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First Commonwealth Financial Corporation

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FY2004 Annual Report · First Commonwealth Financial Corporation
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Building the foundation

upon which successful         
 communities grow     

2004 Annual Report

Table of Contents

Message to Shareholders ...........................................................2
Building Successful Communities ...............................................4
Affiliate Presidents .....................................................................10
Board of Directors ...................................................................... 11
Corporate Information/Market Area ...........................................12
Management’s Report on Internal Control  
Over Financial Reporting ...........................................................13
Reports of Ernst & Young, LLP, Independent  
Registered Public Accounting Firm ...........................................14
  Report on Effectiveness of Internal  
  Control over Financial Reporting ...........................................14
  Report on Consolidated Financial Statements .....................15
Consolidated Financial Statements ...........................................16
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements ............................20
Quarterly Summary of Financial Data .......................................44
Selected Financial Data .............................................................45
Management’s Discussion and Analysis of 
Financial Condition and Results of Operations .........................46
Common Stock Information .......................................................63
Shareholder Information ............................................................64
Golden Tower Awards and  
Spirit of Community Awards ................................ inside back cover

A Message to Shareholders

T he year of 2004 was another year of progress for First 

Commonwealth highlighted by growth of over $1 billion in assets 
and substantial expansion of our community office network. This 

growth has been balanced with a continued emphasis on improving our 
corporate governance and risk management processes.

First Commonwealth Financial Corporation reported net income of $16.6 
million for the fourth quarter of 2004 that translates into $0.24 basic and 
diluted earnings per share for the quarter. This is compared to net income of 
$12.7 million and basic and diluted earnings per share of $0.21 for the fourth 

First Commonwealth enters 2005 with confidence in our strategic plan to 

grow and improve the corporation. The continued support and confidence of 

the First Commonwealth shareholders is greatly appreciated.

quarter of 2003. Fourth quarter 2004 earnings per share reflect an increase 
of 14.29% over the same quarter of 2003. Return on equity was 12.31% 
and return on assets was 1.06% for the fourth quarter of 2004 compared to 
12.07% and 1.03% respectively for the related 2003 period.

Net income for the year ended December 31, 2004, was $38.7 million or 
$0.59 basic and $0.58 diluted earnings per share compared to $53.3 million 
net income and $0.90 basic and diluted earnings per share for the year ended 
December 31, 2003. Return on equity was 7.82% and return on assets was 
0.66% for the full year of 2004 compared to 12.95% and 1.12% respectively 
for the year 2003.

The full year 2004 results included a previously disclosed charge of $29.5 
million ($19.2 million after tax) representing a penalty for the prepayment of 
$440 million of Federal Home Loan Bank (FHLB) long-term borrowings. 
The refinancing expanded the maturity distribution of the company’s FHLB 
advances in order to minimize the impact of maturities on any one year. This 
action also improved net interest margin through lower interest cost on the 
FHLB advances. The prepayment penalty, on an after-tax basis, reduced the 
company’s earnings per share for year 2004 by $0.29. Results for the year 2003 
included a $3.0 million (pre-tax) gain on the sale of two branches. The gain on 
an after-tax basis added $2.0 million or $0.03 per share to the 2003 results.

2 

First Commonwealth 

strength

“First Commonwealth literally catapulted me to the next level by 
allowing me to bid on larger contracts with confi dence. They 
gave me the ability to grow my business.”

—Michael Dahma, President, MDA
Irwin, Pennsylvania

4 

First Commonwealth 

Successful communities—large and small—all have one thing in 

common. They are built on a solid foundation. A strong economy.  
A network of well-run civic and service organizations. Good  
schools. People who care about each other. Successful communities allow 
businesses to profit and grow. They employ people. They encourage  
ideas and innovation. What provides the solid foundation for communities 
that prosper? It is the people who invest in their success. And that’s what  
First Commonwealth does every day.

In 2004, First Commonwealth was named the #1 Small Business 

Administration lender in Western Pennsylvania. The bank is also  

#1 in the state and #6 in the country in SBA CommunityExpress loans.

When September 11, 2001 hit,  
businesses like Michael Dahma 
Associates (MDA) took a hit 
too. MDA, based in Irwin, 
Pennsylvania, is a promotional 
products distributor—everything 
from coffee cups to gold 
watches—for virtually any sized 
organization. But promotional 

products suddenly became low 
priorities for businesses, and 
Michael Dahma, MDA’s founder, 
was receiving few orders. 

What Michael needed was cash 
flow to get him through until new 
contracts came along. And that’s 
what First Commonwealth vice 
president for the Southwest Region 
Alex Lima helped provide. A Small 
Business Administration loan and 
a subsequent line of credit kept 
MDA on its feet and allowed it to 
fulfill the biggest contract in its 
history: 32,000 beach towels for the 
Pittsburgh Pirates. “I can’t thank 
First Commonwealth enough for 
what they have helped our company 
accomplish,” Michael said.

         2004 Annual Report 

5

 
 
community

“I had a dream and a shell of a restaurant that had a good reputation. 
First Commonwealth became my guardian angel and allowed me to 
renovate and reopen by St. Patrick’s Day!”

—Ann Bock, Owner, Coyne’s Pub
Indiana, Pennsylvania

6 

First Commonwealth 

P eople don’t necessarily think of banks as being at the core of 

community success, but First Commonwealth thinks about it 
all the time. First Commonwealth is behind the scenes when an 
entrepreneur has a great idea for a new business but needs the capital to 
get started. First Commonwealth is there to find creative ways to keep 
a struggling business operating. First Commonwealth is committed to 
offering strategies to help existing or well-established businesses grow. 

A longstanding community establishment would have been sorely missed 

had it closed its doors forever. Instead, First Commonwealth found a 

creative financial solution for its owner, allowing her to fulfill her dream.

A staple in the Indiana community 
for over 30 years, Coyne’s Pub was a 
small Irish restaurant with a faithful 
clientele and a reputation for good 
food and good company. When the 
Coynes decided it was time to close, 
however, their daughter, Ann “wasn’t 
ready for it to be over.” Coyne’s Pub 
had not been remodeled since the 
1970s; Ann was determined to bring 
it up to par and use local materials 
and contractors to do it. With the 
help of First Commonwealth vice 
president and market manager Bill 
Staffen, and a creative commercial 
loan, Ann found a way to give 

Indiana its restaurant back.  
Since Coyne’s Pub reopened on  
St. Patrick’s Day 2004, its business 
has increased both in numbers of 
customers and employees. 

         2004 Annual Report 

7

 
 
innovation

“First Commonwealth presented the best collection of options for 
us and used creative fi nancing to help us establish our business. 
We had hands-on guidance throughout the entire process.”

—Jay Marshall, Co-Founder, Treelady Enterprises, LLC
Turtle Creek, Pennsylvania

8 

First Commonwealth 

F irst Commonwealth is also there when individuals and families 

need mortgages, home equity loans, insurance, and financial advice. 
First Commonwealth’s first priority has always been to serve 

and strengthen the communities in which it has a presence. Through its 
employees and its products, as well as its philosophy, First Commonwealth 
builds relationships with people all over Pennsylvania, with the intent of 
providing the impetus, the capital, and the service to promote success. 
First Commonwealth is building the foundation upon which successful 
communities grow. 

First Commonwealth believes that new businesses are essential to 

strengthening communities. Its officers listen to people with good ideas and 

sound business plans, enabling them to start, and sustain, new companies.

Garrett Haines and Jay Marshall 
were two friends who decided to 
abandon their conventional careers 
and pursue what they really loved 
in life. Out of their passion for 
music, sound, and technology, 
Treelady Enterprises was born. 
Treelady Enterprises is a three-
pronged company that includes a 
recording studio for remastery work, 
recording, and audio forensics; 
a technical design division that 
develops interactive media; and a 
music academy that will provide 
instrumental and vocal music lessons 
for members of the community.

With a business plan in place, 
Garrett and Jay needed to move their 
ideas—and equipment—out of the 

basement and into better spaces. 
With help from First Commonwealth 
vice president and market manager 
David McNichol, Treelady Enterprises 
received a loan from which they 
could draw to renovate a building, 
purchase more equipment, and 
expand the business.

         2004 Annual Report 

9

 
 
First Commonwealth Affiliate Presidents

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

Richard R. Applegate
President & Chief Executive Officer 
First Commonwealth  
  Financial Advisors 
1001 Village Run Road 
Wexford, PA 15090 
(724) 933-4515

Johnston A. Glass
President & Chief Executive Officer 
First Commonwealth Bank  
Central Offices 
Philadelphia and Sixth Streets 
Indiana, PA 15701
(724) 349-3400

10 

First Commonwealth 

Anthony S. Hewitt 
President & Chief Executive Officer
First Commonwealth Insurance Agency  
First Commonwealth Place  
654 Philadelphia Street 
Indiana, PA 15701
(724) 349-6056

Sue A. McMurdy
President & Chief Executive Officer
First Commonwealth  
  Systems Corporation  
22 North Sixth Street 
Indiana, PA 15701
(724) 349-4310

William A. Mrozowski
President & Chief Executive Officer
First Commonwealth Trust Company  
614 Philadelphia Street 
Indiana, PA 15701
(724) 465-3282

Gerard M. Thomchick
President & Chief Executive Officer 
First Commonwealth Professional  
  Resources Inc.  
22 North Sixth Street 
Indiana, PA 15701 
(724) 349-7220

President 
Commonwealth Trust Credit Life  

Insurance Company  

2700 North Third Street, Suite 3050
Phoenix, AZ 85004

Chairman & President 
FraMal Holdings Corporation  
1105 North Market Street  
Wilmington, DE 19899

 
Board of Directors

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

Ray T. Charley
Greensburg
Chief Executive Officer,  
Thomi Company

Edward T. Côté  
Ligonier
Associate, Wakefield Associates, L.P.

David S. Dahlmann  
Greensburg
Adjunct Professor, Saint Vincent College

Alan R. Fairman  
Dubois
Partner, Fairman Drilling Company

Johnston A. Glass  
Indiana
Vice Chairman, First Commonwealth 
Financial Corporation, and President  
and Chief Executive Officer,  
First Commonwealth Bank

Dale P. Latimer  
New Alexandria
Chairman of the Board and  
Chief Executive Officer,  
R & L Development Company

James W. Newill  
Highland Beach, FL
Certified Public Accountant, Former  
President, J.W. Newill Company
Joseph E. O’Dell  
Indiana
President and Chief Executive Officer,  
First Commonwealth  
Financial Corporation

John A. Robertshaw Jr.  
Greensburg
President, Robertshaw  
Management, LTD

Laurie Stern Singer  
Allison Park
President, Allegheny Valley  
Development Corporation

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

E. James Trimarchi  
Indiana
Chairman of the Board,  
First Commonwealth  
Financial Corporation

Robert J. Ventura
Pittsburgh
Principal, Ventura Group, LLC

         2004 Annual Report 

11

 
 
Corporate Executive Offices

President

Corporate Information

Corporate Description
First Commonwealth Financial Corporation is a Pennsylvania business corporation 
established in 1983, registered as a bank holding company by the Board of Governors 
of the Federal Reserve System.

William R. Jarrett 
Executive Vice President and  
Chief Risk Officer

Sue A. McMurdy 
Senior Vice President and  
Chief Information Officer

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

Thaddeus J. Clements 
Senior Vice President,  
Human Resources

R. John Previte 
Senior Vice President, Investments

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

Executive Offices
Old Courthouse Square,  
22 North Sixth Street 
Indiana, Pennsylvania

Mailing Address
Post Office Box 400 
Indiana, Pennsylvania 15701-0400 
Telephone (724) 349-7220

Executive Officers
E. James Trimarchi
Chairman of the Board
Joseph E. O’Dell
President and Chief  
Executive Officer

Johnston A. Glass 
Vice Chairman, Growth

Gerard M. Thomchick 
Senior Executive Vice President and 
Chief Operating Officer

John J. Dolan 
Executive Vice President and Chief 
Financial Officer

Market Area by County

Elk

Jefferson

Lawrence

Beaver

Butler

Armstrong

Indiana

✶

Clearfield

Centre

Allegheny

Cambria

Blair

Westmoreland

Huntingdon

Washington

Somerset

Bedford

12 

First Commonwealth 

FIRST COMMONWEALTH FINANCIAL CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
MANAGEMENT’S REPORT ON INTERNAL CONTROL OVER FINANCIAL REPORTING

First Commonwealth’s management is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate 

internal control over financial reporting, as such term is defined in Exchange Act Rule 13a-15(f). 

Under the supervision and with the participation of management, including First Commonwealth’s 

principal executive officer and principal financial officer, First Commonwealth conducted an 

evaluation of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting based on the framework 

in Internal Control-Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of 

the Treadway Commission.

All internal control systems, no matter how well designed, have inherent limitations. Therefore, 

even those systems, determined to be effective can provide only reasonable assurance with respect 

to financial statement preparation and presentation.

Based on First Commonwealth’s evaluation under the framework in Internal Control-Integrated 

Framework, management concluded that internal control over financial reporting was effective 

as of December 31, 2004. Management’s assessment of the effectiveness of internal control 

over financial reporting as of December 31, 2004 has been audited by Ernst & Young LLP, an 

independent registered public accounting firm, as stated in their report which is included herein.

First Commonwealth Financial Corporation

Indiana, Pennsylvania

March 10, 2005

Joseph E. O’Dell

John J. Dolan

President and Chief Executive Officer

Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer

13

FIRST COMMONWEALTH FINANCIAL CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

The Board of Directors and Shareholders of First Commonwealth Financial Corporation 

We have audited management’s assessment, included in the accompanying Management’s Report on Internal Control over 

Financial Reporting, that First Commonwealth Financial Corporation (the Company) maintained effective internal control over 

financial reporting as of December 31, 2004, based on criteria established in Internal Control-Integrated Framework issued by 

the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (the COSO criteria). The Company’s management 

is responsible for maintaining effective internal control over financial reporting and for its assessment of the effectiveness of 

internal control over financial reporting. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on management’s assessment and an opinion 

on the effectiveness of the company’s internal control over financial reporting based on our audit. 

We conducted our audit in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). 

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

control over financial reporting was maintained in all material respects. Our audit included obtaining an understanding of 

internal control over financial reporting, evaluating management’s assessment, testing and evaluating the design and operating 

effectiveness of internal control, and performing such other procedures as we considered necessary in the circumstances. We 

believe that our audit provides a reasonable basis for our opinion.

A company’s internal control over financial reporting is a process designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the 

reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally 

accepted accounting principles. A company’s internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that 

(1) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions 

of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and that receipts and expenditures of the 

company are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors of the company; and (3) provide 

reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use, or disposition of the company’s 

assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements.

Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Also, 

projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate 

because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.

In our opinion, management’s assessment that the Company maintained effective internal control over financial reporting as of 

December 31, 2004, is fairly stated, in all material respects, based on the COSO criteria. Also, in our opinion, the Company maintained, 

in all material respects, effective internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2004, based on the COSO criteria.

We also have audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States), 

the consolidated balance sheets of the Company as of December 31, 2004 and 2003, and the related consolidated statements of 

income, shareholders’ equity, and cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2004 and our report 

dated March 10, 2005 expressed an unqualified opinion thereon.

Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 

March 10, 2005

14

 
 
FIRST COMMONWEALTH FINANCIAL CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

The Board of Directors and Shareholders of First Commonwealth Financial Corporation

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

and subsidiaries (the “Company”) as of December 31, 2004 and 2003, and the related consolidated statements 

of income, shareholders’ equity, and cash flows for the years 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 audits. The financial statements of the company for the year ended December 31, 

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

those statements.

We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board 

(United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about 

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

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

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

financial statement presentation. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.

In our opinion, based on our audits and, for 2002, the report of other auditors, the financial statements referred to 

above present fairly, in all material respects, the consolidated financial position of the Company at December 31,  

2004 and 2003, and the consolidated results of their operations and their cash flows for the years then ended in 

conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles.

We also have audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board 

(United States), the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 

2004, based on criteria established in Internal Control-Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of 

Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission and our report dated March 10, 2005 expressed an 

unqualified opinion thereon.

Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

March 10, 2005 

15

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

ASSETS  

Cash and due from banks 
Interest-bearing bank deposits 
Securities available for sale, at market 
Securities held to maturity, at amortized cost, (Market value  

$81,886 in 2004 and $109,609 in 2003) 

Loans 
  Unearned income 
  Allowance for credit losses 

  Net loans 

Premises and equipment 
Other real estate owned 
Goodwill 
Amortizing intangibles, net 
Other assets   

  Total assets 

LIABILITIES 

Deposits (all domestic): 
  Noninterest-bearing 
Interest-bearing 
  Total deposits 

Short-term borrowings 
Other liabilities 

Subordinated debentures 
Other long-term debt 

  Total long-term debt 
  Total liabilities 

SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY 

December 31,

2004 

2003

$ 

79,591 
2,403 
2,162,313 

$ 

82,510
5,362
  1,969,176

78,164 

104,254

$ 

$ 

3,515,085 
(252) 
(41,063) 
3,473,770 

56,965 
1,814 
123,607 
17,513 
202,338 
6,198,478 

480,843 
3,363,632 
3,844,475 

946,474 
35,977 

108,250 
731,324 

839,574 
5,666,500 

  2,825,337
(455)
(37,385)
  2,787,497

46,538
1,866
29,854
3,256
158,882
$  5,189,195

$ 
408,647
  2,879,628
  3,288,275

634,127
41,875

75,304
718,668

793,972
  4,758,249

Preferred stock, $1 par value per share, 3,000,000 shares authorized, none issued 
Common stock $1 par value per share, 100,000,000 shares authorized;  

71,978,568 shares issued and 69,868,908 shares outstanding in 2004;  
63,704,445 shares issued and 60,712,020 shares outstanding in 2003 

Additional paid-in capital 
Retained earnings 
Accumulated other comprehensive income 
Treasury stock (2,109,660 and 2,992,425 shares at December 31, 2004  

and 2003, respectively at cost) 

Unearned ESOP shares 
  Total shareholders’ equity 

  Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity 

-0- 

-0-

71,978 
175,453 
307,363 
10,002 

(26,643) 
(6,175) 
531,978 
6,198,478 

$ 

63,704
79,581
312,261
15,173

(37,779)
(1,994)
430,946
$  5,189,195

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

16

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Interest Income 

Interest and fees on loans 
Interest and dividends on investments: 
  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 

Interest on subordinated debentures 
Interest on other long-term debt 
  Total interest on long-term debt 

  Total interest expense 

Net interest income 

Provision for credit losses 

Net interest income after provision for credit losses 

Other Income 

Net securities gains 
Trust income  
Service charges on deposits 
Gain on sale of branches 
Insurance commissions 
Income from bank owned life insurance 
Merchant discount income 
Card related interchange 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 
Restructuring charges 
Merger and integration charges 
Debt prepayment fees 
Other operating expenses 
  Total other expenses 

Income before income taxes 

Applicable income taxes 

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

2004 

Years Ended December 31,
2003 

2002

$ 

189,629 

$ 

164,441 

$ 

179,901

75,309 
11,447 
1,600 
6 
34 
278,025 

58,890 
11,989 

-0- 
6,778 
33,033 
39,811 
110,690 

167,335 
8,070 

159,265 

4,077 
5,254 
14,975 
-0- 
3,387 
5,157 
3,638 
3,579 
7,582 
47,649 

68,916 
9,656 
11,688 
3,808 
4,532 
1,443 
-0- 
-0- 
2,125 
29,495 
32,892 
164,555 

42,359 
3,707 

66,716 
10,561 
2,038 
4 
13 
243,773 

60,100 
6,755 

-0- 
3,560 
29,826 
33,386 
100,241 

143,532 
12,770 

130,762 

5,851 
5,142 
13,013 
3,041 
3,305 
4,342 
3,557 
2,537 
7,656 
48,444 

61,144 
7,456 
10,096 
2,520 
4,301 
43 
(610) 
-0- 
-0- 
-0- 
27,705 
112,655 

66,551 
13,251 

84,137
9,520
1,973
6
31
275,568

78,572
6,029

3,325
-0-
34,747
38,072
122,673

152,895
12,223

140,672

642
5,008
11,538
-0-
3,631
4,711
3,573
2,199
6,793
38,095

58,149
6,750
9,970
2,124
3,937
203
8,000
6,140
-0-
-0-
31,057
126,330

52,437
8,911

Net Income  

$ 

38,652 

$ 

53,300 

$ 

43,526

Average Shares Outstanding 
Average Shares Outstanding Assuming Dilution 

65,887,611 
66,487,516 

59,002,277 
59,387,055 

  58,409,614
  58,742,018

Per Share Data: 

Basic Earnings Per Share 
Diluted Earnings Per Share 

$ 
$ 

0.59 
0.58 

$ 
$ 

0.90 
0.90 

$ 
$ 

0.75
0.74

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

17

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
   
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

$  62,525 

$  66,176 

$  288,219 

$ 

8,703 

$ 

(51,431) 

$ 

(4,126) 

$  370,066

Balance at December 31, 2001 
Comprehensive income
  Net income 
  Other comprehensive income, net of tax:

  Unrealized holding gains on  

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 
Decrease in unearned ESOP shares 
Discount on dividend reinvestment  

plan purchases 
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 losses on  

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 

Total other comprehensive income (loss) 
  Total comprehensive income 

Cash dividends declared 
Decrease in unearned ESOP shares 
Discount on dividend reinvestment  

plan purchases 
Treasury stock reissued 
Tax benefit of stock options 
Stock issued for acquisition 
Balance at December 31, 2003 

Comprehensive income
  Net income 
  Other comprehensive income, net of tax:

  Unrealized holding losses on  

securities arising during the period 

  Less: reclassification adjustment  

for gains on securities included  
in net income 

  Unrealized holding losses on  

  derivatives used in cash flow hedging  
relationship arising during the period 
Total other comprehensive income (loss) 
  Total comprehensive income 

Cash dividends declared 
Net increase in unearned ESOP shares 
Discount on dividend reinvestment  

plan purchases 
Treasury stock acquired 
Treasury stock reissued 
Tax benefit of stock options 
Stock issued for acquisition 
Balance at December 31, 2004 

-0- 

-0- 

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

-0- 

-0- 

-0- 

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

-0- 

-0- 

-0- 

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

-0- 

43,526 

-0- 

-0- 

17,542 

-0- 

-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 

-0- 

53,300 

-0- 

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

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

-0- 
-0- 
-0- 
-0- 
  312,261 

-0- 

38,652 

-0- 

-0- 

-0- 

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

-0- 

-0- 

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

-0- 

-0- 

-0- 
-0- 
-0- 
-0- 
262 

-0- 

-0- 

-0- 
-0- 
38,652 
(43,550) 
-0- 

-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- 

-0- 

-0- 

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

-0- 
(514) 
11,650 
-0- 
-0- 
(26,643) 

$ 

$ 

-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- 

-0- 

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

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

(6,951)

(3,734)

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

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

-0- 

38,652

-0- 

-0- 

-0- 
-0- 
-0- 
-0- 
(4,181) 

-0- 
-0- 
-0- 
-0- 
-0- 
(6,175) 

(2,420)

(2,633)

(118)
(5,171)
33,481
(43,550)
(3,919)

(816)
(514)
9,882
1,238
105,230
$  531,978

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

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

(6,951) 

(3,734) 

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

-0- 
-0- 
-0- 
-0- 
15,173 

(2,420) 

(2,633) 

(118) 
(5,171) 
(5,171) 
-0- 
-0- 

-0- 
-0- 
-0- 
-0- 
-0- 
10,002 

-0- 
-0- 
-0- 
-0- 
8,274 
$  71,978 

(816) 
-0- 
(1,768) 
1,238 
96,956 
$  175,453 

-0- 
-0- 
-0- 
-0- 
-0- 
$  307,363 

$ 

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

18

 
  
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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 
Changes net of acquisition:
  Decrease in interest receivable 
  Decrease in interest payable 
  Decrease in income taxes payable 
  Net decrease (increase) in loans held for sale 
  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 other assets 
  Acquisition of affiliate, net of cash received 
Investment in bank owned life insurance 
  Net decrease in interest-bearing bank deposits 
  Net (increase) decrease in loans 
  Purchases of premises and equipment 

  Net cash (used) provided by investing activities 

Financing Activities

Changes net of acquisition:
  Proceeds from issuance of other long-term debt 
  Repayments of other long-term debt 
  Proceeds from issuance of subordinated debentures 
  Repayments 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 (decrease) increase in cash and cash equivalents 

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

2004 

2003 

2002

Years Ended December 31, 

$ 

38,652 

$ 

53,300 

$ 

43,526

8,070 
9,488 
(4,197) 
-0- 

(5,157) 
1,239 

1,212 
(39) 
(1,976) 
644 
(1,858) 
(6,855) 
39,223 

-0- 
31,649 
(5,542) 

115,726 
730,494 
(755,364) 
11,703 
(70,872) 
-0- 
4,874 
(179,939) 
(12,041) 
(129,312) 

283,486 
(482,150) 
41,238 
(8,292) 
(816) 
(41,736) 
21,650 
237,102 
-0- 
9,679 
27,009 
87,170 
(2,919) 

12,770 
7,498 
(6,483) 
(3,034) 

(4,342) 
535 

3,754 
(1,120) 
(843) 
2,484 
(2,235) 
(2,525) 
59,759 

-0- 
93,700 
-0- 

62,941 
954,406 
(1,414,519) 
11,876 
7,859 
-0- 
4,135 
2,775 
(5,227) 
(282,054) 

10,000 
(12,500) 
30,929 
-0- 
(706) 
(36,630) 
(37,500) 
202,562 
(21,288) 
5,923 
82,901 
223,691 
1,396 

12,223
7,360
(498)
-0-

(4,711)
224

2,860
(2,280)
(2,754)
(5,439)
(594)
2,408
52,325

-0-
110,769
(15,266)

15,328
545,791
(547,799)
11,207
-0-
(5,000)
2,278
(58,157)
(6,382)
52,769

18,200
(101,425)
-0-
-0-
(637)
(35,208)
(56,650)
97,980
-0-
4,656
(49,026)
(122,110)
(17,016)

  Cash and cash equivalents at January 1 
  Cash and cash equivalents at December 31 

82,510 
79,591 

$ 

81,114 
82,510 

$ 

98,130
81,114

$ 

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

19

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
FIRST COMMONWEALTH FINANCIAL CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Years Ended December 31, 2004, 2003 and 2002

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.

The Corporation determines whether it should consolidate 
other entities or account for them on the equity method 
of accounting depending on whether it has a controlling 
financial interest in an entity of less than 100% of the voting 
interest of that entity by considering the provisions of 
Accounting Research Bulletin 51 (“ARB 51”), “Consolidated 
Financial Statements”, or a controlling financial interest in a 
variable interest entity (“VIE”) by considering the provisions 
of the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) 
Interpretation No. 46 (“FIN 46”), “Consolidation of Variable 
Interest Entities,” issued in January 2003, and FIN 46 
(Revised 2003) (“FIN 46R”) issued in December 2003. 
Under FIN 46R, an entity that holds a variable interest in a 
VIE is required to consolidate the VIE if the entity is subject 
to a majority of the risk of loss from the VIE’s activities, is 
entitled to receive a majority of the entity’s residual returns 
or both. Refer to the Recent Accounting Pronouncements 

20

section of this Note for additional information related to  
FIN 46 and FIN 46R.

The investment in non-consolidated VIE’s and investment in 
corporations with voting interest of 20 to 50% 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 
2004. 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 
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 that are 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. 

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

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 
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 that is 
due in accordance with 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). Generally, the Corporation sells mortgages with servicing 
released. 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 
an assessment of individual problem loans, delinquency and 
loss experience trends, and other relevant factors, all of which 
may be susceptible to significant changes. While allocations are 
made to specific loans and pools of loans, the total allowance is 
available for all loan losses. 

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 

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)

Allowance for Credit Losses (continued)

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 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, 2004. The 
Corporation consistently applies the following comprehensive 
methodology and procedure for determining the allowance at 
the subsidiary bank level.

Classified loans on the primary watch list are analyzed to 
determine the level of potential loss in the credits under 
current circumstances. The potential loss that is established 
for these classified loans is based on careful analysis of the 
loan’s performance, the related collateral value, cash flow 
considerations and the financial capability of any guarantor. 
Primary watch list loans are managed and monitored 
by assigned account officers within the Corporation in 
conjunction with senior management.

A specific reserve is established for impaired loans that is 
equal to the total amount of potential unconfirmed losses for 
the impaired loans that are reviewed. All impaired credits 
in excess of $100 are individually reviewed. Based on this 
reserve as a percentage of reviewed loan balances, a reserve is 
also established for the non-reviewed impaired loan balances. 

A reserve is established for primary watch list loans that are 
classified as substandard (and still accruing interest) and OAEM 
(Other Assets Especially Mentioned). The reserve on these 
substandard and OAEM loans is calculated as the historical 
average amount of potential unconfirmed losses for the loans 
similar to those that are reviewed. The historical percentage is 
based on an eight quarter weighted average calculation.

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. The historical 
loss percentages are adjusted for loss emergence periods 
based on the type of loan. Adjusted 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 adjusted historical loss experience percentages, 

22

loan balances are reduced by the portion of the loan balances 
which are subject to guarantee by a government agency.  

Each loan category’s most recent four-quarter average 
delinquency percentage is compared to its twenty-quarter 
average. A special allocation is made if the four-quarter 
delinquency percentage is higher than its twenty-quarter average. 

An additional allowance for special circumstances may be 
made where a specific reserve is warranted. The additional 
allowance 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 or considered in the methodology 
that was defined above. These factors include, but are not 
limited to potential judgment or data errors or factors not yet 
considered in the Corporation’s methodology. 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.

Bank Owned Life Insurance

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 $124,932 and 
$103,625 at December 31, 2004 and 2003, respectively. The 
increase in cash surrender value of bank owned life insurance 
during 2004 includes $16,657 acquired as a result of a 
business combination completed during 2004. For additional 
information on the business combination, refer to NOTE 6 
(Business Combinations).

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, 

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

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 (“SOP 98-1”), “Accounting for the Costs of 
Computer Software Developed or Obtained for Internal Use.” 
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 that 
are incurred during the preliminary project stage and capitalizes 
certain costs that are 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 enhancements 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 FASB Statement No. 141 (“FAS No. 141”), 
“Business Combinations,” 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 that are 
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

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 (“FAS No. 
142”), “Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets,” 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. 

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”), “Accounting for Income Taxes,” 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), beginning with the 2003 period included 
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 included only one component, which 
was the change in unrealized holding gains and losses on 
available for sale securities net of related tax effects.

Cash and Cash Equivalents

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 23 (Unearned 
ESOP Shares) 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 that are committed to be released. 
Additional paid-in capital is charged or credited for the 

23

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 Ownership Plan (continued)

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

Prior accounting guidelines permit two alternate methods of 
accounting for stock-based compensation, the intrinsic value 
method of APB Opinion No. 25 (“APB 25”), “Accounting 
for Stock Issued to Employees,” and the fair value method of 
FASB Statement No. 123 (“FAS No. 123”), “Accounting for 
Stock-Based Compensation.” In December 2002, the FASB 
issued Statement No. 148 (“FAS No. 148”), “Accounting for 
Stock-Based Compensation-Transition and Disclosure.” 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 25. As permitted under FAS No. 123, the Corporation 
had 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.

In December 2004, the FASB issued FASB Statement No.123 
(Revised) (“FAS No. 123(R)”), “Share-Based Payment.” FAS 
No. 123(R) replaces FAS No. 123 and supersedes APB 25. FAS 
No. 123(R) will require companies to measure compensation 
costs for all share-based payments including employee stock 
options using the fair value method. FAS No. 123(R) applies 
to new awards and to awards modified, repurchased or 
cancelled after the required effective date. Public companies 
that used the fair value based method for either recognition 
or disclosure under FAS No. 123, will apply FAS No. 123(R) 
using a modified prospective application. Under the modified 
prospective application, compensation cost is recognized 

24

on or after the required effective date for the portion of the 
outstanding awards for which the requisite service has not 
yet been rendered, based on the grant-date fair value of those 
awards calculated under FAS No. 123 for either recognition or 
pro forma disclosures. For periods before the required effective 
date, those entities may elect to apply a modified retrospective 
application. Under the modified retrospective application 
method, financial statements for prior periods are adjusted on 
a basis consistent with the pro forma disclosures required for 
those periods by FAS No. 123. According to FAS No. 123(R), 
the grant-date fair value of stock options will be recognized 
as compensation expense in the company’s income statement 
over the requisite service period or the vesting period. FAS No. 
123(R) will become effective as of the beginning of the first 
interim period that begins after June 15, 2005. The adoption of 
FAS No. 123(R) is not expected to have a material impact on 
the Corporation’s financial condition or results of operations. 

See NOTE 24 (Stock Option Plan) for additional information 
on the Employee Stock Option Plan.

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:

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 
Pro forma net income 

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

2004 

December 31,
2003 

2002

$  38,652 

$ 

53,300 

$ 

43,526

(38) 
$  38,614 

$ 
$ 
$ 
$ 

0.59 
0.59 
0.58 
0.58 

$ 

$ 
$ 
$ 
$ 

(1,352) 
51,948 

0.90 
0.88 
0.90 
0.87 

(2,278)
41,248

0.75
0.71
0.74
0.70

$ 

$ 
$ 
$ 
$ 

Average shares outstanding 
Average shares outstanding  
  assuming dilution 

65,887,611 

59,002,277 

58,409,614

66,487,516 

59,387,055 

58,742,018

Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities

The Corporation accounts for derivative instruments and hedging 
activities utilizing guidelines established in FASB Statement  
No. 133 (“FASB No. 133”), “Accounting for Derivative 
Instruments and Hedging Activities,” 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. 

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

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 its first of three interest rate swaps, which 
are described in NOTE 8 (Derivative Instruments) to the 
Consolidated Financial Statements.

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 
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.

Recent Accounting Pronouncements

In January 2003, the FASB issued FIN 46 and in  
December 2003, issued FIN 46R. FIN 46R clarified some of 
the provisions of FIN 46 and exempted certain entities from 
the original requirements of FIN 46. 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. Under FIN 46R, 
an entity that holds a variable interest in a VIE is required to 
consolidate the VIE if the entity is subject to a majority of the 
risk of loss from the VIE’s activities, is entitled to receive a 
majority of the entity’s residual returns or both. FIN 46R was 
implemented for the quarter ended March 31, 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 at December 31, 2003, 
also reflects an increase in “Other Assets” in the same 
amount, which represents the Corporation’s investment in 
the Trust. Although net income did not change as a result 
of the deconsolidation of the Trust, “Other Revenue” was 
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 for 
the year ended December 31, 2003, also reflected an increase 
in “Interest Expense on Long-term Debt” of approximately 
$103 as a result of the 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 and rehabilitation tax credits 
for these limited partnership investments. The Corporation’s 
maximum potential exposure to these partnerships is $4,792, 
consisting of the limited partnership investments as of 
December 31, 2004. The Corporation has determined that 
these investments will not be consolidated but continue to 
be accounted for under the equity method of accounting 
whereby the Corporation’s portion of partnership losses are 
recognized as incurred. The adoption of FIN 46 or FIN 46R 
has not had a material impact on the Corporation’s financial 
condition or results of operation.

In December 2003, the FASB issued Statement No. 132(R) 
(“FAS No. 132(R)”), “Employers’ Disclosures about Pensions 
and Other Postretirement Benefits.” The FASB’s revision 
of Statement No. 132 retained 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 was effective for financial statements with 
fiscal years ending after December 15, 2003. Disclosure 

25

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)

Recent Accounting Pronouncements (continued)

requirements for future benefit payments are effective for 
fiscal years ending after June 15, 2004.

In March 2004, the Securities and Exchange Commission 
(“SEC”) issued Staff Accounting Bulletin No. 105 (“SAB 
105”), “Application of Accounting Principles to Loan 
Commitments.” SAB 105 was issued to inform the SEC’s 
registrants of the SEC staff’s view that the fair value of 
the recorded loan commitments that are required to follow 
derivative accounting under FASB Statement No. 133 (“FAS 
No. 133”), “Accounting for Derivative Instruments and 
Hedging Activities,” should not consider the expected future 
cash flows related to the associated servicing of the future 
loan. The SEC staff believes that incorporating expected 
future cash flows related to the associated servicing of the loan 
essentially results in the immediate recognition of a servicing 
asset, which is only appropriate once the servicing asset has 
been contractually separated from the underlying loan by sale 
or by securitization of the loan with servicing retained. The 
provisions of SAB 105 were to be applied to loan commitments 
accounted for as derivatives that were entered into after March 31,  
2004; and therefore, was implemented during the second 
quarter of 2004. The adoption of SAB 105 has not and is 
not expected to have a material impact on the Corporation’s 
financial condition or results of operations.

In May 2004, the FASB issued FASB Staff Position No. 
FAS 106-2 (“FSP FAS 106-2”), “Accounting and Disclosure 
Requirements Related to the Medicare Prescription Drug, 
Improvement and Modernization Act of 2003.” FSP FAS 106-
2 supersedes the FASB Staff Position No. FAS 106-1,  
which has the same title as FSP FAS 106-2. FSP FAS 106-2 
provides guidance on the accounting for the effects of the 
Medicare Prescription Drug, Improvement and Modernization 
Act of 2003 (“the Act”) for employers that sponsor 
postretirement health care plans that provide prescription drug 
benefits. FSP FAS 106-2 also requires employers to provide 
certain disclosures regarding the effect of the federal subsidy 
provided by the Act. This FSP is effective for the first interim 
or annual period beginning after June 15, 2004. For additional 
information, refer to NOTE 22 (Retirement Plans).

In March 2004, the Emerging Issues Task Force (“EITF”) 
reached a consensus on the remaining issues related to 
Emerging Issues Task Force Issue 03-1 (“EITF 03-1”), 
“The Meaning of Other-Than-Temporary Impairment and 
Its Application to Certain Investments.” This guidance is 
applicable to debt and equity securities that are within the 
scope of FASB Statement No. 115 (“FAS No. 115”) and 
certain other investments. EITF 03-1 provides clarification 
guidance to determine when an investment is considered 
impaired, whether the impairment is other-than-temporary, 
and the measurement of an impairment loss. The guidance 

26

also includes accounting considerations subsequent to the 
recognition of an other-than-temporary impairment and 
requires certain disclosures about unrealized losses that have 
not been recognized as other-than-temporary impairments.

The Corporation conducts a comprehensive review of the 
investment portfolio quarterly to determine whether an 
other-than-temporary impairment has occurred. Securities 
whose market values have fallen below their book values 
are initially selected for more in depth analysis based on 
the percentage decline in value and duration of the decline. 
Further analysis could include a review of research reports, 
analysts’ recommendations, credit rating changes, news 
stories, annual reports, impact of interest rate changes and 
any other relevant information pertaining to the affected 
security. Based on this review, a determination is made on a 
case by case basis as to a potential impairment.

In September 2004, the FASB issued FASB Staff Position 
No. EITF Issue 03-1-1 (“FSP EITF 03-1-1”), “Effective Date 
of Paragraphs 10-20 of EITF Issue No. 03-1, “The Meaning 
of Other-Than-Temporary Impairment and Its Application to 
Certain Investments”.” FSP EITF 03-1-1 delays the effective 
date for the measurement and recognition guidance contained in 
paragraphs 10-20 of EITF 03-1 from reporting periods beginning 
after June 15, 2004, until implementation guidance is issued. 
This delay does not suspend the requirement to recognize other-
than-temporary impairments as required by existing authoritative 
literature. Once additional guidance has been released, the 
Corporation will evaluate the impact of implementation on the 
Corporation’s financial condition and results of operations.

In December 2003, the American Institute of Certified Public 
Accountants issued Statement of Position 03-3 (“SOP 03-3”), 
“Accounting for Certain Loans or Debt Securities Acquired in 
a Transfer.” SOP 03-3 requires acquired loans, including debt 
securities, to be recorded at the amount of the purchaser’s 
initial investment and prohibits carrying over valuation 
allowances from the seller for those individually-evaluated 
loans that have evidence of deterioration in credit quality 
since origination, where it is probable that all contractual 
cash flows on the loan will be unable to be collected. SOP 
03-3 also requires the excess of all undiscounted cash flows 
expected to be collected at acquisition over the purchaser’s 
initial investment to be recognized as interest income on 
a level-yield basis over the life of the loan. Subsequent 
increases in cash flows expected to be collected are 
recognized prospectively through an adjustment of the loan’s 
yield over its remaining life, while subsequent decreases 
are recognized as impairment. Loans carried at fair value, 
mortgage loans held for sale, and loans to borrowers in good 
standing under revolving credit agreements are excluded 
from the scope of SOP 03-3. This guidance is effective for 
loans acquired in fiscal years beginning after December 15, 
2004 and is not expected to have a material impact on the 
Corporation’s financial condition or results of operations.

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

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, 2004  

 December 31, 2003  

Pretax  
Amount 

Tax 
(Expense) 
 Benefit  Amount 

Net of 
Tax 

Pretax 
Amount 

Tax 
(Expense) 

Net of 
Tax 

Benefit  Amount 

 December 31, 2002
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  

$  (3,723) 

$  1,303 

$  (2,420) 

$ (10,693)  $  3,742  $  (6,951) 

$ 26,987 

$ (9,445)  $ 17,542

for gains realized in net income 

(4,051) 

  1,418 

(2,633) 

(5,745) 

2,011 

(3,734) 

(606) 

212 

(394)

Unrealized gains (losses) on derivatives  

used in cash flow hedging relationships:

  Unrealized holding gains (losses)  
arising during the period 
  Net unrealized gains (losses) 
Other comprehensive income (loss) 

(182) 
(7,956) 
$  (7,956) 

64 
  2,785 
$  2,785 

(118) 
(5,171) 
$  (5,171) 

7 
11 
  (16,427) 
  (10,678) 
$ (16,427)  $  5,749  $ (10,678) 

(4) 
5,749 

-0- 
  26,381 
$ 26,381 

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

NOTE 3—Supplemental Cash Flow Disclosures

2004 

2003 

2002

Cash paid during the year for:

Interest 
Income taxes 

$  110,729 
6,302 
$ 

$  101,361 
16,080 
$ 

$  124,953
12,010
$ 

Noncash investing and financing activities:   
1,332 
5,513 

ESOP loan reductions 
ESOP borrowings 

$ 
$ 

$ 
$ 

1,061 
-0- 

$ 
$ 

1,071
-0-

(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 $472, $2,823 and $1,263 during 
2004, 2003 and 2002, respectively, leaving a remaining 
unpaid liability for severance costs of $94 at December 31, 
2004. No additional severance accruals or adjustments were 
recorded during 2004 related to the 2002 restructuring.

$ 

4,613 

$ 

4,270 

$ 

5,029

NOTE 5—Merger and Integration Charges

Loans transferred to other  
real estate owned and  
repossessed assets 

Gross increase (decrease) in  
  market value adjustment to  

securities available for sale  $ 

(7,774)  $ 

(16,438) 

$ 

26,381

Gross increase in market  
value adjustment of  
derivative instruments 

Treasury stock reissued for  
business combination 

$ 

(182)  $ 

11 

$ 

-0-

$ 

203 

$ 

203 

$ 

830

NOTE 4—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 

During 2004, the Corporation recorded merger and 
integration charges totaling $2,125 ($1,381, net of taxes). 
The merger and integration charges related to the acquisition 
of Pittsburgh Financial Corp. (“PFC”). The charges included 
$485 related to the write-off of the unamortized capitalized 
costs for the subordinated debentures that were previously 
issued by PFC and were called and paid off in January of 
2004. Also included in the merger and integration charges 
were $1,640 in salary and benefit severance expenses that 
were accrued during the first nine months of 2004. The 
severance costs were for 23 employees whose positions were 
eliminated as part of the acquisition.

NOTE 6—Business Combinations

Effective May 24, 2004, the Corporation acquired 100% of the 
outstanding shares of GA Financial, Inc. (“GAF”), a savings and 
loan holding company, which was headquartered in Whitehall, 
Pennsylvania. GAF was the parent company of Great American 
Federal. As a result of the acquisition, GAF merged into First 
Commonwealth Financial Corporation and Great American 
Federal merged into First Commonwealth Bank.

Shareholders of GAF elected to receive $35.00 in cash or 
an equivalent of First Commonwealth common stock for 
each GAF share owned. The aggregate purchase price of the 
transaction was $176,669, which included cash in the amount 

27

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

NOTE 6—Business Combinations (continued)

of $71,427 and common stock valued at $105,242. The 
value of the 8,274,123 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.

The customer deposit base of $15,700 was the only 
amortizing intangible that was recorded with the transaction. 
As of December 31, 2004, the accumulated amortization 
related to the GAF customer deposit base intangible was 
$1,149. The estimated amortization expense that should 
be recorded in each of the next five years is $1,969. The 
weighted-average useful life of the customer deposit base 
intangible is 8 years. The goodwill that was recorded with the 
transaction is not deductible for tax purposes.

Effective December 5, 2003, the Corporation acquired 100% 
of the outstanding shares of Pittsburgh Financial Corp., 
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.

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.  

The customer deposit base of $3,270 was the only amortizing 
intangible that was recorded with the transaction. As of 
December 31, 2004, the accumulated amortization related 
to the PFC customer deposit base intangible was $314. The 
estimated amortization expense that should be recorded in 
each of the next five years is $290. 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.

The acquisitions of GAF and PFC were significant steps for 
the Corporation to implement its strategy for expansion into 
the Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania market. The acquisitions add 
an additional customer base, which presents the opportunity 
for First Commonwealth Bank to offer insurance, trust and 
financial planning services to a larger base of customers.

The GAF and PFC mergers were accounted for as purchase 
accounting transactions whereby the identifiable tangible 
and intangible assets and liabilities of GAF and PFC were 
recorded at their fair values as of the acquisition date. 

28

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 Sheets for December 31,  
2004 and 2003. As of December 31, 2004, preliminary 
goodwill in the amount of $93,921 was recorded as a result of 
the GAF transaction and goodwill in the amount of $21,555 
was recorded as a result of the PFC transaction. As prescribed 
under the purchase method of accounting, the results of GAF 
and PFC’s operations have been included in the Consolidated 
Financial Statements since the acquisition date.

Effective March 1, 2002, the Corporation acquired all of 
the outstanding shares of Strategic Capital Concepts, Inc. 
(“SCC”) and Strategic Financial Advisors, Inc. (“SFA”), 
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 7—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 $612 during 2004 and $844 during 2003.

NOTE 8—Derivative Instruments

The Corporation entered into an interest rate swap transaction 
during the third quarter of 2003 and two additional interest 

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

rate swap transactions during the second quarter of 2004. Each 
of the swaps had a notional amount of $25,000, for a total of 
$75,000, and were initiated to hedge exposure to the variability 
in the future cash flows derived from adjustable rate loans. Each 
of the interest rate swaps 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 swaps are traditional 
pay-floating and receive-fixed interest rate swaps with original 
maturities ranging from 2.5 to 3 years. The transactions are 

classified as cash flow hedges whereby the fair value of each 
swap is recorded as “Other Assets” or “Other Liabilities” and 
changes in the fair value are recorded as “Other Comprehensive 
Income,” a component of shareholders’ equity. During 2004, 
the hedge transactions had no ineffectiveness.

NOTE 9—Securities Available For Sale

Below is an analysis of the amortized cost and approximate fair values 
of securities available for sale at December 31, 2004 and 2003:

2004 

2003

Gross 
Amortized  Unrealized  Unrealized 
Gains 
4 

Cost 
23,470  $ 

Losses 
-0- 

$ 

$ 

$ 

Fair 
Value 
23,474 

$ 

Gross 
Amortized  Unrealized  Unrealized 
Gains 
18 

Cost 
24,301 

Losses 

Gross 

$ 

$ 

Approximate 
Fair 
Value

-0-  $ 

24,319

Gross  Approximate 

U.S. Treasury Securities 

Obligations of U.S. Government  
  Corporation and Agencies:

  Mortgage Backed Securities 

  1,362,705 

  11,219 

  (10,874) 

  1,363,050 

1,210,347 

  12,702 

(8,298) 

  1,214,751

  Other 

277,085 

211 

(3,227) 

274,069 

252,243 

803 

(1,008) 

252,038

Obligations of States and  
Political Subdivisions 

Debt Securities Issued by  
Foreign Governments 

190,895 

6,810 

(75) 

197,630 

156,790 

4,650 

(99) 

161,341

-0-   

-0- 

-0- 

-0- 

50 

-0- 

-0- 

50

Corporate Securities 

206,719 

8,403 

(458) 

214,664 

204,843 

8,607 

(216) 

213,234

Other Mortgage Backed Securities 

Total Debt Securities 

2,217 
  2,063,091 

76 
  26,723 

-0- 
  (14,634) 

2,293 
  2,075,180 

4,178 
1,852,752 

36 
  26,816 

-0- 
(9,621) 

4,214
  1,869,947

Equities 

Total Securities Available for Sale 

83,665 
 $2,146,756 

3,468 
  $30,191 

-0- 
 $ (14,634) 

87,133 
 $ 2,162,313 

93,103 
$  1,945,855 

6,126 
$  32,942 

-0- 

99,229
$  (9,621)  $  1,969,176

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 approximately 
29 years and have an anticipated average life to maturity 
ranging from less than one year to approximately 18 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, 2004 and 2003, 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, 2004, 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.

Due within 1 year 
Due after 1 but within 5 years 
Due after 5 but within 10 years 
Due after 10 years 

Mortgage Backed Securities 
Total Debt Securities 

Amortized   Approximate  

$ 

Cost 
34,974 
312,568 
31,725 
318,902 
698,169 
  1,364,922 
$ 2,063,091 

Fair Value
34,985
$ 
309,288
33,185
332,379
709,837
  1,365,343
$  2,075,180

Proceeds from the sales of securities available for sale were 
$115,726, $62,941 and $15,328 during 2004, 2003 and 2002, 
respectively. Gross gains of $4,214, $5,709 and $609 and 
gross losses of $302, $-0- and $-0- were realized on those 
sales during 2004, 2003 and 2002, respectively.

Securities available for sale with an approximate fair value 
of $1,090,019 and $949,602 were pledged at December 31, 
2004 and 2003, respectively, to secure public deposits and for 
other purposes required or permitted by law.

29

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

NOTE 9—Securities Available For Sale (continued)

The following table shows the book value or fair market 
value of securities available for sale as of December 31, 2002:

U.S. Treasury Securities 
Obligations of U.S. Government  
  Corporation and Agencies:
  Mortgage Backed Securities 
  Other   
Obligations of States and  
Political Subdivisions 
Debt Securities Issued by  
Foreign Governments 

Corporate Securities 
Other Mortgage Backed Securities 

Total Debt Securities 

Equities 

Total Securities Available for Sale 

Approximate Fair Value

$ 

3,596

895,361
102,788

118,629

75
243,988
52,346
1,416,783
65,988
$  1,482,771

NOTE 10—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, 2004 
and 2003:

2004 

2003

Gross 
Amortized  Unrealized  Unrealized 
Gains 

Losses 

Cost 

Fair 
Value 

Gross  Approximate 

Gross 
Amortized  Unrealized  Unrealized 
Gains 

Losses 

Gross 

Cost 

Approximate 
Fair 
Value

Obligations of U.S. Government  
  Corporation and Agencies:

  Mortgage Backed Securities 

$ 

4,389 

$ 

208 

$ 

-0- 

$ 

4,597 

$ 

8,143 

$ 

444 

$ 

-0-  $ 

8,587

  Other 

-0- 

-0- 

-0- 

-0- 

10,000 

366 

-0- 

10,366

Obligations of States and  
Political Subdivisions 

Debt Securities Issued by  
Foreign Governments 

Corporate Securities 

73,370 

3,514 

-0- 

76,884 

76,716 

4,322 

-0- 

81,038

405 

-0- 

-0- 

-0- 

-0- 

-0- 

405 

-0- 

408 

-0- 

8,987 

223 

-0- 

-0- 

408

9,210

Total Securities Held to Maturity 

$  78,164 

$  3,722 

$ 

-0- 

$ 

81,886 

$ 

104,254 

$  5,355 

$ 

-0-  $  109,609

The amortized cost and estimated market value of debt 
securities at December 31, 2004, 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.

Due within 1 year 
Due after 1 but within 5 years 
Due after 5 but within 10 years 
Due after 10 years 

Mortgage Backed Securities 
Total Debt Securities 

Amortized   Approximate  

Cost 

2,477 
15,936 
29,286 
26,076 
73,775 
4,389 
78,164 

$ 

$ 

Fair Value
2,508
$ 
16,516
31,101
27,164
77,289
4,597
81,886

$ 

There were no sales of securities held to maturity in 2004, 
2003 or 2002.

30

Securities held to maturity with an amortized cost of $70,227 
and $98,173 were pledged at December 31, 2004 and 2003, 
respectively, to secure public deposits and for other purposes 
required or permitted by law.

The following table shows the book value or amortized cost 
of securities held to maturity as of December 31, 2002:

Amortized Cost

Obligations of U.S. Government  
  Corporation and Agencies:
  Mortgage Backed Securities 
  Other   
Obligations of States and  
Political Subdivisions 
Debt Securities Issued by  
Foreign Governments 

Corporate Securities 

$ 

Total Securities Held to Maturity 

$ 

63,535
15,000

96,869

408
22,026
197,838

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

NOTE 11—Other-Than-Temporary Impairment of Investments

The following table presents the gross unrealized losses and fair values at December 31, 2004 by investment category and time 
frame for which the loss has been outstanding:

Description of Securities 

Fair Value 

Unrealized 
 Losses 

Fair Value 

Unrealized 
 Losses 

Fair Value 

Unrealized 
Losses

 Less Than 12 Months 

 12 Months or More 

Total

U.S. Treasury Obligations 

$ 

-0- 

$ 

-0- 

$ 

-0- 

$ 

-0- 

$ 

-0- 

$ 

-0-

U.S. Government Agency Obligations 

199,421 

(2,766) 

24,513 

(461) 

223,934 

(3,227)

U.S. Government Agency CMO  

and MBS 

Corporate Securities 

Municipal Securities 

Total Securities 

533,729 

29,860 

577 

(3,835) 

(178) 

-0- 

304,180 

18,290 

3,522 

(7,039) 

837,909 

  (10,874)

(280) 

(75) 

48,150 

4,099 

(458)

(75)

$ 

763,587 

$  (6,779) 

$ 

350,505 

$  (7,855) 

$ 1,114,092 

$ (14,634)

At December 31, 2004, 97% of the unrealized losses were 
comprised of securities issued by U.S. Government agencies, 
U.S. Government sponsored agencies and investment grade 
municipalities. Corporate securities, comprising 3% of the 
unrealized losses, consist of 12 issues by companies in the 
financial services industry. Two of the issues are non-rated and 
have unrealized losses of $15, or .1% of the total. A total of 109 
positions are temporarily impaired and none individually has 
an unrealized loss of more than 5% of its respective amortized 
cost basis. Management does not believe any individual loss 
as of December 31, 2004 represents an other-than-temporary 
impairment. The unrealized losses are predominantly 
attributable to changes in interest rates and not from the 
deterioration of the creditworthiness of the issuer. Management 
has both the intent and ability to hold the securities represented 
in the table for a time necessary to recover the amortized cost.

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 
U.S. Treasury Obligations 
U.S. Government Agency Obligations 
U.S. Government Agency CMO and MBS 
Corporate Securities 
Municipal Securities 

$ 

Fair Value 
-0- 
101,423 
687,974 
21,448 
10,286 

Total Securities 

$ 

821,131 

$ 

  Unrealized  
Losses

$ 

NOTE 12—Loans 

Loans at year end were divided among these general categories:

Commercial, financial,  

agricultural and other 

Real estate loans:
  Construction and land development 

1-4 family dwellings 
  Other real estate loans 
Loans to individuals for household,  

family and other personal expenditures 

Leases, net of unearned income 

Subtotal 
Unearned income 

Total loans and leases 

  December 31,

2004 

2003

$ 

715,280 

$ 

655,740

71,351 
  1,164,707 
988,611 

27,063
821,159
771,861

562,321 
12,815 
  3,515,085 
(252) 
$  3,514,833 

521,481
28,033
  2,825,337
(455)
$  2,824,882

Most of the Corporation’s business activity was with 
customers located within Pennsylvania. The portfolio is well 
diversified, and as of December 31, 2004 and 2003, there 
were no significant concentrations of credit.

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

-0-
(1,008)
(8,298)
(216)
(99)

(9,621)

Loans on nonaccrual basis 
Past due loans 
Renegotiated loans 

Total nonperforming loans 

2004 
10,732 
14,671 
183 
25,586 

$ 

$ 

2003

12,459
10,586
195
23,240

$ 

$ 

As of December 31, 2003, there were no unrealized losses 
in the investment portfolio that were outstanding for twelve 
months or more. 

31

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

NOTE 13—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:

2004 
37,385 

2003 
34,496 

$ 

$ 

2002
34,157

$ 

1,237 

1,705 

2,048

8,070 
4,983 

12,770 
3,109 

12,223
-0-

Loans charged off 
Allowance at December 31 

10,612 
41,063 

14,695 
37,385 

$ 

$ 

13,932
34,496

$ 

Relationship to impaired loans:

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 

2004 

2003 

2002

$ 

$ 

$ 

10,915 

$ 

12,654 

$ 

23,657

12,601 

$ 

19,866 

$ 

24,740

2,252 

$ 

2,048 

$ 

5,204

$ 

6,500 

$ 

6,327 

$ 

15,065

$ 

$ 

4,415 

307 

$ 

$ 

6,327 

1,185 

$ 

$ 

8,592

286

NOTE 14—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, 2004 and 2003, 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 8 (Derivative Instruments) 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. 

32

The following table identifies the notional amount of those 
instruments at December 31, 2004 and 2003:

Financial instruments whose contract  
amounts represent credit risk:
  Commitments to extend credit 

Standby letters of credit 
  Commercial letters of credit 

2004 

2003

$  744,942 
23,079 
$ 
215 
$ 

$ 
$ 
$ 

620,403
28,836
328

Commitments to extend credit are agreements to lend to a 
customer as long as there is no violation of any condition 
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 that is 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 
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, 
2004, for financial standby letters of credit and performance 
standby letters of credit include amounts of $8,218 and 
$3,375, respectively, issued during 2004 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 15—Premises and Equipment

Premises and equipment are described as follows:

Land 
Buildings and improvements 
Leasehold improvements 
Furniture and equipment 
Software 

Subtotal 

Estimated  
Useful Life 
Indefinite   
10-50 Years 
5-40 Years  
3-10 Years  
3-7 Years 

Less accumulated depreciation  

and amortization 

  Total premises and equipment  

$ 

2004 
10,257 
61,048 
11,132 
68,819 
18,636 
169,892 

$ 

2003
7,177
47,438
10,043
58,028
16,599
139,285

112,927 
56,965 

$ 

92,747
46,538

$ 

Depreciation and amortization related to premises and equipment 
was $8,017 in 2004, $7,261 in 2003 and $6,840 in 2002.

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

The Corporation leases various premises and assorted 
equipment under noncancellable agreements. Total future 
minimal rental commitments at December 31, 2004, were 
as follows:

NOTE 16—Interest-Bearing Deposits

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

2005 
2006 
2007 
2008 
2009 
Thereafter  
Total 

Premises 
2,239 
2,179 
2,012 
1,717 
1,431 
7,746 
17,324 

$ 

$ 

$ 

Equipment
463
448
114
113
-0-
-0-
$  1,138

Included in the lease commitments above is $827.5 in lease 
payments to be paid under a sale-leaseback arrangement, 
whereby a gain of $297 on the sale of a branch is being 
recognized over the 15 year lease term.

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 $3,180 in 2004, 
$1,939 in 2003 and $1,699 in 2002.

NOTE 17—Short-term Borrowings

Short-term borrowings at December 31 were as follows:

NOW and Super NOW accounts 
Savings and MMDA accounts 
Time deposits 

Total interest-bearing deposits 

$ 

2004 
92,168 
1,703,258 
1,568,206 
$  3,363,632 

2003
$ 
110,618
  1,302,451
  1,466,559
$  2,879,628

Interest-bearing deposits at December 31, 2004 and 2003, 
include allocations from NOW and Super NOW accounts 
of $451,938 and $405,521, 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, 2004 and 2003, 
were certificates of deposit in denominations of $100 or more 
of $417,988 and $398,716, respectively.

Interest expense related to $100 or greater certificates of 
deposit amounted to $15,652 in 2004, $18,227 in 2003 and 
$21,685 in 2002.

Included in time deposits at December 31, 2004, were 
certificates of deposit with the following scheduled maturities:

2005 
2006 
2007 
2008 
2009 and thereafter 

$ 

649,683
374,273
330,536
104,733
108,981
$  1,568,206

Federal funds purchased 
Borrowings from FHLB 
Securities sold under agreements  

to repurchase 

Treasury, tax and loan note option 

Total 

Maximum total at any month-end 

2004 

Ending   Average  Average 
Balance 
Balance 
35,750  $  81,972 
  230,204 
340,000 

Rate 
1.46% 
1.75% 

$ 

Ending 
Balance 

2003 
Average   Average  
Balance 
$  14,100  $  68,455 
  151,860 
  120,000 

Rate 
1.32% 
1.33% 

2002
Ending  Average   Average  
Balance  Balance 
$ 63,169 
$  51,600 
  30,044 
  146,395 

Rate
1.86%
1.76%

477,562 
93,162 

  466,381 
  18,035 
$  946,474  $ 796,592 
$ 1,015,881 

1.38% 
1.65% 
1.51% 

  326,226 
  450,140 
  49,887 
7,592 
$ 634,127  $ 554,133 
$ 699,326 

1.16% 
0.87% 
1.22% 

 225,793 
  222,577 
  48,493 
  20,902 
$ 469,065  $ 339,908 
$ 469,065

1.78%
1.47%
1.77%

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

Federal funds purchased 
Borrowings from FHLB 
Securities sold under  

$ 

2004 

1,199 
4,040 

$ 

  2003 
902 
2,019 

$ 

agreements to repurchase 
Treasury, tax and loan note option 

6,452 
298 

3,768 
66 

Total interest on 

  2002
1,176
530

4,015
308

short-term borrowings 

$ 

11,989 

$ 

6,755 

$ 

6,029

33

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

NOTE 18—Subordinated Debentures

Subordinated Debentures outstanding at December 31 are 
as follows:

2004 

2003

Amount  Rate 

Amount 

Rate

Subordinated Debentures:
  Owed to Pittsburgh  
  Home Capital  

Trust I and due 2028  $ 

-0- 

$  8,292 

8.56%

  Owed to First  

  Commonwealth  
  Capital Trust I  
and due 2029 

  Owed to First  

  Commonwealth  
  Capital Trust II  
and due 2033 

  Owed to First  

  Commonwealth  
  Capital Trust III  
and due 2034 

Total junior subordinated  
debentures owed to  
unconsolidated 
subsidiary trusts 

  36,083  9.50% 

  36,083 

9.50%

  LIBOR + 

        LIBOR+ 

  30,929  2.85% 

  30,929 

2.85%

  41,238  5.888% 

-0- 

$ 108,250 

$  75,304 

The Corporation has established three trusts, First 
Commonwealth Capital Trust I, First Commonwealth Capital 
Trust II and First Commonwealth Capital Trust III, 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 III and First Commonwealth 
Capital Trust II in March 2004 and December 2003, 
respectively, were used to finance the business combination of 
GAF. See NOTE 6 (Business Combinations) for a description 
of the business combination. 

Interest on the debentures issued to First Commonwealth 
Capital Trust III is paid quarterly at a fixed rate of 5.888% for 
each interest payment prior to April 2009 and LIBOR plus 
2.85% for each payment beginning with April 2009 and after. 

LIBOR is reset quarterly. Subject to regulatory approval, the 
Corporation may redeem the debentures, in whole or in part, 
at its option on any interest payment date on or after April 7, 
2009, at a redemption price equal to 100% of the principal 
amount of the debentures. 

Subject to regulatory approval, the Corporation may also 
redeem the debentures prior to April 7, 2009, within 90 days 
following the occurrence of certain tax or bank regulatory 
events at a special redemption price that is greater than 100%. 
Deferred issuance costs of $630 are being amortized on a 
straight-line basis over the term of the securities.

Interest on the debentures issued to First Commonwealth 
Capital Trust II 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. Subject 
to regulatory approval, the Corporation may also redeem 
the debentures prior to January 23, 2009, within 90 days 
following the occurrence of certain tax or bank regulatory 
events at a special redemption price that is greater than 100%. 
Deferred issuance costs of $471 are being amortized on a 
straight-line basis over the term of the securities.

Subordinated debentures outstanding at December 31, 2003, 
included $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 
were called, in accordance with terms of the debentures, 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.

34

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

NOTE 19—Other Long-term Debt

Other long-term debt at December 31 follows:

2004 

2003

ESOP loan due December 2005 
ESOP loan due March 2006 
ESOP loan due December 2012 
Repos due:
2008 

Borrowings from FHLB due:

2004 
2005 
2006 
2007 
2008 
2009 
2010 
2011 
2014 
2016 
2017 
2019 
2020 
2022 

Amount 
$ 

661 
-0- 
5,514 

Weighted Average   Weighted Average 
Contractual Rate  
LIBOR +1% 

 Effective Rate 

LIBOR +1% 

LIBOR +1.25%  LIBOR +1.25%

Amount 
$ 

1,994 
620 

Weighted Average   Weighted Average 
Contractual Rate  

LIBOR +1% 
8.50% 

 Effective Rate
LIBOR +1%
8.50%

21,970 

5.51% 

2.46% 

22,522 

5.51% 

-0- 
8,288 
40,930 
75,855 
106,435 
222,563 
148,822 
59,674 
17,165 
1,646 
5,983 
7,470 
790 
7,558 
$  731,324 

5.44% 
3.50% 
3.86% 
4.97% 
4.25% 
5.14% 
4.96% 
5.40% 
5.65% 
6.17% 
5.72% 
7.37% 
5.90% 

2.05% 
3.02% 
3.49% 
3.30% 
3.66% 
4.01% 
4.01% 
4.61% 
5.65% 
6.17% 
5.72% 
7.37% 
5.90% 

19,271 
8,555 
6,104 
21,319 
438,413 
11,557 
140,025 
5,895 
17,964 
1,748 
6,271 
7,789 
817 
7,804 
718,668 

$ 

5.81% 
5.46% 
6.01% 
5.20% 
5.39% 
6.49% 
5.70% 
5.68% 
5.40% 
5.65% 
6.17% 
5.72% 
7.37% 
5.90% 

2.46%

1.38%
2.05%
2.67%
4.08%
5.26%
3.52%
4.47%
5.68%
4.64%
5.65%
6.17%
5.72%
7.37%
5.90%

The weighted-average contractual rate reflects the rate 
due to creditor. 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 6 
(Business Combinations).

FHLB advances in the amount of $307,575 are convertible  
on a quarterly basis at the FHLB’s option into floating rate debt 
indexed to 3 month LIBOR. Advances in the amount  
of $22,500 become convertible at the FHLB’s option into 
floating rate debt indexed to 3 month LIBOR beginning  
December 19, 2005 through April 24, 2006 and quarterly 
thereafter. Advances in the amount of $160,000 become 
convertible at the FHLB’s option into floating rate debt indexed 
to 3 month LIBOR beginning July 25, 2005 and quarterly 
thereafter but only if 3 month LIBOR is 6% or higher. Should 
the FHLB elect to convert an advance to a floating rate, the 
bank has the right to pay off the advance without penalty.

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 18 (Subordinated Debentures).

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

2005 

2006 

2007 

2008 

2009  Thereafter

$ 25,423  $  58,693  $ 64,813  $ 130,354  $ 201,645  $ 226,459

Long-term debt  
  payments  
Purchase  
  valuation  
  amortization  $  5,493  $  5,365  $  5,190  $  4,056  $  2,397  $  1,436

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 6 
(Business Combinations).

The third quarter of 2004 included a previously announced 
charge of $29,495 ($19,172 after tax) representing a penalty 
for the prepayment of $440,000 in Federal Home Loan Bank, 
or FHLB, long-term borrowings. The prepayment penalty 
is reflected as “Debt Prepayment Fees” in the Consolidated 
Statements of Income. The FHLB borrowings were replaced 
with other borrowings having maturities ranging from overnight 
to 2010. This transaction expands the maturity distribution of the 
company’s FHLB advances to minimize the impact of maturities 
on any one year. It also reduced the initial interest cost on the 
$440,000 in FHLB advances by 292 basis points (2.92%). First 
Commonwealth expects that the transaction will result in an 
increase in net interest income over the remaining term of the 
original advances in excess of the prepayment penalty.

NOTE 20—Common Share Commitments

At December 31, 2004 and 2003, the Corporation had 
100,000,000 common shares authorized. 71,978,658 shares 

35

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

NOTE 20—Common Share Commitments (continued)

were issued at December 31, 2004, and 63,704,445 shares 
were issued at December 31, 2003. Issued shares were 
reduced by 2,109,660 shares of treasury stock at December 31,  
2004 and 2,992,425 shares of treasury stock at December 31, 
2003. 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 
(Retirement Plans). The dilutive effect of stock options 
outstanding on average shares outstanding in the diluted 
earnings per share reported on the income statement were 
599,905, 384,778 and 332,404 shares at December 31, 2004, 
2003 and 2002, respectively. 

Treasury shares consisting of 906,494 and 552,781 were 
reissued during 2004 and 2003 upon exercise of stock 
options. Treasury shares consisting of 16,107 and 17,663 
were reissued in 2004 and 2003, respectively, to fund the 
business combination with SCC and SFA as described in 
NOTE 6 (Business Combinations). Treasury shares consisting 
of 39,836 were acquired as part of the GAF acquisition.

During 2004, 8,274,123 common shares were issued to 
fund the business combination with GAF and during 2003, 
1,179,037 common shares were issued to fund the business 
combination with PFC. These transactions are also described 
in NOTE 6 (Business Combinations).

NOTE 21—Income Taxes

The income tax provision consists of:

2004 

2003 

2002

Current tax provision for  
  income exclusive of  
  securities transactions:

  Federal 
  State 

$ 

Securities transactions 

  Total current tax provision   

Benefit of operating loss  

carryforwards 

Deferred tax provision (benefit)   
$ 
  Total tax provision 

4,138 
-0- 
1,427 
5,565 

(474) 
(1,384) 
3,707 

$  9,279
1
225
  9,505

-0-
(594)
8,911

$ 

$  13,438 
-0- 
2,048 
15,486 

-0- 
(2,235) 
$  13,251 

2004 

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, 2004 and 2003, were as follows:

2004 

2003

Deferred tax assets:
  Allowance for credit losses 

Postretirement benefits other than pensions   

  Basis difference in assets acquired 

Severance expense 

  Net operating loss carryforward  

from acquisition 

  Alternative minimum tax credit carryforward 
  Other tax credit carryforward 
  Deferred compensation 
  Other   

Total deferred tax assets 

$  13,997 
1,211 
6,409 
239 

1,174 
3,297 
1,428 
854 
825 
29,434 

$  13,107
1,040
4,710
250

-0-
-0-
-0-
788
352
20,247

Deferred tax liabilities: 
  Accumulated accretion of bond discount 
  Unrealized gain on securities available  

for sale 

Lease financing deduction 
Loan origination fees and costs 

  Accumulated depreciation 
  Other   

Total deferred tax (liabilities) 

(121) 

(124)

(5,445) 
(3,243) 
(1,473) 
(1,737) 
(490) 
(12,509) 

(8,166)
(6,439)
(1,562)
(1,343)
(574)
(18,208)

Net deferred tax asset 

$  16,925 

$ 

2,039

A net operating loss carryforward from acquisition of $3,353 
is remaining at December 31, 2004. This carryforward 
expires in 2024. A tax credit carryforward of $1,428 is 
remaining as of December 31, 2004, and expires in 2024. 
Management believes that future taxable income will be 
sufficient to fully realize the deferred tax assets associated 
with these carryforwards.

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:

2003 

2002

Amount 

 % of Pretax Income 

Amount 

 % of Pretax Income 

Amount 

 % of Pretax Income

$ 

14,826 

35.0 

$  23,293 

35.0 

$ 

18,353 

35.0

(1,805) 
(7,364) 
-0- 
(1,428) 
(522) 
3,707 

(4.2) 
(17.4) 
0.0 
(3.4) 
(1.2) 
8.8 

(1,520) 
(7,332) 
-0- 
(651) 
(539) 
$  13,251 

(2.3) 
(11.0) 
0.0 
(1.0) 
(0.8) 
19.9 

(1,649) 
(6,216) 
1 
(531) 
(1,047) 
8,911 

$ 

(3.1)
(11.9)
0.0
(1.0) 
(2.0)
17.0

Tax at statutory rate 
Increase (decrease) resulting from:
Income from bank owned  

life insurance 
  Other nontaxable interest 

State income taxes 

  Tax credits 
  Other  

  Total tax provision 

$ 

36

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

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 the current 
period, the ESOP acquired shares of the Corporation’s 
common stock in a transaction, whereby the ESOP Trust 
borrowed funds which were guaranteed by the Corporation. 
In addition, the borrowings related to the ESOP as of 
December 31, 2004, included amounts that were borrowed 
in a similar transaction that took place in a prior period. 
The borrowed amounts represent leveraged and unallocated 
shares, and accordingly have been recorded as long-term debt 
with the offset as a reduction of common shareholders’ equity. 
Compensation costs related to the plan were $1,442 in 2004, 
$938 in 2003 and $940 in 2002. See NOTE 23 (Unearned 
ESOP Shares) for additional information on the ESOP.

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 was terminated effective 
December 5, 2003. After liquidation of unallocated ESOP 
shares with a fair value of $620, which were utilized to pay 
off the outstanding PFC ESOP loan payable, remaining shares 
were allocated to the participants of the PFC ESOP during 
2004. No compensation cost for the PFC ESOP was required 
to be recognized in the Consolidated Statements of Income.

The employees of GAF were covered by a leveraged ESOP 
plan. The GAF ESOP had unallocated ESOP shares of 
157,730 as of December 31, 2004, with a fair market value 
of $2,427. Termination of the plan is pending approval from 
the Internal Revenue Service. Once approval is received, the 
remaining shares will be allocated to participants of the GAF 
ESOP. No compensation cost for the GAF ESOP 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 $2,977 in 
2004, $2,606 in 2003 and $2,616 in 2002. 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.

The GAF 401(k) plan was merged into the Corporation’s 
401(k) plan effective July 1, 2004, whereby all eligible GAF 
employees began to participate in the Corporation’s plan 
with no lapse in credited service. During the period from the 
merger date of May 24, 2004, until June 30, 2004, the GAF 
employees continued to participate in the GAF plan and to 
receive employer contributions under 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 
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 $418 
in 2004, $235 in 2003 and $133 in 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 
costs were recognized in the Consolidated Statements of 
Income. The withdrawal penalty of $324 was accrued as a 
liability at December 31, 2003, and paid in 2004.

Postretirement Benefits other than Pensions for  
Acquired Subsidiaries

Employees of the former Southwest Bank and GAF were  
covered by post retirement benefit plans. The measurement 
date for these plans was October 1.

37

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

NOTE 22—Retirement Plans (continued)

Postretirement Benefits other than Pensions for  
Acquired Subsidiaries (continued)

Net periodic benefit cost of these plans was as follows:

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

2004 
-0- 
308 
2 
84 
$  394 

2003 

-0- 
338 
2 
121 
461 

$ 

$ 

2002
$ 
-0-
  273
2
60
$  335

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

Accumulated post retirement benefit obligation: 
  Retirees 
  Actives 
Total accumulated postretirement benefit obligation 
Plan assets at fair value 

Accumulated postretirement benefit obligation  

in excess of plan assets 

Unrecognized transition obligation 
Unrecognized net loss 
Accrued benefit liability recognized

on the balance sheet 

2004 

2003

$  3,784 
-0- 
  3,784 
-0- 

$  5,901
-0-
5,901
-0-

  3,784 
(13) 
(310) 

5,901
(14)
(2,844)

$  3,461 

$  3,043

The following table sets forth the change in benefit obligation:

Benefit obligation at beginning of year 
Assumed benefit obligation from acquisition 
Service cost 
Interest cost 
Benefit payments 
Actuarial (gain) loss 
Benefit obligation at end of year 

2004 
$  5,901 
449 
-0- 
308 
(451) 
  (2,423) 
$  3,784 

2003
$  5,142
-0-
-0-
338
(379)
800
$  5,901

The discount rate used in determining the actuarial present 
value of the accumulated postretirement benefit obligation 
was 6.00% for 2004 and 6.25% for 2003. The health care 
cost trend rates used for 2004 were projected at an initial rate 
of 8.50% for 2005 decreasing over time to an annual rate 
of 4.75% in 2014 for both indemnity plan participants and 
non-indemnity plan participants. For 2003, rates used 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.

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

38

insurance coverage; therefore, the Corporation will not 
receive a direct federal subsidy. The preceding measures of 
the accumulated postretirement benefit obligation and the net 
periodic postretirement benefit cost assume that the insurer 
will receive the subsidy and pass those savings onto the 
Corporation through reduced insurance premiums. 

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:

Effect on total of service and  
interest cost components 

Effect on postretirement  
benefit obligation 

1-Percentage-  
Point Increase 

1-Percentage- 
Point Decrease

$ 

(12) 

$  (215) 

$ 

(34)

$ 

(569)

As of December 31, 2004, the projected benefit payments for 
the next ten years are as follows:

2005 
2006 
2007 
2008 
2009 

2010-2014  

$ 

Projected Benefit Payment
388
390
387
370
363

1,563

The projected payments were calculated using the same 
assumptions as those used to calculate the benefit obligations 
included in this note. 

NOTE 23—Unearned ESOP Shares

First Commonwealth Financial Corporation Employee Stock 
Ownership Plan Trust (“ESOP”) borrowed funds which 
were guaranteed by the Corporation. The combined balances 
of the ESOP related loans were $6,175 at December 31, 
2004, and $1,994 at December 31, 2003. The outstanding 
balance at December 31, 2004, included $5,514 in additional 
borrowings that were used to purchase shares during 2004.

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 
debt is reduced. Repayment of the loans is scheduled to occur 
over a remaining one-year period for the initial loan and an eight-
year period for the new loan 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 (Statement of Accounting Policies) for the 
definition of “old shares” and “new shares.”

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

Shares in suspense  
  December 31, 2002 
Shares allocated during 2003 
Shares in suspense  
  December 31, 2003 
Shares allocated during 2004 
Shares acquired during 2004 
Shares in suspense 
  December 31, 2004 

Total 

Old Shares 

New Shares

271,666 
(96,118) 

175,548 
(124,232) 
421,800 

66,512 
(23,533) 

42,979 
(28,832) 
-0- 

205,154
(72,585)

132,569
(95,400)
421,800

473,116 

14,147 

458,969

The fair market value of the new shares remaining in 
suspense was approximately $7,064 and $1,890 at  
December 31, 2004 and 2003, respectively.

Interest on ESOP loans was $142 in 2004, $60 in 2003 and 
$109 in 2002. During 2004, 2003 and 2002, dividends on 
unallocated shares in the amount of $195, $184 and $242, 
respectively, were used for debt service while all dividends 
on allocated shares were allocated or paid to the participants.

Unearned ESOP shares from PFC at December 31, 2003 were 
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 were allocated to PFC ESOP participants.

Unearned ESOP shares from GAF at December 31, 2004 are 
excluded from the preceding analysis. Termination of the GAF 
ESOP plan is pending approval from the Internal Revenue 
Service. Once approval is received, the remaining unallocated 
shares will be allocated to GAF 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 in 2002 were 
exercisable by December 31, 2002. Options granted from 2003 
through 2004 vested immediately on the respective grant dates. 
All options expire ten years from the grant date. All equity 
compensation plans are approved by security holders.

At May 24, 2004, the Corporation consummated its merger 
with GAF, at which time all outstanding GAF options 
were converted to First Commonwealth options at a 
conversion rate of 2.752. These options were not granted 
from the Corporation’s existing stock option plan. First 
Commonwealth assumed the option plan of GAF. Under 
this plan, a total of 611,962 First Commonwealth shares 
were reserved for issuance due to the exercise of previously 
granted GAF options assumed in the merger. No further 
grants will be made under the GAF plan.

At December 5, 2003, the Corporation consummated 
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 PFC plans.

Equity Compensation Plan Information as of  
December 31, 2004:

Number of   Weighted Average  
Exercise Price of 

Shares  
Available for  
 Options Outstanding  Future Grant

Options  
Outstanding 

Equity compensation  
plans approved by 
security holders (a) 

2,682,938 

$10.61 

50,274

(a) Includes plans assumed through the acquisitions of GAF 
and PFC. As of December 31, 2004, outstanding options 
related to these acquired plans totaled 603,459 with a 
weighted-average exercise price per share of $6.23.

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:

2004 

2003 

2002

As  

Pro 

Pro 
Reported  Forma  Reported  Forma  Reported  Forma
$ 38,652  $  38,614  $  53,300  $  51,948  $  43,526  $  41,248

Pro 

As  

As  

Net income 
Basic earnings  
  per share 
Diluted earnings  
  per share 

$  0.59  $ 

$  0.58  $ 

0.59  $ 

0.90  $  0.88  $  0.75  $  0.71

0.58  $ 

0.90  $  0.87  $  0.74  $  0.70

The weighted-average grant-date fair value of stock options 
granted during 2004, 2003 and 2002 was $2.45, $3.24 and 
$4.27, respectively. 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:

2004 

2003 
4.44% per annum  5.14% per annum  5.13% per annum

2002

Dividend yield 
Expected  
  volatility 
Risk-free  

23.2% 

interest rate 

4.1% 

40.3% 

4.1% 

54.0%

5.0%

Expected  
  option life 

7.0 years 

7.0 years 

7.0 years

39

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

NOTE 24—Stock Option Plan (continued)

A summary of the status of the Corporation’s outstanding stock 
options as of December 31, 2004, 2003 and 2002 and changes 
for the years ending on those dates is presented below:

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 2004:

2004 

2003 

2002

Weighted  
Average  
Exercise  
Price 

Shares 

Weighted  
Average 
Exercise  
Price 

  Weighted 
Average
Exercise
Price

Shares 

Shares 

Balances December 31, 2003 
Advances   
Repayments 
Other   
Balances December 31, 2004 

$ 

$ 

4,777
3,411
(4,206)
894
4,876

1  $  7.60 

62,322  $  7.60 

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

Outstanding at  
  beginning  
  of year 
PFC converted  
  options at  
  merger 
GAF converted  
  options at  
  merger 
Granted 
Exercised 
Forfeited 
Outstanding at 
  end of year  2,682,938  $ 10.61  2,965,726  $ 11.51  2,841,772  $ 11.33
Exercisable at 
  end of year  2,682,938  $ 10.61  2,965,726  $ 11.51  2,841,772  $ 11.33

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

611,962  $  6.24 
24,000  $ 14.41 
(906,494)  $ 10.68 
(12,257)  $ 12.54 

-0-  $  0.00

The following table summarizes information about the stock 
options outstanding at December 31, 2004:

Options Exercisable

Options Outstanding 
Weighted- 
Average  Weighted- 
Number  Remaining   Average   Number 

Weighted- 
Average 
Outstanding  Contract   Exercise   Exercisable   Exercise 
At 12/31/04  Life 
5.3 
4.7 
6.1 
5.7 
6.4 
5.2 

539,650 
$  5.85 
131,983 
$  9.27 
288,683 
$  10.75 
949,077 
$  11.48 
$  13.03 
773,545 
$  10.61  2,682,938 

539,650 
131,983 
288,683 
949,077 
773,545 
2,682,938 

Price
$  5.85
$  9.27
$ 10.75
$ 11.48
$ 13.03
$ 10.61

 Price  At 12/31/04 

Range  

  of Exercise 

Prices 
$  4.24-$8.99 
$  9.00-$9.99 
$  10.00-$10.99 
$  11.00-$11.99 
$  12.00-$15.00 
Total 

NOTE 25—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 

40

“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, 2004, dividends from 
subsidiary banks were restricted not to exceed $269,122. 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, 2004, 
the Corporation and its banking subsidiaries meet all capital 
adequacy requirements to which they are subject.

As of December 31, 2004, 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 table below. There are no conditions or 
events since that notification that management believes have 
changed the institution’s category.

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

Actual 

Amount 

Ratio 

Regulatory Minimum 
Ratio 

Amount 

To Be Well Capitalized Under 
Prompt Corrective Action Provisions

Amount 

Ratio

As of December 31, 2004

Total Capital to Risk Weighted Assets
  First Commonwealth Financial Corporation  $ 
$ 
  First Commonwealth Bank 

526,916 
465,350 

12.8% 
11.5% 

Tier I Capital to Risk Weighted Assets
  First Commonwealth Financial Corporation  $ 
$ 
  First Commonwealth Bank 

485,853 
424,287 

11.8% 
10.5% 

Tier I Capital to Average Assets
  First Commonwealth Financial Corporation  $ 
$ 
  First Commonwealth Bank 

485,853 
424,287 

8.0% 
7.0% 

As of December 31, 2003

Total Capital to Risk Weighted Assets
  First Commonwealth Financial Corporation  $ 
$ 
  First Commonwealth Bank 

494,541 
403,313 

14.5% 
12.0% 

Tier I Capital to Risk Weighted Assets
  First Commonwealth Financial Corporation  $ 
$ 
  First Commonwealth Bank 

457,156 
365,929 

13.4% 
10.9% 

Tier I Capital to Average Assets
  First Commonwealth Financial Corporation  $ 
$ 
  First Commonwealth Bank 

457,156 
365,929 

9.4% 
7.6% 

$ 
$ 

$ 
$ 

$ 
$ 

$ 
$ 

$ 
$ 

$ 
$ 

328,500 
324,296 

164,250 
162,148 

182,772 
181,076 

273,207 
269,734 

136,603 
134,867 

146,571 
145,263 

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 
405,370 

N/A 
243,222 

N/A 
301,793 

N/A 
337,167 

N/A 
202,300 

N/A 
242,105 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

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,

2004 

2003

 Years Ended December 31,
2002
2003 

2004 

Assets
Cash 
Securities available for sale 
Loans to affiliated parties 
Investment in subsidiaries 
Investment in unconsolidated subsidiary trusts   
Investment in jointly-owned company 
Premises and equipment 
Dividends receivable from subsidiaries 
Receivable from subsidiaries 
Other assets 

Total assets 

$ 

1,181 
20,545 
387 
601,843 
3,302 
5,941 
5,732 
5,325 
6,034 
10,520 
$  660,810 

Liabilities and Shareholders’ Equity
Accrued expenses and other liabilities 
Dividends payable 
Loans payable 
Subordinated debentures payable 
Shareholders’ equity 

Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity 

$ 

2,879 
11,528 
6,175 
108,250 
531,978 
$  660,810 

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 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

1,376
33,052
439
462,894
2,280
5,622
5,887
11,517
6,085
5,126
534,278

14,199
9,714
2,613
76,806
430,946
534,278

$ 
50 
  83,715 
(7,405) 
84 
59 
  (12,778) 

48  $ 

$ 
  64,907 
(3,629) 
742 
253 
(9,237) 

48
  43,609
  (3,570)
-0-
-0-
  (9,161)

  63,725 
7,439 

  53,084 
4,570 

  30,926
  5,304

  71,164 

  57,654 

  36,230

  (32,512) 
$ 38,652 

(4,354) 

  7,296
$  53,300  $ 43,526

41

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

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

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 
   Stock option tax benefit 
  Net cash provided  

 Years Ended December 31,
2002
2003 

2004 

$ 38,652 

$  53,300  $ 43,526

437 
(84) 

835 
(739) 

537
-0-

(4,600) 

256 

(397)

  32,512 
3,006 
1,239 

(4,482) 
(2,193) 
535 

  (7,296)
  1,270
225

by operating activities 

  71,162 

  47,512 

  37,865

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 

  (91,592) 
 104,058 
52 
(162) 

  (32,785) 
1,766 
59 
(125) 

(943)
-0-
42
(33)

  Changes in receivable from and net  
investment in subsidiary 

  Net cash used by 

  (82,284) 

  (28,918) 

436

investing activities 

  (69,928) 

  (60,003) 

(498)

Financing Activities

Issuance of subordinated debentures 
Issuance of other long-term debt 

  Repayment of subordinated debentures   
  Repayment of other long-term debt 
  Discount on dividend reinvestment  

  41,238 
3,486 
(9,794) 
(3,486) 

  30,929 
-0- 
-0- 
-0- 

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

plan purchases 
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 

(816) 
9,679 
  (41,736) 

(706) 
5,923 
  (36,630) 

(637)
  4,655
 (35,208)

(1,429) 
(195) 
1,376 
-0- 
$  1,181 

(484) 
  (12,975) 
  13,844 
507 

 (31,190)
  6,177
  7,667
-0-
$  1,376  $ 13,844

Cash dividends declared per common share were $0.645, 
$0.625 and $0.605 for 2004, 2003 and 2002, respectively.

Dividends from subsidiaries for 2004 and 2003 included 
special dividends in the amounts of $7,598 and $11,436, 
respectively, that were received from First Commonwealth 
Bank, a wholly owned subsidiary. After distribution of the 
special dividends, which were within guidelines established 
by the banking regulators, First Commonwealth Bank 
remains classified as a well-capitalized institution. During 
2004, dividends from subsidiaries also included a special 
dividend from FraMal Holdings Corporation in the amount 

42

of $29,529. 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 PFC acquisition that is 
described in NOTE 6 (Business Combinations).

During 2004, the Corporation’s Employee Stock Ownership 
Trust obtained a $14,000 line of credit from an unrelated financial 
institution. The line of credit was used to purchase stock for the 
Corporation’s ESOP and is guaranteed by the parent company 
of the Corporation. During 2004, $5,514 was borrowed on the 
line. The loan was recorded as long-term debt and the offset was 
recorded as a reduction of common shareholders’ equity.

As of December 31, 2004, the parent company had available 
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, 2004, had no 
amounts outstanding.

NOTE 29—Fair Values of Financial Instruments

Below are various estimated fair values at December 31, 
2004 and 2003, 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 

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

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

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: 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: 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, 2004 and 2003:

Carrying Amount 

Estimated Fair Value 

Carrying Amount 

Estimated Fair Value

2004 

2003

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 

$ 
$ 
$ 
$ 
$ 

$ 
$ 
$ 

79,591 
2,403 
2,162,313 
78,164 
3,473,770 

3,844,475 
946,474 
839,574 

$ 
$ 
$ 
$ 
$ 

$ 
$ 
$ 

79,591 
2,403 
2,162,313 
81,886 
3,492,547 

3,670,438 
946,631 
847,284 

$ 
$ 
$ 
$ 
$ 

$ 
$ 
$ 

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
2,844,411

3,193,216
634,361
863,444

43

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

The unaudited quarterly results of operations for the years ended December 31, 2004 and 2003 are as follows:

Interest income 
Interest expense 

Net interest income 

Provision for credit losses 

Net interest income after provision  

for credit losses 

Net securities gains 
Other operating income 
Merger and integration charges 
Debt prepayment fees 
Other operating expenses 

Income (loss) before income taxes 

Applicable income taxes (benefit) 

Net income (loss) 

Basic earnings per share 
Diluted earnings per share 

Average shares outstanding 
Average shares outstanding assuming dilution 

Interest income 
Interest expense 

Net interest income 

Provision for credit losses 

Net interest income after provision  

for credit losses 

Net securities gains 
Other operating income 
Litigation settlement 
Other operating expenses 

Income before income taxes 

Applicable income taxes 

Net income 

Basic earnings per share 
Diluted earnings per share 

Average shares outstanding 
Average shares outstanding assuming dilution 

First Quarter 
$  61,972 
25,165 
36,807 
2,100 

34,707 

3,850 
9,733 
1,291 
-0- 
30,426 
16,573 
3,250 
$  13,323 

$ 
$ 

0.22 
0.22 

60,772,824 
61,289,672 

2004

Second Quarter 

$ 

$ 

$ 
$ 

65,498 
27,063 
38,435 
2,520 

35,915 

145 
10,952 
873 
-0- 
32,671 
13,468 
1,908 
11,560 

0.18 
0.18 

Third Quarter 
$  74,940 
28,881 
46,059 
2,675 

$ 

Fourth Quarter
75,615
29,581 
46,034
775 

43,384 

51 
11,752 
(39) 
29,495 
34,597 
(8,866) 
(6,071) 
(2,795) 

(0.04) 
(0.04) 

$ 

$ 
$ 

45,259

31
11,135
-0-
-0-
35,241
21,184
4,620
16,564

0.24
0.24

$ 

$ 
$ 

  64,455,920 
  64,947,209 

 69,077,293 
 69,702,327 

69,173,249
69,938,616

2003

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

Second Quarter 
$ 

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

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

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

33,386 

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

$ 
$ 

0.23 
0.23 

58,703,260 
58,934,248 

31,976 

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

0.23 
0.23 

$ 

$ 
$ 

  58,769,160 
  59,101,475 

31,494 

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

$ 
$ 

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

44

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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. 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 

Net securities gains 
Other operating income 
Litigation settlement   
Restructuring charges  
Merger and related charges 
Debt prepayment fees 
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 

2004 

2003 

2002 

2001 

Years Ended December 31,

278,025 
110,690 
167,335 
8,070 

159,265 

4,077 
43,572 
-0- 
-0- 
2,125 
29,495 
132,935 
42,359 
3,707 
38,652 

$ 

$ 

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

130,762 

5,851 
42,593 
(610) 
-0- 
-0- 
-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 
-0- 
-0- 
112,190 
52,437 
8,911 
43,526 

$ 

$ 

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

130,226 

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

2000

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

127,313

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

$ 

$ 

0.59 
0.645 
65,887,611 

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

$ 

$ 

$ 
$ 

$ 
$ 

0.58 
0.645 
66,487,516 

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

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 

$ 

6,198,478 
2,240,477 
3,514,833 
41,063 
3,844,475 

$  5,189,195 
2,073,430 
2,824,882 
37,385 
3,288,275 

$  4,524,743 
1,680,609 
2,608,634 
34,496 
3,044,124 

$  4,583,530 
1,762,408 
2,567,934 
34,157 
3,093,150 

$  4,372,312
  1,636,337
  2,490,827
33,601
  3,064,146

-0- 
108,250 
731,324 
531,978 

0.66% 
7.82% 
90.36% 

109.32% 
8.47% 

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

1.12% 
12.95% 
84.77% 

69.44% 
8.68% 

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

0.96% 
11.09% 
84.56% 

80.67% 
8.64% 

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

1.11% 
13.85% 
81.92% 

67.24% 
8.01% 

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

1.10%
15.65%
80.19%

68.90%
7.00%

45

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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 
subsidiaries (the “Corporation”) for the years ended 
December 31, 2004, 2003 and 2002 and are intended to 
supplement, and should be read in conjunction with, the 
Consolidated Financial Statements and related footnotes.

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 May 24, 2004, the Corporation acquired all of the 
outstanding shares of GA Financial, Inc. (“GAF”), and 
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 GAF, 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 
2004. 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 

46

requires management to make assumptions about matters that 
are highly uncertain and (2) the different estimates that 
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. 

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.”

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 an 
assessment of individual problem loans, delinquency and loss 
experience trends, and other relevant factors. While allocations 
are made to specific loans and pools of loans, the total 
allowance is available for all loan losses.

There are many factors affecting the allowance for credit 
losses; some are quantitative while others require qualitative 
judgment and the use of estimates related to the amount and 
timing of expected future cash flows on impaired loans, 
estimated losses based on historical loss experience and 
consideration of current economic trend and conditions, all of 
which may be susceptible to significant change. To the extent 
that actual outcomes differ from management estimates, 
additional provision for credit losses could be required that 
could adversely affect earnings or financial position in future 
periods. The loan portfolio represents the largest asset category 
on the Consolidated Balance Sheet.

Classified loans on the primary watch list are analyzed to 
determine the level of potential loss in the credits under current 
circumstances. The potential loss that is established for these 
classified loans is based on careful analysis of the loan’s 
performance, the related collateral value, cash flow 
considerations and the financial capability of any guarantor. 
Primary watch list loans are managed and monitored by 
assigned account officers within the Corporation in conjunction 
with senior management.

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

The process of determining the allowance also considers 
special circumstances which may warrant an additional 
allowance. An additional allowance 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. 
Although the unallocated allowance was significantly reduced 
during 2004 as a result of methodology enhancements, the 
unallocated allowance is still used to cover any factors or 
conditions that may cause a potential credit loss but are not 
specifically identifiable or considered in the methodology that 
was defined above. These factors include, but are not limited to 
potential judgment or data errors or factors not yet considered 
in the Corporation’s methodology.

Accounting policies related to goodwill and other intangible 
assets are also considered to be critical because the 
assumptions or judgment that was used in determining the fair 
value of assets and liabilities that were acquired as part of 
past acquisitions were subjective and complex. As a result, 
changes in these assumptions or judgment could have a 
significant impact on the financial condition or results of 
operations of the Corporation.

The Corporation adopted FASB Statement No. 142 (“FAS No. 
142”), “Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets”, effective 
January 1, 2001. FAS No. 142 requires that goodwill and other 
intangible assets with indefinite useful lives, including goodwill 
recorded in past business combinations, no longer be 
amortized, but instead be tested for impairment at least 
annually and written down and charged to results of operations 
only in periods in which the recorded value is more than the 
estimated fair value. Intangible assets that have finite useful 
lives will continue to be amortized over their useful lives.

The fair value of acquired assets and liabilities that was used to 
record goodwill was based either on quoted market prices or 
provided by other third-party sources, when available. When 
third-party information was not available, estimates were made 
in good faith by management primarily through the use of 
internal cash flow modeling techniques. The assumptions that 
were used in the cash flow modeling were subjective and are 
susceptible to significant changes.

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. Although 
goodwill has not been written down since the adoption of FAS 
No. 142, changes in future assumptions based on changing 

economic conditions could result in impairment which could 
adversely affect earnings or financial position in future periods.

Results of Operations

Net income was $38.7 million in 2004, a decrease of $14.6 million 
from the 2003 results of $53.3 million. This compared to net 
income of $43.5 million in 2002. The most significant component 
of the decrease in the 2004 period was the previously announced 
penalty related to the prepayment of FHLB long-term advances. 
This penalty was $29.5 million or $19.2 million after taxes. Also 
impacting the decrease in 2004 was merger and integration costs 
that were not present in the 2003 period and a gain on the sale of 
two branches during 2003. The change in net income for the 2003 
period reflected an increase in security gains compared to the 
corresponding period of 2002. In addition, the effects of 
restructuring costs and a litigation settlement negatively impacted 
net income for 2002. A partial recovery from insurance for the 
claim related to the litigation settlement was received in 2003.

Diluted earnings per share was $0.58 for 2004 compared to 
$0.90 and $0.74 for 2003 and 2002, respectively. Return on 
average assets was 0.66% and return on equity was 7.82% 
during 2004 compared to 1.12% and 12.95%, respectively for 
2003 and 0.96% and 11.09%, respectively for 2002.

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

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 
Intangible amortization 
Litigation settlement 
Restructuring charges 
Rebranding costs 
Merger and integration charges 
Debt prepayment fees 
Other operating expenses 
Applicable income taxes 

2004 
vs.  
2003 
0.90 

$ 

0.10 
0.09 
(0.04) 
0.00 
0.00 
0.01 
(0.05) 
(0.02) 
(0.01) 
(0.03) 
(0.01) 
(0.02) 
(0.01) 
0.00 
0.00 
(0.03) 
(0.44) 
(0.03) 
0.17 
0.58 

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
0.00
0.00
0.03
(0.07)
$  0.90

Net income per share 

$ 

Net Interest Income

Net interest income, the engine that powers revenue growth for 
the Corporation, is defined as the difference between income 

47

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

on earning assets and the cost of funds supporting those assets. 
Net interest income increased $23.8 million in the 2004 period 
compared to 2003 after declining $9.4 million in 2003 
compared to 2002. Interest income and interest expense both 
increased during the 2004 period due to increases in the 
volumes of interest-earning assets and interest-bearing 
liabilities as average yields continued to decline over 2003 
levels. During 2003, 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 into 2003. 

Net interest margin (net interest income, on a tax-equivalent 
basis as a percentage of average earning assets) declined to 

3.30% for 2004, a decrease of 17 basis points (0.17%) 
compared to 2003, and a decrease compared to 3.80% in 2002. 
The year-to-year decrease in the margin was due to asset yields 
declining more quickly than the cost of funds. In the lower 
interest rate environment, deposit costs begin to reach a floor 
while asset yields have a bigger cushion and can continue to 
decline. The Corporation uses computer simulation to help 
manage interest rate risk. The Corporation’s use of computer 
simulation is described in the “Interest Sensitivity” section of 
this discussion.

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, 2004:

Average 
Balance 

2004 
Income/  Yield or 
Expense  Rate(a) 

Average Balance Sheets and Net Interest Analysis
(Dollar Amounts in Thousands)
2003 

Average 
Balance 

Income/ 
Expense 

Yield or 
Rate(a) 

Average 
Balance 

2002
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 

$ 

4,964 
250,832 
  1,932,896 
512 
  3,251,645 
  5,440,849 

$ 

34 
11,447 
76,909 
6 
  189,629 
  278,025 

0.69%  $ 
7.02 
3.98 
1.22 
6.02 
5.34 

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

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

  Total Assets 

74,559 
(41,199) 
364,092 
397,452 
$ 5,838,301 

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

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

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 

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

  funding sources 

  Total Liabilities and 

  Shareholders’Equity 

Net Interest Income and Net Yield 
  on Interest-Earning Assets 

$  538,672 
  1,141,059 
  1,513,663 
796,591 
868,784 
  4,858,769 

$ 

2,229 
11,491 
45,170 
11,989 
39,811 
  110,690 

0.41%  $  457,327 
1.01 
792,755 
2.98 
  1,524,974 
1.51 
554,133 
4.58 
594,383 
2.28 
  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 
339,908 
1.22 
5.62 
670,258 
  3,746,931 
2.55 

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

0.82%
1.29
4.13
1.77
5.68
3.27

452,701 
32,614 
494,217 

979,532 

380,772 
22,241 
411,450 

814,463 

380,878
20,493
392,439

793,810

$ 5,838,301 

$ 4,738,035 

$ 4,540,741

$ 167,335 

3.30% 

$  143,532 

3.47% 

$ 152,895 

3.80%

(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 of $3,470 in 2004, $2,196 in 2003 and $1,437 in 2002.
(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.

48

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

Interest and fees on loans increased $25.2 million for 2004 
compared to 2003 after declining $15.5 million for 2003 
compared to 2002. The increase in interest and fees on loans 
during 2004 was due to an increase of $610.7 million in 
average loan balances. The volume increase was due in large 
part to the loans that were acquired in the acquisitions of PFC 
and GAF. Commercial loan growth was primarily due to 
internal growth. Volume increases in 2004 were noted in all 
loan categories with the exception of leases, which is a 
product that the Corporation no longer offers. Volume 
increases were also recorded in the 2003 period compared to 
2002. During 2003, the Corporation took advantage of the 
lower interest rate cycle and changed 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 since 
started to retain fixed rate mortgages with maturities of 15 
years or less as well as adjustable rate mortgages. Average 
commercial and municipal loans offset the decline in 
mortgage loans during 2003, primarily in shorter term and 
variable rate lending. In addition, 2003 included increases in 
average installment loans 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. The declining rate environment has continued 
to negatively impact interest and fees on loans. During 2003 
compared to 2002, the increase in average loan volumes was 
not enough to offset the reduced interest income caused by 
declining yields. Tax-equivalent loan yields fell 44 basis 
points (0.44%) during 2004 compared to 2003 after declining 
67 basis points (0.67%) during 2003 from the 2002 levels.

Interest income on investments increased $9.0 million in 2004 
compared to 2003 after declining $16.3 million in 2003 
compared to 2002. Both years reported increases in average 
investment balances with decreases in yields on investment 
securities. The most significant volume increases during 2004 
were related to U.S. government agency securities. Average 
investment securities included increases due to PFC for the full 
year of 2004 and GAF since May 24, 2004. Yields on 
investments for 2004 continued to decline, falling 32 basis 
points (0.32%) to 4.32%. Yields for 2003 fell to 4.64% 
compared to 5.95% for 2002. As with the loan category, the 
increase due to average investment security volumes surpassed 
the loss due to the declining yields, but during 2003 the increase 
due to volume was not enough to offset the reduced interest 
income caused by declining rates. Yields in the 2004 period 
compared to 2003 decreased for all investment securities with 
the exception of asset backed securities. During 2003 compared 
to 2002, 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. 

Prepayment speeds of mortgage backed securities (“MBS”) 
declined in 2004 after accelerating in 2003 when 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 $1.2 million in 2004 compared to 
2003 after a decline of $18.5 million in 2003 compared to 
2002. The decrease in both periods was largely due to the lower 
interest rate environment. The cost of deposits declined 28 
basis points (0.28%) in 2004 compared to 2003. Decreases in 
time deposit yields were partially offset by increases in yields 
on more non-maturity deposits, such as savings and interest-
bearing demand deposits. Average deposits increased by  
$490 million in 2004 compared to 2003 and included increases 
in all categories due to PFC for the full year of 2004 and GAF 
since May 24, 2004. The deposit mix continued to change in 
2004 as clients registered a preference for savings products, 
while time deposits dropped due to the prospect of rising 
interest rates. 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 $5.2 million 
during 2004 after rising $726 thousand during 2003. Both years 
reflected increases in interest expense due to increases in the 
average volumes of short-term borrowings. The 2004 period 
also reflected increases in interest expense due to increases in 
yields, while 2003 reflected decreases in interest expense due 
to decreasing yields. Average short-term borrowings increased 
$242.5 million in 2004 compared to 2003 and increased $214.2 
million for 2003 compared to 2002. The 2004 period included 
an increase due to the inclusion of short-term borrowings that 
were acquired with the GAF acquisition on May 24, 2004. The 
2004 period also included an increase in short-term borrowings 
which were used to replace a portion of the $440 million of 
long-term FHLB advances that were paid before their maturity. 
Refer to NOTE 19 (Other Long-term Debt) to the Consolidated 
Financial Statements for additional information on the debt 
prepayment. The increase in the average short-term borrowings 
during 2003 was due in part to $100 million of long-term debt 

49

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

that matured during the fourth quarter of 2002 and was 
replaced with short-term borrowings. In addition, the increase 
in short-term borrowings during 2003 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. This 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 increased by $6.4 million 
during 2004 compared to 2003 after a decrease of $4.7 million 
for 2003 compared to the 2002 period. The 2003 period 
recorded decreases in interest expense due to declining average 
balances of long-term debt and declining yields, while the 2004 
period included decreases in interest expense due to declining 
yields that were offset by increases in interest expense due to 
increases in average balances of long-term debt. The increases 
in volume during 2004 were due in large part to the 
acquisitions of PFC and GAF. In addition, subordinated 
debentures in the amount of $41.2 million were issued during 
March 2004. These subordinated debentures along with the 

subordinated debentures of $30.9 million that were issued 
during December 2003 were used to fund the acquisition of 
GAF in May 2004. Refer to NOTE 18 (Subordinated 
Debentures) to the Consolidated Financial Statements for 
further discussion of subordinated debentures that are included 
in long-term debt. 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. 
The interest rate on long-term debt decreased 104 basis points 
(1.04%) during 2004 compared to 2003. The rate reduction was 
anticipated in connection with the prepayment of $440 million 
in FHLB long-term advances during the third quarter of 2004. 
The Corporation was able to replace these advances with  
$230 million in other lower rate FHLB advances with maturities 
ranging from two to six years. The remaining $210 million was 
replaced with short-term borrowings. Refer to NOTE 19 (Other 
Long-term Debt) to the Consolidated Financial Statements for 
additional information on the debt prepayment. 

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)

2004 Change from 2003 
Change Due  

Change Due  
to Rate (a) 

Total  

Change 

2003 Change from 2002
Change Due  

Change Due  

to Volume 

to Rate (a)

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 

Total  

Change 

$ 

21 
9,041 
2 
  25,188 
  34,252 

(1,210) 
5,234 
6,425 
  10,449 
$  23,803 

to Volume 

$ 
38 
  15,759 
2 
  39,451 
  55,250 

3,009 
2,956 
  15,413 
  21,378 
$  33,872 

$ 

(17) 
(6,718) 
-0- 
  (14,263) 
  (20,998) 

(4,219) 
2,278 
(8,988) 
  (10,929) 
$  (10,069) 

$ 
(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)

(a) 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 
decreased $4.7 million for 2004 when compared to 2003. The 
decrease in the provision reflects the trend in improvement of 
nonperforming loans, net charge-offs and lower levels of the 
allowance for loan losses allocated to larger impaired credits. 
Nonperforming loans as a percent of average loans outstanding 

50

improved to 0.73% at December 31, 2004, compared to 0.82% 
and 1.47% at December 31, 2003 and 2002, respectively.  
The allowance for credit losses was $41.1 million at  
December 31, 2004, which represents a ratio of 1.26% of 
average loans outstanding compared to 1.42% and 1.33% 
reported at December 31, 2003 and 2002, respectively. 

Net charge-offs for 2004 declined $3.6 million over 2003 
levels. The most significant components of this year-to-year 
change were decreases in the following categories: residential 
loans secured by real estate (down $1.8 million); and 
commercial, financial and agricultural loans (down $1.7 
million). Net charge-offs as a percent of average loans 

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

outstanding improved to 0.29% at December 31, 2004, 
compared to 0.49% and 0.46% at December 31, 2003 and 
2002, respectively. 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, 2004 (Dollar Amounts in Thousands):

Loans outstanding at end of year 

$  3,514,833 

$  2,824,882 

$  2,608,634 

$  2,567,934 

$  2,490,827

Average loans outstanding 

$  3,251,645 

$  2,640,935 

$  2,597,862 

$  2,548,596 

$  2,503,036

Summary of Loan Loss Experience

2004 

2003 

2002 

2001 

2000

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 

$ 

37,385 
4,983 

4,434 
3,414 
1 
1,060 
1,456 
247 
10,612 

772 
351 
-0- 
-0- 
114 
-0- 
1,237 
9,375 
8,070 

$ 

34,496 
3,109 

$ 

34,157 
-0- 

$ 

33,601 
-0- 

$ 

33,539
-0-

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 

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

Balance, end of year 

$ 

41,063 

$ 

37,385 

$ 

34,496 

$ 

34,157 

$ 

33,601

Ratios:
  Net charge-offs as a percentage of  

  average loans outstanding 

  Allowance for credit losses as a percentage of  

  average loans outstanding 

0.29% 

1.26% 

0.49% 

1.42% 

0.46% 

1.33% 

0.43% 

1.34% 

0.40%

1.34% 

Noninterest Income

Net securities gains decreased $1.8 million during 2004 to 
$4.1 million from the $5.9 million reported in 2003. This 
compared to $642 thousand reported in 2002. Securities 
gains during the 2004 period resulted primarily from the 
sale of Pennsylvania bank stocks with book values of $19.3 
million. 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.

Trust income has increased slightly over each of the past three 
years. The rebound in market values over prior year levels 
should help trust income to continue to trend in a positive 
direction. The referral programs and integrated growth plans 
for financial affiliates have continued to help grow trust 
revenues. 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.

51

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

Service charges on deposits are the most significant 
component of noninterest income and have continued to 
increase over the past three years with an increase of $2.0 
million for 2004 compared to 2003 and an increase of $1.5 
million for 2003 compared to 2002. Increases in nonsufficient 
funds (“NSF”) fees of $1.9 million in 2004 compared to 2003 
and $2.1 million in 2003 compared to 2002 helped to pace the 
continued year-to-year rise. The increase in NSF fees is due 
to the growth of the High Performance Checking products for 
consumer and business clients as well as the inclusion of PFC 
and GAF. In addition, the increase in NSF fees is due in part 
to better management of the collection process to ensure that 
fee waivers are kept to a minimum. 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. 

Insurance commissions remained relatively stable from 2004 
compared to 2003 after a decrease of $326 thousand from 2003 
compared to 2002. Decreases in 2003 were primarily due to 
decreases in annuity commissions. 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. 

Income from bank owned life insurance was $5.2 million for 
2004 compared to $4.3 million for 2003 and compared to $4.7 
million for 2002. The 2004 period included an addition of 
$16.7 million related to the GAF acquisition, while the 2003 
period included an addition of $6.6 million due to the PFC 
acquisition. The 2002 period included an additional investment 
in bank owned life insurance of $5.0 million. 

Other changes in noninterest income during 2004 compared to 
2003 included increases in card related interchange income in 
the amount of $1.0 million. Card related interchange income 
includes income on debit, credit and ATM cards that are issued 
to consumers and/or businesses. The increase was due in part to 
the inclusion of PFC and GAF. The card related interchange 
income growth was favorably affected by additional volume 
related to card usage and the migration of business accounts 
from the consumer debit card product. The business debit card 
product pays a higher rate than the consumer debit card. 
Changes in other noninterest income for 2003 over 2002 levels 
included increases in card related interchange income in the 
amount of $338 thousand and income from the increase in cash 
surrender value of split dollar life insurance in the amount of 
$248 thousand. 

Noninterest Expense

Total noninterest expenses for 2004 increased $51.9 
million to $164.6 million from $112.7 million reported in 
2003. The 2003 amount represented a decrease of $13.6 
million compared to $126.3 million reported in 2002. 
Noninterest expenses during the 2004 period included a 
one-time penalty of $29.5 million for the prepayment of 
$440 million in long-term FHLB advances. The FHLB 
advances were replaced with other long-term debt with 
lower interest rates as well as with short-term borrowings. 
The transaction is expected to result in an increase in net 
interest income over the remaining term of the original 
advances in excess of the prepayment penalty. Noninterest 
expenses during the 2004 period also included merger and 
integration charges in the amount of $2.1 million. The 
merger and integration charges included $485 thousand 
related to the write-off of the unamortized capitalized costs 
for the subordinated debentures that were previously 
issued by PFC and were called and paid off in January of 
2004. Merger and integration charges also included $1.6 
million of severance related salary and benefit expenses 
that were accrued during 2004 and were due to the 
integration of PFC into the Corporation. Future periods 
could be impacted by similar costs as the GAF integration 
continues. The inclusion of PFC and GAF results since the 
acquisition dates were the primary causes of the remaining 
increase in noninterest expenses during the 2004 period. 
The 2003 year included the benefit of a $610 thousand 
partial recovery of the litigation settlement from the 2002 
period. The decrease in noninterest expenses for 2003 was 
primarily the result of charges that were incurred during 
2002 for the previously described litigation settlement of 
$8.0 million and corporate restructuring of $6.1 million. 
The litigation settlement related to a lender liability action 
filed in 1994 against one of the Corporation’s subsidiary 
banks and followed an adverse pre-trial judgment by the 
trial judge on procedural grounds. 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. 

Employee costs were $68.9 million in 2004, representing 
1.18% of average assets compared to $61.1 million and 1.29%, 
respectively, in 2003. Employee costs for 2002 were $58.1 
million and 1.28% of average assets. Salary costs for the 2004 
period increased $5.1 million compared to 2003, while salary 

52

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

costs for the 2003 period increased $1.6 million compared to 
2002 levels. Employee benefit costs rose $2.7 million for 2004 
compared to 2003 and rose $1.4 million for 2003 compared to 
2002. Hospitalization costs continue to reflect the largest 
increases in employee benefit costs with increases of $743 
thousand or 12.7% in 2004 and $1.1 million or 23.1% in 2003. 
The increases in employee costs during 2004 were due in large 
part to an increase in the number of employees from the 
addition of PFC and GAF. Full-time equivalent employees 
were 1,634 at the end of 2004 compared to 1,474 at the same 
time in 2003. The Corporation continues to evaluate its current 
menu of employee benefits to provide a competitive benefits 
package while also managing costs. Current benefit options 
include coverages fully paid for by the employer, as well as 
voluntary benefits whereby employees have the option of 
purchasing additional benefits at reduced group rates.

Net occupancy expense increased $2.2 million during 2004 to 
$9.7 million compared to expenses of $7.5 million during 2003 
and $6.8 million during 2002. The most significant increases 
during the 2004 period were related to building rental expense 
and building repairs and maintenance, largely due to the 
branches that were acquired with the PFC and GAF mergers. 
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 
continue expansion into growth markets. The Corporation 
expects to open three new branch offices in growth areas of 
Washington and Allegheny counties as well as renovate or 
relocate offices in existing markets. The execution of these 
initiatives may continue to impact occupancy and other 
expenses in future periods. 

Furniture and equipment expenses increased $1.6 million to 
$11.7 million in 2004 after an increase of $126 thousand to 
$10.1 million in 2003. Increases during both periods were 
largely due to continued increases in depreciation expense 
some of which was related to the inclusion of PFC and GAF 
since the acquisition dates. 

Outside data processing expense increased $1.3 million for the 
2004 period to $3.8 million compared to $2.5 million for the 
2003 period and $2.1 million for 2002. Data processing 
expense increases during 2004 were due in part to the 
acquisitions of PFC and GAF. Additional expenses were 
incurred until the PFC and GAF systems, which were processed 
through an outsourced processing vendor, were converted to the 
systems that are provided by a subsidiary of the Corporation. In 
addition, the data processing expense in 2004 was unfavorably 
impacted by a rate increase related to clients using debit and 
credit cards over the STAR network. Outside data processing 
costs are managed by the Corporation’s data processing 
subsidiary. Its needs are evaluated based on technology, 
efficiency and cost considerations.

Intangible amortization expense increased by $1.4 million 
during 2004 compared to the same period of 2003. The 
increase was due to the amortization of the core deposit 
intangibles that were recorded for the recent acquisitions.

Other operating expenses increased $5.2 million to $32.9 
million for 2004, while the expenses decreased $3.4 million to 
$27.7 million for 2003. Increases in noninterest expense during 
the 2004 period included increase in telephone and data line 
expenses, other professional fees and advertising costs in the 
amounts of $897 thousand, $801 thousand and $599 thousand, 
respectively. Telephone and data line expense increases were 
due in large part to the recent acquisitions. The increase in 
other professional services is due in part to the use of a 
consultant in 2004 to provide targeted marketing services.
Advertising expense increases are due in large part to grand 
re-opening events that have taken place in branches that 
have been newly re-built, remodeled or acquired. 

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 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. Other professional fees in 2002 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 

53

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

restructuring and movement towards a sales culture also 
impacted the decision to have employee benefit plans 
reviewed by outside specialists during 2002. Advertising 
and promotion expenses in the 2002 period included 
expenditures related to the $1.8 million launch of the new 
corporate brand and identity and expenses incurred in the 
successful marketing campaign for free checking products 
introduced during 2002. These products have had a 
favorable impact on deposit growth, interest expense and 
service charge revenue since their introduction. 

Income tax expense was $3.7 million during 2004, representing 
a decrease of $9.6 million from the 2003 amount of $13.3 
million and compared to $8.9 million in 2002. Pretax income in 
the 2004 period was reduced by the $29.5 million in debt 
prepayment fees related to the previously mentioned 
prepayment of FHLB advances, which allowed the effect of 

nontaxable income and tax credits to have a greater impact on 
the effective tax rate in 2004. The Corporation’s effective tax 
rate was 8.75% for 2004 compared to 19.9% for 2003 and 
17.0% for 2002. The Corporation’s 2003 effective tax rate was 
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, which allowed the effect of nontaxable income to have 
a greater impact on the effective tax rate in 2002. 

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, 2004. 
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 

19 
19 
18 
19 
15 

1 Year  
or Less 

$  24,768 
-0- 
-0- 
661 
  2,702 

$  28,131 

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 16 (Interest-
Bearing Deposits) to the Consolidated Financial Statements.  

The following table summarizes the Corporation’s off-balance 
sheet commitments as of December 31, 2004. 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. 

After 1 But  
Within 3 Years 

After 3 But  
Within 5 Years 

After 5 Years 

Total

$  121,944 
-0- 
-0- 
1,575 
4,753 

$  128,272 

$ 310,437 
  20,000 
-0- 
1,576 
3,261 

$ 335,274 

(Dollar Amounts In Thousands)

Commitments to extend credit 
Standby letters of credit 
     Total lending-related commitments 

$ 224,096 
-0- 
 108,250 
2,363 
7,746 

$ 342,455 

Footnote 
Reference 

14 
14 

$ 681,245
  20,000
 108,250
6,175
  18,462

$ 834,132

Amount

$ 744,942
  23,079
$ 768,021

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, 2004. 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.

54

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

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 that 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 covenants 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 
$556.2 million in 2004. This included an increase of $524.2 
million for the deposits that were assumed in the acquisition of 
GAF and an increase due to purchase accounting adjustments 
in the amount of $5.4 million that were recorded as part of the 
GAF acquisition transaction. Excluding the GAF acquisition 
activity, noninterest-bearing demand deposits and savings 
deposits increased by $32.4 million and $105.1 million, 
respectively, while time deposits decreased by $110.9 million. 
Noncore deposits, which are time deposits in denominations of 
$100 thousand or more, represented 10.9% of total deposits at 
December 31, 2004. Noncore deposits increased by $19.3 
million in 2004. 

The total increase in short-term borrowings of $312.3 million 
included $53.6 million that was acquired from GAF. During the 
third quarter of 2004, the Corporation prepaid $440 million of 
long-term FHLB advances to minimize the impact of maturities 
in any one year. The advances were replaced with short-term 
borrowings and other long-term FHLB advances with lower 
interest rates. Refer to NOTE 19 (Other Long-term Debt) to the 
Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information 
on the debt repayment.

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, 2004, 2003 and 2002 had 
remaining maturities as follows:

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

2004 

2003 

2002

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 

$  74,463 
  49,691 
  51,485 
  242,349 
$  417,988 

18% 
12 
12 
58 
100% 

$ 

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%

55

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

Net loans increased $686.3 million during 2004 as increases 
were noted in all categories with the exception of leases. Most 
notable were increases in residential loans secured by real 
estate of $343.5 million and increases in commercial loans 
secured by real estate of $216.8 million compared to year-end 

2003. Net loans in the amount of $532.7 million, which 
includes a purchase accounting adjustment of ($3.3) million, 
were acquired with the GAF acquisition.

Below is a schedule of loans by classification for the five years 
ended December 31, 2004:

Loans by Classification
(Dollar Amounts in Thousands)

2004 

2003 

2002 

2001 

2000

Amount 

% 

Amount 

% 

Amount 

% 

Amount 

% 

Amount 

%

Commercial, financial,  
  agricultural and other  $  715,280 
71,351 
Real estate-construction 
  988,611 
Real estate-commercial 
 1,164,707 
Real estate-residential 
  562,321 
Loans to individuals 
12,815 
Net leases 

20% 
2 
28 
33 
16 
1 

$  655,740 
27,063 
  771,861 
  821,159 
  521,481 
28,033 

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

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

 3,515,085 
(252) 

100% 

 2,825,337 
(455) 

100% 

 2,609,440 
(806) 

100% 

 2,569,231 
(1,297) 

100% 

 2,492,874 
(2,047)

100%

  unearned income  $ 3,514,833 

$ 2,824,882 

$ 2,608,634 

$ 2,567,934 

$ 2,490,827

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, 2004, securities available for sale had an 
amortized cost of $2,147 million and an approximate fair 

value of $2,162 million. Gross unrealized gains were $30,191 
thousand and gross unrealized losses were $14,634 thousand.

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. Below is a schedule of the contractual maturity 
distribution of securities held to maturity and securities 
available for sale at December 31, 2004:

56

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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 At Amortized Cost
(Dollar Amounts in Thousands)

U.S. Government  
Agencies and  
Corporations 

$ 
146 
  3,254 
860 
129 
$  4,389 

States and  
Political  
Subdivisions 

$  2,377 
 15,631 
 29,286 
 26,076 
$ 73,370 

Other  
Securities 

$  100 
  305 
-0- 
-0- 
$  405 

Total  
Amortized  
Cost 

$  2,623 
  19,190 
  30,146 
  26,205 
$  78,164 

Weighted  
Average  
Yield*

7.02%
7.30%
7.39%
6.99%
7.22%

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 

$ 
22,036 
  317,850 
  497,265 
  826,109 
$  1,663,260 

States and  
Political  
Subdivisions 

$ 

2,837 
3,295 
  31,725 
  153,038 
$  190,895 

Other  
Securities 

$  10,101 
  30,754 
-0- 
  251,746 
$  292,601 

Total  
Amortized  
Cost 

Weighted  
Average  
Yield*

$ 

34,974 
351,899 
528,990 
  1,230,893 
$  2,146,756 

2.17%
3.08%
3.96%
4.78%
4.25%

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 $1,258 million or 20.30% of total 
assets at December 31, 2004. 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.

57

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

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, 2004 and 2003 (Dollar Amounts in Thousands):

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 

$  1,300,777 
  190,336 
2,403 
  1,493,516 

  346,191 
  1,795,426 
  985,049 
  3,126,666 
$ (1,633,150) 

2004

91-180 Days 

181-365 Days 

$ 185,633 
 133,127 
-0- 
 318,760 

 205,507 
-0- 
  5,497 
 211,004 
$ 107,756 

$ 333,978 
 185,979 
-0- 
 519,957 

 237,318 
-0- 
  15,513 
 252,831 
$ 267,126 

Cumulative  
0-365 Days

$  1,820,388
509,442
2,403
  2,332,233

789,016
  1,795,426
  1,006,059
  3,590,501
$  (1,258,268)

0.48 
26.35% 

1.51 
1.74% 

2.06 
4.31% 

0.65
20.30%

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) 

0.55 
20.63% 

2003

91-180 Days 

181-365 Days 

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

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

1.21 
0.98% 

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

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

1.78 
4.05% 

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%

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. 
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 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, 2004, indicated that a 200 basis 
point (2.00%) increase in interest rates would decrease net 
interest income by 48 basis points (0.48%) below the base 
case scenario and a 200 basis point (2.00%) decrease in 
interest rates would decrease net interest income by 285 
basis points (2.85%) below the base case scenario over the 
next twelve months, both within policy limits.

58

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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 and two additional interest rate 
swap transactions during the second quarter of 2004. Each of 
the swap transactions involved hedging adjustable LIBOR 

based commercial loans with a receive-fixed and pay-floating 
interest rate swap of $25 million notional amount, for a total of 
$75 million. The original maturities of the swap transactions 
ranged from 2.5 to 3 years. The purpose of the swaps 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 value 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.

Final loan maturities and rate sensitivities of the loan portfolio 
excluding consumer installment and mortgage loans and before 
unearned income at December 31, 2004 were as follows 
(Dollar Amounts in Thousands):

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

Loans at fixed interest rates 
Loans at variable interest rates 

            Totals 

Credit Review

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.

Within One Year 

One to 5 Years 

After 5 Years 

$ 244,771 
55 
  18,047 
 122,723 
  20,929 
$ 406,525 

$ 127,535 
300 
  15,229 
 239,807 
  17,116 
$ 399,987 

 125,592 
 274,395 

$ 399,987 

$ 108,049 
-0- 
  38,075 
 626,081 
 196,525 
$ 968,730 

 256,406
 712,324

$ 968,730

Total

$  480,355
355
71,351
  988,611
  234,570
$ 1,775,242

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.

59

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

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 
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 an assessment of individual problem 
loans, delinquency, loss experience, trends and other relevant 
factors, all of which may be susceptible to significant changes.

Enhancements to the Corporation’s methodology during 2004 
resulted in reallocation of the allowance for credit losses from 
unallocated to specific loan categories. While the Corporation 
consistently applies a comprehensive methodology and 
procedure, which is described in NOTE 1 (Statement of 
Accounting Policies) to the Consolidated Financial Statements, 
the 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. The unallocated allowance was 
reduced during 2004 as a result of methodology enhancements. 

60

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

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

2004 

2003 

2002 

2001 

2000

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 

$ 

$ 

13,422 
1,088 
13,099 
8,759 
3,806 
136 
753 
41,063 

1.26% 

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

$ 

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

1.42% 

1.33% 

1.34% 

  1.34%

The decrease in the allowance as a percent of average loans 
in 2004 reflects the trend of improvement in nonperforming 
loans, net charge-offs and lower levels of the allowance being 
allocated to larger classified credits. The spike in the 
allowance for credit losses as a percentage of average total 
loans outstanding during the 2003 period was due to the 
impact of having the BankPittsburgh loans included in the 
average for only a short period during the year, or from the 
acquisition date of December 5, 2003. While the allowance 
for credit losses as a percentage of average total loans 
outstanding spiked during 2003, the allowance for credit 
losses as a percentage of actual loans outstanding remained at 
1.32% for 2002 and 2003 before declining to 1.17% in 2004. 

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 

2004 

$  10,732 
  14,671 
183 
$  25,586 

0.73% 

Allowance as percentage of nonperforming loans 

  160.49% 

2003 

$  12,459 
  10,586 
195 
$  23,240 

  0.82% 

 160.86% 

Other real estate owned 

$ 

1,814 

$ 

1,866 

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

$ 

$ 

1,757 
307 
1,450 

$ 

$ 

1,962 
1,185 
777 

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% 

2000

$  10,698
  22,086
2,263
$  35,047

1.41%

95.87%

$ 

1,619 

$ 

1,661

$ 

$ 

1,422 
750 
672 

$ 

$ 

750
333
417

The reduction of income due to renegotiated loans was less 
than $50 thousand in any year presented.

Nonperforming loan levels at December 31, 2004, increased 
$2.3 million compared to 2003 levels due to increases in past 
due loans. The increases in past due loans in 2004 were 
largely due to increases in residential loans secured by real 
estate. Increases in past due loans during 2004 were partially 
offset by decreases in nonaccrual loans which were largely 
due to decreases in residential loans secured by real estate. 
Nonperforming loan levels at December 31, 2003 decreased 
$15.2 million compared to 2002 levels as decreases were 
noted in nonaccrual and past due loans. The decrease in 

nonaccrual loans during 2003 was due to eight commercial 
loans that paid in full or were charged down and/or charged 
off. 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, loans secured by commercial real estate and other 
commercial loans. This decrease in past due loans during 
2003 was due to successful collection strategies. Interest 
income on nonaccrual loans decreased in the 2004 period 
compared to 2003 as the 2003 period included the final 
resolution of several large credits that included collection of 
some interest income. 

61

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

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 “Watch List Committee” which includes 
credit workout officers of the bank and reviews watch list 
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 $532.0 million at December 31, 2004, 
a $101.0 million increase compared to December 31, 2003. 
The most significant change in equity resulted from the 
issuance of stock related to the GAF acquisition which 
increased equity by $105.2 million, while the conversion of 
GAF’s investment in FCFC stock into treasury shares resulted 
in a decrease of $514 thousand to equity capital. Dividends 
declared reduced equity by $43.6 million during 2004 as 
dividends were increased over 2003 levels, while net income 
increased equity by $22.1 million for the same period. 
Additional advances by the Corporation’s Employee Stock 
Ownership Plan (“ESOP”) to fund the acquisition of the 
Corporation’s common stock for future distribution as 
employee compensation, net of long-term debt payments and 
fair value adjustments to unearned ESOP shares, decreased 
equity by $3.9 million. The market value adjustment to 
securities available for sale decreased equity by $5.1 million 
for the period. Amounts paid to fund the discount on 
reinvested dividends reduced equity by $816 thousand. 
Proceeds from the issuance of treasury shares to provide for 
stock options exercised increased equity by $9.7 million 
during 2004, while the tax benefit related to the stock options 
increased equity by $1.2 million. Equity capital was also 
impacted during 2004 by an increase of $203 thousand from 
the reissuance of treasury shares to fund contingent payments 
related to the acquisition of First Commonwealth Financial 
Advisors, which consummated in 2002. This contingent 
payment of the Corporation’s common stock was the second 
of four scheduled annual installments. 

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. 

62

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 (Regulatory Restrictions and Capital 
Adequacy) 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, operational 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 arising 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 Executive Vice President, Chief Risk Officer, 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 

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

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 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 20,100. 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 

2004   
First Quarter 
Second Quarter 
Third Quarter 
Fourth Quarter 

Period 

2003   
First Quarter 
Second Quarter 
Third Quarter 
Fourth Quarter 

High Sale 

Low Sale 

$  15.00 
$  14.96 
$  14.30 
$  15.90 

$ 
$ 
$ 
$ 

13.99 
12.01 
12.50 
13.61 

High Sale 

Low Sale 

$  12.55 
$  13.30 
$  14.00 
$  14.98 

$ 
$ 
$ 
$ 

11.50 
11.57 
12.60 
13.15 

Cash Dividends  
Per Share

$ 
$ 
$ 
$ 

0.160
0.160
0.160
0.165

Cash Dividends  
Per Share

$ 
$ 
$ 
$ 

0.155
0.155
0.155
0.160

63

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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 
value.  It is our mission, our highest priority.  Value is 
delivered through a combination of total return (dividend 
yields plus market price appreciation), market liquidity 
(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.

Dividend Reinvestment 
First Commonwealth Financial Corporation's Dividend  
Reinvestment Plan offers shareholders an opportunity  
to reinvest their dividends in additional shares of the 
Corporation's common stock. Once enrolled in the plan, 
participants may also purchase shares through voluntary 
cash investments. For more information on the plan, 
please call The Bank of New York, Plan Administrator,  
at 1-800-524-4458.

Annual Meeting
The Annual Meeting of Shareholders will be held at:
First Commonwealth Place
654 Philadelphia St., Indiana, PA
On Monday, April 18, 2005 at 3:00 PM.

Common Stock 
First Commonwealth Financial Corporation common 
stock is listed on The New York Stock Exchange and is 
traded under the symbol FCF. Current market prices for 
First Commonwealth Financial Corporation common 
stock can be obtained from your local stock broker or by 
calling the Corporation at (724) 349-7220 (in Indiana, 
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.) 
1-888-269-5221 (Hearing Impaired—TDD Phone)

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

Send Certificates For Transfers and Address Changes To: 
Receive and Deliver Department  
P.O. Box 11002 
Church Street Station 
New York, NY  10286

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.

64

For shareholders who do not participate in the Dividend  
Reinvestment Plan, Automated Direct Dividend Deposit 
Service is available for direct deposit of quarterly dividend 
payments to a checking or savings account. To enroll, please 
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 
Exchange Commission will be provided to any shareholder 
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’s Chief Executive Officer has certified  
to the NYSE that, as of the date of the certification, he was 
not aware of any violation by First Commonwealth of  
NYSE’s corporate governance listing standards. In addition, 
First Commonwealth’s Chief Executive Officer and  
Chief Financial Officer have made certain certifications 
concerning the information contained in the annual report  
on Form 10-K pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley 
Act. The Section 302 certifications appear as exhibits 31.1  
and 31.2 to the annual report on Form 10-K as of  
December 31, 2004.

Golden Tower Awards
January ............................................................................Pat Nagle
February ................................................................... William Locher
March .........................................................................Lori Schreiber
April ............................................................................. Lisa Resslar
May ........................................................................... Melanie Ansell
June ........................................................................... Randy Koontz
July ........................................................................... Janine Fennell
August ............................................................................. Tim Nagle
September ......................................................................Gary Bentz
October ............................................................... Robert Ellenberger
November ..................................................................... Dave Hanna
December .....................................................................Peter Zerega

Spirit of Community Service Awards
January ....................................................... Lori Styers, Irene Caskey
February .......................................Daniel Gehring, Barbie Wojichowski 
March ................................................. Jacqueline Snyder, John Parsch
April .................................................. Deborah Robertson, Connie Biss
May ....................................................... Leo Klebacha, Deborah Aller
June ......................................................... Cheryl Knisely, Joni Kosior
July .......................................................... Joslin Bennett, Aja Whiting
August .................................................... Michael James, Valerie Korb
September ...................................................Tanya Snyder, Joyce Lock
October .................................................. Karen Walters, Diane Eppley
November ......................................... Candi Beltowski, Claudia Jacobson
December ......................................................Judy Anthony, Lloyd Rager

First Commonwealth Financial Corporation 
Old Courthouse Square 
22 North Sixth Street
Indiana, Pennsylvania 15701-0400

(724) 349-7220

(800) 711-BANK (2265)

www.fcbanking.com