FORM 10-Q SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549 [x] QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15 (d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 For the quarterly period ended March 31, 2007 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 0-17071 First Merchants Corporation (Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter) Indiana 35-1544218 (State or other jurisdiction of (I.R.S. Employer incorporation or organization) Identification No.) 200 East Jackson Street Muncie, IN 47305-2814 (Address of principal executive offices) (Zip code) (765) 747-1500 (Registrant's telephone number, including area code) Not Applicable (Former name, former address and former fiscal year, if changed since last report) 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 is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, or a non-accelerated filer. See definition of "accelerated filer and large accelerated filer" in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act. (Check one): Large accelerated filer [ ] Accelerated filer [X] Non-accelerated filer [ ] 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 April 20, 2007, there were 18,315,803 outstanding common shares, without par value, of the registrant.
FIRST MERCHANTS CORPORATION FORM 10-Q INDEX Page No. PART I. Financial Information: Item 1. Financial Statements: Consolidated Condensed Balance Sheets........................3 Consolidated Condensed Statements of Income..................4 Consolidated Condensed Statements of Comprehensive Income.........................................5 Consolidated Condensed Statements of Stockholders' Equity.........................................6 Consolidated Condensed Statements of Cash Flows..............7 Notes to Consolidated Condensed Financial Statements.........8 Item 2. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations.........................17 Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk.................................................27 Item 4. Controls and Procedures.....................................27 PART II. Other Information: Item 1. Legal Proceedings...........................................28 Item 1.A. Risk Factors................................................28 Item 2. Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds..............................28 Item 3. Defaults Upon Senior Securities.............................28 Item 4. Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders.........28 Item 5. Other Information...........................................28 Item 6. Exhibits....................................................29 Signatures...................................................................30 Index to Exhibits............................................................31 Page 2
FIRST MERCHANTS CORPORATION FORM 10-Q PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION Item 1. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS CONSOLIDATED CONDENSED BALANCE SHEETS (Dollars in thousands, except per share amounts) <TABLE> March 31, December 31, 2007 2006 ------------ ------------ (Unaudited) <S> <C> <C> ASSETS: Cash and due from banks ....................................... $ 43,629 $ 89,957 Interest-bearing deposits...................................... 6,785 11,284 Investment securities available for sale ...................... 467,305 455,933 Investment securities held to maturity ........................ 8,894 9,284 Mortgage loans held for sale................................... 2,732 5,413 Loans, net of allowance for loan losses of $26,819 and $26,540. 2,704,321 2,666,061 Premises and equipment ........................................ 43,262 42,393 Federal Reserve and Federal Home Loan Bank stock............... 23,691 23,691 Interest receivable ........................................... 21,941 24,345 Core deposit intangibles ...................................... 14,679 15,470 Goodwill ...................................................... 123,168 123,168 Cash surrender value of life insurance......................... 68,360 64,213 Other assets .................................................. 26,047 23,658 ----------- ----------- Total assets .............................................. $ 3,554,814 $ 3,554,870 =========== =========== LIABILITIES: Deposits: Noninterest-bearing ......................................... $ 325,615 $ 362,058 Interest-bearing ............................................ 2,361,773 2,388,480 ----------- ----------- Total deposits ............................................ 2,687,388 2,750,538 Borrowings: Federal funds purchased ..................................... 91,100 56,150 Securities sold under repurchase agreements ................. 59,623 42,750 Federal Home Loan Bank Advances ............................. 248,500 242,408 Subordinated debentures, revolving credit lines and term loans ............................................ 97,965 99,456 ----------- ----------- Total borrowings .......................................... 497,188 440,764 Interest payable .............................................. 10,834 9,326 Other liabilities.............................................. 30,756 26,917 ----------- ----------- Total liabilities ......................................... 3,226,166 3,227,545 COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENT LIABILITIES STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY: Preferred stock, no-par value: Authorized and unissued - 500,000 shares Common Stock, $.125 stated value: Authorized --- 50,000,000 shares Issued and outstanding - 18,315,624 and 18,439,843 shares.... 2,289 2,305 Additional paid-in capital .................................... 143,672 146,460 Retained earnings ............................................. 191,476 187,965 Accumulated other comprehensive loss .......................... (8,789) (9,405) ----------- ----------- Total stockholders' equity ................................ 328,648 327,325 ----------- ----------- Total liabilities and stockholders' equity ................ $ 3,554,814 $ 3,554,870 =========== =========== </TABLE> See notes to consolidated condensed financial statements. Page 3
FIRST MERCHANTS CORPORATION FORM 10-Q CONSOLIDATED CONDENSED STATEMENTS OF INCOME (Dollars in thousands, except per share amounts) (Unaudited) <TABLE> <CAPTION> Three Months Ended March 31, <S> <C> <C> 2007 2006 Interest Income: Loans receivable Taxable ................................................... $49,645 $ 43,079 Tax exempt ................................................ 201 168 Investment securities Taxable ................................................... 3,282 2,726 Tax exempt ................................................ 1,661 1,647 Federal funds sold .......................................... 1 17 Deposits with financial institutions ........................ 123 114 Federal Reserve and Federal Home Loan Bank stock ............ 328 311 ------- -------- Total interest income ..................................... 55,241 48,062 ------- -------- Interest expense: Deposits .................................................... 21,806 14,419 Borrowings .................................................. 6,360 6,054 ------- -------- Total interest expense .................................... 28,166 20,473 ------- -------- Net Interest Income ........................................... 27,075 27,589 Provision for loan losses ..................................... 1,599 1,726 ------- -------- Net Interest Income After Provision for Loan Losses ........... 25,476 25,863 ------- -------- Other Income: Net realized loss on sales of available-for-sale securities.. (1) Other income ................................................ 9,805 8,597 ------- ------- Total other income ............................................ 9,804 8,597 ------- ------- Other expenses: Salaries and benefits ....................................... 14,726 14,392 Other expenses .............................................. 9,468 9,396 ------- -------- Total other expenses .......................................... 24,194 23,788 ------- -------- Income before income tax ...................................... 11,086 10,672 Income tax expense ............................................ 3,315 3,163 ------- -------- Net Income .................................................... $ 7,771 $ 7,509 ======= ======== Per share: Basic ..................................................... $ .42 $ .41 Diluted ................................................... .42 .41 Dividends ................................................. .23 .23 </TABLE> See notes to consolidated condensed financial statements. Page 4
FIRST MERCHANTS CORPORATION FORM 10-Q CONSOLIDATED CONDENSED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (Dollars in thousands) (Unaudited) <TABLE> Three Months Ended March 31, ---------------------- 2007 2006 --------- --------- <S> <C> <C> Net Income...................................................................... $ 7,771 $ 7,509 Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax: Unrealized gains (losses) on securities available for sale: Unrealized holding gains (losses) arising during the period, net of income tax benefit of $(298) and $326 .................................... 553 (611) Unrealized gains on cash flow hedges: Unrealized gains arising during the period, net of income tax of $(41) and $0 ............................................................. 62 Reclassification adjustment for gains (losses) included in net income, net of income tax expense of $0 and $0 ............................... 1 --------- --------- 616 (611) --------- --------- Comprehensive income ........................................................... $ 8,387 $ 6,898 ========= ========= </TABLE> See notes to consolidated condensed financial statements. Page 5
FIRST MERCHANTS CORPORATION FORM 10-Q CONSOLIDATED CONDENSED STATEMENTS OF STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY (Dollars in thousands) (Unaudited) <TABLE> <CAPTION> 2007 2006 --------- --------- <S> <C> <C> Balances, January 1 ............................................ $ 327,325 $ 313,396 Net income ..................................................... 7,771 7,509 Cash dividends on common stock ................................. (4,235) (4,238) Cash dividends on restricted stock awards ...................... (25) (13) Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax................... 616 (611) Stock issued under dividend reinvestment and stock purchase plan 291 291 Stock options exercised ........................................ 140 255 Tax benefit from stock options exercised ....................... 17 24 Stock redeemed ................................................. (3,503) (69) Share-based compensation ....................................... 251 194 --------- --------- Balances, March 31 ............................................. $ 328,648 $ 316,738 ========= ========= </TABLE> See notes to consolidated condensed financial statements. Page 6
FIRST MERCHANTS CORPORATION FORM 10-Q CONSOLIDATED CONDENSED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (Dollars in thousands) (Unaudited) <TABLE> Three Months Ended March 31, ---------------------------------- 2007 2006 ---------------- ---------------- <S> <C> <C> Cash Flows From Operating Activities: Net income........................................................................ $ 7,771 $ 7,509 Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities Provision for loan losses....................................................... 1,599 1,726 Depreciation and amortization................................................... 1,150 1,323 Share-based compensation........................................................ 251 194 Tax benefits from stock options exercised....................................... (17) (24) Mortgage loans originated for sale.............................................. (28,046) (28,586) Proceeds from sales of mortgage loans........................................... 30,727 28,326 Change in interest receivable................................................... 2,404 655 Change in interest payable...................................................... 1,508 538 Other adjustments............................................................... 1,546 2,000 --------------- ---------------- Net cash provided by operating activities..................................... $ 18,893 13,661 --------------- ---------------- Cash Flows From Investing Activities: Net change in interest-bearing deposits........................................... $ 4,499 (356) Purchases of Securities available for sale................................................... (25,137) (22,781) Proceeds from maturities of Securities available for sale................................................... 14,446 13,282 Securities held to maturity..................................................... 389 949 Purchase of Federal Reserve and Federal Home Loan Bank Stock.................................................... (221) Purchase of bank owned life insurance ............................................ (3,500) Net change in loans............................................................... (39,859) (35,352) Other adjustments................................................................. (2,019) (935) --------------- ---------------- Net cash used by investing activities......................................... $ (51,181) (45,414) --------------- ---------------- Cash Flows From Financing Activities: Net change in Demand and savings deposits..................................................... $ (72,495) (56,553) Certificates of deposit and other time deposits................................. 9,345 120,049 Borrowings........................................................................ 82,333 36,150 Repayment of borrowings........................................................... (25,908) (75,384) Cash dividends on common stock.................................................... (4,235) (4,238) Cash dividends on restricted stock awards......................................... (25) (13) Stock issued under dividend reinvestment and stock purchase plans................. 291 291 Stock options exercised........................................................... 59 255 Tax benefit from stock options exercised.......................................... 17 24 Stock redeemed.................................................................... (3,422) (69) --------------- ---------------- Net cash provided/(used) by financing activities.............................. (14,040) 20,512 --------------- ---------------- Net Change in Cash and Cash Equivalents............................................. (46,328) (11,241) Cash and Cash Equivalents, January 1................................................ 89,957 70,417 --------------- ---------------- Cash and Cash Equivalents, March 31................................................. $ 43,629 $ 59,176 =============== ================ Additional cash flows information: Interest paid .................................................................... $ 26,657 $ 19,935 Income tax paid .................................................................. 500 </TABLE> See notes to consolidated condensed financial statements. Page 7
FIRST MERCHANTS CORPORATION FORM 10-Q NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED CONDENSED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Table dollars in thousands) (Unaudited) NOTE 1. General Financial Statement Preparation The significant accounting policies followed by First Merchants Corporation ("Corporation") and its wholly owned subsidiaries for interim financial reporting are consistent with the accounting policies followed for annual financial reporting. All adjustments, which are of a normal recurring nature and are in the opinion of management necessary for a fair statement of the results for the periods reported, have been included in the accompanying consolidated condensed financial statements. The consolidated condensed balance sheet of the Corporation as of December 31, 2006 has been derived from the audited consolidated balance sheet of the Corporation as of that date. Certain information and note disclosures normally included in the Corporation's annual financial statements prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America have been condensed or omitted. These consolidated condensed financial statements should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and notes thereto included in the Corporation's Form 10-K annual report filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The results of operations for the three months ended March 31, 2007 are not necessarily indicative of the results to be expected for the year. Change in an Accounting Principle The Corporation or one of its subsidiaries files income tax returns in the U.S. federal and Indiana jurisdictions. With few exceptions, the Corporation is no longer subject to U.S. federal, state and local examinations by tax authorities for years before 2003. The Corporation adopted the provisions of the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) Interpretation No. 48 (FIN 48), Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes - an interpretation of FASB Statement No. 109, on January 1, 2007. FIN 48 prescribes a recognition threshold and measurement attribute for the financial statement recognition and measurement of a tax position taken or expected to be taken in a tax return. FIN 48 also provides guidance on derecognition, classification, interest and penalties, accounting in interim periods, disclosure and transition. As a result of the implementation of FIN 48, the Corporation did not identify any uncertain tax positions that it believes should be recognized in the financial statements. NOTE 2. Share-Based Compensation Stock options and restricted stock awards ("RSAs") have been issued to directors, officers and other management employees under the Corporation's 1994 Stock Option Plan and The 1999 Long-term Equity Incentive Plan. The stock options, which have a ten year life, become 100 percent vested ranging from three months to two years and are fully exercisable when vested. Option exercise prices equal the Corporation's common stock closing price on NASDAQ on the date of grant. RSAs provide for the issuance of shares of the Corporation's common stock at no cost to the holder and generally vest after three years. The RSAs vest only if the employee is actively employed by the Corporation on the vesting date and, therefore, any unvested shares are forfeited. The Corporation's 2004 Employee Stock Purchase Plan ("ESPP") provides eligible employees of the Corporation and its subsidiaries an opportunity to purchase shares of common stock of the Corporation through annual offerings financed by payroll deductions. The price of the stock to be paid by the employees may not be less than 85 percent of the lesser of the fair market value of the Corporation's common stock at the beginning or at the end of the offering period. Common stock purchases are made annually and are paid through advance payroll deductions of up to 20 percent of eligible compensation. SFAS 123(R) requires the Corporation to begin recording compensation expense in 2006 related to unvested share-based awards outstanding as of December 31, 2005, by recognizing the unamortized grant date fair value of these awards over the remaining service periods of those awards, with no change in historical reported fair values and earnings. Awards granted after December 31, 2005 are valued at fair value in accordance with provisions of SFAS 123(R) and are recognized on a straight-line basis over the service periods of each award. To complete the exercise of vested stock options, RSA's and ESPP options, the Corporation generally issues new shares from its authorized but unissued share pool. Share-based compensation for the three months ended March 31, 2007 and 2006 totaled $251,000 and $194,000, respectively, and has been recognized as a component of salaries and benefits expense in the accompanying Consolidated Condensed Statements of Income. Page 8
FIRST MERCHANTS CORPORATION FORM 10-Q NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED CONDENSED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Table dollars in thousands) (Unaudited) NOTE 2. Share-Based Compensation continued The estimated fair value of the stock options granted during 2007 and in prior years was calculated using a Black Scholes option pricing model. The following summarizes the assumptions used in the 2007 Black Scholes model: Risk-free interest rate 4.67% Expected price volatility 29.76% Dividend yield 3.64% Forfeiture rate 5.00% Weighted-average expected life, until exercise 5.99 years The Black Scholes model incorporates assumptions to value share-based awards. The risk-free rate of interest, for periods equal to the expected life of the option, is based on a zero-coupon U.S. government instrument over a similar contractual term of the equity instrument. Expected price volatility is based on historical volatility of the Corporation's common stock. In addition, the Corporation generally uses historical information to determine the dividend yield and weighted-average expected life of the options, until exercise. Separate groups of employees that have similar historical exercise behavior with regard to option exercise timing and forfeiture rates are considered separately for valuation and attribution purposes. Share-based compensation expense recognized in the Consolidated Condensed Statements of Income is based on awards ultimately expected to vest and is reduced for estimated forfeitures. SFAS 123(R) requires forfeitures to be estimated at the time of grant and revised, if necessary, in subsequent periods, if actual forfeitures differ from those estimates. Pre-vesting forfeitures were estimated to be approximately 5 percent for the three months ended March 31, 2007, based on historical experience. In the Corporation's pro forma disclosures required under SFAS 123(R) for the periods prior to fiscal 2006, the Corporation accounted for forfeitures as they occurred. Page 9
FIRST MERCHANTS CORPORATION FORM 10-Q NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED CONDENSED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Table dollars in thousands) (Unaudited) NOTE 2. Share-Based Compensation continued The following table summarizes the components of the Corporation's share-based compensation awards recorded as expense: <TABLE> <CAPTION> Three Months Ended March 31, 2007 2006 ----------- ----------- <S> <C> <C> Stock and ESPP Options: Pre-tax compensation expense ........................................$ 119 $ 136 Income tax benefit .................................................. (7) (12) ---------- ---------- Stock and ESPP option expense, net of income taxes .......................$ 112 $ 124 ========== ========== Restricted Stock Awards: Pre-tax compensation expense ........................................$ 132 $ 58 Income tax benefit .................................................. (46) (21) ---------- ---------- Restricted stock awards expense, net of income taxes .....................$ 86 $ 37 ========== ========== Total Share-Based Compensation: Pre-tax compensation expense ........................................$ 251 $ 194 Income tax benefit .................................................. (53) (33) ---------- ---------- Total share-based compensation expense, net of income taxes ..............$ 198 $ 161 ========== ========== </TABLE> Page 10
FIRST MERCHANTS CORPORATION FORM 10-Q NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED CONDENSED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Table dollars in thousands) (Unaudited) NOTE 2. Share-Based Compensation continued As of March 31, 2007, unrecognized compensation expense related to stock options, RSAs and ESPP options totaling $574,000, $1,873,000 and $50,000, respectively, is expected to be recognized over weighted-average periods of 1.32, 2.36 and 1.25 years, respectively. Stock option activity under the Corporation's stock option plans as of March 31, 2007 and changes during the three months ended March 31, 2007 were as follows: <TABLE> <CAPTION> Weighted- Average Weighted- Remaining Number Average Contractual Aggregate of Exercise Term Intrinsic Shares Price (in Years) Value ---------- ------------ ----------- ---------- <S> <C> <C> <C> <C> Outstanding at January 1, 2007 .................. 1,067,247 $ 23.87 Granted ......................................... 65,550 26.31 Exercised ....................................... (7,696) 18.22 Cancelled ....................................... (300) 26.70 ---------- Outstanding at March 31, 2007 ................... 1,124,801 $ 24.05 5.90 $1,388,794 ========== Vested and Expected to Vest at March 31, 2007 ... 1,111,396 $ 24.03 5.86 $1,388,794 Exercisable at March 31, 2007 ................... 986,251 $ 23.82 5.42 $1,388,794 </TABLE> The weighted-average grant date fair value was $6.45 for stock options granted during the three months ended March 31, 2007. The aggregate intrinsic value in the table above represents the total pre-tax intrinsic value (the difference between the Corporation's closing stock price on the last trading day of the first three months of 2007 and the exercise price, multiplied by the number of in-the-money options) that would have been received by the option holders had all option holders exercised their stock options on March 31, 2007. The amount of aggregate intrinsic value will change based on the fair market value of the Corporation's common stock. The aggregate intrinsic value of stock options exercised during the first three months of 2007 was $61,000. Exercise of options during this same period resulted in cash receipts of $59,000. The Corporation recognized a tax benefit of approximately $17,000 in the first three months of 2007, related to the exercise of employee stock options and has been recorded as an increase to additional paid-in capital. The following table summarizes information on unvested restricted stock awards outstanding as of March 31, 2007: <TABLE> <CAPTION> Weighted-Average Number of Grant-Date Fair Shares Value ---------- ----------- <S> <C> <C> Unvested RSAs at January 1, 2007 ............. 55,000 $ 27.83 Granted ...................................... 53,225 26.31 Forfeited .................................... (100) 25.14 Vested ....................................... (1,166) 25.54 ---------- Unvested RSAs at March 31, 2007 .............. 106,959 $ 27.70 ========== </TABLE> Page 11
FIRST MERCHANTS CORPORATION FORM 10-Q NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED CONDENSED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Table dollars in thousands) (Unaudited) NOTE 2. Share-Based Compensation continued The grant date fair value of ESPP options was estimated at the beginning of the July 1, 2006 offering period and approximates $198,000. The ESPP options vests during the twelve month period ending June 30, 2007. At March 31, 2007, total unrecognized compensation expense releated to unvested ESPP options was $50,000, which is expected to be recognized over a period of three months. <TABLE> NOTE 3. Investment Securities Gross Gross Amortized Unrealized Unrealized Fair Cost Gains Losses Value <S> <C> <C> <C> <C> Available for sale at March 31, 2007 U.S. Treasury ........................ $ 1,502 $ 2 $ 1,504 U.S. Government-sponsored agency securities................... 86,950 96 $(1,015) 86,031 State and municipal .................. 169,816 1,958 (894) 170,880 Mortgage-backed securities ........... 198,063 822 (3,354) 195,531 Corporate Obligations ................ 8,088 (63) 8,025 Marketable equity securities.......... 5,582 (248) 5,334 -------- -------- -------- -------- Total available for sale ......... 470,001 2,878 (5,574) 467,305 -------- -------- -------- -------- Held to maturity at March 31, 2007 State and municipal................... 8,877 394 (211) 9,060 Mortgage-backed securities............ 17 17 -------- -------- -------- -------- Total held to maturity ........... 8,894 394 (211) 9,077 -------- -------- -------- -------- Total investment securities ...... $478,895 $ 3,272 $ (5,785) $476,382 ======== ======== ======== ======== </TABLE> <TABLE> <CAPTION> Gross Gross Amortized Unrealized Unrealized Fair Cost Gains Losses Value <S> <C> <C> <C> <C> Available for sale at December 31, 2006 U.S. Treasury ........................ $ 1,502 $ 1 $ 1,503 U.S. Government-sponsored agency securities .................. 87,193 69 $(1,284) 85,978 State and municipal .................. 168,262 2,251 (892) 169,621 Mortgage-backed securities ........... 195,228 600 (3,983) 191,845 Marketable equity securities ......... 7,296 (310) 6,986 -------- -------- -------- -------- Total available for sale .......... 459,481 2,921 (6,469) 455,933 -------- -------- -------- -------- Held to maturity at December 31, 2006 State and municipal .................. 9,266 432 (200) 9,498 Mortgage-backed securities ........... 18 18 -------- -------- -------- -------- Total held to maturity ............ 9,284 432 (200) 9,516 -------- -------- -------- -------- Total investment securities ....... $468,765 $ 3,353 $ (6,669) $465,449 ======== ======== ======== ======== </TABLE> Page 12
FIRST MERCHANTS CORPORATION FORM 10-Q NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED CONDENSED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Table dollars in thousands) (Unaudited) NOTE 4. Loans and Allowance <TABLE> March 31, December 31, 2007 2006 ----------- ----------- <S> <C> <C> Loans: Commercial and industrial loans .............................................. $ 557,304 $ 537,305 Agricultural production financing and other loans to farmers ................. 97,784 100,098 Real estate loans: Construction ............................................................... 151,782 169,491 Commercial and farmland .................................................... 906,726 861,429 Residential ................................................................ 756,316 749,921 Individuals' loans for household and other personal expenditures ............. 210,578 223,504 Tax-exempt loans ............................................................. 15,306 14,423 Lease financing receivables, net of unearned income........................... 7,648 8,010 Other loans .................................................................. 27,696 28,420 ----------- ----------- 2,731,140 2,692,601 Allowance for loan losses..................................................... (26,819) (26,540) ----------- ----------- Total Loans............................................................... $ 2,704,321 $ 2,666,061 =========== =========== Three Months Ended March 31, 2007 2006 ----------- ----------- Allowance for loan losses: Balances, January 1 .......................................................... $ 26,540 $ 25,188 Provision for losses ......................................................... 1,599 1,726 Recoveries on loans .......................................................... 231 308 Loans charged off ............................................................ (1,551) (1,599) ----------- ----------- Balances, March 31 ........................................................... $ 26,819 $ 25,623 =========== =========== </TABLE> Information on nonaccruing, contractually past due 90 days or more other than nonaccruing and restructured loans is March 31, December 31, summarized below: 2007 2006 ================================================================================ Non-accrual loans................................ $ 22,704 $ 17,926 Loans contractually past due 90 days or more other than nonaccruing................. 4,554 2,870 Restructured loans............................... 59 84 -------- -------- Total........................................ $ 27,317 $ 20,880 ======== ======== Page 13
FIRST MERCHANTS CORPORATION FORM 10-Q NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED CONDENSED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Table dollars in thousands) (Unaudited) NOTE 5. Net Income Per Share Basic net income per share is computed by dividing net income by the weighted- average shares outstanding during the reporting period. Diluted net income per share is computed by dividing net income by the combination of all dilutive common share equivalents, comprised of shares issuable under the Corporation's share-based compensation plans, and the weighted-average shares outstanding during the reporting period. Dilutive common share equivalents include the dilutive effect of in-the-money share-based awards, which are calculated based on the average share price for each period using the treasury stock method. Under the treasury stock method, the exercise price of share-based awards, the amount of compensation expense, if any, for future service that the Corporation has not yet recognized, and the amount of estimated tax benefits that would be recorded in additional paid-in-captial when share-based awards are exercised, are assumed to be used to repurchase common stock in the current period. <TABLE> Three Months Ended March 31, 2007 2006 ------------------------------------------- ------------------------------------------ Weighted- Weighted- Net Average Per Share Net Average Per Share Income Shares Amount Income Shares Amount ------ ------ ------ ------ ------ ------ <S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> Basic net income per share: Net income available to common stockholders......................$ 7,771 18,410,958 $ .42 $ 7,509 18,425,047 $ .41 ========== ========== Effect of dilutive stock options............. 85,576 107,089 ---------- ------------ ---------- ------------ Diluted net income per share: Net income available to common stockholders and assumed conversions..................$ 7,771 18,496,534 $ .42 $ 7,509 18,532,136 $ .41 ========== ============ ========== ========== ============ ========== </TABLE> Stock options to purchase 610,971 and 397,339 shares for the three months ended March 31, 2007 and 2006 were not included in the earnings per share calculation because the exercise price exceeded the average market price. Page 14
FIRST MERCHANTS CORPORATION FORM 10-Q NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED CONDENSED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Table dollars in thousands) (Unaudited) Note 6. Defined Benefit Pension Costs The Corporation has defined benefit pension plans covering substantially all employees. The plans provide benefits that are based on the employees' compensation and years of service. The Corporation uses an actuarial calculation to determine pension plan costs. In January 2005, the Board of Directors of the Corporation approved the curtailment of the accumulation of defined benefits for future services provided by certain participants in the First Merchants Corporation Retirement Pension Plan (the "Plan"). Employees of the Corporation and certain of its subsidiaries who are participants in the Plan were notified that, on and after March 1, 2005, no additional pension benefits will be earned by employees who have not both attained the age of fifty-five (55) and accrued at least ten (10) years of "Vesting Service". As a result of this action, the Corporation recorded a $1,630,000 pension curtailment loss to record previously unrecognized prior service costs in accordance with SFAS No. 88, "Employers' Accounting for Settlements and Curtailments of Defined Benefit Plans and for Termination Benefits." This loss was recognized and recorded by the Corporation in the first quarter of 2005. The following represents the pension cost for the three months ended March 31, 2007 and 2006. <TABLE> <CAPTION> Three Months Ended March 31, 2007 2006 ------------------------- Pension Cost - ------------ <S> <C> <C> Service cost............................................ $ 124 $ 131 Interest cost .......................................... 716 683 Expected return on plan assets ......................... (785) (728) Amortization of prior service cost...................... 1 1 Amortization of the net loss............................ 104 87 ---------- ---------- Total Pension Cost................................ $ 160 $ 174 ========== ========== </TABLE> Page 15
FIRST MERCHANTS CORPORATION FORM 10-Q NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED CONDENSED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Table dollars in thousands) (Unaudited) Note 7. Impact of Accounting Changes In March 2006, the FASB issued Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 156 (SFAS No. 156), Accounting for Servicing of Financial Assets, an amendment of FASB Statement No. 140, Accounting for Transfers and Servicing of Financial Assets and Extinguishments of Liabilities, which requires that all separately recognized servicing assets and servicing liabilities be initially measured at fair value, if practicable and permits the entities to elect either fair value measurement with changes in fair value reflected in earnings or the amortization and impairment requirements of SFAS No. 140 for subsequent measurement. The subsequent measurement of separately recognized servicing assets and servicing liabilities at fair value eliminates the necessity for entities that manage the risks inherent in servicing assets and servicing liabilities with derivatives to qualify for hedge accounting treatment and eliminates the characterization of declines in fair value as impairments or direct write-downs. SFAS No. 156 is effective for the Corporation beginning January 1, 2007. We have evaluated the requirements of SFAS No. 156 and determined that it did not have a material effect on our financial condition or results of operations. In September 2006, the FASB issued SFAS No. 157, Fair Value Measurements. SFAS No. 157 defines fair value, establishes a framework for measuring fair value in generally accepted accounting standards, and expands disclosures about fair value measurements. SFAS No. 157 is effective for financial statements issued for fiscal years beginning after November 15, 2007, and interim periods within those fiscal years. We do not expect that the adoption of SFAS No. 157 will have a material impact on our financial condition or results of operations. In June 2006, the FASB issued Interpretation No. 48, Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes, an interpretation of SFAS No. 109, Accounting for Income Taxes (Interpretation No. 48). Interpretation No. 48 clarifies the accounting for uncertainty in income taxes in financial statements and prescribes a recognition threshold and measurement attribute for financial statement recognition and measurement of a tax position taken or expected to be taken. It also provides guidance on derecognition, classification, interest and penalties, accounting in interim periods, disclosure and transition. Interpretation No. 48 is effective for the Corporation beginning January 1, 2007. We have evaluated the requirements of Interpretation No. 48 and determined that it did not have a material effect on our financial condition or results of operations. In September 2006, the SEC Staff issued Staff Accounting Bulletin ("SAB") No. 108, Considering the Effects of Prior Year Misstatements when Quantifying Misstatements in Current Year Financial Statements, which addresses how the effects of prior year uncorrected misstatements should be considered when quantifying misstatements in current year financial statements. SAB No. 108 will require registrants to quantify misstatements using both the balance sheet and income-statement approaches and to evaluate whether either approach results in quantifying an error that is material in light of relevant quantitative and qualitative factors. When the effect of initial adoption is determined to be material, SAB No. 108 allows registrants to record that effect as a cumulative effect adjustment to beginning retained earnings. The requirements are effective for the Corporation beginning January 1, 2007. We have evaluated the requirements of SAB No. 108 and determined that it did not have a material effect on our financial condition or results of operations. In September 2006, the Emerging Issues Task Force Issue 06-4 (EITF 06-4), Accounting for Deferred Compensation and Postretirement Benefit Aspects of Endorsement Split-Dollar Life Insurance Arrangements, was ratified. EITF 06-4 addresses accounting for separate agreements which split life insurance policy benefits between an employer and employee. The Issue requires the employer to recognize a liability for future benefits payable to the employee under these agreements. The effects of applying EITF 06-4 must be recognized through either a change in accounting principle through an adjustment to equity or through the retrospective application to all prior periods. For calendar year companies, EITF 06-4 is effective beginning January 1, 2008. Early adoption is permitted as of January 1, 2007. We do not expect the adoption of EITF 06-4 to have a material effect on our consolidated financial statements. On February 15, 2007, the FASB issued its Statement No. 159, The Fair Value Option for Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities-Including an Amendment of FASB Statement No. 115. FAS 159 permits entities to elect to report most financial assets and liabilities at their fair value with changes in fair value included in net income. The fair value option may be applied on an instrument-by-instrument or instrument class-by-class basis. The option is not available for deposits withdrawable on demand, pension plan assets and obligations, leases, instruments classified as stockholders' equity, investments in consolidated subsidiaries and variable interest entities and certain insurance policies. The new standard is effective at the beginning of the Company's fiscal year beginning January 1, 2008, and early application may be elected in certain circumstances. The Company has not elected to early adopt and expects to first apply the new standard at the beginning of its 2008 fiscal year. The Company does not expect that the adoption of SFAS No. 159 will have a material impact on financial condition or results of operations (or The Company is currently evaluating and has not yet determined the impact the new standard is expected to have on its financial position and results of operations). Page 16
FIRST MERCHANTS CORPORATION FORM 10-Q Item 2. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- of Operations - -------------- FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS We from time to time include forward-looking statements in our oral and written communication. We may include forward-looking statements in filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, such as this Form 10-Q, in other written materials and in oral statements made by senior management to analysts, investors, representatives of the media and others. We intend these forward-looking statements to be covered by the safe harbor provisions for forward-looking statements contained in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, and we are including this statement for purposes of these safe harbor provisions. Forward-looking statements can often be identified by the use of words like "believe", "continue", "pattern", "estimate", "project", "intend", "anticipate", "expect" and similar expressions or future or conditional verbs such as "will", "would", "should", "could", "might", "can", "may", or similar expressions. These forward-looking statements include: * statements of our goals, intentions and expectations; * statements regarding our business plan and growth strategies; * statements regarding the asset quality of our loan and investment portfolios; and * estimates of our risks and future costs and benefits. These forward-looking statements are subject to significant risks, assumptions and uncertainties, including, among other things, the following important factors which could affect the actual outcome of future events: * fluctuations in market rates of interest and loan and deposit pricing, which could negatively affect our net interest margin, asset valuations and expense expectations; * adverse changes in the economy, which might affect our business prospects and could cause credit-related losses and expenses; * adverse developments in our loan and investment portfolios; * competitive factors in the banking industry, such as the trend towards consolidation in our market; * changes in the banking legislation or the regulatory requirements of federal and state agencies applicable to bank holding companies and banks like our affiliate banks; * acquisitions of other businesses by us and integration of such acquired businesses; * changes in market, economic, operational, liquidity, credit and interest rate risks associated with our business; and * the continued availability of earnings and excess capital sufficient for the lawful and prudent declaration and payment of cash dividends. Because of these and other uncertainties, our actual future results may be materially different from the results indicated by these forward- looking statements. In addition, our past results of operations do not necessarily indicate our anticipated future results. Page 17
FIRST MERCHANTS CORPORATION FORM 10-Q Item 2. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- of Operations continued - ------------------------ CRITICAL ACCOUNTING POLICIES Generally accepted accounting principles are complex and require us to apply significant judgments to various accounting, reporting and disclosure matters. We must use assumptions and estimates to apply these principles where actual measurement is not possible or practical. For a complete discussion of our significant accounting policies, see "Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements" in the Corporation's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2006. Certain policies are considered critical because they are highly dependent upon subjective or complex judgments, assumptions and estimates. Changes in such estimates may have a significant impact on the financial statements. We have reviewed the application of these policies with the Audit Committee of our Board of Directors. We believe there have been no significant changes during the quarter ended March 31, 2007 to the items that we disclosed as our critical accounting policies and estimates in Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations in the Corporation's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2006. BUSINESS SUMMARY The Corporation is a diversified financial holding company headquartered in Muncie, Indiana. Since its organization in 1982, the Corporation has grown to include 65 banking center locations in 17 Indiana and 3 Ohio counties. In addition to its branch network, the Corporation's delivery channels include ATMs, check cards, interactive voice response systems and internet technology. The Corporation's business activities are currently limited to one significant business segment, which is community banking. As of March 31, 2007, the Corporation's financial service affiliates included eight nationally chartered banks: First Merchants Bank, National Association, The Madison Community Bank, National Association, United Communities National Bank, The First National Bank of Portland, Decatur Bank and Trust Company, National Association, Frances Slocum Bank & Trust Company, National Association, Lafayette Bank and Trust Company, National Association and Commerce National Bank. The banks provide commercial and retail banking services. In addition, the Corporation's trust company, multi-line insurance company and a title company provide trust asset management services, retail and commercial insurance agency services and title services, respectively. Effective April 1, 2007, the Corporation reorganized certain of its wholly-owned subsidiaries. Through the reorganization, Frances Slocum Bank & Trust Company, National Association, Decatur Bank & Trust Company, National Association, The First National Bank of Portland and United Communities National Bank merged with and into First Merchants Bank, National Association. Also effective April 1, 2007, the name of The Madison Community Bank changed to First Merchants Bank of Central Indiana, National Association. As a result of these combinations, the Corporation now owns and operates four national banks: First Merchants Bank, National Association, First Merchants Bank of Central Indiana, National Association, Lafayette Bank and Trust Company, National Association and Commerce National Bank. Management believes that its vision, mission, culture statement and core values produce profitable growth for stockholders. Management believes it is important to maintain a strong control environment as we continue to grow our businesses. Credit policies are maintained and continue to produce sound asset quality. Interest rate and market risks inherent in our asset and liability balances are managed within prudent ranges, while ensuring adequate liquidity and funding. We believe it is important to maintain a well controlled environment as we continue to grow our businesses. Sound credit policies are maintained and interest rate and market risks inherent in our asset and liability balances are managed within prudent ranges, while ensuring adequate liquidity and funding. Our stockholder value has continued to increase due to customer satisfaction and the balanced way we manage our business risk. RESULTS OF OPERATIONS Net income for the three months ended March 31, 2007, equaled $7,771,000, compared to $7,509,000 in the same period of 2006. Diluted earnings per share were $.42, an increase of 2.4 percent from the $.41 reported for the first quarter 2006. The increase in earnings per share is primarily a result of an increase in non-interest income. Annualized returns on average assets and average stockholders' equity for the three months ended March 31, 2007, were .88 percent and 9.47 percent, respectively, compared with .93 percent and 9.49 percent for the same period of 2006. Page 18
FIRST MERCHANTS CORPORATION FORM 10-Q Item 2. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- of Operations continued - ------------------------ CAPITAL Our regulatory capital continues to exceed regulatory "well capitalized" standards. Tier I regulatory capital consists primarily of total stockholders' equity and subordinated debentures issued to business trusts categorized as qualifying borrowings, less non-qualifying intangible assets and unrealized net securities gains. Our Tier I capital to average assets ratio was 7.2 percent at March 31, 2007 and 7.4 percent at year end 2006. In addition, at March 31, 2007, we had a Tier I risk-based capital ratio of 9.1 percent and total risk-based capital ratio of 11.0 percent. Regulatory capital guidelines require a Tier I risk-based capital ratio of 4.0 percent and a total risk-based capital ratio of 8.0 percent. Our GAAP capital ratio, defined as total stockholders' equity to total assets, equaled 9.3 percent at March 31, 2007 and 9.2 percent at December 31, 2006. When we acquire other companies for stock, GAAP capital increases by the entire amount of the purchase price. Our tangible capital ratio, defined as total stockholders' equity less intangibles net of tax to total assets less intangibles net of tax, equaled 5.7 percent as of March 31, 2007, and 5.7 percent at December 31, 2006. We believe that all of the above capital ratios are meaningful measurements for evaluating our safety and soundness. Additionally, we believe the following table is also meaningful when considering our performance measures. The table details and reconciles tangible earnings per share, return on tangible capital and tangible assets to traditional GAAP measures. March 31, December 31, (Dollars in thousands) 2007 2006 Average Goodwill .......................... $ 123,168 $ 121,831 Average Core Deposit Intangible (CDI) ..... 15,058 16,103 Average Deferred Tax on CDI ............... (3,947) (4,994) ----------- ----------- Intangible Adjustment ................... $ 134,279 $ 132,940 =========== =========== Average Stockholders' Equity (GAAP Capital) $ 328,366 $ 319,519 Intangible Adjustment ..................... (134,279) (132,940) ----------- ----------- Average Tangible Capital ................ $ 194,087 $ 186,579 =========== =========== Average Assets ............................ $ 3,522,140 $ 3,371,386 Intangible Adjustment ..................... (134,279) (132,940) ----------- ----------- Average Tangible Assets ................. $ 3,387,861 $ 3,328,446 =========== =========== Net Income ................................ $ 7,771 $ 30,198 CDI Amortization, net of tax .............. 480 1,920 ----------- ----------- Tangible Net Income ..................... $ 8,251 $ 32,118 =========== =========== Diluted Earnings per Share ................ $ .42 $ 1.64 Diluted Tangible Earnings per Share ....... $ .45 $ 1.75 Return on Average GAAP Capital ............ 9.47% 9.45% Return on Average Tangible Capital ........ 17.24% 17.21% Return on Average Assets .................. .88% .90% Return on Average Tangible Assets ......... .99% .99% Page 19
FIRST MERCHANTS CORPORATION FORM 10-Q ASSET QUALITY/PROVISION FOR LOAN LOSSES Our primary business focus is middle market commercial and residential real estate, auto and small consumer lending, which results in portfolio diversification. We ensure that appropriate methods to understand and underwrite risk are utilized. Commercial loans are individually underwritten and judgmentally risk rated. They are periodically monitored and prompt corrective actions are taken on deteriorating loans. Retail loans are typically underwritten with statistical decision-making tools and are managed throughout their life cycle on a portfolio basis. The allowance for loan losses is maintained through the provision for loan losses, which is a charge against earnings. The amount provided for loan losses and the determination of the adequacy of the allowance are based on a continuous review of the loan portfolio, including an internally administered loan "watch" list and an ongoing loan review. The evaluation takes into consideration identified credit problems, as well as the possibility of losses inherent in the loan portfolio that are not specifically identified. At March 31, 2007, non-performing loans totaled $27,317,000, an increase of $6,437,000 from December 31, 2006, as noted in Note 4. Loans and Allowance, included within the Notes to Consolidated Condensed Financial Statements of this Form 10-Q. Our top ten largest non-performers total $13.3 million. Of those top ten, only four have balances in excess of $1 million. The increase is primarily due to three loan relationships. Two of the loans are well secured with commercial real estate projects and the other with a residential property. At March 31, 2007, impaired loans totaled $69,115,000, an increase of $8,795,000 from December 31, 2006. At March 31, 2007, an allowance for losses was not deemed necessary for impaired loans totaling $47,906,000, but an allowance of $4,917,000 was recorded for the remaining balance of impaired loans of $21,209,000 and is included in our allowance for loan losses. At March 31, 2007, the allowance for loan losses was $26,819,000, an increase of $279,000 from year end 2006. As a percent of loans, the allowance was .98 percent at March 31, 2007 and .99 percent at December 31, 2006. The provision for loan losses for the first three months of 2007 was $1,599,000, a decrease of $127,000 from $1,726,000 for the same period in 2006. Page 20
FIRST MERCHANTS CORPORATION FORM 10-Q LIQUIDITY Liquidity management is the process by which we ensure that adequate liquid funds are available for us and our subsidiaries. These funds are necessary in order for us and our subsidiaries to meet financial commitments on a timely basis. These commitments include withdrawals by depositors, funding credit obligations to borrowers, paying dividends to shareholders, paying operating expenses, funding capital expenditures, and maintaining deposit reserve requirements. Liquidity is monitored and closely managed by the asset/liability committees at each subsidiary and by our asset/liability committee. Our liquidity is dependent upon our receipt of dividends from our bank subsidiaries, which are subject to certain regulatory limitations and access to other funding sources. Liquidity of our bank subsidiaries is derived primarily from core deposit growth, principal payments received on loans, the sale and maturity of investment securities, net cash provided by operating activities, and access to other funding sources. The most stable source of liability-funded liquidity for both the long-term and short-term is deposit growth and retention in the core deposit base. In addition, we utilize advances from the Federal Home Loan Bank. ("FHLB") and a revolving line of credit with LaSalle Bank, N.A. as funding sources. At March 31, 2007, total borrowings from the FHLB were $248,500,000. Our bank subsidiaries have pledged certain mortgage loans and certain investments to the FHLB. The total available remaining borrowing capacity from the FHLB at March 31, 2007, was $102,507,000. At March 31, 2007, our revolving line of credit had a balance of $ 9,000,000 and a remaining borrowing capacity of $11,000,000. The principal source of asset-funded liquidity is investment securities classified as available-for-sale, the market values of which totaled $467,305,000 at March 31, 2007, an increase of $11,372,000 or 2.5 percent over December 31, 2006. Securities classified as held-to-maturity that are maturing within a short period of time can also be a source of liquidity. Securities classified as held-to-maturity and that are maturing in one year or less totaled $135,000 at March 31, 2007. In addition, other types of assets such as cash and due from banks, federal funds sold and securities purchased under agreements to resell, and loans and interest-bearing deposits with other banks maturing within one year are sources of liquidity. In the normal course of business, we are a party to a number of other off-balance sheet activities that contain credit, market and operational risk that are not reflected in whole or in part in our consolidated financial statements. Such activities include: traditional off-balance sheet credit-related financial instruments, commitments under operating leases and long-term debt. We provide customers with off-balance sheet credit support through loan commitments and standby letters of credit. Summarized credit-related financial instruments at March 31, 2007 are as follows: At March 31, (Dollars in thousands) 2007 ================================================================================ Amounts of commitments: Loan commitments to extend credit ............................... $ 689,325 Standby letters of credit ....................................... 25,389 ---------- $ 714,714 ========== Since many of the commitments are expected to expire unused or be only partially used, the total amount of unused commitments in the preceding table does not necessarily represent future cash requirements. In addition to owned banking facilities, we have entered into a number of long-term leasing arrangements to support our ongoing activities. The required payments under such commitments and long-term debt at March 31, 2007 are as follows: <TABLE> <CAPTION> 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 Total (Dollars in thousands) remaining and after ======================================================================================================= <S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> Operating leases ......... $ 1,444 $ 1,563 $ 1,240 $ 1,109 $ 936 $ 752 $ 7,044 Borrowings ............... 206,727 41,087 27,361 41,119 18,950 161,944 497,188 -------- -------- -------- -------- -------- -------- -------- Total .................... $208,171 $ 42,650 $ 28,601 $ 42,228 $ 19,886 $162,296 $504,232 ======== ======== ======== ======== ======== ======== ======== </TABLE> Page 21
FIRST MERCHANTS CORPORATION FORM 10-Q INTEREST SENSITIVITY AND DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK Asset/Liability Management has been an important factor in our ability to record consistent earnings growth through periods of interest rate volatility and product deregulation. Management and the Board of Directors monitor our liquidity and interest sensitivity positions at regular meetings to review how changes in interest rates may affect earnings. Decisions regarding investments and the pricing of loan and deposit products are made after analysis of reports designed to measure liquidity, rate sensitivity, our exposure to changes in net interest income given various rate scenarios and the economic and competitive environments. It is our objective to monitor and manage risk exposure to net interest income caused by changes in interest rates. It is the goal of our Asset Liability function to provide optimum and stable net interest income. To accomplish this, we use two asset liability tools. GAP/Interest Rate Sensitivity Reports and Net Interest Income Simulation Modeling are both constructed, presented, and monitored quarterly. We believe that our liquidity and interest sensitivity position at March 31, 2007, remained adequate to meet our primary goal of achieving optimum interest margins while avoiding undue interest rate risk. Net interest income simulation modeling, or earnings-at-risk, measures the sensitivity of net interest income to various interest rate movements. Our asset liability process monitors simulated net interest income under three separate interest rate scenarios; base, rising and falling. Estimated net interest income for each scenario is calculated over a 12-month horizon. The immediate and parallel changes to the base case scenario used in the model are presented below. The interest rate scenarios are used for analytical purposes and do not necessarily represent our view of future market movements. Rather, these are intended to provide a measure of the degree of volatility interest rate movements may introduce into our earnings. The base scenario is highly dependent on numerous assumptions embedded in the model, including assumptions related to future interest rates. While the base sensitivity analysis incorporates our best estimate of interest rate and balance sheet dynamics under various market rate movements, the actual behavior and resulting earnings impact will likely differ from that projected. For mortgage-related assets, the base simulation model captures the expected prepayment behavior under changing interest rate environments. Assumptions and methodologies regarding the interest rate or balance behavior of indeterminate maturity products, e.g., savings, money market, NOW and demand deposits, reflect our best estimate of expected future behavior. Page 22
FIRST MERCHANTS CORPORATION FORM 10-Q The comparative rising and falling scenarios for the period ended February 28, 2008 assume further interest rate changes in addition to the base simulation discussed above. These changes are immediate and parallel changes to the base case scenario. In addition, total rate movements (beginning point minus ending point) to each of the various driver rates utilized by us in the base simulation for the period ended February 28, 2008 are as follows: Driver Rates RISING FALLING ============================================================= Prime 200 Basis Points (200) Basis Points Federal Funds 200 (200) One-Year CMT 200 (200) Three-Year CMT 200 (200) Five-Year CMT 200 (200) CD's 200 (193) FHLB Advances 200 (200) Results for the base, rising and falling interest rate scenarios are listed below, based upon our rate sensitive assets and liabilities at February 28, 2007. The net interest income shown represents cumulative net interest income over a 12-month time horizon. Balance sheet assumptions used for the base scenario are the same for the rising and falling simulations. BASE RISING FALLING (Dollars in thousands) ========================================================================= Net Interest Income $111,003 $108,488 $107,207 Variance from base $ (2,516) $ (3,795) Percent of change from base (2.30)% (3.40)% The comparative rising and falling scenarios for the period ended December 31, 2007 assume further interest rate changes in addition to the base simulation discussed above. These changes are immediate and parallel changes to the base case scenario. In addition, total rate movements (beginning point minus ending point) to each of the various driver rates utilized by us in the base simulation for the period ended December 31, 2007 are as follows: Driver Rates RISING FALLING ============================================================= Prime 200 Basis Points (200) Basis Points Federal Funds 200 (200) One-Year CMT 200 (200) Two-Year CMT 200 (200) Three-Year CMT 200 (200) Five-Year CMT 200 (200) CD's 200 (191) FHLB Advances 200 (200) Results for the base, rising and falling interest rate scenarios are listed below, based upon our rate sensitive assets and liabilities at November 30, 2006. The net interest income shown represents cumulative net interest income over a 12-month time horizon. Balance sheet assumptions used for the base scenario are the same for the rising and falling simulations. BASE RISING FALLING (Dollars in thousands) ========================================================================= Net Interest Income $109,090 $108,036 $108,429 Variance from base $ (1,054) $ (631) Percent of change from base (.96)% (.58)% Page 23
FIRST MERCHANTS CORPORATION FORM 10-Q EARNING ASSETS The following table presents the earning asset mix as of March 31, 2007, and December 31, 2006. Loans increased approximately $35,858,000 from December 31, 2006 to March 31, 2007 and investment securities increased by approximately $10,982,000 during the same period. The largest change in loans was an increase of $45,297,000 in real estate commercial and farmland loans. Commercial and industrial loans also increased by $19,999,000 during the periods. These increases were offset by decreases in real estate construction loans of $17,709,000 and individual loans for household and personal expenditures of $12,926,000. <TABLE> - ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- EARNING ASSETS (Dollars in thousands) March 31, December 31, 2007 2006 - ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- <S> <C> <C> Interest-bearing time deposits ...................... $ 6,785 $11,284 Investment securities available for sale ............ 467,305 455,933 Investment securities held to maturity .............. 8,894 9,284 Mortgage loans held for sale ........................ 2,732 5,413 Loans ............................................... 2,731,140 2,692,601 Federal Reserve and Federal Home Loan Bank stock 23,691 23,691 ---------- ---------- Total .......................... $3,240,547 $3,198,206 ========== ========== </TABLE> - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- DEPOSITS AND BORROWINGS The table below reflects the level of deposits and borrowed funds (federal funds purchased; repurchase agreements; Federal Home Loan Bank advances; and subordinated debentures, revolving credit lines and term loans) based on period ending amounts as of March 31, 2007 and December 31, 2006. (Dollars in thousands) March 31, December 31, 2007 2006 ---------- ---------- Deposits ........................................ $2,687,388 $2,750,538 Federal funds purchased.......................... 91,100 56,150 Securities sold under repurchase agreements...... 59,623 42,750 Federal Home Loan Bank advances ................. 248,500 242,408 Subordinated debentures, revolving credit lines, term loans and other ......................... 97,965 99,456 ---------- ---------- $3,184,576 $3,191,302 ========== ========== We have continued to leverage our capital position with Federal Home Loan Bank advances, as well as repurchase agreements which are pledged against acquired investment securities as collateral for the borrowings. The interest rate risk is included as part of our interest simulation discussed in Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations under the headings "LIQUIDITY" and "INTEREST SENSITIVITY AND DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK". Page 24
FIRST MERCHANTS CORPORATION FORM 10-Q NET INTEREST INCOME Net Interest Income is the primary source of our earnings. It is a function of net interest margin and the level of average earning assets. The table below presents our asset yields, interest expense, and net interest income as a percent of average earning assets for the three months ended March 31, 2007 and 2006. During the three months ended March 31, 2007, asset yields increased 37 basis points (FTE) and interest costs increased 74 basis points, resulting in an 37 basis point (FTE) decrease in net interest income as compared to the same period in 2006. The increases in interest income and interest expense were primarily a result of three 25 basis point overnight federal funds rate increases by the Federal Open Market Committee during this period. <TABLE> <CAPTION> Three Months Ended March 31, <S> <C> <C> (Dollars in Thousands) 2007 2006 Annualized Net Interest Income........................ $ 108,302 $ 110,356 Annualized FTE Adjustment............................. $ 4,010 $ 3,910 Annualized Net Interest Income On a Fully Taxable Equivalent Basis................. $ 112,312 $ 114,267 Average Earning Assets................................ $3,209,807 $2,953,290 Interest Income (FTE) as a Percent of Average Earning Assets........................... 7.01% 6.64% Interest Expense as a Percent of Average Earning Assets........................... 3.51% 2.77% Net Interest Income (FTE) as a Percent of Average Earning Assets........................... 3.50% 3.87% Average earning assets include the average balance of securities classified as available for sale, computed based on the average of the historical amortized cost balances without the effects of the fair value adjustment. In addition, annualized amounts are computed utilizing a 30/360 day basis. </TABLE> HEDGING ACTIVITIES On August 1, 2006, the Corporation purchased three prime-based interest rate floor agreements with an aggregate notional amount of $250 million and strike rates ranging from 6% to 7%. The combined purchase price of approximately $550,000 will be amortized on an allocated fair value basis over the three-year term of the agreements. During the quarter, the fair value of the floors increased by $62,000 to $490,000. No ineffectiveness was required to be recognized. The Corporation's objective in using interest rate floors is to add stability to interest income by reducing its exposure to decreases in cash flows on its prime-based loans. An interest rate floor agreement involves the receipt of cash payments when the underlying interest rate falls below the floor strike rate over the life of the agreement without exchange of the underlying principal (notional) amount. The interest rate floors are designated as cash flow hedges and will be accounted for in accordance with SFAS No. 133, Accounting for Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities, as amended. Page 25
FIRST MERCHANTS CORPORATION FORM 10-Q OTHER INCOME Total other income in the first three months of 2007 was $1,207,000 or 14.0 percent higher than the same period of 2006. Three items primarily account for the change: 1. Service charges in the first quarter of 2007 were $457,000 higher than the same period in 2006 due to mid-year fee increases in 2006. 2. Earnings on bank-owned life insurance increased $262,000 from the same period in 2006 due to the purchase of $21,500,000 in additional policies in 2006 and 2007. 3. The sale of bank-owned property resulted in a gain of $250,000 in the first quarter of 2007. OTHER EXPENSES Other expenses in the first three months of 2007 was $406,000 or 1.7 percent higher than the same period in 2006. Salary and employee benefit expenses were $334,000 higher in the first quarter of 2007, as compared to the same period in 2006 primarily due to staff additions and normal annual increases. Page 26
FIRST MERCHANTS CORPORATION FORM 10-Q INCOME TAXES Income tax expense, for the three months ended March 31, 2007, increased by $152,000 from the same period in 2006. The effective tax rate was 29.9 and 29.6 percent for the 2007 and 2006 periods. OTHER The Securities and Exchange Commission maintains a Web site that contains reports, proxy and information statements and other information regarding registrants that file electronically with the Commission, including us, and that address is (http://www.sec.gov). Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk - ------------------------------------------------------------------- The information required under this item is included as part of Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations, under the headings "LIQUIDITY" and "INTEREST SENSITIVITY AND DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK". Item 4. Controls and Procedures - ------------------------------------------------------------------- At the end of the period covered by this report, we carried out an evaluation, under the supervision and with the participation of our management, including our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, of the effectiveness of the design and operation of our disclosure controls and procedures. Based upon that evaluation, our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures are effective. Disclosure controls and procedures are controls and procedures that are designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed in our reports filed or submitted under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 are recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the Securities and Exchange Commission's rules and forms. There have been no changes in our internal controls over financial reporting identified in connection with the evaluation referenced above that occurred during our last fiscal quarter that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting. Page 27
FIRST MERCHANTS CORPORATION FORM 10-Q PART II. OTHER INFORMATION Item 1. Legal Proceedings - --------------------------- None Item 1.A. Risk Factors - ---------------------- There have been no material changes from the risk factors previously disclosed in the Corporation's December 31, 2006 Annual Report on Form 10-K. Item 2. Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds - --------------------------------------------------- a. None b. None c. Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities The following table presents information relating to our purchases of equity securities during the quarter ended March 31, 2007, as follows(1): <TABLE> <CAPTION> MAXIMUM NUMBER (OR TOTAL NUMBER OF APPROXIMATE DOLLAR VALUE) SHARES PURCHASED AS PART OF SHARES THAT MAY YET TOTAL NUMBER OF AVERAGE PRICE OF PUBLICLY ANNOUNCED BE PURCHASED UNDER PERIOD SHARES PURCHASED PAID PER SHARE PLANS OR PROGRAMS THE PLANS OR PROGRAMS ------ ---------------- -------------- ------------------------- ------------------------ <S> <C> <C> <C> <C> 01/01/07 - 01/31/07 2,990(1) $27.28 0 0 02/01/07 - 02/28/07 32,000(2) 24.65 0 0 03/01/07 - 03/31/07 110,195(3) 23.87 0 0 </TABLE> (1) These shares were purchased in connection with the exercise of certain outstanding stock options. (2) On January 23, 2007, the Corporation's Board authorized management to repurchase up to 250,000 shares of the Corporation's Common Stock. This authorization was not publicly announced and expires January 22, 2008. The 32,000 referenced shares were purchased in open market transactions pursuant to this authorization. There were 108,000 remaining shares that may yet be purchased pursuant to such authorizations as of March 31, 2007. (3) 195 of these shares were purchased in connection with the exercise of certain outstanding stock options. The remaining 110,000 were purchased pursuant to the authorization referenced in (2). Item 3. Defaults Upon Senior Securities - ---------------------------------------- None Item 4. Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders - ------------------------------------------------------------ None Item 5. Other Information - -------------------------- a. None b. None Page 28
FIRST MERCHANTS CORPORATION FORM 10-Q PART II. OTHER INFORMATION Item 6. Exhibits - ----------------------------------------- Exhibit No.: Description of Exhibit: Form 10-Q Page No.: ------------ ------------------------- ------------------- 3ii Bylaws of First Merchants 32 Corporation, as most recently adopted on January 23, 2007. 10.1 First Merchants Corporation Letter Agreement between the Corporation and Michael L. Cox, dated January 23, 2007. (Incorporated by reference to registrant's Form 8-K filed on January 24, 2007) 10.2 First Merchants Corporation Participation Agreement of Michael C. Rechin dated January 26, 2007. (Incorporated by reference to registrant's Form 8-K filed on February 6, 2007) 31.1 Certification of Chief 42 Executive Officer Pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes - Oxley Act of 2002 31.2 Certification of Chief 43 Financial Officer Pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes - Oxley Act of 2002 32 Certifications Pursuant to 44 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as Adopted Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 Page 29
FIRST MERCHANTS CORPORATION FORM 10-Q 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 Merchants Corporation --------------------------- (Registrant) Date: May 10, 2007 by /s/ Michael C. Rechin -------------------------- ------------------------------------- Michael C. Rechin President and Chief Executive Officer (Principal Executive Officer) Date: May 10, 2007 by /s/ Mark K. Hardwick -------------------------- ------------------------------------- Mark K. Hardwick Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer (Principal Financial and Chief Accounting Officer) Page 30
FIRST MERCHANTS CORPORATION FORM 10-Q INDEX TO EXHIBITS INDEX TO EXHIBITS (a)3. Exhibits: Exhibit No.: Description of Exhibit: Form 10-Q Page No.: ------------ ------------------------- ------------------- 3ii Bylaws of First Merchants 32 Corporation, as most recently adopted on January 23, 2007. 10.1 First Merchants Corporation Letter Agreement between the Corporation and Michael L. Cox, dated January 23, 2007. (Incorporated by reference to registrant's Form 8-K filed on January 24, 2007) 10.2 First Merchants Corporation Participation Agreement of Michael C. Rechin dated January 26, 2007. (Incorporated by reference to registrant's Form 8-K filed on February 6, 2007) 31.1 Certification of Chief 42 Executive Officer Pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes - Oxley Act of 2002 31.2 Certification of Chief 43 Financial Officer Pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes - Oxley Act of 2002 32 Certifications Pursuant to 44 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as Adopted Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 Page 31
EXHIBIT-3ii BYLAWS OF FIRST MERCHANTS CORPORATION Following are the Bylaws of First Merchants Corporation (hereinafter referred to as the "Corporation"), a corporation existing pursuant to the provisions of the Indiana Business Corporation Law (hereinafter referred to as the "Act"), as most recently amended effective as of April 24, 2007: ARTICLE I Name, Principal Office and Seal Section 1. Name and Principal Office. The name of the Corporation is First Merchants Corporation. The post office address of the principal office of the Corporation is 200 East Jackson Street, Muncie, Indiana 47305. Section 2. Seal. The seal of the Corporation shall be circular in form and mounted upon a metal die, suitable for impressing the same upon paper. About the upper periphery of the seal shall appear the words "First Merchants Corporation" and about the lower periphery thereof the word "Muncie, Indiana". In the center of the seal shall appear the word "Seal". ARTICLE II Fiscal Year The fiscal year of the Corporation shall begin each year on the first day of January and end on the last day of December of the same year. ARTICLE III Capital Stock Section 1. Number of Shares and Classes of Capital Stock. The total number of shares of capital stock which the Corporation shall have authority to issue shall be as stated in the Articles of Incorporation. Section 2. Consideration for No Par Value Shares. The shares of stock of the Corporation without par value shall be issued or sold in such manner and for such amount of consideration as may be fixed from time to time by the Board of Directors. Upon payment of the consideration fixed by the Board of Directors, such shares of stock shall be fully paid and nonassessable. Section 3. Consideration for Treasury Shares. Treasury shares may be disposed of by the Corporation for such consideration as may be determined from time to time by the Board of Directors. Section 4. Payment for Shares. The consideration for the issuance of shares of capital stock of the Corporation may be paid, in whole or in part, in money, in other property, tangible or intangible, or in labor actually performed for, or services actually rendered to the Corporation; provided, however, that the part of the surplus of the Corporation which is transferred to stated capital upon the issuance of shares as a share dividend shall be deemed to be the consideration for the issuance of such shares. When payment of the consideration for which a share was authorized to be issued shall have been received by the Corporation, or when surplus shall have been transferred to stated capital upon the issuance of a share dividend, such share shall be declared and taken to be fully paid and not liable to any further call or assessment, and the holder thereof shall not be liable for any further payments thereon. In the absence of actual fraud in the transaction, the judgment of the Board of Directors as to the value of such property, labor or services received as consideration, or the value placed by the Board of Directors upon the corporate assets in the event of a share dividend, shall be conclusive. Promissory notes, uncertified checks, or future services shall not be accepted in payment or part payment of the capital stock of the Corporation, except as permitted by the Act. Section 5. Share Certificates. Shares of the Corporation's stock may but need not be represented by a certificate. The rights and obligations of shareholders of the same class or series of shares are identical whether or not their shares are represented by certificates. A book entry stock account shall be established in the name of each shareholder who is the beneficial owner of any shares of the Corporation's stock that are not represented by a certificate, which stock account shall set forth the number of such shares credited to the shareholder. A shareholder may request that a stock certificate, representing all or part of the shares credited to his or her stock account, be issued and delivered to the shareholder at any time. Page 32
Any holder of capital stock of the Corporation shall be entitled to a stock certificate, signed by the President or a Vice President and the Secretary or any Assistant Secretary of the Corporation, stating the name of the registered holder, the number of shares represented by such certificate, the par value of each share of stock or that such shares of stock are without par value, and that such shares are fully paid and nonassessable. If such shares are not fully paid, the certificate shall be legibly stamped to indicate the per cent which has been paid, and as further payments are made, the certificate shall be stamped accordingly. The certificate may bear the seal of the Corporation or its facsimile. If the Corporation is authorized to issue shares of more than one class, every certificate shall state the kind and class of shares represented thereby, and the relative rights, interests, preferences and restrictions of such class, or a summary thereof; provided, that such statement may be omitted from the certificate if it shall be set forth upon the face or back of the certificate that such statement, in full, will be furnished by the Corporation to any shareholder upon written request and without charge. Section 6. Facsimile Signatures. If a certificate is countersigned by the written signature of a transfer agent other than the Corporation or its employee, the signatures of the officers of the Corporation may be facsimiles. If a certificate is countersigned by the written signature of a registrar other than the Corporation or its employee, the signatures of the transfer agent and the officers of the Corporation may be facsimiles. In case any officer, transfer agent, or registrar who has signed or whose facsimile signature has been placed upon a certificate shall have ceased to be such officer, transfer agent, or registrar before such certificate is issued, it may be issued by the Corporation with the same effect as if he were such officer, transfer agent, or registrar at the date of its issue. Section 7. Transfer of Shares. The shares of capital stock of the Corporation shall be transferable on the books of the Corporation upon surrender of the certificate or certificates representing the same, properly endorsed by the registered holder or by the holder's duly authorized attorney or accompanied by proper evidence of succession, assignment or authority to transfer. Shares that are not represented by a certificate shall be transferable on the books of the Corporation upon receipt of written direction to do so from the registered holder or the holder's duly authorized attorney or accompanied by proper evidence of succession, assignment or authority to transfer, in a form satisfactory to the Corporation, its transfer agent or registrar. Section 8. Cancellation. Every certificate surrendered to the Corporation for exchange or transfer shall be canceled, and no new certificate or certificates shall be issued in exchange for any existing certificate until such existing certificate shall have been so canceled, except in cases provided for in Section 10 of this Article III. Section 9. Transfer Agent and Registrar. The Board of Directors may appoint a transfer agent and a registrar for each class of capital stock of the Corporation and may require all certificates representing such shares to bear the signature of such transfer agent and registrar. Shareholders shall be responsible for notifying the Corporation or transfer agent and registrar for the class of stock held by such shareholder in writing of any changes in their addresses from time to time, and failure so to do shall relieve the Corporation, its shareholders, Directors, officers, transfer agent and registrar of liability for failure to direct notices, dividends, or other documents or property to an address other than the one appearing upon the records of the transfer agent and registrar of the Corporation. Section 10. Lost, Stolen or Destroyed Certificates. The Corporation may cause a new certificate or certificates to be issued in place of any certificate or certificates theretofore issued by the Corporation alleged to have been lost, stolen or destroyed, upon the making of an affidavit of that fact by the person claiming the certificate of stock to be lost, stolen or destroyed. When authorizing such issue of a new certificate or certificates, the Corporation may, in its discretion and as a condition precedent to the issuance thereof, require the owner of such lost, stolen or destroyed certificate or certificates, or the owner's legal representative, to give the Corporation a bond in such sum and in such form as it may direct to indemnify against any claim that may be made against the Corporation with respect to the certificates alleged to have been lost, stolen or destroyed or the issuance of such new certificate. The Corporation, in its discretion, may authorize the issuance of such new certificates without any bond when in its judgment it is proper to do so. Page 33
Section 11. Registered Shareholders. The Corporation shall be entitled to recognize the exclusive right of a person registered on its books as the owner of such shares to receive dividends, to vote as such owner, to hold liable for calls and assessments, and to treat as owner in all other respects, and shall not be bound to recognize any equitable or other claims to or interest in such share or shares on the part of any other person, whether or not it shall have express or other notice thereof, except as otherwise provided by the laws of Indiana. Section 12. Options to Officers and Employees. The issuance, including the consideration, of rights or options to Directors, officers or employees of the Corporation, and not to the shareholders generally, to purchase from the Corporation shares of its capital stock shall be approved by the affirmative vote of the holders of a majority of the shares entitled to vote thereon or shall be authorized by and consistent with a plan approved by such a vote of the shareholders. ARTICLE IV Meetings of Shareholders Section 1. Place of Meeting. Meetings of shareholders of the Corporation shall be held at such place, within or without the State of Indiana, as may from time to time be designated by the Board of Directors, or as may be specified in the notices or waivers of notice of such meetings. Section 2. Annual Meeting. The annual meeting of shareholders for the election of Directors, and for the transaction of such other business as may properly come before the meeting, shall be held at such time as the Board of Directors may set by resolution, following the close of the fiscal year of the Corporation. A failure to hold the annual meeting at the designated time shall not affect the validity of any corporate action. Section 3. Special Meetings. Special meetings of the shareholders, for any purpose or purposes, unless otherwise prescribed by statute or by the Articles of Incorporation, may be called by the Board of Directors or the President and shall be called by the President or Secretary at the request in writing of a majority of the Board of Directors, or at the request in writing of shareholders holding of record not less than one-fourth (1/4) of all the shares outstanding and entitled by the Articles of Incorporation to vote on the business for which the meeting is being called. Section 4. Notice of Meetings. A written or printed notice, stating the place, day and hour of the meeting, and in case of a special meeting, or when required by any other provision of the Act, or of the Articles of Incorporation, as now or hereafter amended, or these Bylaws, the purpose or purposes for which the meeting is called, shall be delivered or mailed by the Secretary, or by the officers or persons calling the meeting, to each shareholder of record entitled by the Articles of Incorporation, as now or hereafter amended, and by the Act to vote at such meeting, at such address as appears upon the records of the Corporation, at least ten (10) days before the date of the meeting. Notice of any such meeting may be waived in writing by any shareholder, if the waiver sets forth in reasonable detail the purpose or purposes for which the meeting is called, and the time and place thereof. Attendance at any meeting in person, or by proxy, shall constitute a waiver of notice of such meeting. Each shareholder, who has in the manner above provided waived notice of a shareholders' meeting, or who personally attends a shareholders' meeting, or is represented thereat by a proxy authorized to appear by an instrument of proxy, shall be conclusively presumed to have been given due notice of such meeting. Notice of any adjourned meeting of shareholders shall not be required to be given if the time and place thereof are announced at the meeting at which the adjournment is taken except as may be expressly required by law. Section 5. Addresses of Shareholders. The address of any shareholder appearing upon the records of the Corporation shall be deemed to be the latest address of such shareholder appearing on the records maintained by the Corporation or its transfer agent for the class of stock held by such shareholder. Page 34
Section 6. Voting at Meetings. (a) Quorum. The holders of record of a majority of the issued and outstanding stock of the Corporation entitled to vote at such meeting, present in person or by proxy, shall constitute a quorum at all meetings of shareholders for the transaction of business, except where otherwise provided by law, the Articles of Incorporation or these Bylaws. In the absence of a quorum, any officer entitled to preside at, or act as secretary of, such meeting shall have the power to adjourn the meeting from time to time until a quorum shall be constituted. At any such adjourned meeting at which a quorum shall be present, any business may be transacted which might have been transacted at the original meeting, but only those shareholders entitled to vote at the original meeting shall be entitled to vote at any adjournment or adjournments thereof unless a new record date is fixed by the Board of Directors for the adjourned meeting. (b) Voting Rights. Except as otherwise provided by law or by the provisions of the Articles of Incorporation, every shareholder shall have the right at every shareholders' meeting to one vote for each share of stock having voting power, registered in the shareholder's name on the books of the Corporation on the date for the determination of shareholders entitled to vote, on all matters coming before the meeting including the election of directors. At any meeting of shareholders, every shareholder having the right to vote shall be entitled to vote in person, or by proxy executed by the shareholder or a duly authorized attorney in fact, in writing, transmitted by electronic means, or by any other method allowed by law, and bearing a date not more than eleven (11) months prior to its execution, unless a longer time is expressly provided therein. (c) Required Vote. When a quorum is present at any meeting, the vote of the holders of a majority of the stock having voting power present in person or represented by proxy shall decide any question brought before such meeting, unless the question is one upon which, by express provision of the Act or of the Articles of Incorporation or by these Bylaws, a greater vote is required, in which case such express provision shall govern and control the decision of such question. Section 7. Voting List. The Corporation or its transfer agent shall make, at least five (5) business days before each meeting of the shareholders, a complete list of the shareholders entitled by the Articles of Incorporation, as now or hereafter amended, to notice of the meeting, arranged in alphabetical order, with the address of and number of shares held by each, which list shall be on file at the principal office of the Corporation and subject to inspection during regular business hours by any shareholder entitled to vote at the meeting, or by the shareholder's agent or attorney authorized in writing. Such list shall be available continuing through the meeting, at the Corporation's principal office or at a place identified in the meeting notice in the city where the meeting will be held. Section 8. Fixing of Record Date to Determine Shareholders Entitled to Vote. The Board of Directors may fix a record date, not exceeding seventy (70) days prior to the date of any meeting of the shareholders, for the purpose of determining the shareholders entitled to notice of and to vote at the meeting. In the absence of action by the Board of Directors fixing a record date as herein provided, the record date shall be the sixtieth (60th) day prior to the date of the meeting. A new record date must be fixed if a meeting of the shareholders is adjourned to a date more than one hundred twenty (120) days after the date fixed for the original meeting. Section 9. Nominations for Director. The Nominating and Governance Committee of the Board of Directors shall have the responsibility for nominating individuals to serve as members of the Board of Directors, including the slate of Directors to be elected each year at the annual meeting of shareholders. In so doing, the Committee shall maintain up-to-date criteria for selecting Directors and a process for identifying and evaluating prospective nominees. Shareholders may suggest a candidate for consideration by the Committee as a Director nominee by submitting the suggestion in writing and delivering or mailing it to the Secretary of the Corporation at the Corporation's principal office. Suggestions for nominees from shareholders must include: (a) the name, address and number of the Corporation's shares owned by the shareholder; (b) the name, address, age and principal occupation of the suggested nominee; (c) such other information concerning the suggested nominee as the shareholder may wish to submit or the Committee may reasonably request. The Committee shall evaluate suggestions for nominees from shareholders in the same manner as other candidates. Any nominations for election as Directors at any annual or special meeting of shareholders not made in accordance with this Section may be disregarded by the Chairman of the meeting, in the Chairman's discretion; and, upon the Chairman's instructions, the vote tellers or inspectors of shareholder votes may disregard all votes cast for each such nominee. Page 35
ARTICLE V Board of Directors Section 1. Election, Number and Term of Office. The number of Directors of the Corporation to be elected by the holders of the shares of stock entitled by the Articles of Incorporation to elect Directors shall be ten (10) unless changed by amendment of this Section by a two-thirds (2/3) vote of the Board of Directors. The Directors shall be divided into three (3) classes as nearly equal in number as possible, all Directors to serve three (3) year terms except as provided in the third paragraph of this Section. One class shall be elected at each annual meeting of the shareholders, by the holders of the shares of stock entitled by the Articles of Incorporation to elect Directors. Unless the number of Directors is changed by amendment of this Section, Classes I and III shall each have three (3) Directors, and Class II shall have four (4) Directors. No decrease in the number of Directors shall have the effect of shortening the term of any incumbent Director. No person shall serve as a Director subsequent to the annual meeting of shareholders following the end of the calendar year in which such person attains the age of seventy (70) years. The term of a Director shall expire as of the annual meeting following which the Director is no longer eligible to serve under the provisions of this paragraph, even if fewer than three (3) years have elapsed since the commencement of the Director's term. Except in the case of earlier resignation, removal or death, all Directors shall hold office until their respective successors are chosen and qualified. The provisions of this Section of the Bylaws may not be changed or amended except by a two-thirds (2/3) vote of the Board of Directors. Section 2. Vacancies. Any vacancy occurring in the Board of Directors caused by resignation, death or other incapacity, or an increase in the number of Directors, shall be filled by a majority vote of the remaining members of the Board of Directors, until the next annual meeting of the shareholders, or at the discretion of the Board of Directors, such vacancy may be filled by a vote of the shareholders at a special meeting called for that purpose. Section 3. Annual Meeting of Directors. The Board of Directors shall meet each year immediately after the annual meeting of the shareholders, at the place where such meeting of the shareholders has been held either within or without the State of Indiana, for the purpose of organization, election of officers, and consideration of any other business that may properly come before the meeting. No notice of any kind to either old or new members of the Board of Directors for such annual meeting shall be necessary. Section 4. Regular Meetings. Regular meetings of the Board of Directors shall be held at such times and places, either within or without the State of Indiana, as may be fixed by the Directors. Such regular meetings of the Board of Directors may be held without notice or upon such notice as may be fixed by the Directors. Section 5. Special Meetings. Special meetings of the Board of Directors may be called by the Chairman of the Board, the President, or by not less than a majority of the members of the Board of Directors. Notice of the time and place, either within or without the State of Indiana, of a special meeting shall be delivered personally, telephoned, faxed or sent by other electronic means to each Director at least twenty-four (24) hours, or mailed or delivered by express private delivery service, to each Director at the Director's usual place of business or residence at least forty-eight (48) hours, prior to the time of the meeting. Directors, in lieu of such notice, may sign a written waiver of notice either before the time of the meeting, at the meeting or after the meeting. Attendance by a Director in person at any special meeting shall constitute a waiver of notice. Page 36
Section 6. Quorum. A majority of the actual number of Directors elected and qualified, from time to time, shall be necessary to constitute a quorum for the transaction of any business except the filling of vacancies, and the act of a majority of the Directors present at the meeting, at which a quorum is present, shall be the act of the Board of Directors, unless the act of a greater number is required by the Act, by the Articles of Incorporation, or by these Bylaws. A Director, who is present at a meeting of the Board of Directors, at which action on any corporate matter is taken, shall be conclusively presumed to have assented to the action taken, unless (a) the Director shall have affirmatively stated the Director's dissent at and before the adjournment of such meeting (in which event the fact of such dissent shall be entered by the secretary of the meeting in the minutes of the meeting), or (b) the Director shall forward such dissent by registered mail to the Secretary of the Corporation immediately after the adjournment of the meeting. The right of dissent provided for by either clause (a) or clause (b) of the immediately preceding sentence shall not be available, in respect of any matter acted upon at any meeting, to a Director who voted at the meeting in favor of such matter and did not change this vote prior to the time that the result of the vote on such matter was announced by the chairman of such meeting. A member of the Board of Directors may participate in a meeting of the Board by means of a conference telephone or similar communications equipment by which all Directors participating in the meeting can communicate with each other, and participation by these means constitutes presence in person at the meeting. Section 7. Consent Action by Directors. Any action required or permitted to be taken at any meeting of the Board of Directors or of any committee thereof may be taken without a meeting, if prior to such action a written consent to such action is signed by all members of the Board of Directors or such committee, as the case may be, and such written consent is filed with the minutes of proceedings of the Board of Directors or committee. Section 8. Removal. Any or all members of the Board of Directors may be removed, with or without cause, at a meeting of the shareholders called expressly for that purpose by the affirmative vote of the holders of not less than two-thirds (2/3) of the outstanding shares of capital stock then entitled to vote on the election of Directors, except that if the Board of Directors, by an affirmative vote of at least two-thirds (2/3) of the entire Board of Directors, recommends removal of a Director to the shareholders, such removal may be effected by the affirmative vote of the holders of not less than a majority of the outstanding shares of capital stock then entitled to vote on the election of Directors at a meeting of shareholders called expressly for that purpose. The provisions in this Section of the Bylaws may not be changed or amended except by a two-thirds (2/3) vote of the Board of Directors. Section 9. Dividends. The Board of Directors shall have power, subject to any restrictions contained in the Act or in the Articles of Incorporation and out of funds legally available therefor, to declare and pay dividends upon the outstanding capital stock of the Corporation as and when they deem expedient. Before declaring any dividend, there may be set aside out of any funds of the Corporation available for dividends such sum or sums as the Board of Directors from time to time in their absolute discretion deem proper for working capital, or as a reserve or reserves to meet contingencies or for such other purposes as the Board of Directors may determine, and the Board of Directors may in their absolute discretion modify or abolish any such reserve in the manner in which it was created. Section 10. Fixing of Record Date to Determine Shareholders Entitled to Receive Corporate Benefits. The Board of Directors may fix a record date with respect to any dividend, including a share dividend, or other distribution to the shareholders of the Corporation, or for a determination of shareholders for any other purpose, as a time for the determination of the shareholders entitled to receive any such dividend, distribution or rights; and in such case only shareholders of record at the time so fixed shall be entitled to receive such dividend, rights or distribution. If no record date is fixed for the determination of shareholders entitled to receive payment of a dividend, the end of the day on which the resolution of the Board of Directors declaring such dividend is adopted shall be the record date for such determination. Section 11. Interest of Directors in Contracts. Any contract or other transaction between the Corporation and any corporation in which this Corporation owns a majority of the capital stock shall be valid and binding, notwithstanding that the Directors or officers of this Corporation and the other corporation are identical or that some or all of the Directors or officers, or both, are also directors or officers of such other corporation. Page 37
Any contract or other transaction between the Corporation and one or more of its Directors or members or employees, or between the Corporation and any firm of which one or more of its Directors are members or employees or in which they are interested, or between the Corporation and any corporation or association of which one or more of its Directors are stockholders, members, directors, officers, or employees or in which they are interested, shall be valid for all purposes, notwithstanding the presence of such Director or Directors at the meeting of the Board of Directors of the Corporation which acts upon, or in reference to, such contract or transaction and notwithstanding his or their participation in such action, if the fact of such interest shall be disclosed or known to the Board of Directors and the Board of Directors shall authorize, approve and ratify such contract or transaction by a vote of a majority of the Directors present, such interested Director or Directors to be counted in determining whether a quorum is present, but not to be counted in calculating the majority of such quorum necessary to carry such vote. This Section shall not be construed to invalidate any contract or other transaction which would otherwise be valid under the common and statutory law applicable thereto. Section 12. Committees. The Board of Directors may, by resolution adopted by a majority of the actual number of Directors elected and qualified, from time to time, designate from among its members an Executive Committee and one or more other committees. During the intervals between meetings of the Board of Directors, any Executive Committee so appointed, unless expressly provided otherwise by law or these Bylaws, shall have and may exercise all the authority of the Board of Directors, including, but not limited to, the authority to issue and sell or approve any contract to issue or sell, securities or shares of the Corporation or designate the terms of a series or class of securities or shares of the Corporation. The terms which may be affixed by the Executive Committee include, but are not limited to, the price, dividend rate, and provisions of redemption, a sinking fund, conversion, voting, or preferential rights or other features of securities or class or series of a class of shares. Such Committee may have full power to adopt a final resolution which sets forth these terms and to authorize a statement of such terms to be filed with the Secretary of State. However, such Executive Committee shall not have the authority to declare dividends or distributions, amend the Articles of Incorporation or the Bylaws, approve a plan of merger or consolidation, even if such plan does not require shareholder approval, reduce earned or capital surplus, authorize or approve the reacquisition of shares unless pursuant to a general formula or method specified by the Board of Directors, or recommend to the shareholders a voluntary dissolution of the Corporation or a revocation thereof. The Board of Directors may, in its discretion, constitute and appoint other committees, in addition to an Executive Committee, to assist in the management and control of the affairs of the Corporation, with responsibilities and powers appropriate to the nature of the several committees and as provided by the Board of Directors in the resolution of appointment or in subsequent resolutions and directives. Such committees may include, but are not limited to, a Nominating and Governance Committee, an Audit Committee, and a Compensation and Human Resources Committee. No member of any committee appointed by the Board of Directors shall continue to be a member thereof after he ceases to be a Director of the Corporation. The calling and holding of meetings of any committee and its method of procedure shall be determined by the Board of Directors or by the committee itself, except as otherwise provided in these Bylaws. To the extent permitted by law, a member of the Board of Directors serving on any such committee shall not be liable for any action taken by such committee if the Director has acted in good faith and in a manner the Director reasonably believed to be in the best interests of the Corporation. A member of a committee may participate in a meeting of the committee by means of a conference telephone or similar communications equipment by which all members participating in the meeting can communicate with each other, and participation by these means constitutes presence in person at the meeting. Page 38
ARTICLE VI Officers Section 1. Principal Officers. The principal officers of the Corporation shall be a Chairman of the Board, a Vice Chairman of the Board, a Chief Executive Officer, a President, one (1) or more Vice Presidents (which may include one (1) or more Executive Vice Presidents, Senior Vice Presidents, First Vice Presidents and/or other Vice Presidents), a Treasurer and a Secretary. The Corporation may also have, at the discretion of the Board of Directors, such other subordinate officers as may be appointed in accordance with the provisions of these Bylaws. The Board of Directors may, from time to time, designate a chief operating officer and a chief financial officer from among the principal officers of the Corporation. Any two (2) or more offices may be held by the same person. No person shall be eligible for the office of Chairman of the Board, Vice Chairman of the Board, Chief Executive Officer or President who is not a Director of the Corporation. Section 2. Election and Term of Office. The principal officers of the Corporation shall be chosen annually by the Board of Directors at the annual meeting thereof. Each such officer shall hold office until the officer's successor shall have been duly chosen and qualified, or until the officer's death, or until the officer shall resign, or shall have been removed in the manner hereinafter provided. Section 3. Removal. Any principal officer may be removed, either with or without cause, at any time, by resolution adopted at any meeting of the Board of Directors by a majority of the actual number of Directors elected and qualified from time to time. Section 4. Subordinate Officers. In addition to the principal officers enumerated in Section 1 of this Article VI, the Corporation may have one or more Assistant Treasurers, one or more Assistant Secretaries and such other officers, agents and employees as the Board of Directors may deem necessary, each to hold office for such period, to have such authority, and to perform such duties as the Chief Executive Officer or the Board of Directors may from time to time determine. The Board of Directors may delegate to any principal officer the power to appoint and to remove, either with or without cause, any such subordinate officers, agents or employees. Section 5. Resignations. Any officer may resign at any time by giving written notice to the Chairman of the Board of Directors, the Chief Executive Officer, the President, or the Secretary. Any such resignation shall take effect upon receipt of such notice or at any later time specified therein, and, unless otherwise specified therein, the acceptance of such resignation shall not be necessary to make it effective. Section 6. Vacancies. Any vacancy in any office for any cause may be filled for the unexpired portion of the term in the manner prescribed in these Bylaws for election or appointment to such office for such term. Section 7. Chairman of the Board. The Chairman of the Board shall preside at all meetings of shareholders and at all meetings of the Board of Directors. The Chairman of the Board shall perform such other duties and have such other powers as, from time to time, may be assigned by the Board of Directors. Section 8. Vice Chairman of the Board. The Vice Chairman of the Board shall act in the absence of the Chairman of the Board. The Vice Chairman of the Board shall perform such other duties and have such other powers as, from time to time, may be assigned by the Board of Directors. Section 9. Chief Executive Officer. The Chief Executive Officer, subject to the control of the Board of Directors, shall have overall responsibility for the affairs of the Corporation, including responsibility for developing and attaining major corporate goals and implementing policies approved by the Board. In general, the Chief Executive Officer shall perform the duties and exercise the powers incident to the office of Chief Executive Officer and all such other duties and powers as, from time to time, may be assigned by the Board of Directors. In the absence or disability of the Chairman of the Board and Vice Chairman of the Board, the Chief Executive Officer shall preside at all meetings of the shareholders and the Board of Directors at which the Chief Executive Officer is in attendance. Section 10. President. The President shall perform the duties and exercise the powers incident to the office of President and all such other duties and powers as, from time to time, may be assigned by the Board of Directors or the Chief Executive Officer. Subject to the control and direction of the Board of Directors and the Chief Executive Officer, the President may enter into, execute and deliver any agreement, instrument or document in the name and on behalf of the Corporation. Page 39
Section 11. Vice Presidents. The Corporation shall have such Vice Presidents as the Board of Directors shall determine, which may include one (1) or more Executive Vice Presidents, Senior Vice Presidents, First Vice Presidents and/or other Vice Presidents. The Board of Directors shall designate one of the Vice Presidents (an Executive Vice President, if one has been appointed) to perform the duties and exercise the powers of the President in the absence or disability of the President. The Vice Presidents shall perform such duties and have such powers as the Chief Executive Officer, the President, or the Board of Directors may from time to time assign. Section 12. Treasurer. The Treasurer shall have charge and custody of, and be responsible for, all funds and securities of the Corporation and shall deposit all such funds in the name of the Corporation in such banks or other depositories as shall be selected by the Board of Directors. The Treasurer shall upon request exhibit at all reasonable times the Treasurer's books of account and records to any of the Directors of the Corporation during business hours at the office of the Corporation where such books and records shall be kept; shall render upon request by the Board of Directors a statement of the condition of the finances of the Corporation at any meeting of the Board of Directors or at the annual meeting of the shareholders; shall receive, and give receipt for, moneys due and payable to the Corporation from any source whatsoever; and in general, shall perform all duties incident to the office of Treasurer and such other duties as from time to time may be assigned to the Treasurer by the Chief Executive Officer, the President, or the Board of Directors. The Treasurer shall give such bond, if any, for the faithful discharge of the Treasurer's duties as the Board of Directors may require. All acts affecting the Treasurer's duties and responsibilities shall be subject to the review and approval of the Corporation's chief financial officer. Section 13. Secretary. The Secretary shall keep or cause to be kept in the books provided for that purpose the minutes of the meetings of the shareholders and of the Board of Directors; shall duly give and serve all notices required to be given in accordance with the provisions of these Bylaws and by the Act; shall be custodian of the records and of the seal of the Corporation and see that the seal is affixed to all documents, the execution of which on behalf of the Corporation under its seal is duly authorized in accordance with the provisions of these Bylaws; and, in general, shall perform all duties incident to the office of Secretary and such other duties as may, from time to time, be assigned to the Secretary by the Chief Executive Officer, the President, or the Board of Directors. Section 14. Voting Corporation's Securities. Unless otherwise ordered by the Board of Directors, the Chairman of the Board, the Chief Executive Officer, the President and the Secretary, and each of them, are appointed attorneys and agents of the Corporation, and shall have full power and authority in the name and on behalf of the Corporation, to attend, to act, and to vote all stock or other securities entitled to be voted at any meetings of security holders of corporations, or associations in which the Corporation may hold securities, in person or by proxy, as a stockholder or otherwise, and at such meetings shall possess and may exercise any and all rights and powers incident to the ownership of such securities, and which as the owner thereof the Corporation might have possessed and exercised, if present, or to consent in writing to any action by any such other corporation or association. The Board of Directors by resolution from time to time may confer like powers upon any other person or persons. ARTICLE VII Indemnification Section 1. Indemnification of Directors, Officers, Employees and Agents. Every person who is or was a Director, officer, employee or agent of this Corporation or of any other corporation for which such person is or was serving in any capacity at the request of this Corporation shall be indemnified by this Corporation against any and all liability and expense that such person may incur in connection with or resulting from or arising out of any claim, action, suit or proceeding, provided that such person is wholly successful with respect thereto or acted in good faith in what such person reasonably believed to be in or not opposed to the best interest of this Corporation or such other corporation, as the case may be, and, in addition, in any criminal action or proceeding in which such person had no reasonable cause to believe that his or her conduct was unlawful. As used herein, "claim, action, suit or proceeding" shall include any claim, action, suit or proceeding (whether brought by or in the right of this Corporation or such other corporation or otherwise), civil, criminal, administrative or investigative, whether actual or threatened or in connection with an appeal relating thereto, in which a Director, officer, employee or agent of this Corporation may become involved, as a party or otherwise, Page 40
(i) by reason of such person's being or having been a Director, officer, employee, or agent of this Corporation or such other corporation or arising out of his or her status as such or (ii) by reason of any past or future action taken or not taken by such person in any such capacity, whether or not such person continues to be such at the time such liability or expense is incurred. The terms "liability" and "expense" shall include, but shall not be limited to, attorneys' fees and disbursements, amounts of judgments, fines or penalties, and amounts paid in settlement by or on behalf of a Director, officer, employee, or agent, but shall not in any event include any liability or expenses on account of profits realized by such person in the purchase or sale of securities of the Corporation in violation of the law. The termination of any claim, action, suit or proceeding, by judgment, settlement (whether with or without court approval) or conviction or upon a plea of guilty or of nolo contendere, or its equivalent, shall not create a presumption that a Director, officer, employee, or agent did not meet the standards of conduct set forth in this paragraph. Any such Director, officer, employee, or agent who has been wholly successful with respect to any such claim, action, suit or proceeding shall be entitled to indemnification as a matter of right. Except as provided in the preceding sentence, any indemnification hereunder shall be made only if (i) the Board of Directors acting by a quorum consisting of Directors who are not parties to or who have been wholly successful with respect to such claim, action, suit or proceeding shall find that the Director, officer, employee, or agent has met the standards of conduct set forth in the preceding paragraph; or (ii) independent legal counsel shall deliver to the Corporation their written opinion that such Director, officer, employee, or agent has met such standards of conduct. If several claims, issues or matters of action are involved, any such person may be entitled to indemnification as to some matters even though he is not entitled as to other matters. The Corporation may advance expenses to or, where appropriate, may at its expense undertake the defense of any such Director, officer, employee, or agent upon receipt of an undertaking by or on behalf of such person to repay such expenses if it should ultimately be determined that such person is not entitled to indemnification hereunder. The provisions of this Section shall be applicable to claims, actions, suits or proceedings made or commenced after the adoption hereof, whether arising from acts or omissions to act during, before or after the adoption hereof. The rights of indemnification provided hereunder shall be in addition to any rights to which any person concerned may otherwise be entitled by contract or as a matter of law and shall inure to the benefit of the heirs, executors and administrators of any such person. The Corporation may purchase and maintain insurance on behalf of any person who is or was a Director, officer, employee or agent of the Corporation or is or was serving at the request of the Corporation as a director, officer, employee or agent of another corporation against any liability asserted against such person and incurred by such person in any capacity or arising out of his or her status as such, whether or not the Corporation would have the power to indemnify such person against such liability under the provisions of this Section or otherwise. ARTICLE VIII Amendments Except as expressly provided herein or in the Articles of Incorporation, the Board of Directors may make, alter, amend or repeal these Bylaws by an affirmative vote of a majority of the actual number of Directors elected and qualified. Page 41
EXHIBIT-31.1 FIRST MERCHANTS CORPORATION FORM 10-Q CERTIFICATIONS PURSUANT TO SECTION 302 OF THE SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002 CERTIFICATION - ------------- I, Michael C. Rechin, President and Chief Executive Officer of First Merchants Corporation, certify that: 1. I have reviewed this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q of First Merchants Corporation; 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 the 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 10, 2007 by /s/ Michael C. Rechin ------------------------------------- Michael C. Rechin President and Chief Executive Officer (Principal Executive Officer) Page 42
EXHIBIT-31.2 FIRST MERCHANTS CORPORATION FORM 10-Q CERTIFICATIONS PURSUANT TO SECTION 302 OF THE SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002 CERTIFICATION - ------------- I, Mark K. Hardwick, Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of First Merchants Corporation, certify that: 1. I have reviewed this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q of First Merchants Corporation; 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 the 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 10, 2007 by: /s/Mark K. Hardwick ---------------------------------------- Mark K. Hardwick Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer (Principal Financial and Chief Accounting Officer) Page 43
EXHIBIT-32 CERTIFICATIONS PURSUANT TO 18 U.S.C. SECTION 1350, AS ADOPTED PURSUANT TO SECTION 906 OF THE SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002 In connection with the quarterly report of First Merchants Corporation (the "Corporation") on Form 10-Q for the period ending March 31, 2007 as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on the date hereof (the "Report"), I, Michael C. Rechin, President and Chief Executive Officer of the Corporation, do hereby certify, in accordance with 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, that: (1) The Report fully complies with the requirements of section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (15 U.S.C. 78m or 78o (d)); and (2) The information contained in the Report fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and results of operations of the Corporation. Date: May 10, 2007 by /s/ Michael C. Rechin --------------------------- ------------------------------------- Michael C. Rechin President and Chief Executive Officer (Principal Executive Officer) A signed copy of this written statement required by Section 906 has been provided to First Merchants Corporation and will be retained by First Merchants Corporation and furnished to the Securities and Exchange Commission or its staff upon request. In connection with the quarterly report of First Merchants Corporation (the "Corporation") on Form 10-Q for the period ending March 31, 2007 as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on the date hereof (the "Report"), I, Mark K. Hardwick, Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of the Corporation, do hereby certify, in accordance with 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, that: (1) The Report fully complies with the requirements of section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (15 U.S.C. 78m or 78o (d)); and (2) The information contained in the Report fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and results of operations of the Corporation. Date: May 10, 2007 by /s/ Mark K. Hardwick --------------------------- ------------------------------------- Mark K. Hardwick Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer (Principal Financial and Chief Accounting Officer) A signed copy of this written statement required by Section 906 has been provided to First Merchants Corporation and will be retained by First Merchants Corporation and furnished to the Securities and Exchange Commission or its staff upon request. Page 44