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First Defiance Financial Corp.

fdef · NASDAQ Financial Services
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Sector Financial Services
Industry Banks - Regional
Employees 501-1000
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FY2014 Annual Report · First Defiance Financial Corp.
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A N N U A L   R E P O R T

2014

F i r s t   D e f i a n c e   F i n a n c i a l   C o r p .

First Defiance Financial Corp.
601 Clinton Street
Defiance, OH 43512
419-782-5105
First-Fed.com

First Defiance Financial Corp.
511 Fifth Street
Defiance, OH 43512
419-784-5431
Firstinsurancegrp.com

First Defiance Financial Corp.
601 Clinton Street
Defiance, OH 43512
419-782-5104
Fdef.com

For investor relations information, visit Fdef.com

 
 
 
 
 
TO OUR SHAREHOLDERS

SHAREHOLDERS INFORMATION

DEAR FELLOW SHAREHOLDERS, 

2014 was a very successful year for our 
company. We recorded our third consecutive 

year of record 
earnings and 
achieved a total 
shareholder 
return of over 
34 percent. We 
are delighted 
to have carried 
forward the
positive 
momentum 
gained over 
the last several 
years and to 
have advanced 
toward our  
goal of being  
a consistently  
high performing  
community bank. 

As we celebrate 
the success of 
2014 and the 
progress we’ve 
accomplished, 

Donald P. Hileman
President & CEO

William J. Small
Chairman

we gain even more confidence that we 
are positioned to meet the economic and 
regulatory environment challenges that 
still lie ahead. The prolonged low interest 
rate environment resulting from multiple 
factors, while beneficial in some areas of our 
operations such as cost of funds, has had a 
damping effect and been an overall  
indicator of weaker economic growth.   

The Federal Reserve has taken multiple 
actions to stimulate the economic engine 
for the past several years, and the outlook 
for rates to rise gives us confidence that we 
are entering a period of sustainable growth. 
This will provide additional opportunities 
for greater utilization of our products and 
services by current customers and the chance 
to introduce new customers to First Federal 
Bank’s community banking difference. 

To be a high performing community bank,  
we also need to meet our customers’ 
increasing expectations for personalized 
service, added convenience and quick 
response. We have established many 
important initiatives this year to help us meet 
these desires, including Mobile Deposit, 
OnLine Account Opening and chat capabilities 
to help guide customers through the 
mortgage loan process wherever they may 
be. We plan to enhance our digital delivery 
services to allow customers to bank anytime, 
anywhere and to serve those adjacent to 
our footprint or in areas that do not have 
full-service community banking centers. Not 
only have we satisfied the needs of our retail 
customers, we have designed a streamlined 
lending process for small to mid-sized 
business customers and added dedicated 
Business Bankers to each of our market areas. 

While our presence online is important, we 
remain dedicated to building relationships 
with our customers through our network of 
banking center locations. Early in 2014, we 

established a loan production office in 
Columbus, Ohio; and in September, we 
opened our second office in Fort Wayne, 
Indiana, showcasing our relationship banking 
model. Continued expansion is planned in 
areas with strong growth opportunities. We 
are committed to our strategy of providing 
quality products and service while earning 
trust and confidence from our customers. 

2014 also represented a year of transition with 
the retirement of James L. Rohrs, First Federal 
Bank President and CEO, on December 31 
after an accomplished banking career of 
which 15 years were spent with First Federal 
Bank. As a result of a solid succession plan, 
we remain ready to meet the opportunities 
and challenges of the year ahead under 
the guidance of a skilled, experienced 
leadership team. We are thankful to all of 
our stakeholders, customers, employees and 
shareholders for their continued support  
and help in achieving continued success  
for First Defiance.

Sincerely,

Donald P. Hileman  

William J. Small

ANNUAL MEETING
In order to increase shareholder attendance and participation,  
the Annual Meeting of Shareholders will be conducted  
virtually at 2:00 p.m. on Tuesday, April 21, 2015.  
Shareholders may access the Annual Meeting by going  
to www.virtualshareholdermeeting.com/FDEF2015. 

INVESTOR INFORMATION
Shareholders, investors and analysts interested in additional 
information about First Defiance Financial Corp. may contact 
Investor Relations at the corporate office, 419-782-5104.

TOTAL RETURN PERFORMANCE

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12/31/09

12/31/10

12/31/11

12/31/12

12/31/13

12/31/14

First Defiance Financial Corp. 

NASDAQ Composite 

SNL Bank NASDAQ 

SNL Midwest Thrift

PRICE RANGE 
Year Ended December 31, 2014

First Quarter 
Second Quarter 
Third Quarter 
Fourth Quarter 

High 
$28.23  
$29.00  
$29.00  
$35.70  

Year Ended December 31, 2013   

First Quarter 
Second Quarter 
Third Quarter 
Fourth Quarter 

High 
$23.75  
$23.75  
$28.46  
$27.25   

Low
$24.24 
$26.50 
$26.99 
$26.95 

Low
$18.42 
$20.80 
$22.49 
$23.31 

STOCK TRANSFER AGENT
Shareholders with questions concerning the transfer of shares,  
lost certificates, dividend payments, dividend reinvestment,  
receipt of multiple dividend checks, duplicate mailings or  
changes of address should contact:

Broadridge Corporate Issuer Solutions
PO Box 1342
Brentwood, NY 11717
1-844-318-0128 or 1-720-358-3594
shareholder@broadridge.com

SECURITIES LISTING
First Defiance Financial Corp. common stock trades on the NASDAQ 
Global Select Market under the symbol FDEF. As of March 2, 2015, 
there were approximately 1,938 stockholders of record and 9,234,781 
shares outstanding.

DIVIDEND POLICY
The First Defiance Financial Corp. Board reviews and determines on 
a quarterly basis whether to declare a dividend. Dividends declared 
in 2014 totaled $0.63 per share.

DIVIDEND REINVESTMENT PLAN
Shareholders may automatically reinvest dividends in additional 
First Defiance Financial Corp. common stock through the Dividend 
Reinvestment Plan, which also provides for purchase by voluntary 
cash contributions. For additional information, please contact: 
Broadridge Corporate Issuer Solutions
at 1-844-318-0128 or 1-720-358-3594. 

AUDITORS
Crowe Horwath LLP 
330 East Jefferson Boulevard 
South Bend, Indiana 46624

GENERAL COUNSEL
Vorys, Sater, Seymour & Pease LLP 
301 East Fourth Street, Suite 3500 
Cincinnati, Ohio 45202

 
 
 
 
 
    
 
 
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
 
   
 
 
 
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
COMPANY PROFILE

First Defiance Financial Corp., headquartered in Defiance, Ohio, is the holding company for First Federal Bank of the 

Midwest and First Insurance Group. First Federal Bank operates 33 full-service branches and 43 ATMs in northwest 

Ohio, southeast Michigan and northeast Indiana and a loan production office in Columbus, Ohio. First Insurance 

Group is a full-service insurance agency with five offices throughout northwest Ohio.

Founded in the 1920s as Northwest Savings, First Federal Bank was chartered in 1935 as a federal mutual savings 

and  loan  company.  First  Federal  Bank  converted  to  a  mutual  holding  company  and  issued  its  first  stock  to  the  

public  and  employees  in  1993.  In  September  1995,  First  Federal  Bank  converted  to  a  full  stock  company, 

trading  stock  on  the  NASDAQ  national  market  under  the  ticker  symbol  FDEF.  At  the  same  time,  First  Defiance 

Financial  Corp.  was  founded  as  the  holding  company  for  First  Federal  Bank.  In  1998,  an  additional  business 

line  was  added  with  the  acquisition  of  an  insurance  agency,  now  known  as  First  Insurance  Group.  The  Bank’s 

name  was  changed  to  First  Federal  Bank  of  the  Midwest  in  1999,  to  better  reflect  our  community  banking  

business strategy.

Since  2003,  First  Defiance  has  acquired  three  banking  offices,  opened  eight  de  novo  offices,  acquired  

three insurance agencies and completed acquisitions of ComBanc, Inc. based in Delphos, Ohio; Genoa Savings and 

Loan based in Genoa, Ohio; and Pavilion Bancorp, based in Adrian, Michigan. 

Statements contained in this Annual Report may not be based on historical facts and are “forward-looking 
statements”  within  the  meaning  of  Section  27A  of  the  Securities  Act  of  1933,  as  amended,  and  Section 
21B  of  the  Securities  Act  of  1934,  as  amended.  Actual  results  could  vary  materially  depending  on  risks  and 
uncertainties  inherent  in  general  and  local  banking  and  insurance  conditions,  competitive  factors  specific 
to  markets  in  which  the  Company  and  its  subsidiaries  operate,  future  interest  rate  levels,  legislative  and 
regulatory  decisions  or  capital  market  conditions.  The  Company  assumes  no  responsibility  to  update  this 
information.  For  more  details,  please  refer  to  the  Company’s  SEC  filings,  including  its  most  recent  Annual 
Report on Form 10-K and quarterly reports on Form 10-Q.

SAFE HARBOR STATEMENT

Summary of Operating Costs

Net interest income

Provision for loan losses

(in thousands, except per share amounts)

2014

2013

% Change

 $69,689 

 $67,611 

3.07%

 1,117 

 1,824 

-38.76%

Non-interest income (excluding securities gains/losses)

 30,709 

 31,018 

-1.00%

Securities gains (losses)

Non-interest expense

Net income

Balance Sheet Data

Total assets

Loans, net

Deposits

Stockholders' equity

Allowance for loan losses

Share Information

Basic earnings per common share

Diluted earnings per common share

Dividends per common share

Tangible book value per common share

Shares outstanding at end of period

Key Ratios

Average net interest margin

Return on average assets

Return on average equity

Efficiency ratio

 932 

 (240)

488.33%

 66,758 

 24,292 

2014

 65,052 

 22,235 

2.62%

9.25%

2013

% Change

 $2,178,952 

 $2,137,148 

 1,622,020 

 1,555,498 

 1,760,813 

 1,735,792 

 279,505 

 272,147 

1.96%

4.28%

1.44%

2.70%

 24,766 

 24,950 

-0.74%

2014

 $2.55

 2.44 

 0.63 

 23.25

 9,235 

2014

3.68%

1.12%

8.78%

2013

% Change

 $2.28 

 2.19 

 0.40 

 21.22 

 9,720 

11.84%

11.42%

57.50%

9.57%

-4.99%

2013

% Change

3.76%

1.08%

8.39%

-2.13%

3.68%

4.72%

0.79%

65.32%

64.81%

$2.40
2.20
2.00
1.80
1.60
1.40
1.20
1.00
.80
.60
.40
.20

$1,800
1,600
1,400
1,200
1,000
800
600
400
200
600
400
200

Diluted Earnings Per Share

Total Assets (In Millions)

2,400
2,200
2,000
1,800
1,600
1,400
1,200
1,000
800
600
400
200

10 

11 

12 

13 

14

10 

11 

12 

13 

14

Deposits (In Millions)

Loans (In Millions)

$1,600

1,400

1,200

1,000

800

600

400

200

10 

11 

12 

13 

14

10 

11 

12 

13 

14

Stockholders Equity (In Millions)

$300

250

200

150

100

50

400

200

10 

11 

12 

13 

14

First Defiance Financial Corp. Board of Directors

William J. Small 
Chairman, 
First Defiance Financial Corp. 
1, 5, 6 & 7

Donald P. Hileman 
President &  
Chief Executive Officer, 
First Defiance Financial Corp. 
5, 7 & 8

Stephen L. Boomer 
Vice Chairman & Lead Director, 
First Defiance Financial Corp. 
President &  
Chief Executive Officer,  
Arps Dairy, Inc. 
Defiance, Ohio 
1, 2, 3, 4, 6, 7 & 8

John L. Bookmyer 
Chief Executive Officer, 
Pain Management Group 
Findlay, Ohio 
2, 3 & 5

Douglas A. Burgei, D.V.M. 
Veterinarian, 
Napoleon, Ohio 
4, 5 & 8

Peter A. Diehl 
Retired Business Owner, 
Defiance, Ohio 
2, 4 & 8

Jean A. Hubbard 
Business Manager &  
Corporate Treasurer, 
The Hubbard Company 
Defiance, Ohio 
2, 3 & 8

Barbara A. Mitzel 
Area Manager, 
Consumers Energy 
Adrian, Michigan 
4, 5 & 6

Charles D. Niehaus 
Managing Partner, 
Niehaus & Associates, Ltd. 
Toledo, Ohio 
4 & 6 

Samuel S. Strausbaugh 
Chairman,  
Chief Executive Officer & 
Chief Financial Officer, 
JB & Company, Inc. 
Tiffin, Ohio 
2, 3, 7 & 8 

Key For Board of Directors:
1. Executive Committee 
2. Audit Committee
3. Compensation Committee
4. Corporate Governance  

Committee

5. Investment Committee
6. Trust Committee
7. First Insurance Group Board
8. Risk Committee

First Insurance Group, Inc. Corporate Officers
Donald P. Hileman 
Chief Executive Officer 

Kenneth G. Keller 
Executive Vice President,  
Group Health & Life

Michael R. Klein 
President &  
Chief Operating Officer

Marvin K. Dubbs, Jr. 
Executive Vice President, 
Property & Casualty 

John Payak, III 
Executive Vice President, 
Property & Casualty

Tim Whetstone 
Executive Vice President, 
Property & Casualty

Lawrence H. Woods 
Executive Vice President,  
Property & Casualty

First Federal Bank of the Midwest 
Corporate Officers

Donald P. Hileman 
President &  
Chief Executive Officer

Kevin T. Thompson 
Executive Vice President,  
Chief Financial Officer

John R. Reisner 
Executive Vice President,  
Chief Risk Officer &  
Legal Counsel

Gregory R. Allen 
Executive Vice President,  
Community Banking  
President

Dennis E. Rose, Jr. 
Executive Vice President,  
Director of Business Banking 

Michael D. Mulford 
Executive Vice President,  
Chief Credit Officer

Timothy K. Harris 
Executive Vice President,  
Eastern Market Area  
President

Marybeth Shunck 
Executive Vice President,  
Northern Market Area  
President

James R. Williams 
Executive Vice President,  
Western Market Area  
President

David D. Dygert 
Executive Vice President, 
Columbus Market Executive 

Brent L. Beard 
Senior Vice President,  
Controller

Philip R. Bundy 
Senior Vice President,  
Fort Wayne Market  
Executive

Craig A. Curtis 
Senior Vice President, 
Commercial Lending

Amy M. Daeger 
Senior Vice President,  
Director of Retail 
Administration 

David L. Kondas 
Senior Vice President,  
Director of Wealth 
Management

Kathleen A. Miller 
Senior Vice President,  
Information Technology

Linda R. Moening 
Senior Vice President,  
Deposit & Loan  
Operations Manager

Lisa R. Christy Nartker 
Senior Vice President,  
Trust Manager

Martha J. Woelke 
Senior Vice President,  
Retail Lending

First Defiance Financial Corp.  
Corporate Officers

Donald P. Hileman 
President &  
Chief Executive Officer

Kevin T. Thompson 
Executive Vice President,  
Chief Financial Officer

John R. Reisner 
Executive Vice President,  
Chief Risk Officer &  
Legal Counsel

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

(Mark One) 
[  X  ] 

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

EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934  

For the fiscal year Ended  

December 31, 2014 

or 

[ 

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

Commission File Number 

0-26850 

_____________ 

FIRST DEFIANCE FINANCIAL CORP. 
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter) 
_____________ 

OHIO 
(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization) 
601 Clinton Street, Defiance, Ohio 
(Address of principal executive offices) 

34-1803915 
(I.R.S. Employer Identification Number) 
43512 
(Zip code) 

Registrant’s telephone number, including area code:  (419) 782-5015 
_______________ 

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act: 

    Common Stock, Par Value $0.01 Per Share 
(Title of Class) 

The NASDAQ Stock Market 

(Name of each exchange on which registered) 

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act: 
None 
 (Title of Class) 
_______________ 

Indicate by check mark if the registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act. Yes [     ]  
 No [  X  ]  

Indicate by check mark if registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or Section 15(d) of the Exchange Act.  
Yes [     ]  No [  X  ] 

Indicate  by  check  mark  whether  the  Registrant  (1)  has  filed  all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities 
Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the Registrant was required to file such reports), 
and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days. Yes [ X ] No [     ] 

Indicate  by  check  mark  whether  the  registrant  has  submitted  electronically  and  posted  on  its  corporate  Website,  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 [ X ] 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.  [X] 

Indicate  by  check  mark  whether  the  Registrant  is  a  large  accelerated  filer,  an  accelerated  filer,  a  non-accelerated  filer,  or  a  smaller 
reporting company.  See definitions of “accelerated filer”, “large accelerated filer” and “smaller reporting company” in Rule 12b-2 of 
the Exchange Act. (Check one): 

Large accelerated filer  [   ] 

      Accelerated filer  [ X ]          Non-accelerated filer  [   ]       Smaller reporting Company   [   ] 

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

The aggregate market value of the voting stock held by non-affiliates of the Registrant computed by reference to the average bid and 
ask price of such stock as of June 30, 2014 was approximately $262.5 million.  

As of February 20, 2015, there were issued and outstanding 9,222,676 shares of the Registrant’s common stock. 

Part III of this Form 10-K incorporates by reference certain information from the registrant’s definitive Proxy Statement for the 2015 
Annual Shareholders’ Meeting.

Documents Incorporated by Reference 

- 1 -

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
First Defiance Financial Corp. 
Annual Report on Form 10-K 

Table of Contents 

Business 
Risk Factors 
Unresolved Staff Comments 
Properties 
Legal Proceedings 
Mine Safety Disclosures 

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

Purchases of Equity Securities 

Selected Financial Data 
Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operation 
Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk 
Financial Statements and Supplementary Data 
Changes in and Disagreements With Accountants on Accounting and Financial 
Disclosure 
Controls and Procedures 
Other Information 

Directors, Executive Officers and Corporate Governance 
Executive Compensation 
Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related 

Stockholder Matters 

Certain Relationships and Related Transactions, and Director Independence 
Principal Accounting Fees and Services 

Exhibits, Financial Statement Schedules 

Page 

  3 
26 
32 
32 
34 
34 

34 
37 
38 
57 
59 

 132 
 132 
 132 

 132 
 132 

 132 
 133 
 133 

 134 

 135 

PART I 
Item 1. 
Item 1A. 
Item 1B. 
Item 2. 
Item 3. 
Item 4. 

PART II 
Item 5. 

Item 6. 
Item 7. 
Item 7A. 
Item 8. 
Item 9. 

Item 9A. 
Item 9B. 

PART III 
Item 10. 
Item 11. 
Item 12. 

Item 13.   
Item 14. 

PART IV 
Item 15. 

SIGNATURES 

- 2 - 

- 2 -

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Item 1. Business 

PART I 

First  Defiance  Financial  Corp.  (“First  Defiance”  or  “the  Company”)  is  a  unitary  thrift  holding 
company  that,  through  its  subsidiaries,  First  Federal  Bank  of  the  Midwest  (“First  Federal”),  First 
Insurance  Group  of  the  Midwest,  Inc.  (“First  Insurance”),  and  First  Defiance  Risk  Management  Inc.  
(collectively,  “the  Subsidiaries”),  focuses  on  traditional  banking  and  property  and  casualty,  life  and 
group  health  insurance  products.  First  Federal’s  banking  activities  include  originating  and  servicing 
residential,  commercial, and consumer loans and providing a broad range of depository services.  First 
Insurance’s activities consist primarily of selling property and casualty, life and group health insurance 
products.  First  Defiance  Risk  Management  is  a  wholly  owned  insurance  company  subsidiary  of  the 
Company to insure the Company and its subsidiaries against certain risks unique to the operations of the 
Company  and  for  which  insurance  may  not  be  currently  available  or  economically  feasible  in  today’s 
insurance  marketplace.  First  Defiance  Risk  Management  pools  resources  with  several  other  similar 
insurance  company  subsidiaries  of  financial  institutions  to  spread  a  limited  amount  of  risk  among 
themselves. 

The Company’s philosophy is to grow and prosper, building long-term relationships based on top 
quality  service,  high  ethical  standards  and  safe  and  sound  assets.  The  Company  operates  as  a  locally 
oriented,  community-based  financial  services  organization,  augmented  by  experienced,  centralized 
support  in  select  critical  areas.  The  Company’s  local  market  orientation  is  reflected  in  its  market  area 
management and local advisory boards, which are comprised of local business persons, professionals and 
other community representatives that assist area management in responding to local banking needs.  

The  Company’s  operating  objectives  include  expansion,  diversification  within  its  markets, 
growth of its fee-based income and growth organically and through acquisitions of financial institutions, 
branches and financial services businesses. The Company seeks merger or acquisition partners that are 
culturally similar, have experienced management and possess either significant market area presence or 
have  the  potential  for  improved  profitability  through  financial  management,  economies  of  scale  and 
expanded services. The Company regularly evaluates merger and acquisition opportunities and conducts 
due  diligence  activities  related  to  possible  transactions  with  other  financial  institutions.  As  a  result, 
merger or acquisition discussions and, in some cases, negotiations may take place and future mergers or 
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  the  Company’s 
tangible book value and net income per common share may occur in any future transaction.  

At  December  31,  2014,  the  Company  had  consolidated  assets  of  $2.18  billion,  consolidated 
deposits  of  $1.76  billion,  and  consolidated  stockholders’  equity  of  $279.5  million.  The  Company  was 
incorporated in Ohio in June of 1995. Its principal executive offices are located at 601 N. Clinton Street, 
Defiance, Ohio 43512, and its telephone number is (419) 782-5015. 

On February 18, 2014, the Company announced the signing of a definitive agreement to acquire 
First  Community  Bank  (FCB”).  On  April  21,  2014,  First  Federal  and  FCB  jointly  announced  the 
termination of the merger agreement. Both companies mutually agreed to terminate the agreement after it 
became evident that completion of the merger would take significantly longer than originally expected. 
The  Company  incurred  $786,000  in  costs  related  to  the  termination  in  the  first  quarter  of  2014 that  is 
recorded in other non-interest expense.      

First Defiance's website, www.fdef.com contains a hyperlink under the Investor Relations section 
to EDGAR where the annual report on Form 10-K, quarterly reports on Form 10-Q, current reports on 
Form 8-K and amendments to those reports filed or furnished pursuant to Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the 
Securities Exchange Act of 1934 are available free of charge as soon as reasonably practicable after First 
Defiance has filed the report with the United State Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”). 

- 3 - 

- 3 -

 
The Subsidiaries 

The Company’s core business operations are conducted through the Subsidiaries: 

First  Federal  Bank  of  the  Midwest:    First  Federal  is  a  federally  chartered  stock  savings  bank 
headquartered in Defiance, Ohio. It conducts operations through 26 full service banking center offices in 
Allen, Defiance, Fulton, Hancock, Henry, Lucas, Ottawa, Paulding, Putnam, Seneca, Williams and Wood 
counties in northwest Ohio, two full service banking center offices in Allen County in northeast Indiana, 
five  full  service  banking  center offices in Lenawee County in southeast Michigan and one commercial 
loan production office in Hilliard, Ohio that opened in the first half of 2014.  

First  Federal  is  primarily  engaged  in  community  banking.  It  attracts  deposits  from  the  general 
public through its offices and uses those and other available sources of funds to originate residential real 
estate  loans,  non-residential  real  estate  loans,  commercial  loans,  home  improvement  and  home  equity 
loans  and  consumer  loans.  In  addition,  First  Federal  invests  in  U.S.  Treasury  and  federal  government 
agency  obligations,  obligations  of  the  State  of  Ohio  and  its  political  subdivisions,  mortgage-backed 
securities  that  are  issued  by  federal  agencies,  including  real  estate  mortgage  investment  conduits 
(“REMICs”)  and  collateralized  mortgage  obligations  (“CMOs”),  and  corporate  bonds.  First  Federal’s 
deposits are insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (“FDIC”). First Federal is a member 
of the Federal Home Loan Bank (“FHLB”) System. 

First  Insurance  Group  of  the  Midwest:    First  Insurance  is  a  wholly  owned  subsidiary  of  First 
Defiance.  First  Insurance  is  an  insurance  agency  that  conducts  business  through  offices  located  in  the 
Defiance, Maumee, Oregon, Bryan and Bowling Green, Ohio areas. First Insurance offers property and 
casualty insurance, life insurance and group health insurance.    

First  Defiance  Risk  Management:    First  Defiance  Risk  Management  was  incorporated  on 
December  20,  2012,  as  a  wholly-owned  insurance  company  subsidiary  of  the  Company  to  insure  the 
Company  and  the  Subsidiaries  against  certain  risks  unique  to  the  operations  of  the  Company  and  for 
which  insurance  may  not  be  currently  available  or  economically  feasible  in  today’s  insurance 
marketplace.    First  Defiance  Risk  Management  pools  resources  with  several  other  similar  insurance 
company subsidiaries of financial institutions to spread a limited amount of risk among themselves. 

Business Strategy 

First Defiance’s primary objective is to be a high-performing community banking organization, 
well  regarded  in  its market areas. First Defiance accomplishes  this through emphasis on local decision 
making  and  empowering  its  employees  with  tools  and  knowledge  to  serve  its  customers’  needs.  First 
Defiance believes in a “Customer First” philosophy that is strengthened by its Trusted Advisor initiative. 
First  Defiance  also  has  a  tagline  of  “Better  Together”  as  an  indication  of  its  commitment  to  local, 
responsive, personalized service. First Defiance believes this strategy results in greater customer loyalty 
and  profitability  through  core  relationships.  First  Defiance  is  focused  on  diversification  of  revenue 
sources  and  increased  market  penetration  in  areas  where  the  growth  potential  exists  for  a  balance 
between acquisition and organic growth. The primary elements of First Defiance’s business strategy are 
commercial  banking,  consumer  banking,  including  the  origination  and  sale  of  single-family  residential 
loans,  enhancement  of  fee  income,  wealth  management  and  insurance  sales,  each  united  by  a  strong 
customer service culture throughout the organization. 

Commercial and Commercial Real Estate Lending - Commercial and commercial real estate 
lending  have  been  an  ongoing  focus  and  a  major  component  of  First  Federal’s  success.  First  Federal 
provides  primarily  commercial  real  estate  and  commercial  business  loans  with  an  emphasis  on  owner- 
occupied commercial real estate and commercial business lending with a focus on the deposit balances 
that  accompany  these  relationships.  First  Federal’s  client  base  tends  to  be  small  to  middle  market 

- 4 - 

- 4 -

 
 
 
customers  with  annual  gross  revenues  generally  between  $1  million  and  $50  million.  First  Federal’s 
focus is also on securing multiple guarantors in addition to collateral where possible.  These customers 
require First Federal to have a high degree of knowledge and understanding of their business in order to 
provide  them  with  solutions  to  their  financial  needs.  First  Federal’s  Customer  First  philosophy  and 
culture  complements  this  need  of  its  clients.  First  Federal  believes  this  personal  service  model 
differentiates First Federal from its competitors, particularly the larger regional institutions. First Federal 
offers  a  wide  variety  of  products  to  support  commercial  clients  including  remote  deposit  capture  and 
other cash management services. First Federal also believes that the small business customer is a strong 
market for First Federal. First Federal participates in many of the Small Business Administration lending 
programs  and  has  implemented  a  new  program  in  2014  targeting  the  small  business  customer. 
Maintaining a diversified portfolio with an emphasis on monitoring industry concentrations and reacting 
to changes in the credit characteristics of industries is an ongoing focus.  

Consumer  Banking  -  First  Federal  offers  customers  a  full  range  of  deposit  and  investment 
products  including  demand,  checking,  money  market,  certificates  of  deposits,  Certificate  of  Deposit 
Account  Registry  Service  (“CDARS”)  and  savings  accounts.  First  Federal  offers  a  full  range  of 
investment  products  through  the  wealth  management  department  and  a  wide  variety  of  consumer  loan 
products,  including  residential  mortgage  loans,  home  equity  loans, and  installment  loans.  First  Federal 
also offers online banking services, which include mobile banking, online bill pay along with debit cards. 

Fee Income Development - Generation of fee income and the diversification of revenue sources 
are  accomplished  through  the  mortgage  banking  operation,  insurance  subsidiary  and  the  wealth 
management department as First Defiance seeks to reduce reliance on retail transaction fee income.  

Deposit Growth - First Federal’s focus has been to grow core deposits with an emphasis on total 
relationship banking with both our retail and commercial customers. First Federal has initiated a pricing 
strategy  that  considers  the  whole  relationship  of  the  customer.  First  Federal  will  continue  to  focus  on 
increasing its market share in the communities it serves by providing quality products with extraordinary 
customer service, business development strategies and branch expansion. First Federal will look to grow 
its footprint in areas believed to further complement its overall market share and complement its strategy 
of being a high-performing community bank. 

Asset Quality - Maintaining a strong credit culture is of the utmost importance to First Federal. 
First Federal has maintained a strong credit approval and review process that has allowed the Company 
to maintain a credit quality standard that balances the return with the risks of industry concentrations and 
loan  types.  First  Federal  is  primarily  a  collateral  lender  with  an  emphasis  on  cash  flow  performance, 
while obtaining additional support from personal guarantees and secondary sources of repayment. First 
Federal  has  directed  its  attention  to  loan  types  and  markets  that  it  knows  well  and  in  which  it  has 
historically  been  successful.  First  Federal  strives  to  have  loan  relationships  that  are  well  diversified  in 
both size and industry, and monitor the overall trends in the portfolio to maintain its industry and loan 
type  concentration  targets.  First  Federal  maintains  a  problem  loan  remediation  process  that  focuses  on 
detection and resolution. First Federal maintains a strong process of internal control that subjects the loan 
portfolio to periodic internal reviews as well as independent third-party loan review.     

Expansion  Opportunities  -  First  Defiance  believes  it  is  well  positioned  to  take  advantage  of 
acquisitions  or  other  business  opportunities  in  its  market  areas.  First  Defiance  believes  it  has  a  track 
record  of  successfully  accomplishing  both  acquisitions  and  de  novo  branching  in  its  market  area.  This 
track  record  puts  the  Company  in  a  solid  position  to  enter  or  expand  its  business.  First  Defiance  has 
successfully integrated acquired institutions in the past. First Defiance will continue to be disciplined as 
well  as  opportunistic  in  its  approach  to  future  acquisitions  and  de  novo  branching  with  a  focus  on  its 
primary  geographic  market  area,  which  it  knows  well,  and  has  been  competing  in  for  a  long period of 
time as well as surrounding market areas.   

- 5 - 

- 5 -

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Securities 

 First Defiance’s securities portfolio is managed in accordance with a written policy adopted by 
the  Board  of  Directors  and  administered  by  the Investment Committee. The Chief Financial Officer of 
First  Federal,  Chief  Executive  Officer  of  First  Federal,  and  the  Chief  Administration  Office  of  First 
Federal  can  each  approve  transactions  up  to  $3.0 million.  Two  of  the  three  officers  are  required  to 
approve  transactions  between  $3.0  million  and  $5.0 million.  All  transactions  in  excess  of  $5.0 million 
must be approved by the Board of Directors. 

First  Defiance’s  investment  portfolio  includes  58  collateralized  mortgage  obligation  (“CMO”) 
issues totaling $81.1 million, all of which are fully amortizing securities.  Management does not believe 
the  risks  associated  with  any  of  its  CMO  investments  are  significantly  different  from  risks  associated 
with  other  pass-through  mortgage-backed  securities.  First  Defiance  did  not  have  any  off-balance  sheet 
derivative securities at December 31, 2014. 

Management determines the appropriate classification of debt securities at the time of purchase. 
Debt securities are classified as held-to-maturity when First Defiance has the positive intent and ability to 
hold  the  securities  to  maturity.  Held-to-maturity  securities  are  stated  at  amortized  cost.  Debt  securities 
not classified as held-to-maturity and equity securities are classified as available-for-sale. Available-for-
sale securities are stated at fair value.  

The carrying value of securities at December 31, 2014 by contractual maturity is shown below. 
Expected maturities will differ from contractual maturities because issuers may have the right to call or 
prepay  obligations  with  or  without  call  or  prepayment  penalties.  For  purposes  of  the  maturity  table, 
mortgage-backed  securities,  which  are  not  due  at  a  single  maturity  date,  have  been  allocated  over 
maturity  groupings  based  on  the  weighted-average  contractual  maturities  of  underlying  collateral.  The 
mortgage-backed  securities  may  mature  earlier  than  their  weighted-average  contractual  maturities 
because of principal prepayments. 

Contractually Maturing 

Total 

Weighted 
Under 1  Average 

Year 

Rate 

1 - 5 
Years 

Weighted 
Average 
Rate 

6-10 
Years 

Weighted 
Weighted 
Average  Over 10  Average 
Years 

Rate 

Rate 

Amount  Yield 

Mortgage-backed  
  securities 
CMOs 
U.S. government and 
   federal agency 
   obligations 
Obligations of states and 
   political subdivisions (1) 
Corporate bonds 
Total 
Unamortized premiums/ 

(discounts) 
Unrealized gain on 

securities available 

    for sale 
Total 

  $ 8,970 
15,243 

3.34%   $  24,446 
40,198 
3.19 

3.25%   $14,242 
    20,854 

       2.94 

3.16% 

        2.74 

  $  7,396 
3,557 

(Dollars in Thousands) 

3.07%    $  55,054 
 2.75 

79,852  2.93 

3.22% 

-            - 

1,000 

       1.50 

         - 

              - 

   - 

          - 

1,000 

 1.50 

15       5.13 
1,988       0.70 

$   26,216 

6,945 
1,925 
   $  74,514 

       2.87 
       0.53 

     35,648 
       3,000 
   $  73,744 

         3.74 
         1.15 

41,279 

3.76 
-                - 

83,887 

 3.68 
6,913  0.85 

$   52,232 

 $  226,706 

5,704 

7,224   

$   239,634 

(1)  Tax  exempt  yield  based  on  effective  tax  rate  of  35%.  Actual  coupon  rate  is  approximately  equal  to  the  weighted  average  rate 

disclosed in the table times 65%. 

- 6 - 

- 6 -

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
       
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
The carrying value of investment securities is as follows: 

Available-for-sale securities: 

Obligations of U.S. government corporations and 

agencies 

U.S. treasury bonds 
Obligations of state and political subdivisions 
CMOs, REMICS and mortgage-backed securities 
Trust preferred stock and preferred stock 
Corporate bonds 

Total 

Held-to-maturity securities: 

Mortgage-backed securities 
Obligations of state and political subdivisions 

Total 

2014 

December 31 
2013 
(In Thousands) 

2012 

$        980 
- 
88,532 
142,816 
1 
6,992 
   $    239,321 

$        4,921 
- 
80,220 
101,133 
2,954 
8,942 
   $    198,170 

$        11,069 
1,002 
82,611 
88,927 
1,608 
8,884 
   $    194,101 

   $          158 
               155 
   $          313 

   $          201 
               186 
   $          387 

   $          291 
               217  
   $          508 

For  additional  information  regarding  First  Defiance’s  investment  portfolio,  refer  to  Note 5  – 

Investment Securities to the consolidated financial statements. 

Interest-Bearing Deposits 

The  Company  had  $71.0  million  and  $143.0  million  in  overnight  investments  at  the  Federal 
Reserve  at  December  31,  2014  and  2013,  respectively,  which  amount  is  included  in  interest-bearing 
deposits.  First  Defiance  had  interest-earning  deposits  in  the  FHLB  of  Cincinnati  and  other  financial 
institutions amounting to $6.5 million and $2.3 million at December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively.  

Residential Loan Servicing Activities 

Servicing mortgage loans for investors involves a contractual right to receive a fee for processing 
and  administering  loan  payments  on  mortgage  loans  that  are  not  owned  by  the  Company  and  are  not 
included  on  the  Company’s  balance  sheet.  This  processing  involves  collecting  monthly  mortgage 
payments  on  behalf  of  investors,  reporting  information  to  those  investors  on  a  monthly  basis  and 
maintaining custodial escrow accounts for the payment of principal and interest to investors and property 
taxes  and  insurance  premiums  on  behalf  of  borrowers.  At  December  31,  2014,  First  Federal  serviced 
14,267  loans  totaling  $1.35  billion.  The  vast  majority  of  the  loans  serviced  for  others  are  fixed  rate 
conventional  mortgage  loans.  The  Company  primarily  sells  its  loans  to  Freddie  Mac,  Fannie  Mae  and 
FHLB.  At December 31, 2014, 62.46%, 36.55% and 0.83% of the Company’s sold loans were to Freddie 
Mac, Fannie Mae and FHLB, respectively. 

As  compensation  for  its  mortgage  servicing  activities,  the  Company  receives  servicing  fees, 
usually 0.25% per annum of the loan balances serviced, plus any late charges collected from delinquent 
borrowers and other fees incidental to the services provided. In the event of a default by the borrower, the 
Company receives no servicing fees until the default is cured. 

The following table sets forth certain information regarding the number and aggregate principal 
balance of the mortgage loans serviced by the Company, including both fixed and adjustable rate loans, 
at various interest rates: 

- 7 - 

- 7 -

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
    
    
    
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
2014 

December 31 

2013 

2012 

Percentage 
Number  Aggregate  of Aggregate  Number  Aggregate  of Aggregate  Number  Aggregate  of Aggregate 

Percentage 

Percentage 

Rate 

of 
Loans 

Principal 
Balance 

Principal 
Balance 

of 
Loans 

Principal 
Balance 

Principal 
Balance 

of 
Loans 

Principal 
Balance 

Principal 
Balance 

(Dollars in Thousands) 

Less than 3.00% 
3.00% -3.99% 
4.00% -4.99% 
5.00% - 5.99% 
6.00% - 6.99% 
7.00% and over 
Total 

1,807 
4,985 
3,952 
2,200 
1,086 
237 
 14,267 

  $   194,998 
       544,117 
       386,949 
       147,057 
         62,379 
         11,138 
$   1,346,638 

14.48% 
40.41 
28.73 
10.92 
4.63 
0.83 
100.00% 

1,901 
4,771 
3,508 
2,537 
1,316 
286 
 14,319 

$   220,376 
    544,512 
    333,469 
    177,999 
      80,457 
      14,428 
$ 1,371,241 

16.07% 
39.71 
24.32 
12.98 
5.87 
1.05 
100.00% 

1,182 
3,822 
3,597 
3,218 
1,746 
362 
 13,927 

$    148,144 
     454,634 
     346,528 
     243,077 
     116,855 
       19,479 
$ 1,328,717 

11.15% 
34.22 
26.08 
18.29 
8.79 
1.47 
100.00% 

Loan servicing fees decrease as the principal balance on the outstanding loan decreases and as 
the  remaining  time  to  maturity  of  the  loan  shortens.  The  following  table  sets  forth  certain  information 
regarding the remaining maturity of the mortgage loans serviced by the Company as of the dates shown. 

2014 

Number  
of Loans 

% of 
Number  
of Loans 

Unpaid 
Principal 
Amount 

Maturity 

% of 
Unpaid 
Principal 
Amount 

December 31 
2013 

Number  
of Loans 

% of 
Number  
of Loans 

Unpaid 
Principal 
Amount 

(Dollars in Thousands) 

2012 

% of 
Unpaid 
Principal 
Amount 

Number  
of Loans 

% of 
Number  
of Loans 

Unpaid 
Principal 
Amount 

% of 
Unpaid 
Principal 
Amount 

1–5 years 
6–10 years 
11–15 years 
16–20 years 
21–25 years 
More than 25 

years 

Total 

810 
1,204 
4,082 
1,720 
1,575 

1.18% 
5.67%   $    15,932 
       64,979 
8.44 
4.83 
     385,409  28.62 
28.61 
     155,783  11.57 
12.06 
     143,062  10.62 
11.04 

846 
1,009 
4,340 
1,704 
1,218 

5.91% 
7.05 
30.31 
11.90 
8.51 

1.43% 
 $    19,593 
       52,404 
3.82 
     420,362  30.66 
     158,467  11.56 
7.50 
     102,844 

507 
4,030 
1,391 
1,846 
1,370 

3.64%   $    10,537 
     395,066 
     134,916 
     163,929 
       60,618 

28.94 
9.99 
13.25 
9.84 

0.79% 

29.73 
10.16 
12.34 
4.56 

4,876 

34.18 

     581,473  43.18 

5,202 

36.32 

     617,571  45.03 

4,783 

34.34 

     563,651 

42.42 

14,267 

100.00%  $1,346,638  100.00% 

14,319 

100.00%  $1,371,241  100.00% 

13,927 

100.00%  $1,328,717  100.00% 

Lending Activities 

General – A savings bank generally may not make loans to one borrower and related entities in 
an amount which exceeds 15% of its unimpaired capital and surplus, although loans in an amount equal 
to an additional 10% of unimpaired capital and surplus may be made to a borrower if the loans are fully 
secured  by  readily  marketable  collateral.  Real  estate  is  not  considered  “readily  marketable  collateral.” 
Certain types of loans are not subject to these limits. In applying these limits, loans to certain borrowers 
may be aggregated. Notwithstanding the specified limits, a savings bank may lend to one borrower up to 
$500,000 “for any purpose.” At December 31, 2014, First Federal’s limit on loans-to-one borrower was 
$39.4  million  and  its  five  largest  loans  (including  available  lines  of  credit)  or  groups  of  loans  to  one 
borrower, including related entities, were $25.9 million, $23.0 million, $21.8 million, $21.6 million and 
$21.0 million. All of these loans or groups of loans were performing in accordance with their terms at 
December 31, 2014.  

Loan Portfolio Composition – The net increase or (decrease)  in net loans receivable over the 
prior  year  was  $66.5  million,  $57.0  million  and  $44.7  million  at  December  31,  2014,  2013,  and  2012, 
respectively. The loan portfolio contains no foreign loans. The Company’s loan portfolio is concentrated 
geographically  in  its  northwest  Ohio,  northeast  Indiana  and  southeast  Michigan  market  areas. 
Management has identified lending for income generating rental properties as an industry concentration. 
Total  loans  for  income  generating  property  totaled  $494.6  million  at  December  31,  2014,  which 
represents 29.3% of the Company’s loan portfolio.  

The following table sets forth the composition of the Company’s loan portfolio by type of loan at 

the dates indicated. 

- 8 - 

- 8 -

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Real estate: 

Single family residential 
Five or more family 
   residential  
Nonresidential real estate   
Construction 

Total real estate loans 

Other: 

Consumer finance 
Commercial  
Home equity and improvement 

Total non-real estate loans 
Total loans 
Less: 

Loans in process 
Deferred loan origination fees 
Allowance for loan losses 

Net loans 

2014 

2013 

December 31 
2012 

2011 

2010 

Amount 

% 

Amount 

% 

Amount 

% 

Amount 

% 

Amount 

% 

(Dollars in Thousands) 

$  206,437 

12.2%  $  195,752 

12.2% 

$  200,826 

13.0% 

$  203,401 

13.6% 

$  205,938 

13.5% 

156,530 
683,958 
112,385 
   1,159,310 

9.3 
40.6 
6.7 
68.8 

148,952 
670,666 
86,058 
   1,101,428 

9.2 
41.6 
5.3 
68.3 

122,275 
675,110 
37,788 
    1,035,999 

15,466 
399,730 
111,813 
527,009 
1,686,319 

0.9 
23.7 
6.6 
31.2 
100.0% 

16,902 
388,236 
106,930 
512,068 
1,613,496 

1.0 
24.1 
6.6 
31.7 
100.0% 

15,936 
383,817 
108,718 
508,471 

7.9 
43.7 
2.5 
67.1 

1.0 
24.9 
7.0 
32.9 

126,246 
649,746 
31,552 
   1,010,945 

8.4 
43.3 
2.1 
67.4 

120,534 
646,478 
30,340 
   1,003,290 

7.9 
42.2 
2.0 
65.6 

18,887 
349,053 
122,143 
490,083 

1.3 
23.2 
8.1 
32.6 

22,848 
369,959 
133,593 
526,400 

1.5 
24.2 
8.7 
34.4 

1,544,470  100.0% 

1,501,028  100.0% 

1,529,690  100.0% 

38,653 
880 
24,766 
$  1,622,020 

32,290 
758 
24,950 
$  1,555,498 

18,478 
735 
26,711 
$  1,498,546 

13,243 
709 
33,254 
$  1,453,822 

9,267 
920 
41,080 
$  1,478,423 

In  addition  to  the  loans  reported  above,  First  Defiance  had  $4.5  million,  $9.1  million,  $22.1 
million, $13.8 million, and $18.1 million in loans classified as held for sale at December 31, 2014, 2013, 
2012, 2011 and 2010, respectively. The fair value of such loans, which are all single-family residential 
mortgage loans, approximated their carrying value for all years presented. 

Contractual  Principal,  Repayments  and  Interest  Rates  –  The  following  table  sets  forth 
certain  information  at  December 31,  2014 regarding the dollar amount of gross loans maturing in First 
Defiance’s portfolio, based on the contractual terms to maturity. Demand loans, loans having no stated 
schedule of repayments and no stated maturity, and overdrafts are reported as due in one year or less. 

Years After December 31, 2014 

Due Less 
 than 1 

Due 1-2 

Due 3-5 

  $ 272,347 

  $ 131,872 

    $  572,069 

Due 5-10 
(In Thousands) 
  $ 

90,963 

Due 10-15 

Due 15+ 

Total 

  $  27,210 

  $ 

64,849  $1,159,310 

256,926 

56,291 

79,447 

7,066 

- 

- 

399,730 

85,411 
6,504 
  $ 621,188 

8,699 
4,039 
  $ 200,901 

    13,680 
 4,790 
    $  669,986 

2,821 
121 
  $  100,971 

521 
12 
  $  27,743 

  $ 

681 
- 

111,813 
15,466 
65,530  $ 1,686,319 

Real estate 
Non-real estate: 
Commercial 
Home equity and 
improvement 
Consumer finance 

Total 

The schedule above does not reflect the actual life of the Company’s loan portfolio. The average 
life  of  loans  is  substantially  less  than  their  contractual  terms  because  of  prepayments  and  due-on-sale 
clauses, which give First Defiance the right to declare a conventional loan immediately due and payable 
in the event, among other things, that the borrower sells the real property subject to the mortgage and the 
loan is not repaid. 

- 9 - 

- 9 -

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
The  following  table  sets  forth  the  dollar  amount  of  gross  loans  due  after  one  year  from 

December 31, 2014 which have fixed interest rates or which have floating or adjustable interest rates.  

Real estate 
Commercial 
Other 

Fixed 
Rates 

Floating or 
Adjustable  
Rates 
(In Thousands) 

Total 

  $  306,609 
120,351 
34,768 
  $  461,728 

  $    580,354 
22,453 
596 
  $    603,403 

  $  886,963 
142,804 
 35,364 
 $ 1,065,131 

Originations,  Purchases  and  Sales  of  Loans  –  The  lending  activities  of  First  Federal  are 
subject  to  the  written,  non-discriminatory,  underwriting  standards  and  loan  origination  procedures 
established by the Board of Directors and management. Loan originations are obtained from a variety of 
sources,  including  referrals  from  existing  customers,  real  estate  brokers,  developers  and  builders, 
newspaper and radio advertising and walk-in customers. 

First Federal’s loan approval process for all types of loans is intended to assess the borrower’s 
ability to repay the loan, the viability of the loan and the adequacy of the value of the collateral that will 
secure the loan. 

A commercial loan application is first reviewed and underwritten by one of the commercial loan 
officers, who may approve credits within their lending limit. Another loan officer with limits sufficient to 
cover  the  exposure  must  approve  credits  exceeding  an  individual’s  lending  limit.  All  credits  which 
exceed  $100,000  in  aggregate  exposure  must  be  presented  for  review  or  approval  to  the  Senior  Loan 
Committee  comprised  of  senior  lending  personnel.  Credits  which  exceed  $2,000,000  in  aggregate 
exposure must be presented for approval to the Executive Loan Committee. 

Residential mortgage applications are accepted by retail lenders or branch managers, who utilize 
an  automated  underwriting  system  to  review  the  loan  request.  First  Federal  also  receives  mortgage 
applications  via  an  online  residential  mortgage  origination  system.  A  final  approval  of  all  residential 
mortgage  applications  is  made  by  a member of a centralized underwriting staff within their designated 
lending limits. Loan requests in excess or outside an individual underwriter’s limit are approved by the 
Senior Loan Committee and, if necessary, by the Executive Loan Committee. 

Retail lenders and branch managers are authorized to originate and approve direct consumer loan 
requests that are within policy guidelines and within the lender’s approved lending limit. Loans in excess 
of the lender’s approved lending limit may be approved by retail lending managers up to their approved 
lending  limit.  Loans  in  excess  of  the  retail  lending  manager’s  authorized  lending  limit  or  outside  of 
policy must be approved by Senior Loan Committee and, if necessary, by the Executive Loan Committee. 
Indirect  consumer  loans  originated  by  auto  dealers  are  underwritten  and  approved  by  a  designated 
underwriter in accordance with company policy and lending limits. 

First Defiance offers adjustable-rate loans in order to decrease the vulnerability of its operations 
to changes in interest rates. The demand for adjustable-rate loans in First Defiance’s primary market area 
has  been  a  function  of  several  factors,  including  customer  preference,  the  level  of  interest  rates,  the 
expectations of changes in the level of interest rates and the difference between the interest rates offered 
for  fixed-rate  loans  and  adjustable-rate  loans.  The  relative  amount  of  fixed-rate  and  adjustable-rate 
residential  loans  that  can  be  originated  at  any  time  is  largely  determined  by  the  demand  for  each  in  a 
competitive environment. 

- 10 - 

- 10 -

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Adjustable-rate  loans  represented  11.9%  of  First  Defiance’s  total  originations  of  one-to-four 
family  residential  mortgage  loans  in  2014  compared  to  9.2%  and  7.1%  during  2013  and  2012, 
respectively.  

Adjustable-rate  loans  decrease  the  risks  associated  with  changes  in  interest  rates,  but  involve 
other  risks,  primarily  because  as  interest  rates  rise,  the  payment  by  the  borrower  rises  to  the  extent 
permitted  by  the  terms  of  the  loan,  thereby  increasing  the  potential  for  default.  At  the  same  time,  the 
marketability of the underlying property may be adversely affected by higher interest rates. 

The  following  table  shows  total  loans  originated,  loan  reductions,  and  the  net  increase in First 

Defiance’s total loans and loans held for sale during the periods indicated: 

Loan originations: 

Single family residential 
Multi-family residential  
Non-residential real estate  
Construction 
Commercial 
Home equity and improvement 
Consumer finance 
Total loans originated 
Loans purchased: 
Loan reductions: 
Loan pay-offs 
Loans sold 
Periodic principal repayments 

2014 

Years Ended December 31 
2013 
(In Thousands) 

2012 

  $  173,301   $  326,700 
50,874 
113,999 
67,530 
435,248 
41,552 
10,043 
1,045,946 
4,545 

46,181 
159,959 
66,264 
524,073 
45,934 
10,632 
1,026,344 
16,594 

  $  546,773 
28,521 
191,742 
33,557 
603,415 
32,684 
9,722 
1,446,414 
- 

219,446 
176,381 
578,873 
974,700 
68,238   $ 

205,254 
315,812 
473,343 
994,409 
56,082 

299,479 
514,351 
580,919 
1,394,749 
51,665 

  $ 

Net increase in total loans and loans held for sale 

  $ 

Asset Quality 

First  Defiance’s  credit  policy  establishes  guidelines  to  manage  credit  risk  and  asset  quality. 
These  guidelines  include  loan  review  and  early  identification  of  problem  loans  to  ensure  sound  credit 
decisions.  First  Defiance’s  credit  policies  and  review  procedures  are  meant  to  minimize  the  risk  and 
uncertainties  inherent  in  lending.  In  following  the  policies  and  procedures,  management  must  rely  on 
estimates,  appraisals  and  evaluations  of  loans  and  the  possibility  that  changes  in  these  could  occur 
because of changing economic conditions. 

Delinquent Loans — The following table sets forth information concerning delinquent loans at 
December  31,  2014,  in  dollar  amount  and  as  a  percentage  of  First  Defiance’s  total  loan portfolio. The 
amounts presented represent the total outstanding principal balances of the related loans, rather than the 
actual payment amounts that are past due. 

- 11 - 

- 11 -

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
30 to 59 Days 

60 to 89 Days 

90 Days and Over 

Total 

Amount  Percentage    Amount  Percentage    Amount  Percentage    Amount  Percentage 
(Dollars in Thousands) 

One to four family 

residential real estate 
Nonresidential and Multi-  

 $ 

148 
678 

0.01% 
0.04 

  $    1,170 
  1,997 

  $ 

0.07% 
0.12 

944 
3,320 

0.06% 
0.20 

  $  2,262 
5,995 

0.14% 
0.35 

family residential 

Commercial 
Construction 
Home Equity and 
Improvement 
Consumer Finance 
Total 

66 
- 
1,225 

    0.00 
     0.00 
     0.07 

10 
- 
- 

0.00 
0.00 
0.00 

2,961 
- 
106 

0.18 
0.00 
0.01 

3,037 
- 
1,331 

0.18 
0.00 
0.08 

68 
 $  2,185 

56 
     0.00 
     0.12%      $  3,233 

- 
0.00 
0.19%      $  7,331 

124 
0.00 
0.45%      $  12,749 

0.01 
0.76% 

Overall,  the  level  of  delinquencies  at  December  31,  2014  has  decreased  from  the  levels  at 
December  31,  2013,  when  First Defiance reported that 1.16% of its outstanding loans were at least 30 
days delinquent. The level of total loans 90 or more days delinquent has decreased to 0.45% at December 
31,  2014  from  0.73%  at  December  31,  2013.  The  level  of  total  loans  60-89  days  delinquent  increased 
slightly to 0.19% at December 31, 2014 from 0.14% at December 31, 2013.  Overall, the level of loans 
that  were  30  to  59  days  past  due  past  due  decreased  from  0.29%  at  December  31,  2013  to  0.12%  at 
December  31,  2014.  Management  has  assessed  the  collectability  of  all  loans  that  are  90  days  or  more 
delinquent as part of its procedures in establishing the allowance for loan losses. 

 Nonperforming  Assets  –  All  loans  are  reviewed  on  a  regular  basis  and  are  placed  on  non-
accrual  status  when,  in  the  opinion  of  management,  the  collectability  of  additional  interest  is  not 
expected.  Generally,  First  Defiance  places  all  loans  more  than  90  days  past  due on non-accrual status. 
First  Defiance  also  places  loans  on  non-accrual  when  the  loan  is  paying  as  agreed  but  the  Company 
believes the financial condition of the borrower is such that this classification is warranted. When a loan 
is placed on non-accrual status, total unpaid interest accrued to date is reversed. Subsequent payments are 
generally applied to the outstanding principal balance but may be recorded as interest income, depending 
on  the  assessment  of  the  ultimate  collectability  of  the  loan.  First  Defiance  considers  that  a  loan  is 
impaired when, based on current information and events, it is probable that it will be unable to collect all 
amounts due (both principal and interest) according to the contractual terms of the loan agreement. First 
Defiance measures impairment based on the present value of expected future cash flows discounted at the 
loan’s  effective  interest  rate,  the  loan’s  observable  market  price,  or  the  fair  value  of  the  collateral,  if 
collateral  dependent.  If  the  estimated  recoverability  of  the  impaired  loan  is  less  than  the  recorded 
investment,  First  Defiance  will  recognize  impairment by allocating a portion of the allowance for loan 
losses on cash flow dependent loans and by charging off the deficiency on collateral dependent loans.  

Loans originated by First Federal having principal balances of $48.9 million, $57.3 million and 
$71.1  million  were  considered  impaired  as  of  December 31,  2014,  2013  and  2012,  respectively.  The 
decrease in impaired loans from 2013 to 2014 is due to a continued concerted effort by management and 
the lending staff to work specific credits out of the bank or back to performing status.  These amounts of 
impaired loans exclude large groups of small-balance homogeneous loans that are collectively evaluated 
for impairment such as residential mortgage, consumer installment and credit card loans. There was $1.6 
million  of  interest  received  and  recorded  in  income  during  2014  related  to  impaired  loans.  There  was 
$2.1 million and $1.3 million recorded in 2013 and 2012, respectively. Unrecorded interest income based 
on the loan’s contractual terms on these impaired loans and all non-performing loans in 2014, 2013 and 
2012 was $1.2 million, $1.1 million, and $2.5 million, respectively. The average recorded investment in 
impaired loans during 2014, 2013 and 2012 (excluding loans accounted for under FASB ASC Topic 310 
Subtopic  30) was $50.3 million, $65.4 million and $53.3 million, respectively. The total allowance for 
loan losses related to these loans was $1.3 million, $1.4 million, and $1.5 million at December 31, 2014, 
2013 and 2012, respectively.  

- 12 - 

- 12 -

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
  
 
  
 
 
 
     
 
     
 
   
 
  
     
     
     
  
    
    
    
  
     
    
    
  
     
     
     
  
      
     
     
 
 
 
Real estate acquired by foreclosure is classified as real estate owned until such time as it is sold. 
First  Defiance  also  repossesses  other  assets  securing  loans,  consisting  primarily  of  automobiles.  When 
such property is acquired it is recorded at fair value less cost to sell. Costs relating to development and 
improvement  of  property  are  capitalized,  whereas  costs  relating  to  holding  the  property  are  expensed. 
Valuations are periodically performed by management and a write-down of the value is recorded with a 
corresponding  charge  to  operations  if  it  is  determined  that  the  carrying  value  of  property  exceeds  its 
estimated  net  realizable  value.  During  2014,  First  Defiance  recognized  $251,000  of  expense  related  to 
write-downs  in  value  of  real  estate  acquired  by  foreclosure.  The  balance  of  real  estate  owned  at 
December 31, 2014 was $6.2 million. 

As of December 31, 2014, First Defiance’s total non-performing loans amounted to $24.1 million 
or 1.47% of total loans (net of undisbursed loan funds and deferred fees and costs), compared to $27.8 
million or 1.76% of total loans, at December 31, 2013.  Non-performing loans are loans which are more 
than 90 days past due or on nonaccrual. The nonperforming loan balance includes $20.5 million of loans 
originated  by  First  Federal  also  considered  impaired  or  acquired  loans  accounted  for  under  Topic  310 
Subtopic 30. 

The  following  table  sets  forth  the  amounts  and  categories  of  First  Defiance’s  non-performing 
assets (excluding impaired loans not considered non-performing) and troubled debt restructurings at the 
dates indicated. 

2014 

2013 

December 31 
2012 
(Dollars in Thousands) 

2011 

2010 

Nonperforming loans: 

One to four family residential real 

estate 

Nonresidential and multi-family 

residential real estate 

Commercial  
Construction 
Home Equity and Improvement 
Consumer finance 
Total nonperforming loans 

Real estate owned 
Other repossessed assets 
Total repossessed assets 

  $  3,332 

  $  3,273 

  $  3,602 

  $  3,890 

  $  7,232 

15,174 
4,993 
- 
619 
12 
24,130 

6,181 
- 
6,181 

15,834 
8,327 
- 
413 
- 
27,847 

5,859 
- 
5,859 

23,090 
5,661 
- 
217 
- 
32,570 

3,805 
- 
3,805 

28,150 
6,884 
- 
394 
10 
39,328 

3,608 
20 
3,628 

21,737 
11,547 
64 
446 
14 
41,040 

9,591 
- 
9,591 

Total nonperforming assets 

  $ 30,311 

  $ 33,706 

  $ 36,375 

  $ 42,956 

  $ 50,631 

Restructured loans, accruing 

   $ 24,686 

   $ 27,630 

   $ 28,203 

    $ 3,380 

    $  6,001 

Total nonperforming assets as a 
   percentage of total assets  
Total nonperforming loans as a 
percentage of total loans* 
Total nonperforming assets as a 

percentage of total loans plus REO* 
Allowance for loan losses as a percent 
    of total nonperforming assets 

      1.39% 

1.58% 

       1.78% 

2.08% 

2.49% 

      1.47% 

      1.76% 

       2.14%        2.64% 

      2.70% 

      1.83% 

      2.12% 

       2.38%        2.88% 

      3.70% 

     81.71%       74.02%       73.43%      77.41% 

    81.14% 

* Total loans are net of undisbursed loan funds and deferred fees and costs. 

- 13 - 

- 13 -

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
                    
          
                    
Allowance for Loan Losses – First Defiance maintains an allowance for loan losses to absorb 
probable  incurred  credit  losses  in  the  loan  portfolio.  The  allowance  for  loan  loss  is  made  up  of  two 
components.    The  first  is  a  general  reserve,  which  is  used  to  record  loan  loss  reserves  for  groups  of 
homogenous  loans  in  which  the  Company  estimates  the  losses  incurred  in  the  portfolio  based  on 
quantitative  and  qualitative  factors.    Quantitative  factors  are  primarily the historical loss experience of 
the  portfolio  for  the  most  recent  three  years.    Qualitative  factors  that  may  lead  the  Company  to  add 
additional  general  reserves  on  the  non-impaired  loan  portfolio  include  such  things  as:  changes  in 
international,  national  and  local  economic  business  conditions,  changes  in  the  value  of  underlying 
collateral for collateral dependent loans, changes in the political and regulatory environment and changes 
in the trends of the loan portfolio.  

 The  second  component  of  the  allowance  for  loan  loss  is  the  specific  reserve  in  which  the 
Company sets aside reserves based on the analysis of individual credits.  In evaluating the adequacy of its 
allowance each quarter, management grades all loans in the commercial portfolio. In establishing specific 
reserves,  the  Company  analyzes  all  substandard,  doubtful  and  loss  graded  loans  quarterly  and  makes 
judgments about the risk of loss based on the cash flow of the borrower, the value of any collateral and 
the  financial  strength  of  any  guarantors.    If  the  loan  is  cash  flow  dependent,  then  a  specific  reserve  is 
established  for  the  discount  on  the  net  present  value  of  expected  future  cash  flows.    If  the  loan  is 
collateral dependent, then any shortfall is usually charged off.  The Company also considers the impacts 
of any Small Business Association or Farm Service Agency guarantees. Internal loan review performs a 
review of 75% of relationships between $1.0 million and $5.0 million (including all new), 25% of new 
relationships  between  $250,000  and  $1.0  million  and  all  business  banking  loans.  Management  also 
engages  a  third-party  to  do  an  annual  review  of  all  commercial  loan  and  commercial  real  estate  loan 
relationships that exceed $5.0 million of aggregate exposure and all watchlist relationships that exceed 
$500,000  of  aggregate  exposure  over  annually.  Both  of  these  loan  reviews,  among  other  things, 
independently assess management’s loan grades. 

Loans  charged-off  are  charged  against  the  allowance  when  such  loans  meet  the  Company’s 
established  policy  on  loan  charge-offs  and  the  allowance  itself  is  adjusted  quarterly  by  recording  a 
provision  for  loan  losses.  As  such,  actual  losses  and  losses  provided  for  should  be  approximately  the 
same if the overall quality, composition and size of the portfolio remained static. To the extent that the 
portfolio grows at a rapid rate or overall quality deteriorates, the provision generally will exceed charge-
offs, as in 2009 and 2010. However, in certain circumstances, as in 2011 through 2014, net charge-offs 
may  exceed  the  provision  for loan losses when management determines that loans previously provided 
for  in  the  allowance  for  loan  losses  are  uncollectible  and  should  be  charged  off  or  as  overall  credit 
improves.  Although  management  believes  that  it  uses  the  best  information  available  to  make  such 
determinations,  future  adjustments  to  the  allowances  may  be  necessary,  and  net  earnings  could  be 
significantly  affected,  if  circumstances  differ  substantially  from  the  assumptions  used  in  making  the 
initial determinations. 

At  December  31,  2014,  First  Defiance’s  allowance  for  loan  losses  totaled  $24.8  million 
compared  to  $25.0  million  at  December  31,  2013.  The  following  table  sets  forth  the  activity  in  First 
Defiance’s allowance for loan losses during the periods indicated. 

- 14 - 

- 14 -

 
 
 
 
 
 
Allowance at beginning of year 
Provision for credit losses 
Charge-offs: 
Single family residential real estate 
Commercial real estate and multi-family 
Commercial 
Consumer finance 
Home equity and improvement 

Total charge-offs 
Recoveries  
Net charge-offs 
Ending allowance 

Allowance for loan losses to total non-        

performing loans at end of year 

Allowance for loan losses to total loans at end 

of year* 

Allowance for loan losses to net charge-offs 

2014 

Years Ended December 31 
2012 
2011 
2013 
(Dollars in Thousands) 

2010 

  $ 24,950 
1,117 

  $ 26,711 
1,824 

  $ 33,254 
10,924 

  $ 41,080 
12,434 

  $  36,547 
23,177 

(426) 
(1,018) 
(2,982) 
(41) 
(392) 
(4,859) 
3,558 
(1,301) 
  $ 24,766 

(643) 
(2,475) 
(1,230) 
(94) 
(757) 
(5,199) 
1,614 
(3,585) 
  $ 24,950 

(2,515) 
(11,319) 
(4,047) 
(133) 
(1,165) 
(19,179) 
1,712 
(17,467) 
  $ 26,711 

(2,753) 
(13,150) 
(4,398) 
(95) 
(1,052) 
(21,448) 
1,188 
(20,260) 
  $ 33,254 

(3,092) 
(9,928) 
(5,118) 
(124) 
(1,066) 
(19,328) 
684 
(18,644) 
  $ 41,080 

102.64% 

89.60% 

82.01% 

84.56% 

100.10% 

1.50% 

1.58% 

1.75% 

2.24% 

2.70% 

for the year 

152.92% 
Net charge-offs for the year to average loans 
1.18% 
* Total loans are net of undisbursed loan funds and deferred fees and costs.  

1,903.61%  695.96% 
0.23% 

0.08% 

164.14% 
1.41% 

220.34% 
1.21% 

The provision for credit losses has decreased significantly in 2014 and 2013 from previous years 
due to improved credit quality of the loan portfolio.  Charge-offs trended downward in 2014 and 2013. 
Management  anticipates  a  stable  level  of  net  charge-offs  in  2015  compared  to  2014  and  feels  that  the 
level  of  the  allowance  for  loan  losses  at December 31, 2014 is sufficient to cover the estimated losses 
incurred but not yet recognized in the loan portfolio. 

The  following  table  sets  forth  information  concerning  the  allocation  of  First  Defiance’s 
allowance for loan losses by loan categories at the dates indicated. For information about the percent of 
total loans in each category to total loans, see “Lending Activities-Loan Portfolio Composition.” 

2014 

2013 

December 31 
2012 

2011 

2010 

Percent of 
total loans 
by category  Amount 

Percent of 
total loans 
by category  Amount 

Percent of 
total loans 
by category  Amount 

Percent of 
total loans 
by category  Amount 

Percent of 
total loans 
by category 

Amount 

(Dollars in Thousands) 

  $   2,715   

18.9%   

 $  2,981   

17.5%    $  3,581   

15.5%    $  4,158   

15.7%    $  6,029   

15.5% 

       13,721 

49.9 

       14,508 

50.8 

      14,899 

51.6 

      20,490 

51.7 

       22,355 

23.7 

         5,678 

24.1 

      6,325 

24.9 

      6,576 

23.2 

       10,871 

50.1 

24.2 

7.5 

         1,783 
100.0%    $ 24,950 

7.6 

      1,906 
100.0%    $ 26,711 

8.0 

      2,030 
100.0%    $ 33,254 

9.4 

         1,825 
100.0%    $ 41,080 

10.2 
100.0% 

Single family 

residential and 
construction 
Nonresidential and 
Multi-family  
residential real  
estate  

Other: 

Commercial loans           6,509 
Consumer and 

home equity and 
improvement loans          1,821 
  $ 24,766 

Sources of Funds 

General  –  Deposits  are  the  primary  source  of  First  Defiance’s  funds  for  lending  and  other 
investment  purposes.  In  addition  to  deposits,  First  Defiance  derives  funds  from  loan  principal 
repayments. Loan repayments are a relatively stable source of funds, while deposit inflows and outflows 

- 15 - 

- 15 -

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
are significantly influenced by general interest rates and money market conditions. Borrowings from the 
FHLB may be used on a short-term basis to compensate for reductions in the availability of funds from 
other sources. They may also be used on a longer-term basis for general business purposes. During 2007, 
First Defiance issued $15.0 million of trust preferred securities through an unconsolidated affiliated trust. 
Proceeds from the offering were used for general corporate purposes including funding of dividends and 
stock  buybacks  as  well  as  bolstering  regulatory  capital  at  the  First  Federal  level.  First  Defiance  also 
issued $20.0 million of similar trust preferred securities in 2005. 

Deposits  –  First  Defiance’s  deposits  are  attracted  principally  from  within  First  Defiance’s 
primary market area through the offering of a broad selection of deposit instruments, including checking 
accounts, money market accounts, savings accounts, and term certificate accounts. Deposit account terms 
vary, with the principal differences being the minimum balance required, the time periods the funds must 
remain on deposit, and the interest rate. 

To supplement its funding needs, First Defiance also has the ability to utilize the national market 
for Certificates of Deposit. First Defiance has used these deposits in the past and could in the future if 
necessary.  The total balance of national certificates of deposit was $0 at December 31, 2014 and 2013. 

Average balances and average rates paid on deposits are as follows: 

2014 

Amount 

Rate 

Years Ended December 31 
2013 

Amount 
(Dollars in Thousands) 

Rate 

2012 

Amount 

Rate 

$  350,677 

- 

$  308,591 

- 

$  266,913 

- 

733,637 
198,919 
466,951 
$  1,750,184 

0.17% 
0.05 
0.85 
0.30% 

677,903 
179,041 
496,360 
$  1,661,895 

0.17% 
0.05 
0.95 
0.36% 

629,568 
164,508 
558,648 
$  1,619,637 

0.20% 
0.07 
1.21 
0.50% 

Non-interest-bearing 
demand deposits 

Interest bearing  

demand deposits 

Savings deposits 
Time deposits 
Totals 

The  following  table  sets  forth  the  maturities  of  First  Defiance’s  retail  certificates  of  deposit 

having principal amounts greater than $100,000 at December 31, 2014 (In Thousands):  

Retail certificates of deposit maturing in quarter ending: 

March 31, 2015 
June 30, 2015 
September 30, 2015 
December 31, 2015 
After December 31, 2015 

Total retail certificates of deposit with  

balances greater than $100,000 

  $ 

21,080 
18,325 
17,225 
14,526 
91,799 

    $   162,955 

At  December  31,  2014,  the  Company  had  total  deposits  having  principal  amounts  greater  than 

$250,000 of $412.2 million. 

The following table details the deposit accrued interest payable as of December 31: 

Interest bearing demand deposits and  

money market accounts 

Certificates of deposit 

- 16 - 

- 16 -

2014 

2013 

(In Thousands) 

  $ 

  $ 

15 
         23 
    38 

  $ 

  $ 

14 
         34 
    48 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
For  additional  information  regarding  First  Defiance’s  deposits  see  Note  11  to  the  financial 

statements. 

Borrowings—  First  Defiance  may  obtain  advances  from  the  FHLB  of  Cincinnati  by  pledging 
certain of its residential mortgage loans, non-residential loans, multi-family loans, home equity loans and 
investment  securities  provided  certain  standards  related  to  creditworthiness  have  been  met.  Such 
advances are made pursuant to several credit programs, each of which has its own interest rate and range 
of maturities. 

The  following  table  sets  forth  certain  information  as  to  First  Defiance’s  FHLB  advances  and 

other borrowings at the dates indicated.  

Long-term: 

FHLB advances 

Weighted average interest rate 

Short-term: 

2014 

December 31 
2013 
(Dollars in Thousands) 

2012 

  $    21,544 
2.38% 

  $    22,520 
2.36% 

  $    12,796 
2.80% 

Securities sold under  agreement to repurchase 

Weighted average interest rate 

  $    54,759 
0.28% 

  $    51,919 
0.31% 

  $    51,702 
0.63% 

The  following  table  sets  forth  the  maximum  month-end  balance  and  average  balance  of  First 

Defiance’s long-term FHLB advances and other borrowings during the periods indicated.  

Long-term: 

FHLB advances: 

Maximum balance 
Average balance 
Weighted average interest rate 

2014 

Years Ended December 31 
2013 
(Dollars in Thousands) 

2012 

  $ 

22,520 
21,993 
    2.38% 

  $ 

22,765 
16,569 
    2.62% 

  $ 

81,838 
66,121 
3.67% 

The  following  table  sets  forth  the  maximum  month-end  balance  and  average  balance  of  First 

Defiance’s short-term FHLB advances and other borrowings during the periods indicated.  

Short-term: 

FHLB advances: 

Maximum balance 
Average balance 
Weighted average interest rate 

Securities sold under agreement to repurchase: 

Maximum balance 
Average balance  
Weighted average interest rate  

2014 

Years Ended December 31 
2013 
(Dollars in Thousands) 

2012 

  $ 

  $ 

- 
- 
- 

  $ 

50,000 
1,164 
             0.09% 

  $ 

61,154 
54,541 
0.29% 

57,182 
50,877 
0.44% 

  $ 

  $ 

- 
- 
- 

57,050 
53,171 
0.70% 

First  Defiance  borrows  funds  under  a  variety  of  programs  at  the  FHLB.  As  of  December 31, 
2014,  there  was  $21.5  million  outstanding  under  various  long-term  FHLB  advance  programs.  First 

- 17 - 

- 17 -

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Defiance  utilizes  short-term  advances  from  the  FHLB  to  meet  cash  flow  needs  and  for  short-term 
investment  purposes.  At  December  31,  2014  and  December  31,  2013,  no  outstanding  balances  existed 
under First Defiance’s Cash Management Advance Line of Credit.  The total available under this line is 
$15.0  million.  Additionally,  First  Defiance  has  $100.0  million  available  under  a  REPO  line  of  credit. 
Amounts are generally borrowed under these lines on an overnight basis. First Federal’s total borrowing 
capacity at the FHLB is limited by various collateral requirements. Eligible collateral includes mortgage 
loans, home equity loans, non-mortgage loans, cash, and investment securities. At December 31, 2014, 
other  than  amounts  available  on  the  REPO  and  Cash  Management  line,  First  Federal  had  additional 
borrowing capacity with the FHLB of $425.8 million as a result of these collateral requirements. 

As a member of the FHLB of Cincinnati, First Federal must maintain a minimum investment in 
the capital stock of that FHLB in an amount defined in the FHLB’s regulations. First Federal is permitted 
to own stock in excess of the minimum requirement and is in compliance with the minimum requirement 
with an investment in stock of the FHLB of Cincinnati of $13.8 million at December 31, 2014 and $19.3 
at December 31, 2013. First Federal also acquired $2.0 million in stock of the FHLB of Indianapolis from 
the 2008 acquisition of the Bank of Lenawee, which had a balance of $10,000 at December 31, 2014 and 
2013.   

Each  FHLB  is  required  to  establish  standards  of  community  investment  or  service  that  its 
members must maintain for continued access to long-term advances from the FHLB. The standards take 
into account a member’s performance under the Community Reinvestment Act and its record of lending 
to first-time homebuyers. 

For additional information regarding First Defiance’s FHLB advances and other debt see Notes 

12 and 14 to the financial statements. 

Subordinated  Debentures  -  In  March  2007,  the  Company  sponsored  an  affiliated  trust,  First 
Defiance  Statutory  Trust  II  (“Trust  Affiliate  II”)  that issued $15.0 million of Guaranteed Capital Trust 
Securities (“Trust Preferred Securities”). In connection with the transaction, the Company issued $15.5 
million  of  Junior  Subordinated  Deferrable  Interest  Debentures  (“Subordinated  Debentures”)  to  Trust 
Affiliate II. Trust Affiliate II was formed for the purpose of issuing Trust Preferred Securities to third-
party investors and investing the proceeds from the sale of these capital securities solely in Subordinated 
Debentures of the Company. The Subordinated Debentures held by Trust Affiliate II are the sole assets of 
the trust. Distributions on the Trust Preferred Securities issued by Trust Affiliate II are payable quarterly 
at a variable rate equal to the three-month LIBOR rate plus 1.5%.  The Coupon rate payable on the Trust 
Preferred Securities issued by Trust Affiliate II was 1.74% and 1.75% as of December 31, 2014 and 2013 
respectively. 

The  Trust  Preferred  Securities  are  subject  to  mandatory  redemption,  in  whole  or  in  part,  upon 
repayment of the Subordinated Debentures. The Company has entered into an agreement that fully and 
unconditionally guarantees the Trust Preferred Securities subject to the terms of the guarantee. The Trust 
Preferred Securities and Subordinated Debentures mature on June 15, 2037, but can be redeemed at the 
Company’s option at any time now.  

In October 2005, the Company formed an affiliated trust, First Defiance Statutory Trust I (“Trust 
Affiliate  I”)  that  issued $20.0 million of Trust Preferred Securities. In connection with the transaction, 
the Company issued $20.6 million of Subordinated Debentures to Trust Affiliate I. Trust Affiliate I was 
formed  for  the  purpose  of  issuing  Trust  Preferred  Securities  to  third-party  investors  and  investing  the 
proceeds from the sale of these capital securities solely in Subordinated Debentures of the Company. The 
Subordinated  Debentures  held  by  Trust  Affiliate  I  are  the  sole  assets  of  the  trust.  Distributions  on  the 
Trust Preferred Securities issued by Trust Affiliate I are payable quarterly at a variable rate equal to the 
three-month  LIBOR  rate  plus  1.38%,  or  1.62%  and  1.63%  as  of  December  31,  2014  and  2013 
respectively. 

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The Trust Preferred Securities issued by Trust Affiliate I are subject to mandatory redemption, in 
whole  or  in  part,  upon  repayment  of  the  Subordinated  Debentures.  The  Company  has  entered  into  an 
agreement that fully and unconditionally guarantees the Trust Preferred Securities subject to the terms of 
the  guarantee.  The  Trust  Preferred  Securities  and  Subordinated  Debentures  mature  on  December  15, 
2035, but can be redeemed by the Company at any time now.  

Repurchase of Preferred Shares related to the Capital Purchase Program 

In  June  2012,  the  U.S.  Treasury  sold  its  preferred  shares  of  the  Company  through  a  public 
offering structured as a modified Dutch auction.  The Company issued the preferred shares to the U.S. 
Treasury in 2008 as part of the Company’s participation in the Capital Purchase Program. The Company 
bid on its preferred shares in the auction after receiving approval from its regulators. The clearing price 
per preferred share was $962.66 (compared to a par value of $1,000.00 per share) and the Company was 
successful in repurchasing 16,560 of the 37,000 preferred shares outstanding through the auction process. 
 The Company also acquired an additional 19,440 preferred shares in the secondary market prior to the 
end of the second quarter of 2012.  The remaining 1,000 outstanding preferred shares were purchased at 
par value on July 18, 2012.  The clearing prices per preferred share purchased in the secondary market 
were as follows: 1,100 shares at $997.50, 2,500 shares at $1,000.00 and 16,840 shares at $998.75.  

The net balance sheet impact of the repurchase was a reduction to stockholders’ equity of $36.4 
million which is comprised of a decrease in preferred shares of $37.0 million and a $642,000 increase to 
retained earnings related to the discount on the shares repurchased, which is also included in net income 
applicable to common shares for purposes of calculating earnings per share.  

Included in the 2012 operating results is $181,000 of costs incurred by the Company related to 

the U.S. Treasury’s offering.  These costs were not tax-deductible.     

Balance Sheet Restructure 

In  the  fourth  quarter  of  2012,  the  Company  executed  a  balance  sheet  restructuring  strategy  to 
enhance the Company’s current and future profitability while increasing its capital ratios and protecting 
the  balance  sheet  against  rising  rates.    The  strategy  required  taking  an  after  tax  loss  of  approximately 
$260,000 by selling $60 million in securities for a gain of $1.6 million and paying off $62.0 million in 
FHLB advances with a prepayment penalty of $2.0 million.   

Employees 

First  Defiance  had  555  employees  at  December 31,  2014.  None  of  these  employees  are 
represented  by  a  collective  bargaining  agent,  and  First  Defiance  believes  that  it  maintains  good 
relationships with its personnel. 

Competition 

Competition  in  originating  non-residential  mortgage  and  commercial  loans  comes  mainly  from 
commercial  banks  with  banking  center  offices  in  the  Company’s  market  area.  Competition  for  the 
origination of mortgage loans arises mainly from savings associations, commercial banks, and mortgage 
companies. The distinction among market participants is based on a combination of price, the quality of 
customer  service  and  name  recognition.  The  Company  competes  for  loans  by  offering  competitive 
interest rates and product types and by seeking to provide a higher level of personal service to borrowers 
than is furnished by competitors. First Federal has a significant market share of the lending markets in 
which it conducts operations. 

Management believes that First Federal’s most direct competition for deposits comes from local 
financial  institutions.  The  distinction  among  market  participants  is  based  on  price  and  the  quality  of 

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customer  service  and  name  recognition.  First  Federal’s  cost  of  funds  fluctuates  with  general  market 
interest  rates.  During  certain  interest  rate  environments,  additional  significant  competition  for  deposits 
may be expected from corporate and governmental debt securities, as well as from money market mutual 
funds.  First  Federal  competes  for  conventional  deposits  by  emphasizing  quality  of  service,  extensive 
product lines and competitive pricing. 

Regulation 

General – First Defiance and First Federal are subject to regulation, examination and oversight 
by  the  Office  of  the  Comptroller  of  the  Currency  (“OCC”)  and  the  Federal  Reserve  Board  (“Federal 
Reserve”). Because the FDIC insures First Federal’s deposits, First Federal is also subject to examination 
and  regulation  by  the  FDIC.  In  addition,  First  Federal  is  subject  to  regulation  and  examination  by  the 
Consumer  Financial  Protection  Bureau  (the  “CFPB”)  established  by  the  2010  Dodd-Frank  Wall  Street 
Reform  and  Consumer  Protection  Act  (“Dodd-Frank  Act”).    First  Defiance  and  First  Federal  must  file 
periodic reports with the Federal Reserve and the OCC and examinations are conducted periodically by 
the  Federal  Reserve,  OCC  and  the  FDIC  to  determine  whether  First  Defiance  and  First  Federal  are  in 
compliance  with  various  regulatory  requirements  and  are  operating  in  a  safe  and  sound  manner.  First 
Federal is subject to various consumer protection and fair lending laws. These laws govern, among other 
things, truth-in-lending disclosure, equal credit opportunity, and, in the case of First Federal, fair credit 
reporting  and  community  reinvestment.  Failure  to  abide  by  federal  laws  and  regulations  governing 
community  reinvestment  could  limit  the  ability  of  First  Federal  to  open  a  new  branch  or  engage  in  a 
merger  transaction.  Community  reinvestment  regulations  evaluate  how  well  and  to  what  extent  First 
Federal  lends  and  invests  in  its  designated  service  area,  with  particular  emphasis  on  low-to-moderate 
income communities and borrowers in such areas.  

First Defiance is also subject to various Ohio laws which restrict takeover bids, tender offers and 

control-share acquisitions involving public companies which have significant ties to Ohio. 

Regulatory  Capital  Requirements  –  The  federal  banking  regulators  have  adopted  risk-based 
capital guidelines for financial institutions and their holding companies, designed to absorb losses. The 
guidelines  provide  a  systematic  analytical  framework,  which  makes  regulatory  capital  requirements 
sensitive to differences in risk profiles among banking organizations, takes off-balance sheet exposures 
expressly into account in evaluating capital adequacy and minimizes disincentives to holding liquid, low-
risk assets. Capital levels as measured by these standards are also used to categorize financial institutions 
for purposes of certain prompt corrective action regulatory provisions. 

Prior to January 1, 2015, the guidelines applicable to First Defiance and First Federal included a 
minimum  for  the  ratio  of  total  capital  to  risk-weighted  assets  of  8%,  with  at  least  half  of  the  ratio 
composed of common shareholders’ equity, minority interests in certain equity accounts of consolidated 
subsidiaries  and  a  limited  amount  of  qualifying  preferred  stock  and  qualified trust preferred securities, 
less goodwill and certain other intangible assets (known as “Tier 1” risk-based capital).  The guidelines 
also  provided  for  a  minimum  ratio  of  Tier  1  capital  to  average  assets,  or  “leverage  ratio,”  of  3%  for 
savings  and  loan  holding  companies  that  meet  certain  criteria,  including  having  the  highest  regulatory 
rating, and 4% for all other savings and loan holding companies.  

The  risk-based  capital  guidelines  adopted  by  the  federal  banking  agencies  are  based  on  the 
“International  Convergence  of  Capital  Measurement  and  Capital  Standard”  (Basel  I),  published  by  the 
Basel  Committee  on  Banking  Supervision  (the  “Basel  Committee”)  in  1988.    In  2004,  the  Basel 
Committee  published  a  new  capital  adequacy  framework  (Basel  II)  for  large,  internationally  active 
banking organizations, and in December 2010 and January 2011, the Basel Committee issued an update 
to  Basel  II  (“Basel  III”).    The  Basel  Committee  frameworks  did  not  become  applicable  to  financial 
institutions supervised in the United States until adopted into United States law or regulations.  Although 
the  United  States  banking  regulators  imposed  some  of  the  Basel  II  and  Basel  III  rules  on  financial 
institutions with $250 billion or more in assets or $10 billion of on-balance sheet foreign exposure, it was 

- 20 - 

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not  until  July  2013  that  the  United  States  banking  regulators  issued  final  (or,  in  the case of the FDIC, 
interim final) new capital rules applicable to smaller banking organizations which also implement certain 
of  the  provisions  of  the  Dodd-Frank  Act  (the  “Basel  III  Capital  Rules”).    Community  banking 
organizations, including First Defiance and First Federal, began transitioning to the new rules on January 
1, 2015.  The new minimum capital requirements became effective on January 1, 2015, whereas a new 
capital conservation buffer and deductions from common equity capital phase in from January 1, 2016, 
through  January  1,  2019,  and  most  deductions  from  common  equity  tier  1  capital  will  phase  in  from 
January 1, 2015, through January 1, 2019.    

The new rules include (a) a new common equity tier 1 capital ratio of at least 4.5 percent, (b) a 
Tier 1 capital ratio of at least 6.0 percent, rather than the former 4.0 percent, (c) a minimum total capital 
ratio that remains at 8.0 percent, and (d) a minimum leverage ratio of 4 percent. 

Common equity for the common equity tier 1 capital ratio includes common stock (plus related 
surplus) and retained earnings, plus limited amounts of minority interests in the form of common stock, 
less the majority of certain regulatory deductions.          

Tier 1 capital includes common equity as defined for the common equity tier 1 capital ratio, plus 
certain  non-cumulative  preferred  stock  and  related  surplus,  cumulative  preferred  stock  and  related 
surplus  and  trust  preferred  securities  that  have  been  grandfathered  (but  which  are  not  permitted  going 
forward), and limited amounts of minority interests in the form of additional Tier 1 capital instruments, 
less certain deductions. 

Tier  2  capital,  which  can  be  included  in  the  total  capital  ratio,  includes  certain  capital 
instruments (such as subordinated debt) and limited amounts of the allowance for loan and lease losses, 
subject to new eligibility criteria, less applicable deductions. 

The deductions from common equity tier 1 capital include goodwill and other intangibles, certain 
deferred  tax  assets,  mortgage-servicing  assets  above  certain  levels,  gains  on  sale  in  connection  with  a 
securitization,  investments  in  a  banking  organization’s  own  capital  instruments  and  investments  in  the 
capital of unconsolidated financial institutions (above certain levels).  The deductions phase in from 2015 
through 2019.   

Under  the  guidelines,  capital  is  compared  to  the  relative  risk  related  to  the  balance  sheet.    To 
derive the risk included in the balance sheet, one of several risk weights is applied to different balance 
sheet  and  off-balance  sheet  assets,  primarily  based  on  the  relative  credit  risk of the counterparty.  The 
capital  amounts  and  classification  are  also  subject  to  qualitative  judgments  by  the  regulators  about 
components, risk weightings and other factors.  Some of the risk weightings have been changed effective 
January 1, 2015. 

The new rules also place restrictions on the payment of capital distributions, including dividends, 
and  certain  discretionary  bonus  payments  to  executive  officers  if  the  company  does  not  hold  a  capital 
conservation  buffer  of  greater  than  2.5  percent  composed  of  common  equity  tier  1  capital  above  its 
minimum risk-based capital requirements, or if its eligible retained income is negative in that quarter and 
its capital conservation buffer ratio was less than 2.5 percent at the beginning of the quarter.  The capital 
conservation buffer phases in starting on January 1, 2016, at .625 percent.  The implementation of Basel 
III is not expected to have a material impact on First Defiance’s or First Federal’s capital ratios. 

The  following  table  sets  forth  the  amount  and  percentage  level  of  regulatory  capital  of  First 
Federal at December 31, 2014, and the amount by which it exceeded the minimum capital requirements 
in effect at that date. (Dollars in Thousands): 

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Tier 1 Capital (1) 
Consolidated 

First Federal  

Tier 1 Capital (to Risk 
Weighted Assets) (1) 
Consolidated 

First Federal  

Total Capital (to Risk 
Weighted Assets) (1) 
Consolidated 

First Federal  

Actual 

Minimum Required for 
Adequately Capitalized 

Minimum Required for Well 
Capitalized 

Amount 

Ratio 

Amount 

Ratio 

Amount 

Ratio 

$250,847 

$238,221 

11.89% 

11.31% 

$84,397 

$84,278 

$250,847 

$238,221 

13.89% 

13.21% 

$72,213 

$72,136 

$273,441 

$260,791 

15.15% 

14.46% 

$144,426 

$144,272 

4.0% 

4.0% 

4.0% 

4.0% 

8.0% 

8.0% 

N/A 

$105,347 

N/A 

$108,204 

N/A 

5.0% 

N/A 

6.0% 

N/A 

$180,340 

N/A 

10.0% 

(1)  Core  capital  is  computed  as  a  percentage  of  adjusted  total  assets  of  $2.11  billion  and  $2.11  billion  for 
consolidated  and  First  Federal,  respectively.  Risk-based  capital  is  computed  as  a  percentage  of  total  risk-
weighted assets of $1.81 billion and $1.80 billion for consolidated and First Federal, respectively. 

Prompt Corrective Action - The federal banking agencies have established a system of “prompt 
corrective  action”  to  resolve  certain  problems  of  undercapitalized  institutions.  This  system  is based on 
five  capital  level  categories  for  insured  depository  institutions:  "well  capitalized,"  "adequately 
capitalized,"  "undercapitalized,"  "significantly  undercapitalized"  and  "critically  undercapitalized."    The 
federal banking agencies may (or in some cases must) take certain supervisory actions depending upon a 
bank's capital level. For example, the banking agencies must appoint a receiver or conservator for a bank 
within  90  days  after  it  becomes  "critically  undercapitalized"  unless  the  bank's  primary  regulator 
determines,  with  the  concurrence  of  the  FDIC,  that  other  action  would  better  achieve  regulatory 
purposes.    Banking  operations  otherwise  may  be  significantly  affected  depending  on  a  bank's  capital 
category.    For  example,  a  bank  that  is  not  "well  capitalized"  generally  is  prohibited  from  accepting 
brokered deposits and offering interest rates on deposits higher than the prevailing rate in its market, and 
the  holding  company  of  any  undercapitalized  depository  institution  must  guarantee,  in  part,  specific 
aspects of the bank's capital plan for the plan to be acceptable. 

Effective  January  1,  2015,  in  order to be "well-capitalized," a financial institution must have a 
common equity tier 1 capital ratio of 6.5%, a total risk-based capital ratio of at least 10%, a Tier 1 risk-
based capital of at least 8% and a leverage ratio of at least 5%, and the institution must not be subject to 
any written agreement, order, capital directive or prompt corrective action directive to meet and maintain 
a  specific  capital  level  for  any  capital  measure.   As of December 31, 2014, First Federal met the ratio 
requirements  in  effect  at  that  date  to  be  deemed  "well-capitalized."    See  Note  17  of  the  Notes  to 
Consolidated  Financial  Statements  which  is  incorporated  herein  by  reference.    Management  of  the 
Company  believes  First  Federal  also  meets  the  capital  requirements  to  be  deemed  “well-capitalized” 
under the new guidelines. 

Dividends - Dividends paid by First Federal to First Defiance are subject to various regulatory 
restrictions. First Federal paid $21.0 million in dividends to First Defiance in 2014 and $3.0 million in 
2013. First Federal can initiate dividend payments equal to its net profits (as defined by statute) for 2013 
and 2014 plus 2015 net profits.  During 2015, First Federal can declare dividends in the amount of $23.1 
million from its earnings in 2013 and 2014 and from any of its 2015 net profits to First Defiance. First 
Insurance paid $1.2 million in dividends to First Defiance in 2014 and $1.5 million in dividends in 2013.  

First Defiance’s ability to pay dividends to its shareholders is primarily dependent on the ability 
of  the  Subsidiaries  to  pay  dividends  to  First  Defiance.    The  Federal  Reserve  expects  First  Defiance  to 
serve as a source of strength for First Federal and may require First Defiance to retain capital for further 
investment  in  First  Federal,  rather  than  pay  dividends  to  First  Defiance  shareholders.  Payment  of 
dividends  by  First  Federal  may  be  restricted  at  any  time  at  the  discretion  of  its  applicable  regulatory 
authorities,  if  they  deem  such  dividends  to  constitute  an  unsafe  or  unsound  banking  practice.    These 

- 22 - 

- 22 -

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
provisions  could  have  the  effect  of  limiting  First  Defiance's  ability  to  pay  dividends  on  its  common 
shares. 

Transactions with Insiders and Affiliates - Loans to executive officers, directors and principal 
shareholders  and  their  related  interests  must  conform  to  the  lending  limits.  Most  loans  to  directors, 
executive  officers  and  principal  shareholders  must  be  approved  in  advance  by  a  majority  of  the 
“disinterested”  members  of  board  of  directors  of  the  association  with  any  “interested”  director  not 
participating. All loans to directors, executive officers and principal shareholders must be made on terms 
substantially the same as offered in comparable transactions with the general public or as offered to all 
employees  in  a  company-wide  benefit  program.  Loans  to  executive  officers  are  subject  to  additional 
restrictions.  In  addition,  all  related  party  transactions  must  be  approved  by  the  Company’s  audit 
committee  pursuant  to  NASDAQ  Rule  5630,  including  loans  made  by  financial  institutions  in  the 
ordinary  course  of  business.  All  transactions  between  savings  associations  and  their  affiliates  must 
comport  with  Sections  23A  and  23B  of  the  Federal  Reserve  Act  (“FRA”)  and  the  Federal  Reserve’s 
(“FRB”)  Regulation  W.  An  affiliate  of  a  savings  association  is  any  company  or  entity  that controls, is 
controlled  by,  or  is  under  common  control  with  the  savings  association.  First  Defiance  and  First 
Insurance are affiliates of First Federal. 

Holding  Company  Regulation  -  First  Defiance  is  a  unitary  thrift  holding  company  and  is 
subject to the Federal Reserve regulations, examination, supervision and reporting requirements. Federal 
law generally prohibits a thrift holding company from controlling any other savings association or thrift 
holding  company,  without  prior  approval  of  the  Federal  Reserve,  or  from  acquiring  or  retaining  more 
than  5%  of  the  voting  shares  of  a  savings  association  or  holding  company  thereof,  which  is  not  a 
subsidiary.  

Deposit Insurance - Substantially all of the deposits of First Federal are insured up to applicable 
limits  by  the  Deposit  Insurance  Fund  of  the  FDIC,  and  First  Federal  is  assessed  deposit  insurance 
premiums to maintain the Deposit Insurance Fund. Insurance premiums for each insured institution are 
determined based upon the institution’s capital level and supervisory rating provided to the FDIC by the 
institution’s  primary  federal regulator and other information deemed by the FDIC to be relevant to the 
risk  posed  to  the  Deposit  Insurance  Fund  by  the  institution.  The  assessment  rate is then applied to the 
amount of the institution’s deposits to determine the institution’s insurance premium. 

The FDIC issued final rules effective April 2011 that changed the deposit insurance assessment 
base,  as  required  by  the  Dodd-Frank  Act.  As  adopted,  the  final  rule  changed  the  deposit  insurance 
assessment base from domestic deposits to average assets less average tangible equity. The final rule also 
set  a  target  size  for  the  Deposit  Insurance  Fund  at  2%  of  insured  deposits  and  implements  a  lower 
assessment rate schedule when the fund reaches 1.15% and, in lieu of dividends, provides for a lower rate 
schedule when the reserve ratio reaches 2% and 2.5%. The final rule went into effect beginning with the 
second quarter of 2011.  The change to the assessment base and assessment rates, as well as the Deposit 
Insurance Fund restoration time frame, has lowered First Defiance’s deposit insurance assessment. 

As  insurer,  the  FDIC  is  authorized  to  conduct  examinations  of,  and  to  require  reporting  by, 
federally-insured institutions.  It also may prohibit any federally-insured institution from engaging in any 
activity  the  FDIC  determines  by  regulation  or  order  to  pose  a  serious  threat  to  the  Deposit  Insurance 
Fund. The FDIC also has the authority to take enforcement actions against insured institutions.  Insurance 
of deposits may be terminated by the FDIC upon a finding that the institution has engaged or is engaging 
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  or  written 
agreement entered into with the FDIC. The management of First Federal does not know of any practice, 
condition or violation that might lead to termination of deposit insurance. 

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Recent Developments   

Impact  of  Legislation  -  Over  the  last  several  years,  Congress  and  the  U.S.  Department  of  the 
Treasury  have  enacted  legislation  and  taken  actions  to  address  the  disruptions  in  the  financial  system, 
declines  in  the  housing  market,  and  the  overall  regulation  of  financial  institutions  and  the  financial 
system. In this regard, the 2010 Dodd-Frank Act, includes provisions affecting large and small financial 
institutions alike, including several provisions that profoundly affect the regulation of community banks, 
thrifts, and bank and thrift holding companies, such as First Defiance. The Dodd-Frank Act relaxed rules 
regarding interstate branching, allows financial institutions to pay interest on business checking accounts, 
changed the scope of federal deposit insurance coverage, imposed new capital requirements on bank and 
thrift  holding  companies,  and  imposed  limits  on  debit  card  interchange  fees  charged  by  issuer  banks 
(commonly known as the Durbin Amendment). 

The  Dodd-Frank  Act  also  established  the  CFPB  as  an  independent  bureau  within  the  Federal 
Reserve,  which  has  broad  authority  to  regulate  consumer  financial  products  and  services  and  entities 
offering such products and services, including banks.  

The  CFPB  has  indicated  that  mortgage  lending  is  an  area  of  supervisory  focus  and  that  it  will 
concentrate  its  examination  and  rulemaking  efforts  on  the  variety  of  mortgage-related  topics  required 
under  the  Dodd-Frank  Act,  including  steering  consumers  to  less-favorable  products,  discrimination, 
abusive  or  unfair  lending  practices,  predatory  lending,  origination  disclosures,  minimum  mortgage 
underwriting  standards,  mortgage  loan  originator  compensation,  and  servicing  practices.  The  CFPB 
recently published numerous final regulations impacting the mortgage industry, including rules related to 
ability-to-pay, mortgage servicing, and mortgage loan originator compensation and more regulations are 
anticipated.  First  Defiance  cannot  predict  the  content  of  the  final  CFPB  and  other  federal  agency 
regulations  or  the  impact  they  might  have  on  First  Defiance’s  financial  results.  The  CFPB’s  authority 
over mortgage lending, and its authority to change regulations adopted in the past by other regulators, or 
to  rescind  or  ignore  past  regulatory  guidance,  could  increase  First  Defiance’s  compliance  costs  and 
litigation exposure. 

Volcker Rules - On December 10, 2013, the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System, 
the  OCC,  the  FDIC,  the  Securities  and  Exchange  Commission,  and  the  Commodity  Futures  Trading 
Commission (“Regulators”) adopted the final version of the Volcker Rule (“Final Volcker Rule”).  The 
Final  Volcker  Rule  restricts  United  States  banks  from  making  certain  kinds of speculative investments 
that  do  not  benefit  their  customers.  The  Final  Volcker  Rule’s  purpose  is  to  put  in  place,  as  mandated 
under  Section  619  of  the  Dodd-Frank  Act,  regulations  to  help  avoid  the  financial  crisis  that  occurred 
during the recent past.  The Final Volcker Rule is intended to effectively reduce risks posed to banking 
entities  by  proprietary  trading  activities  and  investments  in  or  relationships  with  covered  funds  while 
permitting  banking  entities  to  continue  to  provide  client-oriented  financial  services  that  are  critical  to 
capital generation and liquid markets. 

On January 14, 2014, the Regulators issued an interim final rule (“Interim Final Volcker Rule”) 
regarding  the  treatment  of  certain  collateralized  debt  obligations  backed  by  trust  preferred  securities 
(“TruPS-backed CDOs”) under the Final Volcker Rule implementing Section 619 of the Dodd-Frank Act. 
 The  Interim  Final  Volcker  Rule,  which  does  not  technically  amend  the  Final  Volcker  Rule  but  will 
operate as a “companion rule” to the Final Volcker Rule, specifies that the Final Volcker Rule’s covered 
fund restrictions do not apply to the ownership by a banking entity of an interest in, or sponsorship of, 
any issuer of TruPS-backed CDOs if certain conditions are met. Contemporaneously with the Regulators 
release of the Interim Final Volcker Rule, the Regulators issued a non-exclusive list of issuers of TruPS-
backed CDOs that meet the requirements of the Interim Final Volcker Rule. The Interim Final Volcker 
Rule provides that a banking entity “may rely” on this list. 

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First  Defiance’s  management  team  continues  to  actively  monitor  the  implementation  of  the 
Dodd-Frank  Act  and  the  regulations  promulgated  thereunder  and  assess  its  probable  impact  on  the 
business, financial condition, and results of operations of First Defiance. However, the ultimate effect of 
the  Dodd-Frank  Act  on  the  financial  services  industry  in  general,  and  First  Defiance  in  particular, 
continues to be uncertain. 

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Item 1A. Risk Factors  

The risks listed below present risks that could have a material impact on the Company’s financial 
condition, results of operations, or business. The risks and uncertainties described below are the not the 
only  ones  facing  the  Company.  Additional  risks  and  uncertainties  that  management  is  not  aware  of  or 
focused  on  or  that  management  currently  deems  immaterial  may  also  impair  the  Company’s  business 
operations.   

Economic and financial market conditions may adversely affect First Defiance’s operations and 
financial condition.  

In  recent  years,  economic  growth  and  business  activity  across  a  wide  range  of  industries  and 
regions in the U.S. has been slow and uneven. Furthermore, there are continuing concerns related to the 
level of United States government debt and fiscal actions that may be taken to address that debt. There 
can  be  no  assurance  that  economic  conditions  will  continue  to  improve,  and  these  conditions  could 
worsen.  In  addition,  ongoing  federal  budget  negotiations,  the  implementation of the employer mandate 
under  the  Patient  Protection  and  Affordable  Care  Act  and  the  level  of  United  States  debt  may  have  a 
destabilizing effect on financial markets. 

First Defiance’s financial performance generally, and in particular the ability of borrowers to pay 
interest on and repay principal of outstanding loans and the value of collateral securing those loans, as 
well as demand for loans and other products and services First Defiance offers, is highly dependent upon 
the business environment in the markets where the Company operates, mainly in the State of Ohio and in 
the  Great  Lake  Region.  A  favorable  business  environment  is  generally  characterized  by,  among  other 
factors, economic growth, efficient capital markets, low inflation, low unemployment, high business and 
investor  confidence,  and  strong  business  earnings.  Unfavorable  or  uncertain  economic  and  market 
conditions  can  be  caused  by  declines  in  economic  growth,  business  activity  or  investor  or  business 
confidence;  limitations  on  the  availability  or  increases  in  the  cost  of  credit  and  capital;  increases  in 
inflation  or  interest  rates;  high  unemployment,  natural  disasters;  or  a  combination  of  these  or  other 
factors. 

Overall,  during  recent  years,  the  business  environment  has  been  adverse  for  many  households 
and  businesses  in  the  United  States  and  globally.  While  economic  conditions  in  the  State  of  Ohio,  the 
United  States  and  worldwide  have  shown  signs  of  improvement,  there  can  be  no  assurance  that  this 
improvement  will  continue.  Economic  pressure  on  consumers  and  uncertainty  regarding  continuing 
economic improvement may result in changes in consumer and business spending, borrowing and savings 
habits. Such conditions could have a material adverse effect on the credit quality of the Company’s loans 
and First Defiance’s results of operations and financial condition. 

First  Defiance’s  loan  portfolio  includes  a  concentration  of  commercial  real  estate  loans  and 
commercial loans, which involve risks specific to real estate value and the successful operations of 
these businesses. 

At December 31, 2014, First Federal’s portfolio of commercial real estate loans totaled $840.5 
million,  or  approximately  49.8%  of  total  loans.    First  Federal’s  commercial  real  estate  loans  typically 
have higher principal amounts than residential real estate loans, and many of our commercial real estate 
borrowers have more than one loan outstanding.  As a result, an adverse development on one loan can 
expose  First  Defiance  to  greater  risk  of  loss  on  other  loans.    Additionally,  repayment  of  the  loans  is 
generally dependent, in large part, on sufficient income from the properties securing the loans to cover 
operating  expenses  and  debt  service.    Economic  conditions  and  events  outside  of  the  control  of  the 
borrower  or  lender  could  negatively  impact  the  future  cash  flow  and  market  values  of  the  affected 
properties. 

At December 31, 2014, First Federal’s portfolio of commercial loans totaled $399.7 million, or 
approximately 23.7% of total loans.  Commercial loans generally expose First Defiance to a greater risk 

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of  nonpayment  and  loss  than  commercial  real  estate  or  residential real estate loans since repayment of 
such  loans  often  depends  on  the  successful  operations  and  income  stream  of  the  borrowers.  First 
Federal’s  commercial  loans  are  primarily  made  based  on  the  identified  cash  flow  of  the  borrower  and 
secondarily on the underlying collateral provided by the borrower such as accounts receivable, inventory, 
machinery or real estate. In the case of loans secured by accounts receivable, the availability of funds for 
the  repayment  of  these  loans  may  be  substantially  dependent  on  the  ability  of  the  borrower  to  collect 
amounts due from its customers. The collateral securing other loans may depreciate over time, may be 
difficult  to  appraise  and  may  fluctuate  in  value  based  on  the  success  of  the  business.  Credit  support 
provided  by  the  borrower  for  most  of  these  loans  and  the  probability  of  repayment  is  based  on  the 
liquidation of the pledged collateral and enforcement of a personal guarantee, if any exists.  

First Defiance targets its business lending towards small and medium-sized businesses, many of 
which have fewer financial resources than larger companies and may be more susceptible to economic 
downturns. If general economic conditions negatively impact these businesses, First Defiance’s results of 
operations and financial condition may be adversely affected.  

Increases to the allowance for loan losses may cause First Defiance’s earnings to decrease. 

First Federal makes a number of assumptions and judgments about the collectability of its loan 
portfolio, including the creditworthiness of our borrowers and the value of the real estate and other assets 
serving  as  collateral  for  the  repayment  of  loans.  In  determining  the  amount  of  the  allowance  for  loan 
losses, First Federal relies on loan quality reviews, past loss experience, and an evaluation of economic 
conditions,  among  other  factors.  If  its  assumptions  prove  to  be  incorrect,  First  Federal’s allowance for 
loan  losses  may  not  be  sufficient  to  cover  actual  losses,  resulting  in  additions  to  the  allowance.  In 
addition, bank regulators periodically review First Federal’s allowance and may require First Federal to 
increase its allowance. Material additions to the allowance and any loan losses that exceed First Federal’s 
reserves would materially adversely affect First Defiance’s results of operations and financial condition. 

Changes in interest rates can adversely affect First Defiance’s profitability 

First Defiance’s earnings and cash flows are largely dependent upon its net interest income. Net 
interest income is the difference between interest income earned on interest-earning assets such as loans 
and  securities  and  interest  expense  paid  on  interest-bearing  liabilities  such  as  deposits  and  borrowed 
funds.  Interest  rates  are  highly  sensitive  to  many  factors  that  are  beyond  First  Defiance’s  control, 
including general economic conditions and policies of various governmental and regulatory agencies and, 
in  particular,  the  Federal  Open  Market  Committee.  Changes  in  monetary  policy,  including  changes  in 
interest rates, could influence not only the interest First Defiance receives on loans and securities and the 
amount  of  interest  it  pays  on  deposits  and  borrowings,  but  such  changes  could  also  affect  (i) First 
Defiance’s ability to originate loans and obtain deposits, (ii) the fair value of First Defiance’s financial 
assets  and  liabilities,  and  (iii) the  average  duration  of  certain  assets  and  liabilities.  If  the  interest  rates 
paid on deposits and other borrowings increase at a faster rate than the interest rates received on loans 
and  other  investments,  First  Defiance’s net interest income, and therefore earnings, could be adversely 
affected.  Earnings  could  also  be  adversely  affected  if  the  interest  rates  received  on  loans  and  other 
investments  fall  more  quickly  than  the  interest  rates  paid  on  deposits  and  other  borrowings.  Any 
substantial, unexpected, prolonged change in market interest rates could have a material adverse effect on 
First Defiance’s results of operations and financial condition. 

First  Federal  originates  a  significant  amount  of  residential  mortgage  loans  that  it  sells  in  the 
secondary  market.    The  origination  of  residential  mortgage  loans  is  highly  dependent  on  the  local  real 
estate  market  and  the  current  interest  rates.    Increasing  interest  rates  tend  to  reduce  the  origination  of 
loans for sale and consequently fee income, which First Defiance reports as mortgage banking income. 
Conversely, decreasing interest rates have the effect of causing clients to refinance mortgage loans faster 
than anticipated.  This causes the value of mortgage servicing rights on the loans sold to be lower than 
originally  anticipated.    If  this  happens,  First  Defiance  may  be  required  to  write  down  the  value  of  its 
mortgage  servicing  rights  faster  than  anticipated,  which  will  increase  expense  and  lower  earnings.  

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Accelerated  repayments  on  loans  and  mortgage  backed  securities  could  result  in  the  reinvestment  of 
funds at lower rates than the loans or securities were paying.   

 Laws and regulations may affect First Defiance’s results of operations. 

The  earnings  of  financial  institutions  are  affected  by  the  regulations  and  policies  of  various 
regulatory  authorities,  including  the  Federal  Reserve,  the  OCC,  the  FDIC  and  the  CFPB.   The Federal 
Reserve  has  extensive  supervisory  authority  over  the  Company,  affecting  a  comprehensive  range  of 
matters relating to ownership and control of First Defiance’s shares, First Defiance’s acquisition of other 
companies and businesses, permissible activities for the Company to engage in, maintenance of adequate 
capital  levels  and  other  aspects  of  operations.    These  supervisory  and  regulatory  powers  are  intended 
primarily for the protection for First Defiance’s depositors and borrowers and the deposit insurance fund, 
rather than First Defiance’s shareholders. 

Comprehensive  revisions  to  the  regulatory  capital  framework  were  finalized  by  the  FRB,  the 
OCC,  and  the  FDIC  in  2013  and  2014.    The  revised  regulations  change  what  qualifies  as  regulatory 
capital, raises minimum requirements and introduces the concept of additional capital buffers. The need 
to  maintain  more  and  higher  quality  capital  as  well  as  greater  liquidity  going  forward  could  limit  our 
business  activities,  including  lending,  and  our  ability  to  expand,  either  organically  or  through 
acquisitions.  In addition, the new liquidity standards could require us to increase our holdings of highly 
liquid  short-term  investments,  thereby  reducing  our ability to invest in longer-term assets even if more 
desirable from a balance sheet management perspective.  

The  laws  and  regulations  applicable  to  the  banking  industry  could  change  at  any  time.    As  a 
result of ongoing challenges facing the U.S. economy in particular, the potential exists for new laws and 
regulations, and bank regulatory agencies are expected to be active in responding to concerns and trends 
identified in examinations. Increased regulation could increase First Defiance’s cost of compliance and 
reduce its income to the extent that they limit the manner in which First Defiance may conduct business, 
including  its  ability  to  offer  new  products,  charge  fees  for  specific  products  and  services,  obtain 
financing, attract deposits, make loans and achieve satisfactory interest spreads. 

First  Defiance’s  ability  to  meet  cash  flow  needs  on  a  timely  basis  at  a  reasonable  cost  may 
adversely affect net income. 

First Defiance’s principal sources of liquidity are local deposits and wholesale funding sources 
such  as  FHLB  advances,  Federal  Funds  purchased,  securities  sold  under  repurchase  agreements,  and 
brokered  or  other  out-of-market  certificate  of  deposit  purchases.    Also,  First  Defiance  maintains  a 
portfolio  of  securities  that  can  be  used  as  a  secondary  source  of  liquidity.    First  Defiance’s  access  to 
funding sources in amounts adequate to finance or capitalize its activities or on terms that are acceptable 
could  be  impaired  by  factors  that  affect  First  Defiance  directly  or  the  financial  services  industry  or 
economy  in  general,  such  as  further  disruptions  in  the  financial  markets  or  negative  views  and 
expectations about the prospects for the financial services industry.   

Other  possible  sources  of  liquidity  include  the  sale  or  securitization  of  loans,  the  issuance  of 
additional collateralized borrowings beyond those currently utilized with the FHLB, the issuance of debt 
securities  and  the  issuance  of  preferred  or  common  securities  in  public  or  private  transactions,  or 
borrowings  from  a  commercial  bank.    First  Defiance  does  not  currently  have  any  borrowings  from  a 
commercial bank, but it has used them in the past.   

Any decline in available funding could adversely impact our ability to originate loans, invest in 
securities, meet our expenses, pay dividends to First Defiance’s shareholders, or fulfill obligations such 
as  repaying  First  Defiance’s  borrowings  or  meeting  deposit  withdrawal  demands,  any  of  which  could 
have a material adverse impact on our liquidity, business, results of operations and financial condition.   

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Competition affects First Defiance’s earnings. 

First Defiance’s continued profitability depends on its ability to continue to effectively compete 
to originate loans and attract and retain deposits.  Competition for both loans and deposits is intense in 
the financial services industry.  The Company competes in its market area by offering superior service 
and competitive rates and products.  The type of institutions First Defiance competes with include large 
regional  commercial  banks,  smaller  community  banks,  savings  institutions,  mortgage  banking  firms, 
credit unions, finance companies, brokerage firms, insurance agencies and mutual funds.  As a result of 
their size and ability to achieve economies of scale, certain of First Defiance’s competitors can offer a 
broader  range  of  products  and  services  than  the  Company  can  offer.  To  stay  competitive  in  its  market 
area, First Defiance may need to adjust the interest rates on its products to match rates of its competition, 
which could have a negative impact on net interest margin.   

The increasing complexity of First Defiance’s operations presents varied risks that could affect its 
earnings and financial condition. 

First  Defiance  processes  a  large  volume  of  transactions  on  a  daily  basis  and  is  exposed  to 
numerous types of risks related to internal processes, people and systems.  These risks include, but are 
not limited to, the risk of fraud by persons inside or outside the Company, the execution of unauthorized 
transactions  by  employees,  errors  relating  to  transaction  processing  and  systems,  breaches  of  data 
security  and  our  internal  control  system  and  compliance  with  a  complex  array  of  consumer  and  safety 
and  soundness  regulations.  First  Defiance  could  also  experience  additional  loss  as  a result of potential 
legal actions that could arise as a result of operational deficiencies or as a result of noncompliance with 
applicable laws and regulations.  

First  Defiance  has  established  and  maintains  a  system  of  internal  controls  that  provides 
management  with  information  on  a  timely  basis  and  allows  for  the  monitoring  of  compliance  with 
operational standards.  These systems have been designed to manage operational risks at an appropriate, 
cost effective level.  Procedures exist that are designed to ensure that policies relating to conduct, ethics, 
and business practices are followed.  Losses from operational risks may still occur, however, including 
losses from the effects of operational errors.   

Unauthorized  disclosure  of  sensitive  or  confidential  client  or  customer  information,  whether 
through  a  breach  of  the  Company’s  computer  systems  or  otherwise,  could  severely  harm  its 
business. 

Potential misuse of funds or information by First Defiance’s employees or by third parties could 
result in damage to First Defiance’s customers for which First Defiance could be held liable, subject First 
Defiance to regulatory sanctions and otherwise adversely affect First Defiance’s financial condition and 
results of operations.   

First  Defiance’s  employees  handle  a  significant  amount  of  funds,  as  well  as  financial  and 
personal  information.    Although  First  Defiance  has  implemented  systems  to  minimize  the  risk  of 
fraudulent taking or misuse of funds or information, there can be no assurance that such systems will be 
adequate  or  that  a  taking  or  misuse  of  funds  or  information  by  employees,  by  third  parties  who  have 
authorized access to funds or information, or by third parties who are able to access funds or information 
without authorization will never occur.  First Defiance could be held liable for such an event and could 
also  be  subject  to  regulatory  sanctions.    First  Defiance  could  also  incur  the  expense  of  developing 
additional controls to prevent future such occurrences.  Although First Defiance has insurance to cover 
such  potential  losses,  First  Defiance  cannot  provide  assurance  that  such  insurance  will  be  adequate  to 
meet any liability.   In addition, any loss of trust or confidence placed in First Defiance by our clients 
could  result  in  a  loss  of  business,  which  could  adversely  affect  our  financial  condition  and  results  of 
operations.  

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First Defiance could suffer a material adverse impact from interruptions in the effective operation 
of, or security breaches affecting, First Defiance’s computer systems. 

First  Defiance  relies  heavily  on  information  systems  to  conduct  our  business  and  to  process, 
record,  and  monitor  transactions.    Risks  to  the  system  result  from  a  variety  of  factors,  including  the 
potential for bad acts on the part of hackers, criminals, employees and others.  As one example, in recent 
years, some banks have experienced denial of service attacks in which individuals or organizations flood 
the bank’s website with extraordinarily high volumes of traffic, with the goal and effect of disrupting the 
ability  of  the  bank  to  process  transactions.    First  Defiance  is  also  at  risk  for  the  impact  of  natural 
disasters,  terrorism  and  international  hostilities  on  its  systems  or  for  the  effects  of  outages  or  other 
failures involving power or communications systems operated by others.  These risks also arise from the 
same types of threats to businesses with which First Defiance deals.   

Potential adverse consequences of attacks on First Defiance’s computer systems or other threats 
include  damage  to  First  Defiance’s  reputation,  loss  of  customer  business,  litigation  and  increased 
regulatory scrutiny, which might also result in financial loss and require additional efforts and expense to 
attempt to prevent such adverse consequences in the future.        

If  First  Defiance  forecloses  on  collateral  property  and  owns  the  underlying  real  estate,  First 
Defiance  may  be  subject  to  the  increased  costs  associated  with  the  ownership  of  real  property, 
resulting in reduced income. 

A significant portion of First Defiance’s loan portfolio is secured by real property.  During the 
ordinary course of business, First Defiance 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, First Defiance may be liable for remediation costs, as well as 
for personal injury and property damage.  

In addition, when First Defiance forecloses on real property, the amount First Defiance realizes 
after a default is dependent upon factors outside of First Defiance’s control, including, but not limited to, 
economic conditions, neighborhood real estate values, interest rates, real estate taxes, operating expenses 
of the mortgaged properties, zoning laws, governmental rules, regulations and fiscal policies, and acts of 
God.  Certain expenditures associated with the ownership of real estate, principally real estate taxes and 
maintenance costs, may adversely affect the income from the real estate.  Therefore, the cost of operating 
real property may exceed the rental income earned from such property, and First Defiance may have to 
sell the property at a loss.  The foregoing expenditures could adversely affect First Defiance’s financial 
condition and results of operations. 

First  Defiance’s  business  strategy  includes  planned  growth.    First  Defiance’s  financial  condition 
and  results  of  operations  could  be  negatively  affected  if  First  Defiance  fails  to  grow  or  fails  to 
manage its growth effectively. 

First  Defiance’s  ability  to  grow  successfully  will  depend  on  a  variety  of  factors,  including  the 
continued availability of desirable business opportunities, its ability to integrate acquisitions and manage 
growth and First Defiance’s ability to raise capital.  There can be no assurance that growth opportunities 
will be available. 

First Defiance may acquire other financial institutions or parts of institutions in the future, open 
new  branches,  and  consider  new  lines  of  business  and  new  products  or  services.    Expansions  of  its 
business would involve a number of expenses and risks, including: 

•  the time and costs associated with identifying and evaluating potential acquisitions or expansions 

into new markets; 

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•  the potential inaccuracy of estimates and judgments used to evaluate the business and risks with 

respect to target institutions; 

•  the time and costs of hiring local management and opening new offices; 
•  the delay between commencing making acquisitions or engaging in new activities and the 

generation of profits from the expansion; 

•  First Defiance’s ability to finance an expansion and the possible dilution to existing 

shareholders;   

•  the diversion of management’s attention to the expansion; 
•  management’s lack of familiarity with new market areas; 
•  the integration of new products and services and new personnel into First Defiance’s existing 

business; 

•  the incurrence and possible impairment of goodwill associated with an acquisition and effects on 

First Defiance’s results of operations; and 
•  the risk of loss of key employees and customers. 

Failure to manage First Defiance’s growth effectively could have a material adverse effect on its 
business,  future  prospects,  financial  condition  or  results  of  operations  and  could  adversely  affect  First 
Defiance’s ability to successfully implement its business strategy.   

First  Defiance’s  ability  to  pay  dividends  is  subject  to  regulatory  limitations  which,  to  the  extent 
First  Defiance  requires  such  dividends  in  the  future,  may  affect  its  ability  to  pay  dividends  or 
repurchase its stock. 

As  a  savings  and  loan  holding  company,  First  Defiance  is  a  separate  legal  entity  from  First 
Federal  and  does  not  have  significant  operations  of  its  own.    Dividends  from  First  Federal  provide  a 
significant source of capital for First Defiance.  The availability of dividends from First Federal is limited 
by  various  statutes  and  regulations.  The  federal  banking  regulators  require  that  insured  financial 
institutions  and  their  holding  companies  should  generally  only  pay  dividends  out  of  current  operating 
earnings.  It is possible, depending upon the financial condition of First Federal and other factors, that the 
OCC, as First Federal’s primary regulator, could assert that the payment of dividends or other payments 
by First Federal are an unsafe or unsound practice.  In the event First Federal is unable to pay dividends 
to First Defiance, First Defiance may not be able to pay its obligations as they become due, repurchase its 
stock, or pay dividends on its common stock.  Consequently, the potential inability to receive dividends 
from  First  Defiance  could  adversely  affect  First  Defiance’s  business,  financial  condition,  results  of 
operations or prospects. 

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Item 1B. Unresolved Staff Comments 

None. 

Item 2. Properties 

At December 31, 2014, First Federal conducted its business from its main office at 601 Clinton 
Street,  Defiance,  Ohio,  and  thirty-two  other  full-service  banking  centers  in  northwest  Ohio,  northeast 
Indiana  and  southeast  Michigan  and  a  loan  production  office  in  Columbus,  Ohio.  First  Insurance 
conducted its business from leased office space at 511 Fifth Street, Defiance, Ohio; 209 West Poe Road, 
Bowling Green, Ohio; 926 East High Street, Bryan, Ohio; 1755 Indian Wood Circle, Maumee, Ohio and 
4350 Navarre Ave, Oregon, Ohio. 

In  February  2014,  First  Federal  opened  its  loan  production  office  at  4501  Cemetery  Road, 

Hilliard, Ohio.  This office is owned. 

In August 2014, First Federal opened its branch at 9909 Illinois Road, Fort Wayne, Indiana.  This 

building is owned by First Federal.   

In  December  2014,  First  Insurance  moved  from  419  Fifth  Street  to  511  Fifth  Street,  Defiance, 

Ohio.  This office is leased. 

First Defiance maintains its headquarters in the main office of First Federal at 601 Clinton Street, 
Defiance,  Ohio.  Back-office  operation  departments,  including  information  technology,  loan  processing 
and  underwriting,  deposit  processing,  accounting  and  risk  management  are  headquartered  in  an 
operations center located at 25600 Elliott Road, Defiance, Ohio. 

- 32 - 

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The following table sets forth certain information with respect to the offices and other properties 

of the Company at December 31, 2014 

. See Note 9 to the Consolidated Financial Statements. 

Description/address  

Main Office, First Federal 
601 Clinton St., Defiance, OH 
Operations Center 
25600 Elliott Rd., Defiance, OH 
Mobile Banking 
1011 W. Beecher St., Adrian, MI 
Branch Offices, First Federal 
204 E. High St., Bryan, OH 
211 S. Fulton St., Wauseon, OH 
625 Scott St., Napoleon, OH 
1050 East Main St., Montpelier, OH 
926 East High St., Bryan, OH 
1800 Scott St., Napoleon, OH 
1177 N. Clinton St., Defiance, OH 
905 N. Williams St., Paulding, OH 
201 E. High St., Hicksville, OH 
3900 N. Main St., Findlay, OH 
11694 N. Countyline St., Fostoria, OH 
1226 W. Wooster, Bowling Green, OH 
301 S. Main St., Findlay, OH 
405 E. Main St., Ottawa, OH 
124 E. Main St., McComb, OH 
7591 Patriot Dr., Findlay, OH 
417 W Dussell Dr., Maumee, OH 
230 E. Second St., Delphos, OH 
105 S. Greenlawn Ave., Elida, OH 
2600 Allentown Rd., Lima, OH 
22020 W. State Rt. 51, Genoa, OH 
3426 Navarre Ave., Oregon, OH 
1077 Louisiana Ave., Perrysburg, OH 
2565 Shawnee Rd., Lima, OH 
1595 Dupont Rd., Fort Wayne, IN 
135 South Main St., Glandorf, OH 
300 N. Main St., Adrian, MI 
1701 W. Maumee St., Adrian, MI 
211 W. Main St., Morenci, MI 
539 S. Meridian, Hudson, MI 
1449 W. Chicago Blvd., Tecumseh, MI 
1200 North Main St., Bowling Green OH 
9909 Illinois Rd, Fort Wayne, IN 
4501 Cemetery Rd, Hilliard, OH 

First Insurance Group 
511 Fifth Street, Defiance, OH 
209 West Poe Road, Bowling Green, OH 
926 E. High Street, Bryan, OH 
1755 Indian Wood Circle, Maumee, OH 
4350 Navarre Ave, Oregon, OH 

Leased/ 
Owned 

Owned 

Owned 

Owned 

Owned 
Owned 
Owned 
Owned 
Owned 
Owned 
Owned, Land Lease 
Owned 
Owned 
Owned 
Owned 
Owned 
Owned 
Owned 
Owned 
Owned 
Owned, Land Lease 
Owned 
Owned 
Owned 
Owned 
Owned 
Owned 
Owned 
Leased 
Leased 
Owned 
Owned 
Owned 
Owned 
Owned 
Owned 
Owned 
Owned 

Net Book Valu  
of Property 

Deposits 

(In Thousands) 

$ 

4,268 

    $  226,546 

5,143 

183 

611 
406 
951 
250 
86 
1,221 
827 
708 
327 
896 
613 
945 
902 
309 
177 
1,086 
789 
947 
307 
1,007 
798 
877 
1,040 
1,355 
12 
- 
673 
157 
153 
535 
1,443 
1,616 
1,409 
959 

N/A 

N/A 

135,309 
55,435 
76,717 
37,968 
- 
30,435 
38,795 
62,084 
32,044 
46,753 
42,589 
97,300 
57,550 
84,736 
22,687 
35,754 
52,475 
95,204 
40,048 
43,508 
30,562 
32,509 
34,576 
63,235 
23,788 
15,837 
71,326 
42,955 
32,686 
43,013 
48,291 
5,626 
2,472 
N/A 

Leased 
Leased 
Leased 
Leased 
Leased 

14 
6 
- 
- 
- 
$  34,006 

      N/A 
      N/A 
      N/A 
      N/A 
      N/A 

    $ 1,760,813 

- 33 - 

- 33 -

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Item 3. Legal Proceedings 

First  Defiance  is  involved  in  routine  legal  proceedings  that  are  incidental  to  and  occur  in  the 
ordinary course of business which, in the aggregate, are believed by management to be immaterial to the 
financial condition of First Defiance. 

Item 4. Mine Safety Disclosures 

Not applicable. 

PART II 

Item 5. Market for Registrant’s Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer 

Purchases of Equity Securities 

The Company’s common shares trade on The NASDAQ Global Select Market under the symbol 

“FDEF.” As of February 20, 2015, the Company had approximately 1,939 shareholders of record. 

The  table  below  shows  the  reported  high  and  low  sales  prices  of  the  common  shares and  cash 

dividends declared per common share during the periods indicated in 2014 and 2013. 

Year Ending 

December 31, 2014 
Low 

High 

Dividend   

High 

December 31, 2013 
Low 

Dividend 

Quarter ended: 
March 31 
June 30 
September 30 
December 31 

  $  28.23 
29.00 
29.00 
35.70 

  $  24.24 
26.50 
26.99 
26.95 

 $0.15 
0.15 
      0.15 
0.175 

   $  23.75 
23.75 
28.46 
27.25 

  $  18.42 
20.80 
22.49 
23.31 

 $0.10 
0.10 
      0.10 
0.10 

The line graph below compares the yearly percentage change in cumulative total shareholder return 
on  First  Defiance  common  shares  and the cumulative total return of the NASDAQ Composite Index, the 
SNL NASDAQ Bank Index and the SNL Midwest Thrift Index. An investment of $100 on December 31, 
2009,  and  the  reinvestment  of  all  dividends  are  assumed.  The  performance  graph  represents  past 
performance and should not be considered to be an indication of future performance. 

- 34 - 

- 34 -

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Index 
First Defiance Financial Corp. 
NASDAQ Composite 
SNL Bank NASDAQ 
SNL Midwest Thrift 

12/31/09 
100.00 
100.00 
100.00 
100.00 

12/31/10 
105.40 
118.15 
117.98 
81.06 

Period Ending 

12/31/11 
129.68 
117.22 
104.68 
71.50 

12/31/12 
172.62 
138.02 
124.77 
92.45 

12/31/13 
237.53 
193.47 
179.33 
114.00 

12/31/14 
318.48 
222.16 
185.73 
130.30 

The  following  table  provides  information  regarding  First  Defiance’s  purchases  of  its  common 

shares during the fourth quarter period ended December 31, 2014: 

Period 
October 1 – October 31, 2014 
November 1 – November 30, 2014 
December 1 – December 31, 2014 
Total  

Total Number 
of Shares 
Purchased 

Average 
Price Paid 
Per Share 

35,836 
47,649 
70,363 
153,848 

$27.98 
30.16 
31.36 
$30.20 

Total Number of 
Shares 
Purchased as 
Part of Publicly 
Announced Plans 
or Programs (1) 
35,836 
47,649 
70,363 
153,848 

Maximum Number of 
Shares (or Approximate 
Dollar Value) that May 
Yet Be Purchased Under 
the Plans or Programs 
(2) 

  451,910 
404,261 
333,898 
333,898 

- 35 - 

- 35 -

 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
(1)  The  reported  shares  were  repurchased  pursuant  to  First  Defiance’s  publicly  announced  stock  repurchase 
programs, which became effective September 30, 2013 and October 20, 2014. Up to 489,000 and 469,000 
shares, respectively, were authorized to be purchased under the programs. There is no expiration date for 
the October 20, 2014 program. During the fourth quarter 2014, the Company completed all 489,000 share 
purchases  that  were  authorized  under  its  previously  announced  repurchased  program  in  the  Company’s 
Form 8-K filed on September 30, 2013. 

(2)  The number of shares shown represents, as of the end of each period, the maximum number of shares of 
common stock that may yet be purchased under publicly announced stock repurchase programs. The shares 
may be purchased, from time to time, depending on market conditions. 

 The  information  set  forth  under  the  caption  “Item  12.    Security  Ownership  of  Certain 
Beneficial  Owners  and  Management  and  Related  Stockholder  Matters  −  Equity  Compensation 
Plans” of this Form 10-K is incorporated herein by reference. 

- 36 - 

- 36 -

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Item 6.  Selected Financial Data 

The following table is derived from the Company’s audited financial statements as of and for the 
five years ended December 31, 2014. The following consolidated selected financial data should be read 
in  conjunction  with  Management’s  Discussion  and  Analysis  of  Financial  Condition  and  Results  of 
Operations and the Consolidated Financial Statements and related notes included elsewhere in this Form 
10-K.  The  operating  results  of  the  acquired  companies  are  included  with  the  Company’s  results  of 
operations since their respective dates of acquisition.  

2010 

  $2,035,517 
166,091 
1,478,423 
41,080 
50,631 
1,576,356 
116,885 
240,331 

0.75 
0.75 
25.00 
17.16 

2014 

As of and For the Year Ended December 31 
2012 
(Dollars in Thousands, Except Per Share Data) 

2011 

2013 

Financial Condition: 

Total assets 
Investment securities 
Loans receivable, net 
Allowance for loan losses 
Nonperforming assets (1) 
Deposits and borrowers’ escrow balances 
FHLB advances 
Stockholders’ equity 

Share Information: 

  $  2,178,952 
239,634 
 1,622,020 
         24,766 
30,311 
 1,763,122 
21,544 
279,505 

  $  2,137,148 
198,557 
 1,555,498 
         24,950 
33,706 
 1,737,311 
22,520 
272,147 

  $  2,046,948 
194,609 
1,498,546 
26,711 
36,375 
1,668,945 
12,796 
258,128 

  $2,068,190 
233,580 
1,453,822 
33,254 
42,956 
1,597,643 
81,841 
278,127 

Basic earnings per share 
Diluted earnings per share  
Book value per common share 
Tangible book value per common share 
Cash dividends per common share 
Dividend payout ratio 
Weighted average diluted shares outstanding 
Shares outstanding end of period 

             2.55 
             2.44 
              30.17 
              23.25 
                0.63 

             2.28 
             2.19 
              27.91 
              21.22 
                0.40 

25.00% 

           9,975 
           9,235 

17.45% 

         10,171 
           9,720 

             1.86 
             1.81 
              26.44 
              19.63 
                0.20 
10.75% 
           9,998 
           9,729 

1.44 
             1.42 
24.74 
17.78 
             0.05 

                 - 
  3.47%                     NM 
           8,153 
           8,118 

           9,540 
           9,726 

Operations: 

Interest income  
Interest expense 
Net interest income  
Provision for loan losses 
Non-interest income 
Non-interest expense 
Income before tax 
Federal income tax 
Net Income 

Performance Ratios: 

Return on average assets 
Return on average equity 
Interest rate spread (2) 
Net interest margin (2) 
Ratio of operating expense to  

average total assets  

Efficiency ratio (3) 

Capital Ratios: 

Equity to total assets at end of period 
Tangible common equity to tangible assets 

at end of period 

Average equity to average assets 

Asset Quality Ratios: 

Nonperforming assets to total assets 

at end of period (1) 

Allowance for loan losses to total 

loans* 

Net charge-offs to average loans 

  $ 

76,248 
6,559 
69,689 
  1,117 
31,641 
66,758 
33,455 
9,163 
24,292 

1.12% 
8.78% 
3.57% 
3.68% 

3.09% 
65.32% 

12.83% 

10.09% 
12.79% 

1.39% 

1.50% 
0.08% 

  $ 

  $ 

  $ 

  $ 

74,781 
7,170 
67,611 
  1,824 
30,778 
65,052 
31,513 
9,278 
22,235 

1.08% 
8.39% 
3.65% 
3.76% 

80,943 
11,937 
69,006 
10,924 
34,374 
65,780 
26,676 
8,012 
18,664 

0.90% 
6.99% 
3.64% 
3.81% 

87,067 
17,186 
69,881 
12,434 
27,516 
62,764 
22,199 
6,665 
15,534 

0.75% 
5.89% 
3.69% 
3.88% 

3.16% 
64.81% 

3.19% 
63.93% 

3.05% 
63.62% 

95,865 
25,702 
70,163 
23,177 
27,590 
63,463 
11,113 
3,005 
8,108 

0.39% 
3.40% 
3.68% 
3.89% 

3.09% 
63.89% 

12.73% 

12.61% 

13.45% 

11.81% 

9.94% 
12.92% 

9.64% 
12.95% 

8.65% 
12.82% 

7.06% 
11.62% 

1.58% 

1.58% 
0.23% 

1.78% 

1.75% 
1.18% 

2.08% 

2.24% 
1.41% 

2.49% 

2.70% 
1.21% 

(1) 

Nonperforming assets consist of non-accrual loans that are contractually past due 90 days or more and real estate, mobile homes 

and other assets acquired by foreclosure or deed-in-lieu thereof. 

 (2) 

Interest  rate  spread  represents  the  difference  between  the  weighted  average  yield  on  interest-earning  assets  and  the  weighted 
average  rate  on  interest-bearing  liabilities.  Net  interest  margin  represents  net  interest  income  as  a  percentage  of  average  interest-
earning  assets.  Interest  income  on  tax-exempt  securities  and  loans  has  been  adjusted  to  a  tax-equivalent  basis  using  the  statutory 
federal income tax rate of 35%. 

(3) 

Efficiency ratio represents non-interest expense divided by the sum of tax-equivalent net interest income plus non-interest income, 

excluding securities gain or losses, net. 

* Total loans are net of undisbursed loan funds and deferred fees and costs. 

- 37 - 

- 37 -

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Item 7.  Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations 

Forward-Looking Statements and Factors that Could Affect Future Results  

Certain  statements  contained  in  this  Annual  Report  on  Form  10-K  that  are  not  statements  of 
historical  fact  constitute  forward-looking  statements  within  the  meaning  of  the  Private  Securities 
Litigation  Reform  Act  of  1995  (“Act”),  notwithstanding  that  such  statements  are  not  specifically 
identified as such. In addition, certain statements may be contained in the Company’s future filings with 
the  SEC,  in  press  releases,  and  in  oral  and  written  statements  made  by  or  with  the  approval  of  the 
Corporation that are not statements of historical fact and constitute forward-looking statements within the 
meaning  of  the  Act.  Examples  of  forward-looking  statements  include,  but  are  not  limited  to: 
(i) projections of revenues, expenses, income or loss, earnings or loss per common share, the payment or 
nonpayment of dividends, capital structure and other financial items; (ii) statements of plans, objectives 
and expectations of First Defiance or its management or Board of Directors, including those relating to 
products or services; (iii) statements of future economic performance; and (iv) statements of assumptions 
underlying  such  statements.  Words  such  as  “believes”,  “anticipates”,  “expects”,  “intends”,  “targeted”, 
“continue”,  “remain”,  “will”,  “should”,  “may”  and  other  similar  expressions  are  intended  to  identify 
forward-looking statements but are not the exclusive means of identifying such statements.  

Forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties that may cause actual results to differ 
materially  from  those  in  such  statements.  Factors  that  could  cause  actual  results  to  differ  from  those 
discussed in the forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to:  

•  Local, regional, national and international economic conditions and the impact they may have on 

the Company and its customers and the Company’s assessment of that impact. 

•  Volatility and disruption in national and international financial markets. 

•  Government intervention in the U.S. financial system. 

•  Changes in the level of non-performing assets and charge-offs. 

•  Changes  in  estimates  of  future  reserve  requirements  based  upon  the  periodic  review  thereof 

under relevant regulatory and accounting requirements. 

•  The  effects  of  and  changes  in  trade  and  monetary  and  fiscal  policies  and  laws,  including  the 

interest rate policies of the Federal Reserve Board. 

• 

Inflation, interest rate, securities market and monetary fluctuations. 

•  Political instability. 

•  Acts of God or of war or terrorism. 

•  The  timely  development  and  acceptance  of  new  products  and  services  and  perceived  overall 

value of these products and services by users. 

•  Changes in consumer spending, borrowing and saving habits. 

•  Changes in the financial performance and/or condition of the Company’s borrowers. 

•  Technological changes including core system conversions. 

•  Acquisitions and integration of acquired businesses. 

•  The ability to increase market share and control expenses. 

•  Changes in the competitive environment among financial holding companies and other financial 

service providers. 

•  The effect of changes in laws and regulations (including laws and regulations concerning taxes, 
banking, securities and insurance) with which the Company and the subsidiaries must comply. 

- 38 - 

- 38 -

 
 
•  The effect of changes in accounting policies and practices, as may be adopted by the regulatory 
agencies, as well as the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board, the Financial Accounting 
Standards Board and other accounting standard setters. 

•  The  costs  and  effects  of  legal  and  regulatory  developments  including  the  resolution  of  legal 
proceedings  or  regulatory  or  other  governmental  inquiries  and  the  results  of  regulatory 
examinations or reviews. 

•  Greater than expected costs or difficulties related to the integration of new products and lines of 

business. 

•  The Company’s success at managing the risks involved in the foregoing items. 

Forward-looking statements speak only as of the date on which such statements are made. The 
Company  undertakes  no  obligation  to  update  any  forward-looking  statement  to  reflect  events  or 
circumstances  after  the  date  on  which  such  statement  is  made  or  to  reflect  the  occurrence  of 
unanticipated events.  

The  following  section  presents  information  to  assess  the  financial  condition  and  results  of 
operations  of  First  Defiance.  This  section  should  be  read  in  conjunction  with  the  consolidated  financial 
statements and the supplemental financial data contained elsewhere in this Annual Report on Form 10-K. 

Overview 

First Defiance is a unitary thrift holding company that conducts business through its subsidiaries, 

First Federal, First Insurance and First Defiance Risk Management. 

First  Federal  is  a  federally  chartered  stock  savings  bank  that  provides  financial  services  to 
communities based in northwest Ohio, northeast Indiana, and southeastern Michigan where it operates 33 
full  service  banking  centers  in  twelve  northwest  Ohio  counties,  one  northeast  Indiana  county,  and  one 
southeastern Michigan county. First Federal operates one loan production office in one central Ohio county.  

First  Federal  provides  a  broad  range  of  financial  services  including  checking  accounts,  savings 
accounts, certificates of deposit, real estate mortgage loans, commercial loans, consumer loans, home equity 
loans and trust and wealth management services through its extensive branch network. 

First  Insurance  sells  a  variety  of  property  and  casualty,  group  health  and  life  and  individual 
health  and  life  insurance  products.  First  Insurance  is  an  insurance  agency  that  does  business  in  the 
Defiance, Bryan, Bowling Green, Maumee and Oregon, Ohio areas.   

First  Defiance  Risk  Management  is  a  wholly  owned  insurance  company  subsidiary  of  the 
Company to insure the Company and its subsidiaries against certain risks unique to the operations of the 
Company  and  for  which  insurance  may  not  be  currently  available  or  economically  feasible  in  today’s 
insurance  marketplace.    First  Defiance  Risk  Management  pools  resources  with  several  other  similar 
insurance  company  subsidiaries  of  financial  institutions  to  spread  a  limited  amount  of  risk  among 
themselves. First Defiance Risk Management was incorporated on December 20, 2012. 

Financial Condition 

Assets  at  December  31,  2014  totaled  $2.18  billion  compared  to  $2.14  billion  at  December  31, 
2013, an increase of $41.8 million or 2.0%. Cash and cash equivalents decreased $66.4 million to $112.9 
million at December 31, 2014 from $179.3 million at December 31, 2013. The increase in assets was due 
to an increase in the deposit base, net loans and securities as of December 31, 2014 somewhat offset by a 
decrease in interest-bearing deposits.     

- 39 - 

- 39 -

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
Securities 

The  securities  portfolio  increased  $41.1  million  to  $239.6  million  at  December  31,  2014.  The 
2014  activity  in  the  portfolio  included  $70.1  million  of  purchases,  $2.9  million  of  amortization  and 
maturities, $17.9 million of principal pay-downs and $14.9 million of securities being sold. There was a 
net increase of $5.8 million in market value on available-for-sale securities.  For additional information 
regarding First Defiance’s investment securities see Note 5 to the financial statements. 

Loans 

Loans  receivable,  net  of  undisbursed  loan  funds  and  deferred  fees  and  costs,  increased  $66.3 
million to $1.65 billion at December 31, 2014. For more details on the loan balances, see Note 7 – Loans 
Receivable in the Notes to the Financial Statements. 

The  majority  of  First  Defiance’s  non-residential  real  estate  and  commercial  loans  are  to  small 
and  mid-sized  businesses.  The  combined  commercial,  non-residential  real  estate  and  multi-family  real 
estate  loan  portfolios  totaled  $1.24  billion  and  $1.21  billion  at  December  31,  2014  and  2013, 
respectively, and accounted for approximately 73.6% and 74.9% of First Defiance’s loan portfolio at the 
end of those respective periods. First Defiance believes it has been able to establish itself as a leader in 
its market area in the commercial and commercial real estate lending area by hiring experienced lenders 
and providing a high level of customer service to its commercial lending clients. 

The  one-to-four  family  residential  portfolio  totaled  $206.4  million  at  December  31,  2014, 
compared with $195.8 million at the end of 2013. At the end of 2014, those loans comprised 12.2% of 
the total loan portfolio, up from 12.1% at December 31, 2013. 

Construction  loans,  which  include  one-to-four  family  and  commercial  real  estate  properties, 
increased  to  $112.4  million  at  December  31,  2014  compared  to  $86.1  million  at  December  31,  2013. 
These loans accounted for approximately 6.7% and 5.3% of the total loan portfolio at December 31, 2014 
and 2013, respectively. 

Home  equity  and  home  improvement  loans  increased to $111.8 million at December 31, 2014, 
from $106.9 million at the end of 2013. At the end of 2014, those loans comprised 6.6% of the total loan 
portfolio, flat with December 31, 2013. 

Consumer finance and mobile home loans were $15.5 million at December 31, 2014, down from 
$16.9  million  at  the  end  of  2013.  These  loans  comprised  just  0.9%  and  1.1%  of  the  total  portfolio  at 
December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively. 

In  order  to  properly  assess  the  collateral  dependent  loans  included  in  its  loan  portfolio,  the 
Company has established policies regarding the monitoring of the collateral underlying such loans.  The 
Company requires an appraisal that is less than one year old for all new collateral dependent real estate 
loans, and all renewed collateral dependent real estate loans where significant new money is extended.  
The  appraisal  process  is  handled  by  the  Credit  Department,  which  selects  the  appraiser  and  orders  the 
appraisal.  First Defiance’s loan policy prohibits the account officer from talking or communicating with 
the appraiser to insure that the appraiser is not influenced by the account officer in any way in making 
their determination of value. 

First  Federal  generally  does  not  require  updated  appraisals  for  performing  loans  unless 

significant new money is requested by the borrower. 

When  a  collateral  dependent  loan  is  downgraded  to  classified  status,  First  Federal  reviews  the 
most current appraisal on file and if necessary, based on First Federal’s assessment of the appraisal, such 
as age, market, etc. First Federal will discount this amount to a more appropriate current value based on 
inputs  from  lenders  and  realtors.  This  amount  may  then  be  discounted  further  by  First  Federal’s 

- 40 - 

- 40 -

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
estimation of the selling costs.  In most instances, if the appraisal is more than twelve to fifteen months 
old, a new appraisal may be required. Finally, First Federal assesses whether there is any collateral short 
fall, taking into consideration guarantor support and liquidity, and determines if a charge off is necessary. 

When a collateral dependent loan moves to non-performing status, First Federal generally gets a 
new third party appraisal and charges the loan down appropriately based upon the new appraisal and an 
estimate  of  costs  to  liquidate  the  collateral.    All  properties  that  are  moved  into  the  Other  Real  Estate 
Owned (“OREO”) category are supported by current appraisals, and the OREO is carried at the lower of 
cost  or  fair  value,  which  is  determined  based  on  appraised  value  less  First  Federal’s  estimate  of  the 
liquidation costs. 

First  Federal  does  not  adjust  any  appraisals  upward  without  written  documentation  of  this 
valuation change from the appraiser.  When setting reserves and charge offs on classified loans, appraisal 
values  may  be  discounted  downward  based  upon  First  Federal’s  experience  with  liquidating  similar 
properties.    

All  loans  over  90  days  past  due  and/or  on  non-accrual  are  classified  as  non-performing  loans. 

Non-performing status automatically occurs in the month in which the 90-day delinquency occurs. 

As stated above, once a collateral dependent loan is identified as non-performing, First Federal 

generally gets an appraisal. 

Appraisals are received within approximately 60 days after they are requested.  The First Federal 
Loan  Loss  Reserve  Committee  reviews  the  amount  of  each  new  appraisal  and  makes  any  necessary 
charge off decisions at its meeting prior to the end of each quarter. 

Any partially charged-off collateral dependent loans are considered non-performing, and as such, 
would need to show an extended period of time with satisfactory payment performance as well as cash 
flow coverage capability supported by current financial statements before First Federal will consider an 
upgrade  to  performing  status.      First  Federal  may  consider  moving  the  loan  to  accruing  status  after 
approximately six months of satisfactory payment performance. 

For loans where First Federal determines that an updated appraisal is not necessary, other means 
are  used  to verify the value of the real estate, such as recent sales of similar properties on which First 
Federal had loans as well as calls to appraisers, brokers, realtors and investors.  First Federal monitors 
and  tracks  its  loan  to  value  quarterly  to  determine  accuracy  and  any  necessary  charge  offs.  Based  on 
these results, changes may occur in the processes used. 

Loan  modifications  constitute  a  troubled  debt  restructuring  (“TDR”)  if  First  Federal  for 
economic  or  legal  reasons  related  to  the  borrower’s  financial  difficulties  grants  a  concession  to  the 
borrower  that  it  would  not  otherwise  consider.  For    loans    that    are    considered    Troubled    Debt 
Restructurings, First Federal either computes  the  present value of expected future cash flows discounted 
at the original loan’s effective interest rate or it may measure impairment based on the fair  value  of  the 
 collateral.      For  those  loans  measured  for  impairment  utilizing  the  present  value  of  future  cash  flows 
method, any discount is carried as a reserve in the allowance for loan and lease losses.  For those loans 
measured  for  impairment  utilizing  the  fair  value  of  the  collateral,  any  shortfall  is  charged  off.    As  of 
December  31,  2014  and  December  31,  2013,  First  Federal  Bank  had  $24.7  million  and  $27.6  million, 
respectively, of loans that were still performing and which were classified as TDRs. 

Allowance for Loan Losses 

The  allowance  for  loan  losses  represents  management’s  assessment  of  the  estimated  probable 
incurred credit losses in the loan portfolio at each balance sheet date. Management analyzes the adequacy 
of the allowance for loan losses regularly through reviews of the loan portfolio. Consideration is given to 
economic  conditions,  changes  in  interest  rates  and  the  effect  of  such  changes  on  collateral  values  and 

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borrower’s  ability  to  pay,  changes  in  the  composition  of  the  loan  portfolio  and  trends  in  past  due  and 
non-performing loan balances. The allowance for loan losses is a material estimate that is susceptible to 
significant  fluctuation  and  is  established  through  a  provision  for  loan  losses  based  on  management’s 
evaluation  of  the  inherent  risk  in  the  loan  portfolio.  In  addition  to  extensive  in-house  loan  monitoring 
procedures,  the  Company  utilizes  an  outside  party  to  conduct  an  independent  loan  review  of  all 
commercial  loan  and  commercial  real  estate  loan  relationships  that  exceed  $5.0  million  of  aggregate 
exposure  and  all  watchlist  relationships  that  exceed  $500,000  of  aggregate  exposure  over  an  annual 
period.  Management  utilizes  the  results  of  this  outside  loan  review  to  assess  the  effectiveness  of  its 
internal  loan  grading  system  as  well  as  to  assist  in  the  assessment  of  the  overall  adequacy  of  the 
allowance for loan losses associated with these types of loans. 

The  provision  for  loan  losses  is  determined  by  management  as  the  amount  to  be  added  to  the 
allowance  for  loan  losses  after  net  charge-offs  have  been  deducted  to  bring  the  allowance  to  a  level 
which, in management’s best estimate, is necessary to absorb incurred credit losses within the existing 
loan  portfolio  in    the  normal  course  of  business.  The  allowance  for  loan  loss  is  made  up  of  two  basic 
components.  The  first  component  is  the  specific  allowance  in  which  the  company  sets  aside  reserves 
based on the analysis of individual credits that are cash flow dependent, yet there is a discount between 
the present value of the future cash flows and the carrying value. This was $1.3 million at December 31, 
2014.  The  second  component  is  the  general  reserve.  The  general  reserve  is  used  to  record  loan  loss 
reserves  for  groups  of  homogenous  loans  in  which  the  Company  estimates  the  losses  incurred  in  the 
portfolios  based  on  quantitative  and  qualitative  factors.  Due  to  the  uncertainty  of  risks  in  the  loan 
portfolio,  the  Company’s  judgment  regarding  the  amount  of  the  allowance  necessary  to  absorb  loans 
losses is approximate. 

Due  to  regulatory  guidance,  the  Company  no  longer  carries  specific  reserves  on  collateral 
dependent  loans,  and  instead  usually  charges  off  any  shortfall.    First  Federal  analyzes  all  loans  on  its 
classified and special mention lists at least quarterly and makes judgments about the risk of loss based on 
the cash flow of the borrower, the value of any collateral and the financial strength of any guarantor in 
determining the amount of impairment of individual loans and the charge off to be taken. 

For purpose of the general reserve analysis, the loan portfolio is stratified into nine different loan 
pools  based  on  loan  type  and  by  market  area  to  allocate  historic  loss  experience.  The  loss  experience 
factor  applied  to  the  non-impaired  loan  portfolio  was  based  upon  historical  losses  of  the  most  recent 
weighted rolling twelve quarters ending December 31, 2014. 

The stratification of the loan portfolio resulted in a quantitative general allowance of $7.8 million 
at December 31, 2014 compared to $11.2 million at December 31, 2013. The decrease in the quantitative 
allowance  was  due  to  a  decrease  in  the  historical  loss  factors  relating  to  commercial,  commercial  real 
estate, residential and consumer loans. 

In addition to the quantitative analysis, a qualitative analysis is performed each quarter to provide 
additional general reserves on the non-impaired loan portfolio for various factors.  The overall qualitative 
factors are based on nine sub-factors. The nine sub-factors have been aggregated into three qualitative 
factors: economic, environment and risk.   

ECONOMIC 

1) 

2) 

Changes in international, national and local economic business conditions and   
developments, including the condition of various market segments. 
Changes in the value of underlying collateral for collateral dependent loans.  

               ENVIRONMENT 

3) 
4) 

Changes in the nature and volume in the loan portfolio. 
The existence and effect of any concentrations of credit and changes in the level 
of such concentrations. 

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               RISK 

5) 

6) 
7) 

8) 

9) 

Changes in lending policies and procedures, including underwriting standards    
and collection, charge-off and recovery practices. 
Changes in the quality and breadth of the loan review process. 
Changes in the experience, ability and depth of lending management and staff. 

Changes in the trends of the volume and severity of delinquent and classified 
loans, and changes in the volume of non-accrual loans, trouble debt 
restructuring, and other loan modifications. 
Changes in the political and regulatory environment. 

The  qualitative  analysis  at  December  31,  2014  indicated  a  general  reserve  of  $15.7  million 
compared  with  $12.3  million  at  December  31,  2013.    Management  reviews  the  overall  economic, 
environmental  and  risk  factors  quarterly  and  determines  appropriate  adjustments  to  these  sub-factors 
based on that review.   

The economic factors for most loan segments were decreased in 2014 primarily due to the results 
of two items: the continued strength in the regional and national economy, and continued improvement in 
unemployment  rates  in  the  Northwest  Ohio  and  adjoining  market  counties  in  Indiana  and  Michigan 
relative to the same period in 2013.  

The  environmental  factors  have  increased  in  2014,  reflecting  increases  in  the  residential, 
commercial,  construction  and  commercial  real  estate  during  the  year  primarily  due  to:    the  significant 
growth in balances achieved amidst highly competitive conditions on pricing and terms and the continued 
growth  in  our  new  Business  Banking  initiative,  and  balances  generated  from  the  expansion  into  the 
Columbus market through a new loan production office.   

Environmental factors also increased due to changes in lending management and staff.  Recent 
changes  to  staff  include  the  retirement  of  First  Federal’s  President  and  the  departures  of  the  Credit 
Department Manager and the Senior Lender for the Southern market, all key positions contributing to the 
credit quality of the bank.  Appropriate organizational changes have been implemented to address these 
personnel  changes  with  the  appointment  of  a  new  Community  Banking  President,  the  promotion  of  an 
experienced credit analyst to the manager role and the initiation of a recruiting effort to fill the vacant 
lender position.  

The risk factors for residential, commercial and commercial real estate have increased in 2014, 
even  though  the  overall  levels  of  non-performing  assets  reflect  a  continued  improvement  from  2013, 
because  these  levels  remain  elevated  compared  to  the  Company’s  peers.  In  addition,  management  has 
given  significant  consideration to the changes to the historical loss factors over the course of the year.  
The three-year rolling average has led to reductions in the quantitative factors that management believes 
to be outpacing the overall reduction of risk in the loan portfolio.  While recent experience in net losses 
has clearly improved, management has quantified the difference between a three-year loss look back and 
a  four-year  loss  look  back  and  has  concluded  that  an  adjustment  to  the  qualitative  factors  for  the 
difference is appropriate at this time.   

 First  Defiance’s  general  reserve  percentages  for  main  loan  segments  not  otherwise  classified 

ranged from 0.30% for construction loans to 1.64% for commercial loans. 

As a result of the quantitative and qualitative analysis, along with the change in specific reserves, 
the Company’s provision for loan losses for 2014 was $1.1 million compared to $1.8 million for 2013. 
The allowance for loan losses was $24.8 million at December 31, 2014 and $25.0 million at December 
31, 2013 and represented 1.50% and 1.58% of loans, net of undisbursed loan funds and deferred fees and 
costs, respectively. That decrease was mainly the result of the lower quantitative factors driven by lower 
charge offs and improvement in overall credit risk profile as well as the overall higher balance of loans. 

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The pace of the decline in real estate values has slowed and in some markets has stabilized. While some 
collateral  dependent  loans  no  longer  have  enough  collateral  value  to  support  the  outstanding  balance, 
Management  believes  it  has  processes  in  place  to  identify  and  assess  market  values.  Management  has 
expanded  its  credit  monitoring  functions  even  further  beyond  its  traditionally  strong  focus.  Additional 
asset review functions and more delinquent loan reporting requirements have been added to assist in this 
monitoring. Management will continually review credit concentrations by industry and has placed lower 
limits  on  lending  within  certain  types  of  loan  categories.  Management  has  also  segmented  the 
commercial real estate portfolio to track the general performance of these segments to further refine the 
predictive process of identifying potential problem loans. The provision was offset by charge offs of $4.9 
million  and  recoveries  of  $3.6  million  resulting  in  a  decrease  to  the  overall  allowance  for  loan  loss  of 
$184,000.  In management’s opinion, the overall allowance for loan losses of $24.8 million as of December 
31, 2014 is adequate.  

Management also assesses the value of real estate owned as of the end of each accounting period 
and recognizes write-downs to the value of that real estate in the income statement if conditions dictate. 
In  2014,  First  Defiance  recorded  real  estate  owned  write-downs  that  totaled  $251,000.  These  amounts 
were included in other non-interest expense. Management believes that the values recorded at December 
31, 2014 for real estate owned and repossessed assets represent the realizable value of such assets. 

Total  classified  loans  decreased  to  $47.3  million  at  December  31,  2014,  compared  to  $55.6 

million at December 31, 2013. 

First  Defiance’s  ratio  of  allowance  for  loan  losses  to  non-performing  loans  was  102.6%  at 
December 31, 2014 compared with 89.6% at December 31, 2013. Management monitors collateral values 
of all loans included on the watch list that are collateral dependent and believes that allowances for those 
loans at December 31, 2014 are appropriate. 

At  December  31,  2014,  First  Defiance  had  total  non-performing  assets  of  $30.3  million, 
compared to $33.7 million at December 31, 2013. Non-performing assets include loans that are 90 days 
past due, real estate owned and other assets held for sale.   

The decrease in non-performing loans between December 31, 2013 and December 31, 2014 is in 
commercial  loans.  The  balance  of  commercial  non-performing  loans  was  $3.3  million  higher  at 
December 31, 2013 compared to December 31, 2014.   

Non-performing  loans  in  the  single-family  residential,  non-residential  and  multi-family 
residential  real  estate  and  commercial  loan  categories  represent  1.61%,  1.81%  and  1.25%  of  the  total 
loans  in  those  categories  respectively  at  December  31,  2014  compared  to  1.67%,  1.93%  and  2.14% 
respectively  for  the  same  categories  at  December  31,  2013.  Management  believes  that  the  current 
allowance  for  loan  losses  is  appropriate  and  that  the  provision  for  loan  losses  recorded  in  2014  is 
consistent with both charge-off experience and the risk inherent in the overall credits in the portfolio. 

First Federal’s Asset Review Committee meets monthly to review the status of work-out strategies 
for  all  criticized  relationships,  which  include  all  non-accrual  loans.  Based  on  such  factors  as  anticipated 
collateral values in liquidation scenarios, cash flow projections, assessment of net worth of guarantors and 
all  other  factors  which  may  mitigate  risk  of  loss,  the  Asset  Review  Committee  makes  recommendations 
regarding  proposed  charge-offs  which  are  approved  by  the  Senior  Loan  Committee  or  the  Loan  Loss 
Reserve Committee.  

For  the  twelve    months  ended  and  as  of  December  31,  2014,  commercial  real  estate,  which 
represented  49.84%  of  total  loans,  accounted  for  a  net  recovery  of  126.98%  and  62.88%  of  nonaccrual 
loans,  and  commercial  loans,  which  represented  23.70%  of  total  loans,  accounted  for  195.76%  of  net 
charge-offs and 20.69% of nonaccrual loans.  For the twelve months ended and as of December 31, 2013, 
commercial real estate, which represented 50.80% of total loans, accounted for 45.69% of net charge-offs 

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and  56.86%  of  nonaccrual  loans,  and  commercial  loans,  which  represented  24.06%  of  total  loans, 
accounted for 26.22% of net charge-offs and 29.90% of nonaccrual loans. 

Table 1 – Net Charge-offs and Non-accruals by Loan Type 

For the Twelve Months Ended December 31, 2014 

As of December 31, 2014 

Net 

Charge-offs 

(In Thousands) 

$                    231  

- 

(1,652) 

2,547  

(24) 

199 

% of Total Net 

Nonaccrual 

  % of Total Non- 

Charge-offs 

Loans 

Accrual Loans 

17.76% 

0.00% 

(126.98)% 

195.76% 

(1.84)% 

15.30% 

(In Thousands) 

$             3,332 

-  

15,174  

4,993 

12  

619  

13.81% 

0.00% 

62.88% 

20.69% 

0.05% 

2.57% 

$                  1,301 

100.00% 

$           24,130  

100.00% 

For the Twelve Months Ended December 31, 2013 

As of December 31, 2013 

Net 

Charge-offs 

(In Thousands) 

$                    361  

- 

1,638 

940  

14 

632 

% of Total Net 

Nonaccrual 

  % of Total Non- 

Charge-offs 

Loans 

Accrual Loans 

10.07% 

0.00% 

45.69% 

26.22% 

0.39% 

17.63% 

(In Thousands) 

$             3,273 

-  

15,834  

8,327 

-  

413  

11.76% 

0.00% 

56.86% 

29.90% 

0.00% 

1.48% 

Residential 

Construction  

Commercial real estate 

Commercial 

Consumer finance 

Home equity and improvement 

    Total  

Residential 

Construction  

Commercial real estate 

Commercial 

Consumer finance 

Home equity and improvement 

    Total  

$                  3,585 

100.00% 

$           27,847  

100.00% 

The  following  table  sets  forth  information  concerning  the  allocation  of  First  Defiance’s 

allowance for loan losses by loan categories at December 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013. 

Table 2 – Allowance for Loan Loss Allocation by Loan Category 

December 31, 2014 

December 31, 2013 

Percent of 
total loans 
Amount  by category  Amount 
                      (Dollars in Thousands) 
12.24%   $  2,847 
  $  2,494 
134 
6.66%      
221 

      13,721 
6,509 
117 

49.84%       14,508 
5,678 
23.70%      
148 
0.92%      

Percent of 
total loans 
by category 

12.13% 
5.33% 

50.80% 
24.06% 
1.05% 

1,704 
  $  24,766 

6.63%      

1,635 
100.00%   $  24,950 

6.63% 
100.00% 

Residential 
Construction 
Commercial real 
estate   
Commercial 
Consumer 
Home equity and 
improvement  

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Loans Acquired with Impairment 

Certain loans acquired had evidence that the credit quality of the loan had deteriorated since its 
origination and, in management’s assessment at the acquisition date, it was probable that First Defiance 
would be unable to collect all contractually required payments due. In accordance with FASB ASC Topic 
310 Subtopic 30, Loans and Debt Securities Acquired with Deteriorated Credit Quality, these loans were 
recorded based on management’s estimate of the fair value of the loans.  

As of December 31, 2014, the total contractual receivable for those loans was $413,000 and the 

recorded value was $186,000. 

High Loan-to-Value Mortgage Loans 

The  majority  of  First  Defiance’s  mortgage  loans  are  collateralized  by  one-to-four-family 
residential real estate, have loan-to-value ratios of 80% or less, and are made to borrowers in good credit 
standing.  First  Federal  usually  requires  residential  mortgage  loan  borrowers  whose  loan-to-value  is 
greater than 80% to purchase private mortgage insurance (“PMI”). Management also periodically reviews 
and monitors the financial viability of its PMI providers. 

First Federal originates and retains a limited number of residential mortgage loans with loan-to-
value  ratios  that  exceed  80%  where  PMI  is  not  required  if  the  borrower  possesses  other  demonstrable 
strengths. The loan-to-value ratios on these loans are generally limited to 85% and exceptions must be 
approved  by  First  Federal’s  senior  loan  committee.  Management  monitors  the  balance  of  one-to-four 
family residential loans, including home equity loans and committed lines of credit that exceed certain 
loan  to  value  standards  (90%  for  owner  occupied  residences,  85%  for  non-owner  occupied  residences 
and one-to-four family construction loans, 75% for developed land and 65% for raw land). Total loans 
that  exceed  those  standards  described  above  at  December  31,  2014  totaled  $50.0  million,  compared  to 
$43.7 million at December 31, 2013. These loans are generally paying as agreed. 

First  Defiance  does  not  make  interest-only  first-mortgage  residential  loans,  nor  does  it  have 

residential mortgage loan products or other consumer products that allow negative amortization. 

Goodwill and Intangible Assets 

Goodwill  was  $61.5  million  at  December  31,  2014  and  2013.  No  impairment  of  goodwill  was 
recorded in 2014 or 2013. Core deposit intangibles and other intangible assets decreased to $2.4 million 
at December 31, 2014 compared to $3.5 million at December 31, 2013. During 2014, changes to the core 
deposit  intangibles  and  other  intangibles  were  due  to  the  recognition  of  $1.1  million  of  amortization 
expense. 

Deposits 

Total deposits at December 31, 2014 were $1.76 billion compared to $1.74 billion at December 
31, 2013, an increase of $25.0 million or 1.4%. Non-interest bearing checking accounts grew by $30.6 
million, money market and interest bearing checking accounts grew by $11.8 million, and savings grew 
by  $18.6  million  while retail certificates of deposit declined by $35.9 million. Management can utilize 
the  national  market  for  certificates  of  deposit  to  supplement  its  funding  needs  if  necessary.  For  more 
details on the deposit balances in general see Note 11 – Deposits.  

Borrowings 

FHLB  advances  totaled  $21.5  million  at  December  31,  2014  compared  to  $22.5  million  at 
December 31, 2013. The balance at the end of 2014 includes $12.0 million of convertible advances with 
rates ranging from 2.35% to 3.04%. These advances are all callable by the FHLB, at which point they 
would convert to a three-month LIBOR advance if not paid off. Those advances have final maturity dates 

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ranging from 2015 to 2018. In addition, First Defiance has two fixed-rate advances totaling $9.5 million 
with rates ranging from 1.78% to 4.10%.   

At  December  31,  2014,  First  Defiance  also  had  $54.8  million  of  securities  that  were  sold  with 

agreements to repurchase, compared to $51.9 million at December 31, 2013.  

Capital Resources 

Total stockholders’ equity increased $7.4 million to $279.5 million at December 31, 2014. This 
increase is a result of net income of $24.3 million and an increase in the market value of the available-
for-sale security portfolio in the amount of $3.8 million mostly offset by common stock repurchases and 
$5.9 million in common stock dividends. In 2014, 553,136 shares were repurchased, resulting in a $15.5 
million decrease in stockholders’ equity, and 53,200 stock options were exercised resulting in a $921,000 
increase  in  stockholder’s  equity.  In  2013,  70,966  shares  were  repurchased,  resulting  in  a  $1.8  million 
decrease  in  stockholders’  equity,  and  a  total  of  35,147  stock  options  were  exercised  resulting  in  a 
$350,000 increase in stockholders’ equity. 

Results of Operations  

Summary 

First  Defiance  reported  net  income  of  $24.3  million  for  the  year  ended  December  31,  2014 
compared  to  $22.2  million  and  $18.7  million  for  the  years  ended  December  31,  2013  and  2012, 
respectively. Net income applicable to common shares was $24.3 million in 2014 compared with $22.2 
million in 2013 and $18.0 million in 2012. On a diluted per common share basis, First Defiance earned 
$2.44 in 2014, $2.19 in 2013 and $1.81 in 2012.  

Net Interest Income  

First Defiance’s net interest income is determined by its interest rate spread (i.e. the difference 
between the yields on its interest-earning assets and the rates paid on its interest-bearing liabilities) and 
the relative amounts of interest-earning assets and interest-bearing liabilities. 

Net interest income was $69.7 million for the year ended December 31, 2014 compared to $67.6 
million  and  $69.0  million  for  the  years  ended  December  31,  2013  and  2012,  respectively.  The  tax-
equivalent  net  interest  margin  was  3.68%,  3.76%  and  3.81%  for  the  years  ended  December  31,  2014, 
2013  and  2012,  respectively.  The  margin  was  down  slightly  between  2013  and  2014.  Interest-earning 
asset  yields  decreased  13  basis  points  (to  4.01%  in  2014  from  4.14%  in 2013) and the cost of interest 
bearing  liabilities  between  the  two  periods  decreased  6  basis  points  (to  0.43%  in  2014  from  0.49%  in 
2013). 

Total  interest  income  increased  by  $1.4  million  or  2.0%  to  $76.2  million  for  the  year  ended 
December 31, 2014 from $74.8 million for the year ended December 31, 2013. The increase in interest 
income was due to a volume increase in loans and investment securities in 2014. Interest income from 
loans  increased  to  $68.7  million  for  2014  compared  to  $68.1  million  in  2013,  which  represents  an 
increase of 0.9%.   

During the same period, the average balance of investment securities increased to $223.5 million 
for  2014  from  $191.0  million  for  the year ended December 31, 2013. Interest income from investment 
securities  increased  to  $6.6  million  in  2014  compared  to  $5.6  million  in  2013,  which  represents  an 
increase of 17.5%. The overall duration of investments increased to 4.9 years at December 31, 2014 from 
4.5 years at December 31, 2013. 

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Interest  expense  decreased  by  $611,000  in  2014  compared  to  2013,  to  $6.6  million  from  $7.2 
million.  This  decrease  was  due  to  a  six  basis  point  decline  in  the  average  cost  of  interest-bearing 
liabilities in 2014. Interest expense related to interest-bearing deposits was $5.3 million in 2014 and $5.9 
million in 2013. Expenses on FHLB advances and other interest-bearing funding sources were $528,000 
and  $161,000  respectively  in  2014  and  $434,000  and  $222,000  respectively  in  2013.  Interest  expense 
recognized by the Company related to subordinated debentures was $587,000 in 2014 and $601,000 in 
2013. 

Total  interest  income  decreased  by  $6.1  million  or  7.6%  to  $74.8  million  for  the  year  ended 
December 31, 2013 from $80.9 million for the year ended December 31, 2012. The decrease in interest 
income  was  due  to  a  decline  in  asset  yields,  mainly  as  a  result  of  a  drop  in yields on loans receivable 
which declined 46 basis points to 4.46% at December 31, 2013. Interest income from loans decreased to 
$68.1 million for 2013 compared to $72.6 million in 2012 which represents a decline of 6.3%. 

During the same period, the average balance of investment securities decreased to $191.0 million 
for 2013 from $247.4 million for the year ended December 31, 2012. Interest income from the investment 
portfolio decreased to $5.6 million for 2013 from $7.1 million for 2012.  The decline in average balance 
and  interest  income  was  a  result  of  a  balance  sheet  restructure  that  took  place  late  in  2012.    The  tax-
equivalent yield on the investment portfolio was 3.78% in 2013 compared to 3.63% in 2012. The overall 
duration  of  investments  increased  to  4.5  years  at  December  31,  2013  from  3.5  years  at  December  31, 
2012. 

Interest expense decreased by $4.8 million in 2013 compared to 2012, to $7.2 million from $11.9 
million.  This  decrease  was  due  to  a  thirty  basis  point  decline  in  the  average  cost  of  interest-bearing 
liabilities in 2013. Interest expense related to interest-bearing deposits was $5.9 million in 2013 and $8.2 
million in 2012. Expenses on FHLB advances and other interest-bearing funding sources were $434,000 
and $222,000 respectively in 2013 and $2.4 million and $373,000 respectively in 2012. Interest expense 
recognized by the Company related to subordinated debentures was $601,000 in 2013 and $971,000 in 
2012. 

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The following table shows an analysis of net interest margin on a tax equivalent basis for the years 

ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012: 

Table 3 – Net Interest Margin 

Year Ended December 31 

Average 
Balance 

2014 
Interest 
(1) 

Yield/ 
Rate (2) 

Average 
Balance 

(In Thousands) 
2013 
Interest 
(1) 

Yield/ 
Rate  

Average 
Balance 

2012 
Interest 
(1) 

Yield/ 
Rate 

Interest-Earning Assets: 

 Loans receivable 

$   1,574,753 

$68,828 

 4.37%  $   1,528,176 

$68,147 

 4.46%  $   1,477,681 

$72,724 

 4.92% 

 Securities 

223,534 

8,227 

3.79% 

191,039 

7,158 

3.78% 

247,442 

8,675 

3.63% 

 Interest-earning deposits 

134,114 

349 

0.26% 

106,742 

282 

0.26% 

116,562 

14,677 

642 

4.37% 

19,505 

826 

4.23% 

20,655 

1,947,078 

78,046 

4.01% 

1,845,462 

76,413 

4.14% 

1,862,340 

82,598 

4.44% 

300 

899 

0.26% 

4.35% 

 FHLB stock  
 Total interest-earning 
  assets 
 Non-interest-earning 
  assets 

215,390 

 Total Assets 

$2,162,468 

206,788 

$2,052,250 

201,212 

$2,063,552 

Interest-Bearing Liabilities: 
 Interest-bearing deposits 
 FHLB advances 
 Subordinated debentures 
 Other borrowings 
 Total interest-bearing 
   liabilities 
Non-interest bearing 
 demand deposits 
Total including non- 
 interest- bearing  
 demand deposits 
Other non-interest 
  liabilities  
Total Liabilities 
Stockholders’ equity 
 Total liabilities and  
  stockholders’ equity 
Net interest income; 
  interest  rate spread (3) 

Net interest margin (4) 
Average interest-earning 
   assets to average interest- 
   bearing liabilities 

$    1,399,507          $5,283 
         528 
587 
           161 

21,995 
36,131 
54,524 

0.38%  $    1,353,304          $5,913 
         434 
2.40% 
1.62% 
601 
           222 
0.30% 

17,733 
36,133 
50,877 

0.44%  $    1,352,724          $8,169 
        2,424 
2.45% 
971 
1.66% 
           373 
0.44% 

66,121 
36,169 
53,155 

0.60% 
3.67% 
2.68% 
0.70% 

1,512,157 

6,559 

0.43% 

1,458,047 

7,170 

0.49% 

1,508,169 

11,937 

0.79% 

350,677 

  − 

308,591 

  − 

266,913 

  − 

      1,862,834 

6,559 

  0.35% 

      1,766,638 

7,170 

  0.41% 

      1,775,082 

11,937 

  0.67% 

23,097 
1,885,931 
276,537 

20,547 
1,787,185 
265,065 

21,276 
1,796,358 
267,194 

$   2,162,468 

$   2,052,250 

$   2,063,552 

$71,487 

3.57% 

$69,243 

3.65% 

$70,661 

3.64% 

3.68% 

128.8% 

3.76% 

3.81% 

  126.6% 

  123.5% 

(1) 

Interest on certain tax exempt loans (amounting to $271,000, $129,000 and $192,000 in 2014, 2013 and 2012 respectively) and tax-exempt 
securities  ($3.1  million,  $2.9  million  and  $2.9  million  in  2014,  2013,  and  2012)  is  not  taxable for Federal income tax purposes. The average 
balance of such loans was $7.8 million, $4.2 million and $4.9 million in 2014, 2013, and 2012 while the average balance of such securities was 
$82.2 million, $76.0 million and $73.7 million in 2014, 2013, and 2012, respectively. In order to compare the tax-exempt yields on these assets to 
taxable yields, the interest earned on these assets is adjusted to a pre-tax equivalent amount based on the marginal corporate federal income tax 
rate of 35%. 

(2)  At December 31, 2014, the yields earned and rates paid were as follows: loans receivable, 4.23%; securities, 3.09%; FHLB stock,4.00%; total 
interest-earning  assets,    4.08%;  deposits,  0.28%;  FHLB  advances,  2.38%;  other  borrowings,  0.28%,  subordinated  debentures,1.67%;  total 
including non- interest-bearing liabilities, 0.33%; and interest rate spread, 3.75%. 

Interest rate spread is the difference in the yield on interest-earning assets and the cost of interest-bearing liabilities. 

(3) 
(4)  Net interest margin is net interest income divided by average interest-earning assets. 

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The following table describes the extent to which changes in interest rates and changes in volume of 
interest-related  assets  and  liabilities  have  affected  First  Defiance’s  tax-equivalent  interest  income  and 
interest  expense  during  the  periods  indicated.  For  each  category  of  interest-earning  assets  and  interest-
bearing  liabilities,  information  is  provided  on  changes  attributable  to  (i)  changes  in  volume  (change  in 
volume multiplied by prior year rate), (ii) change in rate (change in rate multiplied by prior year volume), 
and (iii) total change in rate and volume. The combined effect of changes in both rate and volume has been 
allocated proportionately to the change due to rate and the change due to volume. 

Table 4 – Changes in Interest Rates and Volumes 

Year Ended December 31            

(In Thousands) 

Increase 
(decrease) 
due to 
rate 

2014 vs. 2013 
Increase 
(decrease) 
due to 
volume 

Total 
increase 
(decrease) 

Increase 
(decrease) 
due to 
rate 

2013 vs. 2012 
Increase 
(decrease) 
due to 
volume 

Total 
increase 
(decrease) 

  $  (1,371) 
(129) 

  $  2,052 
1,198 

 $ 

681 
1,069 

  $  (7,000) 
565 

  $  2,423 
(2,082) 

 $  (4,577) 
(1,517) 

(4) 
26 

71 
(210) 

67 
(184) 

8 
(24) 

(26) 
(49) 

(18) 
(73) 

  $  (1,478) 

  $  3,111 

 $  1,633 

  $  (6,451) 

  $ 

266 

 $  (6,185) 

  $ 

  $ 

(828) 
(9) 
(14) 
(76) 

 $ 

198 
103 
- 
15 

(630) 
94 
(14) 
(61) 

  $  (2,260) 
(620) 
(369) 
(135) 

  $ 

4 
(1,370) 
(1) 
(16) 

 $  (2,256) 
(1,990) 
(370) 
(151) 

  $ 

(927) 

  $ 

316 

 $ 

(611) 

  $  (3,384) 

  $  (1,383) 

 $  (4,767) 

Interest-Earning Assets 
 Loans 
 Securities 
 Interest-earning 
  deposits 
 FHLB stock 
Total interest-earning 
   assets 

Interest-Bearing Liabilities 
 Deposits 
 FHLB advances 
 Subordinated Debentures 
 Notes Payable 
Total interest- bearing 
  liabilities 

Increase (decrease) in net interest income 

 $  2,244 

 $  (1,418) 

Provision for Loan Losses – First Defiance’s provision for loan losses was $1.1 million for the 
year ended December 31, 2014 compared to $1.8 million for December 31, 2013 and $10.9 million for 
December 31, 2012. 

Provisions for loan losses are charged to earnings to bring the total allowance for loan losses to a 
level  deemed  appropriate  by  management  to  absorb  probable  losses  incurred  in  the  loan  portfolio.  
Factors  considered  by  management  include  identifiable risk in the portfolios, historical experience, the 
volume and type of lending conducted by First Defiance, the amount of non-performing loans (including 
loans  which  meet  the  FASB  ASC  Topic  310  definition  of  impaired),  the  amount  of  loans  graded  by 
management as substandard, doubtful, or loss, general economic conditions (particularly as they relate to 
First  Defiance’s  market  areas);  and  other  factors  related  to  the  collectability  of  First  Defiance’s  loan 
portfolio. See also Allowance for Loan Losses in Management’s Discussion and Analysis and Note 7 to 
the audited financial statements. 

Noninterest  Income  –  Noninterest  income  increased  by  $863,000  or  2.8%  in  2014  to  $31.6 
million  from  $30.8  million  for  the  year  ended  December  31,  2013.    That  followed  a  decrease  of  $3.6 
million or 10.5% in 2013 from $34.4 million in 2012. 

Service fees and other charges increased to $10.3 million for the year ended December 31, 2014 
from  $10.0  million  for  2013  but  decreased  from  $10.8  million  for  2012.  The  increase  in  noninterest 
income in 2014 from 2013 is due to new fee structures and product redesigns that were implemented in 
the third quarter of 2014.   

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First  Federal’s  overdraft  privilege  program  generally  provides  for  the  automatic  payment  of 
modest  overdraft  limits  on  all  accounts  deemed  to  be  in  good  standing  when  the  account  is  accessed 
using paper-based check processing, a teller withdrawal, a point-of-sale terminal, an ACH transaction, an 
online  banking  or  voice-response  transfer,  or  an  ATM.  To  be  in  good  standing,  an  account  must  be 
brought  to  a  positive  balance  within  a  30-day  period  and  have  not  excessively  used  the  overdraft 
privilege program. Overdraft limits are established for all customers without discrimination using a risk 
assessment  approach  for  each  account  classification.  The  approach  includes  a  systematic  review  and 
evaluation  of  the  normal  deposit  flows  made  to each account classification to establish reasonable and 
prudent  negative  balance  limits  that  would  be  routinely  repaid  by  normal,  expected  and  reoccurring 
deposits.  The  risk  assessment  by  portfolio  approach  assumes  a  minimal  degree  of  undetermined  credit 
risk associated with unidentified individual accounts that are overdrawn for 30 or more days. Consumer 
accounts overdrawn for more than 60 days are automatically charged off. Fees are charged as a one-time 
fee per occurrence, up to five charges per day, and the fee charged for an item that is paid is equal to the 
fee charged for a non-sufficient fund item that is returned. 

Overdrawn  balances,  net  of  allowance  for  losses,  are  reflected  as  loans  on  First  Defiance’s 
balance  sheet.  The  fees  charged  for  this  service  are  established  based  both on the return of processing 
costs  plus  a  profit,  and  on  the  level  of  fees  charged  by  competitors  in  the  Company’s  market  area  for 
similar  services.  These fees are considered to be compensation for providing a service to the customer 
and therefore deemed to be noninterest income rather than interest income. Fee income recorded for the 
years ending December 31, 2014 and 2013 related to the overdraft privilege product, net of adjustments 
to the allowance for uncollectible overdrafts, were $3.1 million and $3.5 million, respectively. Accounts 
charged off are included in noninterest expense.  The allowance for uncollectible overdrafts was $16,000 
at December 31, 2014 and $22,000 at December 31, 2013. 

Noninterest income also includes gains, losses and impairment on investment securities. In 2014, 
First Defiance realized a $932,000 net gain on securities compared to a $240,000 net loss in 2013 and a 
$2.1  million  net  gain  in  2012.  In  2013  and  2012,  First  Defiance  recognized  other-than-temporary 
impairment  (“OTTI”)  charges  for  certain  impaired  investment  securities,  where,  in  management’s 
opinion,  the  value  of  the  investment  will  not  be  recovered.  The  total  OTTI  charges  in  2013  were 
$337,000 and gains on sale or call of securities were $97,000.  Management recorded $337,000 of OTTI 
in  2013  on  its  investment  of  two  trust  preferred  collateralized  debt  obligation  (“CDOs”)  that  were 
considered disallowed under the Interim Final Volcker Rule announced on January 14, 2014 and which 
required  the  Company  to  liquidate  these  securities.    The  Company  held  eight  CDOs  at  December  31, 
2013.    Four  of  those  CDOs  were  written  down  in  full  prior  to  January  1,  2010.    The  remaining  four 
CDOs had a total amortized cost of $3.4 million at December 31, 2013.  Of these four, all were identified 
as having OTTI.  In 2012, the total OTTI charges were $5,000 and gains on sale or call of securities were 
$2.1 million.  There were no OTTI charges in 2014.  The Company only holds three CDOs at December 
31, 2014 with a zero value.    

In  October  2012,  the  Company  executed  a  balance  sheet  restructuring  strategy  to  enhance  the 
Company’s  current  and  future  profitability  while  increasing  its  capital  ratios  and  protecting  the  balance 
sheet against rising rates.  The strategy required taking an after tax loss of approximately $260,000 through 
selling $60.0 million in securities for a gain of $1.6 million and paying off $62.0 million in FHLB advances 
with a prepayment penalty of $2.0 million.   

Mortgage  banking  income  includes  gains  from  the  sale  of  mortgage  loans,  fees  for  servicing 
mortgage  loans  for  others,  an  offset  for  amortization  of  mortgage  servicing rights, and adjustments for 
impairment  in  the  value  of  mortgage  servicing  rights.  Mortgage  banking  income  totaled  $5.6  million, 
$8.4 million and $9.7 million in 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively. The $2.8 million decrease in 2014 
from  2013  is  attributable  to  a  $2.4  million  decrease  in  the  gain  on  sale  of  loans  and  a  $1.1  million 
negative change in the valuation adjustments on mortgage servicing rights partially offset by a decrease 
of $697,000 in mortgage servicing rights amortization expense.  The negative valuation adjustment is a 
reflection  of  the  decrease  in  the  fair  value  of  certain  sectors  of  the  Company’s  portfolio  of  mortgage 
servicing  rights.  First  Defiance  originated  $153.8  million  of  residential  mortgages  for  sale  into  the 

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secondary  market  in  2014  compared  with  $291.7  million  in  2013.    The  $1.3  million  decrease  in  2013 
from 2012 is attributable to a $4.9 million decrease in the gain on sale of loans, partially offset by a $2.0 
million positive change in the valuation adjustments on mortgage servicing rights and a decrease of $1.5 
million  in  mortgage  servicing  rights  amortization  expense.    The  positive  valuation  adjustment  is  a 
reflection  of  the  increase  in  the  fair  value  of  certain  sectors  of  the  Company’s  portfolio  of  mortgage 
servicing  rights.  First  Defiance  originated  $291.7  million  of  residential  mortgages  for  sale  into  the 
secondary market in 2013 compared with $521.5 million in 2012.  The balance of the mortgage servicing 
right valuation allowance stands at $911,000 at the end of 2014.  See Note 8 to the financial statements. 

Insurance  commission  income  increased  $232,000  or  2.4%  to  $9.9  million  in  2014  from  $9.6 
million  in  2013  mainly  due  to  an  increase  in  general  production  in  the  property  and  casualty  line  of 
business.  Insurance commission income increased $951,000 or 11.0% to $9.6 million in 2013 from $8.7 
million  in  2012  in  large  part  due  to  an  increase  in  contingent  income  of  $436,000.    Contingent 
commissions are bonus payments received by First Insurance for effective underwriting. 

Income from bank owned life insurance increased $919,000 or 104.1% to $1.8 million in 2014 
from  $883,000  in  2013  and  $924,000  in  2012.    The  increase  is  the  result  of  a  tax-free  benefit  from  a 
bank-owned life insurance policy due to a death claim in 2014.   

Noninterest Expense – Total noninterest expense for 2014 was $66.8 million compared to $65.1 

million for the year ended December 31, 2013 and $65.8 million for the year ended December 31, 2012. 

Compensation and benefits increased $1.2 million or 3.6% in 2014 to $35.5 million from $34.3 
million  in  2013.  The  increase  in  compensation  and  benefits  is  due  to  merit  increases,  higher  health 
insurance  costs  and  an  increase  in  incentive  expense  as  a  direct  reflection  of  the  improved  financial 
performance  of  the  Company.    Financial  institutions  tax,  previously  the  state  franchise  tax,  decreased 
$561,000  or  24.2%  in  2014  to  $1.8  million  from  $2.3  million  in  2013  due  to  a  change  in  the  tax 
assessment calculation since switching in 2014 to the financial institution tax.  Data processing increased 
$731,000  or  14.3%  in  2014  to  $5.9  million  from  $5.1  million  in  2013  from  the  Company’s  ongoing 
projects  to  enhance  product  delivery  coupled  with  an  increase  in  electronic  transaction  volumes.  The 
other noninterest expense category, excluding the financial institution tax, increased $483,000 primarily 
due  to $786,000 in cost associated with the termination of First Federal’s merger agreement with First 
Community  Bank  in  the  first  quarter  of  2014.    This  was  mostly  offset  by  lower  real  estate  owned 
expenses in 2014.   

  Compensation and benefits increased $1.7 million or 5.3% in 2013 to $34.3 million from $32.6 
million in 2012. The increase in compensation and benefits is due to merit increases and an increase in 
incentive  expense  of  $481,000  as  a  direct  reflection  of  the  improved  financial  performance  of  the 
Company as well as increased medical insurance costs. FDIC insurance costs decreased $1.1 million or 
40.0% to $1.6 million from $2.7 million in 2012.  The FDIC decrease is due to the improvement in the 
Company’s  risk  category  in  2013.    State  franchise  tax  decreased  $172,000  or  6.9%  in  2013  to  $2.3 
million  from  $2.5  million  in  2012.    Occupancy  costs  decreased  $903,000  or  11.9%  in  2013  to  $6.7 
million from $7.6 million in 2012 due to an increase in deferred rent liabilities in 2012.  Data processing 
increased  $465,000  or  10.0%  in  2013  to  $5.1  million  from  $4.7  million  in  2012  from  the  Company’s 
ongoing projects to enhance product offerings and gain efficiencies through the utilization of technology. 
The other noninterest expense category, excluding the state franchise tax, decreased $778,000 primarily 
due to a one-time penalty of $2.0 million for the prepayment of $62 million in FHLB advances as part of 
the Company’s balance sheet restructure in 2012.  This was primarily offset by higher real estate owned 
expenses and an increase in management consulting in 2013.   

Income Taxes – Income taxes totaled to $9.2 million in 2014 compared to $9.3 million in 2013 
and  $8.0  million  in  2012.  The  effective  tax  rates  for  those  years  were  27.4%,  29.4%,  and  30.0%, 
respectively.  The  tax  rate  is  lower than the statutory 35% tax rate for the Company mainly because of 
investments  in  tax-exempt  securities.  The  earnings  on  tax-exempt  securities  are  not  subject  to  federal 
income tax. See Note 18 – Income Taxes in the Notes to the financial statements for further details. 
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Concentrations of Credit Risk   

Financial  institutions  such  as  First  Defiance  generate  income  primarily  through  lending  and 
investing  activities.  The  risk  of  loss  from  lending  and  investing  activities  includes  the  possibility  that 
losses  may  occur  from  the  failure  of  another  party  to  perform  according  to  the  terms  of  the  loan  or 
investment agreement. This possibility is known as credit risk. 

Lending  or  investing  activities  that  concentrate  assets  in  a  way  that  exposes  the  Company  to  a 
material loss from any single occurrence or group of occurrences increases credit risk. Diversifying loans 
and  investments  to  prevent  concentrations  of  risks  is  one  way  a  financial  institution  can  reduce  potential 
losses due to credit risk. Examples of asset concentrations would include multiple loans made to a single 
borrower and loans of inappropriate size relative to the total capitalization of the institution. Management 
believes adherence to its loan and investment policies allows it to control its exposure to concentrations of 
credit  risk  at  acceptable  levels.  First  Defiance’s  loan  portfolio  is  concentrated  geographically  in  its 
northwest  Ohio,  northeast  Indiana  and  southeast  Michigan  market  areas.  Management  has  also  identified 
lending  for  income-generating  rental  properties  as  an  industry  concentration.  Total  loans  for  income- 
generating  property  totaled  $494.6  million  at  December  31,  2014,  which  represents  29.3%  of  the 
Company’s  loan  portfolio.  Management  believes  it  has  the  skill  and  experience  to  manage  any  risks 
associated  with  this  type  of  lending.  Loans  in  this  category  are  generally  paying  as  agreed  without  any 
unusual or unexpected levels of delinquency. The delinquency rate in this category, which is any loan 30 
days or more past due, was 0.12% at December 31, 2014. There are no other industry concentrations that 
exceed 10% of the Company’s loan portfolio. 

Liquidity and Capital Resources 

The Company’s primary source of liquidity is its core deposit base, raised through First Federal’s 
branch  network,  along  with  wholesale  sources  of  funding  and  its  capital  base.  These  funds,  along  with 
investment securities, provide the ability to meet the needs of depositors while funding new loan demand 
and existing commitments. 

Cash  generated  from  operating  activities  was  $30.1  million,  $39.4  million  and  $31.9  million  in 
2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively. The adjustments to reconcile net income to cash provided by or used in 
operations  during  the  periods  presented  consist  primarily  of  proceeds  from  the  sale  of  loans  (less  the 
origination  of  loans  held  for  sale),  the  provision  for  loan  losses,  depreciation  expense,  the  origination, 
amortization and impairment of mortgage servicing rights and increases and decreases in other assets and 
liabilities. 

The  primary  investing  activity  of  First  Defiance  is  lending,  which  is  funded  with  cash  provided 
from operating and financing activities, as well as proceeds from payment on existing loans and proceeds 
from maturities of investment securities.  In 2014 and 2013, the Company purchased $16.6 million and $4.5 
million, respectively, in portfolio residential home loans.    

In considering the more typical investing activities, during 2014, $20.4 million and $14.9 million 
was  generated  from  the  combination  of  maturity  or  pay-downs    and  the  sale  or  call  of  available-for-sale 
investment securities, respectively, and $73.2 million was used by an increase in loans while $70.1 million 
was used to purchase available-for-sale investment securities. During 2013, $35.1 million and $4.0 million 
was  generated  from  the  combination  of  maturity  or  pay-downs    and  the  sale  or  call  of  available-for-sale 
investment securities, respectively, and $70.8 million was used by an increase in loans while $49.2 million 
was used to purchase available-for-sale investment securities. During 2012, $60.1 million and $72.3 million 
was  generated  from  the  combination  of  maturity  or  pay-downs    and  the  sale  or  call  of  available-for-sale 
investment securities, respectively, and $65.0 million was used by an increase in loans while $91.5 million 
was used to purchase available-for-sale investment securities.     

Principal financing activities include the gathering of deposits, the utilization of FHLB advances, 
and the sale of securities under agreements to repurchase such securities and borrowings from other banks. 

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For 2014, total deposits increased by $25.8 million.  For 2013, total deposits increased by $68.4 million. 
The amount of deposits acquired from out-of-market sources decreased in 2013 by $2.0 million.  For 2012, 
total  deposits  increased  by  $71.3  million.  The  amount  of  deposits  acquired  from  out  of  market  sources 
decreased  in  2012  by  $8.6 million.    In  2014,  securities  sold  under  repurchase  arrangements  increased  by 
$2.8  million.      Also  in  2014,  the  Company  paid  $5.9  million  in  common  stock  dividends  coupled  with 
paying $15.5 million in common stock repurchases. In 2013, securities sold under repurchase arrangements 
increased by $217,000 and the Company acquired $10.0 million in FHLB advances and paid $3.9 million in 
common stock dividends.  In 2012, securities sold under repurchase arrangements decreased by $8.7 million 
and  the  Company  paid  off  $69.0  million  in  FHLB  advances  primarily  as  a  result  of  the  balance  sheet 
restructure and paid $36.4 million as a result of redeeming its preferred stock both decreasing the financing 
activity.    For  additional  information  about  cash  flows  from  First  Defiance’s  operating,  investing  and 
financing activities, see the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows included in the Consolidated Financial 
Statements. 

At  December  31,  2014,  First  Defiance  had  the  following  commitments  to  fund  deposit, advance, 

borrowing obligations and post-retirement benefits: 

Table 5 – Contractual Obligations 

Contractual Obligations 

Certificates of deposit 
FHLB fixed advances including interest (1) 
Subordinated debentures 
Securities sold under repurchase agreements 
Lease obligations 
Post-retirement benefits 
Total contractual obligations 

Maturity Dates by Period at December 31, 2014 

Total 

$449,859 
22,437 
36,083 
54,759 
6,899 
1,808 
$571,845 

Less than 
1 year 

$189,880 
8,948 
- 
54,759 
706 
157 
$254,450 

1-3 years 
(In Thousands) 
$153,334 
2,424 
- 
- 
1,204 
333 
$157,295 

4-5 years 

After 5 
years 

$106,538 
11,065 
- 
- 
912 
364 
$118,879 

$107 
- 
36,083 
- 
4,077 
954 
$41,221 

(1) Includes principal payments of $21,544 and interest payments of $893 

At December 31, 2014, First Defiance had the following commitments to fund loan or line of credit 

obligations: 

Table 6 - Commitments 

Commitments 

Fixed commitments to make loans 
Variable commitments to make loans 
Fixed unused lines of credit 
Variable unused lines of credit 
Total loan commitments 

Total 
Amounts 
Committed 

$37,546 
69,232 
20,385 
307,449 
434,612 

Amount of Commitment Expiration by Period 

Less than 
1 year 

$34,312 
49,646 
12,593 
213,794 
310,345 

1-3 years 
(In Thousands) 

4-5 years 

$1 
4,711 
4,378 
23,780 
32,870 

$1,269 
10,925 
3,405 
6,237 
21,836 

After 5 
years 

$1,964 
3,950 
9 
63,638 
69,561 

Standby letters of credit 

17,886 

13,856 

3,590 

440 

- 

Total Commitments 

$452,498 

$324,201 

$36,460 

$22,276 

$69,561 

In addition to the above commitments, at December 31, 2014 First Defiance had commitments to 

sell $11.6 million of loans to Freddie Mac, Fannie Mae, FHLB of Cincinnati or BB&T Mortgage. 

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- 54 -

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
To meet its obligations management can adjust the rate of savings certificates to retain deposits in 
changing interest rate environments; it can sell or securitize mortgage and non-mortgage loans; and it can 
turn  to  other  sources  of  financing  including  FHLB  advances,  the  Federal  Reserve  Bank,  and  brokered 
certificates  of  deposit.  At  December  31,  2014,  First  Defiance  had  $425.8  million  in  capacity  under  its 
agreements with the FHLB. 

First Federal is subject to various capital requirements of the OCC. At December 31, 2014, First 
Federal  had  capital  ratios  that  exceeded  the  standard  to  be  considered  “well  capitalized.”  For  additional 
information about First Defiance and First Federal’s capital requirements, see Note 17 – Regulatory Matters 
to the Consolidated December 31, 2014 Financial Statements. 

Critical Accounting Policies 

First Defiance has established various accounting policies that govern the application of accounting 
principles  generally  accepted  in  the  United  States  in  the  preparation  of  its  financial  statements.  The 
significant accounting policies of First Defiance are described in the footnotes to the consolidated financial 
statements.  Certain  accounting  policies  involve  significant  judgments  and  assumptions  by  management, 
which have a material impact on the carrying value of certain assets and liabilities; Management considers 
such  accounting  policies  to  be  critical  accounting  policies.  The  judgments  and  assumptions  used  by 
management are based on historical experience and other factors, which are believed to be reasonable under 
the circumstances. Because of the nature of the judgments and assumptions made by management, actual 
results could differ from these judgments and estimates, which could have a material impact on the carrying 
value of assets and liabilities and the results of operations of First Defiance. 

Allowance  for  Loan  Losses  -  First  Defiance  believes  the  allowance  for  loan  losses  is  a  critical 
accounting  policy  that  requires  the  most  significant  judgments  and  estimates  used  in  preparation  of  its 
consolidated financial statements. In determining the appropriate estimate for the allowance for loan losses, 
management considers a number of factors relative to both specific credits in the loan portfolio and macro-
economic factors relative to the economy of the United States as a whole and the economy of the northwest 
Ohio, northeast Indiana and southeast Michigan regions in which the Company does business. 

Factors  relative  to  specific  credits  that  are  considered  include  a  customer’s  payment  history,  a 
customer’s  recent  financial  performance,  an  assessment  of  the  value  of  collateral  held,  knowledge  of  the 
customer’s  character,  the  financial  strength  and  commitment  of  any  guarantors,  the  existence  of  any 
customer or industry concentrations, changes in a customer’s competitive environment and any other issues 
that may impact a customer’s ability to meet his obligations.  

Economic factors that are considered include levels of unemployment and inflation, specific plant 
or business closings in the Company’s market area, the impact of strikes or other work stoppages, the impact 
of weather or environmental conditions, especially relative to agricultural borrowers, and other matters that 
may have an impact on the economy as a whole. 

In  addition  to  the  identification  of  specific  customers  who  may  be  potential  credit  problems, 
management  considers  its  historical  losses,  the  results  of  independent  loan  reviews,  an  assessment  of the 
adherence  to  underwriting  standards,  and  other  factors  in  providing  for  loan  losses  that  have  not  been 
specifically  classified.  Management  believes  that  the  level  of  its  allowance  for  loan  loss  is  sufficient  to 
cover  the  estimates  loss  incurred  but  not  yet  recognized  on  the  loan  portfolio.  Refer  to  the  section  titled 
“Allowance for Loan Losses” and Note 2, Statement of Accounting Policies for a further description of the 
Company’s estimation process and methodology related to the allowance for loan losses. 

Valuation  of  Mortgage  Servicing  Rights  -  First  Defiance  believes  the  valuation  of  mortgage 
servicing  rights  is  a  critical  accounting  policy  that  requires  significant  estimates  in  preparation  of  its 
consolidated  financial  statements.  First  Defiance  recognizes  as  separate  assets  the  value  of  mortgage 

- 55 - 

- 55 -

 
 
 
 
 
 
servicing rights, which are acquired through loan origination activities. First Defiance does not purchase any 
mortgage servicing rights. 

Key  assumptions  made  by  management  relative  to  the  valuation  of  mortgage  servicing  rights 
include  the  stratification  policy  used  in  valuing  servicing,  assumptions  relative  to  future  prepayments  of 
mortgages, the potential value of any escrow deposits maintained or ancillary income received as a result of 
the  servicing  activity  and  discount  rates  used  to  value  the  present  value  of  a  future  cash  flow  stream.  In 
assessing  the  value  of  the  mortgage  servicing  rights  portfolio,  management  utilizes  a  third  party  that 
specializes in valuing servicing portfolios. That third party reviews key assumptions with management prior 
to  completing  the  valuation.  Prepayment  speeds  are  determined  based  on  projected  median  prepayment 
speeds for 15 and 30 year mortgage backed securities. Those speeds are then adjusted up or down based on 
the  size  of  the  loan.  The  discount  rate  used  in  this  analysis  is  the  pretax  yield  generally  required  by 
purchasers  of  bulk  servicing  rights  as  of  the  valuation  date.  The  value  of  mortgage  servicing  rights  is 
especially  vulnerable  in  a  falling  interest  rate  environment.  Refer  also  to  the  section  entitled  Mortgage 
Servicing  Rights  and  Note  2  -  Statement  of  Accounting  Policies,  and  Note  8  -  Mortgage  Banking,  for  a 
further  description  of  First  Defiance’s  valuation  process,  methodology  and  assumptions  along  with 
sensitivity analyses. 

Goodwill  -  First  Defiance  has  two  reporting  units:  First  Federal  and  First  Insurance.  At 
December 31,  2014,  First  Defiance  had  goodwill  of  $61.5  million,  including  $51.0  million  in  First 
Federal,  representing  83%  of  total  goodwill  and  $10.5  million  in  First  Insurance,  representing  17%  of 
total goodwill. The carrying value of goodwill is tested annually for impairment or more frequently if it is 
determined  appropriate.  The  evaluation  for  impairment  involves  comparing  the  current  estimated  fair 
value of each reporting unit to its carrying value, including goodwill. If the current estimated fair value of 
a reporting unit exceeds its carrying value, no additional testing is required and impairment loss is not 
recorded. If the estimated fair value of a reporting unit is less than the carrying value, further valuation 
procedures are performed and could result in impairment of goodwill being recorded. Further valuation 
procedures would include allocating the estimated fair value to all assets and liabilities of the reporting 
unit to determine an implied goodwill value. If the implied value of goodwill of a reporting unit is less 
than the carrying amount of that goodwill, an impairment loss is recognized in an amount equal to that 
excess.  

If for any future period First Defiance determines that there has been impairment in the carrying 
value of goodwill balances, First Defiance will record a charge to earnings, which could have a material 
adverse effect on net income, but not risk-based capital ratios. 

First Defiance has core deposit and other intangible assets resulting from acquisitions which are 
subject to amortization. First Defiance determines the amount of identifiable intangible assets based upon 
independent  core  deposit  and  customer  relationship  analyses  at  the  time  of  the  acquisition.  Intangible 
assets with finite useful lives are evaluated for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances 
indicate that their carrying amount may not be recoverable. No events or changes in circumstances that 
would indicate that the carrying amount of any identifiable intangible assets may not be recoverable had 
occurred during the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013. 

- 56 - 

- 56 -

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Item 7A. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk 

Asset/Liability Management 

A  significant  portion  of  the  Company’s  revenues  and  net  income  is  derived  from  net  interest 
income and, accordingly, the Company strives to manage its interest-earning assets and interest-bearing 
liabilities  to  generate  an  appropriate  contribution  from  net  interest  income.  Asset  and  liability 
management  seeks  to  control  the  volatility  of  the  Company’s  performance  due  to  changes  in  interest 
rates. The Company attempts to achieve an appropriate relationship between rate sensitive assets and rate 
sensitive liabilities. First Defiance does not presently use off balance sheet derivatives to enhance its risk 
management. 

First  Defiance  monitors  interest  rate  risk  on  a  monthly  basis  through  simulation  analysis  that 
measures the impact changes in interest rates can have on net interest income. The simulation technique 
analyzes  the  effect  of  a  presumed  100  basis  point  shift  in  interest  rates  (which  is  consistent  with 
management’s  estimate  of  the  range  of  potential  interest  rate  fluctuations)  and  takes  into  account 
prepayment speeds on amortizing financial instruments, loan and deposit volumes and rates, non-maturity 
deposit  assumptions  and  capital  requirements.  At  December  31,  2014,  the  results  of  the  simulation 
indicate that in an environment where interest rates rise 100 basis points over a 24 month period, First 
Defiance’s net interest income would increase by 1.56% over the base case scenario. It should be noted 
that  other  areas  of  First  Defiance’s  income  statement,  such  as  gains  from  sales  of  mortgage  loans  and 
amortization of mortgage servicing rights are also impacted by fluctuations in interest rates but are not 
considered in the simulation of net interest income. 

The  majority  of  First  Federal’s  lending  activities  are  in  non-residential  real  estate  and 
commercial loan areas. While such loans carry higher credit risk than residential mortgage lending, they 
tend  to  be  more  rate  sensitive  than  residential  mortgage  loans.  The  balance  of  First  Federal’s  non-
residential  and  multi-family  real  estate  loan  portfolio  was  $840.5  million,  which  was  split  between 
$154.9 million of fixed-rate loans and $685.6 million of adjustable-rate loans, at December 31, 2014. The 
commercial loan portfolio increased to $399.7 million, which was split between $174.5 million of fixed-
rate loans and $225.2 million of adjustable-rate loans, at December 31, 2014. Certain loans classified as 
adjustable have fixed rates for an initial term that may be as long as five years. The maturities on fixed-
rate loans are generally less than seven years. First Federal also has significant balances of home equity 
and  improvement  loans  ($111.8  million  at  December  31,  2014)  of  which  $85.3  million  fluctuate  with 
changes in the prime lending rate and $26.5 million of home equity and improvement loans have fixed 
rates. First Federal also has consumer loans ($15.5 million at December 31, 2014) which tend to have a 
shorter duration than residential mortgage loans. Also, to limit its interest rate risk, as well as to provide 
liquidity, First Federal sells a majority of its fixed-rate mortgage originations into the secondary market.  

In addition to the simulation analysis, First Federal also prepares an “economic value of equity” 
(“EVE”)  analysis.  This  analysis  generally  calculates  the  net  present value of First Federal’s assets and 
liabilities in rate shock environments that range from –400 basis points to +400 basis points. However, 
the  likelihood  of  a  decrease  in  interest  rates  beyond  100  basis  points  as  of  December  31,  2014  was 
considered  to  be  remote  given  the  current  interest  rate  levels  and  therefore  was  not  included  in  this 
analysis. The results of this analysis are reflected in the following table.  

- 57 - 

- 57 -

 
 
 
 
 
 
Table 7 – Economic Value of Equity Analysis 

December 31, 2014 

Economic Value of Equity 

Change in Rates 

$ Amount 

$ Change 

% Change 

+ 400 bp 
+ 300 bp 
+ 200 bp 
+ 100 bp 
0 bp 
- 100 bp 

475,594 
467,028 
457,038 
446,184 
427,864 
403,088 

(Dollars in Thousands) 
47,730 
39,164 
29,174 
18,320 
- 
(24,776) 

11.16% 
9.15% 
6.82% 
4.28% 
- 
(5.79)% 

December 31, 2013 

Change in Rates 

$ Amount 

$ Change 

% Change 

Economic Value of Equity 

+ 400 bp 
+ 300 bp 
+ 200 bp 
+ 100 bp 
0 bp 
- 100 bp 

474,469 
467,691 
458,844 
447,701 
432,790 
413,917 

(Dollars in Thousands) 
41,679 
34,901 
26,054 
14,911 
- 
(18,873) 

9.63% 
8.06% 
6.02% 
3.45% 
- 
(4.36)% 

Economic Value of Equity as % of 
Present Value of Assets 
Ratio 

Change 

23.65% 
22.79% 
21.89% 
20.95% 
19.74% 
18.33% 

391  bp 
305  bp 
215  bp 
121  bp 
– 
(141) bp 

Economic Value of Equity as % of 
Present Value of Assets 
Ratio 

Change 

23.83% 
23.10% 
22.28% 
21.38% 
20.33% 
19.19% 

350  bp 
277  bp 
195  bp 
105  bp 
– 
(114) bp 

Based  on  the  above  analysis,  in  the  event  of  a  200  basis  point  increase  in  interest  rates  as  of 
December  31,  2014,  First  Federal  would  experience  a  6.82%  increase  in  its  economic  value  of  equity. 
During periods of rising rates, the value of monetary assets declines. Conversely, during periods of falling 
rates,  the  value  of  monetary  assets  increases.  It  should  be  noted  that  the  amount  of  change  in  value  of 
specific  assets  and  liabilities  due  to  changes  in  rates  is  not  the  same  in  a  rising  rate  environment  as  in  a 
falling rate environment. Based on the EVE analysis, the change in the economic value of equity in both 
rising and falling rate environments is relatively low because both its assets and liabilities have relatively 
short durations. The average duration of its assets at December 31, 2014 was 1.86 years while the average 
duration of its liabilities was 3.27 years.  

In evaluating First Federal’s exposure to interest rate risk, certain shortcomings inherent in each 
of  the  methods  of  analysis  presented  must  be  considered.  For  example,  although  certain  assets  and 
liabilities  may  have  similar  maturities  or  periods  to  repricing,  they  may  react  in  different  degrees  to 
changes  in  market  interest  rates.  Also,  the  interest  rates  on  certain  types  of  assets  and  liabilities  may 
fluctuate in advance of changes in market rates while interest rates on other types of financial instruments 
may  lag  behind  current  changes  in  market  rates.  Furthermore,  in  the  event  of  changes  in  rates, 
prepayments  and  early  withdrawal  levels  could differ significantly from the assumptions in calculating 
the table and the results therefore may differ from those presented. 

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- 58 -

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data 

Management’s Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting 

The management of First Defiance Financial Corp. is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate 
internal control over financial reporting, as such term is defined in Exchange Act Rule 13a-15(f). Under the 
supervision and with the participation of management, we conducted an evaluation of the effectiveness of 
our  internal  control  over  financial  reporting  based  on  the  framework  in  the  2013  Internal  Control  – 
Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission.  

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

Based  on  our  evaluation  under  the  framework  in  the  2013  Internal  Control  –  Integrated  Framework, 
management concluded that our internal control over financial reporting was effective as of December 31, 
2014. 

Crowe  Horwath  LLP,  the  independent  registered  public  accounting  firm  that  audited  the  consolidated 
financial statements of the Company included in this Annual Report on Form 10-K, has issued a report 
on the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2014. 
The  report,  which  expresses  an  unqualified  opinion  on  the  effectiveness  of  the  Company’s  internal 
control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2014, is included below. 

Donald P. Hileman                                                                          Kevin T. Thompson 
President and 
Chief Executive Officer  

Executive Vice President and 
Chief Financial Officer 

- 59 - 

- 59 -

 
 
 
 
 
 
                                                   
          
                                                                                             
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm 

We  have  audited  the  accompanying  consolidated  statements  of  financial  condition  of  First  Defiance 
Financial  Corp.  (the  “Company”)  as  of  December  31,  2014  and  2013  and  the  related  consolidated 
statements of income, comprehensive income, changes in stockholders' equity and cash flows for each of 
the three years in the period ended December 31, 2014. We also have audited First Defiance Financial 
Corp.’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2014, based on criteria established in 
the 2013 Internal Control – Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations 
of  the  Treadway  Commission  (the  “COSO”).  The  Company's  management  is  responsible  for  these 
financial  statements,  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  these  financial  statements  and  an  opinion  on  the  Company's  internal  control  over  financial 
reporting based on our audits. 

We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight 
Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audits to obtain reasonable 
assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement and whether effective 
internal  control  over  financial  reporting  was  maintained  in  all  material  respects.  Our  audits  of  the 
financial statements included examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures 
in  the  financial  statements,  assessing  the  accounting  principles  used  and  significant  estimates  made  by 
management,  and  evaluating  the  overall  financial  statement  presentation.  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  audits  also  included  performing  such 
other procedures as we considered necessary in the circumstances. We believe that our audits provide a 
reasonable basis for our opinions. 

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. 

- 60 - 

- 60 -

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
In  our  opinion,  the  consolidated  financial  statements  referred  to  above  present  fairly,  in  all  material 
respects, the financial position of First Defiance Financial Corp. as of December 31, 2014 and 2013, and 
the results of its operations and its cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 
31,  2014  in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. 
Also in our opinion, First Defiance Financial Corp. maintained, in all material respects, effective internal 
control  over  financial  reporting  as  of  December  31,  2014,  based  on  criteria  established  in  the  2013 
Internal Control – Integrated Framework issued by the COSO. 

Crowe Horwath LLP 
South Bend, Indiana 
February 27, 2015 

- 61 - 

- 61 -

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
First Defiance Financial Corp. 

Consolidated Statements of Financial Condition 

First Defiance Financial Corp 

Consolidated Statements of Financial Condition (continued) 

Assets 
Cash and cash equivalents: 

Cash and amounts due from depository institutions 

Federal funds sold 

Securities available-for-sale, carried at fair value 
Securities held-to-maturity, carried at amortized cost (fair value $308 and 

$393 at December 31, 2014 and 2013 respectively) 

Loans held for sale 

Loans receivable, net of allowance of $24,766 and  

$24,950 at December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively 

Mortgage servicing rights 

Accrued interest receivable 

Federal Home Loan Bank (FHLB) stock 

Bank owned life insurance 

Premises and equipment 

Real estate and other assets held for sale (REO) 

Goodwill  

Core deposit and other intangibles 

Deferred taxes 

Other assets 

Total assets 

December 31 

2014 

2013 

(Dollars In Thousands, except share 
and per share data) 

 $       41,936  

 $       36,318  

71,000  

112,936  

143,000  

179,318  

        239,321  

        198,170  

313 

239,634  

4,535 

387 

198,557  

9,120 

1,622,020  

1,555,498  

9,012 

6,037  

13,802  

47,013  

9,106 

5,778  

19,350  

42,715  

          40,496  

          38,597  

6,181  

5,859  

          61,525  

          61,525  

2,395  

-  

3,497  

565  

            13,366  

            7,663  

$       2,178,952 

$       2,137,148 

December 31 

2014 

2013 

(Dollars In Thousands, except share 

and per share data) 

 $     379,552  

     1,381,261  

 $     348,943  

     1,386,849  

1,760,813  

1,735,792  

21,544  

54,759  

36,083  

22,520  

51,919  

36,083  

               2,309  

               1,519  

1,176 

22,763  

1,899,447  

- 

17,168  

1,865,001  

                   –   

                   –   

                   –   

                   –   

127  

878  

127  

878  

136,266 

136,403 

4,114 

200,600  

(62,480) 

279,505 

545 

182,290  

(48,096) 

272,147 

Liabilities and stockholders’ equity 

Liabilities: 

Deposits: 

    Noninterest-bearing 

    Interest-bearing 

    Total 

Advances from the Federal Home Loan Bank 

Securities sold under agreements to repurchase and other 

Subordinated debentures 

Advance payments by borrowers  

Deferred taxes 

Other liabilities 

Total liabilities 

Stockholders’ equity:  

no shares issued 

Commitments and Contingent (Note 6) 

Preferred stock, $.01 par value per share: 37,000 shares authorized; 

Preferred stock, $.01 par value per share: 

4,963,000 shares authorized; no shares issued 

Common stock, $.01 par value per share: 

25,000,000 shares authorized; 12,735,313 and 12,735,313 shares issued 

 and 9,234,534 and 9,719,521 shares outstanding, respectively 

Common stock warrant 

Additional paid-in capital 

Accumulated other comprehensive income, 

net of tax of $2,214 and $294, respectively 

Retained earnings 

Treasury stock, at cost, 3,500,779 and 3,015,792 

  shares respectively 

Total stockholders’ equity 

See accompanying notes. 

Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity 

 $     2,178,952  

 $     2,137,148  

- 62 - 

- 62 -

- 63 - 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
First Defiance Financial Corp 

Consolidated Statements of Financial Condition (continued) 

Liabilities and stockholders’ equity 
Liabilities: 

Deposits: 

    Noninterest-bearing 

    Interest-bearing 

    Total 

Advances from the Federal Home Loan Bank 

Securities sold under agreements to repurchase and other 

Subordinated debentures 

Advance payments by borrowers  

Deferred taxes 

Other liabilities 

Total liabilities 

Commitments and Contingent (Note 6) 

Stockholders’ equity:  

December 31 

2014 

2013 

(Dollars In Thousands, except share 
and per share data) 

 $     379,552  

     1,381,261  

 $     348,943  

     1,386,849  

1,760,813  

1,735,792  

21,544  

54,759  

36,083  

22,520  

51,919  

36,083  

               2,309  

               1,519  

1,176 

22,763  

1,899,447  

- 

17,168  

1,865,001  

Preferred stock, $.01 par value per share: 37,000 shares authorized; 

no shares issued 

Preferred stock, $.01 par value per share: 

4,963,000 shares authorized; no shares issued 

Common stock, $.01 par value per share: 

25,000,000 shares authorized; 12,735,313 and 12,735,313 shares issued 

 and 9,234,534 and 9,719,521 shares outstanding, respectively 

Common stock warrant 

Additional paid-in capital 

Accumulated other comprehensive income, 

net of tax of $2,214 and $294, respectively 

Retained earnings 

Treasury stock, at cost, 3,500,779 and 3,015,792 

  shares respectively 

Total stockholders’ equity 

                   –   

                   –   

                   –   

                   –   

127  

878  

127  

878  

136,266 

136,403 

4,114 

200,600  

(62,480) 

279,505 

545 

182,290  

(48,096) 

272,147 

Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity 

 $     2,178,952  

 $     2,137,148  

See accompanying notes. 

- 63 - 

- 63 -

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
FIRST DEFIANCE FINANCIAL CORP. 
Consolidated Statements of Income 

(Dollar Amounts in Thousands, except per share data)                 

2014 

2012 

Years Ended December 31 
2013 

FIRST DEFIANCE FINANCIAL CORP. 

Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income 

(Dollar Amounts in Thousands) 

For the Years Ended December 31 

2014 

2013 

2012 

(In Thousands) 

$ 24,292                $22,235 

              $18,664 

Net income 

Change in securities available-for-sale (AFS): 

Unrealized holding gains (losses) on available-for-sale 

securities arising during the period  

     Reclassification adjustment for (gains) losses realized in 

income  

Other-than-temporary impairment losses on AFS 

securities realized in income 

Net unrealized gains (losses) 

Income tax effect 

Net of tax amount 

Change in unrealized gain on postretirement benefit: 

Net gain (loss) on defined benefit postretirement medical 

plan realized during the period 

Net amortization and deferral 

Net gain (loss) activity during the period 

Income tax effect 

Net of tax amount 

Total other comprehensive income  (loss) 

Comprehensive income  

6,763 

(932) 

- 

5,831 

(2,040) 

   3,791 

(377) 

35 

(342) 

120 

(222) 

3,569 

$ 27,861 

(6,309) 

(97) 

337 

(6,069) 

2,124 

(3,945) 

287 

46 

(117) 

216 

(3,729) 

2,360 

(2,139) 

5 

226 

(79) 

147 

148 

51 

(69) 

130 

277 

                     333 

                     199 

              $18,506 

              $18,941 

See accompanying notes 

Interest Income 
  Loans 

Investment securities: 
  Taxable 
  Tax-exempt 
Interest-bearing deposits 

  FHLB stock dividends 
Total interest income 

Interest Expense 
  Deposits 
  Federal Home Loan Bank advances and other 
  Subordinated debentures 
  Securities sold under agreement to repurchase 
Total interest expense 
Net interest income 

Provision for loan losses 
Net interest income after provision for loan losses 

Noninterest Income 
  Service fees and other charges 
  Mortgage banking income 
Insurance commissions 

  Gain on sale of non-mortgage loans 
  Gain (loss) on sale or call of securities 
  Other-than-temporary impairment (OTTI) losses on investment securities 

Total gains (impairment losses) on investment securities 
Losses recognized in other comprehensive income 
Net impairment loss recognized in earnings 

  Trust income 

Income from bank owned life insurance 

  Other noninterest income 
Total noninterest income 

Noninterest Expense 
  Compensation and benefits 
  Occupancy 
  FDIC insurance 
  Data processing 
  Other noninterest expense 
Total noninterest expense 

Income before income taxes 
Federal income taxes 
Net Income 

Dividends Accrued on Preferred Shares 
Accretion on Preferred Shares 
Redemption of Preferred Shares 
Net Income Applicable to Common Shares 
Earnings per common share: 
  Basic 
  Diluted 
Dividends declared per common share 

See accompanying notes 

  $ 

68,682 

  $ 

68,077 

  $ 

72,621 

3,507 
3,068 
349 
642 
76,248 

5,283 
528 
587 
161 
6,559 
69,689 

1,117 
68,572 

10,258 
5,602 
9,859 
181 
932 

- 
- 
- 
1,240 
1,802 
1,767 
31,641 

35,543 
6,683 
1,419 
5,856 
17,257 
66,758 

33,455 
9,163 
24,292 

- 
- 
- 
24,292 

    2.55 
2.44 
0.63 

  $ 

  $ 
  $ 
  $ 
  $ 

  $ 
  $ 
  $ 

2,695 
2,901 
282 
826 
74,781 

5,913 
434 
601 
222 
7,170 
67,611 

1,824 
65,787 

10,045 
8,443 
9,627 
101 
97 

(337) 
- 
(337) 
969 
883 
950 
30,778 

34,301 
6,675 
1,616 
5,125 
17,335 
65,052 

31,513 
9,278 
22,235 

- 
- 
- 
22,235 

2.28 
2.19 
0.40 

  $ 

  $ 
  $ 
  $ 
  $ 

  $ 
  $ 
  $ 

4,241 
2,882 
300 
899 
80,943 

8,169 
2,424 
971 
373 
11,937 
69,006 

10,924 
58,082 

10,779 
9,665 
8,676 
70 
2,139 

(31) 
26 
(5) 
616 
924 
1,510 
34,374 

32,566 
7,578 
2,691 
4,660 
18,285 
65,780 

26,676 
8,012 
18,664 

(900) 
(359) 
642 
18,047 

1.86 
1.81 
0.20 

  $ 

  $ 
  $ 
  $ 
  $ 

  $ 
  $ 
  $ 

- 64 - 

- 64 -

65 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
   
   
 
   
   
   
 
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
 
 
 
 
   
   
   
   
   
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
   
   
   
   
   
 
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
 
 
 
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
 
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
 
 
 
 
   
   
   
   
   
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
FIRST DEFIANCE FINANCIAL CORP. 
Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income 
(Dollar Amounts in Thousands) 

FIRST DEFIANCE FINANCIAL CORP. 
Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income 
(Dollar Amounts in Thousands) 

For the Years Ended December 31 

For the Years Ended December 31 

2014 

2014 

2013 

2013 
(In Thousands) 

(In Thousands) 

2012 

2012 

$ 24,292                $22,235 

$ 24,292                $22,235 

              $18,664 

              $18,664 

6,763 

6,763 

(6,309) 

(6,309) 

2,360 

2,360 

(932) 

(932) 

(97) 

(97) 

(2,139) 

(2,139) 

- 
5,831 

- 
5,831 

337 
(6,069) 

337 
(6,069) 

(2,040) 
   3,791 

(2,040) 
   3,791 

2,124 
(3,945) 

2,124 
(3,945) 

5 
226 

5 
226 

(79) 
147 

(79) 
147 

(377) 
35 
(342) 
120 
(222) 

148 
148 
287 
287 
(377) 
46 
51 
51 
46 
35 
                     199 
                     333 
                     199 
                     333 
(342) 
(69) 
(117) 
(69) 
(117) 
120 
130 
216 
130 
216 
(222) 

3,569 
$ 27,861 

(3,729) 
(3,729) 
3,569 
              $18,506 
              $18,506 
$ 27,861 

277 
277 
              $18,941 
              $18,941 

Net income 
Change in securities available-for-sale (AFS): 

Net income 
Change in securities available-for-sale (AFS): 
Unrealized holding gains (losses) on available-for-sale 
securities arising during the period  

Unrealized holding gains (losses) on available-for-sale 
securities arising during the period  

     Reclassification adjustment for (gains) losses realized in 

     Reclassification adjustment for (gains) losses realized in 

income  
Other-than-temporary impairment losses on AFS 
securities realized in income 
Net unrealized gains (losses) 

income  
Other-than-temporary impairment losses on AFS 
securities realized in income 
Net unrealized gains (losses) 

Income tax effect 
Net of tax amount 

Income tax effect 
Net of tax amount 

Change in unrealized gain on postretirement benefit: 

Change in unrealized gain on postretirement benefit: 
Net gain (loss) on defined benefit postretirement medical 

Net gain (loss) on defined benefit postretirement medical 

plan realized during the period 

plan realized during the period 

Net amortization and deferral 
Net amortization and deferral 
Net gain (loss) activity during the period 
Net gain (loss) activity during the period 
Income tax effect 
Income tax effect 
Net of tax amount 
Net of tax amount 

Total other comprehensive income  (loss) 
Comprehensive income  

Total other comprehensive income  (loss) 
Comprehensive income  

See accompanying notes 

See accompanying notes 

65 

65 
- 65 -

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
FIRST DEFIANCE FINANCIAL CORP. 
Consolidated Statements of Changes in Stockholders’ Equity 
(Dollar Amounts In Thousands, except number of shares) 

FIRST DEFIANCE FINANCIAL CORP. 
Consolidated Statements of Changes in Stockholders’ Equity 
(Dollar Amounts In Thousands, except number of shares) 

Preferred  
Stock 

Preferred  
Stock 

Common 
Stock 

Common 
Stock 

Common 
Stock 
Warrant 

Common 
Stock 
Warrant 

Additional 
Paid-In 
Capital 

Additional 
Paid-In 
Capital 

Accumulated 
Accumulated 
Other 
Other 
Comprehensive 
Comprehensive 
Income (Loss) 
Income (Loss) 

Retained 
Earnings 

Retained 
Earnings 

Balance at January 1, 2012 
    Net income 

Balance at January 1, 2012 
    Net income 

 Other comprehensive income 
 Other comprehensive income 
 Stock option expense 
 Stock option expense 
 500 net shares issued under stock option plan, 
 500 net shares issued under stock option plan, 

 with no income tax benefit 

 with no income tax benefit 

 Restricted share activity under stock incentive 
 Restricted share activity under stock incentive 
      Plans 
      Plans 
 836 shares issued direct purchases 
 836 shares issued direct purchases 
 Preferred stock dividends accrued 
 Preferred stock dividends accrued 
 Accretion on preferred shares 
 Accretion on preferred shares 
 16,560 shares purchased in Treasury auction 
 16,560 shares purchased in Treasury auction 
 20,440 shares purchased in open market 
 20,440 shares purchased in open market 
 Common stock dividends declared 
 Common stock dividends declared 
Balance at December 31, 2012 
    Net income 

Balance at December 31, 2012 
    Net income 

$    36,641 

$    36,641 

  $       127 

$   
  $       127 

$   

878 

359 
359 
(16,560) 
(16,560) 
(20,440) 
(20,440) 

$   

$   

- 

  $       127 
- 

$   
  $       127 

$   

878 

 with $54 in income tax benefit 

 Other comprehensive loss 
 Other comprehensive loss 
 Stock option expense 
 Stock option expense 
 35,147 net shares issued under stock option plan, 
 35,147 net shares issued under stock option plan, 
 with $54 in income tax benefit 
 Restricted share activity under stock incentive 
 Restricted share activity under stock incentive 
      Plans 
      Plans 
 2,768 shares issued direct purchases 
 2,768 shares issued direct purchases 
 70,966 shares repurchased 
 70,966 shares repurchased 
 Common stock dividends declared 
 Common stock dividends declared 
Balance at December 31, 2013 
    Net income 

Balance at December 31, 2013 
    Net income 

$   

 with $103 in income tax benefit 

 Other comprehensive income 
 Other comprehensive income 
 Stock option expense 
 Stock option expense 
52,258 net shares issued under stock option plan, 
52,258 net shares issued under stock option plan, 
 with $103 in income tax benefit 
 Restricted share activity under stock incentive 
 Restricted share activity under stock incentive 
      Plans including 13,087 shares issued 
      Plans including 13,087 shares issued 
 2,804 shares issued direct purchases 
 2,804 shares issued direct purchases 
553,136 shares repurchased 
553,136 shares repurchased 
Common stock dividends declared 
Common stock dividends declared 
Balance at December 31, 2014 

Balance at December 31, 2014 

$   

$   

- 

  $       127 
- 

$   
  $       127 

$   

878 

$   

- 

  $       127 
- 

$   
  $       127 

$   

878 

Treasury 
Stock 

Treasury 
Stock 

Total 
Total 
Stockholder’s 
Stockholder’s 
Equity 
Equity 

  $  (47,351) 

  $  (47,351) 

$    278,127 
$    278,127 
18,664 
18,664 
277 
277 
104 
104 

(4) 

(4) 

8 

8 

4 

4 

878 

$ 135,825 

$ 135,825 

$           3,997 

$           3,997 

$ 148,010 
18,664 

$ 148,010 
18,664 

277 

277 

104 

104 

116 
1 

116 
1 

(900) 
(900) 
(359) 
(359) 
618 
618 
24 
24 
(1,950) 
(1,950) 
$ 164,103 
$ 164,103 
22,235 
22,235 

$           4,274 

$           4,274 

878 

$ 136,046 

$ 136,046 

30 
13 

30 
13 

  $  (47,300) 

  $  (47,300) 

(3,729) 

(3,729) 

44 

44 

(34) 

(34) 

327 
20 

327 
20 

3,569 

3,569 

78 

78 

88 

88 

(334) 
31 

(334) 
31 

(97) 

(97) 

481 

481 

350 

350 

(44) 

(44) 

500 
500 
44 
44 
(1,821) 
(1,821) 

878 

$ 136,403 

$ 136,403 

$           545 

$           545 

(3,907) 
$ 182,290 
24,292 

(3,907) 
$ 182,290 
24,292 

  $  (48,096) 

  $  (48,096) 

(45) 

(45) 

878 

878 

921 

921 

212 
212 
45 
45 
(15,519) 
(15,519) 

(122) 
(122) 
76 
76 
(15,519) 
(15,519) 
(5,937) 
(5,937) 
$    279,505 
$    279,505 

878 

$ 136,266 

$ 136,266 

$           4,114 

$           4,114 

(5,937) 
$ 200,600 

(5,937) 
$ 200,600 

  $  (62,480) 

  $  (62,480) 

146 
146 
14 
14 
(900) 
(900) 
- 
- 
(15,942) 
(15,942) 
(20,416) 
(20,416) 
(1,950) 
(1,950) 
$    258,128 
$    258,128 
22,235 
22,235 
(3,729) 
(3,729) 
44 
44 

783 
783 
64 
64 
(1,821) 
(1,821) 
(3,907) 
(3,907) 
$    272,147 
$    272,147 
24,292 
24,292 
3,569 
3,569 
78 
78 

See accompanying notes 

See accompanying notes 

66 

66 
- 66 -

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
FIRST DEFIANCE FINANCIAL CORP. 

Consolidated Statements of Changes in Stockholders’ Equity 

(Dollar Amounts In Thousands, except number of shares) 

Preferred  

Common 

Stock 

Stock 

Paid-In 

Capital 

Comprehensive 

Income (Loss) 

Retained 

Earnings 

Treasury 

Stock 

Common 

Stock 

Warrant 

Total 

Stockholder’s 

Equity 

Accumulated 

Additional 

Other 

$    36,641 

  $       127 

$   

878 

$ 135,825 

$           3,997 

$ 148,010 

  $  (47,351) 

$    278,127 

18,664 

277 

359 

(16,560) 

(20,440) 

$   

- 

  $       127 

$   

878 

$ 136,046 

$           4,274 

$ 164,103 

  $  (47,300) 

$    258,128 

104 

116 

1 

44 

(34) 

327 

20 

78 

88 

(334) 

31 

(4) 

(900) 

(359) 

618 

24 

(1,950) 

22,235 

(97) 

(44) 

(3,907) 

24,292 

(45) 

(5,937) 

8 

30 

13 

481 

500 

44 

(1,821) 

878 

212 

45 

(15,519) 

(3,729) 

3,569 

18,664 

277 

104 

4 

146 

14 

(900) 

- 

(15,942) 

(20,416) 

(1,950) 

22,235 

(3,729) 

44 

350 

783 

64 

(1,821) 

(3,907) 

24,292 

3,569 

78 

921 

(122) 

76 

(15,519) 

(5,937) 

$   

- 

  $       127 

$   

878 

$ 136,403 

$           545 

$ 182,290 

  $  (48,096) 

$    272,147 

$   

- 

  $       127 

$   

878 

$ 136,266 

$           4,114 

$ 200,600 

  $  (62,480) 

$    279,505 

Balance at January 1, 2012 

    Net income 

 Other comprehensive income 

 Stock option expense 

 500 net shares issued under stock option plan, 

 with no income tax benefit 

 Restricted share activity under stock incentive 

      Plans 

 836 shares issued direct purchases 

 Preferred stock dividends accrued 

 Accretion on preferred shares 

 16,560 shares purchased in Treasury auction 

 20,440 shares purchased in open market 

 Common stock dividends declared 

Balance at December 31, 2012 

    Net income 

 Other comprehensive loss 

 Stock option expense 

 35,147 net shares issued under stock option plan, 

 with $54 in income tax benefit 

 Restricted share activity under stock incentive 

      Plans 

 2,768 shares issued direct purchases 

 70,966 shares repurchased 

 Common stock dividends declared 

Balance at December 31, 2013 

    Net income 

 Other comprehensive income 

 Stock option expense 

52,258 net shares issued under stock option plan, 

 with $103 in income tax benefit 

 Restricted share activity under stock incentive 

      Plans including 13,087 shares issued 

 2,804 shares issued direct purchases 

553,136 shares repurchased 

Common stock dividends declared 

Balance at December 31, 2014 

See accompanying notes 

FIRST DEFIANCE FINANCIAL CORP. 
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows 
(Dollar Amounts in Thousands) 

Operating Activities 
Net income 
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash 

provided by operating activities: 

Provision for loan losses 
Provision for depreciation 
Net amortization of premium and discounts on loans, 

securities, deposits and debt obligations  

Amortization of mortgage servicing rights 
Net (recovery) impairment of mortgage servicing rights 
Amortization of intangibles 
Gain on sale of loans 
Loss on sale or disposals of property, plant and 

equipment 

(Gain) loss on sale or write-down of REO 
OTTI losses on investment securities 
(Gain) loss on sale or call of securities 
Change in deferred taxes 
Proceeds from sale of loans held for sale 
Origination of loans held for sale 
Stock option expense 
Restricted stock unit expense (credit) 
Income from bank owned life insurance 
Change in interest receivable and other assets 
Change in accrued interest and other liabilities 

Net cash provided by operating activities 

Investing Activities 
Proceeds from maturities, calls and paydowns of held-to-maturity 
securities 
Proceeds from maturities, calls and paydowns of available-for-sale 
securities 
Proceeds from sale of available-for-sale securities 
Proceeds from sale of REO 
Proceeds from sale of office properties and equipment 
Purchases of available-for-sale securities 
Purchases of office properties and equipment 
Investment in bank owned life insurance 
Proceeds from FHLB stock redemption 
Proceeds from bank owned life insurance death benefit 
Purchase of portfolio mortgage loans 
Proceeds from sale of non-mortgage loans 
Net increase in loans receivable 
Net cash provided by (used) in investing activities 

Years Ended December 31 
2013 

2014 

2012 

$  24,292 

$  22,235 

$  18,664 

1,117 
  2,952 

  1,020 
1,401 
(116) 
1,102 
(3,517) 

- 
(73) 
  - 
(932) 
(179) 
159,305 
(153,753) 
78 
(122) 
(1,802) 
(5,962) 
5,254 
  30,065 

1,824 
  3,110 

  1,235 
2,098 
(1,261) 
1,241 
(5,817) 

1 
883 
  337 
(97) 
1,519 
308,260 
(294,941) 
44 
783 
(883) 
1,327 
(2,535) 
  39,363 

10,924 
  3,416 

  1,497 
3,562 
759 
1,413 
(10,669) 

179 
427 
  5 
(2,139) 
779 
520,376 
(521,464) 
104 
146 
(924) 
17 
4,838 
  31,910 

73 

121 

152 

20,400 

14,913 
2,108 
  84 
(70,149) 
(4,935) 
(3,406) 
5,548 
910 
(16,594) 
  20,592 
(73,206) 
  (103,662) 

35,072 

60,057 

4,027 
2,899 
  - 
(49,230) 
(2,045) 
- 
1,305 
- 
(4,545) 
  13,369 
(70,845) 
  (69,872) 

72,262 
3,444 
  10 
(91,513) 
(3,223) 
(5,000) 
- 
- 
- 
  4,644 
(65,005) 
  (24,172) 

66 

67 

- 67 -

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
FIRST DEFIANCE FINANCIAL CORP. 
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (continued) 
(Dollar Amounts in Thousands) 

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements 

1. Basis of Presentation 

Financing Activities 
Net increase in deposits  
Repayment of Federal Home Loan Bank long-term advances 
Proceeds from Federal Home Loan Bank long-term advances 
Cash paid for redemption of preferred stock 
Increase (decrease) in securities sold under repurchase agreements 
Cash dividends paid on common stock 
Cash dividends paid on preferred stock 
Net cash paid for repurchase of common stock 
Proceeds from exercise of stock options 
Proceeds from treasury stock sales 
Net cash (used) provided by financing activities 

Years Ended December 31 
2013 

2014 

2012 

25,810 
  (976) 
  - 
- 
2,840 
(5,937) 
- 
(15,519) 
921 
76 
  7,215 

68,368 
  (276) 
  10,000 
- 
217 
(3,907) 
- 
(1,821) 
350 
64 
  72,995 

71,318 
  (69,045) 
  - 
(36,358) 
(8,684) 
(1,950) 
(1,136) 
- 
4 
14 
  (45,837) 

Increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents 
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period 
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period 

(66,382) 
  179,318 
$  112,936 

42,486 
  136,832 
$  179,318 

(38,099) 
  174,931 
$  136,832 

Supplemental cash flow information: 
Interest paid 
Income taxes paid 
Transfers from loans to other real estate owned and other 

assets held for sale 

        $      6,557 
       $      8,950 

      $      7,179 
   $    10,500 

$    12,251 
       $     4,000 

$     2,357 

$     5,836 

$     4,048 

Transfer from loans held for sale to loans 

$     1,178 

$     3,231 

$             - 

Securities traded but not yet settled 

         $             - 

       $        742 

        $       405 

results could differ.  

See accompanying notes. 

First  Defiance  Financial  Corp.  (“First  Defiance”  or  the  “Company”)  is  a  unitary  thrift  holding  company  that 

conducts  business  through  its  three  wholly  owned  subsidiaries,  First  Federal  Bank  of  the  Midwest  (“First 

Federal”), First Insurance Group of the Midwest, Inc. (“First Insurance”), and First Defiance Risk Management, 

Inc. (“First Defiance Risk Management”). All significant intercompany transactions and balances are eliminated 

in consolidation.  

First Federal is primarily engaged in attracting deposits from the general public through its offices and using 

those and other available sources of funds to originate loans primarily in the counties in which its offices are 

located. First Federal’s traditional banking activities include originating and servicing residential, commercial 

and  consumer  loans  and  providing  a  broad  range  of  depository,  trust  and  wealth  management  services.  First 

Insurance  is  an  insurance  agency  that  does  business  in  the  Defiance,  Bryan,  Bowling  Green,  Maumee  and 

Oregon, Ohio areas, offering property and casualty, and group health and life insurance products. First Defiance 

Risk Management was incorporated on December 20, 2012, as a wholly owned insurance company subsidiary 

of the Company to insure the Company and its subsidiaries against certain risks unique to the operations of the 

Company and for which insurance may not be currently available or economically feasible in today’s insurance 

marketplace.  

2. Statement of Accounting Policies 

Use of Estimates 

The  preparation  of  consolidated  financial  statements  in  conformity  with  accounting  principles  generally 

accepted in the United States of America requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect 

the  amounts  reported  in  the  consolidated  financial  statements  and  accompanying  notes.  These  estimates  and 

assumptions  affect  the  amounts  reported  in  the  financial  statements  and  the  disclosures  provided,  and  actual 

Earnings Per Common Share 

Basic earnings per common share is computed by dividing net income applicable to common shares (net income 

less  dividend  requirements  for  preferred  stock,  accretion  of  preferred  stock  discount  and  redemption  of 

preferred stock)  by the weighted average number of shares of common stock outstanding during the period. All 

outstanding unvested share-based payment awards that contain rights to nonforfeitable dividends are considered 

participating  securities  for  the  calculation.  Diluted  earnings  per  common  share  include  the  dilutive  effect  of 

additional  potential  common  shares  issuable  under  stock  options,  warrants,  restricted  stock  awards  and  stock 

grants.  See also Note 4.  

Comprehensive Income 

Comprehensive  income  consists  of  net  income  and  other  comprehensive  income  (loss).  Other  comprehensive 

income  (loss)  includes  unrealized  gains  and  losses  on  available-for-sale  securities  and  the  net  unrecognized 

actuarial  losses  and  unrecognized  prior  service  costs  associated  with  the  Company’s  Defined  Benefit 

Postretirement  Medical  Plan.  All  items  included  in  other  comprehensive  income  are  reported  net  of  tax.  See 

also Notes 5 and 16 and the Statements of Comprehensive Income.  

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Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements 

1. Basis of Presentation 

First  Defiance  Financial  Corp.  (“First  Defiance”  or  the  “Company”)  is  a  unitary  thrift  holding  company  that 
conducts  business  through  its  three  wholly  owned  subsidiaries,  First  Federal  Bank  of  the  Midwest  (“First 
Federal”), First Insurance Group of the Midwest, Inc. (“First Insurance”), and First Defiance Risk Management, 
Inc. (“First Defiance Risk Management”). All significant intercompany transactions and balances are eliminated 
in consolidation.  

First Federal is primarily engaged in attracting deposits from the general public through its offices and using 
those and other available sources of funds to originate loans primarily in the counties in which its offices are 
located. First Federal’s traditional banking activities include originating and servicing residential, commercial 
and  consumer  loans  and  providing  a  broad  range  of  depository,  trust  and  wealth  management  services.  First 
Insurance  is  an  insurance  agency  that  does  business  in  the  Defiance,  Bryan,  Bowling  Green,  Maumee  and 
Oregon, Ohio areas, offering property and casualty, and group health and life insurance products. First Defiance 
Risk Management was incorporated on December 20, 2012, as a wholly owned insurance company subsidiary 
of the Company to insure the Company and its subsidiaries against certain risks unique to the operations of the 
Company and for which insurance may not be currently available or economically feasible in today’s insurance 
marketplace.  

2. Statement of Accounting Policies 

Use of Estimates 

The  preparation  of  consolidated  financial  statements  in  conformity  with  accounting  principles  generally 
accepted in the United States of America requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect 
the  amounts  reported  in  the  consolidated  financial  statements  and  accompanying  notes.  These  estimates  and 
assumptions  affect  the  amounts  reported  in  the  financial  statements  and  the  disclosures  provided,  and  actual 
results could differ.  

Earnings Per Common Share 

Basic earnings per common share is computed by dividing net income applicable to common shares (net income 
less  dividend  requirements  for  preferred  stock,  accretion  of  preferred  stock  discount  and  redemption  of 
preferred stock)  by the weighted average number of shares of common stock outstanding during the period. All 
outstanding unvested share-based payment awards that contain rights to nonforfeitable dividends are considered 
participating  securities  for  the  calculation.  Diluted  earnings  per  common  share  include  the  dilutive  effect  of 
additional  potential  common  shares  issuable  under  stock  options,  warrants,  restricted  stock  awards  and  stock 
grants.  See also Note 4.  

Comprehensive Income 

Comprehensive  income  consists  of  net  income  and  other  comprehensive  income  (loss).  Other  comprehensive 
income  (loss)  includes  unrealized  gains  and  losses  on  available-for-sale  securities  and  the  net  unrecognized 
actuarial  losses  and  unrecognized  prior  service  costs  associated  with  the  Company’s  Defined  Benefit 
Postretirement  Medical  Plan.  All  items  included  in  other  comprehensive  income  are  reported  net  of  tax.  See 
also Notes 5 and 16 and the Statements of Comprehensive Income.  

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Cash Flows 

Cash and cash equivalents include amounts due from banks and overnight investments with the Federal Home 
Loan  Bank  (“FHLB”)  and  the  Federal  Reserve  Bank  (“FRB”).  Cash  and  amounts  due  from  depository 
institutions include required balances on hand or on deposit at the FHLB and Federal Reserve of approximately 
$6,456,000  and  $1,506,000,  respectively,  at  December 31,  2014  to  meet  regulatory  reserve  and  clearing 
requirements. Net cash flows are reported for customer loan and deposit transactions, interest bearing deposits 
in other financial institutions and repurchase agreements. 

Investment Securities 

Management determines the appropriate classification of debt securities at the time of purchase and evaluates 
such  designation  as  of  each  balance  sheet  date.  Debt  securities  are  classified  as  held-to-maturity  when  First 
Defiance has the positive intent and ability to hold the securities to maturity and are reported at cost, adjusted 
for premiums and discounts that are recognized in interest income using the interest method over the period to 
maturity.  

Debt  securities  not  classified  as  held-to-maturity  and  equity  securities  are  classified  as  available-for-sale. 
Available-for-sale securities are stated at fair value, with the unrealized gains and losses, net of tax, reported in 
other  comprehensive  income  (loss)  until  realized.  Realized  gains  and  losses  are  included in gains (losses) on 
securities or other-than-temporary impairment losses on securities. Realized gains and losses on securities sold 
are recognized on the trade date based on the specific identification method.  

Interest  income  includes  amortization  of  purchase  premiums  and  discounts.  Premiums  and  discounts  are 
amortized  on  the  level-yield  method  without  anticipating prepayments, except for mortgage-backed securities 
where prepayments are expected. Securities with unrealized losses are reviewed quarterly to determine if value 
impairment  is  other–than-temporary.  In  performing  this  review  management  considers  the  length  of time and 
extent  that  fair  value  has  been  less  than  cost,  the  financial  condition  of  the  issuer,  the  impact  of  changes  in 
market interest rates on market value and whether the Company intends to sell or it would be more than likely 
required  to  sell  the  securities  prior  to  their  anticipated  recovery.    If  either  of  the  criteria  regarding  intent  or 
requirement  to  sell  is  met,  the  entire  difference  between  amortized  cost  and  fair  value  is  recognized  as 
impairment  through  earnings.  For  debt  securities  that  do  not  meet  the aforementioned criteria, the amount of 
impairment is split into two components as follows: (1) other-than-temporary impairment (“OTTI”) related to 
credit loss, which must be recognized in the income statement and (2) OTTI related to other factors, which is 
recognized  in  other  comprehensive  income.   The  credit  loss  is  defined  as  the  difference  between  the  present 
value of the cash flows expected to be collected and the amortized cost basis. For equity securities, the entire 
amount of impairment is recognized through earnings. 

FHLB Stock 

 First Federal is a member of the FHLB system.  Members are required to own a certain amount of stock based 
on the level of borrowings and other factors, and may invest in additional amounts.  FHLB stock is carried at 
cost, classified as a restricted security, and periodically evaluated for impairment based on ultimate recovery of 
par value.  Both cash and stock dividends are reported as income.  At December 31, 2014, the Company holds 
$13.8 million at the FHLB of Cincinnati and $10,000 at the FHLB of Indianapolis.  

Loans Receivable 

Loans that management has the intent and ability to hold for the foreseeable future or until maturity or payoff 
are reported at the principal amount outstanding, net of deferred loan fees and costs, purchase premiums and 
discounts and the allowance for loan losses. Deferred fees net of deferred incremental loan origination costs, 

are amortized to interest income generally over the contractual life of the loan using the interest method without 

anticipating  prepayments.  The  recorded  investment  in  loans  includes  accrued  interest  receivable  and  net 

deferred fees and costs and undisbursed loan amounts. 

Mortgage loans originated and intended for sale in the secondary market are classified as loans held for sale and 

are  carried  at  the  lower  of  aggregate  cost  or  fair  value,  as  determined  by  outstanding  commitments  from 

investors.  Net  unrealized  losses,  if  any,  are  recorded  as  a  valuation  allowance  and  charged  to  earnings. 

Mortgage loans held for sale are generally sold with servicing rights retained. The carrying value of mortgage 

loans sold is reduced by the amount allocated to the servicing right. Gains or losses on sales of mortgage loans 

are based on the difference between the selling price and the carrying value of the related loan sold.  

During  2014,  2013  and  2012,  the  Company  had  realized  or  accrued  losses  totaling  $298,000,  $597,000  and 

$73,000 pertaining to loans sold to Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac but repurchased due to underwriting issues. 

Repurchase losses are recognized when the Company determines they are probable and estimable. 

Interest  receivable  is  accrued  on  loans  and  credited  to  income  as  earned.  The  accrual  of interest on loans 90 

days  delinquent  or  impaired  is  discontinued  when,  in  management’s  opinion,  the  borrower  may  be  unable  to 

meet  payments  as  they  become  due.  For  these  loans,  interest  accrual  is  only  to  the  extent  cash  payments  are 

received.  The  accrual  of  interest  on  these  loans  is  generally  resumed  after  a  pattern  of  repayment  has  been 

established and the collection of principal and interest is reasonably assured. 

Acquired Loans 

collected. 

Valuation allowances for all acquired loans subject to FASB ASC Topic 310 reflect only those losses incurred 

after  acquisition—that  is,  the  present  value  of  cash  flows  expected  at  acquisition  that  are  not  expected  to  be 

The  Company  acquires  loans  individually  and  in  groups  or  portfolios.  At  acquisition,  the  Company  reviews 

each loan to determine whether there is evidence of deterioration of credit quality since origination and if it is 

probable  that  it  will  be  unable  to  collect  all  amounts  due  according  to  the  loan’s  contractual  terms.  If  both 

conditions exist, the Company determines whether each such loan is to be accounted for individually or whether 

such loans will be assembled into pools of loans based on common risk characteristics (credit score, loan type 

and date of origination). The Company considers expected prepayments, and estimates the amount and timing 

of undiscounted expected principal, interest, and other cash flows (expected at acquisition) for each loan and 

subsequently aggregated pool of loans. 

The  Company  determines  the  excess  of  the  loan’s  or  pool’s  scheduled  contractual  principal  and  contractual 

interest  payments  over  all  cash  flows  expected  at  acquisition  as  an  amount  that  should  not  be  accreted 

(nonaccretable difference). The remaining amount—representing the excess of the loan’s cash flows expected 

to  be  collected  over  the  amount  paid—is  accreted  into  interest  income  over  the  remaining  life of the loan or 

pool (accretable yield). 

Over the life of the loan or pool, the Company continues to estimate cash flows expected to be collected, and 

evaluates whether the present value of its loans determined using the effective interest rates has decreased and, 

if so, recognizes a loss. The present value of any subsequent increase in the loan’s or pool’s actual cash flows 

or cash flows expected to be collected is used first to reverse any existing valuation allowance for that loan or 

pool. For any remaining increases in cash flows expected to be collected, the Company adjusts the amount of 

accretable yield recognized on a prospective basis over the loan’s or pool’s remaining life.  

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71 

 
 
 
 
 
are amortized to interest income generally over the contractual life of the loan using the interest method without 
anticipating  prepayments.  The  recorded  investment  in  loans  includes  accrued  interest  receivable  and  net 
deferred fees and costs and undisbursed loan amounts. 

Mortgage loans originated and intended for sale in the secondary market are classified as loans held for sale and 
are  carried  at  the  lower  of  aggregate  cost  or  fair  value,  as  determined  by  outstanding  commitments  from 
investors.  Net  unrealized  losses,  if  any,  are  recorded  as  a  valuation  allowance  and  charged  to  earnings. 
Mortgage loans held for sale are generally sold with servicing rights retained. The carrying value of mortgage 
loans sold is reduced by the amount allocated to the servicing right. Gains or losses on sales of mortgage loans 
are based on the difference between the selling price and the carrying value of the related loan sold.  

During  2014,  2013  and  2012,  the  Company  had  realized  or  accrued  losses  totaling  $298,000,  $597,000  and 
$73,000 pertaining to loans sold to Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac but repurchased due to underwriting issues. 
Repurchase losses are recognized when the Company determines they are probable and estimable. 

Interest  receivable  is  accrued  on  loans  and  credited  to  income  as  earned.  The  accrual  of interest on loans 90 
days  delinquent  or  impaired  is  discontinued  when,  in  management’s  opinion,  the  borrower  may  be  unable  to 
meet  payments  as  they  become  due.  For  these  loans,  interest  accrual  is  only  to  the  extent  cash  payments  are 
received.  The  accrual  of  interest  on  these  loans  is  generally  resumed  after  a  pattern  of  repayment  has  been 
established and the collection of principal and interest is reasonably assured. 

Acquired Loans 

Valuation allowances for all acquired loans subject to FASB ASC Topic 310 reflect only those losses incurred 
after  acquisition—that  is,  the  present  value  of  cash  flows  expected  at  acquisition  that  are  not  expected  to  be 
collected. 

The  Company  acquires  loans  individually  and  in  groups  or  portfolios.  At  acquisition,  the  Company  reviews 
each loan to determine whether there is evidence of deterioration of credit quality since origination and if it is 
probable  that  it  will  be  unable  to  collect  all  amounts  due  according  to  the  loan’s  contractual  terms.  If  both 
conditions exist, the Company determines whether each such loan is to be accounted for individually or whether 
such loans will be assembled into pools of loans based on common risk characteristics (credit score, loan type 
and date of origination). The Company considers expected prepayments, and estimates the amount and timing 
of undiscounted expected principal, interest, and other cash flows (expected at acquisition) for each loan and 
subsequently aggregated pool of loans. 

The  Company  determines  the  excess  of  the  loan’s  or  pool’s  scheduled  contractual  principal  and  contractual 
interest  payments  over  all  cash  flows  expected  at  acquisition  as  an  amount  that  should  not  be  accreted 
(nonaccretable difference). The remaining amount—representing the excess of the loan’s cash flows expected 
to  be  collected  over  the  amount  paid—is  accreted  into  interest  income  over  the  remaining  life of the loan or 
pool (accretable yield). 

Over the life of the loan or pool, the Company continues to estimate cash flows expected to be collected, and 
evaluates whether the present value of its loans determined using the effective interest rates has decreased and, 
if so, recognizes a loss. The present value of any subsequent increase in the loan’s or pool’s actual cash flows 
or cash flows expected to be collected is used first to reverse any existing valuation allowance for that loan or 
pool. For any remaining increases in cash flows expected to be collected, the Company adjusts the amount of 
accretable yield recognized on a prospective basis over the loan’s or pool’s remaining life.  

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Allowance for Loan Losses 

The  allowance  for  loan  losses  is  maintained  at  a  level  believed  adequate  by  management  to  absorb  probable 
incurred  losses  in  the  loan  portfolio  and  is  based  on  the  size  and  current  risk  characteristics  of  the  loan 
portfolio,  an  assessment  of  individual  problem  loans,  actual  loss  experience,  current  economic  events  in 
specific industries and geographical areas and other pertinent factors, including general economic conditions. 
Determination  of  the  allowance  is  inherently  subjective  as  it  requires  significant  estimates,  including  the 
amounts and timing of expected future cash flows on impaired loans, estimated losses on pools of homogeneous 
loans based on historical loss experience and consideration of economic trends, all of which may be susceptible 
to significant change. Allocations of the allowance may be made for specific loans, but the entire allowance is 
available for any loan that, in management’s judgment, should be charged off. 

For  2013  and  2014,  management  used  a  three-year  look-back  period  in  calculating  the  historical  loss  ratio.  
Management  is  not  certain  that  the  relatively  low  levels  of  charge  offs  incurred  in  previous  quarters  are 
sustainable given low levels of economic growth in certain markets of the Company’s footprint warranting the 
use of a three-year look-back period.  All quarters are given equal weighting in the calculation. 

Loan losses are charged off against the allowance when in management’s estimation it is unlikely that the loan 
will be collected, while recoveries of amounts previously charged off are credited to the allowance. A provision 
for  loan  loss  is  charged  to  operations  based  on  management’s  periodic  evaluation  of  the  factors  previously 
mentioned,  as  well  as  other  pertinent  factors  in  order  to  maintain  the  allowance  for  loan  losses  at  the  level 
deemed adequate by management. The determination of whether a loan is considered past due or delinquent is 
based on the contractual payment terms.  Loans are considered past due when the contractual amounts due with 
respect  to  principal  and  interest  are  not  received  within  30  days  of  the  contractual  due  date.    All  loans  are 
placed  on  nonaccrual  status  at  90  days  past  due  unless  the  loan  is  adequately  secured  and  is  in  process  of 
collection.  Any loan in the portfolio may be placed on nonaccrual status prior to becoming 90 days past due 
when collection of principal or interest is in doubt.  

The allowance consists of specific and general components.  The specific component relates to loans that are 
individually classified as impaired.  Impaired loans have been recognized in conformity with FASB ASC Topic 
310. 

A  loan  is  impaired  when,  based  on  current  information  and  events,  it  is  probable  that  the  Company  will  be 
unable to collect all amounts due according to the contractual terms of the loans agreement. Loans, for which 
terms  have  been  modified  and  for  which  the  borrower  is  experiencing  financial  difficulties,  are  considered 
troubled  debt  restructurings  and  classified  as  impaired.      A  cash  flow  analysis  of  the  net  present  value  is 
performed and an allowance may be established based on the outcome of that analysis, or if the loan is deemed 
to be collateral dependent an allowance is established based on the fair value of collateral.  All modifications 
are  reviewed  by  the  First  Federal’s  senior  loan  committee  to  determine  whether  or  not  the  modification 
constitutes a troubled debt restructure. Commercial and commercial real estate loans are individually evaluated 
for impairment. If a loan is impaired, a portion of the allowance is allocated so that the loan is reported net of 
the allowance allocation which is determined based on the present value of estimated future cash flows using 
the  loan’s  existing  rate  or  at  the  fair  value  of  collateral  if  repayment  is  expected  solely  from  the  collateral. 
Large  groups  of  smaller  balance  homogeneous  loans,  such  as  consumer  and  residential  real  estate  loans,  are 
collectively  evaluated  for  impairment,  and  accordingly,  they  are  not  separately  identified  for  impairment 
disclosures. 

The  general  component  covers  non-impaired  loans  and  is  based  on  historical  loss  experience  adjusted  for 
current factors.  The historical loss experience is determined by portfolio segment and is based on the actual 
loss  history  experienced  by  the  Company  over  the  most  recent  three  years.    Loss  experience  is  adjusted  for 
other economic factors based on the identified risks, credit related or trends present for each portfolio segment. 

 These  economic  factors  include  consideration  of  the  following:  levels  of  and  trends  in  delinquencies  and 

impaired loans; levels of and trends in charge-offs and recoveries; trends in volume and terms of loans; effects 

of any changes in risk selection and underwriting standards; other changes in lending policies, procedures, and 

practices;  experience,  ability,  and  depth  of  lending  management  and  other  relevant  staff;  national  and  local 

economic  trends  and  conditions;  industry  conditions;  and  effects  of  changes  in  credit  concentrations.    The 

following portfolio segments have been identified:  

Commercial  Real  Estate  Loans  (consisting  of  multi-family  residential  and  non-residential):    Commercial  real 

estate  loans  are  subject  to  underwriting  standards  and  processes  similar  to  commercial  and  industrial  loans. 

These loans are viewed primarily as cash flow loans and the repayment of these loans is largely dependent on 

the successful operation of the property. Loan performance may be adversely affected by factors impacting the 

general  economy  or  conditions  specific  to  the  real  estate  market  such  as  geographic  location  and/or  property 

type. 

Commercial  Loans:    Commercial  credit  is  extended  primarily  to  middle  market  customers.  Such  credits  are 

typically  comprised  of  working  capital  loans,  loans  for  physical  asset  expansion,  asset  acquisition  loans  and 

other business loans. Loans to closely held businesses will generally be guaranteed in full or for a meaningful 

amount by the businesses' principal owners. Commercial loans are made based primarily on the historical and 

projected cash flow of the borrower and secondarily on the underlying collateral provided by the borrower. The 

cash flows of borrowers, however, may not behave as forecasted and collateral securing loans may fluctuate in 

value due to economic or individual performance factors. Minimum standards and underwriting guidelines have 

been established for all commercial loan types. 

Consumer  Finance  Loans:   Consumer finance loans are generally made to borrowers for a specific consumer 

purchase and are made based on their ability to repay with their current debt to income as well as the underlying 

collateral value of the item being purchased.  Credit scores are part of the decision process of whether or not 

credit  is  extended.    Minimum  standards  and  underwriting  guidelines  have  been  established  for  all  consumer 

loan types. 

1-4  Family  Residential  Real  Estate  Loans:    1-4  family  residential  real  estate  loans  can  be  categorized  two 

different ways.  One part of this portfolio is owner occupied and are made based primarily on the ability of the 

individual borrower to support the payments as well as the payments of any other debt the borrower may have 

outstanding  at  the  time  the  loan  is  made.    The  other  part  of  this  portfolio  is  non-owner  occupied  income 

producing property and is made primarily based on the cash flow stream from rental income as well as the cash 

flow support from the borrower’s unrelated cash flow.  Both types of loans have a secondary repayment source 

of the underlying collateral and generally the loans are not extended at higher than an 80% LTV.  Minimum 

standards and underwriting guidelines have been established for all 1-4 family residential real estate loan types. 

Construction Loans:  The Company defines construction loans as loans where the loan proceeds are controlled 

by  the  Company  and  used  exclusively  for  the  improvement  of  real  estate  in  which  the  Company  holds  a 

mortgage.  

loans. 

Home Equity and Improvement Loans:  Home Equity and Improvement loans are made to borrowers based on 

their  ability  to  repay  with  their  current  debt  to  income  as  well  as  the  underlying  collateral  value  of  the  real 

estate  taken  as  security.    Minimum  standards  and  underwriting  guidelines  have  been  established  for  all  1-4 

family residential real estate loan types. 

Consumer finance, 1-4 family residential real estate (including construction) and home equity and improvement 

loans are subject to adverse employment conditions in the local economy which could increase default rate on 

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 These  economic  factors  include  consideration  of  the  following:  levels  of  and  trends  in  delinquencies  and 
impaired loans; levels of and trends in charge-offs and recoveries; trends in volume and terms of loans; effects 
of any changes in risk selection and underwriting standards; other changes in lending policies, procedures, and 
practices;  experience,  ability,  and  depth  of  lending  management  and  other  relevant  staff;  national  and  local 
economic  trends  and  conditions;  industry  conditions;  and  effects  of  changes  in  credit  concentrations.    The 
following portfolio segments have been identified:  

Commercial  Real  Estate  Loans  (consisting  of  multi-family  residential  and  non-residential):    Commercial  real 
estate  loans  are  subject  to  underwriting  standards  and  processes  similar  to  commercial  and  industrial  loans. 
These loans are viewed primarily as cash flow loans and the repayment of these loans is largely dependent on 
the successful operation of the property. Loan performance may be adversely affected by factors impacting the 
general  economy  or  conditions  specific  to  the  real  estate  market  such  as  geographic  location  and/or  property 
type. 

Commercial  Loans:    Commercial  credit  is  extended  primarily  to  middle  market  customers.  Such  credits  are 
typically  comprised  of  working  capital  loans,  loans  for  physical  asset  expansion,  asset  acquisition  loans  and 
other business loans. Loans to closely held businesses will generally be guaranteed in full or for a meaningful 
amount by the businesses' principal owners. Commercial loans are made based primarily on the historical and 
projected cash flow of the borrower and secondarily on the underlying collateral provided by the borrower. The 
cash flows of borrowers, however, may not behave as forecasted and collateral securing loans may fluctuate in 
value due to economic or individual performance factors. Minimum standards and underwriting guidelines have 
been established for all commercial loan types. 

Consumer  Finance  Loans:   Consumer finance loans are generally made to borrowers for a specific consumer 
purchase and are made based on their ability to repay with their current debt to income as well as the underlying 
collateral value of the item being purchased.  Credit scores are part of the decision process of whether or not 
credit  is  extended.    Minimum  standards  and  underwriting  guidelines  have  been  established  for  all  consumer 
loan types. 

1-4  Family  Residential  Real  Estate  Loans:    1-4  family  residential  real  estate  loans  can  be  categorized  two 
different ways.  One part of this portfolio is owner occupied and are made based primarily on the ability of the 
individual borrower to support the payments as well as the payments of any other debt the borrower may have 
outstanding  at  the  time  the  loan  is  made.    The  other  part  of  this  portfolio  is  non-owner  occupied  income 
producing property and is made primarily based on the cash flow stream from rental income as well as the cash 
flow support from the borrower’s unrelated cash flow.  Both types of loans have a secondary repayment source 
of the underlying collateral and generally the loans are not extended at higher than an 80% LTV.  Minimum 
standards and underwriting guidelines have been established for all 1-4 family residential real estate loan types. 

Construction Loans:  The Company defines construction loans as loans where the loan proceeds are controlled 
by  the  Company  and  used  exclusively  for  the  improvement  of  real  estate  in  which  the  Company  holds  a 
mortgage.  

Home Equity and Improvement Loans:  Home Equity and Improvement loans are made to borrowers based on 
their  ability  to  repay  with  their  current  debt  to  income  as  well  as  the  underlying  collateral  value  of  the  real 
estate  taken  as  security.    Minimum  standards  and  underwriting  guidelines  have  been  established  for  all  1-4 
family residential real estate loan types. 

Consumer finance, 1-4 family residential real estate (including construction) and home equity and improvement 
loans are subject to adverse employment conditions in the local economy which could increase default rate on 
loans. 

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Servicing Rights 

Goodwill and Other Intangibles 

Servicing rights are recognized separately when they are acquired through sales of loans. Servicing rights are 
initially recorded at fair value with the income statement effect recorded in gains on sales of loans. Fair value is 
based on market prices for comparable mortgage servicing contracts, when available, or alternatively, is based 
on a valuation model that calculates the present value of estimated future net servicing income. The valuation 
model incorporates assumptions that market participants would use in estimating future net servicing income, 
such  as  the  cost  to  service,  the  discount  rate,  the  custodial  earnings  rate,  an  inflation  rate,  ancillary  income, 
prepayment speeds and default rates and losses. The Company compares the valuation model inputs and results 
to published industry data in order to validate the model results and assumptions.  All classes of servicing assets 
are subsequently measured using the amortization method which requires servicing rights to be amortized into 
non-interest income in proportion to, and over the period of, the estimated future net servicing income of the 
underlying loans, driven, generally, by changes in market interest rates.  

Servicing assets are evaluated for impairment based upon the fair value of the rights as compared to carrying 
amount.  Impairment  is  determined  by  stratifying  rights  into  groupings  based  on  predominant  risk 
characteristics, such as interest rate, loan type and investor type. Impairment is recognized through a valuation 
allowance  for  an  individual  grouping,  to  the  extent  that  fair  value  is  less  than  the  carrying  amount.  If  the 
Company later determines that all or a portion of the impairment no longer exists for a particular grouping, a 
reduction  of  the  allowance  may  be  recorded  as  an  increase  to  income.  Changes  in  valuation  allowances  are 
reported with mortgage banking income on the income statement. The fair values of servicing rights are subject 
to  significant  fluctuations  as  a  result  of  changes  in  estimated and actual prepayment speeds and default rates 
and losses.  

Servicing fee income, which is reported on the income statement with mortgage banking income, is recorded for 
fees earned for servicing loans. The fees are based on a contractual percentage of the outstanding principal, or a 
fixed amount per loan, and are recorded as income when earned. The amortization of mortgage servicing rights 
is netted against loan servicing fee income. Servicing fees totaled $3.6 million, $3.6 million and $3.4 million for 
the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012. Late fees and ancillary fees related to loan servicing are 
not material. See Note 8. 

Bank Owned Life Insurance 

The  Company  has  purchased  life  insurance  policies for certain key employees. Bank owned life insurance is 
recorded at the amount that can be realized under the insurance contract at the balance sheet date, which is the 
cash surrender value adjusted for other charges or other amounts due that are probable at settlement. 

Premises and Equipment and Long Lived Assets 

Land  is  carried  at  cost.  Premises  and  equipment  are  carried  at  cost  less  accumulated  depreciation  and 
amortization computed principally by the straight-line method over the following estimated useful lives: 

Buildings and improvements 
Furniture, fixtures and equipment 

20 to 50 years 
3 to 15 years 

Long-lived assets to be held and those to be disposed of and certain intangibles are periodically evaluated for 
impairment. See Note 9. 

Goodwill resulting from business combinations prior to January 1, 2009 represents the excess of the purchase 

price  over  the  fair  value  of  the  net  assets  of  businesses  acquired.  Goodwill  resulting  from  business 

combinations after January 1, 2009, is generally determined as the excess of the fair value of the consideration 

transferred,  plus  the  fair  value  of  any  noncontrolling  interests  in  the  acquiree,  over  the  fair  value  of  the  net 

assets acquired and liabilities assumed as of the acquisition date. Goodwill and intangible assets acquired in a 

purchase business combination and determined to have an indefinite useful life are not amortized, but tested for 

impairment  at  least  annually.  The  Company  has  selected  November  30  as  the  date  to  perform  the  annual 

impairment  test.  Intangible  assets  with  definite  useful  lives  are  amortized  over  their  estimated useful lives to 

their estimated residual values. Goodwill is the only intangible asset with an indefinite life on First Defiance’s 

balance sheet.  

Other intangible assets consist of core deposit and acquired customer relationship intangible assets arising from 

whole bank, insurance and branch acquisitions. They are initially recorded at fair value and then amortized on 

an accelerated basis over their estimated lives, which range from five years for non-compete agreements to 10 

to 20 years for core deposit and customer relationship intangibles. See Note 10. 

Real Estate and Other Assets Held for Sale 

Other assets held for sale are comprised of properties acquired through foreclosure proceedings or acceptance 

of a deed in lieu of foreclosure. These assets are initially recorded at fair value less costs to sell when acquired, 

establishing  a  new  cost  basis.  Losses  arising  from  the  acquisition  of  such  property  are  charged  against  the 

allowance  for  loan  losses  at  the  time  of  acquisition.  These  properties  are  carried  at  the  lower  of  cost  or  fair 

value, less estimated costs to dispose. If fair value declines subsequent to foreclosure, the property is written 

down against expense. Costs after acquisition are expensed. 

Stock Compensation Plans 

Compensation  cost  is  recognized  for  stock  options  and  restricted  share  awards  issued  to  employees  and 

directors,  based  on  the  fair  value  of  these  awards  at  the  date  of  grant.  A  Black-Scholes  model  is  utilized  to 

estimate the fair value of stock options. Restricted shares  awards are valued at the market value of Company 

stock  at  the  date  of  the  grant.  Compensation  cost  is  recognized  over  the  required  service  period,  generally 

defined as the vesting period. For awards with graded vesting, compensation cost is recognized on a straight-

line basis over the requisite service period for the entire award. See Note 20. 

Fair Value of Financial Instruments 

Fair values of financial instruments are estimated using relevant market information and other assumptions, as 

more fully disclosed in Note 22. Fair value estimates involve uncertainties and matters of significant judgment 

regarding interest rates, credit risk, prepayments, and other factors, especially in the absence of broad markets 

for particular items. Changes in assumptions or in market conditions could significantly affect the estimates. 

Transfers of Financial Assets 

Transfers  of  financial  assets  are  accounted  for  as  sales,  when  control  over  the  assets  has  been  relinquished. 

Control  over  transferred  assets  is  deemed  to  be  surrendered  when  the  assets  have  been  isolated  from  the 

Company,  the  transferee  obtains  the  right  (free  of  conditions  that  constrain  it  from  taking  advantage  of  that 

right) to pledge or exchange the transferred assets and the Company does not maintain effective control over the 

transferred assets through an agreement to repurchase them before their maturity. 

74 
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75 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Goodwill and Other Intangibles 

Goodwill resulting from business combinations prior to January 1, 2009 represents the excess of the purchase 
price  over  the  fair  value  of  the  net  assets  of  businesses  acquired.  Goodwill  resulting  from  business 
combinations after January 1, 2009, is generally determined as the excess of the fair value of the consideration 
transferred,  plus  the  fair  value  of  any  noncontrolling  interests  in  the  acquiree,  over  the  fair  value  of  the  net 
assets acquired and liabilities assumed as of the acquisition date. Goodwill and intangible assets acquired in a 
purchase business combination and determined to have an indefinite useful life are not amortized, but tested for 
impairment  at  least  annually.  The  Company  has  selected  November  30  as  the  date  to  perform  the  annual 
impairment  test.  Intangible  assets  with  definite  useful  lives  are  amortized  over  their  estimated useful lives to 
their estimated residual values. Goodwill is the only intangible asset with an indefinite life on First Defiance’s 
balance sheet.  

Other intangible assets consist of core deposit and acquired customer relationship intangible assets arising from 
whole bank, insurance and branch acquisitions. They are initially recorded at fair value and then amortized on 
an accelerated basis over their estimated lives, which range from five years for non-compete agreements to 10 
to 20 years for core deposit and customer relationship intangibles. See Note 10. 

Real Estate and Other Assets Held for Sale 

Other assets held for sale are comprised of properties acquired through foreclosure proceedings or acceptance 
of a deed in lieu of foreclosure. These assets are initially recorded at fair value less costs to sell when acquired, 
establishing  a  new  cost  basis.  Losses  arising  from  the  acquisition  of  such  property  are  charged  against  the 
allowance  for  loan  losses  at  the  time  of  acquisition.  These  properties  are  carried  at  the  lower  of  cost  or  fair 
value, less estimated costs to dispose. If fair value declines subsequent to foreclosure, the property is written 
down against expense. Costs after acquisition are expensed. 

Stock Compensation Plans 

Compensation  cost  is  recognized  for  stock  options  and  restricted  share  awards  issued  to  employees  and 
directors,  based  on  the  fair  value  of  these  awards  at  the  date  of  grant.  A  Black-Scholes  model  is  utilized  to 
estimate the fair value of stock options. Restricted shares  awards are valued at the market value of Company 
stock  at  the  date  of  the  grant.  Compensation  cost  is  recognized  over  the  required  service  period,  generally 
defined as the vesting period. For awards with graded vesting, compensation cost is recognized on a straight-
line basis over the requisite service period for the entire award. See Note 20. 

Fair Value of Financial Instruments 

Fair values of financial instruments are estimated using relevant market information and other assumptions, as 
more fully disclosed in Note 22. Fair value estimates involve uncertainties and matters of significant judgment 
regarding interest rates, credit risk, prepayments, and other factors, especially in the absence of broad markets 
for particular items. Changes in assumptions or in market conditions could significantly affect the estimates. 

Transfers of Financial Assets 

Transfers  of  financial  assets  are  accounted  for  as  sales,  when  control  over  the  assets  has  been  relinquished. 
Control  over  transferred  assets  is  deemed  to  be  surrendered  when  the  assets  have  been  isolated  from  the 
Company,  the  transferee  obtains  the  right  (free  of  conditions  that  constrain  it  from  taking  advantage  of  that 
right) to pledge or exchange the transferred assets and the Company does not maintain effective control over the 
transferred assets through an agreement to repurchase them before their maturity. 

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Mortgage Banking Derivatives 

Income Taxes 

Commitments  to  fund  mortgage  loans  (interest  rate  locks)  to  be  sold  into  the  secondary  market  and  forward 
commitments for the future delivery of these mortgage loans are accounted for as free standing derivatives. Fair 
values of these mortgage derivatives are estimated based on changes in mortgage interest rates from the date the 
interest  on  the  loan  is  locked.  The  Company  enters  into  forward  commitments  for  the  future  delivery  of 
mortgage loans when interest rate locks are entered into, in order to hedge the change in interest rates resulting 
from its commitments to fund the loans. Changes in fair values of these derivatives are included in mortgage 
banking income. 

Operating Segments 

Management considers the following factors in determining the need to disclose separate operating segments: 
(1) The nature of products and services, which are all financial in nature; (2) The type and class of customer for 
the products and services; in First Defiance’s case retail customers for retail bank and insurance products and 
commercial customers for commercial loan, deposit, life, health and property and casualty insurance needs; (3) 
The methods used to distribute products or provide services; such services are delivered through banking and 
insurance  offices  and  through  bank  and  insurance  customer  contact  representatives.  Retail  and  commercial 
customers  are  frequently  targets  for  both  banking  and  insurance  products;  (4)  The  nature  of  the  regulatory 
environment;  both  banking  and  insurance  entities  are  subject  to  various  regulatory  bodies  and  a  number  of 
specific regulations. 

Quantitative  thresholds  as  stated  in  Financial  Accounting  Standards  Board  (“FASB”)  Accounting  Standards 
Codification (“ASC”) Topic 280, Segment Reporting are monitored. For the year ended December 31, 2014, the 
reported revenue for First Insurance was 9.1% of total revenue for First Defiance. Total revenue includes net 
interest income (before provision for loan losses) plus non-interest income. Net income for First Insurance for 
the  year  ended  December  31,  2014  was  4.2%  of  consolidated  net  income.  Total  assets  of  First  Insurance  at 
December 31, 2014 were 0.6% of total assets. First Insurance does not meet any of the quantitative thresholds 
of FASB ASC Topic 280. Accordingly, all of the financial service operations are considered by management to 
be aggregated in one reportable segment.  

Dividend Restriction 

Accounting Standards Updates 

Banking regulations require maintaining certain capital levels and may limit the dividends paid by the savings 
bank to the holding company. See Note 17 for further details on restrictions. 

Loan Commitments and Related Financial Instruments 

Financial  instruments  include  off-balance  sheet  credit  instruments,  such  as  commitments  to  make  loans  and 
commercial  letters  of  credit,  issued  to  meet  customer  financing  needs.  The  face  amount  for  these  items 
represents  the  exposure  to  loss,  before  considering  customer  collateral  or  ability  to  repay.  Such  financial 
instruments are recorded when they are funded. 

Loss Contingencies 

Loss contingencies, including claims and legal actions arising in the ordinary course of business, are recorded 
as liabilities when the likelihood of loss is probable and an amount or range of loss can be reasonably estimated. 
Management  does  not  believe  there  are  any  such  matters  that  will  have  a  material  effect  on  the  financial 
statements. 

76 
- 76 -

Income tax expense is the total of the current year income tax due or refundable and the change in deferred tax 

assets and liabilities. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are the expected future tax amounts for the temporary 

differences between carrying amounts and tax bases of assets and liabilities, computed using enacted tax rates. 

A valuation allowance, if needed, reduces deferred tax assets to the amount expected to be realized. Realization 

of  deferred  tax  assets  is  dependent  upon  the  generation  of  a  sufficient  level  of  future  taxable  income  and 

recoverable taxes paid in prior years. Although realization is not assured, management believes it is more likely 

than not that all of the deferred tax assets will be realized.  

An effective tax rate of 35% is used to determine after-tax components of other comprehensive income (loss) 

included in the statements of stockholders’ equity.  See Note 18. 

A  tax  position  is  recognized  as  a  benefit  only  if  it  is  “more  likely  than  not”  that  the  tax  position  would  be 

sustained in a tax examination, with a tax examination being presumed to occur.  The amount recognized is the 

largest amount of tax benefit that is greater than 50% likely of being realized on examination. For tax positions 

not meeting the “more likely than not” test, no tax benefit is recorded.   

The Company recognizes interest and/or penalties related to income tax matters in income tax expense. 

Pension  expense  is  the  net  of  service  and  interest  cost,  return  on  plan  assets  and  amortization  of  gains  and 

losses  not  immediately  recognized.    Employee  401(k)  plan  expense  is  the  amount  of  matching  contributions.  

Deferred compensation and supplemental retirement plan expense allocates the benefits over years of service. 

Retirement Plans 

Reclassifications 

Some items in the prior year financial statements were reclassified to conform to the current presentation. 

In January 2014, the FASB issued ASU 2014-01, "Accounting for Investments in Qualified Affordable Housing 

Projects."    ASU  2014-01  applies  to  all  reporting  entities  that  invest  in  qualified  affordable  housing  projects 

through  limited  liability  entities.  The  pronouncement  permits  reporting  entities  to  make an accounting policy 

election to account for these investments using the proportional amortization method if certain conditions exist. 

The  pronouncement  also  requires  disclosure  that  enables  users  of  its  financial  statements  to  understand  the 

nature of these investments. Under the proportional amortization method, an entity amortizes the initial cost of 

the investment in proportion to the tax credits and other tax benefits received and recognizes the net investment 

performance  in  the  income  statement  as  a  component  of  income  tax  expense  (benefit).  The  pronouncement 

should  be  applied  retrospectively for all periods presented, effective for annual periods and interim reporting 

periods  within  those  annual  periods,  beginning  after  December  15,  2014.  Early  adoption  is  permitted.  The 

Company  elected  to  early  adopt  ASU  2014-01  in  January  2014  and  such  adoption  did  not  have  a  material 

impact  on  the  Company’s  Consolidated  Financial  Statements.    As  of  December  31,  2014,  the  Company  had 

$4.6 million in qualified investments recorded in other assets, $3.0 million in unfunded commitments recorded 

in other liabilities and $117,000 of tax credits (benefit) recorded in federal income taxes.   

In  January  2014,  the  FASB  issued  ASU  2014-04,  “Reclassification  of  Residential  Real  Estate  Collateralized 

Consumer  Mortgage  Loans  upon  Foreclosure.”  The  objective  of  the  amendments  in  ASU  2014-04  to  Topic 

310, “Receivables - Troubled Debt Restructurings by Creditors,” is to reduce diversity by clarifying when an in 

77 

 
 
 
 
 
Income Taxes 

Income tax expense is the total of the current year income tax due or refundable and the change in deferred tax 
assets and liabilities. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are the expected future tax amounts for the temporary 
differences between carrying amounts and tax bases of assets and liabilities, computed using enacted tax rates. 
A valuation allowance, if needed, reduces deferred tax assets to the amount expected to be realized. Realization 
of  deferred  tax  assets  is  dependent  upon  the  generation  of  a  sufficient  level  of  future  taxable  income  and 
recoverable taxes paid in prior years. Although realization is not assured, management believes it is more likely 
than not that all of the deferred tax assets will be realized.  

An effective tax rate of 35% is used to determine after-tax components of other comprehensive income (loss) 
included in the statements of stockholders’ equity.  See Note 18. 

A  tax  position  is  recognized  as  a  benefit  only  if  it  is  “more  likely  than  not”  that  the  tax  position  would  be 
sustained in a tax examination, with a tax examination being presumed to occur.  The amount recognized is the 
largest amount of tax benefit that is greater than 50% likely of being realized on examination. For tax positions 
not meeting the “more likely than not” test, no tax benefit is recorded.   

The Company recognizes interest and/or penalties related to income tax matters in income tax expense. 

Retirement Plans 

Pension  expense  is  the  net  of  service  and  interest  cost,  return  on  plan  assets  and  amortization  of  gains  and 
losses  not  immediately  recognized.    Employee  401(k)  plan  expense  is  the  amount  of  matching  contributions.  
Deferred compensation and supplemental retirement plan expense allocates the benefits over years of service. 

Reclassifications 

Some items in the prior year financial statements were reclassified to conform to the current presentation. 

Accounting Standards Updates 

In January 2014, the FASB issued ASU 2014-01, "Accounting for Investments in Qualified Affordable Housing 
Projects."    ASU  2014-01  applies  to  all  reporting  entities  that  invest  in  qualified  affordable  housing  projects 
through  limited  liability  entities.  The  pronouncement  permits  reporting  entities  to  make an accounting policy 
election to account for these investments using the proportional amortization method if certain conditions exist. 
The  pronouncement  also  requires  disclosure  that  enables  users  of  its  financial  statements  to  understand  the 
nature of these investments. Under the proportional amortization method, an entity amortizes the initial cost of 
the investment in proportion to the tax credits and other tax benefits received and recognizes the net investment 
performance  in  the  income  statement  as  a  component  of  income  tax  expense  (benefit).  The  pronouncement 
should  be  applied  retrospectively for all periods presented, effective for annual periods and interim reporting 
periods  within  those  annual  periods,  beginning  after  December  15,  2014.  Early  adoption  is  permitted.  The 
Company  elected  to  early  adopt  ASU  2014-01  in  January  2014  and  such  adoption  did  not  have  a  material 
impact  on  the  Company’s  Consolidated  Financial  Statements.    As  of  December  31,  2014,  the  Company  had 
$4.6 million in qualified investments recorded in other assets, $3.0 million in unfunded commitments recorded 
in other liabilities and $117,000 of tax credits (benefit) recorded in federal income taxes.   

In  January  2014,  the  FASB  issued  ASU  2014-04,  “Reclassification  of  Residential  Real  Estate  Collateralized 
Consumer  Mortgage  Loans  upon  Foreclosure.”  The  objective  of  the  amendments  in  ASU  2014-04  to  Topic 
310, “Receivables - Troubled Debt Restructurings by Creditors,” is to reduce diversity by clarifying when an in 

77 
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4. Earnings Per Common Share 

The following table sets forth the computation of basic and diluted earnings per common share: 

Numerator for basic and diluted earnings per 

common share-net income applicable to common 

shares 

Denominator: 

Denominator for basic earnings per common 

share-weighted-average common shares, 

including participating securities 

Effect of dilutive securities: 

Employee stock options 

Warrants 

Dilutive potential common shares 

Denominator for diluted earnings per common 

share 

Basic earnings per common share 

Diluted earnings per common share 

2014 

2013 

2012 

(In Thousands, Except Per Share Amounts) 

  $  24,292 

  $  22,235 

  $  18,047 

9,511 

9,764 

9,728 

111 

353 

464 

87 

320 

407 

51 

219 

270 

9,975 

   2.55 

2.44 

  $ 

  $ 

10,171 

   2.28 

2.19 

  $ 

  $ 

9,998 

   1.86 

1.81 

  $ 

  $ 

Shares subject to issue upon exercise of option of 10,500 in 2014, 132,750 in 2013 and 229,550 in 2012 were 

excluded from the diluted earnings per common share calculation as they were anti-dilutive. 

substance  repossession  or  foreclosure  occurs,  that  is,  when  a  creditor  should  be  considered  to  have  received 
physical  possession  of  residential  real  estate  property  collateralizing  a  consumer  mortgage  loan  such  that  the 
loan receivable should be derecognized and the real estate property recognized. The amendments are effective 
for fiscal years, and interim periods within those years, beginning after December 15, 2014. An entity can elect 
to  adopt  the  amendments  using  either  a  modified  retrospective  transition  method  or  a  prospective  transition 
method. Early adoption is permitted. The adoption of this guidance is not expected to have a material impact on 
the Company’s Consolidated Financial Statements. 

In June 2014, the FASB issued ASU No. 2014-12, "Accounting for Share-Based Payments When the Terms of 
an  Award  Provide  That  a  Performance  Target  Could  Be  Achieved  after  the  Requisite  Service  Period."    The 
amendments in the ASU require that a performance target that affects vesting and that could be achieved after 
the  requisite  service  period  be  treated  as  a  performance  condition.    A  reporting  entity  should  apply  existing 
guidance  in  Topic  718,  Compensation  -  Stock  Compensation,  as  it  relates  to  awards  with  performance 
conditions  that  affect  vesting  to  account  for  such  awards.    The performance target should not be reflected in 
estimating  the  grant-date  fair  value  of  the  award.    Compensation  cost  should  be  recognized  in  the  period  in 
which it becomes probable that the performance target will be achieved and should represent the compensation 
cost attributable to the period(s) for which the requisite service has already been rendered.  If the performance 
target  becomes  probable  of  being  achieved  before  the  end  of  the  requisite  service  period,  the  remaining 
unrecognized  compensation  cost  should  be  recognized  prospectively  over  the  remaining  requisite  service 
period.  The total amount of compensation cost recognized during and after the requisite service period should 
reflect  the  number  of  awards  that  are  expected  to  vest  and  should  be  adjusted  to  reflect  those  awards  that 
ultimately vest.  The requisite service period ends when the employee can cease rendering service and still be 
eligible to vest in the award if the performance target is achieved.  The amendments in this ASU are effective 
for  interim  or  annual  reporting  periods  beginning  after  December  15,  2015;  early  adoption  is  permitted.  
Entities may apply the amendments in this ASU either: (1) prospectively to all awards granted or modified after 
the effective date; or (2) retrospectively to all awards with performance targets that are outstanding as of the 
beginning of the earliest annual period presented in the financial statements and to all new or modified awards 
thereafter.    The  adoption  of  ASU  No.  2014-12  is  not  expected  to  have  a  material  impact  on  the  Company's 
Consolidated Financial Statements. 

3. Acquisitions  

On  July  1,  2011,  First  Defiance  acquired  PDI,  an  insurance  agency  headquartered  in  Maumee  and  Oregon, 
Ohio, for a cash purchase price of $4.8 million and future consideration to be paid in cash in 2012, 2013, and 
2014.  As  of  December  31,  2014,  management  has  reported  goodwill  of  approximately  $4.0  million  and 
identifiable  intangible  assets  of  $689,000  consisting  of  a  customer  relationship  intangible  of  $482,000  and  a 
non-compete  intangible  of  $207,000.    The  transaction  included  a  contingent  payable  with  a  maximum  cash 
payout of $822,800, of which $157,000, $596,000 and $70,000 was paid in 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively.  
$20,000  was  expensed  in  2014  with  the  final  payout.  The  Company  accounted  for  the  transaction  under  the 
acquisition method of accounting which requires purchased assets and assumed liabilities to be recorded at their 
respective acquisition date fair value.  Disclosure of pro forma results of this acquisition is not material to the 
Company’s consolidated financial statements. 

78 
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79 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
4. Earnings Per Common Share 

The following table sets forth the computation of basic and diluted earnings per common share: 

Numerator for basic and diluted earnings per 

common share-net income applicable to common 
shares 

Denominator: 

Denominator for basic earnings per common 
share-weighted-average common shares, 
including participating securities 

Effect of dilutive securities: 
Employee stock options 
Warrants 
Dilutive potential common shares 
Denominator for diluted earnings per common 

share 

Basic earnings per common share 
Diluted earnings per common share 

2012 
2013 
2014 
(In Thousands, Except Per Share Amounts) 

  $  24,292 

  $  22,235 

  $  18,047 

9,511 

9,764 

9,728 

111 
353 
464 

87 
320 
407 

51 
219 
270 

9,975 
   2.55 
2.44 

  $ 
  $ 

10,171 
   2.28 
2.19 

  $ 
  $ 

9,998 
   1.86 
1.81 

  $ 
  $ 

Shares subject to issue upon exercise of option of 10,500 in 2014, 132,750 in 2013 and 229,550 in 2012 were 
excluded from the diluted earnings per common share calculation as they were anti-dilutive. 

79 
- 79 -

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
5. Investment Securities  

The following tables summarize the amortized cost and fair value of available-for-sale securities and held-to-
maturity  investment  securities  at  December  31,  2014  and  2013  and  the  corresponding  amounts  of  gross 
unrealized gains and losses: 

Gross 
Amortized  Unrealized  Unrealized 
Gains 

Losses 

Gross 

Cost 

Fair 
Value 

(In Thousands) 

2014 
Available-for-sale 

Obligations of U.S. government corporations 

and agencies 

Mortgage-backed securities - residential 
REMICs 
Collateralized mortgage obligations 
Trust preferred stock and preferred stock 
Corporate bonds 
Obligations of state and political  

  $ 

  $ 

1,000 
58,380 
1,820 
80,252 
- 
6,913 

  $ 

- 
1,476 
19 
1,280 
1 
85 

subdivisions 

Total Available-for-Sale 

83,732 
  $ 232,097 

4,827 
  $  7,688 

  $ 

(20) 
- 
- 
(411) 
- 
(6) 

(27) 
(464) 

  $        980 
59,856 
1,839 
81,121 
1 
6,992 

88,532 
   $ 239,321 

Gross 
Amortized  Unrecognized  Unrecognized 
Gains 

Losses 

Gross 

Cost 

Fair 
Value 

Held-to-Maturity 

FHLMC certificates 
FNMA certificates 
GNMA certificates 
Obligations of states and political 

subdivisions 

Total Held-to-Maturity 

(In Thousands) 

  $ 

  $ 

26 
93 
39 

155 
313 

  $ 

  $ 

- 
2 
1 

- 
3 

  $ 

  $ 

(8) 
- 
- 

- 
(8) 

  $           18 
95 
40 

155 
   $         308 

Gross 
Amortized  Unrealized  Unrealized 
Gains 

Losses 

Gross 

Cost 

Fair 
Value 

Held-to-Maturity 

FHLMC certificates 

FNMA certificates 

GNMA certificates 

Obligations of states and political 

subdivisions 

Total Held-to-Maturity 

Gross 

Gross 

Amortized  Unrecognized Unrecognized 

Cost 

Gains 

Losses 

Fair 

Value 

(In Thousands) 

  $ 

  $ 

  $ 

  $ 

31 

120 

50 

186 

387 

- 

4 

2 

- 

6 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

31 

124 

52 

186 

393 

  $ 

  $ 

  $ 

  $ 

The amortized cost and fair value of the investment securities portfolio at December 31, 2014 is shown below 

by contractual maturity. Expected maturities will differ from contractual maturities if borrowers have the right 

to call or prepay obligations with or without call or prepayment penalties. For purposes of the maturity tables 

below,  mortgage-backed  securities  and  collateralized  mortgage  obligations,  which  are  not  due  at  a  single 

maturity date, have not been allocated over maturity groupings.  

2014 

Available-for-sale 

Due in one year or less 

Due after one year through 

Due after five years through 

five years 

ten years 

Due after ten years 

MBS/CMO/REMIC 

Total  

Held-to-maturity 

Due after five years through 

ten years 

MBS/CMO 

Total  

Available-for-Sale 

Amortized 

Cost 

Fair 

Value 

(In Thousands) 

  $ 

2,004 

  $ 

2,017 

9,714 

10,066 

38,648 

41,279 

140,452 

40,861 

43,561 

142,816 

   $ 232,097 

    $   239,321 

  $ 

  $ 

155 

158 

155 

153 

   $        313 

     $         308 

2013 
Available-for-sale 

Obligations of U.S. government corporations 

and agencies 

Mortgage-backed securities - residential 
Collateralized mortgage obligations 
Trust preferred stock and preferred stock 
Corporate bonds 
Obligations of state and political  

(In Thousands) 

Securities pledged at year-end 2014 and 2013 had a carrying amount of $141.2 million and $132.7 million and 

were pledged to secure public deposits, securities sold under repurchase agreements and FHLB advances. 

  $ 

  $ 

5,000 
41,368 
59,865 
3,264 
8,854 

- 
765 
739 
683 
129 

  $ 

(79) 
(841) 
(763) 
(993) 
(41) 

  $      4,921 
41,292 
59,841 
2,954 
8,942 

As of December 31, 2014, the Company’s investment portfolio consisted of 356 securities, 26 of which were in 

an unrealized loss position.  The Company does not hold any single security that is greater than 10% of the 

Company’s equity at December 31, 2014. 

subdivisions 

Total Available-for-Sale 

78,426 
  $ 196,777 

2,704 
  $  5,020 

(910) 
  $ (3,627) 

80,220 
  $  198,170 

80 
- 80 -

81 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Gross 
Amortized  Unrecognized Unrecognized 
Gains 

Losses 

Gross 

Cost 

Fair 
Value 

Held-to-Maturity 

FHLMC certificates 
FNMA certificates 
GNMA certificates 
Obligations of states and political 

subdivisions 

Total Held-to-Maturity 

(In Thousands) 

  $ 

  $ 

31 
120 
50 

186 
387 

  $ 

  $ 

- 
4 
2 

- 
6 

  $ 

  $ 

- 
- 
- 

- 
- 

  $ 

  $ 

31 
124 
52 

186 
393 

The amortized cost and fair value of the investment securities portfolio at December 31, 2014 is shown below 
by contractual maturity. Expected maturities will differ from contractual maturities if borrowers have the right 
to call or prepay obligations with or without call or prepayment penalties. For purposes of the maturity tables 
below,  mortgage-backed  securities  and  collateralized  mortgage  obligations,  which  are  not  due  at  a  single 
maturity date, have not been allocated over maturity groupings.  

2014 
Available-for-sale 
Due in one year or less 
Due after one year through 

five years 

Due after five years through 

ten years 

Due after ten years 
MBS/CMO/REMIC 
Total  

Held-to-maturity 
Due after five years through 

ten years 
MBS/CMO 
Total  

Available-for-Sale 
Fair 
Value 

Amortized 
Cost 

(In Thousands) 

  $ 

2,004 

  $ 

2,017 

9,714 

10,066 

38,648 
41,279 
140,452 
   $ 232,097 

40,861 
43,561 
142,816 
    $   239,321 

  $ 

155 
158 
   $        313 

  $ 

155 
153 
     $         308 

Securities pledged at year-end 2014 and 2013 had a carrying amount of $141.2 million and $132.7 million and 
were pledged to secure public deposits, securities sold under repurchase agreements and FHLB advances. 

As of December 31, 2014, the Company’s investment portfolio consisted of 356 securities, 26 of which were in 
an unrealized loss position.  The Company does not hold any single security that is greater than 10% of the 
Company’s equity at December 31, 2014. 

81 
- 81 -

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
The following table summarizes First Defiance’s securities that were in an unrealized loss position at December 
31, 2014 and December 31, 2013:  

Duration of Unrealized Loss Position 

Less than 12 Months 
Gross 
Unrealized 
Loss 

Fair 
Value 

12 Months or Longer 
Gross 
Unrealized 
Loss 

Fair 
Value 

(In Thousands) 

Total 

Fair 
Value 

Unrealized 
Loses 

  $ 

- 

  $ 

- 

  $ 

980 

$   

(20) 

 $ 

980 

  $ 

(20) 

4,466 
- 

1,194 

18 

(138) 
- 

(8) 

(8) 

14,633 
994 

1,499 

- 

(273) 
(6) 

(19) 

- 

19,099 
994 

2,693 

18 

(411) 
(6) 

(27) 

(8) 

  $ 

5,678 

  $ 

(154) 

  $  18,106 

  $ 

(318) 

 $ 

23,784 

  $   (472) 

  $ 

4,921 

  $ 

(79) 

  $ 

residential 

24,846 

(841) 

$   

- 

- 

- 
- 

375 

582 

- 

- 

- 
- 

(39) 

(993) 

 $ 

4,921 

  $ 

(79) 

24,846 

(841) 

26,530 
2,959 

(763) 
(41) 

19,584 

(910) 

582 

(993) 

26,530 
2,959 

(763) 
(41) 

19,209 

(871) 

- 

- 

  $  78,465 

  $ (2,595) 

  $ 

957 

  $  (1,032) 

 $ 

79,422 

  $ (3,627) 

At December 31, 2014 
Available-for-sale securities: 

Obligations of U.S. government 
corporations and agencies 

Collateralized mortgage 

obligations 
Corporate bonds 
Obligations of state and political 

subdivisions 

Held to maturity securities: 
FHLMC certificates 
Total temporarily impaired 

securities 

At December 31, 2013 
Available-for-sale securities: 

Obligations of U.S. government 
corporations and agencies 
Mortgage-backed securities - 

Collateralized mortgage 

obligations 
Corporate bonds 
Obligations of state and political 

subdivisions 

Trust preferred stock and 

preferred stock 
Total temporarily impaired 

securities 

With the exception of trust preferred securities and corporate bonds, the above securities all have fixed interest 
rates,  and  all  securities  have  defined  maturities. Their fair value is sensitive to movements in market interest 
rates.  First  Defiance  has  the  ability  and  intent  to  hold  these  investments  for  a  time  necessary  to  recover  the 
amortized cost without impacting its liquidity position and it is not more than likely that the Company will be 
required to sell the investments before anticipated recovery.  

Realized gains from the sales and calls of investment securities totaled $932,000 ($652,000 after tax) in 2014 
while there were realized gains of $97,000 ($68,000 after tax) and $2.1 million ($1.4 million after tax)  in 2013 
and 2012, respectively.    

Management evaluates securities for OTTI on at least a quarterly basis, and more frequently when economic or 
market conditions warrant such an evaluation. The investment portfolio is evaluated for OTTI by segregating 
the portfolio into two general segments. Investment securities classified as available-for-sale or held-to-maturity 
are  generally  evaluated  for  OTTI  under  FASB  ASC  Topic  320.  Certain  collateralized  debt  obligations 
(“CDOs”) are evaluated for OTTI under FASB ASC Topic 325, Investment – Other. 

When OTTI occurs under either model, the amount of the OTTI recognized in earnings depends on whether an 
entity intends to sell the security or more likely than not will be required to sell the security before recovery of 
its amortized cost basis less any current period credit loss. If an entity intends to sell or more likely than not will 
be required to sell the security before recovery of its amortized cost basis less any current period credit loss, the 
OTTI  shall  be  recognized  in  earnings  equal  to  the  entire  difference  between  the  investment’s  amortized  cost 

82 
- 82 -

83 

basis and its fair value at the balance sheet date. If an entity does not intend to sell the security and it is not 

more  likely  than  not  that  the  entity  will  be  required  to  sell  the  security before recovery of its amortized cost 

basis less any current period loss, the OTTI shall be separated into the amount representing the credit loss and 

the amount related to all other factors. The amount of OTTI related to the credit loss is determined based on the 

present  value  of  cash  flows  expected  to  be  collected  compared  to  the  book  value  of  the  security  and  is 

recognized in earnings. The amount of OTTI related to other factors shall be recognized in other comprehensive 

income, net of applicable taxes. The previous amortized cost basis less the OTTI recognized in earnings shall 

become the new amortized cost basis of the investment. 

In  2014,  management  determined  there  was  no  OTTI.    In  2013,  management determined that two CDOs had 

OTTI resulting in a write-down of $337,000 ($219,000 after tax).  The 2013 OTTI was related to two CDOs 

that were disallowed under the Final Interim Volcker Rule of the Dodd-Frank Act released on January 14, 2014, 

requiring  the  Company  to  liquidate  these  securities  before  a  certain  date.    The  Company  received  Level  1 

pricing  and  wrote  these  two  CDOs  to  that  value  as  of  December  31,  2013  and  subsequently  sold  these  two 

securities on January 15, 2014.  In 2012, management determined that one CDO had OTTI resulting in a write-

down of $4,500 ($2,900 after tax).  

The Company holds three CDOs at December 31, 2014 with a zero value. 

The amount of OTTI recognized in accumulated other comprehensive income (“AOCI”) relating to the CDOs 

was zero at December 31, 2014.  There was $645,000 of OTTI recognized in accumulated other comprehensive 

income at December 31, 2013. 

The table below presents a roll-forward of the credit losses relating to debt securities recognized in earnings for 

the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012 (In Thousands):   

Beginning balance, January 1 

Additions for amounts related to credit loss for which an OTTI    

was not previously recognized 

2014 

2013 

2012 

$      3,513  $      3,176  $      3,251 

- 

337 

- 

Reductions for amounts realized for securities sold/redeemed during the 

period 

(3,513) 

(80) 

Reductions for amounts related to securities for which the Company 

intends to sell or that it will be more likely than not that the Company 

will be required to sell prior to recovery of amortized cost basis 

Reductions for increase in cash flows expected to be collected that are 

Recognized over the remaining life of the security 

Increases to the amount related to the credit loss for which 

Other-than-temporary was previously recognized 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

5 

- 

- 

- 

Ending balance, December 31 

$            -  $      3,513  $      3,176 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
basis and its fair value at the balance sheet date. If an entity does not intend to sell the security and it is not 
more  likely  than  not  that  the  entity  will  be  required  to  sell  the  security before recovery of its amortized cost 
basis less any current period loss, the OTTI shall be separated into the amount representing the credit loss and 
the amount related to all other factors. The amount of OTTI related to the credit loss is determined based on the 
present  value  of  cash  flows  expected  to  be  collected  compared  to  the  book  value  of  the  security  and  is 
recognized in earnings. The amount of OTTI related to other factors shall be recognized in other comprehensive 
income, net of applicable taxes. The previous amortized cost basis less the OTTI recognized in earnings shall 
become the new amortized cost basis of the investment. 

In  2014,  management  determined  there  was  no  OTTI.    In  2013,  management determined that two CDOs had 
OTTI resulting in a write-down of $337,000 ($219,000 after tax).  The 2013 OTTI was related to two CDOs 
that were disallowed under the Final Interim Volcker Rule of the Dodd-Frank Act released on January 14, 2014, 
requiring  the  Company  to  liquidate  these  securities  before  a  certain  date.    The  Company  received  Level  1 
pricing  and  wrote  these  two  CDOs  to  that  value  as  of  December  31,  2013  and  subsequently  sold  these  two 
securities on January 15, 2014.  In 2012, management determined that one CDO had OTTI resulting in a write-
down of $4,500 ($2,900 after tax).  

The Company holds three CDOs at December 31, 2014 with a zero value. 

The amount of OTTI recognized in accumulated other comprehensive income (“AOCI”) relating to the CDOs 
was zero at December 31, 2014.  There was $645,000 of OTTI recognized in accumulated other comprehensive 
income at December 31, 2013. 

The table below presents a roll-forward of the credit losses relating to debt securities recognized in earnings for 
the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012 (In Thousands):   

Beginning balance, January 1 

Additions for amounts related to credit loss for which an OTTI    

was not previously recognized 

2014 

2013 
$      3,513  $      3,176  $      3,251 

2012 

- 

337 

- 

Reductions for amounts realized for securities sold/redeemed during the 
period 

(3,513) 

Reductions for amounts related to securities for which the Company 

intends to sell or that it will be more likely than not that the Company 
will be required to sell prior to recovery of amortized cost basis 

Reductions for increase in cash flows expected to be collected that are 

Recognized over the remaining life of the security 

Increases to the amount related to the credit loss for which 

Other-than-temporary was previously recognized 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

(80) 

- 

- 

5 

Ending balance, December 31 

$            -  $      3,513  $      3,176 

83 
- 83 -

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
The proceeds from sales and calls of securities and the associated gains and losses are listed below: 

Proceeds 
Gross realized gains 
Gross realized losses 

2014 

  $  14,913 
1,574 
(642) 

6. Commitments and Contingent Liabilities 

Loan Commitments 

2013 
(In Thousands) 
  $ 

2012 

4,027 
97 
- 

  $  72,262 
2,163 
(24) 

Loan commitments are made to accommodate the financial needs of First Federal’s customers; however, there 
are no long-term, fixed-rate loan commitments that result in market risk. Standby letters of credit commit the 
Company to make payments on behalf of customers when certain specified future events occur. They primarily 
are issued to facilitate customers’ trade transactions.  

Both arrangements have credit risk, essentially the same as that involved in extending loans to customers, and 
are  subject  to  the  Company’s  normal  credit  policies.  Collateral  (e.g.,  securities,  receivables,  inventory  and 
equipment) is obtained based on management’s credit assessment of the customer.  

The Company’s maximum obligation to extend credit for loan commitments (unfunded loans and unused lines 
of credit) and standby letters of credit outstanding on December 31 was as follows (In Thousands): 

Commitments to make loans 
Unused lines of credit 
Standby letters of credit 
Total 

Fixed Rate 
37,546 
20,385 
- 
57,931 

  $ 

  $ 

2014 

Variable Rate 

  $ 

  $ 

69,232 
307,449 
17,886 
394,567 

Fixed Rate 
57,914 
18,047 
- 
75,962 

  $ 

  $ 

2013 

  $ 

Variable Rate 
59,632 
257,939 
17,680 
335,251 

  $ 

Commitments  to  make  loans  are  generally  made  for  periods  of  60  days  or  less.    The  fixed  rate  loan 
commitments at December 31, 2014 have interest rates ranging from 2.00% to 18.00% and maturities ranging 
from less than 1 year to 30 years. 

In  addition  to  the  above  commitments,  at  December  31,  2014, First Defiance had commitments to sell $11.6 
million of loans to Freddie Mac, Fannie Mae, FHLB of Cincinnati or BB&T Mortgage. 

84 
- 84 -

 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
7.  Loans  

Loans receivable consist of the following: 

Real Estate: 

Secured by 1-4 family residential 
Secured by multi-family residential 
Secured by commercial real estate 
Construction  

Other Loans: 

Commercial 
Home equity and improvement 
Consumer Finance 

Total loans 
Deduct: 

December 31, 
2014 

December 31, 
2013 

(In Thousands) 

  $ 

206,437 
156,530 
683,958 
112,385 
1,159,310 

399,730 
111,813 
15,466 
527,009 
1,686,319 

  $ 

195,752 
148,952 
670,666 
86,058 
1,101,428 

388,236 
106,930 
16,902 
512,068 
1,613,496 

Undisbursed loan funds 
Net deferred loan origination fees and costs 
Allowance for loan loss 
Totals 

(38,653) 
(880) 
(24,766) 
  $  1,622,020 

(32,290) 
(758) 
(24,950) 
  $  1,555,498 

Loan segments have been identified by evaluating the portfolio based on collateral and credit risk characteristics.   

The following table discloses allowance for loan loss activity year to date as of December 31, 2014, December 
31, 2013, and December 31, 2012 by portfolio segment (In Thousands):  

Year to Date December 31, 
2014 

1-4 Family 
Residential 
Real Estate  

Multi- Family 
Residential 
Real Estate 

Commercial 
Real Estate 

Construction 

Commercial  

Home Equity 
and 
Improvement  

Consumer 
Finance 

Total 

Beginning Allowance 

 $      2,847 

 $       2,508  

 $       12,000  

 $            134 

 $     5,678  

 $      1,635  

 $          148  

$   24,950 

Charge-Offs 

(426)  

                  - 

(1,018)  

              -  

(2,982)    

(392)   

(41)    

 (4,859)  

Recoveries 

Provisions 

188 

                  7 

2,670  

              -  

435    

(115)  

(62) 

(2,384)  

87  

3,378   

193   

268   

65   

 3,558  

  (55)    

 1,117  

Ending Allowance  

 $       2,494 

 $       2,453 

 $       11,268  

 $          221 

 $     6,509 

 $      1,704  

 $          117  

$   24,766 

Year to Date December 31, 
2013 

1-4 Family 
Residential 
Real Estate  

Multi- Family 
Residential 
Real Estate 

Commercial 
Real Estate 

Construction 

Commercial  

Home Equity 
and 
Improvement  

Consumer 
Finance 

Total 

Beginning Allowance 

 $      3,506 

 $       2,197  

 $       12,702  

 $             75 

 $     6,325  

 $      1,759  

 $          147  

$   26,711 

Charge-Offs 

(643)  

                  (6) 

(2,469)  

              -  

(1,230)    

(757)   

(94)    

 (5,199)  

Recoveries 

Provisions 

282 

                  - 

837  

              -  

(298)  

317 

930  

59  

290    

293   

125   

508   

80   

 1,614  

  15    

 1,824  

Ending Allowance  

 $       2,847 

 $       2,508 

 $       12,000  

 $          134 

 $     5,678 

 $      1,635  

 $          148  

$   24,950 

85 

- 85 -

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
               
                  
                    
                 
                   
             
                 
                  
                    
                   
                   
              
                 
               
                  
                  
                    
                  
                   
                 
 
 
 
 
               
                  
                    
                 
                   
             
                 
                  
                    
                   
                   
              
                 
               
                  
                  
                    
                  
                   
                 
 
Year-to-Date December 31, 
2012 

1-4 Family 
Residential 
Real Estate  

Multi- Family 
Residential 
Real Estate 

Commercial 
Real Estate 

Construction 

Commercial  

Home Equity 
and 
Improvement  

Consumer 
Finance 

Total 

Beginning Allowance 

 $      4,095 

 $       2,850  

 $       17,640  

 $             63 

 $     6,576  

 $      1,856  

 $          174  

$   33,254 

Charge-Offs 

(2,515)  

(555) 

(10,764)  

              -  

(4,047)    

(1,165)   

(133)    

 (19,179)  

Recoveries 

Provisions 

177  

1,749  

122 

(220) 

895  

              -  

359    

4,931  

              12  

3,437   

95   

973   

64   

 1,712  

  42    

 10,924  

Ending Allowance  

 $       3,506 

 $       2,197 

 $       12,702  

 $             75 

 $     6,325 

 $      1,759  

 $          147  

$   26,711 

86 
- 86 -

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The  following  table  presents  the  average  balance,  interest  income  recognized  and  cash  basis  income 
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Twelve Months Ended December 31, 
2014 
Interest 
Income 
Recognized 

Cash Basis 
Income 
Recognized 

Average 
Balance 

Residential Owner 
Occupied 
Residential Non 
Owner Occupied 
Total 1-4 Family 
Residential Real 
Estate 
Multi-Family 
Residential Real 
Estate  
CRE Owner Occupied 
CRE Non Owner 
Occupied 
Agriculture Land 
Other CRE 

Total Commercial 
Real Estate 
Construction 
Commercial Working 
Capital 
Commercial Other 
Total Commercial 
Home Equity and 
Home Improvement 
Consumer Finance 
Total Impaired 
Loans 

$ 

6,177 

$ 

317 

$ 

313 

3,920 

10,097 

903 

8,906 

18,164 

611 
1,694 

29,375 
233 

2,790 

4,576 
7,366 

2,233 

47 

143 

460 

4 

145 

807 

14 
20 

986 
12 

29 

14 

43 

95 

3 

143 

456 

4 

142 

809 

14 
22 

987 
15 

29 

12 

41 

94 

3 

$  50,254 

$ 1,603 

$1,600 

- 89 - 
- 89 -

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
The  following  table  presents  the  average  balance,  interest  income  recognized  and  cash  basis  income 
recognized on impaired loans by class of loans (In Thousands): 

Twelve Months Ended December 31, 
2013 
Interest 
Income 
Recognized 

Cash Basis 
Income 
Recognized 

Average 
Balance 

Residential Owner 
Occupied 
Residential Non 
Owner Occupied 
Total 1-4 Family 
Residential Real 
Estate 
Multi-Family 
Residential Real 
Estate  
CRE Owner Occupied 
CRE Non Owner 
Occupied 
Agriculture Land 
Other CRE 

Total Commercial 
Real Estate 

Construction 
Commercial Working 
Capital 
Commercial Other 

Total Commercial 
Home Equity and 
Home Improvement 
Consumer Finance 
Total Impaired 
Loans 

$ 

6,529 

$ 

345 

$ 

343 

4,453 

10,982 

1,176 

14,313 

22,339 

987 
4,162 

41,801 
165 

2,085 

6,521 
8,606 

2,631 

83 

162 

507 

27 

376 

901 

26 
43 

1,346 
10 

33 

75 
108 

121 

6 

163 

506 

28 

386 

909 

16 
38 

1,349 
8 

36 

70 
106 

117 

6 

$  65,444 

$ 2,125 

$2,120 

- 90 - 
- 90 -

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
The  following  table  presents  the  average  balance,  interest  income  recognized  and  cash  basis  income 
recognized on impaired loans by class of loans (In Thousands): 

Twelve Months Ended December 31, 
2012 
Interest 
Income 
Recognized 

Cash Basis 
Income 
Recognized 

Average 
Balance 

Residential Owner 
Occupied 
Residential Non 
Owner Occupied 
Total 1-4 Family 
Residential Real 
Estate 
Multi-Family 
Residential Real 
Estate  
CRE Owner Occupied 
CRE Non Owner 
Occupied 
Agriculture Land 
Other CRE 

Total Commercial 
Real Estate 
Construction 
Commercial Working 
Capital 
Commercial Other 
Total Commercial 
Home Equity and 
Home Improvement 
Consumer Finance 
Total Impaired 
Loans 

$ 

2,946 

$ 

137 

$ 

136 

5,291 

8,237 

826 

11,755 

17,156 

1,062 
6,672 

36,645 
9 

2,021 

5,018 

7,039 

563 

25 

173 

310 

22 

190 

540 

31 
15 

776 
- 

26 

87 

113 

33 

3 

177 

313 

21 

176 

559 

23 
15 

773 
- 

29 

90 

119 

33 

3 

$  53,344 

$ 1,257 

$1,262 

- 91 - 
- 91 -

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
The following table presents loans individually evaluated for impairment by class of loans (In 
Thousands): 

The  following  table  presents  the  current  balance  of  the  aggregate  amounts  of  non-performing  assets, 

comprised of non-performing loans and real estate owned on the dates indicated:  

December 31, 2014 

       December 31, 2013 

Unpaid 
Principal 
Balance* 

Recorded 
Investment 

Allowance 
for Loan 
Losses 
Allocated 

Unpaid 
Principal 
Balance* 

Allowance 
for Loan 
Losses 
Allocated 

Recorded 
Investment 

  $        3,967 
            3,763 
7,730 

    $    3,859 
3,670 
7,529 

$         - 
- 
- 

$   4,744 
         4,844 
9,588 

    $    4,729 
4,329 
9,058 

$         - 
- 
- 

2,627 
7,109 
4,106 
213 
2,923 
14,351 
150 
1,155 
3,966 
5,121 

2,192 
35 

2,482 
6,481 
3,759 
208 
2,378 
12,826 
150 
1,157 
3,663 
4,820 

2,140 
34 

- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 

- 
- 

989 
11,105 
9,399 
629 
3,274 
24,407 
300 
3,147 
6,063 
9,210 

1,985 
53 

840 
8,376 
7,740 
488 
2,452 
19,056 
263 
3,146 
5,415 
8,561 

1,992 
53 

- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 

- 
- 

With no allowance recorded: 
Residential Owner Occupied 
Residential Non Owner Occupied 
Total 1-4 Family Residential Real 
Estate 
Multi-Family Residential Real Estate 
CRE Owner Occupied 
CRE Non Owner Occupied 
Agriculture Land 
Other CRE 
Total Commercial Real Estate 
Construction 
Commercial Working Capital 
Commercial Other 
Total Commercial   

Home Equity and Home Improvement 
Consumer Finance 

Total loans with no allowance recorded 

$   32,206 

  $  29,981 

$           - 

$   46,532 

  $ 39,823 

$           - 

Total 1-4 Family Residential Real 

Estate 

204,588 

1,184 

943 

2,276 

3,327 

With an allowance recorded: 
Residential Owner Occupied 
Residential Non Owner Occupied 
Total 1-4 Family Residential Real 
Estate 
Multi-Family Residential Real Estate 
CRE Owner Occupied 
CRE Non Owner Occupied 
Agriculture Land 
Other CRE 
Total Commercial Real Estate 
Construction 
Commercial Working Capital 
Commercial Other 
Total Commercial   
Home Equity and Home Improvement 
Consumer Finance 
Total loans with an allowance recorded 

* Presented gross of charge offs 

$        2,112 
636 
2,748 

$    2,114 
638 
2,752 

$       204 
12 
216 

$        1,100 
84 
1,184 

$    1,103 
84 
1,187 

$       218 
2 
220 

- 
2,667 
13,020 
333 
137 
16,157 
- 
649 
264 
913 
101 
- 
$   19,919 

- 
2,257 
12,606 
320 
108 
15,291 
- 
650 
269 
919 
102 
- 

$  19,064   

- 
148 
842 
10 
3 
1,003 
- 
21 
9 
30 
24 
- 
$ 1,273 

- 
3,212 
12,756 
195 
82 
16,245 
- 
- 
176 
176 
436 
- 
$   18,041 

- 
2,765 
12,803 
197 
53 
15,818 
- 
- 
176 
176 
437 
- 

$  17,618   

- 
166 
946 
7 
2 
1,121 
- 
- 
6 
6 
45 
- 
$ 1,392 

CRE Owner Occupied 

CRE Non Owner Occupied 

Agriculture Land 

Other Commercial Real Estate 

Construction 

Commercial Working Capital 

Commercial Other 

Total Commercial 

- 92 - 

- 92 -

Non-accrual loans 

Loans over 90 days past due and still accruing 

Total non-performing loans 

Real estate and other assets held for sale 

Total non-performing assets 

December 31, 

December 31, 

(In Thousands) 

2014 

$ 24,130 

- 

24,130 

6,181 

$ 30,311 

2013 

$ 27,847 

- 

27,847 

5,859 

$ 33,706 

Troubled debt restructuring, still accruing 

$ 24,686 

$ 27,630 

The following table presents the aging of the recorded investment in past due and non-accrual loans as of 

December 31, 2014 by class of loans (In Thousands): 

Residential Owner Occupied 

Residential Non Owner Occupied 

$  141,597 

62,991 

$   39 

110 

$      1,079 

$    365  $      1,483 

$     1,702 

105 

578 

793 

1,625 

Current 

30-59 days 

60-89 days  90+ days 

Past Due 

Accrual 

Total 

Total Non 

Multi-Family Residential Real Estate 

156,413 

- 

- 

247 

2,546 

Total Commercial Real Estate 

680,205 

437 

1,996 

3,319 

5,752 

12,631 

149 

247 

163 

119 

- 

155 

- 

- 

67 

67 

1,566 

416 

14 

- 

1,753 

1,308 

- 

258 

3,482 

1,843 

14 

413 

7,004 

2,582 

686 

2,359 

- 

- 

- 

951 

2,012 

951 

2,089 

1,103 

3,897 

2,963 

3,040 

5,000 

- 

- 

10 

10 

- 

57 

299,500 

243,341 

93,529 

43,835 

73,722 

135,009 

262,982 

397,991 

110,940 

15,326 

- 93 - 

Home Equity and Home Improvement 

Consumer Finance 

1,236 

68 

106 

- 

1,342 

125 

619 

12 

Total Loans 

$  1,639,185 

$   2,204 

$   3,247 

$  7,331 

  $  12,782 

$  24,135 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
The  following  table  presents  the  current  balance  of  the  aggregate  amounts  of  non-performing  assets, 
comprised of non-performing loans and real estate owned on the dates indicated:  

Non-accrual loans 
Loans over 90 days past due and still accruing 
Total non-performing loans 
Real estate and other assets held for sale 
Total non-performing assets 

December 31, 
2014 

December 31, 
2013 

(In Thousands) 

$ 24,130 
- 
24,130 
6,181 
$ 30,311 

$ 27,847 
- 
27,847 
5,859 
$ 33,706 

Troubled debt restructuring, still accruing 

$ 24,686 

$ 27,630 

The following table presents the aging of the recorded investment in past due and non-accrual loans as of 
December 31, 2014 by class of loans (In Thousands): 

Current 

30-59 days 

60-89 days  90+ days 

Total 
Past Due 

Total Non 
Accrual 

Residential Owner Occupied 
Residential Non Owner Occupied 

$  141,597 
62,991 

$   39 
110 

$      1,079 
105 

$    365  $      1,483 
793 

578 

$     1,702 
1,625 

Total 1-4 Family Residential Real 
Estate 

204,588 

Multi-Family Residential Real Estate 

156,413 

CRE Owner Occupied 
CRE Non Owner Occupied 
Agriculture Land 
Other Commercial Real Estate 

299,500 
243,341 
93,529 
43,835 

149 

247 

163 
119 
- 
155 

1,184 

943 

2,276 

3,327 

- 

- 

247 

2,546 

1,566 
416 
14 
- 

1,753 
1,308 
- 
258 

3,482 
1,843 
14 
413 

7,004 
2,582 
686 
2,359 

Total Commercial Real Estate 

680,205 

437 

1,996 

3,319 

5,752 

12,631 

Construction 

Commercial Working Capital 
Commercial Other 

Total Commercial 

Home Equity and Home Improvement 

Consumer Finance 

73,722 

135,009 
262,982 

397,991 

110,940 
15,326 

- 

- 
67 

67 

1,236 
68 

- 

- 
10 

10 

- 
57 

- 

- 

- 

951 
2,012 

951 
2,089 

1,103 
3,897 

2,963 

3,040 

5,000 

106 
- 

1,342 
125 

619 
12 

Total Loans 

$  1,639,185 

$   2,204 

$   3,247 

$  7,331 

  $  12,782 

$  24,135 

- 93 - 

- 93 -

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
The following table presents the aging of the recorded investment in past due and non-accrual loans as of 
December 31, 2013 by class of loans:  (In Thousands) 

Current 

30-59 days 

60-89 days  90+ days 

Total 
Past Due 

Total Non 
Accrual 

Residential Owner Occupied 
Residential Non Owner Occupied 

$  126,855 
65,292 

$   1,530 
531 

$      191  $    1,009  $      2,730 
1,320 

386 

403 

$     1,329 
1,943 

Total 1-4 Family Residential Real 
Estate 

192,147 

2,061 

594 

1,395 

4,050 

3,272 

Multi-Family Residential Real Estate 

149,134 

- 

CRE Owner Occupied 
CRE Non Owner Occupied 
Agriculture Land 
Other Commercial Real Estate 

311,253 
225,433 
81,954 
45,297 

334 
1,067 
21 
- 

- 

495 
918 
- 
- 

- 

- 

583 

3,671 
902 
73 
1,287 

4,500 
2,887 
94 
1,287 

7,492 
4,717 
630 
2,412 

Total Commercial Real Estate 

663,937 

1,422 

1,413 

5,933 

8,768 

15,251 

Construction 

Commercial Working Capital 
Commercial Other 

Total Commercial 

Home Equity and Home Improvement 

Consumer Finance 

53,730 

155,373 
230,054 

385,427 

105,657 
16,759 

- 

- 
37 

37 

- 

- 
26 

- 

- 

- 

419 
3,566 

419 
3,629 

2,917 
5,419 

26 

3,985 

4,048 

8,336 

1,163 
131 

155 
- 

413 
- 

1,731 
131 

413 
- 

Total Loans 

$  1,566,791 

$   4,814 

$   2,188  $  11,726 

  $  18,728 

$  27,855 

Troubled Debt Restructurings 

As  of  December  31,  2014  and  2013,  the  Company  has  a  recorded  investment  in  troubled  debt 
restructurings  (“TDRs”)  of  $33.0  million  and  $33.4  million,  respectively.   The Company has allocated 
$1.1 million and $1.2 million, of specific reserves to those loans at December 31, 2014 and 2013, and has 
committed  to  lend  additional  amounts  totaling  up  to  $69,000  and  $300,000  at  December  31,  2014  and 
2013. 

The  Company  offers  various  types  of  concessions  when  modifying  a  loan,  however,  forgiveness  of 
principal is rarely granted.  Each TDR is uniquely designed to meet the specific needs of the borrower.  
Commercial  and  industrial  loans  modified  in  a  TDR  often  involve  temporary  interest-only  payments, 
term  extensions,  and  converting  revolving  credit  lines  to  term  loans.    Additional  collateral  or  an 
additional  guarantor  is  often  requested  when  granting  a  concession.    Commercial  mortgage  loans 
modified in a TDR often involve temporary interest-only payments, re-amortization of remaining debt in 
order  to  lower  payments,  and  sometimes  reducing  the  interest  rate  lower  than  the  current  market  rate.  
Residential  mortgage  loans  modified  in  a  TDR  are  comprised  of  loans  where  monthly  payments  are 
lowered,  either  through  interest  rate  reductions  or  principal  only  payments  for  a  period  of  time,  to 
accommodate  the  borrowers’  financial  needs,  interest  is  capitalized  into  principal,  or  the  term  and 
amortization  are  extended.    Home  equity  modifications  are  made  infrequently  and  usually  involve 

- 94 - 

- 94 -

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
providing an interest rate that is lower than the borrower would be able to obtain due to credit issues.  All 
retail  loans  where  the borrower is in bankruptcy are classified as TDRs regardless of whether or not a 
concession is made. 

Of the loans modified in a TDR, $8.3 million are on non-accrual status and partial charge-offs have in 
some cases been taken against the outstanding balance.  Loans modified as a TDR may have the financial 
effect  of  increasing  the  allowance  associated  with  the  loan.    If  the  loan  is  determined  to  be  collateral 
dependent, the estimated fair value of the collateral, less any selling costs is used to determine if there is 
a need for a specific allowance or charge-off.  If the loan is determined to be cash flow dependent, the 
allowance is measured based on the present value of expected future cash flows discounted at the loan’s 
pre-modification effective interest rate. 

The  following  table  presents  loans  by  class  modified  as  TDRs  that  occurred  during  the  years  ending 
December 31, 2014, 2013, and 2012 (Dollars in Thousands): 

Loans Modified as a TDR for the 
Twelve Months Ended December 
31, 2014 

Loans Modified as a TDR for the 
Twelve Months Ended December 
31, 2013 

Loans Modified as a TDR for the 
Twelve Months Ended December 
31, 2012 

Number of 
Loans 

Recorded 
Investment (as of 
period end) 

Number of 
Loans 

Recorded 
Investment (as 
of period end) 

Number of 
Loans 

Recorded 
Investment (as of 
period end) 

18 

  3 

  2 

  3 

  - 

  - 

  4 

16 

17 

  4 

67 

 $      1,726 

517 

27 

403 

- 

- 

1,353 

2,020 

471 

15 

      $  6,532  

10 

  5 

  9 

  2 

  2 

  3 

  3 

  5 

15 

  3 

57 

 $      752 

390 

714 

1,364 

269 

417 

662 

940 

561 

15 

      $  6,084  

  87 

    8 

    9 

  13 

    3 

    1 

    - 

    7 

127 

  27 

282 

 $      6,052 

666 

3,859 

13,942 

474 

59 

- 

1,196 

2,663 

124 

      $  29,035  

TDRs 

Residential Owner Occupied 

Residential  Non Owner Occupied 

CRE Owner Occupied 

CRE Non Owner Occupied 

Agriculture Land 

Other CRE 

Commercial Working Capital 

Commercial Other 
Home Equity and Home 
Improvement 

Consumer Finance 

Total 

The loans described above increased the allowance for loan losses (“ALLL”) by $234,000 for the year 
ended December 31, 2014, $27,000 for the year ended December 31, 2013, and decreased the ALLL by 
$1.2 million for the year ended December 31, 2012. 

Of the 2014 modifications, 16 were made TDRs due to the fact that the borrower has filed bankruptcy, 5 
were made TDRs due to a rate reduction, 1 was made a TDR due to an interest only period, 8 were made 
TDRs due to extending the amortization, 2 were made TDRs due to a reduction in the payment, 9 were 
made TDRs due to advancing or renewing funds to a watchlist credit, 4 were made to term out lines of 
credit, 5 were made to extend the maturity of existing loans, and 20 were made TDRs to refinance current 
debt for payment relief. 

- 95 - 

- 95 -

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
The following table presents loans by class modified as TDRs for which there was a payment default 
within twelve months following the modification during the years ending December 31, 2014, 2013, and 
2012: 

Twelve Months Ended 
December 31, 2014 ($ in 
thousands) 

Twelve Months Ended 
December 31, 2013 ($ in 
thousands) 

Twelve Months Ended 
December 31, 2012 ($ in 
thousands) 

TDRs 
That Subsequently Defaulted: 

Number of 
Loans 

Residential Owner Occupied 

Residential Non Owner Occupied 

CRE Owner Occupied 

CRE Non Owner Occupied 

Agriculture Land 

Other CRE 

Commercial Working Capital 

Commercial  Other 
Home Equity and  Home  
Improvement 

Consumer 

Total 

1 

1 

- 

- 

- 

- 

2 

5 

- 

- 

9 

Recorded 
Investment 
(as of Period 
End) 

 $      80 

178 

- 

- 

- 

- 

868 

865 

- 

- 

Number of 
Loans 

6 

- 

2 

1 

- 

1 

1 

4 

3 

- 

Recorded 
Investment 
(as of Period 
End) 

 $      409 

- 

290 

212 

- 

323 

149 

740 

315 

- 

Number of 
Loans 

6 

2 

- 

3 

- 

- 

1 

4 

7 

- 

Recorded 
Investment 
(as of Period 
End) 

 $      462 

203 

- 

555 

- 

- 

529 

1,600 

166 

- 

      $  1,991  

         18 

      $  2,438  

        23 

      $  3,515  

The TDRs that subsequently defaulted described above decreased the ALLL by $14,000 after $176,000 
in charge-offs for the year ended December 31, 2014, increased the ALLL by $21,000 after $58,000 in 
charge-offs  for  the  year  ended  December  31,  2013,  and  increased  the  ALLL  by  $631,000  after  $1.5 
million in charge-offs for the year ended December 31, 2012. 

A default for purposes of this disclosure is a TDR loan in which the borrower is 90 days contractually 
past due under the modified terms. 

The terms of certain other loans were modified during the periods ending December 31, 2014 and 2013 
that did not meet the definition of a TDR.  The modification of these loans involved a modification of the 
terms of a loan to borrowers who were not experiencing financial difficulties.  A total of 153 loans were 
modified under this definition during the twelve month period ended December 31, 2014 and a total of 
152 loans were modified under this definition during the twelve month period ended December 31, 2013. 

In order to determine whether a borrower is experiencing financial difficulty, an evaluation is performed 
regarding  the  probability  that  the  borrower  will  be  in  payment  default  on  any  of  its  debt  in  the 
foreseeable future without the modification. 

Credit Quality Indicators 

Loans are categorized into risk categories based on relevant information about the ability of borrowers to 
service  their  debt  such  as:    current  financial  information,  historical  payment  experience,  credit 
documentation,  public  information,  and  current  economic  trends,  among  other  factors.    Loans  are 
analyzed  individually  by  classifying  the  loans  as  to  credit  risk.    This  analysis  includes  all  non-
homogeneous  loans,  such  as  commercial  and  commercial  real  estate  loans  and  certain  homogenous 
mortgage,  home  equity  and  consumer  loans.  This  analysis  is  performed  on  a  quarterly  basis.    First 
Defiance uses the following definitions for risk ratings: 

Special Mention.   Loans classified as special mention have a potential weakness that deserves 
management's  close  attention.  If  left  uncorrected,  these  potential  weaknesses  may  result  in 

- 96 - 
- 96 -

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
deterioration of the repayment prospects for the loan or of the institution's credit position at some 
future date. 

deterioration of the repayment prospects for the loan or of the institution's credit position at some 
future date. 

Substandard.    Loans  classified  as  substandard  are  inadequately  protected  by  the  current  net 
worth and paying capacity of the obligor or of the collateral pledged, if any. Loans so classified 
have a well-defined weakness or weaknesses that jeopardize the liquidation of the debt. They are 
characterized  by  the  distinct  possibility  that  the  institution  will  sustain  some  loss  if  the 
deficiencies are not corrected. 

Substandard.    Loans  classified  as  substandard  are  inadequately  protected  by  the  current  net 
worth and paying capacity of the obligor or of the collateral pledged, if any. Loans so classified 
have a well-defined weakness or weaknesses that jeopardize the liquidation of the debt. They are 
characterized  by  the  distinct  possibility  that  the  institution  will  sustain  some  loss  if  the 
deficiencies are not corrected. 

Doubtful.    Loans  classified  as  doubtful have all the weaknesses inherent in those classified as 
substandard, with the added characteristic that the weaknesses make collection or liquidation in 
full,  on  the  basis  of  currently  existing  facts,  conditions,  and  values,  highly  questionable  and 
improbable. 

Doubtful.    Loans  classified  as  doubtful have all the weaknesses inherent in those classified as 
substandard, with the added characteristic that the weaknesses make collection or liquidation in 
full,  on  the  basis  of  currently  existing  facts,  conditions,  and  values,  highly  questionable  and 
improbable. 

Not Graded.  Loans classified as not graded are generally smaller balance residential real estate, 
home  equity  and  consumer  installment  loans  which  are  originated  primarily  by  using  an 
automated  underwriting  system.    These  loans  are  monitored  based  on  their  delinquency  status 
and are evaluated individually only if they are seriously delinquent. 

Not Graded.  Loans classified as not graded are generally smaller balance residential real estate, 
home  equity  and  consumer  installment  loans  which  are  originated  primarily  by  using  an 
automated  underwriting  system.    These  loans  are  monitored  based  on  their  delinquency  status 
and are evaluated individually only if they are seriously delinquent. 

Loans not meeting the criteria above that are analyzed individually as part of the above described process 
are considered to be pass rated loans.  As of December 31, 2014, and based on the most recent analysis 
performed, the risk category of loans by class of loans is as follows (In Thousands): 

Loans not meeting the criteria above that are analyzed individually as part of the above described process 
are considered to be pass rated loans.  As of December 31, 2014, and based on the most recent analysis 
performed, the risk category of loans by class of loans is as follows (In Thousands): 

Class 

Class 

Pass 

Pass 

Mention  Substandard  Doubtful 

Mention  Substandard  Doubtful 

Special 

Special 

Not 
Not 
Graded 
Graded 

Total  

Total  

Residential Owner Occupied 
Residential Owner Occupied 
Residential Non Owner Occupied 
Residential Non Owner Occupied 

$         4,230 
$         4,230 
51,327 
51,327 

$          131 
$          131 
2,404 
2,404 

$     3,048 
$     3,048 
4,872 
4,872 

$      365  $  135,306 
5,174 

$      365  $  135,306 
5,174 

7 

7 

$   143,080 
$   143,080 
63,784 
63,784 

Total 1-4 Family Real Estate 

Total 1-4 Family Real Estate 

55,557 

55,557 

2,535 

2,535 

7,920 

7,920 

372 

372 

140,480 

140,480 

206,864 

206,864 

Multi-Family Residential Real Estate 

Multi-Family Residential Real Estate 

152,290 

152,290 

220 

220 

3,236 

3,236 

CRE Owner Occupied 
CRE Owner Occupied 
CRE Non Owner Occupied 
CRE Non Owner Occupied 
Agriculture Land 
Agriculture Land 
Other CRE 
Other CRE 

273,406 
224,073 
90,875 
40,147 

273,406 
224,073 
90,875 
40,147 

18,448 
7,898 
1,849 
63 

18,448 
7,898 
1,849 
63 

9,953 
13,186 
819 
3,466 

9,953 
13,186 
819 
3,466 

Total Commercial Real Estate 

Total Commercial Real Estate 

628,501 

628,501 

28,258 

28,258 

27,424 

27,424 

Construction 

Construction 

62,355 

62,355 

- 

- 

150 

150 

Commercial Working Capital 
Commercial Working Capital 
Commercial Other 
Commercial Other 

128,229 
253,576 

128,229 
253,576 

6,287 
6,504 

6,287 
6,504 

1,444 
4,991 

1,444 
4,991 

Total Commercial 

Total Commercial 

381,805 

381,805 

12,791 

12,791 

6,435 

6,435 

- 

- 
- 
- 
- 

- 

- 

- 
- 

- 

- 

- 
- 
- 
- 

914 

914 

156,660 

156,660 

1,175 
27 
- 
572 

1,175 
27 
- 
572 

302,982 
245,184 
93,543 
44,248 

302,982 
245,184 
93,543 
44,248 

- 

1,774 

1,774 

685,957 

685,957 

- 

11,217 

11,217 

73,722 

73,722 

- 
- 

- 

- 
- 

- 

- 
- 

135,960 
265,071 

135,960 
265,071 

- 

401,031 

401,031 

Home Equity and Home Improvement 

Home Equity and Home Improvement 

Consumer Finance 

Consumer Finance 

- 
- 

- 
- 

- 
- 

- 
- 

1,647 
125 

1,647 
125 

106 
- 

106 
- 

110,529 
15,326 

110,529 
15,326 

112,282 
15,451 

112,282 
15,451 

Total Loans 

Total Loans 

$  1,280,508 

$  1,280,508 

$   43,804 

$   43,804 

- 97 - 

- 97 - 
- 97 -

$   46,937  $       478   $  280,240 

$   46,937  $       478   $  280,240 

$ 1,651,967 

$ 1,651,967 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
As of December 31, 2013, and based on the most recent analysis performed, the risk category of loans by 
As of December 31, 2013, and based on the most recent analysis performed, the risk category of loans by 
class of loans is as follows (In Thousands): 
class of loans is as follows (In Thousands): 

Class 
Class 

Pass 
Pass 

Special 
Special 
Mention  Substandard  Doubtful 
Mention  Substandard  Doubtful 

Not 
Not 
Graded 
Graded 

Total  
Total  

Residential Owner Occupied 
Residential Owner Occupied 
Residential Non Owner Occupied 
Residential Non Owner Occupied 

$         4,287 
$         4,287 
51,660 
51,660 

$          18 
$          18 
2,894 
2,894 

$     3,515 
$     3,515 
5,699 
5,699 

$       -  $  121,765 
$       -  $  121,765 
6,359 
6,359 

- 
- 

$   129,585 
$   129,585 
66,612 
66,612 

Total 1-4 Family Real Estate 
Total 1-4 Family Real Estate 

55,947 
55,947 

2,912 
2,912 

9,214 
9,214 

- 
- 

128,124 
128,124 

196,197 
196,197 

Multi-Family Residential Real Estate 
Multi-Family Residential Real Estate 

145,407 
145,407 

875 
875 

1,888 
1,888 

CRE Owner Occupied 
CRE Owner Occupied 
CRE Non Owner Occupied 
CRE Non Owner Occupied 
Agriculture Land 
Agriculture Land 
Other CRE 
Other CRE 

291,770 
291,770 
200,790 
200,790 
80,418 
80,418 
40,676 
40,676 

10,584 
10,584 
10,254 
10,254 
578 
578 
2,074 
2,074 

11,665 
11,665 
17,185 
17,185 
1,051 
1,051 
3,104 
3,104 

Total Commercial Real Estate 
Total Commercial Real Estate 

613,654 
613,654 

23,490 
23,490 

33,005 
33,005 

Construction 
Construction 

43,465 
43,465 

- 
- 

263 
263 

Commercial Working Capital 
Commercial Working Capital 
Commercial Other 
Commercial Other 

148,703 
148,703 
219,790 
219,790 

3,429 
3,429 
6,994 
6,994 

3,660 
3,660 
6,899 
6,899 

Total Commercial 
Total Commercial 

368,493 
368,493 

10,423 
10,423 

10,559 
10,559 

- 
- 

- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 

- 
- 

- 
- 

- 
- 
- 
- 

- 
- 

964 
964 

149,134 
149,134 

1,734 
1,734 
91 
91 
- 
- 
731 
731 

315,753 
315,753 
228,320 
228,320 
82,047 
82,047 
46,585 
46,585 

2,556 
2,556 

672,705 
672,705 

10,002 
10,002 

53,730 
53,730 

- 
- 
- 
- 

- 
- 

155,792 
155,792 
233,683 
233,683 

389,475 
389,475 

Home Equity and Home Improvement 
Home Equity and Home Improvement 

Consumer Finance 
Consumer Finance 

- 
- 
- 
- 

- 
- 
- 
- 

755 
755 
31 
31 

45 
45 
- 
- 

106,587 
106,587 
16,860 
16,860 

107,387 
107,387 
16,891 
16,891 

Total Loans 
Total Loans 

$  1,226,966 
$  1,226,966 

$   37,700 
$   37,700 

$   55,715 
$   55,715 

$       45  $  265,093 
$       45  $  265,093 

$ 1,585,519 
$ 1,585,519 

- 98 - 
- 98 - 
- 98 -

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Certain  loans  acquired  had  evidence  that  the  credit  quality  of  the  loan  had  deteriorated  since  its 
origination and in management’s assessment at the acquisition date it was probable that First Defiance 
would be unable to collect all contractually required payments due. In accordance with FASB ASC Topic 
310 Subtopic 30, Loans and Debt Securities Acquired with Deteriorated Credit Quality, these loans have 
been recorded based on management’s estimate of the fair value of the loans. Details of these loans are as 
follows: 

Balance at January 1, 2012 
Principal payments received 
Loans charged off 
Additional provision for loan loss 
Loan accretion recorded 
Balance at December 31, 2012 
Principal payments received 
Loans charged off 
Additional provision for loan loss 
Loan accretion recorded 
Balance at December 31, 2013 
Principal payments received 
Loans charged off 
Additional provision for loan loss 
Loan accretion recorded 
Balance at December 31, 2014  

Contractual 
Amount 
Receivable 

$   

2,206 
(697) 
(487) 
(167) 
- 
855 
(108) 
(41) 
(203) 
- 
503 
(90) 
- 
- 
- 
 $            413 

Impairment 
Discount 
(In Thousands) 
 $   

1,003 
- 
(487) 
- 
(173) 
343 
- 
(41) 
- 
(29) 
273 
- 
- 
- 
(46) 
  $            227 

Recorded 
Loan 
Receivable 

    $ 

$ 

1,203 
(697) 
- 
(167) 
173 
512 
(108) 
- 
(203) 
29 
230 
(90) 
- 
- 
46 
186 

Loans to executive officers, directors, and their affiliates are as follows: 

Beginning balance 
New loans 
Effect of changes in composition of related parties 
Repayments 
Ending Balance 

Years Ended December 31 
        2013 
         2014 

(In Thousands) 

$      3,712 
9,800 
(6) 
(7,618) 
$     5,888 

$      3,489 
8,874 
- 
(8,651) 
$     3,712 

- 99 - 
- 99 -

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
8. Mortgage Banking 

Net revenues from the sales and servicing of mortgage loans consisted of the following: 

Gain from sale of mortgage loans 
Mortgage loan servicing revenue (expense): 
  Mortgage loan servicing revenue 
  Amortization of mortgage servicing rights 
  Mortgage servicing rights valuation adjustments 

Net revenue from sale and servicing of mortgage 

loans 

Years Ended December 31 
2013 
(In Thousands) 
$    5,716 

2014 

$    3,335 

2012 

$    10,599 

3,552 
(1,401) 
116 
2,267 

3,564 
(2,098) 
1,261 
2,727 

3,387 
(3,562) 
(759) 
(934) 

 $   5,602 

 $   8,443 

$   9,665 

The unpaid principal balance of residential mortgage loans serviced for third parties was $1.35 billion at 
December 31, 2014 and $1.37 billion at December 31, 2013. 

Activity for capitalized mortgage servicing rights and the related valuation allowance follows: 

2014 

Years Ended December 31 
2013 
(In Thousands) 

2012 

Mortgage servicing assets: 

Balance at beginning of period 
Loans sold, servicing retained 
Amortization 

Carrying value before valuation allowance 

at end of period 

Valuation allowance: 

Balance at beginning of period 
Impairment recovery (charges) 
Balance at end of period 

Net carrying value of MSRs at end of period 
Fair value of MSRs at end of period 

$   10,133 
1,191 
     (1,401) 

$   10,121 
2,110 
(2,098) 

$   10,219 
3,464 
(3,562) 

9,923 

10,133 

10,121 

(1,027) 
             116 
           (911) 
$     9,012 
$     9,304 

(2,288) 
             1,261 
           (1,027) 
$     9,106 
$     9,686 

(1,529) 
             (759) 
           (2,288) 
$     7,833 
$     7,833 

Amortization of mortgage servicing rights is computed based on payments and payoffs of the related 
mortgage loans serviced.  

The  Company  established  an  accrual  for  secondary  market  buy-backs  totaling  $359,000  for  2014,  which 
was  partially  offset  by  reversing  $67,000  of  accrued  expenses  in  the  first  quarter  of  2014  related  to  the 
Freddie Mac post-foreclosure review that began in the third quarter of 2013 and was reversed in 2014 with 
no losses resulting.  This resulted in secondary market buy-back expense of $298,000 for the full year of 
2014 compared to $597,000 and $73,000 of expense for the same period in 2013 and 2012, respectively. 

- 100 - 
- 100 -

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
                    
                    
                     
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
The Company’s servicing portfolio is comprised of the following: 

Investor 

Fannie Mae 
Freddie Mac 
Federal Home Loan Bank 
Other 
Totals 

December 31 

2014 

2013 

Number of 
Loans 

Principal 
Outstanding 

  Number of 

Loans 

Principal 
Outstanding 

(In Thousands) 

5,215 
8,911 
118 
23 
14,267 

$          503,369 
            828,724 
              12,972 
                1,573 
$       1,346,638 

5,304 
8,873 
116 
26 
14,319 

$          527,666 
            829,594 
              12,093 
                1,888 
$       1,371,241 

Custodial  escrow  balances  maintained  in  connection  with  serviced loans were $10.9 million and $10.4 
million at December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively. 

Significant  assumptions  at  December 31,  2014  used  in  determining  the  value  of  MSRs  include  a 
weighted average prepayment speed assumption (“PSA”) of 209 and a weighted average discount rate of 
10.04%.  Significant assumptions at December 31, 2013 used in determining the value of MSRs include a 
weighted average prepayment rate of 212 PSA and a weighted average discount rate of 10.04%.   

A  sensitivity  analysis  of  the  current  fair  value  to  immediate  10%  and  20%  adverse  changes  in  those 
assumptions as of December 31, 2014 is presented below. These sensitivities are hypothetical. Changes 
in fair value based on 10% and 20% variation in assumptions generally cannot be extrapolated because 
the relationship of the change in the assumption to the change in fair value may not be linear. Also, the 
effect of a variation in a particular assumption on the fair value of the MSR is calculated independently 
without changing any other assumption. In reality, changes in one factor may result in changes in another 
(for  example,  changes  in  mortgage  interest  rates,  which  drive  changes  in  prepayment  rate  estimates, 
could result in changes in the discount rates), which might magnify or counteract the sensitivities. 

Assumption: 

Decline in fair value from increase in prepayment rate 
Declines in fair value from increase in discount rate 

$  358 
224 

$  759 
492 

10% Adverse  20% Adverse 

Change 

Change 

(In Thousands) 

- 101 - 
- 101 -

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
9. Premises and Equipment 

Premises and equipment are summarized as follows: 

Cost: 

Land 
Land improvements 
Buildings 
Leasehold improvements 
Furniture, fixtures and equipment 
Construction in process 

Less allowances for depreciation and amortization 

December 31 

2014 

2013 

(In Thousands) 

  $ 

  $ 

8,218 
1,310 
42,022 
469 
30,646 
809 
83,474 
42,978 
40,496 

  $ 

  $ 

7,960 
1,310 
39,716 
469 
28,654 
514 
78,623 
40,026 
38,597 

Depreciation expense was $3.0 million, $3.1 million and $3.4 million for the years ended December 31, 
2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively. 

Lease Agreements 

The  Company  has  entered  into  lease  agreements  covering  the  five  First  Insurance  Group  offices,  two 
banking  center  locations,  two  land  leases  for  which  the  Company  owns  the  banking  centers,  one  land 
lease which is primarily used for parking, one land lease for future branch development and numerous 
stand-alone Automated Teller Machine sites with varying terms and options to renew.  

Future minimum commitments under non-cancelable operating leases are as follows (In Thousands): 

2015 
2016 
2017 
2018 
2019 
Thereafter 
Total 

  $ 

  $ 

706 
696 
 508 
461 
451  
4,077 
6,899 

Rentals under operating leases amounted to $653,000, $723,000 and $1.2 million in 2014, 2013, and 
2012, respectively. 

10. Goodwill and Intangible Assets 

Goodwill 

The change in the carrying amount of goodwill for the year is as follows: 

Beginning balance 
Goodwill acquired or adjusted during the year 
Ending balance 

December 31 

2014 

2013 

(In Thousands) 

  $  61,525 
- 
  $  61,525 

  $  61,525 
- 
  $  61,525 

- 102 - 
- 102 -

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Acquired Intangible Assets 

Activity in intangible assets for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012 was as follows: 

Balance as of January 1, 2012 
Amortization of intangible assets 
Balance as of December 31, 2012 
Amortization of intangible assets 
Balance as of December 31, 2013 
Amortization of intangible assets 
Balance as of December 31, 2014 

Gross 
Carrying 
Amount 

$  14,302 
- 
14,302 
- 
14,302 
- 
$  14,302 

$ 

Accumulated 
Amortization 
(In Thousands) 
(8,151) 
(1,413) 
(9,564) 
(1,241) 
(10,805) 
(1,102) 
$  (11,907) 

Net 
Value 

$ 

$ 

6,151 
(1,413) 
4,738 
(1,241) 
3,497 
(1,102) 
2,395 

Estimated  amortization  expense  for  each  of  the  next  five  years  and  thereafter  is  as  follows  (In 
Thousands): 

2015 
2016 
2017 
2018 
2019 
Thereafter 
Total 

11. Deposits 

The following schedule sets forth interest expense by type of deposit:  

  $ 

  $ 

687 
501 
372 
301 
195 
339 
2,395 

2014 

Years Ended December 31 
2013 
(In Thousands) 

2012 

Checking and money market accounts 
Savings accounts 
Certificates of deposit 
Totals 

  $ 

  $ 

1,236 
90 
3,957 
5,283 

  $ 

  $ 

1,125 
90 
4,698 
5,913 

  $ 

  $ 

1,368 
116 
6,685 
8,169 

Accrued interest payable on deposit accounts amounted to $38,000 and $48,000 at December 31, 2014 
and  2013,  respectively,  which  was  comprised  of  $23,000  and  $15,000  for  certificates  of  deposit  and 
checking and money market accounts, respectively, at December 31, 2014 and $34,000 and $14,000 for 
certificates of deposit and checking and money market accounts, respectively, at December 31, 2013. 

- 103 - 
- 103 -

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
A summary of deposit balances is as follows: 

Non-interest bearing checking accounts 
Interest bearing checking and money market accounts  
Savings deposits 
Retail certificates of deposit less than $100,000 
Retail certificates of deposit greater than $100,000 

December 31 

2014 

2013 

(In Thousands) 

  $ 

379,552 
727,729 
203,673 
286,904 
162,955 
  $  1,760,813 

  $ 

348,943 
715,939 
185,121 
313,335 
172,454 
  $  1,735,792 

Scheduled maturities of certificates of deposit at December 31, 2014 are as follows (In Thousands): 

2015 
2016 
2017 
2018 
2019 
2020 and thereafter 
Total 

  $ 

  $ 

189,880 
108,655 
44,679 
48,036 
58,502 
107 
449,859 

At  December 31,  2014  and  2013,  deposits  of  $851.8  million  and  $823.7  million,  respectively,  were  in 
excess of $100,000. Time deposits at December 31, 2014 and 2013, deposits of $27.0 million and $27.7 
million, respectively, were in excess of the $250,000 FDIC insurance limit. At December 31, 2014 and 
2013, $60.8 million and $54.1 million, respectively, in investment securities were pledged as collateral 
against public deposits for certificates in excess of $100,000 and an additional $80.4 million and $78.5 
million  of  securities  were  pledged  at  December  31,  2014  and  December  31,  2013,  respectively,  as 
collateral against deposits from private entities in excess of $100,000.  

12. Advances from Federal Home Loan Bank 

First  Federal  has  the  ability  to  borrow  funds  from  the  FHLB.  First  Federal  pledges  its  single-family 
residential  mortgage  loan  portfolio,  certain  investment  securities,  certain  first  mortgage  home  equity 
loans, certain multi-family or non-residential real estate loans, and certain agriculture real estate loans as 
security  for  these  advances.  Advances secured by investment securities must have collateral of at least 
105% of the borrowing. Advances secured by residential mortgages must have collateral of at least 125% 
of the borrowings. Advances secured by multi-family or non-residential real estate loans, and agriculture 
real estate loans must have collateral of at least 300% of the borrowings. The total level of borrowing is 
also limited to 50% of total assets and at least 50% of the borrowings must be secured by either one-to-
four  family  residential  mortgages  or  investment  securities.  Total  loans  pledged  to  the  FHLB  at 
December 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013 were $644.1 million and $676.6 million, respectively. First 
Federal  may  obtain  advances  of  up  to  approximately  $425.8 million  from  the  FHLB  at  December  31, 
2014. 

- 104 - 
- 104 -

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
At year-end, advances from the FHLB were as follows: 

Principal Terms 

December 31, 2014 
  Putable advances 
  Amortizable mortgage advances 

December 31, 2013 
  Putable advances 
  Amortizable mortgage advances 

Advance  
Amount 

(In Thousands) 

Range of Maturities 

Weighted 
Average 
Interest 
Rate 

  $  12,000  January 2015 to March 2018 

9,544  December 2015 to September 2018 

2.72% 
1.95% 

  $  21,544 

  $  12,000 

January 2015 to March 2018 

10,520  December 2015 

2.72% 
1.95% 

  $  22,520 

Putable advances are callable at the option of the FHLB on a quarterly basis.  

Estimated future minimum payments by fiscal year based on maturity date and current interest rates are 
as follows (In Thousands): 

2015 
2016 
2017 
2018 
Total minimum payments 
Less amounts representing interest 
Totals 

  $ 

8,948 
1,212 
1,212 
11,065 
22,437 
(893) 
$21,544 

First Defiance also utilizes short-term advances from the FHLB to meet cash flow needs and for short-
term  investment  purposes.  First  Defiance  borrows  short-term  advances  under  a  variety  of  programs  at 
FHLB. At December 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013, there were no amounts outstanding under First 
Defiance’s Cash Management Advance line of credit.  The total available under this line is $15.0 million. 
In addition, First Defiance has a $100.0 million REPO Advance line of credit available. There were no 
borrowings  against  this  line  at  December  31,  2014  and  December  31,  2013.  Amounts  are  generally 
borrowed under the Cash Management and REPO lines on an overnight basis.  

13. Junior Subordinated Debentures Owed to Unconsolidated Subsidiary Trust 

In  March  2007,  the  Company  sponsored  an  affiliated  trust,  First  Defiance  Statutory  Trust  II  (“Trust 
Affiliate II”) that issued $15 million of Guaranteed Capital Trust Securities (Trust Preferred Securities). 
In connection with the transaction, the Company issued $15.5 million of Junior Subordinated Deferrable 
Interest  Debentures  (“Subordinated  Debentures”)  to  Trust  Affiliate  II.  The  Company  formed  Trust 
Affiliate II for the purpose of issuing Trust Preferred Securities to third-party investors and investing the 
proceeds from the sale of these capital securities solely in Subordinated Debentures of the Company. The 
Subordinated Debentures held by Trust Affiliate II are the sole assets of that trust. The Company is not 
considered  the  primary  beneficiary  of  this  Trust  (variable  interest  entity),  therefore  the  trust  is  not 
consolidated in the Company’s financial statements, but rather the subordinated debentures are shown as 
a  liability.  Distributions  on  the  Trust  Preferred  Securities  issued  by  Trust  Affiliate  II  are  payable 
quarterly at a variable rate equal to the three-month LIBOR rate plus 1.5%. The Coupon rate payable on 
the Trust Preferred Securities issued by Trust Affiliate II was 1.74% and 1.75% as of December 31, 2014 
and 2013 respectively. 

- 105 - 
- 105 -

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
The Trust Preferred Securities issued by Trust Affiliate II are subject to mandatory redemption, in whole 
or part, upon repayment of the Subordinated Debentures. The Company has entered into an agreement 
that  fully  and  unconditionally  guarantees  the  Trust  Preferred  Securities  subject  to  the  terms  of  the 
guarantee. The Trust Preferred Securities and Subordinated Debentures mature on June 15, 2037, but can 
be redeemed at the Company’s option at any time now.  

The Company also sponsors an affiliated trust, First Defiance Statutory Trust I (“Trust Affiliate I”), that 
issued  $20  million  of  Trust  Preferred  Securities  in  2005.  In  connection  with  this  transaction,  the 
Company  issued  $20.6  million  of  Subordinated  Debentures  to  Trust  Affiliate  I.  Trust  Affiliate  I  was 
formed  for  the  purpose  of  issuing  Trust  Preferred  Securities  to  third-party  investors  and  investing  the 
proceeds from the sale of these capital securities solely in Subordinated Debentures of the Company. The 
Junior  Debentures  held  by  Trust  Affiliate  I  are  the  sole  assets  of  the  trust.  The  Company  is  not 
considered  the  primary  beneficiary  of  this  Trust  (variable  interest  entity),  therefore  the  trust  is  not 
consolidated in the Company’s financial statements, but rather the subordinated debentures are shown as 
a  liability.    Distributions  on  the  Trust  Preferred  Securities  issued  by  Trust  Affiliate  I  are  payable 
quarterly at a variable rate equal to the three-month LIBOR rate plus 1.38%. The Coupon rate payable on 
the Trust Preferred Securities issued by Trust Affiliate I was 1.62% and 1.63% as of December 31, 2014 
and 2013 respectively. 

The Trust Preferred Securities issued by Trust Affiliate I are subject to mandatory redemption, in whole 
or in part, upon repayment of the Subordinated Debentures. The Company has entered into an agreement 
that  fully  and  unconditionally  guarantees  the  Trust  Preferred  Securities  subject  to  the  terms  of  the 
guarantee. The Trust Preferred Securities and Subordinated Debentures mature on December 15, 2035, 
but can be redeemed at the Company’s option at any time now. 

The subordinated debentures may be included in Tier 1 capital (with certain limitations applicable) under 
current regulatory guidelines and interpretations. 

A  summary  of  all  junior  subordinated  debentures  issued  by  the  Company  to  affiliates  follows.  These 
amounts  represent  the  par  value  of  the  obligations  owed  to  these  affiliates,  including  the  Company’s 
equity  interest  in  the  trusts.  Junior  subordinated  debentures  owed  to  the  following  affiliates  were  as 
follows: 

First Defiance Statutory Trust I due December 2035 
First Defiance Statutory Trust II due June 2037 
Total junior subordinated debentures owed to  
  unconsolidated subsidiary Trusts 

December 31 

2014 

2013 

(In Thousands) 

$ 

20,619 
15,464 

$ 

20,619 
15,464 

$ 

36,083 

$ 

36,083 

Interest on both issues of Trust Preferred Securities may be deferred for a period of up to five years at the 
option of the issuer. 

- 106 - 
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14. Notes Payable and Other Short-term Borrowings  

Total short-term borrowings, revolving and term debt is summarized as follows: 

Securities sold under agreement to repurchase 
  Amounts outstanding at year-end 
   Year-end interest rate 
  Average daily balance during year 
  Maximum month-end balance during the year 
  Average interest rate during the year 

Years Ended December 31 

2014 

2013 

(In Thousands, Except Percentages) 

  $  54,759 

  $  51,919 

0.28% 

54,541 
61,154 

0.29% 

0.31% 

50,877 
57,182 
0.44% 

As  of  December  31,  2014  and  December  31,  2013,  First  Federal  had  the  following  lines  of  credit 
facilities available for short-term borrowing purposes: 

An $11.2 million line of credit with the Federal Reserve Bank Discount Window at an interest 
rate of 50 basis points over the fed funds rate.  The fed funds rate as of December, 31, 2014 was 
0.25%. 

A $15 million line of credit with the Bank of America.  The rate on this line of credit is Bank of 
America’s fed funds rate, which floats daily. 

15.  Other Noninterest Expense 

The following is a summary of other noninterest expense: 

Legal and other professional fees 
Marketing 
State franchise taxes 
REO expenses and write-downs 
Printing and office supplies 
Amortization of intangibles 
Postage 
Check charge-offs and fraud losses 
Credit and collection expense 
Other * 
Total other noninterest expense 

2012 

2014 

Years Ended December 31 
2013 
(In Thousands) 
  $  2,947 
1,563 
2,323 
1,584 
449 
1,241 
531 
172 
915 
5,610 
  $  17,335 

  $  2,571 
1,400 
2,495 
1,121 
527 
1,413 
567 
153 
948 
7,090 
  $  18,285 

  $  3,622 
1,820 
1,762 
743 
466 
1,102 
594 
142 
395 
6,611 
  $  17,257 

*Included in Other for 2012 is $2.0 million in FHLB pre-payment penalties. 

16. Postretirement Benefits 

First  Defiance  sponsors  a  defined  benefit  postretirement  plan  that  is  intended  to  supplement  Medicare 
coverage for certain retirees who meet minimum age requirements. First Federal employees who retired 
prior to April 1, 1997 who completed 20 years of service after age 40 receive full medical coverage at no 
cost. First Federal employees retiring after April 1, 1997 are provided medical benefits at a cost based on 

- 107 - 
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their combined age and years of service at retirement. Surviving spouses are also eligible for continued 
coverage after the retiree is deceased at a subsidy level that is 10% less than what the retiree is eligible 
for.  First  Federal  employees  retiring  before  July 1,  1997  receive  dental  and  vision  care  in  addition  to 
medical  coverage.  First  Federal  employees  who  retire  after  July 1,  1997  are  not  eligible  for  dental  or 
vision care. 

First  Federal  employees  who  were  born  after  December 31,  1950  are  not  eligible  for  the  medical 
coverage described above at retirement. Rather, a one-time medical spending account of up to $10,000 
(based on the participant’s age and years of service) will be established to reimburse medical expenses 
for those individuals. First Insurance employees who were born before December 31, 1950 can continue 
coverage  until  they  reach  age  65,  or  in  lieu  of  continuing  coverage,  can  elect  the  medical  spending 
account option, subject to eligibility requirements. Employees hired or acquired after January 1, 2003 are 
eligible only for the medical spending account option. 

Included  in  accumulated  other  comprehensive  income  at  December  31,  2014,  2013  and  2012  are  the 
following amounts that have not yet been recognized in net periodic benefit cost: 

Unrecognized prior service cost 
Unrecognized actuarial losses 
Total recognized in Accumulated Other 
  Comprehensive Income 
Income tax effect 
Net amount recognized in Accumulated Other 
  Comprehensive Income 

  $ 

2014 

65 
832 

897 
(314) 

December 31 
2013 
(In Thousands) 
  $ 

78 
477 

  $ 

555 
(194) 

2012 

30 
858 

888 
(311) 

  $ 

583 

  $ 

361 

  $ 

577 

The  prior  service  cost  and  actuarial  loss  included  in  other  comprehensive  income  and  expected  to  be 
recognized in net postretirement benefit cost during the fiscal year-ended December 31, 2015 is $12,000 
($8,000 net of tax) and $39,000 ($25,000 net of tax), respectively. 

Reconciliation of Funded Status and Accumulated Benefit Obligation 
The  plan  is  not  currently  funded.  The  following  table  summarizes  benefit  obligation  and  plan  asset 
activity for the plan measured as of December 31 each year: 

Change in benefit obligation: 

Benefit obligation at beginning of year 
Service cost 
Interest cost  
Participant contribution 
Actuarial  (gains) / losses 
Benefits paid 
Benefit obligation at end of year 
Change in fair value of plan assets: 
Balance at beginning of year 
Employer contribution 
Participant contribution 
Benefits paid 
Balance at end of year  
Funded status at end of year 

December 31 

2014 

2013 

(In Thousands) 

  $ 

  $ 

2,878 
63 
136 
28 
377 
(219) 
3,263 

- 
191 
28 
(219) 
- 
(3,263) 

  $ 

  $ 

3,140 
82 
118 
25 
(347) 
(139) 
2,878 

- 
114 
25 
(139) 
- 
(2,878) 

- 108 - 
- 108 -

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
   
   
   
 
   
   
 
   
   
 
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net periodic postretirement benefit cost includes the following components: 

Service cost-benefits attributable to service during the period 
Interest cost on accumulated postretirement benefit 

obligation 

Net amortization and deferral 
Net periodic postretirement benefit cost 
Net (gain) / loss during the year 
Impact of prior year acquisition 
Amortization of prior service cost and actuarial losses 
Total recognized in comprehensive income 
Total recognized in net periodic postretirement benefit 
  cost and other comprehensive income 

2014 

$ 

63 

Years Ended December 31 
2013 
(In Thousands) 
$ 

82 

2012 

$ 

88 

136 
35 
234 
377 
- 
(35) 
342 

118 
46 
246 
(347) 
60 
(46) 
(333) 

120 
51 
259 
(148) 
- 
(51) 
(199) 

$ 

576 

$ 

(87) 

$ 

60 

The  following  assumptions  were  used  in  determining  the  components  of  the  postretirement  benefit 
obligation: 

Weighted average discount rates: 

Used to determine benefit obligations at December 31 
Used to determine net periodic postretirement benefit cost for years ended 

December 31 

Assumed health care cost trend rates at December 31: 
Health care cost trend rate assumed for next year 
Rate to which the cost trend rate is assumed to decline (the ultimate trend 

rate) 

Year that rate reaches ultimate trend rate 

2014 

4.25% 

4.75% 

7.00% 

5.00% 
2019 

2013 

2012 

4.75% 

4.00% 

4.00% 

4.25% 

7.50% 

8.00% 

5.00% 
2019 

5.00% 
2019 

The following benefits are expected to be paid over the next five years and in aggregate for the next five 
years  thereafter.  Because  the  plan  is  unfunded,  the  expected  net  benefits  to  be  paid  and  the  estimated 
Company contributions are the same amount. 

2015 
2016 
2017 
2018 
2019 
2020 through 2024 

Expected to be Paid 
(In Thousands) 

$             157      

155 
178 
178 
186 
954 

Assumed health care cost trend rates have a significant effect on the amounts reported for the health care 
plans. A one-percentage-point change in assumed health care cost trend rates would have the following 
effect: 

One-Percentage-Point 
Increase 
Year Ended December 31 
     2013 

  2014 

One-Percentage-Point  
Decrease 
Year Ended December 31 
     2013 
          2014 

(In Thousands) 

Effect on total of service and interest cost 
Effect on postretirement benefit obligation 

  $ 

26 
417 

  $ 

28 
351 

       $        (22) 
    (352) 

$   (24) 
(299) 

The Company expects to contribute $157,000 before reflecting expected Medicare retiree drug subsidy 
payments in 2015. 

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17. Regulatory Matters  

First  Federal  is  subject  to  minimum  capital  adequacy  guidelines.  Failure  to  meet  minimum  capital 
requirements can initiate certain mandatory and possibly additional discretionary actions by regulators, 
which  could  have  a  material  impact  on  First  Federal’s  financial  statements.  Under  capital  adequacy 
guidelines and the regulatory framework for prompt corrective action, First Federal must maintain capital 
amounts in excess of specified minimum ratios based on quantitative measures of First Federal’s assets, 
liabilities, and certain off-balance sheet items as calculated under regulatory accounting practices. 

Quantitative  measures  to  ensure  capital  adequacy  require  First  Federal  to  maintain  minimum  amounts 
and  ratios  (as  set forth in the table below) of total and Tier 1 capital (as defined in the regulations) to 
risk-weighted assets, and Tier 1 capital to adjusted total assets. 

The following schedule presents First Defiance consolidated and First Federal’s regulatory capital ratios 
as of December 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013 (Dollars in Thousands): 

December 31, 2014 

Actual 

Minimum Required for 
Adequately Capitalized 

Minimum Required for Well 
Capitalized 

Amount 

Ratio 

Amount 

Ratio 

Amount 

Ratio 

$250,847 

$238,221 

11.89% 

11.31% 

$84,397 

$84,278 

$250,847 

$238,221 

13.89% 

13.21% 

$72,213 

$72,136 

$273,441 

$260,791 

15.15% 

14.46% 

$144,426 

$144,272 

4.0% 

4.0% 

4.0% 

4.0% 

8.0% 

8.0% 

N/A 

$105,347 

N/A 

$108,204 

N/A 

5.0% 

N/A 

6.0% 

N/A 

$180,340 

N/A 

10.0% 

Tier 1 Capital (1) 
Consolidated 

First Federal  

Tier 1 Capital (to Risk 
Weighted Assets) (1) 
Consolidated 

First Federal  

Total Capital (to Risk 
Weighted Assets) (1) 
Consolidated 

First Federal  

(1)  Core  capital  is  computed  as  a  percentage  of  adjusted  total  assets  of  $2.11  billion  and  $2.11  billion  for 
consolidated and the bank, respectively. Risk-based capital is computed as a percentage of total risk-weighted 
assets of $1.81 billion and $1.80 billion for consolidated and the bank, respectively. 

December 31, 2013 

Actual 

Minimum Required for 
Adequately Capitalized 

Minimum Required for Well 
Capitalized 

Amount 

Ratio 

Amount 

Ratio 

Amount 

Ratio 

$246,258 

$235,699 

11.86% 

11.36% 

$83,045 

$82,978 

$246,258 

$235,699 

13.98% 

13.39% 

$70,473 

$70,418 

$268,317 

$257,741 

15.23% 

14.64% 

$140,947 

$140,836 

4.0% 

4.0% 

4.0% 

4.0% 

8.0% 

8.0% 

N/A 

$103,722 

N/A 

$105,627 

N/A 

5.0% 

N/A 

6.0% 

N/A 

$176,046 

N/A 

10.0% 

Tier 1 Capital (1) 
Consolidated 

First Federal 

Tier 1 Capital (to Risk 
Weighted Assets) (1) 
Consolidated 

First Federal 

Total Capital (to Risk 
Weighted Assets) (1) 
Consolidated 

First Federal 

- 110 - 
- 110 -

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
(1)  Core  capital  is  computed  as  a  percentage  of  adjusted  total  assets  of  $2.00  billion  and  $1.99  billion  for 
consolidated and the bank, respectively. Risk-based capital is computed as a percentage of total risk-weighted 
assets of $1.64 billion and $1.64 billion for consolidated and the bank, respectively. 

Management believes that, as of December, 31, 2014, First Federal was “well capitalized” based on the 
ratios presented above.  There are no conditions or events since the most recent notification from any of 
the regulatory agencies regarding those capital standards that management believes have changed any of 
the well capitalized categorizations of First Federal.   

First  Federal  is  subject  to  the  regulatory  capital  requirements  administered  by  the  OCC  and  FDIC.  
Regulatory authorities can initiate certain mandatory actions if First Federal fails to meet the minimum 
capital requirements, which could have a direct material effect on the Corporation’s financial statements. 
Management  believes,  as  of  December  31,  2014,  that  First  Federal  meets  all  capital  adequacy 
requirements to which they are subject. 

First  Defiance  is  a  unitary  thrift  holding  company  and  is  regulated  by  the  Federal  Reserve.    First 
Defiance does not have prompt corrective action capital requirements as of December 31, 2014.    

Dividend  Restrictions  -  Dividends  paid  by  First  Federal  to  First  Defiance  are  subject  to  various 
regulatory restrictions.  First Federal paid $21.0 million in dividends to First Defiance in 2014 and $3.0 
million  in  2013.  First  Federal  can  initiate  dividend  payments  equal  to  its  net  profits  (as  defined  by 
statute) for 2013 and 2014 plus 2015 net profits.  During 2015, First Federal can declare dividends in the 
amount of $23.1 million from its earnings in 2013 and 2014 and from any of its 2015 net profits to First 
Defiance.  First Insurance paid $1.2 million in dividends to First Defiance in 2014 and $1.5 million in 
dividends in 2013. 

18. Income Taxes 

The components of income tax expense are as follows: 

Current: 

Federal 
State and local 

Deferred  

2014 

Years Ended December 31 
2013 
(In Thousands) 

2012 

  $ 

  $ 

9,198 
144 
(179) 
9,163 

  $ 

  $ 

7,751 
9 
1,518 
9,278 

  $ 

  $ 

7,862 
(50) 
200 
8,012 

The provision for income taxes differs from that computed at the statutory corporate tax rate as follows: 

2014 

Years Ended December 31 
2013 
(In Thousands) 
11,030 

  $ 

  $ 

11,709 

2012 

94 
(1,152) 
(816) 
(390) 
(282) 
9,163 

  $ 

4 
(1,043) 
(449) 
(415) 
151 
9,278 

  $ 

9,337 

(32) 
(1,047) 
(374) 
- 
128 
8,012 

Tax expense at statutory rate (35%) 
Increases (decreases) in taxes from: 

State income tax – net of federal tax benefit 
Tax exempt interest income, net of TEFRA 
Bank owned life insurance 
Captive insurance  
Other 

Totals 

  $ 

  $ 

- 111 - 
- 111 -

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Deferred federal income taxes reflect the net tax effects of temporary differences between the carrying 
amounts  of  assets  and  liabilities  for  financial  reporting  purposes  and  the  amounts  used  for income  tax 
purposes. 

Significant  components  of  First  Defiance’s  deferred  federal  income  tax  assets  and  liabilities  are  as 
follows: 

Deferred federal income tax assets: 

Allowance for loan losses 
Postretirement benefit costs 
Deferred compensation 
Impaired loans 
Capital loss carry-forward 
Impaired investments 
Accrued vacation 
Allowance for real estate held for sale losses 
Deferred loan origination fees and costs 
Other 

Total deferred federal income tax assets 

Deferred federal income tax liabilities: 

FHLB stock dividends 
Goodwill 
Mortgage servicing rights 
Fixed assets 
Other intangible assets 
Loan mark to market 
Net unrealized gains on available-for-sale securities 
Prepaid expenses 
Other 

Total deferred federal income tax liabilities 
Net deferred federal income tax asset (liability) 

December 31 

2014 

2013 

(In Thousands) 

8,743 
1,149 
1,629 
524 
- 
- 
623 
333 
311 
1,481 
14,793 

2,299 
5,019 
3,181 
1,714 
270 
315 
2,528 
622 
21 
15,969 
(1,176) 

  $ 

  $ 

8,798 
1,013 
1,412 
986 
555 
971 
581 
277 
265 
718 
15,576 

3,238 
4,586 
3,211 
1,693 
607 
515 
488 
617 
56 
15,011 
565 

  $ 

  $ 

The  realization  of  the  Company’s  deferred  tax  assets  is  dependent  upon  the  Company’s  ability  to 
generate  taxable  income  in  future  periods  and  the  reversal  of  deferred  tax  liabilities  during  the  same 
period  and  the  ability  to  carryback  any  losses.  The  Company  has  evaluated  the  available  evidence 
supporting  the  realization  of  its  deferred  tax  assets  and  determined  it  is  more  likely  than  not  that  the 
assets will be realized and thus no valuation allowance was required at December 31, 2014. 

The  Company  had  capital  loss  carry-forwards  of  zero  and  $1.6  million  as  of  December  31,  2014  and 
December 31, 2013.   During 2014 the Company generated capital gains through the sale of FHLB stock 
which fully utilized the capital loss carry-forward. 

Retained earnings at December 31, 2014 include approximately $11.0 million for which no tax provision 
for federal income taxes has been made. This amount represents the tax bad debt reserve at December 31, 
1987, which is the end of the Company’s base year for purposes of calculating the bad debt deduction for 
tax purposes. If this portion of retained earnings is used in the future for any purpose other than to absorb 
bad debts, the amount used will be added to future taxable income. The unrecorded deferred tax liability 
on the above amount at December 31, 2014 was approximately $3.85 million. 

- 112 - 
- 112 -

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
A  reconciliation  of  the  beginning  and  ending  amount  of  unrecognized  tax  benefits  is  as  follows  (In 
Thousands): 

Balance at January 1, 2012 
Additions based on tax positions related to the current year 
Additions for tax positions of prior years 
Reductions for tax positions of prior years 
Reductions due to the statute of limitations 
Settlements 
Balance at December 31, 2012 

Balance at January 1, 2013 
Additions based on tax positions related to the current year 
Additions for tax positions of prior years 
Reductions for tax positions of prior years 
Reductions due to the statute of limitations 
Settlements 
Balance at December 31, 2013 

Balance at January 1, 2014 
Additions based on tax positions related to the current year 
Additions for tax positions of prior years 
Reductions for tax positions of prior years 
Reductions due to the statute of limitations 
Settlements 
Balance at December 31, 2014 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

141 
- 
- 
- 
(76) 
- 
65 

65 
- 
- 
- 
(65) 
- 
- 

- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 

The Company does not expect the total amount of unrecognized tax benefits to significantly increase in 
the next twelve months. 

The total amount of interest and penalties recorded in the income statement, net of the related federal tax 
effect, for the year ended December 31, 2014 was zero, and the amount accrued for interest and penalties 
(net of the related federal tax effect) at December 31, 2014 was zero. 

The total amount of interest and penalties recorded in the income statement, net of the related federal tax 
effect, for the year ended December 31, 2013 was a net reversal of $26,000, and the amount accrued for 
interest and penalties (net of the related federal tax effect) at December 31, 2013 was zero. 

The total amount of interest and penalties recorded in the income statement, net of the related federal tax 
effect, for the year ended December 31, 2012 was a net reversal of $22,000, and the amount accrued for 
interest and penalties (net of the related federal tax effect) at December 31, 2012 was $26,000. 

The Company and its subsidiaries are subject to U.S. federal income tax as well as income tax in the state 
of Indiana. The Company is no longer subject to examination by taxing authorities for years before 2010. 
The  Company  currently  operates  primarily  in  the  states  of  Ohio  and  Michigan,  which  tax  financial 
institutions based on their equity rather than their income. 

- 113 - 
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19. Employee Benefit Plans 

401(k) Plan 

Employees  of  First  Defiance  are  eligible  to  participate  in  the  First  Defiance  Financial  Corp.  401(k) 
Employee Savings Plan (the “First Defiance 401(k)”) if they meet certain age and service requirements. 
Beginning  in  2009,  under  the  First  Defiance  401(k),  First  Defiance  matches  100%  of  the  participants’ 
contributions up to 3% of compensation and then 50% of the participants’ contributions for the next 2% 
of  compensation.  Previously,  matching  contributions  were  50%  of  the  first  3%  of  participants 
contributions. The First Defiance 401(k) also provides for a discretionary First Defiance contribution in 
addition  to  the  First  Defiance  matching  contribution.  First  Defiance  matching  contributions  totaled 
$919,000, $868,000 and $799,000 for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively. 
There were no discretionary contributions in any of those years. 

Group Life Plan 

On  June  30,  2010,  First  Federal  adopted  the  First  Federal  Bank  of  the  Midwest  Executive  Group  Life 
Plan  –  Post  Separation  (the  “Group  Life  Plan”)  in  which  various  employees,  including the Company’s 
named  executive  officers,  may  participate.  Under  the  terms  of  the  Group  Life  Plan,  First  Federal  will 
purchase  and  own  life  insurance  policies  covering  the  lives  of  employees  selected  by  the  board  of 
directors  of  First  Federal  as  participants.  There  was  $167,000,  ($35,000),  and  $76,000  of  expense 
recorded  for  the  years  ended  December  31,  2014,  2013  and  2012,  respectively,  with  a  liability  of 
$892,000,  $724,000  and  $760,000  for  future  benefits  recorded  at  December  31,  2014,  2013  and  2012, 
respectively.  In 2014, management changed the discount rate to 4.25% to reflect the current interest rate 
environment which resulted in an increase of the group life plan liability as of December 31, 2014. 

20.  Stock Compensation Plans  

First  Defiance  has  established  equity  based  compensation  plans  for  its  directors  and  employees.    On 
March  15,  2010,  the  Board  adopted,  and  the  shareholders  approved  at  the  2010  Annual  Shareholders 
Meeting,  the  First  Defiance  Financial Corp. 2010 Equity Incentive Plan (the “2010 Equity Plan”). The 
2010  Equity  Plan  replaced  all  plans  existing  at  the  time  of  its  approval.  All  awards  outstanding  under 
prior  plans  remain  in  effect  in  accordance  with  their  respective  terms.  Any  new  awards  will  be  made 
under the 2010 Equity Plan.  The 2010 Equity Plan allows for issuance of up to 350,000 common shares 
through  the  award  of  options,  stock  grants,  restricted  stock  units  (“RSU”),  stock  appreciation rights or 
other stock-based awards. 

As  of  December  31,  2014,  173,720  options  have  been  granted  pursuant  to  the  2010  equity  plan  and 
previous  plans,  and  remain  outstanding  at  option  prices  based  on  the  market  value  of  the  underlying 
shares on the date the options were granted. Options granted under all plans vest 20% per year except for 
the 2009 grant to the Company’s executive officers, which vested 40% in 2011 and then 20% annually. 
All options expire ten years from the date of grant. Vested options of retirees expire on the earlier of the 
scheduled expiration date or three months after the retirement date. 

In March 2012, the Company approved a 2012 Short-Term Equity Incentive Plan (a “STIP”) and a 2012 
Long-Term  Equity  Incentive  Plan  (a  “LTIP”)  for  selected  members  of  management.    The  plans  were 
effective January 1, 2012 and provide for cash and/or equity benefits if certain performance targets are 
achieved.    Equity  awards  issued  under  these  plans  will  reduce  the  amount  of  awards  available  to  be 
issued under the 2010 Equity Plan. 

- 114 - 
- 114 -

 
 
 
 
 
 
Under  the  2012  STIP  the  participants  may  earn  up  to  25%  to  45%  of  their  salary  for  potential  payout 
based on the achievement of certain corporate and/or market area performance targets during the calendar 
year.  The  final  value  of  the  awards  to  be  made  under  the  2012  STIP  will  be  determined  as  of 
December 31  of  each  year  and  will  be  paid  out  in  cash  and/or  equity,  as  elected  by  the  participant,  in 
accordance with the following vesting schedule: 50% in the first quarter after the calendar year, 25% on 
the one-year anniversary of the grant date, and 25% on the second-year anniversary. The participants are 
required to be employed on the day of payout in order to receive an award. 

Under  the  2012  LTIP  the  participants  may  earn  up  to  25%  to  45%  of  their  salary  for  potential  payout 
based on the achievement of certain corporate performance targets either over a two or three year period. 
The final amount of benefit under the under the 2012 LTIP was determined as of December 31, 2014. 
The benefits earned under the plan will be paid out in cash and/or equity, as elected by the participant, in 
the  first  quarter  following  the  close  of  the  performance  period.    The  participants  are  required  to  be 
employed on the day of payout in order to receive the payment.  

In  March  2013,  the  Company  approved  a  2013  STIP  and  a  2013  LTIP  for  selected  members  of 
management.    Under  the  2013  STIP  the  participants  may  earn  up  to  25%  to  45%  of  their  salary  for 
potential payout based on the achievement of certain corporate performance targets during the calendar 
year. The final amount of awards earned under the 2013 STIP was paid out in cash in the first quarter of 
2014.  

Under the 2013 LTIP the participants may earn up to 25% to 45% of their salary, depending upon their 
position, for potential payout in the form of equity awards based on the achievement of certain corporate 
performance targets over a three year period. The Company granted 86,065 RSUs to the participants in 
the  2013  LTIP  effective  January  1,  2013,  which  represents the maximum target award. The amount of 
benefit under the 2013 LTIP will be determined individually at the 12 month period ending December 31, 
2013,  the  24  month  period  ending  December  31,  2014  and  the  36  month  period  ending  December 31, 
2015. The awards’ vesting will be as follows: 16.7% of the target award after the end of the performance 
period ending December 31, 2013; 27.8% of the target award at the end of the performance period ending 
December  31,  2014;  and  55.5%  of  the  target  award  at  the  end  of  the  performance  period  ending 
December 31, 2015. The RSUs shall vest between 0% and 100% of the applicable portion of the target 
award based on the portion of the performance targets that are achieved.  RSUs settle in common shares 
in  the  first  quarter  following  the  close  of  the  applicable  performance  period.    The  participants  are 
required to be employed on the day of payout in order to receive the payment.  A total of 6,425 RSU’s 
were issued to the participants in the second quarter of 2014 for the year one performance period ended 
December 31, 2013.    

In  March  2014,  the  Company  approved  a  2014  STIP  and  a  2014  LTIP  for  selected  members  of 
management. 

Under  the  2014  STIP, the participants may earn up to 30% to 45% of their salary for potential payout 
based  on  the  achievement  of  certain  corporate  performance  targets  during  the  calendar  year.  The  final 
amount of benefits under the 2014 STIP were determined as of December 31, 2014 and will be paid out 
in cash in the first quarter of 2015. The participants are required to be employed on the day of payout in 
order to receive such payment.  

Under the 2014 LTIP, the participants may earn up to 20% to 45% of their salary for potential payout in 
the  form  of  equity  awards  based  on  the  achievement  of  certain  corporate  performance  targets  over  a 
three-year  period.  The  Company  granted  30,538  RSU’s  to  the  participants  in  the  2014  LTIP  effective 
January  1,  2014,  which  represents  the  maximum  target  award.  The  amount  of  benefit  under  the  2014 

- 115 - 
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LTIP  will  be  determined  individually  at  the  end  of  the  36  month  performance  period  ending 
December 31, 2016. The awards will vest 100% of the target award at the end of the performance period 
ending December 31, 2016. The benefits earned under the 2014 LTIP will be paid out in equity in the 
first  quarter  of  2017.    The  participants  are  required  to  be  employed  on  the  day  of  payout  in  order  to 
receive such payment.   

The  fair  value  of  each  option  award  is  estimated  on  the  date  of  grant  using  the  Black-Scholes  model. 
Expected volatilities are based on historical volatilities of the Company’s common shares. The Company 
uses historical data to estimate option exercise and post-vesting termination behavior. The expected term 
of options granted is based on historical data and represents the period of time that options granted are 
expected to be outstanding, which takes into account that the options are not transferable. The risk-free 
interest rate for the expected term of the option is based on the U.S. Treasury yield curve in effect at the 
time of the grant.   

The fair value of stock options granted during the year ended December 31, 2014 was determined at the 
date of grant using the Black-Scholes stock option-pricing model and the following assumptions: 

Expected average risk-free rate 
Expected average life 
Expected volatility 
Expected dividend yield 

Twelve Months ended 
December 31, 2014 
1.51% 
7.44 years 

44.62% 
2.22% 

Following is activity under the plans during 2014: 

Stock options: 

Options outstanding, January 1, 2014 
Forfeited or cancelled 
Exercised 
Granted 
Options outstanding, December 31, 2014 
Vested or expected to vest at 
  December 31, 2014 
Exercisable at December 31, 2014 

Options 
Outstanding 
  251,020 
  (34,600) 
  (53,200) 
  10,500 
  173,720 

$ 

Weighted 
Average 
Exercise Price 
20.76 
26.52 
18.11 
26.97 
20.80 

$ 

  173,720 
  163,220 

$ 
$ 

20.80 
20.40 

Weighted 
Average 
Remaining 
Contractual 
Term (in years) 

Aggregate 
Intrinsic 

Value       

(in 000’s) 

2.72 

2.72 
2.31 

$ 

2,303 

$     2,303 
2,229 
$ 

Information related to the stock option plans follows: 

Intrinsic value of options exercised 
Cash received from option exercises 
Tax benefit realized from option exercises 
Weighted average fair value of options granted 

Year Ended December 31 
2012 
2013 
2014 
(In Thousands, except per share amounts) 
$         310 
350 
54 
- 

$         542 
963 
103 
$     10.79 

$              4 
5 
- 
- 

- 116 - 
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As  of  December  31,  2014,  there  was  $94,000  of  total  unrecognized  compensation  costs  related  to 
unvested stock options granted under the Company’s equity plans. The cost is expected to be recognized 
over a weighted-average period of 4.1 years.  

At December 31, 2014, 91,812 RSU’s were outstanding. Compensation expense is recognized over the 
performance  period  based  on  the  achievement  of  established  targets.  Total  expense  of  $541,000,  $1.0 
million  and  $677,000  was  recorded  during  the  years  ended  December  31,  2014,  2013  and  2012, 
respectively, and approximately $739,000 and $540,000 is included within other liabilities at December 
31, 2014 and 2013, respectively, related to the STIPs and LTIPs. 

Restricted Stock Units 

Stock Grants 

Unvested Shares 

  Unvested at January 1, 2014 
  Granted 
  Vested 
  Forfeited 
  Unvested at December 31, 2014 

Shares 

106,061 
       30,538 
        (7,320)  
(37,467) 
91,812 

Weighted-Average 
Grant Date 
Fair Value 

$           18.66 
       25.77 
        18.63  
18.71 
$    21.00 

Shares 

- 
       13,087 
        (7,320)  

- 
5,767 

Weighted-Average 
Grant Date 
Fair Value 

$           - 

      21.87 
       18.63   
- 
$    25.97 

The  maximum  amount  of  compensation  expense  that  may  be  earned  for  the  2014  STIP  and  the  2012, 
2013 and 2014 LTIPs at December 31, 2014 is approximately $3.8 million in the aggregate.  However, 
the  estimated  expense  expected  to  be  earned  as  of  December  31,  2014  based  on  the  performance 
measures in the plans, is $1.7 million of which $394,000 is unrecognized at December 31, 2014 and will 
be recognized over the remaining performance period. 

As of December 31, 2014 and 2013, 193,067 and 202,405 shares, respectively, were available for grant 
under the 2010 Equity Plan. Options forfeited or cancelled under all plans except the 2010 Equity Plan 
are no longer available for grant to other participants. 

21. Parent Company Statements  

Condensed parent company financial statements, which include transactions with subsidiaries, follow: 

Statements of Financial Condition 

Assets 

Cash and cash equivalents 
Investment in banking subsidiary 
Investment in non-bank subsidiaries 
Other assets 

Total assets 

Liabilities and stockholders’ equity: 

Subordinated debentures 
Accrued liabilities 
Stockholders’ equity 

Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity 

December 31 

2014 

2013 

(In Thousands) 

  $ 

  $ 

  $ 

  $ 

9,067 
291,485 
14,424 
1,174 
316,150 

36,083 
562 
279,505 
316,150 

  $ 

  $ 

  $ 

  $ 

8,228 
285,813 
13,518 
1,774 
309,333 

36,083 
1,103 
272,147 
309,333 

- 117 - 
- 117 -

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Statements of Income 

2014 

Years Ended December 31 
2013 
(In Thousands) 

2012 

Dividends from subsidiaries 
Interest on investments 
Interest expense  
Other income 
Noninterest expense 
Income before income taxes and equity in earnings of subsidiaries 
Income tax credit  
Income before equity in earnings of subsidiaries 
Undistributed equity in (distributions in excess of) 
  earnings of subsidiaries 
Net income 
Comprehensive income 

  $ 

22,200    $ 

-   
(587) 
2 
(861) 
20,754 
(485) 
21,239 

4,500    $ 
18   
(601) 
1 
(853) 
3,065 
(415) 
3,480 

37,300 
12 
(971) 
- 
(1,013) 
35,328 
(669) 
35,997 

3,053 
24,292    $ 
27,861    $ 

  $ 
  $ 

18,755 
22,235    $ 
18,506    $ 

(17,333) 
18,664 
18,941 

Statements of Cash Flows 

Operating activities: 

Net income 
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash (used in) 

provided by operating activities: 

Distribution in excess of (undistributed equity in) earnings 

of subsidiaries 

Change in other assets and liabilities 
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities 

Investing activities: 

Investment in non-bank subsidiary 
Sale of available-for-sale securities 
Net cash provided by investing activities 

Financing activities: 

Repurchase of common stock 

Cash dividends paid  
Stock Options Exercised 
Treasury stock sales 
Preferred Stock payoff 

Net cash used in financing activities 
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents  

Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year 

Cash and cash equivalents at end of year 

2014 

Years Ended December 31 
2013 
(In Thousands) 

2012 

  $  24,292 

  $  22,235 

  $  18,664 

(3,053) 

59 
21,298 

- 
- 
- 

(15,519) 
(5,937) 
921 
76 
- 
(20,459) 
839 
8,228 

$9,067 

(18,755) 

176 
3,656 

- 
1,002 
1,002 

(1,821) 
(3,907) 
350 
64 
- 
(5,314) 
(656) 
8,884 

17,333 

97 
36,094 

(250) 
1,000 
750 

- 
(3,086) 
4 
14 
(36,358) 
(39,426) 
(2,582) 
11,466 

$8,228 

$8,884 

22. Fair Value 

FASB ASC Topic 820 defines fair value as the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to 
transfer  a  liability  in  an  orderly  transaction  between  market  participants.  A  fair  value  measurement 
assumes that the transaction to sell the asset or transfer the liability occurs in the principal market for the 
asset or liability or, in the absence of a principal market, the most advantageous market for the asset or 
liability. The price in the principal (or most advantageous) market used to measure the fair value of the 
asset or liability shall not be adjusted for transaction costs. An orderly transaction is a transaction that 
assumes  exposure  to  the  market  for  a  period  prior  to  the  measurement  date  to  allow  for  marketing 
activities  that  are  usual  and  customary  for  transactions  involving  such  assets  and  liabilities;  it  is  not  a 

- 118 - 
- 118 -

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
forced  transaction.  Market  participants  are  buyers  and  sellers  in  the  principal  market  that  are  (i) 
independent, (ii) knowledgeable, (iii) able to transact and (iv) willing to transact. 

FASB  ASC  Topic  820  requires  the  use  of  valuation  techniques  that  are  consistent  with  the  market 
approach,  the  income  approach  and/or  the  cost  approach.  The  market  approach  uses  prices  and  other 
relevant  information  generated  by  market  transactions  involving  identical  or  comparable  assets  and 
liabilities. The income approach uses valuation techniques to convert future amounts, such as cash flows 
or earnings, to a single present amount on a discounted basis. The cost approach is based on the amount 
that currently would be required to replace the service capacity of an asset (replacement cost). Valuation 
techniques  should  be  consistently  applied.  Inputs  to  valuation  techniques  refer  to  the  assumptions  that 
market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability. Inputs may be observable, meaning those 
that  reflect  the  assumptions  market  participants  would  use  in  pricing  the  asset  or  liability  developed 
based  on  the  best  information  available.  In  that  regard,  FASB  ASC  Topic  820  established  a  fair  value 
hierarchy  for  valuation  inputs  that  gives  the  highest  priority  to  quoted  prices  in  active  markets  for 
identical assets or liabilities and the lowest priority to unobservable inputs. The fair value hierarchy is as 
follows: 

•  Level 1: Quoted prices (unadjusted) in active markets for identical assets or liabilities that 

the reporting entity has the ability to access at the measurement date. 

•  Level  2:  Inputs  other  than  quoted  prices  included  in  Level  1  that  are  observable  for  the 
asset or liability, either directly or indirectly. These might include quoted prices for similar 
assets  or  liabilities  in  active  markets,  quoted  prices  for  identical  or  similar  assets  or 
liabilities in markets that are not active, inputs other than quoted prices that are observable 
for  the  asset  or  liability  (such  as  interest  rates,  prepayment  speeds,  credit  risks,  etc.)  or 
inputs that are derived principally from or corroborated by market data by a correlation or 
other means. 

•  Level 3: Unobservable inputs for determining fair value of assets and liabilities that reflect 
an entity’s own assumptions about the assumptions that market participants would use in 
pricing the assets or liabilities. 

A description of the valuation methodologies used for instruments measured at fair value, as well as the 
general classification of such instruments pursuant to the valuation hierarchy, is set forth below.   

Available  for  sale  securities  -  Securities  classified  as  available  for  sale  are  generally  reported  at  fair 
value utilizing Level 2 inputs where the Company obtains fair value measurements from an independent 
pricing service that uses matrix pricing, which is a mathematical technique widely used in the industry to 
value debt securities without relying exclusively on quoted prices for the specific securities but rather by 
relying  on  the  securities’  relationship  to  other  benchmark  quoted  securities  (Level  2  inputs).  The  fair 
value measurements consider observable data that may include dealer quotes, market spreads, cash flows 
and  the  bonds’  terms  and  conditions,  among  other  things.  Securities  in  Level  1 include federal agency 
preferred  stock  securities.  Securities  in  Level  2  include  U.S.  Government  agencies,  mortgage-backed 
securities,  corporate  bonds  and  municipal  securities.  The  Company  classified its pooled trust preferred 
collateralized debt obligations as Level 1 and Level 3 at December 31, 2013.  The portfolio consisted of 
collateralized  debt  obligations  backed  by  pools  of  trust  preferred  securities  issued  by  financial 
institutions  and  insurance  companies.    Two  collateralized  debt  obligations  backed  by  insurance 
companies were classified as Level 1 at December 31, 2013 due to receiving a Level 1 price at which the 
securities  were  subsequently  sold  on  January  15,  2014  as  a  result  of  these  securities  being  disallowed 

- 119 - 
- 119 -

 
 
 
 
under  the  final  interim  Volcker  rule.    The  two  collateralized  debt  obligations  backed  by  financial 
institutions are allowed under the final interim Volcker Rule and classified as Level 3 based on the lack 
of observable market data, the Company estimated fair values based on the observable data available and 
reasonable unobservable market data. The Company estimated fair value based on a discounted cash flow 
model, which used appropriately adjusted discount rates reflecting credit and liquidity risks.       

Impaired loans - Fair values for impaired collateral dependent loans are generally based on appraisals 
obtained  from  licensed  real  estate  appraisers  and  in  certain  circumstances  consideration  of  offers 
obtained to purchase properties prior to foreclosure.  Appraisals for commercial real estate generally use 
three methods to derive value: cost, sales or market comparison and income approach.  The cost method 
bases value on the cost to replace the current property.  Value of market comparison approach evaluates 
the  sales  price  of  similar  properties  in  the  same  market  area.   The  income  approach  considers  net 
operating income generated by the property and an investors required return.  Adjustments are routinely 
made  in  the  appraisal  process  by  the  independent  appraisers  to  adjust  for  differences  between  the 
comparable  sales  and  income  data  available.   Comparable  sales  adjustments  are  based  on  known  sales 
prices of similar type and similar use properties and duration of time that the property has been on the 
market to sell.  Such adjustments made in the appraisal process are typically significant and result in a 
Level 3 classification of the inputs for determining fair value. 

Real Estate held for sale - Assets acquired through or instead of loan foreclosure are initially recorded 
at  fair  value  less  costs  to  sell  when  acquired,  establishing  a  new  cost  basis.    These  assets  are  then 
reviewed monthly by members of the asset review committee for valuation changes and are accounted for 
at lower of cost or fair value less estimated costs to sell.  Fair value is commonly based on recent real 
estate appraisals which may utilize a single valuation approach or a combination of approaches including 
cost,  comparable  sales  and  the  income  approach.    Adjustments  are  routinely  made  in  the  appraisal 
process by the independent appraisers to adjust for differences between the comparable sales and income 
data available.  Such adjustments may be significant and typically result in a Level 3 classification of the 
inputs for determining fair value. 

Appraisals  for  both  collateral-dependent  impaired  loans  and  other  real  estate  owned  are  performed  by 
certified general appraisers (for commercial properties) or certified residential appraisers (for residential 
properties)  whose  qualifications  and  licenses  have  been  reviewed  and  verified  by  the  Company.   Once 
received,  a  member  of  the  Company’s  asset  quality  or  collections  department  reviews  the  assumptions 
and approaches utilized in the appraisal.  Appraisal values are discounted from 0% to 20% to account for 
other  factors  that  may  impact  the  value  of  collateral.  In  determining  the  value  of  impaired  collateral 
dependent  loans  and  other  real  estate  owned,  significant  unobservable  inputs  may  be  used,  which 
include:   physical  condition  of  comparable  properties  sold,  net  operating  income  generated  by  the 
property and investor rates of return.  

Mortgage  servicing  rights  –  On  a  quarterly  basis,  mortgage  servicing  rights  are  evaluated  for 
impairment based upon the fair value of the rights as compared to the carrying amount.  If the carrying 
amount  of  an  individual  tranche  exceeds  fair  value,  impairment  is  recorded  on  that  tranche  so  that the 
servicing asset is carried at fair value.  Fair value is determined at a tranche level based on a model that 
calculates  the  present  value  of  estimated  future  net  servicing  income.    The  valuation  model  utilizes 
assumptions  that  market  participants  would  use  in  estimating  future  net  servicing  income  and  are 
validated against available market data (Level 2). 

Mortgage banking derivative - The fair value of mortgage banking derivatives are evaluated monthly 
based  on  derivative  valuation  models  using  quoted  prices  for  similar  assets  adjusted  for  specific 
attributes of the commitments and other observable market data at the valuation date (Level 2).  

- 120 - 
- 120 -

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
The  following  table  summarizes  the  financial  assets  measured  at  fair  value  on  a  recurring  basis 
segregated  by  the  level  of  the  valuation  inputs  within  the  fair  value  hierarchy  utilized  to  measure  fair 
value: 

Assets and Liabilities Measured on a Recurring Basis 

December 31, 2014 

Level 1 
Inputs  

Level 2  
Inputs 

Level 3 
 Inputs 

Total Fair 
Value 

(In Thousands) 

Available for sale securities: 

Obligations of U.S. Government  
corporations and agencies 
Mortgage-backed - residential 
REMICs 
Collateralized mortgage obligations 
Preferred stock 
Corporate bonds 
Obligations of state and political            
  subdivisions 
Mortgage banking derivative - asset 
Mortgage banking derivative - liability 

$ 

$ 

$        - 
          - 
          - 
          - 
  1 
         1,989 

980 
59,856 
1,839 
81,121 
- 
5,003 

$ 

- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 

980 
59,856 
1,839 
81,121 
1 
6,992 

          - 
          - 
- 

             88,532 
         351 
                    24 

- 
                       - 

             88,532 
          351 
                    24 

December 31, 2013 

Level 1 
Inputs  

Level 2  
Inputs 

Level 3 
 Inputs 

Total Fair 
Value 

(In Thousands) 

Available for sale securities: 

Obligations of U.S. Government  
corporations and agencies 
Mortgage-backed - residential 
Collateralized mortgage obligations 
Trust preferred stock 
Preferred stock 
Corporate bonds 
Obligations of state and political            
  subdivisions 
Mortgage banking derivative - asset 
Mortgage banking derivative - liability 

$              -                $  4,921                        $      -                $   4,921 
41,292 
59,841 
2,236 
718 
8,942 

          - 
          - 
    1,654 
  718 
          - 

41,292 
59,841 
- 
- 
8,942 

- 
- 
 582 
- 
- 

          - 
          - 
- 

             80,220 
                   295 
                        - 

- 
                       - 

             80,220 
             295 
                       - 

There was one corporate bond security that had recent documented trade activity resulting in that security 
being transferred to Level 1 from Level 2 during the period ended December 31, 2014.  Trust preferred 
stock in the amount of $1,654,000 was transferred from level 3 to level 1 in 2013 due to two securities 
being  disallowed  under  the  final  interim  Volcker  Rule  resulting  in  the  company  selling  these  two 
securities on January 15, 2014 after obtaining a Level 1 price. The selling price (Level 1) was used to 
determine the fair value at December 31, 2013. 

The  table  below  presents  a  reconciliation  and  income  classification  of  gains  and  losses  for  all  assets 
measured at fair value on a recurring basis using significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) for the years 
ended December 31, 2014 and 2013: 

- 121 - 
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                            Fair Value Measurements Using Significant 
                    Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) 
           (In Thousands) 

Beginning balance 
    Total gains or losses (realized/unrealized) 
      Included in earnings (realized) 
      Included in other comprehensive income 
        (presented gross of taxes) 
    Amortization 
    Sales 
    Transfers in and/or out of Level 3 
Ending balance  

  2014 

$ 

582 

      2013 

$ 

1,474 

(329) 

993 
- 
(1,246) 
- 
- 

$ 

(337) 

1,099 
- 
- 
(1,654) 
582 

$ 

Changes in Unrealized Gains/Losses Recorded in Earnings 
For the Year Relating to Level 3 Assets Still Held at Reporting 
Date for the Year Ended December 31 
(In Thousands) 

Interest income on securities 

Trust Preferred Stock 

2014 
  $             24 

2013 
$           83 

2012 
$        160 

Other changes in fair value 

           (24) 

           (420) 

          (84) 

Total 

$           - 

  $           (337) 

$          76 

- 122 - 
- 122 -

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
The  following  table  summarizes  the  financial  assets  measured  at  fair  value  on  a  non-recurring  basis 
segregated  by  the  level  of  the  valuation  inputs  within  the  fair  value  hierarchy  utilized  to  measure  fair 
value: 

Assets and Liabilities Measured on a Non-Recurring Basis 

December 31, 2014 

Level 1 Inputs 

Level 2 Inputs 

Level 3 Inputs 

(In Thousands) 

Total Fair 
Value 

Impaired loans 
     1-4 Family Residential Real 
                Estate 
     Multi Family Residential 
     Commercial Real Estate 
     Commercial 
     Home Equity and      
Improvement 
     Total impaired loans 
Mortgage servicing rights 
Real estate held for sale 
     Residential  
     CRE 
Total Real Estate held for 
sale 

$ - 
- 
- 

- 
- 
- 

- 
- 
- 

$   - 
- 
- 

              $  419 
269 
6,665 
340 

              $  419 
269 
6,665 
340 

- 
- 
                    1,034 

- 
- 
- 

98 
7,791 
- 

- 
739 
739 

98 
7,791 
1,034 

- 
739 
739 

December 31, 2013 

Level 1 Inputs 

Level 2 Inputs 

Level 3 Inputs 

(In Thousands) 

Total Fair 
 Value 

Impaired loans 
     1-4 Family Residential Real 
                Estate 
     Multi Family Residential 
     Commercial Real Estate 
     Home Equity and      
Improvement 
     Total impaired loans 
Mortgage servicing rights 
Real estate held for sale 
     Residential  
     CRE 
Total Real Estate held for 
sale 

   $   - 
- 
- 

- 
- 
- 

- 
- 
- 

$   - 
- 
- 

              $  259 
338 
9,590 

              $  259 
338 
9,590 

- 
- 
                    1,370 

- 
- 
- 

531 
10,718 
- 

112 
1,278 
1,390 

531 
10,718 
1,370 

112 
1,278 
1,390 

- 123 - 
- 123 -

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
                
   
   
 
 
 
           
 
 
   
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
                
   
   
           
 
 
   
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
For  Level  3  assets  and  liabilities  measured  at  fair  value  on  a  recurring  or  nonrecurring  basis  as  of 
December  31,  2014,  the  significant  unobservable  inputs  used  in  the  fair  value  measurements  were  as 
follows:  

Fair  
Value  

Valuation Technique 

Impaired Loans- Applies to 
all loan classes 

Real estate held for sale – 
Applies to all classes 

 $7,791  Appraisals  which  utilize 
net 

comparison, 

sales 
income and cost approach 

 $739  Appraisals  which  utilize 
net 

sales 
income and cost approach  

comparison, 

Unobservable Inputs 
(Dollars in Thousands) 

Discounts  for  collection 
issues  and  changes 
in 
market conditions 

Range of      
  Inputs 

Weighted 
Average 

    10-30% 

  11% 

Discounts  for  changes  in 
market conditions 

 20-40% 

 28% 

For  Level  3  assets  and  liabilities  measured  at  fair  value  on  a  recurring  or  nonrecurring 
basis  as  of  December  31,  2013,  the  significant  unobservable  inputs  used  in  the  fair  value 
measurements were as follows:  

Fair  
Value  

Valuation Technique 

Unobservable Inputs 
(Dollars in Thousands) 

  Range of     
    Inputs 

Weighted 
Average 

Trust preferred stock 

 $582  Discounted cash flow 

Impaired Loans- Applies to 
all loan classes 

Real estate held for sale – 
Applies to all classes 

 $10,718  Appraisals  which  utilize 
net 

comparison, 

sales 
income and cost approach  

 $1,390  Appraisals  which  utilize 
net 

comparison, 

sales 
income and cost approach 

Constant prepayment rate 
Expected asset default 
Expected recoveries 

      2-40% 
      0-30% 
    10-15% 

         40% 
       15% 
       10% 

Discounts  for  collection 
issues  and  changes 
in 
market conditions 

  10-30% 

10% 

Discounts  for  changes  in 
market conditions 

 20-40% 

 26% 

Impaired  loans,  which  are  measured  for  impairment  using  the  fair  value  of  the  collateral  for  collateral 
dependent loans, had a fair value of $7.8 million, with a $19,000 valuation allowance and a fair value of 
$10.7  million  with  no  valuation  allowance  at  December  31,  2014  and  2013,  respectively.  A  provision 
expense  of  $3.0  million  and  $3.2  million  for  the  years  ended  December  31,  2014  and  2013  related  to 
these impaired loans was included in earnings. 

Mortgage servicing rights, which are carried at the lower of cost or fair value, had a fair value of $1.0 
million  with  a  valuation  allowance  of  $911,000  and  a  fair  value  of  $1.4  million  with  a  valuation 
allowance  of  $1.0  million  at  December  31,  2014  and  2013,  respectively.    A  recovery  of  $116,000  and 
$1.3 million for the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013 was included in earnings. 

Real estate held for sale is determined using Level 3 inputs which include appraisals and are adjusted for 
changes  in  market  conditions.  The  change  in  fair  value  of  real  estate  held  for  sale  was  $251,000  and 
$740,000 for the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013 which was recorded directly as an adjustment 
to current earnings through non-interest expense.  

- 124 - 
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In  accordance  with  FASB  ASC  Topic  825,  the  Fair  Value  Measurements  tables  are  a  comparative 
condensed  consolidated  statement  of  financial  condition  based  on  carrying  amount  and  estimated  fair 
values  of  financial  instruments  as  of  December  31,  2014  and  December 31,  2013.  Accordingly,  the 
aggregate fair value amounts presented do not represent the underlying value of First Defiance. 

Much of the information used to arrive at “fair value” is highly subjective and judgmental in nature and 
therefore the results may not be precise. Subjective factors include, among other things, estimated cash 
flows,  risk  characteristics  and  interest  rates,  all  of  which  are  subject  to  change.  With  the  exception  of 
investment securities, the Company’s financial instruments are not readily marketable and market prices 
do  not  exist.  Since  negotiated  prices  for  the  instruments,  which  are  not  readily  marketable,  depend 
greatly on the motivation of the buyer and seller, the amounts that will actually be realized or paid per 
settlement or maturity of these instruments could be significantly different. 

The  carrying  amount  of  cash  and  cash  equivalents,  term  notes  payable  and  advance  payments  by 
borrowers for taxes and insurance, as a result of their short-term nature, is considered to be equal to fair 
value and are classified as Level 1. 

It  was  not  practicable  to  determine  the  fair  value  of  FHLB  stock  due  to  restrictions  placed  on  its 
transferability. 

The fair value of loans that reprice within 90 days is equal to their carrying amount. For other loans, the 
estimated fair value is calculated based on discounted cash flow analysis, using interest rates currently 
being offered for loans with similar terms, resulting in a Level 3 classification.  Impaired loans are valued 
at the lower of cost or fair value as previously described.  The allowance for loan losses is considered to 
be a reasonable adjustment for credit risk.  The methods utilized to estimate the fair value of loans do not 
necessarily represent an exit price.  The fair value of loans held for sale is estimated based on binding 
contracts and quotes from third party investors resulting in a Level 2 classification.   

The  fair  value  of  accrued interest receivable is equal to the carrying amounts resulting in a Level 2 or 
Level 3 classification, which is consistent with its underlying value. 

The fair value of non-interest bearing deposits are considered equal to the amount payable on demand at 
the reporting date (i.e., carrying value) and are classified as Level 1.  The fair value of savings, NOW and 
certain money market accounts are equal to their carrying amounts and are a Level 2 classification.  Fair 
values  of  fixed  rate  certificates  of  deposit  are  estimated  using  a  discounted  cash  flow  calculation  that 
applies interest rates currently being offered on certificates to a schedule of aggregated expected monthly 
maturities on time deposits resulting in a Level 2 classification.   

The  fair  values  of  securities  sold  under  repurchase  agreements  are  equal  to  their  carrying  amounts 
resulting  in  a  Level  2  classification.  The  carrying  value  of  subordinated  debentures  and  deposits  with 
fixed  maturities  is  estimated  based  on  discounted  cash  flow  analyses  based  on  interest  rates  currently 
being  offered  on  instruments  with  similar  characteristics  and  maturities  resulting  in  a  Level  3 
classification. 

FHLB advances with maturities greater than 90 days are valued based on discounted cash flow analysis, 
using interest rates currently being quoted for similar characteristics and maturities resulting in a Level 2 
classification.  The  cost  or  value  of  any  call  or  put  options  is  based  on  the  estimated  cost  to  settle  the 
option at December 31, 2014. 

- 125 - 
- 125 -

 
 
 
 
 
 
Financial Assets: 

Cash and cash equivalents 
Investment securities 
Federal Home Loan Bank Stock 
Loans, net, including loans 
  held for sale 
Accrued interest receivable 

Financial Liabilities: 

Deposits 
Advances from Federal Home 

Loan Bank 

Securities sold under repurchase 

agreements  

Subordinated debentures 

Financial Assets: 

Cash and cash equivalents 
Investment securities 
Federal Home Loan Bank Stock 
Loans, net, including loans 
  held for sale 
Accrued interest receivable 

Financial Liabilities: 

Deposits 
Advances from Federal Home 

Loan Bank 

Securities sold under repurchase 

agreements  

Subordinated debentures 

Fair Value Measurements at December 31, 2014 
(In Thousands) 

Total 

Level 1 

Level 2 

Level 3 

Carrying 
Value 

  $   112,936 
239,634 
13,802 

  $  112,936 
239,629 
N/A 

$   112,936  $                 -   $              - 
- 
  237,639 
N/A 
N/A 

1,990 
N/A 

1,626,555 
6,037 

1,632,507 
6,037 

- 
3 

4,741 
846 

1,627,766 
5,188 

  $ 1,760,813 

  $ 1,762,733 

$   379,552  $  1,383,181 

$             - 

21,544 

21,772 

54,759 
36,083 

54,759        
35,307 

- 

- 
- 

21,772 

54,759 
- 

- 

- 
   35,307 

Fair Value Measurements at December 31, 2013 
(In Thousands) 

Total 

Level 1 

Level 2 

Level 3 

Carrying 
 Value 

  $   179,318 
198,557 
19,350 

  $  179,318 
198,563 
N/A 

$   179,318  $                 -   $              - 
582 
  195,609 
N/A 
N/A 

2,372 
N/A 

1,564,618 
5,778 

1,568,929 
5,778 

- 
4 

9,140 
696 

1,559,789 
5,078 

  $ 1,735,792 

  $ 1,738,216 

$   348,943  $  1,389,273 

$             - 

22,520 

22,713 

51,919 
36,083 

51,919        
35,237 

- 

- 
- 

22,713 

51,919 
- 

- 

- 
   35,237 

- 126 - 
- 126 -

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
23. Derivative Financial Instruments 

Commitments  to  fund  certain  mortgage loans (interest rate locks) to be sold into the secondary market 
and  forward  commitments  for  the  future  delivery  of  mortgage  loans  to  third-party  investors  are 
considered  derivatives.    It  is  the  Company’s  practice  to  enter  into  forward  commitments  for  the  future 
delivery of residential mortgage loans when interest rate lock commitments are entered into in order to 
economically  hedge  the  effect  of  changes  in  interest  rates  resulting  from  its  commitments  to  fund  the 
loans.  These mortgage banking derivatives are not designated in hedge relationships.  First Federal had 
approximately $7.4 million and $7.5 million of interest rate lock commitments at December 31, 2014 and 
2013, respectively.  There were $11.6 million and $12.1 million of forward commitments for the future 
delivery of residential mortgage loans at December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively.   

The  fair  value of these mortgage banking derivatives are reflected by a derivative asset or a derivative 
liability.  The table below provides data about the carrying values of these derivative instruments: 

  Assets   

December 31, 2014 
(Liabilities)   

December 31, 2013 

  Assets     (Liabilities)      

Carrying 
  Value 

    Carrying  
     Value 

Derivative 
Net Carrying 
Value 

    Carrying 
     Value 

    Carrying 

         Value 

Derivative 
Net Carrying 
Value 

(In Thousands) 

Derivatives not designated as 
  hedging instruments 
Mortgage Banking  
  Derivatives 

  $ 

351  $ 

24  $ 

327  $ 

295  $ 

-  $ 

295 

The table below provides data about the amount of gains and losses recognized in income on derivative 
instruments not designated as hedging instruments: 

Twelve Months Ended December 31, 
2014 

2013 

2012 

Derivatives  not  designated  as  hedging 
instruments 

(In Thousands) 

Mortgage Banking Derivatives – Gain (Loss) 

$           27 

$          (526) 

$      249 

The  above  amounts  are  included  in  mortgage  banking  income  with  gain  on  sale  of  mortgage  loans.  
During 2014 and 2013, management determined that a group of loans, previously classified as held for 
sale,  were  no  longer  sellable  and  were  transferred  back  into  the  portfolio.    As  a  result,  a  $5,000  and 
$34,000  loss  related  to  a  fair  value  adjustment  on  those  loans  was  recorded  in  2014  and  2013, 
respectively. No such adjustments were made in 2012. 

- 127 - 
- 127 -

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
    
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
24. Quarterly Consolidated Results of Operations (Unaudited) 

The following is a summary of the quarterly consolidated results of operations: 

March 31 

June 30 

September 30 

December 31 

Three Months Ended 

2014 
Interest income 
Interest expense 
Net interest income 
Provision for loan losses 
Net interest income after provision for 

  $ 

18,474 
1,678 
16,796 
103 

(In Thousands, Except Per Share Amounts) 
  $ 
  $ 

  $ 

18,774 
1,645 
17,129 
446 

19,286 
1,623 
17,663 
406 

loan losses 

Gain on sale, call or write-down  
   of securities 
Noninterest income 
Noninterest expense 
Income before income taxes 
Income taxes  
Net income 

16,693 

16,683 

- 
7,326 
16,661 
7,358 
2,179 
5,179 

  $ 

471 
7,146 
16,357 
7,943 
2,254 
5,689 

  $ 

17,257 

460 
8,896 
16,771 
9,842 
2,773 
7,069 

  $ 

  $ 

19,714 
1,613 
18,101 
162 

17,939 

1 
7,341 
16,969 
8,312 
1,957 
6,355 

Earnings per common share: 

Basic 
Diluted 

Average shares outstanding: 

Basic 
Diluted 

  $          0.53 
  $          0.51 

$         0.59 
$         0.57 

$        0.75 
$        0.71 

$        0.68 
$        0.65 

9,681 
10,108 

9,607 
10,066 

9,445 
9,903 

9,316 
9,801 

- 128 - 
- 128 -

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
2013 
Interest income 
Interest expense 
Net interest income 
Provision for loan losses 
Net interest income after provision for 

loan losses 

Gain on sale, call or write-down  
   of securities 
Noninterest income 
Noninterest expense 
Income before income taxes 
Income taxes  
Net income 

Three Months Ended 

March 31 

June 30 

September 30 

December 31 

(In Thousands, Except Per Share Amounts) 

  $ 

  $ 

18,476 
1,949 
16,527 
425 

18,732 
1,814 
16,918 
448 

  $ 

16,102 

16,470 

53 
8,909 
17,199 
7,865 
2,306 
5,559 

  $ 

44 
7,804 
15,674 
8,644 
2,535 
6,109 

  $ 

  $ 

18,836 
1,680 
17,156 
476 

16,680 

- 
7,289 
16,045 
7,924 
2,445 
5,479 

  $ 

  $ 

18,737 
1,727 
17,010 
475 

16,535 

(337) 
6,808 
15,926 
7,080 
1,992 
5,088 

Earnings per common share: 

Basic 
Diluted 

Average shares outstanding: 

Basic 
Diluted 

25. Preferred Stock 

  $          0.57 
  $          0.55 

$         0.63 
$         0.60 

$        0.56 
$        0.54 

$        0.52 
$        0.50 

9,736 
10,105 

9,774 
10,156 

9,780 
10,212 

9,766 
10,198 

On  December  5,  2008,  as  part  of  the  Capital  Purchase  Program  (“CPP”),  the  Company  entered  into  a 
Letter Agreement and Securities Purchase Agreement (collectively, the “Purchase Agreement”) with the 
U.S. Treasury, pursuant to which the Company sold $37.0 million worth of shares of newly authorized 
Fixed Rate Cumulative Perpetual Preferred Stock, par value $0.01 per share and liquidation value $1,000 
per share (the “Senior Preferred Shares”) and also issued warrants (the “Warrants”) to the U.S. Treasury 
to  acquire  an  additional  550,595  of  common  shares  having  an  exercise  price  of  $10.08  per  share.  The 
Warrants have a term of 10 years. 

The Senior Preferred Shares qualified as Tier 1 capital and paid cumulative dividends at a rate of 5% per 
annum  for  the  first  five  years,  and  9%  per  annum  thereafter.  The  Senior  Preferred  Shares  could  be 
redeemed  by  the  Company  after  three  years.    The  Senior  Preferred  Shares  were  not  subject  to  any 
contractual  restrictions  on  transfer,  except  that  the  U.S.  Treasury  or  any  its  transferees  may  affect  any 
transfer that, as a result of such transfer, would require the Company to become subject to the periodic 
reporting requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.  

Pursuant to the terms of the Purchase Agreement, the ability of the Company to declare or pay dividends 
or distributions on, or purchase, redeem or otherwise acquire for consideration, its common shares was 
subject  to  restrictions,  including  a  restriction  against  increasing  dividends  from  the  last  quarterly  cash 
dividend per share of $0.26 declared on the common stock prior to October 14, 2008.  The redemption, 
purchase  or  other  acquisition  of  trust  preferred  securities  of  the  Company  or  its  affiliates  also  was 
restricted.   

The  Purchase  Agreement  also  subjected  the  Company  to  certain  of  the  executive  compensation 
limitations included in the Emergency Economic Stabilization Act of 2008 (the “EESA”). As a condition 
to the closing of the transaction, the Company’s Senior Executive Officers (as defined in the Purchase 
Agreement) (the “Senior Executive Officers”), (i) voluntarily waived any claim against the U.S. Treasury 
or the Company for any changes to such officer’s compensation or benefits that are required to comply 
with the regulation issued by the U.S. Treasury under the CPP and acknowledged that the regulation may 
require  modification  of  the  compensation,  bonus,  incentive  and  other  benefit  plans,  arrangements  and 
policies and agreements as they relate to the period the U.S. Treasury owns the Senior Preferred Shares 

- 129 - 
- 129 -

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
of the Company; and (ii) entered into a letter agreement with the Company amending the Benefit Plans 
with  respect  to  such  Senior  Executive  Officers  as  may  be  necessary,  during  the  period  that  the  U.S. 
Treasury owns the Senior Preferred Shares, as necessary to comply with Section 111(b) of the EESA. 

In  June  2012,  the  U.S.  Treasury  sold  its  preferred  shares  of  the  Company  through  a  public  offering 
structured  as  a  modified  Dutch  auction.    The  Company  bid  on  its  preferred  shares  in  the  auction  after 
receiving approval from its regulators.  The clearing price per preferred share was $962.66 (compared to 
a  par  value  of  $1,000.00  per  share)  and  the  Company  was  successful  in  repurchasing  16,560  of  the 
37,000  preferred  shares  outstanding  through  the  auction  process.    The  Company  also  acquired  an 
additional 19,440 preferred shares in the secondary market prior to the end of the second quarter of 2012. 
 The remaining 1,000 outstanding preferred shares were purchased at par value on July 18, 2012.  The 
clearing prices per preferred share purchased in the secondary market were as follows: 1,100 shares at 
$997.50, 2,500 shares at $1,000.00 and 16,840 shares at $998.75.  

The net balance sheet impact was a reduction to stockholders’ equity of $36.4 million which is comprised 
of a decrease in preferred stock of $37.0 million and a $642,000 increase to retained earnings related to 
the  discount  on  the  shares  repurchased,  which  is  also  included  in  net  income  applicable  to  common 
shares for purposes of calculating earnings per share. 

Included in the 2012 operating results is $181,000 of costs incurred by the Company related to the U.S. 
Treasury’s offering. All these costs were incurred in the second quarter of 2012. These costs are not tax-
deductible.  

26. Balance Sheet Restructure 

In October 2012, the Company executed a balance sheet restructuring strategy to enhance the Company’s 
current  and  future  profitability  while  increasing  its  capital  ratios  and  protecting  the balance sheet against 
rising rates.  The strategy required taking an after tax loss of approximately $260,000 through selling $60.0 
million  in  securities  for  a  gain  of  $1.6  million  and  paying  off  $62.0  million  in  FHLB  advances  with  a 
prepayment penalty of $2.0 million.   

27. Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) 

The before and after tax amounts allocated to each component of other comprehensive income (loss) are 
presented  in  the  table  below.  Reclassification  adjustments  related  to  securities  available  for  sale  are 
included  in  gains  on  sale  or  call  of  securities  and  OTTI  losses  on  investment  securities  in  the 
accompanying consolidated condensed statements of income.  Reclassification adjustments related to the 
defined  benefit  postretirement  medical  plan  are  included  in  compensation  and  benefits  in  the 
accompanying consolidated condensed statements of income.  

Twelve months ended December 31, 2014: 
Securities available for sale and transferred securities: 
      Change in net unrealized gain/loss during the period 
      Reclassification adjustment for net gains  included in net income 
Net  loss  on  defined  benefit  postretirement  medical  plan  realized 
during the period 
Net  amortization  and  deferral  on  defined  benefit  postretirement 
medical plan 
Total other comprehensive income  

Before Tax 
Amount 

Tax Expense 
(Benefit) 
(In Thousands) 

Net of Tax 
Amount 

  $ 
6,763 
                    (932) 

$              2,320 
             (280) 

  $ 

                  (377) 

             (132) 

                     35 
5,610 
  $ 

              12 
$             2,041 

  $ 

4,443 
(652) 

(245) 

23 
3,569 

- 130 - 
- 130 -

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
 
              
 
                     
               
 
 
 
 
 
 
Twelve months ended December 31, 2013: 
Securities available for sale and transferred securities: 
      Change in net unrealized gain/loss during the period 
      Reclassification adjustment for net  losses included in net income 
Net  gain  on  defined  benefit  postretirement  medical  plan  realized 
during the period 
Net  amortization  and  deferral  on  defined  benefit  postretirement 
medical plan  
Total other comprehensive loss 

Before Tax 
Amount 

Tax Expense 
(Benefit) 
(In Thousands) 

Net of Tax 
Amount 

  $ 
                      240 

 (6,309)  $            (2,216) 
                92 

  $ 

                     287 

              101 

                     46 
  $ 

                16 
(5,736)  $            (2,007) 

  $ 

(4,093) 
148 

186 

30 
(3,729) 

Activity in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax, was as follows:  

    Securities   
    Available   
    For Sale    

Accumulated    
Other 

Post- 

   retirement         Comprehensive   
   Benefit 

Income 

Balance January 1, 2014 
Other comprehensive income before 

reclassifications 

Amounts reclassified from accumulated other 

comprehensive loss 

(In Thousands) 

    $ 

906    

   $ 

(361 )        $ 

4,443 

(222 )        

(652 )  

                     -         

Net other comprehensive income during period       

3,791   

(222 )      

Balance December 31, 2014 

    $ 

4,697    

   $ 

(583 )        $ 

Balance January 1, 2013 
Other comprehensive loss before 

reclassifications 

Amounts reclassified from accumulated other 

comprehensive income 

    $ 

4,851    

   $ 

(577 )        $ 

(4,093)    

216         

148    

                     -  

Net other comprehensive loss during period 

(3,945)    

216         

545    

4,221   

(652 )  

3,569   

4,114    

4,274    

(3,877)   

148   

(3,729)   

Balance December 31, 2013  

    $ 

906    

   $ 

(361 )        $ 

545 

- 131 - 
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Item 9.  Changes  In  and  Disagreements  With  Accountants  on  Accounting  and  Financial 
Disclosure 

None. 

Item 9A. Controls and Procedures 

First  Defiance’s  management  carried  out  an  evaluation,  under  the  supervision  and  with  the 
participation  of  the  chief  executive  officer  and  the  chief  financial  officer,  of  the  effectiveness  of  First 
Defiance’s disclosure controls and procedures (as such term is defined in Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) 
under  the  Exchange  Act)  as  of  December  31,  2014.  Based  upon  that  evaluation,  the  chief  executive 
officer  along  with  the  chief  financial  officer  concluded  that  First  Defiance’s  disclosure  controls  and 
procedures as of December 31, 2014, are effective. 

The  information  set  forth  under  “Management’s  Report  on  Internal  Control  Over  Financial 
Reporting” and “Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm” included in Item 8 above is 
incorporated herein by reference. 

There  were  no  changes  in  First  Defiance’s  internal  control  over  financial  reporting  (as  such 
term is defined in Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f) under the Exchange Act) during the last fiscal quarter 
ended December 31, 2014 that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect First 
Defiance’s internal control over financial reporting. 

Item 9B.  Other Information 

None 

Item 10.  Directors, Executive Officers and Corporate Governance 

PART III 

The  information  required  herein  is  incorporated  by  reference  from  the  sections  captioned: 
“Proposal  1  -  Election  of  Directors”,  “Executive  Officers”,  and  “Section  16(a)  Beneficial  Ownership 
Reporting  Compliance”  of  the  definitive  proxy  statement  to  be  filed  on  or  about  March  31,  2015  (the 
“Proxy Statement”).  

First Defiance has adopted a Code of Ethics applicable to all officers, directors and employees 
that  complies  with  SEC  requirements,  and  is  available  on  its  Internet  site  at  www.fdef.com  under 
Governance Documents. 

Item 11.  Executive Compensation 

Information  required  by  this  item  is  set  forth  under  the  captions  “Compensation  Discussions 
and  Analysis,”  “Executive  Compensation,”  “Director  Compensation,”  “Compensation  Committee 
Report” and “Compensation Committee Interlocks and Insider Participation” of the Proxy Statement. 

Item 12.  Security  Ownership  of  Certain  Beneficial  Owners  and  Management  and  Related 
Stockholder Matters  

The information set forth under the caption “Beneficial Ownership” of the Proxy Statement is 

incorporated herein by reference. 

- 132 - 
- 132 -

 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Equity Compensation Plans 

The following table provides information as of December 31, 2014 with respect to the shares of 
First  Defiance  common  stock  that  may  be  issued  under  First  Defiance’s  existing  equity  compensation 
plans. 

Number of securities to 
be Issued Upon 
Exercise of Outstanding 
Options, Warrants and 
Rights 

Weighted Average 
Exercise Price of 
Outstanding Options, 
Warrants and Rights 

Plan Category 

Equity Compensation Plans Approved by 
Security Holders 

(a) 

173,720 

(b) 

$20.80 

Number of Securities 
Remaining Available 
for Future Issuance 
Under Equity 
Compensation Plans 
(Excluding Securities 
Reflected in Column 
(a)) 
(c) 

193,067 

Item 13.  Certain Relationships and Related Transactions, and Director Independence 

The information set forth under the captions “Composition of the Board” and “Related Person 

Transactions” of the Proxy Statement is incorporated herein by reference. 

Item 14.  Principal Accountant Fees and Services 

The information set forth under the caption “Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm” 

of the Proxy Statement is incorporated herein by reference. 

- 133 - 
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PART IV 

Item 15.  Exhibits, Financial Statement Schedules 

(a) 

Financial Statements 

(1)  The following documents are filed as Item 8 of this Form 10-K. 

(C) 

(A)  Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm (Crowe Horwath LLP) 
Consolidated Statements of Financial Condition as of December 31, 2014 
(B) 
  and 2013 
Consolidated Statements of Income for the years ended December 31, 2014, 
  2013 and 2012 
Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income for the years ended December 31, 
2014, 2013 and 2012 
Consolidated Statements of Stockholders’ Equity for the years ended 
  December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012 
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the years ended December 31,  
  2014, 2013 and 2012 

(D) 

(E) 

(F) 

(G)  Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements 

(2)  Separate  financial  statement  schedules  are  not  being  filed  because  of  the  absence  of 
conditions under which they are required or because the required information is included in 
the consolidated financial statements or the related notes. 

(3)  The  exhibits  required  by  this  item  are  listed  in  the  Exhibit  Index  of  this  Form  10-K.  The 
management contracts and compensation plans or arrangements required to be filed with this 
Form 10-K are listed as Exhibits 10.1 through 10.35. 

- 134 - 
- 134 -

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
SIGNATURES 

Pursuant to the requirements of Sections 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. 

February 27, 2015 

FIRST DEFIANCE FINANCIAL CORP. 

By: /s/ Kevin T. Thompson 
Kevin T. Thompson, Chief Financial Officer 

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this report has been signed 
below by the following persons on behalf of the Registrant and in the capacities indicated on February 
27, 2015. 

Signature 

Title 

/s/ William J. Small 
William J. Small 

/s/ Donald P. Hileman 
Donald P. Hileman 

/s/ Kevin T. Thompson 
Kevin T. Thompson 

/s/ Stephen L. Boomer 
Stephen L. Boomer 

/s/ John L. Bookmyer 
John L. Bookmyer 

/s/ Dr. Douglas A. Burgei 
Dr. Douglas A. Burgei 

/s/ Peter A. Diehl 
Peter A. Diehl 

/s/ Barb A. Mitzel 
Barb A. Mitzel 

/s/ Jean A. Hubbard 
Jean A. Hubbard 

/s/ Samuel S. Strausbaugh 
Samuel S. Strausbaugh 

/s/ Charles D. Niehaus 
Charles D. Niehaus 

Chairman of the Board 

President and Chief 
Executive Officer  

Executive Vice President and Chief 
Financial Officer (principal accounting officer) 

Director, Vice Chairman 

Director 

Director 

Director 

Director 

Director 

Director 

Director 

- 135 - 
- 135 -

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
                                           
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Exhibit Index 

This report incorporates by reference the documents listed below that we have previously filed 
with  the  SEC.  The  SEC  allows  us  to  incorporate  by  reference  information  in  this  document.  The 
information incorporated by reference is considered to be part of this document. 

This information may be read and copied at the Public Reference Room of the SEC at 100 F 
Street,  N.E.,  Washington  D.C.  20549.  The  SEC  also  maintains  an  internet  web  site  that  contains 
reports,  proxy  statements,  and  other  information  about  issuers,  like  First  Defiance,  who  file 
electronically  with  the  SEC.  The  address  of  the  site  is  http://www.sec.gov.  The  reports  and  other 
information  filed  by  First  Defiance with the SEC are also available at the First Defiance Financial 
Corp. web site. The address of the site is http://www.fdef.com. Except as specifically incorporated by 
reference into this Annual Report on Form 10-K, information on those web sites is not part of this 
report.  

Exhibit 
Number 
3.1 
3.2 
3.3 
4.1 

4.2 
10.1 
10.2 
10.3 
10.4 
10.5 
10.7 
10.8 
10.9 
10.10 
10.11 

10.12 
10.13 
10.14 
10.17 
10.18 
10.19 
10.21 
10.22 
10.23 
10.24 
10.25 

Description 

Articles of Incorporation  
Code of Regulations 
Amendment to Articles of Incorporation 
Agreement to furnish instruments and agreements defining 
  rights of holders of long-term debt 
Form of Warrant for Purchase of Shares of Common Stock 
1996 Stock Option Plan 
Form of Incentive Stock Option Award Agreement under 2001 Plan 
Form of Nonqualified Stock Option Award Agreement under 1996 Plan 
1996 Management Recognition Plan and Trust 
2001 Stock Option and Incentive Plan 
Employment Agreement with James L. Rohrs 
Employment Agreement with Donald P. Hileman 
Employment Agreement with Gregory R. Allen 
2005 Stock Option and Incentive Plan 
Letter Agreement, dated December 5, 2008, between First Defiance and the 

U.S. Treasury 

2008 Long Term Incentive Compensation Plan (LTIP) 
Form of Contingent Award Agreement under LTIP 
Form of Stock Option Award Agreement under 2005 Plan 
Form of Option Award Agreement with EESA restriction under 2005 Plan 
First Federal Executive Group Life Plan – Post Separation 
2010 Equity Incentive Plan 
First Defiance Deferred Compensation Plan 
Form of Restricted Stock Award Agreement 
2010 Equity Plan Form of Long-Term Incentive Plan Award Agreement 
2010 Equity Plan Form of Short-Term Incentive Plan Award Agreement 
2010 Equity Plan Form of Long-Term Incentive Plan Award Agreement 

(with TARP Restrictions) 

10.26 

2010 Equity Plan Form of Short-Term Incentive Plan Award Agreement 

(with TARP Restrictions) 

10.27 

First Amendment to First Defiance Financial Corp. 2010 Equity Incentive 

Plan 

10.28 
10.29 

First Defiance Financial Corp. and Affiliates Incentive Compensation Plan 
First Defiance Financial Corp. Long-Term Restricted Stock Unit Award 

Agreement (2012 Long Term Incentive – TARP Applicable) 

10.30 

First Defiance Financial Corp. Long-Term Restricted Stock Unit Award 

10.31 
10.32 

Agreement (2012 Long Term Incentive) 
Underwriting Agreement dated June 13, 2012 
Employment Agreement with Donald P. Hileman 

(1) 
(1) 
(10) 
(15) 

(14) 
(2) 
(3) 
(3) 
(7) 
(5) 
(6) 
(16) 
(8) 
(9) 
(11) 

(12) 
(13) 
(4) 
(19) 
(17) 
(18) 
(30) 
(20) 
(21) 
(22) 

(23) 

(24) 
(25) 

(26) 
(27) 

(28) 

(29) 
(31) 

- 136 - 
- 136 -

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
10.33 
10.34 
10.35 
10.36 
21 
23.1 
31.1 

Employment Agreement with Kevin T. Thompson 
Form of Restricted Stock Award Agreement 
Consulting Agreement with William J. Small 
Change of Control and Non-Compete Agreement with Dennis E. Rose, Jr. 
List of Subsidiaries of the Company 
Consent of Crowe Horwath LLP 
Certification of Chief Executive Officer pursuant to Section 302 of the 

Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 

31.2 

Certification of Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Section 302 of the 

Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 

32.1 

Certification of Chief Executive Officer pursuant to Section 906 of the 

Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 

32.2 

Certification of Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Section 906 of the 

Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 

101* 

Interactive data files pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T: (i) the 

Consolidated Condensed Balance Sheet, (ii) the Consolidated Condensed 
Statements of Income, (iii) the Consolidated Condensed Statements of 
Changes in Equity, (iv) the Consolidated Condensed Statements of Cash 
Flows, and (v) the Notes to Consolidated Condensed Financial 
Statements tagged as blocks of text and in detail. 

(32) 
(33) 
(34) 
(15) 
(15) 
(15) 
(15) 

(15) 

(15) 

(15) 

(15) 

(1) 

(2) 

(3) 

(4) 

(5) 

(6) 

(7) 

(8) 

(9) 

(10) 

(11) 

(12) 

(13) 

(14) 

(15) 
(16) 

(17) 

(18) 

Incorporated herein by reference to the like numbered exhibit in the Registrant’s Form S-1 (File 
No. 33-93354) 
Incorporated herein by reference to like numbered exhibit in Registrant’s 2001 Form 10-K (Film 
No. 02580719) 
Incorporated herein by reference to like numbered exhibit in Registrant’s 2004 Form 10-K (Film 
No. 0568550) 
Incorporated herein by reference to like numbered exhibit in Registrant’s 2008 Form 10-K (Film 
No. 09683948)  
Incorporated  herein  by  reference  to  Appendix  B  to  the  2001  Proxy  Statement  (Film  No. 
1577137) 
Incorporated  herein  by  reference  to  exhibit  10.2  in  Form  8-K  filed  October  1,  2007  (Film  No. 
071144951) 
Incorporated  herein  by  reference  to  exhibit  10.2  in  Registrant’s  2001  Form  10-K  (Film  No. 
02580719) 
Incorporated  herein  by  reference  to  exhibit  10.4  in  Form  8-K  filed  October  1,  2007  (Film  No. 
071144951) 
Incorporated  herein  by  reference  to  Appendix  A  to  the  2005  Proxy  Statement  (Film  No. 
05692264) 
Incorporated  herein  by  reference  to  exhibit  3  in  Form  8-K  filed  December  8,  2008  (Film  No. 
081236105) 
Incorporated  herein  by  reference  to  exhibit  10  in  Form  8-K  filed  December  8, 2008 (Film No. 
081236105) 
Incorporated herein by reference to exhibit 10.1 in Form 8-K filed December 12, 2008 (Film No. 
081245224) 
Incorporated herein by reference to exhibit 10.2 in Form 8-K filed December 12, 2008 (Film No. 
081245224) 
Incorporated  herein  by  reference  to  exhibit  4  in  Form  8-K  filed  December  8,  2008  (Film  No. 
081236105) 
Included herein 
Incorporated herein by reference to exhibit 10.1 in Form 8-K filed December 16, 2009 (Film No. 
091245196) 
Incorporated herein by reference to exhibit 10.1 in Form 10-Q filed November 2, 2010 (Film No. 
101158262) 
Incorporated herein by reference to Annex A to 2010 Proxy Statement (Film No. 10693151) 

- 137 - 
- 137 -

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
(19) 

(20) 

(21) 

(22) 

(23) 

(24) 

(25) 

(26) 

(27) 

(28) 

(29) 

(30) 

(31) 

(32) 

(33) 

(34) 

Incorporated herein by reference to like numbered exhibit in Registrant’s 2010 Form 10-K (Film 
No. 10652528) 
Incorporated  herein  by  reference  to  exhibit  10.1  in  Form  10-Q  filed  May  5,  2011  (Film  No. 
11803357) 
Incorporated herein by reference to exhibit 10.1 in Form 10-Q filed November 8, 2011 (Film No. 
111188059) 
Incorporated herein by reference to exhibit 10.2 in Form 10-Q filed November 8, 2011 (Film No. 
111188059) 
Incorporated herein by reference to exhibit 10.3 in Form 10-Q filed November 8, 2011 (Film No. 
111188059) 
Incorporated herein by reference to exhibit 10.4 in Form 10-Q filed November 8, 2011 (Film No. 
111188059) 
Incorporated  herein  by  reference  to  exhibit  10.1  in  Form  8-K  filed  March  15,  2012  (Film  No. 
12694926) 
Incorporated  herein  by  reference  to  exhibit  10.2  in  Form  8-K  filed  March  15,  2012  (Film  No. 
12694926) 
Incorporated  herein  by  reference  to  exhibit  10.3  in  Form  8-K  filed  March  15,  2012  (Film  No. 
12694926) 
Incorporated  herein  by  reference  to  exhibit  10.4  in  Form  8-K  filed  March  15,  2012  (Film  No. 
12694926) 
Incorporated  herein  by  reference  to  exhibit  1.1  in  Form  8-K  filed  June  15,  2012  (Film  No. 
12910514) 
Incorporated herein by reference to exhibit 10.1 in Form 8-K filed December 23, 2005 (Film No. 
051284175) 
Incorporated herein by reference to exhibit 10.1 in Form 8-K filed December 30, 2013 (Film No. 
131303552) 
Incorporated herein by reference to exhibit 10.2 in Form 8-K filed December 30, 2013 (Film No. 
131303552) 
Incorporated herein by reference to exhibit 10.3 in Form 8-K filed December 30, 2013 (Film No. 
131303552) 
Incorporated herein by reference to exhibit 10.4 in Form 8-K filed December 30, 2013 (Film No. 
131303552 

*    As  provided  in  Rule  406T  of  Regulation  S-T,  the  Interactive  Data  Files  on  Exhibit  101  hereto  are 
deemed not filed or part of a registration statement or prospectus for purposes of Sections 11 or 
12 of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, are deemed not filed for purposes of Section 18 of 
the Securities and Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and otherwise are not subject to liability 
under those sections. 

- 138 - 
- 138 -

 
 
 
 
 
 
TO OUR SHAREHOLDERS

SHAREHOLDERS INFORMATION

DEAR FELLOW SHAREHOLDERS, 

2014 was a very successful year for our 
company. We recorded our third consecutive 

year of record 
earnings and 
achieved a total 
shareholder 
return of over 
34 percent. We 
are delighted 
to have carried 
forward the
positive 
momentum 
gained over 
the last several 
years and to 
have advanced 
toward our  
goal of being  
a consistently  
high performing  
community bank. 

As we celebrate 
the success of 
2014 and the 
progress we’ve 
accomplished, 

Donald P. Hileman
President & CEO

William J. Small
Chairman

we gain even more confidence that we 
are positioned to meet the economic and 
regulatory environment challenges that 
still lie ahead. The prolonged low interest 
rate environment resulting from multiple 
factors, while beneficial in some areas of our 
operations such as cost of funds, has had a 
damping effect and been an overall  
indicator of weaker economic growth.   

The Federal Reserve has taken multiple 
actions to stimulate the economic engine 
for the past several years, and the outlook 
for rates to rise gives us confidence that we 
are entering a period of sustainable growth. 
This will provide additional opportunities 
for greater utilization of our products and 
services by current customers and the chance 
to introduce new customers to First Federal 
Bank’s community banking difference. 

To be a high performing community bank,  
we also need to meet our customers’ 
increasing expectations for personalized 
service, added convenience and quick 
response. We have established many 
important initiatives this year to help us meet 
these desires, including Mobile Deposit, 
OnLine Account Opening and chat capabilities 
to help guide customers through the 
mortgage loan process wherever they may 
be. We plan to enhance our digital delivery 
services to allow customers to bank anytime, 
anywhere and to serve those adjacent to 
our footprint or in areas that do not have 
full-service community banking centers. Not 
only have we satisfied the needs of our retail 
customers, we have designed a streamlined 
lending process for small to mid-sized 
business customers and added dedicated 
Business Bankers to each of our market areas. 

While our presence online is important, we 
remain dedicated to building relationships 
with our customers through our network of 
banking center locations. Early in 2014, we 

established a loan production office in 
Columbus, Ohio; and in September, we 
opened our second office in Fort Wayne, 
Indiana, showcasing our relationship banking 
model. Continued expansion is planned in 
areas with strong growth opportunities. We 
are committed to our strategy of providing 
quality products and service while earning 
trust and confidence from our customers. 

2014 also represented a year of transition with 
the retirement of James L. Rohrs, First Federal 
Bank President and CEO, on December 31 
after an accomplished banking career of 
which 15 years were spent with First Federal 
Bank. As a result of a solid succession plan, 
we remain ready to meet the opportunities 
and challenges of the year ahead under 
the guidance of a skilled, experienced 
leadership team. We are thankful to all of 
our stakeholders, customers, employees and 
shareholders for their continued support  
and help in achieving continued success  
for First Defiance.

Sincerely,

Donald P. Hileman  

William J. Small

ANNUAL MEETING
In order to increase shareholder attendance and participation,  
the Annual Meeting of Shareholders will be conducted  
virtually at 2:00 p.m. on Tuesday, April 21, 2015.  
Shareholders may access the Annual Meeting by going  
to www.virtualshareholdermeeting.com/FDEF2015. 

INVESTOR INFORMATION
Shareholders, investors and analysts interested in additional 
information about First Defiance Financial Corp. may contact 
Investor Relations at the corporate office, 419-782-5104.

TOTAL RETURN PERFORMANCE

350

300

250

200

150

100

50

e
e
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l
a
l
V
a
x
V
e
d
x
n
I
e
d
n
I

0
12/31/09

12/31/10

12/31/11

12/31/12

12/31/13

12/31/14

First Defiance Financial Corp. 

NASDAQ Composite 

SNL Bank NASDAQ 

SNL Midwest Thrift

PRICE RANGE 
Year Ended December 31, 2014

First Quarter 
Second Quarter 
Third Quarter 
Fourth Quarter 

High 
$28.23  
$29.00  
$29.00  
$35.70  

Year Ended December 31, 2013   

First Quarter 
Second Quarter 
Third Quarter 
Fourth Quarter 

High 
$23.75  
$23.75  
$28.46  
$27.25   

Low
$24.24 
$26.50 
$26.99 
$26.95 

Low
$18.42 
$20.80 
$22.49 
$23.31 

STOCK TRANSFER AGENT
Shareholders with questions concerning the transfer of shares,  
lost certificates, dividend payments, dividend reinvestment,  
receipt of multiple dividend checks, duplicate mailings or  
changes of address should contact:

Broadridge Corporate Issuer Solutions
PO Box 1342
Brentwood, NY 11717
1-844-318-0128 or 1-720-358-3594
shareholder@broadridge.com

SECURITIES LISTING
First Defiance Financial Corp. common stock trades on the NASDAQ 
Global Select Market under the symbol FDEF. As of March 2, 2015, 
there were approximately 1,938 stockholders of record and 9,234,781 
shares outstanding.

DIVIDEND POLICY
The First Defiance Financial Corp. Board reviews and determines on 
a quarterly basis whether to declare a dividend. Dividends declared 
in 2014 totaled $0.63 per share.

DIVIDEND REINVESTMENT PLAN
Shareholders may automatically reinvest dividends in additional 
First Defiance Financial Corp. common stock through the Dividend 
Reinvestment Plan, which also provides for purchase by voluntary 
cash contributions. For additional information, please contact: 
Broadridge Corporate Issuer Solutions
at 1-844-318-0128 or 1-720-358-3594. 

AUDITORS
Crowe Horwath LLP 
330 East Jefferson Boulevard 
South Bend, Indiana 46624

GENERAL COUNSEL
Vorys, Sater, Seymour & Pease LLP 
301 East Fourth Street, Suite 3500 
Cincinnati, Ohio 45202

 
 
 
 
 
    
 
 
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
 
   
 
 
 
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
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A N N U A L   R E P O R T

2014

F i r s t   D e f i a n c e   F i n a n c i a l   C o r p .

First Defiance Financial Corp.
601 Clinton Street
Defiance, OH 43512
419-782-5105
First-Fed.com

First Defiance Financial Corp.
511 Fifth Street
Defiance, OH 43512
419-784-5431
Firstinsurancegrp.com

First Defiance Financial Corp.
601 Clinton Street
Defiance, OH 43512
419-782-5104
Fdef.com

For investor relations information, visit Fdef.com