Quarterlytics / Financial Services / Banks - Regional / First Commonwealth Financial Corporation

First Commonwealth Financial Corporation

fcf · NYSE Financial Services
Claim this profile
Ticker fcf
Exchange NYSE
Sector Financial Services
Industry Banks - Regional
Employees 1538
← All annual reports
FY2017 Annual Report · First Commonwealth Financial Corporation
Sign in to download
Loading PDF…
Annual Report 2017

(cid:3)

Dear Fellow Shareholders:

Last year was another productive and accomplished year for our company. In 2017, we benefited from a
strengthening U.S. economy and an improving interest rate environment, and we began to realize the return from
our investments in new lines of business and our recent expansion into Ohio.(cid:3)(cid:3)These favorable conditions, both
macro and micro, combined with the valuable contributions of our employees, produced another year of improved
financial performance and record earnings.(cid:3)

A Foundation for Growth

Our accomplishments over the past year provide ample cause for optimism.(cid:3) Perhaps the most significant
undertaking was the full integration of Delaware County Bank, through which we added $383 million in loans, $484
million in deposits, and 13 branches in and around the Columbus, Ohio region.(cid:3)(cid:3)

On January 10, 2018, we announced the signing of a definitive agreement to acquire Garfield Acquisition
Corporation, the parent company of Cincinnati, Ohio(cid:882)based Foundation Bank.(cid:3)(cid:3)Upon completion, this acquisition
will add $187 million in loans, $145 million in deposits, and five full(cid:882)service banking offices.(cid:3)(cid:3)We view this
expansion into the Cincinnati market as a logical extension of our Columbus and Cleveland, Ohio expansion
strategy. (cid:3)(cid:3)(cid:3)

Following the Foundation Bank acquisition, we will have approximately $1.4 billion in deposits and a similar
amount of loans in Ohio, concentrated in the three largest metropolitan markets in the state.(cid:3)(cid:3)(cid:3)(cid:3)

Our Ohio merger and acquisition activity has been supplemented by investments in separate commercial loan
production offices in downtown Cleveland and downtown Columbus, as well as two mortgage loan production
offices in Hudson and Dublin, Ohio.(cid:3)(cid:3)(cid:3)

The story unfolding in Ohio is positive, with resultant organic growth to complement the acquisitions.(cid:3) We believe
that these three Ohio metro markets complement our core Pittsburgh and Pennsylvania community market
franchise as demographic and cultural characteristics are both similar and Midwestern in texture.(cid:3)(cid:3)

I am very proud of the caliber of our team.(cid:3) We are attracting exceptional talent across all areas of the bank and
across all of our geographies.(cid:3) Our employees are bound together by a desire to help our customers realize their
financial goals, an unwavering commitment to the communities we serve, and a desire to win in all of our markets.(cid:3)(cid:3)(cid:3)

Record Results

Looking back on our financial performance during 2017, we grew spread and fee income, which contributed to
record revenue of $313.3 million.(cid:3) This revenue expansion more than offset the increase in noninterest expense
that came, in part, from our expansion into two new regions.(cid:3)

We also saw improvement in credit expenses in 2017, as years of prudent underwriting and portfolio
administration drove credit costs lower.(cid:3) In fact, our provision for loan loss of $5.1 million was $13.4 million less
than the previous year and represents the lowest level recorded by the bank since 1995, when the bank was much
smaller.

In 2017, we recognized $10.2 million in one(cid:882)time merger(cid:882)related expense and a $16.7 million write(cid:882)down of our
deferred tax asset (DTA) following the passing of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act.(cid:3)(cid:3)The DTA is an asset that represents

(cid:3)

the ability to take tax deductions against future income, and with the enactment of a lower tax rate, our DTA—as
was the case for many banks—was worth significantly less than it had been before.

Adjusting for one(cid:882)time merger(cid:882)related expenses and the revaluation of our DTA, full year 2017 core net income of
$78.5 million enabled $0.82 of core earnings per share, which represents an increase of 19% year(cid:882)over(cid:882)year.(cid:3)
Similarly, our core return on average assets (ROA) of 1.09% beat our industry peer median and showed real
progression over the prior year.

In short, 2017 was a very good year for First Commonwealth.(cid:3)(cid:3)Our desire is to become one of the top(cid:882)performing
community banks in the country.

Focus on the Future

The financial services industry is changing very rapidly, driven by consumer preferences, new entrants and new
technologies.(cid:3) As our product offerings and delivery channels continue to evolve to keep up with these
environmental changes, so too do those of our competitors–particularly our non(cid:882)bank competition.(cid:3)

We remain committed to our investment in new technology; however, I remain convinced that the hallmarks of
the community bank way of doing business will continue to be relevant and successful.(cid:3) A strong Retail bank is vital
to the future of First Commonwealth.(cid:3) While our physical branch network will inevitably change over time, we
remain committed to our personal service to our customers and the communities we serve.(cid:3)(cid:3)

As we look forward to 2018, the recent tax legislation has substantially lowered our effective tax rate. Like all
companies, we are in the process of considering how best to deploy increased after(cid:882)tax income.(cid:3) Our first step was
to give some of the tax benefit back to our employees through a year(cid:882)end bonus, particularly on the heels of a
busy, productive year.

We will also rebuild our capital levels to replace the capital lost as a result of the DTA write(cid:882)down.(cid:3) Beyond that,
we continue to evaluate ways to balance rewarding you, the shareholder, with the need to reinvest in our
company to allow for future growth.(cid:3)

This past year was a memorable and productive year for our organization as we successfully executed several
critical initiatives.(cid:3) Perhaps more importantly, we demonstrated our ability to adapt and compete in a rapidly
changing banking environment.(cid:3)(cid:3)

We believe the future holds considerable promise for First Commonwealth.(cid:3) Financial strength, a strong team and
community bank brand, and attractive Tri(cid:882)state markets have positioned us to take advantage of new
opportunities.

On behalf of our Board of Directors, Executive Management Team, officers and employees, I would like to thank
you for your continued support as we lead First Commonwealth into its next chapter.

Sincerely,

T. Michael Price
President and Chief Executive Officer
First Commonwealth Financial Corporation

UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549
FORM 10-K

ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES
EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the fiscal year ended December 31, 2017 

OR

TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES
EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the transition period from                      to                     

Commission file Number 001-11138
FIRST COMMONWEALTH FINANCIAL CORPORATION
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

PENNSYLVANIA
(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization)
601 PHILADELPHIA STREET    INDIANA, PA
(Address of principal executive offices)

25-1428528
(I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)
15701
(Zip Code)

Registrant’s telephone number, including area code: (724) 349-7220
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:

Title of each class
COMMON STOCK, $1 PAR VALUE

Name of each exchange on which registered
NEW YORK STOCK EXCHANGE

Indicate by check mark if the registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act.  Yes  

No 

Indicate by check mark if the registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or Section 15(d) of the Act. Yes 

    No 

Note—Checking the box above will not relieve any registrant required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Exchange Act 
from their obligations under those Sections.

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange 
Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been 
subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days. Yes 

    No 

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

    No 

Indicate by check mark if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to Item 405 of Regulation S-K is not contained herein, and will not be 
contained, to the best of registrant’s knowledge, in definitive proxy or information statements incorporated by reference in Part III of this 
Form 10-K or any amendment to this form 10-K. 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, a smaller reporting 
company, or emerging growth company. See the definitions of "large accelerated filer," "accelerated filer," "smaller reporting company," and 
"emerging growth company" in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act. 

Large accelerated filer 

     Accelerated filer 

    Non-accelerated filer 

    Smaller reporting company 

    Emerging growth company 

If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying 
with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act. 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act). Yes 

    No 

The aggregate market value of the voting and non-voting common stock, par value $1 per share, held by non-affiliates of the registrant (based 
upon the closing sale price on June 30, 2017) was approximately $1,235,796,411.

The number of shares outstanding of the registrant’s common stock, $1.00 Par Value as of February 28, 2018, was 97,523,651. 

DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE

Portions of the definitive Proxy Statement to be filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission in connection with the annual meeting of 
shareholders to be held April 24, 2018 are incorporated by reference into Part III.

 
 
FIRST COMMONWEALTH FINANCIAL CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
FORM 10-K
INDEX

PART I

ITEM 1.

Business

ITEM 1A.

Risk Factors

ITEM 1B.

Unresolved Staff Comments

ITEM 2.

Properties

ITEM 3.

Legal Proceedings

ITEM 4.

Mine Safety Disclosures

Executive Officers of First Commonwealth Financial Corporation

PART II

ITEM 5.

Market for Registrant’s Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer Purchase of 
Equity Securities

ITEM 6.

Selected Financial Data

ITEM 7.

Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

ITEM 7A.

Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk

ITEM 8.

Financial Statements and Supplementary Data

ITEM 9.

Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure

ITEM 9A.

Controls and Procedures

ITEM 9B.

Other Information

PART III

ITEM 10.

Directors, Executive Officers and Corporate Governance

ITEM 11.

Executive Compensation

ITEM 12.

Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stockholder 
Matters

ITEM 13.

Certain Relationships and Related Transactions, and Director Independence

ITEM 14.

Principal Accountant Fees and Services

PART IV

ITEM 15.

Exhibits, Financial Statements and Schedules

Signatures

PAGE

4

15

20

20

20

20

21

22

24

25

46

47

111

111

115

116

116

116

117

117

118

120

 
 
FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

Certain statements contained in this report that are not historical facts may constitute “forward-looking statements” within the 
meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as 
amended, and are intended to be covered by the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. 
These statements include, among others, statements regarding our strategy, evaluations of our asset quality, future interest rate 
trends and liquidity, prospects for growth in assets and prospects for future operating results. Forward-looking statements can 
generally be identified by the use of words such as “believe,” “expect,” “anticipate,” “intend,” “plan,” “estimate” or words of 
similar meaning, or future or conditional verbs such as “will,” “would,” “should,” “could” or “may.” Forward-looking 
statements are based on assumptions of management and are only expectations of future results. You should not place undue 
reliance on our forward-looking statements. Our actual results could differ materially from those projected in the forward-
looking statements as a result of, among others, the risk factors described in Item 1A of this report. Forward-looking statements 
speak only as of the date on which they are made. We do not undertake any obligation to update any forward-looking statement 
to reflect circumstances or events that occur after the date the forward-looking statements are made.

3

PART I

ITEM 1. 

Overview

Business

First Commonwealth Financial Corporation (“First Commonwealth,” the “Company” or “we”) is a financial holding company 
that is headquartered in Indiana, Pennsylvania. We provide a diversified array of consumer and commercial banking services 
through our bank subsidiary, First Commonwealth Bank (“FCB” or the “Bank”). We also provide trust and wealth management 
services and offer insurance products through FCB and our other operating subsidiaries. At December 31, 2017, we had total 
assets of $7.3 billion, total loans of $5.4 billion, total deposits of $5.6 billion and shareholders’ equity of $888.1 million. Our 
principal executive office is located at 601 Philadelphia Street, Indiana, Pennsylvania 15701, and our telephone number is 
(724) 349-7220.

FCB is a Pennsylvania bank and trust company. At December 31, 2017, the Bank operated 104 community banking offices 
throughout western and central Pennsylvania, 29 community banking offices in central and northern Ohio, as well as corporate 
banking centers in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, and central and northeast Ohio and mortgage offices in Columbus, Hudson and 
Dublin, Ohio.  The Bank also operates a network of 148 automated teller machines, or ATMs, at various branch offices and 
offsite locations. All of our ATMs are part of the NYCE and MasterCard/Cirrus networks, both of which operate nationwide. 
The Bank is a member of the Allpoint ATM network, which allows surcharge-free access to over 55,000 ATMs. The Bank is 
also a member of the “Freedom ATM Alliance,” which affords cardholders surcharge-free access to a network of over 670 
ATMs in over 50 counties in Pennsylvania, Maryland, New York, and Ohio.

Historical and Recent Developments

FCB began in 1934 as First National Bank of Indiana with initial capitalization of $255 thousand. First National Bank of 
Indiana changed its name to National Bank of the Commonwealth in 1971 and became a subsidiary of First Commonwealth in 
1983.

Since the formation of the holding company in 1983, we have grown steadily through the acquisition of smaller banks and 
thrifts in our market area, including Deposit Bank in 1984, Dale National Bank and First National Bank of Leechburg in 1985, 
Citizens National Bank of Windber in 1986, Peoples Bank and Trust Company in 1990, Central Bank in 1992, Peoples Bank of 
Western Pennsylvania in 1993, and Unitas National Bank and Reliable Savings Bank in 1994. In 1995, we merged all of our 
banking subsidiaries (other than Reliable Savings Bank) into Deposit Bank and renamed the resulting institution “First 
Commonwealth Bank.” We then merged Reliable Savings Bank into FCB in 1997. We acquired Southwest Bank in 1998 and 
merged it into FCB in 2002.

We expanded our presence in the Pittsburgh market through the acquisitions of Pittsburgh Savings Bank (dba BankPittsburgh) 
in 2003, Great American Federal in 2004 and Laurel Savings Bank in 2006.  These acquisitions added 27 branches in Allegheny 
and Butler Counties.

We have also focused on organic growth, improving the reach of our franchise and the breadth of our product offering. As part 
of this strategy, we have opened fourteen de novo branches since 2005, all of which are in the greater Pittsburgh area. As a 
result of our prior acquisitions and de novo strategy, FCB operates 59 branches and a corporate banking center in the Pittsburgh 
metropolitan statistical area and currently ranks tenth in deposit market share.

In 2015, we expanded into central Ohio through the acquisition of First Community Bank with four branches in the Columbus 
area.  In 2016, we acquired 13 branches from FirstMerit Bank, National Association, in Canton-Massillon and Ashtabula, Ohio 
and in 2017, we acquired DCB Financial Corp ("DCB") and its banking subsidiary The Delaware County Bank and Trust 
Company with nine full-service banking offices in the Columbus, Ohio MSA.   Additionally, since 2014, we have expanded our 
presence in this Ohio market by opening a corporate loan production office in Columbus and Cleveland, Ohio, and three 
mortgage loan offices in Hudson, Dublin, and Columbus, Ohio.

In January 2018, we announced the signing of a definitive merger agreement pursuant to which First Commonwealth will 
acquire Garfield Acquisition Corp. and its banking subsidiary Foundation Bank with five full-service banking offices in the 
Cincinnati, Ohio area. This transaction is subject to regulatory approval and is expected to close in the second quarter of 2018.

First Commonwealth regularly evaluates merger and acquisition opportunities and from time to time conducts due diligence 
activities related to possible transactions with other financial institutions and financial services companies.  As a result, merger 
or acquisition discussions and, in some cases, negotiations, may take place and future merger acquisitions involving cash, debt 
or equity securities may occur.  Acquisitions typically involve the payment of a premium over book and market values, and, 
therefore, some dilution of First Commonwealth’s tangible book value and net income per common share may occur in 
connection with any future transaction.
4

Loan Portfolio

The Company’s loan portfolio includes several categories of loans that are discussed in detail below.

Commercial, Financial, Agricultural and Other

Commercial, financial, agricultural and other loans represent term loans used to acquire business assets or revolving lines of 
credit used to finance working capital. These loans are generally secured by a first lien position on the borrower’s business 
assets as a secondary source of repayment. The type and amount of the collateral varies depending on the amount and terms of 
the loan, but generally may include accounts receivable, inventory, equipment or other assets. Loans also may be supported by 
personal guarantees from the principals of the commercial loan borrowers.

Commercial loans are underwritten for credit-worthiness based on the borrowers’ financial information, cash flow, net worth, 
prior loan performance, existing debt levels, type of business and the industry in which it operates. Advance rates on 
commercial loans are generally collateral-dependent and are determined based on the type of equipment, the mix of inventory 
and the quality of receivables.

Credit risk for commercial loans can arise from a borrower’s inability or unwillingness to repay the loan, and in the case of 
secured loans, from a shortfall in the collateral value in relation to the outstanding loan balance in the event of a default and 
subsequent liquidation of collateral. The Company’s Credit Policy establishes loan concentration limits by borrower, geography 
and industry.

Commercial Real Estate

Commercial real estate loans represent term loans secured by owner-occupied and non-owner occupied properties. Commercial 
real estate loans are underwritten based on an evaluation of each borrower’s cash flow as the principal source of loan 
repayment, and are generally secured by a first lien on the property as a secondary source of repayment. Our underwriting 
process for non-owner occupied properties evaluates the history of occupancy, quality of tenants, lease terms, operating 
expenses and cash flow. Commercial real estate loans are subject to the same credit evaluation as previously described for 
commercial loans.  Approximately 18%, by principal amount, of our commercial real estate loans involve owner-occupied 
properties.

For loans secured by commercial real estate, at origination the Company obtains current and independent appraisals from 
licensed or certified appraisers to assess the value of the underlying collateral. The Company’s general policy for commercial 
real estate loans is to limit the terms of the loans to not more than 10 years with loan-to-value ratios not exceeding 80% on 
owner-occupied and income producing properties. For non-owner occupied commercial real estate loans, the loan terms are 
generally aligned with the property’s lease terms and are generally underwritten with a loan-to-value ratio not exceeding 75%. 

Credit risk for commercial real estate loans can arise from economic conditions that could impact market demand, rental rates 
and property vacancy rates and declines in the collateral value in relation to the outstanding loan balance in the event of a 
default and subsequent liquidation of collateral.

Real Estate Construction

Real estate construction represents financing for real estate development.  The underwriting process for these loans is designed 
to confirm that the project will be economically feasible and financially viable and is generally conducted as though the 
Company would be providing permanent financing for the project. Development and construction loans are secured by the 
properties under development or construction, and personal guarantees are typically obtained as a secondary repayment source. 
The Company considers the financial condition and reputation of the borrower and any guarantors and generally requires a 
global cash flow analysis in order to assess the overall financial position of the developer. 

Construction loans to residential builders are generally made for the construction of residential homes for which a binding sales 
contract exists and for which the prospective buyers have been pre-qualified for permanent mortgage financing by either third-
party lenders or the Company.  These loans are generally for a period of time sufficient to complete construction. 

Residential construction loans to individuals generally provide for the payment of interest only during the construction phase.  
At the end of the construction phase, substantially all of our loans automatically convert to permanent mortgage loans and can 
either be retained in our loan portfolio or sold on the secondary market. 

Credit risk for real estate construction loans can arise from construction delays, cost overruns, failure of the contractor to 
complete the project to specifications and economic conditions that could impact demand for or supply of the property being 
constructed.

5

 
Residential Real Estate Loans

In 2014, First Commonwealth reentered the residential mortgage business, after a strategic decision in 2005 to discontinue 
mortgage lending. Residential real estate loans include first lien mortgages used by the borrower to purchase or refinance a 
principal residence and home equity loans and lines of credit secured by residential real estate. The Company’s underwriting 
process for these loans determines credit-worthiness based upon debt-to-income ratios, collateral values and other relevant 
factors. 

Credit risk for residential real estate loans can arise from a borrower’s inability or unwillingness to repay the loan or a shortfall 
in the value of the residential real estate in relation to the outstanding loan balance in the event of a default and subsequent 
liquidation of the real estate collateral.  

The residential real estate portfolio includes both conforming and non-conforming mortgage loans. Conforming mortgage loans 
represent loans originated in accordance with underwriting standards set forth by the government-sponsored entities, including 
the Federal National Mortgage Association, the Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation and the Government National 
Mortgage Association, which serve as the primary purchasers of loans sold in the secondary mortgage market by mortgage 
lenders. These loans are generally collateralized by one-to-four-family residential real estate, have loan-to-collateral value ratios 
of 80% or less (or have mortgage insurance to insure down to 80%), and are made to borrowers in good credit standing.  Non-
conforming mortgage loans represent loans that generally are not saleable in the secondary market to the government-sponsored 
entities due to factors such as the credit characteristics of the borrower, the underlying documentation, the loan-to-value ratio, 
or the size of the loan. The Company does not offer “subprime,” “interest-only” or “negative amortization” mortgages.

Home equity lines of credit and other home equity loans are originated by the Company for typically up to 90% of the 
appraised value, less the amount of any existing prior liens on the property. Additionally, the Company’s credit policy requires 
borrower FICO scores of not less than 661 and a debt-to-income ratio of not more than 43%. 

Loans to Individuals

The Loans to Individuals category includes consumer installment loans, personal lines of credit, consumer credit cards and 
indirect automobile loans. Credit risk for consumer loans can arise from a borrower’s inability or unwillingness to repay the 
loan, and in the case of secured loans, by a shortfall in the value of the collateral in relation to the outstanding loan balance in 
the event of a default and subsequent liquidation of collateral.  

The underwriting criteria for automobile loans allow for such loans to be made for up to 100% of the purchase price or the retail 
value of the vehicle as listed by the National Automobile Dealers Association. The terms of the loan are determined by the age 
and condition of the collateral, and range from 36 to 84 months. Collision insurance policies are required on all automobile 
loans. The Company also makes other consumer loans, which may or may not be secured. The terms of secured consumer loans 
generally depend upon the nature of the underlying collateral. Unsecured consumer loans and consumer credit cards usually do 
not exceed $35 thousand. Unsecured consumer loans usually have a term of no longer than 36 months. 

Deposits

Deposits are our primary source of funds to support our revenue-generating assets. We offer traditional deposit products to 
businesses and other customers with a variety of rates and terms. Deposits at our bank are insured by the FDIC up to statutory 
limits. We price our deposit products with a view to maximizing our share of each customer’s financial services business and 
prudently managing our cost of funds. At December 31, 2017, we held $5.6 billion of total deposits, which consisted of $1.4 
billion, or 25%, in non-interest bearing checking accounts, $3.5 billion, or 64%, in interest bearing checking accounts, money 
market and savings accounts, and $0.6 billion, or 11%, in CDs and IRAs. 

Our deposit base is diversified by client type.  As of December 31, 2017, our top ten depositors represented only 0.5% of our 
total deposits. The composition of our deposit mix continues to reflect an increased proportion of non-interest-bearing deposits 
and other transaction accounts and a lower proportion of more expensive time deposits. 

Competition

The banking and financial services industry is extremely competitive in our market area. We face vigorous competition for 
customers, loans and deposits from many companies, including commercial banks, savings and loan associations, finance 
companies, credit unions, trust companies, mortgage companies, money market mutual funds, insurance companies, and 
brokerage and investment firms. Many of these competitors are significantly larger than us, have greater resources, higher 
lending limits and larger branch systems and offer a wider array of financial services than us. In addition, some of these 
competitors, such as credit unions, are subject to a lesser degree of regulation or taxation than that imposed on us.

6

Employees

At December 31, 2017, First Commonwealth and its subsidiaries employed 1,298 full-time employees and 178 part-time 
employees.

Supervision and Regulation

The following discussion sets forth the material elements of the regulatory framework applicable to financial holding 
companies, such as First Commonwealth, and their subsidiaries. The regulatory framework is intended primarily for the 
protection of depositors, other customers and the federal deposit insurance fund and not for the protection of security holders. 
The rules governing the regulation of financial institutions and their holding companies are very detailed and technical. 
Accordingly, the following discussion is general in nature and is not intended to be complete or to describe all the laws and 
regulations that apply to First Commonwealth and its subsidiaries. A change in applicable statutes, regulations or regulatory 
policy may have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition or results of operations.

Bank Holding Company Regulation

First Commonwealth is registered as a financial holding company under the Bank Holding Company Act of 1956, as amended 
(“BHC Act”), and is subject to supervision and regulation by the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System (“FRB”).

Acquisitions. Under the BHC Act, First Commonwealth is required to obtain the prior approval of the FRB before it can merge 
or consolidate with any other bank holding company or acquire all or substantially all of the assets of any bank that is not 
already majority owned by it, or acquire direct or indirect ownership, or control of, any voting shares of any bank that is not 
already majority owned by it, if after such acquisition it would directly or indirectly own or control more than 5% of the voting 
shares of such bank.  In reviewing applications seeking approval of merger and acquisition transactions, the bank regulatory 
authorities will consider, among other things, the competitive effect and public benefits of the transactions, the financial, 
including capital, position of the combined organization, the risks to the stability of the U.S. banking or financial system, the 
applicant's performance record under the Community Reinvestment Act ("CRA") and its compliance with fair housing and 
other consumer protection laws and the effectiveness of the subject organizations in combating money laundering activities.

Non-Banking Activities.  In general, the BHC Act limits the business of bank holding companies to banking, managing or 
controlling banks and other activities that the FRB has determined to be so closely related to banking as to be a proper incident 
thereto. In addition, bank holding companies that qualify and elect to be financial holding companies such as First 
Commonwealth may engage in any activity, or acquire and retain the shares of a company engaged in any activity, that is either 
(i) financial in nature or incidental to such financial activity or (ii) complementary to a financial activity and does not pose a 
substantial risk to the safety and soundness of depository institutions or the financial system generally, without in either case the 
prior approval of the FRB. Activities that are financial in nature include securities underwriting and dealing, insurance agency 
activities and making merchant banking investments. 

To maintain financial holding company status, a financial holding company and all of its depository institution subsidiaries 
must be well capitalized and well managed. A depository institution subsidiary is considered to be well capitalized if it satisfies 
the requirements for this status discussed in the section below captioned "Prompt Corrective Action". A depository institution 
subsidiary is considered well managed if it received a composite rating and management rating of at least satisfactory in its 
most recent examination. A financial holding company’s status will also depend upon maintaining its status as well capitalized 
and well managed under applicable FRB regulations. If a financial holding company ceases to meet these capital and 
management requirements, the FRB’s regulations provide that the financial holding company must enter into an agreement with 
the FRB to comply with all applicable capital and management requirements. Until the financial holding company returns to 
compliance, the FRB may impose limitations or conditions on the conduct of its activities, and the company may not commence 
any of the broader financial activities permissible for financial holding companies or acquire a company engaged in such 
financial activities without prior approval of the FRB. If the company does not return to compliance within 180 days, the FRB 
may require divestiture of the holding company’s depository institutions. 

In order for a financial holding company to commence any new activity permitted by the BHC Act or to acquire a company 
engaged in any new activity permitted by the BHC Act, each insured depository institution subsidiary of the financial holding 
company must have received a rating of at least satisfactory in its most recent examination under the CRA. 

The FRB has the power to order any bank holding company or its subsidiaries to terminate any activity or to terminate its 
ownership or control of any subsidiary when the FRB has reasonable grounds to believe that continuation of such activity or 
such ownership or control constitutes a serious risk to the financial soundness, safety or stability of any bank subsidiary of the 
bank holding company.

7

Reporting. Under the BHC Act, First Commonwealth is subject to examination by the FRB and is required to file periodic 
reports and other information of its operations with the FRB. In addition, under the Pennsylvania Banking Code of 1965, the 
Pennsylvania Department of Banking and Securities has the authority to examine the books, records and affairs of any 
Pennsylvania bank holding company or to require any documentation deemed necessary to ensure compliance with the 
Pennsylvania Banking Code.

Source of Strength Doctrine. FRB policy has historically required bank holding companies to act as a source of financial and 
managerial strength to their subsidiary banks. The Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act (the “Dodd-
Frank Act”) codifies this policy as a statutory requirement. Under this requirement, First Commonwealth is expected to commit 
resources to support FCB, including at times when First Commonwealth may not be in a financial position to provide such 
resources. Any capital loans by a bank holding company to any of its subsidiary banks are subordinate in right of payment to 
deposits and to certain other indebtedness of such subsidiary banks. In the event of a bank holding company’s bankruptcy, any 
commitment by the bank holding company to a federal bank regulatory agency to maintain the capital of a subsidiary bank will 
be assumed by the bankruptcy trustee and entitled to priority of payment.

Affiliate Transactions. Transactions between FCB, on the one hand, and First Commonwealth and its other subsidiaries, on the 
other hand, are regulated under federal banking laws.  The Federal Reserve Act imposes quantitative and qualitative 
requirements and collateral requirements on covered transactions by FCB with, or for the benefit of, its affiliates, and generally 
requires those transactions to be on terms at least as favorable to FCB as if the transaction were conducted with an unaffiliated 
third party. Covered transactions are defined by statute to include a loan or extension of credit, as well as a purchase of 
securities issued by an affiliate, a purchase of assets (unless otherwise exempted by the FRB) from the affiliate, certain 
derivative transactions that create a credit exposure to an affiliate, the acceptance of securities issued by the affiliate as 
collateral for a loan, and the issuance of a guarantee, acceptance or letter of credit on behalf of an affiliate. In general, any such 
transaction by FCB (or its subsidiaries) must be limited to certain thresholds on an individual and aggregate basis and, for credit 
transactions with any affiliate, must be secured by designated amounts of specified collateral.

SEC Regulations. First Commonwealth is also under the jurisdiction of the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) and 
various state securities commissions for matters relating to the offer and sale of its securities and is subject to the SEC rules and 
regulations relating to periodic reporting, proxy solicitation and insider trading.

Bank Regulation

FCB is a state bank chartered under the Pennsylvania Banking Code and is not a member of the FRB. As such, FCB is subject 
to the supervision of, and is regularly examined by, both the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (“FDIC”) and the 
Pennsylvania Department of Banking and Securities and is required to furnish quarterly reports to both agencies. The approval 
of the Pennsylvania Department of Banking and Securities and FDIC is also required for FCB to establish additional branch 
offices or merge with or acquire another banking institution.

Dividends and Stress Testing.  First Commonwealth is a legal entity separate and distinct from its banking and other 
subsidiaries. As a bank holding company, First Commonwealth is subject to certain restrictions on its ability to pay dividends 
under applicable banking laws and regulations. Federal bank regulators are authorized to determine under certain circumstances 
relating to the financial condition of a bank holding company or a bank that the payment of dividends would be an unsafe or 
unsound practice and to prohibit payment thereof. In particular, federal bank regulators have stated that paying dividends that 
deplete a banking organization’s capital base to an inadequate level would be an unsafe and unsound banking practice and that 
banking organizations should generally pay dividends only out of current operating earnings. 

A significant portion of our income comes from dividends from our bank, which is also the primary source of our liquidity. In 
addition to the restrictions discussed above, our bank is subject to limitations under Pennsylvania law regarding the level of 
dividends that it may pay to us. In general, dividends may be declared and paid only out of accumulated net earnings and may 
not be declared or paid unless surplus is at least equal to capital. Dividends may not reduce surplus without the prior consent of 
the Pennsylvania Department of Banking and Securities. FCB has not reduced its surplus through the payment of dividends.  As 
of December 31, 2017, FCB could pay dividends to First Commonwealth of $110.3 million without reducing its capital levels 
below "well capitalized" levels and without the approval of the Pennsylvania Department of Banking and Securities.

As required by the Dodd-Frank Act, the FRB and the FDIC have issued rules which require bank holding companies and banks 
with average total consolidated assets greater than $10 billion to conduct an annual company-run stress test of capital, 
consolidated earnings and losses under one base and at least two stress scenarios provided by the federal bank regulators. 
Neither we nor our bank is currently subject to the stress testing requirements, but we expect that once we are subject to those 
requirements, the FRB, the FDIC and the Pennsylvania Department of Banking and Securities will consider our results as an 
important factor in evaluating our capital adequacy, and that of our bank, in evaluating any proposed acquisitions and in 
determining whether any proposed dividends or stock repurchases by us or by our bank may be an unsafe or unsound practice.  

8

To prepare for the application of these rules, we currently conduct annual stress tests utilizing the stress scenarios published by 
the federal banking regulations.

Community Reinvestment. Under the Community Reinvestment Act ("CRA") a bank has a continuing and affirmative 
obligation, consistent with its safe and sound operation, to help meet the credit needs of its entire community, including low and 
moderate income neighborhoods. The CRA does not establish specific lending requirements or programs for financial 
institutions nor does it limit an institution’s discretion to develop the types of products and services that it believes are best 
suited to its particular community, consistent with the CRA. The CRA requires the applicable regulatory agency to assess an 
institution’s record of meeting the credit needs of its community. The CRA requires public disclosure of an institution’s CRA 
rating and requires that the applicable regulatory agency provide a written evaluation of an institution’s CRA performance 
utilizing a four-tiered descriptive rating system. An institution’s CRA rating is considered in determining whether to grant 
charters, branches and other deposit facilities, relocations, mergers, consolidations and acquisitions. Performance less than 
satisfactory may be the basis for denying an application. For its most recent examination, FCB received a “satisfactory” rating.

Consumer Financial Protection. We are subject to a number of federal and state consumer protection laws that extensively 
govern our relationship with our customers. These laws include the Equal Credit Opportunity Act, the Fair Credit Reporting 
Act, the Truth in Lending Act, the Truth in Savings Act, the Electronic Fund Transfer Act, the Expedited Funds Availability Act, 
the Home Mortgage Disclosure Act, the Fair Housing Act, the Real Estate Settlement Procedures Act, the Fair Debt Collection 
Practices Act, the Service Members Civil Relief Act and these laws’ respective state-law counterparts, as well as state usury 
laws and laws regarding unfair and deceptive acts and practices. These and other federal laws, among other things, require 
disclosures of the cost of credit and terms of deposit accounts, provide substantive consumer rights, prohibit discrimination in 
credit transactions, regulate the use of credit report information, provide financial privacy protections, prohibit unfair, deceptive 
and abusive practices, restrict our ability to raise interest rates and subject us to substantial regulatory oversight. Violations of 
applicable consumer protection laws can result in significant potential liability from litigation brought by customers, including 
actual damages, restitution and attorneys’ fees. Federal bank regulators, state attorneys general and state and local consumer 
protection agencies may also seek to enforce consumer protection requirements and obtain these and other remedies, including 
regulatory sanctions, customer rescission rights, action by the state and local attorneys general in each jurisdiction in which we 
operate and civil money penalties. Failure to comply with consumer protection requirements may also result in our failure to 
obtain any required bank regulatory approval for merger or acquisition transactions we may wish to pursue or our prohibition 
from engaging in such transactions even if approval is not required. 

The Dodd-Frank Act created a new, independent federal agency, the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau ("CFPB"), which 
was granted broad rulemaking, supervisory and enforcement powers under various federal consumer financial protection laws. 
The CFPB is also authorized to engage in consumer financial education, track consumer complaints, request data and promote 
the availability of financial services to underserved consumers and communities. Although all institutions are subject to rules 
adopted by the CFPB and examination by the CFPB in conjunction with examinations by the institution’s primary federal 
regulator, the CFPB has primary examination and enforcement authority over institutions with assets of $10 billion or more. 
The FDIC has primary responsibility for examination of our bank and enforcement with respect to federal consumer protection 
laws so long as our bank has total consolidated assets of less than $10 billion, and state authorities are responsible for 
monitoring our compliance with all state consumer laws. The CFPB also has the authority to require reports from institutions 
with less than $10 billion in assets, such as our bank, to support the CFPB in implementing federal consumer protection laws, 
supporting examination activities, and assessing and detecting risks to consumers and financial markets. 

The consumer protection provisions of the Dodd-Frank Act and the examination, supervision and enforcement of those laws 
and implementing regulations by the CFPB have created a more intense and complex environment for consumer finance 
regulation. The CFPB has significant authority to implement and enforce federal consumer finance laws, including the Truth in 
Lending Act, the Equal Credit Opportunity Act and new requirements for financial services products provided for in the Dodd-
Frank Act, as well as the authority to identify and prohibit unfair, deceptive or abusive acts and practices. The review of 
products and practices to prevent such acts and practices is a continuing focus of the CFPB, and of banking regulators more 
broadly. The ultimate impact of this heightened scrutiny is uncertain but could result in changes to pricing, practices, products 
and procedures. It could also result in increased costs related to regulatory oversight, supervision and examination, additional 
remediation efforts and possible penalties. In addition, the Dodd-Frank Act provides the CFPB with broad supervisory, 
examination and enforcement authority over various consumer financial products and services, including the ability to require 
reimbursements and other payments to customers for alleged legal violations and to impose significant penalties, as well as 
injunctive relief that prohibits lenders from engaging in allegedly unlawful practices. The CFPB also has the authority to obtain 
cease and desist orders providing for affirmative relief or monetary penalties. The Dodd-Frank Act does not prevent states from 
adopting stricter consumer protection standards. State regulation of financial products and potential enforcement actions could 
also adversely affect our business, financial condition or results of operations.

Deposit Insurance. Deposits of FCB are insured up to applicable limits by the FDIC and are subject to deposit insurance 
assessments to maintain the Deposit Insurance Fund (“DIF”). Deposit insurance assessments are based upon average total assets 

9

minus average total equity. The insurance assessments are based upon a matrix that takes into account a bank’s capital level and 
supervisory rating. The FDIC may terminate deposit insurance upon a finding that the institution has engaged in unsafe and 
unsound practices, is in an unsafe or unsound condition to continue operations, or has violated any applicable law, regulation, 
rule, order or condition imposed by the FDIC.  As an institution with less than $10 billion in assets, FCB’s assessment rates are 
based on its risk classification (i.e., the level of risk it poses to the FDIC’s deposit insurance fund). For institutions with $10 
billion or more in assets, assessment rates are calculated using a scorecard that combines the supervisory risk ratings of the 
institution with certain forward-looking financial measures. These assessment rates are subject to adjustments based upon the 
insured depository institution’s ratio of long-term unsecured debt to the assessment base, long-term unsecured debt issued by 
other insured depository institutions to the assessment base, and brokered deposits to the assessment base. However, the 
adjustments based on brokered deposits to the assessment base will not apply so long as the institution is well capitalized and 
has a composite CAMELS rating of 1 or 2. The CAMELS rating system is a bank rating system where bank supervisory 
authorities rate institutions according to six factors: capital adequacy, asset quality, management quality, earnings, liquidity, and 
sensitivity to market risk.  The FDIC may make additional discretionary assessment rate adjustments. 

In October 2010, the FDIC adopted a new DIF restoration plan to ensure that the fund reserve ratio reaches 1.35% by 
September 30, 2020, as required by the Dodd-Frank Act. In August 2016, the FDIC announced that the DIF reserve ratio had 
surpassed 1.15% as of June 30, 2016. As a result, beginning in the third quarter of 2016, the range of initial assessment ranges 
for all institutions were adjusted downward such that the initial base deposit insurance assessment rate ranges from 3 to 30 basis 
points on an annualized basis. After the effect of potential base-rate adjustments, the total base assessment rate could range 
from 1.5 to 40 basis points on an annualized basis. In March 2016, the FDIC adopted a final rule increasing the reserve ratio for 
the Deposit Insurance Fund to 1.35% of total insured deposits. The rule imposes a surcharge on the assessments of depository 
institutions with $10 billion or more in assets beginning the third quarter of 2016 and continuing through the earlier of the 
quarter that the reserve ratio first reaches or exceeds 1.35% and December 31, 2018.  This surcharge does not currently impact 
FCB.

Repeal Of Federal Prohibitions On Payment Of Interest On Demand Deposits. The federal prohibition restricting depository 
institutions from paying interest on demand deposit accounts was repealed effective on July 21, 2011 as part of the Dodd-Frank 
Act. 

Capital Requirements

First Commonwealth and FCB are each required to comply with applicable capital adequacy standards established by the FRB. 
The current risk-based capital standards applicable to First Commonwealth and FCB, parts of which are currently in the process 
of being phased-in, are based on the December 2010 final capital framework for strengthening international capital standards, 
known as Basel III, of the Basel Committee on Banking Supervision (the “Basel Committee”).

Prior to January 1, 2015, the risk-based capital standards applicable to First Commonwealth and FCB were based on the 1988 
Capital Accord, known as Basel I, of the Basel Committee. In July 2013, the federal bank regulators approved final rules (the 
“Basel III Capital Rules”) implementing the Basel III framework as well as certain provisions of the Dodd-Frank Act. The 
Basel III Capital Rules substantially revised the risk-based capital requirements applicable to bank holding companies and their 
depository institution subsidiaries, including First Commonwealth and FCB, as compared to the Basel I risk-based capital rules. 
The Basel III Capital Rules became effective for First Commonwealth and FCB on January 1, 2015 (subject to a phase-in 
period for certain provisions).

The Basel III Capital Rules, among other things:

• 

• 

• 

• 

introduce a new capital measure called Common Equity Tier 1 (“CET1”);

define CET1 narrowly by requiring that most deductions/adjustments to regulatory capital measures be made to CET1 
and not to the other components of capital; 

specify that Tier 1 capital consists of CET1 and “Additional Tier 1 capital” instruments meeting specified requirements; 
and 

expand the scope of the deductions/adjustments as compared to existing regulations.

Under the Basel III Capital Rules, the initial minimum capital ratios that became effective on January 1, 2015 are as follows:

• 

• 

• 

• 

4.5% CET1 to risk-weighted assets

6.0% Tier 1 capital to risk-weighted assets

8.0% Total capital to risk-weighted assets

4.0% Tier 1 capital to average quarterly assets

10

When fully phased in on January 1, 2019, the Basel III Capital Rules will require First Commonwealth and FCB to maintain a 
2.5% “capital conservation buffer” over the required ratios of CET1 to risk-weighted assets, Tier 1 capital to risk-weighted 
assets and Total capital to risk-weighted assets, effectively resulting in minimum ratios of 7.0%, 8.5% and 10.5%, respectively.

Banking institutions with a ratio of CET1 to risk-weighted assets above the minimum but below the conservation buffer will 
face constraints on dividends, equity repurchases and compensation based on the amount of the shortfall.

The Basel III Capital Rules provide for a number of deductions from and adjustments to CET1. These include, for example, the 
requirement that mortgage servicing rights, deferred tax assets arising from temporary differences that could not be realized 
through net operating loss carrybacks and significant investments in non-consolidated financial entities be deducted from CET1 
to the extent that any one such category exceeds 10% of CET1 or all such categories in the aggregate exceed 15% of CET1.  
During 2015, First Commonwealth and FCB made a one-time permanent election, as permitted under Basel III Capital Rules, to 
exclude the effects of accumulated other comprehensive income items for the purposes of determining regulatory capital ratios.

Implementation of the deductions and other adjustments to CET1 began on January 1, 2015 and will be phased-in over a four-
year period (beginning at 40% on January 1, 2015 and an additional 20% per year thereafter). The implementation of the capital 
conservation buffer began on January 1, 2016 at the 0.625% level and will continue to be phased in over a four-year period 
(increasing by that amount on each subsequent January 1, until it reaches 2.5% on January 1, 2019).

With respect to FCB, the Basel III Capital Rules also revise the “prompt corrective action” regulations pursuant to Section 38 of 
the Federal Deposit Insurance Act, as discussed below under “Prompt Corrective Action.” The Basel III Capital Rules prescribe 
a standardized approach for risk weightings that expand the risk-weighting categories from the four Basel I-derived categories 
(0%, 20%, 50% and 100%) to a much larger and more risk-sensitive number of categories, depending on the nature of the 
assets, generally ranging from 0% for U.S. government and agency securities, to 600% for certain equity exposures, and 
resulting in higher risk weights for a variety of asset categories. 

Management believes that, as of December 31, 2017, First Commonwealth and FCB would meet all capital adequacy 
requirements under the Basel III Capital Rules on a fully phased-in basis as if such requirements were in effect as of that date.

Liquidity Requirements

Historically, regulation and monitoring of bank and bank holding company liquidity has been addressed as a supervisory matter, 
without required formulaic measures. The Basel III final framework requires banks and bank holding companies to measure 
their liquidity against specific liquidity tests that, although similar in some respects to liquidity measures historically applied by 
banks and regulators for management and supervisory purposes, going forward will be required by regulation. One such test, 
referred to as the liquidity coverage ratio (“LCR”), is designed to ensure that the banking entity maintains an adequate level of 
unencumbered high-quality liquid assets equal to the entity’s expected net cash outflow for a 30-day time horizon (or, if greater, 
25% of its expected total cash outflow) under an acute liquidity stress scenario. The other, referred to as the net stable funding 
ratio (“NSFR”), is designed to promote more medium- and long-term funding of the assets and activities of banking entities 
over a one-year time horizon. These requirements will incent banking entities to increase their holdings of U.S. Treasury 
securities and other sovereign debt as a component of assets and increase the use of long-term debt as a funding source.  In 
September 2014, the federal bank regulators approved final rules implementing the LCR for advanced approaches banking 
organizations (i.e., banking organizations with $250 billion or more in total consolidated assets or $10 billion or more in total 
on-balance sheet foreign exposure) and a modified version of the LCR for bank holding companies with at least $50 billion in 
total consolidated assets that are not advanced approach banking organizations, neither of which would apply to First 
Commonwealth or FCB.  While not required, FCB nevertheless utilizes a modified version of the LCR as a helpful tool for 
monitoring its liquidity position.  In the second quarter of 2016, the federal banking regulators issued a proposed rule that 
would implement the NSFR for certain U.S. banking organizations. The proposed rule would require certain U.S. banking 
organizations to ensure they have access to stable funding over a one-year time horizon and has an effective date of January 1, 
2018.  The proposed rule would not apply to U.S. banking organizations with less than $50 billion in total consolidated assets 
such as First Commonwealth or FCB.

11

Prompt Corrective Action

The Federal Deposit Insurance Act, as amended (“FDIA”), requires, among other things, the federal banking agencies to take 
“prompt corrective action” in respect of depository institutions that do not meet minimum capital requirements. The FDIA 
includes the following five capital tiers: “well capitalized,” “adequately capitalized,” “undercapitalized,” “significantly 
undercapitalized” and “critically undercapitalized.” A depository institution’s capital tier will depend upon how its capital levels 
compare with various relevant capital measures and certain other factors, as established by regulation. The relevant capital 
measures are the total capital ratio, the CET1 capital ratio (a new ratio requirement under the Basel III Capital Rules), the Tier 1 
capital ratio and the leverage ratio.

A bank will be (i) “well capitalized” if the institution has a total risk-based capital ratio of 10.0% or greater, a CET1 capital 
ratio of 6.5% or greater, a Tier 1 risk-based capital ratio of 8.0% or greater, and a leverage ratio of 5.0% or greater, and is not 
subject to any order or written directive by any such regulatory authority to meet and maintain a specific capital level for any 
capital measure; (ii) “adequately capitalized” if the institution has a total risk-based capital ratio of 8.0% or greater, a CET1 
capital ratio of 4.5% or greater, a Tier 1 risk-based capital ratio of 6.0% or greater, and a leverage ratio of 4.0% or greater and is 
not “well capitalized”; (iii) “undercapitalized” if the institution has a total risk-based capital ratio that is less than 8.0%, a CET1 
capital ratio less than 4.5%, a Tier 1 risk-based capital ratio of less than 6.0% or a leverage ratio of less than 4.0%; (iv) 
“significantly undercapitalized” if the institution has a total risk-based capital ratio of less than 6.0%, a CET1 capital ratio less 
than 3%, a Tier 1 risk-based capital ratio of less than 4.0% or a leverage ratio of less than 3.0%; and (v) “critically 
undercapitalized” if the institution’s tangible equity is equal to or less than 2.0% of average quarterly tangible assets. An 
institution may be downgraded to, or deemed to be in, a capital category that is lower than indicated by its capital ratios if it is 
determined to be in an unsafe or unsound condition or if it receives an unsatisfactory examination rating with respect to certain 
matters. A bank’s capital category is determined solely for the purpose of applying prompt corrective action regulations, and the 
capital category may not constitute an accurate representation of the bank’s overall financial condition or prospects for other 
purposes.

The FDIA generally prohibits a depository institution from making any capital distributions (including payment of a dividend) 
or paying any management fee to its parent holding company if the depository institution would thereafter be 
“undercapitalized.” “Undercapitalized” institutions are subject to growth limitations and are required to submit a capital 
restoration plan. The agencies may not accept such a plan without determining, among other things, that the plan is based on 
realistic assumptions and is likely to succeed in restoring the depository institution’s capital. In addition, for a capital restoration 
plan to be acceptable, the depository institution’s parent holding company must guarantee that the institution will comply with 
such capital restoration plan and must also provide appropriate assurances of performance. The aggregate liability of the parent 
holding company is limited to the lesser of (i) an amount equal to 5.0% of the depository institution’s total assets at the time it 
became undercapitalized and (ii) the amount which is necessary (or would have been necessary) to bring the institution into 
compliance with all capital standards applicable with respect to such institution as of the time it fails to comply with the plan. If 
a depository institution fails to submit an acceptable plan, it is treated as if it is “significantly undercapitalized.”

In addition, the FDIA prohibits an insured depository institution from accepting brokered deposits or offering interest rates on 
any deposits significantly higher than the prevailing rate in the bank's normal market area or nationally (depending upon where 
the deposits are solicited), unless it is well capitalized or is adequately capitalized and receives a waiver from the FDIC. A 
depository institution that is adequately capitalized and accepts brokered deposits under a waiver from the FDIC may not pay 
an interest rate on any deposit in excess of 75 basis points over certain prevailing market rates.

“Significantly undercapitalized” depository institutions may be subject to a number of requirements and restrictions, including 
orders to sell sufficient voting stock to become “adequately capitalized,” requirements to reduce total assets, and cessation of 
receipt of deposits from correspondent banks. “Critically undercapitalized” institutions are subject to the appointment of a 
receiver or conservator.

The appropriate federal banking agency may, under certain circumstances, reclassify a well-capitalized insured depository 
institution as adequately capitalized. The FDIA provides that an institution may be reclassified if the appropriate federal 
banking agency determines (after notice and opportunity for hearing) that the institution is in an unsafe or unsound condition or 
deems the institution to be engaging in an unsafe or unsound practice.

The appropriate agency is also permitted to require an adequately capitalized or undercapitalized institution to comply with the 
supervisory provisions as if the institution were in the next lower category (but not treat a significantly undercapitalized 
institution as critically undercapitalized) based on supervisory information other than the capital levels of the institution.

First Commonwealth believes that, as of December 31, 2017, FCB was a “well-capitalized” bank as defined by the FDIA. See 
Note 25 “Regulatory Restrictions and Capital Adequacy” of Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements, contained in Item 
8, for a table that provides a comparison of First Commonwealth’s and FCB’s risk-based capital ratios and the leverage ratio to 
minimum regulatory requirements.

12

The Volcker Rule 

The Dodd-Frank Act prohibits banks and their affiliates from engaging in proprietary trading and investing in and sponsoring 
hedge funds and private equity funds (so called "covered funds"). The statutory provision is commonly called the “Volcker 
Rule.”  Banks with less than $10 billion in total consolidated assets, such as FCB, that do not engage in any covered activities, 
other than trading in certain government, agency, state or municipal obligations, do not have any significant compliance 
obligations under the rules implementing the Volcker Rule.

Depositor Preference 

Under federal law, depositors (including the FDIC with respect to the subrogated claims of insured depositors) and certain 
claims for administrative expenses of the FDIC as receiver would be afforded a priority over other general unsecured claims 
against such an institution in the liquidation or other resolution of such an institution by any receiver. 

Interchange Fees 

Under the Durbin Amendment to the Dodd-Frank Act, the FRB adopted rules establishing standards for assessing whether the 
interchange fees that may be charged with respect to certain electronic debit transactions are “reasonable and proportional” to 
the costs incurred by issuers for processing such transactions.  Interchange fees, or “swipe” fees, are charges that merchants pay 
to us and other card-issuing banks for processing electronic payment transactions. Under the final rules, the maximum 
permissible interchange fee is equal to no more than 21 cents plus 5 basis points of the transaction value for many types of debit 
interchange transactions. The FRB also adopted a rule to allow a debit card issuer to recover 1 cent per transaction for fraud 
prevention purposes if the issuer complies with certain fraud-related requirements required by the FRB. The FRB also has rules 
governing routing and exclusivity that require issuers to offer two unaffiliated networks for routing transactions on each debit or 
prepaid product. 

The Dodd-Frank Act contained an exemption from the interchange fee cap for any debit card issuer that, together with its 
affiliates, has total assets of less than $10 billion as of the end of the previous calendar year. We currently qualify for this 
exemption.  We earned approximately $18.8 million in card related interchange income during the 2017 fiscal year. If we did 
not qualify for this exemption, we estimate that our interchange income would have been approximately $11.2 million, 
representing a $7.6 million reduction due to the cap on interchange fees. We would become subject to the interchange fee cap 
beginning July 1 of the year following the time when our total assets reaches or exceeds $10 billion. 

Heightened Requirements for Bank Holding Companies with $10 Billion or More in Assets 

Various federal banking laws and regulations, including rules adopted by the FRB pursuant to the requirements of the Dodd-
Frank Act, impose heightened requirements on certain large banks and bank holding companies. Most of these rules apply 
primarily to bank holding companies with at least $50 billion in total consolidated assets, but certain rules also apply to banks 
and bank holding companies with at least $10 billion in total consolidated assets. Following the time at which our or our bank’s 
total consolidated assets, as applicable, equal or exceed $10 billion, we or our bank, as applicable, will, among other 
requirements: 

• 
• 

• 

• 

be required to perform annual stress tests as described above under Dividends and Stress Testing; 
be required to establish a dedicated risk committee of our board of directors responsible for overseeing our enterprise-
wide risk management policies, which must be commensurate with our capital structure, risk profile, complexity, 
activities, size and other appropriate risk-related factors, and including as a member at least one risk management 
expert; 

calculate our FDIC deposit assessment base using the performance score and a loss-severity score system described 
above under Deposit Insurance; and 

be examined for compliance with federal consumer protection laws primarily by the CFPB as described above under 
Consumer Financial Protection. 

While neither we nor our bank currently have $10 billion or more in total consolidated assets, we have begun analyzing these 
rules to ensure we are prepared to comply with the rules when and if they become applicable.

13

Financial Privacy

The federal banking regulators adopted rules that limit the ability of banks and other financial institutions to disclose non-public 
information about consumers to nonaffiliated third parties. These limitations require disclosure of privacy policies to consumers 
and, in some circumstances, allow consumers to prevent disclosure of certain personal information to a nonaffiliated third party. 
These regulations affect how consumer information is transmitted through diversified financial companies and conveyed to 
outside vendors.

Anti-Money Laundering and the USA Patriot Act

A major focus of governmental policy on financial institutions in recent years has been aimed at combating money laundering 
and terrorist financing. The USA PATRIOT Act of 2001 (the “USA Patriot Act”) substantially broadened the scope of United 
States anti-money laundering laws and regulations by imposing significant new compliance and due diligence obligations, 
creating new crimes and penalties and expanding the extra-territorial jurisdiction of the United States. Financial institutions are 
also prohibited from entering into specified financial transactions and account relationships and must use enhanced due 
diligence procedures in their dealings with certain types of high-risk customers and implement a written customer identification 
program.  Financial institutions must take certain steps to assist government agencies in detecting and preventing money 
laundering and report certain types of suspicious transactions.  Regulatory authorities routinely examine financial institutions 
for compliance with these obligations, and failure of a financial institution to maintain and implement adequate programs to 
combat money laundering and terrorist financing, or to comply with all of the relevant laws or regulations, could have serious 
legal and reputational consequences for the institution, including causing applicable bank regulatory authorities not to approve 
merger or acquisition transactions when regulatory approval is required or to prohibit such transactions even if approval is not 
required.  Regulatory authorities have imposed cease and desist orders and civil money penalties against institutions found to be 
violating these obligations.

Office of Foreign Assets Control Regulation

The U.S. Treasury Department’s Office of Foreign Assets Control ("OFAC") administers and enforces economic and trade 
sanctions against targeted foreign countries and regimes, under authority of various laws, including designated foreign 
countries, nationals and others. OFAC publishes lists of specially designated targets and countries. First Commonwealth is 
responsible for, among other things, blocking accounts of, and transactions with, such targets and countries, prohibiting 
unlicensed trade and financial transactions with them and reporting blocked transactions after their occurrence. Failure to 
comply with these sanctions could have serious legal and reputational consequences, including causing applicable bank 
regulatory authorities not to approve merger or acquisition transactions when regulatory approval is required or to prohibit such 
transactions even if approval is not required.

Cybersecurity

In March 2015, federal regulators issued two related statements regarding cybersecurity. One statement indicates that financial 
institutions should design multiple layers of security controls to establish lines of defense and to ensure that their risk 
management processes also address the risk posed by compromised customer credentials, including security measures to 
reliably authenticate customers accessing internet-based services of the financial institution. The other statement indicates that a 
financial institution’s management is expected to maintain sufficient business continuity planning processes to ensure the rapid 
recovery, resumption and maintenance of the institution’s operations after a cyber-attack involving destructive malware. A 
financial institution is also expected to develop appropriate processes to enable recovery of data and business operations and 
address rebuilding network capabilities and restoring data if the institution or its critical service providers fall victim to this type 
of cyber-attack. If we fail to observe the regulatory guidance, we could be subject to various regulatory sanctions, including 
financial penalties.

In the ordinary course of business, we rely on electronic communications and information systems to conduct our operations 
and to store sensitive data. We employ an in-depth, layered, defensive approach that leverages people, processes and technology 
to manage and maintain cybersecurity controls. We employ a variety of preventative and detective tools to monitor, block, and 
provide alerts regarding suspicious activity, as well as to report on any suspected advanced persistent threats.  Notwithstanding 
the strength of our defensive measures, the threat from cyber attacks is severe, attacks are sophisticated and increasing in 
volume, and attackers respond rapidly to changes in defensive measures.  While to date we have not experienced a significant 
compromise, significant data loss or any material financial losses related to cybersecurity attacks, our systems and those of our 
customers and third-party service providers are under constant threat and it is possible that we could experience a significant 
event in the future.  Risks and exposures related to cybersecurity attacks are expected to remain high for the foreseeable future 
due to the rapidly evolving nature and sophistication of these threats, as well as due to the expanding use of internet banking, 
mobile banking and other technology-based products and services by us and our customers. See Item 1A. Risk Factors for a 
further discussion of risks related to cybersecurity.

14

Future Legislation and Regulation 

Congress may enact legislation from time to time that affects the regulation of the financial services industry, and state 
legislatures may enact legislation from time to time affecting the regulation of financial institutions chartered by or operating in 
those states. Federal and state regulatory agencies also periodically propose and adopt changes to their regulations or change the 
manner in which existing regulations are applied. The substance or impact of pending or future legislation or regulation, or the 
application thereof, cannot be predicted, although enactment of the proposed legislation could impact the regulatory structure 
under which we operate and may significantly increase our costs, impede the efficiency of our internal business processes, 
require us to increase our regulatory capital and modify our business strategy, and limit our ability to pursue business 
opportunities in an efficient manner. Our business, financial condition, results of operations or prospects may be adversely 
affected, perhaps materially, as a result. 

Availability of Financial Information

We file annual, quarterly and current reports, proxy statements and other information with the SEC. You may read and copy any 
document we file at the Securities and Exchange Commission’s Public Reference Room at 100 F Street, N.E., Washington, 
D.C. 20549. Our SEC filings are also available to the public on the SEC website at www.sec.gov and on our website at 
www.fcbanking.com.

We also make available on our website, www.fcbanking.com, and in print to any shareholder who requests them, our Corporate 
Governance Guidelines, the charters for our Audit, Risk, Compensation and Human Resources, and Governance Committees, 
and the Code of Conduct and Ethics that applies to all of our directors, officers and employees.

Our Chief Executive Officer has certified to the New York Stock Exchange (“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, our 
Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer have made certain certifications concerning the information contained in 
this report pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act. The Section 302 certifications appear as Exhibits 31.1 and 31.2 
to this annual report on Form 10-K.

ITEM 1A. 

Risk Factors

As a financial services company, we are subject to a number of risks, many of which are outside of our control. These risks 
include, but are not limited to:

Changes in interest rates could negatively impact our financial condition and results of operations.

Our results of operations depend substantially on net interest income, which is the difference between interest earned on 
interest-earning assets (such as investments and loans) and interest paid on interest-bearing liabilities (such as deposits and 
borrowings). Interest rates are highly sensitive to many factors, including governmental monetary policies and domestic and 
international economic and political conditions. Conditions such as inflation, recession, unemployment, money supply, and 
other factors beyond our control may also affect interest rates. If our interest-earning assets mature or reprice more quickly than 
interest-bearing liabilities in a declining interest rate environment, net interest income could be adversely impacted. Likewise, if 
interest-bearing liabilities mature or reprice more quickly than interest-earnings assets in a rising interest rate environment, net 
interest income could be adversely impacted.

Changes in interest rates also can affect the value of loans and other assets. An increase in interest rates that adversely affects 
the ability of borrowers to pay the principal or interest on loans may lead to an increase in nonperforming assets and a reduction 
of income recognized, which could have a material adverse effect on our results of operations and cash flows.

We are subject to extensive government regulation and supervision.

Banking regulations are primarily intended to protect depositors’ funds, federal deposit insurance funds and the banking system 
as a whole, not security holders. These regulations affect our lending practices, capital structure, investment practices, dividend 
policy and growth, among other things. Congress and federal regulatory agencies continually review banking laws, regulations 
and policies for possible changes. The Dodd-Frank Act, enacted in July 2010, instituted major changes to the banking and 
financial institutions regulatory regimes in light of the recent performance of and government intervention in the financial 
services sector. Other changes to statutes, regulations or regulatory policies, including changes in interpretation or 
implementation of statutes, regulations or policies, could affect us in substantial and unpredictable ways. Such changes could 
subject us to additional costs, limit the types of financial services and products we may offer and/or increase the ability of non-
banks to offer competing financial services and products, among other things. Failure to comply with laws, regulations, policies 
or supervisory guidance could result in enforcement and other legal actions by Federal or state authorities, including criminal 
and civil penalties, the loss of FDIC insurance, the revocation of a banking charter, other sanctions by regulatory agencies, civil 

15

money penalties and/or reputational damage.  In this regard, government authorities, including the bank regulatory agencies, are 
pursuing aggressive enforcement actions with respect compliance and other legal matters involving financial activities, which 
heightens the risks associated with actual and perceived compliance failures. See “Supervision and Regulation” included in 
Item 1. Business for a more detailed description of the Dodd-Frank Act and other regulatory requirements applicable to First 
Commonwealth.

Declines in real estate values could adversely affect our earnings and financial condition.

As of December 31, 2017, approximately 68% of our loans were secured by real estate. These loans consist of residential real 
estate loans (approximately 26% of total loans), commercial real estate loans (approximately 37% of total loans) and real estate 
construction loans (approximately 5% of total loans). During the economic recession in 2008, declines in real estate values and 
weak demand for new construction, particularly outside of our core Pennsylvania market, caused deterioration in our loan 
portfolio and adversely impacted our financial condition and results of operations. Additional declines in real estate values, both 
within and outside of Pennsylvania, could adversely affect the value of the collateral for these loans, the ability of borrowers to 
make timely repayment of these loans and our ability to recoup the value of the collateral upon foreclosure, further impacting 
our earnings and financial condition.

Our earnings are significantly affected by general business and economic conditions.

Our operations and profitability are impacted by general business and economic conditions in the United States and abroad. 
These conditions include short-term and long-term interest rates, inflation, money supply, political issues, legislative and 
regulatory changes, fluctuations in both debt and equity capital markets, broad trends in industry and finance and the strength of 
the United States economy, all of which are beyond our control. A deterioration in economic conditions could result in an 
increase in loan delinquencies and nonperforming assets, decreases in loan collateral values and a decrease in demand for our 
products and services, among other things, any of which could have a material adverse impact on our financial condition and 
results of operations.

Our allowance for credit losses may be insufficient.

All borrowers carry the potential to default and our remedies to recover may not fully satisfy money previously loaned. We 
maintain an allowance for credit losses, which is a reserve established through a provision for credit losses charged to expense, 
which represents management’s best estimate of probable credit losses that have been incurred within the existing portfolio of 
loans. The allowance, in the judgment of management, is adequate to reserve for estimated loan losses and risks inherent in the 
loan portfolio. The level of the allowance for credit losses reflects management’s continuing evaluation of industry 
concentrations, specific credit risks, loan loss experience, current loan portfolio quality, present economic conditions and 
unidentified losses in the current loan portfolio. The determination of the appropriate level of the allowance for credit losses 
inherently involves a high degree of subjectivity and requires us to make significant estimates of current credit risks using 
existing qualitative and quantitative information, all of which may undergo material changes. Changes in economic conditions 
affecting borrowers, new information regarding existing loans, identification of additional problem loans and other factors, both 
within and outside of our control, may require an increase in the allowance for credit losses. In addition, bank regulatory 
agencies periodically review our allowance for credit losses and may require an increase in the provision for credit losses or the 
recognition of additional loan charge-offs, based on judgments different than those of management. An increase in the 
allowance for credit losses results in a decrease in net income or losses, and possibly risk-based capital, and may have a 
material adverse effect on our financial condition and results of operations.

Acts of cyber-crime may compromise client and company information, disrupt access to our systems or result in loss of 
client or company assets.

Our business is dependent upon the availability of technology, the Internet and telecommunication systems to enable financial 
transactions by clients, record and monitor transactions and transmit and receive data to and from clients and third parties. 
Information security risks have increased significantly due to the use of online, telephone and mobile banking channels by 
clients and the increased sophistication and activities of organized crime, hackers, terrorists and other external parties. Our 
technologies, systems, networks and our clients’ devices have been subject to, and are likely to continue to be the target of, 
cyber-attacks, computer viruses, malicious code, phishing attacks or information security breaches that could result in the 
unauthorized release, gathering, monitoring, misuse, loss or destruction of our or our clients’ confidential, proprietary and other 
information, the theft of client assets through fraudulent transactions or disruption of our or our clients’ or other third parties’ 
business operations.  Any of the foregoing could have a material adverse effect on First Commonwealth's business, financial 
condition and results of operations.

16

We must evaluate whether any portion of our recorded goodwill is impaired. Impairment testing may result in a 
material, non-cash write-down of our goodwill assets and could have a material adverse impact on our results of 
operations.

At December 31, 2017, goodwill represented approximately 3% of our total assets. We have recorded goodwill because we paid 
more for some of our businesses than the fair market value of the tangible and separately measurable intangible net assets of 
those businesses. We test our goodwill and other intangible assets with indefinite lives for impairment at least annually (or 
whenever events occur which may indicate possible impairment). Goodwill impairment is determined by comparing the fair 
value of a reporting unit to its carrying amount, including goodwill. If the fair value exceeds the carrying amount, goodwill of 
the reporting unit is not considered impaired. If the fair value of the reporting unit is less than the carrying amount, goodwill is 
considered impaired. Determining the fair value of our company requires a high degree of subjective management assumptions. 
Any changes in key assumptions about our business and its prospects, changes in market conditions or other externalities, for 
impairment testing purposes could result in a non-cash impairment charge and such a charge could have a material adverse 
effect on our consolidated results of operations. The challenges of the current economic environment may adversely affect our 
earnings, the fair value of our assets and liabilities and our stock price, all of which may increase the risk of goodwill 
impairment.

First Commonwealth relies on dividends from its subsidiaries for most of its revenues.

First Commonwealth is a separate and distinct legal entity from its subsidiaries. It receives substantially all of its revenues from 
dividends from its subsidiaries. These dividends are the principal source of funds to pay dividends on First Commonwealth’s 
common stock and interest and principal on First Commonwealth’s debt. Various federal and/or state laws and regulations limit 
the amount of dividends that FCB and certain non-bank subsidiaries may pay to First Commonwealth. In the event FCB is 
unable to pay dividends to First Commonwealth, First Commonwealth may not be able to service debt, pay obligations or pay 
dividends on its common stock. The inability to receive dividends from FCB could have a material adverse effect on First 
Commonwealth’s business, financial condition and results of operations.

Competition from other financial institutions in originating loans, attracting deposits and providing various financial 
services may adversely affect our profitability.

FCB faces substantial competition in originating loans and attracting deposits. This competition comes principally from other 
banks, savings institutions, mortgage banking companies and credit unions, as well as institutions offering uninsured 
investment alternatives, including money market funds. Many of our competitors enjoy advantages, including greater financial 
resources and higher lending limits, better brand recognition, a wider geographic presence, more accessible branch office 
locations, the ability to offer a wider array of services or more favorable pricing alternatives, as well as lower origination and 
operating costs. These competitors may offer more favorable pricing through lower interest rates on loans or higher interest 
rates on deposits, which could force us to match competitive rates and thereby reduce our net interest income.

Negative publicity could damage our reputation.

Reputation risk, or the risk to our earnings and capital from negative public opinion, is inherent in our business. Negative public 
opinion could adversely affect our ability to keep and attract customers and expose us to adverse legal and regulatory 
consequences. Negative public opinion could result from our actual or alleged conduct in any number of activities, including 
lending practices, corporate governance, regulatory compliance, mergers and acquisitions, and disclosure, sharing or inadequate 
protection of customer information, and from actions taken by government regulators and community organizations in response 
to that conduct. Because we conduct all of our business under the “First Commonwealth” brand, negative public opinion about 
one business could affect our other businesses.

An interruption to our information systems could adversely impact our operations.

We rely upon our information systems for operating and monitoring all major aspects of our business, including deposit and 
loan operations, as well as internal management functions. These systems and our operations could be damaged or interrupted 
by natural disasters, power loss, network failure, improper operation by our employees, security breaches, computer viruses, 
intentional attacks by third parties or other unexpected events. Any disruption in the operation of our information systems could 
adversely impact our operations, which may affect our financial condition, results of operations and cash flows.

Our controls and procedures may fail or be circumvented. 

Our internal controls, disclosure controls and procedures, and corporate governance policies and procedures are based in part on 
certain assumptions and can provide only reasonable, not absolute, assurances that the objectives of the system are met. Any 
failure or circumvention of our controls and procedures or failure to comply with regulations related to controls and procedures 
could have a material adverse effect on First Commonwealth’s business, financial condition and results of operations. 

17

We continually encounter technological change. 

The financial services industry is continually undergoing rapid technological change with frequent introductions of new 
technology-driven products and services. The effective use of technology increases efficiency and enables financial institutions 
to better serve customers and to reduce costs. Our future success depends, in part, upon our ability to address the needs of our 
customers by using technology to provide products and services that will satisfy customer demands, as well as to create 
additional efficiencies in our operations. Many of our competitors have substantially greater resources to invest in technological 
improvements. We may not be able to effectively implement new technology-driven products and services or be successful in 
marketing these products and services to its customers. Failure to successfully keep pace with technological change affecting 
the financial services industry could have a material adverse effect on First Commonwealth’s business, financial condition and 
results of operations. 

Our operations rely on external vendors. 

We rely on certain vendors to provide products and services necessary to maintain the day-to-day operations of First 
Commonwealth and FCB.  In particular, we contracted with an external vendor for our core processing system used to maintain 
customer and account records, reflect account transactions and activity, and support our customer relationship management 
systems for substantially all of our deposit and loan customers.  Accordingly, our operations are exposed to risk that these 
vendors will not perform in accordance with the contracted arrangements under service level agreements. The failure of an 
external vendor to perform in accordance with the contracted arrangements under service level agreements, because of changes 
in the vendor’s organizational structure, financial condition, support for existing products and services or strategic focus or for 
any other reason, could be disruptive to First Commonwealth’s operations and financial reporting, which could have a material 
adverse effect on First Commonwealth’s business and, in turn, First Commonwealth’s financial condition and results of 
operations. 

We are subject to environmental liability risk associated with lending activities. 

A significant portion of FCB's loan portfolio is secured by real property. During the ordinary course of business, FCB may 
foreclose on and take title to properties securing certain loans. In doing so, there is a risk that hazardous or toxic substances 
could be found on these properties. If hazardous or toxic substances are found, we may be liable for remediation costs, as well 
as for personal injury and property damage. Environmental laws may require us to incur substantial expenses and may 
materially reduce the affected property’s value or limit our ability to use or sell the affected property. In addition, future laws or 
more stringent interpretations or enforcement policies with respect to existing laws may increase our exposure to environmental 
liability. Environmental reviews of real property before initiating foreclosure actions may not be sufficient to detect all potential 
environmental hazards. The remediation costs and any other financial liabilities associated with an environmental hazard could 
have a material adverse effect on First Commonwealth’s business, financial condition and results of operations. 

Severe weather, natural disasters, acts of war or terrorism and other external events could significantly impact our 
business. 

Severe weather, natural disasters, acts of war or terrorism and other adverse external events could have a significant impact on 
our ability to conduct business. In addition, such events could affect the stability of FCB’s deposit base, impair the ability of 
borrowers to repay outstanding loans, impair the value of collateral securing loans, cause significant property damage, result in 
loss of revenue and/or cause us to incur additional expenses. The occurrence of any such event in the future could have a 
material adverse effect on our business, which, in turn, could have a material adverse effect on First Commonwealth’s financial 
condition and results of operations. 

Financial services companies depend on the accuracy and completeness of information about customers and 
counterparties. 

In deciding whether to extend credit or enter into other transactions, we may rely on information furnished by or on behalf of 
customers and counterparties, including financial statements, credit reports and other financial information. We may also rely 
on representations of those customers, counterparties or other third parties, such as independent auditors, as to the accuracy and 
completeness of that information. Reliance on inaccurate or misleading financial statements, credit reports or other financial 
information could have a material adverse impact on First Commonwealth’s business, financial condition and results of 
operations. 

We may be adversely affected by the soundness of other financial institutions. 

Financial services institutions that deal with each other are interconnected as a result of trading, investment, liquidity 
management, clearing, counterparty and other relationships. Within the financial services industry, loss of public confidence, 
including through default by any one institution, could lead to liquidity challenges or to defaults by other institutions. Concerns 
about, or a default by, one institution could lead to significant liquidity problems and losses or defaults by other institutions, as 
18

the commercial and financial soundness of many financial institutions is closely related as a result of these credit, trading, 
clearing and other relationships. Even the perceived lack of creditworthiness of, or questions about, a counterparty may lead to 
market-wide liquidity problems and losses or defaults by various institutions. This systemic risk may adversely affect financial 
intermediaries, such as clearing agencies, banks and exchanges with which we interact on a daily basis or key funding providers 
such as the Federal Home Loan Banks, any of which could have a material adverse effect on our access to liquidity or otherwise 
have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition or results of operations. 

First Commonwealth’s stock price can be volatile. 

Stock price volatility may make it more difficult for you to resell your common stock when you want and at prices you find 
attractive. First Commonwealth’s stock price can fluctuate significantly in response to a variety of factors including, among 
other things: 

•  Actual or anticipated variations in quarterly results of operations. 

•  Recommendations by securities analysts. 

•  Operating and stock price performance of other companies that investors deem comparable to First Commonwealth. 

•  News reports relating to trends, concerns and other issues in the financial services industry. 

• 

Perceptions in the marketplace regarding First Commonwealth and/or its competitors. 

•  New technology used, or services offered, by competitors. 

• 

• 

Significant acquisitions or business combinations, strategic partnerships, joint ventures or capital commitments by or 
involving First Commonwealth or its competitors. 

Failure to integrate acquisitions or realize anticipated benefits from acquisitions. 

•  Changes in government regulations. 

•  Geopolitical conditions such as acts or threats of terrorism or military conflicts. 

General market fluctuations, including real or anticipated changes in the strength of the economy in Pennsylvania and Ohio; 
industry factors and general economic and political conditions and events, such as economic slowdowns or recessions; interest 
rate changes or credit loss trends could also cause First Commonwealth’s stock price to decrease regardless of operating results. 

The trading volume in First Commonwealth’s common stock is less than that of other larger financial services 
companies. 

Although First Commonwealth’s common stock is listed for trading on the NYSE, the trading volume in its common stock is 
less than that of other, larger financial services companies. A public trading market having the desired characteristics of depth, 
liquidity and orderliness depends on the presence in the marketplace of willing buyers and sellers of First Commonwealth’s 
common stock at any given time. This presence depends on the individual decisions of investors and general economic and 
market conditions over which we have no control. Given the lower trading volume of First Commonwealth’s common stock, 
significant sales of First Commonwealth’s common stock, or the expectation of these sales, could cause First Commonwealth’s 
stock price to fall. 

First Commonwealth may not continue to pay dividends on its common stock in the future. 

Holders of First Commonwealth common stock are only entitled to receive such dividends as its board of directors may declare 
out of funds legally available for such payments. Although First Commonwealth has historically declared cash dividends on its 
common stock, it is not required to do so and may reduce or eliminate its common stock dividend in the future. This could 
adversely affect the market price of First Commonwealth’s common stock. Also, First Commonwealth is a bank holding 
company, and its ability to declare and pay dividends is dependent on certain federal regulatory considerations, including the 
guidelines of the FRB regarding capital adequacy and dividends. 

As more fully discussed in Part II, Item 8, Financial Statements and Supplementary Data-Note 25, Regulatory Restrictions and 
Capital Adequacy, which is located elsewhere in this report, the ability of First Commonwealth to declare or pay dividends on 
its common stock may also be subject to certain restrictions in the event that First Commonwealth elects to defer the payment 
of interest on its junior subordinated debt securities. 

An investment in First Commonwealth’s common stock is not an insured deposit. 

First Commonwealth’s common stock is not a bank deposit and, therefore, is not insured against loss by the FDIC, any other 
deposit insurance fund or by any other public or private entity. Investment in First Commonwealth’s common stock is 
inherently risky for the reasons described in this Risk Factors section and elsewhere in this report and is subject to the same 

19

market forces that affect the price of common stock in any company. As a result, if you acquire First Commonwealth’s common 
stock, you could lose some or all of your investment. 

Provisions of our articles of incorporation, bylaws and Pennsylvania law, as well as state and federal banking 
regulations, could delay or prevent a takeover of us by a third party.

Provisions in our articles of incorporation and bylaws, the corporate law of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, and state and 
federal regulations could delay, defer or prevent a third party from acquiring us, despite the possible benefit to our shareholders, 
or otherwise adversely affect the price of our common stock. These provisions include, among other things, advance notice 
requirements for proposing matters that shareholders may act on at shareholder meetings. In addition, under Pennsylvania law, 
we are prohibited from engaging in a business combination with any interested shareholder for a period of five years from the 
date the person became an interested shareholder unless certain conditions are met. These provisions may discourage potential 
takeover attempts, discourage bids for our common stock at a premium over market price or adversely affect the market price 
of, and the voting and other rights of the holders of, our common stock.

ITEM 1B. 

Unresolved Staff Comments

None.

ITEM 2. 

Properties

Our principal office is located in the old Indiana County courthouse complex, consisting of the former courthouse building and 
the former sheriff’s residence and jail building for Indiana County. This certified Pennsylvania and national historic landmark 
was built in 1870 and restored by us in the early 1970s. We lease the complex from Indiana County pursuant to a lease 
agreement that was originally signed in 1973 and has a current term that expires in 2048.

The majority of our administrative personnel are also located in two owned buildings in Indiana, Pennsylvania, each of which is 
in close proximity to our principal office.

First Commonwealth Bank has 133 banking offices, of which 53 are leased and 80 are owned. We also lease three mortgage 
loan production offices and three corporate loan production offices.  During 2016, we acquired 13 banking offices from 
FirstMerit Bank, National Association, in Canton-Massillon and Ashtabula, Ohio, of which eight are owned and five are leased.  
During 2017, we acquired 13 banking offices with the DCB Financial acquisition in Delaware County, Ohio, of which eight are 
leased and five are owned, as well as a leased administrative office center in Columbus, Ohio.  Additionally, in 2017, we 
purchased a previously leased property which included a branch and office space in Wexford, PA.

While these facilities are adequate to meet our current needs, available space is limited and additional facilities may be required 
to support future expansion. However, we have no current plans to lease, purchase or construct additional administrative 
facilities.

ITEM 3. 

Legal Proceedings

The information required by this Item is set forth in Part II, Item 8, Note 23, “Contingent Liabilities,” which is incorporated 
herein by reference in response to this item.

ITEM 4. 

Mine Safety Disclosures

Not applicable.

20

 
 
 
Executive Officers of First Commonwealth Financial Corporation

The name, age and principal occupation for each of the executive officers of First Commonwealth Financial Corporation as of 
December 31, 2017 is set forth below:

Jane Grebenc, age 59, has served as Executive Vice President and Chief Revenue Officer of First Commonwealth Financial 
Corporation and President of First Commonwealth Bank since May 31, 2013.  Ms. Grebenc's financial services career includes 
executive leadership roles at a variety of institutions, including Park View Federal Savings Bank, Key Bank, and National City 
Bank.  She was formerly the Executive Vice President in charge of the retail, marketing, IT and operations and the mortgage 
segments at Park View Federal Savings Bank from 2009 until 2012, the Executive Vice President in charge of the Wealth 
Segment at Key Bank from 2007 until 2009 and the Executive Vice President / Branch Network at National City Bank prior to 
2007.

Brian Karrip, age 57, has served as Executive Vice President and Chief Credit Officer of First Commonwealth Bank since 
September 2016.  Prior to joining First Commonwealth, Mr. Karrip served as Executive Vice President, Specialized Lending for 
FirstMerit Bank.  Prior to joining FirstMerit Bank, Mr. Karrip served as Managing Director and Group Head of Loan 
Syndications and Sales at KeyBanc Capital Markets.  Mr. Karrip’s financial services career also includes 16 years with National 
City Bank where he held a variety of roles in the commercial lending division and served as Regional President of Michigan 
and Illinois.

Leonard V. Lombardi, age 58, has served as Executive Vice President and Chief Audit Executive of First Commonwealth 
Financial Corporation since January 1, 2009. He was formerly Senior Vice President / Loan Review and Audit Manager.

Norman J. Montgomery, age 50, has served as the Executive Vice President of Business Integration of First Commonwealth 
Bank since May 2011. He oversees First Commonwealth’s product development and assumed oversight of First 
Commonwealth’s technology and operations functions in July 2012. He served as Senior Vice President/Business Integration of 
First Commonwealth Bank from September 2007 until May 2011 and previously held positions in the technology, operations, 
audit and marketing areas.

T. Michael Price, age 55, has served as President and Chief Executive Officer of First Commonwealth Financial Corporation 
and Chief Executive Officer of First Commonwealth Bank since March 2012. Mr. Price served as President of First 
Commonwealth Bank from November 2007 to May 2013. From January 1, 2012 to March 7, 2012, he served as Interim 
President and Chief Executive Officer of First Commonwealth Financial Corporation. He was formerly Chief Executive Officer 
of the Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky Region of National City Bank from July 2004 to November 2007 and Executive Vice 
President and Head of Small Business Banking of National City Bank prior to July 2004.

James R. Reske, age 54, joined First Commonwealth Financial Corporation as Executive Vice President, Chief Financial 
Officer and Treasurer on April 28, 2014. Prior to joining First Commonwealth, Mr. Reske served as Executive Vice President, 
Chief Financial Officer, and Treasurer at United Community Financial Corporation in Youngstown, Ohio from 2008 until April 
2014. Mr. Reske's financial services career includes investment banking roles within the Financial Institutions Groups at 
Keybanc Capital Markets, Inc. in Cleveland, Ohio and at Morgan Stanley & Company in New York. Mr. Reske also provided 
expertise and counsel to financial institutions and other organizations on mergers and acquisitions and capital markets activities 
as an attorney at Wachtell, Lipton, Rosen & Katz, as well as at Sullivan & Cromwell. Earlier in his career, Mr. Reske worked at 
the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System in Washington, DC and at the Federal Reserve Bank of Boston.

Carrie L. Riggle, age 48, has served as Executive Vice President / Human Resources since March 1, 2013.  Ms. Riggle has been 
with First Commonwealth for more than 20 years. Over the course of her tenure, Ms. Riggle has been responsible for the daily 
operations of the Human Resources function and was actively involved in the establishment and development of a centralized 
corporate human resources function within the Company.

Matthew C. Tomb, age 41, has served as Executive Vice President, Chief Risk Officer and General Counsel of First 
Commonwealth Financial Corporation since November 2010. He previously served as Senior Vice President / Legal and 
Compliance since September 2007. Before joining First Commonwealth, Mr. Tomb practiced law with Sherman & Howard 
L.L.C. in Denver, Colorado.

21

PART II

ITEM 5. 
Securities

Market for Registrant’s Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer Purchase of Equity         

First Commonwealth is listed on the NYSE under the symbol “FCF.” As of December 31, 2017, there were approximately 
6,297 holders of record of First Commonwealth’s common stock. The table below sets forth the high and low sales prices per 
share and cash dividends declared per share for common stock of First Commonwealth for each quarter during the last two 
fiscal years.

Period
2017
First Quarter

Second Quarter

Third Quarter

Fourth Quarter

Period
2016
First Quarter

Second Quarter

Third Quarter

Fourth Quarter

High Sale

Low Sale

Cash Dividends
Per Share

$

14.59

$

12.81

$

13.46

14.13

15.32

12.28

12.14

13.78

0.08

0.08

0.08

0.08

High Sale

Low Sale

Cash Dividends
Per Share

$

$

9.28

9.47

10.33

14.25

$

7.89

8.35

8.87

9.71

0.07

0.07

0.07

0.07

Federal and state regulations contain restrictions on the ability of First Commonwealth to pay dividends. For information 
regarding restrictions on dividends, see Part I, Item 1 “Business—Supervision and Regulation—Restrictions on Dividends” and 
Part II, Item 8, “Financial Statements and Supplementary Data—Note 25, Regulatory Restrictions and Capital Adequacy.” In 
addition, under the terms of the capital securities issued by First Commonwealth Capital Trust II and III, First Commonwealth 
could not pay dividends on its common stock if First Commonwealth deferred payments on the junior subordinated debt 
securities that provide the cash flow for the payments on the capital securities.

22

 
The following five-year performance graph compares the cumulative total shareholder return (assuming reinvestment of 
dividends) on First Commonwealth’s common stock to the SNL U.S. Bank Index and the Russell 2000 Index. The stock 
performance graph assumes $100 was invested on December 31, 2012, and the cumulative return is measured as of each 
subsequent fiscal year end.

Index
First Commonwealth Financial Corporation

12/31/2012
100.00

12/31/2013
133.33

12/31/2014
143.98

12/31/2015
146.05

12/31/2016
235.39

12/31/2017
243.40

Russell 2000

SNL U.S. Bank Index

100.00

100.00

138.82

137.30

145.62

153.48

139.19

156.10

168.85

197.23

193.58

232.91

Period Ending

23

 
 
ITEM 6. 

Selected Financial 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. 

Interest income

Interest expense

Net interest income

Provision for credit losses

Net interest income after provision
for credit losses

Net securities gains (losses)

Other income

Other expenses

Income before income taxes

Income tax provision

Net Income

Per Share Data—Basic

Net Income

Dividends declared

Average shares outstanding

Per Share Data—Diluted

Net Income

Periods Ended December 31,

2017

2016

2015

2014

2013

(dollars in thousands, except share data)

$

250,550

$

217,614

$

204,071

$

202,181

$

206,358

21,770

228,780

5,087

223,693

5,040

75,291

200,298

103,726
48,561

55,165

0.58

0.32

18,579

199,035

18,480

180,555

617

63,982

159,925

85,229
25,639

59,590

0.67

0.28

15,595

188,476

14,948

173,528
(153)
61,478

163,874

70,979
20,836

50,143

0.56

0.28

$

$

$

18,501

183,680

11,196

172,484

550

60,309

171,210

62,133
17,680

44,453

0.48

0.28

$

$

$

$

$

$

21,707

184,651

19,227

165,424
(1,158)
61,321

168,824

56,763
15,281

41,482

0.43

0.23

$

$

$

95,220,056

88,851,573

89,356,767

93,114,654

97,028,157

0.58

$

0.67

$

0.56

$

0.48

$

0.43

$

$

$

$

Average shares outstanding

95,331,037

88,851,573

89,356,767

93,114,654

97,029,832

At End of Period

Total assets

Investment securities

Loans and leases, net of unearned
income

Allowance for credit losses

Deposits

Short-term borrowings
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

$ 7,308,539

$ 6,684,018

$ 6,566,890

$ 6,360,285

$ 6,214,861

1,183,291

1,187,623

1,333,836

1,354,364

1,353,809

5,407,376

4,879,347

4,683,750

4,457,308

4,283,833

48,298

50,185

5,580,705

4,947,408

707,466
72,167

8,161

888,127

867,943
72,167

8,749

749,929

50,812

4,195,894

1,510,825
72,167

9,314

719,546

52,051

4,315,511

1,105,876
72,167

89,459

716,145

54,225

4,603,863

626,615
72,167

144,385

711,697

0.77%

0.89%

6.45

96.03

55.17

11.86

8.02

97.61

41.79

11.15

0.78%

6.98

0.71%

6.18

110.42

102.08

50.00

11.23

58.33

11.45

0.68%

5.70

91.87

53.49

11.87

24

 
 
 
ITEM 7. 

Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

The following discussion and analysis represents an overview of the financial condition and the results of operations of First 
Commonwealth and its subsidiaries, FCB, First Commonwealth Insurance Agency, Inc. (“FCIA”), FRAMAL and First 
Commonwealth Financial Advisors, Inc. (“FCFA”), as of and for the years ended December 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015.  The 
purpose of this discussion is to focus on information concerning our financial condition and results of operations that is not 
readily apparent from the Consolidated Financial Statements. In order to obtain a more thorough understanding of this 
discussion, you should refer to the Consolidated Financial Statements, the notes thereto and other financial information 
presented in this Annual Report.

Company Overview

First Commonwealth provides a diversified array of consumer and commercial banking services through our bank subsidiary, 
FCB. We also provide trust and wealth management services through FCB and insurance products through FCIA. At 
December 31, 2017, FCB operated 133 community banking offices throughout western Pennsylvania and central and northern 
Ohio, as well as loan production offices in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, and Cleveland, Columbus, Dublin and Hudson, Ohio.

Our consumer services include Internet, mobile and telephone banking, an automated teller machine network, personal 
checking accounts, interest-earning checking accounts, savings accounts, health savings accounts, insured money market 
accounts, debit cards, investment certificates, fixed and variable rate certificates of deposit, mortgage loans, secured and 
unsecured installment loans, construction and real estate loans, safe deposit facilities, credit cards, credit lines with overdraft 
checking protection and IRA accounts. Commercial banking services include commercial lending, small and high-volume 
business checking accounts, on-line account management services, ACH origination, payroll direct deposit, commercial cash 
management services and repurchase agreements. We also provide a variety of trust and asset management services and a full 
complement of auto, home and business insurance as well as term life insurance. We offer annuities, mutual funds and stock 
and bond brokerage services through an arrangement with a broker-dealer and insurance brokers. Most of our commercial 
customers are small and mid-sized businesses in central and western Pennsylvania.

As a financial institution with a focus on traditional banking activities, we earn the majority of our revenue through net interest 
income, which is the difference between interest earned on loans and investments and interest paid on deposits and borrowings. 
Growth in net interest income is dependent upon balance sheet growth and maintaining or increasing our net interest margin, 
which is net interest income (on a fully taxable-equivalent basis) as a percentage of our average interest-earning assets. We also 
generate revenue through fees earned on various services and products that we offer to our customers and, less frequently, 
through sales of assets, such as loans, investments or properties. These revenue sources are offset by provisions for credit losses 
on loans, operating expenses, income taxes and, less frequently, loss on sale or other-than-temporary impairments on 
investment securities.

General economic conditions also affect our business by impacting our customers’ need for financing, thus affecting loan 
growth, as well as impacting the credit strength of existing and potential borrowers.

Critical Accounting Policies and Significant Accounting Estimates

First Commonwealth’s accounting and reporting policies conform to accounting principles generally accepted in the United 
States of America (“GAAP”) and predominant practice in the banking industry. The preparation of financial statements in 
accordance with GAAP requires management to make estimates, assumptions and judgments that affect the amounts reported in 
the financial statements and accompanying notes. Over time, these estimates, assumptions and judgments may prove to be 
inaccurate or vary from actual results and may significantly affect our reported results and financial position for the period 
presented or in future periods. We currently view the determination of the allowance for credit losses, fair value of financial 
instruments and income taxes to be critical because they are highly dependent on subjective or complex judgments, 
assumptions and estimates made by management.

Allowance for Credit Losses

We account for the credit risk associated with our lending activities through the allowance and provision for credit losses. The 
allowance represents management’s best estimate of probable losses that have been incurred in our existing loan portfolio as of 
the balance sheet date. The provision is a periodic charge to earnings in an amount necessary to maintain the allowance at a 
level that is appropriate based on management’s assessment of probable estimated losses. Management determines and reviews 
with the Board of Directors the adequacy of the allowance on a quarterly basis in accordance with the methodology described 
below.

25

• 

Individual loans are selected for review in accordance with Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) 
Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) Topic 310, “Receivables.” These are generally large balance commercial 
loans and commercial mortgages that are rated less than “satisfactory” based on our internal credit-rating process.

•  We assess whether the loans identified for review in step one are “impaired,” which means that it is probable that all 

amounts will not be collected according to the contractual terms of the loan agreement, which generally represents loans 
that management has placed on nonaccrual status.

• 

For impaired loans we calculate the estimated fair value of the loans that are selected for review based on observable 
market prices, discounted cash flows or the value of the underlying collateral and record an allowance if needed.

•  We then select pools of homogeneous smaller balance loans, having similar risk characteristics, as well as unimpaired 

larger commercial loans, that have similar risk characteristics, for evaluation collectively under the provisions of FASB 
ASC Topic 450, “Contingencies.” These smaller balance loans generally include residential mortgages, consumer loans, 
installment loans and some commercial loans.

• 

FASB ASC Topic 450 loans are segmented into groups with similar characteristics and an allowance for credit losses is 
allocated to each segment based on recent loss history and other relevant information.

•  We then review the results to determine the appropriate balance of the allowance for credit losses. This review includes 
consideration of additional factors, such as the mix of loans in the portfolio, the balance of the allowance relative to 
total loans and nonperforming assets, trends in the overall risk profile in the portfolio, trends in delinquencies and 
nonaccrual loans, and local and national economic information and industry data, including trends in the industries we 
believe are higher risk.

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

Fair Values of Financial Instruments

FASB ASC Topic 820, “Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures,” establishes a framework for measuring fair value. In 
accordance with FASB ASC Topic 820, First Commonwealth groups financial assets and financial liabilities measured at fair 
value into three levels based on the markets in which the assets and liabilities are traded and the reliability of the assumptions 
used to determine fair value.

Level 1 valuations are obtained from readily available pricing sources for market transactions involving identical assets or 
liabilities. Level 2 valuations are for instruments that trade in less active dealer or broker markets and incorporate values 
obtained for identical or comparable instruments. Level 3 valuations are derived from other valuation methodologies, including 
option pricing models, discounted cash flow models and similar techniques, and not based on market exchange, dealer or broker 
traded transactions. Level 3 valuations incorporate certain assumptions and projections in determining the fair value assigned to 
each instrument.

Level 2 investment securities are valued by a recognized third party pricing service using observable inputs. Management 
validates the market values provided by the third party service by having another recognized pricing service price 100% of 
securities on an annual basis and a random sample of securities each quarter, monthly monitoring of variances from prior period 
pricing and on a monthly basis evaluating pricing changes compared to expectations based on changes in the financial markets.

Level 3 investments include pooled trust preferred collateralized debt obligations. The fair values of these investments are 
determined by a specialized third party valuation service. Management validates the fair value of the pooled trust preferred 
collateralized debt obligations by monitoring the performance of the underlying collateral, discussing the discount rate, cash 
flow assumptions and general market trends with the specialized third party and by confirming changes in the underlying 
collateral to the trustee and underwriter reports. Management’s monitoring of the underlying collateral includes deferrals of 
interest payments, payment defaults, cures of previously deferred interest payments, any regulatory filings or actions and 
general news related to the underlying collateral. Management also evaluates fair value changes compared to expectations 
based on changes in the interest rates used in determining the discount rate and general financial markets.

Methodologies and estimates used by management when determining the fair value for pooled trust preferred collateralized 
debt obligations and testing those securities for other-than-temporary impairment are discussed in detail in Management’s 

26

Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations and in Note 10 “Impairment of Investment 
Securities” and Note 19 “Fair Values of Assets and Liabilities” of Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements.

Income Taxes

We estimate income tax expense based on amounts expected to be owed to the tax jurisdictions where we conduct business. On 
a quarterly basis, management assesses the reasonableness of its effective tax rate based upon its current estimate of the amount 
and components of net income, tax credits and the applicable statutory tax rates expected for the full year.

Deferred income tax assets and liabilities are determined using the asset and liability method and are reported in the 
Consolidated Statements of Financial Condition. Under this method, deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized for the 
future tax consequences attributable to differences between the financial statement carrying amounts of existing assets and 
liabilities and their respective tax bases. If current available information raises doubt as to the realization of the deferred tax 
assets, a valuation allowance is established. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured using enacted tax rates expected to 
be applied to taxable income in the years in which those temporary differences are expected to be recovered or settled. 
Management assesses all available positive and negative evidence on a quarterly basis to estimate if sufficient future taxable 
income will be generated to utilize the existing deferred tax assets. The amount of future taxable income used in management’s 
valuation is based upon management approved forecasts, evaluation of historical earnings levels, proven ability to raise capital 
to support growth or during times of economic stress and consideration of prudent and feasible potential tax strategies. If future 
events differ from our current forecasts, a valuation allowance may be required, which could have a material impact on our 
financial condition and results of operations.

Accrued taxes represent the net estimated amount due to taxing jurisdictions and are reported in other liabilities in the 
Consolidated Statements of Financial Condition. Management evaluates and assesses the relative risks and appropriate tax 
treatment of transactions and filing positions after considering statutes, regulations, judicial precedent and other information 
and maintains tax accruals consistent with its evaluation of these relative risks and merits. Changes to the estimate of accrued 
taxes occur periodically due to changes in tax rates, interpretations of tax laws, the status of examinations being conducted by 
taxing authorities and changes to statutory, judicial and regulatory guidance. These changes, when they occur, can affect 
deferred taxes and accrued taxes, as well as the current period’s income tax expense and can be significant to our operating 
results.

Results of Operations—2017 Compared to 2016 

Net Income

Net income for 2017 was $55.2 million, or $0.58 per diluted share, as compared to net income of $59.6 million, or $0.67 per 
diluted share, in 2016. The decline in net income can be attributed to a $16.7 million non-cash charge for the revaluation of 
deferred tax assets recorded in connection with the passage of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act and an increase of $7.0 million in 
merger and acquisition related expense as a result of the acquisition of DCB Financial in April 2017. 

Also impacting net income for 2017 was an increase in net interest income of $29.7 million, growth in noninterest income of 
$15.7 million and a decrease in provision for credit losses of $13.4 million. These changes were partially offset by an increase 
in noninterest expense, including merger and acquisition expense, of  $40.4 million. 

Our return on average equity was 6.5% and our return on average assets was 0.77% for 2017, compared to 8.0% and 0.89%, 
respectively, for 2016.  The previously mentioned charge related to the revaluation of deferred tax assets impacted 2017 return 
on average equity and return on average assets by 195 and 23 basis points, respectively.

Average diluted shares for the year 2017 were 7% more than the comparable period in 2016 primarily due to the issuance of 8.4 
million shares of common stock as a result of the acquisition of DCB Financial.

Net Interest Income

Net interest income, which is our primary source of revenue, is the difference between interest income from earning assets 
(loans and securities) and interest expense paid on liabilities (deposits, short-term borrowings and long-term debt). The amount 
of net interest income is affected by both changes in the level of interest rates and the amount and composition of interest-
earning assets and interest-bearing liabilities. The net interest margin is expressed as the percentage of net interest income, on a 
fully taxable equivalent basis, to average interest-earning assets. To compare the tax exempt asset yields to taxable yields, 
amounts are adjusted to the pretax equivalent amounts based on the marginal corporate federal income tax rate of 35%. The 
taxable equivalent adjustment to net interest income for 2017 was $4.2 million compared to $3.8 million in 2016.  Net interest 
income comprises a majority of our operating revenue (net interest income before provision expense plus noninterest income) at 
74% and 75% for the years ended December 31, 2017 and 2016, respectively.

27

Net interest income, on a fully taxable equivalent basis, was $233.0 million for the year-ended December 31, 2017, a $30.1 
million, or 15%, increase compared to $202.9 million for the same period in 2016. The net interest margin, on a fully taxable 
equivalent basis, increased 25 basis points to 3.57% in 2017 from 3.32% in 2016. The net interest margin is affected by both 
changes in the level of interest rates and the amount and composition of interest-earning assets and interest-bearing liabilities.

Growth in both the level of interest-earning assets and the rates earned on those assets contributed to the increase in the net 
interest margin for the year ended December 31, 2017. Average earning assets for the year ended December 31, 2017 increased 
$422.1 million, or 7%, compared to the year ended December 31, 2016. Interest-sensitive assets totaling $3.5 billion will either 
reprice or mature over the next twelve months.

The taxable equivalent yield on interest-earning assets was 3.90% for the year ended December 31, 2017, an increase of 27 
basis points from the 3.63% yield for the same period in 2016.  This increase is largely due to the loan portfolio yield which 
improved by 29 basis points when compared to the prior year. Contributing to this increase was the yield on our adjustable and 
variable rate commercial loan portfolios, which increased 36 basis points largely due to the Federal Reserve increasing short 
term interest rates three times in 2017.  In addition, the yield on the investment portfolio increased 7 basis points in comparison 
to the prior year.  This increase can be attributed to the runoff or sale of lower yielding securities being replaced with higher 
yielding investment securities. Investment portfolio purchases during the year ended December 31, 2017 have been primarily in 
mortgage-related assets with approximate durations of 48-60 months, as well as municipal and corporate securities with 
durations of approximately ten years. The mortgage-related investments have monthly principal payments that will provide for 
reinvestment opportunities should interest rates rise.

Increases in the cost of interest-bearing liabilities partially offset the positive impact of higher yields on interest-earning assets. 
The cost of interest-bearing liabilities was 0.44% for the year-ended December 31, 2017, compared to 0.39% for the same 
period in 2016.  This increase is primarily due to an 8 basis point increase in the cost of interest-bearing demand deposits, a 43 
basis point increase in the cost of short-term borrowings and a 45 basis point increase in the cost of long-term debt.  While 
deposits acquired in our recent acquisitions contributed to a decline in average short-term borrowings of $520.3 million for the 
year-ended December 31, 2017 compared to the same period in 2016, higher market interest rates resulted in an increase of 43 
basis points in the cost of short-term borrowings in comparison to the same period in the prior year.

Comparing the year ended December 31, 2017 with the same period in 2016, changes in rates positively impacted net interest 
income by $11.3 million. The higher yield on interest-earning assets favorably impacted net interest income by $16.4 million, 
while a change in the mix of interest-bearing liabilities had a positive impact of $1.9 million on net interest income. 

Changes in the volume of interest-earning assets and interest-bearing liabilities positively increased net interest income by 
$18.8 million in the year ended December 31, 2017 compared to the same period in 2016. Higher levels of interest-earning 
assets resulted in an increase of $17.0 million in interest income, while reductions in time deposits and short-term borrowings 
contributed to a decrease in interest expense of $1.9 million.  

Positively affecting net interest income was a $173.3 million increase in average net free funds at December 31, 2017 as 
compared to December 31, 2016. Average net free funds are the excess of noninterest-bearing demand deposits, other 
noninterest-bearing liabilities and shareholders’ equity over noninterest-earning assets. The largest component of the increase in 
net free funds was a $209.9 million increase in average noninterest-bearing demand deposits. The increase in these deposits is 
largely impacted by deposits acquired from 13 FirstMerit branches in December 2016 as well as deposits from the acquisition 
of DCB Financial in April 2017.  Average time deposits for the year ended December 31, 2017 decreased $6.3 million, or 1%, 
compared to the comparable period in 2016, while the average rate paid on time deposits increased 2 basis points. Over the next 
twelve months $376.2 million in certificates of deposits either mature or reprice.

The following table reconciles interest income in the Consolidated Statements of Income to net interest income adjusted to a 
fully taxable equivalent basis for the periods presented:

For the Years Ended December 31,

2017

2016

2015

(dollars in thousands)

Interest income per Consolidated Statements of Income

$

250,550

$

217,614

$

204,071

Adjustment to fully taxable equivalent basis

Interest income adjusted to fully taxable equivalent basis (non-GAAP)

Interest expense

4,225

254,775

21,770

3,846

221,460

18,579

3,465

207,536

15,595

Net interest income adjusted to fully taxable equivalent basis (non-GAAP)

$

233,005

$

202,881

$

191,941

28

 
 
 
 
 
The following table provides information regarding the average balances and yields or rates on interest-earning assets and 
interest-bearing liabilities for the periods ended December 31:

Average Balance Sheets and Net Interest Analysis

2017

2016

2015

Average
Balance

Income /
Expense (a)

Yield 
or
Rate

Average
Balance

Income /
Expense (a)

(dollars in thousands)

Yield 
or
Rate

Average
Balance

Income /
Expense (a)

Yield 
or
Rate

$

11,621

$

121

1.04% $

5,799

$

27

0.46% $

8,640

$

14

0.16%

67,407

1,173,711

5,278,511

6,531,250

90,614

(51,187)

639,785

679,212

$ 7,210,462

2,495

30,277

221,882

254,775

3.70

2.58

4.20

3.90

62,632

1,221,961

4,818,759

6,109,151

70,408

(57,253)

538,310

551,465

$ 6,660,616

2,305

30,745

188,383

221,460

3.68

2.52

3.91

3.63

40,459

1,248,689

4,553,634

5,851,422

66,937

(49,776)

530,068

547,229

$ 6,398,651

1,534

30,241

175,747

207,536

3.79

2.42

3.86

3.55

$ 1,059,840

$

2,369,605

578,158

867,391

86,391

1,466

4,207

3,742

8,799

3,556

0.14% $

748,869

$

480

0.06% $

654,926

$

231

0.04%

0.18

0.65

1.01

4.12

1,910,333

584,429

1,387,737

81,197

3,370

3,673

8,076

2,980

0.18

0.63

0.58

3.67

1,855,024

689,247

1,252,531

119,277

2,542

4,701

5,018

3,103

0.14

0.68

0.40

2.60

4,961,385

21,770

0.44

4,712,565

18,579

0.39

4,571,005

15,595

0.34

1,356,125

37,818

855,134

2,249,077

1,146,189

58,918

742,944

1,948,051

1,052,886

56,036

718,724

1,827,646

$ 7,210,462

$ 6,660,616

$ 6,398,651

$

233,005

3.57%

$

202,881

3.32%

$

191,941

3.28%  

Assets

Interest-earning assets:

Interest-bearing deposits with
banks

Tax-free investment securities

Taxable investment securities

Loans, net of unearned
income (b)(c)(e)

Total interest-earning assets

Noninterest-earning assets:

Cash

Allowance for credit losses

Other assets

Total noninterest-earning
assets

Total Assets

Liabilities and Shareholders’
Equity

Interest-bearing liabilities:

Interest-bearing demand
deposits (d)

Savings deposits (d)

Time deposits

Short-term borrowings

Long-term debt

Total interest-bearing
liabilities

Noninterest-bearing liabilities and
shareholders’ equity:

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

Income on nonaccrual loans is accounted for on the cash basis, and the loan balances are included in interest-earning assets.

Income on interest-earning assets has been computed on a fully taxable equivalent basis using the 35% federal income tax statutory rate.

(a) 
(b) 
(c)  Loan income includes loan fees.
(d)  Average balances do not include reallocations from noninterest-bearing demand deposits and interest-bearing demand deposits into savings deposits 

which were made for regulatory purposes.
Includes held for sale loans.

(e) 

29

 
 
 
 
 
The following table sets forth certain information regarding changes in net interest income attributable to changes in the volume 
of interest-earning assets and interest-bearing liabilities and changes in the rates for the periods indicated:

Analysis of Year-to-Year Changes in Net Interest Income

2017 Change from 2016

2016 Change from 2015

Total
Change

Change Due
To Volume

Change Due
To Rate (a)

Total
Change

Change Due
To Volume

Change Due
To Rate (a)

(dollars in thousands)

Interest-earning assets:

Interest-bearing deposits with
banks

Tax-free investment securities

Taxable investment securities

Loans

Total interest income (b)

Interest-bearing liabilities:

Interest-bearing demand
deposits
Savings deposits

Time deposits

Short-term borrowings

Long-term debt

Total interest expense

$

94

$

27

$

$

13

$

(5) $

190

(468)

33,499

33,315

986
837

69

723

576

3,191

176
(1,216)
17,976

16,963

187
827
(40)
(3,018)
191
(1,853)
18,816

67

14

748

15,523

16,352

799
10

109

3,741

385

5,044

771

504

12,636

13,924

249
828
(1,028)
3,058
(123)
2,984

840
(647)
10,234

10,422

38
77
(713)
541
(990)
(1,047)
11,469

$

18
(69)
1,151

2,402

3,502

211
751
(315)
2,517

867

4,031
(529)  

Net interest income

$

30,124

$

$

11,308

$

10,940

$

(a)  Changes in interest income or expense not arising solely as a result of volume or rate variances are allocated to rate variances.
(b)  Changes in interest income have been computed on a fully taxable equivalent basis using the 35% federal income tax statutory rate.

Provision for Credit Losses

The provision for credit losses is determined based on management’s estimates of the appropriate level of the allowance for 
credit losses needed to absorb probable losses incurred in the loan portfolio, after giving consideration to charge-offs and 
recoveries for the period. The provision for credit losses is an amount added to the allowance against which credit losses are 
charged.

The table below provides a breakout of the provision for credit losses by loan category for the years ended December 31: 

Commercial, financial, agricultural and other

Real estate construction

Residential real estate

Commercial real estate

Loans to individuals

Total

2017

2016

Dollars

Percentage

Dollars

Percentage

$

$

(9,812)
302

1,164

10,800

2,633

5,087

(dollars in thousands)

(193)% $

6

23

212

52

100 % $

20,378
(872)
613
(6,257)
4,618

18,480

110%
(5)
4
(34)
25

100%

The provision for credit losses for the year 2017 totaled $5.1 million, a decrease of $13.4 million, or 72.5%, compared to the 
year 2016.  The level of provision expense for the year-ended December 31, 2017 is primarily a result of net charge-offs in 
loans to individuals and commercial, financial, agricultural and other loans, as well as an increase in specific reserves related to 
nonperforming loans of $0.6 million.  Net charge-offs related to loans to individuals were $3.7 million for the year ended 
December 31, 2017, including $2.4 million related to indirect auto loans and $0.8 million related to personal lines of credit.  
Net charge-offs on commercial, financial, agricultural and other loans were $2.7 million for the same period.  The level of 
provision expense in the commercial, financial, agricultural and other category as well as in the commercial real estate category 
was also impacted by the Company's periodic assessment of the allowance for loan methodology, the current lending 

30

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
environment, and associated risks for each portfolio, which resulted in changes to certain qualitative factors, such as collateral 
recovery rates and vacancy rates.

The majority of the 2016 provision expense is attributable to commercial, financial, agricultural and other loans as a result of 
specific reserves established for two loan relationships, as well as increases in historical loss factors and increases in qualitative 
factors related to certain recovery rates.  The negative provision for commercial real estate loans is a result of declines in 
historical loss factors related to this category.  The provision for loans to individuals is related to charge-offs in the indirect 
automobile portfolio as well as changes in qualitative factors that relate to the automobile industry.

The allowance for credit losses was $48.3 million, or 0.89%, of total loans outstanding and 0.96% of total originated loans at 
December 31, 2017, compared to $50.2 million, or 1.03%, and 1.05%, respectively, at December 31, 2016. Nonperforming 
loans as a percentage of total loans decreased to 0.78% at December 31, 2017 from 0.86% at December 31, 2016. The 
allowance to nonperforming loan ratio was 114.3% as of December 31, 2017 and 120.0% at December 31, 2016.  Net charge-
offs were $7.0 million for the year-ended December 31, 2017 compared to $19.1 million for the same period in 2016. 

The provision is a result of management’s assessment of credit quality statistics and other factors that would have an impact on 
probable losses in the loan portfolio and the methodology used for determination of the adequacy of the allowance for credit 
losses. The change in the allowance for credit losses is consistent with the decrease in estimated losses within the loan portfolio 
determined by factors including certain loss events, portfolio migration analysis, loss emergence periods, historical loss 
experience, delinquency trends, deterioration in collateral values and volatility in economic indicators such as growth in GDP, 
consumer price index, vacancy rates and unemployment levels. Management believes that the allowance for credit losses is at a 
level deemed sufficient to absorb losses inherent in the loan portfolio at December 31, 2017.

A detailed analysis of our credit loss experience for the previous five years is shown below:

Loans outstanding at end of year

Average loans outstanding

Balance, beginning of year

Loans charged off:

Commercial, financial, agricultural and other

Real estate construction

Residential real estate

Commercial real estate

Loans to individuals

Total loans charged off

Recoveries of loans previously charged off:

Commercial, financial, agricultural and other

Real estate construction

Residential real estate

Commercial real estate

Loans to individuals

Total recoveries

Net charge-offs

Provision charged to expense

Balance, end of year

Ratios:

2017

2016

2015

2014

2013

(dollars in thousands)

$

$

$

5,407,376

5,278,511

50,185

$

$

$

4,879,347

4,818,759

50,812

$

$

$

4,683,750

4,553,634

52,051

$

$

$

4,457,308

4,356,566

54,225

$

$

$

4,283,833

4,255,593

67,187

6,634

—

1,287

340

4,248

12,509

3,901

470

371

278

515

5,535

6,974

5,087

$

48,298

$

19,603

—

1,189

570

4,943

26,305

4,164

562

481

1,522

469

7,198

19,107

18,480

50,185

$

11,429

8

1,539

1,538

4,354

18,868

1,097

84

587

229

684

2,681

16,187

14,948

50,812

$

8,911

296

3,153

1,148

3,964

17,472

734

1,340

650

612

766

4,102

13,370

11,196

52,051

$

18,399

773

1,814

10,513

3,679

35,178

455

501

1,264

136

633

2,989

32,189

19,227

54,225

Net charge-offs as a percentage of average
loans outstanding

Allowance for credit losses as a percentage of
end-of-period loans outstanding

0.13%

0.89%

0.40%

1.03%

0.36%

1.08%

0.31%

1.17%

0.76%

1.27%

31

 
 
 
 
Noninterest Income

The components of noninterest income for each year in the three-year period ended December 31 are as follows: 

2017

2016

2015

$ Change

% Change

2017 compared to 2016

(dollars in thousands)

Noninterest Income:
Trust income

$

7,098

$

5,366

$

5,834

$

Service charges on deposit accounts

18,579

15,869

15,319

Insurance and retail brokerage
commissions

Income from bank owned life
insurance

Card related interchange income

Swap fee income

Other income

Subtotal

Net securities gains (losses)
Gain on sale of mortgage loans

Gain on sale of loans and other assets

Derivative mark to market

8,807

7,964

8,522

5,699

18,780

2,005

7,677

68,645

5,040
5,366

1,753

(473)

5,381

14,955

2,359

6,372

58,266

617
4,086

1,411

219

5,412

14,501

847

7,041

57,476
(153)
2,421

1,855
(274)
61,325

$

1,732

2,710

843

318

3,825
(354)
1,305

10,379

4,423
1,280

342
(692)
15,732

32%

17

11

6

26
(15)
20

18

717
31

24
(316)
24%

Total noninterest income

$

80,331

$

64,599

$

Noninterest income, excluding net securities gains (losses), gain on sale of loans and other assets and the derivatives mark to 
market, increased $10.4 million, or 18%, in 2017.  Service charges on deposit accounts increased $2.7 million, of which $2.0 
million can be attributed to deposit accounts acquired in the December 2016 acquisition of 13 FirstMerit branches and the 
acquisition of DCB in April 2017. Card-related interchange income increased $3.8 million, of which $2.9 million is attributable 
to the acquisitions.  Insurance and retail brokerage commissions increased $0.8 million due to higher annuity and mutual fund 
sales. Trust income increased $1.7 million, of which $1.0 million can be attributed to accounts obtained in the DCB acquisition.   
Offsetting these increases was a decrease in swap fee income of $0.4 million, due to a decline in interest rate swaps entered into 
by our commercial loan customers. 

Total noninterest income increased $15.7 million, or 24%, in comparison to the year ended December 31, 2016. The most 
notable change is a $4.4 million increase in net securities gains (losses) due to the early redemption of two of our pooled trust 
preferred securities. The majority of this increase is the result of a successful auction call completed on PreTSL XIII, a pooled 
trust preferred security on which other-than-temporary impairment charges were recognized in 2009 and 2010. As a result, the 
security was called at par resulting in a gain of $4.3 million. Additionally, the liquidation of PreTSL VII provided for a gain of 
$0.7 million. The gain on sale of mortgage loans increased $1.3 million due to continued growth in mortgage loan originations 
since the Company reentered the secondary mortgage market. The derivatives mark to market decreased $0.7 million.  This 
reflects a change in fair value due to movements in corporate bond spreads and not a realized loss on the swaps.

If the Company's total assets would equal or exceed $10 billion we would no longer qualify for exemption from the interchange 
fee cap included in the Dodd-Frank Act. The estimated impact of this change would decrease interchange income by $7.6 
million.

32

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Noninterest Expense

The components of noninterest expense for each year in the three-year period ended December 31 are as follows: 

Noninterest Expense:

Salaries and employee benefits

$

103,714

$

87,125

$

89,161

$

16,589

19%

2017

2016

2015

$ Change

% Change

2017 Compared to 2016

(dollars in thousands)

Net occupancy

Furniture and equipment

Data processing

Advertising and promotion

Pennsylvania shares tax

Intangible amortization

Collection and repossession

Other professional fees and services

FDIC insurance

Other operating expenses

Subtotal

Loss on sale or write-down of assets

Litigation and operational losses

Merger and acquisition related

15,648

13,508

9,090

3,786

4,209

3,081

1,905

4,761

3,210

23,289

186,201

1,834

2,050

10,213

13,150

11,624

7,429

2,601

3,825

547

2,250

3,915

3,903

17,808

154,177

1,155

1,420

3,173

13,712

10,737

6,123

2,638

4,693

605

2,826

4,034

4,014

19,178

157,721

3,112

2,119

922

Total noninterest expense

$

200,298

$

159,925

$

163,874

$

2,498

1,884

1,661

1,185

384

2,534
(345)
846
(693)
5,481

32,024

679

630

7,040

40,373

19

16

22

46

10

463
(15)
22
(18)
31

21

59

44

222

25%

Noninterest expense, excluding the loss on sale or write-down of assets, litigation and operational losses, and merger and 
acquisition related expense, increased $32.0 million, or 21%, for the year ended 2017 compared to 2016. Contributing to the 
2017 increase is a $16.6 million increase in salaries and employee benefits primarily due to an increase of 98 full-time 
equivalent employees at December 31, 2017 compared to December 31, 2016.  The higher number of employees is a result of 
the acquisition of 13 branches from FirstMerit in December 2016, the acquisition of DCB Financial in April 2017 and the 
continued expansion of our mortgage and commercial banking businesses in Ohio. Also contributing to the increase in salaries 
and employee benefits was $2.5 million of expense for a one-time bonus of $1,500 paid to all full and part-time employees 
(other than the top five named executive officers) following the passage of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act.  The two noted 
acquisitions also accounted for all of the $2.5 million increase in net occupancy expense, $1.0 million of the increase in 
furniture and equipment expense and all of the $2.5 million increase in intangible amortization.  

Other operating expense increased $5.5 million for the year 2017 compared to 2016, primarily due to a $1.4 million increase in 
expense related to the reserve for unfunded loan commitments, a $1.7 million increase in data processing expense primarily 
relates to additional volume associated with increased debit cards and card usage as well as an increase in usage of digital 
channels. 

Merger related expenses totaled $10.2 million and $3.2 million for the years 2017 and 2016, respectively. Expenses in 2017 
reflect one-time expenses related to the acquisition of DCB Financial while expenses in 2016 reflect those expenses related to 
the acquisition of 13 FirstMerit branches. Merger expense in 2015 relates to the acquisition of First Community Bank.

Income Tax

The provision for income taxes of $48.6 million in 2017 reflects an increase of $22.9 million compared to the provision for 
income taxes in 2016.  The majority of this change, $16.7 million, relates to a non-cash charge recorded for the revaluation of 
deferred tax assets in connection with the passage of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act. The remaining increase in the provision for 
income taxes relates to the increase in the level of pretax income of $103.7 million and $85.2 million for 2017 and 2016, 
respectively.

The effective tax rate was 47% and 30% for tax expense in 2017 and 2016, respectively.  Excluding the $16.7 million charge 
related to the revaluation of deferred tax assets, the effective tax rate for 2017 would have been 31%.  We ordinarily generate an 
annual effective tax rate that is less than the statutory rate of 35% due to benefits resulting from tax-exempt interest, income 
from bank owned life insurance and tax benefits associated with low income housing tax credits, which are relatively consistent 
regardless of the level of pretax income. 

33

 
 
 
 
 
 
Financial Condition

First Commonwealth’s total assets increased $624.5 million in 2017. Loans, including loans held for sale, increased $535.8 
million, or 11%, while investments increased $2.3 million, or less than 1%. 

Loan growth in 2017 was impacted by $383.1 million of loans acquired as part of the DCB Financial acquisition, including 
$44.8 million in commercial, financial, agricultural and other, $25.2 million in real estate construction, $197.5 million in 
residential real estate, $109.8 million in commercial real estate and $5.8 million in loans to individuals. 

During 2017, approximately $343.5 million in investment securities were sold, called or matured. Some of these securities were 
lower yielding securities and as such, their replacement contributed to the increase in yield earned on the portfolio. In total, 
$241.1 million in mortgage-backed securities, $10.0 million in corporate securities and $2.0 million in municipal securities 
were purchased in 2017 to help increase earnings from the portfolio while maintaining a reduced risk profile.

First Commonwealth’s total liabilities increased $486.3 million, or 8%, in 2017. Deposits increased $633.3 million, or 13%, 
largely due to $484.4 million in deposits obtained as part of the DCB Financial acquisition. Short-term debt decreased $160.5 
million or 18%, based on liquidity needs, and long-term debt increased $7.0 million, or 9%, primarily due to the DCB Financial 
acquisition.

Total shareholders' equity increased $138.2 million in 2017. Growth in shareholders' equity was a result of net income of $55.2 
million and $110.7 million in common stock issued in relation to the DCB Financial acquisition, partially offset by $30.5 
million in dividends declared, a $0.9 million increase in accumulated other comprehensive income and $1.5 million in stock 
repurchases.  

Loan Portfolio

Following is a summary of our loan portfolio as of December 31:

2017

2016

2015

2014

2013

Amount

%

Amount

%

Amount

%

Amount

%

Amount

%

(dollars in thousands)

$ 1,163,383

22% $ 1,139,547

23% $ 1,150,906

25% $ 1,052,109

24% $ 1,021,056

24%

248,868

1,426,370

2,019,096

549,659

5

26

37

10

219,621

1,229,192

1,742,210

548,777

5

25

36

11

220,736

1,224,465

1,479,000

608,643

5

26

31

13

120,785

1,226,344

1,405,256

652,814

3

27

31

15

93,289

1,262,718

1,296,472

610,298

2

30

30

14

$ 5,407,376

100% $ 4,879,347

100% $ 4,683,750

100% $ 4,457,308

100% $ 4,283,833

100%

Commercial, financial,
agricultural and other
Real estate construction

Residential real estate

Commercial real estate

Loans to individuals

Total loans and
leases net of
unearned income

The loan portfolio totaled $5.4 billion as of December 31, 2017, reflecting growth of $528.0 million, or 11%, compared to 
December 31, 2016. Loan growth was experienced in all categories, with commercial real estate and residential real estate 
categories providing the majority of the growth. Commercial real estate loans increased $276.9 million, or 15.9%, of which 
$109.8 million was acquired as part of the DCB acquisition. The remaining $167.1 million increase in this category can be 
largely attributed to growth in direct middle market lending in Pennsylvania and Ohio.  Excluding the impact of the acquired 
loans, the residential real estate portfolio remained relatively flat as new volumes basically replaced runoff as many of the loans 
originated by our mortgage banking area are sold in the secondary market. Growth in commercial, financial, agricultural and 
other and loans to individuals is largely due to balances acquired as part of the DCB acquisition. Growth acquired in the loans 
to individuals category was largely offset by runoff of indirect auto loans as a result of increased pricing spreads for this 
category. 

The majority of our loan portfolio is with borrowers located in Pennsylvania. The Company expanded into the Ohio market 
area with the opening of a loan production office in Cleveland, Ohio in 2013, the acquisition of First Community Bank of 
Columbus, Ohio in the fourth quarter of 2015, the purchase of 13 FirstMerit Bank, NA branches in December 2016 and the 
acquisition of DCB Financial in May 2017. As of December 31, 2017 and 2016, there were no concentrations of loans relating 
to any industry in excess of 10% of total loans.

As of December 31, 2017, criticized loans (i.e., loans designated OAEM, substandard, impaired or doubtful) decreased $10.0 
million, or 7%, from December 31, 2016. Criticized loans totaled $124.4 million at December 31, 2017 and represented 2% of 
the total loan portfolio. Additionally, delinquencies on accruing loans decreased $0.5 million, or 4%, at December 31, 2017 

34

 
 
 
 
compared to December 31, 2016.  As of December 31, 2017, nonaccrual loans increased $2.7 million, or 9%, compared to 
December 31, 2016.  

Final loan maturities and rate sensitivities of the loan portfolio excluding consumer installment and mortgage loans at 
December 31, 2017 were as follows:

Within
One Year

One to
5 Years

After
5 Years

Total

Commercial, financial, agricultural and other

Real estate construction (a)

Commercial real estate

Other

Totals

Loans at fixed interest rates

Loans at variable interest rates

Totals

$

$

159,751

$

38,907

254,388

3,343

(dollars in thousands)
661,245

$

341,761

138,388

696,366

24,898

42,279

1,059,952

117,696

$

1,162,757

219,574

2,010,706

145,937

456,389

$

1,520,897

$

1,561,688

$

3,538,974

386,073

1,134,825

373,180

1,188,507

$

1,520,898

$

1,561,687

(a)  The maturity of real estate construction loans include term commitments that follow the construction period. Loans with 
these term commitments will be moved to the commercial real estate category when the construction phase of the 
project is completed.

First Commonwealth has a legal lending limit of $106.9 million to any one borrower or closely related group of borrowers, but 
has established lower thresholds for credit risk management.

Nonperforming Loans

Nonperforming loans include nonaccrual loans and restructured loans. Nonaccrual loans represent loans on which interest 
accruals have been discontinued. Restructured loans are those loans whose 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 under terms not available in 
the market.

We discontinue interest accruals on a loan when, based on current information and events, it is probable that we will be unable 
to fully collect principal or interest due according to the contractual terms of the loan. Consumer loans are placed in nonaccrual 
status at 150 days past due.  Other types of loans are typically placed in nonaccrual status when there is evidence of a 
significantly weakened financial condition or principal and interest is 90 days or more delinquent.  Interest received on a 
nonaccrual loan is normally applied as a reduction to loan principal rather than interest income utilizing the cost recovery 
methodology of revenue recognition.

Nonperforming loans are closely monitored on an ongoing basis as part of our loan review and work-out process. The probable 
risk of loss on these loans is evaluated by comparing the loan balance to the fair value of any underlying collateral and the 
present value of projected future cash flows. Losses are recognized when a loss is probable and the amount is reasonably 
estimable.

35

 
 
 
 
 
The following is a comparison of nonperforming and impaired assets and the effects on interest due to nonaccrual loans for the 
period ended December 31:

2017

2016

2015

2014

2013

(dollars in thousands)

Nonperforming Loans:

Loans on nonaccrual basis

$

19,455

$

16,454

$

24,345

$

25,715

$

28,908

Loans held for sale on nonaccrual basis

Troubled debt restructured loans on
nonaccrual basis

Troubled debt restructured loans on
accrual basis

Total nonperforming loans

Loans past due in excess of 90 days and
still accruing

Other real estate owned

$

$

$

—

11,222

11,563

42,240

1,854

2,765

$

$

$

—

11,569

13,790

41,813

2,131

6,805

$

$

$

—

12,360

14,139

50,844

2,455

9,398

$

$

$

—

16,952

12,584

55,251

2,619

7,197

$

$

$

—

16,980

13,495

59,383

2,505

11,728

Loans outstanding at end of period

$ 5,407,376

$ 4,879,347

$ 4,683,750

$ 4,457,308

$ 4,283,833

Average loans outstanding
Nonperforming loans as a percentage of
total loans

Provision for credit losses

Allowance for credit losses

Net charge-offs

Net charge-offs as a percentage of
average loans outstanding

Provision for credit losses as a
percentage of net charge-offs

Allowance for credit losses as a
percentage of end-of-period loans
outstanding (a)

Allowance for credit losses as a
percentage of nonperforming loans (a)

Gross income that would have been
recorded at original rates

Interest that was reflected in income

Net reduction to interest income due to
nonaccrual

$ 5,278,511

$ 4,818,759

$ 4,553,634

$ 4,356,566

$ 4,255,593

0.78%

0.86%

1.09%

1.24%

1.39%

5,087

48,298

6,974

$

$

$

18,480

50,185

19,107

$

$

$

14,948

50,812

16,187

$

$

$

11,196

52,051

13,370

$

$

$

19,227

54,225

32,189

0.13%

0.40%

0.36%

0.31%

0.76%

72.94%

96.72%

92.35%

83.74%

59.73%

0.89%

1.03%

1.08%

1.17%

1.27%

114.34%

120.02%

99.94%

94.21%

91.31%

2,079

783

1,296

$

$

1,296

533

763

$

$

572

—

572

$

$

784

—

784

$

$

7,920

679

7,241

$

$

$

$

$

(a)  End of period loans and nonperforming loans exclude loans held for sale.

Nonperforming loans increased $0.4 million to $42.2 million at December 31, 2017, compared to $41.8 million at 
December 31, 2016. Nonperforming loans as a percentage of total loans decreased to 0.8% from 0.9% at December 31, 2017 
compared to December 31, 2016. The December 31, 2017 nonaccrual loan balance includes $1.4 million in loans acquired from 
DCB Financial in April 2017.  Excluding acquired loans, nonperforming loans would have decreased $1.0 million compared to 
December 31, 2016 as a result of payoffs totaling $8.5 million on loans related to four borrowers and the charge-off of two 
commercial relationships totaling $0.7 million.  Offsetting these decreases is the addition of two commercial relationships 
totaling $9 million. Other real estate owned totaled $2.8 million at December 31, 2017, compared to $6.8 million at 
December 31, 2016.

Also included in nonperforming loans are troubled debt restructured loans (“TDRs”). TDRs are those loans whose 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 under terms not available in the market. TDRs decreased $2.6 million during 2017.  For additional information on 
TDRs please refer to Note 11 “Loans and Allowance for Credit Losses.”

Net charge-offs were $7.0 million in 2017 compared to $19.1 million for the year 2016. The most significant credit losses 
recognized during the year include $3.4 million in charge-offs recognized on two commercial relationships, of which $1.9 
million was recognized on a relationship that was transferred to held for sale and subsequently sold in April 2017.  Also 

36

 
 
 
impacting this category were recoveries of $3.1 million on two commercial relationships. Net charge-offs in the loans to 
individual category totaled $3.7 million for 2017, with $2.4 million related to indirect auto loans and $0.8 million to personal 
lines of credit. Additional detail on credit risk is included in “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition 
and Results of Operations” under “Provision for Credit Losses,” “Allowance for Credit Losses" and "Credit Risk.”

Provision for credit losses as a percentage of net charge-offs decreased to 72.9% for the year ended December 31, 2017 from 
96.7% for the year ended December 31, 2016. 

Allowance for Credit Losses

Following is a summary of the allocation of the allowance for credit losses at December 31:

2017

2016

2015

2014

2013

Allowance
Amount

%
(a)

Allowance
Amount

%
(a)

Allowance
Amount

%
(a)

Allowance
Amount

%
(a)

Allowance
Amount

%
(a)

(dollars in thousands)

$ 23,429

22% $ 35,974

23% $ 31,035

25% $ 29,627

24% $ 22,663

24%

1,349

2,759
17,357

3,404

5

26
37

10

577

2,511
6,619

4,504

5

25
36

11

887

2,606
11,924

4,360

5

26
31

13

2,063

3,664
11,881

4,816

3

27
31

15

6,600

7,727
11,778

5,457

2

30
30

14

$ 48,298

$ 50,185

$ 50,812

$ 52,051

$ 54,225

0.89%

1.03%

1.08%

1.17%

1.27%

Commercial, financial,
agricultural and other

Real estate construction

Residential real estate

Commercial real estate

Loans to individuals

Total

Allowance for credit losses
as percentage of end-of-
period loans outstanding

(a)  Represents the ratio of loans in each category to total loans.

The allowance for credit losses decreased $1.9 million from December 31, 2016 to December 31, 2017.  The allowance for 
credit losses as a percentage of end-of-period loans outstanding was 0.9% at December 31, 2017 compared to 1.0% at 
December 31, 2016. The allowance for credit losses includes both a general reserve for performing loans and specific reserves 
for impaired loans. Comparing December 31, 2017 to December 31, 2016, the general reserve for performing loans decreased 
from 0.97% to 0.83% of total performing loans. General reserves as a percentage of non-impaired originated loans were 0.90% 
at December 31, 2017 compared to 0.99% at December 31, 2016.  Specific reserves increased from 7.5% of nonperforming 
loans at December 31, 2016 to 8.9% of nonperforming loans at December 31, 2017. The allowance for credit losses as a 
percentage of nonperforming loans was 114.3% and 120.0% at December 31, 2017 and 2016, respectively.

The allowance for credit losses represents management’s estimate of probable losses incurred in the loan portfolio at a specific 
point in time. This estimate includes losses associated with specifically identified loans, as well as estimated probable credit 
losses inherent in the remainder of the loan portfolio. Additions are made to the allowance through both periodic provisions 
charged to income and recoveries of losses previously incurred. Reductions to the allowance occur as loans are charged off. 
Management evaluates the adequacy of the allowance at least quarterly, and in doing so relies on various factors including, but 
not limited to, assessment of historical loss experience, delinquency and nonaccrual trends, portfolio growth, net realizable 
value of collateral and current economic conditions. This evaluation is subjective and requires material estimates that may 
change over time. For a description of the methodology used to calculate the allowance for credit losses, please refer to 
“Critical Accounting Policies and Significant Accounting Estimates—Allowance for Credit Losses.”

Management reviews local and national economic information and industry data, including trends in the industries we believe 
are indicative of higher risk to our portfolio. Factors reviewed by management include employment trends, macroeconomic 
trends, commercial real estate trends and the overall lending environment.

Investment Portfolio

Marketable securities that we hold in our investment portfolio, which are classified as “securities available for sale,” may be a 
source of liquidity; however, we do not anticipate liquidating the investments prior to maturity. As indicated in Note 19 “Fair 
Values of Assets and Liabilities,” $25.3 million of available for sale securities at December 31, 2017, are classified as Level 3 
assets because of inactivity in the market.

37

 
 
 
 
 
Following is a detail schedule of the amortized cost of securities available for sale as of December 31: 

Obligations of U.S. Government Agencies:

Mortgage-Backed Securities—Residential

Mortgage-Backed Securities—Commercial

Obligations of U.S. Government-Sponsored Enterprises:

Mortgage-Backed Securities—Residential

Mortgage-Backed Securities—Commercial

Other Government-Sponsored Enterprises

Obligations of States and Political Subdivisions

Corporate Securities

Pooled Trust Preferred Collateralized Debt Obligations

Total Debt Securities

Equities

2017

2016

2015

(dollars in thousands)

$

10,556

$

15,143

$

20,034

24,611

—

—

632,422

683,601

778,476

—

1,098

27,083

15,907

27,499

739,176

1,670

1

16,700

27,075

5,903

39,989

788,412

1,670

28

19,201

27,066

1,897

42,239

888,941

2,170

Total Securities Available for Sale

$

740,846

$

790,082

$

891,111

As of December 31, 2017, securities available for sale had a fair value of $731.4 million. Gross unrealized gains were $4.9 
million and gross unrealized losses were $14.3 million.

The following is a schedule of the contractual maturity distribution of securities available for sale at December 31, 2017.

Within 1 year

After 1 but within 5 years

After 5 but within 10 years

After 10 years

Total

U.S.
Government
Agencies and
Corporations

$

1,215

$

5,513

162,616

499,343

States and
Political
Subdivisions

Other
Securities

Total
Amortized
Cost (a)

Weighted
Average
Yield (b)

(dollars in thousands)

— $

—

27,083

—

— $

13,989

—

29,417

1,215

19,502

189,699

528,760

739,176

1.65%

3.07

2.43

2.38
2.41%  

$

668,687

$

27,083

$

43,406

$

(a)  Equities are excluded from this schedule because they have an indefinite maturity.
(b)  Yields are calculated on a taxable equivalent basis.

Mortgage-backed securities, which include mortgage-backed obligations of U.S. Government agencies and obligations of U.S. 
Government-sponsored enterprises, have contractual maturities ranging from less than one year to approximately 30 years and 
have anticipated average lives to maturity ranging from less than one year to approximately thirteen years.

The amortized cost of the available for sale investment portfolio decreased $49.2 million, or 6%, at December 31, 2017 
compared to 2016.  Contributing to this decline is the sale, call or maturity of $292.2 million in available for sale investments, 
partially offset by $150.9 million in purchases.  Additional liquidity provided from sales, calls and maturities was utilized to 
fund growth in the loan portfolio.

Our available for sale investment portfolio includes an amortized cost of $27.5 million in pooled trust preferred collateralized 
debt obligations at December 31, 2017. The valuation of these securities involves evaluating relevant credit and structural 
aspects, determining appropriate performance assumptions and performing a discounted cash flow analysis.

38

 
 
 
 
Following is a detail schedule of the amortized cost of securities held to maturity as of December 31: 

Obligations of U.S. Government Agencies:

Mortgage-Backed Securities—Residential

Mortgage-Backed Securities—Commercial

Obligations of U.S. Government-Sponsored Enterprises:

Mortgage-Backed Securities—Residential

Mortgage-Backed Securities—Commercial

Obligations of States and Political Subdivisions

Debt Securities Issued by Foreign Governments

Total Securities Held to Maturity

2017

2016

2015

(dollars in thousands)

$

3,925

$

4,297

$

58,249

34,444

305,126

14,056

40,540

200

280,430

14,675

38,667

—

4,775

16,843

315,609

15,187

31,910

—

$

422,096

$

372,513

384,324

The following is a schedule of the contractual maturity distribution of securities held to maturity at December 31, 2017.

Within 1 year

After 1 but within 5 years

After 5 but within 10 years

After 10 years

Total

U.S.
Government
Agencies and
Corporations

States and
Political
Subdivisions

Other
Securities

Total
Amortized
Cost

Weighted
Average
Yield

— $

—

14,056

367,300

(dollars in thousands)
0
87

$

$

3,463

35,361

1,629

200

0

—

381,356

$

40,540

$

200

$

$

$

87

1.88%

3,663

49,417

368,929

422,096

2.49

3.20

2.41

2.50%

See Note 9 “Investment Securities,” Note 10 “Impairment of Investment Securities” and Note 19 “Fair Values of Assets and 
Liabilities” for additional information related to the investment portfolio.

Deposits

Total deposits increased $633.3 million, or 13%, in 2017, with $484.4 million of the growth resulting from the acquisition of 
DCB Financial.  Growth was experienced in all deposit categories.

Time deposits of $100 thousand or more had remaining maturities as follows as of the end of each year in the three-year period 
ended December 31:

3 months or less

Over 3 months through 6 months

Over 6 months through 12 months

Over 12 months

Total

2017

2016

2015

Amount

%

Amount

%

Amount

%

$

47,964

22,101

68,174

72,142

23% $

(dollars in thousands)
38,366

26% $

11

32

34

27,371

29,013

50,621

19

20

35

48,429

22,946

34,974

51,306

31%

15

22

32

$

210,381

100% $

145,371

100% $

157,655

100%

39

 
 
 
 
 
 
Short-Term Borrowings and Long-Term Debt

Short-term borrowings decreased $160.5 million, or 18%, from $867.9 million as of December 31, 2016 to $707.5 million at 
December 31, 2017. The decline in short-term borrowings is a result of deposits obtained from the DCB Financial acquisition, 
which provided a lower cost alternative funding source compared to these borrowings. Long-term debt increased $7.0 million, 
or 9%, from $80.9 million at December 31, 2016 to $87.9 million at December 31, 2017 as a result of the DCB Financial 
acquisition. For additional information concerning our short-term borrowings, subordinated debentures and other long-term 
debt, please refer to Note 16 “Short-term Borrowings,” Note 17 “Subordinated Debentures” and Note 18 “Other Long-term 
Debt” of the Consolidated Financial Statements. 

Contractual Obligations and Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements

The table below sets forth our contractual obligations to make future payments as of December 31, 2017. For a more detailed 
description of each category of obligation, refer to the note in our Consolidated Financial Statements indicated in the table 
below.

Footnote
Number
Reference

1 Year
or Less

After 1
But Within
3 Years

After 3
But Within
5 Years

(dollars in thousands)

After 5
Years

Total

FHLB advances

Subordinated debentures

Operating leases

Total contractual obligations

18

17

13

$

$

607

$

1,287

$

1,389

$

4,878

$

—

4,595

—

7,547

—

5,580

72,167

12,851

8,161

72,167

30,573

5,202

$

8,834

$

6,969

$

89,896

$

110,901

The table above excludes our cash obligations upon maturity of certificates of deposit, which is set forth in Note 15 “Interest-
Bearing Deposits” of the Consolidated Financial Statements.

In addition, see Note 12 “Commitments and Letters of Credit” for detail related to our off-balance sheet commitments to extend 
credit, financial standby letters of credit, performance standby letters of credit and commercial letters of credit as of 
December 31, 2017. Commitments to extend credit, standby letters of credit and commercial letters of credit do not necessarily 
represent future cash requirements since it is unknown if the borrower will draw upon these commitments and often these 
commitments expire without being drawn upon. As of December 31, 2017, a reserve for probable losses of $5.2 million was 
recorded for unused commitments and letters of credit.

Liquidity

Liquidity refers to our ability to meet the cash flow requirements of depositors and borrowers as well as our operating cash 
needs with cost-effective funding. Liquidity risk arises from the possibility that we may not be able to meet our financial 
obligations and operating cash needs or may become overly reliant upon external funding sources. In order to manage this risk, 
our Board of Directors has established a Liquidity Policy that identifies primary sources of liquidity, establishes procedures for 
monitoring and measuring liquidity and quantifies minimum liquidity requirements based on limits approved by our Board of 
Directors. This policy designates our Asset/Liability Committee (“ALCO”) as the body responsible for meeting these 
objectives. The ALCO, which includes members of executive management, reviews liquidity on a periodic basis and approves 
significant changes in strategies that affect balance sheet or cash flow positions. Liquidity is centrally managed on a daily basis 
by our Treasury Department, which monitors it by using such measures as a 30 day liquidity stress analysis, liquidity gap ratios 
and noncore funding ratios.

We generate funds to meet our cash flow needs primarily through the core deposit base of FCB and the maturity or repayment 
of loans and other interest-earning assets, including investments. Core deposits are the most stable source of liquidity a bank 
can have due to the long-term relationship with a deposit customer. The level of deposits during any period is sometimes 
influenced by factors outside of management’s control, such as the level of short-term and long-term market interest rates and 
yields offered on competing investments, such as money market mutual funds. Deposits increased $633.3 million, or 13%, 
during 2017, and comprised 87% of total liabilities at December 31, 2017, as compared to 83% at December 31, 2016. Proceeds 
from the sale, maturity and redemption of investment securities totaled $343.5 million during 2017 and provided liquidity to 
fund loans as well as the purchase of additional investment securities.  On February 1, 2018, an auction call was successfully 
completed on PreTSL XIV, a pooled trust preferred security on which other-than-temporary impairment charges were 
recognized in 2009 and 2010. Based on the outcome of the auction, it is expected that this security will be called at par in the 
first quarter of 2018. As of December 31, 2017, the security has a par value of $16.0 million and a book value of $13.1 million.

40

 
 
 
We also have available unused wholesale sources of liquidity, including overnight federal funds and repurchase agreements, 
advances from the Federal Home Loan Bank of Pittsburgh, borrowings through the discount window at the Federal Reserve 
Bank of Cleveland and access to certificates of deposit through brokers. We have increased our borrowing capacity at the 
Federal Reserve by establishing a Borrower-in-Custody of Collateral arrangement that enables us to pledge certain loans, not 
being used as collateral at the Federal Home Loan Bank, as collateral for borrowings at the Federal Reserve. At December 31, 
2017 our borrowing capacity at the Federal Reserve related to this program was $785.8 million and there were no amounts 
outstanding. Additionally, as of December 31, 2017, our maximum borrowing capacity at the Federal Home Loan Bank of 
Pittsburgh was $1.6 billion and as of that date amounts used against this capacity included $0.6 billion in outstanding 
borrowings.

We participate in the Certificate of Deposit Account Registry Services (“CDARS”) program as part of an ALCO strategy to 
increase and diversify funding sources. As of December 31, 2017, our maximum borrowing capacity under this program was 
$1.1 billion and as of that date there was $14.8 million outstanding. We also participate in a reciprocal program which allows 
our depositors to receive expanded FDIC coverage by placing multiple certificates of deposit at other CDARS member banks. 
As of December 31, 2017, our outstanding certificates of deposits from this program have an average weighted rate of 0.97% 
and an average original term of 466 days.

We also have available unused federal funds lines with four correspondent banks.  These lines have an aggregate commitment 
of $195.0 million with no amounts outstanding as of December 31, 2017.

The liquidity needs of First Commonwealth on an unconsolidated basis (the "Parent Company") consist primarily of operating 
expenses, debt service payments and dividend payments to our stockholders, which totaled $38.3 million for the year ended 
December 31, 2017, as well as any cash necessary to repurchase our shares, which totaled $1.5 million for the year ended 
December 31, 2017.  The primary source of liquidity for the Parent Company is dividends from subsidiaries.  The Parent 
Company had $72.2 million in junior subordinated debentures and cash and interest-bearing deposits of $16.4 million at 
December 31, 2017.  At the end of 2017, the Parent Company had a $15.0 million short-term, unsecured revolving line of credit 
with another financial institution.  As of December 31, 2017, there were no amounts outstanding under this line. The Parent 
Company has the ability to enhance its liquidity position by raising capital or incurring debt.

Refer to “Financial Condition” above for additional information concerning our deposits, loan portfolio, investment securities 
and borrowings.

Market Risk

Market risk refers to potential losses arising from changes in interest rates, foreign exchange rates, equity prices and commodity 
prices. Our market risk is composed primarily of interest rate risk. Interest rate risk is comprised of repricing risk, basis risk, 
yield curve risk and options risk. Repricing risk arises from differences in the cash flow or repricing between asset and liability 
portfolios. Basis risk arises when asset and liability portfolios are related to different market rate indices, which do not always 
change by the same amount. Yield curve risk arises when asset and liability portfolios are related to different maturities on a 
given yield curve; when the yield curve changes shape, the risk position is altered. Options risk arises from “embedded options” 
within asset and liability products as certain borrowers have the option to prepay their loans when rates fall, while certain 
depositors can redeem or withdraw their deposits early when rates rise.

The process by which we manage our interest rate risk is called asset/liability management. The goals of our asset/liability 
management are increasing net interest income without taking undue interest rate risk or material loss of net market value of 
our equity, while maintaining adequate liquidity. Net interest income is increased by growing earning assets and increasing the 
difference between the rate earned on earning assets and the rate paid on interest-bearing liabilities. Liquidity is measured by 
the ability to meet both depositors’ and credit customers’ requirements.

We use an asset/liability model to measure our interest rate risk. Interest rate risk measures include earnings simulation and gap 
analysis. Gap analysis is a static measure that does not incorporate assumptions regarding future events. Gap analysis, while a 
helpful diagnostic tool, displays cash flows for only a single rate environment. Net interest income simulations explicitly 
measure the exposure to earnings from changes in market rates of interest. Under simulation analysis, our current financial 
position is combined with assumptions regarding future business to calculate net interest income under various hypothetical rate 
scenarios. Our net interest income simulations assume a level balance sheet whereby new volume equals run-off. The ALCO 
reviews earnings simulations over multiple years under various interest rate scenarios. Reviewing these various measures 
provides us with a reasonably comprehensive view of our interest rate profile.

The following gap analysis compares the difference between the amount of interest-earning assets and interest-bearing 
liabilities subject to repricing over a period of time. The ratio of rate sensitive assets to rate sensitive liabilities repricing within 
a one year period was 0.73 and 0.75 at December 31, 2017 and 2016, respectively. A ratio of less than one indicates a higher 

41

 
level of repricing liabilities over repricing assets over the next twelve months. The level of First Commonwealth's ratio is 
largely driven by the modeling of interest-bearing nonmaturity deposits, which are included in the analysis as repricing within 
one year.

Following is the gap analysis as of December 31:

2017

0-90 Days

91-180
Days

181-365
Days

Cumulative
0-365 Days

(dollars in thousands)

Over 1 Year
Through 5
Years

Over 5
Years

$ 2,662,906

$

214,139

$

359,790

$ 3,236,835

$ 1,633,236

$

521,478

79,484

8,668

2,751,058

139,920

3,549,121

779,875

45,983

—

260,122

71,178

—

244

84,001

—

443,791

165,083

—

495

209,468

8,668

525,391

434,919

—

—

3,454,971

2,158,627

956,397

376,181

3,549,121

780,614

235,037

—

4,468

3,595

—

10,302

4,468,916

71,422

165,578

$(1,717,858)

$

188,700

$

278,213

0.62

23.50%

3.64

2.58%

2.68

3.81%

4,705,916
$(1,250,945)
0.73

17.12%

239,505

13,897

$ 1,919,122

$

942,500

9.01

26.26%

68.82

12.90%

2016

0-90 Days

91-180
Days

181-365
Days

Cumulative
0-365 Days

(dollars in thousands)

Over 1 Year
Through 5
Years

Over 5
Years

$ 2,510,367

$

184,386

$

315,397

$ 3,010,150

$ 1,446,035

$

402,282

85,756

24,644

2,620,767

110,584

3,086,791

940,254

44,417

—

228,803

92,765

—

146

89,838

—

405,235

115,949

—

296

4,137,629

92,911

116,245

$(1,516,862)

$

135,892

$

288,990

0.63

22.69%

2.46

2.03%

3.49

4.32%

220,011

24,644

546,056

406,743

—

—

3,254,805

1,992,091

809,025

319,298

3,086,791

940,696

4,346,785
$(1,091,980)
0.75

16.34%

268,680

—

2,584

271,264

3,854

—

5,579

9,433

$ 1,720,827

$

799,592

7.34

25.75%

85.77

11.96%

Loans

Investments

Other interest-earning assets

Total interest-sensitive
assets (ISA)

Certificates of deposit

Other deposits

Borrowings

Total interest-sensitive
liabilities (ISL)

Gap

ISA/ISL

Gap/Total assets

Loans

Investments

Other interest-earning assets

Total interest-sensitive
assets (ISA)

Certificates of deposit

Other deposits
Borrowings

Total interest-sensitive
liabilities (ISL)

Gap

ISA/ISL

Gap/Total assets

Gap analysis has limitations due to the static nature of the model that holds volumes and consumer behaviors constant in all 
economic and interest rate scenarios. A lower level of rate sensitive assets to rate sensitive liabilities repricing in one year could 
indicate reduced net interest income in a rising interest rate scenario, and conversely, increased net interest income in a 
declining interest rate scenario.  However, the gap analysis incorporates only the level of interest-earning assets and interest-
bearing liabilities and not the sensitivity each has to changes in interest rates.  The impact of the sensitivity to changes in 
interest rates is provided in the table below the gap analysis. 

42

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
The following table presents an analysis of the potential sensitivity of our annual net interest income to gradual changes in 
interest rates over a 12 month time frame as compared with net interest income if rates remained unchanged and there are no 
changes in balance sheet categories. 

Net interest income change (12 months)

-200

-100

+100

+200

December 31, 2017 ($)

December 31, 2017 (%)

December 31, 2016 ($)

December 31, 2016 (%)

$

$

(15,810)

(6.51)%

(11,180)

$

$

(dollars in thousands)
(6,181)

$

5,856

(2.55)%

2.41%

(5,495)

$

4,643

(5.41)%

(2.66)%

2.25%

$

$

11,315

4.66%

9,027

4.37%

The following table represents the potential sensitivity of our annual net interest income to immediate changes in interest rates 
versus if rates remained unchanged and there are no changes in balance sheet categories. 

December 31, 2017 ($)

December 31, 2017 (%)

December 31, 2016 ($)

December 31, 2016 (%)

Net interest income change (12 months)

-200

-100

+100

+200

(dollars in thousands)

$

$

(33,734)

(13.90)%

(17,526)

$

$

(8.48)%

(16,356)

(6.74)%

(9,132)

(4.42)%

$

$

$

$

14,427

5.94%

8,379

4.06%

27,815

11.46%

16,286

7.88%

The analysis and model used to quantify the sensitivity of our net interest income becomes less meaningful in a decreasing 200 
basis point scenario given the current interest rate environment. Results of the 100 and 200 basis point interest rate decline 
scenario are affected by the fact that many of our interest-bearing liabilities are at rates below 1%, with an assumed floor of 
zero in the model. For the years 2017 and 2016, the cost of our interest-bearing liabilities averaged 0.44% and 0.39%, 
respectively, and the yield on our average interest-earning assets, on a fully taxable equivalent basis, averaged 3.90% and 
3.63%, respectively.

The ALCO is responsible for the identification and management of interest rate risk exposure. As such, the ALCO continuously 
evaluates strategies to manage our exposure to interest rate fluctuations.

In 2015 and 2014, the Company entered into cash flow interest rate swaps in which we extended the duration of $150.0 million 
of the $1.3 billion LIBOR based loans in our loan portfolio at that time into fixed interest rates for a period of three or four 
years.  These swaps added approximately two basis points of protection to the net interest margin as a hedge against a 
prolonged low-rate environment. Please refer to Note 8, "Derivatives," for additional information on interest rate swaps.

Asset/liability models require that certain assumptions be made, such as prepayment rates on earning assets and the impact of 
pricing on non-maturity deposits, which may differ from actual experience. These business assumptions are based upon our 
experience, business plans and published industry experience. While management believes such assumptions to be reasonable, 
there can be no assurance that modeled results will approximate actual results.

Credit Risk

First Commonwealth maintains an allowance for credit losses at a level deemed sufficient for losses inherent in the loan 
portfolio at the date of each statement of financial condition. 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.

First Commonwealth’s methodology for assessing the appropriateness of the allowance for credit losses consists of several key 
elements. These elements include an assessment of individual impaired loans with a balance greater than $0.1 million, loss 
experience trends and other relevant factors.

First Commonwealth also maintains a reserve for unfunded loan commitments and letters of credit based upon credit risk and 
probability of funding. The reserve totaled $5.2 million at December 31, 2017 and is classified in “Other liabilities” on the 
Consolidated Statements of Financial Condition.

43

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Nonperforming loans include nonaccrual loans and loans classified as troubled debt restructurings. Nonaccrual loans represent 
loans on which interest accruals have been discontinued. Troubled debt restructured loans are those loans whose 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, who could not obtain comparable terms from alternate financing sources. In 2017, 41 loans totaling $11.1 million 
were identified as troubled debt restructurings, resulting in specific reserves of $0.6 million.

We discontinue interest accruals on a loan when, based on current information and events, it is probable that we 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. Generally, loans 90 days or more past due are placed on nonaccrual status, except for consumer loans which are 
placed on nonaccrual status at 150 days past due.

Nonperforming loans are closely monitored on an ongoing basis as part of our loan review and work-out process. The probable 
risk of loss on these loans is evaluated by comparing the loan balance to the estimated fair value of any underlying collateral or 
the present value of projected future cash flows. Losses or specifically assigned allowance for credit losses are recognized 
where appropriate.

The allowance for credit losses was $48.3 million at December 31, 2017 or 0.89% of loans outstanding, compared to $50.2 
million or 1.03% of loans outstanding at December 31, 2016.  Credit measures as of December 31, 2017 compared to 
December 31, 2016 reflect a decrease in the level of criticized loans of $10.0 million from $134.4 million at December 31, 2016 
to $124.4 million at December 31, 2017.  Classified assets decreased $19.7 million from $92.7 million at December 31, 2016 to 
$73.0 million at December 31, 2017.  The decline is the result of an upgrade of a $9.2 million loan for one borrower and the 
payoff of $8.5 million in nonaccrual loans as previously noted.  Delinquency on accruing loans decreased $0.5 million, or 4%, 
while the level of nonperforming loans increased $0.4 million for the same period.

The allowance for credit losses as a percentage of nonperforming loans was 114.3% at December 31, 2017 and 120.0% as of 
December 31, 2016.  The allowance for credit losses includes specific allocations of $3.7 million related to nonperforming 
loans covering 9% of the total nonperforming balance at December 31, 2017 and specific allocations of $3.1 million covering 
8% of the total nonperforming balance at December 31, 2016. The amount of allowance related to nonperforming loans was 
determined by using estimated fair values obtained from current appraisals and updated discounted cash flow analyses.

Management believes that the allowance for credit losses is at a level that is sufficient to absorb losses incurred in the loan 
portfolio at December 31, 2017.

The following table provides information on net charge-offs and nonperforming loans by loan category: 

For the Period Ended December 31, 2017

As of December 31, 2017

% of
Total Net
Charge-
offs

Net
Charge-offs
as a %
of Average
Loans

Net
Charge-offs

Nonperforming
Loans

% of Total
Nonperforming
Loans

Nonperforming
Loans as a % of
Total Loans

$

2,733

(470)

916

62

3,733

39.19%

(6.74)

13.13

0.89

53.53

(dollars in thousands)

0.05% $
(0.01)
0.02

—

0.07

22,850

—

11,840

7,186

364

54.10%

0.42%

—

28.03

17.01

0.86

—

0.22

0.13

0.01

$

6,974

100.00%

0.13% $

42,240

100.00%

0.78%

Commercial, financial,
agricultural and other

Real estate construction

Residential real estate

Commercial real estate

Loans to individuals

Total loans, net of
unearned income

As the above table illustrates, commercial, financial, agricultural loans and residential real estate loans were the most 
significant portions of the nonperforming loans as of December 31, 2017. See discussions related to the provision for credit 
losses and loans for more information.

44

 
 
 
 
Results of Operations—2016 Compared to 2015 

Summary of 2016 Results

Net income for 2016 was $59.6 million, or $0.67 per diluted share, as compared to a net income of $50.1 million, or $0.56 per 
diluted share, in 2015. Net income in 2016 was positively impacted by an increase in net interest income of $10.6 million, 
offset by decreases in noninterest expense of $3.9 million and noninterest income of $3.3 million.

Our return on average equity was 8.02% and our return on average assets was 0.89% for 2016, compared to 6.98% and 0.78%, 
respectively, for 2015.

Average diluted shares for the year 2016 were 1% less than the comparable period in 2015 primarily due to the common stock 
buyback program authorized during 2015.

Net interest income, on a fully taxable equivalent basis, for 2016 was $10.9 million, or 6%, higher than 2015, primarily due to 
growth in interest earning assets as well as growth in rates on interest earning assets. Positively affecting net interest income in 
2016 was a $116.2 million increase in average net free funds. Average net free funds are the excess of demand deposits, other 
noninterest-bearing liabilities and shareholders’ equity over nonearning assets. The net interest margin, on a fully taxable 
equivalent basis, was 3.32% in 2016 compared to 3.28% in 2015. 

During the year-ended December 31, 2016, growth in both the level of interest-earning assets and the rates on those assets 
positively impacted the net interest margin. Yields and spreads on new loan volumes in 2016 exceeded runoff levels, 
specifically for variable and adjustable rate commercial loans, home equity loans and indirect auto loans. Average earning 
assets increased $257.7 million, or 4%, compared to the comparable period in 2015.  

The taxable equivalent yield on interest-earning assets was 3.63% for the year-ended December 31, 2016, an increase of 8 basis 
points from the 3.55% yield for the same period in 2015.  This increase can be attributed to higher replacement yields on loan 
portfolio runoff and maturities as a result of improvements in pricing spreads. Additionally, the investment portfolio yield 
increased by 11 basis points. This increase can be attributed to the runoff or sale of lower yielding U.S. Agency securities which 
were replaced with higher yielding investment securities. Reductions in the cost of interest-bearing liabilities partially offset the 
impact of higher yields on interest-earning assets.  The cost of interest-bearing liabilities was 0.39% for the year-ended 
December 31, 2016, compared to 0.34% for the same period in 2015.

Comparing the year-ended December 31, 2016 with the same period in 2015, changes in interest rates negatively impacted net 
interest income by $0.5 million. The higher yield on interest-earning assets favorably impacted net interest income by $3.5 
million, while a change in the mix of interest-bearing liabilities and an increase in short-term borrowing rates had a negative 
impact of $4.0 million on net interest income. The growth in net interest income for the year-ended December 31, 2016, can be 
primarily attributed to growth in the loan portfolio and changes in the mix of our investment portfolio.

While changes in rates had a slight negative impact on the net interest margin, increases in average interest-earning assets more 
than offset the effect on net interest income. Changes in the volume of interest-earning assets and interest-bearing liabilities 
positively impacted net interest income by $11.5 million in the year ended December 31, 2016 compared to the same period in 
2015. Higher levels of interest-earning assets resulted in an increase of $10.4 million in interest income, while reductions in 
time deposits and long-term borrowings, partially offset by increased short-term borrowings, decreased interest expense by $1.0 
million.

Noninterest income, excluding net securities gains (losses), gains on sale of assets and derivative mark to market, increased 
$0.8 million, or 1%, in 2016, due to a $1.5 million increase in swap fee income that resulted from growth in interest rate swaps 
entered into by our commercial loan customers. 

Total noninterest income increased $3.3 million, or 5%, in 2016 in comparison to the year ended 2015. The most notable 
change includes a $1.7 million increase in gain on the sale of mortgage loans due to continued growth in mortgage loan 
originations since the Company reentered the secondary mortgage market in 2014. Net securities gains (losses) increased $0.8 
million, primarily due to the early redemption in 2016 of one of our pooled trust preferred securities.

Total noninterest expense for the year 2016 decreased $3.9 million in comparison to the year 2015. Contributing to the 2016 
decrease is a $2.0 million decline in salaries and employee benefits, primarily due to $2.1 million in one-time severance charges 
recognized in 2015 as a result of the realignment of our consumer banking area.

Other operating expense decreased $1.4 million for the year 2016 compared to 2015, primarily due to a $1.7 million decline in 
expense related to the reserve for unfunded loan commitments. Pennsylvania shares tax expense decreased $0.9 million in 2016 
compared to 2015 due to a $0.7 million settlement paid in 2015 for a disputed tax assessment. Loss on the sale or write-down of 
assets decreased $2.0 million for the year 2016 compared to 2015. The loss in 2015 includes $1.5 million in write-downs on 

45

                                                                                                                                                                                                                              
OREO properties as a result of updated appraisals obtained on properties for two commercial loan relationships and $0.9 
million in write-downs related to the disposition of four branch offices that were closed or relocated due to cost or other market 
opportunities. Offsetting these decreases is a $1.3 million increase in data processing expense related to the issuance of chip 
debit cards in 2016.

ITEM 7A. 

Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk

Information appearing in Item 7 of this report under the caption “Market Risk” is incorporated herein by reference in response 
to this item.

46

ITEM 8. 

Financial Statements and Supplementary Data

FIRST COMMONWEALTH FINANCIAL CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION

Assets

Cash and due from banks

Interest-bearing bank deposits

Securities available for sale, at fair value

Securities held to maturity, at amortized cost, (Fair value $418,249 at December 31, 2017 and $368,618
at December 31, 2016)

Other investments

Loans held for sale

Loans:

Portfolio loans

Allowance for credit losses

Net loans

Premises and equipment, net

Other real estate owned

Goodwill

Amortizing intangibles, net

Bank owned life insurance

Other assets

Total assets

Liabilities

Deposits (all domestic):

Noninterest-bearing

Interest-bearing

Total deposits

Short-term borrowings

Subordinated debentures

Other long-term debt

Capital lease obligation

Total long-term debt

Other liabilities

Total liabilities

Shareholders’ Equity

December 31,

2017

2016

(dollars in thousands, except
share data)

$

98,624

$

8,668

731,358

422,096

29,837

14,850

91,033

24,644

778,612

372,513

36,498

7,052

5,407,376

4,879,347

(48,298)

(50,185)

5,359,078

4,829,162

81,339

2,765

255,353

15,007

212,099

77,465

67,534

6,805

186,483

12,013

187,021

84,648

$

7,308,539

$

6,684,018

$

1,416,771

$

1,268,786

4,163,934

5,580,705

707,466

72,167

8,161

7,590

87,918

44,323

3,678,622

4,947,408

867,943

72,167

8,749

—

80,916

37,822

6,420,412

5,934,089

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

—

—

Common stock, $1 par value per share, 200,000,000 shares authorized; 113,914,902 and 105,563,455 
shares issued as of December 31, 2017 and 2016, respectively; and 97,456,478 and 89,007,077 shares 
outstanding at December 31, 2017 and 2016, respectively

Additional paid-in capital

Retained earnings

Accumulated other comprehensive (loss) income, net

Treasury stock (16,458,424 and 16,556,378 shares at December 31, 2017 and 2016, respectively)

Total shareholders’ equity

Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity

113,915

470,123

437,416

(6,173)

(127,154)

888,127

105,563

366,426

412,764

(7,027)

(127,797)

749,929

$

7,308,539

$

6,684,018

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these Consolidated Financial Statements.

47

 
 
 
FIRST COMMONWEALTH FINANCIAL CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME

2017

Years Ended December 31,
2016
(dollars in thousands, except share data)

2015

Interest Income

Interest and fees on loans
Interest and dividends on investments:

Taxable interest
Interest exempt from federal income taxes
Dividends

Interest on bank deposits

Total interest income

Interest Expense

Interest on deposits
Interest on short-term borrowings
Interest on subordinated debentures
Interest on other long-term debt
Interest on capital lease obligation
Total interest expense

Net Interest Income

Provision for credit losses

Net Interest Income after Provision for Credit Losses
Noninterest Income

Net securities gains (losses)
Trust income
Service charges on deposit accounts
Insurance and retail brokerage commissions
Income from bank owned life insurance
Gain on sale of mortgage loans
Gain on sale of other loans and assets
Card related interchange income
Derivative mark to market
Swap fee income
Other income

Total noninterest income

Noninterest Expense

Salaries and employee benefits
Net occupancy
Furniture and equipment
Data processing
Advertising and promotion
Pennsylvania shares tax
Intangible amortization
Collection and repossession
Other professional fees and services
FDIC insurance
Loss on sale or write-down of assets
Litigation and operational losses
Merger and acquisition related
Other operating expenses

Total noninterest expense

Income before income taxes

Income tax provision

Net Income
Average Shares Outstanding
Average Shares Outstanding Assuming Dilution
Per Share Data:

Basic Earnings Per Share
Diluted Earnings Per Share

Cash Dividends Declared per Common Share

$

218,530

$

185,344

$

172,819

28,608
1,622
1,669
121
250,550

9,415
8,799
3,000
323
233
21,770
228,780
5,087
223,693

5,040
7,098
18,579
8,807
5,699
5,366
1,753
18,780
(473)
2,005
7,677
80,331

27,919
1,498
2,826
27
217,614

7,523
8,076
2,635
345
—
18,579
199,035
18,480
180,555

617
5,366
15,869
7,964
5,381
4,086
1,411
14,955
219
2,359
6,372
64,599

103,714
15,648
13,508
9,090
3,786
4,209
3,081
1,905
4,761
3,210
1,834
2,050
10,213
23,289
200,298
103,726
48,561
55,165
95,220,056
95,331,037

0.58
0.58
0.32

$

$
$
$

87,125
13,150
11,624
7,429
2,601
3,825
547
2,250
3,915
3,903
1,155
1,420
3,173
17,808
159,925
85,229
25,639
59,590
88,851,573
88,851,573

0.67
0.67
0.28

$

$
$
$

$

$
$
$

26,807
997
3,434
14
204,071

7,474
5,018
2,329
774
—
15,595
188,476
14,948
173,528

(153)
5,834
15,319
8,522
5,412
2,421
1,855
14,501
(274)
847
7,041
61,325

89,161
13,712
10,737
6,123
2,638
4,693
605
2,826
4,034
4,014
3,112
2,119
922
19,178
163,874
70,979
20,836
50,143
89,356,767
89,356,767

0.56
0.56
0.28

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these Consolidated Financial Statements.

48

 
 
 
FIRST COMMONWEALTH FINANCIAL CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME

Net Income

Other comprehensive income (loss), before tax expense (benefit):

Unrealized holding gains (losses) on securities arising during the
period

Less: reclassification adjustment for (gains) losses on securities
included in net income

Unrealized (losses) gains on derivatives:

Unrealized holding (losses) gains on derivatives arising during the
period

Reclassification adjustment for losses on derivatives included in
net income

Unrealized gains (losses) for postretirement obligation:

Net gain (loss)

Total other comprehensive income (loss), before income tax
expense (benefit)

Income tax expense (benefit) related to items of other comprehensive
income (loss)

Years Ended December 31,

2017

2016

2015

(dollars in thousands)

$

55,165

$

59,590

$

50,143

7,023

(6,304)

(5,040)

(617)

2,798

153

450

(49)

(102)

(479)

(70)

331

(7,139)

3,250

(2,498)
54,949

$

1,137

52,256

(901)

119

94

1,295

441

Comprehensive Income

$

56,019

$

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these Consolidated Financial Statements.

49

 
 
 
 
FIRST COMMONWEALTH FINANCIAL CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY

Shares
Outstanding

Common
Stock

Additional
Paid-in-
Capital

Retained
Earnings

Accumulated
Other
Comprehensive
Income (Loss),
net

Treasury
Stock

Total
Shareholders’
Equity

(dollars in thousands, except per share data)

Balance at December 31, 2016

89,007,077

$

105,563

$

366,426

$

412,764

$

(7,027) $

(127,797) $

749,929

Net income

Total other comprehensive income

Cash dividends declared ($0.32 per share)

Treasury stock acquired

Treasury stock reissued

Restricted stock

Common stock issued

(104,257)

181,211

21,000

8,351,447

—

8,352

1,170

138

102,389

55,165

(30,513)

—

—

854

(1,458)

1,387

714

Balance at December 31, 2017

97,456,478

$

113,915

$

470,123

$

437,416

$

(6,173) $

(127,154) $

55,165

854

(30,513)

(1,458)

2,557

852

110,741

888,127

Shares
Outstanding

Common
Stock

Additional
Paid-in-
Capital

Retained
Earnings

Accumulated
Other
Comprehensive
Income (Loss),
net

Treasury
Stock

Total
Shareholders’
Equity

(dollars in thousands, except per share data)

Balance at December 31, 2015

88,961,268

$

105,563

$

365,981

$

378,081

$

(2,386) $

(127,693) $

719,546

Net income

Total other comprehensive loss

Cash dividends declared ($0.28 per share)

Treasury stock acquired

Treasury stock reissued

Restricted stock

(98,687)

23,148

121,348

—

39

406

59,590

(24,907)

—

—

(4,641)

59,590

(4,641)

(24,907)

(864)

216

989

(864)

177

583

Balance at December 31, 2016

89,007,077

$

105,563

$

366,426

$

412,764

$

(7,027) $

(127,797) $

749,929

Shares
Outstanding

Common
Stock

Additional
Paid-in-
Capital

Retained
Earnings

Accumulated
Other
Comprehensive
Income (Loss),
net

Treasury
Stock

Total
Shareholders’
Equity

(dollars in thousands, except per share data)

Balance at December 31, 2014

91,723,028

$

105,563

$

365,615

$

353,027

$

(4,499) $

(103,561) $

716,145

Net income

Total other comprehensive income

Cash dividends declared ($0.28 per share)

Treasury stock acquired

Treasury stock reissued

Restricted stock

(2,918,066)

20,936

135,370

—

32

334

50,143

(25,089)

—

—

2,113

50,143

2,113

(25,089)

(25,383)

192

1,425

(25,383)

160

1,091

Balance at December 31, 2015

88,961,268

$

105,563

$

365,981

$

378,081

$

(2,386) $

(127,693) $

719,546

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these Consolidated Financial Statements.

50

 
 
 
 
FIRST COMMONWEALTH FINANCIAL CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

Years Ended December 31,

2017

2016

2015

(dollars in thousands)

$

55,165

$

59,590

$

50,143

Operating Activities

Net income

Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:

Provision for credit losses

Deferred tax expense

Depreciation and amortization

Net gains on securities and other assets

Net amortization of premiums and discounts on securities

Income from increase in cash surrender value of bank owned life insurance

Mortgage loans originated for sale

Proceeds from sale of mortgage loans

Increase in interest receivable

Increase (decrease) in interest payable

Decrease (increase) in income taxes payable

Other—net

Net cash provided by operating activities

Investing Activities

Transactions with securities held to maturity:

Proceeds from maturities and redemptions

Purchases

Transactions with securities available for sale:

Proceeds from sales

Proceeds from maturities and redemptions

Purchases

Purchases of FHLB stock

Proceeds from the redemption of FHLB stock

Proceeds from bank owned life insurance

Proceeds from the sale of loans

Proceeds from sales of other assets

Acquisition, net of cash acquired

Net increase in loans

Purchase of other assets

Purchases of premises and equipment

Net cash (used in) provided by investing activities

Financing Activities

Net decrease in federal funds purchased

Net (decrease) increase in other short-term borrowings

Net increase (decrease) in deposits

Repayments of other long-term debt

Repayments of capital lease obligations

Dividends paid

Proceeds from reissuance of treasury stock

Purchase of treasury stock

5,087

20,825

8,997

(9,942)

3,532

(5,699)

(164,212)

163,125

(1,314)

426

1,318

10,997

88,305

51,239

(102,420)

143,660

148,561

(150,892)

(45,301)

55,212

898

14,807

5,568

3,188

(165,726)

(1,213)

(10,378)

(52,797)

—

(160,477)

149,175

(588)

(260)

(30,513)

228

(1,458)

(43,893)

(8,385)

115,677
107,292

$

18,480

5,713

7,116

(5,257)

4,524

(5,325)

(133,278)

136,037

(577)

(272)

(589)

3,111

89,273

54,057

(45,188)

55,744

168,237

(128,916)

(37,326)

63,780

467

18,612

7,765

479,469

(135,436)

(430)

(7,061)

493,774

(4,000)

(638,882)

132,180

(565)

—

(24,907)

216

(864)

(536,822)

46,225

69,452
115,677

$

14,948

12,653

7,640

(729)

2,793

(5,412)

(86,576)

85,718

(41)

(103)

(354)

(7,929)

72,751

9,358

(380,877)

88,054

373,228

(24,150)

(65,605)

48,029

378

3,018

6,407

(3,533)

(191,853)

—

(4,887)

(142,433)

(5,000)

409,949

(209,928)

(80,145)

—

(25,089)

192

(25,383)

64,596

(5,086)

74,538
69,452

Net cash (used in) provided by financing activities

Net (decrease) increase in cash and cash equivalents

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

$

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these Consolidated Financial Statements.

51

 
 
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

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 consolidated financial statements of First Commonwealth Financial Corporation and its subsidiaries (“First 
Commonwealth”) 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 a commercial bank and an insurance agency, First Commonwealth provides a full range 
of loan, deposit, trust, insurance and personal financial planning services primarily to individuals and small to middle market 
businesses in fifteen counties in central and western Pennsylvania as well as in central and northern Ohio. First Commonwealth 
has determined that it has one business segment.

First Commonwealth is subject to regulations of certain state and federal agencies. These regulatory agencies periodically 
examine First Commonwealth for adherence to laws and regulations.

Basis of Presentation

The accompanying Consolidated Financial Statements include the accounts of First Commonwealth previously defined above. 
All material intercompany transactions have been eliminated in consolidation. 

Equity investments of less than a majority but at least 20% ownership are accounted for by the equity method and classified as 
“Other assets.” Earnings on these investments are reflected in “Other income” on the Consolidated Statements of Income, as 
appropriate, in the period earned.

Securities

Debt securities that First Commonwealth has the positive intent and ability to hold to maturity are classified as securities held to 
maturity and are reported at amortized cost adjusted for amortization of premium and accretion of discount on a level yield 
basis. 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 that are not related to impairment excluded from earnings and 
reported as a component of other comprehensive income, which is included in shareholders’ equity, net of deferred taxes.

First Commonwealth has securities classified as held to maturity and available for sale and does not engage in trading activities. 
First Commonwealth utilizes the specific identification method to determine the net gain or loss on debt securities and the 
average cost method to determine the net gain or loss on the equity securities.

First Commonwealth conducts a comprehensive review of the investment portfolio on a quarterly basis to determine whether 
other-than-temporary impairment has occurred. Issuer-specific 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. 
Issuer-specific securities include obligations of U.S. Government agencies and sponsored enterprises, single issue trust 
preferred securities, corporate debentures and obligations of states and political subdivisions. Further analysis of these securities 
includes 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. Pooled trust preferred collateralized 
debt obligations are measured by evaluating all relevant credit and structural aspects, determining appropriate performance 
assumptions and performing a discounted cash flow analysis. This evaluation includes detailed credit, performance and 
structural evaluations for each piece of collateral. Other factors in the pooled trust preferred collateralized debt obligations 
valuation include terms of the structure, the cash flow waterfall (for both interest and principal), the over collateralization and 
interest coverage tests and events of default/liquidation. Based on this review, a determination is made on a case by case basis 
as to a potential impairment. Declines in the fair value of individual securities below their cost that are not expected to be 
recovered will result in write-downs of the individual securities to their fair value. The related write-downs are included in 
earnings as impairment losses.

52

Mortgage Loans Held for Sale

Certain residential mortgage loans are originated for sale in the secondary mortgage loan market with the majority sold with 
servicing rights released. These loans are classified as loans held for sale and are carried at the lower of cost or estimated 
market value on an aggregate basis. Market value is determined on the basis of rates obtained in the respective secondary 
market for the type of loan held for sale. Loans are generally sold at a premium or discount from the carrying amount of the 
loan. Such premium or discount is recognized at the date of sale. Gain or loss on the sale of loans is recorded in non-interest 
income at the time consideration is received and all other criteria for sales treatment have been met. 

Loans

Loans are carried at the principal amount outstanding. Interest is accrued as earned. Loans held for sale are carried at the lower 
of cost or fair value determined on an individual basis.

First Commonwealth 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 both 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 monthly cycles.

A loan is placed in nonaccrual status when, based on current information and events, it is probable that First Commonwealth 
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 is 
reversed. 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, First Commonwealth expects repayment of the remaining contractual 
principal and interest or when the loan otherwise becomes well-secured and in the process of collection.

First Commonwealth considers a loan to be a troubled debt restructured loan when the loan terms have been renegotiated to 
provide a reduction or deferral of principal or interest as a result of the financial difficulties experienced by the borrower, who 
could not obtain comparable terms from alternate financing sources.

A loan is considered to be impaired when, based on current information and events, it is probable that First Commonwealth 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 troubled debt restructured 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.

For loans other than those that First Commonwealth 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 applied as a reduction to loan principal rather than interest income.

Loans deemed uncollectible are charged off through the allowance for credit losses. Factors considered in assessing ultimate 
collectability 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.

Acquired loans are recorded at estimated fair value on the date of acquisition with no carryover of the related allowance for 
credit losses. The fair value of acquired loans is determined by estimating the principal and interest cash flows expected to be 
collected on the loans and discounting those cash flows at a market rate of interest. The estimated fair value considers factors 
such as loan term, internal risk rating, delinquency status, prepayment rates, estimated value of the underlying collateral and the 
current interest rate environment.

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.

53

Other Real Estate Owned

Real estate, other than bank premises, is recorded at fair value less estimated selling costs at the time of acquisition.   After that 
time, other real estate is carried at the lower of cost or fair value less estimated costs to sell.  Fair value is determined based on 
an independent appraisal. Expenses related to holding the property and rental income earned on the property are generally 
reflected in earnings in the current period. Depreciation is not recorded on the other real estate owned properties. 

Allowance for Credit Losses

First Commonwealth maintains an allowance for credit losses at a level deemed sufficient to absorb losses that are inherent in 
the loan portfolio. First Commonwealth’s management determines and reviews with the Board of Directors 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. First Commonwealth’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. 

The major loan classifications used in the allowance for credit losses calculation include pass, other assets especially mentioned 
(“OAEM”), substandard and doubtful.  Additional information related to these credit quality categories is provided in Note 11,  
"Loans and Allowance for Credit Losses."

First Commonwealth consistently applies the following comprehensive methodology and procedure for determining the 
allowance for credit losses.

All impaired credits in excess of $100 thousand are individually reviewed quarterly. A specific reserve is established for 
impaired loans in an amount equal to the total amount of probable unconfirmed losses for the impaired loans that are reviewed. 
Based on this reserve as a percentage of reviewed loan balances, a reserve is also established for the impaired loan balances that 
are not individually reviewed.

The allowance calculation uses net historical charge-off trends to estimate probable unconfirmed losses for each loan category.  
A multiplier known as the emergence factor is applied to the historical loss rates for non-criticized loans. The emergence factor 
is calculated by loan category and represents the average time period from when a loss is incurred until the bank experiences a 
charge-off against the loan.  Before applying the adjusted historical loss experience percentages, loan balances are reduced by 
the portion of the loan balances which are subject to guarantee by a government agency.

An additional component of the allowance is determined by management based on a qualitative analysis of certain factors 
related to portfolio risks and economic conditions. Factors considered by management include employment trends, 
macroeconomic trends, commercial real estate trends, lending practices, ability and experience of the credit staff, the overall 
lending environment and external factors such as the regulatory environment and competition. Portfolio risks include unusual 
changes or recent trends in specific portfolios such as unexpected changes in the trends or levels of delinquency. No matter how 
detailed an analysis of potential credit losses is performed, these estimates are inherently imprecise. Management must make 
estimates using assumptions and information that is often subjective and changes rapidly.

Loans acquired with evidence of credit deterioration were evaluated and not considered to be significant. The premium or 
discount estimated through the loan fair value calculation is recognized into interest income on a level yield or straight-line 
basis over the remaining contractual life of the loans. Additional credit deterioration on acquired loans, in excess of the original 
credit discount embedded in the fair value determination on the date of acquisition, will be recognized in the allowance for 
credit losses through the provision for loan losses.

Allowance for Off-Balance Sheet Credit Exposures

First Commonwealth maintains an allowance for off-balance sheet credit exposure at a level deemed sufficient to absorb losses 
that are inherent to off-balance sheet credit risk. Management determines the adequacy of the allowance on a quarterly basis, 
charging the provision 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 Company’s methodology for assessing the appropriateness of the 
allowance for off-balance sheet credit exposure consists of analysis of historical usage trends as well as loss history and 
probability of default rates related to the off-balance sheet category. The calculation begins with historical usage trends related 
to lines of credit as well as letters of credit and then utilizes those figures to determine the probable usage of available lines. 
These values are then adjusted by a determined probability of default as well as a loss given default. This amount is adjusted 
quarterly and reported as part of other operating expenses on the Consolidated Statements of Income.

54

Bank Owned Life Insurance

First Commonwealth and the banks that First Commonwealth has acquired have 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 non-interest income in the Consolidated 
Statements of Income. Under some of these policies, the beneficiaries receive a portion of the death benefit. The net present 
value of the future death benefits scheduled to be paid to the beneficiaries was $3.9 million and $3.3 million as of December 31, 
2017 and 2016, respectively, and is reflected in "Other Liabilities" on the Consolidated Statements of Financial Condition.

Premises and Equipment

Premises and equipment are carried at cost less accumulated depreciation on First Commonwealth’s Consolidated Statements of 
Financial Condition. Depreciation is computed on the straight-line and accelerated methods over the estimated useful life of the 
asset. A straight-line depreciation method was used for substantially all furniture and equipment. The straight-line depreciation 
method was used for buildings and improvements. Charges for maintenance and repairs are expensed as incurred. Leasehold 
improvements are expensed over the term of the lease or the estimated useful life of the improvement, whichever is shorter.

Software costs are amortized on a straight-line basis over a period not to exceed seven years.

Business Combinations 

Business combinations are accounted for by using the acquisition method of accounting. Under the acquisition method, 
identifiable assets acquired and liabilities assumed at the acquisition date are measured at their fair values as of that date, and 
are recognized separately from goodwill. The difference between the purchase price and the fair value of the net assets acquired 
is recorded as goodwill. Results of operations of the acquired entities are included in the consolidated statement of income from 
the date of acquisition. Acquisition costs are expensed when incurred.

Goodwill

Intangible assets resulting from acquisitions under the purchase method of accounting consist of goodwill and other intangible 
assets (see “Other Intangible Assets” section below). Goodwill is not amortized and is subject to at least annual assessments for 
impairment by applying a fair value based test. First Commonwealth reviews goodwill annually and again at any quarter-end if 
a material event occurs during the quarter that may affect goodwill.  If goodwill testing is required, an assessment of qualitative 
factors can be completed before performing the two step goodwill impairment test. If an assessment of qualitative factors 
determines it is more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit exceeds its carrying amount, then the two step 
goodwill impairment test is not required. Goodwill is evaluated for potential impairment by determining if our fair value has 
fallen below carrying value.

Other Intangible Assets

Other intangible assets consist of core deposits and customer lists obtained through acquisitions.  Core deposit intangibles are 
amortized over their estimated lives using the present value of the benefit of the core deposits and straight-line methods of 
amortization. Customer list intangibles are amortized over the expected lives using expected cash flows based on retention of 
the customer base. These intangibles are evaluated for impairment on an annual basis and when events or changes in 
circumstances indicate that the carrying amount may not be recoverable.

Accounting for the Impairment of Long-Lived Assets

First Commonwealth reviews long-lived assets, such as premises and equipment and intangibles, for impairment whenever 
events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of an asset may not be recoverable. These changes in 
circumstances may include a significant decrease in the market value of an asset or the extent or manner in which an asset is 
used. 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 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.

55

Income Taxes

First Commonwealth records taxes in accordance with the asset and liability method of FASB ASC Topic 740, “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 more likely than not 
expected to be realized based upon available evidence. In accordance with FASB ASC Topic 740, interest or penalties incurred 
for taxes will be recorded as a component of noninterest expense. 

Comprehensive Income Disclosures

“Other Comprehensive Income” (comprehensive income, excluding net income) includes the after-tax effect of changes in 
unrealized holding gains and losses on available-for-sale securities, changes in the funded status of defined benefit 
postretirement plans and changes in the fair value of the effective portion of cash flow hedges. Comprehensive income is 
reported in the accompanying Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income, net of tax. 

Cash and Cash Equivalents

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

Derivatives and Hedging Activities

First Commonwealth accounts for derivative instruments and hedging activities in accordance with FASB ASC Topic 815, 
“Derivatives and Hedging.” All derivatives are evaluated at inception as to whether or not they are hedging or non-hedging 
activities, and appropriate documentation is maintained to support the final determination. First Commonwealth recognizes all 
derivatives as either assets or liabilities on the Consolidated Statements of Financial Condition and measures those instruments 
at fair value. For derivatives designated as fair value hedges, changes in the fair value of the derivative and the hedged item 
related to the hedged risk are recognized in earnings. Any hedge ineffectiveness would be recognized in the income statement 
line item pertaining to the hedged item. For derivatives designated as cash flow hedges, changes in fair value of the effective 
portion of the cash flow hedges are reported in OCI. When the cash flows associated with the hedged item are realized, the gain 
or loss included in OCI is recognized in the Consolidated Statement of Income.

When First Commonwealth purchases a portion of a commercial loan that has an existing interest rate swap, it enters a Risk 
Participation Agreement with the counterparty and assumes the credit risk of the loan customer related to the swap. Any fee 
paid to First Commonwealth as a result of the risk participation agreement is offset by credit risk of the counterparties and is 
recognized in the income statement. Credit risk on the risk participation agreements is determined after considering the risk 
rating, probability of default and loss given default of the counterparties.

Management periodically reviews contracts from various functional areas of First Commonwealth to identify potential 
derivatives embedded within selected contracts. As of December 31, 2017, First Commonwealth has interest derivative 
positions that are not designated as hedging instruments. See Note 8, “Derivatives,” for a description of these instruments.

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.

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 and unvested restricted stock grants.

Fair Value Measurements

In accordance with FASB ASC Topic 820, “Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures,” First Commonwealth groups financial 
assets and financial liabilities measured at fair value into three levels, based on the markets in which the assets and liabilities 
are traded and the reliability of the assumptions used to determine fair value. These levels are:

•  Level 1—Valuations for assets and liabilities traded in active exchange markets, such as the New York Stock Exchange. 
Valuations are obtained from readily available pricing sources for market transactions involving identical assets or 
liabilities. 

56

•  Level 2—Valuations for assets and liabilities traded in less active dealer or broker markets. Valuations are obtained for 

identical or comparable assets or liabilities from alternative pricing sources with reasonable levels of price transparency. 
Level 2 securities include U.S. Government securities issued by Agencies and Sponsored Enterprises, Obligations of 
States and Political Subdivisions, certain corporate securities, FHLB stock, loans held for sale, interest rate derivatives 
that include interest rate swaps, risk participation agreements and foreign currency contracts, certain other real estate 
owned and certain impaired loans.

•  Level 3—Valuations for assets and liabilities that are derived from other valuation methodologies, including option 
pricing models, discounted cash flow models and similar techniques, and not based on market exchange, dealer or 
broker traded transactions. If the inputs used to provide the evaluation are unobservable and/or there is very little, if any, 
market activity for the security or similar securities, the securities would be considered Level 3 securities. Level 3 
valuations incorporate certain assumptions and projections in determining the fair value assigned to such assets or 
liabilities. The assets included in Level 3 are pooled trust preferred collateralized debt obligations, nonmarketable equity 
investments, certain other real estate owned and certain impaired loans. 

In general, fair values of financial instruments are based upon quoted market prices, where available. If such quoted market 
prices are not available, fair value is based upon pricing models that primarily use, as inputs, observable market-based 
parameters. Valuation adjustments may be made to ensure that financial instruments are recorded at fair value. These 
adjustments may include amounts to reflect counterparty credit quality and our creditworthiness, among other things, as well as 
unobservable parameters. Any such valuation adjustments are applied consistently over time. See Note 19 “Fair Values of 
Assets and Liabilities” for additional information.

Note 2—New Accounting Pronouncements

In August 2015, the FASB issued ASU No. 2015-14, “Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606)”. In May 2014, the 
FASB issued ASU No. 2014-09, "Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606)", with an original effective date for 
annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2016. The core principle of ASU 2014-09 is that an entity should 
recognize revenue to depict the transfer of promised goods or services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration 
to which the entity expects to be entitled in exchange for those goods or services. ASU 2015-14 deferred the effective date of 
ASU 2014-09 to annual periods and interim periods within those annual periods beginning after December 15, 2017. The 
Company adopted this ASU on January 1, 2018 using the modified retrospective method.  A significant component of the 
Company’s revenues, net interest income on financial assets and liabilities, is excluded from the scope of the amended 
guidance. The Company has completed its overall assessment of additional revenue streams, including trust and asset 
management fees, brokerage and annuity sales, deposit related fees, interchange fees, and merchant income and has concluded 
that the Company’s revenue recognition for these revenue streams will not change significantly.  Management’s evaluation of 
the impact of the new standard on revenue generated from insurance commissions and fees, as well as all related processes and 
procedures, will be completed before the end of the first quarter of 2018. Until the evaluation of the insurance commissions and 
fees is completed, the Company cannot conclude whether the new standard has a material impact on the insurance commission 
revenue stream or the Company’s financial statements. 

In February 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-02, "Leases (Topic 842)," in order to increase transparency and 
comparability among organizations by recognizing lease assets and lease liabilities on the balance sheet and disclosing key 
information about leasing arrangements.  Lessor accounting under the new guidance remains largely unchanged as it is 
substantially equivalent to existing guidance for sales-type leases, direct financing leases, and operating leases. Leveraged 
leases have been eliminated, although lessors can continue to account for existing leveraged leases using the current accounting 
guidance. Other limited changes were made to align lessor accounting with the lessee accounting model and the new revenue 
recognition standard. All entities will classify leases to determine how to recognize lease-related revenue and expense. 
Quantitative and qualitative disclosures will be required by lessees and lessors to meet the objective of enabling users of 
financial statements to assess the amount, timing, and uncertainty of cash flows arising from leases. The intention is to require 
enough information to supplement the amounts recorded in the financial statements so that users can understand more about the 
nature of an entity’s leasing activities. This ASU is effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those fiscal years, 
beginning after December 15, 2018.  All entities are required to use a modified retrospective approach for leases that exist or 
are entered into after the beginning of the earliest comparative period in the financial statements. Entities have the option to use 
certain relief; full retrospective application is prohibited. We are currently evaluating the potential impact of  ASU 2016-02 on 
our financial statements. 

In June 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-13, “Financial Instruments – Credit Losses (Topic 326), Measurement of Credit 
Losses on Financial Instruments,” which amends the guidance for recognizing credit losses from an “incurred loss” 
methodology that delays recognition of credit losses until it is probable a loss has been incurred to an expected credit loss 
methodology. The guidance requires the use of the modified retrospective transition method by means of a cumulative-effect 

57

adjustment to equity as of the beginning of the period in which the guidance is adopted. The standard is effective for the 
Company as of January 1, 2020. The Company has formed a cross-functional implementation team to evaluate the provisions of 
the amendment, data requirements and determination of necessary modifications to its existing methodologies, systems and 
processes. The Company continues to evaluate the impact of the amended guidance on First Commonwealth’s financial 
condition or results of operations.

In August 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-15, “Statement of Cash Flows (Topic 230),” which provides guidance on eight 
specific cash flow issues: 1. debt prepayment or extinguishment costs; 2. settlement of zero-coupon debt instruments or other 
debt instruments with coupon interest rates; 3. contingent consideration payments made after a business combination; 4. 
proceeds from the settlement of insurance claims; 5. proceeds from the settlement of corporate-owned life insurance policies, 
including bank-owned life insurance policies; 6. distributions received from equity method investees; 7. beneficial interests in 
securitizations transactions; and 8. separately identifiable cash flows and application of the predominance principle.  This ASU 
provides additional guidance for these eight issues, reducing current and potential diversity in practice.  This standard is 
effective for the Company as of January 1, 2018. The adoption of this ASU is not expected to have a material impact on First 
Commonwealth’s financial condition or results of operations.

In January 2017, the FASB issued ASU No. 2017-01, "Business Combinations (Topic 805), Clarifying the Definition of a 
Business" which provides a screen to determine when a set of assets and activities (a "set") is not a business.  The screen 
requires that when substantially all of the fair value of gross assets acquired (or disposed of) is concentrated in a single 
identifiable asset or a group of similar identifiable assets, the set is not a business.  This screen thereby reduces the number of 
transactions that need to be further evaluated.  If the screen is not met, this ASU: 1. requires that to be considered a business, a 
set must include, at a minimum, an input and substantive process that significantly contributes to the ability to create output; 
and 2. removes the evaluation of whether a market participant could replace the missing elements.  The amendment provides a 
framework to assist entities in evaluating whether both an input and substantive process is present.  The framework includes 
two sets of criteria to consider that depend on whether a set has outputs. This ASU also narrows the definition of the term 
output so that the term is consistent with how outputs are described in Topic 606.  This standard is effective for interim and 
annual periods for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2017.  The adoption of this ASU is not expected to have a material 
impact on First Commonwealth’s financial condition or results of operations, but may impact future business combinations. 

In January 2017, the FASB issued ASU No. 2017-04, "Intangibles-Goodwill and Other (Topic 350), Simplifying the Test for 
Goodwill Impairment" which simplifies the subsequent measurement of goodwill by eliminating Step 2 from the goodwill 
impairment test.  Under this ASU, an entity should perform its annual, or interim, goodwill impairment test by comparing the 
fair value of a reporting unit with its carrying amount.  Impairment should be recognized for the amount by which the carrying 
amount exceeds the reporting unit's fair value; however, the loss recognized should not exceed the total amount of goodwill 
allocated to the reporting unit.  Income tax effects from any tax deductible goodwill should be taken into consideration of the 
carrying amount of the reporting unit when measuring for goodwill impairment, if applicable.  An entity still has the option to 
perform the qualitative assessment for the reporting unit to determine if the quantitative impairment test is necessary.  This 
standard is effective for interim and annual periods for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2019.  The adoption of this 
ASU is not expected to have a material impact on First Commonwealth’s financial condition or results of operations.

In August 2017, the FASB issued ASU No. 2017-12, "Derivatives and Hedging (Topic 815), Targeted Improvements to 
Accounting for Hedging Activities" with the objective of improving the financial reporting of hedging relationships to better 
portray the economic results of risk management activities in its financial statements.  The main provisions of this ASU update 
the hedge accounting model to expand the ability to hedge risk, reduce complexity, and ease certain documentation and 
assessment requirements. It also eliminates the requirement to separately measure and report hedge ineffectiveness, and 
generally requires the change in fair value of a hedging instrument to be presented in the same income statement line as the 
hedged item.  The standard is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2018, including interim periods within that 
fiscal year.  The adoption of this ASU is not expected to have a material impact on First Commonwealth’s financial condition or 
results of operations.

In February 2018, the FASB issued ASU 2018-02, “Income Statement - Reporting Comprehensive Income (Topic 220), 
Reclassification of Certain Tax Effects from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income.” ASU 2018-02 was issued to address 
the income tax accounting treatment of the stranded tax effects within other comprehensive income due to the prohibition of 
backward tracing due to an income tax rate change that was initially recorded in other comprehensive income. This issue came 
about from the enactment of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act on December 22, 2017 that changed the corporate income tax rate from 
35% to 21%. The ASU changed current accounting whereby an entity may elect to reclassify the stranded tax effect from 
accumulated other comprehensive income to retained earnings. The ASU is effective for periods beginning after December 15, 
2018 although early adoption is permitted. The Company will early adopt ASU 2018-02 in the first quarter of 2018. This ASU 
is not expected to have a material impact on First Commonwealth's financial condition or results of operations. 

58

Note 3—Acquisition

On April 3, 2017, the Company completed its acquisition of DCB Financial Corporation ("DCB") and its banking subsidiary, 
The Delaware County Bank and Trust Company, for consideration of $21.2 million in cash and 8.4 million shares of the 
Company's common stock. Through the acquisition, the Company obtained nine full-service banking offices and four limited 
service locations which are operating under the First Commonwealth name.  This acquisition expands the Company's presence 
in the central Ohio market and added $383.1 million in loans and $484.4 million in deposits to the Company's balance sheet. 

The table below summarizes the net assets acquired (at fair value) and consideration transferred in connection with the DCB 
Financial acquisition (dollars in thousands): 

Consideration Paid

   Cash paid to shareholders

   Shares issued to shareholders (8,356,882 shares)

Total consideration paid

$

$

21,232

110,812

$

132,044

Fair Value of Assets Acquired

   Cash and cash equivalents

   Investment Securities
   FHLB Stock

   Loans

   Premises and other equipment

   Core deposit intangible

   Other real estate

   Bank owned life insurance

   Other assets

     Total assets acquired

Fair Value of Liabilities Assumed

   Deposits

   Capital lease obligation

   Other Liabilities

      Total liabilities assumed

24,420

88,986
3,250

383,083

12,113

5,998

68

20,522

16,450

554,890

484,366

7,851

1,182

493,399

Total Fair Value of Identifiable Net Assets

Goodwill

61,491

$

70,553

The goodwill of $70.6 million arising from the acquisition represents the value of synergies and economies of scale expected 
from combining the operations of the Company with DCB Financial Corporation.

The Company determined that this acquisition constitutes a business combination as defined in FASB ASC Topic 805, 
“Business Combinations.”  Accordingly, as of the date of the acquisition, the Company recorded the assets acquired and 
liabilities assumed at fair value. The Company determined fair values in accordance with the guidance provided in FASB ASC 
Topic 820, “Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures.”  Acquired loans were recorded at fair value with no carryover of the 
related allowance for loan losses. Fair value is established by discounting the expected future cash flows with a market discount 
rate for like maturities and risk instruments. At the date of acquisition, none of the loans were accounted for under the guidance 
of ASC Topic 310-30, “Receivables-Loans and Debt Securities Acquired with Deteriorated Credit Quality.”  We acquired 
$390.8 million in total loans and recognized a net combined yield and credit market adjustment of $7.7 million. 

The fair value of the 8,356,882 common shares issued was determined based on the market price of the Company's common 
shares on the acquisition date. 

Costs related to the acquisition totaled $10.2 million. These amounts were expensed as incurred and are recorded as a merger 
and acquisition related expense in the Consolidated Statements of Income.

59

As a result of the full integration of the operations of DCB, it is not practicable to determine revenue or net income included in 
the Company's operating results relating to DCB since the date of acquisition as DCB’s results cannot be separately identified. 

On December 2, 2016, the Company completed the acquisition of 13 branches from FirstMerit Bank, NA receiving $476.6 
million in cash.  This acquisition further expands the Company's market into northern Ohio and included the purchase of $105.6 
million in loans and $619.7 million in deposits.

The table below summarizes the net assets acquired (at fair value) and consideration transferred in connection with the 
FirstMerit Bank, NA acquisition (dollars in thousands): 

Consideration Received

   Cash received

      Total consideration received

Fair Value of Assets Acquired

   Cash and cash equivalents

   Loans

   Premises and other equipment

   Core deposit intangible

   Other assets

     Total assets acquired

Fair Value of Liabilities Assumed

   Deposits

   Other Liabilities

      Total liabilities assumed

$

(476,555)

$

(476,555)

2,914

102,097

6,072

11,330

353

122,766

619,729

70

619,799

Total Fair Value of Identifiable Net Assets

Goodwill

(497,033)

$

20,478

The goodwill of $20.5 million arising from the acquisition consists largely of the synergies and economies of scale expected 
from combining the operations of the Company with the branches acquired from FirstMerit Bank, NA. The goodwill for this 
transaction is expected to be deducted over a 15 year period for income tax purposes.

We acquired $105.6 million in total loans and recognized a net combined yield and credit market adjustment of $3.5 million. 

Costs related to the acquisition totaled $3.2 million. These amounts were expensed as incurred and are recorded as a merger and 
acquisition related expense in the Consolidated Statements of Income.

The Company determined this acquisition constitutes a business combination as defined in FASB ASC Topic 805, “Business 
Combinations.”  Accordingly, as of the date of the acquisition, assets acquired and liabilities assumed were recorded at fair 
value. Fair values were determined in accordance with the guidance provided in FASB ASC Topic 820, “Fair Value 
Measurements and Disclosures.”  Acquired loans were recorded at fair value with no carryover of the related allowance for loan 
losses. Fair value is established by discounting the expected future cash flows with a market discount rate for like maturities 
and risk instruments. At the date of acquisition, none of the loans were accounted for under the guidance of ASC Topic 310-30, 
“Receivables-Loans and Debt Securities Acquired with Deteriorated Credit Quality.” 

60

Note 4—Supplemental Comprehensive Income Disclosures

The following table identifies the related tax effects allocated to each component of other comprehensive income in the 
Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income as of December 31. Reclassification adjustments related to securities 
available for sale are included in the “Net securities gains (losses)” line in the Consolidated Statements of Income and 
reclassification adjustments related to losses on derivatives are included in the "Other operating expenses" line in the 
Consolidated Statements of Income.

2017

2016

2015

Pretax
Amount

Tax
(Expense)
Benefit

Net of
Tax
Amount

Pretax
Amount

Tax
(Expense)
Benefit

Net of
Tax
Amount

Pretax
Amount

Tax
(Expense)
Benefit

Net of
Tax
Amount

(dollars in thousands)

Unrealized gains (losses) on
securities:

Unrealized holding gains
(losses) on securities arising
during the period

Reclassification adjustment
for (gains) losses on
securities included in net
income

Total unrealized gains
(losses) on securities

Unrealized gains (losses) on
derivatives:

Unrealized holding (losses)
gains on derivatives arising
during the period

Reclassification adjustment
for losses (gains) on
derivatives included in net
income

Total unrealized (losses)
gains on derivatives

Unrealized gains (losses) for
postretirement obligations:

Net gain (loss)

Total unrealized gains
(losses) for
postretirement
obligations

Total other
comprehensive
income (loss)

$

7,023

$ (2,458) $

4,565

$ (6,304) $

2,206

$ (4,098) $

2,798

$

(978) $

1,820

(5,040)

1,764

(3,276)

(617)

216

(401)

153

(54)

99

1,983

(694)

1,289

(6,921)

2,422

(4,499)

2,951

(1,032)

1,919

(901)

315

(586)

(479)

168

(311)

450

(158)

292

119

(42)

77

(70)

(782)

273

(509)

(549)

24

192

(46)

(49)

17

(32)

(357)

401

(141)

260

94

(20)

74

331

(116)

215

(102)

94

(20)

74

331

(116)

215

(102)

36

36

(66)

(66)

$

1,295

$

(441) $

854

$ (7,139) $

2,498

$ (4,641) $

3,250

$ (1,137) $

2,113

61

The following table details the change in components of OCI for the year-ended December 31:

Securities Available
for Sale

Derivatives

Post-Retirement
Obligation

Accumulated Other
Comprehensive
Income

2017

Balance at January 1

Other comprehensive income before
reclassification adjustment

Amounts reclassified from accumulated other
comprehensive income (loss)

Net gain

Net other comprehensive income during the period

Balance at December 31

$

$

(dollars in thousands)

(7,455) $

203

$

225

$

(7,027)

4,565

(3,276)

1,289

(6,166) $

(586)

77

(509)

(306) $

2016

3,979

(3,199)

74

854

74

74

299

$

(6,173)

Securities Available
for Sale

Derivatives

Post-Retirement 
Obligation

Accumulated Other 
Comprehensive 
Income

Balance at January 1

Other comprehensive income before
reclassification adjustment
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other
comprehensive income (loss)
Net gain

Net other comprehensive income during the period

Balance at December 31

$

$

(dollars in thousands)

(2,956) $

560

$

10

$

(4,098)

(401)

(4,499)

(7,455) $

(311)

(46)

(357)

203

$

2015

215

215

225

$

(2,386)

(4,409)

(447)

215

(4,641)

(7,027)

Securities Available 
for Sale

Derivatives

Post-Retirement 
Obligation

Accumulated Other 
Comprehensive 
Income

Balance at January 1

Other comprehensive income before
reclassification adjustment
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other
comprehensive income (loss)
Net gain

Net other comprehensive income during the period

Balance at December 31

$

$

(dollars in thousands)

(4,875) $

300

$

76

$

1,820

99

1,919

(2,956) $

292

(32)

260

560

$

(66)

(66)

10

$

(4,499)

2,112

67

(66)

2,113

(2,386)

62

 
 
Note 5—Supplemental Cash Flow Disclosures

The following table presents information related to cash paid during the year for interest and income taxes as well as detail on 
non-cash investing and financing activities for the years ended December 31:

Cash paid during the period for:

Interest

Income taxes

Non-cash investing and financing activities:

Loans transferred to other real estate owned and repossessed assets

Other real estate sales transferred to loans

Fair value of loans transferred from held to maturity to available for sale

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

Gross (decrease) increase in market value adjustment to derivatives
Investments redeemed, not settled

Investments committed to purchase, not settled

Net assets (liabilities) acquired through acquisition

Proceeds from death benefit on bank-owned life insurance not received

Treasury shares issued

Note 6—Earnings per Share

2017

2016
(dollars in thousands)

2015

$

21,552

$

19,208

$

27,902

19,950

3,067

1,891

15,102

4,824

—

18,758

1,983

(6,919)

(783)
—

—

37,070

245

2,258

(549)
3,769

—
(501,516)
437

—

15,818

8,331

8,257

—

3,196

2,949

401
—

694

463

—

—

The following table summarizes the composition of the weighted-average common shares (denominator) used in the basic and 
diluted earnings per share computation for the years ending December 31:

Weighted average common shares issued

Average treasury shares

Average deferred compensation shares

Average unearned nonvested shares

Weighted average common shares and common stock equivalents used
to calculate basic earnings per share

Additional common stock equivalents (nonvested stock) used to calculate
diluted earnings per share

Additional common stock equivalents (deferred compensation) used to
calculated diluted earnings per share

Weighted average common shares and common stock equivalents used
to calculate diluted earnings per share

2017
111,809,880
(16,463,079)
(37,411)
(89,334)

2016
105,563,455
(16,605,461)
—
(106,421)

2015
105,563,455
(16,045,900)
—
(160,788)

95,220,056

88,851,573

89,356,767

73,570

37,411

—

—

—

—

95,331,037

88,851,573

89,356,767

The following table shows the number of shares and the price per share related to common stock equivalents that were not 
included in the computation of diluted earnings per share for the years ended December 31, because to do so would have been 
anti-dilutive.

12/31/2017

Price Range

12/31/2016

Price Range

12/31/2015

Price Range

Shares

From

To

Shares

From

To

Shares

From

To

Restricted Stock

18,173

$

8.55

$

13.96

67,920

$

8.38

$

13.96

92,002

$

6.82

$

9.84

63

 
Note 7—Cash and Due from Banks

Regulations of the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System impose uniform reserve requirements on all depository 
institutions with transaction accounts, such as checking accounts and NOW accounts. Reserves are maintained in the form of 
vault cash or balances held with the Federal Reserve Bank. First Commonwealth Bank maintained average balances of $10.3 
million during 2017 and $5.1 million during 2016 with the Federal Reserve Bank.

Note 8—Derivatives

Derivatives Not Designated as Hedging Instruments

First Commonwealth is a party to interest rate derivatives that are not designated as hedging instruments. These derivatives 
relate to interest rate swaps that First Commonwealth enters into with customers to allow customers to convert variable rate 
loans to a fixed rate. First Commonwealth pays interest to the customer at a floating rate on the notional amount and receives 
interest from the customer at a fixed rate for the same notional amount. At the same time the interest rate swap is entered into 
with the customer, an offsetting interest rate swap is entered into with another financial institution. First Commonwealth pays 
the other financial institution interest at the same fixed rate on the same notional amount as the swap entered into with the 
customer, and receives interest from the financial institution for the same floating rate on the same notional amount. 

The changes in the fair value of the swaps offset each other, except for the credit risk of the counterparties, which is determined 
by taking into consideration the risk rating, probability of default and loss given default for all counterparties.

We have 36 risk participation agreements with financial institution counterparties for interest rate swaps related to loans in 
which we are a participant. The risk participation agreements provide credit protection to the financial institution should the 
borrower fail to perform on its interest rate derivative contract with the financial institution.  We have nine risk participation 
agreements with financial institution counterparties for interest rate swaps related to loans in which we are the lead bank.  The 
risk participation agreement provides credit protection to us should the borrower fail to perform on its interest rate derivative 
contract with us.

First Commonwealth is also party to interest rate caps that are not designated as hedging instruments.  These derivatives relate 
to contracts that First Commonwealth enters into with loan customers providing a maximum interest rate on their variable rate 
loan. At the same time the interest rate cap is entered into with the customer, First Commonwealth enters into an offsetting 
interest rate cap with another financial institution.  The notional amount and maximum interest rate on both interest cap 
contracts are identical. 

The fee received, less the estimate of the loss for the credit exposure, was recognized in earnings at the time of the transaction.

Derivatives Designated as Hedging Instruments

The Company has entered into three interest rate swap contracts which were designated as cash flow hedges. The interest rate 
swaps have a total notional amount of $150.0 million, $35.0 million with an original maturity of three years and $115.0 million 
with an original maturity of four years. The Company's risk management objective for these hedges is to reduce its exposure to 
variability in expected future cash flows related to interest payments on commercial loans benchmarked to the 1-month LIBOR 
rate.  Therefore, the interest rate swaps convert the interest payments on the first $150.0 million of 1-month LIBOR based 
commercial loans into fixed rate payments.

The periodic net settlement of interest rate swaps is recorded as an adjustment to "Interest and fees on loans" in the 
Consolidated Statement of Income. For the years ended December 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015, interest income was increased by 
$0.5 million, $1.6 million and $2.0 million, respectively, as a result of these interest rate swaps. Changes in the fair value of the 
effective portion of cash flow hedges are reported in OCI. When the cash flows associated with the hedged item are realized, 
the gain or loss included in OCI is recognized in "Interest and fees on loans," the same line item in the Consolidated Statement 
of Income as the income on the hedged items. The cash flow hedges were highly effective at December 31, 2017, 2016 and 
2015 and changes in the fair value attributed to hedge ineffectiveness were not material. 

The Company also enters into interest rate lock commitments in conjunction with its mortgage origination business. These are 
commitments to originate loans whereby the interest rate on the loan is determined prior to funding and the customers have 
locked into that interest rate. The Company locks the rate in with an investor and commits to deliver the loan if settlement 
occurs (“best efforts”) or commits to deliver the locked loan in a binding (“mandatory”) delivery program with an investor. 
Loans under mandatory rate lock commitments are covered under forward sales contracts of mortgage-backed securities 
(“MBS”). Forward sales contracts of MBS are recorded at fair value with changes in fair value recorded in "Other noninterest 
expense" in the Consolidated Statements of Income.  The impact to noninterest expense for the years ended December 31, 2017 
was a decrease of $19 thousand. There were no interest rate lock commitments in 2016 or 2015.

64

Interest rate lock commitments and commitments to deliver loans to investors are considered derivatives. The market value of 
interest rate lock commitments and best efforts contracts are not readily ascertainable with precision because they are not 
actively traded in stand-alone markets. We determine the fair value of rate lock commitments and delivery contracts by 
measuring the fair value of the underlying asset, which is impacted by current interest rates and taking into consideration the 
probability that the rate lock commitments will close or will be funded.  At December 31, 2017, the underlying funded 
mortgage loan commitments had a carrying value of $14.3 million and a fair value of $14.7 million, while the underlying 
unfunded mortgage loan commitments had a notional amount of $13.8 million.

In addition, a small amount of interest income on loans is exposed to changes in foreign exchange rates.  Several commercial 
borrowers have a portion of their operations outside of the United States and borrow funds on a short-term basis to fund those 
operations. In order to reduce the risk related to the translation of foreign denominated transactions into U.S. dollars, the 
Company enters into foreign exchange forward contracts. These contracts relate principally to the Euro and the Canadian dollar.   
The contracts are recorded at fair value with changes in fair value recorded in "Other noninterest expense" in the  Consolidated 
Statements of Income.  The impact on other noninterest expense for the year ended December 31, 2017 totaled $4 thousand.  At 
December 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016, the underlying loans had a carrying value of $10.0 million and $4.7 million, 
respectively, and a fair value of $10.1 million and $4.7 million, respectively.

The following table depicts the credit value adjustment recorded related to the notional amount of derivatives outstanding as 
well as the notional amount of risk participation agreements participated to other banks at December 31:

Derivatives not Designated as Hedging Instruments

Credit value adjustment

Notional Amount:

Interest rate derivatives

Interest rate caps

Risk participation agreements

Sold credit protection on risk participation agreements

Derivatives Designated as Hedging Instruments

Interest rate swaps:

Fair value adjustment

Notional Amount

Interest rate forwards:

Fair value adjustment

Notional Amount

Foreign exchange forwards:

Fair value adjustment

Notional Amount

2017

2016

(dollars in thousands)

$

(791) $

(317)

401,304

46,444

197,660
(46,170)

345,102

14,762

174,213
(40,281)

459

150,000

(443)
200,000

19

17,000

(70)
10,077

—

—

(8)
4,749

65

 
The table below presents the amount representing the change in the fair value of derivative assets and derivative liabilities 
attributable to credit risk included in “Other income” on the Consolidated Statements of Income for the years ended 
December 31:

Non-hedging interest rate derivatives:

(Decrease) increase in other income

Hedging interest rate derivatives:

Increase in interest income

Increase in other income

Hedging interest rate forwards:

Decrease in other expense

Hedging interest rate derivatives:

Increase (decrease) in other expense

2017

2016

2015

(dollars in thousands)

$

(473) $

219

$

(274)

452

119

(19)

4

1,627

2,049

70

—

(5)

64

—

—

The fair value of our derivatives is included in a table in Note 19, “Fair Values of Assets and Liabilities,” in the line items 
“Other assets” and “Other liabilities.”

66

 
 
Note 9—Investment Securities

Securities Available for Sale

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

2017

2016

Amortized
Cost

Gross
Unrealized
Gains

Gross
Unrealized
Losses

Estimated
Fair Value

Amortized
Cost

(dollars in thousands)

Gross
Unrealized
Gains

Gross
Unrealized
Losses

Estimated
Fair Value

Obligations of U.S.
Government Agencies:

Mortgage-Backed
Securities –
Residential

Mortgage-Backed
Securities –
Commercial

Obligations of U.S.
Government-
Sponsored Enterprises:

Mortgage-Backed
Securities –
Residential

Mortgage-Backed
Securities –
Commercial

Other
Government-
Sponsored
Enterprises

Obligations of States
and Political
Subdivisions

Corporate Securities

Pooled Trust Preferred
Collateralized Debt
Obligations

Total Debt
Securities

$

10,556

$

789

$

(7) $

11,338

$

15,143

$

1,481

$

(7) $

16,617

24,611

—

(462)

24,149

—

—

—

—

632,422

2,622

(9,489)

625,555

683,601

4,557

(11,305)

676,853

—

1,098

27,083

15,907

—

—

327

590

—

—

1

(1)

1,097

16,700

—

(4)

27,410

16,493

27,075

5,903

—

—

195

416

—

1

(69)

16,631

(41)
—

27,229

6,319

27,499

526

(4,379)

23,646

39,989

427

(7,124)

33,292

Equities

1,670

—

—

1,670

1,670

739,176

4,854

(14,342)

729,688

788,412

7,076

—

(18,546)
—

776,942

1,670

Total
Securities
Available for
Sale

$ 740,846

$

4,854

$ (14,342) $ 731,358

$ 790,082

$

7,076

$ (18,546) $ 778,612

Mortgage backed securities include mortgage backed obligations of U.S. Government agencies and obligations of U.S. 
Government-sponsored enterprises. These obligations have contractual maturities ranging from less than one year to 
approximately 30 years with lower anticipated lives to maturity due to prepayments. 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, First Commonwealth uses computer simulation models to test the average life and 
yield volatility of all mortgage backed securities under various interest rate scenarios to monitor the potential impact on 
earnings and interest rate risk positions.

Expected maturities will differ from contractual maturities because issuers may have the right to call or repay obligations with 
or without call or prepayment penalties. Other fixed income securities within the portfolio also contain prepayment risk.

67

 
 
 
The amortized cost and estimated fair value of debt securities available for sale at December 31, 2017, by contractual maturity, 
are shown below:

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 (a)

Total Debt Securities

Amortized
Cost

Estimated
Fair Value

(dollars in thousands)

$

1,098

$

13,989

27,083

29,417

71,587

667,589

$

739,176

$

1,097

14,020

27,410

26,119

68,646

661,042
729,688  

(a)  Mortgage Backed Securities include an amortized cost of $35.2 million and a fair value of $35.5 million for Obligations of U.S. 
Government agencies issued by Ginnie Mae and an amortized cost of $632.4 million and a fair value of $625.6 million for 
Obligations of U.S. Government-sponsored enterprises issued by Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac.

Proceeds from sales, gross gains (losses) realized on sales, maturities and other-than-temporary impairment charges related to 
securities available for sale were as follows for the years ended December 31:

Proceeds from sales

Gross (losses) gains realized:

Sales Transactions:

Gross gains

Gross losses

Maturities and impairment

Gross gains

Gross losses

Other-than-temporary impairment

$

$

2017

2016

2015

(dollars in thousands)

143,660

$

55,744

$

88,054

$

359
(316)
43

5,057
(60)
—

4,997

$

305
(277)
28

589

—

—

589

617

$

—
(284)
(284)

131

—

—

131
(153)

Net gains and impairment

$

5,040

$

Proceeds from the sales of investments for the year ended December 31, 2017 includes the liquidation of the DCB investment 
portfolio and the sale of small positions in CMO and MBS investments.  During 2017, gross gains from maturities and 
impairment resulted from the early redemption of two pooled trust preferred securities. The successful auction call of PreSTL 
XIII  provided a gain of $4.3 million and the liquidation of PreSTL VII by senior note holders resulted in a gain of $0.7 million. 

Proceeds from the sales of investments in 2016 were related to sales of small positions in CMO's and MBS's. During 2016, a 
gain of $0.6 million was recognized as a result of the early redemption of a pooled trust preferred security with a book value of 
$3.1 million. This security was redeemed due to an election by the senior note holders to liquidate the trust.

In 2015, a $0.3 million loss was recognized on the sale of approximately $75.0 million of low-yielding U.S. government agency 
securities. Proceeds from the sale of these securities were reinvested into higher yielding mortgage-backed securities.

Securities available for sale with an approximate fair value of $569.0 million and $445.8 million were pledged as of 
December 31, 2017 and 2016, respectively, to secure public deposits and for other purposes required or permitted by law.

68

 
 
Securities Held to Maturity

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

2017

2016

Amortized
Cost

Gross
Unrealized
Gains

Gross
Unrealized
Losses

Estimated
Fair Value

Amortized
Cost

(dollars in thousands)

Gross
Unrealized
Gains

Gross
Unrealized
Losses

Estimated
Fair Value

Obligations of U.S.
Government Agencies:

Mortgage-Backed
Securities –
Residential

Mortgage-Backed
Securities –
Commercial

Obligations of U.S.
Government-
Sponsored Enterprises:

Mortgage-Backed
Securities –
Residential

Mortgage-Backed
Securities –
Commercial

Obligations of States
and Political
Subdivisions

Debt Securities Issued
by Foreign
Governments

Total Securities
Held to Maturity

$

3,925

$

— $

(14) $

3,911

$

4,297

$

— $

(4) $

4,293

58,249

—

(1,394)

56,855

34,444

—

(561)

33,883

305,126

14,056

10

—

(71)

13,985

14,675

(2,552)

302,584

280,430

5

(2,527)

277,908

40,540

335

(161)

40,714

38,667

200

—

—

200

—

—

55

—

(142)

14,533

(721)

38,001

—

—

$ 422,096

$

345

$

(4,192) $ 418,249

$ 372,513

$

60

$

(3,955) $ 368,618

The amortized cost and estimated fair value of debt securities held to maturity at December 31, 2017, 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 (a)

Total Debt Securities

Amortized
Cost

Estimated
Fair Value

(dollars in thousands)

87

$

3,663

35,361

1,629

40,740

381,356

422,096

$

87

3,660

35,534

1,633

40,914

377,335

418,249

$

$

(a)  Mortgage Backed Securities include an amortized cost of $62.2 million and a fair value of $60.8 million for Obligations of U.S. 
Government agencies issued by Ginnie Mae and an amortized cost of $319.2 million and a fair value of $316.6 million for 
Obligations of U.S. Government-sponsored enterprises issued by Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac.

Securities held to maturity with an amortized cost of $338.3 million and $119.2 million were pledged as of December 31, 2017 
and 2016, respectively, to secure public deposits for other purposes required or permitted by law.

69

 
 
 
 
Note 10—Impairment of Investment Securities

Securities Available for Sale

As required by FASB ASC Topic 320, “Investments—Debt and Equity Securities,” credit related other-than-temporary 
impairment on debt securities is recognized in earnings while non-credit related other-than-temporary impairment on debt 
securities not expected to be sold is recognized in other comprehensive income (“OCI”). During the years ended December 31, 
2017, 2016 and 2015, no other-than-temporary impairment charges were recognized.

First Commonwealth utilizes the specific identification method to determine the net gain or loss on debt securities and the 
average cost method to determine the net gain or loss on equity securities.

We review our investment portfolio on a quarterly basis for indications of impairment. This review includes analyzing the 
length of time and the extent to which the fair value has been lower than the cost, the financial condition and near-term 
prospects of the issuer, including any specific events which may influence the operations of the issuer and whether we are more 
likely than not to sell the security. We evaluate whether we are more likely than not to sell debt securities based upon our 
investment strategy for the particular type of security and our cash flow needs, liquidity position, capital adequacy, tax position 
and interest rate risk position. In addition, the risk of future other-than-temporary impairment may be influenced by additional 
bank failures, weakness in the U.S. economy, changes in real estate values and additional interest deferrals in our pooled trust 
preferred collateralized debt obligations. Our pooled trust preferred collateralized debt obligations are beneficial interests in 
securitized financial assets within the scope of FASB ASC Topic 325, “Investments—Other,” and are therefore evaluated for 
other-than-temporary impairment using management’s best estimate of future cash flows. If these estimated cash flows 
determine it is probable that an adverse change in cash flows has occurred, then other-than-temporary impairment would be 
recognized in accordance with FASB ASC Topic 320. There is a risk that First Commonwealth will record other-than-temporary 
impairment charges in the future. See Note 19, “Fair Values of Assets and Liabilities,” for additional information.

The following table presents the gross unrealized losses and estimated fair values at December 31, 2017 for both available for 
sale and held to maturity securities by investment category and time frame for which the securities have been in a continuous 
unrealized loss position:

Obligations of U.S. Government Agencies:

Mortgage-Backed Securities –
Residential

Mortgage-Backed Securities –
Commercial

Obligations of U.S. Government-Sponsored
Enterprises:

Mortgage-Backed Securities –
Residential

Mortgage-Backed Securities –
Commercial

Other Government-Sponsored Enterprises

Obligations of States and Political
Subdivisions

Corporate Securities

Pooled Trust Preferred Collateralized Debt
Obligations

Less Than 12 Months

12 Months or More

Total

Estimated
Fair Value

Gross
Unrealized
Losses

Estimated
Fair Value

Gross
Unrealized
Losses

Estimated
Fair Value

Gross
Unrealized
Losses

(dollars in thousands)

$

5,584

$

(21) $

— $

— $

5,584

$

(21)

48,322

(962)

32,683

(894)

81,005

(1,856)

351,222

(2,295)

400,984

(9,746)

752,206

(12,041)

13,985

997

7,144

3,993

—

(71)
(1)

(32)
(4)

—

99

3,653

—

—

—

(129)
—

13,985

1,096

10,797

3,993

(71)
(1)

(161)
(4)

—

19,120
(3,386) $ 456,539

$

(4,379)
19,120
(15,148) $ 887,786

$

(4,379)
(18,534)

Total Securities

$ 431,247

$

At December 31, 2017, pooled trust preferred collateralized debt obligations accounted for 24% of unrealized losses due to 
changes in interest rates and the illiquid market for this type of investment. Fixed income securities issued by U.S. 
Government-sponsored enterprises comprised 65% of total unrealized losses due to changes in market interest rates. 
Government agencies and obligations of state and political subdivisions each account for 10% of total unrealized losses as a 
result of changes in market interest rates. At December 31, 2017, there were 98 debt securities in an unrealized loss position, 30 
of which related to residential mortgage-backed securities with an unrealized loss of 12 months or more.  There were no equity 
securities in an unrealized loss position at December 31, 2017.

70

 
 
 
 
The following table presents the gross unrealized losses and estimated fair value at December 31, 2016 for both available for 
sale and held to maturity securities by investment category and time frame for which the securities had been in a continuous 
unrealized loss position: 

Less Than 12 Months

12 Months or More

Total

Estimated
Fair Value

Gross
Unrealized
Losses

Estimated
Fair Value

Gross
Unrealized
Losses

Estimated
Fair Value

Gross
Unrealized
Losses

(dollars in thousands)

Obligations of U.S. Government Agencies:

Mortgage-Backed Securities – Residential

$

4,898

$

Mortgage-Backed Securities – Commercial

33,883

(11) $
(561)

— $

—

— $

4,898

$

—

33,883

(11)
(561)

Obligations of U.S. Government-Sponsored
Enterprises:

Mortgage-Backed Securities – Residential

Mortgage-Backed Securities – Commercial

Other Government-Sponsored Enterprises

Obligations of States and Political
Subdivisions

Pooled Trust Preferred Collateralized Debt
Obligations

Total Securities

670,708

14,534

16,632

(11,630)
(142)
(69)

33,277

(762)

—

—

—

56,200

(2,202)

726,908

—   

—   

14,534

16,632

(13,832)
(142)
(69)

—

33,277

(762)

—

$ 773,932

$

—
(13,175) $

28,952

85,152

$

(7,124)
28,952
(9,326) $ 859,084

$

(7,124)
(22,501)

As of December 31, 2017, our corporate securities had an amortized cost and estimated fair value of $15.9 million and $16.5 
million, respectively, and were comprised of debt for large regional banks. At December 31, 2016, these securities had an 
amortized cost of $5.9 million and estimated fair value of $6.3 million.  There was one corporate security in an unrealized loss 
position as of December 31, 2017 and no corporate securities in a loss position as of December 31, 2016.  When unrealized 
losses exist, management reviews each of the issuer’s asset quality, earnings trend and capital position, to determine whether 
issues in an unrealized loss position were other-than-temporarily impaired. All interest payments on the corporate securities are 
being made as contractually required.

As of December 31, 2017, the book value of our pooled trust preferred collateralized debt obligations totaled $27.5 million with 
an estimated fair value of $23.6 million, which includes securities comprised of 206 banks and other financial institutions.  All 
of our pooled securities are mezzanine tranches, two of which have no senior class remaining in the issue. The credit ratings on 
all of the issues are below investment grade. At the time of initial issue, the subordinated tranches ranged in size from 
approximately 7% to 35% of the total principal amount of the respective securities and no more than 5% of any pooled security 
consisted of a security issued by any one institution. As of December 31, 2017, after taking into account management’s best 
estimates of future interest deferrals and defaults, two of our securities had no excess subordination in the tranches we own and 
five of our securities had excess subordination which ranged from 2% to 72% of the current performing collateral.

The following table provides additional information related to our pooled trust preferred collateralized debt obligations as of 
December 31, 2017:

Class

Book
Value

Estimated
Fair
Value

Unrealized
Gain
(Loss)

Moody’s/
Fitch
Ratings

Number
of
Banks

Mezzanine

$

1,817

$

1,405

$

(412)

Ba1/BB

(dollars in thousands)

Mezzanine

Mezzanine

Mezzanine

Mezzanine

Mezzanine

Mezzanine

2,043

2,448

1,863

6,097

13,136

95

2,228

2,052

2,125

5,209

10,453

174

185

(396)

262

(888)

C/C

B1/C

Caa1/C

B3/C

(2,683)

Ba2/CCC

79

Ca/C

$

27,499

$

23,646

$

(3,853)

6

26

37

41

63

49

7

Deferrals
and
Defaults
as a % of
Current
Collateral

Excess
Subordination
as a % of
Current
Performing
Collateral

18.05%

72.13%

38.52

27.83

27.93

23.35

12.95

69.35

0.00

19.46

1.62

0.00

39.26

69.99

Deal

PreTSL IV

PreTSL VIII

PreTSL IX

PreTSL X

PreTSL XII

PreTSL XIV

MMCap I

Total

71

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Lack of liquidity in the market for trust preferred collateralized debt obligations, below investment grade credit rating and 
market uncertainties related to the financial industry are factors contributing to the impairment on these securities.

In the fourth quarter of 2017, an auction call was successfully completed on PreTSL XIII. This resulted in the security being 
called at par providing a gain of $4.3 million.  The book value of PreTSL XIII before redemption was $13.2 million.  In 
October 2016, the Senior note holders of PreTSL VII elected to liquidate all assets of the trust. The sale of the assets occurred in 
the fourth quarter of 2016 and the redemption was completed in the first quarter of 2017. Our book value before redemption of 
PreTSL VII was $3.1 million and, at the time of redemption, a gain of $0.6 million was recognized in 2016 and an additional 
gain of $0.7 million was recorded in the first quarter of 2017.

All of the Company's pooled trust preferred securities are included in the non-exclusive list issued by the regulatory agencies 
and therefore are not considered covered funds under the Volcker Rule.

On a quarterly basis we evaluate our debt securities for other-than-temporary impairment. For the years ended December 31, 
2017, 2016 and 2015 there were no credit related other-than-temporary impairment charges recognized on our pooled trust 
preferred collateralized debt obligations. When evaluating these investments we determine a credit related portion and a non-
credit related portion of other-than-temporary impairment. The credit related portion is recognized in earnings and represents 
the difference between book value and the present value of future cash flows. The non-credit related portion is recognized in 
OCI and represents the difference between the fair value of the security and the amount of credit related impairment. A 
discounted cash flow analysis provides the best estimate of credit related other-than-temporary impairment for these securities.

Additional information related to the discounted cash flow analysis follows:

Our pooled trust preferred collateralized debt obligations are measured for other-than-temporary impairment within the scope of 
FASB ASC Topic 325 by determining whether it is probable that an adverse change in estimated cash flows has occurred. 
Determining whether there has been an adverse change in estimated cash flows from the cash flows previously projected 
involves comparing the present value of remaining cash flows previously projected against the present value of the cash flows 
estimated at December 31, 2017. We consider the discounted cash flow analysis to be our primary evidence when determining 
whether credit related other-than-temporary impairment exists.

Results of a discounted cash flow test are significantly affected by other variables such as the estimate of future cash flows, 
credit worthiness of the underlying banks and determination of probability of default of the underlying collateral. The following 
provides additional information for each of these variables:

•  Estimate of Future Cash Flows—Cash flows are constructed in an INTEX cash flow model which includes each deal’s 

structural features. Projected cash flows include prepayment assumptions, which are dependent on the issuer's asset size 
and coupon rate. For collateral issued by financial institutions over $15 billion in asset size with a coupon over 7%, a 
100% prepayment rate is assumed. Financial institutions over $15 billion with a coupon of 7% or under are assigned a 
prepayment rate of 40% for two years and 2% thereafter. Financial institutions with assets between $2 billion and $15 
billion with coupons over 7% are assigned a 5% prepayment rate. For financial institutions below $2 billion, if the 
coupon is over 10%, a prepayment rate of 5% is assumed and for all other issuers, there is no prepayment assumption 
incorporated into the cash flows. The modeled cash flows are then used to estimate if all the scheduled principal and 
interest payments of our investments will be returned.

•  Credit Analysis—A quarterly credit evaluation is performed for each of the 206 banks comprising the collateral across 

the various pooled trust preferred securities. Our credit evaluation considers all evidence available to us and includes the 
nature of the issuer’s business, its years of operating history, corporate structure, loan composition, loan concentrations, 
deposit mix, asset growth rates, geographic footprint and local economic environment. Our analysis focuses on 
profitability, return on assets, shareholders’ equity, net interest margin, credit quality ratios, operating efficiency, capital 
adequacy and liquidity.

• 

Probability of Default—A probability of default is determined for each bank and is used to calculate the expected 
impact of future deferrals and defaults on our expected cash flows. Each bank in the collateral pool is assigned a 
probability of default for each year until maturity. Currently, any bank that is in default is assigned a 100% probability 
of default and a 0% projected recovery rate. All other banks in the pool are assigned a probability of default based on 
their unique credit characteristics and market indicators with a 10% projected recovery rate. For the majority of banks 
currently in deferral we assume the bank continues to defer and will eventually default and therefore a 100% probability 
of default is assigned. However, for some deferring collateral there is the possibility that they become current on interest 
or principal payments at some point in the future and in those cases a probability that the deferral will ultimately cure is 
assigned. The probability of default is updated quarterly. As of December 31, 2017, default probabilities for performing 
collateral ranged from 0.33% to 50%.

Our credit evaluation provides a basis for determining deferral and default probabilities for each underlying piece of collateral. 
Using the results of the credit evaluation, the next step of the process is to look at pricing of senior debt or credit default swaps 

72

for the issuer (or where such information is unavailable, for companies having similar credit profiles as the issuer). The pricing 
of these market indicators provides the information necessary to determine appropriate default probabilities for each bank.

In addition to the above factors, our evaluation of impairment also includes a stress test analysis which provides an estimate of 
excess subordination for each tranche. We stress the cash flows of each pool by increasing current default assumptions to the 
level of defaults which results in an adverse change in estimated cash flows. This stressed breakpoint is then used to calculate 
excess subordination levels for each pooled trust preferred security. The results of the stress test allows management to identify 
those pools that are at a greater risk for a future break in cash flows so that we can monitor banks in those pools more closely 
for potential deterioration of credit quality.

Our cash flow analysis as of December 31, 2017, indicates that no credit related other-than-temporary impairment has occurred 
on our pooled trust preferred securities during the year ended December 31, 2017. Based upon the analysis performed by 
management, it is probable that two of our pooled trust preferred securities are expected to experience contractual principal and 
interest shortfalls and therefore appropriate other-than-temporary impairment charges were recorded in prior periods. These 
securities are identified in the previous table with 0% “Excess Subordination as a % of Current Performing Collateral.” For the 
remaining securities in the table, our analysis as of December 31, 2017 indicates that it is probable that we will collect all 
contractual principal and interest payments. For four of those securities, PreTSL IX, PreTSL X, PreTSL XIV and MMCap I, 
other-than-temporary impairment charges were recorded in prior periods; however, due to improvement in the expected cash 
flows of these securities, it is now probable that all contractual payments will be received.

During 2008, 2009 and 2010, other-than-temporary impairment charges were recognized on all of our pooled trust preferred 
securities, except for  PreTSL IV. Our cash flow analysis as of December 31, 2017, for all of these impaired securities indicates 
that it is now probable we will collect principal and interest in excess of what was estimated at the time other-than-temporary 
impairment charges were recorded. This change can be attributed to improvement in the underlying collateral for these 
securities and has resulted in the present value of estimated future principal and interest payments exceeding the securities' 
current book value. The excess for each bond of the present value of future cash flows over our current book value ranges from 
18% to 104% and will be recognized as an adjustment to yield over the remaining life of these securities. The excess 
subordination recognized as an adjustment to yield is reflected in the following table as increases in cash flows expected to be 
collected.

The table below provides a cumulative roll forward of credit losses recognized in earnings for debt securities held and not 
intended to be sold for the years ended December 31:

Balance, beginning (a)

Credit losses on debt securities for which other-than-temporary impairment
was not previously recognized

Additional credit losses on debt securities for which other-than-temporary
impairment was previously recognized

Increases in cash flows expected to be collected, recognized over the
remaining life of the security (b)

Reduction for debt securities called during the period

Balance, ending

2017

2016

2015

(dollars in thousands)

$

17,056

$

24,851

$

26,246

—

—

—

—

—

—

(890)
(3,958)
12,208

$

(1,124)
(6,671)
17,056

$

(1,177)
(218)
24,851

$

(a)  The beginning balance represents credit related losses included in other-than-temporary impairment charges recognized 

on debt securities in prior periods.

(b)  Represents the increase in cash flows recognized either as principal payments or interest income during the period.

For the years ended December 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015, there was no impairment recognized on equity securities. On a 
quarterly basis, management evaluates equity securities for other-than-temporary impairment.  As part of this evaluation we 
review the severity and duration of decline in estimated fair value, research reports, analysts’ recommendations, credit rating 
changes, news stories, annual reports, regulatory filings, impact of interest rate changes and other relevant information. There 
were no equity securities in an unrealized loss position as of December 31, 2017 and 2016.

In the table above, the $4.0 million reduction in cumulative credit losses in 2017 and the $6.7 million reduction in 2016 related 
to the early redemption of PreTSL XIII and PreTSL VII, respectively. 

73

 
 
Other Investments

As a member of the FHLB, First Commonwealth is required to purchase and hold stock in the FHLB to satisfy membership and 
borrowing requirements. The level of stock required to be held is dependent on the amount of First Commonwealth's mortgage 
related assets and outstanding borrowings with the FHLB.  This stock is restricted in that it can only be sold to the FHLB or to 
another member institution, and all sales of FHLB stock must be at par. As a result of these restrictions, FHLB stock is unlike 
other investment securities insofar as there is no trading market for FHLB stock and the transfer price is determined by FHLB 
membership rules and not by market participants. As of December 31, 2017 and 2016, our FHLB stock totaled $29.8 million 
and $36.5 million, respectively and is included in “Other investments” on the Consolidated Statements of Financial Condition.

FHLB stock is held as a long-term investment and its value is determined based on the ultimate recoverability of the par value. 
First Commonwealth evaluates impairment quarterly and has concluded that the par value of its investment in FHLB stock will 
be recovered. Accordingly, no impairment charge was recorded on these securities for the year ended December 31, 2017. 

Note 11—Loans and Allowance for Credit Losses

The following table provides outstanding balances related to each of our loan types as of December 31:

Originated
Loans

2017

Acquired
Loans

Total Loans

Originated
Loans

(dollars in thousands)

2016

Acquired
Loans

Total Loans

$ 1,122,741

$

40,642

$ 1,163,383

$ 1,131,148

$

8,399

$ 1,139,547

242,905

1,206,119

1,892,185

543,411

5,963

220,251

126,911

6,248

248,868

217,840

1,426,370

1,165,851

2,019,096

1,717,043

549,659

546,589

1,781

63,341

25,167

2,188

219,621

1,229,192

1,742,210

548,777

$ 5,007,361

$

400,015

$ 5,407,376

$ 4,778,471

$

100,876

$ 4,879,347

Commercial, financial, agricultural
and other

Real estate construction

Residential real estate

Commercial real estate

Loans to individuals

Total loans

Credit Quality Information

As part of the on-going monitoring of credit quality within the loan portfolio, the following credit worthiness categories are 
used in grading our loans:

Pass

Acceptable levels of risk exist in the relationship. Includes all loans not classified as OAEM, substandard
or doubtful.

Other Assets 
Especially 
Mentioned 
(OAEM)

Potential weaknesses that deserve management’s close attention. The potential weaknesses may result in
deterioration of the repayment prospects or weaken the Bank’s credit position at some future date. The
credit risk may be relatively minor, yet constitute an undesirable risk in light of the circumstances
surrounding the specific credit. No loss of principal or interest is expected.

Substandard

Well-defined weakness or a weakness that jeopardizes the repayment of the debt. A loan may be
classified as substandard as a result of deterioration 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 Company may also be classified as substandard.

Doubtful

Loans with the characteristics of substandard loans with the added characteristic that collection or
liquidation in full, on the basis of presently existing facts and conditions, is highly improbable.

The use of creditworthiness categories to grade loans permits management’s use of migration analysis to estimate a portion of 
credit risk. The Company’s internal creditworthiness grading system provides a measurement of credit risk based primarily on 
an evaluation of the borrower’s cash flow and collateral. Movements between these rating categories provide a predictive 
measure of credit losses and therefore assist in determining the appropriate level for the loan loss reserves. Category ratings are 
reviewed each quarter, at which time management analyzes the results, as well as other external statistics and factors related to 
loan performance. Loans that migrate towards higher risk rating levels generally have an increased risk of default, whereas 
loans that migrate toward lower risk ratings generally will result in a lower risk factor being applied to those related loan 
balances.

74

 
The following tables represent our credit risk profile by creditworthiness category for the years ended December 31:

2017

Commercial,
financial,
agricultural
and other

Real estate
construction

Residential real
estate

Commercial
real estate

Loans to
individuals

Total

(dollars in thousands)

$ 1,061,147

$

242,905

$ 1,194,352

$ 1,855,253

$

543,175

$ 4,896,832

26,757

30,431

4,406

61,594

—

—

—

—

1,435

10,332

—

11,767

13,326

23,606

—

36,932

—

236

—

236

41,518

64,605

4,406

110,529

Originated Loans

Pass

Non-Pass

OAEM

Substandard

Doubtful

Total Non-Pass

Total

$ 1,122,741

$

242,905

$ 1,206,119

$ 1,892,185

$

543,411

$ 5,007,361

Acquired Loans

Pass

Non-Pass

OAEM

Substandard

Doubtful

Total Non-Pass

$

34,573

$

5,963

$

217,824

$

121,536

$

6,231

$

386,127

5,567

502

—

6,069

—

—

—

—

798

1,629

—

2,427

3,517

1,858

—

5,375

—

17

—

17

9,882

4,006

—

13,888

Total

$

40,642

$

5,963

$

220,251

$

126,911

$

6,248

$

400,015

2016

Commercial,
financial,
agricultural
and other

Real estate
construction

Residential real
estate

Commercial
real estate

Loans to
individuals

Total

(dollars in thousands)

$ 1,038,844

$

217,565

$ 1,152,511

$ 1,691,220

$

546,316

$ 4,646,456

27,387

64,917

—

92,304

275

—

—

275

5,923

7,417

—

13,340

7,596

18,227

—

25,823

—

273

—

273

41,181

90,834

—

132,015

Originated Loans

Pass

Non-Pass

OAEM

Substandard

Doubtful

Total Non-Pass

Total

$ 1,131,148

$

217,840

$ 1,165,851

$ 1,717,043

$

546,589

$ 4,778,471

Acquired Loans

Pass

Non-Pass

OAEM

Substandard

Doubtful

Total Non-Pass

Total

75

$

7,591

$

1,781

$

62,919

$

24,043

$

2,185

$

98,519

486

322

—

808

—

—

—

—

—

422

—

422

—

1,124

—

1,124

—

3

—

3

486

1,871

—

2,357

$

8,399

$

1,781

$

63,341

$

25,167

$

2,188

$

100,876

 
 
 
 
 
 
Portfolio Risks

The credit quality of our loan portfolio can potentially represent significant risk to our earnings, capital, regulatory agency 
relationships, investment community and shareholder returns. First Commonwealth devotes a substantial amount of resources 
managing this risk primarily through our credit administration department that develops and administers policies and 
procedures for underwriting, maintaining, monitoring and collecting activities. Credit administration is independent of lending 
departments and oversight is provided by the credit committee of the First Commonwealth Board of Directors.

Total gross charge-offs for the years ended December 31, 2017 and 2016 were $12.5 million and $26.3 million, respectively.  

Criticized loans have been evaluated when determining the appropriateness of the allowance for credit losses, which we believe 
is adequate to absorb losses inherent to the portfolio as of December 31, 2017.  However, changes in economic conditions, 
interest rates, borrower financial condition, delinquency trends or previously established fair values of collateral factors could 
significantly change those judgmental estimates. 

Age Analysis of Past Due Loans by Segment

The following tables delineate the aging analysis of the recorded investments in past due loans as of December 31. Also 
included in these tables are loans that are 90 days or more past due and still accruing because they are well-secured and in the 
process of collection.

30 - 59
days
past due

60 - 89
days
past
due

90 days
and
greater
and still
accruing

2017

Total past
due and
nonaccrual

Nonaccrual

(dollars in thousands)

Current

Total

Originated Loans

Commercial, financial,
agricultural and other

$

Real estate construction

Residential real estate

Commercial real estate

Loans to individuals

378

199

4,618

2,198

1,899

$

$

61

—

1,025

28

769

40

—

1,076

6

623

$

18,741

$

19,220

$ 1,103,521

$ 1,122,741

—

6,225

3,240

236

199

242,706

242,905

12,944

1,193,175

1,206,119

5,472

3,527

1,886,713

1,892,185

539,884

543,411

Total

$

9,292

$

1,883

$

1,745

$

28,442

$

41,362

$ 4,965,999

$ 5,007,361

Acquired Loans

Commercial, financial,
agricultural and other

Real estate construction
Residential real estate

Commercial real estate

Loans to individuals

$

6

$

—
148

—

36

Total

$

190

$

7

—
9

—

20

36

$

— $

—
83

—

26

$

436

—
705

1,077

17

449

—
945

1,077

99

$

40,193

$

40,642

5,963
219,306

125,834

6,149

5,963
220,251

126,911

6,248

$

109

$

2,235

$

2,570

$

397,445

$

400,015

76

 
 
 
30 - 59
days
past due

60 - 89
days
past
due

90 days
and
greater
and still
accruing

2016

Total past
due and
nonaccrual

Nonaccrual

(dollars in thousands)

Current

Total

Originated Loans

Commercial, financial,
agricultural and other

Real estate construction

Residential real estate

Commercial real estate

Loans to individuals

$

2,380

$

171

$

183

4,133

265

1,640

—

1,089

327

776

75

—

995

57

970

$

17,928

$

20,554

$ 1,110,594

$ 1,131,148

—

5,792

3,443

273

183

217,657

217,840

12,009

1,153,842

1,165,851

4,092

3,659

1,712,951

1,717,043

542,930

546,589

Total

$

8,601

$

2,363

$

2,097

$

27,436

$

40,497

$ 4,737,974

$ 4,778,471

Acquired Loans

Commercial, financial,
agricultural and other
Real estate construction

$

Residential real estate

Commercial real estate

Loans to individuals

$

486
—

148

—

1

Total

$

635

$

— $
—

39

—

7

46

$

Nonaccrual Loans

— $
—

— $
—

34

—

—

34

422

162

3

$

486
—

643

162

11

$

7,913
1,781

62,698

25,005

2,177

8,399
1,781

63,341

25,167

2,188

$

587

$

1,302

$

99,574

$

100,876

The previous tables summarize nonaccrual loans by loan segment. The Company generally places loans on nonaccrual status 
when the full and timely collection of interest or principal becomes uncertain, when part of the principal balance has been 
charged off and no restructuring has occurred, or the loans reach a certain number of days past due. Generally, loans 90 days or 
more past due are placed on nonaccrual status, except for consumer loans which are placed in nonaccrual status at 150 days past 
due. 

When a loan is placed on nonaccrual, the accrued unpaid interest receivable is reversed against interest income and all future 
payments received are applied as a reduction to the loan principal. Generally, the loan is returned to accrual status when (a) all 
delinquent interest and principal become current under the terms of the loan agreement or (b) the loan is both well-secured and 
in the process of collection and collectability is no longer in doubt.

Impaired Loans

Management considers loans to be impaired when, based on current information and events, it is determined that the Company 
will not be able to collect all amounts due according to the loan contract, including scheduled interest payments. Determination 
of impairment is treated the same across all loan categories. When management identifies a loan as impaired, the impairment is 
measured based on the present value of expected future cash flows, discounted at the loan’s effective interest rate, except when 
the sole source or repayment for the loan is the operation or liquidation of collateral. When the loan is collateral dependent, the 
appraised value less estimated cost to sell is utilized. If management determines the value of the impaired loan is less than the 
recorded investment in the loan, impairment is recognized through an allowance estimate or a charge-off to the allowance. 
Troubled debt restructured loans on accrual status are considered to be impaired loans.

When the ultimate collectability of the total principal of an impaired loan is in doubt and the loan is on nonaccrual status, all 
payments are applied to principal, under the cost recovery method. When the ultimate collectability of the total principal of an 
impaired loan is not in doubt and the loan is on nonaccrual status, contractual interest is credited to interest income when 
received under the cash basis method.

There were no impaired loans held for sale at December 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016.   Total gains of $21 thousand were 
recognized on sales of impaired loans during the year ended December 31, 2017.  No gains were recognized on sales of 
impaired loans during the year ended December 31, 2016. 

77

 
 
 
The following tables include the recorded investment and unpaid principal balance for impaired loans with the associated 
allowance amount, if applicable, as of December 31, 2017 and 2016. Also presented are the average recorded investment in 
impaired loans and the related amount of interest recognized while the loan was considered impaired for the years ended 
December 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015. Average balances are calculated based on month-end balances of the loans for the period 
reported and are included in the table below based on its period end allowance position.

Recorded
investment

Unpaid
principal
balance

2017

Related
allowance

(dollars in thousands)

Average
recorded
investment

Interest
Income
Recognized

Originated Loans:

With no related allowance recorded:

Commercial, financial, agricultural and other

$

5,548

$

12,153

$

10,282

$

Real estate construction

Residential real estate

Commercial real estate

Loans to individuals

Subtotal

With an allowance recorded:

—

10,625

5,155

347

21,675

—

12,470

5,489

383

30,495

—

11,366

6,469

353

28,470

Commercial, financial, agricultural and other

16,866

21,094

$

3,478

9,391

Real estate construction

Residential real estate

Commercial real estate

Loans to individuals

Subtotal

Total

Acquired Loans:

With no related allowance recorded:

Commercial, financial, agricultural and other

Real estate construction

Residential real estate

Commercial real estate

Loans to individuals

Subtotal

With an allowance recorded:

Commercial, financial, agricultural and other

$

$

9,701

38,171

$

100

1,451

$

$

—

456

954

—

—

478

954

—

18,276

22,526

39,951

$

53,021

$

—

107

128

—

3,713

3,713

436

$

—

666

940

17

2,059

—

—

93

137

—

230

449

—

965

1,842

17

3,273

— $

—

122

150

—

272

—

—

4

29

—

33

33

—

167

143

—

476

$

25

535

2,135

6

3,177

—

—

74

155

—

229

$

2,289

$

3,545

$

$

3,406

$

394

—

355

583

19

1,351

96

—

—

4

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

Real estate construction

Residential real estate

Commercial real estate

Loans to individuals

Subtotal

Total

78

 
 
 
Recorded
investment

Unpaid
principal
balance

2016

Related
allowance

(dollars in thousands)

Average
recorded
investment

Interest
Income
Recognized

Originated Loans:

With no related allowance recorded:

Commercial, financial, agricultural and other

$

Real estate construction

Residential real estate

Commercial real estate

Loans to individuals

Subtotal

With an allowance recorded:

Commercial, financial, agricultural and other

Real estate construction

Residential real estate

Commercial real estate

Loans to individuals

Subtotal

Total

Acquired Loans:

With no related allowance recorded:

Commercial, financial, agricultural and other

Real estate construction

Residential real estate

Commercial real estate

Loans to individuals

Subtotal

With an allowance recorded:

Commercial, financial, agricultural and other

Real estate construction

Residential real estate

Commercial real estate

Loans to individuals

Subtotal

Total

$

$

$

9,549
—
10,873
5,765
382
26,569

13,423
—
424
810
—
14,657
41,226

$

$

— $
—
406
162
3
571

—
—
16
—
—
16
587

$

15,369
—
13,004
6,905
507
35,785

19,226
—
475
810
—
20,511
56,296

$

$

2,530
—
164
434
—
3,128
3,128

—
—
480
162
3
645

— $
—
16
—
—
16
661

$

—
—
16
—
—
16
16

$

$

$

$

23,146
4
10,957
6,718
409
41,234

13,885
—
241
555
—
14,681
55,915

$

$

— $
—
406
162
3
571

—
—
16
—
—
16
587

$

576
44
312
170
15
1,117

99
—
4
25
—
128
1,245

—
—
—
—
—
—

—
—
—
—
—
—
—

79

 
 
 
2015

Average
recorded
investment

Interest
Income
Recognized

(dollars in thousands)

With no related allowance recorded:

Commercial, financial, agricultural and other

$

17,692

$

Real estate construction

Residential real estate

Commercial real estate

Loans to individuals

Subtotal

With an allowance recorded:

Commercial, financial, agricultural and other

Real estate construction

Residential real estate

Commercial real estate

Loans to individuals

Subtotal

Total

95

10,635

7,890

338

36,650

7,731

—

403

674

—

8,808

$

45,458

$

216

—

172

90

4

482

129

—

—

4

—

133

615

Unfunded commitments related to nonperforming loans were $2.4 million and $1.8 million at December 31, 2017 and 2016, 
respectively.  After considering the collateral related to these commitments, a reserve of $178 thousand and $12 thousand was 
established for these off balance sheet exposures at December 31, 2017 and 2016, respectively.

Troubled debt restructured loans are those loans whose terms have been renegotiated to provide a reduction or deferral of 
principal or interest as a result of the financial difficulties experienced by the borrower, who could not obtain comparable terms 
from alternate financing sources.

The following table provides detail as to the total troubled debt restructured loans and total commitments outstanding on 
troubled debt restructured loans as of December 31:

2017

2016

2015

(dollars in thousands)

$

$

$

$

$

11,563

11,222
22,785

60

54

114

$

$

$

$

$

13,790

11,569
25,359

$

$

— $

358

358

$

$

14,139

12,360
26,499

—

3,252

3,252

Troubled debt restructured loans

Accrual status

Nonaccrual status

Total

Commitments

Letters of credit

Unused lines of credit

Total

80

 
 
 
 
The following tables provide detail, including specific reserve and reasons for modification, related to loans identified as 
troubled debt restructurings during the years ending December 31:

Type of Modification

2017

Number
of
Contracts

Extend
Maturity

Modify
Rate

Modify
Payments

Total
Pre-
Modification
Outstanding
Recorded
Investment

Post-
Modification
Outstanding
Recorded
Investment

Specific
Reserve

(dollars in thousands)

Commercial, financial,
agricultural and other

Residential real estate

Commercial real estate

Loans to individuals

Total

6

20

5

10

41

$

6,768

$

1,806

$

134

179

—

261

—

28

987

573

269

49

$

9,561

$

6,946

$

968

448

77

851

412

65

$

7,081

$

2,095

$

1,878

$

11,054

$

8,274

$

566

1

29

—

596

Type of Modification

2016

Number
of
Contracts

Extend
Maturity

Modify
Rate

Modify
Payments

Total
Pre-
Modification
Outstanding
Recorded
Investment

Post-
Modification
Outstanding
Recorded
Investment

Specific
Reserve

(dollars in thousands)

Commercial, financial,
agricultural and other

Residential real estate

Commercial real estate

Loans to individuals

Total

5

39

8

13

65

$

23

$

6,318

$

3,854

$

10,195

$

6,210

$

107

1,368

23

214

—

82

2,619

25

25

2,940

1,393

130

2,698

1,271

96

$

1,521

$

6,614

$

6,523

$

14,658

$

10,275

$

317

124

59

—

500

Type of Modification

2015

Number
of
Contracts

Extend
Maturity

Modify
Rate

Modify
Payments

Total
Pre-
Modification
Outstanding
Recorded
Investment

Post-
Modification
Outstanding
Recorded
Investment

Specific
Reserve

(dollars in thousands)

Commercial, financial,
agricultural and other

Residential real estate

Commercial real estate

Loans to individuals

Total

12

32

1

16

61

$

1,751

$

3,195

$

4,527

$

9,473

$

8,823

$

1,330

—

—

3

296

—

167

1,414

464

35

1,710

464

205

1,575

389

169

2

—

—

$

1,754

$

3,658

$

6,440

$

11,852

$

10,956

$

1,332

The troubled debt restructurings included in the above tables are also included in the impaired loan tables provided earlier in 
this footnote. Loans defined as modified due to a change in rate include loans that were modified for a change in rate as well as 
a reamortization of the principal and an extension of the maturity. For the years ended December 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015, $0.3 
million, $6.6 million and $3.7 million, respectively, of total rate modifications represent loans with modifications to the rate as 
well as payment due to reamortization.

81

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
A troubled debt restructuring is considered to be in default when a restructured loan is 90 days or more past due. The following 
table provides information related to restructured loans that were considered to be in default during the year ending 
December 31:

Residential real estate

Loans to individuals

Total

2017

2016

2015

Number of
Contracts

Recorded
Investment

Number of
Contracts

Recorded
Investment

Number of
Contracts

Recorded
Investment

— $

1

1

$

—

2

2

(dollars in thousands)

4

—

4

$

$

313

—

313

3

—

3

$

$

97

—

97

The following tables provide detail related to the allowance for credit losses for the years ended December 31.

2017

Commercial,
financial,
agricultural
and other

Real estate
construction

Residential
real estate

Commercial
real estate

Loans to
individuals

Total

(dollars in thousands)

$

35,974

$

577

$

(6,176)

3,900

(10,280)

23,418

—

465

307

1,349

— $

— $

$

$

$

(458)

1

468

11

$

$

23,429

3,478

19,951

2,492
(1,261)
304

1,218

2,753

19
(26)
67
(54)
6

$

$

$

$

$

6,619
(340)
274

10,775

17,328

$

4,504
(4,220)
460

2,660

3,404

50,166
(11,997)
5,403

4,680

48,252

— $

—

4

25

29

— $
(28)
55
(27)
—

19
(512)
132

407

46

17,357

157

$

$

3,404

$

48,298

— $

3,746

—

5
(5)
—

1,349

$

2,759

— $

111

1,349

2,648

17,200

3,404

44,552

1,163,383

248,868

1,426,370

2,019,096

549,659

5,407,376

22,450

—

6,698

6,003

—

35,151

1,140,933

248,868

1,419,672

2,013,093

549,659

5,372,225

Allowance for credit losses:

Originated Loans:

Beginning balance

Charge-offs

Recoveries

Provision (credit)

Ending balance

Acquired Loans:

Beginning balance

Charge-offs

Recoveries

Provision (credit)

Ending balance

Total ending balance

Ending balance: individually evaluated
for impairment

Ending balance: collectively evaluated
for impairment

Loans:

Ending balance

Ending balance: individually evaluated
for impairment

Ending balance: collectively evaluated
for impairment

82

 
 
 
 
 
 
2016

Commercial,
financial,
agricultural
and other

Real estate
construction

Residential
real estate

Commercial
real estate

Loans to
individuals

Total

(dollars in thousands)

Allowance for credit losses:

Beginning balance

Charge-offs

Recoveries

Provision (credit)

Ending balance on originated loans

Ending balance on acquired loans (1)

Total ending balance

Ending balance: individually evaluated
for impairment

Ending balance: collectively evaluated
for impairment

$

$

Loans:

Ending balance

Ending balance: individually evaluated
for impairment

$

31,035

$

887

$

(19,603)

4,164

20,378

35,974

—

35,974

2,530

33,444

$

$

—

562
(872)
577

—

577

$

— $

577

$

$

$

2,606
(1,189)
481

594

2,492

19

2,511

180

2,331

$

$

$

11,924
(570)
1,522
(6,257)
6,619

—

6,619

434

6,185

$

4,360
(4,943)
469

4,618

4,504

—

50,812
(26,305)
7,198

18,461

50,166

19

4,504

$

50,185

— $

3,144

4,504

47,041

1,139,547

219,621

1,229,192

1,742,210

548,777

4,879,347

22,325

—

5,875

5,468

—

33,668

Ending balance: collectively evaluated
for impairment

4,845,679
(1) Amount reflects provision expense and ending allowance balance for loans acquired in 2016 as part of the purchase of FirstMerit branches.

1,736,742

1,223,317

1,117,222

548,777

219,621

2015

Commercial,
financial,
agricultural
and other

Real estate
construction

Residential
real estate

Commercial
real estate

Loans to
individuals

Total

(dollars in thousands)

Allowance for credit losses:

Beginning balance

Charge-offs

Recoveries

Provision (credit)

Ending balance

Ending balance: individually evaluated
for impairment

Ending balance: collectively evaluated
for impairment

Loans:

Ending balance

Ending balance: individually evaluated
for impairment

Ending balance: collectively evaluated
for impairment

$

29,627

$

(11,429)

1,097

11,740

31,035

6,952

24,083

$

$

$

$

2,063
(8)
84
(1,252)
887

$

$

3,664
(1,539)
587
(106)
2,606

— $

51

$

$

$

11,881
(1,538)
229

1,352

11,924

42

$

$

$

$

4,816
(4,354)
684

3,214

4,360

$

52,051
(18,868)
2,681

14,948

50,812

— $

7,045

887

2,555

11,882

4,360

43,767

1,150,906

220,736

1,224,465

1,479,000

608,643

4,683,750

30,767

—

6,099

7,143

—

44,009

1,120,139

220,736

1,218,366

1,471,857

608,643

4,639,741

Note 12—Commitments and Letters of Credit

First Commonwealth 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 Consolidated Statements of Financial Condition. First Commonwealth’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 is represented by the contract or notional amount of those instruments. First 
Commonwealth uses the same credit policies for underwriting all loans, including these commitments and conditional 
obligations.

83

 
 
 
 
 
 
As of December 31, 2017 and 2016, First Commonwealth 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, “Derivatives,” for a description of interest rate 
derivatives entered into by First Commonwealth.

Standby letters of credit and commercial letters of credit are conditional commitments issued by First Commonwealth to 
guarantee the performance of a customer to a third party.  The contract or notional amount of these instruments reflects the 
maximum amount of future payments that First Commonwealth could be required to pay under the guarantees if there were a 
total default by the guaranteed parties, without consideration for possible recoveries under recourse provisions or from 
collateral held or pledged.  In addition, many of these commitments are expected to expire without being drawn upon; 
therefore, the total commitment amounts do not necessarily represent future cash requirements.  

The following table identifies the notional amount of those instruments at December 31:

Financial instruments whose contract amounts represent credit risk:

Commitments to extend credit

Financial standby letters of credit

Performance standby letters of credit
Commercial letters of credit

2017

2016

(dollars in thousands)

$

1,840,180

$

1,733,820

17,946

20,472
1,149

18,108

26,630
1,301

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. First Commonwealth evaluates each customer’s creditworthiness on a case-by-
case basis. The amount of collateral obtained, if deemed necessary by First Commonwealth upon extension of credit, is based 
on management’s credit evaluation of the counterparty. Collateral that is held varies but may include accounts receivable, 
inventory, property, plant and equipment, and residential and income-producing commercial properties.

The notional amounts outstanding at December 31, 2017 include amounts issued in 2017 of $1.5 million in financial standby 
letters of credit and $5.1 million in performance standby letters of credit. There were $0.3 million commercial letters of credit 
issued during 2017. A liability of $0.2 million has been recorded as of both December 31, 2017 and 2016, which represents the 
estimated fair value of letters of credit issued. The fair value of letters of credit is estimated based on the unrecognized portion 
of fees received at the time the commitment was issued.

Unused commitments and letters of credit provide exposure to future credit loss in the event of nonperformance by the 
borrower or guaranteed parties. Management’s evaluation of the credit risk in these commitments resulted in the recording of a 
liability of $5.2 million and $4.1 million as of December 31, 2017 and 2016, respectively. This liability is reflected in “Other 
liabilities” in the Consolidated Statements of Financial Condition.  The credit risk evaluation incorporated probability of 
default, loss given default and estimated utilization for the next twelve months for each loan category and the letters of credit.

84

 
Note 13—Premises and Equipment

Premises and equipment are described as follows:

Land

Buildings and improvements

Leasehold improvements

Furniture and equipment

Software

Subtotal

Less accumulated depreciation and amortization

Total premises and equipment

Estimated
Useful Life

2017
(dollars in thousands)
$

15,389

$

Indefinite

10-50 years

5-40 years

3-7 years

3-7 years

88,386

17,812

64,609

37,434

223,630

142,291

$

81,339

$

2016

13,679

80,364

15,871

61,324

36,077

207,315

139,781

67,534

Depreciation related to premises and equipment included in noninterest expense for the years ended December 31, 2017, 2016 
and 2015 amounted to $9.0 million, $7.5 million and $7.2 million, respectively.

First Commonwealth leases various premises and assorted equipment under non-cancellable agreements. Total future minimal 
rental commitments at December 31, 2017, were as follows:

2018

2019

2020

2021

2022

Thereafter

Total

Premises

Equipment

(dollars in thousands)

$

4,459

$

136

4,106

3,348

2,929

2,646

12,851

78

15

5

—

—

$

30,339

$

234

Included in the lease commitments above is $141 thousand in lease payments to be paid under a sale-leaseback arrangement. 
The sale-leaseback transaction occurred in 2005 and resulted in a gain of $297 thousand on the sale of a branch that is being 
recognized over the 15 year lease term through 2020.

Increases in utilities and taxes that may be passed on to the lessee under the terms of various lease agreements are not reflected 
in the above table. However, certain lease agreements provide for increases in rental payments based upon historical increases 
in the consumer price index or the lessor’s cost of operating the facility, and are included in the minimum lease commitments. 
Additionally, the table above includes rent expense that is recognized for rent holidays and during construction periods. Total 
lease expense amounted to $2.7 million, $3.7 million and $2.9 million in 2017,  2016 and 2015, respectively. 

Note 14—Goodwill and Other Amortizing Intangible Assets

FASB ASC Topic 350-20, “Intangibles—Goodwill and Other,” requires an annual valuation of the fair value of a reporting unit 
that has goodwill and a comparison of the fair value to the book value of equity to determine whether the goodwill has been 
impaired. Goodwill is also required to be tested on an interim basis if an event or circumstance indicates that it is more likely 
than not that an impairment loss has been incurred. When triggering events or circumstances indicate goodwill testing is 
required, an assessment of qualitative factors can be completed before performing the two step goodwill impairment test. ASU 
2011-8 provides that if an assessment of qualitative factors determines it is more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting 
unit exceeds its carrying amount, then the two step goodwill impairment test is not required.

We consider First Commonwealth to be one reporting unit. The carrying amount of goodwill as of December 31, 2017 and 2016 
was $255.4 million and $186.5 million, respectively.  The $68.9 million increase in goodwill during the year ended 
December 31, 2017 is a result of $70.6 million recognized as a result of the acquisition of DCB Financial in 2017 offset by a 
$1.6 million decrease related to adjustments to the fair value of assets acquired as part of the branch acquisition in 2016. No 
impairment charges on goodwill or other intangible assets were incurred in 2017, 2016 or 2015.

85

We test goodwill for impairment as of November 30th each year and again at any quarter-end if any material events occur 
during a quarter that may affect goodwill.

An assessment of qualitative factors was completed as of November 30, 2017 and December 31, 2017 and indicated that it is 
more likely than not that the fair value of First Commonwealth's goodwill exceeds its carrying amount; therefore, the two step 
goodwill impairment test was not considered necessary. The assessment of qualitative factors considered historical and 
projected financial performance, macroeconomic factors such as the Company's access to capital, the general business climate 
and changes in the banking industry as well as market considerations such as geographic expansion, new product offerings and 
the regulatory environment.

As of December 31, 2017, goodwill was not considered impaired; however, changing economic conditions that may adversely 
affect our performance, the fair value of our assets and liabilities, or our stock price could result in impairment, which could 
adversely affect earnings in future periods. Management will continue to monitor events that could impact this conclusion in the 
future.

FASB ASC Topic 350, “Intangibles—Other,” also requires that an acquired intangible asset be separately recognized if the 
benefit of the intangible asset is obtained through contractual or other legal rights, or if the asset can be sold, transferred, 
licensed, rented or exchanged, regardless of the acquirer’s intent to do so.

The following table summarizes other intangible assets: 

December 31, 2017

Customer deposit intangibles

Customer list intangible

Total other intangible assets

December 31, 2016

Customer deposit intangibles

Customer list intangible

Total other intangible assets

Gross
Intangible
Assets

Accumulated
Amortization

(dollars in thousands)

Net
Intangible
Assets

$

$

$

$

$

$

19,471

2,283

21,754

30,471

984

31,455

$

$

$

$

$

$

(6,071) $
(751) $
(6,822) $

(18,998) $
(444) $
(19,442) $

13,400

1,532

14,932

11,473

540

12,013

Core deposits are amortized over their expected lives using the present value of the benefit of the core deposits and straight-line 
methods of amortization. The core deposits have a remaining amortization period of 9.3 years and a weighted average 
amortization period of approximately 8.9 years.  The customer list intangible represents the estimated value of the customer 
base for an insurance agency acquired in 2014 and the wealth management business acquired as part of the DCB acquisition in 
2017.  These amounts are amortized over their expected lives using expected cash flows based on retention of the customer 
base.  The customer list intangible has a remaining amortization period of 11.7 years and a weighted average amortization 
period of 9.9 years. In the table above, the change in the gross customer deposit intangible and customer list intangibles from 
December 31, 2016 to December 31, 2017 is due to the acquisition of DCB Financial resulting in $4.7 million of core deposit 
intangibles and $1.3 million of customer list intangibles. In addition, $15.7 million of customer deposit intangibles resulting 
from an acquisition in 2006 were completely amortized in 2016. In addition to customer deposit intangibles and customer list 
intangibles, First Commonwealth has $75 thousand in mortgage servicing rights related to the sale of 1-4 family residential 
mortgages for which we retain servicing. First Commonwealth recognized amortization expense on other intangible assets of 
$3.1 million, $0.5 million, and $0.6 million for the years ended December 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015, respectively.

86

 
The following presents the estimated amortization expense of core deposit and customer list intangibles:

2018

2019

2020

2021

2022

Thereafter

Total

Core Deposit
Intangibles

Customer List
Intangible

Total

(dollars in thousands)

2,714 $

318 $

2,414

2,062

1,768

1,473

2,969

271

230

193

159

361

3,032

2,685

2,292

1,961

1,632

3,330

13,400 $

1,532 $

14,932

$

$

Note 15—Interest-Bearing Deposits

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

2017

2016

Interest-bearing demand deposits

Savings deposits

Time deposits

Total interest-bearing deposits

(dollars in thousands)
187,281

$

114,043

$

3,361,840

614,813

2,972,747

591,832

$

4,163,934

$

3,678,622

Interest-bearing deposits at December 31, 2017 and 2016, include allocations from interest-bearing demand deposit accounts of 
$919.1 million and $779.2 million, respectively, into savings, which includes money market accounts. These reallocations are 
based on a formula and have been made to reduce First Commonwealth’s reserve requirement in compliance with regulatory 
guidelines.

Included in time deposits at December 31, 2017 and 2016, were certificates of deposit in denominations of $100 thousand or 
more of $210.4 million and $145.4 million, respectively.

Interest expense related to certificates of deposit in denominations of $100 thousand or greater amounted to $1.5 million in 
2017, $1.2 million in 2016 and $1.8 million in 2015.

Included in time deposits at December 31, 2017, were certificates of deposit with the following scheduled maturities (dollars in 
thousands):

$

376,181

144,091
43,463

35,530

15,548

$

614,813

2018

2019
2020

2021

2022 and thereafter

Total

87

 
 
 
Note 16—Short-term Borrowings

Short-term borrowings at December 31 were as follows:

Ending
Balance

2017

Average
Balance

Average
Rate

Ending
Balance

2016

Average
Balance

Average
Rate

Ending
Balance

2015

Average
Balance

Average
Rate

(dollars in thousands)

Federal funds purchased

$

— $

6,225

1.24% $

— $

6,887

0.60% $

4,000

$

14,832

Borrowings from FHLB

567,500

710,932

1.18

748,000

1,265,932

0.61

1,400,000

1,117,522

Securities sold under
agreements to
repurchase

Total

Maximum total at any
month-end

Weighted average rate at
year-end

139,966

150,234

$ 707,466

$ 867,391

0.24

1.01

119,943

114,918

$ 867,943

$ 1,387,737

0.23

0.58

106,825

120,177

$ 1,510,825

$ 1,252,531

$ 967,259

$ 1,530,678

$ 1,510,825

1.27%

0.63%

0.36%

0.42

0.23

0.40

0.53%

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

Federal funds purchased

Borrowings from FHLB

Securities sold under agreements to repurchase

Total interest on short-term borrowings

Note 17—Subordinated Debentures

Subordinated Debentures outstanding at December 31 are as follows:

2017

2016

2015

(dollars in thousands)

77

$

41

$

8,360

362

7,765

270

8,799

$

8,076

$

$

$

54

4,684

280

5,018

Due

Amount

Rate

Amount

Rate

2017

2016

(dollars in thousands)

Owed to:

First Commonwealth Capital Trust II

2034

$

First Commonwealth Capital Trust III

2034

Total

$

30,929

41,238

72,167

LIBOR + 2.85

LIBOR + 2.85

$

$

30,929

41,238

72,167

LIBOR + 2.85

LIBOR + 2.85

First Commonwealth currently has two trusts, First Commonwealth Capital Trust II and First Commonwealth Capital Trust III, 
of which 100% of the common equity is owned by First Commonwealth. 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 First Commonwealth. The 
subordinated debentures held by each trust are the sole assets of the trust.

Interest on the debentures issued to First Commonwealth Capital Trust III is paid quarterly at a floating rate of LIBOR + 2.85% 
which is reset quarterly. Subject to regulatory approval, First Commonwealth may redeem the debentures, in whole or in part, at 
its option on any interest payment date at a redemption price equal to 100% of the principal amount of the debentures, plus 
accrued and unpaid interest to the date of the redemption. Deferred issuance costs of $630 thousand 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 + 2.85%, 
which is reset quarterly. Subject to regulatory approval, First Commonwealth may redeem the debentures, in whole or in part, at 
its option at a redemption price equal to 100% of the principal amount of the debentures, plus accrued and unpaid interest to the 
date of the redemption. Deferred issuance costs of $471 thousand are being amortized on a straight-line basis over the term of 
the securities.

88

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Note 18—Other Long-term Debt

Other long-term debt at December 31 follows:

Borrowings from FHLB due:

2017

2018

2019

2020

2021

2022

Thereafter

Total

2017

2016

Amount

Weighted
Average
Contractual
Rate

Amount

(dollars in thousands)

Weighted
Average
Contractual
Rate

$

$

607

631

656

681

708

4,878

8,161

3.83%

3.83

3.84

3.84

3.85

3.80

$

$

586

609

633

658

684

5,579

8,749

3.83%

3.83

3.84

3.84

3.84

3.81

The weighted average contractual rate reflects the rate due to creditors. There are no purchase accounting adjustments related to 
long-term debt in 2017 or 2016.  Therefore, the weighted average effective rate of long-term debt is equal to the weighted 
average contractual rate of long-term debt.

All of First Commonwealth’s Federal Home Loan Bank stock, along with an interest in mortgage loans and residential 
mortgage backed securities, has been pledged as collateral with the Federal Home Loan Bank of Pittsburgh.

Capital securities included in total long-term debt on the Consolidated Statements of Financial Condition are excluded from the 
above, but are described in Note 17, “Subordinated Debentures.”

Note 19—Fair Values of Assets and Liabilities

FASB ASC Topic 820, “Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures,” requires disclosures for non-financial assets and non-
financial liabilities, except for items that are recognized or disclosed at fair value in the financial statements on a recurring basis 
(at least annually). All non-financial assets are included either as a separate line item on the Consolidated Statements of 
Financial Condition or in the “Other assets” category of the Consolidated Statements of Financial Condition. Currently, First 
Commonwealth does not have any non-financial liabilities to disclose.

FASB ASC Topic 825, “Financial Instruments,” permits entities to irrevocably elect to measure select financial instruments and 
certain other items at fair value. The unrealized gains and losses are required to be included in earnings each reporting period 
for the items that fair value measurement is elected. First Commonwealth has elected not to measure any existing financial 
instruments at fair value under FASB ASC Topic 825; however, in the future we may elect to adopt this guidance for select 
financial instruments.

In accordance with FASB ASC Topic 820, First Commonwealth groups financial assets and financial liabilities measured at fair 
value in three levels, based on the principal markets in which the assets and liabilities are transacted and the observability of the 
data points used to determine fair value. These levels are:

•  Level 1—Valuations for assets and liabilities traded in active exchange markets, such as the New York Stock Exchange 
(“NYSE”). Valuations are obtained from readily available pricing sources for market transactions involving identical 
assets or liabilities. 

•  Level 2—Valuations for assets and liabilities traded in less active dealer or broker markets. Valuations are obtained for 

identical or comparable assets or liabilities from alternative pricing sources with reasonable levels of price transparency. 
Level 2 includes Obligations of U.S. Government securities issued by Agencies and Sponsored Enterprises, Obligations 
of States and Political Subdivisions, certain corporate securities, FHLB stock, loans held for sale, interest rate 
derivatives (including interest rate swaps, interest rate caps and risk participation agreements), certain other real estate 
owned and certain impaired loans.

89

Level 2 investment securities are valued by a recognized third party pricing service using observable inputs. The model used by 
the pricing service varies by asset class and incorporates available market, trade and bid information as well as cash flow 
information when applicable. Because many fixed-income investment securities do not trade on a daily basis, the model uses 
available information such as benchmark yield curves, benchmarking of like investment securities, sector groupings and matrix 
pricing. The model will also use processes such as an option-adjusted spread to assess the impact of interest rates and to 
develop prepayment estimates. Market inputs normally used in the pricing model include benchmark yields, reported trades, 
broker/dealer quotes, issuer spreads, two-sided markets, benchmark securities, bids, offers and reference data including market 
research publications.

Management validates the market values provided by the third party service by having another recognized pricing service price 
100% of the securities on an annual basis and a random sample of securities each quarter, monthly monitoring of variances 
from prior period pricing and, on a monthly basis, evaluating pricing changes compared to expectations based on changes in the 
financial markets.

Other Investments are comprised of FHLB stock whose estimated fair value is based on its par value. Additional information on 
FHLB stock is provided in Note 10, “Impairment of Investment Securities.”

Loans held for sale include residential mortgage loans originated for sale in the secondary mortgage market. The estimated fair 
value for these loans was determined on the basis of rates obtained in the respective secondary market. This category also 
includes the Small Business Administration guaranteed portion of small business loans.  The estimated fair value of these loans 
is based on the contract with the third party investor.

Interest rate derivatives are reported at estimated fair value utilizing Level 2 inputs and are included in Other assets and Other 
liabilities in the Consolidated Statements of Financial Condition.  These consist of interest rate swaps where there is no 
significant deterioration in the counterparties' (loan customers') credit risk since origination of the interest rate swap as well as 
interest rate caps and risk participation agreements. First Commonwealth values its interest rate swap and cap positions using a 
yield curve by taking market prices/rates for an appropriate set of instruments. The set of instruments currently used to 
determine the U.S. Dollar yield curve includes cash LIBOR rates from overnight to one year, Eurodollar futures contracts and 
swap rates from one year to thirty years. These yield curves determine the valuations of interest rate swaps. Interest rate 
derivatives are further described in Note 8, “Derivatives.”

For purposes of potential valuation adjustments to our derivative positions, First Commonwealth evaluates the credit risk of its 
counterparties as well as our own credit risk. Accordingly, we have considered factors such as the likelihood of default, 
expected loss given default, net exposures and remaining contractual life, among other things, in determining if any estimated 
fair value adjustments related to credit risk are required. We review our counterparty exposure quarterly, and when necessary, 
appropriate adjustments are made to reflect the exposure.

We also utilize this approach to estimate our own credit risk on derivative liability positions. In 2017 and 2016, we have not 
realized any losses due to a counterparty's inability to pay any net uncollateralized position.

Interest rate derivatives also include interest rate forwards entered into to hedge residential mortgage loans held for sale and the 
related interest-rate lock commitments.  This includes forward commitments to sell mortgage loans. The fair value of these 
derivative financial instruments are based on derivative market data inputs as of the valuation date and the underlying value of 
mortgage loans for rate lock commitments.

In addition, the Company hedges foreign currency risk through the use of foreign exchange forward contracts.  The fair value of 
foreign exchange forward contracts is based on the differential between the contract price and the market-based forward rate.

The estimated fair value for other real estate owned included in Level 2 is determined by either an independent market based 
appraisal less estimated costs to sell or an executed sales agreement.

•  Level 3—Valuations for assets and liabilities that are derived from other valuation methodologies, including option 
pricing models, discounted cash flow models and similar techniques, and not based on market exchange, dealer or 
broker traded transactions. If the inputs used to provide the valuation are unobservable and/or there is very little, if any, 
market activity for the security or similar securities, the securities would be considered Level 3 securities. Level 3 
valuations incorporate certain assumptions and projections in determining the fair value assigned to such assets or 
liabilities. The assets included in Level 3 are pooled trust preferred collateralized debt obligations, non-marketable 
equity investments, certain interest rate derivatives, certain impaired loans and certain other real estate.

Our pooled trust preferred collateralized debt obligations are collateralized by the trust preferred securities of individual banks, 
thrifts and bank holding companies in the United States. There has been little or no active trading in these securities since 2009; 
therefore, it was more appropriate to determine estimated fair value using a discounted cash flow analysis. Detail on the process 
for determining the appropriate cash flows for this analysis is provided in Note 10 “Impairment of Investment Securities.” The 

90

discount rate applied to the cash flows is determined by evaluating the current market yields for comparable corporate and 
structured credit products along with an evaluation of the risks associated with the cash flows of the comparable security. Due 
to the fact that there is no active market for the pooled trust preferred collateralized debt obligations, one key reference point is 
the market yield for the single issue trust preferred securities issued by banks and thrifts for which there is more activity than 
for the pooled securities. Adjustments are then made to reflect the credit and structural differences between these two security 
types.

Management validates the estimated fair value of the pooled trust preferred collateralized debt obligations by monitoring the 
performance of the underlying collateral, discussing the discount rate, cash flow assumptions and general market trends with 
the specialized third party and confirming changes in the underlying collateral to the trustee reports. Management’s monitoring 
of the underlying collateral includes deferrals of interest payments, payment defaults, cures of previously deferred interest 
payments, any regulatory filings or actions and general news related to the underlying collateral. Management also evaluates 
fair value changes compared to expectations based on changes in the interest rates used in determining the discount rate and 
general financial markets.

The estimated fair value of the non-marketable equity investments included in Level 3 is based on par value.

The estimated fair value of limited partnership investments included in Level 3 is based on par value.

For interest rate derivatives included in Level 3, the fair value incorporates credit risk by considering such factors as likelihood 
of default and expected loss given default based on the credit quality of the underlying counterparties (loan customers).

In accordance with ASU 2011-4, the following table provides information related to quantitative inputs and assumptions used in 
Level 3 fair value measurements.

Fair Value
(dollars in
thousands)

Valuation Technique

Unobservable Inputs

Range /  (weighted
average)

Pooled Trust Preferred Securities

$

23,646

Discounted Cash Flow

Probability of default

0.00% - 100% (8.98%)

Prepayment rates

0.00% - 72.02% (4.46%)

Discount rates

5.00% - 11.50% (a)

Equities

Impaired Loans

1,670

Par Value

N/A

1,336 (b)

Gas Reserve study

Discount rate

N/A

10.00%

Limited Partnership Investments

2,143

Par Value

6,820 (b) Discounted Cash Flow

Gas per MMBTU

$2.87 - $3.61 (c)

Oil per BBL/d

Discount Rate

N/A

$56.05 - $57.65 (c)

1.90% - 4.68%

N/A

(a) 
(b) 

incorporates spread over the risk free rate related primarily to credit quality and illiquidity of securities.
the remainder of impaired loans valued using Level 3 inputs are not included in this disclosure as the values of those loans are based 
on bankruptcy agreement documentation.

(c)  unobservable inputs are defined as follows: MMBTU—one million British thermal units; BBL/d—barrels per day.

The significant unobservable inputs used in the fair value measurement of pooled trust preferred securities are the probability of 
default, discount rates and prepayment rates. Significant increases in the probability of default or discount rate used would 
result in a decrease in the estimated fair value of these securities, while decreases in these variables would result in higher fair 
value measurements. In general, a change in the assumption of probability of default is accompanied by a directionally similar 
change in the discount rate. In most cases, increases in the prepayment rate assumptions would result in a higher estimated fair 
value for these securities while decreases would provide for a lower value. The direction of this change is somewhat dependent 
on the structure of the investment and the amount of the investment tranches senior to our position.

The discount rate is the significant unobservable input used in the fair value measurement of impaired loans. Significant 
increases in this rate would result in a decrease in the estimated fair value of the loans, while a decrease in this rate would result 
in a higher fair value measurement. Other unobservable inputs in the fair value measurement of impaired loans relate to gas, oil 
and natural gas prices. Increases in these prices would result in an increase in the estimated fair value of the loans, while a 
decrease in these prices would result in a lower fair value measurement.

91

 
The tables below present the balances of assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis at December 31:

2017

Level 1

Level 2

Level 3

Total

(dollars in thousands)

$

— $

11,338

$

— $

Obligations of U.S. Government Agencies:

Mortgage-Backed Securities—Residential

Mortgage-Backed Securities—Commercial

Obligations of U.S. Government-Sponsored Enterprises:

Mortgage-Backed Securities—Residential

Mortgage-Backed Securities—Commercial

Other Government-Sponsored Enterprises

Obligations of States and Political Subdivisions

Corporate Securities

Pooled Trust Preferred Collateralized Debt Obligations

Total Debt Securities

Equities

Total Securities Available for Sale

Other Investments

Loans Held for Sale

Other Assets (a)

Total Assets

Other Liabilities (a)

Total Liabilities

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

$

$

$

— $

— $

— $

24,149

625,555

—

1,097

27,410

16,493

—

706,042

—

706,042

29,837

14,850

1,778

752,507

3,079

3,079

—

—

—

—

—

—

23,646

23,646

1,670

25,316

—

—

2,143

11,338

24,149

625,555

—

1,097

27,410

16,493

23,646

729,688

1,670

731,358

29,837

14,850

3,921

$

$

$

27,459

$

779,966

— $

— $

3,079
3,079  

(a)  Hedging and non-hedging interest rate derivatives and limited partnership investments

Obligations of U.S. Government Agencies:

Mortgage-Backed Securities—Residential

$

— $

16,617

$

— $

16,617

2016

Level 1

Level 2

Level 3

Total

(dollars in thousands)

Obligations of U.S. Government-Sponsored Enterprises:

Mortgage-Backed Securities—Residential
Mortgage-Backed Securities—Commercial
Other Government-Sponsored Enterprises
Obligations of States and Political Subdivisions
Corporate Securities
Pooled Trust Preferred Collateralized Debt Obligations

Total Debt Securities

Equities

Total Securities Available for Sale

Other Investments
Loans Held for Sale
Other Assets (a)

Total Assets

Other Liabilities (a)

Total Liabilities

—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
— $
— $
— $

676,853
1
16,631
27,229
6,319
—
743,650
—
743,650
36,498
7,052
6,089
793,289
5,972
5,972

$
$
$

—
—
—
—
—
33,292
33,292
1,670
34,962
—
—
930
35,892

$
— $
— $

676,853
1
16,631
27,229
6,319
33,292
776,942
1,670
778,612
36,498
7,052
7,019
829,181
5,972
5,972  

$
$
$

(a)  Hedging and non-hedging interest rate derivatives and limited partnership investments

92

 
 
 
 
 
 
The changes in Level 3 assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis are summarized as follows for the year 
ended December 31, 2017:

Balance, beginning of year

Total gains or losses

Included in earnings

Included in other comprehensive income

Purchases, issuances, sales, and settlements

Purchases

Issuances

Sales

Settlements

Transfers from Level 3
Transfers into Level 3

Balance, end of year

Pooled Trust
Preferred
Collateralized
Debt
Obligations

Equities

Other
Assets

(dollars in thousands)

Total

$

33,292

$

1,670

$

930

$

35,892

4,329

3,725

—

—

—
(17,700)
—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

1,213

—

—

—

—

—

$

23,646

$

1,670

$

2,143

$

4,329

3,725

1,213

—

—
(17,700)
—

—

27,459

There are no gains or losses included in earnings for the period that are attributable to the change in realized gains (losses) 
relating to assets held at December 31, 2017.

During the year ended December 31, 2017, there were no transfers between fair value Levels 1, 2 or 3. 

The changes in Level 3 assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis are summarized as follows for the year 
ended December 31, 2016:

Balance, beginning of year

Total gains or losses

Included in earnings

Included in other comprehensive income

Purchases, issuances, sales, and settlements

Purchases

Issuances

Sales

Settlements

Transfers from Level 3

Transfers into Level 3

Balance, end of year

Pooled Trust
Preferred
Collateralized
Debt
Obligations

Equities

Other
Assets

(dollars in thousands)

Total

$

35,658

$

2,170

$

— $

37,828

589

850

—

—

—
(3,805)
—

—

—

—

36

—

—

—
(536)
—

$

33,292

$

1,670

$

—

—

394

—

—

—

—

536

930

$

589

850

430

—

—
(3,805)
(536)
536

35,892

There are no gains or losses included in earnings for the period that are attributable to the change in realized gains (losses) 
relating to assets held at December 31, 2016.

During the year ended December 31, 2016, $0.5 million in investments in limited partnerships were moved from other equity 
securities to other assets constituting the transfers into and out of Level 3. There were no transfers between fair value Levels 1 
and 2.

93

 
 
 
The tables below present the balances of assets measured at fair value on a nonrecurring basis at December 31 and total gains 
and losses realized on these assets during the year ended December 31:

Impaired loans

Other real estate owned

Total Assets

Impaired loans

Other real estate owned

Total Assets

2017

Level 1

Level 2

Level 3

Total

(dollars in thousands)

— $

—

— $

23,249

3,264

26,513

$

$

15,245

—

15,245

2016

Level 1

Level 2

Level 3

(dollars in thousands)

— $

—

— $

18,679

7,566

26,245

$

$

19,990

—

19,990

$

$

$

$

38,494

3,264

41,758

Total

38,669

7,566

46,235

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

Total
Gains
(Losses)

(1,548)
(1,099)
(2,647)

Total
Gains
(Losses)

(9,032)
(703)
(9,735)

Impaired loans over $100 thousand are individually reviewed to determine the amount of each loan considered to be at risk of 
noncollection. The fair value for impaired loans that are collateral based is determined by reviewing real property appraisals, 
equipment valuations, accounts receivable listings and other financial information. A discounted cash flow analysis is 
performed to determine fair value for impaired loans when an observable market price or a current appraisal is not available. 
For real estate secured loans, First Commonwealth’s loan policy requires updated appraisals be obtained at least every twelve 
months on all impaired loans with balances of $250 thousand and over.  For real estate secured loans with balances under $250 
thousand, we rely on broker price opinions. For non-real estate secured assets, the Company normally relies on third party 
valuations specific to the collateral type.

The fair value for other real estate owned, determined by either an independent market based appraisal less estimated costs to 
sell or an executed sales agreement, is classified as Level 2.  The fair value for other real estate owned determined using an 
internal valuation is classified as Level 3. Other real estate owned has a current carrying value of $2.8 million as of 
December 31, 2017 and consisted primarily of commercial real estate properties in Pennsylvania. We review whether events 
and circumstances subsequent to a transfer to other real estate owned have occurred that indicate the balance of those assets 
may not be recoverable. If events and circumstances indicate further impairment, we will record a charge to the extent that the 
carrying value of the assets exceed their fair values, less estimated costs to sell, as determined by valuation techniques 
appropriate in the circumstances.

Certain other assets and liabilities, including goodwill, core deposit intangibles and customer list intangibles are measured at 
fair value on a nonrecurring basis; that is, the instruments are not measured at fair value on an ongoing basis but are subject to 
fair value adjustments only in certain circumstances. Additional information related to this measurement is provided in Note 14 
“Goodwill and Other Amortizing Intangible Assets.” There were no other assets or liabilities measured at fair value on a 
nonrecurring basis during 2017.

FASB ASC Topic 825-10, “Transition Related to FSP FAS 107-1” and APB 28-1, “Interim Disclosures about Fair Value of 
Financial Instruments,” requires disclosure of the fair value of financial assets and financial liabilities, including those financial 
assets and financial liabilities that are not measured and reported at fair value on a recurring basis or nonrecurring basis. The 
methodologies for estimating the fair value of financial assets and financial liabilities that are measured at fair value on a 
recurring or nonrecurring basis are as discussed above. The methodologies for other financial assets and financial liabilities are 
discussed below.

Cash and due from banks and interest bearing bank deposits: The carrying amounts for cash and due from banks and interest-
bearing bank deposits approximate the estimated fair values of such assets.

Securities: Fair values for available for sale and held to maturity securities are based on quoted market prices, if available. If 
quoted market prices are not available, fair values are based on quoted market prices of comparable instruments. Pooled trust 
preferred collateralized debt obligation values are derived from other valuation methodologies, including option pricing models, 
discounted cash flow models and similar techniques, and are not based on market exchange, dealer or broker traded 
transactions. These valuations incorporate certain assumptions and projections in determining the fair value assigned to each 

94

 
 
 
 
 
instrument. The carrying value of other investments, which includes FHLB stock, is considered a reasonable estimate of fair 
value.

Loans held for sale: The estimated fair value of loans held for sale is based on market bids obtained from potential buyers.

Loans: The fair values of all loans are estimated by discounting the estimated future cash flows using interest rates currently 
offered for loans with similar terms to borrowers of similar credit quality adjusted for past due and nonperforming loans, which 
is not an exit price under FASB ASC Topic 820, “Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures.” 

Off-balance sheet instruments: Many of First Commonwealth’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. FASB ASC Topic 460, “Guarantees,” clarified that a guarantor is required to 
recognize, at the inception of a guarantee, a liability for the fair value of the obligation undertaken in issuing the guarantee. The 
carrying amount and estimated fair value for standby letters of credit was $0.2 million at both December 31, 2017 and 2016, 
respectively. See Note 12, “Commitments and Letters of Credit,” for additional information.

Deposit liabilities: The estimated fair value of demand deposits, savings accounts and money market deposits is the amount 
payable on demand at the reporting date because of the customers' ability to withdraw funds immediately.  The carrying value 
of variable rate time deposit accounts and certificates of deposit approximate the fair value 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 fair values of borrowings from the FHLB 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 and securities sold under agreement to repurchase, were used to approximate fair value due to the short-term nature 
of the borrowings. 

Subordinated debt, long-term debt and capital lease obligation: The fair value of long-term debt and subordinated debt is 
estimated by discounting the future cash flows using First Commonwealth’s estimate of the current market rate for similar types 
of borrowing arrangements.

95

The following table presents carrying amounts and estimated fair values of First Commonwealth’s financial instruments at 
December 31:

2017

Fair Value Measurements Using:

Carrying
Amount

Total

Level 1

Level 2

Level 3

(dollars in thousands)

$

98,624

$

98,624

$

98,624

$

8,668

731,358

422,096

29,837

14,850

8,668

731,358

418,249

29,837

14,850

5,407,376

5,443,434

5,580,705
707,466

8,161

72,167

7,590

5,580,812
707,263

8,548

65,785

7,590

8,668

—

—

—

—

—

—
—

—

—

—

— $

—

706,042

418,249

29,837

14,850

23,249

5,580,812
707,263

8,548

—

7,590

—

—

25,316

—

—

—

5,420,185

—
—

—

65,785

—

2016

Fair Value Measurements Using:

Carrying
Amount

Total

Level 1

Level 2

Level 3

(dollars in thousands)

$

91,033

$

91,033

$

91,033

$

24,644

778,612

372,513

36,498

7,052
4,879,347

4,947,408

867,943

8,749

72,167

24,644

778,612

368,618

36,498

7,052
4,878,254

4,949,714

867,667

9,169

65,656

24,644

—

—

—

—
—

—

—

—

—

— $

—

743,650

368,618

36,498

7,052
18,679

4,949,714

867,667

9,169

—

—

—

34,962

—

—

—
4,859,575

—

—

—

65,656

Financial assets

Cash and due from banks

Interest-bearing deposits

Securities available for sale

Securities held to maturity

Other investments

Loans held for sale

Loans

Financial liabilities

Deposits
Short-term borrowings

Long-term debt

Subordinated debt

Capital lease obligation

Financial assets

Cash and due from banks

Interest-bearing deposits

Securities available for sale

Securities held to maturity

Other investments

Loans held for sale
Loans

Financial liabilities

Deposits

Short-term borrowings

Long-term debt

Subordinated debt

96

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Note 20—Income Taxes

The income tax provision for the years ended December 31 is as follows:

Current tax provision

Federal

State

Total current tax provision

Deferred tax provision (benefit):

Federal

State

Total deferred tax provision

Total tax provision

2017

2016

2015

(dollars in thousands)

$

29,071

$

19,879

$

274

29,345

19,237
(21)
19,216

154

20,033

5,846
(240)
5,606

$

48,561

$

25,639

$

8,610

68

8,678

12,158

—

12,158

20,836

The statutory to effective tax rate reconciliation for the years ended December 31 is as follows:

2017

2016

2015

Amount

% of
Pretax
Income

Amount

% of
Pretax
Income

Amount

% of
Pretax
Income

Tax at statutory rate

$

36,304

35% $

Increase (decrease) resulting from:

(dollars in thousands)
29,830

35% $

24,843

35%

State income tax, net of federal
benefit

Income from bank owned life
insurance

Tax-exempt interest income, net

Tax credits

Enactment of federal tax reform

Other

164

(1,995)

(2,709)

(11)

16,709

99

—

(2)
(3)
—

17

—

(56)

(1,883)
(2,434)
—

—

182

—

(2)
(3)
—

—

—

44

(1,894)
(2,232)
(61)
—

136

—

(3)
(3)
—

—

—

Total tax provision

$

48,561

47% $

25,639

30% $

20,836

29%

The total tax provision for financial reporting differs from the amount computed by applying the statutory federal income tax 
rate to income before taxes.  First Commonwealth ordinarily generates an annual effective tax rate that is less than the statutory 
rate of 35% due to benefits resulting from tax-exempt interest, income from bank owned life insurance, and tax benefits 
associated with low-income housing tax credits.  The consistent level of tax benefits that reduce First Commonwealth’s tax rate 
below the 35% statutory rate produced an annual effective tax rate of 30% and 29% for the years ended December 31, 2016 and 
2015, respectively.  The annual effective tax rate is 47% for the year ended December 31, 2017, which is greater than the 35% 
statutory rate due to the enactment of federal tax reform.

On December 22, 2017, H.R.1, commonly known as the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (the “Act”) was signed into law.  The Act 
reduces the corporate federal tax rate from 35% to 21% effective January 1, 2018.  As a result we are required to re-measure, 
through income tax expense, our deferred tax assets and liabilities using the enacted rate at which we expect them to be 
recovered or settled.  The re-measurement of our net deferred tax asset resulted in additional income tax expense of $16.7 
million.

Also on December 22, 2017, the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) released Staff Accounting Bulletin No. 
118 (“SAB 118”) to address any uncertainty or diversity of views in practice in accounting for the income tax effects of the Act 
in situations where a registrant does not have the necessary information available, prepared, or analyzed in reasonable detail to 
complete this accounting in the reporting period that includes the enactment date.  SAB 118 allows for a measurement period 
not to extend beyond one year from the Act’s enactment date to complete the necessary accounting.  

We recorded provisional amounts of deferred income taxes using reasonable estimates in three areas where information 
necessary to complete the accounting was not available, prepared, or analyzed: 1) Our deferred tax liability for temporary 

97

 
 
 
 
differences between the tax and financial reporting bases of fixed assets principally due to the accelerated depreciation under 
the Act which allows for full expensing of qualified property purchased and placed in service after September 27, 2017.  2) Our 
deferred tax asset for temporary differences associated with accrued compensation will be finalized with payments made on or 
before March 15, 2018 and deducted on the 2017 income tax returns.  3) Our deferred tax assets and liabilities acquired from 
DCB Financial are awaiting completion of the final short period tax return from outside preparers, which is necessary to 
confirm the final acquired temporary differences.

In a fourth area, we made no adjustments to deferred tax assets representing future deductions for accrued compensation that 
may be subject to new limitations under Internal Revenue Code 162(m) which, generally, limits the annual deduction for certain 
compensation paid to employees to $1 million.  There is uncertainty in applying the newly-enacted rules to existing contracts, 
and we are seeking further clarifications before completing our analysis. 

The tax effects of temporary differences between the financial statement carrying amounts and the tax bases of assets and 
liabilities that represent significant portions of the deferred tax assets and liabilities at December 31 are presented below: 

Deferred tax assets:

Allowance for credit losses

Postretirement benefits other than pensions
Alternative minimum tax credit carryforward

Unrealized loss on securities available for sale

Net operating loss carryforward

Writedown of other real estate owned

Deferred compensation

Accrued interest on nonaccrual loans

Accrued incentives

Unfunded loan commitments & other reserves

Deferred rent

Other

Total deferred tax assets

Deferred tax liabilities:

Income from unconsolidated subsidiary

Depreciation of assets

Other

Total deferred tax liabilities

Net deferred tax asset

2017

2016

(dollars in thousands)

$

10,223

$

17,616

345

201

2,091

6,145

878

1,514

1,017

1,277

1,098

801

1,224

611

—

3,905

—

1,266

1,966

1,701

2,627

1,452

1,285

1,966

26,814

34,395

(380)
(587)
(338)
(1,305)
25,509

$

(623)
(28)
(429)
(1,080)
33,315

$

The Company has approximately $29.0 million of federal net operating losses and $0.2 million of AMT carryforwards which 
are subject to an annual limitation under IRC Section 382.  The net operating losses expire in 2030 and the Company expects to 
utilize the losses prior to expiration.

Management assesses all available positive and negative evidence to estimate if sufficient future taxable income will be 
generated to utilize the existing deferred tax assets.  Based on our evaluation, as of December 31, 2017, management has 
determined that no valuation allowance is necessary for the deferred tax assets because it is more likely than not that these 
assets will be realized through future reversals of existing temporary differences and future taxable income. 

In accordance with FASB ASC Topic 740-10, “Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes”, the Company has no material 
unrecognized tax benefits or accrued interest and penalties as of December 31, 2017.  We do not expect the total amount of 
unrecognized tax benefits to significantly increase in the next twelve months.  The Company records interest and penalties on 
unrecognized tax benefits as a component of noninterest expense. 

First Commonwealth is subject to routine audits of our tax returns by the Internal Revenue Service (“IRS”) as well as all states 
in which we conduct business.  During 2015, the IRS completed an examination of our 2013 federal tax return.  The 

98

 
examination was closed with no adjustments.  Generally, tax years prior to the year ended December 31, 2014 are no longer 
open to examination by federal and state taxing authorities.

Note 21—Retirement Plans

First Commonwealth has a savings plan pursuant to the provisions of section 401(k) of the Internal Revenue code. Effective 
January 1, 2013, a participating employee can receive a maximum matching contribution of 6% of their compensation. In 
addition, each participating employee may contribute up to 80% of their eligible compensation to the plan. The 401(k) plan 
expense was $2.8 million in 2017, $2.5 million in 2016, and $2.7 million in 2015.

First Commonwealth maintains a Non-Qualified Deferred Compensation Plan (“NQDC Plan”) to provide deferred 
compensation for those employees whose total annual or annualized Plan compensation for a calendar year is at least $110,000. 
The NQDC Plan provides participants whose maximum retirement contribution is limited by IRS rules to defer additional 
compensation.  

Participants in the NQDC Plan are eligible to defer (on a pre-tax basis) from 1% to 25% of their eligible Plan compensation.  
There was no NQDC Plan expense in 2017, 2016 and 2015.

Select employees from former acquisitions were covered by postretirement benefit plans which provide medical and life 
insurance coverage. The measurement date for these plans was December 31.

Postretirement Benefits Other than Pensions from Prior Acquisitions

Net periodic benefit cost of these plans for the years ended December 31, was as follows:

Service cost

Interest cost on projected benefit obligation

Amortization of transition obligation

Gain amortization

Net periodic benefit cost

2017

2016

2015

(dollars in thousands)

— $

— $

49

—
(21)
28

$

67

—
(7)
60

$

—

62

—
(4)
58

$

$

99

 
The following table sets forth the change in the benefit obligation and plan assets as of December 31:

Change in Benefit Obligation

Benefit obligation at beginning of year

Service cost

Interest cost

Amendments

Actuarial gain

Net benefits paid

Benefit obligation at end of year

Change in Plan Assets

Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year

Actual return on plan assets

Employer contributions

Net benefits paid

Fair value of plan assets at end of year

Funded Status at End of Year

Unrecognized transition obligation

Unrecognized net gain

Amounts recognized in retained earnings

As of December 31, the funded status of the plan is:

Amounts Recognized in the Statement of Financial Condition as Other liabilities

2017

2016

(dollars in thousands)

$

1,394

$

1,815

—

49

—
(116)
(133)
1,194

—

—

133
(133)
—

1,194

—

440

1,634

$

—

67

—
(337)
(151)
1,394

—

—

151
(151)
—

1,394

—

345

1,739

2017

2016

(dollars in thousands)

1,194

$

1,394

$

$

The following table sets forth the amounts recognized in accumulated other comprehensive income that have not yet been 
recognized as components of net periodic benefit costs as of December 31:

Amounts recognized in accumulated other comprehensive income, net of
tax:

Net (gain) loss
Transition obligation

Total

2017

2016

2015

(dollars in thousands)

$

$

(347) $
—
(347) $

(225) $
—
(225) $

(10)
—
(10)

Weighted-average assumptions used to determine the benefit obligation as of December 31 are as follows:

Weighted-average Assumptions

Discount rate

Health care cost trend: Initial

Health care cost trend: Ultimate

Year ultimate reached

100

2017

2016

2015

3.37%

6.00%

4.75%

2023

3.74%

6.00%

4.75%

2022

3.88%

6.25%

4.75%

2022

 
 
 
Weighted-average assumptions used to determine the net benefit costs as of December 31 are as follows: 

Weighted Average Assumptions for Net Periodic Cost

Discount rate

Health care cost trend: Initial

Health care cost trend: Ultimate

Year ultimate reached

Corridor

Recognition period for gains and losses

2017

2016

2015

3.74%

6.00%

4.75%

2022

10.00%

11.0

3.88%

6.25%

4.75%

2022

10.00%

11.0

3.61%

6.50%

4.75%

2022

10.00%

11.0

The Medicare Prescription Drug, Improvement and Modernization Act of 2003 (the “Act”) introduced a prescription drug 
benefit under Medicare Part D and 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 First Commonwealth are 
provided through insurance coverage; therefore, First Commonwealth will not receive a direct federal subsidy. The preceding 
measures of the accumulated postretirement benefit cost assume that First Commonwealth will not receive the subsidy due to 
the relatively small number of retirees.

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 postretirement benefit obligation

Effect on total of service and interest cost components

As of December 31, 2017, the projected benefit payments for the next ten years are as follows: 

2018

2019

2020

2021

2022

2023 - 2027

One-Percentage-
Point Increase

One-Percentage-
Point Decrease

(dollars in thousands)

$

$

29

2

(27)
(2)

Projected Benefit

        Payments         

(dollars in thousands)
152
$

128

122

115

107

422

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

The estimated costs that will be amortized from accumulated other comprehensive income into net periodic cost for 2018 are as 
follows (dollars in thousands):

Postretirement
Benefits

Net gain

Transition obligation

Total

(dollars in thousands)
$

(35)
—
(35)

$

Note 22—Incentive Compensation Plan

On January 20, 2009, the Board of Directors of the Company adopted, with shareholder approval, the First Commonwealth 
Financial Corporation Incentive Compensation Plan. This plan allows for shares of common stock to be issued to employees, 
directors, and consultants of the Company and its subsidiaries as an incentive to aid in the financial success of the Company. 

101

 
 
 
 
The shares can be issued as options, stock appreciation rights, performance share or unit awards, dividend or dividend 
equivalent rights, stock awards, restricted stock awards, or other annual incentive awards. Up to 5,000,000 shares of stock can 
be awarded under this plan, of which 3,365,572 shares were still eligible for awards as of December 31, 2017.

Restricted Stock

The following provides detail on the restricted stock awards which were issued and outstanding in 2017, 2016 and 2015 in 
order to retain and attract key employees. The grant date fair value of the restricted stock awards is equal to the price of First 
Commonwealth’s common stock on grant date.

Grant Date

March 24, 2017

March 24, 2017

March 24, 2017

March 24, 2017

December 19, 2016

September 30, 2016

September 19, 2016
June 7, 2016

March 1, 2016

March 1, 2016

March 1, 2016

February 18, 2016

June 26, 2015

February 20, 2015

February 20, 2015

February 5, 2015

January 29, 2015

January 15, 2015

November 17, 2014

April 8, 2014

March 24, 2014

March 4, 2014

January 1, 2014

August 16, 2013

May 31, 2013

March 1, 2013

February 24, 2012

February 24, 2012

January 1, 2012

November 21, 2011

April 1, 2011

Shares issued

Grant Price

Vesting Date

5,000 $

12.99 March 24, 2020

7,000

7,000

7,000

15,000

10,000

33,000
10,000

10,000

5,000

20,000

18,348

1,000

10,000

34,200

50,000

20,170

20,000

3,500

27,500

46,000

5,000

12,626

3,000

45,000

10,000

34,000

90,000

100,000

10,000

25,000

12.99 August 31, 2017

12.99 March 24, 2020

12.99 August 31, 2017

13.96 December 19, 2019

10.09 September 30, 2019

10.02 September 19, 2019

9.34 June 7, 2019

8.84 March 1, 2019

8.84 March 1, 2019

8.84 August 31, 2017

8.43 December 31, 2016

9.84 June 26, 2018

8.45 August 31, 2017

8.45 December 31, 2015

8.55 February 5, 2018

7.93 December 31, 2015

8.38 January 15, 2017

9.26 November 17, 2017

8.89 April 8, 2017

9.18 March 24, 2017

8.75 March 4, 2017

8.82 December 31, 2014

7.57 August 16, 2016

7.21 May 31, 2016

7.35 March 1, 2016

5.96 December 31, 2014

5.96 February 24, 2015

5.26 January 1, 2016

4.41 November 21, 2014

6.82 April 1, 2016

Number of
Equal Vesting
Periods

1

1

1

1

3

1

3
1

1

1

1

1

1

1

1

1

1

1

1

3

1

1

1

1

3

1

1

1

4

1

1

Compensation expense related to restricted stock was $3.8 million, $3.2 million and $1.4 million in 2017, 2016 and 2015, 
respectively. As of December 31, 2017, there was $3.0 million of unrecognized compensation cost related to unvested restricted 
stock awards granted.

102

A summary of the status of First Commonwealth’s unvested service-based restricted stock awards as of December 31 and 
changes for the years ended on those dates is presented below:

Outstanding, beginning of the year

Granted

Vested

Forfeited

Outstanding, end of the year

2017

2016

2015

Weighted
Average
Grant Date
Fair Value

9.34

12.99

9.49

8.55

9.99

$

Shares
247,668

26,000

(151,668)

(5,000)

117,000

Weighted
Average
Grant Date
Fair Value

8.01

9.88

7.04

—

9.34

$

Shares
231,834

121,348
(105,514)
—

247,668

Weighted
Average
Grant Date
Fair Value

7.08

8.41

6.87

—

8.01

$

Shares
265,000

135,370
(168,536)
—

231,834

The following provides detail on restricted stock awards estimated to be granted on a performance award basis during 2017, 
2016 and 2015.  These plans were previously approved by the Board of Directors.

Grant Date

February 24, 2012

January 28, 2013

January 27, 2014

January 26, 2015

December 30, 2015

February 18, 2016

February 23, 2017

Target
Share
Award
68,000
128,611

125,000

125,000

60,000

160,650

93,500

Performance
Period
(years)
3
3

3

3

5

3

3

Award if
threshold
met

Award if
targets are
met

Award if
superior
met

Award if
threshold not
achieved

40%
40%

40%

40%

40%

40%

100%
100%

100%

100%

100%

100%

200%
200%

200%

200%

200%

200%

—%
—%

—%

—%

—%

—%

Vesting After
Performance
Period (years)
1
1

0

0

0

0

0

Final vesting

December 31, 2015

December 31, 2016

December 31, 2016

December 31, 2017

December 31, 2020

December 31, 2018

December 31, 2019

The following table summarizes the estimated unvested target share awards for the Plans as of December 31:

Outstanding, beginning of the year

Granted

Issued

Forfeited

Outstanding, end of the year

2017

2016

2015

426,596

276,442
(171,637)
(6,356)
525,045

320,705

176,936
(18,348)
(52,697)
426,596

284,000

185,000
(34,200)
(114,095)
320,705

The unvested target awards for the Plans have an estimated fair value of $14.32 per share for the January 26, 2015 and February 
18, 2016 grants based on the closing price of Company stock as of December 31, 2017.  The December 30, 2015 grant has a 
fair value of $9.18 based the closing stock price when the shares were granted.  Based on a Monte Carlo simulation, the 
February 23, 2017 grant has a fair value of $13.29 per share for 75% of the grant and$15.09 per share for 25% of the grant.

103

 
 
 
Note 23—Contingent Liabilities

Legal proceedings

First Commonwealth and its subsidiaries are subject in the normal course of business to various pending and threatened legal 
proceedings in which claims for monetary damages are asserted. As of December 31, 2017, management, after consultation 
with legal counsel, does not anticipate that the aggregate ultimate liability arising out of litigation pending or threatened against 
First Commonwealth or its subsidiaries will be material to First Commonwealth’s consolidated financial position. On at least a 
quarterly basis, First Commonwealth assesses its liabilities and contingencies in connection with such legal proceedings. For 
those matters where it is probable that First Commonwealth will incur losses and the amounts of the losses can be reasonably 
estimated, First Commonwealth records an expense and corresponding liability in its consolidated financial statements. To the 
extent the pending or threatened litigation could result in exposure in excess of that liability, the amount of such excess is not 
currently estimable. Although not considered probable, the range of reasonably possible losses for such matters in the 
aggregate, beyond the existing recorded liability (if any), is between $0 and $7 million. Although First Commonwealth does not 
believe that the outcome of pending litigation will be material to First Commonwealth’s consolidated financial position, it 
cannot rule out the possibility that such outcomes will be material to the consolidated results of operations and cash flows for a 
particular reporting period in the future.

First Commonwealth Financial Corporation and First Commonwealth Bank were named defendants in an action commenced 
August 27, 2015 by eight named plaintiffs that is pending in the Court of Common Pleas of Jefferson County, Pennsylvania.  
The plaintiffs allege that the Bank repossessed motor vehicles, sold the vehicles and sought to collect deficiency balances in a 
manner that did not comply with the notice requirements of the Pennsylvania Uniform Commercial Code (UCC), charged 
inappropriate costs and fees, including storage costs for dates that a repossessed vehicle was not in storage, and wrongly filed 
forms with the Department of Motor Vehicles asserting that the Bank had complied with applicable laws relating to the 
repossession of the vehicles. The plaintiffs seek to pursue the action as a class action on behalf of the named plaintiffs and other 
similarly situated plaintiffs who had their automobiles repossessed and seek to recover damages under the UCC and the 
Pennsylvania Fair Credit Extension Uniformity Act.  First Commonwealth and the Bank contest the plaintiffs’ allegations and 
intend to oppose class certification.  The Bank has also asserted counterclaims for breach of contract, set-off and recoupment 
against the plaintiffs, individually, and as representatives of the putative class. The Bank and counsel for the plaintiffs reached 
an agreement-in-principle to settle the litigation during the second quarter of 2016. The parties are negotiating the terms of a 
definitive settlement agreement which would be subject to court approval and other customary conditions. The estimated cost 
of the settlement to the Bank was recorded as a liability in the second quarter of 2016.  As set forth in the preceding paragraph, 
all current litigation matters, including this action, are believed to be within the range of reasonably possible losses set forth in 
the preceding paragraph. 

Note 24—Related Party Transactions

Some of First Commonwealth’s directors, executive officers, principal shareholders and their related interests had transactions 
with the subsidiary bank 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 collectability nor do they present other unfavorable 
features. It is anticipated that similar transactions will be entered into in the future.

The following is an analysis of loans to related parties (dollars in thousands):

December 31, 2016

Advances

Repayments

Other

December 31, 2017

$

$

1,164

740
(1,127)
4,871

5,648

Note 25—Regulatory Restrictions and Capital Adequacy

The amount of funds available to the parent from its subsidiary bank is limited by restrictions imposed on all depository 
institutions by banking regulation that restricts and limits the payment of dividends and the ability of depository institutions to 
engage in transactions, including lending transactions and asset purchases, with affiliates.

First Commonwealth and First Commonwealth Bank are 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 

104

discretionary actions by regulators which, if undertaken, could have a direct material effect on First Commonwealth’s financial 
statements. Under capital adequacy guidelines and the regulatory framework for prompt corrective action, First Commonwealth 
and First Commonwealth Bank must meet specific capital guidelines that involve quantitative measures of First 
Commonwealth’s assets, liabilities and certain off-balance sheet items as calculated under regulatory accounting practices. First 
Commonwealth’s capital amounts and classification are also subject to qualitative judgments by the regulators about 
components, risk weighting and other factors.

First Commonwealth maintains capital to absorb unexpected losses. In order to provide assurance that our capital levels are 
adequate for our risk exposure we test our capital position under several stress scenarios on an annual basis. This analysis is 
subject to Board of Director review and approval.  Our most recent capital stress test was completed in September 2017.

Effective January 1, 2015, the Company became subject to new regulatory risk-based capital rules adopted by the federal 
banking agencies implementing Basel III.  The most significant changes include higher minimum capital requirements, as the 
minimum Tier I capital ratio increased from 4.0% to 6.0%, and a new common equity Tier I capital ratio was established with a 
minimum level of 4.5%. Additionally, the new rules improve the quality of capital by providing stricter eligibility criteria for 
regulatory capital instruments and provide for a phase-in, beginning January 1, 2016, of a capital conservation buffer of 2.5% of 
risk-weighted assets. This buffer provides a requirement to hold common equity Tier 1 capital above the minimum risk-based 
capital requirements, resulting in an effective common equity Tier I risk-weighted asset minimum ratio of 7% on a fully 
phased-in basis. 

The Basel III Rules also permit banking organizations with less than $15.0 billion in assets to retain, through a one-time 
election, the exclusion of accumulated other comprehensive income from regulatory capital. The Company elected to retain this 
treatment, which reduces the volatility of regulatory capital levels.

105

As of December 31, 2017 and 2016, First Commonwealth and First Commonwealth Bank met all capital adequacy 
requirements to which they are subject and was considered well-capitalized under the regulatory rules, all on a fully phased-in 
basis. To be considered well-capitalized, the Company must maintain minimum Total risk-based capital, Tier I risk-based 
capital, Tier I leverage ratio and Common equity tier I risk-based capital as set forth in the table below: 

Actual

Minimum Capital 
Required - Basel III 
Phase-In Schedule

Minimum Capital 
Required - Basel III 
Fully Phased-In

Required to be 
Considered Well
Capitalized

Capital
Amount

Ratio

Capital
Amount

Ratio

Capital
Amount

Ratio

Capital
Amount

Ratio

(dollars in thousands)

As of December 31, 2017

Total Capital to Risk Weighted
Assets

First Commonwealth
Financial Corporation

$ 745,473

12.34% $ 558,728

9.25% $ 634,232

10.50% $ 604,030

10.00%

First Commonwealth Bank

712,341

11.83

556,872

9.25

632,124

10.50

602,023

10.00

Tier I Capital to Risk Weighted
Assets

First Commonwealth
Financial Corporation
First Commonwealth Bank

Tier I Capital to Average Assets

First Commonwealth
Financial Corporation

$ 691,993
658,861

11.46% $ 437,922
436,467
10.94

7.25% $ 513,426
511,720
7.25

8.50% $ 483,224
481,619
8.50

8.00%
8.00

$ 691,993

9.74% $ 284,100

4.00% $ 284,100

4.00% $ 355,125

5.00%

First Commonwealth Bank

658,861

9.30

283,344

4.00

283,344

4.00

354,180

5.00

Common Equity Tier I to Risk
Weighted Assets

First Commonwealth
Financial Corporation

$ 623,252

10.32% $ 347,317

5.75% $ 422,821

7.00% $ 392,620

6.50%

First Commonwealth Bank

658,861

10.94

346,163

5.75

421,416

7.00

391,315

6.50

106

 
 
 
Actual

Minimum Capital 
Required - Basel III 
Phase-In Schedule

Minimum Capital 
Required - Basel III 
Fully Phased-In

Required to be 
Considered Well
Capitalized

Capital
Amount

Ratio

Capital
Amount

Ratio

Capital
Amount

Ratio

Capital
Amount

Ratio

(dollars in thousands)

As of December 31, 2016

Total Capital to Risk Weighted
Assets

First Commonwealth
Financial Corporation

$ 687,554

12.28% $ 483,034

8.63% $ 588,042

10.50% $ 560,040

10.00%

First Commonwealth Bank

617,076

11.06

481,248

8.63

585,867

10.50

557,969

10.00

Tier I Capital to Risk Weighted
Assets

First Commonwealth
Financial Corporation

$ 633,262

11.31% $ 371,026

6.63% $ 476,034

8.50% $ 448,032

8.00%

First Commonwealth Bank

562,784

10.09

369,654

6.63

474,273

8.50

446,375

8.00

Tier I Capital to Average Assets

First Commonwealth
Financial Corporation

$ 633,262

9.83% $ 257,776

4.00% $ 257,776

4.00% $ 322,220

5.00%

First Commonwealth Bank

562,784

8.79

256,214

4.00

256,214

4.00

320,268

5.00

Common Equity Tier I to Risk
Weighted Assets

First Commonwealth
Financial Corporation

$ 563,262

10.06% $ 287,020

5.13% $ 392,028

7.00% $ 364,026

6.50%

First Commonwealth Bank

562,784

10.09

285,959

5.13

390,578

7.00

362,680

6.50

Note 26—Capital

In 2012, First Commonwealth announced a $50.0 million common stock repurchase program. Additional share repurchase 
programs were authorized for up to $25.0 million in shares of the Company’s common stock for each year from 2013 to 2016. 
The repurchase program was suspended in July 2016 as a result of the acquisition of thirteen branches in northern Ohio which 
management believes represents a better use of capital for shareholder.  Repurchases under all programs resulted in a total of 
16,665,735 shares repurchased at an average price of $7.55 per share.

107

 
 
 
Note 27—Condensed Financial Information of First Commonwealth Financial Corporation (parent company only)

Statements of Financial Condition

Assets

Cash

Loans

Investment in subsidiaries

Investment in unconsolidated subsidiary trusts

Investment in jointly-owned company

Premises and equipment, net

Receivable from subsidiaries

Dividends receivable from subsidiaries

Other assets

Total assets

Liabilities and Shareholders’ Equity

Accrued expenses and other liabilities

Subordinated debentures payable

Shareholders’ equity

Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity

Statements of Income

Interest and dividends

Dividends from subsidiaries

Interest expense

Other income

Operating expense

Income (loss) before taxes and equity in undistributed (loss) earnings
of subsidiaries

Applicable income tax benefits

Income before equity in undistributed (loss) earnings of subsidiaries

Equity in undistributed earnings (loss) of subsidiaries

December 31,

2017

2016

(dollars in thousands)

$

16,432

$

30,387

17

19

927,765

770,214

2,186

9,191

3,715

—

—

4,996

964,302

4,008

72,167

888,127

$

$

964,302

$

2,185

9,042

3,793

33

4,662

2,453

822,788

692

72,167

749,929

822,788

$

$

$

For the years ended December 31,

2017

2016

2015

(dollars in thousands)

$

1

$

1

$

52,586
(3,000)
17
(4,767)

44,837

2,557

47,394
7,771

55,510
(2,635)
83
(4,700)

48,259

2,515

50,774
8,816

1

49,917
(2,357)
232
(4,989)

42,804

2,528

45,332
4,811

50,143

Net income

$

55,165

$

59,590

$

108

 
 
 
Statements of Cash Flow

Operating Activities
Net income

Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating
activities:

For the years ended December 31,

2017

2016

2015

(dollars in thousands)

$

55,165

$

59,590

$

50,143

Depreciation and amortization

Net (gains) losses on sales of assets

(Increase) decrease in prepaid income taxes

Undistributed equity in subsidiaries

Other net

Net cash provided by operating activities

Investing Activities

Net change in loans

Purchases of premises and equipment

Proceeds from sale of other assets
Proceeds from dissolution of subsidiary

Acquisition of affiliate, net of cash received

Investment in subsidiaries

Net cash (used in) provided by investing activities

Financing Activities

Dividends paid

Proceeds from reissuance of treasury stock

Purchase of treasury stock

Net cash used in financing activities

Net (decrease) increase in cash

Cash at beginning of year

Cash at end of year

322
(3)
(550)
(7,771)
8,767

55,930

2
(207)
3
0
(250)
(37,690)
(38,142)

(30,513)
228
(1,458)
(31,743)
(13,955)
30,387

355

—

7,380
(8,816)
7,759

66,268

3

—
(332)
27,017

—
(47,017)
(20,329)

(24,907)
216
(864)
(25,555)
20,384

10,003

$

16,432

$

30,387

$

493

240
(6,993)
(4,811)
10,753

49,825

2

54

—
—

—

—

56

(25,089)
192
(25,383)
(50,280)
(399)
10,402

10,003

Cash dividends declared per common share were $0.32 for 2017 and $0.28 in 2016 and 2015.

First Commonwealth Financial Corporation has an unsecured $15.0 million line of credit with another financial institution. As 
of December 31, 2017, there are no amounts outstanding on this line and we are in compliance with all debt covenants related
to the line of credit.

Note 28—Subsequent Event

On January 10, 2018, the Company announced the acquisition of Garfield Acquisition Corp., the parent company of Cincinnati, 
Ohio based Foundation Bank, in a cash and stock transaction valued at approximately $58 million.  The acquisition of 
Foundation Bank includes approximately $215 million in assets, $182 million in loans, $148 million in deposits and five full-
service banking offices. This transaction is subject to regulatory approval. 

109

 
Quarterly Summary of Financial Data—Unaudited

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

Fourth
Quarter

Third
Quarter

Second
Quarter

First
Quarter

2017

(dollars in thousands, except per share data)
$

65,411

63,120

$

$

65,840

6,270

59,570

2,253

57,317

4,345

20,360

51,909

30,113

26,132

3,981

0.04

0.04

$

$

5,848

59,563

1,214

58,349

92

19,698

47,361

30,778

9,495

21,283

0.22

0.22

$

$

5,303

57,817
(1,609)
59,426
(49)
18,953

58,263

20,067

6,054

14,013

0.14

0.14

$

$

56,179

4,349

51,830

3,229

48,601

652

16,280

42,765

22,768

6,880

15,888

0.18

0.18

97,363,471

97,507,465

97,402,816

97,457,470

97,183,599

97,232,288

88,929,892

88,987,671

Fourth
Quarter

Third
Quarter

Second
Quarter

First
Quarter

2016

(dollars in thousands, except per share data)
$

54,479

53,850

$

$

55,932

4,413

51,519
(1,826)
53,345

589

17,743

45,675

26,002

8,088

17,914

0.20

0.20

$

$

4,861

49,618

3,408

46,210

—

16,994

38,696

24,508

7,312

17,196

0.19

0.19

$

$

4,759

49,091

10,372

38,719

28

15,530

37,410

16,867

4,860

12,007

0.14

0.14

$

$

53,353

4,546

48,807

6,526

42,281

—

13,715

38,144

17,852

5,379

12,473

0.14

0.14

88,879,658

88,887,387

88,854,448

88,858,204

88,831,758

88,838,614

88,840,088

88,845,201

Interest income

Interest expense

Net interest income

Provision for credit losses

Net interest income after provision for credit losses

Net securities gains (losses)

Other noninterest income

Other expenses

Income before income taxes

Income tax provision

Net Income

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 noninterest income

Other expenses

Income before income taxes

Income tax provision

Net Income

Basic Earnings Per Share

Diluted Earnings Per Share

Average shares outstanding

Average shares outstanding assuming dilution

$

$

$

$

$

$

110

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
ITEM 9. 

Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure

None.

ITEM 9A. 

Controls and Procedures

We carried out an evaluation, under the supervision and with the participation of our management, including our Chief 
Executive Officer and our Chief Financial Officer, of the effectiveness of the design and operation of our disclosure controls 
and procedures as of the end of the period covered by this report pursuant to Rule 13a-15 under the Securities Exchange Act of 
1934 (the “Exchange Act”). Based upon that evaluation, our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer concluded that 
our disclosure controls and procedures are effective to provide reasonable assurance that the information required to be 
disclosed in the reports that we file or submit under the Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within 
the time periods specified in applicable rules and forms of the Securities and Exchange Commission.

In addition, our management, including our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, also conducted an evaluation 
of our internal controls over financial reporting to determine whether any changes occurred during the fourth fiscal quarter that 
have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal controls over financial reporting. No such 
changes were identified in connection with this evaluation.

111

 
 
MANAGEMENT’S REPORT ON INTERNAL CONTROL OVER FINANCIAL REPORTING

First Commonwealth is responsible for the preparation, the integrity, and the fair presentation of the Consolidated Financial 
Statements included in this annual report. The Consolidated Financial Statements and notes to the financial statements have 
been prepared in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles and include some amounts based upon 
management’s best estimates and judgments.

First Commonwealth’s management is responsible for establishing and maintaining effective internal control over financial 
reporting, as such term is defined in Exchange Act Rule 13a-15(f), that is designed to produce reliable financial statements in 
conformity with generally accepted accounting principles. 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 criteria established in Internal Control-
Integrated Framework (2013) issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO).

All internal control systems, no matter how well designed, have inherent limitations, including the possibility that a control can 
be circumvented and that misstatements due to error or fraud may occur without detection. 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 based on criteria established in Internal Control-Integrated Framework (2013) 
issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO), management concluded that 
internal control over financial reporting was effective as of December 31, 2017. The effectiveness of First Commonwealth’s 
internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2017 has been audited by KPMG LLP, an independent registered 
public accounting firm, as stated in their attestation report which is included herein.

First Commonwealth Financial Corporation

Indiana, Pennsylvania

March 1, 2018 

/S/    T. Michael Price        

T. Michael Price

President and Chief Executive Officer

/S/    James R. Reske       

James R. Reske

Executive Vice President, Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer

112

 
 
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

To the Shareholders and the Board of Directors
First Commonwealth Financial Corporation:

Opinion on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting 

We have audited First Commonwealth Financial Corporation and subsidiaries’ (the Company) internal control over financial 
reporting as of December 31, 2017, based on criteria established in Internal Control - Integrated Framework (2013) issued by 
the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission. In our opinion, the Company maintained, in all 
material respects, effective internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2017, based on criteria established in 
Internal Control - Integrated Framework (2013) issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway 
Commission.  

We also have audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) 
(PCAOB), the consolidated statements of financial condition of the Company as of December 31, 2017 and 2016, the related 
consolidated statements of income, comprehensive income, changes in shareholders’ equity, and cash flows for each of the 
years in the three-year period ended December 31, 2017, and the related notes (collectively, the consolidated financial 
statements), and our report dated March 1, 2018 expressed an unqualified opinion on those consolidated financial statements.

Basis for Opinion 

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, included in the accompanying Management’s Report 
on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the Company’s internal control 
over financial reporting based on our audit. We are a public accounting firm registered with the PCAOB and are required to be 
independent with respect to the Company in accordance with the U.S. federal securities laws and the applicable rules and 
regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the PCAOB.

We conducted our audit in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB. 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 of internal control over financial reporting included obtaining an understanding of internal control 
over financial reporting, assessing the risk that a material weakness exists, and testing and evaluating the design and operating 
effectiveness of internal control based on the assessed risk. Our audit also included performing such other procedures as we 
considered necessary in the circumstances. We believe that our audit provides a reasonable basis for our opinion.

Definition and Limitations of Internal Control Over Financial Reporting 

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 the assets of the company; (2) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit 
preparation 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.

/s/ KPMG LLP

Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
March 1, 2018 

113

 
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

To the Shareholders and the Board of Directors
First Commonwealth Financial Corporation:

Opinion on the Consolidated Financial Statements

We have audited the accompanying consolidated statements of financial condition of First Commonwealth Financial 
Corporation and subsidiaries (the Company) as of December 31, 2017 and 2016, the related consolidated statements of income, 
comprehensive income, changes in shareholders’ equity, and cash flows for each of the years in the three-year period ended 
December 31, 2017, and the related notes (collectively, the consolidated financial statements). In our opinion, the consolidated 
financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of the Company as of December 31, 2017 and 
2016, and the results of its operations and its cash flows for each of the years in the three-year period ended December 31, 
2017, 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) 
(PCAOB), the Company’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2017, based on criteria established in 
Internal Control - Integrated Framework (2013) issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway 
Commission, and our report dated March 1, 2018 expressed an unqualified opinion on the effectiveness of the Company’s 
internal control over financial reporting.  

Basis for Opinion

These consolidated financial statements are the responsibility of the Company’s management. Our responsibility is to express 
an opinion on these consolidated financial statements based on our audits.  We are a public accounting firm registered with the 
PCAOB and are required to be independent with respect to the Company in accordance with the U.S. federal securities laws 
and the applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the PCAOB.

We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB. Those standards require that we plan and perform the 
audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the consolidated financial statements are free of material misstatement, 
whether due to error or fraud. Our audits included performing procedures to assess the risk of material misstatement of the 
consolidated financial statements, whether due to error or fraud, and performing procedures that responds to those risks.  Such 
procedures included examining, on a test basis, evidence regarding the amounts and disclosures in the consolidated financial 
statements.  Our audits also included evaluating the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, 
as well as evaluating the overall presentation of the consolidated financial statements. We believe that our audits provide a 
reasonable basis for our opinion.

We have served as the Company's auditor since 2006.

Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
March 1, 2018 

/s/ KPMG LLP

114

 
ITEM 9B. 

Other Information

None.

115

PART III

ITEM 10. 

Directors, Executive Officers and Corporate Governance

Information called for by this item concerning the identification, business experience and qualifications of First 
Commonwealth’s directors will be included in First Commonwealth’s definitive Proxy Statement to be filed with the Securities 
and Exchange Commission in connection with the annual meeting of shareholders to be held April 24, 2018 (the “Proxy 
Statement”), under the heading “Proposal 1—Election of Directors,” and is incorporated herein by reference.

Information called for by this item concerning First Commonwealth’s compliance with section 16(a) of the Exchange Act will 
be included in the Proxy Statement under the heading “Section 16(a) Beneficial Ownership Reporting Compliance,” and is 
incorporated herein by reference.

First Commonwealth has adopted a code of conduct and ethics that applies to all employees of the Company, including 
executive officers. In addition, First Commonwealth has adopted a code of ethics for the Chief Executive Officer and all senior 
financial officers of the Company. Both of these codes are filed as exhibits to this Annual Report on Form 10-K and are posted 
on First Commonwealth’s website at http://www.fcbanking.com. Refer to Item 15 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K for a list 
of exhibits.

Information called for by this item concerning First Commonwealth’s Audit Committee and the identification of “Audit 
Committee financial experts” will be included in the Proxy Statement under the heading “Corporate Governance,” and is 
incorporated herein by reference.

Certain information regarding executive officers is included under the caption “Executive Officers of First Commonwealth 
Financial Corporation” after Part I, Item 4, of this Report.

ITEM 11. 

Executive Compensation

Information called for by this item concerning compensation of First Commonwealth’s executive officers and the report of the 
Compensation and Human Resources Committee will be included in the Proxy Statement under the heading “Executive 
Compensation,” and is incorporated herein by reference.

Information called for by this item concerning compensation of First Commonwealth’s directors will be included in the Proxy 
Statement under the heading “Compensation of Directors,” and is incorporated herein by reference.

ITEM 12. 

Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stockholder Matters

Information called for by this item concerning security ownership of certain beneficial owners and security ownership of 
management will be included in the Proxy Statement under the headings “Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners” 
and “Securities Owned by Directors and Management,” and is incorporated herein by reference. 

The following table provides information related to our existing equity compensation plans as of December 31, 2017:

Plan Category

Equity compensation plans approved by security holders

Equity compensation plans not approved by security holders

Total

Number of
securities to  be
issued upon
exercise of
outstanding
options, warrants
and rights

525,045

N/A

525,045

Weighted average
exercise price of
outstanding
options, warrants
and rights

Number of
securities
remaining
available for
future issuance
under equity
compensation
plans

N/A

N/A

N/A

3,365,572

N/A

3,365,572

The number of securities to be issued upon exercise of outstanding option, warrants and rights represent the maximum number 
of shares that may be issued pursuant to outstanding performance units.

116

 
 
ITEM 13. 

Certain Relationships and Related Transactions, and Director Independence

Information called for by this item concerning transactions with related persons and review, approval or ratification of 
transactions with related persons will be included in the Proxy Statement under the heading “Related Party Transactions,” and is 
incorporated herein by reference.

Information called for by this item concerning director independence will be included in the Proxy Statement under the heading 
“Corporate Governance,” and is incorporated herein by reference.

ITEM 14. 

Principal Accountant Fees and Services

Information called for by this item concerning fees paid to First Commonwealth’s principal accountant and First 
Commonwealth’s pre-approval policies and procedures will be included in the Proxy Statement under the heading “Annual 
Audit Information,” and is incorporated herein by reference.

117

PART IV
ITEM 15. 

Exhibits, Financial Statements and Schedules

(A) 

Documents Filed as Part of this Report
Financial Statements
(1) 

All financial statements of the registrant as set forth under Item 8 of the Report on Form 10-K.

(2) 

Financial Statement Schedules

Description
Indebtedness to Related Parties

Guarantees of Securities of Other Issuers

(3) 

Exhibits

Page
N/A

N/A

Description
Amended and Restated Articles of Incorporation of
First Commonwealth Financial Corporation

Incorporated by Reference to
Exhibit 3.1 to the quarterly report on Form
10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2010

Amended and Restated By-Laws of First
Commonwealth Financial Corporation

Amended and Restated Non-Qualified Deferred
Compensation Plan (formerly known as the
Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan)

Amended and Restated Employment Agreement dated
January 1, 2012 entered into among First
Commonwealth Financial Corporation, First
Commonwealth Bank and T. Michael Price

Exhibit 3.1 to the current report as Form 8-K
filed February 1, 2016

Exhibit 10.1 to the current report on Form 8-
K filed December 21, 2017

Exhibit 10.1 to the current report on Form 8-
K filed January 5, 2012

Change of Control Agreement dated December 30,
2011 entered into between FCFC and T. Michael Price

Exhibit 10.3 to the current report on Form 8-
K filed January 5, 2012

First Commonwealth Financial Corporation Incentive
Compensation Plan

2017 Annual Incentive Plan

2015-2017 Long-Term Incentive Plan

2016-2018 Long-Term Incentive Plan

2017-2019 Long-Term Incentive Plan

Annex I to Proxy Statement filed March 19,
2015 relating to the 2015 Annual Meeting of
Shareholders

Exhibit 10.1 to the quarterly report on
Form 10-Q filed May 9, 2017

Exhibit 10.2 to the quarterly report on Form
10-Q filed May 8, 2015

Exhibit 10.2 to the quarterly report on Form
10-Q filed May 9, 2016

Exhibit 10.2 to the quarterly report on Form
10-Q filed May 9, 2017

Form of Restricted Stock Agreement for service-based
restricted stock

Exhibit 10.3 to the quarterly report on
Form 10-Q filed May 8, 2012

Change of Control Agreement dated December 30,
2011 entered into between FCFC and Leonard V.
Lombardi

Change of Control Agreement dated December 30,
2011 entered into between FCFC and Matthew C.
Tomb

Exhibit 10.13 to the annual report on Form
10-K filed March 5, 2012

Exhibit 10.14 to the annual report on Form
10-K filed March 5, 2012

Performance Unit Agreement dated December 30, 2015
between First Commonwealth Financial Corporation
and T. Michael Price

Exhibit 10.13 to the annual report on Form
10-K filed February 29, 2016

Schedule
Number
I

II

Exhibit
Number
3.1

3.2

10.1

10.2

10.3

10.4

10.5

10.6

10.7

10.8

10.9

10.10

10.11

10.12

118

  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
 
 
 
 
Description
Employment Agreement dated April 10, 2014 between
First Commonwealth Financial Corporation and James
R. Reske

Change of Control Agreement dated April 10, 2014
between First Commonwealth Financial Corporation
and James R. Reske

Restricted Stock Agreement dated April 10, 2014
between First Commonwealth Financial Corporation
and James R. Reske

Change of Control Agreement dated March 1, 2013
entered into between FCFC and Norman J.
Montgomery

Incorporated by Reference to
Exhibit 10.1 to the current report on Form 
8-K filed April 10, 2014

Exhibit 10.3 to the current report on Form 
8-K filed April 10, 2014

Exhibit 10.2 to the current report on Form 
8-K filed April 10, 2014

Exhibit 10.3 to the quarterly report on Form
10-Q filed May 8, 2013

Change of Control Agreement dated March 1, 2013
entered into between FCFC and Carrie L. Riggle

Exhibit 10.4 to the quarterly report on Form
10-Q filed May 8, 2013

Change of Control Agreement dated May 31, 2013
entered into between FCFC and Jane Grebenc

Exhibit 10.2 to the quarterly report on Form
10-Q filed August 7, 2013

Employment Agreement dated May 31, 2013 entered
into between FCFC and Jane Grebenc

Exhibit 10.1 to the quarterly report on Form
10-Q filed August 7, 2013

Employment Agreement dated September 19, 2016
entered into between FCFC and Brian Karrip

Exhibit 10.1 to the quarterly report on Form
10-Q filed November 9, 2016

Change of Control Agreement dated September 19,
2016 entered into between FCFC and Brian Karrip

Exhibit 10.2 to the quarterly report on Form
10-Q filed November 9, 2016

Restricted Stock Agreement dated September 19, 2016
entered into between FCFC and Brian Karrip

Exhibit 10.3 to the quarterly report on Form
10-Q filed November 9, 2016

Filed herewith

Filed herewith

Filed herewith

Filed herewith

Filed herewith

Filed herewith

Filed herewith

Filed herewith

Amended and Restated Director Retainer Plan

Subsidiaries of the Registrant

Consent of KPMG LLP Independent Registered Public 
Accounting Firm

Chief Executive Officer Certification pursuant to 
Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002

Chief Financial Officer Certification pursuant to 
Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002

Chief Executive Officer Certification pursuant to 
Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002

Chief Financial Officer Certification pursuant to 
Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002

The following materials from First Commonwealth
Financial Corporation’s Annual Report on Form 10-K
for the year ended December 31, 2017, formatted in
XBRL (Extensible Business Reporting Language): (i)
the Consolidated Balance Sheets at December 31, 2017
and December 31, 2016, (ii) the Consolidated
Statements of Income for the years ended December
31, 2017, 2016 and 2015, (iii) the Consolidated
Statements of Comprehensive Income for the years
ended December 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015, (iv) the
Consolidated Statements of Changes in Shareholders’
Equity for the years ended December 31, 2017, 2016
and 2015, (v) the Consolidated Statements of Cash
Flows for the years ended December 31, 2017, 2016
and 2015, and (vi) the Notes to Consolidated Financial
Statements.

Exhibit
Number
10.13

10.14

10.15

10.16

10.17

10.18

10.19

10.20

10.21

10.22

10.23

21.1

23.1

31.1

31.2

32.1

32.2

101.00

119

  
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the Registrant has duly caused this 
report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized, in Indiana, Pennsylvania.

 SIGNATURES

FIRST COMMONWEALTH FINANCIAL CORPORATION (Registrant)

By:

/S/    T. Michael Price        

T. Michael Price
President and Chief Executive Officer

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this Report has been executed below by the following 
persons on behalf of the Registrant and in the capacities and on the dates indicated.

Signature

Capacity

Date

Dated: March 1, 2018

/S/    Julie A. Caponi       

Director

Julie A. Caponi

/S/    Ray T. Charley        

   Director

Ray T. Charley

/S/    Gary R. Claus        

   Director

Gary R. Claus

David S. Dahlmann

   Director, Chairman

/S/    Johnston A. Glass        

   Director

Johnston A. Glass

/S/    Jon L. Gorney        

   Director

   Director

   Director

   Director

March 1, 2018

March 1, 2018

March 1, 2018

March 1, 2018

March 1, 2018

March 1, 2018

March 1, 2018

March 1, 2018

March 1, 2018

President and Chief Executive Officer
(Principal Executive Officer)

March 1, 2018

Executive Vice President, Chief
Financial Officer, and Treasurer

   Director

   Director

   Director

March 1, 2018

March 1, 2018

March 1, 2018

March 1, 2018

Jon L. Gorney
/S/    David W. Greenfield

David W. Greenfield
/s/ Bart E. Johnson

Bart E. Johnson
/S/    Luke A. Latimer  

Luke A. Latimer

/S/    T. Michael Price        

T. Michael Price

/S/    James R. Reske       

James R. Reske
/S/    Laurie S. Singer

Laurie S. Singer
/S/    Robert J. Ventura

Robert J. Ventura
/s/ Stephen A. Wolfe

Stephen A. Wolfe

120

 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
  
 
 
 
 
Exhibit 21.1 Subsidiaries of First Commonwealth Financial Corporation

Percent Ownership by Registrant

First Commonwealth Bank
601 Philadelphia Street
Indiana, PA 15701
Incorporated under laws of Pennsylvania

Subsidiaries of First Commonwealth Bank

First Commonwealth Insurance Agency
601 Philadelphia Street
Indiana, PA 15701
Incorporated under laws of Pennsylvania

First Commonwealth Community Development Corporation (Inactive)
654 Philadelphia Street
Indiana, PA 15701
Incorporated under laws of Pennsylvania

First Commonwealth Financial Advisors Incorporated
601 Philadelphia Street
Indiana, PA 15701
Incorporated under laws of Pennsylvania

FraMal Holdings Corporation
1105 N. Market Street, Suite 1300
Wilmington, DE 19801
Incorporated under laws of Delaware

First Commonwealth Capital Trust II
601 Philadelphia Street
Indiana, PA 15701
Incorporated under laws of Pennsylvania

First Commonwealth Capital Trust III
601 Philadelphia Street
Indiana, PA 15701
Incorporated under laws of Pennsylvania

Commonwealth Trust Credit Life Insurance Company
2700 North Third Street, Suite 3050
Phoenix, AZ 85004
Incorporated under laws of Arizona

DCB Title Services, LLC (Inactive)
110 Riverbend Avenue
Lewis Center, OH 43035
Incorporated under the laws of Ohio

100%

100%

100%

100%

100%

100%

100%

50%

100%

Exhibit 23.1 Consent of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

The Board of Directors
First Commonwealth Financial Corporation:

We consent to the incorporation by reference in the registration statements (No. 333-206191 and No. 333-187288) on Form 
S-3, in the registration statements (No. 033-55687 and No. 333-159090) on Form S-8 and in the registration statement (No. 
333-214703) on Form S-4 of First Commonwealth Financial Corporation of our reports dated March 1, 2018, with respect to 
the consolidated statements of financial condition of First Commonwealth Financial Corporation as of December 31, 2017 and 
2016, and the related consolidated statements of income, comprehensive income, changes in shareholders’ equity, and cash 
flows for each of the years in the three-year period ended December 31, 2017, and the related notes (collectively, the 
“consolidated financial statements”), and the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2017, 
which reports appear in the December 31, 2017 annual report on Form 10-K of First Commonwealth Financial Corporation.

Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
March 1, 2018 

/s/ KPMG LLP

EXHIBIT 31.1 
CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER CERTIFICATION 
PURSUANT TO SECTION 302 OF THE SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002

I, T. Michael Price, certify that:

1. 

2. 

3. 

4. 

I have reviewed this annual report on Form 10-K of First Commonwealth Financial Corporation;

Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material 
fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not 
misleading with respect to the period covered by this report;

Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present 
in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the 
periods presented in this report;

The registrant's other certifying officer and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and 
procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and internal control over financial reporting (as 
defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)) for the registrant and have:

a) 

b) 

c) 

d) 

Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be 
designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its 
consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in 
which this report is being prepared;

Designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to 
be designed under our supervision, 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;

Evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant's disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our 
conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered 
by this report based on such evaluation; and

Disclosed in this report any change in the registrant's internal control over financial reporting that occurred during 
the registrant's most recent fiscal quarter (the registrant's fourth fiscal quarter in the case of an annual report) that 
has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant's internal control over financial 
reporting; and

5. 

The registrant's other certifying officer and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over 
financial reporting, to the registrant's auditors and the audit committee of the registrant's Board of Directors (or persons 
performing the equivalent functions):

a) 

b) 

All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial 
reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrant's ability to record, process, summarize and 
report financial information; and

Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in 
the registrant's internal control over financial reporting.

March 1, 2018
         Date

/S/    T. Michael Price        
Signature

President and Chief Executive Officer
Title

 
EXHIBIT 31.2 
CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER CERTIFICATION 
PURSUANT TO SECTION 302 OF THE SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002

I, James R. Reske, certify that:

1. 

2. 

3. 

4. 

I have reviewed this annual report on Form 10-K of First Commonwealth Financial Corporation;

Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material 
fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not 
misleading with respect to the period covered by this report;

Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present 
in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the 
periods presented in this report;

The registrant's other certifying officer and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and 
procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and internal control over financial reporting (as 
defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)) for the registrant and have:

a) 

b) 

c) 

d) 

Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be 
designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its 
consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in 
which this report is being prepared;

Designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to 
be designed under our supervision, 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;

Evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant's disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our 
conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered 
by this report based on such evaluation; and

Disclosed in this report any change in the registrant's internal control over financial reporting that occurred during 
the registrant's most recent fiscal quarter (the registrant's fourth fiscal quarter in the case of an annual report) that 
has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant's internal control over financial 
reporting; and

5. 

The registrant's other certifying officer and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over 
financial reporting, to the registrant's auditors and the audit committee of the registrant's Board of Directors (or persons 
performing the equivalent functions):

a) 

b) 

All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial 
reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrant's ability to record, process, summarize and 
report financial information; and

Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in 
the registrant's internal control over financial reporting.

March 1, 2018
         Date

/S/    James R. Reske       
Signature

Executive Vice President, Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer
Title

EXHIBIT 32.1 

CERTIFICATION PURSUANT TO 18 U.S.C. SECTION 1350, 
AS ADDED BY SECTION 906 OF THE 
SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002

I, T. Michael Price, President and Chief Executive Officer of First Commonwealth Financial Corporation (“First 
Commonwealth”), certify that the Annual Report of First Commonwealth on Form 10-K for the period ended December 31, 
2017, fully complies with the requirements of Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and that the 
information contained in such report fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition of First Commonwealth at 
the end of such period and the results of operations of First Commonwealth for such period.

DATED: March 1, 2018

/S/    T. Michael Price        
T. Michael Price
President and Chief Executive Officer

 
 
EXHIBIT 32.2 

CERTIFICATION PURSUANT TO 18 U.S.C. SECTION 1350, 
AS ADDED BY SECTION 906 OF THE 
SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002

I, James R. Reske, Executive Vice President, Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer of First Commonwealth Financial 
Corporation (“First Commonwealth”), certify that the Annual Report of First Commonwealth on Form 10-K for the period 
ended December 31, 2017, fully complies with the requirements of Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 
1934 and that the information contained in such report fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition of First 
Commonwealth at the end of such period and the results of operations of First Commonwealth for such period.

DATED: March 1, 2018

/S/    James R. Reske       
James R. Reske
Executive Vice President, Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer

 
 
Shareholder Information 

Annual Meeting
The Annual Meeting of Shareholders will be held at: 
First Commonwealth Place 
654 Philadelphia Street, Indiana, PA  
on Tuesday, April 24, 2018 beginning at 2:00 p.m., Eastern Time. 

Common Stock 
First Commonwealth Financial Corporation common stock is listed on the New York
Stock Exchange (NYSE) 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 or 1-800-711-2265. 

Transfer Agent
Computershare
P.O. Box 505000 
Louisville, KY 40233-5000 
Telephone: 1-866-203-5173
www.computershare.com/investor 

Dividend Payments 
Subject to the approval of the Board of Directors, quarterly cash dividends are paid in
the months of February, May, August and November. 

Dividend Reinvestment
First Commonwealth Financial Corporation’s direct stock purchase and 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 Computershare at 1-866-203-5173.

Direct Deposit of Dividends 
For information about direct deposit of dividends to your U.S. bank account, please visit 
www.computershare.com/investor or contact Computershare at 1-866-203-5173. 

Investor/Shareholder Inquiries
Requests for information or assistance regarding investor/shareholder inquiries should
be directed to the Corporation at 724-349-7220 or 1-800-711-2265 or 
InvestorRelations@fcbanking.com.

First Commonwealth Financial Corporation
601 Philadelphia Street
Indiana, Pennsylvania 15701-0400
(724) 349.7220
(800) 711.BANK (2265)
fcbanking.com