UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
______________
 
FORM 10-Q
(Mark One)
[X]
Quarterly Report Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934
For the quarterly period ended  March 31, 2014
 
 
 
or
 
 
[ ]
Transition report pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934
For the transition period from _________ to __________.

Commission File Number 0-10967
_______________
 
FIRST MIDWEST BANCORP, INC.
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
Delaware
 
36-3161078
(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization)
 
(IRS Employer Identification No.)
One Pierce Place, Suite 1500
Itasca, Illinois 60143-9768
(Address of principal executive offices) (zip code)
______________________
Registrant’s telephone number, including area code: (630) 875-7450
______________________

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 Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files). Yes [X] No [ ].

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

As of May 9, 2014, there were 75,268,510 shares of common stock, $.01 par value, outstanding.
 




FIRST MIDWEST BANCORP, INC.

FORM 10-Q

TABLE OF CONTENTS
 
 
Page
Part I.
FINANCIAL INFORMATION
 
 
Item 1.
Financial Statements (Unaudited)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Item 2.
 
 
Item 3.
 
Item 4.
 
Part II.
 
 
Item 1.
 
Item 1A.
 
Item 2.
 
Item 6.

2





PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION (Unaudited)

ITEM 1. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

FIRST MIDWEST BANCORP, INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION
(Amounts in thousands, except per share data)
 
March 31,
2014
 
December 31,
2013
Assets
(Unaudited)
 
 
Cash and due from banks
$
198,544

 
$
110,417

Interest-bearing deposits in other banks
393,768

 
476,824

Trading securities, at fair value
17,774

 
17,317

Securities available-for-sale, at fair value
1,080,750

 
1,112,725

Securities held-to-maturity, at amortized cost
43,251

 
44,322

Federal Home Loan Bank (“FHLB”) and Federal Reserve Bank stock, at cost
35,161

 
35,161

Loans, excluding covered loans
5,693,090

 
5,580,005

Covered loans
122,387

 
134,355

Allowance for loan and covered loan losses
(80,632
)
 
(85,505
)
Net loans
5,734,845

 
5,628,855

Other real estate owned (“OREO”), excluding covered OREO
30,026

 
32,473

Covered OREO
7,355

 
8,863

Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (“FDIC”) indemnification asset
15,537

 
16,585

Premises, furniture, and equipment
119,219

 
120,204

Investment in bank-owned life insurance (“BOLI”)
193,673

 
193,167

Goodwill and other intangible assets
275,605

 
276,366

Accrued interest receivable and other assets
183,011

 
180,128

Total assets
$
8,328,519

 
$
8,253,407

Liabilities
 
 
 
Noninterest-bearing deposits
$
1,961,371

 
$
1,911,602

Interest-bearing deposits
4,855,386

 
4,854,499

Total deposits
6,816,757

 
6,766,101

Borrowed funds
223,699

 
224,342

Senior and subordinated debt
190,964

 
190,932

Accrued interest payable and other liabilities
76,674

 
70,590

Total liabilities
7,308,094

 
7,251,965

Stockholders’ Equity
 
 
 
Common stock
858

 
858

Additional paid-in capital
406,009

 
414,293

Retained earnings
866,132

 
853,740

Accumulated other comprehensive loss, net of tax
(19,772
)
 
(26,792
)
Treasury stock, at cost
(232,802
)
 
(240,657
)
Total stockholders’ equity
1,020,425

 
1,001,442

Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity
$
8,328,519

 
$
8,253,407

Per Common Share Data
 
 
 
Par Value
$
0.01

 
$
0.01

Shares authorized
100,000

 
100,000

Shares issued
85,787

 
85,787

Shares outstanding
75,266

 
75,071

Treasury shares
10,521

 
10,716

See accompanying notes to the unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements.

3





FIRST MIDWEST BANCORP, INC.
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME
(Amounts in thousands, except per share data)
(Unaudited)
 
Quarters Ended 
 March 31,
 
2014
 
2013
Interest Income
 
 
 
Loans, excluding covered loans
$
59,002

 
$
59,431

Covered loans
1,938

 
3,449

Investment securities
8,005

 
7,356

Other short-term investments
745

 
809

Total interest income
69,690

 
71,045

Interest Expense
 
 
 
Deposits
2,597

 
3,320

Borrowed funds
383

 
442

Senior and subordinated debt
3,015

 
3,435

Total interest expense
5,995

 
7,197

Net interest income
63,695

 
63,848

Provision for loan and covered loan losses
1,441

 
5,674

Net interest income after provision for loan and covered loan losses
62,254

 
58,174

Noninterest Income
 
 
 
Service charges on deposit accounts
8,020

 
8,677

Wealth management fees
6,457

 
5,839

Card-based fees
5,335

 
5,076

Mortgage banking income
1,115

 
1,966

Other service charges, commissions, and fees
4,122

 
4,200

Net securities gains
1,073

 

Other income
1,128

 
1,817

Total noninterest income
27,250

 
27,575

Noninterest Expense
 
 
 
Salaries and employee benefits
33,491

 
36,569

Net occupancy and equipment expense
9,391

 
8,147

Professional services
5,389

 
5,218

Technology and related costs
3,074

 
2,483

Net OREO expense
1,556

 
1,799

Other expenses
10,767

 
10,598

Total noninterest expense
63,668

 
64,814

Income before income tax expense
25,836

 
20,935

Income tax expense
8,172

 
6,293

Net income
17,664

 
14,642

Net income applicable to non-vested restricted shares
(225
)
 
(212
)
Net income applicable to common shares
$
17,439

 
$
14,430

Per Common Share Data
 
 
 
Basic earnings per common share
$
0.24

 
$
0.20

Diluted earnings per common share
$
0.24

 
$
0.20

Dividends declared per common share
$
0.07

 
$
0.01

Weighted-average common shares outstanding
74,147

 
73,867

Weighted-average diluted common shares outstanding
74,159

 
73,874

See accompanying notes to the unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements.

4





FIRST MIDWEST BANCORP, INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
(Dollar amounts in thousands)
(Unaudited)
 
Quarters Ended 
 March 31,
 
2014
 
2013
Net income
$
17,664

 
$
14,642

Securities available-for-sale
 
 
 
Unrealized holding gains (losses):
 
 
 
Before tax
12,690

 
(2,016
)
Tax effect
(5,036
)
 
787

Net of tax
7,654

 
(1,229
)
Reclassification of net gains included in net income:
 
 
Before tax
1,073

 

Tax effect
(439
)
 

Net of tax
634

 

Net unrealized holding gains (losses)
7,020

 
(1,229
)
Total other comprehensive income (loss)
7,020

 
(1,229
)
Total comprehensive income
$
24,684

 
$
13,413



 
Accumulated
Unrealized
Gain (Loss)
on Securities
Available-
for-Sale
 
Unrecognized
Net Pension
Costs
 
Total
Accumulated
Other
Comprehensive
Loss
Balance at December 31, 2012
$
1,115

 
$
(16,775
)
 
$
(15,660
)
Other comprehensive loss
(1,229
)
 

 
(1,229
)
Balance at March 31, 2013
$
(114
)
 
$
(16,775
)
 
$
(16,889
)
Balance at December 31, 2013
$
(20,419
)
 
$
(6,373
)
 
$
(26,792
)
Other comprehensive income
7,020

 

 
7,020

Balance at March 31, 2014
$
(13,399
)
 
$
(6,373
)
 
$
(19,772
)
 
See accompanying notes to the unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements.


5





FIRST MIDWEST BANCORP, INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
(Amounts in thousands, except per share data)
(Unaudited)
 
Common
Shares
Outstanding
 
Common
Stock
 
Additional
Paid-in
Capital
 
Retained
Earnings
 
Accumulated
Other
Comprehensive
Loss
 
Treasury
Stock
 
Total
Balance at December 31, 2012
74,840

 
$
858

 
$
418,318

 
$
786,453

 
$
(15,660
)
 
$
(249,076
)
 
$
940,893

Comprehensive income (loss)

 

 

 
14,642

 
(1,229
)
 

 
13,413

Common dividends declared
($0.01 per common share)

 

 

 
(752
)
 

 

 
(752
)
Share-based compensation expense

 

 
1,341

 

 

 

 
1,341

Restricted stock activity
256

 

 
(10,567
)
 

 

 
9,135

 
(1,432
)
Treasury stock (purchased for)
  issued to benefit plans
(1
)
 

 
(15
)
 

 

 
3

 
(12
)
Balance at March 31, 2013
75,095

 
$
858

 
$
409,077

 
$
800,343

 
$
(16,889
)
 
$
(239,938
)
 
$
953,451

Balance at December 31, 2013
75,071

 
$
858

 
$
414,293

 
$
853,740

 
$
(26,792
)
 
$
(240,657
)
 
$
1,001,442

Comprehensive income

 

 

 
17,664

 
7,020

 

 
24,684

Common dividends declared
($0.07 per common share)

 

 

 
(5,272
)
 

 

 
(5,272
)
Share-based compensation expense

 

 
1,476

 

 

 

 
1,476

Restricted stock activity
195

 

 
(9,717
)
 

 

 
7,742

 
(1,975
)
Treasury stock (purchased for)
  issued to benefit plans

 

 
(43
)
 

 

 
113

 
70

Balance at March 31, 2014
75,266

 
$
858

 
$
406,009

 
$
866,132

 
$
(19,772
)
 
$
(232,802
)
 
$
1,020,425

 
See accompanying notes to the unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements.

6





FIRST MIDWEST BANCORP, INC.
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(Dollar amounts in thousands)
(Unaudited)
 
Quarters Ended 
 March 31,
 
2014
 
2013
Net cash provided by operating activities
$
21,541

 
$
27,993

Investing Activities
 
 
 
Proceeds from maturities, prepayments, and calls of securities available-for-sale
47,810

 
63,724

Proceeds from sales of securities available-for-sale
1,698

 

Purchases of securities available-for-sale
(6,142
)
 
(232,730
)
Proceeds from maturities, prepayments, and calls of securities held-to-maturity
1,924

 
3,380

Purchases of securities held-to-maturity
(853
)
 
(528
)
Net (increase) decrease in loans
(107,700
)
 
22,176

BOLI income, net of claims
(16
)
 
(20
)
Proceeds from sales of OREO
5,865

 
3,493

Proceeds from sales of premises, furniture, and equipment
18

 
1,425

Purchases of premises, furniture, and equipment
(1,954
)
 
(985
)
Net cash used in investing activities
(59,350
)
 
(140,065
)
Financing Activities
 
 
 
Net increase (decrease) in deposit accounts
50,656

 
(71,460
)
Net (decrease) increase in borrowed funds
(643
)
 
22,870

Cash dividends paid
(5,258
)
 
(749
)
Restricted stock activity
(2,653
)
 
(1,564
)
Excess tax benefit related to share-based compensation
778

 
25

Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities
42,880

 
(50,878
)
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents
5,071

 
(162,950
)
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period
587,241

 
716,266

Cash and cash equivalents at end of period
$
592,312

 
$
553,316

 
 
 
 
Supplemental Disclosures of Cash Flow Information:
 
 
 
Income taxes paid (refunded)
$
2,993

 
$
(5,497
)
Interest paid to depositors and creditors
3,142

 
4,038

Dividends declared, but unpaid
5,272

 
752

Non-cash transfers of loans to OREO
2,562

 
5,966

 
See accompanying notes to the unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements.

7





NOTES TO THE CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Unaudited)

1.  SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

Basis of Presentation – The accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated interim financial statements of First Midwest Bancorp, Inc. (the “Company”), a Delaware corporation, were prepared in accordance with the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC") for quarterly reports on Form 10-Q and reflect all adjustments that management deems necessary for the fair presentation of the financial position and results of operations for the periods presented. The results of operations for the quarter ended March 31, 2014 are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected for the year ending December 31, 2014.

The accounting and reporting policies of the Company and its subsidiaries conform to U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”) and general practices within the banking industry. The accompanying quarterly statements do not include certain information and footnote disclosures required by GAAP for complete annual financial statements. Therefore, these financial statements should be read in conjunction with the Company’s 2013 Annual Report on Form 10-K (“2013 10-K”). The Company uses the accrual basis of accounting for financial reporting purposes. Certain reclassifications were made to prior year amounts to conform to the current year presentation.

Principles of Consolidation – The accompanying condensed consolidated financial statements include the financial position and results of operations of the Company and its subsidiaries after elimination of all significant intercompany accounts and transactions. Assets held in a fiduciary or agency capacity are not assets of the Company or its subsidiaries and are not included in the condensed consolidated financial statements.

Use of Estimates – The preparation of the condensed consolidated financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts reported in the condensed consolidated financial statements and accompanying notes. Although these estimates and assumptions are based on the best available information, actual results could differ from those estimates.

The accounting policies related to loans, the allowance for credit losses, the FDIC indemnification asset, and derivative financial instruments are presented below. For a summary of all other significant accounting policies, please refer to Note 1, “Summary of Significant Accounting Policies,” in the Company’s 2013 10-K.

Loans – Loans held-for-investment are loans that the Company intends to hold until they are paid in full and are carried at the principal amount outstanding, including certain net deferred loan origination fees. Interest income on loans is accrued based on principal amounts outstanding. Loan origination fees, commitment fees, and certain direct loan origination costs are deferred, and the net amount is amortized as a yield adjustment over the contractual life of the related loans or commitments and included in interest income. Fees related to standby letters of credit are amortized into fee income over the contractual life of the commitment. Other credit-related fees are recognized as fee income when earned. Loans held-for-sale are carried at the lower of aggregate cost or fair value and included in other assets in the Consolidated Statements of Financial Condition.

Purchased Impaired Loans Purchased impaired loans include acquired loans that had evidence of credit deterioration since origination and it was probable at acquisition that the Company would not collect all contractually required principal and interest payments. Evidence of credit deterioration was evaluated using various indicators, such as past due and non-accrual status. Other key considerations included past performance of the failed institutions' credit underwriting standards, completeness and accuracy of credit files, maintenance of risk ratings, and age of appraisals. Lease and revolving loans do not qualify to be accounted for as purchased impaired loans. Purchased impaired loans are recorded at fair value on the acquisition date, and are accounted for prospectively based on estimates of expected cash flows. No allowance for credit losses is recorded on these loans at the acquisition date. To estimate the fair value, the Company generally aggregates purchased consumer loans and certain smaller balance commercial loans into pools of loans with common risk characteristics, such as delinquency status, credit score, and internal risk rating. The fair values of larger balance commercial loans are estimated on an individual basis. Expected future cash flows in excess of the fair value of loans at the purchase date (“accretable yield”) are recorded as interest income over the life of the loans if the timing and amount of the future cash flows can be reasonably estimated. The non-accretable yield represents the difference between contractually required payments and the cash flows expected to be collected at acquisition.

Subsequent increases in cash flows are recognized as interest income prospectively. The present value of any decreases in expected cash flows is recognized by recording a charge-off through the allowance for loan and covered loan losses or establishing an allowance for loan and covered loan losses.


8





Non-accrual Loans Generally, corporate loans are placed on non-accrual status (i) when either principal or interest payments become 90 days or more past due unless the loan is sufficiently collateralized such that full repayment of both principal and interest is expected and is in the process of collection within a reasonable period or (ii) when an individual analysis of a borrower’s creditworthiness warrants a downgrade to non-accrual regardless of past due status. When a loan is placed on non-accrual status, unpaid interest credited to income in the current year is reversed, and unpaid interest accrued in prior years is charged against the allowance for loan losses. After the loan is placed on non-accrual, all debt service payments are applied to the principal on the loan. Future interest income may only be recorded on a cash basis after recovery of principal is reasonably assured. Non-accrual loans are returned to accrual status when the financial position of the borrower and other relevant factors indicate that the Company will collect all principal and interest.

Commercial loans and loans secured by real estate are charged-off when deemed uncollectible. A loss is recorded if the net realizable value of the underlying collateral is less than the outstanding principal and interest. Consumer loans that are not secured by real estate are subject to mandatory charge-off at a specified delinquency date and are usually not classified as non-accrual prior to being charged-off. Closed-end consumer loans, which include installment, automobile, and single payment loans, are usually charged-off no later than the end of the month in which the loan becomes 120 days past due.

Purchased impaired loans are generally considered accruing loans unless reasonable estimates of the timing and amount of future cash flows cannot be determined. Loans without reasonable cash flow estimates are classified as non-accrual loans, and interest income is not recognized on those loans until the timing and amount of the future cash flows can be reasonably determined.

Troubled Debt Restructurings (“TDRs”) – A restructuring is considered a TDR when (i) the borrower is experiencing financial difficulties and (ii) the creditor grants a concession, such as forgiveness of principal, reduction of the interest rate, changes in payments, or extension of the maturity date. Loans are not classified as TDRs when the modification is short-term or results in an insignificant delay in payments. The Company’s TDRs are determined on a case-by-case basis.

The Company does not accrue interest on a TDR unless it believes collection of all principal and interest under the modified terms is reasonably assured. For a TDR to begin accruing interest, the borrower must demonstrate both some level of past performance and the future capacity to perform under the modified terms. Generally, six months of consecutive payment performance under the restructured terms is required before a TDR is returned to accrual status. However, the period could vary depending on the individual facts and circumstances of the loan. An evaluation of the borrower’s current creditworthiness is used to assess the borrower’s capacity to repay the loan under the modified terms. This evaluation includes an estimate of expected cash flows, evidence of strong financial position, and estimates of the value of collateral, if applicable. For TDRs to be removed from TDR status in the calendar year after the restructuring, the loans must (i) have an interest rate and terms that reflect market conditions at the time of restructuring, and (ii) be in compliance with the modified terms. If the loan was restructured at below market rates and terms, it continues to be separately reported as restructured until it is paid in full or charged-off.

Impaired Loans – Impaired loans consist of corporate non-accrual loans and TDRs.

A loan is considered impaired when it is probable that the Company will not collect all contractual principal and interest. With the exception of accruing TDRs, impaired loans are classified as non-accrual and are exclusive of smaller homogeneous loans, such as home equity, 1-4 family mortgages, and installment loans. Impaired loans with balances under a specified threshold are not individually evaluated for impairment. For all other impaired loans, impairment is measured by comparing the estimated value of the loan to the recorded book value. The value of collateral-dependent loans is based on the fair value of the underlying collateral, less costs to sell. The value of other loans is measured using the present value of expected future cash flows discounted at the loan’s initial effective interest rate. Purchased impaired loans are not reported as impaired loans provided that estimates of the timing and amount of future cash flows can be reasonably determined.

90-Days Past Due Loans –The Company’s accrual of interest on loans is discontinued at the time the loan is 90 days past due unless the credit is sufficiently collateralized and in the process of renewal or collection.

Allowance for Credit Losses – The allowance for credit losses is comprised of the allowance for loan losses, the allowance for covered loan losses, and the reserve for unfunded commitments, and is maintained by management at a level believed adequate to absorb estimated losses inherent in the existing loan portfolio. Determination of the allowance for credit losses is subjective since it requires significant estimates and management judgment, including the amounts and timing of expected future cash flows on impaired loans, estimated losses on pools of homogeneous loans, consideration of current economic trends, and other factors.

Loans deemed to be uncollectible are charged-off against the allowance for loan and covered loan losses, while recoveries of amounts previously charged-off are credited to the allowance for loan and covered loan losses. Additions to the allowance for loan and covered loan losses are charged to expense through the provision for loan and covered loan losses. The amount of provision

9





depends on a number of factors, including net charge-off levels, loan growth, changes in the composition of the loan portfolio, and the Company’s assessment of the allowance for loan and covered loan losses based on the methodology discussed below.

Allowance for Loan Losses The allowance for loan losses consists of (i) specific reserves for individual loans where the recorded investment exceeds the value, (ii) an allowance based on a loss migration analysis that uses historical credit loss experience for each loan category, and (iii) and allowance based on other internal and external qualitative factors.

The specific reserves component of the allowance for loan losses is based on a periodic analysis of impaired loans exceeding a fixed dollar amount. If the value of an impaired loan is less than the recorded book value, the Company either establishes a valuation allowance (i.e., a specific reserve) equal to the excess of the book value over the value of the loan as a component of the allowance for loan losses or charges off the amount if it is a confirmed loss.

The general reserve component is based on a loss migration analysis, which examines actual loss experience by loan category for a rolling 8-quarter period and the related internal risk rating for corporate loans. The loss migration analysis is updated quarterly using actual loss experience. This component is then adjusted based on management’s consideration of many internal and external qualitative factors, including:

Changes in the composition of the loan portfolio, trends in the volume of loans, and trends in delinquent and non-accrual loans that could indicate that historical trends do not reflect current conditions.
Changes in credit policies and procedures, such as underwriting standards and collection, charge-off, and recovery practices.
Changes in the experience, ability, and depth of credit management and other relevant staff.
Changes in the quality of the Company’s loan review system and Board of Directors oversight.
The effect of any concentration of credit and changes in the level of concentrations, such as loan type or risk rating.
Changes in the value of the underlying collateral for collateral-dependent loans.
Changes in the national and local economy that affect the collectability of various segments of the portfolio.
The effect of other external factors, such as competition and legal and regulatory requirements, on the Company’s loan portfolio.

Allowance for Covered Loan Losses The Company’s allowance for covered loan losses reflects the difference between the carrying value and the discounted present value of the estimated cash flows of the covered purchased impaired loans. On a periodic basis, the adequacy of this allowance is determined through a re-estimation of cash flows on all of the outstanding covered purchased impaired loans using either a probability of default/loss given default (“PD/LGD”) methodology or a specific review methodology. The PD/LGD model is an expected loss model that estimates future cash flows using a probability of default curve and loss given default estimates.

Reserve for Unfunded Commitments The Company also maintains a reserve for unfunded commitments, including letters of credit, for the risk of loss inherent in these arrangements. The reserve for unfunded commitments is estimated using the loss migration analysis from the allowance for loan losses, adjusted for probabilities of future funding requirements. The reserve for unfunded commitments is included in other liabilities in the Consolidated Statements of Financial Condition.

The establishment of the allowance for credit losses involves a high degree of judgment given the difficulty of assessing the factors impacting loan repayment and estimating the timing and amount of losses. While management utilizes its best judgment and information available, the adequacy of the allowance for credit losses depends on a variety of factors beyond the Company’s control, including the performance of its loan portfolio, the economy, changes in interest rates and property values, and the interpretation of loan risk classifications by regulatory authorities.

FDIC Indemnification Asset – The majority of loans and OREO acquired through FDIC-assisted transactions are covered by loss share agreements with the FDIC (the “FDIC Agreements”), under which the FDIC reimburses the Company for the majority of the losses and eligible expenses related to these assets. The FDIC indemnification asset represents the present value of future expected reimbursements from the FDIC. Since the indemnified items are covered loans and covered OREO, which are initially measured at fair value, the FDIC indemnification asset is also initially measured at fair value by discounting the cash flows expected to be received from the FDIC. These cash flows are estimated by multiplying estimated losses on purchased impaired loans and OREO by the reimbursement rates in the FDIC Agreements.

The balance of the FDIC indemnification asset is adjusted periodically to reflect changes in estimated cash flows. Decreases in estimated reimbursements from the FDIC are recorded prospectively through amortization and increases in estimated reimbursements from the FDIC are recognized by an increase in the carrying value of the indemnification asset. Payments from the FDIC for reimbursement of losses result in a reduction of the FDIC indemnification asset.

10






Derivative Financial Instruments – In the ordinary course of business, the Company enters into derivative transactions as part of its overall interest rate risk management strategy to minimize significant unplanned fluctuations in earnings and cash flows caused by interest rate volatility. All derivative instruments are recorded at fair value as either other assets or other liabilities in the Consolidated Statements of Financial Condition. Subsequent changes in a derivative’s fair value are recognized in earnings unless specific hedge accounting criteria are met.

On the date the Company enters into a derivative contract, the derivative is designated as a fair value hedge, a cash flow hedge, or a non-hedge derivative instrument. Fair value hedges are designed to mitigate exposure to changes in the fair value of an asset or liability attributable to a particular risk, such as interest rate risk. Cash flow hedges are designed to mitigate exposure to variability in expected future cash flows to be received or paid related to an asset, liability, or other type of forecasted transaction. The Company formally documents all relationships between hedging instruments and hedged items, including its risk management objective and strategy.

At the hedge’s inception and quarterly thereafter, a formal assessment is performed to determine the effectiveness of the derivative in offsetting changes in the fair values or cash flows of the hedged items in the current period and prospectively. If a derivative instrument designated as a hedge is terminated or ceases to be highly effective, hedge accounting is discontinued prospectively, and the gain or loss is amortized into earnings. For fair value hedges, the gain or loss is amortized over the remaining life of the hedged asset or liability. For cash flow hedges, the gain or loss is amortized over the same period that the forecasted hedged transactions impact earnings. If the hedged item is disposed of, any fair value adjustments are included in the gain or loss from the disposition of the hedged item. If the forecasted transaction is no longer probable, the gain or loss is included in earnings immediately.

For effective fair value hedges, changes in the fair value of the derivative instruments, as well as changes in the fair value of the hedged item, are recognized in earnings. For cash flow hedges, the effective portion of the change in fair value of the derivative instrument is reported as a component of accumulated other comprehensive loss and is reclassified to earnings when the hedged transaction is reflected in earnings.

Ineffectiveness is calculated based on the change in fair value of the hedged item compared with the change in fair value of the hedging instrument. For all types of hedges, any ineffectiveness in the hedging relationship is recognized in earnings during the period the ineffectiveness occurs.

2.  RECENT ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS
Income Taxes: In January of 2014, the FASB issued guidance that requires an entity to present an unrecognized tax benefit, or a portion of an unrecognized tax benefit, as a reduction to a deferred tax asset for a net operating loss carryforward, a similar tax loss, or a tax credit carryforward. To the extent a net operating loss carryforward, a similar tax loss, or a tax credit carryforward is not available at the reporting date or, if the tax law of the applicable jurisdiction does not require the entity to use, and the entity does not intend to use, the deferred tax asset for such purpose, the unrecognized tax benefit should be presented in the financial statements as a liability and should not be combined with deferred tax assets. The guidance is effective for annual and interim reporting periods beginning on or after December 15, 2013, and must be applied prospectively. The adoption of this guidance on January 1, 2014 did not impact the Company's financial condition, results of operations, or liquidity.
Receivables - Troubled Debt Restructurings by Creditors: In January of 2014, the FASB issued guidance to clarify when an in substance repossession or foreclosure occurs and an entity is considered to have received physical possession of the residential real estate property such that a loan receivable should be derecognized and the real estate property recognized. Additionally, the guidance requires interim and annual disclosure of the amount of foreclosed residential real estate property held by the entity and the recorded investment in consumer mortgage loans collateralized by residential real estate property that are in the process of foreclosure according to local requirements of the applicable jurisdiction. The guidance is effective for annual and interim periods beginning after December 15, 2014 and can be applied retrospectively or prospectively. Management does not expect the adoption of this guidance to materially impact the Company's financial condition, results of operations, or liquidity.


11





3.  SECURITIES

Securities are classified as held-to-maturity, trading, or available-for-sale at the time of purchase. Securities classified as held-to-maturity are securities for which management has the positive intent and ability to hold to maturity and are stated at cost.

The Company’s trading securities consist of diversified investment securities reported at fair value that are held in a grantor trust under deferred compensation arrangements that allow plan participants to direct amounts into a variety of securities, including Company stock. Net trading gains represent changes in the fair value of the trading securities portfolio and are included in other noninterest income in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income.

All other securities are classified as available-for-sale and are carried at fair value with unrealized gains and losses, net of related deferred income taxes, recorded in stockholders’ equity as a separate component of accumulated other comprehensive loss.

A summary of the Company's securities portfolio by category and maturity is presented in the following tables.

Securities Portfolio
(Dollar amounts in thousands)
 
March 31, 2014
 
December 31, 2013
 
Amortized Cost
 
Gross Unrealized
 
Fair
 Value
 
Amortized Cost
 
Gross Unrealized
 
Fair
 Value
 
 
Gains
 
Losses
 
 
 
Gains
 
Losses
 
Securities Available-for-Sale
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
U.S. agency securities
$
500

 
$

 
$

 
$
500

 
$
500

 
$

 
$

 
$
500

Collateralized mortgage
  obligations (“CMOs”)
470,265

 
1,544

 
(12,348
)
 
459,461

 
490,962

 
1,427

 
(16,621
)
 
475,768

Other mortgage-backed
  securities (“MBSs”)
128,733

 
3,744

 
(1,572
)
 
130,905

 
135,097

 
3,349

 
(2,282
)
 
136,164

Municipal securities
441,171

 
11,005

 
(3,333
)
 
448,843

 
457,318

 
9,673

 
(5,598
)
 
461,393

Trust preferred
  collateralized debt
  obligations (“CDOs”)
46,532

 

 
(24,866
)
 
21,666

 
46,532

 

 
(28,223
)
 
18,309

Corporate debt securities
12,997

 
1,997

 

 
14,994

 
12,999

 
1,930

 

 
14,929

Equity securities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Hedge fund investment
597

 
1,039

 

 
1,636

 
1,208

 
1,971

 

 
3,179

Other equity securities
2,727

 
95

 
(77
)
 
2,745

 
2,498

 
75

 
(90
)
 
2,483

Total equity securities
3,324

 
1,134

 
(77
)
 
4,381

 
3,706

 
2,046

 
(90
)
 
5,662

Total available-
  for-sale securities
$
1,103,522

 
$
19,424

 
$
(42,196
)
 
$
1,080,750

 
$
1,147,114

 
$
18,425

 
$
(52,814
)
 
$
1,112,725

Securities Held-to-Maturity
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Municipal securities
$
43,251

 
$

 
$
(677
)
 
$
42,574

 
$
44,322

 
$

 
$
(935
)
 
$
43,387

Trading Securities
 
 
 
 
 
 
$
17,774

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
$
17,317




12





Remaining Contractual Maturity of Securities
(Dollar amounts in thousands)
 
March 31, 2014
 
Available-for-Sale
 
Held-to-Maturity
 
Amortized
Cost
 
Fair Value
 
Amortized
Cost
 
Fair Value
One year or less
$
34,285

 
$
33,245

 
$
3,609

 
$
3,552

After one year to five years
132,257

 
128,247

 
10,045

 
9,888

After five years to ten years
167,497

 
162,418

 
7,796

 
7,674

After ten years
167,161

 
162,093

 
21,801

 
21,460

Securities that do not have a single contractual maturity date
602,322

 
594,747

 

 

Total
$
1,103,522

 
$
1,080,750

 
$
43,251

 
$
42,574


The carrying value of securities available-for-sale that were pledged to secure deposits or for other purposes as permitted or required by law totaled $675.5 million at March 31, 2014 and $755.3 million at December 31, 2013. No securities held-to-maturity were pledged as of March 31, 2014 or December 31, 2013.

Purchases and sales of securities are recognized on a trade date basis. Realized securities gains or losses are reported in net securities gains in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income. The cost of securities sold is based on the specific identification method. The following table presents net realized gains on securities.

Securities Gains
(Dollar amounts in thousands)
 
Quarters Ended 
 March 31,
 
2014
 
2013
Gains on sales of securities:
 
 
 
Gross realized gains
$
1,101

 
$

Gross realized losses

 

Net realized gains on securities sales
1,101

 

Non-cash impairment charges:
 
 
 
OTTI
(28
)
 

Portion of OTTI recognized in other comprehensive loss

 

Net non-cash impairment charges
(28
)
 

Net realized gains
$
1,073

 
$

Net trading gains (1)
$
191

 
$
1,036


(1)  
All net trading gains relate to trading securities still held as of March 31, 2014 and March 31, 2013 and are included in other income in the Condensed Consolidated Statement of Income.

The non-cash impairment charges in the table above relate to OTTI charges on certain CMOs. Accounting guidance requires that the credit portion of an OTTI charge be recognized through income. If a decline in fair value below carrying value is not attributable to credit deterioration and the Company does not intend to sell the security or believe it would not be more likely than not required to sell the security prior to recovery, the Company records the non-credit related portion of the decline in fair value in other comprehensive income (loss).


13





The following table presents the cumulative amount of OTTI on CDOs related to credit deterioration recognized by year in earnings.

OTTI on CDOs
(Dollar amounts in thousands)
 
 
Quarters Ended 
 March 31,
 
 
Number
 
2014
 
2013
 
Life-to-Date
1
 
$

 
$

 
$
10,360

2
 

 

 
9,402

3
 

 

 
2,262

4
 

 

 
1,078

5
 

 

 
8,570

6
 

 

 
243

7
 

 

 
6,750

 
 
$

 
$

 
$
38,665


In deriving the credit component of the impairment on the CDOs, projected cash flows were discounted at the contractual rate and compared to the fair values computed by discounting future projected cash flows at the London Interbank Offered Rate (“LIBOR”) plus an adjustment to reflect the higher risk inherent in these securities given their complex structures and the impact of market factors.

The following table presents a rollforward of life-to-date OTTI recognized in earnings related to all available-for-sale securities held by the Company for the quarters ended March 31, 2014 and 2013.

Changes in OTTI Recognized in Earnings
(Dollar amounts in thousands)
 
Quarters Ended 
 March 31,
 
2014
 
2013
Beginning balance
$
32,422

 
$
38,803

OTTI included in earnings (1) :
 
 
 
Losses on securities that previously had OTTI
28

 

Losses on securities that did not previously have OTTI

 

Reduction for securities sales

 

Ending balance
$
32,450

 
$
38,803


(1)  
Included in net securities gains in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income.


14





The following table presents the aggregate amount of unrealized losses and the aggregate related fair values of securities with unrealized losses as of March 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013.

Securities in an Unrealized Loss Position
(Dollar amounts in thousands)
 
 
 
Less Than 12 Months
 
Greater Than 12 Months
 
Total
 
Number of
Securities
 
Fair
Value
 
Unrealized
Losses
 
Fair
Value
 
Unrealized
Losses
 
Fair
Value
 
Unrealized
Losses
As of March 31, 2014
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
CMOs
60

 
$
276,580

 
$
8,693

 
$
93,180

 
$
3,655

 
$
369,760

 
$
12,348

Other MBSs
12

 
17,602

 
298

 
29,461

 
1,274

 
47,063

 
1,572

Municipal securities
137

 
30,970

 
540

 
53,560

 
2,793

 
84,530

 
3,333

CDOs
6

 

 

 
21,666

 
24,866

 
21,666

 
24,866

Equity securities
1

 
2,192

 
77

 

 

 
2,192

 
77

Total
216

 
$
327,344

 
$
9,608

 
$
197,867

 
$
32,588

 
$
525,211

 
$
42,196

As of December 31, 2013
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
CMOs
67

 
$
338,064

 
$
14,288

 
$
57,269

 
$
2,333

 
$
395,333

 
$
16,621

Other MBSs
19

 
57,311

 
2,281

 
356

 
1

 
57,667

 
2,282

Municipal securities
154

 
65,370

 
3,245

 
27,565

 
2,353

 
92,935

 
5,598

CDOs
6

 

 

 
18,309

 
28,223

 
18,309

 
28,223

Equity securities
1

 
2,168

 
90

 

 

 
2,168

 
90

Total
247

 
$
462,913

 
$
19,904

 
$
103,499

 
$
32,910

 
$
566,412

 
$
52,814


Substantially all of the Company’s CMOs and other MBSs are either backed by U.S. government-owned agencies or issued by U.S. government-sponsored enterprises. Municipal securities are issued by municipal authorities, and the majority are supported by third-party insurance or some other form of credit enhancement. Management does not believe any individual unrealized loss as of March 31, 2014 represents an OTTI related to credit deterioration. The unrealized losses associated with these securities are not believed to be attributed to credit quality, but rather to changes in interest rates and temporary market movements. In addition, the Company does not intend to sell the securities with unrealized losses, and it is not more likely than not that the Company will be required to sell them before recovery of their amortized cost basis, which may be at maturity.

The unrealized losses on CDOs as of March 31, 2014 reflect the illiquidity of these structured investment vehicles. Management does not believe these unrealized losses represent OTTI related to credit deterioration. In addition, the Company does not intend to sell the CDOs with unrealized losses within a short period of time, and the Company does not believe it is more likely than not that it will be required to sell them before recovery of their amortized cost basis, which may be at maturity.

Significant judgment is required to calculate the fair value of the CDOs, all of which are pooled. The Company estimates the fair value of these securities using discounted cash flow analyses with the assistance of a structured credit valuation firm. For additional discussion of the CDO valuation methodology, refer to Note 11, “Fair Value."


15





4.  LOANS

Loans Held-for-Investment

The following table presents the Company's loans held-for-investment by class.

Loan Portfolio
(Dollar amounts in thousands)
 
March 31,
2014
 
December 31,
2013
Commercial and industrial
$
1,917,396

 
$
1,830,638

Agricultural
321,343

 
321,702

Commercial real estate:
 
 
 
Office, retail, and industrial
1,348,094

 
1,353,685

Multi-family
337,332

 
332,873

Construction
181,012

 
186,197

Other commercial real estate
822,934

 
807,071

Total commercial real estate
2,689,372

 
2,679,826

Total corporate loans
4,928,111

 
4,832,166

Home equity
475,103

 
427,020

1-4 family mortgages
240,561

 
275,992

Installment
49,315

 
44,827

Total consumer loans
764,979

 
747,839

Total loans, excluding covered loans
5,693,090

 
5,580,005

Covered loans (1)
122,387

 
134,355

Total loans
$
5,815,477

 
$
5,714,360

Deferred loan fees included in total loans
$
4,244

 
$
4,656

Overdrawn demand deposits included in total loans
3,843

 
5,047


(1)  
For information on covered loans, refer to Note 5, “Acquired Loans.”

The Company primarily lends to small and mid-sized businesses, commercial real estate customers, and consumers in its markets. Within these areas, the Company diversifies its loan portfolio by loan type, industry, and borrower.

It is the Company’s policy to review each prospective credit to determine the appropriateness and the adequacy of security or collateral prior to making a loan. In the event of borrower default, the Company seeks recovery in compliance with state lending laws, the Company’s lending standards, and credit monitoring and remediation procedures. A discussion of risk characteristics relevant to each portfolio segment is presented in Note 4, “Loans,” in the Company’s 2013 10-K.

Mortgage Loan Sales

During the quarter ended March 31, 2014, a gain of $1.1 million was recognized on the sale of $50.8 million of mortgage loans, of which $15.5 million were originated with the intent to sell. For the quarter ended March 31, 2013, a gain of $2.0 million was recognized on $54.0 million of mortgage loans sold, none of which were originated with the intent to sell. The Company retained servicing responsibilities for a portion of the sold mortgages and collects servicing fees equal to a percentage of the outstanding principal balance. The Company also retained limited recourse for credit losses on the sold loans. A description of the recourse obligation is presented in Note 10, “Commitments, Guarantees, and Contingent Liabilities.”


16





5.  ACQUIRED LOANS

Since 2009, the Company acquired the majority of the assets and assumed the deposits of four financial institutions in FDIC-assisted transactions. In three of those transactions, most loans and OREO acquired are covered by the FDIC Agreements. The significant accounting policies related to purchased impaired loans and the related FDIC indemnification asset are presented in Note 1, “Summary of Significant Accounting Policies.”

Acquired Loans
(Dollar amounts in thousands)
 
March 31, 2014
 
December 31, 2013
 
Covered
 
Non-Covered
 
Total
 
Covered
 
Non-Covered
 
Total
Purchased impaired loans
$
92,621

(1)  
$
15,341

 
$
107,962

 
$
103,525

(1)  
$
15,608

 
$
119,133

Other loans  (2)
29,766

 
14,512

 
44,278

 
30,830

 
17,024

 
47,854

Total acquired loans
$
122,387

 
$
29,853

 
$
152,240

 
$
134,355

 
$
32,632

 
$
166,987


(1)  
At acquisition, the Company made an election to account for certain covered loans as purchased impaired loans. These loans totaled $23.3 million at March 31, 2014 and $24.6 million at December 31, 2013.
(2)  
These loans did not meet the criteria to be accounted for as purchased impaired loans.

In connection with the FDIC Agreements, the Company recorded an indemnification asset. To maintain eligibility for the loss share reimbursement, the Company is required to follow certain servicing procedures as specified in the FDIC Agreements. The Company was in compliance with those requirements as of March 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013.

Changes in the FDIC Indemnification Asset
(Dollar amounts in thousands)
 
Quarters Ended 
 March 31,
 
2014
 
2013
Beginning balance
$
16,585

 
$
37,051

Amortization
(1,316
)
 
(1,324
)
Change in expected reimbursements from the FDIC for changes in expected credit losses
1,161

 
(942
)
Payments received from the FDIC
(893
)
 
(5,827
)
Ending balance
$
15,537

 
$
28,958


Changes in the accretable yield for purchased impaired loans were as follows.

Changes in Accretable Yield
(Dollar amounts in thousands)
 
Quarters Ended 
 March 31,
 
2014
 
2013
Beginning balance
$
36,792

 
$
51,498

Accretion
(3,510
)
 
(3,886
)
Other (1)
(1,272
)
 
(2,080
)
Ending balance
$
32,010

 
$
45,532


(1)  
Decreases result from the resolution of certain loans occurring earlier than anticipated.


17





6.  PAST DUE LOANS, ALLOWANCE FOR CREDIT LOSSES, IMPAIRED LOANS, AND TDRS

Past Due and Non-accrual Loans

The following table presents an aging analysis of the Company’s past due loans as of March 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013. The aging is determined without regard to accrual status. The table also presents non-performing loans, consisting of non-accrual loans (the majority of which are past due) and loans 90 days or more past due and still accruing interest, as of each balance sheet date.

Aging Analysis of Past Due Loans and Non-Performing Loans by Class
(Dollar amounts in thousands)
 
Aging Analysis (Accruing and Non-accrual)
 
 
Non-performing Loans
 
Current
 
30-89 Days
Past Due
 
90 Days or
More Past
Due
 
Total
Past Due
 
Total
Loans
 
 
Non-
accrual
Loans
 
90 Days Past Due Loans, Still Accruing Interest
March 31, 2014
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Commercial and industrial
$
1,904,512

 
$
3,564

 
$
9,320

 
$
12,884

 
$
1,917,396

 
 
$
8,559

 
$
2,163

Agricultural
320,999

 
11

 
333

 
344

 
321,343

 
 
364

 

Commercial real estate:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Office, retail, and industrial
1,324,347

 
9,946

 
13,801

 
23,747

 
1,348,094

 
 
24,968

 

Multi-family
334,348

 
1,568

 
1,416

 
2,984

 
337,332

 
 
2,181

 

Construction
175,742

 
75

 
5,195

 
5,270

 
181,012

 
 
5,297

 

Other commercial real estate
813,336

 
2,005

 
7,593

 
9,598

 
822,934

 
 
9,049

 
588

Total commercial real
  estate
2,647,773

 
13,594

 
28,005

 
41,599

 
2,689,372

 
 
41,495

 
588

Total corporate loans
4,873,284

 
17,169

 
37,658

 
54,827

 
4,928,111

 
 
50,418

 
2,751

Home equity
463,933

 
3,944

 
7,226

 
11,170

 
475,103

 
 
6,720

 
1,589

1-4 family mortgages
234,003

 
1,776

 
4,782

 
6,558

 
240,561

 
 
5,014

 
505

Installment
46,959

 
173

 
2,183

 
2,356

 
49,315

 
 
2,065

 
128

Total consumer loans
744,895

 
5,893

 
14,191

 
20,084

 
764,979

 
 
13,799

 
2,222

Total loans, excluding
  covered loans
5,618,179

 
23,062

 
51,849

 
74,911

 
5,693,090

 
 
64,217

 
4,973

Covered loans
88,336

 
2,479

 
31,572

 
34,051

 
122,387

 
 
18,004

 
14,691

Total loans
$
5,706,515

 
$
25,541

 
$
83,421

 
$
108,962

 
$
5,815,477

 
 
$
82,221

 
$
19,664

December 31, 2013
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Commercial and industrial
$
1,814,660

 
$
6,872

 
$
9,106

 
$
15,978

 
$
1,830,638

 
 
$
11,767

 
$
393

Agricultural
321,156

 
134

 
412

 
546

 
321,702

 
 
519

 

Commercial real estate:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Office, retail, and industrial
1,335,027

 
2,620

 
16,038

 
18,658

 
1,353,685

 
 
17,076

 
1,315

Multi-family
330,960

 
318

 
1,595

 
1,913

 
332,873

 
 
1,848

 

Construction
180,083

 
23

 
6,091

 
6,114

 
186,197

 
 
6,297

 

Other commercial real estate
795,462

 
5,365

 
6,244

 
11,609

 
807,071

 
 
8,153

 
258

Total commercial real
estate
2,641,532

 
8,326

 
29,968

 
38,294

 
2,679,826

 
 
33,374

 
1,573

Total corporate loans
4,777,348

 
15,332

 
39,486

 
54,818

 
4,832,166

 
 
45,660

 
1,966

Home equity
415,791

 
4,830

 
6,399

 
11,229

 
427,020

 
 
6,864

 
1,102

1-4 family mortgages
268,912

 
2,046

 
5,034

 
7,080

 
275,992

 
 
5,198

 
548

Installment
42,350

 
330

 
2,147

 
2,477

 
44,827

 
 
2,076

 
92

Total consumer loans
727,053

 
7,206

 
13,580

 
20,786

 
747,839

 
 
14,138

 
1,742

Total loans, excluding
  covered loans
5,504,401

 
22,538

 
53,066

 
75,604

 
5,580,005

 
 
59,798

 
3,708

Covered loans
94,211

 
2,232

 
37,912

 
40,144

 
134,355

 
 
20,942

 
18,081

Total loans
$
5,598,612

 
$
24,770

 
$
90,978

 
$
115,748

 
$
5,714,360

 
 
$
80,740

 
$
21,789



18





Allowance for Credit Losses

The Company maintains an allowance for credit losses at a level deemed adequate by management to absorb probable losses inherent in the loan portfolio. Refer to Note 1, “Summary of Significant Accounting Policies,” for the accounting policy for the allowance for credit losses. A rollforward of the allowance for credit losses by portfolio segment for the quarters ended March 31, 2014 and 2013 is presented in the table below.

Allowance for Credit Losses by Portfolio Segment
(Dollar amounts in thousands)
 
Commercial,
Industrial,
and
Agricultural
 
Office,
Retail, and
Industrial
 
Multi-
Family
 
Construction
 
Other
Commercial
Real Estate
 
Consumer
 
Covered
Loans
 
Reserve for
Unfunded
Commitments
 
Total
Allowance
Quarter ended March 31, 2014
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Beginning balance
$
30,381

 
$
10,405

 
$
2,017

 
$
6,316

 
$
10,817

 
$
13,010

 
$
12,559

 
$
1,616

 
$
87,121

Charge-offs
(3,680
)
 
(1,083
)
 
(90
)
 
(661
)
 
(1,771
)
 
(2,028
)
 
(245
)
 

 
(9,558
)
Recoveries
2,160

 
58

 
1

 
158

 
144

 
138

 
585

 

 
3,244

Net charge-offs
(1,520
)
 
(1,025
)
 
(89
)
 
(503
)
 
(1,627
)
 
(1,890
)
 
340

 

 
(6,314
)
Provision for loan
  and covered loan
  losses and other
(1,569
)
 
3,726

 
40

 
(157
)
 
46

 
825

 
(1,470
)
 

 
1,441

Ending balance
$
27,292

 
$
13,106

 
$
1,968

 
$
5,656

 
$
9,236

 
$
11,945

 
$
11,429

 
$
1,616

 
$
82,248

Quarter ended March 31, 2013
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Beginning balance
$
36,761

 
$
11,432

 
$
3,575

 
$
9,223

 
$
13,531

 
$
12,862

 
$
12,062

 
$
3,366

 
$
102,812

Charge-offs
(3,175
)
 
(1,262
)
 
(165
)
 
(565
)
 
(2,535
)
 
(2,364
)
 
(706
)
 

 
(10,772
)
Recoveries
2,089

 
2

 
5

 
2

 
1,030

 
107

 
8

 

 
3,243

Net charge-offs
(1,086
)
 
(1,260
)
 
(160
)
 
(563
)
 
(1,505
)
 
(2,257
)
 
(698
)
 

 
(7,529
)
Provision for loan
  and covered loan
  losses and other
869

 
523

 
289

 
650

 
1,088

 
1,392

 
863

 
(500
)
 
5,174

Ending balance
$
36,544

 
$
10,695

 
$
3,704

 
$
9,310

 
$
13,114

 
$
11,997

 
$
12,227

 
$
2,866

 
$
100,457


 

19





The table below provides a breakdown of loans and the related allowance for credit losses by portfolio segment.

Loans and Related Allowance for Credit Losses by Portfolio Segment
(Dollar amounts in thousands)
 
Loans
 
Allowance for Credit Losses
 
Individually
Evaluated
for
Impairment
 
Collectively
Evaluated
for
Impairment
 
Purchased Impaired
 
Total
 
Individually
Evaluated
for
Impairment
 
Collectively
Evaluated
for
Impairment
 
Purchased Impaired
 
Total
March 31, 2014
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Commercial, industrial, and
  agricultural
$
7,436

 
$
2,229,820

 
$
1,483

 
$
2,238,739

 
$
2,601

 
$
24,691

 
$

 
$
27,292

Commercial real estate:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Office, retail, and industrial
24,590

 
1,323,504

 

 
1,348,094

 
3,723

 
9,383

 

 
13,106

Multi-family
1,678

 
335,518

 
136

 
337,332

 
22

 
1,946

 

 
1,968

Construction
4,851

 
176,161

 

 
181,012

 
242

 
5,414

 

 
5,656

Other commercial real estate
7,037

 
811,778

 
4,119

 
822,934

 
697

 
8,539

 

 
9,236

Total commercial
  real estate
38,156

 
2,646,961

 
4,255

 
2,689,372

 
4,684

 
25,282

 

 
29,966

Total corporate loans
45,592

 
4,876,781

 
5,738

 
4,928,111

 
7,285

 
49,973

 

 
57,258

Consumer

 
755,376

 
9,603

 
764,979

 

 
11,945

 

 
11,945

Total loans, excluding
  covered loans
45,592

 
5,632,157

 
15,341

 
5,693,090

 
7,285

 
61,918

 

 
69,203

Covered loans:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Purchased impaired loans

 

 
92,621

 
92,621

 

 

 
10,762

 
10,762

Other loans

 
29,766

 

 
29,766

 

 
667

 

 
667

Total covered loans

 
29,766

 
92,621

 
122,387

 

 
667

 
10,762

 
11,429

Reserve for unfunded
  commitments

 

 

 

 

 
1,616

 

 
1,616

Total loans
$
45,592

 
$
5,661,923

 
$
107,962

 
$
5,815,477

 
$
7,285

 
$
64,201

 
$
10,762

 
$
82,248

December 31, 2013
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Commercial, industrial, and
  agricultural
$
13,178

 
$
2,137,440

 
$
1,722

 
$
2,152,340

 
$
4,046

 
$
26,335

 
$

 
$
30,381

Commercial real estate:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Office, retail, and industrial
26,348

 
1,327,337

 

 
1,353,685

 
214

 
10,191

 

 
10,405

Multi-family
1,296

 
331,445

 
132

 
332,873

 
18

 
1,999

 

 
2,017

Construction
5,712

 
180,485

 

 
186,197

 
178

 
6,138

 

 
6,316

Other commercial real estate
9,298

 
793,703

 
4,070

 
807,071

 
704

 
10,113

 

 
10,817

Total commercial
  real estate
42,654

 
2,632,970

 
4,202

 
2,679,826

 
1,114

 
28,441

 

 
29,555

Total corporate loans
55,832

 
4,770,410

 
5,924

 
4,832,166

 
5,160

 
54,776

 

 
59,936

Consumer

 
738,155

 
9,684

 
747,839

 

 
13,010

 

 
13,010

Total loans, excluding
  covered loans
55,832

 
5,508,565

 
15,608

 
5,580,005

 
5,160

 
67,786

 

 
72,946

Covered loans:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Purchased impaired loans

 

 
103,525

 
103,525

 

 

 
11,857

 
11,857

Other loans

 
30,830

 

 
30,830

 

 
702

 

 
702

Total covered loans

 
30,830

 
103,525

 
134,355

 

 
702

 
11,857

 
12,559

Reserve for unfunded
  commitments

 

 

 

 

 
1,616

 

 
1,616

Total loans
$
55,832

 
$
5,539,395

 
$
119,133

 
$
5,714,360

 
$
5,160

 
$
70,104

 
$
11,857

 
$
87,121



20





Loans Individually Evaluated for Impairment

The following table presents loans individually evaluated for impairment by class of loan as of March 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013. Purchased impaired loans are excluded from this disclosure.

Impaired Loans Individually Evaluated by Class
(Dollar amounts in thousands)
 
March 31, 2014
 
 
December 31, 2013
 
Recorded Investment In
 
 
 
 
Recorded Investment In
 
 
 
Loans with
No Specific
Reserve
 
Loans with
a Specific
Reserve
 
Unpaid
Principal
Balance
 
Specific
Reserve
 
 
Loans with
No Specific
Reserve
 
Loans with
a Specific
Reserve
 
Unpaid
Principal
Balance
 
Specific
Reserve
Commercial and industrial
$
6,340

 
$
1,096

 
$
18,279

 
$
2,601

 
 
$
10,047

 
$
3,131

 
$
25,887

 
$
4,046

Agricultural

 

 

 

 
 

 

 

 

Commercial real estate:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Office, retail, and industrial
15,917

 
8,673

 
35,303

 
3,723

 
 
23,872

 
2,476

 
35,868

 
214

Multi-family
1,161

 
517

 
1,678

 
22

 
 
1,098

 
198

 
1,621

 
18

Construction
3,726

 
1,125

 
6,121

 
242

 
 
4,586

 
1,126

 
10,037

 
178

Other commercial real estate
5,114

 
1,923

 
8,887

 
697

 
 
7,553

 
1,745

 
11,335

 
704

Total commercial real
  estate
25,918

 
12,238

 
51,989

 
4,684

 
 
37,109

 
5,545

 
58,861

 
1,114

Total impaired loans
   individually evaluated
   for impairment
$
32,258

 
$
13,334

 
$
70,268

 
$
7,285

 
 
$
47,156

 
$
8,676

 
$
84,748

 
$
5,160


The average recorded investment and interest income recognized on impaired loans by class for the quarters ended March 31, 2014 and 2013 is presented in the following table.

Average Recorded Investment and Interest Income Recognized on Impaired Loans by Class
(Dollar amounts in thousands)
 
Quarters Ended March 31,
 
2014
 
2013
 
Average
Recorded
Investment
 
Interest
Income
Recognized (1)
 
Average
Recorded
Investment
 
Interest
Income
Recognized (1)
Commercial and industrial
$
10,307

 
$
118

 
$
26,937

 
$
2

Agricultural

 

 
1,048

 

Commercial real estate:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Office, retail, and industrial
25,469

 
141

 
24,275

 
4

Multi-family
1,487

 

 
1,534

 

Construction
5,282

 

 
5,536

 

Other commercial real estate
8,168

 
8

 
16,109

 
3

Total commercial real estate
40,406

 
149

 
47,454

 
7

Total impaired loans
$
50,713

 
$
267

 
$
75,439

 
$
9


(1)  
Recorded using the cash basis of accounting.


21






Credit Quality Indicators
Corporate loans and commitments are assessed for credit risk and assigned ratings based on various characteristics, such as the borrower's cash flow, leverage, and collateral. Ratings for commercial credits are reviewed periodically. The following tables present credit quality indicators by class for corporate and consumer loans, excluding covered loans, as of March 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013.
Corporate Credit Quality Indicators by Class, Excluding Covered Loans
(Dollar amounts in thousands)
 
Pass
 
Special
Mention (1) (4)
 
Substandard (2) (4)
 
Non-accrual (3)
 
Total
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
March 31, 2014
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Commercial and industrial
$
1,864,453

 
$
30,602

 
$
13,782

 
$
8,559

 
$
1,917,396

Agricultural
320,686

 
293

 

 
364

 
321,343

Commercial real estate:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Office, retail, and industrial
1,268,765

 
29,744

 
24,617

 
24,968

 
1,348,094

Multi-family
331,054

 
3,198

 
899

 
2,181

 
337,332

Construction
149,854

 
8,810

 
17,051

 
5,297

 
181,012

Other commercial real estate
780,456

 
13,551

 
19,878

 
9,049

 
822,934

Total commercial real estate
2,530,129

 
55,303

 
62,445

 
41,495

 
2,689,372

Total corporate loans
$
4,715,268

 
$
86,198

 
$
76,227

 
$
50,418

 
$
4,928,111

December 31, 2013
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Commercial and industrial
$
1,780,194

 
$
23,806

 
$
14,871

 
$
11,767

 
$
1,830,638

Agricultural
320,839

 
344

 

 
519

 
321,702

Commercial real estate:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Office, retail, and industrial
1,284,394

 
28,677

 
23,538

 
17,076

 
1,353,685

Multi-family
326,901

 
3,214

 
910

 
1,848

 
332,873

Construction
153,949

 
8,309

 
17,642

 
6,297

 
186,197

Other commercial real estate
761,465

 
14,877

 
22,576

 
8,153

 
807,071

Total commercial real estate
2,526,709

 
55,077

 
64,666

 
33,374

 
2,679,826

Total corporate loans
$
4,627,742

 
$
79,227

 
$
79,537

 
$
45,660

 
$
4,832,166


(1)  
Loans categorized as special mention exhibit potential weaknesses that require the close attention of management since these potential weaknesses may result in the deterioration of repayment prospects in the future.
(2)  
Loans categorized as substandard exhibit a well-defined weakness or weaknesses that may jeopardize the liquidation of the debt. These loans continue to accrue interest because they are well secured and collection of principal and interest is expected within a reasonable time.
(3)  
Loans categorized as non-accrual exhibit a well-defined weakness or weaknesses that may jeopardize the liquidation of the debt or result in a loss if the deficiencies are not corrected.
(4)  
Total special mention and substandard loans includes accruing TDRs of $2.4 million as of March 31, 2014 and $2.8 million as of December 31, 2013.


22





Consumer Credit Quality Indicators by Class, Excluding Covered Loans
(Dollar amounts in thousands)
 
Performing
 
Non-accrual
 
Total
March 31, 2014
 
 
 
 
 
Home equity
$
468,383

 
$
6,720

 
$
475,103

1-4 family mortgages
235,547

 
5,014

 
240,561

Installment
47,250

 
2,065

 
49,315

Total consumer loans
$
751,180

 
$
13,799

 
$
764,979

December 31, 2013
 
 
 
 
 
Home equity
$
420,156

 
$
6,864

 
$
427,020

1-4 family mortgages
270,794

 
5,198

 
275,992

Installment
42,751

 
2,076

 
44,827

Total consumer loans
$
733,701

 
$
14,138

 
$
747,839


TDRs

TDRs are generally performed at the request of the individual borrower and may include forgiveness of principal, reduction in interest rates, changes in payments, and maturity date extensions. The table below presents TDRs by class as of March 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013. A discussion of our accounting policies for TDRs can be found in Note 1, “Summary of Significant Accounting Policies.”

TDRs by Class
(Dollar amounts in thousands)
 
As of March 31, 2014
 
As of December 31, 2013
 
Accruing
 
Non-accrual (1)
 
Total
 
Accruing
 
Non-accrual (1)
 
Total
Commercial and industrial
$
2,721

 
$
282

 
$
3,003

 
$
6,538

 
$
2,121

 
$
8,659

Agricultural

 

 

 

 

 

Commercial real estate:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Office, retail, and industrial
566

 

 
566

 
10,271

 

 
10,271

Multi-family
1,029

 
248

 
1,277

 
1,038

 
253

 
1,291

Construction

 

 

 

 

 

Other commercial real estate
398

 
191

 
589

 
4,326

 
291

 
4,617

Total commercial real estate
1,993

 
439

 
2,432

 
15,635

 
544

 
16,179

Total corporate loans
4,714

 
721

 
5,435

 
22,173

 
2,665

 
24,838

Home equity
783

 
505

 
1,288

 
787

 
512

 
1,299

1-4 family mortgages
804

 
694

 
1,498

 
810

 
906

 
1,716

Installment

 

 

 

 

 

Total consumer loans
1,587

 
1,199

 
2,786

 
1,597

 
1,418

 
3,015

Total loans
$
6,301

 
$
1,920

 
$
8,221

 
$
23,770

 
$
4,083

 
$
27,853


(1)  
These TDRs are included in non-accrual loans in the preceding tables.

TDRs are included in the calculation of the allowance for credit losses in the same manner as impaired loans. There were no specific reserves related to TDRs as of March 31, 2014 and there were $2.0 million in specific reserves related to TDRs as of December 31, 2013.


23





During the quarter ended March 31, 2014, no loans were restructured. The following table presents a summary of loans that were restructured during the quarter ended March 31, 2013.

Loans Restructured During the Period
(Dollar amounts in thousands)
 
Number
of
Loans
 
Pre-
Modification
Recorded
Investment
 
Funds
Disbursed
 
Interest
and Escrow
Capitalized
 
Charge-offs
 
Post-
Modification
Recorded
Investment
Quarter ended March 31, 2013
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Commercial and industrial
2

 
$
716

 
$

 
$
2

 
$

 
$
718

Office, retail, and industrial
1

 
215

 
30

 

 

 
245

Construction
2

 
508

 

 

 

 
508

1-4 family mortgages
1

 
132

 

 
4

 

 
136

Total TDRs restructured during the period
6

 
$
1,571

 
$
30

 
$
6

 
$

 
$
1,607


Accruing TDRs that do not perform in accordance with their modified terms are transferred to non-accrual. The following table presents TDRs that had payment defaults during the quarters ended March 31, 2014 and 2013 where the default occurred within twelve months of the restructure date.

TDRs That Defaulted Within Twelve Months of the Restructure Date
(Dollar amounts in thousands)
 
Quarters Ended March 31,
 
2014
 
2013
 
Number
of
Loans
 
Recorded
Investment
 
Number
of
Loans
 
Recorded
Investment
Commercial and industrial
2

 
$
125

 
1

 
$
350

Other commercial real estate

 

 
2

 
156

Total
2

 
$
125

 
3

 
$
506



24





A rollforward of the carrying value of TDRs for the quarters ended March 31, 2014 and 2013 is presented in the following table.

TDR Rollforward
(Dollar amounts in thousands)
 
Quarters Ended 
 March 31,
 
2014
 
2013
Accruing
 
 
 
Beginning balance
$
23,770

 
$
6,867

Additions

 
1,435

Net payments received
(460
)
 
(29
)
Returned to performing status
(18,821
)
 
(5,037
)
Net transfers from non-accrual
1,812

 
(649
)
Ending balance
6,301

 
2,587

Non-accrual
 
 
 
Beginning balance
4,083

 
10,924

Additions

 
172

Net payments received
(134
)
 
(495
)
Charge-offs
(34
)
 
(803
)
Transfers to OREO
(183
)
 
(42
)
Loans sold

 

Net transfers to accruing
(1,812
)
 
649

Ending balance
1,920

 
10,405

Total TDRs
$
8,221

 
$
12,992


For TDRs to be removed from TDR status in the calendar year after the restructuring, the loans must (i) have an interest rate and terms that reflect market conditions at the time of restructuring, and (ii) be in compliance with the modified terms. TDRs that were returned to performing status totaled $18.8 million and $5.0 million for the quarters ended March 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively. Loans that were not restructured at market rates and terms, that are not in compliance with the modified terms, or for which there is a concern about the future ability of the borrower to meet its obligations under the modified terms, continue to be separately reported as restructured until paid in full or charged-off.

There were no commitments to lend additional funds to borrowers with TDRs as of March 31, 2014, and there were $180,000 in commitments as of December 31, 2013.


25





7. EARNINGS PER COMMON SHARE

The table below displays the calculation of basic and diluted earnings per share.

Basic and Diluted Earnings per Common Share
(Amounts in thousands, except per share data)
 
Quarters Ended 
 March 31,
 
2014
 
2013
Net income
$
17,664

 
$
14,642

Net income applicable to non-vested restricted shares
(225
)
 
(212
)
Net income applicable to common shares
$
17,439

 
$
14,430

Weighted-average common shares outstanding:
 
 
 
Weighted-average common shares outstanding (basic)
74,147

 
73,867

Dilutive effect of common stock equivalents
12

 
7

Weighted-average diluted common shares outstanding
74,159

 
73,874

Basic earnings per common share
$
0.24

 
$
0.20

Diluted earnings per common share
$
0.24

 
$
0.20

Anti-dilutive shares not included in the computation of diluted earnings per common share (1)
1,316

 
1,594


(1)  
This amount represents outstanding stock options for which the exercise price is greater than the average market price of the Company's common stock.


26





8.  INCOME TAXES

The following table presents income tax expense and the effective income tax rate for the quarters ended March 31, 2014 and 2013.

Income Tax Expense
(Dollar amounts in thousands)
 
Quarters Ended 
 March 31,
 
2014
 
2013
Income before income tax expense
$
25,836

 
$
20,935

Income tax expense:
 
 
 
Federal income tax expense
$
6,278

 
$
4,360

State income tax expense
1,894

 
1,933

Total income tax expense
$
8,172

 
$
6,293

Effective income tax rate
31.6
%
 
30.1
%

Federal income tax expense and the related effective income tax rate are influenced primarily by the amount of tax-exempt income derived from investment securities and BOLI in relation to pre-tax income and state income taxes. State income tax expense and the related effective income tax rate are driven by the amount of state tax-exempt income in relation to pre-tax income and state tax rules related to consolidated/combined reporting and sourcing of income and expense.

Income tax expense was $8.2 million for the first quarter of 2014 compared to $6.3 million for the same period in 2013 primarily as a result of higher levels of income subject to tax at statutory rates in 2014.

The increase in the effective income tax rate of 31.6% for the first quarter of 2014 compared to 30.1% for the same period in 2013 was driven by lower tax-exempt income in relation to pre-tax income.

The Company’s accounting policies for income taxes are included in Note 1, “Summary of Significant Accounting Policies,” and Note 14, “Income Taxes,” in the Company’s 2013 10-K.


27





9.  DERIVATIVE INSTRUMENTS AND HEDGING ACTIVITIES
In the ordinary course of business, the Company enters into derivative transactions as part of its overall interest rate risk management strategy. The significant accounting policies related to derivative instruments and hedging activities are presented in Note 1, "Summary of Significant Accounting Policies."
The Company hedges the fair value of fixed rate commercial real estate loans using interest rate swaps through which the Company pays fixed amounts and receives variable amounts. These derivative contracts are designated as fair value hedges.

Fair Value Hedges
(Dollar amounts in thousands)
 
March 31,
2014
 
December 31,
2013
Notional amount outstanding
$
14,492

 
$
14,730

Derivative liability fair value
(1,356
)
 
(1,472
)
Weighted-average interest rate received
2.07
%
 
2.08
%
Weighted-average interest rate paid
6.39
%
 
6.39
%
Weighted-average maturity (in years)
3.51

 
3.76

Cash pledged to collateralize net unrealized losses with counterparties (1)
$
1,583

 
$
1,583

Fair value of assets needed to settle derivative transactions (2)
1,385

 
1,502


(1)  
No other collateral was required to be pledged.
(2)  
This amount represents the fair value of assets needed to settle derivative transactions if credit risk related contingent features were triggered.

Hedge ineffectiveness is recognized in other noninterest income in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income. For the quarters ended March 31, 2014 and 2013, gains or losses relating to fair value hedge ineffectiveness were not material.

The Company also enters into derivative transactions with its commercial customers and simultaneously enters into an offsetting interest rate derivative transaction with a third-party. This transaction allows the Company’s customers to effectively convert a variable rate loan into a fixed rate loan. Due to the offsetting nature of these transactions, the Company does not apply hedge accounting treatment. Transaction fees related to commercial customer derivative instruments of $204 thousand and $522 thousand were recorded in noninterest income for the quarters ended March 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively.

Other Derivative Instruments
(Dollar amounts in thousands)
 
March 31,
2014
 
December 31,
2013
Notional amount outstanding
$
160,211

 
$
128,319

Derivative asset fair value
3,462

 
2,235

Derivative liability fair value
(3,462
)
 
(2,235
)
Cash pledged to collateralize net unrealized losses with counterparties (1)
2,410

 
1,420

Fair value of assets needed to settle derivative transactions (2)
5,287

 
1,305


(1)  
No other collateral was required to be pledged.
(2)  
This amount represents the fair value if credit risk related contingent features were triggered.

Derivative instruments are inherently subject to credit risk, which represents the Company’s risk of loss when the counterparty to a derivative contract fails to perform according to the terms of the agreement. Credit risk is managed by limiting and collateralizing the aggregate amount of net unrealized losses by transaction, monitoring the size and the maturity structure of the derivatives, and applying uniform credit standards. Company policy establishes limits on credit exposure to any single counterparty. In addition, the Company established bilateral collateral agreements with derivative counterparties that provide for exchanges of marketable securities or cash to collateralize either party’s net losses above a stated minimum threshold. At March 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013, these collateral agreements covered 100% of the fair value of the Company’s outstanding fair value hedges. Derivative assets and liabilities are presented gross, rather than net, of pledged collateral amounts.


28





As of March 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013, the Company’s derivative instruments generally contained provisions that require the Company’s debt to remain above a certain credit rating by each of the major credit rating agencies or that the Company maintain certain capital levels. If the Company’s debt were to fall below that credit rating or the Company's capital were to fall below the required levels, it would be in violation of those provisions, and the counterparties to the derivative instruments could terminate the swap transaction and demand cash settlement of the derivative instrument in an amount equal to the derivative liability fair value. As of March 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013, the Company was not in violation of these provisions.

The Company’s derivative portfolio also includes other derivative instruments that do not receive hedge accounting treatment consisting of commitments to originate 1-4 family mortgage loans and foreign exchange contracts. In addition, the Company occasionally enters into risk participation agreements with counterparty banks to transfer or assume a portion of the credit risk related to customer transactions. The amounts of these instruments were not material for any period presented. The Company had no other derivative instruments as of March 31, 2014 or December 31, 2013. The Company does not enter into derivative transactions for purely speculative purposes.

10.  COMMITMENTS, GUARANTEES, AND CONTINGENT LIABILITIES

Credit Commitments and Guarantees
In the normal course of business, the Company enters into a variety of financial instruments with off-balance sheet risk to meet the financing needs of its customers and to conduct lending activities, including commitments to extend credit and standby and commercial letters of credit. These instruments involve elements of credit and interest rate risk in excess of the amount recognized in the Consolidated Statements of Financial Condition.
Contractual or Notional Amounts of Financial Instruments
(Dollar amounts in thousands)
 
March 31,
2014
 
December 31,
2013
Commitments to extend credit:
 
 
 
Commercial and industrial
$
1,010,276

 
$
1,020,617

Agricultural
61,960

 
56,584

Commercial real estate
145,347

 
133,867

Home equity
274,639

 
268,311

Installment
11,109

 
10,746

Overdraft protection program (1)
170,721

 
170,956

Total commitments
$
1,674,052

 
$
1,661,081

Letters of credit:
 
 
 
Commercial and industrial
$
67,851

 
$
64,015

Agricultural
1,344

 
1,581

Commercial real estate
39,230

 
43,771

Consumer
1,028

 
1,086

Total letters of credit
$
109,453

 
$
110,453

Unamortized fees associated with letters of credit (2)(3)
$
563

 
$
582

Remaining weighted-average term, in months
8.45

 
9.83

Remaining lives, in years
0.1 to 14.5

 
0.1 to 14.7

Recourse on assets sold:
 
 
 
Unpaid principal balance of loans sold
$
174,348

 
$
170,330

Carrying value of recourse obligation (2)
159

 
162


(1)  
Federal regulations regarding electronic fund transfers require customers to affirmatively consent to the institution's overdraft service for automated teller machine and one-time debit card transactions before overdraft fees may be assessed on the account. Customers are provided a specific line for the amount they may overdraw.
(2)  
Included in other liabilities in the Consolidated Statements of Financial Condition.
(3)  
The Company is amortizing these amounts into income over the commitment period.

29





Commitments to extend credit are agreements to lend funds to a customer, subject to contractual terms and covenants. Commitments generally have fixed expiration dates or other termination clauses, variable interest rates, and fee requirements, when applicable. Since many of the commitments are expected to expire without being drawn, the total commitment amounts do not necessarily represent future cash flow requirements.
In the event of a customer's non-performance, the Company's credit loss exposure is equal to the contractual amount of the commitments. The credit risk is essentially the same as extending loans to customers. The Company uses the same credit policies for credit commitments as its loans and minimizes exposure to credit loss through various collateral requirements.
Letters of credit are conditional commitments issued by the Company to guarantee the performance of a customer to a third party. Standby letters of credit generally are contingent on the failure of the customer to perform according to the terms of the contract with the third party and are often issued in favor of a municipality where construction is taking place to ensure the borrower adequately completes the construction.
The maximum potential future payments guaranteed by the Company under standby letters of credit arrangements are equal to the contractual amount of the commitment. If a commitment is funded, the Company may seek recourse through the liquidation of the underlying collateral, including real estate, production plants and property, marketable securities, or receipt of cash.

As a result of the sale of certain 1-4 family mortgage loans, the Company is contractually obligated to repurchase any non-performing loans or loans that do not meet underwriting requirements at recorded value. In accordance with the sales agreements, there is no limitation to the maximum potential future payments or expiration of the Company's recourse obligation. There were no material loan repurchases during the quarters ended March 31, 2014 and 2013.

Legal Proceedings

In the ordinary course of business, there were certain legal proceedings pending against the Company and its subsidiaries at March 31, 2014. While the outcome of any legal proceeding is inherently uncertain, based on information currently available, the Company's management believes that any liabilities arising from pending legal matters are not expected to have a material adverse effect on the Company's financial position, results of operations, or cash flows.

11.  FAIR VALUE
Fair value represents the amount expected to be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in its principal or most advantageous market in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. In accordance with fair value accounting guidance, the Company measures, records, and reports various types of assets and liabilities at fair value on either a recurring or non-recurring basis in the Consolidated Statements of Financial Condition. Those assets and liabilities are presented below in the sections titled "Assets and Liabilities Required to be Measured at Fair Value on a Recurring Basis" and "Assets and Liabilities Required to be Measured at Fair Value on a Non-Recurring Basis."
Other assets and liabilities are not required to be measured at fair value in the Consolidated Statements of Financial Condition, but must be disclosed at fair value. Refer to the "Fair Value Measurements of Other Financial Instruments" section of this footnote. Any aggregation of the estimated fair values presented in this footnote does not represent the value of the Company.
Depending on the nature of the asset or liability, the Company uses various valuation methodologies and assumptions to estimate fair value. GAAP provides a three-tiered fair value hierarchy based on the inputs used to measure fair value. The hierarchy is defined as follows:
Level 1 - Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities.
Level 2 - Observable inputs other than level 1 prices, such as quoted prices for similar instruments, quoted prices in markets that are not active, or other inputs that are observable or can be corroborated by observable market data.
Level 3 - Unobservable inputs that are supported by little or no market activity and that are significant to the fair value of the assets or liabilities. These inputs require significant management judgment or estimation, some of which use model-based techniques and may be internally developed.
Assets and liabilities are assigned to a level within the fair value hierarchy based on the lowest level of significant input used to measure fair value. Assets and liabilities may change levels within the fair value hierarchy due to market conditions or other circumstances. Those transfers are recognized on the date of the event that prompted the transfer. There were no transfers of assets or liabilities between levels of the fair value hierarchy during the periods presented.

30





Assets and Liabilities Required to be Measured at Fair Value on a Recurring Basis

The following table provides the fair value for assets and liabilities required to be measured at fair value on a recurring basis in the Consolidated Statements of Financial Condition by level in the fair value hierarchy.

Recurring Fair Value Measurements
(Dollar amounts in thousands)
 
March 31, 2014
 
December 31, 2013
 
Level 1
 
Level 2
 
Level 3
 
Level 1
 
Level 2
 
Level 3
Assets:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Trading securities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Money market funds
$
1,415

 
$

 
$

 
$
1,847

 
$

 
$

Mutual funds
16,359

 

 

 
15,470

 

 

Total trading securities
17,774

 

 

 
17,317

 

 

Securities available-for-sale:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
U.S. agency securities

 
500

 

 

 
500

 

CMOs

 
459,461

 

 

 
475,768

 

Other MBSs

 
130,905

 

 

 
136,164

 

Municipal securities

 
448,843

 

 

 
461,393

 

CDOs

 

 
21,666

 

 

 
18,309

Corporate debt securities

 
14,994

 

 

 
14,929

 

Hedge fund investment

 
1,636

 

 

 
3,179

 

Other equity securities
43

 
2,702

 

 
44

 
2,439

 

Total securities
  available-for-sale
43

 
1,059,041

 
21,666

 
44

 
1,094,372

 
18,309

Mortgage servicing rights (1)

 

 
1,954

 

 

 
1,893

Derivative assets (1)

 
3,462

 

 

 
2,235

 

Liabilities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Derivative liabilities (2)
$

 
$
4,818

 
$

 
$

 
$
3,707

 
$


(1)  
Included in other assets in the Consolidated Statements of Financial Condition.
(2)  
Included in other liabilities in the Consolidated Statements of Financial Condition.

The following sections describe the specific valuation techniques and inputs used to measure financial assets and liabilities at fair value.

Trading Securities
The Company's trading securities consist of diversified investment securities held in a grantor trust and are invested in money market and mutual funds. The fair value of these money market and mutual funds is based on quoted market prices in active exchange markets and is classified in level 1 of the fair value hierarchy.
Securities Available-for-Sale

The Company’s available-for-sale securities are primarily fixed income instruments that are not quoted on an exchange, but may be traded in active markets. The fair values are based on quoted prices in active markets or market prices for similar securities obtained from external pricing services or dealer market participants and are classified in level 2 of the fair value hierarchy. Quarterly, the Company evaluates the methodologies used by its external pricing services to develop the fair values to determine whether the results of the valuations are representative of an exit price in the Company’s principal markets and an appropriate representation of fair value.

The Company’s hedge fund investment is classified in level 2 of the fair value hierarchy. The fair value is derived from monthly and annual financial statements provided by hedge fund management. The majority of the hedge fund’s investment portfolio is held in securities that are freely tradable and are listed on national securities exchanges.


31





CDOs are classified in level 3 of the fair value hierarchy. The Company estimates the fair values for each CDO using discounted cash flow analyses with the assistance of a structured credit valuation firm. This methodology relies on credit analysis and review of historical financial data for each of the issuers of the securities underlying the individual CDO (the “Issuers”) to estimate the cash flows. These estimates are highly subjective and sensitive to several significant, unobservable inputs, including prepayment assumptions, default probabilities, loss given default assumptions, and deferral cure probabilities. The cash flows for each Issuer are then discounted to present values using LIBOR plus an adjustment to reflect the higher risk inherent in these securities given their complex structures and the impact of market factors. Finally, the discounted cash flows for each Issuer are aggregated to derive the estimated fair value for the specific CDO. Information for each CDO, as well as the significant unobservable assumptions, is presented in the following table.

Characteristics of CDOs and Significant Unobservable Inputs
Used in the Valuation of CDOs as of March 31, 2014
(Dollar amounts in thousands)
 
CDO Number
 
1
 
2
 
3
 
4
 
5
 
6
Characteristics:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Class
C-1

 
C-1

 
C-1

 
B1

 
C

 
C

Original par
$
17,500

 
$
15,000

 
$
15,000

 
$
15,000

 
$
10,000

 
$
6,500

Amortized cost
7,140

 
5,598

 
12,377

 
13,922

 
1,317

 
6,178

Fair value
5,002

 
636

 
4,666

 
5,883

 
3,134

 
2,345

Lowest credit rating (Moody’s)
 Ca

 
 Ca

 
 Ca

 
 Ca

 
 C

 
 Ca

Number of underlying Issuers
43

 
55

 
57

 
59

 
55

 
76

Percent of Issuers currently
  performing
83.7
%
 
80.0
%
 
77.2
%
 
54.2
%
 
69.1
%
 
69.7
%
Current deferral and default percent (1)
8.7
%
 
11.4
%
 
11.3
%
 
34.8
%
 
32.4
%
 
27.1
%
Expected future deferral and
  default percent (2)
11.9
%
 
12.6
%
 
15.8
%
 
24.2
%
 
16.2
%
 
11.3
%
Excess subordination percent (3)
%
 
%
 
%
 
%
 
%
 
3.6
%
Discount rate risk adjustment (4)
12.5
%
 
14.3
%
 
13.3
%
 
11.8
%
 
13.3
%
 
12.3
%
Significant unobservable inputs, weighted average of Issuers:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Probability of prepayment
15.3
%
 
7.5
%
 
4.5
%
 
6.0
%
 
5.3
%
 
3.5
%
Probability of default
18.1
%
 
23.2
%
 
21.2
%
 
24.9
%
 
35.1
%
 
29.2
%
Loss given default
88.0
%
 
83.5
%
 
89.0
%
 
93.2
%
 
93.1
%
 
96.0
%
Probability of deferral cure
32.9
%
 
20.2
%
 
29.5
%
 
56.3
%
 
37.3
%
 
34.8
%

(1)  
Represents actual deferrals and defaults, net of recoveries, as a percent of the original collateral.
(2)  
Represents expected future deferrals and defaults, net of recoveries, as a percent of the remaining performing collateral. The probability of future defaults is derived for each Issuer based on a credit analysis. The associated assumed loss given default is based on historical default and recovery information provided by a nationally recognized credit rating agency and is assumed to be 90% for banks, 85% for insurance companies, and 100% for Issuers that have already defaulted.
(3)  
Represents additional defaults that the CDO can absorb before the security experiences any credit impairment. The excess subordination percentage is calculated by dividing the amount of potential additional loss that can be absorbed (before the receipt of all expected future principal and interest payments is affected) by the total balance of performing collateral.
(4)  
Cash flows are discounted at LIBOR plus this adjustment to reflect the higher risk inherent in these securities.

Most Issuers have the right to prepay the securities on the fifth anniversary of issuance and under other limited circumstances. To estimate prepayments, a credit analysis of each Issuer is performed to estimate its ability and likelihood to fund a prepayment. If a prepayment occurs, the Company receives cash equal to the par value for the portion of the CDO associated with that Issuer.

The likelihood that an Issuer who is currently deferring payment on the securities will pay all deferred amounts and remain current thereafter is based on an analysis of the Issuer’s asset quality, leverage ratios, and other measures of financial viability.


32





The impact of changes in these key inputs could result in a significantly higher or lower fair value measurement for each CDO. The timing of the default, the magnitude of the default, and the timing and magnitude of the cure probability are directly interrelated. Defaults that occur sooner and/or are greater than anticipated have a negative impact on the valuation. In addition, a high cure probability assumption has a positive effect on the fair value, and, if a cure event takes place sooner than anticipated, the impact on the valuation is also favorable.
Management monitors the valuation results of each CDO on a quarterly basis, which includes an analysis of historical pricing trends for these types of securities, overall economic conditions (such as tracking LIBOR curves), and the performance of the Issuers’ industries. Management also reviews market activity for the same or similar tranches of the CDOs, when available. Annually, management validates significant assumptions by reviewing detailed back-testing performed by the structured credit valuation firm.

A rollforward of the carrying value of CDOs for the quarters ended March 31, 2014 and 2013 is presented in the following table.

Rollforward of the Carrying Value of CDOs
(Dollar amounts in thousands)
 
Quarters Ended
March 31,
 
2014
 
2013
Beginning balance
$
18,309

 
$
12,129

Change in other comprehensive income (loss) (1)
3,357

 
795

Ending balance (2)
$
21,666

 
$
12,924

Change in unrealized losses recognized in earnings related to securities still held at end of period
$

 
$


(1)  
Included in unrealized holding gains (losses) in the Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income.
(2)  
There were no purchases, issuances, or settlements of CDOs during the periods presented.

Mortgage Servicing Rights

The Company services loans for others totaling $216.4 million as of March 31, 2014 and $214.5 million as of December 31, 2013. These loans are owned by third parties and are not included in the Consolidated Statements of Condition. The Company estimates the fair value of mortgage servicing rights by using a discounted cash flow analysis and classifies them in level 3 of the fair value hierarchy. Additional information regarding the Company’s mortgage servicing rights can be found in Note 21, “Fair Value,” in the Company’s 2013 10-K.

Derivative Assets and Derivative Liabilities
The Company enters into interest rate swaps and derivative transactions with commercial customers. These derivative transactions are executed in the dealer market, and pricing is based on market quotes obtained from the counterparties. The market quotes were developed using market observable inputs, which primarily include LIBOR. Therefore, derivatives are classified in level 2 of the fair value hierarchy. For its derivative assets and liabilities, the Company also considers non-performance risk, including the likelihood of default by itself and its counterparties, when evaluating whether the market quotes from the counterparty are representative of an exit price.

33





Assets and Liabilities Required to be Measured at Fair Value on a Non-Recurring Basis
The following table provides the fair value for each class of assets and liabilities required to be measured at fair value on a non-recurring basis in the Consolidated Statements of Financial Condition by level in the fair value hierarchy.
Non-Recurring Fair Value Measurements
(Dollar amounts in thousands)
 
March 31, 2014
 
December 31, 2013
 
Level 1
 
Level 2
 
Level 3
 
Level 1
 
Level 2
 
Level 3
Collateral-dependent impaired
  loans (1)
$

 
$

 
$
22,583

 
$

 
$

 
$
13,103

OREO (2)

 

 
7,317

 

 

 
13,347

Assets held-for-sale (3)

 

 
3,985

 

 

 
4,027


(1)  
Includes impaired loans with charge-offs and impaired loans with a specific reserve during the periods presented.
(2)  
Includes OREO and covered OREO with fair value adjustments subsequent to initial transfer that occurred during the periods presented.
(3)  
Included in premises, furniture, and equipment in the Consolidated Statements of Financial Condition.

Collateral-Dependent Impaired Loans

Certain collateral-dependent impaired loans are subject to fair value adjustments to reflect the difference between the carrying value of the loan and the value of the underlying collateral. The fair values of collateral-dependent impaired loans are primarily determined by current appraised values of the underlying collateral. Based on the age and/or type, appraisals may be adjusted in the range of 0% to 20%. In certain cases, an internal valuation may be used when the underlying collateral is located in areas where comparable sales data is limited or unavailable. Accordingly, collateral-dependent impaired loans are classified in level 3 of the fair value hierarchy.

Collateral-dependent impaired loans for which the fair value is greater than the recorded investment are not measured at fair value in the Consolidated Statements of Financial Condition and are not included in this disclosure.

OREO
The fair value of OREO is measured using the current appraised value of the properties. In certain circumstances, a current appraisal may not be available or may not represent an accurate measurement of the property's fair value due to outdated market information or other factors. In these cases, the fair value is determined based on the lower of the (i) most recent appraised value, (ii) broker price opinion, (iii) current listing price, or (iv) signed sales contract. Given these valuation methods, OREO is classified in level 3 of the fair value hierarchy.
Assets Held-for-Sale
Assets held-for-sale consist of former branches that are no longer in operation, which were transferred into the held-for-sale category at the lower of their fair value as determined by a current appraisal or their recorded investment. Based on these valuation methods, they are classified in level 3 of the fair value hierarchy.

34





Financial Instruments Not Required to be Measured at Fair Value

For certain financial instruments that are not required to be measured at fair value in the Consolidated Statements of Financial Condition, the Company must disclose the estimated fair values and the level within the fair value hierarchy as shown in the following table.

Fair Value Measurements of Other Financial Instruments
(Dollar amounts in thousands)
 
 
March 31, 2014
 
December 31, 2013
 
Fair Value Hierarchy
Level
 
Carrying
Amount
 
Fair Value
 
Carrying
Amount
 
Fair Value
Assets:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Cash and due from banks
1
 
$
198,544

 
$
198,544

 
$
110,417

 
$
110,417

Interest-bearing deposits in other banks
2
 
393,768

 
393,768

 
476,824

 
476,824

Securities held-to-maturity
2
 
43,251

 
42,574

 
44,322

 
43,387

FHLB and Federal Reserve Bank stock
2
 
35,161

 
35,161

 
35,161

 
35,161

Net loans
3
 
5,734,845

 
5,650,726

 
5,628,855

 
5,544,146

FDIC indemnification asset
3
 
15,537

 
7,640

 
16,585

 
7,829

Investment in BOLI
3
 
193,673

 
193,673

 
193,167

 
193,167

Accrued interest receivable
3
 
25,922

 
25,922

 
25,735

 
25,735

Other interest earning assets
3
 
5,810

 
6,025

 
6,550

 
6,809

Liabilities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Deposits
2
 
$
6,816,757

 
$
6,814,218

 
$
6,766,101

 
$
6,765,404

Borrowed funds
2
 
223,699

 
225,500

 
224,342

 
226,839

Senior and subordinated debt
1
 
190,964

 
201,958

 
190,932

 
201,147

Accrued interest payable
2
 
5,253

 
5,253

 
2,400

 
2,400


Management uses various methodologies and assumptions to determine the estimated fair values of the financial instruments in the table above. The fair value estimates are made at a discrete point in time based on relevant market information and consider management’s judgments regarding future expected economic conditions, loss experience, and specific risk characteristics of the financial instruments.

Short-Term Financial Assets and Liabilities - For financial instruments with a shorter-term or with no stated maturity, prevailing market rates, and limited credit risk, the carrying amounts approximate fair value. Those financial instruments include cash and due from banks, interest-bearing deposits in other banks, other short-term investments, accrued interest receivable, and accrued interest payable.

Securities Held-to-Maturity - The fair value of securities held-to-maturity is estimated using the present value of future cash flows of the remaining maturities of the securities.

FHLB and Federal Reserve Bank Stock - The carrying amounts approximate fair value.

Net Loans - The fair value of loans is estimated using the present value of the future cash flows of the remaining maturities of the loans. Prepayment assumptions that consider the Company’s historical experience and current economic and lending conditions were included. The discount rate was based on the LIBOR yield curve with adjustments for liquidity and credit risk. The primary impact of credit risk on the fair value of the loan portfolio was accommodated through the use of the allowance for loan and covered loan losses, which is believed to represent the current fair value of estimated inherent losses in the loan portfolio.

FDIC Indemnification Asset - The fair value of the FDIC indemnification asset is calculated by discounting the cash flows expected to be received from the FDIC. The future cash flows are estimated by multiplying expected losses on covered loans and covered OREO by the reimbursement rates in the FDIC Agreements.

Investment in BOLI - The fair value of the investment in BOLI approximates the carrying amount as both are based on each policy's respective CSV, which is the amount the Company would receive from liquidation of these investments. The CSV is

35





derived from monthly reports provided by the managing brokers and is determined using the Company's initial insurance premium and earnings of the underlying assets, offset by management fees.

Other Interest-Earning Assets - The fair value of other interest-earning assets is estimated using the present value of the future cash flows of the remaining maturities of the assets.

Deposits - The fair values disclosed for deposits, savings deposits, NOW accounts, and money market deposits are equal to the amount payable on demand at the reporting date (i.e., their carrying amounts). The fair value for fixed-rate time deposits was estimated using the future cash flows discounted based on the LIBOR yield curve, plus or minus the spread associated with current pricing.

Borrowed Funds - The fair value of FHLB advances is estimated by discounting the agreements based on maturities using the rates currently offered for FHLB advances of similar remaining maturities adjusted for prepayment penalties that would be incurred if the borrowings were paid off on the measurement date. The carrying amounts of securities sold under agreements to repurchase approximate their fair value due to their short-term nature.

Senior and Subordinated Debt - The fair value of senior and subordinated debt is determined using quoted market prices.

The Company estimated the fair value of lending commitments outstanding to be immaterial based on the following factors: (i) the limited interest rate exposure of the commitments outstanding due to their variable nature, (ii) the short-term nature of the commitment periods, (iii) termination clauses provided in the agreements, and (iv) the market rate of fees charged.

12.  SUBSEQUENT EVENTS

On April 22, 2014, First Midwest Bank (the "Bank") entered into a definitive purchase and assumption agreement to acquire the Chicago area banking operations of Banco Popular North America (doing business as Popular Community Bank), which is a subsidiary of Popular, Inc. The acquisition includes Popular Community Bank's retail banking offices and its small business and middle market commercial lending activities in the Chicago metropolitan area.

As part of the transaction, the Bank will acquire twelve full-service retail branches, approximately $750 million in deposits, and approximately $525 million in loans. The transaction is subject to customary regulatory approvals and certain closing conditions, and is expected to close before the end of 2014.


36





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

INTRODUCTION

First Midwest Bancorp, Inc. (the “Company”) is a bank holding company headquartered in the Chicago suburb of Itasca, Illinois with operations throughout the greater Chicago metropolitan area as well as northwest Indiana, central and western Illinois, and eastern Iowa. Our principal subsidiary is First Midwest Bank (the “Bank”), which provides a broad range of commercial and retail banking and wealth management services to consumer, commercial and industrial, commercial real estate, and municipal customers through approximately 90 banking offices. We are committed to meeting the financial needs of the people and businesses in the communities where we live and work by providing customized banking solutions, quality products, and innovative services that fulfill those financial needs.

The following discussion and analysis is intended to address the significant factors affecting our results of operations and financial condition for the quarters ended March 31, 2014 and 2013. When we use the terms “First Midwest,” the “Company,” “we,” “us,” and “our,” we mean First Midwest Bancorp, Inc., a Delaware Corporation, and its consolidated subsidiaries. When we use the term “Bank,” we are referring to our wholly owned banking subsidiary, First Midwest Bank. Management’s discussion and analysis should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and accompanying notes presented elsewhere in this report, as well as in our 2013 Annual Report on Form 10-K (“2013 10-K”). The results of operations for the quarters ended March 31, 2014 are not necessarily indicative of future results.

Our results of operations are affected by various factors, many of which are beyond our control, including interest rates, local and national economic conditions, business spending, consumer confidence, certain seasonal factors, legislative and regulatory changes, and changes in real estate and securities markets. Our management evaluates performance using a variety of qualitative and quantitative metrics. The primary quantitative metrics used by management include:

Net Interest Income - Net interest income, our primary source of revenue, equals the difference between interest income and fees earned on interest-earning assets and interest expense incurred on interest-bearing liabilities.
Net Interest Margin - Net interest margin equals net interest income divided by total average interest-earning assets.
Noninterest Income - Noninterest income is the income we earn from fee-based revenues, investment in bank-owned life insurance ("BOLI") and other income, and non-operating revenues.
Asset Quality - Asset quality represents an estimation of the quality of our loan portfolio, including an assessment of the credit risk related to existing and potential loss exposure, and can be evaluated using a number of quantitative measures, such as non-performing loans to total loans.
Regulatory Capital - Our regulatory capital is currently classified in one of the following two tiers: (i) Tier 1 capital consists of common equity, retained earnings, and qualifying trust-preferred securities, less goodwill and most intangible assets and (ii) Tier 2 capital includes qualifying subordinated debt and the allowance for credit losses, subject to limitations.

Unless otherwise stated, all earnings per common share data included in this section and throughout the remainder of this discussion are presented on a diluted basis.

CAUTIONARY STATEMENT PURSUANT TO THE PRIVATE SECURITIES LITIGATION REFORM ACT OF 1995

We include or incorporate by reference in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, and from time to time our management may make, statements that may constitute “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These statements are not historical facts, but instead represent only management’s beliefs regarding future events, many of which, by their nature, are inherently uncertain and outside our control. Although we believe the expectations reflected in any forward-looking statements are reasonable, it is possible that our actual results and financial condition may differ, possibly materially, from the anticipated results and financial condition indicated in such statements. In some cases, you can identify these statements by forward-looking words such as “may,” “might,” “will,” “should,” “expect,” “plan,” “anticipate,” “believe,” “estimate,” “predict,” “probable,” “potential,” or “continue,” and the negative of these terms and other comparable terminology. We caution you not to place undue reliance on forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date of this report or when made. We do not undertake any obligation to update any forward-looking statements to reflect circumstances or events that occur after the date of this quarterly report or the date on which the forward-looking statement is made.

Forward-looking statements are subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties, and assumptions and may contain projections relating to our future financial performance including our growth strategies and anticipated trends in our business. For a detailed discussion of these and other risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results and events to differ materially from such

37





forward-looking statements, you should refer to the sections entitled “Risk Factors” and “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” in this report and in our 2013 Annual Report on Form 10-K as well as our subsequent periodic and current reports filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”). However, these risks and uncertainties are not exhaustive. Other sections of this report describe additional factors that could adversely impact our business and financial performance.

CRITICAL ACCOUNTING POLICIES
Our consolidated financial statements are prepared in accordance with GAAP and are consistent with predominant practices in the financial services industry. Critical accounting policies are those policies that management believes are the most important to our financial position and results of operations. Application of critical accounting policies requires management to make estimates, assumptions, and judgments based on information available as of the date of the financial statements that affect the amounts reported in the financial statements and accompanying notes. Future changes in information may affect these estimates, assumptions, and judgments, which may affect the amounts reported in the financial statements.
For additional information regarding critical accounting policies, refer to “Summary of Significant Accounting Policies,” presented in Note 1 to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements and the section titled “Critical Accounting Policies” in Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations included in the Company’s 2013 10-K. There have been no significant changes in the Company’s application of critical accounting policies related to the allowance for credit losses, valuation of securities, and income taxes since December 31, 2013 .

PERFORMANCE OVERVIEW

Table 1
Selected Financial Data
(Dollar and share amounts in thousands, except per share data)
 
Quarters Ended 
 March 31,
 
2014
 
2013
Operating Results
 
 
 
Interest income
$
69,690

 
$
71,045

Interest expense
5,995

 
7,197

Net interest income
63,695

 
63,848

Provision for loan and covered loan losses
1,441

 
5,674

Noninterest income
27,250

 
27,575

Noninterest expense
63,668

 
64,814

Income before income tax expense
25,836

 
20,935

Income tax expense
8,172

 
6,293

Net income
17,664

 
14,642

Net income applicable to non-vested restricted shares
(225
)
 
(212
)
Net income applicable to common shares
$
17,439

 
$
14,430

Weighted average diluted common shares outstanding
74,159

 
73,874

Diluted earnings per common share
$
0.24

 
$
0.20

Performance Ratios (1)
 
 
 
Return on average common equity
6.97
%
 
6.17
%
Return on average assets
0.86
%
 
0.74
%
Net interest margin – tax equivalent
3.61
%
 
3.77
%
Efficiency ratio (2)
66.66
%
 
66.50
%

(1)  
All ratios are presented on an annualized basis.
(2)  
The efficiency ratio expresses noninterest expense, excluding OREO expense, as a percentage of tax-equivalent net interest income plus total fee-based revenues, other income, net trading gains (losses), and the tax-equivalent adjustment on BOLI income.

38





 
March 31,
2014
 
December 31,
2013
 
March 31,
2013
 
March 31, 2014 
 Change From
December 31,
2013
 
March 31,
2013
Balance Sheet Highlights
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Total assets
$
8,328,519

 
$
8,253,407

 
$
8,055,819

 
$
75,112

 
$
272,700

Total loans, excluding covered loans
5,693,090

 
5,580,005

 
5,175,271

 
113,085

 
517,819

Total loans, including covered loans
5,815,477

 
5,714,360

 
5,361,958

 
101,117

 
453,519

Total deposits
6,816,757

 
6,766,101

 
6,600,795

 
50,656

 
215,962

Transactional deposits
5,631,879

 
5,558,318

 
5,251,715

 
73,561

 
380,164

Loans-to-deposits ratio
85.3
%
 
84.5
%
 
81.2
%
 
 
 
 
Transactional deposits to total deposits
82.6
%
 
82.1
%
 
79.6
%
 
 
 
 

 
March 31,
2014
 
December 31,
2013
 
March 31,
2013
 
March 31, 2014 
 Change From
December 31,
2013
 
March 31,
2013
Asset Quality Highlights
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Non-accrual loans (1)
$
64,217

 
$
59,798

 
$
95,397

 
$
4,419

 
$
(31,180
)
90 days or more past due loans
  (still accruing interest) (1)
4,973

 
3,708

 
5,552

 
1,265

 
(579
)
Total non-performing loans (1)
69,190

 
63,506

 
100,949

 
5,684

 
(31,759
)
Accruing TDRs (1)
6,301

 
23,770

 
2,587

 
(17,469
)
 
3,714

OREO (1)
30,026

 
32,473

 
39,994

 
(2,447
)
 
(9,968
)
Total non-performing assets (1)
$
105,517

 
$
119,749

 
$
143,530

 
$
(14,232
)
 
$
(38,013
)
30-89 days past due loans (still accruing
  interest) (1)
$
12,861

 
$
20,742

 
$
22,222

 
$
(7,881
)
 
$
(9,361
)
Performing potential problem loans (1)(2)
160,004

 
155,954

 
202,665

 
4,050

 
(42,661
)
Allowance for credit losses
82,248

 
87,121

 
100,457

 
(4,873
)
 
(18,209
)
Allowance for credit losses to loans
1.41
%
 
1.52
%
 
1.87
%
 
 
 
 
Allowance for credit losses to loans (1)
1.24
%
 
1.34
%
 
1.70
%
 
 
 
 
Allowance for credit losses to
  non-accrual loans (1)
110.28
%
 
124.69
%
 
92.49
%
 
 
 
 

(1)  
Excludes covered loans and covered OREO. For a discussion of covered loans and covered OREO, refer to Note 5 of “Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements” in Part I, Item 1 of this Form 10-Q. Asset quality, including covered loans and covered OREO, is included in the “Loan Portfolio and Credit Quality” section below.
(2)  
Total performing potential problem loans excludes accruing TDRs of $2.4 million as of March 31, 2014, $2.8 million as of December 31, 2013, and $1.3 million as of March 31, 2013.

Net income applicable to common shares for the first quarter of 2014 was $17.4 million , or $0.24 per share, compared to net income applicable to common shares of $14.4 million , or $0.20 per share, for the first quarter of 2013.

The growth in net income from the first quarter of 2013 resulted primarily from a $4.2 million reduction in the provision for loan and covered loan losses as well as a $1.1 million decrease in noninterest expense. Net interest income and noninterest income for the first quarter of 2014 were consistent compared to the prior year period. A discussion of net interest income, noninterest income, and noninterest expense is presented in the following section titled "Earnings Performance."

Non-performing assets, excluding covered loans, decreased by $14.2 million , or 11.9% , from December 31, 2013, which resulted primarily from lower levels of accruing TDRs and OREO. Two accruing TDRs totaling $18.8 million were returned to performing status in the first quarter of 2014 due to sustained payment performance in accordance with their modified terms, which represent market rates at the time of restructuring. Performing potential problem loans remained stable compared to the fourth quarter of 2013 and are at pre-recession levels. Refer to the “Loan Portfolio and Credit Quality” section below for further discussion of non-accrual loans, 90 days past due loans, TDRs, OREO, and performing potential problem loans.

39






EARNINGS PERFORMANCE

Net Interest Income

Net interest income is our primary source of revenue and is impacted by interest rates and the volume and mix of interest-earning assets and interest-bearing liabilities. The accounting policies for the recognition of interest income on loans, securities, and other interest-earning assets are presented in Note 1 to the Consolidated Financial Statements of our 2013 10-K.

Our accounting and reporting policies conform to GAAP and general practices within the banking industry. For purposes of this discussion, both net interest income and net interest margin have been adjusted to a fully tax-equivalent basis to more appropriately compare the returns on certain tax-exempt loans and securities to those on taxable interest-earning assets. Although we believe that these non-GAAP financial measures enhance investors’ understanding of our business and performance, they should not be considered an alternative to GAAP. The effect of this adjustment is at the bottom of Table 2.

Table 2 summarizes our average interest-earning assets and interest-bearing liabilities for the quarters ended March 31, 2014   and 2013, the related interest income and interest expense for each earning asset category and funding source, and the average interest rates earned and paid. Table 2 also details differences in interest income and expense from the prior quarter and the extent to which any changes are attributable to volume and rate fluctuations.

40





Table 2
Net Interest Income and Margin Analysis
(Dollar amounts in thousands)
 
Quarters Ended March 31,
 
 
Attribution of Change
in Net Interest Income (1)
 
2014
 
 
2013
 
 
 
Average
Balance
 
Interest
 
Yield/
Rate (%)
 
 
Average
Balance
 
Interest
 
Yield/
Rate (%)
 
 
Volume
 
Yield/
Rate
 
Total
Assets:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Other interest-earning assets
$
537,137

 
$
382

 
0.29
 
 
$
584,170

 
$
434

 
0.30
 
 
$
(16
)
 
$
(36
)
 
$
(52
)
Trading securities
17,470

 
28

 
0.64
 
 
14,357

 
36

 
1.00
 
 
12

 
(20
)
 
(8
)
Investment securities (2)
1,167,803

 
10,403

 
3.56
 
 
1,175,063

 
9,940

 
3.38
 
 
(60
)
 
523

 
463

FHLB and Federal Reserve
  Bank stock
35,161

 
335

 
3.81
 
 
47,232

 
339

 
2.87
 
 
(115
)
 
111

 
(4
)
Loans (2)(3)
5,722,457

 
61,518

 
4.36
 
 
5,372,034

 
63,450

 
4.79
 
 
3,055

 
(4,987
)
 
(1,932
)
Total interest-earning assets (2)
7,480,028

 
72,666

 
3.93
 
 
7,192,856

 
74,199

 
4.18
 
 
2,876

 
(4,409
)
 
(1,533
)
Cash and due from banks
111,500

 
 
 
 
 
 
110,073

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Allowance for loan and
  covered loan losses
(86,726
)
 
 
 
 
 
 
(99,086
)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Other assets
777,685

 
 
 
 
 
 
867,458

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Total assets
$
8,282,487

 
 
 
 
 
 
$
8,071,301

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Liabilities and Stockholders’ Equity:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Savings deposits
$
1,159,643

 
202

 
0.07
 
 
$
1,107,213

 
247

 
0.09
 
 
13

 
(58
)
 
(45
)
NOW accounts
1,181,297

 
170

 
0.06
 
 
1,145,482

 
175

 
0.06
 
 
5

 
(10
)
 
(5
)
Money market deposits
1,311,998

 
420

 
0.13
 
 
1,251,235

 
470

 
0.15
 
 
25

 
(75
)
 
(50
)
Time deposits
1,196,449

 
1,805

 
0.61
 
 
1,374,529

 
2,428

 
0.72
 
 
(293
)
 
(330
)
 
(623
)
Borrowed funds
222,491

 
383

 
0.70
 
 
199,891

 
442

 
0.90
 
 
61

 
(120
)
 
(59
)
Senior and subordinated debt
190,949

 
3,015

 
6.40
 
 
214,796

 
3,435

 
6.49
 
 
(377
)
 
(43
)
 
(420
)
Total interest-bearing
  liabilities
5,262,827

 
5,995

 
0.46
 
 
5,293,146

 
7,197

 
0.55
 
 
(566
)
 
(636
)
 
(1,202
)
Demand deposits
1,928,289

 
 
 
 
 
 
1,740,825

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Other liabilities
75,969

 
 
 
 
 
 
89,270

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Stockholders’ equity - common
1,015,402

 
 
 
 
 
 
948,060

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Total liabilities and
  stockholders’ equity
$
8,282,487

 
 
 
 
 
 
$
8,071,301

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net interest income/margin (2)
 
 
$
66,671

 
3.61
 
 
 
 
$
67,002

 
3.77
 
 
$
3,442

 
$
(3,773
)
 
$
(331
)
Net interest income (GAAP)
 
 
$
63,695

 
 
 
 
 
 
$
63,848

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Tax equivalent adjustment
 
 
2,976

 
 
 
 
 
 
3,154

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Tax-equivalent net interest
  income
 
 
$
66,671

 
 
 
 
 
 
$
67,002

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

(1)  
For purposes of this table, changes which are not due solely to volume changes or rate changes are allocated to these categories on the basis of the percentage relationship of each to the sum of the two.
(2)  
Interest income and yields are presented on a tax-equivalent basis, assuming a federal income tax rate of 35%.
(3)  
This item includes covered interest-earning assets consisting of loans acquired through the Company’s Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (“FDIC”)-assisted transactions with loss share agreements and the related FDIC indemnification asset. For additional discussion, please refer to Note 5 of “Notes to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements” in Part I, Item 1 of this Form 10-Q.

For the first quarter of 2014, average interest-earning assets increased $287.2 million from the first quarter of 2013 driven primarily by loan growth.

Compared to the first quarter of 2013, total interest-bearing liabilities decreased by $30.3 million resulting from a reduction in time deposits and senior and subordinated debt, which more than offset the rise in interest-bearing transaction deposits.

41






Tax-equivalent net interest margin for the first quarter of 2014 was 3.61% , declining 16 basis points from the first quarter of 2013. This decrease reflects the lower loan yield resulting from the continued shift in the loan mix to floating rate loans, as well as the decline in higher yielding covered interest earning assets.

Noninterest Income

A summary of noninterest income for the quarters ended March 31, 2014 and 2013 is presented in the following table.

Table 3
Noninterest Income Analysis
(Dollar amounts in thousands)
 
Quarters Ended 
 March 31,
 
 
 
2014
 
2013
 
% Change
Service charges on deposit accounts
$
8,020

 
$
8,677

 
(7.6
)
Wealth management fees
6,457

 
5,839

 
10.6

Card-based fees (1)
5,335

 
5,076

 
5.1

Mortgage banking income
1,115

 
1,966

 
(43.3
)
Merchant servicing fees (2)
2,709

 
2,554

 
6.1

Other service charges, commissions, and fees (2)
1,413

 
1,646

 
(14.2
)
Total fee-based revenues
25,049

 
25,758

 
(2.8
)
Net securities gains (3)
1,073

 

 
N/M

Other income (4)(6)
937

 
781

 
20.0

Net trading gains (5)(6)
191

 
1,036

 
(81.6
)
Total noninterest income
$
27,250

 
$
27,575

 
(1.2
)

N/M – Not meaningful.

(1)  
Card-based fees consist of debit and credit card interchange fees for processing transactions as well as various fees on both customer and non-customer automated teller machine (“ATM”) and point-of-sale transactions processed through the ATM and point-of-sale networks.
(2)  
These line items are included in other service charges, commissions, and fees in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income.
(3)  
For a discussion of this item, see the “Investment Portfolio Management” section below.
(4)  
Other income consists of various items, including safe deposit box rentals, miscellaneous recoveries, and gains on the sales of various assets.
(5)  
Net trading gains result from changes in the fair value of diversified investment securities held in a grantor trust under deferred compensation arrangements and are substantially offset by nonqualified plan expense for each period presented.
(6)  
These line items are included in other income in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income.

Total noninterest income of $27.3 million was consistent with the first quarter of 2013 as growth in wealth management fees, card-based fees, merchant servicing fees, and net securities gains substantially offset decreases in service charges on deposit accounts, mortgage banking income, and other service charges, commissions, and fees.

A lower volume of non-sufficient funds ("NSF") transactions contributed to the decrease in service charges on deposit accounts.

New customer relationships drove the increase in wealth management fees and trust assets under management increased 12.4% to $7.1 billion compared to the first quarter of 2013.

Increases in active cards and customer activity resulted in a rise of 5.1% in card-based fees.

During the first quarter of 2013, we sold $54.0 million of 1-4 family mortgage loans in the secondary market compared to $50.8 million of loans sold in the first quarter of 2014. Lower market pricing contributed to the decline in mortgage banking income compared to the first quarter of 2013.

Other service charges, commissions, and fees decreased 14.2% compared to the first quarter of 2013 driven by a reduction in fee income from lower sales of capital market products to commercial clients.


42





During the first quarter of 2014, the Company recorded a pre-tax securities gain of $1.1 million from the sale of a portion of its hedge fund investment.

Noninterest Expense

A summary of noninterest expense for the quarters ended March 31, 2014 and 2013 is presented in the following table.

Table 4
Noninterest Expense Analysis
(Dollar amounts in thousands)
 
Quarters Ended 
 March 31,
 
 
 
2014
 
2013
 
% Change
Salaries and employee benefits:
 
 
 
 
 
Salaries and wages
$
27,197

 
$
27,839

 
(2.3
)
Nonqualified plan expense
186

 
1,124

 
(83.5
)
Retirement and other employee benefits
6,108

 
7,606

 
(19.7
)
Total salaries and employee benefits
33,491

 
36,569

 
(8.4
)
Net occupancy and equipment expense
9,391

 
8,147

 
15.3

Professional services:
 
 
 
 
 
Loan remediation costs
1,991

 
2,139

 
(6.9
)
Other professional services
3,398

 
3,079

 
10.4

Professional services
5,389

 
5,218

 
3.3

Technology and related costs
3,074

 
2,483

 
23.8

Net OREO expense
1,556

 
1,799

 
(13.5
)
Advertising and promotions
1,613

 
1,410

 
14.4

Merchant card expense
2,213

 
2,044

 
8.3

Cardholder expenses
1,014

 
929

 
9.1

Other expenses
5,927

 
6,215

 
(4.6
)
Total noninterest expense
$
63,668

 
$
64,814

 
(1.8
)

Total noninterest expense for the first quarter of 2014 decreased nearly 2% from the first quarter of 2013.

The decrease in retirement and other employee benefits expense compared to the prior period presented was primarily the result of changes to the Company's defined benefit pension plan instituted in the second quarter of 2013, partially offset by an increase in other employee benefit accruals.

Net occupancy and equipment expense rose compared to the first quarter of 2013 due primarily to higher utilities and snow removal costs during the first quarter of 2014.

Net OREO expense decreased 13.5% from the first quarter of 2013 driven by net gains on sales of OREO properties in the first quarter of 2014, partially offset by valuation adjustments.

The rise in advertising and promotions expense in the first quarter of 2014 compared to the prior period reflects costs associated with our "Bank with Momentum" branding campaign that was launched in the second quarter of 2013.


43





Income Taxes

Our provision for income taxes includes both federal and state income tax expense. An analysis of the provision for income taxes is detailed in the following table.

Table 5
Income Tax Expense Analysis
(Dollar amounts in thousands)
 
Quarters Ended 
 March 31,
 
2014
 
2013
Income before income tax expense
$
25,836

 
$
20,935

Income tax expense:
 
 
 
Federal income tax expense
$
6,278

 
$
4,360

State income tax expense
1,894

 
1,933

Total income tax expense
$
8,172

 
$
6,293

Effective income tax rate
31.6
%
 
30.1
%

Federal income tax expense and the related effective income tax rate are influenced by the amount of tax-exempt income derived from investment securities and bank-owned life insurance in relation to pre-tax income and state income taxes. State income tax expense and the related effective tax rate are driven by the amount of state tax-exempt income in relation to pre-tax income and state tax rules related to consolidated/combined reporting and sourcing of income and expense.

Income tax expense was $8.2 million for the first quarter of 2014 compared to $6.3 million for the same period in 2013 primarily as a result of higher levels of income subject to tax at statutory rates in 2014.

The increase in the effective income tax rate of 31.6% for the first quarter of 2014 compared to 30.1% for the same period in 2013 was driven by lower tax-exempt income in relation to pre-tax income.

Our accounting policies for the recognition of income taxes in the Consolidated Statements of Financial Condition and Income are included in Notes 1 and 14 to the Consolidated Financial Statements of our 2013 10-K.

FINANCIAL CONDITION

Investment Portfolio Management

Securities that we have the positive intent and ability to hold until maturity are classified as securities held-to-maturity and are accounted for using historical cost, adjusted for amortization of premiums and accretion of discounts. Trading securities are carried at fair value with changes in fair value included in other noninterest income. Our trading securities consist of securities held in a grantor trust for our nonqualified deferred compensation plan and are not considered part of the traditional investment portfolio. All other securities are classified as securities available-for-sale and are carried at fair value with unrealized gains and losses, net of related deferred income taxes, recorded in stockholders’ equity as a separate component of accumulated other comprehensive loss.

We manage our investment portfolio to maximize the return on invested funds within acceptable risk guidelines, to meet pledging and liquidity requirements, and to adjust balance sheet interest rate sensitivity to mitigate the impact of changes in interest rates on net interest income.


44





From time to time, we adjust the size and composition of our securities portfolio based on a number of factors, including expected loan growth, anticipated changes in collateralized public funds on account, the interest rate environment, and the related value of various segments of the securities markets. The following table provides a valuation summary of our investment portfolio.

Table 6
Investment Portfolio Valuation Summary
(Dollar amounts in thousands)
 
March 31, 2014
 
December 31, 2013
 
Amortized Cost
 
Net
Unrealized
Gains
(Losses)
 
Fair Value
 
% of Total
 
Amortized Cost
 
Net
Unrealized
Gains
(Losses)
 
Fair Value
 
% of Total
Securities Available-for-Sale
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
U.S. agency securities
$
500

 
$

 
$
500

 
 
$
500

 
$

 
$
500

 
CMOs
470,265

 
(10,804
)
 
459,461

 
40.9
 
490,962

 
(15,194
)
 
475,768

 
41.2
Other MBSs
128,733

 
2,172

 
130,905

 
11.7
 
135,097

 
1,067

 
136,164

 
11.8
Municipal securities
441,171

 
7,672

 
448,843

 
40.0
 
457,318

 
4,075

 
461,393

 
39.9
CDOs
46,532

 
(24,866
)
 
21,666

 
1.9
 
46,532

 
(28,223
)
 
18,309

 
1.6
Corporate debt
  securities
12,997

 
1,997

 
14,994

 
1.3
 
12,999

 
1,930

 
14,929

 
1.3
Equity securities
3,324

 
1,057

 
4,381

 
0.4
 
3,706

 
1,956

 
5,662

 
0.5
Total available-for-
  sale securities
1,103,522

 
(22,772
)
 
1,080,750

 
96.2
 
1,147,114

 
(34,389
)
 
1,112,725

 
96.3
Securities Held-to-Maturity
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Municipal securities
43,251

 
(677
)
 
42,574

 
3.8
 
44,322

 
(935
)
 
43,387

 
3.7
Total securities
$
1,146,773

 
$
(23,449
)
 
$
1,123,324

 
100.0
 
$
1,191,436

 
$
(35,324
)
 
$
1,156,112

 
100.0

Portfolio Composition

As of March 31, 2014, our securities portfolio totaled $1.1 billion , decreasing 2.8% compared to December 31, 2013. The reduction in CMOs and municipal securities from December 31, 2013 resulted primarily from maturities, calls, and prepayments. During the first quarter of 2014, available-for-sale securities maturities, calls, and prepayments of $47.8 million more than offset purchases of $6.1 million .

Approximately 96.2% of our available-for-sale securities portfolio is comprised of municipal securities, CMOs, and other MBSs. The remainder of the portfolio consists of six CDOs with a total fair value of $21.7 million and miscellaneous other securities with fair values of $ 19.4 million .

Investments in municipal securities comprised 41.5% , or $448.8 million , of the total available-for-sale securities portfolio at March 31, 2014. The majority consists of general obligations of local municipalities. Our municipal securities portfolio has historically experienced very low default rates and provides a predictable cash flow.


45






Table 7
Securities Effective Duration Analysis
(Dollar amounts in thousands)
 
March 31, 2014
 
December 31, 2013
 
Effective
 
Average
 
Yield to
 
Effective
 
Average
 
Yield to
 
Duration (1)
 
Life (2)
 
Maturity (3)
 
Duration (1)
 
Life (2)
 
Maturity (3)
Securities Available-for-Sale
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
U.S. agency securities
1.99
%
 
2.00

 
0.49
%
 
2.23
%
 
2.25

 
0.49
%
CMOs
4.18
%
 
4.09

 
2.12
%
 
4.48
%
 
4.26

 
1.86
%
Other MBSs
3.63
%
 
4.67

 
2.78
%
 
3.93
%
 
4.85

 
2.45
%
Municipal securities
4.65
%
 
3.00

 
5.51
%
 
5.11
%
 
3.27

 
5.53
%
CDOs
N/M

 
N/M

 
N/M

 
N/M

 
N/M

 
N/M

Corporate debt securities
4.78
%
 
6.93

 
6.39
%
 
4.86
%
 
7.18

 
6.39
%
Equity securities
 N/M

 
 N/M

 
N/M

 
 N/M

 
 N/M

 
N/M

Total available-for-sale securities
4.32
%
 
3.74

 
3.67
%
 
4.68
%
 
3.95

 
3.52
%
Securities Held-to-Maturity
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Municipal securities
6.94
%
 
11.88

 
5.47
%
 
6.50
%
 
11.84

 
5.47
%
Total securities
4.42
%
 
4.06

 
3.74
%
 
4.75
%
 
4.26

 
3.60
%

N/M - Not meaningful.

(1)  
The effective duration represents the estimated percentage change in the fair value of the securities portfolio given a 100 basis point increase or decrease in interest rates. This measure is used to evaluate the portfolio’s price volatility at a single point in time and is not intended to be a precise predictor of future fair values since those values will be influenced by a number of factors.
(2)  
Average life is presented in years and represents the weighted-average time to receive half of all future cash flows using the dollar amount of principal paydowns, including estimated principal prepayments, as the weighting factor.
(3)  
Yields on municipal securities are reflected on a tax-equivalent basis, assuming a federal income tax rate of 35%.

Effective Duration

The average life, effective duration, and yield to maturity of our available-for-sale securities portfolio as of March 31, 2014 are consistent with the December 31, 2013 metrics.

Securities Gains and Losses

Net securities gains of $1.1 million were driven by the sale of a portion of the Company's hedge fund investment during the first quarter of 2014. We had no securities gains or losses for the first quarter of 2013.

Unrealized Gains and Losses

Unrealized gains and losses on securities available-for-sale represent the difference between the aggregate cost and fair value of the portfolio. These amounts are presented in the Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income and reported as a separate component of stockholders’ equity in accumulated other comprehensive loss on an after-tax basis. This balance sheet component will fluctuate as current market interest rates and conditions change and affect the aggregate fair value of the portfolio. Net unrealized losses were $22.8 million at March 31, 2014 compared to $34.4 million at December 31, 2013.

Net unrealized losses in the CMO portfolio totaled $10.8 million at March 31, 2014 compared to $15.2 million at December 31, 2013. CMOs are either backed by U.S. government-owned agencies or issued by U.S. government-sponsored enterprises. We do not believe any individual unrealized loss on this type of security as of March 31, 2014 represents OTTI since the unrealized losses are not believed to be attributed to credit quality.

As of March 31, 2014, net unrealized gains in the municipal securities portfolio totaled $7.7 million compared to $4.1 million as of December 31, 2013. Net unrealized gains on municipal securities include unrealized losses of $3.3 million at March 31, 2014. Substantially all of these securities carry investment grade ratings with the majority supported by the general revenues of the

46





issuing governmental entity and are supported by third-party bond insurance or other types of credit enhancement. We do not believe the unrealized loss on any of these securities represents an OTTI.

Our investments in CDOs are supported by the credit of the underlying banks and insurance companies. The unrealized losses on these securities declined from $28.2 million at December 31, 2013 to $24.9 million at March 31, 2014. We do not believe the unrealized losses on the CDOs as of March 31, 2014 represent OTTI related to credit deterioration. In addition, we do not intend to sell the CDOs with unrealized losses within a short period of time, and we do not believe it is more likely than not that we will be required to sell them before recovery of their amortized cost basis, which may be at maturity. Our estimation of fair values for the CDOs is based on discounted cash flow analyses as described in Note 11 of “Notes to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements,” in Part I, Item 1 of this Form 10-Q.

LOAN PORTFOLIO AND CREDIT QUALITY

Loans Held-for-Investment

Our loan portfolio is comprised of both corporate and consumer loans with corporate loans representing 86.6% of total loans, excluding covered loans, at March 31, 2014. Consistent with our emphasis on relationship banking, the majority of our loans are made to our core, multi-relationship customers. The customers usually maintain deposit relationships and utilize our other banking services, such as cash management or wealth management services.

To maximize loan income within an acceptable level of risk, we have certain lending policies and procedures that management reviews on a regular basis. In addition, management receives periodic reporting related to loan production, loan quality, credit concentrations, loan delinquencies, and non-performing and performing potential problem loans to mitigate and monitor potential and current risks in the portfolio. We do not offer any sub-prime products and we have policies to limit our exposure to any single borrower.

Commercial, Industrial, and Agricultural Loans

Commercial, industrial, and agricultural loans represent 39.3% of total loans, excluding covered loans, and totaled $2.2 billion at March 31, 2014, an increase of $86.4 million , or 16.1% annualized, from December 31, 2013. Our commercial and industrial loans are a diverse group of loans to middle market businesses generally located in the Chicago metropolitan area with purposes that range from supporting seasonal working capital needs to term financing of equipment. The underwriting for these loans is based primarily on the identified cash flows of the borrower and secondarily on the underlying collateral provided by the borrower. Most commercial and industrial loans are secured by the assets being financed or other business assets, such as accounts receivable or inventory, and may incorporate a personal guarantee.
Agricultural loans are generally provided to meet seasonal production, equipment, and farm real estate borrowing needs of individual and corporate crop and livestock producers. As part of the underwriting process, the Company examines projected cash flows, financial statement stability, and the value of the underlying collateral. Seasonal crop production loans are repaid by the liquidation of the financed crop that is typically covered by crop insurance. Equipment and real estate term loans are repaid by the farming operation.
Commercial Real Estate Loans

Commercial real estate loans are subject to underwriting standards and processes similar to commercial and industrial loans. The repayment of commercial real estate loans depends on the successful operation of the property securing the loan or the business conducted on the property securing the loan. This category of loans may be more adversely affected by conditions in the real estate market. Management monitors and evaluates commercial real estate loans based on cash flow, collateral, geography, and risk rating criteria. The mix of properties securing the loans in our commercial real estate portfolio are balanced between owner-occupied and investor categories and represent varying types across our market footprint.

Construction loans are generally based on estimates of costs and values associated with the completed projects and are underwritten utilizing feasibility studies, independent appraisal reviews, sensitivity analyses of absorption and lease rates, and financial analyses of the developers and property owners. Sources of repayment may be permanent loans from long-term lenders, sales of developed property, or an interim loan commitment until permanent financing is obtained. Generally, construction loans have a higher risk profile than other real estate loans since repayment is impacted by real estate values, interest rate changes, governmental regulation of real property, demand and supply of alternative real estate, the availability of long-term financing, and changes in general economic conditions.


47





Consumer Loans

Consumer loans are centrally underwritten using a credit scoring model developed by the Fair Isaac Corporation (“FICO”). It uses a risk-based system to determine the probability that a borrower may default on financial obligations to the lender. Underwriting standards for home equity loans are heavily influenced by statutory requirements, which include loan-to-value and affordability ratios, risk-based pricing strategies, and documentation requirements. The home equity category consists mainly of revolving lines of credit secured by junior liens on owner-occupied real estate. Loan-to-value ratios on home equity loans and 1-4 family mortgages are based on the current appraised value of the collateral.

Table 8
Loan Portfolio
(Dollar amounts in thousands)
 
March 31,
2014
 
% of
Total
 
December 31,
2013
 
% of
Total
 
Annualized
% Change
Commercial and industrial
$
1,917,396

 
33.7
 
$
1,830,638

 
32.8
 
19.0

Agricultural
321,343

 
5.6
 
321,702

 
5.8
 
(0.4
)
Commercial real estate:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Office
454,962

 
8.0
 
459,202

 
8.2
 
(3.7
)
Retail
389,010

 
6.8
 
392,576

 
7.0
 
(3.6
)
Industrial
504,122

 
8.9
 
501,907

 
9.0
 
1.8

Multi-family
337,332

 
5.9
 
332,873

 
6.0
 
5.4

Construction
181,012

 
3.2
 
186,197

 
3.3
 
(11.1
)
Other commercial real estate
822,934

 
14.5
 
807,071

 
14.5
 
7.9

Total commercial real estate
2,689,372

 
47.3
 
2,679,826

 
48.0
 
1.4

Total corporate loans
4,928,111

 
86.6
 
4,832,166

 
86.6
 
7.9

Home equity
475,103

 
8.3
 
427,020

 
7.7
 
45.0

1-4 family mortgages
240,561

 
4.2
 
275,992

 
4.9
 
(51.4
)
Installment
49,315

 
0.9
 
44,827

 
0.8
 
40.0

Total consumer loans
764,979

 
13.4
 
747,839

 
13.4
 
9.2

Total loans, excluding covered loans
5,693,090

 
100.0
 
5,580,005

 
100.0
 
8.1

Covered loans
122,387

 
 
 
134,355

 
 
 
(35.6
)
Total loans
$
5,815,477

 
 
 
$
5,714,360

 
 
 
7.1


Total loans, excluding covered loans, of $5.7 billion rose by $113.1 million , or 8.1% on an annualized basis, from December 31, 2013 driven by strong growth in the commercial and industrial, other commercial real estate, and home equity portfolios, which more than offset the decline in the 1-4 family mortgages portfolio. In response to market conditions, the Company purchased $48.7 million of high-quality, shorter duration, floating rate home equity loans and sold $35.4 million of longer-term, fixed rate 1-4 family mortgages in the first quarter of 2014.

Overall, the loan portfolio continues to benefit from well-balanced growth reflecting credits of varying size, distributed across our market footprint. The strong growth in the commercial and industrial loan category reflects the impact of greater resource investments and expansion into certain sector-based lending areas, such as agri-business, asset-based lending, and healthcare.



48





The following table presents commercial real estate loan detail.

Table 9
Commercial Real Estate Loans
(Dollar amounts in thousands)
 
 
March 31, 2014
 
% of
Total
 
December 31, 2013
 
% of
Total
Office, retail, and industrial:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Office
 
$
454,962

 
16.9
 
$
459,202

 
17.1
Retail
 
389,010

 
14.5
 
392,576

 
14.7
Industrial
 
504,122

 
18.7
 
501,907

 
18.7
Total office, retail, and industrial
 
1,348,094

 
50.1
 
1,353,685

 
50.5
Multi-family
 
337,332

 
12.6
 
332,873

 
12.4
Construction
 
181,012

 
6.7
 
186,197

 
7.0
Other commercial real estate:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Rental properties
 
112,753

 
4.2
 
112,887

 
4.2
Service stations and truck stops
 
77,798

 
2.9
 
83,237

 
3.1
Warehouses and storage
 
122,245

 
4.5
 
122,325

 
4.6
Hotels
 
60,136

 
2.3
 
62,451

 
2.3
Restaurants
 
75,210

 
2.8
 
79,809

 
3.0
Automobile dealers
 
36,148

 
1.3
 
37,504

 
1.4
Recreational
 
49,805

 
1.9
 
56,327

 
2.1
Religious
 
32,184

 
1.2
 
32,614

 
1.2
Multi-use properties
 
157,317

 
5.8
 
118,351

 
4.4
Other
 
99,338

 
3.7
 
101,566

 
3.8
Total other commercial real estate
 
822,934

 
30.6
 
807,071

 
30.1
Total commercial real estate
 
$
2,689,372

 
100.0
 
$
2,679,826

 
100.0
Owner occupied commercial real estate loans,
  excluding multi-family and construction loans
 
$
906,837

 
 
 
$
933,151

 
 
Owner occupied as a percent of total
 
41.8
%
 
 
 
43.2
%
 
 

Commercial real estate loans represent 47.3% of total loans, excluding covered loans, and totaled $2.7 billion at March 31, 2014, consistent with December 31, 2013. Over half of our commercial real estate loans consist of loans for industrial buildings, office buildings, and retail shopping centers. The mix of properties securing the loans in our commercial real estate portfolio continues to be balanced between owner-occupied and investor categories as of March 31, 2014.

49






Non-performing Assets and Potential Problem Loans

The following table presents our loan portfolio by performing and non-performing status. A discussion of our accounting policies for non-accrual loans, TDRs, and loans 90 days or more past due can be found in Note 1 of “Notes to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements” in Part 1, Item 1 of this Form 10-Q.

Table 10
Loan Portfolio by Performing/Non-Performing Status
(Dollar amounts in thousands)
 
 
 
 
 
Accruing
 
 
 
 
 
Total
Loans
 
Current
 
30-89 Days
Past Due
 
90 Days
Past Due
 
TDRs
 
Non-accrual
As of March 31, 2014
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Commercial and industrial
$
1,917,396

 
$
1,900,573

 
$
3,380

 
$
2,163

 
$
2,721

 
$
8,559

Agricultural
321,343

 
320,968

 
11

 

 

 
364

Commercial real estate:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Office
454,962

 
452,271

 
824

 

 

 
1,867

Retail
389,010

 
380,359

 
252

 

 
386

 
8,013

Industrial
504,122

 
488,854

 

 

 
180

 
15,088

Multi-family
337,332

 
333,071

 
1,051

 

 
1,029

 
2,181

Construction
181,012

 
175,640

 
75

 

 

 
5,297

Other commercial real estate
822,934

 
811,428

 
1,471

 
588

 
398

 
9,049

Total commercial real estate
2,689,372

 
2,641,623

 
3,673

 
588

 
1,993

 
41,495

Total corporate loans
4,928,111

 
4,863,164

 
7,064

 
2,751

 
4,714

 
50,418

Home equity
475,103

 
462,158

 
3,853

 
1,589

 
783

 
6,720

1-4 family mortgages
240,561

 
232,467

 
1,771

 
505

 
804

 
5,014

Installment
49,315

 
46,949

 
173

 
128

 

 
2,065

Total consumer loans
764,979

 
741,574

 
5,797

 
2,222

 
1,587

 
13,799

Total loans, excluding covered loans
5,693,090

 
5,604,738

 
12,861

 
4,973

 
6,301

 
64,217

Covered loans
122,387

 
87,253

 
2,439

 
14,691

 

 
18,004

Total loans
$
5,815,477

 
$
5,691,991

 
$
15,300

 
$
19,664

 
$
6,301

 
$
82,221

As of December 31, 2013
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Commercial and industrial
$
1,830,638

 
$
1,805,516

 
$
6,424

 
$
393

 
$
6,538

 
$
11,767

Agricultural
321,702

 
321,123

 
60

 

 

 
519

Commercial real estate:

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Office
459,202

 
455,547

 
1,200

 
731

 

 
1,724

Retail
392,576

 
385,234

 
939

 
272

 
624

 
5,507

Industrial
501,907

 
481,766

 
337

 
312

 
9,647

 
9,845

Multi-family
332,873

 
329,669

 
318

 

 
1,038

 
1,848

Construction
186,197

 
179,877

 
23

 

 

 
6,297

Other commercial real estate
807,071

 
789,517

 
4,817

 
258

 
4,326

 
8,153

Total commercial real estate
2,679,826

 
2,621,610

 
7,634

 
1,573

 
15,635

 
33,374

Total corporate loans
4,832,166

 
4,748,249

 
14,118

 
1,966

 
22,173

 
45,660

Home equity
427,020

 
413,912

 
4,355

 
1,102

 
787

 
6,864

1-4 family mortgages
275,992

 
267,497

 
1,939

 
548

 
810

 
5,198

Installment
44,827

 
42,329

 
330

 
92

 

 
2,076

Total consumer loans
747,839

 
723,738

 
6,624

 
1,742

 
1,597

 
14,138

Total loans, excluding covered loans
5,580,005

 
5,471,987

 
20,742

 
3,708

 
23,770

 
59,798

Covered loans
134,355

 
93,100

 
2,232

 
18,081

 

 
20,942

Total loans
$
5,714,360

 
$
5,565,087

 
$
22,974

 
$
21,789

 
$
23,770

 
$
80,740


50






The following table provides a comparison of our non-performing assets and past due loans to prior periods.

Table 11
Non-Performing Assets and Past Due Loans
(Dollar amounts in thousands)
 
2014
 
2013
 
March 31
 
December 31
 
September 30
 
June 30
 
March 31
Non-performing assets, excluding covered loans and covered OREO
 
 
 
 
 
 
Non-accrual loans
$
64,217

 
$
59,798

 
$
68,170

 
$
89,193

 
$
95,397

90 days or more past due loans
4,973

 
3,708

 
5,642

 
3,832

 
5,552

Total non-performing loans
69,190

 
63,506

 
73,812

 
93,025

 
100,949

Accruing TDRs
6,301

 
23,770

 
24,329

 
8,287

 
2,587

OREO
30,026

 
32,473

 
35,616

 
39,497

 
39,994

Total non-performing assets
$
105,517

 
$
119,749

 
$
133,757

 
$
140,809

 
$
143,530

30-89 days past due loans
$
12,861

 
$
20,742

 
$
15,111

 
$
21,756

 
$
22,222

Non-accrual loans to total loans
1.13
%
 
1.07
%
 
1.25
%
 
1.69
%
 
1.84
%
Non-performing loans to total loans
1.22
%
 
1.14
%
 
1.35
%
 
1.76
%
 
1.95
%
Non-performing assets to loans plus
  OREO
1.84
%
 
2.13
%
 
2.44
%
 
2.64
%
 
2.75
%
Non-performing covered loans and covered OREO (1)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Non-accrual loans
$
18,004

 
$
20,942

 
$
30,856

 
$
28,468

 
$
20,912

90 days or more past due loans
14,691

 
18,081

 
20,235

 
27,700

 
24,934

Total non-performing loans
32,695

 
39,023

 
51,091

 
56,168

 
45,846

OREO
7,355

 
8,863

 
10,477

 
13,681

 
14,774

Total non-performing assets
$
40,050

 
$
47,886

 
$
61,568

 
$
69,849

 
$
60,620

30-89 days past due loans
$
2,439

 
$
2,232

 
$
7,881

 
$
5,650

 
$
10,655

Non-performing assets, including covered loans and covered OREO
 
 
 
 
 
 
Non-accrual loans
$
82,221

 
$
80,740

 
$
99,026

 
$
117,661

 
$
116,309

90 days or more past due loans
19,664

 
21,789

 
25,877

 
31,532

 
30,486

Total non-performing loans
101,885

 
102,529

 
124,903

 
149,193

 
146,795

Accruing TDRs
6,301

 
23,770

 
24,329

 
8,287

 
2,587

OREO
37,381

 
41,336

 
46,093

 
53,178

 
54,768

Total non-performing assets
$
145,567

 
$
167,635

 
$
195,325

 
$
210,658

 
$
204,150

30-89 days past due loans
$
15,300

 
$
22,974

 
$
22,992

 
$
27,406

 
$
32,877

Non-accrual loans to total loans
1.41
%
 
1.41
%
 
1.77
%
 
2.16
%
 
2.17
%
Non-performing loans to total loans
1.75
%
 
1.79
%
 
2.23
%
 
2.73
%
 
2.74
%
Non-performing assets to loans plus
  OREO
2.49
%
 
2.91
%
 
3.46
%
 
3.82
%
 
3.77
%

(1)  
Covered loans and covered OREO are covered by FDIC Agreements that substantially mitigate the risk of loss. Past due covered loans in the tables above are determined by borrower performance compared to contractual terms, but are generally considered accruing loans since they continue to perform in accordance with our expectations of cash flows. For a discussion of covered loans and covered OREO, refer to Note 5 of “Notes to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements” in Part I, Item 1 of this Form 10-Q.

Non-accrual loans, excluding covered loans, increased $4.4 million , or 7.4% , from December 31, 2013. This increase was largely driven by a corporate loan relationship for which a specific reserve was established. Non-performing assets, excluding covered loans, decreased by $14.2 million , or 11.9% , from December 31, 2013, which resulted primarily from lower levels of accruing TDRs and OREO. Two accruing TDRs totaling $18.8 million were returned to performing status in the first quarter of 2014 due

51





to sustained payment performance in accordance with their modified terms, which represent market rates at the time of restructuring. Refer to the "TDRs" section below for further discussion.

Performing potential problem loans remained stable compared to the fourth quarter of 2013 and are at pre-recession levels.

Loans 30-89 days past due were $12.9 million at March 31, 2014, decreasing 38% from December 31, 2013.

TDRs

Loan modifications may be performed at the request of the individual borrower and may include reductions in interest rates, changes in payments, and extensions of maturity dates. We occasionally restructure loans at other than market rates or terms to enable the borrower to work through financial difficulties for a period of time, and these restructures remain classified as TDRs for the remaining terms of the loans.

Table 12
TDRs by Type
(Dollar amounts in thousands)
 
March 31, 2014
 
December 31, 2013
 
March 31, 2013
 
Number
of Loans
 
Amount
 
Number
of Loans
 
Amount
 
Number
of Loans
 
Amount
Commercial and industrial
6

 
$
3,003

 
10

 
$
8,659

 
7

 
$
3,204

Agricultural

 

 

 

 

 

Commercial real estate:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Office

 

 

 

 

 

Retail
1

 
386

 
2

 
624

 
1

 
244

Industrial
1

 
180

 
3

 
9,647

 
2

 
2,156

Multi-family
5

 
1,277

 
5

 
1,291

 

 

Construction

 

 

 

 
2

 
504

Other commercial real estate
5

 
589

 
7

 
4,617

 
2

 
4,746

Total commercial real estate
12

 
2,432

 
17

 
16,179

 
7

 
7,650

Total corporate loans
18

 
5,435

 
27

 
24,838

 
14

 
10,854

Home equity
18

 
1,288

 
18

 
1,299

 
6

 
270

1-4 family mortgages
12

 
1,498

 
14

 
1,716

 
15

 
1,868

Installment

 

 

 

 

 

Total consumer loans
30

 
2,786

 
32

 
3,015

 
21

 
2,138

Total TDRs
48

 
$
8,221

 
59

 
$
27,853

 
35

 
$
12,992

Accruing TDRs
32

 
$
6,301

 
39

 
$
23,770

 
16

 
$
2,587

Non-accrual TDRs
16

 
1,920

 
20

 
4,083

 
19

 
10,405

Total TDRs
48

 
$
8,221

 
59


$
27,853

 
35

 
$
12,992

Year-to-date charge-offs on TDRs
 
 
$
34

 
 
 
$
1,880

 
 
 
$
803

Specific reserves related to TDRs
 
 

 
 
 
1,952

 
 
 
2,526


TDRs totaled $8.2 million at March 31, 2014, decreasing $19.6 million from December 31, 2013.

Accruing TDRs declined $17.5 million from December 31, 2013 driven primarily by the return of two TDRs totaling $18.8 million to performing status during the first quarter of 2014 due to sustained payment performance in accordance with their modified terms, which represent market rates at the time of restructuring. This reduction was partially offset by the addition of a $1.9 million corporate loan relationship that was upgraded to accruing TDR status in the first quarter of 2014.

At March 31, 2014, non-accrual TDRs totaled $1.9 million compared to $4.1 million at December 31, 2013. TDRs are reported as non-accrual because they are not yet performing in accordance with their modified terms or they have not yet exhibited sufficient performance under their modified terms. The decrease in non-accrual TDRs from December 31, 2013 was driven primarily by the reclassification of one non-accrual TDR to accruing TDR status discussed above.

52





Performing Potential Problem Loans

Performing potential problem loans consist of special mention loans and substandard loans. These loans are performing in accordance with contractual terms, but we have concerns about the ability of the borrower to continue to comply with loan terms due to the borrower’s potential operating or financial difficulties.
  
Table 13
Performing Potential Problem Loans
(Dollar amounts in thousands)
 
March 31, 2014
 
December 31, 2013
 
Special
Mention (1)
 
Substandard (2)
 
Total (3)
 
Special
Mention (1)
 
Substandard (2)
 
Total (3)
Commercial and industrial
$
30,602

 
$
13,057

 
$
43,659

 
$
23,679

 
$
14,135

 
$
37,814

Agricultural
293

 

 
293

 
344

 

 
344

Commercial real estate:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Office, retail, and industrial
29,178

 
24,617

 
53,795

 
27,871

 
23,538

 
51,409

Multi-family
2,780

 
493

 
3,273

 
2,794

 
499

 
3,293

Construction
8,810

 
17,051

 
25,861

 
8,309

 
17,642

 
25,951

Other commercial real estate
13,245

 
19,878

 
33,123

 
14,567

 
22,576

 
37,143

Total commercial real estate
54,013

 
62,039

 
116,052

 
53,541

 
64,255

 
117,796

Total performing potential 
  problem corporate loans
$
84,908

 
$
75,096

 
$
160,004

 
$
77,564

 
$
78,390

 
$
155,954


(1)  
Loans categorized as special mention exhibit potential weaknesses that require the close attention of management since these potential weaknesses may result in the deterioration of repayment prospects in the future.
(2)  
Loans categorized as substandard exhibit a well-defined weakness or weaknesses that may jeopardize the liquidation of the debt. These loans continue to accrue interest because they are well secured and collection of principal and interest is expected within a reasonable time.
(3)  
Total performing potential problem loans excludes accruing TDRs of $2.4 million as of March 31, 2014, $2.8 million as of December 31, 2013, and $1.3 million as of March 31, 2013.

Performing potential problem loans remained stable at $160.0 million compared to December 31, 2013, and are at pre-recession levels. As of March 31, 2014, approximately 40.8% of performing potential problem loans was comprised of 9 corporate loan relationships each having balances greater than $5.0 million for which management has specific monitoring plans.

53





OREO

OREO consists of properties acquired as the result of borrower defaults on loans. OREO, excluding covered OREO, was $30.0 million at March 31, 2014, decreasing $2.4 million from December 31, 2013.

Table 14
OREO Properties by Type
(Dollar amounts in thousands)
 
March 31, 2014
 
December 31, 2013
 
March 31, 2013
 
Number of
Properties
 
Amount
 
Number of
Properties
 
Amount
 
Number of
Properties
 
Amount
Single family homes
12

 
$
1,564

 
29

 
$
2,257

 
21

 
$
2,442

Land parcels:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Raw land
7

 
4,040

 
6

 
4,037

 
5

 
3,244

Farm land

 

 

 

 

 

Commercial lots
17

 
11,628

 
17

 
11,649

 
23

 
12,647

Single-family lots
22

 
1,975

 
22

 
3,101

 
27

 
3,942

Total land parcels
46

 
17,643

 
45

 
18,787

 
55

 
19,833

Multi-family units
5

 
316

 
4

 
346

 
14

 
996

Commercial properties
21

 
10,503

 
23

 
11,083

 
30

 
16,723

Total OREO, excluding covered OREO
84

 
30,026

 
101

 
32,473

 
120

 
39,994

Covered OREO
44

 
7,355

 
48

 
8,863

 
71

 
14,774

Total OREO properties
128

 
$
37,381

 
149

 
$
41,336

 
191

 
$
54,768


OREO Activity

The following table summarizes disposals of OREO for the quarters ended March 31, 2014 and 2013.

Table 15
OREO Disposals and Write-Downs
(Dollar amounts in thousands)
 
Quarters Ended
 
March 31, 2014
 
March 31, 2013
 
OREO
 
Covered
OREO
 
Total
 
OREO
 
Covered
OREO
 
Total
OREO sales
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Proceeds from sales
$
2,479

 
$
3,386

 
$
5,865

 
$
3,484

 
$
9

 
$
3,493

Less: Basis of properties sold
(2,015
)
 
(3,384
)
 
(5,399
)
 
(3,701
)
 
(6
)
 
(3,707
)
Net (gains) losses on sales of OREO
$
(464
)
 
$
(2
)
 
$
(466
)
 
$
217

 
$
(3
)
 
$
214

OREO valuation adjustments
$
1,118

 
$

 
$
1,118

 
$
525

 
$
42

 
$
567


For the quarter ended March 31, 2014, we sold $2.0 million of OREO, excluding covered OREO, which consisted of 29 properties with the majority classified as single-family homes.

OREO sales, excluding covered OREO, for the quarter ended March 31, 2013, consisted of 15 properties in the single-family home and commercial property categories.


54





Allowance for Credit Losses

Methodology for the Allowance for Credit Losses

The allowance for credit losses is comprised of the allowance for loan and covered loan losses and the reserve for unfunded commitments and is maintained by management at a level believed adequate to absorb estimated losses inherent in the existing loan portfolio. Determination of the allowance for credit losses is inherently subjective since it requires significant estimates and management judgment, including the amounts and timing of expected future cash flows on impaired loans, estimated losses on pools of homogeneous loans, and consideration of current economic trends.

While management utilizes its best judgment and information available, the ultimate adequacy of the allowance for credit losses depends on a variety of factors beyond the Company’s control, including the performance of its loan portfolio, the economy, changes in interest rates and property values, and the interpretation of loan risk ratings by regulatory authorities. Management believes that the allowance for credit losses is an appropriate estimate of credit losses inherent in the loan portfolio as of March 31, 2014.

The accounting policy for the allowance for credit losses is discussed in Note 1 of “Notes to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements” in Part I, Item 1 of this Form 10-Q.


55





Table 16
Allowance for Credit Losses
and Summary of Credit Loss Experience
(Dollar amounts in thousands)
 
Quarters Ended
 
2014
 
2013
 
March 31
 
December 31
 
September 30
 
June 30
 
March 31
Change in allowance for credit losses
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Beginning balance
$
87,121

 
$
93,214

 
$
96,976

 
$
100,457

 
$
102,812

Loan charge-offs:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Commercial, industrial, and agricultural
3,680

 
3,084

 
2,719

 
3,116

 
3,175

Office, retail, and industrial
1,083

 
1,042

 
987

 
1,453

 
1,262

Multi-family
90

 
539

 
112

 
213

 
165

Construction
661

 
31

 
470

 
850

 
565

Other commercial real estate
1,771

 
813

 
889

 
547

 
2,535

Consumer
2,028

 
2,045

 
2,482

 
2,523

 
2,364

Total loan charge-offs
9,313

 
7,554

 
7,659

 
8,702

 
10,066

Recoveries of loan charge-offs:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Commercial, industrial, and agricultural
2,160

 
614

 
521

 
573

 
2,089

Office, retail, and industrial
58

 
160

 
31

 
35

 
2

Multi-family
1

 
549

 

 
30

 
5

Construction
158

 
965

 
60

 
5

 
2

Other commercial real estate
144

 
37

 
250

 
329

 
1,030

Consumer
138

 
177

 
374

 
413

 
107

Total recoveries of loan charge-offs
2,659

 
2,502

 
1,236

 
1,385

 
3,235

Net loan charge-offs, excluding
  covered loan charge-offs
6,654

 
5,052

 
6,423

 
7,317

 
6,831

Net covered loan charge-offs (recoveries)
(340
)
 
271

 
1,629

 
1,977

 
698

Net loan and covered loan charge-offs
6,314

 
5,323

 
8,052

 
9,294

 
7,529

Provision for loan and covered loan losses:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Provision for loan losses
2,911

 
226

 
4,466

 
1,682

 
4,811

Provision for covered loan losses
(1,470
)
 
(227
)
 
304

 
4,131

 
1,014

Less: expected reimbursement from the FDIC

 
1

 

 

 
(151
)
Net provision for covered loan losses
(1,470
)
 
(226
)
 
304

 
4,131

 
863

Total provision for loan and covered
  loan losses
1,441

 

 
4,770

 
5,813

 
5,674

Reduction in reserve for unfunded
  commitments (1)

 
(770
)
 
(480
)
 

 
(500
)
Total provision for loan and
  covered loan losses and other
1,441

 
(770
)
 
4,290

 
5,813

 
5,174

Ending balance
$
82,248

 
$
87,121

 
$
93,214

 
$
96,976

 
$
100,457


(1)  
Included in other noninterest expense in the Consolidated Statements of Income.

56





 
Quarters Ended
 
2014
 
2013
 
March 31
 
December 31
 
September 30
 
June 30
 
March 31
Allowance for credit losses
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Allowance for loan losses
$
69,203

 
$
72,946

 
$
77,772

 
$
79,729

 
$
85,364

Allowance for covered loan losses
11,429

 
12,559

 
13,056

 
14,381

 
12,227

Total allowance for loan and
  covered loan losses
80,632

 
85,505

 
90,828

 
94,110

 
97,591

Reserve for unfunded commitments
1,616

 
1,616

 
2,386

 
2,866

 
2,866

Total allowance for credit losses
$
82,248

 
$
87,121

 
$
93,214

 
$
96,976

 
$
100,457

Amounts and ratios, excluding covered loans
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Average loans
$
5,578,616

 
$
5,516,747

 
$
5,379,435

 
$
5,180,608

 
$
5,148,343

Net loan charge-offs to average loans,
  annualized
0.48
%
 
0.36
%
 
0.47
%
 
0.57
%
 
0.54
%
Allowance for credit losses at end of
  period as a percent of:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Total loans
1.24
%
 
1.34
%
 
1.47
%
 
1.56
%
 
1.70
%
Non-accrual loans
110.28
%
 
124.69
%
 
117.59
%
 
92.60
%
 
92.49
%
Non-performing loans
102.35
%
 
117.41
%
 
108.60
%
 
88.79
%
 
87.40
%
Amounts and ratios, including covered loans
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Average loans
$
5,706,880

 
$
5,658,756

 
$
5,539,776

 
$
5,357,945

 
$
5,339,749

Net loan charge-offs to average loans
  annualized
0.45
%
 
0.37
%
 
0.58
%
 
0.70
%
 
0.57
%
Allowance for credit losses at end of
  period as a percent of:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Total loans
1.41
%
 
1.52
%
 
1.66
%
 
1.78
%
 
1.87
%
Non-accrual loans
100.03
%
 
107.90
%
 
94.13
%
 
82.42
%
 
86.37
%
Non-performing loans
80.73
%
 
84.97
%
 
74.63
%
 
65.00
%
 
68.43
%

Activity in the Allowance for Credit Losses

The allowance for credit losses was $82.2 million as of March 31, 2014, a decline of $4.9 million from December 31, 2013. The allowance for credit losses was 1.41% of total loans, including covered loans, at March 31, 2014 compared to 1.52% at December 31, 2013.

Overall, net loan charge-offs, excluding covered loan charge-offs, remained consistent compared to the prior periods presented.

For the first quarter of 2014, the Company realized $340,000 in net covered loan recoveries compared to net covered loan charge-offs in prior periods. Covered loan charge-offs reflect the decline and recoveries reflect the increase in estimated cash flows of certain acquired loans. Management re-estimates cash flows periodically, and the present value of any decreases in expected cash flows from the FDIC is recorded as either a charge-off or an allowance for covered loan losses is established. Any increases in expected cash flows are recorded through the allowance for covered loan losses as recoveries to the extent charge-offs were previously taken or prospectively as yield adjustments over the remaining lives of the specific loans.


57





FUNDING AND LIQUIDITY MANAGEMENT

The following table provides a comparison of average funding sources for the quarters ended March 31, 2014, December 31, 2013, and March 31, 2013. We believe that average balances, rather than period-end balances, are more meaningful in analyzing funding sources because of the normal fluctuations that may occur on a daily or monthly basis within funding categories.

Table 17
Funding Sources – Average Balances
(Dollar amounts in thousands)
 
Quarters Ended
 
 
First Quarter 2014
% Change From
 
March 31,
2014
 
December 31,
2013
 
March 31,
2013
 
 
Fourth
Quarter
2013
 
First
Quarter
2013
Demand deposits
$
1,928,289

 
$
1,956,570

 
$
1,740,825

 
 
(1.4
)%
 
10.8
 %
Savings deposits
1,159,643

 
1,126,737

 
1,107,213

 
 
2.9
 %
 
4.7
 %
NOW accounts
1,181,297

 
1,195,471

 
1,145,482

 
 
(1.2
)%
 
3.1
 %
Money market accounts
1,311,998

 
1,356,383

 
1,251,235

 
 
(3.3
)%
 
4.9
 %
Transactional deposits
5,581,227

 
5,635,161

 
5,244,755

 
 
(1.0
)%
 
6.4
 %
Time deposits
1,180,374

 
1,218,450

 
1,348,263

 
 
(3.1
)%
 
(12.5
)%
Brokered deposits
16,075

 
16,067

 
26,266

 
 
 %
 
(38.8
)%
Total time deposits
1,196,449

 
1,234,517

 
1,374,529

 
 
(3.1
)%
 
(13.0
)%
Total deposits
6,777,676

 
6,869,678

 
6,619,284

 
 
(1.3
)%
 
2.4
 %
Securities sold under agreements to
   repurchase
107,944

 
99,207

 
85,314

 
 
8.8
 %
 
26.5
 %
FHLB advances
114,547

 
114,554

 
114,577

 
 
 %
 
 %
Total borrowed funds
222,491

 
213,761

 
199,891

 
 
4.1
 %
 
11.3
 %
Senior and subordinated debt
190,949

 
207,162

 
214,796

 
 
(7.8
)%
 
(11.1
)%
Total funding sources
$
7,191,116

 
$
7,290,601

 
$
7,033,971

 
 
(1.4
)%
 
2.2
 %
Average interest rate paid on
  borrowed funds
0.70
%
 
0.72
%
 
0.90
%
 
 
 
 
 
Weighted-average maturity of FHLB
  advances
26.6 months

 
29.3 months

 
38.1 months

 
 
 
 
 
Weighted-average interest rate of
  FHLB advances
1.33
%
 
1.34
%
 
1.30
%
 
 
 
 
 

Average funding sources for the first quarter of 2014 decreased $99.5 million from the fourth quarter of 2013 and increased $157.1 million from the first quarter of 2013. Compared to the linked quarter, declines were driven by lower levels of transactional deposits and a reduction in time deposits. For the first quarter of 2014 compared to the prior year period, growth across transactional deposit categories more than offset the decline in time deposits.

The reduction in average senior and subordinated debt compared to both prior quarters presented was due to the repurchase and retirement of $24.0 million of junior subordinated debentures during the fourth quarter of 2013.


58





Table 18
Borrowed Funds
(Dollar amounts in thousands)
 
March 31, 2014
 
 
March 31, 2013
 
Amount
 
Weighted-
Average
Rate (%)
 
 
Amount
 
Weighted-
Average
Rate (%)
At period-end:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Securities sold under agreements to repurchase
$
109,156

 
0.03
 
 
$
94,281

 
0.03
FHLB advances
114,543

 
1.33
 
 
114,573

 
1.30
Total borrowed funds
$
223,699

 
0.69
 
 
$
208,854

 
0.73
Average for the year-to-date period:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Securities sold under agreements to repurchase
$
107,944

 
0.03
 
 
$
85,314

 
0.02
FHLB advances
114,547

 
1.33
 
 
114,577

 
1.55
Total borrowed funds
$
222,491

 
0.70
 
 
$
199,891

 
0.90
Maximum amount outstanding at the end of any day during the period:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Securities sold under agreements to repurchase
$
116,934

 
 
 
 
$
103,602

 
 
FHLB advances
114,551

 
 
 
 
114,581

 
 

Average borrowed funds totaled $222.5 million for the first quarter of 2014 increasing 11.3% compared to the same period in 2013 due to higher levels of securities sold under agreements to repurchase.

Securities sold under agreements to repurchase generally mature within 1 to 90 days from the transaction date.


59





MANAGEMENT OF CAPITAL

Capital Measurements

A strong capital structure is required under applicable banking regulations and is crucial in maintaining investor confidence, accessing capital markets, and enabling us to take advantage of future growth opportunities. Our capital policy requires that the Company and the Bank maintain capital ratios in excess of the minimum regulatory guidelines. It serves as an internal discipline in analyzing business risks and internal growth opportunities and sets targeted levels of return on equity. Under regulatory capital adequacy guidelines, the Company and the Bank are subject to various capital requirements set and administered by the federal banking agencies. These requirements specify minimum capital ratios, defined as Tier 1 and total capital as a percentage of assets and off-balance sheet items that were weighted according to broad risk categories and a leverage ratio calculated as Tier 1 capital as a percentage of adjusted average assets. We manage our capital ratios for both the Company and the Bank to consistently maintain these measurements in excess of the Federal Reserve’s minimum levels to be considered “well-capitalized,” which is the highest capital category established.

The following table presents our consolidated measures of capital as of the dates presented and the capital guidelines established by the Federal Reserve to be categorized as “well-capitalized.” All regulatory mandated ratios for characterization as “well-capitalized” were exceeded as of March 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013.

All other ratios presented in the table below are capital adequacy metrics used and relied on by investors and industry analysts; however, they are non-GAAP financial measures for SEC purposes. These non-GAAP measures are valuable indicators of a financial institution’s capital strength since they eliminate intangible assets from stockholders’ equity and retain the effect of accumulated other comprehensive loss in stockholders’ equity. Reconciliations of the components of those ratios to GAAP are also presented in the table below.


60





Table 19
Capital Measurements
(Dollar amounts in thousands)
 
March 31,
2014
 
December 31,
2013
 
Regulatory
Minimum
For
Well-
Capitalized
 
Excess Over
Required Minimums
at March 31, 2014
Reconciliation of capital components to regulatory requirements (as defined in federal regulations):
 
 
 
 
Total regulatory capital
$
851,978

 
$
841,787

 
 
 
 
 
 
Tier 1 capital
$
762,032

 
$
741,414

 
 
 
 
 
 
Trust preferred securities included in Tier 1 capital
(36,690
)
 
(36,690
)
 
 
 
 
 
 
Tier 1 common capital
$
725,342

 
$
704,724

 
 
 
 
 
 
Risk-weighted assets
$
6,980,930

 
$
6,794,666

 
 
 
 
 
 
Average assets
7,993,529

 
8,075,888

 
 
 
 
 
 
Regulatory capital ratios:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Total capital to risk-weighted assets
12.20
%
 
12.39
%
 
10.00
%
 
22
%
 
$
153,885

Tier 1 capital to risk-weighted assets
10.92
%
 
10.91
%
 
6.00
%
 
82
%
 
$
343,176

Tier 1 leverage to average assets
9.53
%
 
9.18
%
 
5.00
%
 
91
%
 
$
362,356

Tier 1 common capital to risk-weighted assets (1)
10.39
%
 
10.37
%
 
N/A (2)

 
N/A (2)

 
N/A (2)

Reconciliation of capital components to GAAP:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Total stockholder’s equity
$
1,020,425

 
$
1,001,442

 
 
 
 
 
 
Goodwill and other intangible assets
(275,605
)
 
(276,366
)
 
 
 
 
 
 
Tangible common equity
744,820

 
725,076

 
 
 
 
 
 
Accumulated other comprehensive loss
19,772

 
26,792

 
 
 
 
 
 
Tangible common equity, excluding accumulated
  other comprehensive loss
$
764,592

 
$
751,868

 
 
 
 
 
 
Total assets
$
8,328,519

 
$
8,253,407

 
 
 
 
 
 
Goodwill and other intangible assets
(275,605
)
 
(276,366
)
 
 
 
 
 
 
Tangible assets
$
8,052,914

 
$
7,977,041

 
 
 
 
 
 
Tangible common equity ratios:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Tangible common equity to tangible assets
9.25
%
 
9.09
%
 
N/A (2)

 
N/A (2)

 
N/A (2)

Tangible common equity, excluding other accumulated
  comprehensive loss, to tangible assets
9.49
%
 
9.43
%
 
N/A (2)

 
N/A (2)

 
N/A (2)

Tangible common equity to risk-weighted assets
10.67
%
 
10.67
%
 
N/A (2)

 
N/A (2)

 
N/A (2)


N/A – Not applicable.

(1)  
Excludes the impact of trust-preferred securities.
(2)  
Ratio is not subject to formal Federal Reserve regulatory requirements.

The slight decline in the total capital to risk-weighted assets ratio compared to December 31, 2013 was due to an increase in risk-weighted assets resulting from loan growth, which more than offset the increase in total capital from earnings for the first quarter of 2014 and the increase in allowable deferred tax assets. The tier 1 leverage to average assets ratio increased 35 basis points from December 31, 2013 driven by strong earnings, the increase in allowable deferred tax assets, and a reduction in average assets.

The Board of Directors reviews the Company’s capital plan each quarter, considering the current and expected operating environment as well as an evaluation of various capital alternatives.


61





Basel III Capital Rules

In July of 2013, the Company's primary federal regulator, the Federal Reserve, published final rules establishing a new comprehensive capital framework for U.S. banking organizations. The Basel III Capital Rules are discussed in the "Supervision and Regulation" section in Item 1, "Business" in the Company's 2013 10-K.
Management believes that as of March 31, 2014 the Company and the Bank would meet all capital adequacy requirements under the Basel III Capital Rules on a fully phased-in basis as if such requirements were currently in effect.
ITEM 3. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE
DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK

Market risk is the risk of loss arising from adverse changes in the fair value of financial instruments due to changes in interest rates, exchange rates, and equity prices. Interest rate risk is our primary market risk and is the result of repricing, basis, and option risk. A description and analysis of our interest rate risk management policies is included in Part II, Item 7A, “Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk,” in our 2013 10-K.

We seek to achieve consistent growth in net interest income and net income while managing volatility that arises from shifts in interest rates. The Bank’s Asset Liability Committee (“ALCO”) oversees financial risk management by developing programs to measure and manage interest rate risks within authorized limits set by the Bank’s Board of Directors. ALCO also approves the Bank’s asset and liability management policies, oversees the formulation and implementation of strategies to improve balance sheet positioning and earnings, and reviews the Bank’s interest rate sensitivity position. Management uses net interest income simulation modeling to analyze and capture exposure of earnings to changes in interest rates.

Net Interest Income Sensitivity
The analysis of net interest income sensitivity assesses the magnitude of changes in net interest income over a twelve-month measurement period resulting from immediate changes in interest rates using multiple rate scenarios. These scenarios include, but are not limited to, a flat or unchanged rate environment, immediate increases of 100, 200, and 300 basis points, and an immediate decrease of 100 basis points. Due to the low interest rate environment as of March 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013, management determined that an immediate decrease in interest rates greater than 100 basis points was not meaningful.
This simulation analysis is based on actual cash flows and repricing characteristics for balance sheet and off-balance sheet instruments and incorporates market-based assumptions regarding the effect of changing interest rates on the prepayment rates of certain assets and liabilities. In addition, this sensitivity analysis examines assets and liabilities at the beginning of the measurement period and does not assume any changes from growth or business plans over the next twelve months. Interest-earning assets and interest-bearing liabilities are assumed to re-price based on contractual terms over the twelve-month measurement period assuming an instantaneous parallel shift in interest rates in effect at the beginning of the measurement period. The simulation analysis also incorporates assumptions based on the historical behavior of deposit rates in relation to interest rates. Because these assumptions are inherently uncertain, the simulation analysis cannot definitively measure net interest income or predict the impact of the fluctuation in interest rates on net interest income. Actual results may differ from simulated results due to timing, magnitude, and frequency of interest rate changes as well as changes in market conditions and management strategies.
Our balance sheet is asset sensitive based on repricing and maturity characteristics and simulation analysis assumptions. The Bank’s current simulation analysis indicates we would benefit from rising interest rates. Interest-earning assets consist of short and long-term products. As of March 31, 2014, 50% of the loan portfolio consisted of fixed rate loans and 50% were floating rate loans. Investments, consisting of securities and interest-bearing deposits in other banks, are more heavily weighted toward fixed rate securities at 66% of the total compared to 34% for floating rate interest-bearing deposits in other banks. Fixed rate loans are most sensitive to the 3-5 year portion of the yield curve and the Bank limits its loans with maturities that extend beyond 5 years. The majority of floating rate loans are indexed to the short-term Prime or LIBOR rates. The amount of floating rate loans with interest rate floors was $777.3 million , or 32% , of the floating rate loan portfolio as of March 31, 2014. On the liability side of the balance sheet, 80% of deposits are demand deposits and interest-bearing transactional deposits, which either do not pay interest or the interest rates are expected to rise at a slower pace than short-term interest rates.


62





Analysis of Net Interest Income Sensitivity
(Dollar amounts in thousands)
 
Immediate Change in Rates
 
+300
 
+200
 
+100
 
-100
March 31, 2014:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Dollar change
$
42,261

 
$
26,362

 
$
10,851

 
$
(10,553
)
Percent change
16.4
%
 
10.2
%
 
4.2
%
 
(4.1
)%
December 31, 2013:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Dollar change
$
45,209

 
$
28,307

 
$
11,925

 
$
(11,791
)
Percent change
17.3
%
 
10.8
%
 
4.6
%
 
(4.5
)%

The sensitivity of estimated net interest income to an instantaneous parallel shift in interest rate changes is reflected as both dollar and percent changes. For example, this table illustrates that an instantaneous 200 basis point rise in interest rates as of March 31, 2014 would increase net interest income by $26.4 million , or 10.2% , over the next twelve months compared to no change in interest rates. This same measure was $28.3 million , or 10.8% , as of December 31, 2013.

Overall, in rising interest rate scenarios, interest rate risk volatility was slightly less positive at March 31, 2014 compared to December 31, 2013. During the first quarter of 2014, floating rate loan balances increased, funded through a decrease in short-term investments. Overall, rate sensitive assets did not change from the linked quarter. On the liability side, the mix of our transactional deposits shifted during the first quarter of 2014 from less rate sensitive accounts to more rate sensitive accounts, which drove the variance compared to December 31, 2013. While net interest income is projected to decline in a decreasing interest rate environment, we believe the risk of a significant decrease in interest rates is minimal.

ITEM 4. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES

At the end of the period covered by this report, (the “Evaluation Date”), the Company carried out an evaluation, under the supervision and with the participation of the Company’s management, including the Company’s President and Chief Executive Officer and its Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, of the effectiveness of the design and operation of our disclosure controls and procedures pursuant to Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”). Based on that evaluation, the President and Chief Executive Officer and Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer concluded that as of the Evaluation Date, the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures are effective to ensure that information required to be disclosed by the Company in reports that it files or submits under the Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarized, and reported within the time periods specified in Securities and Exchange Commission rules and forms. There were no changes in the Company’s internal control over financial reporting during the most recent fiscal quarter that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, the Company’s internal control over financial reporting.

PART II. OTHER INFORMATION

ITEM 1. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS

In the ordinary course of business, there were certain legal proceedings pending against the Company and its subsidiaries at March 31, 2014. While the outcome of any legal proceeding is inherently uncertain, based on information currently available, the Company's management believes that any liabilities arising from pending legal matters are not expected to have a material adverse effect on the Company's financial position, results of operations, or cash flows.

ITEM 1A. RISK FACTORS

The Company provided a discussion of certain risks and uncertainties faced by the Company in its Annual Report on Form 10-K for 2013. However, these factors may not be the only risks or uncertainties the Company faces. Based on currently available information, the Company has not identified any additional material changes in the Company’s risk factors as previously disclosed, except as discussed above.


63





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

The following table summarizes the Company’s monthly Common Stock purchases during the first quarter of 2014. The Board approved a stock repurchase program on November 27, 2007. Up to 2.5 million shares of the Company’s Common Stock may be repurchased, and the total remaining authorization under the program was 2,494,747 shares as of March 31, 2014. The repurchase program has no set expiration or termination date.

Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities
 
Total
Number of
Shares
Purchased (1)
 
Average
Price
Paid per
Share
 
Total Number
of Shares
Purchased as
Part of a
Publicly
Announced
Plan or
Program
 
Maximum
Number of
Shares that
May Yet Be
Purchased
Under the
Plan or
Program
January 1 – January 31, 2014

 
$

 

 
2,494,747

February 1 – February 28, 2014
158,063

 
15.91

 

 
2,494,747

March 1 – March 31, 2014

 

 

 
2,494,747

Total
158,063

 
$
15.91

 

 
 

(1)  
Consists of shares acquired pursuant to the Company’s share-based compensation plans and not the Company’s repurchase program approved by its Board on November 27, 2007. Under the terms of these plans, the Company accepts shares of Common Stock from option holders if they elect to surrender previously owned shares upon exercise to cover the exercise price of the stock options or, in the case of restricted shares of Common Stock, the withholding of shares to satisfy tax withholding obligations associated with the vesting of restricted shares.


64





ITEM 6. EXHIBITS
Exhibit
Number
 
Description of Documents
 
 
 
3.1

Restated Certificate of Incorporation of the Company is incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 3.1 to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on February 27, 2009.
3.2

Restated By-Laws of the Company are incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 3.2 to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on February 28, 2012.
10.3

First Midwest Bancorp, Inc. Amended Omnibus Stock and Incentive Plan dated March 28, 2014.
10.32

Loan Agreement between the Company and U.S. Bank National Association dated January 21, 2014 is incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Company's Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on January 27, 2014.
10.33

First Midwest Bancorp, Inc. Savings and Profit Sharing Plan as Amended and Restated effective January 1, 2014.
11

Statement re: Computation of Per Share Earnings - The computation of basic and diluted earnings per common share is included in Note 7 of the Company’s Notes to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements included in “ITEM 1. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS” of this document.
15

Acknowledgment of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm.
31.1

Certification of Chief Executive Officer pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
31.2

Certification of Chief Financial Officer pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
32.1 (1)

Certification of Chief Executive Officer pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
32.2 (1)

Certification of Chief Financial Officer pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
99

Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm.
101

Interactive Data File.

(1)  
Furnished, not filed.

65





SIGNATURES
 
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized.

                      First Midwest Bancorp, Inc.
 
 
                         /s/ PAUL F. CLEMENS
                               Paul F. Clemens
    Executive Vice President, Chief Financial Officer,
                 and Principal Accounting Officer*

Date:   May 12, 2014

* Duly authorized to sign on behalf of the registrant.

66




Exhibit 10.3

AMENDMENT TO THE
FIRST MIDWEST BANCORP, INC.
OMNIBUS STOCK AND INCENTIVE PLAN
(As Amended and Restated May 14, 2013)


The First Midwest Bancorp, Inc. Omnibus Stock and Incentive Plan (As Amended and Restated May 14, 2013) (the “Plan”) is hereby amended as follows:
1.      Section 5.2 of the Plan is hereby amended and restated to read as follows:
“5.2      Reuse . If, and to the extent, Awards outstanding after March 31, 2014: terminate by expiration, forfeiture, cancellation, or otherwise without the issuance and delivery of any shares of Stock thereunder, are settled in cash in lieu of shares or are exchanged with the Committee’s permission, prior to the issuance and delivery of shares, for Awards not involving shares, the shares of Stock subject to such Awards shall be available again for issuance under the Plan. In no event shall the following shares of Stock become available for issuance under this Section 5.2:
(a)      Shares tendered or attested to in payment of the Option price of an Option;
(b)      Shares withheld by the Company to satisfy tax withholding obligations;
(c)      Shares acquired by the Company with the amount received upon the exercise of an Option; and
(d)      The number of shares of Stock subject to an SAR that are not issued in connection with the stock settlement of the SAR upon exercise thereof.”
2.      Section 5.3 of the Plan is hereby amended by changing the title of such Section to read “Limitations on Awards to a Single Participant; Minimum Vesting Period” and by adding the following two new subsections:
“(c)      Effective for Options and SARs granted after March 31, 2014, such Options and SARs shall provide for a period of not less than three (3) years for full vesting, subject to acceleration as set forth in the Plan; provided, that such period may be less than three (3) years (i) if vesting is also dependent on the achievement of one or more performance goals, or (ii) so long as the aggregate number of all Awards then outstanding and subject to a full vesting period or a full Period of Restriction of less than three (3) years does not exceed 5% of the total number of shares of Stock authorized for issuance pursuant to the Plan as of March 31, 2014 (excluding shares issued prior to such date), plus any increase in the total number of shares of Stock authorized for issuance pursuant to the Plan approved by stockholders after such date; and”
“(d)      Effective for Restricted Stock and Restricted Stock Units granted after March 31, 2014, such Restricted Stock and Restricted Stock Units shall provide for a Period of Restriction of not less than three (3) years for full vesting, subject to acceleration as set forth in the Plan; provided, that such Period of Restriction may be less than three (3) years (i) if vesting is also dependent on the achievement of one or more performance goals, or (ii) so long as the aggregate number of all Awards then outstanding and subject to a full vesting period or a full Period of Restriction of less than three (3) years does not exceed 5% of the total number of shares of Stock authorized for issuance pursuant to the Plan as of March 31, 2014 (excluding





shares issued prior to such date), plus any increase in the total number of shares of Stock authorized for issuance pursuant to the Plan approved by stockholders after such date.”
3.      Section 5.5 of the Plan is hereby amended and restated to read as follows:
“5.5      No Repricing Without Stockholder Approval . Notwithstanding anything in the Plan to the contrary, the Committee may not reprice Options or SARs granted under the Plan, nor may any Option or SAR under the Plan be surrendered to the Company as consideration for the grant of a new Option or SAR with a lower exercise price or exchanged for cash or another Award, nor may the Board amend the Plan to permit such repricing or exchange of Options or SARs granted under the Plan, unless the stockholders of the Company provide prior approval for such repricing, surrender, exchange or amendment. Adjustments pursuant to Section 5.4 shall not be considered a repricing.”
4.      All capitalized terms used but not defined herein shall have the same meanings ascribed thereto in the Plan.
5.      The Plan is amended only as set forth herein and, except as expressly amended hereby, the Plan shall remain in full force and effect in accordance with the provisions thereof.
This amendment to the Plan was duly adopted and approved on March 28, 2014 and shall become effective as of such date.


* * *






Exhibit 10.33

FIRST MIDWEST BANCORP, INC.
SAVINGS AND PROFIT SHARING PLAN
As Amended and Restated Effective January 1, 2014,
Except as Expressly Provided Otherwise


 
 
 


TABLE OF CONTENTS

 
 
Page
ARTICLE 1
 
GENERAL
1
1.1
 
Purpose
1
1.2
 
Source of Funds
1
1.3
 
Effective Date
1
1.4
 
Definitions
1
 
 
Account or Accounts
1
 
 
Active Participant
2
 
 
Actual Deferral Percentage and Actual Deferral Percentage Test
2
 
 
Affiliate
3
 
 
Annual Addition
3
 
 
Before-Tax Contributions
3
 
 
Board of Directors
3
 
 
Business Day
3
 
 
Catch-Up Contributions
3
 
 
Code
3
 
 
Committee
3
 
 
Company
3
 
 
Considered Compensation
4
 
 
Defined Contribution Dollar Limitation
4
 
 
Determination Date
4
 
 
Early Retirement Date
4
 
 
Eligible Employee
4
 
 
Eligible Participant
4
 
 
Eligibility Period
4
 
 
Employer
5
 
 
Employer Contribution
5
 
 
Employment Commencement Date
5
 
 
Entry Date
5
 
 
ERISA
5
 
 
Five-Percent Owner
5
 
 
Heritage Fund
5
 
 
Heritage Plan
5
 
 
Highly Compensated Employee
5
 
 
Hour of Service
6
 
 
Individual Beneficiary
6
 
 
Investment Options
6
 
 
Leased Employee
7
 
 
Limitation Year
7
 
 
Limited Participant
7
 
 
Matching Employer Contributions
7
 
 
McHenry Plan
7

 
i
 


TABLE OF CONTENTS
(continued)



 
 
Page
 
 
Member of a Collective Bargaining Unit
7
 
 
Non-Highly Compensated Employee
8
 
 
Normal Retirement Date
8
 
 
One-Year Break in Service
8
 
 
Participant
8
 
 
Plan
8
 
 
Plan Year
9
 
 
Prior Plan
9
 
 
Qualified Military Service
9
 
 
Required Beginning Date
9
 
 
Rollover Contribution
9
 
 
Severance Date
10
 
 
Total Compensation
10
 
 
Trust
11
 
 
Trustee
11
 
 
Valuation Date
11
 
 
Year of Service
11
1.5
 
EGTRRA Compliance
11
ARTICLE 2
 
ELIGIBILITY AND PARTICIPATION
12
2.1
 
Eligibility Requirements
12
2.2
 
Leaves of Absence
13
2.3
 
Years of Service to be Credited
13
2.4
 
Years of Service to be Disregarded
13
2.5
 
Leased Employees
14
2.6
 
Qualified Military Service
14
ARTICLE 3
 
CONTRIBUTIONS BY EMPLOYER AND ROLLOVER CONTRIBUTIONS
15
3.1
 
Contributions to the Plan
15
3.2
 
Before-Tax and Catch-Up Contribution
15
3.3
 
Limitations on Before-Tax Contributions and Matching Employer Contributions
16
3.4
 
Employer Contribution
18
3.5
 
Matching Employer Contribution
19
3.6
 
Rollover Contributions
19
ARTICLE 4
 
ACCOUNTING PROVISIONS AND ALLOCATIONS
21
4.1
 
Participant’s Accounts
21
4.2
 
Common Fund
21
4.3
 
Allocation Procedure
22
4.4
 
Determination of Value of Trust Fund and of Net Earnings or Losses
22

 
ii
 


TABLE OF CONTENTS
(continued)


 
 
Page
4.5
 
Allocation of Net Earnings or Losses
23
4.6
 
Eligibility to Share in the Employer Contributions and Automatic Contributions
23
4.9
 
Allocation of Employer Contribution and Automatic Contribution
25
ARTICLE 5
 
AMOUNT OF PAYMENTS TO PARTICIPANTS
26
5.1
 
General Rule
26
5.2
 
Normal Retirement
26
5.3
 
Death
26
5.4
 
Disability
27
5.5
 
Vesting
27
5.6
 
Resignation or Dismissal
27
5.7
 
Treatment of Forfeitures
28
ARTICLE 6
 
DISTRIBUTIONS
29
6.1
 
Commencement of Distributions
29
6.2
 
Form of Distributions
29
6.3
 
Distributions to Beneficiaries
30
6.4
 
Beneficiaries
30
6.5
 
Form of Elections and Applications for Benefits
31
6.6
 
Unclaimed Distributions
31
6.7
 
Loans
31
6.8
 
Withdrawals Prior to Termination of Employment
32
6.9
 
Facility of Payment
34
6.10
 
Claims Procedure
34
6.11
 
Eligible Rollover Distributions
36
6.12
 
Minimum Required Distributions
37
6.13
 
Automatic Rollover
41
ARTICLE 7
 
TOP-HEAVY PLAN REQUIREMENTS
42
7.1
 
Definition of Top-Heavy Plan
42
7.2
 
Top-Heavy Plan Requirements
42
7.3
 
Definitions
43
7.4
 
Cessation of Top-Heavy Requirements
43
7.5
 
EGTRRA Top-Heavy Provisions
44
ARTICLE 8
 
POWERS AND DUTIES OF PLAN COMMITTEE
45
8.1
 
Appointment of Plan Committee
45
8.2
 
Powers and Duties of Committee
45
8.3
 
Committee Procedures
46
8.4
 
Consultation with Advisors
46
8.5
 
Committee Members as Participants
46
8.6
 
Records and Reports
46

 
iii
 


TABLE OF CONTENTS
(continued)


 
 
Page
8.7
 
Investment Policy
46
8.8
 
Designation of Other Fiduciaries
47
8.9
 
Obligations of Committee
47
8.10
 
Indemnification of Committee
48
ARTICLE 9
 
TRUSTEE AND TRUST FUND
49
9.1
 
Trust Fund
49
9.2
 
Payments to Trust Fund and Expenses
49
9.3
 
Trustee’s Responsibilities
49
9.4
 
Reversion to the Employer
49
9.5
 
Investment Options
49
9.6
 
Rollover from Prior Plan
50
ARTICLE 10
 
AMENDMENT OR TERMINATION
52
10.1
 
Amendment
52
10.2
 
Termination
52
10.3
 
Form of Amendment, Discontinuance of Employer Contributions, and Termination
52
10.4
 
Limitations on Amendments
52
10.5
 
Level of Benefits upon Merger
52
10.6
 
Vesting upon Termination or Discontinuance of Employer Contributions; Liquidation of Trust
53
ARTICLE 11
 
ADOPTION BY AFFILIATES
54
11.1
 
Adoption of Plan
54
11.2
 
The Company as Agent for Employer
54
11.3
 
Adoption of Amendments
54
11.4
 
Termination
54
11.5
 
Data to be Furnished by Employers
54
11.6
 
Joint Employees
54
11.7
 
Expenses
54
11.8
 
Withdrawal
55
11.9
 
Prior Plans
55
11.10
 
Merger of the Heritage Plan into the Plan
55
ARTICLE 12
 
MISCELLANEOUS
56
12.1
 
No Guarantee of Employment, etc
56
12.2
 
Rights of Participants and Others
56
12.3
 
Qualified Domestic Relations Order
56
12.4
 
Controlling Law
56
12.5
 
Severability
56
12.6
 
Notification of Addresses
56
12.7
 
Gender and Number
57

 
iv
 


TABLE OF CONTENTS
(continued)


 
 
Page
ARTICLE 13
 
ESOP PROVISIONS
58
13.1
 
General
58
13.2
 
Treatment of the ESOP Fund
58
13.3
 
Allocation of Employer Contribution
58
13.4
 
Allocation of Net Earnings and Losses and Dividends
58
13.5
 
ESOP Provisions
59
ROTH CONTRIBUTIONS
62

 
v
 





ARTICLE 1

GENERAL
1.1      Purpose . It is the intention of the Company to continue to provide for the administration of the First Midwest Bancorp Savings and Profit Sharing Plan and a Trust Fund in conjunction therewith for the benefit of Eligible Employees of the Employers, in accordance with the provisions of Sections 401 and 501 of the Code and in accordance with other provisions of law relating to defined contribution plans. Except as provided in this Plan or the Trust, upon the transfer by the Employer of any funds to the Trust Fund in accordance with the provisions of this Plan, all interest of the Employer therein shall cease and terminate, and no part of the Trust Fund shall be used for, or diverted to, purposes other than the exclusive benefit of Participants and their beneficiaries.
1.2      Source of Funds . The Trust Fund shall be created, funded and maintained by contributions of the Employers, by contributions of Participants, and by such net earnings as are obtained from the investment of the funds of the Trust Fund.
1.3      Effective Date . The provisions of the Plan as herein restated shall be effective as of January 1, 2014, except as expressly provided otherwise. Except as may be required by ERISA or the Code, the rights of any person whose status as an employee of the Employer and all Affiliates has terminated shall be determined pursuant to the Plan as in effect on the date such employment terminated, unless a subsequently adopted provision of the Plan is made specifically applicable to such person.
1.4      Definitions . Certain terms are capitalized and have the respective meanings set forth in the Plan.
Account or Accounts . “Account” or “Accounts” shall mean the individual accounts established pursuant to Section 4.1 representing a Participant’s allocable share of the Trust Fund. Such Accounts may include:
(a)      An “Employer Contribution Account” maintained to record the amount of Employer Contributions, any net earnings or losses of the Trust Fund thereon and any distributions or forfeitures thereof allocated to a Participant in accordance with Article 4.
(b)      A “Vested Employer Account” maintained to record the amount of Employer Contributions, if any, made on behalf of a Participant prior to January 1, 1998 which were, under the terms of the Plan in effect at such time, immediately nonforfeitable when contributed, and adjustments for net earnings or losses of the Trust Fund thereon and any distributions or forfeitures thereof allocated to a Participant in accordance with Article 4.
(c)      A “Before-Tax Account” maintained to record the amount of Before-Tax Contributions, any net earnings or losses of the Trust Fund thereon and any distributions thereof allocated to a Participant in accordance with Article 4.

 
 
 




(d)      A “Matching Account” maintained to record the amount of Matching Employer Contributions and forfeitures, any net earnings or losses of the Trust Fund thereon and any distributions thereof allocated to a Participant in accordance with Article 4.
(e)      A “Prior Plan Account” maintained to record the balance of any account under a Prior Plan, including, effective January 1, 2014, the McHenry Plan and the Heritage Plan, attributable to amounts other than after-tax contributions which is transferred to the Trust Fund, adjustments for net earnings or losses of the Trust Fund thereon and any distributions thereof allocated to a Participant in accordance with Article 4.
(f)      An “After-Tax Account” maintained to record the balance of any account under a Prior Plan attributable to after-tax contributions which is transferred to the Trust Fund, adjustments for net earnings or losses of the Trust Fund thereon and any distributions thereof allocated to a Participant in accordance with Article 4.
(g)      A “Rollover Account” maintained to record the balance of any Rollover Contribution pursuant to Section 3.6, any net earnings or losses of the Trust Fund thereon and any distributions thereof allocated to a Participant in accordance with Article 4. To the extent applicable to any Rollover Account, an after-tax sub-account shall be maintained as part of the Participant’s Rollover Account to record the balance of any account under a Prior Plan or Rollover Contribution attributable to after-tax contributions, any net earnings or losses of the Trust Fund thereon and any distributions thereof allocated to a Participant in accordance with Article 4.
(h)      A “Catch-Up Contribution Account,” maintained to record the amount of Catch-Up Contributions, any net earnings or losses of the Trust Fund thereon and any distributions thereof allocated to a Participant in accordance with Article 4.
(i)      A “Roth Contribution Account” maintained to maintained to record the amount of Roth Contributions, any net earnings or losses of the Trust Fund thereon and any distributions thereof allocated to a Participant in accordance with Article 14.
(j)      An “Automatic Contribution Account” maintained to record the amount of Automatic Contributions, any net earnings or losses of the Trust Fund thereon and any distributions or forfeitures thereof allocated to a Participant in accordance with Article 4.
(k)      A “Retirement Contribution Account” maintained to record the amount of Retirement Contributions, any net earnings or losses of the Trust Fund thereon and any distributions thereof allocated to a Participant in accordance with Article 4.
Active Participant . “Active Participant” means a Participant who, on a given date, is employed by the Employer as an Eligible Employee.
Actual Deferral Percentage and Actual Deferral Percentage Test . “Actual Deferral Percentage” and “Actual Deferral Percentage Test” are described in Section 3.3.

 
2
 




Affiliate . “Affiliate” means any corporation or enterprise, other than the Company, which, as of a given date, is a member of the same controlled group of corporations, the same group of trades or businesses under common control or the same affiliated service group, determined in accordance with Sections 414(b), (c), (m) or (o) of the Code, as is the Company. For purposes of applying the limitations of Section 415 of the Code set forth in Article 4, “Affiliate” shall include any corporation or enterprise, other than the Company, which, as of a given date, is a member of the same controlled group of corporations or the same group of trades or businesses under common control, determined in accordance with Sections 414(b) or (c) of the Code as modified by Section 415(h) thereof, as is the Company.
Annual Addition . “Annual Addition” means for any Limitation Year, the sum of (a) all Before-Tax Contributions, Roth Contributions, Matching Employer Contributions, Employer Contributions, Automatic Contributions, Transition Contributions, forfeitures and after-tax contributions allocated to the accounts of the Participant under this Plan; (b) any employer contributions, forfeitures and employee after-tax contributions allocated to such Participant under any other defined contribution plan maintained by an Employer or Affiliate; and (c) amounts allocated to an individual medical account as defined in Code Section 415(l)(2) and amounts attributable to post-retirement medical benefits allocated to an account described in Code Section 419A(d)(2) maintained by the Employer or an Affiliate.
Automatic Contributions . “Automatic Contributions” means the contributions referred to in Section 3.7.
Before-Tax Contributions . “Before-Tax Contributions” mean, with respect to a Participant, the contributions made on behalf of such Participant by the Employer as described in Section 3.2(a) and, with respect to the Employer, the sum of all such contributions made on behalf of all Participants.
Board of Directors . “Board of Directors” means the Board of Directors of the Company.
Business Day. “Business Day” means each day on which the Federal Reserve, the New York Stock Exchange and the Trustee are open for business, or if different and to the extent applicable, each day as of which trades are recognized under the rules governing an investment fund of the Plan.
Catch-Up Contributions . “Catch-Up Contributions” means the contributions described in subsection 3.2(c).
Code . “Code” means the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as from time to time amended.
Committee . “Committee” means the plan administrator and named fiduciary appointed pursuant to Section 8.1.
Company . The “Company” means First Midwest Bancorp, Inc., a corporation organized and existing under the laws of the State of Delaware.

 
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Considered Compensation . A Participant’s “Considered Compensation” for any Plan Year is his Total Compensation received from an Employer during such Plan Year paid while he was a Participant, but excluding any reimbursements or other expense allowances, fringe benefits (cash and non-cash, including service awards), moving expenses, deferred compensation, and welfare benefits; provided, however, Considered Compensation or Total Compensation shall not include any amount in excess of $260,000, as adjusted for increases in the cost of living in accordance with Code Section 401(a)(17)(B). Moreover, such dollar limitation shall be prorated for any short Plan Year of less than twelve (12) full months determined by multiplying such dollar limitation by a fraction, the numerator of which is the number of months in a Plan Year (including any partial month) and the denominator of which is twelve (12).
Defined Contribution Dollar Limitation . The “Defined Contribution Dollar Limitation” shall, for any Limitation Year, be equal to $52,000, as adjusted by the Secretary of the Treasury pursuant to Code Section 415(d) (prorated for any Limitation Year of less than 12 months).
Determination Date . A Participant's Determination Date is the Valuation Date coinciding with his termination of employment.
Early Retirement Date . A Participant’s “Early Retirement Date” is the date on which he has completed at least 15 Years of Service and attained age 55. For purposes of Section 4.6, “Early Retirement Date” also includes a retirement date designated by an Employer in connection with the Participant’s election to participate in a voluntary retirement program offered by the Participant’s Employer. Retirement shall be considered as commencing on the day immediately following a Participant’s last day of employment (or Authorized Leave of Absence, if later).
Eligible Employee . An “Eligible Employee” is any employee of the Employer or an Affiliate but excluding any employee who is: (1) a Member of a Collective Bargaining Unit, (2) an individual providing services to the Employer in the capacity of, or who is or was designated by the Employer as, a Leased Employee or an independent contractor, or (3) reasonably expected to be a continuous employee for no longer than thirteen weeks, with such expectation based on (A) the fact that the employee is providing services during a break period from a post-secondary education institution at which the employee is enrolled or is expected to be enrolled or (B) such other facts that indicate such a limited continuous employment relationship.
Eligible Participant . An “Eligible Participant” is a Participant as defined in Section 4.6.
Eligibility Period . An “Eligibility Period” is a one-year period used for the purpose of determining when an employee is eligible to participate in the Plan. An employee’s first Eligibility Period shall commence on the date on which he first completes an Hour of Service and subsequent Eligibility Periods shall commence on each anniversary thereof; provided, however, that subsequent Eligibility Periods shall commence on the first day of each Plan Year which begins after the date on which the Participant first completes an Hour of Service. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the initial Eligibility Period of a former employee who is reemployed after incurring one or more One-Year Breaks in Service and who is not eligible for immediate participation pursuant to Section 2.1(c) shall commence on the date on which he first performs duties for the Employer or an Affiliate after such One-Year Break in Service, and subsequent Eligibility Periods shall commence on the

 
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anniversary thereof or on the first day of each Plan Year which begins after said date, as determined by applying the preceding sentence as if such date were the first date on which the Participant first completed an Hour of Service.
Employer . “Employer” means the Company or any such Affiliate thereof which adopts the Plan in accordance with Article 11.
Employer Contribution . “Employer Contribution” is the contribution referred to in Section 3.4.
Employment Commencement Date . An individual’s “Employment Commencement Date” is the first date on which he performs duties for the Employer or an Affiliate as an employee; provided that in the case of an employee who returns to service following his Severance Date, the employee’s “Employment Commencement Date” is the first date on which he performs duties for the Employer or an Affiliate as an employee following such Severance Date.
Entry Date . January 1 and July 1 of each Plan Year shall be an “Entry Date.”
ERISA . “ERISA” means the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, as from time to time amended.
Five-Percent Owner . “Five-Percent Owner” means a five-percent owner of the Employer or an Affiliate within the meaning of Section 414(i)(1) of the Code.
Heritage Fund . “Heritage Fund” means the Fund established and maintained under Section 9.5(a)(iv) of the Plan.
Heritage Plan . “Heritage Plan” means the Heritage Financial Services Profit Sharing Plan as in effect on September 30, 1998, which was merged into this Plan effective October 1, 1998.
Highly Compensated Employee . “Highly Compensated Employee” means an employee of the Employer or an Affiliate who was a Participant eligible during the Plan Year to make Before-Tax Contributions and who:
(a)      was a Five-Percent Owner at any time during the Plan Year; or
(b)      received Total Compensation in excess of $115,000 (as adjusted for increases in the cost of living by the Secretary of the Treasury) during the preceding Plan Year and was among the top 20% of the employees (disregarding those employees excludable under Code Section 415(q)(5)) when ranked on the basis of Total Compensation paid for that year.
To the extent required by Code Section 414(q)(6), a former employee who was a Highly Compensated Employee when he or she separated from service with the Employer and all Affiliates or at any time after attaining age 55 shall be treated as a Highly Compensated Employee.

 
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Hour of Service . An “Hour of Service” is:
(a)      each hour for which an employee is paid or entitled to payment for the performance of duties for the Employer or an Affiliate;
(b)      each hour for which back pay, irrespective of mitigation of damages, is either awarded or agreed to by the Employer or an Affiliate; and
(c)      each hour for which an employee is paid or entitled to payment for a period during which no duties are performed (irrespective of whether the employment relationship has terminated) due to vacation, holiday, illness, incapacity, layoff, jury duty, military duty, or leave of absence. In crediting Hours of Service pursuant to this subparagraph (c), all payments made or due shall be taken into account, whether such payments are made directly by the Employer or an Affiliate or indirectly ( e.g. , through a trust fund or insurer to which the Employer or an Affiliate makes payments, or otherwise), except that:
(i)      no more than 501 such Hours of Service shall be credited for any continuous period during which the employee performs no duties;
(ii)      no such Hours of Service shall be credited if payments are made or due under a plan maintained solely for the purpose of complying with any workers’ compensation, unemployment compensation or disability insurance laws; and
(iii)      no such Hours of Service shall be credited for payments which are made solely to reimburse the employee for medical or medically related expenses.
The Hours of Service, if any, for which an employee is credited for a period in which he performs no duties shall be computed and credited to computation periods in accordance with 29 C.F.R. 2530.200b-2 and other applicable regulations promulgated by the Secretary of Labor. For purposes of computing the Hours of Service to be credited to an employee for whom a record of hours worked is not maintained, an employee shall be credited with 45 Hours of Service for each week in which he completes at least one Hour of Service. In addition, an employee shall be credited with Hours of Service for each week the employee is on a leave of absence in accordance with Section 2.2.
Individual Beneficiary . “Individual Beneficiary” means a natural person designated by the Participant in accordance with Section 6.4 to receive all or any portion of the amounts remaining in the Participant’s Accounts at the time of the Participant’s death. “Individual Beneficiary” also means a natural person who is a beneficiary of a trust designated by the Participant in accordance with Section 6.4 to receive all or a portion of such amount, provided the trust requires that such amounts be paid to the beneficiary in the time and manner that this Plan would require that direct payments be made to an Individual Beneficiary.
Investment Options “Investment Options” mean the investment options to be maintained as set forth in Article 9.

 
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Leased Employee . “Leased Employee” means any individual who is not an employee of the Employer or an Affiliate and who provides services for the Employer or an Affiliate if:
(a)      such services are provided pursuant to an agreement between the Employer or an Affiliate and any other person;
(b)      such individual has performed such services for the Employer or an Affiliate (or a related person within the meaning of Section 144(a)(3) of the Code) on a substantially full-time basis for a period of at least one year; and
(c)      such services have been performed under the primary direction or control of the Employer or an Affiliate.
Contributions or benefits provided a Leased Employee by the leasing organization which are attributable to services performed for the Employer shall be treated as provided by the Employer. To the extent and for purposes required by Sections 414(n) and (o), a Leased Employee shall be deemed to be an Employee of the Employer, unless: (i) he or she is covered by a money purchase pension plan providing (1) a nonintegrated employer contribution rate of at least 10 percent of compensation, as defined in Code Section 415(c)(3), but including amounts contributed pursuant to a salary reduction agreement which are excludable from the Employee’s gross income under Code Sections 125, 132(f)(4), 401(e)(3), 402(h) or 403(b), (2) immediate participation, and (3) full and immediate vesting; and (ii) Leased Employees do not constitute more than 20 percent of the Employer’s nonhighly compensated workforce.
Limitation Year . “Limitation Year” means a 12-month period beginning January 1 and ending December 31.
Limited Participant . A “Limited Participant” is a current employee of the Employer or an Affiliate who has become eligible to participate in the Plan on a limited basis pursuant to Subsection 2.1(b)(i).
Matching Employer Contributions . “Matching Employer Contributions” means the contributions described in Section 3.5.
McHenry Plan . “McHenry Plan” means the McHenry State Bank Profit Sharing and Savings Plan & Trust, as in effect prior to its merger with this Plan effective December 31, 1997.
Member of a Collective Bargaining Unit . “Member of a Collective Bargaining Unit” means any employee who is included in a collective bargaining unit and whose terms and conditions of employment are covered by a collective bargaining agreement if there is evidence that retirement benefits were the subject of good-faith bargaining between representatives of such employee and the Employer, unless such collective bargaining agreement makes this Plan applicable to such employee.

 
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Non-Highly Compensated Employee . “Non-Highly Compensated Employee” means, for any Plan Year, any employee of the Employer or Affiliate who (a) at any time during the Plan Year was a Participant and (b) was not a Highly Compensated Employee for such Plan Year.
Normal Retirement Date . A Participant’s “Normal Retirement Date” shall be his 65th birthday.
One-Year Break in Service . A “One-Year Break in Service” is a one-year period, commencing on an employee’s Severance Date, during which such employee does not perform duties for an Employer or an Affiliate. Solely for purposes of determining whether a One-Year Break in Service has occurred, absences shall be disregarded if the employee otherwise would normally have been credited with Hours of Service but for the employee’s absence because of a maternity or paternity absence. No more than one year of absence on a single maternity or paternity absence shall be so disregarded. A maternity or paternity absence is an absence from work:
(a)      by reason of the pregnancy of the employee;
(b)      by reason of the birth of a child of the employee;
(c)      by reason of the placement of a child with the employee in connection with the adoption of such child by the employee; or
(d)      for purposes of caring for such child for a period beginning immediately following such birth or placement.
Any employee requesting such credit shall promptly furnish the Committee such information as the Committee requires to show that the absence from work is a maternity or paternity absence and the number of days for which there was such an absence. No more than 501 hours shall be credited for a maternity or paternity absence. All such hours shall be credited in the Plan Year in which the absence begins if necessary to prevent a One-Year Break in Service in such Plan Year. If such hours are not necessary to prevent a One-Year Break in Service in such Plan Year, the hours shall be credited in the succeeding Plan Year if necessary to prevent a One-Year Break in Service in such Plan Year. In the event the Committee is unable to determine the hours which otherwise would normally have been credited for such absence, the employee shall be credited with 8 hours per day.
Participant . A "Participant" is (a) a current employee of the Employer or an Affiliate who has become eligible to participate in the Plan pursuant to Section 2.1(b)(ii) or (b) a former employee for whose benefit an Account in the Trust Fund is maintained. Notwithstanding the foregoing, an Eligible Employee who is not otherwise a Participant and who (i) makes a Rollover Contribution to the Plan pursuant to Section 3.6 and/or (ii) makes a Before-Tax Contribution to the Plan pursuant to Limited Participant status per Subsection 2.1(b)(i) shall also be treated as a Participant solely to the extent of such Rollover Contribution and/or Before-Tax Contribution until such time as the Eligible Employee has become eligible to participate in the Plan pursuant to Section 2.1(b)(ii).
Plan . “Plan” means the First Midwest Bancorp, Inc. Savings and Profit Sharing Plan as set forth herein and as from time to time amended.

 
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Plan Year . A “Plan Year” is a 12-month period beginning on January 1 and ending on December 31. References to specific Plan Years are made herein by reference to the calendar year in which the Plan Year began. For example, the “2014 Plan Year” is the Plan Year beginning January 1, 2014.
Prior Plan . “Prior Plan” means a defined contribution plan maintained or previously maintained by an Employer from which accounts held for the benefit of individuals who have become Participants hereunder have been transferred to this Plan for the benefit of such Participants.
Qualified Military Service . “Qualified Military Service” means the performance of duty on a voluntary or involuntary basis in the Uniformed Services of the United States by an Eligible Employee provided he/she is reemployed by the Employer or an Affiliate within the applicable time period specified in Chapter 43 of Title 38 of the United States Code (Employment and Reemployment Rights of Members of the Uniformed Services) and the total length of all such absences does not exceed the maximum specified by law for the retention of reemployment rights. The term “Uniformed Services of the United States” means the Armed Forces, the Army National Guard and the Air National Guard when engaged in active duty for training, inactive duty training, or full-time National Guard duty, or full-time duty in the commissioned corps of the Public Health Service.
Required Beginning Date . “Required Beginning Date” means:
(a)      For a Participant whose 70th birthday occurs prior to July 1, 1998, and who is not a Five-Percent Owner as defined in Code Section 416(i)(1), the April 1 following the calendar year in which the Participant attains age 70½;
(b)      For a Participant whose 70th birthday occurs on or after July 1, 1998, and who is not a Five Percent Owner as defined in Code Section 416(i)(1), the April 1 following the later of the calendar year in which the Participant attains age 70½ or the calendar year in which the Participant terminates employment; or
(c)      For a Participant who is a Five-Percent Owner with respect to the Plan Year in which he attains age 70½, the April 1 following the calendar year in which he attained age 70½.
Rollover Contribution . A “Rollover Contribution” is (a) all or a portion of a distribution received by an Eligible Employee from a qualified plan described in Code Section 401(a) or 403(a), an annuity contract described in Code Section 403(b), or an eligible plan under Code Section 457(b) which is maintained by a state, political subsidiary of a state, or any agency or instrumentality of a state or political subdivision of a state, which is eligible for tax-free rollover to a qualified plan and which is transferred by the Eligible Employee to this Plan within 60 days following his or her receipt thereof; (b) amounts transferred to this Plan from a conduit individual retirement account which has no assets other than assets (and the earnings thereon) which were (i) previously distributed to the Eligible Employee by another qualified plan as a rollover distribution, (ii) eligible for tax-free rollover to a qualified plan and (iii) deposited in such conduit individual retirement account within 60 days of receipt thereof; (c) amounts distributed to the Eligible Employee from a conduit individual retirement account meeting the requirements of the preceding clause (ii), and transferred

 
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by the Eligible Employee to this Plan within 60 days of receipt thereof; and (d) a direct rollover within the meaning of Code Section 401(a)(31) or all or a portion of an Eligible Rollover Distribution to this Plan by the trustee of another qualified plan.
Roth Contributions . “Roth Contributions” mean, with respect to a Participant, the contributions made on behalf of such Participant by the Employer as described in Article 14 and, with respect to the Employer, the sum of all such contributions made on behalf of all Participants.
Severance Date . An employee’s “Severance Date” is the earlier of:
(a)      the date on which he quits, retires, dies or is discharged; or
(b)      the first day following any one-year period during which he performed no duties for the Employer or an Affiliate, other than a period which is a period of a leave of absence described in Section 2.2.
Total Compensation . A Participant’s “Total Compensation” for a period is the Participant’s wages, salaries, fees, vacation pay, amounts excluded from the Participant’s income for the period under Code Section 125, 132(f)(4), 402(g)(3) or 457, and other amounts paid to him for personal services actually rendered in the course of employment with the Company and all Affiliates, including, but not limited to, commissions, compensation for services on the basis of a percentage of profits, tips bonuses, and overtime and (in accordance with regulations prescribed by the Secretary of the Treasury) excluding:
(a)      Contributions (other than the Before-Tax Contributions and Catch-Up Contributions) made by the Employer to a plan of deferred compensation to the extent that such are not included in the gross income of the Participant in the year made; Employer contributions to simplified employee pension plans which are excluded from compensation by the Participant; and any distribution from any such plan other than an unfunded non-qualified plan;
(b)      Amounts realized from the exercise of a non-qualified stock option or when restricted stock either becomes freely transferable or free from a substantial risk of forfeiture;
(c)      Amounts realized from the disposition of stock acquired under a qualified stock option; and
(d)      Other amounts which receive special tax benefits.
For Plan Years beginning on or after January 1, 2008, payments made after severance from employment (within the meaning of Code Section 401(k)(2)(B)(i)(I)) and by the later of (A) 2-1/2 months after such severance or (B) the last day of the Plan Year in which such severance occurs, will be Total Compensation if such payments are: (i) payments that, absent a severance from employment, would have been paid to the Participant while the Participant continued in employment with the Employer and such amounts are regular compensation for services rendered during the Participant’s regular working hours, compensation for services outside the Participant’s regular working hours (such as overtime or shift differential), commissions, bonuses, or other similar

 
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compensation or (ii) payments attributable to unused accrued vacation the Participant would have been able to use if employment had continued. Any payments not described above are not considered Total Compensation if paid after severance from employment, even if paid during the Plan Year or within 2-1/2 months following severance from employment, except for payments to a Participant who does not currently perform services for the Employer by reason of Qualified Military Service to the extent the payments do not exceed the amounts the Participant would have received if the Participant had continued to perform services for the Employer rather than entering Qualified Military Service.
Effective January 1, 2009, any differential wage payment paid to a Participant, during a period of Qualified Military Service while on active duty for a period of more than 30 days (within the meaning of Code Section 3401(h)(2)), shall be deemed paid prior to a severance from employment and shall be included in the Total Compensation of the Participant.
Transition Contributions . “Transition Contributions” means the contributions described in Section 3.8.
Trust . “Trust” or “Trust Fund” means the First Midwest Bancorp Savings and Profit Sharing Trust established in accordance with Article 9.
Trustee . “Trustee” means the Trustee or Trustees under the Trust referred to in Article 9.
Valuation Date . “Valuation Date” means any Business Day, except as otherwise provided in paragraph (g) of Section 13.5 of the Plan.
Year of Service . A “Year of Service” is a unit of service credited to an employee pursuant to Sections 2.3 and 2.4, for purposes of determining the percentage of the balance in a Participant’s Employer Contribution Account and Automatic Contribution Account which is nonforfeitable. An employee who is reemployed shall retain service credited to him in his previous employment with the Employer or an Affiliate, except as otherwise provided in the Plan.
1.5      EGTRRA Compliance . This Plan reflects certain provisions of the Economic Growth and Tax Relief Reconciliation Act of 2001 (“EGTRRA”). The provisions of the Plan relating to EGTRRA are intended to demonstrate good faith compliance with the requirements of EGTRRA and are to be construed in accordance with EGTRRA and guidance issued thereunder, including but not limited to IRS Notice 2001-57. Except as otherwise provided, the provisions of the Plan relating to EGTRRA shall be effective as of the first day of the 2002 Plan Year, and shall supercede other provisions of the Plan to the extent such provisions are inconsistent therewith. Notwithstanding any other provisions of the Plan to the contrary, the Committee shall have the full authority to administer the Plan on or after January 1, 2002 in any manner required or permitted by law, including EGTRRA, without the necessity of specific Plan provisions reflecting such administration, unless otherwise required by applicable law.



 
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ARTICLE 2
ELIGIBILITY AND PARTICIPATION
2.1      Eligibility Requirements .
(a)      Every Participant on the effective date of the Plan as herein restated shall continue as such subject to the provisions of the Plan.
(b)      Every other Eligible Employee shall be eligible to participate, if he is then employed by the Employer, as follows:
(i)      As soon as administratively practicable following the later of (A) the Eligible Employee’s 30th day of continuous employment with the Company or an Affiliate or (B) his 21st birthday, an Eligible Employee may participate in the Plan for the limited purpose of making Before-Tax Contributions and Roth Contributions (as described in Section 3.2 and Article 14, respectively) and not for receiving Employer Contributions, Matching Employer Contributions, Automatic Contributions or Transition Contributions (as described in Sections 3.4, 3.5, 3.7 and 3.8 respectively). An Eligible Employee who may participate in the Plan on such a limited basis shall be referred to as a “Limited Participant.”
(ii)      As of the Entry Date coinciding with or next following the later of (A) the end of the first Eligibility Period in which he completes 1,000 Hours of Service or (B) his 21st birthday, an Eligible Employee may participate in all features of the Plan as applicable to such Eligible Employee.
(c)      Any former employee of the Employer or an Affiliate who was a Participant or could have become a Participant under subsection (b) above had he been employed on a prior Entry Date, and is reemployed by the Employer as an Eligible Employee shall be eligible to participate immediately upon reemployment if, on the date of such reemployment, that employee:
(i)      has not incurred a One-Year Break in Service; or
(ii)      had a nonforfeitable right to any part of the balance in his Employer Contribution Account or Before-Tax Account on the date his most recent employment with the Employer and all Affiliates terminated (or would have had such right if he had been a Participant); or
(iii)      has attained age 21 and has incurred a One-Year Break in Service, but has not lost credit for service prior to such One-Year Break in Service pursuant to Section 2.4(b); or
(iv)      terminated his employment because of a maternity or paternity absence defined in Section 1.4, has attained age 21, and has incurred a One-Year Break in Service, but has not lost credit for services prior to such One-Year Break in Service pursuant to Section 2.4(c).

 
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(d)      Notwithstanding any provisions of this Plan to the contrary, any individual who was providing services to the Employer in the capacity of, or who was designated by the Employer as, an independent contractor or a Leased Employee, and who is subsequently re-classified as an Eligible Employee for the purposes of this Plan (regardless of whether such re-classification is retrospective or prospective), shall be eligible to participate in the Plan on a prospective basis only from the date of the re-classification and shall not have any retroactive claim for benefits.
2.2      Leaves of Absence . During the period that any Participant is granted a leave of absence, he shall share in Matching Employer Contributions, Employer Contributions, Automatic Contributions, Transition Contributions, forfeitures, and net earnings or losses of the Trust Fund in the same manner and subject to the same conditions as if he were not on leave of absence. Any leave of absence under this Section 2.2 must be granted in writing and pursuant to the Employer’s established leave policy, which shall be administered in a uniform and nondiscriminatory manner to similarly situated employees.
2.3      Years of Service to be Credited .
(a)      Every employee on the effective date of the Plan as restated herein shall retain his or her Years of Service credited prior to January 1, 2014.
(b)      An employee shall be credited with One Year of Service for each full year in the period commencing on his Employment Commencement Date and ending on his Severance Date. An employee shall also be credited with 1/12 of a Year of Service for each full calendar month in such period for which he did not receive credit pursuant to the preceding sentence, including, if applicable, 1/12 of a Year of Service for the partial calendar month in which the employee’s Employment Commencement Date and in which the employee’s Severance Date occurred.
(c)      An employee reemployed after his Severance Date but prior to a One-Year Break in Service shall be credited with 1/12 of a Year of Service for each calendar month or partial calendar month during the period from his Severance Date to the date of reemployment not otherwise credited pursuant to paragraph (a) above.
2.4      Years of Service to be Disregarded . A Participant shall be credited with all Years of Service, except that the following shall be disregarded:
(a)      Years of Service for an Employer or Affiliate prior to the Employer’s adoption of the Plan, except to the extent otherwise provided by the Employer when adopting the Plan;
(b)      Years of Service prior to a One-Year Break in Service if the Employee fails to complete one Year of Service after such One-Year Break in Service;
(c)      In the case of an employee whose nonforfeitable percentage of the balance of his Employer Contribution Account is 0%, the number of years and portions thereof in the period after the employee’s Severance Date but before he next performs duties for the Employer or an Affiliate equals or exceeds the greater of 5 or the aggregate number of Years of Service and portions

 
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thereof before such One-Year Break in Service (excluding any years of Service previously disregarded); or
(d)      In the case of an employee whose nonforfeitable percentage of the balance of his Employer Contribution Account is 0%, and who terminated his employment with the Employer and all Affiliates because of a maternity or paternity absence defined in Section 1.4, the number of years and portions thereof in the period after the employee’s Severance Date but before he next performs duties for the Employer or an Affiliate equals or exceeds the greater of six or one plus the aggregate number of Years of Service and portions thereof before such One-Year Break in Service (excluding any Years of Service previously disregarded).
2.5      Leased Employees . To the extent required by Section 414(n) of the Code and the regulations thereunder, a Leased Employee shall be treated as an employee of the Employer or an Affiliate but shall not be eligible for any benefit under the Plan.
2.6      Qualified Military Service . Notwithstanding any provision of this Plan to the contrary, effective December 12, 1994, contributions, benefits and service credit with respect to Qualified Military Service will be provided in accordance with Code Section 414(u). Without limiting the foregoing provision of this Section 2.6, in the case of any Participant who dies while performing Qualified Military Service, the beneficiary of the Participant under the Plan shall be entitled to such benefits (other than an accrual of benefits relating to the period of the Participant’s Qualified Military Service) under the Plan as would have been provided had the Participant resumed employment and then promptly thereafter terminated employment on account of the Participant’s death.

 
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ARTICLE 3

CONTRIBUTIONS BY EMPLOYER AND ROLLOVER CONTRIBUTIONS
3.1      Contributions to the Plan . Subject to the right reserved to the Company to alter, amend or discontinue this Plan and Trust, the Employer shall for each Plan Year contribute to the Plan for its Eligible Participants an amount equal to the sum of:
(a)      the Employer Contribution;
(b)      the Before Tax Contribution;
(c)      the Matching Employer Contribution;
(d)      the Automatic Contribution;
(e)      the Transition Contribution; and
(f)      Catch-Up Contributions, as described in subsection 3.2(c) below.
In no event shall the Employer contributions for a Plan Year exceed the amount deductible by the Employer for said year for federal income tax purposes.
3.2      Before-Tax and Catch-Up Contributions .
(a)      Subject to the provisions of Sections 3.1 and 3.3, each Participant may for each Plan Year elect to have the Employer make a Before-Tax Contribution on his or her behalf in an amount equal to not less than one percent (1%) and not more one hundred percent (100%) (rounded to the nearest dollar) of his or her Considered Compensation. Such elections shall be made in whole percentages only (e.g., 5%, 20%) and are subject to change in accordance with procedures established by the Committee from time to time.
(b)      The amount of the Before-Tax and Catch-Up Contributions to be made pursuant to a Participant’s election shall reduce the compensation otherwise payable to him by the Employer.
(c)      All employees who are eligible to make elective deferrals under this Plan and who have attained age 50 before the close of a Plan Year shall be eligible to make catch-up contributions in accordance with, and subject to the limitations of, Code Section 414(v), herein referred to as “Catch‑Up Contributions.” Such Catch‑Up Contributions shall not be taken into account for purposes of the provisions of the Plan implementing the required limitations of Code Sections 402(g) and 415. The Plan shall not be treated as failing to satisfy the provisions of the Plan implementing the requirements of Code Sections 401(k)(3), 401(k)(11), 401(k)(12), 410(b), or 416, as applicable, by reason of any such Catch‑Up Contributions. Notwithstanding any provision of the Plan to the contrary, Catch Up Contributions shall be taken into account for purposes of Matching Employer Contributions under Section 3.5.

 
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3.3      Limitations on Before-Tax Contributions and Matching Employer Contributions .
(a)      In no event shall a Participant’s Before-Tax and/or Roth Contributions during any calendar year exceed the dollar limitation in effect under Code Section 402(g) at the beginning of such calendar year. If a Participant’s Before-Tax and/or Roth Contributions, together with any additional employer contributions to a qualified cash or deferred arrangement, any elective deferrals under a tax-sheltered annuity program or a simplified employee pension plan, exceed such dollar limitation for any calendar year, the Participant shall notify the Committee of the amount of such excess allocable to this Plan by March 1 of the following year, and such excess, and any earnings allocable thereto, may be distributed to the Participant by April 15 of such following year; provided, that, if such excess contributions were made to a plan or arrangement not maintained by the Employer or an Affiliate, the Participant must first notify the Committee of the amount of such excess allocable to this Plan by March 1 of the following year.
(b)      Beginning with the 2014 Plan Year, this Plan is intended to satisfy one of the alternative methods of meeting the nondiscrimination requirements of Code Section 401((k)(12) and 401(m)(11). To the extent the nondiscrimination tests under Code Section 401(k)(3)(ii) are required with respect to Limited Participants, notwithstanding any other provision of this Plan to the contrary, the Before-Tax Contributions, Roth Contributions and Matching Employer Contributions for the Limited Participants who are Highly Compensated Employees for the Plan Year shall be reduced in accordance with the following provisions:
(i)      The Before-Tax Contributions and/or Roth Contributions and Matching Employer Contributions of the Highly Compensated Employees shall be reduced if neither of the Actual Deferral Percentage tests set forth in (A) or (B) below is satisfied after taking into account the provisions of subsection (f):
(A)      The 1.25 Test . The Actual Deferral Percentage of the Highly Compensated Employees is not more than the Actual Deferral Percentage of all other Eligible Participants multiplied by 1.25.
(B)      The 2.0 Test . The Actual Deferral Percentage of the Highly Compensated Employees is not more than 2 percentage points greater than the Actual Deferral Percentage of all other Eligible Participants, and the Actual Deferral Percentage of the Highly Compensated Employees is not more than the Actual Deferral Percentage of all other Eligible Participants multiplied by 2.0.
(ii)      (A)    As used in this subsection, “Actual Deferral Percentage” means:
(1)      With respect to Non-Highly Compensated Employees, the average of the ratios of each Non-Highly Compensated Employee’s Before-Tax and Roth Contributions and share of the Matching Employer Contributions with respect to the prior Plan Year to each such Participant’s Considered Compensation for such Plan Year (prior or current, as appropriate); and

 
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(2)      With respect to Highly Compensated Employees, the average of the ratios of each Highly Compensated Employee’s Before-Tax and Roth Contributions and share of the Matching Employer Contribution with respect to the current Plan Year, to each such Participant’s Considered Compensation for such Plan Year.
(iii)      All Before-Tax and Roth Contributions and Matching Employer Contributions made under this Plan and all before-tax and matching contributions made under any other plan that is aggregated with this Plan for purposes of Code Sections 401(a)(4) and 410(b) shall be treated as made under a single plan. If any plan is permissively aggregated with this Plan for purposes of Code Section 401(k), the aggregated plans must also satisfy Code Sections 401(a)(4) and 410(b) as though they were a single plan. The Actual Deferral Percentage ratios of any Highly Compensated Employee will be determined by treating all plans subject to Code Section 401(k) under which the Highly Compensated Employee is eligible as a single plan.
(iv)      The sequence for determining the amount of such reductions shall begin with Highly Compensated Employees who elected to defer the greatest percentage of Considered Compensation, then the second greatest percentage amount, continuing until either Actual Deferral Percentage Test is satisfied. This process shall continue through the Before-Tax Contributions and Matching Employer Contributions until either Actual Deferral Percentage Test is satisfied.
(v)      Once the total amount of reductions has been determined under 3.3(b)(iv) above, the Committee shall direct the Trustee to distribute as a refund to the appropriate Highly Compensated Employees an allocable portion of such reduction attributable to excess Before-Tax or Roth Contributions and to treat as forfeitures the appropriate amount of Matching Employer Contributions, together with the net earnings or losses allocable thereto. The sequence for determining and refunding a Highly Compensated Employee’s allocable portion of excess Before-Tax or Roth Contributions shall begin with the Highly Compensated Employee who elected to defer the greatest dollar amount of Before-Tax or Roth Contributions. The Before-Tax or Roth Contributions of such Participant shall be reduced by the amount required to cause that Participant’s Before-Tax and Roth Contributions to equal the dollar amount of the Before-Tax and Roth Contributions of the Highly Compensated Employee with the next highest dollar amount of Before-Tax Contributions. If the total amount distributed is less than the total excess contributions, this process shall continue until all excess Before-Tax or Roth Contributions are distributed and excess Matching Employer Contributions are forfeited. However, notwithstanding anything in the foregoing to the contrary, if a lesser reduction, when added to the total dollar amount previously reduced, would equal the total excess contributions, such lesser reduction shall be utilized. The Committee shall designate such distribution and forfeiture as a distribution of excess Before-Tax or Roth Contributions and forfeiture of excess Matching Employer Contributions, determine the amount of the allocable net earnings or losses to be distributed and forfeited in accordance with subsections 3.3(c)  and 3.3(d) below, and cause such distributions and forfeitures to occur prior to the end of the Plan Year following the Plan

 
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Year in which the excess Before-Tax or Roth Contributions and Excess Matching Employer Contributions were made.
(c)      Net earnings or losses to be refunded with the excess Before-Tax or Roth Contributions shall be equal to the net earnings or losses on such contributions for the Plan Year in which the contributions were made and, for Plan Years 2006 and 2007, for the period after the close of such Plan Year and through the day before the distributions (the “Gap Period”). The net earnings or losses allocable to excess Before-Tax or Roth Contributions for the Plan Year and the Gap Period shall be determined in the manner set forth in Article 4 and in all events in accordance with the provisions of Treasury Regulations Section 1.401(k)-2(b)(2).
(d)      Net earnings or losses to be treated as forfeitures together with the Matching Employer Contributions shall be equal to the net earnings or losses on such contributions for the Plan Year in which the contributions were made. Net earnings or loses on Matching Employer Contributions shall be determined in the same manner as in subsection (c) above.
(e)      Any Matching Employer Contribution treated as a forfeiture pursuant to subsection (b) above shall be used to reduce the Matching Employer Contribution in Section 3.5.
(f)      For the purpose of avoiding the necessity of adjustments pursuant to this Section or Section 4.10, or to comply with any applicable law or regulation:
(i)      The Committee may adopt such rules as it deems necessary or desirable to impose limitations during a Plan Year on the percentage of Before-Tax or Roth Contributions elected by Participants pursuant to Section 3.2; or
(ii)      The Employer may at its sole discretion make fully vested contributions to the Plan which will be allocated to the Before-Tax Accounts of one or more Participants who are Non-Highly Compensated Employees in such amounts as the Employer directs for the purpose of complying with the applicable limits on Before-Tax Contributions in the Code. Such contributions will not be taken into account in the allocation of Matching Employer Contributions.
(g)      The amount of each Eligible Participant’s Before-Tax Contribution as determined under this Section 3.3 is subject to the provisions of Section 4.10.
3.4      Employer Contribution . Subject to the provisions of Sections 3.1 and 4.10, each Employer shall pay to the Trustee for each Plan Year with respect to its Participants who are Eligible Participants for purposes of the allocation of the Employer Contribution pursuant to Section 4.9, such amount as may be determined by its board of directors, based on guidelines established by the Board of Directors. The amount so determined shall be no greater than 15% of such Eligible Participants’ Considered Compensation. Such amount paid to the Trustee pursuant to this Section 3.4 is known as the “Employer Contribution.”


 
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3.5      Matching Employer Contribution .
(a)      Subject to the provisions of Sections 3.1 and 4.10, each Employer shall pay to the Trustee for credit to the Matching Contribution Account of each Eligible Participant employed by it an amount which shall be equal to $1 for each $1 of Before-Tax or Roth Contributions made on behalf of each Participant employed by such Employer up to 3% of his/her Considered Compensation and $.50 for each $1 of the next 2% of Before-Tax or Roth Contributions.
(b)      The Employer contributions made pursuant to this Section 3.5 shall be known as the “Matching Employer Contributions.” Effective January 1, 2014, the Matching Contribution is intended to be an annual contribution, based on the sum of each Participant’s Before-Tax or Roth Contributions for the Plan Year. The Employer, in its discretion, may make Matching Employer Contributions during the Plan Year based on the Before-Tax or Roth Contributions made by Participants with respect to payroll periods ending prior to the date of such Matching Employer Contribution. As of the end of each Plan Year the Employer shall make such additional Matching Employer Contributions, if any, as may be necessary to ‘true up’ the total annual Matching Employer Contribution.
3.6      Rollover Contributions . A Participant or Eligible Employee may with the written consent of the Committee make a Rollover Contribution to the Trust Fund. The Committee may adopt such rules and limitations as it deems necessary or appropriate with respect to the approval of Rollover Contributions, including but not limited to the time period or periods during which such requests may be made and the frequency of such requests.
3.7      Automatic Contribution . Subject to the provisions of Sections 3.1 and 4.10, effective January 1, 2014, each Employer shall pay to the Trustee for each Plan Year with respect to its Participants who are Eligible Participants for purposes of the allocation of the Automatic Contribution pursuant to Section 4.9, an amount equal to 2% of each Eligible Participant’s Considered Compensation. The Employer contributions made pursuant to this Section 3.7 shall be known as “Automatic Contributions.”
3.8      Transition Contribution .
(a)      Subject to the provisions of Sections 3.1 and 4.10, for the 2014 and 2015 Plan Years, each Employer shall pay to the Trustee with respect to its Eligible Employees who were active participants in the First Midwest Bancorp Consolidated Pension Plan on December 31, 2013, a contribution equal to a percentage of each such eligible Participant’s Considered Compensation during the Plan Year, based on such eligible Participant’s attained age (as of December 31 of such Plan Year) as follows:
Age
Contribution  
Percentage
40 to 49
2%
50 to 59
3%
60 +
4%

 
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The Employer contributions made pursuant to this Section 3.8 shall be known as “Transition Contributions.”
(b)      A Participant eligible to receive Transition Contributions pursuant to Section 3.8(a) shall receive Transition Contributions for a Plan Year only if he is employed by the Employer as an Eligible Employee as of the last day of such Plan Year.

 
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ARTICLE 4

ACCOUNTING PROVISIONS AND ALLOCATIONS
4.1      Participant’s Accounts .
(a)      For each Participant and each Beneficiary of a deceased Participant there shall be maintained as appropriate a separate Employer Contribution Account, Vested Employer Account, Before-Tax Account, Roth Contribution Account, Matching Account, Prior Plan Account, Heritage Plan Account, McHenry Plan Account, After‑Tax Account, Rollover Account, Trustee Transfer Account, Automatic Contribution Account, Transition Contribution Account, and Catch‑Up Contribution Account. Each account shall be credited with the amount of contributions, interest and earnings of the Trust Fund allocated to such Account and shall be charged with all distributions, withdrawals, losses and expenses of the Trust Fund allocated to such Account.
4.2      Common Fund .
(a)      The Trust Fund shall be a common fund divided into separate investment funds (“Funds”) as provided in Section 9.5. Each Fund as may from time to time be established shall be a common fund in which each Participant and Beneficiary shall have an undivided interest in the respective assets of the Fund, provided that all Accounts segregated and all loans made pursuant to Section 6.7 shall together with the net earnings or losses of such Accounts or loans be accounted for separately and will not be included in any of the adjustments resulting from the application of this Section 4.2. Except as otherwise provided, the value of each Participant’s Accounts in each Fund shall be measured by the proportion that the net credits to his Accounts bear to the total net credits to all Accounts as of the date such share is being determined. For purposes of allocation of the net earnings and losses and for the valuation of the Trust Fund, each Fund shall be considered separately. No Fund shall share in the net earnings or losses of any other, and no Fund shall be valued by taking into account any assets or distributions for any other.
(b)      Each loan made pursuant to Section 6.7 shall be valued as of each Valuation Date. Any changes in value resulting from such valuation, together with any income or expenses attributable thereto, shall be credited or charged as of such Valuation Date to the Accounts of the Participant from which such loan was made.
(c)      Except as provided in Subsection (e) below, the interest of each Participant and Beneficiary in the net earnings and losses and of the valuation of one or more of the Funds may be measured by the value of the shares or units of such Fund credited to the Participant’s or Beneficiary’s Accounts as of the date that such valuation is being determined. The value of a unit in each such Fund on any Valuation Date shall be the quotient obtained by dividing the sum of (i) the cash and (ii) the fair market value of all securities or property allocated to such Fund, less any charges and expenses accrued and properly chargeable to such Fund as of said Valuation Date, by the aggregate number of units credited to all Accounts with respect to such Fund. The Trustee will furnish to the Committee a report with respect to the fair market value of all securities and property held in any Fund at least quarterly. To the extent that any assets of a Fund have been invested in one or more separate investment trusts, mutual funds, investment contracts or similar

 
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investment media, the net earnings and losses and valuation attributable to such investments shall be determined in accordance with the procedures of such investment media.
4.3      Allocation Procedure . As of each Valuation Date, the Committee shall, with respect to each Account:
(a)      First, charge each Account for any withdrawals, loans or distributions made therefrom since the immediately preceding Valuation Date.
(b)      Second, credit each Before-Tax Account pursuant to Section 4.7.
(c)      Third, credit each Roth Contributions Account pursuant to Section 4.7.
(d)      Fourth, credit each Catch‑Up Contribution Account pursuant to Section 4.7.
(e)      Fifth, credit each Rollover Contribution Account with the amount of any Rollover Contributions since the immediately preceding Valuation Date.
(f)      Sixth, credit any Accounts segregated pursuant to Article 6 with the amount of any loan repayments made since the immediately preceding Valuation Date.
(g)      Seventh, credit or charge the respective Accounts with the net earnings or losses of each Fund allocable thereto in accordance with Section 4.5, or, in the case of Accounts segregated in accordance with Article 6, the net earnings or losses allocable thereto in accordance with Article 6.
(h)      Eighth, credit each Matching Employer Contribution Account pursuant to Section 4.8.
(i)      Ninth, if the Valuation Date is the last day of a Plan Year, credit each Transition Contribution account pursuant to Section 4.11.
(j)      Tenth, if the Valuation Date is the last day of the Plan Year, credit each Employer Contribution Account and Automatic Contribution Account pursuant to Section 4.9.
4.4      Determination of Value of Trust Fund and of Net Earnings or Losses . As of each Valuation Date the Trustee shall determine for the period then ended the sum of the net earnings or losses of the Trust Fund (excluding any gains and losses attributable to the Accounts and loans to Participants segregated pursuant to Article 6), which shall reflect accrued but unpaid interest, gains or losses realized from the sale, exchange or collection of assets, other income received, appreciation or depreciation in the fair market value of assets, administration expenses, taxes and other expenses paid and, subject to Section 4.2(d), dividends. Gains or losses realized and adjustments for appreciation or depreciation in fair market value shall be computed with respect to the difference between such value as of the date of purchase and the date of disposition.


 
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4.5      Allocation of Net Earnings or Losses .
(a)      As of each Valuation Date, the net earnings or losses of the Trust Fund or of each Fund established under Section 4.2 shall be allocated to the Accounts (excluding Accounts and loans to Participants segregated pursuant to Section 6.7) of all Participants (or beneficiaries of deceased Participants or an alternate payee under a qualified domestic relations order) having credits in the Trust Fund or Fund on the Valuation Date. Such allocation shall be in the ratio that (i) the net credits to each Account of each Participant on the preceding Valuation Date bears to (ii) the total net credits to all such Accounts of all Participants on the preceding Valuation Date.
(b)      Notwithstanding the foregoing, reasonable Plan expenses shall be allocated to the Accounts of all Participants (or beneficiaries of deceased Participants or an alternate payee under a qualified domestic relations order) from time to time, but no less frequently than quarterly, as reasonably determined by the Committee. When allocating expenses among Accounts, the Committee may allocate such expenses using any reasonable method that does not violate applicable Department of Labor rules and regulations and does not discriminate in favor of Highly Compensated Employees. Such methods may include, but not be limited to: (i) allocating specific expenses to individual Participant accounts, including but not limited to expenses for distributions, loans, hardship withdrawal, rollovers, account maintenance and QDROs; (ii) allocating expenses using a per capita or pro rata method; (ii) allocating expenses only to current or former Employee-Participants; and (iii) any combination of the foregoing.
4.6      Eligibility to Share in the Employer Contributions and Automatic Contributions .
(a)      An Active Participant shall be eligible to share in Employer Contributions and Automatic Contributions for the Plan Year as of the last day of which such Employer Contributions and Automatic Contributions are being allocated if he is then employed by the Employer as an Eligible Employee and has completed 1,000 Hours of Service in such Plan Year. A Participant who, during a Plan Year, (i) retires on or after his Normal Retirement Date or Early Retirement Date, (ii) dies, (iii) is initially deemed totally and permanently disabled, or (iv) as expressly provided in the terms of an agreement approved or a resolution adopted by the board of directors of an Employer in connection with the termination of the Employer’s participation in the Plan during the Plan Year, provided such agreement or resolution was authorized by the Board of Directors, shall also be eligible to share in the Employer Contributions and Automatic Contributions for said Plan Year. A Participant who is eligible to share in the Employer Contributions and Automatic Contributions shall be known as an “Eligible Participant.”
(b)      Notwithstanding anything in the Plan to the contrary, if the Plan would otherwise fail to meet the requirements of Code Section 410(b) and the regulations thereunder because Employer Contributions, Transition Contributions and Automatic Contributions have not been allocated to a sufficient number or percentage of Participants for a Plan Year, then the following rules will apply:
(i)      The group of Participants eligible to share in the Employer Contribution and Automatic Contribution for the Plan Year will be expanded to include the minimum number of Participants who would not otherwise be eligible as are necessary to

 
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satisfy the applicable test specified above. The specific Participants who will become eligible under the terms of this paragraph will be those who are actively employed on the last day of the Plan Year and, when compared to similarly situated Participants, have completed the greatest number of Hours of Service in the Plan Year.
(ii)      If after application of the previous paragraph, the applicable test is still not satisfied, then the group of Participants eligible to share in the Employer Contribution and Automatic Contribution for the Plan Year will be further expanded to include the minimum number of former Participants who are (A) not employed on the last day of the Plan Year, (B) Non-Highly Compensated Employees and (C) are vested or partially vested in their Accounts, as are necessary to satisfy the applicable test. The specific former Participants who will become eligible under the terms of this paragraph will be those former Participants, when compared to similarly situated former Participants, who have completed the greatest number of Hours of Service in the Plan Year before terminating employment.
(iii)      Nothing in this Section will permit the reduction of a Participant’s benefit. Therefore any amounts that have previously been allocated to Participants may not be reallocated to satisfy these requirements. In the event allocations to additional Participants or former Participants are required, the Employer will make an additional contribution equal to the amount such persons would have received had they been included in the allocations, even if it exceeds the amount which would be deductible under Code Section 404. Any adjustment to the allocations pursuant to this Section will be made by the 15th day of the tenth month after the end of the Plan Year and will be considered a retroactive amendment adopted by the last day of the Plan Year.
4.7      Allocation of Before-Tax Contributions, Roth Contributions and Catch-Up Contributions .
(a)      As of each Valuation Date, the Before‑Tax Contributions made on behalf of each Participant since the prior Valuation Date shall be allocated to such Participant’s Before‑Tax Account.
(b)      As of each Valuation Date, the Roth Contributions made on behalf of each Participant since the prior Valuation Date shall be allocated to such Participant’s Roth Contribution Account.
(c)      As of each Valuation Date, any Catch‑Up Contributions made on behalf of each Participant since the prior Valuation Date shall be allocated to such Participant’s Catch‑Up Contribution Account.
4.8      Allocation of Matching Employer Contributions . As of each Valuation Date, the Matching Employer Contributions made on behalf of each Participant in accordance with Section 3.5 since the prior Valuation Date shall be allocated to such Participant’s Matching Employer Contribution Account.

 
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4.9      Allocation of Employer Contribution and Automatic Contribution . As of the last day of each Plan Year, the Employer Contribution shall be allocated among the Employer Contribution Accounts of all Eligible Participants in the ratio that each such Participant’s Considered Compensation for the Plan Year from that Employer bears to the total Considered Compensation of all such Eligible Participants from that Employer for the Plan Year. As of the last day of each Plan Year, the Automatic Contributions made on behalf of eligible Participant in accordance with Section 3.7 of the Plan shall be allocated to the Automatic Contribution Account of each such Participant.
4.10      Limitation on Annual Additions . In addition to any other limits set forth in the Plan, and notwithstanding any other provision of the Plan, in no event shall the Annual Addition with respect to a Participant’s Accounts exceed the maximum annual amount permitted by Section 415 of the Code and the regulations issued thereunder. Notwithstanding any provisions in the Plan to the contrary, if the limitation of this Section 4.10 is exceeded for any Participant, then the Plan may only correct such excess in accordance with the Employee Plans Compliance Resolution System (“EPCRS”) as set forth in Revenue Procedure 2008-50 or any superseding guidance, including but not limited to, the preamble to the final Treasury Regulations issued under Section 415 of the Code.
4.11      Allocation of Transition Contribution . As of the last day of the 2014 and 2015 Plan Years, the Transition Contributions made on behalf of eligible Participant in accordance with Section 3.8 of the Plan shall be allocated to the Transition Contribution Account of each such Participant.


 
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ARTICLE 5
AMOUNT OF PAYMENTS TO PARTICIPANTS
5.1      General Rule . Upon the retirement, disability, resignation or dismissal of a Participant, he, or in the event of his death, his beneficiary, shall be entitled to receive from his respective Accounts in the Trust Fund as of his Determination Date:
(a)      An amount equal to the Participant’s Before-Tax Account, Roth Contribution Account, Matching Account, Catch‑Up Contribution Account (if applicable), and Transition Contribution Account plus any of the Participant’s contributions made to the Trust Fund but not allocated to the Participant’s Before‑Tax Account or Catch‑Up Contribution Account as of his Determination Date; and
(b)      An amount equal to his Prior Plan Account and After-Tax Account;
(c)      An amount equal to his Rollover Account;
(d)      An amount equal to his Vested Employer Account; and
(e)      The nonforfeitable portion of the Participant’s Employer Contribution Account, Automatic Contribution Account, determined as hereafter set forth.
All rights of Participants or of any other person or persons shall be subject to the provisions of Article 6 concerning the time and manner of making distributions.
Notwithstanding anything in this Plan to the contrary, the nonforfeitable portion of the Employer Contribution Account of any Participant whose employment terminates pursuant to the Participant’s participation in a voluntary retirement program applicable to such Participant shall be equal to the greater of such percentage determined on the basis of the Participant’s age and Years of Service as of the date of termination, or such percentage determined on the basis of the Participant’s age as of the date of termination and Years of Service as of the date of termination increased by the number of additional years of Credited Service (as defined in the First Midwest Bancorp Consolidated Pension Plan), if any, with which such Participant is credited under the Pension Plan as a result of his participation in the voluntary retirement program.
5.2      Normal Retirement . Any Participant may retire on or after his Normal Retirement Date, at which date the forfeitable portion, if any, of his Employer Contribution Account, and Automatic Contribution Account shall become nonforfeitable. If the retirement of a Participant is deferred beyond his Normal Retirement Date, he shall continue in full participation in the Plan and Trust Fund.
5.3      Death . As of the date any Participant shall die while in the employ of the Employer or an Affiliate, the forfeitable portion, if any, of his Employer Contribution Account, and Automatic Contribution Account shall become nonforfeitable, including forfeitures eligible to be restored pursuant to Section 5.7(c).

 
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5.4      Disability .
(a)      As of the date any Participant shall be determined by the Committee to have become totally and permanently disabled because of physical or mental infirmity while in the employ of the Employer or an Affiliate and his employment shall have terminated, the forfeitable portion, if any, of his Employer Contribution Account, and Automatic Contribution Account shall become nonforfeitable, including forfeitures eligible to be restored pursuant to Section 5.7(c).
(b)      A Participant shall be deemed totally and permanently disabled when, on the basis of qualified medical evidence, the Committee finds such Participant to be unable to satisfactorily perform his normal duties required of him by an Employer or Affiliate as a result of physical or mental infirmity, injury, or disease, either occupational or nonoccupational in cause; provided, however, that disability hereunder shall not include any disability incurred or resulting from the Participant’s having engaged in a criminal enterprise, or any disability consisting of or resulting from the Participant’s chronic alcoholism, addiction to narcotics or an intentionally self-inflicted injury.
5.5      Vesting . A Participant’s interest in his Before-Tax Account, Catch-Up Contribution Account, Matching Account, Vested Employer Account, Transition Contribution Account, Prior Plan Account and After-Tax Account shall be nonforfeitable at all times. Except as otherwise provided in this Article 5, a Participant’s nonforfeitable interest in his Employer Contribution Account, Automatic Contribution Account, Heritage Plan Account and McHenry Plan Account at any point in time shall be determined under Section 5.6.
5.6      Resignation or Dismissal .
(a)      If any Participant shall incur his Severance Date, other than by reason of death or disability or on or after his Normal Retirement Date or Early Retirement Date, there shall become nonforfeitable none, a portion, or all of his Employer Contribution Account and Automatic Contribution Account computed as of his Determination Date in accordance with the following schedule, subject to Sections 2.3 and 2.4:
If His Years
of Service
 
Shall Have Been
The Nonforfeitable
Percentage of His Employer
 
Contribution Account and Automatic Contribution Account Shall Be
Less than 2
2 but less than 3
3 but less than 4
4 but less than 5
5 but less than 6
6 or more
0%
20%
40%
60%
80%
100%

Any part of the Employer Contribution Account and Automatic Contribution Account of such Participant which does not become nonforfeitable shall be treated as a forfeiture pursuant to Section 5.7.

 
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(b)      If a Participant is employed at a Company branch located in Streator, Illinois and incurs his Severance Date on the day of the Company’s sale of the Streator branches, then 100% of his Employer Contribution Account computed as of his Determination Date shall be nonforfeitable.
5.7      Treatment of Forfeitures .
(a)      Upon termination of a Participant’s employment with the Employer and all Affiliates, the nonvested portion of his Employer Contribution Account and Automatic Contribution Account shall become a forfeiture pursuant to Section 5.6 as of the end of the Plan Year in which the termination of employment occurred if the Participant is not then reemployed by the Employer or an Affiliate. Forfeitures shall be used to reduce the Employer Contributions and Automatic Contributions that would otherwise be paid by the Employer to the Plan pursuant to Sections 3.4 and 3.7.
(b)      If a Participant is reemployed by the Employer or an Affiliate without incurring 5 consecutive One-Year Breaks in Service, and before distribution of the nonforfeitable portion of his Employer Contribution Account and Automatic Contribution Account, the amount of the forfeiture shall be restored to his Employer Contribution Account and Automatic Contribution Account, as appropriate, as of the last day of the Plan Year in which he is reemployed.
(c)      If the Participant is reemployed by the Employer or an Affiliate without incurring 5 consecutive One-Year Breaks in Service but after distribution of the nonforfeitable portion of his Employer Contribution Account and Automatic Contribution Account, and if the Participant repays, the amount of the Employer Contribution Account and Automatic Contribution Account distributed to him before the earlier of (i) the date which is 5 years after the first date on which the Participant is reemployed by the Employer or an Affiliate, or (ii) the date on which he incurs 5 consecutive One-Year Breaks in Service, then the amount of the forfeiture shall be restored to his Employer Contribution Account and Automatic Contribution Account, as appropriate, as of the last day of the Plan Year in which such repayment is made.
(d)      Notwithstanding the foregoing, if a Participant terminated his employment with the Employer and all Affiliates because of a maternity or paternity absence as defined in Section 1.4, then this Section 5.7 shall be read by substituting the word “six” for the number “five” as it appears in Subsections (b) and (c) above.
(e)      Amounts restored to a Participant’s Employer Contribution Account and Automatic Contribution Account pursuant to paragraph (b) or (c) above shall be deducted from the forfeitures which otherwise would be allocable for the Plan Year in which such reemployment or repayment occurs or, to the extent such forfeitures are insufficient, shall require a supplemental contribution from the Employer.

 
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ARTICLE 6
DISTRIBUTIONS
6.1      Commencement of Distributions .
(a)      (i)    Distribution of a Participant’s Accounts in the Trust Fund shall commence or be made on or as soon as practicable after his 65th birthday or, if later, the Participant’s termination of employment with the Employer and all Affiliates and, unless a Participant and his spouse (if applicable) otherwise request in writing, distributions shall commence no later than the 60th day after the close of the Plan Year in which the later of such events occurs.
(ii)      In all events, distribution shall commence no later than the Required Beginning Date, and subsequent distributions required to be made each year for compliance with Code Section 401(a)(9) and the regulations promulgated thereunder shall be made no later than December 31 of such year.
(b)      Notwithstanding anything in this Section 6.1 to the contrary, if any further amount becomes due from a Participant’s Accounts after a distribution has occurred, a payment retroactive to such distribution date shall be made no later than 60 days after the earliest date on which such amount can be ascertained.
(c)      Notwithstanding anything in this Article 6 to the contrary, the Committee shall direct the Trustee to distribute to the Participant the distributable balance of his Accounts in a lump sum payment at any time after his Determination Date without his written consent to such distribution if, at the time of the distribution, the value of the nonforfeitable portion of the Participant’s Accounts does not exceed $5,000. The $5,000 cashout amount shall apply at the time a distribution is made, regardless of whether the Participant’s vested Account balances exceeded $5,000 at the time of any prior distribution. The value of a Participant’s nonforfeitable accrued benefit may be determined without regard to the portion of the benefit that is attributable to Rollover Contributions (and any earnings allocable to the rollover contributions). Rollover Contributions are defined as any rollover contribution under Code Sections 402(c), 403(a)(4), 403(b)(8), 438(d)(3)(A)(ii) and 457(e)(16).
(d)      Any distribution made in accordance with this Article 6 shall, to the extent required by law, be eligible to be distributed in a direct rollover as an Eligible Rollover Distribution in accordance with Section 6.11.
6.2      Form of Distributions .
(a)      The Accounts in the Trust Fund distributable to any Participant shall be distributed in one lump sum payment.
(b)      Effective for lump sum distributions made with respect to any Determination Date which occurs on or after December 31, 1999, notwithstanding any other Plan provision, shares of Company common stock held in the Investment Funds described in Sections 9.5(a)(ii) and 9.5

 
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(a)(iv), which are allocated to a Participant’s Account hereunder may be distributed in-kind to the extent the Participant or, if applicable, the Participant’s designated beneficiary elects a lump sum in-kind form of distribution; provided, however, any fractional shares shall be distributed in the form of cash.
6.3      Distributions to Beneficiaries . The balance of a deceased Participant’s Accounts which is distributable to a beneficiary shall be distributed in one lump sum as soon as practicable (but in no event later than the December 31 of the calendar year in which the fifth anniversary of the Participant’s death occurs) after the Valuation Date immediately following the Participant’s death, based on the value of the Participant’s accounts as of such Valuation Date.
6.4      Beneficiaries .
(a)      Except as otherwise provided in this Section 6.4, the distributable balance of a deceased Participant’s Accounts shall be paid to his surviving spouse.
(b)      The balance of a deceased Participant’s Accounts shall be distributed to the persons effectively designated by the Participant as his beneficiaries. To be effective, the designation shall be filed with the Committee in such written form as the Committee requires and may include contingent or successive beneficiaries; provided that any designation by a Participant who is married at the time of his death which fails to name his surviving spouse as the sole primary beneficiary shall not be effective unless such surviving spouse has consented to the designation in writing, witnessed by a Plan representative or notary public, acknowledging the effect of the designation and the specific non-spouse beneficiary, including any class of beneficiaries or any contingent beneficiary. Such consent shall not be required if, at the time of filing such designation, the Participant established to the satisfaction of the Committee that the consent of the Participant’s spouse could not be obtained because there is no spouse, the spouse could not be located or by reason of such other circumstances as may be prescribed by regulations. Any consent (or establishment that the consent could not be obtained) shall be effective only with respect to such spouse. Any Participant may change his beneficiary designation at any time by filing with the Committee a new beneficiary designation (with such spousal consent as may be required).
(c)      If a Participant dies, and to the knowledge of the Committee after reasonable inquiry leaves no surviving spouse, has not filed an effective beneficiary designation or has revoked all such designations, or has filed an effective designation but the beneficiary or beneficiaries predeceased him or the beneficiary dies before complete distribution of the Participant’s benefits, the distributable portion of the Participant’s Accounts shall be paid in accordance with the following order of priority:
(i)      to the Participant’s surviving spouse, or if there be none surviving,
(ii)      to the Participant’s children, in equal parts, or if there be none surviving,
(iii)      to the Participant’s father and mother, in equal parts, or if there be none surviving,

 
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(iv)      to the executor or administrator of the Participant’s estate.
6.5      Form of Elections and Applications for Benefits . Any election, revocation of an election or application for benefits pursuant to the Plan shall not be effective unless it is (a) made on such form, if any, as the Committee may prescribe for such purpose; (b) signed by the Participant and, if required under Section  6.4, by the Participant’s spouse; and (c) filed with the Committee.
6.6      Unclaimed Distributions . In the event any distribution cannot be made because the person entitled thereto cannot be located and the distribution remains unclaimed for 2 years after the distribution date established by the Committee, then such amount shall be treated as a forfeiture and allocated in accordance with Section 4.8. In the event such person subsequently files a valid claim for such amount, such amount shall be restored to the Participant’s Accounts in a manner similar to the restoration of forfeitures under Section 5.7.
6.7      Loans .
(a)      Upon the request of a Participant, the Committee or its delegate shall authorize a loan to such Participant in accordance with this Section 6.7, provided that the Participant has no outstanding loans from the Plan. Loans shall not be available from a Participant’s Transition Contribution Account.
(b)      The amount of any loan shall not be less than $1,000, and shall not exceed 50% of the amount which he would be entitled to receive from his Accounts (excluding his Transition Contribution Account) if he had resigned from the service of the Employer and all Affiliates and if his Determination Date was the Valuation Date next preceding the date of such loan request; provided, however, that the amount of such loan shall not exceed $50,000 reduced by the highest outstanding balance of loans from the Trust Fund during the one-year period ending on the day before the date on which such loan is made or modified. Such loans shall be made available to all Participants on a reasonably equivalent basis.
(c)      Loans shall be made on such terms as the Committee may prescribe, provided that any such loan shall be evidenced by a note, shall bear a reasonable rate of interest on the unpaid principal thereof, and shall be secured by the Participant’s Accounts and such other security as the Committee in its discretion deems appropriate.
(d)      Loans shall be repaid by the Participant by payroll deductions or any other methods approved by the Committee which require level amortization of principal and repayments not less frequently than quarterly. Such loans shall be repaid over a period not to exceed 5 years in accordance with procedures established by the Committee from time to time.
(e)      Loans shall be deemed made from the Participant’s Accounts. Amounts necessary to fund such loan shall be deducted from the Participant’s respective Accounts in accordance with the following order:
(i)      first, the After-Tax Account;

 
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(ii)      second, the Prior Plan Account;
(iii)      third, either the McHenry Plan Account or Heritage Plan Account, as applicable;
(iv)      fourth, the Vested Employer Account;
(v)      fifth, the Before-Tax Account;
(vi)      sixth, the Catch-Up Contribution Account;
(vii)      seventh, the Matching Account;
(viii)      eighth, the Employer Contribution Account; and
(ix)      ninth, the Automatic Contribution Account,
with such deductions taken pro rata from each of the Participant’s Investment Funds held in the respective Accounts. Loans shall not be made from a Participant’s Transition Contribution Account.
The portion of each Account used to secure the loan shall be held for the benefit of the Participant and treated in the manner described in Section 4.2(b). Loan repayments shall be credited to the Accounts in the manner described in Section 4.3 and invested in the separate Funds in accordance with the Participant’s investment directions applicable to contributions in effect under Section 9.5 at the time of the repayment. Upon the occurrence of a Participant’s Determination Date, the unpaid balance of any loan shall be charged against the Accounts from which made to the extent not repaid before distribution to the Participant.
6.8      Withdrawals Prior to Termination of Employment .
(a)      Subject to paragraph (b) below, a Participant who has not incurred his Severance Date may, upon the determination by the Committee or its delegate that he has incurred a financial hardship, make a withdrawal from his After‑Tax Account and, to the extent necessary, his Before‑Tax Account, his Roth Contribution Account, and his Catch‑Up Contribution Account. In any case where the Participant claims financial hardship, he shall submit a written request for such distribution in accordance with procedures prescribed by the Committee. The Committee shall determine whether the Participant has a “financial hardship” on the basis of such written request in accordance with this Section 6.8, and such determination shall be made in a uniform and nondiscriminatory manner. The Committee shall only make a determination of “financial hardship” if the distribution to be made is made on account of (A) an immediate and heavy financial need of the Participant and (B) the amounts to be distributed from the Participant’s After‑Tax Account, Before-Tax Account and Catch‑Up Contribution Account are necessary to satisfy the Participant’s need.
(b)      The determination of whether a Participant has an immediate and heavy financial need is to be made by the Committee on the basis of all relevant facts and circumstances.

 
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A distribution will be deemed to be on account of an immediate and heavy financial need only if made on account of:    
(i)      Medical expenses described in Section 213(d) of the Code incurred by the Participant, the Participant’s spouse, any dependents of the Participant (as defined in Code Section 152 and without regard to Section 152(d)(1)(B));
(ii)      The purchase (excluding mortgage payments) of a principal residence for the Participant;
(iii)      Payment of tuition, related educational fees, and room and board expenses for the next 12 months of post-secondary education for the Participant, the Participant’s spouse, children, or dependents;
(iv)      The need to prevent the eviction of the Participant from his principal residence or foreclosure on the mortgage of the Participant’s principal residence;
(v)      Payments relating to burial or funeral expenses for the Participant’s deceased parent, spouse, children, dependents (as defined in Code Section 152 and without regard to Section 152(d)(1)(B));
(vi)      Expenses for the repair of damage to the Participant’s principal residence that would qualify for the casualty deduction under Code Section 165 (determined without regard to whether the loss exceeds 10% of adjusted gross income); or
(vii)      Any other event or expense deemed an immediate and heavy financial need by the Committee or by the Department of the Treasury regulations.
(c)      The determination of whether a distribution is necessary to satisfy the immediate and heavy financial need of the Participant shall be made by the Committee or its delegate on the basis of all relevant facts and circumstances, provided, however, that this requirement shall be met only if the Participant reasonably demonstrates that all of the following requirements are satisfied:
(i)      the distribution is not in excess of the amount of the immediate and heavy financial need of the Participant; and
(ii)      the Participant has obtained all distributions (other than hardship distributions) and all nontaxable loans currently available under the Plan; and
(iii)      the Participant will not make any Before-Tax or Roth Contributions or Catch-Up Contributions for six months after receiving the hardship distribution.
(d)      Any withdrawals under this Section shall not reduce the non-forfeitable portion of the Participant’s Account below the amount of the balance of any outstanding loan made pursuant to Section 6.7. Withdrawals on account of hardship shall be further limited by paragraph (e) below.

 
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(e)      Distributions from the Participant’s Before-Tax Account, Roth Contribution Account and/or Catch-Up Contribution Account on account of hardship pursuant to this Section 6.8 shall not exceed the lesser of:
(i)      the amount needed to relieve the immediate and heavy financial need;
(ii)      the sum of the balances of the Participant’s Before-Tax Account, Roth Contribution Account and Catch-Up Contribution Account at the time of the distribution; or
(iii)      (A) the sum of the balance of the Before-Tax Account as of December 31, 1988 plus the Participant’s Before-Tax Contributions and Roth Contributions made on or after January 1, 1989, reduced by (B) the aggregate amount distributed from the Participant’s Before-Tax Account on or after January 1, 1989.
(f)      Notwithstanding the foregoing, if a Participant is married at the time he requests a withdrawal, no such withdrawal shall be permitted without the written consent of the Participant’s spouse, which shall be witnessed by a notary public or a Plan representative.
6.9      Facility of Payment . When, in the Committee’s opinion, a Participant or beneficiary is under a legal disability or is incapacitated in any way so as to be unable to manage his affairs, the Committee may direct the Trustee to make payments:
(a)      directly to the Participant or beneficiary;
(b)      to a duly appointed guardian or conservator of the Participant or beneficiary;
(c)      to a custodian for the Participant or beneficiary under the Uniform Gifts to Minors Act;
(d)      to an adult relative of the Participant or beneficiary; or
(e)      directly for the benefit of the Participant or beneficiary.
Any such payment shall constitute a complete discharge therefore with respect to the Trustee and the Committee.
6.10      Claims Procedure .
(a)      Any person who believes that he is then entitled to receive a benefit under the Plan, including one greater than that initially determined by the Committee, may file a claim in writing with the Committee.
(b)      The Committee shall within 90 days of the receipt of a claim either allow or deny the claim in writing. If the claim requires a determination of disability the Committee shall within 45 days of receipt of a claim either allow or deny the claim in writing. A denial of a claim shall be written in a manner calculated to be understood by the claimant and shall include:

 
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(i)      the specific reason or reasons for the denial;
(ii)      specific references to pertinent Plan provisions on which the denial is based;
(iii)      a description of any additional material or information necessary for the claimant to perfect the claim and an explanation of why such material or information is necessary; and
(iv)      an explanation of the Plan’s claim review procedure.
(c)      A claimant whose claim is denied (or his duly authorized representative) may, within 60 days (180 days for disability claims) after receipt of denial of his claim:
(i)      submit a written request for review to the Committee;
(ii)      review pertinent documents; and
(iii)      submit issues and comments in writing.
(d)      The Committee shall notify the claimant of its decision on review within 60 days (45 days for disability claims) of receipt of a request for review. The decision on review shall be written in a manner calculated to be understood by the claimant and shall include specific reasons for the decision and specific references to the pertinent Plan provisions on which the decision is based.
(e)      The 90-day and 60-day periods described in subsections (b) and (d), respectively, may be extended at the discretion of the Committee for a second 90- or 60-day period. The 45 day period described in subsection (b) may be extended at the discretion of the Committee for two separate 30 day periods. The 45 day period described in subsection (d) may be extended for a period of 45 days at the Committee’s discretion. If the Committee decides it needs an extension it will provide written notice of the extension to the claimant prior to the termination of the initial period, indicating the special circumstances requiring such extension of time and the date by which a final decision is expected.
(f)      Participants and beneficiaries shall not be entitled to challenge the Committee’s determinations in judicial or administrative proceedings without first complying with the procedures in this Article. The Committee’s decisions made pursuant to this Section are intended to be final and binding on Participants, beneficiaries and others.
(g)      Any judicial or administrative challenge to the Committee’s final determination must be filed with the court or administrative agency within the two-year period immediately following the date benefits were denied by the Committee on review of its initial determination.

 
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6.11      Eligible Rollover Distributions .
(a)      Notwithstanding any provision of the Plan to the contrary that would otherwise limit a distributee’s election under this Article 6, a distributee may elect, at the time and in the manner prescribed by the Committee, to have any portion of an eligible rollover distribution paid directly to an eligible retirement plan specified by the distributee in a direct rollover.
(b)      Eligible rollover distribution: An eligible rollover distribution is any distribution of all or any portion of the balance to the credit of the distributee, except that an eligible rollover distribution does not include: any distribution that is one of a series of substantially equal periodic payments (not less frequently than annually) made for the life (or life expectancy) of the distributee or the joint lives (or joint life expectancies) of the distributee and the distributee’s designated beneficiary, or for a specified period of ten years or more; any distribution to the extent such distribution is required under Code Section 401(a)(9); the portion of any distribution that is not includible in gross income (determined without regard to the exclusion for net unrealized appreciation with respect to employer securities); and, any distribution that is a hardship distribution described in Code Section 401(k)(2)(B)(i)(IV).
(c)      Eligible retirement plan: An eligible retirement plan is an individual retirement account described in Code Section 408(a), an individual retirement account described in Code Section 408A, an individual retirement annuity described in Code Section 408(b), an annuity plan described in Code Section 403(a), or a qualified trust described in Code Section 401(a), that accepts the distributee’s eligible rollover distribution. An eligible retirement plan shall also mean an annuity contract described in Section 403(b) of the Code and an eligible plan under Section 457(b) of the Code which is maintained by a state, political subdivision of a state, or any agency or instrumentality of a state or political subdivision of a state and which agrees to separately account for amounts transferred into such plan from this plan. In addition, with respect to distributions made to a nonspouse beneficiary after December 31, 2006, an eligible retirement plan is an individual retirement account under 408(b) that is established in a manner that identifies it as an individual retirement account with respect to the deceased individual and also identifies the deceased individual and the beneficiary.
(d)      A portion of a distribution shall not fail to be an eligible rollover distribution merely because the portion consists of After-Tax Contributions which are not includible in gross income. However, such portion may be transferred only to an individual retirement account or annuity described in section 408(a) or (b) of the Code, or to a qualified defined contribution plan described in section 401(a) or 403(a) of the Code, or, with respect to distributions made after December 31, 2006, to a tax sheltered annuity described in section 403(b) of the Code that agrees to separately account for amounts so transferred, including separately accounting for the portion of such distribution which is includible in gross income and the portion of such distribution which is not so includible.
(e)      Distributee: A distributee includes an employee or a former employee. In addition, an employee’s or former employee’s surviving spouse and an employee’s or former employee’s spouse or former spouse who is the alternate payee under a qualified domestic relations order, as defined in Code Section 414(p), are distributees with regard to the interest of the spouse

 
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or former spouse. Effective for distributions made after December 31, 2006, a distributee shall also include an individual who is a designated beneficiary (within the meaning of Code Section 401(a)(9)(E)) and who is not the surviving spouse of the employee or former employee.
(f)      Direct rollover: A direct rollover is a payment by the Plan to the eligible retirement plan specified by the distributee.
6.12      Minimum Required Distributions .
(a)      General Rules.
(i)      Effective Date. The provisions of this Section 6.12 will apply for purposes of determining required minimum distributions for calendar years beginning with the 2003 calendar year.
(ii)      Precedence. The requirements of this Section 6.12 will take precedence over any inconsistent provisions of the Plan.
(iii)      Requirements of Treasury Regulations Incorporated. All distributions required under this Section 6.12 will be determined and made in accordance with the Treasury regulations under Section 401(a)(9) of the Code.
(iv)      Compliance Savings Provision . As of the effective date of this Section 6.12, a Participant’s Accounts are distributable only in a single lump sum to the Participant or his beneficiaries. The provisions of Sections 6.12(c) and Section 6.12(d) shall apply only to the extent that the Plan otherwise provides that any part of a Participant’s Accounts is distributable in a form other than a single lump sum.
(b)      Time and Manner of Distribution.
(i)      Required Beginning Date. The Participant’s entire interest will be distributed to the Participant no later than the Participant’s Required Beginning Date.
(ii)      Death of Participant Before Distributions Begin. If the Participant dies before distributions begin, the Participant’s entire interest in the Plan will be distributed no later than as follows:
(A)      If a Participant’s surviving spouse is the Participant’s sole Designated Beneficiary, then, distributions to the surviving spouse will begin by December 31 of the calendar year immediately following the calendar year in which the Participant died, or by December 31 of the calendar year in which the Participant would have attained age 70 ½, if later.
(B)      If the Participant’s surviving spouse is not the Participant’s sole Designated Beneficiary, then distributions to the Designated Beneficiary will begin by December 31 of the calendar year immediately following the calendar year in which the Participant died.

 
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(C)      If there is no Designated Beneficiary as of September 30 of the year following the year of the Participant’s death, the amount in the Participant’s Accounts will be distributed by December 31 of the calendar year containing the fifth anniversary of the Participant’s death.
(D)      If the Participant’s surviving spouse is the Participant’s sole Designated Beneficiary and the surviving spouse dies after the Participant but before distributions to the surviving spouse begin, this subsection (b)(ii), other than subsection (b)(ii)(A), will apply as if the surviving spouse were the Participant.
For purposes of this subsection (b)(ii) and subsection (d), unless subsection (b)(ii)(D) applies, distributions are considered to begin on the Participant’s Required Beginning Date. If subsection (b)(ii)(D) applies, distributions are considered to begin on the date distributions are required to begin to the surviving spouse under subsection (b)(ii)(A).
(iii)      Forms of Distribution. Unless the amount in the Participant’s Accounts is distributed in a single sum on or before the Required Beginning Date, as of the first Distribution Calendar Year, distributions will be made in accordance with Sections 6.12(c) and 6.12(d).
(c)      Required Minimum Distributions During Participant’s Lifetime.
(i)      Amount of Required Minimum Distribution For Each Distribution Calendar Year. Subject to Section 6.2, during the Participant’s lifetime, the minimum amount that will be distributed for each distribution calendar year is the lesser of:
(A)      the quotient obtained by dividing the Participant’s Account balance by the distribution period in the Uniform Lifetime Table set forth in Section 1.401(a)(9)-9 of the Treasury regulations, using the Participant’s age as of the Participant’s birthday in the distribution calendar year; or
(B)      if the Participant’s sole designated beneficiary for the distribution calendar year is the Participant’s spouse, the quotient obtained by dividing the Participant’s Account balance by the number in the Joint and Last Survivor Table set forth in Section 1.401(a)(9)-9 of the Treasury regulations, using the Participant’s and spouse’s attained ages as of the Participant’s and spouse’s birthdays in the distribution calendar year.
(ii)      Lifetime Required Minimum Distributions Continue Through Year of Participant’s Death. Required minimum distributions will be determined under this Section 6.12(c) beginning with the first distribution calendar year and up to and including the distribution calendar year that includes the Participant’s date of death.
(d)      Required Minimum Distributions After Participant’s Death.
(i)      Death On or After Date Distributions Begin.

 
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(A)      Participant Survived by Designated Beneficiary: Subject to Section 6.3, if the Participant dies on or after the date distributions begin and there is a designated beneficiary, the minimum amount that will be distributed for each distribution calendar year after the year of the Participant’s death is the quotient obtained by dividing the Participant’s Account balance by the longer of the remaining life expectancy of the Participant or the remaining life expectancy of the Participant’s designated beneficiary, determined as follows:
(1)      The Participant’s remaining life expectancy is calculated using the age of the Participant in the year of death, reduced by one for each subsequent year.
(2)      If the Participant’s surviving spouse is the Participant’s sole designated beneficiary, the remaining life expectancy of the surviving spouse is calculated for each distribution calendar year after the year of the Participant’s death using the surviving spouse’s age as of the spouse’s birthday in that year. For distribution calendar years after the year of the surviving spouse’s death, the remaining life expectancy of the surviving spouse is calculated using the age of the surviving spouse as of the spouse’s birthday in the calendar year of the spouse’s death, reduced by one for each subsequent calendar year.
(3)      If the Participant’s surviving spouse is not the Participant’s sole designated beneficiary, the designated beneficiary’s remaining life expectancy is calculated using the age of the beneficiary in the year following the year of the Participant’s death, reduced by one for each subsequent year.
(B)      No Designated Beneficiary: Subject to Section 6.4(c), if the Participant dies on or after the date distributions begin and there is no designated beneficiary as of September 30 of the year after the year of the Participant’s death, the minimum amount that will be distributed for each distribution calendar year after the year of the Participant’s death is the quotient obtained by dividing the Participant’s Account balance by the Participant’s remaining life expectancy calculated using the age of the Participant in the year of death, reduced by one for each subsequent year.
(ii)      Death Before Date Distributions Begin.
(A)      Participant Survived by Designated Beneficiary: If the Participant dies before the date distributions begin and there is a designated beneficiary, the Participant’s entire interest will be distributed to the designated beneficiary by December 31 of the calendar year containing the fifth anniversary of the participant’s death.
(B)      No Designated Beneficiary: If the Participant dies before the date distributions begin and there is no designated beneficiary as of September 30

 
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of the year following the year of the Participant’s death, distribution of the Participant’s entire interest will be completed by December 31 of the calendar year containing the fifth anniversary of the Participant’s death.
(C)      Death of Surviving Spouse Before Distributions to Surviving Spouse Are Required to Begin: Notwithstanding any provision of this Plan to the contrary, if the Participant dies before the date distributions begin, the Participant’s surviving spouse is the Participant’s sole designated beneficiary, and the surviving spouse dies before distributions are required to begin to the surviving spouse under Section 6.12(b)(ii)(A), this Section 6.12(d)(ii) will apply as if the surviving spouse were the Participant.
(e)      Definitions.
(i)      Designated beneficiary. The “designated beneficiary” means the individual who is designated as the beneficiary under Section 6.4 of the Plan and is the designated beneficiary under Section 401(a)(9) of the Code and Section 1.401(a)(9)-1, Q&A-4, of the Treasury regulations.
(ii)      Distribution calendar year. The “distribution calendar year” means a calendar year for which a minimum distribution is required. For distributions beginning before the Participant’s death, the first distribution calendar year is the calendar year immediately preceding the calendar year which contains the Participant’s required beginning date. For distributions beginning after the Participant’s death, the first distribution calendar year is the calendar year in which distributions are required to begin under Section 6.12(b)(ii). The required minimum distribution for the Participant’s first distribution calendar year will be made on or before the Participant’s Required Beginning Date. The required minimum distribution for other distribution calendar years, including the required minimum distribution for the distribution calendar year in which the Participant’s required beginning date occurs, will be made on or before December 31 of that distribution calendar year.
(iii)      Life expectancy. “life expectancy” means the life expectancy as computed by use of the Single Life Table in Section 1.401(a)(9)-9 of the Treasury regulations.
(iv)      Participant’s account balance. The “account balance” means the account balance as of the last Valuation Date in the calendar year immediately preceding the distribution calendar year (‘valuation calendar year’) increased by the amount of any contributions made and allocated or forfeitures allocated to the account balance as of dates in the valuation calendar year after such Valuation Date and decreased by distributions made in the valuation calendar year after such Valuation Date. The account balance for the valuation calendar year includes any amounts rolled over or transferred to the Plan either in the valuation calendar year or in the distribution calendar year if distributed or transferred in the valuation calendar year.

 
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(v)      Required Beginning Date. “Required Beginning Date” is defined at Section 1.4 of the Plan.
6.13      Automatic Rollover .    Notwithstanding any other provision of this Plan, in the event an amount greater than $1,000 is distributed pursuant to the provisions of Section 6.1(c) above, if the Participant does not elect to have such distribution paid directly to an eligible retirement plan specified by the Participant in a direct rollover or to receive the distribution directly in accordance with Section 6.11, then the Plan Administrator will pay the distribution in a direct rollover to an individual retirement plan designated by the Plan Administrator.


 
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ARTICLE 7
TOP-HEAVY PLAN REQUIREMENTS
7.1      Definition of Top-Heavy Plan . The Plan shall be Top-Heavy with respect to a Plan Year if it is a member of a Required Aggregation Group and the present value of the accrued benefits for Key Employees under all plans in the Aggregation Group exceeds 60% of the present value of the accrued benefits for all employees under all plans in the Aggregation Group. This ratio shall be computed as provided in Section 416(g) of the Code. Such present values shall be determined as of the last day of the preceding Plan Year of each plan. If all plans in the Aggregation Group do not have the same Plan Year, then such present values shall be determined as of the last day of each Plan Year ending in the same calendar year as the last day of the preceding Plan Year of this Plan. Under a defined contribution plan, such present values shall be determined by aggregating the value of all accounts of all Key Employees and all employees respectively. As used in this Section, the term “accounts” includes certain prior distributions, Employer contributions payable to the Plan, employee contributions, and rollover accounts, if any, all in accordance with Section 416(g) of the Code or regulations thereunder.
7.2      Top-Heavy Plan Requirements . Notwithstanding any provision of the Plan to the contrary but subject to the Company’s right to terminate the Plan, the following provisions shall apply with respect to any Plan Year in which the Plan is Top-Heavy.
(a)      Minimum Vesting . Effective as of the first day of such Plan Year, the following vesting schedule shall be substituted for the schedules set forth in Section 5.6, except to the extent, with respect to any Participant, a schedule in Section 5.6 applicable to such Participant produces a larger Plan benefit:
If His Years
of Service
 
Shall Have Been
The Nonforfeitable
Percentage of His Employer
 
Contribution Account Shall Be
2 but less than 3
3 but less than 4
4 but less than 5
5 but less than 6
6 or more
20%
40%
60%
80%
100%

(b)      Minimum Contribution . All Participants who are Non-Key Employees participating in the Plan are also participants in a defined benefit plan maintained by the Employer. Consequently, any minimum benefits required due to the top-heavy status of this Plan will be provided in such defined benefit plan. If the defined benefit plan is terminated and if the Required Aggregation Group is top-heavy, the Employer shall make a supplemental contribution to the Vested Employer Accounts and Employer Contribution Account of any such Participant, in an amount sufficient for the total amount of Employer contributions allocated to accounts of such Participant to equal 5% of such Participant’s Total Compensation for such Plan Year. For purposes of this subsection, the term “Participant” means a Participant who was employed by the Employer on the last day of a Plan Year in which the Plan is Top-Heavy.

 
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7.3      Definitions . For purposes of this Article:
(a)      A “Key Employee” is any employee or former employee (including any deceased employee) who at any time during the Plan Year that includes the determination date was an officer of the Employer having annual compensation greater than $145,000 (as adjusted under section 416(i)(1) of the Code), a 5-percent owner of the Employer, or a 1-percent owner of the Employer having annual compensation of more than $150,000. For this purpose, annual compensation means compensation within the meaning of Section 415(c)(3) of the Code.
The determination of who is a Key Employee will be made in accordance with Code Section 416(i)(1) and the regulations thereunder.
(b)      A “Non-Key Employee” is an employee of the Employer other than a Key Employee.
(c)      “Employer” means the Employer and all Affiliates.
(d)      “Aggregation Group” means a group of qualified plans consisting of this Plan and certain other defined contribution plans and defined benefit plans maintained by the Employer which are aggregated for purposes of determining whether the group as whole is Top-Heavy. The Aggregation Group includes plans which must be aggregated for this purpose (the “Required Aggregation Group”) and other plans which are aggregated for this purpose (the “Permissive Aggregation Group”).
(e)      The “Required Aggregation Group” shall include:
(i)      each employee benefit plan of the Employer qualified under Section 401(a) of the Code in which a Key Employee is a participant; and
(ii)      each other qualified plan which enables any plan described in (i) to meet the anti-discrimination or coverage requirements of the Code.
(f)      The “Permissive Aggregation Group” includes such other qualified plan or plans of the Employer as the Committee may in its discretion elect, provided the inclusion of any such plan in the Aggregation Group does not cause it to fail to meet the anti-discrimination or coverage requirements of the Code.
7.4      Cessation of Top-Heavy Requirements .
(a)      Once the Plan has been Top-Heavy but is no longer Top-Heavy, this Article shall be inapplicable except as provided in this Section.
(b)      The vesting schedule set forth in Section 7.2(a) shall continue to apply to a Participant who had 5 or more Years of Service as of the last day on which the Plan was Top-Heavy.
(c)      The Employer Contribution Account of any other Participant constituted as of the last day on which the Plan was Top-Heavy shall be separately accounted for as a subaccount

 
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until the nonforfeitable percentage of his Employer Contribution Account pursuant to Section 5.6 equals or exceeds the nonforfeitable percentage of his Employer Account on the last day on which the Plan was Top-Heavy. In the event such Participant shall resign or be dismissed from the employ of the Employer while a subaccount is being maintained, his nonforfeitable interest in such subaccount shall be computed pursuant to Section 5.6 but using the same nonforfeitable percentage as was applicable to him on the last day on which the Plan was Top-Heavy.
7.5      EGTRRA Top-Heavy Provisions .
(a)      This Section 7.5 shall apply for purposes of determining the present values of accrued benefits and the amounts of account balances of employees as of the determination date.
(i)      Distributions during year ending on the determination date . The present values of accrued benefits and the amounts of account balances of an employee as of the determination date shall be increased by the distributions made with respect to the employee under the Plan and any plan aggregated with the Plan under Section 416(g)(2) of the Code during the 1-year period ending on the determination date. The preceding sentence shall also apply to distributions under a terminated plan which, had it not been terminated, would have been aggregated with the Plan under Section 416(g)(2)(A)(i) of the Code. In the case of a distribution made for a reason other than severance from employment, death, or disability, this provision shall be applied by substituting “5-year period” for “1-year period.”
(ii)      Employees not performing services during year ending on the determination date . The accrued benefits and accounts of any individual who has not performed services for the employer during the 1-year period ending on the determination date shall not be taken into account.
(b)      Minimum Benefits . For Plan Years beginning on or after January 1, 2002, Employer matching contributions shall be taken into account for purposes of satisfying the minimum contribution requirements of Section 416(c)(2) of the Code and the Plan. The preceding sentence shall apply with respect to matching contributions under the Plan or, if the Plan provides that the minimum contribution requirement shall be met in another plan, such other plan. Employer matching contributions that are used to satisfy the minimum contribution requirements shall be treated as matching contributions for purposes of the actual contribution percentage test and other requirements of Section 401(m) of the Code.

 
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ARTICLE 8
POWERS AND DUTIES OF PLAN COMMITTEE
8.1      Appointment of Plan Committee .
(a)      The Board of Directors of the Company (the “Board of Directors”) shall name a Plan Committee (the “Committee”) to consist of not less than 3 persons to serve as administrator and named fiduciary of the Plan. Any person, including directors, shareholders, officers and employees of the Company, shall be eligible to serve on the Committee. Every person appointed a member of the Committee shall signify his acceptance in writing to the Board of Directors.
(b)      Members of the Committee shall serve at the pleasure of the Board of Directors and may be removed by the Board of Directors at any time with or without cause. Any member of the Committee may resign by delivering his written resignation to the Board of Directors, and such resignation shall become effective at delivery or at any later date specified therein. Vacancies in the Committee shall be filled by the Board of Directors.
(c)      Usual and reasonable expenses of the Committee shall be paid by the Trustee out of the principal or income of the Trust Fund. The members of the Committee who are employees of an Employer or any Affiliate shall not receive any compensation for their services as such.
8.2      Powers and Duties of Committee . The Company shall have final and binding authority to control and manage the operation and administration of the Plan, including all rights and powers necessary or convenient to the carrying out of its functions hereunder, whether or not such rights and powers are specifically enumerated herein. The Committee shall have the specific delegated powers and duties described in this Article 8, and such further powers and duties as may be delegated to it by the Company. In exercising its responsibilities hereunder, the Committee may manage and administer the Plan through the use of agents who may include employees of the Employer.
Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, and in addition to the other powers set forth in this Article 8, the Committee shall have the following express authorities:
(a)      To construe and interpret the Plan, decide all questions of eligibility and determine the amount, manner and time of payment of any benefits hereunder.
(b)      To prescribe procedures to be followed by Participants or beneficiaries filing applications for benefits.
(c)      To prepare and distribute, in such manner as the Committee determines to be appropriate, information explaining the Plan.
(d)      To receive from the Employers, Participants and others such information as shall be necessary for the proper administration of the Plan.

 
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(e)      To furnish the Company upon request such annual and other reports with respect to the administration of the Plan as are reasonable and appropriate.
(f)      To receive, review and maintain on file reports of the financial condition and of the receipts and disbursements of the Trust Fund from the Trustee.
8.3      Committee Procedures .
(a)      The Committee may adopt such bylaws and regulations as it deems desirable for the conduct of its affairs.
(b)      A majority of the members of the Committee at the time in office shall constitute a quorum for the transaction of business. All resolutions or other actions taken by the Committee at any meeting shall be by the vote of the majority of the members of the Committee present at the meeting. The Committee may act without a meeting by written consent of a majority of its members.
(c)      The Committee may elect one of its members as chairman and may appoint a secretary, who may or may not be a Committee member, and shall advise the Trustee and the Employer of such actions in writing. The secretary shall keep a record of all actions of the Committee and shall forward all necessary communications to the Employer or the Trustee.
(d)      Filing or delivery of any document with or to the secretary of the Committee in person or by registered or certified mail, addressed in care of the Employer, shall be deemed a filing with or delivery to the Committee.
8.4      Consultation with Advisors . The Committee (or any fiduciary designated by the Committee pursuant to Section 8.8) may employ or consult with counsel, actuaries, accountants, physicians or other advisors (who may be counsel, actuaries, accountants, physicians or other advisors for the Employer).
8.5      Committee Members as Participants . Any Committee member may also be a Participant, but no Committee member shall have power to take part in any discretionary decision or action affecting his own interest as a Participant under this Plan unless such decision or action is upon a matter which affects all other Participants similarly situated and confers no special right, benefit or privilege not simultaneously conferred upon all other such Participants.
8.6      Records and Reports . The Committee shall take all such action as it deems necessary or appropriate to comply with governmental laws and regulations relating to the maintenance of records, notifications to Participants, registrations with the Internal Revenue Service, reports to the U.S. Department of Labor and all other requirements applicable to the Plan.
8.7      Investment Policy .
(a)      The Committee from time to time shall determine the short-term and long-term financial needs of the separate Investment Funds comprising the Trust Fund and such needs

 
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shall be communicated from time to time to the Trustee, Investment Managers or others having responsibility and control of the Trust Fund.
(b)      Subject to subsection (c) below, the Trustee shall have the exclusive authority and discretion to manage and control the assets of the respective Investment Funds pursuant to the investment policy determined by the Committee.
(c)      The Committee may in its discretion:
(i)      appoint one or more Investment Managers to manage (including the power to direct the Trustee to acquire or dispose of) any assets of the Plan pursuant to the investment policy determined by the Committee, in which case the Trustee shall not be liable for the acts or omissions of any such Investment Manager or be under an obligation to invest or otherwise manage any asset of the Plan which is subject to the management of any such Investment Manager; and
(ii)      direct the Trustee with respect to the investment of the assets of the Plan in any mutual fund, insurance company separate account or collective investment fund maintained by a bank or trust company (including but not limited to such funds maintained by the Trustee or any affiliate thereof), or similar pooled investment vehicle, pursuant to the investment policy of any Investment Fund determined by the Committee.
(d)      For purposes of this Section 8.7, an Investment Manager shall mean (i) a registered investment adviser under the Investment Advisers Act of 1940, (ii) a bank as defined in such Act, or (iii) an insurance company qualified under the laws of more than one state to manage, acquire and dispose of plan assets. Any Investment Manager appointed by the Committee shall acknowledge in writing that it is a fiduciary with respect to the Plan.
8.8      Designation of Other Fiduciaries . The Committee may designate in writing other persons to carry out a specified part or parts of its responsibilities hereunder (including the power to designate other persons to carry out a part of such designated responsibility), but not including the power to appoint Investment Managers. Any such designation shall be accepted by the designated person, who shall acknowledge in writing that he is a fiduciary with respect to the Plan.
8.9      Obligations of Committee .
(a)      The Committee or its properly authorized delegate shall make such determinations as are necessary to accomplish the purposes of the Plan with respect to individual Participants or classes of such Participants. The Employer shall notify the Committee of facts relevant to such determinations, including, without limitation, length of service, compensation for services, dates of death, permanent disability, granting or terminating of leaves of absence, ages, retirement and termination of service for any reason (but indicating such reason), and termination of participation. The Employer shall also be responsible for notifying the Committee of any other facts which may be necessary for the Committee to discharge its responsibilities hereunder.

 
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(b)      The Committee is hereby authorized to act solely upon the basis of such notifications from the Company and to rely upon any document or signature believed by the Committee to be genuine and shall be fully protected in so doing. For the purpose of this Section, a letter or other written instrument signed in the name of the Company by any officer thereof shall constitute a notification therefrom; except that any action by the Company or its Board of Directors with respect to the appointment or removal of a member of the Committee or the amendment of the Plan and Trust or the designation of a group of employees to which the Plan is applicable shall be evidenced by an instrument in writing, signed by a duly authorized officer or officers, certifying that said action has been authorized and directed by a resolution of the Board of Directors of the Company.
(c)      The Committee shall notify the Trustee of its actions and determinations affecting the responsibilities of the Trustee and shall give the Trustee directions as to payments or other distributions from the Trust Fund to the extent they may be necessary for the Trustee to fulfill the terms of the Trust Agreement.
(d)      The Committee shall be under no obligation to enforce payment of contributions hereunder or to determine whether contributions delivered to the Trustee comply with the provisions hereof relating to contributions, and is obligated only to administer this Plan pursuant to the terms hereof.
8.10      Indemnification of Committee . The Employers shall indemnify members of the Committee and its authorized delegates who are employees of the Employer for any liability or expenses, including attorneys’ fees, incurred in the defense of any threatened or pending action, suit or proceeding by reason of their status as members of the Committee or its authorized delegates, to the full extent permitted by the law of the Employer’s state of incorporation.

 
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ARTICLE 9
TRUSTEE AND TRUST FUND
9.1      Trust Fund . A Trust Fund to be known as the First Midwest Bancorp Savings and Profit Sharing Trust (herein referred to as the “Trust” or the “Trust Fund”) has been established by the execution of a trust agreement with one or more Trustees and is maintained for the purposes of this Plan. The assets of the Trust will be held, invested and disposed of by the Trustee, in accordance with the terms of the Trust, for the benefit of the Participants and their beneficiaries.
9.2      Payments to Trust Fund and Expenses . All contributions hereunder will be paid into and credited to the Trust Fund and all benefits hereunder and reasonable expenses of the Plan will be paid from the Trust Fund and charged thereto. The Committee and the Trustee may adopt written procedures for payment of the fees and expenses associated with the administration of the Plan and the Trust. To the extent expenses properly chargeable to the Trust Fund are paid by the Employers, the Trust Fund shall reimburse the Employers for payment of such expenses.
9.3      Trustee’s Responsibilities . The powers, duties and responsibilities of the Trustee shall be as set forth in the Trust Agreement and nothing contained in this Plan, either expressly or by implication, shall impose any additional powers, duties or responsibilities upon the Trustee.
9.4      Reversion to the Employer . The Employer has no beneficial interest in the Trust Fund and no part of the Trust Fund shall ever revert or be repaid to the Employer, directly or indirectly, except that the Employer shall upon written request have a right to recover:
(a)      within one year of the date of payment of a contribution by the Employer, any amount (less any losses attributable thereto) contributed through a mistake of fact;
(b)      within one year of the date on which any deduction for a contribution by the Employer under Section 404 of the Code is disallowed, an amount equal to the amount disallowed (less any losses attributable thereto); and
(c)      at the termination of the Plan, any amounts remaining in the Excess Forfeiture Suspense Account.
9.5      Investment Options . Each Participant shall direct the Trustee with respect to the Investment Fund or Funds in which the Participant’s contributions and Accounts are to be invested.
(a)      Subject to the discretion of the Committee to establish additional Funds or to consolidate Funds, Funds shall be maintained as follows:
(i)      At least one Fund shall be established, maintained and invested with the objective of protection of principal and substantial liquidity, with a rate of return consistent with such objective.
(ii)      A second Fund shall be established, maintained and invested in common stock of the Company purchased (i) in the open market, (ii) by participation in a dividend reinvestment or similar plan available to stockholders of the Company, or

 
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(iii) privately from the Company or any other person; provided that amounts allocated to this Fund may be invested in short-term interest bearing accounts to facilitate investments in common stock of the Company, transfers among Funds or distributions to Participants.
(iii)      At least two additional Funds shall be established, maintained and invested with objectives which, when combined with the other Funds, provide Participants with the opportunity to designate the investment of their Accounts among diversified Funds providing a range of risk and return consistent with the requirements of the regulations of the Department of Labor under Section 404(c) of ERISA, specifically regulations Section 2550.404c-1(b)(3).
(iv)      With respect to any Participant that participated in the Heritage Plan on September 30, 1998, a Fund holding Employer securities transferred to this Plan from the Heritage Plan as part of the merger of the Heritage Plan into this Plan effective October 1, 1998.
(v)      The Plan is intended to constitute a plan described in Section 404(c) of the ERISA and Department of Labor regulations section 2550.404c-1. To the extent permitted by law, the fiduciary of the Plan shall be relieved of liability for any losses which are the direct and necessary result of investment instructions given by any Participant.
(b)      A Participant shall designate the Fund or Funds into which any contributions made to the Plan on behalf of the Participant shall be invested at the time of initial Participation in the Plan. Thereafter, a Participant may change the mix of the investment of future contributions and may transfer existing Account balances among the Funds no less frequently than quarterly in accordance with procedures established by the Committee from time to time. Notwithstanding any other provision of the Plan, a Participant may not direct that any contributions to the Plan be invested in, and no existing Account balances may be transferred to, the Heritage Fund. However, existing Account balances invested in the Heritage Fund may be transferred from the Heritage Fund to any other Fund maintained under the Plan under such rules as may be established and uniformly applied by the Committee from time to time.
(c)      Designations under this Section 9.5 shall be made by filing with the Committee the appropriate written form required thereby, or by utilizing a voice system or any other system approved by the Committee, at such times and in accordance with such procedures and limitations as the Committee may from time to time establish. The Trustee shall invest the assets of the Plan attributable to the Participant’s Accounts in accordance with such properly filed designations.
9.6      Rollover from Prior Plan . Notwithstanding any other provision contained in this Plan, the Trustee, at the written direction of the Committee, may accept and hold for the account of a Participant, funds transferred from an Employer’s trust described in Section 401(a) of the Code, and which is exempt from tax under Section 501(a) of the Code, and which: (1) relates to the merger of the Heritage Plan into the Plan effective October 1, 1998; (2) relates to the merger of the McHenry Plan into the Plan effective December 31, 1997; or (3) is or was maintained by either the Continental Illinois Bank of Deerfield, N.A., or the Continental Bank of Buffalo Grove, N.A., so long as such

 
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transferred amount constitutes an eligible rollover distribution, within the meaning of Code Section 402(c)(4) or any corresponding predecessor Code Section, from the transferor plan. In the event of such a transfer, the Trustee shall establish and maintain a Prior Plan Account, consisting of any employer and rollover contributions to the Prior Plan and adjustments relating thereto, and an After-Tax Account, consisting of any after-tax contributions to the Prior Plan and adjustments relating thereto, in the name of the Participant, which Accounts shall not be forfeitable for any reason. All funds or assets which are transferred to the Prior Plan Account and the After-Tax Account shall be invested and accounted for separately; provided that to the extent that any such balances have been generated by after-tax contributions of the Participant, such Participant and his spouse may withdraw such amounts to the extent of their after-tax contributions on request to the Committee in writing. Assets in the Prior Plan Account and After-Tax Account shall be accounted for in such manner as shall be determined by the Trustee.

 
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ARTICLE 10
AMENDMENT OR TERMINATION
10.1      Amendment . The Company reserves the right to amend this Plan at any time to take effect retroactively or otherwise, in any manner which it deems desirable including, but not by way of limitation, the right to increase or diminish contributions to be made by the Employer hereunder, to change or modify the method of allocation of its contributions, to change any provision relating to the distribution or payment, or both, of any assets of the Trust.
10.2      Termination . The Company further reserves the right to terminate this Plan at any time.
10.3      Form of Amendment, Discontinuance of Employer Contributions, and Termination . Any such amendment, discontinuance of Employer Contributions or termination shall be made only by resolution of the Board of Directors of the Company.
10.4      Limitations on Amendments . The provisions of this Article are subject to the following restrictions:
(a)      Except as provided in Section 9.4, no amendment shall operate either directly or indirectly to give the Employer any interest whatsoever in any funds or property held by the Trustee under the terms hereof, or to permit corpus or income of the Trust to be used for or diverted to purposes other than the exclusive benefit of the Participants and their beneficiaries.
(b)      Except to the extent necessary to conform to the laws and regulations or to the extent permitted by any applicable law or regulation, no amendment shall operate either directly or indirectly to deprive any Participant of his nonforfeitable beneficial interest in his Accounts as they are constituted at the time of the amendment.
(c)      No amendment shall change any vesting schedule unless each Participant who has completed 3 or more Years of Service is permitted to elect to have the nonforfeitable percentage of his Employer Account computed under the Plan without regard to such amendment. The period for making such amendment shall expire no later than the latest of the following dates: (i) the date which is 60 days after the date the Plan amendment is adopted, (ii) the date which is 60 days after the date the Plan amendment becomes effective, or (iii) the date which is 60 days after the Participant is issued written notice of the Plan amendment by the Committee. Notwithstanding the foregoing, no election need be offered to a Participant whose nonforfeitable percentage of his Employer Contribution Account cannot at any time be lower than such percentage determined without regard to such amendment.
(d)      Except as permitted by applicable law, no amendment shall eliminate or reduce an early retirement benefit or a retirement-type subsidy or eliminate an optional form of benefit.
10.5      Level of Benefits upon Merger . This Plan shall not merge or consolidate with, or transfer assets or liabilities to, any other plan, unless each Participant shall be entitled to receive a

 
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benefit immediately after said merger, consolidation or transfer (if such other plan were then terminated) which shall be not less than the benefit he would have been entitled to receive immediately before said merger, consolidation or transfer (if this Plan were then terminated).
10.6      Vesting upon Termination or Discontinuance of Employer Contributions; Liquidation of Trust .
(a)      This Plan shall be deemed terminated if and only if the Plan terminates by operation of law or pursuant to Section 10.2. In the event of any termination or partial termination within the meaning of the Code, or in the event the Employer permanently discontinues the making of contributions to the Plan, the Employer Contribution Account of each affected Participant who is employed by the Employer on the date of the occurrence of such event shall be nonforfeitable; provided, however, that in no event shall any Participant or beneficiary have recourse to other than the Trust Fund for the satisfaction of benefits hereunder.
(b)      In the event an Employer permanently discontinues the making of contributions to the Plan, the Trustee shall make or commence distribution to each Participant or his beneficiaries of the value of such Participant’s Accounts as provided herein within the time prescribed in Article 6. However, if, after such discontinuance the Company shall determine it to be impracticable to continue the Trust any longer, the Company may, in its discretion, declare a date to be the Determination Date for all Participants whose Determination Date has not yet occurred, and the Trustee shall thereupon, as promptly as shall then be reasonable under the circumstances, liquidate the Trust assets and distribute to each such Participant his Accounts in the Trust Fund. Such date shall also constitute the final distribution date for each Participant or beneficiary whose Accounts are being distributed in installments. Upon completion of such liquidation and distribution, the Trust shall finally and completely terminate.
(c)      The liquidation of the Trust, if any, in connection with any Plan termination shall be accomplished by the Committee acting on behalf of the Company. After directing that sufficient funds be set aside to provide for the payment of all expenses incurred in the administration of the Plan and the Trust, to the extent not paid or provided for by the Employer, the Committee shall, as promptly as shall then be reasonable under the circumstances, liquidate the Trust assets and distribute to each Participant his Accounts in the Trust Fund. Upon completion of such liquidation and distribution, the Trust shall finally and completely terminate. In the event the Committee is no longer in existence, the actions to be taken by the Committee pursuant to this Section shall be taken by the Trustee.

 
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ARTICLE 11
ADOPTION BY AFFILIATES
11.1      Adoption of Plan . Any Affiliate may adopt this Plan for the benefit of its eligible employees if authorized to do so by a resolution or the terms of an agreement approved by the Board of Directors of the Company. Such adoption shall be by resolution of such Affiliate’s board of directors, a certified copy of which shall be filed with the Company, the Committees and the Trustee. Upon such adoption, such Affiliate shall become an “Employer.”
11.2      The Company as Agent for Employer . Each Employer which has adopted this Plan pursuant to Section 11.1 hereby irrevocably gives and grants to the Company full and exclusive power conferred upon it by the terms of the Plan and Trust to take or refrain from taking any and all action which such Employer might otherwise take or refrain from taking with respect to the Plan, including sole and exclusive power to exercise, enforce or waive any rights whatsoever which such Employer might otherwise have with respect to the Trust, and each such Employer, by adopting this Plan, irrevocably appoints the Company its agent for such purposes. Neither the Trustee nor the Committee nor any other person shall have any obligation to account to any such Employer or to follow the instructions of or otherwise deal with any such Employer, the intention being that all persons shall deal solely with the Company as if it were the sole company which had adopted this Plan. Each such Employer shall contribute such amounts as determined under Article 3.
11.3      Adoption of Amendments . Any Employer which adopts this Plan pursuant to Section 11.1 may amend this Plan with respect to its own employees by resolution of its board of directors, if authorized to do so by the Board of Directors of the Company.
11.4      Termination . Any Employer which adopts this Plan pursuant to Section 11.1 may terminate this Plan with respect to its own employees by resolution of its board of directors, if authorized to do so by the Board of Directors.
11.5      Data to be Furnished by Employers . Each Employer which adopts this Plan pursuant to Section 11.1 shall furnish information and maintain such records with respect to its employee Participants as called for hereunder, and its determinations and notifications with respect thereto shall have the same force and effect as comparable determinations by the Company with respect to its employee Participants.
11.6      Joint Employees . If a Participant receives Considered Compensation simultaneously from more than one Employer, the total amount of such Considered Compensation shall be considered for the purposes of the Plan, and the respective Employers shall share in contributions to the Plan on account of said Participant based on the Considered Compensation paid to such Participant by the Employer.
11.7      Expenses . To the extent that the Employers shall pay any of the necessary expenses incurred in the administration of the Plan or Trust pursuant to the Trust, then each Employer shall pay such portion thereof as the Company shall determine.

 
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11.8      Withdrawal . An Employer may withdraw from the Plan by giving 60 days’ written notice of its intention to the Company and the Trustee, unless a shorter notice shall be agreed to by the Company.
11.9      Prior Plans . If an Employer adopting the Plan already maintains a defined contribution plan covering employees who will be covered by this Plan, it may, with the consent of the Company, provide in its resolution adopting this Plan for the termination of its own Plan or for the merger, restatement and continuation, of its own plan by this Plan. In either case, such Employer may, subject to the approval of the Company, provide in its resolution of adoption of this Plan for the transfer of the assets of such plan to the Trust for this Plan for the payment of benefits accrued under such other plan. Any such plan is referred to herein as a “Prior Plan”.
11.10      Merger of the Heritage Plan into the Plan . The Heritage Plan merged into this Plan October 1, 1998. On and after January 1, 1999, the provisions of this Plan as amended from time to time, and without respect to the Heritage Plan, shall govern the terms, conditions and benefits of employees who previously participated in the Heritage Plan.

 
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ARTICLE 12
MISCELLANEOUS
12.1      No Guarantee of Employment, etc . Neither the creation of the Plan nor anything contained in the Plan or Trust Agreement shall be construed as giving any Participant hereunder or other employee of the Employer any right to remain in the employ of the Employer, any equity or other interest in the assets, business or affairs of the Employer, or any right to complain about any action taken or any policy adopted or pursued by the Employer.
12.2      Rights of Participants and Others .
(a)      Except as provided in the Plan with respect to loans to a Participant, no Participant shall have any right to sell, assign, pledge, hypothecate, anticipate or in any way create a lien upon any part of the Trust Fund. Except to the extent required by law or provided in the Plan, no interest in the Trust Fund, or any part thereof, shall be assignable in or by operation of law, or be subject to liability in any way for the debts or defaults of Participants, their beneficiaries, spouses or heirs-at-law, whether to the Employer or to others.
(b)      Prior to the time that distributions are to be made hereunder, the Participants, their spouses, beneficiaries, heirs-at-law or legal representatives shall have no right to receive cash or other things of value from the Employer or the Trustee from or as a result of the Plan and Trust.
12.3      Qualified Domestic Relations Order . Notwithstanding anything in this Plan to the contrary, the Committee shall distribute a Participant’s Accounts, or any portion thereof, in accordance with the terms of any domestic relations order entered on or after January 1, 1985, which the Committee determines to be a qualified domestic relations order described in Section 414(p) of the Code. Further notwithstanding any other provision of this Plan to the contrary, such distribution of a Participant’s Accounts or any portion thereof, to an alternate payee under a qualified domestic relations order shall, unless such order otherwise provides, be made in one lump sum as soon as administratively practicable after the Committee has determined that a domestic relations order is a qualified domestic relations order described in Code Section 414(p).
12.4      Controlling Law . To the extent not preempted by the laws of the United States of America, the laws of the State of Illinois shall be controlling state law in all matters relating to the Plan.
12.5      Severability . If any provision of this Plan shall be held illegal or invalid for any reason, said illegality or invalidity shall not affect the remaining parts of this Plan, but this Plan shall be construed and enforced as if said illegal or invalid provision had never been included herein.
12.6      Notification of Addresses . Each Participant and each beneficiary of a deceased Participant shall file with the Committee from time to time in writing his post-office address and each change of post-office address. Any communication, statement or notice addressed to the last post-office address filed with the Committee, or if no such address was filed with the Committee, then to the last post-office address of the Participant or beneficiary as shown on the Employer’s records, will be binding on the Participant and his beneficiary for all purposes of this Plan and

 
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neither the Committee nor the Employer shall be obliged to search for or ascertain the whereabouts of any Participant or beneficiary.
12.7      Gender and Number . Whenever the context requires or permits, the gender and number of words shall be interchangeable.

 
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ARTICLE 13
ESOP PROVISIONS
13.1      General . The provisions of this Article, together with other provisions of this Plan relating to the ESOP Fund, are intended to constitute an employee stock ownership plan (“ESOP”) within the meaning of Code Section 4975(e)(7). The provisions of this Article shall supersede contrary provisions of the Plan.
(a)      Establishment of the ESOP Fund . The portion of the Plan represented by the portion of the Accounts invested in the Investment Fund described in Section 9.5(a)(ii) and 9.5(a)(iv) of the Plan shall constitute the ESOP Fund. The Plan may not obligate itself to acquire shares of Employer Securities at some indefinite period of time in the future, such as upon the death of a shareholder of the Company. For purposes of the Plan, the term “Employer Securities” refers to common stock of the Company so long as such stock is Readily Tradable on an Established Securities Market. Otherwise, the term Employer Securities refers to common stock of the Company (or an Affiliate that is part of the Company’s controlled group of corporations within the meaning of section 409(l) of the Code) that has the greatest voting and dividend rights. For Plan Years beginning on or after January 1, 2012, the term “Readily Tradable on an Established Securities Market” means that the stock is listed on a national securities exchange that is registered with the Securities Exchange Commission under Section 6 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.
13.2      Treatment of the ESOP Fund . The ESOP Fund shall constitute an ESOP. Amounts allocated to the ESOP shall be invested in shares of the common stock of the Company, provided that amounts allocated to the ESOP Fund may be invested in short-term interest bearing accounts to facilitate investments in common stock of the Company, transfers from the ESOP Fund to other Investment Funds or distributions to Participants. The ESOP Fund shall be treated as an Investment Fund for purposes of Sections 4.2 and Section 9.5(b), provided, that Participants shall not be permitted to direct any contributions into the ESOP Fund and no existing Account balances may be transferred to the ESOP Fund. Account balances invested in the ESOP Fund may be transferred from the ESOP Fund to any other Investment Fund maintained under the Plan in accordance with Section 9.5(b).
13.3      Allocation of Employer Contribution . Such portion, as determined by the Board of Directors, if any, of the Employer Contribution credited to the Employer Contribution Accounts of Participants who are Eligible Participants for purposes of the allocation of the Employer Contribution pursuant to Section 4.9 shall be invested in the ESOP Fund. No Before-Tax or Matching Employer Contributions shall be credited to the ESOP Fund.
13.4      Allocation of Net Earnings and Losses and Dividends . Net earnings and losses, and the valuation of the amounts credited to the ESOP Fund shall be determined in the manner described in Section 4.2, as applicable to an Investment Fund invested primarily in common stock of the Company. To the extent provided below, cash dividends paid on common stock of the Company allocated to Accounts invested in the ESOP Fund shall, at the election of the Participant:
(a)      be paid in cash to the Participant as soon as practicable after the last day of the quarter during which such dividends are paid to the Plan, provided that in no event shall such

 
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cash dividends be paid later than 90 days after the close of the Plan Year during which such dividends were paid to the Plan, or
(b)      reinvested in shares of common stock of the Company and held in the ESOP Fund.
The election under this Section 13.4 shall not apply with respect cash dividends paid prior to January 1, 2002 or to any cash dividends attributable to the portion, if any, of a Participant’s Employer Contribution Account, Heritage Plan Account and McHenry Account which was not vested under Section 5.5 as of the last day of the Plan Year immediately preceding the Plan Year in which the dividend is paid to the Plan. Cash dividends not subject to this election shall be reinvested in common stock of the Company. The cash payment of dividends by the Plan under this Section 13.5 shall not be subject to the limitations or provisions of Article 6. Elections pursuant to this Section 13.5 shall be made by filing with the Committee the appropriate written form (which may be filed electronically via the Internet or Company intranet, or via a voice response system) at such times and in accordance with such procedures and limitations which the Committee may from time to time establish. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the procedures established by the Committee shall provide a reasonable opportunity before a dividend is paid or distributed for Participants to make the election and to have a reasonable opportunity to change the election at least annually, shall establish a default election if a Participant fails to make an affirmative election within the time established for making elections, may provide that the election is applicable for a Plan Year and cannot be revoked with respect to such Plan Year, and shall otherwise be implemented in a manner such that the dividends paid or reinvested will constitute “applicable dividends” which may be deducted by the Company under Code Section 404(k) as amended by Section 662 of the Economic Growth and Tax Relief Reconciliation Act of 2001.
13.5      ESOP Provisions . The following provisions shall apply to the ESOP Fund:
(a)      The ESOP Fund is intended to be invested primarily in shares of common stock of the Company which constitute “employer securities” as defined in Code Section 409(l). In the event of any merger, consolidation, reorganization, recapitalization or similar transaction in which the common stock of the Company is converted into or exchanged for other stock or securities, the stock or securities received upon such conversion or exchange shall be deemed to be common stock of the Company for purposes of this Article 13.
(b)      Each Participant shall be entitled to direct the Trustee with respect to the voting or tendering of shares of common stock of the Company held in the ESOP Fund and allocated to such Participant’s accounts. Such directions shall be provided in the manner set forth in the Trust Agreement.
(c)      A Participant, a Participant’s beneficiary or an alternate payee under a qualified domestic relations order shall be entitled to transfer amounts allocated to the ESOP Fund to the other Investment Funds maintained under the Plan in the manner described in Section 9.5(b), regardless of whether or not the Participant has attained the age of 55 and regardless of the Participant’s number of years of service.

 
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(d)      A Participant or a Participant’s beneficiary may elect to receive that portion of his Accounts held in the ESOP Fund which has become distributable pursuant to Section 6.1 in cash or in shares of common stock of the Company in the manner described in Section 6.2(b).
(e)      Shares of Employer Securities distributed under the Plan that are not Readily Tradable on an Established Securities Market shall be subject to a “put option,” whereby the stock may be sold to the Company or, if the Trustee is so directed by the Committee, the Trust. The put option shall be exercisable only by the distributee (whether a Participant or a Beneficiary), any person to whom the Employer Securities has passed by gift from the distributee or any person (including an estate or the distributee from an estate) to whom the Employer Securities passed upon the death of the distributee (hereinafter referred to as the “holder”). At the option of the Company (or the Committee if the Trust is the purchaser), the payment for shares of Employer Securities sold pursuant to a put option shall be made in either of the following forms:
(1)    If the Employer Securities was distributed as part of a total distribution (that is, a distribution of the entire balance of the Participant’s interest under the ESOP Fund), then payment may be made with a promissory note which provides for substantially equal monthly, quarterly, semi‑annual or annual installments commencing with the 30 days from the date of the exercise of the put option and over a period not exceeding 5 years, with interest payable at a reasonable rate on any unpaid installment balance, with adequate security provided, and without penalty for prepayment of such installments; or
(2)    In a lump sum no later than 30 days after such Participant exercises the put option.
The amount paid for shares of Employer Securities pursuant to an exercised put option shall be determined under a fair valuation formula. The put option must be exercised during the 60 day period beginning on the date the Employer Securities is first distributed, by the Plan, or during a 60 day period designated by the Committee during the Plan Year following the Plan Year in which the distribution occurred after a Valuation Date under paragraph (g) below. To exercise the put option, the holder shall notify the Company in writing that the put option is being exercised. The Trust is not bound to purchase Employer Securities pursuant to the put option, but the Committee may direct the Trustee to cause the Trust to assume the Company’s rights and obligations to acquire Employer Securities under the put option.
(f)      The put option provided under this Section shall continue in force even if this Plan ceases to contain the ESOP Fund to the extent required under applicable Code provisions.
(g)      If the Employer Securities ceases to be Readily Tradable on an Established Securities Market, all activities involving their valuation shall be performed by an independent appraiser pursuant to Code Section 401(a)(28). If this paragraph (g) applies for a Plan Year, a special Valuation Date shall apply to the valuation of the Employer Securities for purposes of the Plan as of the last day of the Plan Year (or such other date as designated by the Committee) and notwithstanding Section 1.4 of the Plan.

 
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(h)      Notwithstanding any contrary Plan provision, shares of Employer Securities acquired with the proceeds of an “exempt loan” described in Treasury Regulation Section 54.4975-7(b)(1)(iii) shall be forfeited only after other Plan assets allocated to the Participant’s Accounts have been forfeited. Also, if more than one class of Company Stock is allocated to a Participant’s Accounts, the number of shares forfeited will be in the same proportion from each class.
(i)      The Plan is not authorized to engage in an acquisition of Employer Securities intending to qualify the selling shareholder for capital gains nonrecognition under Code Section 1042, because the Employer Securities are Readily Tradable on an Established Securities Market. Accordingly, the nonallocation rules under Code Section 409(n) are not applicable to the Plan.

 
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ARTICLE 14
ROTH CONTRIBUTIONS
14.1      General Application .
(a)      To the extent permitted by the Committee in a uniform and nondiscriminatory manner, a Participant may irrevocably designate in advance any elective deferral which would otherwise be treated as a Before-Tax Contribution as a Roth Contribution in accordance with Code Section 402A. Such designation shall be made in the form and manner prescribed by the Committee.
(b)      A Participant’s Roth Contributions shall be allocated to a separate account maintained for such deferrals, as described in Section 14.2.
(c)      Unless specifically stated otherwise, Roth Contributions shall be treated as if they were Before-Tax Contributions for all purposes of the Plan.
(d)      To the extent required under applicable Treasury Regulations, the Committee (or its delegate) shall keep track of the number of taxable years that have elapsed since a Participant first made Roth Contributions under the Plan and, upon request, provide this information to the Participant in connection with a distribution or a direct rollover to another qualified retirement plan.
14.2      Separate Accounting .
(a)      For each Participant there shall be maintained as appropriate a separate Roth Contribution Account, which shall be administered in accordance with Article 4.
(b)      As of each Valuation Date, the Roth Contributions made on behalf of each Participant since the prior Valuation Date shall be allocated to such Participant’s Roth Contribution Account.
(c)      As of each Valuation Date, net earnings or losses shall be separately allocated on a reasonable and consistent basis to each Participant’s Roth Contribution Account and other Accounts under the Plan.
(d)      No contributions other than Roth Contributions and properly attributable earnings will be credited to the Roth Contribution Account.
(e)      A Participant’s interest in his Roth Contribution Account shall be nonforfeitable at all times.
(f)      Any loan repayment attributable to a Roth Contribution Account must be allocated thereto, and no loan repayment attributable to a loan from any other Account may be allocated to a Roth Contribution Account.

 
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(g)      A Participant, or in the event of his/her death, the Participant’s beneficiary, shall be entitled to receive a distribution of his/her Roth Contribution Account in accordance with Articles 5 and 6.
14.3      Direct Rollovers .
(a)      Notwithstanding any other provision of this Plan to the contrary, the Plan will accept a Rollover Contribution to a Participant's Roth Contribution Account only if it is a direct rollover from another designated Roth account maintained under an applicable retirement plan as described in Code Section 402A(e)(1) and only to the extent the rollover is permitted in accordance with applicable Treasury Regulations.
(b)      Notwithstanding Section 6.11, a direct rollover of a distribution from a Roth Contribution Account under the Plan will only be made to another Roth elective deferral account under an applicable retirement plan described in Code Section 402A(e)(1) or to a Roth IRA described in Code Section 408A, and only to the extent the rollover is permitted in accordance with applicable Treasury Regulations.
14.4      Correction of Excess Contributions .
(a)      In the case of a distribution of excess contributions pursuant to Section 3.3, a Highly Compensated Employee may designate the extent to which the excess amount is composed of Before-Tax Contributions and Roth Contributions but only to the extent such types of deferrals were made for the year.
(b)      If the Highly Compensated Employee does not designate which type of elective deferrals are to be distributed, the plan will distribute Before-Tax Contributions first.
14.5      Definition . A ‘Roth Contribution’ is an elective deferral that is designated irrevocably by the Participant at the time of the cash or deferred election as being made in lieu of all or a portion of the Before-Tax Contributions the Participant is otherwise eligible to make under the Plan. Roth Contributions are treated by the Employer as includible in the Participant’s income at the time the Participant would have received the amount in cash if the Participant had not made a deferral election.

* * *


 
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Exhibit 15

Acknowledgement of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

May 12, 2014

The Board of Directors
First Midwest Bancorp, Inc.

We are aware of the incorporation by reference in the following Registration Statements of First Midwest Bancorp, Inc. (the “Company”) of our report dated May 12, 2014, relating to the unaudited condensed consolidated interim financial statements of the Company that are included in its Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2014.

Registration Statement (Form S-3 No. 33-20439) pertaining to the First Midwest Bancorp, Inc. Dividend Reinvestment and Stock Purchase Plan,

Registration Statement (Form S-3ASR No. 333-179815) pertaining to a First Midwest Bancorp, Inc. debt and equity securities offering,

Registration Statement (Form S-4 No. 333-114406) pertaining to First Midwest Capital Trust I,

Registration Statement (Form S-8 No. 33-25136) pertaining to the First Midwest Bancorp, Inc. Savings and Profit Sharing Plan,

Registration Statement (Form S-8 No. 33-42980) pertaining to the First Midwest Bancorp, Inc. 1989 Omnibus Stock and Incentive Plan,

Registration Statement (Form S-8 No. 333-159389) pertaining to the First Midwest Bancorp, Inc. 1989 Omnibus Stock and Incentive Plan,

Registration Statement (Form S-8 No. 333-42273) pertaining to the First Midwest Bancorp, Inc. 1989 Omnibus Stock and Incentive Plan,

Registration Statement (Form S-8 No. 333-61090) pertaining to the First Midwest Bancorp, Inc. 1989 Omnibus Stock and Incentive Plan,

Registration Statement (Form S-8 No. 333-50140) pertaining to the First Midwest Bancorp, Inc. Non-employee Directors’ 1997 Stock Option Plan,

Registration Statement (Form S-8 No. 333-63095) pertaining to the First Midwest Bancorp, Inc. Non-employee Directors’ Stock Option Plan,

Registration Statement (Form S-8 No. 333-63097) pertaining to the First Midwest Bancorp, Inc. Nonqualified Retirement Plan, and

Registration Statement (Form S-8 No. 333-151072) pertaining to the First Midwest Bancorp, Inc. Amended and Restated Non-employee Directors' Stock Plan,

Registration Statement (Form S-3 No. 333-157615) pertaining to a First Midwest Bancorp, Inc. debt and equity securities offering, and

Registration Statement (Form S-8 No. 333-168973) pertaining to the First Midwest Bancorp, Inc. Amended and Restated Omnibus Stock and Incentive Plan

/s/ ERNST & YOUNG LLP

Chicago, IL





Exhibit 31.1
CERTIFICATION




I, Michael L. Scudder, certify that:

1.
I have reviewed this report on Form 10-Q of First Midwest Bancorp, Inc.;
2.
Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report;
3.
Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this report;
4.
The registrant’s other certifying officer and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)) for the registrant and have:
a.
Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared;
b.
Designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to be designed under our supervision, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles;
c.
Evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant’s disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and
d.
Disclosed in this report any change in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the registrant’s most recent fiscal quarter (the registrant’s fourth fiscal quarter in the case of an annual report) that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting; and
5.
The registrant’s other certifying officer and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the registrant’s auditors and the audit committee of the registrant’s board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions):
a.
All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrant’s ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and
b.
Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting.

Date: May 12, 2014
 
/s/ MICHAEL L. SCUDDER
[Signature]
President and Chief Executive Officer









Exhibit 31.2
CERTIFICATION




I, Paul F. Clemens, certify that:

1.
I have reviewed this report on Form 10-Q of First Midwest Bancorp, Inc.;
2.
Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report;
3.
Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this report;
4.
The registrant’s other certifying officer and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)) for the registrant and have:
a.
Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared;
b.
Designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to be designed under our supervision, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles;
c.
Evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant’s disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and
d.
Disclosed in this report any change in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the registrant’s most recent fiscal quarter (the registrant’s fourth fiscal quarter in the case of an annual report) that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting; and
5.
The registrant’s other certifying officer and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the registrant’s auditors and the audit committee of the registrant’s board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions):
a.
All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrant’s ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and
b.
Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting.


Date: May 12, 2014
 
/s/ PAUL F. CLEMENS
[Signature]
Executive Vice President
and Chief Financial Officer





Exhibit 32.1
CERTIFICATION

Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, the undersigned officer of First Midwest Bancorp, Inc. (the “Company”), hereby certifies that:

1.
The Company’s Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2014 (the “Report”) fully complies with the requirements of Section 13(a) or 15(d), as applicable, of the Securities and Exchange Act of 1934, as amended; and
2.
The information contained in the Report fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and results of operations of the Company.
/s/ MICHAEL L. SCUDDER
 
 
Name:
Michael L. Scudder
 
 
Title:
President and Chief Executive Officer
 
 
Dated:
May 12, 2014
 
 

A signed original of this written statement required by Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 has been provided to the Company and will be retained by the Company and furnished to the Securities and Exchange Commission or its staff upon request.





Exhibit 32. 2
CERTIFICATION

Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, the undersigned officer of First Midwest Bancorp, Inc. (the “Company”), hereby certifies that:

1.
The Company’s Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2014 (the “Report”) fully complies with the requirements of Section 13(a) or 15(d), as applicable, of the Securities and Exchange Act of 1934, as amended; and
2.
The information contained in the Report fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and results of operations of the Company.
/s/ PAUL F. CLEMENS
 
 
Name:
Paul F. Clemens
 
 
Title:
Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer
 
 
Dated:
May 12, 2014
 
 

A signed original of this written statement required by Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 has been provided to the Company and will be retained by the Company and furnished to the Securities and Exchange Commission or its staff upon request.














Exhibit 99
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm



The Board of Directors
First Midwest Bancorp, Inc.

We have reviewed the consolidated statement of financial condition of First Midwest Bancorp, Inc. (the “Company”) as of March 31, 2014, and the related condensed consolidated statements of income, consolidated statements of comprehensive income and changes in stockholders’ equity, and condensed consolidated statements of cash flows for the three-month periods ended March 31, 2014 and 2013. These financial statements are the responsibility of the Company’s management.

We conducted our review in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). A review of interim financial information consists principally of applying analytical procedures and making inquiries of persons responsible for financial and accounting matters. It is substantially less in scope than an audit conducted in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board, the objective of which is the expression of an opinion regarding the financial statements taken as a whole. Accordingly, we do not express such an opinion.

Based on our review, we are not aware of any material modifications that should be made to the consolidated financial statements referred to above for them to be in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles.

We have previously audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States), the consolidated statement of financial condition of the Company as of December 31, 2013, and the related consolidated statements of income, comprehensive income, changes in stockholders’ equity, and cash flows for the year then ended (not presented herein) and in our report dated March 3, 2014, we expressed an unqualified opinion on those consolidated financial statements. In our opinion, the information set forth in the accompanying consolidated statement of financial condition as of December 31, 2013, is fairly stated, in all material respects, in relation to the consolidated statement of financial condition from which it has been derived.



/s/ ERNST & YOUNG LLP

Chicago, Illinois
May 12, 2014