Table of Contents

UNITED STATES SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON,Washington, D.C. 20549

FORMForm 10-Q
_______________________________________________ 
xXQUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15 (d)15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

for the quarterly period ended September 30, 2012
For the quarterly period ended March 31, 2013
¨OR
TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the transition period from to
For the transition period from              to            Commission file number: 001-11267
COMMISSION FILE NUMBER 0-10161
_______________________________________________ 
FIRSTMERIT CORPORATION
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
_______________________________________________ 

OHIOOhio 34-1339938
(State or other jurisdiction of
incorporation or organization)
 
(IRS (I.R.S. Employer
Identification Number)
No.)
III Cascade Plaza, 7th Floor, Akron Ohio44308
(Address of principal executive offices)  (Zip Code)
III CASCADE PLAZA, 7TH FLOOR, AKRON, OHIO
44308-1103
(Address of principal executive offices, zip code)

(330) 996-6300
(Registrant's telephone number, including area code)
_______________________________________________ 

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. YESYes xþ     NONo ¨

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rulerule 405 of Regulation S-T (§232.405(232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files). YESYes xþ     NONo ¨

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, or a smaller reporting company. See definitionsdefinition of “large"large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer”" "accelerated filer" and “smaller"smaller reporting company”company" in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act. (Check one):    
Large accelerated filerþ
x
Accelerated filer¨
Non-accelerated filer ¨
Smaller reporting company ¨
  
Non-accelerated filer
¨ (Do(Do not check if a smaller reporting company)
 Smaller reporting company¨
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act). YESYes ¨    NONo xþ
AsIndicate the number of October 29, 2012, 109,652,246shares outstanding of each of the registrant's classes of common stock, without par value, were outstanding.as of the latest practicable date.
ClassOutstanding as of 4/30/2013
 Common Stock, no par value165,738,117






1


Table of Contents

TABLE OF CONTENTS
PART 1. FINANCIAL INFORMATION 
ITEM 1. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
ITEM 4. MINE SAFETY DISCLOSURES
 
 
EX-31.1 
EX-31.2 
EX-32.1 
EX-32.2 
EX-101 INSTANCE DOCUMENT 
EX-101 SCHEMA DOCUMENT 
EX-101 CALCULATION LINKBASE DOCUMENT 
EX-101 LABELS LINKBASE DOCUMENT 
EX-101 PRESENTATION LINKBASE DOCUMENT 
EX-101 DEFINITION LINKBASE DOCUMENT 



2


Table of Contents


PART 1.     FINANCIAL INFORMATION
FIRSTMERIT CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
ITEM 1.CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.
(Dollars in thousands)
(Unaudited, except December 31, 2011, which is derived from the audited financial statements)
September 30,
2012
 December 31,
2011
 September 30,
2011
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETSCONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
FIRSTMERIT CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIESFIRSTMERIT CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
(Dollars in thousands)March 31, December 31, March 31,
(Unaudited, except for December 31, 2012)2013 2012 2012
ASSETS     
    
Cash and due from banks$201,359
 $219,256
 $202,886
$183,430
 $244,223
 $188,789
Interest-bearing deposits in banks37,058
 158,063
 116,059
163,673
 13,791
 301,196
Total cash and cash equivalents238,417
 377,319
 318,945
347,103
 258,014
 489,985
Investment securities     
Investment securities:     
Held-to-maturity620,631
 82,764
 92,214
665,589
 622,121
 100,840
Available-for-sale2,911,993
 3,353,553
 3,198,046
3,243,835
 2,920,971
 3,491,647
Other investments140,730
 140,726
 160,793
140,984
 140,717
 140,713
Loans held for sale17,540
 30,077
 39,340
14,459
 23,683
 42,447
Noncovered loans:          
Commercial5,511,678
 5,107,747
 5,018,857
5,888,337
 5,866,489
 5,220,051
Residential mortgage439,062
 413,664
 397,309
Mortgage451,522
 445,211
 428,950
Installment1,321,081
 1,263,665
 1,271,327
1,322,795
 1,328,258
 1,259,930
Home equity789,743
 743,982
 743,377
812,458
 806,078
 739,548
Credit cards143,918
 146,356
 142,710
Credit card140,721
 146,387
 140,618
Leases110,938
 73,530
 57,992
164,137
 139,236
 74,112
Total noncovered loans8,316,420
 7,748,944
 7,631,572
8,779,970
 8,731,659
 7,863,209
Allowance for noncovered loan losses(98,942) (107,699) (109,187)(98,843) (98,942) (103,849)
Net noncovered loans8,217,478
 7,641,245
 7,522,385
8,681,127
 8,632,717
 7,759,360
Covered loans (includes loss share receivable of $131.9 million, $205.7 million and $220.5million at September 30, 2012, December 31, 2011 and September 30, 2011, respectively)1,174,929
 1,497,140
 1,647,218
Covered loans (includes loss share receivable of $95.6 million, $113.7 million and $171.1 million at March 31, 2013, December 31, 2012 and March 31, 2012, respectively)896,832
 1,019,125
 1,378,150
Allowance for covered loan losses(43,644) (36,417) (34,603)(47,945) (43,255) (41,070)
Net covered loans1,131,285
 1,460,723
 1,612,615
848,887
 975,870
 1,337,080
Net loans9,348,763
 9,101,968
 9,135,000
9,530,014
 9,608,587
 9,096,440
Premises and equipment, net182,043
 192,949
 193,075
177,137
 181,149
 188,347
Goodwill460,044
 460,044
 460,044
460,044
 460,044
 460,044
Intangible assets6,817
 8,239
 8,782
6,055
 6,373
 7,756
Covered other real estate (includes loss share receivable of $0.1 million, $1.3 million and $3.5 million at September 30, 2012, December 31, 2011 and September 30, 2011, respectively)56,795
 54,505
 61,890
Covered other real estate (includes loss share receivable of $.04 million, $.05 million, and $0.7 million at March 31, 2013, December 31, 2012 and March 31, 2012, respectively)70,267
 59,855
 56,411
Accrued interest receivable and other assets645,070
 639,558
 1,020,149
616,997
 631,498
 596,188
Total assets$14,628,843
 $14,441,702
 $14,688,278
$15,272,484
 $14,913,012
 $14,670,818
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY     
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY     
Deposits:          
Noninterest-bearing$3,231,500
 $3,030,225
 $2,971,555
$3,360,841
 $3,338,371
 $3,136,595
Interest-bearing1,079,913
 1,062,896
 967,574
1,371,359
 1,287,674
 1,119,102
Savings and money market accounts5,744,103
 5,595,409
 5,513,472
5,890,369
 5,758,123
 5,742,547
Certificates and other time deposits1,476,910
 1,743,079
 1,943,520
1,303,198
 1,375,257
 1,649,921
Total deposits11,532,426
 11,431,609
 11,396,121
11,925,767
 11,759,425
 11,648,165
Federal funds purchased and securities sold under agreements to repurchase963,455
 866,265
 987,030
826,855
 1,104,525
 928,760
Wholesale borrowings178,083
 203,462
 248,006
136,003
 136,883
 176,611
Accrued taxes, expenses, and other liabilities330,175
 374,413
 486,467
Long-term debt249,921
 
 
Accrued taxes, expenses and other liabilities379,088
 266,977
 333,177
Total liabilities13,004,139
 12,875,749
 13,117,624
13,517,634
 13,267,810
 13,086,713
Shareholders’ equity:     
Shareholders' equity:     
Preferred stock, without par value: authorized and unissued 7,000,000 shares
 
 

 
 
Preferred stock, Series A, without par value: designated 800,000 shares; none outstanding
 
 

 
 
Convertible preferred stock, Series B, without par value: designated 220,000 shares; none outstanding
 
 

 
 
Common stock, without par value; authorized 300,000,000 shares; issued: September 30, 2012, December 31, 2011 and September 30, 2011 - 115,121,731 shares127,937
 127,937
 127,937
5.875% Non-Cumulative Perpetual Preferred stock, Series A, without par value: authorized 115,000 shares; 100,000 issued


100,000
 
 
Common stock, without par value; authorized 300,000,000 shares; issued: March 31, 2013, December 31, 2012 and March 31, 2012 - 115,121,731 shares127,937
 127,937
 127,937
Capital surplus473,781
 479,882
 478,738
472,975
 475,979
 484,491
Accumulated other comprehensive loss(13,900) (23,887) (4,654)(24,119) (16,205) (22,172)
Retained earnings1,175,001
 1,131,203
 1,118,027
1,214,889
 1,195,850
 1,144,210
Treasury stock, at cost: September 30, 2012 - 5,468,853 shares; December 31, 2011 - 5,870,923 shares; September 30, 2011 -5,874,748 shares(138,115) (149,182) (149,394)
Total shareholders’ equity1,624,704
 1,565,953
 1,570,654
Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity$14,628,843
 $14,441,702
 $14,688,278
Treasury stock, at cost: March 31, 2013 - 5,375,905 shares; December 31, 2012 - 5,472,915 shares; March 31, 2012 - 5,935,169 shares(136,832) (138,359) (150,361)
Total shareholders' equity1,754,850
 1,645,202
 1,584,105
Total liabilities and shareholders' equity$15,272,484
 $14,913,012
 $14,670,818

3

Table of Contents

The accompanying notes are an integral part of the consolidated financial statements.

4

Table of Contents

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
FIRSTMERIT CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
(Dollars in thousands except for per share data) 
(Unaudited) 
 Three months ended March 31,
 2013 2012
    
Interest income:   
Loans and loans held for sale$98,672
 $103,082
Investment securities:   
Taxable19,239
 22,418
Tax-exempt4,045
 3,580
Total investment securities interest23,284
 25,998
Total interest income121,956
 129,080
Interest expense:   
Deposits:   
Interest bearing318
 247
Savings and money market accounts5,315
 5,103
Certificates and other time deposits2,063
 3,524
Securities sold under agreements to repurchase313
 268
Wholesale borrowings850
 1,151
Long-term debt1,748
 
Total interest expense10,607
 10,293
Net interest income111,349
 118,787
Provision for noncovered loan losses5,808
 8,129
Provision for covered loan losses4,138
 5,932
Net interest income after provision for loan losses101,403
 104,726
Other income:   
Trust department income5,741
 5,627
Service charges on deposits12,585
 14,409
Credit card fees10,222
 10,180
ATM and other service fees3,335
 3,790
Bank owned life insurance income4,897
 3,056
Investment services and insurance2,415
 2,247
Investment securities (losses) gains, net(9) 260
Loan sales and servicing income7,863
 6,691
Other operating income10,343
 5,466
Total other income57,392
 51,726
Other expenses:   
Salaries, wages, pension and employee benefits57,906
 63,973
Net occupancy expense8,282
 8,592
Equipment expense7,349
 7,104
Stationery, supplies and postage2,096
 2,143
Bankcard, loan processing and other costs7,840
 7,653
Professional services5,410
 3,352
Amortization of intangibles317
 483
FDIC insurance expense3,526
 3,720
Other operating expense14,199
 16,748
Total other expenses106,925
 113,768
Income before income tax expense51,870
 42,684
Income tax expense14,524
 12,340
Net income37,346
 30,344
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of taxes:   
  Changes in unrealized securities' holding gains and (losses), net of taxes of ($4.3) million and $1.0 million(7,920) 1,884
Reclassification for realized securities' (gains) and losses, net of taxes of ($.003) million and $.09 million6
 (169)
Total other comprehensive gain (loss), net of taxes(7,914) 1,715
Comprehensive income$29,432
 $32,059
Net income attributable to common shareholders$36,125
 $30,207
Net income used in diluted EPS calculation$36,125
 $30,207
Weighted average number of common shares outstanding - basic109,689
 109,211
Weighted average number of common shares outstanding - diluted109,689
 109,211
Basic earnings per common share$0.33
 $0.28
Diluted earnings per common share$0.33
 $0.28
Dividend per common share$0.16
 $0.16

The accompanying notes are an integral part of the consolidated financial statements.

25


Table of Contents

FIRSTMERIT CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
(Dollars in thousands except per share data)Quarters ended Nine Months Ended
(Unaudited)September 30, September 30,
 2012 2011 2012 2011
Interest income:       
Loans and loans held for sale$103,005
 $108,417
 $309,213
 $330,877
Investment securities       
Taxable20,633
 21,949
 64,834
 65,610
Tax-exempt3,844
 3,189
 11,270
 9,521
Total investment securities interest24,477
 25,138
 76,104
 75,131
Total interest income127,482
 133,555
 385,317
 406,008
Interest expense:       
Deposits:       
Demand-interest bearing243
 218
 726
 579
Savings and money market accounts5,166
 6,929
 15,302
 22,172
Certificates and other time deposits2,743
 4,370
 9,436
 16,803
Securities sold under agreements to repurchase310
 977
 854
 2,832
Wholesale borrowings1,130
 1,669
 3,399
 4,963
Total interest expense9,592
 14,163
 29,717
 47,349
Net interest income117,890
 119,392
 355,600
 358,659
Provision for noncovered loan losses9,965
 14,604
 26,860
 41,760
Provision for covered loan losses6,214
 4,768
 15,576
 17,580
Net interest income after provision for loan losses101,711
 100,020
 313,164
 299,319
Other income:       
Trust department income6,124
 5,607
 17,481
 16,983
Service charges on deposits14,603
 17,838
 43,490
 48,460
Credit card fees11,006
 13,640
 32,402
 39,357
ATM and other service fees3,680
 3,801
 11,360
 9,781
Bank owned life insurance income3,094
 3,182
 9,073
 11,439
Investment services and insurance2,208
 1,965
 6,843
 6,384
Investment securities gains, net553
 4,402
 1,361
 5,291
Loan sales and servicing income7,255
 3,426
 19,085
 9,102
Other operating income6,402
 6,911
 20,857
 18,222
Total other income54,925
 60,772
 161,952
 165,019
Other expenses:       
Salaries, wages, pension and employee benefits58,061
 61,232
 183,632
 177,815
Net occupancy expense8,077
 8,464
 24,640
 25,144
Equipment expense7,143
 7,073
 21,845
 20,725
Stationery, supplies and postage2,210
 2,517
 6,638
 7,972
Bankcard, loan processing and other costs8,424
 8,449
 24,935
 24,278
Professional services4,702
 5,732
 17,361
 17,466
Amortization of intangibles456
 543
 1,422
 1,629
FDIC expense1,832
 3,240
 9,015
 12,187
Other operating expense17,682
 18,707
 51,944
 53,254
Total other expenses108,587
 115,957
 341,432
 340,470
Income before income tax expense48,049
 44,835
 133,684
 123,868
Income tax expense13,096
 13,098
 37,802
 34,808
Net income$34,953
 $31,737
 $95,882
 $89,060
Other comprehensive income, net of taxes       
Changes in unrealized securities' holding gains and losses$4,884
 $7,353
 $10,872
 $24,889
Reclassification for realized securities' gains(359) (2,862) (885) (3,440)
Total other comprehensive gain, net of taxes4,525
 4,491
 9,987
 21,449
Comprehensive income$39,478
 $36,228
 $105,869
 $110,509
Net income applicable to common shares$34,953
 $31,737
 $95,882
 $89,060
Net income used in diluted EPS calculation$34,953
 $31,737
 $95,882
 $89,060
Weighted average number of common shares outstanding - basic109,645
 109,245
 109,473
 109,052
Weighted average number of common shares outstanding - diluted109,645
 109,246
 109,473
 109,053
Basic earnings per common share$0.32
 $0.29
 $0.88
 $0.82
Diluted earnings per common share$0.32
 $0.29
 $0.88
 $0.82
Dividend per common share$0.16
 $0.16
 $0.48
 $0.48
The accompanying notes are an integral part of the consolidated financial statements.

3




FIRSTMERIT CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY
 (In thousands)
Preferred
Stock
 
Common
Stock
 
Common
Stock
Warrant
 
Capital
Surplus
 
Accumulated
Other
Comprehensive
Income (Loss)
 
Retained
Earnings
 
Treasury
Stock
 
Total
Shareholders’
Equity
(Unaudited)               
Balance at December 31, 2010$
 $127,937
 $
 $485,567
 $(26,103) $1,080,900
 $(160,586) $1,507,715
Net income
 
 
 
 
 89,060
 
 89,060
Cash dividends - common stock ($0.48 per share)
 
 
 
 
 (51,933) 
 (51,933)
Nonvested (restricted) shares granted (576,138 shares)
 
 
 (13,985) 
 
 13,985
 
Restricted stock activity (145,668 shares)
 
 
 494
 
 
 (2,751) (2,257)
Deferred compensation trust (10,182 increase in shares)
 
 
 42
 
 
 (42) 
Share-based compensation
 
 
 6,620
 
 
 
 6,620
Net unrealized gains on investment securities, net of taxes
 
 
 
 21,449
 
 
 21,449
Balance at September 30, 2011$
 $127,937
 $
 $478,738
 $(4,654) $1,118,027
 $(149,394) $1,570,654
Balance at December 31, 2011$
 $127,937
 $
 $479,882
 $(23,887) $1,131,203
 $(149,182) $1,565,953
Net income
 
 
 
 
 95,882
 
 95,882
Cash dividends - common stock ($0.48 per share)
 
 
 
 
 (52,084) 
 (52,084)
Nonvested (restricted) shares granted (588,765 shares)
 
 
 (14,481) 
 
 14,481
 
Restricted stock activity (186,695 shares)
 
 
 1,023
 
 
 (3,364) (2,341)
Deferred compensation trust (86,174 increase in shares)
 
 
 50
 
 
 (50) 
Share-based compensation
 
 
 7,258
 
 
 
 7,258
Net unrealized gains on investment securities, net of taxes
 
 
 
 9,987
 
 
 9,987
 Other
 
 
 49
 
 
 
 49
Balance at September 30, 2012$
 $127,937
 $
 $473,781
 $(13,900) $1,175,001
 $(138,115) $1,624,704
FIRSTMERIT CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
(Dollars in thousands) (Unaudited)
Preferred
Stock
 
Common
Stock
 
Capital
Surplus
 
Accumulated
Other
Comprehensive
Income (Loss)
 
Retained
Earnings
 
Treasury
Stock
 
Total
Shareholders'
Equity
Balance at December 31, 2011$
 $127,937
 $479,882
 $(23,887) $1,131,203
 $(149,182) $1,565,953
Net income
 
 
 
 30,344
 
 30,344
Cash dividends - common stock ($0.16 per share)
 
 
 
 (17,337) 
 (17,337)
Nonvested (restricted) shares granted (5,200 shares)
 
 (126) 
 
 126
 
Restricted stock activity (69,446 shares)
 
 574
 
 
 (1,313) (739)
Deferred compensation trust (52,891 increase in shares)
 
 (8) 
 
 8
 
Share-based compensation
 
 4,169
 
 
 
 4,169
Net unrealized gains on investment securities, net of taxes
 
 
 1,715
 
 
 1,715
Balance at March 31, 2012$
 $127,937
 $484,491
 $(22,172) $1,144,210
 $(150,361) $1,584,105
Balance at December 31, 2012$
 $127,937
 $475,979
 $(16,205) $1,195,850
 $(138,359) $1,645,202
Net income
 
 
 
 37,346
 
 37,346
Cash dividends - preferred stock
 
 
 
 (930) 
 (930)
Cash dividends - common stock ($0.16 per share)
 
 
 
 (17,377) 
 (17,377)
Nonvested (restricted) shares granted (122,834 shares)
 
 (2,270) 
 
 2,270
 
Restricted stock activity (25,824 shares)
 
 606
 
 
 (625) (19)
Deferred compensation trust (113,049 increase in shares)
 
 118
 
 
 (118) 
Share-based compensation
 
 1,972
 
 
 
 1,972
Issuance of 5.875% Non-Cumulative Perpetual Preferred Stock, Series A100,000
 
 (3,430) 
 
 
 96,570
Net unrealized losses on investment securities, net of taxes
 
 
 (7,914) 
 
 (7,914)
Balance as of March 31, 2013$100,000
 $127,937
 $472,975
 $(24,119) $1,214,889
 $(136,832) $1,754,850

The accompanying notes are an integral part of the consolidated financial statements.


46


Table of Contents

FIRSTMERIT CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
FIRSTMERIT CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
 Three months ended March 31,
(In thousands)2013 2012 
(Unaudited)    
Operating Activities    
Net income$37,346
 $30,344
 
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:    
Provision for loan losses9,946
 14,061
 
Provision (benefit) for deferred income taxes(4,903) 2,615
 
Depreciation and amortization5,630
 5,692
 
Benefit attributable to FDIC loss share5,539
 4,899
 
Accretion of acquired loans(15,511) (21,484) 
Accretion of income for lease financing(915) (709) 
Amortization and accretion of investment securities, net    
Available for sale3,135
 3,760
 
 Held to maturity1,308
 13
 
Losses/(gains) on sales and calls of available-for-sale investment securities, net

9
 (260) 
Originations of loans held for sale(140,723) (194,576) 
Proceeds from sales of loans, primarily mortgage loans sold in the secondary markets154,143
 183,778
 
Gains on sales of loans, net(4,196) (1,572) 
Amortization of intangible assets317
 483
 
Recognition of stock compensation expense1,972
 4,169
 
     Net decrease/(increase) in other assets(7,451) 28,706
 
     Net (decrease)/increase in other liabilities4,047
 (38,354) 
NET CASH PROVIDED BY OPERATING ACTIVITIES49,693
 21,565
 
Investing Activities    
Proceeds from sale of securities    
Available for sale25,674
 94,865
 
Proceeds from prepayments, calls, and maturities    
Available for sale173,778
 218,006
 
Held to maturity17,010
 1,591
 
Purchases of securities    
Available for sale(405,053) (443,434) 
Held to maturity(61,773) (19,620) 
Other(280) 
 
Net decrease (increase) in loans and leases77,681
 6,659
 
Purchases of premises and equipment(1,753) (1,090) 
Sales of premises and equipment135
 
 
NET CASH PROVIDED (USED) BY INVESTING ACTIVITIES(174,581) (143,023) 
Financing Activities    
Net increase in demand accounts106,155
 162,576
 
Net increase in savings and money market accounts132,246
 147,138
 
Net decrease in certificates and other time deposits(72,059) (93,158) 
Net (decrease) increase in securities sold under agreements to repurchase(277,670) 62,495
 
Proceeds from issuance of subordinated debt247,941
 
 
Net decrease in wholesale borrowings(880) (26,851) 
Net proceeds from issuance of preferred stock96,570
 
 
Cash dividends - common(17,377) (17,337) 
Cash dividends - preferred(930) 
 
Restricted stock activity(19) (739) 
NET CASH (USED) PROVIDED BY FINANCING ACTIVITIES213,977
 234,124
 
Increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents89,089
 112,666
 
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year258,014
 377,319
 
Cash and cash equivalents at end of year$347,103
 $489,985
 
SUPPLEMENTAL DISCLOSURE OF CASH FLOWS INFORMATION:    
Cash paid during the year for:    
Interest, net of amounts capitalized$6,765
 $6,788
 
Federal income taxes$
 $
 

  Nine months ended September 30,
(Dollars in thousands)2012 2011
(Unaudited)   
Operating Activities   
Net income$95,882
 $89,060
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:   
Provision for loan losses42,436
 59,340
Depreciation and amortization17,307
 17,016
Benefit attributable to FDIC loss share12,601
 31,078
Accretion of acquired loans(62,191) (91,872)
Accretion income for lease financing(2,168) (1,928)
Amortization and accretion of securities, net   
Available for sale11,352
 11,129
Held to maturity1,239
 25
Gain on sales and calls of investment securities, net   
Available for sale(1,361) (5,291)
Originations of loans held for sale(575,972) (322,760)
Proceeds from sales of loans, primarily mortgage loans sold in the secondary mortgage markets596,412
 329,967
Gains on sales of loans, net(7,903) (5,208)
Amortization of intangible assets1,422
 1,629
Net change in assets and liabilities   
Interest receivable(1,375) (195)
Interest payable(1,117) (1,934)
Prepaid assets2,420
 (5,989)
Bank owned life insurance(9,073) (7,378)
Employee pension liability(258) (2,287)
Other assets and liabilities3,888
 (1,501)
NET CASH PROVIDED BY OPERATING ACTIVITIES123,541
 92,901
Investing Activities   
Proceeds from sales of securities   
Available for sale190,813
 182,781
Proceeds from prepayments, calls, and maturities   
Available for sale611,382
 778,697
Held to maturity42,409
 18,901
Other
 12
Purchases of securities   
Available for sale(878,624) (1,338,279)
Held to maturity(98,893) (51,151)
Other(42) (79)
Net decrease in loans and leases(241,290) (81,096)
Purchases of premises and equipment, net(6,401) (12,225)
NET CASH USED BY INVESTING ACTIVITIES(380,646) (502,439)
Financing Activities   
Net increase in demand accounts218,292
 280,175
Net increase in savings and money market accounts148,694
 701,689
Net decrease in certificates and other time deposits(266,169) (853,748)
Net increase in securities sold under agreements to repurchase97,190
 209,445
Net decrease in wholesale borrowings(25,379) (78,001)
Cash dividends - common(52,084) (51,933)
Restricted stock activity(2,341) (2,257)
NET CASH PROVIDED BY FINANCING ACTIVITIES118,203
 205,370
Decrease in cash and cash equivalents(138,902) (204,168)
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period377,319
 523,113
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period$238,417
 $318,945
SUPPLEMENTAL DISCLOSURES   
Cash paid during the period for:   
Interest, net of amounts capitalized$27,462
 $43,055
Federal income taxes$43,421
 $7,915
The accompanying notes are an integral part of the consolidated financial statements.
57


Table of Contents

FIRSTMERIT CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
March 31, 2013
(Dollars in thousands)

FirstMerit Corporation and Subsidiaries
Notessubsidiaries is a diversified financial services company headquartered in Akron, Ohio with 196 banking offices in the Ohio, Chicago, Illinois, and Western Pennsylvania areas. The Corporation provides a complete range of banking and other financial services to Consolidated Financial Statements
September 30, 2012(Unaudited) (Dollars in thousands except per share data)consumers and businesses through its core operations.

1.1.    Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

Basis of Presentation - FirstMerit Corporation (the “Parent Company”) is a bank holding company whose principal asset is the common stock of its wholly-owned subsidiary, FirstMerit Bank, N. A. (the “Bank”). The Parent Company’s other subsidiaries include Citizens Savings Corporation of Stark County, FirstMerit Capital Trust I, FirstMerit Community Development Corporation, FirstMerit Risk Management, Inc., and FMT, Inc. All significant intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.

The accounting and reporting policies of FirstMerit Corporation and its subsidiaries (the “Corporation”) conform to U.S. generally accepted accounting principles in the United States of America (“U.S. GAAP”) and to general practices within the financial services industry.

The consolidated balance sheet at December 31, 20112012 has been derived from the audited consolidated financial statements at that date. The accompanying unaudited interim financial statements reflect all adjustments (consisting only of normally recurring adjustments) that are, in the opinion of FirstMerit Corporation’s Management (“Management”), necessary for a fair statement of the results for the interim periods presented. Certain information and note disclosures normally included in financial statements prepared in accordance with U.S. GAAP have been omitted in accordance with the rules of the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”). The unaudited consolidated financial statements of the Corporation as of September 30, 2012March 31, 2013 and 20112012 are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be achieved for the full fiscal year or for any future period. These unaudited consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with the audited consolidated financial statements and notes included in the Corporation’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 20112012 (the “20112012 Form 10-K”). Certain reclassifications of prior year’s amounts have been made to conform to the current year presentation. Such reclassifications had no effect on net earnings or equity.

There have been no significant changes to the Corporation’s accounting policies as disclosed in the Annual Report on2012 Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2011.10-K.

In preparing these accompanying unaudited interim consolidated financial statements, subsequent events were evaluated through the time the consolidated financial statements were issued. No material subsequent events have occurred requiring recognition in the consolidated financial statements or disclosure in the notes to the consolidated financial statements.

Recently Adopted and Issued Accounting Standards -

FASB ASU 2011-03, Reconsideration of Effective Control for Repurchase Agreements. ASU 2011-03 removes from the assessment of effective control (1) the criterion requiring the transferor to have the ability to repurchase or redeem the financial assets on substantially the agreed terms, even in the event of default by the transferee, and (2) the collateral maintenance implementation guidance related to that criterion. Other criteria applicable to the assessment of effective control are not changed by the amendments in the update. ASU 2011-03 is effective prospectively for all transactions or modifications of existing transactions that occur on or after January 1, 2012. ASU 2011-03 did not have a significant impact on the Corporation's consolidated financial statements.

6




FASB ASU 2011-04, Amendments to Achieve Common Fair Value Measurement and Disclosure Requirements in U.S. GAAP and IFRSs. This amendment was issued as result of an effort to develop common fair value measurement and disclosure requirements in U.S. GAAP and International Financial Reporting Standards (“IFRSs”). While ASU 2011-04 is largely consistent with existing fair value measurement principles under U.S. GAAP, it expands the disclosure requirements for fair value measurements and clarifies the existing guidance or wording changes to align with IRFS No. 13. Many of the requirements for the amendments in ASU 2011-04 do not result in a change in the application of the requirements in ASC 820. ASU 2011-04 was effective for the Corporation on a prospective basis beginning in the quarter ended March 31, 2012. The adoption of ASU 2011-04 did not have a significant impact on the Corporation's consolidated financial statements. The newly required disclosures are incorporated into Note 12 (Fair Value Measurement).

FASB ASU 2011-05, Presentation of Comprehensive Income. ASU 2011-05 provides entities with the option to present the total of comprehensive income, the components of net income, and the components of other comprehensive income either in a single continuous statement of comprehensive income or in two separate but consecutive statements. In both choices, an entity is required to present each component of net income along with total net income, each component of other comprehensive income, along with a total for other comprehensive income, and a total amount for comprehensive income. As originally issued, ASU 2011-05 required entities to present reclassification adjustments out of accumulated other comprehensive income by component in the statement in which net income is presented and the statement in which other comprehensive income is presented. This requirement was deferred by ASU 2011-12, Deferral of the Effective Date for Amendments to the Presentation of Reclassifications of Items Out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income in Accounting Standards Update No. 2011-05. ASU 2011-05 was effective for the Corporation on a retrospective basis beginning in the quarter ended March 31, 2012. The adoption of ASU 2011-05 did not have an impact on the Corporation's financial statements as the Corporation reports comprehensive income in a single continuous statement with all of the components required by ASU 2011-05.
FASB ASU 2011-08, TestingGoodwill for Impairment. ASU 2011-08 amends the guidance in ASC 350-20 on testing goodwill for impairment and provides the option of performing a qualitative assessment of whether it is more likely than not that a reporting unit's fair value is less than its carrying amount, before applying the current two-step goodwill impairment test. If the entity determines that the fair value of the reporting unit is more likely than not less than the carrying amount, the two-step impairment test would be required. Otherwise, the entity would not need to apply the two-step test. ASU 2011-08 is effective for annual and interim goodwill impairment tests performed for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2011. The Corporation has not had to test goodwill for impairment since ASU 2011-08 became effective for the Corporation, January 1, 2012. ASU 2011-08 is not expected to have a significant impact on the Corporation's consolidated financial statements.

FASB ASU 2011-11, Disclosures about Offsetting Assets and Liabilities. ASU 2011-11 amends the guidance in ASC 210, Balance Sheet, to require an entity to disclose information about offsetting and related arrangements to enable users of an entity's financial statements to evaluate the effect or potential effect of netting arrangements with certain financial instruments and derivative instruments.arrangements. The amendments are effective for annual reporting periods beginning on or after January 1, 2013, with retrospective application to the disclosures of all comparative periods presented. The Corporation hasASU 2011-11

8

FIRSTMERIT CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS  - Continued
(Dollars in thousands)


did not completed evaluatinghave a significant impact on the impact of ASU 2011-11corporations derivatives, repurchase agreements, reverse repurchase agreements, and securities lending and borrowing transactions on itsthe consolidated financial statements. The newly required disclosures are incorporated into Note 9 (Derivatives and Hedging Activities).

FASB ASU 2012-06, Business Combinations: Subsequent Accounting for an Indemnification Asset Recognized at the Acquisition Date as a Result of a Government-Assisted Acquisition of a Financial Institution (a consensus of the FASB Emerging Issues Task Force). ASU 2012-06 amends the guidance in ASU 805-20 on

7



the recognition of an indemnification asset as a result of a government-assisted acquisition of a financial institution when a subsequent change in the cash flows expected to be collected on the indemnification asset occurs (as a result of a change in cash flows expected to be collected on the assets subject to indemnification). A subsequent change in the measurement of the indemnification asset is to be accounted for on the same basis as the change in the assets subject to indemnification. Any amortization of changes in value are limited to the contractual term of the indemnification agreement (that is, the lesser of the term of the indemnification agreement and the remaining life of the indemnified assets). The amendments in ASU 2012-06 are effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those years, beginning on or after December 15, 2012. Early adoption is permitted. The Corporation currently applies the accounting as described within ASU 2012-06,2012-06; therefore, ASU 2012-06 will not have an impact on its consolidated financial statements.


8



2. Restructuring

During the quarter ended June 30, 2012, Management announced its implementation plans to enhance the operating efficiency and profitability of the Corporation. The efficiency initiative is a long-term plan to optimize service channels and lower the overall cost structure. It includes the elimination of assistant branch manager positions and closing of eight full service branches. As a result of the initiative, the Corporation estimated that it would reduce its workforce by approximately 340 positions. The elimination of the assistant branch manager positions represent the majority of those reductions. The majority of these positions were eliminated as of June 30, 2012. Management expects to complete its reduction in workforce by December 31, 2012. All branch closures occurred in the quarter ended September 30, 2012.

During the quarter ended September 30, 2012, the Corporation recognized the balance of estimated restructuring costs of $0.5 million which primarily consisted of costs associated with the closing of the branches. The following table summarizes the restructuring activity, including the reserves established and the total amount expected to be incurred.
 Employee Separation Contract Termination Long-Lived Asset Charges Other Total
Total expected restructuring charge$3,254
 $415
 $337
 $200
 $4,206
Balance at June 30, 2012$1,443
 $
 $
 $
 $1,443
Charge to expense
 415
 
 38
 453
Cash payments(1,128) (168) 
 (38) (1,334)
Noncash utilization
 
 
 
 
Balance at September 30, 2012$315
 $247
 $
 $
 $562
Remaining expected restructuring charge$
 $
 $
 $
 $

Severance expense of $3.3 million was recognized in the quarter ended June 30, 2012. The remaining obligation related to employee separation costs is included in accrued taxes, expenses and other liabilities in the accompanying unaudited consolidated balance sheets as of September 30, 2012.

FASB ASU 2013-02, Reporting of Amounts Reclassified Out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income. ASU 2013-02 amends the guidance on ASC 220-10, by requiring an entity to provide information about the amounts reclassified out of accumulated other comprehensive income by component. In addition, an entity is required to present, either on the face of the statement where net income is presented or in the notes, significant amounts reclassified out of accumulated other comprehensive income by the respective line items of net income but only if the amount reclassified is required under U.S. GAAP to be reclassified to net income in its entirety in the same reporting period. The objective of the update is to improve the reporting of reclassifications out of accumulated other comprehensive income. The amendments in ASU 2013-02 are effective prospectively for reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2012. The Corporation recognizedhas incorporated this new disclosure information into Note $5.2 million14 in professional service fees in the quarter ended June 30, 2012 related to the efficiency initiative which was reported in professional services in the accompanying unaudited consolidated statements(Changes and Reclassifications Out of comprehensive income.Accumulated Other costs include costs related to closing the branches and other expenditures associated with the Corporation's restructuring initiative and are expensed as incurred.Comprehensive Income).

32.     Business Combinations

Citizens Republic Bancorp, Inc. – Merger Agreement

On September 12, 2012, the Corporation and Citizens Republic Bancorp, Inc. (“Citizens”("Citizens"), a Michigan corporation with approximately $9.6 billion in assets and 219 branches, entered into an Agreement and Plan of Merger (the “Merger Agreement”"Merger Agreement").

On April 12, 2013, the Corporation completed its merger (the "Merger") with Citizens. The results of operations acquired in the Citizens transaction will be included in the Corporation's financial results beginning on April 13, 2013. The Merger Agreement provides that Citizens will merge with and into the Corporation (the “Merger”) and each share of Citizens common stock will be canceledaccounted for using the purchase acquisition method of accounting and converted into the right to receive 1.37 shares of the Corporation's common stock (except that any shares of Citizens common stock that are owned by Citizens, the Corporation or any of their respective subsidiaries, other than in a fiduciary capacity,accordingly, assets acquired, liabilities assumed and consideration exchanged will be canceled without any consideration therefor). Each outstanding optionrecorded at estimated fair value on the acquisition date. The Corporation is in the process of determining the preliminary fair values which are subject to acquire, and each outstanding equity award relatingrefinement for up to one share of Citizens' common stock will be converted into an option to acquire, or an equity award

9



relating to, 1.37 shares ofyear after the Corporation's common stock, as applicable. As a result of the Merger, the former shareholders of Citizens will become shareholders of the Corporation. At the effective time of the Merger, the Fixed Rate Cumulative Perpetual Preferred Stock, Series A, of Citizens issued to the United States Treasury as part of the Troubled Assets Relief Program (the “TARP Preferred”), will be canceled and converted into the right to receive cash in the aggregate amount equal to the liquidation preference of the TARP Preferred plus all accrued, accumulated and unpaid dividends thereon.

The Merger Agreement provides that upon completion of the Merger, the Corporation will increase its board of directors by two directors. The new directorships will be filled with current members of the Citizens board as recommended by the Citizens board, and the recommended directors must be reasonably acceptable to the Corporation’s board.

The Corporation and Citizens have each made customary representations, warranties and covenants in the Merger Agreement, including, among others, covenants to conduct their businesses in the ordinary course between the execution of the Merger Agreement and the completion of the Merger and covenants not to engage in certain kinds of transactions during that period.

Consummation of the Merger is subject to customary conditions, including, among others, (i) approval of the stockholders of each of the Corporation and Citizens, (ii) absence of any material adverse effect, (iii) absence of any order or injunction prohibiting the consummation of the Merger, (iv) the registration statement of the Corporation filed on Form S-4 having become effective, (v) shares of the Corporation's common stock to be issued in connection with the Merger having been approved for listing on the Nasdaq Stock Market, (vi) subject to certain exceptions, the accuracy of representations and warranties with respect to the Corporation's and Citizens’ business, as applicable, (vii) compliance with the Corporation’s and Citizens’ respective covenants, (viii) receipt of customary tax opinions, (ix) receipt of all required regulatory approvals from, among others, various banking regulators and the United States Treasury, and (x) no materially adverse condition or restriction is included in any such regulatory approval.

The Merger Agreement contains certain termination rights for both FirstMerit and Citizens, and further provides that, upon termination of the Merger Agreement under specified circumstances, a party would be required to pay to the other party a termination fee of $37.5 million and the other party’s fees and expenses.

The Merger Agreement has been filed as an exhibit to this report to provide security holders with information regarding its terms. It is not intended to provide any other factual information about the Corporation, Citizens or their respective subsidiaries and affiliates. The Merger Agreement contains representations and warranties by each of the parties to the Merger Agreement. These representations and warranties were made solely for the benefit of the other party to the Merger Agreement and (a) are not intended to be treated as categorical statements of fact, but rather as a way of allocating risk to one of the parties if those statements prove to be inaccurate, (b) may have been qualified in the Merger Agreement by confidential disclosure schedules that were delivered to the other party in connection with the signing of the Merger Agreement, which disclosure schedules contain information that modifies, qualifies and creates exceptions to the representations, warranties and covenants set forth in the Merger Agreement, (c) may be subject to standards of materiality applicable to the parties that differ from what might be viewed as material to stockholders and (d) were made only as of theclosing date of the Merger Agreement or such otheracquisition as additional information relative to closing date or dates as may be specified in the Merger Agreement. Moreover, information concerning the subject matter of the representations, warranties and covenants may change after the date of the Merger Agreement, which subsequent information may or mayfair values becomes available. Any resulting goodwill will not be fully reflected in public disclosures by the Corporation or Citizens. Accordingly, the representations, warranties and covenants or any descriptions thereofdeductible for income tax purposes as characterizations of the actual state of facts or condition of the Corporation or Citizens should not be relied upon.

10




Midwest Bank and Trust Company – FDIC Assisted Acquisition

On May 14, 2010, the Bank entered into a purchase and assumption agreement with a loss share arrangement with the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation ("FDIC"), as receiver of Midwest Bank and Trust Company (“Midwest”), a wholly-owned subsidiary of Midwest Bank Holdings, Inc., to acquire substantially all of the loans and certain other assets and assume substantially all of the deposits and certain liabilities in a whole-bank acquisition of Midwest, a full-service commercial bank located in the greater Chicago, Illinois area. The Bank made a cash payment to the FDIC of approximately $227.5 million to assume the net assets.

The acquisition of the net assets of Midwest constituted a business combination and, accordingly, were recorded at their estimated fair values on the date of acquisition. The estimated fair value of the liabilities assumed and cash payment made to the FDIC exceeded the revised fair value of assets acquired, resulting in recognition of goodwill of $272.1 million.

George Washington Savings Bank – FDIC Assisted Acquisition

On February 19, 2010, the Bank entered into a purchase and assumption agreement with a loss share arrangement with the FDIC as receiver of George Washington Savings Bank (“George Washington”), the subsidiary of George Washington Savings Bancorp, to acquire certain assets and assume substantially all of the deposits and certain liabilities in a whole-bank acquisition of George Washington, a full service Illinois-chartered savings bank headquartered in Orland Park, Illinois. The Bank received a cash payment from the FDIC of approximately $40.2 million to assume the net liabilities.

The purchased assets and liabilities assumed were recorded at their estimated fair values on the date of acquisition. The estimated fair value of assets acquired, intangible assets and the cash payment received from the FDIC exceeded the estimated fair value of the liabilities assumed, resulting in a bargain purchase gain of $1.0 million or $0.7 million net of tax.

First Bank Branches

On February 19, 2010, the Bank completed the acquisition of certain assets and the assumption of certain liabilities with respect to 24 branches of First Banks, Inc. (“First Bank”) located in the greater Chicago, Illinois area. This acquisition wasis accounted for under the acquisition method in accordance with ASC 805, Business Combinations (“ASC 805”).

All loans acquired in the First Bank acquisition were performing as of the date of acquisition. The difference between the fair value and the outstanding principal balance of the purchased loans is being accreted to interesta tax-free exchange for federal income over the remaining term of the loans in accordance with ASC 310, Receivables (“ASC 310”).

tax purposes. Additional information on these three acquisitionsthe Merger with Citizens can be found in Note 515 (Loans), Note 7 (Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets) and Note 12 (Fair Value MeasurementSubsequent Events).



9


4FIRSTMERIT CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS  - Continued
(Dollars in thousands)


3.     Investment Securities

The following tables provide the amortized cost and fair value for the major categories of held-to-maturity and available-for-sale securities. Held-to-maturity securities are carried at amortized cost, which reflects historical cost, adjusted for amortization of premiums and accretion of discounts. Available-for-sale

11



securities are carried at fair value with net unrealized gains or losses reported on an after-tax basis as a component of other comprehensive income in the statements of comprehensive income and shareholders’shareholders' equity.
 September 30, 2012
 
Amortized
Cost
 
Gross
Unrealized
Gains
 
Gross
Unrealized
Losses
 
Fair
Value
Securities available for sale       
Debt Securities       
U.S. government agency debentures$35,109
 $28
 $
 $35,137
U.S. States and political subdivisions241,436
 17,003
 (21) 258,418
Residential mortgage-backed securities:       
U.S. government agencies1,216,671
 61,160
 
 1,277,831
Commercial mortgage-backed securities:       
U.S. government agencies15,434
 233
 
 15,667
Residential collateralized mortgage-backed securities:       
U.S. government agencies1,188,072
 17,836
 (383) 1,205,525
Non-agency12
 
 
 12
Commercial collateralized mortgage-backed securities:       
U.S. government agencies66,316
 2,349
 
 68,665
Corporate debt securities61,527
 
 (14,034) 47,493
Total debt securities2,824,577
 98,609
 (14,438) 2,908,748
Marketable equity securities3,245
 
 
 3,245
Total securities available for sale$2,827,822
 $98,609
 $(14,438) $2,911,993
Securities held to maturity       
Debt Securities       
U.S. States and political subdivisions$262,091
 $6,946
 $(17) $269,020
Commercial mortgage-backed securities:       
     U.S. government agency obligations33,149
 792
 
 33,941
Residential collateralized mortgage-backed securities:       
U.S. government agencies129,265
 396
 
 129,661
Commercial collateralized mortgage obligations:       
     U.S. government agency obligations98,961
 1,054
 
 100,015
Corporate debt securities97,165
 1,435
 
 98,600
Total securities held to maturity$620,631
 $10,623
 $(17) $631,237
  March 31, 2013
  
Amortized
Cost
 Gross Unrealized Gains Gross Unrealized Losses 
Fair
Value
Securities available-for-sale       
Debt securities       
 U.S. states and political subdivisions$249,750
 $13,646
 $(790) $262,606
 Residential mortgage-backed securities:       
 U.S. government agencies1,109,905
 43,084
 (663) 1,152,326
 Commercial mortgage-backed securities:       
 U.S. government agencies58,827
 406
 (659) 58,574
 Residential collateralized mortgage-backed securities:       
 U.S. government agencies1,591,341
 16,292
 (2,354) 1,605,279
 Non-agency11
 
 
 11
 Commercial collateralized mortgage-backed securities:       
 U.S. government agencies108,658
 2,291
 (347) 110,602
 Corporate debt securities61,555
 
 (10,330) 51,225
 Total debt securities3,180,047
 75,719
 (15,143) 3,240,623
Marketable equity securities3,212
 
 
 3,212
 Total securities available for sale$3,183,259
 $75,719
 $(15,143) $3,243,835
Securities held-to-maturity       
Debt securities       
 U.S. states and political subdivisions$292,689
 $5,041
 $(244) $297,486
 Commercial mortgage-backed securities:       
 U.S. government agencies40,413
 774
 
 41,187
 Residential collateralized mortgage-backed securities:       
 U.S. government agencies137,839
 680
 
 138,519
 Commercial collateralized mortgage-backed securities:       
 U.S. government agencies98,887
 385
 (339) 98,933
 Corporate debt securities95,761
 1,615
 
 97,376
 Total securities held to maturity$665,589
 $8,495
 $(583) $673,501


1210

FIRSTMERIT CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS  - Continued
(Dollars in thousands)


 December 31, 2011
 
Amortized
Cost
 
Gross
Unrealized
Gains
 
Gross
Unrealized
Losses
 
Fair
Value
Securities available for sale       
Debt Securities       
U.S. government agency debentures$122,711
 $358
 $
 $123,069
U.S. States and political subdivisions334,916
 22,865
 (50) 357,731
Residential mortgage-backed securities:       
U.S. government agencies1,407,345
 53,129
 (131) 1,460,343
Residential collateralized mortgage-backed securities:       
U.S. government agencies1,115,832
 22,058
 (55) 1,137,835
Non-agency43,225
 82
 
 43,307
Commercial collateralized mortgage-backed securities:       
U.S. government agencies127,624
 1,648
 (145) 129,127
Corporate debt securities115,947
 276
 (17,381) 98,842
Total debt securities3,267,600
 100,416
 (17,762) 3,350,254
Marketable equity securities3,299
 
 
 3,299
Total securities available for sale$3,270,899
 $100,416
 $(17,762) $3,353,553
Securities held to maturity       
Debt Securities       
U.S. States and political subdivisions$82,764
 $2,348
 $
 $85,112
Total securities held to maturity$82,764
 $2,348
 $
 $85,112
 September 30, 2011
 
Amortized
Cost
 
Gross
Unrealized
Gains
 
Gross
Unrealized
Losses
 
Fair
Value
Securities available for sale       
Debt Securities       
U.S. government agency debentures$203,148
 $590
 $(20) $203,718
U.S. States and political subdivisions298,140
 16,426
 (125) 314,441
Residential mortgage-backed securities:       
U.S. government agencies1,419,808
 61,416
 (2) 1,481,222
Residential collateralized mortgage-backed securities:       
U.S. government agencies1,080,627
 23,327
 (45) 1,103,909
Non-agency44,715
 139
 
 44,854
Corporate debt securities61,474
 
 (15,287) 46,187
Total debt securities3,107,912
 101,898
 (15,479) 3,194,331
Marketable equity securities3,715
 
 
 3,715
Total securities available for sale$3,111,627
 $101,898
 $(15,479) $3,198,046
Securities held to maturity       
Debt Securities       
U.S. States and political subdivisions$92,214
 $2,707
 $
 $94,921
Total securities held to maturity$92,214
 $2,707
 $
 $94,921
  December 31, 2012
  
Amortized
Cost
 Gross Unrealized Gains Gross Unrealized Losses 
Fair
Value
Securities available-for-sale       
Debt securities       
 U.S. states and political subdivisions$253,198
 $15,235
 $(229) $268,204
 Residential mortgage-backed securities:       
 U.S. government agencies1,058,005
 49,058
 
 1,107,063
 Commercial mortgage-backed securities:       
 U.S. government agencies52,014
 428
 (406) 52,036
 Residential collateralized mortgage-backed securities:       
 U.S. government agencies1,311,501
 18,180
 (260) 1,329,421
 Non-agency11
 
 
 11
 Commercial collateralized mortgage-backed securities:       
    U.S. government agencies109,260
 2,221
 (138) 111,343
 Corporate debt securities61,541
 
 (11,889) 49,652
 Total debt securities2,845,530
 85,122
 (12,922) 2,917,730
 Marketable equity securities3,241
 
 
 3,241
 Total securities available for sale$2,848,771
 $85,122
 $(12,922) $2,920,971
Securities held-to-maturity       
Debt securities       
 U.S. states and political subdivisions$270,005
 $5,126
 $(70) $275,061
 Commercial mortgage-backed securities:       
 U.S. government agencies33,165
 812
 
 33,977
 Residential collateralized mortgage-backed securities:      
 U.S. government agencies123,563
 533
 (16) 124,080
 Commercial collateralized mortgage-backed securities:      
 U.S. government agencies98,924
 772
 
 99,696
 Corporate debt securities96,464
 1,521
 
 97,985
 Total securities held to maturity$622,121
 $8,764
 $(86) $630,799


1311

FIRSTMERIT CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS  - Continued
(Dollars in thousands)


  March 31, 2012
  
Amortized
Cost
 Gross Unrealized Gains Gross Unrealized Losses 
Fair
Value
Securities available-for-sale       
Debt securities       
 U.S. government agency debentures$35,340
 $115
 $
 $35,455
 U.S. states and political subdivisions365,543
 21,733
 (751) 386,525
 Residential mortgage-backed securities:       
 U.S. government agencies1,401,241
 53,388
 (213) 1,454,416
 Commercial mortgage-backed securities:       
 U.S. government agencies27,689
 34
 (60) 27,663
 Residential collateralized mortgage-backed securities:       
 U.S. government agencies1,226,260
 25,046
 (2) 1,251,304
 Non-agency41,741
 91
 
 41,832
 Commercial collateralized mortgage-backed securities:       
    U.S. government agencies147,214
 675
 (534) 147,355
 Corporate debt securities158,019
 955
 (15,185) 143,789
 Total debt securities3,403,047
 102,037
 (16,745) 3,488,339
 Marketable equity securities3,308
 
 
 3,308
 Total securities available for sale$3,406,355
 $102,037
 $(16,745) $3,491,647
Securities held-to-maturity       
Debt securities       
 U.S. states and political subdivisions$100,840
 $3,025
 $
 $103,865
 Total securities held to maturity$100,840
 $3,025
 $
 $103,865

Federal Reserve Bank (“FRB”) and Federal Home Loan Bank (“FHLB”) stock constitute the majority of other investments on the consolidated balance sheets.
September 30, 2012 December 31, 2011 September 30, 2011March 31, 2013 December 31, 2012 March 31, 2012
FRB stock$21,045
 $21,003
 $20,804
$21,324
 $21,045
 $21,003
FHLB stock119,145
 119,145
 139,398
119,145
 119,145
 119,145
Other540
 578
 591
515
 527
 565
Total other investments$140,730
 $140,726
 $160,793
$140,984
 $140,717
 $140,713

FRB and FHLB stock is classified as a restricted investment, carried at cost and valued based on the ultimate recoverability of par value. Cash and stock dividends received on the stock are reported as interest income. There are no identified events or changes in circumstances that may have a significant adverse effect on these investments carried at cost.

Securities with a carrying value of $1.92.7 billion, $1.91.6 billion and $2.21.9 billion as ofat September 30, 2012March 31, 2013, December 31, 20112012 and September 30, 2011March 31, 2012, respectively, were pledged to secure trust and public deposits and securities sold under agreements to repurchase and for other purposes required or permitted by law.


12

FIRSTMERIT CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS  - Continued
(Dollars in thousands)


Realized Gains and Losses

The following table presents the proceeds from sales of available-for-sale securities and the gross realized gains and losses on the sales of those securities that have been included in earnings as a result of those sales. Gains or losses on the sales of available-for-sale securities are recognized upon sale and are determined using the specific identification method.
 Three months ended March 31,
 2013 2012
Proceeds$25,674
 $94,865
    
Realized gains$
 $260
Realized losses(9) 
Net securities (losses)/gains$(9) $260

Gross Unrealized LossesRealized Gains and Fair ValueLosses

The following table presents the proceeds from sales of available-for-sale securities and the gross unrealizedrealized gains and losses on the sales of those securities that have been included in earnings as a result of those sales. Gains or losses on the sales of available-for-sale securities are recognized upon sale and fair value of securities inare determined using the securities available-for-sale portfolio by length of time that individual securities in each category had been in a continuous loss position.specific identification method.
 September 30, 2012
 Less than 12 months 12 months or longer Total
 
Fair
Value
 
Unrealized
Losses
 
Number of
Impaired
Securities
 
Fair
Value
 
Unrealized
Losses
 
Number of
Impaired
Securities
 
Fair
Value
 
Unrealized
Losses
Debt Securities               
U.S. government agency debentures$
 $
 
 $
 $
 
 $
 $
U.S. States and political subdivisions3,560
 (21) 8
 
 
 
 3,560
 (21)
Residential mortgage-backed securities:               
U.S. government agencies
 
 
 14
 
 1
 14
 
Commercial mortgage-backed securities:               
    U.S. government agencies
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Residential collateralized mortgage-backed securities:               
U.S. government agencies121,427
 (379) 8
 1,581
 (4) 1
 123,008
 (383)
U.S. non agencies
 
 
 2
 
 1
 2
 
Commercial collateralized mortgage-backed securities:               
    U.S. government agencies
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Corporate debt securities
 
 
 47,493
 (14,034) 8
 47,493
 (14,034)
Total temporarily impaired securities$124,987
 $(400) 16
 $49,090
 $(14,038) 11
 $174,077
 $(14,438)

14



 December 31, 2011
 Less than 12 months 12 months or longer Total
 
Fair
Value
 
Unrealized
Losses
 
Number of
Impaired
Securities
 
Fair
Value
 
Unrealized
Losses
 
Number of
Impaired
Securities
 
Fair
Value
 
Unrealized
Losses
Debt Securities               
U.S. States and political subdivisions$5,249
 $(50) 6
 $
 $
 
 $5,249
 $(50)
Residential mortgage-backed securities:               
U.S. government agencies40,020
 (129) 4
 149
 (2) 1
 40,169
 (131)
Residential collateralized mortgage-backed securities:               
U.S. government agencies48,003
 (55) 6
 
 
 
 48,003
 (55)
Non-agency
 
 
 2
 
 1
 2
 
Commercial collateralized mortgage-backed securities:               
U.S. government agencies30,227
 (145) 2
 
 
 
 30,227
 (145)
Corporate debt securities24,846
 (127) 8
 44,234
 (17,254) 8
 69,080
 (17,381)
Total temporarily impaired securities$148,345
 $(506) 26
 $44,385
 $(17,256) 10
 $192,730
 $(17,762)
 September 30, 2011
 Less than 12 months 12 months or longer Total
 
Fair
Value
 
Unrealized
Losses
 
Number of
Impaired
Securities
 
Fair
Value
 
Unrealized
Losses
 
Number of
Impaired
Securities
 
Fair
Value
 
Unrealized
Losses
Debt Securities               
U.S. government agency debentures$15,032
 $(20) 1
 $
 $
 
 $15,032
 $(20)
U.S. States and political subdivisions16,180
 (102) 18
 648
 (23) 1
 16,828
 (125)
Residential mortgage-backed securities:               
U.S. government agencies
 
 
 174
 (2) 2
 174
 (2)
Residential collateralized mortgage-backed securities:               
U.S. government agencies21,505
 (45) 3
 
 
 
 21,505
 (45)
Corporate debt securities
 
 
 46,187
 (15,287) 8
 46,187
 (15,287)
Total temporarily impaired securities$52,717
 $(167) 22
 $47,009
 $(15,312) 11
 $99,726
 $(15,479)
 Three months ended March 31,
 2013 2012
Proceeds$25,674
 $94,865
    
Realized gains$
 $260
Realized losses(9) 
Net securities (losses)/gains$(9) $260

At least quarterly, the Corporation conducts a comprehensive security-level impairment assessment on all securities in an unrealized loss position to determine if other-than-temporary impairment (“OTTI”) exists. An unrealized loss exists when the current fair value of an individual security is less than its amortized cost basis. Under the current OTTI accounting model for debt securities, an OTTI loss must be recognized for a debt security in an unrealized loss position if the Corporation intends to sell the security or it is more likely than not that the Corporation will be required to sell the security before recovery of its amortized cost basis. In this situation, the amount of loss recognized in income is equal to the difference between the fair value and the amortized cost basis of the security. Even if the Corporation does not expect to sell the security, the Corporation must evaluate the expected cash flows to be received to determine if a credit loss has occurred. In the event of a credit loss, only the amount of impairment associated with the credit loss is recognized in income. The portion of the unrealized loss relating to other factors, such as liquidity conditions in the market or changes in market interest rates, is recorded in other comprehensive income. Equity securities are also evaluated to determine whether the unrealized loss is expected to be recoverable based on whether evidence exists to support a

15



realizable value equal to or greater than the amortized cost basis. If it is probable that the Corporation will not recover the amortized cost basis, taking into consideration the estimated recovery period and its ability to hold the equity security until recovery, OTTI is recognized.

The security-level assessment is performed on each security, regardless of the classification of the security as available for sale or held to maturity. The assessments are based on the nature of the securities, the financial condition of the issuer, the extent and duration of the securities, the extent and duration of the loss and whether Management intends to sell or it is more likely than not that it will be required to sell a security before recovery of its amortized cost basis, which may be maturity. For those securities for which the assessment shows the Corporation will recover the entire cost basis, Management does not intend to sell these securities and it is not more likely than not that the Corporation will be required to sell them before the anticipated recovery of the amortized cost basis, the gross unrealized losses are recognized in other comprehensive income, net of tax.

As of September 30, 2012, gross unrealized losses are concentrated within corporate debt securities and is composed of eight, single issuer, trust preferred securities with stated maturities. Such investments are less than 2%of the fair value of the entire investment portfolio. None of the corporate issuers have deferred paying dividends on their issued trust preferred shares in which the Corporation is invested. The fair values of these investments have been impacted by market conditions that have caused risk premiums to increase, resulting in the decline in the fair value of the trust preferred securities. Management believes the Corporation will fully recover the cost of these securities, it does not intend to sell these securities and it is not more likely than not that it will be required to sell them before the anticipated recovery of the remaining amortized cost basis, which may be maturity. As a result, Management concluded that these securities were not OTTI at September 30, 2012 and has recognized the total amount of the impairment in other comprehensive income, net of tax.

Realized Gains and Losses

The following table showspresents the proceeds from sales of available-for-sale securities and the gross realized gains and losses on the sales of those salessecurities that have been included in earnings.earnings as a result of those sales. Gains or losses on the sales of available-for-sale securities are recognized upon sale and are determined using the specific identification method.
Three Months Ended September 30, Nine Months Ended September 30,Three months ended March 31,
2012 2011 2012 20112013 2012
Proceeds$29,735
 $179,133
 $190,813
 $182,781
$25,674
 $94,865
   
Realized gains553
 4,473
 1,361
 5,418
$
 $260
Realized losses
 (71) 
 (127)(9) 
Net securities gains$553
 $4,402
 $1,361
 $5,291
Net securities (losses)/gains$(9) $260

Gross Unrealized Losses and Fair Value

The following table presents the gross unrealized losses and fair value of securities in the securities available-for-sale portfolio by length of time that individual securities in each category had been in a continuous loss position.
   March 31, 2013
   Less than 12 months 12 months or longer Total
  Fair Value 
Unrealized
Losses
 
Number
Impaired
Securities
 Fair Value 
Unrealized
Losses
 
Number
Impaired
Securities
 Fair Value 
Unrealized
Losses
Securities available-for-sale                
Debt securities                
 U.S. states and political subdivisions $33,648
 $(790) 51
 $
 $
 
 $33,648
 $(790)
 Residential mortgage-backed securities:                
 U.S. government agencies 45,345
 (663) 5
 
 
 
 45,345
 (663)
 Commercial mortgage-backed securities:                
 U.S. government agencies 30,799
 (659) 3
 
 
 
 30,799
 (659)
 Residential collateralized mortgage-backed securities:                
 U.S. government agencies 339,462
 (2,354) 21
 
 
 
 339,462
 (2,354)
 Commercial collateralized mortgage-backed securities:                
     U.S. government agencies 44,219
 (347) 6
 
 
 
 44,219
 (347)
 Corporate debt securities 
 
 
 51,225
 (10,330) 8
 51,225
 (10,330)
 Total available-for-sale securities $493,473
 $(4,813) 86
 $51,225
 $(10,330) 8
 $544,698
 $(15,143)
Securities held-to-maturity                
Debt securities                
 U.S. states and political subdivisions $29,823
 $(244) 54
 $
 $
 
 $29,823
 $(244)
 Commercial collateralized mortgage-backed securities:                
 U.S. government agencies $40,892
 $(339) 4
 $
 $
 
 $40,892
 $(339)
 Total held-to-maturity securities $70,715
 $(583) 58
 $
 $
 
 $70,715
 $(583)


1613

FIRSTMERIT CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS  - Continued
(Dollars in thousands)


   December 31, 2012
   Less than 12 months 12 months or longer Total
  Fair Value 
Unrealized
Losses
 
Number
Impaired
Securities
 Fair Value 
Unrealized
Losses
 
Number
Impaired
Securities
 Fair Value 
Unrealized
Losses
Securities available-for-sale                
Debt securities                
 U.S. states and political subdivisions $14,110
 $(229) 24
 $
 $
 
 $14,110
 $(229)
 Residential mortgage-backed securities:                
 U.S. government agencies 14
 
 1
 13
 
 1
 27
 
 Commercial mortgage-backed securities:                
 U.S. government agencies 31,237
 (406) 3
 
 
 
 31,237
 (406)
 Residential collateralized mortgage-backed securities:                
 U.S. government agencies 133,008
 (258) 9
 389
 (2) 1
 133,397
 (260)
 Non-agency 
 
 
 2
 
 1
 2
 
 Commercial collateralized mortgage-backed securities:                
     U.S. government agencies 35,316
 (138) 4
 
 
 
 35,316
 (138)
 Corporate debt securities 
 
 
 49,652
 (11,889) 8
 49,652
 (11,889)
 Total available-for-sale securities $213,685
 $(1,031) 41
 $50,056
 $(11,891) 11
 $263,741
 $(12,922)
Securities held-to-maturity                
Debt securities                
 U.S. states and political subdivisions $6,543
 $(70) 12
 $
 $
 
 $6,543
 $(70)
 Residential collateralized mortgage-backed securities:                
 U.S. government agencies $17,413
 $(16) 1
 $
 $
 
 $17,413
 $(16)
 Total held-to-maturity securities $23,956
 $(86) 13
 $
 $
 
 $23,956
 $(86)

   March 31, 2012
   Less than 12 months 12 months or longer Total
  Fair Value 
Unrealized
Losses
 
Number
Impaired
Securities
 Fair Value 
Unrealized
Losses
 
Number
Impaired
Securities
 Fair Value 
Unrealized
Losses
Securities available-for-sale                
Debt securities                
 U.S. states and political subdivisions $26,915
 $(751) 39
 $
 $
 
 $26,915
 $(751)
 Residential mortgage-backed securities:                
 U.S. government agencies 40,036
 (213) 4
 
 
 
 40,036
 (213)
 Commercial mortgage-backed securities:                
 U.S. government agencies 12,329
 (60) 2
 
 
 
 12,329
 (60)
 Residential collateralized mortgage-backed securities:                
 U.S. government agencies 4,322
 (2) 1
 
 
 
 4,322
 (2)
 Non-agency 
 
 
 2
 
 1
 2
 
 Commercial collateralized mortgage-backed securities:                
     U.S. government agencies 64,435
 (534) 6
 
 
 
 64,435
 (534)
 Corporate debt securities 33,250
 (342) 12
 46,657
 (14,843) 8
 79,907
 (15,185)
 Total temporarily impaired securities $181,287
 $(1,902) 64
 $46,659
 $(14,843) 9
 $227,946
 (16,745)

At least quarterly, the Corporation conducts a comprehensive security-level impairment assessment on all securities in an unrealized loss position to determine if other-than-temporary impairment ("OTTI") exists. An unrealized loss exists when the current fair value of an individual security is less than its amortized cost basis. Under the current OTTI accounting model for debt securities, an OTTI loss must be recognized for a debt security in an unrealized loss position if the Corporation intends to sell the security or it is more likely than

14

FIRSTMERIT CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS  - Continued
(Dollars in thousands)


not that the Corporation will be required to sell the security before recovery of its amortized cost basis. In this situation, the amount of loss recognized in income is equal to the difference between the fair value and the amortized cost basis of the security. Even if the Corporation does not expect to sell the security, the Corporation must evaluate the expected cash flows to be received to determine if a credit loss has occurred. In the event of a credit loss, only the amount of impairment associated with the credit loss is recognized in income. The portion of the unrealized loss relating to other factors, such as liquidity conditions in the market or changes in market interest rates, is recorded in other comprehensive income. Equity securities are also evaluated to determine whether the unrealized loss is expected to be recoverable based on whether evidence exists to support a realizable value equal to or greater than the amortized cost basis. If it is probable that the Corporation will not recover the amortized cost basis, taking into consideration the estimated recovery period and its ability to hold the equity security until recovery, OTTI is recognized.

The security-level assessment is performed on each security, regardless of the classification of the security as available for sale or held to maturity. The assessments are based on the nature of the securities, the financial condition of the issuer, the extent and duration of the securities, the extent and duration of the loss and the intent and whether Management intends to sell or it is more likely than not that it will be required to sell a security before recovery of its amortized cost basis, which may be maturity. For those securities for which the assessment shows the Corporation will recover the entire cost basis, Management does not intend to sell these securities and it is not more likely than not that the Corporation will be required to sell them before the anticipated recovery of the amortized cost basis, the gross unrealized losses are recognized in other comprehensive income, net of tax.

As of March 31, 2013, gross unrealized losses are concentrated within corporate debt securities which is composed of eight, single issuer, trust preferred securities with stated maturities. Such investments are less than 2% of the fair value of the entire investment portfolio. None of the corporate issuers have deferred paying dividends on their issued trust preferred shares in which the Corporation is invested. The fair values of these investments have been impacted by the market conditions which have caused risk premiums to increase, resulting in the decline in the fair value of the trust preferred securities. Management believes the Corporation will fully recover the cost of these securities and it does not intend to sell these securities and it is not more likely than not that it will be required to sell them before the anticipated recovery of the remaining amortized cost basis, which may be maturity. As a result, Management concluded that these securities were not other-than-temporarily impaired at March 31, 2013 and has recognized the total amount of the impairment in other comprehensive income, net of tax.

Contractual Maturity of Debt Securities

The following table shows the remaining contractual maturities and contractual yields of debt securities held-to-maturity and available-for-sale as of September 30, 2012March 31, 2013. Estimated lives on mortgage-backed securities may differ from contractual maturities as issuers may have the right to call or prepay obligations with or without call or prepayment penalties.


15

FIRSTMERIT CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS  - Continued
(Dollars in thousands)


U.S.
Government
agency
debentures
 
U.S. States and
political
subdivisions
obligations
 
Residential
mortgage-backed
securities - U.S
govt. agency
obligations
 
Commercial mortgage-backed
securities - U.S
govt. agency
obligations
 
Residential
collateralized
mortgage
obligations -
U.S. govt.
agency
obligations
 
Residential
collateralized
mortgage
obligations -
non - U.S.
govt. agency
issued
 
Commercial
collateralized
mortgage
obligations -
U.S. govt.
agency
obligations
 
Corporate
debt
securities
 Total 
Weighted
Average
Yield
 
U.S. states
and political
subdivisions
obligations
 
Residential
mortgage
backed
securities
U.S.
govt. agency
obligations
 
Commercial mortgage
backed
securities
U.S.
govt. agency
obligations
 
Residential
collateralized
mortgage
obligations -
U.S. govt.
agency
obligations
 
Residential
collateralized
mortgage
obligations -
non-U.S.
govt. agency
obligations
 
Commercial
collateralized
mortgage
obligations -
U.S. govt.
agency
obligations
 
Corporate
debt
securities
 Total 
Weighted
Average
Yield
Securities Available for Sale                                     
Remaining maturity:                                     
One year or less$35,137
 $7,322
 $4,032
 $5,073
 $62,769
 $
 $
 $
 $114,333
 2.68% $11,950
 $2,360
 $17,976
 $27,621
 $
 $
 $
 $59,907
 3.58%
Over one year through five years
 27,234
 1,265,886
 
 1,111,218
 12
 63,358
 
 2,467,708
 2.55% 37,903
 1,070,345
 
 1,448,836
 11
 81,606
 
 2,638,701
 2.20%
Over five years through ten years
 177,836
 7,913
 10,594
 31,538
 
 5,307
 
 233,188
 4.74% 171,780
 79,621
 40,598
 128,822
 
 28,996
 
 449,817
 3.09%
Over ten years
 46,026
 
 
 
 
 
 47,493
 93,519
 2.74% 40,973
 
 
 
 
 
 51,225
 92,198
 2.24%
Fair Value$35,137
 $258,418
 $1,277,831
 $15,667
 $1,205,525
 $12
 $68,665
 $47,493
 $2,908,748
 2.74% $262,606
 $1,152,326
 $58,574
 $1,605,279
 $11
 $110,602
 $51,225
 $3,240,623
 2.35%
Amortized Cost$35,109
 $241,436
 $1,216,671
 $15,434
 $1,188,072
 $12
 $66,316
 $61,527
 $2,824,577
   $249,750
 $1,109,905
 $58,827
 $1,591,341
 $11
 $108,658
 $61,555
 $3,180,047
  
Weighted-Average Yield0.73% 5.37% 2.98% 1.75% 2.14% 3.81% 2.13% 1.09% 2.74%   5.14% 2.64% 2.14% 1.80% 3.41% 1.82% 0.99% 2.35%  
Weighted-Average Maturity0.14
 7.83
 3.02
 4.00
 2.94
 1.92
 4.35
 15.06
 3.66
   7.67
 3.60
 4.53
 3.72
 1.52
 4.81
 14.52
 4.25
  
                  
Securities Held to Maturity                                     
Remaining maturity:                                     
One year or less$
 $45,126
 $
 $
 $
 $
 $
 $
 $45,126
 1.61% $56,981
 $
 $
 $
 $
 $
 $
 $56,981
 1.64%
Over one year through five years
 15,116
 
 
 129,661
 
 21,160
 33,529
 199,466
 2.17% 19,031
 
 
 138,519
 
 41,746
 40,625
 239,921
 2.21%
Over five years through ten years
 30,309
 
 33,941
 
 
 78,855
 65,071
 208,176
 2.81% 60,079
 
 41,187
 
 
 57,187
 56,751
 215,204
 3.30%
Over ten years
 178,469
 
 
 
 
 
 
 178,469
 5.14% 161,395
 
 
 
 
 
 
 161,395
 5.50%
Fair Value$
 $269,020
 $
 $33,941
 $129,661
 $
 $100,015
 $98,600
 $631,237
 3.18% $297,486
 $
 $41,187
 $138,519
 $
 $98,933
 $97,376
 $673,501
 3.30%
Amortized Cost$
 $262,091
 $
 $33,149
 $129,265
 $
 $98,961
 $97,165
 $620,631
   $292,689
 $
 $40,413
 $137,839
 $
 $98,887
 $95,761
 $665,589
  
Weighted-Average Yield% 5.10% % 1.42% 1.89% % 2.91% 2.23% 3.18%   5.48% % 1.85% 1.92% % 2.91% 2.18% 3.30%  
Weighted-Average Maturity
 13.48
 
 6.03
 2.70
 
 6.86
 5.29
 7.35
   12.96
 
 5.82
 3.31
 
 6.39
 4.75
 7.05
  


16


5FIRSTMERIT CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS  - Continued
(Dollars in thousands)


4.     Loans

Total noncovered and covered loans outstanding as of September 30, 2012March 31, 2013December 31, 20112012 and September 30, 2011March 31, 2012 were as follows:

 September 30, 2012 December 31, 2011 September 30, 2011
Commercial$5,511,678
 $5,107,747
 $5,018,857
Residential mortgage439,062
 413,664
 397,309
Installment1,321,081
 1,263,665
 1,271,327
Home equity789,743
 743,982
 743,377
Credit card143,918
 146,356
 142,710
Leases110,938
 73,530
 57,992
Total noncovered loans (a)8,316,420
 7,748,944
 7,631,572
Allowance for noncovered loan losses(98,942) (107,699) (109,187)
Net noncovered loans8,217,478
 7,641,245
 7,522,385
Covered loans (b)1,174,929
 1,497,140
 1,647,218
Allowance for covered loan losses(43,644) (36,417) (34,603)
Net covered loans1,131,285
 1,460,723
 1,612,615
Net loans$9,348,763
 $9,101,968
 $9,135,000
(a)
Includes acquired, noncovered loans of $56.0 million, $113.2 million and $178.0 million as of September 30,
  March 31, 2013 December 31, 2012 March 31, 2012
Commercial$5,888,337
 $5,866,489
 $5,220,051
Residential mortgage451,522
 445,211
 428,950
Installment1,322,795
 1,328,258
 1,259,930
Home equity812,458
 806,078
 739,548
Credit cards140,721
 146,387
 140,618
Leases164,137
 139,236
 74,112
 Total noncovered loans (a)8,779,970
 8,731,659
 7,863,209
Allowance for noncovered loan losses(98,843) (98,942) (103,849)
 Net noncovered loans8,681,127
 8,632,717
 7,759,360
Covered loans (b)896,832
 1,019,125
 1,378,150
Allowance for covered loan losses(47,945) (43,255) (41,070)
 Net covered loans848,887
 975,870
 1,337,080
 Net loans$9,530,014
 $9,608,587
 $9,096,440
(a) Includes acquired, noncovered loans of $54.1 million, $54.2 million, $99.2 million as of March 31, 2013, December 31, 2012 and March 31, 2012, respectively.
(b) Includes loss share receivable of $95.6 million, $113.7 million and $171.1 million as of March 31, 2013, December 31, 2012 and March 31, 2012, December 31, 2011 and September 30, 2011, respectively.
(b)
Includes loss share receivable of $131.9 million, $205.7 million and $220.5 million as of September 30, 2012December 31, 2011 and September 30, 2011, respectively.

17



Originated loans are presented net of deferred loan origination fees and costs, which amounted to $5.86.8 million, $6.06.5 million and $5.86.6 million at September 30, 2012March 31, 2013, December 31, 20112012 and September 30, 2011March 31, 2012, respectively. Acquired loans, including covered loans, are recorded at fair value as of the date of purchase with no allowance for loan loss. As discussed in Note 3 (Business Combinations),In 2010, the Bank acquired loans with a fair value of $275.6 million on February 19, 2010 in its acquisition of the First Bank branches, and $177.8 million on February 19, 2010 and $1.8 billion on May 14, 2010 in conjunction with the FDIC-assisted acquisitions of George Washington and Midwest, respectively. The loans that were acquired in these FDIC-assisted transactions are covered by loss sharing agreements, thatwhich afford the Bank significant loss protection. Loans covered under loss sharing agreements, including the amounts of expected reimbursements from the FDIC under these agreements, are reported as covered loans in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets.

Changes in the loss share receivable associated with covered loans for the three and ninethree months endedSeptember 30, 2012 March 31, 2013 and 20112012, respectively, were as follows:
Three Months Ended Nine Months EndedThree Months Ended
September 30, 2012 September 30, 2011 September 30, 2012 September 30, 2011March 31, 2013 March 31, 2012
Balance at beginning of period$152,615
 $239,424
 $205,664
 $288,605
$113,734
 $205,664
Accretion(8,401) (9,322) (26,935) (30,821)(8,104) (9,657)
Increase due to impairment1,484
 8,224
 12,601
 31,077
5,539
 4,899
FDIC reimbursement(12,597) (14,493) (50,678) (62,895)(10,549) (27,430)
Covered loans paid in full(1,229) (3,362) (8,780) (5,495)(5,027) (2,340)
Balance at end of the period$131,872
 $220,471
 $131,872
 $220,471
$95,593
 $171,136
       




17

FIRSTMERIT CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS  - Continued
(Dollars in thousands)


Acquired Loans

The Corporation evaluates acquired loans for impairment in accordance with the provisions of ASC 310-30, Loans and Debt Securities Acquired with Deteriorated Credit Quality (“("ASC 310-30”310-30"). Acquired loans are considered impaired if there is evidence of credit deterioration since origination and if it is probable that not all contractually required payments will be collected. Acquired impaired loans are not classified as nonperforming assets as the loans are considered to be performing under ASC 310-30.

All loans acquired in the First Bank acquisition were performing as of the date of acquisition. The difference between the fair value and the outstanding principal balance of the First Bank acquired loans is being accreted to interest income over the remaining term of the loans.

The Corporation has elected to account for all loans acquired in the George Washington and Midwest acquisitions under ASC 310-30 (“("Acquired Impaired Loans”Loans") except for $162.6 million of acquired loans with revolving privileges, which are outside the scope of this guidance and which are being accounted for in accordance with ASC 310 (“("Acquired Non-Impaired Loans”Loans"). The outstanding balance, including contractual principal, interest, fees and penalties, of all covered loans accounted for in accordance with ASC 310-30 was $1.31.0 billion, $1.61.2 billion, and $1.71.5 billion as of September 30, 2012March 31, 2013, December 31, 20112012 and September 30, 2011March 31, 2012, respectively.

Over the life of the loans acquired and considered to be impaired under ASC 310-30, the Corporation evaluates the remaining contractual required payments receivable and estimates cash flows expected to be collected, considering the impact of prepayments. The excess of an acquired impaired loan's contractually required payments over the amount of its undiscounted cash flows expected to be collected is referred to as the nonaccretable difference. The nonaccretable difference, which is neither accreted into income nor recorded on our consolidated balance sheet, reflects estimated future credit losses and uncollectible contractual interest expected to be incurred over the life of the acquired impaired loan. The excess of cash flows expected to be

18



collected over the carrying amount of the acquired impaired loans is referred to as the accretable yield. This amount is accreted into interest income over the remaining life of the acquired impaired loans or pools using the level yield method. The accretable yield is affected by changes in interest rate indices for variable rate loans, changes in prepayment speed assumptions and changes in expected principal and interest payments over the estimated lives of the acquired impaired loans.

The contractually required payments receivable represents the total undiscounted amount of all uncollected principal and interest payments. Contractually required payments receivable may increase or decrease for a variety of reasons, for example, when the contractual terms of the loan agreement are modified, when interest rates on variable rate loans change, or when principal and/or interest payments are received.

Cash flows expected to be collected on acquired impaired loans are estimated by incorporating several key assumptions similar to the initial estimate of fair value. These key assumptions include probability of default, loss given default, and the amount of actual prepayments after the acquisition dates. Prepayments affect the estimated life of loans and could change the amount of interest income, and possibly principal, expected to be collected. In reforecasting future estimated cash flows, credit loss expectations are adjusted as necessary. These adjustments are based, in part, on actual loss severities recognized for each loan type, as well as changes in the probability of default. For periods in which estimated cash flows are not reforecasted, the prior reporting period's estimated cash flows are adjusted to reflect the actual cash received and credit events that transpired during the current reporting period.
 

18

FIRSTMERIT CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS  - Continued
(Dollars in thousands)


Changes in the carrying amount and accretable yield for Acquired Impaired Loans were as follows for the three and ninethree months endedSeptember 30, 2012 March 31, 2013 and 20112012:
Three Months Ended Nine Months EndedThree Months Ended
September 30, 2012 September 30, 2011 September 30, 2012 September 30, 2011March 31, 2013 March 31, 2012
Accretable
Yield
 
Carrying
Amount 
 
Accretable
Yield
 
Carrying
Amount 
 
Accretable
Yield
 
Carrying
Amount 
 
Accretable
Yield
 
Carrying
Amount 
Accretable
Yield
 
Carrying
Amount of
Loans
 
Accretable
Yield
 
Carrying
Amount of
Loans
Balance at beginning of period$147,576
 $964,314
 $196,525
 $1,337,921
 $176,736
 $1,128,978
 $227,652
 $1,512,817
$113,288
 $762,386
 $176,736
 $1,128,978
Accretion(23,631) 23,631
 (31,120) 31,120
 (75,478) 75,478
 (101,244) 101,244
(19,514) 19,514
 (26,442) 26,442
Net Reclassifications from non-accretable to accretable6,008
 
 27,160
 
 30,814
 
 67,118
 
Net reclassifications from non-accretable to accretable10,569
 
 11,813
 
Payments received, net
 (96,593) 
 (114,500) 
 (313,104) 
 (359,520)
 (125,230) 
 (111,901)
Disposals(1,929) 
 (1,057) 
 (4,048) 
 (2,018) 
(2,213) 
 (815) 
Balance at end of period$128,024
 $891,352
 $191,508
 $1,254,541
 $128,024
 $891,352
 $191,508
 $1,254,541
$102,130
 $656,670
 $161,292
 $1,043,519

A reconciliation of the contractual required payments receivable to the carrying amount of Acquired Impaired Loans as of September 30, 2012March 31, 2013 and 20112012 is as follows:
September 30, 2012 September 30, 2011March 31, 2013 March 31, 2012
Contractual required payments receivable$1,333,127
 $1,742,815
$1,040,245
 $1,515,024
Nonaccretable difference(313,751) (296,766)(281,445) (310,213)
Expected cash flows1,019,376
 1,446,049
758,800
 1,204,811
Accretable yield(128,024) (191,508)(102,130) (161,292)
Carrying balance$891,352
 $1,254,541
$656,670
 $1,043,519
   

Increases in expected cash flows subsequent to the acquisition are recognized prospectively through adjustment of the yield on the loans or pools over its remaining life, while decreases in expected cash flows are recognized as impairment through a provision for loan loss and an increase in the allowance for covered loan

19



losses. The most recent quarterly evaluation of the remaining contractual required payments receivable and cash flows expected to be collected resulted in an overall improvement in the cash flow expectations as a result of positive changes in risk ratings, improvements in the underlying value of collateral dependent loans and actual cash flows received higher than expected. There were no significant changes from prior periods to key assumptions used in the most recent quarterly evaluation of cash flows expected to be collected.

The overall improvement in the cash flow expectations resulted in the reclassification from nonaccretable difference to accretable yield of $6.010.6 million during the three months ended September 30, 2012March 31, 2013. These reclassifications resulted in yield adjustments on these loans and pools on a prospective basis to interest income. Improved cash flow expectations for loans or pools that were impaired during prior periods were recorded first as a reversal of previously recorded impairment and then as an increase in prospective yield when all previously recorded impairment has been recaptured. Additionally, the FDIC loss share receivable was also reduced by the guaranteed portion of the additional cash flows expected to be received through an increase in provision expense and a corresponding reduction in the prospective yield of the remaining loss share receivable.

The most recent quarterly evaluation of the remaining contractual required payments receivable and cash flows expected to be collected resulted in the decline in the cash flow expectations of certain loans and pools during the quarterthree months ended September 30, 2012March 31, 2013. The decline in expected cash flows was recorded as provision expense of $7.79.7 million in the quarterthree months ended September 30, 2012March 31, 2013 with a related increase of $1.55.5 million in the loss share receivable for the portion of the losses recoverable under the loss share agreements with the FDIC. This decrease in cash flows resulted in a net provision for covered loan losses of $6.24.1 million

19

FIRSTMERIT CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS  - Continued
(Dollars in thousands)


for the three months ended March 31, 2013 compared to a net provision of $5.9 million as infor the quarterthree months ended September 30,March 31, 2012. Further detail on impairment and provision expense related to acquired impaired loans can be found in the Note 6 (Allowance for Loan Losses).

Credit Quality Disclosures

The credit quality of the Corporation’sCorporation's loan portfolios is assessed as a function of net credit losses, levels of nonperforming assets and delinquencies, and credit quality ratings as defined by the Corporation. These credit quality ratings are an important part of the Corporation’sCorporation's overall credit risk management process and evaluation of the allowance for credit losses. See Note 6 (Allowance for Loan Losses) for further information.

Generally, loans, except for certain commercial, credit card and mortgage loans, and leases on which payments are past due for 90 days are placed on nonaccrual status, unless those loans are in the process of collection and, in Management’sManagement's opinion, are fully secured. Credit card loans on which payments are past due for 120 days are placed on nonaccrual status. When a loan is placed on nonaccrual status, interest deemed uncollectible which had been accrued in prior years is charged against the allowance for loan losses and interest deemed uncollectible accrued in the current year is reversed against interest income. Interest on mortgage loans is accrued until Management deems it uncollectible based upon the specific identification method. Payments subsequently received on nonaccrual loans are generally applied to principal. A loan is returned to accrual status when principal and interest are no longer past due and collectability is probable. This generally requires timely principal and interest payments for a minimum of six consecutive payment cycles. Loans are generally written off when deemed uncollectible or when they reach a predetermined number of days past due depending upon loan product, terms and other factors.




20

FIRSTMERIT CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS  - Continued
(Dollars in thousands)


The following tables provide a summary of loans by portfolio type, including the delinquency status of those loans that continue to accrue interest and those loans that are nonaccrual.
As of September 30, 2012
                
Legacy Loans            
90 Days
Past Due 
and
Accruing (a)
  
  Days Past Due Total Past Due Current 
Total
Loans
  
Nonaccrual
Loans (b)
 30-59 60-89 ≥ 90 
Commercial               
C&I$8,781
 $2,795
 $1,469
 $13,045
 $3,033,770
 $3,046,815
 $57
 $9,926
CRE3,197
 3,856
 14,311
 21,364
 2,099,760
 2,121,124
 1,862
 17,812
Construction116
 
 853
 969
 308,136
 309,105
 
 923
Leases7
 
 
 7
 110,931
 110,938
 
 
Consumer               
Installment8,884
 3,430
 4,834
 17,148
 1,301,995
 1,319,143
 4,439
 3,267
Home Equity Lines1,784
 463
 1,311
 3,558
 768,013
 771,571
 409
 1,858
Credit Cards991
 556
 808
 2,355
 141,563
 143,918
 393
 525
Residential Mortgages14,364
 2,777
 6,233
 23,374
 414,438
 437,812
 2,399
 13,169
Total$38,124
 $13,877
 $29,819
 $81,820
 $8,178,606
 $8,260,426
 $9,559
 $47,480
Acquired Loans (Noncovered)              
  Days Past Due Total Past Due Current 
Total
Loans
 
≥ 90 Days
Past Due 
and
Accruing
 Nonaccrual Loans
  30-59 60-89 ≥ 90 
Commercial               
C&I$
 $
 $50
 $50
 $2,366
 $2,416
 $
 $69
CRE
 
 2,565
 2,565
 29,653
 32,218
 
 2,762
Consumer          
    
Installment50
 
 
 50
 1,888
 1,938
 
 
Home Equity Lines56
 9
 100
 165
 18,007
 18,172
 132
 
Residential Mortgages63
 
 
 63
 1,187
 1,250
 
 
Total$169
 $9
 $2,715
 $2,893
 $53,101
 $55,994
 $132
 $2,831
Covered Loans (c)            ≥ 90 Days Past Due and Accruing (d)   
  Days Past Due Total Past Due Current Total Loans Nonaccrual Loans (d)
  30-59 60-89 ≥ 90  
Commercial                
C&I$2,962
 $973
 $27,035
 $30,970
 $131,721
 $162,691
 n/a n/a
CRE4,965
 21,919
 184,067
 210,951
 412,323
 623,274
 n/a n/a
Construction
 998
 41,325
 42,323
 19,453
 61,776
 n/a n/a
Consumer          
     
Installment2,289
 
 35
 2,324
 6,036
 8,360
 n/a n/a
Home Equity Lines1,398
 435
 1,981
 3,814
 119,364
 123,178
 n/a n/a
Residential Mortgages10,382
 1,248
 8,576
 20,206
 43,573
 63,779
 n/a n/a
Total$21,996
 $25,573
 $263,019
 $310,588
 $732,470
 $1,043,058
 n/a n/a
(a)
Installment loans 90 days or more past due and accruing include $3.1 million of loans guaranteed by the U.S. government as of September 30, 2012.
(b)
Nonaccrual loans at September 30, 2012 include $10.6 million of loans resulting from consumer loans classified as troubled debt restructurings where the borrower's obligation to the Corporation has been restructured in bankruptcy.
(c)
Excludes loss share receivable of $131.9 million as of September 30, 2012.
(d)
Acquired impaired loans were not classified as nonperforming assets at September 30, 2012 as the loans are considered to be performing under ASC 310-30. As a result interest income, through the accretion of the difference between the carrying amount of the loans and the expected cash flows, is being recognized on all acquired impaired loans. These asset quality disclosures are, therefore, not applicable to acquired impaired loans.

21



As of December 31, 2011
                
Legacy Loans      Total Past Due Current 
Total
Loans
 
≥ 90 Days
Past Due 
and
Accruing (a)
 Nonaccrual Loans
 Days Past Due 
 30-59 60-89 ≥ 90 
Commercial               
C&I$1,521
 $940
 $5,490
 $7,951
 $2,740,751
 $2,748,702
 $465
 $9,266
CRE6,187
 4,819
 29,976
 40,982
 1,951,211
 1,992,193
 984
 36,025
Construction39
 
 7,837
 7,876
 269,459
 277,335
 609
 7,575
Leases
 
 
 
 73,530
 73,530
 
 
Consumer               
Installment11,531
 3,388
 5,167
 20,086
 1,241,059
 1,261,145
 4,864
 624
Home Equity Lines2,627
 778
 1,241
 4,646
 720,045
 724,691
 796
 1,102
Credit Cards1,090
 707
 1,019
 2,816
 143,540
 146,356
 403
 622
Residential Mortgages11,778
 2,059
 9,719
 23,556
 388,268
 411,824
 3,252
 6,468
Total$34,773
 $12,691
 $60,449
 $107,913
 $7,527,863
 $7,635,776
 $11,373
 $61,682
Acquired Loans (Noncovered)      Total Past Due Current 
Total
Loans
 
≥ 90 Days
Past Due 
and
Accruing
 
Nonaccrual
Loans
 Days Past Due 
 30-59 60-89 ≥ 90 
Commercial               
C&I$
 $
 $66
 $66
 $26,708
 $26,774
 $
 $69
CRE
 452
 1,675
 2,127
 60,616
 62,743
 
 2,880
Consumer               
Installment
 
 1
 1
 2,519
 2,520
 1
 
Home Equity Lines67
 
 1
 68
 19,223
 19,291
 2
 
Residential Mortgages
 
 
 
 1,840
 1,840
 
 
Total$67
 $452
 $1,743
 $2,262
 $110,906
 $113,168
 $3
 $2,949
Covered Loans (b)      Total Past Due Current 
Total
Loans
 
≥ 90 Days
Past Due 
and
Accruing (c)
 
Nonaccrual
Loans (c)
  Days Past Due 
  30-59 60-89 ≥ 90 
Commercial               
C&I$7,451
 $2,137
 $25,801
 $35,389
 $162,150
 $197,539
 n/a n/a
CRE20,379
 12,895
 170,795
 204,069
 573,779
 777,848
 n/a n/a
Construction4,206
 1,674
 57,978
 63,858
 26,051
 89,909
 n/a n/a
Consumer               
Installment24
 25
 60
 109
 10,013
 10,122
 n/a n/a
Home Equity Lines2,656
 1,094
 1,088
 4,838
 136,710
 141,548
 n/a n/a
Residential Mortgages14,106
 164
 14,254
 28,524
 45,986
 74,510
 n/a n/a
Total$48,822
 $17,989
 $269,976
 $336,787
 $954,689
 $1,291,476
 n/a n/a
(a)
Installment loans 90 days or more past due and accruing include $3.0 million of loans guaranteed by the U.S. government as of December 31, 2011.
(b)
Excludes loss share receivable of $205.7 million as of December 31, 2011.
(c)
Acquired impaired loans were not classified as nonperforming assets at December 31, 2011 as the loans are considered to be performing under ASC 310-30. As a result interest income, through the accretion of the difference between the carrying amount of the loans and the expected cash flows, is being recognized on all acquired impaired loans. These asset quality disclosures are, therefore, not applicable to acquired impaired loans.



22



As of September 30, 2011
                
Legacy Loans            
90 Days
Past Due 
and
Accruing
  
  Days Past Due 
Total
Past Due
 Current 
Total
Loans
 
Nonaccrual
Loans
 30-59 60-89 ≥ 90 
Commercial               
C&I$12,639
 $6,255
 $5,361
 $24,255
 $2,633,735
 $2,657,990
 $123
 $6,096
CRE5,145
 11,030
 33,003
 49,178
 1,907,048
 1,956,226
 
 39,560
Construction779
 1,719
 8,943
 11,441
 241,137
 252,578
 
 10,580
Leases
 
 
 
 57,992
 57,992
 
 
Consumer               
Installment9,090
 4,225
 5,052
 18,367
 1,249,676
 1,268,043
 1,125
 438
Home Equity Lines2,474
 731
 922
 4,127
 718,494
 722,621
 922
 753
Credit Cards1,222
 701
 771
 2,694
 140,016
 142,710
 357
 614
Residential Mortgages9,687
 2,412
 7,648
 19,747
 375,706
 395,453
 1,481
 6,166
Total$41,036
 $27,073
 $61,700
 $129,809
 $7,323,804
 $7,453,613
 $4,008
 $64,207
Acquired Loans (Noncovered)           
≥ 90 Days
Past Due 
and
Accruing
  
  Days Past Due 
Total
Past  Due
 Current 
Total
Loans
 
Nonaccrual
Loans
  30-59 60-89 ≥ 90 
Commercial               
C&I$448
 $
 $138
 $586
 $43,682
 $44,268
 $
 $138
CRE1,746
 1,696
 3,284
 6,726
 101,069
 107,795
 394
 3,558
Consumer               
Installment1
 
 
 1
 3,283
 3,284
 
 
Home Equity Lines
 37
 1
 38
 20,718
 20,756
 1
 
Residential Mortgages78
 
 
 78
 1,778
 1,856
 
 
Total$2,273
 $1,733
 $3,423
 $7,429
 $170,530
 $177,959
 $395
 $3,696
As of March 31, 2013As of March 31, 2013
Legacy Loans            ≥ 90 Days  
Days Past Due Total   Total Past Due and Nonaccrual
30-59 60-89 ≥ 90 Past Due Current Loans Accruing (a) Loans
Commercial               
C&I$3,828
 $1,372
 $4,188
 $9,388
 $3,369,057
 $3,378,445
 $
 $8,274
CRE2,872
 3,442
 8,668
 14,982
 2,149,975
 2,164,957
 1,683
 11,676
Construction
 
 1,134
 1,134
 309,591
 310,725
 1,058
 439
Leases
 
 
 
 164,137
 164,137
 
 
Consumer               
Installment7,778
 2,614
 4,932
 15,324
 1,305,753
 1,321,077
 4,321
 4,695
Home Equity Lines1,287
 479
 1,172
 2,938
 792,540
 795,478
 275
 2,275
Credit Cards825
 580
 773
 2,178
 138,543
 140,721
 364
 510
Residential Mortgages11,312
 2,732
 5,921
 19,965
 430,334
 450,299
 4,508
 9,484
Total$27,902
 $11,219
 $26,788
 $65,909
 $8,659,930
 $8,725,839
 $12,209
 $37,353
Acquired Loans (Noncovered)Acquired Loans (Noncovered)           ≥ 90 Days  
Days Past Due Total   Total Past Due and Nonaccrual
30-59 60-89 ≥ 90 Past Due Current Loans Accruing Loans
Commercial               
C&I$
 $
 $
 $
 $4,179
 $4,179
 $
 $
CRE
 324
 2,696
 3,020
 27,011
 30,031
 
 3,454
Consumer               
Installment19
 29
 
 48
 1,670
 1,718
 
 2
Home Equity Lines51
 17
 139
 207
 16,773
 16,980
 184
 
Residential Mortgages63
 
 
 63
 1,160
 1,223
 
 
Total$133
 $370
 $2,835
 $3,338
 $50,793
 $54,131
 $184
 $3,456
Covered Loans (b)            
≥ 90 Days
Past Due 
and
Accruing(c)
               ≥ 90 Days  
Days Past Due 
Total
Past Due
 Current 
Total
Loans
 
Nonaccrual
Loans (c)
Days Past Due Total   Total Past Due and Nonaccrual
30-59 60-89 ≥ 90 30-59 60-89 ≥ 90 Past Due Current Loans Accruing (c) Loans (c)
Commercial                             
C&I$3,913
 $2,108
 $32,491
 $38,512
 $178,882
 $217,394
 n/a n/a$1,685
 $1,038
 $21,343
 $24,066
 $87,357
 $111,423
 n/a n/a
CRE17,486
 11,963
 198,957
 228,406
 649,812
 878,218
 n/a n/a2,617
 13,964
 161,256
 177,837
 290,125
 467,962
 n/a n/a
Construction913
 1,346
 68,016
 70,275
 29,779
 100,054
 n/a n/a
 
 36,157
 36,157
 5,646
 41,803
 n/a n/a
Consumer                             
Installment505
 136
 42
 683
 10,455
 11,138
 n/a n/a20
 
 41
 61
 8,020
 8,081
 n/a n/a
Home Equity Lines500
 896
 979
 2,375
 143,757
 146,132
 n/a n/a1,567
 119
 1,881
 3,567
 109,776
 113,343
 n/a n/a
Residential Mortgages14,807
 1,062
 9,364
 25,233
 48,578
 73,811
 n/a n/a9,849
 724
 6,509
 17,082
 41,545
 58,627
 n/a n/a
Total$38,124
 $17,511
 $309,849
 $365,484
 $1,061,263
 $1,426,747
 n/a n/a$15,738
 $15,845
 $227,187
 $258,770
 $542,469
 $801,239
 n/a n/a
               
(a) Installment loans 90 days or more past due and accruing include $2.63.5 million of loans guaranteed by the U.S. government as of September 30, 2011March 31, 2013.
(b) Excludes loss share receivable of $220.595.6 million as of September 30, 2011March 31, 2013.
(c) Acquired impaired loans were not classified as nonperforming assets at September 30, 2011March 31, 2013 as the loans are considered to be performing under ASC 310-30. As a result interest income, through the accretion of the difference between the carrying amount of the loans and the expected cash flows, is being recognized on all acquired impaired loans. These asset quality disclosures are, therefore, not applicable to acquired impaired loans.


21

FIRSTMERIT CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS  - Continued
(Dollars in thousands)


As of December 31, 2012
Legacy Loans            ≥ 90 Days  
 Days Past Due Total   Total Past Due and Nonaccrual
 30-59 60-89 ≥ 90 Past Due Current Loans Accruing (a) Loans
Commercial               
C&I$3,814
 $1,788
 $3,571
 $9,173
 $3,294,527
 $3,303,700
 $104
 $5,255
CRE4,181
 4,483
 8,901
 17,565
 2,175,967
 2,193,532
 382
 13,018
Construction981
 
 597
 1,578
 333,969
 335,547
 
 731
Leases6
 
 
 6
 139,230
 139,236
 
 
Consumer               
Installment11,722
 3,193
 5,608
 20,523
 1,305,921
 1,326,444
 4,909
 2,911
Home Equity Lines1,584
 880
 1,227
 3,691
 784,988
 788,679
 475
 1,557
Credit Cards969
 558
 954
 2,481
 143,906
 146,387
 438
 598
Residential Mortgages13,228
 2,488
 5,231
 20,947
 423,028
 443,975
 3,076
 9,852
Total$36,485
 $13,390
 $26,089
 $75,964
 $8,601,536
 $8,677,500
 $9,384
 $33,922
                
Acquired Loans (Noncovered)           ≥ 90 Days  
 Days Past Due Total   Total Past Due and Nonaccrual
 30-59 60-89 ≥ 90 Past Due Current Loans Accruing Loans
Commercial               
C&I$
 $198
 $
 $198
 $2,628
 $2,826
 $
 $
CRE
 47
 2,634
 2,681
 28,203
 30,884
 
 2,762
Consumer               
Installment
 
 31
 31
 1,783
 1,814
 33
 3
Home Equity Lines
 
 
 
 17,399
 17,399
 
 
Residential Mortgages63
 
 
 63
 1,173
 1,236
 
 
Total$63
 $245
 $2,665
 $2,973
 $51,186
 $54,159
 $33
 $2,765
                
Covered Loans (b)            ≥ 90 Days  
 Days Past Due Total   Total Past Due and Nonaccrual
 30-59 60-89 ≥ 90 Past Due Current Loans Accruing (c) Loans (c)
Commercial               
C&I$931
 $981
 $24,111
 $26,023
 $102,486
 $128,509
 n/a n/a
CRE4,130
 15,019
 172,444
 191,593
 348,002
 539,595
 n/a n/a
Construction589
 7,925
 34,314
 42,828
 7,505
 50,333
 n/a n/a
Consumer               
Installment1
 65
 21
 87
 8,102
 8,189
 n/a n/a
Home Equity Lines1,528
 654
 2,211
 4,393
 112,832
 117,225
 n/a n/a
Residential Mortgages10,005
 442
 7,763
 18,210
 43,330
 61,540
 n/a n/a
Total$17,184
 $25,086
 $240,864
 $283,134
 $622,257
 $905,391
 n/a n/a
                
(a) Installment loans 90 days or more past due and accruing include $3.4 million of loans guaranteed by the U.S. government as of December 31, 2012.
(b) Excludes loss share receivable of $113.7 million as of December 31, 2012.
(c) Acquired impaired loans were not classified as nonperforming assets at December 31, 2012 as the loans are considered to be performing under ASC 310-30. As a result interest income, through the accretion of the difference between the carrying amount of the loans and the expected cash flows, is being recognized on all acquired impaired loans. These asset quality disclosures are, therefore, not applicable to acquired impaired loans.


22

FIRSTMERIT CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS  - Continued
(Dollars in thousands)


As of March 31, 2012
Legacy Loans            ≥ 90 Days  
 Days Past Due Total   Total Past Due and Nonaccrual
 30-59 60-89 ≥ 90 Past Due Current Loans Accruing (a) Loans
Commercial               
C&I$9,683
 $598
 $4,464
 $14,745
 $2,858,427
 $2,873,172
 $260
 $5,450
CRE7,066
 2,270
 23,439
 32,775
 1,951,798
 1,984,573
 614
 32,145
Construction279
 
 5,309
 5,588
 280,127
 285,715
 
 5,451
Leases775
 
 
 775
 73,337
 74,112
 
 
Consumer               
Installment7,979
 2,226
 4,380
 14,585
 1,243,165
 1,257,750
 4,141
 434
Home Equity Lines2,229
 469
 1,126
 3,824
 717,013
 720,837
 556
 1,113
Credit Cards913
 476
 809
 2,198
 138,420
 140,618
 309
 522
Residential Mortgages8,269
 2,444
 10,029
 20,742
 406,540
 427,282
 3,381
 6,648
Total$37,193
 $8,483
 $49,556
 $95,232
 $7,668,827
 $7,764,059
 $9,261
 $51,763
                
Acquired Loans (Noncovered)           ≥ 90 Days  
 Days Past Due Total   Total Past Due and Nonaccrual
 30-59 60-89 ≥ 90 Past Due Current Loans Accruing Loans
Commercial               
C&I$
 $
 $65
 $65
 $17,488
 $17,553
 $
 $70
CRE818
 
 706
 1,524
 57,514
 59,038
 
 1,430
Consumer               
Installment
 14
 
 14
 2,166
 2,180
 
 
Home Equity Lines220
 25
 
 245
 18,466
 18,711
 
 
Residential Mortgages
 
 
 
 1,668
 1,668
 
 
Total$1,038
 $39
 $771
 $1,848
 $97,302
 $99,150
 $
 $1,500
                
Covered Loans (b)            ≥ 90 Days  
 Days Past Due Total   Total Past Due and Nonaccrual
 30-59 60-89 ≥ 90 Past Due Current Loans Accruing (c) Loans (c)
Commercial               
C&I$3,736
 $105
 $28,654
 $32,495
 $149,471
 $181,966
 n/a n/a
CRE29,417
 3,318
 162,963
 195,698
 530,405
 726,103
 n/a n/a
Construction1,695
 11,688
 57,628
 71,011
 12,208
 83,219
 n/a n/a
Consumer               
Installment23
 
 22
 45
 9,163
 9,208
 n/a n/a
Home Equity Lines1,093
 1,141
 260
 2,494
 134,003
 136,497
 n/a n/a
Residential Mortgages11,995
 2,197
 14,532
 28,724
 41,297
 70,021
 n/a n/a
Total$47,959
 $18,449
 $264,059
 $330,467
 $876,547
 $1,207,014
 n/a n/a
                
(a) Installment loans 90 days or more past due and accruing include $3.3 million of loans guaranteed by the U.S. government as of March 31, 2012.
(b) Excludes loss share receivable of $171.1 million as of March 31, 2012.
(c) Acquired impaired loans were not classified as nonperforming assets at March 31, 2012 as the loans are considered to be performing under ASC 310-30. As a result interest income, through the accretion of the difference between the carrying amount of the loans and the expected cash flows, is being recognized on all acquired impaired loans. These asset quality disclosures are, therefore, not applicable to acquired impaired loans.










23

FIRSTMERIT CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS  - Continued
(Dollars in thousands)


Individual commercial loans are assigned credit risk grades based on an internal assessment of conditions that affect a borrower’s ability to meet its contractual obligation under the loan agreement. The assessment process includes reviewing a borrower’s current financial information, historical payment experience, credit documentation, public information, and other information specific to each borrower. Commercial loans are reviewed on an annual, quarterly or rotational basis or as Management becomes aware of

23



information during a borrower’s ability to fulfill its obligation. For consumer loans, Management evaluates credit quality based on the aging status of the loan as well as by payment activity, which is presented in the above tables.

The credit-risk grading process for commercial loans is summarized as follows:

“Pass” Loans (Grades 1, 2, 3, 4) are not considered a greater than normal credit risk. Generally, the borrowers have the apparent ability to satisfy obligations to the bank, and the Corporation anticipates insignificant uncollectible amounts based on its individual loan review.

“Special-Mention” Loans (Grade 5) are commercial loans that have identified potential weaknesses that deserve Management’s close attention. If left uncorrected, these potential weaknesses may result in noticeable deterioration of the repayment prospects for the asset or in the institution’s credit position.

“Substandard” Loans (Grade 6) are inadequately protected by the current financial condition and paying capacity of the obligor or by any collateral pledged. Loans so classified have a well-defined weakness or weaknesses that may jeopardize the liquidation of the debt pursuant to the contractual principal and interest terms. Such loans are characterized by the distinct possibility that the Corporation may sustain some loss if the deficiencies are not corrected.

“Doubtful” Loans (Grade 7) have all the weaknesses inherent in those classified as substandard, with the added characteristic that existing facts, conditions, and values make collection or liquidation in full highly improbable. Such loans are currently managed separately to determine the highest recovery alternatives.

“Loss” Loans (Grade 8) are considered uncollectible and of such little value that their continuance as bankable assets is not warranted. These loans are charged off when loss is identified.


24

FIRSTMERIT CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS  - Continued
(Dollars in thousands)



The following tables provide a summary of commercial loans by portfolio type and the Corporation’sCorporation's internal credit quality rating:
As of September 30, 2012
        
Legacy Loans       
  Commercial
 C&I CRE Construction Leases
Grade 1$37,327
 $
 $
 $13,785
Grade 2105,504
 3,170
 
 190
Grade 3573,561
 278,017
 19,312
 8,857
Grade 42,213,241
 1,709,667
 282,438
 87,259
Grade 560,544
 53,980
 2,893
 514
Grade 656,638
 76,290
 4,462
 333
Grade 7
 
 
 
 $3,046,815
 $2,121,124
 $309,105
 $110,938
rating.
As of March 31, 2013As of March 31, 2013
Legacy Loans       
Commercial
C&I CRE Construction Leases
Grade 1$39,433
 $271
 $
 $13,330
Grade 2148,253
 3,968
 
 731
Grade 3688,264
 251,664
 19,243
 25,808
Grade 42,399,913
 1,807,724
 286,093
 116,314
Grade 563,287
 45,328
 1,367
 4,636
Grade 639,295
 56,002
 4,022
 3,318
Grade 7
 
 
 
Total$3,378,445
 $2,164,957
 $310,725
 $164,137
Acquired Loans (Noncovered)              
CommercialCommercial
C&I CRE Construction LeasesC&I CRE Construction Leases
Grade 1$
 $
 $
 $
$
 $
 $
 $
Grade 2
 
 
 

 
 
 
Grade 3
 
 
 

 
 
 
Grade 42,095
 28,590
 
 
4,179
 25,168
 
 
Grade 5259
 675
 
 

 1,155
 
 
Grade 662
 2,953
 
 

 3,708
 
 
Grade 7
 
 
 

 
 
 
Total$4,179
 $30,031
 $
 $
Covered Loans       
$2,416
 $32,218
 $
 $
Commercial
C&I CRE Construction Leases
Grade 1$
 $
 $
 $
Grade 21,009
 
 
 
Grade 392
 
 
 
Grade 461,012
 184,920
 551
 
Grade 51,028
 25,048
 1,586
 
Grade 646,233
 256,565
 36,449
 
Grade 72,049
 1,429
 3,217
 
Total$111,423
 $467,962
 $41,803
 $
Covered Loans       
  Commercial
 C&I CRE Construction Leases
Grade 1$
 $
 $
 $
Grade 21,742
 
 
 
Grade 392
 449
 
 
Grade 491,101
 240,630
 494
 
Grade 53,844
 39,883
 
 
Grade 661,192
 340,063
 58,586
 
Grade 74,720
 2,249
 2,696
 
 $162,691
 $623,274
 $61,776
 $


25




Table of Contents
FIRSTMERIT CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
As of December 31, 2011
        
Legacy Loans       
  Commercial
 C&I CRE Construction Leases
Grade 1$37,607
 $
 $
 $10,636
Grade 2122,124
 4,218
 615
 
Grade 3479,119
 249,382
 16,752
 5,868
Grade 41,973,671
 1,548,420
 241,302
 57,026
Grade 550,789
 58,942
 4,583
 
Grade 685,392
 130,968
 14,083
 
Grade 7
 263
 
 
 $2,748,702
 $1,992,193
 $277,335
 $73,530
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS  - Continued
(Dollars in thousands)
Acquired Loans (Noncovered)       
  Commercial
 C&I CRE Construction Leases
Grade 1$
 $
 $
 $
Grade 2
 
 
 
Grade 3
 1,871
 
 
Grade 426,036
 55,129
 
 
Grade 5
 
 
 
Grade 6738
 5,743
 
 
Grade 7
 
 
 
 $26,774
 $62,743
 $
 $
Covered Loans       
  Commercial
 C&I CRE Construction Leases
Grade 1$948
 $
 $
 $
Grade 21,376
 
 
 
Grade 3
 516
 
 
Grade 4109,360
 303,231
 487
 
Grade 59,661
 103,919
 1,567
 
Grade 669,330
 344,445
 80,009
 
Grade 76,864
 25,737
 7,846
 
 $197,539
 $777,848
 $89,909
 $

26



As of September 30, 2011
       
As of December 31, 2012As of December 31, 2012
Legacy Loans              
CommercialCommercial
C&I CRE Construction LeasesC&I CRE Construction Leases
Grade 1$48,173
 $11,299
 $1,429
 $
$42,211
 $
 $
 $13,119
Grade 2100,058
 3,843
 620
 
114,480
 3,138
 
 179
Grade 3487,017
 245,756
 18,067
 4,219
661,692
 254,749
 17,652
 20,042
Grade 41,930,074
 1,490,214
 209,307
 53,771
2,406,174
 1,818,818
 311,271
 104,037
Grade 549,251
 73,815
 4,851
 
44,638
 53,008
 3,057
 1,561
Grade 643,417
 130,584
 18,304
 2
34,505
 63,819
 3,567
 298
Grade 7
 715
 
 

 
 
 
Total$3,303,700
 $2,193,532
 $335,547
 $139,236
Acquired Loans (Noncovered)       
$2,657,990
 $1,956,226
 $252,578
 $57,992
Commercial
C&I CRE Construction Leases
Grade 1$
 $
 $
 $
Grade 2
 
 
 
Grade 3
 
 
 
Grade 42,495
 26,868
 
 
Grade 5331
 667
 
 
Grade 6
 3,349
 
 
Grade 7
 
 
 
Total$2,826
 $30,884
 $
 $
Covered Loans       
Commercial
C&I CRE Construction Leases
Grade 1$
 $
 $
 $
Grade 21,526
 
 
 
Grade 3
 
 
 
Grade 473,480
 214,987
 476
 
Grade 53,215
 30,708
 1,331
 
Grade 647,468
 292,158
 45,838
 
Grade 72,820
 1,742
 2,688
 
Total$128,509
 $539,595
 $50,333
 $


26

FIRSTMERIT CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS  - Continued
(Dollars in thousands)


Acquired Loans (Noncovered)       
  Commercial
 C&I CRE Construction Leases
Grade 1$
 $
 $
 $
Grade 2
 
 
 
Grade 33
 1,968
 
 
Grade 443,250
 98,668
 
 
Grade 5160
 
 
 
Grade 6855
 6,491
 
 
Grade 7
 668
 
 
 $44,268
 $107,795
 $
 $
As of March 31, 2012As of March 31, 2012
Legacy Loans       
Commercial
C&I CRE Construction Leases
Grade 1$40,605
 $
 $
 $10,706
Grade 297,078
 6,210
 610
 
Grade 3521,791
 243,461
 18,208
 7,098
Grade 42,070,512
 1,554,118
 251,354
 55,930
Grade 551,591
 70,452
 4,257
 
Grade 691,527
 110,332
 11,286
 378
Grade 768
 
 
 
Total$2,873,172
 $1,984,573
 $285,715
 $74,112
Acquired Loans (Noncovered)       
Commercial
C&I CRE Construction Leases
Grade 1$
 $
 $
 $
Grade 2
 
 
 
Grade 3
 
 
 
Grade 417,307
 56,341
 
 
Grade 5
 
 
 
Grade 6246
 2,697
 
 
Grade 7
 
 
 
Total$17,553
 $59,038
 $
 $
Covered Loans              
CommercialCommercial
C&I CRE Construction LeasesC&I CRE Construction Leases
Grade 1$915
 $
 $
 $
$926
 $
 $
 $
Grade 21,801
 
 
 
1,384
 
 
 
Grade 3
 538
 
 
523
 495
 
 
Grade 4101,794
 343,697
 4,207
 
98,347
 272,278
 487
 
Grade 532,094
 154,591
 1,992
 
7,913
 90,901
 1,613
 
Grade 678,153
 348,152
 83,051
 
67,000
 349,702
 72,675
 
Grade 72,637
 31,240
 10,804
 
5,873
 12,727
 8,444
 
Total$181,966
 $726,103
 $83,219
 $
$217,394
 $878,218
 $100,054
 $
       

65.    Allowance for Loan Losses

The Corporation’sCorporation's Credit Policy Division manages credit risk by establishing common credit policies for its subsidiary bank, participating in approval of its loans, conducting reviews of loan portfolios, providing centralized consumer underwriting, collections and loan operation services, and overseeing loan workouts. The Corporation’sCorporation's objective is to minimize losses from its commercial lending activities and to maintain consumer losses at acceptable levels that are stable and consistent with growth and profitability objectives.

The allowance for loan losses is Management’sManagement's estimate of the amount of probable credit losses inherent in the portfolio at the balance sheet date. Management estimates credit losses based on individual loans determined to be impaired and on all other loans grouped based on similar risk characteristics. Management also considers internal and external factors such as economic conditions, loan management practices, portfolio monitoring, and other risks, collectively known as qualitative factors, or Q-factors, to estimate credit losses in

27



the loan portfolio. Q-factors are used to reflect changes in the portfolio’sportfolio's collectability characteristics not captured by historical loss data.

27

FIRSTMERIT CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS  - Continued
(Dollars in thousands)



The Corporation’sCorporation's historical loss component is the most significant of the allowance for loan losses components and is based on historical loss experience by credit-risk grade (for commercial loan pools) and payment status (for mortgage and consumer loan pools). Balances by credit-risk grade and payment status, as well as descriptions of the credit-risk grades are included in Note 5 (Loans). The historical loss experience component of the allowance for loan losses represents the results of migration analysis of historical net charge-offs for portfolios of loans (including groups of commercial loans within each credit-risk grade and groups of consumer loans by payment status). For measuring loss exposure in a pool of loans, the historical net charge-off or migration experience is utilized to estimate expected losses to be realized from the pool of loans.

If a nonperforming, substandard loan has an outstanding balance of $0.3 million or greater or if a doubtful loan has an outstanding balance of $0.1 million or greater, as determined by the Corporation’sCorporation's credit-risk grading process, further analysis is performed to determine the probable loss content and assign a specific allowance to the loan, if deemed appropriate. The allowance for loan losses relating to originated loans that have become impaired is based on either expected cash flows discounted using the original effective interest rate, the observable market price, or the fair value of the collateral for certain collateral dependent loans. To the extent credit deterioration occurs on purchased loans after the date of acquisition, the Corporation records an allowance for loan losses, net of any expected reimbursement under any loss sharing agreements with the FDIC.

The activity within the allowance for noncovered loan losses, by portfolio type, for the three and ninethree months endedSeptember 30, 2012 March 31, 2013 and 20112012 is shown in the following tables:

Nine Months Ended September 30, 2012
Three Months Ended March 31, 2013Three Months Ended March 31, 2013
C&I CRE Construction Leases Installment 
Home
Equity
 Lines
 
Credit
Cards
 
Residential
Mortgages
 TotalC&I CRE Construction Leases Installment Home Equity Lines Credit Cards Residential Mortgages Total
Allowance for loan losses, beginning balance$32,363
 $31,857
 $5,173
 $341
 $17,981
 $6,766
 $7,369
 $5,849
 $107,699
$36,209
 $20,126
 $3,821
 $639
 $11,154
 $13,724
 $7,384
 $5,885
 $98,942
Charge-offs(19,906) (3,496) (165) 
 (14,441) (7,373) (4,618) (3,431) (53,430)(2,103) (53) (516) 
 (4,594) (1,837) (1,403) (270) (10,776)
Recoveries3,120
 825
 364
 38
 9,104
 2,588
 1,583
 191
 17,813
1,055
 132
 58
 89
 2,496
 483
 513
 43
 4,869
Provision for noncovered loan losses23,582
 (4,008) (568) 127
 (809) 2,904
 2,901
 2,731
 26,860
Provision for loan losses5,266
 (1,806) (622) 401
 95
 2,198
 575
 (299) 5,808
Allowance for loan losses, ending balance$39,159
 $25,178
 $4,804
 $506
 $11,835
 $4,885
 $7,235
 $5,340
 $98,942
$40,427
 $18,399
 $2,741
 $1,129
 $9,151
 $14,568
 $7,069
 $5,359
 $98,843

Three Months Ended September 30, 2012
Three Months Ended March 31, 2012Three Months Ended March 31, 2012
C&I CRE Construction Leases Installment 
Home
Equity
 Lines
 
Credit
Cards
 
Residential
Mortgages
 TotalC&I CRE Construction Leases Installment Home Equity Lines Credit Cards Residential Mortgages Total
Allowance for loan losses, beginning balance$40,327
 $27,186
 $5,147
 $358
 $13,029
 $5,449
 $6,690
 $5,663
 $103,849
$32,363
 $31,857
 $5,173
 $341
 $17,981
 $6,766
 $7,369
 $5,849
 $107,699
Charge-offs(8,773) (727) (127) 
 (5,507) (2,784) (1,390) (1,691) (20,999)(6,292) (669) (38) 
 (5,238) (2,735) (1,583) (862) (17,417)
Recoveries1,408
 180
 61
 
 2,883
 1,007
 488
 100
 6,127
350
 81
 263
 37
 3,202
 840
 630
 35
 5,438
Provision for noncovered loan losses6,197
 (1,461) (277) 148
 1,430
 1,213
 1,447
 1,268
 9,965
Provision for loan losses10,751
 (3,491) (274) (44) (1,192) 1,398
 104
 877
 8,129
Allowance for loan losses, ending balance$39,159
 $25,178
 $4,804
 $506
 $11,835
 $4,885
 $7,235
 $5,340
 $98,942
$37,172
 $27,778
 $5,124
 $334
 $14,753
 $6,269
 $6,520
 $5,899
 $103,849
                 



28

FIRSTMERIT CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS  - Continued
(Dollars in thousands)


 Nine Months Ended September 30, 2011
 C&I CRE Construction Leases Installment 
Home
Equity 
Lines
 
Credit
Cards
 
Residential
Mortgages
 Total
Allowance for loan losses, beginning balance$29,764
 $32,026
 $7,180
 $475
 $21,555
 $7,217
 $11,107
 $5,366
 $114,690
Charge-offs(13,517) (7,763) (3,245) (778) (20,204) (8,356) (6,135) (3,786) (63,784)
Recoveries1,254
 54
 545
 35
 10,812
 1,840
 1,789
 192
 16,521
Provision for noncovered loan losses12,837
 8,984
 2,335
 593
 6,160
 5,542
 1,235
 4,074
 41,760
Allowance for loan losses, ending balance$30,338
 $33,301
 $6,815
 $325
 $18,323
 $6,243
 $7,996
 $5,846
 $109,187
                  

 Three Months Ended September 30, 2011
 C&I CRE Construction Leases Installment 
Home
Equity 
Lines
 
Credit
Cards
 
Residential
Mortgages
 Total
Allowance for loan losses, beginning balance$28,366
 $32,946
 $7,876
 $353
 $18,089
 $7,142
 $8,403
 $6,012
 $109,187
Charge-offs(4,528) (3,304) (550) (651) (5,911) (2,779) (1,520) (771) (20,014)
Recoveries540
 6
 171
 1
 3,375
 658
 585
 74
 5,410
Provision for noncovered loan losses5,960
 3,653
 (682) 622
 2,770
 1,222
 528
 531
 14,604
Allowance for loan losses, ending balance$30,338
 $33,301
 $6,815
 $325
 $18,323
 $6,243
 $7,996
 $5,846
 $109,187
                  
The following tables present the allowance for noncovered loan losses and the recorded investment in noncovered loans, by portfolio type, based on impairment method as of September 30, 2012March 31, 2013, December 31, 20112012 and September 30, 2011March 31, 2012.
As of March 31, 2013As of March 31, 2013
 C&I CRE Construction Leases Installment Home Equity Lines Credit Cards Residential Mortgages Total
Ending allowance for noncovered loan losses balance attributable to loans:Ending allowance for noncovered loan losses balance attributable to loans:                 
As of September 30, 2012Individually evaluated for impairment$1,957
 $769
 $90
 $
 $1,458
 $89
 $74
 $1,713
 $6,150
C&I CRE Construction Leases Installment 
Home
Equity 
Lines
 
Credit
Cards
 
Residential
Mortgages
 TotalCollectively evaluated for impairment38,470
 17,630
 2,651
 1,129
 7,693
 14,479
 6,995
 3,646
 92,693
Ending allowance for noncovered loan losses balance attributable to loans:                 
Individually evaluated for impairment$2,900
 $1,953
 $117
 $
 $1,674
 $95
 $106
 $1,599
 $8,444
Collectively evaluated for impairment36,259
 23,225
 4,687
 506
 10,161
 4,790
 7,129
 3,741
 90,498
Total ending allowance for noncovered loan losses balance$39,159
 $25,178
 $4,804
 $506
 $11,835
 $4,885
 $7,235
 $5,340
 $98,942
Total ending allowance for noncovered loan losses balance$40,427
 $18,399
 $2,741
 $1,129
 $9,151
 $14,568
 $7,069
 $5,359
 $98,843
Noncovered loans:                 Noncovered loans:                 
Individually evaluated for impairment$9,994
 $28,972
 $3,577
 $
 $32,577
 $6,922
 $1,767
 $24,569
 $108,378
Collectively evaluated for impairment3,039,235
 2,124,370
 305,528
 110,938
 1,288,505
 782,820
 142,152
 414,494
 8,208,042
Loans individually evaluated for impairment$8,445
 $24,160
 $2,779
 $
 $31,117
 $6,917
 $1,388
 $23,527
 $98,333
Loans collectively evaluated for impairment3,374,178
 2,170,829
 307,946
 164,137
 1,291,678
 805,541
 139,333
 427,995
 8,681,637
Total ending noncovered loan balance$3,049,229
 $2,153,342
 $309,105
 $110,938
 $1,321,082
 $789,742
 $143,919
 $439,063
 $8,316,420
Total ending noncovered loan balance$3,382,623
 $2,194,989
 $310,725
 $164,137
 $1,322,795
 $812,458
 $140,721
 $451,522
 $8,779,970
                 

As of December 31, 2012
  C&I CRE Construction Leases Installment Home Equity Lines Credit Cards Residential Mortgages Total
Ending allowance for noncovered loan losses balance attributable to loans:                 
 Individually evaluated for impairment$577
 $913
 $105
 $
 $1,526
 $34
 $127
 $1,722
 $5,004
 Collectively evaluated for impairment35,632
 19,213
 3,716
 639
 9,628
 13,690
 7,257
 4,163
 93,938
Total ending allowance for noncovered loan losses balance$36,209
 $20,126
 $3,821
 $639
 $11,154
 $13,724
 $7,384
 $5,885
 $98,942
Noncovered loans:                 
 Loans individually evaluated for impairment$6,187
 $24,007
 $3,405
 $
 $30,870
 $6,281
 $1,612
 $24,009
 $96,371
 Loans collectively evaluated for impairment3,300,339
 2,200,409
 332,142
 139,236
 1,297,388
 799,797
 144,775
 421,202
 8,635,288
Total ending noncovered loan balance$3,306,526
 $2,224,416
 $335,547
 $139,236
 $1,328,258
 $806,078
 $146,387
 $445,211
 $8,731,659



29

FIRSTMERIT CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS  - Continued
(Dollars in thousands)


 As of December 31, 2011
 C&I CRE Construction Leases Installment 
Home
Equity 
Lines
 
Credit
Cards
 
Residential
Mortgages
 Total
Ending allowance for noncovered loan losses balance attributable to loans:                 
Individually evaluated for impairment$2,497
 $1,599
 $99
 $
 $1,382
 $31
 $108
 $1,364
 $7,080
Collectively evaluated for impairment29,866
 30,258
 5,074
 341
 16,599
 6,735
 7,261
 4,485
 100,619
Total ending allowance for noncovered loan losses balance$32,363
 $31,857
 $5,173
 $341
 $17,981
 $6,766
 $7,369
 $5,849
 $107,699
Noncovered loans:                 
Individually evaluated for impairment$8,269
 $36,087
 $9,320
 $
 $33,571
 $4,763
 $2,202
 $17,398
 $111,610
Collectively evaluated for impairment2,767,207
 2,018,849
 268,015
 73,530
 1,230,094
 739,219
 144,154
 396,266
 7,637,334
Total ending noncovered loan balance$2,775,476
 $2,054,936
 $277,335
 $73,530
 $1,263,665
 $743,982
 $146,356
 $413,664
 $7,748,944
As of March 31, 2012As of March 31, 2012
 C&I CRE Construction Leases Installment Home Equity Lines Credit Cards Residential Mortgages Total
Ending allowance for noncovered loan losses balance attributable to loans:Ending allowance for noncovered loan losses balance attributable to loans:                 
As of September 30, 2011Individually evaluated for impairment$972
 $2,478
 $224
 $
 $1,902
 $66
 $92
 $1,505
 $7,239
C&I CRE Construction Leases Installment 
Home
Equity 
Lines
 
Credit
Cards
 
Residential
Mortgages
 TotalCollectively evaluated for impairment36,200
 25,300
 4,900
 334
 12,851
 6,203
 6,428
 4,394
 96,610
Ending allowance for noncovered loan losses balance attributable to loans:                 
Individually evaluated for impairment$256
 $2,064
 $1,264
 $
 $1,568
 $52
 $121
 $1,346
 $6,671
Collectively evaluated for impairment30,082
 31,237
 5,551
 325
 16,755
 6,191
 7,875
 4,500
 102,516
Total ending allowance for noncovered loan losses balance$30,338
 $33,301
 $6,815
 $325
 $18,323
 $6,243
 $7,996
 $5,846
 $109,187
Total ending allowance for noncovered loan losses balance$37,172
 $27,778
 $5,124
 $334
 $14,753
 $6,269
 $6,520
 $5,899
 $103,849
Noncovered loans:                 Noncovered loans:                 
Individually evaluated for impairment$4,271
 $39,288
 $11,789
 $
 $34,654
 $4,413
 $2,356
 $16,316
 $113,087
Collectively evaluated for impairment2,697,987
 2,024,734
 240,788
 57,992
 1,236,673
 738,964
 140,354
 380,993
 7,518,485
Loans individually evaluated for impairment$6,079
 $32,112
 $8,929
 $
 $32,378
 $5,522
 $2,060
 $18,077
 $105,157
Loans collectively evaluated for impairment2,884,646
 2,011,499
 276,786
 74,112
 1,227,552
 734,025
 138,558
 410,874
 7,758,052
Total ending noncovered loan balance$2,702,258
 $2,064,022
 $252,577
 $57,992
 $1,271,327
 $743,377
 $142,710
 $397,309
 $7,631,572
Total ending noncovered loan balance$2,890,725
 $2,043,611
 $285,715
 $74,112
 $1,259,930
 $739,547
 $140,618
 $428,951
 $7,863,209

To the extent there is a decrease in the present value of cash flows from Acquired Impaired Loans after the date of acquisition, the Corporation records an allowance for loan losses, net of expected reimbursement under any loss sharingshare agreements. These expected reimbursements are recorded as part of covered loans in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets. DuringIn the three months ended September 30, 2012March 31, 2013, the Corporation increased its allowance for covered loan losses to $43.647.9 million to reserve for estimated additional losses on certain Acquired Impaired Loans. The increase in the allowance was recorded in the three months ended September 30, 2012by a charge to the provision for covered loan losses of $7.79.7 million andthat was partially offset by an increase of $1.55.5 million in the loss share receivable for the portion of the losses recoverable under the loss sharing agreements. During the three months ended March 31, 2012, provision for covered loan losses of $10.8 million was partially offset by an increase of $4.9 million in the loss share receivable resulting in an allowance for covered loan losses of $41.1 million.

To the extent credit deterioration occurs in Acquired Non-Impaired loans after the date of acquisition, the Corporation records a provision for loan losses only when the required allowance, net of any expected reimbursement under the loss sharing agreements exceeds any remaining credit discount. The allowance for losses on Acquired Nonimpaired loans, included in the allowance for noncovered covered loan losses on the consolidated balance sheets was $0.30.4 million, $0.70.3 million and $0.60.4 million as of September 30, 2012March 31, 2013, December 31, 20112012 and September 30, 2011March 31, 2012, respectively.


30



The activity within the allowance for covered loan losses for the three and ninethree months endedSeptember 30, 2012 March 31, 2013 and 20112012 is shown in the following table:
Three Months Ended September 30, Nine Months Ended September 30, Three months ended March 31,
2012 2011 2012 2011 2013 2012
Balance at beginning of the period$42,606
 $33,360
 $36,417
 $13,733
Balance at beginning of the period$43,255
 $36,417
Provision for loan losses before benefit attributable to FDIC loss share agreements7,698
 12,992
 28,177
 48,657
Benefit attributable to FDIC loss share agreements(1,484) (8,224) (12,601) (31,077)
Net provision for covered loan losses6,214
 4,768
 15,576
 17,580
Provision for loan losses before benefit attributable to FDIC loss share agreements9,677
 10,831
Benefit attributable to FDIC loss share agreements(5,539) (4,899)
Net provision for loan lossesNet provision for loan losses4,138
 5,932
Increase in indemnification asset1,484
 8,224
 12,601
 31,077
Increase in indemnification asset5,539
 4,899
Loans charged-off(6,660) (11,749) (20,950) (27,787)Loans charged-off(4,987) (6,178)
Balance at end of the period$43,644
 $34,603
 $43,644
 $34,603
Balance at end of the period$47,945
 $41,070

3130

FIRSTMERIT CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS  - Continued
(Dollars in thousands)


Credit Quality Disclosures

A loan is considered to be impaired when, based on current events or information, it is probable the Corporation will be unable to collect all amounts due (principal and interest) per the contractual terms of the loan agreement. Loan impairment for all loans is measured based on either the present value of expected future cash flows discounted at the loan’sloan's effective interest rate, at the observable market price of the loan, or the fair value of the collateral for certain collateral dependent loans. Impaired loans include all nonaccrual commercial, agricultural, construction, and commercial real estate loans, and loans modified as troubled debt restructurings (“TDRs”("TDRs"). Aggregated consumer loans, mortgage loans, and leases that are collectively evaluated for impairment are not included in the following tables.
 As of September 30, 2012
 
Recorded
Investment
 
Unpaid
Principal
Balance
 
Related
Allowance
 
Average
Recorded
Investment
Impaired loans with no related allowance       
Commercial       
C&I$1,443
 $10,154
 $
 $9,903
CRE16,910
 22,337
 
 19,217
Construction3,370
 3,944
 
 4,080
Consumer       
Installment2,902
 4,739
 
 4,888
Home equity line959
 1,239
 
 1,237
Credit card4
 4
 
 4
Residential mortgages10,693
 12,838
 
 11,542
Subtotal$36,281
 $55,255
 $
 $50,871
Impaired loans with a related allowance       
Commercial       
C&I8,551
 12,555
 2,900
 10,163
CRE11,543
 14,113
 1,953
 10,559
Construction726
 726
 117
 733
Consumer       
Installment29,675
 29,675
 1,674
 30,361
Home equity line5,963
 5,963
 95
 6,206
Credit card1,763
 1,763
 106
 1,975
Residential mortgages13,876
 13,967
 1,599
 13,946
Subtotal72,097
 78,762
 8,444
 73,943
Total impaired loans$108,378
 $134,017
 $8,444
 $124,814
(a) These tables exclude loans fully charged off.
(b) The differences between the recorded investment and unpaid principal balance amounts represents partial charge offs.

32



 As of December 31, 2011
 
Recorded
Investment
 
Unpaid
Principal
Balance
 
Related
Allowance
 
Average
Recorded
Investment
Impaired loans with no related allowance       
Commercial       
C&I$6,999
 $9,121
 $
 $8,442
CRE29,566
 46,744
 
 37,720
Construction7,522
 13,675
 
 9,908
Consumer       
Installment
 
 
 
Home equity line
 
 
 
Credit card
 
 
 
Residential mortgages4,244
 5,746
 
 4,450
Subtotal48,331
 75,286
 
 60,520
Impaired loans with a related allowance       
Commercial       
C&I1,270
 1,769
 2,497
 752
CRE6,521
 6,789
 1,599
 3,247
       Construction1,798
 2,864
 99
 1,929
Consumer       
Installment33,571
 33,723
 1,382
 33,742
Home equity line4,763
 4,763
 31
 4,996
Credit card2,202
 2,202
 108
 2,497
Residential mortgages13,154
 13,167
 1,364
 13,155
Subtotal63,279
 65,277
 7,080
 60,318
Total impaired loans$111,610
 $140,563
 $7,080
 $120,838
As of March 31, 2013
   Unpaid   Average
  Recorded Principal Related Recorded
  Investment Balance Allowance Investment
Impaired loans with no related allowance       
Commercial       
 C&I$2,724
 $15,614
 $
 $3,835
 CRE19,969
 27,259
 
 20,681
 Construction2,072
 2,559
 
 2,341
Consumer       
 Installment3,734
 5,160
 
 4,002
 Home equity line1,090
 1,420
 
 1,172
 Credit card58
 58
 
 65
 Residential mortgages9,374
 11,876
 
 9,469
Subtotal39,021
 63,946
 
 41,565
Impaired loans with a related allowance       
Commercial       
 C&I5,721
 7,578
 1,957
 6,143
 CRE4,191
 4,191
 769
 4,206
 Construction707
 707
 90
 712
Consumer       
 Installment27,383
 27,475
 1,458
 27,564
 Home equity line5,827
 5,827
 89
 5,886
 Credit card1,330
 1,330
 74
 1,378
 Residential mortgages14,153
 14,242
 1,713
 14,168
Subtotal59,312
 61,350
 6,150
 60,057
 Total impaired loans$98,333
 $125,296
 $6,150
 $101,622
(a) These tables exclude loans fully charged off.
(b) The differences between the recorded investment and unpaid principal balance amounts represents partial charge offs.


3331

FIRSTMERIT CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS  - Continued
(Dollars in thousands)


 As of September 30, 2011
 
Recorded
Investment
 
Unpaid
Principal
Balance
 
Related
Allowance
 
Average
Recorded
Investment
Impaired loans with no related allowance       
Commercial       
C&I$843
 $1,831
 $
 $1,613
CRE28,728
 40,092
 
 34,838
Construction5,883
 8,657
 
 6,850
Consumer       
Installment
 
 
 
Home equity line
 
 
 
Credit card
 
 
 
Residential mortgages2,872
 4,229
 
 2,999
Subtotal$38,326
 $54,809
 $
 $46,300
Impaired loans with a related allowance       
Commercial       
C&I3,428
 4,725
 256
 4,053
CRE10,560
 15,444
 2,064
 12,286
Construction5,906
 8,840
 1,264
 6,386
Consumer       
Installment34,654
 34,703
 1,568
 34,485
Home equity line4,413
 4,412
 52
 4,581
Credit card2,359
 2,359
 121
 2,560
Residential mortgages13,444
 13,469
 1,346
 13,409
Subtotal74,764
 83,952
 6,671
 77,760
Total impaired loans$113,090
 $138,761
 $6,671
 $124,060
As of December 31, 2012
   Unpaid   Average
  Recorded Principal Related Recorded
  Investment Balance Allowance Investment
Impaired loans with no related allowance       
Commercial       
 C&I$3,098
 $14,473
 $
 $12,533
 CRE19,664
 26,402
 
 23,911
 Construction2,684
 3,306
 
 3,861
Consumer       
 Installment2,527
 3,947
 
 4,251
 Home equity line642
 849
 
 860
 Credit card467
 467
 
 568
 Residential mortgages9,578
 12,142
 
 10,645
Subtotal38,660
 61,586
 
 56,629
Impaired loans with a related allowance       
Commercial       
 C&I3,089
 4,943
 577
 4,231
 CRE4,343
 4,927
 913
 3,834
 Construction721
 721
 105
 730
Consumer       
 Installment28,343
 28,706
 1,526
 29,583
 Home equity line5,639
 5,639
 34
 5,924
 Credit card1,145
 1,145
 127
 1,311
 Residential mortgages14,431
 14,520
 1,722
 14,537
Subtotal57,711
 60,601
 5,004
 60,150
 Total impaired loans$96,371
 $122,187
 $5,004
 $116,779
(a) These tables exclude loans fully charged off.
(b) The differences between the recorded investment and unpaid principal balance amounts represents partial charge offs.


32

FIRSTMERIT CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS  - Continued
(Dollars in thousands)


As of March 31, 2012
   Unpaid   Average
  Recorded Principal Related Recorded
  Investment Balance Allowance Investment
Impaired loans with no related allowance       
Commercial       
 C&I$3,272
 $9,937
 $
 $4,357
 CRE25,734
 36,073
 
 26,449
 Construction7,764
 12,785
 
 7,945
Consumer       
 Installment
 
 
 
 Home equity line
 
 
 
 Credit card223
 223
 
 251
 Residential mortgages4,409
 4,409
 
 4,925
Subtotal41,402
 63,427
 
 43,927
Impaired loans with a related allowance       
Commercial       
 C&I2,807
 3,206
 972
 2,919
 CRE6,378
 6,568
 2,478
 6,120
 Construction1,165
 1,165
 224
 1,168
Consumer       
 Installment32,378
 32,378
 1,901
 32,504
 Home equity line5,522
 5,522
 66
 5,556
 Credit card1,837
 1,837
 92
 1,885
 Residential mortgages13,667
 13,667
 1,504
 13,692
Subtotal63,754
 64,343
 7,237
 63,844
 Total impaired loans$105,156
 $127,770
 $7,237
 $107,771
(a) These tables exclude loans fully charged off.
(b) The differences between the recorded investment and unpaid principal balance amounts represents partial charge offs.

Interest income recognized on impaired loans during quarters ended March 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011 was not material.
In certain circumstances, the Corporation may modify the terms of a loan to maximize the collection of amounts due when a borrower is experiencing financial difficulties or is expected to experience difficulties in the near term. In most cases the modification is either a concessionary reduction in interest rate, extension of the maturity date or modification of the adjustable rate provisions of the loan that would otherwise not be considered; however, forgiveness of principal is rarely granted. Concessionary modifications are classified as TDRs unless the modification is short-term, typically less than 90 days. TDRs accrue interest if the borrower complies with the revised terms and conditions and has demonstrated repayment performance at a level commensurate with the modified terms for a minimum of six consecutive payment cycles after the restructuring date.

The substantial majority of the Corporation’sCorporation's residential mortgage TDRs involve reducing the client’sclient's loan payment through an interest rate reduction for a set period of time based on the borrower’sborrower's ability to service the modified loan payment. As a result of guidance from the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency ("OCC"), in the quarterthree months ended September 30, 2012, approximately $10.6 million of consumer loans were

33

FIRSTMERIT CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS  - Continued
(Dollars in thousands)


identified as troubled debt restructurings whereby the borrower's obligation to the Corporation has been discharged in bankruptcy and the borrower has not reaffirmed the debt. TheseAs of March 31, 2013 and December 31, 2012, non-reaffirmed consumer loans reported as nonaccrual were reclassified from performing loans to nonaccrual status as of September 30, 2012$10.0 million and consisted of $6.7$7.7 million of first mortgages, $1.0 million of junior liens and $2.9 million of automobile loans., respectively. Modifications of mortgages retained in portfolio are handled using proprietary modification guidelines, or the FDIC’sFDIC's Modification Program for residential first mortgages covered by loss share agreements (agreements between the Bank and the FDIC that

34



afford the Bank significant protection against future losses). The Corporation participates in the U.S. Treasury’sTreasury's Home Affordable Modification Program for originated mortgages sold to and serviced for Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac.

Commercial and industrial loans modified in a TDR often involve temporary interest-only payments, term extensions and converting revolving credit lines to term loans. Additional collateral, a co-borrower, or a guarantor is often requested. Commercial real estate and construction loans modified in a TDR often involve reducing the interest rate for the remaining term of the loan, extending the maturity date at an interest rate lower than the current market rate for new debt with similar risk, or substituting or adding a new borrower or guarantor. Construction loans modified in a TDR may also involve extending the interest-only payment period. Acquired loans restructured after acquisition are not considered TDRs for purposes of the Corporation’sCorporation's accounting and disclosure if the loans evidenced credit deterioration as of the acquisition date and are accounted for in pools. The Corporation has modified certain loans according to provisions in loss share agreements. Losses associated with modifications on these loans, including the economic impact of interest rate reductions, are generally eligible for reimbursement under the loss share agreements.


34

Table of Contents
FIRSTMERIT CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS  - Continued
(Dollars in thousands)


The following tables provide the number of loans modified in a TDR and the recorded investment and unpaid principal balance by loan portfolio as of September 30, 2012March 31, 2013, December 31, 20112012 and September 30, 2011March 31, 2012, respectively..
 As of September 30, 2012 As of March 31, 2013
 Number of Loans Recorded Investment Unpaid Principal Balance Number of Loans Recorded Investment Unpaid Principal Balance
Noncovered loansNoncovered loans      Noncovered loans      
Commercial      Commercial      
 C&I 22
 $2,413
 $8,478
 C&I 25
 $2,627
 $7,864
 CRE 36
 17,763
 21,307
 CRE 45
 17,217
 22,187
 Construction 27
 3,577
 4,025
 Construction 31
 2,779
 3,266
 Subtotal 85
 23,753
 33,810
 Total noncovered commercial 101
 22,623
 33,317
Consumer      Consumer      
 Installment 1,840
 32,577
 34,414
 Installment 1,840
 31,117
 32,635
 Home equity lines 229
 6,922
 7,202
 Home equity lines 238
 6,917
 7,247
 Credit card 426
 1,767
 1,767
 Credit card 343
 1,388
 1,388
 Residential mortgages 308
 24,569
 26,805
 Residential mortgages 294
 23,527
 26,118
 Subtotal 2,803
 65,835
 70,188
 Total noncovered consumer 2,715
 62,949
 67,388
Total noncovered loansTotal noncovered loans 2,816
 85,572
 100,705
Covered loansCovered loans      Covered loans      
Commercial      Commercial      
 C&I 11
 5,278
 6,216
 C&I 3
 1,723
 1,958
 CRE 25
 52,079
 57,681
 CRE 20
 48,327
 57,426
 Construction 10
 14,640
 42,567
 Construction 10
 6,296
 26,502
 Subtotal 46
 71,997
 106,464
 Total covered commercial 33
 56,346
 85,886
Consumer      Consumer      
 Home equity lines 30
 4,742
 4,774
 Home equity lines 36
 5,113
 5,144
      Total 2,964
 $166,327
 $215,236
Total covered loansTotal covered loans 69
 $61,459
 $91,030
Total loansTotal loans 2,885
 $147,031
 $191,735
(a) The differences between the recorded investment and unpaid principal balance amounts represents partial charge offs.


35

Table of Contents
FIRSTMERIT CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS  - Continued
(Dollars in thousands)


 As of December 31, 2011 As of December 31, 2012
 Number of Loans Recorded Investment Unpaid Principal Balance Number of Loans Recorded Investment Unpaid Principal Balance
Noncovered loansNoncovered loans      Noncovered loans      
Commercial      Commercial      
 C&I 14
 $2,512
 $4,336
 C&I 24
 $2,617
 $8,044
 CRE 28
 9,167
 12,659
 CRE 40
 16,305
 20,701
 Construction 22
 3,323
 3,985
 Construction 28
 2,955
 3,419
 Subtotal 64
 15,002
 20,980
 Total noncovered commercial 92
 21,877
 32,164
Consumer      Consumer      
 Installment 1,547
 33,571
 33,723
 Installment 1,769
 30,870
 32,653
 Home equity lines 174
 4,763
 4,763
 Home equity lines 226
 6,281
 6,488
 Credit card 496
 2,202
 2,202
 Credit card 389
 1,612
 1,612
 Residential mortgages 177
 17,398
 18,913
 Residential mortgages 298
 24,009
 26,662
 Subtotal 2,394
 57,934
 59,601
 Total noncovered consumer 2,682
 62,772
 67,415
Total noncovered loansTotal noncovered loans 2,774
 84,649
 99,579
Covered loansCovered loans      Covered loans      
Commercial      Commercial      
 C&I 15
 7,578
 10,812
 C&I 3
 1,763
 1,998
 CRE 21
 57,786
 62,159
 CRE 20
 50,272
 57,483
 Construction 8
 12,056
 32,035
 Construction 10
 8,171
 37,547
 Subtotal 44
 77,420
 105,006
 Total covered commercial 33
 60,206
 97,028
      Total 2,502
 $150,356
 $185,587
Consumer      
 Home equity lines 35
 5,632
 5,666
Total covered loansTotal covered loans 68
 $65,838
 $102,694
Total loansTotal loans 2,842
 $150,487
 $202,273
(a) The differences between the recorded investment and unpaid principal balance amounts represents partial charge offs.


36

Table of Contents
FIRSTMERIT CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS  - Continued
(Dollars in thousands)


 As of September 30, 2011 As of March 31, 2012
 Number of Loans Recorded Investment Unpaid Principal Balance Number of Loans Recorded Investment Unpaid Principal Balance
Noncovered loansNoncovered loans      Noncovered loans      
Commercial      Commercial      
 C&I 8
 $1,096
 $2,654
 C&I 15
 $3,388
 $6,031
 CRE 20
 8,068
 10,725
 CRE 30
 9,136
 12,745
 Construction 16
 3,443
 3,657
 Construction 27
 4,593
 5,250
 Subtotal 44
 12,607
 17,036
 Total noncovered commercial 72
 17,117
 24,026
Consumer      Consumer      
 Installment 1,568
 34,654
 34,703
 Installment 1,506
 32,378
 32,378
 Home equity lines 166
 4,413
 4,412
 Home equity lines 184
 5,522
 5,522
 Credit card 529
 2,359
 2,359
 Credit card 454
 2,060
 2,060
 Residential mortgages 161
 16,316
 17,698
 Residential mortgages 184
 18,076
 18,076
 Subtotal 2,424
 57,742
 59,172
 Total noncovered consumer 2,328
 58,036
 58,036
Total noncovered loansTotal noncovered loans 2,400
 75,153
 82,062
Covered loansCovered loans      Covered loans      
Commercial      Commercial      
 C&I 8
 7,287
 10,901
 C&I 12
 7,662
 14,877
 CRE 15
 41,403
 45,282
 CRE 23
 54,824
 60,075
 Construction 11
 10,940
 21,918
 Construction 9
 13,687
 33,791
 Subtotal 34
 59,630
 78,101
 Total covered commercial 44
 76,173
 108,743
      Total 2,502
 $129,979
 $154,309
Total loansTotal loans 2,444
 $151,326
 $190,805
(a) The differences between the recorded investment and unpaid principal balance amounts represents partial charge offs.

36



The pre-modification and post-modification outstanding recorded investments of loans modified as TDRs during the quarters ended September 30, 2012March 31, 2013 and 20112012 were not materially different. Post-modification balances may include capitalization of unpaid accrued interest and fees associated with the modification as well as forgiveness of principal. Loans modified as TDRs during the quarters ended September 30, 2012March 31, 2013 and 20112012 did not involve the forgiveness of principal, accordingly, the Corporation did not record a charge-off at the modification date. Additionally, capitalization of any unpaid accrued interest and fees assessed to loans modified in the quarters ended September 30, 2012March 31, 2013 and 20112012 were not material to the accompanying consolidated financial statements. Specific allowances for loan losses are established for loans whose terms have been modified in a TDR. Specific reserve allocations are generally assessed prior to loans being modified in a TDR, as most of these loans migrate from the Corporation’sCorporation's internal watch list and have been specifically allocated for as part of the Corporation’sCorporation's normal loan loss provisioning methodology. At September 30, 2012March 31, 2013, the Corporation had $0.30.2 million in commitments to lend additional funds to debtors owing receivables whose terms have been modified in a TDR.


37

Table of Contents
FIRSTMERIT CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS  - Continued
(Dollars in thousands)


The following tables provide a summary of the delinquency status of TDRs along with the specific allowance for loan loss, by loan type, as of September 30, 2012March 31, 2013, December 31, 20112012 and September 30, 2011March 31, 2012, respectively, including TDRs that continue to accrue interest and TDRs included in nonperforming assets.
As of September 30, 2012
As of March 31, 2013As of March 31, 2013
Accruing TDRs Nonaccruing TDRs Total TotalAccruing TDRs Nonaccruing TDRs Total Total
Current Delinquent Total Current Delinquent Total TDRS AllowanceCurrent Delinquent Total Current Delinquent Total TDRs Allowance
Noncovered loans                   
          
Commercial                   
     
 
  
C&I$955
 $
 $955
 $865
 $593
 $1,458
 $2,413
 $126
$1,580
 $
 $1,580
 $
 $1,047
 $1,047
 $2,627
 $293
CRE11,609
 2,464
 14,073
 473
 3,217
 3,690
 17,763
 401
14,441
 
 14,441
 991
 1,785
 2,776
 17,217
 769
Construction3,507
 
 3,507
 70
 
 70
 3,577
 117
1,716
 707
 2,423
 356
 
 356
 2,779
 90
Total noncovered commercial16,071
 2,464
 18,535
 1,408
 3,810
 5,218
 23,753
 644
17,737
 707
 18,444
 1,347
 2,832
 4,179
 22,623
 1,152
Consumer                              
Installment28,604
 1,071
 29,675
 2,882
 20
 2,902
 32,577
 1,674
26,031
 1,166
 27,197
 3,744
 176
 3,920
 31,117
 1,458
Home equity lines5,394
 171
 5,565
 1,131
 226
 1,357
 6,922
 95
5,122
 240
 5,362
 1,329
 226
 1,555
 6,917
 89
Credit card1,655
 109
 1,764
 
 3
 3
 1,767
 106
1,283
 95
 1,378
 
 10
 10
 1,388
 74
Residential mortgages11,386
 3,339
 14,725
 6,611
 3,233
 9,844
 24,569
 1,599
13,168
 2,543
 15,711
 5,229
 2,587
 7,816
 23,527
 1,713
Total noncovered consumer47,039
 4,690
 51,729
 10,624
 3,482
 14,106
 65,835
 3,474
45,604
 4,044
 49,648
 10,302
 2,999
 13,301
 62,949
 3,334
Total noncovered TDRs63,341
 4,751
 68,092
 11,649
 5,831
 17,480
 85,572
 4,486
Covered loans                              
Commercial               
C&I1,000
 4,278
 5,278
 
 
 
 5,278
 1,527
984
 738
 1,722
 
 
 
 1,722
 518
CRE17,298
 34,782
 52,080
 
 
 
 52,080
 8,088
5,371
 42,958
 48,329
 
 
 
 48,329
 4,701
Construction6,324
 8,315
 14,639
 
 
 
 14,639
 1,632
2,482
 3,813
 6,295
 
 
 
 6,295
 1,220
Total covered commercial24,622
 47,375
 71,997
 
 
 
 71,997
 11,247
8,837
 47,509
 56,346
 
 
 
 56,346
 6,439
Consumer               
Home equity lines4,698
 44
 4,742
 
 
 
 4,742
 
4,616
 497
 5,113
 
 
 
 5,113
 
Total covered TDRs$13,453
 $48,006
 $61,459
 $
 $
 $
 $61,459
 $6,439
Total TDRs$92,430
 $54,573
 $147,003
 $12,032
 $7,292
 $19,324
 $166,327
 $15,365
$76,794
 $52,757
 $129,551
 $11,649
 $5,831
 $17,480
 $147,031
 $10,925


3738

Table of Contents
FIRSTMERIT CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS  - Continued
(Dollars in thousands)


As of December 31, 2011
As of December 31, 2012As of December 31, 2012
Accruing TDRs Nonaccruing TDRs Total TotalAccruing TDRs Nonaccruing TDRs Total Total
Current Delinquent Total Current Delinquent Total TDRS AllowanceCurrent Delinquent Total Current Delinquent Total TDRs Allowance
Noncovered loans                              
Commercial                              
C&I$91
 $
 $91
 $
 $2,421
 $2,421
 $2,512
 $247
$704
 $1,004
 $1,708
 $844
 $65
 $909
 $2,617
 $217
CRE3,305
 513
 3,818
 3,590
 1,759
 5,349
 9,167
 236
12,719
 793
 13,512
 461
 2,332
 2,793
 16,305
 869
Construction2,782
 
 2,782
 304
 237
 541
 3,323
 99
1,860
 960
 2,820
 135
 
 135
 2,955
 105
Total noncovered commercial6,178
 513
 6,691
 3,894
 4,417
 8,311
 15,002
 582
15,283
 2,757
 18,040
 1,440
 2,397
 3,837
 21,877
 1,191
Consumer                              
Installment31,637
 1,800
 33,437
 
 134
 134
 33,571
 1,382
27,085
 1,547
 28,632
 2,064
 174
 2,238
 30,870
 1,526
Home equity lines4,226
 222
 4,448
 76
 239
 315
 4,763
 31
5,183
 236
 5,419
 636
 226
 862
 6,281
 34
Credit card2,073
 110
 2,183
 
 19
 19
 2,202
 108
1,483
 118
 1,601
 
 11
 11
 1,612
 127
Residential mortgages13,736
 688
 14,424
 1,622
 1,352
 2,974
 17,398
 1,364
12,510
 3,413
 15,923
 5,196
 2,890
 8,086
 24,009
 1,722
Total noncovered consumer51,672
 2,820
 54,492
 1,698
 1,744
 3,442
 57,934
 2,885
46,261
 5,314
 51,575
 7,896
 3,301
 11,197
 62,772
 3,409
Total noncovered TDRs61,544
 8,071
 69,615
 9,336
 5,698
 15,034
 84,649
 4,600
Covered loans                              
Commercial               
C&I1,587
 5,991
 7,578
 
 
 
 7,578
 1,384
435
 1,328
 1,763
 
 
 
 1,763
 518
CRE35,083
 22,703
 57,786
 
 
 
 57,786
 6,567
7,658
 42,614
 50,272
 
 
 
 50,272
 4,959
Construction5,838
 6,218
 12,056
 
 
 
 12,056
 696
2,361
 5,810
 8,171
 
 
 
 8,171
 1,220
Total covered commercial42,508
 34,912
 77,420
 
 
 
 77,420
 8,647
10,454
 49,752
 60,206
 
 
 
 60,206
 6,697
Home equity lines5,632
 
 5,632
 
 
 
 5,632
 
Total covered TDRs$16,086
 $49,752
 $65,838
 $
 $
 $
 $65,838
 $6,697
Total TDRs$100,358
 $38,245
 $138,603
 $5,592
 $6,161
 $11,753
 $150,356
 $12,114
$77,630
 $57,823
 $135,453
 $9,336
 $5,698
 $15,034
 $150,487
 $11,297

As of September 30, 2011
As of March 31, 2012As of March 31, 2012
Accruing TDRs Nonaccruing TDRs Total TotalAccruing TDRs Nonaccruing TDRs Total Total
Current Delinquent Total Current Delinquent Total TDRS AllowanceCurrent Delinquent Total Current Delinquent Total TDRs Allowance
Noncovered loans                              
Commercial                              
C&I$129
 $
 $129
 $
 $967
 $967
 $1,096
 $215
$1,791
 $
 $1,791
 $
 $1,597
 $1,597
 $3,388
 $822
CRE4,778
 
 4,778
 1,215
 2,075
 3,290
 8,068
 125
3,672
 510
 4,182
 3,152
 1,802
 4,954
 9,136
 224
Construction2,760
 
 2,760
 180
 503
 683
 3,443
 772
4,077
 
 4,077
 137
 379
 516
 4,593
 224
Total noncovered commercial7,667
 
 7,667
 1,395
 3,545
 4,940
 12,607
 1,112
9,540
 510
 10,050
 3,289
 3,778
 7,067
 17,117
 1,270
Consumer                              
Installment32,882
 1,772
 34,654
 
 
 
 34,654
 1,568
31,167
 1,134
 32,301
 
 77
 77
 32,378
 1,901
Home equity lines3,885
 528
 4,413
 
 
 
 4,413
 52
4,828
 387
 5,215
 75
 232
 307
 5,522
 66
Credit card2,201
 158
 2,359
 
 
 
 2,359
 121
1,997
 60
 2,057
 
 3
 3
 2,060
 92
Residential mortgages12,313
 1,570
 13,883
 1,485
 948
 2,433
 16,316
 1,346
15,099
 
 15,099
 2,918
 59
 2,977
 18,076
 1,504
Total noncovered consumer51,281
 4,028
 55,309
 1,485
 948
 2,433
 57,742
 3,087
53,091
 1,581
 54,672
 2,993
 371
 3,364
 58,036
 3,563
Total noncovered TDRs62,631
 2,091
 64,722
 6,282
 4,149
 10,431
 75,153
 4,833
Covered loans                              
Commercial               
C&I6,052
 1,235
 7,287
 
 
 
 7,287
 746
2,405
 5,257
 7,662
 
 
 
 7,662
 1,384
CRE41,403
 
 41,403
 
 
 
 41,403
 1,542
36,419
 18,405
 54,824
 
 
 
 54,824
 7,720
Construction10,940
 
 10,940
 
 
 
 10,940
 394
3,835
 9,852
 13,687
 
 
 
 13,687
 1,245
Total covered commercial58,395
 1,235
 59,630
 
 
 
 59,630
 2,682
Total covered TDRs42,659
 33,514
 76,173
 
 
 
 76,173
 10,349
Total TDRs$117,343
 $5,263
 $122,606
 $2,880
 $4,493
 $7,373
 $129,979
 $6,881
$105,290
 $35,605
 $140,895
 $6,282
 $4,149
 $10,431
 $151,326
 $15,182


39

Table of Contents
FIRSTMERIT CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS  - Continued
(Dollars in thousands)


Loans modified in a TDR are closely monitored for delinquency as an early indicator of possible future default. If loans modified in a TDR subsequently default, the Corporation evaluates the loan for possible further impairment. The allowance for loan losses may be increased, adjustments may be made in the allocation of the

38



allowance for loan losses, or partial charge-offs may be taken to further write-down the carrying value of the loan.

The following table provides the number of loans modified in a TDR during the previous 12 months whichthat subsequently defaulted during the quarterthree months ended September 30, 2012March 31, 2013, as well as the recorded investment in these restructured loans as of September 30, 2012March 31, 2013.
As of September 30, 2012As of March 31, 2013
Number of Loans Recorded InvestmentNumber of Loans Recorded Investment
Noncovered loans      
Commercial      
C&I
 $
1
 $231
CRE
 

 
Construction
 
1
 707
Total noncovered commercial
 
2
 938
Consumer      
Installment122
 4,385
134
 2,155
Home equity lines15
 669
16
 322
Credit card18
 122
17
 106
Residential mortgages1
 80

 
Total noncovered consumer156
 5,256
167
 2,583
Covered loans      
Commercial      
C&I
 

 
CRE
 

 
Construction
 

 
Total covered commercial
 

 
Total156

$5,256
167
 $2,583






40

7FIRSTMERIT CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS  - Continued
(Dollars in thousands)



6.     Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets

Goodwill

Goodwill totaled $460.0 million atas of September 30, 2012March 31, 2013, December 31, 20112012 and September 30, 2011March 31, 2012. Goodwill is not amortized but is evaluated for impairment on an annual basis at November 30th30 of each year or whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate the carrying value may not be recoverable. No events or changes in circumstances since the November 30, 20112012 annual impairment test were noted that would indicate it was more likely than not a goodwill impairment exists.

Other Intangible Assets

The following tables show the gross carrying amount and the amount of accumulated amortization of intangible assets subject to amortization.
 September 30, 2012
 
Gross Carrying
Amount
 
Accumulated
Amortization
 
Net Carrying
Amount
Core deposit intangibles$16,759
 $(10,117) $6,642
Non-compete covenant102
 (70) 32
Lease intangible618
 (475) 143
 $17,479
 $(10,662) $6,817

39



 December 31, 2011
 
Gross Carrying
Amount
 
Accumulated
Amortization
 
Net Carrying
Amount
Core deposit intangibles$16,759
 $(8,829) $7,930
Non-compete covenant102
 (51) 51
Lease intangible618
 (360) 258
 $17,479
 $(9,240) $8,239
March 31, 2013
September 30, 2011Gross Carrying Accumulated Net Carrying
Gross Carrying
Amount
 
Accumulated
Amortization
 
Net Carrying
Amount
Amount Amortization Amount
Core deposit intangibles$16,760
 $(8,339) $8,421
$16,759
 $(10,848) $5,911
Non-compete covenant102
 (45) 57
102
 (83) 19
Lease intangible617
 (313) 304
618
 (493) 125
$17,479
 $(8,697) $8,782
$17,479
 $(11,424) $6,055
     
December 31, 2012
Gross Carrying Accumulated Net Carrying
Amount Amortization Amount
Core deposit intangibles16,759
 (10,546) 6,213
Non-compete covenant102
 (76) 26
Lease intangible$618
 $(484) $134
$17,479
 $(11,106) $6,373
     
March 31, 2012
Gross Carrying Accumulated Net Carrying
Amount Amortization Amount
Core deposit intangibles$16,759
 $(9,246) $7,513
Non-compete covenant102
 (70) 32
Lease intangible618
 (407) 211
$17,479
 $(9,723) $7,756

IntangibleCore deposit intangibles comprise the majority of the intangible asset amortizationtotal as of March 31, 2013. Core deposit intangibles were acquired through various acquisitions and are amortized on an accelerated basis over their useful lives of 10 years.

Amortization expense for intangible assets was$0.3 million in the three months ended March 31, 2013 and $0.5 million in each of the three months ended September 30,March 31, 2012 and 2011. Estimated amortization expense for each of the next five years is as follows: 2012 - $0.4 million; 2013 - $1.20.9 million; 2014 - $1.1 million; 2015 - $1.0 million; and 2016 - $0.9 million; and 2017 - $0.8 million.


41

FIRSTMERIT CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS  - Continued
(Dollars in thousands)




87.     Earnings Per Share

The reconciliation between basic and diluted earnings per share (“EPS”) is calculated using the treasury stock method and presented as follows:
Three Months Ended Nine Months EndedThree Months Ended
September 30, 2012 September 30, 2011 September 30, 2012 September 30, 2011March 31, 2013 March 31, 2012
BASIC EPS:       
Basic EPS: 
Net income$34,953
 $31,737
 $95,882
 $89,060
$37,346
 $30,344
Net income available to common shareholders$34,953
 $31,737
 $95,882
 $89,060
Less:   
Cash dividends on 5.875% non-cumulative perpetual series A, preferred stock930
 
Income allocated to participating securities291
 137
Net income attributable to common shareholders$36,125
 $30,207
Average common shares outstanding109,645
 109,245
 109,473
 109,052
110,807
 110,041
Less: participating shares included in average shares outstanding1,118
 830
Average common shares outstanding used in basic EPS109,689
 109,211
Basic net income per share$0.32
 $0.29
 $0.88
 $0.82
$0.33
 $0.28
DILUTED EPS:       
   
Diluted EPS:   
Income used in diluted earnings per share calculation$34,953
 $31,737
 $95,882
 $89,060
$36,125
 $30,207
Average common shares outstanding110,807
 110,041
Add: common stock equivalents:   
Stock option plans
 
Less: participating shares included in average shares outstanding1,118
 830
Average common and common stock equivalent shares outstanding109,645
 109,246
 109,473
 109,053
109,689
 109,211
Diluted net income per share$0.32
 $0.29
 $0.88
 $0.82
$0.33
 $0.28

On February 4, 2013, the Corporation's 5.875% Non-Cumulative Perpetual Preferred Stock, Series A, began accruing cash dividends, with dividends payable quarterly in arrears on the 4th day of February, May, August and November, beginning May 4, 2013. Accrued cash dividends were $0.9 million for the three months ended March 31, 2013. Net income used to determine basic and diluted EPS for the three months ended March 31, 2013 were reduced by the accrued cash dividends.
For the three months ended September 30, 2012March 31, 2013 and 20112012, options to purchase 1.81.6 million shares and 3.32.3 million shares, respectively, were outstanding but not included in the computation of diluted EPSearnings per share because they were antidilutive.


98.     Segment Information

Management monitors the Corporation’s results by an internal performance measurement system, which provides lines of business results and key performance measures. The profitability measurement system is based on internal Managementmanagement methodologies designed to produce consistent results and reflect the underlying economics of the businesses. The development and application of these methodologies is a dynamic process.

40



Accordingly, these measurement tools and assumptions may be revised periodically to reflect methodological, product, and/or management organizational changes. Further, these tools measure financial results that support the strategic objectives and internal organizational structure of the Corporation. Consequently, the information presented is not necessarily comparable with similar information for other financial institutions.

42

FIRSTMERIT CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS  - Continued
(Dollars in thousands)


A description of each line of business, selected financial performance, and the methodologies used to measure financial performance are presented below.

Commercial –The commercial line of business provides a full range of lending, depository, and related financial services to middle-market corporate, industrial, financial, business banking (formerly known as small business), public entities, and leasing clients. Commercial also includes personal business from commercial loan clients in coordination with the Wealth Management segment. Products and services offered include commercial term loans, revolving credit arrangements, asset-based lending, leasing, commercial mortgages, real estate construction lending, letters of credit, cashtreasury management, servicesgovernment banking, international banking, merchant card and other depository products.products and services.

Retail – The retail line of business includes consumer lending and deposit gathering, residential mortgage loan origination and servicing, and branch-based small business banking (formerly known as the “micro business”"micro business" line). Retail offers a variety of retail financial products and services including consumer direct and indirect installment loans, debit and credit cards, debit gift cards, residential mortgage loans, home equity loans and lines of credit, deposit products, fixed and variable annuities and ATM network services. Deposit products include checking, savings, money market accounts and certificates of deposit.

Wealth – The wealth line of business offers a broad array of asset management, private banking, financial planning, estate settlement and administration, credit and deposit products and services. Trust and investment services include personal trust and planning, investment management, estate settlement and administration services. Retirement plan services focus on investment management and fiduciary activities. Brokerage and insurance delivers retail mutual funds, other securities, variable and fixed annuities, personal disability and life insurance products and brokerage services. Private banking provides credit, deposit and asset management solutions for affluent clients.

Other – The other line of business includes activities that are not directly attributable to one of the three principal lines of business. Included in the Other category are the parent company, eliminations companies, community development operations, the treasury group, which includes the securities portfolio, wholesale funding and asset liability management activities, and the economic impact of certain assets, capital and support function not specifically identifiable with the three primary lines of business.

The accounting policies of the lines of businesses are the same as those of the Corporation described in Note 1 (Summary (Summary of Significant Accounting Policies)Policies) to the 20112012 Form 10-K. Funds transfer pricing is used in the determination of net interest income by assigning a cost for funds used or credit for funds provided to assets and liabilities within each business unit. Assets and liabilities are match-funded based on their maturity, prepayment and/or re-pricingrepricing characteristics. As a result, the three primary lines of business are generally insulated from changes in interest rates. Changes in net interest income due to changes in rates are reported in Other by the treasury group.Group. Capital has been allocated on an economic risk basis. Loans and lines of credit have been allocated capital based upon their respective credit risk. Asset management holdings in the Wealth segment have been allocated capital based upon their respective market risk related to assets under management. Normal business operating risk has been allocated to each line of business by the level of noninterest expense. Mismatch between asset and liability cash flow as well as interest rate risk for mortgage servicing rights and the origination business franchise value have been allocated capital based upon their respective asset/liability management risk. The provision for loan loss is allocated based upon the actual net

41



charge-offs of each respective line of business, adjusted for loan growth and changes in risk profile. Noninterest

43

Table of Contents
FIRSTMERIT CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS  - Continued
(Dollars in thousands)


income and expenses directly attributable to a line of business are assigned to that line of business. Expenses for centrally provided services are allocated to the business line by various activity based cost formulas.

 Commercial Retail Wealth Other Consolidated
September 30, 20123rd Qtr YTD 3rd Qtr YTD 3rd Qtr YTD 3rd Qtr YTD 3rd Qtr YTD
OPERATIONS:                   
Net interest income (loss)$65,446
 $193,776
 $51,181
 $158,745
 $4,223
 $13,412
 $(2,960) $(10,333) $117,890
 $355,600
Provision for loan losses10,401
 22,970
 1,194
 5,459
 (519) (318) 5,103
 14,325
 16,179
 42,436
Other income15,247
 47,603
 26,783
 76,226
 8,528
 24,987
 4,367
 13,136
 54,925
 161,952
Other expenses39,595
 123,074
 53,788
 169,618
 9,711
 29,718
 5,493
 19,022
 108,587
 341,432
Net income (loss)19,954
 61,967
 14,939
 38,931
 2,313
 5,849
 (2,253) (10,865) 34,953
 95,882
AVERAGES:                   
Assets$6,466,355
 $6,386,617
 $2,960,336
 $2,929,911
 $242,539
 $238,899
 $5,064,786
 $5,041,099
 $14,734,016
 $14,596,526
The Corporation’s business is conducted solely in the United States of America. The following tables present a summary of financial results as of and for the three month ended March 31, 2013 and March 31, 2012:

Commercial Retail Wealth Other Consolidated         FirstMerit
September 30, 20113rd Qtr YTD 3rd Qtr YTD 3rd Qtr YTD 3rd Qtr YTD 3rd Qtr YTD
 Commercial Retail Wealth Other Consolidated
March 31, 2013 1st Qtr 1st Qtr 1st Qtr 1st Qtr 1st Qtr
OPERATIONS:                             
Net interest income (loss)$65,998
 $198,197
 $56,705
 $168,718
 $4,568
 $14,205
 $(7,879) $(22,461) $119,392
 $358,659
Net interest income 65,519
 46,431
 3,775
 (4,376) 111,349
Provision for loan losses4,546
 29,653
 5,249
 17,715
 1,261
 2,587
 8,316
 9,385
 19,372
 59,340
 4,766
 4,073
 208
 899
 9,946
Other income16,219
 43,632
 28,333
 78,309
 7,784
 24,066
 8,436
 19,012
 60,772
 165,019
 19,232
 24,388
 8,310
 5,462
 57,392
Other expenses36,745
 110,073
 57,567
 177,201
 10,004
 30,363
 11,641
 22,833
 115,957
 340,470
 43,027
 52,907
 10,174
 817
 106,925
Net income (loss)40,644
 100,519
 20,464
 45,779
 1,199
 5,420
 (30,570) (62,658) 31,737
 89,060
Net income 24,022
 8,996
 1,107
 3,221
 37,346
AVERAGES:                             
Assets$6,258,625
 $6,162,742
 $2,925,345
 $2,937,888
 $237,638
 $240,919
 $5,189,020
 $5,110,001
 $14,610,628
 $14,451,550
 6,737,236
 3,016,495
 236,811
 4,993,001
 14,983,543

          FirstMerit
  Commercial Retail Wealth Other Consolidated
March 31, 2012 1st Qtr 1st Qtr 1st Qtr 1st Qtr 1st Qtr
OPERATIONS:          
Net interest income $63,853
 $54,277
 $4,598
 $(3,941) $118,787
Provision for loan losses 9,104
 2,537
 225
 2,195
 14,061
Other income 14,309
 25,265
 8,068
 4,084
 51,726
Other expenses 43,351
 57,481
 10,214
 2,722
 113,768
Net income 16,709
 12,691
 1,447
 (503) 30,344
AVERAGES:          
Assets 6,328,473
 2,910,354
 236,571
 5,021,539
 14,496,937


109.     Derivatives and Hedging Activities

The Corporation, through its mortgage banking foreign exchange and risk management operations, is party to various derivative instruments that are used for asset and liability management and customers’customers' financing needs. Derivative instruments are contracts between two or more parties that have a notional amount and underlying variable, require no net investment and allow for the net settlement of positions. The notional amount serves as the basis for the payment provision of the contract and takes the form of units, such as shares or dollars. The underlying variable represents a specified interest rate, index or other component. The interaction between the notional amount and the underlying variable determines the number of units to be exchanged between the parties and influences the market value of the derivative contract. Derivative assets and liabilities are recorded at fair value on the balance sheet and do not take into account the effects of master netting agreements. Master netting agreements allow the Corporation to settle all derivative contracts held with a single counterparty on a net basis, and to offset net derivative positions with related collateral, where applicable.

The predominant derivative and hedging activities include interest rate swaps and certain mortgage banking activities. Generally, these instruments help the Corporation manage exposure to market risk, and meet customer financing needs. Market risk represents the possibility that economic value or net interest income will be adversely affected by fluctuations in external factors, such as interest rates, market-driven rates and prices or other economic factors. Foreign exchange contracts are entered into to accommodate the needs of customers.


44

Table of Contents
FIRSTMERIT CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS  - Continued
(Dollars in thousands)


Derivatives Designated in Hedge Relationships

The Corporation’sCorporation's fixed rate loans result in exposure to losses in value as interest rates change. The risk management objective for hedging fixed rate loans is to convert the fixed rate received to a floating rate. The Corporation hedges exposure to changes in the fair value of fixed rate loans through the use of swaps. For a qualifying fair value hedge, changes in the value of the derivatives that have been highly effective as hedges are

42



recognized in current period earnings along with the corresponding changes in the fair value of the designated hedged item attributable to the risk being hedged.

Through the Corporation’sCorporation's Fixed Rate Advantage Program (“("FRAP Program”Program"), a customer received a fixed interest rate commercial loan and the Corporation subsequently converted that fixed rate loan to a variable rate instrument over the term of the loan by entering into an interest rate swap with a dealer counterparty. The Corporation receives a fixed rate payment from the customer on the loan and pays the equivalent amount to the dealer counterparty on the swap in exchange for a variable rate payment based on the one month London Inter-Bank Offered Rate index. These interest rate swaps are designated as fair value hedges. Through application of the “short"short cut method of accounting”accounting", there is an assumption that the hedges are effective. The Corporation discontinued originating interest rate swaps under the FRAP program in February 2008 and subsequently began a new interest rate swap program for commercial loan customers, termed the Back-to-Back Program. These swaps do not qualify as designated hedges; therefore, each swap is accounted for as a stand-alone derivative.

As ofAt September 30, 2012March 31, 2013, December 31, 20112012 and September 30, 2011March 31, 2012, the notional values or contractual amounts and fair value of the Corporation’sCorporation's derivatives designated in hedge relationships were as follows:
Asset Derivatives Liability DerivativesAsset Derivatives  Liability Derivatives
September 30, 2012 December 31, 2011 September 30, 2011 September 30, 2012 December 31, 2011 September 30, 2011March 31, 2013 December 31, 2012 March 31, 2012  March 31, 2013 December 31, 2012 March 31, 2012
Notional/
Contract
Amount
 
Fair
Value (a)
 
Notional/
Contract
Amount
 
Fair
Value (a)
 
Notional/
Contract
Amount
 
Fair
Value (a)
 
Notional/
Contract
Amount
 
Fair
Value (b)
 
Notional/
Contract
Amount
 
Fair
Value (b)
 
Notional/
Contract
Amount
 
Fair
Value (b)
Notional/ Contract Amount 
Fair
Value (a)
 Notional/ Contract Amount 
Fair
Value (a)
 Notional/ Contract Amount 
Fair
Value (a)
  Notional/ Contract Amount 
Fair
Value (b)
 Notional/ Contract Amount 
Fair
Value (b)
 Notional/ Contract Amount 
Fair
Value (b)
Interest rate swaps:Interest rate swaps:                                              
Fair value hedges$
 $
 $819
 $
 $
 $
 $182,950
 $22,071
 $234,330
 $25,889
 $248,447
 $28,278
$
 $
 $
 $
 $
 $
  $145,382
 $17,247
 $161,133
 $19,080
 $220,630
 $23,786
(a)Included in Other Assets on the Consolidated Balance Sheets
(b)Included in Other Liabilities on the Consolidated Balance Sheets
(a) Included in Other Assets on the Consolidated Balance Sheet
(b) Included in Other Liabilities on the Consolidated Balance Sheet

45

Table of Contents
FIRSTMERIT CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS  - Continued
(Dollars in thousands)



Derivatives Not Designated in Hedge Relationships

As of September 30, 2012March 31, 2013, December 31, 20112012 and September 30, 2011March 31, 2012, the notional values or contractual amounts and fair value of the Corporation’sCorporation's derivatives not designated in hedge relationships were as follows:
Asset Derivatives Liability DerivativesAsset Derivatives  Liability Derivatives
September 30, 2012 December 31, 2011 September 30, 2011 September 30, 2012 December 31, 2011 September 30, 2011March 31, 2013 December 31, 2012 March 31, 2012  March 31, 2013 December 31, 2012 March 31, 2012
Notional/
Contract
Amount
 
Fair
Value 
(a)
 
Notional/
Contract
Amount
 
Fair
Value 
(a)
 
Notional/
Contract
Amount
 
Fair
Value 
(a)
 
Notional/
Contract
Amount
 
Fair
Value 
(b)
 
Notional/
Contract
Amount
 
Fair
Value 
(b)
 
Notional/
Contract
Amount
 
Fair
Value 
(b)
Notional/ Contract Amount Fair Value(a) Notional/ Contract Amount Fair Value(a) Notional/ Contract Amount Fair Value(a)  Notional/ Contract Amount Fair Value(b) Notional/ Contract Amount Fair Value(b) Notional/ Contract Amount Fair Value(b)
Interest rate swaps$1,166,765
 $62,796
 $976,823
 $58,875
 $934,248
 $61,299
 $1,166,765
 $62,796
 $976,823
 $58,875
 $934,248
 $61,299
$1,266,831
 $54,590
 $1,204,835
 $58,769
 $1,016,626
 $56,298
  $1,266,831
 $54,590
 $1,204,835
 $58,769
 $1,016,626
 $56,298
Mortgage loan commitments221,057
 7,394
 191,514
 4,959
 227,999
 5,525
 
 
 
 
 
 
214,573
 4,152
 168,271
 4,400
 247,453
 3,268
  
 
 
 
 
 
Forward sales contracts144,849
 (2,223) 159,377
 (1,798) 182,588
 (1,591) 
 
 
 
 
 
122,795
 (284) 124,017
 (62) 201,637
 446
  
 
 
 
 
 
Credit contracts
 
 
 
 
 
 20,861
 
 17,951
 
 24,435
 

 
 
 
 
 
  40,541
 
 25,225
 
 17,805
 
Foreign exchange4,363
 80
 3,582
 65
 2,461
 85
 4,371
 71
 3,793
 62
 2,456
 80
8,063
 105
 6,662
 62
 7,969
 103
  8,080
 96
 6,026
 57
 8,043
 90
Other
 
 
 
 
 
 27,898
 
 21,094
 1,324
 17,809
 

 
 
 
 
 
  35,286
 
 31,492
 
 24,516
 
Total$1,537,034
 $68,047
 $1,331,296
 $62,101
 $1,347,296
 $65,318
 $1,219,895
 $62,867
 $1,019,661
 $60,261
 $978,948
 $61,379
$1,612,262
 $58,563
 $1,503,785
 $63,169
 $1,473,685
 $60,115
  $1,350,738
 $54,686
 $1,267,578
 $58,826
 $1,066,990
 $56,388
                       
(a)Included in Other Assets on the Consolidated Balance Sheet
(b)Included in Other Liabilities on the Consolidated Balance Sheet
(a) Included in Other Assets on the Consolidated Balance Sheet
(b) Included in Other Liabilities on the Consolidated Balance Sheet

Interest Rate Swaps.In 2008, the Corporation implemented the Back-to-Back Program, which is an interest rate swap program for commercial loan customers. The Back-to-Back Program provides the customer with a fixed rate loan while creating a variable rate asset for the Corporation through the customer entering into an interest rate swap with the Corporation on terms that match the loan. The Corporation offsets its risk exposure by entering into an offsetting interest rate swap with a dealer counterparty. These swaps do not qualify as designated hedges; therefore, each swap is accounted for as a stand-alonestandalone derivative.

43




Mortgage banking. In the normal course of business, the Corporation sells originated mortgage loans into the secondary mortgage loan markets. During the period of loan origination and prior to the sale of the loans in the secondary market, the Corporation has exposure to movements in interest rates associated with mortgage loans that are in the “mortgage pipeline”"mortgage pipeline" and the “mortgage warehouse”"mortgage warehouse". A pipeline loan is one in which the Corporation has entered into a written mortgage loan commitment with a potential borrower that will be held for resale. Once a mortgage loan is closed and funded, it is included within the mortgage warehouse of loans awaiting sale and delivery into the secondary market.

Written loan commitments that relate to the origination of mortgage loans that will be held for resale are considered free-standing derivatives and do not qualify for hedge accounting. Written loan commitments generally have a term of up to 60 days before the closing of the loan. The loan commitment does not bind the potential borrower to entering into the loan, nor does it guarantee that the Corporation will approve the potential borrower for the loan. Therefore, when determining fair value, the Corporation makes estimates of expected “fallout”"fallout" (loan commitments not expected to close), using models which consider cumulative historical fallout rates and other factors. Fallout can occur for a variety of reasons including falling rate environments when a borrower will abandon an interest rate lock loan commitment at one lender and enter into a new lower interest rate lock loan commitment at another, when a borrower is not approved as an acceptable credit by the lender or for a variety of other non-economic reasons. In addition, expected net future cash flows related to loan servicing activities are included in the fair value measurement of a written loan commitment.

Written loan commitments in which the borrower has locked in an interest rate results in market risk to the Corporation to the extent market interest rates change from the rate quoted to the borrower. The Corporation economically hedges the risk of changing interest rates associated with its interest rate lock commitments by entering into forward sales contracts.

46

Table of Contents
FIRSTMERIT CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS  - Continued
(Dollars in thousands)



The Corporation’sCorporation's warehouse (mortgage loans held for sale) is subject to changes in fair value, due to fluctuations in interest rates from the loan’sloan's closing date through the date of sale of the loan into the secondary market. Typically, the fair value of the warehouse declines in value when interest rates increase and rises in value when interest rates decrease. To mitigate this risk, the Corporation enters into forward sales contracts on a significant portion of the warehouse to provide an economic hedge against those changes in fair value. Mortgage loans held for sale and the forward sales contracts were recorded at fair value with ineffective changes in value recorded in current earnings as Loan sales and servicing income.

The Corporation periodically enters into derivative contracts by purchasing to be announced (“TBA”) securities that are utilized as economic hedges of its mortgage servicing rights (“MSRs”) to minimize the effects of loss of value of MSRs associated with increase prepayment activity that generally results from declining interest rates. In a rising interest rate environment, the value of the MSRs generally will increase while the value of the hedged instruments will decline. The hedges are economic hedges only, and are terminated and reestablished as needed to respond to changes in market conditions. There were no outstanding TBA securities contracts as of September 30, 2012December 31, 2011 or September 30, 2011.

Credit contracts. Prior to implementation of the Back-to-Back Program, certain of the Corporation’sCorporation's commercial loan customers entered into interest rate swaps with unaffiliated dealer counterparties. The Corporation entered into swap participations with these dealer counterparties whereby the Corporation guaranteed payment in the event that the counterparty experienced a loss on the interest rate swap due to a failure to pay by the Corporation’sCorporation's commercial loan customer. The Corporation simultaneously entered into reimbursement agreements with the commercial loan customers obligating the customers to reimburse the Corporation for any payments it makes under the swap participations. The Corporation monitors its payment

44



risk on its swap participations by monitoring the creditworthiness of its commercial loan customers, which is based on the normal credit review process the Corporation would have performed had it entered into these derivative instruments directly with the commercial loan customers. At September 30, 2012March 31, 2013, the remaining terms on these swap participation agreements generally ranged from less than one year to sixten years. The Corporation’sCorporation's maximum estimated exposure to written swap participations, as measured by projecting a maximum value of the guaranteed derivative instruments based on interest rate curve simulations and assuming 100% default by all obligors on the maximum values, was approximately $2.94.3 million as of September 30, 2012March 31, 2013. The fair values of the written swap participations were not material as ofat September 30, 2012March 31, 2013, December 31, 20112012 and September 30, 2011March 31, 2012.

Gains and losses recognized in income on non-designated hedging instruments for the three months ended September 30, 2012March 31, 2013 and 20112012 are as follows:
   
Amount of Gain / (Loss)
Recognized in Income on Derivatives
 Three Months Ended, Three Months Ended,
September 30, 2012 September 30, 2011
Derivatives not
designated as hedging
instruments
 
Location of Gain/(Loss)
Recognized
in Income on
Derivative
 Amount of Gain / (Loss) Recognized in Income on Derivatives
 Three Months Ended
 March 31, 2013 March 31, 2012
Mortgage loan commitments Loan sales and servicing income $2,146
 $3,986
 Other operating income $(248) $(1,691)
Forward sales contracts Loan sales and servicing income (1,023) (1,596) Other operating income (223) 2,244
Foreign exchange contracts Other income 136
 6
 Other operating income (191) 45
Other Other operating expense 
 
Total $1,259
 $2,396
 $(662) $598

Counterparty Credit Risk

Like other financial instruments, derivatives contain an element of “credit risk”—"credit risk" or the possibility that the Corporation will incur a loss because a counterparty, which may be a bank, a broker-dealer or a customer, fails to meet its contractual obligations. This risk is measured as the expected positive replacement value of contracts. All derivative contracts may be executed only with exchanges or counterparties approved by the Corporation’sCorporation's Asset and Liability Committee, and only within the Corporation’sCorporation's Board of Directors Credit Committee approved credit exposure limits. Where contracts have been created for customers, the Corporation enters into derivatives with dealers to offset its risk exposure. To manage the credit exposure to exchanges and counterparties, the Corporation generally enters into bilateral collateral agreements using standard forms published by the International Swaps and Derivatives Association. These agreements are to include thresholds

47

FIRSTMERIT CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS  - Continued
(Dollars in thousands)


of credit exposure or the maximum amount of unsecured credit exposure whichthat the Corporation is willing to assume. Beyond the threshold levels, collateral in the form of securities made available from the investment portfolio or other forms of collateral acceptable under the bilateral collateral agreements are provided. The threshold levels for each counterparty are established by the Corporation’sCorporation's Asset and Liability Committee. The Corporation generally posts collateral in the form of highly rated Government Agency issued bonds or mortgage backed securities (“MBSs”).MBSs. Collateral posted against derivative liabilities was $103.0100.4 million, $107.096.5 million and $113.8100.3 million as of September 30, 2012March 31, 2013, December 31, 20112012 and September 30, 2011March 31, 2012, respectively.

Derivative assets and liabilities are recorded at fair value on the balance sheet and do not take into account the effects of master netting agreements. Master netting agreements allow the Corporation to settle all derivative contracts held with a single counterparty on a net basis, and to offset net derivative positions with related collateral, where applicable. The following tables illustrate the potential effect of the Corporation's derivative master netting arrangements, by type of financial instrument, on the Corporation's statement of financial position as of March 31, 2013, December 31, 2012 and March 31, 2012.
As of March 31, 2013
 Gross amounts of recognized assets Gross amounts offset in the statement of financial position Net amounts of assets presented in the statement of financial position Gross amounts of financial instruments not offset in the statement of financial position Total of gross amounts of financial instruments not offset in the statement of financial position including applicable netting agreement and fair value of collateral Net amount
         
    Netting adjustment per applicable master netting agreements Fair value of financial collateral  
Derivative Assets(i) (ii) (iii) = (i) - (ii)     (iv) (v) = (iii) - (iv)
Interest rate swaps - designated$
 $
 $
 $
 $
 $
 $
Interest rate swaps - non-designated54,590
 
 54,590
 
 54,590
 54,590
 
Credit contracts
 
 
 
 
 
 
Foreign exchange105
 
 105
 (21) 126
 105
 
Total$54,695
 $
 $54,695
 $(21) $54,716
 $54,695
 $
              
 Gross amounts of recognized liabilities Gross amounts offset in the statement of financial position Net amounts of liabilities presented in the statement of financial position Gross amounts of financial instruments not offset in the statement of financial position Total of gross amounts of financial instruments not offset in the statement of financial position including applicable netting agreement and fair value of collateral Net amount
         
    Netting adjustment per applicable master netting agreements Fair value of financial collateral  
Derivative Liabilities(i) (ii) (iii) = (i) - (ii)     (iv) (v) = (iii) - (iv)
Interest rate swaps - designated$17,247
 $
 $17,247
 $
 $17,247
 $17,247
 $
Interest rate swaps - non-designated54,590
 
 54,590
 (59) 54,649
 54,590
 
Credit contracts
 
 
 
 
 
 
Foreign exchange96
 
 96
 
 96
 96
 
Total$71,933
 $
 $71,933
 $(59) $71,992
 $71,933
 $


4548

FIRSTMERIT CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS  - Continued
(Dollars in thousands)


As of December 31, 2012
 Gross amounts of recognized assets Gross amounts offset in the statement of financial position Net amounts of assets presented in the statement of financial position Gross amounts of financial instruments not offset in the statement of financial position Total of gross amounts of financial instruments not offset in the statement of financial position including applicable netting agreement and fair value of collateral Net amount
         
    Netting adjustment per applicable master netting agreements Fair value of financial instrument collateral  
Derivative assets(i) (ii) (iii) = (i) - (ii)     (iv) (v) = (iii) - (iv)
Interest rate swaps - designated
 
 
 
 
 
 
Interest rate swaps - non-designated$58,769
 $
 $58,769
 $
 $58,769
 $58,769
 $
Credit contracts
 
 
 
 
 
 
Foreign exchange62
 
 62
 
 62
 62
 
Total$58,831
 $
 $58,831
 $
 $58,831
 $58,831
 $
              
 Gross amounts of recognized liabilities Gross amounts offset in the statement of financial position Net amounts of liabilities presented in the statement of financial position Gross amounts of financial instruments not offset in the statement of financial position Total of gross amounts of financial instruments not offset in the statement of financial position including applicable netting agreement and fair value of collateral Net amount
         
    Netting adjustment per applicable master netting agreements Fair value of financial instrument collateral  
Derivative Liabilities(i) (ii) (iii) = (i) - (ii)     (iv) (v) = (iii) - (iv)
Interest rate swaps - designated$19,080
 $
 $19,080
 $
 $19,080
 $19,080
 $
Interest rate swaps - non-designated58,769
 
 58,769
 (55) 58,824
 58,769
 
Credit contracts
 
 
 
 
 
 
Foreign exchange57
 
 57
 (14) 71
 57
 
Total$77,906
 $
 $77,906
 $(69) $77,975
 $77,906
 $


49

FIRSTMERIT CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS  - Continued
(Dollars in thousands)


As of March 31, 2012
 Gross amounts of recognized assets Gross amounts offset in the statement of financial position Net amounts of assets presented in the statement of financial position Gross amounts of financial instruments not offset in the statement of financial position Total of gross amounts of financial instruments not offset in the statement of financial position including applicable netting agreement and fair value of collateral Net amount
         
    Netting adjustment per applicable master netting agreements Fair value of financial instrument collateral  
Derivative assets(i) (ii) (iii) = (i) - (ii)     (iv) (v) = (iii) - (iv)
Interest rate swaps - designated
 
 
 
 
 
 
Interest rate swaps - non-designated$56,298
 $
 $56,298
 $
 $56,298
 $56,298
 $
Credit contracts
 
 
 
 
 
 
Foreign exchange103
 
 103
 
 103
 103
 
Total$56,401
 $
 $56,401
 $
 $56,401
 $56,401
 $
              
 Gross amounts of recognized liabilities Gross amounts offset in the statement of financial position Net amounts of liabilities presented in the statement of financial position Gross amounts of financial instruments not offset in the statement of financial position Total of gross amounts of financial instruments not offset in the statement of financial position including applicable netting agreement and fair value of collateral Net amount
         
    Netting adjustment per applicable master netting agreements Fair value of financial instrument collateral  
Derivative Liabilities(i) (ii) (iii) = (i) - (ii)     (iv) (v) = (iii) - (iv)
Interest rate swaps - designated$23,786
 $
 $23,786
 $
 $23,786
 $23,786
 $
Interest rate swaps - non-designated56,298
 
 56,298
 (204) 56,502
 56,298
 
Credit contracts
 
 
 
 
 
 
Foreign exchange90
 
 90
 (24) 114
 90
 
Total$80,174
 $
 $80,174
 $(228) $80,402
 $80,174
 $


50

FIRSTMERIT CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS  - Continued
(Dollars in thousands)


1110.     Benefit Plans

The Corporation sponsors several qualified and nonqualified pension and other postretirement plans for certain of its employees. The net periodic pension cost is based on estimated values provided by an outside actuary. The components of net periodic benefit cost are as follows:
Pension BenefitsPension Benefits
Three Months Ended September 30, Nine Months Ended September 30,Three months ended March 31,
2012 2011 2012 20112013 2012
Components of Net Periodic Pension Cost          
Service Cost$1,799
 $1,531
 $5,397
 $4,593
$585
 $1,799
Interest Cost2,965
 2,860
 8,895
 8,580
2,632
 2,965
Expected return on assets(3,034) (3,328) (9,102) (9,984)(2,960) (3,034)
Amortization of unrecognized prior service costs97
 98
 291
 294
117
 97
Cumulative net loss2,593
 1,780
 7,779
 5,340
1,174
 2,593
Net periodic pension cost$4,420
 $2,941
 $13,260
 $8,823
$1,548
 $4,420

Postretirement BenefitsPostretirement Benefits
Three Months Ended September 30, Nine Months Ended September 30,Three months ended March 31,
2012 2011 2012 20112013 2012
Components of Net Periodic Postretirement Cost    
Service Cost$19
 $14
 $57
 $42
$25
 $19
Interest Cost174
 221
 522
 663
130
 174
Amortization of unrecognized prior service costs(117) 
 (351) 
(117) (117)
Cumulative net loss72
 28
 216
 84
67
 72
Net periodic postretirement cost$148
 $263
 $444
 $789
$105
 $148

Management contributed $10.0 million toEffective December 31, 2012, the qualified defined benefit pension plan was frozen resulting in no benefits accruing after December 31, 2012. Employees will have an accrued benefit which will be paid upon retirement, or for deferred vested participants, at the quarter ended September 30, 2012.time they request and are eligible for their pension benefit.

The Corporation also maintains a retirement savings plan under Section 401(k) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, covering substantially all full-time and part-time employees beginning in the quarter following three months of continuous employment. The savings plan was approved for non-vested employees in the defined benefit pension plan and new hires as of January 1, 2007. Effective January 1, 2009, the Corporation suspended its matching contribution to the savings plan. Effective April 1, 2011, the Corporation reinstated its matching contribution at $.50 of each $1.00 up to 1% of an employee's qualifying salary. Starting January 1, 2013, the employer's matching contribution to $.50 for each $1.00 upthe savings plan increased to 1%100% on the first 3% and then 50% on the next 2% of an employee’sthe employee's qualifying salary.salary. Matching contributions vest in accordance with plan specifications.



4651

FIRSTMERIT CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS  - Continued
(Dollars in thousands)


12
11.     .
Fair Value Measurement

As defined in ASC 820, Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures, fair value is defined as the price to sell an asset or transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants in the principal market or most advantageous market for the asset or liability. Fair value is based on quoted market prices, when available, for identical or similar assets or liabilities. In the absence of quoted market prices, Management determines the fair value of the Corporation's assets and liabilities using valuation models or third-party pricing services. Both of these approaches rely on market-based parameters when available, such as interest rate yield curves, option volatilities and credit spreads, or unobservable inputs. Unobservable inputs may be based on Management's judgment, assumptions and estimates related to credit quality, liquidity, interest rates and other relevant inputs.

U.S. GAAP establishes a three-level valuation hierarchy for determining fair value that is based on the transparency of the inputs used in the valuation process. The inputs used in determining fair value in each of the three levels of the hierarchy, highest ranking to lowest, are as follow:

Level 1 - Quoted prices (unadjusted) for identical assets or liabilities in active markets that the entity has the ability to access as of the measurement date.

Level 2 - Significant other observable inputs other than Level 1 prices such quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities; quoted prices in markets that are not active; or other inputs that are observable or can be corroborated by observable market data.

Level 3 - Significant unobservable inputs that reflect a company's own assumptions about the assumptions that market participants would use in pricing an asset or liability.

The level in the fair value hierarchy ascribed to a fair value measurement in its entirety is based on the lowest level input that is significant to the overall fair value measurement.

Valuation adjustments, such as those pertaining to counterparty and the Corporation's own credit quality and liquidity, may be necessary to ensure that assets and liabilities are recorded at fair value.  Credit valuation adjustments are made when market pricing does not accurately reflect the counterparty's credit quality.  As determined by Management, liquidity valuation adjustments may be made to the fair value of certain assets to reflect the uncertainty in the pricing and trading of the instruments when Management is unable to observe recent market transactions for identical or similar instruments. Liquidity valuation adjustments are based on the following factors:

the amount of time since the last relevant valuation;
whether there is an actual trade or relevant external quote available at the measurement date; and
volatility associated with the primary pricing components.

Management ensures that fair value measurements are accurate and appropriate by relying upon various controls, including:

an independent review and approval of valuation models;
recurring detailed reviews of profit and loss; and
a validation of valuation model components against benchmark data and similar products, where possible.  


52

FIRSTMERIT CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS  - Continued
(Dollars in thousands)


Management reviews any changes to its valuation methodologies to ensure they are appropriate and justified, and refines valuation methodologies as more market-based data becomes available.  Transfers

47



between levels of the fair value hierarchy are recognized at the end of the reporting period.

Additional information regarding the Corporation's accounting policies for determining fair value is provided in Note 1 (Summary of Significant Accounting Policies) under the heading "Fair Value Measurements."


53

FIRSTMERIT CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS  - Continued
(Dollars in thousands)


The following tables presentspresent the balancesbalance of assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring and nonrecurring basis as of September 30, 2012March 31, 2013, December 31, 20112012 and September 30, 2011March 31, 2012:
   Fair Value by Hierarchy   Fair Value by Hierarchy
September 30, 2012  Level 1  Level 2  Level 3March 31, 2013  Level 1  Level 2  Level 3
Recurring fair value measurement              
Available-for-sale securities:              
Money market mutual funds$3,245
 $3,245
 $
 $
$3,212
 $3,212
 $
 $
U.S. government agency debentures35,137
 
 35,137
 
U.S. States and political subdivisions258,418
 
 258,418
 
262,606
 
 262,606
 
Residential mortgage-backed securities:              
U.S. government agencies1,277,831
 
 1,277,831
 
1,152,326
 
 1,152,326
 
Commercial mortgage-backed securities:              
U.S. government agencies15,667
 
 15,667
 
58,574
 
 58,574
 
Residential collateralized mortgage-backed securities:              
U.S. government agencies1,205,525
 
 1,205,525
 
1,605,279
 
 1,605,279
 
Non-agency12
 
 1
 11
11
 
 2
 9
Commercial collateralized mortgage-backed securities:              
U.S. government agencies68,665
 
 68,665
 
110,602
 
 110,602
 
Corporate debt securities47,493
 
 
 47,493
51,225
 
 
 51,225
Total available-for-sale securities2,911,993
 3,245
 2,861,244
 47,504
3,243,835
 3,212
 3,189,389
 51,234
Residential loans held for sale17,540
 
 17,540
 
14,459
 
 14,459
 
Derivative assets:              
Interest rate swaps - fair value hedges
 
 
 

 
 
 
Interest rate swaps - nondesignated62,796
 
 62,796
 
54,590
 
 54,590
 
Mortgage loan commitments7,394
 
 7,394
 
4,152
 
 4,152
 
Forward sale contracts(2,223) 
 (2,223) 
(284) 
 (284) 
Foreign exchange80
 
 80
 
105
 
 105
 
Total derivative assets68,047
 
 68,047
 
58,563
 
 58,563
 
Total fair value of assets (a)$2,997,580
 $3,245
 $2,946,831
 $47,504
$3,316,857
 $3,212
 $3,262,411
 $51,234
Derivative liabilities:              
Interest rate swaps - fair value hedges22,071
 
 22,071
 
17,247
 
 17,247
 
Interest rate swaps - nondesignated62,796
 
 62,796
 
54,590
 
 54,590
 
Foreign exchange71
 
 71
 
96
 
 96
 
Other
 
 
 
Total derivative liabilities84,938
 
 84,938
 
71,933
 
 71,933
 
True-up liability12,642
 
 
 12,642
12,783
 
 
 12,783
Total fair value of liabilities (a)$97,580
 $
 $84,938
 $12,642
$84,716
 $
 $71,933
 $12,783
Nonrecurring fair value measurement              
Mortgage servicing rights (b)$17,294
 $
 $
 $17,294
$20,223
 $
 $
 $20,223
Impaired loans (c)44,010
 
 
 44,010
54,382
 
 
 54,382
Other property (d)6,333
 
 
 6,333
5,532
 
 
 5,532
Other real estate covered by loss share (e)14,695
 
 
 14,695
16,504
 
 
 16,504
Total fair value$82,332
 $
 $
 $82,332
$96,641
 $
 $
 $96,641
(a) - There were no transfers between levels 1 and 2 of the fair value hierarchy during the quarterthree months ended September 30,March 31, 2013.
(b) - MSRs with a recorded investment of $21.4 million were reduced by a specific valuation allowance totaling $1.2 million to a reported carrying value of $20.1 million resulting in recognition of $1.3 million in expense included in loans sales and servicing income in the three months ended March 31, 2013.
(c) - Collateral dependent impaired loans with a recorded investment of $58.9 million were reduced by specific valuation allowance allocations totaling $4.5 million to a reported net carrying value of $54.4 million.

54

FIRSTMERIT CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS  - Continued
(Dollars in thousands)


(d) - Amounts do not include assets held at cost at March 31, 2013. During the three months ended March 31, 2013, the re-measurement of foreclosed assets at fair value subsequent to initial recognition resulted in losses of $0.2 million included in noninterest expense.
(e) - Amounts do not include assets held at cost at March 31, 2013. During the three months ended March 31, 2013, the re-measurement of covered foreclosed assets at fair value subsequent to initial recognition resulted in losses $0.1 million included in noninterest expense.

    Fair Value by Hierarchy
 December 31, 2012  Level 1  Level 2  Level 3
Recurring fair value measurement       
Available-for-sale securities:       
Money market mutual funds$3,241
 $3,241
 $
 $
U.S. States and political subdivisions268,204
 
 268,204
 
Residential mortgage-backed securities:       
U.S. government agencies1,107,063
 
 1,107,063
 
Commercial mortgage-backed securities:       
U.S. government agencies52,036
 
 52,036
 
Residential collateralized mortgage-backed securities:       
U.S. government agencies1,329,421
 
 1,329,421
 
Non-agency11
 
 2
 9
Commercial collateralized mortgage-backed securities:       
U.S. government agencies111,343
 
 111,343
 
Corporate debt securities49,652
 
 
 49,652
Total available-for-sale securities2,920,971
 3,241
 2,868,069
 49,661
Residential loans held for sale23,683
 
 23,683
 
Derivative assets:       
Interest rate swaps - fair value hedges
 
 
 
Interest rate swaps - nondesignated58,769
 
 58,769
 
Mortgage loan commitments4,400
 
 4,400
 
Forward sale contracts(62) 
 (62) 
Foreign exchange62
 
 62
 
Total derivative assets63,169
 
 63,169
 
       Total fair value of assets (a)$3,007,823
 $3,241
 $2,954,921
 $49,661
Derivative liabilities:       
Interest rate swaps - fair value hedges19,080
 
 19,080
 
Interest rate swaps - nondesignated58,769
 
 58,769
 
Foreign exchange57
 
 57
 
Other
 
 
 
Total derivative liabilities77,906
 
 77,906
 
True-up liability12,259
 
 
 12,259
Total fair value of liabilities (a)$90,165
 $
 $77,906
 $12,259
Nonrecurring fair value measurement       
Mortgage servicing rights (b)$18,833
 $
 $
 $18,833
Impaired loans (c)54,491
 
 
 54,491
Other property (d)7,540
 
 
 7,540
Other real estate covered by loss share (e)12,631
 
 
 12,631
Total fair value$93,495
 $
 $
 $93,495
(a) - There were no transfers between levels 1 and 2 of the fair value hierarchy during the year ended December 31, 2012.
(b) - MSRs with a recorded investment of $21.3 million were reduced by a specific valuation allowance totaling $4.12.6 million to a reported carrying value of $17.318.8 million resulting in the recognition of an impairment charge of $1.0 million in the year ended December 31, 2012.

55

FIRSTMERIT CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS  - Continued
(Dollars in thousands)


(c) - Collateral dependent impaired loans with a recorded investment of $57.8 million were reduced by specific valuation allowance allocations totaling $3.3 million to a reported net carrying value of $54.5 million.
(d) Amounts do not include assets held at cost at December 31, 2012. During the year ended December 31, 2012, the re-measurement of foreclosed assets at fair value subsequent to initial recognition resulted in losses of $2.2 million included in noninterest expense.
(e) Amounts do not include assets held at cost at December 31, 2012. During the year ended December 31, 2012, the re-measurement of covered foreclosed assets at fair value subsequent to initial recognition resulted in losses of $1.7 million included in noninterest expense.


56

FIRSTMERIT CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS  - Continued
(Dollars in thousands)


    Fair Value by Hierarchy
 March 31, 2012  Level 1  Level 2  Level 3
Recurring fair value measurement       
Available-for-sale securities:       
Money market mutual funds$3,308
 $3,308
 $
 $
U.S. government agency debentures35,455
 
 35,455
 
U.S. States and political subdivisions386,525
 
 386,525
 
Residential mortgage-backed securities:       
U.S. government agencies1,454,416
 
 1,454,416
 
Commercial mortgage-backed securities:       
U.S. government agencies27,663
 
 27,663
 
Residential collateralized mortgage-backed securities:       
U.S. government agencies1,251,304
 
 1,251,304
 
Non-agency41,832
 
 2
 41,830
Commercial collateralized mortgage-backed securities:       
U.S. government agencies147,355
 
 147,355
 
Corporate debt securities143,789
 
 97,132
 46,657
Total available-for-sale securities3,491,647
 3,308
 3,399,852
 88,487
Residential loans held for sale42,447
 
 42,447
 
Derivative assets:       
Interest rate swaps - fair value hedges
 
 
 
Interest rate swaps - nondesignated56,298
 
 56,298
 
Mortgage loan commitments3,268
 
 3,268
 
Forward sale contracts446
 
 446
 
Foreign exchange103
 
 103
 
Total derivative assets60,115
 
 60,115
 
       Total fair value of assets (a)$3,594,209
 $3,308
 $3,502,414
 $88,487
Derivative liabilities:       
Interest rate swaps - fair value hedges23,786
 
 23,786
 
Interest rate swaps - nondesignated56,298
 
 56,298
 
Foreign exchange90
 
 90
 
Other
 
 
 
Total derivative liabilities80,174
 
 80,174
 
True-up liability11,725
 
 
 11,725
Total fair value of liabilities (a)$91,899
 $
 $80,174
 $11,725
Nonrecurring fair value measurement       
Mortgage servicing rights (b)$18,869
 $
 $
 $18,869
Impaired loans (c)60,018
 
 
 60,018
Other property (d)4,768
 
 
 4,768
Other real estate covered by loss share (e)47,765
 
 
 47,765
Total fair value$131,420
 $
 $
 $131,420
(a) - There were no transfers between levels 1 and 2 of the fair value hierarchy during the three months ended March 31, 2012.
(b) - Mortgage servicing rights with a recorded investment of $20.9 million were reduced by a specific valuation allowance totaling $2.2 million to a reported carrying value of $18.8 million resulting in recognition of a recovery of $0.61.3 million in expense included in loans sales and servicing income in the quarterthree months ended September 30,March 31, 2012.
(c) - Collateral dependent impaired loans with a recorded investment of $52.565.2 million were reduced by specific valuation allowance allocations totaling $8.55.2 million to a reported net carrying value of $44.060.0 million.
(d) - Amounts do not include assets held at cost at September 30,March 31, 2012. During the quarterthree months ended September 30,March 31, 2012, the re-measurement of foreclosed assets at fair value subsequent to initial recognition resulted in losses of $0.10.9 million included in noninterest expense.

57

FIRSTMERIT CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS  - Continued
(Dollars in thousands)


(e) - Amounts do not include assets held at cost at September 30,March 31, 2012. During the quarterthree months ended September 30,March 31, 2012, the re-measurement of covered foreclosed assets at fair value subsequent to initial recognition resulted in losses $0.2 million included in noninterest expense.

48



    Fair Value by Hierarchy
 December 31, 2011  Level 1  Level 2  Level 3
Recurring fair value measurement       
Available-for-sale securities:       
Money market mutual funds$3,299
 $3,299
 $
 $
U.S. government agency debentures123,069
 
 123,069
 
U.S. States and political subdivisions357,731
 
 357,731
 
Residential mortgage-backed securities:       
U.S. government agencies1,460,343
 
 1,460,343
 
Residential collateralized mortgage-backed securities:

 

 

 

U.S. government agencies1,137,835
 
 1,137,835
 
Non-agency43,307
 
 2
 43,305
Commercial collateralized mortgage-backed securities:       
U.S. government agencies129,127
 
 129,127
 
Corporate debt securities98,842
 
 54,608
 44,234
Total available-for-sale securities3,353,553
 3,299
 3,262,715
 87,539
Residential loans held for sale30,077
 
 30,077
 
Derivative assets:       
Interest rate swaps - fair value hedges
 
 
 
Interest rate swaps - nondesignated58,875
 
 58,875
 
Mortgage loan commitments4,959
 
 4,959
 
Forward sale contracts(1,798) 
 (1,798) 
Foreign exchange20
 
 65
 
Total derivative assets62,056
 
 62,101
 
       Total fair value of assets (a)$3,445,686
 $3,299
 $3,354,893
 $87,539
Derivative liabilities:       
Interest rate swaps - fair value hedges25,889
 
 25,889
 
Interest rate swaps - nondesignated58,875
 
 58,875
 
Foreign exchange18
 
 62
 
Other1,324
 
 1,324
 
Total derivative liabilities86,106
 
 86,150
 
True-up liability11,551
 
 
 11,551
Total fair value of liabilities (a)$97,657
 $
 $86,150
 $11,551
Nonrecurring fair value measurement       
Mortgage servicing rights (b)$17,749
 $
 $
 $17,749
Impaired loans (c)56,739
 
 
 56,739
Other property (d)4,087
 
 
 4,087
Other real estate covered by loss share (e)18,707
 
 
 18,707
Total fair value$97,282
 $
 $
 $97,282
(a) - There were no transfers between levels 1 and 2 of the fair value hierarchy during the quarter ended December 31, 2011.  
(b) - MSRs with a recorded investment of $21.2 million were reduced by a specific valuation allowance totaling $3.5 million to a reported carrying value of $17.6 million resulting in the recognition of an impairment charge of $3.5 million in the year ended December 31, 2011.
(c) - Collateral dependent impaired loans with a recorded investment of $64.5 million were reduced by specific valuation allowance allocations totaling $7.7 million to a reported net carrying value of $56.7 million.
(d) Amounts do not include assets held at cost at December 31, 2011. During the year ended December 31, 2011, the re-measurement of foreclosed assets at fair value subsequent to initial recognition resulted in losses of $5.4 million included in noninterest expense.
(e) Amounts do not include assets held at cost at December 31, 2011. During the year ended December 31, 2011, the re-measurement of covered foreclosed assets at fair value subsequent to initial recognition resulted in losses of $3.00.6 million included in noninterest expense.



49



    Fair Value by Hierarchy
 September 30, 2011  Level 1  Level 2  Level 3
Recurring fair value measurement       
Available-for-sale securities:       
Money market mutual funds$3,715
 $3,715
 $
 $
U.S. government agency debentures203,718
 
 203,718
 
U.S. States and political subdivisions314,441
 
 314,441
 
Residential mortgage-backed securities:

 

 

 

U.S. government agencies1,481,222
 
 1,481,222
 
Residential collateralized mortgage-backed securities:       
U.S. government agencies1,103,906
 
 1,103,906
 
Non-agency44,857
 
 3
 44,854
Commercial collateralized mortgage-backed securities:       
U.S. government agencies
 
 
 
Corporate debt securities46,187
 
 
 46,187
Total available-for-sale securities3,198,046
 3,715
 3,103,290
 91,041
Residential loans held for sale39,340
 
 39,340
 
Derivative assets:       
Interest rate swaps - fair value hedges
 
 
 
Interest rate swaps - nondesignated61,299
 
 61,299
 
Mortgage loan commitments5,525
 
 5,525
 
Forward sale contracts(1,591) 
 (1,591) 
Foreign exchange85
 
 85
 
Total derivative assets65,318
 
 65,318
 
       Total fair value of assets (a)$3,302,704
 $3,715
 $3,207,948
 $91,041
Derivative liabilities:       
Interest rate swaps - fair value hedges28,278
 
 28,278
 
Interest rate swaps - nondesignated61,299
 
 61,299
 
Foreign exchange80
 
 80
 
Other
 
 
 
Total derivative liabilities89,657
 
 89,657
 
True-up liability11,913
 
 
 11,913
Total fair value of liabilities (a)$101,570
 $
 $89,657
 $11,913
Nonrecurring fair value measurement       
Mortgage servicing rights (b)$16,866
 $
 $
 $16,866
Impaired loans (c)59,155
 
 
 59,155
Other property (d)8,648
 
 
 8,648
Other real estate covered by loss share (e)29,350
 
 
 29,350
Total fair value$114,019
 $
 $
 $114,019
(a) - There were no transfers between levels 1 and 2 of the fair value hierarchy during the quarter endedSeptember 30, 2011.
(b) - MSRs were recorded at carrying value of $16.8 million as of September 30, 2011.
(c) - Collateral dependent impaired loans with a recorded investment of $66.2 million were reduced by specific valuation allowance allocations totaling $7.1 million to a reported net carrying value of $59.2 million.
(d) - Amounts do not include assets held at cost at September 30, 2011. During the quarter ended September 30, 2011, the re-measurement of foreclosed assets at fair value subsequent to initial recognition resulted in losses of $1.0 million included in noninterest expense.
(e) Amounts do not include assets held at cost at September 30, 2011. During the quarter ended September 30, 2011, the re-measurement of covered foreclosed assets at fair value subsequent to initial recognition resulted in losses of $1.1 million included in noninterest expense.


50



The following section describes the valuation methodologies used by the Corporation to measure financial assets and liabilities at fair value. During the quartersthree months ended September 30, 2012March 31, 2013 and 20112012, there were no significant changes to the valuation techniques used by the Corporation to measure fair value.

Available-for-sale securities.When quoted prices are available in an active market, securities are valued using the quoted price and are classified as Level 1. The quoted prices are not adjusted. Level 1 instruments are predominantlyinclude money market mutual funds and represent less than 1% of the available-for-sale portfolio.funds.

Securities are classified as Level 2 if quoted prices for identical securities are not available, and fair value is determined using pricing models by a third-party pricing service.   Approximately 98% of the available-for-sale portfolio is Level 2. For the majority of available-for sale securities, the Corporation obtains fair value measurements from an independent third party pricing service. These instruments include: municipal bonds; bonds backed by the U.S. government; corporate bonds; MBSs;mortgage-backed securities ("MBSs"); securities issued by the U.S. Treasury; and certain agency and corporate collateralized mortgage obligations.  The independent pricing service uses industry-standard models to price U.S. Government agencies and MBSs that consider various assumptions, including time value, yield curves, volatility factors, prepayment speeds, default rates, loss severity, current market and contractual prices for the underlying financial instruments, as well as other relevant economic measures. Obligations of state and political subdivisions are valued using a type of matrix, or grid, pricing in which securities are benchmarked against the treasury rate based on credit rating. For collateralized mortgage securities, depending on the characteristics of a given tranche, a volatility driven multidimensional static model or Option-Adjusted Spread model is generally used. Substantially all assumptions used by the independent pricing service for securities classified as Level 2 are observable in the marketplace, can be derived from observable data, or are supported by observable levels at which transactions are executed in the marketplace.
 
Securities are classified as Level 3 when there is limited activity in the market for a particular instrument and fair value is determined by obtaining broker quotes. LessAs of March 31, 2013, less than 2% of the available-for-sale portfolio is Level 3, andwhich consists of mortgage-backed securities issued and guaranteed by the National Credit Union Administration and single issuer trust preferred securities. These instruments are measured at unadjusted prices obtained from the independent pricing service. The independent pricing service prices these instruments through a broker quote when sufficient information, such as cash flows or other security structure or market information, is not available to produce an evaluation. Broker-quoted securities are adjusted by the independent pricing service based solely on the receipt of updated quotes from market makers or broker-dealers recognized as market participants. A list of such issues is compiled by the independent pricing service daily. For broker-quoted issues, the independent pricing service applies a zero spread relationship to the bid-side valuation, resulting in the same values for the mean and ask.

On a monthly basis, Management validates the pricing methodologies utilized by our independent pricing service to ensure the fair value determination is consistent with the applicable accounting guidance and that the investments are properly classified in the fair value hierarchy. Management substantiates the fair values determined for a sample of securities held in portfolio by reviewing the key assumptions used by the independent pricing service to value the securities and comparing the fair values to prices from other independent sources for the same and similar securities. Management analyzes variances and conducts additional research with the independent pricing service, if necessary, and takes appropriate action based on its findings.


58

FIRSTMERIT CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS  - Continued
(Dollars in thousands)


Loans held for sale. These loans are regularly traded in active markets through programs offered by the Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation and the Federal National Mortgage Association, and

51



observable pricing information is available from market participants. The prices are adjusted as necessary to include any embedded servicing value in the loans and to take into consideration the specific characteristics of certain loans. These adjustments represent unobservable inputs to the valuation but are not considered significant to the fair value of the loans. Accordingly, residential real estate loans held for sale are classified as Level 2.

Impaired loans. Certain impaired collateral dependent loans are reported at fair value less costs to sell the collateral. Collateral values are estimated using Level 3 inputs, consisting of third-party appraisals or price opinions and internal adjustments necessary in the judgment of Management to reflect current market conditions and current operating results for the specific collateral. Collateral may be in the form of real estate or personal property including equipment and inventory. The vast majority of the collateral is real estate. When impaired collateral dependent loans are individually re-measured and reported at fair value of the collateral, less costs to sell, a direct loan charge off to the allowance for loan losses and/or a specific valuation allowance allocation is recorded.

Other Property. Certain other property which consists of foreclosed assets and properties securing residential and commercial loans, upon initial recognition and transfer from loans, are re-measured and reported at fair value less costs to sell to the property through a charge-off to the allowance for loan losses based on the fair value of the foreclosed assets. The fair value of a foreclosed asset, upon initial recognition, is estimated using Level 3 inputs, consisting of third party appraisals or price opinions and internal adjustments necessary in the judgment of Management to reflect current market conditions and current operating results for the specific collateral. Subsequent to foreclosure, valuations are updated periodically, and the assets may be written down further through a charge to noninterest expense.

Mortgage Servicing Rights. The Corporation carries its mortgage servicing rights at lower of cost or fair value, and, therefore, they subject to fair value measurements on a nonrecurring basis. Since sales of mortgage servicing rights tend to occur in private transactions and the precise terms and conditions of the sales are typically not readily available, there is a limited market to refer to in determining the fair value of mortgage servicing rights. As such, like other participants in the mortgage banking business, the Corporation relies primarily on a discounted cash flow model, incorporating assumptions about loan prepayment rates, discount rates, servicing costs and other economic factors, to estimate the fair value of its mortgage servicing rights. Since the valuation model uses significant unobservable inputs, the Corporation classifies mortgage servicing rights within Level 3.

The Corporation utilizes a third-party vendor to perform the modeling to estimate the fair value of its mortgage servicing rights. The Corporation reviews the estimated fair values and assumptions used by the third party in the model on a quarterly basis. The Corporation also compares the estimates of fair value and assumptions to recent market activity and against its own experience. See Note 1312 (Mortgage Servicing Rights and Mortgage Servicing Activity) for further information on mortgage servicing rights valuation assumptions.

Derivatives. The Corporation's derivatives include interest rate swaps and written loan commitments and forward sales contracts related to residential mortgage loan origination activity. Valuations for interest rate swaps are derived from third partythird-party models whose significant inputs are readily observable market parameters, primarily yield curves, with appropriate adjustments for liquidity and credit risk. These fair value measurements are classified as Level 2. The fair values of written loan commitments and forward sales contracts on the associated loans are based on quoted prices for similar loans in the secondary market, consistent with the valuation of residential mortgage loans held for sale. Expected net future cash flows related to loan servicing

59

Table of Contents
FIRSTMERIT CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS  - Continued
(Dollars in thousands)


activities are included in the fair value measurement of written

52



loan commitments. A written loan commitment does not bind the potential borrower to entering into the loan, nor does it guarantee that the Corporation will approve the potential borrower for the loan. Therefore, when determining fair value, the Corporation makes estimates of expected “fallout”"fallout" (interest rate locked pipeline loans not expected to close), using models, which consider cumulative historical fallout rates and other factors. Fallout can occur for a variety of reasons including falling rate environments when a borrower will abandon a fixed rate loan commitment at one lender and enter into a new lower fixed rate loan commitment at another, when a borrower is not approved as an acceptable credit by the lender or for a variety of other non-economic reasons. Fallout is not a significant input to the fair value of the written loan commitments in their entirety. These measurements are classified as Level 2.
 
Derivative assets are typically secured through securities with financial counterparties or cross collateralization with a borrowing customer. Derivative liabilities are typically secured through the Corporation pledging securities to financial counterparties or, in the case of a borrowing customer, by the right of setoff. The Corporation considers factors such as the likelihood of default by itself and its counterparties, right of setoff, and remaining maturities in determining the appropriate fair value adjustments. All derivative counterparties approved by the Corporation's Asset and Liability Committee are regularly reviewed, and appropriate business action is taken to adjust the exposure to certain counterparties, as necessary. Counterparty exposure is evaluated by netting positions that are subject to master netting agreements, as well as considering the amount of marketable collateral securing the position. This approach used to estimate impacted exposures to counterparties is also used by the Corporation to estimate its own credit risk on derivative liability positions. To date, no material losses have been incurred due to a counterparty's inability to pay any uncollateralized position. There was no significant change in value of derivative assets and liabilities attributed to credit risk for the quarterthree months ended September 30, 2012March 31, 2013.

True-up liability. In connection with the George Washington and Midwest acquisitions in 2010, the Bank has agreed to pay the FDIC should the estimated losses on the acquired loan portfolios as well as servicing fees earned on the acquired loan portfolios not meet thresholds as stated in the loss sharing agreements (the "true-up liability"). This contingent consideration is classified as a liability within accrued taxes, expenses and other liabilities on the consolidated balance sheets and is remeasured at fair value each reporting date until the contingency is resolved. The changes in fair value are recognized in earnings in the current period.

An expected value methodology is used as a starting point for determining the fair value of the true-up liability based on the contractual terms prescribed in the loss sharing agreements. The resulting values under both calculations are discounted over 10 years (the period defined in the loss sharing agreements) to reflect the uncertainty in the timing and payment of the true-up liability by the Bank to arrive at a net present value. The discount rate used to value the true-up liability was 2.99%2.91% and 3.81%3.56% as of September 30, 2012March 31, 2013 and 20112012, respectively. Increasing or decreasing the discount rate by one percentage point would change the liability by approximately $0.9 million and $1.0 million, respectively, as of September 30, 2012March 31, 2013.

In accordance with the loss sharing agreements governing the Midwest acquisition, on July 15, 2020 (the “Midwest True-Up Measurement Date”), the Bank has agreed to pay to the FDIC half of the amount, if positive, calculated as: (1) 20% of the intrinsic loss estimate of the FDIC (approximately $152 million)$152 million); minus (2) the sum of (A) 25% of the asset premium paid in connection with the Midwest acquisition (approximately $20 million)$20 million); plus (B) 25% of the cumulative shared-loss payments (as defined below) plus (C) the cumulative servicing amount (as defined below). The fair value of the true-up liability associated with the Midwest acquisition was $7.78.4 million, $7.27.6 million and $7.37.4 million as of September 30, 2012March 31, 2013, December 31, 20112012 and September 30, 2011March 31, 2012, respectively.


5360

Table of Contents
FIRSTMERIT CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS  - Continued
(Dollars in thousands)



In accordance with the loss sharing agreements governing the George Washington acquisition, on April 14, 2020 (the “George Washington True-Up Measurement Date”), the Bank has agreed to pay to the FDIC 50% of the excess, if any, of (1) 20% of the stated threshold ($172.0 million)(approximately $172 million) less (2) the sum of (A) 25% of the asset discount ($47.0 million)(approximately $47 million) received in connection with the George Washington acquisition plus (B) 25% of the cumulative shared-loss payments (as defined below) plus (C) the cumulative servicing amount (as defined below). The fair value of the true-up liability associated with the George Washington acquisition was $5.04.4 million, $4.34.6 million and $4.64.3 million as of September 30, 2012March 31, 2013, December 31, 20112012 and September 30, 2011March 31, 2012, respectively.

For the purposes of the above calculations, cumulative shared-loss payments means: (i) the aggregate of all of the payments made or payable to the Bank under the loss sharing agreements minus (ii) the aggregate of all of the payments made or payable to the FDIC. The cumulative servicing amount means the period servicing amounts (as defined in the loss sharing agreements) for every consecutive twelve-month period prior to and ending on the Midwest and George Washington True-Up Measurement Dates. The cumulative loss share payments and cumulative service amounts components of the true-up calculations are estimated each period end based on the expected amount and timing of cash flows of the acquired loan portfolios. See Note 4 (Loans) and Note 5 (LoansAllowance for Loan Losses) for additional information on the estimated cash flows of the acquired loan portfolios.

The changes in Level 3 assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis for the quarters ended March 31, 2013 and 2012are summarized as follows:
Three months ended Nine Months EndedThree Months Ended
September 30, 2012 September 30, 2011 September 30, 2012 September 30, 2011March 31, 2013 March 31, 2012
Available-for-sale securities True-up liability Available-for-sale securities True-up liability Available-for-sale securities True-up liability Available-for-sale securities True-up liabilityAvailable-for-sale securities True-up liability Available-for-sale securities True-up liability
Balance at beginning of period$48,096
 $11,820
 $144,570
 $12,196
 $87,539
 $11,551
 $60,344
 $12,061
$49,661
 $12,259
 $87,539
 $11,551
(Gains) losses included in earnings (a)
 822
 
 (283) 
 1,091
 
 (148)
 524
 
 174
Unrealized gains (losses) (b)(605) 
 (4,549) 
 3,137
 
 (4,199) 
1,560
 
 2,419
 
Purchases
 
 
 
 
 
 83,876
 

 
 
 
Sales
 
 (44,924) 
 (40,520) 
 (44,924) 

 
 
 
Settlements13
 
 (4,056) 
 (2,652) 
 (4,056) 
13
 
 (1,471) 
Net transfers into (out of) Level 3
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

 
 
 
Balance at ending of period$47,504
 $12,642
 $91,041
 $11,913
 $47,504
 $12,642
 $91,041
 $11,913
$51,234
 $12,783
 $88,487
 $11,725
(a) Reported in other expense
(b) Reported in other comprehensive income (loss)

Fair Value Option

Residential mortgage loans held for sale are recorded at fair value under fair value option accounting guidance. The election of the fair value option aligns the accounting for these loans with the related hedges. It also eliminates the requirements of the hedge accounting under U.S. GAAP.


5461

Table of Contents
FIRSTMERIT CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS  - Continued
(Dollars in thousands)


Interest income on loans held for sale is accrued on the principal outstanding primarily using the “simple-interest” method. None of these loans were 90 days or more past due, nor were any on nonaccrual status as of September 30, 2012March 31, 2013, December 31, 20112012 and September 30, 2011March 31, 2012. The aggregate fair value, contractual balance and gainsgain or loss on loans held for sale arewas as follows:
 Quarter ended Year ended Quarter ended
 September 30, 2012 December 31, 2011 September 30, 2011
Aggregate fair value$17,540
 $30,077
 $39,340
Contractual balance16,635
 28,948
 37,786
Gain (a)905
 1,129
 1,554
      
  March 31, 2013 December 31, 2012 March 31, 2012
Aggregate fair value carrying amount $14,459
 $23,683
 $42,447
Aggregate unpaid principal / contractual balance 13,960
 22,765
 41,542
Carrying amount over aggregate unpaid principal (a) $499
 $918
 $905
(a) IncludedThese changes are included in loan sales and servicing income.

Disclosures about Fair Value of Financial Instruments

The carrying amount and estimated fair value of the Corporation’s financial instruments that are carried at either fair value or cost as of September 30, 2012March 31, 2013, December 31, 20112012 and September 30, 2011March 31, 2012 are shown in the tables below.
September 30, 2012March 31, 2013
Carrying
Amount
 Fair Value
Carrying
Amount
 Fair Value
 Total Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Total Level 1 Level 2 Level 3
Financial assets:                  
Cash and due from banks$238,417
 $238,417
 $
 $238,417
 $
$347,103
 $347,103
 $
 $347,103
 $
Available for sale securities2,911,993
 2,911,993
 3,245
 2,861,244
 47,504
Held to maturity securities620,631
 631,237
 
 631,237
 
Available-for-sale securities3,243,835
 3,243,835
 3,212
 3,189,389
 51,234
Held-to-maturity securities665,589
 673,501
 
 673,501
 
Other securities140,730
 140,730
 
 140,730
 
140,984
 140,984
 
 140,984
 
Loans held for sale17,540
 17,540
 
 17,540
 
14,459
 14,459
 
 14,459
 
Net noncovered loans8,217,478
 7,898,195
 
 
 7,898,195
8,681,127
 8,649,899
 
 
 8,649,899
Net covered loans and loss share receivable1,131,285
 1,131,285
 
 
 1,131,285
848,887
 848,887
 
 
 848,887
Accrued interest receivable43,901
 43,901
 
 43,901
 
43,701
 43,701
 
 43,701
 
Derivatives68,047
 68,047
 
 68,047
 
58,563
 58,563
 
 58,563
 
Financial liabilities:                  
Deposits$11,532,426
 $11,540,681
 $
 $11,540,681
 $
$11,925,767
 $11,931,015
 $
 $11,931,015
 $
Federal funds purchased and securities sold under agreements to repurchase963,455
 963,455
 
 963,455
 
826,855
 826,855
 
 826,855
 
Wholesale borrowings178,083
 187,230
 
 187,230
 
136,003
 141,613
 
 141,613
 
Long-term debt249,921
 259,048
 
 259,048
 
Accrued interest payable2,798
 2,798
 
 2,798
 
3,853
 3,853
 
 3,853
 
Derivatives84,938
 84,938
 
 84,938
 
71,933
 71,933
 
 71,933
 


5562

Table of Contents
FIRSTMERIT CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS  - Continued
(Dollars in thousands)


December 31, 2011December 31, 2012
Carrying
Amount
 Fair Value
Carrying
Amount
 Fair Value
 Total Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Total Level 1 Level 2 Level 3
Financial assets:                  
Cash and due from banks$377,319
 $377,319
 $
 $377,319
 $
$258,014
 $258,014
 $
 $258,014
 $
Available for sale securities3,353,553
 3,353,553
 3,299
 3,262,715
 87,539
Held to maturity securities82,764
 85,112
 
 85,112
 
Available-for-sale securities2,920,971
 2,920,971
 3,241
 2,868,069
 49,661
Held-to-maturity securities622,121
 630,799
 
 630,799
 
Other securities140,726
 140,726
 
 140,726
 
140,717
 140,717
 
 140,717
 
Loans held for sale30,077
 30,077
 
 30,077
 
23,683
 23,683
 
 23,683
 
Net noncovered loans7,641,245
 7,373,801
 
 
 7,373,801
8,632,717
 8,604,872
 
 
 8,604,872
Net covered loans and loss share receivable1,460,723
 1,460,723
 
 
 1,460,723
975,870
 975,870
 
 
 975,870
Accrued interest receivable42,274
 42,274
 
 42,274
 
40,389
 40,389
 
 40,389
 
Derivatives62,056
 62,101
 
 62,101
 
63,169
 63,169
 
 63,169
 
Financial liabilities:                  
Deposits$11,431,609
 $11,445,777
 $
 $11,445,777
 $
$11,759,425
 $11,765,873
 $
 $11,765,873
 $
Federal funds purchased and securities sold under agreements to repurchase866,265
 866,265
 
 866,265
 
1,104,525
 1,104,525
 
 1,104,525
 
Wholesale borrowings203,462
 211,623
 
 211,623
 
136,883
 143,029
 
 143,029
 
Long-term debt
 
 
 
 
Accrued interest payable3,915
 3,915
 
 3,915
 
2,515
 2,515
 
 2,515
 
Derivatives86,106
 86,150
 
 86,150
 
77,906
 77,906
 
 77,906
 

September 30, 2011March 31, 2012
Carrying
Amount
 Fair Value
Carrying
Amount
 Fair Value
 Total Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Total Level 1 Level 2 Level 3
Financial assets:                  
Cash and due from banks$318,945
 $318,945
 $
 $318,945
 $
$489,985
 $489,985
 $
 $489,985
 $
Available for sale securities3,198,046
 3,198,046
 3,715
 3,103,290
 91,041
3,491,647
 3,491,647
 3,308
 3,399,852
 88,487
Held to maturity securities92,214
 94,921
 
 94,921
 
100,840
 103,865
 
 103,865
 
Other securities160,793
 160,793
 
 160,793
 
140,713
 140,713
 
 140,713
 
Loans held for sale39,340
 39,340
 
 39,340
 
42,447
 42,447
 
 42,447
 
Net noncovered loans7,522,385
 7,148,775
 
 
 7,148,775
7,759,360
 7,496,821
 
 
 7,496,821
Net covered loans and loss share receivable1,612,615
 1,612,615
 
 
 1,612,615
1,337,080
 1,337,080
 
 
 1,337,080
Accrued interest receivable41,199
 41,199
 
 41,199
 
45,270
 45,270
 
 45,270
 
Derivatives65,318
 65,318
 
 65,318
 
60,115
 60,115
 
 60,115
 
Financial liabilities:                  
Deposits$11,396,121
 $11,412,576
 $
 $11,412,576
 $
$11,648,165
 $11,659,976
 $
 $11,659,976
 $
Federal funds purchased and securities sold under agreements to repurchase987,030
 991,304
 
 991,304
 
928,760
 928,760
 
 928,760
 
Wholesale borrowings248,006
 256,069
 
 256,069
 
176,611
 184,640
 
 184,640
 
Long-term debt
 
 
 
 
Accrued interest payable4,627
 4,627
 
 4,627
 
3,350
 3,350
 
 3,350
 
Derivatives89,657
 89,657
 
 89,657
 
80,174
 80,174
 
 80,174
 


5663

Table of Contents
FIRSTMERIT CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS  - Continued
(Dollars in thousands)


The following methods and assumptions were used to estimate the fair valuevalues of the remaining classeseach class of financial instruments not measured at fair value on a recurring or nonrecurring basis:instrument presented:

Cash and due from banks– For these short-term instruments, the carrying amount is considered a reasonable estimate of fair value.

Held to maturityInvestment securities - The held to maturity portfolio was segmented based on security type and repricing characteristics. Carrying values are used to estimate fair values of variable rate securities. A discounted cash flow method was used to estimate the fair value of fixed-rate securities. Discounting was based on the contractual cash flows, and discount rates are based on the year-end yield curve plus a spread that reflects current pricing on securities with similar characteristics. If applicable, prepayment assumptions are factored into the fair value determination based on historical experience and current economic conditions.– See Financial Instruments Measured at Fair Value above.

Other securities -Loans held for sale – Other securities is mainly composedThe majority of FRB and FHLB stock. The carrying amountloans held for sale are residential mortgage loans which are recorded at fair value. All other loans held for sale are recorded at the lower of this stock is a reasonable fair value estimate given their restricted nature.cost or market, less costs to sell. See Financial Instruments Measured at Fair Value above.

Net noncovered loans– The loan portfolio was segmented based on loan type and repricing characteristics. Carrying values are used to estimate fair values of variable rate loans. A discounted cash flow method was used to estimate the fair value of fixed-rate loans. Discounting was based on the contractual cash flows, and discount rates are based on the year-end yield curve plus a spread that reflects current pricing on loans with similar characteristics. If applicable, prepayment assumptions are factored into the fair value determination based on historical experience and current economic conditions.

Net covered loans and loss share receivable – Fair values for loans were based on a discounted cash flow methodology that considered factors including the type of loan and related collateral, classification status, fixed or variable interest rate, term of loan and whether or not the loan was amortizing, and current discount rates. Loans were grouped together according to similar characteristics and were treated in the aggregate when applying various valuation techniques. The discount rates used for loans are based on current market rates for new originations of comparable loans and include adjustments for liquidity concerns. The discount rate does not include a factor for credit losses as that has been included in the estimated cash flows.

Loss share receivableThis loss sharing asset is measured separately from the related covered assets as it is not contractually embedded in the covered assets and is not transferable with the covered assets should the Bank choose to dispose of them. Fair value was estimated using projected cash flows related to the Loss Share Agreements based on the expected reimbursements for losses and the applicable loss sharing percentages. These cash flows were discounted to reflect the uncertainty of the timing and receipt from the FDIC.

Accrued interest receivable – The carrying amount is considered a reasonable estimate of fair value.
Mortgage servicing rights – See Financial Instruments Measured at Fair Value above.

Deposits – The estimated fair value of deposits with no stated maturity, which includes demand deposits, money market accounts and other savings accounts, are established at carrying value because of the customers’customers' ability to withdraw funds immediately. A discounted cash flow method is used to estimate the fair value of fixed rate time deposits. Discounting was based on the contractual cash flows and the current rates at which similar deposits with similar remaining maturities would be issued.


57



Federal funds purchased and securities sold under agreements to repurchase, and wholesale borrowings and long-term debt – The carrying amount of variable rate borrowings including federal funds purchased is considered to be their fair value. Quoted market prices or the discounted cash flow method was used to estimate the fair value of the Corporation’sCorporation's long-term debt. Discounting was based on the contractual cash flows and the current rate at which debt with similar terms could be issued.


64

Table of Contents
FIRSTMERIT CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS  - Continued
(Dollars in thousands)


Accrued interest payable – The carrying amount is considered a reasonable estimate of fair value.

Derivative assets and liabilities – See Financial Instruments Measured at Fair Value above.
True-up liability – See Financial Instruments Measured at Fair Value above.

13
12.     .
Mortgage Servicing Rights and Mortgage Servicing Activity

In the ninethree months endedSeptember 30, March 31, 2013and2012 and 2011, the Corporation sold residential mortgage loans from the held for sale portfolio with unpaid principal balances of $588.6149.9 million and $324.8182.1 million, respectively, and recognized pre-taxpretax gains of $7.94.2 million and $5.21.6 million, respectively, which are included as a component of loan sales and servicing income. TheAs of March 31, 2013and2012, the Corporation retained the related mortgage servicing rights on $560.9136.4 million and $283.2178.0 million, respectively, of the loans sold and receives servicing fees.

The Corporation serviced for third parties approximately $2.4 billion of residential mortgage loans at September 30, 2012March 31, 2013 and $2.22.3 billion at September 30, 2011March 31, 2012. For the ninethree months ended September 30, 2012March 31, 2013 and 20112012, loan servicing fees, not including valuation changes included in loan sales and servicing income, were $4.21.5 million and $4.01.4 million, respectively.

Servicing rights are presented within other assets on the accompanying consolidated balance sheet.sheets. The retained servicing rights are initially valued at fair value. Since mortgage servicing rights do not trade in an active market with readily observable prices, the Corporation relies primarily on a discounted cash flow analysis model to estimate the fair value of its mortgage servicing rights. Additional information can be found in Note 1211 (Fair Value Measurement). Mortgage servicing rights are subsequently measured using the amortization method. Accordingly, the mortgage servicing rights are amortized over the period of, and in proportion to, the estimated net servicing income and is recorded in loan sales and servicing income.

Changes in the carrying amount of mortgage servicing rights and the mortgage servicing rights valuation allowance are as follows:
Three Months Ended September 30, Nine Months Ended September 30,Three months ended
2012 2011 2012 2011March 31, 2013 March 31, 2012
Balance at beginning of period$21,273
 $21,094
 $21,179
 $21,317
$21,316
 $21,179
Additions1,408
 798
 4,597
 2,660
1,267
 1,394
Amortization(1,390) (1,111) (4,485) (3,196)(1,205) (1,627)
Balance at end of period21,291
 20,781
 21,291
 20,781
21,378
 20,946
Valuation allowance at beginning of period(3,488) (350) (3,539) 
(2,564) (3,539)
Recoveries (Additions)(590) (3,639) (539) (3,989)1,330
 1,346
Valuation allowance at end of period(4,078) (3,989) (4,078) (3,989)
Valuation Allowance at end of period(1,234) (2,193)
Mortgage servicing rights, net carrying balance$17,213
 $16,792
 $17,213
 $16,792
$20,144
 $18,753
Fair value at end of period$17,294
 $16,866
 $17,294
 $16,866
$20,223
 $18,869
       

On a quarterly basis, the Corporation assesses its capitalized servicing rights for impairment based on their current fair value. For purposes of the impairment, the servicing rights are disaggregated based on loan type and interest rate which are the predominant risk characteristics of the underlying loans. A valuation allowance is established through a charge to earnings to the extent the amortized cost of the mortgage servicing rights exceeds the estimated fair value by stratification. If it is later determined that all or a portion of the

5865

Table of Contents
FIRSTMERIT CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS  - Continued
(Dollars in thousands)


temporary impairment no longer exists for the stratification, the valuation is reduced through a recovery to earnings. No permanent impairment losses were written off against the allowance during the quartersthree months endedSeptember 30, 2012March 31, 2013 and September 30, 20112012.

Key economic assumptions and the sensitivity of the current fair value of the mortgage servicing rights related to immediate 10% and 25% adverse changes in those assumptions at September 30, 2012March 31, 2013 are presented in the following table below. These sensitivities are hypothetical and should be used with caution. As the figures indicate, changes in the fair value based on 10% variation in the prepayment speed assumption generally cannot be extrapolated because the relationship of the change in the prepayment speed assumption to the change in fair value may not be linear. Also, in the below table, the effect of a variation in the discount rate assumption on the fair value of the mortgage servicing rights is calculated independently without changing any other assumption. In reality, changes in one factor may result in changes in another (for example, changes in prepayment speed estimates could result in changes in the discount rates), which might magnify or counteract the sensitivities.

 
Prepayment speed assumption (annual CPR)17.5%12.26%
Decrease in fair value from 10% adverse change$921
$789
Decrease in fair value from 25% adverse change2,193
$1,885
Discount rate assumption9.7%9.64%
Decrease in fair value from 100 basis point adverse change$478
$624
Decrease in fair value from 200 basis point adverse change926
$1,206
Expected weighted-average life (in months)71.5
92.9

1413.     Contingencies and Guarantees

Litigation

In the normal course of business, the Corporation and its subsidiaries are at all times subject to pending and threatened legal actions, some for which the relief or damages sought are substantial. Although the Corporation is not able to predict the outcome of such actions, after reviewing pending and threatened actions with counsel, Management believes that based on the information currently available the outcome of such actions, individually or in the aggregate, will not have a material adverse effect on the results of operations or shareholders'shareholders’ equity of the Corporation. However, it is possible that the ultimate resolution of these matters, if unfavorable, may be material to the results of operations in a particular future period as the time and amount of any resolution of such actions and its relationship to the future results of operations are not known.

Reserves are established for legal claims only when losses associated with the claims are judged to be probable, and the loss can be reasonably estimated. In many lawsuits and arbitrations, including almost all of the class action lawsuits, it is not possible to determine whether a liability has beenwill be incurred or to estimate the ultimate or minimum amount of that liability until the case is close to resolution, in which case a reserve will not be recognized until that time.

Overdraft Litigation

Commencing in December 2010, two separate lawsuits were filed in the Summit County Court of Common Pleas and the Lake County Court of Common PleaPleas against the Corporation and the Bank. The complaints were brought as putative class actions on behalf of Ohio residents who maintained a checking account at the Bank and who incurred one or more overdraft fees as a result of the alleged re-sequencing of

66

Table of Contents
FIRSTMERIT CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS  - Continued
(Dollars in thousands)


debit transactions. The lawsuit that had been filed in Summit County Court of Common Pleas was dismissed without prejudice on July 11, 2011. The remaining suit in Lake County seeks actual damages, disgorgement of

59



overdraft fees, punitive damages, interest, injunctive relief and attorney fees. In December 2012, the trial court certified the class and the Bank and Corporation have appealed the determination.

365/360 Interest Litigation

In August 2008, a lawsuit was filed in the Cuyahoga County Court of Common Pleas against the Bank. The breach of contractbreach-of-contract complaint was brought as a putative class action on behalf of Ohio commercial borrowers who had allegedly had the interest they owed calculated improperly by using the 365/360 method. The complaint seeks actual damages, interest, injunctive relief and attorney fees. In June 2012, the trial court certified the class and the Bank has appealed the determination.
Indirect Lending Litigation
In April 2012 a lawsuit was filed in the United States District Court for the Northern District of Ohio, Eastern Division, against the Corporation and Bank. The complaint was brought as a putative class action on behalf of all persons who purchased a motor vehicle in Ohio from an Ohio motor vehicle dealer, which purchase and sale was financed by the Bank. The lawsuit alleges a violation of the Clayton Act, as amended by the Robinson-Patman Act, breach of common law of agency, a violation of the Ohio Retail Installment Sales Act and a violation of the federal Truth in Lending Act. The complaint seeks disgorgement of fees, treble damages, interest and attorney fees. In June 2012, the court granted the Corporation's and Bank's motion to dismiss and that decision is now final.
Shareholder Derivative Litigation

In July 2012, three related shareholder derivative lawsuits were filed in the United States District Court for the Northern District of Ohio. The lawsuits name as defendants the members of the Corporation's board of directors and certain senior executives. The lawsuits are purportedly brought on behalf of the CompanyCorporation and seek a recovery for its benefit. The lawsuits generally allege that the defendants breached fiduciary duties owed to the Corporation in connection with decisions concerning executive compensation, and allege that the senior executives named as defendants were unjustly enriched by receiving excessive compensation. The lawsuits also allege that the defendants caused the Corporation to issue incomplete or misleading disclosures concerning executive compensation in its 2012 proxy statement. The complaints seek an award against the defendants of monetary damages to be paid to the Corporation, and various other forms of relief. In September 2012, the lawsuits were consolidated.

Merger Litigation

InBetween September 17, 2012 and October 5, 2012, alleged shareholders of Citizens filed six shareholderpurported class action lawsuits were separately filed in the Genesee County Circuit Court of Genesee County, Michigan, by purported shareholders ofwhich have been consolidated as In re Citizens Republic Bancorp, againstInc. Shareholder Litigation, Case No. 12-99027-CK (the "Lawsuit"). The consolidated complaint (the "Complaint") names as defendants Citizens, the members of Citizens’Citizens' board of directors and the Corporation, arising out of the Corporation’s proposed acquisition of Citizens.FirstMerit. The lawsuits generally allegecomplaint alleges that the terms and the price of the proposed acquisition are unfair to Citizens’ shareholders and that the Citizens' directorsdirector defendants breached their fiduciary duties by failing to Citizens' shareholdersobtain the best available price in connection with the merger, by approvingnot utilizing a proper process to evaluate the proposed transaction. It is allegedmerger and by agreeing to protective devices that the Corporationensured that no entity other than FirstMerit would seek to acquire Citizens. The Complaint also alleges that FirstMerit and Citizens aided and abetted thethose alleged breaches of duties by Citizens’ directors. Plaintiffs, on behalf of all Citizens' shareholders, seekfiduciary duty.  The Complaint seeks declaratory and injunctive relief againstto prevent the consummation of the proposed transaction, request rescissionmerger, rescissory damages and other equitable relief.  The defendants filed a motion to dismiss the Complaint.

           On February 21, 2013, the plaintiffs and defendants entered into a memorandum of understanding (the “MOU”) setting forth their agreement in principle to settle the Lawsuit. While the defendants deny the allegations made in the Complaint, they agreed to enter into the MOU to avoid the costs and disruptions of any further litigation and to permit the timely closing of the transactionmerger. The MOU sets forth the principal terms of the settlement that the parties will document in a formal settlement agreement concerning the Complaint (the “Settlement Agreement”), subject to confirmatory discovery by the plaintiffs, and describes the actions that the parties will take or damagesrefrain from taking between the date of the MOU and the date that the Settlement Agreement is finally approved.

67

Table of Contents
FIRSTMERIT CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS  - Continued
(Dollars in thousands)


            Pursuant to the extentMOU, the transaction is consummated,defendants amended the joint proxy statement/prospectus relating to the merger to include certain supplemental disclosures. The MOU also provides that the Settlement Agreement will include an injunction against proceedings in connection with the Complaint and costsany additional complaints concerning claims covered by the Settlement Agreement. In addition, the MOU provides that the Settlement Agreement will include a release on behalf of the plaintiffs, along with other members of the class of Citizens' shareholders certified for purposes of the Settlement Agreement, in favor of the defendants and attorney fees. their related parties from any claims that arose from or are related to the merger. The defendants have agreed to pay the plaintiff's attorneys' fees and expenses as awarded by the court, subject to court approval of the Settlement Agreement and the consummation of the merger.

Based on information currently available, consultation with counsel, available insurance coverage and established reserves, Management believes that the eventual outcome of all claims against the Corporation and its subsidiaries will not, individually or in the aggregate, have a material adverse effect on its consolidated financial position or results of operations. However, it is possible that the ultimate resolution of these matters, if

60



unfavorable, may be material to the results of operations for a particular period. The Corporation has not established any reserves with respect to any of this disclosed litigation because it is not possible to determine either (i) whether a liability has been incurred or (ii) to estimate the ultimate or minimum amount of that liability or both at this time.
Commitments to Extend Credit

Commitments to extend credit are agreements to lend to a customer provided there is no violation of any condition established in the contract. Loan commitments to originate residential mortgage loans held for sale and forward commitments to sell residential mortgage loans are considered derivative instruments, and the fair value of these commitments is recorded on the consolidated balance.balance sheets. Additional information is provided in Note 109 (Derivatives and Hedging Activities). Commitments generally are extended at the then-prevailing interest rates, have fixed expiration dates or other termination clauses and may require payment of a fee. Since many of the commitments are expected to expire without being drawn upon the total commitment amounts do not necessarily represent future cash requirements. Loan commitments involve credit risk not reflected on the balance sheet. The Corporation mitigates exposure to credit risk with internal controls that guide how applications for credit are reviewed and approved, how credit limits are established and, when necessary, how demands for collateral are made. Collateral held varies but may include accounts receivable, inventory, property, plant and equipment, and income-producing commercial properties. Management evaluates the creditworthiness of each prospective borrower on a case-by-case basis and, when appropriate, adjusts the allowance for probable credit losses inherent in all commitments. The allowance for unfunded lending commitments at September 30, 2012March 31, 2013, December 31, 20112012 and September 30, 2011March 31, 2012 was $5.84.9 million, $6.45.4 million, and $6.45.4 million, respectively. Additional information pertaining to this allowance is included in Note 5 (Allowance for Loan Losses) and under the heading “Allowance"Allowance for Loan Losses and Reserve for Unfunded Lending Commitments”Commitments" within Management’sManagement's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operation of this report.


68

Table of Contents
FIRSTMERIT CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS  - Continued
(Dollars in thousands)


The following table shows the remaining contractual amount of each class of commitments to extend credit as of September 30, 2012March 31, 2013, December 31, 20112012 and September 30, 2011March 31, 2012. This amount represents the Corporation’sCorporation's maximum exposure to loss if the customer were to draw upon the full amount of the commitment and subsequently default on payment for the total amount of the then outstanding loan.
 September 30, 2012 December 31, 2011 September 30, 2011
Loan Commitments     
Commercial$2,406,226
 $2,023,284
 $2,047,840
Consumer1,687,955
 1,585,655
 1,610,924
Total loan commitments$4,094,181
 $3,608,939
 $3,658,764
      
  March 31, 2013 December 31, 2012 March 31, 2012
Loan Commitments     
 Commercial$2,317,997
 $2,431,023
 $2,534,452
 Consumer1,750,913
 1,720,518
 1,624,660
 Total loan commitments$4,068,910
 $4,151,541
 $4,159,112

Guarantees

The Corporation is a guarantor in certain agreements with third parties. The following table shows the types of guarantees the Corporation had outstanding as of September 30, 2012March 31, 2013, December 31, 20112012 and September 30, 2011March 31, 2012.
 September 30, 2012 December 31, 2011 September 30, 2011
Financial guarantees     
Standby letters of credit$125,791
 $135,039
 $130,186
Loans sold with recourse39,251
 38,808
 40,763
Total financial guarantees$165,042
 $173,847
 $170,949
      
  March 31, 2013 December 31, 2012 March 31, 2012
Financial guarantees     
 Standby letters of credit$120,508
 $136,202
 $132,216
 Loans sold with recourse44,672
 42,383
 27,886
 Total financial guarantees$165,180
 $178,585
 $160,102

Standby letters of credit obligate the Corporation to pay a specified third party when a customer fails to

61



repay an outstanding loan or debt instrument, or fails to perform some contractual nonfinancial obligation. The credit risk involved in issuing letters of credit is essentially the same as involved in extending loan facilities to customers. Collateral held varies, but may include marketable securities, equipment and real estate. Any amounts drawn under standby letters of credit are treated as loans; they bear interest and pose the same credit risk to the Corporation as a loan. Except for short-term guarantees of $69.655.1 million at September 30, 2012March 31, 2013, the remaining guarantees extend in varying amounts through 2017.

Changes in the amount of the repurchase reserve for the three and ninemonths ended September 30, 2012March 31, 2013 and 20112012 are as follows:
Three Months Ended September 30, 2012Three months ended March 31, 2013
Reserve on residential mortgage loans Reserve on manufactured housing loans Total repurchase reserveReserve on residential mortgage loans Reserve on manufactured housing loans Total repurchased reserve
Balance at beginning of period$750
 $1,263
 $2,013
$1,500
 $1,167
 $2,667
Net realized losses(202) 
 (202)(56) 
 (56)
Net increase to reserve552
 (70) 482
Net increase (decrease) to reserve156
 (29) 127
Balance at end of period$1,100
 $1,193
 $2,293
$1,600
 $1,138
 $2,738
     


69

FIRSTMERIT CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS  - Continued
(Dollars in thousands)


 Three Months Ended September 30, 2011
 Reserve on residential mortgage loans Reserve on manufactured housing loans Total repurchase reserve
Balance at beginning of period$465
 $1,598
 $2,063
Net realized losses(96) 
 (96)
Net increase to reserve1
 6
 7
Balance at end of period$370
 $1,604
 $1,974
      

 Nine Months Ended September 30, 2012
 Reserve on residential mortgage loans Reserve on manufactured housing loans Total repurchase reserve
Balance at beginning of period$470
 $1,273
 $1,743
Net realized losses(569) 
 (569)
Net increase to reserve1,199
 (80) 1,119
Balance at end of period$1,100
 $1,193
 $2,293

Nine Months Ended September 30, 2011Three months ended March 31, 2012
Reserve on residential mortgage loans Reserve on manufactured housing loans Total repurchase reserveReserve on residential mortgage loans Reserve on manufactured housing loans Total repurchased reserve
Balance at beginning of period$600
 $2,233
 $2,833
$470
 $1,273
 $1,743
Net realized losses(321) (35) (356)(206) 
 (206)
Net increase to reserve91
 (594) (503)
Net increase (decrease) to reserve136
 5
 141
Balance at end of period$370
 $1,604
 $1,974
$400
 $1,278
 $1,678

The total reserve associated with loans sold with recourse was approximately $2.32.7 million, $1.72.7 million and $2.01.7 million as of September 30, 2012March 31, 2013, December 31, 20112012 and September 30, 2011March 31, 2012, respectively, and is

62



included in accrued taxes, expenses and other liabilities on the consolidated balance sheet. The Corporation’sCorporation's reserve reflects management’smanagement's best estimate of losses. The Corporation's reserving methodology uses current information about investor repurchase requests, and assumptions about defect concur rate, repurchase mix, and loss severity, based upon the Corporation’sCorporation's most recent loss trends. The Corporation also considers qualitative factors that may result in anticipated losses differing from historical loss trends, such as loan vintage, underwriting characteristics and macroeconomic trends.

The Corporation regularly sells residential mortgage loans service retained to government sponsored enterprises (“GSEs”("GSEs") as part of its mortgage banking activities. The Corporation provides customary representation and warranties to the GSEs in conjunction with these sales. These representations and warranties generally require the Corporation to repurchase assets if it is subsequently determined that a loan did not meet specified criteria, such as a documentation deficiency or rescission of mortgage insurance. If the Corporation is unable to cure or refute a repurchase request, the Corporation is generally obligated to repurchase the loan or otherwise reimburse the counterparty for losses. The Corporation also sells residential mortgage loans serviced released to other investors which contain early payment default recourse provisions. As of September 30, 2012, March 31, 2013, December 31, 20112012 and September 30, 2011,March 31, 2012, the Corporation had sold $28.5$34.9 million,, $28.1 $32.5 million and $29.4$17.2 million,, respectively, of outstanding residential mortgage loans to GSEs and other investors with recourse provisions. The Corporation had reserved $1.1$1.6 million,, $0.5 $1.5 million, and $0.4$0.4 million as of September 30, 2012, March 31, 2013, December 31, 20112012 and September 30, 2011,March 31, 2012, respectively, for potential losses from representation and warranty obligations and early payment default recourse provisions.

Due to prior acquisitions, as of September 30, 2012 and DecemberMarch 31, 20112013, the Corporation continued to service approximately $10.78.2 million in manufactured housing loans whichthat were sold with recourse compared to $11.48.2 million and $10.7 million as of September 30, 2011December 31, 2012. and March 31, 2012, respectively. As of September 30, 2012March 31, 2013, the Corporation had reserved $1.21.1 million for potential losses from these manufactured housing loans compared to $1.31.2 millionand$1.61.3 million as of December 31, 20112012andSeptember 30, 2011March 31, 2012, respectively.



6370

Table of Contents
FIRSTMERIT CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS  - Continued
(Dollars in thousands)


14.     Changes and Reclassifications Out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income

The following table presents the changes in accumulated other comprehensive income by component of comprehensive income for the three months ended March 31, 2013:
  Unrealized securities gains and losses Pension and postretirement costs Total
Balance as of January 1, 2013 $55,418
 $(71,623) $(16,205)
Amounts recognized in other comprehensive income, net of taxes of $4.3 million (7,920) 
 (7,920)
Reclassified amounts out of accumulated other comprehensive income, net of tax of $0.003 million 6
 
 6
Balance as of March 31, 2013 $47,504
 $(71,623) $(24,119)
       

The following table presents current period reclassifications out of accumulated other comprehensive income by component of comprehensive income for the three months ended March 31, 2013:
  Three months ended March 31, 2013 Income statement line item presentation
Realized (gains) losses on sale of securities $9
 Investment securities losses (gains), net
Tax expense (benefit) (35%) (3) 
Income tax expense (benefit)

Reclassified amount, net of tax $6
  
     

15.     Subsequent Events

On April 12, 2013, the Corporation completed the Merger with Citizens which resulted in Citizens common stock being converted into the right to receive 1.37 shares of the Corporation's common stock (except that any shares of Citizens common stock that were owned by Citizens, the Corporation or any of their respective subsidiaries, other than in a fiduciary capacity, were canceled without any consideration therefor). Each outstanding option to acquire, and each outstanding equity award relating to, one share of Citizens' common stock was converted into an option to acquire, or an equity award relating to, 1.37 shares of the Corporation's common stock, as applicable. The conversion of Citizens' common stock into the Corporation's common stock resulted in the Corporation issuing approximately 55 million shares of its common stock.

Immediately following the Merger, Citizens Bank, a Michigan chartered bank and wholly owned subsidiary of Citizens, merged with and into FirstMerit Bank, N.A., a national banking association and wholly owned subsidiary of FirstMerit, with FirstMerit Bank, N.A. surviving the merger and continuing its corporate existence under the name “FirstMerit Bank, N.A.”

The Merger Agreement provided that upon completion of the Merger, the Corporation increase its board of directors by two directors. The new directorships were filled with current members of the Citizens board.

Effective April 12, 2013, the Corporation purchased the Fixed Rate Cumulative Perpetual Preferred Stock, Series A, of Citizens issued to the United States Treasury as part of the Troubled Assets Relief Program (the "Citizens TARP Preferred") in the amount of $300 million plus accumulated but unpaid dividends and interest of approximately $55.4 million. In addition, effective April 12, 2013, a warrant to purchase 1,757,812.5 shares of Citizens' common stock that had been issued to the Treasury on December 12, 2008 as part of Citizens' participation in the Treasury's Capital Purchase Program, was converted into a warrant to purchase 2,408,203 shares of FirstMerit common stock. The Corporation used the net proceeds from its February 4, 2013 public offerings to repurchase the Citizens TARP Preferred and pay all accrued, accumulated and unpaid

71

Table of Contents
FIRSTMERIT CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS  - Continued
(Dollars in thousands)


dividends and interest. The Corporation's public offerings consisted of $250 million aggregate principal amount of subordinated notes due February 4, 2023 bearing interest at an annual rate of 4.35% payable semi-annually in arrears on February 4 and August 4 of each year and 4,000,000 depositary shares (each representing a 1/40th interest in a share of the Corporation's Series A Non-Cumulative Perpetual Preferred Stock) with dividends payable quarterly in arrears on the 4th day of February, May, August and November, beginning May 4, 2013, which resulted in gross proceeds of $100 million.

The following components make up the consideration for the Merger transaction: approximately $930 million in converted common stock, $355 million paid to the Treasury to purchase the Citizens TARP Preferred and approximately $3 million in a warrant issued to the Treasury to purchase the Corporation's common stock in conjunction with the purchase of the Citizens TARP Preferred.

The Citizens acquisition will be accounted for using the purchase acquisition method of accounting and accordingly, assets acquired, liabilities assumed and consideration exchanged will be recorded at estimated fair value on the acquisition date. The Corporation is in the process of determining the preliminary fair values which are subject to refinement for up to one year after the closing date of the acquisition as additional information relative to closing date fair values becomes available. Any resulting goodwill will not be deductible for income
tax purposes as the acquisition is accounted for as a tax-free exchange for tax purposes. The results of operations acquired in the Citizens transaction will be included in the Corporation's financial results beginning on April 13, 2013.

Management's strategy to de-leverage the newly acquired Citizens' balance sheet resulted in the Corporation repaying on April 15, 2013 approximately $591.0 million in principal of Federal Home Loan advances. Management's strategy to re-balance the investment portfolio acquired in the Citizens merger resulted in the sale of approximately $2.1 billion in agency MBS, agency CMOs, municipal securities and private label MBS investments in April 2013. Management intends on repurchasing $1.4 billion of agency MBS and CMO securities throughout the second quarter of 2013.

In preparing these financial statements, subsequent events were evaluated through the time the financial statements were issued. Financial statements are considered issued when they are widely distributed to all shareholders and other financial statement users, or filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission. In accordance with applicable accounting standards, all material subsequent events have been either recognized in the financial statements or disclosed in the notes to the financial statements.


72

Table of Contents

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





AVERAGE CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (Unaudited)
Fully Tax-equivalent Interest Rates and Interest Differential
Average Consolidated Balance Sheets (Unaudited)      
Fully Tax-equivalent Interest Rates and Interest Differential      
        
 Three months ended Three months ended Three months ended Three months ended Three months ended
 September 30, 2012 September 30, 2011 March 31, 2013 December 31, 2012 March 31, 2012
(Dollars in thousands) 
Average
Balance
 Interest 
Average
Rate
 
Average
Balance
 Interest 
Average
Rate
 
Average
Balance
 Interest 
Average
Rate
 
Average
Balance
 Interest 
Average
Rate
 
Average
Balance
 Interest 
Average
Rate
ASSETS                              
Cash and due from banks $440,231
     $517,150
     $394,896
     $238,366
     $378,736
    
Investment securities and federal funds sold:                              
U.S. Treasury securities and U.S. Government agency obligations (taxable) 2,688,658
 $17,981
 2.66% 2,974,656
 $19,864
 2.65% 2,790,039
 $16,294
 2.37% 2,794,524
 $16,767
 2.39% 2,882,045
 $19,679
 2.75%
Obligations of states and political subdivisions (tax exempt) 660,143
 6,332
 3.82% 385,055
 5,275
 5.44% 541,014
 6,595
 4.94% 510,722
 6,583
 5.13% 436,804
 5,864
 5.40%
Other securities and federal funds sold 344,823
 2,652
 3.06% 316,383
 2,084
 2.61% 366,926
 2,944
 3.25% 381,569
 3,429
 3.58% 371,973
 2,739
 2.96%
Total investment securities and federal funds sold 3,693,624
 26,965
 2.90% 3,676,094
 27,223
 2.94% 3,697,979
 25,833
 2.83% 3,686,815
 26,779
 2.89% 3,690,822
 28,282
 3.08%
Loans held for sale 23,631
 240
 4.04% 24,524
 284
 4.59% 14,884
 144
 3.92% 20,485
 199
 3.86% 26,483
 283
 4.30%
Loans, including loss share receivable 9,402,218
 103,128
 4.36% 9,177,487
 108,444
 4.69%
Noncovered loans, covered loans and loss share receivable 9,695,926
 99,006
 4.14% 9,539,393
 101,288
 4.22% 9,217,879
 103,156
 4.50%
Total earning assets 13,119,473
 130,333
 3.95% 12,878,105
 135,951
 4.19% 13,408,789
 124,983
 3.78% 13,246,693
 128,266
 3.85% 12,935,184
 131,721
 4.10%
Total allowance for loan losses (145,061)     (138,441)     (141,735)     (141,270)     (142,628)    
Other assets 1,319,373
     1,353,814
     1,321,593
     1,358,426
     1,325,645
    
Total assets $14,734,016
     $14,610,628
     $14,983,543
     $14,702,215
     $14,496,937
    
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITYLIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY        LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY              
Deposits:                              
Noninterest-bearing $3,236,703
 $
 % $2,988,521
 $
 
 $3,321,660
 $
 % $3,306,444
 $
 % $3,036,590
 $
 
Interest-bearing 1,080,841
 243
 0.09% 913,252
 218
 0.09% 1,300,816
 318
 0.10% 1,122,796
 261
 0.09% 1,066,132
 247
 0.09%
Savings and money market accounts 5,746,210
 5,166
 0.36% 5,446,351
 6,929
 0.50% 5,835,750
 5,315
 0.37% 5,743,599
 5,261
 0.36% 5,675,052
 5,103
 0.36%
Certificates and other time deposits 1,528,177
 2,743
 0.71% 2,099,558
 4,370
 0.83% 1,331,558
 2,063
 0.63% 1,422,246
 2,287
 0.64% 1,694,247
 3,524
 0.84%
Total deposits 11,591,931
 8,152
 0.28% 11,447,682
 11,517
 0.40% 11,789,784
 7,696
 0.26% 11,595,085
 7,809
 0.27% 11,472,021
 8,874
 0.31%
Securities sold under agreements to repurchase 1,032,401
 310
 0.12% 969,020
 977
 0.40% 906,717
 313
 0.14% 957,564
 303
 0.13% 887,715
 268
 0.12%
Wholesale borrowings 178,022
 1,130
 2.53% 320,691
 1,669
 2.06% 136,298
 850
 2.53% 163,405
 1,024
 2.49% 184,659
 1,151
 2.51%
Long-term debt 155,506
 1,748
 4.56% 
 
 % 
 
 %
Total interest-bearing liabilities 9,565,651
 9,592
 0.40% 9,748,872
 14,163
 0.58% 9,666,645
 10,607
 0.45% 9,409,610
 9,136
 0.39% 9,507,805
 10,293
 0.44%
Other liabilities 315,093
     302,824
     280,233
     350,886
     371,533
    
Shareholders’ equity 1,616,569
     1,570,411
     1,715,005
     1,635,275
     1,581,009
    
Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity $14,734,016
     $14,610,628
     $14,983,543
     $14,702,215
     $14,496,937
    
Net yield on earning assets $13,119,473
 $120,741
 3.66% $12,878,105
 $121,788
 3.75% $13,408,789
 $114,376
 3.46% $13,246,693
 $119,130
 3.58% $12,935,184
 $121,428
 3.78%
Interest rate spread     3.55%     3.61%     3.34%     3.47%     3.66%
Note: Interest income on tax-exempt securities and loans has been adjusted to a fully-taxable equivalent basis. Nonaccrual loans have been included in the average balances.


6473




Average Consolidated Balance Sheets (Unaudited)           
Fully Tax-equivalent Interest Rates and Interest Differential           
            
 Nine Months Ended Nine Months Ended
 September 30, 2012 September 30, 2011
(Dollars in thousands)Average Balance Interest Average Rate Average Balance Interest Average Rate
ASSETS           
Cash and due from banks$409,944
     $541,992
    
Investment securities and federal funds sold:           
U.S. Treasury securities and U.S. Government agency obligations (taxable)2,797,521
 $56,688
 2.71% 2,906,269
 $59,174
 2.72%
Obligations of states and political subdivisions (tax exempt)526,962
 18,450
 4.68% 370,553
 15,709
 5.67%
Other securities and federal funds sold369,639
 8,146
 2.94% 296,976
 6,436
 2.90%
Total investment securities and federal funds sold3,694,122
 83,284
 3.01% 3,573,798
 81,319
 3.04%
Loans held for sale24,279
 761
 4.19% 21,877
 779
 4.76%
Loans, including loss share receivable9,295,866
 309,530
 4.45% 9,126,596
 330,965
 4.85%
Total earning assets13,014,267
 393,575
 4.04% 12,722,271
 413,063
 4.34%
Allowance for loan losses(143,756)     (138,758)    
Other assets1,316,071
     1,326,045
    
Total assets$14,596,526
     $14,451,550
    
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY          
Deposits:           
Noninterest-bearing$3,139,515
 $
 % $2,954,172
 $
 %
Interest-bearing1,069,290
 726
 0.09% 859,903
 579
 0.09%
Savings and money market accounts5,717,860
 15,302
 0.36% 5,236,540
 22,172
 0.57%
Certificates and other time deposits1,613,270
 9,436
 0.78% 2,360,522
 16,803
 0.95%
Total deposits11,539,935
 25,464
 0.29% 11,411,137
 39,554
 0.46%
Securities sold under agreements to repurchase947,135
 854
 0.12% 900,920
 2,832
 0.42%
Wholesale borrowings180,215
 3,399
 2.52% 323,678
 4,963
 2.05%
Total interest bearing liabilities9,527,770
 29,717
 0.42% 9,681,563
 47,349
 0.65%
Other liabilities330,254
     275,452
    
Shareholders' equity1,598,987
     1,540,363
    
Total liabilities and shareholders' equity$14,596,526
     $14,451,550
    
Net yield on earning assets$13,014,267
 $363,858
 3.73% $12,722,271
 $365,714
 3.84%
Interest rate spread    3.62%     3.69%
            
Note: Interest income on tax-exempt securities and loans has been adjusted to a fully-taxable equivalent basis. Nonaccrual loans have been included in the average balances.

65

Table of Contents


HIGHLIGHTS OF THIRDFIRST QUARTER QUARTER 20122013 PERFORMANCE

Earnings Summary

The Corporation reported thirdfirst quarter 20122013 net income of $35.037.3 million, or $0.320.33 per diluted share. This compares with $30.638.2 million, or $0.35 per diluted share, for the fourth quarter 2012 and $30.3 million, or $0.28 per diluted share, for the secondfirst quarter 2012 and $31.7 million, or $0.29 per diluted share, for the third quarter 2011.

Returns on average common equity (“ROE”) and average assets (“ROA”) for the thirdfirst quarter 20122013 were 8.60%8.83% and 0.94%1.01%, respectively, compared with 7.69%9.30% and 0.84%1.03%, respectively, for the secondfourth quarter 2012 and 8.02%7.72% and 0.86%0.84%, respectively, for the thirdfirst quarter 20112012.

Net interest margin was 3.66%3.46% for the thirdfirst quarter of 20122013 compared with 3.77%3.58% for the secondfourth quarter of 2012 and 3.75%3.78% for the thirdfirst quarter 2012. Increased borrowing costs, primarily related to the Corporation's issuance of $250 million aggregate principal amount of subordinated notes in an underwritten public offering completed on February 4, 2013, accounted for six basis points of compression during the first quarter of 2011. The net interest margin compressed 11 basis points compared with the second quarter of 2012 due to reductions in overall loan and investment portfolio yields.  Despite the persistent low rate environment, the Corporation partially offset earning asset pressure by continuing to remix the deposit base with lower costing liabilities.2013.

Average noncovered loans during the thirdfirst quarter of 20122013 increased $244.4291.1 million, or 3.08%3.45%, compared with the secondfourth quarter of 2012 and also increased $702.2953.9 million, or 9.38%12.26%, compared with the thirdfirst quarter of 20112012. Average noncovered commercial loans increased $169.4259.3 million, or 3.21%4.63%, compared with the prior quarter, and increased $567.7716.7 million, or 11.64%, compared with the year ago quarter. The average consumer loan portfolio grew for the fifth consecutive quarter, increasing $65.3 million, or 2.52%, compared to the prior quarter, and $102.8 million, or 4.03%13.94%, compared with the year ago quarter.

Average deposits were $11.611.8 billion during the thirdfirst quarter of 20122013, an increase of $36.6194.7 million, or 0.32%1.68%, compared with the secondfourth quarter of 2012, and an increase of $144.2317.8 million, or 1.26%2.77%, compared with the thirdfirst quarter of 20112012. During the thirdfirst quarter 20122013, average core deposits, which exclude time deposits, increased $126.8285.4 million, or 1.28%2.81%, compared with the secondfourth quarter 2012 and increased$715.6680.5 million, or 7.66%6.96%, compared with the thirdfirst quarter 20112012. Average time deposits decreased $90.190.7 million, or 5.57%6.38%, and decreased $571.4362.7 million, or 27.21%21.41%, respectively, over prior and year-ago quarters. The Corporation continues to emphasize growth in lower cost core deposit products and decrease its reliance on certificates of deposit accounts to support balance sheet growth.   For the thirdfirst quarter of 20122013, average core deposits accounted for 86.82%88.71% of total average deposits, compared with 85.99%87.73% for thefourth quarter 2012 and 85.23% for the secondfirst quarter of 2012 and 81.66% for the third quarter of 2011.

Average investments decreasedincreased $4.311.2 million, or 0.12%0.30%, compared with the secondfourth quarter of 2012 and increased $17.57.2 million, or 0.48%0.19% compared with the thirdfirst quarter of 20112012.

Net interest income on a fully tax-equivalent (“FTE”) basis was $120.7114.4 million in the thirdfirst quarter 20122013 compared with $121.7119.1 million in the secondfourth quarter of 2012 and $121.8121.4 million in the thirdfirst quarter of 20112012.

Noninterest income, excluding gains on securities transactions, of $0.6 million, for the thirdfirst quarter of 20122013 was $54.457.4 million, a decrease of $0.41.8 million, or 0.70%3.08%, from the secondfourth quarter of 2012 and a decreasean increase of $2.05.9 million, or 3.54%11.53%, from the thirdfirst quarter of 20112012. The decreaseIncluded in noninterest income fromin both the secondfirst quarter of 2013 and the fourth quarter of 2012 were 2012$5.0 million was attributable to a decrease of $2.6 million in gains on covered loans paid in full partially offset by increased loan sales and servicing income of $2.1 million. The decrease in noninterest income from the third quarter of 2011 was attributable a decline in service charges on deposits of $3.2 million as a result of regulatory revisions to overdraft fee policies which took effect in the fourth quarter of 2011 and a decline in

66



credit card fees of $2.6 million as a result of the implementation of the Durbin Interchange Amendment in the fourth quarter of 2011. These declines in income were partially offset by an increase in loans sales and servicing income of $3.8 million resulting from an increase in mortgage loan originations and refinancings activity due to a decrease in interest rates in 2012.full.

Other income, net of$0.6 million in securities gains, as a percentage of net revenue for the thirdfirst quarter of 20122013 was 31.05%33.42% compared with 31.03%33.21% for secondfourth quarter of 2012 and 31.64%29.77% for the thirdfirst quarter of 20112012. Net revenue is defined as net interest income, on an FTE basis, plus other income, less gains from securities sales.

Noninterest expense for the thirdfirst quarter of 20122013 was $108.6106.9 million, a decrease of $10.55.3 million, or 8.81%4.69%, from the secondfourth quarter of 2012, which included $8.9 million in one-time charges related to the Efficiency Initiative announced in the prior quarter, and a decrease of $7.46.8 million, or 6.36%6.01%, from the thirdfirst quarter 2012. Included in

74

Table of Contents

noninterest expense in the first quarter of 2011. Other one-time charges incurred in the third2013 and fourth quarter of 2012 included $0.5 millionwere acquisition related costs associated with the Citizens Republic Bancorp, Inc. ("Citizens") merger of $3.6 million and $2.1 million, respectively. The majority of these acquisition related costs of closing eight full service branches and $1.1 million ofwere from professional and legal fees associatedservices rendered in connection with the proposed acquisitionmerger. Also included in noninterest expense in the fourth quarter of Citizens. The Corporation demonstrated significant ongoing progress in reducing operating expenses in response2012 was $2.3 million of fees related to the challenging industry environment.early termination of Federal Home Loan Bank advances.

During the thirdfirst quarter of 20122013, the Corporation reported an efficiency ratio of 61.75%62.06%, compared with 67.21%62.65% for the secondfourth quarter of 2012 and 64.78%65.52% for the thirdfirst quarter of 2011. Excluding the $8.9 million in one-time charges related to the Efficiency Initiative announced in the prior quarter, the reported efficiency ratio for the second quarter of 2012 would be 62.15%.

As a result of guidance from the OCC, $10.6 million of consumer loans were identified as troubled debt restructurings whereby the borrower's obligation to the Corporation has been discharged in bankruptcy and the borrower has not reaffirmed the debt. These loans were reclassified from performing loans to nonaccrual status and consisted of $6.7 million of first mortgages, $1.0 million of junior liens and $2.9 million of automobile loans, and net loan charge-offs of $2.8 million were recognized.

Net charge-offs of noncovered loanscharge-offs totaled $14.95.9 million, or 0.72%0.27% of average noncovered loans in the thirdfirst quarter of 20122013, including $2.8 million in charge-offs relating to the aforementioned troubled debt restructured loans, compared with $8.87.1 million, or 0.44%0.34% of average noncovered loans, in the secondfourth quarter 2012 and $14.612.0 million, or 0.77%0.62% of average noncovered loans, in the thirdfirst quarter of 20112012.

Nonperforming assets totaled $64.152.2 million at September 30, 2012March 31, 2013, ana increase of $3.02.0 million, or 4.87%4.00%, compared with June 30,December 31, 2012 and a decrease of $26.015.7 million, or 28.89%23.11%, compared with September 30, 2011March 31, 2012. The increase in nonperforming assets in the third quarter is a result of the $10.6 million in loans noted above. Excluding the impact of the OCC guidance, nonperforming assets decreased $7.6 million or 12.44% compared with June 30, 2012 and $36.6 million or 40.63% compared with September 30, 2011. Nonperforming assets at September 30, 2012March 31, 2013 represented 0.77%0.59% of period-end noncovered loans plus noncovered other real estate compared with 0.75%0.57% at June 30,December 31, 2012 and 1.18%0.86% at September 30, 2011March 31, 2012.

The allowance for noncovered loan losses totaled $98.998.8 million at September 30, 2012March 31, 2013, down from $103.8 million at June 30, 2012.. At September 30, 2012March 31, 2013, the allowance for noncovered loan losses was 1.19%1.13% of period-end noncovered loans compared with 1.28%1.13% at June 30,December 31, 2012 and 1.43%1.32% at September 30, 2011March 31, 2012. The allowance for credit losses is the sum of the allowance for noncovered loan losses and the reserve for unfunded lending commitments. For comparative purposes, the allowance for credit losses was 1.26%1.18% of period-endperiod end noncovered loans at September 30, 2012March 31, 2013, compared with 1.35%1.20% at June 30,December 31, 2012 and 1.51%1.39% at September 30, 2011March 31, 2012. The allowance for credit losses to nonperforming noncovered loans was 208.11%254.32% at September 30, 2012March 31, 2013,

67



compared with 234.57%284.50% at June 30,December 31, 2012 and 170.16%205.13% at September 30, 2011March 31, 2012.

The Corporation'sCorporation’s total assets at September 30, 2012March 31, 2013 were $14.615.3 billion, an increase of $7.5359.5 million, or 0.05%2.41%, compared with June 30,December 31, 2012 and a decreasean increase of $59.4601.7 million, or 0.40%4.10%, compared with September 30, 2011March 31, 2012.

Total deposits were $11.511.9 billion at September 30, 2012March 31, 2013, a decreasean increase of $83.4166.3 million, or 0.72%1.41%, from June 30,December 31, 2012 and an increase of $136.3277.6 million, or 1.20%2.38%, from September 30, 2011March 31, 2012. Core deposits totaled $10.110.6 billion at September 30, 2012March 31, 2013, an increase of $18.3238.4 million, or 0.18%2.30%, from June 30,December 31, 2012 and an increase of $0.6 billion624.3 million, or 6.38%6.24%, from September 30, 2011March 31, 2012.

Shareholders'Shareholders’ equity was$1.8 billion as of March 31, 2013 and $1.6 billion atas of September 30, 2012, June 30,December 31, 2012 and September 30, 2011March 31, 2012, respectively.. On February 4, 2013, the Corporation issued 4,000,000 depositary shares (each representing a 1/40th interest in a share of the Corporation's 5.875% Non-Cumulative Perpetual Preferred Stock, Series A) for total gross proceeds of $100 million. Dividends are payable quarterly in arrears on the 4th day of February, May, August and November, beginning May 4, 2013. As of March 31, 2013, $0.9 million of dividends were accrued and payable on May 4, 2013 and accounted for approximately a one cent reduction in diluted EPS for the three months ended March 31, 2013. The Corporation maintained a strong capital position as tangible common equity to assets was 8.18%8.03% at September 30, 2012March 31, 2013, compared with 8.01%8.16% at June 30,December 31, 2012 and 7.75%7.86% at September 30, 2011March 31, 2012. The common cash dividend per share paid in the thirdfirst quarter 20122013 was $0.16.$0.16.



75

Table of Contents

Non-GAAP Financial Measures
The table below presents computations of earnings (loss) and certain other financial measures including "tangible common equity," "Tier 1 common equity", "tangible common equity to tangible assets ratio", "Basel III Tier 1 common ratio", "fee income ratio" and "efficiency ratio", all of which are non-GAAP measures. The table below also reconciles the U.S. GAAP performance measures to the corresponding non-GAAP measures. Management believes these non-GAAP financial measures enhance an investor's understanding of the business by providing a meaningful base for period-to-period comparisons, assisting in operating results analysis, and predicting future performance on the same basis as applied by Management and the Board of Directors. Management and the Board of Directors utilize these non-GAAP financial measures as follows:
Preparation of operating budgets
Monthly financial performance reporting
Monthly, quarterly and year-to-date assessment of the Corporation's business
Monthly close-out reporting of consolidated results (Management only)
Presentations to investors of corporate performance

Tangible common equity ratios have been a focus of some investors in analyzing the capital position of the Corporation absent the effects of intangible assets and preferred stock. Traditionally, the banking regulators have assessed bank and Bank Holding Company ("BHC") capital adequacy based on Tier 1 capital, the calculation of which is codified in federal banking regulations. In connection with the Federal Reserve's Comprehensive Capital Analysis and Review ("CCAR") process, these regulators are supplementing their assessment of the capital adequacy of a bank based on a variation of Tier 1 capital, known as Tier 1 common equity. While not codified, analysts and banking regulators have assessed the Corporation's capital adequacy using the tangible common shareholders' equity and/or the Tier 1 common equity measure. Because tangible common equity and Tier 1 common equity are not formally defined by U.S. GAAP or codified in the federal banking regulations, these measures are considered to be non-GAAP financial measures and other entities may calculate them differently than the Corporation's disclosed calculations. Since analysts and banking regulators may assess the Corporation's capital adequacy using tangible common shareholders' equity and Tier 1 common equity, Management believes that it is useful to provide investors information enabling them to assess the Corporation's capital adequacy on these same bases.
Tier 1 common equity is often expressed as a percentage of risk-weighted assets. Under the risk-based capital framework, a bank's balance sheet assets and credit equivalent amounts of off-balance sheet items are assigned to one of four broad risk categories. The aggregated dollar amount in each category is then multiplied by the risk weighting assigned to that category. The resulting weighted values from each of the four categories are added together and this sum is the risk-weighted assets total that, as adjusted, comprises the denominator of certain risk-based capital ratios. Tier 1 capital is then divided by this denominator (risk-weighted assets) to determine the Tier 1 capital ratio. Adjustments are made to Tier 1 capital to arrive at Tier 1 common equity (non-GAAP). Tier 1 common equity is also divided by the risk-weighted assets to determine the Tier 1 common equity ratio. The amounts disclosed as risk-weighted assets are calculated consistent with banking regulatory requirements.
The Corporation currently calculates its risk-based capital ratios under guidelines adopted by the Federal Reserve based on the 1988 Capital Accord ("Basel I") of the Basel Committee on Banking Supervision (the "Basel Committee"). In December 2010, the Basel Committee released its final framework for Basel III, which will strengthen international capital and liquidity regulation. When implemented by U.S. bank regulatory agencies and fully phased-in, Basel III will change capital requirements and place greater emphasis on common equity. The U.S. bank regulatory agencies have not yet adopted final regulations governing the implementation

76

Table of Contents

of Basel III. Accordingly, the calculations provided below are estimates, based on the Corporation's current understanding of the framework, including the Corporation's reading of the requirements, and informal feedback received through the regulatory process. The Corporation's understanding of the framework is evolving and will likely change as the regulations are finalized. Because the Basel III implementation regulations are not formally defined by U.S. GAAP and have not yet been finalized and codified, these measures are considered to be non-GAAP financial measures, and other entities may calculate them differently from the Corporation's disclosed calculations. Since analysts and banking regulators may assess the Corporation's capital adequacy using the Basel III framework, Management believes that it is useful to provide investors information enabling them to assess the Corporation's capital adequacy on the same basis.
The efficiency ratio (non-GAAP), which is a measure of productivity, is generally calculated as other expense divided by total revenue on a taxable equivalent basis. The fee income ratio (non-GAAP) is generally calculated as other income divided by total revenue. Management uses these ratios to monitor performance and believes these measures provide meaningful information to investors. Other expense may be presented excluding adjustments to arrive at adjusted other expense (non-GAAP), which is the numerator for the efficiency ratio. Other income may be presented excluding adjustments to arrive at adjusted other income (non-GAAP), which is the numerator for the fee income ratio. Net interest income on a taxable equivalent basis (non-GAAP) and other income are added together to arrive at total adjusted revenue (non-GAAP). Adjustments are made to arrive at adjusted total revenue (non-GAAP), which is the denominator for the fee income and efficiency ratios. It is possible that the activities related to the adjustments may recur; however, Management does not consider the activities related to the adjustments to be indications of ongoing operations.
Non-GAAP financial measures have inherent limitations, are not required to be uniformly applied and are not audited. Although these non-GAAP financial measures are frequently used by investors to evaluate a company, they have limitations as analytical tools, and should not be considered in isolation, or as a substitute for analysis of results as reported under GAAP. These non-GAAP measures are not necessarily comparable to similar measures that may be represented by other companies.








77

Table of Contents

GAAP to Non-GAAP Reconciliations
   March 31, 2013 March 31, 2012
   (Dollars in thousands)
Tangible common equity to tangible assets at period end   
 Shareholders’ equity (GAAP)$1,754,850
 $1,584,105
 Less:Intangible assets6,055
 7,756
  Goodwill460,044
 460,044
  Preferred Stock100,000
 
 Tangible common equity (non-GAAP)$1,188,751
 $1,116,305
 Total assets (GAAP)15,272,484
 14,670,818
 Less:Intangible assets6,055
 7,756
  Goodwill460,044
 460,044
 Tangible assets (non-GAAP)$14,806,385
 $14,203,018
 Tangible common equity to tangible assets ratio (non-GAAP)8.03% 7.86%
Tier 1 common equity (1)   
 Shareholders' equity (GAAP)$1,754,850
 $1,584,105
 Plus:Net unrealized (gains) losses on available-for-sale securities(47,504) (55,440)
  Losses recorded in AOCI related to defined benefit postretirement plans71,623
 77,612
 Less:Goodwill460,044
 460,044
  Intangible assets6,055
 7,756
  Disallowed servicing asset1,943
 1,771
 Tier 1 capital (regulatory)1,310,927
 1,136,706
 Less:Preferred Stock100,000
 
 Tier 1 common equity (non-GAAP)$1,210,927
 $1,136,706
 Risk-weighted assets (regulatory)$10,609,418
 $9,841,806
 Tier 1 common equity ratio (non-GAAP)11.41% 11.55%
Basel III Tier 1 Common Ratio (2)   
 Shareholders' equity (GAAP)$1,754,850
 $1,584,105
 Less:Non-qualifying goodwill460,044
 460,044
  Non-qualifying intangible assets (3)6,055
 7,756
  Other adjustments (4)1,943
 1,771
 Basel III tier 1 capital (regulatory)1,286,808
 1,114,534
 Less:Preferred Stock$100,000
 $
 Basel III tier 1 common equity (regulatory)$1,186,808
 $1,114,534
 Basel III risk-weighted assets (regulatory) (5)$10,609,418
 $9,841,806
 Basel III tier 1 common equity ratio (non-GAAP)11.19% 11.32%
(1)Tier 1 common equity is a measure that is used by investors, analysts and bank regulatory agencies to assess the capital position of financial services companies. Management reviews this measure along with other measures of capital as part of its internal financial analysis.
(2)Estimate based on June 2012 U.S. Notices of Proposed Rulemaking.
(3)Under Basel III, regulatory capital must be reduced by purchased credit card relationship intangible assets. These assets are partially allowed in Basel I capital.
(4)These include adjustments to other comprehensive income related to cash flow hedges, disallowed deferred tax assets, threshold deductions and other adjustments.
(5)FirstMerit continues to develop systems and internal controls to calculate risk-weighted assets as required by Basel III. The amount included above is a reasonable approximation, based on our understanding of the requirements.


78

Table of Contents

GAAP to Non-GAAP Reconciliations, continued
   March 31, 2013 March 31, 2012
   (Dollars in thousands)
Fee Income and Efficiency Ratios   
 Other expense (GAAP)$106,925
 $113,768
 Significant items:   
 Less:Intangible asset amortization317
 483
  Other intangible asset amortization
 
  Adjusted other expense (non-GAAP)$106,608
 $113,285
 Net interest income (FTE) (non-GAAP)114,376
 121,428
 Other income (GAAP)57,392
 51,726
 Significant Items:   
  Securities gains (losses)(9) 260
  Adjusted other income (non-GAAP)57,401
 51,466
  Adjusted revenue (non-GAAP)$171,777
 $172,894
 Fee income ratio (non-GAAP)33.42% 29.77%
 Efficiency ratio (non-GAAP)62.06% 65.52%

RESULTS OF OPERATIONOPERATIONS
Net Interest Income

Net interest income, the Corporation’sCorporation's principal source of earnings, is the difference between interest income generated by earning assets (primarily loans and investment securities) and interest paid on interest-bearing funds (namely customer deposits, wholesale borrowings and wholesale borrowings)long-term debt). Net interest income is affected by market interest rates on both earning assets and interest bearing liabilities, the level of earning assets being funded by interest bearing liabilities, noninterest-bearing liabilities, the mix of funding between interest bearing liabilities, noninterest-bearing liabilities and equity, and the growth in earning assets.

Net interest income for the three and ninemonths ended September 30, 2012March 31, 2013 was $117.9111.3 million and $355.6 million, respectively, compared to $119.4 million and $358.7118.8 million for the three and nine monthmonths ended September 30, 2011March 31, 2012. For the purpose of this remaining discussion, net interest income is presented on ana FTE basis, to make tax-exempt loans and investment securities comparable to other taxable products.provide a comparison among all types of interest earning assets. That is, interest on tax-exempt investmenttax-free securities and tax-exempt loans has been restated as if such interest were taxed at the statutory Federalfederal income tax rate of 35%, adjusted for the non-deductible portion of interest expense incurred to acquire the tax-free assets. Net interest income presented on ana FTE basis is a non-GAAP financial measure whichthat is calculated and presented other than in accordance with U.S. GAAP and is widely used by financial services organizations. Therefore, Management believes these measures provide useful information for both management and investors by allowing them to be the preferred industry measurement of net interest income and enhances comparability of net interest income arising from taxable and tax-exempt sources. In addition, Management believes this metric assists investors in understanding management’s view of particular financial measures, as well as aligns presentation of these financial measures with peers in the industry who may also provide a similar presentation.make peer comparisons. The FTE adjustment was $2.93.0 million and $2.42.6 million for the three months endingquarters ended September 30, 2012March 31, 2013 and 2011, respectively, and $8.3 million and $7.1 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2012 and September 30, 2011, respectively.

FTE netNet interest income forpresented on an FTE basis decreased$7.0 million or 5.77% to $114.4 million in the three and nine month periodsmonths ended September 30, 2012March 31, 2013 was $120.7 million and $363.9 million, respectively, compared to $121.8121.4 million andin the same period of $365.7 million2012 for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2011, respectively..


6879


Table of Contents

The impact of changes in the volume of interest-earning assets and interest-bearing liabilities and interest rates on net interest income is illustrated in the following table.
RATE/VOLUME ANALYSISThree Months Ended September 30, 2012 and 2011 Nine Months Ended September 30, 2012 and 2011
CHANGES IN NET INTEREST INCOME- FULLY TAX-EQUIVALENT RATE/VOLUME ANALYSISCHANGES IN NET INTEREST INCOME- FULLY TAX-EQUIVALENT RATE/VOLUME ANALYSIS
Increases (Decreases) Increases (Decreases)      
(Dollars in thousands)Volume Rate Total Volume Rate Total
INTEREST INCOME - FTE           
Three months ended March 31,
2013 and 2012
Increase (Decrease) In Interest Income/Expense
Volume 
Yield/
Rate
 Total
( Dollars in thousands)
INTEREST INCOME -FTEINTEREST INCOME -FTE     
Investment securities and federal funds sold:           Investment securities and federal funds sold:     
Taxable$(1,745) $430
 $(1,315) $(739) $(37) $(776)Taxable$(652) $(2,528) $(3,180)
Tax-exempt2,973
 (1,916) 1,057
 5,813
 (3,072) 2,741
Tax-exempt1,306
 (575) 731
Loans held for sale(10) (34) (44) 80
 (98) (18)Loans held for sale(114) (25) (139)
Loans2,607
 (7,923) (5,316) 6,045
 (27,480) (21,435)Loans5,175
 (9,325) (4,150)
Total interest income - FTE3,825
 (9,443) (5,618) 11,199
 (30,687) (19,488)
Total interest income -FTETotal interest income -FTE5,715
 (12,453) (6,738)
INTEREST EXPENSE           INTEREST EXPENSE     
Interest on deposits:           Interest on deposits:     
Interest-bearing38
 (13) 25
 142
 5
 147
Interest bearingInterest bearing56
 15
 71
Savings and money market accounts364
 (2,127) (1,763) 1,888
 (8,758) (6,870)Savings and money market accounts145
 67
 212
Certificates of deposits and other time deposits(1,081) (546) (1,627) (4,713) (2,654) (7,367)
Certificates and other time deposits ("CDs")Certificates and other time deposits ("CDs")(666) (795) (1,461)
Securities sold under agreements to repurchase60
 (727) (667) 139
 (2,117) (1,978)Securities sold under agreements to repurchase6
 39
 45
Wholesale borrowings(852) 313
 (539) (2,533) 969
 (1,564)Wholesale borrowings(302) 1
 (301)
Long-term debtLong-term debt1,748
 
 1,748
Total interest expense(1,471) (3,100) (4,571) (5,077) (12,555) (17,632)Total interest expense987
 (673) 314
Net interest income - FTE$5,296
 $(6,343) $(1,047) $16,276
 $(18,132) $(1,856)Net interest income - FTE$4,728
 $(11,780) $(7,052)
      
Note: Rate/volume variances are allocated on the basis of absolute value of the change in each.Note: Rate/volume variances are allocated on the basis of absolute value of the change in each.

The net interest margin is calculated by dividing net interest income FTE by average earning assets. As with net interest income, the net interest margin is affected by the level and mix of earning assets, the proportion of earning assets funded by non-interest bearing liabilities, and the interest rate spread. In addition, the net interest margin is impacted by changes in federal income tax rates and regulations as they affect the tax-equivalent adjustment.

The following table provides2012 FTE net interest income and net interest margin totals as well asfor the 2011three months ended March 31, 2013 comparative amounts:and 2012:
Three Months Ended September 30, Nine Months Ended September 30,Three months ended March 31,
(Dollars in thousands)2012 2011 2012 2011
2013 2012
(Dollars in thousands)
Net interest income$117,890
 $119,392
 $355,600
 $358,659
$111,349
 $118,787
Tax equivalent adjustment2,851
 2,396
 8,258
 7,055
3,027
 2,641
Net interest income - FTE$120,741
 $121,788
 $363,858
 $365,714
$114,376
 121,428
Average earning assets$13,119,473
 $12,878,105
 $13,014,267
 $12,722,271
$13,408,789
 $12,935,184
Net interest margin - FTE3.66% 3.75% 3.73% 3.84%
Net interest margin3.46% 3.78%

The average yield on earning assets decreased from 4.19%4.10% in the quarter ended September 30, 2011first quarter of 2012 to 3.95%3.78% in the quarter ended September 30, 2012first quarter of 2013. HigherLower outstanding balances on total average earning assets in the quarterthree months ended September 30, 2012March 31, 2013 did not mitigate the decrease in average yield, which caused interest income to decrease decrease$5.66.7 million from year-ago levels. Average balances for investment securities were up from the year ago quarter thirdincreasing quarter of 2011, increasing interest income by $1.20.7 million, and lower rates earned on the securities decreased interest income by $1.53.1 million. year over year. Average loans outstanding, up from the year ago quarter, thirdincreased quarter of 2011, increased interest income from for

80


the quarterthree months ended September 30, 2011March 31, 2013 by $2.65.2 million and lower yields earned on the loans, decreased loan interest income in the quarterfor three months ended September 30, 2012March 31, 2013 by $7.99.3 million. HigherLower outstanding balances on average deposits and lower rates paid on deposits caused interest expense to decrease decrease$3.41.2 million in the quarterthree months ended September 30, 2012March 31, 2013. Lower average outstanding balances on wholesaleNew long-term debt issued in the

69



and lower rates paidthree months ended March 31, 2013 caused interest expense to decreaseincrease by $0.51.7 million in the quarterthree months ended September 30, 2012March 31, 2013.

The cost of funds for the year as a percentage of average earning assets decreasedremained flat at 18 basis points from 0.11%0.08% for the quarterthree months ended September 30, 2011March 31, 2012 toand 0.07% for the quarter ended September 30, 2012March 31, 2013. The drop in interest rates was the primary factor driving this decrease.

Other Income

Excluding investment gains,securities transactions, other income for the three and ninemonths ended September 30, 2012March 31, 2013 totaled $54.4 million and $160.657.4 million, respectively, compared with $56.4 million and $159.7 million in the same periods of 2011. The latter represents a decrease of $2.0 million or 3.54% in the third quarter of 2012 and an increase of $0.95.9 million or 0.54%11.53% induring the first nine months of 2012.same period a year ago. Other income as a percentage of net revenue (FTE net interest income plus other income, less security gains from securities) was 31.05% and 30.62%33.42% for the three and ninemonths ended September 30, 2012March 31, 2013, respectively, compared to 31.64%29.77% and 30.40% infor the same periods of 2011.three month period one year ago. Explanations for the most significant changes in the components of other income are discussed immediately after the following table.

Three Months Ended Nine Months EndedThree months ended March 31,
(In thousands)September 30, 2012 September 30, 2011 September 30, 2012 September 30, 2011
2013 2012
(In thousands)
Trust department income$6,124
 $5,607
 $17,481
 $16,983
$5,741
 $5,627
Service charges on deposits14,603
 17,838
 43,490
 48,460
12,585
 14,409
Credit card fees11,006
 13,640
 32,402
 39,357
10,222
 10,180
ATM and other service fees3,680
 3,801
 11,360
 9,781
3,335
 3,790
Bank owned life insurance income3,094
 3,182
 9,073
 11,439
4,897
 3,056
Investment services and life insurance2,208
 1,965
 6,843
 6,384
2,415
 2,247
Investment securities gains, net553
 4,402
 1,361
 5,291
Investment securities (losses)/gains, net(9) 260
Loan sales and servicing income7,255
 3,426
 19,085
 9,102
7,863
 6,691
Other operating income6,402
 6,911
 20,857
 18,222
10,343
 5,466
Total other income$54,925
 $60,772
 $161,952
 $165,019
$57,392
 $51,726

Service charges on deposits decreased $3.21.8 million andor $5.0 million12.66% from the year ago quarter reflecting a change in the three and nine months ended September 30, 2012, respectively, compared to the same periods of 2011,customer behavior. Bank owned life insurance income increased $1.8 million or 60.24% year over year as a result of regulatory revisions to overdraft fee policies that took effect in the fourth quarter of 2011. Credit card fees decreased$2.6a $1.6 million and $7.0 million death benefit received in the three and ninemonths ended September 30, 2012, respectively, compared to the same periods of 2011 as a result of the implementation of the Durbin Interchange Amendment in the fourth quarter of 2011.March 31, 2013. Loan sales and servicing income increased year over year $3.81.2 million, or 111.76%, in the third quarter of 2012 and $10.0 million, or 109.68%, in the first nine months of 201217.52% due to an increasehigher pricing margins in mortgagethe current period versus prior year. Other operating income increased$4.9 million or 89.22% from the year ago quarter as other operating income for the three months ended March 31, 2013 included $5.0 million in gains from covered loan originationspayoffs and refinancing activity as a result of lower interest rates in 2012, partially offset by impairment charges of mortgage servicing rights in 2012.related income. Gains on covered loan payoffs represent the difference between the credit mark on the paid-off loans less the remaining associated indemnification asset.


81


Other Expenses

Other expenses totaled $108.6 million and $341.4106.9 million for the three and ninemonths ended September 30, 2012March 31, 2013, respectively, compared withto $116.0 million and $340.5 million the same periods of 2011. The latter represents an increase of $7.4 millionand $1.0113.8 million in the same three month period one year ago, a decrease of $6.8 million or 6.01% year over year.
 Three months ended March 31,
 2013 2012
 (In thousands)
Salaries and wages$46,391
 $45,710
Pension and employee benefits11,515
 18,263
Net occupancy expense8,282
 8,592
Equipment expense7,349
 7,104
Taxes, other than federal income taxes1,922
 1,955
Stationery, supplies and postage2,096
 2,143
Bankcard, loan processing, and other costs7,840
 7,653
Advertising2,070
 1,684
Professional services5,410
 3,352
Telephone1,177
 1,398
Amortization of intangibles317
 483
FDIC expense3,526
 3,720
Other operating expense9,030
 11,711
 $106,925
 $113,768

Pension and employee benefit expenses were nine$11.5 million for three months ended September 30, 2012March 31, 2013, respectively, compared witha decrease of $6.7 million or 36.95% from the same periodsthree month period one year ago. Pension expense decreased $3.0 million year over year as a result of the qualified defined benefit pension plan being frozen effective December 31, 2012 resulting in no benefits accruing after December 31, 2012. Professional services expenses were $5.4 million for the three months ended March 31, 2013, an increase of 2011$2.1 million. or


70



The following table compares61.40% over the components of othersame three month period one year ago. Included in professional services expenses for the three and ninemonths ended September 30, 2012March 31, 2013 and 2011.
 Three Months Ended Nine Months Ended
 September 30, 2012 September 30, 2011 September 30, 2012 September 30, 2011
Salaries, wages, pension and employee benefits$58,061
 $61,232
 $183,632
 $177,815
Net occupancy expense8,077
 8,464
 24,640
 25,144
Equipment expense7,143
 7,073
 21,845
 20,725
Taxes, other than federal income taxes2,051
 1,507
 6,025
 4,389
Stationery, supplies and postage2,210
 2,517
 6,638
 7,972
Bankcard, loan processing, and other costs8,424
 8,449
 24,935
 24,278
Advertising2,472
 2,391
 6,436
 7,061
Professional services4,702
 5,732
 17,361
 17,466
Telephone1,316
 1,570
 4,094
 4,518
Amortization of intangibles456
 543
 1,422
 1,629
FDIC expense1,832
 3,240
 9,015
 12,187
Other operating expense11,843
 13,239
 35,389
 37,286
   Total other expense$108,587
 $115,957
 $341,432
 $340,470

During the second quarter ended June 30, 2012, management announced its implementation plan to enhance the operating efficiency and profitability of the Corporation and as a result recognized $8.9 million in one-time charges primarily consisting of employee separationwere acquisition related costs and professional services fees. Of the total one-time charges, $3.3 million was related to employee separation costs and $5.2 million was related to professional services fees. Other one-time charges incurred in the third quarter of 2012 included $0.5 million associated with costs of closing eight full service branches and $1.1 million of professional and legal fees associated with the proposed acquisitionCitizens merger of Citizens. For further information on these one-time charges, refer to Note 2$3.1 million. Other operating expense decreased$2.7 million (or Restructuring22.89%). year over year.

The efficiency ratio for the thirdfirst quarter quarterof 20122013 was 61.75%62.06%, compared to 64.78%65.52% duringin the same period in 2011. The efficiency ratio indicates the percentage of operating costs that are used to generate each dollar of net revenue - that is, during the third quarter 2012, 61.75 cents was spent to generate each $1 of net revenue.. Net revenue is defined as net interest income, on a tax-equivalentan FTE basis, plus other income less gains from the sales of securities.

Income Taxes

Income tax expense was $13.114.5 million (an effective tax rate of 27.26%) and $13.1 million (an effective tax rate of 29.21%) for the quarter ended September 30, 2012 and 2011, respectively, and $37.812.3 million (an effective tax rate of 28.28%) and $34.8 million (an effective tax rate of 28.10%) for the ninethree months ended September 30, 2012March 31, 2013 and 20112012, respectively. The effective income tax rate for the three months ended March 31, 2013 was 28.00% compared to 28.91% for the three months ended March 31, 2012.


Line
82


LINE OF BUSINESS RESULTS

Line of business results are presented in the table below. A description of each business line, important financial performance data and the methodologies used to measure financial performance are presented in Note 98 (Segment Information) to the consolidated financial statements. The Corporation's profitability is primarily dependent on the net interest income, provision for credit losses, non-interest income and operating expenses of its commercial and retail segments as well as the asset management and trust operations of the wealth segment.

71



The following tables present a summary of financial results as of and for the three and ninethree months ended September 30, 2012March 31, 2013 and 20112012:.

 Commercial Retail Wealth Other FirstMerit Consolidated
September 30, 2012 QTD YTD QTD YTD QTD YTD QTD YTD QTD YTD
March 31, 2013 Commercial Retail Wealth Other FirstMerit Consolidated
OPERATIONS:                              
Net interest income (loss) - FTE $66,446
 $196,729
 $51,181
 $158,745
 $4,223
 $13,412
 $(1,109) $(5,028) $120,741
 $363,858
 $66,441
 $46,431
 $3,775
 $(2,271) $114,376
Provision for loan losses 10,401
 22,970
 1,194
 5,459
 (519) (318) 5,103
 14,325
 16,179
 42,436
 4,766
 4,073
 208
 899
 9,946
Other income 15,247
 47,603
 26,783
 76,226
 8,528
 24,987
 4,367
 13,136
 54,925
 161,952
 19,232
 24,388
 8,310
 5,462
 57,392
Other expenses 39,595
 123,074
 53,788
 169,618
 9,711
 29,718
 5,493
 19,022
 108,587
 341,432
 43,027
 52,907
 10,174
 817
 106,925
Net income (loss) 20,954
 64,920
 14,939
 38,931
 2,313
 5,849
 (3,253) (13,818) 34,953
 95,882
 24,022
 8,996
 1,107
 3,221
 37,346
AVERAGES :                    
AVERAGES:          
Assets $6,466,355
 $6,386,617
 $2,960,336
 $2,929,911
 $242,539
 $238,899
 $5,064,786
 $5,041,099
 $14,734,016
 $14,596,526
 6,737,236
 3,016,495
 236,811
 4,993,001
 14,983,543
Loans (noncovered and covered) 6,424,591
 6,355,908
 2,683,439
 2,653,490
 228,973
 225,349
 65,215
 61,119
 9,402,218
 9,295,866
 6,677,719
 2,736,949
 223,234
 58,024
 9,695,926
Earnings assets 6,529,888
 6,454,874
 2,716,445
 2,686,854
 228,998
 225,375
 3,644,142
 3,647,164
 13,119,473
 13,014,267
 6,814,089
 2,762,045
 223,263
 3,609,392
 13,408,789
Deposits 3,391,783
 3,245,210
 7,357,534
 7,450,182
 706,616
 703,724
 135,998
 140,819
 11,591,931
 11,539,935
 3,500,846
 7,416,124
 744,466
 128,348
 11,789,784
Economic Capital 395,725
 391,731
 215,412
 213,227
 49,781
 49,138
 955,651
 944,891
 1,616,569
 1,598,987
 462,614
 212,815
 49,534
 990,042
 1,715,005
          















 Commercial Retail Wealth Other FirstMerit Consolidated
September 30, 2011 QTD YTD QTD YTD QTD YTD QTD YTD QTD YTD
March 31, 2012 Commercial Retail Wealth Other FirstMerit Consolidated
OPERATIONS:                              
Net interest income (loss) - FTE $66,674
 $200,154
 $56,705
 $168,718
 $4,568
 $14,205
 $(6,159) $(17,363) $121,788
 $365,714
 $64,674
 $54,277
 $4,598
 $(2,121) $121,428
Provision for loan losses 4,546
 29,653
 5,249
 17,715
 1,261
 2,587
 8,316
 9,385
 19,372
 59,340
 9,104
 2,537
 225
 2,195
 14,061
Other income 16,219
 43,632
 28,333
 78,309
 7,784
 24,066
 8,436
 19,012
 60,772
 165,019
 14,309
 25,265
 8,068
 4,084
 51,726
Other expenses 36,745
 110,073
 57,567
 177,201
 10,004
 30,363
 11,641
 22,833
 115,957
 340,470
 43,351
 57,481
 10,214
 2,722
 113,768
Net income (loss) 27,674
 69,392
 14,448
 33,876
 708
 3,455
 (11,093) (17,663) 31,737
 89,060
 16,709
 12,691
 1,447
 (503) 30,344
AVERAGES :                    
AVERAGES:          
Assets $6,258,625
 $6,162,742
 $2,925,345
 $2,937,888
 $237,638
 $240,919
 $5,189,020
 $5,110,001
 $14,610,628
 $14,451,550
 6,328,473
 2,910,354
 236,571
 5,021,539
 14,496,937
Loans (noncovered and covered) 6,247,841
 6,164,243
 2,644,160
 2,667,285
 224,077
 227,851
 61,409
 67,217
 9,177,487
 9,126,596
 6,306,446
 2,634,702
 223,131
 53,600
 9,217,879
Earnings assets 6,333,506
 6,240,618
 2,677,173
 2,723,413
 224,077
 227,850
 3,643,349
 3,530,390
 12,878,105
 12,722,271
 6,397,111
 2,670,067
 223,159
 3,644,847
 12,935,184
Deposits 3,131,268
 2,982,536
 7,463,753
 7,531,653
 628,028
 640,232
 224,633
 256,716
 11,447,682
 11,411,137
 3,139,197
 7,464,867
 698,700
 169,257
 11,472,021
Economic Capital 368,948
 368,901
 220,946
 222,097
 44,320
 50,574
 936,197
 898,791
 1,570,411
 1,540,363
 387,073
 214,265
 48,106
 931,565
 1,581,009

On a quarterly basis, theThe commercial segment's net income decreased $5.8increased $7.3 million from September 30, 2011 to $21.0$24.0 million for the quarterthree months ended September 30, 2012.March 31, 2013 driven by higher revenues and lower loan losses. FTE adjusted net interest income totaled $66.4 million for the quarterthree months ended September 30, 2012March 31, 2013 compared to $66.7$64.7 million for the quarterthree months ended September 30, 2011, a decreaseMarch 31, 2012, an increase of $0.3$1.8 million, or 0.50%2.73%. The decreaseincrease was primarily attributable to a $428.2an $803.4 million, decrease in covered loan balances acquired via FDIC-assisted acquisitions, offset by $605.0 millionor 15.69%, increase in noncovered loans.loan balances. The strong loan growth was prevalent in all major divisions of the commercial segment. Growth in loan interest income was offset partially by lower interest income associated with acquired loans via the FDIC-assisted acquisitions, lower loan yields, and lower

83


deposit income associated with the internal credit on deposits. Deposit balances grew $361.6 million or 11.5% to $3.5 billion due primarily to growth in small business deposits and government-related deposits. Provision for credit losses for the commercial segment totaled $10.4$4.8 million for the quarterthree months ended September 30, 2012March 31, 2013 compared to $4.5$9.1 million for the quarterthree months ended September 30, 2011, an increase of $5.9 million. The increase in the provision for loan losses reflected the timing of reserves associated with of a few larger credits in the Commercial Bank. On a year-to-date basis, however, provision is down from the same period in 2011. Non-interest income was $15.2 million for the quarter ended September 30,March 31, 2012, compared to $16.2 million for the same period in 2011. The decrease was primarily attributable to lower gains recognized from covered loans paid in full, offset partially by higher syndication fees, swap fees, merchant fees and letter of credit fees. Non-interest expense for the commercial segment was $39.6 million for the quarter ended September 30, 2012 compared to $36.7 million for the quarter ended September 30, 2011. The increase in expenses was primarily attributable to a change in the FDIC assessment calculation from using deposit

72



balances to risk-weighted assets. Additionally, expenses are higher due to the build-out of specialized banking capabilities, including leasing, asset based lending, capital markets, and treasury management.

On a quarterly basis, the retail segment's net income decreased $0.3 million for the quarter ended September 30, 2012 to $15.0 million for the quarter ended September 30, 2011. FTE adjusted net interest income totaled $51.2 million for the quarter ended September 30, 2012 compared to $56.7 million for the quarter ended September 30, 2011, a decrease of $5.5$4.3 million, or 9.74%47.65%. The decrease was primarily attributable to a $49.3 million decreasecontinued decline in covered loan balances. Additionally, deposit spreads decreased 23 basis points due to a lower internal credit applied to deposits, which was driven by lower market rates. Deposit balances decreased $106.2 million from the third quarter of 2011. The retail segment shifted deposit mix from higher cost time deposits to lower cost core deposits. Provision for credit losses totaled $1.2 million for the quarter ended September 30, 2012 compared to $5.2 million for the quarter ended September 30, 2011, a decrease of $4.1 million, or 77.25%. The decrease in the provision for loan losses reflected the results of Management's focused efforts to improve asset quality and portfolio credit metrics. Net charge-offs declined $0.3$4.8 million to $4.8$1.6 million for the quarterthree months ended September 30, 2012.March 31, 2013. The remaining provision covered substantial loan growth in noncovered loans. Non-interest income was $26.8$19.2 million for the quarterthree months ended September 30, 2012March 31, 2013 compared to $28.3$14.3 million for the quartersame period in 2012. The increase was primarily attributable to higher gains recognized from covered loans paid in full, coupled with growth in asset-based lending fees and international fees. Non-interest expense for the commercial segment was essentially unchanged at $43.0 million for the three months ended September 30, 2011,March 31, 2013 compared to the same period of 2012. Growth in expenses driven by the build-out of specialized banking capabilities was offset by the results of management's efficiency initiative.

The retail segment's net income decreased $3.7 million for the three months ended March 31, 2013 to $9.0 million compared to three months ended March 31, 2012. FTE adjusted net interest income totaled $46.4 million for the three months ended March 31, 2013 compared to $54.3 million for the three months ended March 31, 2012, a decrease of $1.6$7.8 million or 5.47%14.46%. The decrease was primarily attributable to a $43.6 million decrease in covered loan balances acquired via FDIC assisted acquisitions, along with lower deposit income associated with the internal credit on deposits. Deposit balances were essentially consistent with the quarterly average in 2012. Provision for credit losses totaled $4.1 million for the three months ended March 31, 2013 compared to $2.5 million for the three months ended March 31, 2012, an increase of $1.6 million. Net charge-offs declined $1.3 million to $4.3 million for the three months ended March 31, 2013. Non-interest income was $24.4 million for the three months ended March 31, 2013 compared to $25.3 million for the three months ended March 31, 2012, a decrease of $0.9 million, or 3.47%. The decrease was primarily attributable to lower service charges on deposits driven by the effects of new regulations on charges for non-sufficient funds and overdrafts, as well as the effects of the Durbin Interchange Amendment on ATM interchange fees,fees. The fee income decline was offset partially by strongcontinued strength in mortgage fee income. Non-interest expense was $53.8declined $4.5 million, or 7.96%, to $52.9 million for the quarterthree months ended September 30, 2012March 31, 2013 compared to $57.6$57.5 million for the quarterthree months ended September 30, 2011.March 31, 2012. The decrease in expenses was primarily attributable to lower FTEs associated with the Efficiency Initiative announced in the second quarter, as well as the change in the FDIC assessment calculation from using deposit balances to risk-weighted assets.results of management's efficiency initiative.
On a quarterly basis, theThe wealth segment's net income of $2.3$1.1 million for the quarterthree months ended September 30, 2012 increased $1.6March 31, 2013 decreased $0.3 million from the quarterthree months ended September 30, 2011.March 31, 2012. The increasedecrease was attributable to lower provision for loan losses. Additionally, non-interestdeposit income of $8.5 million is $0.7 million, or 9.56%,associated with the internal credit on deposits, offset partially by higher than the quarter ended September 30, 2011 due to growth in both trust fee income and higher income associated with investment fees and brokerage revenue. Deposits have grown $78.6insurance. Deposit balances increased $45.8 million to $706.6 million as of September 30, 2012. Non-interest expense was $9.7$744.5 million for the quarterthree months ended September 30, 2012March 31, 2013 compared to $10.0$698.7 for the quarter ended September 30, 2011.same period of 2012.
Activities that are not directly attributable to one of the primary lines of business are included in the otherOther segment. Included in this category are the parent company, community development operations, treasury operations, including the securities portfolio, wholesale funding and asset liability management activities, inter-company eliminations, acquisition related expenses, and the economic impact of certain assets, capital and support functions not specifically identifiable with the three primary lines of business. The Other segment recorded a net lossincome of $3.3$3.2 million for the quarterthree months ended September 30, 2012,March 31, 2013 which was $ 7.8$3.7 million lowerhigher than for the quarterthree months ended September 30, 2011.March 31, 2012. The decrease in lossesimprovement was primarily attributable to lower expenses driven by Management'sas a result of management's successful efficiency initiative, coupled with lower other real estate expenses. Additionally, net interest income was higher due to the rate compression impact on internal funds transfer pricing.
On a year-to-date basis, the commercial segment's net income increased $1.7 million from September 30, 2011 to $65.1 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2012. FTE adjusted net interest income totaled $196.7 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2012 compared to $200.2 million for the quarter ended September 30, 2011, a decrease of $3.5 million, or 1.7% The decrease was primarily attributable to a $426.0 million decrease in covered loan balances, offset by the $617.7 million increase in noncovered loan balances. Additionally deposit spreads decreased, offsetting strong growth in deposit balances, which grew $262.7 million to $3.2 billion. Provision for credit losses for the commercial segment totaled $23.0 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2012 compared to $29.7 million for the nine months ended September 30,

73



2011, a decrease of $6.7 million, or 22.54%. The decrease in the provision for loan losses reflected the results of Management's focused efforts to improve asset quality and portfolio credit metrics. Net charge-offs declined $3.8 million to $19.3 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2012. The remaining provision covered the substantial loan growth. Non-interest income was $47.6 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2012 compared to $43.6 million for the same period in 2011. The increase was primarily attributable to higher syndication fees, swap fees, merchant fees and letter of credit fees, offset partially by lower gains fromexpenses associated with the saleacquisition of covered loans. Non-interest expense forCitizen's. Also contributing to the commercial segmentimprovement was $123.1receipt of a death benefit in the amount of $1.6 million forduring the ninethree months ended September 30, 2012 compared to $110.1 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2011. The increase in expenses was primarily attributable to the build-outMarch 31, 2013.

84

On a year-to-date basis, the retail segment's net income increased $2.8 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2012 to $38.9 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2011. FTE adjusted net interest income totaled $158.7 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2012 compared to $168.8 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2011, a decrease of $10.0 million, or 5.9%. The decrease was primarily attributable to a $49.1 million decrease in covered loan balances. Additionally, deposit spreads decreased eleven basis points due to a lower internal credit applied to deposits, which was driven by lower market rates. Deposit balances decreased $81.5 million with the year-to-date average in 2011. The retail segment shifted deposit mix from higher cost time deposits to lower cost core deposits. Provision for credit losses totaled $5.5 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2012 compared to $17.7 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2011, a decrease of $12.3 million, or 69.18%. The decrease in the provision for loan losses reflected the results of focused efforts to improve asset quality and portfolio credit metrics. Net charge-offs declined $6.7 million to $14.1 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2012. Non-interest income was $76.2 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2012 compared to $78.3 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2011, a decrease of $2.1 million, or 2.66%. The decrease was primarily attributable to the effects of new regulations on charges for non-sufficient funds and overdrafts, as well as the effects of the Durbin Interchange Amendment on interchange fees, offset partially by strong mortgage fee income. Non-interest expense was $169.6 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2012 compared to $177.2 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2011. The decrease in expenses was primarily attributable to the change in FDIC assessment methodology. The internal allocations were shifted from allocating based upon deposits to an allocation based upon risk-weighted assets.
On a year-to-date basis, the wealth segment's net income of $5.5 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2012 increased $2.1 million from the nine months ended September 30, 2011. The increase was attributable to lower provision for loan losses. Deposits have grown $63.5 million to $703.7 million as of September 30, 2012. Non-interest expense was $29.7 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2012 compared to $30.4 million for the nine-months ended September 30, 2011.
The other segment recorded a net loss of $5.0 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2012, which was better than prior year's net loss of $17.6 million.  The decrease in losses was primarily attributable to lower expenses driven by Management's efficiency initiative.   Additionally, net interest income was higher due to the rate compression impact on internal funds transfer pricing.


FINANCIAL CONDITION

Acquisitions

On September 12, 2012, the Corporation and Citizens Republic Bancorp, Inc.-Inc. ("Citizens"), a Michigan corporation, with approximately $9.6 billion in assets and 219 branches entered into an Agreement and Plan of Merger Agreement(the "Merger Agreement").

On SeptemberApril 12, 2012,2013, the Corporation andcompleted its merger (the “Merger”) with Citizens a Michigan corporation, entered into a Merger Agreement.


74



The Merger Agreement provides that Citizens will merge with and into the Corporation and each share ofwhich resulted in Citizens common stock will be canceled andbeing converted into the right to receive 1.37 shares of the Corporation's common stock (except that any shares of Citizens common stock that arewere owned by Citizens, the Corporation or any of their respective subsidiaries, other than in a fiduciary capacity, will bewere canceled without any consideration therefor). Each outstanding option to acquire, and each outstanding equity award relating to, one share of CitizensCitizens' common stock will bewas converted into an option to acquire, or an equity award relating to, 1.37 shares of the CorporationCorporation's common stock, as applicable. AsThe conversion of Citizens' common stock into the Corporation's common stock resulted in the Corporation issuing approximately 55 million shares of its common stock.

Immediately following the Merger, Citizens Bank, a resultMichigan chartered bank and wholly owned subsidiary of Citizens, merged with and into FirstMerit Bank, N.A., a national banking association and wholly owned subsidiary of FirstMerit, with FirstMerit Bank, N.A. surviving the merger and continuing its corporate existence under the name “FirstMerit Bank, N.A.” The results of operations acquired in the Citizens transaction will be included in the Corporation's financial results beginning on April 13, 2013.

The Merger Agreement provided that upon completion of the Merger, the former shareholdersCorporation increase its board of Citizens will become shareholdersdirectors by two directors. The new directorships were filled with current members of the Corporation. AtCitizens board.

Effective April 12, 2013, the effective time of the Merger,Corporation purchased the Fixed Rate Cumulative Perpetual Preferred Stock, Series A, of Citizens issued to the United States Treasury as part of the Troubled Assets Relief Program will be canceled(the "Citizens TARP Preferred") in the amount of $300 million plus accumulated but unpaid dividends and interest of approximately $55.4 million. In addition, effective April 12, 2013, a warrant to purchase 1,757,812.5 shares of Citizens' common stock that had been issued to the Treasury on December 12, 2008 as part of Citizens' participation in the Treasury's Capital Purchase Program, was converted into a warrant to purchase 2,408,203 shares of FirstMerit common stock. The Corporation used the rightnet proceeds from its February 4, 2013 public offerings to receive cash inrepurchase the aggregate amount equal to the liquidation preference of theCitizens TARP Preferred plusand pay all accrued, accumulated and unpaid dividends thereon.and interest. The Corporation's public offerings consisted of $250 million aggregate principal amount of subordinated notes due February 4, 2023 bearing interest at an annual rate of 4.35% payable semi-annually in arrears on February 4 and August 4 of each year and 4,000,000 depositary shares (each representing a 1/40th interest in a share of the Corporation's Series A Non-Cumulative Perpetual Preferred Stock) with dividends payable quarterly in arrears on the 4th day of February, May, August and November, beginning May 4, 2013, which resulted in gross proceeds of $100 million.

The following components make up the consideration for the merger transaction: approximately $930 million in converted common stock, $355 million paid to the Treasury to purchase the Citizens TARP Preferred and approximately $3 million in a warrant issued to the Treasury to purchase the Corporation's common stock in conjunction with the purchase of the Citizens TARP Preferred.

The Merger Agreement provides that upon completion of the Merger, the Corporation will increase its board of directors by two directors. The new directorshipsCitizens acquisition will be filled with current membersaccounted for using the purchase acquisition method of the Citizens board as recommended by the Citizens board,accounting and the recommended directors mustaccordingly, assets acquired, liabilities assumed and consideration exchanged will be reasonably acceptable to the Corporation’s board.

The Corporation and Citizens have each made customary representations, warranties and covenants in the Merger Agreement, including, among others, covenants to conduct their businesses in the ordinary course between the execution of the Merger Agreement and the completion of the Merger and covenants not to engage in certain kinds of transactions during that period.

Consummation of the Merger is subject to customary conditions, including, among others, (i) approval of the stockholders of each of the Corporation and Citizens, (ii) absence of any material adverse effect, (iii) absence of any order or injunction prohibiting the consummation of the Merger, (iv) the registration statement of the Corporation filed on Form S-4 having become effective, (v) shares of the Corporation's common stock to be issued in connection with the Merger having been approved for listing on the Nasdaq Stock Market, (vi) subject to certain exceptions, the accuracy of representations and warranties with respect to the Corporation's and Citizens’ business, as applicable, (vii) compliance with the Corporation’s and Citizens’ respective covenants, (viii) receipt of customary tax opinions, (ix) receipt of all required regulatory approvals from, among others, various banking regulators and the United States Treasury, and (x) no materially adverse condition or restriction is included in any such regulatory approval.

The Merger Agreement contains certain termination rights for both FirstMerit and Citizens, and further provides that, upon termination of the Merger Agreement under specified circumstances, a party would be required to pay to the other party a termination fee of $37.5 million and the other party’s fees and expenses.

The Merger Agreement has been filed as an exhibit to this report to provide security holders with information regarding its terms. It is not intended to provide any other factual information about the Corporation, Citizens or their respective subsidiaries and affiliates. The Merger Agreement contains representations and warranties by each of the parties to the Merger Agreement. These representations and warranties were made solely for the benefit of the other party to the Merger Agreement and (a) are not intended to be treated as categorical statements of fact, but rather as a way of allocating risk to one of the parties if those statements prove to be inaccurate, (b) may have been qualified in the Merger Agreement by confidential disclosure schedules that were delivered to the other party in connection with the signing of the Merger Agreement, which disclosure schedules contain information that modifies, qualifies and creates exceptions to the representations, warranties and covenants set forth in the Merger Agreement, (c) may be subject to standards of materiality applicable to the parties that differ from what might be viewed as material to stockholders and (d)recorded at estimated fair

7585


were made only asvalue on the acquisition date. The Corporation is in the process of determining the preliminary fair values which are subject to refinement for up to one year after the closing date of the Merger Agreement or such otheracquisition as additional information relative to closing date or datesfair values becomes available. Any resulting goodwill will not be deductible for income
tax purposes as may be specifiedthe acquisition is accounted for as a tax-free exchange for tax purposes

Management's strategy to de-leverage the newly acquired Citizens' balance sheet resulted in the Merger Agreement. Moreover, information concerningCorporation repaying on April 15, 2013 approximately $591.0 million in principal of Federal Home Loan advances. Management's strategy to re-balance the subject matter of the representations, warranties and covenants may change after the date of the Merger Agreement, which subsequent information may or may not be fully reflected in public disclosures by the Corporation or Citizens. Accordingly, the representations, warranties and covenants or any descriptions thereof as characterizations of the actual state of facts or condition of the Corporation or Citizens should not be relied upon.

Midwest Bank and Trust Company – FDIC Assisted Acquisition

On May 14, 2010, the Bank entered into a purchase and assumption agreement with a loss share arrangement with the FDIC, as receiver of Midwest, to acquire substantially all of the loans and certain other assets and assume substantially all of the deposits and certain liabilities in a whole-bank acquisition of Midwest, a full-service commercial bank locatedinvestment portfolio acquired in the greater Chicago, Illinois area. The Bank made a cash payment toCitizens merger resulted in the FDICsale of approximately $227.5 million to assume$2.1 billion in agency MBS, agency CMOs, municipal securities and private label MBS investments in April 2013. Management intends on repurchasing $1.4 billion of agency MBS and CMO securities throughout the net assets. The estimated fair valuesecond quarter of the liabilities assumed and cash payment made to the FDIC exceeded the revised fair value of assets acquired, resulting in recognition of goodwill of $272.1 million.

The acquisitions of First Bank, George Washington and Midwest were considered business combinations and all acquired assets and liabilities were recorded at their estimated fair value. The one-year measurement period for the three acquisitions expired before June 30, 2011. Material adjustments to acquisition date estimated fair values were recorded in the period in which the acquisition occurred and, as a result, previously reported results are subject to change. Certain reclassifications of prior periods’ amounts may also be made to conform to the current period’s presentation and would have no effect on previously reported net income amounts.

George Washington Savings Bank – FDIC Assisted Acquisition

On February 19, 2010, the Bank entered into a purchase and assumption agreement with a loss share arrangement with the FDIC, as receiver of George Washington to acquire certain assets and assume substantially all of the deposits and certain liabilities in a whole-bank acquisition of George Washington, a full service Illinois-chartered savings bank headquartered in Orland Park, Illinois. The Bank received a cash payment from the FDIC of approximately $40.2 million to assume the net liabilities. The estimated fair value of assets acquired, intangible assets and the cash payment received from the FDIC exceeded the estimated fair value of the liabilities assumed, resulting in a bargain purchase gain of $1.0 million, or $0.7 million net of tax.

First Bank Branches

On February 19, 2010, the Bank completed the acquisition of certain assets and the assumption of certain liabilities with respect to 24 branches of First Bank located in the greater Chicago, Illinois area.2013.

Additional information on these three acquisitions can be found in Note 32 (Business Combinations), Note 5 (Loans), Note 7 (Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets) and Note 12 (Fair Value Measurement)15 (Subsequent Events) in the notes to unauditedthe consolidated financial statements.


76



Investment Securities

At September 30, 2012March 31, 2013, total investment securities were $3.74.1 billion compared to $3.63.7 billion at December 31, 20112012 and $3.5 billion at September 30, 2011March 31, 2012. Available-for-sale securities were $3.2 billion, $2.9 billion at andSeptember 30, 2012 compared to $3.43.5 billion atas of March 31, 2013, December 31, 20112012 and $3.2 billionMarch 31, 2012 atSeptember 30, 2011. The available-for-sale, respectively. Available-for-sale securities are held primarily for liquidity, interest rate risk management and long-term yield enhancement. Accordingly, the Corporation’sCorporation's investment policy is to invest in securities with low credit risk, such as U.S. Treasury securities, U.S. Government agency obligations, state and political obligations, mortgage-backed securities ("MBSs") and mortgage-backed securities.corporate bonds. Held-to-maturity securities totaled $620.6665.6 million at September 30, 2012March 31, 2013 compared to $82.8622.1 millionand$100.8 million at December 31, 20112012andMarch 31, 2012 and $92.2 million at September 30, 2011 and consist principally of securities issued by state and political subdivisions.

, respectively. Available-for-sale securities decreased $441.6 millionincreased and $286.1322.9 million from December 31, 20112012 andto September 30, 2011March 31, 2013, respectively, while held-to-maturity but decreased$247.8 million from March 31, 2012 to March 31, 2013. Held-to-maturity securities increased $537.943.5 million and $528.4564.7 million from December 31, 20112012 to March 31, 2013 and from September 30, 2011March 31, 2012 to March 31, 2013, respectively. This movement in the investment portfolio was in response to potential future changes in regulatory capital rules.

Other investments totaled $140.7 million at September 30, 2012 and December 31, 2011 compared to $160.8 million at September 30, 2011 and consistedconsist primarily of FHLB and FRB stock. The Corporation redeemed $20.3 million in FHLB Chicago stock in the quarter ended December 31, 2011.

During the nine months endedSeptember 30, 2012and September 30, 2011, net realized gains oftotaled $1.4 million and $5.3 million, respectively, from the sale of available-for-sale securities were recorded. Net unrealized gains were $84.2 million, $82.7 million and $86.4141.0 million at September 30, 2012March 31, 2013, December 31, 20112012, and September 30, 2011March 31, 2012, respectively. The improvement in the fair value of.

Net unrealized gains on the investment securities is driven by government agency securities held in portfolio.portfolio were $60.6 million at March 31, 2013, compared to $72.2 million and $85.3 million at December 31, 2012andMarch 31, 2012, respectively.

The Corporation conducts a regular assessment of its investment securities to determine whether any securities are other-than-temporarily impaired. Only the credit portion of OTTIother-than-temporary impairment ("OTTI") is recognized in current earnings for those securities where there is no intent to sell or it is more likely than not the Corporation would not be required to sell the security prior to expected recovery. The remaining portion of OTTI is to be included in accumulated other comprehensive loss, net of income tax.

Gross unrealized losses of $14.415.1 million as of September 30, 2012March 31, 2013, compared to $17.812.9 million as of December 31, 2011 and $15.516.7 million at September 30, 2011December 31, 2012andMarch 31, 2012, respectively, were concentrated within trust preferred securities held in the investment portfolio. The Corporation holds eight, single issuer, trust preferred securities. Such investments are less than 2% of the fair value of the entire investment portfolio. None of the bank issuers have deferred paying dividends on their issued trust preferred shares in which the Corporation is invested. The fair values of these investments have been impacted by market conditions, which have caused risk premiums to increase resulting in the decline in the fair value of the Corporation’sCorporation's trust preferred securities.

86



Further detail of the composition of the securities portfolio and discussion of the results of the most recent OTTI assessment are in Note 43 (Investment Securities) in the notes to the unaudited consolidated financial statements.

Loans

Loans acquired under loss share agreements with the FDIC include the amounts of expected reimbursements from the FDIC under these agreements and are presented as “covered loans”"covered loans" below. Loans not

77



subject to loss share agreements are presented below as “non-covered loans”"noncovered loans". Acquired loans are initially measured at fair value as of the acquisition date. Fair value measurements include estimates related to expected prepayments and the amount and timing of undiscounted expected principal, interest and other cash flows. Credit discounts representing the principal losses expected over the life of the loan are also a component of the initial fair value; therefore, an allowance for loan losses is not recorded at the acquisition date.

Total noncovered loans increased from December 31, 20112012by$567.548.3 million, or 7.32%0.55%, and increased from September 30, 2011March 31, 2012 by $684.8916.8 million, or 8.97%11.66%. This increase was driven primarily by higher commercial loans, which increased 7.91%0.37%from December 31, 20112012and9.82%12.80% from September 30, 2011March 31, 2012 due to the Corporation's expansion into the Chicago, Illinois area. This growth was also attributable to increases in asset-based lending as well as new business within the specialty lending group such as the capital markets, healthcare, and healthcareleasing lines of business. The leasing line of business has seen considerable increase in activity. As of March 31, 2013, leases totaled $164.1 million compared to $139.2 million and $74.1 million at December 31, 2012 and March 31, 2012, respectively, resulting in increases of $24.9 million, or 17.88%, from December 31, 2012 to March 31, 2013 and $90.0 million, or 121.47%, from March 31, 2012 to March 31, 2013. While the Corporation is adding new commercial loans in both its core Ohio and newer Chicago, Illinois markets, low credit line utilization by existing customers is mitigating new loan production with respect to the overall portfolio balances.

Residential mortgage loans are originated and then sold into the secondary market or held in portfolio. Low interest rates during 2012contributed to an increase in mortgage loan originations, particularly refinancing activity. Total residential mortgage loan balances increased from December 31, 2012 by $25.46.3 million, or 6.14%1.42%, and increasedfrom DecemberMarch 31, 20112012 andby $41.822.6 million, or 10.51%5.26%, from September 30, 2011as a larger amount of shorter maturity and adjustable rate mortgages were held in portfolio than in previous periods.compared to the prior year.

InstallmentOutstanding home equity loans decreasedincreased from December 31, 2012 by $57.46.4 million, or 4.54%0.79%, and increased from March 31, 2012 by $72.9 million, or 9.86%. Installment loans decreased from December 31, 20112012 andby $49.85.5 million, or 3.91%0.41%, and increasedfrom September 30, 2011March 31, 2012 reflecting continued consumer loans pay downs. Credit card loans decreasedby $2.462.9 million, or 1.67%, from December 31, 2011 and $1.2 million, or 0.85%, from September 30, 20114.99%.

Total covered loans, including the loss share receivable, decreased from December 31, 20112012 and March 31, 2012 by $322.2122.3 million, or 21.52%12.00%, and decreased from September 30, 2011 by $472.3481.3 million, or 28.67%34.92%., respectively. The covered loan portfolio will continue to decline, through payoffs, charge-offs, termination or expiration of loss share coverage, unless the Corporation acquires additional loans subject to loss share agreements in the future.


7887


The following table breaks down outstanding loans by category for the period ended.category. There is no predominant concentration of loans in any particular industry or group of industries.
September 30, 2012 December 31, 2011 September 30, 2011March 31, 2013 December 31, 2012 March 31, 2012
(dollars in thousands)     
(Dollars in thousands)     
Commercial$5,511,678
 $5,107,747
 $5,018,857
$5,888,337
 $5,866,489
 $5,220,051
Residential mortgage439,062
 413,664
 397,309
451,522
 445,211
 428,950
Installment1,321,081
 1,263,665
 1,271,327
1,322,795
 1,328,258
 1,259,930
Home equity789,743
 743,982
 743,377
812,458
 806,078
 739,548
Credit card143,918
 146,356
 142,710
140,721
 146,387
 140,618
Leases110,938
 73,530
 57,992
164,137
 139,236
 74,112
Total noncovered loans (a)8,316,420
 7,748,944
 7,631,572
8,779,970
 8,731,659
 7,863,209
Allowance for noncovered loan losses(98,942) (107,699) (109,187)
Less allowance for noncovered loan losses(98,843) (98,942) (103,849)
Net noncovered loans8,217,478
 7,641,245
 7,522,385
8,681,127
 8,632,717
 7,759,360
Covered loans (b)1,174,929
 1,497,140
 1,647,218
896,832
 1,019,125
 1,378,150
Allowance for covered loan losses(43,644) (36,417) (34,603)
Less allowance for covered loan losses(47,945) (43,255) (41,070)
Net covered loans1,131,285
 1,460,723
 1,612,615
848,887
 975,870
 1,337,080
Net loans$9,348,763
 $9,101,968
 $9,135,000
$9,530,014
 $9,608,587
 $9,096,440
(a) Includes acquired, noncovered loans of $56.054.1 million, $113.254.2 million and, $178.099.2 million as of September 30, 2012March 31, 2013, December 31, 20112012 and September 30, 2011March 31, 2012, respectively.
(b) Includes loss share receivable of $131.995.6 million, $205.7113.7 million and $220.5171.1 million as of September 30, 2012March 31, 2013, December 31, 20112012 and September 30, 2011March 31, 2012, respectively.

The Corporation has approximately $3.33.2 billion of loans secured by real estate. Approximately 85.52%86.79% of the property underlying these loans is located within the Corporation’sCorporation's primary market area of Ohio, Western Pennsylvania, and Chicago, Illinois.

The Corporation evaluates acquired loans for impairment in accordance with the provisions of ASC 310-30.310-30, Loans and Debt Securities Acquired with Deteriorated Credit Quality ("ASC 310-30"). Acquired loans are considered impaired if there is evidence of credit deterioration since origination and if it is probable all contractually required payments will not be collected. Expected cash flows at the purchase date in excess of the fair value of acquired impaired loans are recorded as interest income over the life of the loans if the timing and amount of the future cash flows is reasonably estimable. Subsequent to the purchase date, increases in cash flows over those expected at the purchase date are recognized as interest income prospectively. The present value of any decreases in expected cash flows after the purchase date is recognized as a provision for loans losses net of any expected reimbursement under any loss share agreements. Revolving loans, including lines of credit and credit cards loans, and leases are excluded from acquired impaired loan accounting.

A loss share receivable is recorded at the acquisition date, which represents the estimated fair value of reimbursement the Corporation expects to receive under any loss share agreements. The fair value measurement reflects counterparty credit risk and other uncertainties. The loss share receivable continues to be measured on the same basis as the related indemnified loans. Deterioration in the credit quality of the loans (recorded as an adjustment to the allowance for covered loan losses) would immediately increase the basis of the loss share receivable, with the offset recorded through the consolidated statement of income and comprehensive income. Increases in the credit quality or cash flows of loans (reflected as an adjustment to yield and accreted into income over the remaining life of the loans) decrease the basis of the loss share receivable, with such decrease being accreted into income over 1) the same period or 2) the life of the loss share agreements, whichever is shorter. Loss assumptions used in the basis of the loss share receivable are consistent with the loss assumptions used to measure the related covered loans.


88


All loans acquired in the First Bank acquisition were performing as of the date of acquisition and,

79



therefore, the difference between the fair value and the outstanding balance of these loans is being accreted to interest income over the remaining term of the loans.

In 2010, the Bank acquired $177.8 million and $1.8 billion of loans in conjunction with the FDIC assisted acquisitions of George Washington and Midwest, respectively. All loans acquired in the George Washington and Midwest acquisitions were acquired with loss share agreements. The Corporation has elected to account for all loans acquired in the George Washington and Midwest acquisitions as impaired loans under ASC 310-30 ("Acquired Impaired Loans") except for $162.6 million of acquired loans with revolving privileges, which are outside the scope of this guidance, and which are being accounted for in accordance with ASC 310 ("Acquired Non-Impaired Loans"). Interest income, through accretion of the difference between the carrying amount of the Acquired Impaired Loans and the expected cash flows, is recognized on all Acquired Impaired Loans. The difference between the fair value of the Acquired Non-Impaired Loans and their outstanding balances is being accreted to interest income over the remaining period the revolving lines are in effect.

Allowance for Loan Losses and Reserve for Unfunded Lending Commitments

The Corporation maintains what Management believes is an adequate allowance for loan losses. The Corporation and the Bank regularly analyze the adequacy of thistheir allowance through ongoing review of trends in risk ratings, delinquencies, nonperforming assets, charge-offs, economic conditions, and changes in the composition of the loan portfolio. NotesNote 1 (Summary of Significant Accounting Policies) and 4 (Loans and note 5 (Allowance for Loan Losses)Losses in the notes to the consolidated financial statements in the 2011 Form 10-K provide detailed information regarding the Corporation’sCorporation's credit policies and practices.

The Corporation uses a vendor based loss migration model to forecast losses for commercial loans. The model creates loss estimates using twelve-month (monthly rolling) vintages and calculates cumulative three years loss rates within two different scenarios. One scenario uses five-yearfive year historical performance data while the other one uses two year historical data. The calculated rate is the average cumulative expected loss of the twotwo- and five-year data set. As a result, this approach lends more weight to the more recent performance.

Management also considers internal and external factors such as economic conditions, loan management practices, portfolio monitoring, and other risks, collectively known as qualitative factors, or Q-factors, to estimate credit losses in the loan portfolio. Q-factors are used to reflect changes in the portfolio’sportfolio's collectability characteristics not captured by historical loss data.

Acquired loans are recorded at acquisition date at their acquisition date fair values, and, therefore, are excluded from the calculation of loan loss reserves as of the acquisition date. To the extent there is a decrease in the present value of cash flows from Acquired Impaired Loans after the date of acquisition, the Corporation records an allowance for loan losses, net of expected reimbursement under any loss share agreements. These expected reimbursements are recorded as part of covered loans in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets. During the quarterthree months ended September 30, 2012March 31, 2013, the Corporation increased its allowance for covered loan losses to $43.647.9 million to reserve for estimated additional losses on certain Acquired Impaired Loans. The increase in the allowance was recorded by a charge to the provision for covered loan losses of $7.79.7 million and an increase of $1.55.5 million in the loss share receivable for the portion of the losses recoverable under the loss share agreements. During the three months ended March 31, 2012, provision for covered loan losses of $10.8 million was partially offset by an increase of $4.9 million in the loss share receivable resulting in an allowance for covered loan losses of $41.1 million.


89


For acquired loans that are not deemed impaired at acquisition, credit discounts representing the principal losses expected over the life of the loan are a component of the initial fair value. Subsequent to the purchase date, the methods utilized to estimate the required allowance for loan losses for these loans is similar to originated loans;loans, however, the Corporation records a provision for loan losses only when the required

80



allowance, net of any expected reimbursement under any loss share agreements, exceeds any remaining credit discounts. The allowance for loan losses on Acquired Non-Impaired Loans was $0.30.4 million, $0.70.3 million and $0.60.4 million as of September 30, 2012March 31, 2013, December 31, 20112012 and September 30, 2011March 31, 2012, respectively, and is included in the allowance for noncovered loan losses on the consolidated balance sheets.

At September 30, 2012March 31, 2013, the allowance for noncovered loan losses on noncovered loans was $98.998.8 million, or 1.19%1.13% of noncovered loans outstanding, compared to $107.798.9 million, or1.13%and$103.8 million, or 1.39%1.32%, at December 31, 20112012and$109.2 millionMarch 31, 2012, or 1.43%, as of September 30, 2011.respectively. The allowance equaled 196.66%242.21% of nonperforming loans at September 30, 2012March 31, 2013, compared to 166.64%269.69% and 194.97% at December 31, 20112012, and160.80% at September 30, 2011March 31, 2012. The additional reserves related to qualitative risk factors totaled $26.034.4 million, at March 31, 2013 compared to $32.3 millionand$14.5 million and $14.2 millionatSeptember 30, 2012, December 31, 20112012andSeptember 30, 2011March 31, 2012, respectively. Nonperforming noncovered loansassets have decreasedincreased by $14.32.0 million overwhen compared to December 31, 20112012 andbut decreased $17.615.7 million overwhen compared to September 30, 2011March 31, 2012, which is primarily attributable to the improving economic conditions and extensive loan work out activities.

Net charge-offs on noncovered loans were $14.95.9 million forin the first quarter of third quarter ended 2012 and $35.6 million for the nine months ended September 30, 20122013 compared to $14.612.0 million and $47.3 million for the same periods in 20112012. As a percentage of average noncovered average loans outstanding, net charge-offs equaled 0.72%0.27% in the first quarter of 2013 and 0.77%0.62% for the quarter endedin September 30, 2012 and 2011, respectively, and 0.60% and 0.86% for the nine months ended September 30, 2012 and 2011, respectively.. Losses are charged against the allowance for loan losses as soon as they are identified.

The allowancereserve for unfunded lending commitments at September 30, 2012March 31, 2013, December 31, 20112012 and September 30, 2011March 31, 2012 was $5.84.9 million, $6.45.4 million and $6.45.4 million, respectively. Binding unfunded lending commitments include items such as letters of credit, financial guarantees and binding unfunded loan commitments. The allowance for credit losses, which includes both the allowance for noncovered loan losses and the reserve for unfunded lending commitments, amounted to $104.7103.8 million, $114.1104.4 million, and $115.0109.3 million at September 30, 2012March 31, 2013, December 31, 20112012 and September 30, 2011March 31, 2012, respectively.


8190


The following table is a summary of the allowance for credit losses.
Three Months Ended Nine Months EndedThree Months Ended
September 30, 2012 September 30, 2011 September 30, 2012 September 30, 2011March 31, 2013 December 31, 2012 March 31, 2012
(dollars in thousands)            
Allowance for Noncovered Loan Losses            
Allowance for loan losses-beginning of period$103,849
 $109,187
 $107,699
 $114,690
$98,942
 $98,942
 $107,699
Provision for loan losses9,965
 14,604
 26,860
 41,760
5,808
 7,116
 8,129
(Less) net charge-offs14,872
 14,604
 35,617
 47,263
5,907
 7,116
 11,979
Allowance for loan losses-end of period$98,942
 $109,187
 $98,942
 $109,187
$98,843
 $98,942
 $103,849
Reserve for Unfunded Lending Commitments            
Balance at beginning of period$5,666
 $5,799
 $6,372
 $8,849
$5,433
 $5,760
 $6,373
Provision for/(relief of) credit losses94
 561
 (612) (2,489)(492) (327) (963)
Balance at end of period5,760
 6,360
 5,760
 6,360
4,941
 5,433
 5,410
Allowance for credit losses$104,702
 $115,547
 $104,702
 $115,547
$103,784
 $104,375
 $109,259
Annualized net charge-offs as a % of average noncovered loans0.72% 0.77% 0.60% 0.86%0.27% 0.34% 0.62%
Allowance for noncovered loan losses:            
As a percentage of period-end noncovered loans1.19% 1.43% 1.19% 1.43%1.13% 1.13% 1.32%
As a percentage of nonperforming noncovered loans196.66% 160.80% 196.66% 160.80%242.21% 269.69% 194.97%
As a multiple of annualized net charge offs1.67
 1.88
 2.08
 1.73
4.13
 3.50
 2.16
Allowance for credit losses:            
As a percentage of period-end noncovered loans1.26% 1.51% 1.26% 1.51%1.18% 1.20% 1.39%
As a percentage of nonperforming noncovered loans208.11% 170.16% 208.11% 170.16%254.32% 284.50% 205.13%
As a multiple of annualized net charge offs1.77
 1.99
 2.20
 1.83
4.33
 3.69
 2.27




8291


The following tables show the overall credit quality by specific asset and risk categories of noncovered loans.loan.
As of March 31, 2013
At September 30, 2012Loan Type
Loan Type  CRE and     Home Equity Credit Residential  
Allowance for Loan Losses Components:C&I 
CRE and
Construction
 Leases Installment 
Home Equity
Lines
 Credit  Cards 
Residential
Mortgages
 TotalC & I Construction Leases Installment Lines Cards Mortgages Total
(In thousands)                
Individually Impaired Loan Component:Individually Impaired Loan Component:                             
Loan balance$9,994
 $32,549
 $
 $32,577
 $6,922
 $1,767
 $24,569
 $108,378
$8,445
 $26,939
 $
 $31,117
 $6,917
 $1,388
 $23,527
 $98,333
Allowance2,900
 2,070
 
 1,674
 95
 106
 1,599
 8,444
1,957
 859
 
 1,458
 89
 74
 1,713
 6,150
Collective Loan Impairment Components:Collective Loan Impairment Components:                             
Credit risk-graded loans                              
Grade 1 loan balance37,327
 
 13,785
         51,112
39,433
 271
 13,330
         53,034
Grade 1 allowance16
 
 6
         22
11
 
 4
         15
Grade 2 loan balance105,504
 3,170
 190
         108,864
148,253
 3,968
 731
         152,952
Grade 2 allowance96
 5
 
         101
117
 5
 1
         123
Grade 3 loan balance573,561
 297,329
 8,857
         879,747
688,264
 270,907
 25,808
         984,979
Grade 3 allowance749
 939
 16
         1,704
953
 579
 46
         1,578
Grade 4 loan balance2,215,334
 2,012,160
 87,259
         4,314,753
2,404,091
 2,111,995
 116,314
         4,632,400
Grade 4 allowance23,035
 15,991
 430
         39,456
26,212
 12,150
 566
         38,928
Grade 5 (Special Mention) loan balance60,803
 56,802
 514
         118,119
63,287
 47,277
 4,636
         115,200
Grade 5 allowance3,068
 2,441
 20
         5,529
5,202
 1,636
 193
         7,031
Grade 6 (Substandard) loan balance46,706
 60,437
 333
         107,476
30,850
 44,357
 3,318
         78,525
Grade 6 allowance9,295
 8,536
 34
         17,865
5,975
 5,911
 319
         12,205
Grade 7 (Doubtful) loan balance
 
 
         

 
 
         
Grade 7 allowance
 
 
         

 
 
         
Consumer loans based on payment status:Consumer loans based on payment status:                             
Current loan balances      1,272,397
 779,494
 139,909
 397,628
 2,589,428
      1,277,648
 802,862
 137,260
 413,096
 2,630,866
Current loans allowance      7,657
 3,496
 4,916
 2,364
 18,433
      5,670
 10,690
 4,674
 2,417
 23,451
30 days past due loan balance      8,234
 1,683
 957
 10,672
 21,546
      6,832
 1,208
 769
 8,338
 17,147
30 days past due allowance      664
 310
 589
 473
 2,036
      514
 742
 541
 365
 2,162
60 days past due loan balance      3,193
 462
 506
 2,159
 6,320
      2,379
 419
 541
 1,781
 5,120
60 days past due allowance      675
 189
 530
 410
 1,804
      565
 729
 610
 335
 2,239
90+ days past due loan balance      4,681
 1,181
 780
 4,035
 10,677
      4,819
 1,052
 763
 4,780
 11,414
90+ days past due allowance      1,165
 795
 1,094
 494
 3,548
      944
 2,318
 1,170
 529
 4,961
Total loans$3,049,229
 $2,462,447
 $110,938
 $1,321,082
 $789,742
 $143,919
 $439,063
 $8,316,420
$3,382,623
 $2,505,714
 $164,137
 $1,322,795
 $812,458
 $140,721
 $451,522
 $8,779,970
Total Allowance for Loan Losses$39,159
 $29,982
 $506
 $11,835
 $4,885
 $7,235
 $5,340
 $98,942
$40,427
 $21,140
 $1,129
 $9,151
 $14,568
 $7,069
 $5,359
 $98,843


8392


As of December 31, 2012
At December 31, 2011Loan Type
Loan Type  CRE and     Home Equity Credit Residential  
Allowance for Loan Losses Components:C&I 
CRE and
Construction
 Leases Installment 
Home Equity
Lines
 Credit  Cards 
Residential
Mortgages
 TotalC & I Construction Leases Installment Lines Cards Mortgages Total
(In thousands)                
Individually Impaired Loan Component:Individually Impaired Loan Component:                             
Loan balance$8,269
 $45,407
 $
 $33,571
 $4,763
 $2,202
 $17,398
 $111,610
$6,187
 $27,412
 $
 $30,870
 $6,281
 $1,612
 $24,009
 $96,371
Allowance2,497
 1,698
 
 1,382
 31
 108
 1,364
 7,080
577
 1,018
 
 1,526
 34
 127
 1,722
 5,004
Collective Loan Impairment Components:Collective Loan Impairment Components:             
               
Credit risk-graded loans              
               
Grade 1 loan balance37,607
 
 10,636
         48,243
42,211
 
 13,119
         55,330
Grade 1 allowance15
 
 6
         21
14
 
 5
         19
Grade 2 loan balance122,124
 4,833
 
         126,957
114,480
 3,138
 179
         117,797
Grade 2 allowance117
 12
 
         129
93
 4
 
         97
Grade 3 loan balance479,119
 268,005
 5,868
         752,992
661,692
 272,401
 20,042
         954,135
Grade 3 allowance756
 1,015
 9
         1,780
916
 711
 35
         1,662
Grade 4 loan balance1,999,707
 1,844,851
 57,026
         3,901,584
2,408,670
 2,148,580
 104,037
         4,661,287
Grade 4 allowance17,643
 16,968
 326
         34,937
26,155
 13,552
 507
         40,214
Grade 5 (Special Mention) loan balance50,789
 63,525
 
         114,314
44,969
 56,118
 1,561
         102,648
Grade 5 allowance2,226
 2,841
 
         5,067
3,105
 2,033
 63
         5,201
Grade 6 (Substandard) loan balance77,861
 105,387
 
         183,248
28,317
 52,314
 298
         80,929
Grade 6 allowance9,109
 14,496
 
         23,605
5,349
 6,629
 29
         12,007
Grade 7 (Doubtful) loan balance
 263
 
         263

 
 
         
Grade 7 allowance
 
 
         

 
 
         
Consumer loans based on payment status:Consumer loans based on payment status:             
               
Current loan balances      1,210,007
 734,505
 141,338
 372,710
 2,458,560
      1,278,555
 796,568
 142,424
 406,495
 2,624,042
Current loans allowance      12,286
 4,619
 5,158
 3,045
 25,108
      6,596
 9,766
 4,815
 2,617
 23,794
30 days past due loan balance      11,531
 2,694
 1,090
 11,778
 27,093
      10,471
 1,407
 922
 9,928
 22,728
30 days past due allowance      1,333
 623
 529
 498
 2,983
      855
 774
 587
 487
 2,703
60 days past due loan balance      3,388
 778
 707
 2,059
 6,932
      2,979
 825
 541
 1,219
 5,564
60 days past due allowance      1,104
 442
 530
 315
 2,391
      773
 1,021
 540
 453
 2,787
90+ days past due loan balance      5,168
 1,242
 1,019
 9,719
 17,148
      5,383
 997
 888
 3,560
 10,828
90+ days past due allowance      1,876
 1,051
 1,044
 627
 4,598
      1,404
 2,129
 1,315
 606
 5,454
Total loans$2,775,476
 $2,332,271
 $73,530
 $1,263,665
 $743,982
 $146,356
 $413,664
 $7,748,944
$3,306,526
 $2,559,963
 $139,236
 $1,328,258
 $806,078
 $146,387
 $445,211
 $8,731,659
Total Allowance for Loan Losses$32,363
 $37,030
 $341
 $17,981
 $6,766
 $7,369
 $5,849
 $107,699
$36,209
 $23,947
 $639
 $11,154
 $13,724
 $7,384
 $5,885
 $98,942


8493


As of March 31, 2012
September 30, 2011Loan Type
Loan Type  CRE and     Home Equity Credit Residential  
Allowance for Loan Losses Components:C&I 
CRE and
Construction
 Leases Installment 
Home Equity
Lines
 
Credit
Cards
 
Residential
Mortgages
 TotalC & I Construction Leases Installment Lines Cards Mortgages Total
(In thousands)                
Individually Impaired Loan Component:Individually Impaired Loan Component:                             
Loan balance$4,271
 $51,077
 $
 $34,654
 $4,413
 $2,356
 $16,316
 $113,087
$6,079
 $41,041
 $
 $32,378
 $5,522
 $2,060
 $18,077
 $105,157
Allowance256
 3,328
 
 1,568
 52
 121
 1,346
 6,671
972
 2,702
 
 1,902
 66
 92
 1,505
 7,239
Collective Loan Impairment Components:Collective Loan Impairment Components:                             
Credit risk-graded loans                              
Grade 1 loan balance48,173
 12,728
 
         60,901
40,605
 
 10,706
         51,311
Grade 1 allowance15
 
 4
         19
16
 
 5
         21
Grade 2 loan balance100,058
 4,463
 
         104,521
97,078
 6,820
 
         103,898
Grade 2 allowance116
 12
 
         128
90
 14
 
         104
Grade 3 loan balance487,020
 265,791
 4,219
         757,030
521,791
 261,669
 7,098
         790,558
Grade 3 allowance871
 1,155
 7
         2,033
830
 857
 10
         1,697
Grade 4 loan balance1,973,312
 1,796,912
 53,771
         3,823,995
2,087,819
 1,860,227
 55,930
         4,003,976
Grade 4 allowance20,482
 17,728
 314
         38,524
18,326
 15,473
 277
         34,076
Grade 5 (Special Mention) loan balance49,411
 78,198
 
         127,609
51,591
 73,740
 
         125,331
Grade 5 allowance3,153
 3,826
 
         6,979
2,413
 2,908
 
         5,321
Grade 6 (Substandard) loan balance40,013
 106,762
 2
         146,777
85,694
 85,829
 378
         171,901
Grade 6 allowance5,445
 14,067
 
         19,512
14,511
 10,948
 42
         25,501
Grade 7 (Doubtful) loan balance
 668
 
         668
68
 
 
         68
Grade 7 allowance
 
 
         
14
 
 
         14
Consumer loans based on payment status:Consumer loans based on payment status:                             
Current loan balances      1,220,076
 735,364
 137,815
 363,685
 2,456,940
      1,214,164
 730,575
 136,423
 390,191
 2,471,353
Current loans allowance      13,528
 4,496
 5,889
 3,052
 26,965
      10,544
 4,407
 4,683
 2,909
 22,543
30 days past due loan balance      7,918
 1,994
 1,123
 9,765
 20,800
      7,268
 2,013
 868
 8,269
 18,418
30 days past due allowance      1,098
 542
 625
 538
 2,803
      803
 519
 460
 338
 2,120
60 days past due loan balance      3,728
 721
 676
 1,751
 6,876
      2,020
 494
 458
 2,444
 5,416
60 days past due allowance      1,251
 399
 544
 287
 2,481
      666
 292
 379
 387
 1,724
90+ days past due loan balance      4,951
 885
 740
 5,792
 12,368
      4,100
 943
 809
 9,970
 15,822
90+ days past due allowance      878
 754
 817
 623
 3,072
      838
 985
 906
 760
 3,489
Total loans$2,702,258
 $2,316,599
 $57,992
 $1,271,327
 $743,377
 $142,710
 $397,309
 $7,631,572
$2,890,725
 $2,329,326
 $74,112
 $1,259,930
 $739,547
 $140,618
 $428,951
 $7,863,209
Total Allowance for Loan Losses$30,338
 $40,116
 $325
 $18,323
 $6,243
 $7,996
 $5,846
 $109,187
$37,172
 $32,902
 $334
 $14,753
 $6,269
 $6,520
 $5,899
 $103,849

















94


Asset Quality

Making a loan to earn an interest spread inherently includes taking the risk of not being repaid. Successful management of credit risk requires making good underwriting decisions, carefully administering the loan portfolio and diligently collecting delinquent accounts.

The Corporation’sCorporation's Credit Policy Division manages credit risk by establishing common credit policies for its subsidiaries, participating in approval of their largest loans, conducting reviews of their loan portfolios, providing them with centralized consumer underwriting, collections and loan operations services, and overseeing their loan workouts. Notes 1 (Summary of Significant Accounting Policies) and 4 (Loans Allowance for Loan Losses) to the consolidated financial statements in the 2011 Form 10-K provide detailed information regarding the Corporation’s credit policies and practices.

The Corporation’sCorporation's objective is to minimize losses from its commercial lending activities and to maintain consumer losses at acceptable levels that are stable and consistent with growth and profitability objectives. Individual commercial loans are assigned credit risk grades based on an internal assessment of conditions that affect a borrower's ability to meet its contractual obligation under the loan agreement. The assessment process includes reviewing a borrower's current financial information, historical payment experience, credit documentation, public information, and other information specific to each borrower. Commercial loans are reviewed on an annual, quarterly or rotational basis or as Management becomes aware of information during a borrower's ability to fulfill its obligation. For consumer loans, Management evaluates credit quality based on the aging status of the loan as well as by payment activity, which is presented in the above tables.


85Note 1 (Summary of Significant Accounting Policies) and note 5 (Allowance for Loan Losses) in the notes to the consolidated financial statements, provide detailed information regarding the Corporation's credit policies and practices and the credit-risk grading process for commercial loans.



Nonperforming Loans are defined as follows:

Nonaccrual loans on which interest is no longer accrued because its collection is doubtful.
Restructured loans on which, due to deteriorationa borrower experiencing financial difficulties or expected to experience difficulties in the borrower’s financial condition,near-term, the original terms have been modified in favor of the borrower or either principal or interest has been forgiven.loan are modified to maximize the collection of amounts due.

Nonperforming Assets are defined as follows:

Nonaccrual loans on which interest is no longer accrued because its collection is doubtful.
Restructured loans on which, due to deterioration in the borrower’sborrower's financial condition, the original terms have been modified in favor of the borrower or either principal or interest has been forgiven.
Other real estate (“ORE”)(ORE)acquired through foreclosure in satisfaction of a loan.

95


(Dollars in thousands)September 30, 2012 December 31, 2011 September 30, 2011March 31, 2013 December 31, 2012 March 31, 2012
Nonperforming noncovered loans:     
Nonperforming loans:     
Restructured nonaccrual noncovered loans:          
Commercial loans$5,218
 $8,311
 $4,940
$4,179
 $3,837
 $7,067
Consumer loans14,106
 3,465
 2,433
13,301
 11,197
 3,364
Total restructured loans19,324
 11,776
 7,373
17,480
 15,034
 10,431
Other nonaccrual noncovered loans:          
Commercial loans26,274
 47,504
 54,992
19,664
 17,929
 37,479
Consumer loans4,713
 5,351
 5,538
3,665
 3,724
 5,353
Total nonaccrual loans30,987
 52,855
 60,530
23,329
 21,653
 42,832
Total nonperforming noncovered loans50,311
 64,631
 67,903
40,809
 36,687
 53,263
Other noncovered real estate13,744
 16,463
 22,172
11,422
 13,537
 14,670
Total nonperforming noncovered assets$64,055
 $81,094
 $90,075
$52,231
 $50,224
 $67,933
Noncovered loans past due 90 days or more accruing interest$9,691
 $11,376
 $4,403
$12,393
 $9,417
 $9,261
Total nonperforming noncovered assets as a percentage of total noncovered loans and ORE0.77% 1.05% 1.18%0.59% 0.57% 0.86%

Credit quality continued to improve duringimproved throughout the ninethree months ended September 30, 2012March 31, 2013. Total nonperforming noncovered assets as of September 30, 2012March 31, 2013 were $64.152.2 million, aan decreaseincrease of $17.02.0 million, or 21.01%4.00%, from December 31, 20112012 and a decrease of $26.015.7 million, or 28.89%23.11%, from September 30, 2011March 31, 2012. Total noncovered loans past due 30-89 days totaled $52.239.6 million at September 30, 2012March 31, 2013,an increase of $4.2 million, or 8.74%, from December 31, 2011 and a decrease of $19.910.6 million, or 27.64%21.04%, from September 30, 2011December 31, 2012 and a decrease of $7.1 million, or 15.25%, from March 31, 2012. Delinquency trends are observable in the Allowance for Loan Loss Allocation tables within this section. Commercial nonperforming noncovered loans decreasedincreased $24.32.1 million, or 9.54%, from December 31, 20112012 and decreased$28.420.7 million, or 46.48%, from September 30, 2011March 31, 2012 reflecting movement of assets for disposition into other real estate along with loan payments and charge-downs. New nonperforming noncovered commercial loans have continued to decline from DecemberMarch 31, 20112012 through September 30, 2012March 31, 2013. Total other noncovered real estate owned decreased $2.72.1 million or 15.62%, from December 31, 20112012 and decreased$8.43.2 million, or 22.14%, from September 30, 2011March 31, 2012, reflecting the disposition of foreclosed properties and a slow down in new foreclosures. As of September 30, 2012March 31, 2013, other noncovered real estate includes $1.2828.8 million of vacant land no longer considered for branch expansion.

Net charge offs within the noncovered consumer portfolio were $6.9 million and $16.44.6 million for the three and ninemonths ended September 30, 2012March 31, 2013 compared to $6.3 million and $23.85.7 million for the three and

86



ninemonths ended September 30, 2011March 31, 2012. Average FICO scores on the noncovered consumer portfolio subcomponents are excellent with average scores on installment loans at 717715, home equity lines at 775, residential mortgages at 753752 and credit cards at 773745.
 
Noncovered loans past due 90 days or more but still accruing interest are classified as such where the
underlying loans are both well secured (the collateral value is sufficient to cover principal and accrued interest) and are in the process of collection. At September 30, 2012March 31, 2013, accruing noncovered loans 90 days or more past due totaled $9.712.4 million compared to $11.49.4 million and $9.3 million at December 31, 20112012 and $4.4 millionMarch 31, 2012 at September 30, 2011., respectively. Credit card loans on which payments are past due for 120 days are placed on nonaccrual status.When a loan is placed on nonaccrual status, interest deemed uncollectible thatwhich had been accrued in prior years is charged against the allowance for loan losses and interest deemed uncollectible accrued in the current year is reversed against interest income. Interest on mortgage loans is accrued until Management deems it uncollectible based upon the specific identification method. Payments subsequently received on nonaccrual loans are generally applied to principal. A loan is returned to accrual status when principal and interest are no longer past due and collectability is probable. This generally requires timely principal and interest payments for a minimum of six consecutive payment cycles. Loans are generally written off when deemed uncollectible or when they reach a predetermined number of days past due depending upon loan product, terms, and other factors.


96


The following table is a nonaccrual noncovered commercial loan flow analysis:
Three Months EndedThree Months Ended
September 30, 2012 June 30, 2012 March 31, 2012 December 31, 2011 September 30, 2011March 31, December 31, September 30, June 30, March 31,
Nonaccrual noncovered commercial loans beginning of period$38,381
 $44,546
 $55,815
 $59,932
 $63,688
2013 2012 2012 2012 2012
(In thousands)
Nonaccrual commercial loans beginning of period$21,766
 $31,492
 $38,381
 $44,546
 $55,815
Credit Actions:                  
New25,182
 10,091
 5,980
 11,402
 9,232
7,217
 2,183
 25,182
 10,091
 5,980
Loan and lease losses(400) (6,675) (3,296) (648) (5,047)(2,191) (2,670) (400) (6,675) (3,296)
Charged down(9,227) (266) (3,703) (6,769) (3,987)(481) (2,555) (9,227) (266) (3,703)
Return to accruing status(2,177) (1,247) (1,990) (119) (38)(179) 
 (2,177) (1,247) (1,990)
Payments(20,267) (8,068) (8,260) (7,983) (3,916)(2,289) (6,684) (20,267) (8,068) (8,260)
Nonaccrual noncovered commercial loans end of period$31,492
 $38,381
 $44,546
 $55,815
 $59,932
Sales
 
 
 
 
Nonaccrual commercial loans end of period$23,843
 $21,766
 $31,492
 $38,381
 $44,546
         

A loan is considered to be impaired when, based on current events or information, it is probable the Corporation will be unable to collect all amounts due (principal and interest) per the contractual terms of the loan agreement. Loan impairment for all loans is measured based on either the present value of expected future cash flows discounted at the loan's effective interest rate, at the observable market price of the loan, or the fair value of the collateral for certain collateral dependent loans. Impaired loans include all nonaccrual commercial, agricultural, construction, and commercial real estate loans, and loans modified as TDRs.troubled debt restructurings ("TDRs"). In certain circumstances, the Corporation may modify the terms of a loan to maximize the collection of amounts due when a borrower is experiencing financial difficulties or is expected to experience difficulties in the near-term. In most cases the modification is either a concessionary reduction in interest rate, extension of the maturity date or modification of the adjustable rate provisions of the loan that would otherwise not be considered. Concessionary modifications are classified as TDRs unless the modification is short-term (30 to 90 days) and considered to be an insignificant delay while awaiting additional information from the borrower. All amounts due, including interest accrued at the contractual interest rate, are expected to be collected. TDRs return to accrual status once the borrower complies with the revised terms and conditions and has demonstrated repayment performance at a level commensurate with the modified terms over several payment cycles. A sustained period of repayment performance would be a minimum of six consecutive payment cycles from the date of restructure.

87



The Corporation's TDR portfolio, excluding covered loans, totaled $89.685.6 million, $72.984.6 million, and $70.375.2 million as of September 30, 2012March 31, 2013, December 31, 20112012 and September 30, 2011March 31, 2012, respectively. These TDRs are predominately composed of noncovered consumer installment loans, first and second lien residential mortgages and home equity lines of credit and represented 73.49%73.56%, 79.43%74.16% and 82.08%77.22%, respectively, of the total noncovered TDR portfolio as of September 30, 2012March 31, 2013, and December 31, 20112012 and September 30, 2011March 31, 2012, respectively. We restructure residential mortgages in a variety of ways to help our clients remain in their homes and to mitigate the potential for additional losses. The primary restructuring methods being offered to our residential clients are reductions in interest rates and extensions in terms. Modifications of mortgages retained in portfolio are handled using proprietary modification guidelines, or the FDIC's Modification Program for residential first mortgages covered by loss share agreements.  The Corporation participates in the U.S. Treasury's Home Affordable Modification Program for originated mortgages sold to and serviced for Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac. As a result of guidance from the OCC, in the quarter ended September 30, 2012, approximately $10.6 million of consumer loans were identified as troubled debt restructurings whereby the borrower's obligation to the Corporation has been discharged in bankruptcy and the borrower has not reaffirmed the debt. These loans were reclassified from performing loans to nonaccrual status as of September 30, 2012 and consisted of $6.7 million of first mortgages, $1.0 million of junior liens and $2.9 million of automobile loans.

In addition, the Corporation has also modified certain loans according to provisions in loss share agreements. Losses associated with modifications on these loans, including the economic impact of interest rate reductions, are generally eligible for reimbursement under the loss share agreements.

97



Acquired loans restructured after acquisition are not considered TDRs for purposes of the Corporation's accounting and disclosure if the loans evidenced credit deterioration as of the acquisition date and are accounted for in pools.

Deposits, Securities Sold Under Agreements to Repurchase, and Wholesale Borrowings and Long-term Debt

Average deposits as of September 30, 2012 totaled and DecemberMarch 31, 20112013 totaled $11.611.8 billion compared to $11.411.6 billion atand September 30, 2011$11.5 billion. as of December 31, 2012 and March 31, 2012, respectively. The Corporation has successfully executed a strategy to increase the concentration of lower cost deposits within the overall deposit mix by focusing on growth in checking, money market and savings account products with less emphasis on renewing maturing certificate of deposit accounts. In addition to efficiently funding balance sheet growth, the increased concentration in core deposit accounts generally deepens and extends the length of customer relationships.


88



The following table provides additional information about the Corporation's deposit products and their respective rates.rates over the past three years.
Three Months EndedThree Months Ended
September 30, 2012 December 31, 2011 September 30, 2011March 31, 2013 December 31, 2012 March 31, 2012
Average
Balance
 
Average
Rate
 
Average
Balance
 
Average
Rate
 
Average
Balance
 
Average
Rate
Average
Balance
 
Average
Rate
 
Average
Balance
 
Average
Rate
 
Average
Balance
 
Average
Rate
(dollars in thousands)           
(Dollars in thousands)
Noninterest-bearing$3,236,703
 
 $3,144,183
 
 $2,988,521
 
$3,321,660
 % $3,306,444
 % $3,036,590
 %
Interest-bearing1,080,841
 0.09% 1,060,771
 0.09% 913,252
 0.09%1,300,816
 0.10% 1,122,796
 0.09% 1,066,132
 0.09%
Savings and money market accounts5,746,210
 0.36% 5,732,007
 0.35% 5,446,351
 0.50%5,835,750
 0.37% 5,743,599
 0.36% 5,675,052
 0.36%
Certificates and other time deposits1,528,177
 0.71% 1,618,322
 0.79% 2,099,558
 0.83%1,331,558
 0.63% 1,422,246
 0.64% 1,694,247
 0.84%
Total customer deposits11,591,931
 0.28% 11,555,283
 0.29% 11,447,682
 0.40%11,789,784
 0.26% 11,595,085
 0.27% 11,472,021
 0.31%
Securities sold under agreements to repurchase1,032,401
 0.12% 920,352
 0.12% 969,020
 0.40%906,717
 0.14% 957,564
 0.13% 887,715
 0.12%
Wholesale borrowings178,022
 2.53% 177,987
 2.53% 320,691
 2.06%136,298
 2.53% 163,405
 2.49% 184,659
 2.51%
Long-term debt155,506
 4.56% 
 % 
 %
Total funds$12,802,354
   $12,653,622
   $12,737,393
  $9,666,645
 0.45% $9,409,610
 0.39% $9,507,805
 0.44%

Average demand deposits comprised 37.25%39.21% of average deposits in the during the three months ended 2012thirdMarch 31, 2013 quarter compared to 34.08%38.20% in thefourth quarter of 2011third2012 quarter.and 35.76% during the three months ended March 31, 2012. Savings accounts, including money market products, made up 49.57%49.50% of average deposits induring the three months ended 2012thirdMarch 31, 2013 quarter compared to 47.58%49.53% during the three months ended December 31, 2012 and 49.47% in during the three months ended 2011thirdMarch 31, 2012 quarter.. Certificates ofand other time deposits made up 13.18%11.29% of average deposits induring the three months ended thirdMarch 31, 2013, 12.27% quarterduring the three months ended December 31, 2012 and 18.34%14.77% induring the three months ended third quarter 2011March 31, 2012.

The average cost of deposits, securities sold under agreements to repurchase, and wholesale borrowings and long-term debt was downup 181 basis points compared to the same period one year ago, or 45.00%2.27%, for the quarterthree months ended September 30, 2012March 31, 2013 due to a drop in interest rates.


98


The following table summarizes certificates ofand other time deposits in amounts of $100 thousand or more as offor the three months ended September 30, 2012March 31, 2013, by time remaining until maturity:maturity.
Amount Amount
Time until maturity:(In thousands) (In thousands)
Under 3 months$126,357
 $95,540
3 to 6 months110,978
 145,104
6 to 12 months172,281
 130,182
Over 1 year through 3 years92,916
Over 3 years20,711
$523,243
 
Over 12 months 101,089
Total $471,915

Capital Resources

The capital management objectives of the Corporation are to provide capital sufficient to cover the risks inherent in the Corporation’sCorporation's businesses, to maintain excess capital to well-capitalized standards and to assure ready access to the capital markets.

ShareholdersShareholders' Equity

Shareholders’Shareholders' equity atwas September 30, 2012$1.8 billion as of March 31, 2013, December 31, 2011 and September 30, 2011 totaledcompared with $1.6 billion as of December 31, 2012 and March 31, 2012. As of March 31, 2013, respectively. The cashthe dividend of $0.16$0.16 cents per share paid in the third quarter of 2012 has an indicated annual rate of $0.64 per share.


89Effective April 12, 2013, the Corporation purchased the Citizens TARP Preferred issued to the United States Treasury ("Treasury") as part of the Troubled Assets Relief Program (the "Citizens TARP Preferred") in the amount of $300 million plus accumulated but unpaid dividends and interest of approximately $55.4 million. In addition, effective April 12, 2013, a warrant to purchase 1,757,812.5 shares of Citizens' common stock that had been issued to the Treasury on December 12, 2008 as part of Citizens' participation in the Treasury's Capital Purchase Program, was converted into a warrant to purchase 2,408,203 shares of FirstMerit common stock. The Corporation used the net proceeds from its February 4, 2013 public offerings to repurchase the Citizens TARP Preferred and pay all accrued, accumulated and unpaid dividends and interest. The Corporation's public offerings consisted of $250 million aggregate principal amount of subordinated notes due February 4, 2023 bearing interest at an annual rate of 4.35% payable semi-annually in arrears on February 4 and August 4 of each year and 4,000,000 depositary shares (each representing a 1/40th interest in a share of the Corporation's Series A Non-Cumulative Perpetual Preferred Stock) with dividends payable quarterly in arrears on the 4th day of February, May, August and November, beginning May 4, 2013, which resulted in gross proceeds of $100 million. The Board of Directors of the Corporation approved a dividend of $14.69 per share, or $0.36725 per depository share, on the Company's 5.87% Non-Cumulative Perpetual Preferred Stock, Series A, payable May 6, 2013, to shareholders of record as of April 19, 2013. Additional information can be found in Note 2 (Business Combinations) and Note 15 (Subsequent Events).



Capital Adequacy

Capital adequacy is an important indicator of financial stability and performance. The Corporation maintained a strong capital position aswith tangible common equity to assets wasof 8.18%8.03% at September 30, 2012March 31, 2013, compared towith 8.16% at December 31, 2012 and 7.86% at DecemberMarch 31, 2011, and 7.75% at September 30, 20112012.

Financial institutions are subject to a strict uniform system of capital-based regulations. Under this system, there are five different categories of capitalization, with “prompt"prompt corrective actions”actions" and significant

99


operational restrictions imposed on institutions that are capital deficient under the categories. The five categories are: well capitalized, adequately capitalized, undercapitalized, significantly undercapitalized and critically undercapitalized.

To be considered well capitalized an institution must have a total risk-based capital ratio of at least 10%, a Tier I1 capital ratio of at least 6%, a leverage capital ratio of at least 5%, and must not be subject to any order or directive requiring the institution to improve its capital level. An adequately capitalized institution has a total risk-based capital ratio of at least 8%, a Tier I capital ratio of at least 4% and a leverage capital ratio of at least 4%. Institutions with lower capital levels are deemed to be undercapitalized, significantly undercapitalized or critically undercapitalized, depending on their actual capital levels. The appropriate federal regulatory agency may also downgrade an institution to the next lower capital category upon a determination that the institution is in an unsafe or unsound practice. Institutions are required to monitor closely their capital levels and to notify their appropriate regulatory agency of any basis for a change in capital category.

The George Washington and Midwest FDIC-assisted transactions, which were accounted for as business combinations,FDIC assisted acquisitions resulted in the recognition of anloss share receivables from the FDIC, indemnification asset, which represents the fair value of estimated future payments by the FDIC to the Corporation for losses on covered assets. The FDIC indemnification asset,loss share receivables, as well as covered assets, are risk-weighted at 20% for regulatory capital requirement purposes.

As of September 30, 2012March 31, 2013, the Corporation, on a consolidated basis, as well as FirstMerit Bank, exceeded the minimum capital levels of the well capitalized category.
 September 30, 2012 December 31, 2011 September 30, 2011
(dollars in thousands) 
Consolidated           
Total equity$1,624,704
 11.11% $1,565,953
 10.84% $1,570,654
 10.69%
Common equity1,624,704
 11.11% 1,565,953
 10.84% 1,570,654
 10.69%
Tangible common equity (a)1,157,843
 8.18% 1,097,670
 7.86% 1,101,828
 7.75%
Tier 1 capital (b)1,170,095
 11.37% 1,119,892
 11.48% 1,104,869
 11.02%
Total risk-based capital (c)1,298,944
 12.63% 1,242,177
 12.73% 1,230,519
 12.27%
Leverage (d)1,170,095
 8.25% 1,119,892
 7.95% 1,104,869
 7.86%
Bank Only           
Total equity$1,565,513
 10.71% $1,483,743
 10.29% $1,487,926
 10.14%
Common equity1,565,513
 10.71% 1,483,743
 10.29% 1,487,926
 10.14%
Tangible common equity (a)1,098,652
 7.77% 1,015,460
 7.28% 1,019,100
 7.18%
Tier 1 capital (b)1,106,099
 10.77% 1,033,171
 10.62% 1,017,738
 10.17%
Total risk-based capital (c)1,229,922
 11.98% 1,150,675
 11.82% 1,138,725
 11.38%
Leverage (d)1,106,099
 7.81% 1,033,171
 7.35% 1,017,738
 7.26%
(a)Common equity less all intangibles; computed as a ratio to total assets less intangible assets.
(b)Shareholders' equity less goodwill; computed as a ratio to risk-adjusted assets, as defined in the 1992 risk-based capital guidelines.
(c)Tier 1 capital plus qualifying loan loss allowance, computed as a ratio to risk adjusted assets as defined in the 1992 risk-based capital guidelines.
(d)Tier 1 capital computed as a ratio to the latest quarter's average assets less goodwill.

90

 March 31, 2013 December 31, 2012 March 31, 2012
 (Dollars in thousands)
Consolidated        
Total equity$1,754,850
11.49% $1,645,202
11.03% $1,584,105
10.80%
Common equity1,654,850
10.84% 1,645,202
11.03% 1,584,105
10.80%
Tangible common equity (a)1,188,751
8.03% 1,178,785
8.16% 1,116,304
7.86%
Tier 1 capital (b)1,310,927
12.36% 1,193,188
11.25% 1,136,705
11.55%
Total risk-based capital (c)1,693,702
15.96% 1,325,971
12.50% 1,260,065
12.80%
Leverage (d)1,310,927
9.07% 1,193,188
8.43% 1,136,705
8.16%
         
 March 31, 2013 December 31, 2012 March 31, 2012
Bank Only        
Total equity$1,521,149
9.97% $1,487,513
9.98% $1,503,320
10.26%
Common equity1,521,149
9.97% 1,487,513
9.98% 1,503,320
10.26%
Tangible common equity (a)1,055,050
7.13% 1,021,096
7.07% 1,035,519
7.30%
Tier 1 capital (b)1,072,153
10.12% 1,030,585
9.73% 1,051,301
10.71%
Total risk-based capital (c)1,199,763
11.32% 1,158,312
10.93% 1,169,762
11.91%
Leverage (d)1,072,153
7.43% 1,030,585
7.29% 1,051,301
7.50%
         
a) Common equity less all intangibles; computed as a ratio to total assets less intangible assets.
b) Shareholders' equity less goodwill; computed as a ratio to risk-adjusted assets, as defined in the 1992 risk-based capital guidelines.
c) Tier 1 capital plus qualifying loan loss allowance, computed as a ratio to risk adjusted assets as defined in the 1992 risk-based capital guidelines.
d) Tier 1 capital computed as a ratio to the latest quarter's average assets less goodwill.

RISK MANAGEMENT


Market Risk Management

Market risk refers to potential losses arising from changes in interest rates, foreign exchange rates, equity prices and commodity prices, including the correlation among these factors and their volatility. When the

100


value of an instrument is tied to such external factors, the holder faces “market risk.” The Corporation is primarily exposed to interest rate risk as a result of offering a wide array of financial products to its customers.

Interest rate risk management

Changes in market interest rates may result in changes in the fair market value of the Corporation’s financial instruments, cash flows, and net interest income. The Corporation seeks to achieve consistent growth in net interest income and capital while managing volatility arising from shifts in market interest rates. The Asset and Liability Committee (“ALCO”) oversees market risk management, establishing risk measures, limits, and policy guidelines for managing the amount of interest rate risk and its effect on net interest income and capital. According to these policies, responsibility for measuring and the management of interest rate risk resides in the Corporate Treasury function.

Interest rate risk on the Corporation’s balance sheets consists of reprice, option, and basis risks. Reprice risk results from differences in the maturity, or repricing, of asset and liability portfolios. Option risk arises from “embedded options” present in the investment portfolio and in many financial instruments such as loan prepayment options, deposit early withdrawal options, and interest rate options. These options allow customers opportunities to benefit when market interest rates change, which typically results in higher costs or lower revenue for the Corporation. Basis risk refers to the potential for changes in the underlying relationship between market rates or indices, which subsequently result in a narrowing of profit spread on an earning asset or liability. Basis risk is also present in administered rate liabilities, such as interest-bearing checking accounts, savings accounts and money market accounts where historical pricing relationships to market rates may change due to the level or directional change in market interest rates. Each of these types of risks is defined in the discussion of market risk management of the 20112012 Form 10-K.

The interest rate risk position is measured and monitored using risk management tools, including earnings simulation modeling and economic value of equity sensitivity analysis, which capture both near term and long-term interest rate risk exposures. Combining the results from these separate risk measurement processes allows a reasonably comprehensive view of short-term and long-term interest rate risk in the Corporation.


91



Net interest income simulation analysis. Earnings simulation involves forecasting net interest earnings under a variety of scenarios including changes in the level of interest rates, the shape of the yield curve, and spreads between market interest rates. The sensitivity of net interest income to changes in interest rates is measured using numerous interest rate scenarios including shocks, gradual ramps, curve flattening, curve steepening as well as forecasts of likely interest rates scenarios. Presented below is the Corporation’s interest rate risk profile as of September 30, 2012March 31, 2013 and 20112012:
 
  
Immediate Change in Rates and Resulting  Percentage
Increase/(Decrease) in Net Interest Income:
 - 100
basis
points
 + 100
basis
points
 + 200
basis
points
 + 300
basis
points
September 30, 2012(7.65)% 3.40% 5.80% 7.70%
September 30, 2011(3.06)% 2.79% 3.92% 4.81%
  
Immediate Change in Rates and Resulting  Percentage
Increase/(Decrease) in Net Interest Income:
 - 100
basis
points
 + 100
basis
points
 + 200
basis
points
 + 300
basis
points
March 31, 2013(7.50)% 3.51% 6.41% 8.98%
March 31, 2012(7.54)% 2.90% 5.07% 6.64%

Modeling the sensitivity of net interest earnings to changes in market interest rates is highly dependent on numerous assumptions incorporated into the modeling process. To the extent that actual performance is

101


different than what was assumed, actual net interest earnings sensitivity may be different than projected. The assumptions used in the models are Management’s best estimate based on studies conducted by the ALCO department. The ALCO department uses a data-warehouse to study interest rate risk at a transactional level and uses various ad-hoc reports to refine assumptions continuously. Assumptions and methodologies regarding administered rate liabilities (e.g., savings, money market and interest-bearing checking accounts), balance trends, and repricing relationships reflect Management’s best estimate of expected behavior and these assumptions are reviewed regularly.

Economic value of equity modeling. The Corporation also has longer-term interest rate risk exposure, which may not be appropriately measured by earnings sensitivity analysis. ALCO uses economic value of equity (“EVE”) sensitivity analysis to study the impact of long-term cash flows on earnings and capital. EVE involves discounting present values of all cash flows of on balance sheet and off balance sheet items under different interest rate scenarios. The discounted present value of all cash flows represents the Corporation’s economic value of equity. The analysis requires modifying the expected cash flows in each interest rate scenario, which will impact the discounted present value. The amount of base-case measurement and its sensitivity to shifts in the yield curve allow management to measure longer-term repricing and option risk in the balance sheet. Presented below is the Corporation’s EVE profile as of September 30, 2012March 31, 2013 and 20112012:
 
  
 
Immediate Change in Rates and Resulting Percentage
Increase/(Decrease) in EVE:
  - 100
basis
points
 + 100
basis
points
 + 200
basis
points
 + 300
basis
points
September 30, 2012 (3.02)% 1.66% 1.74% 0.45%
September 30, 2011 0.18 % 4.77% 7.01% 7.89%
  
 
Immediate Change in Rates and Resulting Percentage
Increase/(Decrease) in EVE:
  - 100
basis
points
 + 100
basis
points
 + 200
basis
points
 + 300
basis
points
March 31, 2013 (6.95)% 1.48% 1.36 % 0.05 %
March 31, 2012 (1.69)% 0.12% (0.98)% (3.02)%

Management reviews and takes appropriate action if this analysis indicates that the Corporation’s EVE will change by more than 5% in response to an immediate 100 basis point increase in interest rates or EVE will change by more than 15% in response to an immediate 200 basis point increase or decrease in interest rates. The Corporation is operating within these guidelines.

Management of interest rate exposure. Management uses the results of its various simulation analysis to formulate strategies to achieve a desired risk profile within the parameters of the Corporation’s capital and

92



liquidity guidelines. Specifically, Management actively manages interest rate risk positions by using derivatives predominately in the form of interest rate swaps, which modify the interest rate characteristics of certain assets and liabilities. For more information about how the Corporation uses interest rate swaps to manage its balance sheet, see Note 109 (Derivatives and Hedging Activities) to the unaudited consolidated financial statements.

Liquidity Risk Management

Liquidity risk is the possibility of the Corporation being unable to meet current and future financial obligations in a timely manner. Liquidity is managed to ensure stable, reliable and cost-effective sources of funds to satisfy demand for credit, deposit withdrawals and investment opportunities. The Corporation considers core earnings, strong capital ratios and credit quality essential for maintaining high credit ratings, which allow the Corporation cost-effective access to market-based liquidity. The Corporation relies on a large, stable core deposit base and a diversified base of wholesale funding sources to manage liquidity risk.


102


The treasury group is responsible for identifying, measuring and monitoring the Corporation’s liquidity profile. The position is evaluated daily, weekly and monthly by analyzing the composition of all funding sources, reviewing projected liquidity commitments by future month and identifying sources and uses of funds. The overall management of the Corporation’s liquidity position is also integrated into retail deposit pricing policies to ensure a stable core deposit base.

The Corporation’s primary source of liquidity is its core deposit base, raised through its retail branch system. Core deposits comprised approximately 87.19%89.07% of total deposits at September 30, 2012March 31, 2013. The Corporation also has available unused wholesale sources of liquidity, including advances from the FHLB of Cincinnati, issuance through dealers in the capital markets and access to certificates of deposit issued through brokers. Liquidity is further enhanced by an excess reserve position that averaged greater than one half billion dollars through the thirdfirst quarter quarter of 20122013 in addition to unencumbered, or unpledged, investment securities that totaled $1.40.9 billion as of September 30, 2012March 31, 2013.

The treasury group also prepares a contingency funding plan that details the potential erosion of funds in the event of a systemic financial market crisis or institutional-specific stress. An example of an institution specific event would be a downgrade in the Corporation’s public credit rating by a rating agency due to factors such as deterioration in asset quality, a large charge to earnings, a decline in profitability or other financial measures, or a significant merger or acquisition. Examples of systemic events unrelated to the Corporation that could have an effect on its access to liquidity would be terrorism or war, natural disasters, political events, or the default or bankruptcy of a major corporation, mutual fund or hedge fund. Similarly, market speculation or rumors about the Corporation or the banking industry in general may adversely affect the cost and availability of normal funding sources. The liquidity contingency plan therefore outlines the process for addressing a liquidity crisis. The plan provides for an evaluation of funding sources under various market conditions. It also assigns specific roles and responsibilities for effectively managing liquidity through a problem period.

Funding Trends for the Quarter - During the three months ended September 30, 2012March 31, 2013, lower cost core deposits increased by $18.3238.4 million from the previous quarter. In aggregate, deposits decreasedincreased $83.4166.3 million from June 30,December 31, 2012. Securities sold under agreements to repurchase decreased increased$66.5277.7 million from June 30,December 31, 2012. Wholesale borrowings and long-term debt had a net increase of decreased$0.1249.0 million from June 30,December 31, 2012. The Corporation issued $250 million aggregate principal amount of subordinated notes in the first quarter 2013. The Corporation’s loan to deposit ratio increased to 82.30%81.14% atas of September 30, 2012March 31, 2013 from 80.68%82.92% atas of June 30,December 31, 2012.

Parent Company Liquidity - The Corporation manages its liquidity principally through dividends from the bank subsidiary. The parent company has sufficient liquidity to service its debt; support customary corporate operations and activities (including acquisitions) at a reasonable cost, in a timely manner and without adverse

93



consequences; and pay dividends to shareholders.

During the quarterthree months ended September 30, 2012March 31, 2013, FirstMerit Bank paid $17.5 million indid not pay dividends to FirstMerit Corporation. As of September 30, 2012March 31, 2013, FirstMerit Bank had an additional $203.292.0 million available to pay dividends without regulatory approval.

Recent Market and Regulatory Developments. In response to the current national and international economic recession, and in efforts to stabilize and strengthen the financial markets and banking industries, the United States Congress and governmental agencies have taken a number of significant actions over the past several years, including the passage of legislation and implementation of a number of programs. The most recent of these actions was the passage into law, on July 21, 2010, of the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and

103


Consumer Protection Act of 2010 (the “Dodd-Frank Act”). The Dodd-Frank Act is the most comprehensive change to banking laws and the financial regulatory environment since the Great Depression of the 1930s. The Dodd-Frank Act affects almost every aspect of the nation’s financial services industry and mandates change in several key areas, including regulation and compliance (both with respect to financial institutions and systemically important nonbank financial companies), securities regulation, executive compensation, regulation of derivatives, corporate governance, and consumer protection.

In this respect, it is noteworthy that preemptive rights heretofore granted to national banking associations by the OCC under the National Bank Act will diminish with respect to consumer financial laws and regulations. Thus, Congress has authorized states to enact their own substantive protections and to allow state attorneys general to initiate civil actions to enforce federal consumer protections. In this respect, the Corporation will be subject to regulation by a new consumer protection bureau known as the Bureau of Consumer Financial Protection (the “Bureau”) under the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System. The Bureau will consolidate enforcement currently undertaken by myriad financial regulatory agencies, and will have substantial power to define the rights of consumers and responsibilities of providers, including the Corporation.

In addition, and among many other legislative changes as a result of the Dodd-Frank Act that the Corporation will assess, the Corporation (1) experienced a new assessment model from the FDIC based on assets, not deposits, (2) will be subject to enhanced executive compensation and corporate governance requirements, and (3) will be able, for the first time to offer interest on business transaction and other accounts.

The extent to which the Dodd-Frank Act and initiatives thereunder will succeed in addressing the credit markets or otherwise result in an improvement in the national economy is not yet known. In addition, because most aspects of this legislation will be subject to intensive agency rulemaking and subsequent public comment prior to implementation, it is difficult to predict at this time the ultimate effect of the Dodd-Frank Act on the Corporation. It is likely, however, that the Corporation’s expenses will increase as a result of new compliance requirements.

In December 2010, the Basel Committee on Banking Supervision (the “Basel Committee”) released its final framework for strengthening international capital and liquidity regulation (“Basel III”). Minimum global liquidity standards under Basel III are meant to ensure banks maintain adequate levels of liquidity on both a short and medium to longer horizon. Expected liquidity standard implementation dates are January 1, 2015 and January 1, 2018. When implemented by the federal banking agencies and fully phased-in, Basel III will require bank holding companies and their bank subsidiaries to maintain substantially more capital, with a greater emphasis on common equity. When fully phased in on January 1, 2019, Basel III will require banking institutions to maintain heightened Tier 1 common equity, Tier 1 capital and total capital ratios, as well as maintaining a “capital conservation buffer.” Regulations implementing Basel III are expected to be proposed in

94



mid-2012, with adoption of final regulations unknown. Notwithstanding its release of the Basel III framework as a final framework, the Basel Committee is considering further amendments to Basel III, including imposition of additional capital surcharges on globally systemically important financial institutions. In addition to Basel III, the Dodd-Frank Act requires or permits federal banking agencies to adopt regulations affecting capital requirements in a number of respects, including potentially more stringent capital requirements for systemically important financial institutions. Accordingly, the regulations ultimately applicable to the Corporation may differ substantially from the currently published final Basel III framework. Requirements of higher capital levels or higher levels of liquid assets could adversely impact the Corporation’s net income and return on equity.


104

Table of Contents

Various legislation affecting financial institutions and the financial industry will likely continue to be introduced in Congress, and such legislation may further change banking statutes and the operating environment of the Corporation and its subsidiaries in substantial and unpredictable ways, and could increase or decrease the cost of doing business, limit or expand permissible activities or affect the competitive balance depending upon whether any of this potential legislation will be enacted, and if enacted, the effect that it or any implementing regulations, would have on the financial condition or results of operations of the Corporation or any of its subsidiaries. With the enactment of the Dodd-Frank Act, the nature and extent of future legislative and regulatory changes affecting financial institutions remains very unpredictable.

To the extent that the previous information describes statutory and regulatory provisions applicable to the Corporation or its subsidiaries, it is qualified in its entirety by reference to the full text of those provisions. Also, such statutes, regulations and policies are continually under review by Congress and state legislatures and federal and state regulatory agencies and are subject to change at any time, particularly in the current economic and regulatory environment. Any such change in statutes, regulations or regulatory policies applicable to the Corporation could have a material effect on the business of the Corporation.

Critical Accounting Policies

The Corporation’s consolidated financial statements are prepared in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America and follow general practices within the financial services industry in which it operates. All accounting policies are important, and all policies described in Note 1 (Summary of Significant Accounting Policies) to the consolidated financial statements of the 20112012 Form 10-K provide a greater understanding of how the Corporation’s financial performance is recorded and reported.

Some accounting policies are more likely than others to have a significant effect on the Corporation’s financial results and to expose those results to potentially greater volatility. The policies require Management to exercise judgment and make certain assumptions and estimates that affect amounts reported in the financial statements. These assumptions and estimates are based on information available as of the date of the financial statements.

Management relies heavily on the use of judgment, assumptions and estimates to make a number of core decisions, including accounting for the allowance for loan losses, income taxes, derivative instruments and hedging activities, and assets and liabilities that involve valuation methodologies. A brief discussion of each of these areas appears within Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations in the 20112012 Form 10-K.

Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements

A detailed discussion of the Corporation’s off-balance sheet arrangements, including interest rate swaps, forward sale contracts and mortgage loan commitments and TBA Securities is included in Note 109 (Derivatives(

95



Derivatives and Hedging Activities)Activities) to the Corporation’s unaudited consolidated financial statements included in this report and in Note 1718 to the consolidated financial statements in the 20112012 Form 10-K. There have been no significant changes since December 31, 20112012.


105

Table of Contents

Forward-looking Safe-harbor Statement

Discussions in this report that are not statements of historical fact (including statements that include terms such as “will,” “may,” “should,” “believe,” “expect,” “anticipate,” “estimate,” “project,” intend,” and “plan”) are forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties. Any forward-looking statement is not a guarantee of future performance and actual future results could differ materially from those contained in forward-looking information. Factors that could cause or contribute to such differences include, without limitation, risks and uncertainties detailed from time to time in the Corporation’s filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including without limitation the risk factors disclosed in Item 1A, “Risk Factors,” of the 20112012 Form 10-K.

Forward-looking statements are necessarily based upon estimates and assumptions that are inherently subject to significant business, operational, economic and competitive uncertainties and contingencies, many of which are beyond a company’s control, and many of which, with respect to future business decisions and actions (including acquisitions and divestitures), are subject to change. Examples of uncertainties and contingencies include, among other important factors;factors: general and local economic and business conditions; recession or other economic downturns; expectations of, and actual timing and amount of, interest rate movements, including the slope of the yield curve (which can have a significant impact on a financial services institution); market and monetary fluctuations; inflation or deflation; customer and investor responses to these conditions; the financial condition of borrowers and other counterparties; competition within and outside the financial services industry; geopolitical developments including possible terrorist activity; recent and future legislative and regulatory developments; natural disasters; effectiveness of the Corporation’s hedging practices; technology; demand for the Corporation’s product offerings; new products and services in the industries in which the Corporation operates; critical accounting estimates; the possibility that regulatoryCorporation's ability to realize the synergies and other approvalsbenefits contemplated by the acquisition of Citizens, such as it being accretive to earnings and conditions toexpanding the Merger are not received or satisfied on a timely basisCorporation's geographic presence, in the time frame anticipated or at all, or contain unanticipated terms and conditions; the possibility that modifications to the terms of the Merger may be requiredthose risk factors detailed in order to obtain or satisfy such approvals or conditions; the timing of approvals by Citizens' and the Corporation's shareholders; delays in closingperiodic reports and registration statements filed with the MergerSecurities and the Merger of the parties' bank subsidiaries; difficulties, delays and unanticipated costs in integrating the merging organizations' businesses or realizing expected cost savings and other benefits; business disruptions as a result of the integration of the merging organizations, including possible loss of customers; diversion of management time to address Merger related issues; changes in asset quality and credit risk as a result of the Merger.Exchange Commission. Other factors are those inherent in originating, selling and servicing loans including prepayment risks, pricing concessions, fluctuation in U.S. housing prices, fluctuation of collateral values, and changes in customer profiles. Additionally, the actions of the SEC, the FASB, the OCC, the Federal Reserve System, Financial Industry Regulatory Authority, and other regulators; regulatory and judicial proceedings and changes in laws and regulations applicable to the Corporation including the costs of complying with any such laws and regulations; and the Corporation’s success in executing its business plans and strategies, including efforts to reduce operating expenses, and managing the risks involved in the foregoing, could cause actual results to differ.

Other factors not currently anticipated may also materially and adversely affect the Corporation’s results of operations, cash flows and financial position. There can be no assurance that future results will meet expectations. While the Corporation believes that the forward-looking statements in this report are reasonable, the reader should not place undue reliance on any forward-looking statement. In addition, these statements speak only as of the date made. The Corporation does not undertake, and expressly disclaims, any obligation to

96



update or alter any statements whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as may be required by applicable law.

ITEM 3.QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISKRISK.

See Market Risk Section in Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations.


106

ITEM 4.CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES.
Table of Contents

ITEM 4. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES.

Management, including the Corporation’s Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, has made an evaluation of the effectiveness of the design and operation of the Corporation’s disclosure controls and procedures pursuant to Exchange Act Rule 13a-15.
Based upon the evaluation, the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer have concluded, as of the end of the period covered by this report, that the Corporation’s disclosure controls and procedures are effective.
During the quarter covered by this report, there was no change in internal control over financial reporting that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the Corporation’s internal control over financial reporting.

PART II - OTHER INFORMATION

ITEM 1.LEGAL PROCEEDINGS.

In the normal course of business, the Corporation is subject to pending and threatened legal actions, including claims for material relief or damages sought are substantial. Although the Corporation is not able to predict the outcome of such actions, after reviewing pending and threatened actions with counsel, Management believes that the outcome of any or all such actions will not have a material adverse effect on the results of operations or shareholders' equity of the Corporation.

For additional information on litigation, see Note 1413 (Contingencies and Guarantees) in the notes to the unaudited consolidated financial statements.

ITEM 1A.RISK FACTORS.

There have been no material changes in our risk factors from those disclosed in the 20112012 Form 10-K.


ITEM 2.UNREGISTERED SALES OF EQUITY SECURITIES AND USE OF PROCEEDS.
(a) Not applicable.
(b) Not applicable.

97107


Table of Contents

(c) The following table provides information with respect to purchases the Corporation made of shares of its common stock during the thirdfirst quarter quarter of the 20122013 fiscal year:
 
Total Number of
Shares  Purchased (1)
 
Average Price
Paid per  Share
 
Total Number of
Shares  Purchased
as Part of Publicly
Announced Plans
or Programs (2)
 
Maximum
Number of  Shares
that May Yet Be
Purchased Under
Plans or Programs
(2)
Balances as of December 31, 2011      396,272
July 1, 2012 - July 31, 2012248
 $24.63
 
 396,272
August 1, 2012 - August 31, 2012936
 16.49
 
 396,272
September 1, 2012 - September 30, 20124,953
 19.61
 
 396,272
Balances as of September 30, 20126,137
 $19.34
 
 396,272
 
Total Number of
Shares  Purchased (1)
 
Average Price
Paid per  Share
 
Total Number of
Shares  Purchased
as Part of Publicly
Announced Plans
or Programs (2)
 
Maximum
Number of  Shares
that May Yet Be
Purchased Under
Plans or Programs
(2)
Balances as of December 31, 2012      396,272
January 1, 2013 - January 31, 2013413
 $22.63
 
 396,272
February 1, 2013 - February 28, 2013970
 18.64
 
 396,272
March 1, 2013 - March 31, 201324,441
 24.46
 
 396,272
Balances as of March 31, 201325,824
 $24.22
 
 396,272
 
(1)
Reflects 6,13725,824 shares of common stock purchased as a result of either: (1) delivered by the option holder with respect to the exercise of stock options; (2) shares withheld to pay income taxes or other tax liabilities associated with vested restricted shares of common stock; or (3) shares returned upon the resignation of the restricted shareholder. No shares were purchased under the program referred to in note (2) to this table during the thirdfirst quarter quarter of 20122013.
(2)On January 19, 2006, the Board of Directors authorized the repurchase of up to 3 million shares of common stock (the “New Repurchase Plan”). The New Repurchase Plan, which has no expiration date, superseded all other repurchase programs, including that authorized by the Board of Directors on July 15, 2004.

ITEM 3.DEFAULTS UPON SENIOR SECURITIES.
None.

ITEM 4.MINE SAFETY DISCLOSURES.

Not Applicable.

ITEM 5.OTHER INFORMATION.
ITEM 5.     OTHER INFORMATION.

None.

Not Applicable.

98108


Table of Contents

ITEM 6.EXHIBITS.EXHIBIT INDEX
Exhibit Index

Exhibit   
Exhibit
Number
 Description
2.1
Agreement and Plan of Merger, dated September 12, 2012, by and between FirstMerit Corporation and Citizens Republic Bancorp, Inc. (incorporated by reference from Exhibit 2.1 to the Current Report on Form 8-K filed by FirstMerit Corporation on September 13, 2012).

   
3.1 
Second Amended and Restated Articles of Incorporation of FirstMerit Corporation, as amended (incorporated by reference from Exhibit 3.1 to the Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2010 (File No. 000-10161) filed by FirstMerit Corporation on May 10, 2010).
amended.

3.2 Second Amended and Restated Code of Regulations of FirstMerit Corporation as amended (incorporated by reference from Exhibit 3.2 to the Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2010 (File No. 000-10161) filed by FirstMerit Corporation on May 10, 2010).
4.1 Subordinated Indenture, dated as of February 4, 2013, by and between FirstMerit Corporation and Wells Fargo Bank, National Association, as Trustee (incorporated by reference from Exhibit 4.1 to the Current Report on Form 8-K filed by FirstMerit Corporation on February 4, 2013).
4.2First Supplemental Subordinated Indenture, dated as of February 4, 2013, by and between FirstMerit Corporation and Wells Fargo Bank, National Association, as Trustee (incorporated by reference from Exhibit 4.2 to the Current Report on Form 8-K filed by FirstMerit Corporation on February 4, 2013).
4.3Specimen Certificate for 5.875% Non-Cumulative Perpetual Preferred Stock, Series A, without par value, of FirstMerit Corporation (incorporated by reference from Exhibit 4.4 to the Current Report on Form 8-K filed by FirstMerit Corporation on February 4, 2013).
4.4Deposit Agreement, dated as of February 4, 2013, by and between FirstMerit Corporation and American Stock Transfer & Trust Company, LLC, as Depositary (incorporated by reference from Exhibit 4.3 to the Current Report on Form 8-K filed by FirstMerit Corporation on February 4, 2013).
10.1 
Transition and RetirementSecurities Purchase Agreement, dated August 31, 2012,as of February 19, 2013, by and among the United States Department of the Treasury, FirstMerit Corporation and Citizens Republic Bancorp, Inc. (incorporated by reference from Exhibit 10.54 to the Registration Statement on Form S-4/A filed by FirstMerit Corporation on February 21, 2013 (Registration No. 333-18521)).

10.2
First Amendment to the Amended and Restated Change in Control Termination Agreement, dated February 21, 2013, by and between FirstMerit Bank, N.A.Corporation and Larry A.Shoff.Paul Greig (incorporated by reference from Exhibit 10.1 to the Current Report on Form 8-K filed by FirstMerit Corporation on February 26, 2013).

10.5310.3 
First Amendment to the Amended and Restated Change Displacement Agreement, dated February 21, 2013, by and between FirstMerit Corporation and Paul Greig (incorporated by reference from Exhibit 10.2 to the Current Report on Form of Indemnification Agreement with Officers and Directors.8-K filed by FirstMerit Corporation on February 26, 2013).

10.4 
FirstMerit Corporation 2013 Annual Incentive Plan (incorporated by reference from Exhibit 10.1 to the Current Report on Form 8-K filed by FirstMerit Corporation on April 5, 2013).

31.1 Rule 13a-14(a)/Section 302 Certification of Paul G. Greig, Chief Executive Officer of FirstMerit Corporation.
31.2 Rule 13a-14(a)/Section 302 Certification of Terrence E. Bichsel, Senior Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of FirstMerit Corporation.
32.1 Rule 13a-14(b)/Section 906 Certification of Paul G. Greig, Chief Executive Officer of FirstMerit Corporation.
32.2 Rule 13a-14(b)/Section 906 Certification of Terrence E. Bichsel, Senior Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of FirstMerit Corporation.
101101.1 
The following materialsfinancial information from FirstMerit Corporation’sCorporation's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2012,March 31, 2013 formatted in XBRL (Extensible Business Reporting Language): (i) the Consolidated Balance Sheets; (ii) the Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income; (iii) the Consolidated Statements of Changes in Shareholders’ Equity; (iv) the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows; and (iv) Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.





99109


Table of Contents

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.
 
 FIRSTMERIT CORPORATION
  
 By:/s/    TERRENCE E. BICHSEL        
  
Terrence E. Bichsel, Senior Executive Vice President
and Chief Financial Officer (duly authorized officer of registrant and principal financial officer)
November 2, 2012May 3, 2013



100110