First Financial Bancorp announced its second quarter 2026 financial results and a proposed strategic acquisition of Finward Bancorp. For the quarter, the company reported adjusted net income of $83.9 million, or $0.80 per diluted share, and an adjusted return on average assets of 1.50%. The company also announced a $0.01 increase in its quarterly cash dividend to $0.26 per share, payable in the third quarter of 2026. Regarding the Finward Bancorp transaction, First Financial intends to issue approximately 5.9 million shares in a 1.35x fixed exchange ratio, a deal valued at $208 million. The acquisition is expected to provide mid-single digit EPS accretion and expand the company's presence in the Chicago and Northwest Indiana markets. First Financial Bancorp is a financial holding company providing banking, wealth management, and specialty lending services.

First Financial Bancorp entered into a definitive merger agreement to acquire Finward Bancorp in an all-stock transaction valued at approximately $208 million. Under the terms, Finward shareholders will receive 1.35 shares of First Financial common stock for each share held. The acquisition, which includes Finward's subsidiary Peoples Bank, is expected to close in the fourth quarter of 2026 and is projected to be 5% accretive to earnings per share. Separately, the company reported second quarter 2026 net income of $76.5 million, or $0.73 per diluted share, and announced a quarterly dividend increase to $0.26 per share. First Financial Bancorp is a bank holding company providing commercial, retail, and wealth management services.