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First Commonwealth Financial Corporation

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FY2003 Annual Report · First Commonwealth Financial Corporation
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Successful Strategies

®

®

Annual Report 2003

GOLDEN TOWER AWARDS

January ................................................................Suzanne Huey

February ................................................................Linda Bellich

March  ...............................................................Barbara Nichols

April .................................................................... Joseph Dell Jr.

May ................................................................... Brook McGinnis

June  ......................................................................... Lynn Lovell

July  ................................................................... Elaine Bonanno

August  ................................................................... Susan Spaid

September  ..................................................... Janice Demharter

October ...............................................................Suzanne Parks

November  .................................................................Bill Staffen

December  ...................................................... Carson Greene Jr.

First Commonwealth has a culture 

of being community-oriented. Two 

awards—the Golden Tower Award 

and the Spirit of Community Service 

Award—were created to recognize 

examples of exceptional volunteerism 

among First Commonwealth employees. 

SPIRIT OF COMMUNITY SERVICE AWARDS

Golden Tower recipients receive 

January......................................Karen Schmidt, Nancy Garman

personalized crystal Golden Tower 

awards and $1,000 is donated to 

the charity of their choice. Spirit of 

February ................................ Bernadette Mutz, Jane Pedersen

March  ............................. Ron Golemboski, Carrie Shuttleworth 

April .....................................................Rusty Flynn, Marie List 

Community Service Award recipients 

May ..........................................Beverly Helsel, Brenda Horner

receive certifi cates and $500 is donated 

June .......................................... Alice Mento, Brenda Thornhill 

to the charity of their choice. The 

July 

...............................................Lisa Boone, Patricia Conley 

First Commonwealth Annual Report 

August ................................... Cindy Brumbaugh, Linda Malisko

2003 is dedicated to the distinguished 

September  ...................................Terri Plyler, Jennifer Wilhelm

service of these individuals, some of 

whom are highlighted in the report. 

October .................................... Karen Simmermon, Valerie Weis

November  ............................... Karen Holencik, Jean McGarvey

Congratulations to all of the 

December  ........................................Sharon Davis, Janet Minor 

2003 award winners.

B

First Commonwealth

 2003 Annual Report

®

®

A MESSAGE TO SHAREHOLDERS.............................................2

SUCCESSFUL STRATEGIES ......................................................4

EXTENDING OUR PRESENCE  .................................................6

A SUCCESSFUL APPROACH TO CORPORATE INTEGRITY................8

2003: A YEAR OF SUCCESSFUL STRATEGIES............................9

AFFILIATE MANAGEMENT....................................................10

BOARD OF DIRECTORS........................................................11

CORPORATE INFORMATION/MARKET AREA.............................12

INDEPENDENT AUDITORS’ REPORT........................................13

CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS................................14

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS .................18

QUARTERLY SUMMARY OF FINANCIAL DATA...........................41

SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA ................................................42

MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF 
FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS ..............43

COMMON STOCK INFORMATION ............................................59

SHAREHOLDER INFORMATION...............................................60

 2003 Annual Report

1

T he year 2003 was one that challenged all fi nancial services 

companies, including First Commonwealth. The historic low 

interest rates have continued to compress net interest margins 

making revenue growth diffi cult to achieve. Despite the economic 

challenges, First Commonwealth achieved very successful results 

for the year.

Net income for 2003 was $53.3 million, which translates 

into $0.90 basic and diluted earnings per share. Return on 

assets was 1.12% and return on equity was 12.95% for the year. 

Total assets increased 15% for the year to $5.2 billion while 

total nonperforming 

loans declined 40%. 

Shareholder value was 

enhanced with a total return of 29% for the year with a current 

dividend yield of 4.5%.

On December 5, 2003 the acquisition of Pittsburgh Financial, 

with $373 million in assets, was consummated. This represents an 

important step to increase our presence in the Pittsburgh market. 

This step was followed by the announcement on December 12, 2003

that GA Financial Inc., the parent company of Great American 

Federal, had agreed to join First Commonwealth, adding another 

$890 million in assets in the Pittsburgh region. Together, these 

two acquisitions will add nineteen community offi ces to the newly 

formed Pittsburgh region, allowing First Commonwealth to more 

effectively compete in this growing market.

The branding initiative launched in fall 2002 was successfully 

completed with the installation of new signage at all the community 

offi ce and affi liate locations. First Commonwealth has become a 

recognizable brand throughout our markets while maintaining 

the community orientation and personalized service for which we 

2

First Commonwealth

 
S uccessful Strategies come from a 

disciplined planning process that carefully 

evaluates the current economic climate, 

understands past and present trends, and 

analyzes future possibilities. This process 

identifi es the services our clients desire and 

defi nes how First Commonwealth can meet 

those needs. At First Commonwealth, we have 

transformed annual planning and budgeting 

into a continuous process with an 

eighteen month forecast completed 

every month. 

Successful Strategies were implemented in large part 

through the unifi ed branding program that began in late 2002. 

Every First Commonwealth affi liate became part of a new 

single First Commonwealth identity with a common name, logo, 

colors, signage, and marketing strategy. Though the look of 

Joseph Dell Jr.
Joseph Dell Jr.
SENIOR VICE PRESIDENT FOR CORPORATE LENDING, Indiana Offi ce

JOE DELL TRACES HIS COMMITMENT 
TO COMMUNITY SERVICE BACK TO HIS 

Family Life, a prevention arm of the child 

welfare system. He also coaches his 

childhood. His parents, says Joe, “raised 

daughter’s softball team and serves on 

me to help people. Volunteerism is just an 

several boards and committees. “Service 

extension of my upbringing.” The young 

is a First Commonwealth tradition,” Joe 

Cub Scout who once sold brooms and 

says. “We take seriously our responsibility 

cushions for the Lions Club and helped his 

to keep communities strong.”

church is now president of the Center for 

4

First Commonwealth

 
First Commonwealth changed dramatically, every unit responded 

positively to being part of one unifi ed identity. Most importantly, 

the focus of First Commonwealth, to build strong communities, 

remained intact. Every First Commonwealth employee understands 

and embraces the philosophy that personalized service is a First 

Commonwealth tradition that transcends corporate identity.

To reinforce its historical commitment to building strong 

communities, First Commonwealth adopted a program to publicly 

recognize employees who so generously have given their time and 

talent to improving their communities. In addition to the awards, 

First Commonwealth made signifi cant contributions to civic and 

charitable organizations throughout its seventeen-county market 

area. Specifi c contributions were made in the name of the award 

winning employees to charities of their choice.

BARBARA NICHOLS
BARBARA NICHOLS
COMMUNITY FINANCIAL MANAGER, Downtown New Castle Offi ce

BARBARA NICHOLS SAYS SHE 
SCREAMED WHEN WORD ARRIVED 

employees to be community servants. She 

is very involved in marketing and produc-

that she had received the Golden Tower 

ing her local children’s theatre program. In 

Award. “Luckily,” she jokes, “it was after 

addition, she teaches Sunday school and 

hours.” Extremely honored to be recog-

serves on the boards of the YMCA and the 

nized for her efforts to improve her 

New Castle Playhouse. “I have a good life,” 

community, Barbara believes First 

she says, “and I have always felt I should 

Commonwealth is right to encourage its 

give something back to the community.”

 2003 Annual Report

5

A nother successful strategy for 2003 has been the expansion 

into new markets, particularly into markets with higher 

growth potential. This strategy has been advanced through the 

recent acquisitions in the Pittsburgh market area. 

In August 2003, First Commonwealth announced an 

agreement to acquire Pittsburgh Financial Corporation, a 

transaction that was consummated on December 5, 2003. 

Headquartered in Wexford—north of Pittsburgh—Pittsburgh 

Financial was the holding company of BankPittsburgh with seven 

community offi ces and total assets of $373 million. Pittsburgh 

Financial employees, clients, and communities are now benefi ting 

from the corporate strength and 

product depth of the fi nancial services 

of First Commonwealth.

On December 12, 2003, First Commonwealth and GA 

Financial Inc. jointly announced their intention to merge Great 

American Federal into First Commonwealth Bank and join with 

the former BankPittsburgh as part of the newly formed Pittsburgh 

BROOK MCGINNIS
BROOK MCGINNIS
VICE PRESIDENT, Indiana Offi ce

THE FATHER OF FOUR CHILDREN 
RANGING IN AGE FROM FOUR TO TEN, 

his community a better place for children. 

He is particularly proud of spearheading 

Brook McGinnis has long been committed 

the Playtime Park project, Indiana 

to providing opportunities for area youth. 

County’s fi rst community built playground. 

From his college days when he was a “Big 

Brook also serves as a District Chair for 

Brother” in the Big Brothers and Sisters 

the Boy Scouts of America, a Sunday 

Program to the present day, he has 

school teacher, and a member of several 

dedicated his time and talent to making 

other organizations.

6

First Commonwealth

region of First Commonwealth Bank. Great American Federal brings 

twelve full-service community offi ces and $890 million in assets to 

this robust new region.

The dedicated employees of these two fi ne banks will form 

the nucleus of a dynamic new region with substantial growth 

opportunities. The shareholders of both organizations will also 

benefi t from being part of a larger organization with substantially 

increased liquidity.

Throughout 2003, First Commonwealth 

continued to maximize its community offi ce delivery 

network by consolidating, closing, and selling offi ces 

in slower growth markets. Plans continue to proceed 

for the development of de novo offi ces in key locations 

and the renovation and relocation of other important 

community offi ces. The use of our enhanced Internet 

banking and bill payment sites (WebBank and 

WebPay) continue to grow dramatically, rounding out 

a complete client delivery network.

Elaine Bonanno
Elaine Bonanno
COMMUNITY FINANCIAL CENTER MANAGER II, VICE PRESIDENT, Ebensburg Offi ce

ELAINE BONANNO BEGAN VOLUN-
TEERING TO STAY INVOLVED IN 

needed track for student athletes. Happy 

to help her own children as well as 

her children’s lives. She helped with her 

others, Elaine also taught Sunday school. 

daughter’s cheerleading squad and 

Now, she volunteers for friendship and 

became a track team booster. This led to 

fun as an offi cer of the Ebensburg Rotary 

her involvement on the Northern Cam-

Club, the Cambria County Industrial 

bria Track/Sports Complex Committee 

Development Corporation, and several 

which raised funds to provide a much 

other organizations.

 2003 Annual Report

7

L ong before the recent spate of corporate corruption, First 

Commonwealth held itself to the highest standards to ensure 

corporate integrity and reliability. First Commonwealth always 

has and will continue to be proactive in fully complying with the 

requirements of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 as well as other 

requirements as promulgated by the Securities and Exchange 

Commission and the New York Stock Exchange. First Commonwealth 

is recognized as a leader in its risk management culture.

First Commonwealth utilizes the Balanced Scorecard, a strategic 

management and measurement system that enables organizations to 

clarify their vision and strategy. This strategy is then translated into 

measurable actions that are portrayed in a strategy map with four 

perspectives; fi nancial, clients, processes, and employees. The Balanced 

Scorecard tool is also being utilized by the Board to manage compliance 

with corporate governance requirements.

Harvard Business School professor 

Dr. Robert S. Kaplan, well-known 

cocreator of the Balanced Scorecard, 

used First Commonwealth’s practices as a model for an educational 

conference in October 2003. During “Improving Corporate Governance: 

A Balanced Scorecard Approach,” Dr. Kaplan demonstrated how First 

Commonwealth utilizes the Balanced Scorecard not only to plan for 

fi nancial success but also to hold its Board members and top executives 

Bill Staffen 
Bill Staffen 
VICE PRESIDENT, Indiana Offi ce

AN AVID OUTDOOR SPORTSMAN WHO 
HAS NEVER BELIEVED IN TAKING 

Conservation Offi cer for the Pennsylvania 

Game Commission, a volunteer for the 

his community for granted, Bill Staffen 

Muscular Dystrophy telethon, and a 

has spent decades helping others. He has 

member of several other civic and 

been a volunteer fi refi ghter for 33 years 

charitable organizations. “My philosophy 

and an EMT and board of directors 

is that you can’t just take from your 

member of Citizens Ambulance Service. 

community, you have to give something 

In addition, he serves as a Wildlife 

back,” he says.

Robert S. Kaplan, who used First 
Commonwealth as an excellent 
example of the Balanced Scorecard 
Approach, is Professor of Leadership 
Development at Harvard Business 
School. His research, teaching, and 
consulting focus on linking cost and 
performance management systems 
to strategy implementation and 
operational excellence.

8

First Commonwealth

to the highest standards of competencies and performance. By being clear 

on objectives and expectations, and by holding executives and Board 

members accountable, First Commonwealth demonstrates that it has a 

“well functioning system,” Kaplan said “…even realizing cost savings in the 

regulatory process.”

In compliance with one corporate governance requirement, the 

non-management members of the Board have established a meeting 

schedule without management’s presence. At their fi rst meeting the 

non-management directors elected David Dahlmann as the Lead 

Director. Shareholders may communicate in writing directly with the 

Lead Director at the Corporate Headquarters address. Other information 

related to First Commonwealth’s compliance with corporate governance 

requirements can be found in the 2003 Proxy Statement and in the 

corporate area of our Web site at www.fcbanking.com.

A t the close of 2003, First Commonwealth stands in an excellent 

position for increasing its value for shareholders. With a successful 

new branding strategy, new partners, and a clear and ambitious business 

strategy, First Commonwealth is poised for another successful year. 

First Commonwealth remains committed to improvement for all its 

stakeholders: employees, clients, communities, and shareholders.

Janice Demharter
Janice Demharter
OFFICE SALES MANAGER, Sarver Offi ce

JANICE DEMHARTER ASKED THAT 
THE HIGHLAND MEALS ON WHEELS 

Janice has dedicated time and talent to 

many charitable and civic organizations 

program be the recipient of her Golden 

over the years, including Habitat for 

Tower Award charitable gift. She served 

Humanity, the March of Dimes, Relay 

on the steering committee for that 

for Life, the Chamber of Commerce, and 

organization and believes in its mission 

others. The Business and Professional 

to this day. An employee of First 

Women’s Club named Janice their 

Commonwealth for over 35 years, 

2003 Woman of the Year.

 2003 Annual Report

9

 
Front row (L to R): Sue A. McMurdy, Gerard M. Thomchick, Richard R. Applegate
Back row (L to R): William A. Mrozowski, Johnston A. Glass, Anthony S. Hewitt

Richard R. Applegate
PRESIDENT & CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER
First Commonwealth Financial 

Advisors Inc. 

4035 William Flynn Highway 
Allison Park, PA 15101
(412) 492-8787

Johnston A. Glass
PRESIDENT & CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER
First Com mon wealth Bank 
Central Offi ces 
Phil a del phia and Sixth Streets 
In di ana, PA 15701
(724) 349-3400

Anthony S. Hewitt 
PRESIDENT & CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER
First Com mon wealth Insurance Agency 
First Com mon wealth Place 
654 Phil a del phia Street 
In di ana, PA 15701
(724) 349-6056

Sue A. McMurdy
PRESIDENT & CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER
First Com mon wealth Systems Cor po ra tion 
22 North Sixth Street 
Indiana, PA 15701
(724) 349-4310

William A. Mrozowski
PRESIDENT & CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER
First Commonwealth Trust Com pa ny 
614 Philadelphia Street 
Indiana, PA 15701
(724) 465-3282

Gerard M. Thomchick
PRESIDENT & CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER
First Com mon wealth Professional 

Resources In c. 

22 North Sixth Street 
Indiana, PA 15701 
(724) 349-7220  

PRESIDENT 
Com mon wealth Trust Credit Life 

Insurance Company 

2700 North Third Street, Suite 2000 
Phoenix, AZ 85004

CHAIRMAN & PRESIDENT 
FraMal Holdings Corporation 
1105 North Market Street 
Wilmington, DE 19899

10

First Commonwealth

Front row (L to R): E. James Trimarchi, Dale P. Latimer, Laurie Stern Singer, James W. Newill
Middle row (L to R): Joseph E. O’Dell, Ray T. Charley, Johnston A. Glass, Alan R. Fairman
Back row (L to R): Edward T. Côté, David R. Tomb Jr., Esq., John A. Robertshaw Jr., David S. Dahlmann

Ray T. Charley
GREENSBURG
Chief Executive Offi cer, Thomi Company

Edward T. Côté  
LIGONIER
Associate, The Wakefi eld Associates

David S. Dahlmann 
GREENSBURG
Adjunct Professor, Saint Vincent College

Alan R. Fairman  
DUBOIS
Partner, Fairman Drilling Company

Johnston A. Glass  
INDIANA
Vice Chairman, First Com mon wealth 
Financial Corporation, and President and 
Chief Executive Offi cer, First 
Commonwealth Bank

Dale P. Latimer 
NEW AL EX AN DRIA
Chairman of the Board and 
Chief Executive Offi cer, 
R & L Development Company

James W. Newill 
HIGHLAND BEACH, FL
Certifi ed Public Ac coun tant, Former 
President, J.W. Newill Com pa ny

Joseph E. O'Dell 
INDIANA
President and Chief Executive Offi cer, 
First Com mon wealth Financial Cor po ra tion

John A. Robertshaw, Jr.  
GREENSBURG
President, Robertshaw Management, Ltd.

Laurie Stern Singer  
ALLISON PARK
President, Al legh eny Valley 
Development Cor po ra tion

David R. Tomb Jr., Esq.  
INDIANA
Attorney at Law

E. James Trimarchi  
INDIANA
Chairman of the Board, 
First Commonwealth Fi nan cial Corporation

 2003 Annual Report

11

Corporate Executive Offi ces

Corporate Description
First Commonwealth Fi nan cial Cor po ra tion is a Penn syl va nia busi ness 
cor po ra tion es tab lished in 1983, reg is tered as a bank holding com pa ny 
by the Board of Gov er nors of the Fed er al Reserve System.

President

Executive Offi ces

Old Courthouse Square 
22 North Sixth Street 
Indiana, Pennsylvania

Mail Address

Gerard M. Thomchick
Senior Executive Vice President 
and Chief Operating Offi cer

John J. Dolan
Executive Vice President and 
Chief Financial Offi cer

Post Offi ce Box 400
Indiana, Pennsylvania 15701-0400
Telephone (724) 349-7220

Sue A. McMurdy
Senior Vice President and 
Chief Information Offi cer

Executive Offi cers

E. James Trimarchi
Chairman of the Board

Joseph E. O’Dell
President and Chief 
Ex ec u tive Offi cer

Johnston A. Glass
Vice Chairman, Growth

David R. Tomb, Jr.
Senior Vice President, 
Secretary and Treasurer

Thaddeus J. Clements
Senior Vice President, 
Human Re sourc es

William R. Jarrett
Senior Vice President, 
Risk Man age ment

R. John Previte
Senior Vice Pres i dent, 
In vest ments

Market Area by County

For shareholder in for ma tion 
see page 60.

For other information call our 
Convenience Banking Center 
at 1-800-711-BANK (2265) 
or visit our Web site: 
www.fcbanking.com

Elk

Jefferson

Lawrence

Butler

Armstrong

Beaver

Indiana

Clearfield

Centre

Allegheny

Cambria

Blair

Westmoreland

Huntingdon

Washington

Somerset

Bedford

12

First Commonwealth

FIRST COMMONWEALTH FINANCIAL CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
REPORT OF INDEPENDENT AUDITORS 

Shareholders and Board of Directors

First Commonwealth Financial Corporation

We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheet of First Commonwealth Financial Corporation 

and subsidiaries (the “Company”) as of December 31, 2003, and the related consolidated statement of income, 

changes in shareholders’ equity, and cash flows for the year then ended. These financial statements are the 

responsibility of the Company’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial 

statements based on our audit. The financial statements of the Company for the years ended December 31, 

2002 and 2001, were audited by other auditors whose report dated January 22, 2003, expressed an unqualified 

opinion on those statements.

We conducted our audit in accordance with auditing standards generally accepted in the United States. 

Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the 

financial statements are free of material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence 

supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. An audit also includes assessing the 

accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall 

financial statement presentation. We believe that our audit provides a reasonable basis for our opinion.

In our opinion, the 2003 financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the 

consolidated financial position of the Company at December 31, 2003 and the consolidated results of their 

operations and their cash flows for the year then ended in conformity with accounting principles generally 

accepted in the United States.

Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

January 28, 2004

13

FIRST COMMONWEALTH FINANCIAL CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(Dollar Amounts in Thousands)

                                                                                                                                                                                        December 31,
                                                                                                                                                                        2003                                      2002
ASSETS                                                                                                                                              
           Cash and due from banks                                                                                                          $           82,510                        $        81,114
           Interest-bearing bank deposits                                                                                                                 5,362                                   1,973
           Securities available for sale, at market                                                                                             1,969,176                            1,482,771
           Securities held to maturity, at amortized cost, (Market value 
                $109,609 in 2003 and $204,887 in 2002)                                                                                       104,254                                197,838

           Loans                                                                                                                                                 2,825,337                             2,609,440
                Unearned income                                                                                                                                  (455)                                    (806)
                Allowance for credit losses                                                                                                              (37,385)                               (34,496)
                    Net loans                                                                                                                                  2,787,497                             2,574,138

           Premises and equipment                                                                                                                        46,538                                 45,730
           Other real estate owned                                                                                                                            1,866                                   1,651
           Goodwill                                                                                                                                                29,854                                   8,131
           Amortizing intangibles, net                                                                                                                      3,256                                        29
           Other assets                                                                                                                                        158,882                                131,368
                    Total assets                                                                                                                       $      5,189,195                        $   4,524,743

LIABILITIES                                                                                                                                                                                    
           Deposits (all domestic):                                                                                                                                                                                 
                Noninterest-bearing                                                                                                             $         408,647                       $      377,466
                Interest-bearing                                                                                                                            2,879,628                            2,666,658
                    Total deposits                                                                                                                           3,288,275                            3,044,124

           Short-term borrowings                                                                                                                         634,127                               469,065
           Other liabilities                                                                                                                                      41,875                                 30,230

           Company obligated mandatorily redeemable 
                capital securities of subsidiary trust                                                                                                         -0-                                35,000
           Subordinated debentures                                                                                                                        75,304                                          -0-
           Other long-term debt                                                                                                                            718,668                               544,934

                Total long-term debt                                                                                                                       793,972                               579,934
                    Total liabilities                                                                                                                         4,758,249                            4,123,353

SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY                                                                                                                                                                               
           Preferred stock, $1 par value per share, 3,000,000 shares authorized, none issued                                      -0-                                        -0-
           Common stock $1 par value per share, 100,000,000 shares authorized; 
                63,704,445 shares issued and 60,712,020 shares outstanding in 2003; 
                62,525,408 shares issued and 58,962,539 shares outstanding in 2002                                             63,704                                  62,525
           Additional paid-in capital                                                                                                                       79,581                                 64,885
           Retained earnings                                                                                                                                 312,261                               296,165
           Accumulated other comprehensive income                                                                                           15,173                                 25,851
           Treasury stock (2,992,425 and 3,562,869 shares at December 31, 2003 
                and 2002, respectively at cost)                                                                                                        (37,779)                               (44,981)
           Unearned ESOP shares                                                                                                                           (1,994)                                 (3,055)
                    Total shareholders’ equity                                                                                                           430,946                               401,390
                                Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity                                                             $      5,189,195                       $   4,524,743

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.

14

                                
                                
                                
                                
                                
                                
                                
Interest Income      
           Interest and fees on loans
           Interest and dividends on investments: 
                Taxable interest 
Taxable interest
Taxable interest 
                Interest exempt from Federal income taxes 
                Dividends 
           Interest on Federal funds sold 
           Interest on bank deposits 
                    Total interest income 

Interest Expense     
           Interest on deposits 
           Interest on short-term borrowings 
           Interest on mandatorily redeemable capital securities 
                of subsidiary trust 
of subsidiary trust
of subsidiary trust 
           Interest on subordinated debentures 
Interest on other long-term debt
Interest on other long-term debt 
           Interest on other long-term debt 
                Total interest on long-term debt 
Total interest on long-term debt
Total interest on long-term debt 
                    Total interest expense 

Net interest income 
           Provision for credit losses 

FIRST COMMONWEALTH FINANCIAL CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME
(Dollar Amounts in Thousands, except per share data)

                             Years Ended December 31,

2003                                        2002                                   2001

$

164,441                     $         179,901                      $        202,173

66,716                                   84,137                                  93,961
10,561                                    9,520                                    9,534
2,038                                     1,973                                    2,661
4                                           6                                       492
 13                                         31                                         70
243,773                                275,568                                308,891

60,100                                  78,572                                118,165
6,755                                     6,029                                  11,227

-0-                                   3,325                                    3,325
3,560                                          -0-                                        -0-
29,826                                  34,747                                  34,453
 33,386                                  38,072                                  37,778
100,241                                122,673                                167,170

143,532                                152,895                                141,721
12,770                                  12,223                                  11,495

Net interest income after provision for credit losses 

130,762                                140,672                                130,226

Other Income
           Securities gains 
           Trust income 
           Service charges on deposits 
           Gain on sale of branches 
           Insurance commissions 
           Income from bank owned life insurance 
           Merchant discount income 
           Other income 
                    Total other income 

Other Expenses      
           Salaries and employee benefits 
           Net occupancy expense 
           Furniture and equipment expense 
           Data processing expense 
           Pennsylvania shares tax expense 
           Intangible amortization 
           Litigation settlement 
Litigation settlement
Litigation settlement 
           Restructuring charges 
           Other operating expenses 
                    Total other expenses 

Income before income taxes
           Applicable income taxes 

5,851                                       642                                    3,329
5,142                                    5,008                                    4,995
13,013                                   11,538                                  11,160
3,041                                          -0-                                     777
3,305                                    3,631                                    3,192
4,342                                     4,711                                    4,618
3,557                                    3,573                                    3,446
10,193                                    8,992                                    9,588
48,444                                  38,095                                  41,105

61,144                                  58,149                                  54,521
7,456                                    6,750                                    6,520
10,096                                     9,970                                    9,050
2,520                                    2,124                                    3,296
4,301                                    3,937                                    3,825
43                                       203                                       490
(610)                                   8,000                                          -0-
-0-                                   6,140                                          -0-
 27,705                                   31,057                                  28,186
112,655                                126,330                                105,888

66,551                                  52,437                                  65,443
13,251                                     8,911                                  15,254

Net Income            

$ 

53,300                     $           43,526                      $          50,189

Average Shares Outstanding 
Average Shares Outstanding Assuming Dilution 

59,002,277                            58,409,614                           57,885,478
59,387,055                            58,742,018                           58,118,057

Per Share Data:      
           Basic Earnings Per Share
           Diluted Earnings Per Share

$
$

0.90                      $               0.75                      $              0.87
0.90                      $               0.74                      $              0.86

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.

15

                                
                                
 
                                                                   
 
                                                                                          
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
                                 
 
 
                                                                   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
                                 
 
 
 
                                 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
                                 
 
 
                                                                   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
                                
 
          
 
 
 
                                                                   
FIRST COMMONWEALTH FINANCIAL CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY
(Dollar Amounts in Thousands)

Common
Stock

Additional 
 Paid-in 
Capital

Accumulated 
Retained    Other Comprehensive Treasury 
Income (Loss)
Earnings

Stock

Unearned  
ESOP
Shares

Total
Shareholders’ 
Equity

Balance at December 31, 2000

$ 62,525

$

67,223 

$ 272,169 

$

(7,808)

$

(54,666)

$

(5,287)

$ 334,156

Comprehensive income 
      Net income      
      Other comprehensive income, net of tax: 
           Unrealized holding gains (losses) on 
                securities arising during the period 
securities arising during the period
securities arising during the period 
           Less: reclassification adjustment 
                for gains on securities included 
                in net income 
      Total other comprehensive income  
           Total comprehensive income 
Cash dividends declared 
Cash dividends declared
Cash dividends declared 
Decrease in unearned ESOP shares 
Discount on dividend reinvestment 
      plan purchases 
Treasury stock reissued 
Treasury stock reissued
Treasury stock reissued 
Tax benefit of stock options 
Balance at December 31, 2001

Comprehensive income 
      Net income      
      Other comprehensive income, net of tax: 
           Unrealized holding gains (losses) on 
                securities arising during the period 
securities arising during the period
securities arising during the period 
           Less: reclassification adjustment 
                for gains on securities included 
                in net income 
      Total other comprehensive income  
           Total comprehensive income 
Cash dividends declared
Cash dividends declared 
Cash dividends declared 
Decrease in unearned ESOP shares 
Discount on dividend reinvestment plan 
      purchases         
Treasury stock reissued 
Treasury stock reissued
Treasury stock reissued 
Tax benefit of stock options 
Balance at December 31, 2002

Comprehensive income 
      Net income      
      Other comprehensive income, net of tax: 
           Unrealized holding gains (losses) on 
                securities arising during the period 
securities arising during the period
securities arising during the period 
           Less: reclassification adjustment 
                for gains on securities included 
                in net income 
           Unrealized holding gains on 
                derivatives used in cash flow hedging 
                 relationship arising during the period 
relationship arising during the period
relationship arising during the period 
      Total other comprehensive income  
           Total comprehensive income 
Cash dividends declared 
Cash dividends declared
Cash dividends declared 
Decrease in unearned ESOP shares 
Discount on dividend reinvestment plan 
      purchases         
Treasury stock reissued
Treasury stock reissued 
Treasury stock reissued 
Tax benefit of stock options 
Stock issued for acquisition 
Balance at December 31, 2003

-0- 

-0- 

 -0- 
 -0- 
-0- 
-0- 
-0- 

-0- 

-0- 

 -0- 
 -0- 
-0- 
-0- 
-0- 

-0- 

-0- 

-0- 

 -0-  
 -0- 
-0- 
-0- 
-0- 

-0-  

50,189  

-0-  

-0-  

-0-  

18,639  

 -0-  
 -0-  
-0-  
-0-  
31  

 -0-  
 -0-  
50,189  
(34,139) 
-0-  

-0- 
-0- 
 -0- 
62,525 

(612) 
(735) 
 269  
66,176  

-0-  
-0-  
 -0-  
  288,219  

 -0-  
 -0-  
-0-  
-0-  
86  

 -0-  
 -0-  
43,526  
(35,580) 
-0-  

-0- 
-0- 
 -0- 
62,525 

(637) 
(964) 
 224  
64,885  

-0-  
-0-  
 -0-  
  296,165  

(2,128) 
16,511  
16,511  
-0-  
-0-  

-0-  
-0-  
 -0-  
8,703  

 (394) 
 17,148  
17,148  
-0-  
-0-  

-0-  
-0-  
 -0-  
25,851  

-0-  

43,526  

-0-  

-0-  

-0-  

17,542  

-0-  

53,300  

-0-  

-0-  

-0-  

 -0-  
 -0-  
-0-  
-0-  
120  

-0-  

(6,951)  

-0-  

(3,734)  

 -0-  
 -0-  
53,300  
(37,204) 
-0-  

-0-  
-0-  
-0-  
 -0-  

 7  
(10,678) 
(10,678) 
-0-  
-0-  

-0-  
-0-  
-0-  
 -0-  

$ 312,261

$

15,173 

$

-0- 
-0- 
-0- 
 1,179 
$ 63,704

(706) 
(1,076) 
535  
15,823  
79,581 

$

-0-  

-0-  

 -0-  
 -0-  
-0-  
-0-  
-0-  

-0-  
3,235  
 -0-  
(51,431) 

-0-  

-0-  

 -0-  
 -0-  
-0-  
-0-  
-0-  

-0-  
6,450  
 -0-  
(44,981) 

-0-  

-0-  

-0-  

 -0-  
 -0-  
-0-  
-0-  
-0-  

-0-  
7,202  
-0-  
 -0-  
(37,779)

$

-0-  

50,189

-0-  

18,639

 -0-  
 -0-  
-0-  
-0-  
1,161  

-0-  
-0-  
 -0-  
(4,126) 

 (2,128)
 16,511
66,700
(34,139)
1,192

(612)
2,500
 269
370,066

-0-  

43,526

-0-  

17,542

 -0-  
 -0-  
-0-  
-0-  
1,071  

-0-  
-0-  
 -0-  
(3,055) 

 (394)
17,148
60,674
(35,580)
1,157

(637)
5,486
 224
401,390

-0-  

53,300

-0-  

(6,951)

-0-  

(3,734)

 -0-  
 -0-  
-0-  
-0-  
1,061  

-0-  
-0-  
-0-  
 -0-  
(1,994)

 7
(10,678)
42,622
(37,204)
1,181

(706)
6,126
535
17,002
$ 430,946

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.

16

 
 
                                                                              
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
                                                                              
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
                                                                              
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Operating Activities
           Net income   
           Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash 
                provided by operating activities: 
                Provision for credit losses 
                Depreciation and amortization 
                Net gains on sales of assets 
                Net gains on sales of branches 
                Income from increase in cash surrender value of 
                    bank owned life insurance 
           Stock option tax benefit 
Stock option tax benefit
Stock option tax benefit 
           Changes net of acquisition:
                Decrease in interest receivable 
                Decrease in interest payable 
                Increase (decrease) in income taxes payable 
                Change in deferred taxes 
                Other-net  
                    Net cash provided by operating activities 

Investing Activities
           Changes net of acquisition: 
                Transactions with securities held to maturity: 
                    Sales     
                    Maturities and redemptions 
                    Purchases of investment securities 
                Transactions with securities available for sale:
                    Sales     
                    Maturities and redemptions 
                    Purchases of investment securities 
                Proceeds from sales of loans and other assets 
                Investment in bank owned life insurance 
                Net decrease (increase) in interest-bearing bank deposits 
                Net increase in loans 
Purchases of premises and equipment
                Purchases of premises and equipment 
Purchases of premises and equipment 
                    Net cash provided (used) by investing activities 

Financing Activities
           Changes net of acquisition: 
Proceeds from issuance of other long-term debt
                Proceeds from issuance of other long-term debt 
Proceeds from issuance of other long-term debt 
                Repayments of other long-term debt 
Repayments of other long-term debt
Repayments of other long-term debt 
                Proceeds from issuance of subordinated debentures 
                Discount on dividend reinvestment plan purchases 
                Dividends paid 
                Net increase (decrease) in Federal funds purchased 
                Net increase in other short-term borrowings 
                Sale of branch and deposits, net of cash received 
                Reissuance of treasury stock 
                Net increase (decrease) in deposits 
                    Net cash provided (used) by financing activities 
                    Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents 

FIRST COMMONWEALTH FINANCIAL CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(Dollar Amounts in Thousands)

                             Years Ended December 31,                         

2003                                        2002                                   2001

$

53,300                     $           43,526                        $        50,189

12,770                                  12,223                                  11,495
7,498                                    7,360                                    7,760
(6,483)                                     (498)                                 (3,392)
(3,034)                                         -0-                                    (777)

(4,342)                                  (4,711)                                 (4,618)
535                                       224                                       269

3,754                                    2,860                                    3,559
(1,120)                                  (2,280)                               (19,387)
(843)                                  (2,754)                                  3,491
(2,235)                                     (594)                                    (831)
(2,525)                                   2,408                                   (1,165)
57,275                                  57,764                                  46,593

-0-                                         -0-                                        -0-
93,700                                  110,769                                133,666
-0-                                (15,266)                               (28,772)

62,941                                  15,328                                  85,737
954,406                                 545,791                                497,640
(1,414,519)                              (547,799)                             (785,610)
138,535                                102,225                                  90,241
-0-                                  (5,000)                               (15,000)
4,135                                     2,278                                   (3,823)
(121,400)                              (154,614)                             (178,465)
 (5,227)                                  (6,382)                                 (7,886)
 (287,429)                                 47,330                               (212,272)

10,000                                  18,200                                    9,500
(12,500)                              (101,425)                                    (974)
30,929                                          -0-                                        -0-
(706)                                     (637)                                    (612)
(36,630)                                (35,208)                               (33,809)
(37,500)                                (56,650)                                91,425
202,562                                  97,980                                  64,138
(21,288)                                         -0-                                 (9,591)
5,923                                    4,656                                    2,500
82,901                                  (49,026)                                39,384
223,691                               (122,110)                              161,961
(6,463)                                (17,016)                                 (3,718)

           Cash and cash equivalents acquired with acquisition 
           Cash and cash equivalents at January 1 
           Cash and cash equivalents at December 31

7,859                                          -0-                                        -0-
81,114                                  98,130                                101,848
82,510                      $            81,114                        $        98,130

$ 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.

17

                                
                                
 
                                                                                          
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
                                                                                          
 
                                                                                          
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
                                                                                          
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
FIRST COMMONWEALTH FINANCIAL CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Years Ended December 31, 2003, 2002 and 2001

NOTE 1—Statement of Accounting Policies
General

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

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

Through its subsidiaries which include one commercial 
bank, a nondepository trust company, insurance agency 
and financial advisor, the Corporation provides a full range 
of loan, deposit, trust, insurance and financial advisory 
services primarily to individuals and small to middle-market 
businesses in seventeen counties in central and western 
Pennsylvania. Under current conditions, the Corporation is 
reporting one business segment.

The Corporation is subject to regulations of certain state 
and federal agencies. These regulatory agencies periodically 
examine the Corporation for adherence to laws and 
regulations. As a consequence, the cost of doing business 
may be affected.

Basis of Presentation

The accompanying consolidated financial statements include 
the accounts of the Corporation and its wholly owned 
subsidiaries. All material intercompany transactions have 
been eliminated in consolidation.

Investments of 20 to 50 percent of the outstanding common 
stock of investees are accounted for using the equity method 
of accounting.

Reclassifications

Financial statement amounts in prior periods have been 
reclassified to conform to the presentation format used in 
2003. The reclassifications had no effect on the Corporation’s 
financial condition or results of operations.

Securities

Debt securities that the Corporation has the positive intent 
and ability to hold to maturity are classified as securities 
held-to-maturity and are reported at amortized cost. Debt and 
equity securities that are bought and held principally for the 

18

purpose of selling them in the near term are to be classified as 
trading securities and reported at fair value, with unrealized 
gains and losses included in earnings. Debt and equity 
securities not classified as either held-to-maturity securities 
or trading securities are classified as securities available-
for-sale and are reported at fair value, with unrealized gains 
and losses excluded from earnings and reported as a separate 
component of shareholders’ equity, net of deferred taxes.

The Corporation has securities classified as either held-to-
maturity or available-for-sale. The Corporation does not 
engage in trading activities. Effective January 1, 2003 the 
Corporation changed the method it utilizes to determine 
the net gain or loss on the sale of securities from the 
specific identification method to the average cost method. 
This change did not result in a material change to the 
Corporation’s financial condition or results of operations.

Loans

Loans are carried at the principal amount outstanding. 
Unearned income on installment loans and leases is taken 
into income on a declining basis which results in an 
approximately level rate of return over the life of the loan or 
lease. Interest is accrued as earned on nondiscounted loans.

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

A loan is placed in nonaccrual status when based on current 
information and events, it is probable that the Corporation will 
be unable to fully collect principal or interest due according 
to the contractual terms of the loan. A loan is also placed in 
nonaccrual status when based on regulatory definitions, the 
loan is maintained on a “cash basis” due to the weakened 
financial condition of the borrower. When a determination 
is made to place a loan in nonaccrual status, all accrued and 
unpaid interest for the current year is reversed against interest 
income and uncollected interest for previous years is charged 
against the allowance for credit losses. Generally, consumer 
and residential mortgage loans, which are well-secured 
and/or in the process of collection, are not normally placed 
in nonaccrual status. Nonaccrual loans are restored to accrual 
status when, based on a sustained period of repayment by 
the borrower in accordance with the contractual terms of the 
loan, the Corporation expects repayment of the remaining 

FIRST COMMONWEALTH FINANCIAL CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

contractual principal and interest, or when the loan otherwise 
becomes well secured and in the process of collection. 

The Corporation considers a loan to be renegotiated when 
the loan terms have been renegotiated to a below market 
condition to provide a reduction or deferral of principal or 
interest as a result of the deteriorating financial position 
of the borrower and the loan is in compliance with the 
restructured terms.

The Corporation considers a loan to be impaired when, based 
on current information and events, it is probable that the 
Corporation will be unable to collect principal or interest 
due according to the contractual terms of the loan. Impaired 
loans include nonaccrual loans and renegotiated loans. 
Loan impairment is measured based on the present value of 
expected cash flows discounted at the loan’s effective interest 
rate or, as a practical expedient, at the loan’s observable 
market price or the fair value of the collateral if the loan is 
collateral dependent.

Payments received on impaired loans are applied against the 
recorded investment in the loan. For loans other than those 
that the Corporation expects repayment through liquidation 
of the collateral, when the remaining recorded investment in 
the impaired loan is less than or equal to the present value of 
the expected cash flows, income is recorded on a cash basis.

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

Mortgage Servicing Rights

When the Corporation purchases or originates mortgage 
loans with a definitive plan to sell or securitize those loans 
and retain the mortgage servicing rights, the Corporation 
measures the mortgage servicing rights at cost by allocating 
the cost of the mortgage loans between the mortgage 
servicing rights and the mortgage loans (without the 
mortgage servicing rights) based on their relative fair values 
at the date of purchase or origination. When the Corporation 
does not have a definitive plan at the purchase or origination 
date and later sells or securitizes the mortgage loans and 
retains the mortgage servicing rights, the Corporation 
allocates the amortized cost of the mortgage loans between 
the mortgage servicing rights and the mortgage loans 
(without mortgage servicing rights) based on their relative 
fair values at the date of sale. The amount capitalized as the 
right to service mortgage loans is recognized as a separate 
asset and amortized in proportion to, and over the period of, 
estimated net servicing income (servicing revenue in excess 
of servicing cost). Mortgage servicing rights are periodically 
evaluated for impairment based on fair values.

Loan Fees

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

Other Real Estate Owned

Real estate, other than bank premises, is recorded at the 
lower of cost or fair value less selling costs at the time of 
acquisition. Expenses related to holding the property, net of 
rental income, are generally charged against earnings in the 
current period.

Allowance for Credit Losses

The Corporation maintains an allowance for credit losses at 
a level deemed sufficient to absorb losses that are inherent 
in the loan and lease portfolios at each balance sheet date. 
Management and the Corporation’s Board of Directors review 
the adequacy of the allowance on a quarterly basis to ensure 
that the provision for credit losses has been charged against 
earnings in an amount necessary to maintain the allowance at 
a level that is appropriate based on management’s assessment 
of probable estimated losses. The Corporation’s methodology 
for assessing the appropriateness of the allowance for credit 
losses consists of several key elements. These elements 
include a specific allowance for primary watch list classified 
loans, a formula allowance based on historical trends, an 
additional allowance for special circumstances and an 
unallocated allowance. While allocations are made to specific 
loans and pools of loans, the total allowance is available 
for all loan losses. The Corporation consistently applies the 
following comprehensive methodology and procedure at the 
subsidiary bank level.

The allowance for primary watch list classified loans 
addresses those loans maintained on the Corporation’s 
primary watch list that are assigned a rating of substandard, 
doubtful or loss. Substandard loans are those with a 
well-defined weakness or a weakness that jeopardizes 
the repayment of the debt. A loan may be classified as 
substandard as a result of impairment of the borrower’s 
financial condition and repayment capacity. Loans for which 
repayment plans have not been met or collateral equity 
margins do not protect the Corporation may also be classified 
as substandard. Doubtful loans have the characteristics of 
substandard loans with the added characteristic that collection 
or liquidation in full, on the basis of presently existing facts 
and conditions, is highly improbable. Although the possibility 
of loss is extremely high for doubtful loans, the classification 
of loss is deferred until pending factors, which might improve 
the loan, have been determined. Loans rated as doubtful in 
whole or in part are placed in nonaccrual status. Loans which 
are classified as loss are considered uncollectible and are 
charged to the allowance for credit losses at the next meeting 

19

FIRST COMMONWEALTH FINANCIAL CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Dollar Amounts in Thousands)

NOTE 1—Statement of Accounting Policies (continued)

Bank Owned Life Insurance

Allowance for Credit Losses (continued)

of the Corporation’s Credit Committee after placement in 
this category. There were no loans classified as loss on the 
primary watch list as of December 31, 2003.

Each of the classified loans on the primary watch list are 
individually analyzed to determine the level of the potential 
loss in the credit under the current circumstances. The 
specific reserve established for these classified loans on 
the primary watch list is based on careful analysis of the 
loan’s performance, the related collateral value, cash flow 
considerations and the financial capability of any guarantor. 
The allowance for primary watch list classified loans is equal 
to the total amount of potential unconfirmed losses for the 
individual classified loans on the watch list. Primary watch list 
loans are managed and monitored by assigned account officers 
within the Corporation in conjunction with senior management.

The allowance based on historical trends uses charge-
off experience of the Corporation to estimate potential 
unconfirmed losses in the balances of the loan and lease 
portfolios. The historical loss experience percentage is 
based on the charge-off history for the greater of the eight 
most recent quarters or the twenty most recent quarters. 
Historical loss experience percentages are applied to non-
classified loans from the primary watch list, as well as all 
other loans and leases which are not on the watch list, to 
obtain the portion of the allowance for credit losses which 
is based on historical trends. Before applying the historical 
loss experience percentages, loan balances are reduced by the 
portion of the loan balances which are subject to guarantee 
by a government agency. Loan balances are also adjusted for 
unearned discount on installment loans.

The additional allowance for special circumstances provides 
management with the opportunity to estimate additional 
potential allowance amounts which may be needed to 
cover specific factors. The special factors that management 
currently evaluates consist of portfolio risk or concentrations 
of credit and economic conditions. Portfolio risks include 
unusual changes or recent trends in specific portfolios such 
as unexpected changes in the trends or levels of delinquency, 
unusual repossession activities or large levels of unsecured 
loans in a portfolio.

The Corporation also maintains an unallocated allowance. 
The unallocated allowance is used to cover any factors or 
conditions that may cause a potential credit loss but are 
not specifically identifiable. It is prudent to maintain an 
unallocated portion of the allowance because no matter how 
detailed an analysis of potential credit losses is performed 
these estimates by definition lack precision. Management 
must make estimates using assumptions and information that 
is often subjective and changing rapidly.

20

The Corporation purchased insurance on the lives of certain 
groups of employees. The policies accumulate asset values 
to meet future liabilities including the payment of employee 
benefits such as health care. Increases in the cash surrender 
value are recorded as other income in the Consolidated 
Statements of Income. The cash surrender value of bank 
owned life insurance is reflected in “other assets” on the 
Consolidated Balance Sheets in the amount of $103,625 and 
$92,644 at December 31, 2003 and 2002, respectively. The 
increase in cash surrender value of bank owned life insurance 
during 2003 includes $6,646 acquired as the result of a 
business combination completed during 2003.

Premises and Equipment

Premises and equipment are carried at cost less accumulated 
depreciation and amortization. Depreciation is computed on the 
straight-line and accelerated methods over the estimated useful 
life of the asset. Accelerated depreciation methods are used for 
furniture and equipment while straight-line depreciation is used 
for buildings and improvements. Charges for maintenance and 
repairs are expensed as incurred. Where a lease is involved, 
amortization is charged over the term of the lease or the 
estimated useful life of the improvement, whichever is shorter. 
The Corporation records computer software in accordance 
with the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants’ 
Statement of Position 98-1, “Accounting for the Costs of 
Computer Software Developed or Obtained for Internal Use” 
(“SOP 98-1”). The statement identifies the following three 
stages of software development: the preliminary project stage, 
the application development stage and the post-implementation 
stage. In compliance with SOP 98-1, the Corporation expenses 
costs incurred during the preliminary project state and capitalizes 
certain costs incurred during the application development stage. 
Once software is in operation, maintenance costs are expensed 
over the maintenance period while upgrades that result in 
additional functionality or enhancement are capitalized. Training 
and data conversion costs are expensed as incurred. Capitalized 
costs are amortized on a straight-line basis over a period of 3-7 
years, depending on the life of the software license.

Business Combinations

The Corporation accounts for business combinations in 
accordance with the Financial Accounting Standards Board 
(“FASB”) Statement No. 141, “Business Combinations” 
(“FAS No. 141”) which requires the purchase method of 
accounting for business combinations initiated after June 
30, 2001. Under the purchase method, net assets of the 
business acquired are recorded at their estimated fair value 
as of the date of acquisition with any excess of the cost of 
the acquisition over the fair value of the net tangible and 
intangible assets acquired recorded as goodwill. Results of the 
acquired business are included in the Corporation’s income 
statement from the date of the acquisition.

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets

Cash and Cash Equivalents

FIRST COMMONWEALTH FINANCIAL CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Dollar Amounts in Thousands, except per share data)

Goodwill and other intangible assets with indefinite useful 
lives are tested for impairment at least annually and written 
down and charged to results of operations in periods in which 
their recorded value is more than their estimated fair value. No 
impairment of goodwill or other intangibles has been identified 
since the adoption of FASB Statement No. 142, “Goodwill and 
Other Intangible Assets” (“FAS No. 142”) on January 1, 2002. 
Prior to the adoption of FAS No. 142, goodwill was amortized 
on a straight-line basis over a period of 15-25 years. Goodwill 
amortization expense was $920 for 2001 representing basic 
and diluted earnings per share of $0.016.

Accounting for the Impairment of Long-Lived Assets

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

Income Taxes

The Corporation records taxes in accordance with the asset 
and liability method utilized by FASB Statement No. 109 
(“FAS No. 109”), whereby deferred tax assets and liabilities 
are recognized for the future tax consequences attributable to 
differences between the financial statement carrying amount 
of existing assets and liabilities and their respective tax bases 
given the provisions of the enacted tax laws. Deferred tax assets 
are reduced, if necessary, by the amount of such benefits that 
are not expected to be realized based upon available evidence.

Comprehensive Income Disclosures

“Other Comprehensive Income” (comprehensive income, 
excluding net income) for the 2003 period includes two 
components, the change in unrealized holding gains and losses 
on available for sale securities and the change in unrealized 
gains and losses on derivatives used in cashflow hedging 
relationships. Both components of other comprehensive 
income are reported net of related tax effects in the statement 
of changes in shareholders’ equity. Prior to 2003 other 
comprehensive income includes only one component, which is 
the change in unrealized holding gains and losses on available 
for sale securities, net of related tax effects.

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

Employee Stock Ownership Plan

Accounting treatment for the Corporation’s Employee Stock 
Ownership Plan (“ESOP”) described in NOTE 21 follows 
Statement of Position 93-6 (“SOP 93-6”) “Employers 
Accounting for Employee Stock Ownership Plans” for ESOP 
shares acquired after December 31, 1992 (“new shares”). The 
Corporation has elected, as permitted under SOP 93-6, not to 
adopt this statement for ESOP shares acquired on or before 
December 31, 1992 (“old shares”).

ESOP shares purchased subject to debt guaranteed by 
the Corporation are recorded as a reduction of common 
shareholders’ equity by charging unearned ESOP shares. 
As shares are committed to be released to the ESOP trust 
for allocation to plan participants, unearned ESOP shares 
is credited for the average cost of the shares to the ESOP. 
Compensation cost recognized for new shares in accordance 
with the provisions of SOP 93-6 is based upon the fair market 
value of the shares committed to be released. Additional paid-
in capital is charged or credited for the difference between the 
fair value of the shares committed to be released and the cost 
of those shares to the ESOP. Compensation cost recognized 
for old shares committed to be released is recorded at the cost 
of those shares to the ESOP.

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

Employee Stock Option Plan

Current accounting guidelines permit two alternate methods 
of accounting for stock-based compensation, the intrinsic 
value method of APB Opinion No. 25 “Accounting for Stock 
Issued to Employees” (“APB 25”) and the fair value method 
of FASB Statement No. 123 “Accounting for Stock-Based 
Compensation” (“FAS No. 123”). In December 2002, the 
FASB issued Statement No. 148, “Accounting for Stock-
Based Compensation-Transition and Disclosure” (“FAS 
No. 148”). FAS No. 148 did not amend FAS No. 123 to 
require companies to account for employee stock options 
using the fair value method but required all companies with 
stock-based compensation to provide additional disclosures, 
regardless of whether they account for that compensation 
using the fair value method of FAS No. 123 or the intrinsic 
value method of APB No. 25. As permitted under FAS 

21

FIRST COMMONWEALTH FINANCIAL CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Dollar Amounts in Thousands, except per share data)

NOTE 1—Statement of Accounting Policies (continued)

Employee Stock Option Plan (continued)

No. 123, the Corporation has elected to use the intrinsic 
value method to measure stock based compensation under 
APB 25 and to disclose in a footnote to the financial 
statements, net income and earnings per share determined 
as if the fair value methodology of FAS No. 123 had been 
implemented. No stock-based employee compensation 
expense is reflected in the Corporation’s net income as 
reported in the Consolidated Statements of Income because 
all stock options granted under the Corporation’s plan had 
an exercise price equal to the market value of the underlying 
common stock on the date of the grant.

Management has considered various factors in its decision 
to account for stock-based compensation, including stock 
options granted, using the intrinsic value method of APB 
25. Generally, expenses are easily measured as of the date 
they are incurred. At some point the Corporation must pay 
cash to cover these expenses. This is not the case with the 
methodology for expensing stock options. The amount 
expensed for the purposes of this disclosure is equivalent to a 
theoretic value calculated on the date the option was granted. 
Calculating a value of the option at the grant date requires 
a variety of assumptions that may have little to do with the 
actual realization of value by the option holder. In fact, many 
of the options are forfeited or expire for a variety of reasons 
without ever being exercised.

Additionally, valuation models operate under the assumption 
that the options are similar to those that are actively traded. 
In reality they are not marketable. Also there exists times 
where executives are unable to exercise their options due to 
trading restrictions. This limits the ability of certain option 
holders to benefit from some periods of volatility. Changes in 
the assumptions used could affect the estimated impact of the 
stock options and this disclosure.

The variety of methodologies and assumptions permitted 
to be used by each reporting company gives rise to a high 
degree of subjectivity in estimating the impact of the options. 
Management is concerned that due to the lack of uniformity 
and variations in assumptions, there may not be reasonable 
comparability between institutions. See NOTE 24 for 
additional information.

The following table illustrates the effect on net income and 
earnings per share if the Corporation had applied the fair 
value recognition provisions of FAS No. 123 to stock-based 
employee compensation:

22

Net income, as reported
Deduct: Total stock-based 
    employee compensation expense 
    determined under fair value 
    based method for all awards, 
    net of related tax effect 
net of related tax effect
net of related tax effect 
Pro forma net income

2003 

December 31,
 2002 

 2001

$ 53,300     $     43,526         $      50,189

(1,352)            (2,278)                (1,978)
$ 51,948      $    41,248          $      48,211

Earnings per share:
      Basic—as reported
      Basic—pro forma
      Diluted—as reported
      Diluted—pro forma

Average shares outstanding
Average shares outstanding 
    assuming dilution

$
$
$
$

 0.90      $         0.75         $          0.87
 0.88      $         0.71         $          0.83
 0.90      $         0.74         $          0.86
 0.87      $         0.70         $          0.83

59,002,277      58,409,614          57,885,478

59,387,055      58,742,018          58,118,057

Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities

The Corporation accounts for derivative instruments and 
hedging activities utilizing guidelines established in FASB 
Statement No. 133 “Accounting for Derivative Instruments 
and Hedging Activities” (“FASB No. 133”), as amended. 
The Corporation recognizes all derivatives as either assets 
or liabilities on the balance sheet and measures those 
instruments at fair value. Changes in fair value of derivatives 
designated and accounted for as cash flow hedges, to the 
extent they are effective as hedges, are recorded in “Other 
Comprehensive Income,” net of deferred taxes. Any hedge 
ineffectiveness would be recognized in the income statement 
line item pertaining to the hedged item.

Management periodically reviews contracts from various 
functional areas of the Corporation to identify potential 
derivatives embedded within selected contracts. Management 
has identified potential embedded derivatives in certain 
loan commitments for residential mortgages where the 
Corporation has intent to sell to an outside investor. Due 
to the short-term nature of these loan commitments and 
the minimal historical dollar amount of commitments 
outstanding, the corresponding impact on the Corporation’s 
financial condition and results of operation has not been 
material. The Corporation had no freestanding derivative or 
hedging instruments prior to the third quarter of 2003 when it 
entered into an interest rate swap that is described in NOTE 7.

Earnings Per Common Share

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

Diluted earnings per share reflects the potential dilution that 
could occur if securities or other contracts to issue common 
stock were exercised or converted into common stock or 
resulted in the issuance of common stock that then shared 

                   
 
                  
 
 
                                                  
FIRST COMMONWEALTH FINANCIAL CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Dollar Amounts in Thousands)

in the earnings of the entity. For all periods presented the 
dilutive effect on average shares outstanding is the result of 
compensatory stock options outstanding.

New Accounting Pronouncements

Effective January 1, 2003, the Corporation adopted FASB 
Statement No. 146 “Accounting for Costs Associated with 
Exit or Disposal Activities” (“FAS No. 146”). FAS No. 
146 replaced EITF Issue No. 94-3, “Liability Recognition 
for Certain Employee Termination Benefits and Other 
Costs to Exit an Activity (including Certain Costs Incurred 
In a Restructuring).” The standard requires companies to 
recognize costs associated with exit or disposal activities 
when they are incurred rather than at the date of a 
commitment to an exit or disposal plan. Statement No. 146 
is applicable to exit or disposal activities initiated after 
December 31, 2002. Adoption of FAS No. 146 did not have 
a material impact on the Corporation’s financial condition or 
results of operations.

In November, 2002, the FASB issued FASB Interpretation 
No. 45 (“FIN 45”), “Guarantor’s Accounting and Disclosure 
Requirements for Guarantees of Indebtedness of Others.” 
The disclosure requirements of FIN 45 are effective for 
financial statements of interim or annual periods ending after 
December 15, 2002, and require disclosure of the nature of 
the guarantee, the maximum potential of future payments the 
guarantor could be required to make under the guarantee and 
the current amount of the liability, if any, for the guarantor’s 
obligation under the guarantee. The recognition requirements 
of FIN 45 are to be applied prospectively to guarantees issued 
or modified after December 31, 2002. This interpretation 
expands the disclosures to be made by a guarantor in its 
financial statements about its obligations under certain 
guarantees and requires the guarantor to recognize a liability 
for the fair value of an obligation assumed under a guarantee. 
FIN 45 clarifies the requirements of FASB Statement No. 
5 (“FAS No. 5”) “Accounting for Contingencies,” relating 
to guarantees. In general, FIN 45 applies to contracts or 
indemnification agreements that contingently require the 
guarantor to make payments to the guaranteed party based 
on changes in an underlying that is related to an asset, 
liability, or equity security of the guaranteed party. Certain 
guarantee contracts are excluded from both the disclosure and 
recognition requirements of this interpretation, including, but 
not limited to, guarantees related to employee compensation, 
residual value guarantees under capital lease arrangements, 
commercial letters of credit, loan commitments, subordinated 
interests in Special Purpose Entities and guarantees of a 
company’s own future performance. Other guarantees are 
subject to the disclosure requirements of FIN 45 but not 
the recognition provisions and include, among others, a 
guarantee accounted for as a derivative instrument under 
FAS No. 133, a parent’s guarantee of debt owed to a third 
party by its subsidiary or vice versa and a guarantee which is 

based on performance not price. Guarantees that have been 
entered into by the Corporation are disclosed in NOTE 13. 
The adoption of FIN 45 did not have a material impact on the 
Corporation’s financial condition or results of operations.

In January 2003, the FASB issued FASB Interpretation 
No. 46 (“FIN 46”), “Consolidation of Variable Interest 
Entities.” As defined by FIN 46 a variable interest entity 
(“VIE”) is a corporation, partnership, trust or any other legal 
structure used for business purposes that either (a) does not 
have equity investors with voting rights or (b) has equity 
investors that do not provide sufficient financial resources 
for the entity to support its activities. This interpretation also 
defines when the assets, liabilities, noncontrolling interest 
and results of operations of a VIE should be included in a 
company’s consolidated financial statements. Companies that 
hold variable interests in an entity will need to consolidate 
that entity if the company’s interest in the VIE is such 
that the company will obtain a majority of the entity’s 
expected residual returns, should such occur. FIN 46 applied 
immediately to variable interest entities created after 
January 31, 2003. The effective date of FIN 46 for pre-
existing variable interest entities that are not special purpose 
entities has been deferred until the first quarter of 2004.

Based on the criteria established in FIN 46 as interpreted by 
the Securities and Exchange Commission, the Corporation 
deconsolidated its investment in First Commonwealth Capital 
Trust I, a Delaware business trust (the “Trust”) during the 
fourth quarter of 2003. The Trust was established in 1999 to 
issue capital securities through a private offering to qualified 
investors and to issue common securities to the Corporation. 
The Trust used the proceeds from the sale of the capital 
securities to buy junior subordinated debentures from the 
Corporation with the same economic terms as the capital 
securities. The Trust distributes the cash payments it receives 
from the Corporation on the debentures to the holders of the 
capital securities and the common securities. The Trust will 
redeem all of the outstanding capital securities when the 
debentures are paid at maturity on September 1, 2029. The 
deconsolidation of the Trust resulted in an increase in long-
term debt during the fourth quarter of 2003 of approximately 
$1,083 as a result of the subordinated debentures no longer 
being eliminated in consolidation and the capital securities 
no longer being included in the Consolidated Balance Sheet 
at December 31, 2003. The Consolidated Balance Sheet also 
reflects an increase in “Other Assets” in the same amount, 
which represents the Corporation’s investment in the Trust. 
Although net income has not changed as a result of the 
deconsolidation of the Trust, “Other Revenue” has increased 
by the income generated by the Trust, which represents the 
difference between the Trust’s interest income from the 
subordinated debentures and the Trust’s interest expense 
from the capital securities. The Consolidated Statement of 
Income also reflects an increase in “Interest Expense on 
Long-term Debt” of approximately $103 as a result of the 

23

FIRST COMMONWEALTH FINANCIAL CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Dollar Amounts in Thousands)

NOTE 1—Statement of Accounting Policies (continued)

New Accounting Pronouncements (continued)

interest expense on the subordinated debentures no longer 
being eliminated in consolidation and the interest expense 
on the capital securities no longer being included in the 
Consolidated Statement of Income.

As part of its community reinvestment initiatives, the 
Corporation invests in qualified affordable housing 
projects as a limited partner. The Corporation receives 
federal affordable housing tax credits for these limited 
partnership investments. The Corporation’s maximum 
potential exposure to these partnerships is $3,556, consisting 
of the limited partnership investments plus unfunded 
commitments as of December 31, 2003. The Corporation’s 
preliminary determination is that these investments will 
not be consolidated but continue to be accounted for under 
the equity method whereby the Corporation’s portion of 
partnership losses are recognized as incurred. The adoption 
of FIN 46 is not expected to have a material impact on the 
Corporation’s financial condition or results of operations.

In April 2003, the FASB issued Statement No. 149 
“Amendment of Statement 133 on Derivative Instruments 
and Hedging Activities” (“FAS No. 149”). FAS No. 149 
amends and clarifies accounting for derivative instruments, 
including certain derivative instruments embedded in other 
contracts, and for hedging activities under FAS No. 133. In 
particular, FAS No. 149 clarifies under what circumstances a 
contract with an initial net investment meets the characteristic 
of a derivative and when a derivative contains a financing 
component that warrants special reporting in the statement 
of cash flows. This statement is effective for contracts 
entered into or modified after June 30, 2003 and for hedging 
relationships designated after June 30, 2003. The adoption 
of FAS No. 149 did not have a material impact on the 
Corporation’s financial condition or results of operations.

In May 2003, the FASB issued Statement No. 150 
“Accounting for Certain Financial Instruments with 
Characteristics of both Liabilities and Equity” (“FAS No. 
150”). FAS No. 150 represents the first phase of the FASB’s 
broader project on (1) distinguishing between liability 
and equity instruments and (2) accounting for instruments 
that have characteristics of both liabilities and equity. 

This statement requires issuers to classify as liabilities the 
following three types of freestanding financial instruments: 
(1) mandatorily redeemable financial instruments, 
(2) obligations to repurchase the issuer’s equity shares by 
transferring assets and (3) certain obligations to issue a 
variable number of shares. A freestanding financial instrument 
is one that is entered into separately and apart from any of 
the entity’s other financial instruments or equity transactions 
or is entered in conjunction with some other transaction but 
can be legally detached and exercised on a separate basis. 
FAS No. 150 is relatively narrow in scope as it specifies 
only that certain instruments must be classified as liabilities 
but does not include additional guidance on the concept 
of what constitutes either a “liability” or “equity.” Entities 
will continue to apply existing guidance on determining 
the balance sheet classification of instruments that do not 
specifically fall within the scope of FAS No. 150. FAS No. 
150 applied immediately to financial instruments entered into 
or modified after May 31, 2003. For all other instruments that 
exist, this statement went into effect at the beginning of the 
first interim period beginning after June 15, 2003. Adoption 
of FAS No. 150 did not have a material impact on the 
Corporation’s financial condition or results of operations.

On May 15, 2003, the Securities and Exchange Commission 
issued Staff Interpretation Topic D-107, which indicated that 
unless lease residuals were individually insured, no related 
amount should be considered in minimum lease payments. 
This interpretation is more restrictive than criteria previously 
utilized by many financial services companies in determining 
whether leases qualified for financing lease treatment. A 
majority of the Corporation’s automobile leases have residual 
insurance coverage that includes a deductible and/or cap 
on maximum coverage for each year of lease originations. 
Interpretations of Topic D-107 have concluded that residual 
insurance policies with deductibles and caps calculated on 
a group basis do not meet the definition of “individually 
insured” even though: (1) individual lease losses are covered 
after consideration of the deductible in place and (2) the caps 
on loss coverage included in the policies are unlikely to be 
exceeded. Consequently, a majority of the Corporation’s 
automobile leases outstanding at December 31, 2003 would 
not qualify as financing leases. Management has determined 
that the impact of changing from financing lease treatment to 
operating lease treatment is not material to the Corporation’s 
financial condition or results of operations and is not 
anticipated to be material to future results of operations or 
financial condition; therefore, no restatement of previously 
issued financial statements is required. The Corporation had 
discontinued automobile leasing in April of 2003. 

24

FIRST COMMONWEALTH FINANCIAL CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Dollar Amounts in Thousands, except per share data)

In December 2003, the FASB issued Statement No. 
132(R) “Employers’ Disclosures about Pensions and Other 
Postretirement Benefits” (“FAS No. 132(R)”). The FASB’s 
revision of Statement No. 132 retains all of the disclosure 
items that were provided in FAS No. 132 and requires 
new annual disclosures about the types of plan assets, 
investment strategy, measurement date, plan obligations 
and cash flows as well as the expanded disclosures of 

assumptions used in various calculations. The statement 
also requires interim reporting of the components of the net 
periodic benefit cost recognized. FAS No. 132(R) does not 
change the measurement or recognition for pension or other 
postretirement benefit plans. This statement is effective for 
financial statements with fiscal years ending after December 15, 
2003. Disclosure requirements for future benefit payments are 
effective for fiscal years ending after June 15, 2004.

NOTE 2—Supplemental Comprehensive Income Disclosures

The following table identifies the related tax effects allocated to each component of other comprehensive income in the 
Statements of Changes in Shareholders’ Equity:

December 31, 2003  
Tax
(Expense)
 Benefit Amount

Net of 
Net of
Net of 
Tax

Pretax 
Amount

 December 31, 2002  

Pretax
Amount

Tax
(Expense)
Benefit

Net of 
Net of
Net of 
Tax
Amount

 December 31, 2001
Tax
(Expense)
 Benefit Amount

Net of
Tax

Pretax 
Amount

Unrealized gains (losses) on securities:
Unrealized holding gains (losses) 
arising during the period
Less: reclassification adjustment 

$ (10,693)

$ 3,742 

$ (6,951)

$ 26,987  $ (9,445) $ 17,542 

$ 28,676 

$(10,037) $ 18,639

for gains realized in net income

(5,745) 

  2,011  

(3,734) 

 (606) 

 212  

 (394) 

(3,274) 

  1,146  

(2,128)

Unrealized gains (losses) on derivatives 

used in cash flow hedging relationships:
Unrealized holding gains

arising during the period
Net unrealized gains (losses)

Other comprehensive income

 11  
(16,427) 
$ (16,427)

 (4) 
  5,749  
$ 5,749 

 7  
  (10,678) 
$(10,678)

 -0-    

 -0-  
  17,148  
  26,381  
$ 26,381  $ (9,233) $ 17,148 

(9,233) 

 -0-    

 -0-    

 -0-  
  (8,891) 
$(8,891)

 -0-
  16,511
$ 16,511

  25,402  
$ 25,402 

NOTE 3—Supplemental Cash Flow Disclosures

NOTE 4—Pending Business Combination

2003

2002

2001

Cash paid during the year for:
      Interest
      Income taxes

$ 101,361     $   124,953         $    186,558
16,080     $     12,010         $      11,890
$

Noncash investing and financing activities:
      ESOP loan reductions

$

1,061     $       1,071         $        1,161

Loans transferred to 
      other real estate owned 
      and repossessed assets

Gross increase (decrease) in 
      market value adjustment 
      to securities available 
      for sale

$

4,270     $       5,029         $        5,246

$

(16,438)    $     26,381         $      25,402

Gross increase in market 
      value adjustment of 
      derivative instruments

Treasury stock reissued for 
      business combination

$

$

11     $             -0-        $             -0-

203     $          830         $             -0-

In December 2003, the Corporation signed a definitive 
agreement to acquire GA Financial, Inc. (“GAF”), 
an $890,274 asset savings and loan holding company 
operating a twelve branch network in Allegheny County in 
Pennsylvania as of December 31, 2003. Under terms of the 
agreement, the shareholders of GAF can elect to receive 
$35.00 in cash or an equivalent of First Commonwealth 
common stock for each GAF share owned, subject to 
proration as provided in the definitive agreement to ensure 
that 40% of the aggregate merger consideration will be paid 
in cash and 60% in First Commonwealth common stock. 
Common stock received by GAF shareholders is expected to 
qualify as a tax-free exchange. Completion of this transaction 
is subject to shareholder and regulatory approvals.

25

                  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
FIRST COMMONWEALTH FINANCIAL CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Dollar Amounts in Thousands)

NOTE 5—Business Combination

Effective December 5, 2003, the Corporation acquired 
100% of the outstanding shares of Pittsburgh Financial 
Corp. (“PFC”), a financial holding company, which was 
headquartered in Wexford, Pennsylvania. PFC was the parent 
company of Pittsburgh Savings Bank (d/b/a BankPittsburgh). 
As a result of the merger, PFC merged into First 
Commonwealth Financial Corporation and BankPittsburgh 
merged into First Commonwealth Bank.

The acquisition of PFC is a significant step for the  
Corporation to implement its strategy for expansion into 
the Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania market. The acquisition of 
BankPittsburgh adds a new customer base, which presents 
the opportunity for First Commonwealth Bank to offer 
insurance, trust and financial planning services to a larger 
base of customers.

Shareholders of PFC elected to receive $20.00 in cash or 
an equivalent of First Commonwealth common stock for 
each PFC share owned. The aggregate purchase price of the 
transaction was $28,589, which included $11,587 in cash and 
common stock valued at $17,002. The value of the 1,179,037 
issued shares of First Commonwealth common stock was based 
on the average market price of First Commonwealth’s common 
stock over the ten-day period ending three trading days prior 
to consummation of the acquisition. As of December 31, 2003, 
the Corporation had recorded a liability for the cash settlement 
of the transaction in the amount of $11,587.

The merger was accounted for as a purchase transaction 
whereby the identifiable tangible and intangible assets and 
liabilities of PFC have been recorded at their fair values 
as of the acquisition date. Purchase accounting valuation 
adjustments, which represent the difference between the 
carrying value and the fair value of identifiable tangible 
and intangible assets and liabilities were recorded in the 
Consolidated Balance Sheet as of December 31, 2003. 
Preliminary goodwill in the amount of $21,723 was 
recorded as a result of the transaction. As prescribed under 
the purchase method of accounting, the results of PFC’s 
operations have been included in the consolidated financial 
statements since the acquisition date.

The customer deposit base of $3,270 was the only amortizing 
intangible that was recorded with the transaction. An average 
annual amorization expense in the amount of $289.5 will 
be recorded in the Consolidated Income Statement over the 
average useful life. The weighted-average useful life of the 
customer deposit base intangible is 12 years. The goodwill 
that was recorded with the transaction is not deductible for 
tax purposes.

Effective March 1, 2002, the Corporation acquired all of 
the outstanding shares of Strategic Capital Concepts, Inc. 
(“SCC”) and Strategic Financial Advisors, Inc. (“SFA”), 

26

each a Pennsylvania corporation headquartered in Allison 
Park, Pennsylvania. As a registered investment advisor, 
SCC provided financial planning, asset management and 
consulting services to individuals, businesses, retirement 
plans, trusts and estates. SFA offered investment and 
insurance products as well as employee benefit services. Each 
of the outstanding shares of SCC and SFA were exchanged 
for shares of the Corporation’s common stock. In addition, 
the shareholders of SCC and SFA are entitled to receive 
additional shares of the Corporation’s common stock for each 
of the years 2002 through 2005 based on a formula defined 
in the merger agreement which takes into consideration the 
financial performance of SCC and SFA after the merger date. 
The merger was accounted for as a purchase transaction 
whereby the identifiable tangible and intangible assets 
and liabilities of SCC and SFA have been recorded at their 
fair values at the acquisition date. Goodwill in the amount 
of $1,656 was recorded as a result of the transaction. As 
prescribed under the purchase method of accounting, the 
results of operations of SCC and SFA from the date of 
acquisition are included in the Corporation’s financial 
statements for 2002.

In October 2002, SFA was merged into SCC and the name 
was changed to First Commonwealth Financial Advisors, Inc. 
This acquisition should expand the Corporation’s product 
offerings and positively impact fee based revenue, which is a 
continuing priority.

NOTE 6—Cash and Due From Banks on Demand

Regulations of the Board of Governors of the Federal 
Reserve System impose uniform reserve requirements on all 
depository institutions with transaction accounts (checking 
accounts, NOW accounts, etc.). Reserves are maintained 
in the form of vault cash or a noninterest-bearing balance 
held with the Federal Reserve Bank. The subsidiary bank 
maintained with the Federal Reserve Bank average balances 
of $844 during 2003 and $1,896 during 2002.

NOTE 7—Derivative Instruments

During the third quarter of 2003 the Corporation entered 
into an interest rate swap with a notional amount of $25,000 
which was initiated to hedge exposure to the variability in 
the future cash flows derived from adjustable rate loans. 
The interest rate swap will convert the interest receivables 
generated by the first $25,000 of principal outstandings of 
three month LIBOR based adjustable commercial loans from 
an adjustable rate to a fixed rate. The swap is a traditional 
pay-floating and receive-fixed interest rate swap with a 
three year term. The transaction is classified as a cash 
flow hedge whereby the fair value of the swap is recorded 
as an asset or liability and changes in the fair value are 
recorded as “Other Comprehensive Income” a component of 
shareholders’ equity. During 2003, the hedge transaction had 
no ineffectiveness.

FIRST COMMONWEALTH FINANCIAL CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Dollar Amounts in Thousands)

NOTE 8—Securities Available For Sale

Below is an analysis of the amortized cost and approximate fair values of securities available for sale at December 31, 2003 
and 2002:

2003

2002

Gross
Amortized Unrealized Unrealized
Gains
18

Losses
-0- 

Gross

$ 24,301

Cost

$

$

Approximate 
Fair
Value
24,319

$

$

U.S. Treasury Securities

Obligations of U.S. Government 
Corporation and Agencies:

Gross
Amortized Unrealized Unrealized
Gains
87

Cost
3,509

Losses

Gross

$

$

Approximate
Fair
Value

-0-  $

3,596

Mortgage Backed Securities

1,210,347 

  12,702 

(8,298) 

  1,214,751 

870,777 

  24,623 

(39) 

895,361

Other
Other 
Other 

252,243 

803 

(1,008) 

252,038 

101,464 

1,324 

-0-  

102,788

Obligations of States and 
Political Subdivisions

Debt Securities Issued 

by Foreign Governments

156,790 

4,650 

(99) 

161,341 

115,936 

2,800 

(107) 

118,629

50 

-0- 

-0- 

50 

75 

-0- 

-0- 

75

Corporate Securities

204,843 

8,607 

(216) 

213,234 

235,460 

9,000 

(472) 

243,988

Other Mortgage Backed Securities

Total Debt Securities

 4,178
1,852,752 

36 
  26,816 

 -0- 
(9,621) 

 4,214 
  1,869,947 

 51,388 
1,378,609 

 958 
  38,792 

 -0- 
(618) 

 52,346
  1,416,783

Equities 

Total Securities Available for Sale

 93,103 
$1,945,855

 6,126 
$ 32,942

 -0- 
$ (9,621)

 99,229 
$ 1,969,176

 64,392 
$ 1,443,001

 2,978 
$ 41,770

(1,382) 
$ (2,000)

 65,988
$ 1,482,771

Mortgage backed securities include mortgage backed 
obligations of U.S. Government agencies and corporations, 
mortgage backed securities issued by other organizations 
and other asset backed securities. These obligations have 
contractual maturities ranging from less than one year to 
30 years and have an anticipated average life to maturity 
ranging from less than one year to approximately 19 years. All 
mortgage backed securities contain a certain amount of risk 
related to the uncertainty of prepayments of the underlying 
mortgages. Interest rate changes have a direct impact upon 
prepayment speeds, therefore the Corporation uses computer 
simulation models to test the average life and yield volatility 
of all mortgage backed securities under various interest rate 
scenarios to insure that volatility falls within acceptable limits. 
At December 31, 2003 and 2002, the Corporation owned no 
high risk mortgage backed securities as defined by the Federal 
Financial Institutions Examination Council’s Supervisory 
Policy Statement on Securities Activities.

The amortized cost and estimated market value of debt 
securities at December 31, 2003, by contractual maturity, 
are shown below. Expected maturities will differ from 

contractual maturities because borrowers may have the right 
to call or repay obligations with or without call or prepayment 
penalties.

Amortized  Approximate 

Cost

Fair Value
Due within 1 year                                                $      52,829        $       53,199
Due after 1 but within 5 years                                   286,636               286,529
Due after 5 but within 10 years                                   15,600                 16,212
Due after 10 years                                                      283,162               295,042
                                                                                   638,227               650,982
Mortgage Backed Securities                                   1,214,525            1,218,965
      Total Debt Securities                                     $ 1,852,752        $  1,869,947

Proceeds from the sales of securities available for sale were 
$62,941, $15,328 and $85,737 during 2003, 2002 and 2001, 
respectively. Gross gains of $5,709, $609 and $3,419 and 
gross losses of $-0-, $-0- and $224 were realized on those 
sales during 2003, 2002 and 2001, respectively.

Securities available for sale with an approximate fair value of 
$949,602 and $712,827 were pledged at December 31, 2003 
and 2002, respectively, to secure public deposits and for other 
purposes required or permitted by law.

27

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
                  
                  
FIRST COMMONWEALTH FINANCIAL CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Dollar Amounts in Thousands)

NOTE 9—Securities Held to Maturity

Below is an analysis of the amortized cost and approximate fair values of debt securities held to maturity at December 31, 2003 
and 2002:

2003

2002

Gross
Amortized Unrealized Unrealized
Gains

Losses

Gross

Cost

Approximate 
Fair
Value

Gross
Amortized Unrealized Unrealized
Gains

Losses

Gross

Cost

Approximate
Fair
Value

Obligation of U.S. Government 
Corporation and Agencies:

Mortgage Backed Securities

$

8,143

$

444

$

-0-

$

8,587

$

63,535

$

1,713

$

-0-

$

65,248

Other

10,000 

366 

-0- 

10,366 

15,000 

934 

-0- 

15,934

76,716 

4,322 

-0- 

81,038 

96,869 

3,685 

-0- 

100,554

Obligations of States and 
Political Subdivisions

Debt Securities Issued By 
Foreign Governments 

Corporate Securities

 8,987 

 223 

408 

-0- 

-0- 

-0- 

408 

408 

-0- 

 9,210 

 22,026 

 725 

-0- 

(8) 

408

 22,743

Total Securities Held to Maturity

$ 104,254

$ 5,355

$

-0-

$

109,609

$

197,838

$

7,057

$

(8)

$

204,887

The amortized cost and estimated market value of debt 
securities at December 31, 2003, by contractual maturity, 
are shown below. Expected maturities will differ from 
contractual maturities because borrowers may have the 
right to call or repay obligations with or without call or 
prepayment penalties.

Amortized  Approximate 

Cost

Fair Value
Due within 1 year                                                $      23,025        $       23,646
Due after 1 but within 5 years                                     13,734                 14,465
Due after 5 but within 10 years                                   29,362                 31,683
Due after 10 years                                                        29,990                 31,228
                                                                                     96,111               101,022
Mortgage Backed Securities                                          8,143                   8,587
      Total Debt Securities                                     $    104,254        $     109,609

There were no sales of securities held to maturity in 2003, 
2002 or 2001.

Securities held to maturity with an amortized cost of $98,173 
and $149,119 were pledged at December 31, 2003 and 2002, 
respectively, to secure public deposits and for other purposes 
required or permitted by law.

NOTE 10—Other Than Temporary Impairment  

of Investments

The following table presents the gross unrealized losses and 
fair values at December 31, 2003 by investment category and 
time frame for which the loss has been outstanding:

                                                            Less Than 12 Months

Description of Securities  

Fair Value 

Unrealized 
Losses 

U.S. Treasury Obligations 

$ 

-0-                   $               -0- 

U.S. Government 
      Agency Obligations 

U.S. Government Agency 
      CMO and MBS 

  101,423                              (1,008)

  687,974                              (8,298)

Corporate Securities 

21,448                                 (216)

Municipal Securities 

Total Securities 

10,286                                   (99)

$ 

  821,131                    $        (9,621)

There were no unrealized losses in the investment portfolio 
that were outstanding for twelve months or more. In addition, 
there were no unrealized losses on equity securities.

Management does not believe any individual unrealized loss 
as of December 31, 2003 represents an other-than-temporary 
impairment. The unrealized losses are primarily attributed to 
changes in interest rates. Finally, the Corporation has both 
the intent and the ability to hold the securities contained 
in the previous table for a time necessary to recover the 
amortized cost.

28

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
                  
                  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
                  
 
 
            
 
 
 
                  
 
 
 
 
NOTE 11—Loans (all domestic)

Relationship to impaired loans:

FIRST COMMONWEALTH FINANCIAL CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Dollar Amounts in Thousands)

Loans at year end were divided among these general 
categories:

  December 31,

2003 

2002

Commercial, financial, 
      agricultural and other                                     $    655,740        $     633,955
Real estate loans:
      Construction and land development                      27,063                 20,998
      1-4 family dwellings                                            821,159               739,018
      Other real estate loans                                         771,861               663,220
Loans to individuals for household, 
      family and other personal expenditures               521,481              505,139
Leases, net of unearned income                                  28,033                47,110
            Subtotal                                                       2,825,337            2,609,440
Unearned income                                                            (455)                   (806)
            Total loans and leases                              $ 2,824,882        $  2,608,634

Most of the Corporation’s business activity was with 
customers located within Pennsylvania. The portfolio is well 
diversified, and as of December 31, 2003 and 2002, there 
were no significant concentrations of credit.

The following table identifies the amount of nonperforming 
loans as of December 31:

Loans on nonaccrual basis                                   $      12,459        $       23,450
Past due loans                                                              10,586                 14,774
Renegotiated loans                                                            195                      207
      Total nonperforming loans                             $      23,240        $       38,431

2003 

2002

NOTE 12—Allowance for Credit Losses

Description of changes:

Allowance at January 1
Additions:
      Recoveries of previously 
            charged off loans 
      Provisions charged to 
            operating expense 
      From acquisition 
Deductions:
      Loans charged off
Allowance at December 31

2003
2001
34,496      $     34,157         $      33,601

2002

$

1,705               2,048                   1,281

12,770             12,223                 11,495
3,109                     -0-                       -0-

14,695             13,932                 12,220
37,385      $     34,496         $      34,157

$

2003

2002

2001

Recorded investment in 
      impaired loans at end 
      of period
Average balance of impaired 
      loans for the year
Allowance for credit losses 
      related to impaired loans
Impaired loans with an 
      allocation of the allowance 
      for credit losses
Impaired loans with no 
      allocation of the allowance 
      for credit losses
Income recorded on impaired 
      loans on a cash basis

$

$

$

$

$

$

12,654      $      23,657         $      23,731

19,866      $     24,740         $      16,133

2,048      $       5,204         $        3,835

6,327      $     15,065         $      16,266

6,327      $       8,592         $        7,465

1,185      $          286         $           750

NOTE 13—Financial Guarantees

The Corporation is a party to financial instruments with 
off-balance sheet risk in the normal course of business to 
meet the financial needs of its customers. These financial 
instruments include commitments to extend credit, standby 
letters of credit and commercial letters of credit. Those 
instruments involve, to varying degrees, elements of credit 
and interest rate risk in excess of the amount recognized 
in the balance sheet. The contract or notional amount of 
those instruments reflects the extent of involvement the 
Corporation has in particular classes of financial instruments.

As of December 31, 2003 and 2002, the Corporation did 
not own or trade other financial instruments with significant 
off-balance sheet risk including derivatives such as futures, 
forwards, option contracts and the like, although such 
instruments may be appropriate to use in the future to manage 
interest rate risk. See NOTE 7 for a description of interest 
rate swaps.

The Corporation’s exposure to credit loss in the event of 
nonperformance by the other party of the financial instrument 
for commitments to extend credit, standby letters of credit 
and commercial letters of credit written is represented 
by the contract or notional amount of those instruments. 
The Corporation uses the same credit policies in making 
commitments and conditional obligations as it does for on-
balance sheet instruments. The following table identifies the 
notional amount of those instruments at December 31, 2003 
and 2002:

2003 

2002

Financial instruments whose contract 
      amounts represent credit risk:
            Commitments to extend credit                 $    620,403        $     535,692
            Standby letters of credit                           $      28,836        $       32,301
            Commercial letters of credit                    $           328        $            385

Commitments to extend credit are agreements to lend to a 
customer as long as there is no violation of any condition 

29

                   
                  
 
                  
 
                
 
 
 
                  
                  
 
FIRST COMMONWEALTH FINANCIAL CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Dollar Amounts in Thousands)

NOTE 13—Financial Guarantees (continued)

established in the contract. Commitments generally have 
fixed expiration dates or other termination clauses and may 
require payment of a fee. Since many of the commitments 
are expected to expire without being drawn upon, the 
total commitment amounts do not necessarily represent 
future cash requirements. The Corporation evaluates each 
customer’s creditworthiness on a case-by-case basis. 
The amount of collateral obtained, if deemed necessary 
by the Corporation upon extension of credit, is based 
on management’s credit evaluation of the counter-party. 
Collateral held varies but may include accounts receivable, 
inventory, property, plant and equipment, residential and 
income-producing commercial properties.

Standby letters of credit and commercial letters of credit 
written are conditional commitments issued by the 
Corporation to guarantee the performance of a customer to a 
third party. Those guarantees are primarily issued to support 
public and private borrowing arrangements. The credit risk 
involved in issuing letters of credit is essentially the same as 
that involved in extending loan facilities to customers.

Current notional amounts outstanding at December 31, 
2003 for financial standby letters of credit and performance 
standby letters of credit include amounts of $9,510 and $927, 
respectively, issued during 2003 and subject to the provisions 
of FIN 45. There is currently no liability recorded on the 
Corporation’s balance sheet related to these letters of credit.

NOTE 14—Premises and Equipment

Premises and equipment are described as follows:

Land          
Buildings and improvements
Leasehold improvements
Furniture and equipment
Software    
      Subtotal 
Less accumulated depreciation 
      and amortization 

Estimated 
Useful Life

2003

2002

Indefinite      $       7,177         $        6,023
5-50 Years             47,438                 46,995
5-40 Years             10,043                   9,112
2-10 Years             58,028                 52,732
            16,599                 15,777
3-7 Years
          139,285               130,639

            92,747                 84,909

Total premises and equipment
      Total premises and equipment   
Total premises and equipment   

     $     46,538         $      45,730

Depreciation and amortization related to premises and 
equipment was $7,261 in 2003, $6,840 in 2002 and $6,153 
in 2001.

The Corporation leases various premises and assorted 
equipment under noncancellable agreements. Total future 
minimal rental commitments at December 31, 2003 were 
as follows:

                                                                               Premises            Equipment
2004                                                                    $         1,779             $        314
2005                                                                              1,638                      313
2006                                                                              1,592                      313
2007                                                                              1,555                      101
2008                                                                              1,389                      101
Thereafter                                                                     5,584                         -0-
      Total                                                              $       13,537             $     1,142

Under the terms of various lease agreements, increases in 
utilities and taxes may be passed on to the lessee. Such 
adjustments are not reflected in the above table. Additionally, 
various lease renewal options are available and are not 
included in the minimum lease commitments until such 
options are exercised. Total lease expense amounted to 
$1,939 in 2003, $1,699 in 2002 and $2,105 in 2001.

NOTE 15—Interest-Bearing Deposits

Components of interest-bearing deposits at December 31 
were as follows:

2003 

2002

NOW and Super NOW accounts                      $       110,618        $       71,649
Savings and MMDA accounts                                1,302,451            1,100,889
Time deposits                                                          1,466,559            1,494,120
      Total interest-bearing deposits                    $    2,879,628        $  2,666,658

Interest-bearing deposits at December 31, 2003 and 2002, 
include allocations from NOW and Super NOW accounts 
of $405,521 and $374,695, respectively, into Savings and 
MMDA accounts. These reallocations are based on a formula 
and have been made to reduce the Corporation’s reserve 
requirement in compliance with regulatory guidelines.

Included in time deposits at December 31, 2003 and 2002, 
were certificates of deposit in denominations of $100 or more 
of $398,716 and $489,702, respectively.

Interest expense related to $100 or greater certificates of 
deposit amounted to $18,227 in 2003, $21,685 in 2002 and 
$27,922 in 2001.

Included in time deposits at December 31, 2003, were 
certificates of deposit with the following scheduled 
maturities:

2004                                                                           $      645,251
2005                                                                                  389,610
2006                                                                                  209,984
2007                                                                                  136,991
2008 and thereafter                                                             84,723
                                                                                   $ 1,466,559

30

                  
 
                  
                  
 
 
FIRST COMMONWEALTH FINANCIAL CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Dollar Amounts in Thousands)

NOTE 16—Short-term Borrowings

NOTE 17—Capital Securities and Subordinated Debentures

Short-term borrowings at December 31 were as follows:

2003 

2002

Ending  Average Average Ending Average  Average 
Balance Balance Rate

Balance Balance Rate

Capital Securities and Subordinated Debentures outstanding 
at December 31 are as follows:

2003

2002

Amount

Rate

Amount Rate

120,000

151,860    1.33% 146,395       30,044   1.76%

$ 14,100  $ 68,455 1.32% $ 51,600  $ 63,169 1.86%

Federal funds 
      purchased
Borrowings from 
      FHLB
Securities 
      sold under 
      agreements 
      to repurchase   450,140     326,226    1.16% 222,577     225,793   1.78%
Treasury, tax 
      and loan 
      note option 

  49,887         7,592    0.87%   

 48,493       20,902   1.47%

      Total    

$ 634,127  $554,133 1.22% $469,065  $339,908 1.77%

Maximum  
      total at any 
      month-end

$ 699,326                   

$469,065                 

Interest expense on short-term borrowings for the years 
ended December 31 is detailed below:

$

Federal funds purchased
Borrowings from FHLB 
Securities sold under 
      agreements to repurchase 
Treasury, tax and loan note option   
Treasury, tax and loan note option
Treasury, tax and loan note option   
      Total interest on 
            short-term borrowings

$

2003

2002

2001
902      $       1,176         $        1,527
2,019                  530                      243

3,768               4,015                   8,483
66                  308                      974

6,755      $       6,029         $      11,227

Company obligated mandatorily 
      redeemable capital securities 
      of First Commonwealth 
      Capital Trust I due 2029

$

-0-

$35,000 9.50%

Subordinated Debentures:  
      Owed to Pittsburgh 
            Home Capital 
            Trust I and 
            due 2028
      Owed to First 
            Commonwealth 
            Capital Trust I 
            and due 2029 
      Owed to First 
            Commonwealth 
            Capital Trust II 
            and due 2033 
Total junior subordinated 
      debentures owed to 
      unconsolidated 
      subsidiary trusts
Total consolidated debt 
      obligations related to 
      subsidiary trusts 

$ 8,292

8.56%

$

-0-

  36,083

 9.50% 

-0-

  30,929

LIBOR +2.85% -0-

$ 75,304 

$

-0-

$ 75,304 

$35,000

The Corporation has established two trusts, First 
Commonwealth Capital Trust I and First Commonwealth 
Capital Trust II, of which 100% of the common equity 
is owned by the Corporation. The trusts were formed for 
the purpose of issuing company obligated mandatorily 
redeemable capital securities to third-party investors and 
investing the proceeds from the sale of the capital securities 
solely in junior subordinated debt securities (“subordinated 
debentures”) of the Corporation. The subordinated debentures 
held by each trust are the sole assets of the trust.

Proceeds from subordinated debentures issued to First 
Commonwealth Capital Trust II in December 2003 are 
anticipated to be used to partially finance the pending 
business combination of GAF (See NOTE 4). Interest on the 
debentures is paid quarterly at a floating rate of LIBOR plus 
2.85% which is reset quarterly. The Corporation may redeem 
the debentures, in whole or in part, at its option on or after 
January 23, 2009, at a redemption price equal to 100% of the 
principal amount of the debentures, plus accrued and unpaid 
interest to the date of the redemption. Deferred issuance costs 
of $471 are being amortized on a straight-line basis over the 
term of the securities.

31

 
 
 
 
                              
 
                     
 
 
                   
 
 
                   
 
 
                  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
FIRST COMMONWEALTH FINANCIAL CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Dollar Amounts in Thousands)

NOTE 17—Capital Securities and Subordinated 
Debentures (continued)

Subordinated debentures outstanding at December 31, 2003 
also include $8,292 previously issued by PFC to Pittsburgh 
Home Capital Trust I. These debentures were assumed by the 
Corporation when it acquired PFC in December 2003, and have 
since been called and paid by the Corporation in January 2004.

The subordinated debentures issued to First Commonwealth 
Capital Trust I have the same economic terms as the capital 
securities issued by the trust. The trust will redeem all of the 

outstanding capital securities when the debentures are paid 
at maturity. Subject to regulatory approvals, the Corporation 
may redeem the debentures, in whole or in part, at any time 
on or after September 1, 2009 at a redemption price equal 
to 104.75% of the principal amount of the debentures on 
September 1, 2009, declining ratably on each September 1 
thereafter to 100% on September 1, 2019, plus accrued and 
unpaid interest to the date of the redemption. The Corporation 
may also redeem the debentures prior to September 1, 2009, 
upon the occurrence of certain tax or bank regulatory events, 
subject to regulatory approval.

NOTE 18—Other Long-term Debt

Other long-term debt at December 31 follows:

 2003  

 2002

Amount

Weighted average  Weighted average 
contractual rate 

 effective rate

Amount

Weighted average  Weighted average
contractual rate 

 effective rate

ESOP loan due December 2005
ESOP loan due March 2006
Repos due:
      2008    
Borrowings from FHLB due:
      2004    
      2005    
      2006    
      2007    
      2008    
      2009    
      2010    
      2011    
      2014    
      2016    
      2017    
      2019    
      2020    
      2022    

$        1,994                  LIBOR +1%           LIBOR +1%
             620                  8.50%                      8.50% 

        22,522                  5.51%                      2.46% 

        19,271                  5.81%                      1.38% 
          8,555                  5.46%                      2.05% 
          6,104                  6.01%                      2.67% 
        21,319                  5.20%                      4.08% 
      438,413                  5.39%                      5.26% 
        11,557                  6.49%                      3.52% 
      140,025                  5.70%                      4.47% 
          5,895                  5.68%                      5.68% 
        17,964                  5.40%                      4.64% 
          1,748                  5.65%                      5.65% 
          6,271                  6.17%                      6.17% 
          7,789                  5.72%                      5.72% 
             817                  7.37%                      7.37% 
          7,804                  5.90%                      5.90% 
$    718,668                                                   

$

3,055

LIBOR +1%

LIBOR +1%

-0- 

-0- 

-0- 
-0- 
-0- 

5,000
415,000

-0- 

80,000
6,525
10,000
1,844
6,542
8,091
842
 8,035
544,934 

$

6.94%
5.38%

5.14%
5.68%
5.40%
5.65%
6.17%
5.72%
7.37%
5.90%

6.94%
5.38%

5.14%
5.68%
5.40%
5.65%
6.17%
5.72%
7.37%
5.90%

The weighted-average effective rates of long-term debt in the 
schedule above include the effects of the purchase accounting 
valuation adjustments that were recorded for the acquisition 
that was discussed in NOTE 5.

All Federal Home Loan Bank stock, along with an interest in 
unspecified mortgage loans and mortgage-backed securities, 
with an aggregate statutory value equal to the amount of the 
above advances, have been pledged as collateral with the 
Federal Home Loan Bank of Pittsburgh.

Capital securities included in total long-term debt on the 
Consolidated Balance Sheets are excluded from this NOTE, 
but are described in NOTE 17.

Scheduled loan payments for other long-term debt are 
summarized as follows:

2004

2005

2006

2007

2008 Thereafter

$23,629 $ 12,981

Long-term debt 
   payments
Purchase 
   valuation 
   amortization $ 3,920 $ 3,243

$ 9,547

$ 19,607 $459,279 $175,658

$ 3,096

$ 2,835 $     2,201 $ 2,672

The amounts on the purchase valuation amortization row 
in the table above include fair market adjustments from the 
business combination, which is described in NOTE 5.

NOTE 19—Common Share Commitments

At December 31, 2003 and 2002, the Corporation had 
100,000,000 common shares authorized. 63,704,445 shares 
were issued at December 31, 2003, and 62,525,408 shares 
were issued at December 31, 2002. Issued shares were reduced 
by 2,992,425 shares of treasury stock at December 31, 
2003 and 3,562,869 shares of treasury stock at December 31, 

32

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
                                                                       
 
 
 
 
 
                                                                       
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
                  
 
FIRST COMMONWEALTH FINANCIAL CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Dollar Amounts in Thousands)

2002. The Corporation may be required to issue additional 
shares to satisfy common share purchases related to the 
employee stock ownership plan described in NOTE 22. The 
dilutive effective of stock options outstanding on average 
shares outstanding in the diluted earnings per share reported 
on the income statement were 384,778, 332,404 and 232,579 
shares at December 31, 2003, 2002 and 2001, respectively.

Treasury shares consisting of 552,781 and 447,001 were 
reissued during 2003 and 2002 upon exercise of stock 
options. Treasury shares consisting of 17,663 and 67,484 were 
reissued in 2003 and 2002, respectively, to fund the business 
combination with SCC and SFA as described in NOTE 5.

During 2003, 1,179,037 common shares were issued to fund 
the business combination with PFC, which is also described 
in NOTE 5.

NOTE 20—Restructuring Charges

The Corporation incurred restructuring charges of $6,140 
during 2002 in accordance with EITF 94-3. These 
restructuring charges were comprised of the following: 
$4,652 of employee separation costs consisting of severance 
packages for 95 employees from various affiliates of the 
Corporation including all levels of staff from the executive 
management level to back office support staff, $1,068 related 
to realignment of the various Boards of Directors and Board 
committees and $420 primarily related to the write-off of 
obsolete signage and supplies. These amounts are included as 
restructuring charges, as a component of Other Expenses on 
the Consolidated Statements of Income.

These restructuring charges resulted from the merger of 
the charters of the Corporation’s two commercial banks 
(First Commonwealth Bank and Southwest Bank) and 
the adoption of a new common brand and identity for all 
financial services subsidiaries.

Actual termination benefits paid and charged against the total 
severance liability were $2,823 and $1,263 during 2003 and 
2002, respectively, leaving a remaining unpaid liability for 
severance costs of $566 at December 31, 2003. No additional 
severance accruals or adjustments were recorded during 2003 
related to the 2002 restructuring.

$
Tax at statutory rate
Increase (decrease) resulting from:  

Amount 
23,293 

Income from bank owned

life insurance 

Other nontaxable income
State income taxes 
Other  
Other
Other  
  Total tax provision

(1,520)
(7,332)
-0- 
(1,190)
 13,251

$

2003

 % of Pretax Income

35.0 

(2.3)
(11.0)
0.0 
(1.8)
19.9 

NOTE 21—Income Taxes

The income tax provision consists of:

2003                       2002

2001

Current tax provision for
income exclusive of 
securities transactions:

$

      Federal
      State     
Securities transactions 
      Total current tax provision   
Deferred tax provision (benefit)   
$
      Total tax provision

13,438          $      9,279           $     14,865
-0-                       1                        55
 2,048                     225                   1,165
15,486                  9,505                 16,085
(2,235)                  (594)                    (831)
 13,251           $      8,911           $     15,254

Temporary differences between financial statement carrying 
amounts and tax bases of assets and liabilities that represent 
significant portions of the deferred tax assets (liabilities) at 
December 31, 2003 and 2002, were as follows:

2003

2002
Deferred tax assets:                                                                                            
      Allowance for credit losses                             $     13,107             $    12,074
      Postretirement benefits other than pensions           1,040                   1,036
      Basis difference in assets acquired                         4,710                          -0-
      Severance expense                                                     250                    1,186
      Other                                                                       1,140                       948
            Total deferred tax assets                                 20,247                 15,244

Deferred tax liabilities:                                                                                      
      Accumulated accretion of bond discount                (124)                    (327)
      Unrealized gain on securities available 
            for sale                                                            (8,166)               (13,920)
      Lease financing deduction                                    (6,439)                 (9,272)
      Loan origination fees and costs                            (1,562)                 (1,774)
      Basis difference in assets acquired                              -0-                    (337)
      Pension expense                                                           -0-                    (399)
      Accumulated depreciation                                    (1,343)                    (578)
      Other                                                                        (574)                    (574)
            Total deferred tax (liabilities)                       (18,208)               (27,181)

Net deferred tax asset (liability)                           $       2,039             $ (11,937)

The total tax provision for financial reporting differs from the 
amount computed by applying the statutory income tax rate 
to income before taxes. The differences are as follows:

2002 

2001

Amount
Amount 
Amount 
$     18,353 

% of Pretax Income
35.0 

Amount 
Amount
Amount 
22,905 

$

% of Pretax Income
35.0

       (1,649)
       (6,216)
                1 
       (1,578)
$       8,911 

(3.1) 
(11.9) 
0.0  
(3.0) 
17.0 

(1,616)
(5,521)
55 
 (569)
15,254 

$

(2.5)
(8.4)
0.1
(0.9)
23.3

33

 
 
            
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
                   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
FIRST COMMONWEALTH FINANCIAL CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Dollar Amounts in Thousands)

NOTE 22—Retirement Plans

All employees with at least one year of service are eligible to 
participate in the employee stock ownership plan (“ESOP”). 
Contributions to the plan are determined by the Board of 
Directors, and are based upon a prescribed percentage of 
the annual compensation of all participants. During a prior 
period, the ESOP acquired shares of the Corporation’s 
common stock in a transaction, whereby the Corporation 
borrowed the required funds and concurrently loaned this 
amount to the ESOP. The borrowed amount represents 
leveraged and unallocated shares, and accordingly has been 
recorded as long-term debt and the offset as a reduction of 
common shareholders’ equity. Compensation costs related to 
the plan were $938 in 2003, $940 in 2002 and $1,173 in 2001 
(See NOTE 24).

The employees of PFC were covered by a leveraged ESOP 
plan. The PFC ESOP had unallocated ESOP shares of 43,174 
at the merger date. The plan has been terminated effective 
December 5, 2003, pending liquidation of unallocated ESOP 
shares with a fair value of $620 to be utilized to pay off the 
outstanding PFC ESOP loan payable. Remaining shares will 
be allocated to the participants of the PFC ESOP plan. No 
compensation cost for the PFC ESOP plan is required to be 
recognized in the Consolidated Statements of Income.

The Corporation also has a savings plan pursuant to the 
provisions of section 401(k) of the Internal Revenue code. 
Under the terms of the plan, each participant will receive an 
automatic employer contribution to the plan in an amount 
equal to 3% of compensation. Each participating employee 
may contribute up to 80% of compensation to the plan 
of which up to 4% is matched 100% by the employer’s 
contribution. The 401(k) plan expense was $2,606 in 
2003, $2,616 in 2002 and $2,583 in 2001. Prior to the plan 
amendment effective February 1, 2002, the Corporation’s 
401(k) plan permitted each participating employee to 
contribute 10% of compensation to the plan of which up to 
4% was matched 100% by the employer’s contribution.

The 401(k) plan of PFC was merged into the Corporation’s 
401(k) plan effective January 1, 2004, whereby all eligible PFC 
employees began to participate in the Corporation’s plan with 
no lapse in credited service. During the period from the merger 
date of December 5, 2003, until December 31, 2003, the PFC 
employees continued to participate in the PFC plan and to 
receive employer contributions under the terms of the plan.

Upon shareholder approval at the regular 1998 meeting, 
the Corporation established a “Supplemental Executive 
Retirement Plan” (“SERP”) to provide deferred 
compensation for a select group of management. The purpose 
of this plan is to restore some of the benefits lost to the highly 
compensated employees compared to other employees due 
to limits and restrictions incorporated into the Corporation’s 
401(k) and ESOP plans. The Corporation’s 401(k) and 

34

ESOP plans include restrictions on maximum compensation, 
actual deferral percentage, actual contribution, maximum 
contribution and maximum salary reduction which are 
required in order to meet specific legal requirements.

Participants in the SERP may elect to contribute up to 
25% of compensation (compensation in excess of limits 
of the Corporation’s 401(k) and ESOP plans) into the 
SERP, through salary reduction. The Corporation will 
make an elective contribution to the SERP equal to the 
elective deferred compensation of the participant for the 
plan year. Each participant of the SERP will also receive 
a matching contribution equal to 100% of the employee’s 
elective contribution up to 4%, and an additional non-
elective contribution from the employer equal to 8% of plan 
compensation. In addition, the Corporation may make an 
extra non-elective contribution for plan participants.

The SERP will continue to supplement the Corporation’s 
401(k) and ESOP plans and will therefore be modified at 
the same time and in the same respect as the basic plans are 
modified in future periods. The SERP plan expense was $235 
in 2003, $133 in 2002 and $150 in 2001.

Pension Plans of Acquired Subsidiaries

The noncontributory defined benefit pension plan of 
Southwest Bank covered all eligible employees and provided 
benefits based on each employee’s years of service and 
compensation. On December 31, 1998, the participant’s 
accrued benefit was frozen and participation in the First 
Commonwealth Financial Corporation ESOP plan with no 
lapse in credited service began. The Southwest Bank Pension 
Plan was terminated effective December 31, 2001. As the 
result of the plan termination, an asset reversion of $1,271 and 
a gain, net of applicable excise tax, of $277 were recognized.

Net periodic pension cost of this plan for each of the last 
three years was as follows:

Service cost
Interest cost on projected benefit obligation
Expected return on plan assets 
Net amortization and deferral 
Net periodic pension cost (benefit)

2003              2002

2001
-0-       $         -0-      $      -0-
-0-                 -0-          346
-0-                 -0-         (438)
-0-                 -0-           (33)
-0-       $         -0-      $ (125)

$

$

Due to the termination of the plan, there were no benefit 
obligations and no assets held as of December 31, 2003 
and 2002.

PFC participated in a multi-employer defined benefit pension 
plan that covered all eligible employees and provided 
benefits based on each employee’s years of service and 
compensation. No contributions were made to the plan and 
no compensation cost was recognized in the Consolidated 
Statements of Income. The estimated withdrawal liability at 
December 31, 2003 is $374.

 
 
FIRST COMMONWEALTH FINANCIAL CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Dollar Amounts in Thousands)

Postretirement Benefits other than Pensions for 
Acquired Subsidiary

Employees of Southwest Bank were also covered by a post 
retirement benefit plan. The measurement date for this plan 
was October 1.

Net periodic benefit cost of this plan was as follows:

Service cost
Interest cost on projected benefit obligation
Amortization of transition obligation 
Loss amortization 
Net periodic benefit cost

$

2003              2002

2001
-0-       $         -0-      $       6
338                 273            232
2                     2                2
121                   60              65
$ 461         $       335        $   305

equivalent to Medicare Part D. The preceding measures of the 
accumulated postretirement benefit obligation or net periodic 
postretirement benefit cost do not reflect the effects of the Act 
on the Corporation’s plan. The Corporation has elected to defer 
recognizing the effects of the Act in accounting and reporting 
for its plan until authoritative accounting guidance, including 
guidance on accounting for the federal subsidy is issued. That 
guidance, when issued, could impact reported calculations.

The health care cost trend rate assumption can have a 
significant impact on the amounts reported for this plan. A 
one-percentage-point change in assumed health care cost 
trend rates would have the following effects:

1-Percentage-             1-Percentage-
Point Increase            Point Decrease

The following table sets forth the plan’s funded status and 
the amounts recognized on the Corporation’s Consolidated 
Balance Sheet as of December 31:

Effect on total of service and 
      interest cost components                          $      23                         $      (20)
Effect on postretirement benefit 
      obligation                                                 $    372                         $    (314)

                                                                                              2003
2002
Accumulated post retirement benefit obligation:                                             
      Retirees                                                                       $ 5,901      $     5,142
      Actives                                                                                 -0-               -0-
Total accumulated postretirement benefit obligation          5,901            5,142
Plan assets at fair value                                                              -0-               -0-

Accumulated postretirement benefit obligation 
      in excess of plan assets                                                   5,901            5,142
Unrecognized transition obligation                                         (14)             (16)
Unrecognized net loss                                                         (2,844)        (2,165)
Accrued benefit liability recognized
      on the balance sheet                                                    $  3,043     $     2,961

The following table sets forth the change in benefit obligation:

                                                                                              2003
2002
Benefit obligation at beginning of year                            $ 5,142     $     4,151
Service cost                                                                                -0-               -0-
Interest cost                                                                              338               273
Benefit payments                                                                   (379)           (245)
Actuarial loss                                                                           800               963
Benefit obligation at end of year                                      $ 5,901     $     5,142

The discount rate used in determining the actuarial present 
value of the accumulated postretirement benefit obligation 
was 6.25% for 2003 and 6.75% for 2002. The health care 
cost trend rates used for 2003 were projected at an initial rate 
of 8.00% for 2004 decreasing over time to an annual rate 
of 4.25% in 2008 for both indemnity plan participants and 
non-indemnity plan participants. For 2002, rates used were 
projected at an initial rate of 9.00% for 2003 decreasing over 
time to an annual rate of 4.25% in 2008 for both indemnity 
plan participants and non-indemnity plan participants.

The Medicare Prescription Drug, Improvement and 
Modernization Act of 2003 (the “Act”) introduces a 
prescription drug benefit under Medicare Part D. The Act also 
introduces a federal subsidy to sponsors of retiree health care 
benefit plans that provide a benefit that is at least actuarially 

NOTE 23—Unearned ESOP Shares

The Corporation had borrowed amounts which were 
concurrently loaned to the First Commonwealth Financial 
Corporation Employee Stock Ownership Plan Trust 
(“ESOP”) on the same terms. The combined balances of the 
ESOP related loans were $1,994 at December 31, 2003 and 
$3,055 at December 31, 2002.

The loans have been recorded as long-term debt on the 
Corporation’s Consolidated Balance Sheets. A like amount 
of unearned ESOP shares was recorded as a reduction of 
common shareholders’ equity. Unearned ESOP shares, 
included as a component of shareholders’ equity, represent 
the Corporation’s prepayment of future compensation 
expense. The shares acquired by ESOP are held in a suspense 
account and will be released to the ESOP for allocation to 
the plan participants as the loan is reduced. Repayment of the 
loans is scheduled to occur over a remaining two-year period 
from contributions to the ESOP by the Corporation and 
dividends on unallocated ESOP shares.

The following is an analysis of ESOP shares held in suspense:

See NOTE 1 for the definition of “old shares” and “new shares”

Shares in suspense 
      December 31, 2001
Shares allocated during 2002
Shares in suspense 
      December 31, 2002
Shares allocated during 2003
Shares in suspense 
      December 31, 2003

Total              Old Shares

New Shares

372,560                91,214               281,346
(100,894)             (24,702)               (76,192)

271,666                66,512               205,154
 (96,118)             (23,533)               (72,585)

 175,548                42,979               132,569

The fair market value of the new shares remaining in 
suspense was approximately $1,890 and $2,359 at 
December 31, 2003 and 2002, respectively.

35

 
 
                  
                  
FIRST COMMONWEALTH FINANCIAL CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Dollar Amounts in Thousands, except per share data)

NOTE 23—Unearned ESOP Shares (continued)

Interest on ESOP loans was $60 in 2003, $109 in 2002 and 
$263 in 2001. During 2003, 2002 and 2001, dividends on 
unallocated shares in the amount of $184, $242 and $301, 
respectively, were used for debt service while all dividends 
on allocated shares were allocated or paid to the participants.

Unearned ESOP shares of PFC at December 31, 2003 are 
excluded from the preceding analysis. The PFC ESOP 
plan was terminated effective December 5, 2003. 
Unallocated shares remaining after liquidation of shares to 
fund the PFC ESOP loan payable will be allocated to PFC 
ESOP participants.

NOTE 24—Stock Option Plan

At December 31, 2003, the Corporation had a stock-based 
compensation plan, which is described below. All of the  
exercise prices and related number of shares have been 
restated to reflect historical stock splits. The plan permits 
the Executive Compensation Committee to grant options for 
up to 4.5 million shares of the Corporation’s common stock 
through October 15, 2005. Although the vesting requirements 
and terms of future options granted are at the discretion of 
the Executive Compensation Committee, all options granted 
from 1997 through 2003 were exercisable by December 31 
of the grant year respectively, and expire ten years from the 
grant date. All equity compensation plans are approved by 
security holders.

At December 5, 2003, the Corporation completed its 
merger with PFC, at which time all outstanding PFC 
options were converted to First Commonwealth options at 
a conversion rate of 1.387. These options were not granted 
from the Corporation’s existing stock option plan. First 
Commonwealth assumed the option plans of PFC. Under 
these plans, a total of 62,322 First Commonwealth shares 
were reserved for issuance due to the exercise of previously 
granted PFC options assumed in the merger. No further 
grants will be made under these plans.

Equity Compensation Plan Information as of 
December 31, 2003:

Number of        Weighted Average 
Options           Exercise Price of
Outstanding     Options Outstanding

Shares 
Available for 
Future Grant

Equity compensation 
      plans approved by 
      security holders

2,965,726

$     11.51                    74,274

36

The Corporation has elected, as permitted by FAS No. 123, 
to apply APB Opinion 25 and related interpretations in 
accounting for its plan. Accordingly, no compensation cost 
has been recognized for its stock options outstanding. Had 
compensation cost for the Corporation’s stock option plan 
been determined based upon the fair value at the grant dates 
for awards under the plan consistent with the method of 
FAS No. 123, the Corporation’s net income and earnings per 
share would have been reduced to the pro forma amounts 
shown below:

2003

2002

2001

As 

Pro
As 
Reported Forma Reported
Forma Reported Forma
$ 53,300 $ 51,948 $ 43,526 $ 41,248 $ 50,189 $ 48,211

Pro

Pro

As 

Net income
Basic earnings 
$
per share
Diluted earnings 
$

per share

0.90 $

0.88 $

0.75

0.90 $

0.87 $

0.74

$

$

0.71 $

0.87 $

0.83

0.70 $

0.86 $

0.83

The fair value of each option granted is estimated on the date 
of the grant using the Black-Scholes options pricing model 
with the following weighted average assumptions used:

2003

2002
5.14% per annum 5.13% per annum 5.59% per annum

2001

Dividend yield
Expected 

volatility

40.3%

Risk-free 

interest rate

4.1%

Expected 

54.0%

5.0%

55.1%

5.1%

option life

7.0 years

7.0 years

10.0 years

A summary of the status of the Corporation’s outstanding 
stock options as of December 31, 2003, 2002, and 
2001 and changes for the years ending on those dates is 
presented below:

2003

2002

2001

Weighted  
Average  
Exercise  
Price

Shares

Weighted  
Average 
Exercise  
Price

  Weighted 
Average
Exercise
Price

Shares

Shares

2,841,772  $ 11.33 2,687,887  $ 11.13 2,210,651  $ 11.12

62,322 $ 7.60
-0- $ 0.00
641,912  $12.06
820,775  $ 11.70
(549,215) $10.71
(447,001) $ 10.51
 (31,065) $12.91  (219,889) $ 11.90

-0-  $ 0.00
796,743  $ 10.75
(256,174) $ 9.76
 (63,333) $ 11.89

Outstanding at 
beginning 
of year 

PFC converted 
options at 
merger 

Granted
Exercised
Forfeited
Outstanding at 

end of year 2,965,726  $11.51 2,841,772  $ 11.33 2,687,887  $ 11.13

Exercisable at 

end of year 2,965,726  $11.51 2,841,772  $ 11.33 2,687,887  $ 11.13

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
FIRST COMMONWEALTH FINANCIAL CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Dollar Amounts in Thousands, except per share data)

The following table summarizes information about the stock 
options outstanding at December 31, 2003:

Options Exercisable

Options Outstanding
Weighted- 
Average Weighted- 
Number Remaining  Average  Number

Weighted- 

 Price At 12/31/03

Average
Outstanding Contract  Exercise  Exercisable  Exercise
At 12/31/03
45,078
293,747
429,976
1,298,938
897,987

45,078
$ 7.21
293,747
$ 9.23
$ 10.75
429,976
$ 11.47 1,298,938
897,987
$ 12.88

Price
$ 7.21
$ 9.23
$10.75
$11.47
$12.88

Life
7.2
2.9
7.1
6.7
7.5

Range 
of Exercise
Prices
$ 5.41-$ 8.99
$ 9.00-$ 9.99
$ 10.00-$ 10.99
$ 11.00-$ 11.99
$ 12.00-$ 15.00

Total

2,965,726

6.6

$ 11.51 2,965,726

$11.51

NOTE 25—Commitments and Contingent Liabilities

There are no material proceedings to which the Corporation 
or its subsidiaries are a party, or of which their property is the 
subject, except proceedings which arise in the normal course 
of business and, in the opinion of management, will not have 
a material adverse effect on the consolidated operations or 
financial position of the Corporation and its subsidiaries.

NOTE 26—Related Party Transactions

Some of the Corporation’s or its subsidiaries’ directors, 
executive officers, principal shareholders and their related 
interests, had transactions with the subsidiary banks in the 
ordinary course of business. All deposit and loan transactions 
were made on substantially the same terms, such as 
collateral and interest rates, as those prevailing at the time 
for comparable transactions. In the opinion of management, 
these transactions do not involve more than the normal risk of 
collectibility nor do they present other unfavorable features. 
It is anticipated that further such transactions will be made in 
the future.

The following is an analysis of loans to those parties whose 
aggregate loan balances exceeded $60 during 2003:

Balances December 31, 2002                                                        $        4,603
Advances                                                                                                5,956
Repayments                                                                                           (6,911)
Other                                                                                                       1,129
Balances December 31, 2003                                                        $        4,777

“Other” primarily reflects the change in those classified as 
a “related party” usually as a result of mergers, resignations 
or retirements.

NOTE 27—Regulatory Restrictions and Capital Adequacy

The amount of funds available to the parent from its 
subsidiary banks is limited by restrictions imposed on all 
financial institutions by banking regulators. At December 31, 
2003, dividends from subsidiary banks were restricted not to 
exceed $84,489. These restrictions have not had, and are not 
expected to have, a significant impact on the Corporation’s 
ability to meet its cash obligations.

The Corporation is subject to various regulatory capital 
requirements administered by the Federal banking agencies. 
Failure to meet minimum capital requirements can initiate 
certain mandatory and possibly additional discretionary 
actions by regulators that, if undertaken, could have a direct 
material effect on the Corporation’s financial statements. 
Under capital adequacy guidelines and the regulatory 
framework for prompt corrective action, the Corporation and 
its banking subsidiaries must meet specific capital guidelines 
that involve quantitative measures of the Corporation’s 
assets, liabilities and certain off-balance sheet items as 
calculated under regulatory accounting practices.

The Corporation’s capital amounts and classification are 
also subject to qualitative judgments by the regulators about 
components, risk weighting and other factors.

Quantitative measures established by regulation to ensure 
capital adequacy require the Corporation to maintain 
minimum amounts and ratios of total and Tier I capital 
(common and certain other “core” equity capital) to risk 
weighted assets, and of Tier I capital to average assets. As 
of December 31, 2003, the Corporation and its banking 
subsidiaries meet all capital adequacy requirements to which 
they are subject.

As of December 31, 2003, the most recent notifications from 
the Federal Reserve Board and Federal Deposit Insurance 
Corporation categorized First Commonwealth Bank as well 
capitalized under the regulatory framework for prompt 
corrective action. To be considered as well capitalized, the 
bank must maintain minimum total risk-based capital, Tier 
I risk-based capital and Tier I leverage ratios as set forth in 
the following table. There are no conditions or events since 
that notification that management believes have changed the 
institution’s category.

37

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
FIRST COMMONWEALTH FINANCIAL CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Dollar Amounts in Thousands)

NOTE 27—Regulatory Restrictions and Capital Adequacy (continued)

Actual

Amount

Ratio

Regulatory Minimum
Ratio

Amount

To Be Well Capitalized Under 
Prompt Corrective Action Provisions

Amount

Ratio

As of December 31, 2003 

Total Capital to Risk Weighted Assets 

First Commonwealth Financial Corporation
First Commonwealth Bank

Tier I Capital to Risk Weighted Assets 

First Commonwealth Financial Corporation
First Commonwealth Bank

Tier I Capital to Average Assets 

First Commonwealth Financial Corporation
First Commonwealth Bank

As of December 31, 2002 

Total Capital to Risk Weighted Assets 

First Commonwealth Financial Corporation
First Commonwealth Bank

Tier I Capital to Risk Weighted Assets 

First Commonwealth Financial Corporation
First Commonwealth Bank

Tier I Capital to Average Assets 

First Commonwealth Financial Corporation
First Commonwealth Bank

$
$

$
$

$
$

$
$

$
$

$
$

494,541
403,313

14.5%
12.0%

457,156
365,929

13.4%
10.9%

457,156
365,929

9.4%
7.6%

436,850
402,319

14.0%
13.0%

402,354
367,823

12.9%
11.9%

402,354
367,823

8.9%
8.2%

$
$

$
$

$
$

$
$

$
$

$
$

273,207
269,734

136,603
134,867

146,571
145,263

249,240
246,779

124,620
123,389

135,282
133,944

8.0% 
8.0%

4.0% 
4.0%

3.0% 
3.0%

8.0% 
8.0%

4.0% 
4.0%

3.0% 
3.0%

N/A
337,167

N/A
202,300

N/A
242,105

N/A
308,474

N/A
185,084

N/A
223,239

$

$

$

$

$

$

N/A
10.0%

N/A
6.0%

N/A
5.0%

N/A
10.0%

N/A
6.0%

N/A
5.0%

NOTE 28—Condensed Financial Information of First Commonwealth Financial Corporation (parent company only)

Balance Sheets

Statements of Income

  December 31,

2003 

2002

Assets
Cash                                                                     $        1,376        $       13,844
Securities available for sale                                         33,052                   1,407
Loans to affiliated parties                                                 439                      498
Investment in subsidiaries                                         462,894               413,542
Investment in unconsolidated subsidiary trusts             2,280                         -0-
Investment in jointly-owned company                          5,622                   5,081
Premises and equipment                                                5,887                   6,095
Dividends receivable from subsidiaries                       11,517                   3,394
Receivable from subsidiaries                                         6,085                   7,625
Other assets                                                                    5,126                   1,936
      Total assets                                                     $    534,278        $     453,422

Liabilities and Shareholders’ Equity
Accrued expenses and other liabilities                $      14,199        $         3,755
Dividends payable                                                         9,714                   9,139
Loans payable                                                                2,613                   3,055
Subordinated debentures payable                                76,806                 36,083
Shareholders’ equity                                                  430,946               401,390
      Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity       $    534,278        $     453,422

Interest and dividends
Dividends from subsidiaries 
Interest expense
Net securities gains (losses) 
Other revenue
Operating expenses 
Income before taxes and equity 
      in undistributed earnings 
      of subsidiaries 
Applicable income tax benefits 
Income before equity in undistributed 
      earnings of subsidiaries
Equity in undistributed earnings 
      of subsidiaries 
      Net income

Years Ended December 31,
2001

2003              2002

$
48     $         48     $        42
  64,907         43,609       40,442
(3,629)         (3,570)       (3,724)
742                 -0-              -0-
253                 -0-             16
(9,237)         (9,161)       (7,033)

  53,084         30,926       29,743
  4,570           5,304         3,495

57,654         36,230       33,238

(4,354)          7,296       16,951
$ 53,300     $  43,526     $ 50,189

38

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
                   
                  
 
 
 
 
 
 
FIRST COMMONWEALTH FINANCIAL CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Dollar Amounts in Thousands, except per share data)

Statements of Cash Flows

Operating Activities
      Net income
      Adjustments to reconcile net 
            income to net cash provided 
            by operating activities: 
                  Depreciation and amortization 
                  Net gains on sale of assets 
                  Decrease (increase) in prepaid 
income taxes 

                   Undistributed equity 
                        in subsidiaries 
Other—net
Other—net 
                  Other—net 
      Stock option tax benefit 
Stock option tax benefit
Stock option tax benefit 
            Net cash provided 
                  by operating activities 

Years Ended December 31,
2001

2003              2002

$ 53,300     $  43,526     $ 50,189

835              537         1,140
(739)                -0-              -0-

256             (397)           431

(4,482)         (7,296)     (16,951)
 (2,193)          1,270           (592)
 535              225            269

   47,512         37,865       34,486

Investing Activities
      Transactions with securities available for sale:
            Purchases of investment securities 
            Sales of investment securities
      Net change in loans to affiliated parties   
      Purchases of premises and equipment
      Changes in receivable from and net 
            investment in subsidiary 
            Net cash used by 
                  investing activities

  (32,785)            (943)          (123)
1,766                 -0-              -0-
59                42             (61)
(125)              (33)            (90)

  (28,918)             436           (792)

(60,003)            (498)       (1,066)

Financing Activities
      Issuance of subordinated debentures 
      Discount on dividend reinvestment 
            plan purchases
      Treasury stock acquired 
      Treasury stock reissued
      Cash dividends paid 
            Net cash used by 
                  financing activities 
      Net increase (decrease) in cash
      Cash at beginning of year
      Cash acquired with acquisition 
      Cash at end of year

  30,929                 -0-              -0-

(706)            (637)          (612)
-0-                -0-              -0-
5,923           4,655         2,499
  (36,630)       (35,208)     (33,809)

 (484)      (31,190)     (31,922)
(12,975)          6,177         1,498
13,844           7,667         6,169
 507                 -0-              -0-
$  1,376     $  13,844     $  7,667

Cash dividends declared per common share were $0.625, 
$0.605 and $0.585 for 2003, 2002 and 2001, respectively.

Dividends from subsidiaries for 2003 included a special 
dividend in the amount of $11,436 that was received from 
First Commonwealth Bank, a wholly owned subsidiary. 
After distribution of the special dividend, which was within 
guidelines established by the banking regulators, First 
Commonwealth Bank remains classified as a well-capitalized 
institution. During 2003, the parent company also received 
a dividend-in-kind from First Commonwealth Bank in the 
amount of $8,797, which was received in the form of an 
investment holding company subsidiary. The subsidiary, 
known as FraMal Holdings Corporation, was acquired by 
First Commonwealth Bank in the acquisition, which is 
described in NOTE 5.

During 2003, the parent company obtained a one-year line of 
credit to be used for general operating cashflows. The line of 
credit was with an unrelated financial institution for $15,000, 
and as of December 31, 2003, had no amounts outstanding.

NOTE 29—Fair Values of Financial Instruments

Below are various estimated fair values at December 31, 
2003 and 2002, as required by Statement of Financial 
Accounting Standards No. 107 (“FAS No. 107”). Such 
information, which pertains to the Corporation’s financial 
instruments, is based on the requirements set forth in FAS 
No. 107 and does not purport to represent the aggregate 
net fair value of the Corporation. It is the Corporation’s 
general practice and intent to hold its financial instruments 
to maturity, except for certain securities designated as 
securities available for sale, and not to engage in trading 
activities. Many of the financial instruments lack an available 
trading market, as characterized by a willing buyer and 
seller engaging in an exchange transaction. Therefore, the 
Corporation had to use significant estimations and present 
value calculations to prepare this disclosure.

Changes in the assumptions or methodologies used to 
estimate fair values may materially affect the estimated 
amounts. Also, management is concerned that there may not 
be reasonable comparability between institutions due to the 
wide range of permitted assumptions and the methodologies 
in absence of active markets. This lack of uniformity gives 
rise to a high degree of subjectivity in estimating financial 
instrument fair values.

The following methods and assumptions were used by the 
Corporation in estimating financial instrument fair values:

Cash and short-term instruments: The balance sheet carrying 
amounts for cash and short-term instruments approximate 
the estimated fair values of such assets.

Securities: Fair values for securities held to maturity and 
securities available for sale are based on quoted market 
prices, if available. If quoted market prices are not available, 
fair values are based on quoted market prices of comparable 
instruments. The carrying value of nonmarketable equity 
securities, such as Federal Home Loan Bank stock, is 
considered a reasonable estimate of fair value.

Loans receivable: The estimated fair values of all loans 
are estimated by discounting the future cash flows using 
interest rates currently offered for loans with similar terms to 
borrowers of similar credit quality. 

Off-balance sheet instruments: Many of the Corporation’s 
off-balance sheet instruments, primarily loan commitments 
and standby letters of credit, are expected to expire without 
being drawn upon, therefore, the commitment amounts do not 
necessarily represent future cash requirements. Management 
has determined that due to the uncertainties of cash flows and 

39

 
                                      
 
 
                  
 
 
 
 
 
 
                                      
 
 
 
FIRST COMMONWEALTH FINANCIAL CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Dollar Amounts in Thousands)

NOTE 29—Fair Values of Financial Instruments (continued)

difficulty in predicting the timing of such cash flows, fair values 
were not estimated for these instruments for both periods.

Deposit liabilities
Deposit liabilities: Management estimates that the fair value 
of deposits is based on a market valuation of similar deposits. 
The carrying value of variable rate time deposit accounts 
and certificates of deposit approximate their fair values at 
the report date. Also, fair values of fixed rate time deposits 
for both periods are estimated by discounting the future 
cash flows using interest rates currently being offered and a 
schedule of aggregated expected maturities. 

Short-term borrowings
Short-term borrowings: The estimated fair values of 
borrowings from the Federal Home Loan Bank were 

estimated based on the estimated incremental borrowing rate 
for similar types of borrowings. The carrying amounts of 
other short-term borrowings such as Federal funds purchased, 
securities sold under agreement to repurchase and treasury, 
tax and loan notes were used to approximate fair value.

Long-term debt
Long-term debt: The fair value of long-term debt is estimated 
by discounting the future cash flows using the Corporation’s 
estimated incremental borrowing rate for similar types of 
borrowing arrangements.

The following table presents carrying amounts and estimated 
fair values of the Corporation’s financial instruments at 
December 31, 2003 and 2002:

Carrying Amount

Estimated Fair Value

Carrying Amount

Estimated Fair Value

2003

2002

Financial assets 

Cash and due from banks
Interest-bearing deposits with banks
Securities available for sale
Investments held to maturity
Loans, net
Financial liabilities 
Deposits
Short-term borrowings
Long-term debt

$
$
$
$
$

$
$
$

82,510
5,362
1,969,176
104,254
2,787,497

3,288,275
634,127
793,972

$
$
$
$
$

$
$
$

82,510
5,362
1,969,176
109,609
2,858,032

3,193,216
634,361
863,444

$
$
$
$
$

$
$
$

81,114
1,973
1,482,771
197,838
2,574,138

3,044,124
469,065
579,934

$
$
$
$
$

$
$
$

81,114
1,973
1,482,771
204,887
2,631,557

3,011,354
469,381
642,127

40

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
The unaudited quarterly results of operations for the years ended December 31, 2003 and 2002 are as follows:

FIRST COMMONWEALTH FINANCIAL CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
QUARTERLY SUMMARY OF FINANCIAL DATA—UNAUDITED
(Dollar Amounts in Thousands, except per share data)

Third Quarter
59,605
$
24,616 
34,989 
 3,495 

$

Fourth Quarter
60,665
24,409
36,256
 2,350

Interest income 
Interest expense 

Net interest income

Provision for credit losses

Net interest income after provision 

for credit losses

Securities gains 
Other operating income
Litigation settlement 
Other operating expenses

Income before income taxes 

Applicable income taxes 

Net income 

First Quarter
62,317
$
25,471 
36,846 
 3,460 

33,386 

2,234 
8,837 
(610) 
28,382 
16,685 
 3,381 
13,304

$

2003

Second Quarter

$

$

61,186
25,745 
35,441 
 3,465 

31,976 

3,221 
9,977 
-0- 
28,382 
16,792 
 3,365 
13,427

31,494 

166 
13,691 
-0- 
28,005 
17,346 
 3,511 
13,835

$

Basic earnings per share
Diluted earnings per share
Average shares outstanding
Average shares outstanding assuming dilution

0.23
$
$
0.23
58,703,260 
58,934,248 

0.23
$
$
0.23
  58,769,160 
  59,101,475 

0.23
$
$
0.23
 58,950,258 
 59,376,716 

33,906

230
10,088
-0-
28,496
15,728
 2,994
12,734

$

0.21
$
$
0.21
 59,577,396
 60,122,832

Interest income 
Interest expense 

Net interest income 

Provision for credit losses 

Net interest income after provision 

for credit losses 

Securities gains 
Other operating income 
Litigation settlement 
Restructuring charges 
Other operating expenses 

Income before income taxes 

Applicable income taxes 

Net income 

2002

First Quarter
70,523
$
32,481 
38,042 
 2,917 

Second Quarter
$

69,878
31,945 
37,933 
 3,008 

Third Quarter
68,784
$
30,457 
38,327 
 3,103 

Fourth Quarter
66,383
$
27,790
38,593
 3,195

35,125 

39 
8,572 
8,000 
-0- 
27,665 
8,071 
 433 
 7,638

$

34,925 

576 
9,583 
-0- 
3,116 
28,721 
13,247 
 2,290 
10,957

$

35,224 

26 
9,597 
-0- 
2,473 
27,240 
15,134 
 2,947 
12,187

$

35,398

1
9,701
-0-
551
28,564
15,985
 3,241
12,744

$

Basic earnings per share
Diluted earnings per share
Average shares outstanding 
Average shares outstanding assuming dilution 

0.13
$
$
0.13
 58,142,359 
 58,484,806 

0.19
$
$
0.19
  58,359,322 
  58,851,264 

0.21
$
$
0.21
 58,521,562 
 58,862,215 

0.22
$
$
0.22
 58,608,857
 58,765,383

41

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
FIRST COMMONWEALTH FINANCIAL CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA
(Dollar Amounts in Thousands, except per share data)

The following selected financial data is not covered by the auditor’s report and should be read in conjunction with 
Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations, which follows, and with the 
consolidated financial statements and related notes. Financial statement amounts for prior periods have been reclassified to 
conform to the presentation format used in 2003. The reclassifications had no effect on the Corporation’s financial condition or 
results of operations.

Interest income   
Interest expense  

Net interest income 
Provision for credit losses 

Net interest income after  

provision for credit losses 

Securities gains   
Other operating income 
Litigation settlement   
Restructuring charges
Other operating expenses 
Income before taxes
Applicable income taxes
Net income 

Per Share Data  
Net income 
Dividends declared
Average shares outstanding

Per Share Data Assuming Dilution 

Net income 
Dividends declared
Average shares outstanding

At End of Period 
Total assets 
Investment securities
Loans and leases, net of
unearned income
Allowance for credit losses 
Deposits 
Company obligated mandatorily redeemable 
capital securities of subsidiary trust 

Subordinated debentures 
Other long-term debt 
Shareholders’ equity

Key Ratios

Return on average assets 
Return on average equity 
Net loans to deposits ratio 
Dividends per share as a percent of 

net income per share 

Average equity to average assets ratio

$

$

$
$

$
$

$

2003

2002

2001

2000

Years Ended December 31,

243,773
100,241 
143,532 
12,770 

130,762 

5,851 
42,593 
(610) 
-0- 
113,265 
66,551 
13,251 
53,300

$

$

275,568
122,673 
152,895 
12,223 

140,672 

642 
37,453 
8,000 
6,140 
112,190 
52,437 
8,911 
43,526

$

$

308,891
167,170 
141,721 
11,495 

130,226 

3,329 
37,776 
-0- 
-0- 
105,888 
65,443 
15,254 
50,189

$

$

311,882
174,539 
137,343 
10,030 

127,313 

1,745 
31,938 
-0- 
-0- 
99,461 
61,535 
14,289 
47,246

1999

296,089
152,653
143,436
9,450

133,986

565
33,660
-0-
-0-
95,569
72,642
19,612
53,030

$

$

0.90
0.625
59,002,277 

$
0.75
0.605
$
  58,409,614 

$
0.87
0.585
$
  57,885,478 

$
0.82
0.565
$
  57,558,929 

$
0.88
0.515
$
  60,333,092

0.90
0.625
59,387,055 

$
0.74
0.605
$
  58,742,018 

$
0.86
0.585
$
  58,118,057 

$
0.82
0.565
$
  57,618,671 

$
0.88
0.515
$
  60,569,322

5,189,195
2,073,430 

2,824,882 
37,385 
3,288,275 

-0- 
75,304 
718,668 
430,946 

1.12% 
12.95% 
84.77% 

69.44% 
8.68% 

$ 4,524,743
1,680,609 

$ 4,583,530
1,762,408 

$ 4,372,312
1,636,337 

$ 4,340,846
  1,592,389

2,608,634 
34,496 
3,044,124 

35,000 
-0- 
544,934 
401,390 

0.96% 
11.09% 
84.56% 

80.67% 
8.64% 

2,567,934 
34,157 
3,093,150 

35,000 
-0- 
629,220 
370,066 

1.11% 
13.85% 
81.92% 

67.24% 
8.01% 

2,490,827 
33,601 
3,064,146 

  2,500,059
33,539
  2,948,829

35,000 
-0- 
621,855 
334,156 

1.10% 
15.65% 
80.19% 

68.90% 
7.00% 

35,000
-0-
603,355
286,683

1.25%
15.44%
83.64%

58.52%
8.10%

42

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
FIRST COMMONWEALTH FINANCIAL CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

Introduction

This discussion and the related financial data are presented to 
assist in the understanding and evaluation of the consolidated 
financial condition and the results of operations of First 
Commonwealth Financial Corporation including its subsidiar-
ies (the “Corporation”) for the years ended December 31, 2003, 
2002 and 2001 and are intended to supplement, and should be 
read in conjunction with, the consolidated financial statements 
and related footnotes.

management reasonably could have used for the accounting 
estimate in the current period or the changes in the accounting 
estimates from period to period could have a material impact on 
the Corporation’s financial condition or results of operations. 
Accounting policies related to the allowance for credit losses are 
considered to be critical because they are highly dependent on 
subjective or complex judgments, assumptions and estimates  
by management. 

Sections of this financial review, as well as the notes to the 
consolidated financial statements, contain forward-looking 
statements (as defined in the Private Securities Litigation 
Reform Act of 1995), which reflect management’s beliefs and 
expectations based on information currently available and may 
contain the words “expect,” “estimate,” “project,” “anticipate,” 
“should,” “intend,” “probability,” “risk,” “target,” “objective,” 
and similar expressions or variations on such expressions. 
These forward-looking statements are inherently subject to 
significant risks and uncertainties, including but not limited to: 
changes in general economic and financial market conditions, 
the Corporation’s ability to effectively carry out its business 
plans, changes in regulatory or legislative requirements, 
changes in competitive conditions and continuing consolidation 
of the financial services industry. Although management 
believes the expectations reflected in such forward-looking 
statements are reasonable, actual results could differ materially. 
Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these 
forward-looking statements, which reflect management’s 
analysis only as of the date hereof. The Corporation undertakes 
no obligation to publicly revise or update these forward-
looking statements to reflect events or circumstances that arise 
after the date hereof.

Effective December 5, 2003, the Corporation acquired all of the 
outstanding shares of Pittsburgh Financial Corporation 
(“PFC”). In addition, the Corporation acquired all of the 
outstanding shares of Strategic Capital Concepts, Inc. (“SCC”) 
and Strategic Financial Advisors, Inc. (“SFA”), effective  
March 1, 2002. As required under the purchase method of 
accounting, the results of PFC, SCC and SFA have been 
included in the Corporation’s financial statements since their 
respective acquisition dates. In October 2002, SFA was merged 
into SCC and the name was changed to First Commonwealth 
Financial Advisors, Inc. 

Financial statement amounts in prior periods have been 
reclassified to conform to the presentation format used in 2003. 
The reclassifications had no effect on the Corporation’s 
financial condition or results of operations.

Critical Accounting Policies and Significant Estimates

The Corporation considers accounting policies and estimates to 
be critical to reported financial results if (1) the estimate 
requires management to make assumptions about matters that 
are highly uncertain and (2) the different estimates that 

The allowance for credit losses is a reserve established through a 
provision for credit losses charged to expense, which represents 
management’s best estimate of probable losses that are inherent 
in the existing loan portfolio as of the balance sheet date. The 
allowance includes amounts calculated in accordance with 
FASB Statement No. 114 “Accounting by Creditors for 
Impairment of a Loan” as amended by FASB Statement No. 118, 
and amounts determined in accordance with FASB Statement 
No. 5 “Accounting for Contingencies.”

The Corporation’s methodology for assessing the 
appropriateness of the allowance for credit losses consists of 
several key elements including a specific allowance for primary 
watch list classified loans, a formula allowance based on 
historical trends and an allowance for special circumstances. 
These key elements are described in detail in the “Statement  
of Accounting Policies” in NOTE 1 to the “Consolidated 
Financial Statements.” The Corporation also maintains an 
unallocated allowance to cover any factors or conditions that 
may cause a credit loss but are not specifically identifiable and to 
account for imprecision. These factors include (1) delays  
in obtaining information, including unfavorable information 
about a borrower’s financial condition and (2) changes in the 
composition of the loan portfolio that may reduce the correlation 
between historical loss and delinquency statistics used to 
establish allocation estimates and credit losses inherent to the 
current portfolio.

Results of Operations

Net income was $53.3 million in 2003, an increase of $9.8 
million from the 2002 results of $43.5 million. This compared to 
$50.2 million that was registered in 2001.

The change in net income for the 2003 period reflected an 
increase in security gains compared to the corresponding period 
of 2002 and a gain on the sale of two branches in the 2003 
period. In addition, the effects of restructuring costs and a 
litigation settlement negatively impacted net income for 2002. 
The restructuring charges consisted principally of severance 
amounts paid to employees as part of the plan to consolidate the 
multiple bank charters and develop the First Commonwealth 
brand and identity for all of the financial services subsidiaries. 
Payments to retiring directors as part of the realignment for the 
Corporation’s new vision on corporate governance were also 
included in restructuring charges. The litigation settlement 
related to a lender liability action filed in 1994 against one of the 

43

FIRST COMMONWEALTH FINANCIAL CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

Net Interest Income

Net interest income, the engine that powers revenue growth for 
the Corporation, is defined as the difference between income 
on earning assets and the cost of funds supporting those assets. 
Net interest income declined to $143.5 million in 2003 
compared to $152.9 million in 2002 and $141.7 million in 
2001. Both interest income and interest expense declined 
compared to 2002 levels primarily as a result of the dramatic 
decrease in interest rates that began in 2001 and continued 
through 2002 into 2003. During this unparalleled period of low 
interest rates, the Corporation, as well as the financial services 
industry in general, has been challenged by margin 
compression, as the cost of funds has not declined in the same 
magnitude or at the same pace as asset yields. The following is 
an analysis of the average balance sheets and net interest 
income for each of the three years in the period ended 
December 31, 2003:

Corporation’s subsidiary banks and followed an adverse pre-
trial judgment by the trial judge on procedural grounds. A 
partial recovery from insurance for the claim related to the 
litigation settlement was received in 2003. 

In addition to the restructuring and litigation expenses that 
were incurred during 2002, the decrease in net income from 
the 2001 period to the 2002 period included a decrease in 
security gains. 

Diluted earnings per share was $0.90 for 2003 compared to 
$0.74 and $0.86 for 2002 and 2001, respectively. Return on 
average assets was 1.12% and return on equity was 12.95% 
during 2003 compared to 0.96% and 11.09%, respectively for 
2002 and 1.11% and 13.85%, respectively for 2001.

The following is an analysis of the impact of changes in net 
income on diluted earnings per share:

 2003  
vs. 
 2002 
0.74 

$ 

(0.18) 
(0.01) 
0.09 
(0.01) 
(0.01) 
0.02 
0.05 
0.02 
(0.04) 
(0.01) 
0.00 
0.00 
0.15 
0.10 
0.03 
0.03 
(0.07) 
0.90 

2002 
vs. 
 2001
$  0.86

0.16
(0.01)
(0.05)
0.01
0.00
0.00
(0.01)
(0.01)
(0.05)
(0.01)
0.02
0.02
(0.14)
(0.10)
(0.03)
(0.03)
0.11
$  0.74

Net income per share, prior year 

Increase (decrease) from changes in: 

Net interest income 
Provision for credit losses 
Security transactions 
Insurance commissions 
Income from bank owned life insurance 
Service charges on deposits 
Sale of branches 
Other income 
Salaries and employee benefits 
Occupancy and equipment costs 
Outside data processing expense 
Goodwill amortization 
Litigation settlement 
Restructuring charges 
Rebranding costs 
Other operating expenses 
Applicable income taxes 

Net income per share 

$ 

44

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
FIRST COMMONWEALTH FINANCIAL CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

Average 
Balance 

2003 
Income/  Yield or 
Expense  Rate(a) 

Average Balance Sheets and Net Interest Analysis
(Dollar Amounts in Thousands)
2002 

Average 
Balance 

Income/ 
Expense 

Yield or 
Rate(a) 

Average 
Balance 

2001
Income/  Yield or 
Expense  Rate(a)

Assets 
Interest-earning assets: 
  Time deposits with banks 
  Tax free investment securities 
  Taxable investment securities 
  Federal funds sold 
  Loans, net of unearned income (b)(c) 
    Total interest-earning assets 

Noninterest-earning assets:
  Cash 
  Allowance for credit losses 
  Other assets 
    Total noninterest-earning assets 
      Total Assets 

Liabilities and Shareholders’ Equity
Interest-bearing liabilities:
  Interest-bearing demand deposits (d) 
  Savings deposits (d) 
  Time deposits 
  Short-term borrowings 
  Long-term debt 
    Total interest-bearing liabilities 

$ 

1,289 
226,780 
  1,605,191  
358  
  2,640,935  
  4,474,553  

$ 

13 
10,561 
68,754 
4 
  164,441 
  243,773 

1.03%  $ 
7.16 
4.28  
1.05  
6.46  
5.71  

1,785 
198,687 
  1,495,824  
359  
  2,597,862  
  4,294,517  

$ 

31 
9,520 
86,110 
6 
  179,901 
  275,568 

1.74%  $ 
7.37 
5.76  
1.72  
7.13  
6.66  

1,842 
197,544 
  1,527,181  
9,521  
  2,548,596  
  4,284,684  

$ 

70 
9,534 
  96,622 
492 
 202,173 
 308,891 

3.81%
7.42 
6.33 
5.17 
8.11 
7.43 

66,614  
(36,172) 
233,040  
263,482  
$ 4,738,035  

69,735  
(34,813) 
211,302  
246,224  
$ 4,540,741  

72,806  
(34,078) 
198,051  
236,779  
$ 4,521,463  

$  457,327  
792,755  
  1,524,974  
554,133  
 594,383  
  3,923,572  

$ 

1,699 
7,028 
51,373 
6,755 
 33,386 
  100,241 

0.37%  $  416,184  
0.89  
727,996  
  1,592,585  
3.37  
1.22  
339,908  
5.62  
 670,258  
2.55  
  3,746,931  

$ 

3,410 
9,375 
65,787 
6,029 
 38,072 
  122,673 

0.82%  $  388,495  
1.29  
684,298  
  1,728,056  
4.13  
300,173  
1.77  
5.68  
 663,063  
  3,764,085  
3.27  

$  7,039 
  16,061 
  95,065 
  11,227 
   37,778 
 167,170 

1.81%
2.35 
5.50 
3.74 
5.70 
4.44 

Noninterest-bearing liabilities and capital:
  Noninterest-bearing demand  
    deposits (d) 
  Other liabilities 
  Shareholders’ equity 
    Total noninterest-bearing  
      funding sources 
        Total Liabilities and 
          Shareholders’Equity 

380,772  
22,241 
411,450  

814,463  

380,878  
20,493 
392,439  

793,810  

368,983
26,008  
362,387  

757,378  

$ 4,738,035  

$ 4,540,741  

$ 4,521,463  

Net Interest Income and Net Yield 
  on Interest-Earning Assets 

$ 143,532 

3.47% 

$  152,895 

3.80% 

$ 141,721 

3.53%

(a)  Yields on interest-earning assets have been computed on a tax equivalent basis using the 35% Federal income tax statutory rate.
(b)  Income on nonaccrual loans is accounted for on the cash basis, and the loan balances are included in interest-earning assets.
(c)  Loan income includes net loan fees.
(d)  Average balances do not include reallocations from noninterest-bearing demand deposits and interest-bearing demand deposits  

into savings deposits which were made for regulatory purposes.

Earning assets yields, on a tax-equivalent basis, declined 95 
basis points (0.95%) during 2003 to 5.71% from 6.66% 
registered in 2002, after decreasing from 7.43% in 2001. The 
cost of funds for 2003 dropped 72 basis points (0.72%) below 
2002 costs of 3.27%, after decreasing 117 basis points 
(1.17%) from 2001 costs of 4.44%. Average earning assets 
were $4,474.6 million and average interest-bearing liabilities 
were $3,923.6 million for 2003, compared to $4,294.5 million 
and $3,746.9 million, respectively in 2002. 2002 averages 
were basically flat when compared to 2001 averages in  
both components.

Interest and fees on loans declined $15.5 million for 2003 com-
pared to 2002 after declining $22.3 million for 2002 compared 
to 2001 levels. The decreases are primarily the result of declin-
ing yields in a lower interest rate environment. Tax-equivalent 

loan yields fell 67 basis points (0.67%) during 2003 to 6.46% 
from 7.13% after a decline of 98 basis points (0.98%) during 
2002 from the 2001 levels. Installment loan yields fell 92 basis 
points (0.92%) and the yields on home equity lines of credit 
declined 81 basis points (0.81%) compared to the prior year.

The increase in average loan volumes was not enough to 
offset the reduced interest income caused by declining yields. 
During 2003, the Corporation took advantage of the lower 
interest rate cycle and continued to change the mix of the loan 
portfolio. Average mortgage loans declined during 2003 as 
consumers refinanced their loans at near record levels. The 
Corporation continued to offer competitive mortgage loans 
but generally sold them immediately after origination along 
with the related servicing rights. The Corporation has recently 
started to retain fixed rate mortgages with maturities of 15 

45

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
FIRST COMMONWEALTH FINANCIAL CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

years or less as well as adjustable rate mortgages. Average 
commercial and municipal loans offset the decline in 1-4 
family mortgage loans and grew $142.9 million, primarily in 
shorter term and variable rate lending. In addition, 2003 
included increases in average installment loans of $41.4 
million over 2002 levels. The Corporation has continued to 
capitalize on lending opportunities with small to mid-sized 
commercial borrowers, including loans generated through its 
preferred Small Business Administration (“SBA”) lender 
status. The Corporation has consistently been one of the top 
small business lenders in Pennsylvania.

Interest income on investments declined $16.3 million for 
2003 compared to 2002 primarily due to interest rate 
decreases. Interest rate decreases were also the primary cause 
of the decline of $10.5 million in interest income on 
investments in 2002 compared to 2001 levels. Yields on 
investments for 2003 continued to decline, falling to 4.64% 
compared to 5.95% for 2002 and 6.45% for 2001. As with the 
loan category, the increase in average investment security 
volumes was not enough to offset the reduced interest income 
caused by declining yields. All categories of interest income 
on investments were negatively impacted by interest rate 
changes with the largest decline being registered in the U.S. 
government agency category, declining $20.4 million due to 
interest rates declining 162 basis points (1.62%) for 2003 
compared to 2002. This decline was partially offset by an 
increase of $10.4 million in interest income on U.S. 
government agency securities as a result of average volume 
increases from 2003 to 2002. Prepayment speeds of mortgage 
backed securities (“MBS”) continued to accelerate in 2003 as 
interest rates continued to decline. Interest rate changes have a 
direct impact on prepayment speeds. As interest rates increase, 
prepayments tend to decline and average lives of MBS 
increase. As interest rates decrease, prepayment speeds tend to 
increase and average lives of MBS decline, which accelerates 
the amount of premium amortization that is realized, further 
reducing the yields in current periods. Using computer 
simulation modeling, the Corporation tests the average life and 
yield volatility of all MBS under various interest rate scenarios 
on a continuing basis to insure that volatility falls within 
acceptable limits. The Corporation holds no “high risk” 
securities nor does the Corporation own any securities of a 
single issuer exceeding 10% of shareholders’ equity other than 
U.S. government and agency securities.

Interest on deposits dropped $18.5 million for 2003 compared 
to 2002 primarily as result of decreases due to interest rates of 
$16.9 million. The Corporation also registered decreases in 
interest expense of $1.6 million due to declines in average 
volumes of deposits in 2003 compared to 2002. The rate on 
savings deposits fell 40 basis points (0.40%) resulting in a 
decrease to interest expense of $3.2 million for 2003 
compared to 2002, while the rate on time deposits for 2003 
also declined, down 76 basis points (0.76%), compared to 
2002 resulting in a decrease to interest expense of $11.6 

46

million. The deposit mix changed in 2003 as clients registered 
a preference for savings products, which jumped $64.8 
million or 8.9%, while time deposits dropped $67.6 million or 
4.2% due to continued economic uncertainties. Average 
interest-bearing demand deposit balances for 2003 also 
advanced, up $41.1 million over 2002 balances. During its 
management of deposit levels and mix, the Corporation 
continues to evaluate the cost of time deposits compared to 
alternative funding sources as it balances its goals of 
providing clients with the competitive rates they are looking 
for while also minimizing the Corporation’s cost of funds.

Interest expense on short-term borrowings rose $726 
thousand during 2003 primarily as a result of volume 
increases of $3.8 million which were partially offset by rate 
decreases of $3.1 million. Average short-term borrowings 
rose by $214.2 million for 2003 compared to 2002 while the 
cost of short-term borrowings fell by 55 basis points (0.55%) 
compared to the prior year. All categories of short-term 
borrowing costs declined from year-to-year. The increase in 
short-term borrowings is due in part to $100 million of long-
term debt that matured during the fourth quarter of 2002 and 
was replaced with short-term borrowings. In addition, the 
increase in short-term borrowings can be attributed to an 
ALCO strategy implemented to mitigate the risk of further 
declines in net interest income resulting from a low or 
declining interest rate environment. The increase in short-
term borrowings funded the purchase of U.S. government 
agency securities maturing in approximately 3.5 years. 

Interest expense on long-term debt declined $4.7 million for 
2003 compared to the 2002 period as decreases due to volume 
of $4.3 million were further reduced by decreases due to rate 
of $376 thousand. Average long-term debt for 2003 decreased 
by $75.9 million compared to 2002. This was due in part to 
the $100 million of long-term debt that matured during the 
fourth quarter of 2002 that was replaced by short-term 
borrowings. Long-term debt includes additional subordinated 
debentures in the amount of $30.9 million, which were issued 
during 2003, bearing an adjustable interest rate based upon 
the three-month LIBOR and maturing in 30 years. The 
proceeds will be used by the Corporation to partially fund the 
pending acquisition of GA Financial, Inc. (“GAF”). Refer to 
NOTE 17 for further discussion of subordinated debentures 
that are included in long-term debt. 

Net interest margin (net interest income, on a tax-equivalent 
basis as a percentage of average earning assets) declined to 
3.47% for 2003, a decrease of 33 basis points (0.33%) 
compared to 2002. The year-to-year decrease in the margin was 
due to asset yields declining more quickly than the cost of 
funds as interest rates fell to historic lows. Continued pressure 
on net interest income is anticipated by the Corporation, despite 
active management of interest rate risk. The Corporation’s use 
of computer simulation to manage interest rate risk is described 
in the “Interest Sensitivity” section of this discussion.

FIRST COMMONWEALTH FINANCIAL CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

The following table shows the effect of changes in volumes and rates on interest income and interest expense:

Analysis of Year-to-Year Changes in Net Interest Income
(Dollar Amounts in Thousands)

Total  
Change 

2003 Change from 2002 
Change Due  
to Volume 

Change Due  
to Rate 

Total  
Change 

2002 Change from 2001
Change Due  
to Volume 

Change Due  
to Rate

(18) 
$ 
  (16,315) 
(2) 
  (15,460) 
  (31,795) 

  (18,472) 
726 
(4,686) 
  (22,432) 
(9,363) 
$ 

$ 

(9) 
8,367 
-0- 
3,070 
  11,428 

(1,622) 
3,799 
(4,310) 
(2,133) 
$  13,561 

(9) 
$ 
  (24,682) 
(2) 
  (18,530) 
  (43,223) 

  (16,850) 
(3,073) 
(376) 
  (20,299) 
$  (22,924) 

(39) 
$ 
 (10,526) 
(486) 
 (22,272) 
 (33,323) 

 (39,593) 
  (5,198) 
294 
 (44,497) 
$  11,174 

(2) 
$ 
 (1,950) 
  (473) 
  3,995 
  1,570 

 (5,925) 
  1,486 
  410 
 (4,029) 
$  5,599 

(37)
$ 
  (8,576)
(13)
 (26,267)
 (34,893)

 (33,668)
  (6,684)
(116)
 (40,468)
$  5,575

Interest-earning assets:  
    Time deposits with banks 
    Securities 
    Federal funds sold 
    Loans 
        Total interest income 
Interest-bearing liabilities:
    Deposits 
    Short-term borrowings 
    Long-term debt 
        Total interest expense 
            Net interest income 

Changes in interest income or expense not arising solely as a result of volume or rate variances are allocated to rate variances due to interest sensitivity of 

consolidated assets and liabilities.

Provision for Credit Losses

The provision for credit losses is an amount added to the 
allowance against which credit losses are charged. The amount 
of the provision is determined by management based upon its 
assessment of the size and quality of the loan portfolio and the 
adequacy of the allowance in relation to the risks inherent 
within the loan portfolio. The provision for credit losses was 
$12.8 million in 2003 compared to $12.2 million in 2002 and 
$11.5 million in 2001. The allowance for credit losses was 
$37.4 million at December 31, 2003, which represents a ratio 
of 1.42% of average loans outstanding, slightly up from the 
1.33% reported at December 31, 2002. 

Net charge-offs for 2003 rose $1.1 million over 2002 levels. 
The most significant components of this year-to-year change 

were increases in net charge-offs in the following categories: 
commercial loans not secured by real estate (up $579  
thousand), loans secured by 1-4 family real estate (up $1.1 
million) and construction loans (up $381 thousand). These 
increases in net charge-offs were partially offset by decreases 
in commercial real estate loans of $204 thousand, loans to 
individuals of $683 thousand and lease financing receivables of 
$103 thousand. Net charge-offs as a percent of average loans 
outstanding at December 31, 2003 were 0.49% compared to 
0.46% and 0.43% at December 31, 2002 and 2001, respec-
tively. For an analysis of credit quality, see the “Credit Review” 
section of this discussion.

The following table presents an analysis of the consolidated 
allowance for credit losses for the five years ended  
December 31, 2003: 

47

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
FIRST COMMONWEALTH FINANCIAL CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

Summary of Loan Loss Experience 
(Dollar Amounts in Thousands)

Loans outstanding at end of year 

$  2,824,882 

$  2,608,634 

$  2,567,934 

$  2,490,827 

$  2,500,059

Average loans outstanding 

$  2,640,935 

$  2,597,862 

$  2,548,596 

$  2,503,036 

$  2,408,450

2003 

2002 

2001 

2000 

1999  

Allowance for credit losses: 
Balance, beginning of year 
Addition as a result of acquisition 
Loans charged off: 
    Commercial, financial and agricultural 
    Loans to individuals 
    Real estate-construction 
    Real estate-commercial 
    Real estate-residential 
    Lease financing receivables 
        Total loans charged off 

Recoveries of loans previously charged off: 
    Commercial, financial and agricultural 
    Loans to individuals 
    Real estate-construction 
    Real estate-commercial 
    Real estate-residential 
    Lease financing receivables 
        Total recoveries 
            Net loans charged off 
Provision charged to expense 

$ 

34,496 
3,109 

6,424 
3,288 
384 
1,111 
3,172 
316 
14,695 

1,047 
641 
-0- 
-0- 
17 
-0- 
1,705 
12,990 
12,770 

$ 

34,157 
-0- 

$ 

33,601 
-0- 

$ 

33,539 
-0- 

$ 

32,304
-0-

6,085 
4,040 
3 
1,315 
2,065 
424 
13,932 

1,287 
710 
-0- 
-0- 
46 
5 
2,048 
11,884 
12,223 

3,297 
4,199 
-0- 
2,300 
1,818 
606 
12,220 

456 
757 
-0- 
-0- 
49 
19 
1,281 
10,939 
11,495 

4,335 
5,521 
-0- 
130 
874 
407 
11,267 

406 
826 
-0- 
-0- 
42 
25 
1,299 
9,968 
10,030 

1,821
6,126
-0-
427
1,035
187
9,596

290
1,057
-0-
-0-
33
1
1,381
8,215
9,450

Balance, end of year 

$ 

37,385 

$ 

34,496 

$ 

34,157 

$ 

33,601 

$ 

33,539

Ratios: 
  Net charge-offs as a percentage of  
  average loans outstanding 

  Allowance for credit losses as a percentage of  

  average loans outstanding 

0.49% 

1.42% 

0.46% 

1.33% 

0.43% 

1.34% 

0.40% 

1.34% 

0.34%

1.39%

Noninterest Income

Net securities gains increased $5.2 million during 2003 to $5.9 
million from the $642 thousand reported in 2002 and compared 
to $3.3 million in 2001. The securities gains during the 2003 
period resulted primarily from the sales of Pennsylvania bank 
stocks with book values of $7.6 million and fixed rate corporate 
bonds classified as securities “available for sale” with book 
values of $35 million. The corporate bonds sold during 2003 
had an average remaining life of one year, and the proceeds 
were reinvested in adjustable rate trust preferred securities with 
maturities of 30 years and mortgage backed securities with an 
average life of 3.6 years. This reinvestment strategy was 
initiated to partially mitigate the Corporation’s exposure to low 
and declining interest rates. The securities gains during 2002 
resulted primarily from the sales of Pennsylvania bank stocks, 
U.S. Treasury securities and fixed rate corporate bonds 
classified as securities “available for sale” with book values of 
$1.1 million, $1.5 million and $3.0 million, respectively. The 
securities gains during 2001 resulted primarily from the sales 
of fixed rate corporate bonds classified as “available for sale” 
and Pennsylvania bank stocks with book values of $37.4 
million and $12.7 million, respectively. 

Trust income of $5.1 million for 2003 was relatively flat 
compared to 2002 and 2001 where the reported amount was 
$5.0 million for both years. Although fee revenue continues to 
be negatively impacted due to low market values, the market 
value of the assets managed has started to rebound during the 
fourth quarter of 2003. The enhanced referral programs and 
integrated growth plans for financial affiliates continue to  
help offset this trend. The Corporation’s continued success in 
building relationships with commercial clients provides fee 
based affiliates with additional sales opportunities through  
the Total Solutions Financial Management (“TSFM”) process.  
This strategy combines products, services and professional  
staff from the Corporation’s trust, insurance, financial  
advisory and banking affiliates and partners them in providing 
comprehensive financial services offerings.

Service charges on deposits are the most significant component 
of noninterest income and increased $1.5 million for 2003 
compared to 2002. Increases in nonsufficient funds fees  
(“NSF”) of $2.1 million helped to pace the year-to-year rise. 
NSF charges were partially offset by decreases in account 
maintenance fees on deposit accounts of $424 thousand 
compared to 2002 levels. Standardization of service fee 

48

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
     
     
FIRST COMMONWEALTH FINANCIAL CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

routines accomplished during conversion of the Corporation’s 
deposit system during 2001 and added emphasis on collection 
of fees had positive effects on fee revenue for 2003 and 2002. 
Management strives to implement reasonable fees for services 
and closely monitors collection of those fees.

The 2003 period included a $3.0 million gain which occurred 
when First Commonwealth Bank, a wholly-owned subsidiary 
of the registrant, sold two of its branch offices. The sale 
included $29.2 million in deposit liabilities and $4.4 million in 
loans associated with the two offices. The 2001 period included 
a $777 thousand gain on the sale of one branch. The sale 
included $10.4 million in deposit liabilities.

Insurance commissions decreased $326 thousand for 2003 after 
increasing $439 thousand for 2002 from 2001 commissions of 
$3.2 million. Decreases in 2003 were primarily due to decreases 
in annuity commissions. Insurance commissions for 2002 
included increases in personal lines, annuities and employee 
benefit plans compared to 2001. As part of the previously 
discussed TSFM process, the Corporation’s insurance  
subsidiary will continue to have expanded opportunities to 
meet the insurance needs of commercial clients. In addition, the 
Corporation has developed “FOCUS”, a financial planning tool 
designed to help clients prioritize and assess their financial 
needs. The “FOCUS” concept results in a systematic approach 
covering a wide range of personal financial goals including 
appropriate insurance coverage. This category should also be 
favorably impacted by the integration of First Commonwealth 
Financial Advisors into these advisory models.

Income from bank owned life insurance was $4.3 million  
for 2003 compared to $4.7 million for 2002 and compared  
to $4.6 million for 2001. The 2002 period included an 
additional investment in bank owned life insurance of $5.0 
million and the 2001 period included an additional investment 
of $15.0 million.

Other income for 2003 was $10.2 million, representing a $1.2 
million increase compared to 2002, which followed a $596 
thousand decrease from the $9.6 million achieved in 2001. The 
increase in other income for 2003 over 2002 levels includes 
increases in STAR interchange fees and income from the 
increase in cash surrender value of split dollar life insurance of 
$629 thousand and $248 thousand, respectively. Other income 
for 2002 included an increase in interchange income of $164 
thousand. The 2001 period included a gain related to the sale of 
a block of 30 year mortgages as well as a gain from the 
termination of a subsidiary’s defined benefit pension plan.

Noninterest Expense

Total other expenses for 2003 decreased $13.6 million to 
$112.7 million compared to $126.3 million in 2002. The 2002 
amount represented an increase of $20.4 million compared to 
$105.9 million reported in 2001. The decrease in other 
expenses for 2003 and the increase in other expenses for 2002 
were primarily the result of nonrecurring charges that were 

incurred during 2002 for the previously described litigation 
settlement and corporate restructuring of $8.0 million and $6.1 
million, respectively. These restructuring charges resulted from 
the merger of the Corporation’s banking subsidiaries, 
Southwest Bank and First Commonwealth Bank, which 
occurred in October 2002. Because of this merger, there was a 
consolidation of support functions with some staff positions 
being eliminated. The personnel within the branches and 
relationship managers in corporate services continued to serve 
in the same capacity in order to ensure a smooth transition. 
Also, related to the merger, the structures of all of the Boards of 
Directors and Board committees for the Corporation were 
realigned. As a result of these activities, restructuring charges 
of $6.1 million are reported on the income statement for the 
2002 period. Ongoing savings from the restructuring were 
reflected in the 2003 period. Other charges incurred during 
2002 as a part of the restructuring, related principally to writing 
off obsolete signs and supplies due to the name change under 
one charter and amounted to $420 thousand. Also impacting 
other operating expense for the period were $1.8 million of 
costs incurred principally in the fourth quarter of 2002 
associated with development of the First Commonwealth 
brand. Total noninterest expense as a percent of average assets 
was 2.38% for 2003 compared to 2.76% for 2002 and 2.32% 
for 2001. 

Employee costs were $61.1 million in 2003, representing 
1.29% of average assets compared to $58.1 million and 1.28% 
of average assets for 2002. Employee costs for 2001 were 
$54.5 million and 1.21% of average assets. Salary costs for the 
2003 period increased $1.6 million compared to 2002, while 
salary costs for the 2002 period increased $2.2 million 
compared to 2001 levels. Employee benefit costs rose $1.4 
million for 2003 compared to 2002 and also rose $1.4 million 
for 2002 compared to 2001. Hospitalization costs continue to 
reflect the largest increases in employee benefit costs with 
increases of $1.1 million or 23.1% in 2003 and $943 thousand 
or 24.7% in 2002. The Corporation strives to provide quality 
employee benefits while effectively managing costs.

Net occupancy expense increased $706 thousand during 2003 
compared to expenses of $6.8 million during 2002 and $6.5 
million for 2001. The 2003 period included increases in 
building repairs and maintenance, net rental expense and 
utilities compared to 2002 costs. Much of these increases were 
due to increased utility costs and snow removal expenses 
resulting from the harsh winter. The 2003 period also included 
an increase in the amortization of the purchase accounting 
adjustments related to premises of $328 thousand over the 2002 
period. An adjustment of $291 thousand was taken during the 
2003 period for the write-off of the remaining purchase 
accounting adjustment for three branch offices that were closed 
during 2003. These branch offices were closed and their clients 
are served at nearby existing branch offices. The Corporation 
continues to actively evaluate its branch delivery network to 
optimize client service in existing branch offices and to 

49

FIRST COMMONWEALTH FINANCIAL CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

continue expansion into growth markets. The execution of 
these initiatives may continue to impact occupancy and other 
expenses in future periods. Increases in building insurance, 
building rental costs and building repairs and maintenance in 
2002 were only partially offset by declines in most other 
building expense categories. 

vehicles previously leased) in the amounts of $1.4 million, 
$637 thousand, $428 thousand, $420 thousand and $402 
thousand, respectively, compared to 2002 costs. Directors’ fees 
for the 2003 period reflected decreases of $349 thousand 
resulting from the restructuring of the Corporation’s Boards of 
Directors and committees during 2002. 

Furniture and equipment expenses increased $126 thousand to 
$10.1 million in 2003. Increases were largely due to continued 
increases in depreciation expense. Furniture and equipment 
expenses of $10.0 million for 2002 reflected increases of $920 
thousand over 2001 levels resulting primarily from increases in 
depreciation on computer software and software maintenance 
offset in part by reduced equipment lease expense. The 2002 
period was also impacted by a full year of depreciation as well 
as maintenance charges on systems that were placed in service 
during the later part of 2001. The systems were replacements of 
software that is utilized by the Corporation’s data processing 
subsidiary to process loan and deposit accounts. The new 
application software has enabled the Corporation’s banking 
subsidiary to provide enhanced products and services, 
including internet banking. Technology advances continue to 
drive the ability of financial services companies to provide 
expanded services through traditional channels as well as 
nontraditional and emerging delivery systems to meet the 
changing needs of our clients.

Outside data processing expense increased $396 thousand  
for the 2003 period to $2.5 million compared to $2.1 million 
for the 2002 period and $3.3 million for 2001. This  
category was positively impacted in 2002 by the conversion  
of Southwest Bank from outsourced processing to that  
provided by a subsidiary of the Corporation. This category  
will be unfavorably impacted by the acquisition of PFC until 
the systems, which are processed through an outsourced  
processing vendor, are converted to the systems that are 
provided by a subsidiary of the Corporation. These  
conversions are scheduled to be completed by the end of the 
second quarter of 2004. Outside data processing costs are 
managed by the Corporation’s data processing subsidiary.  
Its needs are evaluated based on technology, efficiency and  
cost considerations.

Other operating expenses decreased $3.4 million to $27.7 
million for 2003. Other operating expenses for 2002 increased 
$2.9 million compared to $28.2 million for 2001. The 2003 
period included decreases in other professional fees and 
services, advertising, expenses related to training and seminars, 
telephone and loss on the sale of other assets (primarily 

The 2002 period includes increased losses on sale of assets of 
$472 thousand, due primarily to the loss on sale of vehicles 
previously leased, compared to 2001. Other professional fees in 
2002 rose by $822 thousand over 2001 and included consulting 
fees related to implementation of the Corporation’s “Balanced 
Scorecard” performance measurement system, enhancements 
to product and customer profitability systems, corporate 
restructuring and common branding and identity. Consultants 
were also utilized to assist in the ongoing efforts to develop a 
world class sales culture and to generate new deposit dollars 
and relationships. Corporate restructuring and movement 
toward a sales culture also impacted the decision to have 
employee benefit plans reviewed by outside specialists during 
2002. Advertising and promotion expenses rose a combined 
$2.3 million for the 2002 period due partially to expenditures 
related to the $1.8 million launch of the new corporate brand 
and identity. This exciting campaign was designed to educate 
and build enthusiasm among current as well as potential clients 
and the communities we serve. Also impacting these categories 
were expenses incurred in the successful marketing campaign 
for free checking products introduced during 2002. These 
products are expected to have a favorable impact on deposit 
growth, interest expense and service charge revenue in future 
periods as well as providing potential add-on sales of other 
financial products and services. 

Income tax expense was $13.3 million during 2003  
representing an increase of $4.4 million above the 2002 
amount of $8.9 and compared to $15.3 million in 2001. The 
Corporation’s effective tax rate was 19.9% for 2003 
compared to 17.0% for 2002 and 23.3% for 2001. Although 
the 2003 effective tax rate was an increase over the 2002 rate, 
it was still favorable to the statutory tax rate and the 2001 
effective rate. The Corporation’s 2003 effective tax rate 
continues to be favorably impacted by tax-free municipal 
income. Pretax income in the 2002 period was reduced by the 
$8.0 million litigation settlement as well as the $6.1 million 
restructuring charges. The decline in pretax income from the 
2001 period allowed the effect of nontaxable income to have 
a greater impact on the effective tax rate in 2002 than in 2001. 

50

FIRST COMMONWEALTH FINANCIAL CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

Aggregate Contractual Obligations and Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements

The following table summarizes the Corporation’s contractual obligations to make future payments as of December 31, 2003. 
Payments for borrowings do not include interest. Payments related to operating leases are based on actual payments specified in the 
underlying contracts.

(Dollar Amounts In Thousands)

Federal Home Loan Bank advances 
Repurchase agreements 
Subordinated debentures 
ESOP loan 
Operating leases 
    Total contractual obligations 

Footnote  
Reference 

18 
18 
17 
18 
14 

1 Year  
or Less 

$  22,152 
-0- 
  8,292 
  1,477 
  2,093 
$  34,014 

After 1 But  
Within 3 Years 

After 3 But  
Within 5 Years 

After 5 Years 

Total

$  21,392 
-0- 
-0- 
  1,136 
  3,856 
$  26,384 

$ 458,886 
  20,000 
-0- 
-0- 
3,146 
$ 482,032 

$ 175,658 
-0- 
  67,012 
-0- 
5,584 
$ 248,254 

$ 678,088
  20,000
  75,304
2,613
  14,679
$ 790,684

The preceding table excludes unamortized premiums and 
discounts on Federal Home Loan Bank advances because these 
premiums and discounts do not represent future cash obligations. 
The preceding table also excludes the Corporation’s cash 
obligations upon maturity of certificates of deposit whose 
maturities are described in NOTE 15 to the “Consolidated 
Financial Statements.” Subordinated debentures in the amount of 
$8,292 thousand previously issued by PFC and due in 2028 were 
called and subsequently paid in full in January 2004 and are 
included as due within 1 year above. 

The following table summarizes the Corporation’s off-balance 
sheet commitments as of December 31, 2003. Commitments to 
extend credit and standby letters of credit are presented at 
contractual amounts; however, since many of these commitments 
are expected to expire unused or only partially used, the total 
amounts of these commitments do not necessarily reflect future 
cash requirements. 

(Dollar Amounts In Thousands)

Commitments to extend credit 
Standby letters of credit 

Total lending-related commitments 

Footnote 
Reference 

13 
13 

Amount

$ 620,403
  28,836

$ 649,239

Commitments to extend credit include unfunded loan 
commitments as well as the undrawn portions of revolving and 
closed-end lines of credit as of December 31, 2003. The 
contractual provisions of these commitments normally include 
fixed expiration dates or termination clauses, specific interest 
rates and clauses indicating that funding is contingent upon 
borrowers maintaining stated credit standards at the time of 
loan funding. 

Standby letters of credit are written conditional commitments 
issued by the Corporation to guarantee the performance of a 
client to a third party. In the event the client does not perform in 
accordance with the terms of the agreement with the third party, 
the Corporation would be required to fund the commitment. The 
maximum potential amount of future payments the Corporation 
could be required to make is represented by the contractual 
amount of the commitment. If the commitment is funded, the 

Corporation would be entitled to seek repayment from the 
client. The Corporation’s policies generally require that  
standby letter of credit arrangements contain security and debt 
convenants similar to those contained in loan agreements. 

Liquidity

Liquidity is a measure of the Corporation’s ability to efficiently 
meet normal cash flow requirements of both borrowers and 
depositors. In the ordinary course of business, funds are 
generated from deposits (primary source) and the maturity or 
repayment of earning assets, such as securities and loans. As an 
additional secondary source, short-term liquidity needs may be 
provided through the use of overnight Federal funds purchased, 
borrowings through the use of lines available for repurchase 
agreements and borrowings from the Federal Reserve Bank. 
Additionally, the Corporation’s banking subsidiary is a member 
of the Federal Home Loan Bank and may borrow under 
overnight and term borrowing arrangements. The sale of 
earning assets may also provide an additional source of 
liquidity. In addition to the previously described funding 
sources, the Corporation also has the ability to access the 
capital markets.

Liquidity risk stems from the possibility that the Corporation 
may not be able to meet current or future financial obligations, 
or the Corporation may become overly reliant on alternative 
funding sources. The Corporation maintains a liquidity risk 
management policy to manage this risk. This policy identifies 
the primary sources of liquidity, establishes procedures for 
monitoring and measuring liquidity and quantifies minimum 
liquidity requirements based on board approved limits. The 
policy also includes a liquidity contingency plan to address 
funding needs to maintain liquidity under a variety of business 
conditions. The Corporation’s liquidity position is monitored 
by the Asset/Liability Management Committee (“ALCO”).

The Corporation’s long-term liquidity source is a large core 
deposit base and a strong capital position. Core deposits are the 
most stable source of liquidity a bank can have due to the long-
term relationship with a deposit customer. Deposits increased 
$244.2 million in 2003 and included increases in savings and 

51

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
FIRST COMMONWEALTH FINANCIAL CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

noninterest-bearing demand deposits, which were partially 
offset by decreases in time deposits. Noncore deposits, which 
are time deposits in denominations of $100 thousand or more, 
represented 12.1% of total deposits at December 31, 2003. 
Noncore deposits decreased by $91.0 million in 2003 and $7.6 
million in 2002 due in part to changes in public funds balances. 

Although the Corporation’s primary source of funds remains 
traditional deposits from within the communities served by its 
banking subsidiary, future sources of deposits utilized could 
include the use of brokered time deposits offered outside the 
Corporation’s traditional market area. Time deposits of $100 
thousand or more at December 31, 2003, 2002 and 2001 had 
remaining maturities as follows:

Maturity Distribution of Large Certificates of Deposit
(Dollar Amounts in Thousands)

2003 

2002 

2001

Amount  

Percent  

Amount   

Percent  

Amount   

Percent 

Remaining Maturity:
  3 months or less 
  Over 3 months through 6 months 
  Over 6 months through 12 months 
  Over 12 months 
       Total 

$  77,603 
  50,132 
  69,239 
  201,742 
$  398,716 

19% 
13 
17 
51 
100% 

$  97,862 
  54,758 
  114,596 
  222,486 
$  489,702 

20% 
11 
24 
45 
100% 

$  133,017 
57,222 
89,436 
  217,643 
$  497,318 

27%
11
18
44
100%

Loans, net of unearned income and the allowance for credit 
losses, increased $213.4 million during 2003 as increases were 
noted in all categories with the exception of leases. Most 
notable were increases in commercial loans secured by real 
estate of $108.6 million and increases in residential loans 

secured by real estate of $82.1 million compared to year-end 
2002. Net loans in the amount of $245.8 million were acquired 
with the BankPittsburgh acquisition.

Below is a schedule of loans by classification for the five years 
ended December 31, 2003:

Loans by Classification
(Dollar Amounts in Thousands)

2003 
Amount  Percent 

2002 

2001 

2000 

1999

Amount 

Percent 

Amount 

Percent 

Amount 

Percent 

Amount 

Percent

Commercial, financial,  
    agricultural and other  $  655,740  
27,063  
Real estate-construction 
  771,861  
Real estate-commercial 
  821,159  
Real estate-residential 
  521,481  
Loans to individuals 
28,033 
Net leases 

23% 
1 
27 
29 
19 
1 

$  633,955 
20,998 
  663,220 
  739,018 
  505,139 
47,110 

24% 
1 
26 
28 
19 
2 

$  529,300 
14,727 
  638,576 
  849,787 
  473,515 
63,326 

21% 
1 
25 
33 
18 
2 

$  443,618 
37,146 
  560,066 
  932,915 
  450,154 
68,975 

18% 
2 
22 
37 
18 
3 

$  417,300 
41,734 
  495,789 
  980,506 
  502,465 
65,893 

16%
2
20
39
20
3

Gross loans and leases 
Unearned income 
    Total loans, and 
        leases net of 
        unearned income 

 2,825,337 
(455) 

100% 

 2,609,440 
(806) 

100% 

 2,569,231 
(1,297) 

100% 

 2,492,874 
(2,047) 

100% 

 2,503,687 
(3,628) 

100%

$ 2,824,882 

$ 2,608,634 

$ 2,567,934 

$ 2,490,827 

$ 2,500,059 

Based upon the Corporation’s historical ability to fund liquidity 
needs from other sources, the current available for sale 
portfolio is deemed more than adequate, as the Corporation 
does not anticipate a need to liquidate the investments until 
maturity. A schedule of the contractual maturity distribution of 
securities held to maturity and securities available for sale at 
December 31, 2003, follows:

An additional source of liquidity is marketable securities that 
the Corporation holds in its investment portfolio. These 
securities are classified as “securities available for sale.”  
While the Corporation does not have specific intentions to sell 
these securities, they have been designated as “available for 
sale” because they may be sold for the purpose of obtaining 
future liquidity, for management of interest rate risk or as part 
of the implementation of tax management strategies. As of 
December 31, 2003, securities available for sale had an 
amortized cost of $1,946 million and an approximate fair value 
of $1,969 million. Gross unrealized gains were $32.9 million 
and gross unrealized losses were $9.6 million.

52

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
FIRST COMMONWEALTH FINANCIAL CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

Maturity Distribution of Securities Held to Maturity
(Dollar Amounts in Thousands)

U.S. Government  
Agencies and  
Corporations 

$ 10,003 
  2,686 
  5,165 
289 
$ 18,143 

States and  
Political  
Subdivisions 

$  4,035 
 13,329 
 29,362 
 29,990 
$ 76,716 

Other  
Securities 

$ 8,990 
  405 
-0- 
-0- 
$ 9,395 

Total  
Amortized  
Cost 

$  23,028 
  16,420 
  34,527 
  30,279 
$ 104,254 

Weighted  
Average  
Yield*

6.78%
7.04 
7.32 
7.06 
7.08 

Maturity Distribution of Securities Available for Sale At Amortized Cost
(Dollar Amounts in Thousands)

U.S. Treasury,  
and other 
U.S. Government  
Agencies and  
Corporations 

$ 
31,317 
  280,450 
  405,627 
  769,497 
$  1,486,891 

States and  
Political  
Subdivisions 

$ 

1,468 
7,010 
  12,114 
  136,198 
$  156,790 

Other  
Securities 

$  21,055 
  41,052 
-0- 
  240,067 
$  302,174 

Total  
Amortized  
Cost 

Weighted  
Average  
Yield*

$ 

53,840 
328,512 
417,741 
  1,145,762 
$  1,945,855 

3.81%
2.84
3.80
4.65
4.14

Within 1 year 
After 1 but within 5 years 
After 5 but within 10 years 
After 10 years 
    Total 

Within 1 year 
After 1 but within 5 years 
After 5 but within 10 years 
After 10 years 
    Total 

* Yields are calculated on a tax-equivalent basis.

Interest Sensitivity

Market risk is the risk of loss arising from adverse changes in 
the fair value of financial instruments due to changes in 
interest rates, currency exchange rates or equity prices. The 
Corporation’s market risk is composed primarily of interest 
rate risk. Interest rate risk results principally from timing 
differences in the repricing of assets and liabilities, changes in 
the relationship of rate indices and the potential exercise of 
freestanding or embedded options.

The objective of interest rate sensitivity management is to 
maintain an appropriate balance between the stable growth of 
income and the risks associated with maximizing income 
through interest sensitivity imbalances. While no single number 
can accurately describe the impact of changes in interest rates 
on net interest income, interest rate sensitivity positions, or 
“gaps,” when measured over a variety of time periods, can  
be informative.

An asset or liability is considered to be interest-sensitive if the 
rate it yields or bears is subject to change within a 
predetermined time period. If interest-sensitive assets (“ISA”) 
exceed interest-sensitive liabilities (“ISL”) during a prescribed 
time period, a positive gap results. Conversely, when ISL 
exceeds ISA during a time period, a negative gap results.

The cumulative gap at the 365-day repricing period was 
negative in the amount of $809 million or 15.59% of total 
assets at December 31, 2003. A positive gap tends to indicate 
that earnings will be impacted favorably if interest rates rise 
during the period and negatively when interest rates fall during 
the time period. A negative gap tends to indicate that earnings 
will be affected inversely to interest rate changes. In other 
words, as interest rates fall, a negative gap should tend to 
produce a positive effect on earnings and when interest rates 
rise, a negative gap should tend to affect earnings negatively.

The primary components of ISA include adjustable rate  
loans and investments, loan repayments, investment 
maturities and money market investments. The primary 
components of ISL include maturing certificates of deposit, 
money market deposits, savings deposits, NOW accounts  
and short-term borrowings.

The following table lists the amounts and ratios of assets and 
liabilities with rates or yields subject to change within the 
periods indicated as of December 31, 2003 and 2002: 

53

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
FIRST COMMONWEALTH FINANCIAL CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

Loans 
Investments 
Other interest-earning assets 
            Total interest-sensitive assets 

Certificates of deposit 
Other deposits 
Borrowings 
            Total interest-sensitive liabilities 
                    Gap 

ISA/ISL 
Gap/Total assets 

Loans 
Investments 
Other interest-earning assets 
            Total interest-sensitive assets 

Certificates of deposit 
Other deposits 
Borrowings 
            Total interest-sensitive liabilities 
                    Gap 

ISA/ISL 
Gap/Total assets 

0-90 Days 

$  1,057,021 
  241,163 
5,362 
  1,303,546 

  325,957 
  1,413,069 
  634,878 
  2,373,904 
$ (1,070,358) 

(Dollar Amounts in Thousands)
2003

91-180 Days 

181-365 Days 

$ 178,006 
 116,979 
-0- 
 294,985 

 242,706 
-0- 
  1,407 
 244,113 
$  50,872 

$ 291,352 
 189,610 
-0- 
 480,962 

 249,361 
-0- 
  21,290 
 270,651 
$  210,311 

0.55 
20.63% 

1.21 
0.98% 

1.78 
4.05% 

0-90 Days 

$  962,398 
  292,206 
1,973 
  1,256,577 

  354,625 
  1,172,538 
  469,735 
  1,996,898 
$  (740,321) 

0.63 
16.36% 

2002

91-180 Days 

181-365 Days 

$ 157,172 
 162,578 
-0- 
 319,750 

 170,687 
-0- 
905 
 171,592 
$ 148,158 

1.86 
3.27% 

$ 295,273 
 262,287 
-0- 
 557,560 

 263,882 
-0- 
1,483 
 265,365 
$ 292,195 

2.10 
6.46% 

Cumulative   
0-365 Days

$ 1,526,379
  547,752
5,362
 2,079,493

  818,024
 1,413,069
  657,575
 2,888,668
$  (809,175)

0.72
15.59%

Cumulative   
0-365 Days

$ 1,414,843
  717,071
1,973
 2,133,887

  789,194
 1,172,538
  472,123
 2,433,855
$  (299,968)

0.88
6.63%

Although the periodic gap analysis provides management with 
a method of measuring current interest rate risk, it only 
measures rate sensitivity at a specific point in time, and as a 
result may not accurately predict the impact of changes in 
general levels of interest rates or net interest income. This is 
exemplified as the gap analysis shows the Corporation’s 
earnings to be negatively impacted by rising rates, but 
computer modeling indicates that rising rates would have a 
favorable impact on earnings. Therefore, to more precisely 
measure the impact of interest rate changes on the 
Corporation’s net interest income, management simulates the 
potential effects of changing interest rates through computer 
modeling. The income simulation model used by the 
Corporation captures all assets, liabilities, and off-balance sheet 
financial instruments, accounting for significant variables that 
are believed to be affected by interest rates. These variables 
include prepayment speeds on mortgage loans and mortgage 
backed securities, cash flows from loans, deposits and 
investments and balance sheet growth assumptions. The model 
also captures embedded options, such as interest rate caps/
floors or call options, and accounts for changes in rate 
relationships as various rate indices lead or lag changes in 
market rates. The Corporation is then better able to implement 
strategies which would include an acceleration of a deposit rate 

54

reduction or lag in a deposit rate increase. The repricing 
strategies for loans would be inversely related.

The Corporation’s asset/liability management policy guidelines 
limit interest rate risk exposure for the succeeding twelve-
month period. Simulations are prepared under the base case 
where interest rates remain flat, and most likely case where 
interest rates are defined using projections of economic factors. 
Additional simulations are produced estimating the impact on 
net interest income of a 200 basis point (2.00%) movement 
upward or downward which cannot result in more than a 5.0% 
decline in net interest income when compared to the base case. 
The analysis at December 31, 2003, indicated that a 200 basis 
point (2.00%) increase in interest rates would increase net 
interest income by 56 basis points (0.56%) above the base case 
scenario and a 200 basis point (2.00%) decrease in interest 
rates would decrease net interest income by 671 basis points 
(6.71%) below the base case scenario over the next twelve 
months. While the 200 basis points (2.00%) declining rate 
scenario currently exceeds the -5.00% policy limit by 171 basis 
points (1.71%), it is recognized by the Corporation that this 
declining rate scenario is unrealistic in the current rate 
environment with the Federal funds rate at only 1.00%.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
FIRST COMMONWEALTH FINANCIAL CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

The Corporation’s “Asset/Liability Management Committee” 
(“ALCO”) is responsible for the identification, assessment and 
management of interest rate risk exposure, liquidity, capital 
adequacy and investment portfolio position. The primary 
objective of the ALCO process is to ensure that the 
Corporation’s balance sheet structure maintains prudent levels 
of risk within the context of currently known and forecasted 
economic conditions and to establish strategies which provide 
the Corporation with appropriate compensation for the 
assumption of those risks. The ALCO attempts to mitigate 
interest rate risk through the use of strategies such as asset 
sales, asset and liability pricing and matched maturity funding. 
The ALCO strategies are established by the Corporation’s 
senior management. 

The Corporation entered into an interest rate swap transaction 
during the third quarter of 2003. The swap has a three-year 
maturity and involves hedging adjustable LIBOR based 

commercial loans with a receive-fixed and pay-floating interest 
rate swap of $25 million notional amount. The purpose of the 
swap was to reduce the Corporation’s exposure to further 
declines in interest rates. The ALCO continues to evaluate the 
use of additional derivative instruments to protect against the 
risk of adverse price or interest rate movements on the values 
of certain assets and liabilities. 

Another strategy aimed at reducing the Corporation’s exposure 
to falling interest rates was implemented during 2003. U.S. 
government agency securities maturing in approximately 3.5 
years were purchased with short-term borrowings. The amount 
of this transaction averaged approximately $138 million for  
the year.

Final loan maturities and rate sensitivities of the loan portfolio 
excluding consumer installment and mortgage loans and before 
unearned income at December 31, 2003, were as follows 
(Dollar Amounts in Thousands):

Commercial and industrial 
Financial institutions 
Real estate-construction 
Real estate-commercial 
Other 
            Totals 

Loans at fixed interest rate 
Loans at variable interest rates 
            Totals 

Credit Review

Within One Year 

One to 5 Years 

After 5 Years 

$ 207,848 
0 
  8,486 
  76,495 
  31,105 
$ 323,934 

$ 110,732 
115 
739 
 144,509 
  15,264 
$ 271,359 

  98,360 
 172,999 
$ 271,359 

$  85,942 
300 
  17,838 
 550,857 
 204,434 
$ 859,371 

 245,636 
 613,735 
$ 859,371 

Total

$  404,522
415
27,063
  771,861
  250,803
$ 1,454,664

Maintaining a high quality loan portfolio is of great importance 
to the Corporation. The Corporation manages the risk 
characteristics of the loan portfolio through the use of prudent 
lending policies and procedures and monitors risk through a 
periodic review process provided by internal auditors, 
regulatory authorities and our loan review staff. These reviews 
include the analysis of credit quality, diversification of industry, 
compliance to policies and procedures and an analysis of 
current economic conditions.

In the management of its credit portfolio, the Corporation 
emphasizes the importance of the collectibility of loans and 
leases as well as asset and earnings diversification. The 
Corporation immediately recognizes as a loss all credits judged 
to be uncollectible and has established an allowance for credit 
losses that may exist in the portfolio at a point in time, but have 
not been specifically identified.

The Corporation’s written lending policy requires certain 
underwriting standards to be met prior to funding any loan, 
including requirements for credit analysis, collateral value 
coverage and documentation. The principal factor used to 
determine potential borrowers’ credit worthiness is business 
cash flows or consumer income available to service debt 

payments. Secondary sources of repayment, including 
collateral and guarantees, are frequently obtained.

The lending policy provides limits for individual and bank 
committee lending authorities. In addition to the bank loan 
approval process, requests for borrowing relationships which 
will exceed one million dollars must also be approved by the 
Corporation’s Credit Committee. This Committee consists of a 
minimum of three members of the Corporation’s Board of 
Directors. The Corporation has an additional level of approval 
for credit relationships between $500 thousand and $1.0 
million. This procedure requires approval of those credits by a 
committee consisting of senior lenders of the Corporation.

Commercial and industrial loans are generally granted to small 
and middle market customers for working capital, operations, 
expansion or asset acquisition purposes. Operating cash flows 
of the business enterprise are identified as the principal source 
of repayment, with business assets held as collateral. Collateral 
margins and loan terms are based upon the purpose and 
structure of the transaction as set forth in loan policy.

Commercial real estate loans are granted for the acquisition or 
improvement of real property. Generally, commercial real 
estate loans do not exceed 75% of the appraised value of 
property pledged to secure the transaction. Repayment of such 

55

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
FIRST COMMONWEALTH FINANCIAL CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

loans is expected from the operations of the subject real estate 
and is carefully analyzed prior to approval.

Real estate construction loans are granted for the purposes of 
constructing improvements to real property, both commercial 
and residential. On-site inspections are conducted by qualified 
individuals prior to periodic permanent project financing, 
which is generally committed prior to the commencement of 
construction financing.

Real estate loans secured by 1-4 family residential housing 
properties are granted subject to statutory limits in effect for  
the bank regarding the maximum percentage of appraised  
value of the mortgaged property. Residential loan terms are 
normally established in compliance with secondary market 
requirements. Residential mortgage portfolio interest rate risk 
is controlled by secondary market sales, variable interest rate 
loans and balloon maturities.

Loans to individuals represent financing extended to consumers 
for personal or household purposes, including automobile 
financing, education, home improvement and personal 
expenditures. These loans are granted in the form of 
installment, credit card or revolving credit transactions. 
Consumer credit worthiness is evaluated on the basis of ability 
to repay, stability of income sources and past credit history.

The Corporation maintains an allowance for credit losses at a 
level deemed sufficient to absorb losses which are inherent in 
the loan and lease portfolios at each balance sheet date. 
Management reviews the adequacy of the allowance on a 
quarterly basis to ensure that the provision for credit losses has 
been charged against earnings in an amount necessary to 
maintain the allowance at a level that is appropriate based on 
management’s assessment of probable estimated losses. The 
Corporation’s methodology for assessing the appropriateness of 
the allowance for credit losses consists of several key elements. 
These elements include a specific allowance for primary watch 
list classified loans, a formula allowance based on historical 
trends, an additional allowance for special circumstances and 
an unallocated allowance.

While the Corporation consistently applies the following 
comprehensive methodology and procedure described in  

NOTE 1 “Accounting Policies,” allowance for credit loss 
methodologies incorporate management’s current judgments 
about the credit quality of the loan portfolio as well as 
collection probabilities for problem credits. Although 
management considers the allowance for credit losses to be 
adequate based on information currently available, additional 
allowance for credit loss provisions may be necessary due to 
changes in management estimates and assumptions about asset 
impairment, information about borrowers that indicate changes 
in the expected future cash flows or changes in economic 
conditions. The allowance for credit losses and the provision 
for credit losses are significant elements of the Corporation’s 
financial statements, therefore management periodically 
reviews the processes and procedures utilized in determining 
the allowance for credit losses to identify potential 
enhancements to these processes including development of 
additional management information systems to ensure that all 
relevant factors are appropriately considered in the allowance 
analysis. In addition, the Corporation maintains a system of 
internal controls which are independently monitored and tested 
by internal audit and loan review staff to ensure that the loss 
estimation model is maintained in accordance with internal 
policies and procedures as well as generally accepted 
accounting principals.

Since all identified losses are immediately charged off, no 
portion of the allowance for credit losses is restricted to any 
individual credit or groups of credits, and the entire allowance 
is available to absorb any and all credit losses. For analytical 
purposes, the following table sets forth an allocation of the 
allowance for credit losses at December 31 according to the 
categories indicated. Management feels the unallocated portion 
of the reserve is necessary due to the uncertain economic and 
geo-political environment and its impact on a variety of sectors 
such as health care and lodging. During 2003, the unallocated 
allowance was reduced due to an additional allocation to 
fourteen commercial loans. The increase in allocations to the 
commercial, industrial, financial, agricultural and real estate-
commercial portfolios resulted from an increase in loan 
volumes in these categories and the BankPittsburgh acquisition 
within the metropolitan Pittsburgh market.

Allocation of the Allowance for Credit Losses
(Dollar Amounts in Thousands)

2003 

2002 

2001 

2000 

1999

Commercial, industrial, financial, agricultural and other 
Real estate-construction 
Real estate-commercial 
Real estate-residential 
Loans to individuals 
Lease financing receivables 
Unallocated 
            Total 

Allowance as percentage of average total loans 

$ 

$ 

10,739 
330 
11,361 
4,910 
4,614 
202 
5,229 
37,385 

1.42% 

$ 

7,856 
600 
7,201 
5,294 
3,035 
259 
  10,251 
$  34,496 

$ 

6,315 
432 
9,808 
7,379 
3,845 
401 
5,977 
$  34,157 

$ 

6,263 
643 
9,064 
  10,211 
4,938 
638 
1,844 
$  33,601 

$ 

6,321
831
7,675
9,928
5,131
586
3,067
$  33,539

1.33% 

1.34% 

1.34% 

  1.39%

56

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
FIRST COMMONWEALTH FINANCIAL CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

While the allowance for credit losses as a percentage of 
average total loans outstanding increased from 1.33% in 2002 
to 1.44% in 2003, the allowance for credit losses as a 
percentage of actual loans outstanding remained at 1.32% for 
both periods. The allowance as a percentage of average total 
loans outstanding for 2003 was impacted by the inclusion of 
BankPittsburgh loans since the acquisition.

Other than those described below, there are no material credits 
that management has serious doubts as to the borrower’s ability 
to comply with the present loan repayment terms. The 

following table identifies nonperforming loans at December 31. 
A loan is placed in a nonaccrual status at the time when 
ultimate collectibility of principal or interest, wholly or 
partially, is in doubt. Past due loans are those loans which are 
contractually past due 90 days or more as to interest or 
principal payments but are well secured and in the process of 
collection. Renegotiated loans are those loans which terms 
have been renegotiated to provide a reduction or deferral of 
principal or interest as a result of the deteriorating financial 
position of the borrower. 

Nonperforming and Impaired Assets and Effect on Interest Income Due to Nonaccrual
(Dollar Amounts in Thousands)

Loans on nonaccrual basis 
Past due loans 
Renegotiated loans 
            Total nonperforming loans 

Nonperforming loans as a percentage of total loans 

Allowance as percentage of nonperforming loans 

Other real estate owned 

Gross income that would have been recorded  
  at original rates 
Interest that was reflected in income 
Net reduction to interest income due to nonaccrual 

2003 

$ 12,459 
 10,586 
195 
$ 23,240 

0.82% 

 160.86% 

$  1,866 

$  1,962 
  1,185 
777 
$ 

The reduction of income due to renegotiated loans was less 
than $50 thousand in any year presented.

Nonperforming loan levels at December 31, 2003 decreased 
$15.2 million compared to 2002 levels as nonaccrual loans 
and past due loans decreased by $11.0 million and $4.2 
million, respectively. The decrease in nonaccrual loans was 
due to eight commercial loans that paid in full or were 
charged down and/or charged off. The largest improvement 
was related to a credit with a balance of $6.2 million at 
December 31, 2002 and bearing an 80% guaranty of a U.S. 
government agency. The credit was resolved in the fourth 
quarter of 2003 without any additional charge-off being 
recorded. A second credit, which was $3.2 million at year-end 
2002, continues to be resolved through the liquidation of 
collateral and exercising other remedies. The balance 
outstanding at December 31, 2003 for this credit was $1.8 
million, a decrease of $1.4 million from the prior year. While 
the final resolution of this credit is uncertain, management’s 
estimate of the potential loss on this credit is reserved.  

The decrease in past due loans for the 2003 period included 
decreases in all major categories with the most significant 
decreases in loans secured by residential real estate (down  
$2.5 million), loans secured by commercial real estate (down 
$607 thousand) and other commercial loans (down $839 
thousand). The decrease in past due loans was due to 
successful collection strategies. The renegotiated loan 
category at December 31, 2003, included the one credit that 

2002 

$ 23,450 
 14,774 
207 
$ 38,431 

1.47% 

  89.76% 

$  1,651 

$  1,542 
286 
$  1,256 

2001 

$ 22,899 
 17,781 
832 
$ 41,512 

1.62% 

  82.28% 

$  1,619 

$  1,422 
750 
672 

$ 

2000 

$ 10,698 
 22,086 
  2,263 
$ 35,047 

  1.41% 

  95.87% 

1999

$ 12,765
 15,815
62
$ 28,642

  1.15%

 117.10%

$  1,661 

$  1,707

$ 

$ 

750 
333 
417 

$ 

$ 

724
458
266

was outstanding at the end of December 31, 2002. Interest 
income on nonaccrual loans increased for 2003 due to final 
resolution of several large credits that included collection of 
some interest income.

The Corporation’s loan portfolio continues to be monitored by 
senior management to identify potential portfolio risks and 
detect potential credit deterioration in the early stages. The 
Corporation has a “Watchlist Committee” which includes credit 
workout officers of the bank and meets bi-weekly to review 
watchlist credits for workout progress or deterioration. Loan 
loss adequacy and the status of significant nonperforming 
credits are monitored on a quarterly basis by a committee made 
up of senior officers of the bank and parent company. These 
committees were established to provide additional internal 
monitoring and analysis in addition to that provided by the 
Credit Committees of the bank and parent company. Credit risk 
is mitigated during the loan origination process through the use 
of sound underwriting policies and collateral requirements and 
its previously described committee structure. Management also 
attempts to minimize loan losses by analyzing and modifying 
collection techniques on a periodic basis. Management believes 
that the allowance for credit losses and nonperforming loans 
remained safely within acceptable levels.

Capital Resources

Equity capital stood at $430.9 million at December 31, 2003, a 
$29.6 million rise compared to December 31, 2002. Dividends 
declared reduced equity by $37.2 million during 2003 as 

57

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
FIRST COMMONWEALTH FINANCIAL CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

dividends were increased over 2002 levels. The retained net 
income of $16.1 million remained in permanent capital to fund 
future growth and expansion. Long-term debt payments and 
fair value adjustment to unearned ESOP shares in 2003 
increased equity by $1.2 million. The market value adjustment 
to securities available for sale decreased equity by $10.7 
million in 2003. Amounts paid to fund the discount on 
reinvested dividends reduced equity by $706 thousand. 
Proceeds from the issuance of treasury shares to provide for 
stock options exercised increased equity by $5.9 million during 
2003, while the tax benefit related to the stock options 
increased equity by $535 thousand. Equity capital in 2003 was 
also impacted by the issuance of stock related to acquisitions 
from 2003 and 2002, which resulted in increases in the 
amounts of $17.0 million and $203 thousand, respectively. 

A capital base can be considered adequate when it enables the 
Corporation to intermediate funds responsibly and provide 
related services while protecting against future uncertainties. 
The evaluation of capital adequacy depends on a variety of 
factors, including asset quality, liquidity, earnings history and 
prospects, internal controls and management caliber. In 
consideration of these factors, management’s primary emphasis 
with respect to the Corporation’s capital position is to maintain 
an adequate and stable ratio of equity to assets. See NOTE 27 
to the “Consolidated Financial Statements” for an analysis of 
regulatory capital guidelines and the Corporation’s capital 
ratios relative to these measurement standards.

Risk Management

In the normal course of business the Corporation assumes 
various types of risk. The Corporation has identified twenty-six 
standard risks which have been summarized into seven major 
risk categories. The seven major risk categories include credit 
risk, market risk, liquidity risk, compliance/legal risk, opera-
tional risk, reputation risk and strategic risk. Credit risk, market 
risk and liquidity risk are discussed in this Management’s 
Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of 
Operations section. The remaining major risk categories are 
defined as follows: compliance/legal risk— the risk rising from 
violations of, or noncompliance with laws, rules, regulations, 
prescribed practices, or ethical standards; operational risk—
threat created by inadequate information systems, operational 
problems, weak internal control systems, fraud, or any other 
unforeseen catastrophes; reputation risk—the risk to earnings 
or capital arising from negative public opinion; and strategic 
risk—the risk arising from adverse business decisions or 
improper implementation of those decisions. These factors and 
others could impact the Corporation’s business, financial 
condition and results of operation.

Corporate management has taken strong and wide-ranging 
actions to enhance the awareness of and proactively manage 
risk within the Corporation. In addition to establishing a 
comprehensive policy and procedure manual that is updated 
and regularly communicated throughout the Corporation, the 

58

Senior Vice President, Risk Management, an executive officer 
level position, oversees all aspects of the risk process. Our 
committee structure embraces a risk management culture, 
which begins with the Risk Committee that provides oversight 
and monitoring of key risk areas. The Risk Committee, which 
is chaired by the Senior Vice President, Risk Management, and 
has representation from all of the disciplines across the 
organization, meets to discuss and assess current and emerging 
risks as well as to identify solutions and mitigants. Credit 
quality and loan loss adequacy issues are addressed by the 
Credit Quality, Watch List and Loan Loss Reserve committees. 
Additional committees include Security, which is responsible 
for coordinating the security program; Privacy, which focuses 
on safeguarding client information; ALCO, which monitors 
interest rate and liquidity risks; and Disclosure, which evaluates 
internal controls regarding information utilized in certain 
regulatory reports, as well as reviewing those reports and the 
disclosure process to ensure that disclosures are timely, 
complete and accurate.

The Risk Department has specific procedures to analyze and 
quantify risks in the seven major risk categories. Gaps between 
inherent risks and mitigants are quantified and presented to the 
Risk Committee for their review. Management continually 
reviews the mitigants and controls to ensure their continuity. 
The Internal Audit Department validates the existence and 
effectiveness of the controls. Risk gaps are compiled to develop 
a risk rating, which is incorporated into the balanced scorecard 
measure and is reported to the Board of Directors. An 
analytical review of key indicators, both monetary and 
nonmonetary, as well as other current information that may 
become available through discussions with management serves 
as an early warning system to detect potential deteriorating 
internal controls. All significant new initiatives and products 
are subject to a risk assessment prior to being presented for 
implementation. An annual assessment of risk is also 
performed to identify potential threat areas to our computer 
systems. Our internal audit staff performs routine and 
consistent information technology reviews of identified risk 
areas, security measures and control processes. 

With these processes in place the Corporation believes that its 
objective of establishing a risk culture that identifies, measures, 
controls and monitors events or actions that may adversely 
affect our organization has been achieved. Our goal is not to 
eliminate risk but to understand fully the risk the Corporation is 
assuming and appropriately manage those risks.

Inflation and Changing Prices

Management is aware of the impact inflation has on interest 
rates and therefore, the impact it can have on a bank’s 
performance. The ability of a financial institution to cope with 
inflation can only be determined by analyzing and monitoring 
its asset and liability structure. The Corporation monitors its 
asset and liability position with particular emphasis on the mix 
of interest-sensitive assets and liabilities in order to reduce the 

FIRST COMMONWEALTH FINANCIAL CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

effect of inflation upon its performance. However, it must be 
remembered that the asset and liability structure of a financial 
institution is substantially different from an industrial 
corporation in that virtually all assets and liabilities are 
monetary in nature, meaning that they have been or will be 
converted into a fixed number of dollars regardless of changes 
in general price levels. Examples of monetary items include 
cash, loans and deposits. Nonmonetary items are those assets 
and liabilities which do not gain or lose purchasing power 

solely as a result of general price level changes. Examples of 
nonmonetary items are premises and equipment.

Inflation can have a more direct impact on categories of 
noninterest expenses such as salaries and wages, supplies and 
employee benefit costs. These expenses are very closely 
monitored by management for both the effects of inflation and 
increases relating to such items as staffing levels, usage of 
supplies and occupancy costs.

COMMON STOCK INFORMATION

First Commonwealth Financial Corporation (the “Corporation”) is listed on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol 
“FCF.” The approximate number of holders of record of the Corporation’s common stock is 15,500. The table below sets forth the 
high and low sales prices per share and cash dividends declared per share for common stock of the Corporation.

Period 

2003   
First Quarter 
Second Quarter 
Third Quarter 
Fourth Quarter 

Period 

2002 
First Quarter 
Second Quarter 
Third Quarter 
Fourth Quarter 

High Sale 

Low Sale 

$  12.55 
$  13.30 
$  14.00 
$  14.98 

$ 
$ 
$ 
$ 

11.50 
11.57 
12.60 
13.15 

High Sale 

Low Sale 

$  14.00 
$  14.12 
$  13.37 
$  12.35 

$ 
$ 
$ 
$ 

11.51 
12.53 
11.62 
10.84 

Cash Dividends  
Per Share

$ 
$ 
$ 
$ 

0.155
0.155
0.155
0.160

Cash Dividends  
Per Share

$ 
$ 
$ 
$ 

0.150
0.150
0.150
0.155

59

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
OUR MISSION

THE MISSION OF FIRST COMMONWEALTH FINANCIAL CORPORATION  
IS TO MAXIMIZE THE LONG-TERM TOTAL RETURN TO SHAREHOLDERS.

Shareholder Value
First Commonwealth is committed to building shareholder 

Send Certificates For Transfers and Address Changes To: 
Receive and Deliver Department  

value.  It is our mission, our highest priority.  Value is 

P.O. Box 11002 

delivered through a combination of total return (dividend 

yields plus market price appreciation), market liquidity 

Church Street Station 

New York, NY  10286

(the ease of buying or selling First Commonwealth shares), 

and shareholder services.  This section of our annual report 

summarizes the many services that are made available to 

our shareholders.

Annual Meeting
The Annual Meeting of Shareholders will be held at:

First Commonwealth Place

654 Philadelphia St., Indiana, PA

On Monday, April 19, 2004 at 3:00 PM.

Dividend Payments 
Subject to the approval of the Board of Directors,  

quarterly cash dividends are paid on or about the 15th  

day of January, April, July and October.

Dividend Reinvestment 
First Commonwealth Financial Corporation's Dividend  

Reinvestment Plan offers shareholders an opportunity to  

reinvest their dividends in additional shares of the Corpora-
tion's common stock. Once enrolled in the plan, participants 

Common Stock 
First Commonwealth Financial Corporation common 

may also purchase shares through voluntary cash invest-

ments. For more information on the plan, please call The 

stock is listed on The New York Stock Exchange and is 

Bank of New York, Plan Administrator, at 1-800-524-4458.

traded under the symbol FCF. Current market prices for 

For shareholders who do not participate in the Dividend  

First Commonwealth Financial Corporation common 

Reinvestment Plan, Automated Direct Dividend Deposit 

stock can be obtained from your local stock broker or by 

Service is available for direct deposit of quarterly dividend 

calling the Corporation at (724) 349-7220 (in Indiana, 

payments to a checking or savings account. To enroll, please 

PA) or 1-800-331-4107 (outside Indiana, PA).

Transfer Agent 
The Bank of New York 

Telephone Inquiries: 1-800-524-4458 

1-610-382-7833 (outside the U.S.) 

call The Bank of New York at 1-800-524-4458 for an  

Authorization Form (completed forms must be received by 

the Bank 30 days prior to dividend payment date).

Form 10K 
A copy of the Form 10K as filed with the Securities and 

1-888-269-5221 (Hearing Impaired—TDD Phone)

Exchange Commission will be provided to any shareholder 

Address Shareholder Inquiries To: 
Shareholder Relations Department 
P.O. Box 11258 

Church Street Station  

New York, NY 10286

E-Mail Address: 
Shareowners@bankofny.com

The Bank of New York's Stock Transfer Website: 
http://www.stockbny.com

60

on request to the Corporation, to the attention of the  

Corporate Secretary.

Investor/Shareholder Inquiries 
Requests for information or assistance regarding the  

corporation should be directed to the Corporation, to the  

attention of Shareholder Relations, 1-800-331-4107.

Additional Investor/Shareholder Information

Form 10K and other corporate filings to the Securities and 

Exchange Commission are available on the Corporation’s 

website at www.fcbanking.com under “Investor Relations”. 

The “Investor Relations” section of the website also includes 

additional information of interest to shareholders such as: 

press releases, historical stock prices, dividend declarations 
and corporate governance information, including the  
Corporation’s “Code of Ethics”.

®

®

First Commonwealth Fi nan cial Cor po ra tion
Old Courthouse Square 
22 North Sixth Street 
Indiana, Pennsylvania 15701-0400

(724) 349-7220

(800) 711-BANK (2265) 

www.fcbanking.com