporation is currently assessing the impact of the ASU on its financial condition, results of operations, and disclosures.

 

ASU No. 2009-05, Measuring Liabilities at Fair Value codified in “Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures (Topic 820) – Measuring Liabilities at Fair Value.” Issued in August 2009, this ASU alters fair value measurements of liabilities.  It provides clarification that in circumstances in which a quoted price in an active market for the identical liability is not available, a reporting entity is required to measure fair value using one or more techniques.  ASU 2009-05 also clarifies that when estimating a fair value of a liability, a reporting entity is not required to include a separate input or adjustment to other inputs relating to the existence of a restriction that prevents the transfer of the liability.  ASU 2009-05 is effective for the first reporting period (including interim periods) beginning after issuance or fourth quarter 2009.  The Corporation is currently assessing the impact of the ASU on its financial condition, results of operations, and disclosures.

 

ASU 2009-01 (formerly SFAS No. 168), Topic 105 - Generally Accepted Accounting Principles - FASB Accounting Standards Codification and the Hierarchy of Generally Accepted Accounting Principles. ASU 2009-01 establishes the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) Accounting Standards Codification (Codification) as the single source of authoritative U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (U.S. GAAP) recognized by the FASB to be applied by nongovernmental entities. Rules and interpretive releases of the SEC under authority of federal securities laws are also sources of authoritative U.S. GAAP for SEC registrants. ASU 2009-01 was effective for financial statements issued for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. The Corporation has made the appropriate changes to GAAP references in its financial statements.

 

ASC 820 (formerly SFAS 167), Amendments to FASB Interpretation No. 46(R). In June 2009, the FASB issued ASC 820 amending the consolidation guidance applicable to variable interest entities.  The amendments to the consolidation guidance affect all entities currently within the scope of FIN 46(R), as well as qualifying special-purpose entities (QSPEs) that are currently excluded from the scope of FIN 46(R).  ASC 820 is effective as of the beginning of the first annual reporting period that begins after November 15, 2009.  The Corporation is currently assessing the impact of ASC 820 on its financial condition, results of operations, and disclosures.

 

ASC 860 (formerly SFAS 166), Accounting for Transfers of Financial Assets, an amendment of FASB Statement No. 140. ASC 860 amends the derecognition accounting and disclosure guidance relating to SFAS 140.  ASC 860 eliminates the exemption from consolidation for QSPEs, it also requires a transferor to evaluate all existing QSPEs to determine whether it must be consolidated in accordance with ASC 820.  ASC 860is effective as of the beginning of the first annual reporting period that begins after November 15, 2009.  The Corporation is currently assessing the impact ASC 860on its financial condition, results of operations, and disclosures.

 

Accounting Standards Codification (ASC) 855 (formerly Statement No. 165), Subsequent Events. In May 2009, the FASB issued ASC 855 which establishes general standards of accounting for and disclosure of events that occur after the balance sheet date but before financial statements are issued or available to be issued.  ASC 855 was effective for interim or annual periods ending after June 15, 2009.  The Corporation adopted the provisions of ASC 855 beginning with the interim reporting period ending June 30, 2009. The required disclosures are reflected in Note 9 Subsequent Events.

 

 

 

 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED CONDENSED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Table dollars in thousands)

(Unaudited)

 

Note 10. Impact of Accounting Changes continued

 

ASC 825 (formerly FASB Staff Position (FSP) 107-1 and APB 28-1), Interim Disclosures about Fair Value of Financial Instruments. In April 2009, the FASB issued ASC 825 which requires a public entity to provide disclosures about fair value of financial instruments in interim financial information.  ASC 825 is effective for interim and annual financial periods ending after June 15, 2009.  The Corporation adopted the provisions of ASC 825 on April 1, 2009 and the impact on its disclosures is more fully discussed in Note 4 Disclosures About Fair Value of Assets and Liabilities.

 

ASC 320 (formerly FSP FAS 115-2, FAS124-2 and EITF 99-20-2), Recognition and Presentation of Other-Than-Temporary-Impairment. In April 2009, the FASB issued ASC 320 which (i) changes existing guidance for determining whether an impairment is other-than-temporary to debt securities and (ii) replaces the existing requirement that the entity’s management assert it has both the intent and ability to hold an impaired security until recovery with a requirement that management assert: (a) it does not have the intent to sell the security; and (b) it is more likely than not it will not have to sell the security before recovery of its cost basis.  Under ASC 320, declines in the fair value of held to maturity and available for sale securities below their cost that are deemed to be other-than-temporary are reflected in earnings as realized losses to the extent the impairment is related to credit losses.  The amount of impairment related to other factors is recognized in other comprehensive income.  ASC 320 is effective for interim and annual periods ending after June 15, 2009.  The Corporation adopted the provisions of ASC 320 on April 1, 2009.  Details related to the adoption of ASC 320 and the impact on disclosures is more fully discussed in Note 5 Investment Securities.

 

ASC 820 (formerly FSP FAS 157-4), Determining Fair Value When the Volume and Level of Activity for the Asset or Liability Have Significantly Decreased and Identifying Transactions That Are Not Orderly. In April 2009, the FASB issued ASC 820 which affirms the objective of fair value when a market is not active, clarifies and includes additional factors for determining whether there has been a significant decrease in market activity, eliminates the presumption that all transactions are distressed unless proven otherwise, and requires an entity to disclose a change in valuation technique.  ASC 820 is effective for interim and annual periods ending after June 15, 2009.   The Corporation adopted the provisions of ASC 820 on April 1, 2009.  Details related to the adoption of ASC 820 and the impact on disclosures is more fully discussed in Note 4 Disclosures About Fair Value of Assets and Liabilities.

 

Earnings Per Share (EPS)  (formerly FSP EITF 03-6-1), Determining Whether Instruments Granted in Shared-Based Payment Transaction are Participating Securities.  In June 2008, the FASB issued ASC 260 which clarifies that unvested share-based payment awards with a right to receive nonforfeitable dividends are participating securities.  ASC 260 also provides guidance on how to allocate earnings to participating securities and compute EPS using the two-class method.  ASC 260 is effective for financial statements issued for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2008, and interim periods within those years.  The provisions of ASC 260 did not have a material impact on its EPS calculation.

 

ASC 815 (formerly Statement No. 161), Disclosures About Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities.   In March 2008, the FASB issued ASC 815 which requires qualitative disclosures about objectives and strategies for using derivatives, quantitative disclosures about fair value amounts of and gains and losses on derivative instruments, and disclosures about credit-risk-related contingent features in derivative agreements. ASC 815 is effective for fiscal years beginning after November 15, 2008.  The Corporation adopted the provisions of ASC 815 on January 1, 2009.  The required disclosures are included in Note 3 Derivative Financial Instruments.

 

 

 

ITEM 2. MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

 

FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

 

From time to time, we include forward-looking statements in our oral and written communication. We may include forward-looking statements in filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, such as this Form 10-Q, in other written materials and in oral statements made by senior management to analysts, investors, representatives of the media and others. We intend these forward-looking statements to be covered by the safe harbor provisions for forward-looking statements contained in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, and we are including this statement for purposes of these safe harbor provisions. Forward-looking statements can often be identified by the use of words like “believe”, “continue”, “pattern”, “estimate”, “project”, “intend”, “anticipate”, “expect” and similar expressions or future or conditional verbs such as “will”, “would”, “should”, “could”, “might”, “can”, “may”, or similar expressions. These forward-looking statements include:

 

 

 

 

 

These forward-looking statements are subject to significant risks, assumptions and uncertainties, including, among other things, the following important factors which could affect the actual outcome of future events:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Because of these and other uncertainties, our actual future results may be materially different from the results indicated by these forward-looking statements. In addition, our past results of operations do not necessarily indicate our anticipated future results.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

ITEM 2. MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

 

CRITICAL ACCOUNTING POLICIES

 

Generally accepted accounting principles are complex and require us to apply significant judgments to various accounting, reporting and disclosure matters. We must use assumptions and estimates to apply these principles where actual measurement is not possible or practical. For a complete discussion of our significant accounting policies, see “Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements” in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2008. Certain policies are considered critical because they are highly dependent upon subjective or complex judgments, assumptions and estimates. Changes in such estimates may have a significant impact on the financial statements. We have reviewed the application of these policies with the Audit Committee of our Board of Directors.

 

We believe there have been no significant changes during the nine months ended September 30, 2009 to the items that we disclosed as our critical accounting policies and estimates in Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2008.

 

BUSINESS SUMMARY

 

The Corporation is a diversified financial holding company headquartered in Muncie, Indiana. Since its organization in 1982, the Corporation has grown to include 80 banking center locations in 24 Indiana and 3 Ohio counties. In addition to its branch network, the Corporation’s delivery channels include ATMs, check cards, interactive voice response systems, remote deposit and internet technology.

 

The Corporation’s business activities are currently limited to one significant business segment, which is community banking. As of September 30, 2009, the Corporation’s financial service affiliates included one nationally chartered bank: First Merchants Bank, National Association (“First Merchants”). First Merchants provides commercial and retail banking services. In addition, the Corporation’s trust company and multi-line insurance company provide trust asset management services and retail and commercial insurance agency services, respectively.

 

The Corporation received approval from the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (“OCC”), and completed the merger of three of its subsidiary banks and charters into the Corporation’s single remaining full-service bank charter, First Merchants Bank, National Association, effective at the close of business on Friday, September 25, 2009. First Merchants intends to preserve the brand names of Lafayette Bank and Trust and Commerce National Bank and to continue to do business under those names as divisions of First Merchants. In addition, many of the former bank board members of the non-surviving institutions will continue their affiliation with those divisions and their management and communities in an advisory capacity.

 

Management believes that its vision, mission, culture statement and core values produce profitable growth for stockholders. Management also believes it is important to maintain a strong control environment as we continue to grow our businesses. Interest rate and market risks inherent in our asset and liability balances are managed within prudent ranges, while ensuring adequate liquidity and funding. Sound credit policies are maintained and interest rate and market risks inherent in our asset and liability balances are managed within prudent ranges, while ensuring adequate liquidity and funding.

 

RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

 

Executive Summary

 

First Merchants Corporation had a net loss of $6.4 million, or $.30 per common share, for the quarter ended September 30, 2009, compared to net income of $5.7 million, or $.32 per common share, for the quarter ended September 30, 2008. The Corporation’s third quarter contributed to the year-to-date loss of $34.1 million, or $1.62 per common share, down from the prior year net income of $20.4 million or $1.13.

 

The decline in net income for the quarter was due to a higher-than-normal provision for loan losses of $24 million. The year-to-date provision for loan losses through September 30, 3009, was $96 million compared to $18 million during the first nine months of 2008. The Corporation’s allowance for loan losses, as a percent of total loans, increased to 2.54 percent as of quarter-end from 1.14 percent, as of September 30, 2008, a $52 million increase. The increase in the allowance results from the provision for loan losses exceeding charge-offs by $41 million in the last four quarters coupled with the $10.7 million allowance from the Lincoln acquisition.

 

 

 

ITEM 2. MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

 

RESULTS OF OPERATIONS continued

 

Loan charge-offs were $14.4 million for the quarter. Commercial real estate charge-offs totaled $4.6 million, land and lot development loans totaled $2 million, 1-4 family residential properties totaled $1.5 million, commercial and industrial loans totaled $5.6 million. Non-performing assets plus 90 days delinquent loans were $156 million, or 3.49 percent of total assets at quarter-end.

 

The Corporation was able to maintain all regulatory capital ratios in excess of the regulatory definition of “well capitalized” as discussed in the following CAPITAL section.

 

Assets decreased by $308 million during the nine months ended September 30, 2009. As net loan balances and cash and cash equivalents declined in 2009 by $340 million and $31 million, respectively, these funds were redeployed in reducing higher cost borrowings by $168 million and brokered CDs by $166 million. Other assets increased during the same period, in part due to increased tax assets, both current and deferred, of $23 million. The increase is a result of the increased provision over charge offs and the current year loss.

 

Net Interest Income

 

Net interest income is the primary source of our earnings. It is a function of net interest margin and the level of average earning assets. Net interest margin contracted by 8 basis points from 3.91 percent in the third quarter of 2008 to 3.83 percent in the third quarter of 2009 and earning assets increased by $736 million. The Lincoln acquisition accounted for an increase of $792 million, which has been offset with a decrease in loan receivables due to the current economic conditions. The table below presents our asset yields, interest expense, and net interest income as a percent of average earning assets for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2009 and 2008.

 

During the nine months ended September 30, 2009, asset yields decreased 93 basis points on a fully taxable equivalent basis (FTE) and interest costs decreased 81 basis points, resulting in a 12 basis point (FTE) decrease in net interest income as compared to the same period in 2008.

 

 

Average earning assets include the average balance of securities classified as available for sale, computed based on the average of the historical amortized cost balances without the effects of the fair value adjustment. In addition, annualized amounts are computed utilizing a 30/360 day basis.

 

Non-Interest Income

 

Non-interest income increased by $6,463,000 during the third quarter of 2009, compared to the third quarter of 2008. Other-than-temporary impairment costs on pooled trust preferred investments of $1,227,000 offset gains recognized on the sale of investment securities, resulting in a net gain of approximately $3,984,000 during the third quarter of 2009, $5,239,000 higher than the same period in 2008. Net gains and fees on sales of mortgage loans increased $1,349,000 as a result of higher mortgage activity due to current market rates as well as the additional activity resulting from the Lincoln acquisition on December 31, 2008.

 

 

 

 

ITEM 2. MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

 

RESULTS OF OPERATIONS continued

 

During the first nine months of 2009, non-interest income increased by $11.6 million, or 38.4 percent as compared to the same period in 2008. The sale of investment securities resulted in net gains of approximately $5,407,000, net of other-than-temporary impairment charges of $3,750,000 recognized on pooled trust preferred investments. This was a net increase of $6,576,000 over

the same period last year. Net gains and fees on sales of mortgage loans increased $3,146,000, or 160.6 percent, as a result of increased mortgage refinancing activity, increased secondary mortgage sales and the Lincoln acquisition on December 31, 2008. Service charges also increased in 2009 as a result of the acquisition of Lincoln.

 

Non-Interest Expense

 

Third quarter non-interest expenses in 2009, compared with the same period in 2008, increased by $11.9 million. FDIC expenses increased $2.9 million due to the Lincoln acquisition as well as rate increases. Expenses related to OREO properties increased $2.7 million and professional services related to credit losses increased approximately $439,000. Salary and benefit expenses increased $2.6 million, primarily due to the December 31, 2008 acquisition of Lincoln. Pre-payment penalties of $1.9 million were realized as FHLB borrowings were reduced during the third quarter of 2009.The Lincoln acquisition has also driven increases in other areas such as premises, equipment and outside data processing expenses.

 

During the first nine months of 2009, non-interest expense increased by $32.1 million, or 40.2 percent, compared to the same period in 2008. Salary and benefit expenses increased by $10.5 million, which included $7.2 million additional expense related to the December 31, 2008 acquisition of Lincoln, as well as $2.8 million of increased health insurance and retirement plan costs. FDIC expenses increased $6,660,000 due to a special assessment, rate increases and the acquisition of Lincoln. Expenses related to OREO properties, as well as professional services related to credit issues, increased $5.4 million. Pre-payment penalties of $1.9 million were realized as FHLB borrowings were reduced during the third quarter of 2009.Other expenses such as premises, equipment and outside data processing expenses have increased in the nine months ended September 30, 2009, compared to the same period of 2008 due to the Lincoln acquisition.

 

Income Tax Expense (Benefit)

 

The income tax benefit for the nine months ended September 30, 2009 was $20,090,000 with an effective tax rate of 39.7%. For the same period in 2008, the income tax expense was $8,121,000 with an effective tax rate of 28.5%. The change was due to the loss experienced by the Corporation during 2009.

 

CAPITAL

 

Our regulatory capital continues to exceed regulatory “well capitalized” standards. Tier I regulatory capital consists primarily of total stockholders’ equity and subordinated debentures issued to business trusts categorized as qualifying borrowings, less non-qualifying intangible assets and unrealized net securities gains. As of September 30, 2009, the Corporation continues to exceed the regulatory well capitalized targets, as seen in the chart below.

 

 

Regulatory capital guidelines require a Tier I risk-based capital ratio of at least 4.0 percent and a total risk-based capital ratio of at least 8.0 percent.

 

Our GAAP capital ratio, defined as total stockholders’ equity to total assets, equaled 10.63 percent at September 30, 2009 and 8.27 percent at December 31, 2008. When we acquire other companies for stock, GAAP capital increases by the entire amount of the purchase price.

 

 

 

 

 

 

ITEM 2. MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

 

CAPITAL continued

 

We believe that all of the above capital ratios are meaningful measurements for evaluating our safety and soundness. Additionally, we believe the following table is also meaningful when considering our performance measures. The table details and reconciles tangible earnings per share, return on tangible capital and tangible assets to traditional GAAP measures.

 

 

 

 

ASSET QUALITY/PROVISION FOR LOAN LOSSES

 

Our primary business focus is middle market commercial and residential real estate, auto and small consumer lending, which results in portfolio diversification. We ensure that appropriate methods to understand and underwrite risk are utilized. Commercial loans are individually underwritten and judgmentally risk rated. They are periodically monitored and prompt corrective actions are taken on deteriorating loans. Retail loans are typically underwritten with statistical decision-making tools and are managed throughout their life cycle on a portfolio basis.

 

The allowance for loan losses is maintained through the provision for loan losses, which is a charge against earnings. The amount provided for loan losses and the determination of the adequacy of the allowance are based on a continuous review of the loan portfolio, including an internally administered loan “watch” list and an ongoing loan review. The evaluation takes into consideration identified credit problems, as well as the possibility of losses inherent in the loan portfolio that are not specifically identified.

 

Non-performing loans will increase or decrease going forward due to portfolio growth, routine problem loan recognition and resolution through collections, sales or charge-offs. The performance of any loan can be affected by external factors such as economic conditions, or factors particular to a borrower, such as actions of a borrower’s management.

 

 

 

 

 

 

ITEM 2. MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

 

ASSET QUALITY/PROVISION FOR LOAN LOSSES continued

 

At September 30, 2009, non-performing assets, which includes nonaccrual loans, restructured loans, and other real estate owned, plus loans 90-days delinquent, totaled $156,085,000, an increase of $43,969,000 from December 31, 2008 as noted in the table below. Other real estate owned increased $3.3 million from December 31, 2008. Current appraisals are obtained to determine value as management continues to aggressively market these real estate assets.

 

 

The composition of the non-performing assets and 90-day delinquent loans is in the following table.

 

 

At September 30, 2009, impaired loans totaled $326,614,000, an increase of $120,488,000 from December 31, 2008. At September 30, 2009, an allowance for losses was not deemed necessary for impaired loans totaling $261,231,000, as there was no identified loss on these credits. An allowance of $23,847,000 was recorded for the remaining balance of impaired loans of $65,384,000 and is included in our allowance for loan losses. A loan is deemed impaired when, based on current information or events, it is probable all amounts due of principal and interest according to the contractual terms of the loan agreement will not be collected. All of our criticized loans, including substandard, doubtful and loss credits, are included in the impaired loan total.

 

At September 30, 2009, the allowance for loan losses was $86,918,000, an increase of $37,375,000 from year end 2008. As a percent of loans, the allowance was 2.54 percent at September 30, 2009 and 1.33 percent at December 31, 2008. The provision for loan losses for the first nine months of 2009 was $96,156,000, an increase of $78,169,000 from $17,987,000 for the same period in 2008. The increase from the prior year was a result of the increase in non-performing loans. Specific reserves on impaired loans increased from $9.8 million at December 31, 2008 to $23.8 million at September 30, 2009. In addition, there was an adjustment to the allowance acquired with Lincoln Bancorp on December 31, 2008, discussed in NOTE 8. Goodwill, included within the Notes to Consolidated Condensed Financial Statements of this Form 10-Q.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

ITEM 2. MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

 

ASSET QUALITY/PROVISION FOR LOAN LOSSES continued

 

Net charge offs for the third quarter of 2009 were $14,440,000. Of this amount, the 5 largest customer charge offs totaled $7.75 million, with $4.2 million being the largest, followed by $1.6 million as the next largest charge off. The distribution of the net charge offs for the first nine months of 2009 is in the following table.

 

 

The decline in the value of commercial and residential real estate in our market has negatively impacted the underlying collateral value in our commercial, residential, land development and construction loans. This downturn in the real estate market is expected to continue and management is proactive in evaluating loans collateralized by real estate. Management continues to evaluate commercial borrowers by including consideration of specific borrower cash flow analysis and estimated collateral values, types and amounts on non-performing loans, past and anticipated loan loss experience, changes in the composition of the loan portfolio, and the current condition and amount of loans outstanding. The determination of the provision in any period is based on management’s continuing review and evaluation of the loan portfolio, and its judgment as to the impact of current economic conditions on the portfolio.

 

LIQUIDITY

 

Liquidity management is the process by which we ensure that adequate liquid funds are available for us and our subsidiaries. These funds are necessary in order to meet financial commitments on a timely basis. These commitments include withdrawals by depositors, funding credit obligations to borrowers, paying dividends to stockholders, paying operating expenses, funding capital expenditures, and maintaining deposit reserve requirements. Liquidity is monitored and closely managed by our asset/liability committee.

 

Our liquidity is dependent upon our receipt of dividends from our bank subsidiaries, which are subject to certain regulatory limitations and access to other funding sources. Liquidity of our bank subsidiaries is derived primarily from core deposit growth, principal payments received on loans, the sale and maturity of investment securities, net cash provided by operating activities, and access to other funding sources.

 

The most stable source of liability-funded liquidity for both the long-term and short-term is deposit growth and retention in the core deposit base. In addition, we utilized advances from the Federal Home Loan Bank (“FHLB”) as funding sources. At September 30, 2009, total borrowings from the FHLB were $130,024,000. Our bank subsidiaries have pledged certain mortgage loans and investments to the FHLB. The total available remaining borrowing capacity from the FHLB at September 30, 2009 was $109,227,000.

 

The principal source of asset-funded liquidity is investment securities classified as available for sale, the market values of which totaled $480,284,000 at September 30, 2009, an increase of $20,648,000, or 4.49 percent above December 31, 2008. Securities classified as held to maturity that are maturing within a short period of time can also be a source of liquidity. Securities classified as held to maturity and that are maturing in one year or less totaled $60,000 at September 30, 2009. In addition, other types of assets such as cash and due from banks, federal funds sold and securities purchased under agreements to resell, and loans and interest-bearing deposits with other banks maturing within one year are sources of liquidity.

 

The Corporation is a party to that certain Loan and Subordinated Debenture Purchase Agreement, dated as of March 25, 2003, as amended (the “Loan Agreement”), with Bank of America, N.A., as successor to LaSalle Bank National Association (the “Lender”). The $40 million credit facility provided by the Loan Agreement is comprised of the following: (i) a term loan in the principal amount of $5 million (the “Term Loan”), (ii) a revolving line-of-credit in the principal amount of $10 million (the “Revolving Loan”), and (iii) subordinated debt in the principal amount of $25.0 million (the “Subordinated Debt”). Pursuant to the terms of the Loan Agreement, the

 

 

 

ITEM 2. MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

 

LIQUIDITY continued

 

Revolving Loan matured on August 31, 2009 and the Term Loan and the Subordinated Debt each mature on February 15, 2015. The Term Loan and the Revolving Loan are secured by a pledge of all of the issued and outstanding shares of First Merchants Bank, National Association, a wholly owned subsidiary of the Corporation.

 

As of September 30, 2009, the Corporation had $5 million in principal outstanding on the Term Loan and $50 million in principal outstanding in Subordinated Debt. The Corporation has made all principal and interest payments on these credit facilities.

 

The Loan Agreement contains certain customary representations and warranties and financial and negative covenants. A breach of any of these covenants could result in a default under the Loan Agreement. At June 30, 2009 and at September 30, 2009, the Corporation did not comply with one of the financial covenants in the Loan Agreement. Such covenant requires the Corporation to maintain, on an annualized basis, a minimum return on average total assets of at least .35%. As of September 30, 2009, the Corporation’s return on average total assets was (.75)%. On August 21, 2009 and again on November 3, 2009, the Lender provided notice to the Corporation that its noncompliance with the earnings covenant will cause an event of default under the Loan Agreement.

 

The Loan Agreement provides that upon an event of default as the result of the Corporation’s failure to comply with a financial covenant, the Lender may (i) declare the outstanding principal amount of the Term Loan and the Revolving Loan (but not the Subordinated Debt) immediately due and payable, and (ii) exercise all of its rights and remedies at law, in equity and/or pursuant to any or all collateral documents, including foreclosing on the collateral. Because the Subordinated Debt is treated as Tier 2 capital for regulatory capital purposes, the Loan Agreement does not provide the Lender with any right of acceleration or other remedies with regard to the Subordinated Debt upon an event of default caused by the Corporation’s breach of a financial covenant.

 

In its November 3, 2009 notice to the Corporation, the Lender indicated its intention to impose the default rate of interest (3 percent) with respect to the outstanding principal balance of the Term Loan and expressly reserved the right to all other rights and remedies available upon default under the terms of the agreement.

 

The Corporation and the Lender are currently in discussions regarding the potential resolution of the issues, including a possible waiver of the covenant by the Lender.

 

In the normal course of business, we are a party to a number of other off-balance sheet activities that contain credit, market and operational risk that are not reflected in whole or in part in our consolidated financial statements. Such activities include: traditional off-balance sheet credit-related financial instruments, commitments under operating leases and long-term debt.

 

We provide customers with off-balance sheet credit support through loan commitments and standby letters of credit. Summarized credit-related financial instruments at September 30, 2009 are as follows:

 

 

Since many of the commitments are expected to expire unused or be only partially used, the total amount of unused commitments in the preceding table does not necessarily represent future cash requirements.

 

 

 

 

 

 

ITEM 2. MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

 

LIQUIDITY continued

 

In addition to owned banking facilities, we have entered into a number of long-term leasing arrangements to support our ongoing activities. The required payments under such commitments and borrowings at September 30, 2009 are as follows:

 

 

 

INTEREST SENSITIVITY AND DISCLOSURE ABOUT MARKET RISK

 

Asset/Liability Management (“ALM”) has been an important factor in our ability to record consistent earnings growth through periods of interest rate volatility. Management and the Board of Directors monitor our liquidity and interest sensitivity positions at regular meetings to review how changes in interest rates may affect earnings. Decisions regarding investments and the pricing of loan and deposit products are made after analysis of reports designed to measure liquidity, rate sensitivity, exposure to changes in net interest income given various rate scenarios and the economic and competitive environments.

 

It is our objective to monitor and manage risk exposure to net interest income caused by changes in interest rates. It is the goal of our ALM function to provide optimum and stable net interest income. To accomplish this, we use two ALM tools. GAP/Interest Rate Sensitivity Reports and Net Interest Income Simulation Modeling are constructed, presented, and monitored quarterly.

 

We believe that our liquidity and interest sensitivity position at September 30, 2009, remained adequate to meet our primary goal of achieving optimum interest margins while avoiding undue interest rate risk.

 

Net interest income simulation modeling, or earnings-at-risk, measures the sensitivity of net interest income to various interest rate movements. Our asset liability process monitors simulated net interest income under three separate interest rate scenarios; base, rising and falling. Estimated net interest income for each scenario is calculated over a 12-month horizon. The immediate and parallel changes to the base case scenario used in the model are presented on the following page. The interest rate scenarios are used for analytical purposes and do not necessarily represent our view of future market movements. Rather, these are intended to provide a measure of the degree of volatility interest rate movements may introduce into our earnings.

 

The base scenario is highly dependent on numerous assumptions embedded in the model, including assumptions related to future interest rates. While the base sensitivity analysis incorporates our best estimate of interest rate and balance sheet dynamics under various market rate movements, the actual behavior and resulting earnings impact will likely differ from that projected. For mortgage-related assets, the base simulation model captures the expected prepayment behavior under changing interest rate environments. Assumptions and methodologies regarding the interest rate or balance behavior of indeterminate maturity products, e.g., savings, money market, NOW and demand deposits, reflect our best estimate of expected future behavior.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

ITEM 2. MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

 

INTEREST SENSITIVITY AND DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK continued

 

The comparative rising and falling scenarios below assume further interest rate changes in addition to the base simulation discussed above. These changes are immediate and parallel changes to the base case scenario. In addition, total rate movements (beginning point minus ending point) to each of the various driver rates utilized by us in the base simulation are as follows:

 

 

Results for the base, rising and falling interest rate scenarios are listed below, based upon our rate sensitive assets and liabilities at September 30, 2009. The net interest income shown represents cumulative net interest income over a 12-month time horizon. Balance sheet assumptions used for the base scenario are the same for the rising and falling simulations. All results are within the Corporation’s policy limits.

 

 

The comparative rising and falling scenarios below as of December 31, 2008, assume further interest rate changes in addition to the base simulation discussed above. These changes are immediate and parallel changes to the base case scenario. In addition, total rate movements (beginning point minus ending point) to each of the various driver rates utilized by us in the base simulation are as follows:

 

 

 

Results for the base, rising and falling interest rate scenarios are listed below, based upon our rate sensitive assets and liabilities at December 31, 2008. The net interest income shown represents cumulative net interest income over a 12-month time horizon. Balance sheet assumptions used for the base scenario are the same for the rising and falling simulations.

 

 

 

 

 

 

ITEM 2. MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

 

EARNING ASSETS

 

The following table presents the earning asset mix as of September 30, 2009, and December 31, 2008. Earning assets decreased by $298,989,000 in the nine months ended September 30, 2009. This decrease was driven by a decline in loans and loans held for sale totaling $302,352,000. Nearly all loan segments declined with the largest declines in construction, residential, and commercial and industrial loans.

 

 

OTHER

 

The Securities and Exchange Commission maintains a Web site that contains reports, proxy and information statements and other information regarding registrants that file electronically with the Commission, including us, and that address is (http://www.sec.gov).

 

ITEM 3. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK

 

The information required under this item is included as part of Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations, under the headings “LIQUIDITY” and “INTEREST SENSITIVITY AND DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK”.

 

ITEM 4. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES

 

At the end of the period covered by this report, we carried out an evaluation, under the supervision and with the participation of our management, including our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, of the effectiveness of the design and operation of our disclosure controls and procedures. Based upon that evaluation, our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures are effective. Disclosure controls and procedures are controls and procedures that are designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed in our reports filed or submitted under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 are recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the Securities and Exchange Commission’s rules and forms.

 

 

 

 

PART II. OTHER INFORMATION

 

ITEM 1. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS

 

 

 

ITEM 1.A. RISK FACTORS

 

In addition to the risk factors previously disclosed in the Corporation’s December 31, 2008 Annual Report on Form 10-K, the Corporation may suffer losses in its portfolio despite its underwriting practices. In connection with recent negative economic developments, many financial institutions, including the Corporation, have experienced unusual and significant declines in the performance of their loan portfolios, and the values of real estate collateral supporting many loans have declined. If the current trends in the housing and real estate markets continue, loan delinquencies and credit losses may increase. Although the Corporation believes its underwriting and loan review procedures are appropriate for the various kinds of loans originated, loan quality deterioration could adversely affect the Corporation’s results of operations and financial condition.

 

ITEM 2. UNREGISTERED SALES OF EQUITY SECURITIES AND USE OF PROCEEDS

 

 

 

 

 

ITEM 3. DEFAULTS UPON SENIOR SECURITIES

 

 

 

ITEM 4. SUBMISSION OF MATTERS TO A VOTE OF SECURITY HOLDERS

 

 

 

ITEM 5. OTHER INFORMATION

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

ITEM 6. EXHIBITS

 

 

 

 

 

SIGNATURES

 

Pursuant to the requirements 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 Merchants Corporation

---------------------------

(Registrant)

 

 

 

 

 

 

INDEX TO EXHIBITS

 

INDEX TO EXHIBITS

 

 

 

 

 

 

EXHIBIT-3A

 

FIRST MERCHANTS CORPORATION

 

FORM 10-Q

BYLAWS OF

FIRST MERCHANTS CORPORATION

 

Following are the Bylaws of First Merchants Corporation (hereinafter referred to as the “Corporation”), a corporation existing pursuant to the provisions of the Indiana Business Corporation Law (hereinafter referred to as the “Act”), as most recently amended effective as of October 28, 2009:

 

ARTICLE I

 

Name, Principal Office and Seal

 

Section 1.            Name and Principal Office. The name of the Corporation is First Merchants Corporation. The post office address of the principal office of the Corporation is 200 East Jackson Street, Muncie, Indiana 47305.

 

Section 2.           Seal. The seal of the Corporation shall be circular in form and mounted upon a metal die, suitable for impressing the same upon paper. About the upper periphery of the seal shall appear the words “First Merchants Corporation” and about the lower periphery thereof the word “Muncie, Indiana”. In the center of the seal shall appear the word “Seal”.

 

ARTICLE II

 

Fiscal Year

 

The fiscal year of the Corporation shall begin each year on the first day of January and end on the last day of December of the same year.

 

ARTICLE III

 

Capital Stock

 

Section 1.           Number of Shares and Classes of Capital Stock. The total number of shares of capital stock which the Corporation shall have authority to issue shall be as stated in the Articles of Incorporation.

 

Section 2.           Consideration for No Par Value Shares. The shares of stock of the Corporation without par value shall be issued or sold in such manner and for such amount of consideration as may be fixed from time to time by the Board of Directors. Upon payment of the consideration fixed by the Board of Directors, such shares of stock shall be fully paid and nonassessable.

 

Section 3.           Consideration for Treasury Shares. Treasury shares may be disposed of by the Corporation for such consideration as may be determined from time to time by the Board of Directors.

 

Section 4.           Payment for Shares. The consideration for the issuance of shares of capital stock of the Corporation may be paid, in whole or in part, in money, in other property, tangible or intangible, or in labor actually performed for, or services actually rendered to the Corporation; provided, however, that the part of the surplus of the Corporation which is transferred to stated capital upon the issuance of shares as a share dividend shall be deemed to be the consideration for the issuance of such shares. When payment of the consideration for which a share was authorized to be issued shall have been received by the Corporation, or when surplus shall have been transferred to stated capital upon the issuance of a share dividend, such share shall be declared and taken to be fully paid and not liable to any further call or assessment, and the holder thereof shall not be liable for any further payments thereon. In the absence of actual fraud in the transaction, the judgment of the Board of Directors as to the value of such property, labor or services received as consideration, or the value placed by the Board of Directors upon the corporate assets in the event of a share dividend, shall be conclusive. Promissory notes, uncertified checks, or future services shall not be accepted in payment or part payment of the capital stock of the Corporation, except as permitted by the Act.

 

 

 

Section 5.           Share Certificates. Shares of the Corporation’s stock may but need not be represented by a certificate. The rights and obligations of shareholders of the same class or series of shares are identical whether or not their shares are represented by certificates.

 

A book entry stock account shall be established in the name of each shareholder who is the beneficial owner of any shares of the Corporation’s stock that are not represented by a certificate, which stock account shall set forth the number of such shares credited to the shareholder. A shareholder may request that a stock certificate, representing all or part of the shares credited to his or her stock account, be issued and delivered to the shareholder at any time.

 

Anyholder of capital stock of the Corporation shall be entitled to a stock certificate, signed by the President or a Vice President and the Secretary or any Assistant Secretary of the Corporation, stating the name of the registered holder, the number of shares represented by such certificate, the par value of each share of stock or that such shares of stock are without par value, and that such shares are fully paid and nonassessable. If such shares are not fully paid, the certificate shall be legibly stamped to indicate the per cent which has been paid, and as further payments are made, the certificate shall be stamped accordingly. The certificate may bear the seal of the Corporation or its facsimile.

 

If the Corporation is authorized to issue shares of more than one class, every certificate shall state the kind and class of shares represented thereby, and the relative rights, interests, preferences and restrictions of such class, or a summary thereof; provided, that such statement may be omitted from the certificate if it shall be set forth upon the face or back of the certificate that such statement, in full, will be furnished by the Corporation to any shareholder upon written request and without charge.

 

Section 6.            Facsimile Signatures. If a certificate is countersigned by the written signature of a transfer agent other than the Corporation or its employee, the signatures of the officers of the Corporation may be facsimiles. If a certificate is countersigned by the written signature of a registrar other than the Corporation or its employee, the signatures of the transfer agent and the officers of the Corporation may be facsimiles. In case any officer, transfer agent, or registrar who has signed or whose facsimile signature has been placed upon a certificate shall have ceased to be such officer, transfer agent, or registrar before such certificate is issued, it may be issued by the Corporation with the same effect as if he were such officer, transfer agent, or registrar at the date of its issue.

 

Section 7.           Transfer of Shares. The shares of capital stock of the Corporation shall be transferable on the books of the Corporation upon surrender of the certificate or certificates representing the same, properly endorsed by the registered holder or by the holder’s duly authorized attorney or accompanied by proper evidence of succession, assignment or authority to transfer. Shares that are not represented by a certificate shall be transferable on the books of the Corporation upon receipt of written direction to do so from the registered holder or the holder’s duly authorized attorney or accompanied by proper evidence of succession, assignment or authority to transfer, in a form satisfactory to the Corporation, its transfer agent or registrar.

 

Section 8.            Cancellation. Every certificate surrendered to the Corporation for exchange or transfer shall be canceled, and no new certificate or certificates shall be issued in exchange for any existing certificate until such existing certificate shall have been so canceled, except in cases provided for in Section 10 of this Article III.

 

Section 9.           Transfer Agent and Registrar. The Board of Directors may appoint a transfer agent and a registrar for each class of capital stock of the Corporation and may require all certificates representing such shares to bear the signature of such transfer agent and registrar. Shareholders shall be responsible for notifying the Corporation or transfer agent and registrar for the class of stock held by such shareholder in writing of any changes in their addresses from time to time, and failure so to do shall relieve the Corporation, its shareholders, Directors, officers, transfer agent and registrar of liability for failure to direct notices, dividends, or other documents or property to an address other than the one appearing upon the records of the transfer agent and registrar of the Corporation.

 

Section 10.          Lost, Stolen or Destroyed Certificates. The Corporation may cause a new certificate or certificates to be issued in place of any certificate or certificates theretofore issued by the Corporation alleged to have been lost, stolen or destroyed, upon the making of an affidavit of that fact by the person claiming the certificate of stock to be lost, stolen or destroyed. When authorizing such issue of a new certificate or certificates, the Corporation may, in its discretion and as a condition precedent to the issuance thereof, require the owner of such lost, stolen or destroyed certificate or certificates, or the owner’s legal representative, to give the Corporation a bond in such sum and in such form as it may direct to indemnify against any claim that may be made against the Corporation with respect to the certificates alleged to have been lost, stolen or destroyed or the issuance of such new certificate. The Corporation, in its discretion, may authorize the issuance of such new certificates without any bond when in its judgment it is proper to do so.

 

 

 

Section 11.          Registered Shareholders. The Corporation shall be entitled to recognize the exclusive right of a person registered on its books as the owner of such shares to receive dividends, to vote as such owner, to hold liable for calls and assessments, and to treat as owner in all other respects, and shall not be bound to recognize any equitable or other claims to or interest in such share or shares on the part of any other person, whether or not it shall have express or other notice thereof, except as otherwise provided by the laws of Indiana.

 

Section 12.          Options to Officers and Employees. The issuance, including the consideration, of rights or options to Directors, officers or employees of the Corporation, and not to the shareholders generally, to purchase from the Corporation shares of its capital stock shall be approved by the affirmative vote of the holders of a majority of the shares entitled to vote thereon or shall be authorized by and consistent with a plan approved by such a vote of the shareholders.

 

ARTICLE IV

 

Meetings of Shareholders

 

Section 1.           Place of Meeting. Meetings of shareholders of the Corporation shall be held at such place, within or without the State of Indiana, as may from time to time be designated by the Board of Directors, or as may be specified in the notices or waivers of notice of such meetings.

 

Section 2.           Annual Meeting. The annual meeting of shareholders for the election of Directors, and for the transaction of such other business as may properly come before the meeting, shall be held at such time as the Board of Directors may set by resolution, following the close of the fiscal year of the Corporation. A failure to hold the annual meeting at the designated time shall not affect the validity of any corporate action.

 

Section 3.           Special Meetings. Special meetings of the shareholders, for any purpose or purposes, unless otherwise prescribed by statute or by the Articles of Incorporation, may be called by the Board of Directors or the President and shall be called by the President or Secretary at the request in writing of a majority of the Board of Directors, or at the request in writing of shareholders holding of record not less than one-fourth (1/4) of all the shares outstanding and entitled by the Articles of Incorporation to vote on the business for which the meeting is being called.

 

Section 4.           Notice of Meetings. A written or printed notice, stating the place, day and hour of the meeting, and in case of a special meeting, or when required by any other provision of the Act, or of the Articles of Incorporation, as now or hereafter amended, or these Bylaws, the purpose or purposes for which the meeting is called, shall be delivered or mailed by the Secretary, or by the officers or persons calling the meeting, to each shareholder of record entitled by the Articles of Incorporation, as now or hereafter amended, and by the Act to vote at such meeting, at such address as appears upon the records of the Corporation, at least ten (10) days before the date of the meeting. Notice of any such meeting may be waived in writing by any shareholder, if the waiver sets forth in reasonable detail the purpose or purposes for which the meeting is called, and the time and place thereof. Attendance at any meeting in person, or by proxy, shall constitute a waiver of notice of such meeting. Each shareholder, who has in the manner above provided waived notice of a shareholders’ meeting, or who personally attends a shareholders’ meeting, or is represented thereat by a proxy authorized to appear by an instrument of proxy, shall be conclusively presumed to have been given due notice of such meeting. Notice of any adjourned meeting of shareholders shall not be required to be given if the time and place thereof are announced at the meeting at which the adjournment is taken except as may be expressly required by law.

Section 5.           Addresses of Shareholders. The address of any shareholder appearing upon the records of the Corporation shall be deemed to be the latest address of such shareholder appearing on the records maintained by the Corporation or its transfer agent for the class of stock held by such shareholder.

 

 

(a)        Quorum. The holders of record of a majority of the issued and outstanding stock of the Corporation entitled to vote at such meeting, present in person or by proxy, shall constitute a quorum at all meetings of shareholders for the transaction of business, except where otherwise provided by law, the Articles of Incorporation or these Bylaws. In the absence of a quorum, any officer entitled to preside at, or act as secretary of, such meeting shall have the power to adjourn the meeting from time to time until a quorum shall be constituted. At any such adjourned meeting at which a quorum shall be present, any business may be transacted which might have been transacted at the original meeting, but only those shareholders entitled to vote at the

 

 

 

original meeting shall be entitled to vote at any adjournment or adjournments thereof unless a new record date is fixed by the Board of Directors for the adjourned meeting.

 

(b)        Voting Rights. Except as otherwise provided by law or by the provisions of the Articles of Incorporation, every shareholder shall have the right at every shareholders’ meeting to one vote for each share of stock having voting power, registered in the shareholder’s name on the books of the Corporation on the date for the determination of shareholders entitled to vote, on all matters coming before the meeting including the election of directors. At any meeting of shareholders, every shareholder having the right to vote shall be entitled to vote in person, or by proxy executed by the shareholder or a duly authorized attorney in fact, in writing, transmitted by electronic means, or by any other method allowed by law, and bearing a date not more than eleven (11) months prior to its execution, unless a longer time is expressly provided therein.

 

(c)        Required Vote. When a quorum is present at any meeting, the vote of the holders of a majority of the stock having voting power present in person or represented by proxy shall decide any question brought before such meeting, unless the question is one upon which, by express provision of the Act or of the Articles of Incorporation or by these Bylaws, a greater vote is required, in which case such express provision shall govern and control the decision of such question.

 

Section 7.            Voting List. The Corporation or its transfer agent shall make, at least five (5) business days before each meeting of the shareholders, a complete list of the shareholders entitled by the Articles of Incorporation, as now or hereafter amended, to notice of the meeting, arranged in alphabetical order, with the address of and number of shares held by each, which list shall be on file at the principal office of the Corporation and subject to inspection during regular business hours by any shareholder entitled to vote at the meeting, or by the shareholder’s agent or attorney authorized in writing. Such list shall be available continuing through the meeting, at the Corporation’s principal office or at a place identified in the meeting notice in the city where the meeting will be held.

 

Section 8. Fixing of Record Date to Determine Shareholders Entitled to Vote. The Board of Directors may fix a record date, not exceeding seventy (70) days prior to the date of any meeting of the shareholders, for the purpose of determining the shareholders entitled to notice of and to vote at the meeting. In the absence of action by the Board of Directors fixing a record date as herein provided, the record date shall be the sixtieth (60^th) day prior to the date of the meeting. A new record date must be fixed if a meeting of the shareholders is adjourned to a date more than one hundred twenty (120) days after the date fixed for the original meeting.

 

Section 9.           Nominations for Director. The Nominating and Governance Committee of the Board of Directors shall have the responsibility for nominating individuals to serve as members of the Board of Directors, including the slate of Directors to be elected each year at the annual meeting of shareholders. In so doing, the Committee shall maintain up-to-date criteria for selecting Directors and a process for identifying and evaluating prospective nominees. Shareholders may suggest a candidate for consideration by the Committee as a Director nominee by submitting the suggestion in writing and delivering or mailing it to the Secretary of the Corporation at the Corporation’s principal office. Suggestions for nominees from shareholders must include: (a) the name, address and number of the Corporation’s shares owned by the shareholder; (b) the name, address, age and principal occupation of the suggested nominee; (c) such other information concerning the suggested nominee as the shareholder may wish to submit or the Committee may reasonably request. The Committee shall evaluate suggestions for nominees from shareholders in the same manner as other candidates.

 

Any nominations for election as Directors at any annual or special meeting of shareholders not made in accordance with this Section may be disregarded by the Chairman of the meeting, in the Chairman’s discretion; and, upon the Chairman’s instructions, the vote tellers or inspectors of shareholder votes may disregard all votes cast for each such nominee.

 

ARTICLE V

 

Board of Directors

 

Section 1. Election, Number and Term of Office. The business and affairs of the Corporation shall be managed in accordance with the Act under the direction of a Board consisting of not less than nine (9) and not more than fifteen (15) Directors, who shall be elected by the holders of the shares of stock entitled by the Articles of Incorporation to elect Directors. The number of Directors shall be fixed or changed from time to time, within this minimum and maximum, by a two-thirds (2/3) vote of the Board of Directors. No decrease in the number of Directors shall have the effect of shortening the term of any incumbent Director.

 

 

 

 

The Directors shall be divided into three (3) classes as nearly equal in number as possible, all Directors to serve three (3) year terms except as provided in the third paragraph of this Section. One class shall be elected at each annual meeting of the shareholders, by the holders of the shares of stock entitled by the Articles of Incorporation to elect Directors.

 

No person shall serve as a Director subsequent to the annual meeting of shareholders following the end of the calendar year in which such person attains the age of seventy (70) years. The term of a Director shall expire as of the annual meeting following which the Director is no longer eligible to serve under the provisions of this paragraph, even if fewer than three (3) years have elapsed since the commencement of the Director’s term.

 

Except in the case of earlier resignation, removal or death, all Directors shall hold office until their respective successors are chosen and qualified.

 

The Corporation elects not to be governed by IC §23-1-33-6(c).

 

The provisions of this Section of the Bylaws may not be changed or amended except by a two-thirds (2/3) vote of the Board of Directors.

 

Section 2.           Vacancies. Any vacancy occurring in the Board of Directors caused by resignation, death or other incapacity, or an increase in the number of Directors, shall be filled by a majority vote of the remaining members of the Board of Directors, until the next annual meeting of the shareholders, or at the discretion of the Board of Directors, such vacancy may be filled by a vote of the shareholders at a special meeting called for that purpose.

 

Section 3.           Annual Meeting of Directors. The Board of Directors shall meet each year immediately after the annual meeting of the shareholders, at the place where such meeting of the shareholders has been held either within or without the State of Indiana, for the purpose of organization, election of officers, and consideration of any other business that may properly come before the meeting. No notice of any kind to either old or new members of the Board of Directors for such annual meeting shall be necessary.

 

Section 4.           Regular Meetings. Regular meetings of the Board of Directors shall be held at such times and places, either within or without the State of Indiana, as may be fixed by the Directors. Such regular meetings of the Board of Directors may be held without notice or upon such notice as may be fixed by the Directors.

 

Section 5.           Special Meetings. Special meetings of the Board of Directors may be called by the Chairman of the Board, the President, or by not less than a majority of the members of the Board of Directors. Notice of the time and place, either within or without the State of Indiana, of a special meeting shall be delivered personally, telephoned, faxed or sent by other electronic means to each Director at least twenty-four (24) hours, or mailed or delivered by express private delivery service, to each Director at the Director’s usual place of business or residence at least forty-eight (48) hours, prior to the time of the meeting. Directors, in lieu of such notice, may sign a written waiver of notice either before the time of the meeting, at the meeting or after the meeting. Attendance by a Director in person at any special meeting shall constitute a waiver of notice.

 

Section 6.           Quorum. A majority of the actual number of Directors elected and qualified, from time to time, shall be necessary to constitute a quorum for the transaction of any business except the filling of vacancies, and the act of a majority of the Directors present at the meeting, at which a quorum is present, shall be the act of the Board of Directors, unless the act of a greater number is required by the Act, by the Articles of Incorporation, or by these Bylaws. A Director, who is present at a meeting of the Board of Directors, at which action on any corporate matter is taken, shall be conclusively presumed to have assented to the action taken, unless (a) the Director shall have affirmatively stated the Director’s dissent at and before the adjournment of such meeting (in which event the fact of such dissent shall be entered by the secretary of the meeting in the minutes of the meeting), or (b) the Director shall forward such dissent by registered mail to the Secretary of the Corporation immediately after the adjournment of the meeting. The right of dissent provided for by either clause (a) or clause (b) of the immediately preceding sentence shall not be available, in respect of any matter acted upon at any meeting, to a Director who voted at the meeting in favor of such matter and did not change this vote prior to the time that the result of the vote on such matter was announced by the chairman of such meeting.

 

A member of the Board of Directors may participate in a meeting of the Board by means of a conference telephone or similar communications equipment by which all Directors participating in the meeting can communicate with each other, and participation by these means constitutes presence in person at the meeting.

 

 

 

 

Section 7.           Consent Action by Directors. Any action required or permitted to be taken at any meeting of the Board of Directors or of any committee thereof may be taken without a meeting, if prior to such action a written consent to such action is signed by all members of the Board of Directors or such committee, as the case may be, and such written consent is filed with the minutes of proceedings of the Board of Directors or committee.

 

Section 8.           Removal. Any or all members of the Board of Directors may be removed, with or without cause, at a meeting of the shareholders called expressly for that purpose by the affirmative vote of the holders of not less than two-thirds (2/3) of the outstanding shares of capital stock then entitled to vote on the election of Directors, except that if the Board of Directors, by an affirmative vote of at least two-thirds (2/3) of the entire Board of Directors, recommends removal of a Director to the shareholders, such removal may be effected by the affirmative vote of the holders of not less than a majority of the outstanding shares of capital stock then entitled to vote on the election of Directors at a meeting of shareholders called expressly for that purpose.

 

The provisions in this Section of the Bylaws may not be changed or amended except by a two-thirds (2/3) vote of the Board of Directors.

 

Section 9.           Dividends. The Board of Directors shall have power, subject to any restrictions contained in the Act or in the Articles of Incorporation and out of funds legally available therefor, to declare and pay dividends upon the outstanding capital stock of the Corporation as and when they deem expedient. Before declaring any dividend, there may be set aside out of any funds of the Corporation available for dividends such sum or sums as the Board of Directors from time to time in their absolute discretion deem proper for working capital, or as a reserve or reserves to meet contingencies or for such other purposes as the Board of Directors may determine, and the Board of Directors may in their absolute discretion modify or abolish any such reserve in the manner in which it was created.

 

Section 10.          Fixing of Record Date to Determine Shareholders Entitled to Receive Corporate Benefits. The Board of Directors may fix a record date with respect to any dividend, including a share dividend, or other distribution to the shareholders of the Corporation, or for a determination of shareholders for any other purpose, as a time for the determination of the shareholders entitled to receive any such dividend, distribution or rights; and in such case only shareholders of record at the time so fixed shall be entitled to receive such dividend, rights or distribution. If no record date is fixed for the determination of shareholders entitled to receive payment of a dividend, the end of the day on which the resolution of the Board of Directors declaring such dividend is adopted shall be the record date for such determination.

 

Section 11.          Interest of Directors in Contracts. Any contract or other transaction between the Corporation and any corporation in which this Corporation owns a majority of the capital stock shall be valid and binding, notwithstanding that the Directors or officers of this Corporation and the other corporation are identical or that some or all of the Directors or officers, or both, are also directors or officers of such other corporation.

 

Any contract or other transaction between the Corporation and one or more of its Directors or members or employees, or between the Corporation and any firm of which one or more of its Directors are members or employees or in which they are interested, or between the Corporation and any corporation or association of which one or more of its Directors are stockholders, members, directors, officers, or employees or in which they are interested, shall be valid for all purposes, notwithstanding the presence of such Director or Directors at the meeting of the Board of Directors of the Corporation which acts upon, or in reference to, such contract or transaction and notwithstanding his or their participation in such action, if the fact of such interest shall be disclosed or known to the Board of Directors and the Board of Directors shall authorize, approve and ratify such contract or transaction by a vote of a majority of the Directors present, such interested Director or Directors to be counted in determining whether a quorum is present, but not to be counted in calculating the majority of such quorum necessary to carry such vote. This Section shall not be construed to invalidate any contract or other transaction which would otherwise be valid under the common and statutory law applicable thereto.

 

Section 12.          Committees. The Board of Directors may, by resolution adopted by a majority of the actual number of Directors elected and qualified, from time to time, designate from among its members an Executive Committee and/or one or more other committees.

 

During the intervals between meetings of the Board of Directors, any Executive Committee so appointed, unless expressly provided otherwise by law or these Bylaws, shall have and may exercise all the authority of the Board of Directors, including, but not limited to, the authority to issue and sell or approve any contract to issue or sell, securities or shares of the Corporation or designate the terms of a series or class of securities or shares of the Corporation. The terms which may be affixed by the Executive Committee include, but are not limited to, the price, dividend rate, and provisions of redemption, a sinking fund, conversion, voting, or preferential rights or other features of securities or class or series of a class of shares. Such Committee may

 

 

 

have full power to adopt a final resolution which sets forth these terms and to authorize a statement of such terms to be filed with the Secretary of State. However, such Executive Committee shall not have the authority to declare dividends or distributions, amend the Articles of Incorporation or the Bylaws, approve a plan of merger or consolidation, even if such plan does not require shareholder approval, reduce earned or capital surplus, authorize or approve the reacquisition of shares unless pursuant to a general formula or method specified by the Board of Directors, or recommend to the shareholders a voluntary dissolution of the Corporation or a revocation thereof.

 

The Board of Directors may, in its discretion, constitute and appoint other committees to assist in the management and control of the affairs of the Corporation, with responsibilities and powers appropriate to the nature of the several committees and as provided by the Board of Directors in the resolution of appointment or in subsequent resolutions and directives. Such committees may include, but are not limited to, a Nominating and Governance Committee, an Audit Committee, a Compensation and Human Resources Committee, and a Risk and Credit Policy Committee.

 

No member of any committee appointed by the Board of Directors shall continue to be a member thereof after he or she ceases to be a Director of the Corporation. The calling and holding of meetings of any committee and its method of procedure shall be determined by the Board of Directors or by the committee itself, except as otherwise provided in these Bylaws. To the extent permitted by law, a member of the Board of Directors serving on any such committee shall not be liable for any action taken by such committee if the Director has acted in good faith and in a manner the Director reasonably believed to be in the best interests of the Corporation. A member of a committee may participate in a meeting of the committee by means of a conference telephone or similar communications equipment by which all members participating in the meeting can communicate with each other, and participation by these means constitutes presence in person at the meeting.

 

ARTICLE VI

 

Officers

 

Section 1.           Principal Officers. The principal officers of the Corporation shall be a Chairman of the Board, a Vice Chairman of the Board, a Chief Executive Officer, a President, one (1) or more Vice Presidents (which may include one (1) or more Executive Vice Presidents, Senior Vice Presidents, First Vice Presidents and/or other Vice Presidents), a Treasurer and a Secretary. The Corporation may also have, at the discretion of the Board of Directors, such other subordinate officers as may be appointed in accordance with the provisions of these Bylaws. The Board of Directors may, from time to time, designate a chief operating officer and a chief financial officer from among the principal officers of the Corporation. Any two (2) or more offices may be held by the same person. No person shall be eligible for the office of Chairman of the Board, Vice Chairman of the Board, Chief Executive Officer or President who is not a Director of the Corporation.

 

Section 2.           Election and Term of Office. The principal officers of the Corporation shall be chosen annually by the Board of Directors at the annual meeting thereof. Each such officer shall hold office until the officer’s successor shall have been duly chosen and qualified, or until the officer’s death, or until the officer shall resign, or shall have been removed in the manner hereinafter provided.

 

Section 3.           Removal. Any principal officer may be removed, either with or without cause, at any time, by resolution adopted at any meeting of the Board of Directors by a majority of the actual number of Directors elected and qualified from time to time.

 

Section 4.           Subordinate Officers. In addition to the principal officers enumerated in Section 1 of this Article VI, the Corporation may have one or more Assistant Treasurers, one or more Assistant Secretaries and such other officers, agents and employees as the Board of Directors may deem necessary, each to hold office for such period, to have such authority, and to perform such duties as the Chief Executive Officer or the Board of Directors may from time to time determine. The Board of Directors may delegate to any principal officer the power to appoint and to remove, either with or without cause, any such subordinate officers, agents or employees.

 

Section 5.           Resignations. Any officer may resign at any time by giving written notice to the Chairman of the Board of Directors, the Chief Executive Officer, the President, or the Secretary. Any such resignation shall take effect upon receipt of such notice or at any later time specified therein, and, unless otherwise specified therein, the acceptance of such resignation shall not be necessary to make it effective.

 

Section 6.           Vacancies. Any vacancy in any office for any cause may be filled for the unexpired portion of the term in the manner prescribed in these Bylaws for election or appointment to such office for such term.

 

 

 

Section 7.           Chairman of the Board. The Chairman of the Board shall preside at all meetings of shareholders and at all meetings of the Board of Directors. The Chairman of the Board shall perform such other duties and have such other powers as, from time to time, may be assigned by the Board of Directors.

 

Section 8.           Vice Chairman of the Board. The Vice Chairman of the Board shall act in the absence of the Chairman of the Board. The Vice Chairman of the Board shall perform such other duties and have such other powers as, from time to time, may be assigned by the Board of Directors.

 

Section 9.           Chief Executive Officer. The Chief Executive Officer, subject to the control of the Board of Directors, shall have overall responsibility for the affairs of the Corporation, including responsibility for developing and attaining major corporate goals and implementing policies approved by the Board. In general, the Chief Executive Officer shall perform the duties and exercise the powers incident to the office of Chief Executive Officer and all such other duties and powers as, from time to time, may be assigned by the Board of Directors. In the absence or disability of the Chairman of the Board and Vice Chairman of the Board, the Chief Executive Officer shall preside at all meetings of the shareholders and the Board of Directors at which the Chief Executive Officer is in attendance.

 

Section 10.          President. The President shall perform the duties and exercise the powers incident to the office of President and all such other duties and powers as, from time to time, may be assigned by the Board of Directors or the Chief Executive Officer. Subject to the control and direction of the Board of Directors and the Chief Executive Officer, the President may enter into, execute and deliver any agreement, instrument or document in the name and on behalf of the Corporation.

 

Section 11.          Vice Presidents. The Corporation shall have such Vice Presidents as the Board of Directors shall determine, which may include one (1) or more Executive Vice Presidents, Senior Vice Presidents, First Vice Presidents and/or other Vice Presidents. The Board of Directors shall designate one of the Vice Presidents (an Executive Vice President, if one has been appointed) to perform the duties and exercise the powers of the President in the absence or disability of the President. The Vice Presidents shall perform such duties and have such powers as the Chief Executive Officer, the President, or the Board of Directors may from time to time assign.

 

Section 12.          Treasurer. The Treasurer shall have charge and custody of, and be responsible for, all funds and securities of the Corporation and shall deposit all such funds in the name of the Corporation in such banks or other depositories as shall be selected by the Board of Directors. The Treasurer shall upon request exhibit at all reasonable times the Treasurer’s books of account and records to any of the Directors of the Corporation during business hours at the office of the Corporation where such books and records shall be kept; shall render upon request by the Board of Directors a statement of the condition of the finances of the Corporation at any meeting of the Board of Directors or at the annual meeting of the shareholders; shall receive, and give receipt for, moneys due and payable to the Corporation from any source whatsoever; and in general, shall perform all duties incident to the office of Treasurer and such other duties as from time to time may be assigned to the Treasurer by the Chief Executive Officer, the President, or the Board of Directors. The Treasurer shall give such bond, if any, for the faithful discharge of the Treasurer’s duties as the Board of Directors may require. All acts affecting the Treasurer’s duties and responsibilities shall be subject to the review and approval of the Corporation’s chief financial officer.

 

Section 13.          Secretary. The Secretary shall keep or cause to be kept in the books provided for that purpose the minutes of the meetings of the shareholders and of the Board of Directors; shall duly give and serve all notices required to be given in accordance with the provisions of these Bylaws and by the Act; shall be custodian of the records and of the seal of the Corporation and see that the seal is affixed to all documents, the execution of which on behalf of the Corporation under its seal is duly authorized in accordance with the provisions of these Bylaws; and, in general, shall perform all duties incident to the office of Secretary and such other duties as may, from time to time, be assigned to the Secretary by the Chief Executive Officer, the President, or the Board of Directors.

 

Section 14.          Voting Corporation’s Securities. Unless otherwise ordered by the Board of Directors, the Chairman of the Board, the Chief Executive Officer, the President and the Secretary, and each of them, are appointed attorneys and agents of the Corporation, and shall have full power and authority in the name and on behalf of the Corporation, to attend, to act, and to vote all stock or other securities entitled to be voted at any meetings of security holders of corporations, or associations in which the Corporation may hold securities, in person or by proxy, as a stockholder or otherwise, and at such meetings shall possess and may exercise any and all rights and powers incident to the ownership of such securities, and which as the owner thereof the Corporation might have possessed and exercised, if present, or to consent in writing to any action by any such other corporation or association. The Board of Directors by resolution from time to time may confer like powers upon any other person or persons.

 

 

 

 

ARTICLE VII

 

Indemnification

 

Section 1.            Indemnification of Directors, Officers, Employees and Agents. Every person who is or was a Director, officer, employee or agent of this Corporation or of any other

corporation for which such person is or was serving in any capacity at the request of this Corporation shall be indemnified by this Corporation against any and all liability and expense that such person may incur in connection with or resulting from or arising out of any claim, action, suit or proceeding, provided that such person is wholly successful with respect thereto or acted in good faith in what such person reasonably believed to be in or not opposed to the best interest of this Corporation or such other corporation, as the case may be, and, in addition, in any criminal action or proceeding in which such person had no reasonable cause to believe that his or her conduct was unlawful. As used herein, “claim, action, suit or proceeding” shall include any claim, action, suit or proceeding (whether brought by or in the right of this Corporation or such other corporation or otherwise), civil, criminal, administrative or investigative, whether actual or threatened or in connection with an appeal relating thereto, in which a Director, officer, employee or agent of this Corporation may become involved, as a party or otherwise,

 

 

 

The terms “liability” and “expense” shall include, but shall not be limited to, attorneys’ fees and disbursements, amounts of judgments, fines or penalties, and amounts paid in settlement by or on behalf of a Director, officer, employee, or agent, but shall not in any event include any liability or expenses on account of profits realized by such person in the purchase or sale of securities of the Corporation in violation of the law. The termination of any claim, action, suit or proceeding, by judgment, settlement (whether with or without court approval) or conviction or upon a plea of guilty or of nolo contendere, or its equivalent, shall not create a presumption that a Director, officer, employee, or agent did not meet the standards of conduct set forth in this paragraph.

 

Any such Director, officer, employee, or agent who has been wholly successful with respect to any such claim, action, suit or proceeding shall be entitled to indemnification as a matter of right. Except as provided in the preceding sentence, any indemnification hereunder shall be made only if

 

 

 

If several claims, issues or matters of action are involved, any such person may be entitled to indemnification as to some matters even though he is not entitled as to other matters.

 

The Corporation may advance expenses to or, where appropriate, may at its expense undertake the defense of any such Director, officer, employee, or agent upon receipt of an undertaking by or on behalf of such person to repay such expenses if it should ultimately be determined that such person is not entitled to indemnification hereunder.

 

The provisions of this Section shall be applicable to claims, actions, suits or proceedings made or commenced after the adoption hereof, whether arising from acts or omissions to act during, before or after the adoption hereof.

 

The rights of indemnification provided hereunder shall be in addition to any rights to which any person concerned may otherwise be entitled by contract or as a matter of law and shall inure to the benefit of the heirs, executors and administrators of any such person.

 

The Corporation may purchase and maintain insurance on behalf of any person who is or was a Director, officer, employee or agent of the Corporation or is or was serving at the request of the Corporation as a director, officer, employee or agent of another corporation against any liability asserted against such person and incurred by such person in any capacity or arising out of his or her status as such, whether or not the Corporation would have the power to indemnify such person against such liability under the provisions of this Section or otherwise.

 

 

 

ARTICLE VIII

 

Amendments

 

Except as expressly provided herein or in the Articles of Incorporation, the Board of Directors may make, alter, amend or repeal these Bylaws by an affirmative vote of a majority of the actual number of Directors elected and qualified.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

EXHIBIT-31.1

 

CERTIFICATIONS PURSUANT TO

SECTION 302 OF

THE SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002

 

CERTIFICATION

 

I, Michael C. Rechin, President and Chief Executive Officer of First Merchants Corporation, certify that:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

EXHIBIT-31.2

 

CERTIFICATIONS PURSUANT TO

SECTION 302 OF

THE SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002

 

CERTIFICATION

 

I, Mark K. Hardwick, Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of First Merchants Corporation, certify that:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

EXHIBIT-32

 

CERTIFICATIONS 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 quarterly report of First Merchants Corporation (the “Corporation”) on Form 10-Q for the period ending September 30, 2009 as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on the date hereof (the “Report”), I, Michael C. Rechin, President and Chief Executive Officer of the Corporation, do hereby certify, in accordance with 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 (15 U.S.C. 78m or 78o (d)); and

 

(2) The information contained in the Report fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and results of operations of the Corporation.

 

 

A signed copy of this written statement required by Section 906 has been provided to First Merchants Corporation and will be retained by First Merchants Corporation and furnished to the Securities and Exchange Commission or its staff upon request.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

In connection with the quarterly report of First Merchants Corporation (the “Corporation”) on Form 10-Q for the period ending September 30, 2009 as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on the date hereof (the “Report”), I, Mark K. Hardwick, Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of the Corporation, do hereby certify, in accordance with 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 (15 U.S.C. 78m or 78o (d)); and

 

(2) The information contained in the Report fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and results of operations of the Corporation.

 

 

A signed copy of this written statement required by Section 906 has been provided to First Merchants Corporation and will be retained by First Merchants Corporation and furnished to the Securities and Exchange Commission or its staff upon request.