First Financial reports Q4 EPS $1.37, consensus $1.36

Return on average assets was 1.34% compared to 0.58% for the three months ended December 31, 2021; Credit loss provision was $2.7 million compared to $5.7 million for the fourth quarter 2021; and Pre-tax, pre-provision net income was $21.7 million compared to $14.3 million for the same period in 2021. "We are pleased with our fourth quarter and full year results" said Norman Lowery, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer. "2022 was a record year for net income. Loan growth continues to be strong which contributed to our seventh straight quarter of net interest income growth."